Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-08-30

WAsHrseToN AsYIuM.-This institution, COM
bining both the machinery Of aworkhouse for
10 situated on the bank Of the Eastern Branch Of
the Potomac, east Of the city. IL 10 entirely re-
moved from the din and hustle Of city life, and
and the occasional hum Of the multitude a. IL
murmurs across the wide green fields, the inmate
would forget that he was In the suburbs Of great
metropolis. As the visitor approaches the build
ing he Is agreeably surprised by Its handsome
front and the general air Of neainen and comfort
which pervades the Institution Entering the
gate, and passing up brick walk beneath an ar
inviting clusters into the neat porch the visitor 10
ushered Into two fine parlors, connected by fold
ing doors. These rooms are fitted up at the ex-
pense Of the Corporation. and reflect considerable
credit upon our municipal authorities Until
lately there was no provision made for the conve-
nience OF visitors, save q few rough benches.
Now, parlors with marble mantes, large mirrors,
handsome paintings and excellent furniture, rem
der IL attractive to all who may have any inter-
course with the establishment. The building,
i've stories high, Is divided into wards for the
different characters Of the inmates, sexes, &c.
One end IL appropriated to the poor, the other to
Migrants. Substantial iron staifways communi-
cate with the several departments, all Of which
are separated by strong iron gates; these open
closed and The inmates locked in. There are now
about 136 inmates, and the average number Of ar
rivals Of vagranb and disorderly persons 10 about
ten per week. All stages Of rascality are repre-
y
brightfaced little babes in the arms of those who
have forfeited nearly all their claims upon the
sympathies Of humanity: In visiting the various
Yards the eve IL grstihed by the neatness and
cleanliness Of the apartments, especially IN view
Of the fact that nearly 200 persons are variously
engaged In and about The building, and although
persons are daily brought here covered with YER
min and pfostrated by loathsome diseases. The
poor are supplied with good bedsteads, &c, and
the vagrsnn each have their mattress and blanket
upon the foor. In each department 10 neat little
room, used either for worship, sick room, or any
thing for which q commodious, light and airy
rooms and Kitchens are in the basement, The
bread (both wheat and eorn) 10 Of good quality,
and the provisions generally well cooked and
wholesome. In the rear Of the building is hand
some lawn, flower garden, and fish pond while
the view across the broad stream 10 one Of the
most pleasant Of the city. About forty i've acres,
under a high state of cultivation, are enclosed,
upon which are raised all the various kinds
OF vegetables for which our market is famous
Tobacco 10 also cultivated, though in very
small quantities, and several fruit trees ornament
the grounds. Down by the beach Is a triangular
enclosure, the potter's ground Of the establish
ment; few cedars shade the greasy knobs above
the sleepers, and the ripple OF the water on the
pebbles steals up the beach in a silver song Of
music, ceeseless requiem over the dust Of the
fallen. Excellent springs supply, by means Of
pipes, the various wants for pure water; and an
old building below the asylum has been lifted up,
In which vegetables are washed for market seed
dried for the next sowing, and garden imple-
mens projected from the weather.
A short time since, several thousand soldiers
were encamped about the building, and we were
assured by Mr.. Queen that, aside from few tri-
ding annoyances, ne unpleasant occurrence trans
pired whatever. The property 10 az free from
marks Of violence a. though ii had been guarded
BY q corps Of U. g. regulars.
A number Of men are now employed In laying
brick walks about the building, trimming shrub.
berry, &c. The long season OF bad weather has
put the gardening operations back, and given
weeds quite start; but these are now being rap
idly thinned out by the laborers.