Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1864-02-11
Affairs at Washington.
Editor Rutland Herald

Editor Rntland Herald
Strangers, think, are invariably dis
ap, intcd in the external appearance of
Washln- On. Instead OF grand and
beautiful streets, with clearly sidewalks
and attractive buildings, as many are
wont to imagine, the great Capitol of
til, Nation presents but little in its ex-
terror that is pleasing and inviting to
the eye, The streets though regular,
arc, with the exception of the Broadway
Pennsylvania Avenue, dreary, and UNI
pleasant, and remove the public build
ings, as Mr.. Washburne of Illinois pro-
poses, and l believe 1t would become as
Isolated and barren as he represents 1t.
But captious critics can readily discover
objects to censue In any city, country
or village, and closer observation OF
Washington life reveals the causes of its
many disagreeable aspects. The city
proper, though long supported and |
might say eneryated by extensive gov
eminent patronage should not be cen
sured for all its grievances. Many OF
them have been imposed upon 1t by the
sad necessities of war. Long trains OF
dingy, clumsy government wagons are
increasingly rafting through its streets
Temporary buildings have been erected
In many parts of the city for storage
Shanties are daily thrown up in the sub
urbs to shelter the contrabands vaga'
bonds and the vicious of both sexes are
attracted here, and brutal assaults and
robberies are of daily occurrence. But
yesterday, a veteran soldier from Mas
sachusetts regiment, who was on hi;
way home, after having re-enlisted an.
received his large bounty, was knocked
senseless in one of the principal streets
stripped of his money, and now lies in ;
critical condition. Many of its bushes.
men are transitory people, whose grea
hobby is money-making, and who pur
sue that object with-Jewish avarice re
cardless of their neighbours comforts AM
the welfare of the community.
But Washington has its sunnysid
also. Evidences of reform are every
where manifest. All hail to Yankee en-
prize, which is now renovating its bust
ness marts and introducing the comfort
and Injuries of life. A new era is dawn
ing, and freedom rejoices in its onward
march. The apathy which has so lon:
bsen milestone about its neck is nov
removed. Labor is no longer degraded
The changes in the politics of the cit.
are none the less cheering and signifi
can't The political sentiment of thu
city has been revolutionized. An in
tensely Union feeling is the rule an
conservatism the exception. The patrl
otism Of the loyal knows no bounds
Emancipation and incorporating 10y
atty are popular themes. The Admins
tration is daily growing in popularity
and President Lincoln's reelection j
apparently inevitable. Popular sent
ment has declared in his favor throug
conventions in several Of the loyal states
1t is not local and transitory feeling
). but the settled conviction Of the loys
masses throughout the country. 1t j
not the result of political intrigue, bu
purely a movement Of the people. An
why should it not be 500 No Chic
Magistrate has e.er administered the al
fairs of the Government with create
/, success. Some may censure him for hi
] slowness, and others for his radicalisn
but all recognize his fidelity and dew
8 tion to the great cause. By his saga
ity and integrity he has won the affe
tions Of the people, and they may say Ii
him finish the work he has begun. +
it so! Be it SOP & BERTRAND"
V.AnyNn vvnu Gununyxs-- Tho po1+