Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-08-05

In CONSEQUENCE Of the manner in which
Mr. Benz. T. Butler in his late card about th'
Kimberly suit, referred to the 'counsel TO-
John Surratt," Mr.. R. T. Merrick, Of Wash
ington, to has stated certain circumstance
which occurred while the case Of Surratt wa:
being prepared for trial. He says:
"Some of the friends Of Surratt, and one c.
the members of his family, on two or three oc
oasions, Informed Mr.. Bradley and myself that
it had been indicated to them that Mr.. Butler
would assist 10 the trsai Of the case, if agreca-
BILE to US. We cvadod tho subject, for we de-
sired to avoid the necessity OF determining the
question it presented. Some tour or i've weeks
after these Suggestions had been first made tc
rs, and when | supposed we should hear nc
more Of them, Mr.. Bradley informed lie that
he had had an interview with the sister of Jno.
r. Surratt, in which she stated to him that a
nronosition to assist in the trial had been sub
mittcd to her by Mr. Butler, through mutual
friend-a gentleman well known in Washing
ton city-and that she was SO solicitous upon
the subject, that it could be no longer eyaded,
and a definite answer was necessary. replied
that if compelled to give an answer, there was
but one we could give that if the friends OF
Surratt and the family were willing to acqul-
esce in Mr.. Buffers desire to try the case,
would gladly retire from 1t in his favor, but
that | could not consent to the personal and
professional degradation of being associated
with such man. Mr., Bradley agreed that
the manner indicated was the only manner in
either of US could with proper selt-respect treat
the sutherland wrote Miss Surratt according
~. The family of the accused and his imme-
date friends. acting in his behalf refused to
allow either Mr. Bradley or myself to with
draw, and Mr.. Butler did not not partieipa te
in the trial. "
WASHINGTON ITEMS. building intcn-
ded for the uses of the Agricultural Depart
mcDt, is now nearly ready for occupancy, and
the furniture and articles used in the seed de-
partment have been removed to the building,
preparatory to work being commenced there
by the employees.
The cornerstone Of the New Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, to be erected at the
corner of Ninth street and Mount Vernon
Place, was laid yesterday afternoon with
Masonic honors.
The contract for supplying the Post Office
Department with 600 tons of coal has been
awarded to William Guinand, at SIS "A per ton.
OCCTcCaTy w CHS lelL HeIc til!S CPeuiLg upou
a government vessel to make trip along the
Atlantic coast as far as Boston. This leaves
but two members Of the cabinet in the city,
McrSrs McCulloch and Browning, "
The President designs leaving the city in
few days, intending to be absent about ten
days, for rest from official labors. He has not
determined in what direction he vii! 60.
For long time past the grounds about the
Smithsonian Institution have been infested by
gang of fellows, who il broad daylight rob
the weak and insult the defenseless.
Gen. Miehler has issued an order requiring
parties who may have statuary, paintings or
other articles in the rotunda or other portions
of the Capitol building to remove the same
with the least practicable delay. i
Colonel Withcr5 speaks to-day at Henry
Courthouse, Thursday at Pittsylvania Court
house and Saturday at Halifax Courthouse.
This concludes his list Of appointments, and,
we suppose, winds up the canvass for the pre-
sent There is now no prospect of an election
under two or three months, and the champions
of conservatism may allow themselves a rest;
but they should be ready for action at
warning.-R1ch. Wing.
1t is said that HerDdon who broke jail at
Orange Court House, lew days ago, has been
coon e;noo IN ofculuooio nonnfv on1 thot ha