The national Republican., 1869-02-20

LUCAL DEfhhIMENl.
NATIONAL FAIR AssocIArIos.--An ad-
Journed meeting OF thls association was held
ident, Col. Chas. NJ. Alexander, In the chair,
and Or. Hays secretary.
A large number Of well-known citizens Of
Washington were present at this meeting,
aud we are glad to learn that the interest In
the association IL increasingi and, indeed, II
was remarked by several Of the gentlemen
present that now, that there Ia q prospect Of
the Affairs OF the association being properly
conducted, the prominent citizens Of the Dis
trict will cheerfully give their countenance
TO the project.
The president, Col. Alexander, delivered
the following address, which fully explains
the objects OF the association;
Gentlemen of the National Fair Associa-
tion Among the objects to be attained by the
formation Of this association may be men
toned the following Collecting and asso-
ciatlng together all those gentlemen In the |
District OF Columbia who appreciate fine |
horses and ane stock in general; all who de-
plore the condition Of our streets, avenues,
and public roads at the present time, and
who will lend their assistance In bringing |
about n reform In this matter so much |
needed.
II is scarcely to be expected, as long as
our avenues and public roads remain In their
present condition, that the wealthy citizens Of
the District will devote much attention to the
speeding Of horses, or devote their time and
money upon blooded stock when the condi-
tons surrounding are so unfayorable for
even pleasure drives with their families, TO
say nothing Of the opportunities for the trials
Of speed. Hence, We suffer when compari-
son is made between this and other cities Of
the Union.
A society composed of all gentlemen In
...l T.. =.
about a healthy reform, and their influence,
exerted upon Congress, upon the Levy
Court and other local authorities OF the city
and District would, as natural conse-
quence, soon be felt, and fine roads and beau
tiful drives soon grace the metropolis Of the
nation.
How many finc horses In the space of six
months would be brought into the District II
the streets and public drives around the city
were In good condition. That good roads
and streets will bring them here no one will
deny, and as a consequence the industrial
pursuits Of the city would be proportionately
encouraged; In short all classes would soon
feel the good effects OF the increase Of oil
branches Of trade.
Were this alone the object for the forma-
tion Of an association of this kind, It should
bring together for united and vigorous
action all the wide-awake and live business
men in the District.
IL must De evident 10 all tunt llttle eau Dc
accomplished In this connection unless by
eoDl6iasd action OF every one Interested In the
welfare OF the city and District. That Ii can
be accomplished by united action is equally
apparent, and the fact that Il has been ac-
complished elsewhere renders success a GER
tainty.
With the new epoch in our history, COM
mencing with the accession to the Presi-
dency OF our distinguished chicitain, Gen.
Grant, himself an admlrer of the beautiful,
and especially Of that wonderful work Of ma
ture the horse, 1t devolyes upon the citizens
Of the District 10 do all in their power to
bring about that condition Of things which
will enable this metropolis to assume It's
proper position among the cities OF the Union.
Old things have, In measure, passed
away. A new and better condition Of affairs
Is the order Of the day, and 1t should be our
duty to take advantage of the means nature
has given us, and improve upon the past.
Now Is our time and our opportunity, and
II the citizens of the District, those who have
the time and means to devote to this object,
can be prevailed upon to come together In a
combined capacity much good must ensue
therefrom.
However meritorious our efforts In produc-
Ing generous rivalry upon the race-conrse
In the trial OF speed at stated intervals of the
blooded stock OF our country at the metrop-
olis-one Of the objects Of our association
yet, 1t must be appreciated by every one in
terested, that this Is merely secondary to the
primary object of general Improvement and
interest as relates to the welfare of the
District.
The innocent pleasure derived from n
drive over our streets and roads in good con-
dition should engage our attention as much
II not more than the maintenance of q
"track" " for the display of speed of our
most distinguished horses; for herein the
public are more benefited, we accomplish
much more for the progress of the city and
District, and assist, indirectly, all the Indus
trial pursuits and business trades thereof
An appeal is therefore made to all gentle
men in the District Of Columbia; all who are
interested pecuniarily In the well-being OF
the city OF Washington, the capital of the
nation; all who desire good roads and admire
fine horses In the District, (two objects In
separately connected) all who are interested
In the industrial pursuits of the city and
county; all, in short, who are in favor of re-
form In all matters pertaining to the welfare
OF the District OF Columbia as have been
briefly stated above, to come forward and
unite with this association in order that the
objects desired may be consummated.
At the conclusion Of the address of the
president, which seemed to meet the views
OF all present, the association decided to hold
spring meeting at the National Race
Course, commencing about the 1lth Of May,
after which they adjourned until Wednesday
evening, when the programme for the meet
ing will be adopted.
THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS IsAuOuRA-
TIos COMMITTEE on Reception and Quarters,
Major Timothy Lubey chairman, appointed
by the Soldiers and Sailors National Com
mittee, have made extended preparations for
the reception Of their comrades who may
visit here during the Inauguration of Presi-
dent Grant. They have also arranged for
reduction OF fare on the PRINCIPAL railroads,
as follows: New York to Washington and
return, tll.5O; Philadelphia to Washington
and return, 1896. Baltimore and Ohio
Road-Cincinnati to Washington and return,
sl7i indianapolis to Washington and return,
42l.O5; Chicago TO Washington and return,