Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-03-03
Our Washington Letter.


WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. 10, 1870.
Editor Rutland Herald To attempt
to communicate anything as neeos from
this place would be but evidence of a
foolish trial to oppose that unparalleled
institution which go lightning like scatters
it to almost every quarter of the globe,
and which find has placed itself in con-
tact with your excellent paper, now my
welcome visitor Yes, information from
my native State, and especially from a
section which SO nearly borders on to that
State where 1 was born, and which has
recently been made doubly dear to Inc
from having received into its bosom all
that was left of a true companion, is in
deed acceptable, for as the mariner, dur
ing his voyage over the stormy sea, next
to his life holds dear to him his tried
friend, the compass, so do | cherish the
fond recollection of the fertile valleys and
lofty mountains of our noble State. But
to dwell upon this subject, although a
good one, would only be to speak of that
which is already familiar to every Ver-
monter.
This city of Landlords and boarding
houses" is experiencing lively winter.
Musical entertainments, parties, recep-
tions and the like are in full bloom. The
weather, which has been so mild and sum-
mer-like, has just suddenly changed to a
different aspect Yesterday, at a season
able hour, "Old Boreas" compelled the
traveller to wrap his cloak closer about his
freezing person, while the Snow and sleet
frosted the muddy pavements of our
broad avenues. In word, the transition
from warm to freezing weather was only
measured by few hours. The day was
gloomy and exceeding juicy up to sun.
down, when the thermometer could stand
it no longer, and dropped to 309. The
sidewalks were coated with ice, and the
proverb that "the wicked stand on slip
perry places" was illustrated in more ways
than one. What has caused the clerk of
the weather to create such a sudden and
extreme change we cannot understand,
and in the absence of definite information,
we forbear any harsh criticism on his
winterish action. Skating park stock is
up to-day, a source of encouragement to
those who invested in the shares early in
the season, having had but one day before
to collect the interest on their money in
vested.
To-day the city of Annapolis is I'M
ieubtedly thronged with people anxious
to get glimpse of the ship Monarch"
said 10 be the pride of the English navy,
which is expected to arrive from Boston,
and anchor off the shores Of that
'ahchient" city, having completed faith
fully the duty assigned to her of trana-
porting from that foreign cline the body
If Mr.. Peabody, whose name is well
known to the readers of the HERALD.
This ship is undoubtedly wonderful
structure; from description which l
nave seen of her dimensions | find that
'he is $50 feet in length, So feet beam,
with IS feet s inch depth of hold, her
nasts are of giant form she carries nine
monster guns, and crew consisting of
525 persons, all in all she is a novelty in
hip building, such as has never before
,een seen in American waters. Many
lave gone over from this place to satisfy
heir curiosity as to the enormous proper
ions Of this noted traveller of the mighty
Ieep.
On Tuesday evening next (22d) in
lonor of the anniversary of Washington's
birthday, the stemperance people of the
district will unite in appropriate exercises
t the First Congregational church corner
f Tenth and G streets Senator Wilson,
President of the Congressional Society
will preside, and speeches will be deliver
d by able advocates of the good cause.
would to God that the final result might |
e to extinguish that flame of fire which |
j sweeping over our land and blasting
he prospects of SO many who have fallen
ictims to that terrible vice 'intemp-
rance" Pardon the imperfections of this
ambling letter, and consider it as best
uits your own satisfaction.
Respectfully yours,