Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-05-02
SOteS from Richmond.
For THE ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE

RICHMOND. May IA lovely day, with
scarce a cloud in the ethereal vault-the trees
and fields green and beautiful, and all Garth
seems invigorated by the genial rays Of the sun.
But while nature wears such sweet smile.
how many hearts are to day bowed down in
grief and SORROW; how many broken spirits
and blightcd hopes arc buried 10 the graves Of
those, who, by the awful ca'amlty that has
befalien US, lie quietly sleeping meath the green
turf Of Hollywood.
Richmond, proud Capital Of a grand Cd
Commonwealth thy Affections are heavy, and
often art thou allied upon to mourn in sack.
Goth and ashes the nscrutable dispensatons
| q a Ant wise Providence
No city 10 this COUNTY, has, probably been
visited with severer calamities than RicHm0Su.
She has suffered from fire. pcstlence and war,
and now another terrible tragedy is added to
the catalogue OF her sff1ictisns; yet her people
bear up under the weight OF their calamity
and bow meekly before tho rod that smltes
them.
The week lust passed has been sad one
long to be remembered its recollectons not
10 be cfrlced from the memories OF many
while time lasts But little has been done,
save to mourn, and pay the last tribute of re-
spcct to those who have been taken away. To-
day the churches are crowded and the all alb
sorbing sorroa has been made the theme OF
many an eloquent discourse form the pu pit.
The Legislature, which now holds its session.
in the Ballard House, has done very little busl-
ness since Wednesday, Several oil the mem
bers were more or less injurcd-two were kill.
ed and two or three are seriously injured.
The registration bill has finally passed with
the necessary amendments, extending the
time &C., and the bill providing for a general
election having gone through the House, will
probably pass the Senate tomorrow. There
will have to be some other important legislation
and then there will be an endeavor to adjourn
until the fall.
There will be much difference OF opinion in
reference to the Capitol Many are in favor OF
at once abandoning the building, while others
are strongly in favor Of repairing. The Senate
Chamber will, at once, be secured as to the
ceiling and be reoccupied, but nothing has
been done about the hall Of the House.
1t is estimated that with the labor from the
Penitentiary, the convenient granite and slate
quarries and the Tredegar works, building in
every way adapted to the uses of the General
Assembly and the departments, and at the
same time an ornament to the State can DO
constructed at q cost Of about S500,000, with
credit OF twenty years. Gov. Walker is Of
opinion that this additional Indebtedness can
b, SO arranged that the necessary tax will
hardly be felt. Be this as it may, there is
but little doubt with a great many that the
present structure is unsafe and that it would
be criminal to ieopardise another life within
its decayed walls, even though the taxes should
thereby be increased. They contend that new
capitol is needed and that the people do not
desire to subject their representatives. to danger,
especially after the calamity of Wednesday,
that has sent shudder through every human
being in the land. FAIRFAX.
CLEAN Up.-Warm weather will soon be
here, aud all housc-holders should at once begin
to clean up. Clean away old rubbish and gath,
or it into a compost heap for the garden or
farm or burn it. Remove every thing of an
offensive character allow nothing which is liza.
Die to decomposition aad decay to remain any
where, as you thereby put in jeopardy your
health. Keep clean yard and cellars, white
wash all your walls and fences, and keep your
cutters free from alobstructions and nuisanccs.