The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-11-02
To-pAY,s pRocEEDvNGs.

A cool, clear and beautiful morning soon
gave evidence that the thousands who had
already gathered in our city only awaited
the starting Of The ears to seek the Fair
Grounds.
BY half-past ten O'Clock, mighty crowd
had assembled, and still there were thou
sands awaiting transportation from the city.
The different bands made animated music :;
the thieves and swindlerS yelled themselves
hoarse while the side-shows were Joyous
with triumph.
We have never bcheld more active
busy throng, g,-the crowd continually wind
ing its way first from one section of the
grounds to the other.
Our country friends all looked buoyant
and happy, while those who were ready to
supply them with anything from peanut
to a steam-engine, snole such cheerful
smiles as reioiced the hearts of the friends
of the Society.
The rain of yesterday, by the powers of
the wind and sun, had been so completely
dried up as to make the various avenues
pleasant and agreeable.
We took n quarters worth ofstocll in the
knife and ring arrangement, by which temp
ting prizes of money, knives, &c, were offer
GU. bNt We NpOtl IL WA IiOl VI lsH 10
attempt TO beat man at his own game.
We advise our friends to think likewise.
A monkey, taught to receive money and
deposit it in box OF an organ-grinder, at
tracted vast crowds, from whom at least a
bushel of pennies was received.
A knot-hole in one Of the platforms, was
so attractive to a lot of young gentlemen as
| to arrest the attention OF the police, who
| threatened to arrest the aforesaid gentle
men if they did not keep their eyes shut.
| What was above the knot-hole we know
not.
BY III o'clock, the seats in front Of the
Judges stand were packed, crammed and
jainned, ard yet the crowd around and
near the central building seemed in no wise
lcssened in fact, one gentleman from the
country was heard to remark, the .f;ty.
| ground at Danyille wouldn't hold them all.
Near the Judges stand newly peeled
pine-pole, well creased, has been erected,
on top Of which gold watch is to be
placed, any one climbing this pole and Sc
curing the watch is TO have it as a reward.
This feat is looked forward to with great
anticipaiions of fan.
The crowd continues to increase, and at
this hour ~ o'cl1cl) it is estimated at
| lo,UD people.
We noticed gentleman driving four
beautiful bays to a double buggy, which re-
minded us OF the grand display made by
the great Buchu man, llelmbold, during
the grand Carnival at Washington.
At II o'clock, the First Virginia Regi
ment, Capt. Sloan commanding, accom-
panied by the Danville Greys, Lynchbure
Home Guards, Wise Light Infantry Of
Williamsburg, entered the ground and
formed for parade.
The splendid appearance OF the men,
their handsome new grey uniforms and
brightly FURNISHED arms, all lent an eXcit-
ing interest to the occasion, and made most
! imposing appearance. After sundry egolu-
| tons aud marches, were drawn up in line
in front of the presidents office, were the
regiment was reviewed by the Governor.
THE sIDE-sHoWs.
| The following is a partial list OF the side
shows which have been admitted to the
Fairgrounds, and have their booths and
gaudy buntings stretched for a long distance
| in q continuous line Of noise and humbug
A miniature circus, with hobby-horses
and sleighs-the riders playing miniature
tournament for rings; the giant boy; the
educated pig; the female snake-charmer a
show Of altgators, crocodiles, a c; agiantess,
called the mammoth Queen boa coilstlic-
tors, &c. /; panorama of the life of Christ ;
Signor Francois, the champion ugler the
leopard boy and his pet snake sea lions
from Alaska; King n Hubert'S museum