The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-10-31
INCIDENTS, &C, &C, &C, SC

1t was easy to imagine, from thu
crowded condition of our streets on YES
terday, that some extraordinary occasion
had called to Richmond large number
of strangers. Among the crowd there was
no difficulty in distinguishing the plain,
sturdy farmer and his confidng wife, who,
for several weeks, have been anticipating
a visit to Richmond to see the sights and
buy clothing, toys, &C., for the children.
The old-fashioned ear-cutting, standing
collar and big, black silk cravat, with an
visible, and we did pity the cars COM
PEELED to stand the friction without weep
ing. Still those who were thus dressed
were honest. While jostling amid the crowd
one had no difficulty III recognizing the
adventurer and creature of circumstance
the monte-player--th thimble rigger-
the sport-thc don't give dam gentle
man, who is always up TO snuff, and
ready to turn an honest penny at all
times. Nothing suits this class of gentle
men SO well as a crowd, particularly when
the majority of it is composed of the inno-
cent and unsuspecting countryman, who
little imagnes he is the observed Of this
class, and who is regarded as an easy prey
for the vicious.
The evening trains came loaded with a
great mass OF human beings, from all sec
tons of the State, and sweied the numbers
already here until we learn one or two of
our hotels were packed to their capacity.
Each sought last night, such recreation
and amusements as were cOngenial to their
tastes; some to The theatre, some to see wv
man, some to the Academy of Music.
many to the fashionable and inviting gaming
saloons, and few to the several churches
that were open for service. Until day.
light this morning, the sound Of strange
steps could be heard upon our pavements.
and we have no doubt many headaches re-
ward the occasional visitor to Richmond
this morning.
The morning burst upon us with only
such splcndor as this season can afford.
The atmosphere was temperate, while old
Sol came up with his broad smiling face
casting halo Of glory around the whole
horizon. The early riser from the country
awoke rejoicing in the happy sunlight, and
after making his simple toilet strolled
around until breakfast to see the sights be-
fore a late awaking people arose.
The weather is glorious, the arrange
ments for a splendid affair are all perfected. |
and as we write, the hopes of the friends Of
the fair are big with bright antcipations.
But, like the vast crowd, we must 60 out
to the grounds and tell our readers what
we see.
We failed in our introduction to note the |
number of beautiful ladies on the streets.
who were without waterfalls, false-curls. !
and two dresses OF different colors never
theless they looked rosy and as fresh as a |
roll Of sweet mountain butter.
Stopping at the corner Of Eighth and |
Broad, and while waiting for train to con-
vey us to the ground, we observed quite a
crowd around the bookstore of Mr.. @. I
Bell Dyer. On entering we found NUM-
Der of our rural friends anxiously examine
ming the contents of prize boxes, for which
hey had paid fifty cents each. One gentle
man was so fortunate as to draw Il hand
some silver watch, and another $40 gold
piece, which had the effect to stimulate
sales and increase the profits Of the dealers.
this is the fairest concern of
is character we have colldcd with, and if
,ur friends want to invest in similar enter
1rises, branch offices have been established .
IN the grounds, where any number Of
,rizes may be secured. AT an early hour.
line O'Clock, we, in company with quite a
lumber Of strangers, took rustic seats on
he cars, and with an engine before and one
,ehind, were quickly waited to the beaut-
al grounds, where already quite a number
lad preceded us.
Great activity was manifested among the
exhibitors and spectators, who thus early,
we're on hand with all sorts OF Temptations