Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1871-11-03
Letter from RichnOnd---Statc Fair.

Letter from Richnond---State Fair.
Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette.
RICHMOND. Nov. 2.-To day is the second
day of the Fair, which opend unauspciousIy
Yesterday on account of the rain. This day is
all that could be desired, bright and pleasant,
and not too warm.
Visitors who arrived here last night and this
morning found every available lodging place i'll
the city filled to ovcrtluwing, and applicants
we're turned off by the dozen with the same le.
ply, mot single room or part Of one to spare.
We who arrived on the early train this morn,
Ing wandered about homeless and hOuscless
until daylight when the departure of many
who were satisfied with yesterday : sights, made
room for some. and the hospitality OF friends
provided for others But while many 90 null
titudcs are arriving, each train and boat being
crowded.
Today is perhaps the great day of the Fair.
At an early hour crowds were III motion toward
the grounds, every available vehicle being call
ed into requisition. Trains LETT the Broad street
depot every ten minutes, and the rush to get
on the cars was tremendous. The great %nn-
der was that many were not seriously hurt III the
scramble for places. On the cars, III carriages
and wagons. and On foot the crowd pressed Oh.
laden with baskets, prepared to spend the day
ut the Fair ground in is agreeable fashion is
possible; and doubtless to all it has been 50
far pleasantly spent There are lots of pretty
girls, handsome bcaux, and opportunities Tor
all manner OF coquettery, no doubt awaited OF
to the utmost.
Quite number Of Acxandrians are here,
the only exhibitor ! believe being Mr.. Nm.H
May, though Of this | am not sure.
T l,,n q tl,.,t pn,,,-
pcting military companies for the prize Of L
gold medal, offered by the editor Of the Rich
mond Dispatch. is progressing. The mHnurcrcs
are very beautifully and accurately executed,
and feel sorry that cur old city has no COM
pany to Join in the competition. Six OF the
companies are from this city, the other two be-
Ing, one from Lynchburg and Que from Will
liansburg.
The traction steam engine that is on exhibit
ton, failed to perform satisfactorily yesterday,
the ground being so wet and soft that the
wheels slipped around without progressing.
TO. day the effort was more successful, the Gu
CINE moving over the green sod smoothly and
easily, getting over slight hiocks and depres-
sions without difficulty, and being completely
under the control of the driver. 1t is certainly
marvellous achievement over difficulties.
At the the close of the drill to-day the hur-
die race is to come off, and is looked forward
to as an exciting contest. The grounds are ill.,
vadc1 by q circus and nianagcre, and by sun
dry showmeu with fancy and questionable tricks
for the amusement of the multitude and their
own private gain all Of which, might, | think,
have been very well kept outside the enclosure:
The Richmond reporters are buslly engaged
in making voluminous reports OF the proceed
ings, too long fur even an abstract IN this.
| will endeavOr tomorrow to give some account
of the Fair and the impression it produced.
The prize medal has just been awarded to
the commonwealth Guards Of this city.
After the presentation and reception
speeches, Governor Walker was called on and
made SOME telling remarks, in which, after
compmcnting all the companies which had
drilled, he spoke to the whole force as guards
of the Commonwealth. He wished no better
guards of the Commonwealth in case either of
mob violence at home or organized dcSpotlSln
and invasion from abroad He also spoke in
hieh praise of the volunteer movement and ex'
pressed the hope that they would hereafter be
more literally dealt with By the Legislature
and more encouraged by the citizens gcncraly y.
The Governor than addressing himself to the
SPECTATORS gave them words Of good cheer from
all the parts of the State which he has recently
visited, and said that there was the best prom
Use of a glorious future for Virginia.; 1t was
only necessary to keep in heart and to display the
innate courage of Virginians to accomplish the
great destiny of the State The Governor was
frequently aud loudly applauded. ii.