National Republican., 1873-06-27
TIE ACADEMY or lHE VISITATION.
Annual Distribution Of Premiums To-day
sketch of the Ia.Iifusiau

The seyenty-fOurth annual distribution Of
premiums at the Academy Of the Visitation vii /
take place in the new and magnificent exhlbl.
ton hall this afternoon. This ls, with one ex.
ception, the oldest Catholic Institution In this
country for the education OF young ladies. The
convent was established by Archbishop Neaie,
and here repose his remains. Here, too, Is the
resting place OF Rev. Father ClOriylere, who was
revolution, aud who contributed all his worldly
fortune TO aid In the erection OF the beautiful
chapel OF the convent: lt was here, also, that
the remains OF Miss Virginia Scott, the lovely
daughter OF Mai. Gen. scott. repOsed for time
There are many antique ornaments In this old
convent, among them IN antique wardrobe and
set OF curtains representing General Washing
ton on a charger both Of which have been 10
use and carefully preserved for more than half
century. Once every year the pupils are Ac-
convent from foundation to turTet probably 10
diyest their young minds Of false Impressions
sometimes made by the hobgOblln and MunchAu-
sen stories too often told OF cOnVentual life.
No changes are made In the old customs OF the
convent. The same daily routine Of the religious
deyOuOns that prevailed three quarters OF cen
tuTy ago are yet rlgldly observed. At regular
hours OF recreation may be seen enjoying their
accustomed walk along the corridors or In the
garden venerable nuns, Who were inmates OF
this peaceful abode when washington city was
n comparative wilderness.
But the academy keeps pace with the pro-
gresslyu spirit Of the age, ana within the past
year a splendid building has been erected TO
meet the growing demands OF this nourahing
Institution. This nne edlnce cost about 800, ,OO1
and was constructed by Mr., W. ], Dyer. Ii Ii
built OF handsome pressed brick, and has a
frontage Of " feet with depth OF l2l feet. The
main walls are feet inches thick. In the
lower story are several fine class-TOoms and A
large wardrobe, 10 feet high. On the nrst moor
arc four commodlouA paTlOrs, the same number
OF class-rooms, and a large room for the library
The exhibition hall Ia 50 by 70 feet the ceiling
being 2S feet high. The 1ne stairway Ia feet
wide. The second story contains, besides the
exhibition hall, q classroom for graduates, with
scientific apparatus, and u library.
The third story has four large rooms for music, |
and other classes. The music gallery Is |
In the fourth story, In which there are thirty
three rooms, twelve by nfteen feet each, and |
Two larger oneA, twenty-five feet square, ali |
Twelve feet high. A piano or large harp will |
be one OF the useful AdOrnments OF each OF these
rooms The dOrmltores are In the NTH story,
aud extend the entire length OF this superb edl-
dee, which IL covered by Nh ornamental French |
-oOf all the dOrIneF windows Of which, rs well |
u the cornlees and decorations, are OF heavy |
falVanixed iron. In Ihe construction OF the |
'Oof the best Birmingham slate has been used, |
indeed, the material throughout ia OF nrst quail |
~ And the work OF the finest nnish. The build |
~ has been provided with every modern I'M |
Fovemhnt that comfort convenience or taste |
Ould demand or suggest,
IGI tao suinInIt OF Tue building ID belTederet /
ltendsd 70 assist the puplla In the study OF