The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-07-30
EnIToR1AL CORRESPONDENCE.
NATIONAL HOTEL,
WAcnMcnON n q

rs compared to tile fluter Of SILKS and the busy
tFdHong and anxious gait of its thousands OF Wis
itors during the winter season. The departure
Of Senators and Congressm IN, and the inslum-
'erahle retinue of office-saekers, and lobby at
tac:ies, has been followed ~ heavy exodus OF
citizens whose heavy purse and businessfalloW
the luxury of INDUCING in mountain scenery
to BE- enjoyed in the mountains of Virgin
Ia, or by the sea-shore. Yet notwltistand-
ing the absence of the hustle and animation on
the avenues and about the capital, the work
of improving and identifying the city progress
es. In all directions are observed the evidences
OF progress and architectural taste, manifested
In stately buildings and ornamented grounds.
Whatever may be said about the financial man.
agement OF the affairs of the district, there is
one thing that impresses itself upon our atten-
ton, the comprehensive brain and daring ener-
gy of Gen. Shepperi. Investigating commit
tees and hirelng correspondents, cannot rob
him of the reputation he has gained, of under
standing the wants Of the city, and possessing
the courage to meet them. His general plan
of improvement, having for its object the build
ing of one Of the most beautiful metropolis in
the world will be carried out, for the nation,
now, will be satisfied With nothing less. In
breaking through the old fogy habits, crystaliz-
ed by century of uniform usage, which have
been content with natural gtow5h AMI shrink
ing from adventure, it was to be. expected that
opposition would be encountered. But Gen.
Shepperd did not allow them to interfere with
him. His energy MY have bordefed on the
reckless, but the end he had in view justifies
the apparent disregard OF vested rights. 1t re-
'quires just such will and spirit as his to inau
gurate The system Of Improvement, and that at
fected, the self respect of the country will de-
mand its consummaJion-
had frequently heard Of the sold soldiers
home, - located in the distant suburbs of the
city, but not until the other day did have an
idea really of what it was. In company with
y Valley friend now doing business here, we
drove to this attractive resort, and was aston
ished to find it one of the most lovely and lux
urious scenes of art and nature that the fancy
can picture. I cannot say how many acres it
embraces, bat we passed along its winding
road, and through its forests of oaks and ever
green's for at least a mile before we reached
the central old building called hospital. Flow
ers of every hue and texture send their sweet
odors through the waving foliage, and upon
the passing breeze to regale the senses with
their rich perfumes, and entices you to linger
among the wide-spreading branches of native
forest and the artistically arranged beauty of
the cedars, lockwood and cypress. The songs
of birds, fiuttering through the branches, seems
a sweet lullaby fol- the repose Of the old sold
iers, as they leisurely aeunged under the shade,
o. sat in the grapevine chair, reading book
or paper, or smoking the inevitable pipe
Aside from the Hospital building, are number
of beautiful cottage residences for officers
The yards and enclosures are dotted over with
lovely flowers, in clusters and solitary, Of rare
species and the most enchanting beauty. 1t
was certainly wise conception, that after the
old soldier had worn out his physical activity
in the service OF his country, he can here retire
to spend the remnant of his days, surrounded
by all that lovely in nature, and cared for
with generous liberality by the government
There are about 300 sick and disabled soldiers
at the Home They wander leisurely through
the grounds and amuse themselves as they list.
The large garden, farm and fruit orchard, give
them an opportunity to proftably pass off some
OF their time and give them the necessary phys
ical exercise. While passing through the
grounds, we heard the passing sound of the fife
and the beat of the drum, in the near distance.
Shortly long line of blue uniforms filed along
with regular martial tread, and passed to the
central Building. It was an interesting sight,
to witness those old veterans running along
with elastic step, animated by the music that
had stirred them OH many bloody field
They had just returned from conveying to it's
last resting place, one OF their companions who
now
s:Sleeps his last sleep, has fought his last
battle,
Andano charms can awake him, to glory
again.
The government furnishes them with rations
abundant and healthy and clothing, and allows
them adollar month for spending money
which is: generally appropriated for tobacco
l conversed with one old soldier, who seemed
to be quite active On his feet, and stalwart ir
frame, remarkng that from his movements, he
looked like he could double-quick it yet. He
responded that he could if necessary, but that
he was now sixty one years of age, and has
concluded to spend his few remaining year;
at the ssHome."
l know of no place about Washington that
will so well repay a visit as the s'Soldiers
Home, and would advise all those who have
not enjoyed that pleasure. to do so when they
visit the national M ,tropolis again. It is a
delightful drive, and a rapturoas attraction te
any one especially, who is inclined to worship
the esthetical.
The topic of principal remark on the streets
is the Beecher-Tilton scandal and scandal it is
of the most disgusting kind. do not care how
it turns out so far is the establishment Of false
hood, either upon Beecher or Titol, both are
ruined men, AMI ought to be. 1t is useless fol
MIR. Beecher or Mrs. Tiiton to attempt to ex
plain away the intimacy that existed between
item, by claiming to be governed by a sancti-
fed emotion, such as is not vouchsafed to any
one we have ever seen, except in fiction. They
are, flesh and blood and are subject to the law
that governs in them. and it is the merest dalu
sion for them to attempt to elevate themselves
into moral atmosphere not attainable by the
commonality Of their SPECIES. When we trace
the results Of Ffee-Loye, or Spiritual affinity,
OF which this nauseatory exhibit is the outcrop-
,,inp we can readily conclude how persons in.