National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-08-07
POTOMAC RIVER TRANSIT.
GRAND TRIAL TRIP oFrHEsrEAMER
MARY WASHiNGTON.

EXCURSION by THREE HUNDRED PEOPLE
DOWN THE RIvER-ExcITEMENf AT TIE
MISUNDERSTANDING DY MEETING
OF PAssENeERs-THE POTOMAC FRUIT
GROWERS.
About O'Clock yesterday moraiug hundreds
Of people gathered at the ferry wharf in queA
Of the new river steamer Mary Washington.
They proved 10 be the invited guests of the
company to participate in the initial trip Of
Their new steamer. But no boat Of the char
seteT described could be found at the point des-
ignated, and some little disappointment was
the result. Inquiry disclosed the fact that the
steamer was delayed by the failure Of the local
inspectors TO come over from Baltimore and
examine the machinery and appointments Of
the boat at the proper tiDe, and Il was feared
by many that the anticipated days enjoyment
would have to be postponed. About this time
Major Edward Danisls, one Of the executive
committee, appeared upon the scene, and IN
formed the assembled guests that the delay
would be but temporary, as the inspection
would occupy but q short time, and that the
inspectors were already on board IN Alexandria
performing their official duties. He suggested
that time might be saved by proceeding to Al
exandria by the ferry-boat, when the Mary
Washington could at once 60 on her trip down
the river from that point.
The excursionists acceded to this proposition
at once, thereby adding some twenty or thirty
dollars TO the receipts Of the ferry company.
The procession Of happy people, with lunch
baskets attached, quickly formed and marched
on board. In less than an hour they had been
landed in the venerable old city of Belle Haven,
and once more taking up their line Of march
with parasols, umbrellas, shRwls, babies and
lunches soon boarded the new and commodious
steamer.
The Mary Washington has already been de-
scribed in TIE NATIoNAt REPUBLICAN IS q
boat of the Western river pattern, which could
run 10 "heayy dew" She proved to be
steamer Of that character, drawing but twenty
inches Of water. She is one hundred and fifty
feet in length and forty-fve in breadth across
her guards. She is propelled bf two horizon
tai engines Of about one hundred horse power
each. They are SO geared as 10 pass the centre
alternately, thus avoiding the jerking. motion
which is so disagreeable In most vessels pro-
PEELED by beam engines.
The inspectors completed their task shortly
after the arrival of the Washington guests,
and the fires were at once kindled In the fur
naces. A large company Of Alexandrians were
already on board, and about IL o'clock the
steamer passed majestIcally into the stream,
aInlQ the CQcbIb VI ZIG CIOHub VI Tic pl6L
well as those on board.
The day was very fine, and the sail down
past Fort Foote, Collingwood, Mount Vernon,
Howland's, White House, Gunston's Hall and
Accotink was delightful. The upper deck
saloon is most tempting to dancers. Many
persons took the floor, having called into
requisition 9 band, consisting OF fiddle, harp
and flute. The landings were all made easily,
and each point considerable accessions were
4. aF y he
and friends of the proprietors Of the steamer.
At Gunston the aptitude Of the boat for the
river trade was beautifully illustrated by run
ming the nose Of the steamer on to the bank,
throwing out the ng-planks, and landing the
passengers without the aid Of any dock. At
the polite invitation Of the proprietor, Major
Edward Daniels, the guests made visit 10 the
old "Masoh mansion" The house Is Of brick
and very old, having been erected over CEN
fury ago. It was deliberately finished, in the
fashion of the time, with solid black walnut
doors and carved wainscoatings. But the
healthy and heavily-laden young fruit-trees, to
the number of over s, 900, attracted the most
attention. Grapes IN great abundance and of
almost every variety were also exhibited,
which promise delicious feasts in the future.
Having spent a,pleassnt hour ct this lovely
historic, the guests turned their steps TO the
landing, and having once more collected upon
then the vessel was headed up stream on her
return trip.
During the intervals Of dancing and prone
nading, DR.. Snodgrass called attention Of the
guests TO the enterprise Of the company In q
few well chosen words, when Mr.. W. 81. Chase
was voted TO the chair and &. T. Peters chosen
secretary. A committee on resolutions was
named which reported the following, and they
were unanimously adopted by the meeting:
nnf,fo, A. Khfa oF
citizens Of washington, Alsxandris, and the Pc
tomae regions whom the Upper Potomao stssm-
boat Company have invited TO an excursion on
their new steamboat Mary Washington, that the
boat has fuiiy realized 66r sxpsetstions, and Il
ought IN our Judgment 10 TecefTe the oommendA-
sion and patronaRe o. the public;
stantial, WeIl-sppointed and eommodious steamer
&c the hrst step in . new order o. things on the
Potomac front most favorable 10 the Agricultural
intsEsstl 2; Ssf Ess:9e nd the 'onnsF'ihi inter
RsSoIVsd. That 70 the fruit-ErowinE aud dairy
interests Of the Potomac front this wiz prove 3
most important aid, while It win enable our city
friends 70 obtain abundant supplies Of fresh fruit
and milk direct fEOmthe farms 81 greatly reduced
prices.
pany, TO exclude all intoxicating drinks from the
boat and the landings under their control and to
employ no intemperete person, meets our hearty
approeson ana renoers the GO Az io ~ iso 1.
themselves Of the daily excursion OF the Mary
Washington.
RsoIVeS, That ali persons interested IN build
ing up our cities and the adjacent country
should patronise the Mary " Washington ~ home
enterprise and . cooperative effort TO unite city
and country in . mutual exchange Of benefits.
ResoIued That We especially recommend the
Mary Washington to all Societies, Sunday schools
and oIheT orgapiT ieps Nho have oeeGsion 10 make
exehfsi6hs GP6h The river.
The party arrived at the seventh-street
wharf at O few minutes past o'clock in the
evening, all greatly pleased with their trip.
No accident occurred TO mar Its pleasures No
drunkenness or rowdyism was observed. There
Is TO be no spirits sold upon this boat, and as 9
consequences mischiei-maks-S and disturbers
will give It q wide berth. Her mission Is TO
furnish our citizens with fruits, vegetables and
the products Of the dAiry-fresh, pure and at
moderate ratss-and 10 give excursions 70 all
societies, sunday schools and Well-ordered COM
papIes, at low prices. Two cents g mile Is z
te about the rate Of fare, aud It is expecta
that she win commence her regular trips on
Monday next. She will certainly prove Efeit
acquisition to our river commerce.