Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-06-30
LOCAL NEWS.

hoCtAA ~ d w -
The CANAL BREAK-We visited, yesterday
afternoon, the break on the canal mention
ed 10 yesterdays Gazette. Ascending the
steps leading to the top Of the aqueduct over
the road We fouod before US chasm about one
buodred feet long aud fifty feet deep, through
which the waters OF the canal were pouring
down frcm both sides 10 torrents. Every few
minutes the earth % the sides of the chasm
undermined by the flow Of water would give
way aud fall with crash into the broken arch
below. The top Of the lower arch, through
which -Four Mile Run passes. was entirely gone,
and the northeast front, facing the river, was
separated from the rest OF the structure by
crack about six inches wide Both banks Of
the canal we're badly cracked, especially the
southern or BERNIE bank. The aqueduct over
the turnpike and railroad is uuinjured, but for
fear of accidents the trains are carried through
very slowly. The accident will cause the
suspension of canal navigation tor some time,
ana We fear for the entire season. The arch
below will have tc be entirely rebuilt, and both
banks cut down aud large amount of re6lling
done. An examination of the roadway and
underlying work will be made by competent
surveyors TO give an idea of the amount of
earth aud rubbish that has fallen through, We
would notice the fact that the channel at the
mouth of the lower arch, which was formerly
about fifteen feet deep, and through which the
tide ran with great force, is now almost eotirc-
ly choked up by the debris DOLLY a few inches
of water from the broken canal passing through
wheo We saw it, Should the opening not be
speedily cleared out, it is feared that some
damage will be done by the backing up of the
water 10 -Four Mile Bun above the aqueduct
A., Io
by reference to the peice report, twenty. one
boys aud young men were arrested and lined
yesterday for violating the law against bathing
in the docks during the day time. We are re-
quested by the Mayor to say that great mauy
complaints have been madt TO him 10 regard
to this practice, and that he is resolved to break
it up. He cousrucs the law to forbid such
bathing al auy time before it is entirely dark.
Such nuisance has this matter become that it
is impossible for ladies to walk out on the
wharves ia the evening, and enjoy the breeze.
Boat RACE "A boat race took place yes
terday afternoon from Washington to the buoy
opposite the snip yard. The contestants were
the Fannie Bell aud the Spray. When off the
upper Coal wharves on the home stretch the
Spray was capszcd, thus leaving the Bell an
easy victory. The Spray was rlghted after
short time and proceeded on her way with no
other damage to her occupants than a good
duckng Mhich, considering the heat was not
very hurttul. 1t is rumorcd that the race will
be tried over again to-day or to- morrow.
EAST ALEX ANDRIA RAILROAD -Messrs. j.
King, jr, aud Thomas r. Sharp, Of the B. l.
o. X r. arrived at Shepherd 5, the terminus
of the East Alexandria Railroad, on the OPP
posite side of the river, last night, by special
train. After inspecting the wharf aud other
arrangements there, they embarked on board
the steamer keyport aud after a trip down the
river az lar as Fort Fuote, returned to Wash
ingtou. 1t is rumored that their visit has ref
ereuce to the establishment of coal wharVes and
a steamboat landing at Shepherds.
The ANNUAL EXCURSION Of Nj. +. Church
South, under the management of the Sunday
School of that church, will take place on Thurs
day. , inst. 10 enabc the schools of the Metho-
dist Protestant and Village Chapel churches to
take part, the large and elegantly furnished
steamer Pilot Boy has been chartered for the
occasion. BY especial agreement the commit
tee will have coutrol of the boat, and also of
the grounds, aud 40 intoxicating or other drinks
will be sold on that day.
FIRE EARLY this morning the hen house at
the residence OF Mr. S. Barber, on Shutters
Hill, was burned, involving the loss by MIR. B.
ut some thirty or forty valuable chickens. The
fire was caused by the rekindling of some em
beers left there after smoking out the vermiu
yesterday afternoon. 1t was feared at one time
that the flames would be communicated to the
dwelling, but by the efforts of the neighbors
they were finally Subdued.
Pubic SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS. -Snowdcn
School, (colored maIe) was examined to-day by
Mc>Srs Snowden, Whittesey and Witmer,an
llallowell School, (colored f.male) by McSsrs.
Addison and Wilmington The pupils in both
did we'll. Tonight at 1870, the medals and
cards of honor for both schools will be distribut-
ed in presence of the School Board, at l. C
school house, Alfred street, between Princess
aud Oronoco.
IMMIGRATION The Convention of British
Settlers of Northern Virginia, is to meet in
this city tomorrow morning at II o'clock, at
Sarepta Hall 1t is expected that there will
be full attendance from tn surrounding coun-
ties rs we'll as from more distant parts of the
State. The object of the meeting has been
fully set forth heretofore, and ii Is hoped, that
it may prove emineutly successful.
ALLEGED LUNACY "A commission de lu-
natico inquirendo was held at the Jail this after
noou on James II. Biggs, at the instance of
his sou, George W. Bggs. Tue examination
was held by Justices Padgett, Bell and Law
sou. Drs. French and Gibson testified that 10
their opinion Biggs was perfectly sane. The
magistrates thereupon discharged Mr.. Biggs.
PRIZE FlGnT.-A prize fight took place Cd
the opposite side of the cana, last evening, be-
tween two young men from this city After
handling each other pretty roughly for some
time the contestants separated, ii is said with
the understanding that the fight would be re-
pau,l -, n ii al Tho av,nip,r