Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-07-27

which, are arranged pavilions OF the several
countries, and in them, are displayed the
chief treasures, contributed by each: In
this building, a person may 60 around the
world in less than day, at least, we did, but
to examine closely it would take longer
time. In leisurly stroll of few hours, we
can see and learn more of the characteristics
of the different nations, than can be gained
by Journey of years. think there are
thirty-six foreign nations represented, among
them Egypt, the oldest nation of the earth
sends greeting to America, the youngest.
It would take more space than our little pa
per could spare, to begin to describe what is
seen here of interest,~so we will pass on to
Machinery Hall. Here We are in as bad TX as
before-dont know which to look at first. We
see all kinds of machinery in operation, worked
by the Corlss engine, showing us how all artl-
cies are manufactured also the inventions otthe
various nations, but, | think, above them all,
our own land far excels in improvements
Our next, after finishing this, was the Art
Gallery. This building presents fine ap-
pearance from the outside. 1t is built OF
granite and is, | believe, the only permanent
building on the grounds. When we enter,
we are dazzled by the brilliancy of It's chan
deliers-they being of the finest kind
Here we can but wonder at the genius and
skill of the artists and sculptors. Here are
displayed, on all sides, magnificent sculpture
and paintings from many lands under the
sun-some from sunny Italy Some of
these works of art may be onl ly ordinary,
but others are the fruits Of the labor OF
life time Passing through the various
aisles, you come into department contain
ing nothing but the most ancient specimens
of art. Here are images of the ancient he
roes, who fought and died for their coautry,
and whose forms are preserved IN chlseled
marble-still to remind us of their bravery.
But we must not tarry here, for time is fly
ing horticultural Hall comes next, where
are exhibited all the flowers and plants Of the
several zones, also, implements with which they
are cultivated and pruned, but unlike the
fairer sex, the boys are not much interested
in flowers, so we give them a passing lance,
and pass on to the Womar's Pavilion The
cost of this pavilion was raised by the Ia
dies, by means of entertainments aud volun-
tary subscription, l believe. On one side of
the entrance, is the inscription from the
Bible,-"Let her works praise her IN the
gates" On all sides, are the products of
woman's skill. Englapds good queen
Victoria, contributes napkin, the flax
spun by her own fingers, and other members
of the royal family sends the prooucts of
their ingenuity, to compare with those OF
the daughters Of America, whose skill can
not be surpassed. The Art Gallery Of this
department is fine. The most attractive to
us was the elaborately carved furniture by
women. The whole scene is place of be-
wildering beauty, but who wonders at that;
for woman hand is the wand which beau5i-
fes every thing it touches Leaving here we
went to the L. S. Government building
For the erection Of this Congress made
large appropriation, and the War, Navy.
Treasury, Post Office, Agricultural, Smith
sonian and Fishery Departments have con-
trbuted largely to this special exhibit
Among the many relics are those OF George
Washington and of the Lee and Custis fam
ily, which have so often interested me in the
Smithsonian Institute Next in interest,
were the state buildings-Nlaryland, my ma
tive state, of course interested me most
When we had visited all the state buildings
we proceeded to the glass factory, which
presents very beautiful sight. Here we
saw them moulding glass into all shapes
But the most magnificent spectacle, is COM
plete model of the large Carliss engine made
of glass of different colors in operation.
In naming the principal buildings of IN
terest have omitted Agricultural Hail.
Here are found all kinds of grains and i'm
plements used in farming, and every
thing imaginable in the line of agriculture.
There are many smaller buildings, which to
some would be very interesting; for instance
the Turkish bazaar--to those who have
money and plenty OF It,
The above is a glimpse of what we saw
in our three days of light seeing but the
morning, OF the third day, was spent In vlsl-
ting places of interest in the city. Our first
visit was to Independence Hall, where liber-
tv was proclaimed. Here, on one side of the
Hall, as we enter, We see oil paintings Of all
the sieners of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. How reverenty we should look upon
those semblances of our fathers, who rescued
our beloved country from the hands oftyran-
nv. There are also the chairs, in which
they sat in council. Going out of this cham
her. we enter another similar in appearance.
In cases, are many relics Of l776, but the
centre of attraction, is the bell, which first
r,,er ont tho tidinus of Liberty to the people
Of America. Thoug gh of little intrinsic value,
# is looked upon as treasure, and should be
SO regarded by the people Of the United
States Thence. we went to Carpenters Hall.
where the first Congress of our country met
and discussed the cause of Liberty, and
around which, many other historic memories
cluster, Here is a library containing books
of olden print. After leaving here, we went
down to the docks, where we saw number
g l,Harant nations and before lis