Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-01-08
CAPIrAL CURRENTS.
Retronchmant Run Rampant.
hsLFDuCNMsuL run I--II pant.
Soap AID lgiie. The Nsw Year lis Re
oept'Oa ara ReeepiioHs-A Nsic box
The Song # SIiire.


ccpftOn dHf RscspI0Hs.-A AeC DOJs.-
The Song Of Sliire
Iron Or Ocn Correspondent
WAsHIxGroS, January 4. 1876.
Tho late il is--yet better late tLIn never
and 50. a Happy New Year-to the OLD FAM
lily JOURNAL, rs prapretors. us readers, cli-
yer, Charieslpwn, aud al vi them. Centennial
greetings t. We all
Since my Last correspondence from this cen
tire Of corruption, Reform Ia the government
departments, has made some gigantic strides
down stairs. This time, the scene Is pitched
among lauRaresses, Treasury lauudresSes -
Ouly think, OF higo officials leaving their desks
burdeucd with-nothiug but red tape, aud
descending to snch low level as fighting with
washerwolnen, their slogan cry, Reform =
Bah! Il is sickeningl For some years pas.
il has been the custom for the Treasury depart
men:, or at least the chief clerk, 10 divide the
towels for the purpose Of being washed among
as many poor families as would aito". each the
means Of keeping the wolf from the door
For this service, well earned, these were paid
hlty cents per q zen. Eye.y new government
Official eudeavors 10 .arn reputation in some
Way or ano;tsr When Mr.. Wilson, the new
chief slerk cane here he assumed the ccouom-
zeal role by throwing out of employment IN
mId-wiuter over twenty poor women. whose
lives are equally a burlensome to them as
was that OF Tom Hoods ideal SeamStress 10
the Song OF the Shirt. 1t appears that an L
street laundry proposed to do the washing at
fifteen cents a dozen, aud as the opportunity
to save the government something was thus
presented the new chief clerk sealed the bar
gain, at the expense OF many hungry mouths
As may be imagined, the maids OF the tub aud
washboarl were wrathy. Taey waited in
body upon the chief clerk aud treated him to
such tongue flashing that it is currently stated
(but as currently denied that tie gentleman
was on the point of calling hastily on the pres
ident for troops lie did, however, essay to
pacify these Fostering petticoats by liberal
use Of soft soap, hut pshaw they kuew the
compound too well, these exasperated washers,
Of the feminine line. and babe him hold his
peace; but they cautioned the trembling Re
former to give them back their towels-or to
look out Tor stars The end is not yet.
The Centennial year was ushered ia by the
noble army of patriots hereabouts with gene
raj iingliug OF bells, waste of powder, ditto of
steam 1.-THE steam valves of all the engines in
the various railroad yards aud engine houses
were opened promptly at midnight on friday
hosting of flags and other tom foOleTy. Bet
ter, far hetter, think, had Grant aud his cab
met resolved to discontinue, from January !.
his diSgraccful State u>urpatlous. This would
have been a true appreciation truly eXhibited)
of our approaching greatness ani glory. The
receptions on New Years were much the same
as il previous years The same dumb pa
.eaut was rreseuted at the White House h %
Cabinet. Army, Navy aud Diplomatic CrpS
all pald homage Ia It's ignorant and crafty ten
ant, but, with all their oheiSaucc, IT Is not on
record that one of them wished him, among
other greetings, a third term But few drunk
en- men were seen on the streets and in a ma
iority of the houses only chocolate, coffee and
like beverages were served the guests j.
Temperance really making some progress ?
Mr.. j. p. Irvine, of this city. a poet Of some
talent and a great deal of soul, has just finish
cd a poem entitled Washington and His Mon
ument. 1t is written in quite an happy style,
and there is discernibe just a touch Of sarcasm
in some If the verses Tide these
The monuments unfinished, George,
| grieve TO tel YOU so,
According to the plans devised
Some forty years ago;
grand aud stately marble shaft
4 type OF thee and wars
It's base amid the columned States,
Its top anid the stars.
And. furthermore, I'll here remark
blush to tell YOU, George
OF funds within the treasury
There wasn't such a gorge;
And ere twas halfway buildcd up
According to the plans,
The funds and glory petcred oct,
And there, by George, it stands.
Although the last verse is, in reality, pro-
ptehc yet this will very probably be the up
shot Of tie great noise made some months
since regardin. the completion Of this Mlnn-
meut. Apart from 4 possible land probahIel
accidental miS.appropriation OF the funds sub
scribed for the cause, is likely that progress
siye America will use S, much cash oa a me-
mortal shaft when it can be expended in the
furtherius Of more practical interests, such as
railroads Union Pacific canals lBrookynl
and other substantial evidences Of progress p
No. predict, what has been pruphcscA be-
fore. that the great Washington Monument
will remain in its present condition for Cen
,cuuiaO scorn to point is uuerrius fnger at
next July How think You
JEAN SANS.