National Republican., 1878-08-19
RAMBLEs ARotND wAsHrNGros.
Some Of the Attractive and Interesting
Places Briefly Described.

"s7haN"hVNt ~ VI mug ACfCs
To he Editor Of he National RepHbiican:
The different places Of interest and resort
In and about our city have been so often do.
scribed by ADLER pens that anything might
have to say will be of but little interest to
yourself or readers; but, knowing your dis
position to give all q aearing, with your per-
mission have concluded to send you few
lines
To those who are compelled on account Of
business or limited means to stay at homo dur
ing the hot season Washington Is becoming
more attractive every year. The desire Of all
strangers visiting the National Capital Is first
to go through our public buildings, In connec-
tion with which arc several delightful parks.
The grounds of the Smithsonian building La
fayetto Park, opposite the Presidents mansion,
and tho park also south Of the Presidential
mansion, as also tho grounds Of Franklin
Square, are delightful retreats where one can
while away an hour or so very pleasantly.
Washington In its surroundings possesses
many places Of interest worthy of note, among
which arc few the stranger, IL time will pcr.
nit, should not fail to see. The old Congress
strnal Cemetery, bordering OH the Eastern
Rrancb iJ we'll worth visit. The Natioual
Cemetery at Arlington overlooking the cities
"f Washington and Georgetown, Is n beautiful
place TO visit, the outlook from which upon
the great dome of the Capital is truly mag
nihcunt.
Tospeak, however, Of this spot as II deserves
in connection with the past and the bOuntcous
entertainments which have been given there
from time to time to men of note. both native
and foreign, would occupy more time and
space than you will allow. Oak Hill Gene terry
ntf f.aDt.f atptx. ttyn
of its great number Of acres yet, with It's grand
old oaks, is more picturesque, and, will ven.
ture to say, for Its size, is without rival either
IN America or Europe. The Soldiers Home,
on an elevated plain just north of the city
limits, with its lovely winding walks and
drives, must not omit to mention, for II Is
one OF the most attractive spots about Wash
ington. and should not be lost sight of by visit.
ors coming TO our city. The outlook from this
elevated spot gives to the beholdcr splendid
view of the city south, overlooking which the
eye rests upon the waters of the broad Poto.
mac, taking in at the same time the navy-yard
upon the left, and on the right tho Long Bridge
which crosses into Virginia.
The Great Falls, on the upper Potomac, of
late years Is becoming quite place of resort
by the denilcns of Georgetown and Washing
ton. Tho route to the Great Falls takes the
visitor over the majestic arch of Cabin Johns
Bridge, which spans the creek Of that name
This Is truly season Of cheap excursions, not
only in our own vicinity, but throughout our
land. One can enjoy u steamboat excursion
now on the Potomac for ten cents up TO 81 80
according to time and distance. One dollar
and n half will enable the tourist to visit all
the lower Potomac, including Fortress Mon
roe and Norfolk.
But the most attractive spot to the tourist
after doing the city and Departmental build.
ings is Mount Vernon, where, strangers both
native and foreigr, like to go. 1t Is not only
the most desirable point on the river to reside,
but the most delightful retreat within the
same distance for all who wish for few hours
or day to fee the heat Of the city, where,
under its grand old sbade trees aud on its green
lawn, with u refreshing breeze, one can in
dulge the appetite in all the good things from
the picnic basket.
Eut Mount Vernon Is more place Of resort
for Gll strangers because Of the vcnsritiOn in
which II is held fol the memory of Washing
ton. Everything in connection with this sacred
spot seems so hushcd and quiet for day of
rcpose. The mind of the American visitor who
lands for the first time on the soil of Mount
Vernon Is AZ once impressed with feeling
OF awe and Is filed with solemn respect for
the history OF the past that compcls its posses.
sor to tread lightly.
The writer's first visit to Mount Vernon was
in Is 10, anl he has been in the habit of making
occasional visits there over since. On the Occa-
sion of my first visit the Mount Vernon estate
! think, was occupied by Mr.. John 4. Wash.
ingtOn, al which time visitors were not al
lowed, unless acquainted, access to the man.
sion. | found at the above date the buildings
In u dilIpiiatcl state, fast going into d, cay :;
but since it has become tho property OF the
Mount Vernon Association everything In con.
ncction with the estate is being rcOrganized
from year to year, though the original desigr s
in architecture are kept up. Indeed, great
praise is due the association for the improve
mcnts they are making. A water ran il being
constructed at this time below the spring an
near the river, for the purpose of throwing
water up to the mansion. | was struck with
tho tall, luxuriant corn | saw few days since
growing OF the SAME ground that IN 1874 would
not produce stalks much larger than pipe.
stems.
Captain Hollingsworth, who seems to be in
charge Of the place, | found to be an affLblo
gentlemanly man. The steamer Mary Wash
ington, which nov runs between Washington
aud Mount Vernon, Is great improvement
over the Arrow. She Is 1 larger boat and her
upper deck being open on all sides, gives free
ventilation OF air. Her officers are ohliging
and gentlemauly. would, however, inst here
suggest to Captain Blake the propriety of pro.
yiding mirror or small looking. gluss in the
Ecntlcmcn's wlSh.rCOm for their convenience.
1t is to be regretted that the time-hOnored Gus
tim Of toilng the bell, which has been in use
so many year, by most steamboats, while pass.
ing Mount Vernon, has been. done away with.
for one should like to SEQ this cOmmcndablo
custom again come in use, for the reason that
1t served as notice to nll strangers that they
were opposite tho residence and tomb Of the
vcnerated dead. d. p. p.