The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1879-11-13
Washington, Letter.
[From Our Regular Correspondence


GFrom Our Regular Correspondent.l
WASHINGTON, d. c., Nov. Z, 1879.
Our, so.called, National Fair has
proved decided success. Pecuniarily
it has exceeded all lanticipations, for the
attendance has been much larger than
was deemed possible in the outstart,
and this, too, under the large admission
charged, so cents. The running and
trotting races were excellent, for some
of the best horses in the country par
ticipated. The mile track is an excel
lent one and certainly has not a super
iOr anywhere. The best herds of cattle
of Virginia and Maryland competed
for premiums and make a show fully
equal in extent and worth to that of
any State Fair in the North. So with
horses. Gen. Grants Arabian Stall
lions were among these, and of course
attracted universal notice, for every
body wanted to see them. These two
horses are as gentle and playful as kit
tens, allowing all who wish to fondle
and caress them. Ladies will put their
faces close to the noses of the horses
who will gently attempt to nip and
bite, taking care, however, not to touch
either the face or clothing. We saw
one nipping at the lapel Of a gentle.
mans coat, first one side and then the
other, as playfully as puppy would,
every action indicating a familiarity
and fearlessness as great as petted
dog. Alongside of these docile ami
mails were ranged our American Stall
lions, Gagged and strapped up as II dam
gerous beasts, no one daring to touch
or even closely approach, making an
interesting contrast and arousing the
natural query, why should our native
horses not be as gentle and kind as the
Arabian? The contribution Of paint
ings to the Fair Art Hall were very
great. Several large manufacturers of
Agricultural Implements fairly emp
tied their warehouses into the COM
peting halls. So between the grand
racing, the grand show ofcattle, horses
and swine, the extensive contributions
to the Fine Art, Domestic and Ma
chinery Halls, we feel we have done
wonders and have just cause for pride.
To raise $4,000, buy $50 acres of land
and cover it with buildings and make
a success of Fair; all inside of 80
days, shows that we have live, ener-
getic business men here as we'll as West
and that Washington may now be
taken out Of the category of old fogy
cities. We take pleasure in chroni-
cling our success because it is the first
step in that direction by our people,
and while grand Fairs are common to
your readers, ours is new to us, aud we
must be permitted to exult, just rs a
boy is when rugged out in his first pair
of boots and pants. The weather was
quite cold part of the time, yet as the
make the racing track heavy, or even
to lay the dust, the number of daily
visitors was quite lsrge-on some days
reaching an estimate of 10000.
Next to the Fair in interest stand
the unveiling ceremonies of General
Thomas equestrian statue, which is to
be erected on the pedestal built under
the appropriation of $2O, 900 by Con-
gress, and the reunion of the Army of
the Cumberland, both ceremonies to
take place on the 10th and Goth insts.
The statue has been pronounced per-
feet and masterpiece of art, and will
arrive here and be placed in position
by a committee in charge by the 18th,
and every arrangement completed so
that nothing may occur to mar or pre-
vent the unveiling on the 18th. Thou
sands are expected to be present, as
the committee, Gems. Garfield, Young
and McCoOk, have received assurances
to that effect from comrades in all
parts of the country, and an immense
tent, capable of seating 10000 people
has been provided for the reunion ex-
ercises. 1t will be erected in the rear
grounds of the White House, and will
be lighted with the electric light. AS
Gen. Grant has consented to partici-
puJC III V1c CcTcHlOAlco u utSS IlccllHk
was held at Lincoln Hall and 100 citi-
zens were appointed by the chairman
to arrange for his reception when he
arrives. just what course will be pur-
sued towards him by our people is not
as yet determined, but party lines will
evidently not he drawn in the matter
as a number of such bitter partisans as
Don Piatt appear among the commit
teemen, and we may therefore expect
as hearty greeting will be extended
him as in the West.
One of our well known grocers, Mr..
Frank Golden, was burned to death in
his store. 1t is supposed he set fire to
his beard, which was very long, and
the flames communicated with his
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