Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-07-20
LETTER FROM WASHING Ton.
From the State 80 the National Capt.
tai Working for Mercer The
Scene of GGITeau's CrIme-A Day In
tbe Patent Office A Unique City
The Delight of students and the
Mecca of Placemen-A Hopeful
ColOred Citizen.

wAsHIsGToN July 1s- Editor Morning
Neirs: Last week was in the capital Of Geor
gia, mingiing with its Legislators and learning
their views ON the question of the Lunatic
Asylum, the liquor trafac, and the system of
State education. To-day am at the capital of
the United States. but fortunately, or unfor-
tunately, the CongTessmen have left. AS to
heat the capitals are much alike-both near
the burning point.
lam here, as everywhere, in the interest of
Christian education. A man without morality
and religion is without character That which
God values iu this life and the next is charao
ter. Nihilism and fanaticism are dangerous to
society and to government. Our collegiate
education can never be safe unless it be under
Christian influences. Our denominational col
ieges must be supported. 1 am trying to en-
list the interest and support of the Baptists of
Georgia and Florida for Mercer University at
Macon.
In coming to Washington it is a pleasant
change TO take the steamer Excelsior" from
QuanticO up the Potomac to the city; thus
ssng Mount Vernon and Fort Washington.
Tee steamer is elegant and swift running.
Washington is unlike our cities generally, in
that it is made and sustained not by trade, but
by the Government Of the United States.
beautiful place it is becoming, with its almost
great government buildings. the museums, the
libraries, the hotels and the thousands of gov
eminent employees, make up, to o great
extent, the capitol Of the nation.
Just now many persons who pass this way
visit The depot of the Baltimore and Potomac
Railf Dad to see the place where the President
STOOD when shot by Guite2u. You can at oncs
see bow the assassin was concealed, and yet
within few feet of Mr.. Garfield. The build
ing in which Mr.. Lincoln was shot is now
government museum of the army and navy.
passed several hours in the Patent Cfice,
where / was greatly impressed with the ma
teridl progress OF our country. In 1877 about
half of the models in the building were burned
16l.0C0 models. There have been is
sued by the government 24i,363
patents. In connection with the
Patent Office is q special library to aid the
department in investigating all the patents of
the old world. There is the best collection of
leyicons / have ever seen classical lexicons,
lexicons Of the modern languages, glossaries,
dictionaries of family names, christian names,
of obsolete words, of phrases etc.
Washington is plea SAINT place in which to
reside for tho who love science and litera-
ture. The Smithsonian Institute. with the
many museums, and the departments of the
government. furnish ample facilities for scien-
tiic pursuits. But it is for Office that the null
titude come here. Those in office are tor
mented with the fear of losing their positions,
have trying to get into office There is a negro
here from Georgia who says he has no office
yet. but expects to get one soon He works
for his bread, and hence can afford to wait
longer than many of the offlce-seekers who
come to Washington. S. LANDRUA.