National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-12-31
GAY PHILADELPHIA.
SUPERIORITY OF THE QUAKER CITY.
speciai Correspondence orTnr RrrrnttcAr.

PHILADELPHIA, DEC Eo.--lt is ABOUT US gay mere
now as 1t ever gets TO be. The numerous enter
tainments, thronged sidewalks, and cheerful faces
show that the holidays are being enjoyed with a
zest fully up 10 former times From the smiles
and bows and general good humor OF the mer-
chants having holiday goods for sale one would
infer that money had been plenty, trade brisk and
shining dollars rolling in very fast. The window
decorations In many instances are elaborate and
beautiful, and the stores were never more attrac-
tive than they are at present There are 80 many
places OF interest to visit and so much to that
one need never be at q loss TO find ways and
means OF killing time with all her attractions,
though, there is something prosy and plodding
about life in ndelpha-partlcnarly Is this so
TO person who has been resident Of Washing.
ton. For substantial comfort, refined society, and
pleasant homes
THE CITY has NO SUPERIOR,
but when one looks up and down the narrow,
crowded streets and upon row after row OF brick
houses, all exactly alike. they cunnot help long
ing for the roomy proportions Of Pennsylvania
avenue, with its smooth pavement and distin.
guished prOmenaders for the dashing turnouts
and livcrled fOotmen and coachmcn of the foreign
ambassadors, for the swelling dome OF the beAuti.
full Capitol, and for the opportunity to step in and
enjoy tho stormy debates which some times must
make the building fairly tremblo for its future
welfare True, they do get up first. class cclebra.
tons, rarades, and entertainments here, but they
are usually upon such gigantic scale that one is
wcaricd to death before they arc half done, and
almost wish they had never been begun. While
am In this carping mood have also a word 10 sny
about the city authorities spelling the only fine
street they had by erecting the
PUBLIC BUILDINGS RIGHT ACROSS IT.
The buildings are rising rapidly, and although not
yet ready for the roof IRE far enough advanced TO
to give one very good idea Of what the whole
will be when finished. The architecture is very
fine and the pile very imposing, but the
beauty Of the structure will never atone for
choking up as II WERE the very heart Of the city.
There Is something remarkable about the growth
Of
when II Is remembered that II Is located ninety
miles from the ocean. The Delaware River Is n
noble river, and no doubt is very proud of floating
upon her waters every variety OF crafl, from the
mighty ocean steamer down to the graceful pleas
ure yncht, but the time consumed in reaching the
city from the coast must operate against her for
eign trade and affect her competition with other
cities more favornbly situated, ] was conversing
the other day with u lady, and not q very aged
lady either who told me that
SHE USED TO CO OUT MAYNG
when q little girl to the very spot where the new
public building are situated. AT that time II was
regular country all around II, and fields and fences
land hedges and sweet wild flowers prevailed
where are now stores md dwellings and pave
ments and street railways. What are now the
busy, noisy business streets were the abode Of
fashionable and well do families. Stephen
Girard lived at that time ON Water street. and she
saw him frequently as he passed TO and fro on his
way TO business or to his home. lie was n small
looking nun, and rather decided and
eccentric In his manner. There was story
lated of him at that time which showed the
heart and purse. During his walk to mis- home one
day he found man, q laborer In the street, who
had been injured by a wagon or heavy cart cart
him and were commissioning and condOling with
him ut great rate.
GIRARD STEPPED Up.
thrust his hand into his pocket drew out a note,
How much do you pity himY' IN a few minutes
he collected quite nice sum for the sufferer The
suburbs of Philadelphia are almost as extensive
nd oh mr. mo- rs AZ .Ih "a pn
ticularly is this true of Chestnut Hill and German
town. The latter possesses all the historical in
terest attached to your old town of B,adensburg
and thousand and one other attractions which /
nm afraid Biadensburg will not possess u hundred
years hence, unless she makes greater strides in
the future than She has done In the past At the
time of the battle of Germantown-viz October 3,
1777-the town consisted OF one long street, two
miles long. That street is still a feature OF the
place. only II has stretched out TO several miles in
stead Q( two and Is thanked on either sideby other
streets lined with charming villas. cosy cottages,
and handsome eyergreens. The Chew mansion,
which was made famous during the battle by af-
fordng cover for troops, is still standing, and q
number of other houses, which, from their hipped
roofs, low doors and tiny window. panes, l think
when have more time shall write you more fully
of the interesting old borough.
THIS CITY HAS LONG BEEN CELEBRATED
for It's handsome women. A walk down Chestnut
street these fine days would convince any that
the reputation Is well deserved The pretty laugh.
ing faces, looking out from poke bonnets, III all
snNueS OF OllNc, very De-
witching, How to clean the streets is the knotty
question Dotherug the authorities here now. Fiji
were possible to do away with the rough cobble-
stones and substitute concrete for them, l think
the question would not be so perpleXing. The
lovers of art have good opportunity this week OF
gratifying their aesthetic taste. The autumn cxhi-
biton of the Academy of Fine Arts is open every
day, also the exhibition Of the Philadelphia So
ciety of Artists. Both are interesting and well
worth visiting The theatres are all presenting
bills of unusual attraction. At the Academy OF
Music the comic opera of Patience" il running
| through the week. At the Chestnut Street Opera
House the comedians, Robson aud Crane, are de-
lighting crowded audiences. Those persons who
only enjoy the good, old fashioned plays of Shak-
speare find John Mccullough all that Is promised
Carncross will furnish it. VISITOR,