The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1881-11-10
Letter From the Exhibitor.
THE NATIONAL CAPITOL AND THE IMPRoV EMENTS
THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND IT'S CURIosI-
TIES RELICS OF THE REVOLUTION. SECRETARY
BLAINES LATE DIPLOMATIC CIRCULAR.

lhk NAlloNA AL CAIlIUL AND TIE 1MPRON EMENTS.
THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND ITS CURIOsI-
THIS. RELICS OF THE REVOLUTION. SECRETARY
BLAINEs LATE DIPLOMATIC CIRCULAR
WASHINGTON, Nov I, 1881
EDITOR JOURNAL; The Capitol which remem.
Der in the days before the war, as one of the most
unattractive of cities has since arisen not from its
ashes, but from its Astounding mud Broad, well
paved and asphaltum covered avenues. airy and
well lighted streets and attractive buildings make
the renovation most marked and gratifying The
city, too, is rapidly acquiring reputation as de
slrable place for winter sojourn. There is very
much to crafty the curious and the pleasure
seeker, commencing with the assembling of Con
gress and continuing to the return of summer
heats More than over before of this latter class
are reported to be coming this winter ard hotels
and boarding house keepers are preparing for a
harvest.
One thing which strikes the travelled stranger
here is the liberal spirit towards those from abroad
which pervades all classes 4 gentleman who has
| travelled much tells me that while educated and
apparently well to do people in other countries
Will accept and even expect pay for the most
trltilng service, here such things arc unknown
Strangers are politely shown the way, even at the
expense of much trouble, and the resident feels
insuIted should pay be offered.
THE STATE DEPARTMENT. ITS cURIosIrIEs
While killing little time the other dav went
to the upper stories Of the State Department being
thereto introduced BY Mr. Sherman. the verv at
tennve and polite gentleman who acts as private
secretary to Secretary Blaine Mr. Sherman Is a
native Of Bucksport. Besides the large collection
OF rare and valuable books which this library con
ains, there is much OF great historical value. and
no small amount which interests the curious The
General Washington collection Of manuscripts
bound in about hundred ana fifty large vol
umes and carefully inde1cd include all the rapers
connected with his public career as well as much
that related TO hi. private life lie was most
careful and panstaking preserver OF every hing Of
the kind that related to his affairs Al his letters
account books, etc, were flied away and preserved
was shown the original letter written BY Major
Andre Oct. lst 1850 asking to be shot instead of
dying upon gibbet-a most gallant entleman
but spy nevertheless No reply made, and
next day Andre marched to All gnominIous death
There are also the Identical letters which after his
escape TO the British lines, the traitor Arnold
wrote to Gen. Washington, in which he threatens
retaliation for Andres death-out which threat
was never acted upon
The original manuscript Of the Declaration Of
Independence is shown-the ink faded, only the
bold signature of John Hancock being really le.ible
They must have used inferior ink IN signing. for
the unsigned original draft If the Declaration. as
Jefferson wrote it. which is framed and shown. Is
easily read with the cancellations BY Adams ard
Franklin. Beside it is a pen sketch of The modest
monument which Jefferson wished ercced over
his grave, stating that he was .Author Of tie
Declaration Of independence Of the statute Of
Virginia for religious freedom and father Of tile
University of Virginia"
In a case with other precious relies is the sword
which Washington wore at tile battle of Prince
ton and also Franklin cane These inspired that
stirring lyric beginning
The sword of the hero,
The staff of the sage
hose valor and wisdom
We're stamped on the age
Time Laowed mementoes
OF those who have riveu
Inc sceptre from tyrant9
The !ightnlngs from heaven
There is also the original commission signed ~
ton as Commander in Chief
These are all, to be sure but suggestions of
memories Of dead ana gone past-but a past how
rich with deeds that make men immortal Ienyy
not the man who stand IN presence Of these
relics and not feel his heart stirred by quicker
tlrob, and his patriotism thereby refined and
exalted
Among the other curious and interesting objects
II the library is the massive silver vase presented
by the citizens Of Philadelphia to Commodore Hull
after his victory in the trgate Constitution over
the British frigate Gucrrere in 1912 Alsoasword
and pistols presented to him by the state of Con
necueut There is curious and eaboratelv cary
ed whales tooth, which the King Of Fiji sent To the
state department many Years ago as a token and
pledge that he would pay large sum of money
for whale ship which he had captured and de
stroyed This tooth was sent mainly because an
United States ship of war was there showing h,,
teeth at him And the money was relglousy
PAID In this department is also an elaborate vase
two feet high, richly ornamentcd, which was
awarded to the United States as the grand prize
Of the Emperor Of Germany at tie Berlin Fish
Exhibition
SECRETARY BLAINE