Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-05-18
Letter from Washington.

Mr. Editor Again we have read with
joyful hearts the beautiful promise The
ruddy fruits and ripened grain were gathered
in, the leaves fell, the flowers faded, the great
shroud was spread. We saw the leaden skies
and the trees tettered with ice. We mourned
that the voice OF the brook was hushed in
death. Desolation and despair were writ
ten on Natures pallid face. But the cold
and dreary days are gone. The sunlight
and the shadows frolic ON the hills smiling
in verdure, the violet bids glad good morn
ing to the storm-beaten oak above her, and
at evening we hear the tinkling bells of the
cattle as they slowly wander homeward.
Life life is the song OF the birds in the
forest, the song of bursting buds, the song
of the crystal river that glides majestically
along to the sea. And so shall we die,
chilled by the winters frost; so shall we
live again in the golden sunshine.
The citizens Of Washington are prepar-
ing to lay aside work for the summer months,
that is AS many AS can are so doing. Pala-
tial mansions with their graceful corniccs
4 and the humble dwellings of the poor are
alike unable to please the eye when the air
/ is laden with sweet odors borne on the wings
| of the spring breezes. The glare upon wall
and pavement and street isoppressive All
are tired and painting for rest. Every
thing that looks like the country is eagerly
welcomed. How il cheered US to see the
tender blades OF grass springing up on the
few little plots of ground not groaning be-
meath the dull, heavy load Of bricks The
children are constantly making expeditions
TO the woods in search of wild flowers. Ii
is touching TO see some of their little faces
pinched with want, light up with pleasure
to find even dandelon ;,from it they oh.
tain, perhaps, some poor, faint idea of the
beauties of those fields which they, alas
have but seldom or never seen. The trade
of the city seems to be as good rs ii usually
is at this season.
Politics is at discount. One point should
however, be noticed in this connection The
Republican press is rolling under its tongue
as u sweet morsel the somewhat disordered
condition of the Maryland Democracy, and
is predicting great Republican victories il
that State. We are not much alarmed, for We
have frequently heard the thunder crash ant
dogs bark. Yet Fds est db hOste dOceT. Let thu
Democrats Of Maryland carefully enquire
whether there is any real ground for thi'
exultation Of their foe. Can ii be possible
that at the very time when, after long
struggle, an advance is to be made along tn,
whole line, when the banners are proudly
floating and when victory hovers over GU
ntdelS, thh IL Dt ppNSlbit tiliil Nv sum u iitb'
the Maryland division are to break and flee
nay, to assault their fellows in the rear
Surely, surely not.
1t may interest the friends Of DIR. J. l.
Lodge to know that during the few month
of stay with the North Baptist Church h
has had and still has abundant reasons 70
encouragement in his labor.
! The Columbian University, as we SAT-
7 some time ago, is showing signs Of new life
A very handsome building was recent
!, constructed for the Preparatory School at
cost of $4,000 This department Of tn
University, like all the others, is famed fC
its excellent course of instruction. Tn
, school is under the charge of DR. o.
Mason. This fact will be the only recon
, mendation needed by those acquainted wit
the Professor. lie knows the way to th
hearts of the boys. For he remembers hi
, own youth, and sympathizes in the thought
and aspirations Of his students. Many
prosperous man owes him lasting debt {
gratitude for the loving words of encourage
2 ment and the wise words of advice spoke
at the critical time when the energies wer
to be directed into right channels and
noble character was TO be formed. At a
early date work will be begun on a buildin
: for the collegiate department Of the Univel
sity, which will take high rank among tn
college edifices of the country. May Colun
ban receive the patronage OF Maryland.
Yours very truly,
: LEE DAVIS LODGE.
q Nav y, 1888