The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1883-06-08
WASHINGTON LETTER.
(From our regular Correspondence
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WASHINGTON LETTER.
tFrom our regular CorrcspOndent.)
wAsHINoroN, ID. c., May rs. 1883.
The capital city of to day does not
consist chiefly OF Congress, US It did in
those primitive times before the war
though many people of large towns and
cities rs well as those of the rural dis
tricts, who have not visited it Of late
years are still of the impression that,
devoid of Congress, Washington is fiat
and unintercsting. In reality no city
of America can compare with il in beau
ty or in interest independent Of the
presence of Congress. The growth of
the resident population from 1870 to
1880 was $1,000. Families Of wealth
End culture are constantly buying and
building homes here, because of the
physical beauty of the city, and the
unique advantages OF its society. The
city has well nigh outgrown all DEEPEN
dent conditions. Its status renders il
independent Of the presence of the de-
partments, just as in social matters the
presence of Congress is no longer con-
sidered.
One of the chief glories of Washing
ton ~ its one hundred ami thirty-two
miles of trees, now in full leaf.
Every street and avenue Ii lined with
them they shade the parks and little
triangles and squares of green which
the peculiar conformation Of the city
places Mt almost every street corner.
Just now the foliage il brilliant and
fresh and the whole city seems framed
in living green. The squares and
circles are n special feature Of the capl
tai, the most beautiful OF which are
Lincoln, Franklin, and Lafayette. They
are adorned with beds Of flowers from
the government gardens that are thor
oughly cared for. They are delight
to the eye of the passer-by, and afford
lovely outlooks Tor the houses facing
them.
The experimental station of the vetcr.
mary division of the U. S. Agricultural
Department recently established near
this city, is now completed, and will
be formally opened this week under tho
general supervision of DR.. d. +. Sal
mon, one of the most skillful scientific
veterinarians known in the profession.
His abundant experience rs scientific
investigator entities him to the high
distinction which he now holds before
the country. The station is located
about mile from the northeastern
boundary of this city, and contains
about seven acres of ground, which is
splendidly adapted to the uses for which
it is designed, and improved by the
erection of buildings, fitted up nicely
with stalls for the care of animals, and
dissecting rooms and other conveniences
required for scientific experiments and
treatment OF epidemic diseases in DOM
esticated animals. 1t is the intention
to first take up the treatment of cattle
diseases, commencing with pleuro-
pneumonia and Spanish or Texas fever.
Hog and chicken cholera will also claim
proper attention, as they are considered
matters Of essential interest and impor-
lance since they cause an aggregate loss
annually of many millions of dollars to
breeders.
The bright hopes that were enter.
tanned few years ago of an extensive
cattle trade with Europe are now
threatened with total extinction through
the prevalence of disease among the
herds Of western cattle. The action
taken by foreign governments prohibit
ing inlportations is because these dis.
eases exist among the cattle of the
United States. The interest involved
is enormous, and the anticipated success
awaiting the result OF these experiments
will he welcomed as the harbinger OF
brighter day for one of the most inn
portant of our American interests.
On Tuesday the President went to
New York to attend the exercises Of
the opening OF the Brooklyn bridge.
He was the guest of the bridge trustees,
and stopped at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.
He was accompanied by Secretary Fol
ger, Attorney General Brewster, Secre-
tary Chandler, and Postmaster General
Gresham. Secretary Frelinghuysen has
been ut his home in Newark, New Jer
sey, for some time. Secretary Lincoln
is at Fort Erie on a vacation, and Secre-
tary Teller has gone to Carlisle, Pa, to
visit the Indian school there. So for
several days this week the depart
ments were in the hands OF the assistants
of cabinet officers and Washington was
without an administration.
Thursday was Queen VictOrias birth.
day, and the British residents OF the
city celebrated it IN quiet way. The
British legation was the central point |
of interest, and many persons called |
there during the day to pay their re-
spects to her majesty through her repre-
sentative, Sir Lionel West. An elegant
banquet was given in the evening at the
embassy, at which the guests were
the ministers Of the foreign countries
and few distinguished Americans.
The President and Cabinet officers,
being absent from the city, sent their
regrets.