Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-05-03

plan OF destruction. At the time allotted for
this purpose there came down upon this vic!n-
lty cyclone of most destructive violence
houses were unroofed; chmneys prostra-
ted and new rOadways were cut through the
forests distinctly marking the path of the turbu-
lent visitor. On the subsistence of the storm.
1t was discovered that the enemy had retired
also, leaving the FoxaIl touGtiry unmolested.
CURIOUS ORIGIN OF FOUNDRY CHURCH.
Mr.. FOxall, under the circumstances regarded
the storm as Provdential Intervention, and
being local elder of the NJ. E. church. of
Georgetown on which many of the citizens of
Washington were dependent for church prvi-
leges, he concluded to build church that
would not only meet the religious needs
of such, but also remain an enduring express
sion of his gratitude to God for the
for him.. To consummate this well con-
ceived plan. he selected that desirable lot at
the corner of l4th and G streets northwest, and
erected thereon substantial brick church 40 by
6O feet, after the most approved model for Meth
odist churches of that day. and although in
herently opposed to pews in the house of God,
he would have the seatings in the southeast
angle OF the audience chamber fitted up with
pew enclosures for the special use OF the
September, 1915. 1t was dedicated, Rev. Mich
Olas Sneathen officiating on the occasion.
In due time Mr.. FOxall decided the premises
In Zee to certain trustees, for the use of
the Methodist Episcopal church of the United
states OF North America, and to be forever
known and distinguished as the Foundry
chapel. This noble gift was we'll timed and
mighty priced by its recipients, for. at that time,
there was not church in Washington west of
10Th street save the Friends Meeting House
and the First Baptist church.
HARD WINTER AND HIGH PRICES.
The winter following the invasion of the capt.
uQ tad tn t. "a
tude TO render it more oppressive. the en-
barge occasiOned by the presence Of the British
fleet cut off the usual supplies from the Poto-
mac and Its tributaries, and from the Chesa-
peake, upon which the cities Of the District
were wont to rely for their winter requisites.
AS result of this embargo, flour ran up from
50 to Sl5 per barrel; wood brought readily $25
per cord; the supply could not be obtained even
at that price; the same was the case with other
necessaries OF life. To mitigate the sad want of
1uel. u. w. p. Custis permitted families needing
wood for home use to cut end remove wood
from the Arlington forests free of charge. The
Potomac being frozen over at that time strong
enough to bear full-lOaded carts with perfect
safety, the generous offer was accepted to such
an extent as to give the line of travel the ap-
pearance of a well-worn country pike.
AFTER THE STORM A CALM
The severity of the winter. the scarcity of sup
plies, the sad condition of the publis buildings,
"a shin-plaster currency" and rumors of the re-
mOval OF the seat of government combined to
I'LL the minds OF the citizens with most gloomy
approximations. Tardy peace at length came
booming from over the 'vasty Deep" and with
her magic wand, parted the murky cloud and
let In the cheering sunlight once again to the
hearts and homes Ofthe MetrOpOtans in which
the denizens of the states shared also; and, to
give emphasis to this happy event, Congress
turned deaf ear to the Birds of Evil Omen"
that were cawing for the removal of the seat of
government, and ordered the reconstruction of
the demolished buildings. Private enterprise
under the inspiration of this order. resumed a
from the human Breast deserted a glorious
future for the republic and its capital.
POLITICAL EXPERIMENTS.
Passing to another department of the cty's
history. 1t should be stated that the setting
apart of a District, of well defined boundaries,
In which the seat of the general government
should be located, and within which it should
nave entire control, was a necessity resulting
from the autonomy of the federal Constitution.
individuals. accepting citizenship, with knowl-
edge OF tine facts i'm the case ought LOYALTY to
receive the custOdans of the nations vast in
terests as the proper guardians of their co-ordi-
nate interests.
During the years Of our District existence.
preceding the adoption of the present District
government. number of experiments were
tried with UNMARRIED results viz failures Hap
PLY tor the government and for the District.
we have found firm
ANCHORAGE AT LAST
BY accepting form of government recognized
By the federal Constitution and an agreement
with the United States to share equally with the
in the expenses incurred. The
appointment OF e. Jutves by the President and
confirmed by the Senate; the accounts held
strictly under the scrutiny and guidance of the
Treasury department; the sound policy and In
tegrity of the Commissioners for the past years,
has brought the District up to plane of order
security, healthfulness, beauty, permanent
improvements, and economy withal, as were
never before approached, which must secure the
approval OF the Representatives of the United
States, as 1t does the large majority of the
property-holders. Having faith in the national
Congress and in the citizens of the District, who
have suffered SO much by former experiments.
end who have realized so much of heplulness
and security as property holders from the pres
ent system. shall rest satisfied that it will re-
main undlsturbed while our national fabric
endures. &c II