Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-09-11
LETTER FROM MANASSAS.
Correspondence of the Alexandria GAZETTE


MANASSAS, Va, Sept. IA year ago we
spent month most pleasantly on this his.
toric soil-historic and sacred, too, because
some of the best blood of the country was
shed on the Manassas plains One short
year has passed, and yet as we viewed the
surroundings on our arrival here few days
ago, we were astonished at its progress and
wondered at the many changes that had
taken place in that brief period.
The political market is quiet but firm.
In everything that has been done so far the
republicans have initiated the democrats.
The Cleveland pole is one Of the pIettest
YOU ever saw, with the flag of the Union
floating at the top. Below it comes a
streamer with the names of the presidential
nominees, and then you see another with
the name of John S. Barbour, in large let
tiers, inscribed thereon. This section is SOL
| id, and the republican vote, so ain told by
one who knows, will be less than at any
previous election.
About quarter of mile from the depot
| can be seeu the elegant residence of RUbt.
Portuer, of Alexandria, Va. The grounds
are tastefuly laid out, and the ornamental
constructed several fish ponds, from which
be has already obtained several delicious
carp. The only ratification left standing
around Manassas is on Mr., Portner's place,
and he is determined to keep it intact, and
| for the principal reason that it was built by
| Alexandria boys.
East Of the corporation line and near the
railroad can be seen another handsome res
idence, now almost completed, which will
soon be, occupied by its owner, Frank j.
Caunor, former proprietor aud owner of the
Cannor: House. 1t is delightfully."- situated,
ard will be one of the finest private resi-
dences in the place. Two large stores are
now iu course of erection, besides sew
eraI private residences. We count twelve
houNesauside of the corporation that are
now Occupied which were not in existence
at Z nime last year.
1ae Ramon House, now kept by w. S.
Pickett, formerly of Leesburg, Va, and SO
wesa ks,wn to the gallant boys of the 18th
ViIEin$, regiment in days gone BY is
ah,sndjstly patronized. The proprietor is
OF off: lie best in his line that we have met
wi, !, ssd his attention to his guests and his
an AiosJ soicitude for their comfort has
Aly$hcreased the trade aud reputation OF
the hs ,se. Indeed mine host Pickett is
tl." piEsce of hotel-keepers, and truly de.
seq Che support he receives.
:Sr. Harbour and the Presidential nomi-
ne&s I'll carry Prince William by not lie:
thSn S.,,ht hundred majority.
| i1hGaLanassas Gazette, as you know, has
CD rgea hands, and Us local paper ha.
grcatf simprovcd under the management Of
nf ol&:friend, Major Thornton and his son
wy W,Trhornton, jr. The unior member
Gfhhty6rm is the active member, and prom.
iy,r ~ be valuable addition to the protes
:%ha. Confederate cemetery wall is still
ulsIin &hed, but what has been done-about
ts;s,-t&irtls of the wall-has been done well
,Cke association has been compelled to stop
fo$ what of funds Most Of the money has
b,,.,n &aised in this county, and over 81 ,OOC
HIS already been spent, and every cent
st;ictiv accounted for. Can't the good peo-
pr ot.Alexandra help our friends here
Tteysre doing all they eau to make the
cemetery fitting receptacle for our glo'
riaus:tsead, and the work already done is
slfhcient guarantee of the patriotism and
sincerity of the managers.
We notice that the trains on the Midland
road bass and repass here crowded With
and tiss!!doing very heavy business, partic.
u!arly in freight, and under the able man.
agemeht of Col. w. NJ S. Dunn, Superin-
te ndel.t, and Col. J. S. B. Thompson, Gen
ernl Eeeight Agent, it is now one Of the best
railroads in the country.
Col. Jonas Fisher, the veteran railroader
was In town few days ago, and looks as
wei and active as he did years ago.
| OBSERVER