Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-04
ALEXANDRIA,,
FIRE TO CLEAR LAND.

FIRE TO CLEAR LAND.
For some days the usual brush fires, kindled
to clear the fields for spring planting, have
been burning in this neighborhood from WASH
ington harbor to Potomac creek. the flames in
some cases going beyond bounds, but injuriug
nothing of value. This custom of spring fires
in the underbrush is older than the first settle
ment OF the Potomac side by white men. The
Necostisn Indian never did hard work and
when he wanted TO plant a tobacco
patch he selected an opening in the
forest, but II no opening was convenient,
he fred the forest in places where the trees
were smallest and burned n clear place, where
tobacco could be planted. and made the Indian
women make his title crop of the comforting
weed. These fires were numerous in early
days that to them was attributed the thirsty ap-
pearsnce OF some sections of the country in
the spring. The white plan tiers often followed
the Indian fashion, but after wood became of
value forest fires ceased and the burnings were
confined to the brushwood Of once cleared
fields that had become overgrown.
THE THOMAS CoLLYER IN ANOTHER WORLD.
The steamer Thomas Collyer. which for
many years before the late war WAS one of the
steamers which carried passengers from this
city to Washington, is now in Florida and runs
between Fernandina and Brunswick. making
trips on Cumberland sound. She has been re-
built and Is now known the steamer Bruns-
wick. Undertaken John r. Wright of Washing
ton, formerly Of this city. made trip upon the
old steamer few weeks ago.
4 COUNTY LAND COMBINATIONS.
The needs of public improvements are now
requiring considerable concentrations of land
in Alexandria county and Judge Chichester has
fixed the 18th instant for the jury to examine
the land OF ii. ). johnson and others proposed
to be taken by the Washington Southern Rail-
Iva no
viewers Of the proposed new road from the
Aqueduct bridge to the Military road will make
another survey and submit to the next term of
the court a route which is not subject to over
flow and does not pass over the land OF the
United States.
A CUTTING AFFRAY.
A rencounter took place on the streets last
night shortly before 10 clock between George
Cant and his stepson, George Macuen. Cant
cut Macuen a cash across the lower jaw near
the neck which made a serious wound. but ia tai
results are not anticipated. The mayor sent
the accused on to the grand jury.
COUNTY COURT.
The court Of Alexandria county. held in the
city of Alexandria, Judge d. NJ Chichester pre-
siding. was occupied Monday with the motion
for the establishment of a new public road
from the Aqueduct bridge to the Military road
John GRETCHEN and r. H. Phillips appeared in
behalf OF the applicants, and Morgan Beach of
Alexandria, Va, represented tine only Directing
land owners, A. S. Worthington and C.. q.
Phuger, both non-residents. Abundant testi-
mony was produced showing the advantage
and conveniences OF the proposed road. The
lvanwold property Of about $50 acres, largely
owned by Washingtonans and overlooking the
city. and numerous other tracts were shown TO
be almost inaccessible without this road The
court finally ordered that the commissioners
appointed in January should make a further
examination of the Route in order to change
the line somewhat
On the probate side of the court the will of
Mary A. Adams was admitted to probate. The
applications for licenses to sell liquor have been
postponed until the next term OF the court.
NOTES.
Deputy Chief A. L. Dent of Washington made
a visit to Refuge Council. Sons of Jonadab, last
night. He WAS handsomely received and made
an eloquent address.
The chain lightning of one of the electric
cars got unclaimed few days ago and escaped,
but after sporting awhile near the dixie it came
back to the charge Of its keepers and has lately
been very tame.
Two blocks, four acres on West street be-
tween Princess and Oronoko, recently pur-
chased by the Messrs. Helmuth, are now to be
laid out in building lots to facilitate the extern
sion of the city.
The Alexandria Episcopal churches have re-
elected their vestrymen.
The Columbia Fire Company's Easter ball at
McBurneys Hall last night WAS one Of the most
pleasant gatherings of the season.
Judge Norton has granted to Peter McCart-
ney letters OF administration upon the estate Of
the late VIM. Fletcher, in Virginia.