Smyrna times., 1894-05-02
For The Smyrna Times
Letter From a Former Smyrnaian.
A1RANv N V Anil 90 LOO

ALBANY, n. Y, April 20, 1894.
1t Is well we remember how we
looked forward to a treat at the end of
each month as we sat day after dav in
the Grammer department of District
school No. 5. 1t was the custom of our
ever patient and petite teacher lwho is
still teaching the young idea how to
shoot; therefore deserves a pension) to
allow US the privilege upon the last
Friday afternoon in each month to put
aside our books and to listen to some
interesting story or the description of
what our congenial commissioners Mr..
George II. Raymond had seen on one
OF his pleasure trips, narrated in
most interesting manner. 1t was upon
one OF these occasions he related his
trip up the Hudson which inspired us
with the desire to see it more than
ever. The scenery without exception
is the finest in the country and | m ist
acknowledge my inability to give
graphic description of it. The places
of most interest are West Point and
Albany. The latter, is the place where
l spent considerable time in taking in
the sights of the Capitol City of the
Empire State. 1t is inhabited by a
class Of people who are very conserva-
tive in business and comprises the most
arstocratic in the State. There is
more life in the adjoining city, Troy,
which is only six miles distant and
readily reached by electric cars.
Albany is very hilly city; perhaps
due to the fact, being the home of
Senator Hill, whom it is claimed runs
the political gauntlet there. In the
centre of the city is a beautiful park at
the edge of which, is situated lovely
lake and in winter is kept cleared at
the expense Of the city for the skaters.
Skating is u most popular sport here as
they have so many places of access for
this most enjoyable exercise. In con-
sequence of which both boys and girls
are the pictures of health and as their
cheeks possess a ruddy hue the fair sex
find cosmetics are unnecessary. It was
my pleasure to listen to an interesting
discourse given at the Presbyterian
church by DR.. Raymond, recently cleo
ted President of Union College, on the
subject Curling" a game played on
ice with curling irons and a favorite
pastime among the Scotch where it has
its origin.
The principal place in the city that
attracts so much attention is the Capt.
tol building, one of the finest in the
country, erected at the expense of $22,
600, 900 and it is said before completion
will cost another $1O,OOOO,OO0. During
January there were 1,700 men en-
| plOyed upon its work. The building
stone is imported from Scotland and
Mexico, the remainder being granite
from Maine. One of the passage ways
is only surpassed by the Niaducts in
Paris, showing some of the finest speci
mems of sculpturing. Colossal busts OF
some of our heroes as we'll as those of
the Greek gods are sculptured in the
| huge pillars. In one apartment we
| find many valuable relics of our Civil
Revolutionary and Mexican wars
| There are also many trophies in the
form of flags and military paraphernals
| in large glass cases which attract the
| eye of the cOnnoisseuer. The clothing
of many of our dead heroes are on ex-
hibition. We also see some pictures
that give US an idea of the hardships
endured during our civil war such is
that of Libby prison. 1t was in this
building ! had the pleasure to listen tC
| Mrs. Anna Shaw, one of the few or
| dained lady ministers and Miss Susar
Anthony, the veteran of the Woman.
sufierage question. Miss Anthony
! spoke upon the question of Bread MOI
| Votes" Some of our sturdiest mer
squIrmed at some of her remarks other.
made themselves conspicuous by theil
absence. The following evening Henry
George spoke in the hail which was .
real stag party in comparison to th'
! previous night.
Albany possesses many fine churches
| two free Libraries and two colleges
The female college which was located
in the centre of the city was recently
torn down to the chagrin of many of its
alumni and converted into a larg,
| grocery store.
There is q fine building known al
the Agricultural building in which are
many valuable specimens of agricult
ure, also many agricultural implements
of pioneer life. There are also many
| geological specimens and many varieties
VI NOAi AAA A2Oh bAC lAOAu CNNly COuu
try. Suspended from the ceiling is th,
skeleton of an immense whale whicl
is sufficient in size to swallow any mar
the size of Jonah.
Albany possesses many fine theatres
The Albany, which was recent,
burned, the Leland, the Gaiety and tn
HarmOnus Bleecher Hall, the latter the
finest in the city: here l saw the flu,
opera Fra Diayolo," by the Wilbu
Opera Company. Upon the drop cur
tain is painted a beautiful scene o
Henry Hudson discovering the river O
his namesake, 1909. Upon the shor
we see the Indian standing around hi
camp fire looking with Consideration
at the approach of the ship.
AS we stand upon the wharf and Sc,
the boats going too and from, there il
every indication of business aud wher
we take a tour on one of those palatia
steamers which run from New York Il
Albany we can scarcely realize we are
on the water. They are 500 feet il
length, Net Tonnage, 2,6S6.07, Breadth
rs, Depth 1913 feet.
Saratoga Springs which is one of th
favorite resorts is only 60 miles distant
There are four hospitals and two FIRE
dispensaries also one Medical College