The morning times., 1896-06-14

that many OF the most intensely exciting
scenes OF the early days OF the war were
enacted. Immediately after the frs
hostilties OF the civil war the Federal
prison, which, on account Of its proximity
TO the old slave mart, which was imme-
dateiy in its rear on B street, was oft en-
mistaken for il. Here many a time, it is
said, the Incarceration OF free colored
person nearly precipitated a riot which
was only suppressed by the coolress and
decisive action OF the police force.
Probably, however, the most exciting
and withal the most serious trouble with
which the Metropolitan Police force had
to contend during its early days was
the suppression of the riot the night the
gang came over from Baltimore to capture
the United States and take charge of
the government iD all its branches.
They were, of course, sympathizers with
the South, but not realizing the mag
nitude OF the undertaking, had not gathered
a very large force.
They entered the city and were ~
clined 10 put their threats into execution,
but were deferred by cooler heads. They
left during the night. promising to return
next day in numbers sufficiently large
TO accomplish their object. but they faile:l
10 put In an appearance at the appointed
time and were never heard Of again.
PERSEVERANCE, FIRE ENGINE.
Another building closely connected with
the police government Of the city, DOW
long since only q memory, was Persever-
ance fire engine house, which stood ON
the south side of Pennsylvania avenue, op-
posite Eighth street northwest.
1t was from the belfry that the warning
was sounded to slaves who might be away
from their homes. The bell sounded
q special warning at 10 p. m and after
that hour all colorsd persons found abroad
without a pass were arrested and liable
to a fine or flogging.
Another building which marked an epoch
in the history of the government of the
city but which has lately been torn down
and replaced by handsome structure, WIS
the old legislative haIl which stood on the
spot now occupied by the DrOop building
on Pennsylvania avenue.
The oldest of any of tn e private buildings
said to have been once used by the
government is Willard Hall, where IL is said
the city postoffice was located during
President Jackson's administration. II
is said that for many years the general
delivery office was in that building and
was removed from there to Four nd a.
half street. near u. Then to Pennsylvania
avenue. near Seventeenth street, from
whence after 4 short stay it was removed
TO c-story dwelling house On the site
of the general postoifice building, which
tDSu OCCupieu Obly tDe stutHCTI Eau Vi tne
square on which the structure is now
situated.
While this building was being enlarged
to take in the entire block the city pest
office was removed to the site OF the A Army
Medical Museum. corner OF Seventh and II
Streets south west. After the completion
of the new Postoffice department etiIfice
the city office was transferred to the
aortbeast corner CT tie eduice, corner of
Seventh and F streets, the brass railings
used by the general delivery still remain
ing. The next move made by the city
postoffice was to the old Seaton Hotel
building. row owned and occupied by the
Central Union Mission, on Louisiana ave-
nue., between Sixth and Seventh streets.
1t remained there until removed TO its
present home on G street, between Sixth
and Seventh, where it is awaiting the
completion OF its final home. the tower
ing edifice at the corner of Eleventh street
and Pennsylvania avenue.