The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-12

tended line of sterns and broadsides and
the one that projects inside the water
thoroughfare is borne down upon directly.
II the captain and ere are absent, the
name of the former Individual is ascer-
tanned from some lazy-looiting individual
who is enjoying the dolce far niente upon a
pile of wood or watermelons. and, at al
events, the name of the offending craft Is
entered in the police captains book. Thzt
individual, from his station in the pilot
house, is constantly on the lookout also
for fisherman who. not content with the
modest hook and line endeavors TO make
more magnificent catches with the pro-
seribed net.
And now leaving the more crowded por-
tion of the channel which extends from
the starting point OF the dock to within
some hundred yards of the District end Of
the Long Bridge, one can safely assume,
upon this bright Eiornirg, that no further
trouble need be looked for and can re-
sign himself to a general and peaceful con-
temptation of the scene around him. On
the city side are rntidy-l looking wharves,
with their heaps OF COAL wood, and mer-
chardise of every description. On the
other, perhaps, the most beautiful piece of
farm land in the world-the Agricultural
Departments experiment garden. This ex-
tends from about the point at which the
boat started, or nearly opposite the Sew
Bridge, and the contents of its trim-kept
beds form a neYeT-ending puzzle to the
river men.
As one of these latter said, it is strange
to reflect that twenty years ago this beau
tiful and fruitful land was a water fiat,
over which a rowboat could pass to the
other channel which is now entirely hid
den and which might be as far off as the
ocean for all one can see Of it.
A Grove of Weeping Willows.
Below the experiment garden, and ex-
tending from the point opposite the exeur-
sion wharves to the end of the stretch of
land now dividing the channels of tie Up
per and Lower Potomac. is line OF weep
ing willows that might suggest to the
before mentioned Imaginative parsonage,
especially when the wind is blowing, the
idea that they were sadly and passionately
waving their arms in secret guilty con-
fdence with the river. In realty these
trees were planted by the Government that
their tenacious roots might form a bull
wark behind the granite walls enclosing
the artifieially reclaimed soil, so as to
prevent the earth from pressing against
and destroying its enclosing boundaries.
This artificial piece of land it is designed
the work is not yet begun
1t is really an island, as the waters of
Big Basin enclose Us western side. Big
Basin. by the way. forms a more or less
etfectual means for flushing the river
channel along the wharves, being provided
with lock gates that open mechanically at
flood-tide and close upon its ebb. With
out this arrangement the water along the
river front, instead of being yellow, as it
now is, would be black.
The commencement OF Long Bridge
marks the junction Of the river channel
just traversed with Big Basin, and when
the lock gates are open small pleasure
craft can go from one to the other, pro-
vidIng they can pass undrr the arches of
n small granite bridge which divides the
two. Big Basin Is great resort for fish
ermen, who sometimes bring their fam
lilies with them to partake OF the sport
The basin has also an outlet into the
southern channel of the river, which is
really now part of the Upper Potomac"
Before noticing the. Distinguishing char
acteristics of this part of the river It
must be said that the view presented from
Long Bridge is very attractive and pictur-
esQue.
On the channel side are the wharves.
and anchored out in the streat pleasure
craft Of all descriptions, from the On
wieldy looking house boat to the trim
canoe. Far away the wooded heights of
Anacostia are visible, and the experiment
garden is on the right hand. On the Big
Basin side, the wharves are substituted for
a fiat green expanse sur ounding smooth
body CT water contained as in an enormous
washing basin, enclosed on all sides except
its two narrow outlets by circular stone
walls. The Washington Monument rises
grandly and abruptly. apparently close at
hand. and in the distance are the gently
swelling hills of Virginia.
But 1t is. perhaps, from the southern
channel of the river which conducts large
craft to Georgetown that the most beauti-
full scenes around Washington are pre-
scented. Steaming up this portion of the
stream, one sees through the green foliage
on the banks the chief buildings of the
city. showing like fairy vistas- The dome
of the Capitol. the golden cupole of the
Library of Congress, are mingled. but a
short distance. apparently, from the White
House and War. State, and Navy Depart
ment building. The Monument appears no
place so grand and imposing. and the river,
leaving all its imperfections behind, seems
intent upon charming our eyes and glad
dening our hearts by its sparkling beauty
In Front of Georgetown.
But as Georgetown is neared all these
charms depart again, and the shores are
again occupied on ore side by the most
wonderful agglomeration of ancient tum-
ble-down sheds and houses that the city
can br@st of. Nevertheless. there is a GER
tain dirty picturesqlaness about George
towns river front, which IS undsniahle.
The heights upon which the whole town is
built slope downward to the water front.
which Is lined with streets that seem
almost to have been deserted b. msn.
JUNK shops. in the windows of which rags
have entirely usurped the place of ass,
cray structures that seem just about slid
ING into the water. are mingled with mills,
factories, breweries, boat building est b.
lishments Tin which, however, no boats are
builD, and boat houses, but all suggest Ig
the spirit of old.
1t Is. however, at night when the town
above is twinkling with lights and these
( old waterside streets are darkly and sus-
, piciously revealed in the light OF some
stray gas lamps, that the Illusion becomes
watch for smugglers dressed in knee
! breaches with swords at their Sides cooked
hats on their heads, and vessel flying
a revenue flag standing out in the stream.
/ If one should, however, communicate
such notions to the police captain in charge
of the good boat Vigilant he would
| doubtless consider you a fit subject for st.
| Elizabeth's Asylum, which is visible any
bright day on the beautiful Anacostia
heights from all parts OF the river.
Not Productive OF Manhood.
From the New York SUM-
The situation in China offers signif-
cant object lesson of motherless nation.
10 .,