Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-10-29

The afternoon was spent in visiting
some of the most important sights of
the city. The famous Smithsonian
Institute, which occupies prominent
place among the learned establish
ments of the world, was visited. 1t
was founded by Congress in 1916. and
is devoted to the encouragement of
scientific investigation and study in
various departments of knowledge.
The Smithsonian building is filled
with collections of tens of thousands
of birds. fishes, reptiles, invertebrates,
sponges, corals, etc., with models of
peoples and customs of all countries
and nationalities. The National
Museum contains over 5000. 600 speci-
mems of objects of scientific and artis-
tic interest owned by the government,
including historical collections as
well as collections in ethnology,
religion. natural history, geology, etc.
from all parts of the world. In the
new Medical Museum may be found
collections of almost every
nature; diseases, fractures, cancers,
tumors, etc., preserved for exami-
nation. The many interesting things
about the Smithsonian Institution
would pleasantly fill several days.
time in seeing.
The department of Agriculture has
become a prominent feature of our
government under the able supervision
of Secretary James F. Wilson, of
Iowa. The buildings are nicely stu
ated, surrounded by beautiful shaded
lawns, conservatories, flowers, shrubs,
etc.
Every one who goes to Washington
makes visit to Washington Monu-
ment. Situated on beautiful spot
on the Mall near the Potomac, it can
be seen for miles in every direction,
towering against the sky, a mighty
shaft of spotless marble, a nations
tribute to her first and foremost citi-
zen. patriot and president. 1t is an
obelisk 555k feet in height, the high
est work of masonry in the world.
The 179 stones were contributed by
various states, cities and societies as
tributes to the memory of Washington,
many of them being noted for their
beauty, elaborate carving or origin.
The monument was built from funds
raised by popular subscription, aided
by Congress. 1t was commenced in
1S4S and completed in 1885, and the
total cost was $1,3OO,OO0.
We can but briefly mention visits to
the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
which is part of the Treasury De-
partment, and where all the printing.
engraving of plates, dies, etc. used by
the Treasury is done; the Patent
Office, with its many interesting de-
partments; the new Government
Printing Office, the largest and best
equipped establishment of its kind in
the world; the Treasury Department,
under the efficient control of Secretary
Leslie NJ. Shaw, of Iowa; the Pen
sion building the Post Office Depart
ment; the State, army and Navy De-
partments Ford's Theatre, where
Lincoln was assassinated the Interior
Department; Census Office; Marine
Hospital; U. S. Fish Commission the
famous Corcoran Art Gallery and the
White House. Extensive improve
ments are being made to tho White
House, and the immense crowds of
people almost frantic in their efforts
to secure pieces of the debris thrown
out for relics was indeed amusing.
That evening we greatly enjoyed
attending the noted National Theatre,
where Viola Allen gave her first
American presentation Of "T he
Eternal City," supported by most
excellent company.
A greater part of the next day was
spent in viewing the great G. A. R..
parade. which will 90 down in history
as one of the largest and finest parades
since the war. The procession was
about six hours in passing the review
ing stand, and the hundreds of bands
and drum corps, the many we'll drilled
and finely uniformed companies, the
old tattered battle flags, the veteran
drum and bugle corps. the long line
of veterans, mingled with the many
sober reminders that time is bearing
heavily upon them and steadily thin
ming out their ranks, made the spec
tacle very impressive one. The
writer was fortunate in securing po-
sition in front of the main reviewing
stand on the White House grounds,
so that everything could be plainly
seen. President Roosevelt made his
first appearance in public after his
operation on that day, and was cheer
ed to the echo as he rode in a carriage
the full length of the line. returning
on the opposite side. We also saw
| @. nhtnASa