Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-17
FIFTY YEARS AGO
IN THE STAR

Jehua. fererB In the Norf0lk region.
In furtherance OF prior an
nouncement The Star of September 10,
1855. printed the following statement:
This is the day set apart by the hack
men of Washington for their contribution
to the fund for the relief Of the Norfolk
and Portsmouth sufferers. The proposition.
voluntarily made by them. is not only cred
table to them as class but honorable to
them as individuals. especially as they are
now passing through the dullest season of
the year. 1t is not too late. we trust to
urge on our citizens the luxury of an extra
ride, or, If some people have not leisure for
such recreation, the handing OF the fare to
the men who have thus generously stepped
forth to aid the afflicted. They will not re-
greet a trfie toward cause which eloquent
ly appeals to the better feelings of human
ity. The hackmen. doubtless. want large
collection, and wish to set an example
which shall be followed by persons engaged
in similar business throughout the coun-
try. We may say here that In no city in
the Union Is there more orderly. accom-
mcdating and honest class of men employed
in hacking, and 1t is with pride we thus
speak. Therefore. we considerable and gen.
erous SOUL help on this day to gladden. our
hearts. while we indirectly contribute to
noble cauSe-that or humanity
This appeal was sufficiently effective to
swell the receipts of the hackmen to sos. 10.
which was later turned over to the yellow
fever fund by Mr.. Richard Wallach.
X
The news and advertising columns of The
Star were replete with paragraphs and no
tees relative to the local militia forces, in
explanation of which the fol-
slsitlhg lowing was printed In the issue
Militia. OF September II:
at Is we'll known personally
to some of our older Inhabitants. and
through history to others, that after
the British had invaded Washington
on the oath of August, 1914, and
burned a large amount of public prop
erty they, emboldened by their incendiary
exploits at the national capital. proceeded
to North Point, with a view to the capture
of Baltimore. There however, they met
with a repulse, which will be cherished for
ever, especially by the inhabitants Of that
city. as the heroism Of the citizen sold1ery
not only shed additional luster on the
American arms, but impressed the foe with
the, to him, Notifying truth that he was
not 1nvincible. It was at North Point
where that victory was won and where the
British commander. Gen. Ross, was slain
The anniversary of that day the volunteer
militia now celebrate. both In Baltimore
and Washington. The National Guard. to-
gether with the Washington Light Infantry.
are at Col. Hickey's farm, several miles
from the city, and the Presidents Mounted
Guard is in Baltimore. Today we have a
visit from the Baltimore soldiery; namely,
the National Blues Capt. McLean). Mont
gomery Guards Capt. Moore). Mount YER
non Guards Capt. Saxe). Union Guards
Capt. Chaisty) and the State Guard Capt.
IL, %
noon and were received at the railroad de-
pot by the Montgomery Guard. the Wash
ington Highlanders, the Marion Rifles and
the German Yagers Of this city, under the
command Of Col. Hickey. and escorted
through our streets to the Presidents
House. where they were reviewed. The dis
play was beautiful and the theme of ad-
miration. but the soldiery doubtless suf-
heat, the weather being not only warm, but
melting. They were In winter uniform,
which served to render their movements
more oppressive
Visitors to Washington have from time
immemorial carried away pleasant impress
sions Of the capital. unless
1AuAAiiAns perhaps, they were begged
Visitor. in some OF the muddy streets
of the cary days Many
Of them have been thoughtful enough to
express their apprecia ton while here In
order that the residents of the District
might know the worth of their own environ
ment. Such was the writer of a letter
printed in The Star of September IA, 1855:
Having been for some weeks at the diff
ferent Virginia springs enjoying myself to
the fullest extent, / thought would try a
short visit to the capital and knowing of
none who feel greater interest in the well
fare and prosperity of the city than your
self, I take great pleasure in penning you
these few words. Never before have had
the opportunity to Washington and its
magnificent public buildings-its fine WIDE
clean streets and beautiful drives about the
city. The view from the high ground about
is unsurpassed; where one can stand and
at the same time view Fort Washington
l was of the opinion that in Washington
at this season. one would be lonesome: but
on the contrary 1 find a very large and
beautiful hotel almost full of ladies and
gentlemen from every state in the Union,
passing to and from the different watering
places of our country"
Half a century ago the Chesapeake and
Ohio canal was very important item in the
transportation equipment of
Politics and this part of the country, but
A. r,, it was not regarded by the
residents OF this vicinity with
unmixed emotions. In The Star of Septem-
Der Is. 1855. appears the following COM
ment on the canal situation. in the course
of review of the enterprise:
Another grievous evil results from plac-
ing the canal under political influence. With
every turn of the state CMarylandD admins
trations comes change of officers and en-
ployes. the tenure Of place on it being part
Iy subserviency and utiity-not faithful
and efficient discharge of duties In connec-
ton with the work. We heard some time
since of a break that occurred through the
unlawful absence from his post of a lock-
tending politician, who. before taking him
self off for the night, instructed his wife to
release the waste weir If the water rose in
the canal. The wife, however. went to sleep