Evening star., 1912-07-21
FIFTY YEARS Ago
IN THE STAR


ORGANIZATIONS were formed during
the civil war among the women Of
Washington for the succor
Relief of the suffering soldiers.
one of the most conspicu-
"VAh. Gus Of which in its actiNi-
ties was the Ladies' Soldiers Relief
Society In The Star of July 10. 1852.
is the following paragraph regarding
the members of this organization:
They have been untiring in their
efforts and have everywhere. as they
have become known, been received
with the utmost consideration by those
in charge of the different hospitals.
They are thoroughly organized and
everything is done systematically
through their different committees. As
this society has become better known
for it's usefulness. so it is better sup
ported by the charitably disposed. here
and elsewhere. Since the wounded
ard sick who were in the late battles
daily expenses of the society have
averaged 800. The society does not
contine itself to the hospitals of this
city, but looks with the same interest
after those in Alexandria, GEORGETOWN
and elsewhere They sustained in
this most noble and Christian work by
those who have not the time to give
their personal attention. but are willing
to contribute their mite. Among the
many letters received was one from
young merchant on the Avenue. inclos-
Ing 80 and requesting no mention should
be made Of the name. Another. inclos-
ing $40, was received from a lady who
had lost a son in battle. Many other
instances could be mentioned. Anything
sent to Mrs. Edward Jordan, president:
Mrs. Robert Farnham, treasurer: Mrs. l..
+. Chittenden or Mrs. G. A. Hall of the
collecting committee will be duly ac-
knowledged.'
Congress was on the eve of adjourn
ment al this time fifty years ago. being
detained until July II by
Congress wish of the President. who
r1. hoped to obtain action on the
S'' confiscation bill, which he
was about to veto when a joint resolution
was passed explanatory of its purposes
and provisions. Local interest in the pro-
ceedings of Congress was naturally keen.
but attention to political affairs did not
entirely prevent concern in the manner in
which the appropriations had been made
affecting the District of Columbia. In
The Star of July 10, 1862. is the following:
In the several appropriation bills which
passed Congress there are various items
for improvements and work of local in
tereSt here. Among them: For complet-
ing the west wing of the Treasury build
ing. $50O.O0O; for painting the outside of
the old portion of the Capitol, $1,000: for
removing the army bakery from the base
ment floor of the Capitol and to repair
the damage caused by said bakery. s. O0O:
for compensation of four additional draw
keepers for the two draws at the Poto-
mac bridge. s3.G66. Congress has also ap-
propriated $4,000 TO put a new story on
lry,o T<r. 81 ,11.
Improvement on the Navy Department.
and $1,000 to grade and improve Judiciary
Square. The latter has already been
partly expended, and greatly to the ap-
pearance of the square. which now has
a good iron inclosure, composed of the old
railing from the Capitol grounds. and is
partly planted with young shade trees
and shrubbery. giving promise of an UNI
brageous resort in the future, when the
whole plan shall have been carried out by
further appropriations and the growth Of
time. In connection with an apprOpria-
tion of $1,000 to supply the deficiency in
the appropriation for lighting the Capitol
and public grounds. the act incorporating
the Washington Gas Light Company was
so amended as to prohibit the said COM
pany from receiving. after the first day
of July. 1862. more than % cents per hum
dred cubic feet of gas furnished by it to
the government and 80 cents to other Gus
toners, subject to discount of not less
than 10 per centum on all bills for gas. il
paid at the Office of said company within
five days from the rendition thereof, pro-
vided all arrears shall have been pre-
viOusly paid.
X x
The keeneSt curiosity was felt here re-
garding conditions in the seeding states
and every possible
Southern source of information
r,4 was scanned. In The
ooAAi'AoAS' Star of July 10, 1862, is
third of a column giving a budget Of
"information from Dixie:
"A free colOred man who was impress
ed into the Confederate service In Vir-
ginia the breaking out Of the rebel