Evening star., 1915-03-07

found no proof of the letting to ball of
more than five or six persons charged
with crimes as high as grand larceny.
The committee. in order to prevent the
repetition Of such practices by officers
of the Jail or others. have reported a
bill making 1t misdemeanor to offer
to enlist persons confined in jail. On
conviction the offenders are to be fined
from $3.50 to $1,000 and imprisoned
from six months to one year.
The distribution OF seeds was the
principal function of the bureau of
agriculture-called
Government Seed department. but
n.4 not yet elevated to
sAAo"sAon' that rank-at this
time fifty years ago. In The Star of
March 8, 1865, Is the following comment
upon the value of this work:
The Department of Agriculture is
now receiving its assortment of for
eign seeds which it designs sending
out this spring. We have never before
seen such fine samples, and doubt not
that they are tho most valuable vege-
table and grain seeds ever brought
into this country. Last year we took
occasion to try many varieties of the
departments Seeds and in every in
stance they proved sound and as rep
resented upon the labels, wonderful
fact. as all know who. have occa-
sion to plant many varieties OF gar
den seed. Under its present manage
ment this department is fast becom-
ing of incalculable benefit to the coun-
try. as Commissioner Newton is GER
tainly spreading broadcast a large
number of the most valuable seeds.
which can in no other possible way
be imported and disseminated into
every county of every state of the
Union. These seeds embrace hundreds
of varieties never before brought into
which will be found most important
improvements upon our fruits, flowers,
vegetables and grains"
The second inauguration of President
Lincoln took place Saturday, March 4,
1855. It was a most
Lincoln's Second disagreeable day.
Inauguration. deep dee in mud 1s fol-
lowing a .drizzling rain that lasted
through the night, with a heavy wind
following in the early morning. The
skies frightened later somewhat. In
The Star of March 4. 1865, is an ac-
count of the Inauguration covering
over four columns. After noting the
apparently peaceful aspect of the scene
The Star notes as follows the contrast
between the first and second inaugura-
tions of Lincoln:
-Four years ago the preparations
were of a far more warlike character
The city was filled with rebels who
proclaimed their sentiments boldly in
IA Sf NJ n
executive. National airs were hissed
down in public places of amusement,
loyal men were assaulted on the Ave
nue. and cheers for jeff Davis were of
previous to the Inauguration there had
been threats of bloodshed on that oc-
casion, and the military authorities
taxed their brains for devices to pre-
vent any such catastrophe. Every prep
aration was made for fighting. The
volunteer organizations in the process
sion were supplied with cartridges,
sharpshooters were posted at conven-
lent spots along the Avenue and on the
roofs Of buildings, and at the market
posted for the support Of the rif1emen
in that vicinity. Gen. Scott, with Ma
gruder's and Fry's batteries. was at
the corner of Delaware avenue and B
street ready for action, the gunners
and drivers remaining at their posts
throughout the ceremonies. Cen Scott
in the meantime kept his scouts busily
occupied, visiting all parts of the
dense crowd and watching for the first
indication of trouble. The day, how
ever, passed off quietly, but the fever
ish anxiety of that morning and the
certainty of terrible blQodshed follow
ing any riotous demonstration created
impressions on the minds of those who
were present that probably will never
be erased"
AS spring advanced expectations in
the north that Grant would be able
quickly to force the is
Confederate sue at Richmond grew
Situation. March n s, 1865. i is the the fol- d.
lowing regarding the situation in the
neighborhood Of the Confederate cap
ita1:
There is reason to believe that the
rebels are positivel.' contemplating the
evacuation of Petersburg. This move
ment has been rendered necessary by
the extent of their lines and the un-
paralleled thinning of their ranks by
desertion. The position occupied by
the enemy's extreme right was valu-
able only SO long as his supplies were
forwarded by the Southside road, and |
the capture of Wilmington having |
made that road unavailable for trans |
portation the sacrifice necessary |
ho nf that line is !