Evening star., 1932-10-30

place much used by colored preachers for
aptizing their converts, about the Civil War
|eriod, and quite likely even later. In this
onnection undated clipping of about 60
ears ago says:
1.-The Sycamore above the Long Bridge.
which formerly. with its hard bottom and
helving descent to the channel, favorite place
or river baths well as for the solemnities
II baptism, has ceased to have much value
n this respect since the river improvements
began, and the colored Baptists have selected
place on the south side of the Eastern Branch,
ar from the crowd of the city, for the perform
nce of this rite. There, today. several score
bf colored converts were baptized by the Rev.
George w. Lee and Others"
Irrespective Of the unhealthful condition of
he canal, the boys took advantage of this place
n which to swim, and incidentally about
hS much clothing we find displayed upon
hncient sculpture in a European art gallery.
There were modest people in Washington
then, just as there are refined and exactng
people Eere today. And there were also those
who did not hesitate to appeal to the editor
for redress when civic matters were to be at
tended to. In 1888 one of these who signed
himself Duty" wrote to the National Intel
ingencer, saying:
Gentlemen: Again must have recourse to
your columns to inform the officers of cur city
of portion of their duty that they have shame
fully neglected. I allude to the indecorous prac-
tice boys have of bathing almost under the
windows of our dwellings. notice before from
my pen, of the Tiber's being a place of great
resort for them, has been it would appear
wholly unattended to. Not only Fourteenth
Street Bridge forms the spot for their pleasure,
but they have lately extended their floatings as
far the Center Market. Is there not some
law to prevent this indecency? If so, why do
not the authorities 1t inforced? '1is hoped
that speedy stop will give us no room for
further complaints"
h lEXT to this item in the writer's scrapbook
but not bearing on this subjects an
interesting advertisement, dated October, 1912,
and probably also from the National Intelli-
| gencer which makes the following Startling"
announcement:
washington Brewery,
Bottom of New Jersey Avenue.
'The subscribers, having commenced their
seasons brewing. have now ready for delivery
q stock Of malt liquor of superior quality, fit for
family use.
Orders received by Daniel Rapine Capitol
Hill and at the brewery, where the public may
be supplied with yeast and grains on Mondays
and Thursdays.
- W. COILET & CO."
In August. 1866, extensive Improvements to
the mouth of the canal at Seventeenth street
were nearly completed, and the nature of the
improvements published in the press
count saying:
"The completion of the causeway or dyke at
the mouth Of the canal and foot of Seventeenth
street makes the improvement of the canal, in
augurated some months ago, so far advanced
as to demonstrate its entire success 1t will
be remembered that early in the year board
of distinguished Engineer officers of the Army
made careful and scientific examination of
the canal and proposed plan for its improve
delay. The plan had substantially been sug-
gested prior to that time by Mr.. Benjamin Sew
erson, and when it determined to COM
mence the work, Mr.. Severson was placed in
charge Of it.
1.-The first operation was to deepen the
channel between the mouth of the Tiber at
Third street and the Anacostia or Eastern
Branch. This work was as is well known, sue
cessfully accomplished and there a fine
flow of water in the hitherto filthy and disease
producing ditch. The next thing to do in
pursuance CT the plan adopted, to construct
sash a dyke at Seventeenth street as, while it
Wsuld admit the waters of the Potomac at high
tide, the whole volume of water thus f2w.ng
in would be forced through the canal to the
Anacostia and in such manner as would carry
with it all the deposit flowing into it from the
sewers CT the city. This has also been success
fully accomplished and the completion of the
dyke appropriately celebrated yesterday
evening.
uTHE contractors for this work were Messrs.
T. J. Gait and w. E. Brown who under
the direction Of Mr.. Severson, commenced
operations on May 10, and by the terms of
their contract were to complete the work in 80
days. This they have done, and done it well,
and yesterday the work was inspected by
number Ct gentlemen, among whom were Hon.
B. B. French commissioner Of public buildings;
T. e. Lloyd Esq. president of the Board Of
Aldermen; w. w. Moore, Esq, president of the
Board of Common Council; Aldermen Turton,
Barr Lewis Cross the McCathran; Council