Evening star., 1933-10-22


interesting to know that the Capital
City has experienced some very tragic
times and some restless, anxious
moments of suspense when no one knew just
what would happen next as the CLOCK tlckeo
off it's uncertain seconds.
Undoubtedly the most distressing calamity
that has befalen the city since the Federal
Government moved here in 1900 is its capture
and burning by the British IN 1914, and the one
that gave us the most anxiety and suspense was
the raid made on the Capital by Gen. Jubal
Early who fortunately. was stopped by Gen.
Horatio G. Wright at Fort Stevens, IN July'
1864.
The attack On the Office of the National Era
then published on the east side OF SeVenth
street between F and streets in l848 1ol-
owed the attempted liberation of II slaves,
some of whom belonged to the widow of Presi-
dent Madison was Quelled in short order Dy
the Auxiliary Guard. which was authorized py
Congress in 1841 and at the time OF the IloI
consisted of 100 men. Years later, in referring
to this event, the captain of the Guard, John
H Goddard said it was the toughest expert
ence he had ever had.
The election riot at the corner OF SeVentn
street and New York Avenue, which occurred
n 1857 was not such small affair, since SIX
9ersons were killed outright and 20 were re-
1orted wounded and perhaps others who were
wounded made no report Of that fact. However,
the snow riot of 1885, which occurred in the
vicinity. of Sixth street and Pennsylvania
avenue, did not prove so disastrous, as no fatal
results reported.
n the Civil War period, when the worst was
always being expected, but never happened,
except perhaps when Mr. Lincoln was aSsaSsl-
mated and when the conspiritors were being
hunted down and some subsequently tried ana
executed; and the raid of Gen. Early in 1864,
before referred to.
ONE of the biggest scares that Washington
~ ever had occurred IA years ago this
month. This was the John Brown raid on
IIarpers Ferry, to which The Star refers in its
issue of October 18, 1859. follows:
"A Night of Alarm.-The Harpers Ferry
Observation-Disclosures in This Cty:-Upon
receipt of the intelligence in this CITY, yester-
Cay, of the insurrection at Harpers Ferry, the
President issued orders to COL Harris of the
United States Marine Corps to dispatch all the
available force of the barracks (per special
train) to the scene of the difficulties. In one
hour from the receipt of the order, detach-
,nent of Marines and commissioned officers
CT the corps, under Capt Green, arrived at the
railroad depot. The detachment consisted OF
bugler
They took with them seven guns Dahlgreen
howitzers (three from the Navy Yard and four
from the barracks), 800 shells, and large
quantity of ammunition. They also had ample
supplies for several days service. Quite num-
Der Of gentlemen volunteered to go up with
the troops, but they could not be received.
The Marines were received by the Secretaries
Of War and Navy who communicated to
Capt. Green his instructions to his course
of action when he should arrive at the spot.
Maj. Russell of the naval staff accompanied
the Marines under instructions from the Secre-
tary of War When it became known that an
anonymous letter had been received by the
Secretary of War some two months ago, giving
warning of an organized attack to be made
simultaneously upon the armory works at
Harpers Ferry, Wheeling and Washington, con-
siderable apprehension was felt by the Govern
ment and municipal authorities, and measures
we're instantly taken to the end of extinguishing
any possible disturbance that might take place
at this point
Another item appearing in The Star under
the same date says:
The Affair at Harpers Ferry.-Yesterday the =
resident was in consultation some hours with
the Secretary of War and Erevet Col. Robert E.