Evening star., 1936-05-17

Saunders. H. Cruttenden, John O.
Harkness, Simeon Mattock, ]. T,
Walker. G. Crandall, H. S. Davis,
Joseph Bryan. Isaac Clarke. N. B,
Van Zandt, H. G. O'Neale and John
Y. Bryant. Though known generally
as the Northern Liberty Market, vet
its correct name was the Northern
Market"
Boss" Shepherd, who raised WASH
ington out Of the mud and made q
respectable city of it, had a force of
workmen one September evening in
1872 tear down this market and the
buildings attached to it. Those who
owned stalls at the time did not
like this idea of losing their property
and livelihood in this way and put
in a claim against the District for
$592,2l5 damages. Washington Top
ham stated that the claimants manv
years afterward actually received
$3.50, 76608.
ONE Of the chief historic events Of
this neighborhood is known as
the Northern Liberty Market House
riot. 1t occurred on June l, 1857,
during the city election held that
date, and was brought about BY the
American party-or what was com.
monty known as the Know Nothing
party-unduly and illegally obstruct-
ing and interfering with the election
at the polling place at the south side
OF Mount Vernon square between Sew.
enth and Eighth streets. For this un-
lawful purpose a gang of rowdies
called plug Uglies" was induced to
come over from Baltimore for the pur-
pose of intimidating voters of this
city. In Washington their number
was greatly increased by members
OF the rougher element, then. as now,
always looking for a scrap. They
came. they saw-and they were de-
feated. One hundred and ten Ma
rines put them to flight after killing
persons and wounding 21, although
the Bad Men Of Baltimore" had
fortified themselves with a brass can
non which they brought from the
Anacostia engine house and placed
under the market house shed at the
corner Of Seventh and K streets,
together with firearms, shillalahs.
stones and everything imaginable, Of
fensive and defensive. After the Ma,
rineS got through with them, those
who we're able left town, wiser than L.
when they came here.
In 1870 that unoccupied part Of .
the square to the west of the mar
ket was inclosed with a picket fence
and after the market was torn down
in 1872 the reservation was somewhat
improved. About this time trees were
transferred here from the White
House grounds, among which were
l white oak, persimmon. IS elms
and IA naples, and some time later
the fountain was installed.
However, when the square was
cleared for the Public Library. the
fountain was transferred to Truxton
Circle, at North Capitol street and
Florida avenue, and now helps to beau
tify that neighborhood. !
There are some small fountains
throughout the city. some of which
form parts of attractive statues and
memorial, but more or less modern.
The Newlands fountain at Chevy
Chase Circle, though quite modest in
Its conception, yet serves a good pur-
pose as being prominent at one Of the
main gateways to the city. The cleo
trio fountain on the Capitol plaza is
a creditable work Of art for the visitor
to see as he emerges from the Union
Station. Indeed, this large setting,
blended with the surrounding scenery
and especially with the three great
American flags that float from as
many stately poles in front Of the
station, is one of the most inspiring
views We have to show the visitor to
the National Capital.
One cannot fail to mention. in con. .
nection with Washington's picturesque
scenery, the cascades and fountain in
Meridian Hill Park. which. to the
writer's way Of thinking is the most
beautiful of its kind he has ever seen,
at home or abroad.
A private fountain that few ever
see is the one at Friendship, the home
OF the McLeans on Wisconsin avenue.
The writer is curious to know It's his
tory.
ALL or practically all, Of the foun-
tains Of the city, outside of the Capt.
tol grounds, come under the direction
Of the National Capital parks, Of
which c. Marshall Finnan is superin-
tendent, and who is not only efficient
himself, but is surrounded by corps
OF courteous and obliging assistants.
Naturally. we may not agree with Mr..
Finnan 100 per cent, but we cannot
deny that he is thoroughly capabls
and absolutely sincere, and, no doubt,
II 1t were in his power, he would have
the fountains going all the time, as