Evening Star Newspaper, May 24, 1890, Page 8

THE EVENING STAR: WA IN THE SILENT HOURS. How the Streets of the Capital are Qleaned at Night. SWEEPERS AND SPRINKLERS. Hew the Night Forces are Organized aad Managed—A Systematic Work— Mew tt ie Done and y Streets are Sometimes Neglected—A Merry Garg. ————___. HE rustling noise of the street sweep- ers and the clattering of the horses’ hoofs are often heard in the streets in the quiet hours of the night, and after them come the men who follow the gutters with hoe and broom, The street sweep- ing according to contract is done at night, when the streets and avenues are freer of ve- icles than they are at any other time and when the dust that arises from the work causes Jess inconvenience than it would during the day. The work ef sweeping the city at night bas Proved quite as successful as when it was done im the day time, and it is a great deal more satisfactory to the citizens than having it per- formed during the day, when clouds of dust ‘would drive pedestrians from the sidewalks snd ruin the work of cleaning the houses, There is another and more important obstac! Femoved by the night sweeping, and that is that there are not so many horses on the streets to be frightened by the huge machines and watering tanks. The noise made by the sweep- ers is notsuch # noise as to arouse a sound sleeper nor is it an unpleasant sound. The broom coming in contact with the pave has an effect similar to the wind blowin; through the trees and there is no harsh soun to prove snncying. JUST TURNING OTT. Ever since the present firm of F. M. Draney & Co. have had charge of the street sweeping their headquarters has been located at 19th .d E streets just opposite the Rollins Park. Mr. John Rue, tne foreman, is a man ily qualified for the duties he has to perform. is life previous to engaging in usiness were spent in railroading and in other work where he had charge of gangs of men, and when the present contract was rded for five years he was sent for and put in charge of the men. Under his management several changes were made inthe force from time to time, until the men are now moving along like clock work. ‘There are nearly one hundred able-bodied e ployes and nearly seventy-tive fine animals em- ployed on the work. The office is situated on the corner of 19th id E streets, and the stables, sheds and black- smith shops are on the same premises, SWEFPERS AT WORK. ‘The sweepers used are of the Wright pattern and there are nine of them in use when there is sufficient money to pay the billx, But recently the appropriation has been behind- pectaed ia Gok aenaber of sweepers has not been used. There are about one hundred and twenty miles of improved streets which have to be swept. Some of the principal streets and avenues are swept once in every twenty- four bours and others are cleaned two or three times a week, while some are cleaned of the rubpish and dirt only once in every seven days. That is all done whiie the appropriation holds out, but now that money is scarce some streets are not visited by the sweepers more than once in two weeks. A NEW SWEEPER. There iss new sweep here on trial, but with what success the contractor cannot yet say. It is a Philadelphia invention and is designed to sweep and take up the dirt from the gutters. Should it prove successful it would no doubt throw many men ont of employment. Last year the amount appropriated by Congress was wholly inadequate to pay for the proper clean- ing of the 120 miles of surface, but next year the Commissioners hope to have a much larger propriation, and have such « sum that the streets will not be complained of during the fiscal year. Should Congress open their hearts and give the necessary amount, the Paris system will no doubt be given a trial on one of the principal thoroughfares. That system is the constant collection of refuse matter on the street as the necessity requires, and for that purpose a num- ber of boys are kept constantly employed. ‘There is a large bin or box kept in almost every square for the reception of what is so collected and it is removed as often as the occasion re- quires, ‘The new appropriation will be available on July 1 the Commissioners wiil then deter- mine whether they will give the Paris system a trial or not, THE #PRINKLERS. The contractors are now using some of the latest improved sprinklers in the country. ‘They are constructed at South Bend, Ind, and are adapted to almost any purpose. The sprinklers attached to the tank can be used in whole or in partand can sprinkle a narrow alley as well asawide street. The make of the sprinkler is such that any street of ordinary width ean be wet by them from curb to curb. Bometimes when the drivers curd pedestrians are given bath, and drivers frequently drive close behind them to let their horses get the benefit of a refreshing sprinkling. Small boys, too, come in for their share of amusement and many a lad , no doubt, received a thrashing for follow- ing « water cart. LABOBERS IN THE GUTTERS. After the sprinklers and sweeping machines the laborers follow. They are chiefly colored men, and no happier set than they ever worked on the public streets. Dressed iu enongh clothes to cover them, start outunder cover of darkness with hoes or brooms. Their coats are thrown loosely across their backs and tied on with Swings, while their lunch buckets hang some- where to the lus garment that is carried to be used sh there be s sudden change in the weather, They start out to their work when other SS are el their front doors from the ide and fastening them for the night, and often of s summer —— their melodious voices are heard in the midnight hours is some hymn as they keep time with their and brooms, The members of this gang are on the streets at such hours that they see many sights that would make some in’ was only « fe of them laid down th Pl supposed burglar whom they suw scale a back fe d run, When they caught up ing citizen they were surprised to find him attired in his ander; ents with his outer suit of clothing under his arm. Then there appeared an irate husband with in in hand, but he was too late. The man faa disappeared to some vacant lot and dressed bimeelt. THE CART GANG. The dirt is piled in the gutters and then comes along the cart gang. These men shovel the dirt into the carts and drive away with it and then the street is cleaned. The concrete pavement that was hardly to be seen at sun- down is smooth and clean in the morning. WHAT BECOMES OF THE SWEEPINGS. The sweepings are carted off to the @n- tractor’s large barges and hauled down the river on the tide, when the boats can get up Broad creek, which is not far from Fort Wash- ington. ge quantities of it are sold to farmers for fertilizing purposes, while the contractor's farm is enriched by the surplus matter. Then some of it is sold to farmers in other sections and shipped to them by the car load. During the course of a week several thousand cart loads of dirt are carted off the streets, and if it was solid it would fill many of the large hollows on the outskirts of the city and save an im- meuse amount of hauling. HOME MATTERS. Practical Suggestions and Seasonable Hints to Housekeepers. Wrote Croves, it is said, will exterminate the industrious and merciless moth. A TastesPoonrcL or Turpentixe boiled with white clothes will aid in the whitening Process, A Piece oF Sponae fastened to a stick isa good thing with which to clean lamp chimneys. Cayenne Perrer Faery Usep around the holes frequented will drive away the little pests. Srroxe Caxsorio Actp issure death to bed- bugs. It is also one of the very best disin- fectants, To Crean Praster or Pants OnnaMents, cover them with a thick layer of starch and let it dry; remove with a stiff brush. Fine Suavines From Sort Pixz Woop make a pleasant pillow. ‘They have special curative virtues. For coughs, asthmatic or lung troubles they are very beneficial, Sin Henry Tompson Save that ‘more evils to humanity result from easily avoidable errors in eating than from the abuses of liquor drink- ing.” Broken axp Crooxep Carpet Tacks clean botties very nicely. They are better than shot, for the sharp edges clean off all the stains, Keep them in a box for use in cleaning bottles. AstuMa May Be Rewievep by burning a small piece of blotting paper which has been immersed in a strong solution of saitpetre and then dried. Artes Wasuixe Tix Vesszxs set them on the stove or in the sun for a few minutes to thoroughly dry, and thus avoid rust, which will soon destroy them. Ir a Postrace Stamp Rervses to “Stice” draw it across the moistened mucilage on the flap of the envelope and borrow enough gluten for the purpose, Sitver Spoons anv Forks in daily use may be kept brighs by leaving them in strong borax water several houre. The water should be boiling when they are put in. Biscuits Can Be Waxmep to be as good as when just baked by placing them in the oven dry, covered closely with atin. It isa great improvement over the old way of wetting them, Yo Crean Ostnica Featugrs pour boiling water over soap and pearlash and when cool wash the feathers in this, squeezing gently. Rinse in cold water, shake well in a warm room and curl by drawing the fibers over the blunt edge of asilver knife, Oxg Teaspoox¥uL oF Aumoyta to a teicupful of water will clean gold or silver jewelry; afew drops of clear aqua ammonia poured on the underside of diamonds will clean them imme- diately, making them very brilliant A Mrxrvune or From Two ro Tureg Parts oF Savon with fifty partsof starch isrecommended as an application to inflamed and painful sur- faces, bruises, burns and painful skin diseases of all kinds. The relief is said to be great and very prompt, The remedy is simply dusted on the surface, Ir a Cerrar Has a Dawe Smuexi and cannot be thoroughly ventilated a few trays of char- coal set around on the floor, shelves and ledges will make the air pure and sweet, If a large basketful of charcoal be placed in a damp cel- iar where milk is kept the milk will bein no danger of becoming tainted. Sritcucock Cuickex.—Split the chicken down the back and flatten it with a meat chopper. Put some butter in the frying pan with some chopped parsley, onion, salt and pepper; brown these, then ‘add the chicken, A quarter of an hour before it is done take it out and grillit over a gentle fire. It may either be bread-crumbed or not, and may be served with tartare sauce or with fried bacon neatly rolled. “Srenmizep Mixx” is prepared by heating it in a corked bottle up to @ boiling point It can be done on @ common stove, in a water bath—e with water in itis a water bath. Put the bottles in while the water is cold and gradually beat the ater, so that the bottles will not break. Have each bottle the size that is needed for use at one time and seal the corks afterward so that no air can enter, Ammonia Witt Taxe a Very Littie of the color out of red flannel, not much, and is de- cidedly the best plan for washing flannels. You cannot always depend on the strength of th so-called “household ammonia,” ready bottl It may lose by keeping, but any apothecary can sell you the strong ammonia used for cleansing t about the same price of the already A teaspoonful of this strong ammonia will do considerabie cleansing. Do not confound this with the aromatic spirits of ammonia, which 1s for internal use. Corrgz Custarp, @ very rich and delicious compound, is made by using s pint of milk, half @ pint of rich cream and half « pint of very strong coffee as the basis of the custard instead of a quart of milk. Chocolate custard is made in the same way, taking great care that the chocolate is very aghly dissolved, so that no dark specks will appear in the mix- ture. The best ‘and easiest way to do this is to break up the choco!ate in small pieces, add avery lithe water, and set it over boiling water for « few minutes until it becomes a thick paste, Stir this into you have a rich chocola' or as the basis of a custard. a Electricity. Eggs Boiled by ty. « THE GOOD GRAY POET. Walt Whitman's Approaching Sev- enty-first Birthday. chapters. It} PICTURE OF HOME LIFE. Unable te See Many Visttors—What the Poet Looks Like and How He Acts—A ‘Talk About American Men and ‘Women. —_ Correspondence of Taz Evawive Sra: Caupen, N.J., May 20, HAT « quaint old town this is, to be sure! Its silence is almost idyl- lic, The sun shines out warm and | brighttoday, The air is perfumed with the odor of lilacs, The grass is green and the plants in the gardens are nod- ding and smiling in the warm sunlight It is all in strange contrast to the bustle of the great Quaker City across the river. Camden has one Claim to greatness. It is the home of Walt Whitman, and here that grand old poet is pass- ing the last years of his life, Ina few days he will have reached the seventy-first milestone, He is very feeble, troubled with paralysis, and only on great occasions goes out of his house or sees visitors, Everybogy knows him and the residents of the place, who seem to be in no hurry and are ever ready to discuss with the visitor any topic, from Spenserian poetry to the tariff, never tire of talking about the author of ‘(Leaves of Grass.” We had no difficulty in finding his home. The poet lives at No. 828 Mickle street, in a little old house far from the noise of street cars and wagon traffic—a home of beautiful surround- ings, where in the summer days the flowers bloom profusely, the birds sing sweetly and nature is in its most gracious mood. Wisteria vines run hither and yon all over the little building that the t inhabite. On the small door in large blac! ters we read this sign: “Walt Whitman.” pe THE GOOD GRAY POET, Aring at the door bell brought a young man, hatiess and coatless, to answer our summons. He politely asked us in, but a shade of doubt gathered over his face when we said we had come ona pilgrimage to the old poet and wanted a talk with him upon some of the questions that are interesting the world of let- ters today, We were ushered into a little sit- ting room and were greeted by a lady and gentleman seated opposite each other, gazing out upon the street, and seemingly taking life m afraid,” said the lady, “that Mr. Whit- man is so ill that you will not be to see him, But I will tell him that you are visitors from New York, and see what he says. I may add, however, that his doctors have instructed me not to allow him to talk very long.” We handed our cards to the lady in an apolo- getic way, and as she glanced at them and saw that we were newspaper writers, she said as a smile passed over her face: “Do not ask him the old questions about his appetite and his seasickness if he willsee you, but talk to him about something pleasant—abont poetry, about some of the men and women he sept bout the flowers, the birds, anything, in fact, but himself.” Ina few minutes she returned with the an- nouncement that Mr. Whitman would be glad to see us in his room upstairs. “You may have just two minutes with him,” she said, ‘for he 4s very feeble.” ‘THE PORT AT HOME. We walked up two half flights of narrow wooden stairs and were at the chamber of the poet. In response to our knock there was a — “Come in.” The room seemed at the rst glance to be almost square, with a low ceiling and two windows looking into the street. There sat the venerable “good gray poet” in a large arm chair, wearing a light blue lanket overcoat or dressing gown. He made a splendid picture as he sat there with the morning sunlight dancing in and out of the room and making grotesque figures on the wall, He hada iconine look, His long white hair fell partly over bis face. And such a face! Strong, manly and full of buman nature. His gray beard, thick and fluffy, seemed to be scattered all over his huge chest. Has shirt was wide open at the throat, exposing his large neck and part of his bosom, His steel gray eyes snapped with pleasure as he extended his large arm and big right hand. He did not look decrepid. There was a ruddy glow upon his cheeks asif he had been exposed to the sun, He moved his arms easily, and in the brief conversation that ensued he would put his right hand to his forehead, as if pausing to think before speaking. His lower timbs were covered by some kind of cloth stretched loosely over his kne = ould have stood up straight he would If bh have measured nearly six feet in height and exhibited the frame of a man who, even now, at seventy years of age, weighs 200 pounds, Racked with pain and rheumatic gout, The axed poet, xray and stout, Alone within his modest room, Sut weaving thouxisty from fancy’s loom, He saw the years of youth aud drewms Gliding away like summer streams, Aud in his soul a vision came Of houor, friends and iasting fame, HIS BED ROOM, We sat down neur him and looked at his sur- roundings. The little room was almost covered with papers. magazines and periodicals, They lay around in heaps, on the floor and on the tables, and evidently had not been moved for many months. In fact, there was nothing to admire about the disorder of the room. Erne poet's bed was onone side of the room, not ina corner, but half way between one of ‘the win- dows and the entrance door. It was about the only object in the room free from papers and Periodicals. A clean white counterpane was neatly spread over it and tucked in carefully at the side. Right in front of the poet's chair was a large table, with a pyramid of old papers onit, Atthe base of the pyramid there was enough clear space left on the table for the bard to lean over and write his name. His hands are not paralyzed and he ean write his signature in a bold, legible hand, which often he kindly does for autograph collectors, T' was no attempt at bric-a-brac, pictures or fai lamp ornamentation in the room. The wi were bare, Several chairs were scattered about, and th : < : Pipe and tobacco lay carelessly table. glad to see you; sit down,” said Mr. Whitman after a cordial handshake. Lean’ ‘es back, he said he was unable to get to his bed, a few feet +s / without assistance, “I would like to talk to you atlength and ask many questions, but I cannot,” le said. “Say to the boys that my heart is in the high- Jands with them. You see, I am whac! and banged up so with paralysis that Iam not fit for anything. It is the direct result of my war experience many years ago. My brother was wounded and I went to him. Y exposed my- self, and from that timeI have never been the hule and hearty man that I was read the pa; trial for me to get do not write and have nothing unpublished,” ba Seis! lwin Arnold 8 friendly time of have never read his ‘Light of Asia,’ but I of its merits, it theta, The pew ea rather the former apostle, of es- Wilde—is a friend of mine. I like Oscar Wilde a — had = ral p Ripa gener: ond henge wes Wilds, but Tite hiexs =o omen e# much of an York over two. yours” age, end “speaking eh | Eesacret ime ans ateonoon ea tne szaiversary of the assassination of Abraham Lineola, w! jen he No? A oRITIC. At this jancture in the interview the old man became anxious to show that he could use his or 1» We were afraid that he would come to the appetite question and would refuse to talk any more, but he seemed more in a literar: gastronomic mood. He continued: “You ask me about contemporary literature, and if I think literature in America is deteriorating. Well, I must confess that I have not th subject any study. I donot keep upas Things are moving with a rapid pace. Since I published my ‘Leaves of Grass’ in 1855, nearly thirty-five years ayo, many, many vol- umes of ms and literary works have been Published. If I Apter ra —— — paralysis perhaps I co: ter keep up wi current eirstahy In order to criticise the works of poets here and in England I would certainly like to be thoroughly woll posted. It would not be fair to criticise works that I ha not read. Iam nota pessimist. I see that the march of progress cannot be stayed, and but for these pains that keep me inactive I would be, I hope, in the swim.” The old poet moved about uneasily in his chair as he spoke and seemed like a great wounded animal eager and anxious to arise in his majesty and do something. But the paral- ysis which he spoke chained him to his chair, THE GOLDEN AGE. “Tam afraid,” he went on, “that [am not a safe critic to follow. Of course I do read some newspapers, some books and some magazines, but Iam notwufficiently well informed to give pinion on this or that man's work. I only know this: That it is the golden age for liter- ary workers, They are paid better for their roductions now than ever before. The pub- ishers get up their books in better style than Saget MA ey busy, rushing people, but ha’ time to pause and listen to the muses, if they sing in tune our people are ready to applaud. Our literary workers have done wonderfully good work and will do better, Sitting here in my quiet little home, away from the hurly burly of the big cities, here, where there is no malice, and where every man or woman who rises is judged solely on his or her merits, I see the bow of promise in the sky. It is well for the future of literature. There is no cause for complaint. There are scores of promising young men and women in this country, and the banner of American literature will never trail in the dust. The standard has been set high, but I have no fear in my soul that Americans will not reach that standard.” The old man turned his face away from us, looked out of the window for a moment, and I fancied that there was a tear of regret in his eye. “How I wish I was strong,” he said. He seemed to be getting tired, and we arose to go. We had conversed longer than his vie- itors are usually allowed to converse, He bent forward, shook us cordially by the hands and said: “am glad youcame. I wish I could talk longer, Remember me to all my friends, and above all do not forget to say to them that bof heart is in the highlands with them. Good- 7” As we passed out of the room the old man picked up ® magazine and began to read. At the door, as we passed into the street. we met ® postman with an armful of letters from many parts of the country, some of them ask- ing for autographs, but the majority bringing good wishes from friends, who hoped that the old poet's seventy-first birthday would be full of sunshine and happiness, Foster Coats, Homer Fort, eg READING’S EXTENSION, A New Route Through New York State to Canadian Points, Austin Corbin, president of the Philadelphia and Re&ding, arrived in Elmira, N.Y., on Tues- day in his private car and went north by special train on the Elmira, Cortland and Northern yesterday, en route for Watertown, where he has arranged to meet and confer with promi- nent citizens in relation to extending that line from Camder to Ogdensburg, via Watertown and Clayton, The Philadelphia and Reading and the Erie railroads are also jointly interested in the line to be built from Williamsport to a point on the Tioga railroad, which will give the Philadelphia and Reading an independent line into Elmira, Surveys have been completed and construction is expected to be begun at an early date. This line, with the northern outlet from Camden to Odgensburg, will give the Philadel- phia aud Reading an’ independent lino from Philadelphia to the St. Lawrence river. This arrangement will provide the Philadelphia and Reading with direct outlet for its coal to all points in northern New York, Vermont and Canada, end also open a through and quick passenger business to the Thousand islands and summer resorts in Canada and Vermont. The California Heiress to Marry a New York Club Man. Miss Bessie Fair, the California heiress, will early in June take unto herself a husband. She is very fond of outdoor sports and her choice for partner for life is the well-known athlete and club man of New York, Herman Oolrichs. Next week he will start for San Francisco. He is now thirty-six years of age and is well-off in worldly goods, while Miss Fair, who is twenty- three years of age and isa decided brunette under the medium height, will havea dowry of $5,000,000. The couple met two years ago at Newport, and it is said to have been another case of love at first sight, By Mrs. Mackay’s advice Miss Fair had her trousseau made in Paris by a woman who is said to be more stylish and ex- ensive than Worth. When she received it, owever, she was much disappointed and at once seut it toa modiste in New York, who is now at work upon it, It is said to have already cost $100,000, ‘The material of the wedding gown is ivory satin, The front skirt has been arranged in two deep pleats, each turning toward the middle. This is to give springiness. The la drapery over this cost abroad $5,000. The train, which falls away witha fine sweep, is three and a half yards long. On the left clusters of orange blossoms are pli lengt wise on the skirt; the three on the right side are across and not far from the bottom. The corsage, which opens in @ small V back and front, has turned over it a larger V of lace (Latins overlapping scarf, the ends being in ront Two half moons of lace, delicately wired, finish the neck opening and edge the elbow sleeves, which have high puffs of lace, also wired. A cluster of orange blossoms nestles amid the lace on the corsage, which is sharply jointed from side seams, Under the point at e back falls a deep flounce of lace. Three superb point lace bridal veils have been sent from France to Miss Fair, and she may wear one, but at present her idea is to discard them all and envelop herself in clouds of tulle. The bride’s mother was a few years ago divorced from ox-Senator J. G. Fair. Searching for Cronin Conspirators. A detective has returned from a fruitless trip to Mexico in search of the man who drove Dr. Cronin to his death. Chief of Police Marsh, in an interview, said that he knew posi- tively that the man was in Mexico and that he had received hepsi and made good his es- ‘The man who let the story out, he said, was @ newspaper writer, who boards at the house of Mr. Conklin, the man with whom Dr. Cronin lived previous to his murder, and this was not the first time that justice had been balked in the in the Cronin case, The fact that “J, B. Simonds,” Penk oh wa | VOLUNTER DEFENDERS THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR. The Ciay Guards and the Frontier Guards — When Washington was Threatened by Invasion—A Propesed Union of Veterans. —_—_ Written for Tam Evzxrxe Stam. INCE PEACE has been restored between the sections and harmony ‘and good will prevail all over this happy land among the reunited f people, to recall to the memory of the living some of the forgotten but eventful incidents, occurrences and facts concerning the memorable civil war may not, at this re- mote period, prove uninteresting to the read- ers of Tue Stax nor be considered unimportant in a historical point of view. In April, 1861, when Washington city was in a state of siege and in imminent danger of at- tack from the armed forces in rebellion from Virginia, and war between the sections was in- evitable, on information of the purpose of an intended attack ona certain night (furnished by young Virginian, afterward a gallant offi- oor in the Union army, now a resident of Wash- ington), Lieut. Gen. Scott, commander of the United States army, sent for me to come to his office. I had.recently been appointed U.S. marshal for this District, He desired me forth- with to raise, arm and equip a military force that I could rely on to act as A MARSHAL's GUARD, to place the force on duty, and toreport to him as occasion might require, I immediately went to Willard’s Hotel, the headquarters at that time of loyal strangers in the city. Being well acquainted with many of them [ selected ten reliable persons, invited them into a private room in the hotel, and explained what Gen. Scott had desired me to do. The suggestion was heartily approved by them. I suggested that each of these ten men should select ten other reliable men, no more, no less, caution- ing them to make no more publicity of the matter than was really necessary, and to have their men at Willard’s Hall at 8 o'clock sharp that evening, which was agreed upon. I at once secured the keys to the ball and made re- quisition for sabers, carbines, revolvers and am- munition, At8 o'clock promptly every ar- rangement was effected as arranged for. FORMING THR GUAR! The volunteers were admitted with the arms, &c. Ihad the doors then locked as a precau- tionary measure. We had no time for parley- ing. Ioffered the command of the proposed organization toGen. James W. Nye, who sug- gested that the command be given to some one with more military experience and said that Gen. Cassius M. Clay of Kentucky would 00d man for the place and that he had just arrived at Willard’s Hotel. I thought well of the sug- gestion and as it seemed to be approved by the gentlemen present Gen. Nye and I went at NGTON. D.C., SATURDAY, ‘MAY 24, 1890—-SIXTEEN PAGES, Gens. Clay and Lane's troops were disbanded on the 4th day of May, 1861. Some of the Privatee—all who applied for them—received their ive manders, by Simon Se ae War, in- “approved” by President Lit ‘The following is a copy of the the officers of the Ciay Guards and the of War, indorsed by the Presi- dent (Gen. , deeming his services no longer needed, having left the city): Waserxotox Oia Guarps’ Anwort, Wrap Hatz, Wasurxetox, D.C., April 27, "61. To the Hon. Simon Cameron, of War: Sir: The undersigned offivers of Major Clay's battalion, organized while the capital of the United States was considered in imminent danger from civil invasion, would most respect- fully represent that the battalion is chiefly com- of non-residents = ey District; = Were organized on the 1 instant; it since that time the battalion has been on duty day and night, sleeping on their arms, and have at all times been ready at a moment's notice to do any service required of them. They number now about three hundred men, and since reinforcements have arrived here it is thought that it might not be necessary to keep up the mization. Should it be deemed necessary S the department to con- tinue the organization the mea composing it most cheerfully tender their further services. If such services are not needed we would re- spectfully ask to be disbanded and honorably discharged by the department. (Signed) Janus W. Nre, Commanding. Davip Wess, Capt, ist Co. J. E. Newrox, Capt. 2d Co. ye: to your letter of the 27th of it in consequence of the arrival of large numbers of troops in this city the emergency has ceased which called the bat- taliow commanded by you into service, and that you would be pleased, theretore, to have au- thority to disband the battalion aud have an honorable discharge from service. Concurring fully with you. I readily grant the authority asked for, and in doing so 1 beg to extend you and through you to the men under your com- mand the assurances of my high appreciation of the very prompt and patriotic manner in which your battalion was organized for the de- fense of the capital and the very efficient serv- ices rendered by it during the time of its ex- istence. Very respectfully, (Signed) Smrox Camznox. [Indorsed.} I cheerfully concur in the er testi- monial given by the Hon. Secretary of War. (Signed) A. Lrxcox. Thavea rg het the muster rolls of the Clay Guards, but have not that of the Pioneer Guards, consequently Iam unable to give the names in detail of that command, but I know them to be all men of very high character and standing im the country. 4 PROPOSED REUNION, The loyal citizens of the capital city—partic- ularly the property owners—owe an especial debt of gratitude to these pioneer defenders. The survivors are all now necessarily old men. The time will soon come when the last survivor can call no one living “comrade,” who stood shoulder to shoulder with him in that band of Patrioti: strangers in defense of the berieged capital of the nation. hope it will not be regarded as unseemly or improper in me, conversant as I am with all the chief occurrences that transpired here dur- ing the progress of the exciting events of our incipient struggles at that period, to respect- fully suggest that a meeting of the citizens of Washington be called who will resolve to in- once to Clay's room, explained the situation and told him the object of our visits, READY IN TWO MINUTES, Without manifesting his intentions other- wise than by springing to his feet, unlocking his trunk and hastily taking from it his old Mexican uniform, sword, hat and in less than two minutes he had doffed his travel- ing dress and stood in our presence in full uniform, saying, “Come on, I am ready.” We escorted him to the ball, and on the plat- form, bowing to those present, without farther preliminaries he addressed his audience with “Are you ready for the fray?” Then, after a pause and hearty response, he made a =a and eloquent five minutes’ speech. He tol. his auditors what he expected of them and what their duty and their country demanded of them. On the whole his address to them as well as his demeanor on the occasion was in character with the discipline of a veteran commander addressing veteran troops on the eve of a great battle. He seemed to take everything as a matter of course; as if everything had been pre- arranged and definitely understood and a fight improvised for the occasion. The organization was speedily consummated and the men under military drill, Gen. Butterfield of New York doing duty as drill sergeant, and before mid- night the command was on (fuard daty—some of the men detailed to guard the White House, some the Treasury Department, the Navy De- partment, the arsenal and bridges aud other approaches to the city. The command was er- larged in a day or two by the further eplist- ment of 310 men, completing the battalion. A SECOND GUARD ORGANIZED. Gen. James 8S. Lane of Kansas, then United States Senator, was invited to join the battal- ion, but declined, preferring to raise a separate command, and proceeded to do so forthwith, and raised a similar number of volunteers, forming a battalion known and called “The Froutier Guards.” The two commands acted in concert with great determination, hourly ex- pecting the 5,000 armed confederates in Alex- andria to attempt to enter the city via St. Elizabeth Hospital and across the Anacostia Bridge. No more timely and effective service was at any time done “fost the war than was per- formed by these commands during their brief service, not one of them having slept in a bed from the time of his enlistment until his dis- charge, and it may well be doubted whether a braver or more determined and desperate set of men were ever banded together for a common purpose than those enlisted under the veteran commanders Gen. Clay and Gen, Lane. Their valor had been tried in the war with Mexico, and they shrank not from a further test of it in the internecine strife to preserve the life of the nation. OFFICERS OF THE CLAY BATTALION, Gen. Cassius M. Clay, commanding; Gen. J. W. Nye, major; David Webb of New York, cap- tain first company; James Curtis of Chicago, first lieutenant; Frederick Mears of Lilinois, second lieutenant. Second company—J. E. Newton of Albany, captain; Henry Dixon of Virginia, first lieuten- . V. Boutelle of Troy, N. Y., second lieu- Frederick L, Littlejohn of Brooklyn, jutant; Wm. H. Hale of New Hamp- shire, guide to battalion; R. J. Thomas of Dubuque, Iowa, and C. W. Kimball of Boston, Mass, surgeons; DeWitt C. Littlejohn of Oswego, N. ¥., quartermaster; C. B. Denio of Galena, Ill, commissary; Rev, W. E. Hoben, Yarmouth, Maine, chaplain, with eight ser- geants and eighth corporals, Among the privates were Gov. William Bell of Tennessee, Galusha A. Grow of Pennsyl- vania, Jno. F. Potter of Wisconsin, David Wil- mot of Pennsylvania, Peter G. Washington of District of Columbia, Col. J. H. Campbell of Pennsylvania, Gilman Marston of New Hamp- shire, I. B. McKean of New York, Amasa Mc- Coy of Albany, N.Y., it. J. H. Rowan of the navy, Rufus King, L. P. Dutcher, Abraham Wakeman, William Millward, Phil E. C, Mc- Pherson of Pennsylvania and many others, whose names now are not recollected, equally distinguished. Of the officers and privates in these two pioneer commands sixty general of- ficers were selected during the war and a great many others of them became distinguished afterward ag United States Senators, Repre- sentatives in Congress and otherwise, VALUABLE SERVICE, ‘The loyal citizens of Washington will long remember with gratitude the service of these companies when they were surrounded with southern sympathizers who were ready at an opportune time to give a and assist- ance to the invaders, The defenders made the arrest of many disloyal and their character, courage and determination struck terror to the enemies of the government within and without the capital city. Their timely or- action tless anizations and promy saved jashington from into the hands of the confederates. Hil Hi ee i vite these surviving patriots to visit scenes where they learned to carry a musket, to stand on guard, to defend agaiust the invasion of a hostile enemy, and also to extend to them the freedom and hospitality of the city. ‘Tins mark of courtesy and appreciation would, I have no doubt, be most gratifying to the soldiers, as it would be a fitting tribute to patriotism. PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S OPINION. Mr. Lincoln on more than one occasion said in my presence, in speaking of the progress of war events and the safety of the capital: “That language wa: req eyend of expressing how great an obligation he and the people all over this country are under to this little patriotic band of men, for their timely services in pre- venting, as they undoubtedly did prevent, this capital from falling into the hends of the enemy. “Their names,” said he, “should be recorded in history and ought to be revered by qoster- ity.” These were the words used by Mr. Lin- coln, as near as I can recollect them at this dis- tance of time. Let the ‘old men” have the proud reflection that the way is graciously paved for them to mingle in harmonious pleasure together at the quiet capital, affording them an opportunity for a more realizing sense of the fact that “the little difticulty among the brethren,” which en- genered the sectiona! strife and drove them to arms in 1861, terminated in more thoroughly unifying the sentiments and interests of the whole people and has forever indissolubly con. solidated the states of this Union into one grand, harmonious and powerful sovereignty, Respectfully, Waxp H. Lamon, ee etre THE PRICE OF A WIFE, Curious Story of Remorse That Comes From a New York Village. The little village of Wynkoopville, Lawrence county, N.Y., has a sensation that 1s unique in its way. Ten years ago the wife of George Amiller, @ carpenter of Wynkoopville, ran away with a young lawyer named Samuel Graves, the son of a prominent citizenof the county. The runaway woman was only seven- teen years of age. Young Graves’ father died within year after the elopment and left his property, valued at $75,000, toa distant rela- tive, as his wife was dead and the runaway son was his only child. The old man, in his will, disowned hisson in unmistakable terms, Noth- ing was ever heard of the loping couple. Amiller remained in the village and worked at his trade. Last Sunday night a carriage stopped in front of the village post office, and a man who was in the carriage asked a pasver-by where George Amiller lived. The house was pointed out to the stranger, who drove on. ‘This was about 9 o'clock at night. On Monday morning, when Amiller came out of the house where he lived, he saw @ package on the sill, He picked itup. It was addressed to him. He opened it and found that it was a package of bank notes. On the top note was a piece of paper on which was written the following: Amanda is dead five years ago. Since then I have saved the enclosed. If it is any recom- pense for the injury I did for God's sake take it, (Signed) 8. G. ‘Amanda was the name of Amifler’s runaway wife. The package contained €5,000 in $100 bills. No one doubts that the man who asked where 4miller lived on Sunday night was Sam- uel Graves, He disappeared as suddenly as he appeared and left no trace, No one begrudges Amiller his good fortune. — THE BRITISH FRANKING SYSTEM. An Attempt to Revive an Old Parlia- mentary Privilege. London Special to the New York Herald. The British postmaster general is going to be besieged from still another quarter. He is informed by a contemporary that if he does not permit the postmen to carry on their agita- tion at public meetings he will have to retire Notice to quit having thus been served upon him it might havo been thought that his resig- nation would not be delayed a single hour. But Mr. Raikes seems to be a very obstinate sort of man. Mr. Jeffreys will also tackle the postmaster general in the house of commons. He wants to revive the old privilege for members of Par- liament of franking letters, and he cails atten- Fes ¢ intl li i Ht | i [ ; i i i hE | RAILROADS. rpuronraz, VANTA oR = chastise eee vEw TON, FROM sr, ‘AND BSthakia an rons: the West. ited b. ‘estibule Cate at 10°50 aim. deny, Line, 10:50 am. daily to Columbus and a jamb; daily: eucapt Seturday. to, Cuicane’ wth Bleeping Sar Aisoons 9 Chicags. St Lota Cie Prior Car Washinton a Seep ine Care " Baken or For at for Louisville and Memphia Paci - Brest. 10:00 pm daily. tor Pittsburg and the Wont Tet roush Sleeper to Pitsburg, and Pctebung BALTIMORE AND POTOM. RO. For kane, Cavasiaivue hocberter and Ningase Palla She ax rer rast, am, 2:10, 3.13, 20 Py On sunday, a8, 430, 10 9 aud S355 pam. day. jatar ashe Contact ot to Pulton strect avoiding toute across New York city City, 11:40 em, week Gaye, 11:20pm, 40 a) 40, 6:00. 7°40, Creek Line, 7 except Sunday, For Auuapolis, 7:20 and 9:00 a a P. Sunday. Sundays, 4:20 p.m. DN SULIBERN Kali Wad. S EFFECT MAY 31, 1sp0, dria, €: 3280, ~ ln. On Sunday at oT om, 2 1, Se uantice, 7-45 am. dye, 7 3am: becseye Oat O88 She mouth, 4:30 aud 20:57 am a. Week, 0, "3 00,3 Lisa 2 > Aa ton at the of fice, northeast st. and Pennsylvania evepue, and at station, where orders cun be left for the checking te, Gestuuation from hotels apd residenc AS PUGH. ate i c 3. K Wou! ce _ any?) General AND Schedule im Leave Washington trom svenueand C street. For and Northwest, Vextibuled Limited es- Papas daily 11:30 a.m express 4:30 pan. oF Cincinnats, St. Louis aud Ludianapolie, express daily, 3-30 and 11:30 p.m. a For' Pittsburg and Cleveland, express daily 9:30 & m, and 8:40 pu. 1 For Lexiuston and points tu the Shenandoah Valley, 30am. For Winchester and way stations, 15.30 p.m. For Luray, 8:40 p.m. For Baluuiore, week days, 4 a , 220. 2:15, 2250, (45 minutes) 3:25, 4:20, 4:3%, 4-50 (Piminuren) 6:00, 6:15, 6:20, 7:30, 8 Eine OF Bt eo emt tr E >, 8:30 ean, 2 2, #2 SZ, Gow 1,00. Sundays, 8:30"am., 1:10, 8:25, tf ‘@.m. 12:10, and 2? pay eer ame Oo, 3:50 Metropolitan Branch, t6 30. Kor Principal Buadous ouiy, p.m. re Stations, 4:35 p.m. For Guthersvurs and intermedicte qoimts, ” 200, $11.00 am, T1:00, T3000, “5:35, tw 10:00; 11200 p.m. Boyd's and intermediate stations, *7:00 Church traw leaves Washington pm. on Sunday at 1:18 ropelit: ch. og For Hagerstown, t1i 30 am, and ¢5:30 pm ‘Trains anive from Chiewgo daily 11:45 a.m.and 4:10 p.m. from Cineimmati and St. Louis daily 3-90 am and 2:05 pam; from Pittsburg 7:10am, 5.50 Paap, dati; EW York AND PHILADELPHIA DIVISION. or New York, Trenton, Newark aud bi by *10:00, *17-00 am. *2-30, P.m. “Buffet Parlor Csrs on ail raius. Sleeping Car on the 10-30 p. wm. open ladelphia, 4:05, 18 00, *10:00, * noon, “0. Gt aud *10:30 pans 2? me Del, Wiluingtou aud Chester, *4-05, » °12:00" noon, *2:50, "4:50, 6:15. aud 30 p.m. ‘OF intermediate points between ——— 15:00 aa W2vem., ‘irains leave New York for Washington, °9 22:30 am, *2:00, 3:20, *5:00 p.m and Brg Philadelphia for Washi: a “ilo aie 140, Sk 83k :05 am. and *12:00 m, mily. §Sunday only. called for and checked trom hotels and resi- Union Trausfer Company ory 4 2 ‘raing leave 28:15, 10:15, *7:32'p.m. For Atlantic City, * TExcept Sunda: dences by y on orders Ucket 619 and 1351 Peun. ave. aud at depot 0. BCULL, Gen. Fe Gen. ‘Manawer. mL JR CEMOND AND DANVILLE RAILROAD Co. ‘Schedule in eficct MAY 11, 1840. 5:50 a.m. —East Tennessee Mail." daily for Warren- ton, Gordonsville, Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Stations between ‘Alezandra and Lynchburg, Rosu- oke, Atlanta, bristol, Kuoxville, Chattanooga sud Memphis. Pullen wb to cy nai iW 11:24 am—Fast Mail daily for Culpeper, « jottenville, Stations Chesapeake end big ‘Rouse, Lynchburg, Kocky Mount, Danville and une be tween Lyuchburg and Danville, Greensboro’, Kaleb. Asheville, Charlotte, Columbia, Augu Auant Birmiugham, Moutgomery, New ‘Orieaus, Texax California, “Pullman Sleeper New York to Atlanta and Pullman Sicepers Atlanta to New Urieana Pull- luau Sleeper Danviile to Columbia and Aususta, Puil- man Washington to Cincinnati via Cand QO. 3:40 p.m.—Daily, except Sunday, for Manassas, Strasburg and roternediave statious 4:35 p.m. ‘a Puluman Vestibule Sleepers Washington to Mepis, connect 21:10 p.m. —Western Express daily tor ay Staunton, Loulsviile, Pullman Vesubule irsin Washiuxtou to with # Pullasan sleeper for Lousvilie. PE egg gg eg New Oriesns, Texee Car Washington to Mauasses, Cincinuaty ‘Cicinust, Si RC, vie fashington to Auguste ‘via Daiiville trains on Washington and Ohio division leave Wesh- ton 9:00 ain daily, 1:50 p.m. daily exoeyt Sunday p.m, datiy; arrive Round Mill 11:30 em. and 7:20 p.m. ; returning leave hound Biil ‘and p.m. daily and 12:20 pan. daily ivuig Washington 8:30 aim and S p.m, ees rive ib 33 amu. vs Via Bast Tennessee, Bristulund Lynch: and Chariot te. B sta. JAS. L. TAYLOR, Gen. Pass. Agent. 5 MEDICAL, &«. vblished and only Reliable Ladies’ siciun 1m the City, can be consulted daily, 44. ot.. between 434 and Gch treatment. Cousultation strictly confiden- tial. Separate rooms for Ladies. Medicine, #: Pills, 81. Office always open. wy 21-64 ADI£S WHO REQUIRE THE SERV or Mra WILSON, 1105 Park piace ne., between B and ©, 11th and 12th ste. ne. 4 O, Prompt and reliable treatment. Uuiy geuuins foases" Puysicien in the city. hatablianed 1655. mz0-6t* PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE CAN BE OBTAINED with best of unedicai reference, by apvlying at 913 oi at ew. ‘apis-Ow" QOUNTAIN AND BULB SYRINGES, THROAT Atomizers, Aur and Water Beds Elastic other Kubber ‘Goods for the sick room. free. GUObY: RUBBER . MELVILLE LINDSAY, Mavager. “ °"Ss"sms ME, DE i LONG-:8TABLISHED iD M Ladies Paytioine, toe eee any oy Ol Tstu.w. Ufice hours from READ AND BE WISE —DE. BROTHLLS, 900 BST, BY a.. ope ue aid tunde cath, that be 6 aa ge cufsin aucune ot. 2 scribed ‘and to beture me by Br. He CAs aber, cee mei W GMASTHER DISEASES, ‘= 4 THOMAS, ¥7S N Easter sk-Daleasore, Ma for non-residents, BEEN CONTRADI THAT you om ‘usin