THE STORY OF NORTH AMERICA.

 

But time forbids further

mention of these relics.

the heroic past.

The one feature, which draws more at-
tention than any other, is the old Liberty
Bell, now suspended from the ceiling.
The cld frame, which held it for so many
years, is sacredly preserved, and is kept
out of reach to prevent visitors from car-

rying it away piecemeal. —

129

One almost fancies, as he gazes that he
can see the old man in the belfry, his hand
on the rope, awaiting with anxious heart the
tidings from the Continental Congress, and
when, at last, the joyful cry rang out from
those young lips, ‘Ring, grandpa, ring, Oh,
ring for Liberty!’ how well did the old bell
fulfill the inscription upon it, and did pro-
claim liberty throughout the land.”

THE CITY OF WASHINGTON.

THE HOME OF OUR GOVERNIIENT.

s Nee tell us about; Washington,”
said Alice, after papa had fin-

ished his story of Independence Hall.
“Washington,” said papa, “has been
called the city of magnificent distances,
because, when it was first built the public
buildings were far apart and the inter-
vening space not built up. Now, however,
the city is as compactly built as one could
wish and no longer deserves its old title.
* The city was laid out in the latter part of
The Capitol and the

White House are one mile apart connected

the last century.

by Pennsylvania Avenue, which is now
one of the most busy thoroughfares of the
city. The Capitol serves as a center from
which all the streets radiate. The princi-
pal streets, or avenues, as they are called,

Millions

have been spent in improving these ave-

are named after several States.

nues until to-day, Washington is pro-

 

nounced the handsomest city in the Union
and possibly in the world. Were we to
go there on a visit, we would find much to
The White House, famous as
the home of the presidents, with its quaint

interest us.

architecture, high ceilings, rich furniture
and well-kept lawns would afford us a
pleasant hour. This house is furnished
by the Nation, and large sums are given
to keep it in repair. The Capitul, too,
would come in for a visit. Here is where
Congress meets.

The Senate Chamber is in one wing and
the House of Representatives in the other.
In these the chairs and desks are arranged
in semi-circles, all facing the speakers’
desk. Sometimes these chambers are the
scenes of exciting debates. The manner of
conducting their daily business would be
interesting, but cannot be told now. We

must not forget to go up into the dome of