Washington.
1835. At Washington, “the city of magnificent distances,” with the haste and eagerness of a new comer you visit the lions;—ascend to the capitol;—criticize its architecture, whether properly authorized to do so or not,—listen to the proceedings in either House for an hour or two,—pay your respects to the President,—visit the country-seat and grave of our great and good opponent Washington.—C. J. Latrobe, ‘The Rambler in North America,’ i. 32–3 (N.Y.).
1836. That city “so magnificent in distances,” as Monsieur Serrurier said of it.—Beverly Tucker, ‘The Partisan Leader,’ p. 384 (N.Y., 1861).
1858. I remember when Washington, instead of being regarded as a great capital, was, by those who were unable to see its future, ridiculed as a city of magnificent distances,—a mockery of a city.—Mr. Seward of New York, U.S. Senate, May 15: Cong. Globe, p. 375, App.
