POUT At RP.FORMS.
Among the many subjects which come di
rectly home to every one, and which are of
very srreat importance to many, we ei ay class
n tfioan and sccnre system of rostaire. Our
readers mny recoil thot we have frequently of
l ite bad occasion to direct mcir auenuon m
the fact, that an almost incredible dogree of
carelessness, if not dishonesty, appears to
prevail in many post-offlces in this country,
that advertisements for the loss of letters
containing Valuable enclosures, are of almost
daily Occurrence, and that it was but the day
before yesterday, December 4, that our edi
torial column contained a reference to a val
uiiblo enclosure which, by "mistake," had been
sent from New York to Chicago.
In a recently published pamphlet entitled,
Postal Reform, by Pliny Miles, we have all
the abuses and defects esistont in the present
postal system brought together, with sug
gestions for their reform. 1 ts author appears
to have eiyoyed groat facilities for mastering
his subjoct, and has as evidently expended
much time and unwearied industry on the
liiatler. The result of his researches has been
to prove that if its magnitude be taken into
considorotion, wo have, beyond question, tho
worst established, worst regulated, and most
extravagant postal system in the world. We
have the most ridiculous lieenso in franking
granted to government officers. Millions, as
our pamphlet observes, are spent annually in
printing books and reports or which not more
than one-tenth areof any utility, or eveu read,
and heavy sums are also paid out to pass
these through the mails, and while the people
who get books and documents are fluttering
themselves that they como free, they actually
pay nearly three millions a year for their
transportation, in a direct tax on their cor
respondence. To such an extent is this ab
surd frauking of what is to most of its recipi-
Cuts useless mailer, carneu iuai were us ex
pense deducted we should save one-third of
the preseut postol reforms, or have our letters
carried for one-third less.
An extraordinary delusion seems to exit-t
in our country of regarding government is an
authority independent of and superior to the
people, instead of its being the result of the
people's will, and subservient to it. The
feeling would be natural enough for one who
was born a forciguer, but tuo tact that a
native can yield to it is a curious instance of
the difficulty which most men find in master
ing rudimentary facts. Nowhere is this
more plninly manifested than in postal rates.
Our letters are carried so much cheaper than
they once were that we still feel most absurd
ly grateful to "government" for the reduction,
never reflecting that it depends only on our
own will to establish an uniform rate of pos
- tage at a cent a letter if we choose, and no one
to thank for it but ourselves. Were the
franked matter pail for or only such a por
tion of it as is really required by recipients
the remainder being suppressed, and were
the present rate of postage diminished even
two-thirds, there can be no doubt that, ero
long, instead of a deficiency in the post office
revenue, we should have a surplus.
It is almost painful to trae in the pam
phlet before us the absurdities, the extrava
gance und tho carelessness which prevails,
owing to a bad system in our American pos
tal arrangements. Four millions of letters
annually, or about one in thirty, fail to reach
their address, "and this independent of all
that are lost through mail robberies, flood,
fire, 'waste,' 'paper mills,' (!) and other acci
dents." It is true that we have a large
floating population, and that many other
causes may be alleged why many letters
should be lost, but no reason exists which can
excuse or extenuato snch a foarful proportion
of loss. One reason for this is, that unless
a letter when opened in the Dead Letter
Office is found to contain an enclosnro, no
attention is paid to it aud it is burned.
About fcfiO.OOO in money and $2,000,000 in
ihvifts. bills, fcc, are annually taken from
A m. riein dead letters. But as Mr. Miles
intimates, those letters which do not contain
i Mclosurcs, if properly estimated, are probably
cf !:r irrore consequence than the money doc-r.-ni-nts,
and these are oil destroyed. In our
wy of returning dead letters, every one has
to go through seventeen processes, super
scriptions and entries. Thirty letters a day
for a dead letter clerk in Washington is
considered a good day's work, while in Eug
l.ind these matters are so simplified that each
elnrk sends off two hundred a day. Mr
Miles shows that the expense cf returning all
the dead letters would not average a cent
to a norson in the United States, and no one
would deny that if the question could be
brought heme to the people they would wil
lingly pay much more.
Hut it is needless to pursuo our present
system further through all its abuses, ab
surdities and mistakes. The matter is begin
ning to excito general attention, and will be
fore long bo more thoroughly reformed than
it has ever before been. Meanwhile there is
one clement which underlies the whole mat
ter, and which is of such importance that it
cannot be kept too vividly before the people.
It is the improved social and moral effect
resulting from extended social correspond
ence. Everything which tends to make man
acquainted with man which renders knowl
edge common to all, tends to strengthen onr
social system, and to enlighten the communi
ty. Correspondence by letter is an impor
tant part of the bringing and bindingtogether
so very important that if we were to pass
every letter grata turougn me posi aosuru
as it may sound the result would be bene
ficial beyond calculation, and well worth au
indirect and general contribution from other
ources. Letters, the pre& and tho telegraph
are to the mind aud to the head work of
practical business, what rail-ronds and steam
beats are to its material or physical portion
things of which it is impossible to have a
superfluity, things which contribute to their
own growth and to that of all prosperity,
whether bodily or intellectual. In the words
of Dr. Channing, as most appropriately quoted
ly Mr. Miles, "Such importance do we attach
to the freest communication with all parts of
the country so much do we desire that the
poor as well as the rich may enjoy the means
of Intercourse that we would sooner have
the I'ost Office a tax on the revenue, than
ofie of its sources." J'hila. Bulletin.
WORTIIER3 CKSJTRAL RAILWAY.
At a meeting of the stockholders of the
Northern Central Railroad, held on Wednes
day last, the date of the financial year wag
fixed at the 1st of Jannary. The meeting al
so approved of the action of the Board of
Directors in reference to the contract for the
completion of the road from Tide Water to
Sunbury, aud for holding sessions, when they
may find the same necessary, in the State of
Pennsylvania. One reasou for this ia that
they may execute their contracts there, and
thus avoid the local disabilities which the
Maryland law is said to present in the nego
tiation of their bonds at a rate under par, and
which are to be given to the contractors to
the amount of 82,340,000 for the whole work
81,000,000 being for the work as far as
Millersburg, at which point the company re
erve the right to atop at present, and con
nect there with the Lykeus' Valley railroad.
Mr. Kennedy made an informal statement
of the present financial condition of the com
pany, showing that its revenues, as compared
with those of last year, exhibited an increase,
such a to enable the company to pay all its
jaterest and considerably augmeut its equip
ment, with the means at hand to liquidate lU
known floating debt by the fi.-st of January.
Baltvnort Sun.t
Saw Mill Brawn. On Satnrday night,
tho .team saw mill of Foos A Bingaman, at
Reading Pa., was destroyed by fire. Loss
f.SOOO ; insurance $!.'(.
THE AMERICAN.
SUNBUBY.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1855.
H. B. MASSES, Editor and Proprietor
To ADvwmiMii. Tin circulation of Iho ffunbury
American among th different towns on the Snequehsmia
ia not exceeded if equalled tiy any paper published in North
em Pennsylvania.
EDITOR'S TABLE.
Business Nstlces.
GODEY LADY'S BOOK. Published by L. A Go.
dry, lit Cheenut street, Phil.
The January number is received, and It i one of the
beat we have vet Been. It contains 3 aplendid Sleel En
(ravines, one of them a magnificent Colored Paahion
Plate with four Fifrures! One beautiful Lithograph, prin
ted in blue and gold; 100 Pages; 19 Full Page Platea;
49 Engraving! ; and 66 Articlea. The following are the
teimi:
Terms, cash irl advance. One ropy, one year, i3. Two
copies one yenr S3. Three copies one year VS. Five
copies one year, and an extra ropy to the person sending
the ctuh, making six copies, 10. Eight copies one yean
and an extra copy to the person sending the club, mailing
nine copies, til. Eleven copies, and one extra to getter
of c lub, 20.
We will give the Lady's Bo5k and the "American" ore
year for IV) ,50
We cnllthe altrnli on of purchiaers of real estate to the
advertisement of James Cameron, Esq., in this weeks pa
per. Also to the sole of coal land by order of the Orphans
Court.
Snow to the depth of about six inches
fell in this place on Wednesday night last.
tgf Trachkrs In8tttctr. The teachers of
the different schools in this connty are to
meet in the Court House, in this place, on
Tuesday, the 18th inst., for the purpose of
organizing a Teachers Institute.
Tho object seems to be a laudable one,
and if properly carried out, will, no doubt,
prove beneficial to the cause of education.
HrTbc iucrease of business on our basin
may be estimated from the following report
of the nnmber of boats towed by the steamer
Susquehanna. Up to the 8th of December
she towed 4710 boats. Last year the whole
number was 18C7.
The price of grain still continues to
decline, and sales in the markets of all the
cities, appear to bo dull. Provisions are also
coming down. These things, we think, have
reached the culminating point, and are des
tined to come down to reasonable rates. It
is a singular fact that many articles of provi
sions are higher here than in Pottsville.
DEDICATION.
The' New Lutheran Church at this place
will bo dedicated on Christmas, the 25th inst.
A number of workmen are busily engaged in
completing it in timo for that purpose. Ths
church is a large and commodious brick buil
ding, and the interior finished in a style high
ly creditable to the congregation and builders.
In the base, besides a largo' lecture room,
there ore several other comfortabblo rooms,
one of them, we believe, is designed for the
study of the paBtor. As a number of popu
lar clergymen will officiate on the occasion,
no doubt a large assemblage will be gathered
within the walls of the church on that inter
esting occasion.
Or Literary Society. We neglected last
week to notice the first meeting of the new
Literary association established in this place.
The first meeting was Tuesday evening a
week last. Judge Jordan presided. The
introductory lecture was delivered by Gen.
J. K. Clement. The subject, labor. The
audience was large and respectable, and ap
peared to be highly gratified with the enter
tainments of the evening. On Tuesday even
ing last, at the second meeting of the society
there was a debate in which some half dozen
persons participated. The audience was
respectable in numbers, and intelligent in
appearance. We were pleased to see quite
a number of ladies present. Their approval
is a sure guaranty of success.
Lectures are becoming popular, and litera
ry associations are every where springing np.
People must have some relaxation, some ex
citement and diversion from the ordinary
every day duties of life, and if the popular
taste should run into lectures and debates, all
the better. Many may be thus attracted to
the cultivation of the mind, who would other,
wise waste their time aud energies in places
and pursuits much less profitable.
DIVISION OF THE COUNTY.
The editor of the Miltonian comos to the
sage conclusion that wo "appear to favor
division of Northumberland county," and
that we "hint strongly that the upper end
should be attached to Union county to bene.
fit Lowisburg." The presumption is, that the
editor of the Miltonian, is perhaps the only
man in the county, who had sufficient sagaci
ty to make such a wonderful discovery 1
He bath optics shaip,! ween,
To see what is not to be seen.
We looked in vain into the files of our pa
per to see if any paragraph could have crept
iu by stealth, which could possibly bo lortu
red into such a construction. But there was
nothing to convey the remotest idea of such
an absurdity. We have sometimes referred
to the squibs fired off between the editor o
the Miltonian, and his belligerent neighbor of
the Lewisburg Chronicle. B'U we always
looked upon it as a mere pop-gun fight, the
result of which, no one feared or cared about,
except the two pugnacious editors themselves,
who may, probably, look upon it a a second
edition of the celebrated contest between
llector and Achilles. If so, we trust tome
modern Homer will record their exploits, in
an epio worthy of the theme. Seriously
speaking, we think the editor of the Miltonian
entirely too belligerent for a subaltern in the
ranks. He should "tarry at Jericho" a while
longer. To suppose that we should favor
division of the county ii an idea too absurd
for refutation.
GLEANING! FROM OUR NEIGHBORS.
Milton. The ladies of Milton will give a
splendid oyster supper in the Odd Fellow!
Hall, on the 34th inst. The proceeds to be
applied for the benefit of the Presbyterian
church. Cititens of neighboring towns are
respectfully invited to attend.
The Miltonian notices the sale of tho fol
lowing real estate. It will be seen that the
lowest price is $1,00 per acre. This is al
most equal to the prices in Chester and Lan
caster counties.
The farm of Mr. John Datesronn, contain
ing 65 acres, situated in Turbut township,
was sold at private sale a few days ago, to
Col. Wm. IT. Heinen, for the sam of $6,600.
The farm of Mr. Robert Meek, situate in
Turbut township, containing 60 acres, was
sold at private sale, to Mr. John Dunklc, for
$6,000.
The farm of Mr. Joseph Deshler, situated
in Turbut township, was sold to Mr. K. Dnn-
kle rocently. It contained 70 acres, aud
brought $7,000.
Dr. T. Piper, of M'Ewonsvillo, Delaware
township, sold his form to Mr. J. Wesley,
for $10,000. It contained one hundred
acres.
Our friend of the Democrat, always in luck,
alluding to the accession of some new sub,
scribers by our neighbors, says that he has
also had a similar "streak of luck." These
things are, with as, such an every day affair,
that we aro, perhaps, not sufficiently gratoful,
in not announcing it to the public. Even
such "streaks" may not always be desired
One of tho most talented editors in the
valley of the Susquehanna, late consul at
Tangiers, and now no more, once informed
ns, that tho best days work he ever did was
to cut 400 subsicrbers from his list.
Edward Snyder, of Milton, slaughtered
hog raised by Judge Oaks, which weighed
406 ponnds.
Danville. The Demoerat rocommends the
increase of pay to Jurors to $1,50 per day.
A doubtful improvement The Northumber.
land stage leaves for Danville at 6 in the
moruing, and returns at 1 P. M. The Dan
ville Hrass Hunt gives us annual linll on
New Years day. On Friday evening tho 7th
inst., a daughter, 4 years old, of Mr. Over
peck was lost. The citizens turned out at 10
o'clock at night, and found it in bed at the
house of Mr. Stetlcr, one and a half miles out
of town. A fire occurred on Tuesday, in a
honso of the Montour Company. The Engine
was brought out by volunteers, and left stand
ing in the street, for want of help to replace
it in the Engino nonsc. We are surprised
to learn from the Demoerat that there is no
fire company in that place. We have two
companies, both prompt and efficient.
The water was to havo been let out of the
North Branch cnr.al on the 10th.
LEWisnrRO We learn from the Chronicle
that tho Union connty building committee
have so far arranged their plan ns to employ
Mr. Noll to prepare specifications for the
county buildings, to be in readiness for nse at
the appointed time. The general plan is
that of the Bradford connty buil lings at
Towanda, and those at Camden, N. J. The
edifice will be 50 by 100 in size. One story
to contain the prison cells, and Sheriffs
apartments another the various offices and
another, Court and Jury rooms, A consider
ably larger edifice at Camden, cost $?0,000.
We think with the editor, the Jail building
should be separate. The friends of the Lew
isburg and Spruce Creek road, are waking up
and say they have $300,000 subscribed. The
friends of the Lock Haven and Tyrone road,
a rival route, are also pushing thier claims.
Tho first court will be held at Lewisburg on
Monday next. Many will be there to see tho
ceremonies.
Sf.i.inkgrove We learn f.on the Star
that the Commissioners of Snyder connty
have appointed Geo. Hill, Esq., their Coun
sel, and Sem Leitzel, Esq., Clerk, aud they
also appointed Henry S. Boyer, Esq., Mer
cantile Appraiser.
The County Seat contest seems to havo
subsided. The Location Committee met at
Middleburg on Thursday, 22d ult., to select
a suitable place for the Court House and
Jail for Snyder county. The piece of ground
belonging to Mrs. Kreme, adjoining Judg0
Wittenmoyer, was fixed upon lor the Court
House, and for the Jail a lot of Jacob An
rand, in the western part of town, was selec
ted. The 'Volksfreund' says that the loca
tion gives general satisfaction.
Willi amsport. The Grand Jury rccom-
mend the erection of a new County Prison,
on the plan of that at York, at an estimated
expense of $13,000. Thomas M'Graw was
found guilty of violating the J ug Law, and
sentenced to 15 days' imprisonment, $25 fine,
and costs. A German Dramatic Association
of Lock Haven have made a miserable show
at Williamsport. A honse in Willinmsport,
occupied by three families, was burned down
Tuesday week, loss not great. Ihe Muncy
Luminary is adopting the cash principle, and
will not send the paper to any stranger, or to
any person at a distance from the office, with-
out pay in advance. John Fribley, for three
years mud-boss between Muncy and Loyal.
sock, (American,) has been removed, ana
Thomas Maxwell, of Muncy, substituted.
Muncy has been recommended by the Com
mittee as.the best site for the proposed Normal
School. The bank barn, crop, and farming
implements of Maj. George Crane, near Jer
sey Shore, have been destroyed by fire. Loss
$4,000,
Berwick. We learn from the Gazette that
Fred'k Nicely, Esq., of that place, raised a
turnip measuring two feet three inches in
circumference, and weighing 8J ponnds. A
landlord who raises such vegetables must be
a good provider. M r. Nicely keeps the prin
cipal Hotel in Berwick.
Pottsvillb, The Miners' Journal urges the
establishment of a Miners' Hospital at that
place. Hon. F. W. Hughes a few years
since offered to give $5,000 for that purpose
if $20,000 were made np by other parties,
A man was shot at Spencers Mines.
NORTHERN CENTRAL RAILROAD.
The letting of the work on 26 miles of the
Northern Central rail road from Millersburg
to Bridgeport, took place on the 7th inst.
Tho remaining portion or tbo road from this
place to Harrisbnrg, will, no doubt, be let
shortly, and the whole road completed with
out delay. The following is the allotment of
work at tho letting of the 7th inst.
Northern Central Railroad. The fol.
lowing is the result of the allotment of the
Northern Ucntrai ltanrono, maue yesieruay,
by Geo. M. I. an man at Co :
Section l and I, smun xtoim.
3, A. L Eoumfort.
" 4 and 6, D A Dougherty A Co.
" 6 and 7, John Bingham & Co.
" 8 and 9 Uowen A Brown.
" 10 and 11. C Shecsley.
" 12 and 13, John 8. Daugherty A Co
" 14 15 16 and 17, U Hoglo.
18 19 and 20, John Brown A Co.
" 24 25 and 26, T. S. Mackey A Son
27, T K Shull.
" 28. McKissick A Brindle.
Canton and Rockdale Division, Burks A
Lauman.
THE COAL TRADE.
The shipments of coal from this place have
nearly closed. Tho cold weather of tho past
week has put a stop to canal navigation, ex.
cepting where boats were on their way home,
Tho trade has been brisk, and we learn from
a number of our operators that the demand
during the past season, has been much great
er than they were able to supply. This cir-
enmstance, with the largely increased trado
of the present year, over the past, is strong
evidence of the superiority of our coal over
all others, particularly for domestic purposes
THE SHORTEST DAYS.
The shortest days of the year are nearly
at hand. We say days, because the days
commencing on the 18th of December, until
the 27th vary but little, and increase only a
fraction of a minute in nine days. The short
est day will be nine hours and four minutes
in length. On the 27th the day will be nine
hour and five minutes long. The long nights
of winter are, in many respeets, the happiest
of the year either at the social fi reside or
festive board, or in tho quiet chamber of the
student or recluse.
sjyTiiK Post Office Departmf.nt. It is
stated, in advance of the Postmaster Gencr-
el's Report, that the deficit in the Post Office
Department for tho present year will be
about two millions and a half of dollars, or
somo three-quarters of a million more than
last year. There bos been added during tho
year some 3700 miles of road service to tho
operations of the Department.
An article in another column, from th
Philadelphia Bulletin, will go far to show
why the Post Office department docs not
sustain itself. It is not only badly systcmati
zed, but badly managed. But even if it were
not so, there is no more reason why the Post
Office department should sustain itself, than
the Navy or the Army.
Congress. The difficulty in uniting
on some one for speaker of the House of
Representatives is nothing new. The same
thing occurred in 1839, occasioned by the
"Broad Seal" controversy growing out of the
New Jersey Congressional election. Finally,
R. M. T. Hunter, of Virginia, a Southern
State-rights man was chosen by vote of 119
to 113. Ho was opposed to Mr. Van Burcn'
administration.
Again in 1849, tho balloting for Speaker
lasted from the 3d to the 22d of December,
when Mr. Cobb of Georgia, was declared
elected or. the C4th ballot, but by a plurality
vote.
nn now decamped, bnt from traces of blood
which were discovered the next doy, and
tracked for nearly a mile, it ii believed that
one or more of the number muBt havo been
badly wounded, lie also iniorms mo mat
the agent of the northern fanatics havo in
several instances attacked and fired the
dwellings of settlers known or supposed o do
friendly to the establishment of slavery in
K BflDM
T.avronpa cltv. the head anarters or me
Abolitionists, is stronely entrenched. They
have ten field pieces, at which they drill In
cessantly, guards aro stationed out at night,
and elirht hundred men. armed io inn teem,
swear that nigger slavery shall never exist
In Kansas by authority oi law. uovernor
Shannon sides with the Missonrians, and ad
vise them to come to Kansas with their slaves,
It was rennrted that the Governor bad de
clared that the President had authorized him
to call on the commanding officers of tort
ltilnv and Fort Leavenworth to put down tne
mob. No man stirs out without a rifle, and
rint and arson and murder occasion no ear
. ...A rwl 1;t4la pnmmnnf Kn. rrnntle.
men, where is all this to end t This stato of
things snou o not any loiiirer oe unoweu. i uo
rraaident shou id intcrnosc ana put ii aown,
if necessnry with the weight of the whole
power of the Government. But what fate
mirrht in ha tho nnrlinn nf the domaffOeUCS
who have raised all this trouble t They alone
aro responsible for all tho evils whicn may
grow out oi tno present, siaie oi minga.
1 forgot to add tnai my mior-imn bvbwu
that. (Jnvpmnr Shannon harl called for aid
frnm,t Josenh's and Independence, and
thatono hundred men had gone from St,
Joseph's on this call.
xours, respccuuny,
E. F. R,
Philadelphia Market
, Deo. 12, 1855.
GRAtN. There Is a good supply of Wheat.
bnt prices aro still droopiotr. Millers onlv
otter tor soutnern and l'enna. red, $1,95(($2,
and 2,10(32,12 for prime white. Rye is in
steady demand at 125c per bn. Corn is also
dull. Sales of old yellow at 6"c(a 98, and
new yellow at from 75 to 81c. Oats are dull
at 41Ci42o per bushel, for Delaware, and 42o
for Pennsylvania.
Uloverferd comes in very slowly and is
wanted at $8,50 per 64 lbs. Flaxseed is very
scarce and in demand at $2,50.
SUN BURY
Wbkat.
Rt t.
Corn.
Oats.
Potatoes,
Bskswax
PRICE CURRENT
300
113
SO
M
IS
tr,
ALSO,
At the same time and slice, the undivided
half of a
TRACT OF COAL LAND,
of which the said Calvla Blytha in bis lifetime
was Mixed, sttuata in Coal and Zerbv townshipa,
Northumberland county, adjoining lands tur
Jd to John Boyd, William Wilson, Peter
Maurer, Michael Kroll and Frederick K'mer.
and surveyed on a warrant to Mathiai Zimmer-
man, containing 307 acre, 91 perches, more r
less, on which is erected a small Loi Hnn.e.
and which said Calvin Blythe held and sold,
subsequent to the drawer of the riffs., the widow
ui me sam maimas Zimmerman.
Seized, taken in execution, ami in t, nl.l
the properly of Frederick Lazarus, adm'r. of
uslvin Hlythe, deceased.
HENRY WEI8E. Sheriff.
onerm s unice,
Dec. IS, 1853.
New Advertisements.
STOVES-
7.OR 8 ALE an excellent second-hand Cook-
A- ing Stove, also several Cylinder Coal
Stoves. Enquire at this ottice.
sta-StATR Officers. Any qnantity of
persons have been named or recommended by
the newspapers, as candidates for nomination
on the 4th of March next, for the different
state offices at the next election. They may
be classed from first rate to about tenth rata
some about as fit for the station as an on-
tamed Pawnee chief, would be for a Profes
sorship of Greek in one of our colleges.
B-The Phtfadclphia Ledger of Monday
last records the death of A. H. Simmons, ono
of the publishers and proprietorr of that pa
per. Mr. Simmons died rather suddenly, of
congestion of the lungs, on Sunday last. He
was an intelligent and active business man,
and was, in appearance, one of the most
healthy and vigorous men in the city. The
Ledger was started in 1836, by Messrs.
Swain, Able and Simmons, and has now the
largest circulation in the world. Tho propri
etors have all bocome wealthy.
" Cou Forney, late clerk of the House
of Reprecntatives in ashmcton, has, in
connot tics with Mr. Nicholson, become joint
i,uers and proprietors of the Washington
Union, the Government organ. Tbo Colonel
is a good political writer, but not a safe and
prudent politician.
r Statb Finances. On the 30tn ult.,
there was an available balauce in the btate
Treasury of $1,245,697 31. At the same
time last year, the balance was $1,240,928 72.
The receipts from tho canals and railroads of
the Commonwealth, during the past year,
amount to $1,942,376 71.
Scnbcrv Literary Soonmr. Order of
exercises for Monday evening, 17th inst. 1st,
A Lecture ; 2d, Heading an r.ssay ; dd, ue
bate on the following question : "Are the
Allies justifiable in tho present war with
Russia." Affirmative, Messrs. Montgomery,
Born, II. B. Masser and Peale. Negative,
Messrs. Clement, Donnel, Youngman and
Wolverton.
Published by order of the chair,
S. R. Tealf, Sec'y.
Correspondence of the Puhlie Ledger
STATE OF AFFAIR IN KANSAS.
Burlington, Des Moines co., Iowa, 1
Dec. 5th, 1855. J
Messrs. Eoitors : I have just conversed
rith an intelligent and respectable eentlcman
from Kansas, with whom 1 became acquainted
while living there, and as be has stated to me
some facts which may not be known to you,
I have thought it worth wUHo to write you
this letter. He gives a most melancholy ac
count of the existing state of affairs there,
and says that civil war is now raging in the
territory.
Two nights Deiore lie leu inem, a gang oi
'border rumaus ' crossed irom the Missouri
side of the river and attacked a settler, named
Klinefelter, drove him and bis family from his
cabin after night, and then fired his house
and nay stack. They then gave three cheers
for "Drunken Davy, (David R. Atchinson)
and retired. 1 he next night the same or
another party made another attack on a set
tlor g home, but he bad notice of their inten
tiona, and bad collected some of his friends,
who remained concealed in the house. The
ruffians approached the house and demanded
admittance, i he owner then came out, when
the leader of the mob slated to him that be
mast leave on the inBtant, at the same time
threatening bis life ia the event cf refusal.
At this, his concealed friends rashed out and
fired at the party attacking them. The ruf.
A LOflO NIGHT WITH WILD BEASTS
On thn 4th of November. 1855, Arvine
PlnrW nf Jersov Shore, was exploring the
ronte for a new road to tho settlement of the
"Fanning and Land Association," a new col
ony near tho site of the famous Ole Bull set-
.. . . " . . 1 TIT. n . r
tiemont, in i ouer county, nuenrcmug
drew on, he commenced retracing his steps,
but lost his way, in a denso forest at least
eight miles from a settlement. An old man,
tired with walking, he sat down on a log to
rest a moment and contemplate nis suuauon.
His attention was suddenly arrested by a
rustling in tho bushes close by, and on look
ing around, he Baw a huge bear coming to
wards him. To draw up his trusty rifle and
shoot, was tho work of a moment j Brnin
gave a fearful roar, which awoke the echoes
of tho gloomy solitude, and then was still.
Fearing that ho was only wounded, Clark
hastily re-loailed his gun with two uaiis, xne
lost in his pouch, and discharged them into
tho body of the bear, when he cautiously ap-
Sronchcd and found that bo was dead. He
escribes the bear's roar, as ho received his
death-wound, as terrific, and calculated to
take tho stoutest heart quail with fear.
A dark night was settling down on him
he had no bullets was far in the wilderness,
without food or Bhclter. Ho had no matches
to kindlo a firo and, to add to his further
discomfort, it commenced raining. What
was to be dono T To remain there, was ex
ceedingly dangerous. He continued to grope
his way through the laurel, hoping to una a
path that might lead to a hunter's habitation
but in vain. The howling of a pack of wolves
greeted his car He soon became exhausted,
and found that ho would have to remain there
for the night. Coming to an aged hemlock,
he seated himself at its root. Could ho but
obtain a fire, he would be comparatively safe
The effort was mado by collecting some dry
materials, and, loading his gun with powder
fired the charge into a dry cotton handker
chief. It was a failure I As the gun was
discharged, another bear, apparently within
twenty feet of him, gave a hideous roar, that
made Clark's hair stand on end. Bruin was
terribly frightened by the discharge of the
gnn, and hastily scampered off, much to the
relief of Clark.
Here ho remained, not daring to fall asleep
About two o clock iu tbo morning, to add to
tht horrors of his situation, the yell of a pan
ther was heard. The beast approached
came nenrer, every few minutes uttering a
screech that froze the blood in his veins 1 As
a last resort to defend himself from the at
tack of tho savage animal, be re-loaded his
gun, putting in some three cent pieces and
ft eel pens, (for he had nothing else,) which
ho hoped might do somo execution. The an
imal came so near that tne glare oi ms eyes
in tho darkness resembled two balls of fire 1
There Clark remained, without daring to
move with tho fiery eyes of the panther fix
ed upon him. In this dreadful situation, ex
pecting every moment to be torn in pieces,
he remained till break of day, when he was
relieved from danger by the animal disappear
ing. Hungry, weary, and excited, he left for
tho settlement, where he arrived about noon,
aud related his thrilling adventure. A party
proceeded to the place where tho bear was
Bbot, and brought in his carcass, which pro
ved to be a very largo one. It was dressed
and forwarded to ew York. It was sever
al days before Clark fairly recovered from the
fatigue, tho fear, and excitement of that night
which win never do removed irom ms mum.
Joun of Lancaster,
A FARMiAT PRIVATE SALE.
Tho subscriber offers at tpnvate sale, the
well known Farm, late the estate of William
Taggort, dee'd., situate part in Northumber
land, and part in Montour counties, Pa., on
tho road leading from Milton to Danville,
and within one-Jcurth or a mile or the u. W
and E. R. R.. containing in all 2 17 acros,
about 105 or 10 acrca are heavy timbered
lands, principally oak and Hickory. There
is a lartre tiuantity of oak suitable for Ship
Timber, and any amount of Rail Road wood
on the Farm.
" The improvements are two good Dwelling
Houses, and one large Bank Barn, handsomo-
ly situated, the Cuilisquaque Ureek running
throueh the centre of the same, on which
there is a fall of 6 feet C inches, suitable for
a Saw or Grist Mill.
There Ib also a fine young Apple and Teach
Orchard of choice grafted fruit, and a large
portion of Meadow-land, the soil of which is
or a loominir nature, one pan oi me r arm
land has been limed, and limestone within
one fourth of a mile.
The whole will be sold together at a bar
gain, or in part to suit purchasers.
I he noovo property nas laieiy Deen very
much improved : within the last year C000
bushels of lime has been put on it and 2 tons
of Guano.
The property will be sold ontire, or as it
will divide very conveniently, ono half will be
sold.
Terms will bo mado very accommodating
JA5U-.S UA.Mh.UU-.
Chilisqanquo tp. Dec. 15, 1855. 3t.
Lancaster Whie. Reading Eagle and Mil
tonian, will publish three times and send bills
to subscriber.
ORPHANS' COURT SALE.
IN rnrsnnce of an order of tho Omhans'
Court of Northumberland county, will be ex
posed to publie sale on Saturday, the 5th day
of January next, at the house of William
Weaver, in tho town of Shamokiu, county
aforesaid, the following described real estate
to wit :
A CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND,
situate in Coal township, connty aforesaid,
surveyed December 3d, 1785, in pursuance
of a warrant granted to Thomas Hamilton,
adjoining lands surveyed in the names, re
spectively, of Martin (Joss. William P. Brady.
John Boyd, William Wilson, John Cook and
Kichard Lake, containing, byre-survey, made
Sept. 15th, 1855, 436 acres and 86 perches,
strict measure, late the estate of Joseph T.
Mather, dee'd. balo to commence at iu
o'clock, A. M. of said day, when the terms
will bo mado known by
A.N W. MATliJSU, Ad riX.
By order of the Court, )
C. Boyd Pursel, Clk. O. C. f
December, 10th, 1855.
N. B. The above tract of land lies in the
valley between the "Little" and "Big" moun
tains, upon tributaries of the Shamokin
Creek, about equi-distant from the two flour
ishing towns of Shamokin and Trevorton. It
is all exceedingly well timbered with white
and chestnut Oak, white and yellow Pine,
Chestnut, Hickory and Poplar ; and a portion
large enough to make two good luima, is
suscoptible of cultivation.
LIST OF JURORS
For January, Sessions, 1806.
GRAND JURORS.
Sunfatrv Wm Martin. Tlina Ttnl.ina Xti
chacl Wilvert, David Rockefeller. Hull,.
Kiefer. D Druckemiller, Ed Gass.
NorthumberlandJohn Leisonring, Daniel
Brautigum.
Lewis Jacob Bruner.
Delaware Andrew Nye, John Gray, G
W Armstrong.
Chilitquaque Dennis Buoy Jr.
Lower Augusta Jno Shipman.
Shamolin Jesse Reed,
Coal David Thompson.
Hush I.uther Bassctt, Wm D Gcarhart.
Upper Mahanoy Samuel Rosslcr.
Jordan Benj Leitzel, Geo Stokes
Jackson Jer Longsdorf.
Mt. Carmrl Jos Fegcr
TRAVERSE JURORS
SunburyVfm Hoover, Fred Lazarus, G.
P Buyers.
Northumberland Wm Guiger.
Milton Thos Mardock, Jno F Cnslow,
Matthias Strine jr.
Lewi Robt C Rockman, Jno Tuggert,
Jno Schuyler, Sam'l Shannon.
Delaware Thos McKee, Dan'l Smith.
Turbut Jno Uollocker, Abraham Kissin
ger. Chilisquaque Jno S Troxel, Wm Reed.
Lower Augusta Wm Haas, Jno Everitt,
Joel Yordy, Benj Kriegbaum Sam'l Kreiger
John Shipe.
Shamokin Tsanh Morgan, Valentine Klaso
Jacob Conrad, Jno Smith Sr. Jno Bohncr,
j no ii kos9.
Coal David N Lake.
Bush Peter llanghawout, Jacob Heller,
Henry Weaver, Bonham Gearhart, Jacob L.
Shnman.
Upper Afahanoy Jonathan Smith, Jacob
Fulp Abraham Geist Michael Paul, Andrew
Geist.
Lower Mahanoy Wm Shaffer, Franklin
Frier. Jackson Wm Deppin.
Jordan Geo Sliarlel, Duu'l Buhner, Juo
Creasinger.
Xerbe Daniel Beckley,
Mt. Carmd Abraham I.arick.
PETIT JURORS.
Sunbur; Geo Gass, Jacob Young, Eliu3
Brosious Wm Kriegbaum, Johu B Leuker,
I W Teuer.
Milton Abraham Goodman. Mosps Cham
berlain Henry Strine, Thos S Mackey.
Lewis David Stahlnecker.
Turbut Robt McCormick, Tcter Duiiklu,
Oavid Eshbach Daniel Buisel.
Chilitquaque Charles Cox.
Point Wm L Cook.
Uper Augusta Martin Gass, Geo Zim
mermun Jacob Eckinnn, Reuben Gehringer.
Chas Kckman.
Lower Auausta Wm Wcitzel, Chas Con
rad, Wm Seigfiied Jer Keitue,
Ahamokm Andrew Oouscrt Jno -Moore.
Coal Solomon Weaver.
Bush Abraham Hoffman, Jos Pegg.
Uvver Mahanoy Jno Mover jr. Daniel
Ilime.
Lower Mahanoy Isaac Shaffer.
Zesbe Isaac Keiscr.
Mt CarmelWm Schall.
ARRIVAL OF THE ARIEL.
LATER FROM EUROPE.
New York, Deo. 9. The steamship Ariel,
from Havre, arrived this morning, bne sail
ed from Havre on the 22d ult., aud left Cow
es on the morning of the 25th.
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR. .
A letter from Kamiosch, Oct. 22d, states
that some trifling engagements bad taken
place at Kertsch, between the advanced posts
or tne uussian lorces, unuer uen. w rangie,
and the Gnulo-Turkish contingent, and that
tho latter were hard pressed and had sent to
Jialak'.ava for reintorcements.
Kinburn is now protected by the squadron
of Allied frigjates. the Boating batteries in
in addition to the permanent fortifications.
The allies fear that the Russians will make
an effort to retake it as soon as the river
freezes over.
The Vienna Correspondent of the London
Times states positively, that the preliminary
steps towards the realization oi tne nrst and
fourth guarantee points are auoni to oe la
ken. The first point relates to the Princi
palities, and the other to the future position
of the Christian population in Turkoy.
Conferences relative to the re-organization
of Moldavia and Wallachia would begin at
Constantinople as soon as the Austrian En
voy, Baron Prokesch,. reaches that city.
The Berlin correspondent of the Times
states that it is rumored that the reported
Swedish alliance is doubted there. The same
correspondent confirms the failure of the har
vest iu Russia. Larce Quantities of corn are
being imperted by the Russian government
irom i russia.
The same correspondent states that the
United States Government had firiven larce
orders to a Rhenish house for the delivery
. - : .r i. ii.. ...
uen spring ui uuuei-pruoi cuirasses i
The Belgian Minister of War has deter.
mined upon increasing the defences of Ant
werp by building several additional forts.
General Simpson and suite arrived at Mar-
seines on the iM or November.
The French squadron under Admiral Brn
at, with the Imperial Guards on board, "had
been spoken in the Greek Archigelugo, on
the way home.
Intelligence from Ears, states that the
garrison hat) received a supply of provisions
i rum cupiurea .Russian convoy.
A waiter in the London Times, suggests
the employment of fugitive slaves in Canada,
on the cotton plantations of Jamaica, as a
partial remedy against England's dependence
upon America for the necessary supply of
cotton.
SHERIFF'S SALES.
BY virtue of a Yen. Exp. to me directed, will
be exposed to public sale, at the Court
House, in Sunbury, on Monday the 7th of Jan
uary next, the following described property, to
wit:
A Certain Tract or piece of Land,
situate in Bush township, Northumberland CO.,
adjoining landa of John Rabuck, George Gon
aert, Joseph Chamberlin and Mary Swenk, con
taining btly acre more or lesa, about forty acres
of which are cleared, whereon are erected a one-and-a-half
story Log House, a small frame Barn
and out buildings.
Beued, taken in execution, and to be sold as
the property of Peter Campbell.
ALSO,
Two certain lots of ground, situate in the town
ef Trevorton, Zerbe township, and county of
Northumberland, being lots No. 3 and 4, in
block No. 77, containing 30 feet in front each,
and 100 feet in depth, and fronting on Market
street.
Seiied, taken in execution, and to be sold as
the property of Charles Zeh.
ALSO,
By virtue of a Fi Fa, to me directed, will be
exposed to public Sale, at the bouse of Michael
Reader, in Turbulville, on Saturday the SUth of
December next, at 1 o clock, r. M three certain
lota of ground situate in Turbutville, Northum
berland county, aad numbered in plot of addition
to said town no. 24, 25, and 37, each contain
ing one fourth of an acre, more or lea. Lot
No. 37, bounded by Paradise street, on the
West, Wot ml street on the Noith, lot No. 36,
East, and public school house lot, South ; and
lot JSo. 84, bounded by Paradise street, West,
Worrel street. South, an alley East, and by lot
No. 23, North and lot No. 2ft, bounded by
Washington street on the East, Worrel street on
the North, an alley South, and by lot No. 26,
on the Weat
belied, taken in execution, and to ke sold a
the property of Horatia G. Werrel.
ALSO,
At the Court House in Sunbury, on Monday the
7 in or Jauuary, at I o'c. all that certain two story
Stone Building, situate in the town ofaShamokia,
county aforesaid, on the south aide of Sunbury
street, in said town, and on lot numbering as in
the plot of said town, 83 of the Dewart addition
to said town of Shamokin, containing front on
aaid Sunbury street, 16 feet, and in depth IS
feet, and the lot or piece of ground and curtilage
appurtenent to said building
Seized, taken into execution, and to be sold as
the property of Catharine Noccker.
AL80,
At the same time and nlace. by virtue of
sundry writs of Ven. Exp., all of Defendant in
wresi to
CERTAIN TRACT OF LAND,
it ii LA in Hail an-J Zarbfl townibipft. North urn
hAriEviid count. kJioiiiiiist landa surveyed in the
n.m..rJ..ki, Ha.d William Wilson, PaUr
Maurer. Michael Krall and Frederick Kramer,
ttt .ml fig Derchea. more or
W .bout 1 of an acre of which u cleared,
i i. .r.,,..i . mull Loa- House.
Seised, taken into execution, and la be olJ
.. th. nronertv of L. W. Euffiington, drawer.
and Jacob Loose, endorser.
LIST OF JURORS
For a Special Court Feb.
Sunbury Jno G Bright, Jno W
-Jno Durham, Jno Hum-
11, 18.-.G
FrM'.:ig
Geo Rohrbach.
Aorthumherland-
mel. Theo Burr.
Milton Israel Kepner, A. II. Moody.
Levis Jno Remp, Wm Savidge.
Dda it-are Johu M Wagner, Wilsen
nutchinson
Turbut Jas Smith, Wm Waldrou David
Engle.
Cliiltsnuaque m llousel, Isaac i reder-
ick, Joseph Irwin.
I'oint Jesse U ltorton.
Lpptr Augusta 1'eter uueruuri I'eiims
Wolverton.
Lower Augusta Wm Miiler.
Shamokin Wra Gass, Agustus Huoy.
Coal Geo B Sinton. Dan'l Everitt.
Bush Abraham Eckman, O B Patton C
P Gearhart.
Upper Mahanov Geo Euterline, Pcti-r
Beissel.
Lower Mahanoy reter Ilepner.
Little Mahanoy Daniel Wagner,
Jackson Jacob B Hoffman, Mk'L;.il Tre-
on.
Cameron Peter Weikle.
Northumberland County ss.
The commonwealth of Pennsylvania to F ran'
tit Bower, husband of Sarah lldler Bower-
Greftiso :
Whereas Sarah Helen Bower, by her ux.
friend Jacob Dundore, did on the third dav ot
April, A. V. 1855, prefer her petition M tne
Honorable Alex. Jordan, President Ju l .-eof
the Court of Common Pleas of sui-f ' im
proving that her causes set forth then .... .-he
might be divorced from bonds of in!:.-::ony
entered into with yon the suid Frut.os i-ow-er,
we do therefore command you, as bi-l'oro
we did, that yon be and appear iu your proper
persons before our JudgeB at Suuburv, at a
County Court of Common Pleas, therein
to be held the first Monday of January next,,
to answer the said petition or libel of thei
said Sarah Helen Bower, and show cans if
any you have why the said Sarah Heller
Bower, your wife, should not be divorced
from the bondo of matrimony agreeably ta
tho act of Assembly in such case made aud
provided. Hereof foil not.
Witness the Hon. Alex. Jordan, Fresident
of our said court ot Sunbury, Oct. 12th, ISoj.
JAMES BEARD, Frothy.
Sunbury, Dec. 8, 1855. ,
GENTLEMEN'S CLOTHING!
JOHN V- OVEFlTIlSr
MERCHANT TAILOR,
ITJTfBTXHY, 'A.
Respectfolly informs the citiaen. oi Banbury and
the lublio generally. th. h" J"1
froin Philadelphia, i choice end sUt a-ormen.
of Cloths, Caaoimerea, Ac , vu :
French brack Cloth, plain and twilled.
Black Beaver do for ovrcat.
Fine blue cloth.
Claret cloth. ,
Caanmeree french black corded.
d0 do do Doeskin.
da do grey mixed Doekin.
Vealinc plain black Ult, velvet
do Figured velvet. Plush velvet
do Black satin figured.
Woolen Shirts and Drawer.
Gentlemen's Pockat Handkerchiefr-
do. Neck-tie. .
AH of which will be sold or maJ p order m
tha bteat and beat tyle.
Sunbury, Dec. I, 185 If