ittie tancaster lintettigencer GEO. SANDERSON, EDITOR A. SANDERSON, Associate. LANCASTER, PA., DECEMBER 28, 1858 CIRCULATION, ;4000 COPIES! 817BEICRIPTION Parer, $2,00 per annum. 4611. B. M. PiTsidsnii. & Co.'s ADVIRTIMG AGENCY, 119 Nassau street, New York, and 10 State street, Boston. 8. M. Prrnisom & Co., are Agents for The Lancaster Interligemer, and the most influential and largest circular tag Newspapers in the United States and the eanadas.— They are authorised to contract for as at our lowest rates War The compliments of the season to all our Patrons. May they have good cheer, and witness many returns of the Christmas Holidays, with health and prosperity attend ing them. ACIECri OWLEDGEMENTS Hon. Iseec TOUCEY, the able and accom plished Secretary of the Navy, has our thanks for a pamphlet copy of hie excellent Annual Report. We are also indebted to Gen. Bowiaex for a copy of his report as Superintendent of Printing. 1 It is altogether a creditable production, and shows a commendable zeal on his part: to reduce the expenses of that Department. Our thanks are likewise due to Hon, AwrnosT E. ROBERTS, for a pamphlet copy of an " Address to the Citizens of Washington on the condition of the Public Schools" of that city. And here we take occasion to repeat our acknowledgments to Mr. ROBERTS for many acts of personal kindness and courtesy extended to us since he has been in Congress. Although differing with that gentleman in politics, we have always found him ready and willing to do any favors fur us in his power, fur all of which we hold him in very high esteem as a neighbor, and a kind hearted, obliging Repre sentative. oar The total expenditures of., the British Government for the year ending 31st of March last, in round numbers, was $365,000,000, ur a million dollars a day. The army expeudi ture was about $64,000,000, and that of the navy $52,000,000, miscellaneous and civil services, including the dowry of $1,000,000 to the Princess Royal, $35,000,000. Fur the Persian expedition there was paid to the East India Company, nearly $4,000,000; and also to the East India Company, fur the war with China, nearly $3,000,000. The expenditure of the U. S. Government, for the same period, was less than one fifth of the above 1 Will some of the Republican journals and orators, who are charging extravagance upon the Administration at Washington look at the above figures, and contrast the condition of our own country with that of England. The expenses of last year were of an extraordinary kind, in consequence of the troubles in Kansas, Utah, and with the Indian tribes generallyuf the western frontier, to saying nothing of the large increase in our Navy growing out of and rendered necessary by the troubled condition of things in Mexico, Paraguay and South America, and yet the expenses were but a fraction as compared with those of Great Britain. Under ordinary circumstances, our expenses would not be more than in the proportion of one to seven, as compared with our trans-Atlantic cousin. The army expenditure alone of Great Britain is nearly equal to the entire expenditure of the United States Government during the last year. JUSTICE TO THE OLD°SOLDIERS The Pension Bill has passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 130 to 73. This bill gives pensions to the soldiers of the war of 1812—those who served twelve months or more, $96 per annum ; those who served six months, $75 ; and those who served not less than sixty days, $5O per annum. These pensions are for life, and in case of the soldier's death, his widow can claim the pension. The bill has yet to pas the ordeal of the Senate; but we hope it will meet with the same favor there that it did in the House. The Senate has confirmed the list of Naval Officers upon the retired list, re-nominated by the President. They have also passed the joint resolution authorizing the President to confer on Commodore Stewart the title of Admiral in the Navy. The resolution has yet to be acted upon by the' House. A STRANGE RIOVEMENT The Board of State Canvassers of New York, it is said, contemplate withholding the eintificates of election from all the members of Congress elect in the City, and also several in the rural districts, on the ground that they were voted for simply as " Members of Con gress," whereas the tickets should have been headed " Representatives in Congress." This would throw out five Democrats, and one Re. publican in the City, and one Republican in the Buffalo district, besides several others in various parts of the State. We presume, however, that such a trifling informality will, upon mature reflection, hardly be deemed sufficient ground for setting aside what was clearly the intention of a majority of the voters. A PRAISE-WORTHY MOVEMENT By the proceedings of Congress, on Wednes day last, we perceive that Senator Brown, of Mississippi, has introduced a joint resolution, authorizing the President to confer the title of Admiral by Brevet upon Commodore STEWART, for eminent services to his country—provided, the grade once filled and becoming vacant, the provisions of the resolution to expire. We sincerely hope this resolution may pass both branches of Congress. Something of the kind is due to the eminent man who has, in times past, done such signal services to his country, and who now, in a green old age, looks to the constituted authorities of that country for simple justice. VALUABLE BOOKS We are indebted to the Rev. FRANCIS HODG SON, D. D., Pastor of the Duke St., M. E. Church of this City, for a copy of •` The Great Iron Wheel Reviewed," and " The Doctrine of Predestination Examined." These works are both from his pen and show the profound theological research of the author, and the consummate ab lity with which he grapples with anysubject ho undertakes. We commend these works to the Christian public. 11. S. SENATORS IN INDIANA The Legislature of Indiana had under consideration, on the 22d inst., a resolution, declaring the seats in the United States Senate from this State were vacant, and after some discussion it was passed. An election was then gone into, which re sulted in the choice of Henry S. Lane, Repub lican, and Wm. Munroe McCarty, Anti Le oompton Democrat, to fill the vacancies. The vote stood 26 in the Senate and 51 in the House, the Democratic members refusing to vote. Messrs. Bright and Fitch now hold seats in the Senate, and represent the State of Indiana. Compritic HOUSE ALMANAC —We are indobt ed to the editors of the Evening Express, for a copy of their very neat COUNTING Holum ALMANAC for 1859, done up in colors, and handsomely printed on pasteboard. • Hon. J. GLANCY JONES, our new Min • Austria, will sail from New York for • on the Bth of January. He will be accompanied by his family. lar CONGRESS adjourned over from Thurs diet evening last to the 4th of January. SENATOR BIGLERON. AND AMERICAN IR During the consideration, in the Senate, on he 20th inst., of the bill " to authorize the President of the United States to contract for the transportation of the mails, troops, seamen and munitions of war, and all Government service, by railroad, from the Missouri river to San Francisco, in the State of California," or n other words, to authorize the construction ••• - - of a railroad between these points, and fix the terminus of the same. Senator FOSTER, from Connecticut, moved to strike out of the seventh section of the bill the following words : " Provided, That all duties on railroad iron imported and laid down on said road shall be charged to the contracting party and paid to the United States, by deducting the amount from the credit to be given for the service first performed under this act : Provided further, That if American manufactured railroad iron, r of equal qualities, shall be offered to the said contracting party, which, including all items of cost of manufacture, sale and delivery, shall not exceed the like cost of such iron if obtained from foreign countries, the American manu factured iron shall be preferred and used by said contracting party." And in lieu of them, to insert : Provided, That all the iron necessary to construct said railroad, and which may com pose the track of the same, shall be of Ameri can manufacture. Upon this amendment, Senator linnEs. spoke as follows: -- I had intended, Mr. President, to make some remarks to-day on this general subject ; but finding myself suffering severely from pain in the head, I shall not proceed. I must, how ever, say a few words in reference to the amendment under consideration. I think there is no diversity of opinion amongst expe rienced railroad men on this question. I think they agree that the American iron is much superior to the foreign. The Pennsylvania Railroad is built almost exclusively with American iron, and I understand the experi ence to be that it wears at the rate of more than one per cent. per annum better than the foreign iron. A more striking case could not, perhaps, be found than is presented in the experience of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and that of the Baltimore and Ohio Ittilroad. have not the particular facts at hand, but they are said to be almost incredible as to the striking difference between the durability of the iron in these two roads, the latter being constructed of foreign iron, and being much the most perishable. I think that the Senator from New York [Mr. Seward] has take the safe view of this subject—the strong, practical view ; and I agree with him that it matters little what the terms of this bill may be, the railroad will be constructed of American iron, as it ought to be. it will be constructed of American iron because the capitalists who will engage in the construction of this work will go about it like far-seeing business men. They will consider the interests of the enter prise in which they are engaged, and they will consider the quality of the iron as much as the price. In fact, it enters into the real value of the article. If the American iron will last much longer than the foreign, no man of sense will pay the same price for the latter. Then there is, in addition, the inland freight to the eastern terminus of the proposed road, which, in itself, would amount to a very consid erable rate of duty ; and, most undoubtedly, I may assume that railroad iron establishments will be put into operation, as near the vicin ity of this road as practicable. There is no difficulty whatever in establishing works of this kind in the State of Missouri, along the banks of the Missouri river, with every facil ity of production and transportation. I can speak on this subject freely without being liable to the charge of selfishness, because I cannot see that my constituents are very directly interested. I should think it very singular if, in the course often or twelve years, which would be required - to construct this great improvement, iron establishments should nut be brought into existence in the Western States which would exclude those in the Atlan tic. I take it, sir, you would find the iron supplied by different establishments along the line of this great improvement as it may pro gress, and that the foreign article will not, as it never should, be used. Sir, I have no partialities or prejudices on a subject of this kind. I am perfectly prepared to treat it as a broad business question ; but, at the same time, I am free to say that I am anxious to secure the construction of this great work of American material. With an abundance of raw material in the very vicinity of its eastern terminus; with every facility possessed by any other country ; with greater enterprise and higher skill than are tnbe found elsewhere, why should it not he so ? Why should we import an article which is so abun dant in our own country, and which, it is ad mitted, is produced here of superior quality? I am willing to put this bill in quite as strong terms as those suggested by the Senator from Connecticut to secure this end ; not that I would throw an obstacle in the way of this great enterprise for a moment, for I am its friend ; nor that I would be willing to assert a selfish or contracted principle; but because I believe the policy right, and, at the same time, it would not at all interfere with the enterprise. This road will be better built, it will be more cheaply constructed, when made of American iron, than of any other iron ; sit least, such is my deliberate judgment. I should, under other circumstances, take up the details of the experience that we have had on this subject ; but, as I remarked before, I have suffered so intensely this morn ing that I find myself unable to proceed.— Certainly, I am safe in sayidg that, amongst experienced railroad men and iron men, there is now no difference of opinion as to the supe rior character of the American. They all agree that the American article is better than the foreign ; and I think we should agree, however much we may differ on the tariff question, that, if we should seek to secure the use' of the American article in any improve went, it should be in this. The Pacific rail road is to be a work not only national in its character, but it is necessary to receive its aid and countenance from the Government at Washington alone. It is more especially to represent the Government and the people of the United States than any other improvement which has been or ever can be made. I would have it of American material, because I believe it would be best ; it would be cheapest ; it would be more durable ; and I think such a course would be more consistent with the feelings of the American people. I have no contracted notions, as you are aware, sir, on the subject of using foreign products. I have no disposition whatever to insist upon a selfish principle ; but, in this instance, I think it would be well to secure the construc tion of this great national work with Ameri can iron. This policy will, I am confident, throw no embarrassments in its way, nor in anyway impede the progress of the work, or enhance its cost to the owners. POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY IN 1837. CLAY, CRITTENDEN, BENTON, DOUGLAS, CAL• NOUN AND SILAS WRIGHT ON THE SAME PL TFORM In 1837, more than twenty years ago, Henry Clay introduced into the United States Senate the following resolution, which was warmly supported and voted for by such democrats as Benton, Calhoun and Wright: " Resolved, That any attempt of Congress to abolish Slavery in a Territory of the United States in which it exists, would create serious alarm and just apprehension in the States sustaining that domestic institution—would be a violation of good faith towards the inhab itants of any such Territory who have been permitted to enter with and hold slaves there in ; and because when any such Territory shall be admitted into the Union as a State, the people thereof shall be entitled to decide that question exclusively for themselves. ANOTHER PRIZE FIGHT IN PROSPECT.- HEENAN, the fellow who lost the fight with Morrissey a few months ago, having bantered " all the world and the rest of mankind " to fight him for $lO,OOO, his challenge has been accepted by the celebrated Tom HYER, and the brutal exhibition, we suppose, will take place after a sufficient time is allotted for the training and preparation of the two bruisers: ASHLAND NOT SoLn.—The National Intelli gencer contains a card from the Hon. James B. Clay, in which he says ;—" I request that you will do me the favor, by publishing this note, to make known that I have not sold Ash. land; that I never intend to do so; and ear nestly hope that during my life no necessity may occur which will force me to part with a home so full of memories dear to me." XXIVth CONditVAIA:SEWOND SESSION. WASHINGTON, MONDAY, Dec. 20. SENATE —The Senate was c:dled to order at noon, and proceeded with the reading of the minutes, which occupied more than half an hour. Various memorials were presented, mostly asking for pensions. On the joint resolution to adjourn from the 23rd inst. to January 4th, Mr. Foote of Ver mont, called for the yeas and nays. The fol lowing members voted against the adjournment: Masers. Chandler, Clark, Clingman, Collamer, Dixon, Davis, Doolittle, Durkee, Fessenden, Fitzpatrick, Foot. Foster, Gwinn, Jones, Ham lin, Hammond. Hunter, Johnson, of Tennessee, Reed. Rice, Wade and Ward-22. Mr. Rice, of Minnesota, offered a bill, which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Territories, to organize the Territory of Dacotah. Mr. Crittenden, of Kentucky, moved to take up the French Spoliation Bill, for the purpose of assigning some day for its consideration, and gave notice that be would dall it up on the 6th of January. The Pacific Railroad Bill, coming up as the order of the day, Mr. Wilson, of Massachu setts, offered a new bill, as a substitute, providing for the location of the route from the Missouri river to San Francisco, through the region between the 34th and 43rd parallels ; the location to be determined upon by civil engineers. The provisions of Mr. Wilson's bill are substantially as follows :—The President and Senate shall appoint five civil engineers, practically experienced in the laying out and construction of Railroads, who, within two years, shall locate the route of a railroad from the Missouri river to San Francisco, through the region between the 34th and 43d parallels. If the President approves of their decision, the railroad, as located by them, shall be built by the Government, under the direction of a board, to consist of the Secretaries of War and the Interior, the Post Master General and the Attorney General, who shall contract with the lowest bidders for its construction in sections of no more than twenty/five miles in length. Money to build the road shall be raised by loan, as needed, in sums of not more than $10,000.000 annually. From the passage of the act till the location of the road all public lands between the aforesaid parallels shall be withheld from sale, but shall be open to preemption by actual settlers. After the road is located, one hundred and fifty miles on each side shall constitute a fund for the construction of the road, and the payment of the debt incurred by it. Mr. Foster, of Connecticut, discussed the merits of the road, 'chiefly iu regard to the question of tariff on the material to be used, and moved an amendment, requiring that the road be built, exclusively of American iron. This motion elicited considerable discussion. Mr. Gwinn, of California, considered that the bill as it is at present provides for all legitimate protection to American iron interests. Mr. Simmons, of Rhode Island, was strongly in favor of the use of the best materials, as a matter of economy, even if it should cost double ; but there was no doubt that the requirement of three hundred thousand tons to he offered by contract, would bring out offers at the lowest price it would be profitable to manufacture at, and he did not want it at less. Mr. Clingman went on to discuss the rela tive cost of the production of Iron in England and America, proving that from the lower rate of wages paid England can produce it cheaper, inasmuch as nine tenths of the manufacture of iron consists in labor. He also ridiculed the idea that English manufacturers have lowered their prices ten dollars per fon for the purpose of breaking American manufacturers. The English manufacture four millions of tons of iron annually, and ten dollars per ton would represent forty millions of dollars, which is rather expensive rivalry. We might as well say that the American cotton planters have lowered their prices, in order to break down the competition of Algeria. Further, it was difficult to say what is the raw material in iron; ore is a raw material to pig iron, pig iron to bar iron, and bar iron is a raw material to the blacksmith. He would regard the iron as material for the railroads. and admit duty Mr. Seward expressed himself generally in support of Mr. Foster's amendment. •He said that the railroad would be mainly within the Territories, and not the States of the United States. The supply of iron will likely, there. fore, be drawn from the Western States ; per haps Missouri or Texas, or from the Territories themselves. He would consider it a reproach that an American road should be made with foreign iron, to pass over American coal or iron beds. . Mr. Bigler, of Pennsylvania, was also in favor of building the road with American iron, and instanced the case of the Pennsylvania railroad and the Baltimore and Obio railroads: the one built of American and the other of English iron. Mr. Iverson, of Georgia, opposed the amend ment, as likely to produce a combination of American iron mongers to raise the price. He agreed with the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Clingman) in regard to the policy of admitting the iron duty free. Mr. Foster's amendment, that the road be built exclusively of American iron, was then adopted—yeas 25, nays 23. Mr. Rice, of Minnesota, spoke at length on his Pacific Railroad bill, which he introduced on Thursday last. The following is the sub stance of Mr. Rice's bill. which has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Public Lands :—lt is entitled "a bill to aid in the construction of certain railroads to the Pacific : to encourage settlements on their lines, and for other purposes." SEC. 1. Authorizes the President to cause the public lands, to the extent of 40 miles on each side of the routes after mentioned, to be surveyed, and the Indian title extinguished, and that, on the payment of 10 cents per acre, by the present settlers, the pre-emption laws be extended thereto. SEC. 2. Provides that every alternate sec tion, for ten sections in width on each side of said roads and branches, be granted to the States and Territories upon the line of the proposed roads, namely, from Lake Superior to Puget's Sound, with a branch to the naviga ble waters of the Columbia, from the Western border of the State of Missouri to San Francisco; also, from the Western border of the State of Texas to San Pedro or San Diego to the Bay of San Francisco. SEC. 3. The said lands, so granted to the States and Territories, shall be subject to the future disposal of the legislatures thereof, for the purposes above expressed, and for no other. SEC. 4. Defines the conditions of sale of said lands; that ,200 sections may be sold along every 20 continuous miles of the road, as completed ; but if such roads or branches be not completed within twenty years, all unsold lands shall revert to the United States. SEC. 5. Requires that the U. S. mails shall be transported over the said road at prices to be fixed by Congress ; the President being authorized to name the prices temporarily till fixed by law. SEC. 6. Government shall have the priority of right for all purposes of transportation. SEC. 7. Sets aside the sixteenth and thirty-- sixth sections for school purposes. SEC. 8. The President shall determine the termini, with the consent of the States and Territories in which they are situated. Without concluding the subject, the Senate, on motion Mr. Seward, adjourned. . HousE.—Mr. Hughes, of Indiana, introduced a resolution instructing the Committee of Ways and Means to inquire. into the expedi ency of reporting a bill making appropriations for taking the eighth census. Mr. Whitely, of Delaware, offered a substi tute, to confine the census simply to an enumeration of the people. The latter motion was rejected, yeas 51, nays 40. Mr. Hughes' resolution was then adopted. The House then went into Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union, and resumed the consideration of the bill giving pensions to the soldiers of the war of 1812. Mr. Smith, of Illinois, wanted to include the soldiers engaged in the Black Hawk war. He scouted the plea that because the Treasury was not full, justice should not be done those patriots. Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, while maintaining it to be the duty of the government to provide pensions to those disabled by wounds or dis eases contracted in the service, it was not right or proper to inaugurate a general service system of pensions. After further debate, both for and against the bill, and without coming to a conclusion, the committee rose. Mr. Philips, of Pennsylvania, gave notice of his intention to introduce a bill regulating and fixing the duty on imports, and fur other purposes. On motion of Mr. Stanton, of Ohio, a resolu tion was adopted, requesting the Secretary of the Treasury to ftitnish statements; hf the value of the imports from Great Britain and France to the United States. and the exports from the United States to those countries. for the years 1853, '54, '55. '56 and '57 ; the information to he ascertained from the returns of the custom houses of the respective governments. The House, by a vote of 130 yeas to 60 nave. suspended the rules. in order to consider the Senate resolution. proposing a temporary adjournment from the 23d of December to the 4th of-January. The resolution was passed by a vote of 98 yeas to 94 nays. The House then adjourned. AMERICAN RAILROAD IRON The vote in the United States Senate nn the amendment of Mr. Foster to the Pacific railroad bill, providing that American iron only should be used in the construction of the road, is a gratifying indication of the friendly disposition of that body to the great iron interest of the country, and leads us to hope that if a proper bill was adopted by the House, affording a fair degree of protection to manufacturers of iron, it would be favorably considered by the Senate. The vote we refer to was as follows: YEAS—Messrs. Allen, Bigler, Broderick, Chandler, Clark, Collamer, Crittenden, Dixon, Fessenden, Foot, Foster, Hale, Harlan, Hons. ton, Kennedy, King, Seward, Simmons, Thompson of Kentucky, Thompson of New Jersey, Toombs, Trumbull, Wade, Wilson, and Wright-25. NAYS—Messrs. Bates, Bright, Clay, Cling man, Davis, Durkee, Fitch, Fitzpatrick, Green, Gwin, Hammond, Hunter, -Iverson, Johnson of Tennessee, Jones, Mallory, Mason, Polk, Reid, Rice, Sebastian, Stuart, and Ward-23. During the discussion of the amendment it was clearly shown by several Senators that the railroad iron imported from foreign coun tries was generally far inferior to that manu factured here, and that the dangers of rail way travel were greatly increased by its in feriority. HEALTH OF GENERAL CASS.—We find the following paragraph going the rounds of the '• It is stated that General Cass is very feeble. He is often confined to his room, and is compelled to forego all heavy labor." This is unqualifiedly untrue ; for, although General Case is afflicted with a chronic ailment, from which he has suffered several attacks .t.ince his occupancy of present position, his detention from business, on every occasion, has been of very short duration. As for the amount of labor performed by him, the man ner in which the affairs of his Department are kept up to date, and the large amount of cor respondence he accomplishes, shows that he performs all that the position requires of him. In these labors he is not assisted by any extra force in the Department.— Washington Star. THE EDITORS' BOOK TABLE. TUE CENTURY. A National Newspaper of Politics. Commerce, Finance, Economy, Literature. Science and The first number of a weekly paper, bearing the above title, was Issued in New York, on Saturday last, by TEICIMAS 31cEzruza, Esq., formerly a citizen of this county, and one of the publishers of the New York Tribune. It will be followed by Daily and Semi-Weekly editions. The CEYITRY will consist of-eight imperial pages, of about the same size and general appearance of the London Times, and will be the largest journal of its class in the United States. The paper will not be the organ of any political party, but will praise or condemn what is right or wrong in legislation or government, without respect to po litical or geographical divisions. Able and experienced writers will be employed iu all the respective departments of the paper, which is intended to be a first-class News paper, adapted to the Family Circle, as well as to the man of business. TERMS: Single subscribers for one year, $2,50; two subscribers for the year, $4,00; and for larger clubs an additional discount will be allowed. Address Tuomas Mc. EI.RATII, N 0.37 Park Row, Naw York. THE LADIES' WREATH. Published by JOHN E. Sco VILL, No. 8 Spruce street, New York, at 31 per annum. The January number of the Wreath is embellished with a beautiful Engraving, and a Fashion Plate, and the read ing matter is, as usual, of the most entertaining kind. NEW YORK WAVERLY The New York Viraverley, a magnificent paper, published In New York and at 15 Brattle street, Boston, at only $2 per annum, on the finest satin surface paper, elegantly illustrated with original cute, is a most excellent, as well as artistically beautiful paper, well worthy an honored place in ev.ry family. A great feature is the publication of the ➢3aeerly Novels," worth more annually than the price of the paper—and this week begins a great Story, entitled THE SKELETON HAND' An extraordinary ro mance, mysterious, thrilling, full of tragic romance, found ed upon a series of well-known facts in the history of New England, New York and the West Indies. In which the whole secret of the great Bond street tragedy arc revealed, and the mysteries of the Broadway Gambling Saloon are shown up—yet full of the richest touches of the softer feelings and passions of oar nature—vivid descript iota and home scenes, and teaching the youth of our land a great moral lesson—that though vice for a time may thrive— ultimately virtue will triumph, and happiness follow In its train. Everybody should subscribe for and read the NEW YORK WAVERLEY. TILE NEW ORLEANS CRESCENT. The last number of this paper comes to us much en larged in form and beautified in appearance. Although differing in polities—The Crescent is one of defunct Sam's ablest defenders in the whole country—we know of no more welcome visitor to our sanctum. There 19 a raciness and spiciness in the editorial columns which are truly refreshing in these dull times, and the literary. commorcial, news and local departments are not excelled by any paper in the South. And for all that the The Cratcemt is Know- Nothing to the back-bone, it is high-toned and conserva tive, and never fails to say a good word, when necessary, in favor of the gallant and fearless Democratic champions of Louisiana. The Weekly Crescent is published by Messrs. Nixon & ADAMS at $3 per annum. and in, we think, one of the largest papers published in the Southern States, and , decidedly one of the best. THE STATE SENTINEL. This is the name of a new Dernocraticjournal just started at Harrisburg. by Crtainks D. Hisgtm, Esq., formerly editor of the Camdca (N J.) Democrat. The first number— the only one yet issued—presents a very neat appearance, in size about like the Intelligeucer, and the editorials are written with ability. Judging from its tone, we should think it is intended to be the special organ of the State Administration, and has no particular sympathy with the National Administration. But we shall see. The paper is to be issued weekly at $2 per annum; during the session of the Legislature, semi—weekly, at $l. Both $3. For the Intelligencer TEACHERS , INSTITUTES Masons. EDITORs: When a serious inquiry is made about anything at all, and particularly about something so im portant, as the least thing connected with education. it deserves at the hands of the friends of this cause a suitable notice. As if though nothing could be said in support of Teachers' Institutes (in which I. N. P. is sadly mistaken) he dips his pen at once into the murky lake of passion, because some simple soul had the presumption to question the utility of these Institutes. as now held. I tell you, sir, that the friends of education who have doubts in this matter are not few; and if there is no light to guide them (if the} grope in the dark) more auspicious than that prof. fermi by I. N. P., converts to the Institute cause will be like Angels' visits. It is not true, as he states, that In quirer made "a gross and unwarranted attack upon" Teachers' Institutes. It had been simply asserted that they are regarded "as being inconsistent with the dignity of the profession of teacting;" that often "true and modest worth is disgusted with much useless talk, and whiles the time away without conferring its inherent benefits." The first of these charges is the most important, and is at once obvious so lung as the Institutes are held during general term time. But, as I. N. P. seems to lose hie gravity, at the mere idea, I will, for his special benefit, explain. Sup pose I. N. P., or P. L N., presents himself as a candidate for a certain school; he is pronounced, by Mr. Superinten dent, in every way qualified to teach mid school; being examined in presence of the board and citizens (without distinction of party) he may get a permanent certificate.— So far not a word has been said about the Institute. P. I. N. opens his school; teaches a few months; petitions for a week's time and salary; he gets it; ho goes to the Institute —for what? Ostensibly to qualify himself to do, what he is already fit to do, as per certificate of Superintendent and personal declaration. An analogy may better illustrate this matter—throw It at once in relief. Suppose a Physician, in the midst of a case with a patient, would suddenly take leave to attend a Medical Convention to obtain such information as will enable him to properly discharge hie duties as a Doctor, and ask full pay for the time of his absencel Or, you em ploy a professional mechanic to build a house, who, when it is half finished, goes and attends a convention of house carpenters to find out how to complete the job—in full pay all the time. In the meantime, the patient suffers for want of attention, and the half-finished house from a heavy fall of rain—so with schools. So long as Teachers' Institutes are held during term time —and the time given in—they are beggarly affairs, and are emphatically inconsistent with the dignity of the profession I of teaching. No Teacher with a keen sense of honor dis sents from this opinion. It would PIERCE my feelings, were . I a Teacher, to hear a dissenting voice. The second charge is not so important, neither so palpa. bly truthful, as the first. llany good things are said when 210 School Teachers are in council. Will not I. N. P. be so generous as to admit that many things are said by which neither we nor our posterity are benefited? Upon the whole they may be regarded as desirable insti tutions to the profession—there are chances for distinction Some go there with the right feeling; many take the time as we do a " day's shooting." My counsel to I. N. P. is— attend, as you no doubt feel the need of it. But, on future occasions, for the profession's sake, do neither accept a paper, that conchae for your competency; nor a school, if It is your Intention to disprove the former by accepting leave of absence from the latter—to attend an Institute, as a ',storied member. As a gentleman ' you must, like every body else, see that you are wrong. I. have a special regard for teachers and schools, banal my anxiety to strengthen the weak points in the ramparts of the profession. Institutes should be held at a time when, generally speak ing, the Common Schools are in vacation. The time is then the Teacher's; let him improve it in a manner to suit him self. The Teacher cannot honorably accept even the time, and paid time, if offered when the Institute occurs at a period when the schools are all open and in fullest attend ance. Let not:the profession remain forever timid and ser vile. Look upward, stand oh top of the almighty dollar, and lay not. crushed beneath it.. Your profession merits the first honors; it will receive them so soon as you are ln dependent—dhenthralled from the dissolving bonds that still give cause for aspersion. INQUIRER. CITE' AND vOuNTV AFPAIRs erfRISTIIA9.—The oiorionq fe.tival day of the year '5B has come and gone. and a lovely one it was.— The Sun shone forth I-, all his majestic grandeur, and the air,thoech a little sharp and piercing. WWI not of a stdfl dent nature to prevent the masses from toning nut and enjoying the day. From "early morn till dewy eve" the streets were filled with gay and happy throngs_ Divineservice was held at an early boor of the morn ing at St. Marv's Catholic Chureh. Vine street. the Ist., German Reformed Church. Orange street. and In the Deka Street M. E. Church. at all of which large, decent and attentive congregations were prevent. The two former churchee were elegantly and appropriately festooned. At a later period of the day services were held in the Episcopal and a number of other ehurchea. Rt. Rev. Bishop Bowman preached a very able and eloquent diacouree In St. James' Episcopal Church. In the evening various private soirees were given, and the Cadets of Temperance gave a fine exhibition at Fulton Hall, which was crowded to its utmost capacity. Addresses were delivered by Wituars tirmsotsoN, Esq., of Philadel. phia, B. Faawgirst. DENNISON, the Grand Secretary of the Order in this State, and a number of Cadets. The exercises were enlivened with the delightful strains of Keffer's Orchestra. CHEISTILLS Eve.—Friday night was given up to enjoy ment and fun by all classes in our community. The streets were literally jammed, and the stores. especially the con fectionary establishments, were filled with buyers. The latter establishments put on their best and gayest holiday attire, and DEMUTH, of East King street, to " cap the climax," illuminated his entire building, - which was a somewhat novel, but certainly very agreeable, feature to the eyes of most pedestrians. The Cadets of Temperance gave a supper in their Hall in Gyger k Co'e.. Building, East King street, at which were present a number of the order from Philadelphia and elsewhere. The glorious music of the Fenciblee' Band gave full zest and hilarity to the occasion. The whole affair. we understand, was conducted on strictly teetotal princi ples. The Washington Guards,a new military organization, gave their first annual ball in the main saloon of Fulton Hall, which was largely attended. The Washington Engine Company, No. 4, gave a fine entertainment at their new Engine House, in North Queen street, of which a fuller description is given elsewhere. The good "St. Nicholas" was busy throughout the night, attending to the wants and wishes of the youngsters. Our readers are no, ready to admit, we suppose, t hat the eve of Christmas and the day itself were celebrated with more than the usual spirit in our city. NO accident of any Kind, that we have learned, occurred to mar the festivi tire. May each and all of our readers witness the re turn of and be in a condition. pecuniarily and otherwise .to enjoy many such merry Christmases. THE WASHINGT. I N ENGINE HOUSE.—Wftsfh ington Company, No. 4. having completed their new and beautiful Engine House, opened the same. on Christmas Eve, by a grand ball and entertainment to the active and honorary members of the company. Having received a very complimentary invitation, we attended and were delighted with the whole programme as it was carried out. The Washington Company ranks No. 4 in our efficient Firo Department, and is, as has always been admitted, one of the most efficient. It numbers In its membership some of our most influential and respected citizens, and, per conse quence, the attendance on Friday night was such of which any similar organization might well have been proud.— The Press of the city WAS represented by Messrs. IlnisTema, of The Examiner, OBER, cf The Express, and the Junior of The Intelligencer. The music on the occasion was fur nished by KEFFER and his efficient Orchestra. The now building is a model of its kind. It waa manned in the month of August last. It is forty feet deep by twenty-eight in width, built of substantial and highly finished pressed brick, two stories high, and surmounted by a tasteful cupola, in which the company's bell will be hung; on the top of this is placed the dag-staff. The height of the building from base to cupola is sixty feat, and from the top, (owing to the elevated ground on which the house is located,) a fine view of the city and surrounding country is commanded. The building committee consisted of the following gen tlemen, members of the company: Messrs. Martin Sheaffer, Gotleib Sener, Jacob Lacher, Conrad Gast, William Gorrecht, Joseph Samson and Henry M. White. Commendable zeal and energy were displayed by them in the erection of the building. The design of the building was furnished by Mr. Jou!, SENSE, Jr., of the Farmers' Bank of this city. Although an amateur architect, Mr. S. is deserving of the highest praise for the eye he had to taste, utility and beauty. It is due to him to Bay that the design was voluntarily prepared and generously presented to the company. The carpenter work was done under the superintendence of Mr. PETER STORMPELTZ, one of our most worthy, industri ous and ingenious young mechanim The brick work was done by the Messrs. McGsmts, who are adepts in their branch of business. The frescoing, for the Hall is handsomely frescoed, was executed by our neighbor, Mr. Mictura. SOILING, who, the' quite a young man, hashed much experience in this branch of painting. He has exhibited a great deal of taste and judgment in this instance. The hall for the meetings of the company is 29 feet wide and 40 feet deep, and is, without exception, the best ar ranged and handsomest room of the kind In the city. It is the intention of the company to furnish the hall in keeping with its other beautiful adornments. The company are in possession of a large lot of ground in the rear of the Engine House, which they intend to fit up as a public garden or park, and make the same a pleas ant summer evening resort for our citizens, The company's engine, hose carriage and reel will be housed in the new building on Saturday next, January Ist. 1859. The Washington Fire Company was organized on the 4th of March, 1820, under the name of the "Mechanics' Fire Company of Lancaster," but at the second meeting, held on Saturday evening. March 11th, 1820, at the public house of John Bachman, it was changed to "Washington." The first officers were: President—Jacob Albright. Secretary—Christian Bachman. Treasurer—Henry Longenecker. The following are the present officers: President—Martin Sheaffer. Vice President—Joseph Samson. Secretary—Henry M. White. Assistant Secretary—John Nixdorf. Treasurer—Gotleib Sener. Engineers—Henry Nagle, Martin Dorwart, Frederick Nixdorf. Hose Directors—Henry Witmer, Francis Steinhauser, Lewis Sweitzer, Frederick Lutz, Frederick Affiebach, Mich ael Kessler. Axemen—John Frsidenstein, William Miller. Christian Zecher, Jr.. John McGeigan. Board of Trustees—Martin Sheaffer, Gotleib Sener, Henry M. White. The Company will give their Annual Ball, at Fulton Hall, on the eve of Washington's Birth-Day, February 22d, 1859. We cannot conclude this article without returning our thanks to Messrs. J. F. Seven, STORNIFELTZ, ZECltell and TRISSLER, who had the principal management of the ball and entertainment, for their many kind attentions. It was one of the most pleasant gatherings we have attended for a long while. Our acknowledgments are also due to the gentlemanly Secretary, Mr. Watts, for much of the infor mation we have given respecting the organization and present flourishing condition of the Washington Fire Company. TIIE HOWARD EVENINGS—REV. MR. HOP KINS' LECTUREL—The lecture by this gentleman, on Tuesday evening last, was a chaste and able production, and deliv ered in excellent style to a large and appreciative audience. The subject: "Should Women be Eligible to Civil Office 7" was one well calculated to attract attention, and we were gratified to see such a decided improvement in the attend ance of our citizens, both male and female. The discussion after the lecture was exceedingly inter esting, and was ably conducted by John Wise, Esq., Maj. Ditmars, Mayor Burrowes, Rev. Mr. Rosenmiller, Judge Hayes, Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, 0. J. Dickey, Esq., Rev. Mr. Steck and Rev. Dr. Hodgson. The next lecture of the course will be delivered this (Tuesday) evening, by NATHANIEL BURT, Esq., of Salisbury township. Subject: "The Progressive and the Conservative Reviewed." We hope to see a large turn out to-night, as we have no doubt, from the well-known ability of the lec turer, that a rich intellectual treat is in store for the audience. Lecture to commence at 7% o'clock. GEORGE D. PRENTICE —As all are anxious to hear this noted poet and editor of Kentucky, We expect to see an overflowing house, at Fulton Hall, on to-morrow evening. Ills subject will be: "The Present Aspects and Tendencies of American Politics." What particular bearing the lecture will have, we will be better able to Judge of after we have heard it. Of Mr. Pumices ability and eloquence to make it exceedingly interesting there cannot be a doubt. We advise every body in this city, and "the rest of mankind," to go and listen to the lecture. THE CARRIERS OF THE INTELLIGENCER expect to pay a visit to all their City patrons on Saturday next— it being New YEAR'S Der—and they hope to meet with a kindly and substantial welcome, as heretofore upon similar occasions. "Tag WARRIOR'S GRAVE."—We are in debted to the "Keystone State ..Eoliana," of this city, for a copy of a sheet of music, just issued by Lee 8 {Volker, 722 Chesnut street, Philadelphia. entitled "The Warrior's Grave." The words are by Remiss E. Faux, and the music by llama SENEEL The production is highly creditable to our worthy young friends. LOOK OUT, LADIES!—It is currently reported that the various State Legislaturey, about to commence their sessions, will be urged, by a strong corps of "lobby members," to re-enact a law Introduced In the British Parliament in 1770, which ran as follows "That all women, of whatever age, rank, profession or degree, whether virgins, wives or widows, that shall, from and after such act, impose upon, seduce, and betray Into matrimony, any of ills Majesty's male subjects, by scents, paints, cosmestic washes, artificial teeth, false hair, Spanish wool, iron stays, hoops, highheeled shoes, bolstered hips, shall incur the penalty of the law now in force against witchcraft, sorcery, and like mia 7 emeanora. and that the marriage, upon conviction, shall stand null and void.' Now there's a statute as stringent as the Maine Law.— No provision could be more wise and expedient, provided it could be enforced, but women wit/ wear "iron stays" (steel?) if they like; bolster their hips; point their faces like Mohawks; wear the tallest kind of high.heeled shoes, and continue to "seduce andletmy men into matrimony" ►) the end of time, and all with Impunity from the law.— Such is life and crinoline; AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY MEETING.—The Lan caster County Agricultural and Mechanical Society will hold Its next stated. meeting at Shober's Betel, N. Queen street, on Monday, January 10th, 1859, at 2 o'clock, p. m. A general attendance In requested, as °Moen fbr the en. ruing year will be chosen. MADAME BOSTON'S CONCERT.—Our Concert. gning community are on the qui Moe In reference to this 'Mfg third annual sairee, which takes place at Hussars Hall, South Queen street, on Thursday evening next, at early candle light. We predict that the Hall will not hold all the critical admirers of Lancaster's fair, lovely and graceful songstre<s. Front seats, according to the bills, reserved for Ladies. . THE BELLEVUE CHRIETNAB FESTIVAL. -By reference to an advertisement in another coin- n, it will be 'seen that the Ladlei connected with the 130110•11 a Church will hold a Festival, commencing this evening and cloodng to morrow evening. As they intend having everything done up In neat and ample order, we hope to hear that their enterprise has been crowned with the moat brillian t success. LOCAL MAIL ARRANGEMENTS—CLOSING OF vas kiLtms AT TEE LAXCASTILS, POST °Flocs—The following carefully prepared table of the hours for closing the various mails at the post office In this city, will be found very use ful for reference. by business men and others. A correct schedule of this kind has often been enquired for BY RAILROAD Eastern Through Mail—For Philadelphia, New York and Eastern States, at 8. 46 p. m. Way Mail East—For Philadelphia and intermediate offices, at 8 a. m. Wester; Through Mail—For Columbia, Harrisburg, Pitts burg and Western States, at 6. 45 p. in. Way Mail West—For Landisville, Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, Middletown, Harrisburg, Lewistown, Huntingdon, Tyrone, Altoona, Hollidaysburg (and Way Mail between Altoona and Pittsburg.) at 934 a. in. Southern Mail—For Columbia, York, Baltimore, Washing ton, D. C.. and Southern States, at 9% a. in. Pittsburg Through Mall, at 10 a. in. For Strasburg, via Camargo, Quarryville, Martinsville, and New Providence, at 8 a. m. BY STAGE. . _ For Reading, via: Nell - eville, Litiz,"Rothsville, Ephrata, Reamstown, Adamstown and Gonglersvllle, daily, at 8 a. m. For Lebanon, via: East Hemp&ld, Manhoim, White Oak, Mount Hope and Cornwall, daily, at 9 a. m. For Millersville and Slackwater, daily, at 1 p. m. For Safe Harbor, daily, at 1 p. m. For Hinkletown. via Landis Valley, Oregon, West Earl, and Farmereville, daily, at 2 p. m. For Paradise, via Greenland and Poudersburg, dolly, at 3 p.m. For Litlu, via Neffaville, daily, 3p. to. For Marietta, via: Ilemptleld and Silver Spring. daily, at 3 p. m. For Strasburg, via: Fertility and Wheatland 'Mills, daily at 3 p. m. For Lampeter, daily, at 3 p. to. For New Holland, via: Binkley's Bridge, Leacock, Barevil le, Beartown, Bowmansville and Muddy Creek, daily. at 1 p. m. For Phoenixville, via: New Holland. Blue Ball, Cloodrille, Churchtown, Morgantown, Honeybrook, Chester Springs, and Kimberton, Tri-weekly, Tuesday, Thursday and Sat urday, nt 12 m. For Port Deposit, Md., via : Willow Street, Smithville. Buck, Chesnut Level. Green, Pleasant Grove, Rock Springs. Md.: and Rowlandsvilla Md., Tri-weekly, Monday. Wednes day and Friday, at 6 a. m. For Colebrook. via: Swarr's Mill. Old Line. Sporting Hill and Niastersonville, Tri- weekly, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. at 12 m. For Vogansville and Terre Bill, Triweekly, Monday, Thurs day and Saturday, at 2 p. m. For Liberty Square, via: Conestoga, Martleville, Coleman elite and Mount Nebo, Semi-weekly, Wednesday and Sat urday. at 1 p. us For Bethesda. via: Willow Street and liawlinsvil le, Wed nesday and Saturday, at 6 a. m. For New Danville, weekly, Wednesday. at 9 a. in. Office hours, from 7. a. m. to Sp. m. On Sunday, from 9 to 10 a. in. Postage to California. Oregon and Washington Territo. ries, 10 cents. Letters, alleged to be valuable, will be registered, and receipt given therefor, on application and payment of the registration fee of five cents, in addition to the regular postage. All letters are required to be pre-paid with stamps before they can be mailed. H. B. SWARR, Postmaster. To THE Puiwt.—Senator Douglas, in his recent speech at New Orleans, spoke in strong terms against the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, and related a conversation that once took place between Mr. Bulwer and himself on the suh 'ect of the Central American treaty: " Mr. Bulwer said he ;bought the treaty a good one, because it was reciprocal ; the two contracting countries had equal privileges. I agreed, " said Mr Douglas, " to consider the treaty a good one, if I could have a little amendment added to it. ' What is that ?' asked Mr. Bulwer. 'Why,' said I, the treaty secures equal rights to Great Britain and the United States in Central America, and after Central America I would have inserted the words' and Asia.' But ' said he, ' you have no interest in Asia.' Said I, you have none in Central America•' But' says he again, ' you have no rigbt in Asia.' ' Very well,' I replied, ' and we don't mean that Great Britain shall ever establish any right in Central America." GENERAL NEWS ITEMS GOOD PRICES.—We have before us a leiter from Fort Cedar, Utah Territory, written by a native of Chester county to a friend in this Borough, who says, " We are living within five miles of the army and have stirring times. Money is plenty and wages good. A laborer gets $4O per month, carpenters $3 per day— hay is $2O, and straw $lB per ton. Wheat and oats $2 per bushel, potatoes SL7S, corn $2 , butter GO cents, eggs 50 cents, chickens from $1 to $1.50 per pair, sweet milk and buttermilk 25 cents a quart, coffee and sugar 65 cents per lb., molasses SL2S per gallon, dried apples 75 cents per lb." These are pretty round prices, made so by the wants of Uncle Sam's soldiers.— Westchester Repub lica n. COURT OF NISI PRlUS—PHlL'A.—Paesmore Williamson vs. Ellis Lewis.—This was an action fur damage, fur the refusal of the defen dant, while a Judge of the Supreme Court, to grant a writ of habeas corpus, prayed for by the plaintiff, then under commitment for contempt. It was admitted on the part of the defendant that he refused to grant the writ, on the ground that Paesmore William son had been committed for contempt by a Judge of a Federal Court, and that he had not the power to interfere. Judge Lowrie directed a non suit. He said he preferred that the legal questions involved should he settled by the Court in bane, before which it is to be taken. CHINESE SUGAR. CANE.-A meeting of the Chinese sugar cane growers of Winnebago County, 111., was held at Rockford on the Bth inst., when a large number of samples of sugar and syrup were offered comprising a variety of grades, some of which were report ed as very fine. Two hundred gallons of molasses to the acre of cane was mentioned as a fair crop. The cane has been extensive ly cultivated in Illinois the past season, and from facts at hand, says the Rockford Repub lican, it is shown that " syrup and sugar are destined to become as staple articles of pro duction of this State as wheat." REPORTED DEATH OF COL. ALBERT PIRE.- We regret to see the death of Col. Albert Pike, of Little Rock, Arkansas, announced. He was a distinguished lawyer, poet and scholar. He enacted a very prominent part in the Southern Commercial Convention, held at Charleston, in the Spring of 1854 ; and again at the session held in Savannah, early in December, 1856, he made a speech, and attracted universal attention. He was a man of magnificent presence, nearly seven feet in height, and of colossal proportions in all other respects. His long hair hanging in profusion down his back, and his immense beard, slight ly tinged with grey, gave him a most distin gue air, and immediately riveted the gaze of all with whom he came in cqntact. He was an eminent member of the Masonic Order, and frequently traversed the country, lectur ing to lodges in every city he visited An extended biographical sketch will no doubt be published at an early day.—Petersburg Express. EXTRAORDINARY COAL—The -Parkersburg (Va.) News announces the discovery in that region of a specimen of coal which is said to surpass the cannel. The News adds: It is very light and can be ignited as easily as a piece of dry white pine wood. It is ex tremely gaseous and emits a very strong odor when burning. A piece as large as a small marble placed in the bowl of a clay pipe made airtight, and then inserted in a hot fire, gave out gas enough at the end of the stem to burn with a bright light for five minutes. It evi dently could only be used for making gas or oil, it has not sufficient solidity to burn in a grate or stove, but would probably run nut through the bars in a sort of oil or pitch. AWFUL CASUALITY.—Thomas Golden, workcnan in Simmons' axle factory, at Cohoes, was killed this morning by a shocking accident. He was tying on his apron, preparatory to going to work on a grindstone, which stood within a few feet of a perpendicular shaft, which was revolving at a rapid rate. Some portion of his clothes were caught by the shaft, and he was drawn around with it, and between it and the grindstone frame, the space being only some four or five inches. He was killed instantly, and before the machinery could be stopped, every bone in his body was crush ed, and the flesh horribly mangled. He was a very worthy man, of family, aged about forty.—Albany Evening Journal, 14th. STARVED TO DEATH.—The Patterson (N. Y.) Guardian says that Jane Hutton, an aged lady, wife of Donald Hutton, was found in her apartments in that place, on Sunday morning, in a destitute and dying condition. She is represented as having bad nothing in the house for several days, and was found in her bed, literally exhausted by lack of food and the necessary comforts of life. The woman died soon after being discovered by the neigh bors, assistance having come too late for her rescue. TOPOGRAPHY OF' PARAGUAY. Paraguay is situated in the interior of South America, nearly west from Rio Janeiro, and is separated from the sea coast by the district of St. Paul's, a part of Brazil. It lies in the fork of the broad rivers the Parana and Para guay, the first of which flows down its eastern border, and the other runs along its western edge, and they unite their waters in 27 .deg. 30 min. south latitude. From this point up to its northern limits, and its mean breadth, between those rivers, is about two hundred miles. Through the length of this country extends a range of low mountains, richly wooded to their summits, which is the water shed of the whole interior of this State. On either side of this open beautiful valleys, sending out to those large rivers small, clear tributaries, east and west—so that the entire territory is admirably watered. The level lands along those streams are extremely lertil, and the valleys in the mountains are clothed with forests of the yerba tree, the leaves of which, prepared by drying over fires, is the celebrated "mate,' or Paraguayan tea. These groves are called "yerbales," and will be more particularly noticed again. The southern section of the State is an exception to this admirable topography. ' The Paraguay river overflows its banks, for some distance above its mouth, during freshets, and spreads out shallow, broad marshes on its western borders. The traveler, on the road to Assumption, will be up to the saddle-skirts in water for hours at a time, with only here and there pat .hes of dry land in view. This region iscalled the coast, andis inhabited by scattered bodies of wood cutters, who suffer every possible affliction from ague and insects. Still the Costeros, driven out, temporarily, by high water, to the uplands, always eagerly return to the sickly sloughs. The insects, particularly the mosquitos, are so formidable that, but for an expedient of these people, based upon a known hahit of these pests, a man could not exist there. Experience has shown them that the in squib.; confine their depredations to the surface of the ground, and do not rise high in the air. The people, therefore, in front of their houses, raise a scaffold upon p ms, fifteen feet high, set firmly in the ground. Upon this, they stretch bullock hides, and spread on these coarse straw mats. At night the family retires to this staging. and. havint.t drawn up the ladder. sleep umli.:un•bed Idtddes, this arrangement pr,,teetri them from the time° puma and ounce This low region extends up the narrows of the river Paraguay. flute the high lands are crossed hy the river, which forms the "Angos tura " atm: e which, twenty seven miles, is the capital of the republic. Assumption, finely situated on the ea , tern bank nf the Paraguay. . - A better description of the country about this city, cannot he given than is presented in a letter by an English merchant, who visited it in person. I will therefore, give an extract from it. lle eaye—"Presently we were shut nut from the open country, and wended our way thro' a road, embanked on either side to the height of twelve fe , t. It was over arched by the wood which met and twined its branches on both sides of this shaded pathway. From springs in the hanks, nn each side of the road, gurgled the clear waters, not a ray of the sun could penetrate this retreat; and we rejoice in this refreshing passage through which we bent our course to the capital. All the ap- proaches (or passes as they may be more properly called) to Assumption, are of this kind. They were made originally for defence against the frequent inroads ef the Indians; and these defiles may be easily guarded against any number of enemies. These dangers now being past, the approaches ti the city serve as the pleasant passages by \11114.11 travellers enter, or the rural inhabitants carry their fruit, vegetables,and meats to market. Of such we overlook hundreds, chiefly females. Some on foot—others bestrode asses, some drove horses and mules with panniers across them, and those of a higher station, had a clumsy horse cart. " It was something more than picturesque, to see the elegantly lightly clothed females with her bust, roundly turned artnq, small hands, and smaller feet, short petticoat, and braided hair, and black eyes, pursuing her course of industry, either, with a pitcher of water, a bundle of tobacco, or parcel of yucca root, on her jaunty head ; clothed in pure white, she glided like a sylph through the green foliage. Through these lanes of twelve miles, I entered Assumption, with all the en thusiasm of a man, introduced, for the first time, into a country of such Arcadian sim plicity and happiness.', This Claude like sketch paints graphically the happy primitiveness of this innocent people, and the great abundance of the neces saries of life. Their remote situation, the mildness of the climate, and great productive ness of the soil, constitute them a quiet, and contented population. They are a mixed race—of Spanish and Indian—but the abo riginal blood has become ed attenuated, as to be scarcely perceptible, and the females ore as pretty in features and figures—the complexion as clear as a tint of olive, tinged with red—as the native Andalusian. This greater beauty of person and docility-pf disposition, is due to the fact, that the negro was never introduced into this beautiful country. The black ele ment, where it has been infused into the mix ture, in other parts of South America, gives coarseoess of face and viciousness and cruelty to the character. It drags down the superior race, to a lower grade of mind and morals— and hence, of necessity, to an inferior civiliza tion. This very peaceful disposition of the native Paraguayans, has been made an ele ment of the oppression of this people. Dr. Francia wrested from them every attribute of sovereignty—and successfully established 'the caprice of his own arbitrary will—and they have not resisted, nor does the world even know the extent of their oppression, so com pletely have they been shut out. Having seen how favorably the surface of this State is disposed, broad valleys, wooded hills and rich plains, veined between the beautiful rivers—we must clothe all with the gorgeous forests of the tropics. and people them with bright winged birds, to get a proper conception of the scene. The latitude south is the same as that of Cuba and the Bahamas, north, and the productions of the forests and fields are very much the same. The fine leaved tobacco for-oigars, the luxurious cane for sugar, the softest cotton for their fine fabrics—so much%4o demand by all their neighbors—mats,-so highly 'prized as a tea by all classes, are but„some of the rich products of their cultivated land. The neatly white washectcottage of the poorest haciendas is embosomed in fragrant evergreens, orange, lime, and the delicate acacia, while the distant line of the forest frames in his fields shooting up here and there the stately crown of a palm ree. This is nature's bounty ; but the ambition and cruelty of man, have marred these beau ties with oppression and wrong.—Baltimore Patriot. OPENING 'WITH PRAYER.?, , he Washington Star of Thursday evening aye: " The Rev. Father Boyle, of St. 'Patrfck's, opened the Senate, this morning, with prayer, rnhed in the full priest's dress—with surplice and cassock. This is the first occasion since the foundation of the Government when the entire vestments of a Roman Catholic clergyman have been worm in such services in either chamber of Congress. Father B. introduced in the services a portion of the beautiful and well-known prayer of Bishop Carroll (the first American ordained a bishop of the Catholic Church) " for those in authority.'" CATHOLIC MISSIONS.—The Boetoh Pilot recently gave an abstract of the annual report of the Society for the propagation of the Catholic faith. The receipts of the Society for 1857, from all parts of the globe, amounted to $768,000 ; of this sum Lower Canada con tributed about sld,ooo. The expenditure was, in round numbers, as follows :—Missions in Europe, $159,000 ; in Asia, $284,000 ; in Africa, $54,000; in America, $177,000 ; in the South Seas, $73,000. The whole amount contributed on this continent was a little over $32,000, whilst the sum expended was near ly $lBO,OOO. lE9 General Scott was received at Charles ton with every attention due his years and rank. The hotels were hung, and the ship ping in the harbor displayed their colors throughout the day. At half past two, P. M., a detachment of the Washington Artillery fired a salute of fifteen guns, on Citadel Green. During the day he received attention from the Washington Light Infantry, and on his depar ture was escorted to the boat by the military of the city. THE NEW BRITISH MINISTER TO THE UNITED STATES.—Lord Lyons, who has been appointed the' successor of Lord Napier as the represen tative of Her Britanic Majesty at Washington, is of American descent. His great-grandfather was a Philadelphian, who removed to Anti gua, where the father of the first Lord Lyons was born.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers