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About Daily chronicle & sentinel. (Augusta, Ga.) 1837-1876 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 1851)
GAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL. BY WILLIAM S. JONES. OrriGE IN RAIL ROAD BANK BUILDING. DAILY, TUI-WEEKLY WEEKLY. fERNS —Daily Paper, to city subscribers, per annum, in advance $6 Daily Paper, mailed to the country 7 Tri-Weekly Paper, “ “ “ “ •• 4 W'eekly (a mammoth sheet.) “ “ •• 2 CASH FYSTEM.—In no case will an order for j the paper be attended to, unless accompanied with the money, and in every instance when the time for whiah the subscription may he paid, expires before the receiot of funds to renew the same, the paper Will be discontinued. Depreciated funds received at value in this city. from the ISexc OrUant Picayune , 13 th inst. The Great Conflagration. It is with a deep feeling of gloora and des pendency that we undertake the task of re lating the incidents of the calamity which yes terday overwhelmed our ciiy. We believe that this feeling is shared in by all who have at heart the wellare of New Orleans. A con flagrattonof the nature of that we witnessed yesterday, coming on us so suddenly, spread ing bo rapidiy, choosing for its prey some of the stateliest edifices we boast of, may well weigh down the stoutest heart, unnerve the most courageous spirit, and touch even the most indifferent spectaor and stranger. It all seems now like a terrible dream—like some magnificent but appalling panorama. We can hardly believe the evidence of our senses when we gaze at the reinnan s of wal's, the immense piles of bricks and rubbish, the scene of utter desolation, lit up b> flickering gleams of flame, casting a lurid reflection on the pail of heavy smoke, and think that such a mass is all that remains of the magnificent edifice, the tall, stately hotel, that was justly called the pride of New Orleans—which her citizens pointed to with pleasure and strangers with admiration. Aerial cupola, availing dome, lofty, graceful columns, majestic structure in wings, portico and central part, all are gone one fell sweep But to our task. The Bt. Charles Hotel was first discovered to be on fire at half-past 11 o’clock yesterday forenoon. Slight curls of smoke issued from the north or left han J wing of the building, over the ladies’ department, near the portico, between the front eaves of the roof. In a few minutes the smoke poured from the eaves all around the front portico. As this was so much in advance of the main building, it was at first thought that the smouldering fire could be easily conquered. To this purpose, the firemen being speedily on she ground, hoso were drawn by means of ropes directly from the street up to the top of the portico ladders raised, holes knocked in the roof, water pour ed in, whilst other fcose were taken up the large central staircase running clear to the top of the hotel, and every exertion made to ex tinguish the fire. A high wind, however, was blowing from the northwest, helping io drive the fire into the building and under the portico roof, where it was dillicult to reach it. The dense volumes of smoke rolled so heavi y over the narrow and much exposed space where the firemen stood on the roof, that they were barely able to breathe or see, the fierce flames burst forth all around them, beating them di rectly into the hotel ; and they were finally forced to retreat. In a few moments the flames rushed up the lofty dome and the light airy cupola; the upper passages and rooms filled with dense, stifling smoke; the flunes burst forth from the roof of the main building oa either side of the portico anl came out of the upper windows; then ell hope of sav ing tne magnificent edifice was abandoned ; and the immense crowd in the streets, in a short time, saw the entire structure, five stories high, with dome and cupola domineering high above all compeers in the city, from front to rear, on St. Charles, Gravier and Common streets, enveloped in one broad, glaring sheet of fierce flame, rising from the very ground floor, whilst the vast interior seemed one rag ing, blazing furnace, the whole grand, lofty structure looking like a very mountain of red flame. It was a magnificent spec;acle, absorb ing the senses, fixing the spectator’s gaze with a species of terrified admiration. Still the firemen stood their ground, working manfully together at the brakers, and pouring thick streams of water from ail sides into the volcano before them. it was of no use however. Evident signs of falling columns and crumbling wa'ls warned the dense crowd in front of the Hotel in St. Charles street, of their danger. Scarcely had they moved aside, together with the engines, bos , and other apparatus, before the heavy upper portion of the arched cornice of the portico fell outwards with a heavy crash. The great dome began to totter; all eyes were fixed on it. A feeling of deep reg-et pervaded the entire mass of gazers. For a moment thete was a pause, and nothing was heard but the roar of the dimes and the crack ling timber. The next instant, cupola and dome fell in, disappearing in a great cloud of smoke and fire that rushed up, whilst a deafen ing cra<h stunned the ear. The doom of the St Charles was sealed Presently the roof disappeared ; rafters crashed down m showers of sparks and smoke; portions of the interior walls followed ; tne lofty walls in the rear and on Gravier street, broke off in great masses and went p.tinging down,some inside the building and others in the street, whilst at each fall a heavy, thunder ing noise, and shoot of flame and sparks, fol lowed. Two of the tall pillars in front soon came down in the street. It is useless to pur sue the description further. The flames con tinued to rage as fiercely as ever, until towards b o clock, when all the timbers, beams every thing in short in the Hotel of an inflammable nature, had fallen and been burned, leaving the noble edifice completely dismantled, scorched and blackened—the entire aren of the portico gone—the pillars cracked. the;r heads down, plastering off—here and (here slender portions of the high walls still standing—a desolate wreck and mass of blackened, smoking ruins. The wall and part of the cornice on Common street and at the corner of St Charles, are still erect, but cracked defaced and tottering The strong wind blew showers of burning cinders a long distance, setting fire to the tur rets of Mr Clapp’s Church, at the corner of Gravier and St. Charles streets to the Metho dist church at the corner of Carondelet and Poydras, to various frame buildings in Hevia street, between Carondelet and Baronne, in Carondelet above and below Hevia, and to many roofs in the rear and neighborhood of the Hotel and churches. Despite the exertions of the firemen, Mr Clapp s Church was, in less than an hour af ter it caught, completely gutted, leaving the bare walls. After the engines had left it and whilst a grea* number of persons were on the sidewalk in front, the square tower suddenly fell in pushing the wall out, and for a moment it was feared that many persons were killed Fortunately that w aJ not the case A fire -1 man, we are informed, had his arm broken. The green-house in the front yard of the * church, at the corner of the Union and St Charles, and a tent maker’s shop at the Gra vier street corner, were destroyed. Many of the plants of the green hou e were saved. The basement story of the church was oc cupied as a depot for wagons, carts, wheels, &c., tong established there. Most of the con- | [■P tents were saved. A few cushions in the i * church were thrown into the street. Nothing else was saved. The building was not insur ed- The long, low, one-story brick building be hind Mr. Clapp's church, running from Gra vier to Union streets, and principally occupied by the “Pelican” coffee-house, was burnt out, leaving the walls. They were insured for SI,OOO in the Crescent Mutual Insurance Company, of this city. The coal office of J. Nimick was in the Gravier street end of the building. He saved his books and papers. The building was owned by Jacob Barker. H. R. Beach’s-large carriage establishment, directly in the rear of the St. Charles Hotel, narrowly escaped destruction. It occupies two three story brick bufldiugs, one No. 119 on Common street and the other No. 108 on Gravier street. In the interval between was a large frame work-shop. A portion of the rear wall of the hotel fell on it, and it was soon on fire. The carriages were not taken out. The firemen boldly met the danger, and suc ceeded after great danger and labor in sa ving the esiablishrnent. In this building, on the Common street front and second story, was the office of A. Mibemberger & Co They saved their books, papers- «sec In Common street, the brick building, No. 117, next to the hotel, occupied by Henderson & Peale, was burnt out They saved tneir books, papers, &c. VVe never saw a building burn so rapidly, as the large Methodist Church at the corner of Poydras and Carondelet streets. The roof and lofty steeple were all wood, not slated, and oid. In at least twelve minutes after the root caught, and little smoke was first seen, the tall steep'e was a burning pile, and half the roof on fire and in a bright flune. The firemen were in a few tno'i ents on the spot and worked hard but could do nothing. It was evident that the building would be com pletely gutted. The steeple soon fell bodily to ihe ground, and in a moment the entire edi fice was in flames. Nothing now' remains of il but the bare wal's. it contained a valuable organ and other property, none of which, we believe, was saved. The flames soon communicated to the adja cent tenements in Poydras and Carondelet streets, Tney were frame buildings and burn ed rapidiy, despite the utmost exertion. Poy dras street was soon blocked up with piles of furniture, mattresses, trunks, dravs, carts, e»- gines, and hurrying working crowds Toe burning buildings were occupied by poor peo ple, many of whom w-re women. Their loss and embarrassment must be great. In such a crowd and scene of utter confusion, it was difficult to save property fiom destruc tion. The first building in Poydras street, next to the church, be ween St Charles and Caronde let, was a double two story frame tenement, occupied as a boarding house by Mr«. Sale. It w at j burned down. Furniture partly saved Next to it, a one-story frame building. No. 134 was partly destroyed. Furniture mostly saved. In Carondelet street, next to the church and between Poydras and Hevia stree e, was a fine two-story frame tenement, with porches and pillars, occupied for offices, &c. It was burn ed. Contents mostly saved. A small wooden shanty next to it was also destroyed. The back buildings around the rear of the church were burned. The rear buildings of the fine residences in St. Charles street, and next to the new Municipal Hall, were feared for, but escaped with a severe scorching The fire men pulled down a long fence on Carondelet street, above the church, and prevented the fire from running up to a block of frame buildings on the corner of Hevia and in Hevia towards St. Charles street. The row of three-story brick houses in Car ondelet, between Hevia and Poydras, stood a fierce hea‘. and showers of sparks and embers for a long lime. Some low frame shops near ly opposite the church, and next to these hou ses, barely escaped. The utmost vigilanci was shown in all directions by the tenants to prevent roofs from ca’ching. In Carondelet street above Hevia, and op posite ‘ Carondelet Row,” a block of three two-story frame buildings, Nos. 171, 173 and 175, with porches ard pillars, had the roofs burnt off, upper stories injured and back buildings much burnt. One of the houses was occupied by Drury & Phillips, house painter*. Most of their property was saved. The fur niture in the upper rooms was mostly destroy ed. In Hevia street, between Carondelet and Baronne, a two-story frame house, No. 37, was unroofed and the building much injured. A one-story frame house No. 35, occupied as a slave depot, was much injured. Other low frame tenements adjoining were injured by the water. The methodist Church was insured for $30,- 000 —$ 10,000 tn the General Mutual. SIO,OOO m the Nashville Life Insurance and-Trust, and SIO,OOO in the Tennessee Marine aud Fire Insurance Company—all in this city. The St. Charles Hotel building was insured for SIOOOOO. Os this the Sun Mutual has $15,000, the General Mutual $lO 000, the Crescent VI utual sls 000. the Delaware Mu tual 10 000, the Nashville Life Insurance and Tru-t $15,000, the Lexington $5,000, the Merchants’ S4O 000, and the Protection $lO,- 000 The lessees, Hessrs, Mudge & Wilson, had and insurance of $52,500 on the furniture, stock, wines, liquors, &c. Os this, the Sun Mutual has $5000; the General Mirual $5000; the Crescent Mutual S2OOO ; the Union $5000; the Columbus (solely on stock, liquors, &c .) SSOOO. The rest is taken at the North. Tnese sums are as near as we could ascertain with diligent attention. There are, dotih less, er rors which will be corrected. The Mechanics’ and Pianters’s has $20,J0 on the wagon depot under Mr. Clapp’s church. The following were the offices under the front ol the Sf. Charles Hotel, beginning a' the Gravier i-treei corner; Stimson & Co.’s New York and Mobile Express; Raphel. Loan Office and Jewelry ; Herz’ Exchange Office; Parson’s old Barber Shop; Cigar Store; Swain’s- Shoe Store ; Jewelry Store; Jen lOng’s Clothing Store; M. L Crush’s Shoe Store. Nothing of any importance was lost from them, we believe. I is impossible s o describe the scene of con fusion that took place in the Hotel when the alarm was given. Imagine the bit Idtng, filled with five hundred strangers, besides as many more boarders servants, Jkc., each one running here and there working at tne fire, packing trunks, carrying out baggage—few preserving an) presence of mind—lames sick, fainting or frightened, whilst crowds hurried from every direction to the spot; men shouted, the en gines clanked and bells rang clamorously, and something I ke a picture of the scene may be drawn The streets, besides, in all directions were crowded so as to prevent the firemen from working. Galleries widows, roofs were occupied ; whilst as the fire spread, and alarms increased, families deserted fheir homes; carts and carriages were moving in every path, and the streets and pavements were piled with fur niture and other household articles in the great est confusion. The firemen were every where and worked nobly. Nearly the entire day passed before any obtained rest or refreshment. The pro pr.etors of rhe Verandah Hotel threw open their bar to the gallant fellows. We saw many citizens distributing refreshments from their own stores. The fire in the hotel is supposed to have originated in a defective flue of a chimney. It must have smouldered for hours before dis covered. Very little furniture, stock, wines, &c., was saved from the hotel. The silver plate was left in the fire proof vault, which is supposed to be somewhat crushed in by the immense weight on it. One of the clerks saved money deposited in the office. The proprietors ex ‘ erted themselves to keep order. Mr. Wilson had his leg severely cut and bruised by the falling of one of the walls. VVe have not heard that any passengers lost baggage. The thieves though were about in crowds. Many were nabbed by the police, who displayed much en ergy end spirit. Mayor Crossman worked amid the engines all day, directing and advis ing. The ladies in the hotel were taken to the Verandah, where the gentlemen gave up their poms to them. A great deal of trouble, as regarded lodgings, follows the sudden turning out into the streets from the hotel of so many hundreds of visitors and boarders. This evil cannot last long, however. Many rumors prevailed regarding loss of life. Two persons were generally reported to have been killed by the falling of the cornice of the hotel portico. At the time the cupola fell many persons were trying to make their escape through the bar room. We are in formed that of them, three gentlemen and a waiter, names unknown, are missing. At the time the dome fell a great rush of the crowd in St. Charles street was made towards Canal. A number of persons were thereoy thrown down and bruised. Among other incidents we were told of a waiter in the Hotel who rushed into a room in an upper story to save some valuables. He found there a young lady from Kentucky in one corner of the room, palsied with (ear and half suffocated with smoke. He took her up and bore her to a place of safety. Dr. C. Da'kee carried out, one after another, two sick persons, in his arms, from the third s ory of the hotel Capt. Charles P. Bacon, of the steamboat Chancellor, on hearing that the St. Charles was on fire, stopped his boat, which was just starting for Louisville took his crew ashore and with them rendered every assistance in hie power to save the hotel. He finally proffered his boat to the unfortunate boarders, and told them to take up their quarters with him until they r ound other lodgings Mr. W. D. Walker, chief steward of the hotel, was the last man to leave it. He was very active in his exertions to save property On hearing of the disaster, all the courts ad journed Business came to a stand-still. In the evening several of the theatres dost d. We would say more concerning this dread ful calatrmy to our c ty. under whic.'i it will long suffer ; but come to a ci< sa, with the ex pression of the couvic ion that immediate steps win be taken to repair the losses by this con flagration, and restore to our city some of its funner beauty and pride. The Delta says: The following list embra ces all the losses sustained by the underwriters of this city, with the amount of loss sustained by each office; Columbus, (Ohio.) £5 000; Cre-cent Mu tual, £ 19,000; Delaware Mutual Safely, £lO - General Mutual, £25 000; Lexington. £5,000; Merchants’ and Planters’, £2 800; Memphis, £3 000 ; Merchants £25 000; Nash ville Life and Trust Co.. £25.000; New Or leans Insurance Office, £ll 000; Promotion (Hartford ) £lO 000; Sun Mutual, £25,000; Tennessee Marine and Fire, £10,000; Union Mutual, £5 000. Total 10.-s by Insurance Of fices. €i)rouklc and Sentinel. AUGUS TA, G- A ‘ SATURDAY MOUJKINti JAN. 35. The Movement in Washington. The subjoined copy of the pledge, signed by members of the present Congress, a notice of which we received a few days since by Tel egraph, will attract attention, and commend itself to the favorable consideration of every American Patriot: “Tbe undersigned, members cf the thirty-first foongress of the United States, believing that a re newal of sectional contro’er.-y upon the s ibject of slavery would be both dangerons to the Union and destructive of its o l jecs, and seeing no mode by which such controversy can be avoided except by a strict adherence to the settlement thereof effected by the C mpromise acts passed at the last session of Congress do hereby declare their intention to main tain the same settlement inviolate, and to resist all attempts to repeal or alter the acts aforesaid, unles c by the general consent of the friends of the mea sures, and to remedy such evils, if any. as ti ne and experience may develope; and for the purpose of matting ihis resolution effective, they further declare that *hey will not support for the office of President, or of Vice President, or Senator, or of Representa tive in Congress, or as member of a State l.egisla ture, any man. of whatever party, who is not known to be opposed to the disturbance ot the settlement aforesaid, and to the renewal in any form -.f agitation upon the subject of slavery.” Monk's Map of North America. Professor Monk of Baltimore has rendered a moat acceptable service to the public in the compilation and pub'ication of a new Map of “ North America ,” exhibiting the United States and their Territories complete, from the Allan tic ! o the Pacific, the Canadas, New Bruns" wick, Nova Scotia, Mexico, Central America and the West India Islands, which has been compiled from the moat authentic sources and the latent surveys of the ‘Tar West;” among which a-e those of Fremont, Emery, Wilkes Abert and Johnson. The boundaries of Tex as, Cali ornia and the Territories are accu rately laid down according to the recent acts of Congress. When completsd (.he speci men shown is incomplete) the map will pr ; s ■ n t, in addition to the usual matter, a correct delineation of ail the Railroads and Canals, the Territories occupied by the various Indian tribes, together with the principal routes, with 'heir stopping places, to California, Oregon, &c , accompanied by a complete table of dis tmees by land and water. Such a M p is peculiarly desirable now, when all are so anxious for information in re ference to our new y acquired possessions on the Pacific; and we think the work, as well for the style of its execution as the valuable informa ion it will impart, will command itself to the favorable consideration of an intelligent public. Mr. E C. Mathew, the Agent for Georgia, is now in this city for the purpose of introduc ing the map to our citizens, and through his assistants to the people throughout the Stale, at the earliest practicable day. Outrageous. —The Dalton Times of the 23d inst. says; “ On yesterday morning the passenger train from Chattanooga was delay ed near an hour at the Tunne*, in removing some limber and rocks which had been laid across the track by some base hearted villain, tor the purpose of throwing the car off the track. The perpetrators of this diabolical act, it is hoped, will not escape the punishment which they deserve, for thus endangering the lives of so many innocent individuals. The perpetrators are known, and the officers are already on the track of them.” The Liverpool Times states that the Cu nard steamer Asia, on her recent trip from New York to Liverpool, steamed in three suc cessive days, respectively, 328, 321 and 300 miles. A Curiosity. —The name of a colored wo man in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, is Vine Davis. She is eighty-nine years old. She can see to pick up a needle in the dark, and in the daytime cannot see across the room. So writes the marshal upon his census schedule. English Cotton Circular. The following Annual Circular of the Messrs. Littledale, Liverpool Cotton Bro kers, will be read with interest : LIVERPOOL, Jan. 4, 1851. —In looking at the general character of the past year we may remark, that from January to April no material alteration in prices look place, with the exception of a temporary fall of|d a |d in March: from May to 4ugu*t there was considerable excitement, and a steady advance, as compared to the close of 1849, of Ijd in Ameri can, Brazil and Egyptian, and |d a Id in Sural, mid dling Orleans having been quoted 8d per lb. The advices then received, as to the American crop, be came conflicting, and the fears of holders having been worked upon by exaggerated and as it would seem unfounded reports, prices gave way |d per lb., from wlrch, wiih slight fluctuation, they have recovered to within Jd a |d of the highest point in August, The trade in the manufacturing districts, which was only interrupted for a short time by the disturb ed state of the Continent, has been in a very satisfac tory state —the demand almost exceeding the supply, excepting for the heme trade, which has been de pres ed. more especially in the heavy fabrics, ani the economical use of C Hion, by spinning higher numbers, lead to the expectation that the result of the year’s consumption would have caused a conside rable reduction in the weight of Codon used; it ie therefore a matter of surprise, that the whole con sumption of the year has only talien off 3 a 4 per cent. There has latterly been a remarkable revival in the inquiry for heavy Goods and low Yarns, both for home use and export, present slocks of which a e in adequate to supply the growing demand. On tile while, perhaps at no former period was there a great er feeling of security in the luture—the high price of t..e Raw Ma'erial. as compared to former years, be ing less considered, and oi less constquence than the prospect of an ina equate supply, li will be rccol • lected that, on ta dug the stuett at the close of 1849, it proved to be 90 UuU bales more th.i.i the estimate. A sirni'ar result has now occurred to the extent of 63 000 t ales, and is to be accounted for in the same way ; the change for two years in ihe inode of ascer taining the speculation which had always previously been lound correct; purchases made on Merchant’s account, being often reported for export, and resold ; and the receipt of Cotton for sale in this market to some extent, from the out ports as well as from Man Chester, ot which no accurate account hud been kept, it bas been suggested, that tiie siock should be given out eveiy three months; but this is open to so many difficulties, that it is not likely to beadopied, cjnsidering the magnitude of the sales of Cotton in ihe }ear, amounting to 2,357,650 bales—some inac curacy in taking stoett might very well be expected. The imports have incieased from the Brazils 79b0, from Egypt 6670, and from India 127,140 and decreased from A meric i 294,540 bales—total import tot he kingdom, 1,747,460 against 1,905 613 hales in 1849. .he export from the kingdom bas been 270 739 against 256,300 bales. The stock in this port amounts to 454,879 against 468,170, and in the kingdom to 521,119 agiin.-t 5 ,760 bales. There is no doubt spinners hold fiom 60,0~'U a 80,000 ‘ ales less, notwithstanding that they have purchased considerably more than the con sumption in the last month. The stocks in all the Continental markets are, as nearly as can be ascer tained, 56,01-0 against 84,000. The actual coneump iion cannot be accurately obtained, but the delive ries to the trade have been for the kingdom 1513- 394—avenging 29,103 per week against 30 530 during 1649, W ith respect to the extent of the present crop, on which so much depends; from the early spring and planting time down to the last advices the only fa vorable feature has been a good picking season dur ing almost an unprecedented short duration, calcu lating the late period of the plant flowering, and the ea.ly frost in October. How far this may confirm the published opinion of a very few individuals who estimate the crop 2 400,000 a 2,500 000 remains to be seen—the great majority of estimates are 2,100,000 a 2,200,000; it is difficult to reconcde extreme opin ions; but the fact, that old experienced houses do not hesitate to execute orders based on a crop of 2,150 000 is strongly comfirmutory that the opinion of the ma jority will prove mo t correct. With the prospect ol demand, and consumption before us, the highest hgures wool I not be too much »o keep prices mode rate, and the proportion we can get of a cron of 2 100 000 a 2,200,000, should it prove so, will no doubt be inadequate to the requirement of the trade. JLast India —VVe have had an excess of import to this port of 86,000 bales, and to the kingdom of 127,000 bales. Tne stock bore is 91,940 agamst 57,830, and in the kingdom 143,400 against 105 200 Surat Cotton having been lower in price in pnpjr ion than any other description, has attracted more than usual attention, and both consumption and ex port have considerably increased. A large speculative business his b en done in the purchase of cargoes to arrive, without guarantee of quality, mmy of°which have prove i unsatisfactory, in consequence of the in ferior q ‘ality, and the great quantity of seed contained in the Co ton, to such an extent as tomake it a q les tion whether the Cotton is merchantable or not A considerable proportion of the excess of st ck is cf this description, and unavailable for Cunsumotion, and nothing but the relative high pr j ce of common American 6f I a 7jd, renders it at all saleable, even at 4J-J a sd, while ihe same qualities, free irom seed are in demand at ssd a fid per lb. We would particularly draw the attention of Bom bay merchants to this important question ; for ifttie Surat Cotton should continue to be sent to the condi tion a great proportion of it has been this season so much discredit v\i I be thrown upon it as almost to pul it out ol consumption ; it is not only the 10-s from ihe weight ol seed, in some instances 20 a 30 per ct. but the injury done to the machinery, which will deter spinners from using it almost at any price. General hein'ivks. Another year of commercial prosperity to England has closed, and the frightful losses of ’47 and ’4B may fairly be considered can celled by the gains of ’4.1 and 50, not, indeed, to the same parties, in ail instances, but that ihe commer chi and manufacturing wealth of the na ion nas been restored to what it prior to the panic, and ere iif placed on a sounder basis. Alter the first burst of excitement at the opening of the year a general dull ness pervaded our Colonial produce markets, owing to the depressed state of the Agricultural districts, and little good was done in the tir t six months ; but since June a very extensive business has been trans acted in all the leading articles of import at saiisfac tory rates to the m-reliant, while the manufacturer has found a ready sale I t his goods, without accu mulation of stocks, at prices well in advance of the increased cost of tria raw material. Nearly every branch of manufacturing industry is weli reported of, but perhaps the most striking feature has been the small diminution which has taken place in the con sumption of Cotton, notwithstanding the ave price forth 3 year has been 50 percent, higher thm in i 849 -a leature never before known in the history of the Trade. Toe profitsof this year, though perhaps not equal to those of 1349, when Co ton and Coffee each rose tc.it. per cent, have been mere widely distributed, and also greatly aided by the improved value cf shares and other public securities. Th re is one larve and i nportant branch cf commerce, however, which last year formed almost the only exception in our remarks on general prosperity, and does the same this, namely—the ‘‘CoraTra.de”; a singular refuta lion of the arguments so freely advanced at the fak ing off the duty on Grain, that it would render the trade much more secure, and save the importing merchant from those h<-avy losses to which he wes before exposed by the fluctuation of duties. The Shipping interest, taken as a whole, has done no good during the year, and the Agricultuial interest still worse; so that while much of the prosperiiy of 1950 will by many be attributed, to the effects cf Free Trade, these t hree serious drawbacks, clearly its off spring, embodying a larger amount of capital , and affecting me welfare cf much greater numbers than all the other trading classes of the community united, must not be over-looked. The absence of Legislative interference or fiscal changes —restored quiet on the Continent after two years of revolutions—peace in India—moderate im ports and abundance of money—may be taken as the leading causes to which the' favorable results of the past year must be attributed, and as these pro mise to remain without material change for the com ing one, we trust a similar result may follow. In many paims thi position es affiirs is highly favorable ; moderate stocks of produce in Tea, Sugar, Coffee’ and other leading articles, with no excess of supply t or the next season; a larger consumption than ever known, guaranteed by the full employment of the manufacturing classes, and the immense influx of strangers to the World’* Fancy fair—abundance of money for all legitimate purposes of business, and the effects cf California gold which will shortly have its influence, real or by anticipation, on the value of other articles; yet, we must confess, we do not look forward to the enigma year of 1851 without some misgivings; the deficient supply and high price of Cotton, Silk, and Wool, are serious drawbacks to a large safe trade, and may at a later period lead to heavy losses ; it will probably be a year of great ex citement and speculation—of pleasure rather than business—causing a large circulation of ready mo ney, but creating an unreal appearance of prosperity which may lay the foundation of future evil. No doubt the moving masses will add greatly to the re turns of all railway property for the time, but will there be no danger in the re-action? Money. —The course of the Money market has been remarkably steady throughout the year, and the rate of discount has scarcely varied half per cent, from January to December, until the advance made by the Bank of England on the 26th nil. —this step appeared to take the public quite by surprise, as witu a stock of bullion of nearly 16 millions, the ad verse slate of the Foreign Exchanges was in a great measure overlooked. For several weeks past the bullion bad been s'eadiiy diminishing and the Ex changes falling without any apparent cause, until warned by past experience it seemed necessary to take one turn with the screw to keep the coil from running off too last, and it appears to have had the de.-ired el.ect the Exchanges are already advancing and the apprehension that the Bank might advance another I per cent, this week bas happily proved groundless. The great satisfaction in our present adverse position is, that it does not arise from the ba lance of irade being aeainstus; during the height of the German disputes in November, purchases for the Continent were no doubt almost suspended, and even resales effected; but that being no longer the case, and as during the winter our imports o! (Jrain must be greatly diminished, we may fairly infer, that the balance will remain in favor of this country. It ap pears to be simply a Money or Bullion question, (and on that account not likely to be permanent in its ef fect,) arising from an apprehension that the present relative value of Gold and Silver may be interfered with by thelmmense supplies of the firmer coining from Ca ifornia, and that Gold may be depreciated— this is pretty certain to be the case, should the pro duction go on at the present rate of 10 millions per annum but it will be very gradual, and where is it so 'ikely to flow as to this country, so long as we main tain an Act of-P irliameut- price of £3 I7s 10pi per ounce 7 As a precautionary measure at home we quite approve of ft—such extravagant anticipations are entertained by many, as to the golden harvest of 1951, that a spirit of speculation was ready to ourst out op' ning of ihe year, which might have done infinite tnisrh es. but which will now forawhile at least be kept in check. The rates of discount in the open market have advanced fully on a par with the Bank, and range from 3J a 4 per cent, for good piper accenting to date. 3j per cent, is allowed re bate on retiring E. I. Bills. The -lock of bullion in the Bank by the last return was £15,359,376. The Campbells. These popular minstrels give their last en tertainment in this city, this evening, when we presume the Masonic Hall will be again crowded with their admirers The bill of fare lor the ovoning is an attractive one, the first part of which, will be done up in white, the last decidedly in black. Those who would see and hear ail, should go early. Ashland,—is the nameof a New Post Office established in Forsyth county, of which Nim rod Cross is postmaster. PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS, Corregpondence es the ftnltimnre American . IN SENATE Jan. 21. Mr. Sturgeon presented the petition of merchants and others in Philadelphia, praying the establishment of aline of Mail Steamers between Philadelphia and Rio de Janeiro. Mr Pearce presented the memorial of the regents of the Smithsonian Institute, setting forth that after erecting the building, there is a balance of the money turned over to them (being the accumulated interest on the be quest,) of £l5O 000, which sum they ask may be rep aced in the treasury and added to the permanent fund. On motion by Mr. Mangum it was ordered that the Cammitee on Foreign Relations in quire into the expediency of a reorganization of the Stare Department with a view of facilitating the public business. On motion by Mr Davis the Committee on Military Affdrs were ordered to inquire into the expediency of introducing the Camel into the United States for purposes of army trans portation. The resolutions to amend the rules were taken up. The first allowing the mover to withdraw any motional any time before ac tion, was agreed to, yeas 29, nays 18 JTiie second prohibiting debate on motions to take up bus.ness out of its order, was rejected, yeas 21, nays 22. Adjourned. HOUSE. After the reading t f the Journals, the Speaker called the attention of the House to the accumulation of business on the Speaker’s ‘able, and suggested tho appropriating an hour everyday to its consideration, until it should be disposed of. Several of the bills on the table he said, were left over from last session , and having called the attention of gentlemen to the subject, ho left it with them to pursue what course they thought proper. Mr. Bayley of Virginia, chairman of the fi nance committee, recapitulated the title* of the different Bills of a public nature, before the House, the discussion upon which will prohi by require thirty days, out of the thirf)-five which remain before the session closes—leav ing but eighteen days for the consideration of the appropria ion Bill, and gave it his opm ion. that unless tho special order of the day the Deficiency Bill, be proceeded .vi'h, the ap propriition BJ’s must lie over till next session. A b II regulating the two districts into which Florida is divide -, and providing for an in crease of the salaries cf the two Judges who preside in that State, was read by the Clerk. Mr. Meade, of Virginia, described the con dition of Key West, which is included in the Southern district of rtr*t State, where causes are annually tried, chiefly of a maritime nature, to the value of from one to two millions of dollars and which require for their investiga tion a Judge of superior abilities and extensive erudition. The island he stated, yields nothing what ever for the subsistence of its inhabitants— everything of that kind has to be b r ought there; consequently living is dear, rendering iho present salary of£2 000 which the bill con templates raising ro $2,500, inadequate for the suitable maintenance of a gentleman of the ne cessary a tain meats, occupying the high posi tion of judye The action of Congress, he continued, had been called for by merchants on the Atlantic and in the Giilfof Mexico—particularly from New York and New Orleans; as the causes ! that for the most part come before the Court of the Southern District of Florida are those whh h arise on the ocean, and in the decision of which they are often in’erested. Afer further remarks '.he previous question was moved, pending which. Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, moved to lay the bill on the table ; and the ayes and nays bei g taken, there were iu favor of laying the bill on the table 92, against it 91. A motion was then made and carried, to take up the business on the Speaker’s table The Speaker laid before the Ilonse a mes sage from the President, communicating the report of the Military and Naval Board, with reference to the relative rank of officers in both services. He also submitted reports from the War office and Navy department. Several bills were read a first and second lime. A bill sent in by the Senate, the last day of the late session, preventing the assignment of bounty land patents, previous to the issue of the same, was then, upon the vote of the House 92 to 42, laid on the table. A bill(appropriating certain of the public lands in tae Wes ern States, for tbe support of the public schools existing therein, was then read Mr. Meade, of Virginia, was opposed to the local appropria ion of the public lands, and contended that the public schools of the old States were equally entitled to a participation in such disposal of them with the new. He moved as an amendment, that instructions to tba’ effect be given to the committee to whom the bill is to be referred. He was proceeding to state, that the most beneficial way in which the proceeds of the public lands could be applied, would be to have them paid into the Treasury of the Uni ted States, to be appropriated towards the pay meni of the National debt, and in defraying the expenses of the General Government, in stead of wishing to do this by an increase of the revenue by additional duties, when The Speaker intimated that the gentleman from Virginia was deviating from the subject under discussion, in a manner incompatible with the rule* of the House. Mr. Meade appealed from the Speaker’s de cision, which was supported by a largo ma jority. At 3 o’clock the House adjourned. Beautiful Incident. —Fifteen years ago the noble structure ihen known as the Metho dist Book Establishment in New York, was destroyed by fire —Among the burning frag ments of books and printed sheets which were whirled aloft on the wings of the tiames, and borne onward upon those of the wind was, says the Boston journal, a page of the Bible, con aiuing the sixty-fourth chapter of Isaiah. It was picked no on the morning of the confla gration about 12 miles distant on Long Island, and before the catastrophe was known there. It was indeed a winged messenger of truth, in a double sense, for the fact is no less striking than authentic, that every word of the page was so marred as to be illegible save the elev enth verse, which read in the folllowing words : ‘ Our holy and beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire ; and all our pleasant things are laid waste.” The Driith ship Arabia, from Liverpool, arrived at Quarantine this morning, after a passage of nearly stveniy days She has on board two hundred passengers, about thirty of whom are sick with the ship fever. Twelve died ou the pas-age. —N York Com. Adv. The business of the Bank of France is at present so extensive that the directors have juat decided that forty-two cierks, who had been taken on temporarily, must still be con tinued from the beginning of the year, with a minimum salary of 6,000 francs. The St. Louis Intelligencer stages that the flouring rail! of Mr. Joseph Powell, in that city, which was destroyed by fire on the 231 of October las f , was rebuilt and ready for opera tion on the 10th of January, just forty eight day & after the old mill was laid in ashes. In pulling down the walls of the old St. John’s Church, at Limerick, a large cannon ball was found imbed d in the mortar. It is thought to be a twenty four pounder fired by Cromwell’s army during the siege, as that was the precise spot against which he directed his attack. The Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, as we have heretofore announced, has already been completed to Franklin, a distance of thirty seven miles, and there is said to be not the slightest impediment in the way of its ex tension to its Sou bern terminus to connect with the Wilmington road —Richmond Enq. The ateamer D. L. Adams, left here yester day morning for Augusta, and returned soon alter, having sustained some injury to her machinery . —Savannah Republican. The s'eamer VVrn. Seabrook which left for Savannah yesterday morning, had to return in consequence of a slight accident to her ma chinery.— Charleston Conner. Special Notices. |pf The iter, Mr. Rogers, by special request, will repeat his Lecture to Young Men, on Tatra Manliness, in the Methodist Church, on SUNDAY EVENING next, at 7 o’clock. The young men of the city, and the publL gene rally, are respectfully invited to attend. ja2s Jjf* Concert Hall.— Wyman, the Ventriloquist and Magician, whose performances never fails to draw crowded audiences, will open the above Hall THIS (Saturday) EVENING, 25th January. Admittance only 25 cents; Children half price, fjfPerforonnce to commence at o’clock. ja2s RICHMOND SUPERIOR COURT, JANUARY TERM. 1851. The Grand Jury of the second week of the January Terra, respect!ully report, that they have examined the report of the County Treasurer, made to the Grand Jury cf the first week of the {re sent term, and find that the amount paid to the Trea surer tor the Poor School Fund is $1,009 50, of this amount S3'9 50 bar. been received from the State, and $650 from ihe County, There has been appro priated to the Free School in the Citv of Augusta SSOO, and to Free Schoo s out of the city $1,290 9b the past year. W e learn, on inquiry of the proper officer, that returns from two or the districts, of the number of children entitled to the benefit of the Poor School Fund, have been received, but nre eo itaperfe’l that they cannot be used, and from the other districts in the county, no returns of any kind have been ma le. Unless a correct return of all the children in ihe county entitled to the benefit of this fund is made to the Clerk of the Court, agreeable to the pr visions of the law, the county will be deprived of its full share of the funds set apart by the Legislature for this ob'ect. Tne law makes it obligatory on the Justices of the Peace in their several districts to make correct re turns of all the children entitled to the benefits of this fund, and we would respectfully request the In ferior Lmurt to require a strict compliance with its provision-, in order that the full bemfi of the benefi cent objects of the law may be realized We would also respectfully recommend to the In ferior Court the appointment of two or more suitable persons in each district to co-operate with the Magis trates in the perfoimance of this duty. It j 3 be'ter ed that such persons may bo selected by the Court, who will cheerfully give their aid in ibis good cause, and use their influence to induce all the children te att-nd the Schools that may be established in the districts. The Jury would recommend to the Inferior Court to asses the usual Ux of ten per cent for the Poor School Fund, They have also ex trained the Books and papers in ;he otficeof tha Uerk of Ordinary, and find them kept in a neat and correct manner. The Jury lake much pleasure in returning their thanks to hi’ Honor the Judge, and the Ailorney General, and the Attorney pro tern for the r prompt ness and civility in the discharge of their duty, and request that these Presentments be publisb-d. HILLARY B. FRASER, Foreman. John Holmes, John Wilkinson, Gerrard McLaughlin, Wm. Glendinning, James C. Dawson, John B. Guieu, Oliver H. Lee, Jsham Th unpson, William J. Rhodes, David R. Wright, Israel Bond, Thomas Skinner, Hugh O’Neill, James McDowall, George A, Simmons, William Shear, Jeremiah Morns, Eharles Hall. On motion of tha Attorney General, the above Presentments were ordered to be printed in the City Gazettes. ja2s A. H. McLAWS, Clerk. J. M. NEWBY & CO. Jj’Haveon baud a large lot of fine Black Cloth Dress and Frock C >ATS; fine Black and figured Cassimere PANTS; Black Satin, and all other styles of VESTS; SHIRTS. DRAWERS, SUSPENDERs, GLOVES, die., &c. To which they invite the attention of purchasers. They have a few heavy OVER-COATS, SACKS &c., <fcc., that will be sold very low, to make room for Spring Goods. Call and see them. jal7 CHARLES BEUL'FF) PORTRAIT AND MINIATURE PAINTER. Room No. 4, Masonic Hall , HAVING located in Augusta, with the purpose of pursuing his Profession, will be pleased to receive the calls of those who may favor him with their patronage. Mr. Beruff will teach the principles of tha art, ifa class should he formed for that purpose. ja7-6m fjf Holders of Tickets to Miss Tvdok’b LECTURE, are respectfully invited to attend, at her residence on Ellis street, on MONDAY EVEN ING, 27tb iML, at half past 7 o’clock. J*24
