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CLISBY & REID, Proprietors. : ; — :—i—— : — 2 —2 . L.v ’ " e ivr .,*'*• " ! . . » ... ■ _ ;■■■ The Family Journal.—New’S—Politics—Literature—Agriculture—Dome stic Affairs . ! — GEORGIA TELEGRAPH BUILDING. ESTABLISHED 1826.} MACON, FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1869. "■'.'O.o !.V.L ' VOL. XLIlT-M Caned with a Hyena. from lie York Mer ** r *.} There was a great excitement in Clinkerville. • For the first time in the history of that somno lent village, it was to be visited by a show. Not a peep-show, nor a slight-of-hand perform ance nor a concert, but a ‘‘big show"—a circus and menagerie combined. The agent of the es tablishment had arrived in a singular-looking vehicle, drawn by four splendid cream-colored horses, with white manes and tails, and was busily engaged in malting his arrangements for providing for the wants of his company. 1 Majoy Whabble, the landlord of the Cliriker- ville Hotel, was in a high state of excitement, running around among his neighbors to engage stabling and beds for the troupe, which was M- men, had been applied to for a license;, and af ter naming one hundred dollars as the sum vrhich he thought would be above right for the document, by the persuasive eloquence of the oily-tongued agent had been indneed to issue it for one dollar and a half, with tickets for the beard. The bill-stickers accompanying the agent had manufactured a huge boiler of paste, and were decorating all the bams and! fences in the vicinity with mammoth illuminated posters, on which were delineated riders of the male per suasion, with no clothes on to speak of, and ri ders of the female persuasion not much better provided for, in all sorts of possible and impos sible positions, with beasts of the field and birds of tho air grouped in the most astonishing and unheard-of manner. The entire juvenile popu lation of the place followed close at the bill- sticker’s heels raising a shrill hurrah as each new triumph of the printer’s and engraver’s art vas unfolded to their view. Taken altogether, nothing had occurred to startle the village from its usual staid propriety to an equal degree since the great log-cabin demonstration at the time of the Harrison Presidential campaign. Among those who manifested a special inter est in the coming ovent was Seth Delano,_a farmer’s son, residing at the outskirts of the vil lage, but who passed the greater portion of his time in Skinner’s grocery. Seth was a fair type of the down-east village lounger; tall, gawky, powerful as an ox, but lazy, conceited, ignorant and self-confident. His voice was always the loudest in the discussions continually occurring at the grocery, the place where the Clinkervil- lians most did congregate, and on all public oc casions it was not for wont of effort on his part if he did not occupy the most conspicuous posi tion in tho eyes of spectators at large. Moreo ver, Seth, who was as ungainly as he was pre sumptuous, considered himself an excessively fascinating individual, and it was particularly with an aim to the admiration of the fair sex that he thrust himself foward or prominently at every gathering of his neighbors. Two, weeks passed away—it seemed an age to the youngsters of Clinkerville—and the circus arrived. First, early in the morning, a train of baggage wagons came rattling into town, and, driving into Squire Perkins' meadow, the men were soon engaged in erecting the tent. Seth Mclano, who, like John Gilpin’s spouse, with a bent for plensnre combined a frugal mind, had determined to make the occasion one of pecuni ary profit to himself; and as soon as the en trance-way was fixed upon, went to work to build a rough stand outside the lot, whereon he spread an amide store of gingerbread, pies, and root beer, from the'sale of which he anticipated a liberal flow of currency. In the meantime the people had commenced to flock in from the sur rounding country, in vehicles of every imagina ble description, and the usually quiet streets of Clinkerville were fairly alive with rural pleasure seekers. Then came the news that the circus was just at the end of the village, preparing for it3 tri umphal entry into the place. At this, Seth could control his impatience no longer. So, leaving his temporary victualling establishment to the care of an assistant whom he had em ployed for the day, he hastened to meet the pro cession, accompanied by his dog, Sculp, an ill- favored brute, universally detested by the farm ers in the vicinity, from the fact that he was strongly suspected of occasional illegal indul gence in mntton on the hoof. Now, Scnlp was one of those disagreeable curs, so common in the rural districts, that make it a point to bark at every traveler that passes, while they will run like a quarter-horse at any sign of danger; and no sooner did he catch sight of the elephant, than, with a great show of bravado, be com menced barking and dashing towards the crea tine, taking good care, however, to keep out of the animal’s reach. The sagacions and digni fied monster apparently took no notice of the insulting little quadruped; but the significant rolling of his intelligent eye would have inform ed any one acquainted with the characteristics of the species that the indignity was not over looked. Having satisfied his cariosity for the time with anew of the elephant, the band-chariot and the Kenagerie-cages, Seth returned to his ginger- '-read stand and awaited the arrival of the show. It last it came, the band playing a lively air, and lie elephant marching majestically along imme diately after the band-chariot. Seth sat with protruding eyes behind his rough counter, while K-mlp lay at his feet. The chariot tamed on to the lot—tho elephant followed. At this moment the sagacions animal espied the pitiful cur which had so grossly insulted him half an hour before, and with his ponderous trunk he struck a blow, jririch, if it had taken effect npon the dog, would we pat a quietus upon that disagreeable brute forever. But Scnlp was wary, and dodged, and the upward sweep of the elephant’s trunk catch- m 8 Seth’s connter in its conise, sent his entire grocery, ginger-bread, root-beer-bottles, tum- Wen and all, plying thirty feet in the air, leav. mg the unfortunate “bursted” ginger-bread- merchant sitting with ublnnk expression of as tonishment an d despair'npon his face, as dazed ^ if he had been struck by lightening. His ~°*® trade was irretrievably ruined, and his Peculation brought to a disastrous end, so with cj'ctcd mien he took himself to Spinner's, 2® Mnidst a throng of bibulous associates he to forget his blighted hopes, and p 7®Jthe time until the opening of the exhibi- fy * rons laughter, until at last an unusually to ioi?.°! ement Mr* Merryman caused him alance. For on instant he f»c« co Seat Pknk with his hands, and his friahf 10 Been 'wearing a look of indescrible foS« rom between the soles of a pair of nnm- tm a*® c °whide boots, as he hung all doubled th« ' re raainder of his body ont of sight, and “nds and heels slipping, with a hom ing ton if < b' 0 PI )€( l behind the seats. Pick- upontw * n P* Eorel y bruised, he was pounced position - 0ne * tbe tent men, who, from the was t4i >D w bich he found him, supposed he ■•O t,J steal in without paying, and who **11 in ,^ remon y bustled him outside of the intern* pT,-? 08 ? ignominious manner, to the ’fiotarJf*““ration of a host of ragged, inpecu- trit oSPtea who witnessed his undignified and glittering spangles. But this was Seth’s first visit to a circus; and, taking the thing all in earnest, he thought he saw a good chance to dis tinguish himself. So, rushing npon the shabby stranger, he undertook to eject him from the ring; but, to his great surprise, found himself rolled in the sawdust in very short order, and finally pitched out of the circle in a very vig orous manner. Before he had fairly recovered his sensfc the performance had so far advanced that he was enabled to see how completely he had been sold; amid the jeers and laughter of the spectators, he beat a hasty retreat in dis gust, and, proceeding to Skinner’s grocery, en deavored to drown his mortification in liberal libations of the purest Medford mm, which was the staple beverage in Clinkerville. Evening came, and found Seth, drunk and quarrelsome, awaiting the opening of the doors for the night performance, with a long bill in his hand setting forth the damages his business had received through the action of the elephant in the morning, and a firm determination in his mind to moke the managers of the show recom pense him for his losses. Finding, however, that his claim was treated with contempt, he gave vent to his feelings in a torrent of abuse, and wound up with a threat to have the tent torn down “in less than two minutes.” Meeting with some of his companions who had also liberally patronized Skinner’s institution, daring the after noon, it was determined to carry out file threat, and the party commenced cutting the guy-ropes, when a sudden rush of showmen interrupted their amusement, and Seth, after being knocked head over heels, fonnd himself stretched on his back with a pair of black eyes, a bloody nose, and two of his front teeth sticking in a most disagreeable manner in his gullet. His first move after coming to himself was to pay a visit to Skinner’s liquid consolation; his next to ap ply to Squire Perkins for a warrant for assault and battery against the showman. But, as it was impossible for him to identify the parties who had so roughly handled him; and, as, moreover, according to his own story, he had richly de served the pummelling which he had received, the Squire would not grant the warrant, and Seth was thrown back upon his own resources for satisfaction. Without any definite plan of procedure in his mind he made his way back to the tent, and after wandering about for a while sat down with his back against a wagon wheel, and dropped asleep. ' It was nearly midnight, and Seth still slept The tent had been taken down, and with all its appurtenances had been packed away in the baggage-wagons. The cages of animals formed a line of dark objects on the lot The last light had been extinguished in the village, and not a sound conld be heard except, occasionally, a suppressed growl from some of the animals who probably were troubled with unpleasant dreams. At this time, a couple of the showmen who had remained upon the lotto watch the property, stumbled across the sleeping form of our hero, and at once recognizing him as tho individual who had made so much trouble through the day, determined to give lrimd lesson. Before he was fairly awake, they had taken him up, pitched him head foremost into one of the animi _ and fastened the door npon him. As Seth raised himself to a sitting position, something shining like- two coals of fire at the farther end of the cage attracted his attention, and the next instant a threatening growl caused him to realize the horrible truth that he was shut up in a den with some wild beast. The cold perspiration oozed from every pore; he gasped wildly for a few seconds, and then, in a tone of wild despair, he shrieked for help. At this, the animal, whoso quarters he had so strongly invaded, raised a terrific howl—so shrill, prolonged and unearthly, that it chilled poor Seth to the very marrow,while from the long line of cages issued answering roars and howls, from the deep bass of the lions to the shrill yelp of the jackall, forming a concert terrible enough to appall a man of much stronger nerves than our unwilling listener. In vain lie shout ed, prayed, and implored—no one answered him, and still this infernal chorns^Antinued. Seth had somewhere read that no animal would ever attack a man who looked it unflinch ingly in the eye ; and believing that his only chanco for life lay in such a procedure, he cau tiously drew himself back to the comer of the cage, never withdrawing his gaze for a second from the brilliant orbs which were flashing at him. In this position, bnt in a state of the most abject terror, hours, which seemed to him like months, passed away; the animal, whatever it was, returning his gaze with equal intensity. At last the showmen came with their horses and prepared to leave. Seth conld plainly hear them, and shouted in the most imploring terms to bo released from his fearful imprisonment, but could make no one listen to him. Tho horses were pnt to, and the caravan started on its journey to the next town. For twenty miles, over a rough road, the unfortunate prisoner was jolted about, until he was braized from head to foot, and during all this timo he never dared for an instant to divert his eyes from the two shin ing spots which glowed at him through the ob scurity. Hoarse, faint anVrdiscouraged, he gave up all hopes of present release, and made np his mind patiently to await the progress of events. Arrived at their desitnation, the showmen, af ter parading the town, drove into the tent, and the keepers proceeded to open the cages; among the rest, the one in which Seth was confined. The .surprise affected by the showmen at finding so strange an animal in their collection did not deceive our hero, who had too much confidence in the strength of his lungs to believe that his cries had been unheeded. Bnt when the light was let into the den he made one discovery which fully accounted for his safety ; the cage was di vided into two compartments by an iron gratis running through the middle, and the arrivi which hod so terrified him, a huge spotted hyem being separated from him by this barrier, was of course unable to harm him. So, that with the exception of the fright, which might have .killed him, he had been in no real danger after all. After a good deal of chaffing from the! showman, Seth was liberated from his unpleas ant quarters, and without giving or asking any explanation in regard to the manner in whichhe became caged, he made his way home by the first conveyance that offered, thoroughly satis fied with his zo-ological experience. Seth never told the story of his travels with the show, bnt by some means or other it leaked out, to his great discomfiture. And to this day if, as sometimes happens, he becomes dogmati cal and overbearing in the debates which are still continued at Skinner’s grocery, it is only necessary for some one to ask when another me nagerie is coming, to transform him immediate ly to the mildest and meekest of mankind. Trees for a Parle. Labor Contracts. The Inexplicable Monster, From the Cuthbert Appeal.] FAST BEAST AND FAST FISH. Our farmers cannot he too circumspect and In Harper’s Weekly for October, -1868, ap- explicit in their labor engagements for the cur- peared a detailed description, with an illustra- rent year. Justice and liberality should charac- five engraving, of what we are compelled to call terize every transaction. [,an indescribable sea monster, “part beast and The fact is patent to observation that the sup-. part fish,” which had just been captured, under ply of agricultural labor is slowly bnt surely di- j circumstances of great excitement,. near Eaat- minishing with each successive year. One cause | port, Maine. The size of tho monster, its strange of this is, that it is non remunerative to the j form, and the peculiar way in which it was freedmen. Time, their own idleness is chiefly at! caught, aroused the incredulity of a portion of fault in the premises, bnt one-sided and unfairly the community to such an "extent that, for a executed contracts have much also to do with the disgust which the negro begins to evince for field work. No apothegm is more apposite or pal— ble than the fact that you must make it to time, the reputation of the Harpers—tho great est publishers on the continent, and as noted for their integrity as for their business sagacity— was shaken 1 We give here the descriptive ar- interest to labor diligently, if yon would secure 1 tide from Harper’s Weekly, taken from page toe Afri iUVj U YUU HUUiU DCbUiC I aaua^va African and assure your J 684 of the volume To satisfy, and retain the productive labor of e country, therefore, should be the grand aim the co-operation of own success. the of every enlightened patriot. No uniform system or rate of compensation A WOKUKBFUIj fish. This curiosity of natural history, caught “down East,” near Eastport, Maine, a few weeks ago, has attracted so much wonder, even among nat uralists, that we give a representation of it * u . I i f, t_ __ nralists, that we give a representation of it in can be devised, suitable to all cases in the ex- acc ’ompanying illustr&on. The Bangor edition of contracts. - | f te foUowing detailed dascrip- managers cf tv U1 Wl tT succeeding in convincing °the the rac °'V W “° had ejected him as to the facts fte doorV'j 8 Wa ® ultimately taken around to ^.^M-admitted. * re -«iitered tlxe tent, he observed quiet fcBo* , U0n among the spectators. A drunken n clothes, 'with a dilapidated ann and a shocking bad hat yJ • **“>. had forced his way into the ring, * ll0I s* u P°n being permitted to ride W jnst been led in. The ring- down to persuade him to leave, and StUw "to turning the incident to the best *4eSLSngtojtag tricks npon the interloper, ^' t X^\ d v IIUrth of 0x0 audience. Now, ^‘ i 6dWvi„ th08e P re8ant "«*•« fully aware that „f. en ?*? vas one of the performers, KImJSm aUo**! to mount Uni ia *hed his rags, and ap- “ttne splendor of flesh-oMored tights pre-eminently the tree winch gives dignity to the scenery of a park. The beech, the chest nut and the ash, form pleasing contrasts, and are serviceable for their mast and shade. The elm is particularly valuable, the leaves, as they fall, being greedily devoured by deer, and it is almost the only leaf they eat. This useful tree is supposed not to be a native of England, bnt to have been imported from France, together with the practice of planting it in rows. The celebrated avenne in the great Park of Wind sor is believed to have been the first in which this tree was so applied. The elm is now one of the commonest of trees in our hedge-rows, which is accounted for by its producing so large quantity of brushwood when trimmed, and ins affording a plentiful supply of fuel. . The oily, if planted in clumps, is Highly ornamental, and, when covered with its bright vennilhon berries, and reflecting from its gloasy leaves the rays of the winter sun, is strikingly beautiful. The white thorn is most useful, deer being ex- treemly fond of the haw, which are said to im part a superior flavor to the venison. The wild crab is better still, the blossom is most beautiful, and the apples are eaten by the deer with great avidity. A due proportion of timber *- not only highly ornamental in a deer park, uiit is important for shade and shelter, and owe should be taken, by timely and judicious plant ing, that it shall not, at any time, fad short of what is required for the welfare of the deer.— Quarterly Beviev. The richness of the soil, the number and quality of the team and fanning implements, the question of board and food, the physical ability of the operative, all most exert their influence npon each agreement. It may be doubted how ever, whether the payment of standing wageB is not injurious and unsatisfactory to Ml concerned. Ninety-nine hundreds of the negroes are ut terly destitute of capital or means, and of ne cessity must anticipate their hire for the supply of current wants. When to this is added tho wastefulness and improvidence so universal among them, it is not surprising that in a vast multitude of instances, long before the expira tion of the year, tho wages agreed npon are all expended. The party contracting for a stipulat ed sum is always posted as to the state of his finances, and hence the temptation to abscond before the completion of his time, if he has ex ceeded his wages, or is up to them, is very great. To say that the planter should not furnish them with money or supplies upon account, is simply to strip him of all help. The laborer cannot exist without this assistance. In the case, however, of contracts for a share of the crop, the pleasant uncertainty of the re sult, and the stimulant to. personal exertion which this plan holds forth, will usually keep the laborers quiet and contented to the close of the year. Instances are rare where the recipients of standing wages ever receive anything at the termination of their engagements, while the joint crop system the past year, will at least af ford bread to thousands of freedmen in this region, for another season. The com shared out by the writer to tho la borers on his own farm, if husbanded, would supply them with food for two years. But retenons a monton—let us return to our subject, which is the consideration of the best form and substance of a contract. We can only give our own, for what it is worth. In this instance the proprietor bargains to allow the fredmen one-half of the com, nett pro ceeds of cotton (no seed,) com, peas, rice, fod der and potatoes, which shall be harvested, and to famish arid feed the stock used in their culti vation, and turn over for joint use the imple ments and wagons now upon the premises, npon the foUowing provisions and conditions, to-wit: 1st. No part of the crop shall be divided until the close of the year. 2. The laborers shall feed and maintain them selves, pay doctor’s bills, etc. 3d. They shall bear half of the expenses of the plantation, such as the repairs of wagons, plows and other implements, and half tho cost of such additions to the same as may be re quired, the latter to revert solely to toe propri etor at toe end of toe year. 4to. They shall incur no debt or obligation based upon toe crop, without the consent of the proprietor. 5th. They shall furnish feed for one extra plow horse, and pay for half of toe seed and commercial manures used in toe crop. Gto. They shall feed and look after toe stock, each in rotation on toe Sabbath day, and be re sponsible for toe care and condition of too same, bearing one half of all losses incurred from neg lect and cruel treatment. 7th. They shall make, and keep*in repair, all toe fencing of the plantation. 8th. They shaU not absent themselves from duty without permission, must pay for lost time, anfl yield implicit obedience and respect to toe proprietor or his agent Oth, and finally, They must perform all man ner of farm labor required, such as splitting of rails, cutting of wood, ditching and cleaning new ground, faithfully and diligently until the 25to of December, and the proprietor reserves toe right at all times to caU in such additional labor as may be required during harvest, or any stage of toe crop, SRid labor to be paid for by toe con tracting parties. The above is a brief resume of what we regard a liberal contract for farm labor. The latter clause is all essential, as putting a check most effectually to idleness and criminal negligence. The argument is simple. If they who obli- S te themselves to cultivate the crop diligently i to do so, toe proprietor must take measures to remedy toe neglect by outside assistance. In other words, if they can afford by idling to lose their share of a good crop, he cannot and should not consent to do so. The limits of this article will not permit any further elaboration of this important subject We may turn to it again. As above stated, toe peculiar surroundings of each planter must of coarse determine toe precise nature and terms of his labor contracts. We simply snbmit our own agreement that something practical may be prosecuted. Political and Social Ostracism. The chief complaint against Georgia and Georgians by intelligent moderate men at toe North, is the alleged violence of toe ostracism existing here, based npon political opinions and party action. While it is true that these people have been greatly deceived as to the facts, which have been grossly exaggerated, it may be well questioned whether, m a Government founded professedly npon opinion—where free dom of speech and of toe press are cardinal principles—anything in toe shape of proscrip tion for opinion's sake, or social ostracism on account of religion or politics, onght to be tol erated. Indeed, it is clearly destructive of ra tional liberty. But what are the facts of the case ? There are two sides to every question. Let ns examine this a little. Who began toe work of proscrip tion for opinion’s sake ? Did not “toe powers that be" commence it? Were not certain classes, who were not a whit more guilty of re bellion than others find themselves, excepted from toe provisions of amnesty proclamations jnst because they happened to be worth $20,- 000? Did not others find themselves pro scribed jnst because their fellow citizens had elected them to office years ago ? Did not General Pope’s Order No. 49 proscribe such newspapers as opposed reconstruction? Do not orders from headquarters now prohibit the publication of bankrupt notices in Democratic newspapers ? We might thus go on and multi ply instances of proscription against our peo ple. Is it any wonder that they should, to some extent, retaliate ? It is true, that two wrongs do not make a right; bnt then we must take hu man nature as we find it, and if our Northern friends wish to see free toleration practised here, let them repeal their proscriptive legisla tion, and revoke their proscriptive orders. The remedy is in their own hands. If they are in earnest, let them apply it.—Athens Watchman. Genxrax. Grant’s Cabinet.—The Washington correspondent of the Rochester Chronicle, in a recent letter, gives the following: ‘Senator Pomeroy says - all he knows about the next Cabinet must be gathered from an in cident which Grant related to himself and oth ers, when that subject came up. The General «*i/i he was frequently reminded of the remark. Linooln one© made to Mm, when he said if he were to begin over again, and should be called upon to choose a Cabinet, he would try to man age it so as to have some influence with the ad ministration." tion of this _ _ • “ The strange animal recently captured near Eastport, meagre reports of which had reached ns, arrived in this city a few days ago, and has been on exhibition,‘during which it has been visited by our citizens, all of whom have ex pressed their wonder, as well at the remarkable size of toe monster as its anomolous character. This animal, part fish amLpart beast, is over thirty feet in length, and girths twenty-one feet. It has one enormous dorsal fin, two side belly fins, and a broad, shark-like tail. About one- third of its length from its tail, in connection with small fins, it has two huge legs, terminating in web feet. Its month makes a line of six feet in length, toe whole extent of which is set with innumerable small teeth, very much resembling in size and shape toe kernel of a species of sharp pointed popcorn. It has a series of gills which overlap each other like the flounces once toe style in ladies’ dresses. Its immense body, which was estimated to have weighed when cap tured about eleven tons, had so framework of bones, its most solid portions insisting of car tilage, incapable of preservation. Its skin is dark and tough, like that of the elephant and rhinoceros. 4 “There is no record of his species, and to none is it a greater wonder than to naturalists, whose attention is being drawn to it. Among others who have had the opportunity of seeing it is Prof. Baird, of toe Smithsonian Institution at ■Washington, who is as yet unable to place it in toe known lists of toe animal kingdom. It is indeed a veritable wonder calculated to excite popular curiosity, and to invite toe researches of toe scientific. “At various times during the past fifteen years, a strange monster, believed to be a hngo serpent, has been reported seep in Lake Uptopia, in New Brunswick, just across toe State line ; but as these reports in each instance rested up on the testimony of bnt one or two individuals, they were generally discredited. Laterly, how ever, the reports and the number of witnesses had so increased as to take toe story out of toe realm of fiction. On Sunday, August 3, the monster was discovered near the shore on toe west side of Eastport Island, where Passama- quoddy Bay is connected with Lake Utopia by a marsh a quarter of a mile long. Being at tacked by, musketry* it struck for, too marsh, and probably for the'ike whi^^pnlhdoubted- ly its home, and before being rendered incapa ble of locomotion, it had worked its way with its fins and legs a number of rods. The report of its presence at once spread to the town, at tracting a large number to the spot to aid in its destruction. It received some seventy musket balls, and although attacked in the forenoon, it exhibited signs of life tie following day. “Thus tho northeastern point of our State, with the assistance of New Brunswick, has the honor of producing the nearest approach to a veritable sea-serpent, which is destined to make a popular sensation whenever exhibited. It is to be at Portland during the forthcoming State Fair, and is thence hound for Boston, New York, and other principal cities,” The discovory of a mchster of such marvel lous peculiarities, and unknown to science, at once attracted the attentiin of scientific men- among these, Professor laird, of Washin] Professor Hamlin, of Waterville, and Pro: "Stanley, of Bates College. These gentlemen confess that the monster is too much for them —they do not know whatit is, where to classify it, or what name to give it. It is simply one of Nature’s biggest freals. Perhaps it is the sea serpent. Of course, hhe Down-Easters have been in a state of bewilderment. That a mon ster so long that it could not be laid across Nassau street, unless heal and tail went into the shop windows; of such circumference that were the framework strong enough, its skin could be used for a life-teat, and with a mouth in which a few children (ould find shelter—that our Maine friends should have a call from such a stranger, is roason enough for a “sensation. The article in toe Boigor paper, which Har per’s "Weekly copies, onits to state that toe monster, whose hide had resisted soventy bul lets, was at last “brouglt to” by a broadside of spikes from a cannon! If toe Messrs. Harpers or the eminent Pro fessors still find too public incredulous, it may comfort them to know that Mr. Wood has placed the monster on exhibition for a short time in toe Museum, comer of Broadway and Thirtieth street.—N. Y. Commercial Adterliter. Cashmere Shawls. An English paper, in discussing toe cost of Cashmere shawls in little Thibet, says: At toe best, wool mnst be dear; a large goat gives, at the most, about six or eight ounces onl; of toe grayish down which makes toe shawl This down or under-wool is bleached, spun into threads, and dyed of many lovely colors; and then toe shawl merchants give out toe yam to their spinners, with minute instructions regard ing toe pattern and quality. The poor ooatand, or weaver, gets no more than seven or eight pice per day for toe exquisite fabrio, which an empress, perhaps, will wear. But then a really fine Cashmere will occupy a shop of throe or four workers a whole twelvemonth. The plain Cashmeres are woven with a thin, long shuttle alone; toe richest are made with wooden nee dles ; a distinct needle for every shade or color; a quarter of an inch of such a shawl will take three “oost&nds” a whole day to complete it. Ladies ought to know that sometimes, to expe dite toe manufacture, toe Cashmeres make the article in separate pieces, which they sew to gether with such wonderful dexterity that in Paris or London many a shawl is bought for £100, which is not worth hajf its price. The weavers work toe wrong side uppermost, with a colored paper before them for guides; never theless, they attain toe most beautiful accuracy. It is this mode of working that puzzled all the ’imitators in Lyons,’Nismes and Paisley. The true Cashmere is indeed a delightful article— so tight, and yet so warm, besides displaying a splendid harmony of tints, which it has taken three or four thousand years to teach toe weav ers; for its design is as old as toe Arians. There fore, it must needs be imitated; the French make their warp and weft of toe genuine goat’s wool, and faithfully copy the figures and hues of toe originaL But they cannot, with Ml their machinery and manifold shuttles, match the brown fingers of toe AsiAtio; and toe Paris Cashmeres show on the reverse side cat ends of yarn, which the veritable shawl never betrays. Lyon fabricates an extraordinary imitation, it is true, of toe orientM article, cut with such pains and cost that toe price is scarcely lower than that of toe gennine Srinuggur square. Gould we bnt have the Kushbegin goat wool brought into the Punjaub at a cheap rate of coat, toe patient, humble spinners of India would beat Europe hollow, with all Europe's in genuity. We have no machine that will go for two pence a day; for that price the Umritsur spinner’s toes and fingers will work all the year round, turning out in a place like a third-rate oow-ehed, a gorgeous blaze of oolor, “bright as sunlight to look at”—so the traders tell na—and “warm as sunshine to wear.” Moasm Johnson baa deohned one invitation to dizmar. A correspondent of toe Herald, accompanying a reconnoitering party to toe scene of Castor’s late fight with toe Cheyennes, describes it as follows: l few yards in advance of toe first position taken in the opening of toe battle by Major El liott, an object having the appearance of a bun dle of blankets was discovered in the bushes. Upon opening the blankets an Indian warrior was found, scalped. At intervals these evidences of the just retribution given the savage Chey enne in toe battle of toe Washita were Been. About thirty bodies of warriors were counted; also several squawB, accidentally shot in the melee. Entering toe space occupied by toe Indian lodges, on all sides lay the ruins of the village of Black Kettle’s band. The conflagration started by the troops was so complete that scarcely any thing of a combustible character escaped, and to-day the debris of the village consisted in bro ken and burned lodge poles, small pieces of un tanned and tanned hides. From the immediate site of toe village toe party rode to the top of a hill, about a hundred yards distant, from which point Gen. Cnstar repeated to General Sheridan toe details of toe battle and toe positions taken by toe different columns. The former site of toe lodges conld be distinctly seen by toe pins ranging in a circle and toe fireplace in toe cen tre. On toe right of toe village, at a distance of 150 yards, lay toe carcasses of toe ponies of toe Cheyennes. These covered about four acres, and numbered not less than 700. After toe bat tle was perfectly understood and toe ground well surveyed, Generals Sheridan and Cnstar, ac companied by Lieutenant HMe, your correspon dent and a small detachment of troops, moved down toe south bank of toe Washita, over toe route taken by Maj. Elliott and toe missing men, in toe hopes of recovering toe bodies.— The remainder of toe party spent some time longer in toe village and moved down the bed of the valley of toe river., The GenerM’s party, moving down toe South bank, ascended a high divide, from which an extensive view could be had of the surrounding country. Descending on toe other side toe par ty had proceeded bnt abont a hundred yards when the body of a white man was found, per fectly naked and covered with arrow and bullet holes. The head presented toe appearance of having been beaten with a war club. The top of toe skull was broken into a number of pieces and the brain was lying partly in toe skull and partly on toe ground. At first it was supposed, that too body was that of Elliott, bat npon mi nute examination this was found not to be toe case. Marking toe spot where this body was found, toe party continued moving down stream. Crossing, with some difficulty, n small ravine, about toe center of an extensive swell, at a dis tance of two hundred yards further on objects were seen lying in toe grass and supposed to be bodies. Their attention attracted in this direc tion, toe party moved off to toe spot at a gallop. A few minntes after a scene was witnessed suffi cient to call forth toe rebuke of every benevolent and enlightened mind against toe darkened in tellects of toe so-called philanthropists. Within an area'of not more than fifteen yardslay sixteen human bodies, all that remained of Elliott and his party. The winter air swept across toe plain, and with its cold blasts had added to the ghastliness of death toe additionM spectacle of sixteen na ked corpses frozen as solidly as stone. The party here dismounted, and an examination of toe bodies was made. There was not a single one that did not exhibit evidences of fearful mutilation. The bodies were all lying with their faces down, andin close proximity to each other. Ballet and arrow wounds covered toe backs of each, the throats of a number were cut, and several were beheaded. The body of one of toe horses which toe men had ridden ont was seen lying at a distance of fifty yards from toe pile of bodies. Owing to toe mutilation of toe bodies, and no one present having been suffi ciently acquainted with Major Elliott while liv ing, Ins body was not at toe time recognized. Judging from toe position of toe bodies and toe nature of toe ground surrounding, it is probable that Major Elliot, (by some it is thought his horse ran away with him,) set ont in toe direc tion of a party of fugitive Indians. Somo of toe men seeing toe Major start, followed and joined him. It is very probable toe party pur sued severM miles, when they struck toe Arap- ahoes coming np to toe support of toe Cheyen nes. The party being vigorously pressed, com menced retiring, and descending the second di vide on toe return, fonnd themselves ent off by a party of warriors who had moved np under cover of toe timber on the banks of the Washita and took position in toe ravine, which cut them off entirely from toe rest of the command. Not being missed in toe com mand until too late, this little band was com pelled to defend itself against toe whole force of the Arapahoes, and doubtless a number of toe Kiowa warriors. The party abandoned their horses and probably attempted to force their way down to toe river, and take protection be hind toe trees, where they conld fight to greater advantage. It is likely when all hope of rescue and escape was given np they determined to sacrifice their lives as dearly as possible. The grass where they lay was trodden down, and a number of cartridge shells testify to toe valor of their defence, until some friendly, fatal bullet gave them too only alternative of escape from toe terrible torture to which they would un questionably have been subjected if taken alive. It is not likely that toe entire party was killed before taken, but whether any, and who were taken alive, and too trying and terrible mo ments which followed, will Mways remain a mystery. AH toe missing bodies were now fonnd. Not one had been left to narrate toe horrible story. The last offices of humanity—a proper burial—was all that remained. Retaliation. Some years ago, in toe county of Penobscot, there lived a man by toe name of H., whose greatest pleasure was in tormenting others. One cold, blustering night, he retired to bed at an early hour, his wife being absent at a neighbor's. Some time after, when retaining, finding toe door closed, she demanded admittance. “Who are you? cried Mr. H. “Youknow who I*am; let me in, its very cold.” “Begone, you strolling vagabond; I want nothing of you here 1” “But I must come in.” “What is your name ?” “You know my name—it’s Mrs. H.” “Begone! Mrs. H. is a very likely woman— she never keeps such late hours as this.” Mrs. H. replied, 4< if you do not let me in, I will drown myself in toe welL” “Do if you please,” he replied. She then took a big log and plunged it into the well and returned to toe side of the door. Mr. H., hearing toe noise, rushed from toe house to save, as he supposed, his drowning wife. She, at toe same time slipped in, and dosed the door after her. Mr. H., almost naked, in turn/ demanded admittance. “ Who are you!’’ she demanded. “ You know who I am—let me in, or I shall freeze.” — “ Begone, you thievish rogue; I want nothing of you here.” “But I must come in.” ‘‘What is your name ?’’ “You know my name—it’s Mr. H.” “Mr. H. is a very likely man, he don’t keep such late hours.” Suffice to say, she, after keeping him in toe cold until he was satisfied, opened the door and let him in. ' Thk “ Great Commoner”—A Significant En- quiRT.—The New York World has received the following: to the Editor of the World: So—Will you call upon toe executors of toe late Thaddeus Stevens to state under oath if there were not $100,000 Pacific Railroad bonds found among his assets, and not mentioned in his will? Mr. Stevens’ executor* have the floor. X First-class Romance ia Ohio—All about a Mysterious Fanner and his Mysterious Farm Hand.’ • Frost the Xenia Gazette.) Not many miles from Xenia resides a wealthy land-holder, or rather a model farmer. His prosperity during the last twelve years has often been the comment of his neighbors, and observ ing ones have wondered from whence he has obtained the means with which he had added farm to farm and acre to acre until he holds up ward of two thousand acres of the best land In the State of Ohio. £ : • Some ten yean since, we have lately been in formed, there appeared at the farmer’s door a young and stalwart youth, who asked, and readily obtained, employment. Although ignorant at first of the duties on a farm, he applied himself; and in a short time became an adept farmer. Ho took as much interest in the affairs of the fanner who engaged him as did the farmer him self. When the month of December came, the first one after his advent on toe farm, he informed toe family that he would absent himself during the winter, but would return in early spring and work another year. He brought two trunks when he came there the preceding spring, toe contents of which had never been displayed. These he, left with the farmer with toe simple precautionary remark to “never allow them to be disturbed, or, at least, unless I should he ab sent two years." If gone longer, they were at liberty to open and appropriate their contents. He carried nothing away with him except toe suit he had on, nor did he aocept toe summer’s wages when tendered by toe farmer. He took his note, payable in five yeara, and left. April of toe following year came, and'toe wonder of the family over toe youth's- strange proceedings was still fresh, when one pleasant ed to see trunk, ere dar ing toe winter. The ensuing year the young man and toe farmer became greatly attached. InAngnsttoe farmer purchased an adjoining farm, and pMd for it in cash. When toe year’s work was completed; again' were toe incidents of toe preceding year repeat ed. The young man took another note, left his trunk, and went away. He only cautioned the farmer’s family, as before, regarding his three trunks. When April came around again onr hero re turned. In May following, toe fanner purchased another adjoining farm of one hundred acres, and paid for it in cash. This going away and returning continued for toe last ten years up to the present December. Each year toe fanner purchased more land. Every year, in Decem ber, toe fanner’s help left him, taking toe farm er’s note, and every following April he return ed. He never took trunknor baggage away, bnt always brought more when he returned. Last week toe help, now grown to manhood, strong and sturdy in mind and frame, left the fanner, took away all his accumulated baggage, and returned toe severM note3 toe fanner had given him—made a present of them to a child of toe fanner. The evening before his depar ture he informed his friends, who had learned to love him, of toe secret which he had so long kept to himself. He was a weMthy orphan.— Doctors had told him, at toe age of fifteen, that he conld not live to become of age. He at once left an eastern boarding-school and came ont here to toe fanner’s home. He returned and studied during toe winter, became interested in seeing toe fanner increase his domains, and do nated toe money with which toe additions were made. The trunks contained toe fashionablo clothing he wore during toe winter months. Secresy regarding toe money received by him had been enjoined npon toe farmer during all toe ten years; now he is released to do or tell Ml, or little, as he pleases. Tho promised consumptive was saved, the ag gravations of disease dispelled, and, havii grown to be heMtoy and robust, was satisfii with the ten years effort to prevent his becom ing an invalid for life. It was almost useless for the farmer to attempt to express his grati tude, unbounded as it was, to our hero. He thinks of him now as a benefactor and a son, and looks on his broad acres and can hardly re alize that they are his. Were we to give toe name of toe young man many of onr readers would at once be convinced of toe truth of toe above. This we are forbidden to do for the present. The Corn and Cotton Crops of the Culled Staten. Tho Washington correspondent of toe Newark Advertiser furnishes the following: The monthly report of toe department of ag riculture, now in press, contains the following estimates of too com and cotton crops of toe several States—except those on toe Pacific coast, which raise bnt little com and no cotton —in toe year just closed. The figures of toe com crop of 1867 are also given, to show toe in crease and decrease of too respective States, a few States showing a decline, though toe aggre gate increase is over 137,000,000 bushels: TUB CORN CROP. 1867. Maine 1,675,000 New Hampshire 1,413,000 Vermont.'. 1,520,000 Massachusetts 2,363,000 Rhode Island 340,000 Connecticut 2,232,000 New York 19,600,000 NewJersey 9,730,000 Pennsylvania 30,457,000 Delaware 3,639,000 Maryland 11,650,000 Virginia 18,490,000 North Carolina. -. 17,974,000 South Carolina 2,834,000 Georgia 29,037,000 Florida 2,500,000 Alabama 35,000,000 Mississippi 19,657,000 Louisiana 9,935,000 Texas 20.716,000 Arkansas 21,243,000 Tennessee 50,250,000 West Virginia 6,500,000 Kentucky 46,550,000 Missouri...-. 50,437,000 Illinois 109,091,000 Indiana 80,757,000 Ohio 64,000,000 Michigan 15,118,000 Wisconsin 9,885,000 Minnesota - 4,500,000 Iowa 58,330,000 Kansas 8,152,000 Nebraska 2,325,000 Total..'*:... 1868. 1.690,000 1,511,008 1,672,000 2,292,000 346,006 2,152,000 20,910,000 10,216,000 31,676,000 8,275,000 12,349,000 19,969,000 23 386,000 9,870,000 27,294,000 2,950,000 . 31,240,000 35,519,000 17,397,000 21,337,000 32,449,000 53,772,000 7,695,000 68,167,000 60,967,000 134,863,000 90,832,000 74,040,000 18,815,000 12,565,000 8,255,000 65.332,000 6,487,000 3,185,000 ■ 767,820,000 905,178,000 the cotton crop. The cotton crop, which, in the early part of toe season promised a large falling off from that of 1867, was so much favored by the fall weather, in toe Gulf States especiMly, as to warrant toe belief that toe market receipts will fall little be low the figures for the crop of the preceding year, which will be equal to naif toe amount of .owing are the department estimates, crop is more likely to run over than under these figures: • Bales. North Carolina, .140,000 South Carolina. 180,000 Florida 85,000 Alabama * * * 285,000 Mississippi ...........400,000 Louisiana.... . * 250,000 Texas ....260,000 Arkansas 265,000 Tennessee 200,000 Other States........... 75,000 2,380,000 The department estimate for 1367 was 2,340,- 000 bMes, while toe actual receipts proved to be 2,450,000 bMes. The estimate for 1866 was 1,835,000 bales, and the aotuM receipts were 1,900,000 bales, Purchasing Lands nr Virginia.—We learn from toe Richmond Journal that Colonel P. B. Sttiaon, of Washington, formerly law partner of Daniel S. Dickinson, is in Richmond, with a view of investing in lands in the immediate neighborhood of the city, if an opportunity should offer. Colonel Stitson has already made some extensive purchases in the State, com] ing about 50,000 acres in Tazewell an counties, and 5,000 in Prinoe William. A New York Cotton Flew. A NEW TOW VIEW OF THE COTTON CROP AND THE: PRODUCTION OF. FDAirnaa.. The circular of Messrs. Bryan, Watts A Co., of January 1st, gives the following statistics in relation to the cotton mop of'last year sow com ing to market: ’‘The total stock in our porta ia 294,4Bfr bales, against 350,882 bales same time in. 1863. In the . interior towns, December 19, the stock was 53,787 bMes, against 105,566 bMes a year ago. The stock in Liverpool ia 352,000 bales, of which 82,000 bales are American; afloat 265,090 balsa, of which 103,bales axe from American, porta. One year ago toe stock in port was 447,000 bMes; 103,000 American. Anoat 194,000 ; 70,- 000 American. Hie present visible supply ia Liverpool, London and Havre is 874,918 bales, against 854,795 on January 1, 1868. Manchester stock is estimated at 80,000 bMes. Receipts at Ml the ports, to date, show an excess of 103,020 bMes over those of- 1808: Exports show an ex cess of 67,134 bales. The exoess of receipts ham been reduced 43,144 bales dnriug ton month.— Daring toe . month of January, last year, the weekly receipts averaged 80,555 bales; during toe first three weeks- of February 91,568 bake, or say 85,276 bMes for the first seven weeks of the year, and.on.toe 21st of February toe stock, in Liverpool was reduced’to toe Tnjniinnm of toe year, 267,000 bMes; with 278,000 bMes afloat— The deliveries to the trade, during these seven weeks, had averaged'67,540-balesperweek; de liveries for shipment 15,550 bales; Middling Uplands sold, on the date referred to, at lOd.— For the five years just previous to the war, toe receipts to the first of January had averaged 47J- per cent of toe total receipts of toe year. Last year toe per centage was about 44 J. But applying toe first formula to toe present reoeipts, toe re sults would indicate 2,2.47.500 bales as total port receipts of the crop of 1803. The improved fa cilities for overland transportation lend proba bility to the belief that this per centage is too liberal We refer here to the fact that these improved facilities for- overland transportation direct to tho mills, leaves a larger per centage of exportable cotton in the ports, as compared with toe entire stocks, than in years before the war. It is generally believed that planters are holding back a portion of their cotton in order to make receipts lights and to advance prices. CertMn it is that they have already received nearly $125,000,000 forprevious shipments, and are strong enough to undertake this hazardous enterprise. The Central Railroad. We learn from toe Savannah News that the Central Railroad has 1,256 stockholders, owning shares of stock varying in number from one to eight hundred and eighty-nine, which is the largest number held by any one person, and of which Moses Taylor is the owner. The next largest number of shares is owned by Moses Taylor, as President, viz: eight honclred and fifty shares. The Savannah Poor House and Hospital Society ownes two hundred and seven ty shares. The Railroad transported to Savan nah during its past fiscM year, cotton received from other roads, and from way stations, as fol lows : In December, 1867, 66,245 bMes; Janua ry, 1868, 60,187bMes; February, 1868, 69,182 bales ; March, 28,654 bMes; Apru, 17,168bales. May, 7,831 bMes; June,4,235bMes; July, 2,973 bMes; August, 923 bales; September 15,135 bMes; October, 37,911 bales; November, 42,953 bMes; total, 353,397 bMes—an increase over the amount for 1867 of 85,323 bMes. During the year there were carried over the Road 95,006 passengers (both through and way). The total number of miles run by the various description of cars, was 7,494,035. Twenty-six miles of new rails were kid daring the month above mentioned. The Company owns forty- nine locomotives, of which only two are out of service, and these will be ready for use soon. It has twenty-four ffrst-class passenger cars, ten second-class passenger cars, nine mail- cars, twenty-nine baggage and package, cars, three express cars, twenty-two conductors, four hun dred and twenty-nine box, one hundred, and sev enty platform, fourteen stock and three pro vision cars. The expense of the various de portments daring toe year as follows: Trans portation, $314,362 57; Motive Power, $347,- 947 22 ; Cars, $164,382 85: Repairs, of Road, $378,759 66; Stock killed, $3,565 25.; Inci dentals, $36,654 46; Repairs of Buildings, $26- 569 19; Construction, $6,820 90 ; Total ex penses, $1,284,065 10. The Campany's bank earned $40,234 96 dur ing toe year. " Southern Land and Settlement Agency. We are glad, says toe Charleston Courier, to learn that a movement is on foot with a view to the increased population of the South by British and Northern settlers. This, it is clear, would be of inestimable value in a commercial, sociM and agricultural point of view. It is a part of the object of the proposed oompaay to publish widely among the capitalists of Great Britain and the North,, toe true state of things at the South. It is to diffuse intelligence concerning the soil, climate, productions, capacities, fertili ty, and heMthfulness of the South, so thatuat least a due share of immigration may come to toe inviting fields of toe Southern States. We had the pleasure of meeting, yesterday, Mr. Theo. Bourne, who, with a view to promote this result, and to be toe medium to bnng together the capitM and labor of the North and Great Britain, and toe landed and other proprietors of toe South, has formed a Southern Land and Settlement Agenoy, prepared to act in Great Britain and the North as well as at the South. Mr. Bourne, at New Orleans and elsewhere, has met with warm encouragement. At Atlanta a convention was held cm Monday and Tuesday last, of toe Southern Railroad Su perintendents, at winch this matter, among others, came up for a deliberation. A com mittee was appointed to draft a schhdule for first and second class fares, at reduoed prioea, for intended settlers and immigrants. The matter was submitteed to our Board of Trade, and has been referred to their Executive Committee. The people of Charleston are keenly alive to toe importance of the subject, as one essential not only for their city, but State. A Fighting Parson. The following appears in the Franklin (St. Mary Parish, La.) Planters' Banner of the 29th ultimo. From toe editoriM in-toe Banner, and severM scattered paragraphs referring to the ex§ pected fight, we mnst accept the letter as genu ine. The good people of St. Mary are much exercised about the coming fight, and numerous are the suggestions given the Banner man as to time, place, training, etc.; Oma New Orleans Advocate, > December 20, 1868. > D. Dennett, Esq., Editor Planters' Banner- Sib—Perhaps you think a Northern Methodist cannot be even goaded into a fight I will stand the venom of your vile pen no longer.. I will fight yon. I will show yon that religious and loyal editors are not oowards. The Lord of Hosts will stand by me. You must be humbled. The Lord will humble your rebel heart David fought and he was a man after God’s own heart Moses and Joshua fought And none of them ever had to oontend with such children of the devil as toe rebels of this country are. Yon will rooeive a note from my friends ar ranging the details of our hostile meeting. J. P. Newhan, D. D. A New Georgia Railroad. —The Atlanta Is- telligenoer contains an advertisement of, tin engineer of the Georgia Western F calling ror sealed proposals for tie and masonry of the road on that portidu of the line extending from the Western and Atlantic Railroad to Powder Seringa, a djatpnoe of thir teen miles. The Intelligencer gives the follow- ing as toe route of the co&templatsd work: The “Georgia Weston Railroad,” under its present State charter, is designed*) ocn&ect At lanta with, the Coosa Riya^at Gadsden, Ate., which is distant from Atiant* pae hundred and five miles. From this latie* point (Gadsden) It will be extended to Guntersvilte Ala., thirty-five Bailee, end from thacdn to Huntovilk, Ate., A ggtvuMiat oafcftojitjdfcre* mflm. y ;v 4 >' *'V