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About Weekly constitutionalist. (Augusta, Ga.) 185?-1877 | View Entire Issue (April 3, 1867)
THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTIONALIST Our New York Corresuopdence. New York, March 21. The probable yielding by gentlemen who have hereiolore shaped the policy of the South to the demand that the freedman shall exercise the right of suffrage, causes no little trepidation in Radical circles. They.realize what our daily experience with ignorant voters teaches, that the unlearned person, with nothing hut his instincts to guide him, clings, with unfaltering pertinacity to the gentleman, and rejects with a steadiness that surprises whoever has not look ed to the secret springs of human action, all the counsels, and all the selfish appeals of pnr vennes. Thus it was that the Democratic party uniformly brought forward for public position a higher order of statesmen, and was more suc cessful in administering public affairs than its opponents. -> The Radicals have before them, also, the fate of the demagogues who in the Constitution Convention for this State, held in 1820,'succeed ed in maintaining the basis of suffrage, as laid down by the fonnders of the Republic, and es tablished almost universal “ manhood” suffrage. What followed ? Their success was their poli tical grave. From that time their chief oppo nent, Martin Van Buretif became the leading spirit in the politics of this State, and held his position,almost without a rival, for twenty-two years. The new class of voters would not vote for those who had imposed the duty upon them. The means thus opened by which the further progress of Radicalism was to be checked are of that indirect character against whigh disin genuous minds revolt, but which political minds will regard as infinitely preferable to being ruled by New England dogmatism. In fact, as the course of Kentucky politics will probnbly reveal in a year or two, the Radicals may he Bald to have forced upon the South the only weapon by which she can be prevented from being ** Tankceized.” In Kentucky, a contest between Democrats who favored secession and those who opposed it, threatens to throw tiie State into the bands of the Republicans ; and without the votes of the former slaves, which would undoubtedly be on the side of Conserva tism, a few years may make Kentucky as Radi cal as Ohio. The late slaveholders Os the South will have no difficulty, as all experience shows, in maintaining their moral influence over their late slaves; and they must have already seen enough to demonstrate that only by maintain iugand cultivatingsuch influence can t lie South he tolerable to them as a place of residence. To abandon the direction of affairs to invading Yankees and white native demagogues, will in troduce among you a mixture of New England isir. and the early clays of California, that no refined mind can endure. ♦ The course of Gen. Wade Hampton and his neighbors is bailed with great satisfaction, as promising a solution of pending issues in a most practical manner. It puts a stopper upon the mock-heroics by which the politics of the North have been controlled for twenty years, ft brings the people back to the grave questions ol public finances and public expenditures, upon which the Democratic party has always controlled the country. The dominant influ ence in the Republican party is ignorant, re morseless wealth—a total blindness to the fact that wealth lias its duties as well as its rights. The Republican leaders regard leisure, to en gage in public affairs, as opportunity for public plunder, and reject all the honorable Incite-- rnents of politics. The people desire to throw them overboard and will do so just as soon as their apprehensions respecting the progress of i the work of reconstruction are quieted. OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AGAIN. An appeal from Genera] Lee, to the people of Virginia, to extend their system of public edu cation, naturally gives rise to the thought that the organization of public schools in this and i other Northern States, will be the subject of investigation and public education. We have extended the free school system as far as it can well go. Too far, many will say. And yet it has its merits, and time will correct its errors. Oar institutions of learning are very numerous. The means of acquiring a good education are i open to all. It is a very great privilege that! the poor, as well as the rich, can avail them selves of the advantages of our public schools, j There is no excuse lor ignorance of the rndi- j raentary branches. No child is obliged to grow j up without learning of some degree. But our j common schools come in for a share of censure, j In a large proportion of them the knowledge acquired is merely superficial. Indeed, it can i scarcely be otherwise, when children are I hurried so rapidly from class to class, and study | to study, that they cannot go through thorough- i ly and the studies of each j room. In these instances the scholars, whether qualified or not, must go forward Renter im-! mediately into new studies ; and, as a necessary ! consequence ol their hurried promotion, omit i much that should be well understood. This system of pushing and cramming children’s , minds, without regard to their physical educa tion, seems very ill-considered. To insure a happy, cheerful chilhood, it is very desirable that their constitutions should not be under- j mined and enfeebled at the outset, by their | many and arduous school duties. Their tasks j should be so arranged, simplified and inter- ! spersed with calisthenics, as to make school I and its exercises a delight instead of the weary- i iug prison it is now ; tempting many a little 5 urchin to avoid its restraints’ by playing tru- j aut. Whipping is not so much in vogue here I as in Massachusetts. If exercises of various kinds were practised daily in our schools, >ve would see rosy checks, smiling faces, and elastic steps in the place of the pale, sober, tired little creatures of the present day, moving slowly toward their several homes. In this important branch, New York city has given us* an example worthy of imitation. There are very fine gymnasiums in connection with some of our public schools. But the schools of Brooklyn are much in the back ground in this respect. It is strange that in such an intelli gent community so little attention is paid to ihe physical training of our young people.— There is no public school where gymnastics 1 are thought of sufficient importance to occupy even a small portion of each day. But there i is one honorable exception, in the Packer Col legiate Institute for young ladies. This valua ble branch is not neglected by the indefatigable principal. There is a room fitted up on purpose for calisthenics, of which the pupils have the advantage. This room is used principally by the younger scholars ; those more advanced ! have interesting exercises in connection with their reading class* There is one feature of our pnblic school system that partakes of the agrarian peculiari ties ol the times. I allude to “free colleges” and free high schools,” maintained mostly by public taxation. They are on the “vote yourself a farm ” principle. With the same propriety might the State undertake to provide each voung man a thousand dollars or more, as to prbvidehim with an education that will cost that sum. In fact, there would be more fair ness in the money transaction. Then all could share alike. Now, unless a young man has the means to support himself while attending these higher institutions of learning, he cannot avail him Self of their privileges. Thus, the man who is compelled to send his son to learn a trade or other pursuit, at 14 years of age, is compelled to pay taxes to educate the son of his richer neighbor. But that is the final smil ing up of* all Yankee legislation—make the rich richer and the poor poorer. A COLLISION OF RACES. An event that occurred on St. Patrick’s Day has given new fervor to antagonism of races, which has long beeu growing in our midst and which now threatens serious consequences. A number of Irish attacked a German driver of a loaded truck, which obstructed their procession in honor of St. Patrick, and they also beat se verely the policeman (also, as it happened, was a German,) who came to his assistance. The daily press, which were disposed to ignore the occurrence, have been compelled, to allude to it; but they fail to fully represent the excite ment that prevails. An Irishman who was in the attacking party was murdered in the eve ning on his way home. The ill feeling that prevails extends, consequently, to both Irish and Germans. These two races will not vote for political candidates of the opposing nation ality. Recent elections in Brooklyn have de monstrated this fact. In 1865 the Democratic candidate for Mayor was an accomplished and wealthy Hollander (“ all the same iu Dutch”).— The city gave the* Democratic State tleket 1 000 majority, but their Mayor was defeated by 2,000 majority, and his opposing candidate was an , Englishman. In the fall of 1866 the Democrats ! ot the same city nominated, an Irishman for Street Commissioner and the Republicans a German. The city, gave Hoffman 8,000 majori ty, but the Democratic Street Commissioner ; had but little over 1,000 majority. The 10th ward of Brooklyn is called Dutch Town, and has few inhabitants who are not German. In round numbers this ward voted thns : lor Gov ernor, Democratic candidate with German name, 2,000; Republican, 1,000; for Street j Commissioner, Democratic candidate with Irish name, 700; Republican, with German name, 2,300. The Germans are vociferous in favor of negro equality, but between them and the Irish there is a feud that in time will bring peculiar results. * BUSINESS MATTERS. The buoyancy in cotton, breadstuff's and pro visions, which was alluded to in my last, has ceased, and in its place there is dullness aod depression. The activity with which the great staples of the country are passing into con sumption, serves to prevent any great strin gency in the money market, notwithstanding the process of contraction is going on. Bui confidence in prices is weak, and a little ad vance brings out a great body of sellers. lam strongly of the opinion that the unsettled 6tate of our currency is the chief obstacle to resump tion of active business in all the leading mar kets of the world, and that until relief comes in a lower premium on approximation to the resumption of specie payments —any im • provernent that may be experienced will be fit ful—a mockery. The repeal of the Legal-tender Act would be the relief needed; hut it will probably not come except through such a re duction of the volume of currency, and such improvement of the public credit as will bring it by slow degrees. Mr. McCulloch’s policy, with the demand for currency to move the next crops, is quite likely to carry the gold premium below twenty before the time comes lor mar keting the next crop of cotton. Willoughby. Our Paris and Continental Correspondence. Baris, March 3, 1867. To the Editor of the Constitutionalist: THE GREAT EXHIBITION. The commissioners of the Great Exhibition cannot be said to be lying on a bed of roses, for no peace is left them. Complaints of all kinds meet their ears wherever they go. First, there'are the English exhibitors, who are calling aloud for more time, as their works are in a most backward state. This is their own fault, as all whose occupation has called them to the Champ de Mars of late well know the English section was ready the first. The commission, we hear, is overwhelmed with let ters from London, asking for delay, but the committee have turned a deal ear to every thing of the kind. THE SEASON TICKETS.. There is also a great complaint that the price i of season tickets is much too high, and the con [ sequence is that their sale is not so rapid as the ; commissioners would wish. The Parisians think 100 francs for a gentle man and 60 francs for a lady very out of the way. The Parisians will go there perhaps five or six times, which will cost not more than 30 or 40 francs, and then will he oft to the coun try. It is true that the Exhibition is very ex pensive to the commissioners, and they have determined to do all they can to make the show pay, which of itself it never can. Austria, Prussia, Russia, Sweden, Italy, and though last not least, Belgium, are doing* things on a most liberal scale; but England will surpass them all. We hear that the British Government will, before all is over, have spent more than 250,000 pounds in figuring at the Exhibition. Nearly one-lialf of the space in the building has been given to England, and it has known much bet ter than France how to turn it to advantage.— General satisfaction is expressed at the manner in whjph the British have arranged this section; they have left it open instead of shutting it up in small departments like the French. The Park, which it is reckoned will be very beautiful, is not progressing so fast as could be wished, and this is no wonder, as the hands employed are not sufficient. It is very difficult to procure workmen in Paris at the present moment. The works in the Park cannot be en trusted to ordinary workmen. The Park, if not so instructive as the building, will offer much more amusement. The French will have, the means offered them of seeing what an Eng lish cottage Is like. The English Agricultural shed will soon be terminated ; it will be seven hundred feet long, by some forty feet wide. The two great buildings for the English war office, and that for guns and private munitions of war are just begun, and will most probably not be ready in time for the opening. Foun dations are being laid for Mr. Penn’s great marine engines, which are to lie kept in motion by auxiliary machinery. The Trininity light house, the boat and boiler bouses, will be erected in the part of the Park allotted to the English. There Is also to be a magnificent copy of one ol the ancient Egyptian temples. This will boa most magnificent work, and will give us a good idea of the temples strewed round Thebes, and aiui.g die banks of the Upper Nile. The next great attraction will be the Russian houses. The elegant front of these buildings is equal if not superior to that of the finest carved cabinet work. The beauty of the de signsjs admirable. All agree in finding the Park tlic main attrac tion of Exhibition; for at all preceding exhibi tions nothing lias yet been seen like it. Looming over its inner circle and outside that iron belt, of the building a lofty and wide covered arcade towers round its ceutreand circumference. This is to be brilliantly lit at night, and will form a promenade, and will give access to all the cases and restaurants which open on it like shops on the boulevards. Each country is allowed to provide its own dining rooms. At the Exhibition we may dine one day on Spanish olla podnda , another on maccaroni, auother on saucrekrant , and another on lavier , and so on to one’s heart’s content. There would be much to do for an English traveler were lie here at the present time ; for there is as vet nothing to be had at the Champ de Mars. The outer prome nade and cases are, during the Exhibition, to be kept open till ten at night. This will be a very good measure, and will very much relieve the boulevards, which, at the last Exhibition, were thronged with thousands and thousands of ■strangers. Everything is din and noise in the interior of the building. Thousands of workmen are em ployed day and night. The Champ de Mars was again yesterday visited by thousands of persons eager to see the progress being made there ; but it seems very slow.and it can hardly be believed that everything can be ready for opening day. One thing must be feared, and that is so milch is being written, and so .much ! talked about the Great Exhibition that when the ; time comes to go and see it we shall not care 1 much about it. In the mean time great preparations are being made by all for the. inundation of guests expect ed to arriVe iu Paris during the Exhibition months. Many think in these few months to make tlicir fortune, but I fear there will be amongst those many, not a few who will reckon without their host. The price of provisions is now daily on the increase, and there is no knowing what is to be come of those Parisians who have but a small, but certain income to live upon. It is to be hoped that our hotel keepers, who well know how to make out a little bill, will not be too hard upon strangers. If I could be allowed to give a word of advice to strangers visiting the Capital, it would be to take up thc-ir quarters at some town, or even village at about half an hour’s ride from Paris: there they would be sure to find lodging? at a reasonable price, and, what is more, rest, after a fatiguing day at the Ex hibition. Tiif. Pork Business of the West.—Cincin nati, March 27. —The Price Current publishes to day the annual report of the pork-packing in the West. The total number of hogs was 2,425,254 against 1,705,955 last season. The general average of weight was pounds against 231 310 pounds last season. The ship ment of hogs last year over the Baltimore and Ohio and Pennsylvania Central railways during the season amounted to 512,184 head against 405,162 last season. The great increase was over the Pennsylvania Central railroad. [From Our Special Correspondent. Letter from Athens. Athens, Ga., March 22,1867. Editor Constitutionalist : Through the courtesy of 'Mr. Robert Lump kin, who has just finished taking the census ol our town, I am enabled to furnish the follow ing facts. They cannot fail to be of geperal interest as matters of State Devs, and will af ford information, vc-r\’desirable just now by all who may purpose emigration from other sec tions to this. I beg, therefore, that you will pub lish them: Total population 4,223 Total males, white and colored * 1,983 Total females, white and colored 2,240 White females ovpr white males 181 White females over colored females 254 White males over colored males 299 Wbitfc males, between 21 and 60 405 White males over 60 48 Total number white polls.. 453 Colored males between 21 and 60 224 Colored males over 60 46 Total number of colored polls 270 White females between 21 and 60 523 WJiite females over 60 78 Colored females between 21 and 60 369 Colored females over 60 67 Merchants 70 Lawyers 12 Physicians 12 Dentists 3 Architects 3 Newspapers and periodicals, (tvo weekly and one monthly) 3 Schools (white), 9—scholars 228 Schools (colored), 2—scholars 229 University of Georgia, regular students... 153 University High School, maimed Confed erate soldiers 55 Number of Churches (white), 4—members.l,o26 Number of Churches (col’d), 2*-members. 375 Masonic Lodge, I—members 106 Odd Fellows’ Lodge, I—members 25 Sons of Temperance Lodge, I—members. 70 Fire Companies (white), I—members 51 Fire Companies (colored), I—members...1 —members... 80 Hook and Ladder Companies (white), 1— members * 40 Our town papers will publish full details of the census, but the above comprehends, I think, all that is necessary to subserve the end in view. You will observe that the white vote exceeds the colored 183. Allowing the odd figures to be cut down by disfranchisements under the Constitutional Amendment, and “loyalists,” so ealled, which is a very liberal estimate, and we still have a controlling and reliable majority. This, too, on the hypothesis that the colored suffragans vote solid against their old masters and best friends, which Ido not believe. The logic of an empty belly and a naked back, to say nothing of gratitude, is irresistible all the world over, and I have little fear it will lose its potency here. Many of the new voters may be manipulated at first by mendacious emissaries, but this cannot last long. The land holder in every age and clime has governed, and he will govern here, provided, of course, he is neither a brute nor a fool. Blue sky this morning for the first time in five days, and an aromatic freshness and genial ity in the breeze and sunshine, that alone makes one swear life a very pleasant thing. Streams very much swollen, of course, and farmers “set back ” somewhat in their crop preparations. I learn that Captain J. Pembroke Jones, Adjunct Professor of Mathematics in the Uni versity here, resigned recently. A gallant offi cer in the Uuited States, and afterwards in the Confederate navy, a genial companion, a thor oughbred gentleman, and most conscientious and efficient instructor, his departure from Athens will be regretted by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him during his short sojourn here. r [From our Special Correspondent. Letter from Atlanta. Atlanta, March 27,1867. Editor Constitutionalist: Atlanta is a wonderful city. The most won derm!, perhaps, of any south of that famous line so well known in the politico-geographical nomenclature of the country as “ Mason and Dixon’s.” I think so every time I come here, and every time I point the utterance of the opinion with an increased emphasis. Given the same surroundings, where else can you parallel it ? To a man fresh from the dolc'e far niente of some of our finished towns and villages, the sight and contact of these go-ahead, never-say die people is like the fresh .sea breeze upon the fevered cheek of an invalid wasted by the fevers of a tropical clime. If you have any gentleman within the range of your acquaintance who is afflicted with that sore malady popularly known as “ constitutionally tired,” prescribe a dose of -Atlanta; if it don’t cure him be sure his case is hopeless. There are, it is true, some draw backs, but the vigorous stripling is not expect ed to possess all tin finished graces and perfec tions of the full grown man. TRADE, &C. The general stagnation in business that broods so uneasily over the whole country, has not spared this place, of course; and the interrup tion of railway traffic and travel by the recent severe floods in the Western waters, has con tributed to aggravate the disorder. That model railroad!st —if I am permitted to coin a word— Major Wallace, of the State Road, has done all his duty to relieve the latter embarrassment and the path is open to the Tennessee. What ever this people find to do, however, whether it be much or little, they do with all their heart and soul. Like the Frenchman who made the pot of savory soup, and other equally succu lent dishes from a beef bone, picked efenu, and a handful of herbs, Atlanta business men make more show and throw more life and bustle into their commercial cooking than any other I have met. The music of the hammer, the saw and the trowel rings out clear and strong notwith standing the lull, and they show, all around, their faith in the “better time coming.” TIIE PRESS. I have paid my respects to the fraternity in the offices of the Intelligencer and New Era , and find them all vigorously at work. Capt. Sisson, the handsome local of the former, has placed me under obligations which I am ['leased to acknowledge in this connection. He has not altered much siuce our last meeting, oue hot July day in the year of our Loid 1863, near the pleasant town of Hagerstown, Maryland, though there is a considerable change for the better in the outer man of both of ns*. “Seedy” was trumps then, most certainly. Both papers, I believe, are very nearly in accord, politically, and now that, the suave, dignified conductor of the Era has “ closed the rear,” he shows de cided tact and energy in accommodating him self to the new liue of operations, I have not met any of the Opinion people, so cannot speak by the card of its personnel. It is thought in some quarters, however, to represent, moder ately, the views of the more pronounced “ loy alists,” so called, and to be well placed in the race for that $5,000 per annum profits on the printing of the U. S. laws, treaties, &c. Its editor, Mr. Scruggs, is a veteran journalist, and will no doubt give the opposition a sharp fight whenever they choose to measure swords with him. AMUSEMENTS, WEATHER, &C. Captain W. H. Crisp, so well and favorably known in “sock and buskin” circles throughout the South, and Georgia especially, lias leased the Opera House on Forsyth street, and will proceed at ouce to finish it." At the. Bell-Johnson Hall, on Broad street, { l\ G le drama is in full blast, with Mr. l lieo. Hamilton and Mrs. Jessie Armant as leading lady and gentleman. At Davis’ Hall, on the same street, is the Ai.msi Raymond troupe. 1 judge all are doing a .air business, for they keep “ pegging is a remarkable fact that, no mat ter how tight the market is, monev is always ,en ““ lue Jupiter Flavius was at it again last night Z t Dg P ot > a nd, as I write, shows decided symptoms of repetition. As quaint old Recorder Riker, of New York, used to ob «^ aSSIDg sentence on a criminal, s u ® h thin * s are getting entirely too common in tlus community.” ! Messrs. White and Whitlock, at the Ameri can, A still live ” to verify the fact that they can j keep a hotel. In the office I find “Woody” Wiley, who, as postmaster to Cobb’s brigade, ; has gladdened my heart many a time with tidings from the “ loved ones a"t Lome.” He is, as ever, prompt, polite and reliable. The daily arrivals at iLis house is the best testimo nial to its popularity, and a man who asks for more than he finds here, and at such moderate charges, 100, is chronically malcontent. This is an honest expression of an independent opin ion, and If ust will be so regarded. R. Public Meeting in Chattooga County. • A and respectable portion of the citi zens of Chattooga county met at the Court House in Summerville, for the purpose of coun seling together in relation to our national af fairs. Judge A. P. Allgood was called to the Cfaftir, «ind lADiucl Il&wliins, E>q., made Sccfc kiry-The object of the meeting being explained by Frank A. Kirby, Dr. G. B. D. Maddox moved that it adjourn without action, which motion was carried. Mr. Kirby then requested all who believed the adoption of the amendment pro pored by tne 39th Congress to be the shortest way to peace to remain in the house. Judge Allgood was again called to the Chair, and Samuel Hawkins chosen Secretary. Mr. Kilby then introduced the following resolu tions, which were unanimously adopted by a large proportion of the citizens assembled at the first meeting. Resolved , Ist. That we believe the shortest and surest method of adjusting our differences with the Government of the Uuited States is for the people of the State to adopt the Constitutional Amendment proposed by ■ the Thirty-ninth' Congress, for ratification to the legislatures of the several States, and that we will vote for it whenever an opportunity presents itself. Resolved , 2d. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to each, the Rome Courier , Constitu tionalist and Atlanta Intelligencer, lor publica tion. Andrew P. Allgood, Chairman. Samuel Hawkins, Secretary. March 22,1867. [From the Macon (Ga.) Sentinel. ‘‘The Fallen Snow.” Messrs. Editors; You published in your pa per, of Wednesday morning, the above poem, a production of extraordinary merit. The au thor’s name does not appear, no doubt to the oisappointment of many readers who admire the true and beautiful in sentiment and com position. Knowing her history, I purpose giv ing a brief biography: The maiden name ol the-author was Dora Shaw. She was born and grew into woman hood in the Wabash Valley, Indiana. Her parents were plain, honorable people, blessed with plenty, though not rich, as the word goes. They loved their beautiful Dora, and bestowed upon her an education which lew fences ever receive. That accomplished, her lather and mother’s next ambition was to wed her to some wealthy and distinguished gentleman. As is too often the ease, they had the fatal delusion that the daughter’s will should he sacrificed upon the altar of Mammon ; that wealth and ambition should be preferred to love. In 1850, F. S. Leßaum and Dora Shaw were married. Leßaum was a citizen, and the pos sessor of immense property in St. Louis. Be ing in the Wabash Valley upon business of his house, he saw, loved and wooed this young, beautiful and accomplished woman. He did not get Jpr own, but her parents’ consent, and the marriage which followed was hallowed by no love, save upon the side of the husband. Taking his bride home to his splendid palace in the city, she was there given every thing that wealth could bestow. Still she was not happy. Did you ever see a contented eagle in a gilded cage ? The wife was at once introduced to, and be came the admiration of the best people of the city. To the outward world she appeared the happiest of mortals, illustrating how few there are who really know the secret sorrows of the human heart. She passed her hours in splendid misery. At that time, the famous theatrical manager, Ben. Deßar, had a fine company at the St. Louis Theatre. His leading star was Miss Annette Inee—no less renowned for her acting mimic life than her beauty and many womanly virtues. To this theatre Mr. and Mrs. Leßaum went one night, and witnessed a play. Dora had never bee'n inside a theatre before, and be fore the curtain fell upon the second act she had taken a resolution which would change the whole course other life —she had determined to be an actress, like Miss Ince. An interview with the manager wavs easily obtained, who saw in the aspirations of the lady a chance to make a splendid hit, and put gold in his purse. He gave her every encour agement, dismissed the idea of her first assum ing a second part, but assured her she should make her debut m the leading character of the play she had witnessed—“ Julia,” in the Hunch back. More than encouraged, indeed, com pletely resolved, Dora at once commenced the study of the play, and possessing a quick intel lect, was at least master of the language in a few days. Private rehearsals appeared to give perfect satisfaction to the manager, as well as to his company—trained for that particular pur pose and for that occasion. All this was kept from the husband. One morning the city was thrown into a fe ver by an announcement in all tiie journals, and upon all the bulletin boards, that “Miss Do ra Shaw would appear that night as Julia, in Knowles’ great play, entitled the Hunchback.?’ Leßaum and his friends were struck as if by a thunderbolt from heaven. He first entreated, appealed and threatened his wife, aud next the manager, and finally de clared his intentions to murder her upon the s. age the moment she * made her appearance. All to no purpose. The manager duly had all this passed into the streets, which, of. course increased the sensation and strengthened the desire to attend. Every ticket was sold by nine o’clock, and it wx:re needless to say that when night came that place of amusement oc cupied the thoughts of the city. The curtain rose—Dora appeared—walked stammered, blushed and repeated her part me chanically like any school-girl reading her composition at an examination. Still the au dience were pleased, not by the acting, but by the novelty of the occasion. The next, the third, fourth and fifth nights were like the first. 1 hen the morbid appetite of the with novelty, demandad good acting. This Dora could not supply. The audience fell off, the manager became restless, dissatisfied, re fused to offer a re-engagement, but intimated that she had best go to another city. In the meantime, Leßaum sued for a divorce, which was readiiy granted by the court.--The next appearance of Dora was in New Orleans, where her former social position was unknown, and where she was wholly thrown upon her merits as an actress for success. It were need less to say that she failed to elicit or.e single plaudit. The rest of the story is soon told. Abandon ed by friends, home, husband, peunyless, she fell—to use her own words: “ Fell like the enow flakes, from heaven to hell; Fell, to he trampled as filth in the street; Feii, to he scoffed, to he spit on and beat; Pleading, Curs'ng, Dreading to die, Selling my soul to whoever would tuy, Dealing in shame for a mors--! of bread, Hating’the living, and fearing the dead’.” Egyptian Corn Swindle.— We are in re ceipt of several inquiries with regard to the value and culture of Egyptian corn. We can only say that some people are pleased With it, and' others regard it as a humbug. It is a mat ter of taste, therefore, whether valuable or oth erwise. We have heard it said, however, that if persons desire to have it ground into meal, they will have to wait till mill-burs are made of a harder substance than at present, as the corn is a little harder than the stones in common use. Our friend Gabriel Stickley (who, by the way, is one of our best farmers,) has discovered an heretofore unknown property in Egyptian corn, which is its medicinal virtue as an anti dote’ for hog cholera. He says it is so hard, that the labor a hog has to undergo in mastica ting it, puts him m a profuse perspiration from the tip of bis snout to the end of ljjis tail, which, as in the Thompsonian system, knocks all dis eases higher than a kite. 1 Abingdon Virginian, i [From the New York Times, March 15. The Fashions—Short Dresses and Chignons. Yesterday, for the first time in four weeks, it was possible for pedestrians to walk the streets without beipg covered with mud. A cold north west wind had dried up the whiting ot Broadway, and even the subaqueous cross i ;u S:, s wrre tolerable. It was “ Opening Day”— i that is the day when Queen Fashion permits her slaves- to have a glimpse at the new treas ures she has prepared for them. It was notice able, however, th.it her devotees were fewer in number than usual, aud it would seem there is some ground for hope that there will be a large defection from her ranks this season. The first serious inroad lately made was in the adoption of the new style of dress —the short overskirt pattern—of which thousands have already been made, and seven-eighths of them from the second hand material of the full skirts with which the ladies were wont to brush the side walks, or carry gathered like loose grain bags around their heels. If fashion really originated this new and neat style, she has done at least one sensible thing ; but ugly bachelors, wno have eo long been bothering with trails, and suffering husbands, who have paid their thousands for the now old fashioned street sweepers, will tell you that necessity, and not fashion, is the motive power. When houses rent for sfi,ooo a year, and board is “ cheap” at $25 a week, it is quite possible that silks may be held at $5 a yard lor a consid erable period without finding purchasers. But never mind the cause ; the reform is most ac ceptable. Women who have for years moved along the street without visible means of loco motion, who have swung up and down the pave much as a cooper would roil a funnel shaped tub, at least confess that they have feet, and are not askametyo show them—with boots. If this is a result of the high tariff on silks, let us hasten to acknowledge that good may come out of evil—that the toad has a jewel in its head. We should like to feel certain that the reform was a spontaneous tribute\o common sense; but such a theory is at least hazardous. The connection between coramen sense and fashion is not susceptible of proof—indeed, we may almost say it is an impossibility. Our fashion delights in extravagance, and so soon as ahy one of her indentions comes to be re duced within the reach of “ common people,” it is no longer lashionable—she repudiates it and se s her wits to work to invent its oppo site. Looking at the gay throng "yesterday, we felt encouraged to hope that the approaching season would redeem women from tome of their oppressive chains. The dresses are al ready reformed; they are not only neat, but convenient and comfortable, and" (except in some cases where forty or fifty pounds of glass beads are dragging the victim into an early grave) are so great an improvement in the way of cleanliness and health, that we sought to give public thanks for the change. Then the waterfall nuisance is disturbed—chignons are on the mow. We saw yesterday lots of them that had crawled up from the heretofore rest ing place on the sinciput almost to the crown. It is true the effect was ludicrous, as the big bunch of some dead person’s or horse’s hair, in working upward, had drawn the natural black hair up so that the sufferer's heels hardly touched the ground, and her shoulders were hunched up with manifest evidence of pain ; aqd what added to the comicality of the picture was that the little pancake called a “hat ” was pushed forward and hung over her eyes just as Frank Chanfrau used to cock his“kady”in ‘‘ Mose.” And so, tipped over her toes by tiie rise in her chignon, and half blinded by the hat forced over upon the tip of her nose by tbe, same aggressive chignon, the sufferer stumbled along the street in a state suggestive of extreme dizziness. It is to be hoped that these aspiring chignons will complete their journey, pass en tire over the head, and disappear with the “ hats ” they are now crowding out of place.— As for the new devices of Queen Fashion, it is not the province of this writer to speak. They are wonderful to behold ; but there is consola tion in the fact that nothirg could be worse, more expensive, more ungraceful, more ridicu lous than the fashions just gone or going.ont ot date. There is every reason to believe that we shall soon find that women have not only feet but heads; and if it shall‘also be found that those heads have half as ‘much brains in side as they have horse hair outside, the day of jubilee will begin to dawn. A Singular Affair. The Troy Times gives an account of a young man named Lewis, who arrived sick in that city on Tuesday last. Lewis was a .Major in the 153d New York Volunteers, and was badly i wounded several times during the war, besides being imprisoned a number of months at the South, lie was on his way to lowa at the time of his being taken sick at Trov, and now comes the singular part of the story : The father of young Lewis was a man ol large property in the State of lowa, was a Brig adier in the volunteer service, and fell mortally wounded whilst leading his brigade at the bat tle of Chattanooga. Ilis only brother was Lieutenant Colonel of the 31st lowa Infantry, and was killed at Antietam. His mother died during the war, and while her husband and her own children, the two hoys, were in the service. While the young man was a prisoner at the South, Gen. Halleek certified to au uncle of Lewis, living in lowa, that Wm. 11. was among the killed at Fredericksburg. On the strength of this certificate, it is alleged, the unclg secured the necessary legal papers to administer upon the estate of his brother and deceased family. The uncle was declared the only heir ; he im mediately sold the property, receiving therefor over $150,000, and with this money at once left for Europe, where he now is. The first intima tion that young Lewis had of the death of his father, mother or brother, was after his release from Southern prisons. Subsequently, he, wrote to friends in lowa to look after his pro perty and also to send him means; and to his great surprise then learned what his uncle had been doing, and that he had left the country. About a year ago, young Lewis resolved to pursue the uncle, aud lias been absent from the country on this business, arriving in New York by the ship William Penn on Saturday last.— The uncle was found living in Paris, and a man of property. The whole facts of the case have been laid before General Dix, the American minister at Paris ; and a dwelling house in Paris owned by the uncle, and also a deposit in one of the banks, have been attached under legal proceedings. Learning that some mouths would elapse before an issue in the ease could be finally rendered under ttye French laws, and further testimony from lowa being required, young Lewis left Paris recently for America, and arrived in New York as above stated. He arrived here on his way to lowa. A letter lav ing his case before Genera] Wool brought him to this city, he .designing to stop over a single train. Papers in possession of Major Lewis include autograph recommendatory letters from Gen eral Grant, General Sheridan and General.Pum side. lie has also letters from General Schenck, Governor Stone, of lowa, Marshal Leffyrts, W. H. Hunt, of New York, and a number of other well known gentlemen, who seem to have taken a warm interest in his ease. It now seems probable that Major Lewis will soon be able to resume his journey to lowa, though he is quite feeble.” Thu Great Fow'i.er Steam Plow.— The Fowler steam plow, imported into New Orleans from England some weeks since, paid a duty of ov'er four hundred dollars in gold. These plows have been in successful use in England for the la-.t ten years, and are capable, in all kinds of weather, of going thoroughly over an acre of ground every hour of the day. The plow which is at New Orleans was constructed at a cost of about £3,500 sterling, and was over here for the purpose of being tested on the immense plantations on the bapks of the Mississippi. Experienced agriculturalists entertain no donbt that it will answer as well here as ip Eng land. Once brought into practical use, it will result in an immense saving of time, labor and money to the planters in the South and South west. Appreciating the benefits which will accrue to our agricultural intesest by the gen eral introduction of those machines, the Senate Finance Committee reported Friday a bill al lowing their free importation until the end of this fiscal year, and authorizing the refunding of the duties paid on the plow now at New Or leans, which was passed by the Senate, and will be, without doubt, concurred in by the House. : The Warning, “Thou fiol, this night tty soul shall lie required of* thee: then who-e f hall those thhurs be which thou hast provided.”—Luke, ch xn : v. 20. . I. . Toiling from morn ’.Til midnight dreary, With body worn And snuff weary, • At last I come, But not for long, , ' T nto your home. Whence soon I roam * * * With harp and song, I may not rest, For I must tramp, Baring my breast To the cold and damp. 11. I saw afar, Yet not too soon, Brighter than star Or Autumn moon, The dazz'ing rays From halls alight, The festal blaze' Ofyour happiest days Was my beacon light ‘ But not to rest. For I must tramp, Baring my breast * To the-cold and damp. V 111. Give me the cupL Not many more Will you fill up Ere Joy be o’er The feast is spread For gallants now, But soon the dead Will reign instead With marble brow. Then too will rest White I must tramp, Baring my breast To the cold and damp. IV. ’Twill not be long Ere another come With a sadder song To yotfr darkened homo. 'Tis well—’tie well Something to remember The shroud—the shell, The passing bell. And the sealed chamber; There I shall rest And cease to tramp Baring my breast To the cold and damp. . [From Macmillan’s Magazine. Seasons. BY CHRISTINE G. ROSETTt. Oh the cheerful budding-time! When thorn hedges turn to green, When new leaves of elrn and lime Cleave and shed their winter screen ; render lambs are born and ‘baa,” North wind finds no snow to bring, Vigorous nature laughs “ Ha, ha,” In the miracle of spring. Oh the gorgeous blossom-days I When broad flag-flowers drink and blow, In and out in summer blaze Dragon-flies ilasb to and fro ; Ashen branches bang out keys, Oaks put forth the rosy shoot, Wandering herds wax sleek at case,’ 1 Lovely blossoms end in fruit. J Oh the shouting harvest-weeks 1 Mother earth growing fat with sheaves Thrifty gleaner finds who seeks; Russet golden pomp of leaves Growns the woods, to fall at length; Braving winds are felt to stir, Ocean gathers up her strength, Beasts renew their dwindled fur. Oh the starving winter-lapse 1 Ice-bound, hunger-pinched and dim; Dormant roots recall their saps, Empty nests show black and grim, Short lived sunshine gives no heat, _ Undue buds are nipped by frost, Snow sets forth a winding-sheet, And all hope of life seems lost. Lines to tiie Baby. Little allspice, pepper, pickle! Baby, changeable and fickle, Laying in your nurse’s arms; Safe from everything that harms: Full of smiles and full of tens, y, Full of joys and full of fears, Aie you moital or divine? Tell rue little baby mine 1 Little rabbit,'cricket, robin! Baby, whimpering and sobbing, Sleeping on your mother’s lap, Dreaming, ’whiles of sweetened pap. Tensed with chir ing, pleased with song, Quieted by n -thing long. Can you wish for milk or wine ? Tell me, little baby mine! Little monkey, lemon, clove! • Baby, fruit of wedded love, Seated on your father’s knee, As wide awake as you can be, • Striving, while you clutch the air, To pull his whiskers or his hair, Think you not you’re something fine ? Tel! me, little baby mine 1 Little poppy, saffron, thistle 1 Baby, stilled with chirp and whistle, Nestled In your cradle small, Like a little waxen doll; Do you in your slumbers View Spirits.hovering over you— Angel spirits half divine ? Tell me, little haby mine? Little cherub, sunshine, star 1 Baby, Comfort of mamma, Welcomed to this world with kisses, Crowned with love and earthly blisses; Dimple 1 darling, blue-eyed hoy, A future hope, a present joy; Why thus around my heart entwine? Tell me, little baby mine 1 My Idol. You bade me fling my idol clown, * To which I long had knelt With all the fervor of a heart That love’s sweet thrill had felt; And I hut turned aside and wept • Tnen, with despairing cry, I dashed my idol to the earth, And saw it shattered lie I To hear j our words was to obey— The altar now stands hare; No flower of hope upon the shrine Love’s image made so fair. Yet blame me r.ot if still I kneel, With aching heart and sore, Beside my idol ir. the dust • Whose beauteous reign is o’er. I take the shattered image up— Vain tears in anguish start; With reverent touch I shrine it deep Within its grave—my heart. You bade me fling my idol down, I bowed to your decree ; But never from my life shall pass Its glorious memory l Church Nusic.—A fine organ has just been built in Charleston by a Mr. Baker, for Grace church. The News says: The effect of the voxhumann and tremulo stops combined, when played by a skilled or ganist, is truly enchanting. The imitations of Hie human voice is almost perfect. The organ Is “divided,” allowing the splen did Gothic window in front to be seen between its two halves.. By this arrangement the organ ist sits at right angles to the pulpit, and not with his hack to it, as is usually the cage. There are a great many*of the very latest improve ments on this organ not to be fonnd on any other in the city ; and while ir. sweetness of tone and completeness in all its parts it is equal to any organ in the city, it is also equal in pow er to all save one, and very nearly equal to it. The wood work is finished in very handsome style, entirely in accordance with ths style of Grace church. The pinnacles, finials, are of the purest Gothic, and all the other architectural niceties of this order are perfectly' preserved. The organ cost about $4,000 —decidedly the finest instrument for the price we haver seen in our city. Two Bovs Whipped for Theft. — Neic bzirgh, March 25.—Two boys iu Robertsonville. Sullivan county, New York, who were detected in theft, were tried before a citizens’ court and jury, by whom they were adjudged to suffer thirty lashes each. The punishment was duly administered. Considerable excitement exists in regard to the affair, and lawsuits springing from it are numerous.
