Mt. Vernon Republican (Mount Vernon, Ohio : 1854), 1857-05-12

              jl j'v y l:ffl VOL III. MOUNT VERNON, OHIO, TUESDAY MORNING, MAY 12, 1857. NO,2(i WW Seized tecfrij. 1 v - SPUING IS COMING. Spring ii coming, Spring la doming I ' Don't jrou hear hor in the rills, Trlppling gaily o'or tbo valley, ; Flylnjjo'or the sunny bills? Nature leaps to moot bar ooming With bor looming bab'ling throng Gladiomo Spring with joy wo greet tbeo, With a cheerful voico of long, ' Spring is coming, Spring is coming I "'" Sho is in tbo Southern brocio j ' . Merrily tbo birds aro singing . Matina in tbo forost trooa. Modest riolots are springing . From tbo gladsome earth the while, And the butter oupa and daisies ' Groet hor, with a loror'a smilo, Spring la coming, Spring la coming I Tiny leaflets venture out j " Torrent) that for months hare slumborcd, Hasten seaward, with a ahout. ' Wanton brccies kisa the flowers, Butterfliea aro on the wing, Birds have set the day to marry, And invited guosts to sing. , Spring is coming, Spring la coming I Joyous beats the pulse of lifo ; " Weary oneo, almost disponding, Start anew to meet the strife, Nature's bosom throbs with pleasure ; v Spring has sot the captive free ' Earth, with all her teeming millions, r Chants tbo song of jubiloo 1 fill IqieKsfiricj Siorlj. A HOBBEH STOEY. A Thrilling Adventure in the Great West ' In the summer of 1832 I was engaged with a young man named Lyman Kemp, in locating land lots along the Wabash, in Indiana. I had gone out partly for my health, and partly to accommodate ono who had ever been a noble friend to mo, and who had purchased a great deal of government land. At Loganport lie was taken sick, and after watching with him a week, in hopes that ho would soon recover, I found that ho had a settled fever, and as tho physician said he would not probably bo nblo to move on nndor a month, I determined to push on alone. So I obtained a good nurse, and having seen that my friend would havo everything necessary to his comfort which money could procuro I left him. - As good fortune would havo it, I found a party of six men bound on tho very routo I was going, and I waited ono day for the sake of their company. At length wo set out, with throe pack horses to carry our luggage, and I soon found that I had lost nothing by waiting, for my companions wero. agreeablo and entertaining. They wero going on to St. Joseph's, where they had land already located, and whero they had mills upon the rivor, intend ing to got out lumberduring the remainder of the season. On the third day from Loganport wo reached Walton's settlement on the Littlo River, bavins left the Wabash on tho morning of that day. It was well on into tho evening when wo reached the littlo log-built inn of tho settlement, and wo wero glad enough of tho shel ter for ere wo had fairly got under cover, the rain commenced to fall in great drops, and thickly too. And nioro still had 1 to be thankful for : If y horse began to show a lam;. ness in one of his hind legs, and when I leaped from the saddlo I found that his foot pained him much, as I could tell by tho manner in which ho lifted it from the ground. I ordered the hostler to bathe it with cold water and then went into tho house, whero wo found ft good substantial supper, and comfortable quarters for tho night that is comfortable for that section and that time. About ten o'clock, just after I hod retired, and justasl was falling into agrateful drowso, I was started by the shouts of men, and the barking of dogs, directly under my window. As tho noise continued I arose and threw on my clothes and went down. " What is it ? " I asked of the landlord, who stood in the entry -way. ' ' Ah don' t you know, stranger ? " tho host returned.. "You've heard of Gustus Karl, perhaps ? " Who in the west at that time had not heard of him ? the most reckless, daring, and mur-dorous robber that ever cursed a country. I . told tho host I bad heard of him often. i ., " Well," ho resumed, " tho infernal villain ' was hero only this afternoon, and murdered and robbed a man just up the river. We've ' been out after him but He's gin us the slip. ' Wo trackod him as far as tho upper creek, and there he came out on the bank, fired at us and killed ono of our horses, and then dove into the woods. We set tho dogs on but thoy lost , him." . 14 And you've come back bootless," I said, r yes," tho landlord growled. "But," ho . addod, with a knowing shako of the. head, "ho . can't run cloar much longer. Tfio country is in arms, and ho'll either lcavo theso hunli.i?, ' or bo dropped," ' ' What sort of a man is ho ?" I asked. . j .'. " Tho very last man in tho world, you would take for Gus. Karl He's small not a bit over five feet six; with light curly hair, a ' smooth whito face, and not very stout. Hut, '' Lord love vo, he's quick as lightning, and his ' eve's got fire in it. Ho dresses in all sorts of shapes, but generally like a common hunter. " Oho! he's the very devil, I do belicvo." w. After the tubfullof whisky and water which the host had provided wos all drank, tho crowd U began to disporso, and shortly afterwards I ' went lip again to bod ; and this timo I slept on " uninterrupted till morning. I had just eaten my breakfast and had gone out to tho front door, when a horseman came . - dashing up to tho place, himself and animal all covered with mud. It had boon raining all night Tho first thing the new comer did " 1 was to enquire for me. I answered at once to tho name ; and ho then informed me that Ly- man Kemp could not live, and that ho wished to see me as soon as possible I " The dootor says he must die," said the messenger, " and the poor fellow now only asks J for life long enough to see you." Poor Lvmnn I " I murmured to myself. ' '''So'toling -so hopeful with so many friends 'and fond relatives in his far-off home and ta-wkn rlown to die in a strango land 1" , I told 'tho man I would set out on my return assoon ?'! possible. ' He ate some breakfast and then t';r resumed his journey, being bound ns far up as the lottawatouiie border. . ' t1 I settled op my bill, and then went for my ,liorse; bat a hitter disappointment awaited . me. I found tho animal's foot swollen very f1 hadlyvand it pained him so that he could a" .rtfrdly step on it. ' Had the road been good, I hwM hire been tempted, to try him but 1 knew that in sonio placos tho mud would be deep. I went to tho host and asked him if he could lend or soil mo a horso. Ho could do noithcr. His only sparo horso had boon shot tho night before by tho Wabash robber. There was not a horso in tho placo to bo ob-tnincd for any amount of money. I roturned to tho stable and led my horse out, but ho could not even walk with any degree of cuso. I could not uso him. 1 was in despair. " Look'e," said mino host, as I began to do- spond, "can't ye manage a canoe ?" " Yes very well," 1 tola Him. " Then that's your best way. Tho current is strong this morning, and without a stroke of tho paddlo 'twould tako vo along as fast as ahorse couliTwado through the mud. lou shall have ono of my canoes for just what it is worth, and yo can sell it at Loganport lor as much." I caught the proposition instantly, for I saw that it was a good ono. " If yo daren't shoot tho rapids," addod tho landlord, "yo can easily shoulder tho canoe, and pack it round. 'Tisn't far." I found tho boat to bo a well fashioned "dug out," largo enough to bear four men with case and I at onco paid tho owner his price ten dollars and then had my luggago brought down. I gavo directions about the treatment of my horso and then put oil". Tho current was quito rapid say four or five miles an hour but not at all turbulent and I soon mado up my mind that it was far better than riding on horseback. Tho banks of tho river wore thickly covered with largo treos, and I saw game plenty ; and more than onco I was tempted to firo the contents of my pistols at some of tho boldest " varmints ; " but I had no time to waste, so I kept on. Only ono thing seemed wanting, and that was a companion ; but I was destined to find ono soon enough. It was shortly after noon, and I had just eaten my dinner of bread and cold meat, when I camo to a place whero tho river mado an abrupt bend to the right, and a littlo further on I came to an abrupt basin whero the current formed a perfect whirlpool. I did not notice it until my canoe got into it, and found myself going round instead ol going atiead. I plied my wood paddlo with all my power, and soon succeeded in shooting out from tho rotary current ; but in doing so, I ran myself upon the low sandy shore. Tho effort had fatigued me not a little and as I found myself thus suddenly moored I resolved to rest a few minutes.I had been in this position some ten minutes when I was startled by hearing a footfall closo by mo, and on looking up I saw a man at that side of my boat. Ho was a young looking person, not over two-and-thirty, and seemed to bo a hunter. He wore a wolf-skin shirt, leggins of red leather, and a cap of bear-skin. " Which way yo bound stranger 1" ho asked in a pleasing tone. " Down river, to Loganport," I replied. " That's fortunate I wish to go tlicro myself," tho stranger rosumcd. " What say you to my taking your second paddle, and keeping you company ?" " I should like it," I told him frankly. " I've been wanting company." "So havo I," added tho hunter. "And I've been wanting somo better mode of conveyance than theso worn-out legs through the decn forest." "'.:'', . ' " Come on," I said, and as I spoko ho leaped into tho canoe, and having deposited his rifio in the bows, ho took ono of tho paddles, and told mo ho was ready when I was. So wo pushed off, and were soon clear of tho whirlpool.' For an hour we conversed freely. The stranger told mo his namo was Adams, and that his father lived in Columbus. Ho was out now on a mere hunting and prospecting expedition with somo companions who had gono on to Loganport by horse, and having got separated from them in tho night, had lost his horso into tho bargain. Ho said ho had a eroat sum of money about his person, and that I .1! i:,.- 1 i. i 1 was ono reason wny no uisuueu io iravei m tho forest. Thus ho opened his affairs to me, and I was fool enough to be equally frank. I admitted that I had somo money, and told him my bu siness ; and by a most quiet and unpresuming course of remark, ho drew from mo tho fact that I had money enough to purchaso lorty full lots. Finally the conversation lagged, and I began to give my companion a closer scrutiny. I sat in tho stern of the canoo, and ho was about midships, and facing me. Ho was not a largo man, nor was ho tall. His hair was of a light flaxen hue, and hung in long curls about his neck ; his features woro regular and h.mdsome and his complexion very light, But the color of his faco was not what ono could call fair. It was a cold, bloodless color, liko palo marble. And for the first timo, too, I now looked narticularlv at his eyes. They wero grey in color and had tho brilliancy of glaring ice. Their light was intense, but cold and glittering liko snake's. When I thought of his age I set him down for not much over thirty. Suddenly a sharp, cold shudder ran through my frame, and my heart leaped with a wild thrill. As sure ns fate I knew it there could bo no doubt I had taken into my canoe, and into my confidence, Gustus Kaw,, the Wabash Robber 1 For a few moments I feared my emotions would betray mo. I looked carefully over his person again, and I knew I was not mistaken. I could look back now and seo how cunningly ho had led mo on to a confession of my c'neumstances how ho had mado mo tell my affairs, and reveal tho state of mv finances. What a fool I had been! But 'twas too late to think of tho past. I had enough to do to look out for what was evidently to como. I at length managed to ovcrcoino all my . , T 1 1 ...I. outward emotions, ana men i uegiiu io which my companion more sharply and closely. My pistols were both handy, and I knew they wore in ordor, for I had examined them both in tho forenoon when I thought of liring at somo game. They were in tho breast pockots of my coat which pockets had been mado on purpose for them, and I could roach them at any instant. Another hour passed away, and by that time I had becomo assured that tho robber would make no attempt upon me until aftor nightfall. Uo said that it would bo convenient that we were both together, for wo could run all night as ono could steer tho canoo while tho other sppt. ... . . "Aye," I added, withasmile i "that is good for mo, for every hour Is valuable. I would uot miss of meeting my friend for worlds." ; ii Oh you'll meet him, never fear," said my companion. ' ..,.. . Ah he spoke that with too much 'meaning,. I understood it well. I knew what that sly tone and that strange gleaming of the oye meant . He meant that no1 would put mi on the road to meet poor Kemp in the , other world I I wondered only now that I had not detected tho robber when first I sow him, for tho expression, of his face was so heartless, so icy, nd then his eyos had such a wicked look that the most unpracliced phrsiogno' mist could not havo failed to detect the vil lain at onco. During tho rost of the afternoon wo conversed tome, but not so freely as beforo. 1 could seo that tho villain's eyes wero not so frankly bent upon mo as ho spoko, and then liu seemed inclined to avoid my direct glances. Theso movements on his part wero not studied nor even intentional : but they wero instructive, as though his very nature led him thus. At lonirtii nitrhtcainoon. Wo atoour supper, and then smoked our pipes, and finally my companion proposed that 1 should sleop bo fore ho did. At first 1 thought ot objecting, but a few moments reflection told mo that I had bettor be'avc as though I were an honest man; so I agreed to his proposition. Ho took my seat at tho stern, and I moved further forward, and having removed tho thwart upon which my companion had been sitting, I spread my cloak in the bottom of tho canoe, and then having placed my valiso for a pillow, I lay down. As soon us possible I drew out ono of my pistols, and beneath tho cover of a cough I cocked it. Then I moved my body so that my right arm would bo at liberty, and grasping my weapon firmly, with my finger upon the guard, I drew up my mantle, slouched my hat, and then settled down for my watch. Fortunately for mo tho moon was up, and though tho forest trees threw a shadow upon mo, yet tho beams fell full upon Karl, and I could see his every movement. Wo wero well into the Wabash, having entered it about three o'clock. "You will call mo at midnight," I said drowsily. " Yes," ho roturned. "Goodnight." " Good night and pleasant dreams. I'll have you farther on your way than you think cro you wako up again." " Perhaps so," thought I tomyself, as I lowered my head and pretended to lower myself to sleep. For half an hour my companion steered tho canoo very well, and seemed to tako but littlo notice of me ; but at the end of that timo I couid see that ho becamo moro uneasy. I commenced to snoro with a long regularly drawn breath, and on tho instant tho villain started as starts the hunter when ho hears tho tread of game in tho woods. But hark I Aha there was before ono lingering fear in my mind that I might shoot tho wrong man ; but it was gone now. As the fellow stopped tho motion of the paddlo I distinctly heard him mutter 'Oho, my dear sheep you littlo dreamed that Gus Karl was your companion, liut he'll do you a good turn. If your friend is dead you shall follow him, and I tako your traps to pay for your passage to heaven ! " I think theso wero tho very words. At any rate they wero their drift. As ho thus spoke he noislcssly drew in tho paddle, and then rose to his feet. I saw him reach up over his left shoulder, and when ho brought back his hand ho had a huge bowie knife in it ; I could see tho blado gleam in tho palo moonlight, and I saw Karl run his thumb along tho edge, and then feel tho point ! My heart beat fearfully, and my breathing was hard. It was with the utmost exertion that I could continue my snoring, but I managed to do it without in terruption, slowly and noislessly tlin foul wretch approached mo Oh ! his step would not havo awnkened ft hound and his long gleamimz knife wos half raised. I could hear his breathing plainly, and I could hear the grating of his tooth as ho nerved himself for the stroke. Tho villain was by my sido, and ho measured the distanco from his hand to my heart with his eyo. In his left hand ho held a thick handkerchief all wadded up. That was to stop my mouth with ! Every nerve in my body was now strung, and my heart stood still as death. Of courso my snoring ceased ; and at that instant tho hugo knife was raised above my bosom ! Quick ns thought I bro't mv nistol un tho muzzle was within ft foot of tho robber's heart ho uttered a quick cry I saw tho bright blado quiver in tho moon light, but it caino not upon mo. 1 pulled the trigger, and tho last fear was past. I had thought that tho weapon might miss fire, but it did not. There was a sharp report, and as I sprang up and backed, I hoard a ficrco yell, and at tho samo moment tho robber fell forward, his head striking my knees as it came down. Weak and faint I sank back, but a sudden tipping of tho canoo brought mo to my senses, and I went aft and took tho paddle. As soon as tho boat's head was onco moro right, 1 turned my eyes upon tho form in the bottom of the canoe, and I saw it quiver only a spasmodic movement and then all was still. All that night I sat thore at my watch and steered my littlo bark. I had my second pistol ready, for I knew not surely that the wretch was dead. Ho might be waiting to catch mo off my guard, and then shoot mo. But the night passed slowly and drearily away, and when tho morning broko the form had not moved. Then I stepped forward and found that Gustus Karl was dead ! He had fallen with his knifo truo to its aim, for it had struck very near tho spot whore my heart must havo been, and tho point was driven so far into the solid wood that I had to work hard to pull it out, and harder still to unclasp the marble firigors that wero closed with tho dying madness about tho handle ! Swiftly flowed tho tide, and ere tho sun again sank to rest I had reached Loganport. Tho authorities knew tho face of Gustus Karl at onco, and when I had told them my story, they poured out a thousand thanks upon my head. A purse was raised, and tho offered reward put with it and tendered to mo. I took the simplo reward from tho generous citizens, while tho remainder I directed should bo distributed anions: thoso who had suffered most from tho Wabash robber's depredations. T found Kemnsick and miserable Ho was burning with fever, nnd tho doctors had shut him up in a tight room where a well man must soon have sullbcatcd. " Water I Water 1 In God's namo givo mo water 1 " ho gasped. " Haven't you had any ? " I asked. Tin inld mo no. I threw open tho win dows sent for a pail of ice-water, and was in the poin' of administering it wnen me om doctor camo in. no uum m.- , . - II ..n K.e hnmld ill hflf. mr ami tnhl me 'twould kill tho sicK man. But I forced him back, and Kemp drank the grateful beverage. Ho drank deeply and then lnt. Tho ncrsniration noured from him like rain, and when ho awoko again his skin was moist, and his fever was turned. In eight days from that time ho sat in his sandle by my side, and together we started for Little Bivor. At Walton's Settlement I found my horso wholly recovered, and when I offered to nsr for hi keemni: the host would take noth ing. Tho story of my adventureon the river had roached thore ahead of mo, and this was the landlord's gratitude. - . . - . - . i .. . ...J . lt,Aaa If- learning nam gaineu i "j books by which the nrinters hare lost j . Kr Tho word mptstm is the motn-r i r u..t. fltiHctjDtirnl. From tho Cincinnatua of February 1867. TEltRA CULTURE A HUM HUG. So say 6omo of our savans. Yot tho facts aro wanting in proof; and until theso aro. forthcoming, wo shall not waste ammunition, considering the game not worth tho taking. Ono declares, nfier hearing tho principles of Terra Cultuio explained, and thoio things claimed as secrets disclosed, that "he has heard nothing new." Another says: "ho would not take five hundred dollars for the benefit received. Ono dogmatically asserts beforo examination oroxporimcnt, "that the courso reccom mended is contrary to universal practice and common sense." Another, " that ho has always pursued such a courso with uniform success, and if that is Terra Culture, I have always followed it." This contrariety and diversity of views and expression, is by no means remarkable, in relation to any new doctrine or theory, especially if it como in conflict with long cherished doctrines and prejudices, and perhaps pecuniary interests. It shall be ours to cxamino this subject in relation to tho facts presented, and givo or withhold our sanction, in accordance therewith. "Practice, with scienco," shall be our molto. To search into tho causes of things, as wo walk abroad among the works of God, and with en'ightcned curiosity endeavor to find out nature's laws and operations, shall bo our daily work. We havo ever been led to conclude, thatna-turo proceeds on fixed laws : that sho is not one thing to-day ond another thingto-morrow. All the relations of the dill'erent parts of nature aro mutual and exact, and every thing moves on in beautiful agreement and harmony. Tho ancients were accustomed to speak of tho " music of tho spheres," referring to the harmony which prevails throughout tho universe no discordant note being ever heard. Thcro is a reason for everything a rule by which every thing is directed and controlled. True, many things may bo beyond our comprehension ; yet thero is nothing which should be beyond our inquiry. All will admit that tlicro is a wonder working power in the vegetable kingdom. The development and progress of vegetablo life, tho relations of the soil to tho plant produced, the effects of light and heat, of air and dew, of frost and electricity, of tho natures of manures, their uses and their results. The functions of the leaves, and roots, and stem, and tissues, with all tho circumstances pertaining to their naturo and complex structure, may bo considered as involving mysteries. Terra Culturo claims to havo taken a single step in this Terra Incognita. In tho maintenance of her claims, she is not wanting in reasons, and comes to us supported by an array of facts, that tho skeptic and casuist must dispose of, bclbro they can bo consistent with themselves, or with sound philosophy. In relation to practical agriculture, wo are compelled to hesitate before wo assert with confidence that tho " earth moves." In mechanics, improvement is obvious. In commerce, it is striking ; but any who will take tho pains to examine, will find that our agricultural journals aro ringing charges from year to year, upon tho samo bells, leading us to the conclusion that damo Nature is a fickle thing, and not to bo trusted. As wo recently took occasion to record in regard to wheat, tho samo diversity exists in tho culture of overy important plant and vegetablo. You will find the same in tho culturo of the pota-toe ; some recommend deep culture, even to the extent of six or eight inches, somo shallow, somo ridgo, somo level. Some for seed prefer tho largest potatoes, others largo potatoes cut directly in half, others into pieces containing two or thrco eyes, whilo not a few prefer small potatoes ; and wo even find persons who havo mado the discovery, and assert with pertinacity that you may eat your potatoes, planting only the sprouts, or even the rind, with entire success. All aliko substan tiating tlit ir opinion by experience and well authenticated facts. Wo aro no less fortunate in regard to Ter ra Culture. A correspondent writes us that ho has raised sixty pounds of polatoes, or one bushel, from six hills that since ho has adop ted tho system of cultivation which it recommends, to raises more than doublo the crops of his neighbors, and more than doublo what he formerly raised, and with loss labor and expenso 1 Another, that Terra Culturo has proved invaluable to him in orchard manago-ment, and product ; and it is a littlo remarkable, that among tho largo number that have been interrogated, not ono has yet spoken of it dispirag'ngly. in practice. And in our own brief experience in wheat, wo will state, .. . I - . 1. .1 M" that alter a pcr.ou ui six wraw, uw mi Cultured product from a single grain, weighed eight times as heavy as that cultivated according to Loudox. On witnessing the display aud disparity, "wait, wait!" says our objector, "until tno wneai is gamereu. This is proper advice, and wo will patiently abido the result. We aro now prepared to say that if tho whole theory prove a cheat and a deception, it nevertheless takes us to such a stand-point of observation as will cither to nrovo truo or tauo, necossaniy icau to sucn closo investigation and experiment, as must bo attended with salutary results, and perhaps lead to valuable discoveries for tho observer will be undor tho necessity of investi gating nature closely and systematically. iNOW, Ulllll EOllieilllllg mom niiusiuiiimi than bold denunciation, and ill-timed wit and ridicule, are employed against this or any other plausiblo theory or doctrine, wo shall neither be moved to abandon our position, nor reply to our dofamers. If subsequent experience and rcliablo statements substantiaato as conclusively tho claims of what is denomi-nntn.l " Terra Culture." as thoso already pro- fcrrcd in attestation of such claims, it will take more than the cry of humbug to fright' on us into silence, or doter us from its practice. Let tlie old fogy continue to piani his potatoos in me moon, wncn uiu sign ia m tha foot, and he who would decry science, re sort to his Delphic oracle, tho press, whore he un find the rcsDonso that best suits him ; we shall endeavor to coniorm our practice oner taking into viow tho naturo of seed, plant, or tuber to tho obvious laws regulating its germination, growth and maturity, which Terra Culture boldly claims to understand, aud rig idly to follow. By Hon. S. Ilaight and others. JlABDKTT3yn,L, Dutches Co., X. Y.t I February 2i 1857. S Prof. F. G. Cary, president of Farmers' Col lege and principal of Form Department, College Jlill, Hamilton County, O. , . t Item Km Knme S or 6 Tears SDTU WS learned the meaning of Terra Culture, of Rus sell Comstoclc, of this pnee tne wiRcoverer of tho principle on which Terra Culture is founded. ' To all cultivators, we know its practical Talus is of importaocsi From our own knowlodgo wo can confirm tho various statements of its extreme practical valuo, as proved by experiments made by yourself and others and published in your Monthly," 1 ho Uncinnatus." Farmors in this vicinity who have not learned Terra Culture, are annually approaching it in somo particular ; but they would find it to their interest to learn tho systom from its founder. They need aknowledgo of tho discovered principle or principles. Some are now anxious to learn the culture of Chineso Sugar Cano or Millett, who aro not aware that Terra-Culture teaches tho cultiva tion of all crops ! Terra-Culturo is founded on discovered bo tnnicnl principles, or Natural Laws, Laws of liod, consequently they should be known and obeyed by all cultivators, in every soil and climo. May your efforts to move Congress on this subject bo crowned with success. STEPHEN HAIGHT, ANDREW ME KB ITT, And others. From tho DnlUtuh Democrat. THE DISCOVEKVOr I ICE AGE. East Like, Saratoga Co., N. Y. Dear Sir. Pleaso to insert tho following note in your valuablo paper, and obligo ono of your subscribes. ' Having attended a Lecture of Itussell Comstock's, nt Maltaville, on Terra Culture, I wish through your columns, to express my ontire conviction of tho truth and importance of his now discovery in agriculture. Of its application to tho cultivation of plants, there can bo no doubt. As it is destined to change tho wholo inodo of culture, I think it the most important discovery of tho ago second to none. Tho application of steam, as a motive power, and tho using of electricity to convey news, aro important discoveries, and havo wrought a great change in society and tho business affairs of lifo. So this new discovery in agriculture, as it will be of moro universal utility and application, will produco a greater change than any discovery that has preceded it. Mr. Comstock's now discovery is founded on a principlo or a natural law common to all plants, and will stand tho test of public scrutiny one universal application. More anon. J. II. CLABK, Albany, N. Y., Jan., 29, 1852. Mr. Russf.lt. Comstock. Dear Sir: I havo listened to your lecture upon tho principles of Vegetablo Physiology in certain applications, and have been much interested. Tho record of experiments adduced seem to uphold your views, and I shall certainly test them for myself during the coming season. Should your theories provo to bo entirely correct, they would afford us satisfactory explanations of many phenomena that aro as yot but imperfectly undorstood. I am, sir, very respectfully vours, JOHN P. NORTON. Lato Trof. in Albany and New Haven Universities. SPUING riKI.l), MT. VEItNOJf AND FITTSIIUKGII It. It. The following statement of the present con dition of tho Springfield, Mt. Vernon and Pittsburgh Rail Road Company, wo tako from tho Cincinnati Commercial of lato date. The citizens of Knox County and vicinity will bo glad to learn that there is now a prospect of the speedy completion of this road. In an other j-ear wo shall expect to seo tho groat tido of East nnd West travel pouring through the valley of tho Kokosing. Tho relations of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Company to tho Springfield, Mt. Vernon and nttsburgh Company, has excited scarcely less interest in railway circles than tho organization of tho Ohio nnd Mississippi lino, or tho question of Street Railroads. Tho Gazette frankly states that it is unablo to understand the exact bearings as claimed of the proposod contract botween tho C. II. nnd Day ton interest and tho new Pittsburgh ttoad. Let us seo if wo can make a clear statement of tho matter. 'Tho Springfield, Mt. Vernon and Pittsburgh Road is built and is in opera tion between hpringhold nnd Delaware (on the C. C. & C. Road) and its officers look round among other companies to see whom they can interest to aid in completing their lines from Delaware on hast to tho point of junction with tho Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne and Chicago Road. They fino the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Company, and tho Mad River and Lake Krio Company, (tho latter owning tlio road from Springfield to Dayton) anxious to forma bettor connection with Pittsburgh. Tho throe companies meet and a contract is drawn up, signed on ono sido, approved by tho Dayton interest, but now awaiting ratification by tho stockholders. Tho contract seems to us simplo and comprehensive. It binds tho fourcom-panies, viz., the C. II. & Dayton, the M. R. & Lake Erie, and the Springfield, Mt. Vernon & Pittsburgh, and the I. It. W. & Uucago to a through line, for twenty years, to and from Cincinnati and Pittsburgh via Dayton, Spring-field, Delaware, Mt. Vernon, and Lakcvillo, (point of juction with tho Pittsburgh.) Each company stipulating to throw all the business between thoso points botn ways over tne lino, that they can control. The three companies contracting with tho Mt. Vernon road to purchase $300,000 of its third mortgage bonds by appropriating monthly one-hall tho gross earnings of their respective roads derived from the business of tho lino of road thus formed to the payment of these bonds. The entire business thus derived would be now business, not no,"' enjoyed by tho old roods contracting, and it is not difllcult to see that if they derive no advantage in tho way of business from the new line, they will havo no bonds to pay for undor this contract. The scvoral companies agreeing to purchase tho bonds only bind themselves to pay for them 80 cents on tho dollar, out of one half the gross earnings of .. . . . I... V- their roads aenvca as aoove. io monoj is paid for those bonds in advanco of tho completion of tho Mt. Vernon road, nor in advance of the earnings of tho old roads derived from tlm nntff tiiicinr. created and thrown UPOO them by the line. The contractors on the Jit. Vornon road have, we are informed, agreed to tako these bonds at eighty cents on tho dollar. The prospects for an early completion or the road from Delaware to Lakeville, and ol a heavy local business, are better than at any previous time. In reply to inquiries as to tho resources up on which tho company rely Tor me compie tion of the road, the President, William Dun Kir. Esn.. has furnished to the citizens of Cin cinnati a statement, from which ire condense tho following: ... Clinton Township, in Knox County, by a ote of iU citizens, voted to Uk Stock and issue Ponds to th amount of $ 10,000. Coll"ge Township voted to Rubscrilio $5,000 j making now stock to tho amount of $45,000. Available unpaid subscriptions in Knox county, $00,000. Availablo unpaid subscriptions of Ohio and Pa. R. It. Co. (U'.anco.) $22,500. $100,000, 3d class Bonds, Eastern Division, assigned to Mr. D. in trust and authorized to be sold at 75 cents on tho dollar, $75,000. $510,000 or 1st class Bonds, Eastcnv Division, also assigned to rlurehrtso iron, would realize at 75 cents on the dollar, $405,000: Avails of $300,000 of 3d class Bonds, to be issued under tho contract when ratified, and which contractors aro willing to tako at 80 cents on tho dollar, $240,000. Stock and Bonds that contractors aro bound to take on thoir contracts for work east of Mt. Vernon, $90,000. Total moans, $917,500. The work from Delaware to Mt. Vernon, a distanco of thirty-ono miles, is under contract, and surety given for tho faithful performance ofit by tho contractors. Ono finds everything, except tho iron for tho track, and com pletes the Road in good running ordor, from tho town of Delaware to the cast lino of Delaware county, a distance of sixteen miles; and the other finds everything, except tho ties and iron, and completes tho road bed ready for the track-laying, from tho cast line of Delaware county to the city of Mt. Vernon, a distanco of fifteen miles, and both reccivo their entire pay in stock of tho Road, and 2d class Bonds, Eastern Division, at par. These contracts include bridges, which are to bo of the first class, ic. These contracts, it is perceived, do not effect tho fund stated above, but aro provided for by other resources, as stated, not dependent upon that fund. The line of road from Mt. Vernon to Lakevillc is also un der contract, except the wooden portion of tho bndgo structures, ties, and track laying, tho contractors obligating themselves to take thir ty per cent, in Stock and Bonds. An experienced engineer has estimated tho entire cost of tho work and materials to finish tho end of tho Road, and put it in good running ordur, at $300,0uO. It will require. about six thousand tons of iron to complete tho Road, which, at $05 per ton, $31)0,000 making $690,000, which deducted from the means as above stated, leaves a balanco for contingencies of j!i7,oOO. A portion of this sum will have to bo used inrcdccmingscveral hundred thou sand dollars of first class bonds, hitherto hypothecated for about $64,000 of tho floating debt, and for salaries of engineers, &c. When tho road is completed its lloating debt will be less than $150,000." From the foregoing statement, which hns been made from data entirety accurate, it will readily bo perceived that, with tho benefit of tho contract recently made between the sev eral companies, there aro ample moans to finish tho road. And when finished, it will re quire no extraordinary stretch of imagination to see that it will bo one of tho excellent roads in Ohio for commanding business, and must enhance the prosperity of tho Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton road, opening to it, as it will, a moro direct eastern outlet. From tbo ow Orleans PcliH. SOUTH THINKS OF 18(10. WHAT THE Every political event, movement and indication at this time' in tho Northy unito in confirming tho prediction wo mado as soon as Mr. Buchanan's election was established, that tho Black Republicans, far from disbanding, would undertake preparations for the battle of 18ISO with renewed vigor, and moro determination and zeal than ever. Though thoy failed to elect their President, yet thoy were signally triumphant in consolidating such an extended and serried political organization as was never beforo elfectcd within tho samo brief period. They wero not beaten ; they yielded no inch of vantago ground ; thoy encamped upon tho battlo-ficld, and are now defiantly flaunting their black banners across our lines in Maryland, Virginia nnd Missouri. . They have sworn never to lay down their arms, these enemies of the South. They hate her with a Carthagenian hatred. l!y tho Black God they worship they have sworn to conquer her in I860. They are brightening their weapons every day. The trampling of their gathering hosts may bo heard on every Northern plain. Tho tocsin of war sounds shrilly through every Northern valley. Their camp llrcs burn all along the Southern border, and in one placo they havo already cros-ssd tho boundary and established outposts upon Southern territory. They have never been known to take a step backward, and their order of mnrch is still Southward. Tho National Democratic party has no longer any rational hnpo to hold out to tho South. Tho South gavo it victory in 1850, nnd sho has tasted none of the fruits of victory yet, but Dead-Sea ashes. Another such victory would lcavo her naked, to starvo upon the desert. Pennsylvania was carried for Mr. Buchan an by a liberal tax upon Democratic ofllce holders. Is it at all reasonable that they would again undertake such a tax, with the certain- . . ., ! i.- .i .i ty mill mo canumaio uiuy wero mu.i uiiiin; to elect would cut their own heads off? Is it not more reasonable, on the contrary, that many of them would liston favorably to the overtures of tho enemy to sell their party for their offices ? Assuredly it is, as tho morals of politics go now-a-days. Meantime, wo have tins tosay : ineissue is distinctly made between tho North and South ; it is a lilo-and-uoatn contest, ana, with her present resources, the South cannot conquer in tho Union. If she is to bo saved, sho must work out her own salvation ) her own foresight must bo her providence her own will her distiny. A TECULIAU LAW SUlt. A vounz man brought a law-suit, at Louis ville, against a young lady,under most pcculior circumstances. It appears that she resides at Louisville, and has long been considered the belle of the circlo in which she lived. Her suitors were numerous, and many oilers of marriage wero refused. A short time since she met with ono to whose earnest and most sincere devotions sho yielded so far as to name tho day of marriage. The newspapers chron iclcd the approaching nuptials, and the young man lavished tho most expensive presents upon his intended. On the marriage eve thoy attended a ball, and during the dancing the young lady Complained of slight indisposition, which becoming " no better fast," she asked her aflhinccd to conduct her homo, which he did in the most tender manner. Arrived at home, they bid each other adieu, with fond anticipations of the Coming day( which rras to seo the twain made one. But during the night the young lady got worse and at sun-rise she was a mother. The vounz man says ho could novcr have been deceived had it hot been fbr the fashion of wearing hoops- and he brings suit for the recovery of the -value) of his presents. . j 07" Whatever we know to be right, that w should do, evon though odr conduct should meet with rqiroKh wrf ridicule, ! ' From tbo Ohio Bute Journal. " THE nEPUBT.ICAPf CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNUIl. ( Nearly overy Democratic paporin the Stat has a paragraph to the ofloct that Governor Chaso "hasrdcclinod being a enndidato for ro- i election." The announcement is mado with- ; out comment, but in tho stylo of a simple pos a itiva' assertion. Who first gavo currency to ' tho report we do not know, and it mutters not. ' Wo aro very certain that Governor Chase 1m said' nothing mid has done nothing upon whidh' such a report Can bo based". It is truo that Governor Chase is not a Can- ' didnto fbr ro-elcction, if tho Republican party T should express a desire to tako somo other 1 gentleman, or if ho should tako counsel alone,' ' . of his privato wishes. But Govornor Chasa is not a man who will fliuch from a public d uty. or retiro from a contest which requires his aid or his namo to render successful We have no doubt that he will accept of tho nomina- - lion, and carry the liepublican standard again in triumph in Ohio, if it shall appear to be tho' ' desire of the Republicans that ho should' do ' so, and wo fool sure, also, that nine-tenths at-least of the party favor his doing so. Whatever differences of opinion may' hava been, or will hereafter bo expressed in regard to the entire course of the Legislature,- thero certainly has been no-difference of opinion ex-pressed, or is thcro likely to bo, respecting our executive. He has performed his duties to' the acceptance of all men, ond has inangurat- ; ed a new era in the executive ofllce. His ap-' pointnients havo boon mado with a solo regard-to tho best interests of Ohio: He has selected tho right men for the right places and he has' commanded the respect and esteem of gcntlo-." men who, in the lt Gubornational contest, were his fiercest opponents. Wo regard Govornor Chase as trio test and truest exponent of tho principles of tho Re-- publican party, and as such we desire his nom-' ination. We fear that if ho were to withdraw . from tho contest it might be regarded as an acknowledgment in advance of weakness, and would be used by our opponents to impress ! that idea upon tho people. There are thou 1 sands of men in Ohio who refused to vote for'. Governor Chase when ho was elected, who' are now among his warmest advocates. Wo . were told by a gentleman yesterday whb vras ' formerly an old Whig, that ho opposed tho election of Governor Chaso when he ran be- fore, but ho was now in favor of bis ro-oleo tion, and he would stump his county for him . nnd endeavor to undo tho wrong which he had done in tho preceding contest. This gentlo ' man represents a largo and influential class.' When Governor Chaso ran before, he left; Hamilton county some eight thousand belunoV. Medill. The recent election in Cincinnati' shows that should he run again, he is as likciy to go out of the county ahead of his compoti' tor as behind him. . . . We have no doubt that tlio next campaign, will bo fought with desperato courage by our" opponents, not that they expect to carry their State ticket, but the men upon it intendod tor show Mr. Buchanan and tho administration-, in Washington, how necessary they aro tohisj support and what great sacrifices thoy havu mado to sustain tho Democratic party, and thus lay claim to some fat office in tho gift of. the Federal executive. We belicvo also that tho Democrats intended to select their ablest" men in making up their State ticket, and it bi'hooves tho Republicans therefore to put up their ablest men to meet thnin, and counteract their cfTorts on the stump and among the poople, and whero can we find a man so well' qualified to head our ticket as Salmon P. Chaso ? We did not intend, however, to make oh argument in favor of nominating Gov. Chase. No argument is necessary, for. we have no doubt that he will bo nominated by acclamation by; tho August Convention. Our purposo was to, contradict the statcmont now going the rounds of tho Democratic papers that he had posi tively declined being a candidato for ro-olec' tion. We think wo do not err when wo say that there is not one word of truth in tho report.St. Pnul Tor tlic ilKj,'Pr-Drircrf. Tho synod of Mississippi has recently published "a chatechism for the religious instruction of tho colored people," in which the foU lowing questions and answers occur : Q. Are not servants bound to obey thair masters ? A. Yes the Bible exhorts servants to b. obedient to their masters, and to pleaso them well in all things, not answering again. . , Q. If the master bo unreasonable may tha servant disobey ? ; A. No tho Kiblo savs, " Servants be sub ject to your masters with all foar, net only to tno good and gentlo, but also to tlio forward." Q. What does the Bible say to servants OB this subject? . A. They oro toolicy, not with- eyc-scrvic as mcn-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ. Q. If servants suffer unjustly, what are they to do ? A. They must bear k patiently. Q. Ought servants to rebel agaist tho authority of their masters ? . i A. No it is a sin against God and man. Q. Should servants over rim away ? A. No if they do they sin ogainet God and man. Q. How do we know this ? A. Tho Bible tells ua that tho apostle Paul found a servant who had run away from his master, and ho sent him home. - Q. Why did not Paul conceal him, that 1m might be free 7 .. A. Because he tnuM hot mulct religion a cloalcfor ijuitice I Tliat will do! This is certainly the pursuit of religion under dillkiilties. feJr A tall, keen-eyed countryman stepped into the court-room at Detroit the other day. . . . j.. -.. .... during mo progress or mc raurona vnai.- Stcpping up to a spectator, be requested that the prisoners might bo pointed out to him.-Tho man accosted being somewhat of a wair, pointed towards the jury. The fellow scan ned the twelve with his distrusting eye, and when satisfied with the scrutiny, turned to his informant and whispered: "Welt, they are a bard looking set, ain't thoy t I know by their looks thoy ought to go to tho Btato t'nson, every one ol tnem." ........ ' ' ""'I Sirso or Stm frtT.--On tho arrival of an emigrant ship, some years ago, when .the iNortb Carolina lay oil thj Battery, an Irishman, Wring the sun fired at sunset, inou'.rtd Of one of the sailors ' "What's that?"" .'-- fl'a" . " W hy, that's sunset I was the m tempt, uous reply.. ... .' i.. a yy . " Sunset," exclaimed Paddy, with distend, ed cyog, " Oh, Moses I and does tho sua go down in this Courtthrt wid such a clap a that?'1 - ' diT Th next election for members of Con-Pbso will Uko plaek in -Virginia on the 29th nujr. ( i v.. -! !.. ,-,'. . .--! '.i -'il-a V