Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-09-13

1t is computed the following is the quantity of
paper a: present made and consumed in the U.
States of America:
Tons. Ream.
For Newspapers, 500 $4,000
Books, $50 10000
Writing, $50 111,000
Wrapping, 500 100000
The number ofnewspapers printed annually in
the U. States, is estimated at twenty-five and all
half millions.
THE LINEN TRADE.
Mr. Lee, an English gentleman, has lately OBJ
tanned patent for machinery on new construc-
ton, which prepares fax and hemp, in few
hours for all the purposes of manufacture,
without the tedious and disagreeable process
of watering and grassing, as is the present prac-
tice. BY this plan. the quantity of dressed fax
is increased, the quality improved, and the seed
saved.
The present marquis of Downshire, who like
his noble ancestors, is an ardent friend to the
linen trade of Ireland, has taken considerable
pains to ascertain how far this invention may be
practically useful, by procuring samples of the
fax prepared in every stage of the process and
which have been submitted TO good Judges ofthe
manufacture. The result has been, that they
unanimously give their opinion in its favor
There is no chemical agent used in the prepare
ton, which is effected entirely by simple and
not very expensive machinery, capable of being
wrought by women and children Another Cir
cumstance worthy of remarkable patentee has
discovered that the fibre of all fax is originally
white tinged with slight shade of yellow, re.
quiring no chemical aid to extract it; whilst, on
the contrary, by the old method of sleeping and
grassing, the discoloring matter becomes so fix
ed in the fibre, that it requires tedious and ex-
pensiye process of bleaching to bring it out of
the cloth.
Progress offke Laueasteridn sgsfem IN ireland
Yesterday, at one O'clock, numerous and
highly respectable meeting fthe friends of edu-
GatiOn was held at the Exchange rooms to hear
Afr. Lancaster's report of the progress Of his
system in this country The marquis Donegal,
the marquis ofDownshire, sir Neal 0'Donnell,
bart. the rev. Mr.. Montgomery, rev. Dr.. Bruce,
rev. DR.. Drummond, rev Mr.. Crolly and
number of most respectable ladies' listened with
marked attention to Mr.. Lancaster's report, and
Showed the most animated interest and approba-
ton.
1t appeared that Mr. Lancaster had travelled
several hundred miles in different journies, and
given origin to many new schools-lectued in
the course ofhs progress TO the above to so thou
sand persons of all ages. That the assemblies
for the public meetings in Dublin alone had been
attended by above 400 persons ofthe first respec-
liability, among whom were many ofrsnk, as well
as benevolence in that metropolis; and that il
was not improbable the liberal catholics CT Ire
land would extend the blessing Of his system to
al the catholics of the globe.
1t appeared evidently that a most happy &C.
menting influence had brought together to his
lectures for the support of knowledge, persons
distinct in religion and different in politics -
That in fact Mr.. Lancaster's career in ireland
had been the triumphant march Of charity and
that the amiabe feature of Irish benevoleDce ne.
YER shone higher than in the cordial universal re-
eeption all ranks had given to him, from the poor
child in the humble school cabin, to the noble
viscount, whose conciliatory government en-.
dears him to Ireland or to the patriotic sir
Neal O'Donnell, who has evinced true Irish hos
pitality, in giving TO Lancaster aA Irish home,
and making him become one ofus, that the pro-
vince of Comaught, which he has never vet WIS.,
tied, may enjoy the blessings of his system in
perfection.
The report being read, Mr. Lancaster propos.
ed vote Of thanks 10 the marquis Of Donnegall
for his kindness in promoting the Lancasterian
system-giying land, gratis, for the Lancasterian
school and for the urbanity and politeness with
which exchange rooms we're granted him. It was
carried by acciamation.
Sir Neal O'DonneI, the friend of Joseph Lam
easter, who never had heard his public report
before, and came to Belfast chiefly for tie pup
pose Of hearing II, then rose and addressed the
meeting. His speech was excellent, and the pc.
RODS full and pathetic. It had the fire of pstrl-
otisIn, and the feelings Of benevolence in every
word
Sir Neal stated that bis love for the amiable
lord Annesley--his natural connection with the
north, from the habits Of early intimacy in life,
and from marriage connection, had made the
North Of ireland dear to him-and il was desrer
still, as being The polar star Of education and ex-
bibiting the most perfect specimen ofhis system
in the world. II was with pleasure he saw the
noble marquises Of Downshire and Donegal,
among the friends Of the poor and needy 10 lord
DOwnshre he would saw that he stood I'M a proud
rank as the friend ofpOor children-prouder than |
the conqueror--b brighter than the statesman. lie
honored him for the sake ofhis ilustrious faith |
er-he was happy TO honor him for his own sake, !
as the noble friend Of education. The necessity |
Of education was apparent
The poor were a-thirst for il, TREY wanted on
ly the influence Of rank and property to make |
the blessing abound, that there should scarce be |
room 10 receive il, and eventually nothing hui
man can keep it back Educated protestant,
his conscience and his principles were dear to