davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31
When was Gun Cotton Discovered

This is an important scientific question.
The claim to original discovery of gun cotton,
by Professors Schoenbein, Otto, and others, must
be founded on the ingenuity Of the name which
they have applied to familiar compound of sui
phur, nitric acid, and cotton, whose explosive
properties have been known to the world as long
ago nitric acid and gun powder were known
TO be made from satpeue.
The principle is laid down in chemical works,
both old and new In Brande's Chemistry, edi-
ton of 1886, it is stated, not as new thing, but
az old established truth, that nitric acid will
communicate to silk and other substances of ami
NAL and vegetable origin, the property of burning
like gun powder The Illuminating mercury used
in printing percussion caps, as is well known,
derives its explosive properties from nitric acid.
Mercury, or silver, like cotton, and many other
substances, act as mordants in holding the nitro
oxygen of the acid in such feeble state that a
very low temperature, and even the warmth of
moderate friction, will cause an explosion. The
chemical affinity between potash and nitric acid,
forming nitrate OF potash, more generally known
as nitre, or saltpeIe, and the decomposition OF
that salt by iguited charcoal and sulphur, COM
prise the whole theory and practice of gun pow
der. Gunpowdcr, as is well known, is composed of
Charcoal
Nitre, or saltpetre.
Sulphur.
And gun cotton is composed OF
Cotton, instead Of coal
Nitric acid, instead OF nitre
sulphur, from sulphuric acid.
Inc use of cotton or other ligneous fibre, in
stead of charcoal, Tor gun pow der, has been often
urged by various writer's; and the use of nitric
acid, instead OF nitre, which constitutes the prn-
clpal difference between "gun cotton" and gun
powder, cannot claim the idea of novelty among
those acquainted with the two substances. or IA
miliar with the cause OF explosions saltpetrc is
composed OF nitric acid and potash, in the pro-
portion OF 9 OF the former to 8 Of the latter. The
explosive force OF gun-powder and of "pun cot.
ton, in both cases, results from the nitro-oxygen.
set free by combustion. The proportion, are
relatively
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

In other words, saltpetre furnishes 81 in lo2
parts, while dry nitric acid is entirely composed
OF these two elements. Sulphur, by ignitinp at
low temperature, adds quicknes., and, con,e
qnently, force, to explosions OF this kind but il
may be dispensed with in "gun cotton" and in
sunpowder, as was abundantly shown in the ex-
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31
Musical.

The AroLLoNEoSs.-The farewell concert Of these
children takes place this evening at the Tabernacle and
FOR the sake Of the reputation Of citizens patrons
of deserving genius hope to the building crowd.
ed. The instruments which they perform are, the
VIOLIN the VIOLA viooncello and piano. Ia their per
Torrance q mere specimen of mechanical difficulties
overcome the contrary it is expressive, harmonious
pleasing, imbued with the soul of genius and evincing
advance in musical science almost incredible in chill
dren Of such tender years At the st. Georges Society
Concert, Monday evening, the large audience joined
with the artists present in awarding the youthful per-
formers the very highest need of praise and the per-
Torrance of young Anne Maria Cole on the piano. was
such as drew from Herr, who present. most unqua
lifted commentator The vocal powers of this beautiful
child Of but eight years extraordinary her in
strumental execution her voice sweet and clear her
soprano notes cxqustey rich her contrao FULL deep and
soft The carols gees and ballads sung by the Masters
Bullock and Cole with little Anne not the least inter
estng part Of the entertainment. This evening some
choice songs selected besides variety of instrumen
tai pieces the compositions of the great masters We
pleased to learn that Madame Ablamowicz the unequal
led vocalist and Mr. Tmm have in creditable man.
volunteered their services the occasion Let our
public notice this that artists who might be supposed
be saa,ed with music, yet have that interest in the
prosperity Of true genius as to come forward vountari
y to their benefit We hope citizens will not be be-
hind hand Let all come those who would enjoy rich
treat and at the time assist in removing difficulties
from the path of genius en- its road to perfection
HENRI Hrrz.-The Indictment weather and attack OF
illness compelled the Emperor" to disappont neigh
bors at Brooklyn last evening, ana his other engage
ments will compel him TO postpone his till next
Wednesday night We learn, by tho bye, that at his
concert in this city next week, feature in musi
cal way will be produced, Of which more anon.
svori was to give his farewell concert in Philadelphia
last evening, assisted BY Miss Julia Northa De Begins
and others.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

Our NAvY.-Several days ago letter appeared
in our paper relative to the execution, some time
since, of a mutinous sailor in the Gulf Squadron.
That execution appeared to be absolutely neces-
saIY for the discipline Of the squadron.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

CouRr OF Enthusiastically, Dec. 29-Pres mt,
Lieutenant Governor Gardner, Chancellor Wall
worth Chief Justice Bronson, Justice Beardsley and
twenty nine Senators. Tho resolution offered by Mr..
Spencer yesterday, TO raise committee 10 enquire whe
Their the existence Of this Court will will rot term
nate with the present year was sdopted-ayes 90 noes
l. Committee-Mr. Spencer tho Chancellor, the Chief
Justice, Mr.. Lott and Mr. Lester No. 2o-J. Clark vs.
s. Heilbuth ct al the Chancellor Messrs Spencer Put
and Lott gave written opinions for sfirmsncejudg
ment affirmed, Is to O. Ne. 30-A. Stone ct a. vs.
Hayes; Chancellor, Msssrs Wright, Putnam Porter,
Barlow Lester Lott and Johnson gave written opioions
and MIR. Talcot Mr. Beers and Lieutenant Gov Gardner
oral opinions for afirmancc Mr.. Spencer and Mr.. Hard
gave written opinions, and Mr.. Folsom oral opinion
rreverssl judgment affirmed, Is to 8. No. 3iF
ad al VS.. Child ad. sl Chancellor. Messrs Johnson,
Lott Tsco,t and Barlow written opinions for reversal,
and Mesrs Porter and spencer for sfrmance judgment
reversed, 10 to 8. No. 32-M Wogan VS. NJ. Habuspaw;
Chancellor, Messrs- Spencer, Wright, Lott Hard and
Putnam written opinions for afrmance; Judgment afirm
ed, IL 90 No. SIT George and sl vs.. g. Lsrned;
Chancellor Mr.. Spencer, and Mr.. Lott written opinions
and Isleou an oral opinion for sdirmance, and Mr..
sohnson an oral opinion for revsus judgment srmsd,
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

SHALL WE HAVE RAILROAD TO THE PACIFIC p
1t will be seen by call, published in another
column, that meeting of our citizens is called to
consider the policy of Mr. Whiney's proposed
railroad from Lake Michigan to the Pacific 1t
is scheme which from the first have advo-
Gated, as a great national dcsideratuns, and as
worthy of the attentive consideration of Congress.
Much useful information will be adduced on the
occasion
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

obvious from the above statement that unless there
be new arrangement made with the Jamaica company.
greatly diminished rent until there is increase
of travel of at least IS per cent and reduction in
expenses Of at least 25 per cent. the company are
only sinking every day deeper and deeper the mre of
difficulty and debt and had better sell out cars rails
&c &c. pay what they cam and wind up their affairs.
All the profit made 10 running is the Rrst iy
miles from Brooklyn; and unless thsiBoston line be dis
continued vigorous retrenchment adopted the rent to
the Jamaica company diminished &C. So, the stock il
irrerevably sunk and gone and the 100000 Of bonds
10 great peril.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

STEAMSHIP CALEDONIA, from Boston, arrived at
Halifax on the 10Th inst. at 10 A. M, and left in
the afternoon for Liverpool.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31
The HSildax Herald.

We have been constrained to publish another,
the third, edition OF the Annual Pictorial Herald.
II IS excellent as a remittance to the country-as a
holiday bJoS for the people. The illustrations OF
the Mexican war are really valuable to historians,
and are, therefore, worth preservation.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

T ETTER BAGS By the steamer Cambria. from Bo,Ios
Rooms Ofhag Masnenc TelegePh News Room. corner Of
Beaver aud Htno Z streets this day, at 81. IN.
Letters be prepaid TO any part OF the Continent d3
FANCY GUARDS, AriENIIUN!
THE MEMBERS Of the above Company requested 10
meet Cenr Hall, Friday morning, Jan is' 1870,
o'clock precisely fully armed and equipped for
the second Annuai paraae. BY order ofthe, -
Captain, w. NJ. B0RCHER
JoHv BoRcHER, Secretary.
Fancy Guards inc OF march from Central Hail. through
Csat,e 70 sprrg WI spug 70 Hadsoo down Huds9a 70
Chamber through Chamber % Centre to Nassau, down
mp bfoadw way Faon through Foton West, West
Vesev, up Vesey TO Broadway, up Broadwav TO Bond.
through BoId Bowery through Bowey to Grand through
q and East Bros iwav, dowa Eat Bsoad~ay 20 Chatham,
down chatham Barclay, through Barclay West Broad
way West Broadway Canal through Canal 70 Centre,
hrou n Centre Central Hall and here dsms Dbl lr
VOLUNTEER, NO. Ill.
THE third number Of this weekly, will be ready this
j. rnorIing. Its coaicnts are very rica Among them
-. -. -,
Oar Opposite Neshbor, .cntnusd kissing Ones Cor
ain New Years Day; Odd Fellows; Mncx An TONS hus
ing to the Field; ,ob Of sou Office q Lis.t General
Besdes Latest News from the seat of War sam nary
Cong New; Draws Letter. firm WashinRton
Of the Mohessn City News Homhoid Market Editor -
sfiiss sS cents, oiss, III Nauss street. w stairs
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31
Court Caienslar-This Day.

Coases rLsas-frst rart-si,e3, 49, ~, 20, ~, loi,
l0s
second psriss lao LA, ia, i4o lss $50, 1914 i6a,
les, lte, leo, 100, l04. lee
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

Rodgers Cutlery-Consisting OF Pocket and
Penknves Scissors Nail Files &c.. Of the most beautiful
finish aud unique patterns, can be obi ined OF
q. SAUNDERS x SOY, III Broadway,
few doors above Courtlandt street.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

LATER FROM RIo.-The brig Brandywine, Capt.
Smack, arrived at this port yesterday, FROM Rio,
whence she sailed the 18th Nov The Cap reports
no political changes since the last advces. and nothing
further had been heard from La Plata Tho frgae In.
dependence, Captain Lavallette sailed from Rio for the
Pacific on the lst November. The frigste Columbus,
Captain Rtchie bearing the broad pennant of Commo-
dore Rousseau, remained in port the 18th. Ocers
and crew all well.-PhitG. North .dmsrican, 3Oth.
The Jury in the case Of the will OF the late Col Abah
Goodrdge at East Cambridge, have confirmed its vail
dy Col Goodridge died in App ii, ls45 without issue,
leaving twenty collateral heirs He possessed
of operty the amount Of about $350O0 Aew days
before his decease he made WILL giving $4,000 lega
cies four orphan neces and nephews the balance
Of his property to his wife, The will contested by
brother of deceased.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

Portable Dressing Casss-in all that the
imports and articles of
the best quality and Of dimensions most for
use, with addition OF the Metallic Tablet Razor Strop
sufficient in itself to recommend IT. For sale at
G.. SAUNDERS son.
III Broadway, opposite Howard Hotel.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

More Wonderful Devsl0pcments.-Thc Ma
ti,ual Police Gazette Of this week. will be ID THIS
Thursday morning. and will contain some wonderful deve
rous HOTEL THIEVES, sc.
Every hotel keeper the United should secure this
number
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31
159 Rroadway, Mose, late Rouss

159 Broadway, MOss' late R0usscrs, Per.
famery Cosmetic and Toilet article Depot-Every variety
Of perfume, nae shaving hair oils pomauDs
coIognes, Amandne for chapped hands and Of
warranted genuine and sold at reasonable but fixed price,
Superior HAIR, nail tooth aud HAIR brushes combs
dress cases, &c MOSS, late ROUSSEL'5,
Perfumery, cosmetic and toilet article desot,
I19 Broadway.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

plosion of Messrs Croker & Warren's store in
1915, where 340,0 900 pounds of ntre and about
million pounds of tarbonaceous matter, without
sulphur, caused a most terrible explosion. Mr.
c. r. Durant, in his letter to the Mayor on the
Subject OF that explosion, says "Wood, coffee,
sumac, saffiower, Para hats, hempen sacks, shell
lac, NC, matter proved to have been in the store,
will, either of them, alone, dny two, or the whole
ofthem combined, explode saltpetre, without the
aid of sulphur" The Broad street explosion
does not appear to have included cotton in the
list OF articles destroyed but it was otherwise
prolific of "gun WOOD" ''rgun Coffee "gun
sumac," Sc; and, in point of period of time, it
certainly preceded any European claim to dis
covery of "gun colton.'
II is difficult, if not impossible, to make large
quantity of "gun cotton of uniform strength
II would cost 90 cents per pound, which is tour
times the price of gunPowder. 1t is inconvenent
and unsafe, in practical use, on account of ignit-
ing at too low temperature, as, for instance, OF
heated gun and, if small piece be touched
with lnseed, or other drying oil, it may, in days
or months thereafter, spontaneously ignite in the
magazine Of a ship or fort. At page 345 Of the
saltpetre report is an account of two ships that
were blown up by that means.
The gun-powder used by the United States go
vernment costs thirteen cents per pound it is
made by manufacturers in various States of the
Union, and is required to be of definite and
uniform strength; but it is no. as strong the
sporting powder of commerce, and it is much
weaker than powder that can be made from pure
salt-petre and charcoal of soft porous wood, such
as willow, poplar, SC. The open and finely di-
vided particles of cotton render it good substi-
tute for charcoal in gun-powder /; but like charred
willow, it would increase the price of the powder
beyond what consumer rs would be willing to
pay for it.
Is gun cotton an old or a new discovery?
News FROM Boston AND ALONG SHoRE-AN Ex-
pREss.-The Long Island train arrived at o'clock
last evening, with large number of passengers.
The heavy rain here in the morning was snow of
considerable depth at the eastern end of the
Island.
The train which left Brooklyn at 2 O'Clock, for
Stonngton and Providence, via Grcenport, arriv-
ed there at p. M. and left in the. New Haven,
to cross to Stonington.
This is a most delightful night route to Boston
and Providence. The Sound is crossed early in
the evening.
An express from New York to Boston, via Long
Island, has been arranged-supposed by govern
ment-with view of transmitting the latest Mex
lean news to the steamer to leave Boston to-mor-
row.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-12-31

Stoutenburgh, 143 Fulton street, neal
Broadway hiss Solar Lamps, Tea Trays, Girandoles, Gu
tlery silver plated Casters Cake Baskets &c., very lov
piices. LADIES, call ON him before you bay.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-12-30
for carrying out the provision. Of this seq.

for carrying out the provisions Of this SEQ.
ton.
SEC. Q. Forty acres of land, to be So.
lected by the owner thereof, or the homo
stead Of family, not exceeding forty acres,
which said land shall not be included within
any city or village, instead thereof (at the
option Of the owner) any lot or lots in any
city or village, being the homestead Of a
family, and not exceeding in value,$ ,$l 900,
shall not be subject to forced sale on exc.
cution for any debt or debts growing out of
or founded upon contract either expressed
or implied, made after the adoption Of this
Constitution: Provided, That such excep.
tion shall not in any manner affect any me.
chanics or laborers' lien, or any mortgage
thereupon lawfully obtained, nor shall the
owner, if a married man, be at liberty to
ALLEVIATE such real estate, unless by consent
of his wife.
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-12-30
For the Portage Sentinel,
Democratic Progress.

To the friends of humanity it is cheer
ing to observe the onward progress Of De-
mocracy and benevolence, in the laws and
institutions of the new States. 1t is among
the new States of this Union, that we are
encouraged to look with confidence for laws
having tendency to improve the condition
of the millions'--the mass Of the people
to relieve the poor and laboring people
from the avaricious grasp of the aristocra-
cy. In the old States the Aristocracy Of
wealth has its firm foundations fixed, fenc.
ed about by strong laws. There avarice
will be satisfied with nothing short of the
last, ''the utmost farthing," Of the poor, or
in lieu thereof "the pound Of flesh" But
few of the old States have, believe, abol.
ished imprisonment for debt, while nearly
all Of the Western and South western States
have, years since, abolished that vestige
of Feudal tyranny.
Texas, to her honor, by her late new
constitution, exempted an ample homestead
from levy and sale on future debts. Wis.
consin does the same in the constitution
Just formed there. The Milwaukee (Wis.
consin) Sentinel & Gazette, Of December
18th, gives the two following sections oI
the Exemption article as it is called, oi
the new constitution, as passed in Conven
ton December 7th, by vote of 81 to 81
the Convention being then about to adjourn
with the constitution completed, ready to
be laid before the people for adoption.
The two sections here copied are the
same in substance if not in phraseology as
those that passed the Senate Of Michigan
last winter and which came near passing
the House of Representatives. They will
probably pass the Michigan Legislature
this winter, and the other new States will
soon follow the lead. ~ H.
! The article referred to reads as follows:
Sec. l. All property, real and person.
al, of the Wife, owned by her at the time
other marriage, and also that acquired by
her after marriage by gift, devise, descent,
or otherwise, than from her husband. shall
bo her separate property. Laws shall be
passed providing for the registry Of the
wife's property, and more clearly defining
the rights Of the wife thereto, MS well as to
property held by her with her husband, ,and
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-12-30
Latest from Mckee,
ONE HUNDRED AND r,rrr AMERICANS KILL,

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY AMERICANS KILLED.
"Nassacre of the North .4mericans at
Cmdad de Los Angeles. jMazatlan, Oct.
2s.-By the arrival Of the French corvette
Of war La Brillante, we have the following
important news:
"The necessity Of covering that wide
territory at many points, nearly oil threat
ened by the Indians, has compelled the
Americans to leave in each Of them a most
Insignificant number Of men; so that at
Monterey which, as the capital, is the
most important station to defend--there
were only thirty soldiers; at San Francisco,
where block-house has been erected, only
ten or twelve men. Az s5s.,'
CAT Los Angeles, formerly the seat of
the political authorities Of the territory, the
Indians, uniting with the other inhabitants,
fell upon and put to death one hundred and
fifty soldiers of the American squadron; and
this news, which is to certain point con.
frned by what we have previously publish.
ed of the rising in that town, and seems
natural consequence Of that movement, is
authenticated from various trustworthy
sources OF lnlormatlOn.
'One hundred and fifty Mormons have
arrived in California from the Sandwich
Islands.
cat Monterey is published a journal
emitting itself the California; and all its
articles, (Which are in favor ofthe inyaders)
are written in Spanish. Il. 4. .s,.,,
"The commander Of the French vessel
above mentioned, Count de Busset, assures
us that the North Americans are in the
greatest dread lest the Mexican government
should send against them any force what
ever; for they now see that they have nude
a very hazardous step in occupying Cali.
fornia with such small means. He adds
that, in his conception, they can dispose Of
no force with which to attempt MazatlaR."
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-12-30
From the Washington Union
PrOClamatiOnS Of Military Officers.

The Federalists still keep up their cry Of
"asurped po,uers,'' against the President,
and the Proclamarions issued by our officers
in New Mexico and California are still, in
Federal judgment, the very "crpss deHcti
the overt acts on which summary con-
demnation is urged. .-n
twill be hard, perhaps to plead to the
Federalists the precedents Of war which
they opposed and yillifed; yet we take
occasion to lay before them one more ex-
ample Of the exercises Of military authori-
ty in hostile territory, occupied by an
American army in the war Of 1912. This
proclamation is authenticated by signatures,
one of which, at least, should by the op.
position party, be regarded as an authori-
ty. 1t is hardly necessary to add, that the
President, under whose instructions this
proclamation was put forth, was James
Madison, statesman almost without
superior in his knowledge of both Constitu
tional and Of Public Law, and whose pecu-
liar glory it is to have conducted our
Federal Government through the first great
war since its organization, with the most
scrupulous observance of all the restrictions
imposed by the constitution upon his high
executive powers. +..
"By William Henry Harrison, major gen.
eral in the service ofthe United States,
commander-in n.chlef of the northwestern
army, and Oliver Hazard Perry, captain
in the navy, and commanding the feet OF
the United States on Lake Erie.
@ "a PROCLAMATION"
"Whereas, by the combined operations
of the land and forces under our command,
those of the enemy within the upper district
of Upper Canada have been captured or
destroyed, and the said district is now in
the quiet possession Of our troops, il becomes
necessary to provide for its government.
Therefore, we do hereby proclaim. and
make known that the rights and privileges
of the inhabitants, and the laws and customs
of the country, as they existed or were in
force at the period Of our arrival, shall
continue to prevail. AL magistrates and
other ciuiI officers are to resume the srerciss
ofheir functions, previously taking an cath
to be faithful to the Government of the
United States as long as they shall be in
possession Of the country. The authority
of all militia commissions is suspended in
said district, and the officer requiredto give
their parole in such way as the officer who
may be appointed by the commanding
general to administer the government shall
direct.
"The inhabitants Of said district are
promised protection to their persons and
property, with the exception Of those cases
embraced by the proclamation Of General
Proctor, of ult., which is declared to be
in force, and therein assumed transferred
to the officer appointed to administer the
government.
"Given under our hands and seals, at
Sandwich, this l7th October, 1913.
(Signed) "WM. H. HARRISON.
"OLIVER H. PERRY"
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1846-12-30

PRIZE MoNEY.-A letter from Tampico
written by an American Naval officer, says:
We took an estimate ofthe prize money
accruing on the various prizes taken al
Tobasco and this place. 1t amounts tc
1920, 0,OOo-half of which, $4,000, goes
to the Government; so the navy is at leas
doing something for itself