Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-05-26
MAY 26, 1S49.

Perpetual Motion.-Ingenuitv has been exer-
clsed for ages in the endeavor to produce some
mechanical con,rvaDce, by which perpetual mo-
tlon might be attained, but every effort has so far
tailed, and must continue to fail, until some me-
thod be discovered of producing elemental action,
such as Deity has used in the construction of the
planets, and the perpeiuation of their diurnal and
annual motions. The properties of magnetism
are so far known to lead to the conclusion, that
these motions result from the magnetic action of
the sun upon the planets of the solar system if
ever perpetual motion be discovered and applied
to practical purposes, it must be by the application
Of this principle. This has been attempted bv
Mr.. John Steele who has exhibited to US ma
chine for the purpose of effecting what he terms
indefinite rotary motion and which, if it answer
the purpose designed. will accomplish the long
sought for object His theory is at least plausible
and his machinery effects. in part, the purpose it
was constructed. 1t consists of two inclined planes,
rising and uniting in the centre, where wheel is
suspended. Over this wheel cord is suspended,
with steel ball attached 10 each end resting on
the inclined planes. magnetic pile, diminishing
In size as it approaches the wheel, is placed over
one OF the planes, and Immediately forces the ball
upward, whilst the opposite ball recedes, adding
It's weight to the impetus given by the magnetic
pile. So far the action is very good. but the great
difficulty, we apprehend, will be found in returning
the ball 10 its starting place. This has not yet
been effected. but Mr.. Steele is sanguine as to his
ability 10 produce this result. He has made the
best effort at producing perpetual motion that we
have seen, having applied the proper and only
agent capable of effecIiDg the object, but whether
he can so entirely succeed, as to make his ma
chinery practically efficient and useful, is vet to
be seen. He intends TO exhibit his model to the
citizens OF Baltimore, and to deliver lecture ex.
planatory OF its principle; and, as he is inge-
nious man, and has given the subject much study
and attention, we trust that his lecture nd exhi-
btion will be well attended, particularly by gen.
tlemen of science. Baltimore Sun.
We have much matter of this character from
the seat of Government but content ourselves to.
day with the following picture, which appears in
the n. Y. Herald, in some of its vouminous cor.
respondence:
Picture to your Imagination large room. oppo-
site 10 which is the closed door, which shuts out
from vulgar eyes the great Mogul-the dispenser
of patronage and eagles-in q word, the head of
one of the departments. in the ane-rooin is ga
thered together crowd of well dressed people
some with anxiety depicted on their faces; others
with a self satisfied smTk. as much TO say,
" What green set of fellows, to be sure. They
don't know the ropes, that's evident. However.
its none of my business-l'm certain of an office.
at all events" The Secretaries are at home. of
course, to everybody and receive the visiters ac.
cordng TO the position of their cards, which are
carefully numbered by the attendant as they are
received. The door opens, and Mr.. Snooks' name
is called Mr.. Snooks enters, and bows graceful lly
to the Secretary, who receives him with great
entpreSsment, shaking his hand very cordially.
Mr.. Snooks, presenting large bundle Of letters,
&c.)-SIr, am an applicant for a clerkshp, and
| beg you will have the kindness to look at my
letters of recommendation. fauer myself, sir,
that when ! mention that my claim is supported
by the Hon. Mr.. Jenkins, of our district need
say no more.
| Mr.. Snooks. But, sir. -
! The Secretary. (ringng his belly Certainly,
! sir; certainly. Good morning, sir. Very happy
| TO see you, indeed.
| Mr.. Snooks was merely going 10 remark -
! The Secretary. Ito the messenger, who has
answered the belly Send Mr.. Jone, in.
And the unfortunate Snooks walks off, very
much mystlfed, but still not completely forsuken
by that angel, Hope.
The application is filed away, with thousands OF
others, and, of course, again sees the light
To attempt to read fiftieth part of the appica-
tons would be impossible, and they therefore
treated all alike.
On the whole, the prospect Of these officeseek-
ing gentry Is not of the brightest for, in addition
TO the fact that an indiscrimina;e removal Of the
present officials is not contemplated, there are no,
, offices enough in the country, supposng them all
vacant, for one man in hundred who has already
placed his claims - on file.
! l1Dite7s and Mechauics.-The Now York Miro,