Baltimore commercial journal, and Lyford's price-current. [volume] (Baltimore, Md) 1840-1849, 1849-02-24

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prcsCrvcrs both for ships use and along the coast,
he has introduced many valuable improvements.
/ But his greatest work, and the by which he
will BE- longest remembered, is the invention Of his
new rig. Sailors, "yct unborn" will bless him
when il is universally adopted. Many schemes have
been suggested lessen the trouble and danger Of
rccfng aloft, but all have failed. In this respect
ships the same now as fifty years ago. Who
that has read Falconcr's thrilling description Of reef
ing, but must be feengIy alive to its dangers1 Capt
Forbes, by his new rig, has disarmed it Of its ter
rors.
Without reducing the surface of canvass necessary
10 propc the ship, he has arranged it, that the top
sails and mantop gallant sail have only single reef
in each which, when once in, the ship Is as snug as
if under close reefs Of the old rig; and this is accom-
p,hrd by having long lower mast heads, upon
which the first topsas set. His rig, in fact has
two tOpsails upon each tOpmaSt, above and the
other below the cap. The nautical reader will there
fore perceive that the upper topsail always be
carried to the last moment, simply because il can be
easily taken in and then, without rccling at all,
the ship Is at equal to OF the old rig, under
double reefs. His yards, too, arranged that,
with a single exception, those the fore and main
mast are Of the dimensions, advantage of no
ordinary importance in the event Of disaster aoft.
But we must refer to Captain Forbcs's pamphlet IL
self II clearly illustrates all that we have family
Swallowed forth. The rig has been fully tested in
the auxiliary steamship Massachusetts,, the bark
Edith, and lastly in the fine bark Samosct in voy
age round the world. During the whole of that long
voyage-and the vessel often experienced heavy
weather-all hands were never called to reef top
sails. The watch on deck handled the vessel in all
weathcrs. And let it be remembered that, though
designed for the frcighting business and consequent
y of full model, she made uncommonly quick
voyage. Capt. Hollis, her commander, went away
deeply preiudccd against her rig, but came back its
admirer. Results like these speak for themselves.
Capt. Forbes, in his pamphlet also recommends the
use Of lightning conductors, and various improve
ments in the working of chains, pumps, &c.
Without further remark, we would advise all who
are building ships to procure copy of this val
liable pamphlet 1t contains facts and suggestions Of
much Importance to all connected with shipping.
The pamphlet is written in clear, vigorous, off
hand style, and can be easily comprchcndcd by the
most limited capacity.
Capt. Forbes in conclusion, promises to give his
views upon the "mcans required 10 increase the
number Of American scamen, and TO improve the
moral condition Of all by whom ships are
ned."-BOston paper.
Public "IFash-kouses 1.-The various modes of
granting assistance TO the poor, in large communities,
increase every day, as public attention is attracted
to the subject. A correspondent of the New York
Journal of Commerce is urging upon the public the
propricty Of establishing public "wash houses not
matter of charity, but matter of convenience
and public economy. The intention is TO have
place where those who choose may-for certain
prcc-wash their clothes. The principle is the
same which leads TO build market house, and
in very large community, perhaps the principle
ought 10 be extended as TO cover this ground.
The correspondent to whom we have alluded makes
the following statement with regard to similar estab
lshmrnS in London
81 have visited one of these in London, where l
of poor women, standing at their station
airy tubs, (with washing board attachcd) into which
they could turn hot or cold water ad bitum, doing
up their weeks washing with the greatest and
comfort. Each washer was separated from her
II ghbor by partition Behind each and across the
passage way was a closet, through which stream
of very hot air rushed, to dry the clothes fast
washed, and in adjoining apartment were man
Cling machines and other ironing facilities in abun.
dance, that for two three pence, and in two 10
Irt.n pfII
the weeks clothing Of a considerable family, which,
in her own cramprd and inconvcnient and smoky
home, with scanty fire and insufficient tubs kettles
and other facilities, might have required the most of
a week TO do, and do very badly, to say nothing of
the loss Of timc-the danger 10 health of having
damp clothes hanging for days and nights. in the only
room perhaps which the family havc-the extra cost
Of fire, (Which in summer would be nearly all extra,
besides being very opprcssvc,) the tendency of con-
fusion and discomfort at home TO drive the husband
to the GROCERY, its bad effects upon children, sc.
'The success of these establishments may be in
ferred from the fact that in of them, in London,
about 20 900 washers, and over 1900 pieces wash
ed, recorded during the year lSi7 and the di-
rcctors say in their report that when the building is
completed its full dimensions II cannot tall to be
self-supporting
CONNECTED with the establishments referred to,
are great number of bathing rooms for cold, warm,
shower and steam baths at various prices, from to
II pence to meet the wants, tastes and conditions OF
different bathcrs. In one Of these establishments
$40 persons bathed. daily, during the warm season."
4 Touching Story.-Hon A. H. Stephens, of Ga,
in a recent address at meeting i'll Alexandria, Tor
the benefit of the Orphan Asylum and Free School
of that city, related The following anecdote:
GA poor little boy, in cold light in June, with
no home or roof to shelter his head no paternal or
maternal guardian guide to protect and direct him,
on his way, reached at nghtall the house OF rich
planter, who took him in, fed lodged, and sent him
on his way, with his blessing. Those kind attcn-
tions chccrcd his heart, and inspired him with fresh
courage to battle with the obstacles of life. Years
rolled round: Providence led him on; he had reach
cd the legal profession; his host had died; the cor
morants that prey on the substance OF man had form
ed a conspiracy TO get from the widow her estates,
She sent for the COUNSEL 10 commit her cause
him, and that counsel proved TO be the orphan boy
years before welcomed and entertained by her and
her deceased husband. The stimulus OF warm and
tenacious gratitude now added to the ordinary
motives connected with the profession. He under
took her cause with will not easily TO be resisied
he gained it; the widows estates were secured TO
her in pcrpctuity; and, Mr.. Stephens added, with
an emphasis of emotion that sent its electric thrill
throug hout the house-that orphan boy stands before
your
Mr. STEPHENS is one of the most remarkable men
of the day. His history abounds with incidents
which, while they illustrate the struggles winch I'M
aided genius encounter in It's efforts for dstinc-
ton aud usefulness, at the same time demonstrate
the certain success which ever attends true merit
and nyivlding perseverance. The above sketch by
himself Of an incident in his early life, presents III
striking light the depriyatons of his boyhood. The
rudimchts of his education acquired at what
they call in Georgia old field school. At an early
age he was transferred to the Academy, and by the
aid of some benevolent friends who had been at
traced by his remarkable development of talent of
the highest order, he enabled to enter Franklin
College, where he graduated with honor fully real
izng the highest expectations OF those who now
watched his career with growing interest, 1t was
expected that he would devote himself 10 the min
istry; but it was ultimately determined other wise.
Young STEPHENS aimed at independence for himself
and family He entered law office, and in a short
time before he yet out Of his minority was ad-
mitted TO practise in the courts, by special act of