The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-08-13

Electro Magnetism.

Electro Magnetism.
Saturday afternoon Prof PAGE delivered an
other interesting lecture at the Smithsonian In
stitute upon Electricity; its discovery, gradual
development, &c., the practicability of its app-
cation to machinery as motive power. He
said, although we were indebted to the old world
for so much in the arts and sciences, and usually
had to acknowledge them as the pioneers-yet
to our own countrymen would be accredited
the most important discoveries, and the most
thorough research in the wonderful agent Elec-
tricity.
He alluded to Franklin, Morse, and Henry in
an appropriate manner, and accompanied his
lecture with interesting experiments, illustrating
the great power of the magnet; and, at the con-
clusion, demonstrated to the satisfaction of a
large audience Gf we may judge by the applause)
that his theory was practical one He had an
engine of about five horse power, to which was
attached circular saw, which was set Mt work ;
and for few minutes the lecture room was con-
verted into saw mill, and the rails and shingles
were got out" at a rapid rate. We hope to
see all his anticipations realized.
At the lecture room we met gentleman a
Mississippian, who has an engine in successful
operation in Baltimore, which Is driven by
electric power.
The ENTIRE Cry BRILLIANTLY ILLUMINATED.
"A petition has been presented to Congress
asking that the new Calcium light be introduced
for lighting the City, and that appropriations be
made for the construction of necessary works
or its manufacture, and further setting forth,
TINT the entire City may be brilliantly lighted BY
two lights; one at the Capitol and the other
near the Presidents grounds, and by means OF
powerful refectors, the rays of light thrown in
different directions will illuminate for miles
around.
We have already witnessed its power in one
or two exhibitions, and Prof GRANT is intending
to make further experiments, showing the prac-
tcability of the proposed plan.
The cost Of manufacturing and supporting the
Calcium light will not be more than one.tiJth as
much as that Of the ordinary gas light.
A MAN MURDERED ON SUNDAY NIGHT-On
Sunday night, or rather on Monday morning, be-
tween and o'clock, the dead body Of an Irish
man by the name Of Ragn was found on E
street between 18th and 10Th streets, with a
horrid stab in the breast, apparently inflicted
with dirk, or bowie knife, and with the marks
ofheavy blows upon the head. He was laborer
employed somewhere in the suburbs of the
City.
A Coroners inquest was in session last even
ing at the time we learned the above particulars.
From some circumstances connected with the
case it is probable the guilty parties will yet be
detected.
FnRE.-There was fire on f street about
IL o'clock Sunday night-some four or five
buildings, principally workshops, were con-
sumed.
A FIGHT AMONG THE Franklin
Company Us. Northern Liberties--Soon after the
fire on Sunday night disgraceful fight took
place between the Franklin Engine Company
and the Northern Liberties, in which stones and
brickbats few thick and fast, besides pretty
free use of fire arms, but we hear Of no serious
injury to any one, with the exception of Capt
Goddard who received severe blow upon his
hip, from a heavy stone, which may disable him
for some time. The ARRAY grew out Of an old
feud, which has occasionally broken out before.
We would suggest when such breaches of the
peace occur, that as proper punishment. the
City Authorities be required to promptly sum
mons the entire fireman's force of the city, and
under their direction, with the aid of the militia
ry, the engines be made to play for three hours
upon the offe ding companies. for the first riot.
and increasing the dos, for every subsequent
fight. It would work like charm.