davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1850-04-29
The Susquehaana County Bank Again

Cincinnati, April 9th 1850.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
TRANSATLANTIC TELEGRAPH.

John A. Roebling, Esq, Civil Engineer, of
Trenton, N. ]. has furnished the Journal of
Commerce with long and ingenious article
on q Transatlantic Telegraph. Mr. X. has
had much experience in the construction OF
wire cable suspension bridges and aqueducts,
and in the manufacture Of wire ropes. He
considers tho construction of a line of tele-
graph wire across the Atlantic entirely prac-
ticable, and the cost not TO exceed $780,
900, on which he thinks very large dividends
may be expected, 25 per cent. at least. Ii
is difficult TO Judge of the merits Of project
so entirely new, and at first view there would
seem TO be great and inseparable objections
TO it but Mr.. Roebling shows in his commu-
nication that he has considered them all and
taken them into his calculation of the prac-
,icabilty OF the plan which he lays down.
His design is 10 sink a strong rtre rope upon
the bottom Of the ocean. The wire rope 10
be composed of twenty strands OF No. l3 or
IA wire, perfectly separated from each other
and isolated, so that they will form twenty
different and distinct transmitting wires, by
which twenty machines can be operated al
each end, and twenty messages despatched
at one time. II appears, he says, that iron
wire of No ii size, measuring so feet per
lb possesses sufficient conducting capacity
for the transmission of telegraphic currents
provided i, is perfectly insulated, necessary
condition, no matter what size of wire is en-
| ployed. The wires being perfectly insulated
and protected againt the action of the sea
water; quietly resting upon the bottom OF the
ocean, where nothing whatever can disturb
them, their efficiency may at all times be
depended on they will remain free from
those vexalious interruptions which are con-
stantly interfering with land telegraphic op-
erations. The communication is very long
one, describing the mode of laying the wires,
the strength of the material and the strain ii
would support without breaking. Coming
from this source, the project is at least wor'
thy the attention of practical minds.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
HARRIsBURG, April 90
HOUSE.

The House resumed the consideration of
the Appropriation Bill. The section making
an appropriation of three hundred thousand
dollars towards the completion of the North
Branch Canal, was disagreed 10 after pro
tracted discussion, by yeas "a, nays 40.
Tha sum of s45,ooo was appropriated for
the early completion of the Western Reser-
voir, and $500 for tho employment of an
Engineer.
After manifold motions and amendments,
relative to an appropriation for the North
Branch Canal, section was adopted as fol-
lows:
Sec. 34-There is also hereby appropriated
towards the completion of the North Branch
Canal, the sum of S250,000, in addition 10
the sum of S150,oOO already appropriated,
and in lieu of the appropriations for the cur
rent year, under the provisions of the act of
April TO- 1S49, in pursuance of the report of
the Auditor General and State Treasurer, TO
the Governor, made on the 14tl day Of Au-
gust,
Provided, That nothing herein contained
shall be construed 10 authorize any increase
of the State Debt, and if in the opinion of the
Auditor General and State Treasurer, there
is likely al any time TO be deficiency in the
revenues of the Commonwealth, 10 meet the
interest of the State debt, :he ordinary expen.
ses of Government and the repairs of the Ca
mails and Railroads, heretofore completed, il
shall be their duty TO withhold all, or SC
much of the appropriation made by this ac
to the said North Branch Canal, as shall be
requisite for those objects. Adjourned.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
EDITORS TABLE.
Hnsiness Noiices.

DicT1oxARY OF MACHINES, ENGINE WoRK
ASD ENeISEEUISG, by Oliver ByrnC, published
by Appleton & Co., New York. We have recei-
we'd the seven numbers already published of this
publication, a work, which is much wanted. 1t is
highly commended by the Press, and will, no
doubt be generally introduced. Published in
numbers at 25 cents, the whole to be completed
in forty numbers.
GoDEr's LAWS Book for May, has been re-
ceiyed. 1t is illustrated with numerous superb
engravings, the most prominent of which are,
"Gll from Heaven" and "playing Mother" 1t
contains also favoritc piece of music, entitled
ELLEN Polka" The contributions are varied and
attractive Persons dcsrous of subscribing for this
work can do so on favorable terms by calling on
the editor of this paper.
TIE AMERICAN QuARTERLr REGISTER Ann
MAGAzINE.--The last number of this work, sus-
tains the valuable character of its predecessors
The conclusion of the the Historical Register fol
the past year extends to about fifty pages; the
Quarterly Chronicle to half as many; there arc
some fifty pages of statistics, and one hundred o
documentary records; the remainder of the three
hundred pages being occupied with selected Mis-
cellanies, and original communications on consti
tutional history, the tenure of land, association
ideas, and Cherokee rites and traditions. w,
commend, with pleasure, the spirit and industr,
with which Judge Strykcr labors to impart th'
most useful character to the Register, adapting
to supply want often felt by intelligent men
writers and readers, to whom periodical Of thi
kind is in the highest degree acceptable.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

"Gufey! Guffey GufTey! ~ rent the air
again, until finally Mr.. Gufey rose, This
gentleman is a fine specimen of amiability,
and genuine good nature, and in view of this
fact alone, is a general !avorite with all par
ties. Renewed cries greeted his appearance
upon the hoor in the midst of which he be-
gan by saying "ihat for his part, he didn't
care what Little John Cessna said about him
he was too contemplate ~
"Go it, go il, GufeyW interrupted the
gentleman, and the speaker raped his ham
mer. Little John Cessna,n continued Mr..
Guney,n is like bubble on the water-it
swims awhile, making great fuss, and then
ii busts ~
"Good for Guffey hit him again !" voci-
ierated representative. "Order, order ~
cried another.
"Litilc John,n Indignantly continued MIR.
GuiTey, "Little John says went against the
corcus but would like 10 tell Little John
that Mr. Laird, my friend made the motion,
and that voted against it. have little faith
gentlemen, in the Democracy of any man
who was elected by fifteen votcs, as was lit
tie John! But who cares for him! | dom
He is like an ole COW what has lost her cal
when she bawls the loudest she soones
forgets!"
Screams Of laughter and applause followed
this last sally, in the midst of which Mr.
Gufley took his seat, after making IA few re
marks about 'Bed. ford" and 'Camberry'
which, from the confusion, it was impossible
10 comprehend. This speech restored thu
good nature Of everybody, and even the dis
satisfied Democrats were compelled 10 car
in !-PhHdd Bu.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
DISASTROUS STEAMBOAT ACCIDENT-ONE
HUNDRED LIVES LOST.
CINcINNATI, April 90.

CINCINNATI, April %.
The steamer Belle of the West, Captain
James, was burned one mile below Warsaw,
Kentucky, at o'clock this morning. She
was bound from this city TO St. Louis, with
California emigrants.
1t is confidently stated that one hundred
passengers lost their liues. Some we're burn
ed TO death, others were drowned by jump
ing overheard. The officers of the boat
saved their lives by jumping overheard and
swimming TO the shore. The Belle Of the
West was owned in this city, and was insur-
ed for $4,000. The scene was the most aw-
ful ever witnessed on the Western Waters.
SECOND DESPATCH.
Further Particulars of the Terrible Disaster.
MADISON, (Ind) April 23-P. NJ.
BY the officers of the steamer Wisconsin,
and from an eye witness 10 the horrible
scene, we are able 10 gather the facts in con-
nection with the burning of the steamer
Belle of the West.
AT about half past twelve O'Clock last night,
the steamer was discovered to be on fire in
the hold. She was Immediately run ashore
near Warsaw. made fast, and the stage planks
run out. Up TO this moment, the flames had
not burst forth.
The after hatch was then raised, for the
purpose Of letting water into the hold, but
such was the pressure Of the flames that all
efforts TO quell them were entirely fruitless
and in a few moments the whole boat was
wrapped in flames.
The total number of passengers on board
companies of California emigrants, and about
twenty families removing West. From the
register, il is ascertained that over sixty have
perished, and the probability is that many
have been lost whose names were not en-
! rolled.
Such was the progress Of the fire that be
! fore the passengers could get out Of thei
state rooms, after the first alarm of fire, al
forward part of the boat was cut of, and Ell
ther all were compelled 10 jump overheard o
perish in the flames
The scene is described as most heart-rend
ing. AT the time of the deck falling in
lady and gentlemen, with child in his arms
who were standing between the chimnies
were precipitated into the flames.
A large number of horses on board wer
either burnt 10 death, or so badly injured
that they had TO be killed 10 put them out q
their misery.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
SUNBURY AMERICAN AND SHAMOKIN JOURNAL.
GENERAL BANKING BILL.

The General Bank Bill, regulating the
Banks of this Commonwealth, that shall here
after be chartered and rechartered, has pas
sed both branches of the Legislature, and re-
ceived the signature OF the Governor. By
this law the liability principle is extended 10
all issues of Banks--al foreign notes, OF the
notes of other States under the denomination
of ten dollars, are excluded from circulation
in the Commonweath-the Directors are
made personally liable for the deposites and
other debts, in case of the fraudulent insol-
vency of banks-cashiers are required 10 give
bond TO the amount of one-fifth of the capi-
tai, when il is $500, 900 and under; in one
eighth, when it is between 100000 and
$500, 900; and in one-tenth, where it is over
$4,000 and not exceeding S 100000. The
extent of the term for which each bank shall
be chartered, is fifteen years. Banks can be
chartered for less period, but none for a
greater, in the aggregate. The bill, as oigi
naly passed, contained a provision requiring
| the country banks, east of the mountains, tC
keep their bills at par in Philadelphia, anc
those west of the mountains at par in the city
of Pttsburg. This provision, however, WE
learn from the proceedings, has since beer
repealed
We understand that it is contemplated a
Harrisburg 10 make an effort 10 authorize ;
loan at five per cent. free Of taxation, of sui
ficient amount 10 redeem the over due sil
! per cent. loans Of the State. 1t is though
that such loan, for twenty or twenty-five
years, would bring nearly or quite par, th
common taxed 5s selling now at about 90
and that the State, by availing itself of tn
favorable credit of its bonds, might withou
much difficulty, relieve itself of one per cen
interest on all that portion of the debt pa:
due. On the lst of December last, the pa:
due 6s amounted TO S1,797,0l5. One pc
cent. on this sum would amount TO sl7,e7
per annum.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
SHERIFF SALES.

DY virtue of certain Writs Of Ven. E1pcua,, 10
nB me directed, will be exposed to sale by pub
lie outcry at the house Of William Weaver in
Shamokin town, Coal township, at 10 o'clock A.
NJ, on Saturday the lth day Of May next, the
following real estate 10 wit "a certain Lot Of
Land, situate in the town of Shamokin, Coal town.
ship and county of Northumberland, bounded by
Independence street, Franklin street and the Dam
vile and Pottstown Rail Road, containing one
eighth of an more or less.-Whcreon is crec-
ted frame Machine Shop and Locomotive house
"A by 40 feet, frame Blacksmith shop 421 by
20 feet, frame Carpenter Shop 35 by "a feet,
and frame Engine and Boiler house Is by so
feet. Seized taken in execution and to be sold as
the property of the Danville and Pottstown Rail
Road Company.
ALSO:
At the house of Frederick Sticker in the Boz
rough of Milton at 10 o'clock, A. NJ, on Monday
the l3th day of May next certain Lot Of Land,
situate in the Borough of Milton in said county,
i'll that part of said orough called Lower Milton,
bounded on the north by an Alley, on the east by
an Alley, OH the south Ferry Lane and on tho
west by lot of Mrs. Oldwin, containing one-eightr
of an acre more or less, whcreon is erected two
story frame Dwelling House. Seized taken in
execution and to be sold as the property of Chas.
Rohrbach. JAMES COVERT, ShrE
Sherif's office, Sunbury,l
April 20. lS5O.-ts {
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
FROM HARRISBURG.
HARRIsBURG, April 10

HARRISBURG, April 10.
A Farce IN The House Of Representatire
The final passage of the Apportonment
Bill in the House of Representatives made
up scene of exquisite fun aud melo-drama-
tic defamation which beggars description.
Pending the call for the yeas and nays on
the final disposition of the bill, Mr.. Cessna,
of Bedford, rose in his place, and proceeded
TO denounce "his Christian brethren" most
numerically, finging his arms about in a
species of mental agony, and letting fall the
democratic anathema upon the recreant gen.
tlemen from Westmoreland, whom he accused
Of sacrificing their political faith 10 private
interest. Finally, after some further remarks
with the "big drops" standing out upon his
forehead, Mr.. Cessna sank exhausted into his
seat.
Then began the fun! Reiterated cries re-
sounded throughout the hall of "Gufey
GuiIey! get up, Gufey" !" The gentleman
30 Justify called for is one Of the worthy re.
presentatves of Wesimoreland, and had re-
ceived the lions share of attention at the
hands of Mr.. Cessna.-But Mr.. GufIey sat
"moionless as the statue at the gate of Al
tori, which looks life, yet neither breathe
nor siirs! !" yet fire flashed from his eyes
and an expression gathered on his face whcl
argued trouble TO Mr.. Cessna He had bee
injured, and his thunder was concentrating
AT last he gave a quick glance over 10 III
desk OF his colleague, Mr.. Laird, which sai(
as plain as mar could say with his eye'
"Defend yourself, and then leave him 10 me!
Mr.. Laird al once started to his feet, anC
after few quiet remarks in reference 10 III
language of Mr.. Cessna, and with the asse
ton that his equiyocal accusations were b.
meath the notice of gentleman, he sat dow
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
HARRISBURG, April %.
IInTTCIr
HOUSE.

The House resumed the consideration of
the appropriation bill.
The appropriation of 100000 for avoid
ing the Inclined Plane on the Portage and
Allegheny Railroad, was agreed 10, with
provision that it shall not interfere with for
mer appropriations made in this bill Yeas
As, nays Al.
new section was adopted taxing coal
going North to the New York State line on
the North Branch Canal, one cent per ton per
mile. Yeas SO, nays 33,
The thirty second section authorizes the
Canal Commissioners TO sell all personal pro-
perry on or along the lines of canals and rail-
roads which are no longer required for the
interest of the public-the proceeds TO be
paid into the treasury of the Commonwealth
They are also authorized 10 sell the old de-
pot al Columbia, pay the proceeds into the
treasury, and apply the same, on warrant of
the Canal Commissioners, to purchasing and
completing the new depot at Columbia, for
which purpose 900 are further appropria-
ted.
The Canal Commissioners are also author
lied TO sell, by giving public notice, the
Schuylkill Bridge, and ali that part of the
State Road lying east of the Inclined Plane
together with all real estate and old mate
rials upon that part of The Philadelphia and
Columbia Railroad which is rendered useless
by the new road, 10 avoid the Plane with
a provision that it shall not be sold for less
than two hundred thousand dollars. The
proceeds of this sale are 10 be applied TO re-
laying the second track for six miles from
Columbia, TO an intersection with the old
road, and 10 straighten curves, &c, on the
Columbia Railroad.
The thirty fourth section authorizes the
Canal Commissioners TO sell the light-class
engines, and apply the proceeds tc the pur'
chase of new first class engines.
The ihirty-ffth section appropriates S5o,'
900 10 the Pennsylvania State Lunatic Asy
lum.
On motion of Mr. Simpson, a new section
was adopted, autho:isng the West Philadel
phia Canal Company to sell their Canal
; Judge Conyngham introduced a supplement
, to the Appropriation Bill, which makes aP
: proprations for he payment of various dam
s ages awarded by the Canal Commissioner;
b and other claims reported on by committee
h as just and equitable.
n AFTERNOON SEssIoN.-The consideratio
!, of the Appropriation Bill was resumed.
e Mr. McClintock moved an appropriation {
|, $50, 900, to the officers and soldiers of III
5, Pennsylvania Volunteers who served in tn
- war with Mexico. Lost-Yeas 81, nays Al
"a THE GENERAL CONFERENCE Of the Metht
r. dist Episcopal Church, South, which holds
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
HARRrsBuRG. April "a.


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,. The consid-
GRAFTON of Senate amendments TO House Bills
was resumed. The amendment erecting the
new county Of Montour, of parts of Columbia
county, being before the House.
Mr.. Former moved 10 amend by striking
out part of the original bill, and substituting
provision changing the lines of the county
which was disagreed to-Yeas 80. Nays 40.
Mr.. Packer offered an amendment, which
excepted any part of Northumberland county
from the limits of the proposed new county
of Montour, which was agreed to-Yeas So,
Nays 35.
Mr.. Fortner then moved that the bill be
referred 10 the Committee on New Counties,
which, after some debate, was disagreed 10
yeas 81, nays 50. The question recurring on
the first section of the bill, it was agreed to T.;
yeas 81, nays SO.
! Mr.. Fortner moved TO amend the second
section by submitting the question 10 the vo-
tiers of Columbia county, pending which, af-
ter protracted debate on the general merits
of the bill, between Messrs. Porter, Rhey,
| Williams, Biddle and Allison, in opposition,
and Mr. Porter in favor, MIR. Klotz moved to
postpone the bill indefinitely, which was dis.
agreed 10; yeas 40, nays 81.
The motion 10 refer TO the people of Colum.
bia county the decision of the question by
ballot, was then agreed to-yeas So, nays 80
The section, as amended, was agreed to. The
remaining sections, relating 10 the same sub
ject, were then concurred in.
A Senate amendment, relative 10 the Della
ware Division of the Pennsylvania Canal
was considered and discussed by Messrs
Porter, Williams and Beaumont until The
hour Of adjournment.
AFTERNOON SEssIoN.-The consideration
of various Senate amendments was resumed
The sections relative 10 the improvement o
the Delaware Division of tho Pennsylvani
Canal was not agreed 10.
The pportionment Bill was then taken u
and discussed till the adjournment.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

TIE HOUSE of a gentleman in New Or
leans was entered by some daring thief on
the night of the 10Th inst, whilst he and his
wife were soundly asleep, and gold watch
and a lot of jewelry belonging 10 the lady re-
moved from under their pillows. The thief
helped himself 10 kiss, too, on the fair
cheek of the sleeping lady,
The seal of his affection must have been
uncommonly warm and strongly applied TO
have left so deep an impression upon the
cheek of lady, who is represented to have
been soundly wrapped in sleep.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

New DEVELOPMENTS IN RELATION TO Pro
FEssoR WEBsTER.-Since the trial of Profess
sor Webster, for the murder of Dr. Parkman,
person has stated that he saw the Professor
throw the sledge hammer with which it was
supposed Webster killed DR.. Parkman, by a
blow on the head, into Charles River, from
Cambridge Bridge, and can point out the pre-"
else spot. Search will Immediately be made
for it.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

~ 4 MUSICAL PHENoMENoN.-While
at Lewisburg a few days since, we met
with Mr.. Sharpe, who possesses the Won
derlul faculty of producing tones entirely
different from any thing we ever heard.
The higher notes may be described as some
thing between the tones of musical snuff
box and Aageolet, with tremulous
sound. There is also bass voice accom-
paniment, with notes not unlike those pro-
duced by clarionet. He sang for us a
march without any apparent effort, standing
behind chair, drumming with his fingers
an accompaniment on the back ofthe chair.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

&C. The CRoPs.-Notwithstanding the
cold weather and backward state of vegeta-
tion, the crops look well and promise, thus
far, good yield. Fruit OF all kinds we
think has escaped uninjured, and will afford
good crops.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

BENTON IN MIssoURI.-Col. Benton wages
uncompromising war against the disunionists
in his own State. In recent letter written
in answer 10 some friends proposing a union
Of the two Democratic branches in that State,
he says:
was sounded upon this point last sum-
mer, when the articles were going through
the Calhoun papers, for general convention
of the party, as il was called TO meet and
settle all differences. l answered instantly
and truly, that aeould sooner SIT in council
with the sir thousand dead, lrho had died o.
cholera, in St, Louis, than go into conuentior
rith such gang Of scOmPs, and that is M
sentiment TO day.
Fear of seeing Wings elected can have NJ
effect upon me, under present circumstances
not even a fear of seeing Whig elected
in my own place. | am for the country anC
the Union, and the country and the UnioI
require Calhounism 10 be exteminated ii
| Missouri, and am for the determination a
courageously as the Calhonniies are for th'
dissolution of the Union, ''at all hazards, anC
without regard 10 consequences.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

% PROSECUTING ATToRNEYs.-The House
has finally passed the bill for the election
of Prosecuting Attorneys. This is in ac-
cordance with the spirit Of the age, as the
Legislature had already passed bills for the
election of Judges, Auditor General, Sur
veyor General and Deputy County Sur.
veyors, and there was no reason why Prose.
cutting Attorneys should not also be chosen
from among the people.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

C. FRUIT TREEs.-Persons in want OF
few good peach, apricot and apple trees,
can be supplied by calling soon on the edi-
tor of this paper, who has received small
lot, part of which will be sold at reasonable
prices.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27
ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE.

ETTERS of Administration upon the estate
~ late of Hon. Calvin Blythe, decd, have this
day been granted TO the subscriber. All persons
having claims against said estate notified to
present them without delay.
FREDERICK LAZARUS, Admir-.
sunbury, April 81, ls50.-6t
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

r Press roR SALE.-As we have
enlarged our paper we offer for sale good
second handed Washington Iron Press, the
same on which the American was formerly
printed. The platin measures 81 by 80
inches full. Ii will be sold simply because
we have no further use for it.
Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-04-27

W A correspondent of the Ledger says
the most curious specimens of Photography
which have fallen under my observation,
were some guide boards, on mountain
road from Harrisburg TO Pine Grove, in
Schuylkill county, near the latter named
place. They were as follows;
To Big Dam, was written to pix tam 7 Nj
Pine Grove, A" " to pint grof NJ
Cold Spring" 10 colt sPrine.