Southern shield., 1850-05-04
WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT

We learn from the National InteAigencer' that the work on this great national edifce, dedicated 10 the memory of Washington, was recommended on Monday, the 18th ult, for the season, and will be continued till the season again closes. It is now fifty two feet high, and gives an idea of what it is intended to be when completed. A block of stone has been presented to form part of this great monument by every State in the Union, with two exceptions, thus show ing the interest felt in this great structure by the States, as well as the people of this country. From both it is hoped that the contributions will be such as to render it's completion, though gradual, certain, and thus prove to the world that the American people know how to appreciate and honor patriotism and public virtue, and add new glory to the Republic, by erecting memo rial of their gratitude and veneration which will be unsurpassed in the world.
 THE RIVER, at this place, is still rising, and is now within about eighteen inches of the last high water. All the upper rivers are said to be high and slowly rising. The steamer Aleck Scott, from St. Louis, which passed down on Thursday morning, report ed that considerable rise was coming out of the Upper Mississippi.
 The Memphis Eagle, of last Thursday says:
 "The River at this point is within an inch or two ot h;ghwater mark, and rising slow ly. The overflow upon the Arkansas bot tom lands has sensibly checked the rise, but reports from above, of the unprecedentedly high stage of the Cumberland and Tennes see, the general rains and full stages of all the rivers, would indicate that we have fur ther and more serious disasters to appre- hend."
 &eambOat Burnt.-The steamer Belle of the West was totally destroyed by fire, on Monday night, 22d ult., near Florence, Ia. She was from Cincinnati, and bound for St. I-Ouo, duu ildu Ou DOdlu UUOul lWO uululCu passengers, thirty-fve or forty of whom, we regret to say, periShed in the flames or were doWned.
 FIRE--About o'clock on Tuesday night last, the Cotton Shed of R. A. Parker & Co.,, near the corner of Union and Shelby sts., with about 200 bales of cotton, was consumed by fre-insured for $3O,OOO. The fire spread rapidly and soon communi- cated to the residence of Col. N. Anderson, which was partially consumed. The furni- ture, in broken and damaged state, was saved-insured for $500
 Aboa. o'olook-saa,o a:sl.t sLa small frame dwelling, unoccuped- immediately north of the residence of A. B. Taylor, was also burned down. An effort was also made to fire the house of the latter named gentleman, but it was discovered in time 10 prevent its consummation. There is no doubt but that both fires were the work of an incendiary.-Memphss Appeal
 SAD AccIDENT.--On Tuesday night last, during the fire, Hillen Armor, youngest son of David Armor, was run over by Engine No. l, ana died in about half an hour after wards. He was an amiable and promising youth about l6 years of age, and has left a deeply agonized father, besides large cir cle of other relatives and friends 10 mourn his sudden transit from time to etelnity.-B.
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