The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-07
Local Matters.

SMITHSONIAN LEcTUREs-A listener to Professor
Rogers's Lectures Geology is at loss which
most to admire, the simplicity or the grandeur of
| the science he teaches-Geology. II appears that
slick constitutes almost half of the earth in
| habit. The most common and abundant exhibi.
ton of slick is in quartz, which exists in varieties
literally endless. At one time in bed of sand; at
another in masses of pebbles blocks of flint; then
again in beautiful crystals, sometimes entirely
| transparent; then with beautiful purple hue, or,
perhaps, red and yellow clouded, or of pearly
lustre. In these various forms. quartz which is
| almost pure slick, constitutes much the greatest
portion of gems used for ornaments in different
ages of the world.
This slick is the oxide of metal called silicium;
oxygen forming about half of the oxide. Oxy-
gen, of course, forms in this substance, slick,
about one quarter of the earth inhabit. AS this
same element, oxygen enters into other earths such
| as lime, clay, magnesia, &C., in various combina-
tons il forms of itself about half of solid earth
As it enters largely, also, into water and air, il is
probably the most abundant of all material sub
| stances.
As the Professor left these simple elements of the
earth rendered plain by his clear and familiar IL
Illustrations, he presented the science in some of its
features of grandeur and sublimity, especially in
the mighty upheapals" to which it has been sub
proofs that only very thin crust of the earth is
solid matter, subject to constant changes from the
mas of melted matter within, constituting almost
the whole body Of the globe inhabt.
The EXTENSION THE CAPIToL.-The necessity
Of this measure has been for many years apparent
and both houses of Congress have had IL in contem-
| plation. Better accommodations are required in
all departments. The halls of Legislation are too
small; the Library requires a much more spacious
/ apartment; and committee and other rooms are
/ needed for the despatch OF public business. The
rapid increase OF such business in every department
Of the Government calls for extended plans of i'm
provement and IL will prove the part Of wisdom in
Congress 10 provide at once for such demand Con.
scous Of this necessity regards its own chamber
| the Senate some time since, through its committee,
took up the subject Of extending the Capitol, and
plans have already been submitted 10 the consider
| alton Of this committee
/ One Of these plans which we have examined
that proposed by Mr.. Mills-contemplatcs the ad-
dition of two wing buildings one TO the north and
one to the south, one hundred feet front each, by
two hundred feet deep, east and west. BY this ar
rangement the new halls for legislation would oc-
cupy these two wings, and the Congressional Lii
brary the whole OF the west projecting building,
where a room one hundred and fifty FIVE feet long
| and sixty feet wide could be obtained The present
Senate chamber would be appropriated TO the uses
Of the Supreme Court, and the present Hall Of Rep
resentatvcs would contain the library Of the House,
and also afford grand audience or conference room
The principal external entrances 10 these wings
and TO the rotunda, would be on the east front by
means Of the portioo, its coonnadc being extended
10 communicate with each wing. To create an ex-
| ternal communication with the Library from each
wing on the west front, Il ia proposed 10 extend
oolonnade gallery here on each side Of the west
projection.
The exterior improvements proposed compre-
bend change in the character Of the great dome
that surmounts the centre Of the building remov.
ing the present unsghtly structure. and giving an
| architectural finish here similar 10 the crowninR of
some Of the most celebrated buildings Of Europe;
and thus afFording a splendid light 10 the rotunda
paintings and sculpture; also, the erection Of two
principal portcoes, one each front Of the wings
north and south, for the express Of each house
the communication with which being confined 10
| each hall.
FAsHrosABLr DAScrxo.-The attention Of our
readers, and especially tho ladies' s directed to the
advertisement Of signor Mora, from Naples, who
purposes giving lessons at Carusis saloon for a
short time, in the new and graceful styles Of fash
ionable dancing, lately introduced in this country
by saracco. sgnor Nora possesses the reputation
Of being finished master Of the art, and those who
desire 10 be perfect in its graccs should avail them
selves Of this opportunity
UNITED STATES MApNKs.-The detachment of
United States marines, commanded by Lieutenant
Queen, whose arrival here was noticed yesterday,
did not leave Sunday for the South stated, but
were marched 10 the Marine Barracks in this city,
where they are at present quartered. They viii
leave by the Norfolk boat Thursday for the Cos
port navy yard.
| Miss CHARLOTTE CusHmAS.-An elegant and
le-ike picture Of this accomplished actress, taken
by Bennett during her late visit 10 this city, may
be seen at Mr.. BIS gallery, Pennsylvania avenue.
| The TRAVERSE WILL ChsE.-Our readers will
remember our allusion 10 this on the 25th ult
| as having been commenced on the preceding day;
the desire Of the plaintiffs being 10 set aside the will
of the late Mr.. Traverse. II continued 10 occupy
the attention Of the court till yesterday, st one
o'clock, when IL was given 10 the jury but at nine
o'clock last night verdict had not been agreed