The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-06-20
Local Matters.

MAGNETIC FIRE ALARMs-HoUR STRIKERS AND
CLocKs.-The city government of Boston have ap-
propriated the of ten thousand dollars for the
purpose Of establishing system OF fire alarms by
means Of the magnetic telegraph, and u committee
has been appointed to superintend the construction
and erection of the necessary apparatus to carry
out the work. This is a system which will doubt
less be followed soon in all large cities. We have
heretofore suggested the proprety of having,
by means of telegraphic connexion with the Ma
tional Observatory, the hour of the day and night
struck simultaneously at various points of our
city. This might be Immediately done, we think,
at very small outlay Equally important ia it to
the Government that the time should be accurately
kept at the Capitol the Executive offices, the navy
yard, the arsenal-all of which might be dane, we
think, at very great expense, by means Of mag
netic clocks connecting with the Observatory. We
throw out the suggestion, hoping that some of our
friends who are more familiar with the mechanical
and scientific details will aid US to carry it into
effect.
CRrMISAL CoURT.-Nelson Simms, negro, was
tried yesterday on two counts in an indictment,
namely: for violent assault on Lucinda jackson,
of his own color, and for mayhem, (knocking out
one of her eyes with a'broomstick.) He was found
guilty on the first, and sentenced to imprisonment
for nine months in jail and to pay fine of one
dollar. The woman lost her eye by the assault.
Several other cases, of no public Importance, were
tried; and young man, guilty Of assault and bat
terry and noting at fire, was fined ten dollars
The judge gave him good advice, and warned him
of the consequences of continued repetition of his
conduct, which, we trust, will have salutary eff
feet, not only upon him, but upon others.
HEARTLEss James Beckett col
ored man, was arrested by officer Ratclif yester-
day, and, after hearing before Justice Dom, was
sent to prison to await trial for brutality maltreat
ing colored youth, about eight years Of age,
named William Johnson. The boy was bound to
the man for service by his mother. The offence
which the child committed consisted in helping
himself TO victuals, his employer having nearly
starved him. On an examination of the body of
the boy, it discovered that, from the shoulders
to his feet, his flesh dreadfully lacerated and
that his fingers and forehead had been burned, rs
a punishment for relieving his hunger
FOURTH OF JuLY.-The National Greys, on the
afternoon of the third, will pitch their tents on Rod
birds hill, and spend the next day in becoming
manner The Infantry, as last year, will have an
carly morning parade, and dismiss at o'clock a.
IN. The Sons of Temperance, in the forenoon, arc
to receive delegation from the Grand Division Of
Pennsylvania, who will bring with them marble
block for the National Monument.
The Sabbath schools making preparations for
spending the day in the woods.
The WEATHER.-In our last issue we gave, as
we obtained them application at the Smith
sonian Institution, the observations of the Their
mometcr on Tuesday and Wednesday. Although
that instrument indicated, at six O'Clock in the
tho frat 4 nd an he
second 66lo, the quicksilver was much lower at an
earlier hour, when, we learn, frost was seen in this
city and the country around us, and the fog SO
heavy that tho courses of the Eastern branch and
other streams plainly marked The weather
is still cool enough for winter clothing, and, to
suit some temperaments, for fire in the sitting
room.
The GExxnM HEALTH of the city ia good. The
most prevalent diseases arc said to be dysen-
terry and diarrh1a. We have recently heard OF
several severe attacks of cholera morbus, caused
by eating large quantities Of cherrics One Of the
cases terminated fatally. From this we infer that
too much caution cannot be observed in partaking
of those fruits Of the which have tendency
to derange the digestive organs.
CESTRE MARKET.-Peas were selling at fifty
cent peck yesterday morning; potatoes seventy
fve butter from twenty 10 twenty five cents n
pound raspbcrrcs, eighteen and three-qunrtcr
cents quart; bnckberres from ten to twelve cents
quart; and eggs at twenty cents dozen.
The FaZEnAsoSs are going TO Mount Vernon
next Tuesday, est. Johns Day.) An Grafton is TO
be delivered and Nassolettis Light Infantry band
will accompany the party.
RoBpEaY.-Tbe store Of James r. Lloyd Co.,
on Pennsylvania avenue near. Fifteenth street. was
robbed yesterday morning Of upwards Of Fifty dol
| lars, in gold, silver, and notes.
D5- Dagucrreotypes.-Thc public arc re-