Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-07-05
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
GLlMPsEs OF MEN, THINGS, AND PLACEs-No. g.
Seen 6y prory for the Readers Of the IaelHgencer.
ELvIRA, CHENusa COUNTY,

BROOKLYN, Long Island, and tried to give sort OF
HiLotype view Of the objects within the circle OF
vision. From that view came 10 the deliberate
conclusion that there was sufficient evidence before
me to prove that this is truly wonderful country,
whatever the rest Of the world may think of it; and
that it really possessed very respectable amount
of vital energy. But, although perfectly satisfied
on that point still felt disposition to look lit
tie further, ,snd whether there was any more
evidence left I" of the same Sort
Nv presentlook is not from 8 Brooklyn Heights.
but from Chemung Valley" two hundred and
seventh miles 10 the westward Of the former point.
The passenger is ordinarily whirled over this dis
,ance in ten hours and a half. There is some evil
dence OF energy and go.ahead-tveness" in that.
This sleiph,of.hand trick is performed by the New
York and Erie Railroad, whose performances are
really worth looking at any day. No matter what
it touches, whether it be passenger or poultry, beet
or butter, or milk and strawberries, the way they
are all " nut through isn't slog. Those who wish
10 take breath and loiter by the way, as did, can
take it more lesurely, aud spend some twelve or
thirteen hours in passing over this two hundred and
seventy miles. For this purpose, 1t you take the
evening train, you will step on board the company
boat at the foot of Duane street, New ork at halt
past three p M, and reach the long pier al Pier
mont, twenty-five miles up the Hudson, at about
a quarter pdSt HVc, HdSiS PoSoco 'iie ie.o "s'SN
Palisades, ~ and other scenery whose ghmnses
are worth enjoying, and can be well enjoyed during
the refreshing sail. From Piermont the way-traln
will take YOU TO Turner'S station, thirty-three miles,
where YOU had better stop and let the train 60 on,
while you eat good supper, which you VIII just
have time to do, when the express train, which lett
New York at six, by Jersey City and Ramapo
Valley, will be at the door. Now step aboard and
take large comfortable easy chair, with a high
back to rest the head and you are prepared for the
night If you are not nervous you VIII gel an oc-
casonal nap, when those around you have done
with cir stories, finished up their arguments, and
left off singing. But your nerves are not quiet
arm yourself with patience; for, before morning,
you will learn what sort OF sickness OF the heart
is that arises from sleep deferred"
With the gray dawn Of morning you will find
yourself in the beautiful village of Emira. If you
have come through in the night, you have passed
unconsciously through and over much wild as well
as beautiful scenery. The whistle OF the engine
has broke the slumbers Of many pleasant sif1age
that you did not see green, fruitful fields and de-
lghtful valleys hid their faces under the mantle of
night as YOU passed them by; /" the mountains
skipped like rams land the little hills like lambs,
and you saw them not; and the sure-footed loco
motive carried you safely along precipitous cliffs
around the broad mountains breast, and the beauty
and sublmity of the scene thrilled not a nerve OF
your body. Therefore, | would advise you, if
practicable, to return over the route by daylight,
and have your eyes open. .~y
As for me, however, propose tarrying few
days at Elmira. The glimpse have already had
of the place is pleasant to the eye, but "he eye is
not (yet) satisfied with seeing.' / must climb some
of those green and beautiful hills othai surround
Elmira at a distance Of two or three miles; but
not to day. Elmira has doubled It's population
within three years. 1t contains now nearly six
thousand inhabitants, and in ten years it will prob
ably contain twenty thousand, and perhaps much
larger number. 1t is the most prominent station
on the great railroad between New York and Lake
Erie, and southern railroad, which will soon in
tersect the Erie road at this point will give the
place great advantages as central position to
large e1ten. of country The village Of Elmira is
located upon pleasant plain, slopng gradually to
the Chemung river. The Chemung canal passes
through it, and shoots its boats through lock into
the river. The railroad passes over the river on
two bridges the waters of the river being divided
by small island. The dwellings principally con-
sst of neat two-story white cottages, surrounded
with pleasant garden plots and shrubbery, and
having an inviting air Of taste end comfort. When
/ arrived yesterday found it was decidedly gala
day here, for the Freemasons were pouring in from
the surrounding country to celebrate the anniver-
sary of ST. John. This was tie nrst general cele-
braon Of that anniversary by the fraternity in this
part Of the country since the great Morgan excite
ment, many years age. But they were out yester-
day in strong force, and with all their ancient pride
and spendor. Their regalia was rich and snowy,
and their grand procession, led by several bands OF
music, was somewhat imposing. After passing
through several Streets they marched on 10 an island
in the Chemung, where the Rev. w. ii. GOODWIN
delivered an address, which did not hear, but hear
it spoken of as highly interesting performance
When the procession returned the Lodges divided
between the two principal hotels for dinner.
The Court Of Appeals, the highest law court OF
the Empire State, is now holding a four weeks,
session in this place. have just looked In, and
when have time to look more perhaps may say
more. There was full Bench present, consisting
of eight Judges, and quite number OF distinguish
ed members Of the bar, among whom were Ex-
Governor You've, Ex-Attorney General WILLIS
HALL, and Mr.. GERARD, Mr.. O'CoNNER, DANIEL
LORD, j. v. LOOMS, Mr.. DILLON and others, from
New York city. There. are some important and
interesting cases before this Court, which may
perhaps refer TO hereafter.
This place has undergone several changes OF
name since it was first settled by the whites, about
sixty years ago. Previous to It's present aPPella-
tlon Of Elmira it was called Dewittsburg; and be-
fore that Newton and earlier still the Indians called
1t Con-e!wa-wah, or l." head on pole" in memory
of the discovery Of Chiefs head in an unusually
elevated position. BIRD's-EyE.
VILLAIN on a LANCE SCALE The shswneetown Ad.