davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

AUCTIONS BY INCH OF CANpLE.-"A Sexton Of
the Old School, the learned but droll antiquary
of the Boston Transcript, furnishes the subjoined
account of mode of selling by auction in England
something less than two centuries ago:
noticed the following paragraph in the Eoening
Transcript not long ago, and IL led 10 turn over
some heaps of old relics in my possession
"A substitute for the everlasting going, going,
gone was introduced at recent auction in New
York. The auctioneer held up a sand glass,
through which the sand occupied fourteen seconds
in passing. If person made bid, the glass was
held up in view of all, and if no person advanced
on the bid before the sand passed through the sale
was made. This idea is a novel one, though we
believe it has long been practiced in Europe
II was formerly the custom in England to sell
goods at auction ''by inch of CANDLE" An inch of
candle was lighted, and the company proceeding
TO bid, the last crier bidder before the candle
went out was declared the purchaser. Samuel
Pepys, who was secretary of the admiralty in the
relgns OF the two last Stuarts repeatedly refers
the practice in his diary. Thus, in Braybrooke' q
edition of lS4S, he says, vol. l, page l5l, under
date November o, 1860: I" To our office, where we
met all, for the sale of two ships, by an inch of
candle, (he first time that saw any of this kind
where observed how they do invite one another,
and at last how they all do cry and we have much
to do to tell who did cry last
Again, Ibid, Vol. II, page 30, September 3. 1862:
"After dinner we met and sold the Weymouth
Successc, and Fellowship hu!kes, where pleasant
to see how backward men are at first to bid; and
yet, when the candle is going out, how they bawl,
and dispute afterwards who bid the most fret
And here observed one man cunninger than the
rest, that was sure to bid the last man. and to car
ry it; and, inquiring the reason, he told me that
just as the flame goes out the smoke descends,
which is thing | never observed before, and by
that he do know the instant when to bid last y
Again, Ibid, Vol. Nv, page 4, April g. 1867, he re-
iers to certain prize goods "bought lately at the
Candle"
Haydn says this species of auction, by inch of
candle, ID derived from practice in the Roman
Catholic Church, where there is excommuni-
cation by inch of candle, and the sinner 10 allowed
to come to repentance while yet the candle burns
The sinner is supposed, of course, to be going-go
tng-gonc-unless he avals of the opportunity to
bid, as it were, for his salvation This naturally
reminds the reader of the spiritual dstich-
"For while the lamp holds out to burn,
The vilest sinner may return"
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

BALTIMORE DRv GOODS MARKET.-Durng last
mand for goods among the commission houses; al
though, says the Price Current, there have been
some checks TO very large increase of the pur-
chases of many styles-chiefy owing to the alb
sence of some of our leading obbers, who are visit
ing the North with the intention Of obtaining the
lowest marks of our competitors in other markets,
and with view to making moderate purchases Of
foreign dry goods not to be obtained here thus early
in the season. The Price Current adds:
owe feel convinced that prices of cotton goods
have reached their lowest point; and, although
there may not be an immediate advance, the scarci-
ty OF many styles, and the certainty Of the stop
page of many mills, will induce holders to be eau
uous In disposing Of their stock at reduction from
present prices. Wool continues TO rule at such a
high rate that the manufacturers of that article
must stop their machinery, obtain a very con-
siderable advance on cloths, satinets, and other
woollen fabrics"
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

JOINT LITERARY LABoR.-When the committee
of the French Academy were employed in prepar-
ing the we'll known academy dictionary, Cuvier,
the celebrated naturalist, one day into the
room where they were holding session "Glad
to see you, M. Cuvier' said one Of the forty, "we
have just finished a definition which we think quite
satisfactory, but on which should like to have
your opinion. We have been defining the word
crab, and have explained it thus: Grab, small
red fish, that only walks backwards" "Perfect
gentlemen said Cuvier, "only, if you will give
me leave, will make small observation in ma
tural history The crab is not fish, it is not red,
and 1t does not walk backwards; with these excep-
tons your definition ia excellent
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20
THE REPUBLIC.
WASHINGTON:
WEDNESDAY MORNING. AUGUST 40. 1851.


.'Theseries of measures to which have alluded
are regarded by me as settlement, in principle
and substance-a final settlement-ofth danger
ous and exciting subjects which they embraced"
''By that adjustment we have been rescued from
the wide and boundless agitation thatsurrounded
us, and have firm, distinct, and legal ground
to rest upon. And heoccasion, trust, will JUS
tfy rue sxHoRTINe MY ooUETRVMES TO RALLY
uPoE AND MAIETAIN THAT GROUND as the best, ii
not the only means, of restoring peace and quiet
to the country, and maintaining inviolate thein-
'tegrity ofthe Union"
[PREsIDENT FILLMoRE's MESSAGE.
ssThe Presidents message, at the opening the
present session of Congress, expresses fully and
plainly his own and the unanimous opinion of all
those associated with him in the Executive admin
'istration of the Government, in regard to what
fare called the Adjustment or Compromise mea-
'sures of last session. That opinlons, that those
measures should be regarded in principle as
a final settlement of the dangerous and exciting
Subjects which they embrace; that though they
were not free from imperiections, yet in their
mutual dependence and connection, they formed
"a system of compromise the most concihatory
and best for the entire country that could be OBJ
tanned from conflicting sectional interest and
Opinions, and that therefore they should De al
shered to, until time and experience should de-
monstrate the necessity of further Legislation to
guard against evasion or abuse. Thatopinion, 80
far as know remains entirely unchanged, and
will be acted upon steadily and decisively. The
peace ofthe country requires this; the security OF
'the Constitution requires this; and everyconside-
ration of the public good demands this. If the
Administration cannot stand upon theprinciples
ofthe message, it does not expect tostand at all"
IDASIEL WEBsrER's Letter TO the Union Meeting
81 UIestchester.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

Mr. CoBB.-This distinguished champion of the
Union reached our place last evening, on his way
TO the Lincolnton meeting, which takes place to-
day. In few minutes after his arrival, he was
waited on, quite unexpectedly TO himself, by a
committee of citizens, with request to address the
people upon the great public questions of the day
He promptly responded, by repairing to the court
house, which had been brilliantly lighted for the
occasion, where he entertained, for three quarters
of an hour, the largest town meeting we have ever
known to assemble in the place. We have no
room, at the late hour we write, to review, even
summarily, the various points of Mr. Cobb's ad-
dress, and can only add that all were delighted
with both matter and manner, which fully sus-
tanned the high and deserved reputation of the
speaker Washington (Ga.) Gazette, dug. IA.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

THE LATE HAIL-sToRM IN MAssAcHusETrs.-
We learn from the Springfield Republican that in
the house OF Alpheus Billings, of Somervile, three
hundred panes of glass were broken; in the
woollen factory at that village as many more;
and in that proportion all about. With such force
were the hailstones driven from the clouds that in
in one case, in West Stafford they pierced the
window curtain as well as the glass; and woodwork
plainly showed the marks Of the stones. There
was also savage destruction of the crops The
ly destroyed; the corn literally cut down and par
TALLY destroyed; and the injury TO the buckwheat
was also nearly if not quite fatal. Garden vegeta-
bles, cabbages, and the like, were cut to pieces.
No such storm was ever known before in that vi
cnty.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

The CHOLERA AT LOUISVILLE The cholera broke
out at Louisville very suddenly the l4th instant,
The Courier Gays that for the twenty four hours
ending on the night of the l4th there were fifteen
cases, ten of which proved fatal while no hope was
entertained for the recovery of four Others the dis
ease being very malignant. The following is list
of the victims
CHARLES Willis, Formerly of Maryland,) clerk
at o. i. Harrison's; Campbell, youth, son of
merchant on Market street; -- Furay, at /. Gro
mics; J. ID. Smith, of the Fourth street seed sore
Hugh Donnelly, potato dealer, Market street;
George McCready, a grocer, Market street;
German, at Basler's, Market street; Henry, slave
of A.. L. Shotwell's; two negro men, slaves, at
Hull & Shannon's.
fThose down with the disease are the wife and
daughter of Mr.. Smith, mentioned above. Two
men were taken TO the hospital, one stone. cutter
and the other ftatboatman from New Albany, In
diana, and Captain Gordon, at Evan 3 Commercial
Row. In addition, we learn that slave of L.
Easton Il Co., Main street, died Of the disease
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

CONVENT OF ST. Conference.-The Representa-
tons of our Roman Catholic organ place this in
stitution in most flattering condition. II was es-
since, and has, during the intcrvening period,
found places for about 5000 destitute females.
There are hundred girls at work in the
house, Corner Of Houston and Mulberry Streets
and two hundred poor children are enjoying adj
vantages of instruction. Any one producing evil
dence OF good character ia taken in, without refer
ence to nation creed Beside these home duties
the nurses (Sisters of Mercy have under their
pecial the sick poor in all parts of the city and
the inmates of the city prison. Food, clothing and
medicine dispensed to the former, and spiritual
consolation to the latter.--N. " Tribune.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

HEAVY FoRG w. Mcdowell, coal
dealer, south Third street, and tax collector for
Dock Ward, sloped from the city last evening or
this morning, leaving sundry relatives, friends,
and acquaintance sufferers to various amounts,
varying from HUNDREDS to thousands of dollars. Be-
sides being defaulter to the city to heavy sum,
he has perpetrated forgeries amounting, as far as
has been ascerained, to some s 5000. He is sup
posed to have either started for the West by way
of Harrisburg or Baltimore, or gone directly to
New York with the intention of getting off to Calls
fornia The fugitive leaves his wife upon the eve
of her ACCOMPLISHMENT in the deepest distress. The
police the alert, and the telegraph has been
set to work in every direction to intercept him.
One or two of the cleveres men in town, it is feared
will suffer to serious extent by his frauds. Whe-
by gambling or speculation in stocks is not known
Every effort will be made to overhaul him and
bring him back to Philadelphia Phiia. Bulletin.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20
An Expedition Into the 1

An Exped itiOn Into the Interior OF Africa.
Our readers will remember that early in 1850
MIR. RIcHARDsoN, an agent of the British govern
ment together with two German savants, and
select escort, started from Tripoli on expedition
to explore the interior of Africa. The latest in
formation from these gentlemen is contained in
ettor from one Of them, DIR. BARTH, to the British
consul general at Tripoli, dated the 25th February
last. The expedition had reached Kano, on the
road to the kin gdom OF Bornon, where they ex-
pected to arrive in the month OF April The expe-
dtion had passed through many dangers and diff
cultes with no greater misfortune than the loss Of
little property, OF which it robbed by the
Tuariks. This is powerful tribe who nhabit
oases in the Sahara, or Great Desert, and are no
ted for their inhosptabiity to travellers. 1t is
singular and interesting fact, that these Tuariks,
whose only food is camel's milk and few dates, arc
the most powerful, athletic, and warlike OF the
centre of Africa.
DR.. BARTH mentions vast tract of fertile land
through which he passed in the region of the Great
Sahara, and which has remained entirely unknown
to travellers and geographers. He describes it as
being of considerable extent, beautifully wooded,
with number of small rivers passing through it,
and susceptible of the highest degree of cultivation.
1t is inhabited only by animals, among which he
mentions the elephant buffalo, lion, giraffe, &c.
During the progress Of the voyage DR.. BARrH
was very near perishing in tho desert whilst the
expedition was passing through the country of the
Tuariks. Having left the caravan for a short time,
for the purpose of making some geological investi-
CATION, he was unable to find it again, and wan
dered through the sands for three days and nights
lie was found, when already in a state Of delirium,
preceding a final dissolution, by Tuarik and
brought back to his
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20
Civil List Pensions.

Among the pensions granted by the Britiah gov
ernment for the year ending June 90, 1851, are the
following for literary and scientific services to the
nation:
October 30, ls50.-John Payne Collier, EIOO in
confederation of his literary merits.
October 3O.-Mary Maclear T. 100, in considera-
ton OF the importance of the discoveries of her hus
band Thomas Maclear, esq, astronomer royal at
the Cape of Good Hope.
October 3O.-James Bailey, El0O in consdera
ton of his literary merits.
January 2, lS5l.-John Kitto LII. D., fIOO. in
consideration OF the service he had rendered to
biblical literature, especially by his works entitled
'The Pictorial Bible" ''The Pictorial History of
Palestine" and "The Bible Cyclopedia."
January 2.-George Petrie, E100 in addition to
pension of the like amount granted to him on the
18th OF December, 1S49, in consideration of the
many valuable additions he has made to archnoo-
gical literature, especially to that of Ireland.
February 6.--John Poole, E100, in consideration
of his literary merits.
February 6 Christina Liston, C 100, in consd-
Grafton OF the scientific requirements Of her late
husband, Robert Liston, surgeon, his eminent sur
gical discoveries, and her destitute condition
February 6.-Sarah Belzoni 100, in conside-
ration OF the services rendered to science by the re-
searches OF her late husband the celebrated African
traveller, and her own distressed cir cumstances
February 22.-Mary Sturgeon, ESQ, in conside-
ration OF the scientific attachments of her late hus
band, William Sturgeon, and her own destitute
condition.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

SHAKsPEARE IN SwEDIsH.-The writings of
Shakespeare would appear from the following fact
to be read with as much avidity and delight in
Sweden as in his native country. translation Of
his plays by Hagberg, Professor of Greek in the
University of Lund is in course OF publication.
OF this twelve volumes have appeared, and al
though the first edition consisted Of no less than
1000 copies, the whole have been sold of, and
second edition is in preparation. Professor Hag-
berg's translation is most favorably spoken of by
those who are qualified to judge of it's merits.
Notes and Queries
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

Father JoHN LARKIE, Jesuit of extraordinary
lingual attainmen,s, and a strictly pious man, has
been appointed President of st. Johns Catholic
College, at Fordham, near New York. Father
Larkin is an Englshman by birth, and thorough
master of the deep well of the English language,
yet he once preached sermon in German church
at Louisville, Kentucky, when he spoke the Ger
man language with such purity that tho Germans
present stoutly maintained that he must be Ger
man by birth With colloquial Greek and Latin
he is also quite familiar
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

The METRoPoLITANis the name Of new weekly
paper recently commenced in this city, published
by Mr. Lucien Lasselle its literary department being
under the superntendence of Mrs. N. p. Lasselle,
lady Of some literary reputation The Mttropoii-
tan is very ncatly-printed paper, and casual
glance at its columns gives us favorable impress
sion OF it's merits.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

The following was told to us by gentleman who
has always sustained an unimpeachable character
for truth and veracity He said that divine of
considerable eminence in one of our sister cities
entered his pulpit last Sunday morning. and after
wiping the perspiraton from his heated face, and
very deliberately surveying the congregation from
one side to the other impressivey thus broke forth:
"This is q id hot morning" Such, my
my ears as entered the temple this morning, from
one who, suppose, has come here to take part in
the solemn exercises appropriated TO this place and
this holy day." &C. Exchange paper.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

NJ COMING RouND.-The New Orleans Courier pub
fishes the following, which would indicate that
Senator soule fnds secession not a very popular
doctrine at homes
"We were assured by intimate friend and fol-.
lower of Mr. Soule that this Senator ia not seces-
sionist,' and that he earnestly deprecates the &C
ton of those who would upon that narrow platform
establish new party"
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

SCHUYLER CoLrAx, esq, has resumed the editor
ship OF the South Bend Register, place which he
yielded on becoming candidate for Congress
Though VIC regret he has been denied seat in
Congress, we are glad TO find him again welding
the pen and willing stll TO support and defend the
Wing cause, which is the cause Of the country
NstD albany (Indiana) Bulletin,
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

THE CRoPs MISSEsoTA are. coming in very
heavy. Several pieces OF spring wheat between
here and st. Paul look admirably, the straw stout
and the heads filled with m ost beautiful plump
kernel, ready for the sickle Corn is also doing
finely, and the crop must be heavy.
Wehear nothing of the potato rot, yet, and, If
escape the disease, Minnesota will supply
good share of the Mississippi valley with this vege-
table, OF superb quality So. dntiony Express.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

The Hon. Daniel Webster,

We learn from Boston that the Hon. Daniel
Webster, accompanied by his son, Mr. Fletcher
Webster, and his friend, r. M. Blatchford,
esq, of this city, left Franklin, New Hamp-
shire, on Friday, for a tour around the White
mountains. Mr.. Webster arrived at Centre
Harbor, at the head of Lake Winnipissiogee,
on Friday evening, intending to remain there
until Monday, when he would proceed to Con-
way. He is travelling in his own carriage,
with the purpose of stopping at all points of in
terest on the route. We are glad to hear that
his health is very much improved since he left
Washington, and that unless recalled there by
some exigency not foreseen, it is not his inten-
ton to return 10 the capital within at least a
month, hoping and believing that the invigo-
rating air of his native hills will entirely reno
vate his health and strength. In common with
thousands of Mr.. Webster's admirng fellow
citizens, we earnestly hope and anticipate such
result.T-.M Y. Commercial Advertiser.
The Hon. JOHN j. CRIrrENDEN passed
through Lexington, Kentucky, on Monday,
the llth instant; on his way to the Estill
Springs He was in the enjoyment OF excel
lent health.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

THE PRoPER CREDrr-An article entitled I" The
Copper Mines of The Gild Riuer," credited by the
New York Herald to this paper, taken by us
from the New York Tribune, and, contrary to our
wish and intention, appeared without the custom
ary credit
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

DR. Mccormick, Of the United States army, met
with serious accident on tho 9th instant while
leaving the club-room on ST. Charles street. In
coming down stairs he missed his footing, and,
falling backwards, injured his spine. The injury
is supposed to be Of serious character The doc
tor is a native Of Washington. and brother to our
present City Register.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

Mr. Seldom has positively declined to stand
as the Democratic candidate for Congress in
the Richmond district in Virginia.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

The Iowa Republican has placed the name
of WILLARD FILLMORE at the head of its
columns as a candidate for President Of the
United States.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

The Hon. RoBERT DALE OWN, formerly a
member Of Congress, has been chosen reprcsen-
tative of Posey county Indiana, in the Legislature
Of that State
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-08-20

G. p. II. JAMES, esq, the author, has expe-
ricnced severe injury by being thrown from =
horse near slockbridge, Massachusetts,.