Daily American telegraph., 1852-02-04

BAIrImoan, February 30 ,. n.


BALTIMORE, February 3--10 p. m.
FRIEND TELEGRApH: In my brief note Of con-
graduation, a few days ago, promised to write
you an occasional letter; and henceforward You
may consider me sort Of magnetic battery in
Baltimore to your Telegraph" 1 shall en-
deavor to keep this end of the wires in order see
that the poles are all well insulated, in order that
the fluid may run free Of obstruction. The dots
and lines, and in fact the entire category of mani
pulations shall be seen to with yigilant eye.
That you may understand me Alright, permit
me to say, in the outset that my motto in corre-
spending for the public press has been to avoid
offensive personalities to avoid odious compare
sons, or setting down aught in malice. In other
words, to say nothing on paper that | would be
ashamed or afraid to own, face to face.
Our Mechanics Institute is now one Of the
most fourishing institutions in Baltimore. It
has grown rapidly into public favor, and at pres
emit numbers over two thousand members. The
course of lectures delivered before it thus far
have caused the most intellectual and agreea-
BILE resort. They are very fully attended The
example which the mechanics Of Baltimore and
of Maryland have set in this enterprise is well
worthy Of emulation. Let every city in the
Union have such an institution, and it must mani
fest a salutary influence, not only upon art and
mechanical science, but upon public morals.
Our Mercantile Library--of which was one Of
the original founders, some twelve years ago,
and now hold ticket Of honorary membership
in compliments another institution which has
grown into greatness, and disseminated incalcu-
liable good. might enumerate many other as
sociations of this class, as an incentive for other
cities to 60 and do likewise but am somewhat
diverting from the first design of my letter.
| observed, a few days ago, in the Baltimore
Patriot, a very interesting letter from west
ern Virginia, near Petersburg giving an agree
able description Of that region, and much yalua-
BILE information in regard to the progress Of the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Ihaye privilege to
say that the letter alluded to was written by a
young friend of mine, Mr.. J. Munroe st. John.
assistant engineer on the road. He is nephew
Of Col Munroe, of the Baltimore "Patriot.n
His education and talents are of superior or
der; and SO rapidly has he grown into favor, that
am told there are prospects of his being called
to Russia, at no distant day, to assist in engi-
neering there. 1t is always pleasing to hear of
the success of true merit and talent.
Mile Parodi gave concert here last-night. The
large hall was filled to overlooking with beauty
and fashion. She sang admirably.
The ice has nearly oil disappeared from our
harbor, and vessels are now enabled to. pass in
and out freely. The steamer Jewess came up
from Norfolk last evening The steamers Mary
Washington and Cambridge also arrived from
Annapolis, bringing over three hundred passen-
gers, who had been ice-bound and suffered
greatly on board the ship Flora Mcdonald
Business is beginning to assume its wonted
alacrity.
The ice in the Susquehanna at Havre de Grace
is firm, and passengers still cross over safely.
CHESAPEAKE"