The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-08-19
local MATTERS.


THz FiaE AssIHrLATon.-In accordance with
can invitation from the corporate authorities Oh
this city, and at the rcqucst Of numerous citi-
sens," Professor isoynton, on Tuesday evening,
delivered lecture at Temperance Hail. explain
ing the principles 81 jand The benefits arising from,
the general ure Of tbs Annihllatot," and en-
deavoring to show "by experiments its perfect
adaptation to the extinguishment of fires" There
was failure, which was in the effort to cxtin-
guish the flames of vessel Of camphene; but this
explained to be owing to the inferior charge Of
an "infant machine" 1t being amongst the first
American attempts to manufacture conclusive
brick, tcomposed of saltpetre, charcoal, and coke)
instead Of the article produced by MIR. Phillips,
the inventor We were promised better and more
reliable arrangements for this evening; and, in
addition, miniature tenement, filed with fat,
pine chips, IL to be deHagrated, and the flames sup
pressed. A moro satisfactory, il not better test,
and one iess calculated to excite apprehension Of
danger to adjacent premises, might be found in
the erection Of rough mid hastily constructed
building upon public common, where everybody
who might choose to look could see the practical
application of the machine. The professor does
not say that It will entirely supersede the common
fire-cngine, but that il will be found highly efi-
cient, particularly in quenching the brands at the
extravagant pretensions which have done go much
to create prejudice in the public mind relative to
the invention in question.
The audience, on the occasion 10 which we have
referred, was large, including ladies; and oil
seemed to be satisfied with the success of the
periments generally, though they were upon quite
a small scale, and barely calculated to demon
strate the truth Of the propositions advanced.
MEcHANIcs' INsTITUrE.-There was a highly re-
spectacle attendance of persons convened in the
ball ofthe Smithsonian Institute on Tuesday even
ing, for the purpose of organizing a Mechanics
Institute.
Mr.. Charles F. Stansbury, who had acted as
chairman of a previous preliminary meeting, made
address, setting forth the objects designed to be
accomplished, giving interesting information of
the origin, progress. and usefulness Of similar in
stitu,idns in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York,
and Boston, and foreign countries. and urging the
Importance of the proposed organization.
Hon. Joseph R. Chandler, of Pennsy lvania, was
introduced, aud delivered most admirable, prac-
teal, and instructive address. He spoke of the
benefits derived from the franklin Institute Of
Philadelphia, in training the minds of young men
for the business pursuits of life and its eff upon
all branches of mechanical industry He ridiculed
the modern idea of what constitutes gentleman,
illustrative of which he gave some felicious pic
lures of real life.
The power and greatness Of nations, the pride
| and boast Of communities, the prosperity and hap
piness Of families, individuals, and societies, as
dependent alike upon virtue, industry, proper
development Of intellect, and the resources within
the reach of man, were ably enforced.
The fusion of casts. the concentration Of men OF
science, skilful artisans and those of nero taste
for the arts and OF means, was held forth as impor
tant to the accomplishment of the great practical
| ends proposed. And in this laudable undertaking
every member Of the community, the corporate
authorities, and the National Government, were to
be benefited, incidentally, and should feel inter-
| ested
Professor Henry followed in a few remarks, Civ
ing his hearty appreciation of the proposed insttu-
ton, and pedging bis best efforts to promote its
welfare. The hall OF the Smithsonian Institute, he
said, would be open, by the Regents, to the use OF
this new organization until they could provide
| other accommodations.
| The Chair was authorized 10 name a committee
of twelve to prepare a constitution and bylaws;
and the meeting adjourned to be called together
| at the pleasure of the chairman.
| WHO MEETING IN GEoRo ETowN.-Thc Wbigi
Of this city, in quite respectable number, attended,
a grand mass meeting of their friends in George
| town last evening.
| THE WEATHER for the present month has been
unusually cool and rainy. Yesterday, however
| was clear and mild