Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1853-09-05
LOCAL AFFAIRS.

ctfauons a gentleman we'll informed oil the operations
OF the new Steam Fire Engines introduced in Cincinnati
andfrom Misrepresentation oftheir efficiency would recon
mend TO the City Council a consideration Of the re laive
advantages Of the steam and hand worked machine. The
accounts OF the first experiments Of the steam principle
"Aue Al cincinnati, represent them As very satisfactory,
the result proving that considerable economy Of labor
would be effected by the application Of steam power,
"hie It's actual efficiency would far exceed that of any o
the Engines in general nse. The result was equally salts.
factory IN point OF expedition. In eight minutes after the
alarm fire was given, the steam power engine was in play
Its perhaps in this phase of ia combination that the mos,
plausible objection arises. The experiment. however,
proves it to be untcnable. To generate a sufficient amount
of steam to set machinery of such small capacity in motion
would require but little time, care being taken to keep
the boiler always supplied with water, and a suficiency OF
combustible fuel material at hand ready tobe ltupou the first
alarm Of fire being given. Ii has been ascertained that a
sufficient amount of steam was available upon the arrival
OF the Engine at the conaagntion scene, the fire being
applied to the boiler at the Engine House, and n. soon a.
possible after the alarm.
We cannot say but that the two point, must have been
some distance asunder. And admitting such to be the
case, the time occupied by a Fire Company in traversing
from one extreme point OF any city to another, land that
is conceding what seldom occurs,) would be but very
short, and can hardly be supposed to weigh against the
views of its availability in this connection which We pre-.
sent Another objection likely to.arisc, and at first view
a formidable one, is the necessity of having an Enginee r
OF some class in connection with each Engine, to whom, Of
course, a salary should be paid. That outlay would be
FULLY counterbalanced in the saving to be effected by the
discharge Of negro hands, who at present receive S2i a
year each, the number on each Engine being twelve,
which makes the outlay in this connection Ssss a year.
This amount, even less, would DO sufficient to secure the
services of u competent person to attend to the Engine for
a year.
A Fireman and Engineer would be. all that should be
needed to perform the service required in this way. We
understand the steam Engines are lighter aud more por-
table than the present, and, as at pre- sent, a suficien
number OF active young men would be always available to
give the necessary assistance in that form.
BY this arrangement the services OF negroes would be
entirely dispensed with, and better security given to pro-
perty by cutting or those incentives which operate so pow
erfully upon SambO in his morbid yearning for grog aud
frohc. The anxiety to share in the excitement of a FIRE
scene, with the chances ofobtaining a tumbler of rot-gut
would at any time influence him to apply the torch.
We give these Alterations that the council or commit
ttee who have the subject of the appropriation for the pur.
chase Of new Engines, under consideration may entertain
them as they think proper.
Tux LATE WOODEN FAcToRY.-we regret to learn that
it is not the intention of the Virginia Wooden Manufactu-
ring Company to rebuff lid their extensive factory, lately
destroyed in this city by fire. This must be a serious loss
to many who found permanent employment under this lib
eral and enterprbinS Company, and must also prov a
source of considerable Inconvenience to wool spectators,
who fodnd ready sale for that commodity at this extensive
concern. The Company have sustained too heavy a loss
10 be enabled TO rebuild the factory and resume opera
lions.
Meanwhile, the Messrs. Haxalls con tinue to do an extra
ordinary business at their extensive Mills. Hundreds Of
loads of wheat are daily delivered at their milling estab-
lishments. There is no draw back upon. their business
spirit, enterprise, or moneyed competence, notwithstanding
that a very large share of the losses entailed by the burn.
Ing Of the factory fell upon them. Their trade exhibits
the same brisk and healthy action as though the dead loss
of 100000, sustained by the burning, were an accession
to their capital stock. Such enterprise seldom fails to
meet its reward in pre-emineut success, as in the present
instance.
MAYORS CoURr SArURDAY-Mr. Edwin Furlr, presiding
-RELEAsED FRoN BAIT EsPoNsruILIrT.-Mar Harris. an
interesting white woman bound to the peace about three
months ago, upon a charge preferred against her tor threats
at .he instance OF Mary Jane Taylor, was surrendered in
courton Saturday by her surety Michael, Abrams. who ap.
piled to be eSoneratei from further responsibility in The
natter.
\ row between Mrs. II. and her former antagonist led
Mr.. Abrams to this step. He, however, exculpatcd the
former from any blame in the transaction, the other being
invariably the aggressor. Apprehending that the provo.
cations may lead to consequences ultimately, which would
involve him, he considered that the safest course. He
was accordingly exonerated from further responsibility 10
the premises, and she was committed until she could sub.
stitute other bail in the original sum (SlOO) to keep the
peace for the %uneEpied term e months).
The period for which she was first bound over was six
months.
But she was not destined to remain long in duranee.-
Two glIlnts Of the Press, with a tenderness and sympa-
thy of which, a. a member OF the craft we felt proud,
promptly became her sureties for the unexpircd time
What it is to be handsome.
SUPPOSED rHErr-Daniel Johnson, a slave. the property
of Messrs. Hatcher Il Webster, was brought up on suspi
eioii Of having stolen a recciptbook belong to Mr.. j. Car
ter, found by Officer Truehelrt in his possession.
The boy having stated he found it, and no proof being
aiduccd to the contrary, lac was discharged.
FERROUS DRIVING Edward :. Gentry was fined 81 for
suffering two teams Of his to be driven at a furious rate
through Second aud Baker street on the 3Oth inst.
T-HEEArs.-Thomas Grogan was brought forward on a
warrant for threats against Michael GayAn.
James Hill a witness, stated that what he saw Of the
affair seemed TO him to be s~kylArking. lie saw no row,
no blows given, in fact nothing except this apparent sky
llrking, and that was in a shop Of a Mr.. shAdd' on 30,
street. Thomas Eayary and James Nciio, saw less Of the
transaction and therefore knew nothing Of il,
But Michael Gavan the complainant kaew something
more, for when he went to Mr.. Shaddis house on Friday,
aud said lie would not go to work that day unless some per.
son present should informthe boss that he
remained away. Grogan after remarking, " you son
Of b-h do you mean to insinuate that l would give the
Information, gave him a clinek which suddenly compelled
him to change hs position.
Mr.. Farrar. Are you afraid that lac will do you any per.
sonal harm
Witness looking with a discriminating gaze at his assail
ant, as If to ghnce from his countenance at that rnoment
his probable state Of feeling for the next six months aud
regulate the issue thereby, 80 far as hts reply could avail an.
swered in a very doubtful tone. lam, but il he would
promise to make no other attack on me 1 would say 1
should not fear him.
Nc. Farrar. But sir, / must have your answer, whether
or not you entertain apprehension Of personal injury from
the accused.
Witness. Well sr, IL do, but II he made the promise
I would be satisfied II he should be let on.
At this time James Neilin, one Of the preceding witnes.