Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-30
Yotal am 4ersonal.
Patent Case important pa,en, case Of

Whiting, OF Boston, for the appellee. The case
excited considerable attention, as il involves the
validity of patent granted TO Mr. Norcross, Of
Lowell, Massachusetts, for a planning machine
alleged by the appellants TO be an Infringement Of
the Woodwork patent. We were present during
part Of the time occupied by Mr. Whiting, who
was unknown here, il being his first appearance
as an Attorney in that high court. His knowledge
of the case, at once comprehensive and exact, and
his peculiarly happy and lucid manner of stating
and enforcing that knowledge. challenged the most
profound attention, and seemed TO leave nothing
unsaid on his side of the case. As 10 the question
at issue, we are not capable of pronouncing an
opinion Icing upacquanted with all the facts
and therefore we cannot hazard an opinion
whether or not the supreme court of the United
States will sustain the judgment that Mr.. Narcross
recovered in the circuit court at Boston; but the
decision is looked for with much interest.
Juvenile Ofender.-Several days ago
rough-looking man was seen dragging after him
in the streets delicate lad, who, il appeared, had
stolen an axe. Whittier the boy was carried we
did not learn, but probably before magistrate, TO
have his name registered for court
All crime should be punished, ASA general prin-
ciple. Not unfrequently, however, proper cor,
receive may be applied in private way, without
cruelty exposing 10 the world the first offence ofan
unthinking youth Asevere lesson, taught by pa
rent or guardian may have the effect of lettering
the offender from repetition Of larceny and save
him TO society; whereas open proclamation OF his
fault may stamp the boy with indelible dis
grace, and so crush his young spirit that he may
never seek 10 attain an honorable position in life
The Cadets of Temperance held public
meeting, in Temperance Hall, on "Wednesday
night Several of them delivered brief but elo-
quent addresses, and the Rev. Messrs. Nourse
and Reese spoke few words of encouragement
10 the boys and presented arguments to the adult
portion of the large assembly in favor of total alb
stinence. The exercises closed with the trial OF
Alcohol not by drinking, but arraignng him at the
bar of Judge Abstinences court. Witnesses were
examined "learned counsel" appeared on each
side of the case, and the jury brought in verdict
of guilty. The sentence was pronounced, and at
once carried into effect by smashing Mr.. Alcohol
represented on this occasion, by black glass
bottle.
r .
A Genteel Thief Several days ago, a gentle
man complained at the central watch-house that
a woman came TO his residence, and inquired for
his wife On being informed by the servant that
she was not at home, the visitor deliberately
walked into the paror, saying that she would wait
until the lady returned Before taking her depar-
ture however, she stole a valuable book-Brltish
Baads--handsomely bound in red Turkey mo-
rocco, and every page illustrated and likewise
fell in love WITH and pocketed, rich China bot.
lie, being one of pair.
She was well dressed, and carried silver card
ease in her hand.
A Well attested Fact.---We yesterday heard
number of our citizens seriously express opln-
ion that the weather was intensely cold, and we
ourself were frequently reminded by friends ofths
truth. The corroborative evidence removed any
doubt which may have been entertained upon this
interesting subject and we therefore regard the
fact as indsputabe. Furthermore, we observed
that pedestrians did not progress lazily that they
either covered their with wooden comforts
or sunk them in the collars Of their coats and
cloaks, and likewise perceived few hats revo-
wind; the bare-headcd owners of them following in
hopeful pursuit.
A Mistake 1t is stated in the newspapers
that "the Hon. Joshua r. Giddings was quite i'll al
New York on Tuesday SO much so that he could
not fulfil an engagement 10 deliver lecture al
the Tabernacle" We merely refer to this an
nouncement for the purpose OF saying, IN con
ncxio,, that unless we greatly mistakes we saw
gentleman exactly of the height and "make " o.
Mr. Giddings in his seat on Tuesday morning
the same who recently relieved himself Of speech
in the House. Now, if Mr. Giddings was sick in
New York, on that day. ii will become duty to
inquire whether some human fac imih Of the
gentleman from Ohio has not been occupying 9
position in the hall to which he had no Legitimate
claim
Bridges over the Potomac.--The Secretar,
OF the Interior, in his official report to the Presi
dent says that applications are made at amos
every session of Congress for repairing the bridges
crossing the Potomac from Washington city, ant
truly remarks, although in the aggregate large
amount has been expended on them, they are IL
n most unsafe and insecure condition. Permanen
and substantial structures are required and ough
10 be erected In the end it will prove saving Il
the government, and in the meantime conduct
greatly 10 it's interests and the benefit of all who
are in anywise connected with this District"
The washington Stone-dressing Company
effects were, on Wednesday, sold at auction, fo
S257OO; Elfred E. Jorman, of New York, being
the purchaser The company went into operation
last summer prepared with mammoth and beau
iifully working steam engine and extensive ma
chinery, and seemed to make fair start for abun
dant success in the enterprise; but, appears tina
the stockholders were disappointed in their calcu
latons.
Arrivals.--We notice, by the registers of The
hotels nsponly the recent arrival of many persons
from different parts of the United States, but iron
several foreign countries. Among the latter are