Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-02-21
Corre.pondenec Of tho Riehmona Times.
WASHINGTON, Feb. II.


Correspondence of the Richmond Times.
WARRINGTON, Feb. II.
In the Senate to day, Mr.. BorIahd. from the
Committee on Printing, introduced joint
luton to pay Mr.. Richie further sum for losses
sustained in fulfilling his contract for printing
made with Government in the spring of 1849'
Last session Congress gave him $4,000; but he
contended that that amount was not sufficient to
cover his losses. There is no doubt but TINT
his contract with Government was had one, and
that he lost by his attempt to carry it out. 1t is,
however, a bad principle for Government to make
contracts with individuals, with the understand
ing that if it does not prove lucrative, they will
have their losses made up to them. The estab-
lishment of such presidents is an inducement
held out to men who can influence legislative
bodies to underbid, knowing that in the end they
will make money. We have known several con-
tracts taken FROM State, as we'll United States
Governments, and the contractors remunerated
for losses alleged to have been sustained. | think
could name two contracts of this kind made for
printing with the last Reform Convention OF
Virginia.
A very severe article appeared in little paper
OF this city, called the Star, upon Thackeray, for
the expression of an unfavorable opinion of the
equestrian statue of Gen. Jackson, by Mills
The opinion of Thackeray expressed to u
friend riding with him round the statue, aud is
regarded here emanating from man who had
private pique against the Americans from John
Bull, who cannot believe Americans are capable
of executing anything noble in the fine arts.
| The Pacific railroad bill was up in the Senate
to-day, and two very strong speeches were made
in its favor-one by John Bell, of Tennessee, and
the other by Truman Smith, of Connecticut
| MIR. Smith was in favor of Immediate action. He
said that he thought it too late in the session
to be making speeches, and declared himself rea-
dy to forego making his short speech if the Sen
ate would only vote. Upon this announcement
many Senators said they were ready to vote and
were anxious TODD so. Senator Cooper expressing
wish to speak, Mr.. Smith proceeded. His
speech was ola highly practical character, and
was listened to with good deal of attention.
He wants the bill passed Immediately, and the
work commenced. Senator Chase followed Mr.
Smith n opposition to the bill and in favor of the
|
100000 for surveys.
There seems but little chance for the Pacific
railroad bill this session. think, however, that
there lisa clear majority in the Senate in favor of
railroad being built.
We hear great complaints on all hands against
the use ofburnng fluid or spirit gas. Next to gas
it gives the best ght we have and almost every
| ope wnud use it. .Uera Ii NOT that an manu-
dents have occurred from carelessness in the use
of it. We have lately seen an invention called
the safety fluid lamp, invented by DR.. John New
ell, OF Boston, aud sold very extensively in diffe
rent parts of the country, which, we think, will
remedy explosions entirely. 1t is scientific
lamp. and embraces the principles of Sir Hum
phrey Davy's invention of the safety lamp. In
the centre of the lamp, extending to the bottom,
is fixed cylinder of wire gauze, having mesh
OF 500 to the inch A tube of like gauze screws
on to the wick disc, and confines the wick This
tube slips down inside the gauze cylinder spoken
Of The lamp feeder is protected with disc
of this wire gauze in the spout and under the
lid. We have seen the fluid in the lamp set on
fire by taking cut the wick, and the fluid set on
fire at the spout Of the cam and no explosion took
place.
We hear it intimated in various quarters that
there is still probability that Mr.. Hunter will
go into the Cabinet. Mr.. Hunter is an able man,
all must acknowledge, and as Senator, worthy
of his State. He is fine logician, and always
apparently intent upon doing what is for the best.
His desire to adopt the ight course, and fear of
doing wrong. would perhaps prevent his being
good executive officer. Should he go into the
Cabinet, think he would put his face again st
removals. w.