Washington sentinel., 1854-01-11
The Astor Library.-We find the followr

The Astor Library.-We find the following
description Of this magnificent structure in the
| Journal Of Commerce.
| at is in the Byzantine order of architecture
| and is well adapted to the purpose for which it
was designed Upon entering the vestbule the
| visitor ascends broad staircase of thirty-six
| marble steps ianked with walls of solid masonry,
finished in imitation of marble When at the
top, he finds himself in the centre Of the library
| hall, (Which is is 100 by Gl feet on the floor,
and so feet in height,) and beneath is a spa
cious dome, formed of large panes ofcurved glass.
Al either end of the hall are large windows, so
that the apartment is thoroughly lighted in every
part. To the right and left ranges of columns,
serving to divide the sidewalks each into several
alcoves and 10 support the roof; and midway be-
tween the floor and ceiling these acoves are di-
vided into stories making in ALL twenty-eight diff
ferent apartments each fifteen by twelve feet. A
| continuous corrodor, extending along the wall,
connects them with each ether in the rear. The
| upper and lower sizes exactly correspond, every
aicove being surrounded, at point half way to the
ceiling with light iron gallery, supported by
| namented iron brackets atfordlng easy access TO
| all the volumes. AT suitable distances, the lower
alcoves furnished with spiral starcases Of iron
work, for reaching the upper tier. There is also
| a light wire railing the main floor, provided
| with small gates, which may be used 10 exclude
intruders from the alcoves. Just without the rail-
/ ing, are long side-tabes, for volumes in Such
volumes as are desired by individuals will first be
/ found by them the catalogue, ard then procured
| by the assistant librarian. Under circumstances
| will il be permitted TO remove books from the
| building" .s.
| The Times says: g The shelving of The Astor
library is about 900 feet, two miles long, and
| would reach, if placed in a continuous line, from
the Park to Union Place. That of the British
museum is forteen miles long, and would
reach from the Battery TO Kings bridge The
books are arranged in alcoves, in each Of which
is placed table for the accommodation Of visitors.
The books will be handed down by assistant libra
rians, and are not TO be taken from the building
Arrangements are made, we believe, for the ac
commodatioa of ladies'.
The Mirror SAYS: This collection ofbooks, made
by the librarian, Mr.. Cogswell during the last four
years, will be opened 10 the public on Monday,
January 9th. The number of volunteers is about
1000 and is expected to reach 200, when the
entire sum appropriated by MIR. Astor shall have
been expended.
Singular Manifestation of Nature In PEN
obscot Riyer.-The Belfast Journal learns from
a most crediable source, that very singular sub
marine phenomenon has manifested itself in Pen
obscot river during the last autumn and up 10 the
present time. AT locality about mile and
| half above Prospect Ferry, and within about
hundred rods of the Prospect side where the river
| wdens into sort Of anchoring ground, being
| nearly mile across, sometime about the first of
! September, there was discovered TO be violent
agitation OF the water, that the surface
olStufDtu ana stones ana ufrt were thrown
up from the bottem This up-boiling has continu-
ed, at intervals, up To this time. Observation
| shows that over AT least acre, the depth Of the
water has increased from seven 70 fourteen faith
oms gas is emitted from the water that has
the smell OF sulphur, as If some substance of
nature burning beneath. Also that during
the latter part of autumn two distinct shocks Of an
earthquake occurred in the vicinity
Strike for Pay-Threatened Row In New
fork.-On Monday Of last week. in New York a
party of about f. We hundred laborers who had been
employed shoveling snow of the Hudson river
railroad, proceeded in body TO the Office OF the
company and demanded their money. The pay.
master OF the board not being in, they were told
that they would be obliged TO wait until such time
as he arrived. They Immediately commenced
making threats and swore unless they were paid
of they would tear down the building, and whip
i every one in the companys employ, and were pre-
pairing 10 carry their threats into execution, when
Lieutenant Dun, of the second ward, dispatched
Sergeants Moody and McGinnis, each with a
platoon OF men, whose timely arrival prevented any
serious demonstration. Some one Of the railroad
company repaired 10 the spot and Immediately pro-
i ceeded to pay of the dissatisfied portion OF the
men, who then quietly left the ground.