Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1854-12-16

Case Of Dentist Beale--Ahaapt 10 escape from the
Pe1itentiary--A Can,soaaae- -Steam Fire En-.
gias and Paid Fire Department.
BALTMoRE. Dec. Is.
The dentists IN this city very generally entertain
the opinion that Dr. Beale, recently convicted in
Philadelphia of criminal assault on Miss Nudge,
is entirely innocent At meeting, held q few
evenings since by the members Of the profession,
in reference to the case numerous instances Of sim
gular Authorizations of mind -resuiting to patients
on the administration of anesthetic agents--were
related demonstrating that it is not anmcommon
occurrence for patients who have been treated with
chloroform or ether, to imagine themselves the
victims of various outrages. The opinion was
unanimously expressed that no reliance could be
placed the evidence ofndvduals to acts trans
piring whilst they were under such Influences. The
meeting appointed committee to confer with the
dentists Of other cities in relation to this case,
which is exciting SO much discussion throughout
the country.
An unsuccessful attempt was made few nights
since by several ofthe conyicts In the penitentiary
here to escape from their close confinement. The
attempt was made by inmates of the hospital who
had feigned sickness in order that they might have
time to carry out their plans, which was to file
away the iron bars Of the windows The two prin-
cipal operators were VIM. Devos alias John
Blackcoat, and another man named Childs. They
contrived, by some means to procure the necessary
tools; and, when they had opportunity, worked
upon the bars, filing up the seams when they cx-
pected any one, with composition of soap and
charcoal. The officers had discovered their move
ments, however, but suffered them to proceed un-
til their work was accomplished, only taking care
to have strong guard stationed beneath the win
dows, where, as soon as the gentry had lowered
themselves by means Of a rope-ladder, they were
taken into custody and conveyed to more secure
quarters. sa I.
The two companies Of fyingsartillery stationed
at Fort McHenry startled our citizens this morning
by brisk cannonade Of nearly an hours duration,
being engaged in field exercise, by way of "keep-
ing their hand in" during these piping times Of
peace. The loud booming Of the guns quite alarmed
some of our nervous citizens, who had just been
pretty well walked up by reading the detailed ac-
counts Of the bloody battles in the Crimea. Awag
suggested to an anxious inquirer as to what was
. e.
the matter" that probably President Pierce had
sent Captain Hollins to recapture the Citadel Of
Democracy from the Know-Nothingsl"
A petition was presented to the city council last
night for the establishment Of a paid fire depart
ment, and the purchase of steam fre-engine. No
more important municipal reform measures could
well be presented to the consideration of the coun-
Gil and it is to be hoped this petition will induce
that body to take measures for securing, at once,
one or more Of those celebrated fire anniAilators
and also lead them to prepare the way for the Or
ganization Of paid department under the direc-
ton Of responsible head. The duties ofan active
fireman are the most arduous that can be imposed
on human being, and should certainly be paid for
by the public, who have the benefit of the same.
AMrRIcus.