davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
JAMES RIVER COMPANY.

0ANAEao M KIN S0HAA <AAN
We have examined with much interest the
report of the joint committee of the Legis-
lature on the affairs of the James River and
KanAwha Company. tits well written do
cument, and while we canno. assent to all
It's positions. we must do credit to the liberal
spirit which il manifests, and the ability with
which its views are set forth Although ar
guing that, when the public interest shall de.
mand Il, the State should enforce its lien on
the corporation, it expresses the opinion that
no good end would be attained by such a pro.
ceeding against the Company at this time,
and that ..the Legislature will only be justi-
fed in destroying an element so essential to
the corporation as the large private interest
invested in it, when it shall be convinced that
great public benefits will be secured by the
prosecution Of its rights, or that great mis-
chiefs would result from failure to exercise
them. 1t would be as cruel and mischievous,
adds the report, "to make needless assault
upon a corporation so important, contending
with such difficulties, and cheered by hopes
Of the ultimate achievement Of great OBJ.
ject as it would be unwise to forbear to cor.
rect the errors and cure the abuses into
which adverse fortune, or an exclusive devo-
ton to its own interests may have seduced
IT," We may hereafter refer again to this
report.
The ;eply of Col. Ellis, President of the
Company. to the answer of the committee,
is one of very decided power. The commit
teethemselves pay tribute to its ability and
manliness. and we have heard the opinion
expressed by an intelligent opponent of the
Company, that it was the strongest document
of the kind he had ever seen from an improve
ment company. Col Ellis replies to the que.
ries concerning the misapplication of funds
by the Company, the redemption of the scrip
issued by the Company, the bargains between
the Company and the proprietors of the pac-
ket boats employed on the canal, and the cost
at which the affairs of the company are ad.
ministered in the most satisfactory and trium-
plant manner. Indeed, the committee them
selves admit that the conduct of the compa-
ny is shown to be subject to no censure on
any OF these points, except III the diversion OF
the Company's funds from one point to an
other point in the Improvement, diversion
which Col. Ellis shows was most advantage
GUS to theinterests of the Company, inflicted
no injury tothe State, and that such diversions
had been made by his predecessors in office.
and although annually communicated to the
Legislature for series of years, had been
suffered to pass uncensured by preceding Lee
gislatures.
We are glad to see that the committee APP
preciate the immense Importance of this ca
nal Improvement, the greatest of all the i'm
provements ever designed by Virginia, and
which, if carried out, will accomplish more
for her prosperity than all the other public
works of the State combined.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

The House of Delegates were engaged
last night upon the bill concerning the Pub
lie Printers duties and compensation, and
upon the bill for the suppression of small
notes, both of which were ordered to be en-
crossed. The small note bill was ordered to
be engrossed in the form reported in our pa
per yesterday, by vote of GA to "a.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

FIGHr.-A regular pitched battle me ca
off yesterday morning, at the corner of 18th and
Cary streets between four lads about twelve years
of age, during which two of them were scratched
and bruised quite badly. What the little fellows
got mad about, we could not understand, but the
red-headed one who seemed to be sort of bully,
hunting up ''muss," appeared TO be the aegressor
and by taunts and jeers and inuendoes finally got
his play mate much excited, that he pitched into
''red top" like thousand of brick, and was giving
him fits" when lumber merchant, who witness
ed the scene, stepped up and separated the combat
ants.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

CAPTURING THIEF.-Officer johnson
succeeded, yesterday in capturing and caging
Frances Thompson, free woman, charged with
stealing piece of calico from Philip Stearns. AT
ter deposing the thief in place of safe keeping,
the officer took her keys, went to her room, and
examining her chest, found the stolen goods. She
will be heard and disposed of by the Mayor this
morning
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
SILVER INSTRUMENTS The friends and

SILVER INSTRUMENTS The friends and
admirers ofthe famous "Armory Band" of this city
are talking of taking steps to aid the Band in
procuring siIoer instruments similar to those used
by the Philadelphia Band when on visit here with
the "Washington Greys," last week. We should
think that this might be easily done, during the
coming summer months, and in the following man.
ner: By playing on the Capitol Square tive nights
in each week, for the entertainment of our citizens,
and then taking up subscription from those who
attend-by giving ball or two during the season
by getting up fire works similar to those of the
22d of February-and by getting the use of the
Western Square, for day or two, when the wealth.
er becomes pleasant, and giving few of their
beautiful instrumental concerts. Let the "Band'
ed, and there is not shadow of a doubt that they
will readily meet with such encouragement as will
speedily enable them to procure the prettiest and
most fashionable instruments that can be manufac-
tured.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

THE SOUTHERN PLANTER.-We have re-
ceived from the publisher, Mr.. P Bernard. the Feb
ruary number of this valuable publication 1t
completes the proceedings of the Virginia State
Agricultural Society, and is filled with most inter-
esting reading. Mr.. T. G. Ruffin edits this work
with great ability.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
IMPROVING THE WHARyEs.-It seems to

US that it would be good policy in the city b adopt
some plan by which the wharves at Rockets wsuld
be free from inundaion at every high swell of the
river. For two days past, and for several1ays to
come the shipping business has been and will be
entirely suspended, owing to the prevailing treshet,
and the consequence is that the commercial affairs
of the city must suffer greatly. We incline to the
opinion that these suspensions might be EASILY OBJ
waited by a comparatively small expenditure, if the
city were to condemn the hill on the North side of
Rockets and by digging it down and deDositng
the earth on Water and Dock Streets raiss them
so high that the river could not overflow hem
The cost we say, would be comparatively small,
when the fact is considered that by removing the
hill to raise the Streets number of beautiful lots
would be made, which would sell for enough to
pay for the Improvement of Rockets, and for rails
ing the lower portions of it beyond the reach of
high water.
Suppose that Rockets was the shipping port of
New York or New Orleans does any one believe
that the authorities Of either of those cities would
hesitate moment to take the necessary steps to
protect 1t from annual foundations by foo6l Ger
tainly not. Look at the city of New Orleans wash
ed as she is by the Mississippi, and subjeG at ali
times to overflow, what could be her commercial
condition if barriers were not erected to stay the
nroads OF the 'father of waters which often rises
above her level She has stretched her levee along
its banks for miles, at an enormous expense, and
by that means has protected herself from inunda-
lions. Is not the commercial prosperity Of Rich
mond ofmportance enough to induce her to spend
few thousand dollars to ensure its safety and sta
bilityl We ask the attention of the mercantile
community and Of the City Council to this subject,
satisfied are that when examined into, every
one will agree with us that the streets and wharves
at Rockets should be raised and that it can easily
be done in the manner we have suggested
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

LOST TlMBER.-During the late freshet a
large quantity of lumber floated down the river,
and is scattered along its banks having drifted
ashore and made Judgment. We regret to learn
that Messrs. GUM & STARKE lost about $50 worth
of very fine shingles, which the food swept from
the wharf
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

MELANCHOLY OccURRENcE.-TheS Savannah Cou-
rier gives the following:
There was melancholy occurrence in the vii
lage of Monroe last week. A lady having young
infant went to bed and left the candle burning
among some rags near the bed; the light burned
down and set the rags and bed ON fire. When she
awoke, the fire had communicated not only to the
bed but also to,her and the infants clothing The
mother died in great agony yesterday the child is
better
The husband has been in Jail for an attempt
to murder, but broke Jail some time ago, and has
not since been heard from. While living, the wife
was badly treated by him, as he frequently became
intoxicated.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
BRowN's IsLANp.-This quiet and retir-

BROWNS IsLAND.-This quiet and retir-
ed place OF resort for those who are fond of man
ly exercise, is being fitted up for the reception
of visitors, under the management of Mr.. THOMAS
BALL, who promises to conduct it in the most un-
exceptionable manner. He is now having built
large flat boat to convey persons to and from the
as he intends keeping refreshments of all kinds on
hand to supply his customers, we have very little
doubt that he will do fine business. Richmond
is entirely destitute places ofresor for recrea
ton and amusement for business men at leisure
hours, that Browns Island" cannot fail to become
nopular, If properly conducted.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

BREACHES IN THE CANAL-We are graft
fed to learn that the James River and Kanawha
Canal, above Maiden's Adventure Dam, twenty.
seven miles from this city, has sustained no dam
age, and that only three small breaches have taken
place between the Dam and Richmond These are
on the fiat this side of ''Maidens Adventure" and
will be repaired by Friday night, SO that the pack.
cts may resume their run at that time
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

ANOTHER MURDER IN NEW YoRK-On Tuesday
morning last, most horrid murder was committed
in New York. John Wilson, a cooper, walked into
the grocery of Henry Deikmajer, German, and
Selling the latter by the throat, inflicted several
deep and mortal wounds, causing his death in two
minutes. Wilson was arrested and committed to
prison.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
MARINE NEWS.

BosToN, Feb 25.-Arrived schr. Cohasset Finney,
from Richmond
SALEM Feb. 2S.-Arrived sehr. Rebecca Holmes,
from Richmond
NEW YORK, Feb. 27--Clcared schr Mash, Martin,
for Petersburg
NEWPORT, Feb. 25.-Sld schr. Ellen Dyer, Rich'd.
New YORK, Feb 28.-Arrived schr. Ann. Purnel
from Petersburg. Cleared steamer Roanoke, Skin
aer, for Richmond.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

The IROOP.-ATe tne people OF hIcH-
mond content to have the TROOP" their surest de-
fence in time of internal danger, disbanded forever
Or will they not make some effort to have it re-
organised at once, and if necessary, contribute
something to aid in its supports We have already
published the dsbanding of this corps and for the
safety of the city, anxious to announce that
a new company of mounted volunteers is being
speedily organised Which of our influential mill
tary men will come forward and lead off in this
matterl
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

The Washington Greys, on their return home
from Richmond, were received at the depot by the
Philadelphia Greys, and escorted to the La Pierre
House, where an elegant entertainment was pre-
pared for them
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
MARoH-Spring. as charming as change

MARCH.-DPIIns,' as CHdl IH1IIS 10 o.1'eHSc
able, made her appearance yesterday, attlred In
genial sunshine, and attended by balmy breezes
Tickle though she be, none could have wished her
more lovely than she looked indeed we do not know
that we everexperienced more delightful day than
yesterday. The ladies were out in crowds, making
their purchases and seeing the fashions, and our
streets seemed swarmng with moving mass Of
living beings A few such days and buds and bios
SONS will peer forth to delight the eye with their
beautiful hues as well to regale the senses with
their delicious fragrance. Spring, to u.s. is the most
charming of seasons; but we fear she has put forth
her prettiest smiles too early to maintain them, and
that she may yet have to give old winter a short
entertainment before he takes his final leave.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

IMPUDENcE PUNIsHED.-A negro fellow
named Samuel Payne, in the service of Mr. Darra.
cott was tried before the Mayor yesterday. and or.
dered fifteen stripes, for using insolent and insult
ing language to Mr.. Richard Jennings, at the Pow
hatan House. The prisoner was then sent on to
the next Grand Jury term of the Hastings Court
on the charge of going at large.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

NoTrcE.-An adjourned meeting of citi-
Of Manchester and Of person.. generally friend
Mason's Hall THIS fThursdsy) EVENING, at
O'Clock, to complete the organization of BUILD
ING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION under the recent act
OF Assembly authorizing the incorporation of such i'm
stitutions. NH 1T
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
ARREST OF A MISUNDERSTANDING, th

ARREST OF A MISUNDERSTANDING, the
slave of Capt. Chas. Dimmock who murdered
Abram, the property of Joseph L. Anderson, Esq q,
on the night of the 23d of February, and then
made his escape, was discovered in stone quarry
the canal short distance west of this city, yes
terday about o'clock, by Mr.. JOHN NJ. WILcHER,
and one or two other gentlemen, and captured and
brought to the city. Perry declares that he has
eat nothing of consequence since he fled from jus
tice and when ordered to surrender, did without
the slightest resistance. He is very much emacia
ted, and seemed scarcely able to walk. The Mayor
will examine into the charge against him this morn
ing, if the witnesses are present. and then send him
on to the Hastings Court for final trial
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
Ellis & Peers vera finef

Too FAsT-Ellis & Peers were fined 81
and costs for permitting their team to trot in the
street on the 9th ult Officer Page reported the
violation, remarking at the time that there
were two teams together, but he could only stop
one of them
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

MR.. THOMAS yesterday proposed in the
Senate joint resolution which, by a suspen
sion of the rules, was put upon its passage,
providing for iron ratings to be constructed
upon the porches of the capitol The imme
date action of this movement was the Ia
mentable accident to Mr. Minor Such pro-
lection as the resolution proposes ought to
have been made long ago. The resolution
was passed unanimously and sent to the
House for its action. Mr. Thomas deserves
the thanks of the public for the prompt and
energetic manner in which he carried through
the measure.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

VINCENT WITcHER, Esq.-We have IF
several occasions referred to the eminent SER
wees rendered in the Legislature of this
state and to the cause of internal imnrove.
ments by VINCENT WIrcHER. His liharsl
course towards our city has entitled Kim 70
our especial admiration. His feel;nos 20
wards Richmond have been those of a true
sHglnian' who rejoices in the prosperity Of
the capital of his native Commonwealth If
Mr.. Witcher had been representative of
Richmond, he could not have rendered. no..
greater services than those for which che :
indebted to him as Senator of Virginia
The history of Mr.. Witcher presents mos,
remarkable example of selfmade man
one who has carved out his fortune .nd
fame by his own eminent talents, exalted
virtues and indomitable energy. He has rise,
to his present position with no adventitiou,
aids. In every department of action which
he has filed, both ON the stage of public af
fairs, and the management of his private bust
ness, he has exhibited a powerful and practi.
cal mind. as has been abundantly demonstra-
ted by the signal success which. both in pub.
Iic and private, has crowned his exertions
In this connection, we feel bound to ascr;be
j just need Of praise to Mr.. Witcher for his
ervices to the Richmond and DanvilIe Rail.
Dad, the best railroad In Virginia, and ona
D whose benefits our own city SO largely mar.
cipates. Next to theIlamented Tunstsll No
laa In the legislature has rendered a. IN.
!snt and valuable services to that road e
incsnt Witcher.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

THEArRE.-We are happy to see that
our old friends, Mr.. and Mrs Barney Williams,
have arrived in town. We are quite sure OF this,
for B. w. apprized US of the fact yesterday. IN
proprio persona. B. w. carries with him laugh
ing merry face that is at total variance with the
blue devils, whether on or of the stage-and the
waggeries and drolleries of the two (lr. and Mrs
B. w. do not set Richmond in a roar, wen admit
there's no virtue in genuine fun. We may say OF
them what will apply to few in their profession
the more we see them the better we like them AS
true sson of the sod" Barney Williams Is unap-
proachable and Mrs. Williams, in her versatile
characters, has no superior, if indeed an equal
They appear tonight in three of their best plays
and as they will remain with us but three nlgnIs
which we very much regret, it will be policy ior
our citizens to see them the first opportunity They
are now returning from the South and south.wes.,
where they have played series OF engagements
with extraordinary success. The press universally
has bestowed upon them the highest degree OF
praise. Two years have elapsed since they were
here and they now return to greet their old friends
with an additional stock of good humor and gayety
In mercantile parance if you want to see superior
article of Irish comedy, with other excellent COM
modites in their line call at the theatre tonight.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

TExAs.-By an arrival at New Orleans We have
some later news from Texas, though nothing of
much importance. The Galveston news says the
crop of cotton in the Trinity Valley, this year, is
about double that ofast year, and very little of il
has yet been taken to market. The paper
contains the following relative to railroads in
Texas
The New York Pacific Railroad Company have
determined to bid for the road through this State
under the late law. They viii deposit the 100000
required as forfeit They will give bonus to the
State of 100000 ofpaid stock, onehalf of which
is to be permanent fund to establish Pease Uni
versiy S4OO,OGo of which to establish lunatc asy
lun, and the remaining 100000 for educational
purposes generally
There are now forty three railroads chartered in
this State, embracing twelve or thirteen thou
sand miles of railroad-on paper.
The mail rider between San Antonio and Fort
Merrill was recently assassinated in a chapparral
where he had encamped for the night.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

DIFFICULTY ADJUsTED.-A card in the Wash.
ington papers announces that difficulty which
lately occurred between ex-senator Clemens and
the Hon. w. P Harris, member of the House Of
Representatives, has beeen amicaby setted.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

BEQuEsrs.-1n addition to the requests hereto.
fore mentioned left by Elliot Cresson, of Philadel
phia, we observe one of 5000 to the Protestant
Episcopal Seminary at Alexandria, Va, to endow
one or more scholarships. and $4,000 to Episcopal
mission and schools at Fort Cresson, in Liberia
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

FAIR ON CHURCH HLL.-The Ladies of
will hold FAIR for the sale Of useful and fancy
ticles in the Lecture Room of the Church. commence
ing MONDAY EVENING. the 9th of March They
invite the aid of their friends in this effort to obtain
means for the necessary objects of the Church.
SUPPER will be served every evening at o'clock
NH
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

Capt. Kellock, of the barque Pairo which cleared
at New York for New Orleans, Jan. 30, jumped
overheard when off Abaco, and was lost 1t is sup
posed he was deranged. The crew revolted after
the loss ofthe captain, and would proceed no fur
Their, in consequence of the vessel leaking badly,
and the first mate was compelled to put into savan.
nah
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

UNLAWFUL AssEMBLY.-James Nolte was
fined S. and costs for permitting an unlawful as
senlbly of eleven negroes in bis house ON the night
of the 18th ult. Watchman Read. who reported the
case, also accused Nolte with attempting to bride
him not to do his duty.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

A SPLENDID PANTING.-We invite at
tention to the advertisement of Powell's Painting
of De Soto's Discovery of the Mississippi, which is
to be exhibited at the Universalist Church for a
few DAYS.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

pranh;. mdo osanl CLAIm.-A Washington tele.
ment have baclad says that the Peruvian govern
h with captain McCerren for Injuries sss. ~ h
NM, NH, 81 me chineha Islands. Mr. Marc Is deter
Of to compel them to by their own ae offer
Of bringing SHIN da If inaarng to the best mode
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
RICHMOND MARKETS, March L.


The,e is nothing of interest to note in markets
to-day Breadstufs are quiet. Tobacco is coming in
more freely Some of our merchants are already re-
ceiving their Spring supply of goods.
FLOUR remains without any transact ons-all are
awaiting farther news by the steamer now due.
WHEAT-But little coming in, and the market is
heavy at 81 G$1.75.
CORN-80085c.
TOBACCO and other articles without change
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

NoTIcE-We invite attention to our sale
of Damaged Dry Goods Umbrellas, Hardware, Sad
dlery &C., to take place this morning. at 10 o'clock.
mb2 KENT, PAINE l. KENT.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02
ASH WEDNESDAY, which is the commence

ment of the season of Lent, and which occurs this
year on the first of March, was observed with re-
iigious services in the various Episcopal and Ro-
man Catholic Churches of this city, yesterday
The Lenten season. of which this is the commence
ment, lasts forty days, in commemoration of the
forty days fast of the Saviour, and embraces in its
last week the commemoration of the Saviours Il
nal sufferings. 1t is designed to be a season Of
unusual religious devotion, penitence and fasting.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

HELPING THE TREAsURY.-Rd. Black.
burn fined 81 and costs on complaint of Lieut.
Kelly tor permitting his team to trot in the streets
on the 18th ult.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

Nathan fales, foreman in the establishment of
fooie g Hunt, baltimore, was crushed to death by
the falling of some heavy machinery last Tuesday.
The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-03-02

ATTENTION is requested to the sale this
morning. at 10 o'clock Of Carriages Buggies Horses
&c. See advertisement under auction head
NIP PULLIAM & DAVIS, Aucts.