Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-03-17
ITEMS OF NEWS.

RICHARDSON'S ATMOSPHERIC TELEGRAPH
We have been shown communication from
James Curley, esq, professor of natural phil.
osophy, astronomy, and chemistry, Of the
Georgetown College, in relation to the atmos-
pheric telegraph, a model of which is now on
exhibition before Congress. After prolonged
investigation and series of experiments, he
expresses his opinion of it thus:
II can safely say that our present scientific
and mechanical knowledge cannot show the
above conclusion that the telegraph will con-
vey mail from one hundred and twenty to
six hundred miles per hour hour, according to
its weight and diameter to be incorrect"
Reference may also be made to Professor
Henry, of the Smithsonian Institution, and
William Ellis, late master machinist at the
navy yard, Washington.
Mr.. Richardson has applied to Congress for
an appropriation to enable him to build line
from this city to Baltimore. We sincerely
hope that the assistance he asks may be spec
Oily granted. It was by the muni6cence of
Congress that Morses electric telegraph has
become so valuable to our interests as ma.
ton, and source of enlightenment to the
world at large.
A very strange transaction is narrated in
the Washington Sentinel Of the 10th instant.
A hackman named Peter Fay, received in the
night, gold eagle instead of silver quarter.
Fay soon after discovered the mistake, sought
the gentleman from whom he received it at his
lodging, and returned the gold piece. Hope
the story is true Cincinnati Commercial.
Yes, gentlemen, the story is true, however
much you may doubt it. Peter has done
" some service for ourselves, and when you
visit US and want an honest hackman, you will
find Peter Fay within ten steps of our door.
ATLANTIC SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH.-We see
it stated that Prof Morse is pursuing investi-
cations to ascertain the practicability of tele-
graph to Europe, upon the recommendation
contained in Lieut.. Maury's late letter to the
Secretary of the Treasury.
AWFUL MORTALITY IN TExAs.--A gentleman
and his family, consisting of fifteen white per-
sons and sixty slaves, lately emigrated from
Crawford county, Georgia, to Texas. AT the
last accounts, himself and eleven of his family,
and twenty of his slaves, had died from the
cholera.
MINERAL RESOURCES OF GEoRcIA.-A rich
vein of copper has recently been discovered in
Georgia, which is said to be thirty feet in thick
ness, yielding pure metal of about fifty per
cent. from the ore. Important discoveries in
the mineral kingdom have been made in Knox
and Blount counties, Tennessee.
FoRx1DABLE STRIKE-The machinists and
foundry operatives in st. Louis have struck for
the ten.hour system. They call on all mechan-
les in every part of the Union to give them
countenance and support, and request their
brethren to reject all offers from that city until
their just demands are complied with.
FREE PASSES FOR CLERGYMEN.-The presi-
dent and directors of the Providence and Wor-
cester railroad passed vote, at a recent meet
ing, to give all clergymen in New England
free pass over their road for one year from the
passage of the vote.
We acknowledge the receipt Of the March
number Of the Western Democratic Repie,c,
containing capital likeness of President
Pierce and several very interesting articles.
HE New York FIREMEN had several riots
on Sunday last. Firearms, clubs and stones
were freely used. Fourteen Of the rioters were
arrested by the police.