The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1854-12-20

Mr. JAMES B. IfKESs. Henderson,, RnsE Co., Ie1Gs.
Mr.. A. S. Flower, Mansfield, and Deseto Parish IL
Mr.. CLARKE ADAMS, Plaqueaiae, and berelte Paris
W. II. MCDONALD l02 Nassau street, Nete YORK
EY- Those Of our town subscribers who d
notreceive their papers regularly. will pleas
send word to the office.
NE-OuR JoB OFFIeE.-We have added t
our establishment one of HoE's PATENT RoFAR
PRESSES, capable Of printing from 1000 T.
1900 cards, circulars, etc, per hour, and AZ
additional hand press suitable for pamphlet
and large jobs, together with fine assortmen
of ornamental type, paper, and blank CARDS
which, enables US to fill orders for every des
cription of printing to any extent IN superio
style, with great despatch and at unusually
low prices.
The favor of 'sPete Cairn," did not reach u:
until last night which was too late for publ
cation. We will be pleased to hear from him
at all times.
The district court for Caddo parish will com:
mcnce term on Monday next.
The presidents message will be found on our
fourth page. 1t is plainly written document
and we recommend our readers to give it a
careful perusal. The Delta, speaking oft, says,
emo document which has ever emanated from
the chief executive Of this republic was looked
for with SO little curiosity or interest as that
which president Pierce sent to congress yester-
day. The utterly barren, not to say SO lnglo"
rious, results Of tic administration, and the
adoption Of the do nothing policy, render the
publication Of the programme Of its policy
mere act of duty!" Rather severe comnnen-
tary to come from the office-holders' organ.
The new steamer Sodo made a trial trip on
Saturday, and fully met the expectations of her
builders. The ladies of Shreveport, through
Mr.. Winans, presented a beautiful silk flag to
the boat, accompanied with few appropriate
remarks, which were responded 10 by MIR. A.
Slaughter, on the part on the owners, in his
usual felicitous STYLE The Sodo was built to
navigate the lakes ambiguous above this port,
and is in every respect the best low water boat
afloat. With wood, water and provisions on
board she draws less than / / inches; and left
here for the falls, with Isl bales cotton, drawing
under 8 inches. Notwithstanding which her
hull is unusually staunch. We hope that her
owners will be richly rewarded for the enter
prise they have displayed.
The river is again on stand, with 29 inches
water on the bars between this port and Alex
andria. We have now three packets plying to
the falls. which afford increased facilities to
shippers and travellers. -. s.-...
We are under obligations to colonel Burn
side for late city papers.
Mr. Davis, clerk Of the Trader, has our
thanks for his polite attentions.
A young son of the late general j. S. Gilbert
was seriously hurt by the bursting of gun, a
few days since. We are pleased to hear that
he is fast recovering. es-.z.--.
We learn with extreme regret that Robert
Donnell, esq, of this place, died in n. Orleans
few days since of cholera. He was one of our
oldest merchants, and his loss will be mourned
by Il large circle Of friends and acquaintance.
# a>z---@-~@>l-~7~~-~~+>~
The most pleasing incident Of the present
season, was the concert on Friday evening
The amateurs acquitted themselves most cred
tably, and far exceeded the expectations Of
their friends. Where all deserve praise it is
hard to discriminate, but we cannot avoid ex
pressing the pleasure we experienced in listen
inc to, Mine it is at Midnight Hour Five
wandered in Dreams Hear me, Norma and
the Gypsy Countess, in all of which the ladies
sang in manner that elected the warmest
applause, and deserving of high encomiums.
But in our judgment, the solo of @ Robert
from Meyerbeer's grand opera Of Robert lie
Diable was the gem of the evening. 1t was
executed in style that we have seldom heard
cqualled, never excelled, in a concert room,
and as creole friend, an old habitue of the
opera house, remarked, would have done
honor to the theatre d'Orleans ITSELF The
young lady possesses voice Of rare sweet
ness, compass and fexibiity, and understands
and feels what the composer wished to express.
Even her pronunciation Of the French language
swas faultless. The instrumental portion Of the
seyening's entertainment was also ably perform
led, and reflected credit on the amateurs and
professors.
The supreme court in two instances, last
week, affirmed the decision it gave in 1853, de-
claring the constltutionality of the law levying
railroad tax. The suits were brought by the
city of New Orleans against Madames J. G. de
st. Romes and A. Grailhe. The lower court
decided the law imposing the railroad tax to
unconstitutional, and the city appealed. The
supreme court reversed this decision, and de-
creed that Madame de ST. Romes should paw
the tax assessed against her amounting to 1856,
with interest, and S72 costs to city Attorney
that Madame Grailhe should pay Sc, 554 SO
tax, with interest, and per cent. costs for the
city attorney. Justice Buchanan dissenting in
both instances. Judge spoford taking no part
IA