Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-03-07
Correspondents of the Journnl.

| - New YORK. March 5, 1855.
Mr.. EDITOR As a conversation is very an,
to commence with an allusion to the weather
so is letter, and in this instance we fan into
that beaten track. The first of last week was
SO warm and pleasant that we began to per
suade ourselves that cold winter had really IA
ken his flight, and spring, fresh, healthy.
blooming spring, had taken her residence
among US, but we were sadly deceived On
Friday morning it clouded over, and quite
early began to snow. The mercury fell several
degrees, and again winter was upon US.
Washington's birthday was celebrated here
by the ringing of bells, firing of guns, and by
military and civic professions. The day, was
exceedingly fine, nature and the elements
seeming to combine TO do homage to that man
whose name is so fanfiiiaran so dear to every
true American. a gentle breeze slightly lit
ed the flags and pennants, which profusely
adorned the public buildings and the vessels
in the harbor. The streets were thronged with
people hocking to witness the numerous pro-
cessions, and Broadway presented an array of
beauty and fashion such as New York only
can boast Of
r Proceedings have recently been Instituted
in the Marine Court OF this city, against the
proprietors of the DGi!y Times, for contempt
of Court. This is one of the least important of
our courts, it being inferior to all except the
Justices Court. a humorous article appear
cd lately in the Times, giving an account of
what transpired in the court room one day,
and thereupon, the justice summoned Messrs.
raymond & Harper, the proprietors, to appear
and answer for contempt of court in publish
ing the squib. Mr.. Raymond, who is Lieut.
Governor of this state-was absent at the state
capitol, upon official duties, and did not ap-
pear. Mr.. Harper appeared by counsel, and
the hearing of his case was postponed until
last Saturday. The writer OF the article came
forward voluntarily, and gave his name to the
in so doing, he was also ordered to answer for
contempt. The hearing elected some useful
discussion as to the rights of the press in re-
spect to reports of court matters, and in our
next we shall endeayor to note the important
parts quite fully.
A curious and important decision has re-
Gently been rendered, which materially affects
the cost of importation of various porous sub
substances, such as cotton, sponge, &c, such
articles, during long voyage, absorb large
quantities OF moisture; and the Court has deci-
ded to assess the duties, not on the sworn in
voice heretofore, but on the actual weight
of the articles on their arrivl in port, thus
forcing importer to pay duty on moisture,
which in a week or two will have departed
Another question arises. Supposing thous-
and bales of cotton are, on their arrival,
weighed, the duty assessed. but not paid, and
the cotton stored in the bonded warehouse, it
remains there for couple Of months, and at
the expiration OF thaL TIME IS taken out ana
found to be several hundred pounds lighter
than when stored. Now the question is, if the
Government charge duty that amount of
moisture, is il not bound to return ali equal
weight Of the subtle substance, or pay its val
lie according 10 their own assessment
\ concert was given 4 few days since at the
Broadway Tabernacle by tArelre hundred chill
dren, who performed The Cantata of the
ssPriestess,' and carried it through exceeding
ly WE'LL 1t is estimated that there were over
1000 persons present and many were sent away
for want of room 10 accommodate them.
The ssGreat Republic sailed on Friday for
Liverpool, with 3 load Of GEane. We shall
look with some interest to see whether she win
outstrip her sister clippers in speed, as she
has done in size. Her appearance when pass
ing down the bay, Was very fise.
GRAIs-W Wheat is stall very rare and is ad-
vancing in price. Southern White from 50 %
TO So 80 per busliel. Rye is also scarce, at
81 Il per bushel. State and Western Oats
&c. to Csc. per bushel. Corn in poor supply;
Mixed Southern 95c., White aHd J ellow South
ern 96c., and Jersey the sane per bushel.