Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-02-22
Correspondence.
From Philadelphia.
Corryspo,xlenee Of ae Democrat & Sentinel

The "Poor Fusads''-contesf for Die " S.
Senatorship-Gor. Polock's NeU ATg,oiHfae16s
Election for State Senator-1he Markets, &c.
PnnApEIPHIA, february IS. 1856
One of fheemotstriking featuns'of town as
compared with country life, isthe spritef extras-
agance which Pcryades the mass Of the eomn.un-
ty, from the highest to the lowest ranks. The
temptations to ex penditure are so varied and nu-
nerous, so artfuly designed to suit every variety
of taste, and the powerful force Of example is so
constantly exercised on every side. that COMPARE
lively very few men are enabled 10 live within
their incomes, and while thousands iivefa beyond
them, those whose circumstances would ena bic
them to save handsome sums annually, consider
themselves fortunate if they can make both ends
meet at the end of the year. The hornely habits
Of thrift and economy which still fortunately pre-
vail to great extent in the country seem almost
entirely obsolete here. s b es---ssr~
The destitution. which prevails among gives
many Illustrations Of the fact have just alluded
to. Mechanics who have long been in the unin-
terrupted possession Of coed situations, where they
received from s. to So per day, when thrown out
Of employment were frequently in utterly des-
ttute condition and compelled to apply for aid to-
many of those who obtain this aid and thereby
gain but very short respite from the direst dis
tress seem such complete slaves of their old hab-
its of extravagance that they squander it in tho
most inudicious and reckless manner, purchasing
butter at thirty-ve to forty cents per pound eggs
for from twenty-five to thirty cents per dozen and
other luxllries commanding the highest prices
Those who have orders in groceries given them by
the Benevolent Associations for the pressing ne
cessties Of life, not unfrequently include in their
selections fine loaf sugar, raisins, figs, and the
rarest dainties that paInpered appetite could
crave.
The study of domestic economy has been sadly
neglected of late years. and much as the necessity
of its practice may be deplored, if it serves the
purpose of inculcating the needful lesson, much
future good will yet result from the present evil
of hard times.
The recent election of Ex-Goyerner Bigier as
President Of the Sunbury and Erie Railroad, will
give new impetus TO that great work Without
any solicitation agency of his own, he elec-
ted manager of the road by the almost unani-
nous vote of the stockholders, and President by
the unanimous vote of the managers The press
here of all parties, has warmly approved his elcc
ton as one calculated to ensure the entire conf
dence of the community, and it is hoped and gen.
orally believed that the dissentions and difficulties
which have solong cloggcd and impcded the adj
vancement of this great enterprise, will now he
entirely removed, and the iron link which Is to
bind us with Lake Erie and prove channel for
the conveyance Of the rich treasures Of her com
ncrce to our port, be speedily completed.
The annual commencement of our High School
recently took place in the Musical Fund Hall, be-
fore crowded audience. Degrees of Master and
Bachelor Of Arts, and testimonials of merit were
conferred upon a number of students, and some
excellent addresses delivered by the new
graduates. Our High School is conducted in
very excellent manner, aud win compare favora-
bly, with the best colleges in the city.
A demcnted individual who has acquired the
cognomen Of the :. Poor Genius is eevotng his
valuable tiIue to the delivery Of street haransues
somewhat after the Angel Gabriel style, although,
if possible, somewhat more incoherent.
Much interest is felt ia the contest for tloI-.S.
Senatorship at Harrisburg Ruuors are rife of
the employment of corrupt influences by some of
the candidates. If the prize is to he purchasabe
ono. it should be put up at auction to the highest
bidder, so that the Commonwealth, instead OF the
Legislature, should receive the bonus which eager
aspirants seem so willing to bestow. z
Gov. Pollock has at length made his appoint
ments for the city of Philadelphia. George X.
Graham, formerly editor of Grlhan's Magazine,
and who has been prominently connected with
literary enterprises for many years, has been ap-
pointed Harbor Master. Wm. d. Baker, Esq, q
member of our Bar, who has beer. leading spirit
of the Native American party for some years past
has been appointed Bark Inspector. Stephen
Miller, of Harrisburg, the editor of the Pe'nssgt
caaia Telegraph, has been appointed Flour Inspec-
tor OF the eighteen appointees all are residents
Of this city except six.
For the Offices in question in this city, there
were two thousand applicants from philadelphia
alone. Wa are growing to be a nation.of Office
seekers. The malady has spread wider and wider
with each new year, and from present Appearances
the time is approaching when the man OF mature
ace who has neither sought or held and oifee OF
some kind or other, will be the rarcst curiosity
tina, Barn,rn could possibly select for his museum
Ambition is am all pervaing feeling, and no doubt
acts as the ruling incentive for many Of the most
worthy deeds of mankind, but it is rather lamcn-
table thai. so much of il should be directed into
the political channel Legions Of aspirants but
iniure if they donot ruin theaselves by their.in-
ju,iicious pursuitof political honors; and thors,
ants more do much more harm than good to the
country by their occupancy Of stations the duties
Of which they are not competent to properly dis
charge. - -@ 9. - -
The telegraph gives Us a short summary Of tho