Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-02-28
Yotal ann Dtrsonal.

Something New.-Among The objects Of in
terest AT the fair Of the Metropolitan Mechanics
Institute, in the machine department, are Dodges
Patent Suction and Force Pumps. They are
double acting, and combiae both the suction and
force principles. The pistons and valves are Of
the best belmetal composition, making them
available for use in either hot or cold liquids.
The cylinder is without divisions and chambers,
has no valves at the suction port, and is bored OIL
perfectly true and smooth. From the construction
Of tho cylinder and water passages the pistons
require no packing, being fitted perfectly TO the
cylinder. Two important evils in pumps gene
power required TO work them, and the wear Of
the packing. The cylinder and pistons being per-
fecty true and smooth. and fitted in the most
perfect manner, il naturally follows that there
should be less friction, and, consequently, less
wear, than in pumps generally.
The water eniers the cylinder, upon lie lower
side, at each end alternately, passes through the
piston-heads, and 10 discharged through the round
air.vessels, IN the centre Of the pump. These
pistons are furnished with metallic valve, con-
nected in such manner that both must operate
simultaneously, ono valve opening at the precise
moment the other closes, 90 that any delay on the
part Of one is Immediately overcome by the other;
consequently these pumps may be run a higher
speed than pumps generally, AZ the back aciion Of
the water, (wa,erramming.) does not prevent the
parts from performing their duty al the proper
moment.
The excellence Of this pump is in its simplicity,
aud 10 It's very light friction. The various sizes
can be used for different purposes, according TO
the forcing power required; whether for washing
windows, or for the suppression Of fires in fact,
for all purposes where either little or much water
is required. The deepest well can be readily
made to discharge its aqueous contents. The
prices range from $25 70 $780,
Some Of our citizens have awaited themselves
of this invention, by purchasing number Of those
beautifully acting pumps.
The. value of the machine induces US thus TO
commend il 10 the public attention.
Fire.-While the House of Representatives
was in session, yesterday afternoon, a messenger,
between three and four o'clock, arrived, privately
informing the Hon. T. H. Benton that his house
was on fire. That distinguished gentleman at
once left the hall. One Of the members moved
that the committee RISE AFTER announcing that fact;
but the House, il being dinner-.me, took recess
until seven o'clock in the evening" for the purpose
of INDUCING gentlemen in general debate, on such
subjects as might suit their fancy, or were de-
manded by regard to representative duty.
When we reached the vicinity Of Colonel Ben.
tons house, on street, we saw him standing in
the crowd, looking, with others, on the blazing
roof ofhis dwelling His chief regret, which he ex-
pressed was, that the fire originated in his library,
destroying valuable papers, the gatherings Of fifty
years, aud which cannot be replaced.
The flames soon communicated to the chambers
Of the third story, burning through the floor. The
efforts of the fremen were thwaried by the
their hose and machinery, owing to the cold
weather. Their exertions, however, prevented
the total loss of the building.
The furniture was removed with but little or
no regard 10 its value and looking-glass was
actually thrown from the third story window, 10
saps il, we suppose
The house is wreck. The FIRE performed its
consuming work above, while water did its In
jury below.
The adjoining houses were in imminent danger;
and we learn that the furniture Of the Rev. WIN.
Mclean was seriously injured by removal
large number Of members Of Congress beheld
The blazing building They could see for them
selves that our city is badly of for water. We
trust they were, for this circumstance, deeply i'm
pressed with the necessity of furnishing us with
abundant supply Of tho liquid, and that, before
the session shall close, they will take measures
for gratifying both the Government and the pso-
pie in this reasonable desire.