The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-04-17
A DOMESTIC INSTITUTION.

We have had Wheeler * Wilson's Sewing
Machine in use in our household for six months,
and can heartily recommend it to our friends
| as the best labor-saving domestic institution"
we know Of The work is done with great
rapidity; the stitch 1.-THE common back.stitch of
hand needlework) is the same on both sides of
the work; it is extremely regular, and as firm
as any work done by hand. A little experience
| will enable the operator so to regulate the
machine as to sew up seams in dresses in such
way that they can be ripped as easily as
"run seam" BY the same process, loosen
ing the upper thread, and frightening the
stitch,) the most exact and beautiful "gath.
ers" can be made. Hens, not more than
onetwelfth of an inch wide, can be done with
exquisite neatness. Seams can be "felled" as
neatly as the most fastidious could desire. In
short, almost all parts of ordinary garments
can be done with Greatness and despatch"
Experience will teach good needlewoman
what these few exceptions are.
The machines are simple in their construc-
ton, neat and substantial in appearance, and
not readily liable to arrangement. They are
of various prices, ranging from seventy-fve to
one hundred and twenty-five dollars. The last
named price will purchase a beautifully finish
ed article, enclosed in handsome case of solid
mahogany, forming nice article of furniture.
We have given this long notice for the benefit
of women, who, we are sure, will rejoice to be
emancipated from the slavery of the needle.
Of all forms of female labor, we hold sewing
to be the worst for the health. The cook or
washerwoman has a better chance for long
and healthful life, than the woman who, from
choice or necessity, sits all day, or many hours
together, at her sewing. All forms of house
work and light labor in the garden are infinitely
better. Sewing machines may help to tighten
the burdens which luxury and fashion impose
upon woman in providing the wardrobes of
her household. To convince our readers that
we are perfectly disinterested in our advice,
we have only to assure them that we paid one
hundred and twenty-five dollars for our ma
chine, and consider the money proftably in
vested. Nib.
The AMERICAN PARTY IN WIscoNs1N.-Ml
waukie, april l0.-The American State Coun-
Gil, IN session In this city, nave repuoiateo the
nomination of Mr.. Fillmore, and passed resolu-
tons recommending Mr.. Banks as the American
candidate for the Presidency.
Does the American Party in Wisconsin really
expect to succeed by such tactics? Mr.. Banks
will not feel profoundly grateful for the nomi.
nation.
pa- Fl. G., writing from Washington, April
ID, says'
"The House Post Office Committee will re-
port bill to punish the suppression or with.
holding of documents by postmasters. This
abuse has become fragrant, and cries aloud for
correction. l think this committee incline
also to recommend the abolition of the frank.
ing privilege, though the subject has not yet
been formally acted on.
Might before last, there was q large and
spirited meeting at Wilmington, to inaugurate
the Republican movement in Delaware. The |
Chairman was an exSpeaker Of the House, ]