Smyrna times., 1856-03-26

Corresponding. Of the Smyrna Times.
Letter from Philadelphia.
PHILADELgHIA, March "a, 1856.

week ID still the all-absorbing idea of our citl-
zens. SINCE my last, twenty eight bodies have 7
been recovered, and some twenty more are
missing. From few facts CLEANED from the
evidence before our Coroner, it appears, the
boat was an old one, and the boiler contained
defects which alone should have condemned the
use of the boat until such repairs had been eff
fected as would have insured the safety of those
travelling across the river. The captain and
crew, three, all told, have been arrested
Nothing can result from that move as they
have not struck at the right parties. The gen.
eral impression is that the boat was on fire be- |
fore she left the wharf, and if the company had
had the necessary compliment of hands, the
disaster would in all probability have been
avoided.
The Methodist Conference meets in this city
on Tuesday. In my next will give their pro-
ceedings in condensation.
The observances of Lent have passed, in con-
: sequence of which, meat has slightly advanced.
1t is astrange thing with me, how the members
of certain churches who observe the require
n ments, can lose so much time as to attend
: church every morning-the majority of whom
e being the wives of laboring men. don't wish
> to be understood as arguing against paying
- daily duties to Him " from whom all blessings
|. Aow," but it could be done at home in ones
d family, instead of running to church every
4. morning of the forty days, except the first or
III seventh day, as it is called, and then being dere-
70 lict in that important duty. Both the Catholic
id and Episcopal churches observe the season, and
III it seems to be more of pro .JOrma than the
T. prompting of the heart The grand fault in
~ all Catholic countries is, the numerous " saint
h. days" that have to be observed. The inhabi-
tants, as a matter of course, are drawn from
n their daily occupations, and the result is, ali
benefits which labor alone can bestow, are sa-
nj crificed for mere formal devotion. In some,
cr near one hundred " saint days" are observed
no now including the filtytwo that were set apart
for worship, a man in these countries works
" only two hundred days, not to include those
u, which government sets apart for observance
All will admit that too much devotion cannO
o. be paid to our Maker, yet it is questionable
~ whether the observances above alluded to wer,
i,s ever intended to be made by the Christian
of church, as there is special advice to do,
being only form.
m Preparations are being made for the spring
nd e'eC'o"s WIN ''o'o ''"'' u'u'' sP'', "' IL se
his orally the case in the year of Presdenta
campaign. The result of such, | will not at
'ns tempt to predict; yet, think, il the American
people would calmly consider the issues a
~ stake, and the principles of the respective par
,on ties, that the result in many cases would
ted changed materially. For instance, if an art
be Gle in a newspaper bitterly denounccs the priu
M ciples and men of the opposing party, the vote
Tho should weigh them well, and, if found wanting
ea- he should reject them. 1t is too common now
IN that, far a party to succeed, its leaders mus
paint all who are not with them as black al
;s, hellsh possible, in order to turn the minds
ON. the class who not acquainted with the lo'
her schemes and tricks OF demogOgues. Sou
time ago, Ferdinando Wool was a canddat
anu for mayor of New York-he was charged Wit
3D., almost every crime, even to that OF arson ye
Dw when tried, he exceeded all expectations a
efficient officer. So with our mayor-ROthin
adj too bad could be said against him whilst cal
sh- I;l., L.. L. 80 -. ,.o,.a ., 10 no.
ties man. The same occurs with the representa-
re. tive of your State in Congress--he has bee
end been vifed, yet, It is asserted by the best al
=, thorty, he delivered the most sensible speec
ac that has been presented on that most diIicu
are thing, the Kansas question. Look at the priI
ciples of the American party; its adheren
the think too many foreigners have come here f
va" the country's good and sustain their assertion
ton and its principles by logical arguments. I'll
AN arguments of the party have never been ref
:. ted, simply because it is apparent to every OF
ii's' that they are well founded The Democra
, contend for State rights. and home to a
'ep. without any distinction whatever. The first
correct, beyond controversy; the latter vel
nds, doubtful. So with temperance and other gre
OuS- ssues-they should be carefully cOnsidere
and if found wanting, rejected. II should n
be as it is at present-success awaiting q
ina party who heaps the greatest abuse. sgadr
edi- How the mighty have fallen - is about Il
that most appropriate phrase to be used in come
a. q. ton with young lady who has been oceup
NOT ing an important position in New York, as Il
his wife Of DIR. Cox,po high-church Episcopalig
ard notoristy. II was lately discovered that 81
MN was not as good as she might be in fact, 81
III, is classed as a low prostitute. This divor,
him case, which is now progressing, like othe
mo- from such high sources, occupies considerab
ma. attention in the public mind. a,... ..,..
s in The weather is fine, with every prospect
.ock bright and pretty spring.
,lso