Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-01-19
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
OPTICAL P1PER OF THE CITY,

country, various estimates OF the wood making say
from thirty-fve TO forty,fve thousand cords. AS
some encouragement to our Virginia friends, and
evidence Of the increase of the value of their
lands, We would mention the fact that this proper
ty was bought less than two and half years since
for ten thousand dollars. The purchasers are some
enterprising Pennsylyanans from Norfistown.-
baltimore Sun.
The increase Of the value of Virginia lands du-
ring the last year or two has been remarkable. In
many cases we have heard of prices OF large tracts
being enhanced from 20 to 80 per cent The high
price of wheat is one cause Of this. Another, is
the discovery that even the poorest land in the
Underwater region be recuperated by the use OF
guano.
The city Of Washington is deeply interested in
whatever relates to the prosperity OF the Potomac
region, and her citizens viii always rejoice TO hear
of the rise Of real estate on that river. The day
is not far distant when the shores of that noble
stream will be covered with dense population.
The Northern Neck will not stand still forever 1t
is part Of the United States at any rate, and
therefore must advance.
NATIONAL ISsTlrUrE.-January l6, ls56.--Ad-
journed annual meeting, Professor Henry in the
chair
The Recording Secretary and Treasurer read
their reports for the past year.
A letter was read from Peter Force, ESQ.,, Pres-
dent of the Institute, positively declining reelec
.
also declined.
The meeting then proceeded to the election of
officers for the year 1856. The following gentle
men were duly elected:
Lieutenant M. F. Maury, President.
Professor s. 4. Baird, lst Vice President.
DR.. L. D. Gale, I'd Vice President.
Professor James Ferguson, Sd Vice President
DR.. Daniel Breed, Corresponding Secretary.
VIM. w. Turner, Recording Secretary.
S. L. Coues, Treasurer
]. Tyssowsk Librarian.
Prof Henry made some remarks respecting the
past history of the Institute and his connection
with it in the course of which he advocated an
application to Congress for leave to change its
name, In conformity with its actual nature, to one
Of local character, calling it. for instance, the
Washington 4ca teany Of Sciences, or something of
the sort.
DIR. Gale replied, acquiescing in much that Prof
Henry had stated, but opposing the conclusions he
had arrived at DR.. g. advocated the endeayor to
increase the efficiency and raise the character Of
the Institute as at present organized.
The following gentlemen were elected members
of the Institute:
Hon. John r. Bartlett, Providence, r. l.; Rich
ard Ella, Esq, Washington; Prof Thomas Miller
Washington; DR.. A. Y. p. Garnett, Washington !;
Edward Daniels, Esq, Ripon, Wisconsin Dr.
Richard II. Coolidge, U. s. Army; J. G. Brevoort
ESQ, Brooklyn, n Y; Capt Alex. III. Bowman
U. s. Engineer Corps; Rev. NJ. d. CONWAY, WASH
ington; :kingham Smith, ESQ, Madrid, Spain |;
Hon. Chas. Mason, Washington.
kfter which the meeting adjourned
CAPITOL ExTENsIoN.--We copy from Captain
Meiggss report the following items inregard to the
Capitol:
The force employed during the month has been
about $50 men, of whom $40 were upon the Uni
ted States rolls and $50 upon those Of the con-
tractors for marble work. Some progress was
made in the exterior marble facing during the
early part of the month, but the severe weather
In the latter part arrested all masonry. One hun
dred and two blocks Of marble were set during the
month seventeen of the columns, and all of the
pilasters (36 in number) have been set in the cor
rider of the south wing The pilasters are CON-
plete but nine only of the columns have yet re-
ceived their capitals.
Some of the archtraves Of the Senate vestibule
have been cut and moulded ready for carving.
Four of the elaborate Corinthian column capitals
and two of the plaster capitals for this vestibue,
have been completed. Several columns and balus-
ters of Tennessee marble, for the staircases have
been cut, and one Of each polished.
The whole tier Of committee rooms at the west
end of the basement of this wing is nearly finished
The floors are laid, mantels set, and workmen are
finishing the marble skirting, putting up door
frames and window frames, hanging shutters, and
painting the iron and wood work.
Little brick masonry has been executed during
December, but some arches of the attic which had
been commenced, have been finished, and some of
the brick walls to support the roof have been
built. 35l,525 bricks were laid during the month
The number of days work by men employed by the
United States has been 1852, and by the contract
ors for marble-work s,456.
DEDIcArIoN.--The new Baptist church, on 18th
street, win be dedicated tomorrow Sermon in
the morning by Rev. Dr. Fuller, of Baltimore -
Rev. DR.. Burrows, of Richmond, viii preach in the
afternoon, and Rev. DR.. Teasdale in the evening
The services will be highly interesting.
CENTRE MARKET.--This market was fully attend
ed this morning. and prices at the usual high point
A very large amount of hay was on the stand
The roads are in capital condition, and many farm
ers were present from long distance.
Prices Of every kind of man and horse feed are
so high that the farmers of Maryland and Virginia
will find 1t for their interest to attend our market
especially while the roads are in as good order as
they are at present.
CHRIsrY's MNsrRELs.--This evening closes the
engagement of the Chrsty troupe at the Varieties.
They have performed to crowded houses for two
weeks, and afforded an infinite amount of amuso-
ment We regret to announce their departure
and hope soon to chronicle their return Give
them bumper tonight.
COURT OF CLAIMS.-The court met at III o'clock
yesterday. The judges we're all present.
Frank S. Fiske, Esq, Of New Hampshire, and
Stratford G. II. Bailey, ESQ, of New York, were,
admitted to practice as attorneys and councillors
in this court
The argument in the case Of John Ericsson u.s.
the United States (adjourned over from Thursday
was resumed in behalf Of the government by the
Solicitor, who was followed in favor of the claim
aut by John o. Sargent, Esq, Of New York, who
bad not concluded his remarks, when
The court adjourned till III o'clock on Monday