The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-05-28
LOCAL MATTERS.

shells, IL win be remembered, are charged with
composition prepared by Capt b, and carry
number of musket balls, which, on the explosion
OF fne sheli, radiate forwards and downwards, and
must. therefore, be effective instruments in dis
lodging an ehemy from behind breastwork as
well AZ In checking cavalry or infantry charge
IN a open field. As we did not witness the ex-
per1ments alluded to, and had understood that the
cartridge used for driving the shell was made Of
%orninary o. cannon powder, we did not understand
tne advantage to be derived from charging the
snen win the new composition; but since our first
notice of the invention explanations have been
made to ms of its utility which have changed our
opinion on that subject, and we therefore give
snem to the reader. They are these: Experiments
nave proved that cannon powder, when mixed with
h... oss IN the SHE'LL have caused the shell to
burst before leaving the bore of the gun. by the
sudden shock and friction of the lead balls against
each other and the shell, coming in contact with
tue powder. An ordinary field charge will some
unes cause the bursting of the shell by the time
ieaves the gun, and when this is the case the ef-
rect OF the shell on the enemy is almost totally lost
To avoid this result the quantity of powder has
sometimes been reduced, and then 1t often happens
tnat the shell VIII not burst; but when ii does
ourst, the effect of the fragments and lead balls
thrown forward, do not prove as destructive as If
sne explosive and propelling power were greater
Toprevent the premature bursting of the she'll as
we nave described, and at the same time to ensure
the necessary propelng force TO make the missiles
destructive, Capt Il. has invented new powder
or composition, for which he claims the following
merits: - .
LIST. 1t cannot be infamed by any shock or fric-
ton
I'd. The burning of the composition, when not
closely confined, is very slow.
ID When placed in contact with red hot iron, it
wii burn, but the burning will cease sooH as the
iron is removed.
4th. If prepared for bursting, it burns suddenly.
with the most intense heat of the cases. and effects
more powerful destruction than gunpowder
9TH. 1t can be prepared at any place, without
the slightest DANGER and is less expensive than
gunpowder
9th. In finishing, or charging shells, no damage
can possibly occur by premature explosion. If by
accident, or design fire is placed in an unfinished
shell, instead of causing an explosion, would be
| the case IT ordinary powder were used, the com.
position will burn out slowly, doing no more dam
age than the burning of 30 much paper
In charging six pound shell but three ounces
OF this composition is necessary, and double that
amount is required for a twelve pound shell.
If this composition will perform what its inven-
tor claims for it, and his experiments thus far have
fully sustained his calculations the reader will
readily perceive the advantages it possesses for
charging shells over ordinary gunpowder and
why it should be adopted by the u. S. Govern
ment. The fact that it is not liable to explosion
from fricton-that it burns like straw if set fire to
In an open placethat it is perfectly safe in charg-
ing shells-and is vastly more powerful than gun
powder when prepared for explosion, are char ac-
terstics that will recommend it to the army and
navy, and ensure for it a wide spread popularity.
On Monday last, Capt. B. repeated his expert
ments with great success, and it is said has been
invited to visit the Military Institute at Lexington
and there test his invention in the most thorough
manner.
Raising Subscription "A subscription list is
being extensively circulated in Jefferson Ward to
raise sum of money with which to present Mrs.
Bowling for applying cowhide to ex-officer Var
rington, on Saturday last Officer Y has hereto
fore been great favorte with the ladies' most of
whom admire him for his good looks and his gal
lantry, and under the influence of their angelic
smiles, made himself terror to evil doers for
years-but now that the fair have turned against
him, and one OF them has actually beaten him
with many stripes, his case is hopeless one. In
stead of raising subscription to reward the lady
tor her merciless crretyh the whole city should rise
as one man and offer their coincidence to the per-
secuted ex-0fhcer, whose proverbial gallantry
stood by him in the hour of peril and enabled him
to bear the inicions of the lash rather than rude
ly resist the striking marks of affection bestowed
upon him by a lady in vindication of her hus
bands rights. Hs, ID
Mechanics Mstitute.-An appeal will be made to
citizens in the of few days. to aid this
Institute in erecting a large and spacious hail. in
which to hold its annual exhibitions, and to carry
on its School of Design and Night School for ap
prentices, and we do hope that every citizen will
not only feel it to be duty, but will deem it plea.
sure, to aid In carrying out object In which the
prosperity of Richmond is deeply involved
Richmond, If she is to become great manufactu-
ring and mechanical city, must do SO by the sue
cessful enterprise of the working men, and they
can never become successful unless educated. The
Council of the city has shown its willingness to aid
in this important work by rendering lot on which
to build . halt 1t now becomes the duty of every
citizen to aid in raising the means for erecting that
building; and as the good to be derived from it is
to become universal, we trust that the Institute
will find no difficulty in procuring sufficient funds
to run up the building 1T once. -
Fireman's Trouble-One of the fremen of the
city was fined by the Mayor yesterday for taking
hose reel On the sidewalk of Grace street, in the
night time. An ordinance of the city prohibits the
fire apparatus from running on the sidewalks at
any time and the fremen would do well to
member this fact.
who attended the theatre last Monday night, to
witness the exhibition given by this far.famed
corps of minstrels speak of the singing the acting.
the dancing and instrumental music rs Of high
order, and all that we have conversed with, ap.
peared delighted with the exhibition Apart from
tho songs of the company, their rich jokes and tell
ing wit the accordeon solo by Levi Brown, and the
violin solo, with variations, by r. b. Isaacs, were
Iesque of "Mazeppa," in which live horse, name,
tail, and all, Ia introduced, is most amusing, and
neverfails to win applause.
Fdsete Artillsry-This old and valued company,
under the command Of Capt. Richardson, will eel
ebrate its approaching anniversary ON the 18th
inst, at the farm OF COL myers, on the Plank ROAD,
where the usual target practice will take place
We are gratified to learn that q number of new
members have enrolled their names within short
time past and that the company Is expected to pa
rade, forty strong the day of its anniversary.
The Artillery should be kept up and supported by
all means.
Continental Guard anniversary of this
company will be celebrated In becoming manner
next month and it is said that many of the military
of Petersburg will be invited to join them on the
occasion. Where the dinner will be given we are
unable to say, but that Capt. Crawford win spsre
no efforts to make the affair pleasant one, there
cannot be q shadow of doubt.
Insolent Negro The Mayor is no tolerator Of
negro impudence, and when occasion requires,
spares no efforts to teach them their place. Yes
terday morning slave. called Alexander Wyatt.
owned by Charles Pastie of Louisa, was convicted
before him of abusing and threatening the life of
Moses Levy, and ordered to receive twenty-five
.MiscAierons Boys Three white boys made their
appearance before the Mayor yesterday morning,
70 70 answer the charge of throwing stones at Mr..
u j. Sinfons house, corner of Franklin and 26th
streets, and breaking the windows, on Sunday
iast Dir. y. did not see the deed committed, but
had learned from other boys, who were mot pres
en-. tnat tne prisoners were the guilty parties In
order 70 secure the attendance Of Witnesses, tht
- t.A8r 49,.