Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-12-27


months constant observation to identify the in
itial point Of the Tooth meridian, which is an
important object with them.
Their party is under the protection Of Major
Van Dorm and his command. They speak in
the highest terms Of this officer, and allude to
his recent battle with the Camanches, on the
Canadian river, as having been the severest
punishment those tribes ever received. They
also pronounce the chastisement as being rich.
ly merited, and assert that the Indians were
the same gang who, under old Buffalo Hump,
have long been committing depredations in
Western Texas, and who threatened the safety
of Fort Arbuckle last summer, when the
troops were mostly withdrawn from that post.
The hostile attitude of these same Indians
has delayed the prosecution of the survey in
which the writers Of this letter are engaged, at
least three months; but through the efficient
conduct of Major Van Dorm and his command
it is supposed that there does not now, nor will
not for some time to come, exist any danger Of
q new outbreak among them. They have en-
tirely disappeared since the fight, but notwith-
Ing that, Major Van Dorm has scouting parties
out almost constantly, although the weather is
inclement and the ground covered with snow
foot deep.
Major Van Dorm has entirely recovered from
the wound he received in his fight with the
Camanches, and the health OF his command, a.
well as of the members Of the surveying party,
is excellent.
HE WEATHER AND TIE WHEAr.-The sea-
son, for a hundred miles around Washington In
all directions, continues to be rema rkably for
tunate for careful and improving farmers. That
is, for those who farm properly drained lands
On the contrary those who farm fat lands that
have not been thoroughly drained are not only
to lose much of the benefits of the open weather
in pushing ahead the growth of their wheat,
but they are destined to End its yield sadly cut
of by the effect Of the present water sobbing on
their fields, and the certain future contingency
that when the long freeze does come, the result
Of the surcharge of water which will even then
be laying on the surface soil of such fields, will
certainly be very extensive winter killing"
Such season as the present teaches most un-
miStakably the soundness of the philosophy Of
agricultural drainage; for, while it is replete
with benefits to the farmer who has properly
drained his lands on which water might other
wise lay, it involves almost certain destruc ton
to the prospects of the farmer who has essa we'd
this season to raise wheat from such lands un-
drained.
NEW TIrLKs-To the Editor of the Star
Dear Sir: In looking over the congressional pre-
ceedings published in your issue of Thursday
nd notice bill has been introduced with the
above object. As a citizen, though unhappilr.
not constituent Of its mover, would beg leave,
in all humility, 10 suggest the propriety of
pressing forward Unsteady some measure tend
ing 10 establish bureau for granting patents OF
mobility at once, thereby saving the time and
expense Of le2islating for individuals
Our revolutionary fathers, (poor simple folk J
were lar behind the age, and felt perfectly con-
tens with the unasSuming name Of patriot But
OF course they were old fogies, and merely de-
slrous OF serving their country without any addi-
ter how meritoIious
HencefoTth, dear Mr.. Editor, you will see with
what eager, e1ultant rapture, the readers OF the
star Will clutch their paper when twill be SUD.
posed to contain an account Of the Presidents
levees, with the sayings and doiues tbereat-Low
Rear Grand Admiral Sir Reginald NincompooD
entered the reception hall with The lovely and
accomplished Mafchioness of Swampoi die; how
tue Island Baron, accompanied Her Grace
The Du hess Of English Hill while the Countess
or Cooney; in a blaze Of briiliants, dazzled and
aScinated group who encircled Ler-the hipb-
est la the lAnd-amony whom we noticed His
Serene Highness the Prince or Bladensburp the
Edfi OF Arlington, the Grand HospCdar OF the
Flve-Gun Battery, the Knight OF tie Canal LoId
High Chancellor Of the Ifber, &c &c In ad
dition to the above Institution We will want a
Heraldry Office, the suggestion Of which | beg
10 postpone 10 future communication.
Yours, NJ Skoyrypyxx