Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-01-07

| at Laurence on me -"''''
ments are utterly inconsistent with each
other.
4 resolution has been adopted by the
House of Representative directing an inquiry
into the facts and circumstances connected
with the sale Of Fort Snelling-Mr. Faulkner,
as friend of the Secretary of War, seconded
the call, and said that this inquiry would
show not the slightest imputation upon the
personal or official character Of that officer.
Mr.. CYRUS W. Field and engineer Everett
hare left New York for England, Tor the pur-
pose Of making arrangements for laying the
Atlantic telegraph in the Spring. They
take with them the model of new machine,
invented by Mr.. Berdan, for paying out the
cable, which is said TO possess great advan-
tages over any other that has been made.
Much as we are opposed to Walkers hItl-
clustering attempts, we are we'll satisfied that
he should be heard in his own defence. We,
therefore, publish the Letter be has addressed
to the President-which is, in effect an ap-
peal to the public. 1t is, certainly, quite
/ curious document.
The Fredericksburg Virginia Herald, a
most excellent and interesting paper, enters
upon its seSenty-second year-but it has the
visor of youth, and is dressed in spick and
| span new suit, which makes it look as young
as any of its juniors. We wish its editor
every success and happiness.
! An important movement has been init
ated in the House of Delegates, under q
resolution of Mr.. MeCuc at Augusta, by
which inquiry is instituted as to the expe-
diency of max ng state provision for the in
/ struction of Idiots Mr.. McCue deserves
great credit for calling the attention of the
/ legislature to this subject, and it is hoped
1 chat the benevolent scheme proposed IL
! his resolution, may at no distant day be col
sumnated.
/ There is, it is asserted, a determination
upon the part of members Of both houses OF
! Congress that the business Of the session
/ shall be promptly disposed Of The cOmpeu
sation of members is not now 50 much pei
diem, but so much per amman, and the result
will be, as it is clearly seen upon all hands
/ that the present, commonly known as the
/ long session, instead Of extending through
July and some times August, as heretofore,
will close in May.--We hope so, certainly
/ Ii is stated that the recent instructions OF
the Presiden. to Commodore Paulding were
sent out with the consent Of Senior frisrarl,
the minister of Nicaragua; and that the par
ty in the pending difficulty which has the
right to complain Of the action of the United
States officers in arrestiDg General Walker
and his men at Punta Arenas, does not com
plain, but, on the contrary, desired and now
approves Of the conduct OF that othcer.
The officers of the banks in Pittsburg held
meeting on M2ndiy, and came to the con-
clusion that they we're able and ready to re-
sumo specie payments wneuvror tho hanks IN
Il
of the banks in Philadelphia report their az,
gregate circulation at only S2OO,OOO, while
their specie amounts to Sl,ll0,o4'. The
other banks 10 that city are said to be IN a.
! favorable condition to resume specie pay
mentS.
Mr.. Slidel, has introduced bill into the Sen
ate so to amend existing law as to permit silver
to be used as q legal tender to the amount
of twenty five dollars instead Of five, as a.
present. The object being to discourage the
circulation of small notes without doing IN
! Justice, iuasmuch as the value of silver is moi
deprecated
The New Haven Register has it that Mrs
Jenkins says, the Kansas people are acting
lust as her son Bill does when he wishes &c
"set up" in the evening:-"COme Billy, 1t L:
time to 90 to bed" 81 hain't had my sup
per ye,! well, why don't you eat your
| supper "Caus don't want to go TO bed
Mr.. Merriam states that during the pas
year, ffty-nine persons were killed and sew
enty-fve injured, by accidents from the use
of camphene, and burning fluids Of kindred
preparation. He advocates suppression o.
the manufacture Of camphene.
The Acting Commissioner of Indian AZ
fairs has requested the keepers OF hotels
and restaurants in Washington not to fur
pish the Indians now in the city with
liouor. The reasons for this request viii
readily suggest themselves 10 all thinking
minds.
The Baltimore American says that the
stock of all kinds of Phosphate Guano is
very limited With the continued increase
in the use Of these Guanos, by our farmers, II
is apprebendad that the supply will not be
equal to the spring demand.
The peaceful and quiet manner in which
the Territory of Oregon originated the ne