Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-10-16
BLACK MOUNTAIN DErHRoNED!

Some two weeks ago an article on this subject
appeared in the Spectator the principal portion OF
which we give below Whether the proposition to
call the highest peak of the Smoky Mountains
Nount Clingman, is in some part due to desire 10
change the designation heretofore given to the high
est point of the Black Mountain, shall not stop
to enquire For our part we as well salts
fed as ever that Mr. Clingman was right in the for
mer controversy on this subject. Nevertheless, as
DR.. Mitchell's remains have been placed there. If
those who favored that movement prefer that Mr..
Cngman's name should be indssOluby connected
with still higher Mountain, we do not see that
his friends ought to have any well founded
objection TO it. Leaving, therefore, entirely out OF
the question what name should be applied to the
highest peak of the Black, a thing that each per-
son vii, decide for himself, have no hesitation in
adopting this name, and the more readily as it is
we'll known that for long time MIR. Clngnan has
expressed the opinion that this part Of the Smoky
Mountains was most probably higher than the Black,
as has now been verified
This peak, however though in Jackson county, is
not situated at the head of the Oconauty River but
nearly ten miles to the westward of it, and we un
de-stand about the head Springs Of the western
branches Of Deep Greek. When one is on it we are
informed that Mt. Pisga bears S. 80 E, the Plot
Balsam (the point nearest Waynesvie) S. 70 E., the
Cold Mountains is seen S. rs E., while the highest
peak of the Black (about seventy miles distanO
bears N. ID E., or thereabouts. By these bearings,
independently of all else, the point can Away be
identified Its height, a>certained, seems to be
6737 feet above the sea. As We understand that
four of Green's barometer were used to aid in the
measurement, and due care taken in the observa.
tons, We do not suppose that subsequent measure.
ments will ever reduce it below the height of the
Black. Some twenty miles to the East of it, along
the ridge of the Smoky near the Haywood line,
stands the second point in altitude, it being little it
any below the Black. intermediate between the two
stands the third point in height 1t is spur of the
Sintnf
of Tennessee and has height Of 66l4 feet.
Besides these, we learn that a number of other
peaks have been ascertaned to surpass in altitude
Mount Washington.
We may remind our readers that Prof Guyot
made the height of the Black Mountain 67O1 feet
AS his tables were used in the calculations for the
Smoky, it is probable the difference between the ell
ovation of the two is about Sc feet
The following is the article from the Spectator:
"BLAcK MOUNTAIN Observation-Disclosures Hon
T. L.. Clingman Professor Leconte, of the S. C. Col
lege, and Prof Buckly, Of New York, have recently
taken barometrical measurements Of various noun
tain peaks in Haywood and jackson counties, and
learn that the result Of their calculations u.s. that
peak Of the Smoky Mountain, in Jackson county,
near the Tennessee line, is some serenity fre feet
higher than the pinnacle of the Black! Mt MITCHELL
it will be recolected, is GIL feet above the sea-
Quite a number of peaks, we understand, have been
ascertained to be higher than Mt Washington, for q
long time supposed to be the hgest mountain east
Of the MissiS> ppi.
Professor Lcconte informed us that he believed
that barometrca experiments and calculations made
in the measurement of these peaks to be quite
rate and reliable and that there could be but little
doubt of the superior altitude of the Smoky Noun
tain This may be true. But there is possibility
of mistake; and considering the small difference in
the height of the two mountains. they will doubt
be subjected they ought to be to the most rigid
scientific test If the glory of the old Black is to be
cclipsed let it be done upon undoubted and unques-
tionable authority. 1t will not do to rely implicitly
upon a single experiment, made with instruments,
possibly defective, and liable to err. when used even
by the most competent professors AS it is. there
fore, questionable, as We think, whether Mt Mitch
ell is over.opped by its rival peak Of the Smoky
Mountain, let there be a suspension Of judgm. mt,
until the test have suggested shall have been a-
piled, and the result accurately and dcfntvely
known. If then it is determined that the pinnacle
OF the Smoky is higher than the summit Of the Black
let it in all conscience be called mt. Clngman"-
AsAriUe Nens.