The Kanzas news., 1859-02-12
Letter from Washington.

WASHINGTON, Jan. ID, '58.
FRIEND SToFLER:-As we could write moth
ing certain, that was of an encouraging
nature concerning our Railroad, we have
kept silent; but within the last day or two
an important movement has been effected,
and one which will probably secure to US
the passage of our Bill.
The several interests of Atchison, Leav-
enworth, Kansas City and Lawrence, had
somehow entertained the idea that our road
would be prejudicial to their interests; and,
of course, one not to be by them desired
But upon more familiar comparison of
views, 3 "systens Of roads was agreed up
on and adopted by all.
The House Land Committee had been so
changed by the Speaker, that majority of
that Committee were in opposition TO any
grant. But when the united action of all
the Kansas interests made it apparent that
strong influence would be embodied, that
Committee agreed to report which would
embrace the system of roads proposed
That report we now expect in few days
just as soon as the Committee are reached.
We are told. repeatedly, by members from
various sections of the country, that tho
they have been opposed to land grants gon-
orally, yet Kansas deserves her share of the
lands, and so far as they are concerned, shall
have them. am happy to state, too, that
the whole Missouri delegation are in our
favor, and look upon the interests of Kan
sas and Missouri, effected by this system of
Railroads, as identical. And having had
considerable acquaintance with the substan-
tial people of Western Missouri, l take
this opportunity to say that those forays and
depredations upon Kansas, and upon them
selves By Hamilton and his men, are looked
upon with the deepest regret and condem-
nation. They have very little fear of Kan
sas, and except now and then horse thief,
they consider the people of Kansas their
friends and neighbors.
The U. S. Agricultural Society is now
holding its meetings at the Smithsonian In
stitute. Should the farmers of this coun-
try sustain this National Association, as
we'll as their several State and County So
cieties, the agricultural class of the nation
W, uld soon take its place among the con-
trolling influences Of the world. The farmer
produces the food upon which the life of
man depends, and when they combine they
make nations or they destroy them-they
change governments or they overthrow them
forever. No power can stand against the
stomach argument when applied direct.
They have many advantages by holding
their meetings in this Institution, and
First. The Professors of this Institu-
ton are inclined to fsver the laboring class
es-the farmer and mechanic.
Second. They are offered the use, so far
as Is necessary for their purposes, of the
splendid sets of Appsratus-the chemical,
philosophical, and mechanical.
listened. together with very large au-
dience, to lecture in the Hall of this In
stitution, on Nitrogen-one of a series on
chemistry. applied TO agriculture and phys
iology. The lecture was illustrated and
inteFspersed by experiments of the most
clear and satisfactory character, showing to
the farmer the importance of the presence
of this gas, and the different substances
formed by It's combination. The lecturer
concluded by most brilliant exhibition ofl
the compound 5loso-pipe. wherein a piece of
cast iron was melted and few off Ia the
most beautiful sparks. and showers of bril-
liant oorFuscations, which was received by
the audience with great cheerings and en-
ehusiastic applause. The great Drummoud
complisbed by throwing this intense fame
upon lump of lime. The light was SO in
tense and dazzling that the eye could bear
il but little better than the rays of the great
sun itself.
There is 9 great fund of knowledge con-
eentrated here. and the U. 8. Agricultural
Society. BY holding its annual meetings here,
can avail themselves of il, and the readers
Of their publications are benefited by IT.
Two important measures have received
the atteatiOn OF this Society, and elected
warm and merited discussion; one is, that
there shall be an Agricultural Depart
meHt, that the interests Of the farmer may
Be represented in The Cabinet. The other
Is, that an appropriation of lands be made
by the general government for the endOsO-
ssest of m Agricultural College in each
State and Territory, after such State or Ter
ritory shall have erected the necessary bull
dings.
No news of note. Congress stands still
and goes around as usual. The Presidents
social ehtertainments are somewhat inter-
esfins to backwoodsman-wster coming
in-fountains playing buildings
progressing crowded, and hoops
is eosfss. Yours IN hopes of better days
for .,-s s...s----, - IA MAS. 2;