Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-03-10
News of the Day.
"q0 sho.O tie rery age andbody Of the TINES.

Representatives have prepared bill reduc-
ing the expenses of the Post-otnce Depart
ment. 1t reduces the commissions OF all
postmasters about fifteen per cent except the
Offices in which the hostages amount 10 less
than one hundred dollars. ltalso regulates the
number and duties of route agents, provides
for reducing the number Of postottlce clerks,
abolishes the law of 1854, which authorizes
the Postmaster General to allow extra pay to
postmasters beyond the commission allowed
by law.
On Saturday last, in Milwaukee, during
heavy gale, banking Office was completely
stripped of its lighter contents by the wind.
The gale tore in at the front door, burst the
windows in the wall opposite, and swept the
Office clean of its bank bills and papers,
which were scattered wildly about the
streets. Several hundred dollars IN bills
and many valuable papers were lost. So
sudden and so expansive n circulation OF
money has not been known before in Mil
waukee.
The Committee of Ways and Means have
nearly matured a modification of the tariff
which is predicated mainly upon Mr.. Nor
rills bill of last Congress, with such modltl-
cations as experience and fuller information
have demonstrated to be desirable and ne
cessary. 1t contemplates judicious and
practical revision by which stability and
protection will be promoted, and agricultu-
raj, manufacturing and mining interests be
fairly considered.
A special despatch to the Charleston Cour-
Ter states that private adyices from the
Northern and Eastern States, mention the
receipt there Of large orders for light ord
nance and improved small arms, including
revolvers and bowie-knives. In most cases
they are to be delivered for shipment from
the American Gulf ports, the orders coming
from agents of Spanish and Mexican houses
The Milwaukee Democrat, referring TO a
statement of Hon. Amasa Walker, that trees
may be so grated as to produce an apple,
one half of which is of one kind of fruit and
the other of different kind, says that I'm an
orchard in Cass county, Michigan, may be
found tree bearing apple which are com
posed of alternate sections of layers Of sweet
and sour, each apples containing perhaps six
distinct sections, the sweet and sour portions
distinctly marked, the former being yellow
and the latter green.
The Montgomery (Ala.) Confederation
says that persons belonging to the mys-
terious order Of X G. C.'s are daily passing
through that city, and purchases Of arms
to a considerable extent have recently been
made The Confederation says: "There i
certainly something in the wind. Il is sur
missed that their destination is Mexico, OF
which country they desire TO take posses
| sion.
The Hartford Courant states that the man
ufacture of odometers, for measuring the dis
lance travelled by any vehicle, is now car
ried on somewhat extensively in that city
Livery keepers use them considerably, and
| in many cases the individuals who 20 off for
a drive of FIVE or ten miles and take twenty,
are brought up with round turn" by this
continuance, and often to their great aston
ishment.
A new composition has recently been pro
duced, the basis Of which is India rubber
combined with emery, from which are man
ufactured files, emery wheels, grindstoGes,
homes, razor-strops, scythe-rities, knlte-sharp-
eners, and variety of other articles OF like
nature. The files wrought from this new
composition can be moulded into any desir-
ed size or form
The Harper's Ferry Investigation Com
mittee, after long deliberation, have formal
ly decided not to call Gov. Wise before them.
The minority of the Committee have been
very DESTROYS to have the testimony of Gov.
Wise, in order that the contents of John
Browns papers captured by him, might be
brought to light; but the majority refuse.
The Supreme Court of Wisconsin, has re-
fused to grant writ Of habeas corpus, ap-
piled for in the case of Sherman Nj. Booth.
Chief Justice Dixon was against the applica-
ton, and Judge Payne was considered dis
qualified on account Of his being Mr. Booths
attorney in the case, before his election 10 the
Supreme Bench.
The Boston Gazette says that the dele
gates from Massachusetts, to the Charleston
Democratic Convention, and such as propose
to be present at the meeting Of that body,
are making arrangements to 20 in manner
that will be at once convenient, agreeable
and imposing. The proposition IS to charter
a steamer for the trip.
Gen. Tom Thumb is tired Of an inactive
life and has determined to make another tour
Of exhibition. For this purpose he has had =
miniature carriage made, procured beau
tful team of ponies, and all the parapher
MALTA for successful tour of the country
He is % years Of age, and manages his own
business.
Mr.. Bettger, an eminent German chemist,
has Just discovered curious property Of
carburetted hydrogen or Illuminating gas,
viz: that being brought into contact with
certain saline solutions, and especially with
nitrate of silver, it will, By chemical combi-
nations form substances Of a highly explo
sive nature.
The old Farmers and Planters Hotel Of
Port Tobacco, Maryland, has lately changed
hands, having been purchased by Mr.. J.
Alex Brawner, who is now carrying the
house through thorough course Of repair.
The whole building will be raised another
story.
The House committee on elections, have
dacided to allow Mr. Williamson to contest
the seat Of Mr.. Sickles, allowing the former
ten days for serving of notice upon the lat
ter, and the latter twenty days for reply
Afterwards sixty days are TO be allowed Tor
taking testimony.