New Orleans daily crescent., 1866-10-30
Slq0 Orleans 9atIg Qrsatent.
TUESDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 30, 1866.
November AreteOrs.


GALVESTON, Oct. 25.-The papers are announc-
ing the expected return Of the great mcte0ric dis
play of 1883. Its anniversary recurs on the nights
of Novemberl2 and l3, but whether in 1866 or 1867
admits Of some discussion. The expectation of
its return is based upon the fact of its having been
seen in l779 by Humboldt and Bompland, then
travelling in Cumana, South America Then in
1881, 1872 and 1873 it was seen, in some degree of
brianCy, the former two years, and in 1888 in
wonderful brilIiancy. If we take this date, the
period was "a years, and the greatest display will
not recur till 1867. However, those who would
not miss natural phenomenon, so extraordinary,
and rare IN its occurrence, so stupendous in its
grandeur, will not grudge half night of slumber
IN observation for the two years, both of which
may be expected to repay observation.
In 1888 it was observed in nearly all parts of the
!. world; but the most brilliant exhibition was in the
western continent. The pointin the heavens from
which they appeared to radiate was in Constella-
ton Leo, near the star called Gamma, or the third
in magnitude in that constellation. The display
commenced about midnight on the eastern coast
otthe United States, and continued till daylight,
even to the Pacific Ocean.
The writer is indebted to the difficulties Of solv-
ing the BnOmial Theorem, in Algebra, for most
complete view of this spectacle As q cadet at
West Point was up and at my duties long before
dawn, when the flashes of light through my win
dow attracted me. Upon looking out, the grand
est spectacle of life time broke upon me. The
whole heavens were filled with falling and flashing
stars. The apparent point of radiation was near
pearance of falling stars l had just read in
Humboldt's travels in Cumana, South America
his account of similar display; and thus saved
the alarm that was almostuniVersally felt by spec
tators
had soon the whole corps of cadets and pro
fessors out OF the plain, uttering excamations of
awe and wonder
The profound Professor Courtney who taught
US philosophy and astronomy, was up and gazing
when reached his quarters. My appeal to him
for solution was answered By the reply, - know
nothing more than you or child, MIR. f., Of this
wonderful phenomenon"
At Reveille, when the stars had disappeared
from the sky, the lneteOrs were still flashing.
One observation then made is worth remem-
berlng: None of the meteOrs reached the surface
OF the earth, nor came between the eye and the
neighboring mountains They seemed all to be
dissipated in the atmosphere before reaching the
ground. Several burst into fragments, but no re-
ports we're heard. saw the great one that at
traGted 50 much attention burst nearly over
me, to the eastward. listened for the report but
heard none. Professor Twining computed its eie.
vation at some forty miles, believe which would
be near the upper limit Of the atmosphere.
Respectfully ask for reports from observers IL
Texas, both for this year and next, as our eartt
will pass the Same point and probably encounter
the same school of meteors before they all pas:
the earth'5 orbit in 1861
Ihope to be able to furnish for publication sucl
account as the display, whatever it be. may war
rant, and will give due credit to contributors fol
their observations. C. G. FoRsHEY.
The RADICAL VERSION or THE STORY OF TIL
PR0DIGAL SoE.-The following comes from Henr.
Ward Beecher:
We all know the story of the Prodigal Son-hoT
that selfsuffcient youth, in the pride Of his owl
self-conCeit, sought from his father his portion 0
the patrim0ny, that he could go and live by him
self. The father gave it to him, and lie went out
and like too many other sons of rich men IN on
days, he very soon spent the whole OF his patrl
m0nv, and Wastedt in riotOus living, drunkenness
and debauchery: and when he was reduced to th
most abiect poverty and covered with filthy rags
twas compelled to become keeper OF swine and
to save himself from starving, to feed on tn
husks that the swine did eat. But he came
himself at last and determined to return toward
his fathers house, and how was he recelyed2 Why
the father saw him while he was yet great wa
of, and ran unto him and fell on his neck an
kissed him. and put fine robe upon him, and il
yited him into the parental mansion, where tn
fatted calf was killed and e feast made ready
That was the manner in which the prodigal wa
received as we get the story from the lips of OF
Savior; but when was in New England not lon
ago, heard another version of this story, llaugl
ter) which you may call the radical version.
will tell you what it was: When this young ma
came toward the fathers house in filth and rag
his father closed the door against him. Says h
<' You vile wretch, you have spent all your patI
mony wasted your substance, and you are Uni
to enter into my house. l know you have l
money and you have no credit and You cann
buy anything, but you must go and buy fine 81
robe before you can come into my house and a
other thing, when you cross my threshold, it shf
be on two memorable conditions afirst Of all, "
shall take solemn oath that you have never be-
away; and secondly, you shall give good guara
tees that you will never go again. (Gre
laughter.)