The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1874-07-11
Letter. from Baltimore.

student of astronomy, observing practically,
scientifically and theoretically movements of the
heavenly bodies. The science, or study, is SUBJ
lime, grand beautiful one. Nothing outside
of divine revelation can more forcibly impress q
studious, contemplative, philosophic mind of the
existence of a supreme, overriding intelligence
than even an approachable comprehension of
Gods sublime wonders as displayed in the uni
verse. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground
without His notice, and the hairs of our heads are
all numbered. The grasshopper that sings its
song beneath our feet, the smallest insect that
crawls, with the animalcula of water and count
less other living creatures imperceptible to the
naked eye, equally with the golden-orbed God Of
day, myriads of stars in the arching vault of
heaven, all proclaim the wonderous work of an
almighty power. Who can gaze upon and con-
template these things without feeling his depend
encs and an inward conviction that an eternal
spirit of life and surprising intelligence guides
and controls everything animate and inanimate.
1t is whilst thus meditatng that we feel and know
and recognize the omniscient grandeur and great
ness of Supreme Architect, directing and NOV
ing at His will the universe of mind and matter.
There are now thousands of nightly comet
gazers in our city intently engaged espyng that
recent newcomer among the celestial cribs
"Ccggias" comet-which begins to appear to
especial advantage with promise of increasing
brilliancy.
Astronomers have put forth numerous theories
regarding these irregular, fry visitors. Thus
far, however, the most learned have not been able
to divine their nature and purpose. The sweep
of their orbits is immense, passing for long cycles
of years. innumerable myriads of miles outside
and beyond the confaeS of our solar system
How many there may be of them is unknown
even to the wisest astronomers, or where they go
after disappearing from mortal vision can only
be carried to the exhausted limits of human i'm.
agination. That they have been made for wise
purpose NO one can doubt. Fixed and immuta-
BILE laws govern them the same precisely, and
she %ors AID iytsSe " Woag Saigs
out the universe. They have their times, their
seasons and their purpose, coming and going at
the appointed time. Hence there need be no
alarm about our globe being struck by comets
neucleus or disturbed even by its tail, both of
which must remain forever harmless on EARTH
Instead of apprehending danger from their ap-
proach we should have cause of thankfulness. -
They are harbingers Of good freighted with heal.
ing and glad tidings.
In the wise economy of nature, believe-and
the theory is my owa-they were appointed to
appear and re-appear at stated periods for the pur
pose of supplying or distributing certain elemen-
tai principles such as gas, electricity and what
ever else may be needed to other worlds and
globes revolving in space-ours being one of
them-of which these may have become partial
ly deprived. Their mission is towards various
suns and centres of grand wOrld-systems, and
when nearing them therefrom essential elements
which are carried off whereby equalization and
healthfulness are imported to all other 0rbs with
in their paths and sweeps throughout the uai-
verse. There are, doubtless, millions of comets
that have never appeared to mortal eye on this
sphere of ours and never will. They have been,
and will be, performing their circuits since crea-
tons morn and must so continue till time shall
be no more. We might, therefore, just as reason
ably dread the moons falling, or live in fear of
those glitering jewels which twinkle in the vault
ed, starry depths, dropping from their fixed
spheres as to live in awe OF the harmless comet
now careering in our northern heavens. Hence
let me say to the ignorant, the imbittered and
supersttious, entertain no uneasiness. 1t is
friendly, necessary visitor at this special epoch
whose aid and good Offices are indispensable in
outworking natures wise economy. Perchance
its influences may save US from pestileuce and
famine. Let US then render thanks for the benef-
cent Offices of this beautiful celestial visitor.
There is nothing new regarding the Amos
murder. S. W. Mcdonald and his alleged &C.
completes remain in Jail, taking ii contentedly as
they best can. Mcdonald, especially, has visitors
throughout the day. His sister goes to see him
daily, manifestlng great kindness and affection.
He has all the comforts friends can give or money
buy, Injuries such as spirituous liquors excepted,
they being contraband of prison regulations. He
seems cheerful entertaining no doubt apparent
ly) of ultimately being acquitted. There have
been some rumors about Clark, one of the joiatly
accused, turning States evidence, but the report
may be wholly untrue. No traces have yet been
had of the fatal knife though diligent search has
been made for it in Jones Falls. | doubt very
Int n1u will ho fam
If recovered, and the ownership traced, it must
prove q damaging witness. There is now no
question that two or three young men of our city,
whose names have not yet been made public
were with the Mcdonald party that bloody
night. They will be forthcoming in due time.
So far as report goes the testimony at the trial
will be very conflicting and as SEINE assert
greatly to the benefit OF Mcdonald.
The prevailing impression is that the trial will
take place at Towsentown. | have heard it
stated that Attorney General Seyster, and, pos
sibly our States Attorney, A. Leo Knott, would
both be present 10 aid in the prosecution.
Gov. Groom, to-day, sent the order commu-
ting the sentence OF Charles W. JONES' the young
colored man under sentence of death in our Jail,
for murder, to twenty-one years in the peniten-
tory. This, think, eminently just.
The Fourth of July passed off in our city with
distressing quietude. Not a fre-cracker was
heard, sky rocket, spit devil or flying duchman
seen. The boys looked melancholy They
yearned for renewal of patriotism. The whole
city, almost, went to the parks, on excursions
and outside the "belt." We had grand thun.
der storm at night which gave US a patriotic
magnificent display of natures pyrotechnics.
Political matters are just now in statue quo
The chief excitement is in the 4th Congressional
district between Hon. Thos. Swami and Hon. r.
McLane for the Democratic nomination. Swami
has, by all Odds the inside track and is likely to
keep it.
The postoffice, under Gen. Dennison, will not
be disturbed by the recent Cabinet change.
Quite large number of our citizens are leav-
ing daily for the different watering places and
indeed. Business exceedingly quiet.
Fortunately good health prevails notwthstand-
ing the pestiferous effluvium exhaled from the
basin and Jones' Falls. Those who do remain
in town-not having money TO spend-seldom
appear on the streets. 1t is questionable to be
at home when everybody is off to the seaside or
springs NEsToR