Alexandria Gazette from Alexandria, Virginia • 2

ALEXANDRIA. VA. THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1872. Sometime since, there was a debate in the Senate, on a resolution relative to the sale of arras to the French. It branched off into other mainly political.

It was a sharp, lively, spirited discussion. We have seen the speeches delivered on the occasion referred to mentioned as equaling those listened to wheu the Senate was composed of such men as Webster, Clay, Calhoun, and their cotemporaries, and when that body was the ablest legislative assembly iu the world! Never was there a more erroneous comparison. Never one less justified by the truth. The late debate was not the contest of statesmen ou great constitutional topics, of euduring interest, wherein eloquence, learning and argument were displayed, but the encounter of active politicians, on topics of the hour? which are of but comparatively transient importance. The committee of the Senate to inquire into the sale of arms to the examined Colonel Benet, of the Ordnance Department.

In answer to questions as to the capacity of this Government to furnish arms to troops in case of a difficulty with any foreign Power, he replied that there is now on hand 450,000 breach-loaders, and that the Government factories at the end of thirty days could turn out at lesst 100,000 per mouth. The number on hand at present is in addition to the arms in the hands of the militia and the regular The Government could arm men as fast as they were mustered in the service. He thought the great want was appropriations for coast delences, and in his opinion at least $1,000,000 per auuum would be required for that purpose. President Buford, of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, in response to inquiries made with regard to the suit recently instituted against this road by the Uuited States District Attorney, at Richmond, telegraphs, to the Baltimore Gazette that "it is only a rehash of an old claim that has been fully investigated and settled in our favor by the highest authority of the United States Government. I have no knowledge of any mortgage in favor of the Confederate States, made or recorded, nor of any recorded contract for the same.

There is nothing in the pretence." A most righteous verdict is the report of the English Commission of Inquiry on the loss of the British steamship, Megaera, censuring the administration of the Admiralty. The onptain of the unfortunate vessel had previously been tried and acquitted of all blame. The dreadful story of the shipwreck, as told by several writers, and most powerfully by an officer on board, in the pages of Blackwood, shows that the captain did all that mortal could do to save that miserable fraud of an ironclad from its fate. The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Gazette attaches of the Japanese Embassy have an idea that all the hotels here are under one and the same management, and they change from one house to another whenever the notion takes them. A half dozen "Japs" together will walk into a hotel dining room, call for nearly everything on the bill of fare, and, after surfeiting themselves, walk out, gabbling away in their native language, making no offer to settle." The numerous "investigations" going on, all over the country, into alleged abuses, frauds, defalcations, and pickings and stealings show to what an extent corruption has flooded the laud, and how demoralization pervades national state and municipal offices.

It is lamentable to see it. Nor does there appear to be, at present, any great diminution of the depth of rascality. A canvass of the political field of Spain, as made by the Government party, asserts that the new coalition will return one hundred members to the Cortez in the approaching elections, and a rumor was current in Paris yesterday that a crisis was at hand in Madrid, King Amedeus having concentrated his array around Madrid and disarmed the National Guard. The claimant to the Tichborne estate in England who has been in prison since the adverse decision in his case, has hopes of securing the required bail of to effect his release. Three thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds of the amount required have thus tar been found, but he is certain to be rearrested on a dozen charges if released.

The Washington correspondent of the New York Tribune says "it is understood that Gen. JiOngstreet in his letter of resignation of the government office he now holds in New Orleans, will assign as his reason that he cannot support an Administration which upholds an attempt to overturn the Republican State government of Louisiana. The Wisconsin and Kentucky Republican Conventions yesterday elected delegates to the Philadelphia Convention, and both bodies endorsed the present Administration and instructions were given to the delegates to cast their the Philadelphia Grant, of whose nomination there seems no doubt. It is stated that the sending ot Gen. Howard as commissioner to the Indians of New Mexico and Arizona, will be the last move the government will make in behalf of peace.

If this mission, like that of many previous ones, fails of pacific results, there will be nothing left but a vigorous warfare. The Norfolk market is glutted with wild ducks. XEVVS OF THE DAY. "To show the very age and body of the Times' The Committee on Claims of the House of Representatives have agreed to report in favor of a bill to further regulate the Southern Claims Commission, giving it broader jurisdiction. The bill will contain an amendment to include claims, to he examined and passed upon by the Commission, those for naval supplies taken by the Ignited Slates authorities from "loyal" citizens during the war.

and also an amendment to regulate Attorney's fees for prosecotiug claims. November last an attempt was made to destroy a passenger train on the Ohio ami Mississippi Railroad by drawing spikes from the rails and changing a switch. The tiend who attempted the destruction of the train was arrested in Cincinnati on Tuesday, and stated that he had made the attempt because he had a spite against a boss on the road. In the Kentucky Radical Convention yester day quite a commotion was caused by the introduction of a resolution remonstrating against the colored Republican voters being constantly ignored in the appointments tu the Federal offices. After an excited debate the resolution was laid on the table.

Matthew Clark, one of the jurors in Mayor Hall's case, died in New York last, night. This wili necessitate the empanelling of a new jury. YIRUIMA NEWS. Gen. Asa Rogers, second auditor of the State, left Richmond yesterday for New York on business connected with the engraving and printing of new bonds, reudered necessary by the recent action of the Legislature as construed by Attorney-General Taylor.

Fifteen thousand dollars worth of the bonds prepared under the funding act remain in the hands of Treasurer Mayo and are wholly worthless. M. 11. Pace has been appointed past master at Shadwell, Albemarle county, vice R. J.

Criddle. rcsigned.aud RobertCompton postmaster at IJentonville. Warren county, vice C. Clark, resigned. Several sportsmen of Lynchburg left yesterday morning for the great.

Pigeon Roost in Charlotte county, amply provided with material to slay all the pigeous that might cross their path. Information is received of the death of Mrs. Col. Carr, of Roanoke, daughter of the late Gen. Watts, and sister of Col.

Win. Watts of that county. At the sale of the assets ot the Pittsylvania bank in Richmond Saturday, the amount realized was $5,000. "The Smith last number of the Lexington Gazette closes a cleverly written editorial on ''Ghosts," with the extract which we give below. The facts of the cradle-rocking are.

so far as we are informed, quite correctly giveu. We have heard the strange story many times and oft," from the lips of old citizens of Lynchburg "This is one of the most remarkable and est authenticated phenomena of its kind on record. It occurred in 1840 in Lynchburg, at the residence of the late A. Smith, D. for many years President of Randolph Macon College.

In that year he was pastor of a Lynchburg church. An empty cradle in his house was noticed rocking of its own accord. Jt continued its motion for an hour. The next day it commenced rocking at the same time, kept it up, aud stopped as on the day before. Thus it continued daily for oyer a month.

Many intelligent citizens and ministers witnessed the wonderful affair and made repeated efforts to solve the mystery without success. It was moved to different parts of the room without any change in its behavior. It was removed to other apartments in the dwelling with the same result. It was taken to pieces and each part scrutinized and refitted, yet fhere was uo change in its motion. Methodist clergy selected one of their number to hold the cradle and prevent, if possible, its movement.

The Rev. Dr. Penu, one of the purest men of his time, was chosen for this purpose. While it was rocking he grasped it. It wrenched itself from his grip! He seized it more firmly.

The timbers cracked and the cradle would have been broken in the struggle to release itself, had he not loosened his hold. "It was not further hindered iu its daily exercise. After thirty or more days it stopped and never commenced again. No explanation of this wonderful affair was ever given or attempted." the Seaite, yesterday, a bill was passed extending to aliens the beuetit of the acts providing for the removal of causes in certain cases from the State courts. The Mouse bill authorizing a survey of the northwestern boundary between the I'riited Spates and British America was also passed.

Mr. Conkliug's resolution calling for information as to the number of recommendations to office made during the term of the present Administration by Senators, was modified so as to include substantially the propositions advocated by Mr. Trumbull, and then laid over temporarily. The executive appropriation bill was amended by raising the salaries of the assistant secretaries and certain other bureau officers to per year. An amendment was adopted fixing the salaries of commissioner of agriculture, solicitor of the treasury and solicitor of the internal revenue department at $4,000 each per aununi.

In the House ol Representatives, a bill was passed to prevent the enlistment of minors in the military service. The proposition to increase the subsidy for the China and Japan mail service was debated till adjournment. Mr. Butler's bill for the removal of certain causes to United States Courts was recommitted after discussion. A Valuable Discovery in Southwest a meeting of the American Institute Farmers' Club at New York, in December, Professor H.

K. Colton presented some specimens of plaster from Southwestern Virginia. and also a lump from Nova Scotia in contrast. He stated that the plaster from Virginia is claimed to be a strictly pure sulphate ot lime. The sample presented came from the mines of the Holston Salt Company.

They sell it there in lump at $4 per ton; ground at S6, and make a fertilizer of one half salt, onehalf plaster at $14 per ton; and another onehalf plaster, one fourth salt, one-fourth wood ashes, at $12 per tou, Ten thousand tons of plaster were sold from the mines of this neighborhood last year. Three years ago the trade was uuknown. The vein or bed of plaster exists along a section of country many miles in extent, It is sent South and East by the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, a branch of that road running parallel with the bed for several miles. M. P.

Conference. Maryland Annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church, met in Washington Rev. Dr. Reese presiding. Rev.

B. F. Benson, of this city, was put upon the Committee on Literature. The standing committees were announced and the annual sermon preached by Dr. Drinkhouse.

after which the very solemu service of calling over the list of the deceased members of the Conference was proceeded with by Rev. Dr. Southerland, and then the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to members of Conference. The examination of official characters was then proceeded with. 1MLTO.

OXFERK.VCE OF THE E. CHURCH, SOUTH. Warrknton, Mar. 13? the to-day, resolutions were adopted strongly urging the claims of I lie Nashville Book Concern, and pledging the Conference to the support of the Si. Louis Christian Advocate and the Baltimore Episcopal Methodist.

An assessment was made for educational purposes; I'our-tifihs to Randolph Mason College, to educate young men for the ministry, and one-tifth to Olin and Prestou Institute. A report was submitted for the establishment of a Baltimore book publishing house with a capital of nud asking the cooperation and endorsement of the Conference. The report of the Missionary Treasurer was read, showing the receipts to have been and a division of per cout made to the claimants on that fund. ReV. Dr.

Sargent, with much emotion, asked a superannuated ielation, after reciting his service, extending owr forty-seven years, during which fifteen were spent un circuits, eleven on districts and twenty-one in stations, lie said it was very painful for him to ask this relatiou, but ill-health demanded it. The Conference unanimously granted it by a rising vote. WaRREXTON. March 14. Baltimore Conference, M.

E. Church, South, closed its sessions at 12 o'clock last night. The closing of Conference is always full of interest, and that last uiglit was particularly so. The church was crowded to its utmost capacity, aud the remarks of Bishop Payne, delivered just previous to the linal touchingly eloquent. Death has relieved Jour members of the Conference from their active labors during the past them Rev.

Messrs. Shoal'and Nally. The session has beeu a most harmonious and pleasant one throughout, and the generous hospitality of the people of Warrentou won the praise of all. There were few, if any, changes made in the presiding elders. The following arc the principal appointments: Alexandria, Rev.

E. F. Busey. Loudoun Circuit, Rev. Dr.

R. R. S. Hough. Washington, Mt.

Vernon Place, Revs. Dr. S. S. Roszell, John A.

Kein; J. Botelor, (sup.) South Baltimore, Rev. I. W. Canter; Emanuel Church, Rev.

S. F. Shipley; Bond Street Church, Rev. II. Zimmerman; Trinity, (Balto.) Rev.

S. Kepler, (temporary.) Waynesboro, Augusta county, Rev. J. R. Van Home; Staunton, Rev.

H. II. Kennedy; Warren ton. Rev. L.

C. Miller; Winchester, Rev. T. E. Carson: Fincastle, Rev.

Dr. J. M. Follansbee; Fredericksburg, Rev. J.

S. (Jardner; Fairfax, Rev. E. II. Henry; Murtiiislmrg, Rev.

J. T. Maxwell. Sweet Spring C. Bcauchainp.

West River, Rev. Presley R. Smith; Frederick City, Rev. J. C.

Hummer; Cumberland, Rev. W. Duflfey; Queen Anne's Rev. Dr. C.

C. Lintlncum; Prince George Rev. Sylvanus River Md. Walter W. Watts; Rev.

J. C. Sedwick. Calvert Circuit, Rev. Mr.

Miller. Talbot Circuit Rev. A. B. Dolly.

Warm Springs Mission, Rev. Rufus H. W'iison; Rockingham, II. Wilson; Leesburg, Loudoun Rev. Nelson Head; ChurchvilJe, Rev.

A. A Eskridge; Linganore, Rev. David Bush. Warkenton, March Conference was iu session until after twelve o'clock this morning, Bishop Payne finishing reading the appointments at Resolutions complimentary to Bishop Payne, the presiding officer, and liev. George G.

Brooke, late Sunday School Agent, were passed; also to the Orange, Alexandria and Manassas Railroad and connecting lines fo? return iree tickets, and to the citizens of Warrenion for their generous and whole-souled hospitality iu extending the lreedom of the town to the entire delegation? three hundred iQ number. After a harmonious session of seven days the Conference adjourned at 12:40 a. m. to meet agaiu in Baltimore the first Wednesday in March. 1S73.

The ladies of Warreuton were highly interested spectators during the entire proceedings ot the session, sitting it out until the fiual adjournment. Bishop Payne left for Washington this morning, and Bishop Doggett has gone to Richmond. Land Sales in Loudoun On Monday, J. L. Riuker, Auctioneer, sold at public sale, "Egypt," the property of the late Edward Hammat, containing 24SA acres, Jos.

L. Norris Administrator, for $4.70 per acre? Thos. H. Clagett, purchaser. The Oliver Taylor Nursery property, Heaton and Janney, commissioners, sold for Garduer purchaser.

One hundred acres near Woodgrove, belongiug to Thompson Osburn, Heaton and Kilgour. commissioners, sold for $30 per II. Thompson, purchaser. Two lots belonging to Samuel Case, near Morrisonville, Heaton and Lee, commissioners, were sold, 7 acres for Gaines, nurchassr, and 23 acres at $2,25 per ilson Barrett, purchaser. On Tuesday, the Ish Tanyard, at Aldie, was sold for P.

II. Ish, purchaser. A tract of 200 acres, belonging to same estate, was sold for $14,75 per acre, and the Triplctt farm belonging to same, 129 acres, B. P. Noland aud P.

Harrison, commissioners, was sold for $9,25 per acre, E. F. A. Ish put chasers of both tracts. 123 acres lying south of the Little River Turnpike, belonging to the estate of the late Harrison Cross, Noland and Foster, commissioners, was sold for per F.

Palmer, Londonh Mirror. Murderer Traced the 2d of October, 1S71, M. Le Chevalier Du Bois de Bianco, a wealthy citizen of Brussels, was murdered in his bed. The murderer stole railway shares and other securities valued at For a long time no clue was discovered to the perpetrator of the crime, but in January one of the stolen shares was presented for paymeut at the bauking house of M. Liesen, in Brussels.

Inquires were made and the share traced to a Mr. Cowston, a London banker. Mr. Cowstou received it from Duncan, Sherman of New York, aud a jdetective was instructed to follow up the trail on this side ot the He traced the share through Charles S. Myles, who keeps a gambling establishment, to Chas.

Volte, who was recently stayiug at thePrescott House. Volte in the meantime had gone to Philadelphia, whether he was followed by the detective who fouud his man at the Petey House, and took him back to New York ou Saturday. Other bonds stolen from the murdered man have been traced to the possession of Volte, but the latter declares his eutire innocence in the matter, and says that he bought the shares iu London. Daily Mails up the E. J.

C. A. Hull, Railroad Agent, received, last week, a letter from the authorities of the B. 0. Company in response to the application of the Committee of Trade, of this place, authoring him to make arrangemeuts for daily mail facilities via the W.

S. Road up and down the Valiey in the direction of Alexandria. Postmaster Atwell, under authority from the Postoffice Department, likewise aided in bringing about this desirable end, and a saving of twenty hours time in the transmission of mail matter has thus been Times From of the Alexandria I Richmond, March Senate to-day I agreed to the House amendments to the act incorporating the Fredericksburg, Culpeper and llappahannoek Railroad Company, and took up and pas-ed the bill to amend and reenact the section uf the act to incorporate the Alexandria Dock Company, passed Feb 6th, 1K67. A resolution that the Governor has live days after the adjournment of the General A.s?eiu bly in which to approve any bill or joint resolution, but after the udjournment of tin- General Assembly no bill can become a law without the approval of the Governor, was referred. The bill yesterday agreed upon dividing the land scrip between Hampton Institute and Preston and Oliu to ihe former aud two-thirds to the passed without a dissenting vote.

The bill in relation to the lease of the Penitentiary was passed -ayes 22, noes G. The House bill to extend the time for the collection of taxes in certain counties was taken up, read twice and, amended so as to make the provisions ol'the same apply to all eoun tics ol the State, and then passed L't). noes 'j. This bill extends the time for the collection of taxes to the 1st of April, but requires all moneys collected previous to the 1st of March to be paid into the at once. The report of the Committee of Conference, on the disagreeing votes of the two houses in relation to a bill to prescribe the duties and compensation of certain township officers, was agreed to.

The tax bill was discussed till the hour of adjournment. in the House of Delegates, the resolution for the appointment of a joint committee to enquire aud report what steps should be taken to secure the paymeut by West Virginia of her portion of the public debt, was after discussion dismissed. A motion to lay on the table the bill to regulate and define the jurisdiction of the county and circuit courts, to prescribe the number (if terms of the circuit courts, and to fix the pay of county judges, was noes but after a long debate a motion made aud carried to indefinitely postpone. Ihe bill to provide fur the reorganization of the militia was 73, noes 22. It provides that any able bodied male citizen, between the ages of IS aud -15, resident within the State, and not exempted by the laws of the I nited States, shall be subject to military duty excepting the Treasurer, Auditor.

Secretary of the Commonwealth, Register of the Land Office. Superintendent of Public Institution, General, judges and clerks of all courts, sheriffs, the clerks of both houses of the General Assembly, keepers of jails, superintendents and attendants of the public hospitals aud lunatic asylums, the superintendent the Penitentiary and his assistants, ministers of the Gospel licensed to preach according to the rules of their sect, all pilots, light-house keep ers, conductors and engine drivers of railroad trains, mariners actually members of regularly organized fire departments, any person who shall have served five years in the volunteer militia, idiots, lunatics, paupers, ha bitual drunkards, and persons convicted of infamous crimes. The bill goes to the Senate. Anion" the bills passed were the following: to amend section 3- of the General Election law; imposing a tax on oysters; to authorize the county judge of Westmoreland to appoint commissioners to revise the land books of said county; aud to amend the Code iu regard to fishing in the Potomac ver. At the night session of the House a biil to prevent lobbying in the Legislature was amended so as to make the offence punishable by fiue of not less than $5,000 and imprisonment in jail, and ordered to be engrossed.

The bill to reducethe per dime of members of the Legislature was takeu up but an issue avoided and pending consideration, the Hou-ie ad journed. The following have become laws since those last reported: 'io amend the code of 1S'5U in regard to fishing in the Rappahannock river; to prov ide for a red i vision of he cou ty of Rockingham into townships; appropriating a sum of money for heating the building of the Eastern LunaticAsylum by steam; for the relief of Nathaniel Priuce. of the county of Loudoun; to complete the organization of the Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio railroad company; to incorporate the Bank of BerryvHIe; to incorporate the New Market Bank of Virginia; and the joint resolution requesting Congress to furnish Virginia her quota of arms. A of Southern railroad men was held at the Exchange to-day for the purpose of revising the schedule of fares between New lork aud New Orleans which was satisfactorily accomplished. Among those present were Vaudegritt and Broadus of the 0 A.

M. R. Ii. It is thought that if the Scuate concurs in the House resolution instructing the Treasurer not to receive Virginia certificates" as secureities, it will stop any settlement with that state, as she could not euter into an arbitration on any other mode of settlement. The Interest bill passed by the General Assembly several days ago was only placed in the hands of Governor Walker yesterday morning.

Letter from Prince William C'o. of the Alexandria Haymarket, March was a meeting of the citizens of this vicinity, held here on Saturday, the yth to take into consideration the formation of a Building Association. Mai. A. H.

Johnson was called to the chair, and Mr. J. P. Jordan, appoiuted Secretary. A committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions, also one to petition the Legislature, to grant a charter to the "Haymarket Building Association." The capital stock is to be not less than one thousand dollars, or more than ten thousand dollars, to be issued in shares of ten dollars each.

Considerable interest was manifested, and there is but little doubt of success. The plan of the projectors is not aione that of erecting a handsome building in the village, but is to include a ''monthly market," for the salt; oflive stock, farming implimeuts, grain, This is an enterprise that every village in the State should emulate. A colored man by the name of Jesse Harris was found dead in the road, about a mile below Gainesville on Monday morning, the deceased was of temperate habits, and the cause of his death is unknown. We had snow again yesterday. The winter having been unusually long aud severe, the most of our farmers are running short of provender for their cattle aud other stock.

J. Meeting at Hamilton, Loudoun The meeting at Hamilton, on the 5th in the interest of a Fanners' Association was called to order, agreeable to adjournment, and the following Preamble, Resolutions and Articles of Association adopted is our belief that a Co-operative Association, of our farmers, will materially advance the agricultural development and wealth of our county Therefore -he it Resolved, 1st. That we do hereby agree to form such an Association, to be kuown as the Farmers Co-operative Association of Louduun County. 2d. That the object of this movement shall be to devise means to market our produce more direct to the consumer, aud to discussand stimulate all propositions leading to elevate our farms aud make their labor more remunerative.

3d. To carry out the desigR of this Association we deem it essential to have an agent, or agents, to sell our produce direct to the cou sumer, and that this agency shall be located in the city ot Washington. The rimout DiNlrkt of Virginia. (From the London left New Vork for Alexandria by the p. m.

train (ou which I here is but une class), reached Philadelphia at daybreak; next BaltiI more, where we saw a grand set of horses, used by the railway company to convey the trains across the town, something like the London carriage horse, but with more substance; i passed tin ouch Washington, aud reached Ali ex.indria at 0 a. m. on the 26th of May. ing our luggage at the station (or in American parlance our baggage at the depot), we sallied forth to inspect the town, which we found laid out in large squares, called there blocks, but partially built over, many houses only recently finished, gardens full of Howers, roses in lull bloom. We were directed to the Mansion House Hotel as the best, and found it on a large making up 1(H) beds, and having an eMalt: agency in connection with it.

Finding that we came to look tor land, we were able to make good terms for a fortnight's stay. For a good double-bedded room, three meals a day; break fa- at coffee, hot meats, iced milk, and tea; excellent dinner at two, and supper the as breakfast; we paid each. Nrxt day we a walk round town. country bears in many ways the impress of the late war. We were surprised to find wheat so forward, as it would be ready to cut in a fortnight.

The country generally is undulating, or, as they call it here, rolling; the soil of a reddish colour, much like land in Northamptonshire, and Very deep (011. to well adapted lor makiug bricks, ot which Alexandria is built saw very good crops ot wheat and red clover. Alexandria is six miles from Washington; there is hourly eomuiuuica tion between them. We made arrangements with Messrs. Greeu ise, estate agents, that their travelling Mr.

Freeman, should slit us over some ot the best farms on their books. We started by the 8 a. m. train, accompanied by Mr. Freeman: got.

out at a station about fifty miles south-west ot Alexandria, and walked over a farm about two miles off; 400 acres, very nice small house, iu capital repair; laud of good quality, but badly cultivated. Price asked an acre, worth, say, Two miles further on we viewed another farm, 400 acres, with a much larger house (twelve good-seized rooms), also in very good repair: price an acre, worth Adjoining this farm lies the estate of Mr. well-known all through ginia as being one of the best in the Piedmont district, li)00 acres. All the timber, house, and fencing were burnt in the war. He has since built up a small house, well fenced most of his and has it in a good slate of cultivation; the crops looked very Well.

1 his is quite a picked estate, for which he asked a liis-'h figure, an acre value tor Mr. ('. took us all in for the night; we passed a very pleasant evening, sitting in the verandah suiokiiiL' virgin tobacco, surrounded by fireflies and humminy-bird moths (herecalled lightning bugs and tobacco bugs). All the lauds viewed this day are called red land. It is held ia high estiiuaiion except when too liuht, when it washes iu ihe heavy rains.

It, is capable ot growing to perfection wheat, oais. Iudiau corn, very fine clover, aud cock foot aud catstail grass, of which can be cut very large crops ot excellent hay. Little hay is u-ed, however, owintMo tlie quantity of fodder they have from the Iudiau corn stalks, which is preferred to ir. Ou May after an early breakfast, walked to Brandy station, about two miles, crossed the railway, ami walked on five miles through a timber district, which was mostly cut down by the troops in the war for firing. Came to a farm of Dr.

very useful land: a mixture of chocolate, red. and white soil. Saw some very tine fields of wheat. The land is adapted for grazing; the hlue grass growing naturally is the best grass of the district. The house, a substantial frame building, with a little addition might be made very comfortable.

Here we took up our quarters tor the night, and were attended by a colored servant of the doctor who made us very comfortable. The doctor farm eoosists of 400 acres; his price was but it shou'd be for less money, owing to the distance from railway station miles). I forgot to mention that for our pedestrians tour of inspection my friend and I had provided ourselves with napsaeks upon a novel principle, but by far the best I have seen. They consist of two shapes, one loin. by and A in.

deep; the other just fitting over it, made of strong patent leather, giving the power of expansion and depression, and by a simple arrangement of straps made to adjust to the shoulders an ordinary knapsack. They carry a change of light clothing, three shirts, handkerchiefs, socks, slippers, and brushes, the whole weighing 141b. Carrying our own luggage made quite independent ol conveyances. After breakfast we walked on to Culpeper (six or seven miles). Passed through a good country, producing grand crops of red clover, which is here used to plough in for wheat, not being required for hay.

Culpeper is a flourishing little town, with a very fair hotel close to the station, kept by Capt. Thompson. went to see an estate three miles from the station; very good house, fifteen fine large rooms, with 700 acres of superior land, lot) acres in fine timber: the crops looked very well indeed. The house escaped being burnt down, owing to its having been used as one of the headquarters of the Federal army. Here we.

sjjeut the uight, and were very hospitably treated. an acre is asked for the estate (worth Next we went to see Mr. 11. farm, about a mile from a station, quite a new house, with fifteen rooms iu perfect order, and elegantly furnished; substantial outbuildings, 000 acres of good laud in fine order, but rather too hilly. Mr.

II. wished to sell his estate, furniture, crops, and stock for an acre. Such opportunities do not often happcu; au acre would very likely have been taken. We returned to Culpepper for the night. day my friend and I started tu view Mrs.

farm in our shirt sleeves, knapsacks, as usual accompanied by Mr. Freeman, who. having acted as sub-sheriff, kuew the country well, and whose good temper, attention. and fund of information 1 cannot speak too highly of We arrived iu the afternoon, after rather a long step in the sun (twenty miles) at a fine large house, though much out of repair, situated in a beautiful country, within ten miles of the foot ol the Blue Kidge mountains. enjoyed much a glass of iced water, which seems to be drunk here with impunity, however hot you may be.

alked over the estate, about 1300 acres, 1000 under cultivation; very good land: perhaps better for wheat aud giass than any we had seen, its -levatiou (1000ft.) making it somewhat cooler. It has fiue water power to drive a corn or saw mill, but the great objection is being so far from a railway. Next day we walked back to Culpeper, and took train to Alexandria, aud thus terminated my first tour of inspection of land. 1 made two through different portions of the district, but this furnishes a fair sample ot properties to be sold. The of the United States National Bauk, to be located in New Vork city, have Darned" Commissioners in all the principal cities to receive subseritions to the capital stock of the it is stated is not to exceed $20,1100.000.

Gov. Walker of this State is named as one of the Commissioners. The Radical triumph in New Hampshire, 4thuugh not a great one, fives much joy to the party, and especially to those who are fur the renomiuatiou of Gen. Grant. Iu the Court of Appeals, in session in Richmond, yesterday, an appeal was allowed in the case of Wigginton, vs.

lancey's executor. from Culpeper. REPORT OF THE FIRE WARD ESS. Alexandria, March 12, 1871. To ilte 1he City Council of via: compliance with an act to organize a paid tire department, the Hoard of Fire Wardens have the honor lo present their sixth annual report fur your consideration.

Since on last the working expenses of a new steamer have been added to this department. The total of bills approved for the past year is This amount is in excess of the expenditures for 1870 in the sum of $1,185.65. Of this amount $88'J was paid for salaries, engineer and driver, of the steamer Columbia; for harness; rent of stable small balance going to supply fuel, feed for the horseHiid to defray other necessary expenses incident to putting the strainer in complete working order. The following detailed statement will show you the amount expended by each Company: The thanks of the Fire Department are due, and are tend Pied to the proprietors of the Mount Vernon Cotton for their courtesy in supplying waste free of for the of the steamers. The status of the lire companies is a matter for congratulation.

YVe do not believe there are in Any city more devoted, self-sacrificing and etlieient firemen. Without the hope of fee or reward, they are yet at all hours, in season and out of season, ready at the first signal of danger, with no rivalry except the very laudable desire of how they can best work and best agree. It is thebounden duty of all-good citizens to duly appreciate the services, and have in grate1 itl remembrance the self-sacrificing spirit manifested by the firemen of city. In the discharge of our duties as Wardens, we have endeavored to make the fire department a- thoroughly efficient as possible under the circumstances, while in the expenditures of all monies the best interests of the city have been constantly kept in view. In our efforts for the successful working of this department it eives us pleasure to recognize the and co-operation of the able and accomplished Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, whose energy and zeal in the discharge of the duties of his office are the theme of general praise.

Respectfully submitted. .1 AS. HECTOR 3 MOOT. JAMES P. COLEMAN WM.

fl. LAMBERT GEO. E. FRENCH. Alexandria Marxet, March -Market for Wheat is unchanged; offerings of 391 red and 125 of white, with sales of red at 17b for prime, and 185 for choice; no sales of white reported.

Corn is quiet; offerings of 652 bushels mixed, wfith sales of inferior at 07. Oats are dull und lower sales of 41 busheis at Sales of Rye at 93, with offerings of 50 bushels. Ot- SUN aosE l). 13 i MOON SETS 11.44 SUN SETS 6.07 MEMORANDA. Schr- George Nevirurer, Vickers, and .1 ft Vandusen, Corson, for Boston, hence, at Vineyard Haveri 9th.

To Delinquent Tax-Payers. FE1 jLOW-C1TIZENS: We mont earnestly cull your attention to the necessity exists making sonic immediate arrangement for the settlement of your tuxes. We know the straitened circumstances in which many of you. are placed without any agency of your own, and our sympathies are all with you. We would not willingly increase the troubles which, so.

many of you have to bear, anil it is for this reason we now appeal to you to come lorward and make some arrangement prevent a sale of your property. Your failure to do so can have other ell'eet than to increase the costs. You will tind the Collectors, noting under the orders of the Finance Committee, ready and anxious to make any settlement that will insure the payment of your dues to the city, and prevent the advertisement your property The payment of thfse cannot be avoided The law is imperative, and if not voluntarily settled Ly you, they must be settled by a tai sale. borne of this property is now in lifigiition in the Courts for sale and settlement of tlie rights of the parties, arid son may be uurepresented. On all such cases being made known to us, an.

arningement can probably be effected to prevent an advertisement and sale, with its attendant costs. Possibly, also, some of the tax bills in the hands of the Collectors may have been heretofore settled or improperly charged; in all such cases we invite the parties to appear before the Collectors or Finance Committee examination and settlement. With the earnest hope that you will comeforward and settle your taxes, we have postponed the sale which was to have taken place on the first of April to the second Wednesday in April, (the 10th This will also delay until the 25th of March the advertisement specifying the property to sold. At the time specified the sale will take place. On and after Monday next, the 17th instant, the Finance Committee will meet at the Auditor's office, on Fairfax street, daily, except Sundays, between the hours of 4 and o'clock p.m., until the 22d.

S. FRENCH. GEORGE Y. WORTHINGTON. GREEN.

KIAVARD EVANS. HENRY L. SIMPSON. GEORGE R. SHiNN.

mar OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That application will be made to the Orange, Alexandria and Man asses Railroad Company lor the renewal of CERTIFICATE 470, (Lynchburg extension) for ten shares of the capital stock of said company, dated January 30th, lBiiO, in the name ol Robert M. certificate having been lost or mislaid. mh 14-w2m ROBERT M. IvENT. HITE GOODS.

WM. N. BERKLEY Has opened Plain, Plaid and Striped Nainsook; Victoria Lawns: Cambrics; Piques: Swiss Muslins, tec. These are very desirable goods, bought cheap, and will be sulci accordingly. mh 14 JULEP STRAWS, of various colors, very brilliant, for making picture frames, just received at mh 14 ENTWISLE'S CHINA STORE.

-a FOR RENT LOW-The VIRGINIA nHOUSE PROPERTY. Enquire on the premises. mar.