Locomotive, Volume 46, Number 1, Indianapolis, Marion County, 21 August 1858 — Page 2

For the Locomotive. LINES. Reipictfulll imcHied to O. Summerjield Bro. When, through my weary soul, The murky waves of dark despair, In wild confusion roll; Then, do I think of thee. In mid-nights shrouded gloom, Where life, and hope, deport and die, Within the silent tomb, There, do I thiiikof thee. In sorrow and pain With yearning, anguish, and regret, In tears that scorch my brain, Thus, do I think of hee ! Yes, I will think of thee, Asofinylife, a being part. Yet as it is only roe I dare not call thee more. August 17, 18j8.

For the Locomotive. Oshkorh, Wis., July, '58. Mr. Editor : Before describing my present quarters, I shall take your readers over the line of my travels hither, beginning at the furthest limit of my summer rambles which was Green Bay, a locality wliich I reached via Lake Winnebago and the Neenah, or Lower Fox River. Another favorite route from Chicago, or Milwaukie, is by Lake Michigan and the Bay. Tliis, for a summer trip, is more pleasant than the other, which has more land travel, tlio' the latter gives you a glance at some fine country. Safe and capacious steamers have their regular times of arrival and departure. The Bay is 100 miles long, and from 15 to 35 wide. It is supposed to have taken its name from the color of its water, which is said to exceed the depth of 500 feet. Should the canal, wliich is contemplated, connect Sturgeon Bay (a large inlet on the East shore) with the Lake, it will greatly shorten the distance to the Lake Ports. The town of Green Bay is situated at the mouth of Neenah, or Fox Eiver, on the Eastern side, has many spacious warehouses and elegant residences. . r i. There is one thing which is greatly needed here, and that is a large Jirst class Hotel. There is none which at all corresponds with the demands of the place. I think this might become a favorite summer resort, if visitors could find accommodation. There is scarcely anything in these migratory days which give a better index to the character of a place than its Public Houses. The United States, which is the only one of consequence here, is a small establishment for a business population of 4,000. This will become an extensive shipping port. Indeed, it already is the principal entrepot for the imports and exports of Northern Wisconsin. The surrounding region contains extensive forests of pine, from which large quantities of lumber are manufactured and exported. . j - The Fox and Wisconsin River Improvement Co. has opened uninterrupted communication between this place and the Mississippi River. This Company was formed some years since for the purpose of rendering navigable the Lower Fox Kiver, and connecting the Upper Fox with the AVisconsin River. The Lower Fox, which forms the outlet to Lake Winnebago, and is 40 miles in length, has a succession of falls amounting in all to about 170 feet, and furnishes a water power as extensive and available as can be found on any other River in our Country. Some 18 locks have been constructed between Green Bay and Lake Winnebago. These locks are 40 feet wide by 160 long, built in the most substantial manner, of solid stone masonry, and in a style equal to any similar work in the Eastern States. Steamers of moderate size pass with the utmost ease' through these capacious Locks, atTording a rapid transit for a vast amount of treight from this portion of the State to Eastern Markets. The river is wide and deep, and furnishes an unfailing supply of water. The b'ne of communication with the Mississippi is from Lake Winnebago by the Upper Fox, which enters the Lake at the city of Oshkosh, and is navigable for steamers 200 miles to Portage City, where a canal, of one and a half miles, connects it with the Wisconsin. The latter River has no rapids, but communication is, to some extent, impeded by sand-bars, which is the design of this Improvement Co. to remove. Although the improvements on the Wisconsin are not yet complete Steamers can actually come from New Orleans by river and canal navigation to Green Bay, Michigan, and even to cities of the St Lawrence. This is a stupendous work, and it has been pushed forward with the most praiseworthy energy. This, however, is not a matter of wonder, when we find among the leaders and managers such men as Hon. Erastus Corning and Ex-Gov. Seymour. Government placed in the hands of this company, for their disposal in accomplishing this gigantic enterprise, more than a million of acres of land. These lands they are now offering for sale, and the avails of which will be appropriated the the prosecution of this work, whose value can hardly be overestimated. The numerous steamers which run daily upon these waters to Green Bay, are loaded with the products of the surrounding country, and the fruit of skill and industry. One of these boats, the Appleton Belle, was built in Pittsburg and taken down the Ohio, up the Mississippi and Wisconsin, through the canal at Portage City, and by the Upper Fox to Lake Winnebago. When the company shall have completed their improvements, there will be easy and constant connection between the Mississippi and Green Bay. ' As we ascend the Lower Fox, the first landing is Depere, 6 miles from Green Bay, pleasantly located, mostly upon the East bank of the River. It has an abundant water power. A short distance above, on the banks of the River, may be seen the residence of- Rev. Eleazer Williams, the reputed Dauphin of France. Some years since,; when the Prince De Joinville visited this country, he remained for a short season at Mackinaw, and was waited on by Mr. Williams, who converses very readily in the French Language. The Prince had frequent interviews with Mr. Williams, and if reports be true, showed him no inconsiderable attention. What was the real purport of these interviews, or what special object the Prince had in coming to this locality, has never transpired. It is believed, however, to have given rise to that most remarkable revelation which appeared a few years ago in Putnam's Magazine, and which surprised and staitled the community in which Mr. Williams gives his origin and history, and claims to be the lost Buorbon. This disclosure made a wonderful sensation at the time, yet it is believed to have furnished, to the mass of minds at least, no very convincing proof of its truthfulness. Some, no doubt, are disposed to look upon him as the undisputed heir to the crown of France. There are various opinions entertained respecting him in the region where he resides. A few regard him as an estimable gentleman, . worthy of all credit. Others believe him sincere and honest, but partially insane, and that the idea of his being bora to a throne is the delusion of a diseased brain. There are others, and among them persons of the highest respectability, who represent him as a man entirely unworthy of confidence. Which of these opinions, in reference to his character, is the true one, I am unable to decide. Appleton, near the rapids called the Grand Chute, is a town of much promise. The river here descends abput SO feet in the course of a mile and a half, furnishing superior water privileges, which have not been improved, as yet, to any very great extent The town is built upon a high bank, and has many beautiful residences. Conspicuous among its buildings are those connected with the "Lawrence University," an institution founded by the munificence of the late lion. Abbott Lawrence. It is under the control of the Methodist denomination, and is in a most flourishing condition. Appleton is situated about 6 miles from Lajr.e Winnebago, and contains a population of some thousands. As the waters of the Lake enter the Lower Fox, they divide at Neenah and Menasha, enclosing a portioa of land of about 600 acres, called Doty Island, so named from Jas. Doty, Esq., who was Territorial Governor. He resides upon the Island and owns a considerable portion of it Ilis dwelling is near the South end of the Island, on the" margin of the Lake, one of the most desirable locations any where to be found, presenting, as it does, a most delightful union of land and water scenery. For a summer residence it is, indeed, a most lovely one. The house stands amid trees . and shrubbery, and is almost literally covered with , vines. As you stand beside and examine it minutely you find it a bona fide log cabin. Its interior presents

an appearance quite different from its external, rustic aspect. There are several apartments, most of them decorated most tastefully. In one may be seen maps, charts, and various instruments of the' engineer. In others a well stored Library, cabinets of most curious things, and a parlor with abundance of comforts and luxuries. There is an air of quiet retirement here, which renders this a most inviting retreat. The grounds are filled with vegetables, fruits and flowers. The Governor has endeavored to show by actual experiment that most of the choice fruits, considered by many as uncertain, may be cultivated here with success. The Governor, still in his prime, is a man of uncommonly fine personal appearance. He is busily engaged in forming streets and measuring lots, anticipating that in a few years these grounds will be in demand. Of tliis there cannot be much doubt, occupying, as it does, so favorable a position between the flourishing towns Menasha and Neenah. Having dwelt so long and minutely upon other localities, I shall be obliged to omit particulars respecting the city of Oshkosh, one of the prettiest and most thriving of the Badger State. Yours, Carolus.

For the Locomotive. A FEW SUGGESTIONS FROM A FARMER. Mr. Editor : A correspondent in the last number of your valuble paper, under the signature of A Farmer, advances some ideas well worthy of attention by all producers. It is a fact of daily occurrence that scores of our farmers, as soon as they thresh their crops of wheat, haul it from the farm and store it either with the miller or store keeper, taking his receipt for the number of bushels delivered, and his promise to pay current rates for such article stored, at any time called for, perhapse months hence. Now tliis may be all right, but I propose to ask one leading question would any of you loan these same parties you store your grain with, the value of that grain in money without taking good security for it? it is my belief that not one of you would, and yet it is a fact notorious, that the Miller, in eight cases out of ten, grinds his storage grain before he has paid for it, sells the flour at current rates and takes the chances of the price of grain runing lower when called upon to pay, than it was when he received it from you. The agent also, who buys for parties located perhaps in some other State will be kind enough to store your grain, but does he kep it until he pays you for it? No sir; your grain is immediately started to his employers. Your grain is then out of your reach, and you take all the hazard of the parties failing in the meantime, be sides furnishing them with capital to werk on. An-n other case in point; the party that has received thousands of bushels of grain on storage, and who has in all probability disposed of it by grinding or selling, will generaly act for his own interest ; and what are they ? why to decry the market and run prices down, so that be may have prices rate low about the time the storage receipts given out will begin to come in for redemption, and thus he puts money justly yours in his purse, and laughs in his sieve at his own sharpness and at your credibility. Now how can this be obviated ? I answer, first, by keeping your grain in your own hands until prices suit you, and then selling for cash. Second, by the building of large and substantial fire proof warehouses, where you can store your grain for a small percentage, and feel satisfied that your identical wheat remains there subject to your order when ever you wish to withdraw it. This is done at other places, and should be done here. One more word and I am done. Farmers, when you sell your grain, encourage the building and per. manent establishment of manufactories at home, by always giving the preference of purchase, prices being equal, to the miller and manufacturer, and thus build up your own interest by the steady and permenant advancement of your own City, County and State. A Producer. . WISCONSIN BANKS. The issues of twenty-six of the Wisconsin Banks have been thrown owt in Cincinnati and this city. The "dodge game" has evidently been playing in Wisconsin. Millions of "promises to pay" have been sent abroad and nothing provided for their redemption. Wild Cat, in its ugliest shape, will be seen all over the State. . Little swamp towns, stump towns, old hats, breeches' pockets, boot legs, the pigeon holes of desks, and other places of equal prominence, have been selected as the location of these kiting banks. Basing their action on the recent report of the Wisconsin Banks to the Bank Comptroler of the State, the Chicago bankers yesterday issued the following circular: Journal. The Bankers of Chicago, in view of the large increase to the circulating medium of this State by the organization of numerous Banks of issue in the State of Wisconsin, located at inaccessible points, having no capital, doing no banking business, providing no means whatever for the redemption of their issues, and in many instances having not even an office or known place of redemption: and believing that a continuance of this system will eventuate in loss to the community, and that now is the most appropriate time to adopt measures to remedy the present evil and to correct the further abuse of it hereby agree from and after this date to discontinue taking the notes of the following Banks, viz: ,. Arctic Bank, Eagle Point ; Bank of Eau Claire, Eau Claire ; Bank of La Point, La Point i Bank of Manitowoc, Manitowec ; i ' : Bank of Moneka, Gordon ; Bank of North America, Superior City ; , Bank of Oconto, Oconto ; Chippewa Bank, Pepin, Dunn county ; Clark County Bank, Oneillsvill ; Laborer's Bank, Eliside ; Lumbermen's Bank, Con terett ; ' . Manitowoc County Bank, Two Rivers ; ' . Marathon County Bauk, Eagle River; Mercantile Benk, Beaver Dam ; . Northern Wisconsin Bank, Aurora; Oakwood Bank, North Pepin ; Oconto County Bank, La Porte ; . . Oneida Bank, City of Berlin ; Shawanaw Bank, Shawanaw; State Security Bank, Glenekon ; ' ' Slate Stock Bank, Eau Claire; St. Croix River Bank, Brinkerhoff ; . St. Croix Valley Bank, St. Croix Falls; Tradesmen's Bank, Eagle Lake ; Waupacca County Bank, Waupacfca ; , Wisconsin valley Bank, Millville ; Wisconsin Pinery Bank, Stevens Point; The Chicago Press and Tribune says of this movement : This action of our Bankers will undoubtedly cause some confusion at first ; but it can scarsely be doubted that it is a measure imperatively demanded by the exigencies of the case. It will doubtless give more widely extended trouble in the future. : , , Longevity of Mules- We have numerous reports of mules attaining the age of forty, fifty or sixty years, and Col. Middleton of South Carolina stated j some years ago that he had one at work on his plantation eighty years old; and we have seen an account of a mule in Ireland, certified to have been at work since 1707, making him over one hundred and fifty years old. This is, of course, a very uncommon age, but we are satisfied that, with proper usage, mules would commonly attain to about forty years, being serviceable to the last, and this should be counted as one of their elements of value. .' Bank Dividend. At a regular quarterly meeting of the Directors of the State Bank of Indiana, held at Indianapolis, the following dividends were declared : The Branches of Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, Vincennes, Indianapolis and Evansville, 10 per cent; Lawrenceburgand South Bend, 20 percent; Madison, 5 per cent It is now demonstrated that the State of Indiana will realize about two millions of dollars clear profit through its connection with this Bank and the Sinking Fund. Cin. Gaz.

THE L0C0M0TIV

. . . - -wv if v-r z --Mtr SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1858. IJSaturday tsthe day of publication of the Locomotive when it will alwaysbe ready for subscribers. In nocasewill weletaoop) ofthepaper go from theoffice before publica tionday. LOCOMOTIVE STEAM PRESS BOOK AND JOB PRINTING OFFICE, WKwouUl call the attention of Railroad Mon.Presidentaof Colleges and Academics, tho Aledical Profession, and all others, to our assortment of NEW AND BEAUTIFUL TYPE ! Just received from the best Foundries in tho United States, embracing all the Medical Sifnt. Acccntt, Fraction, French Letters, Algebraical Signs, and nil tho modern facilities for do.ngwork in the best style. All our Type and Machinery Is ,ew, and In good order, including: two of Adisi1 Improved STEAM PRINTING PRESSES which enables us to do our work in a superior style, on asshor time, and as good terms as r.ny other otfu-e. Wehaveon hand a superior article of Hook and Col ored I'npers, and the best of Inks, and as we are practical workmen, we guaranty all work entrusted to us to be done in the neatest manner, wilh promptness and accuracy. Our Job Department is well supplied with all kinds of New and Fashionable Type, and we aro prepared to do All XSixxdet of arolo "Wor-ls. ! on the shortest notice, and at the lowest living rates; and BLANKS Or EVJEllY BESCK1PTIOM1 on Cap, Letter, Folio Post, Flat Cap, French, or Colored Papers, and Cards or Card Boards. For the character of our work we confidently refer to any Book or Job bearing our imprint. ' Our prices are regulated al the low est cash standard, so as to be regular and uniform, and equal to all; and contracts for work will be adhered to, without resort to extra charges, JTpOrdorsfrom a tistance promptly attended to, and accuracy guarantied . TGhtMBceon Meridian street, immediately opposite the Pos Office. ELDER & HAKKNKSB. Wagons. We are satisfied there is no better point in the Union for manufacturing Wagons than this. There is no place where timber of as good quality can be obtained as cheap as here, and there is no point from which wagons can be shipped to better advantage than here. All the great boundless West, from the Wabash to the setting sun, will furnish a market for wagons, and the scarcity of suitable timber through that region will always prevent wagons being manufactured to any great extent. It is a safe calculation to say that every Farmer must have at least one new wagon every five years, causing a demand for near a million annually. Here is the place they can be made, if men of enterprise, and capital, will undertake it, and use all the improved machinery in their manufacture' Why dnn't some of our capitalists think of this ? It is a pretty business, and will pay, certain. : . Washington Foundry. Messrs. Hasselman & Vinton have just commenced an addition to their Foundry buildings, of a two story brick ware-room, that will be 120 feet by 30. This will nearly cover all their ground. It is now occupied with the main building, 3 stories high, 150 feet by 60; the Foundry, 50 feet by 85; the smith shop, 45 feet by 80; the iron room, 45 feet by 20, and the new ware-room, two stories, 120 by 30 feet, besides a brick shed, 110 by 25. All the above buildings are brick, and are so arranged that there is but little danger of fire communicating from one to the other. The addition now making is another evidence of their success in busi-. Coroner's Inquest. Coroner Moffitt, held an inquest on the body of James Vanblaricum, on Thursday morning, after his decease. The jury of inquest were Messrs. M. North, John Love, J. F. Ramsey, C. C. Campbell, G. F. Meyer, and J. H. Ross, who, after hearing all the evidence, returned as their verdict " that the deceased came to his death from injuries received in an altercation with one Edward Bates, the said Bates acting throughout in self-defence." It was in evidence that Mr. Vanblaricum, on Wednesday, after he had made his will, and expected to die, fully exonerated Mr. Bates, and declared that he acted throughout in self-defense. This was very creditable in Mr. V., as was the disposition he made of his property. . . ,' v (ST On Tuesday evening the city was all a blaze with the jollification on the successful laying of the Atlantic Cable. The two military companies were out in procession, the fire companies were out, 100 guns was fired, houses were illuminated, bon-fires madei fire-works set off, flags floated at all prominent places' and the streets alive with people. Ex-Gov. Wallace made a very interesting speech, that was listened to attentively by the large crowd, and he was followed by Rev. Mr. Cunningham, in a few extempore but appropriate remarks. . The whole affair passed off pleasantly, without accident. s Among the handsome buildings in course of erection this year, is the fine residence of W, H. Talbott, on Meridian street, just north of the Circle. The first story is now up, and it will be placed under roof this fall, and completed in the spring. This will be without doubt the finest residence in the city. The basement is raised four feet above ground, of cut stone the front doors and windows have cut stone frames, handsomely carved, the outside brick are all pressedt and the entire building will correspond, making it the most expensive and best arranged dwelling in the city. ( . James Vanblaricum, an old resident of this city, was shot in an affray on Friday last, by his son-in-law, Edward Bates. The ball struck the second rib near the left shoulder, glancing upward, and has not been found. The cause of the affray was in the division of wheat, raised by Bates on land owned by Vanblaricum. Mr. B. had not been arrested, but was at home, and willing to undergo legal investigation. Mr. Vanblaricum died on Wednesday evening, from the effects of his wounds. ': ' The editor of the New Albany Tribune, a paper that went out of its way to libel us a short time since, is charged by the Ledger, Washington Union, ' and' other papers, with forgery, in publishing a letter represented to be written by President Buchanan to Mr English. Mr. Gregg used to be a man of character and standing, but we are satisfied, from his wanton disposition to libel us, and others, he has lost both. Kansas. The Lawrence Republican, of Aug. 1 2, which, by the way, is a good newspaper, devoted to the interest of Kansas, and Free soil in politics, gives the Vote on the English bill by Townships. The vote is all in except ten counties, and is as follows : For the bill 1,525; against the bill 9,235, majority against the bill, as far as heard from 7,710. Fires. On last Friday night a carpenter shop on East street, occupied by Lov & Bray, was burned to the ground the work of incendiaries. On Tuesday night a stable belonging to Mrs. Brown' in the rear of her residence, on Meridian street, was burned to the ground. Both the above was the work of incendiaries.

Barrett's Lingual Assistant. An agent i3 now canvassing this city with a comprehensive Treatise on the English, Latin, Greek, German, Spanish and

French languages, by Solomon Barrett, Professor of Philology. From what we have seen of the work, it appears to go far towards supplying a want long felt, of a treatise upon the subject of Language, sufficiently concise, and yet simple and intelligible, to be adapted to the use of the business man, as well as the scholar, and to furnish those who wish to pursue the study of language without a teacher, with a manual, embracing the whole field, lrom the simplest elements of English grammar, to the complicated structure of the Greek and Latin verbs. It also conveys, as we should judge, a very fair Idea of the peculiarities of idiom and pronunciation in the German, Spanish and French. It has received the sanction of many of the promi" nent literary institutions of the country, and the names of many eminent scholars, including the faculties of Harvard University, New York University, Union College, Hamilton College, and many others, are among its patrons, and as language is a subject of every day practical interest, and one upon which we can hardly be too well informed. We would commend the work to the attention of our citizens as one that can scarcely fail to be of great practical utility to all who will avail themselves of the opportunity to obtain it. The Messages. The following is the Message from the Queen of England to the President of the United States, with the reply of the President the first communication sent over the Atlantic Ocean by Telegraph: THE QUEEN'S MESSAGE. To the Hon. The President of the United States : Her Majesty desires to congratulate the President on the successful completion of this great international work, in which the Queen has taken the deepest inter est. The Queen is convinced that the President will loin with her in fervently hoping that the electric ca ble, which now connects Great Britain with the United States, will prove an additional link between the nations, whose friendship is founded upon their com mon interest and reciprocal esteem. The Queen has much pleasure in this communication with the President , and renewing to him her wishes for the prosper ity of tne United states. the president's reply. To Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of Great Britain : The President cordially reciprocates tho conpratulations of Her Majesty, the Queen, on the success of the great international enterprise, accomplished by the science, skill and indomitable energy ot the two coun tries. It is a triumph more glorious, because far more useful to mankind than was ever won by conqueror on the held ot battle. " May the Atlantic Telegraph, under the blessing of Heaven, prove to be a bond ot perpetual peace and friendship between the kindred nations, and an instru ment destined by Divine providence to diffuse religion, civilization, liberty and law throughout the world. In this view, will not all nations of , Christendom spontaneously unite in the declaration that it shall be forever neutral, and that its communications shall be held sacred in the passage to their places of destination, even in the midst of hostilities. (Signed) James Buchanan. Dated Washington City, August 16, 1858. Paper Box. Mr. S. Wainright has made a tin box, to be fastened on the fence or gate post, to put papers in left by carriers. This box will perfectly se. cure papers from wet, or being torn by dogs, after left by carriers, and will be a great assistance in keeping them out of the .way of Newspaper thieves. The benefit of these boxes will be seen at once, by all citizens who take papers. Mr. Wainwright can supply any that want boxes, at low prices. , The Cable. Mr. C. N. Todd, of McLean's Female Seminary, of this city, showed us a piece of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, about a foot in length, sent him by a friend on board the Atlantic during her trip last year. It is fairly represented by the drawings we have seen, and as it is pliable, it looks to us as if it would stand a good deal of wear, and be hard to break. Wisconsin Money. In another column we give a list of suspected Wisconsin banks." These banks are now received at 15 per cent discount all other Wisconsin anu jiiinois oanKS. at one per cent discount. All Wisconsin banks are free banks, secured with public stocks, and if the State officers have acted honestly with them but little can be lost. .. .", 1 The Vincennes Gazette says that 1,500 watermellons, went North on the railroad, on one day, from Gibson county, for a market. The majority of these mellons are brought to this citv. and sold Tit from 20 to 60 cents each. Why don't our gardeners and far , , . , ,. mers raise enougn meuons to supply tins marKet r There is more profit in it than raising either grain or corn. , KS" The County Commissioners of Hendricks county, at their meeting last week, determined to build a new Court House, and adopted the plan presented by Mr. I. Hodgson, Architect, of this city. The building will cost about $40,000. The Ledger says : " the plan is a good one, and makes a favorable impression on all who see it." Shade Tree Association. The shade tree association meets this evening at the Council Chamber at 7 o'clock. Matters of general interest will be before the meeting interesting reports are expected. Citi zens, ladies and gentlemen are invited to attend. Insurance. We would call attention to the Insurance card of C. B. Davis, Esq., in another columm and the statement of the Quaker City Insurance Company, of Philadelphia. Mr. Davis is now the oldest Insnrance Agent in this city, and offers insurance in some very reliable companies. Harper's Magazine, for September, can be obtained at Stewart & Bowen's Book Store. This is a fine number, containing another poem by Prof. Butler, author of "Nothing to Wear." The contents of the September number fully equal any of the previous numbers. . . , , . ; Godey's Lady's Book, for September, is already on hand, and can be obtained of Messrs. Stewart & Bowen. Godcy is always jahead of any of his competitors in illustrations for the Ladies. Graham's Illustrated Magazine, for September, a beautiful number, can be obtained of Stewart & Bowen, the wholesale agent for all the Magazines in Indiana. The principal engraving in this number is called "the Lazy Boys, SaT A proposition is now made to erect a permanent stand on the Governor's Circle, for the accom" modation of Bands and Speakers. If this is done it should be a permanent iron structure, that will stand a long time, and look well, and not a wooden arrange, ment. 6" A public reception was given to Gen. Joseph Lane, lnte a citizen of this State, and now U. S. Senator elect from Oregon, on Wednesday evening. The Gen. was welcomed by a few appropriate remark3 from Gov. Willard, and replied in a short but pointed speech.

City Assessment. Mr. Andrew Curtis has furnished us with the following figures relative to the value of taxables in Indianapolis :

The total value in round number for 1858 is $10,575,000 In round numbers for 1857 9,800,000 Increase in one year $675,000 In eaualizinc the appraisement of real estate, separ ate from the improvements on the same, the assessor has lowered the amount from last year $261,000, but the gains in other respects are large. In the way of improvements to real estate we have a gain of $512,000 In personal property such as merchants' and manufacturers' stocks we have a gain of.. 172,000 In real estate heretofore belonging to individuals and railroad compunies, where -the deeds of the same had not been recorded, and in the property belonging to the Old State Bank and its Indianapolis " Branch, heretofore not taxed for municipal purposes, there is a gain over previ- ' ous assessments of 252,000 A total gain of. $936,000 Deducting decreese in equalizations mentioned above of 261,000 We have a clear increase in the value of property in the city of .' $675,000 These figures exhibit a satisfactory result for a year of hard times and universal commercial depression. Messrs. Curtis and Merrymon, assessors for the city and township, have done their work of appraisement with much care. They have lowered the appraisement ' in a -number of instances where they thought it was too high, and raised in others where their judgment told them it-was too low. As a general thing, however, they have not varied far from the figures reported by Mr. Stumph, the assessor for 1857. His assessments gave pretty general satisfaction. The present year's assessment will be found, we think, with as few inaccuracies in it as any that has ever been prepared by previous assessors. The value of the improvements made in Center Township within the past year is $608,000 $4,000 is outside of the city and immediate suburb. Journal, Reports from City Officers. The Treasurer's monthly statement shows . Balance July 1. $112:44 Receipts for July made the amount 429:24 Amount expended. : 294:38 Balance $134:86 The Clerk's report shows: Orders outstanding June 30, 1858 $26,939:62 Orders issued in July. 8,521:21 Total $30,460:83 Amount redeemed in July $316:80 Orders outstanding August 1st, 1858. . . . $30,144:03 The Market Master's report from the 10th of May to the 10th of August shows $51:58 of receipts for stall rent. The City Sexton reported 42 interments for the month of July 36 from the city and 6 from the country. Cholera infantum reported as a prevailing disease. The Chief Fire Engineer reported the condition of the Fire Department four first class engines; two second class, and three other second class engines capable of being brought into service. The Engineer recommends the purchase of a force pump for each engine house, to be used in cleaning hose. A force pump has been purchased to be used in filling the public cisterns. Several accounts accompanying the report were allowed. ... , . ' The Civil Engineer reported progress in various street improvements; estimates against the city in favor of contractors reported were allowed ; numerous bids for street improvements were opened and read ; all of which wer properly referred. Journal. . INDIANAPOLIS BIBLE INVESTIGATING CLASS. organization. Pursuant to public notice, a meeting of persons friendly to the formation of a Bible Investigation Class was held at the Court House in this city, on Sunday, the 15th of August, 1858, at 2 o'clock p. m. The meeting having been called to order, Louis Street, of the religious Society of Friends, was elected Chairman, and Dr. E. A. Lodge appointed Secretary. A statement of the objects of the society was then made, and a constitution presented for acceptance, which, after considerable interchange of sentiment ami deliberation, was unanimously adopted. fvro temUn. motion, Dr. i. A. .Lodge was elected secretary On motion, it was resolved, that the Secretary be requested to prevent a report of the proceedings of this meeting, and a copy of the Constitution of the Society, to the different city papers for publication. The first chapter of the Gospel according to St. John was announced as the subject for consideration on next Sabbath, at 3 o'Vlock. On motion, the Secretary was instructed to publish notices of the next meeting, and the subject for discussion, in the daily papers ; and, also, to send such I n,tices to the, Past2rs ? thf liferent churches, with 1 the request of the Society that the same be read from their d;fferent on Sabbath morninrr. LOUIS STREET, Chairman. E. A. Lodge, Sec'y. THE ILLINOIS STATE PRISON FIRE. The telegraph made brief mention of this unfortunate incident, which occurred on Friday evening last, at Alton, twenty-five miles above St. Louis. The fire broke out in the dry room of the cooper-shop, where some three hunded thousand staves were soon ignited, causing intense heat.' The prisoners had been locked up in their cells a quarter of an hour previous, and when they heard what was going on, all of them set up a fiendish howl. The city military were called out, with loaded arms, to aid in preventing a rebellion among the four hundred prisoners. A portion of the Yagers I mounted the walls, and guarded other weak points, ana aiso stood sentry over aDout one nunaca snoxir term and best-disposed of the convicts, the latter being set to work on the engines, &c, which were again brought within the walls. The heat and smoke now enveloped the main prison building, in which the prisoners were locked up for the night, causing such intense heat that the convicts began to call loudly for deliverance. To prepare for frustrating all possibility of escape, Deputy Warden Wells placed a strong guard upon the walls, with orders to shoot any convict who even showed a spirit of insubordination. The most infernal noises now arose from the Penitentiary! of convicts in their cells yelling for fear; of the singing of others while working at the breaks; of the shouting through trumpets and the general noise of the crowd. Some prisoners seemed to act in concert with the fire by throwing missils out of their cell windows but desisted when the Yagers paraded befor them, and were ordered to fire into any window front which a missil came. Some of the convicts had taken in stones in their pockets; others threw out padlocks ! which had been loft in the haste of unlocking tne cells. No escapes were effected, although two or three were attempted, by prisoners changing clothes, and trying to pass out among firemen and citizens, while saving wagons and other property. The roll called the next day, and every man answered to b13 name. The loss is about one third of the building of the prison, valued with their contents, at between $20,000 and $30,000. The handsomest iron stairs in the West, are those erected in the new Blackford building, Messrs. Williamson & Haugh. Examine them as )'oU pass. . - , . - . - The work of building a bridge over Fogue's run, on Meridian street, has been commenced in good earnest a good improvement will be made, that will stand for a lifetinee. Last week we stated that the premium offered ( for the mule race, at the County Fair, was $20.-1' is 510. This is enough to make it interesting.