EDITORIAL AND LITERARY DEPARTMENT. 1.-ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF LOUISIANA. WE are obliged to our friend A. D. Wooldridge, Esq., State Engineer, for a copy of his very valuable Report for 1852; and we were preparing to give it an elaborate analysis, when there appeared in the Picayune one so full and minute, that we determined at once upon its insertion in preference to anything of our own. The closing pages of the report, in which Mr. W. very ably states his positions upon the Levee and Outlet System, we shall endeavor to transfer hereafter entire to our pages. In the first district, which is composed of the Florida parishes, all the obstructions to the navigation of the Amite, except such as arise from the natural obstacles in the upper portion of the stream, have been removed, and now steamboat navigation may be prosecuted in ordinary states of weather as far as the mouth of the Comite, and in high water to Dennis's mills. The pressing work on Falia and Tchefuncta Bayous has been completed. All the obstructions of Holmes's Bayou, which forms the navigable connection of East and West Pearl rivers, and is the main outlet, have been removed, as well as all obstructions in West Pearl River, as far up as the present wants of the country require. The plan of opening West Pearl River for steamboat navigation, so as to communicate directly with New-Orleans, is popular in that country, as shorter and more straight. Mr. Wooldridge thinks it feasible, and suggests that Mississippi might be willing to aid in the construction of a work of so much consequence to her. If she should not, the alluvial lands of Pearl River, which will fall to this state under the swamp act, are suggested as a fund which would contribute largely for that object. The work of cleaning out Bayou Manchac has been completed, so that no bayou in the state is in better navigable order; and work has been done on the Tanchipao and the Bayou Betico. The Second Improvement District is composed of the country lying between the Mis. sissippi and Ouachita rivers, inclusive of the tributaries of the Ouachita. In this district, Bayou Bartholomew has been cleared out and made navigable as far as Point Pleasant, and considerable work performed still further up. Several cut-offs have been made; one at the "Big Round Turn," by an excavation ninety yards long, shortens the navigation many miles. The force was put on the Lafourche levee, which was fully repaired, but the engineer makes complaint of the want of a law compelling the parishes to keep their levees in order after they are put up firmly by the state. This levee has been several times in danger, because unprotected on the spot. It would often cost the state five times as much to transfer their force to the place as it would to make the repairs. The Coupee, was destroyed in that manner. state levee on Bayou Marine, in Pointe The Bayou Macon has been thoroughly cleared out for 130 miles, and to within six miles of the Arkansas line. Bœuf River has been so well improved, that it is susceptible of navigation by good sized boats at high water, and small boats at all stages. Big Creek, one of the tributaries of Bœuf River, has been examined, and found capable of improvement for twenty-five or thirty miles, and the work is recommended. In compliance with a resolution of the last legislature, the state engineer has made a survey of all the shoals in the Ouachita River, from Harrisonburg to Ouachita City, with a view of determining the expediency and the cost of removing them, so as to have navigation at low water. Upon an accurate examination, under the most favorable circumstances, Mr. Wooldridge reports that a large class of the shoals is of such a character that they cannot be removed without enormous expense, and would immediately be renewed again from the same causes. He reports, therefore, unfavorably upon this plan of improving the river. In an ordinary stage of water it is as little impeded as any river in the state, but requires some work to clear out obstructions. He suggests that a careful examination might show that a few locks beginning below Harrisonburg might secure enough water for low navigation. A resolution of the last legislature required a survey of the three routes to Harrisonburg from the Mississippi River, and report upon their comparative advantages, and the expense of keeping them passable during the high stages of the Mississippi. He reports in favor of that which terminates at Waterproof, called the upper route. The other would be best to Trinity, and he esti mates the cost at $50,090. In connection with this subject the report makes some remarks on the subject of roads in general, concluding that the state ought to have one thoroughfare to the western high lands, and concentrate all its present force upon that and gives a decided opinion in favor of what and its outlets have been removed; all the is called the Red River route, as far as prac-obstructions in Vermilion Bayou, from the ticable. bay up to Perry's Bridge, about fifty miles. This makes it easily navigable in high water. The raft has been removed in Grand River, but has since accumulated again to a considerable extent. Nothing has been done on the Monroe and Mississippi road for want of force and appropriations. ETC. The Third Improvement District of the state comprises Red River, Sabine River, Calcasieu River, and their tributaries. The results of the work in this district are less 2.-SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL CONVENTION, satisfactory than in any other. The only actual work reported, is the deadening of the timber on the Red River, from seven miles below Shreveport to the mouth of the Cushatta Chute, a distance of one hundred and forty miles; the clearing out of Loggy Bayou, the connection between Lake Bisteneau and Red River, the opening of Tones's Bayou about thirty miles below Shreveport, as the upper navigable connection between Bayou Pierre and Red River, and the improvement of Bayou Winsey, so that vessels ascending the Red River may pass into Bayou Winsey up by Bayou Pierre and the lakes, and come out again by Tones's Bayou. A large part of the report is here devoted to an account of an examination of the Red River from Shreveport to the Arkansas line, under an instruction of the late legislature. We cannot give an idea by an abstract of the details. After arguing that it is the duty of the general government to lend strong aid for the general clearing of the river, he recommends, in view of all the circumstances of the case, that the state should immediately provide for the removing the obstruction of the falls at Alexandria, and the thorough improvement of the river up to Shreveport. The Fourth Internal Improvement District includes all that portion of the state west of the Mississippi and south of Red River, except the Sabine and Calcasieu rivers and their branches. In this district the engineer reports works on Terrebonne, from its mouth to Cane Bayou, and on Bayou Black up to the point where Cane Bayou connects with Terrebonne. Grand and Petit Caillou have been cleared out. The force of the Third and Fourth Districts was occupied six months in repairing the breach of Grand Levee, in Pointe Coupee. A levee has been built to close Mill Bayou, in the parish of Avoyelles. The raft has been removed from the lower mouth of Fausse Riviere, and no more work is needed in that river. Fifteen men were engaged twelve months in building a road in St. James's parish, from the Mississippi River to the Vacherie Ridge. It was completed in December. A levee has been laid off across Bonnet Caree point, in the parish of St. John the Baptist. A contract has been made for the completion of the Lafourche and Barrataria Canal by the state, for $55,000, to be completed on the 1st of January, 1855. The obstructions in Bayou L'Embarras The Alabama papers have been discussing a proposition made by Dr. Plough, of Louisiana, to establish a Great Agricultural and Mechanics' Exhibition and Fair of all Human Industry, to take place in May, 1853, in the city of New-Orleans, to be followed by annual fairs in the cities of Mobile, Natchez, and such other points as may favor such an enterprise. We think the proposition a good one, and should be delighted to see it carried out. Indeed, for several years we have been proposing something of the kind through our Review; and but lately, when the Southwestern Rail-Road Convention met in New Orleans, we took occasion to announce a plan of such conventions and fairs, which will be made public as soon as the papers of the Convention are printed. Meantime we give the particulars of a meeting which has been held in Montgomery, on the subject: According to previous notice, a highly intelligent and respectable meeting of ladies and gentlemen was held in the State House, for the purpose of co-operating with Louisiana and other southern states in an effort to establish a Great Agricultural and Mechanics' Exhibition in May, 1853. in the city of New Orleans. Hon. Price Williams, of Mobile, was called to the Chair, and James B. Gladney, of Pickens, appointed Secretary. The objects of the meeting having been explained by the chairman, the Hon. H. W. Hilliard made an address, and offered the following resolutions, which were adopted: Resolved, That we respond with sincere satisfaction to the appeal made to the state of Alabama by the Governor of Loui siana, and other eminent gentlemen of that state, to co-operate in an effort to establish "A Great Agricultural and Mechanics' Exhibition and Fair of all Human Industry, upon a large and magnificent scale," to take place in May, 1853, in the city of New Orleans, to be followed by annual fairs in the cities of Mobile, Natchez, and such other points as may favor such an enterprise. Resolved, That the governor of this state be requested to appoint a delegation, con sisting of sixty gentlemen, chosen from different parts of Alabama, to represent the State in the "Industrial Convention," to be held in New-Orleans, in April next. Resolved, That the Chairman of this meeting be requested to appoint fifteen gentle men to act as a central cominittee, who shall hold their meetings in this city, and whose duty it shall be to correspond with persons throughout the state, interested in the success of substantial pursuits, with the view of preparing for a full participation, by the citizens of Alabama, in the proposed fairs at New-Orleans and elsewhere. The Rev. Dr. Lipscomb was then called for, and addressed the meeting. Hon. J. E. Belser, by invitation, followed with a short address. Dr. Plough, agent from the State of Louisiana, to advance the interests of the exhibition, then addressed the meeting. Hon. Mr. Davis, of Limestone, offered the following resolution: Resolved, That this meeting has listened with great pleasure to the remarks of the Rev. Dr. Lipscomb, and that he be requested to furnish a written for pub lication. Adopted. The meeting then adjourned. copy PRICE WILLIAMS, Chairman. J. B. GLADNEY, Secretary. 3.-INSANE ASYLUM OF LOUISIANA. We have received the third report of this institution, which has been in existence three years, and in that time admitted 202 patients, and discharged 124; 54 being restored to sound mind. The number of deaths is 49. The number at present treated, 78. The receipts of the institution, in two years, $26,845; disbursements, $24,922. The whole number of insane and idiotic persons in the State of Louisiana, cannot, at present, be ascertained; but according to an official document recently received from the census office, at Washington City, the number of insane persons among the white and free colored population of the state, in 1850, was 289, classed in the following manner, viz: Insane, white, do. do. males, do. do. females, Total, white, 153 102 255 Insane, free colored,. do. do. males,.... 19 do. do. females, 15 Total, free colored,.. 34 Total, whites and free colored,.. 255 34 sane slaves, the precise number of whom we cannot at present state, having received no official returns of this class of persons; but, as the slave population of this state nearly equals that of the white and free colored, it would be reasonable to suppose that the insane, in both classes, would be also nearly equal. But it is a well known fact that insanity does not prevail to the same extent among the slave population, as that of the white and free colored. We will, therefore, deduct one-third from the supposed number of insane slaves, and the result will be as follows, viz: Insane white and free colored,.... 289 Insane slaves, 4.-CATAHOULA PARISH, LOUISIANA.-CORRECTIONS. J. D. B. DE Bow: Upon reflection I am fearful there are some errors in the "bound aries" of the parish, which are of such importance that I sincerely hope you will examine carefully and correct, and in order to do so I refer you to Latourette's map, which I have examined since writing. North is correctly stated-East, by Tensas and Black rivers, or Concordia parish-South, by Bayou and Lake Saline and Little River, or by Avoyelles and Rapides parishes-West, by Rapides and Natchitoches, or by Dugdemona River; but I refer you to the map. In speaking of Harrisonburg I did not state that it was named by Harrison after himself. In speaking of Trinity I omitted to mention that it was incorporated by an act of the last legislature, and that Joseph Guss Town Council. Of the church in Trinity, was chosen first Mayor, or Chairman of the the size should be 25 by 40 feet; cost, $700. 5. ST. LOUIS MERCANTILE ASSOCIATION. We thank the St. Louis Mercantile Association for the honor they have done us in these resolutions : Resolved, That the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Mercantile Library Association appreciate the efforts of J. D. B. De Bow, Esq., of New-Orleans, in collecting, in The above statement is exclusive of in- his "Commercial Review," statistical in 289 formation of great value to the South and (ences of soil and climate, are so varied, as to West, and that we regard his journal as valuable to the merchants of St. Louis and New Orleans, and cordially recommend it to their patronage. Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary is hereby instructed to forward a copy of these resolutions to Mr. De Bow, as a slight testimonial of our regard for his important labors, and our desire to promote the success of his useful journal. GEO. R. ROBINSON, 6. CINCINNATI MERCANTILE LIBRARY, 1852. James Lupton has been elected President; E. B. Hinman, Vice; H. D. Huntingdon and L. A. Ostrom, Secretaries; Charles R. Fosdick, Treasurer. The Directors are Mess. Chenowith, Woods, Merriam, Thompson and Caldwell. Mr. Fabian, the late Secretary, has removed to New-Orleans, and is mentioned in high terms by the Board. The receipts of this association are $7,779 01 for 1851, and the expenditures for books, lectures, and refitting rooms, $5,330 22. The library now contains 11,769 volumes. All praise is due to this worthy and estimable association. furnish abundant exchanges for the domestic trade between the different states of the Union. They furnish, in themselves, the materials of a very extensive internal commerce; employ, to a large extent, our coasting tonnage, and secure constant employment to our steamboats and rail-roads. Planting and farming are the mutual allies of each other, as are, indeed, all branches of agricultural industry, notwithstanding any prejudice which may be entertained in different sections of the country. They take a narrow view of political economy, who can see but rival interests growing out of the different productions of the same country; and they are worse than bigoted who, in consequence of it, indulge in unworthy jealousies or hostile sentiments towards brethren of the same family. You cannot, by legitimate means, benefit any one branch of industry of a great country, without indirectly benefiting all the rest; but when, as in the case before us, one interest is dependent on the other; when the producer of the one article is the best and often the only consumer of the other, who is so rash as to assert that the prosperity of the one works the injury of the other?" Mr. 7.-AGENCIES OF AGRICULTURE. We are indebted to the Hon. Stephen A. Douglass for a copy of his admirable and comprehensive address upon the " Agencies of Agriculture," delivered before the State Agricultural Society of New-York. Douglass reviews the whole field of American agriculture in the spirit of a scholar and a patriot. We can only make a single extract, though it would be doing good service to our readers to insert the whole address, which is high-toned and liberal in its views: "We are now able to furnish the whole world with the cheapest and best food, and 8.-LATE PUBLICATIONS. 1.-Hungary and Kossuth. By Rev. B. F. Tefft, D. D. New-Orleans: John Ball, 1852. This is a volume of about 400 pages, handsomely issued, and written with considerable vigor. It discusses the character and condition of the country, origin, and condition of the people, religion, language, and literature; Hungarian Constitution, external relations, attempts to overthow the Hungarian Nationality, the Austrian Revolution, Rebellion of the Sclaves, the Austrian Invasion, the Fall of Hungary, etc. Whilst European subjects are engrossing so much of popular attention, and whilst there is such a growing probability that we will eventually, whether we will it or not, be involved in European politics and quarrels, it is well for doubted that European intervention would our people to begin their study. We never one day or other become an American doctrine, though fervently desiring to postpone that day as long as possible. The arguments which are now urged for intervention are suicidal and absurd. with the cheapest and best raiment. We furnish grain, provisions and cotton-the three staple articles of commerce-in greater quantities and of better qualities, than any other nation; and the time is not far distant when we will be able also to regulate their prices. What a boundless field, then, is opened to our agricultural industry!! What ample reward to the labor of our farmers! The command of the world-staples, even without the acquisition of California, (which secures to us the control of the precious metals,) must have given us the control of the commerce of the world. But independent of these international considerations, there is yet another which will naturally suggest itself to your minds. Our agricultural products, owing to the vast extent of our territory, and the great differ-effects of the Usury Laws; 2, on Foreign 2.-Essays on Interest, Exchange, Coins, Paper Money, and Banks. By J. R. McCulloch, Esq., author of " The Commercial Dictionary." Philadelphia: Carey & Hart. New-Orleans: J. B. Steel. The title of the volume, and its author's name, will speak sufficient for its contents. There are four parts: 1, on Interest and the and Domestic Exchange; 3, on Money, | New-York, has dedicated his production to Coins, Bullion, Seignorage, Standard, etc.; Washington Irving. Under the assumed 4. on Paper Money, and on Banks. The volume will be highly useful to every class of citizens. 3.-Sixteen Months at the Gold Diggings. By Daniel Woods. New-York: Harper & Brothers. New-Orleans: J. C. Morgan. This Mr. Woods would seem to have seen what is vulgarly called the " elephant," judging from the gloomy pictures he furnishes of California life and gold diggings. He gives a table of the earnings of 56 miners of his acquaintance laboring in the richest portions of the mines, and believes the general average for others to be much less : Number of miners,... Length of time (working days), Number of days' work,.. Whole amount made,. 56 121 ..6776 .$22,089 76 3 26 name of Ik Marvel, he has contributed a class of very interesting fictions to the press, which have won for themselves a wide celebrity. The present work is divided into appropriate heads, to wit: Dreams of Boyhood; Dreams of Youth; Dreams of Manhood; Dreams of Age, &c. The style is chaste and simple. We can give but a single specimen on woman's love: "That deep, thrilling voice, bearing all the perfume of the womanly soul in its flow, rarely finds utterance, and if uttered vainly if called out by tempting devices, and by a trust that is abused-desolate indeed is the maiden heart-widowed of its chastest thought. The soul shrinks affrighted within itself. Like a tired bird lost at sea, fluttering around what seem friendly boughs, it stoops at length, and finding only cold, slippery spars, with no bloom, and no foliageits last hope gone-it sinks to a wild ocean grave." 6.- -Report of the Society for the Relief of Destitute Orphan Boys. 1851. This is one of those blessed institutions which do so much to illustrate the heavenly impulses which are at the heart of man, let him do ever so much evil as he will in this world. It was established nearly twenty-eight years ago in New-Orleans, under the auspices of Beverly Chew and Judge Workmen. In that time, 866 destitute children have been taken care of. The number at present within the walls is 98. Only a small part of its support is derived from any fixed revenue, the rest resting entirely upon individual charities from year to year. Should not this prove a loud appeal to our citizens? Ten dollars constitute the donor a member of the Society; and fifty dollars a life member. We make a short extract from the report: 4.-A Lady's Voyage Round the World; translated from the German of Ida Pfeiffer; by Mrs. Percy Sinnett. Harper & Brothers. New-Orleans: J. C. Morgan. Madame Pfeiffer tells us, in her introductory chapter, how it came about that a "lone woman," contrary to all the habits and usages of her sex, should have encouraged the fancy of visiting strange countries, and actually carried it out in a manner which would shame the sterner sex. In the first place, her birth-day was in the last century, which she regarded so far a protection. She says, "From my earliest childhood I had always the greatest longing to see the world. I read all books of travels I could get hold of. I traveled at last with my parents, and then with my husband. When my children's education was completed, I formed my resolution with a joy amounting to rapture. I The directors have the happiness to set out alone on my journey to Palestine, and know, that there have been boys from this asylum who have reached the most honoras I came home again in perfect safety, I trustable positions in society. We have one a ed I had not acted presumptuously in following the impulses of my nature, and I determined to see a little more yet of the world." 5.-Dream-Life: A Fable of the Seasons. By Ik Marvel. respectable minister of the Gospel. Two have become distinguished navigators-one being the commander of one of the largest and finest packets between this city and France; the other is younger, but bids equally fair to become an ornament to his profession, and is now the second officer of a fine vessel. Another is a lawyer, and lately, by the confidence of his fellow citizens, has been elected, by a very flattering vote, a member of the state legislature, and has the happiness to be one of the present Directors The author, who is Donald G. Mitchell, of of this Board. Others are respectable "We are such stuff As dreams are made of; and our little life Is rounded with a sleep." New-York: Charles Scribner. New-Orleans: John Ball. 1851. |