VOL. I. AMERICAN RAIL-ROAD JOURNAL. attention of almost every section of our country. nlent form for binding, each number to contain sixteen large oe nal will be devoted to the subject of internal improvement-giv. ral interest. tlemen of experience in the construction and use NO. 1. The following extract from a treatise on Rail. The subscriber proposes to publish a weekly Journal, com of rail-roads here; and to afford the whole at so roads, by NICHOLAS WOOD, Esq., will give an idea mencing about the first of January, ensuing, to be called the cheap a rate, as to be within the reach of every per. of the first attempts, of which we have any acAMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL. A princi-son taking an interest in the subject. count, to introduce Rail-roads into England:pal object in offering the proposed work to the Public, is to dif It is intended to give a concise history of the in- HISTORY AND PROGRESS OF RAIL-ROADS. fuse a more general knowledge of this important mode of internal communication, which, at this time, appears to engage the troduction of Rail-roads into England, (which ap. It is very difficult to trace the precise date when pears to have been as carly as between the yoars 1602 Rail-ways were first introduced into Great Britain. THE AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL will be printed and 1649, in the vicinity of Newcastle-upon-Tyne,) conveyed in numerous directions, the difficulty of When the traffic consisted of various articles, to be on a sheet of the largest size, (mainmoth) and put up in a conve with the various improvements, down to the present forming a road suitable for all parties, and the extavo pages of three columus each. The selections, upon the sub-time; and to trace their introduction into, and pecul pense of branching it off to all the different parts ject of railroads and other works of internal improvement, wiliar adaptation to the business and climate of this here the goods were to be carried, would operate be from the best authors, both of Europe and America, and will country. It will also be the aim of the publisher to cies of general communication. to prevent the introduction of Rail-roads, as a spe be occasionally illustrated by engravings. A part of this Jour show, what he thinks may be shown conclusively, The more probable supposition is, that the adop. ing a history of the first introduction of railroads into England that for practical purposes, Rail-roads are far supe. tion of these artificial roads first took place when And their improvements to the present day. It will also notice rior to any other mode of internal communication; the goods were of a certain description, and had to the meetings, in different sections of the country, upon the sub and that they must, in a few years, entirely take the be conveyed to one place only; and when the quanject of railroad The remaining part of the paper will con ain place of of Canals, where new works are to be con- the same road, when perhaps the materials for uptity also was considerable. Continually passing along the LITERARY, MISCELLANEOUS AND NEWS matte of the NEW-YORK AMERICAN, as prepared for that structed. "The great advantage of Rail-ways," says holding it and keeping it in repair were expensive, paper, omitting all political subjects, except such as are of geue-Tredgold, a writer upon the subject, "will consist might induce them to seek out some remedy; in their affording the means of transporting heavy and, it is not unlikely, that the laying down of tungoods with speed and certainty; and, recollecting introduction of wooden rails the whole distance. ber, in the worst parts of the road, might tend to the that Rail-roads are in an imperfect state, while the Such is the practi se in Russia, and it appears to have united efforts of our civil engineers have been chief. been as ancient as civilization in that country. ly devoted to canals for about a century, we may At the coal-works in the neighborhood of New. confidently hope that there is scope for improve castle-upon-Tyne, the expense of conveying the nent; and we may fairly infer that for new works be shipped by sea, would be very great. Down to coals from the pits to the places where they were to Rail-roads will in nine cases out of ten, be better the year 1600, the only mode appears to have been by adapted for public benefit than canals." Entertain. carts, on the ordinary roads; and in some instances ing these views, and aware of the general move. by "panniers" on horseback. A r cord in the books ments making in different sections of the country. 1602, states, "That from tyme out of mynd yt hath of one of the free companies of Newcastle, dated for the purpose of adopting measures for the con- been accustomed that all cole-waynes did usually In offering the AMERICAN RAIL ROAD JOURNAL to struction of Rail-roads, he is induced to believe that carry and bring eight baulls of coles to all the staythe public at this time, when so much and such gen. a publication more acceptable, at this time, to a large thes upon the ryver of Tyne, but of late several hath eral interest is felt on the subject of Rail-roads in portion of the intelligent community, could not be rought only, er scarce, seven baulls." The cost of transporting such a heavy article as coal along comdifferent sections of the United States, no apology is offered; and to that class of readers he looks with mon roads, which may be supposed would not be of deemed necessary. The importance of some other confidence for a liberal patronage, meaning, as he the best description, in carts containing seven or mode of internal communication in this country, does, to merit it by untiring zeal to serve them. eight bolls, would operate very powerfully in acceleGentleinen engaged in constructing, or superin-mode of conveyance, to lessen the expense. rating the introduction of some improvement in the where the canals and rivers are for about one third of the year closed by frost, renders it highly desirable that tending Railroads; and others in possession of in. In a work published at Newcastle, in the year a fair experiment should be made of the utility of Rail formation upon the subject, which may serve to give 1649, by a Mr. Gray, called "A Chorograp ia," a roads. Such experiments are now in progress in se. a inore correct and general knowledge of the disad. survey of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the following acveral States; and all information, therefore, upon vantages as well as benefits resulting from them, will count of the Coal Trade is given: "Many thousand the comparative value of Rail-roads and Canals, serve the community by contributing to the columns people are employed in this trade of coales: many live by conveying thein in wagons and waines, to which may be generally diffused amongst the peo- of the Rail-road Journal; and they are respectfully the river Tyne," &c. And in p. 31 of the same work ple, must be valuable, as it may prevent a premature invited to do so. The terms of the American Railroad Journal are THREE dollars per annum, payable in advance; and will not be sent without. Any person who will obtain eight subscribers and remit the amount, shall have a copy gratis: and to companies of Son subscribers, who associate and remit twenty-five dollars, will be sent for $2,50 each per annum. The Journal will be sent for any length of time desired, if paid in advance. It wil be published on Saturdays. Letters upon the subject of the AMERICAN RAILROAD TO THE PUBLIC. he states, "Some south gentlemen hath, upon great their mouies in coale pits. Master Beaumont, a gon. and useless expenditure of capital upon works con- A part, only, of the Journal will be devoted to losse of benefit, came into this country to hazard corning which sufficient data for a correct judgment the subject of internal communication and improve-tleman of great ingenuity and rare parts, adventured are not possessed. Further investigation may lead nents. The larger part will be occupied with literary into our mines with his 30,0004., who brought with to the construction of new Canals, of the value of and miscellaneous selections from foreign Journals, him many rare engines not known theu in those which, for a part of the year, we are fully aware; or with the review of new publications, as prepared parts, as the art to boore with iron rodds, to try the it may confirm the opinion, fast gaining ground in for the New-York American, and the general news to draw water out of the pits; waggons with one deepnesse and thicknesse of the Coale; rare engines this country, that Rail-roads will, in a great mea ofthe day,-excluding all political matter, excepting horso to carry down coales from the pits to the staysure, supersede Canals, and therefore hasten the con what may be deemed of general interest. It will. thes to the river, &c.; within a few years, he construction of a few important lines, through those in fact, contain most of the interosting and impor. sumed all his money, and rode home upon his light. parts of the country where the amount of business tant matter published in the New-York American. Considering that the carts employed in conveying horse." will warrant the undertaking. It is the object of With this expression of his views and inten- the coals were, in 1602, called "waynes," and the thie Journal to disseminate as extensively as possi- tions, the publisher submits the AMERICAN RAIL- carriages introduced by Master Beaumont "wagble, accurate statements, drawn from European pub. ROAD JOURNAL to an intelligent community for its gons; and also, that ever since that period, the carlisations, little known, and less read in this country; D. KIMBALL MINOR. to record the observations and suggestions of gen. No. 85 Wall street, New-York. decision. riages employed upon Rail-roads have been desig. nated by that name; we may infer, that the "wag. gon" of Mr. Beaumont was applied upon a Rail-way, and that he was the first to introduce them into the road to be filled up with ashes or stone to the under England has written home, that he has made a connorth. side of the upper rail, and consequently above the tract for the rails at £6. 17s. 6d. per ton. The rails The date of the introduction of Rail-ways, as a level of the sleepers, which thus secured them from are what is called the Clarence rail," said to be the substitute for common roads, at Newcastle, would the action of the feet of the horses. best now used in England, and weigh 40 lbs. per then take place between the years 1602 and 1619; This description of Railroad appears to have con- yard.-[Balt. Patriot.] probably a considerable time prior to the latter pe-tinued in use for a considerable period, and was exriod, as we find Master Beaumont had at that time tensively used at the collieries of Northumberland expended his 30,000. and Durham, and also in other districts of Great Bri Whether they were used in any other part of the tain. The yielding nature of the material, especial. country before this time or not, I have not had the ly when saturated with wet, would create very conmeans of ascertaining. siderable resistance to the wheels, which, by sinking Although this first, was intended as a specimen In 1676, they were thus described: "The man- into and compressing the rails, would always form a number of the Journal, it is not a fair specimen of ner of the carriage is by laying rails of timber rising surface, and thus impede the progressive mo- what it will be, when well under way with a high from the colliery to the river, exactly straight and tion of the carriages; still a horse was enabled to AMERICAN RAIL-ROAD JOURNAL. parallel; and bulky carts are made, with four rollers, convey a greater weight along a Rail-road of this pressure locomotive engine of two or three thou-⚫ fitting those rails, whereby the carriage is so easy, kind than upon a common road. At that time we sand subscribers, and when we are accommodated that one horse will draw down four or five chaldrons find eight bolls of coals, (equal to 17 cwt.) was the with rail-roads in this vicinity, that our supply of of coals, and is an immense benefit to the coal mer. regular load for a horse with a cart or wain, upon chants." the common road; while, upon the Rail-road, the paper may not be detained on the way by the ice. At that time, it is probable, the road would be of general load for one horse was nineteen bolls, or An apology, also may not be improper for some the simplest construction, consisting of single rails, about 42 cwt. of the errors which have unavoidably resulted fastened upon transverse sleepers, stretched across The formation of the Rail-road would certainly be from the haste in which this number has been got the road. The following description is given of attended with considerable expense; but the advan them in Jaa's Voyages Metallurgiques, in 1765 (vol. tagos derived from the increased load, would soon up,—a prominent one of which is in the date in a 1, p. 199): "When the road has been traced, at six compensate for this, and also for an increase of ex. part of the impression, being 1831, instead of 1832, feet in breadth, and where the declivities are fixed, pense in keeping up the rails. In general, the col- as it was intended to wish all who may receive this an excavation is made of the breadth of the said road, lieries were situated at a much higher level than the unbidden visiter a happy New Year. more or less deep, according as the levelling of the depôt or places to which the coals were to be conground requires. There are afterwards arranged, veyed; consequently, the Rail-roads would mostly along the whole breadth of this excavation, pieces of descend in the direction of the load:-except levelAn apology may be due to those gentlemen to oak wood, of the thickness of four, five, six and even ling down abrupt undulations, little care was taken whom the first number of the Rail-Road Journal is eight inches square: these are placed across, and at to make the road with an uniform descent. For sent; if so, the publisher trusts that he will be perthe distance of two or three feet from each other; many years after the introduction of the wooden mitted to apologize at the same time for respectfully these pieces need only be squared at their extremi-Rail-way, wagons containing nineteen bolls, or about ties; and upon these are fixed other pieces of wood, 42 cwt. was the universal load attached to a horse, requesting every gentleman who may receive it, not well squared and sawed, of about six or seven inches and the road was levelled accordingly, the only desi. only to subseribe himself, but to show it to his neigh breadth by five in depth, with pegs of wood; these deratum being to enable a horse to convey that bors, that they may also subscribe, and remit the pieces are placed on each side of the road, along its quantity. amount in advance. whole length; they are commonly placed at four feet In some parts of the road, where occasional accli. distance from each other, which forms the interior vities occurred which could not be levelled, or where breadth of the road." sudden windings of the road were obliged to be Perhaps no one of the numerous applications This kind of Rail-road was very imperfect, and made, thin plates of wrought iron were laid upon the which will be made to the Legislature of this State, had many disadvantages, though probably at first surface of the rails, and fastened down with common at its ensuing session, is entitled to more respectful made of greater strength than necessary to support nails, to diminish the resistance opposed to the consideration than that which is to be made for a the weight, yet, by frequent use, the rails would soon wheels, and equalize the draught of the horse. This, Rail-road commencing at Lake Erie, at some point become reduced in depth by the action of the wheels, no doubt would be found a great improvement, not The inhabitants of the southern tier of counties and would break long before they were worn through. only in diminishing the friction, but also in prevent between Cattaraugus Creek and the Pennsylvania It would thus be necessary that the rails should often ing the rails from wearing. Yet I do not find the line and terminating in this city; passing through be renewed, and as the road required to be always of use of them much extended beyond the above-named the southern tier of counties, and crossing the Hud. the same width, the bearing section of the sleeper, instances; probably from the difficulty of keeping the son at some convenient place. by the frequent perforation of the holes to fasten the plates fast upon the rails, as the nails, by the elastialeeper down, would soon be rendered useless.-city of the wood, would be constantly working loose, Though much superior to the common roads, in and occasioning a continual expense in keeping have not, they contend, enjoyed equal -advantages point of economy and facility, yet the frequent re. them right. Upon the whole, however, the use of with those bordering on the Canal and the lakes for newal of the rails and sleeper would be attended with such plates would, in many cases, be attended with several years past, and they now give notice that considerable expence, not only of time and labor, considerable benefit, and might, had they not been but also in the cost of the material. superseded by the introduction of a different kind of they will apply to the next Legislature for permisThe waste of timber thus occasioned, principally road, have been much improved. sion to construct a Rail-road through that section of by the rail, when partly worn, being insufficient to About this period, in all the extensive mining dis- the State, that they may be able to transact their bu support the weight of the carriages, and being there-tricts, we find canals the only system of internal siness with as much facility as their neighbors.— fore thrown away, would no doubt produce many communication for general traffic: and these, by the attempts to remedy the inconvenience; and, it is indefatigable and enterprizing genius of Brindley, They have, unquestionably, strong claims upon the not improbable but the addition of another rail upon assisted by other eminent engineers, being carried legislature, and there can be little doubt, if any charthe surface of that which rested immediately on the into every quarter of the island. Railways were thus ters for Rail-roads shall be granted (and we cannot sleeper, was the next improvement, thus forming confined to a very limited and subordinate sphere of see why they should not be,) that their application what is called the "double way." The upper rail, or action-to short distances, or over uneven or highly that subjected to the action of the wheels of the car- inclined ground, where the number of locks preclud- will be successful. Indeed, there are many weighty riages, could then be almost completely worn away, ed the use of canals. The attention of all scientific reasons why their petition should be granted. The lo without affecting, to a great degree, the strength of men being thus absorbed in another species of con- cation is a favorable one, and the late survey through that which supported the weight. veyance the subject of Rail-ways would be little at-the southern counties, for a State Road, shows con The sleepers in this description of road were gen. tended to, and this, perhaps, will account for the erally formed of young sapling, or strong branches of slow progress made in the improvement of them, clusively that a Rail-road can be built without enthe oak, obtained by thinning the plantations, and compared with that of the other mode of convey. countering any very serious obstacles. With such were six feet long by five or six inches in thickness, ance-accordingly, we find a long period intervene a Rail-road, intersected at convenient distances, by and about the same breadth. At their first introduc-after the introduction of wooden Rail-ways, beyond other Rail-roads running from the Erie Canal, and tion, the under rail was of oak, and afterwards of fir, the application of any other material. one from Ogdensburgh to Syracuse or Utica, almost mostly six feet long, reaching across three sleepers, each two feet apart, and about five inches broad on NEW LOCOMOTIVE.-A correspondent of the Co. every county in the State would be brought within the surface, by four or five inches in depth. The up- lumbia, (Pa.) Spy, writing from Philadelphia, gives twenty-four hours' ride of New York. It would preper rail was of the same dimensions, and almost al- the following description of a new steam Locomo- vent a recurrence of the state of things which now ways made of beech or plane tree. tive, now constructing in that city, for the Penn- exists in this city. There would not then be, as The surface of the ground being formed pretty sylvania Rail road : even, for about six feet in width, from the pits to the "I examined a Locomotive Steam Engine, Bur. there now is, thousands of barrels of flour, and othstaiths, or the whole length of the intended rail-road som & Co. are constructing in this city, for our er kinds of produce in proportion, frozen up in Canal or "waggon-way," as it was termed, the sleepers road. It is entirely of a new construction, and is boats, and in sloops on the Hudson: salt would not were then laid down two feet distant, and the under as simple as a common cart or wheelbarrow There rail properly secured to them. The ashes, a materi is not a cog-wheel about it-neither is there pin, be now selling in Albany for two dollars and fifty al forming the surface of the ground, were then beat wedge, or screw bolt, which can possibly be impair cents per bushel, and pork at two dollars per hundred, firmly against the under surface of the rail, which ed. The steam is brought on the piston through for want of salt to save it, whilst it is worth from five was thus strengthened and made more rigid. The valves formed by holes made in two cylinders which to seven dollars, in this city. Coal would not then upper rail was then placed upon the other, and firm. rub against each other, and are opened and shut at sell here for fifteen or sixteen dollars per ton; nor ly bound down by the pins or pegs of wood. the proper time by the natural operation of the pis This combination had many very obvious advan. ton in turning the crank on the hindermost axletree. oak wood at nine, and hickory at thirteen dollars tages over the single rail; for, independent of the The Engine works complete, and justifies the belief per cord, as has been the case for two or three weeks waste of timber before described, the destruction of that it will out-run the far-famed Rocket and Novel- past, if Rail-roads were in general use; but all the sleepers in the single rail by the feet of the ty. In point of construction it is far more perma-kinds of business would move on regularly and draught horses was considerable. The double rail, nent and compact than either of them, and is entire- he more equally divided throughont the year. by increasing the height of the surface whereonly of American construction." the carriages travelled, allowed the inside of the The same writer mentions, that the agent in Produce could come to market as well in January as From New York to Albany, on the East side of the Hudson. in July; and the farmer would not be obliged, in tions of the State, with an aggregate capital of over Bird Island, at the head of the harbor, has been order to get his crop to market in the fall, to neglect forty-two millions of dollars. overthrown. An estimate for its repair and com preparing for the next. From Lake Erie, through the Southern tier of pletion is presented. counties, to the Hudson River, crossing a ferry, and With regard to the above mentioned works which York—Capital $10,000,000. then down on the East side to the city of New are all on Lake Erie, I have to remark that the estimates which have been submitted to you, are intended to cover the expense of completing all that is now proposed to be done at the several harbors, and that I do not anticipate the necessity of asking these artificial harbors, on the navigating interests for any further appropriations for those objects. is confidently believed that the benefits conferred by of the Lake, have been far more than commensurate with the expense of their construction. Genessee rirer, N. Y.-Very satisfactory progress has been made, during the past year, in the execu tion of the plan adopted for improving the entrance It is contended by some, that to grant a Rail-road from Lake Erie to the Hudson, would be diverting business from the Canal; but of that, no serious apprehensions need be entertained, as, by the time a Rail-road can be completed that distance, there From the Hudson River, or from Schenectady to will be business enough for both, (until the season es connecting therewith the most important villages, Buffalo, by the most convenient route, with branch. of the year when a passage on the Canal becomes as shall not be on the main route of the Rail-roadprecarious) and additional means of transportation Capital $10,000,000. must be provided. Another, also from Albany to Buffalo-Capital $7,000,000, of If, then, other facilities for transportation must be provided, should they not be so located as to pursue of the most direct route to market-due regard being had to the wants of the inhabitants, and the eligibility of the route? It would seem that little diversity of opinion could exist upon this subject, as, with one principal Rail-road through the Southern part of the State, and several lateral roads from the Canal, every step taken would be towards, and not from, market, as would be the case if the main road was on the North route, and the others intersecting it from the South. This, however, is a subject upon which the Legislature will, in its wisdom, decide. It From Buffalo to Cayuga Lake, or the outlet there- To renew the act, incorporating a Kail-road Co. to the piers, which now extend to the distance of the proposed extent. Measures have also been ta- Big Sodus Bay, N. Y.-The piers designed to form a safe harbor at this point, have been extended From Rochester, through the Tonewanda Valley, From Brockport, on the Erie Canal through Ba. to the Alleghany River-Capital $1,000,000. tavia, to or near Olean, Chatauque county-Capital about 400 yards, the eastern pier being now 556 $800,000. From Schenectady to Utica-Capital $2,000,000 yards long and the western 620 yards. These works East Village, in Aurora, Erie county-Capital $300,-tom of the Lake at this place being so hard as to From Buffalo, across the Buffalo creek, to the have produced no effect in deepening the channel, nor was it expected that this would do so, the bot 000. From Whitehall to Troy, with branches. From the preceding account of the introduction of From Albany to Coxakie, on the West bank of Rail-roads into England, it appears that the precise the Hudson, or a more westerly route. period of their first use is not known. Their con- or a more westerly route, to Catskill-Capital $700,From Albany, on the West bank of the Hudson, struction was very simple; yet it afforded them great 000. facilities in transporting coal to the river-enabling From the city of New York to Manhattanville them to carry 42 instead of 17 cwt. to a load. The and Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties fate of Master Beaumont, it may be with safety pre Capital $500,000, with privilege to increase. From Auburn to Weedsport, on the Erie canal, dicted, awaits many worthy citizens of the present about 7 miles-Capital $100,000. day, if all the schemes mentioned in our list of appli- From Cooperstown to the mouth of Schenevas cations be pursued. creek-Capital $100,000. The second number of the Journal will be issued on the 7th of January-and on the Saturday of each following week. The numbers from the commence. ment, will be forwarded to all subscribers until the end of the first half year. make an artificial excavation necessary: a circumstance which, at the same time, gives assurance of a permanent benefit, when the operations shall have been completed. harbor have been built by contract, which was Oswego, N. Y.-The piers for protecting this completed this year. A pier head, and mole of stone for their security, have also been constructed. It is thought that the safety of the navigation 1equires and believing that the great importance of the harthat the piers should be raised somewhat higher, bor to the navigation of Lake Ontario, and to the interier commeree of New York, justifies the addiFrom Watertown, Jefferson county, to the Erie tional expenditure proposed, I have submitted an escanal, at Rome, and also to Lake Ontario, or the Ritimate accordingly. ver St. Lawrence-Capital $500,000, FORTIFICATIONS.-Fort Hamilton, Narrows, N. Y. From Rochester to the mouth of Genesee River,As anticipated in my last report, this fort has about 6 miles-Capital $50,000been completed. An inspection of it was made, From Saratoga village to Fort Edward, in Wash. as required by the regulations, by officers of the ington county-Capital $200,000. corps of engineers, whose report bestows unquali. From Geneva to Ithaca, a continuation of the fied praise on the manner in which the work has Canandaigua and Geneva Rail-road-Capital $500,- work, principally with a view of preparing it immebeen executed. They recommend some additional 000, with privilege to increase to $800,000. From Rochester, Monroe county, to Dannsville, diately to receive its armament; for which purpose Livingston county. a provision is proposed, in the estimate for next Baltimore and Ohio-whole length 250 miles-ca and Owego, with the Lackawanna Rail-road at From Owego, Tioga county, to connect the Itha- year. Fort Lafayette, Narrows, N. Y.-Has been tho 60 miles completed and in use. the Pennsylvania line, near the Great Bend, Pa.roughly repaired, and the report of the officers who inspected this work, as well as the preceding, states, From the foot of sloop navigation on the St. Law-skill and effect, the material and the style of executhat the repairs have been applied with judgment, rence to Lake Champlain-Capital $1,000,000. For the Elmira and Williamsport Rail-road-Cap-has produced so fine a result at Fort Hamilton." tion indicating the same careful supervision which ital $75,000. Governor's Island, N. Y.-An appropriation was The following is a list of Rail-roads now constructing; several of which are in part finished, and in succesful operation : Albany and Schenectady-16 miles in length-Capital $300,000. 12 miles in use. Charleston and Hamburg-135 miles in lengthabout 20 miles completed, upon which the U. mail is carried. Mauch Chunk, completed and in use, 9 miles. S. The cut at the head of the Journal represents the made this year for repairing the fortifications on this Locomotive Engine, the Novelty, of Messrs. Braith. island, but in consequence of the arrragements necessary for removing the garrison, nothing has been wait & Ericsson, (which competed for the prize of done except to obtain some materials and machi£500. offered by the Directors of the Liverpool and nery. and Manchester Rail-way Co., and which would pro- FROM MEXICO.-We have been furnished, by a The following are now making, or soon to be commenced, as we learn from a paper before us :bably have taken it, but for some trifling difficulty in the machinery,) with a carriage for passengers Length in miles. Massachusetts, from Boston to Hudson river, 200 of sufficient size to accommodate eighteen inside-a Ithaca and Catskill, 167 more particular description of which will be given 114 hereafter. Boston and Brattleborough, friend with the following extract of a letter. MEXICO, Nov. 28th, 1831 In the Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Carlos BustaSenor Lorenzo Zavala, in case he shouid wish to remante made a proposition to forbid the landing of turn to the republic, whence he voluntarily departed, as well as Senor Gomez Pedraza. The propoThe following extracts from the report of the Chief sition, supported by Sanchez de Tavle, and oppoof the Engineer Corps all relate to expenditures and sed by Quintero, was rejected "On the 2nd inst. 38 improvements with the State of New-York. Columbia, from Philadelphia to Little York, 96 Frankston and Johnston on the Alleghany, Boston and Providence, Baltimore and Washington City, Hudson and Berkshire, Frenchtown and Newcastle, Haarlem, 48 43 40 the printing office of the Tribuno was closed by the INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.-Dunkirk harbor, N. Y. government the only opposition paper; and on the following day, several officers of the regiment No. 5 16--Under the appropriation made at the last session of 25 6 Congrees, a new pier for the protection of this har. beat Senor Rejon, on suspicion that he was the ed- Buffalo, N. Y.-The funds available for the works at this harbor during the present year, have been NEW ORLEANS, Deo. 10.-Loss of the Steamer applied to the extension and security of the southern Monticello-We have just learned this unfortunate do. pier, and to the construction of a foundation for a circumstance. It appears that the steamer Oregon do. and Delaware, light house at its extremity. The raising the tower took the Monticello in tow at the mouth of the Ohio Elizabethtown and Somerville Rail-road in New. has been deferred to give time for the foundation to river on the 2d inst. and proceeded for this city.Jersey. settle. At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 6th, at Bunker's Black Rock, N. Y,-No appropriation having bend, the Monticello suddenly struck a enag and Notice has been given that the following appli been made for continuing the works in this harbor, went down in a few minutes. There but five feet cations will be made to the Legislature of New York, protection afforded by them in the state in which of the Monticello, remained on board with six men nothing has been done to them this year, and the water on the spot. Col. Morgan, who had charge at its ensuing session, for Rail-roads in different sec-they were left, being imperfect, part of the mole on to save the wreck. NAVY DEPARTMENT.- Extract of a letter to the Secre-oppressive-but they obtained no relief. They op- valuable, or as we hope least profitable, of their entary of the Navy, from Capt. Downes, commanding posed the tariff; but at length have been forced to terprizes. the United States frigate Potomac, dated Rio Ja. give their capital a new direction, and they became neiro, 20th October, 1831: inanufacturers by coercion. But now the South For the first time, we now have a connected and "SIR: I have the honor to acquaint you with turn upon them all the odium of a system, which well authenticated life of this greatest of Discover. the arrival at this port, of the Potomac, on the 15th they resisted from the beginning; and will no doubters; he who first taught man to measure the bound. instant, without accident, and the crew generally in claim the merit of these wise measures-even of less expanse of the Heavens,-to trace out the path of paying the public debt, while they oppose the laws the planets, and to comprehend the fixed law of good health. by which alone the object has been or could be actheir revolutions; he who to "the highest powers complished. The payment of the public debt presents a new of invention added (what so seldom accompanies and happy era. It would be a singular subject of po- them) the talent of simplifying and communicating litical reflection, if the moment of greatest public his profoundest speculations." It is perhaps well prosperity should happen to be the most dangerous crisis of our country. "We have only fourteen on the sick list, and nearly all of them from slight casualties. "I shall remain here no longer than to take in pre. visions and water." NEW-YORK AMERICAN. SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 24, 1831. REVIEW ON A WEEK. violation. to the extraordinary and unconstitutional power that this record has been left unexecuted till now; Here every patriot should pause to reflect pro- for the delay has enabled the biographer to set at foundly upon the real state of this question, what are rest some doubts, which it concerned all lovers of the points of disagreement and what are the proper truth, and especially believers in Revelation, to have AMERICAN QUARTERLY REVIEW, No. XX.: Phila. remedies. There are but two serious questions. Is the tarif dissipated. delphia, Carey & Lea.-The interest we take in unjust and oppressive, and can it be modified so as the success of this periodical, which is in some to relieve and satisfy one portion of the country flections as these :The biographer enters on his task with such resense the organ of sound literary and scientific without material injury of the other? criticism for this middle portion of the United Enough has been said, we trust, to show that If the conduct and opinions of men of ordinary there is good and probable cause to believe that the talent are recorded for our instruction, how interestStates, as the North American Review and the tariff, for the protection of American industry, is ing must must it be to follow the most exalted genSouthern Review speak more or less the opinions not a violation of the powers of Congress. Few, we ius through the incidents of common life ;-te mark of their sections of the country, will excuse our think, who comprehend the question, can conscien- the steps by which he attained his lofty pre-eminreturning to it again. We do so with the more tiously maintain, that it is a violation of the Consti- ence; to see how he performs the functions of the confidence, after a careful perusal of some of the tution, and much less that it is a clear and palpable social and domestic compact; how he exercises his lofty powers of invention and discovery; how he articles, which, in our first notice of the number. It is believed also, that we have shown, that the comports himself in the arena of intellectual strife; before us, we had not leisure to examine. As a inequality and injustice of it, in its operation, are not and in what sentiments, and with what aspirations whole, indeed, this number may challenge compari- so flagrant and so oppressive as to warrant a resort he quits the world which he has adorned. In almost all these bearings, the life and writings son with any of its contemporaries anywhere, as claimed of annulling the law, by the fiat of a single of Sir Isaac Newton abound with the richest counwell for the variety of its topics as for the ability State-much less a resort to the original right of resel. Here the philosopher will learn the art by with which they are severally treated. The paper volution. It is believed the case will not justify, in which alone he ean acquire an immortal name. The moralist will trace the lineaments of a character on Cousin's Philosophy presents an accurate ac. the judgment of mankind, or in the opinion of pos. adjusted to all the symmetry of which our im. count of the favorite metaphysics in France at this terity, treason, rebellion and disuniɔr. On the other hand, it ought to be borne in mind, perfect nature is susceptible; and the Christian moment; while that on Silk, doubtless from the that the extinguishment of the public debt, will dis. will contemplate with delight the high priest of pon of M. Duponceau, is an admirable compendium pense with ten millions of revenue, which will be nocience quitting the study of the material uni. of the whole subject. The article, however, on longer necessary to the government; and that the verse,-the scene of his intellectual triumphs,-to Free Trade and the Tariff, written, as we have un- duties ought to be modified, so as to reduce the reve-Investigate with humility and patience the myste. nue to fifteen millions,-if it is believed that it can ries of his faith. derstood, by Mr. Senator Johnston, of Louisiana, be effected without impairing any essential interest, It is in the spirit which these reflections exhibit, an enlightened and practical man, is particularly or disturbing the protective principle; a modifica that the work is written: we need not then add, that opportune, and may, we hope, be generally read. tion that will preserve every thing that is valuable in It is conceived and arguod in a spirit of mode. the system, yield all that is objectionable in detail, it is a book calculated to do extensive good. We and satisfy every moderate and sensible man: a mo- cannot of course go into the history of the brilliant ration and conciliation, that augurs happily for dification that will compromise the different inter discoveries which have placed the name of Newton the settlement of that most difficult question in ests, conciliate all parties, and maintain the laws in science, like that of Washington in the political our domestic policy. Mr. Johnston assumes, in- and preserve the Union. deed, throughout, the wisdom and expediency, as On one side, there can be no motive to push the history of men, at an unapproached height. We power of Congress to an unreasonable extent, cer can only here and there make an extract to show well as constitutionality, of the Protecting System; tainly not so far as to operate an injury to any part. how well Dr. Brewster is qualified for the task he but he pushes nothing to extremes. The examina. On the other side, there can be no desire, in return has undertaken. Take, for instance, the following tion of the complaint of the South, that they are ing to the proper medium between extremno opinions, unequally and oppressively affected by the Tariff, to sacrifice any interests, or destroy any establish remarks, induced by Newton's decomposition of a nents, that have grown up in good faith under the ray of light, and the consequent discovery of the nais most satisfactory; and shows that complaint to ture and properties of colors. In order to render be quite unfounded. It is followed by this retro- The exact point of fair protection may be attain them more generally intelligible, it may be stated that spect, which (although such topics are little gered. Prohibition must be avoided as wrong in prin- the white light of a sunbeam is composed of seven man to the ordinary matter of these weekly notices) ciple, and injurious in practice, tending to monopo ly, and immoderate prices; a free system, which is different colors-red, orange, yellow, green, blue, inwe cannot pass without quoting :— the opposite extreme, must be avoided, as untenablə dige, violet-all possessing different degrees of reIn recurring to the past, it is proper to look to even in theory, in the present state of the world, the course of public men, and to the views of par- and ruinous in its effects upon the industry of the frangibility: ticular sections of the country. Let the South take country. let her impute it to the real authors of her distress. laws. a If the objects of the material world had been which possessed the same degree of refrangibility, a wise retrospect, and if any evil has been inflicted, We cannot take leave of this number of the Ame.luminated with white light, all the particles of The South engaged in the war, created the debt; rican Quarterly, without expressing the wish, that and were equally acted upon by the bodies on which she was in favor of the tariff of 1816, of the sink. a little more pride and interest were manifested they fall, all nature would have shone with a leaden ing fund act, and of all measures of expense. She among us in the character and success of a work, hue, and all the combinations of external objects, was foremost in favor of a system of duties for re so creditable as this periodical. The sympathies of and all the features of the hunian countenance, would venue and protection; a protection, she told us, have exhibited no other variety than that which they that would indemnify the country for the losses of the people of New-England, wherever abiding, are possess in a pencil sketch or a China-ink drawing. the war; a protection, not of the manufacturer, but alive to the reputation and prosperity of the North The rainbow itself would have dwindled into a nar. of the great interests of the country, which she American Review; and thus aided, it has become row arch of white light,—and the mantle of a wintry then deemed essential to its security, independence, bright and steady light in the literary world. The twilight would have replaced the golden vesture of and prosperity. the rising and the setting sun. But He who has exThe people of the North were commercial and peculiar interests, the abilities, and the patronage of hibited such matchless skill in the organization of navigating; they knew and felt they could compete the South, are, in like manner, enlisted in behalf of material bodies, and such exquisite taste in the forms with the world. Eminently successful and prospe. the Southern Review. The American Quarterly has upon which they are modelled, has superadded that rous, they did not require protection. They de. manded of the government to leave them free; not deserving than its distinguished contemporaries, nor no such adventitious support: and yet, it is not less ethereal beauty which enhances their more perma nent qualities, and presents them to us in the ever. to shackle them by regulations that were more fatal varying colors of the spectrum. Without the foli than the decrees of the belligerents. But Congress should we of this middle region of the Unitedge of vegetables, life might have filled the eye and laid an embargo upon their ships, and ruinous re- States, evince less interest than is elsewhere shown fostered the fruit which it veils,-but the youthfal strictions upon commerce-war followed, and then in behalf of a home production. green of its springs would have been blended with the double duties. When peace returned, and comdying yellow of its autumn. Without this the diamond merce revived, it was determined, in that exhausted LIFE OF SIR ISAAC NEWTON, by David Brewster; might have displayed to scienee the beauty of its state, to levy twenty-four or twenty-five millions al vol.; Harpers, New York. We are glad to see forms, and yielded to the arts its adamantine virtues; year, and raise up, at the same time, a system of again a number, and such a number, of Harpers' edi-but it would have ceased to shine in the chaplet manufactures. They remonstrated against this tion of the Family Library. In the multiplicity of Without this the human countenance might have of beauty, and to sparkle in the diadem of princes. they said the embargo was unconstitutional; bat it was enforced. The war was unnecessary-the ex. their other publications, we began to fear they had expressed all the sympathies of the heart, but the pense ruinous; and the system of duties unjust and slackened in their zeal for this, not certainly the leas" purple light of love" would not have risen on the |