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Newspaper
Richmond Mail
Location
Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
Date
May 17, 1854
Page
2
The Richmond Mail reports growing daily circulation in city and country, with a large semi weekly country edition. Advertisers benefit from the expanded reach. May 17, 1854.
The piece argues Soule exceeded instructions in dealings with Spain over Cuba and predicts potential casus belli. It splits public opinion into two camps: guerrilla filibusterers aiming for quick conquest and conservative moderates preferring peaceful, inevitable acquisition. England’s possible intervention and a need for strict adherence to international law are stressed.
Estimates show 160000 tons of Railroad Iron to be produced in 1854 across mills nationwide. About 18500 men will be employed, supporting 92500 people who consume $4625000 in breadstuffs. Capital in Railroad Iron works stands at $10000000. The piece notes various political and clerical items including Mr Marey and Father Matthews.
Washington correspondent reports testing of a new rifle cannon at the arsenal on May 8. The device resembles a rifle but lacks a stock, uses elevated and rotated aiming via machinery, and fires an explosive ball. A three-foot barrel, eighty-pound weight, and eight hundred eighty yard range produced accurate hits, with inventor Gilbert Smith of New York credited.
The Savannah Courier editor reports from T. F. Meagher Esq in Savannah that public belief in Smith O'Brien's pardon is unfounded. Lord Palmerston's House of Commons declaration is viewed as a political move to appease Ireland. The proposed pardon requires O'Brien to apply and acknowledge the justice of his sentence, which he refuses to do.
A Washington Sentinel critique of a late Washington Union issue dismisses it as a hodgepodge of tropes and flawed logic. The item also notes speculative presidential visions, regional candidate favorites, a Typhoon of dispatches about Know Nothings, and varied regional political chatter from New Jersey to North Carolina.
The Steamer Washington, commanded by Captain Fitch, arrived in New York with news of the total loss of the Winchester of Boston. Six ships aided, saving 150 passengers before the Winchester sank headforemost within an hour, four hundred forty six lives preserved by brave officers and sailors.
A Boston Transcript correspondent discusses a quotation from John Trumbull's burlesque M F ingall and notes its popularity during the Revolutionary era. Reports from New Orleans describe cholera aboard the Dresden heading to Cairo, with deaths and emigrants pouring into New Orleans. Local anecdotes from the Albany Register recount a ferry boat mishap involving an elderly passenger and a clergyman’s mediation over a dinner-table joke about a wife.
A reflective admonition warns daughters against making marriage life the center of happiness, urging dignity and duty. The piece then recalls a cautionary tale of a drunken husband and a reform attempt, followed by a Massachusetts fire-suspect law and literary fragments praising nature, Swift humor, and a comic vision of romance with a wasp-waisted lady at a table for pork and beans.
Steamship Jamestown arrives from New York with Cavendy and passengers. Belvidere from Baltimore with mdse Ludlam Watsor. Westover from Boston with mdse Sequel Harvey from Philadelphia with coal. Colquitt company ships Sarah H Parker, Jane C Doughty with coal sailing to New York and Philadelphia respectively.
In the Senate Mr Cass spoke about securing to American citizens abroad the right of religious worship and decent sepulture by treaty, then the topic was referred to Foreign Relations and the chamber adjourned. In the House proceedings on the Nebraska Kansas bill were recounted as opponents used yeas and ways to block supporters. A division of a Richardson resolution to close debate by this Saturday was approved while postponing the Pacific railroad bill to the 24th, and the House adjourned.
The Odessa bombardment began on the 23rd with 9% steamers firing bombs and rockets for ten hours, ending at night. The Russian account claims minimal damage and no surrender, while the London Despatch notes a partial bombardment on the 22nd that set some buildings ablaze. Silistria Danube fortress remains under siege since April 14 with heavy losses for attackers. Prince Woronzoff’s Odessa palace was destroyed. The allied fleet then sailed to Sebastopol to deter the Russian fleet. England notes no Austrian occupation of Sergia, three Russian salt ships captured, Rowland Hill named Post Office Secretary, and poet Montgomery dies aged 82.
Washington Affairs May 15. A serious personal difficulty is feared between Mr Hunt of Louisiana and Mr Craige after a sharp exchange in the House. Craige called Hunt a factionist, a charge Hunt calls false. A Democratic caucus decided to extend debate on the Nebraska Bill. The Ship Winchester lost at sea was owned by Weld & Co of Boston, 1500 tons, three years old, valued at 80000 dollars, insured. Chartered by Enoch Train & Co., heavily insured on cargo, total loss exceeding 200000 dollars.
In New Haven on May 14 a meeting of anti-Nebraska bill supporters featured President Woolsey Professor Silliman and Thatcher with Son R.5. Baldwin speaking in opposition. Resolutions praised anti Nebraska congressmen. Also reported: libel verdict against Richmond Examiner editor $8,000.
Movements of K Fillmore were escorted by the Military to the depot this morning. In Waenmaaron on May 16 the Spanish Government reportedly refused all of Mr Soule's demands, signaling a terse diplomatic stance.
The Harriet Augusta, sailing from New York to City Point, foundered April 17. The captain and crew were rescued and brought to this city by the Heildeburg.
A railroad accident today near Buffalo, New York, left several people badly hurt and killed. Police and railroad officials began investigations into the cause as emergency crews assisted victims and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.
Barriners reports small sales of flour today at 8.12 to 8.25 dollars per unit. Grain prices remain unchanged as of the May 16 market update.
Private sale offered until late August for 666 acres two miles north of Goochland Court House and two miles from Cedar Point, with river canal access. Features include a brick ten room dwelling, green house, outbuildings, 150 acres clover, 2000 bushels wheat capacity, tobacco suitability, and possession reserved until January. Call on site or contact William Gouldin in Richmond for terms. Mary E P Spindle signs.
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