7. ODD FELLOWS IN UNITED STATES.

From the annual report of James L. Ridgely, Esq., Recording and Corresponding Secretary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Grand Lodge of the United States, showing the onward progress of the Order in the United States:

The column in the above table which gives the total amount of relief afforded by each State during the year, showing a grand total of $363,943 96, is comprised of $272,184 50 paid for the relief of 19,035 distressed brethren, $33,392 33 paid for the relief of 1,687 widowed families of deceased brethren, $6,732 25 for the education of orphans of deceased brethren, and $51,636 65 for the burial of 1,162 deceased brethren, who had died during the current year.

8. LEAD ORE IN MARION COUNTY, ARKANSAS.

The Arkansas Democrat has the following account of lead lands in that State : "We hope the success which has attended the exploration for minerals in the vicinity of this city, will induce the people of our State, and particularly of the North and West, to make a thorough examination of every locality where indications of mineral of any kind are to be found. In Marion county there are great inducements for capitalists and miners to commence operations. The mineral lands in that county were for a long time reserved from sale, but they are now in the market, and there can be scarcely a doubt but that as good lead mines as any in the State may be obtained at $125 per acre. According to the field notes of the surveys now on file in the Surveyor General's office, at this city, two townships, lying only from three to six miles from flatboat navigation, on White River, are rich in lead ore. Before these lands were in market they were visited by an experienced miner, who pronounced the ore pure galena. From the examination made at that time, it is thought there is an abundance of lead in that region. We hope that the locality of which we speak will not be permitted to lie unappropriated much longer. Mines like these, which promise to reward individual enterprise so liberally, ought not to be overlooked. If this item should reach the eye of any capitalist abroad, who is disposed to go into an enterprise of this sort, we commend the subject to his attention. There is yet time for

some such a person to come here and secure a dozen fortunes in the mineral lands of Marion and Caroll counties. These lands have been in the market for more than a year, but as nobody in Arkansas seems disposed to take them up, we think they are now fair game for any one who may choose to enter them."

9. RAILROAD MEETINGS IN NEW ORLEANS.

MEETING OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL.

The special committee, to whom was referred a letter from the Mayor of Memphis inviting delegates from New Orleans to the great railroad convention to be held at that place, submitted the following resolutions :

Resolved, That we regard it as of the utmost importance to the whole Union, that a speedy and safe way of transit for passengers and merchandise be established between the Atlantic and Pa cific oceans, and that we approve the project of a railroad across our own country to the Pacific, having for its eastern terminus such point or place as may be found to be most practicable and advisable; and we invite, in its behalf, the favorable consideration of the General Government, and of the States of this Union, and of individuals.

Resolved, That, considering the length of time required for the completion of such a road, that the exigencies of trade and commerce demand a present transit way of easier construction, which may be put in operation within a short period of time; that the route across the isthmus of Tehuantepec is much nearer to the United States territory, on both oceans, than the way now pursued by Chagres and Panama, or the one projected over the river San Juan and Lake Nicaragua; we request our delegates to the Memphis convention, to recommend to that body the route across the isthmus of Tehuantepec as a present medium of communication between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and the most expeditious and cheapest; and that they endeavor to obtain the aid and union of the members of that convention, in carrying into effect the project for the immediate construction of a railroad across the isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be, and they are hereby, appointed delegates, on the part of the city of New Orleans, to the convention to be held at Memphis on the 23d inst.:

MAUNSEL WHITE,

WM. A. ELMORE,

M. M. COHEN,
J. D. B. DEBOW,

ALEX. WALKER,
JOHN M. BELL,

MAJOR CHASE,
C. G. FORSHAY.

MASS MEETING OF CITIZENS.

Resolved, That a communication across the continent of America, either by ship-canal or by railroad, between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is an object of the highest political and commercial importance to the government and people of the United States, necessary to bind together the different parts of our territory, and enable all our citizens to participate in and be protected by the federal government; and in the highest degree calculated to develop our resources, extend our commerce, increase the wealth and power of the country, and add to the prosperity and happiness of the people.

Resolved, That we are in favor of the construction of a railroad to the Pacific entirely within the territories of the United States, if, upon examination and survey, such road shall be ascertained to be practicable; and that we will heartily aid, so far as our efforts may avail, in the sup port and prosecution of such an undertaking, whatever may be the route which shall be finally determined upon.

Resolved, That while we are anxious to witness the completion of so great a national work, we cannot shut our eyes to the fact, that many years must elapse before so desirable an end can be attained, and that in the mean time some other mode of rapid communication with our territories on the Pacific, is essential to the safety and well-being of the country, and would immediately add to its commercial greatness.

Resolved, That, in our opinion, a railroad across the isthmus of Tehuantepec is the cheapest. speediest and best means of obtaining, at once, objects of such importance, and that the people of New Orleans and Louisiana ought to and will aid in its construction without delay.

Resolved, That the delegates from this State to the Memphis convention, be requested to bring this subject before that body, and endeavor to obtain its concurrence with us in behalf of the Tehuantepec railroad, as a present measure beneficial to all, and as a most powerful aid, by demonstrating the great advantages of rapid communication, in furthering the great work in favor of which the convention is convoked.

Resolved, That a permanent committee of twenty gentlemen be appointed to prepare an address to the President, asking for the negotiation of a treaty, if practicable, with the government of Mexico, permitting of the free transportation of the mails, troops and military stores of the gov ernment, and of the goods and merchandise of the citizens of the United States, across the isthmus of Tehuantepec; a memorial to Congress for the passage of a law directing the Postmaster General and Secretary of War to make yearly contracts for the transportation of the mails, troops and military stores, from the Atlantic to the Pacific ports of the United States, giving preference always to the shortest route where the price is the same; and an address to the Congress and people of the United States on the advantages of immediately constructing a railroad at Tehuantepec, and generally to further the object which this meeting has in view.

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meeting, an object so vitally concerning the interests of the city of New Orleans, deserves the support and co-operation of the several municipalities of New Orleans; that, with this view, our senators and representatives be respectfully invited to urge, at the approaching session of the Legislature, the passage of a law authorizing the councils to lend their aid, both in the preliminary examinations and in the subsequent execution of the proposed works, in such manner and to such extent as shall to said councils appear expedient and proper. Resolved, That the permanent committee be requested to solicit subscriptions, for the purpose

of defraying the expenses of printing, publishing, and the obtaining of all necessary information for the furtherance of the enterprise.

DELEGATION MEETING.

Meeting of the delegates appointed by his excellency, the Governor of Louisiana, to attend the Memphis convention.

Mr. DeBow offered the following resolutions, which he defended at length, and which were carried after some debate:

Resolved, That the interests of Louisiana are deeply involved in the movements now in progress in regard to a connection, by railroad, between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and that, in the present state of information, the route by the Rio Gila and Paso del Norte, whatever its eastern terminus, will receive the support of the Louisiana delegation.

Resolved, That as many of us as are able will attend the sitting of the Memphis convention, on the 23d October, and trust that our absent colleagues will make the same effort.

Resolved, That all such delegates as may determine to attend, be requested to leave ther names, or send them by letter, to the office of M. M. Cohen, Esq., by the 15th October, and meet with us in New Orleans on or before that date, preparatory to our departure on the 17th.

Mr. Benjamin offered the following:

Resolved, That it be recommended to the members of this delegation to bring to the notice of the Memphis convention, the great advantages of establishing a communication across the isthmus of Tehuantepec, and to endeavor to secure the sanction and co-operation of the body in any enterprise for that purpose, which may be found practicable.

This was unanimously adopted.

10. RAILROAD CONVENTION AT ST. LOUIS.

We have only space now to present the resolutions adopted by this body on the 18th October last, but shall, before long, present the full proceedings, etc.

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this convention, it is the duty of the General Government to provide, at an early period, for the construction of a central national railroad from the valley of the Mississippi to the Pacific ocean.

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this convention, a grand trunk railroad, with branches to St. Louis, Memphis and Chicago, would be such a central and national one.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to communicate to the convention to be held at Memphis, the foregoing resolutions, and to request the concurrence of said convention therein.

The following resolution was introduced by Mr. John Loughborough, of Missouri, and passed unanimously:

Resolved, That when this convention adjourns, it will adjourn to reassemble in the city of Philadelphia, on the first Monday in April next; that we hereby invite our brethren who will assemble at the city of Memphis on Monday next, to adopt a similar resolution, and that the committee upon an address to the people of the United States, be hereby instructed to appeal to every State, county, city and town, of the whole glorious confederacy, to send up a delegation to give expression to the will of the American people.

11. THE MEMPHIS CONVENTION.

In our next we hope to present full and interesting particulars in regard to this important convention. Neither space nor time admit of more than a brief reference:

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this convention that it is the duty of the General Government to provide, at an early period, for the construction of a national railroad from the Mississip pi river to the Pacific ocean.

Resolved, That to facilitate the accomplishment of this object, in the opinion of this convention, it is the duty of the General Government to constitute an efficient and competent corps of engineers to make complete explorations and surveys of all the routes that have been designated by public opinion, as proper for the line of this road.

Resolved, That after the proper surveys shall have been completed, that, in the opinion of this convention, it is the duty of the General Government to locate the line of the road; and, in making the location, that route should be selected which is easiest of access, best calculated to subserve the purposes of national defense, most convenient to the people of, and (as far as practicable) central to, the United States, and upon which a railroad can be constructed on the cheapest and best terms.

Resolved, That, to carry into effect the object of the first resolution, in the opinion of this convention, the public lands of the United States constitute a legitimate and proper fund.

Resolved, That, after the construction of the national railway trunk from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, in the opinion of this convention, it is the duty of Congress to aid, by the appropriation of the national domain, in the construction of such branch railroads as will best connect it with the northern lakes and the great thoroughfares leading to the Atlantic ocean, and with such other points on the Mississippi river as will connect it with the lines of improvement completed or in the course of construction; and also to aid in the construction of branches from the main trunk to suitable points on the Gulf of Mexico, either east or west of the Mississippi river.

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this convention, it is the duty of the General Government to provide, under liberal conditions, for a connection between the main trunk of this national railroad and all railroads now made, or which may hereafter be constructed by the authority of the several States and territories of the Union.

Resolved, That as an important means, a necessary preliminary to the construction of a railroad, it is the first duty of Congress to take the necessary measures for the establishment of military posts from the western confines of our western States, along the southern boundaries of our republic and our Indian frontier, to the Pacific ocean; that these posts should be established in all proper places, not far distant from each other, and that civilized and productive settlements should be encouraged around them, by sales and the grant of pre-emption rights of the public lands to actual settlers, and by such other encouragement as may be deemed necessary, so that by these means ample opportunities may be afforded to our engineers for the immediate survey and reconnoisance of our possessions lying between our western and southern States and the Pacific ocean; and so, also, that by these means safe, practical roads, one or more, with facilities of travel, may be immediately formed for our citizens, and for the transportation of troops and munitions of war, etc., across our own territories, from the Atlantic to the Pacific shores, and in order that our government may fulfill its recent treaty stipulations with Mexico.

Resolved, That while the contemplated railroad across the continent is being constructed, a present communication between the States of this Union and the American and Asiatic coasts of the Pacific ocean, is of vast importance to every portion of this country; that such communication can be obtained by ship-canal or railroad across the isthmus of Tehuantepec, Nicaragua, or Panama, or across them all; which railroads or canals may be constructed by private enterprise; and this convention, in order to encourage the undertaking and completion of such works, recommend the passage of a law, by the Congress of the United States, directing the Postmaster General, Secretary of War and Secretary of the Navy, to make annual contracts for the transportation of the mails, troops and military and naval stores of the government, from the Atlantic to the Pacific posts of the country, by the shortest, speediest and cheapest route.

Resolved, That, in the event of the appropriation by Congress of a considerable portion of the public lands, or of the proceeds of the sales thereof, to the construction of a railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, that liberal appropriations of the public lands lying within the limits of the respective States, should be made to aid them in the construction of their works of internal improvement.

Resolved, That, in the present state of our knowledge, we feel warranted in recommending to the particular attention of the General Government for examination, as possessing special advantages, the route commencing at San Diego on the Pacific ocean, crossing the Colorado of the West, running along the Gila river, or near it, in a direction to the Paso del Norte, and thence across the State of Texas to its north-eastern boundary, between 320 and 33° of north latitude, terminating at some point on the Mississippi between the mouth of the Ohio river and the mouth of Red River.

Resolved, That a special committee of seven be oppointed by the President of the convention, to collect and publish information, to prepare a memorial to the Congress, and an address to the people, of the United States, upon the subject of increasing the facilities of intercourse between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and such other matters as shall be embraced in the resolutions of this convention.

Committee of seven, appointed by the president to memorialize Congress, &c.:

J. D. B. DEBow, of Louisiana.
ABSOLOM FOWLER, of Arkansas.
JAMES C. JONES, of Tennessee.

J. R. STROTHER, of Missouri.
J. F. G. MITTAG, of South Carolina.
C. C. MILLS, of Texas.

G. S. YERGER, of Mississippi.

PROGRESS OF OUR COMMERCE AND COMMERCIAL CITIES.

1. TRADE STATISTICS OF CINCINNATI, 1849.

[HAVING, in the last number of the Review, furnished full statistical details of New Orleans, and in a previous number of St. Louis, we come now to the remaining great and growing city of the West, Cincinnati. There can be no higher authority for our facts and figures than the Cincinnati Price Current, Commercial Intelligencer and Merchants' Transcript.-ED.]

WHEAT CROP OF WEST, 1849.

Ir has been ascertained, beyond a doubt, that the wheat crop of Ohio was extensively injured by the rust; and no person, well informed on the subject, estimates the present crop at over one-half an average yield: while some think it will not exceed one-third of a full average crop. The description of this year's production is, generally, very inferior; so that we lose greatly in quality, as well as in quantity. It has been supposed, by many, that this deficiency will necessarily enhance the value of flour; but there are many things connected with this trade, that will tend to keep prices in check; and, unless some unforeseen event should take place, prices can hardly rule higher than during the past year. While Indiana, Kentucky, and the western portions of Pennsylvania

and Virginia have shared with us in the loss of their wheat crop, east of the mountains, in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, the crop is a full average one, and in New York, Michigan, and Upper Canada, it is better. The principal wheat-growing States, according to the estimates of the Commissioner of Patents, are as follows:

Ohio (barrels),

Pennsylvania,
Michigan,

Illinois,

Here we have eight States producing ninety million of bushels, one-half of which is supposed to be surplus. Supposing there is a deficiency in Ohio, Indiana, and Virginia, of twenty million of bushels, it reduces the surplus in the eight States to twenty-five million; but, taking into account the amount of old wheat on hand, and the increase in some of the States named, the probability is, that the deficiency is supplied. We must, also, take into consideration the fact, that England is likely to import largely from continental ports, during the coming season, and, with a good harvest herself, she will need less from the United States than we furnished during the past year. The conclusion, therefore, is, that prices will not rule high; and Ohio must, consequently, lose heavily by the failure of this important crop. This loss will, however, be, to a considerable extent, made up by an increase in the crop of corn; the yield of which, it is said, will be larger than ever before. Of this grain, we shall, doubtless, continue to ship, largely, to Europe; and the vast improvements in the manner of manufacturing it into meal, in this country, together with the failure of the wheat crop, for which it is a valuable substitute, will induce a greatly increased consumption at home. The crops of oats, barley, rye, and potatoes, are, we believe, generally good.

HUGS.

Our information in relation to the number of hogs that, in all probability, will be ready for the block, this season, warrants the belief, that in Ohio and Kentucky, and probably in Indiana and other western States, a very considerable increase will be shown. This fact, together with the result of last year's operations, the comparatively low prices now current for provisions, and the heavy stocks of pork and lard that go over to the next season, will keep prices in check; and the general opinion seems to be, that the market will open at between $2.50 and $3.00 per 100 weight. In order to show that there is nothing to induce dealers to pay anything over the prices named for hogs, we here give a statement, showing the relative value of the several products, to that of the hog. It was furnished by a gentleman who has had many years' experience in the packing business :

From this it will be seen that the current prices for provisions would barely justify $3.00 for hogs; and if more is paid, it must be with a view to a future improvement in the value of the products.

LARD AND PROVISIONS.

We shall now bring this subject to a close by noticing, very briefly, a few facts connected with the imports and exports at this port. The deficiency in