J. H. Rhodes, Big Rock, Ill.—The Erie Canal, extending from Buffalo to Albany, has at the western end an eastern flow for a short distance—from Buffalo to Seneca River, then a western flow from Lodi to the Seneca River, and finally an eastern flow from Lodi into the Hudson River near Albany. The motion of the water is greatly moderated by the numerous locks, which serve to impede the current. The expense of constructing this canal was much less per mile than the cost of the Suez Canal.
George W. Robbins, Peru, Neb.—The United States statutes are silent upon the subject of National holidays, except that they provide that as to negotiable paper, bills of exchange, promissory notes, etc., the effect of July 4, Dec. 25, and Thanksgiving Day shall be the same as that of Sunday, or the first day of the week.
C. E. Stevenson, Bryant, Ill.—Sam Patch made his last and fatal leap at Genesee Falls, New York.
P. A. Brooks, Mt. Vernon, Iowa.—The Constitution of the United States was framed by a convention of delegates from all the States except Rhode Island, held at Philadelphia in September, 1787. Tom Paine was not a delegate.
J. R. Cripper.—Adelaide Neilson was a distinguished actress. She filled several successful engagements in this city, and died in Paris in 1852.