Spirit of the Times Batavia, Genesee Co., NY January 31 1843 TRIP TO ROCHESTER AND BUFFALO Through the politeness of the Superintendent, we had an opportunity the past week, of trying the pleasure, speed and convenience of the Rail Road travelling between Rochester and Buffalo. The new Attica Cars were put in requisition along the whole trip and contributed much to the agreeableness of it. On Thursday, the party from Buffalo was reinforced at our village by a large addition to their number, and hence proceeded, with fine speed and spirits, to Rochester, where the pleasure of the trip was enhanced by good tables and comfortable quarters at divers Hotels, as fancy directed. We regaled ourselves at the Eagle; gave the afternoon and evening to cosey pleasantries and amusements; went to bed early; rose lightly, and returned all the better for the ride. Too much compliment cannot be paid to our friend Walter M. SEYMOUR, Esq., the newly appointed Superintendent of the Road from Rochester to Attica, for his prompt and gentlemanly attention to the conduct of the trip, and the easy, courteous manner in which he ministered, as host, to the comfort and enjoyment of his guests. Taking the season into consideration, the Road was in fair order, and the speed greatly above the average running rate. On Friday, the return cars took in another party of "honored guests" from our village, and started, about noon, for Buffalo. The day was uncommonly mild and pleasant, and the ride delightful. Every thing connected with the comfort and accommodation of the company, received from Wm. WALLACE, Esq., Superintendent, the most polite and minute attention; and the speed of the trip, (41 miles, in 2 hours and nine minutes, running time,) speaks highly,--as we may speak of our whole trip, from Rochester to Buffalo,--in praise of the cars, the engine, the Superintendents, the Conductors, and the Road. By the way, Messrs. Hotels,--Western, Mansion, American, &c., you have quite a fanciful variety in your prices! Settle it among yourselves, which deserves the most. We don't know. But you can't all be crack Houses. * AN EXAMPLE WORTHY OF IMITATION. The Hon. James WADSWORTH, of Geneseo, has caused to be published, at his own expense, "The School and the School Master," a book containing about 550 pages, by Dr. POTTER of Schenectady and Geo. B. EMERSON of Boston,--the latter gentleman, at this present time, we believe, engaged in the charge of a flourishing school for girls, and, for many years, principal of a public High School, in that city. Mr. WADSWORTH has had 12000 copies of the above work distributed, gratis,to every school district and academy in the State. The Troy Whig quotes the Massachusetts Common School Journal as stating, that the Mayor of Boston, the Hon. Martin BRIMMER, has authorised the same book to be prepared and distributed "to each district school, and to each board of superintending school committee men, in the State of Massachusetts." These acts of public enterprise and liberality stamp their respective authors with a character for moral worth and enlightened munificence, which well deserves to be publicly noticed, and honored. Would that others--many others--who have the means--may be found, also, willing to imitate these illustrious examples, and do a deed, than which none can place them in more distinguished light as benefactors to the public. * A DUEL PREVENTED. Mr. PLEASANTS, the editor of the Richmond Whig,, has lately written several articles reflecting upon the private character of Thomas RITCHIE, the veterans editor of the Enquirer. Mr. RITCHIE's son, Wm. F. RITCHIE, addressed a challenge to PLEASANTS, which was accepted, and they were to have fought with fowling pieces loaded with twelve buckshot each; distance twenty five paces; the weapons to be placed at the feet of the parties, and at the word "fire," each was to seize his gun and fire before the word, "three." Happily, the bloody sequel which might have been anticipated was prevented by the interposition of friends; the offensive words were retracted, and the parties restored to more amicable relations. * CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. Governor MORTON in his message to the legislature urgently recommends the abolishment of death punishment. * Com. JONES.--The rumor that this officer has been recalled from the command of our Squad in the Pacific, is unfounded. No such order issued from the Navy Department. * Rev. W. VanZANDT. The Supreme Court have refused to grant a new trial to Mr. ZANDT. It is said he will carry it to the Court of Corrections of Errors. * submitted by L.C. Schmidt