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President’s Message.
FeUou-dtiaau <tf the Senate
and .~
Theae treaty stipulations with NewGranada
and Mexico, in addition to the considerations
applicable to toe Nicaragua route, seem to re
quire legislation for the purpose of carrying
them into effect.
The injuries which have been inflicted upon
our citizens in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, du
ring the last two or three years, have received
tbs prompt attention of this "government.—
Some of these injuries were of the most ag
gravated character. The transaction at Virgin
Bay in April, 1856, when a company of un
armed Americans, who were in no way con
nected with any belligerent conduct or party,
wererired upon by the troops of Costa Rica,
and numbers of them killed and wounded,
was brought to the knowledge of Congress by
my predecessor soon after its occurrence, and
was also presented to the government of Cos
ta Rica, fer that immediate investigation and
redrew which the nature of the case deman
ded. ' A similar course was pursued with
reference to other outrages in these countries,
some of which were hardly less aggravated in
their character than the transaction at Virgin
Bay. At that time, however, when our pres
ent minister to Nicaragua was appointed in
December, 1857, no redress had been obtained
for any of these wrongs, and no reply even
had been received to the demands which had
been made by this government upon that of
Costa Rica, more than a year before. Our
minister was instructed, therefore, to lose no
time in expressing to those governments the
deep regret with which the President had wit
nessed this in attention to the just claims of
the United States, and in demanding their
prompt and satisfactory adjustment. Unless
this demand shall be complied with at an ear
ly day, it will only remain for this govern
ment to adopt such other measures as may be
necessary, in order to obtain for itself that jus
tice which it has in vain attempted to secure
by peaceful means, from the governments of
Nicaragua and Costa Rica. While it has
shown, and will continue to show, the most
sincere regard for the rights and honor of
these republics, it cannot permit this regard
to be met by an utter neglect, on their part, of
what is due to the government and citizens of
the United States.
Against New Granada we have long-stand
ing causes of complaint, arising out of the un
satisfied claims of our citizens upon that re
public ; and to these have been more recently
added the outrages committed upon our citi
zens at Panama in April, 1856. A treaty for
the adjustment of these difficulties, was con
cluded by the Secretary of State and the min
ister of New Granada, in September. 1857.
which contained just and acceptable provis
ions for that purpose. This treaty was trans
mitted to Bogota, and was ratified by the gov
ernment of New Granada, but with certain
amendments. It was not, however, returned
catastrophe. The same ruinous consequences
would have followed in the United States,
whether the duties upon foreign imports had
remained as they were under the. tariff of 1846,
or had been raised to a much higher standard.
The tariff of 1857 had no agency in the re
sult. The general causes existing throughout
the world, could not have been controlled by
the legislation of any particular country
The periodical revulsions which have ex
isted in our past history, must continue to
return at intervals, so long as our present un
bounded system of bank credits shall prevail.
They will, however, probably be the less se
vere in future; because it is not to be expec
ted, at least for many years to come, that the
commercial nations of Europe, with whose
interests our own are so materially involved,
will expose themselves to similar calamities,
But this subject was treated so much at large
in my last annual message that I shall not
now pursue it further. Still,- I respectfully
renew the recommendation, in favor of the
passage of a uniform bankrupt law, applicaole
to linking institutions. This is all the direct
power over the subject which, I believe, the
federal government possesses. Such a law
would mitigate, though it might not pre
vent the evil. The instinct of self-preserva
tion might produce a wholesome restraint
upon their banking business, if they knew in
advance, that a suspension of specie pay
ments would inevitably produce their civil
death.
But the effects of the revulsion are now
slowly but surely passing away. The energy'
and enterprise of our citizens, with our un
bounded resources, will, within the period of
another year, restore a state of wholesome in
dustry and trade. Capital has again accumu
lated in our large cities. The rate of interest
is there very low. Confidence is gradually re
viving, and so soon as it is discovered that
this capital can be profitably employed in
manufacturing enterprises, and in the con
struction of ran roads and other works of pub
lic and private improvement, prosperity will
again smile throughout the land. It is vain,
however to disguise the feet from ourselves,
tlias a speculative inflation of our currency,
without a corresponding inflation in other
countries whose manufactures come in com
petition with our own, must ever produce dis
astrous results to our domestic manufactures.
No tariff, short of absolute prohibition, can
prevent these evil consequences.
In connexion with this subject, it is proper
to refer to our financial condition. The same
causes which have produced pecuniary dis
tress throughout the country have so reduced
the amount of imports from foreign countries,
that the revenue has proved inadequate to
meet the necessary expenses of the govern
ment. To supply the deficiency, Congress by
the act of the 23d of December, 1857, author
ized the issue of. $20,000,000 of treasury notes;
and, this proving inadequate, they authorized
by the act of June 14th, 1858, a loan of $20,-
000,000, “to be applied to the payment of ap-
to this yity until after the close of the last p ro priations made by law.”
session of the Senate. It will be immediately
transmitted to that body for their advice and
consent; and should this be obtained, it will
remove all our existing causes of complaint
against New Gmnadn on the subject of claims.
Questions have arisen between the two gov
ernments, as to the right of New Granada to
levy a tonnage duty upon the vessels of the
United States in its ports of the Isthmus, and
to levy a passenger tax upon our citizens ar-
ri ring in that country, whether with a design
- remain there or to pass from ocean to ocean
t y the transit route, and also a tax upon the
mail of the United States transported over the
Panama railroad. The government of New
ui <uada has been informed tliat the United
States would consider the collection of either
of these taxes, as an act in violation of the
treaty between the two countries, and as such
would be resisted by the United States. At
the same time we are prepared to discuss
tliese questions in a spirit of amity and justice
and with a sincere desire to adjust them in a
satisfactory manner. A negotiation for that
purpose has already been commenced. No
effort has recently been made to collect these
taxes, nor is any anticipated under present cir
cumstances.
With the empire of Brazil our relations are
of the most friendly character. The produc
tions of the two countries, and especially those
of an agricultural nature, are such as to in
vite extensive mutual exchanges. A large
quantity of American flour is consumed in
Brazil ; whilst more than treble the amount
in value of Brazilian coffee is consumed in
the United States. Whilst this is the case, a
heavy duty has been levied, until very recent
ly, upon the importation of American flour
into Brazil. I am gratified, however, to lie
able to inform you tliat in September last this
has been reduced from $1 32 to about forty-
nine cents per barrel, and the duties on other
articles of our production have been diminsih-
ed in nearly the same proportion.
I regret to* state that the government of Brazil
still continues to levy an export duty of about
11 per cent, on cottee, notwithstanding this ar
ticle is admitted free from duty in the United
States. This is a heavy charge upon the con
sumers of coffee in our country, as we pur
chase half of the entire surplus crop of that ar
ticle raised in Brazil. Our minister, under in-
etructious, will reiterate his efforts to have
this export duty removed ; and it is lioped
that the enlightened government of the Em
peror will adopt this wise, just, and equal pol
icy. In that event, there is good reason to
believe that the commerce between the two
countries will greatly increase, much to the
advantage of both.
The claims of our citizens against the gov
ernment of Brazil are not, in the aggregate, of
very large amount ; but some of these rest up
on plain principles of justice, and their settle
ment ought not to be longer delayed. A re
newed and earnest, and I trust a successful ef
fort, will be made by our minister to procure
tbeir final adjustment.
On the 2d of June last, Congress passed a
joint resolution authorizing the President “to
adopt such measures and use such force as, in
his judgement, may be necessary and advisa
ble” “for the purpose of adjusting the differ
ence* between the United States and the repub
lic of Paraguay, in connexion with the attack
on the United States steamer Water Witch,
and with other measures referred to” in his
annual message. And on the 12th July fol
lowing, they made an appropriation to defray
the expenses of compensation of a commission
er to that republic should the President deem
it proper to make such an appointment.
Incompliance with these enactments, I
have appointed a commissioner, who lias pro
ceeded to Paraguay, with full power of instruc
tions to settle these differences in an amicable
and peaceful manner, if this be practicable.—
His experience and discretion justify the hope,
that he may prove successful in convicting Pa
raguayan government, that it is due both to
honor and justice, that they should voluntari
ly and promptly make atonement for the
wrongs which they have committed against
the United States; and indemnify our injured
citizens whom they hare forcibly despoiled of
their property.
Should our commissioner prove unsuccess
ful, after a sincere and earnest effort, to accom
plish the object of his mission, then no alter
native wBl remain, but the employment of
force to obtain “just satisfaction” from Para
guay. In view of this contingency, the Secre
tary of the Navy, under my direction, has fit
ted out and despatched a naval force, to ren
dezvous near Buenos Ayres, which, it is be
lieved, will prove sufficient for the occasion.—
It is my earnest desire, however, that it may
not be found neecesSUry to resort to this last
alternative.
When Congress met in December last, the
busiuess of the country had just been crushed
by ouc of those periodical revulsions, which
are the inevitable consequence of our unsound
and extravagant system of bank credits and
infill id currency. With all the elements of
national wealth in abundance, our manufac
tures were suspenped, and thousands of labor
ers were deprived of employment and reduced
to want. Universal distress prevailed among
the commercial, manufacturing, and mechan
ical classes. This revulsion was felt the more
severely in the United States, because similar
causes had produced the like deplorable effects
throughout the commercial nations of Europe.
All were experiencing sad reverses at .the
same moment, Our manufacturers every
where suffered severely, not because of the re
cent reduction in the tariff of duties on imports,
but because there was no demand at any price
foj their productions. The people were oblig
ed to restrict themselves, in their purchases,
to articles of prime necessity. In the general
prostration of business, the iron manufactur
ers in different States probably suffered more
than any other class, and much destitution
was the inevitable consequence, among the
great number of workmen who had been em
ployed in tlais useful branch of our industry.—
There could be no supply where there was no
demand. To present an example, there could
be no demand for railroad iron, after our mag
nificent system of railroads, extending its ben
efits to every portion of the Union, had been
brought to a dead pause. The same conse-
have resulted from similar causes to
many other branches of useful manufactures.
It is self-evident that where there is no abili
ty to purchase manufactured articles, these
be sold, and consequently must cease
to be produced.
No government, and* especially a govern
ment of such limited powers as that of the
United States, could have prevented the late
revulsion. The whole commercial world
seemed for years to have been rushing to this
No statesman would advise, that we should
go on increasing the national debt to meet the
ordinary expenses of the government. This
would be a most ruinous policy. In case of
war, our credit must lie our chief resource, at
least for the first year, and this would be
greatly impaired by having contracted a large
debt in time of peace. It is our true policy,
to increase our revenue so as to equal our ex
penditures. It would be • ruinous to con
tinue to borrow. Besides, it may be
proper to observe, that the incidental protec
tion, thus afforded by a revenue tariff, would
at the present moment to some extent, in
crease the confidence of the manufacturing
interests, and give a fresh impulse to our re
viving business. To this, surely no person
will object.
In regard to the mode of assessing and col
lecting duties under a strictly revenue tariff,
I have long entertained and often expressed
the opinion, that sound policy requires this
should he done by specific duties, in cases to
which these can be properly applied. They
are well adapted to commodities which are
usually sold by weight or by measure, and
which from their nature, are of equal or of
nearly equal value. Such, for example, are
the articles of iron of different classes, raw
sugar, and foreign wines and spirits.
In my deliberate judgment, specific duties
are the best, if not the only means of securing
the revenue against false and fraudulent in
voices. and such has been the practice adopted
for this purpose by other commercial nations.
Besides, specific duties would afford to the
American manufacturer the incidental advan
tages to which he is fairly entitled under a
revenue tariff. The present system is a slid
ing scale to his advantage. Under it, when
prices are high and business prosperous, the
duties rise in amount when he least requires
their aid. On the contrary, when prices fell,
and he is struggling against adversity, the
duties are diminished in the same proportion,
greatly to his injury.
Neither would there be danger that a high
er i ate of duty than that intended dv Con
gress, could be levied in the form of specific
duties. It would be easy to ascertain the av
erage value of any imported article for a se
ries of years ; and, instead of subjecting it to
an ad valorem duty at a certain rate per cen
tum, to substitute in its place an equivalent
specific duty.
By such an arrangement the consumer
would not lie injured. It is true, he might
have to pay a little more duty on a given arti
cle in one year, hut if so, he would pay a lit
tle less in another, and in a series of years these
would counterbalance each other, and amount
to the same thing, so far as Ills interest is con
cerned. Tnis inconvenience would be tri
fling, when contrasted with the additional se
curity thus afforded against frauds upon the
revenue, in which every eofrsumer is directly
interested.
I have thrown out suggestions as the fruit
of my own observation, to which Congress, in
their better judgment, will give such weight
as they may justly deserve.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury
will explain in detail the operations of that
department of the government. The receipts
into the treasury from all sources during the
fiscal year ending 30th June, 1858, including
the treasury notes authorized by the act of
December 23,1857, were seventy million two
hundred and seventy three thousand eight
hundred and sixty-nine dollars and fifty nine
cents, ($70,273, 809 59, i which amount, with
the balance of seventeen million seven hun
dred and ten thousand one hundred and four
teen dollars and twenty-seven cents, ($17,710,
114 27,) remaining in the treasury at the com?
mencement of the year, made an aggregate
for the service of the year of eighty-seven mil
lion nine hundred and eignty-three thousand
nine hundred and eighty-three dollars and
eighty-six cents, ($80,983,983 86.)
The public expenditures during the fiscal
year ending June 30, 1858, amounted to
cignty-one million five hundred and eighty-
five thousand six hundred and sixty-seven dol
lars and seventy-six cents, ($81, 585, 667 76,)
of which nine million six hundred and eigh
ty-four thousand five hundred and thirty-
seven dollars and ninety-nine cents, (9,684,-
537 99.) were applied to the payment of the
public debt, and the redemption of treasury
notes with the interest thereon, leaving in the
treasury on July, 1, 1858, being the com
mencement of the present fiscal year, six
million three hundred and ninety eight thous
and three hundred and sixteen dollars and ten
cents. ($6,398,316 10.)
The Teceidts into the treasury, during the
first quarter of the present fiscal year, com
mencing the 1st July, 1858, including one-
half of the loan of twenty millions of dollars,
with the premium upon it, authorized by the
act of 14th June, 1858, were twenty five mil
lion two hundred and thirty thousand eight
hundred and seventy-nine dollars and forty-
six cents, ($25,230,870 46,) and the estimated
receipts for the remaining three quarters to
the 30th June, 1859, from ordinary sources'
are thirty-eight million five hundred thousand
dollars. $38,500,000,) making, with the bal
ance before stated, an aggregate of seventy
million one hundred and twenty-nine thous
and one hundred and ninety-five dollars and
fifty-six cents. ($70,129,195 56.
The expenditures, during the first quarter of
the present fiscal year, were twenty-one mill
ion seven hundred and eight thousand one
hundred and ninety-eight dollars and fifty
one cents, ($21,708,198 51;) of which one
million and ten thousand one hundred and
forty-two dollars and thirty-seven cents ($1,-
010,142 37) were applied to the payment of
the public debt and the redemption of treasu
ry notes and the interest thereon. The esti
mated expenditures, during the remaining
three quarters to 30th June, 1859, are fifty-
two million three hundred and fifty-seven
thousands six hundred and ninety-eight dol
lars and forty-eight cents, [$52,357,798 48,]
making an aggregate of seventy-four million
sixty-five thousand eight hundred and ninety-
six dollars and ninty-nine cents, [$74,065,-
896 99,] being an excess of expenditure, be
yond the estimated receipts into the treasury
from ordinary sources, during the fiscal year
to the 30th June, 1859, of three million nine-
hundred and thirty-six thousand seven hun
dred and one dollars tod f >rty-three cents,
($3,936,701 43.) Extraordinary means are
placed by law within the commad of the /Sec
retary of the.Treasury, by the reissue of treas
ury note# redeemed, and by negotiating the
balance of the loon authorized by the act of
14th June, 1858, to the extent Of eleven mil
lions of dollars, which if realized during the
present fiscal year, will leave a balance in the
treasury, eo the first day of July, 1859, of
seven million sixty-three thousand - two hun
dred and ninety-eight dollars and fifty-seven
cents, [$7,063,298 57.]
'Hie estimated receipts daring the next fis-
calyear ending 80th Jane, 1860, are sixty-two
millions of dollars, ($62,000,000,) which, with
the above estimated balance of seven million
sixty-tbvee thousand two hundred and ninety-
ejgtit dollars and fifty-seven cents, )$7,063,298
of.) make an aggregate for the service of the
next fiscal year, of sixty-nine million sixty-
three thousand two hundred and ninetv-eigh
dollars and fifty-seven cents, [$69,069,298 57.]
The estimated expenditures daring the next
fiscal year ending 30th June, 1860, are seven
ty-three million one hundred and thirty-nine
thousand one hundred and forty-seven dollars
and forty-six cents, [73,139,147 46,J which
leave a defict of estimated expenditures for
that year, commencing on the 1st of July,
1859, of four million and seventy five thou
sand eight hundred and forty-eight dollars
and eighty-nine cents, ($4,075,848 89.)
In addition to this sum, the Postmaster
General will require from the treasury, for the
service of the Post Office Department, three
million eight hundred and thirty-eight thou
sand seven hundred and twenty-eight dollars,
[$3,838,7 28,] as explained in the report of the
Secretary of the Treasury, which will increase
the estimated defict on the 10th June, 1860,
to seven million nine hundred and fourteen
thousand five hundred and seventy-six dollars
andeighty-nine cents, [$7,914,579 89.] To
provide for the payment of this estimated de
ficiency, which will be increased by such ap
propriations as may be made by Congress, not
estimated for in the report of the Treasury
Department, as well as to provide .for the grad
ual redemption, from year to year, of the out
standing treasury notes, the Secretary of the
Treasury recomends such a revision of the
present tariff as will raise the required amount.
After what I have already said, I need scarce
ly add that I concur in the opinion expressed
in his report—that the public debt should not
be increased by an additional loan, and wonld
therefore strongly urge upon Congress Jhe
duty of making, at their present session, the
necessary provision for meeting these liabili
ties.
The public debt on the 1st July, 1858, the
commencement of the present fiscal year, was
$25,155,977 66.
During the first quarter cf the present year,
the sum of $10,000,000 has been negotiated to
the loan authorized by the act of 14th June,
1858—making the present outstanding public
debt, exclusive of treasuay notes, $35,155,977-
66. There was on the 1st July, 1858. of treas
ury notes issued by authority of the act of De
cember 23d 1857, unredeemed, thesumof $19,-
754,800—making the amount of actual indebt
edness, at that date $54,910,777 66. To this
will he added $10,000,000 during the present
fiscal year—this being the remaining half of
the loan of $20,000,000 not yet negotiated.
The rapid increase of the public debt, and
the necessity which exists for a modification
of the tariff, to meet even the ordinary expen
ses of the government, ought to admonish us
all, in our respective spheres of duty, to the
practice of rigid economy. The Ejects of ex
penditure should lie limited in number, as far
as this may be practicable, and the appropria
tions necessary to carry them into effect,
ought to he disbursed under the strictest ac
countability. Enlightened economy docs not
consist in the refusal to appropriate money
for constitutional purposes essential to the
defence, progress, and prosperity of the repub
lie, but in taking care that none of this morey
shall be wasted by mismanagement, in its ap
plication to the objects designated by law.
Comparisons between the annual expendi
ture at the present time, and what it was ten
or twenty years ago, are altogether fallacious.
The rapid increase of our country in extent
and population, renders a corresponding in
crease of expenditure, to some extent, unavoid
able. This Ls constantly creating new objects
of expenditure, and augmentating the amount
required for the old. The true questions then,
arc, liave these objects been unnecessarily
multiplied? or, has the amount expended upon
any or all of them, been larger than comports
with due economy ? In accordance with these
principles, the heads of the different- execu
tive department of the government, have
been instructed to reduce their estimates for
the next fiscal year, to the lowest standard
consistent with the efficiency of the service
and this duty they have performed in a spirit
ofj ust economy. The estimates of the Trea
sury, War. Navy and Interior Departments,
have each been in some degree reduced; and
unless a sudden and unforeseen emergency
should arise, it is not anticipated tliat a defi
ciency will exist in either within the present
or the next fiscal year. The Post Office De
partment is placed in a peculiar position, dif
ferent from the other departments, and to this
I shall hereafter refer.
I invite Congress to institute a rigid scruti
ny to ascertain whether the expenses in all the
departments cannot be still further reduced ;,
and I promise them all the aid in my power
in pursuing the investigation.
I transmit herewith the reports made to me
by the Secretaries of War, of the Navy, of the
Interior, and of the Postmaster General. They
each contain valuable information and impor
tant recommendations, to which I invite the
attention of Congress.
In my last annual message, I took occasion
to recommend the immediate construction of
ten small steamers, of light draught, for the
purpose of increasing the efficiency of the
navy. Congress responded to the recommen
dation, by authorizing the construction of
eight of them. The progress which has been
made in executing this authority, is stated in
the report of the Secretary of ths Navy. I
concur with him in the opinion, that a great
er number of this class of vessels is necessary
for the purpose of protecting in a more
efficient mannerjthe persons and property of
American citizens on the high seas, and in
foreign countries go well as in guarding more
effectually our own coasts. I accordingly
recommend the passage of an act for this pur
pose.
The suggestions contained in the report of
the Secretary of the Interior, especially those
in regard to the disposition of the public do
main, the pension and bounty and system,
the policy towards the Indians, and the amend
ment of our patent laws, are worthy of the
serious consideration of Congress.
The Post Office Department occupies a posi
tion very different from that of the other de
partments. For many years it was the policy
of the government to render this a self-sus
taining department ; and if this cannot now
be accomplished i n the present condition of
the country aye ought to make as near an ap
proach to it as may be practicable. •
The Postmaster General is placed in a roost
embarrassing positionin’ the existing laws.—
He is obliged to carry these into effect. He
has nS other alternative. He finds, however,
that this cannot be done without heavy de
mands upon the treasury over and above what
is received for postage; and there have been
progressively increasing from year to year un
til they amounted for the last fiscal year end
ing on the 30th June, 1858, to more than four
millions aud a half of dollars; whilst it is esti
mated that for the present fiscal year they
will amount to $6,290,000. These sums are
exclusive of the annual appropriation ot $700,
000 for “compensation for the mail service
performed for the two houses of Congress and
the other department and officers of the gov
ernment in the transportation of free matter.”
The cause of these large deficits is mainly
attribute to the increased expense of trans
porting the mails. In 1853 the sum paid for
this service was but a fraction above four mil
lions and a quarter. Since that year it has
annually increased until in 1858 it has reached
more than eight millions and a quarter ; and
for the service of 1859, it is estimated that it
will amount to more than ten millions of dol
lars.
J he receipts of the Post Office Department*
can be made to approach or to equal its expe-
diture only bv means of the legislation of Con
gress. In applying any remedy, care should
be taken that the people shall not be deprived of
the advantages, which they are feiriy entitled to
enjoy from the Post Office Department. The
principal remedies recommended to the con
sideration of Congress by the Psstmaster Gen
erali are to restore the former rate of postage
u{>on single letters to five cents; to substitute
for the franking privilege the delivery to those
now entitled to enjoy it, of post office stamps
for their correspondene, and to direct the de
partment, in making contracts for the trans
portation of the mail, to confine itself to the
payment of the sum neccessary for this single
purpose, without requiring it to be transpor
ted in post coaches or carriages of any partic
ular discription. Under the present system,
the expense to the government is greatly in
creased by requiring that the mail shall be car
ried in such vehicles as will accommodate pas
sengers. This will be done without pay from
the department, over all roads where the trav
el will remunerate the contractors.
These recomendations deserve the grave
consideration of Congress.
I would again call your attention to the
construction of a Pacific railroad. Time and
reflection have but served to confirm me in
the truth and justice of the observations which
1 made, on this subject, in my last annual
message, to which I beg leave respectfully to
refer.
It is freely admitted, that it would be expe
dient for this government to exercise the pow
er of constructing the Pacific railroad by its
own immediate agent*. Bach a policy would
increase the patronage of the executive to a
dangerous extent, and introduce a system of
?
jobbing and corruption, which no vigilance on
the part of federal officals, could either pre
vent or detect. This can only be done by the
keen eye, and active and careful supervision,
of individual and private interest. The con
struction of this road ought, therefore, to be
committed to companies incorporated by the
States, cur other agencies whose pecuniary in
terests wonld be directly involved. Congress
might then assist them in the work by grants
of land or of money, or both, under such con
ditions and restrictions as would secure the
transportation of troops and munitions of war
free from any charge, and that of the United
Mates mail at a fair and reasonable price
The progress of events since the commence
ment of your last session, has shown how soon
dificnlties disappear before a firm and detemin-
ed resolution. At that time, such a road was
deemed by wise and patriotic men, to be
visionary project. The great distance to be
overcome, ani the intervening mountains and
deserts in the way, were obstacles, which, in
the opinion of many, could not be surrounded
Now, after the lapse of but a single year, these
obstacles, it has been discovered, are fur less for
midable than they were supposed to be ; and
mail stages, with passangers now pass and re-
pass regularly, twice in each week, by a com
mon wagon-road between San Francisco aud
St. Louis and Memplus, in less than twenty-
five days. The service has been regularly per
formed, as it was, in former years between
New York and this city.
Whilst disclaiming all authority to appro
priate money for the construction of this road,
except that derived from the war-making
power of the constitution, there are important
collateral considerations urging us to under
take the work as speedily as possible.
The first and most momentous of these is.
that such a road would be a powerful .bond of
union between the States east aud west of the
Rocky mountains. This is so self-evident as to
require no iUustration.
But again, in a commercial point of view,
consider this the great question of the d&y.—
With the eastern front of our republic stretch
ing along the Atlantic, and its western front
along the Pacific, if all the parts should be
united by a safe, easy, and rapid intercommu
nication, we must necessarily command a very
large proportion of the trade both of Europe
and Asia. Our recent treaties with China and
Japan will open these rich and populous em
pires to our commerce; and the history of the
world proves, that the nation which has
gained possession, of the trade with Eastern
Asia, has always become wealthy and power
ful. The peculiar geographical position of
California and our Pacific possessions, invites
American capital and enterprise into this fruit
ful field. To reap the rich harvest, however,
it is an indispensible prerequisite that we shall
first have a railroad, to convey and circulate
its products throughout every portion of the
Union. Besides, such a railroad through our
temperate lattitude, wliieh would not be im
peded by the frosts and snows of winter, nor
by the tropical heats of summer, would at
tract to itself much of the travel and the trade
of all nations passing between Europe and
Asia.
On the 21st of August last, Leiut. J. N.
Maffit, of the United States brig Dolphin, cap
tured the slaver “Echo,” (formerly the Put
nam of New Orleans,) near Kay Verde, on
the coast of Cuba, with more three hundred
African negroes on board. The prize, under
the command of Lieut . Bradford of the United
States navy, arrived at Charleston on the 27th
August; when the negroes, three hundred
and six in number, were delivered into the
custody of the United States marshal for the
district of South Carolina. They were first
placed in Castle Pinckney, and afterwards in
Fort Sumpter, for safe-keeping, and were de
tained there until the 19th September, whjn
the survivors, two hundred and seventy-one
in number, were delivered on board the
United States steamer Niagara, to be trans
ported to the coast of Africa, under the charge
of the agent of the United States, pursuant
to the provisions of the act of the 3d of March,
1819. “in addition to the acts prohibiting the
slave trade.” Under the 2nd section of this
acts the President is “authorized to make such
regulations and arrangements as he may deem
expedient, for the safe-keeping; support and
removal beyond the limits of the United States
of all such negroes, mulattocs or persons of
color” captured by vessels of the United
States, as may be delivered to the marshal of
the district into which they are brought ; “and
to appoint a proper person or persons residing
upon the coast of Africa, as agent or agents
for receiving the negroes, mulattocs, or per
sons of color, delivered from on board ves
sels seized in the prosecution of the slave trade
by commanders of United States armed ves
sels.”
A doubt immediately arose as to the true
construction of this act. It is quite cleaiffrom
its terms that the President was authorized to
proride “for the safe-keeping, support and re
moval” of these negroes up till the time of
their delivery to the agent on the coast of Af
rica; but no express provision was made for
their protection and support after they had
reached the place of their destination. Still,
an agent was to be appointed to receive them
in Africa; and it could not have been supposed
that Congress intended he should desert them
at the moment they were received, and turn
them loose on that inhospitable coast to per
ish for want of food, or to become again the
victims of the slave trade. Had this been the
intention of Congress, the employment of an
agent to receive tiiem who is required to re
side on the coast, was unnecessary, and they
might have been landed by our vessels any
where in Africa, and left exposed to the suf
fering and the fate which would certainly
await them.
Mr. Monroe, in his special message of I7th
December, 1819, at the first session after the
act was passed, announced to Congress what,
in his opinion was its true construction. He
believed it to be his duty under it, to follow
these unfortunates into Africa, and make pro
vision for them there, until they should be
able to provide for themselves. In commu
nicating this interpretation to the act of Con
gress; he stated that some doubt had been en
tertained as to its true intent and meaning,
and,he submitted the question to them, so
that they might, “should it be deemed advisa
ble, amend the same before further proceed
ings are had under it.” Nothing was done
by Congress to explain the act, and Mr. Mon
roe proceeded to carry it into execution ac
cording to his own interpretation; This,
then, became the practical construction.—
When the Africans from onboard the Echo
were delivered to the marshal at Charleston,
it became my duty to consider what disposi
tion ought to be made of them under the law.
For many reasons, it was expedient to remove
them from that locality as speedily as possible.
Although the conduct of the authorities aqd
citizens of Charleston, in giving countenance
to the execution of the law, was /ust what
might have been expected from their high
character, yet a prolonged continuance of
three hundred Africans in the immediate vi
cinity of that city, could not have failed to
become a source of inconvenience and anxiety;
to its inhabitants. Where to send them, was
the question. There was no portion of the
coast of Africa, to which they could be re-
mov ed with any regafd to humanity, except
in Liberia. Under tliese circumstances, an
agreement was entered into with the Coloni
zation Society on the 7th of September last, a
copy of which is herewith transmitted, under
which the Society engaged ; for the consider
ation of forty-five thousand dollars, to receive
these Africans in Liberia from the agent of
the United States, and furnish them during
the period of one year thereafter, with com
fortable shelter, clothing provisions, and
medical attendance, causing the children to re
ceive schooling ; and all whether children or
adults, to be instructed in the arts of civilized
life, suitable to their condition. This aggre- ’
gate of forty-five thousand dollars was based
upon an allowance of one hundred and fifty
dollars ior each individual and as there
has been considerable mortality among them,
and may be more before they reach Africa,
the society have agreed, in an equitable spirit,
to p»*kA such a deduction from the amount,
as under the circumstances may appear just
and reasonable. This cannot be fixed until
we shall ascertain the actual number which
may become a charge to the society.
It was also distinctly agreed, ttyat under no
circumistances, shall this government be cal
led upon for any additional expenses.
The agents of the society manifested a lauda
ble desire to conform to the wishes of the gov
ernment, throughout the transaction. They
assured me that after a careful calculation they
would be required to expend the sum of one
hundred and fifty dollars on each individual
in complying with the agreement, and they
would have nothing left to remunerate them
for their care, trouble, and responsibility.—
At all events, I could make no better arrange
ment, and there was no other alternative.—
During the period when the government it
self, through its own agents undertook the
task of providing for captured negroes in Afri
ca, the post per head was very much greater.
Other captures of a similar character may,
and probably will, be made by our naval
forces; and I earnestly recommend that Con
gress may amend the second section of the
act of March 3, 1819, so as to free its construc
tion from'the ambiguity which has so long
existed, and render the duty of the President
plain in executing its provisions.
I recommend to your favorable regard, the
local interest of the District of Columbia. As
the residence of Cr.ngress and the executive
department of the government, we cannot
fail to feel a deep concern in its welfare. This
is heightened by the high character and the
peaoefnl and orderly conduct of its resident
inhabitants.
I connot conclude without performing the
agreeable duty of expressing my grattiffcation
that congress so kindly responded to the re
commendation of my last annual message, by
affording me sufficient time before the close of
their late seseion, for the examination of all
the bills presented to me for approval. This
change in the practice of Congress, has proved
to be a wholesome reform. It exerted a ben
eficial influence on the transaction of legisla
tive bnsines, and elicited the general approba
tion of the country. It enabled Congress to
adjourn with that dignity and deliberation so
beiroming to the represenatives of this great
republic, without having crowded into general
approbation bills provisions foreign to their na
ture, and of doubtful constitutionality and ex-
dediency. Let me warmly and strongly com
mend this precedent, established by them
selves, as a guide to their proceedings during
the present session.
JAMFS BUCHANAN.
Washington City, December 6, 1858.
€l)f Jntfllipncfr.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1858.
Fine Brandy.
Mr. J. M. Gannon has presented to our of
fice, a specimen bottle of his fine brandy. He
keeps a cho ce collection of everything in his
line, at the Trout House Exchange, where vis
itors can always find polite attention, and the
best accommodations.
Accident on the State Road.
The up passenger train on the State Road,
was thrown from the track, on Tuesday eve
ning last, by running over an ox, which detain
ed the down train, so that it did not arrive at
this place, until yesterday morning. Nobody
killed, nobody hurt, but the ox, to the best of
our information.
Col. B. C. Yancey.
Rumors reached this country, a few weeks
since, that this gentleman was lying danger
ously ill. We have reliable information, from
letters recently received from him, that such
is not the fact, but that Col. Yancey had reach
ed Rio de Janeiro, with his family, all in fine
health and spirits.
Hon. L. J. Gartrell.
We see from the list of Committees, which
we publish to-day, that our immediate Repre
sentative, Hon. L. J. Gartrell, has been placed
upon the Committee on “Expenditures of the
Treasury Department. ’ ’ Tliis is an important
Committee, if its duties are faithfully perform
ed, and we have no doubt Col. G. will do his
part, if his colleagues will do their’s. Col. G.
is also one of the Regents of the Smithsonian
Institute, an honorable, as well as important
position. We expect to hear a good report of
the actings and doings of our Representative,
during the present session.
ltew York Ledger.
We publish to-day the prospectus pf the
New York Ledger, a family paper, published
in the city of New York, to which we invite
attention. The Editor of the Ledger has paid
to Hon. Edward Everett, Ten Thousand Dol
lars, for whicli Mr. Everett is to make weekly
contributions to that paper. Mr. Everett has
paid over to the Mt. Vernon Association, the
above named amount of Ten Thousand Dol
lars. The fact that the Ledger has engaged
the services of so distinguished a writer as Mr.
Everett, as well as other conntributors, to the
amount of Thirty Thousand Dollars, in the
way of Salaries, certainly entitles his paper to
a liberal and extensive patronage.
Mc88i’8. Whitaker and 'Westmoreland.
We have had the pleasure of greeting our
worthy Senator and Representative, on their
return home from the Seat of Government.
They are both looking very well, and appear
to have stood the labors and fatigues of the
session, admirably. They bear upon their fa
ces, the index of a good conscience, the result
of having faithfully discharged their duty to
their constituents. Fulton County may have
been, and may be again, represented by abler
men, but she certainly never has been, and
never will be represented by more faithful and
honest men.
Oar Washington Correspondence.
Washington, D. C., Dec. 6, ’58.
Intelligencer.—I arrived here last evening,
safe and sound—a little fatigued, however,
from the loss of sleep. Met with no accidents
on the way, except at Acquia Creek, we were
detained some ten or twelve hours, on account
of the weather ; the boat which was to have
taken the Saturday night’s passengers, did not
arrive until 10 o’clock on Sunday, detained,
it was said, by the heavy fog on the River.
Our party, which consisted of Col. Gartrell,
Mr. J. Blake, of the Atlanta Rolling Mill, and
myself, are all well provided for, at the Kirk
wood House. Mr. Blake, as a traveling com
panion, is a trump—he is a whole-souled young
man—liberal to a fault, with life enough to
keep his companions in a good humor all the
time. On the way, and since our arrival, Col.
Gartrell has been particularly attentive, in
showing me round, endeavoring much as pos
sible, no doubt, to make me feel at home du
ring my sojourn iA the Federal City. With
out intending to bestow praise where it does
not belong, and not being very favorably dis
posed to flattery under any circumstances, I
must be allowed to say, that the people of the
4th District have every reason to be proud of
their Representative, and have no excuse in
any way for repudiating him. It does not
take a very comprehensive mind to discover,
that he is always on the lookout for whatever
will benefit his constituency, and immediate
section of country.
The Col. informs me that he will use every
effort this session, to pass the Bill, making At
lanta a Port of Delivery. I hope he will get
the Bill through. It will greatly benefit the
city, in fact, all that portion of the State.
Both Houses of Congress convened in the
Capitol to-day at 12 M. But little or no busi
ness was transacted. The Message of the Pres
ident was received precisely at 2 o’clock, and
read. At the time I write, I have heard no
expression of approval, or disapprobation, but
are inclined to the opinion, that the Message
will be well received, particularly by the friends
of the Administration. It is looked upon,
however, as an able document. Old Buck has
many warm friends here. The people like him
for his firmness. He is not one thing to-day.
and another to-morrow, but the same all the
time. The special friends of Douglas, are try
ing to get up an excitement in his favor, in
Washington, but I am inclined to the opinion,
that their efforts will fail, at least for the pres
ent. The people here, so far as I have been
able to find out, are not inclined to run after
a man who “blows hot and cold at one and the
same breath.” They don’t want a man who
is for us to-day, and against us to-morrow.
They want a man of business—a man tried in
the Iwlances, and not “found wanting.” Du
ring my stay, I will keep you advised of all
matters of general interest. All of the Geor
gia Delegation are here, except Hill and Sew
ard, who, it is understood, are detained at
home, on account of sickness in their families.
Yours, &c., HODGE.
P. S. I saw the Hon. John E. Ward, to
day. He seems to be in the enjoyment of fine
health. In a short time he will take his de
parture, in conformity with his commission, as
Minister to China.
Qmvittet on Public Expenditures.—Messrs.
Elliot ef Kentucky, Edmunson of Va., Covode
of Pa., Wortendyke of N. J., Parker of N. Y.,
Cockerill of Ohio, Kellogg of HI., Gregg of
Indiana, and Walton of Vermont.
Committee on Private Land Claims.—Messrs.
Sandidge of La., MeKibbin of Cal., Harlan of
Ohio, Avery of Tenn., Washburn of Wiscon
sin, Blair of Missouri, Hawkins of Fla., Fen
ton of New York, aud Gilman of Maine.
Committee on Manufactures.—Messrs. Bishop
of Conn., Watkins of Tenn., Briss of Ohio,
Clemens of Va., Durfee of R. I., Ahl of Pa.,
Ricaud of Md., Shaw of N. C., and Foster of
Maine.
Committee on Agriculture.—Messrs. Whiteley
of Del., Hall of Ohio, Kelsey of N. Y., Huy-
ler of N. J., Mott of Ohio, Foley of Indiana,
GillisofPa., Trippe of Geo., and Keim of
Pa.
Committee of Indian Affairs.—Messrs. Green
wood of Ark., Shorter of Ala., Leitcr of Ohio,
Woodson of Missouri, Colfax of Indiana, Rus
sell of N. Y., Scott of Cal., Burroughs of N.
Y., and Bryan of Texas.
Committee on Military Affairs.—Messrs. Faulk
ner of Va., Savage of Tenn., Marshall of Ky-,
Stanton of Ohio, Bonham of S. C., Curtis of
Iowa, Pendleton of Ohio, Buffington of Mass.,
and McRea of Miss.
Committee on the Militia.—Messrs. Hatch of
N. Y., Watkins of Tenn., Roberts of Pa.,
Bowie-of Md., Tompkins of Ohio, Warren of
Ark., Shaw of 111., Jenkins of Va., and Thay
er of Mass.
Committee on Naval Affairs.—Messrs. Bocock
of Va., Florence of Pa., Davis of Mass., Wins
low ofN. C., Seward of Geo., Sherman of
Ohio, Corning of N. Y., Morse of Maine, and
Hawkins of Fla.
Committee on Foreign Affairs.—Messrs. Hop
kins of Va., Clay of Ky., Burlingame of Mass.,
Barksdale of Miss., Sickles of N. Y., Ritchie of
Pa., Groesbeek of Ohio, Royce of Vermont,
and Branch of N. C.
Committee on the Territories.—Messrs. Ste
phens ot Geo., Smith of Va., Grow of Pa.,
Hughes of Indiana, Zollicoffer of Tenn., Gran
ger of N. Y., Clark of Mo., Knapp of Mass.,
and Vallandigham of Ohio.
Committee on Revolutionary Pensions.—Messrs.
Hickman of Pa., Shaw of N. C., Hall of Mass.,
Leidy of Pa., Parker of N. Y.. Clemens of Va.,
Abbott of Maine, Potter of Wis., and Farns
worth of 111.
Committee on Invalid Pensions.—Messrs. Jew
ett of Ky., Florence of Pa., Robbins of N. J.,
Savage of Tenn., Chaffee of Mass., Bums of
Ohio, Anderson of Mo., Case of Ind., and
Palmer of N. Y.
Committee on Roads and Canals.—Messrs. Jones
of Tenn,, Talbott of Ky., Andrews of N. Y.,
Mason of Ky., Thompson of N. Y.. Warren
of Ark., Walbridge of Michigan, Morris of 111.,
and Gooch of Mass.
Committee on Patents.—Messrs. Stewart ofMd.,
Reilly of Pa., Edie of Pa., Niblack of Ind.,
and Bray ton of It. I.
Committee on Public Puddings and Grounds.—
Messrs. Keitt of S. C., Peyton of Ky.. Morgan
of New York, Hall of Ohio, and Purviance of
Pa.
Committee on Revisal and Unfinished Bi/s-
Messrs Dewart of Pa., Miller of Ohio,
Her the Atlanta Ii
COtTKTRY IKK.
TRANSLATED FROM THE G EH HAN. BY
* 1
Happy the man who has the town esearwu
To him the rustling leaves, the
The shining pebbles, teach
Virtues’ and wisdom’s lore.
The whispering grove a holy temple is
To him, where God draws nigher to U
Each verdant sod a shrine '
Whereby he kneels to Heaven
•om
The birds to him sing slumbers down—
The birds rewake him, fluting sweet
When shines the lovely red
Of morning, through the trees
Then he adores thee in the plain, Oh! ,
In the ascending pomp of dawning day ^'
Thee in thy glorious sun, 3 ’
The worm—the budding ’branch-
Where coolness gushes in the waving
Or o'er the flowers, streams, the fountain #a8 ’
Inhales the breath of morn, ' resli
The gentle airs of eve.
His straw-thatch’d cot, where dove
[the ®
And play and hop, invites to sweeter resp 1 ’
Than gilded halls of state, ’
Or beds of down afford.
To him the plumy “people” sporting chim
Chatter and whistle, on his basket perch™
And from his gentle hand
Pick crumbs, or peas, or grains
Oft wanders he alone, and thinks on death
And in the village church-yard bv the <n, ’
Sits and beholds the cross,’ ® dVt *
Death’s waving garland there.
The tomb beneath the liuden, where a t“xt
Of Scripture teaches joyfully to die ;
And with his scythe stands Death
An Angel too, with palms.
Happy the man who thus lias ’scaped the tom,’
Him did an angel bless when he was born-
The cradle of the boy
With flowers celestial strewed.
Lagrange Female College, Dec. 8th, 1858
The Air-Line.—A Voice from Old Frant]),
The following letter is from Col. Morris ,
Director of the Company.
Carxesville, Dec. 8th, ]{&<)
~ on yesterday «.!
T linro >1,4 1
Dear Sir.—Our meetin
of a most cheering character. 1 have not s
so much enthusiasm in favor of pushing |
vvnr/1 11/e work Tll**ri> wic n 1f " *1
waril the work. There was about
^‘ventt
The Legislature.
Thi6 hotly adjourned on Saturday night—
rather on Sunday morning last. We saw a
number of the members on their return home,
from whom we learned, that the decisive ac
tion of both branches, os usual, was crowded
into the last day or two of the session. An
Educational Bill was passed, appropriating
$100,000 of the nett earnings of the State Road
for educational purposes. We hope to be able
in a few days, to lay this Act before our read
ers. An act was also passed in reference to
the Supreme Court, with a view of healing
some of the defects of its organization. Last
and worst of all, an act appropriating thirty
thousand dollars, to patch up the old Peniten
tiary, for the purpose of keeping it at its pres
ent location. We don’t feel competent to do
justice to this last named act, and must con
tent ourself with being silent on the subject.
Tile Ladles Union Benevolent Association.
Rev. C. XV. Key.
Th e pastoral labors of this veteran of the
Cross of Christ, after two years faithful ser
vice, closed with the people of Atlanta on
Sunday last. He pre ached a sermon at the
forenoon service to the Ladies Union Benevo
lent Association, This organization is de
signed to alleviate the distress, and supply
the wants of the suffering poo r of our city. A
committee of two ladies for each ward, is ap
pointed every month to hunt up the worthy
objects of charity in their respective neigh
borhoods, and afford such relief as the exigen
cies of the sufferers demand, and the means
of the society will authorize. What a noble
charity. How pleasant the contemplation of
the holy mission of these angels of mercy—
these Good Samaritans, as they wend their
way to the wretched hovels of the destitute,
carrying with them the messages of good
news, to the heart broken widow, and the
weeping orphans ! This institution ranks
among the noblest in our city. It should
re ceive the encouragement, and approbation
of every generous hearted man and woman in
our community. It is composed of members
belonging to the several religious denomina
tions in our city, and therefore is not in any
wise sectarian in its character. The subject of
the sermon was Christian Benevolence, a
theme upon which no man is better quaified
to expatiate than Caleb W. Key. He is the
soul of benevolence. His heart is full of char
ity for the poor, and his hand and his purse
are ever open to supply their wants. We
have never listened to a religious discourse
with more interest than we did tjie one,
which is the subject of this notice. We did
not take any part of his excoriation of the
Atlanta Editors, for the neglect of this wor
thy institution, to ourself. We turned it all
over to our predecessors of the “Intelligencer’ ’
and our cotemporaries of the “National Amer
ican.” They richly deserved the castigation,
though we fear there was none of them pres
ent to hear it. We never heard of the exist
ence of the “Ladies Union Benevolent Asso
ciation,” to the best of our recollection, until
within the last few days. They may hereaf
ter set us down on their side, and ready to do
their bidding. We should be happy to be
come a member of the Society, if such lB allow-
able. Whether it is or not, we shall ever be
ready to serve our fair friends in cor humble
way to the best of our ability, and Brother Key
Bhall have no further reason to find fault of
one Editor at least in this behalf. God .bless
the ladies, and their errand of mercy, so say
we, and so mote it be.
OUR WASHINGTON CORRKSPOIYDENCE*
Washington City, Dec. 7: 1858.
Intelligencer :—Nothing of importance has
transpired to-day in the’ House, except the
reading of bills first and second time laid over
at last session. Several newly-elected mem
bers were qualified and took their seats. The
House adjourned to meet again on Thursday
next at 12 m., the usual hour of meeting.
The present session promises to be a very
quiet oue—as theretivill probably be little or
no excitement upon the great subject of sla
very. >Some of the members from the abo
lition States are keen as a liawk always on
the lookout for an opportunity to slab the pe
culiar institutions of the South—and by the
way, they are not very particular how, when
or where they do it. The more I see of this
abominable northern fanaticism, the stronger
Southern man do I become. At the same time
there is not much reality in what they say—
“more talk than cider.”
I understand that our immediate Represen
tative has succeeded in procuring mail ser
vice upon the following routes : A daily Hack
line from Atlanta to Hartwell in Hart county.
One from Ncwnau via Bowenville, Carrollton
and Bowden to Oxford, Ala., and one from
Marietta via Powder Springs and Dallas to
Cedar Town. These routes go into operation
I understand, as soon as the letting of the
contracts can be made.
It is now pretty generally conceded that but
little if any business of importance will be
transacted in either house until after the holy-
days are over.
I find to-day that some parts of the Presi
dent’s message does not meet the approbation
of Southern members, particularly the tariff
portion—yet it is looked Mpon as an able docu
ment.
Douglas is looked upon by Southern mem
bers with a great deal of suspicion. In fact
he lias lost cast and it will be a hard matter
to make them believe thrt he is “sound in
the faith.”
To-morrow being a sort of holiday I expect
to take a birds-eye view cf the city, public
buildings, &c.
Friend Blake of the Rolling Miil, left this
afternoon for Indianapolis. I disliked very
much to give him up—nothing wrong about
him sure.
If you should ever come this way, be certain
to stop at the Kirkwood House. The proprie
tors are gentlemanly, clever men, and do up
things about right for the comfort and con
venience of their guests. In the eating line
their table is not surpassed by any Hotel in
the country. (See Bill of Fare.) HODGE.
OUR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDEYFE,
Washington City, Dec. 9th, 1858.
Daily Intelligencer :—The weather was
so inclement yesterday, that I did. not go out
at all. To-day it is clear and bitter cold.—
The House commenced at the usual houf,
when the Speaker announced the following
committees :
Committee of Elections.—Messrs. Boyce, of S.
Carolina, Stevenson, of Kentucky, Washburn
jr., of Maine, Lamar of Miss., Clark jr., of
Connecticutt, Gilmer of N. Carolina, Wright
of Tennessee, Wilson of Indiana, and Cavan
augh of Minnesota.
Committee of Ways and Means.—Messrs. Plielps
of Missouri, Letcher of Virginia, Davis of Ma
ryland, Dowdell of Ala., Howard of Michi
gan, Crawford of Geo., Morrill of Vermont,
Maelay of New York, and Phillips of Pennsyl
vania.
Committee of Claims.—Messrs. Mai shall of
HI., Davidson of La., Goodwin of New York,
Moore of Alabama, Arnold of Conn., May
nard of Tennessee, and Jackson of Georgia.
Committee on Commerce.—Messrs. Cochrane of
New York, Millson of Virginia, Washburne
of Illinois, Miles of S. Carolina, Wade of Ohio,
Stallworth of t \la., Eustis jr., of Louisiana,
Landy of Pennsylvania, and Coniins of Massa
chusetts.
Committee on Public Lands.—Messrs. Cobb of
Ala., McQueen of S. Carolina, Bennett of New
York, Davis of Indiana, Ruffin of N. Carolina,
Hill of Geo., Montgomery of Pennsylvania,
MeKibbin of California, and Garnett of Vir
ginia.
Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads..—
Messrs. English of Indiana, Powell of Virginia,
Wood of Maine, Scott of Cal., Horton of Ohio,
Davis of Iowa, Craig of Missouri, Davis of
Miss., and Atkins of Tenn.
Committee for the District of Columbia.—Messrs.
Goode of Virginia, Bowicof Md., Dodd of N.
York, Burnett of Ky., Morris of Penn., Wright
of Geo., Dean of Conn., Scale! of N. Carolina,
and Ward New York.
Cbmmittee orithe Judiciary.—Messrs. Houston
of Ala., Caskie of Va., Tappan of N. Hamp
shire, Craige of N. Carolina, Billinghnrst of
of Wisconsin, Taylor of La., Ready of Tenn.,
Chapman of Pa., and Clark of N. York.
Committee on Revolutionary Claims.—Messrs.
Cox of Ohio, Taylor of N. York, Clawson of
N. J., Cragin of N. H., Jackson of Geo., Love-
joy of 111., Curry of Ala., Dawes nflLuo., «nd
Vance of N. C.
Leach of Michigan, Bryan of Texas, and Sher
man of N. Y.
Committee on Accounts.—Messrs. Searin
of N. Y., Powell of Va . Dick of Pa., Kunkel
of Maryland, and Spinner of N. Y.
Committee on Mileage.—Messrs. Smith of
111., Murray of N. Y., Harris of Md., Phelps
of Minnesota, and Waldron of Michigan.
Committee on Engraving.—Messrs. Adrain
of N. J., Hatch of N. Y., and Underwood of
Ky.
Committee on Expenditures in the State
Department.—Messrs, Jones of Pa., Curry of
Ala., Bingham of Ohio, Avery of Tenn., and
Hoard of N. Y.
Committee on Expenditures in the Treasu
ry Department.—Messrs. Lawrence of Ohio,
White of Pa., Killgore of Ind., Kunkel of Md.,
and Gartrell of Geo.
Committee on Expenditures in the War
Department.—Messrs. Reilly of Pa,, Cochrane
of N. Y., Cockerill of Ohio, Stewart of Pa.
and Wright of Tenn.
Committee on Expenditue in tjie Navy De
partment.—Messrs. Haskin of N. Y., Miller
of Ohio, Pottle of N. Y r ., Powell ofVa.,and
Davis of Miss.
Committee on Expenditures in tiie Post Of
fice Department—Messrs. Talbott of Ky.
Reagan of Texas, Palmer of N. Y., Bums of
Ohio, and Foley of Indiana.
Committee on Expenditures on the Public
Buildings.—Messrs. White of Pa., Taylor of
N. Y., Washburne of Wis., Miller of Ohio,
anb Olin of N. Y.
Joint Committee on the Library.—Messrs.
Dimmick of Pa., Winslow of N. C,, and Pet
tit of Indiana.
Joint Committee on Printing. Messrs.
Smith of Tenn. Singleton of Miss., and Nich
ols of Ohio.
Joint Committee on Enroeled Billls.—
Messrs. Davidson of La., and Pike of New
Hampshire -
After which the Speaker stated the report of
the Committee on the Judiciary, in reference
to the impeachment of Judge Jno. C. Watrous
of Texas, was the first business in ofder. This
case consumed the balance of the day, and will
not be disposed of until the last of the week,
if then. You, no doubt, know the circumstan
ces under which Judge Watrous is sought to
be impeached.
I saw Gen. Cass, Secretary of State, at the
State Department, to-day. He is apparently
in good health. Time, however, begins to tell
on the old gentleman, and his grey locks and
wrinkled brow admonish us, that ere long, he
too will be numbered with the dead. There
is something about the old General, that de
notes goodness of heart—a full, candid expres-
rion of countenance. I could not for the life
of me. help associating with him, the mimes
of Clay, Webster, Calhoun, Jackson, Polk, and
other illustrious Statesmen, who figured with
him in the councils of the nation, in the young
er days of the Republic. But they are gone—
gone to their long resting places—the grave.
There, all their imperfections are swallowed
up and forgotten—though their names stil 1 live
in the affections of a grateful people, honored
and revered wherever known. So will it be
with the name of Cass, when he shall have
paid the last great debt of nature, and the grave
claims him as her own. In tills same connec
tion, another question presents itself to my
mind—Where, in all this vast extent extent of
country, will you find another Clay, a Web
ster, a Calhoun, a Jackson ? Echo answers,
where ?
For the first time, I saw the President to
day—the only “living” President, my eyes ev
er beheld. Well, he is just like all other men,
has two eyes, a nose on his face, hair on his
head, and to all human appearance, seems to
be perfect in every other particular, except
that he really does squint a little out of one
eye, but, what of that, lie's all right on the
goose, sure, and is emphatically the President
of the American people. I must say that I
was rather favorably impressed with the old
gentleman’s appearance. He is dignified, yet
affable and social in his manners, and is, with
out a doubt, what he has the reputation of be
ing, a great man. The old veteran remarked
in conversation, that the most pleasant and im
portant move he had in contemplation, “was in
1861,” when he would go to his home in Penn
sylvania, there to stay. He looks well—strong
and vigorous for a man of his age. Long may
he live, to bless the country with his learning
and experience.
By the way, the White House is some House,
and when a back-woodsman like myself, gets
into it, he feels “sorter large,” and imagines he
would like to be President awhile, if for noth
ing else, just to look at the finery and extrava
gance, displayed in every part of the building.
It is a palace and no mistake. Uncle Sam fur'
nishes this institution “with the very best the
country affords.” He foots the bills, too, with
out a murmur, when called on.
By the appointment of the Committees in
the House, it will be seen, that Col. Gartrell
occupies a very important position, being on
the Committee of “Expenditures in the Treas
ury Department.” He is also, one of the “Re
gents of the Smithsonian Institute,” which is
looked upon, and considered here, a very high
and honorable position.
Adieu for the present, HODGE.
fir In a village school, recently, when the
scholars wer* parsing, th« wan occurred
in the sentence. Tho youngest who was up—
a bright-eyed little fellow—puxsled over the
word for * few minutes, and then, as a bright
id/** struck him, he burst out with, “I can con
jugate it. Positive waif; Comparative wafer;
Superlative, sealing-wax.”
thousand of the stock represented. \y e w
the list of stock, and called it over name 1»
name, and every single Stockholder present
representing stock to the amount above state! I
came up promptly, and voted for pushing f w .
ward the work. There was some six or j* vei
hundred dollars of the five percent paid in, ^
the balance with some exceptions will he pap
very soon. I think Mr. Morse should procj;
to let contracts between this and the river, a!
soon as possible. Our people are anxious to
see the work begun.
So far as our County is concerned, I thini
there is no difficulty in the way.
Yours Truly, THOS. MORRls.
Another Stockholder from Franklin conntr
after repeating the substance of the foregoing
says:
“I think we have now passed the rubiconii
this County, and I think we will haven»moi>
trouble, and if we will help ourselves, tliatt
the next session of the Legislature the Stan
will help us.”
This is the right kind of talk, and the rbisl
kind of acts, and is highly creditable to djl
Franklin, which was once one of the first cun l
ties in the State, and is destined with her grey i
resources, to occupy a prominent position agahl
through the means of this Road.
We now begin to see the fruits too. „f th:j
payment of the five per cent installment pai;]
by our city last J une. Without that paymem |
the enterprise could not have been moved at-1
other peg. As it is, the individual Stockhold-1
ers have paid enough to defray the entire ex-1
pense of the locating party. Hall CouktI
Stockholders paid every dollar for the firal
quarter, and are now readv to commence and I
carry through the work in that county. TL-j
people all along the line of the Road, are remit |
to do their part. They have not much monej
to pay, but they have willing hearts and b:
to work, which in all cases of the kirn ..
equal to cash. All that is asked, and all ‘
is now wanting to move the enterprise for
with safety, is a cordial co-operation on
part of Atlanta.
The position of the Company, as we ar
formed, stands thus : There is on this ei
the line, including Hall county, about Solo
000 of Stock subscribed, or enough, hiekis
$100,000, to complete the track of the Roads'
Gainesville. By letting out and having tb ■
work done, the calculation is, and we thinki:,$i
a reasonable one, that nearly $100.tXH) m ».
Stock will be obtained. If there should n
be that amount more obtained, when the Rea!
is graded to Gainesville' 56 miles, its credit;
will surely be good for $100,000 if need he to
use it. On the other end of the line, inch-
ding Franklin and Hart Counties, and $20.01)
by the Greenville & Columbia Co. subscription
there is the rise of $245,000. which is enmigi ■
in that flat country, to grade the Road thirty-L
five or forty miles, and then the guarantee of|9
the Greenville & Columbia Company would et-H
able it to be ironed, which if done, would key
twenty-five or thirty miles in the middle ■>:
the Road to be provided for hereafter. The et
tension of the Road from Atlanta to Gainsvillt j
will add the trade of about 100,000 people t
Atlanta, a trade which would be legitimate »j
Atlanta, and without a competitor.
We understand the policy of the Compart
to be, to put the work under way from ead
end of the line, aud push for its completk*
from Atlanta to Gainesville, and from the f.
vannali River in this direction as far as prrwt
cable, with the stock subscribed on each eni
What say our city authorities to this.
In our humble opinion there should be t
more flinching in this noble undertaking. I
is true we are pulling against the elephant
powerful corporation is awfully jealous of ti
work, and indeed a combination of cities
corporations, arc doing their best to defeat
Enemies on all sides, are trying to dispone
our city credit, as well as the character of
Company. But let us lay on a pretty he.v
tax, enough to raise money enough to ti
our city bonds good in any market, in spite
:mies. Let us lay on to ourselves, say oi
half of one per cent for the Railroad, which
half only of what Savannah paid for her Kai |
road for over fifteen years. Let us do this, aw
our city bonds can be issued on so short time
that contractors will be glad to get them.
they will sell well in any market. Let us
this, and this enterprise will move safely
ward, and we shall by the blessing of rp’ej
derice, soon have the satisfaction of witness®!
the crowning measure, that shall secure Au*
ta’s greatness and prosperity beyond the i<'i
ries of foes'.
Tliese recent reports, and the manifestati®j
along the line of the Road, have the rin? ]
the true metal, and call for a proper rosp-’
on the part of Atlanta.
Democratic Gubernatorial Cosvknw-G
At the late caucus of the Democratic niein&r
of the Legislature, to nominate Commissi*®
to codify the laws, a resolution was adopt*
appointing the 3d Wednesday in June >--®j
as the day for holding their next guberna'q
al convention. Gov. Brown has oppoa"?
enough in his own party : but he is like*? J
walk over the course, on the principle thaj
is safer to feed than to fight him.—& 1 '.
Elntlon by the Leglslnlu 1 *-
On yesterday morning the General A**
blv elected the following gentlemen as p
missioners to codify the Laws of the Stow -
vid Irwin, Esq., of Cobb, Hon. H. ' • J®
of Jefferson, and I. L. Harris, Esq., of
win. It would be superfluous to addini
mendation of our own as to the charac l
qualification of these gentlemen, te,
all well known to the people of
men of integrity, possessing high
ments. They will discharge their m .
Udell tv and efficiency.—Fed. Union.
Dead.—We regret*to notice the am
ment of the death of Col. Albert Pik*
kansas. He was a distinguished laty
and scholar. He commanded “C’ ’ cq.
the Arkansas cavalry in Mexico. •
brave and determined soldier.