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Chronicle & Sentinel. ;
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ObrrttporuUnct 4 tu BMimort American. I
THIBTV-THIRD Htimlon.
IN SENATE, 24.
Mr. Fltxpatrick introduced a bill granting land (
to Alabama lor Railroad*.
Tbe House joint resolution directing a aottlo
mant of oartalo expanses incurred by the Legiala
tar* of Oregon, in prepori ng and printing a oode of
law*, wa* reported ana pawed.
Tbe Military Academy appropriation bill wa* re
tained from the House with an amendment to tbe
Senate amendments.
Mr. Hunter hoped tbe Senate would concur with
the Hone*.
Mr. Shield* hoped not, and moved that the Se
nate insist on its amendment.
Agreed to.
A committer of conference was then asked.
Mr. Hunter presented* petition of a number of
mechanic*, praying that tbe Homestead bill b#
amended *o a* to allow them to receive two hun
dred dollar* each in lien of tbe land.
. Mr. Shield* moved to Uke up the bill appropria
ting SIOO/X>o to procure suitable gold medals for
the captain* of the Three Bells, Kilby and Antartic,
and tb* balance to be divided among tbe said cap
tain* and their crews (or gallant conduct in rescu
ing th* survivor* of tbe wreck of the steamer San
Fran clam).
Mr. Hunter said be hoped the Senate would take
np tbe Indian appropriation bill.
Mr. Brodhead said this waa tbe day filed lor
considering the bill to suspend all duties on rail
road iron. There were many persona abeut toen-
Cfe in tbe mannlacture of that article, and it was
portent that they and tbe country ahoold know
what oooree the government intended to pursue.
He would, however, give wsy to the bill mention
ed by the Senator from Illinois.
Mr. Shield's motion wss agreed to.
Mr. Gwin moved s substitute proposing to give
th* Captains of tbs Three Bells, Kilby and Antarc
tic *Dd Lacy Thompson a gold medal each, and 1
all others engaged in the rescue, suitable silver
and bronze medals, and appropriating twenty
tbonaand dollar* for that object. He said that the
citiaens of tbe {Jolted States bad already aubscrib- i
*d nearly $60,000, which had been paid to the ofli
oar* aod crews of these vessel#. Tbe Government, >
too. bad promptly paid tbe sums demanded ny
their owners lor damages and low suatained by 1
them in consequence of tbe rescue. The owners
of tb* Three Bells had demanded 126,000, and the 1
owners of the Kilby $16,000, and they were paid
tboa* amounts. At the time he investigated this
matter, the Antarctic bad not returned from Liv
erpool. and he did not know how much her owners
had asked or received.
By tbia tbe Senate wonld see that the govern
ment and citizens of the United States had already
paid to tbe owners and crews of these three ves
tals over SIOO,OOO. Hie substitute proposed tbe
proper course. The gold, silver and bronze med
als, with suitable devioea would be more bigbly
prized by these brave men than any gilt in money.
Ha thought tbe commander ot tbe Lucy Thomp
son ought to have a medal.
Mr. Shield* said that tbe statement of the amonnt
Subscribed by citizens and paid to these heroic
man, and of what was paid by government to the
owner* of th* vessels was entirely correct, bat tbe
matter had nolhiog whatever to do with the na
tional acknowledgment of this noble deed of hu
manity, and dauntless heroism. Ha ro[ sated the
details of the disaster, and the gallant conduct dis
played by theae commanders during those peril
ooe days and nights. He said that wliile the med
als would be treasured by the officers, the poor tars
wonld not deem a bronze medal as any munificent
reward for their hardship and gallantry. The
money to them would be something truly bounti
ful and rewarding.
Mr. Uwin said the Benator .iad distinguished
himself greatly in the Mexican war, and had re
oaivad thanks and medals. Ha l that Benator
raoeive I a sword for his gallantry, would he not
have prised it ten times ruoro highly than all the
mosey in the tr asuryf He know of bronzo me
dals whioh were of but little value in th mselves,
bat no amount of money could purchase them
from those on whom they had been bestowed.
M sera. 11l mb!in and Mellony followed in lavor
of the original resolution.
Mr.Blideli advocated the amendment.
Mr. Owin'* substitute was rejected—eyes 16,
(iwin moved to amend by striking out SIOOJ
000 and inserting $20,000
Mr. Beward. 1 hope tho amendment will i.ot bo
agreed to. Alter wo have seen the expressions
and manifestations ofgrititude which liavo been
given by the citizens oi tho United States to these
meritorious men it does scorn to me that it would
be much more aatictactory to the peoplo that wo
should differ upon the sum, an l out it down from
SIOO 000 to $60,000. Thcao mon are entitled to
some reward, to some acknowledgement from the
country, or they are not. Tnoy uro entitled to
some reward Irom tbe government, or are they
U< Th«re is no one hero or elsewhere who will
maintain that a higher act ofheroism in civil life
liaa aver oojurred or can oocur. Buell an act then
deserves acknowledgment. The very nature of
the transaction it*eif is an evidence of its merit.
All civilized nations regard services of this kind
m magnanimous, heroic, and worthy of reward.
It is a principle of maritime law that he who shall
venture li'ia life or even his property at «ea in tem
pests, and sturma to protect tho property of an
other, much more to proteot tho life of one or of
many, is entitled to what, under other circum
stances, would be called ail extravagant reward.
The law divides byway of salvago the whole
value of the property saved between the original
owner and those who rave it from dostruotion.
If tbe Governmental tho United Blatos is to make
a apodal acknowledgement, as it is agreed on all
hernia it should, of thisgreut act, the sum which
that acknowledgment shall cost is to be fixed with
reference to our position and character, and not
leas than witli reference to the groatncKs and hero
lam of the transaction itself. In rogard to the
first, 1 need not **y to Benatofs that wo have to
sustain a character which we are, perhaps, too
proud in claiming as not inforior to any other com
mercial or political power on the earth.
Th# next oonsidaration is the greatness and ho
roiamoftho tranaaetiou itself, as ooinparnd with
/>* , 'er*of a similar nature, and on this Bubjoct I
a, sure that there is a unanimous egrcomoul that
ti history ot naval and maritime affairs presents
■ ransaction in whioh moro dovacd persevo
r>, e, self denying hardships were undergone
, motive* ol more beuevelenoe and humanity
tt, in this Ouse. Thou with refuronooto the ct
<« • of this proceeding as an example byway of
au.' 1 uragomont to similar deeds ot heroism. If
vb* .mount is to be restricted it must be wholly
iii'o igb faar that aome evil will some from the
,t-j . ailan as a precedent.
w ma * lllau •ft**'* bj api>iuutlttlmg floo t *
fVM i > ftijniftlite tbe public appreciation of conduct
such ea that whioh elicits this reward, that It shall
sr.co rags too bold, too lieroio, too disinterested
conduct in caaos or peril and shipwreck on tho
pari • f American seamen, or of teamtn through
out i e world I Certainly not. There la no dan
g«i i that. I repeat, if we are by a special aot of
r nd to show our appreciation of suoh oonduot
-cold be oommensurate with the greatness of
■insertion itself. I am sure that, if Buch a
p itioi. had besu made when the intelligence
I e disaster and the partial salvage reachod tho
Capitol, there is no man who would have been lor
dotting down the appropriation to $20,000.
We nave no claim of property now to sottlo, —
we owe praotioally no debt,—we have a largo sur
plus in on.” treasury—wo are rioh—wo are strong.
A government whioh lias no uso for its surplus
funds, esoopt to hoy up its own perfectly safo
bonds at an advene* of fifteen cents on a dollar,
ought to make a iiUl* liberal reward for benefits
conferred by others at th* peril of tho property
and live# of Ihoeo who confer thaui, or it ought
Dot to make a mockery of the virtue ol gratitude at
all. Let ne theu sustain onr own character, and
aneourag* our own seamen, and those of all na
tions, to amulata the oonanct of the saver* of
those who wore perishing in tha wreck ot the San
Fraooisoo. . ... ,
The question was then taken and tho amend
ment agreed to, yeaa 11, nay* 16.
Th# question wa* then token on the engross
mam of the of the bill—yeas *l, nays 16.
Tb* bi.'l wa* then passed.
Th* India.’ Appropriation bill was then taken
np. Boms twenty amendments reported by tho
Frnanoe Oomultta* were adopted in * body. One
appropriating SBO ,000 for negotiations with the In
dians in Washington Territory, debated and adopt
ed. Adjourned.
HOUSE.
Hr. Or«y asked leave to offer * reflation calling
oo tba I’oelms.lor General tor certain information
relative to mail contract* for oarrying the until* on
the Ohio liver: ami conic* ot the ruloa ami regu
lationa ahich deny to members of Congress the
privilege of going to room* in the Department and
examining the public record* under charge of the
dark.
The Hou*e refused a suspension of the rules to
enable him to offer the re olution.
Hr. Faulkner, nudar a suspension of the rules,
offered a resolution, which was adapted, requesting
the President of the United but as, if in li s judg
ment not Incompatible with tho public interest, to
eommunicalc to the House tho instructions referred
to in President Monroe’s annual message of De
cember, 182 ff. and transmitted to our diplomatio
r its abroad o ' tbe subject of issuing commie
a to private armed vessels, together with the
rmponses, if any, received trom said governments.
Also any other instructions given, or oorrespon
dance bold with foreign governments, on tbe same
•object since the date of said meseago, and not
heretofore communicated to Congress,
The House rejected the ftouate’s amendments jn
otoaaing the salaries of the Professor* of French
and drawing.
Tha House went into committee on the Senate
amendments to the Deficiency bill.
Hr. Phelps said the bill as it passed the House
appropriated one and a half million of dollars. Tho
Senate had added amendments to an extent of two
millions. To halt a million of these, the commit
tee on Ways and Heans had agreed to recommend
to the House, leaving a million and a half involved
in tha disagreeing votes of tha two houses. The
Sa'uate appropriated five hundred thousand dollar*
tor continuing tha work for bringing water iulo
Georgetown and Washington. As lue Aqueduot
will oom two million four bundled thousand dol
lars, and as another piece has been offsred tor so
omnpliehliig this object for one million, was before
the oommiuoe, (key left it for the House to decide
whether they will carry out the original design.
The commit'oo likewise decline recommending
ooooarr.no* in the Bene e amendment* for various
rwrtoia Uooaaa, not considering the appropria
ttowa to bo defloianetM. Me said much of the mo
ney te needed et this moment for defraying tha
ordinary expenses of govermn int and Outre/ore
appealed to the House to dispose of the subject es
enea as practicable.
Hr. Philips spoke of the necessity ot peseing tbe
■ ebreeka Bill. It had been assailed by many,
who, while admitting the correctness of the prin
ciple* on which it Is fonuded, object to it because
n repealed the Missouri act of tSSI. But if ibis
act ha* no fortber claim to consideration than its
own inhereut merits, it would be enrrlv illogical to
say tha wrong of pur predecessors is a "bar to right
eous setion on onr part.
It baa boss said that this was something moro
limn a legislative set, that it was a compromise
pad of binding force. If this were true whatever
miyht be the rnerite of the Nebraska bill, it could
racaife tbe concurrence of no honorable man. He
had looked at the journals of both Houses for
1160 and 18S!. tha faithful chronicles of the past,
and the unerring guides of the future, there was
nothing uncertain in them. So hr front the
Jourolibcwing there was any such contract and
awtwemeM between tha representatives of the
■Lna-holdinw *r.d the non-alave-holding States,
wm not a p** -0 £f the Journals but disap
proved tbe assertion. 7> , b « t 0 f*, 0 ’
Sadia ooodoaion argued ««./ ,h « hl " “* cuUlkd
to Um favor of Southern reprewat;..'' ll
Hr. Benton obtained the floor but ga. ® W *F
the undarwumdiog that b* will speak to Hj. ow
on tha Nebraska bill.
Hr. Harris, of Mississippi, said be was among
those who retnsa to recognize the Compromise
Measure* of 1860, the measure of justice between
tha North and Booth. He had been the enemy of
all Compromise*. H* was, however, free to *c
knowledge he had yielded; to them seen act of
submission, because be was told they were to be
tha bittor end of all farther agitation. But now
they are made the pretext of a trech quarrel. He
apok* from reoollectkm when lie Mid that the
lliaaonri Act ol 18S0 was regarded as a Compro
mise for many long year*. If he wm at fault, he
was tha btindMi man that aver lived. Under eight
Presidential terms it remained m a oom promise.
H* had infinitely more respect for that, if be
should go info tha motives wh ch indeaad it* pa*
tgee, than he bad lor tha Compromise of 1850, but
from tho s perches of gentlemen he began to doubt
whether It waa aver a Compromise, and ha almost
doubted whether it waa aver passed by Congress
•tail. (Laughter.) But it is idle to expend our
Hg, with the investigation of tact* connected with
than* who have passed away. We have taken up
tho eras* of progress and must say “let tbe dead
her- the dead." It is in Ike power of ingenious
aoa H-"**' 1 gentlemen to take op the facta of
history wt make them like tbe cla-* in the Ka
laidaaoopo, to reflect any shape which caprice or
W Ha JaadsouJ^hTilie floor to itata his objection* to
the Nebraska bill; although heat first did not
wish to conned himself with thesubject He had
not been disposed to interfere and embarrass the
author and friends ol the measure, bat be hoped
they might get control end amend the bill. His
the otoer speedilyf ° fit one 01
It# author pushed forward the bi'l in the Senate
where it had a good time. Whether the anthor
should lose or win the bill, he never would ioeehis
(llarns) respect. He did not care if Douglas waa
a candidate for the presidency, aod did not see
why a man shou d be abused like a pickpocket
because he aspires to the highest place in the
country. [Laughter.]
If ambition is worth anything, let it be directed
to the highest point. The bill parsed that enlight
ened and worthy body, and he well recollected the
day it waa received in the House. The bill was
brought here by the Messenger, and the Messen
ger came in company with the bill. (Laughter.)
The doorkeeper announced the communication
from the Senate, and tbe gentleman who brought
it bowed, and after stating that the Benate had
passed the bill made another polite bow and re
tired.
The bill was the ’ gentiy laid on the table, but
after awhile it was taken up, and like a shot
it was dropped into the water ; it went down into
the deep bosom of tbe committee of the whole. —
Laughing geotlemen wondered at the descent—but
he was at any moment ready to bring the matter
up for repair. It should not be left to harden in a
cfarysaliis state; that would be worse than leaving
a girl half conrted or half-married, (laughter ;)
without concluding ho gave away for a motion
that tho committee rise, which prevailed, and the
House adjourned.
IN BENATE 7777 April 25.
Messrs. Wade and Brodhead presented petitions
against the Nebrasksbill.
Mr. Hamlin presented the memorial of Robert
Forbes, in lavor of schools for young men to be
reared as seamen.
Mr. Brodhead preeented the memorial of the
Franklin Institute of Pennsylvania relative to
coinage.
Mr. Johnson reported a bill amending the act,
£ ranting pre-emption rights to the settlers on the
Uison Rouge grant in Louisiana. Taken up and
passed.
Mr. Cooper presented seven memorials against
tbe Nebraska bill.
Also remonstrances against any change of duty
on sheet iron.
Mr. Morton's resolution, directing an enquiry as
to the expediency vs erecting a Marine Hospital at
Pensacola was adopted.
Mr. Lodge, of lowa, reported a bill granting
lands to Mississippi in lieu of tbe deficiencies in pre
vious grants for school purposes.
The Bill was taken up and made to apply to all
States, and {hen passed.
Tbe Bill granting land for the indigent insane
was signed by tbe presiding officer.
The senate went into Executive session at lielf
past 12 o’clock.
A massage was received from the President
transmitting certain suggestions of the Attorney
General, as to the modification ot the manner of
oonductingjudiciai business of tbe United States.
Tbe general recommendation is that the Attorney
General’s offloe be made a department of the Go
vernment and that all Executive judicial power bo
vested therein. Referred.
At 8 o’clock tho doors were opened and the Se
nate adjourned.
The Gadsden Treaty was ratified during the
session, but in what precise form is not known,
as the injunction ol secrecy haa not beon re
moved.
HOUSE.
Mr. Ewing, by unanimous consont, introduced
u resolution requesting the President of the United
State*, if not incompatible with the public interests
to inlorm this House what stops, if any, have been
taken by this Government to secure the permanent
acknowledgment by treaty, of the rights of nou
irals by the Governments of Great Britain and
Franco ; and what dogree of #u icoss has attended
such efforts, if uuy have been mude. ,
Resolved, farther, that the President be request
ed if not incompatible with the public interests, to
inform this House whether, in any particular, the
Government of Great Britain has assumed to act
for Spain in the negotiations consequent upon tho
seizure of the Black Warrior?—what degree of re
sponsibility that Government has assumed in the
matter, and if in assuming to act for Spain, upon
whut pretext if any i- alleged.
Mr. Ewing had but one word to say in regard to
this subject. He hud drawn up the resolutions and
submitted them to the members of tho committee
ot Foreign Atfairs, as well us to others out of the
House, and they regarded them os a matter of prac
tical importance. He thought the tiros had now ar
rived for practical action. It had been said our able
representative at the court of Great Britain nus been
endoavoring to pcrtect such a treaty. It hud been
intimated thutowiugto mutual jealousies such nego
tiations would fail. lie believed thutsecrot diplo
macy i# ot no advantage. We can gain nothing
by it. The people of this country should plant
themselves on tlieir righto, and in asserting, should
yield nc part of them.
Mr. lugeisoll moved that tiie resolutions be re
ferred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.—
Agreed to.
she House then went into Committee of the
whole on the Deficiency Bill.
Tho galleries crowded to hear Mr. Benton.
Mr. Benton rose. The members crowded round,
und all is anxiety to hour him on tho Nebraska
tluestion, on which he prooeoded to address tho
House at great length.
Mr. Benton said if any bill to impair the Mis
souri Compromise line of 1820, hud been brought
into this House by a member from a slave State, or
under tho administration ot a President elected
from a slave State, I should have deemed it my
duty to have melit at tho threshho d and to have
made tho motion which tho paliamentary law pro
scribes for the repulse of subjects which are not fit
to be considered ; I should have moved its rejoo
lion at tho first reading. But the bill before us,
for this too may be cousiderod ns one, does not
come Irom thut quarter. It comes fromu Iroo State
aud under the administration of a President elect
ed from a free State, and under thut aspect of its
origin, I deemed it right to wait and hear what tho
uiombers of the free States had to say to it. It wus
a proposition from their own ranks, to give up
their half of the slavery compromise of 1920, and
if they chose to do so, 1 did not seo how Southern
members could refuse to accept it.
It wus a free State question, and the member#
from tho free States were the majority, and could
do as they pleased. So I stood aloof, waiting to
boo their load, but without the slightest intention
. of being governed by iU I had my own oonvio
. tioDB of right and duty, and mount to aot upon
them. 1 had oome iuto politioal life upon that
compromise, 1 had stood upon it above thirty
1 years, und Intended to stand upon it to the end,
"solitary and alone" if need bo. (Applause and
laughter.) But preferring company to solitude,
: und not doubting for an instant what the result
! was to be.
I have said that this bill comes into Congress
under the administration of a froeState l’r- nidont;
but I do not metm to sny or insinuate by that re
mark, that tho President favors tho bill. 1 know
nothing of bis disposition toward* it, and if 1 did,
I should not disclose it here. It would be unparlia
mentary and a breach of the privilege ot this House
to do so. The President’s opinions can only bo
made known to u* by bimseif in a message in
writing. In that way it is his right, and often
bis duty to communicate with us. And in
that way there is no room for mistake in citing his
opinions ; no room for an unauthorized use of his
name; no room for the imputation of contradicto
ry opinions to him ; and in that way he becomes
responsible to the American peoplo for the opin
ions 1m may deliver. All other modes of commu
nication aro forbid to him us tonding to an nudue
and unconstitutional interference with the freedom
ot legislation.
It is not bribery alone attempted upon amember
which constitutes a breach of tho privileges of this
House. It is any attempt to operate upon a mem
ber’s vote by any consideration of hope or tear,
fovor or a fraction, prospect of reward, or dread of
punishment. This is parliamentary law as old as
tho English parliaments, constantly maintained by
tlie British House of Commons, and lately declared
in a most signal manner. It was during tho reign
of onr old master, George tho Bd, and in the fa
mous csso of Mr. Fox’s East India bill. A roport
waa spread in Parliament by one of the lords or the
bed-olmmber, tha the King waa opposed to the
hill, that be wished it dotcuted, and had said that
lie would consider any member his enemy who
should vote for it. Tho House of Commons took
fire at this roport and immediately resolved “That
to roport any opinion or protended opinion of his
tutyesty upon any bill depending in either House
of Parliament is a hixh crime und misdemeanor,
derogatory to the honor of tho crown, a broach of
tho fundamental privileges ol parliament and sub
vorsivooflbo constitution of tho country.
This rMolve was adopted in a full house, by a
majority of seventy three votes, and was only de
claratory of existing parliamentary law ; such as it
had existed from the time that the English counties
and boroughs fl rat sent kuigiits of the shire and bur
gesses to represent them in tbe Parliament House,
it is an old English parliamentary law, and is so
rooordod by Hatseli and all the writers on that
law. It is also American law, as old as our Con
frees, and as such recorded in Jefferson’s Manuel.
t is honest law, and as such existant in every
honest heart.
Sir, the President of tbe United States can send
us no opinions except in written messages, and no
one can report his opinions to influence the con
duct of the members upon a bill without becoming
obnoxious to the censure which the British House
ol Commons pronounced upon the Lord of the
bod chamber in the case ot the King and the Fox
East India bill. Nor can the President’s secre
taries, his bead clerks, as Mr. Randolph used to
C«jl them, send us their opinions on any subject
of legislation depending bolero us. They can on
ly report, sad that in writing, ou the subjects
referred to them bylaw or by a vote of the two
Houses- Non-intervention is their duty in rela
lion to our legislstion, if they atte opt to intervene
in any of our busmens! must be allowed for one
to repulso the attempt and to express lor it no
higher degree ol respect than that Mr. Burke ex
pressed for the opinions ot a British Lord Chan
cellor delivered to the House of Commons, in a
oaae in whieh be had no concern.
Sir, 1 suppose I can be allowed to repeat on this
floor any degree ol comparison or figure of speech
which Ur. Burke could use on the floor of the
British House ot Commons. He was a classic
spanker and besides that, the author of a treatise
ou tha sublime and beautiful, though I do no
consider the particular figure which 1 have to re
peat, although just and picturesque iu itself, to bo
a perfect illustration of either branch es his admi
red treatise. It wa»iu reference to LordThurlow.
who had intervened in some legislative business
contrary to tbe oiator’s sense ot right and decency.
Mr. Bnrke repulsed the intrusive opinion and
declared that he-‘did not care three jumps of a
louse’ - for it. Sir, lsav the same of any opinion
which may i\s reported here from our Secretaries,
or anv bill dependfov before us, and that in any
form in which it may oome from them, whether
as a unit or as integers,
Still less do I admit tha right of intervention in
onr legislative duties in another cits* of intermed
dlers and who might not be able to meddle at al!
with onr business were it not for ibe ministration
of onr bounty. I speak of the public printers who
get their daily broad and that battered on both
aides bv our daily printing, and who require the
Democratic members of this Louse, under the in
stant penalty of political damnation, to give in
their adhesion to every bill which they call *ftd
minietmiion/' and tbit, in every change it may
undergo, although more e* angeahle thsu the
moon. For that class of intermedd ere I nave no
parliamentary law to administer nor any quotation
from Burke to apply,—nothing but a littie lableto
read the value of which, a» in ali good fables lies
in its moral. It is in French and entitled “L’ane
et son maitre’* which being done iuto English,
signifies “ Tkt a*s and kit rrunttr;'' and ruusthus:
“An ass took it into his head to scare his
m**ier,%nd put on a lion’s akin, and went and
atocd in the path. And when he saw his master
coming he > commenced roaring, as ho thought:
but he onlv brayed; and the master knew it was
hi mm ap to him with a cudgel, and
beat him JT e * r, J t 0 <Bath
Thai ie the enJ ot tlie *»ble, and the moral of it
in, “a caution to ail as»*d? °* re how they
undertake to scare their jGreat ap
plause.]
Mr. Chairman, this House will have fallen ta»‘
below its constitutional mission, if it supers itself
to be governed by authority, dragooned by its
own hirelings. lam a man of no bargains, but
act openly with any man that acts for the public
good; and in this spirit, I offer the right hand of i
political friendship to every member ot this body ■
that will stand together to vindicate its privilege.*,
protect its respectability and maintain it in the
high place for which it was intended—the master
branch of the American Government*
ihe question before us is to get rid of the Mis
souri compromise line; and to a lawyer that is an
easy question. That com promise is in the form
of a statute ; and one statute is repealable by
another. That short view is enough for a lawver.
Toa statesman it issomething d.fferent; and refers
the question ©fits repeal not to law books, but to
reasons of fen ate policy—to tbe circumstances un
der which it was enacted, and the consequences
which are to flow from its abrogation. This oom
SromiM of 1820 is not a mere statute, to Let for a
ay; it was intended for perpetuity, and *o de
clared itself. It la an enactment to settle aeon
troversy—and did settle it—and cannot be abro
gated without rexiving that controversy.
It haa given tbe country peace for above thirty
yean; bow many years oi disturbance will its
abrogation bring ? That is the statesman's ques
tion ; and without assuming to be much of a
statesman, I claim to be enough so to consider the
consequences of breaking a settlement which pa
cified acootinent. I remember tbe Missouri con
troversy, and bow it destroyed all social feeling,
and all capacity for beneficial legislation, and
merged all political principle in an angry contest
about slavery—dividing the Union into two parts,
and drawing up the two halves into opposite and
confronting lines, like enemies on the field of
battle. Ido not wish to see such times wain, and
therefore, am against reviving them by breaking
up the settlement which quieted them.
Five times in the beginning of this century—
five different times, and without any distinction
between northern and southern members —did
Congress refuse to “impair" tbe slavery compro
mise of 1787, notwithstanding five times asked
for by the people of tbe Territory. Oh, squatter
sovereignty I where were you then ? It was a case
for you to have shown your head—to have arisen
in your might—and established your supremacy
for ever. It was a case cf a convention ol the sov
ereigns themselves; and neither this convention
i or 'he Congress had a dream of their sovereign
ty. Tho convention petitioned Congress as a
ward would its guardian, or children under age
would petition their lathe), and Congress answer
ed like a good guardian or a good father, that it
would not give them an evil, although they begged
for it. Beuightod times these, and infinitely be
hind the present age. The mare’s nest had not
been found iu which has been laid the marvellous
egg out of which has been hatched the nonde
script fowl, yclept, “squatter sovereignty.” The
illustrious principle of non-intervention had not
then been invented. The ignoramuses of the day
had never beard of it, though r.ow to be learned
in every born book, aod, 1 believe, no where else
but in tbe born-books.
Five times in the beginning of this century did
Congress refuse to impair tbe slavery compromise
of 'B7; and now, in the middle of the century,
and after thirty years of peace under the Missouri
compromise-tbe offspring end continuation of that
of'B7—we are calledupon, not merely to impair, for
eseasoD, but to destroy forever, a far greater
compromise—extending to far more territory—and
growing out of necessities far more pressing.
And how called upon 1 Not bv the inhabitants—
not by any one homan being living, or expecting
to livo on the territory to be affected—but upon a
motion in Congress—a silent, secret, limping,
halting, creeping, squinting, impish motion—con
ceived in the dark—midwifed in a committee
room, and sprung upon Congress and the country
in the style in which Gny Fawkes intended to
blow up the Parliament bouse with hiß five hun
dred barrels of Gunpowder hid in tho cellar under
the wood.
My answer to such a motion is to be found in
the whole volume of my political life. I have
stood upon the Missouri compromise for above
thirty years; and meau to stand upon it to the
end of my life; and in doing so shall art, not only
according to my own cherished oonvietions of
duty, but according to the often declared convio
lionsof the General Assembly of myßtate.
I should oppose any movement to impair that
compromise, made in an open, direct, manly man
ner ; much more shall I oppose it if made in a
covert, indirect, and unmanly way. The bill, or
bills before us, undertake to accomplish their ob
ject without professing it—upon reasons which
are contradictory aud unfounded—in terms which
are ambiguous and inconsistent—and by throwing
on others the responsibility oi its own act. It pro
fesses not to interfere with the sovereign right
of tiie people to legislate tor themselves; and the
very first line of this solemn profession throws
upon them a horse-load of law, which they have
no right to refuse, or time to read, or money to
purchase, or ability to understand.
It throws upon them all the laws of the United
Slates which are cot locally inapplicable; and that
oomprebends all that ar i not specially made for
other placis; also, it gives them tho Constitution
of the ÜBitod States, but without the privilege of
voting at presidential or congressional elections, or
of makiDg their own judiciary. This is non-in
terference with a vengeance. A community to bo
buried under a mountain of strange law, and cov
ered with a constitution under which they are not
to have one single political right. Why this cir
cumlocution? This extension ot a mountain of
irrelevant law, with tiie exception of the only one
relevant and applicable? Sir, it is the crooked,
insidious, and pusillanimous way of effecting the
repeal of tho Missouri compromise line. It in
cludes all law for the sake of leaving out one law
und effects a repeal by an omission, and legislates
by an exception.
It it a new way ot repealing a law, and a bung
ling attempt to smuggle slavery into the Territory,
and all theconntry out to tbe Canada fine and up
to tho Rocky Mountains. The crooked line of this
process is this: “abolish tbe compromise line and
extend the Constitution over the country: the Con
stitution recognizee slavery, therefore, slavery is
established as soon as tbe line is abolished, and
tbe Constitution extended: and being put thero by
the Constitution it cannot bo legislated out.” This
is the English of this smuggling process; and cer
tainly nothing moro unworthy of legislation—more
derogatory to a legislative body—wus ever attempt
ed to be made into law. Bir, the Constitution wus
not made for Territories, but for States.
its provisions are all applicable to States, and
cannot be put iu operation in Territories. They
cannot vole for President, or Vico President, or
members of Congress, nor elect their own officers,
or prescribe the qualifications of votois, or admin
ister their own laws by their own judges, sheriffs
and attorneys; and the clause extending tho Con
stitution to them is a cheat und an illusion, and a
trick to smuggle slavory into the Territory. Nor
is it intended that they shall have any legislative
right under the Constitution; even iu relation to
slavery. They may admit it because it is to bo
there by the Constitution; they cannot exclude it
because the Constitution puts it there. That is the
argument; and it is a juggle worthy ot tbe triek
of one egg under three hats at the same time—and
under neither at any timo. Besides, the Constitu
tion iB an organic, not an administrative art. It is
a code of principles, not of laws. Not a clause iu
it can bo exocuted except by virtue of a law made
under it—not even the clause for recovering fugi
tive slaves.
Bat I am not yet done with the beauties of this
mode of repealing a law by an exception. There
is a furthor consequence to be detected in it. The
Missouri compromise oonsists of two distinct parts;
first, an abolition of slavery in all the ancient Lou
isiana north and west of Missouri; secondly, a
provision lor the recovery of fugitive slaves in the
territory made free. By the omitted extension of
this section, both theso parts are repealed. A
tract of country larger than the old thirteen At
lantic States. and bordering a thousand miles on
the British dominions, is made an asylnm for fu
gitive slaves. There will be no law to recover a
slave from all that vast region. The constitutional
provision is limited to States: the prov cion in the
acbof 1787 is limited to the Northwest Territory:
the second part of the Missouri compromise ex
tended this right to all the territory north and west
of Missouri ; and that being repealed, that right
of recovery is lost. I object to this on the part of
the State Missouri—tho State to be most injured
by converting all the territory north and west of
her, quite out to the British line, into an asylum
for runaway slaves. The blunder cannot be cor
rected (at least in the opinion of thoso who deny
tho constitutional power of Congress to legislate
on slavery in Territories) by an act of Congress.
Then comes the reason for excepting the Missou
ri compromise from the extension which is given
to a muss of laws which are not there, and denied
to itself which is there. It the reason had been be
cause it was already there, it would have been a
logical and comprehensive reason ; but that is not
the cause assigned; and those which are assigned
are actually numerous and curious, and worthy of
examination. First, because it was supperceded by
certain acts of 1850; next, that it is inconiutent
with those sets; then that it is inoperative; and
liuully, that it never was there, being dead in
its birth under the Constitution, and void from
the beginning. * • * * * »
And what is all this botch potch for! It is to
establish a principle, they say—the principle of
non-intervention—of squatter sovereignty. Sir,
there is no such principle. The territories are tho
children of the States. They are minors under
twenty-one years of age; and it is the bnsiness of
the Slates, through their delegation'in Congress to
take euro of these minors until they are of age—
until they are ripe for state government—then give
them that government, and admit them to
equality with their fathors. That is the law, and
tho sense of the case, and has been so acknowl
edged since the first ordinance in 1784, by all au
thorities, Federal and State, legislative, judicial,
and executive. The Stales in Congress are the
guardians of the Territories, and are bound to ex
ercise the guardiauship; and cannot abdicate it
without a breach of trust and a dereliction of duty.
Territorial sovereignty is a monstrosity, born of
timidity and ambition, hatched into existence in
the hot incubation of a presidential canvass, and
revolting to the beholders when first presented.
Well do I remember that day when it was first
shown in tho Senate. Mark Antony did not belter
remember the day when Csesar first put on that
mantle through which he was afterwards pierced
with three and twouty “envious stabs.” It was in
the Senate in 1848, and was received as nonsense
—as the essenceof nonsense—as thequintessenee of
nouessonce—as the five-times distilled essence of
political nonsensicality. Why, sir, the Territory
itsolf is the proporty of the States, and they do
what they please with it—permit it to be settled or
not, as they please ; cut it up by lines, aa they
please; sell it, or give it away, as they please;
chase white people irom it, as they please. After
this furago—this ullapodrida— comes a little stump
spoech; injected into the belly of the bill which
must have a prodigious effect when recited in the
prairies, ana oat towards the frontiers, and up to
wards tho heads of the creeks. 1 will read it, and
I hope without fatiguiug the House; for it is both
brief and beautiful, ana ruoa thus:
“It being the true iutenl and meaning of this
act not to legislate slavery into any State or Terri
tory, nor to exclude it therefrom; bnt to leave the
people thereof perfectly free to form and regulate
their domestic institutions iu their own way, sub
ject oulv to the Constitution of the United Biates.”
i his is the speech, and a pretty little thing itself,
and very ptoperto be spoken from a stump in tho
pruirie. It has intent, and a true intent; which is
neither lo legislate slavery into, or ont of any State
or Territory. Then why legislate at all! Why all
this disturbance if no effect is produced, aud Uungs
to remain just as they were? Let well enough
alone, was the old doctrine; to make well enough
still better, is the doctrine of progress; and that in
spite of the Italian epitaph, which says; “I was
well, and would be better, took physic, and here I
am."
But tho States must be greatly delighted at the
politeness and forbearance of this bui. It puts
States and Terri toriea upon precisely equality with
respect to the powerof Congress over then. Con
gress does not mean to put slavery in or ont of any
State or Territory. To all that polito abnegation,
1 have to say that in respect of the States, it is the
snpererogation of modesty and humility, aa Con
gress happens to have no power to put slavery in
them, or out of them; and iu respect of tho Ter
ritories, it is an abdication of a constitutional
power and duty; it being the right of Congress to
legislate upon slavery in the Territories, and its
da y to do so when there is occasion for it—as in
1787 and 1820.
I object to this shilly-shally—wiily-won'ty—
don'ty-can’ty style of legislation. It is not legisla
tive. It is not parliamentary. It is not man
ly. It is not womanly. No woman would talk
that way. No shilly-shally in a woman. Nothing
of the female gender was ever boro young enough,
or lived long enough to get befogged in such a
quandary as this, it is one tiring or the other
with them; and what they ray they slick to. No
breaking bargains with them. Bat the end of
this slump speech is the best of the whole X)if
ferent tromgood milk, in which the cream rises to
the top, it here settles to the bottom, and is in
these words:
« Leave it to the people thereof, that is to say, of
tho States and of tho Territories, to regulate
slavery for themselves aa they please, only subject
to the Constitution of the United States.”
Certainlv this is a new subjection for the States.
Heretofore'they have teen free to regulate slavery
for themselves—admit it, or reject it; and that not
by virtue of any grant of power in the Constitution,
but by virtue oi an unsurrendered port of their
old sovereignty. It is also new of the Territories.
Heretotore they have been held to be wards of
and emitled to nothing under the Con
stitution buC I hat which Congress extend to them.
But this d.use is nuC *ecider;tly here; it is to keep j
up the dogma of ttoe'conatnC' ion * n Territories;
hut only there in relation to slavery L nd lb * t {or
us admission— not rejection.
Three dogmas now afflict the land; tidtiieti,
squalier sovereignty, non-intervention, and no
power in Congress to legislate upon slavery in
Territories. And this bill asserts the whole thiee.
and beautifully illustrates the whole three, by
knocking each one on the head with the other,
and trampling each under foct in ita turn. Sir,
the bill does deny squatter sovereignty, and ft doss
intervene, and does legislate upon slavery in Ter
ritories ; and for the proof oftbat, see the bill; end
see it, ss the lawyers ssy, p^nim ; that is to ssy
here, and there, aud everywhere. It ■ a biU of
assumptions and contradictions—assuming whst
is unfounded, and contradicting what it assumes
—and be lancing every affirmation by a negation.
It is a see-saw bill; bnt not the innocent see saw
which children play on » plank stuck through a
fence; bat the op end down game of politiciene,
played it the expense of the peace and harmony
of the Union, and to the sacrifice of ali business in
Congress. It is an amphibological bill, staffed
with.monstrosities, hobbled with contradictions,
and Badgered with a proviso.
Amphibology is a cause for the rejection of bills,
not only by Congress, but by the President when
carried to him for his approval. General Jackson
rejected one for that cause, and it was leas amphi
bological than this; it was the last night of the
last day of his last administration, and a quarter
before midnight. Congress had sent him a bill to
repeal the specie circular, and to inaugurate the
paper money of a thousand local bonks a< the cur
rency of the Federal Government. It was an ob
ject not to be avowed, nor to be done in any direct
or palpabie manner. Paraphrases, circumlocu
tion, ambidexterity, and ambiguity, were Decease
to cover up the design: and jt was piled on nnlil
it was unintelligible. The President read it, and
coold make nothing of it; he sent to his Attorney
Genera!, who was equally puzzled. He then re
turned it, with e message to the Senate, refusing
to sgn the bill for amphibology. We ahonld re
ject this bill for the same cause, tis for nothing
else. Hard is the fate of party fealty. It has to
keep np with the everchanging measure. Often
have these bills changed; and under every phase
they had to be received as a test of orthodoxy ;
and have more changes to undergo yet; and to
continue to be a test under alt mutations.
For seven'y years—since the year 1784, when
the organizing mind of Jefterson drew the first
ordinance—we bad a uniform method
of providing for the government of Territories,
ail founded upon the clause in the Constitution
which authorizes Congress to dispose of, and make
rules and regulations respecting territory and oth
er property of the United States. This mode of gov
eminent has consisted of three grades, all founded
in the right of Congress to govern them. Firet
grade: a Governor and judge,, appointed by the
United States, to adopt laws from other States, t 6
be in forse until disapproved by Congress. Se
cond grade: a Territorial |Legislature, when the
inhabitants shall amouDt to five thousand men
above tho age of twenty-one, composed of a coun
cil, partly appointed by the United States, and a
House of Representatives elected by the people, at
the rate of one representative for every five hun
dred voters, its legislation subject to the approval
of Congress. Third grade: entrance on the Slate
government, in full equality with the other Statea.
This is the way these Territories have been gov
erned for seventy years; and lam for adhering to
it.
And now what is tho excuse for all this distur
bance of the country ; this breaking up of ancient
compromises; arraying one half of the Union
against the other, and destroying the temper and
business of Congress t Wbat ia the excuse for ali
this turmoil and miachielf We aro told it is to
keep the question of slavery out of Congress I
G .1 '"odl It was out of Congress c-_ - ipTctely,
en rely, and forever out of Congress, unless Con- |
grass dragged it in by breaking down the sacred \
la# which settled it The question was settled
and done with. Thera wt.* not an 'ncL square of ,
territory in the Union on which it could be raised
without a bread' or aubibp jmise.
•Tn* ordi-,.v: >i ’B9 a tried ; t in all the remain
ing pan of the .Northwest Terrifor, jeyond Wis
consin, the compromise line of *6 deg. 30 iec. set
tied it in all thr, country north end west of Mis
souri to the Brlttebl . and uptotheßock Moun
tains;:;:; tgnn: - feegon, made by the peo
pit, enj s noth -til bv < ongrets, settled It in al> |
that region; the acts for the government of Utah
aud new Mexico settled it in those two territories;
the compact with Texas, determining the number
of slave Stales to be formed out of lhat citato, set
tled it there, and California si tt’.ed it for herself.
Now, whuro was there an inch square ot Territory j
w iu he United Stalee on which the question
could be raised ? Nowhere I Not an inch I The
question was settled everywhere, not merely by
law but by tact. The work was done, and there
was no way to get at the question but by undoing
the work. Noway for Congresß to get the ques
tion iu, for the purpose of keeping it out, but to
break down compromises which kept it out.
W hat advantage do the slave States expect from
this bill I Certainly they expect the extension of
slave power, and slave population. That may prove
a fallacious expectation. The question of slavery
in these Territories, if thrown open to territorial
action, will boa question of numbers—a question
of the majority lor or aguiust slavery; and what
chance would the slaveholders have in such a con
test ? No chauco at all. The slave emigrants will
be outnumbered, and compelled to play at a most
unequal game, not only iu point of numbers, but
also in point of stakes. Tbe slaveholder stakes his
property, aud has to run it off, or lose it, if outvo
ted at the polls. I see nothing which slaveholders
are to gain under this bill—nothing but an unequal
and vexatious oontest iu which they are to be
losers.
I deprecate such a contest, and did my part to
keep it out of the State of Missouri when her con
stitution was formed. I was not a member ol the
Convention, but was a chief promoter of the clause
which forbid tbe Legislature to emancipate slaves
without the consent of their owners. 1 promoted
that clause for tbe sake of poaoe—for the sake of
keeping the slavery question out of our elections
and legislation—lor the sake of preventing perpet
ual strife amongthe people. What I did for Mis
souri, I would do for the Territories; and if It was
an open question would vote one way or the other
to settle it; but it is not an open question, and can
not be opened without a breach of iailb, and the
destruction of the peace ol tho country.
Sir, the question has been decided. The free
States are against this bill; aud it is an ill return
for their past generous conduct to endeavor to
force it upon them. They have been not only jnst
but mugnauimous to the slave Slates. What was
the condition of the Slave States thirty years ago
in relation to the use of the soil within their limits ?
Debarred of a great part ol its use; an Indian
population covering more or less of almost every
Slave State, and preventing the expansion of its
population. W'hat iB it now t All relieved. The
Indians all gone; their lands all brought under the
dominion ot the white man ; and the area of slave
population and of slave cultivation, greatly in
creased—to the extent of a third or a fourth of its
soil in some of tho States.
How was this done I Certainly by the help of
tree State votes, (for it could not have been done
without them ;) by the help of their votes in pro
curing the appropriations, sad ratifying the trea
ties which the removal of tho Indians required.—
Missouri got her fine southwest quarter relieved
by those meanß. The same votes gave us the Platte
country ; seven fine counties added to the State,
and that by altering the compromise line toinclnde
it, and aotualiy converting lhat fine region trom
freesoil to slave soil. Northern votes enabled it to
be done; northern votes altered above a hundred
miles of the compromise line for onr benefit, upon
our request; and I will never be ungrateful to the
North tor it, nor requite it by a breach ot tbe line
to thoir prejudice.
And how did we obtain the northern votes
which were necessary for all these measures—the
appropriations and treaties for all these Indian re
movals, aud for that alteration of the compromise
line which gave ns tho beautiful Piatte country ?
How did the Missouri delegation of that day—the
most amiable and taldtitcd Dr. Linn and myself in
tbe Senate, and General Ashley, in the House—how
did we obtain that groat boon for our State? Did
we got these votes by belching abolitionism against
tbe North? Nol not wo got them by appealing
to the justice, and the fraternal feelings ot our
northern brethren, and to which we nover ap
pealed once in vain—who, in the last hard trial
to get the Chcrokees out of Georgia, gave nsfonr
teen affirmative votes to balance seven negatives
from the South, and saved tbe treaty by one vote.
And I, who was part of all these transactions, ac
customed to solicit northern votes, and express
thanks for them, will not now return them evil for
good by attempting to deprive them of their share
of a compromise which wo imposed upon them.
It is now four months since this movement for
the abrogation of tbe Missouri Compromise com
menced in this Congress. It began without a me
morial, without a petition, withsut arequset, from
a human being. It has labored long and hard in
these Halls, aud to this hour there is not a petition
for it from the class of States for whose benefit the
movement professes to have been made!—not a
word in its tuvor from the smallest publio meeting
or private assemblage of any slave State. This is
the response of the South to this boon tendered
to it by northern members under a northern Pres
ident. It is the icspouse of silence—more em
phatic than words—ai d worthy of especial note in
this debate. It argues well for the harmony of the
Union, aud goes'to show (what In fact has been
often seen) that tbe troubles of the country come
from uneasy politicians—its safety from the tran
quil masses.
Shortly after the expiration of the hour allotted
to Mr. Benton under the rule, and before he had
concluded, the House adjourned.
IN SENATE April 26.
Mr. Pearce reported a bill appropriating five
thousand dollars to purchase portraits of the first
five Presidents of the United States, painted by
Gilbert Stuart to be placed in the President’s
mansion. He said these paintings were originals,
and were, by persons skilled in the art, consider
ed valuable paintings. It was, bo thought, an ex
cellent opportunity to secure those paintings of
tho great men whose features could be so proper
ly held up to their successors as memorials of their
great virtues, which ought to bo imitated by all
f uture Presidents.
Mr. Pearce said he would have no objection to
including all the Presidents, if portraits of them
by competent artists could be procured. The pre
sent bill would be sufficient for the present. The
bill was then passed.
Mr. Fish moved that Friday next be fixed for
the consideration of adverse reports on private
claims. Agreed.
The Indian Appropriation Bill was taken up.—
Mr. Sebastian moved an amendment, that tbe Pre
sident be an horized to change the locations of any
Indian Superintendencies.
Mr. Stuart moved to amend that the officers of
the Government and the Superintendent of Indian
Affairs in Minnesota be separated.
A long debate ensued and Mr. Stuart’s amend
ment wan rejected.
The original amendment was amended by
adding that the President may separate the two
offices in Minnesota, in which case the Gover
nors salary shall be 2,500 dollars and was then
adopted.
Many other amendments, adding appropriations
to carry ont tbe treaties lately made with the Apa
ches, Camsnchea and oilier Southwestern Indians,
were adopted.
Mr. Sebastian offered an amendment to pay Go
vernor Gorman eight dollars per day while acting
as Commisaionerto investigate the charges againat
the late Governor Ramsay.
Mr. Bright earnestly opposed the amendment.
Messrs. Cooper and Sebastian supported it.
Chase and Hnnter opposed it, and the amendment
was rejected, ayes 3, noos not coanted.
The Bill was’postponed, and alter an Executive
session the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr. Honsion reported a bill making appropria
tions for t he Post Office Department service for the
next fiscal year. Referred to the Committee of
the Whole.
• Mr. Parker reported a bill to equalize the sala
ries of the United States District Judges. Re
ferred to tbe Committee ou the J udiciary.
The House resumed the consideration of the
motion to recommit Bennet’s bill, equalizing the
grants of land to the several States tor educational
and internal improvement purposes.
Mr. Bennett britfly explained bis bill, insisting
on tbe right of the old States to enjoy the benefits
of the p"nblic lands in common with the new;
without taking tbe question the House went into
committee on the deficiency bill.
Mr. Harris, of Mississippi, resumed his remarks
trom Monday, opposing the Nebraska bill on legal
grounds.
Mr. Hiester also spoke in opposition to the Ne
braska bill.
Mr. Taylor, of Ohio, said that, instead of pro
gressing with the business of Congress, as the
people demanded, they were tied down, day by
day, by a sectional question, of which, as a Whig,
be washed his hands, nor did he believe that the
party to which be belonged instigated it. This
was a sectional question, which far transcends in
importance any other since the Compromises of the
Constitution. " He did uot impute all the responsi
bility of Ihe introduction of the Nebraska bill to
Senator Douglas; there were other eminent men
who advocated it with equal zeal.
It was brought forward as an Administration
measure, to relieve it from the consequences of
its own conduct. At least such was bis opinion ;
and, in support of it, he quoted a remark hereto
fore made by Mr. Smith, of Virginia, that he [Mr.
Smith] “believed that this was an Administration
measure, aud that ail good Democrats would sup
port it j” and further he quoted remarss from the
sth 01 jfbrnuj last. He then opposed the repeal
ofthe Missouri compromise. If yon, he Mid, re
peal this, you will tot a precedent by which all
other compromises wUI be repeated, and which
wil leave ft to a numerical majority, and not to the
good sense and patriotism of the people.
He wished to stand on the compromise of 1850.
He gave his reasons lor opposing the Nebraaka-
Kansas Gill.
Mr. T.having eonciuded bis remarks, tbe com
mittee, at half past three o’clock, rose, and the
House adjourned.
IN BENATE April 37.
Mr. Weller presented tbe resolutions of the Le
gislature ol California, asking for increased mail
aciiitiee, and other local benefits.
Mr. Sumner prtaented memorials signed by the
executive and fitgMative officers of Maaeachueetta,
in favor of cheap oeaan postage. „
Mr Pratt presented the memorial of the Mayor
and City > ouncHs of Baltimore, asking sgrant of
land to aid in the establishment of juvenile reform
schools aud House# of refuge* ~ , ._ .
Mr. Fish present* : a memorial from Jews or
New York in favor of religious freedom.
A number of amendments were propoeed to the
bill of Mr. Sebestion, which were abated at con
siderable length, and «t» e clock the Senate ad
journed until Monday.
BOUSE.
The House resumed the oonrideration ofthe bill
granting lands to tho several States to aid in the
construction of railroad* and for ednoabon.
Mr. Everett reported i bill for the relief ot Henry
Guthery, which was taken up and passed-
Mr. Rusk presented the memorial of |the clerks
of the Washington city Poet Office, for increased
compensation. .... T
A Bill confirming# private land claim in Loui
siana was taken np inc passed.
A Bill incorporating lie National Ho .el Compa
ny in Washington city was taken np and pMM»*
The Indian Appropriation Bill was then taken
° P Mr. Disney took tbe loor on the bill and pro
ceedod to disease its merits »t considerable leDgtb,
when, on motion of Mr. Sapp, further considers
tion of tbe bill vis postponed until Tuesday
next.
The House then west info Committee of the
Whole on the Deficiency Bill and resumed the
consideration of the emendments of the Senate.
Mr. Smith, of VJrmaia, then took the floor,
and addressed tbe ■Committee on the Nebraska-
Kai sas bill. Ho rejoietd from the bottom of his
heart that there was some vindication to repair a
great wrong which has been perpetrated on the
South ; and expressed uis surprise and astonish
ment that gentlemen flbm that section of the coun
try were to be found in opposition to this mea
sure.
After Mr. Smith hsi ooncluded, Mr. Hughes
took the floor and add rowed the Committee in op
position to the Nebrmteabill.
The Committee then ro36j snd th® Hons® it 4
o’clock adjourned.
Wasxinoton, April 28.
The Senate is noHßwessftm to-dav, having yes
terday adjourned over to Monday. f
HOUSE.
Tbe House resumed the consideration of the
Bill granting land to tt4 several'States for inter
nal improvement and educational purposes.
Mr. Rogers spoke throughout tbe morning hour
in favor of the bill. In bis judgment, a gross
injustice baa been dim to the old Btates, there
fore he was for distributing the lands among all
the member* of the c i ?-*T rtoy. aooordmg o fed
eral renre-enla' ion. t swinlahe -'"neti'.irtlonrU
ana just.
Tbe House went i ito Committee nominally on I
tn* Deficiency bill.
Mi. Giddings rose to,# personal explanation, I
This was tho idgnsPf.V'i’i itlisnieu to crowd areood
him. *.
Alter having .cccr.-s* Mv. Undtb, of Virgin?** of
unmitigateo misr.prsfc'.'xt- is concerning Joan
Quincy A clears, and •i«.eud>«l the obstante* ~f the
deceased statesman, laying his fame was beyond
the puny arm of his assailant, he proceeded to
reply to the foilowirg e pxewion of Mr. Smith,
uttered yesterday
“Who does uot kaow mat the gentleman from
Ohio, when I was .n Co.gross some year* ago,
offered a resolution n • ’ t asserting that slaves
have the right to sltv t wive, and children o’
their masters ? Fat hn bo gentleman was re
buked by tbs House, an etired to hia constitu
ents ; bat after having been returned was afraid
to continue bis experimett.” /
It would be reoollecled,ssid Mr. Giddings, tbat
in 1842, during the administration ot John Tyler,
a demand was made by Uis Government for com
pensation in dollars and tents for blood, muscles,
bones, and nerves of ceriain persons on tbe Cre
ole, which sailed from lichmond for New Or
leans, but which was drivtn by stress of weather
into a British port where the slaves were libera
ted. Seeing that an attempt was made to involve
this Government in the traffio of hnman flesh—
which is held in detestation in the North—he of
fered a resolution, tbe gist of which was, that
slaves, when taken wittont tbe jurisdiction of
slave laws, become free inder a law of nature, and
have a right to assert thiir freedom wherever they
may be. There is uot l State the courts of which
have not proclaimed thil doctrine. It was so in
Louisiana.
Mr. Perkins, of Loniiiana, said such was the
practical decision under Louisiana law, bnt since
the abolition excitement commenced the law is
di'ectly the reverse of this.
Mr. Giddings replied. It did not matter, the
principle stands, and h» could prove this by going
back to deoisious for hundreds of years. It was
for asserting this princple tbat he was censored
by the Honse, not because what he bad asserted
was untrue.
Mr. Perkins said the decision in Lonisiana was
not to the effect of tho gettleman’s resolutions. It
was that a slave being voluntarily carried into a
free State, the owner fostsll power over him.
Mr. Giddings.—The gentleman is mistaken. I
understand better than hi does. A gill was treed
by being taken to France.
Mr. Perkins. This is a free State.
Mr. Giddings. No, it » an empire. [Langh
ter.] He then refuted th) charge of Mr. Smith
that after receiving the rebike ofthe House be was
returned by a diminished najority, and said tbe
gentleman baa forgotten hit place. He was not on
a plantation here, with awhp in hand flourishing
it over the shoulders of stems. His (Giddings’)
constituents had endorsed lim for twenty years.
Os the two hundred and twraty members at the
commencement of that period only he was spared
a monument.
The gentleman from Virginia at the end of the
Congress that passed the censure disappeared;
after 10 years repose had beet thrown up by tbe
political storm of 1852, bright ts ever, and he was
now the “whipper in” of thi administration.—
[Laughter.] With jockey cap and in fall dress
and Bpurs, he undertakes to drive every man right
up to the line, saying “go it." [Renewed laugh
ter.] He vindicated himself from tbe charge that
be bad failed to repeat hie experiments, quoting
from former speeohes to show that during every
Congress he had not relaxed in his fearless aboli
tion expressions. He challenged Mr. Smith to
maintain his position, and eaid that the gentleman
had fabricated misrepresentations oat of bis ster
ile brain, and bad plunged in the mire of false
hood.
Mr. Taylor, of Tennessee, wished to ask the
chair a question, He believed m tbe freedom of
speech, but was taught to believe in a deliberative
body of this sort they were governed by the rules
of decorum. Wee the gentleman in order! [Cries
of too late 1 go on! go onl]
Mr. Giddings said he bed nothing more to say.
He migbt stand here till to-morrow and be oould
not command language to reach the gentleman from
Virginia.
Mr. Smith obtained the general cODsentto reply.
The crowd around Mr. Giddings now shifted
their scats to tbe immediate vicinity of Mr. Smith
causing much confusion during the moving pro-
Quiet being restored, Mr. Smith said: The gen
tleman from Ohio bad exhausted the vocabulary
of vulgarity and bad shown thst his tirade of de
famation and scandal was not lerrned from'an
association with gentlemen, but with free ne
groes. Having repeated, what he said yesterday,
he remarked that he had referred to Messrs.
Adams and Giddings as [illustrations of the abo
lition spirit, and had no oocasion or design to mis
represent them. Parliamentary courtesy requir
ed him to say “tbe honorable gentleman,” but be
meant in using this term not to refer to the mem
ber from Ohio.
As to John Quincy Adams, he declared in de
bate on the 22d February, 1844, “Let abolition
oome, even at the expense of the blood of the
entire slave holding section of this Union.” This
was an outrage on every element of hnmanity, and
was moral treason to the Constitution of the Re
public. The sentiment finds a response only in
the bosom of the member from Ohio, who though
professing good nature, has shown the malignity
of s cowardly fiend.
Mr. Smith referred to his own retirement for ten
years, saying he had not sought a seat in Congress,
and that without any solicitation whatever, on his
part, he was elected Governor of Virginia. Re
curring to the obnoxious resolutions which Mr.
Giddings offered twelve years ago, be said that
Horace Everett, from Vermont, asked to be ex
cused from voting on them, and expressed his
deep abhor rence of the firebrand which had thus
been thrust on the Hoase. When the member
from Ohio conld act to provoke such condemnation
from a man engaged in the same common cause,
what must have be°n the damnation of conduct of
the member from Ohio, who, amid the howling
storm which bis foul and atrocious conduct pro
voked, withdrew his resolution.
He went home to get the rebuke of his people,
or to get the double mileage. It was supposed that
he obtained it, of course. No moral force conld
restrain him from it. He comes from a quarter
where all the money got in that way is adeargain.
[Laughter.] But the House was not satisfied with
the cowardly retreat of the member. They passed
a resolution saying the resolutions of Mr. Giddings
justified rapine and murder, and that he deserved
not only the condemnation of the country, but of
that body in particular.
Mr. Smith alluded to other proceedings in this
connexion; quoted from Mr. Giddings 1 last speech
to show he justified bloodshed In rehalf of the
slave, and in conclusion, said, I believe in my sonl
slavery is neither a more 1 , social or politioaf evil.
I believe that the white race is elevated by the in
stitution, and that it is neoessary to the negro to
make use of him. I believe that it is God’s insti
tution. Has there ever been a prosperous nation
without slavery! If we get young men from the
North before they are spoiled, we may make men
of them. This institution operates like a charm
on the negroes. Many of them are worthy of con
fidence and respect.
We have a black family servant who put to blush
white servants. They are valueless the moment
you knock the shackles off. I can favorably oon
irast the well raised slave of the South with the
free negro of the North. Free a well raised slave,
and in nine cases out of tan, he will beoome a
vagabond. I would say to the gentleman, spare
us from language eloquent and polished like that
of the member from Ohio, -ftie* hot this hall be
again disturbed by such remarks as we have beard
to-day. I appeal to Northern gentlemen, in the
name of God and our common oountry, to give us
our equal rights, and they shall nevsr hear a word
of complaint from ns.
Mr. Oiivsr, of Missouri, rsehmad the floor, hav
ing given sway for the explanations, which
consumed nearly two hours. Many members
now started ont for dinner, leaving only forty-four
present.
A motion was made that Committee nee, as Mr.
Oliver was bodily indisposed, but it was said in
opposition to this that debate on the Deficiency
bill was ordered to dose pext Tuesday, end,
therefore, further time should be allowed for dis
cussion. . . ...
Mr. Sapp delivered his view* sgainst the repeal
of ihe Missouri compromise end in opposition
generally to the Nebraska bill, declaring it did not
contain the non-intervention principle.
The Committee then roee.
The Speaker laid before the House a message
from the President of the United States, enclosing
copies of a oorrsspondenoe between the British
Minister and the State and Treasury Departments
relative to the expediency of further measures for
the safety, heel' h and comfort of emigrant* by sea,
and commending the subject to the consideration
of Congieas. Referred to the Committee on Com-
A motion was made by "Wade that the
H Mr 6 Leicbersaid he should like to make , speech
out of order against the Deficiensy Bil 1, if be could
as oniy one little speech baa yet been made on the
merits of that measure since its retnnr from the
Senate. The remark excited
The House then adjourned until Monday.
Ex.vdall’sjCottok et-chins.
the joint inventiqn of Charles
Dr.lß. Mercer, of Lee a* o **?' ri™
forrough, dropping the cotton seed, and oo ermg
“tE; machine is simple * “ d h^
ly kept in repair. It is easily
ini it compass the process otpfsnring as it p»-
ses. On Monday last, we “"*!"**
ootton fields in Lae county, wbk* s“4.**!*?*“*-
ed with this machine, vix: “o™’. *’
Dr. L. B. Mercer’s and Mr. WUJmm Owen a A
good stand of Cotton in each row was “*• *"*
FoV line, that looked like
serosa the field. The succeee of the Cotton Planter
is considered complete. , rn ... It
The advantages
sav ? a large proportion ei»e g™***
used in planting. Bd. H
planting—one hand and borsedomgneiaow oi
three hind, mid two
in chopping oat gndooUi*xt-Bg
doubt not that all cotton plant** l will adopt iL_
Albany Patriot.
“it is" paid that the oelebrated nsgro songstress,
the "Black 3<ean," is sboqt to be married to a
white goose, of a Londoner.
WEEKLY
Cjjrmudt & ihtmcL
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA.
WEDNESDAY MORNING MAY 2, 1854.
Savannah River Valley Railroad.
Our remarks on Wednesday in relation to tbe pro
priety of Augusta's aiding in the building cf this
road, were penned without any positive knowledge
of what the stockholders of the road proposed, to
induce the city and citizens of Augusta to embark
their capital in the enterpriae; bat upon the sup
position, that they had or would “ manifest a pro
par disposition” in the location of the depot in
Hamburg, to attain that object. W e had then not
confered with any one connected with the road.
We have since, however, obtained direct and pos
itive data, which we shall now proceed to submit
for the information of onr citizens—from which it
will be apparent to all intelligent and unbiassed
minds, that tbe matter is resolved into the simple
question, whether the depot shall be one hundred
and fifty or five hundred and fifty yards from
Broad-street.
The proposition made to our City Council was:
That Augusta should subscribe $500,000, and
that the depot would bs located opposite the foot
of Jackson- street, on the East bank of the river,
(Walker’s Warehouse,) the highest point of land
in Hamburg, and would bnild and lceep up a Free
Bridge, provided Augusts would give the landing
at the foot of Jackson street.
This is the substance of the proposition—let ns
consider it fairly and impartially. The subscription
oan be made in tbe 7 per cent. Bonds of the city,
which the Company would take at par, because
they would bring tbat price in the market. The
interest alone would have to be provided for,
whiob has besn already done by tbe action of tbe
stockholders in binding themselves to pay 7 per
cent, interest on all instalments of stock from the
date of payment till the completion of tbe road,
which interest is to be paid annually. Thus it
wonld only amount to a loan of tbe city’s credit,
if the.atiw* should prove ngood investment, which •
noon* #-c has examined the enbjco*. question*.
As the depot would be located immediately on ;
the bank of the ri *or, tbe bridge would be better
than a pterjt road, aud would term a complete j
paved way into Augusta. The depot woaid there- j
fore be as near, or nearer, and of easier aocees to |
the center and business portion of this city, iu- 1
ctr-llng all the Ware-Houses, except two than i
the depots ofthe Georgia and Waynesboro Roa.le
The stockholders will not oonsent to cross the
river, and build a second depot in Augusta—they .
will rather seek aid from other snd eonflietidg
points, vrhion they can undoubtedly obtain to the
prejudice of Augusta. But *vhat would be the e<.
fact, even if they were.wilting to cross the river a..
srect a depot on this side ? The Company would
be oompelled to purchase a location at a high price,
(certainly a very large amount of money,) if any
where near the center of the city, to whten would
be added the expense of the extra depot. Where
as by their proposition the additional expense
wonld be the Coßt of the bridge : the difference be
tween the two would be one hundred to one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, one-third of
Augusta's subscription, to tbe prejudice of tbe
Company.
If tho proposition ofthe stockholders be accept
ed, onr drays and omnibuses, can and will trans
port freight and passengers at the same expense
they will charge from a depot in Augusta, and the
major part of both will be as certain to reach Au
gusta as if the depot be located within her limits,
because being upon a perfect equality with Ham
burg, so far as charges are concerned, there tan bo
no inducement to prevent their seeking the larger
market, and that which affords tho greater facili
ties for business. Passengers will come to Au
gusta because of the greater extent of hotel accom
modations, and tbe greater facilities of departure
on any and all ofthe railroads diverging from this
point; and the latter consideration will, to a great
extent, control the produce seeking a market
either in Augusta or Hamburg.
No one questions that the road when completed,
oonneeted as it is with the Rabun Gap and. Gree
nville roads, will bring an immense trade to this
point, which will be forovor lost to us it the road
be not built—or bo built nnderauspices unfavora
ble to onr interests. Hence, regarding ls we do
the propoaition of tho stockholders a fair and
liberal one, we think AugQ3ta ought, in justice to
her own interest, to accept it, and lot the road be
completed at tbe earliest possible day.
Hamburg has secured the chartor, a good one,
she and her citizens have embarked their capital
and energies in the enterprise, as a measure of self
preservation, and it is unfair, illiberal and unjust,
that we should ask her to out her own throat, for
our benefit. We may be both mutually and large
ly benefitted by a wise and liberal policy, and it is
the part of prudent and sagaeious men to adopt
suoh a policy. Think of it, and think well before
you decide against tho proposition.
Aid to Warrantor!.
On* of the highest duties of a good oitizen and
true Christain is to dispense charity, to make the
heart of the depressed and the deatitute rejoico
with gladness. Such acts make bettor men aud
women of all classes, both of the donors aud the re
cipient*. Hence we should omit no opportunity
to do such good acts, whenever and wherever there
is necessity for their display. We, therefore, take
especial pleasure, in inviting the attention of our
citizens to the condition ot many of the good peo
ple of Warrenton; some of whom, among the
poorer classes, have lost their ail, by tho late des
perate conflagration. Shall we not contribute
something to their aid ? We think it a duty which
every people owe to themselves, not less than the
eause of hamanity, to render aid nnder all Buch
circumstances. Whatever is done should be done
promptly, and we wonld suggest the immediate
appointment of Committees in each Ward to invite
and solicit contributions from our citizens. There
are bnt few who will not give cheerfully something,
however small, and there are many who will give
liberally. Let the effort be made, and we feel as
sured Augusta will respond as becomos her and
her people. _
Aid for Warrenton.
Tn prompt response to onr suggestion, to take
up a collection to aid the Warrenton sufferers, is
particularly gratifying to us. We feel especial
pleasure in laying before our readers the following
communication, announcing the Committee’s for
tho several Wards. We hope the duties of the
Committees will be lightened as much as possible,
by persons calling on them and handing in their
contributions. This will greatly facilitate the good
work.
“It is little:
But in the»e *harp extremitie* of fortune,
The bleaainga which 'he weak and poor can scatter
Have tbeir own season. 'Tis a little thing
To give a cop of water ; yet it’a draught
Os cool refreshment, drained by fevered lips,
May give a shock of pleasure to the frime
More exquisite than when nectarean juice
Benewa the life of Joy in happiest hours.”
Mr. Editor : Tbe following gentlemen will re
oeive such subscriptions as the citizens of Augusta
may feel disposed to contribute to those who have
suffered so severely by the late disastrous fire in
Warrenton. If it was known personally to every
inhabitant of this city, the extent of the loss sus
tained, I have not the least doubt but there would
be a liberal sum made np for them. It is sincerely
hoped the Committees of the different Wards will
exert themselves to obtain liberal donations, and
I can bnt believe that the good oitizens of onr place
will feel disposed to do all within their power to
farther ap object so commendable.
COMMITTEES:
Ward No. I— John Foster, I. P. Garvin, E. H.
Rogers.
Ward No. 2—B. D. Heard, J. R. Simpson, Al
bert Hatch.
Ward No. B—W. C. Jessup, John D. Butt, T.
H. Roberts.
Ward No. 4—M. Wilkinson, J. W. L. Stovall,
P. Fleming.
To Brick Mumt—The Jackson West Ttnnes
tts Whig, of April 20, ssys: The demand
for Brick, for building purposes, in Jack
son, is so great, at 'present,tbat the supply
will not meet it by abont three million. It would
be well for those at s distance, who engage in
each occupation, to move immediately here and
locate, as steady employment, at tbe highest
city prices, cash, will be paid. Numbers of fami
lies ere now here without house snd home, for
went of materials to bnild with, and constantly
coming in.
Small Pok Among the Chippkwas. —Mr. Le
Feve, who lately came from Lake Superior, re
ports thst the Small Pox is making fearfnl havoc
among these Indians, snd that tbe lodges ware
filled with the dead snd dying.
A Modern Patriarch. —There died recently at
the residence of his son, in Miami county, Indi
ana, Wm. Martingale, aged one hundred years,
eleven months and sixteen days. The deceased
had, at bis death, living in Indiana, children,
grand children, great-grand children, and great
great-grand children, there being five generations
of the family living at the same time. The off
spring of the deceased, at the time of his death,
counting the dead aud the living, amounted to
over two thousand persons.
The Washington Btsrl earns tbat George Law,
Esq., has sold out ell bis interest in the Atlantic
Ocean Mail steamer line between New York and
Aapinwall, and his stock in the Aspinwall snd
Psntms railroad, it is eaid, for abont a million and
a half of dollars, having realized, tis friends in
Washington intimate, some two millions in ail.—
Moses Taylor snd Marshall O. Roberts, with va
rious Wall Street capitalists, are tbe purchasers of
his interest in the steamship snd rail.oad lines.
Nrwspapkbb »y the Bremen Link.—Th e Post
Office Department announces that the United
States and Bremen Postal Arrangement has been
so far modified that newspapers by the Bremen
tins when not over two ounces in weight, done np
singly in narrow bands, open at tbe ends or sides
may be fully prepaid to any part of the German
Austrian Postal Union; the rate thus required to
be prepaid beingtliree cents per newspaper.
A dispetoh from Buffalo says that a terrible'riot
occurred at Saginaw on Friday. Several hundred
persons turned out, in defiance of law, and attemp
ted to rescue several prisoners who were in jail.
The Sheriff and hia posse attempted to sus
tain tbe law, and in doing so the Sheriff was kill
ed. Several others badly wounded. The prison
er! wen not released.
Arrival of Mr. Fillmore.
Ex-President Fillmore and his friend, Hon.
John P. Kennedy, arrived in this city at a few
minutes before 4 o’clock, on Friday afternoon,
having left Charleston iu the morning train.
The weather was exceedingly unfavorable for
any gathering of onr people or publio reception—
tbe rain at the time pouring in torrents, and onr
streets being deluged with the floods that bad
fallen previously—yet, notwithstanding all this, the
great desire to see snd weloome onr distinguished
visitors, impelled a very largo crowd to the South
Carolina Depot, where they were most cordially
rooeivod with a Balnte of artillery, stirring strains
of martial mnßic and the heartfelt hazzas of tho
crowd.
After some little time had elgpsed, Messrs.
Fillmore and Kennedy wore escorted by the
Committee to a carriage aud four, in waiting, and
driven to tho Augusta Hotel, where they have ta
ken up their quarters daring their stay among us.
During the brief interval before dinner, many of
onr citizens called and paid thoir respects, but ail
public demonstrations wore postponed until ten
o’clock this morning; when, we hope, the ele
ments will be more propitious.
Reception of Mr. Fillmore.
The weather was more propitious, though in
element for the season, Saturday morning, and in
accordance with the public announcemsnt, Mr.
Fillmore, acoompanied by his friend, the Hon.
Jno. P. Kennedy, was escorted by a procession
from the Augusta Hotel through some of the prin
cipal streets, to the City Hall, whither a large col
lection of ladies and gentlemen had preceded them,
to greet the distinguished guests of the city, aud
witness the interesting ceremony or welcoming
them to its hospitalities. This was done in a very
brief, and wo learn, for we could not hear it, neat
and appropriate address, by Dr. I. P. Garvin, to
which Mr. Fillmore responded very happily in
deed, in a speech of some fifteen minntes or more.
He expressed his grateful sense of the kind recep
tion he had met, both from the ladies and gentle
men, and replied in most appropriate and fit terms
to tho allusion to his administration of the gov
ernment, aud thanked God, that his action
#n the great question that agitated the oountry,
preceded his visit (long contemplated) to the
-no.uh. otherwise he would bav* been charged
with being seduced by the gen. reus snd liberal j
, hospitalities of tho Southern pnop'e. He refe* *ed
i in oooiplic entary terms to the State and city, their i
I progress, &*., to the Motiutnetu erected'iu hia !
j *’<••*• »o< '-he signars of ttuvD.tV *
ration of IlidependOnoc from Georgia, tot ,
! the distinguished citizen* of the ntosffind ci.ii- j
; eluded by repeating hia gretefhl n-.'knowieJgH'.ents
for the courtesies extendod him.
I When ho had concluded the Hon. Jno. P. Ken- 1
, “edy, to whom appropriate allueiun hen been
! made by Dr. G., was introduced by him to the j
I audience. II; K. in thanking him for the refer- j
i enoe to himself regretted his inability t.i oonse- i
: quenoe of iudisposition, to respond .a e speech.
He, however, proceeded in a most happy mood
and humor to allndo to a visit made by him to
Augusta “long tims ago,” —his appreciation of
Georgia, Georgia men and Georgia womon, to the
latter of whom he gave all the credit for the pro
gress and good government of tho Stale, and the
superiority of her men, who were so admirably
governed by the women. His entire speech, brief
as it was, was most happily conceived and so fe
licitously expressed as to elicit frequent bursts of
laughter from the audience.
The reception over, tho guests returned to the
Augusta Hotel, where they were called on by a
large number of onr citizens during the day, and
at night repaired to the City Hall Park to partici
pate in tho festivities of the evening’s entertain
ment.
Departure or Mr. Fillmore.
Mb. Fillmobe, accompanied by the Hon. John
P. Kennedy, and a Committee of gentlemen, left in
the morning train Monday for Atlanta—where a
public rooeption was to bo given him yesterday af
ternoon. His brief sojourn among us has been
very gratilying to oar citizens, to many of whom ho
has endoared himself by his manly, frank and dig
nified deportment. We haverurely seen any pub
lic man, who was so successful in making a moat
favorable impression upon all with whom ho came
in contact. From Atlanta hoprocoeds to Nashville,
stopping, probably, at Chattanooga.
Mr. Fillmore’s Progress to Atlanta.
As mentioned abovo, Mr. Fillmobe loft us on
Monday morning for Atlanta.
The Superintendent of tho Georgia Kailrond
very courteously placed a separato car at tho dis
posal of the oz-Prosidont. The weather was very
fine. At Greensborough, a large'number of ladies
and gentlemen were at the depot, waiting hiß arri
val, and with them, the Teachers and Pupils of tho
Female College, in a body. It was with some dif
ficulty that the Commi tee who attended him from
Augusta, wore able to tear him away from the con
gratulations of tho party, especially of the young
ladies, whose enthusiasm was unboundod.
At Madison, Social Cirolo, (where the party dined)
Covington, Stone Mountain, and Decatur, numer
ous bodios of citizens were assembled, who woro
introduced, as far as time allowed, and exchanged
cordial greetings with the ex-Preaident.
At the Stono Mountain, a Committee mot him
from Atlanta.
At Atlanta, there was a novel and most striking
reception. A large number.of Locomotives were
ready, with their steam up, and as the Engineer of
the Augusta train gave the signal, they all opened
their valves at once, and whistled out such a wel
come, as no mortal man ever heard before. The
depot presented a crowded masß of people, a large
portion of whom were of the gentler sex, and the
shouts with which they received their honored
guest, wore long and deafening. Making way,
with some difficulty through the crowd, Mr. Fill
mobe and his party wore conducted to a very
handsomely fitted up platform, where James M.
Calhoun, Esq., received the ex President and Mr.
Kennedy, in a very neat and appropriate address,
to which each of them mado a happy reply, inter
rupted by loud and repeated applause.
After the ceremony,Mr. Fillmore and Mr. Ke
nnedy were conducted to the Atlanta Hotel, where
they were to receive tho visits of the citizens, and
where a ball was to be givon last evening. Mr.
Fillmore had intended to go on to Nashville, yes
terday ; but was persuaded to remain over one day.
The Augusta Committee were obliged to leave the
platform and take the oars immediately, to return
home that night: but it is understood that, at the
Hotel, Mr. Fillmore was received by an array of
somo fifty very young ladies, uniformly dressed in
white, eaoh with a beautiful boquet. To-day, he
it probably en the State road to Chattanooga, and
he seems to have been exceedingly gratiflod, with
what ho has seen in Georgia, and the cordiality of
his reception by her citiicns.
Dr. I. P. Garvla'a Speech.
We only received yesterday, the address of Dr.
Garvin, at the reception of tho Ex-President in
this city, whiob we now lay beftre our readers.
Mr. Fillmore: —The pieamng duty has been
assigned me, in the absence of His Honor the
Mayor, of welcoming yon to our oity, and of ex
pressing the high resp-c', iD which you are held
by our people. In this tribute, no distinction of
party is known; bnt the whole community is uni
ted in doing honor to the patriotic statesman, who,
in defiance of the fierce aasanlts of fanaticism,
stood manfully by tbe Constitution, in its boar of
peril. We know well the sacrifices which the ri
gid observance of your official obligations involv
ed ; and if tbe ashes of those venerated Fathers
of the Republic, which rest beneath yonder gra
nite pile, conld find speech, thoy would join na, in
doing homage to your stern integrity, and self
sacrificing patriotism.
We are proud to have you for our gue*t. Our
city is small, and we cannot boast those monu
ments of progress and enterprise, which fill the
mind of tho beholder with admiration and amaze
ment; bnt we have warm hearts and hospitable
homes, which your presence fills with gladness.
To these, in the name of my fellow citizens, I cor
dially welcome you.
And, sir, permit me to add, that the ploasure of
yonr visit is mnch enhanced by tbe presnee of
your distinguished friend, who has not only done
himself honor, and his oonntry service, In the
oouncilsof the nation, but baa rendered himself
illustrious, by tbe life-like creations of his genius.
These have made his name a household word
throughout our land.
Madison Spring a.
We are pleased to observe that the enterprising
Proprietor of this popular watering place, has
made arrangements to open it daring the present
season nnder most favorable auspices lor tbe
comfort and accommodation of visitors. We sin
cerely hope he may be most liberally sustained.
See advertisement.
Heavy Rain Storm. — The New York Commer
cial Advertiser, of Saturday afternoon, says: We
are in tbe midst of one ot the severest protracted
rain storms we have experience'! for some time,
accompanied by a high wind from tbe North-East.
It has continued daring the whole night, snd as
we go to press, there is no sign of abatement. It
will probably continue for forty-eight hours. A
great depth of rain has fillen, and it still comes
down ss thoHgh the heaveus were opened. Sever
al valuable trees were blown down in the suburbs
during the night, and the lower part of the city
will probably be extensively flooded. In tbe adja
cent country pools will enlarge into ponds, ponds
into lakes, rivulets into streams and streams into
rivers, and the ontsiders—meaning residents out
of the city—will have a flowing time of it, reach
ing their domicile as beat they may.
The Hayne Street Fire. —The Charleston Cou
rier learns from reliable authority that the amount
of insurance on the nine buildings destroy ed by
the recent fire in HayDe-atreet, and the buildings
that were injured on the East and Weal of the burnt
district, has been estimated at about SIOO,OOO, and
that the lots on the merchandise is about $250,000,
nearly three-fourths of which is .nsured out of the
city.
The New Orleans and Great Northern Railroad
Company, of which Mr. James Robb, the Banker,
was President, (having recently resigned,) baa ex
pended on their work the sum of $1,786,000, snd
the mesne thus far made available, amount to
$1,704,000, including the bills payable of the Com
pany, $268,000, and $480,000 in short bonds, in
anticipation of city taxes. The entire subscrip
tions to the work amount to $6,150,000, of which
$5,144,000 are yet to be availed of. Tbe report of
Mr. Robb speaks in oheeifal terms ofthe progress
of tbe work, though some finsooial obstructions
have been encountered since the previous re
port.
New Booke.
The Two Goads; or The Right and the Wrong.
By Jahm Knobe. Philadelphia: LirriNoorr.
Gbahbo & Co. 1854.
Tma work contains a variety of Tempornnoe
Tales, Poems, &0., and is well calculated to aid in
the great reformation whioh is now spreading over
the land. It should be purchased by every
parent, and road by onr youth of both sexes:
in order that they may at an early age be im
pressed with a salutary horror of the foarful misery
and dospair that besets the path of the drunkard,
It may bo obtained from Thos. Richards & Son.
The Pictorial Defines: containing the most im
portant Words of the English Luuguago famili
arly donned, and illustrated by over two thou
sand engravings, to render them pleasing and
attractive. By Rensselaer Bentley, author of
the Pictorial Series of School Books. Philadel
phia : Lippincott, Grambo & Co. 1854.
Tho title-page fully express the character of
this little volume, which is one of tho most valua
ble juvenile publications that we havoyet noticod.
It is often very difficult to convey an idea of au un
familliar object, to a child, even by the most hap
pily chosen words; but in this caso the pictures
greatly assist in forming a corroct knowledge of
the thing named, and the rye and the mind both
receive an inelfuceable] impression. A oopy
of this work put into the hands of a child that can
read, will save its parents uo litflo time and per
ploxity, in the vain endeavor to answor the innu
merable questions propounded by the little prat
lors; and as a “labor-saving” investment, we oom
mend it to the attention of the “old folks at
home."
For sale by Thos. Richards & Son.
The Rhetorical Manoal, or Southern Fifth Rea
der; embracing copious and elegant Extracts
both in Prose and Poetry, with a Treatise on
Rhetorical Figures, and the Principles of Elo
cution. By D. Barton Roes, A. M., N. G., Ex-
Superintendent ot PublioSchools. New Orleans,
La. J. B. Steel, 60 Camp Street.
This is an oxoellent treatise on Rhetoric and Elo
cution, and oontains many choice articles from
the boat pens of Europe and America. It cannot
fail to interest the Teacher, the Student, or the
general reader ; and is both in matter and manner,
a very creditable specimen of Southern Book
making.
For sale, by AMCinn* A Hall
Leoiurk on tu* Boox or Revelation. Sooond
series. By Rev. Jgjto, C'ikming, li. 1). Phila
delphia 'if'XnhvnrtF* Blakiston. 1864.
We noticod the first aerioa of this admirable
irorse “f lectures, soma time since, andneeApyily
i unui tr that the same doop research, critical Inves
tigation, and deep, oarnest pioty therein avliiced,
is strikingly manifested in the volupio before us.
It may be read with pleaanre and profit by all
inquiring Christians ; aud is calculated to throw
much light on soriptural passages of doubtful
weaning.
| For sale by Geo. A. Oates & Bros.
BurreemD Safety oe thx Stcahsotp City or I
Glasgow.— The Now York Journal of Oommerco j
has received intelligence that gives hope that tho j
passengers of the steamship City of Glasgow are
safe. The following is the intelligence referred to:
New Yore, April 26. —Tho Journal of Com
merco has received a communication from E. F.
Richardson & Co., of Old Slip, who loarns from a
passenger on board the Sohooner Canton, from
Jamaica, that on the 12th inst., near Castle Island,
one of the Bahamas, ho saw a largo throe masted
screw Bteamer, painted black outside, with bul
warks inside painted apparently yellow. Ilor
yards were squared, and the stoamer had no ap
pearance of bearing in a disabled condition.
The sohooner passed within two or throo miles
of tho steamer, out no person could be seen oil
board of her, though a clear view of the dock was
had. She appeared to bo either at anchor or
aground. No one on board tho sohooner knew of
tho apprehended loss of tho City ot Glasgow, and
thorefore, tho schooner kept ou hor way. The
steamer’s Bails were clewed up, and all tliinga con
sidered, sho was in a vory unusual position.
Tho Philadelphia papers arc inclined to beliovo
that this steamer is tho long missing City of Glas
gow, which by some mishap hos boon.driven from
her course, and that her passengors and crew have
landed at tho island in question, or somo othor
port, in safety.
The Commercial Adcertiier notices the statement
and adds:
Wo are unwitling to detraot from any thing that
might lead to the hope that tho City of Glusgow
had ever boon seen near any island, or elsewhere,
but we are constrained to express our belief tliut
what Captain Johnson saw was a British surveying
steamer, which loft Bormuda a short timo ago on a
cruise, and to superintend tho erection of some
fortifications upon aud in the neighborhood of
Turks Island. Probably most of her crow and
officers were on shore, on that business.— JCds.
Com. Adv.
Treaty with Nicaragua. —Tho Washington
correspondent of the New York Journal of Com
merce states that Mr. Borland, our Miuißter in Cen
tral America, has sent home a Treaty by the hands
of the Secretary of the Legation, Mr. Beeland,
made with Nicaragua. Tho Treaty provides that
the United States shall recognite as established, the
boundaries of Nicaragua, aud iucludes tho Mos
quito country within her limits. Tho United States
Government is thus made to guaranty the dispu
ted olaim of Nicaragua, to the aountry of the Mos
quito Indians. Tho objeet of this treaty is of
course, to place the U. 8. Government in a hostile
position towards the Government of Great Britain
on this question, in pursuance of the policy
adopted by Mr. Squier, while he was Minister to
Nicaragua.
The steamships plying between Portland, Me.,
and Liverpool, are doing an excellent business,
both in the conveyance of freight and passengers.
Tho Sarah Sands, which reached Portland on
Tuesday last, in 18 days from Liverpool, brought
850 passengers and a very full freight of bale and
case goods for Portland, Boston and New-York,
besides bridgo and other iron for Canada, and 40
sheep and a Durham ball for the same destination
It thus appears to be a settled faot, says the l’hiia
delphia American, that steamships, from the su
perior facilities they offer for passengers uud
freight, will, under good management, prove pro
fitable between any of our Atlantic ports and Liv
erpool.
Georgia Baptist Convention The Wilkes Re
publican of the 28th inst. soys:—This body, after
an active and harmonious session of throe days,
adjourned on Monday afternoon last. Mr. Stocks,
of Greensboro’, presided ovor its deliberations
with commendable dignity and ability, while many
of the churches were ably represented in the body.
Tho delegates from Richmond, Va., Messrs. Jeter
and Howell, mado a most favorable impression
both upon the Convention and tho community,
while many others will long bo oherished in tho
remembrance of our citizens.
According to our Judgment, however, (and wo
do not wish to detract from the merit of others)
tho great luminary of the Co' vention was the del
egate from the Charoh in Augusta, the Rev. Mr.
Binny. Hie discourse on Sabbath Evoning, at tho
Baptist Churoh, was oneof tho most eloquent and
forcible to which it has ever boen onr pnvilego to
listen. It was a subject of gonorai regret that tho
inclemency of tho wouther prevented the atten
dance of a large congregation on that occasion.
Tm Steamship Baltic, of the Collins line, is be
ing thoroughly overhauled for tho first time since
she was built. During the last three years the
Baltic has crossed the Atlantio forty-eight times,
running more than one hundred and fifty thou
sand miles: equal to six times the circumference of
the world. She has'averaged a trip across the
ocean every three weeks, and has not laid in port
more than five weeks at one time.
Wo learn from the Parisian correspondence of
the New York Post, that Mrs. Wines, the wife of
the British Consul, at Paris, and daughter of
Daniel O’Connell, the great Irish agitator, is about
to connect h. rsolf with the Church ot England, of
whioh her husband is a member.
The Express train which left Buffalo, on Satur
day night met with a sad disaster at Bergen, sev
enteen miles west of Rochester, by running over a
oow that was asleep on the track. The hindmost
car, containing 14 or 15 passengers, was detached
from the train and precipitated down an embank
mentand completely smashed to pieces. Every
person in the car was more or leas injured, and
some of than: had broken limbs.
Teh Medical Virtues or Cuenberries.—Wi
have seen sevoral published statement* of cores of
cancers, said to have been effected by means of
the external application of raw cranberries bruis
ed and applied as a poultice. We would rejoice
in the confirmation of these statements. The
New Haven Palladium, of a late date Bays:
“ We are able to record another case of the com
plete cure of erysipelas by the simple application
of the raw cranberries, pounded fli.e. The patient
was a young lady, one side of whose face bad be
oome so much swollen and inflamed, that the eye
had become closed and the pain excessive. A poul
tice of cranberries was applied, and after several
changes the pain ceased, the inflammation subsi
ded and in course of a couple of days every vee
tige, of the disease had disappeared. The case
occurred in the family of one of the editors of
the Palladium, and we can therefore vouch for its
truth.”
The Liverpool Times, of April Bth, says that
something like a mutiny occurred on biard the
English frigate Cumberland, which is at Spit head,
preparing to join the Baltic fleet. It was found
necessary to call out a body of marines before or
der was restored. The crew were disaffected be
cause leave was not granted them to go on shore.
Three of the ringleaders were flogged.
Farmer's and Exchange Bank of Chableston.
—At a meeting of the Board of Directors, held
Tuesday, Wx. M. Martin, Esq., was unanimously
re-elected President of this Institution.
Good Law. —An act has just passed the Legisla
ture of New York whicb provides “that any mar
ried woman, whose husband, either from drunken
ness, profligacy, or from any other oause, shall ne
glect or refuse to provide for her support, or for the
support and education of her children, and any
married woman who may be deserted by her hus
band shall bave the right in her own name, to
receive and collect her own earnings, and the earn
ings of her own minor children, and apply the
same for her own support, and the support and
education of such children, free from the oontrol
and interference of her husband, or of any person
claiming the same, or claiming to be released from
the same by or through her husband.”
Bad Debts. —Hunt’s Merchant’s Magazine advo
cates the passage of an act, abolishing all laws for
the collection of debts, except where property is
transferred for its security; the property so trans
ferred to be the only legal seonrity on such debt.
The writer says, that should this become a law, it
would prevent seventy-flve per cent, of the bad
debts now made, besides promoting the integrity
and upright mercantile character.
Tornado m New York
The day had boon very warm and still, and tho
storm was more like an August tornado than an
Aprd shower. It came very suddenly, and in
two minutes from tho first puff of wind a perfect
deluge of ram came down; tho sky was all of.
glare with the lightning, the thunder pooled ter
rifically, and chaos was come again iu real earnest,
nf ~°, V ‘ o ’ o ' lt W “ H tho ons, »ng’<t that neither man
nor beast tor a time could make head against the
gale vehicles oithe. remained as it wore at anchor,
or Madded recklessly before the storm; ferry
boaU in the stream dared loot venture to their
docks whilo those in the slips did not venture out,
and all craft in the stream at onoe took in their
canvass, let go anchors, and took such measures
for safety as would be demanded by a tropical tor
naao.
The wind, howover, soon eased away, tho rain
partially oeaaed, and tolorable safety was restored.
When tho air beonmo sufficiently clear to sec a
scene of destruction seldom equaled was discover
? * ]0 ftri( * r * ’ er * wero lu«lied into ntiprral
eled fury, and ships adrift or at anchor wore toss
ing like corks on the waves.
The terry boats were for atlmoin great peril;
but we cannot learn, says tho Tribune, that but one
life was lost-a captain of a lighter sunk at Br ok
lyn.
In tho oity, dozens of flags that had been flying
during tho duy at half-mast, In mourning f or the
bravo firemen killed in Broadway, wore oithor
quite blown away or fluttering in shapeless strings.
Two of the City Hall flags disappeared altogether,
A groat number of awnings were blown away •
smoke jacks aud ohimuey tops were thrown down’
and roofs were sturtod, end iu some places over
thrown.
The destructive force of the storm did not last
more than a quarter of on hour; but the wiud was
brisk and the rain almo t perpetual until midnight,
ihere was, for the time of year, a very unusual
amouut of lightning. One storm followed auothor
all the evening, and every part of the surrounding
rv>nntnr fn fiijf ’ , ' ( .* n -
I t'CflMtiftn. Tho t* ui<v l
j imohanffM th/oogbont, tiuj evftnfojr.
j In I'hUadtiphfa, »lao« tU® xtoriu wi>, o^are,
■ . • ■...
j Oxen, five tows and a’.quauilly of ffiflSsw coli
sirmed. At Newark, N. .1., I large Mublo was sc* ' '■
on tiro, and a horse kliiud by tho lightning. A
large tro* wus also struck. At BshiiylkiU liav n
the railroad bridge and several houses were uu
! roofel, and r frame building oompletoly deatroy
ed by the violence of the wind. The storm, it
| will bo scon, took au extensive range,
j Storm at New York-sinking or the BrlrnoE.
1 Tho storm ol Thursday afternoon was felt with
i great violence in tLe vicinity of Now York. A por
feot tornado blow from tho Bouthwost, and uiudo
havoc with everything that was not prepared to
‘ oucounter it. Tho Courier says:
i The most serious occurrence was tiie sinking ot
, tho uir ship Ericsson, which hail just returnod
I from o trial trip. Sliowosotf Jersey City when
struck on tho larboard beam by tho squitll, which
r koolod her ovor to alarbourd, so that the wator
- rushed in tho lower port holes, and when the ship
righted, she hud rocoivod so muoh water by those
s holes that it camo abovo them when on nu oven
u knoel, and she gradually filled and sunk. Fortuu
-8 atcly sho was oil tho Jersey Flats at the timo,
ir where the water is not doop, and tho tops of her
,f whoolhouses nro abovo wator, so that she will
j bo raisod without any difficulty, and will not sns
e tain damago beyond what an immersion iu tho
water will occasion.
Tho accidcut is tl:o more nnnoying from tho faot
tliat it was occasioned by carelessness, and miglit
havo boen pr -voulcd by a little presence of mind.
The poit liolos in question bad been closed several
‘ times during the day by tho officers of the ship,
“ but tho men employed in tho hold oponed them
for tho pnrposc of gratifying their curiosity ns to
the progress tho ship was making. When the
it vessel caroonod, these men, instead of closing the
ports, run on dock to toll the Captain that the wa
ter was coming iu, and by that timo ti o mischief
was done. The accident occurod opposite pier 8
w N. R. Immediately on tho t-email moderating.
? > boats put off from a number of vessels anchored
near Battery l’laco, tho Battery, uud othor points,
and rendered ull tho aid possible, but tho ship flll-
II od so gradually, that hor own and some of tho ves
scls boats took ull hands safely as hero at Jersey
“ Cily. Sho now lies in about oigli*. luthoms water.—
” There were quite a number of ladies utulj gentle
*• mon on board.
Tho porformancoof tho Eriosson was said by
her owners to bo sdisfaolory. Th y report that
u sho left hor dock at 11*. M , rounded the spit buoy
at half paHt two, with a favorable lido and houd
wind. On tho return trip she made 18 revolutions
b of her wheels; tho engines workiug vory smooth
!s ly. The consumption of fuel averi gd at tho rate
I ot about 10 tons for 24 liouis. Tho intention was
! to place hor on the socionul dock to-day for the
,c purposo of examining the bottom, prior toe lon
e gor experimental trip at sea.
Iu and about New York a number of buildings
s were unroofod, chimneys thrown down, vessels
- driven ashore, and troeß and telegraph poles pros
trated.
f —a :
, The Russian Suismarine Shell.—lt is stated
, that the inventor of tho Infernal subman,.,, tnu
, chines, said to bo in the possession of the Etupo
, ror of Russia, and by which ships can bo blown
up through tho agonoy of tho dot,trie wire, is a
Frenchman, and that when he cninupinlaated his
, invention to the Czir, he expressly that
in case of war between Franco «ind Tt ■ "■■i ’-'n*
, should bo at liberty to give his own c
i benefit of tho disoovory. It is farther i
t on a recont occasion, this gonllemau wi - ~v;
1 at the Ministry of Marine, and in the p ■ . ,o j -it
, M. Ducos and a board of naval officers, m ’ dnud
3 tho fearful means of destruction whioh h :
i to havo originated. Tho board, ineredi
first, olosely examinod tho niattor, and I
- were muoh struck by tho demonstration
1 a little ala.rmod. Sir Charlos Napier, -
mission of the inventor, was already pr ed i>i
. what ho might havo to encounter. Ati a; 1
despatch was immediately sent to Admit 1 t'e.-i
val Desohones.
Murder, Ah-on anu Suicide.—Tho •■IS' ■
r Herald, of tho 11th inst., leurus that ann • lined
i Win. Ellis, residing in Upshur count, .
i went to tho house of Mr. Truman iu bis •
1 shot Mrs. Truman, then cut her throat ft i u
' ear, set the lioitso on fire, I lion wqnt h • r
• blew out his own bruins. Tho causes as .i»i rated
r by the Hoiald arc theso : •) rs. Truman before her
1 marriage with Truman was the widow of Ellis’s
> son, on whose death certain lands which Ellis had
> givon to hia son, fell to his widow. Kills,
who was very avurioious, oould not hoar tho
9 thought of the land passing into tho hands of
) others, and had instituted suit for it, b’lt before it
could ho determined, he became so much exas
’. peratod that ho committed tho droudful deeds
e mentioned.
• Mobile and New Orleans Railroad.—The
board of Aldermen ut Mobile, at their moo tg on
tho 40th inst., grunted tho übovo named company
the right to puss through the oity, and locate tboir
Depot on tho Bay, with tho following proviso of
fered by Alderman St. John :
“Provided, howovor, that tho Mayor, Aldermen
• and Common Council of the city of Mobile reserve
the right to prevent stoum being used east of Broad
street, should hereafter at any lime the interest of
thecity so require."
The Council, howover, amended tho ordinance
granting right of way, &0., so on to locate the depot
on Broad street. They also rejected Alderman
Bt. John’s amendment, adopted by the othor
Board. Their action was unanimous ques
tions.
A serious .riot occurred iu Cambridge, Macro
■ chusotts, on Friday nigh‘, between a gang of
twenty-flvo college students and a flro company.—
■ Tho formor arc said to have been tho aggressors.—
Pistols and knives wore used by the students, and
spanners, horns, and stones by the firemen. Bev
erul of the latter party were badly wounded. The
affray laetod about bait au hour, and was finally
quelled by the aid of the engineers, police rnd cit
izens.
The Nicabaoua Treaty.—Th» treaty with Nica
ragua is said to havo been negotiated by Mr Bor
land, onr Minister, without instructions. It 1j 4
already been sometime
President, whetheri!** 1
•WltThe submitted to tho Senate.
The voters of Chicago, by a majority of 400 votes
have decided iu favor of constructing a Tunnel
under the river. It is supposed the Tunnel will an
swor the purpose of those of the present bridges.
Tho bridges cost (12,000 each, and the expense
of repairs and tend chi for 1863 was about (20(10
eaob. It ia estimated that the Tunnel will prove a
saving of money to the city in ten years, besides
doing away with the bridge nuisance. ,
France Enforcing Claims on Grenada.—The
North Star, at New York, brings intelligence of
six Freuch vessels of war having arrivod at CiT
thagena to enforce the payment of eortain cloima
of French citizens for flour destroyed at Panama
some years siuoe.
A lot of 60 bars of railroad iron has been shipped
at Wheeling, for Louisville. This is the first rail
road iron manufactured in the West. It was from
tho extensive factory of Gill, Hardman & Stephens.
Tho same firm have a oontract for 4,000 tons from
the Central Ohio Railroad.
Destruction of Birds.—Tho New York TribuDO
states that the extraordinary snow-storm which
oommenced oil Friday evening last, and continued
at intervals till Tuesday of this week, has proved
most fatal to the robins through that region. One
farmer in Wcstchoster county says that he conld
have picked up a bushel of them (dead) on his
farm.
loeberos.—Thesbip Westmoreland, at Philadel
phia, from Liverpool, reports having been for a
day blockod up in field ioo, and having subse
quently sailed a distanco of 847- miles duriDg five
days, surroundod by ioeborga. She at one time
struck an iceberg which took a piece out of her
bends, but received no other damage. Ihe ship
Albert Gallatin and the barquo Jenny Lind, at
New York, aleo report similar obstructions by ice
during their passage from Liverpool and Antwerp.
The ship Columbia, at New York, from Shields,
passed an island of ice forty foot high, which ex
tended as far as the eyo could reach from aloft, and
subsequeutly. Bailed several days among floating
icebergs.
It is proposed in Massachusetts to form a Joint
Stock Company with vary lirgp capital, ter the
purpose of promoting emigration to Nebraska, to
keep alavo labor out by carrying free labor in.—
The practical features of tho sehemobave not yet
been made pnblio, but the proposition nu ets w th
fuvor among a p actical class of men, and a[<pe ir(
to be taking a doflnite shape.