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Cjjrordcle # Sentinel.
VoTiespon'fonf* es (Ar Itallmorc AmentnH.
THIRTY-FOURTH ('O.MiKK!tS-i< "(•■•ion.
WiimiKiToa. Jan 17.—The Senate was not in
session to (lav.
HOUSE , . .
Mr Otero introduced a VC granting ianda to
New Mexico. Kansas, and Missouri for Railroad
U <)n "motion of Mr Greenwood a ""
adopted oalling on foe Prenidei.t for a com P l ®’*
7T—BTWsous (barged witli tbe disbursement of public
money o***Liao 0 ***Liao those wbo have failed for more than
twelve month, tonettie their accounts, and the rea
* The House by a vote of !<3 to 81 tabled the Senate
bill allowing fishing bonnUea to an veeeela which
failed to complete their voyage.
The House was brought to an abnibt adjourn
ment by the Midden iDaaaa of Mr. Giddingn while
malting a speech on a private bill.
IN SENATE Jan 19.
The Chii laid before tbe Senate » communication
from tbe presiding officer of the Delaware Eegia
iature, announcing tbe election of Mr. Bayard to
the United States S .nale for six ye ar t from the Ith
of March next, and ot Mr. Bates to till the vacancy
occasioned by the death of Senator Clayton.
The Senate discussed the Diplomatic and Consu
lar bill An ineffectual effort was made to restore
the appropriation, stricken out by the House giving
a salary of SI,OOO each, to each of the twenty-five
Consular pupils
The Senate then added an amendment repealing
so much of the former laws as authorize, tbe ap
pointment of such officers
The Senate then adjourned
HOUSE.
On motion of Mr Taylor a resolution was adopted
instructing the committee on the 1 oat Office to in
quire and report on the general subject of the trans
portation of the mails ffi San Francisco, and whether
It is not now expedient to enter into a contract Or
weekly ma.ls from New York and New Orleans to
San Francisco byway of Tehuantepec, whenever
said road shall be completed.
A resolution, offered by Mr. Walker, was adopt
ed, making a himiiar enquiry relative to a weekly
mail from Mobile to San Francisco.
Mr Morrill offered a resolution which was adopt
ed, oalling on tbe President to inform the House
whether resistance, organized or otherwise, had
been made or was to be apprehended against tbe
official authorities of Utah . and to communicate all
correspondence relative to appointment or declina
tion of office in that Territory since January, 1802
and whether the laws thereof are practically ad
ministered with impartial injustice to all the Inhabi
tants.
The first Tuesday of February next was set apart
for the consideration of business relative to the Dis
trict of Columuia.
Mr. Campbell, of Ohio, from the Committee of
Ways and Means, reported a bill for the relief of
sink and dieab ed seamen.
Mr. Fuller of Maine, entered at length into an ex
planation of a bill establishing collection districts of
the United States , designating boats of entry and
delivery and for other purposes The object of tbe
measure being to oodify the numerous existing laws
on that subject, and to simplify and improve them
so as to make them aocord with the present condi
tion ot Commerce.
fin motion of Mr. Kelsey, the Corruption luves
rigatioD Committee was granted leave to set during
the session of the House. Adjourned.
IN SENATE Jan. 20.
Mr. Clay introduced a bill repealing all the laws
or parts of laws allowing bounties to vessels em
ployed on the Banks, or other cod fisheries.
Mr Clay said that during the last six years, about
$10,000,000 had been drawn from the Treasury in
the payment of such bounties, and the codfisherinen
of two or three New England States were now re
ceiving something like $300,000 annually. This
sum is divided between the ship owners and the
captains of 1,288 vessels engaged in cod fishery, and
was drawn flora the Treasury in violation of almost
every provision of the bounty by which this privi
leged class was created. It was the intention of
this act to divide this bounty among tbe fishermen,
yet it is monopolized by tbe owners and captains of
Ihoso vessels Twenty five Htates ale made to pay
tribute to tbe “codfish aristocracy” of the six
States.
In consequence of the habitual violation of law,
the Collectors of Customs, as he was advised at the
Treasury Department, were asking to increase the
number of the Revenue Cutters, involving a cor
responding increase in the expenditures for repairs,
&a., in order to watch tbe fishermen aud prevent
them from perpetrating these frauds on the Trcasu
iy Hence it would be seen that the result of this
bounty was that the farmers, mechanics and miners
of the country were taxed in order to raise $31(0,000
per annum to distribute among the wealthy ship
owners, principally of Maine and Massachusetts,
tor attending te their own business ; aud were then
taxed 20 or3o per cent, to provide proper guards to
keep these men from robbing tbe Government. This
was a question uot merely ot political economy, but
of political morality.
It was a question whether Congress shall longer
rontinuo to offer a premium for fraud and perjury,
lie would prove by the friends of the measure that
these men went out, not so much to catch codfish as
to catch bounty lie argued tlierepeulof the boun
ties for the additional reason that the cause wliieh
originated them no longer exists. They were ori
ginally granted in consequence of the very high
duty on salt, but the present duty ou tliut article is
so low us to be scarcely felt Again, at that time,
codfish was the only fish of any comme-cial value,
but now mackerel, herring and the whale, were
far more valuable. And the pursuit of the latter
was tier more hazardous and expensive. In spite of
more than sixty yeurs nursing, and assistance with
ten millions of dollars in the treasury, pap codfish is
tbe Baine pitiable, puny bantling it was in 1792,
when the first bounties were granted. If we must
have such a bantling, let us, said Mr. Clay, take up
sometliing which will in time do the country some
oredit.
Mr. Reward said that the object of these bouuties
must have been to promote commeree and fortify
tbe navigating interests of the United States so as
to make successful competition with the navigating
interests of Great Britain aud other European oouu
trios More thau a hundred years ago a very rig
orous opposition was made to the treaty of peace
between England and France upon the ground that
tbe treaty permitted the citizens of tho latter coun
try to participate in the Codfisheries within three
leagues of tbe coast, aud more or less the same poli
cy wfts continued throughout, so long us this coun
try was under the Government of Great Britain. —
He would say to toe Senator from Alabama that
this was no aristocracy that was engaged in taking
fish If either class was specially interested ill this
measure, it was probably the Democracy of New
England , and it was therefore (Huffish Democracy
instead of codfish aristocracy.
It was not the aristocracy of society that were
obiefij- concerned iu the cheapness of this article,
but it enters, like tea, coffee, sugar and salt, into
tbe consumption of the poor, rather than the rich.—
He regarded the attempts to raise a prejudice
againsl fishing bounties, oil such grounds, as unjust.
There might be grounds lor the charge that a con
tinuance of these bounties encouraged frauds on the
revenue. But the moment any government began
to raise revenue in any manner, either by direct or
indirect taxation, the moment it began to tax any
brand of industry, that moment a door was opened
for foba and frauds of various kinds. But since this
wa* not a measure for revenue, but one relating to
commerce, lie moved its reference to tbe commit
tee on commerce.
Mr. Clay had no objection to such reference, and
when the bill again came up he would enter fully
lute the subject iu reply to Mr. Seward and produce
proof for every statement he had made.
Mr. Fessenden referred to the vituperative strain
of remark, not only against the law granting boun
ties, but to the operation of those laws in whioh Mr.
Clay had seen proper to indulge. But he was of
tbe opinion tliat there must be some good reason
wky these laws were passed in the first place, and
continued on the statute book more than 60
fWtrs Ho believed that when the subject was
again discussed it would be fouud that there were
two sides to the question There might be wrong
fu the matter but he believed the good had overbal
anced tbe evil.
Mr. Clay said that if be had used harsh language
tt was fully justisfied by the testimony of the con
atltuents ot the Senator from Maine When the law
of 1792 was brought forward, it was condemned by
Mr Jefferson, in a report, as unconstitutional, and
he would at a future time show how the passage of
tho law was effected. He could not be just or gen
etous toward tryauny, and knew of no greater try
auuy than taking money out of the pockets of one
idost aud putting it in the pockets oi another class,
not in conaideraiion of any public service, but mere
ly for doing tbeir own business
v The bill was then referred to the committee on
The bln establishing a naval depot at Brunswick,
Georgia, W&s discilsaed for two hours without any
conclusion of the subject. Adjourned.
HOUSE.
Tbe House passed a bill extending the land laws
to lands lying east of the Cascade mountains.
An adverse report was made on the petition ot
toe inhabitants of Arizona, praying the establishment
of a territorial government.
Other business followed iu accordance with the
special order relative to the Territories.
Tbe House passed nills appropriatings3o,ooo for
tbe erection of a Penitentiarj- in Nebraska territory ;
establishing three additional land districts iu Ne
pxaaka and for completing and opening roads in
Washington aud Minnesota Territories.—
Adjourned
IN SENATK - v Jan- SJ-
Juuh S. Green, elected Senator of Missouri in
the place of Senator Atchison, appeared and was
qualified to-day.
Mr. Seward presented the petition of the Genera
phioal Society of the city of New York, protesting
against the coinage of three dollar and three cent
nieces, and praying that none bnt decimal coins may
& issued from the mint. Referred to the commit
tee on finance.
The submarine telegraph bill was taken tip.
Mr. Huutei said he thought the bill required some
amendment, as it left the whole matter at the discre
tion of the President He was in favor of inserting
some Umition in the bill, as he feared the United
States might go beyond what was originally design
ed unless this precaution was taken.
Mr Collamer replied there was this limitation,
that this government should afford the Company no
more aid than was afforded by the British govern-
OMUt.
Mr. Hunter contended that such a project should
be earned out bv a private company. If the gov
eminent desired'to send messages over the line it
should pay for them just as a private oitizeu would
and no more.
Mr Collamer stated that the Company desired to
have some kind of security before they haazarded
sooh an iuimeus • outlay. ’ All that .they now propos
ed was that this got eniiuen’. should put itself upon
the sam j terms as the British government.
Mi. Beiyamiii suggested that the bill did uut limit
this Goveruuieni u> the same aid as the British Go
vemmsnt had already afforded; but to what they
might afford in future, which was \ ery indefinite.
Mr Sewanl moved to amend the bill, to obviate
tba objections, with a proviso . that the contract to
be made by the British Government shall not be
different from that already proposed by that Govern
ment to the Ijew York anil Newfoundland Telegraph
Oouipai v
Mr. Rusk thonght the guarantee of (70,000 per
annum by this Government for a worn of such
magnitude and importance Was very moderate.—
He would have been willing to vote for SIOO,OOO a
y *Mr. Douglas said he trusted Mr. Seward's amend
—.♦ would be adopted, as the bill in its present
*mn was liable to the objections of uncertainty as
to the amount of obligation which this Government
would incur. .... . , ~ . .
Mr Seward stated that the wire tor tms telegraph
was already made, and the whole enterprise had
heretofore bsfi oonduited and managed with Ame
rican capita. On the Ith of July neat, if the bill
past, there will be a girdle round the world _ It is
proposed to lend vessels belonging to the United
States Navy, as the British Government will lend
her vessels,’ to ay down this wire, because theie
are not in the commercial marine vessels suitable
{or that work If we do not mat s bis contract
the British Government will have a ji.lority of
messages and we shall have to pav for the use of
the line, in accordance with the contract which they
may make. Bnt if we do not make this contract we
shall stand upon terms of equality with that Gov
Mr Seward’s amendment was then adopted.
Mr Hunter remarked that both the termini of the
fine were within the British dominions, and he
would fisre to know what guarantee we should have
in time of !»»r that we could then have the use of
the line. .. , .
Mr. Seward reput'd, it appeared not to have been
contemplated by the British Government, and he
hoped they proceed', d reasonably, that there would
be an interruption tothe amicable relations between
the two countries When this question first came
up, tide idea presented itself to hie mind, and be
suggested to the Telegraph committee that it ought
to be a subject of treaty between the United States
and Great Britain
He went to the President and Secretary of State
for the purpose of seeing whether the whole matter
could act be settled by treaty to secure that object
But it was found that it would protract the negotia
Bon until after the 4th of July. And on this ac
oount. the papers were returned without any action
Being taken thereon Now the question,—What
phosid be dooe upon this sutpect' Thai the ter
mini were both within the British dominions was
true, and it was equally true that there were no
terminus on this continent, unleas it were within the
British dominions, and w-• have no dominions on the
otter side of the Atlantic.
There was do other route upon which telegraph
wire could be laid acroes the ocean. This was a
distance of seventeen hundred uhles; and it was
not even certainly known that the fluid could be
transmitted to this distant -- beneath the ocean. —
This was a scientific experiment, and the Company
were prepared to make it. If we shall ever go to
war with Great Britain, which he hoped would
never bap|ten, we should need to have both ter
mioi in our possession in order to avail ourselves
of the telegraph. But his notion was that when
the telegraphic wire was oDoe laid, there would
be no mor - war between England and the United
States.
Mr Hunter should be glad to think that the mil
lenium was so near at uaud as tbe Senator from
New York supposed. For bis part, he should like
to see some substantial guarantee in the bill by
which the United States shall have tbe same ad
vantages in time of war as tbe British Government.
It seemed to him the proposition was for this Gov
ernment to contribute largely to a scheme winch
would give Great Britain great superiority in time
of war . but it was in tbe power of the two nations
to make a ountract which would endure in time of
Mr Rusk replied, that we were not making a con
tract with Great Britain, but with a private com
pany How could we make a contract with a com
pany to guarantee rights to us in case we should go
to war with Great Britain 1
Mr Hunter said the matter could be deferred un
til this treaty was arranged, and that was what
ought to he done. ,
Mr. Rusk answered that we could cut the wire in
two or three hours, if we should go to war. But it
would lie a great means of preventing war if we
ahould have such a line of communication.
Mr. Cass hoped the matter would be provided for
by inserting in tbe bill a proviso that no money
should be expended until we receive assurance from
the British Goveument that we should not be cutoff
in time of war.
Mr Pugh offered an amendment, that this act
shall uot take effect until a treaty lias been conclu
ded and ratified between the two Governments of
Great Britain and the United States, whereby such
portion of the British possession as command tbe
western terminus of said submarine telegraph shall
have been subjected to the principle or neutraliza
tion adopted in tbe convention relative to Central
America, signed at Washington, April, 1860, and
such other conventions supplementary thereto as
may be ratified hereafter.
Mr. Pugh said that this time
of war, would not only be useless to us, but a vast
deal of injury; and in time of peace, what we pro
pose to pay, would be more than the despatches
amount to, and he argued generally in support of
his amendment, which, if not defeated, would render
it necessary4in case of war, to invade Newfound
land and take possession of that terminus as a mat
ter of self-defence.
Mr. Howard said if this Government did not
choose to make the contract it would be easy for
Great Britain to advance the whole amount, and
have entire control of the line in war as in peace.—
If we make the contract, we share in the control in
time of peace, and postpone or lessen the chances
of war.
Air. Hale said he was sorry to hear the chances of
war referred to in connection with a matter of this
kind. The .same argument would apply against
making appropriations for commercial purposes.
II the British should choose to cutoff tlieir end of
the suspension bridge our end ot it would not be
worth much. He did not believe that the Creator
put man ou the earth to be always in a state ot
war.
Mr. Toombs in his seat. War is the natural state
of man.
Mr. Ilale. We are coming to a spiritual state
now. (Laughter ) We have lived forty years with
out haying a war with Great Britain, and 1 believe
that war is uot likely to occur tor forty years to
oome. I advocate this proposition as a peace —not
a war—measure.
Mr. Butler spoke adversely to the biil.
Mr. Douglas opposed Mr. Hugh s amendment.
Mr. Tooinbs regarded the bill as a measure for
the beuofit of private individuals, rattier than the
Government.
Mr. Toueey favored the bill but suggested some
ameildments.
Without taking nny final action the Senate ad
journed.
HOUSE.
Mr. Orr, from the Corruption Investigating Com
mittee, rose to submit a report and resolution ; also
a bill, saying that he meant to ask their immediate
consideration.
Mr. Grow raised the question that Buch matter
could not now be introduced, this being one of the
three days specially set apart for the consideration
of territorial business. Sir. Orr, with a view of re
lieving Mr. Glow’s apprehensions, gave it as his
opinion that the matter to which tie wished to call
the attention of the House, would not occupy the
entire day.
The Speaker overruled Mr. Grow’s point, and
said that the committee have a right to report
the fact that obstacles were thrown in the way of
their investigation, and apply to the House for a
remedy.
Ihe report of the committee was then read,
namely : That during the progress of their investi
tlon, they had sumtnond, as a witness, James W.
Simouton, the correspondent of tbeNew York Times.
That among others, the following question was pro
pounded to him : “You state that certain members
nave approached you, and have desired to know if
they could not, through you, procure money for their
votes upon certain bills : will you state who these
members were ?’* Aud the said Simouton made
thereto tlia following response : “I cannot, with
out a violation of confidence, than which I would
rather suffer anything.’’
In response to other questions of similar import
said—“Two have made them direct. Otherß have
indicated a desire to talk with me upon these sub
jects, aud 1 have warded it off, not giving them an
opportunity to make an explicit proposition.’’
To the question’“What do I understand you to
mean when you say that these communications were
made direct V “Simouton replied, “I mean that
after having obtained my promise of secresy in re
gard to them, they have said to me that certain
measures pending before Congress ought to pay;
that the parties interested in them had the means to
pay; that they individually needed monejq aud that
they desired me to specifically arrange matters in
sucli away that if the measures passed they should
receive pecuniary compensation.’’
The Committee were impressed with the mate
iality ofthe testimony withheld by the witness, as
t embraced the letter and spirit of the inquiry di
rected by the House to be made, but were anxious
to avoid any controversy with witness. They con
sequently waived the interrogatory that day, togive
the witness time for reflection on the consequences
of his refusal, and to afford him an opportunity to
look into the law and practices of the House in such
cases, notifying him that he would on some subse
quent day be recalled. This was ou the 15th ot
January.
On Tuesday, the 20th iust., the said Simonton
wan recalled, and the identical question first re
ferred to was again propounded, after due notice
to him that if he declined, the Committee would
feel constrained to report his declination to the
House, and ask that body to enforce all its pow
ers in the premises to compel a full and complete
' e ?o that interrogatory, he made the following
reply, and wo give it in full that no injustice
may be done the said Simonton in this report.
He said “ Before stating the determination to
which I have come on this subject, 1 desire to say
that 1 do not here dispute the power of the commit
tee, aud I have not heretofore declined to answer
that question upon auy such ground. I have all
respect for the Committee and the House; Ido not
decline in order to screen members. Aly declina
natiou was based upon my own convictions of
duty. Since I was last before the Committee, in
deference to their judgment aud wishes, I have
examined the case oi Anderson vs. Dunn, to
which they referred me, and have considered very
fully what I ought to do in view of that decision,
as well as in view of oilier considerations. The
result of my deliberations upon file Bubject has
been to confirm me in the opinion that, whatever
1 may suffer, I cannot answer that question.
1 beg the committee to understand that I have
no other motive whatever in declining but the sim
ple one that I have stated before—that I don’t see
how I can answer it without a dishonorable breach
of confidence. The answer to the question can by
no possibility be supposed to reflect discredit on
myself, aud I presume my statement of that motive
is corroborated by the facts as they appear before
the committee, i must insist upon declining to an
swer that question.”
The House will perceive that the foregoing state
ment shows the materiality of the testimony and the
duty ot the Committee to insist upon its disclosure.
It shows the settled add deliberate purpose of the
wituess to withhold such testimony rightfully and
properly demanded; and the absolute necessity for
the House to interfere with promptitude and firm
ness its authority.
If it was intended to expose and punish the cor
ruption which may exist among its members by oi •
deling the investigation your committee have been
pursuing. It is due to the dignity and reputation
of the American Congress to purge itself of such un
worthy members, if they have thus shamefully pros
tituted their high and honored positions to such Base
purposes. The country has a l ight to know who
have betrayed the trusts confided to them by their
constituents. The honest men of the Iloase should
aid, by the exercise of all the power with which
thev are vested, to secure the names of the supposed
guilty parties, aud thereby shield the general repu
tation of the body as well as their own character
from unjust and improper imputation and suspicion.
The committee consider it unnecessary to enter
into an elaborate argument to establish the power
of the House iu this case The summons was issued
under the hand of the Speaker, and tested by the
Clerk of the House, aud the contumacy of the wit
ness is a contempt of that authority. If there is
doubt whether this authorizes the arrest of the party
on contempt and his confinement until the contempt
is purged, besides the right to inflict other punish
ment afterward it seems to your committee, that
none will question the authority of the House, when
theyrecur to the statute. By an act passed 1798,
authority is given to the President of the Senate,
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, or
the chairman of tbe committee of the whole or the
chairman of a select committee of either House, to
administer oaths to witnesses in auy case under
their examination, and wilful, absolute aud false
swearing before either is declared to be peijnry and
is punishable as such.
Here is express authority to swear witnesses, and
false swearing is punishable as perjury. Is it then
noeoDtempt of the authority of this House (and the
committee are acting as and for the House in this
investigation; for a witness to refuse to testify to
material facts within his knowledge. The commit
tee concur, unanimously, in the opinion that the
House is clothed with ample power to order the par
ty into custody, there to remain until released by the
same authority, or upon the expiration of the present
Congress.
The Committee recommend the adoption of the
following resolution:
Resolved, That the Speaker issue his warrant di
rected to the Sergeant at Arms, commanding him
to take into custody the body ot the said Sim
outou. wherever to be found; and the same forth
wirth have before the said House at the bar there
of, to answer as for a contempt ot the authority oi this
House.
Mr. Orr, not conceiving it necessary to say any
thing In support of the resolution, merely asked that
it be put on its passage. This being done he should
report from the oounuittee a bill more effectually to
enforce the attendance of witnesses on the summons
of either House. It was read, being in substance —
that any person wilfully refusing to give testimony
or produce papers before anj* committee shall be
liable to inmetmeut for misdemeanor, and on convic
tion to pay a fine ot not more than SI,OOO, nor less
than SIOO. aod be imprisoned in the penitentiary
not more than one year nor lest* than one month.—
No person thus testifying shall be held to auswerbe
fore any court of justice for any facts disclosed be
fore a committee of either House.
Mr Miilieon wished to know whether the investi
gation had disclosed the fact that the wituess in
queatiou was the author of the statements redacting
upon the integrity of the members of the House ,
and whether he had assigned any reason to the
committee for making such general charges and
such a general breach of confidence in the publica
tion of these allegations, while seeking to protect
himself in refusing to answer the question of the
Committee bv declaring that by so doing he would
violate confi^ece.
Mr. Orr replied that he did not think it proper to
disclose any more testimony The report stated
that the witness in contempt of the judgment of the
Committee, is the correspondent of the New York
Times, and the House would think that this inves
tigation had its origin in certain articles contained
in that paper.
Mr Rennet suggested that the bill be reterred to
the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. Jones, ot Tennessee, doubted very seriously
the power ofthe House in the absence ot any law to
deprive acv citizen of hie liberty ; therefore he would
not vote for the resolution. But be would cheerful
ly aud cordially go with the Committee to prescribe
pains and penalties in cases where witnesses refuse
to obey the summons and not teeti y.
The resolution was then adopted—Yeas 164.
Nays as follows Messrs. Bennett, of New York,
Bennett, of Miss , Booock. Bovce, Burnett, David
son, Edmondson, Elliott, Herbert, Jewett, Jones, of
Teon , Keitt, Kellv, Quitman, Walker, Wright, of
Mias
The House now proceeded to consider the bill re
ported from the Committee.
Mr. Ritchie, a member of the select committee
proposed an amendment *•—That nothing in the act
contained shall exempt any witness from prosecu
tion and punishment for perjury or forgery gcomnut
ted by him in any matter, he may produce. Mr.
Ritchie offered this in deference to the views of the
gentlemen who had expressed doubt * on the subject
Although he did not believe tbe biil would exempt
witnesses for such Crimea.
Mr Cobb, of Georgia, gave notice of an amend
ment, the object being to put beyond doubt the pow
er about which gentlemen differ with regard to the
right ofthe House to imprison witnesses who refuse
to testify or produce the papers before a committee.
The minority of this House do not believe such pow
er exists without the passage of a rule or law on the
subject: and he intended to move that persons thus
offending may be imprisoned in jail for a period not
exceeding six months.
The Speaker said that the bill pending was a gen
eral one and suggested whether the legislation at
present ought not to be confined to thir particelar
*Mr Orr replied that the committee mii>ht not be
able to proceed in that investigation so as to report
the facte to the House, unless such a bill be passed,
with a view to inflict greater punishment on recu
sant witnesses than the committee suppose the
House has now power to inflict.
Mr Quitman believed that the Speaker had made
a correct decision as to tbe general character of this
bill. He was opposed to this rapid legislation to
cover this specified specific case, which affects the
privileges of the people of the country as well as
members of the House.
Mr. Kennett proposed that tbe bill be sent to the
committee on the Judiciary with instructions to re
port it forwith.
Mr Orr replied that if the committee cannot com
pel an answer to that extent, tbe investigation must
fail. If the bill be so referred it would not be re
ported back in time for the committee to avail
themselves of its provisions. He argued to show
the necessity and justice of its immediate passage,
and said the country has a right to know who are the
two members alluded to by Mr. Simonton.
He proteeted against gentlemen being suspected
of wrong and yet no sufficient means being afforded
to ascertain the truth of these grave charges made
through the public press,
Mr. Stanton did not believe it essential, after the
adoption of the resolution of this committee, that
this bil should be passed to-day or to-morrow. He
wished the bill to be recommended to the select
committee so that they could return it when they
thought proper, and that it be printed that members
might have an opportunity to read it.
Mr. Humphrey Marshall had no idea that the
Committee on the Judiciary should be thus over
slaughed, and he moved that the bill be there re
ferred.
Mr. Orr offered a resolution, which was adopted,
that Wm. B. Flood. Clerk to the Sergeant-at-Arms.
be authorized aud directed to execute the orders of
the House during the absence of Mr. Glossbreuner,
the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Mr. Davis, of Mary and, a member of the select
committee, said that the question was whether the
House will remove the obstacle thrown in the way
ofthe investigate or permit a dead stand. Hence
•be importance of pacing the bill.
At this point the acting Sergeant-at-Arms came
into the Hall with Mr. Simonton, the former inform
ing the Speaker that pursuant to order he had the
latter in his custody.
[Much interest was evinced during these proceed
ings.]
The Speaker said the Sergeant-at anus would take
Mr. Simonton before the select committee.
Mr. On was willing that Mr. Simonton should ap
pear before it to purge himself of contempt.
Mr. Burnett denied the power of the Speaker to
issue such an order.
Mr. Humphrey Marshal—Has the Speaker decid
ed what is to be done with the accused ?
The xSpeaker—The Chair had directed the S r
geaut at Arms to hold him in custody till the House
shall otherwise direct.
Several gentlemen, amid the confusion, endeav
ored to address the House, but the floor was assign
ed to Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, who said that the
Sergeant at Arms, having executed the Speaker’s
warrant, had arrested ana produced Mr. Simonton
at the bar of the House; and he submitted
whether it was within the power and jurisdiction
of the Speaker to order the Sergeant at Arms to take
this man out and keep him in custody an indefinite
period of time.
The Speaker—l have made no such order.
Mr. Jones—The witness is here, and if he wishes
to answer to the charge, he has the right.
The Speaker—The House can take such older as
it wishes,
Mr. Burnett moved that the prisoner be now
heard, and in justification of his voting against the
resolution for the arrest of Mr. Simonton, said,
among other things, that there was not a tribunal in
this country where a party could be deprived of his
liberty and punishment without due process of law.
Hence he had wished to know the law on which the
committee based their action in reporting that reso
tiou. He desired the investigation to be through.—
Here was the place for the witness to purge the con
tempt, because he was already guilty of it.
Mr. Davis, of Maryland, said that they must dis
pose ofthe prisoner in some way. He vfa& now be
fore the House ou process of attachment. He of
fered a resolution directing the Speaker to call on
the prisoner to show cause why he should not be
committed for a refusal to answer the questions
propounded by the Committee, as stated in their re
port, and that he have till to-morrow morning to
make his answer, and meanwhile remain in custody
ofthe Sergeant-at-Arms.
Mr. Colfax agreed with Mr Davis that the wit
ness should have answered the questions. But he
was an American citizen, and should be heard in
defence, either iu person or by counsel. [Voices of
“tnat’s right”]
Mr. Washbume, of Maine, did not understand
Mr. Davis’ resolution to be to prevent Mr. Simon
ton from being heard now, but it only gives him the
privilege till to-morrow morning.
After further debate the following offered by Mr.
Orr was adopted—yeas 130, nays 23 :
Resolved , That the Speaker forthwith inform J.
W. Simonton of the charge on which he is arrested,
and propound to him the question : “Are you ready
to show cause why further proceedings shall not be
had against you for alleged contempt; and do you
wish to be heard in person or by counsel, now or at
what time ?”
Mr. Simonton here took a position in the main
aisle. [Cries of “down in front,” “take your
seats.”] The profound silence which ensued was
broken by the Speaker, who informed him of the
reason of his arrest. The Clerk having read the re
port of the committee, the Speaker asked Mr. Si
monton the question contained in the resolution.
Mr. Simonton said—ls consistent with the views
of the House, he should be glad to occupy their at
tention a few minutes, and then if they deem it ne
cessary to proceed further, he would like to have
opportunity to consult and employ counsel.
The Speaker informed him that it was his privi
lege to be heard.
Mr. Letcher said he understood that Mr. Simon
ton was here to answer questions, and not to make
a speech.
Messrs* Savage, Stephens, and Humphrey Mar
shall severally contended that Mr. Simonton’s re
plies should be iu writing and under oath.
Mr. Grow insisted that the accused should be
heard in his own way.
The House having decided that he might be heard
orally, Mr. Simouton proceeded to say that he should
pursue the path of duty, according to the convic
tions of his conscience, to the end.
One of the first and radical mistakes made was a
statement that this investigation depended on some
thing he had written and published. lie repudiated
that altogether. His letter published in the 'limes
of the 6th of January contained nothing to justify
such proceedings. He denied that the House, has
any just power to punish for contempt. He stood
there protected by the constitution, which declares
“no citizen shall be deprived of his liberty without
due prooeM of law.”
Theie was no evidence that he had made charges
implicating members of this House. Certain gen
tlemen came and bound him to secresy, lie not
knowing what they had to communicate. He'bad
a right to receive their confidence, and had not vol
unteered charges against anybody which should
make it necessary that he should violate confidence.
Having become morally convinced that corruption
did exist, he felt it his right as a member of the
press to denounce it. Jle had stated to the commit
tee that he had no personal knowledge of fact. Was
it right, he having no c orroborating testimony, to
press him to answer. He intended to make further
remarks in defence of his position.
The Speaker asked him whether he had anything
further to say.
Mr. Simonton replied that he had nothing except
to be heard by counsel.
Messrs. Clingman, Harris, of Ills., and Sherman,
severally offered resolutions that Mr. Simouton be
taken iuto custody by the Sergeant-at-Arms, aud
that he imprison him.
The first named gentleman proceeded to show
that Mr. Simonton had made statements to day in
consistent with what he had said before the com
mittee.
Mr. Boyce proposed a resolution, declaring that it
was beneath the dignity of the House further to con
cern themselves with the matter now before them,
and that Simonton be no longer privileged to occupy
a reporter's desk in this House.
Mr. Orr said if this resolution should be adopted,
he should fell himself obliged to ask to be d scuarg
ed from further duty on the committee. He then
offered the following :
Whereas, J. W. Simonton having appeared at the
bar of the according to its orders, and the
causes assigned by him for said.contempt being in
sufficient, therefore—
Resolved , That said Simonton be continued in
close custody by the Sergeant-at-Arms for the bal
ance ofthe session, or until discharged by a further
order of the House, to be taken when he shall purge
himself of contempt.
. The resolution was adopted in lieu of all the others
by 120 against 71.
The Sergeat-at-Arms then secured his prisoner.
Mr. Smith, of Alabama, offered a resolution pro
posing that the Clerk call the roll, and that each
member answer to his name and indicate whether or
not he is willing to release Simonton.
The Speaker decided that it was not a question of
privilege.
The House then adjourned.
IN SEN ATE Jan. 22.
The Senate resumed the consideration of the sub
marine telegraph bill.
Mr. Pugh moved to amend the bill by proviso,
that no mom y shall be paid under the authority of
this act. until a convention shall have been conclu
ded between the United States and Great Britain,
whereby such portions of the Brit ish possessions of
North America as cammand the Western terminus
of the telegraph shall have been subjected to the
principal of neutralization as adopted on the Cen
tral American question of 1860.
Mr. Seward said the discretion was lodged in the
President and if he deemed the interests of this
country required such treaty he would doubtless
take the proper measures to secure that objeot.
Mr. Pugh said he could not consent to pay mouey
to private citizens for doing their own business.—
The British Government having the terminii of the
line thev can secure secrecy as well as despatch in
the transmission of all her communications. We
can have no such security. In the event of war the
first step the British Government would take would
be to Bend sufficient naval force to protect the ter
minus in Newfoundland so as to prevent us from de
stroying the wire. We have tried this neutraliza
tion project in Central America. If it is a sound
principle wbv not apply it here ? If Great Britain
will consent "to this treaty, it can be concluded and
ratified before the adjournment of the present Con
gress.
He would not vote a cent until we shall be secured
against having our safety and the lives ot our peo
ple periled by the exclusive use of the line by the
British Government in time of war. He regarded
this as a project for the benetit of speculators in
stocks, and in cotton and produce, and not for that
of this Government.
Mr. Benjamin could not at first believe the Sena
tor from Ohio was serious in inviting a concession of
this character from Great Britain, and it seemed to
him that he had not looked at the subject in a prae
tical light when he spoke of this as beunr the golden
opportunity, because Great Britain needs this com
munication so much, and we have so little use for it
that it puts it in our power to exact terms from
her.
The Senator had not considered how so small a
gum was asked for. \\ hat we propose to pay
would amount in the whole, in twenty-Uve years, to
something like three or four hundred thousand
pounds sterling. Now if this be a matter of such a
vast importance to Great Britain ; if this be such a
golden opportunity . and if the control of this line
would be such a powerful engine in time ot war as
well as peace, was it not extraordinary that she
propose* to us a full and equal participation in the
control and benefit of the line and consents to allow
our Government and citisens equal rights with her
self and citisens (or the mere sum named ?
It most be obvious that it was not regarded by
the British Government in the light in which Mr
Pugh viewed it. If she looked upon it in that
light, this sum would be but as a drop in the bucket
to her ; and when we consider the power and im
mense resources of that empire, we may well dis
card such considerations from our minds regarding
the matter. Instead of pursuing a niggardly and
exclusive policy, Great Britain has said she will not
take the advantage of her position in this matter,
but will repay that testimonial of good feel ng which
we have recently manifested in the restoration ot
the Bark Resolute by tendering to us that which is
infinitely more valuable and important. Ours was
a graceful act of generosity, but here is a great sac
ritice of national advantages, which she exclusively
possesses, and which she tenders tons in a spirit of
amity which will be a preservative of that peace
whicn we all affect to cherish, but which he was
afraid we take little pains to maintain. If we re
ject this offer, never shall we have such an advanta
geo us opportunity again. Let us not be always be
thinking of war, but use all the means for preserv
ing peace The money which would be expended
by thbi Government in a six months war with Great
Britain would far exceed everything this Govern •
meet would have to pay for the use of the tele
graph line for the entire twenty-five years by the
contract. _ _
Messrs. Hunter. Thompson, of Ky., Pearce and
Gever oppose the bill for various reasons.
Mr. \\ eller was not willing that $« ftOOO a year
should be expended for this telegraph while a simi
lar connection with the Pacific, vastly .more impor
tant, neglected. . .
Mr. Butler was not willing to trust the destinies of
this country to a wire controlled by Great Britain,
and he al»o urged other objections to the bill.
Messrs. Husk. Douglas, Toucey and Seward and
Mallory pressed its passage.
Mr. Bayard remarked that it was certain that if a
practicable line wili be established, it were better
we should have some share in it as we cannot pre
vent it by our refusal to participate in the enter
prise.
He offered an amendment which was adopted pro
vided that such arrangements as may be necessary
to secure to each Government the transmission of
its own messages by its own agents.
Mr. Pugh withdrew his amendment. Several
Amendments of a verbal character was made, when
the bill passed as follows:
Yeas—Messrs. Allen,Bell of New Hampshire. Bell
of Tennessee. Douglas, Durkee. Fessenden, Fish,
Foot, Foster, Hale. Houston. James, Jones of lowa.
Mallory, Pratt, Rusk. Seward, Stewart, Thomas ot
New Jersey, Toucey, Wade, Wilson, Wright
Yulee—
Nays—Messrs. Briggs, Clay, Crittenden, Evans,
Fitzpatrick, Geyer, Green, Hunter, Iverson, Mason,
Pugh, Reid,Thompson of New York, Toombs, 1 rum
bull and Weller—lß.
Mr. W’ilson introduced a bill to procure a bust, in
marble of the late Chief Justice, William Cushing,
of Massachusetts
The House bill to enforce the attendance of wit
nesses, etc., was received, and by unanimous con
sent was referred to the Judiciary Committee, who
forthwith called a meeting and in the course of five
minutes reported it without amendment and asked
its immediate consideration.
Mr. W’ilson objected, and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
The pending question at the adjourment yes
terday was on a motion to reconsider the vote
by which was passed the resolution directing
•he Scrgeant-at-Arms to keep Mr. Simonton in
cloge confinement, and to lay tliet motion on the ta
ble.
Mr. Humphrey Marshall, as soon as the House
had been called to order, asked where was Mr.
Simonton ? Whether he was now in custody,
and ii so, by what authority ? The Speaker re
plied that that was a question not properly before
the House.
Mr. Marshall maintained that it was pertinent to
know tbe fact
Mr. Orr said that Mr. Simonton could not be con
fined uuti! a final disposition be made of the resolu
tion.
Mr. Ctingmin wanted the resolution again
brought before the House with a view' to amend
ment.
Mr. Humphrey Marshall said before the House
voted he wanted* the prisoner to be brought to the
bar.
The Speaker remarked that the Sergeant-at-
Arms had informed him that Mr. Simonton was
In hi* custody and was present. [A voice, “Where
is he?” and a response, ‘ There he is, at his desk.”]
The pending question was then decided in the af
firmative —yeas 116; nays 77.
The House then resumed the consideration of the
bill reported from the Select Committee, more ef
fectually to enforce the attendance of witnesses on
the summons of either House of Congress and to
compel them to discover testimony.
Mr. Davis, Os Maryland, from the select commit
tee reported a substitute providing laws and pen
alties additional to those now authorized. He ex
plained that it contemplated definite and efficient
punishment. No witness was to be hereafter allow
ed wilfully to refuse to give testimony or produce
any paper. If he do so, he shall be liable to indict
ment for a misdemeanor and on|conviction,Jshall pay
a fine of not more than SI,OOO, nor less than SIOO,
and be imprisoned in the penitent iary not more than
twelve nor less than one month; to be protected
from criminal prosecution for any testimony he may
give before the Congressional committees, but not
to be relieved from prosecution for perjury.
Mr. Davis called on the House to relieve the com
mittee from the difficulties which stand at the thresh
old of their investigation.
Mr. Millson wished to substitute imprisonment in
jail instead of the penitentiary, as the latter was
used only for felonious offences. To this the select
committee agreed.
Mr. Washburne, of Maine, wanted some effective
bill to compel witnesses to give testimony. The
purity of Congress demanded it. But, the commit
tee on the judiciary should examine the bill to as
certain whether its provisions were not inconsistent
with the rights of citizens as secured by the Consti •
tution.
Mr. Grow said that yesterday the committee re
ported a bill which gentlemen sought to pass on the
spur of the moment under a great excitement of in
dignant virtue. After a night’s reflection another
similar bill is brought forward, and this is the best
evidence that the subject should be referred to the
committee on the Judiciary. A measure so impor
tant should not be passed in this hurly-burly man
ner. It is the duty of Congress to protect the rights
of American citizens as well as their own.
Mr. Davis, of Maryland, replied that the oblect of
the committee was merely to enact the existing pro
visions of Common law.
Mr. Humphrey Marshall said that the bill was
not sufficiently guarded. Its extent was too wide.
Distinctions should be made as to the cases in which
witnesses refuse to testify before visiting them with
punishment. The bill ought to undergo the rigid
examination of the Judiciary Committee.
Mr. Dunn asked whether the Committee had con
sidered what would be the effect of the bill on con
fidential communications to legal counsel, on the
secret s rvice fund ; and, on matters known only
to the Executive Department of the Government.—
If the bill protected these points, he would vote
for it.
Mr. Orr replied that in the investigations before
Parliament, secret communications to lawyers do
not exempt a witness from testiiying relative there
to. But this was different from the practice of the
Courts. As to tbe subjects on the confidence of
the Executive Department, the gentleman from In
diana had suggested an extreme case and one not
probably to occur. It was his (Mr. Orr’s) individual
opinion that Congress has a right to know the appli
cation of the secret service fund. Exclusive of him
self there was as much ability in the members of the
select committee as in those comprising the com
mittee of the judiciary. In fact, tne former were
better able to frame a bill, similar to that pending,
for they had recently looked into all the authorities
bearing on privilege.
It was necessary that it should be passed now in
order to ferret out and expose the truth of all the
imputations cast upon members of Congress. He
should construe a reference of the bill as a defeat of
the matter.
The bill was then passed—yeas 183; nays I*2, as
follows:
Messrs. Bennett, of New York; Billinghurst,
Bliss,Burlingame, Colfax, Edwards, Houston, Mace.
Humphrey Marshall, Quitman, Walridge, and Wat
son.
The House passed the bill to establish the office
of Surveyor General in Nebraska and for other pur
poses.
The House then adjourned.
IN SENATE Jan. 23.
Bill to secure the attendance of Witnesses.
Mr. Ilale expressed a hope that, some friend of the
bill would explain its object and the necessity of its
passage. He had no other knowledge of the circum
stances under which it was brought forward than
what was derived from the newspapers of the day ;
but it seemed that the rules of Congress which re
quire that a bill shall have three separate readings
oi t hree separate days, unless by unanimous consent,
had been dispensed with.
It was passed through the House and sent here
and reported back fiom the judiciary committee in
about two davs. He expressed opposition to all such
hasty legislation, which was hurried through to meet
particular transactions. As he understood the bill,
it proposed to strike out the existence of the princi
ple which has been considered necessary to the pro
tection of individual rights in court in every state
of the Union; and to strike down the principle which
has been held sacred for centuries wherever com
mon law is practiced; and that is the privilege which
protects a witness from answering in matters which
shall criminate or disgrace himself. The bill provi
ded that a witness shall not be held liable to any
criminal indictment for anything he may disclose,
nor shall the matter be used in evidence against
himself.
He did not believe Congress have the right to do
any such thing. The bill creates a new offence, and
then says a man guilty of this offence shall be liable
tojindictment for it as a misdemeanor in any Court
of the United States having jurisdiction over it ; but
what Court has jurisdiction of an offence which has
not until now been created. The proper course
would not have been for the bill to confer such juris
diction. The bill was contrary to the spirit of liber
y, contrary to the spirit of law, and contrary to the
genius of our Constitution. It was proposed to say
to the witness, he shall not be excused from answer
ing because his testimony may criminate himself.
The bill made no exception of confidential commu
nications between counsel and client, and would
compel a priest of the Catholic Church to disclose
confessions which have been imparted to him under
the most sacred obligations which can bind the con
science of man.
He did not stand here as a particular advocate of
the Press of the City of New York. He did not
feel under any particular obligation to that Press or
that particular locality, for he was once infamously
?issaulted by one of the papers of that city, and
when he took notice of the matter, and came out
and courted an investigation, the paper only took
the blackguards privilege of reasserting the same
slander; nor did he wish to indulge in that wholesale
denunciation of the Press which some had seen fit
to use. He believed that newspaper editors were
very much like other classes of people, containing
many of the most respectable and worthy men to be
found in the community, as well as many of the
most corrupt scoundrels on the face of the earth
(Laughter).
There were some conductors of the press whom
he was proud to number among his friends He
would not denounce such people, for he did not be
lieve every charge made in newswapers against
Members of Congress was unworthy of considera
tion or respect; but he would say, that if Congress
should now make this issue with the newspaper re
porter who is in custody, or should make such un
issue with a street scavenger or the humblest indi
vidual in the community, he would go to the coun
try and beat them upon it. If Congress put itself
in that attitude and pass this bill for the purpose of
crushing that newspaper reporter, the end of that
conflict would not be doubtfnl. He will have the
public sympathy, whether he be right or wrong. If
this bill pass, no' matt-%• how wrong he is, Con
gress wul be infinitely more in the wrong than he.
With his goose quill he would be more potent than
the Sargeant at Arms with his mace.and all the insig
nio of authority because in the pas'sage of his bill
(_ ongress would step over the barrier to which he
has the right for his protection viz: “That he shall
not be held to answer in any matter which may
criminate himself.’’
And the protection of the law goes further than
that, and if it be not well settled, it has the sup
port of very good authority. That protection goes
so far that a man shall no't be bound to answer in
any matter which may disgra e himself. Such is
the opinion of the best legal writers on law evi
dence. Under no circumstances would he vote for
a bill which he believed contained a vicious princi
ple. Under a pressure of circumstances like those
which surre ud the present, be preferred to adopt
the old maxim, “hasten slowly in legislation upon
such important business matters as those appertain
ing to the liberty of the citizen while he was per
fectly willing to pass a law which should be potent
enough in its penalties to compel the disclosure of
ail the facts which either House might deem neces
sary in the discharge of the business confided to
tht-m bv their constituents and the Constitution.
Mr. Toombs remarked that the House had been
pur suing an investigation relative to crimes which
were said to have been committed by some of then
own members. In this investigation they had found
themselves suddenly brought up by the refusal of a
witness to disclose certain facts which he admits to
be within his knowledge. In order to proceed
with the investigation, which was demanded by
their honor and their interest, the House have pro
posed to pass a new law to meet the case. This bill
was not liable to the objections which have been
made by the Senator from New Hampshire. It was
not an ex post facto law. because it did not make
that action oriminal now which was innocent be
fore, and it was the universal rule in all courts of
justice that it is perfectly competent at any time for
legislation to alter the remedy provided in existing
aws.
Now the case was that, in endeavoring to ascer
tain the truth of the chargee that certain members
of Congress were guilty of corruption and briber/,
or attempting to be bribed, the House call up, as
they had a right to do by law. some of the very per
sons who make th*- c harges, and tbev refuse to an
er, on the ground that a point of honor prevents
thieves from telling on one another. This principle
of honor among thieves was brought forward to
prevent the administration of public justice. This
gentleman who has been intrusted with this felony
« an not for honor’s sake disclose it. A large portion
of the House and Senate think Congress has the
power to compel him to answer, and for that pur
pose this bill had been introduced, and because it
seemed that the present punishment is inadequate.
This seemed to be the only mode in which they
could ascertain the truth of this allegation, because
the biUjvovided that “whenever in future any wit
ness she;. be brought up and refuses to testify he
shall be liable to a certain penalty
The law in some *H tbe states compel confederates
irf crime to testify #* gainst each other. Whatever a
man may swear to., it cannot make him infamous on
leas he is intamc'us already, and H is better for pub
lic justice that his infamy should be expoeed than
that in consequence oi screening himself the guilty
should be allowed to escape. The bill is prospective
in its very terms, and not cr poet facto as has been
alleged. lie thought it proper that the House should
protect their members from the licentiousness of
the press and its miserable minions who are allow
ed to go about these halls. When it is charged
that the spring is poisoned at is source, it is pro
per that 'witnesses should be compelled to testify.
Mr. Trumbull said he was in fav or of the object
of the bill, and perhaps shonid vote for it as it was.
In his judgment, each branch of Congress has the
nght to protect itself, and summon witnesses, and
imprison them for contempt of its authority. But
if the bill intended to screen the witness from cri
minal prosecution when there is abundant evidence
to convict him, apart from his own testimony, it
goes too far.
Mr. Hale, in response to Mr. Toombs, said he
was not ready, because the authority of the House
had been defied, to trample down the principles
which are essential to the protection of individuals.
Did any one suppose that when a man had taken
his position he could be driven fr in it ? They
should only fix the penalties for a;l coming time, le
gist ating from wisdom and experience with calm
ness and sober judgment, and not from the passions
of the hour, in which latter case Congress may be
beaten by insolent defiance of its power. If pub
lic representations were correct be believed Mr.
Simonton wrong and the House right: but he be
lieved that if the bill should pass, the positions
would be reversed, and the-prisoner magnified into
a hero. Severe as the denunciations of tbe press
are, it is an institution notwithstanding. It has a
hundred eves and a thousand tongues. It sees,
hears and ffashes what is here said throughout the
whole country. The press will live as long us Con
gress will live—and a day after. (Laughter.)
It wili record, he said, our dissolution, and the
hero of the press will be the man against whom
Congress, in the year of grace 1857, undertake, by
a bill of pains and penalties, to put down. He was
willing to go as far as any man could rightfully go,
though he thought at one time he would never pun
ish auy man for contempt of the Senate. An indi
vidual, named Nugent committed a flagrant breach
of privilege by publishing a treaty in the New York
Herald. The moment he was arrested, many astute
men said the arrest was without authority. The
Sergeant-at-Arms gave him the beet room in his
house and the best meat and liquor that the city
could afford, aud the Senate had to foot the bill.—
[Laughter.] He sued out a writ of habeas corpus,
and the Senate gave the lawyer five hundred dol
lars. The prisoner was held till the end of Congress,
and then let loose.
Mr. Bayard did not apprehend that auy man was
to become a hero by this action of Congress. There
was nothing in the bill about the press. Because a
man connected with the press W’as concerned, was
that a reason why this bill should be levelled at it ?
He thought with Mr. Trumbull that the second sec
tion of the bill required modification, but without
some such bill an inquiry into the grave charges
made would be futile.
Mr. Seward, with a view to perfect the bill, thought
it a duty to suggest a few amendments. In the first
place, it is made a misdemeanor for any person to
refuse to answer any questions propounied by the
committee. It might be a trivial question or in
quisitorial question, and therefore he proposed to
make it read “any material” question. Again, the
bill makes no distinction as to the character of the
subject on which a witness may be questioned. It
might be on a matter over which Congress has no
jurisdiction. Mr. Seward proceeded to show how
disastrously to liberty such power might operate,
adding, at one time there were but few here who
agreed with him on political subjects—not enough
to demand the yeas and nays—and when some
thought that by uttering certain sentiments, he
ought to be expelled the body, he proposed to insert
after the word “inquiry” the words “within the
constitutional jurisdiction of Congress, or of either
House of Congress.” Tbe bill subverts and dis
penses with the privileges of witnesses under the
common law. lie also offered a proviso that “this
act shall not be construed so as to deprive any wit
ness of the privileges which are allowed witnesses by
the rules of common law’.”
Mr. Bayard thought the bill gave protection in
the instances to which the Senator referred.
Mr. Toombs regarded Mr. Seward's objections as
calculated to defeat the bill by a sido blow, and op
posed the amendments.
Mr. Butler maintained that the bill ought to pass
now. He had seen eo much contempt for the Sen
ate as to satisfy him they should never again pro
ceed to punish it unless they had some law like this
to control the proceedings. He should like to see
the time when a man punished for this offence shall
feel the force of the law. Men do not ljke to be
approached with corrupt proposals, unless they are
approachable.
Mr. Sew’ard remarked he should certainly vote for
the bill, even in its present imperfect shape, if he
could not have it amended in the manner he pro
posed. There was no fear of losing the bill by
amending it, as the Senators had proposed, lie had
always held to the good maxim, “whatever is worth
doing at all is worth doing right.”
Mr. Toucey had not intended to say one word in
defence of the bill, thinking it would pass without
general debate. It was indispensable to the law of
self-preservation that each House, by virtue of the
Constitution, should have full power to protect it
self not only against violence, but against classes
of assaults infinitely worse than personal violence.
He agreed with Mr. Toombs that the second section
embraces every necessary exemption as to the tes
timony of witnesses.
Mr. Pugh read his minority report from the com
mittee on the judiciary, setting forth his reasons why
he would not vote for thebul. Among them was
one that Congress can make no law shielding from
prosecution those who may be indicted at common
law, and enable them to escape the consequences
of crime by betrayingj .their associates. Further,
that Congress could not be empowered with powers
greater, than those possessed by the courts, and con
stituted star chambers and arbitrary tribunals.
Mr. Hale expressed his thanks to Mr. Pugh for
the satisfactory manner in which he had vindicated
the great principle which the bill sought to override.
He hoped the arguments coming from hat source
would penetrate some hearts, which he could not
reach. He regarded the bill as a great invasion of
popular rights. Looking on it as a war on an indi
vidual, defeat was certain and disgrace probable.—
That punuy individhal which the bill possesses to
reach would be rendered the stronger by this Con
gressional action.
Mr. Butler said a law of this kind was not nec
essary when the Government went into existence.
If corruption at that early day had found its way
into Congress it would have been rebuked by our
ancestors. Such a law was only necessary when
stockjobbers aud speculators sought to bring their
influence to bear upon the confederacy. For him
self, lie was not afraid to approach the * altar, for, as
itwassaidof the vestal fires, those who had pure
hands were not harmed. The Senator from New
Hampshire liad«risen to thank the Senator from
Ohio for coming forth to defend the criminal. The
Senate were now only seeking to enlarge the pow
ers they already possess. He had seen the time
when a friend of his (meaning Preston S. Brooks)
would have been a victim of dogs to avenge pop
ular fury.
Mr. Bayard wished to know on what authority
Mr. Ilale based his assumption that Congress are
making war on an individual. The bill includes
all who are cognizant of facts necessary to be dis
closed in order to keep pure the character of Con
gress.
All Mr. Seward’s amendments were rejected by a
large majority.
Mr. V/ilson said he was prepared to vote for a
proper bill, but saw no necessity for hurrying
through this measure. The gentleman who report
ed it admitted its imperfection, and the gentleman
from Delaware (Mr. Bayard) made a similar admis
sion. The Senate were acting under a panic. The
press of the country for the past few weeks, and es
pecially thelpress of New York, which has vast in
fluence in tlie country, and has associated with it a
great deal ot learning, intelligence, ability and per
sonal character, has held Congress before the coun
try as a corrupt body. The House ordered an inves
tigation, which had been interrupted on the ground
that it cannot be defended anywhere. He Tiad no
special sympathy with the witness on the ground
upon which she has chosen to place himself.
He was willing to vote for such a bill as would
empower the committee of either House to protect
itself and investigate the conduct of its members;
but it seemed to him they were going quite too far,
and he concurred heartily in the sentiments, con
tained in the report of the Senator from Ohio. Those
views will stand the test of examination, and meet
the general judgment of the country. They had
better place themselves right and pass a law which
they could defend when the present excitement shall
have passed away. He thought the time had come
when Congress should use all legitimate means to
investigate such charges which had been made for
the last twelve years. Matters connected with the
Galphin and Gardner cases, California war debt,
Texas war debt, Texas scrip, and associations with
paper makers, with other subjects of alleged cor
ruption, had not only been commented on by the
press, but had been on the lips of members of Con
gress. He wished by legal and proper means, that
these things could be set right before the country,
ar.d the guilty, if any, be punished. The witnesses
before Congressional committees should not occupy
a position different from that before courts of Jus
tice, but occupy the same ground witli all the rights
and responsibilities. He moved to strike out the
second section of the bill.
The motion was disagreed to by yeas 6; nays 40.
It provides substantially that “no person exam
ined and testifying shall be held to answer crimi
nally in any Court of Justice, or be subject to any
penalty or forfeiture for any fact or act touching
which he shall be required to testify; that no state- ;
ment made or paper produced by any witness shall
be competent testimony in any criminal proceed
ings agaiDStsuch witness in any Court of Justice ;
and no witness shall hereafter be allowed to refuse
to testify, for the reason that his testimony may tend
to disgrace him or otherwise render him infamous,
provided nothing in this act shall be construed to
exempt any witness from prosecution and punish
ment for pei]ury committed by him in testifying as
aforesaid. ’
Mr. Pugh said he should vote against the bill, be
cause he considered it a flagrant violation of tho
rights of American citizens. It violates even the
domestic relation, and compels the wife to disclose
the secrets communicated to her in the marital rela
tion. It violates the professional confidence of the
attorney and tramples on the common law. If he
could not purge Congress of corruption without vio
lating the rights of private citizens, he would let
the corruption go. If members become dishonest
in their proper character, let the people come here
and turn them out as did Cromwell the British Par.
liament.
Mr. Seward said that even amendmant he had
offered with a view to perfect the bill and remove
difficulties had been rejected. He had endeavored
to secure witnesses the rights guaranteed by com
mon law, which by this bill are broken down aud
destroyed, leaving the cizens without adequate pro
tection. They had been brought to the question
whether they should suffer corruption io go unre
buked, or whether they should euact a new law.
which is necessary to correct abuses. Failing to
perfect the bill as lie desired, he had, in view of the
circumstances, no other alternative than reluctantly
vote for it.
Mr. Hale said he had heard a good many speeches
for which there was no necessity, but there was a
gi eat necessity for that which had just fallen from
the Senator from New York. If the Senator thought
that such consequences as he Lad described would
follow from the passage of the bill, he thought ex
planation necessary for the vote the Senator intend
ed to give.
Mr. Seward explained by saying that he was ne
cessarily obliged to take that course.
Mr. Hale, resuming, said he was against catching
rogues unless in a constitutional manner, and
was opposed to punishing rogues except in a legal
way. ,
Mr. Brown advocated the bill by saying that with
out such power as that contemplated, such an inves
tigation would end in smoke. It was impossible to
conduct an inquiry if witnesses could shield them
selves on the ground that they cannot be compelled
to testify.
The bill was passed, yeas 4o; nays, Messrs.
Hale, Pugh and Wilson. Adjourned.
nr SENATE Jan 24-
Mr. Wilson presented the credentials of Mr. Sum
ner. Senator elect from Massachusetts, for the term
of six vears. from the 4th of Starch next.
The Senate then proceeded to the considerat'.on
of bills relative to the District of Columbia.
Mr Fessenden presented the credentials of Amos
Nourse, of Maine, elected to fill the vacancy occa
sioned by the resignation of Senator Human, He
appeared and qualified.
After the passage of sundry bills of no general in
terest the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr. Wakeman presented a petition signed by
many merchants of New York asking the importa
tion of sugar free of duty.
Mr. Kelsey said be understood that Mr. Chester
had been brought to the city and desired to be ex
amined before the select committee.
Mr Letcher. Let him be ordered to appear be
fore the committee.
The Sergeant at-Arms having produced Mr.
Chester before the House pursuant to order—
Mr Kelsey offered a resolution that’the Speaker
propound to him the following questions : What
excuse have you to offer for not appearing before
the select committee in obedience to the summons
on the 14th; lit, and are you now ready to appear
and answer proper questions as may be put to yon
by said committee t
The resolution was adopted
Mr Letcher moved that the witne««*be required
to write out his own answer and qualify them under
oath. [Cries of “no” “no."J
Mr.gPhilip* wished to know whether this was the
man wjO it was-eaid too sick to appear before the
committee. If he abused the privilege of this
House, they should punish him and he was prepared
to do so.
Mr. Letcher remarked that when witnesses are
brought forth for contempt they are to answer un
der oath. He wished things te be done in a regular
way. and did not desire to see the scenes of Wednes
day re-enacted when (Mr. Simonton) instead of res
ponding to the questions propounded undertook to
deliver a lecture reflecting on each and all the mem
bers.
Mr. Brown in response to Mr. Phelps said he had
not asserted that Mr. Chester was so sick that he
could not appear before the committee, but that his
statement was that Mr. Chester was unwell and
went home as he was informed.
Mr. Phelps said he had not alluded to any partic
ular gentleman as making the statement.
After some further debate Mr. Letcher’s motion
was agreed on.
Mr. Wade by the request of the Chairman of the
Select Committee asked leave to offer a resolution
that Mr. Chester be discharged from*custody after
he snail appear before the sSect Committee and has
fully answered all proper questions which may be
put* to him by said Committee.
Mr. Stephens. I object until I hear what his an
swers are.
The Sergeant-at Arms here retired with his pris
oner.
The House was engaged in the consideration of
private bills till the hour of adjournment.
IN SENATE Jan. 26.
Mr. Wilson gave notice of his intentiou to intro
duce a bill to secure to actual settlers the alternate
sections of laud reserved iu grants to the States for
railroad purposes.
Tiie Senate discussed the bill establishing ana
val depot at Brunswick, Ga.; and, after debate, pas
sed it.
The Senate then adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr. Chester having been brought to the bar bv
the Sergeant-at-Anns, the Speaker propounded him
the questions heretofore ordered to be put, namely;
“why he did not appear before the select commit
tee in pursuance of the summons on the 14th inst.,
and whether he was ready to answer euch proper
questions as may be putoy the committee.”
Mr. Chester’s answer under oath was then read.
To the first Question, he says he never entertained
nor intended direspect to the committee or House,
having, before the subpena was issued summoning
him before the committee made arrangements to
return home to attend to private business, which
could not be neglected without great detriment to
his interest; under these circumstances he did not
think it was required that he should attend on the
precise day named, and had it not been for the
storm he should have been here on Monday without
the agency of the Sergeant-at-Anns, who would
bear witness that he evinced no disposition by a
writ of habeas corpus or otherwise, to evade the
summons. To the second inquiry he says he is now
ready and will answer.
On motion of Mr. Florence, tbe answer being en
tirely satisfactory to the House, Mr. Chester was
discharged from custody.
On motion, it was resolved that the Secretary of
War be requested to direct the topographical engi
neers to inquire and report whether the public in
terests would be promoted by the survey of Niagara
river, or any part of the same.
Thursday and Saturday were set apart for the
consideration of business relative to the territories,
as the two former days .specified for that purpose
were absorbed by a question of privilege.
On motion of Mr. Quitman, the House under a
suspension of the rules, passed the bill increasing
the pay of the commissioned officers of the army ami
military storekeepers.
The House passed a bill to enable property to a
considerable amount belonging to an emancipated
slave who died intestate to descend to his slave
wife aud children, their owners being willing to set
them free. The reason for this act is the belief that
the property, under the laws of the District of Co
lumbia, vests in the United States without such leg
islation.
The House then adjourned.
IN SENATE Jan. 27.
Mr. Wilson presented the petition of the Humane
Society of Massachusetts, asking Congress to grant
$20,000 for establishing and supporting a life boat
and mortar stations on the coast of that State.
Mr. Wilson said that this society was the oldest in
the country. They have sixty life boats and five
mortar stations and several buildings on the coast of
that State for the safety of shipwrecked seamen.
Mr. Broadhead presented a memorial from Hora
tio Hubbell, of Pennsylvania, showing that in 1819
in conjunction with Col. John H. ShCTborne, lie
caused to be presented to Congress a paper show
ing how the Sub-Marine Telegraph may be consum
mated and where it could be carried through. lie
now prays that nothing may be done unless his
rights as a projector may be fully secured by being
made a member or director of the company, or
in some other way. The memorial was laid on the
table.
The Senate then entered into a debate upon the
Indian Appropriation Bill. Some amendments were
made, after winch the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr. Campbell, of Ohio, from the Committee of
Ways and Meaus reported the amended Tariff bill,
perfecting the former one so far as the majority of
the Committee were concerned. He stated that it
reduces the annual revenue $14,000,900.
The House discussed the bill giving each branch
of Congress entire control of ita contingent funds
without the revision of accounting to the officers of
the Treasury.
Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, saw no necessity for
such a law, conceiving that it would be unconstitu
tional.
Mr. Cobb, of Georgia, said that the House had
not sunk so low as to refuse to review the action of
the first Comptroller who had undertaken 1 o lecture
the House not only for increasing the salaries of their
officers but their own.
Mr. Jones enquired whether Mr. Cobb ever heard
of any case where a Comptroller refused to aliow
the vouchers of the Clerk of this House when certi
fied by the Committee of Accounts ?
Mr. Cobb replied if the Comptroller never so re
fused, the evidence is conclusive that the committee
of Accounts have discharged their duties even to the
satisfaction of the Comptroller. [Laughter. |
The further consideration of the bill was postponed
until to morrow.
The Senate Sub-Marine Telegraph bill was re
ferred to the committee of Ways and Means.
The House then went into committee of the
Whole oft the state of the Union on the Tariff bill.
Mr. Maxwell defended the positions ot the Presi •
(lent in his annual message, and vindicated the
principles of the Democratic party.
The House took a recess till 7 o’clock for debute.
About a dozen members were present at the time
appointed. Messrs. Scott und Perry severally indi
cated that they wished to review the President’s
message and obtained permission to print their
speeches.
The House then adjourned.
IN SENATE Jan. 28.
On motion of Mr. Wilson, the Senate resolved that
the Committee on Foreign Relations be instructed to
enquire into the expediency of sending a Commis
sioner to the Island of East India Archipelago, with
power to investigate its claims to sovereignty which
the Government of the Netherlands assert to possess
over the most of these Islanda;and to form treatieswith
such independent States and tribes as may be found
therein of sufficient power and importance to ren
der such treaties necessary.
Mr. Douglas reported a bill establishing judicial
and land districts on the Gadsden purchase."
Adjourned.
HOUSE.
The House simply met and adjourned. NQthing
was saidon the subject of Mr. Brooks’ death, as his
friends were not prepared to make a form an
nouncement.
IN SENATE Jan. 29.
Mr. Trumbull presented the credentials of Jas.
Harlan, Senator elect from lowa, who qualified and
took his seat.
Official notification of the death of Mr. Brooks
having been received from the House, a eulogy
was pronounced by Mr. Evans, who expressed re
gret that this tribute to the memory of the deceased
could not be paid by his worthy colleague, Mr. But
ler. But the deep affliction which this sad event
occasioned him, in the loss of a dear friend and rel
ative, had unfitted him for the performance of that
duty.
Mr. Hunter, while expressing liis profound grief
hoped that this sad lesson would not be lost upon
the living. When standing round the lifeless form
of our deceased associate, we learn to appreciate,
as we are solemnly reminded, of The great brother
hood of humanity. Detraction would now cease to
have an object at which to aim its shafts, for when
one has paid the last debt of nature he has settled
his account with man.
Mr. Toombs spoke briefly of the many virtues of
the deceased, but without concluding his remarks
resumed his seat, nearly overcome by his feelings.
Theusual resolutions of regret and sympathy were
then adopted.
HOUSE.
Mr. Keitt announced the death of the Hon. Mr.
Brooks, saying that his disease was an acute inflam
mation of the throat, and so swift and fatal that even
his medical advisers believed him to be in no dan
ger till within the briefest possible period of the time
of his decease. Mr. Brooks was born in Edgefield
district, South Carolina, in 1819, and had served in
the Legislature of that State and rendered gallant
service in the Mexican war. He was sent to Con
gress as a representative of a proud and gallant
constituency, whose history had been illustrated by
the virtue, statesmanship and eloquence of Robert
Goodloe Harper, John C. Calhoun and George Mc-
Duffie.
He spoke of his long and intimate relations with
the deceased, who in his bearing was frank and
honest, in dispute severe, and in friendship delicious.
Mr. Brooks left a wife and four children—within the
sanctity of that home he would not intrude, but
would supplicate Heaven to furnish a balm to their
crushed and bleeding hearts.
Earth never pillowed in its bosom a truer son,
nor Heaven opened wide its gates toieeeive a man
lier spirit.
He submitted resolutions expressive of the deep
sensibility with which the House has received the
intelligence of Mr. Brooks’ death, tendering to the
family of the deceased the sympathy of the House,
and resolving to wear crape on the left arm for thirty
days : which were unanimously adopted.
Mr. Quitman added a few words to what he re
garded as an appropriate and just tribute, which
has just been paid by the gentleman from South
Carolina. He had seen him bearing the trials of
the seige of Vera Cruz, as an officer of the Palmetto
regiment, ever exhibiting all the characteristic;
marks of a true man and soldier. Under all circum
stances, never a morning come he here but what
he made his salute to his old commander.
Mr. Campbell, of Ohio, said that Mr. Brooks
merited the confidence of his constituents, because
he was always the faithful advocate of their political
sentiments, and the jealous guardian of their rights,
interests and honor.
His relations with the deceased were such as to
enable him to know and appreciate his virtues He
was a man of kind heart and most tender sensibili
tiea. Mr. Keitt had well said that his friendship
was of the most extraordinary tenacity. If the ele
ments, which are among the highest characteristics
of true manhood ever led him to acts which our
judgments would decide to be wrong, let us remem
ber that “to err is human—to forgive divine.’’
Mr. Clingman remarked that his acquaintance
with the deceased commenced with the latter’s first
term of service in the House, and from the fact that
they came from a district of country united in the
past and present history—the people entertaining a
similarity of feelings and views, made them warm
personal friends. With his own immediate consti
tuents his popularity was unbounded. Coming
from a State whose generosity advances the merits
of its sons, he had already obtained distinction in the
public councils.
In the course of his remarks Mr. Ciingman said
that if to insure success a man must be an adept in
the arts of deception and hypocrisy, Mr. Brooks
was not suited for such a station—no man was
ever more frank and manly.
Mr. Savage did not approve of mneh talking at
any he would do injustice to his feelings
and those of h;s constituents by remaining silent on
this sad occasion.
History records but one Thermopylse, but there
ought to have been another, and that' for Preston S.
Brooks. Brutus stabbed Cffisar in the capital, and
whatever may be thought of the wisdom and jus
tice of the deed, the world has ever since approved
and applauded the act. So shall the scene in the
Senate Chamber carry the name of the deceased to
all future generations, long to be remembered after
all here are forgotten, and when these proud walls
shall have crumbled into ruins. Had he been per
mitted 13 chose his own death, he Mr Savage) was
convinced he would have fallen in some great bat
tle of freedom. Bat it was not foi him to question
the wisdom of Omnipotence.
After a recess the corpse was brought into the
House, and in the presence of the members of both
branches of Congress, the President and Cabinet,
Judges of the Supreme Court, Hon Mr. Buchanan
and others, the Kev. Win. Waldo, Chaplain of the
House, delivered a brief discourse (making no al
lusion ta the deceased) from words of the Savior to
the chief on the cross : “ This day thou shait be
with me in paradise,”—the object bemg to justify
Christ in making that declaration ta the penitent,
and to ehow the necessity of repentance.
The body was subsequently deposited in the Con
gressional Cemetery,
WEEKLY
<%oniclc £ Sentinel.
WEDNESDAY MORNING FEB’Y. 4, IM6.
The Rank of C'olnmbus — u 31 nsco*er.”
Thk (Marumi moation of “ Muscogee in reply to
our remark? relative to the Bar.k of Columbus and
its President, iu our paper of the ‘2Bth ult ~ demands
a brief notice.
Muscogee” does not pretend to deny the truth
of anything we said—so far from it, he admits every
thing, and attempts to excuse or apologize, while
he dissents from the propriety of our reference to
the past history of Columbus banking operations as
in bad taste. “ There is no disputing about tastes.”
History is said to be philosophy teaching by exam
ple. It this be true, we are not surprised that
“ Muscogee” does not desire that the Bank of Co
lumbus or its bankers should be judged by their
predecessors. We have not so judged them, we
hope their course may be an exception to the rule,
especially as “ Muscogee” assures us, “they have
learned, after long and sad experience, souud, le
gitimate and honest bauking.” Verily, they have
had ample time to learn, and we sinceivly hope will
demonstrate to the world that they will practice
what has been taught them.
“ Muscogee” is at fault in his statement that we
“ insinuated that the people of Columbus could not
manage a Bank franchise honestly.” We insinua
ted nothing of the sort, but we asserted that they
had not, and the past history of Banks iu that city
fully sustains the assertion.
What connection the fact that Columbus was set
tled by persons from various eastern counties of
Georgia, has with this discussion, we confess our
selves wholly unable to imagine, unless “ Musco
gee” desired to show that that portion of them who
have managed the Banks there have had their
mora/s as well as their “ manners corrupted by evil
communications,” in Columbus.
“Muscogee” seems to dread very much the pow'er
of the “Agencies” to cut down the Bank of Colum
bus, by running in upon it with its bills and demand
ing coin. If he had reflected that the Agencies of Au
gusta did not take the bills of the Bank of Columbus,
his fears would certainly have been quieted, so far
at least as they are concerned. And if the Bank is
weli managed, as he seems to entertain no doubt,
he need not indulge any fears but that such settle
ments will only exercise a w holesome check, and
prevent its ruuning into excesses. The Banks of
this city make settlements weekly, and all balances
are paid in coin and nothing else; and experience
has showm that it is one of the best regulations ever
adopted for the preservation of “sound, legitimate
and honest bauking,” and the consequent protec
tion of the people against frauds. We suggest to
“Muscogee,” therefore, to quiet his fears, and to utter
uo complaint that any banks, even the Bank of Co
lumbus, is requ ; red, like all safe business men, to
pay its debts when they are demauded.
We are pleased to see that “Muscogee" makes no
effort to vindicate or excuse the connection of the
President of the Bank of Columbus, (W. 11. Young)
with the Eagle Manufacturing Company's shin
plasters, although lie attempts an apology, which is
to our mind most tame and impotent. It is not de
nied that the issuing of the shin-plasters was a plain
and deliberate violation of the law of the land—it is
not even pretended that there was any great public
necessity for such an LSsue, but the lame apology is
presented, that they were issued for the convenience
of the Eagle Manufacturing Company! That the
Eagle Manufacturing Compuny wanted smalj
change, and being unwilling to incur the expense of
procuring it, determined to violate the law by the
circulation of these shin-plaster drafts of Mr. Young,
who was, we are informed, a large stockholder of the
Company. The offence
“Hath this extent, no more.”
“Muscogee” should have informed the public how
much more sacred a bank charter is than any other
statute law of the land. Such a disquisition would
have enabled them to appreciate our “Jl 'mg ” at one
of their “ most valued citizens
“ Muscogee ” is quite unfortunate in supplying Mr.
Young with an example and teacher in the shin,
plaster trade from Augusta—lie should have re
collected that that teacher taught other lessons, bot h
as Bank President and slun-plaster issuer, which are
indelibly impressed upon the people’s pockets. Did
Mr. Young take his degrees under that “distin
guished financier,” or only the elementary princi
ples ? We are glad to learn from “Muscogee” that
the shin plasters are being redeemed. We presume
Mr. Young, the Eagle Company, and “Mussogee,”
are not only ashamed of them, but more ashamed
that they cannot offer to the public a better apology
for their issue.
“Muscogee” is quite mistaken iu supposing we
did not examine the list of stockholders of the Bank
of Columbus. We did examine it, and it was from
our confidence in their integrity and wealth that we
expressed our conviction that the Bank was safe
now. We shall not. therefore, occupy our space
with their publication.
In conclusion, we beg to say to 11 ‘Muscogee” and all
concerned, we have no interest in, or connexion
with Banks anywhere, save that which every citi
zen has. We have no prejudices against the Bank
of Columbus or auy one connected with it. But
we shall not hesitate at all times to arraign it or its
officers before the people for auy delinquencies.
The previous article we wrote deliberately, with a
full knowledge of all the facts about the Bank and
the shin plaster issue, and there is not a word in it
we would change or modify.
Editorial Change.
The Constitutionalist of yesterday announced a
change of its Editorship, the retirement of Mr
Gardner and the succession of Mr. Jas.T.
formerly of the Macon Journal # Messenger, who
made his bow to its readers, in a graceful salutatory.
We cordially welcome him back to the Editoriul
Chair.
The Ea Fayette Course.
It will be seen by reference to the advertisement
of the Proprietors, that the regular annual meet
ing over this Course will commence on Tuesday,
the 24th inst.
The following Stables will be in attendance :
John Campbell’s from Kentucky ; Jas. Moore’s from
Louisiana; D. McDaniel’s from Virginia ; Ed
Code’s from Kentucky ; Bacon & Jones’ from Sout h
Carolina ; B. Young’s from South Carolina ; Thos-
Puryear’a from South Carolina ; C. Piyor’s from
Georgia ; and H. C. Cassey’s from Georgia ; and as
they number near or quite forty horses, the meeting
promises to be one of unusual interest.
Accident on Georgin Railroad.
Two passenger cars of the up morning train of
Sunday were thrown from the track about 18 miles
from Augusta. The accident occurred at a point
where new iron was being laid, a short bar having
been inserted between the new and old rail, to con
nect them, and it is supposed the stringer guve way
at this point.
There were six cars in the train. The engine
and four first cars passed over in safety, the two
last ears, with thirty to forty passengers, were pre
cipitated down an embankment 25 to 30 feet. No
one seriously injured, but all, with few exceptions’
received severe bruises. After a delay of about au
hour, all the paßsengers proceeded in the train to
Atlanta, except a lady (with her husband) the form
er in delicate health, and from the concussion and
bruises received, was unable to proceed ; she lias,
however, received no serious injury, and it is ex
pected will be .able to proceed on her journey to
morrow or next day.
A Crash.—About 11 o’clock Saturday night, the
first floor of the store No. 6 “ Warren Block" which
was occupied by Lewis Allen, for storage, and
on which they bad 15,000 bushels of wheat stored,
gave way and precipitated the wheat, with the two
upper floors and part of the roof, into the cellar.
The loss to Mr. Metcalf, the owner of the store,
will not probably be less than $3,000. The grain
will be saved with trifling loss.
Di*. Juriali llurriMs.
We learn by the following extract of a letter,
from a gentleman of Savannah, to his friend in this
city, that Dr. Juriah Harriss, has been elected a
Professor in the Medical Col ege of Savannah:
“ The Trustees of the Savannah Medical College
have recently chosen Dr. Juriaii Harriss of your
city to fill a Professorship in their institution. In
this selection, they have exhibited great wisdom in
securing the services of one so ably qualified, in
every respect, to advance the interests of such an
institution. As a man of ability, profound learning
and professional skill, Dr. Harriss is not surpass
ed by any one of his age ; and we predict for him a
very brilliant career as a teacher of Medicine. He
will, doubtless, receive a cordial welcome in our
midst.”
The London Athcneaum states that the Queen
has commissioned Mr. W r m. Simpson, the artist of
the Crimean war, to paint for her private gallery a
picture of the “ Reception” on board the Resolute,
a very graceful memorial of a most noble act of
international courtesy. The picture, which will in
clude portraits of the various members of the royal
family, and of Captain Hartstein and the American
officers and the American Consul, will be engraved,
and will unquestionably prove popular on both sides
of the Atlantic.
Fruit Killed.—The Louisville Courier says
that many of the fruit growers of that vicinity are
apprehensive that the severe weather of Sunday
night, the 18th instant, killed the fruit buds of most
of the peaches and pears. When the thermometer
reaches as low a point as twelve to fourteen de
grees below zero, it is said to be a pretty well estab
llshed fact that all the finer varieties of fruite are
killed.
A New Post-Offce has been established at Saf
fold, in Early county, and David S. Johnson ap
pointed Post-Master.
The National Clay Monument —Selection
of a Design.—The Directory of the Clay Monu
ment Association at Lexington has at last selected a
des ; gn for the national monument to be erecteff in
the cemetery near that place, over the remains of 1
Henry Clay. It is the design submitted by Mr. '
Julius W. Adams, of Lexington. The Observer , J
and Reporter says that the height of the monu !
mental column, togeth< r with the base or sarcopha
gus, is one hundred and nineteen feet, and upon the
summit of the column there is to be a colossal statue
of the departed statesman. The association have 1
decided to construct this monument of Kentucky -
stone, the magnesia limestone, which is said to be
as indestructible as Egyptian granite. It is design
ed to lay the corner-stone of this monument on tle <
12th day of April, the birth-day of the matchless j
orator and unsullied patriot unto whom it i# be £
erected; but if this cannot be done, gi t
least be broken on that day. The lion. J£dward
Everett is to deliver the address upon the occasion. ’
Skvikkv ii.i.K, Tenn.jJan. 17,1857.
51k. Editor : —The people here depend entire*
ly upon the Ckrunole tV «S 'rulin'l to know what
Georgia Bank notes to receive. There uro notes
upon .several Slew Banks of Gourg'.u in circulation
iu East Tennessee, that w<* know nothing about ns
yet, 1 would like to know win ther tin* notes of the
"Bunk of Athens,” Ga.„will do to take ; also ns to
the “Bank oj Commerce?* I have soon none upon
the latter bank, but 1 understand that it is circula
ting in the lower part of East Tennessee.
Yours respectfully,
Remarks by the Editor.— The “ Bank of
Athens” and the “Bank of Commerce" are both
sound and safe institutions, and managed by pru
dent, discreet uud wealthy men. \Ve have no hesi
tation, therefore, iu saying to our East. Tennessee
friends, they need indulge no fear.; of the solvency
of either of these Banks.
We are pleased to see that the people have been
aroused to the observance of a little caution as to
what Bank bills they will give circulation to, and
we are proud to know that this feeling has been
produced by the course of ‘lie Chronicle A* Senti
nel, in its efforts to protect the people against fraud,
by maintaining a sound and safe currency. We are
aware that our efforts in this behalf are appreciated
by the intelligent and reflecting of all classes; while
we are not ignorant of the fact, that a few misera
ble creatures, who are either engaged in attempting
to swindle the people, or are their ignorant dupes,
ascribe to us auy other than proper motives. Vile
themselves, they have no conception that others are
influenced by any other thau sordid considerations.
All such have our pity—they do not merit contempt.
ami, we assure them, we omv not so much for their
opinions of our course, as we do whether the wii d
blows from the genial South or the icy Noith
Those whose good opinions we de» m of any value,
we know appreciate and approve our course. Be
sides, we have the approving consciousness of
knowing that «v an right, and the friend ot a souud
currency may rest assured that icc trill go ahead, no
matter who approves or condemns.
We shall attack no bnuk that we deem worthy of
the confidence of the people, and we shall show uo
quarter to those >ye deem unworthy.
3Fr» Stephens.—The Democracy.
The Washington correspondent of the Columbus
Times, writes to that journal thus in reference to Mr.
Stephens’ Democracy :
“ Mr. Stephens’ recent speech i- made the subject
of some severe comments iu the Washington Cor
respoudeuce of the Richmond Enquirer. I must
confess my inability.to perceive the justice or pro
priety of the criticism. Mr. Stephens is now with us
and of us—a member of the national Democratic
party—without any desire, and surely without any
motive, to revive exploded doctrines, or obsolete
heresies, or mingle with the pure principles of his
present faith, the strange phantasies of idolatrous
worship. If I comprehend his late elaborate and
eloquent speech -and l have read it very carefully
—its general principles are souud, and its arguments
arc conclusive. And when S mthcru papers arraign
Mr. Stephens for past opinions, they should remem
ber that the honesty and boldness with which he
repudiated theui when lie became convinced of their
dangerous tendency, is ? of itself, the best evidence
of the sincerity with which they are mentioned. Mr
Stephens has doue his country good service, uud, 1
urn sure, will continue to enjoy the ent ire confidence
of the national Democracy/'
We commend this paragraph to the careful con
sideration of those old line Whigs, who have follow.
ed. Mr. STErHENs’jdevious course for the last eightw n
months, without ever stopping to enquire wither
he was leading them. If they have not before halt,
ed to take an observation, like prudent mariners
and conservative patriots, it is quite time they
should make a reckoning, unless they, too, like Mr.
Stephens, court and leek the embrace of the De
mocracy.
Burned’n Preparations.
Haviland, Sisley & Co. have placed us under
obligations, by laying on our table Burnett’s Ex
xtracts for flavoring desserts,&c., which we should
think every housewife, who desirts t** get up a
handsome dinner or supper, should have.
The “KaUiston" is another preparation of Bur
nett’s, which we should think will bo particularly
desired by the Ladies, as it is said to “improve ami
beautify the completion,” besides possessing nu
merous other “elegant accomplishments,” all o
which the ladies will appreciate.
Tb * "Oriental Tooth Wash*' is another prepa
ration. which is said to bo “elegant, combining the
most desirable cleansing and astringent properties.”
The Legal Profession.—Ten out of eleven ap
plicants for admission to the lmr in New York have
been rejected by the examiners. This severity ot
examination is something quite new, but whole
some.—Exch a age.
To which the Memphis Eagle remarks, that it had
been better for many a father's son and formally a
mother's helpless daughter, it*, during the pasttweu
ty years, the courts of examination had adopted and
adhered inflexibly to a rule, that ten out every
eleven of those who make application for admission
to the bar, should he rejected. Tin* world is full oI
dissipated hopes, broken ambitions, soured tem
pers, and legal loafers.
Sudden Death.—We learn from the Montgom
eyr Mafl that Mr. Wm. Hilliard, an old and
highly esteemed citizen of that city, died suddenly
Saturday night last, from congestion of th brain.
The deceased was nearly eighty years of age. He
was the father of our distinguished fellow citizen,
Hon. H. W. Hilliard. Those who knew him, re
garded him as a man of line mind, varied informa
tion, and most agreeable manners. He has depart
ed in the ripeness of his age.
Murder.—On Friday last,, says the Newberry,
S. C. Mirror , between nine and ten a foul murder
was committed on the person of M. P. Levingston,
of this District. The circumstances were in sub
stance as follows: The deceased, with two other
persona, (females) was sitting in Li.-* house, at tin
time above mentioned, when his attention was at
traded by the noise of a stone striking the door of
the room. He went to the door to ascertain the
cause of so strange a proceeding, and opening it was
shot through the head. He fell and died sometime
afterwards. The murderer is not known, nor indeed
has suspicion attached to any one. The verdict ot
Coroner Doyley was in accordance with the above
fuels.
The Word Ckkoi.k.—Some suppqpe the Creole
to be nearly black, imagining the word to be used
as a term of disgrace or reproach. The Spanish
word Crillo (Creole) was origmall applied to the
descendants ot Whites in Mexico, South America,
and the West. Indies, in whom white blood, unmix
ed with that of every other race, exited. This is
still the only acceptance of the term in the West.
Indies. A mulatto is the offspring of a white and a
negro j a Quadroon, of a white and a mulatto, being
one-quarter black; a Mustce, ot a white and a
quadroon, or one-eighth black. Mu tafina, of a
white and a Mustce, being one sixteenth black.
Terms implying a much less admixture of black
blood are prevalent in Cuba. Creole simply means
a white native of those tropical climates.
sHflvAi lroad Troubles.—The Boston, Concord,
and Montreal railroad of New Hampshire has gone
into the hands of the assignees. The Company owes
debts exceeding $1,000,000, on which the stockhold
ers are personally liable.
This road extends from Concord to Well’s River,
ninety-three miles, and cost about $3,000,000. The
laws of New Hampshire make any stockholders,
liable for all the debts of corpora*ion, in the same
manner as partners.
M/ss Matilda Heron, the actress, has taken
the New York public by storm. The papers there are
filled with criticisms on her performance, declaring
her equal to Rachel in many respects, and surpass
her in others. It is Miss Jl.'s first appearance in
that city, though she lias been starring it tor two or
three years in the South and West.
Volcano in Virginia.—The Rockingham Regis
ter learns from the most reliable authority, thal the
shock of an eaethquake was felt in Pendleton co.,
Va., some days ago, and that an aperture has been
formed in the mountains, within two or three miles
of Circleville, in that county, from wi h volumes of
black smoke are issuing, and large stones have been
thrown to a great height.
Spanish Fleet Ordered to the Mexican
Coast. —It is stated by the Havana correspondent
of the New York Times, that, the Spanish squadron
has again been ordered to Vera Ci uz. The vessels
have taken in provisions for a four month cruise.—
They will not all go to Vera Cruz, but divide them
selves among the town on the Gulf. Th Captain
General lias been induced to take this i-'epatthe
instance of the several Spanish Consuls in Mexico,
who represent the people and the authorities to be j
extremly incensed agai t the Spaniards, who, it is j
alleged, have been engaged in several pro nuncio |
mentos.
The Coldest Day.—The severity of the present |
season, says the Journal of C» mmerce, has not been j
exceeded since the winter of 1-3, >, and from the i» '
cord before us, it would se. rn th :f the temperature j
on Saturday, the 24J,h, throughout the Northern and
Middle States, was even colder than on any day of j
that memorable winter. In the Southern States the '
temperature at that time was lower than it has
been this year. The following table shows the state
of the thermometers on that day at those points from
which weliftve received information <by telegraph
or otherwise:
Halifax, N. S zero j Montreal, Can—3s below
Bt. Johns, N. B ...26beiow | Salem, Ma 24 below
Sackville, N. 8.. .22 below ] Worcester, M;i-5..2l below
Fredericton, N. 8.30 below Pro vidence, li. 1..28 below
Calais, Me.. 39 below N. Have-u, Conn. 27 below
Bangor, Me 44 below Hartford, Conn. .132 below
Portland, Me 25 below Troy, N. V 26 below
Manchester, N. H.4Q below Albany, N. Y 27 below
Dover, N. H 31 below New York 6 below
Woodstock, Vt... 43 below Philadelphia 5 below
Montpelier, Vt.-. .50 below Washington . 8 below
Boston, Man.-) 11 below Baltimore 5 below
E. Cambridge, Mas 23 below Alexandria, \'a . 8 below
Malden, Mass.... 31 below Charleston, 8. C. ■l2 above
Lawrence, Mass. .32 below Tallaha —<*, ila 10 above
Springfield, Mass. 32 below Jacksonville. Fia.2o above
• Other thermometers indicated a lower temperature,
but none that we heard of less than 10 below, except
one on the oa shore, which was only 13 below.
ITbe Hartford Daily Times -ays that u» 1 rriff\file,
Granby, about a down mile from that city, llm mercury
went as low a* 5S <le« below.
iiiciit.s ur lUK Sikuha Nj VAIM.—In addition to
the discovery of gold in Walk 1 r\ alloy, it deem.' that
Hope Valley, far tip in the Sierra Nevada, a id embo
somed in tie basin of “two summits,” contains iron,
gold, copper and lead. A copper vein ha been open,
ed there by a man named Hodgers, who has sunk a
shaftl, built a house, and employed live men in run
uiug a tunnel into the hill from the side. The ore
thus obtained is said to beofa rich quality. This
,nine : s directly on the great highway of travel be
tween California aud Carson Valley. On the sides of
either rauge hemming in Hope Valley, and near the
shores of Truekee Cake, gold has been found in con
siderable abundnuee. In fact, every thing seems to
promise that the Sierra Nevada will, before many
years, become the seat of important mining inter
ests.
Extract of a letter dated Norfolk, Va , Jan. ‘-J6:
“You will no dopbt be surprised to learn that
iramptonTtoads are nearly, if not quite frozen over,
and that persons luyxy >vajkeb Up from Old J’oint to
thia place ration* *wetwr«teareu. (bade ■. Noauch
weather here siuce 178'J—*90
Now Hook*.
Henry Lyle; or Life and Experience; A nov<
by Miss Emilia Marryatt. New York. Gai
rett & Co.
Wk aro glad to hail Miss Marryatt in boo
form once more. Her novel of “Temper” is one <
the best works that the modern press has favore
us with, and this ia,*if possible, its superior. It
fascinating in plot, brilliant and epigrammatic as
literary style, and exceedingly “taking,” as oi
Y aukee friends would say, in all other essential r
specie. We cau scarcely say more for a novel thi
this. When we admit it to be brimful of interest
replete with captivating incident, and furniahe<
with an abundance of choice good sense that israr©
1)' met with except iu dry essays, or long-winded
sermons, we do all that is necessary to give out
readers a correct idea of it. Henry Lyle was, wa
understand, suggested by the author’s father, the
late Capt. M arryatt, just previous to hia death
It is, we must not forget to say, full of trenoh&nt
wit, and cuts right and left at and into the most no
torious and pernicious evils of society as it is at pr
seut constituted. Thanks to German philosopfa
with which much of our popular litorature has b©|
impregnated, the present generation inclines t
wards the embrace of infidelity. Miss Marry at
has not spared this in the pages of “Henry Lyle
The book is worthy a place among the finest work
of any era, and we hope to seo it in every well e<
lected library.
It is for sale by Geo. A. Oatfs & Bro.]
Dork. By a Stroller in Europe. New York : Hat
per iV Brothers.
The title of this work has not much signifioatio
as to its contents. The word “ Dore” means sin
ply the difference between the outsido and inside <
things. Dore is a book of travel, composed of le
ters written during a year’s residence in Europ
being the author's third visit to that country. The
are brim-full of humorous descriptive soenes ar
amusing incidents of travel, many of which, viei
ed in a different light from that given them by tl
author's magic pen, would be infinitely, more ai
nojying than amusing. From a hasty glance at tl
work, we can scarcely form an opinion as to i
merits, but can see that it is full of wit and humo
and will be amusing to those who have passe
through similar scenes, while it will be instruotiv
and useful to others.
For sale by Thos. Uichahrs Sc Son.
Kathie Brands; A Fireside History of a Quiet
Life. By Holme Lee, author of “Maude Tal
hot,” Ate. New York : Harper At Brothers.
This volume cannot be spoken of at any length,
without a thorough reading, and we have not yet
had time to peruse it. As its title implies, it
is a story of quiet, domestic home life, with every
day incidents, some of which are common to the
life of every member of the human family. From
the reputation which the author's previous works
have given him, we should judge this volume to
contain many good life-lessons and moral teachings.
For sale by Thos. Richards At Son.
Nrw Granada .or Twenty Months in theAudes. B)
Isaac F. Holton. M. A. New York. Harpei
iV Brothers.
This is a large and handsome volume of 60t
pages, containing a variety of information relative
to the climate, productions, and resources of thi
beautiful section of country, with an insight inti
the manners and customs, the religion and prinoi
pies of its inhabitants. The scenes and events arc
drawn with a clearness and distinctness which reu
derathem highly attractive, and the narrative styk
in which the incidents of travel and the researchei
ot science are woven together, renders the work p<
culiarly interesting as well
bell faked with two maps of the country, and thirty
three engravings.
For sale by Thos. Richards & Son.
The Tragedies of Euripides. Translated by The
odore A. Bucki.ky. New York. Harper A
Brotbera.
This work is a literal translation of the origin*
text, with critical and explanatory notes, adapter
to the requirements of the student. It is handsome
ly bound in two volumes, each containing ten tra
gedies. \
For sale by Thos. Richards &. Son. jj
Er. Gringo *, or New Mexico and heV People-
By W. 11. H. Davis, late IT. S. Attorney. Ne?
York. Harper & Brothers.
This work commences with the narrative of at
eventful trip across the plains, and is mainly writ
ten from a diary kept by the author during a resi
denceof two years and a half iu New Mexico. Thi
historical portions of the work are collected from of
ficial records in the office of the Secretary of the
Treasury, at Santa Fe, and may be relied upon as
correct. ’The other portions are drawn from careful
personal observations, and will be found full of
spicy incident and interesting information. It is
embellished with thirteen beautiful engravings
For sale by Thos. Richards A i Son.
Charleston Medical Journal.—The January
numberfof this valuable Medical periodical has been
on our table some days, and we are glad to see that
it is keeping pace with this progressive age. It is
enlarged, and comes out in new type—in fact, the
typographical part is in line taste. There is a new
and quite an attractive feature in this Journal
each number will contain a beautiful steel engraved
Portrait, with biographical sketch of a distinguished
Medical man. The present No. contains a beautiful
one of Samuel Henry Dickson, M.D., L. L. D.,
Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in
the Medical College of South Carolina. Its tab!#
of contents is filled with good original and selected
articles, besides various critical reviews.
It is edited and published by C. Happoldt, M.
I)., of Charleston, S. C., bi-monthly, at $4 per an
num in advance. The work will be sent free of
postage, from the time the subscription is paid. We
wish its enterprising Editor and Publisher great
success in his enterprize.
MrnoKii in Warren County, Mima.— Thai
Vicksburg Timm, of Wednesday last,
the murder of Francis J. Coleman, in the upper part
of Warren county, Miss. The Times Mays :
lie was found in his bed, weltering in his gore,
about 8 o’clock on hist Wednesday night, with
seven horrible wounds in his head, inflicted by a
tomahawk, which was found by the bedside, stained
with the blood of its victim.
Mr. Coleman was the keeper of a woodyard on
the Mississippi liver, and was highly respected
by his neighbors as a kind heartea and honorable
As yet no clue has been obtained to the perpetra
tors ol this monstrous crime.
It is supposed that the deceased was murdered by
some o! his own negroes. It is however a bare sup
position.
lie has no relations in this State. His brother,
Jesse W. Coleman, resides in Lowndes county,
Alabama.
Burning or a College. —Kemp Hall, a new
and-improved building coneoted with Bt. James'
College, Maryland, was entirely destroyed by Are
last week. There was an insurance of $12,000
the building, which will cover the loss.
An Inauguration.— Gov. Newell, of New Jer
sey, the newly elected Governor, walked twelve
miles on Monday the 19th, through the snow foj
Trenton, to be inaugurated. The roads were h®
such condition as to forbid travelling on horses °*
in sleighs.
Eagle Killed.— An enormous gray eagle, mea. 1
uring seven feet between the tips of the*winga, J
was killed near this city on Monday, by Mr. C. Dk- 1
Laiolk. J
Frozen to Death. —The Richmond Despatch
says “We understand that Mr. Leander Baughanß
a citizen of Hanover county, was found frozen tfl
death, on Sunday last, on the Mountain road, neafl
Barlow’s tavern, 21 miles rom Richmond. Tw<B
other persons named A kew and Mills, a little boy,
sou of the latter, who were in company with Baug
ban were a little distance off and either nearly or
quite frozen.
National Indebtedness. —The joint indebted
ness of the several States is represented as reaching
$190,000,000, and that of the General Government
ns $30,000,000 —making a total of $220,000,000. —
These figures appear large, but when compared with
the indebtedness of Great Britain, they are quite
insignificant. Indeed, our total debt—State and
National—is not equal to one year’s interest of the
national debt of the United Kingdom, at the rate of
six per cent.
The Ice at Noroolk, Va, —The people of Nor
folk and Portsmouth crowded the ice between the
two cities, Saturday. A booth was erected midway
on the ice, at which refreshments were sold. —
Sleighs, heavily laden with flour, crossed the river,
and many persons walked down to Hampton
Roads.
Lady and Servant Frozen.— We learn from the
Marlborough (Md.) Gazette, that Miss Virginia
Clagett, daughter of Thomas Clagett, of Prince
Georges, wan frozen to death on Monday, the 19th
She was at Mr. W'. J. Berry’s, (her brother-in-law,)
and hearing that a servant was sick in one of the
quarters, some distance from the house, accompanied
by a servant girl, she’ attempted to go to her as
slstancc. She and the servant were blinded by the
snow and wind, and getting in the drifts were lost
and frozen to death before they were discovered
The Pounder or Yale Collage.—Klihu Yale,
the founder of Yale College, Hartfprd, Couneotiout,
is burned in Wrexham, Wales. It is recorded that
Mr. Yale went out to the East Indies as an adven
turer from this country, and, becoming wealthy,
obtained the Presidency of Madras, where be ruled
most tyranically. He caused a groom to be hanged
for riding out a favorite horse without leave. For
this murder he was ordered to England, where he
w as tried for the crime, but by some means eeoaped
with the imposition of a heavy fine. His death took
p!a ein 1772. His descendants at present are reei
dents of New Haven.
Orange and Alexandria Koad.— The Alexan
dria Sentinel states that snow drifts on this road
were so immense, that it was a herculean task to
remove them. It cites Hooe’s cut for example,
which is one mile long, and was “filled and packed
with snow from ten to twenty feet deep I” The path
through this drill had been partially prepared by la
borers with shovels aud tl.en it was attacked by a
t -an of five powerful engines with a running start of
a mile. They only entered the drift seventy feet'
mill then had to be dug out as if they were great
lubberly logs.
The Acting Governor of Maine.—ln conse
quence of the necessary withdrawal from the gu
bernatorial chair of Uanuib&l Hamlin, who has been
elected to the long term of the United States Sen
ate, the Hon. Joseph A. Williams, of Augusta, Pre
sident of the Senate, will become the acting Gover
nor of Maine.
Louisiana.—The condition of the State Troasury
of Louisiana appears to be satisfactory. The re
ceipts for the year were $2,223,868 67, the expend!,
tures, $1,953,846 48; receipts over expenditures,
$270,019 15. Balance in the treasury on the Ist of
January, $902,414 71, whioh we suppose includes
all thrust funds.