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COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.
SATURDAY EVENING, JAN. 27, 1855.
Usury Laws.
Avery general desire is manifested in all quarters
to repeal the usury laws. It is contended that a man’s
money is his property and he ought to be allowed to
do as he pleases with it. It is further urged that the usu
ry laws fail to secure tho object they design to accom
plish; that their effect is to deter |ionest and law abiding
citizens from dealing in money; thus gives the dis
honest shylocks, who prey upon of the un
fortunate, a monopoly of the trad# On the other hand
it is contendend that money is tie creature of the State
and, therefore, a proper subject of legislative supervis
ion; that Banks, especially, are artificial persons, and that
the Legislature may impose restrictions upon them. —
It is further contended that the trade of the usurer is
unproductive and demoralizing and ought to be discour
aged by the State: and that though the laws may fail
to deter all men from the practice of usury, they are as
effectual as laws generally are when they conflict with
personal interests.
The object, doubtless, of those who urge a repeal of
the usury laws is to make money more abundant. —
We very much doubt if this will be the result. If the
trade of usury shall once become respectable, private
individuals will cease to make deposites in banks and
thereby greatly curtail their capacity to make loans.—
Indeed, we take it for granted that all surplus money is
now on loan either through the banks or usurers. The
effect of a repaal of the usury laws then will not be to
increase this surplus; but to enable capitalists to de
mand higher rates of interest. We do not think this
would prove beneficial to the community. Under ex
isting laws all bank loans must be made in Georgia at 7
per cent. The only consideration that governs them is
the solvency and punctuality of the parties who apply
for accommodation. This gives encouragement to hon
esty and punctuality in business. If, however, the usu
ry laws are repealed, the rate of per cent, will enter as
an element into loans, and this will put the honest and
fair dealer in competition with the reckless speculator
and heedless gambler; tho effect of which will be to
raise the price of merchandize of all kinds.
With these views we cannot join in tho clamor for
the repeal of the usury laws, at least, so far as banks
arc concerned.
Manufacturers’ and Mechanics’ Bank—lt. J.
Moses, Esq.
We do not feel at liberty to decline the publication
of the communication of R. J. Moses, Esq. If the of
ficers of the Bank think it necessary to reply to it, our
columns are also open to them.
We do not feel called on to take part in the contro
versy. We*may be justified in saying that, by the laws
of Georgia, the Stockholders of the bank are author
ised to do a banking business in the State, upon comply
ing with the terms of their charter. We are not dis
posed to throw any obstacle in their way, especially in
these tight times when money is so much needed by
business men. The circulation of the bank, we believe,
is not large, and all its bills are promptly redeemed
with gold and silver on presentation, and so long as
this is the case, we presume the public will care very
little about the manner in wliioh the Quo Warranto
was disposed of by the Court. TV'e learn, however,
that it was ‘‘quashed” and not “dismissed’’ as alleged
by Mr. Moses.
31essrs. Edtors:Wi\\ you be pleased to give the loliowing
article a place in your columns. It was first presented to
the Columbus Enquirer and refused. Justice to myself
and the community demands that the facts therein stated
should be made known. Very Respectfully,
R. J. MOSES.
For the Columbus Enquirer.
Manufacturers’ and Mechanics’ Bank.
Messrs .Editors: In your paper of the 20th, you announc
in your editorial column, that ‘the Quo Warranto filed a*
gainst the Bank has been dismissed by the court. This is
true, but as your notice might carry with it the impression
that the Writ was dismissed on its own merits, and as such
was not the case, allow me to state that the Quo Warranto
was demurred to on technical grounds, the bank thus
avoiding the opportunity offered it, of proving to a jury
that the organization was regular, the subscription bona
fide, and the object and purposes of the Bank “Legit
imate.” I was absent when the demurrer was argued, and
t he gentleman who temporarily represented the State was
a stranger to the whole proceeding, and could not, in th e
nature of things, be prepared to meet a labored argument
on technical grounds in opposition to.the wiit. I am inform’
ed that it was intimated in the argument, that some person,
(other than the State) who was uuwilling to be known and
who had other motives than the public good, was pressing
this matter'for private purposes. As I have nothing to con
ceal in the matter, and as my connection with the writ has
always been avowed, I willl here state, that, at thesugges
tion of the acting Solicitor, 1 drew up the information and
offered my services to assist the prosecution, without any
prospect ol a fee; with no unfriendly feelings to any mem
ber of the Bank, and with the sole and only purpose of dis
charging my duty as a citizen, by assisting in an investiga
tion of the true character of a Bank, which suddenly ap
peared iu our midst, to say <he least of it, under very unfav
orable circumstances. The part I performed was calcula
ted to stop the issue of a worthless circulation, if the reports
the bank were true,and on the other hand,if they were
unfounded, the investigation could only result beneficially
to the Bank, by re-establishing it iu the [confidenoe of the
people.
The opportunity thus preseuted,|has not been met by the
Bank. The Quo .V airanto ‘has not been tried upou its
merits; the issue has been avoided, and the public still re
main unadvised of its true condition. It may be that the
Bank is worthy of public confidence; I do not attempt to
control public opinion on that point, but I desire, as no
doubt you qo, that the public shall not be misled by your
notice, and adopt the unfounded impression that the Quo
Warranto has been met upon its merits, and the character
of the Bank endorsed by judiciul investigation.
If I represented the State, and had control of the ease, I
should except to the decision of the Circuit Judge upon the
technical objections to tne writ, and carry the matter before
the Supreme Court. This matter, however, is in the hands
of the State Solicitor, beyond my control, and i can only
say, that should the State pursue the Quo Warranto fur
ther, whatever serv ices I can render will be freely and vol
untanly given. 1 have no other interest in the matter than
=> a citizen of Columbus, to desiie that the currency issued
‘r Banks, shall be a safe and legal one
by he
R. J. MOSES.
Resisnwio. Ko-yhas rerfgaed h* „f.
See „ Chief Bag. ° f i"? M “ Ma M
Road. Wettk. klh' e wi,h lie haa
been a most diligent and u. lla ‘ u ’ officer.
General M. B. Lamar. —We had the pleasure of
meeting this distinguished gentleman in our city on the
27th inst. lie is unusually well. For the
two past years he lias been engaged in agricultural
labors on his farm in Texas, working with his own
hands at the plow handles, and is therefore justly en
titled to the appellation of the American Cincinnatus.
We hope the time is not distant when a grateful people
will show their own worth by elevating him to the
station, which he is so well fitted to adorn, about to be
vacated by General Houston. Who is so proper a
person to represent Texas in the American Senate as
the hero of San Jacinto ?
The Savannah River Valley Railroad.
The Augusta Constitutionalist of W ednesday says ;
The meeting held last evening at the City Hail was one
of the largest, most respectable and enthusiastic we have
seen for many a day in that building.
We have not time nor room this morming for the
proceedings in full. Suffice it to say the meeting was
addressed by Messrs. Ilammond and Calhoun of South
Catolina, and by Messrs. Gould, Gardner r Miller and
Brett of Georgia, The addresses of the first five named
were argumentative and instructive, but the address of
Mr. Brett, was practical and a knock-down argument.
After the addresses the resolution instructing the
City Council to subscribe Five Hundred Thousand Dol
lars towards the completion of the road, provided tho
sanction of the Legislature be obtained, was carried with
but few dissenting voices. A bright day is dawning on
Augusta and her cit'zens. The building of this road se
cures to her the position of the Great Southern Depot.
The Storm —Our advices by mails and telegraph
extend as far north as Halifax, Is. S., and to the Wes
tern Lakes, and from all quarters we learn accounts of
the ravages of the storm which seems to have swept
over the whole Atlantic coasts on Sunday, 21st inst.
From thtf North we hear of the sinking and wrecking
of vessels at sea and in the harbors, and the destruction
of houses and uprooting of trees on land. At Halifax,
the gale began on Thursday, and continued with such
severity that the steamship Asia, for Liverpool did not
leave until Saturday morning. We have no room for
particulars.
The Canada Railroad Riot. — Buffalo, Jan. 23.
The laborerers on the Buffalo, Brantford and Gcoderich
Railroad still have possession of the track at Cayuga,
C. W., about thirty miles east of Brantford, where,
fully armed, they have assembled to the number of 150.
The sheriffs of the counties of Niagara, Ilaldimund and
Brant have been called upon, and will take fifty British
soldiers from Niagara village, to-morrow, and proceed
to the scene of riot, when the road, it is expected, will
be opened, and when done, the laborers will be paid off’,
for which money is now ready, and discharged. After
this is done, no further trouble is apprehended.
From Boston—Railroad Accident , Detention , etc. —
Boston, Jan. 23, 1855. —About ten o’clock last night
as the express train from New York passed Clappville,
the switch rod broke, throwing the engine, tender,
baggage and four passenger cars off the track, and one
car down a bank twenty five feet. No one was injured.
The cars were detained four hours.
The Massachusetts Senator ship. — Boston, Jan.
23, 1855. —The ‘•esult of the ballot for United States
Senator to-day in the House was as follows ; The whole
number of votes thrown were 364 ; necessary for a
choice, 183. Ilemy Wilson, of Natick, received 234 ;
Nahum F. Bryant, of Barre, 85 ; Julius A. Rockwell,
of Pittsfield, 18 ; scattering, 37, of which Mr. Ely had ‘J.
Mr. Wilson was then declared elected, and tho matter
now goes to the Senate.
Prohibitory .Law in New Jersey. —Trenton, Jan.
23, 1855.—The prohibitory law has passed to a third
reading, and tho final vote will be taken on Thursday.
The bill has been so amended as to allow it to go to the
people at a special election on the first Monday of Oc
tober next.
*m mi
Election of Slidell to the U. S. Seaate. — New
Orleans, Jan. 5 2. —The election for Senator has taken
place, and resulted in the triumph of John Slidell. The
vote stood, John Slidell 74 ; John Moore 28 Scatter
ing 7.
The election of Mr. Slidell 7s regarded here as a
very decided triumph over the Know Nothings, and will
afford very general satisfaction throughout the State.—
Mobile Register.
Congress.
Washington, Jan. 23.
In the House to-day, Mr. Seward, of Georgia, made
charges against the standing committees, alleging that
they controlled the action of that body, by neglecting
to report baek important bills which had been referred
to them. Among others, the bill for establishing a Navy
Yard at Brunswick, Georgia, and another, appropriate
ing $3,0*10,060 for building steam frigates, had been
referred to the respective committees, and not heard of
since. Mr. Seward contended that the committees were
not the judges cf what legislation the country required.
It was their duly to report, and let the House act upon
the measures under consideration. The French spoli
ation bill was discussed, and will probably pass the
House, but the action of the President in the premises,
is considered doubtful.
Tho Senate passed a resolution, calling for informa
tion relative to foreign countries, sending paupers as
emigrants to the United States.
Washington, Jan. 24.
The House to-day, debated the French Spoliation
Bill, and adjourned without taking action on it.
Wedding and Visiting Cards. —Mr. Parkyn is
prepartd to furnish those who need them with visiting
and wedding cards. We have seen specimens of his
workmanship. He executes his work in the best style.
See his advertisement. *
Serious Railroad Riot.
One Man Killed and Several Wounded—Great Ex
citement.—Buffalo, Jan. 20, 1855.—A riot broke out
on the Buff do, Brantford and Goodrich Railro and to-day,
at Ridgeway, twenty miles from the city. It has been
understo and for several months past that t lie laborers on the
road have not been paid regularly, and a few week since
they gave notice that they would spike down the s witches
to-day. if they did not receive the wages due them.
The track was accordingly spiked ai Ridgeway this af
tercoon, and one or two bridges were opened. When
the chief officer of the road heard of it. he hired about
twenty*five men from this city, armed them with revol
vers, &e., and went over to take posession of and piotect
the track. On arriving at the scene of and sturbance, the
party were fired upon by the laborers, who were armed
w th rifles, and h regular fight then ensued, the party from
this city faring the worst, one of their men, Simou Wem
ple, being killed, and two or three others wounded, one
of whom considered dangerously so. Two or three of the
laborers w ? ere also wounded. The officer’s party’, how
ever, succeeded in arresting about a dozen of the laborers,
and among them, it is believed, the man who shot Went
pic.
For the Times & Sentinel.
SONG—O let the Past be Buried.
INSCRIBED TO H- S. S.
O let the past be buried,
And all its sadness told,
My heart is sick and wearied,
And earth is dark and cold.
The sad, wan leaves of Autumn
Will perish as they lie ;
But thought will live forever—
O let my memory die !
Tho bloom may fall and wither,
When summer’s reign is o’er ;
But bid not Spring come hither,
With memories of yore:
The Spring renews its blossoms,
Where faded harvests lie,
But the heart reneweth never —
O let my memory die !
SALVATOR.
How a man should educate his sou in the
of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-five.
IKE AXLE.
In the first place, and to begin at the beginning, the child,
instead of being supplied with the foolish and unmeaning
toys of childhodW, should have a string of the various coins
in use amoug civilized nations, so that he may fotm an
early acquaintance with the true ring of the metal ; and un
ceasing efforts should be made to impress his dawning in
tellect, with the vast difference between a penny and a dol
lar ; let his first ideas of arthmetic be founded upon the
number of pence that go to make up that dollar, and sec
ondly, that one and one make two, and that it is to be the
business ofnis life to endeavor to make one and one three.
At this stage ofhiseducation, his studies should be confined
to arithmetic, and he should practice in subtraction and
addition by subtracting from his school-fellows’ pile of
marbles and pence and adding the same to his own pocket
account; at the same lime his parents should applaud
every successful operation of the kind, and impress him
with the idea as he gets older that all his “substractions”
should be without a remainder. As he must advance rapid
ly under this course of training, he will soon come to “in
terest,” both simple and “compound,” and here no pains
should be spared to teach him the vast difference between
six and twelve per cent, .and he should be religiously taught
to get the highest rate by taking advantage of the exigen
cies of his needy neighbor. His “writing copies” siiouid be
little imaginary drafts upon imaginary banks, interspersed
with duns ana notes of hand ; his “book keeping” should
consist of but one item, “bills receivable” and a debtor
column. We should be also taught a little law, to show
him how far he can go without being amenable to it, and
to enable him to distress his poor but honest debtors ; also
to teach him to evade his just debts, and take advantage of
his employees.
With these items, his education may be considered fin
ished, for as to Latin and Greek, they cost money and
shed no light on the matter of getting it, consequently, are
useless to him. His religious education, as a matter of
course, may be neglected, for if he were to cultivate a con
science it might become troublesome to him, and so it
must be st fled at all hazards by the infant Hercules of trade.
The laws of Almighty God might conflict with the laws of
the “almighty dollar,” and as the Bible cc ntains some in
nocent maxims about “alms giving,” and some condemna
tion concerning the matter of “taki g usury,” it must be
thrown aside; however, ho may be permitted to join some
fashionable sanctuary in a “business way.”
His first trial of “sharpness” may possibly be upon his own
father, but what of that? if he owes him ho should be made
to pay, for his maxim is, there H no friendship in business
He is now established in tho world and must marry, but
he must marry money, and he hunts up an heiress: for these
words “with all my worldly goods I thee endow,” in the
marriage services have a meaning and a reality to him ; his
union should be solemnized by a broker, and instead of a
ring there should be a regular “bill of sale” signed by the
parties. Here we will leave him for the present ;we may’
pursue his biography in another letter.
Yours Truly,
IKE AXLE.
From the Columbus Enquirer.
Minute of Points,
Decided by the Supreme Court of Georgia, at Colum
bus, January Term, 1555 :
Dunn vs Crazier , Admr., if c. from Randolph.
1. Where a brief of the evidence, on a motion for a
new trial, is agreed on betw< cn counsel and assented to
by the Court, and the Rule Nisi granted, aud the clerk
ordered to enter the Rule Nisi and brief of evidence on
the minutes : Held, that the failure of tiie clerk to enter
the same on the minutes may be corrected by an order to
enter it nunc pro tunc.
llood, for Plff. Warren, for Deft
Curry vs Gaulden et al. from Decatur.
1. Where the hirer of a slave gives a bond to “ciuse
the negro hired to be furthcoming to the owner on the
25th December next,’’and, at the lime specified, the negro
was runaway, without fault on tire part of the hirer, and
after due diligence by him to recover Iffrn : Held, that
the hirer, by the terms of his contract, is not relieved
by reason of these facts.
R. F. Lyon, for Plff. Sims, for Deft.
Hannahan vs Nichols from Baker.
1. A creditor ti ed a Bill in Equity against his debt r,
setting forth his indebtedness and his insolvency ; that, he
had one negro; and that the debtor was about to re
move away himself, and was seeking to conceal the ne.-
gro so as to avoid paying his debts. The prayer was for
the arrest of the debtor and the negro, unii! the debtor
gave bond for the forthcoming of himself aud the negro,
to answer the judgment on the debt. Held, that Equity
had no jurisdiction in the case.
R F. Lyon, for Plff. Ilood & Warren,for Deft.
Ramson vs Cochran from Dougherty.
Where suit is brought against A and B jointly, and
A dies, a summons of garnishment cannot issue against
a debtor of A and B jointly, until the Estate of A is rep
resented.
L Warren, for Plff. Strozier & Spicer, for Deft.
Dinkins , et al. vs Moore , et al. from Sumter.
1. A deed to negroes concluding thus, “signed and
sealed, and the property delivered by the symbolical de
livery of a p* nknife,” and attested thus, “in presence of’>
two witnesses, one of whom was a Justice of the Peace :
Held, that this deed was properly recorded.
I>. Hill and Ilawkius, for Piss. L. Warren, for Deft.
Williams, et al vs Allen , Exr. from Decatur.
1. A deed conveyed property to trustee, for the use,
Ist, of grantor during life—2d, for the use and benefit
of A, and the heirs of her body, if any, and P she dies
without child or children, then over. A married, and her
husband receipted fur this property as her separate es
tate, treated it as such during his life, aud in his will gave
her a pittance alleging that this separate estate was an
ample provision Held : First, that the creditors of the
wife, who had given her credit upon the faith of this sep
arate estate, are entitled to be p aid out of this property
in preference to the Admr. of the husband. Second,
that A took only a life estate under the deed—with
remainder to her child or children. Third, that by
the acts of the husband, the wife has a separate estate
in the property.
R. Sims, for P’ff. R. F. Lyon, for Deft.
Roosevelt , Hyde cj- Clark, vs Shannon, from Sumter.
1. A bond for appearance under the Honest Debtors’
Act, is complied with, if the party appears at least three
days before before the adjournment of the court.
Hawkins, for Plff. No appearance for Deft.
Tuggle, Admr., Wilkinson, Admx. —from Lee.
1. A suit by or against an Administrator may be brought
under the Act of 1817, to curtail and simplify pleadings at
1 Hawkins, for Plff- Strozier,for Deft.
Griffin, Admr ,vs The Justices, 6{c —from Baiter.
1 An Executor or Administrator may by anew promise
continue against the Estate a liability about to be barred by
the Statute of Limitations, though he may not revive a lia
bility already barred. c „ -
Strozior, for Biff. Lyon & e/iarko, for Dei.. .
{From the New York Evening Post. ]
The Olden Time.
BY “BLANCHE WOODBURY.”
Where are the homes, the dear old homes,
The homes as they used to be,
With ihe frugal wives, and their busy lives,
As they sang right merrily,
In their apron check and kerchief’a neck,
Till the distaff of flax was spun,
Then hearty with mirth, rouud the blazing hearth,
They woke the spirit of fun ?
V* here the old watch dog with his lazy jog,
The cushionedjnouser his foe,
And Uncle Tim, with his gouty limb,
And his beautiful locks of snow.
Then the Christmas “crack” from Santa’s pack,
The “borf bons” beyond compare,
The “hide and seek” and the “blindfold’ freak,
Aye 1 the strut of the wee one there?
Where the oaken floor and the quaint latched door,
That ope’d to let virtue in,
Wnile health’s fresh check hid her blushes meek,
And fashion owned modesty kin.
When the Blessed Book knew its honored nook,
Its power and authority’s sway,
When the “curtesy” iow and the grief bent “bow”
Were reverence’s primitive way 1
When white hand lent, to the garments rent,
A beauty unknown before ;
And the honest glance ne’er looked askance,
When a creditor passed the door ;
When the pattering rain rang the miniature pane,
Or tuneful on roof’ us it fell,
Like tones afar, from a sweet guitar,
Or chimes from some fairy bell.
When the sweet, sweet sight of a holy light
Shone clear fiom the love-lit eye,
And friendship’s band and cordial hand
Were precious ir, days gnne by ;
0, the key to the homes, the dear old homes,
The homes as they used to be,
For which we mourn, and hopelessly yearn,
Is but virtue’s simplicity.
Hr. Stephens of Georgia on the Acquisition of Cuba.
In the course of his late triumphant reply to Mr. Camp
bell, of Ohio, Mr. Stephens, of this State, thus expressed
himself in regard to the acquisition of Cuba:
•“But again, he asks, who was it, at the last session of
Congress, who desired to place in the hands of the Presi.
dent $10,000,000 lor the acquisition af Cuba? I can say
to him that I did not, aud ii there is any gentleman upon
this floor from the South that did, l did not know it. 1
know of no such movement in this House, either at mid
night or open day, or any other period of the tweu.y-four
hours. But I tell the gentleman, in passing, as lie has
alluded to Cuba, that 1 am lbr tho acquisition of that Is
land. 1 believe its acquisition would promote the best inter
est of the Island and of this country; and that it would
promote the interest of Ohio more than of Georgia. lam
not governed by sectional feelings or interests on this
question. Ls acquisition would advance the interests of
bolh countries; and it would advance the interest of the
north quite as much, if net more, than the South, so far
as its trade and its commerce is concerned. But 1 was
not, and am not, for puttin g $1.0,000,000, or any other
sum. in the hands of this Administration to buy it. 1 do
not believe that they desire it. I have never believed that
it. was either their wish or p hey to obtain it, as several of
the most ardent friends of Cuba on tins floor very well
known. I gave them this opinion long ago, when some
of them questioned its correctness, ’file sequel will show
whether I was right or not. But, sir, as I have been
drawn into saying thus much on this subject, it may be
proper that I should say more. I am not tor this acquisi
tion upon any plan or principles inconsistent with the
strictest national honor and national faith. But I am in
favor of a repeal of those laws on our own statute book
which make.it penal and punishable as a crime of high
grade for an American citizen to take part in any revo
lution that may take place in Cuba—any effort of the
people there to throw offfSpaifieh domination aud oppress*
tii n ?
If the people there were permitted to exercise their
own free will and volition, unawed by the superior power
of Spain, as I am informed and believe, they would not
remain a day, much less a month < r year longer, under
the heavy taxes, burdens, and exactions o: that country
which now claims their allegiance only to oppress and to
plunder them. And if they do thus de-v e to throw e-ls
the yoke of their oppressors, why should v. . pimLh
American citizens for no reason but aiding them in their
patriotic attempt ? Why should we keep the peace for
Spain ? When did she, by her conduct towards u.-:, put us
under such obi gallons? Was it when she held the
mouth of the Mississippi, or Florida? Was it when she
armed the savages of the frontiers against our undefended
people? Was it when she nurtured in her bosom such
enemies to our peace—such wretches as Ambrister and
Aibuthuot—whom General Jackson had to hang without
judge orjury ? When, I say, did Spain, by her comity
and good neighborhood, put us under an obligation to
I punish our citizens for aiding the native Cubans not only
to rid themselves of present heavy and onerous burdens
and unjust impositions, but to prevent that ultimate desti
ny which French and English policy has concocted for
• hern ? In this matter I may have a little more sympathy
for my own race than the gentleman lias. Why should
we hold while Spain skins ? I feel no disposition to stand
by and see one of the fairest Islands of the world—the
Queen of the Antilles—despoiled, rifled, and plundered,
and then made a St. Domingo or a Jamaica of, any more
than I would to see a stately ship, well freighted, pillaged
by pirates, scuttled, and then sent adrift to sink, wihoul
one hand to save. This, sir, is pretty much the present
condition of Cuba. Site is now undergoing the piilagir..-.
process; how soon she will be scuttled and sent adrift to
sink 1 know not. Sir, Mr. Webster, as early as the de
livery of his Panama speech, intimated very strongly that
the poliey of this country never would or could aljow
Cuba to pass into other hands than those of Spain. Mr.
Everett, in his celebrated and most masterly letter on the
proposed tri-parti te treaty, very clearly follows up the same
vie.vs. And Mr. (.lay is generally understood to have
maintained, until the day of his death, that this country
• light to go to war ratio r than permit Cuba to fail into
the hands of England. But w ho, sir, would n-t infinitely
prefer to see eEngiund hold it, then to see her policy car
ried out of extirpating the white race there and fiiiingthe
Island with Guinea negroes and African savages. If the
first would justify a national war, the latter may, in my
opinion, much more justify us in barely permitting such oi
our cit z-ns, as sec fit, to prevent it, if they can. If such
a course should bring acquisition bv the free choice of the
people of Cuba, without consulting Spain, I say let it
(ring it. It i3 a matter in which I should be governed
much more by the wishes of the people of Cuba than the
interests of Spain.
(jur trade with the Island is now large, but this would
be greatly augmented if it were part of this country, and
under cur laws. We should not only be relieved of the
heavy duties paid on our exports there, but the productions
of the island consumed in this country would be largely in
creased, and her capacity to consume our products, agii
eultural and manufactured, be. increased in the same ratio.
1 have a document befere me that gives the amount of duty
levied and paid now on our exports there upon being in
troduced into the island. On beef it is 83 14 her barrel;
pork, $4,89 per barrel; hams, 63,14; lard, $4,19; lumber,
$6,50; hoops, $8,39; coaches, $*2,61. But 1 cannot lead
all. The same document gives the price of a cargo, ship
ped from New Orleans to Havana, of Hour, hams, and
lord—valued at New Orleans at $6,121,52 —on which the
duties paid were $8,023,93. The cargo was made up of
such articles as Ohio produces in ‘abundance. These are
her staples. Would it not, therefore, be ’'greatly to her;
tcrest to have the same access to the markets of Hay a ,
to New Orleans] 1 cannot now dwell, indeed fear,', ,
refer, to the vast interest that shipping men and meroii. •
generally, as well as manufacturing capitalists, haw
This acquisition
So far as the African trade and slavery is concerned,!
the gentleman, and the candid of all parties everw,;. .
whether the cond.tion of that population would noth,.
ter under our Government than under the Spam h (;
eminent? If there be real sympathy for the A
and real opposition to what is called the atrocities 0 i
slave trade, would not that trade he imrnediatly übolm .
on the island becoming part of the United Slates? \
the subject, therefore, commercially or politically, as i;
sects interests North or South, what rational objection
there be to it ? Why, then, should gentlemen be
it, either in open day, or it need be, at^undnight?
’ Mr. Chairman, 1 did not intend to.dwell on ihe stiK .
as long as 1 have done, I only intended .to make a \
brief reply to the gentleman’s remark about a ton rni,
affair, oi which I know nothing, but in passing, I h av ,'. ,
ken occasion to tell him what lam for. And I repeat ■
conclusion upon this point, that, on the score >i l ;un .
on the score of public interest and statesmanship—j r;( j 0t .’
m e very point of view, where is the objection to the a>
si non of Cuba, if it can be. honorbly and properly aecpsin
] •‘O none, but an obstinate, fixed, and blind dogma;;,
nonsense.
Mr. Mason.
A Paris letter dated the 4th inst. says :—“Mr. Jt ;iSii?
our Minister at Paris, who was seized with apopW J
days ago, yet iies in a critical position. One half of! mi
body is paralyzed, he is only rational at intervals, aik •
improvement which takes place from day to-dav, .
sf'ght as not to remove the constant fear as to the fe
issue of the disease. Owing to the danger nlmh ?.!••,
exists in this malady to a recurrence, and from the ui.
lingness which Mr. Mason will let 1 to continue loner.
oeepy himself with the affairs of his office, he will nod ;
should he happily recover from the present attack iv
his post and return home. It would be impossible 11,-
feel the liveliest sympathy for the afflicted family of
Minister, who in tlf.s last calamity have experimv-i •
truth of the melancholy adage, that misfortunes i . ,J
come singly. Mr. Piatt and his brother ‘in-law, Mr.K A
be, are conducting the business of the legation.
Florida and Macon Railroad.
By a letter in the Jacksonville Republican , dated!. -.1
inst,, wo learn that the bill to incorporate the Florida T
Macon Railroad, which had passed both houses of /’I
Florida Legislature has been vetoed by Governor Brov.;’ I
Burning of the steamboat Garden City.
Chicago, Jan. 20,1855.
The fine steamboat Garden City, formerly running on;', .9
Illinois, was burr ed to the water’s edge on Suudsyir .j 9
ing last, near the mouth of the Arkansas liver.
the city of St. Louis on the 10th instant, loaded with9s
go of Hour, lard and oats, and caught fire just below > 9
poleon. The passengers and crew all reached the ■ 9
in safety w’ilh their baggage. The cargo is a total ■-9
The beat was valued at s■'o,ooo, and was insured, ; .9
in St. Louis,for $25,000. The cargo was insured, p;. : 9
pally in Boston and New Orleans.
——^
Howto Keep Corn’ Meal—Avery simple and est 9
uni method of keeping’ com meal sweet lias beer n
vented. It consists ir. running a small 31 inch stove; H
from end to end through the barrel in which the rue: .9
packed—the principle being to keep it. by the circulate
air, from heating in the centre, where ail vegetable :n j
commences to heat. Corn meal, packed in this \v;.\. I
Kentucky in July last, passed to New York by wayyl: %
Orleans, and preserved its original sweetness. \Y |
Meal also stood in barrels in New York city since lasts.; |J
mer v. ith the same result.
rgSffi The Hon. William C. Priston, of South Card JH
is amongst the distinguished visitors at present in
ington city.
Washington National Monument. —Tho contributi •
to this monument, during 1854, amounted to s3l,7GT||
all of which was expended, with the exception of $27:.''.9
Large Verdict. —The jury in the Supreme Court.
Boston, in the easo of MBs Emmons against the City, j
damages received by falling through a coal’hole cut,®
side walk, gave a verdict in favor of the plaintiff', aiult 9
ed the damage at si,Ooo.
The sales of Holloway's Pills and Ointment have v N ■
rletfully ineieasod lately, we presume, therefore, that i
well known virtues the medicines possess are becoming i; |
versally appreciated, thousands of persons of boih a: |
testify diurnally that their effect is miraculous they _
conjointly so directly upon the system, tho one intern;
and other externally, that the most serious cases will rea. |
yield to their wonderful power.
{£gT The Hon. John Van Burea, formerly a incur I
of Congress from the Ulster district of New A ork, <;i j
gentleman much respected among his acquaintances • J
at hjs residence, in the village of Kingston, on Ta M
last. The deceased is not ‘Prince John,’ the son of 1
cx-PresidfUt.
Death of a British Officer. —Commander Jolly, 1. j
British schooner of war Bermuda, d.cd ou Ins .- ■
front Jamaica to England on the evening of the 1 (‘.ill j ‘j
It will be remembered that Commander Jolly v,
British officer who protested against the bombardnt...
Greytown, by Capt. Ilo'lics.
I COLUMBUS PRICES CURRENT.
LAGGlNG—Kentckv yard[ <& -
East India
BALE ROFL Ky V it; 11 <8 ‘Jf
Northern H-‘ © -vfk,
EEASWAX lb 18 ©
CAN IiLEs —Ispercn yib 40 @ T
Star V lbj £8 @
Tallow ! V!b! Ift Ji
COFFEE—Rio ...%>• lbi 13 fe
Java it., ill (m
Laguira... lit @ -
CORN bushe.i ’ tin @ i
DOMESTIC GOODS—Got Oenaburgs... yd t) <®
% ‘ ro Shining.. H? >ti @
4-4 Itro yd: 8 (g>
W'olten yd: “4 @
FEATHERS .spibi 48 @
FLOUR sp bt.i 900
GUNPOWDER W kec 6 <&■ f
HIDES— Dry T 11 10 (■£,
Wet %1J @ ‘m.
IRON—Pig #•’ it ! —ay ‘ ™
English %*’ !; j 5 ‘
Swedes *p’h ! 6 ©
Sheet lb! 8 ©
LIME It bb! 83 ® f
MORASSES s? gallon C JG &
NAILS 8F It @
OI I S—'Linseed SPi?al $1,25®
Train 45 @ !
Fp rra..„ <JFga!j $1,50 @ -
Lnrd ga : $1,25 © 1-
PROVIS!< INS.
bj:kf— Mt 3 spri @ ‘
Prime it i— ®
R.2CO-V—!Utr.- Sr'lt! 15 @
Sides |phi II @ V
Shoulders WU 10 ©
rOHK— Mess bb j @ ‘
Prime bb! @ ‘
T it 14 @
BUTTER— Goshen PiH 39 ©
i ount;y HF h- 545 @
CHEESE 1. ! 15 © *
POT ATO ES —Sweet bushel 45 @ I
. Irish £(3>bushe $1,50© -f
SALT ? -- ® - S
SALTPETRE qp 11 © ‘K
SHOT Irn ■ 2,25 @ E J
SPlßlTS—ffraudy, Cfifrr.ac
American f** ga Go (& , |
Pent!. s? gi @
Gin—Ho*land tp ga 125 © -.>■
Arnerioan 4Pgr <*s © r £
Rum —Jamaica fp gali §2 © -.sfe
New England *it (&> \ 65 @
Whiskey— Recti Set! gaff @ jk,
Common gill ® ,'w
fUonowgaltdisi ga 1 75 © m
SPIRITS TURPENi’iivt; fga) 75 ©-f
STEEL — I*!ow 33“ it Ui Hr
Cast *
German % v >: <S
American PILL r 11 ©
‘Eas'd?h Blister.... <?■ It. ®
SUGAR—:-:-; v-(Means *Jp i 7# ©
Lorn, ? L V~M ‘3 J
ir- .f\ ..a*!! 12. V<3 I
Pulverized Vloj (J. ‘ %■
TALLOW r iO 10
TEAS sgM) ! 81 © -
TOBACCO — t'ommon B'i ®
Fr*i- H i tio ®
Choice B' ! 50 @
TWINE I!. 25 ©
VINEGAR— AppIe spbbl 650 © 7
WHITE LEAD SvO ® ■*
Wines—Port vst s’, o <& j
Madeira F gah §1.?0 ® ,
Claret SP gal| @ •>
Champagne 11 ask ! §lB © *
WOOL VMI © ‘