Newspaper Page Text
THE CONSTITUTIONALIST. |
JAM ESQ Ardne r, j R. !
The Cheap Postage Sill-
An Act to reduce aad modify the rates of pot
tage in the U. States, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre
sentatives of the U. States of America in Con
gress assembled, That, from the thirtieth day of
June, eighteen hundred and fifty one, in lieu
of the rates of postage now established by law,
there shall be charged the following rates, to
wit: For every single letter in manuscript or
paper of any kind upon which information
shall be asked for, or communicated in writ
ing, or by marks or signs, conveyed in the
mail, for any distance betweet places within
the (J. States not exceeding three thousand
miles, when the postage upon such letter shall
have three cents; and five cents
when the postage thereon shah not have been
pre-paid; and fqg any distance exceeding three
thousand miles, double these rates for every
such single letter or paper when conveyed
wholly or in part by sea, and to or from a for
eign country, for any distance over twenty
five hundred miles, twenty cents; and for any
distance under twenty-five hundred miles, ten
cents, (excepting, however, all cases where
such postage has been or shall be adjusted
at different rates by postal treaty or conven
tion, already concluded or hereafter to be
made;) and for a double letter, there shall be
charged double the rates above specified; and
lor a treble letter, treble those rates; and for a
quadruple letter, quadruple those rates; and
every letter or parcel not exceeding half an
ounce in weight, shall be deemed a single let
ter; and every additional weight of half an
ounce, or additional weight of less than half
an ounce, shall be charged with an additional
single postage. And all drop-letters, or let
ters placed in any post-office, not for trans
mission, but for delivery only, shall be charg
ed with postage at the rate of one cent each;
and all letters as shall hereafter 6eadvertised as
remaining over or uncalled for in any post
office, shall be charged with one cent in ad
dition to the regular postage, both to be ac
counted for as other postages now are.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That all
newspapers not exceeding three ounces in
weight, sent from the office of publication to
actual and bonafide subscribers, shall be charg
ed with postage as follows, to wit: All news
papers published weekly only, shall circulate
in the mail free of postage within the county
where published, and that the postage on the
regular number of a newspaper published
weekly, for any distance not exceeding fifty
miles out of the county where published, shall
be five cents per quarter; for any distance ex
ceeding fifty miles, and not exceeding three
hundred miles, ten cents per quarter; for any
distance exceeding three hundred miles and
not exceeding one thousand, fifteen cents per
quarter; for any distance exceeding one thous
and miles and not exceeding two thousand
miles, twenty cents per quarter; for any dis
tance exceeding two thousand miles and not
exceeding four thousand miles, twenty-five
cents per quarter; and for any distance exceed
ing four thousand miles, thirty cents per quar
ter; and all newspapers published monthly,
and sent to actual and boaa fide subscribers,
shall be charged with one-fourth the forego
ing rates; and on all such newspapers publish
ed semi-monthly shall be charged with one
haif the foregoing rates; and papers published
semi-weekly shall be charged double those
rates; tri-weekiy, treble those rates; andoften
er than tri-weekiy, five times those rates. And
there shall be charged upon every other news
paper, and each circular not sealed, handbill,
engraving, pamphlet, periodical, magazine,
, ,book, and every other discription of printed
matter, which shall be unconnected with any
manuscript, or written matter, and which it
may be lawful to transmit through the mail,
of no greater weight than one ounce, for any
distance not exceeding five hundred miles,
one cent; and for each additional ounce, or
Inaction of an ounce, one cent; for any distance
exceeding five hundred miles and not exceed
ing one thousand five hundred miles, double
those rates; for any distance exceeding one
thousand five hundred miles and not exceed
ing two thousand five hundred miles, treble
those rates; for any distance exceeding two
thousand five hundred miles and not exceed
ing three thousand five hundred miles, four
r times those rates; for any distance exceeding
three thousand five hundred miles, five times
these rates. Subscribers to all periodicals
shall be required to pay one quarter's postage
in advance; in all such casej the postage shall
be one-half the foregoing rates. Bound books,
and parcels of printed matter not weighing
over thirty*two ounces, shall be deemed maila
ble matter under the provisions of this section.
And the postage on ail printed matter other
&than newspapers and periodicals published at
intervals, not exceeding three months, and
sent from the office of publication to actual
and bona fida subscribers, to be pre-paid; and
in ascertaining the weight of newspapers for
the purpose of determining the amount of
postage chargeable thereon, they shall be
weighed when in a dry state. And whenever
any printed matter on which the postage is
required by this section to be prepaid, snail,
through the inattention of postmasters, or
otherwise, be sent without pre-payment, the
same shall be charged with double the amount
of postage which would have been chargeable
thereon if the postage had been pre paid: but
nothing in this act contained shall subject to
postage any matter which is exempted from
the payment of postage by any existing law.
And the Postmaster General, by and with the
advice and consent of the President of the U.
States, shall be and he is hereby authorized
to reduce or enlarge, from time to time, the
rates of postage upon all letters and other
mailable maiter conveyed between the United
States and any foreign country, for the pur
pose of making better postal arrangements with
other governments, or counteracting any ad
verse measures affeoting oar postal intercourse
with foreign countries; and postmasters at the
\ office of delivery are hereby authorized, and it
shall be their duty, to remove wrappers and
envelops from all printed matter and pamph
lets not charged with letter postage, for the
purpose ot ascertaining whether there is upon
or connected with any such printed matter or
in such package any matter or thing which
would authorize or require the charge of a
higher rate of postage thereon. And ail pub
lishers of pamphlets, periodicals, magazines,
and newspapers, which shall not exceed six
teen ounces in weight, shall be allowed to in
terchange their publications reciprocally free
of postage: Provided, That such interchange
•hall be confined to a single copy of each pub
lication: And provided, also, that a id publish
ers may enclose in their publications the bills
for subscriptions thereto without any addition
el charge for postage: And provided, further ,
That in all cases where newspapers shall not
coniain over three hundred squares inches
they may be transmitted through the mail, by
the publishers to bona fida subscribers at one
fourth the rates fixed by this act.
Sac. 3. And be it further enacted, That it
shbll be the duty of the Postmaster General
to provide and furnish to all deputy post-
Knasters, and to all other persons applying and
paying therefor, suitable postage stamps of
the denomination of three cents, and of such
other denominations as he may think expe*
dientto facilitate the prepayment of the post
ages provided for in this act; and any person
who shall forge or counterfeit any postage
tf&mp provided pr furnished under the provi
sions of this or any former act, whether the
same are impressed or printed on or attached
to envelops or not, or any die, plate, or en
graving therefor, or shall make or print, or
knowingly use or sell, or have in his posses
sion with intent to use or sell, any such false,
forged, or counterfeited die, plate, engraving,
or postage stamp, or who shall make or print,
or authorize or procure to be made or printed,
any postage stamps of the kind provided and
furnished by the Postmaster General as afore
said, without the especial authority and di
rection of the Post Office Department, or
who, after such postage stamps have been
printed, shall, with intent to defraud the re
venues of the Post Office Department, deliver
any postage stamps to any person or persons
other than such as shall be authorized to re
ceive the same by an instrument of writing,
duly executed under the hand of the Postmas
ter General, and the seal of the Post Office
Department, shall, on conviction thereof, be
deemed guilty of felony, and be punished by
a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or
by imprisonment not exceeding five years, or
by both such fine and imprisonment; and the
expenses of procuring and prividing all such
postage stamps and letter envelops, as are
provided for or authorized by this act, shall
be paid, after being adjusted by the auditor of
the Post Office Department, or the certificate
of the Postmaster General, out of any money
in the Treasury arising from the Post Office
Department.
Sac. 4. And be it further enacted, That it
shall be the duty of every postmaster to cause
to be defaced, in such manner as the Post
master General shall direct, all postage stamps
attached to letters deposited in his office for
delivery, or to be sent by mail, and if any post
master, sending letters in the mail with post
age stamps attached, shall omit to deface the
same, it shall be the duty of the postmaster
to whose office such letters shall be sent for
delivery to deface the stamps and report the
delinquent postmaster to the Postmaster
General. And if any person shall use, or at
tempt to use, in pre-paymeat of postage, any
postage stamp which shall have been before
used for like purposes, such persons shall be
subject to a penalty of fifty dollars for every
such offence, to be recovered in the name of
the United States, in any court of competent
jurisdiction.
Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That lists
of letters remaining uncalled for in any post
office in any city, town, |or village, where a
newspaper shall be printed, shall hereafter be
published once only in the newspaper which,
being issued weekly or oftener, shall have the
largest circulation within the range of delivery
of said office, to be decided by the postmaster
at such office, at such time, and such regula
tions as the Postmaster General shall pre
scribe ; and at a charge of one cent for each
letter advertised. And the postmaster of such
office is hereby directed to post in a conspicu
ous place in his office a copy of such list, on
the day or day after the publication thereof,
and if the publisher of any such paper shall
refuse to publish the list of letters as provided
in this section, the postmaster may designate
some other paper for such purpose. Such
lists of letters shall be published once in every
six weeks, and as much oftener, not exceeding
once a week, as the Postmaster General may
specially direct: Provided, That the Postmas
ter General may, in his discretion, direct the
publication of German and other foreign let
ters in any newspaper printed in the German
or any other foreign language, which publica
tion shall be in lieu of or in addition to the pub
lication of the list of such letters in the man
ner first in this section provided, as the Post
master General shall direct.
Ssc. 6. And biit further enacted, That to
any postmaster whose commissions may be re
duced before the amount allowed at his
office for the year ending the thirtieth of June,
eighteen hundred and fifty-one, and whose
labors may be increased, the Postmaster Gene
ral shall be authorized, in his discretion, to
allow such additional commissions as he may
deem just and proper: Provided, Tnat the
whole amount of commissions allowed such
postmaster during the fiscal year shall not
exceed by more than twenty per cent, the a
mount of commissions at such office for the
year ending the thirtieth day of June, eigh
teen hundred and fifty-one.
Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That no
postoffice now in existence shall be discontinu
ed, nor shall the mail service on auy mail
route in any of the States i or Territories be
discontinued or diminished, in consequence
of any diminution of the revenues that may
result from this act, and it shall be the duty
of the Postmaster General to establish new
post-offices, and place the mail service on any
new mail routes established, or that may
hereafter be established, in the same manner
as though this act had not passed: And pro
vided, further, [That the compensation of no
postmaster shall be diminished in consequence
of the passage of this act.]
Sec. 8. And be it further enacted. That there
shall be paid to the Post-Office Department,
in further payment and compensation for the
mail service performed for the two Houses of
Congress and tne other Departments and of
fices of the Government in the transportation
of free matter, the sum of five hundred thous
and dollars per year, which shall be paid quar
terly out of any moneys in the Treasury not
otherwise appropriated; and the moneys ap
propriated to the Poßt-Office Department by
the twelfth section of the act *‘to establish
certain post routes and for other purposes,”
approved March third, eighteen hundred and
forty seven, and remaining undrawn in the
Treasury, shall continue subject to the requi
sition of the Postmaster General, for the ser
vice of the Post-Office Department, notwith
standing the same may have so so
undrawn for more than two years after it be
came subject to such requisition.
Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, Thai 1 , there
is hereby appropriated, out of any moneys in
the treasury not otherwise appropriated, the
sum of five hundred thousad dollars, to sup
ply any deficiency that may arise in the post
office department.
Sec. 10. And be it further enacted, That it
shall be in the power of the postmaster gener
al, at all post-offices where the postmasters
are appointed by the President of the United
States, to establish post routes within ;he
cities or towns, to provide for conveying let
ters to the post-office, by establishing suita
ble and convenient places of deposit, and by
employing carriers to receive and deposit
them in the post-office; and at all such offices
be in his power to cause letters to be
delivered by suitable carriers, to be appoint
ed by him for that purpose—for which not ex
ceeding one or two cents shall be charged, to
be paid by the person receiving or sending
the same; and all sums so received shall be
paid into the post-office department: Provided
The amount of compensation allowed by the
postmaster general to carriers shall inn* case
exceed the amount paid into the treasury, by
each town or city, under the provisions of this
section.
Sec. 11. And be it further enacted, That
from and alter the passage of this act it shall
be lawful to coin, at the mint of the United
States and its branches, a piece of the denom
ination and legal value of three cents,or three
hundredths of a dollar, to be composed of
three-fourths silver and one-fourth copper,
and to weigh twelve grains and three-eights
of a grain; that, the said coin shall bear such
devices as shail be conspicuously different
from those of the other silver corns, and of
the gold but having the inscription
United States of America, and its denomina
tion and date; and that it shall be a legal ten*
der in payment of debts for all sums of thirty-,
cents and under; and that no ingots shall be
used for the coinage of three cents pieces
herein authorized, of which the quality dif
fers more than five thousandths from the legal
standarl; and that, in adjusting the weight of
the said coin, the following deviations from
the standard weight shall not be exeeded,
namely—one half of a grain in the single piece
and one pennyweight in a thousand pieces.
Approved, March 3,1851.
Telegraphed for the Baltimore American.')
Further by the Pacific.
New York., March 6, 9 P. M.
The American Mail Steamer Pacific arrived
here this evening. She brings Liverpool dates
to the 22d February, and London to the 21st,
being one week later from all parts of Europe.
England. —A Cabinet Council was held on
the 21st February, after which Lord John Rus
sell tendered his resignation, and now holds
the office only until another government can
be formed. In the House of Commons Mr.
Lock King moved for leave to bring in a bill
to make the franchise with the English and
Welsh countries somewhat analagous to the
franchise of the borough. Lord John Russell
opposed the motion, and was left in a large
minority, being 100 for it to 50 against it.
France. —The most vigorous remonstrances
are being made by the government of the Pres
ident against the entrance of Austria with all
her States into the German Confederation.
The French Government have sent iarge
reinforcements to the army of Rome, so as to
put the expedition on a war footing.
The Moniteur announces that various
changes have been made among the judicial
functionaries in the departments.
In the election for the Municipal Council
of the Department of the Cotebos, the con
servative candidate obtained a majority.
The Moniteur announces the appointment of
Gtn. Hibbillion to the command of the Ist
Brigade of the army of Paris.
The first cargo of the produce of France, or
of French industry, for the World’s Fair; left
Paris on Tuesday for Dunkirk, where it will
be transhipped for London. It consist of 1200
packages of various kinds.
General Narvaez has arrived at Paris, and
was received with distinction.
Poland. —Russian troops are overrunning
this unhappy country, and much distress ex”
ists. The Czar has issued his ukase, increas
ing the number of recruits required of the
Jews.
The Berlin Zeitung states that the concen
tration of large numbers of troops in and
about Vienna had given rise to the most dis
tressing rumors.
Baron Mozenbeffel suddenly made his ap
pearance a few days ago in Berlin and imme
diately returned to Dresden. The Ministerial
papers state that the Prince of Prussia, sup
ported by an Austrian Prince, will take the
direction of the Federal War Office.
The organs of the Austrian Cabinet protest
that such rumors anticipate an uncertain and
doubtful event.
The Ministerial papers state that Franoe
will meditate between Germany and Switzer
land, and that England intends to support
the other pewer. The German States will
reserve their measures until the Central Exe
cutive power shall have been constituted.
Rome. —It is said that General Gemean has
determined to declare a stafe of siege during
the Grand Carnival.
Turket.— There is a probabiity of a war
between Turkey and Egypt. The Sultan de
sires the Pacha to reduce his forces ; the Pa
cha, on the contrary, refuses to do this, and.
on the other hand, has been augmenting them.
Accounts have been received from Constan
tinople of the defeat of the Arabs by the
Turks near Bagdad.
The* Turks had likewise obtained some vic
tories in Kurdestan.
The blockade of Samoa has been announced.
In looking over the papers I find no other
general news of interest.
LIVERPOOL, Feb. 22. — Cotton. —The ad
vices brought by the Arctic of increased re
ceipts in America, caused a decline of }d.,
which brought spinners and exporters into the
market, and it closed firm at slightly im
proved prices, than were quoted at the close
of the previous week. Lover and middling
qualities of Orleans are quoted |d. higher.—
Brazil, Surats and Egyptians remain un
changed. The week’s sales are comparatively
large, amounting to 62,020 bales, of which 5,-
050 were American. The committee of bro
kers, give the following official quotations :
fair Orleans 7£d., fair Mobile 7|d., fair Up
lands 7d.
FURTHER FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.
The British Ministry.—The Chancellor of
the Exchequer's budget is regarded as having
hastened a Ministerial catastrophe. On Tuesday
there was an account out in the Cemmons, and on
Wednesday the attendance was so limited that
discussion was not provoked, and less than two
hours permttted an adjournment.
On Thursdey evening the Ministers were left
in a minority on Mr. Locke King’s motion for ex
tending the ten pound franchise from the boroughs
to counties. Lord John Russell met the question
by the strange objection that the forty shilling
freeholders who are in the departments, would be
swamped by the ten pound voters, whom his lord
ship suspected would not be found more honest
than the fifty pound voters. He added, however,
that the reform act needed reform, and that next
year the minister would bring in a bill with that
object. This promise did not prevent the House
from going to a division, in which they were two
to one against the ministers.
House of Commons.—-At 4 o’clock the speaker
took the chair when a number of petitions were
presented. On the question being put to go into
committee on ways and means, Sir B. Hall asked
whether the payment of the newly proposed house
tax would be necessary as a qualification for a
voter, as in the case of the assessed taxes. Lord
John Russell said he was unable to answer the
questioa. He could only say that no new qualifi
cation was intanded.
Postponement of the Budget.— On the or
der of the day being announced for going into
committee on ways and means for the considera
tion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s state
ment, the House being extremely full, Lord John
Russell, amid protound silence, ssid he had
asked the House that his order of the day might
stand for Monday next on wnich day he would
explain the reason for having made this request.
(Hear, hear.)
Mr. Henies asked the noble Lord whether her
Majesty’s government intended positively to bring
on this order on Monday.
Lord John Russell said he was unable to give
a positive assurance. He would only promise on
Monday night to state the reason for the request
he had just made to the House.
No further discussion took place, audthe House
immediately rose, it being seventeen minutes to
six o’clock.
Resignation of Ministers. —Since the above
was in type, we have received from a special
source by telegraph, the folio ving important com
munication. The budget has been withdrawn, and
it is reported, confidentially, about the House of
Parliament, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer
has resigned ; that Lord John Russell, it is under
stood, has also tendered his resignation; and that
Sir James Graham, at the Premier’s suggestion,
has been sent for.
® reatest excitement prevails, and rumor,
with her thousand tongues, anuouoes all kinds of
dubious reports.
(From tfie London Times' Leading Article.)
* u° r • Russell has tendered his resignation
to her Majesty, and only holds the office until an
otner government can be formed.
~iVh eXten r T * los " of P arliana entary confidence,
Jhin ln!i hu r L ia i? entary u ym P ath y' ,rhich hi * lord
ship and his colleagues have evidently suffered of
tt ttu iSSut y prep,red most of °“ r re * der *
The Penalties Bill remains in statu quo
France —Nothing is talked of with the diplo
matic world but protocols, ultimatums and casus
belli. With regard to this question the tone of
the Elyses is warlike, and that of the organs of the
Assembly vehemently opposed to all demonstra
tions of energy on the part of the Executive.
The second council of war, sitting at Lyons,
have sentenced a number of persons for belonging
to a secret society.
The President of the Republic was engaged on
Monday in.receiving deputations on thi subject of
national improvements.
Gen. Levaillant has been appointed to the com
mand as Toulon, vice Gen. Heffillion, and, Gen.
Mellinet to the command at Lyons, vice Gen. Le
vaillant.
Poland —The country is full of Russian troops,
with what object it is not known.
Czar has issued a ukasa increasing the number
of recruits required of the Jews, unless they sup.
ply the number first required with greater ala ;ri
ty-
THE CONSTITUTIONALIST,
2Ugttstct, (Ssargia.
TUESDAY MORNING. MARCH 11.
SSP* See first page.
Secession by South-Carolina •
As we believe to the fullest extent in the
right of a sovereign State to manage her own
affairs in her own way, we are among the last
that would intermeddle officiously with the
policy of another State. Therefore it is we
have sedulously avoided, and still avoid,
thrusting our advice or opinions upon the
people of South-Carolina as to her proper
course on the question of secession. But two
recent articles from us, which were written in
a spirit, and for a purpose not contravening
this view of what is due South-Carolina in
reference to her own affairs, have brought
upon us the notice of two papers in that
State, and impose on us the necessity of a re
ply. We allude to the article, “ Plain Talk,
for the Secessionists which has elicited some
comments from the Edgefield Advertiser , and
the article, “ South-Carolina and her Outside
Advisers ,” which has come under the friendly
criticism of the Charleston Mercury. We ac
knowledge very gratefully, the complimentary
terms in which we are referred to by both of
those papers, while the views we presented,
are dissented from in terms the most decided.
It has been our only aim in the first of
these articles, to show the hopelessness, the
Quixotism, in fact , of advocating in any other
Southern State, South-Carolina excepted, the
policy of secession for past grievances. In
the second, the impolicy of separate secession
by South-Carolina.
We will not labor to prove the first propo
sition. We consider the fact as notoriously
evident, that no Southern State has any in
tention or desire to secede from the Union,
except South-Carolina. In reference to Ala
bama especially, we point to the division in
the Southern Rights or Democratic party on
this question, while the old Whig party is
unanimous, taking its public press as the ex
ponent, in opposition to that policy. Even
in the Convention of Southern Rights Asso
ciations, whose proceedings elicited our com
ments, we behold division and distraction.
Some were for secession, immediate and sep
arate State secession—secession at all events
—others for secession in case of the co
operation of other Southern States oth
ers for a more moderate course, having in
view measures within the Constitution and
the Union. In the face of this division of
opinion in the State, and even in the ranks
of the Southern Rights party, we looked
upon the adoption of a secession platform
and the effort to force it upon the Southern
Rights party of that State as the test of or
thodox devotion to the Southern Rights
cause, as "intolerant arrogance.” Th q Edgefield
Advertiser complains of the term as harsh, blit
we think it correct notwithstanding.
We next come to the question of the proper
policy of South-Carolina in view of the facts
as they are here assumed to exist. Is it her
true policy to secede separately from the
Union ? It is narrowed down to this, fer we
assume as true, that there is no intention or
desire on the part of any other Southern State
to secede. It is a simple, plain question of
policy, and as such we shall treat it. It is
not a point of honor, of such a character as to
leave no alternative. It is a question of policy,
not a point of honor, and no State worthy of
controlling her own destiny will yield to an
impulse of passion and of resentment, and
take so grave and fundamental a step as se
cession against her manifest interest and true
policy.
The practical questions for South-Carolina
to decide, and the only questions involved in
the proposition to secede are: First, do the
protection of her rights and institutions re
quire her to withdraw alone from the Union,?
Second, will the interests of her people be
promoted by this step?
Now, the first question does not involve the
point as to whether the past action of Con
gress is a sufficient provocation to secession.
It is whether the proper mode of averting fu
ture danger to the rights of South-Carolina,
is by withdrawing, in advance,from the Union.
We oontend that her best policy is to re
main in the Union, and seek to rally to the
defence of her rights and the protection of
her slave interests, all the Southern States
who have common interests and share the
common danger. It is by this union of sister
States, she may
■ ■“ from the nettle, danger,
Pluek the flower, aatety.
The aggressions so far made on the South,
have not united her people, because they
were not all of opinion that they were aggres
sions. It ha 3 been, and still is, a mooted
point among them whether the Constitution
has been violated, and the South defrauded in
the late measures of adjustment.
But the necessity of Union will be impress
ed upon the South when the purposes of the
anti-slavery majority are made more manifest
by future acts. Though the Constitution
makes ours a pro-slavery government, the
anti-slavery majority are fast converting it
into an engine for the extirpation of slavery.
This will, in time, become so plain as to
render serious division among the Southern
people impossible.
We have believed, and still believe, that
the best protection to South-Carolina* is
in adhering to the Union as long as all the
other slave States adhere to it. If they can,
with honor and safety remain, so can South-
Carolina.
Farther aggressions can hardly be carried
out, without so strengthening the spirit of
disunion in the South as to result in seces
sion and a confederacy of a sufficient num
ber of Southern to make a power'
tul and prosperous Republic—adequate in all
things for self protection.
As to the second question, we unhesitat
ingly take the ground that secession by
South Carolina alone would be a disastrous
blow to her prosperity. It would be impo
litie in every practical view in which the ques
tion can be contemplated. That South Caro
lina could maintain her independent existence
we do not doubt. In fact, we do not believe
that the atrocious effort to coerce her back by
bayonets and gun powder into the Union, or
to reduce her to the condition of a conquered
territory will be attempted by the Federal Go
vernment.
But could South Carolina prosper as a sepa
rate sovereignty ? We believe she would feel
the burthen of a separate army, navy and civil
establishment—of a representation by ambas
sadors and consuls in foreign oourts and sea
ports—of a separate mail transportation within
her borders—of admiralty courts and custom
houses—of light houses and harbor fortifica
tions, to be more than she could sustain with
out embarrassment to her people and depre
ciation of her property.
Increased taxes would deter population and
capital from flowing in upon her. it would
on the contrary induce a drain of both, thus
still further sapping her strength.
Heavy import duties on foreign products,
and all products of other States of this Union
will then be foreign, would break down the
trade of Charleston. Savannah, a free port
for American products, would be built up by
it.
Northern goods and products of all kinds
would be smuggled aoross the borders, and
an army of custom house officers would be in
sufficient to prevent this mode of defrauding
the revenue.
The Bank paper oi South Carolina whioh
has now so large a circulation in the adjoin
ing States would be discredited,and her Banks
crippled by their business operations and
credit being so greatly curtailed.
In the legislation of the Federal Govern
ment, the friends of South Carolina would
then have little or no influence. That legis
lation would be directed with fierce and re
lentless hostility against South Carolina. The
aim would be to increase her difficulties and
vexations— to victimize her —as a warning to
the other States never to attempt the perilous
experiment of separate secession.
These results and others not necessary to
be detailed, and which it gives us no pleasure
to enumerate, are reasons why we consider
the interests of South Cirolina would not be
promoted by separate secession. They are
eonsiderations not new to us or to our readers.
They have been suggested by mind less
friendly to South Carolina, and have been pa
raded with ill-disguised satisfaction by her
enemies. Her enemies have gloated enamour
ed over the ruin their disgusting malignity has
conjured up, and there would be no lack of
zealous exertion on their part to realize the
pieture.
We should deeply deplore the misfortune
of a diminished prosperity to that gallant
State, resulting from separate secession.
The regret would be aggravated by seeing
the gratification it would give those who feel
baulked aud defeated by her gallant opposi
tion to the progress of the Federal Govern
ment to a central despotism, and who know
that South Carolina, in the Union, will always
be a stumbling block in its march.
Piling on the Agony.
The following dramatic criticism, it is said,
appeared in a Dublin newspaper, on the first
appearance in that city of the celebrated Mrs.
Siddons. We publish it opportunely now, as
a set off to some of the witty extravaganzas
which waggish brains have perpetrated in this
country since the advent of “the divine Jen
ny.”
Even the affluence of Western hyperbole,
and highfalutin panegyric can scarce compete
with this droll specimen blarney :
“ When she came to the scene of parting
with her wedding ring, ah! what a sight was
there ! The very fiddlers in the orchestra,
albeit unused to the melting mood, blubbered
like hungry children crying for their bread and
butter ; and when the bell for music between
the acts rang, the tears fell from the bassoon
player’s eyes in such plentiful showers that
they choked the finger stops ; and making a
spout of that instrument, poured in such tor
rents on the first fiddler’s book,that, not seeing
the overture was in two sharps, the leader of
the band actually played in one flat. But the
sobs and sighs of the groaning audience, and
the noise of cork drawing from the smelling
bottles prevented the mistakes between flats
and sharps being discovered.
One hundred and nine ladies fainted, forty
six went into fits, and ninety-five had strong
hysterics! The world will hardly credit the
truth, when they are told that fourteen chil
dren, five women, one hundred tailors and
six councilmen were actually drowned in the
inundation of tears that flowed from the gal
eries, the slips and the boxes, to increase the
briny pond in the pit; the water was three
feet deep, and the people that were obliged
to stand upon the benches, were, in that posi
tion, up to their ankles in tears I
An act of parliament against her playing
any more, will certainly pass.”
Tobacco. —The Louisville Journal of 26 th
ult. says: The very large receipts of tobacco,
and the unfavorable accounts from the seaports
have had a depressing influence on the mar
ket for some days. This exhibited itself at the
sale yesterday. The decline in the last week
is fully $1 per hundred.—The sales yesterday
amounted to 56 hhds., at 1 a $8 25.
Grinding Pumpins,—They have have taken
to grinding pumpkins into flour in Massachu
setts, by means of which pumpkin pies, the
“peculiar institution” of New England, may
be enjoyed at all seasons and in all parts of
the world. The “U.iited Society” of Shakers,
at Harvard, Mass, are the patentees.
Bbitisk Steamers. —The amount of duty
paid by the Cunard line of seamers at Boston
for 1850 was $1,322,383 30— mi* *>? oyer
SIOO,OOO than they hare paid before in any
one year. In 1847 they paid $1,999,971 78—
the largest amount ever paid by them prior to
1860.
The Late Reported Failures
The Baltimore Sun of the Bth inst. says—
An effort made by some to blow up a panic,
on account of the late failures,seems not likely
to be very successful. A New York corn*
mercial letter, of Thursday evening, says—
“ The banks which have been doubted for
a day or two past are all right, it is under*
stood, excepting the Lewis County, which is
not redeemed at Albany to-day.
“Messrs. Austin & Spicer have made an
assignment to Messrs. Townahend & Brother,
and Henry Nichol, for the benefit of their
creditors. Their paper has been sold at 60 to
65 cents on the dollar to-day.”
The Journal of Commerce says, that their
liabilities are supposed by good judges to be
about one million of dollars, a large part of
which, it is believed, will be ultimately paid.
A despatch from Utica, N. York, March 6th,
also says—
“ The report telegraphed to this city that
Mr. F. Hollister had failed by the failure of
Messrs. Austens & Spicer, of New York, is
entirely false, as are also the reports of the
Lewis County Bank and the Exchange Bank
of Hamilton, in which Mr. Hollister is a large
stockholder, having suspended payment. Mr.
Hollisteo’s credit to-day stands good for any
amount.”
But on this the New York Post remarks —
“We have received the foregoing telegraphic
communication to-day. We hope it may be
correct, but circumstances incline us to doubt
it. We hope no one will be induced to act
rashly upon the faith of such a statement,
until it is confirmed.”
It is rumored in Wall street, toe, that Mr.
Isaac Storms, a retired tobacco merchant, has
lost $600,000. The Post says that he was en
dorser to that amount on Austin & Spicer's
paper, taking large risks for large considera
tions. As to Austin & Spicer, &c., it says:
“It is stated that they have sustained heavy
losses from California speculations, as well as
from heavy acceptances of accommodation pa
pers, without sufficient security. The imme
diate cause of their failure was that of Mr.
Frederick Hollister, of Utica, proprietor of
the Empire Mills, who has been a large specu
lator, and was engaged last year in thosa
heavy operations of wool, in connection with
Messrs. Austins & Co., which excited so much
interest at the time.”
It generally seems to be admitted that tha
Lewis County Bank, at least, is gone. Its
bills are not purchased by the New York bro
kers, though those of the Hollister, Hamilton,
and Henry Keep banks were, as usual—
they being secured. The circulation of the
Lewis County Bank, on the 21st December,
according to the report of the comptroller, was
$145,639.
Items from Washington. —lt it stated that
Congress failed to make any for
the printing of the Census returns. They
will therefore be two years old when they are
printed for general circulation.
The Disease of which Mr. Benton is ill is
the small pox.
Among the Consular nominations before
the Senate.are the names of Mr. Owen, of Ga.
as Consul to Havana; and Mr. Duer as Con
sul to Valparaiso.
There are also three Private Land Commis
sioners (salary $6,000 per annum,) nominated
for California. Their names are Joseph R„
Ingersoll, of Penn.; Jas. Harlan, of Ky., and
Arthur F. Hopkins, of Ala.
Telegraphed for the Charleston Courier .)
New York, March 6.
The Market. —Two thousand bales Cotton
sold at a quarter to three-eight cent
Other articles remain without change.
New York, March 7.
From California. —The steamer North Ame
rica, from California, via Chagres, whence she
sailed on the Ist ult., arrived here this morn
ing. She brought 256 passengers, and a half
million of dollars in gold dust. The U. S.
sloop Albany, arrived at Chagre9 on the 22d.
The steamers Republic and Panama, had ar
rived at Panama, each with two millions of
gold. No choice had been made for U. States
Senator. The chances were between King
and Col. Fremont. The news from California
was of no moment. Timber was in better de
mand. Flour was moving freely—Western
12, and Gallego and Haxaell 14. Mess Pork
10 to 12 ; Prime 9.
Washington, March 6.
Neto- York Market,— Cotton has advanced
one quarter of a cent, at which 3000 bales
were sold—Middling Orleans 11 a 11$.
change 10.
Baltimore, March 7.
Neve-Yorh Market. —Cotton has advanced
one quarter to a half cent since the arrival of
the Pacific, at which about 2000 bales were
sold. Three hundred tierces Rice also chang
ed hands at 3,37 to 3,62 for fair to prime
Lard BJ.
Baltimore Market, — Ten thousand bags Cof
fee, sold at 10| a 11. Stock.B,ooo bags.
W. N. Tiffany, an opulent merchant of Bal
timore, died to-day of a disease of the heart
The snow is six inches deep.
(Teleg raphedfor the Baltimore Sun.)
Boston, March, 0.
Fugitive Slaves at Portland Me.—A. gentle
man just from Portland informs me that
thirty-one fugitive slam left that city yester
day for St. Johns, N. B, They were urged to
remain by the citizens, who promised them
protection, but they were living in constant
fear and preferred to go into safety. A num
ber of fugitives still remain at Portlan 1, de»
daring that they will never be taken alive,
Boston, March 7.
Defence of the U. S District Attorney at Bos
ton.—George’J. Curtis, the U. S. District At*,
torney, has published in the Advertiser, 0 f
this morning, an article defending his oejurse
in Tegard to the recent mob. He tak.es the
ground that the actors in it had levied war
against the United States, and are therefore
guilty of treason, and subject to the penalty of
death, if found guilty by a jury of their coun
try- _____
Decease of the Son of the Hon. Jno. M.
Clayton.-—The only son of the Hon. J. M.
Clayton, died suddenly on Wednesday after
?«°n n fT?il\ IB M ’ th ni “ reaidenCß » near Wilming
, (D l.) Mr. Clayton lost an elder son a
a short time since. He is now childless. The
one just deceased, Jas, Fisher Clayton, was
26 years of age.
; SHIRTS ! ! SHIRTS !! !
41S F received an Invoice of the above arti-
c *®*> will he sold at a small advance
above New York cost, by
CLAYTON dt BIGNON,
I** ** oletealfs Rang «