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