I trust that I have fhowa to the satisfaction
of the British Government, by a very simple
and natural statement of the fact*, and analy
sis of the law applicable to them, that this
Government has nether meditated, nor piactic.-
ei, nor approved any deliberate wrong in the
transaction to which tbey hive called its atten
tion; and, on the contrary, that what has hap
pened has been simply an inadvertancy, consist
ing io a departure, by the naval officer, free
from any wrongful motive, from a rule uncer
tiiniy established, and probacy by the several
parties concirned either imperfectly understood
or entirely unknown. For tbis error the British
Government has a right ti expect the same
reparation that we as an independent State,
should expect froui Great Britain or from any
other friendly nation in a similar case.
I have not been unaware that, in examining
• this question, 1 hive fallen into aD argument
for what seems to %e the Biitish side of it a
gainst my own country. But lam relieved
trom all embarrassments on toat subject. 1
had hardly fallen into that lice of argument,
when I discovered that 1 was really defending
and maintaining, not SD exclusively British in
terest, but un old, honored Bnd cherished
American cause, not upon British authorities,
but upon principles that constitute a large por
tieu of tbe distinctive policy by which the Uni
ted States hovo developed the resources of a
contiuent, aud thus becoming a considerable
maritime power, and won tbe respoot and coa
fidenee of many nations. These principles
were laid down for us in Iso 4, by James
Madison, when Secretary of State in the ad
ministration of Thomas Jefferson, in instruc
tions given to James Monroe, our Minister to
England. Although the case before him con
cerned a description of persons different from
those who are incjdeotaily tbe subjects of the
present discussion, the ground assumed then
was the eamj I now occupy, and the argu
ments by which he sustained himself upon it
have been an inspiration to me in preparing
this reply.
"Whenever,'" he says, "property found in a
neutral vessel is supposed to be a liable on any
ground to oapture or condemnation, the rule
in all cases is, tbat the question shall not he
decided by tbe captor, but he carried before a
legal tribunal, where a regular trial may be
had, aud where the captor himself is liable to
damage for an abuse of his power. Can it be
reaacuable then, or jusr, that a beligereot
commander who is thus restricted, and thus
responsible in a oase of mere property cf tri*
vial aniouut, should be permitted, without re
ferring to any tribunal whatever, to examine
tbe crew of a neutral vessel, to decide tho im
porant question of their respective allegiao
cea, and to carry tbat decision into execution
bv forcing every individual he may choose in*
to a service abhorrent to his feelings, cutting
him off from hi* most tender connections, ex
posing his miod and his person to the most
humiliating discipline, aud his life itself to tho
greatest danger? Reason, justice, and hu
manity unite in protesting agaiost so extravi
gant a j.roceediug."
If I decide this oase in favor of tny own
Government, I mnst disavow its most cuerisb*
ed principles, and reverse and forever abandon
its essential policy. Tbe country cannot af
ford the sacrifice. If 1 maintain those princi
ples and adhere to that policy, I must surrens
dor the case itself. It will be seen, therefore,
that tbis Government could not deny the jus
tice of the claim presented to us in this re
speot upon its merits. We are asked to
do to the Biiti-h nation just what we have
always insisted all nations ought to do to us.
Tho olaim of the British Government is Bot
made in a discourteous manner. This Gov*
ernment, since its first organization., has Dov
er used more guarded language in a similar
case.
Io coming to my conclusion I have not for
gotten that, if tho safety of this Union requi
red tbe detention of the captured persons, it
would be tbe right and duty of this Gov#n
znent to detain theui. But the effectual chock
aud waiting proportions of the existing insur
rection, as well as the comparative unimpor
tance of tbe captured persons themselves, wbeD
dispassionately weighed bappiiy forbid me from
resorting to tbat defence.
Nor am 1 unaware that American citizens
are not in any oase to be unnecessarily surren
dered for any purpose into the keeping of a
foreign State. Only the captured persous, bow
ever, or others who are interested ia tbem,
could justly raise a question on that ground.
Nor have I been tempted at all by sugges
tiuos tbat cases might be found in history
wbe r e Great Britain refused to yield to other
nations, uud oven to ourselves, claims like
tbat which is now before s. Those oases oo
ourred when Great Britain, as well as tbe
United Slates, was tne home of generations
which, with all their peculiar ioterests and
passions, have passed away. She could in uo
way 60 t ffeclUdlly disavow any such injury as
we think the doea by assuming now as her own
the ground upon which we then etoou. It
would toll little for our own claims to the
character of a just and magnanimous people if
# we .should K> tar consrnt to be guided by the
law of retaliation as to lift up buried injuries
from their giaves to oppose against what nas
tional consistency arid the national conscience
compel us to regard as a claim intrinsically
right.
Futtiog behind me alt suggest ions of this
kind, I prefer to express my satisfaction that,
by the adjustment of tbe present case upon
principles ooofesedly American, and yet as I
dust, mutually satisfactory to both of tbe na
tions concerned, a question is finally and right
ly settled between them, which, heretofore ex
hausting not only all formsef peaceful discus
sion, bat also the arbitrament of war itself,
for more thin half a century alienated the j
two countries from cash other, and perplex
ed with fears and apprehensions all other na
tion*.
The four persons io question are now held
in military custody at Forf Warren, ia the
.Bute of Massachusetts. Tbey will be cheer- j
fully liberated. Tour Lordship will please
inti cate a time and place for receiving them.
1 avail myself of this occasion to offer your
Xiird-hip a renewed assurance of my very high
consideration.
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
LOUD LYONS TO MR. SEWARD
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, I§6l.
Hon. Wm. hi. SemrJ. &>. Si).
SIR—I have this morning received the note
which you did me tie honor to address mo yes
terday. ia cn-wer to Eri lias sol's despatch of
the SU.h of November las', relative to tbe re-
' moval ol Mr. Mason, Mr. Slidell, Mr. Macfar
laod and Mr. Eustis from the British mail pack
et Trent.
I will without any loss of time, forward to
her Majesty's Govern moot a copy of tbe {im
portant communication which you have made
to me.
I will, also, without delay do myself the
honor to coofer with yon personally on tbe ar
rangement! to be made for delivering the four
geotlemen to me, in order that they may be
again placed under the protection of the Brit
ish flag.
1 have the honor to be, with the highest con
sideration, sir, your most obedient humble ser
vant. LY ONS.
M. THODVENEL TO M. MEROIKR.
TRANSLATION.
ADMINISTRATION OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 1
Political department, Paris, Dec. 3,1861. )
Slß: —The arrest of Messieurs Mason and
Slidell, on board tbe English pacttet Trent, by
an American cruiser, bas produced in France,
if cot the same emotion as in England, at
least extreme astonishment and sensation-
Public settlement was at once engrossed with
tbe lawfulness and the consequence of suob an
act, and the impression which Lis resulted
from tbis has Dot been for an instant doubt
ful.
The fact has appeared so riiucb out of ac
cordance with tbo ordinary rules ef interna
tional law that it has otiGsen to throw the res
ponsibility for it exclusively on the command*
er of the San Jacinto. It is not yet giveo to
us to know whether this supposition is well
founded, and the Government of the Empeior
has, therefore, also bad to examine the ques
tion raised by tbe taking away of the two
passengers from the Trent. The desire to
contribute to prevent a conflict, perhaps im
minent, between two powers for which it is
animated by sentiments equally friendly, and
tbe duty to uphold, for tho purpose of placing
the rights of its own flag under shelter from
any attack, certain principles essential to tbe
security of nentrale, have,after mature reflec
tion, convinced it that it could not, under the
circumstances, remain entirely silent.
If, to our deep regret, tbe Cabinet at
Washington were disposed to approve the con
duct of the commander of the Sn Jacinto,
it would be either by considering Messrs. Ma
son and Slidell as enemies, or a3 seeing in
them nothing but rebels. In the one as in
the other case tbire would be a forgetfulness,
extremely annoying of principles upon which
we have always always found tbs United Slates
in agreement with us.
By what title, in effect, would the Arnori
cau cruiser, in tbe first case, have arrested
Messrs. Mason and Slidell? The Uuit&d
States have admitted with us, in the treaties
concluded between tbe two countries, that the
freedom of the flag extends itself over the
persons iouod on board, should they be ene
mies of one of the two parties, unless tbe
question is of military people actually iu the
service of tho enemy. Messrs. Mason and
Slidell were, thorefore, by virtue of tbis prio*
oiplo, which we have never found any difficul
ty io causiDg to be inserted in our treaties of
friendship and commerce, perfectly At liberty
noder the Dentral flag of England. Doubt
less it will not be pretended that tbey could
be considered as contraband of war. That
which constitutes contraband of war, is net
yet, it is true, exactly settled; the limitations
are not absolutely the same for all the Pow
ers; but in what relates to perscos, the special
stipulations which are found in tbe treaties
concerning military people, define plainly tho
character of those who only can be seized up
on by belligerents; but there is no need to
demonstrate that Messrs Mason and Slidell
could not be assimilated to the persons in tbat
category. There remains, thorefore, to invoke
io explanation of their capture, only the pre
text that they were the bearers of official des
patches from the euemy; but tbis is tbe mo
ment to recalija oircumstaßco which governs
all this affair, and which renders the oouduct
of the American cruizer unjustifiable.
The Trent was not destined to a point be
longing to one of the belligerents; she was
carrying to a nentral country ber cargo and
her passengers, and, moreover, it was in a
neutral port tbat they were taken. If it were
admissablo that under such conditions the neu
tral flag does Dot completely cover the persons
and merahmdise it carries, its immunity would
bo nothing more than on idle word; at any
moment tbe commerce and the navigation of
third Powers would have te suffer from thejr
iaDocent and even their indirect relations with
the oue or the other of the belligerents. These
last would no longer fiod themselves as haviog
only tbe right to exact from the neutral entire
impartiality, and to interdict all .intermedling
on his part in aots of hostility. They would
impose on lib* freedom of commerce and navi
gation restrictions which modern international
law has refused to admit as legitimate; and we
should, in a word, fall baek upon vexatious
practices, against which, in other epochs, no
Power has rnoro earnestly protested tbau the
Uuitcd States.
If the Cabinet of Washington would onlj
look on the two persons arrested as rebels,
whom it is always lawful to seize the question,
to place it on other ground, could not be solv
ed, however, in a sense in favor of the com
mander of the Sao Jacinto. There would be,
in such cage, misapprehension of the princi
ple which makes a vessel a portion of the ter
ritory of the nations whose flag it bears, and
violation of that immunity which prohibits a
foreign sovereign, by eonsequenoe, from the
exeroise of hi# jurisdiction. It eeriaialy is
not necessary to reoall to mind with what en
ergy, under every circumstance, the Govern
mcut of the Uuited States has maintained this
immunity, and the right of asylum, which is
the consequence of it.
Not wishing to enter upon a more deep dis
cussion of the questions raised by the capture
of Messrs. Mason and Slidell, I have said
enough, 1 think,, to settle the poiut that tho
Cabinet at Washington could not, without
striking a blow at the principles which all neu
tral nations are alike interested in holding in
respect, nor without taking the attitade of
contradiction of its own oourse up to this time,
give its approbation to the proceeding! of the
commander of the Bau Jacinto, lo this state
of things, it evidently should no*, according
to our views, hesitate about the determination
to be taken.
• Lord Lyons is already instructed to present
the dcrnaud, for satisfaction which ths Kogiish
BEDFORD INQUIRER.
Cabinet is under the necessity of redlining to
form, and which consists in the immediate re*
lease of the persons taken from on beard the
Trent, and in sending explanations which may
take from tbi&aot its offensive character to
wards the British flag. The Federal Govern
ment will he inspired by a just and exalted
feeling in deferriog to these requests. Oae
. would search in vain to what end, for what
interest, it would hazard to provoke, by a dif*
| ferent attitude, a rapture with Great Britain.
For ourselves, we should see iu that fact a
deplorable complication, in evory respect of
the difficulties with which the Cabinet of
Washington has already to struggle, and a
precedent of a uatnre seriously to disquiet all
(be Vomers which continue outside of the ex
isting contest. We believe that we give cv
idenee of loyal friendship for the Cabinet of
Washingten by not permitting it to remain in
ignorance, in this condition of things, of our
manner of regarding it. 1 request you, there
fore, sir, to seize the first occasion of opening
yourself frankly to Mr. Seward, and, if he
asks it, seud him a oopy of this despatch.
Receive, sir, the assurance of my high con
sideration. THOUVENEL.
Monsieur HENRI MERCIER,
Minister of the Emperor at Washington.
MR. SEWARD TO M. MERCIER.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE )
WASHINGTON, Deo. 27, 1861. \
SIR:—I have submitted to the PtesideDt the
copy yon were to good as to give me of the
despatoh addressed to yon on the 81 of De
cember, instant, concerning the reoent pro*
oeedings of Capt. Wilkes, in arresting certain
persons on board the British contract mail
steamer Trent.
Before receiving the paper, however, the
President had Meoided upon the disposition
to be made of the subject which has eaused
so much anxiety in Europe. That disposition
of the subject, as 1 think, renders unnecessa
ry any discussion of it, in reply to the com
ments of Mr. Thouvenel. 1 am permitted,
however, to say that Mr. Thouvonei has not
been in error in supposing, first, that the Gov
ernment of the United States has not acted in
any spirit of disregard of the rights, or of
£be sensibilities, of the British nation, and
that he is equally just in assuming that the
United States would consistently vindicate,
by their practice on this oooasion, the ehar*
aeter they have so long maintained as an ad
vocate of the most liberal principles concern
ing the tights of Deutrai States in maritime
war.
When tho Freneh Government shall come
to see at large the views of this Government
and those of the Government of Great Britain
ou the subject now in question, and to compare
them with the views expressed by Mr. Tbou
veuel on the part of Franoe, it will probably
perceive that, while it must be admitted that
those three Powers are equally impressed with
the same desire for the establishment of prin
ciples favorable to neutral rights, there is,
st the same time, not sueh au entire agree
ment concerning the application of these
priooipiee as is desirable to secure that im
port sot object.
The Government of the United States will
be happy if the oooasion which has elicited
this correspondence ean be improved so as to
secure a more definite agreement upon the
whole sabjeot by all maritime Powers.
You will assure Mr. Thoovenel that this
Government appreciates as w&ll the frankness
of bis explanations as the spirit of friendship
a.nd good will towards the Uuited States in
which they are expressed.
It is a sincere pleasuiefor the United Stites
to exohange assurances of a friendship which
bad its origin in associations the most saered
in the history of both countries.
1 avail myself of this opportunity to renew
to you, sir, the assurance of my high consid
eration.
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
MR. HENRI MERCIEB, &C,, &3., &O.
FROM FORTRESS MONROE.
ARRIVAL. OF TWO HUXORED A!FD
FORTY niox PRISONERS
FROM RHJMUOXD.
FORTCESS MONROE, Jan. 3.— The steamer
Geo. Washington left Old Point at 11 o'clock
this morning and proceeded up the James Riv
er about nine miles b3yood Newport News,
where the Rebel steamer Northampton was
met with the released ( Union prisoners from
Richmond.
The brave fellows joyfully stepped on board
tbe "Geo. Washington," thankful to find them
selves once more under the protection of the
old flag. As their names were severally call
ed from the roll, such happy lookhig men arc
seldom seen. Cheer after cheer arose from
eaeh, but as thoy approached, and tbe band of
the Fourth Artillery, stationed on the George
Washington, played "Sweet Home," it found
a response iu eaoh manly breast and brought
tears of joy to mny eyes." As the boat pass
ad Newport News the crews of the United
States frigates Cambeil&nd and Congress man
ned the rigging, and the troops at Camp But
ler crowded the beach and the landings, and
sent over the water their shouts of welcomo.
The George Washington arrived here on her
return about half-past five o'olock, and the
Baltimore jboat, which was detained for tbe
purpose, took the released prisoners to Balti
more.
Tbe number released is 240 nearly all of
whom were taken prisoners at the battle of
Bull Run.
Below is given a oorreot list from the offi
cial oopy. Ail those whose rank is not given
are privates.
W. A. Perry, whose name appears on the
list, is not among tbe number who arrived here.
John Eldridge, a shipwrecked fisherman, came
iu bis place. Mr. Perry will arrive soon, bow
ever. MoDowell was oDe of the 240,
but he was sent via Norfolk with Capt. Shilling
law a few days since.
The prisoners left Richmond at about 7
o'clock this in truing. On arriving here all
who needed clothing were immediately up.-
plied by the Q lartermtster's Department.
A scouting party left this plaoe this morn
ing and proceeded to Great Bethel, which thoy
fouod occupied bv a guard of Rebel cavalry,
wbo retired, leaving our troops in full posses- j
Eton. A sufficient force wis immediately sta- j
tinned there.
A flig of truce from Norfolk this afternoon ,
brought down over thirty passengers to go I
North, iooiuJing a theatrical company.
A passenger by tbe fligcf truce says that
tbe editor of the Richmond dispatch is now in
Baltimore.
The Richmond dispatch contains tbe follow
ing telegraphio despatch:
"COLUMBIA, S. U, Jan. 1. —All the Yan
kee prisoners trotu Charleston, including Col.
Corcoran, arrived here this afternoon in a
speoial train. They wero met at tbe depot by
the 'Rebel Guard,'of tbis city, and conducted
to jail."
The Southern papors also eontain some items
of important news.
A despatch dated Pensaeela, Jan. 1, says
that Fort Pickens opeDed fire tbe day before,
but gives no particulars, merely saying the fire
was not renewed this morning, and that tbe
Rebel batteries were siiont.
A despatch in tbe Charleston Mercury says
that the Federals have lauded in large force
on tbe North Edisto and takoo possession of
Station No. 4, ou tbe Charleston and Savannah
Railroad.
Another despatch reports sixteen Federal
war-vessels at Ship Island.
BEDFORD"INQUIRER.
I
■— r 1 ——-
BEDFORD, Pa.
Friday Horning. Jan- 10, 1*62.
"FEARLESS AND FREE."
■ ■■ ' ■ ~
. OVER—Editor and Proprietor.
~PRHVTIXG OFFILE FOR SALE.
As the editor and proprietor of tbis paper is
anxious to settle up bis business, running over a
period of twelve years, he will sell tbe presses,
types, eood will, Ac., of the establishment, on
reasonable term*.
The BEDFORD IXQUIRRR PRIXTIHB OFFICE is one J
of tbe beat paying country establishments in the |
State, as there are only two papers published in '
the County, and a'l official and orphans' court ad
vertising, is published by aet of assembly, in both
papers. The rates for adre rtising and job work,
are as high as in any part of the State. There are
a largo quantity of news type, nearly enough lor
two papers the size of this, and a splendid lot of
job type, nearly new.
Tbis is a rare chance for one or two persons who
wish to engage in a good, profitable business.—
Apply immediately.
HON. JOHN CESSNA.
We understand that this gentleman is BOW
at Hamaburg eontesting tbe seat of Geo. W.
Householder, Esq. He oontests the seat of Mr.
Householder we bear, on constitutional grounds
—that Bedford, aocording.to the constitution,
has tho right to a member by herself.. If this
be so, why did Mr. Cessna submit his claims
to the people of Bedford and Somerset coun
ties? For seven years Bedford was attached
to Cambria county, that opporlionment ~ bill
being parsed by a Democratic Legislature, and
Democrats getting the benefit. Ths opposi
tion submitted gracefully. For some four or
five years, Somerset has been attached to Bed
ford, and all defeated candidates have sub
mitted. But, it appears tbat Mr. Cessna is so
very ambitions and anxious for the office, that
bo must contest Mr. Householder's right to
his seat! Mr. Householder was, wa believe,
fairly aud constitutionally elected, and fie
Legislature will hardly sfultify itself by giv
ing Mr. Cessna a seat to which he is not enti
tled. *
MSDJ Republicans, of Bedford County, be
lieving that the election of a good Union Derno
orat at this time, would be of more advantage
to tbe country than the election of a Republi
can, voted for Mr.'Cessna, but they do not
approve his course now, and regret the votes
they have g ivec him.
Read the correspondence in rolative to Ma
son and Slidell, which we publish to the exelu*
siou of almost everything else, this week. Tbe
letter of Secretary Seward will conviooe all
patriots, that we did only what was right in
giriog up the prisoners. All classes. Demo
crats and Republicans, rejoice that a war with
Koglaud, is honorably averted, exoept here and
there, a friend and sympathiser with the traits
ore, like the editor of tbe Gazelle.
LATEST NEWS.
Our forces advanced from Beaufort, S. C.,
on tbe Ist DJ 2nd, aod took a portion of tbe
Charleston and Savannah Railroad. - Tbe
brave South Carolinians Bfter a few fires took
to their heels.—Tbe Spaniards have taken tbe
fortress of San Juan de Ulloa and Vera Cruz,
in Mexico. No fighting.—The rebels in large
forces on Saturday and Sunday last shelled a
regiment of oar IHSD at Hancock who were
protecting the workmen who were engaged in
repairing tbe Railroad. None of onr men
were injured. Reinforcements were ent to
Hanoock.— Geo, Butler has landed with his
expedition at Ship Island aud taken the town
of Biloxi on the Mississippi coast.—Tbe loyal
Indians in Texas are at war with tbe rebels.—
The Pennsylvania Legislature met on Tueas
day. We hear that Mr. Rowo of Franklin
was eleoted Speaker. We will publish the
Governor's message in our next.
The Bedford Lyoeuin met at the Court House
on Saturday the 4tli iust.. aod reorganized by
calling Dr. Hickok to the ohair, after whioh
the following programme was ardopted for
next Saturday evening at 6{ o'olock.—Qiea
tion for debate. Should the liberty of the
Press be restricted?
Aff.
G. H. Spang, O. E. Shannon.
Deolaimer, Win. P>an.
Kmyist, J. G. Fisher. •
Tbe public are respectfully invited to attend.
JOHN PALMER, Sec' v.
CAMP CURTIN, Dec. 23, JB6l.
To our Friends of Woodbury and Vicinity
In behalf of my company, I acknowledge tbe
receipt of a large box of refreshments from oar
friends at home. The express wagon arrived
in camp on Saturday evoning, tho 21st, inst.,
and the driyer commenced unloading boxes
and barrels, and os box after box, and barrel
after barrel, was tumbled out on tho ground,
labeled " Capt. E. 1). Brisban," tb boys
gathered around the pile and were astonished.
-They were rolled into the Marquee and well
guarded by our noble Lieut. Burley, until
morning, it was Sabbatb morniug, but nil were
anxious (to see the contents. The old eotn
j pany axe was hunted up, and the boxes and
barrels were opened ODe after another, and as
packages were opened familiar names were
seen labeled on the different articles. Which
reminded us all of home again, and as the pile
of turkeys, chickens, sausages, ebeeso, cakes,
tobacco, butter, applebutter, oanned fruit, and
, everything that Morrison's Cove can produce,
were increased until the tDt was full of the
luxuries of life, we slopped to look, our eyes
were moistened with tears of gratitude and
thankfulness, and many a God bless the peo
ple of Woodbury, went up by tbe boys, and in
particular for the ladies, God bless them forever
All of you shall be held in grateful remem
brance, and as we go forth to fight the battles
of our country, we are happy io know that
your hearts are with us, and that you caro for
us, and if we should meet the traitors, our
hearts will be cheered, and our arm* made
strong, with the thought that we have friends
at home. And if we are so lucky as to come
out safe and return home again, (which God
grant we may,) we will try to show our grati
tude, for words fail to-exprcss. what our hearts
feel. The boys are doing justice to the good
things, and are enjoying them as only soldiers
ean enjoy.
E. D. BRISBAN,
Capt. of the Woodbury Guards.
CAMP CURTIN, Jan. 3, IBG2.
MR. EDITOR The " All Hazard Boys "
have been a "gay and happy" Land over since
it has been my good pleasure to be associated
with them; but along with our sunshine and
gayety, we must expect :to meet olouds and
deprivations. A number of our company have
been in the hospitals with measles; but are
all becoming convalescent as fist as could
be expected; except three, who unfortunately
for us, shall never answer ai our "roll call"
again, for they are on earth no more.
They were yoking men whom we had learn"
cd to appreciate for many patriotic and gentle
manly qualities which characterized them.—
We assure their friends that they were woll
cared for by the physicians and the compauy;
but the monster death proved inexorable, and
they maofuliy and heroically yielded to the
ea'l, and died in the noblest cause in which
they oould have engaged.
Here sre the sentiments of the compaDj,
which we submit to your columns, will you
have tbe kindness to publish them ?
J. H. L.
WHEREAS, It baa pleased Providence to re
move from earth aod our number, our esteem
ed friends and fellow-volunteers, Jno. Ruby,
Joo. Oler and Jacob Defibnugb, members of
our company, therefore,
Resolved, by the "All Hazard Boys," Caj,t.
Compher, that we feel deeply grieved at the
loss of our highly Respected fellow numbers
above named, and that we sincerely sympa
thise with their bereaved frieuds at home.
Resolved, that we find consolation in the
earnest hope that our deceased friends now en
joy that bliss wbioh is promised to all the
good beyond tbe tomb.
Syuopsls of the Proceedings of the
Bedford County Teachers' Asso
ciation-
.BEDFOßD, Monday, Dec. 23 1, 1861.
The Association met, pursuant to call, in
the Court House, at 14 o'clock, P. M., and
was called to order by Prof. J. W. Dickerson,
wbo was in t&e absence of the Presidont, elected
President pro ten. J. G- Fisher was elected
Secretary pro tern The election for perma
nent ofiicers wis postponed till Tuesday, P.
M.
Oa motion, the President was authorized to
61l tbe vacancies existing in the Busioess Com*
inittee, and Messrs. H. W. Fisher, D. M.
Wonders and E. F. Kerr were appointed. On
motion of J. G. Fisher, tbe As-soaiatiou was
rosolved into an institute, until Friday P. M ,
the officers remained tbe same as those t>{ the
Association. Mr. Higafoos, Co. Bupt., address
ed the teachers present, on the "Objects of
Teachers' County Institutes, and their salu
tary influence on the cause of popular educa
tion."
Adjourncdlill Tuesday, 9 o'clock, A. M.
TUESDAY MORJYIJVG.
The Institute met and was called to order
by the Piesident. After which tbe Roll was
called, the Journal read and approved, as was
done at every subsequent meeting, aod a large
number enrolled themselvos as members.—
"Tbe best methods of conducting Teachers"
Institutes" was then taken np aud discussed
by Messrs. H. W. Fisher, Karr, Palmar,
Points, Dickerson, Sigafoos and Maj. Tate.—
Mr. Uriah Blackburn then read an essay on
"The Relation of the Parent to the School."
On motion, all essays shall bo open for dis-.
cufsiou.
"The bc9t methods of teaching Orthogra
phy" was then discussed by Messrs. Speiee,
Sitterfisld, Sigafoos, Dickersou and GallioD.
A motion to fix regular hours for meeting and
adjourning was made, but pending the ques
tion, the lnstituto adjourned to at 14 o'clock,
P. M.
TUESDAY AFTERjYOOJY.
After the usual preliminary exercises, a.
motion to sppoint a committee of nine, to nom
inate permanent offiiers, was carried, and the
Chair appointed the following as that Commit
tee :—Messrs. G. Sigafoos, H. W. Fisher, J.
Palmer, iQ bed. BiDgcr and G. H. Galium; and
Misses Carrie Rea, L. Montgomery aud M. A
Williams. The Committee made the following
report: For President, Rev. Geo. Sigafoos;
Vioa Presidents, J. W. Diokeraoo, J. Palmer
aud J. E Saterfield; Rec. Soret%ry, E. F.
Kerr, Cor. Sec , J. G. Fisher; Treasurer, 8.
H. Tate; Business Committee, J. G. Fisher,
Chairman, J. \V. Diokerson, J. 0. Geyer, H.
W. Fisher and Chin. Long. .The report of
was adopted.
The President on taking the Chair, address
ed tbe Institute. "The best methods of teach
ing tbe Alphabet, Spelling and Reading" was
then discassed by Gallion, Dickerson and
ijuugbton. I>i°cus9ion closed; and the follow
ing : "Should the teacher be responsible for
S tbe conduct of ptipiU on their way to and from
j sebonl f" taken up and discussed by Dickerson
, aDd Gallion.
Adjourned till 64 o'clock, P. SI.
TUESDAY EVENING
Affpr the Institute had been called to otder,
nd miscellaneous business bad been tranaact
j ed, an essay was read, on "Tbe Teacher and
| his Vocation," by Chae. Long. Mr. M. A
J PoiDts delivered an oration, on "Education."
j Miss L. P. Blackburn read au essay on "Our
Country and onr Schools." The question,
"Should the parent bo compelled by law to ed
ucate bis children,' was discussed ou tbe affirm
ative by J. G. Fisher and Gallion, and on tbff
: nega-ire by H. W. Fisher, Wonders, Tate,
1 Dickcrson, Points and Sigafoos.
I Adjourned till Wednesday, 9 o'clock, A. M.
WEDNES DAY MORNING.
Institute met and called to order by tbe-
President. Kemaiks wero made by J. G.
Fisher and Geo. Sigafoos on the importance of
becoming members of tno Association, after
which a number enrolled their names.
A Fmance Committee, consisting of Messrs.
Sigafoos, Palmer and H. W. Fisher, was ap
pointed.
An essay ws read by J. E. Satterfiald, on
tbe "Common School system of Pennsylvania."
A lecture on Penmanship was delivered by J.
G. Fisber, fallowed by adiscusion by Dicker
son and Kinsel, ou the same subject.
Prof. Dickcrson delivered a lecture on
Mental Arithmetic, fjllowed by remarks by
Sigafoos, GiUion and others. The question
"What degree of scholarship should en title tbe
teacher to a professional certificate" was dis
cussed by Dickerson, Tate, Sigafoos and Kerr.
Adjourned till 14 o'clock, P. M.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
At the hour appointed the Institute was call*
ed to order. J G. Fisher was eleoted Assis
fant Secretary. An essay was read by J. C_
Calboun :—subject—"The Teachers profession
a progressive ooe." Prof. Dickerson lectured
on "Methods of Heeitation." Tbe question
"Should tno right of suffrage be granted to
parsons unable to read and write ?'* was fhen
discussed on tbe affirmative by H. W. Fisher
Wonders, negative by Gallion, Gyer, and Rev.
Kcppler. Dr. 0. N. liickok favored the In
stitute with some remarks OD tbe subject.
Adjourned till 64 o'clock, P. M.
WEDNESDAY EVEMMG.
The Institute was called to older, Vica
Pres. Dickcrson in tbe chair. A resolution
embodied in the Treasurer's Reports levying
a tax of fifty cents 011 each male member to
defray expenses and replenish the Treasure,
was carried.
J. 0. Clarkson delivered a lecture on "Pab.
lio Schools." K. F. Kerr read au essay on
the "Nobility and responsibility of tbe teach
ers vooation." A OQ "Science its
influence on tbe History of tbe World," was
then delivered by J. Paiiuer,
The question. "Should physical training bo
made a part of eommon school education!"
was discussed by Sigafoos, Kinsel, Tate, Gal
lion.
The Court House wat filled to overflowing.
The frequent rounds of applauso which the
lectures elicited, showed the interest manifest
ed by all preseut.
Adjourned till Thursday, 9 o'clock, A. M.
THURSDAY MORNING.
Institute met and oalled to order. A sing
ing class was appointed consisting of tbe fol
lowing persons: J. G. Fisber, 0. Long, L. D.
Speioa and J. Williams. On motion, a Com
mittee of five consisting of J. C. Geyer
Chnirmm , J. G. Fi-her, J. W. Dickerson,
J. P. Williams, and E. F. Kerr was appointed
to draft resolutions. Rev. Geo. Sigafoos then
lectured on the "Responsibilities or Teach
ers." Remarks wre main on teachiog Geog
raphy by Kerr, H. \V. Fisber and Dickerson.
Adjourned ti l 14 o'clock P. M.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
The In-titute wis called to order by Vice
President Sitterfbld. Go motion of J. G.
Fisher, Art 4th of the Constitution was amen
ded, so as to require each male member of the
Association to pay twenty five cents annually.
Tho County Superintendent lectured on tbe
best methods of teaching Notation and Nu
meration: followed by Geislcr and others.
Messrs Gcisler and Diokerson discussed the
best method of teaching Grammar.
Tbe subject, "Are school exhibition*, as
generally conducted, benefioial 1" was sustain
ed by Gallion, Kerr and Wonders, and opposs
edfcby Speioe and Geieler.
Adjourned till 64 o'clock P. M.
THURSDAY EVENING.
The institute was called to order by tbe
President after which the "Singing Class"
sang "The Star Spangled Banner." An essay
was rend by H. Geyer, on "The Character of
tbe American People, A lecture was deliver
ed by Prof Chas. H. G<>re,on "The Coming
Eduoator and his Work."
Tbe question, "Ought corporal punishment
to be prohibited in Common Schools, by law!"
was discussed on the affirmative by Galltoo,
Wonders and Dickerson, and on the negative
by Spieco, Scott, if. W. Fisher. Geisler, Kin
sel and Tate. On motion, tbe Rev. Ueyden
favored the institute with bis views on the
question.
Adjourned till Friday, 9 o'clock, P. M.
FRIDAY MORNING.
Institute called to order by tbe President.
A motion, that the exercises of this Aseooia
tioo shall beieufter consist of Class Drills,
Essays, Lectures and Debates, was carried.—
Tbe Business Cemmittee were „ uuthorixed tc
procuro two prominent educators to lecture du
ring the Sessions of tbo next annual meeting.
S*id Committee wete also instructed to ap
point ooe peraon to conduct tho class drill, in'
each branch.
Oo motion it was resolved to hold the next
annual meeting during Christmas week, A. D.
1862.
Mr. J. Kio*e! lectured ou Phrenology;*' fol
lowed with remarks by Palmer, Dickerson and,
Geisler.
Adjourned till 14 o'clock, P. M.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
Fresident Sigafooe iu tbe chair. Ths Com
mittee on Resolutions reported the following:
Resolved , That tbe proceeding* °f thiw As
sociation, during tbo present anunal meeting,
hive folly confirmed us in tbe belief that such
associations are highly beneficial to the teacher
and the commQnity, and that they are indis
pensably nccassary in order to peoute a tbor-