AMERICAN YOIMTEER
JOHN S~ BBATIPIVr Editor b Frop^etor.
‘ SARUSLE> PA., MARCH 27, 1856.
DflmocraUc State Nominations
CANAL COMMISSIONER:,
GEORGE SCOTT, of Columbia county.
AUDITOR GENERAL,
JACOB TRY, Jr., of. Montgomery county,
SURVEYOR GENERAL,
TIMOTHY IVES, of Poticr county.
. Senator Bigler’s Speech.—ln another
column we publish the eloquent speech of Gov.
Bigler, deUrertd 1 in the U. S. Senate, a few
dayssmeo, oh presenting the resolutions of the
Legislature of Pennsylvania in reference to the
eKpcdttib»of Dr. KaVib in the Arctic regions.
Tho specoh Will well repay » perusal, ami the
sentiments ft contains will And a response in
the breast of every Pennsylvanian. Senator
Bigler occupies a commanding position in the
Senate,and is regarded by all as one of the able
men of that body.
ET*w SußSUnmEiis. —During the last four
weeks we have added to our books some forty
new subscribers, which is some evidence, we
think, that out paper is appreciated by the peo
ple. Wo certainly feel highly gralilied at this
manifestation of confidence, and shall use our
best efforts to retain the good opinion of our pa
trons.
A Fickle Kind or a D vt.— Monday last
was one of the funniest days of this funny
month—fickle as a maid iu her teens. At 7in
the morning we had bright sun, with fair pros
pect of a fine day ; at 8 snow falling thick and
fast, and the air very cold ; at 10 bright sun.
and the air balmy and quite warm ; nt 12 cold
rain, accompanied by flakes of snow ; at 2 rea
sonably pleasant; at 3 dark and cloudy : at 7
very cold, with high winds. Such was the 241 h
day of March.
Game.— -The late winter has been unusually
severe upon the partridges, rabbits, and squir
rels. Persons from the country have in
formed us that large numbers of them can be
(bund about the fields and woods frozen to
death. Not long ago a flock of partridges.
Hkely driven by hunger, came into our town
and'took up quarters in a stable, and on the
following morning were all found dead. All
kind of game will doubtless be scarce for sever
al years to some, not only about here, but in
many parts of the country. Some of our citi
zens have been suggesting the proposition of
asking our Legislature to have an act passed
prohibiting the killing of partridges, rabbits,
squirrels, Ac., in this county for two years to
come, in order to give them a chance to multi
ply.
Caolislb Deposit Bask. —We have been re
quested to state that from this day to the Isi
of April, the Carlisle Depositßank wdl open fm
the transaction ol business at 9 o'clock, A. M.
close it 5 P. M.
OUB BOBOHGII ELECTION.
Below will be found the returns of our Bor
oughl election, winch took placo on Friday last.
It! Will be seen that the Democrats have elected
thi«nUre Borough ticket, wUH the exception
it Auditor. In the East ward, too, we elected
everything by ft sweeping majority. In the
ward the Know>Nothing fusion ticket is
elected. This ward has always been carried
by thfi opponents of Democracy by from 70 to
80 majority, and our friends had no hope of
success in the late contest, and therefore made
little or do effort at the polls.
Last year the Know-Nothings elected every
Borough officer, an'd also their candidates in
both wards, with scarcely an opposition.—
What a change in one year 1 Truly the “so
ber second thought of the people" has been the
death of Sum and his minions- Democrats who
bad been induced to join the midnight order,
are fast returning to their first love, and most
of them are now to be found at their posts, bat
tling for Democratic men and Democratic prin
ciples- Such was our prediction one year since,
when Know-Nothingism was triumphant in
this and nearly all other towns in our State. —
Wo felt satisfied that the measures advocated
by this desperate faction could not and would
not be long countenanced by intelligent men,
and we rejoice that our expectations have been
realized so soon. But, to the returns :
CniEK Burukss.
AntuKnow-Nothings. Know •
Armstrong Noble, 284 \ Joseph FI Blair, 24£
Assistant Burgess.
272 1 Samuel Gould, 25'
Andrew Kcr,
Assessor.
286 \ Wm. Bell,
Auditor.
William Bentz,
209 IK. M. Biddle, 272
James Mullen,
East Ward.
Judaic.
Joseph Wilson, K)7 | Charles FI eager, 110
Inspectors.
130 I 11. Harkness,
75 1
A. S. Lyno,
Atoxr. Deemor,
School Directors.
R. Common, 306 I (No opposition !
Philip Quigley, 310 I [No opposition,)
Town Council.
M. Holcomb. 171 I Henry Myers, 10H
Tlioa. M. Biddle. 175 | Jno. Gutshnll, 11!
Robt. Irvine, Jr., 177 ] F. Gardner, 104
A. S. Line, 180 | Geo. Wetzel, 101
Constable,
Uobt. BTCarlny, 291 | (No opposition. J
West Ward.
JUDOB.
Samuel Crop,
97 1 Jacob Fetter 102
Inspector.
Abm. Dehuff,
00 | Fred. Dinklo,
School DniEcrons.
James Hamilton received 250 voles. Andrew
Bl.ir 187, Willis I'oulk 08, Hamilton and
Blair elected.
Town Council
Jacob Squicr, 81 R. O. Woodward. 109
J.B/Parker, 110 David Sipc, lf>9
David Coroman, 82 Jno. Thompson, 102
Wiri, Skflca, 00 Michael Shcattcr, 150
11. Gould, 74 Henry Glass, 159
Justice of
R. Snodgrass, 01
tub Peace.
7 J George Ego,
Cons*;
FABLE.
M. J. Fought,
( Lewis Robinson, 158
Ik tub Leowlatube.— I The General Appro*
prlatlon Bill has passed both branches of the
Legislature, and is now In (ho hands of the Gov
ernor.
THE RESULT IN TUB COUNTY.
, From all sections of our county wc have glo"*
irtoua-newsi The township elections on Friday
Hast, sounded the death-knell of Know-Nothing*
ism in old Mother Cumberland. Oar Demo
cratic friends in the different boroughs and
townships-havc covered themselves with glory,
and deserve the Ihsting gratitude of tho people
for the fcfficicnt manner in which they discharged
thriVduty at the polls. The Buntlinites have
been routed, horse,foot and dragoons, even in
thcirstrong-holds, and tho Democratic Hag—tho
flag of our country—now waves in triumph
where lately was to be seen the black flag of our
opponents. The vote in in the different town
ships, as far as wo have ascertained, was un
usually large, which is anovidence that our peo
ple, and particular the Democrats, felt it to be
a duly to meet and put to flight the men who
will dare to advocate priciplcs and doctrines
that are at war with tho Constitution and the
laws, and anti-American, unchristian, and dan
gerous to the peace, welfare and happincss-of
the people. Tho doings of Know-Nothingism
when in power, and the dishonesty and corrup
tion of its unprincipled leaders, has opened the
eyes of those who prefer light rather than dark
ness, and fairness rather than deception and
fraud.
For weeks previous to the township elections,
our neighbors of the Herald ami the .'fnirman
were loud m their appeals “to am. those opposed
to the destructive principles ami policy of the
present National administration," to turn out
and defeat the Democrats. What a response
has been given to these appeals! The people
did “turnout,” not against the National ad
ministration- -not against the Democratic party,
but in defense of both, and against .Sum and
his proselytes. A voice has gone forth fiom
nearly every township of the county, endorsing
the National administration and the principles
of Democracy, and Sam and his deluded follow
ers stand aghast at the drubbing they have re
ceived. Their dark lanterns have been broken,
and their masks torn from their traitor faces.
Henceforth they arc impotent for evil, and the
Know-Nothing party will only be recollected
hereafter because of the infamy and wickedness
of its members.
South Middleton.—ln old South Middle
ton, the Democrats tiucthl every man on their
ticket, by a majority of -15 nr .00! Last year
the Know-Nothings earned Ihh* township by a
targe majority. Well done. Democrats of Smith
Middleton you have the thanks of every holi
est man for assisting so nobly to nd our county
of the Night-owls.
Noiirn Middleton.—Last year Sam carried
this township, but on Friday last the Demo
crats turned out, and elected their entire ticket
by from , r )0 to fit) majority! Good' Our
friends of North Middleton d<serve great credit
for the zeal and actively manifested at the polls.
Mechanics unto.- Iu Mcchanicsburg the
Democrats elected their Council ticket by n
handsome majority. This is indeed a great
victory, and one of which the Democrats may
well feel proud.
Dickinson. —The Democrats carried this
township by 50 majority. A great triumph.
Silver Spßr.va.—Democratic ticket elected
by 140 majority.
Frankpoud. —Democrats successful by some
40 majority.
Hampden.—Democrats carried by some 40
.majority. \ 1
BnippßNsnmo Bo.—A driiw game. Part of
the Democratic aud> part of the K. N. ticket
elected.
Newton.—Democrats elected.
Mippun.—Whole Democratic ticket elected
by a large majority.
Hopewell. — Portion of the Democratic and
portion of the K. N. ticket elected.
Upper Allen. —ln this township the K.
N's. succeeded by a very small majority.
Lower Allen. —Close contest. Portion of
Twill tickets elected.
Mo srob. — K. N. ticket elected by a reduced
majority.
E. Pennsroro'. —K. N. ticket elected.
SoiniAMPTON —Greater portion of thcDcm*-
ocralic ticket elected.
W. Pennsuouo’. —Democrats elected the
Judge. Rest of the ticket divided.
For the Volunteer.
ANOTHER OLD SOLDIER Go.\’E,
Departed this life on Thursday last, in (his
Borough. Mr. John L. llvvr, aged uhont 75
years, one of the few remaining of those who
patriotically sloped forward in defense of our
country and faithfully served a six months
tour on the Northern frontier, in the war of
1812 The deVd «as u Sergeant m the (’atlisle
Infantry Company, now the oldest in the Slate
of Pennsylvania, and perhaps in the Union.—
His funeral took idacp on Saturday last, with
rmlila y honors, handsomely performed by the
same Company, commanded by Capl. S. Chop,
« ith the Brass Baud, stationed nl the Barracks
under Col. C. May, of Lite U. S. Army, at the
head of the procession. The remains «cro fol
lowed to the grave by a large mini her of mourn
ing relatives ami n few of his associates in arms,
who by their gray hairs, down cast looks, and
sorrow ful eyes, showed plainly that it won’t be
long before it will be their turn.
'1 lie deceased was a son of the cver-10-bc re
membered heroine, the celebrated “ JUollw
Pitcher whose deeds of daring nro recorded
in the annals of the revolution and over whose
remains a monument ought to he erected. The
writer of this recollects well to have frequently
seen her in the streets of Carlisle, pointed out
by admiring friends thus:—•• There goes the iro
uutn that fired the cannon at the British when
her hii'hand teas killed.”
Sergeant Hays i.as left behind him a number
of children and other relatives to mourn the
loss of a kind father and faithful friend, and
who may truly say in pointing to his grave,
" There rest the remains of an honest man
One Wiio Knows.
Tub Late Francis Gibson, Esq.— The Per
ry Freeman thus speaks of the death of Fran
cis Gibson, Esq. :
Wo arc sorry to learn that Francis Gibson.
Esq., of Spring township, in this county, died
suudcntly on Tuesday morning lost. We un
derstand that he had been doing some light
work about his house on the day before. lie
woke up In the morning, asked his wife what
time it was; she told' him about 3 o’clock,
when he said he fell as if ho was dying, and by
Inc time a candle was lit, he was unable to
apeak. His ago wn do not know exactly, but
>t was up in 80. In many respects ho was an
extraordinary man. Ho was an excellent mu
sic an. Ho has left many specimens of poetry
0 superior excellence. Ho had a sound intel
lect which was well cultivated. Ho was a
strong and warm friend, and a benevolent man.
Uul ho was a strong hater, too. He was a
brother of the late Chief Justice Gibson of
1 onnsylvnnia. Wo hope some person who is
competent, and (who knows the history of his
life licttcr than wo do, will furnish us with
such a notice of him as shall do justice to one
of the departed patriarchs of Perry county.
Misdirected Letters to -Cashiers.— lt is
stated that there Is kept at tho Now York Post'
Office ai list of the cashiers of banks in tho U.
States. When letters are found directed to
that city to cashiers who do not reside there
this list is consulted,' tho error correctcdjam£tho
lottbr dbly forwardod-to its proper destination’.
It appears from the list that no loss than COS
letters for cashiers have been misdirected to
New York sine? January Ist, 1851, all ofnvhich
were ro-dlrectcd and forwarded to their proper
addess. What a commentary on tho careless
ness of correspondents, all of whom, probably,
charged the delay upon the Post Office Depart
ment.
Malicious Joking. — Some mulclous person
advertised in the New York Herald for men,
with pickaxes, watchdogs, terriers and poodles,
and that application should- be made at the
office of Rich Ait i> Bustled, Esq,., orat that gen
tleman's residence, in Madison avenue, and as a
consequence, the applications were a groat nuis
ance at both pftvcea. Tho police were called
upon to disperse tho crowd.
From Washington. —The Washington cor
espondent of the New York Herald, in Lis let
ter of the 2-lth inst., says-:
“Several delegates from Kentucky to the
Cincinnati Convention are here, and report that?
Stale for Linn Boyd first, then for Buchanan or
Douglas. They consider Kentucky certain for
the Democratic nominee by a large majority.
New facts have come to light in reference to
the enlistment difficulty, "’lnch will be disclosed
in a few days. They add materially to the
facts already implicating Mr. Crampton.”
The Kashas Investigating Committee. —On
Monday lust Speaker Banks announced Ihe
Kansas Investigating Committee (o consist of
Messrs. Campbell, of Ohio ; Howard, of Michi
gan; and Oliver, of Missouri.
Horridle Affair.—A fuw days since a Mrs.
Thompson, residing in Baltimore, having occa
sion to leave homo for a short white,, left her
infant child, only 12 months old, in cure of a
colored girl about* 13 years of age, who, in or
der to prevent the poor infant’s crying, bold its
face deliberately over a kettle of boiling water,
causing it to inhale tho steam. Notwithstand
ing every remedy was resorted to the-Infant
died the next day.
A lawyer being sick, made hia last will
and testament, and gave all his estates to fools
and madmen. Being asked the reason lor so
doing he said, “From such I got it, and to such
L return U again.”
New Vecetaiu.ks.— New tomatoes hare been
received in New York from .Savannah, and are
selling at $1 50 per box. String beans have
also been received, and arc selling at 50 cents a
pevk.
Mu. BVcitanan’s Return.— The Pittsburgh
Fmo» says a gentleman of that city Ims a letter
from Mi Buchanan, dated the loth of February,
inwliichlio says that he had not yet decided
whether he would return home immediately af
ter (ho arrival of Mr. Dallas, or pass the month
of March on the Continent. Hu felt indisposed
bn a trip on the ocean during the month of
March, It usually being the roughest time in the
year fur crossing thy. Atlantic.
Guano. —At the last meeting of the Now
York Farmers’ Club, a resolution was adopted
recommending all the agricultural societies in
the United Slates to unite In a petition fo our
government to toko possession of all guano isl
ands which have, been or may. bo discovered by
Americans, for tire benefit of the United Stales
and iho discover***—tho 011111105 of-feucb pos.
sessions to occur .only on Islands uninhabited
-and entirely out of Jurisdiction of other nations.
SPacidb of a yocnq Lady. — On the night of
(ho 22<t ult., as wo learn from tha Galveston
(Texas) iVeirs, Miss Ada Bronough, a lovely
am! accomplished young lady of 17, died, after
about 20 minutes’ illness, from the effects uf a
dose of strychnine, which she acknowledged to
have voluntarily taken*. Her step father, Dr.
Stone, ahled by Dr. McCurven, tried but in vain,
to counteract the effects of the deadly dose
An imjuest was hold, and a verdict In accor
dance with the fuels rendered.
Cy~ lion. Chas. Gilpin, formerly Mayor of
Philadelphia, and a prominent Whig, made a
speech rt a Democratic mooting last week in
Philadelphia.
QI7“Tho city o( Chicago is ceilainly a grow
ing place. At the recent municipal-election in
that city, 2,178 more votes were polled than on
any previous occasion
U-/ Two members ot (he New York Assem
bly hud some high words about a bill on Wed
nes.lay, and finally got to fisticuffs. They were
not veiy much hurt.
True as Preaching.— Dean Swift once ro
mai ked, “We have just religion enough to make
us hate, but not enough to mako ns love each
other.” Fine samples of this kind of religion
always on hand at (Ida place.
C 7" Upon (ho reception of (ho nomination of
Fillmore in Now York city, quite an excite
ment was gotten up, and a call was Issued by
men professing to bo old-lino Whigs to meet
and ratify it. The Tribune says that those old.
lino Whigs were no other than Know-Nothings
in disguise. It was a Hindoo trick—a trap
wherein to catch gulls.
Coming National Conventions.— The Dem
ocrats meet at Cincinnati, Jane 2d; The Amer
ican Bolters, at Now York, Juno 12lh, and the
Abolition, at Philadelphia, June 17th.
[1 y~ Leap year, aa ia well known, invests Die
gender sex uith extraordinary privileges. Wo
see from u Into exchange, that tiie ladies of Au
rora, 111., Imve passed the following resolution:
lUsohcd , Thai if we. the young Indie's of Au
rora, don’t get man led this year, somebody
will he to blame.
The Wheat C nor.—Virginia papers state
that where the snow and lee have disappeared
the growing crops of grain present a promising
appearance} the wheat crop in particular looks
thrifty, und stands well upon the ground.
\X7“ A letter from Homo says, Vesuvius Is in
labor. The signs a hick precede a violent erup
tion arc apparent.’
tX7" At the close of a Kansas meeting at Al
bany, N. Y., on the litli Inst., nearly $6OOO
were subscribed towards keeping up the nor
thern Interest in Kansas.
CT’Tho friends of Judge Douglass, have for
mally announced (heir determination to urge
his nomination tor (ho ofllco ot'Prosidonl oftho
United States.
Mr. Banks, Speaker of (ho House at
Washington, is quoted in some of tho English
papers os a black man.
Tho Now York papers announce th6'
dootli ol Dr. Thomas Bond, Editor oiyflio
Chrttnan Advocate and <,
Correspondence of .the Volunteer*
WASHINGTON. NEWS.
Washington, Mot. 21, 1850.
The Kansas- question Has'been laid upon tho
shelf for a time, by tho adoption of Mr. Dunn’s
resolution-appointing a commission to proceed
to tho territory to investigate the matter of
dispute between Messrs. Whitfield and llccder,
and it is; to bo hopcttlhat tlie Velxotfqilestion is
in a fail 1 wvty for o permanent, if not a speedy,
adjustments Tho commission will consist of
three mpmbcrs of Congress, who wall- have fhll
power in the premises and whose duty it will
bo to travel through the territory and collect all
tho facts in the case. A more onerous and
thankless duty, never fell to the lot of a com
mittee of the House, but there should be no
shrinking or dodging now.
The oroide have been long enough harrnssed
with tho Kansas trouble, and it is their right
to demand that all the causes which have led to
tho unhappy differences shall be properly in
vestigated and measures taken for there removal.
The Committed will not bo ready to report un
til lute in the season.
A matter of very general interest to thepooplc
of this counlry'la now before Congress, in the
shape of a proposition to subscribe for some
thirty thousand Copies of Dr. Kane’s forthcom
ing history of tho An erienn explorations In the
arctic regions. Dr. Kane made a brief report
to the Navy Department upon his return, hut
it embraced only the scientific'researches of (lie
expedition,-the Dr. having, at the suggestion
of the Secretary of the Navy, reserved the in
cidents of his travel. Ins adventures, &c., for a
more finished and elaborate work. This book
is now in‘course of publication by tho enter
prising house of Childs & Peterson, of Phiht
delphia, under the immediate superintendence
of Dr. Kanc r nnd will be issued early in the
summer in a style commensuratcd with its high
national character and merit &s a literary pro
duction. . ‘ -'■*
The question of a revision of the Tariff will
bo ngiintcd in a few weeks.
We arc enjoying beautiful weather, and the
work upon too public buildings, so long delay
ed by the potracted cold term, has been re
sumed.
Indisposition of your correspondent must
excuse failures forth* past two weeks.
United Status Hotel, UAimisoi’no.- The
editor of the Pittsburg Post thus speaks of the
United States Hotel, at Harrisburg, of which
our friend Kanaga is landlord. Having had
frequent occasion to stop at this hotel ourself,
we can bear testimony to the truth of the fol
lowing rcmSrks:
The Best Hotel.—Our friend. Kanaga,
keeps the United Slates Hotel at Harrisburg,
and it is undoubtedly one of the best and most
comfortable lintels in the State. It is a large
building, situated just opposite the Railroad
Depot, and isjn that icspert by far the most
convenient slopping place for those \ isiling the
capital. The sleeping apartments arc neat and
clean, and well attended to, ami on the table
wifi be found, excellent and well-cooked food of
every Tandy.
One of the Best features of this hotel is that
the table In *lhe (lining room is waited l on by
neat, tidy and active young girls, who are very
attentive and who keep no one waiting for
his food. They arc the best waiters we have
seen at any house r and< abundantly prove by
their activity and efficiency that that branch
of business should bo given up to females gen
erally. They ore-best adapted to such an
occupation,- and should be employed’ in all
hotels. It would bo Xor them respectable and
suitable employment, and would afford to thou
sands means of support and usefulness.
Kanaga’s house lias now become the.general
resort for Pittsburghers visiting Harrisburg.—
Our entire Allegheny delegation in the House of
Representatives board there, and a good many
other members of both branches of the Legis
oturc. We can safely recommend this hotel as
unsurpassed for newness, comfort and good
fare, and have no.doubtMM who try U will
bo of { 1
Test op CiiARACTsn.— Wo may judge of a
man’s character by whaHja loves as roadllyas
by hia associates. If; a person is wed to low
sordid objects— if bo-takes delight In the bach
analian revel, the vulgar song and debasing lan
gunge—we can- at onco. tell the complexion of
his mind. On- the contrary,, if hu Is fonnd In
the society ol (ho good—-if ho loves purity and
truth—wo are satisfied that ho is an upright
man. A mind debased wlUjiotbo found in a
holy assembly, nor among tho wise and good.
Ho whoso affections aro encircled by goodness,
souks not his gratjOoQtlon no the haunts o£ vice.
Breakdown.— Tho pafscnger train cast
broke down near MifUinlown, on the 9lb
instant, caused by the breaking of an axle of
ihe baggage car. Tbs first passenger car was
tom from one end to&ho other, but luckily no
one was seriously hurt. A portion of the mart
was destroyed by lire, from the upsetting of a
stove.
The New Peatfobh. — The Richmond En
quirer says of thy new Philadelphia Know.
Nothing platform “Wo aro at a loss to decide
whether this remarkable for its
intellectual imbecility which It displays, for its
low transparent vulgar cunning and hypocriey,
or for its downright unblushing dishonesty.”
Jonah Outdone— ThoPlttsburgExpress fish
es up the following paragraph from a paper pub
lished in 17G7 j
On a passage to Jaipaica, with troops on
board, a little boy, who won a flier, sitting on
the gunwale, by a sudden roll of the ship, foil
overboard and was directly swallowed by a
■hark. A hook was baited with a piece of bed
and trhown over thd stern, which Was seized by
the shark, and ho was' presently hauled In.
On opening the shark, the boy was found snug
ly seated between two ribs, jmd unconcerned
playing a tuoo on his fife. ’
The License Dat.VTli* Uarrjsburg TeU
graph of Tuesday saysi
it was rumored yesterday evening, and wo have
reason to bolluvo correctly, that the commltco
of conference on (ho license bill hare agreed
upon a grade of licenses, and will report to-day
or to-morrow. It fixes $25 as tbo minimum of
hotel licenses in tbo country} SSU in county
towns and other boroughs with over 200 taxa-
s7o in Philadelphia and Pittsburg, and
one hotel to bo licensed In the cities for every
100 Hxublos, and one for every (50 faxables
elsewhere. It also allows ono restaurant or ea
ting-house to bo llconaodfot every fonr hotels
everywhere; tho license not to ho loss than $2O
and to bo granted by tho courts. Wo hazard
little in saying that this bill will bo accepted by
both branches. * * J
Dishonesty Rewarded. —Wo can add nothing
to tho following, which wo had iu a Into num
ber of tho Philadelphia Argus:
‘•The downward course of Mr. Wilmot ns n
politician should bo a warning to all who con
sult oxpondlcncy instoitd ot principle. Ten
years ago ho was tho most promising and tor-,
mldablo man of his ago to tlioDeraocratlcpariy
orPennsylvniila. Slnco then ho has boxed (lie
compass until wo find liim a Know-Nothing
Abolitionist, playing second fhldlo to tho very
men ho formerly dosplacdi ThoMontrosoDem
oernt for several months paid considerable at
tention to Mr. Wilmot’fljtolltlcal mnnocvcrjng,
and proved very conclusively’ that ho was not
governed by honost Imputes In his various po
litical dodges. To lids Mr. Wilmot took ex
ceptions, and appealed to a grand Jury for dam
ages, asking (ho snug sum of ton thousand dol
lars; but wo porcolvo ths grand jury Ignored
his bill, thus leaving him,to reflect at Ids lolz
nro, on tho folly of a political mountebank pros
ecuting an independent editor for publishing
the honest tcuthi”
CongrMßfonnl.
REMARKS OP 110.1 WILLIAM LIGLEIi,
Delivered iu the IT. S. Senate, March 12,1850.
fir. Hone’s Arctic Expedition.
Mr. Bigler. Mr. President, T present reso-
lutions of the legislature of Pennsylvania in
refci-encc to the expedition of Dr. Kano in the
Arctic regions ; which I ask to have rend.
[Tho Secretary road tho resolutions, which
recognize, on tho part of Dr. Kano’s native
State, tho value of tho services rendered by the
expedition which he commanded, and the gal
lant conduct displayed in its innnngemcnt. ami
return to him, and the officers and crew under
his command, the thanks of the commonwealth
of Pennsylvania. They also commend the re
sults of thsr explorations as worthy of the at
tention and patronage of the general govern
ment.J t
I move that the resolutions which have just
been-read In? referred to the Committee on the
Library, with instructions to inquire into the
expediency of purchasing, for the use of the
Senate, a certain number of copies of the Nar
rative of Dr. K. K. Kane’s Expedition, to be
published by Messrs. Childs & Peterson-, of
PhiTiufelphia.
With the consent of the Senate. Mr. Presi
dent, T will submit a few remarks iu explana
tion of the motion winch I have just made.—
It is generally known, sir, that Dr. R. K. Kane,
of Philadelphia, acting under the instructions
of the Navy .Department, and supplied mainly
through the generous patronage of Mr. Orin
nell, of New York, left the United States, in
May, 1853, ns the commander of an expedition
bound to the Arctic region, with tho humane
purpose of discovering, if possible, the fate of
oir John Franklin, aivd that ho returned safely
in September Inst. *
Though unsuccessful, so far ns relates to the
fate of the English navigator, the expedition
was eminently fortunate in other things. Its
operations have developed new features in the
physical geography of the globe, and will con
tribute toward the illustration of tho principles
of that geography. They will extend the lim
its of human knowledge, and fend additional
interest to the pages of American history ; as
they have certainly already greatly widened
the fame of the bravo and skilful mao under
CrjPDF.RLAN'D.
whose auspices they were produced, and excit
ed the gratitude of the nation towards those
generous men. Sfessrs. (Irinnell. of New York,
and Peabody, of Lomlou, who contributed so
much to sustain the enterprise.
In a brief account of the expedition address
ed to the Secretary of the Navy the Doctor has
summed up the principal lus explor
ations as follows :
1. The survey and delineation of the north
coast of (ißenlnml to its termination by a great,
glacier.
2. The survey tins glacial mass, and its
extension northward into the new land named
Washington.
3. The discovery of a large channel (o the
northwest free fiom ice. and leading into nn
open and expanding area equally Iree. The
whole embraces an ieeless area of four thousand
two hundred miles.
4. The discovery and delineation of a large
tract of land forming the extension northward
of the American continent.
5. The completed survey of the American
coast to the south and west as far as Cape So
bmc, thus connecting our survey with the Inst
determined position of Captain Inglelleld, and
completing tho circuit of tho straits and bay
heretofore known at their southernmost open
ing as Smith's Sound.
These vast developments-, it will bo perceived-.
Air. President,arc of great value, as furnishing
additional knowledge of the formation of the
globe, and as lending to a confirmation of re
cognized theories in geography. They will
most certainly become a subject of peculiar in
terest in the circles of the learned oud scientific
m a\bpferW|,«f tho wtrld, if not of nraotical Val
ue to the navigating nations. *
As an evidence of tho general yilcrcst the
subject will evidcnUyoxcilc.it may be remark
ed. that, although but n few months have elap
sed since the return of Dr. Kane, and but a
brief synopsis of the doings of the expedition
has been given to the public, the liveliest inter
est has already been excited in this country
and in most of Europe as to its great achieve
ments. Indeed, sir, it is an- attractive topic.—
The feats of the most daring on the field of but
tle arc not better calculated to touch the chords
of tho American heart, and to command gener
al admiration, than tho startling discoveries
and thrilling adventures incident to the career
of a daring navigator and explorer. This feel
ing is peculiarly strong with an enterprising
ami progressive people. When in my own
State, a, few days since, I met the most signili
cant proofs of popular interest in Kane’s ex
ploits. Many were anxious to know when they
were to have the plensureof reading a complete
narrative. Nor is this desire confined to the
learned and scientific : I found it equally strong
'with lh« farmer, mechanic, and laborer. Many
testimonials of appreciation haw already readi
ed the Doctor at his quiet home at Philadel
phia. Tho Royal Geographical .Society of Eng
land, the highest authority on a question of
discovery, have already adopted the Doctor's
chart as a new and reliable feature in gitigra.
phy. ami have named the area of open water
discovered by him “Kane’s open Polar sen,”
and have, by resolution, assigned to him a
front rank among Arctic explorers. They have
also in store for him, as I learn, a personal
compliment, in the shape of a gold medal. The
I'rench government, also, ever magnanimous in
its recognition of genius nod courage, and gen
erous in its patronage of the aria and sciences,
has congratulated the Doctor on his triumph.
Tho venerable Humboldt,a prince ia the science
of geography, has expressed his delight with
the success of tho young American.
The legislature of Pennsylvania, Kane’s na
tive Stale, by the resolutions which I have just
presented, havo expressed their gratification
with tho results of the expedition, their high
estimate of then* fellow-citizen whb directed its
movements, and Imwo thanked him for tho hon
or his career has conferred upon his native
State, and commended! Ins services to tho fa
vorable notice of Congress. Tho legislature of
New York, by unanimous consent,have evinced
their estimate of the expedition by presenting
its leader with a gold mcdol. Complimentary
resolutions have also been passed by tholrgia-
M Un i? ° f Mar T lfUul nn(l New Jersey. The
Now York Geographical Society, and nmner
ous other learned and scientific associations in
dillerent parts of the world, hare already man
irested special interest in tho achievements of
tho Doctor. Hut the testimonial which has
mado the deepest Impression upon his feelings
as I learned, is that which has come from Lady
i’ranuhn, in the shape of words of true elo
qucncc. thanking him for his heroic cflorts in 1
behalf of her lost husband.
A complete history of the discoveries, adven
tures, and thrilling incidents of tho expedition
—the story of what was done and Buffered bv
Us iidiyHlun l members—will compose a work
of tho liveliest interest. The Doctor’s report to
tho Secretory ol tho Nnvy is but n condensed
summary of (ho results of tho tour, and is quite
msunioicnt lo gratify tho pnblio curiosity or
do Justice to Ibo bravo men who have snAcred
and soon Hoed so muoh. Tho Doctor, however .
Mr. President, I nm glnd to know, hns proper
cd a full narrative of tho events of tho expedi
lion—-properly eliminating caoli feature, and
has placed It in Iho hands of Messrs. Childs So
t clcrson, of IMlitadolphia, (hr publication. It
will compose a work of two volumes octavo of
obont nine hundred pages ; is to bo printed on
tho finest paper, and bound in tho most sub
stantial manner, and be embellished with three
hundred wood.cuts, twenty-two steel engrav
ings, and contain three maps of tho Arctic re
gion. Ilia intended that this work shall ox
eel, not only in thrilling interest, but in mo
chamcai stylo ; that It shall, at tho same time,
rcUeol the during genius sad artistic skill of
OP PENNSYLVANIA J
our countvyuum It will be given lo Congress
at llio rate of five dollars per copy. A sub
scription lo this work, Mr. President, is per
haps the only mode that Congress can adopt tp
obtain and disseminate the information gained
by the expedition. This much—this modest
compliment—should, Mr. President, -in my
poor opinion, bo granted, and that promptly,
as a manifestation of national esteem for this
remarkable man.
The leader of this expedition is.cv constituent
of mine, and right proud am I to acknowledge
the relation ; and perhaps this circumstance
will plead my apology for the solicitude I. may
manifest on the subject. If any have supposed
that chance or accident ki&’conferred upon Dr.
Kane his present greatness, I beg to say they
are mistaken. lie Was not borne lo greatness,
nor was it thrust upon him ; he has achieved it.
It is the work of his own genius—of his daring
spirit and safe judgment. He is. beyond all
question. Mr. President, one of the most re
markable young men of the present day. I say
young, sir, for he has not attained the nge of
thirty-five; though measuring his days by the
ideas his brain has produced, and by what he
has seen and suffered, he might well be rated
three-score and ten. Distinguished alike for
energy. Industry, chivalry, virtue, and true
benevolence, his great characteristics arc beau
tifully reflected in his brief career.
lie was first distinguished as surgeon to the
American embassy to China. During his ab
sence on this expedition he visited the Philip
pine islands, made a lour of (Jrecce, and tra
versed Egypt as far ns the Dppir Nile, visiting
all the points'of peculiar Interest. He was af
terwards stationed on the coast of Africa, and 1
manifested wonderful skill nmt perseverance in
his explorations in that uncongenial climate.—
At a subsequent dale,ns the biater of despatch-’
rs from President Polk to (Jen. Scott, iu .Mexi
co, he ptrfonmd deeds of deS) crate daring, de
manded by his hazardous position,which would
have been Worthy of a Putnam or a Wavne.—
‘•Though under thirty-five years of age.” says
Dr. Elder, “ho has more than circumnavigated
the globe ; he has visited and IrnvtrsNl India.
Africa. Europe. South America, the islands of
the Pacific, ami has penetrated the Arctic re
gion lo the highest latitude attained by civiliz
ed man,” encountering in turn the cxlrcmcst
perils of sea ami land, and performing the r C
vcrosl duties of the soldier and seamen. In
18.*)0 lie distinguished himself as surgeon, his
torian, and naturalist to the first expedition
sent out for the relief of Sir John Franklin. It
was the qualities displayed on this occasion
that pointed:him out as a fit man for the com
mand of the second, and more fortunate, expe
dition.
Ho had been preceded in the Arctic regions
by Sebastian f'uboi, about (he year MW. and'
at later dalea by Parry. Richardson. MVlnre.
and others; but the most daring and skilful
lof these navigators stopped far short of il lf > at .
■ tninmonts of Dr. Kane, (’niching up the spirit
|of horoic enterprise in the latitude where the
most intrepid of his predecessors had laid it
down, he extended his observations to (lie Inti-
I lode of HU dvg TZ min . being four degrees
I above (he highest point whore the light of hea
, ven hnif previously shone upon the face of civ.
| itized man. TTe made a survey of the coast of
( irccnland. and distinguished the space between
latitude 80 di*g. and 81 mm. os Washington
land - ; tlie open space of water in the same laii.
tmlehelms marked “Kennedy channel:” and
the area of water next above, “(.'onstitulion
hay." He discovered a largo northwest chan
nel, free from ice, and leading into an open po. 1
lar sea, which spreads out over an area of tour !
thousand two hundred miles, and extending I
southward to latitude 82 deg. 22 min. This'
latter point, the highest attained, the Doctor!
has marked Mount Perry, in honor of thd (lift-'
linguished navigator of that name. Estimate 1
these explorations as we may, Mr. President. I
itv point of practical usefulness, there is some
thing Haltering in (he fact, that what Sebas
tian (.abot had attempted three hundred and'
fifty years ago. our countryman, ))r. Kane,has
achievctk lie did discover a northwest passage
and' a Polar sea'. Nor was this accomplished
by accident or good fortune. It was reached
through trials and auflerings and imminent
ihirxard of lift?, iwjtf the exercise ofV the highest 1
degree of philosophy and'moral courage.'*Tm
agine, if you please, sir, a small band of Imrdy
adventurers, only eighteen in' number, clothed
in skins and furs, tented in that icy region for
two dreary years, shut out n*om comforts of
civilization, and for six months at one time
from the light of heaven, surrounded by impen
etrable darkness. Think of the com’liiion of
their ice-bound vessels in latitude 78 deg. con
stituting their only home and shelter, from
which they sallied forth to survey the roaSts I
to take sketches of the surrounding scenery ; 1
day after day, and month after month, they
continued to go forth and return to this silent 1
homo. For hundreds and hundreds of miles j
they traversed that desert region of snow and’l
ice. where the footprints of civilized man had i
novet before been left. Then, again, when they
had triumphed mainly in their enterprise, and
the wants of sustenance ami health demanded
a retreat, contemplate their departure from
their ice-bound ship, and witness them with
dogs ami sledges, for the space of eighty -two
days, struggling ovci a cheerless and rugged
country, sullering constantly from the intense
severity of the climate.
About ibis time it was, sir. that u itliin .the
balls of Congress wns heard the voice of benev.
nk*ncc, pleading hi eloquent tones for relief for
those gallant men—relief for Dr. Kane, who, it
wa« feared. would perish in his daring efforts
to relieve Sir John Franklin. To that voice the
response was prompt. Men who have done
and suffered so much deserve the gnitiUuk* of
their country.
But, Air. I*Vcwdcnt. I nm for a proper notice
of the expedition in view of the salutary influ
ence the net would evidently exercise. It is
such public recognition of great qualities that
begets a proper spirit of emulation amongst the
gificd and the good—lhat devclbpes the genius
and the patriotism of our people. And have
we not, on this idea, limes without number,
sir. complimented those who have distinguish
ed themselves in battle, or even in the councils
of the natioa ? Clave we not extended to such
the bounty of the country.and-pven perpetuity
to their fume by indelible records? And shall l
he who bravely encountered the clmcnts-in the
cause of benevolence and science, to the immi
nent hazard of life, bo less cherished ? So
much Dr. Kano Ims done and endured.
Some of the ancients, wo road, honored civil
lana as well ns soldiers ; and surely in no ngc,
ancient or modern, should the daring naviga
tor anil discoverer command less of his conn
try’s admiration and bounty. The brave man
who plants the flag of his country in the ene
my’s camp is worthy of distinction, but not
more so limn lie who extends the limits of civil
ization ami human knowledge, at the risk of
life and the loss of health and comfort. The
most desperate in battle do not evince a higher
degree of true courage. Whosoever compares
the present map of the world, with physical
geography ns kndwn to tl>o ancients, xyill be
prepared to appreciate thq value 06 tUsoovoHes,
and the merits of those who. hqyo added so
much to our knowledge of the formation of the
globe on which we live—a knowledge illustra
tive of all our accepted theories of the wonder
nil structure of the universe—of astronomy and.
geography; all tending toithg.fndy of rjviliza.
lion ami Christianity- \V hoover attempts to
gather up rt nd contemplate the-.boundless and
brilliant achievements of navigators, from - the
days of SoylaXi the Greek, five hundred and
tweuty-two years before the Christian ora.down
to Tmlela, the Jew, may find it difficult to de
termine exactly what navigators and explorers
did accomplish in that age of the wot hi * but
beginning xyilli Paul, the Italian, in 1290 and
tracing the achievements of Manckvillo ofCV
Jn.nosto, of Columbus, of Vespucci, of Mnird.
laU; of Cabot, of Cavendish, of Sir l-Vnnnin
Drako of miter K«Wgh. of Capl'in c'o™
and olhois, In past centuries nml
Humboidt, of PrLkU., ,’r Zl] ofWeSSoS
ofloiry, of McClure, of Kune, and Olliers of
the nineteenth century, .rill bo justly impress
cd with the invaluable services tills class of
iSb-1 “" d dovo , tc<l mcn lmvo londaicd to
Ibeir ftllow-mcn; bow much tlioy bavo con-
I t'ribulcd to tlie ends 0 |
I poses of hunrnn knoft-l
I mo merits os a doss,
gratitude and admiral
race, and will bo to tl
If it biftobjcctcd tin
a book, my answer is,
qutnlly purclmscd sir’
Kane submitted a t
have been printed wil
the government doubi
amount of all the bool
sire Congress* to tak
Great Britain hasexpt
pUfhV.hat Kaiic has r
millions to-morrow, I
discoveries accradited
eminent. And shall
a few thousand book?-
respect for the expedi
I cr explorers have beet
i reward, and other rcj.
[ at the cost of vast
friends arc not willing
lion so repugnant to
haps Congress has goi
but, sir, this ease of ]
made an exception to
in this spirit that I si
I Parallel cases will scl
I sion will come ami
j another American cili
explorer, will achieve
j large a share of the
gratitude.
Sfnsonnblc Advice
Suggestions have rci
a number of highly i
journals in I he North
of directing the album
to the nlh'gcfl ncc(*j«!
party ami of holding
Convention, fn'notid
i.'r i tie Chtirier, the J
old Hue fl’hig organs. ... _- e aid to ns.
Ihc Louisville Times lakes occasion
the following seasonable advice ■ ,ni W
;• If those gentlemen Mill net cnsii.,, ~
will meat ami rcsolec to act withtli,p '■ 7
pnriy ilnring tile coming jirrsidbAtial Z® 1
end help to crash out the vile, recltl lM s?
organizing spirit of Ifnow Notflinoiko,
that they can reorganize theft- partv’iriS
desire to do so. or cmilhlile their supMur?
administration which-they help lopl.ce|. J*
er. until such lime as an huhest dilfcieJC'
the governmental policy shall demand r?
part of the dissentients an fflfpmiati m s*
other parly, upon a basisdin'cringfroinilL,
icy of the adniinistrutalion.
1 his would be a course consistent &
patriotism, and with the conservative rW
which has Wen claimed for the old WW*?
The organ!/.alien of a mere faction nt iffi
w.lh no /mug questions of policy aifl (T | D ,£
I those nf the Democrntio party, Mn ii|<i
- worthy of intelligent. conservative an.]
j men. Nor are parties built np bysucbfo.u
. growth. They mo erected upon
i uillerences ol opinion, upon oonstilntionaW
j slruction nml policy ; and until thosedidenja
, |* Plse » Mly lf> attempt to forces
, into existence.. There aro now no furKiaramj
j dille-rences of opinion upon the policr nffr
, country between Democratsandold Im’cfflk
j ’I hereps. therefore nothing to prevent tlerwr!
1 co-operation in the coming canvas.
I together they have beaten’ dbvyn the factw-a*
1 and binaries who now threaten the ovitlb
I not only of the fundamental principles ofl
j constitution, but the constitution itself. inV
be time enough (0 entertain difleicnecs of»
ninn upon questions of policy.
“ If the old-line Whigs, therefore, are irk
lht 7 hare always claimed and professed to k
their first duly is to to save the Coushlvlin.
J'hc Know Nothing jnrly.ln one section,kit
Uconic •• a contemptible abolition park,” vJi
its fundamental bases throughout tlic tnioaj
an- attempt to overthrow civil and religion
liberty. Noconservativcold line Whig Imnc*
ly standing on the principles of hinown putr,
can for a moment act with or countenance Bud
a party.
■ the contrary, every
they so Tong struggled against the Thmncralt
party, must impel ■ them with ahwuhvd-foK
power to active and unrelenting hostility U
Know Nothingiam. They can assume no» ;
•siiion of neutrality or Indifference. Libert/,
nml the Constitution ore -in danger, and mnj
patriot must act or proVe recreant to hisdnlj l
to his country.” M
Tlie Old Line Wliigs,
The Old Line Whigs of Philadelphia meta
Convditiun on Monday, which Was j.rtUy full;
attended. Among the delegates who look u
active part were Josiah Randall and Willus
n. Reed—two of the ablest gentlemen at (k
Philadelphia bar. The following wm* Ihr rep
luhons reported, which were to lie acted ood
the next meeting, to beheld on Monday, dr
24th : J
Resolved, That no new States, formed oolrf
the-Territories of the United States, slimildk
refused admission into (bo Union, whichjln*
Rents itself for that purpose, with the Constia
lion in accordance with the requirements of tin
Constitution of the United Slides.
Resolved. That we, the Old, tine Whigs of
the Consolidated city of Philadelphia, dopre
ciatc all further agitation of the question
slavery in the territories! or the ndoptfon by
Congress of any net which demands asapre
requisite for the admission of a new Stale.il/
sanction or exclusion of slavery by its Consti*
tulion.
Resolved, That However mncll many wontf
patriots and Ktatesmen may regret tDatw?
forefathers, who devised and adopted lllßprvwd
Constitution of the United' Slatosvflidf noiw
lit to provide a Hunt to the extension.ef rii«*
ry into territory then belonging ko, «r Him*
after to become the common property of tb#
Stales entering into the Union; yot ia it w* l
not done then, it can only now be accomplhlitd
in the manner provided for amendments to tbil
instrument; and until such amendment is tank
we cannot conscientiously ueny to ourfcllov*
citizens of other Slates an equal right vilN
ourselves to settlb upon the vacant lands no/
held in-common by me. and- to carry with them
any property recognized as such by iheCoi/
slitmion.
Resolved, That wo disclaim nil conncciiort*
with Abolitionists, Free Soiiers, or any ol^fr
parly, by whatever name it may bo known
wlm.se object it is to effect mensures-in violin^} 1
of the Constitution of the United Slates, tiff
the compromises and obligations of wind l 'I'* 1 '*
strnmenl we will maintain and enden-ort
ry out in tlie spirit in which we ore fufomW"
by conlcmpoinneous history, it was understood
by those who framed and adopted it.
Mr. Win. Jl. Reed, in a speech on theocca*
nion. said that “ so Air as the opinions of
resolutions went, they met his approve!,;
they were defective in one respect, nmMlm* V®*
in not ccpadiftllng tlio secret politicijl
soriptivc organization, which sought to
good citizens of rights gunrranlccd, to them hy
the Constitution. Ho was of opinion that [o °
much attention was paid to national politics I®
tho neglect of afluirs af home. He wanted c»*
ergy 9# tho next municipal cleo*
ti°n, that thp uicmbcrsof tho secret order
might bo suffocated in the holes to which they
had crept! The resolutions should
themselves,in regard to this particular question
so that tho, members of the Convention could M
understood.”'
Josiah Randall also denounced the Kpc |ffj
Nothings,in,unmeasured terms, and said h°’ r *|
willing to co-opcrato with any party that w° u
adppt tl)o constitutional principles of th®° t
Whig party. To him names were nothing*
principles everything.
K?* A follow “out West,” being asked
mndo him bald, replied . that “tho g«w
pulled his hair out nulling him Into tholr
dowa.” ' ’