1 -sS VOL. XLVIIL PROSPECTUS , or. the 1 Li!VCABTER IXTEIXIGENCEB. WITH the present number, the Inncaater Intel lig enter &r Journal will be owned and conduct* ed by the undersigned. In early life we were bred to the profession of a journalist, and discovering here an opportunity to return to it, weliave cheteen this ancient city as our permanent location, and invoke the support of .the Lancaster reading public. We feel, too, that our lot is cast in a pleasant place. With a population .exceeding in numbers. That of the entire state of Delaware,' and not- lar behiud that of Rhode Island—with a vast territory; tortile as the banks of the Nile, and; abounding in every element of plenty and contentment—the county of Lancaster constitutes almost a comrnon jveaVh within itself. A solitary cloud darkens the horizon. Here Federalism rejoices;in its largest majorities. But even this serves only to widen our field of and to increase the; necessity ibr • active and energetic exertion. It ‘was 'the boast of the ancient Spartans that-they attacked their foes without waiting to count their numbers. And here there is a Spartan minority of more than piOOO, who, undismayed by superior forces, and without a selfish stimulant, are ever ready to en gage in valiant battle for their principles. On an occasion like the present, a custom, which is of sufficient antiquity, we think, to form part ul ihe “ common law,” demands a frank, avowal of principles by which we intend*-that our edi torial career shall be governed. • W T c design, then, with whatever, ability'Ve may possess, to advocate and defend the broad and com? prehensive principles of Democracy, as handed down by the revered fathers of our political system. Theae are the principles which constitute the “Good Old Cause,” and which have made our nation the greatest on the face of the globe. They lead to the recognition of The People as the foun tain of - all political power, and the •• greatest good of the greatest, number” as the legitimate aim oi well-administered government. Whatever measure tends, therefore, to confer privileges on the few, which are not possessed in common by the many, we deem_ an infraction of our boasted system of Equality of Rights, and to that extent a diminution oi the'stock’of popular Freedom. Against all such heresies we intend sternly to set our face. \ We are the avowed foe' of class-legislation, in all its Protean shapes and guises. • * Under our State Governments grants of incorpo ration arc the chosen instrumentality to which monopolists resort in furtherance of their schemes of covetousness anil ambition. These give to inter ested. classes a control over the currency, often over the price of food" and raiment; and ( eventuate as effectually in the subjection and spoliation of the masses as Kingcraft itself. Not unfrequently. us in the melancholy history of the United States Bank, they lead to the corruption of legislation; and the demoralizution of all the avenues of public authority. How immeasurably wiser that immunities so de structive of the general welfare were never granted; and that men were left free to the state of property which results to each from his own industry ami that of his fathers. The doctrines of the Democratic party on this subject are those of common honisty and common sense. It believes, that whatever objects are within the compass qf individual enterprise meu should be left free to accomplish in their own way, without the intermeddling of Government; and that, when aasonation is necessary, the substance of the individual partners.shall stand pledged tor the liabilities incurred in the work's prosecution. Accountability is a law of Heaven, and should also prevail upon the Earth. We opine it would tax political casuistry to its utmost to stammer out a decent plausibility why it should not apply to cor porators. Whilst advocating these doctrines, we shall never cease to rentier merited homage to that virtuous amt indexible statesman, Fn.ixc.is K. Shcxk.wlio has dared and clone so much ibr their establishment in our State Government In the same spirit \\a .shall sternly oppose that twin agent of oppression, which craft ami cunning "have sought to engraft un the policy of the general government, anil whose real character they co\er with the flattering phrase of a -protective tariil!” Among all the dexterous devices by which men in modem times have contrived to impoverish and stlbjugatc the masses, none has proved more eflec tive, because none is so insidious. The monarch; of the Old World, when they made the earnings of their fellows inure to themseh os. reached the end by means of edicts, to which belonged at least the merit of bold and undisguised rapacity. But \\e live in an age of fashion and improvement, when the old modes of oppression would be voted com mon-plac# and vulgar. There be no royal mas ters now,'’•who, like King Joux of England, extort wealth by tearing the teeth from the mouths of its possessors,, but there be refined turifl-monger.s, who , le\y invisible and , indirect contributions on the people, ,all the while roundly affirming that it is a -process intended for the people s own special bene fit and advantage,! ; Thanks to the sublime art uf printing, and the spirit, of free inquiry and free discussion, the light of u saving experience and an ever extending pub- j lie intelligence, the day has forever passed away. , when paradoxes passed current fur sound philosophy and truth. It is difficult to persuade men now, that the more they are tarred i lty an article, the cheaper the price of it—or that the higher the'rates of duly imposed on foreign importations, the more abundant the source of rev enue to.the government. The tariff of 1840 lias dissipated to the four winds the entire legion of fallacies, with which our opponents were wont t 6 fill the public mind. It has proved the “ounce of example “■ that has outweighed whole tons of false precept. Not prophets nor politicians, not preach ers nor laymen, not statesmen nor sooth-sayers, not the maledictions nor lugubrious lamentations of the turiffocracy, have sufficed to defeat the stupendous truth, established by the crowning results of the past year, that the producing interests. fQremosf among which stands Agriculture, flourish best, when the laws are free from the taint of monopoly, and when Equality, not Privilege, is the jiervading principle. - ■ If the tariff policy of James K. Polk thusipopi men4s itselfto our approval, liovy mddh more his admirable war-policy. An unpardonable derilcc tion of duty we would deem it, if we failed to de vote large portion of our columns to' this subject. ■When we review the series of wanton insult, ag gression. and depredation, committed by 'Mexico against the government and people of the United States, fqr a nunibpr qf years, oiiri woiy&j is, not that the sword is the arbiter now,' butjhaj, it slept in its scabbard so-long. No natiejn on. can point to a similar example ol patient and long suffering forbearance. Forever will it stand em i blazoned on the page of history, itself its only par allel. Possessing the power to injlid violence,.the United States for years preferred to suffer violence. Strong enough, at any-jnbment. to'cfnsh the foe in his feebleness, we lipye contradirted all the received maxims of by permitting our strength and his feebleness to*serve a= a pretext for the en durance of the most ♦humiliating accumulation of Wrong. If the generosity of nations has heretofore been.considered a non-entity, its existence is unde niably proven now’. - The brow of the republic is encircled by many laurels, but among them all , none appears so lovety as its moderation. But sadly has this humanity been thrown away., The divinities seem to have sat iu conspiracy against Mexico, and. as the prelude to her des ■ truction. to have made her mad. Besotted by ig norance, and the mere.sport of military adventurers, she isimaking rapid strides towards the .banks of the Rubicon, aiid;with very little, progress in folly and will be. undone. • Fast sinking by the weight of her-own decadence, unless she-speed ily retraces Kef steps, Mexico will deserve no bet ter-latethan to be blotted from the : catalogue of nations; Impossible ,-as it is to ’ contemplate her. •without mourning* over her degradation, may we . not believe that, looking beyoqd cßde of the present, the chastening rod Is hpon Ker for her oicii, siibetantiql good! 'When sufficiently scourg* eh*t'servant, KLV MOORK. New York, Novembers, 1347. Mc»ider ii a duty which I not only o\ye 'o von, Uni to my fellow beings, tospeak iti pruisc ql Dr. I'pham’s Electuary, a medicine which l think has saved my life, and restored me to full health. Fur several years I was afflicted with Pile-, together with Dyspepsia.and a general disarrangement ot 'he system. I employed differ ent physicians, whh no gnud result, and they at ias* told me they could do no more lor me, and said that I must die. I thus had given up al! hopes of evqr havinfi»co of' the Prothonotary of the said Court, their account of said estate: Notice is hereby given to all persons in the said-estate, (that the said Court have appoint ed the 24th day of January, 1849, for the confirina tijxn thereof, unles's exceptions bedded. * Attest: j J. H. KURTZ, Proth’y. Prothonotary’s Office; ) Lancaster, Jan. 4j 1848. J 49-4 t Estate! of Amos Good. By Administrators of Michael Wenger, who was Trustee of said; Amos Good, under the will of Michael Good, late of West Earl township, dec’d. In the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Lancaster. WHEREAS, Mark G. Wenger, Michael G. Wenger and Levi Groff, Administrators of the estate of Michael Wenger* deceased, &c., did on the 20th day of December, 1847, file in the of fice of the Prothonotary of the said Court, their Ac count of the said estate : Notice is hereby'given to all persons interested in the said estate, that the said court have appointed the 27th day of January, 1848, for the confirma tion thereof, unless exceptions be filed. Attest, J. H. KURTZ, Proth’v. Prothonotary’s Office, ) Lancaster, Jan. 4, 1848. J 49-4 t Estate of Adam Hess. In the District Court for the City and County of - Dancaster. "YYTHEREAS, Samuel Hagans, Assignee of said TT Adam Hess, of Bart township, did on the 29th day of December j 1847, tile in the office of the Prothonotary of the said his account of the said Estate: * ■ Notice is hereby given to all persons interested in the said estate, that the said Court have appoint ed the 7th day of February, 1848, for the confirma tion thereof, unless exceptions he filed. Attest, J. H. KURTZ, Proth’y. Prothonotnry’s Office, ) Lancaster, Jan. 4, 1848.) 49-4 t Estate of Susanna Relit; By AdminiMtratoro of Miohaol Wungcr, who was one of the Trustees under tho last will and testa ment of. Mark Groff, dec’d, over certain moneys and estate therein given and bequeathed, for the use of the said Mark Groff, deceased’s daughter, Susanna Reilf (formerly Susanna Groff.) In the Court of Common Pleas for the County of* Lancaster. WHEREAS, Mark G. Wenger, Michael G. Wenger and Levi Groff, Administrators of Michael Wenger, dec’d, &c.,did on the 20th day of December, 1847, file in the office of the Prothon otary of the said Court, their Account- of the said Estate: Notice is hereby given to all persons interested in the said Estate, that the said Court have appoint ed the 27th day of January, IS4B, for the confirma tion thereof, unless exceptions be filed. Attest, J. 11. KURTZ, Proth’v. Prothonotary’s Office, J . -Lancaster, Jan. 4,1548. J 49-4 t Estate of Jacoti Rer£, a ILunatic. In the court of Common Pleas for tho Cnuntv of , [Lancaster. WHEREAS Jacob Heisey, Committee over the persou and estate of said Jacob Berg, did on the sth day of JanuarK IS4S, file in the office of the Prothonotary of the saiihCourt, his Account of the said estate : Notice is hereby givcu to all persons interested in the said Estate, that the said Court have appoin ted the 7th day of February, 1848, for the confir mation thereof, unless exceptions be filed. Attest: J. H. KURTZ, Prothonotary. Prothonotarv'a Office, ) Lancaster, January 11, 1848. y 50-4 t. Estate of Mary Clepper, late of E. Donegal Township, dec’d. LETTERS of administration on the above es tate having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands will present the same duly authenticated for settlement, and those indebted will in'ake payment, withoutdelav to NICHOLAS- CLEPPER, * JACOB GILMAN, Jan. l l-7t-50.) Admrs. East Donegal twp. IV ot ice. is hereby given, that Letters of Admin j_xj istration upon the Estate of William Glutz, dec'd., have been taken out by the undersigned, residing- in Lancaster, city ; .and all personshaving claims upon the" Estate of said deceased, are re quested to make known the same without, delay. CATHARINE GLATZ, Administratrix. Lan. Jan. 4,184 S. 49-7 t Turnpike Dividend. rTIHE Presidentand Managers of the Lancaster, -1 Elizabethtown and Middletown Tttmpike Road,’ have this day declared a dividend of One Dollar and Seventy Five cents on . each share of stock, payable after the 4th instant/ jan 11—50] J.- M. LONG, Treasurer. Tavern Stand Tor Kent. TUB -subscriber:, offers lor rent ihe/ lurge t w_. itory tavern house, at present occupied.by Henry-ttj Lichiy, sign of the treaty of Ghent, sn ap’ed In/West King street, jh - (ha city.of; Lancas ter, about one square fropi. and' next dbor.io.thtvsubscribera store.. The,.bouse .is. ; well calculated,for-a tavern, and Ha* been occupied/ as such for ilia last sixteen, aiobling is, extensive yard room, and a garden/ and plenty, of good spring .water witKother eonve niences_aiiacliad».and is well calculated to \do an extensive business. Possession given'op the first day/pf Aprikncxi« . . DANIEL HARMAN. U4fe44 • .. * -* ■3JP **» ' Crincftstcv 3ntclHgcnccv, PU BUSHED 15VI5KT TTONIUT MORNIXfI, BY E. W. RUTTER. Office in “ Union Court," in the rear of the Market House , adjoining Centre Square. TERMS Subscription*. —Two dollars per annum, payable in advances two twenty-five, if not paid within six months'; ami two fifty, if not paid within the year. No subscription discontinued until all ar rearages arc paid, unless at the option of the Editor. • . Advertisements. —Accompanied by the C ASH, and not exceeding one square, :\viH he inserted three times for one dollar, and twenty-five Cfcnts for each additionalinsertion. Those. oY a greater length in proportion. Job Printing.— Such as Hand Hills, Posting Bills, Pamphlets, Blanks, Labels, &c;, &c., executed with accuracy and at the shortest notice. ; For the Lancaster Intelligencer. Paper Money. General complaint against/the present paper currency shows the public mink, much dissatisfied on the subject. Incorporatje Banks have-now. by acts of Assembly, the exclusive privilege and profit of making and issuing what is galled paper money. The Franchise of banking is also hedged round by laws denouncing severe penalties upon persons, or incorporations without, banking privileges, infring ing this exclusive grant to manufacture paper cur- rency. Why is the public mind dissatisfied? What is the cause of complaint? And why so much seek ing after the proper remedy, and discrepancy in the means proposed ? The fact-is every body feels, though he may not clearly see, that the present system of currency-making works extremely bad. And yet no one seems to know or have arrived at a settled opinion what remedy to apply publicly ; or even how* to regulate his contracts and dealings, so as to avoid loss by the failure of Banks, much less, by-the rise and fall of prices occasioned by ex pansions and contractions in the issues of these in stitutions*. Experience indeed has shown that there are inherent-evils iu Banks, which no regulations by law can counteract, and no individual foresight or caution prevent. In addition to smarting under these* defects, the public find that the Legislative grant 1 to follow banking is a monopoly. And it is not only an ex clusive privilege, but one granted without corres pondent personal responsibility. The incorporation and not the individuals composing it. are alone liable for their breach of contracts. Some of the recently granted have the individual lia bility clause inserted: but it is so confined to quantity of stock held, that in practice it is little else than a tantalizing nullity. The banking privi lege, therefore, as it now exists is not only a power granted dangerous to the entei prize and welfare of the citizen; but is extremely galling, because a direct infringement of natural liberty. It curtails the constitutional right of free and equal opportunity to all to pursue any business not immoral or injur ing your neighbor. Bank notes are not money : pothine is but gold and silver coin. A measure of value or price is as requisite ill ‘trade as a measure of length; and government has stamped coin from unit upwards by which to estimate and count value, us is the yardstick divided into inches and feet as a measure of length in communicating our ideas upon that subject to each other. ' These^measures of value are fixed and stable, being composed of materials of the requisite fitness, which experience evinces fluctuate in quantity least of all. Now Bank notes are not coin, nor like money in either of its requis ites, anymore than a promise in writing to furnish un axe on demand is un axe. Yet, having been long substituted by practice, under the operation of our banking laws, in place of money, they are by habits of business arising out of the system treated as money. Bank notes are consequently used in payment of debts without much scrutiny as to whether the promissory, the bunks, are solvent, or if sound likely i« icmain so. long. Indeed so chronic has the illusion, that bank notes are legal money, become, that a creditor loses character who makes tho slightest objection to receive them, almost as a legal tender, in pay ment of a debt, or of the stipulated price of an article purchased for cash. This habit of considering a paper promise to pay issued by a bank as an article of the actual value in dicated on its face, ami not what it really is, a mere contract to pay its amount in gold and siver when demanded, engenders much of the evils of bank note currency. All vigilance as to whether the notes would bring on demand the specie, indi cated on their face, is in a great measure destroyed. And of consequence, the banks, relieved from all. suspicion that their notes are not good; grow care less about pay-day, and push their issues for the sake of increased profit, far beyond their means of redemption; and on the slightest revulsion of trade, or a panic and run on them for payment, break and ; scatter ruin all around. Free banking us it is called, or the plan of is-' suing notes based on the deposit of Siate stocks' with some officer of government, has been resorted. to in New York as a remedy for the outrage of in corporated banks having the exclusive privilege of making and issuing paper money. But although it has the appearance of removing the odious monop oly, by granting to any one able to procure and depositc the requisite stock for redemption of his issues, the privilege of issuing a corresponding amount of notes as currency; yet : the worst fea ture of incorporated banking remains: that of lull ing the public into confidence in the safety of' the issues, and therefore destroying or impairing the vigilance of enlightened self-imerest; and thereby inducing- the reception of these notes as money without scruple. Experience is proving, this mis-named free bank ing as hardly a paliativ.e of the old incorporated banking system of currency. Indeed many consider it only an increase of the evil. The deposit of stocks being considered ample security, the issues based thereon have gone Into circulation as money, and expanded the paper currency of New York far beyond the exigencies of trade. Loss of credit to free bankers, as to incorporated bauks, is often im mediate. . And before, the stock* can be sold under the £ee banking law and -turned into money for redemption; the note-holders/ unwilling to ruu any further risk or unable to wait.>ell to brokers, at a . vast sacrifice, that which was .aken under the free banking law as equal to Coin! ' | The real remedy for the present system of Bank ing is quite simple, and must also be satisfactory to repubUcans : since it .‘is nothing , more nor than allowing each and every citizen, -the- natural jusL’ and constitutional liberty, °(entering into every' kind of honest Contract.that pleases, prom Le’s-t o ’ pay to A’ or bearer on defnanf inclusive. •Let the Banks in existence live their time but as they . are.: No sodden change ln the habits of those who. choose to do business in the ancient - modes -V, J iaSs ' through incorporated Banks U needed. All. the leg islation requisite is to repeal, by a simple section of a law, all prohibitions and -penalties heretofore en acted, against A. writing down or printing and ex ecuting a contract with B, to pay to him or bearer on demand, If B or bearer choose to. lakeiit, any sum of money from a cent to a thousand dollars,, or upwards. Tliis would at once, or very quickly, destroy the present.fallacy of habit, that engraved promiscs-to pay were money, and place them on their true footing. They would 'be current, and therefore currency, or a. part of ..the circulation only, when the promissory one or many, was known or believed to be able to pay according to contract, on demand; or in other words, not only perfectly solvent, but ready always when called on to redeem his pro mises. Competition would furnish ample currency.. The circulation would be specie and paper mingled by the combined operation of convenience and safety in the due ratio. The laws of trade, sub ject to the fluctuations of the great enterprise of a free country,' would confine it, lik’e any other article in the market; to the useful point of expansion.— The supply could not go beyond the business de mand. Any attempt to fora paper credit beyond that useful point Would be checked by the vigilance of self-interest. . No one would take a currency note of another, unless he thought it safe, and it suited him as well or better than coin. Notes would not he current, and therefore only currency, unless they were undoubted. Every one having money to receive would be, so far, a government' agent, to check a spurious issue or unsound circu-j lation. TakiUg bank notes, or other paper credit? in payment, would then be a matter of contractl and not as how' a'matter of course. r That Bankers under this ne w state of thing.: might sometimes!deceive themselves, and also, even the 1 most vigilant self-interest, and that some of them, like people in trade generally, would by misfortune or fraud break up, is certain. Nothing human is' perfect! But it is confidently believed, that no other system of paper currency than one regulated by the vigor of free competition, and guarded by the sleepless vigilance of self-interest, can be at once so satisfactory, just, and useful. It regulates itself without the aid of other law, than the 'prompt enforcement of contracts by the courts of justice. "Whether the administration of justice in this State is in the best form, and generally in the best hands, may well be doubted. And the Common wealth can never be deemed as safely prosperous as she ought, until that vital part of government is made equal in talent, industry and virtue, to the requirements of this great Body Politic. On the subject of the Judiciary you may expect another communication Account of tlie Establishment and Treasure of tlie Hank, of Amster dam. The Bank of Amsterdam was established by the authority of tlu* State* General, in January. 1000: and, for the more speedy improvement of this in stitution, it was determined that all bills of. ex change, or sums for goods, not being under fiOO florins, should be made in the Bunk; that sum was since reduced to UOO. no sum under which can be entered in'the Bonk books, except by the East and West-India companies: private persons who are allowed to do it pay six livres for every entry. In this manner the Bank of Amsterdam is be come the universal depository of the riches of all its inhabitants, as well as of a great many foreign ers; its credit being so good, that nobody pretend*, to call it in question, as there can be no. apprehen sion of its failure so long as the government of the country subsists, for the city of Amsterdam is its security. Nor would there be any reason to doubt the sufficiency of this Bank, even though the city were no wise engaged for it, because there is a real treasure in it, much more than sufficient to answer all demands, as will plainly appear by the following instance: In the heat of the war, 1i»72, between France and the United Provinces, the French King having taken Utrecht and a great many other towns, peo ple were jealous of the t-vent of the. war, and fear ing that he might likewise become master of Am sterdam, vast numbers of those who had money in the Bank demanded it, and their demands were punctually answered; srime who were in remote places, not having patience till they could be con veniently paid by the Bank, disposed of the sums they had in it at a considerable loss, giving 105 or 100 florins, Bank money, for 100 florins current, by which they lost 10 or 12 per cent, the Bank money being generally between 5 and G per cei\t. higher than the currency. But the war soon tak ing another turn, the credit of the Bank was res tored to its former condition. The real treasure of the Bank of Amsterdam, which is. supposed to be the* greatest in the world', consists of real specie, and bars of silver and gold,' The specie is received at a certain rate, and the bars of gold and silver, and other bullion, by weight per ounce, according to their fineness, which is tried by a public officer appointed for that pur pose. . This treasure is kept in a vast vault under the Town-house, and secured by all the means that human prudence, can invent, from any danger of robbers, fire, or other accidents. Remarks of Hon. Reveiidt .Tohnsox, Whig Senator, from Maryland, at the. Quitman and Shields Dinner, in Washington city: Mr. President, differences of opinion have exist ed, and still exist, among some of the h<*st men of the land, as to the necessity and justifiable, origin of the . present war. I entertain no doubt about either, [great cheering,] and I thank my God that t live among'a people, who, if I desired to entertain it,.would not suffer me to be here-as their repre sentative. [Applause.] But upon one question, Mr. President, nowhere throughout our wide cotin-, try, is there any difference of opinion. However the war originated, whether necessarily or unneces sarily, constitutionally or unconstitutionally, the war has existed, and the war lias covered us over with glory. [A voice : That’s good talking.] As far as l am concerned, Mr. President, not onlr is the talk good, but the voting will be just as good. [Applause.] No man more deeply regrets than I do the blood which has almost literally mired the Mexican soil; no body is more disposed than lam to weep over the heart-rending agonies which the war has carried to the homestead ; it is the result of all wars. But be found, one hundred years hepce7''Tnrrh e Legislature of New York, as in'every other legislative dody ever heard of there are rm merous representatives who rejoice in the celebra ted patronymic of Smith. Not less than Jivz of this distinguished family were . delegated to rep resent the interests of confiding! constituencies at Albany. These Smiths are organized into a select standing committee, arid the reports’which they have frequently made upon various subjects, refer red to their special consideration, have created no inconsiderable degree of merriment. Recently a petition was presented from one Albert J. Smith, another of the “'same sort,” praying that his name might be changed to something more definite and distinctive, which was referred 1, to this committee of Smiths, with power to send for persons and papers. The committee, after the most mature and prayerful consideration, submitted the follow ing curious and interesting REPORT. The Committee of Smiths report, that they have taken into careful consideration the only reason upon which the prayer of the petitioner is based. As the request seems to be founded on the as sumption that Smith could not properly be called a name, it appeared to be incumbent-on your com mittee to examine whether this position.was tenable or not. Your committee., after an arduous investigation, are prepared to show that Smith is not only a true name, . f< But ’tis a name 20 spread o*er sir aud madam, That one would think the first who bore it Adam.” There appear to be various opinions amongst the learned as to its origin. There is an ancient tradition extant, that when men began to multiply upon the earth, in the paucity of language, it became difficult to find names for-them all. It was suggested, upon the ground of a careless expediency, that never looks a-head to consequen ces, that the number yet left should all be called Smith. There is certainly something very plausible in this theory of the origin of the name, as it accounts for. the multitude to whom it belongs, without resorting to the highly improbable supposition that the Smiths are a more thrifty and prolific race than those of any other name. There is another opinion of a distinguished and learned critic, which the committee considers worthy of attention, viz: that the name Smith is a mere corruption of the term formerly applied to designatejhe Phrygian Apollo, whose sirname was Sinintheus.- * Now, by au easy transition, may it not be sup posed that this august name'has undergone a change that brings it to present orthography ? Smintheus —Smitheus—-ftmithe —Smith !. Some of the fafliily even now assume that this is the true origin of the name, and take a pious plea sure in writing the name Sraithe. Leaving these opinions, winch, to say the least, are somewhat apocryphal, your committee will comedown to some historical facts connected with tlie origin of the name. There can be iio doubt but it was originally applied to workers in metal. One of the heathen poets calls Vulcan “'the smith of Jupiter.” .In Ovid : s Metamorphoses, where he describes a combat with the Centaurs, an allusion is made to the handicraft from which this name is derived. Tlie hair of one taking fire from a burning brand hurled at his head, is thus described: ” His blazing looks bent forth a crackling sound, And hiss’d like red hot iron, within the ‘ Smithy ’ .drown’d.’’ If we come to a stiff later period, we find modifi cations of the name, derived from' the German schineisen c * to smite,” the Swedish cmida, ** to hammer,” and the Danish smider, “to forge, te invent”—but the genuine name, Smith, is pure Sax on, from the word sinitau, “to strike.” During the age of chivalry, artizans in metal were in grpat request, and as they took the appellation of smith, in addition to their former name, it grad ually came'in use as a sirname. : This time-honored name has become established, and rendered con spicuous, by a multitude of eminent individuals— statesmen, historians, political economists,lawyers, physicians, merchants and bankers. The Mormon prophet (Joe Smith,) has rendered the name im mortal* \ We find, on examining the public records,, cabi net officers and Governors of several States, bearing the distinguished name of Smith. The newly ap pointed Governor of the city of Mexico, is General Persifer Smith. The name 9lands enrolled amongst men holding the first rank in literature and science. In time of war, it has always stood out in bold relief amongst the killed, wounded and—missing; showing conclusively, that the .race are not only conspicuous for their valor and patriotism, but that some of them at least, think with Fal9taff, that— “ Prudence is the better part of valor.” Byron, however, bears testimony to their warlike >int, for, in speaking of the select force, who led te attack at the storming of Ismael, he says “Mongat them were several Englishmen of pith, iixteen called Thompson, and eighteen named Smith!” Leaving the consideration of the name ingeneral,, the Committee would briefly call the attention of the House to that celebrated member of the family, named John. John is a person of singular übiquity, so much so, that go where you will you invariably find him. His versatility of character and talent is no less amazing. The first that we hear of him is fighting among the Turks. We next behold him conspicuous in founding the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, where he narrowly escaped from the Indiana through the intervention of the celebrated Pocahontas. John is subsequently found in the Senate ofthe United States —he.becomes a member of Congress —and finally condescends to take a seat in the State Legislature. Strange to relate, he again ap pears as an eminent Doctor of Divinity. John was the first President of Union College, in this State. His warlike propensities again seize him, and we find him.figuring in the war upon the northeastern boundary. By one of those strange vicissitudes, which some times occur in human affairs, we next see sphn in a position entirely new. In examining the police re ports of the city of New York, we then find John enrolled as a candidate for the penitentiary. The last authentic account we have obtained of his whereabouts, he was suffering*severely from a.rail road accident, from which it was thought he would not recover. From the foregoing considerations, your commit tee are of the opinion that Smith is not only anarae, but that it is rendered venerable by its antiquity, and respectable by the dignity of its origin and the characters of those who bear it. It is perfectly no torious, and your committee can state from person al experience*; that the gentler sex have always been eager to assume this distinguished name, when opportunity offered, arid it is matter of unqualified ■surprise, that in view* of the facts presented in this report, a petition like the one under consideration should ever have been pressed upon the notice of the Legislature. i The committee would sooner have expected to 1 see petitions from individuals praying earnestly to be received into this eminent family. A circumstance has occurred since .the petitioner presented his memorial, which, if known to him, might have induced him to withhold it. ' We allude to the news that reached Boston a few months since; that an immense estate had been left by one of the; ancestors of the Smith family, resid ing in England, and that a meeting would be held; on Boston Common to investigate the matter. Your committee deem it unjust to invalidate the claim' of the petitioner to his share in the estate by changing his name-before the contemplated meeting shall; have been held. .. . . It is apparent that your committee, in coming to 1 the conclusion they have, are actuated-by no selj fish motive,’unless it be suspected that-they wish to retain within the family, every one oi its num ber, to share ;in the disgrace ofthe numerous crimes which they are fain 'to admit, are committed a* mongalthem,: •• • Your committee, therefore, alter divesting them selves as faras possible, from all personal’ consid erations, have come to a conclusion unfavorable to the pra-ver of the petitioners. . All which is respectfully submitted— > I THOMAS SMITH, 1 WESSELL Sr SMITH, • N. iB. SMITH;! I _ J. S2&ITH, v ' ... : j. b: -smith; PredlcUonft for tlie YearlMS* * According to a "new Almanac, thfe'ytar df our Lord, 1848, is to be an eventlUlonq.TVe extract from said'Almanac the following sagacious,predic tion B,wbich will doubtless >fee fulfilled : j : - v “Through the whole course of the coming {year, wheneverthemoon .wan.es, Ac night Will grow dark.- On several occasions, during-the. year, the sun will. rise before certain people discover it,and. set before; they have finished the day's work, j.lt.is quite likely that when there is no business doing, many avill be heard to complain of hard times, but it is Equally certain that all- who hang themselves will escape starvation. If bustles and hoops go out of fashion, a church Jtew; will hold more than three ladies^'" If dandiesw'ear their beai^s, there will be less work for the barbers, and he who Wears mustachios will have something to sneerijat. Therc will be many eclipses 6f virtue, some? fr-isi hle, others invisible.. Whosoever is-in. love jwill thinlchia- mistress a perfect angel,; and will inly find out the truth of his suspicion by getting mar ried. Many delicate ladies, whom no one Would, suspect, will be kissed without telling their Ma's. There will be more books published than will find purchasers, more ryhmes written than will fend readers, and more bills made than wiH'fiml payers. If the incumbent of a fat office should die, there will be a dozen ready to step into one pair of shoes.; If any younglady should happen to blush, : she will be .apt to look red in' the face, without the use of paint ; if she dream of a young man. three nights in succession, it will be a sign, of something; - if she 'dreams of him four times,.or have.the tooth ache, it is ten to one: she will be along time-in get ting either of them out: of her head. Many people will drink more strong liquor than will be necessa ry, to keep them .sober, and take more medicine than will be-, requisite to the enjoyment of good health. Dinners and entertainments will be given to those who have enough at home, and the poor will receive much advice gratis* legal and medical excepted. The public debts of the repudiating states will hardly be adjusted, and the same fate will very probably attend private contracts in this latitude.. He.who marries.this year will run a great risk; especially if he does it in a hurry. He who steals it match, gives tattlers occasion -to gos sip, and will be apt to involve himself and bride in disagreeable relations. There will be a'great noise all over the country when it thunders,, and a tre mendous dust will be kicked”up; occasionally, by coach-horses. Many young ladies who hope for it, but little expect it, will bemarried; and many who confidently anticipate that glorious consummation, will be doomed to'vvait another year. ", • “ Finally, there exists little doubt, this -will be a “ most -wonderful *’ year, in interest all that have preceded it.. Politicians .will make fools of themselves; will make fools of others; and many women with pretty faces will make fools of both. The world 'will: go foimd as usual, and come {o the-place whence it set out, as will many a. man who; engages in business. There; will cry and little vvool, both at the shearing of pigs, and the meeting of Congress." Punch’s Almanac.' Bonaparte enters 1 Lyons. 1815. 'Van Amburgh very likely to do the same: i -• • Mars rises at 2 Mom—haring been “ called out” by a shooting star. ! Thedeah of York charged with selling.church preferments 1842. No cure no pay. 5 ’ Queen Elizabeth died, 16G3. ; A good queen if taken in the npijf. , * _• Poor Law Guardians elected this day. Those who “ask for bread get stones,” (to break.) Napoleon takes the whole city of Vienna, 1C,09 —carries away a belter half in Maria Louisa. Boswell, the biographer, died, 1705. His was a most exemplary life—of Johnson. Nelson lost his aim at Santa Cruz. The cue my being in distress, like a’true sailor he lent them a hand. '. * Calais taken by Edward 111, 1347. The inhabi tants being starved ouj, sign a capitulation without any provisions. ‘ Printing invented in 1442. /Superstition taken very ill from being put in sheet*; Sir Walter Scott born, 1771, and, shocking to re late, was afterwards greedily dnmred by the hunian race. Prince Joinville applies for the remains of Na poleon, and the Governor of St. Helena returns the Boney part. The “Tifnes” first printed by. steam, 1814, and has kept the country in hot water ever since. •' Fort Niagara taken, 1750, but the Fallr escaped from the rapidity with which they run. Battle of Corunna. 1800. England t gained noth ing, but alas!—lost Moore. Peter the Great died, IS2C. Surely they might have cured him, if they’d made up their minds to Salt- Peter. • * ■ . * ‘ London Bridge burnt 1632. The city corpora tion in full-dress, with pumps and hose to extin guish.it. The Sight or the Dying— . The late Abner L, Pentland, of Pittsburg, remarked when he was dying; “Mother, /can see a great tpjdabtf less, this is the experience, of every one who comes with a chastenjj&faS tG a' calm death-bed: ' • - '* j-V jfv In his progress through ordinary life/tfte vapors that float in'his mental atmosphere reader the vision imperfect, anil he cannot see afaroff; but as he draws near eternity, the air grows purer; the light brighter, the vision clearer, jarid security per-" vades the whole.beirig; the vista of tuturity opens upon the eyes'of the soul; he beholds the: gates of Heaven, arid the river of Life, its glad water»dcls3- ing the footstool of the throne of God of the hew. world grow brighter upon Stephen, lie Jesus at the right hand of his father; and as he dwells-with rapture -on the>e en livening sights, the earth and al! its scenery grows him; and like Elisha’s-servant at the gate 6f he is instantly environed With troops of angels, wher come : to take him up over the everlasting hills, iri the cUariot of the Lend of Hosts.' :V ' - Population _of Austria. —This vast empire contains forty millions of inhabitants, including the military. It is quite as populous as France. Tire millions of its subjects are Italian. More male than female children are born, yet there ire; . 800,000 more females It is computed that 550 per3ons are rnutdered yearly, yet the, exe* cution? do ri&tamount to : rafrre than 40. : ! ; E7T A wretch .ygjis.ofage naimed.Owen : Parrel, who lives at Boston, threw .a ketfl* Of boil* iog water overhis, Mother on Friday evening, and scalded -her . The rinoatural should be made an-example of. - > W- f ' „.ppr3r •I * v NO. 52.