Philadelphia Correspondence. Philadelphia, Dec. 14th, 1850. Deab Intelligences. :—When I la«t wrote you it was from a different section of comitry than “is —a country Abounding in scenery so diversified and beautiful—that I can scarcely bring my i els together, where I can see nothing but palaces, ve hicles, and human beings. But I will, as on that J occasion., try, and that to please. The past week has been one of exceeding pleas antness, compared with that oflast.Old'B'i; reas” wind, have begun to blow, which remind us. that wild, drear winter is fast coming on. Well, such weather iB decidedly preferable to the “ rams and shines ” that we have experienced ; and all that is lacking to make it feel dreary and cold, is to see the flakes of snow falling thick and fast. How that Jennt Lind has gone from among us, the City, for a while wore the appearance of de sertion—to our singing-going community—notwith- standing the great “ sights ” to be seen at the Wal- nut and Arch street theatres, and the benefits de rived from the various lectures that have and are being given in the different lecture rooms. And while I am Bpeaking of. places of amusement, in the absence of the Swedish Nightingale, I must not forget the inimitable Blitz, whose performan ces are received with wonder and astonishment; nor the very popular Museum of Baenuh— whose advertisement, by the way, I see in your invalu able paper—under the management of Col. San toed, which presents so many attractions to those in search or a place, to while away an hour or two. It is even more interesting than usual, as the real, genuine,.and original Tom Thumb is now per orm ing there. To have anv accurate idea oi his perfor mahee and appearance, must be to see him in per son. I think he'will visit your city shortly, and give your citizen, a sight of his veritable person. But I have greatly digressed from my original intention. I was going to observe, that, in the Italian Opera, we have something to console us for the loss of Jenny Li£d. It is under the supervis- ion ofMAxMABETZEK, and was opened for the first | time on Tuesday last, in the Chesnut st. Theatre,; •which has been fitted up expressly for the purpose. Mr. E. L. Walker, bookseller, is Maretzek’s agent, and, of course, under his management, we can expect to have things done in proper style. — The Opera on the first night was Donnirettis lyric tragedy of “ Lucia de Lammermoor ” a favorite piece with Opera-goers. I have not the room to describe each performance eeparately, as I would like, but suffice it to say, that all sustained their parts admirably, and were frequently encored. On Friday, the second night, was presented Mo zart’s great opera of “ Don Giovanni ,” with Forti, Truffi, Bertucca, Amalia Patti, Beneventauno, Sanquirico and Giubileti in the principal characters. The impression made was much better than that of the first night. On Saturday it was repeated.- These concerts are attended by fashionable and appreciative audiences. Every thing is conducted in the Best style, and cannot fail to please. On next Tuesday the opera of “ Ernani,” by Verdi, in four parts. The characters are judiciously dis tributed among the troupe. Thanksgiving' day was a real holiday. Our va rious business -marts, were all closed, and Ches nut street presented a lively appearance. It ap. peered as though all the smiling, rosy cheeked maidens of our “ Quaker City ” had turned out tn masse, and such killing glances as were thrown from these beautiful maidens’ eyes were enough to break a heart of adamant, (your correspondent ex cepted, of course!) There being service in all our churches, we for ced our way to that of St. Matthews, in New st., between Race and Vine, and nearly opposite St. Augustine’s church, 4th street, where it was our lot to hear one of the most eloquent sermons ever delivered bv the Pastor of the church, Rev. E. W. Hutter, formerly Editor of your paper; and, knowing that anything emanating from this learned gentleman would be read with great pleasure by your numerous subscribers, I endeavored to note down some of the general lopieß of his discourse, which I hereby give, as nearly as possible, in his own words. All errors that I may make, you will attribute to my shocking bad memory. For his text he selected the 50th Psalm, verse 1-1. il Offer unto God Thanksgiving.” He commenced by saying that the custom of set ting apart particular days, and seasons, on which to render Thanksgiving to God, for benefits re ceived, was of very ancient origin. That already under the Old Testament dispensation, it formed a ] very important part of the religious worship of the 1 Jews. That under the laws of Moses, they assem bled once every year in Jerusalem torcnder thanks givings for the blessings of the harvest, and to offer up sacrifices and oblations. And that not only one day, but an entire week , was appropriated to this sacred purpose. That we read in the Book of Exodus and Leviticus, that, during the seasons of Thanksgiving, the Jews commemorated, also, their sojourn in the tabernacles in the wilderness, to which end they dwelt, during the festival week,.in arbours, made of the limbs of the citron, ot myr tle, of palm, of olive, and of willow. In reference to the occasions which called forth gratitude to God, he Baid, were innumerable; and to count them singly, would resemble the task of measuring out the boundless by drops. Again —he remarked the deep debt of gratitude we owed to God, also, for otfr innumerab e social and domestic blessings. That our whole social economy, indeed, nbounds with the most elevated and refined enjoyments. How pleasant the de- , lights of the fireside and of home ; how holy and j sacred the ties between husband and wife, and pa- • rent and children —and how agreeable the inter-j .course between familes and neighbors. That for these we should offer unto God Thanksgiving, | and bless His great and holy name. The reverend gentleman further remarked that our blessings did not end even here. "That they were more multiplied and abounding still. That i we have here a highly productive soil and that the ; fruits of the earth sprang up, 5s it were, by the wand of enchantment. T t hat we had a delightful 1 climate, too, and so diversified, as to be suited i to almost every temper and constitution; that when the rude blasts.of Winterbegan to assail us from the Nojth, and'the sleet and the snows began to descend, that then, the invalid, who could not en dure the cold, takes up his staff and migrates to the sunny South, the land of the orange, ami the citron, where he meets a zone and a temperature suited to his. condition. And that he, whose con stitution was better adapted to the c6ld, wrapped his mantle around him, and took up his residence amongst our Northern snow-clad hills. And, also, that we had an endless variety of pursuits, suited to almost every taste and'capacity. That on r e who had a taste for growing Wheat, and Rye, and Corn, there lay the out-stretched vallies of the Genesee, the Cumberland, and the Wyoming.— That another who delighted in the culture of Cot- ( ton, of Rice, of Sugar, or ot Hemp, foond in the j plantations of Georgia, of Kentucky, the Carolinas, and Louisiana, the desired spot. For those who preferred to act as bold Plotters. that there lay the boundless prairies of Illinois, of Wisconsin, .and Minnesota. Or, that another, still fonder of adventure, pushed his. way beyond the Rocky Mountains into Oregon, or joined the gold-diggers in the mountain-passes of distant California. And : that, if none of these objects attracted, there were the manufacturing interests of *sew England, and the trade and commerce of our Atlantic ciiies, where there was ample room and verge enough for evtry department of human industry. That here, in this favored land, there'Hvas a place and a home —ran asylum and a welcome for everybody —except 'the Idler $ that he alone was cast out, like a- drone, from the hive. In contrasting our Republican form of Govern ment with that of loreign Governments, he remark- i ed that this was a subject of which every Christian might, with propriety, rejoice. For, show me a lend that is governed by bad laws, and by wicked ru era, and he would show us one, also, where the people were sunken in ignorance, in superstition, end vice. That in this particular we were certain lymost signally favored by God. That —here there were no Kings, nor Despots, either in the church, ot in the state, to bind the people in chains, and to eat our substance. That this was truly a wise and an excellent government, was exemplified du -ring the present year* That of a sudden, the Chief Magistrate ot this" country was summoned from the scene o r his earthly toils to his long "home ; that such an event in France, or Italy, or in Spain, would have been the signal for war, tumult, riot, and bloodshed, but that here it produced scarcely a ripple on the surface. And whilst all mourned, deeply, the melancholy bereavement, no disorder occurred. But a plain and venerable gentle man, attired in citizen’s dress, quietly and unosten tatiously stepped into the Capitol, in the presence of the people’s representatives, and there, from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, received the oath and the .insignia of office—and the govern men progressed again, smoothly and quietly as if nothing unusual had happened. But to follow the learned gentleman, would be to attempt what is impossible, and take up too much of your valuable room. J remain, dear sir, Your humble servant, W. H. S. intelligencer & ionmal. lanmuter. December 24,1850. GEO. SANDERSON, EDITOR. jp»Our first page is taken up with Col. D. S. Patti bsojjs Address to the Agricultural Society ot this county, and the proceedings had at the An niversary Meeting of the Lancaster County Bible Society. fCTOar thanks are due to Hon. Daniel Sturgeon and Gen. Foote, of the D. S. Senate, and Hon. Wm. Strong of the House of Representatives, for their favors in transmitting us valuable public doc s. ID-The City Watchmen request us to present the compliments of the season to their friends, and respectlnlly inform them that they will pay their respects in person to-morrow morning—when they hope to meet with a hearty welcome from each one and something yet more mbstantial in the shape of a Christmas gift. The Ladles’ Fair. The Fair which was held last week, agreeably to notice, at the Mechanics’ Institute, was largely attended by our citizens of both sexes, and reflected great credit on the Ladies whose skill and enter prise originated, arranged and superintended it.— The numerous and beautiful specimens of fancy needle work, consisting of almost every thing that, could be mentioned, were very attractive, which, taken in connexion with the smiling countenances of the fair sales-women, eusured a rapid and satis factory sale for those and all the other articles. We have not learned the exact amount of money realized Irom the Fair—but presume it must have reached from $BOO to $lOOO, a .very handsome sudJj all of which, after deducting the necessary expenses, is to be appropriated to the benefit of the new Presbyterian Church just erected in this City. Another New Patent! Lancaster county seems to go ahead of any other county in the. State in the skill and enterprise of her mechanics. Some two or three months ago we published a list of new inventions, in the vari ous departments of agriculture, &c., and we now have the gratification to inform our readers, and especially the Farmers of our flourishing county* triat on the 17th instant, Letters Patentwere grant ed to Mr. JpSEPn W. Fawkes, of Bart township, fora new and improved "Seed Planter.]' which is doubtless a most excellent invention, as the claims set out in his application fully prove, to wit: “What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is the peculiar construc tion of the adjustable shovels tp clear the mouth of any obstructions.” ;’And again:—“l also claim the mode and manner of sowing the grain through 'curved apertures or slots, as described.” This appears to be an entire new mode of sowing i and drilling—and will go far to assist in doing away with the old system of sowing the grain by hand, which, no matter how careful the sower was, always produced less or more want of uniformity in the appearance of the crop. That system is now being fast superseded by the drilling one, as the beautiful appearance and evenness of many grain fields in every section “of Lancaster county fully testify. The Patent above alluded to, was procured' by our townsman, J. F. Reigaiit, Esq., who had pre- I viously prepared the necessary Drawings and Spec j ifications—and whose great success in this business ! is proof of his thorough knowledge of Mechanical j l Sciencp, Patent improvements, and the Patent laws. Whig Economy! From the Report of Mr. Conwix : Secretary of the Treasury, we learn that the Receipts from all sources, during the fiscal year ending June 30,1850, amounted to $49,606,713 IS—while the Expendi tures, during the same period, were $43,002,168 69. We also learn from the same source that the estimated revenue for tne fiscal year, ending June 30, 1851, is $04,312,394 49—and the estimated Expenditures for the same period amount to the enormous sum of $53,853,397 50 ! Mr. Conwix also estimate's the Receipts for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1852, at $47,258,990 99 —and the Expenditures for that period at $48,124,- 993 18—or $865,996,19, over and above the re ceipts!—only about four millions of which vast sum is to be appropriated to the payment of the public debt, and about two and a half millions to the payment ofjiensions. But. we need not wonder at these enormous ex penditures, when we consider the way the public funds have been lavished upon favorites, the pay ment of Galphin claims, &c., &c.; and were it not for the existence of the present Democratic tariff which brings in immense sums 7 to the Treasury ? the Government would have been i swamped in the first year of the present Whig administration. It will require a whole terra of the next Demo cratic administration which will be installed on the 4th of March, 1553, to bring things to rights, and put the Government, on the old beaten track of economy and responsibility to the people. A New Project. Governor Floyd, of Virginia, sent a special message to the Legislature of that State, on Wed nesday last, recommending adoption of a series of resolutions in favor of of a Na tional Convention of delegates from all the States, to be held in the city of Baltimore, in May next, for the' purpose of bringing to an end all sectional controversies about 'slavery. He considers the Vermont resolutions, urging resistance to the Fu. gitive Slave law, an outrage South, which renders necessary an instant settlement of the issue. He urges the Southern States to postpone all further [ action until such convention assembles. .The mes i sage was referred to a special committee. Thf. Homestead Bill. —The Homestead bill be. fore Congress provides for giving to every head of a family, who is a citizen of the United States, one hundred and sixty acres of land out of jhe public domain. The Republic, though not opposing the bill, suggests a doubt of its propriety, and says one effect of the law will be to destroy ariy advantages that might have been expected by our old soldiers by the Bounty Land Law of the last session. No head of a family would pay the soldier anything for his warrant or his land if he could get his one hundred and sixty acres for nothing. Georgia Convention.— This body adjourned sinr die on the 14th inst., after adopting a report acquiescing in the action 'of Congress, and decla-" ring that the- perpetuity of the Union depends upon the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, and a general observance of the compromise meas ures. The vote on the adoption of the report was yeas 232, nays 19. Eight of thesmembers did not vote at all. The general tone of the Convention was firm, conciliatory and dignified. JET* In 1803, when the next Presidential term begins, Gen. Cass will be seventy one, Mr. Bcch anax sixty-two, Mr. Clay seventy-six, Mr. Web ster seventy-one, Mr. Bbrtor seventy-one, Mr. Fillmore fifty-three, and Gen. Scott sixty nine.— Gen. Houstox, we believe, will be about sixty, (Jen. Bdtler-r little older, Judge Woodbury sixty, Judge Douglass about lorty-two, and Gen. Lark something over fifty. « If there are any other candidates, they wil pSease give us their names and ages, and we shal tnke pleasure in announcing them. OT* Pabodi, an Italian songstress, is now de lHghting the good people of Philadelphia. She attracts almost as much attention as Jenny Lind, ajid her singing is said to be equally good. JET* The census of the State of Maine is 583,- os'6—being an increase in fen years of 83,105. Christmas Day. A merry, happy Christmas to our patrons. The compliments of the season to you all— may health, wealth, prosperity and long life attend you. But, dear friends, whilst you are comfortably seated in your warm parlors, and enjoying the good things of life in your dining rooms, remember your destitute and poverty-stricken neighbors who, it may he, are suffering from cold and hunger. Rec ollect, the Saviour.of men said, “the poor ye have always with you”—and it is your bounden duty to contribute of the abundance which God has given many of you, to render them comfortable and happy. Think of these things, and.then let your benevolent feelings be warmed into action. But, Christmas is more particularly welcome to children, inasmuch as they are famished in profusion with toys , cakes, siceetmeais, Sjc.,%c. Who among us does not remember the halcyon days of Qur child hood, when we hung up our stockings by thefrre place, and when the good St. Nicholas, more famil. iarly known as “ Kriskingle,” filled them with the nice things of the season. Those were' happy days to all of us who have arrived to the years of matu rity, and as some ot the little folks may be desirous of knowing how the good Saint travels, we subjoin a favorite poeticS description which cannot fail of being interesting to the juveniles. Visit of Saint Nicholas. »Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the bouse Not a creature wa3 stirring, not even a mouse ; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. Tbe children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced through their heads 5 And mamma in her ’kerchief and I in my cap, Had just settled onr brains for a long winter’s nap When out on the lawn th»*re arose such a clatter I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter Away to the I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutter and .threw up the sash, The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, Gave the lustre of midday to objects below ; When, what to my wandering eyes should appear But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver so lively jmd- quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. . More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; j [ « Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer! now, Vixen ! j On! Comet! On! Cupid .'On! Donder! and Blixen ! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall ! Now dash away, dash away, dash away, all!’’ As the leaves before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So, up to the housetop the coursers they flew, With a sleigh full of toys —and St. Nicholas too. And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof, The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound ; He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; | A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, [ And he looked like a pedler just .opening his pack. : His eyes—how they twinkled ! his dimples how 1 merry ! | His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry ; ; His drolljittle mouth was drawn up like a bow ; i And his beard on his chin was as white as the snow, j The 6tump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, ! And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, : That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of j jelly. j He was chubby and plumb j a right jolly old elf, ( And I laughed when I saw him in spite of mysolf. i A wink of his eye, and a twist of. his head, i Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. I He spoke not a word but went straight to his work, j And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, ' And laying his finger aside of his nose, | And giving a nod up the chimney he rose. > He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, | And away they all flew like the down of a thisle ; But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight, ; Ci Merry. Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” Attempted Disorganization. The Philadelphia Spirit of the Times, a free soil paper, is out against Judge Black’s election to the U. S. Semte, because, forsooth, he is personally and politically friendly to the Hon. James Buchanan! Why, for the same reason, might that sheet oppose the election of Judge WoonwAnn, Col. McCanp less, Daniel Sturgeon, Gen. Foster, R P. Flex niken, Gen. Packer, Richard Rush, James’ X. McLanauan, Col. Snowden, Mr. Plumer, and i every other Democrat that has been named for the j high station, all of whom, we believe, are guilty of ; the same offence—if offence it can be considered in . any other quarter than in the contracted free soil ! circle which revolve around the luminary of the | Times. But, badinage aside—we should like to know what a particular friendship for Mr. Bucuanar or any of the other distinguished statesmen of the age, has to do with the selection of a U. S. Senator.— The great questions to be propounded, in our hum ble opinion, are—is he honest, is he talented, and is he a sound and reliable Democrat? These ques tions being'satisfactorily answered, and it matters very little which of the gentlemen named in con nexion with the office shall be selected by the cau cus. That once done, and it is the duty of every Democratic member of the Legislature to vote for him, no matter what may be his partialities or preferences in reference to the Presidency. To show what is thought elsewhere of the course pursued by the above mentioned paper, we clip the following paragraph from the Democratic Union , published at Harrisburg: Disorganization.—' The Spirit of the Times is out open-mouthed for disorganization in the election of a United States Senator, but we apprehend their councils will be unheeded in the Legislature. It we know any thing of public sentiment on this subject, it is that the caucus nominee shall be elected, without reference to bis being the special friend or enemy of-Mr. Buchanan. This is the only safe ground on which Democrats can stand, and we are well assured that it is the ground which the friends of Mr. Buchana'n intend to occupy. Trouble Brewing. It appears that the Democratic State Central Committee has got into a snarl—several of the members disapproving of holding a separate State Convention for the nomination of Supreme Judges, s&nd others (including the Chairman) in favor of R as recommended by them at their meeting on the 20th of November. Accordingly, the dissentient portion have called'a meeting for the 30th inst., to reconsider the matter—but the Chairman refuses to sanction the call, and publishes a former resolu tion of the Committee to show that he—and he only—is authorized to call special meetings of the body. What the result of all this may be, we cannot tell—we hope that it may not lead to a disruption of the party throughout the State. Tlie Colored Race. The recent amendment of the Constitution of Indiana, which prohibits colored people from emi grating into that State; and which will in a short time free it from all vestiges of the African race, has been thought, by many persons a harsh and cruel measure; but the reasons for its adoption? says the Pittsburg Post, are not generally known- In fact, it is but a modification of laws adopted by other Western States—only more stringent. The prejudices of the whites are generally strong against association people of color; and par ticularly those who are forced upon them by the action of the Slave States. The question is now being discussed in Virginia, for the removal of the entire class of free people of color from that State, without regard to character or condition. Gov. Floyd suggests, in his Message, expatriation as a punishment for every conviction of a free negro for petty larceny; and, moreover, that a bounty be held out to all those who are free to induce them to leave the State. It is to- guard against the in flux of these persons that Indiana is erecting her constitutional barriers. If, then, the free blacks of the South are to be expatriated, where will they go to! The free Western States refuse them admission into their territory, except upon conditions which it will be impossible for them to comply with. Pennsylva nia, as yet, stands with her doors open; but, we think, from the aspect of the times, that it will not be long before the question of “ keeping the i latch string out ” will be discussed even here. Glddlngiy (be Ardi-Abolitionist This rank and fanatical abolitionist is work in the endeavor to foment strife and -produce discord between the North and the South. Scarcely has the calm followed the storm raised during the last session of Congress—scarcely have the great Compromise measures had time to prpdace effects —scarcely has Congress again assembled, ere by impious bands has the fire brand again been kin- dled and thrown. The deliberations of the Na- tional councils are again to be interrupted by the inflammatory appeals of Giddings, Stevens and others of the same ilk. But public sentiment oq* this subject is well settled.' There is not a true lover of his country in the broad limits between the Aroostook and the Nebraska, but will regard with feelings of contempt and derision the pitiful attempts of these mongrel politicians. Alike from the counting house of the princely merchant —from, the abode of the diligent and hard banded laborer— from all ranks and classes, there ascend earnest and hearty thanksgivings that one portion of our belov- ed Union has not been sundered from the othen and that the men of the North are not forced to imbrue their hands in the blood of their brethren at the South. But no, all ranks and all classes are not satisfied. In the assertion we have just made we are incor rect • for the ravings of certain Northern madmen convince us there are exceptions. Giddings, Ste vens, Feed. Douglass, Abbt Kelet, Wilmot, Garretsox and their coadjutors, are are all dissat isfied. Well, be it so. But what can their united, mightiest efforts accomplish"? Nothing, absolutely nothing. When the pismire can wage triumphant war against the elephant, or the ivy can cope with the gnarled oak which supports it, then may abo lition enthusiasts succeed in rousing our people from the ample consciousness of present good, to plunge into a treason designed civil war. The ef forts of these men and their co-laborers are more idle than the gigantic attack of the Knight of La Mancha on the inoffensive windmill, and their piti ful hobby, the Proviso, even now presents a more sorry spectacle than ever did the steed of the gal lant Don Quixote. But are the motives of Mr. Gid dings pure? Is his zeal on behalf of free soil piompted by a fraternal regard for the slaves of the South? Certainly not. Better to rule in hell than serve in heaven, is his propelling, guiding prin* ciple. He must make himself a name, and, emu lating the Ephesian youth, so infamously notorious’ he, too, would topple over our proudest fabric. It is deeply to be regretted that there has so soon j gone forth the declaration that “henceforth there j is to be an incessant and restless activity lor the j repeal of the Fugitive Slave Law.” Consequences are unheeded, and the peace, comfort and happi ness of the citizens of our Republic are matters of, minor consideration to thrlell spirit of Abolition ism. This same spirit seeks to fire the Capitol and scatter to the winds of heaven our proudest records. The treasonable designs of such men as Gin dings and Stevens find no echo except} in the breasts of their black-hearted and white-skinned fellows, Gabretson and Thompson. Th£ pulsa tions of the people's heart are always adverse to contention and disorganization. Of this, there can not be a doubt. The great Union meetings jand the united voice of the Press atteat it. Then, this winter, we believe that abolitionism will re ceive its quietus. Confidence and trust arejreposed j" by the people in the firmness and integrity of the : great-majority of the members 6f Congress. The clearly expressed determination of the President to > enforce at all hazards the faithful execution of the laws, gives assurance that all the writhing, convul sive struggles of pseudo philanthropists,vlike Gid- ; dings and Stevens, will’be paltry, pigmy nothings- : The great National position assumed and occupied i by the truly great men of our Country, by our Bu chanan, by Cass, Webster, Foote, Clat, and a galaxy of others, is admired by every true patriot, and renders “ assurance doubly sure M that in no event can treason work its least sad consequences. Already the poison has been extracted from the sting of the scorpion, and hurtless and harmless r will be the blows of abolitionism. Mr. Giddings L i will be suffered to relapse into his once insignifi- cance, and his puny exertions will never suffice to , remove the least stone from the foundation on | which our government so securely rests. Cheap Postage. The cheap postage bill was the subject of dis cussion last week in the House of Representatives. ! The following abstract of the bill and of the de. bate on Wednesday, we take from the Washington correspondence of the Baltimore American: The bill, as reported by Mr. Potter, of Ohio’ provides that upon each letter not weighing over an ounce, when postage is pre paid, when such letter is mailed, three cents shall be paid ; and for each additional half ounce, three cents; and on each unpaid letter, five cents, and the same - for. every additional half ounce; that there be paid on newspapers of less than 1900 square inches to a place out of the State where published, one cent, and within the State half a cent; and on all peri odicals and other printed matter two cents for each copy, of no greater weight than one ounce; and one cent in additton for each, additional ounce.— Bound books not weighing over thirty-two ounces, to be deemed mailable matter. The bill further provides lor the issue of a coin of the value of three cents, and that stamps be furnished to the Postmasters, who shall dispose of them at a discount of ten per cent, to purchasers to the amount of fifty dollars. Several amendments were proposed, among oth ers one from Mr. Ashmun, for a uniform rate of two cents on all letters not exceeding half an ounce, with'a proportionate increase according to weight. Mr. Brown, from Ohio, was opposed to the bill, as he considered the reduction proposed would be ruinous to the Post Office Department; he' was prepared, however, to reduce the postage on letters to a uniform rate of five cents. Mr. Brown, from Indiana, was in favor of a uniform rate of postage throughout the Union, and Mr. Sackett, from New York, who spoke so as not to be distinctly understood at the reporter's desk, evidently was in favor of a reduction in the rate of • postage. Mr. Venable, from North Carolina, spoke at con siderable length; he was in favor of any practica ble reduction, but would not anticipate the same results as had been produced in England from that uneasure. He suggested that the postage should not be demanded on papers in the county where they were printed as an encouragement to publish ers*in remote proportions of it; and was in favor of the postage on papers generally, being as low as possible. The free colored population of South Car- OLixA.-r-The Charleston Mercury, in noticing the report made in the South Carolina Legislature, ad verse to the Governors recommendation of the remqval of the free colored population, says: As long as our laws placed no restriction on emancipation, the free colored population was a rapidly increasing one, and being constantly re cruited from the slaves, was thus in near relation ship to them, and in a measure confused with them in feeling, without being subject to the same whole some restraints. But since the change in our law’s, the_ two classes have become more and more dis tinct. They have now no common ground. The intermediate links are removed/ The free colored population is kept up only from within itself. And under this restriction it will be found that it is un dergoing a steady process of extinction. The Charleston census shows a decrease from 2107, in 1830, to 1492 in 1848. Partly this decrease,, which w’e believe to be in different degrees general throughout the State, comes from their voluntary emigration to the North. If they leave the State they cannot return. A« to the present, they are in numbers so small, that their force would create no uneasiness, if they were unfriendly., But they are not so. As far aB we have observed, they are a very peaceable and orderly people, and w’e have seen no reason to sus pect them either of & disposition to conspiracy or to riot. Their sympathies are with the whites rather than with the blacks. Many of them are slave holders, and a good proportion are industrious, sober and useful members of the community. The Legislature, we are persuaded, will act in accord ance with the feeling of a very great majority of their constituents, by leaving them in the quiet possession of the place they occupy. Hon. R. B. Rbitt has been elected to the U. S. Senate, by the Legislature of South Carolina, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Elmore. Public Opinion* We continue our extracts from leading and in fluential Democratic journals, in this and other States of the Union, to show the estimation in which Mr. Buchavax and his great letter are held by the Democracy, every where. The first, we give is from the Nashville Union} the leading Democratic paper of Tennessee: Hon. Jaxes Bcchaxan. —It gives us no ordinary pleasure, to publish Mr. Buchanans very able letter to the late Union meeting in Philadelphia. It is impossible for any true American to read it with out having his faith strengthened in the permanency of our institutions. He blinks no question connec ted with the slavery agitation, and speaks out as becomes every lover of his country in this trying crisis. Opposition to the abolition fanatics and dema gogues of the North, is no new sentiment with Mr. Buchanan. He proclaimed it at the ‘‘first dawning ’ of their unholy attempts to array -section against section, and he has been warning his countrymen of their black designs ever since. We well remem ber an eloquent speech delivered by him (at Lan caster, if we mistake not) twelve years ago, in which he boldly denounced them as enemies to our happy form of Government, and if not arrested in , their wild career, would certainly overthrow it. In conclusion we will say, that we regard Mr. Buchanan as an honor to Pennsylvania—an honorto the Union—and an honor to the Democratic party. The next is from the Raleigh Standard , the organ of the Democracy ol North Carolina, and one o* the most influential papers south of Mason and Dixson’s line: li_/"The letter of James Buchanan to the Union Meeting at Philadelphia, which we publish today, sheds additional lustre upon his honored name He is as sound on this vital question as we could desire him to be; and we thank him from our heart for the justice he does iighis great letter tothe South ern people. We hope his solemn admonitions to the Northern people will incline them to sounder and better views ol this question; and that ultimately concord and harmony may be restored to the whole confederacy. We say we hope this—we should be sure of it, if all the public men of the free States were like James Buchanan. The next is from the Georgia Jeffersonian, an able and influential journal publish at Griffin, Ga.: Mr. Buchanan's Letter. —Our mind was some time occupied in deciding the question, whether we should cover our first page with the President's message to Congress, or with Mr. Buchanan's mes sage to the meeting at Philadelphia. We determin ed upon the latter, and cordially recomrr.eni it to our readers for perusal. * * * • Mr. Buchanan, it will be recollected, was Secre tary of State during the administration of Mr. Polk, and it is no disparagement to any of his predecessors to say, an abler Secretary but seldom, if ever, occupied that post—and we are well aware that Mr. Clay and Mr. Calhoun have both filled that station. There is a good deal doing already towards President-making, and feelers are out everywhere by partizans of the respective* aspirants. We do mot know whether Mr. Buchanan has his eye in that direction or not —we have not seen his name men tioned for that elevatecf’station but once—but we give it as our opinion that he is the man, above all other men of the present day, for the support oi the South in the coming canvass, if they support any one. As to another Southern President. Heaven shield and protect us from such a misfortune. The North has the power, and she will never allow another Southern man tojbe President unless he first gives full and ample assurances that he will carry out Northern principles. Much—much preferable will be a Northern man, with constitutional prin ciples, over any such Southern President, wanting ! all principle but that of self-aggrandizement.— ; Buchanan would get the vote of his own State (he ; is exceedingly popular there) and stand as fair a ; chance for New York as any other man. He would i also get New Jersey, and some of the Western ; States. If to these the Southern States would stand shoulder to shoulder and give him their united sup port of the South he will be elected by long odds; and if the South goes into the support of any can didate for the next Presidency, we hope Mr. Buch anan will receive the suffrages, without distinction , of party of her entire population. The next is from the Democrat, published at Ab | ington, Virginia, and the leading organ of one of | the most Democratic districts ol the Old, Dominion : i I Letter or Hon. James Buchaxan. —We this j ' week publish this admirable letter, so replete with ■ noble sentiments, so worthy of the name and fame j of one ot the greatest men this country ever pro- ; duced, so forcible in its diction, so mild yet so terse j and comprehensive, that every man from Maine to Texas cannot but respect the opinions and views i advanced therein. * • * * Let us indulge the hope, however faint, that this noble letter of Mr. Buchanan's will materially con tribute to stem the current that now threatens to , involve us all in one common ruin, and that the [ people of the north, the descendants of the heroes of Lexington, of Bunker’s Hill and of Yorktown, are not all mad, stark staring mad, but that reason, justice and fraternity of Jeeling may still be found animating the breasts of some of them, at least, be ( the number ever so small. * * * ; Miy the people of the North heed the advice and • warning of the sage of “ Wheatland.” and then, and ' not until then will the country have repose. The Constitution is now undergoing a severe ordeal, no less a one than its capacity for the complete pro ; tection of the rights of the States, the rights of • persons, and the rights of property under it. Happy - will it be for the country, if it shall prove equal to this, but if not, it will have failed to accomplish the chief ends for which it was formed. The Letter concludes with an earnest appeal to the north to sustain the law, and to cease agitation; with the expression of a fervent wish that the “mutual forbearance and brotherly love that presid ed at the birth of the Union, could once more be restored to bless the land.” In this wish every patriot in the land will heartily unite. In addition to which we give the following arti cles from two-of the leading Democratic papers of Western Pennsylvania—and also one from the Germantown Telegraph, a neutral paper of great circulation and influence: Hon. James Buchanan. —The recent patriotic and truly American letter written by this distin guished citizen of Pennsylvania, to the Union meeting at Philadelphia, has been extensively, we may say universally, copied by the Democratic press of the country, North and South, and has called forth the warmest expressions of praise from good men of all parties. It is certainly a noble production, and does honor to the head and heart of its illustrious author. Mr. Buchanan has taken a statesman like view 6f the Slavery ques tion, and has chosen the Constitution of his country for his guide. • With factionists and fanatics, it matters not where they may be found, or under what name they may have sailed, Mr. Buciunan has never had any fellowship. Despising treason, he can have no love for traitors. At the present moment no citizen of the United States stands higher in the affections of the Ameri can people than James Buchanan. He has doubly endeared himself to his old friends, and has won the admiration of hosts of men who heretofore differed with him in politics. Fiom the Washington (I’a.) Examiner. Hon. .Tames Buchanan's Letteti. —The letter of Mr. Buchanan, to the great Union meeting .which recently assembled in Philadelphia, would he eagerly devoured by our readers, were there no other inducements than the fact that it w’as penned by one of the most eminent statesmen of the age —one who has clone as much as any man in the country to promote our national greatness, and to make ours the most powerful, most flourishing and most happy nation on the face of the earth—one who has been the means of adding great strength to the bonds of affection and of interest by which the States are united. On account of the troublous times which has called it forth, it will command additional attention. It will be carefully read and reflected upon by all who respect the opinions of the wise, honest and experienced. And it will be admired by all who can appreciate strength, per spicuity, beauty, eloquence and patriotism. The Hon James Buchanan is too well known to the Democracy of Pennsylvania, and has too deep a hold on their affections to be rendered less •popular by any opposition that can be mustered against him by Simon Cameron and his allies. ID* Hon. James Buchanan was in the city all last week, and was called upon by a large number of his personal and political friends, and the citi zens generally. " ' One of the ablest letters we ever read, is a third of a series which has appeared in the Lancaster Intelligencer , from the pen of Col John W. For ney, of Philadelphia, in defence of Mr. Buchanan, from some local attacks which have been made upon this distinguished man, by a clique in the city of Lancaster. We never read a more trium phant and eloquent vindication of any man. The census of Philadelphia, including the sub urban districts, just completed and published, shows a population of 409,045 — being an increase in ten of 151,008. The population in 1840 was 258,037. Pursuant to a call, the Printers of Lancaster met at the public house ot H. H. Licbty, on Saturday evening Dec. 21st, to take into consideration the propriety of celebrating Franklin’s Birth*day: Oo motion, H. M. GEIDER was called to the Chair; Arm. Hrrz and B. H. Obek were chosen idents, and J. Q. A. Smith Secretary. On taking the chair the President stated the object of the meeting in a few pertinent remarks, when it was unanimously resolved to celebrate Franklin’s Birth day with a supper. On motion, John Jones, J. Q. A. Smith, B. H. Ober, J. Hoover, Reuben Bear, Henry Myers, C. M. Clewell and Win. B. Wiley, were appointed a committee to make all necessary to carry out the above fesolution. It was moved and seconded that all the papers in Lancaster couuty be requested to copy the pro ceedings of this meeting. It was moved and .seconded that when the meet ing adjourns, itadjourn to meet at the same place on Saturday evening, January 4th, at 7 o’clock. On motion adjourned. H. M. GEIDER, President. b'h.oS, } VUePraidmU. J. Q A. Smith, Secretary. The following statement shows the amount of Tolls received and goods cleared at this office during the fiscal year ending November 30, 1850. Received tolls as per last report ending 0et.31,1849;545,586 8*10ct.31,1850, $60,548 79 Nov. 30, " 3,897 86|Nov. 30, “ 6,39195 $49,484 68 $66,940 74 Iron 501d,’49, 357 81 Fines col. ’5O, 45 00 Total, 549.842 49 Total, $66,985 74 49,842 49 Increase of receipts over last year, *517,143 25 Goods cleared at this office going East: Wheat, bushels, 14,060 Corn, “ 6,280 Oats, « 40,100 Seeds, » 3,700 Potatoes, “ 200 Agr. products, not specified, lbs. 1,267,800 Live stock, “ 3,131,200 Tobacco leaf, lbs 158,900 Feathers, “ 27,400 Wool, “ 288,000 Leather, 1,964,800 Bark& Sumac, 698,600 Dry Goods, G 44.200 Glassware, 21,100 Hardware & cut. 204,200 i Whiskey, gals 320,250 Number of cars cleared going East, 17,548 “ West, 10,587$ W amt. of goods cleared going east, 1b5.77,919,400 do. do. do. do. west “ 2,927,000 J. J. Kellf.r, Collector. 55“ Our jriend Eichholtz, it will be seen from his advertisement in another column, has opened a fashionable Boot and Shoe establishment in East King Street, directly opposite the Farmers’ Bank. He is just the man to suit his customers, and his industry and energy cannot fail to make him em inently successful in business. fcr If Baii.ey, at No. 216 Market Street, cannot please those who are in want of Jewelry, siher ware, &c., both as to quality and price, we know of no other establishment of the kind, in Philadel phia, that can. Give him a trial when you visit the city. 55" Call at Keffer’s, in E. King street, and see his splendid assortment of sweetmeats, candies, toys, &c., &c., all of which have been arranged with direct reference to the holidays. Keffer knows how to please all tastes. See his advertise ment. ID* The American Law Journal, Jor Novem ber, is on our table—a capital number, and one that cannot lail in being interesting to the legal profession generally. 55“ Thomas J. Wentz & Co., of the “ Golden Eagle Store,” have just opened a splendid assort ment of goods suitable for holiday purchases. If you want bargains give them a call. See advertise ment. | 55* Wager offers an excellent assortment of 1 Wines and Liquors to his customers and the public generally, at prices to suit the times. See adver tisement. . Museum. —Amongst the attractions for the holi days is a new Museum just fitted up in Centre Square, by Mr. James Campbell, a gentleman every way competent to succeed in such an undertaking, and who is eminently deserving of publie patron age. Wc hope to see him liberally encouraged. Our Bookstores. —Judd & Murray, and_ Spangler & Co., each have a jnaguificent collection of books suitable for the holidays, including the Annuals, Gift Books, &c., &c. By all means call and exam ine for yourselves, and you will find their assort ment really elegant, and cheaper than usual. ID* The Reading Gazette, a staunch Democratic journal, of Old Berks, is re-publishing Col. For ney's letters to the editor of this paper. So also is the Bedford Gazette, edited by that intrepid and radical Democrat, Gen. Bowman,, the Adjutant General of the State under Governor Shunk's ad- ministration. Texas Boundary Bill. —The acceptance of the terms of the Texas Boundary Bill, by the people of that State, having been officially announced* the President of the U. States has issued his proc lamation declairing the bill a law. Terrible Disaster. —A terrible disaster oc curred on the Mississippi river, on the 13th insr.. near New Orleans. The new steamer Anglo- Norma, it appears, went out on an experimental trip, with a large pleasure party, consisting of 210 souls on board. After she had proceeded some distance, and was returning to the city towards evening, her boilers exploded, greatly shattering the boat, and killing and wounding about one hundred persons! ■ < From the Pitt»burg P&.C. DU* A. G. Penn, Esq., has been elected to Con gress from the third district of Louisiana, ;to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Harmason- Mr. P„ is a Democrat, and a very decided Union Coinage at the Mint. —We see it stated that the U. S. Mint at Philadelphia, is coining money at a very rapid rate, having during the last month coined over four millions of dollars and will this month exceed five millions, and the following month reach the large sum of six millions. The principal part of the coinage is in gold. Foreign Coins. —lt may not be generally known that Spanish and other silver’ coins now in circu lation, have been reduced to a specific value, by a late act ol Congress, which took, effect on the first inst. By the act, Spanish quarters are reduced to 20 and other coins are reduced in the, same proportion,. A knowledge of this lact, will ficient to put all upon the l4ser. An old beggar woman, by the name Eliza beth Merelock, lately died , in the city of Cincin nati, as every one supposed, in a state of destitution. Oh the night of her death', a lighted candle was placed upon a stand beside heribed, her idiot daughter, a frightful hunchback, hieing the only attendant—though a.part of the time the phy sician was present.' The old woman opened her eyes, and perceiving the burning qandle, oVdered it to be blown out. saying that she could nht afford it. When she was taken sick she ordered tne chest, which was, alter death, found to contain $4OOO in gold, to be placed near her bed, and she kept it within reach of her arms during the while pf her sickness. When the death Struggle carrje on, and she was told she must die, she filing herself' upon • the chest, and clawed at it, in a phrenzy if avarice, until she tore the vejy nails from her fingers; ami while thus embracing her treasure, her spirit took its flight. An old stove, in the room, was found after her death to contain a considerable amount of silver and copper coin, carefully stowed away. The money and effects have been .placed in the hands of an executor, appointed by the c&hrt. In 1549, when small change was scarce, this woman' made a handsome speculation, by selling the small coins' accumulated by the beggary of herself and her idiot daughter. The latter was generally flog ged upon her return at night, when she did not make a good day's work, and always whipped before she was sent out in the morning. The cries of the poor creature, while under the lash of her avaricious mother, have frequently excited the indignation of the neighborhood. The poor idiot hersell was afterwards attacked by the and is now, probably, numbered with the dead. Verdict for Damages ui Railroad Acci dent. —In the Supreme Court, in the case of Ern est SchofFman and wife, the jury retired with the case at 3 o'clock yesterday aiternoon, and returned a sealed verdict this morning. Upon the action in favor of himself, for time, nursing, a&tmed ical attendance, upon the wile, the jury awarded him $1,000; and upon the other action for aamages sustained by the wife, upon the defendenfs road, Nov. 6, 1849, the jury returned their verdict for the plaintiffs, and assessed damages in the sum of $2, 40U. The judge inquired of the jury if they con sidered and passed upon the question, whether the accident was occasioned by the elevated joint of the rails, or by the falling of the brake of the car in which the plaintiffs were seated. They answered, that they had passed upon this question, and deci ded that the accident was caused tty the elevated joint of the rails! This case has been on trial for eleven days, and the jury did not agree until one o'clock this morning, having been eleven hours in making up the verdict. The defendants will prob ably move for a new trial, upon various grounds, one of which is, that the deceased was a Western road passenger. —Boston Traveller , Dec. 14. Extinction of a Whole Family. —A family called Kaufman, consisting of five members, part of whom reached this city last week, have all, with the exception of one, been swept into eternity since leaving their home in Germany, a period of fifty or sixty days. As they embarked at Havre for this country, a son, who had just finished his edur cation for the practice of medicine, fell overboard and was drowned. Three or four weeks after, as the vessel neared New Orleans, the father, Mr. Philip Kaufman, fell a victim to ship fever. The mother, almost heart-broken, immediately on reach ing the city, brought her youngest son, a boy about 12 years of age, to the hospital, laboring under the same disease, and the day following, she and a young daughter, the only surviving child, accom panied his remains to the cemetery. Three weeks only elapsed and ttie two had got to this city, when the fell destroyer again made his appearance. The mother expired last Saturday of a violent typhoid fever, induced and much aggravated, it is supposed, by her sorrows. • A little girl, five or six years ol' age, homeless and penniless, is all that there is left *■ now of the family. A worthy mechanic has adopt ed the child. —Louisville Courier. California Senator. —The California papers express considerable doubt as to whether Col. Fre mont will be re-elected to the United States Senate, parties being nearly equally balanced. The Stock ton Journal says: “ Among those talked of as proper men to sup ersede Colonel Fremont, are Colonels Weller and , Geary, of San Francisco; Major Bryant, the of “ What l saw in California;” Captain formerly Secretary of the Territory; and soraO'say t our present able and honest State Treasurer, Major Roman. Here is quite an array of military candi dates, who, with the exception of the last named, are preparing their forces for the fray. The contest will, no doubt, be an exciting one, and vigorously carried on between the parties.” ! Ohio and Pexxsilvania Railroad. —We learn from the Pittsburg Journal that the work on the 4 Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad is going forward with great energy and activity, and theie is every encouragement to believe that cars will run from Pittsburg to Beaver Falls by the 4th of July next. The viaduct across Big Beaver river, above New Brighton, is rapidly approaching completion, three of the piers being nearly finished, and much work done on the western abutment,: the heavy parts of the job. The deep cut at Rochester, where the road makes the. detour from the Ohio river to the valley of foe Beaver, is also progressing finely.— Along the whole line, Jrom Pittsburg to Beaver, large bodies of men are.hard at work, and the President, managers, and engineers deserve great praise for the zealous manner in which they have pushed forward the work. The Public ScuooLs.-The thirty-second Annual Report of the Controllers of the Public Schools oj the C}ty and County of Philadelphia , has just made its appearance. It contains a detailed and interesting account of the condition of the public schools, and, is particularly full on the subject ol the Central High School. The number of the public schools of all closes in the city and county is 258; comprising 1 High School. 1 Normal School, S 3 Grammar, 29 Second ary, 13U Primary, arid 44 unclassified. The total number of Scholars is 45,383 ; of whom 23,706 “are boys, and 21,077 girls. There are 81 male and 64C female teachers. The management of all is entrusted to 2T Controllers and 210 Directors, distributed throughout eleven sections. The total omount of expenditure during the school year was $33 ,) 433 21 • of which the salaries of teachers absorbed $178,325,04, books and stationary $36,- 213,07, superintendence, cleaning, &c., $22,650,97, and new school houses $36,248.58. The amount expended, exclusive of real estate and furniture, was $291,526,58 j which divided by the number of pupils shows the sum of $6,42 as the average ex pense of each pupil. s The total expense of the High School during the year was $15,600,37, and the number of scholars 485. ID* A railroad is about being constructed be tween Hanover and York—a distance of twelve miles. The contract has been taken by Messrs, Gonder & Co.