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 <jui vive in passing or
receiving these coins.
From the Germantown Telegraph.
Franklin -Supper*
Colectou’s Office, Lancaster, )
December 1, 1850. $
Pig iron, lbs 3,370,400
Cast “ “ 247,300
Blooms, “ 3,285,500
Bar & sh. iron, 895,700 '
Nails & 5pike5,2,625,100
Bacon, , 161,100
Beef& Pork,sit. 948,000
Butter & Egg 5,1,619,100
Flour, barrels, 176,300
Lard, pounds, 90,300
Tallow, “ 62,600
Soap, *• 25,800
Furniture, “ 254,300
36,400
280,600
“ 606,400
Paper, “
Rags, “
Straw paper,
From an official statement, it appears that the
total coinage ol all the United States Mints, up to
(he Ist of November, 1850, is $159,572,0U0. At
the Philadelphia Mint, $148,000,000.
ID"The splendid dwelling of Col. Armstrong
Noble, in Carlisle, was nearly destroyed-by fire on
the afternoon of Wednesday last. The fire was
accidental. The property was fully covered by
insurance.
ID* The Reform Convention of Maryland, has
passed resolutions in favor of the Compromise
measures of Congress.
ID" The Norristown Register has a strong arti
cle in favor ol the Hon. William Beatty, of
Butler county, for Canal Commissioner.
ID*The Scientific American says'that in less than
two years travellers can step into a railroad car at
New York, and proceed by an uninterrupted Rail
road to Galena, on the Mississippi, in Illinois, a dis
tance of 1,200 miles. The links to complete this
chain are now being constructed, and the editor
adds, that in ten years Jrom the present time, an in
terior line of railroad will be opened between New
York and San Francisco. In the number, lengtn
and greatness of rivers, this country exceeds all
others, and in a few our artificial lines of communi
cation will far exceed any other country.
A
JUffnrtiigjnp of a Turblsh Man-of-
The late foreign, papers bring the of
the dreadful cattstrophe, attended with a fearful
loss of life, which occurred at Constantinople on
the 25th of October. The Turkish three defter
ship of the line Neiri Shecket , carrying 120 duns,
was totally destroyed by an explosion of her pow
der magazine, caused, as it it is supposed, byf the
sprinkling of powder on the deck from defective
canisters, as a portion of it was being conveyed
ashore from the magazine, and the deck not hiving
been swept, was ignited by a spark or the empty
ing of a pipe by some of the sailors. The explo-,
sion was so powerful that it divided the ship in
two parts, and blew the upper deck, with thejguns
and rigging, fully twenty-five feet in the air. jThis
part fell sideways into the sea, and disappeared for
a few minutes. The lower e deck was then ob
served to catch fire and burn with intense violence •
for seven or eight minutes, when the shiplgrad
ually sank. Immediately after the explosion
hundreds of kaiks and embarkations repaired to
the scene of disaster, and a number of mu dated
remains, showing but little resemblance to human
beings were picked up. Of the 110 taken \:o the
temporary ambulance erected on-shore, 3) died
immediately afterwards, and most of the sii fiferers
were in such a dreadful condition that no hope
whatever was entertained of their recovery. One
poor fellow, a lieutenant, was picked up nearly
drowned, fearfully burnt, and with a spike tl
his shoulder. He died six minutes after having
been conveyed to the ambulance. A galla it Ar
menian porter had both his legs cut clean of, and
still courageously dictated a letter to his mother,
informing her of his sad state. The victims of
this disaster are stated as follows :
1 commander, (Vice Admiral Mahmoud Pacha;)
1 superior officer, (the Captain Pacha's jaid-de
camp ;) 0 captains, who were on board the Ad
miral's ship in conference on a point of etiquette;
21 lieutenants; 30 sub-officers; 55 midshipmen, in
cluding the scholars of the Naval Academy; 040
sailors and marines : 70 workmen sent for repairs ;
45 hammels, employed to raise the anchors; 75
sailors belong to other ships, and in attendance
on their officers ; 50 visitors; and 14 passengers in
kaiks were sunk while passing the ship at he time
of the explosion.
Deducting the wounded, this account would
show a loss of about nine hundred lives. Another
account states the loss in killed at something more
than five hundred, The choicest officers and men
were on board tffßShip. j
A miserable I>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.