- -
St, Journal.
GEO. SANDERSON, EDITOR
Lancaster, /sinful' 81,1854.
County Committee Meeting.
A a meeting of the Democratic Countym
mittee of Lancaster county, was held, passant
to
the call of the Chairman, at the public house of
Jacob Ziegler, in the City of Lancaster, on/Wetl
nasday, January 18th, 1854. On motion, Col.
Wm. S. Amweg, was appointed Secretary.
The following Resolutions were offered and
adopted, vii :
Bssoived,•That the Democracy be teoneited.to
assemble in the several Wards of the City, and
Boroughs and Townships of the County, on Satur
day, the 18th day of February next, then and there
to elect not less than three nor more than five del
egates to represent said Wards, Boroughs and .
Townships in a County Convention to be held at
the public house of Jacob Ziegler, North Queen
street, ia..the City of Lancaster, on Wednesday
the 22d day of February next, for the purpose of
electing six delegates to represent the Democracy
of the County of Lancaster in the Annual State
Convention, to be held at Harrisburg on Wednes
day the Bth day of March next, for the . nomination
of candidates for Governor, Supreme. Judge and
Canal Commissioner. •
Reteitutd, That the Chairman of the County
Committee in his call, recommend the Democracy
of the several Districts to elects their delegates to
the County Convention by ballot.
H. B. WARR,
Chairman County Committee.
W. S. AllfWElt, Seel.
To the Democratic Freemen of the City and
County of Lancaster:
In accordance with the resolutions of the Coun
ty Committee adopted on Wednesday last, you are
requested to assemble in the several Wards of the
City and Boroughs and Townships of the county,
on Saturday, the 18th day of February 'hat; then
and there to elect not leas than three nor more than
five delegates to represent each District in &lamer;
al County Convention, to be held on Wednesday
the 22d dt of February following, at 11 o'clock,
A. M., at the public, house of Jacob , Ziegler, in
North Queen street, to the City of Lancaster, for
the purpose of electing six delegates to represent
the Democracy of the County or Lancaster in the
Annual State Convention, to be held at Harrisburg
on Tuesday the Bth day of March next, for the
nomination of candidates for Governor, Supreme
Judge and Canal Cbmmissioner. In pursuance of a
resolution of the Democratic County Committee
the Chairman would respectfully recommend the
Democracy of the several District■ to elect the del
egates by ballot.
The several Ward, Borough and Township
Committees are requested to give early notice in
their respective Districts, of the time and place of
meeting for the election of Delegates.
H. B. SWAItR,
Chairman Dem. County Committee.
Lancaster, January 24th, 1854.
0J Mr. REDPIRLD'S nomination, as Collector of
the Port of New York, in place of Judge Bronson,
removed, was confirmed by the U. S. Senate, on
Thursday last, by a vote of 35 to S. Those who
opposed the nomination were Messrs. Benjamin,
Dixon, Jones, of Tenn., Toombs, Dawson, Badger,
Bell and Thompson, all Southern pro-slavery Whigs;
All the Democratic members present voted in the
affirmative.
BT Dr. flonza-r M. Brun, one of the principal
editors of the North American, died at his residence
in Philadelphia, on the 24th inst, in the 49th year
of his age. Dr. B. was a gentlemen of rare intel
lectual endowments, and as a literary writer he
had but few equals. He wrote several tragedies
for the stage, amongst which is The Gladiator,;
which, it is said, has been performed nearly a thou
sand times, and is, even now, perhaps, the most at
tractive drama upon the American stage. He was
also the author of Several excellent romances and
other works of fiction;which attained a high ce
lebrity.
11 We learn from Philadelphia that the selec
tion of Senator Cooper as President of the Sunbury
and Erie Railroad Company is not satisfactory to
the City Councils of the city proper, who threaten
to withdraw the subscription of $2000,000 made
some two weeks since, it he does not resign, so that
they may secure a favorite of their own to fill this
important position.
NEWSPAPER CII/N3ll.—The Strasburg Bee ,has
changed hands—M. M. Rosman, Esq., retiring, and
our esteemed young friend, W. T. M'Pasit., E;hq.,
succeeding him as editor hnd proprietor. To both
we wish abundant success. With the change of
ownership, the Bee has ceased to be a partizan pa
per. It is from henceforth to be conducted on in
dependent principles.
CUMBERLAND COUNTT.--ThE Democratic Con
vention of this county met at Carlisle, on Tuesday
last, and selected J. ELLIs &mum, Esq., Senator
ial, and Wm. M. M.A.TEnn and Joust P. RHOADS,
Representative delegates to the State Convention.
The delegates are instructed to vote for the re-nom
ination of Governor BIGLER and Judge BLACK, and
for the nomination of our : worthy and esteemed
friend, Hon. JOHN STUART, for Canal Commis
sioner.
A Goon SELECTION.—Governor Bigler has ap.
pointed Rev. WILLIAM R. DEWITT, of Harrisburg,
State Librarian.
1:17 - Hon. J. GrAircr Josras, of Reading, is the
Democratic candidate for Congress from Berks co.,
to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of
Mr. Muhlenherg. He is a gentleman of decided
ability, and represented that district in the last
Congress,
THE CENTRAL RAILROAE— , We learn that OR
Friday last, a locomottive with a train of cars at
tached passed through "the tunnel of the Pennsyl
vania railroad to Altoona, at the eastern base of
the Alleghenies. Thua the entire line of the great
Central Railway track is now completed, which
places Philadelphia and Pittsburg within 14 hours
travel of each other.
Mona GOLD!—The steamsp Northern Ligh t
from San Juan, arrived at NeW York, on Tuesday
last, bringing $1,400,000 in gold dust, and 913
passengers. She also brings the intelligence that it
second battle had been fought in• Lower California,
between Walker's party and the Mexicans, in which
the Americans were entirely successful, routing
with about thirty men, a Mexican force of one
hundred ! The guns, ammunition, and a field piece
of the hitter were captured. Expeditions are be
ing formed at San Francisco and Sacramento to
aid the filibusters.
ID" Hon. AL'RBD IVERSON, has been elected U.
S. Senator trom Georgia. He. is a thorough-going
State Rights Democrat.
d 7 Thomas H. Silkman, of New York city,
has recovered a verdict of $5,400 against Davis Sc.
Moore, proprietors of a line of stages, one of which
was upset in Vernon, Wisconsin; in 1850—by
which accident the plaintiff nearly lost the use of
his arm. The trial was before the' U. S. Court, at
Milwaukee, and the judge ruled that the plaintiff
having been maltreated by his physician was not
to be considered by the jury; because if the coach
had not tipped over he would not live needed a
physician.
THE Rim OF A FORGER OF PENSION PAPERS.-
James P. Jenkins, the young man recently arrested
at Onedai depot, N. Y., for the forgery of pension pa
per on being arraigned for trial before the U. S. Dis
trict Court at Albany, N. Y., on the 17th inst., plead
guilty, and was sentenced to five years imprisoment
ill the State's Prison at Auburn. The scene in the
court-room is described as being . most affecting.
His relatives and friends are among the most re
spected and excellent people in the State, while the
criminal himself, besides being a remarkably fine
looking youth—for he was hardly grown—b Ore
previously an uniripeached reputation. He had
defrauded the bureau on various cases, abstracting
thus perhaps five thousand dollars, in all, from the
treasury of the United States. Most „unfortunately
he has dragged down a young and estimable and
interesting wife in his fall.
ID- Don't forget BAYARD TAYLOR'S lecture,
Fulton Hall, to-morrow evening.
Treaty with Mexico
THE TMEATT WILTH MIXICO—SAN TA As NA.
—Despite the many contradictions that have been
uttered in relation to the rumored treaty with
Mexico, such an arrangement has been made be
tween the representatives of the two governments
and it is now before the authorities at Washington:
A letter from the city of Mexico underdate of Jan.
nary sth giveslthis as the substance of the treaty:
''',7 2 ;The United States is to pay $80,000,000 for
thirty-nine millions acres of territory: Of the pur
chase money, $5,000,000 are to be reserved to
pay off Off elaims—including .the Garey grant,
Indian spoliations, private claims,
&c. A board
of commissioners is to be appointed to adjudicate
these matters, who may sit either in Washington
or Mexico. The Mexican Government flouted the
idea of recognizing the Garay party's pretensions.
Nothing but their own craftiness and the equitable
disposition of Gen. Gadsden occasioned them to be
considered at all.'
The Mexican papers generally express them
ielves as in favour of the Treaty, and expatiate in
grandiloquent terms'upon the wisdom of the policy
that has prevented further difficulty with the Uni
ted States. Some of theM paint in glowing colors,
the advantages to be derived from purchase mosey
of a territory now worse than useless Co their
Government, and speak hopefully of the day when
branches of the great 'Pacific Railroad, which
will be built through the conceded territory,' will
penetrate to their capital, and through the great
and rich States of Guadajara and Guanajuato.
Gen. Gadsden was received at Vera Cruz with
all honor and ceremony, and was waited upon hr
the leading official functionaries. On the oth 6
hand,_a letter states that Santa Anna continued to
augment his forces, and already many officers
from Spain had •accepted service in the Mexican
army. The writer adds :
'Santa Anna's power is increasing to all appear-
ances and probably in reality, from day to day. The
papers are filled with new 'adhesions' to the present
plan or 'platform.' Some overzealous adherents
imitating the example of obscure village papers
in the United States, who are anxious to be the
first to hoist the name of a new candidate for the
Presidency—insist upon it, that nothing less than
the conferring of the ritle of Emperor upon him,
can prove their sense of what he deserves of his
country. Meanwhile, the recipient of these honors
is paying the penalties of greatness. He lives is
constant apprehensionol attempts upon his life by
poison—eats nothing but that which a faithful and
devoted sister prepares and sends to him carefully
locked up in a large covered tray. It is said that
at his own banquets he dare not eat.
"Uneasy rests the head that wears ; .a. crown."
GENERAL WAR IN EUROPE.—The fund holders
and dealers in breadstuffs and provisions are the
great speculators upon the question of war or peace.
From the accounts by the Niagara, it appears that
the opinions of these individuals incline to a gener
al European war, the funds having fallen, and bread
stuffs and provisions risen considerably. They may
still mistake, remarks the Newark Advertiser, but
their opinion is somewhat corroborated by the
firmness of the Sultan, who insists on the evact—
tion of the Danubian Provinces, as a condition to
another conference, and by the persistent ambition
of the Czar, who does not want another conference
of the diplomatists at any rate, unless his suprerrr
acy over the Greek Christians shall be first conce
ded, and rejects the interference of other powers in
his affairs with Turkey. In the meantime, warlike
operations are suspended, but preparations for early
Spring movements are made ,and by none appa
rently:more strenuously than by Napoleon.
It seems a little singular, says the Philadelphia
Sun, that this Emperor should have had all along ,
and still possesses, the confidence of the public, for
uncompromising and resolved hostility to Russia'
and in a much superior degree than Great Britain',
and yet that repints have been perpetually circu
lated from the first, and are now repeated, that he is
tempted with various offers from the Czar,to
break with England—offers of the annexation of
Egypt and Belgium to the French Empire. We
never hear of attempts to seduce Great Britain
from her French alliance. Is not this a proof that
Eagland is really the firmest and most reliable en
emy to Russian. aggrandizement? In that case,
what has France to suffer in comparison with her,
or what has she to lose at all, any more than all
other European nations, by the decided preponde
rance of the Autocrat
. Doubtless Great Britain has more at issue in the
event of a general war, and so she has more at
stake if an inglorious peace shall be patched up to
the dishonor and injury of the Porte. Her sincer
ity in opposing the most powerful obstacles to Rus
sian domination cannot be doubted, for her interest
and ambition will both pick her on. With France
the case is very different. She is accustomed to
act very much from the impulse of what she calls
glory, and will follow where it is supposed to lead,
but that direction is quite uncertain. When the
worst comes, Austria and Prussia, though glad to
temporize forever, willlnaturally and almost neces
sarily fall under the inffueoce of the Colossas on
their Eastern frontiers.
11-YThe Lieutenant General Bill may' be writ_
ten down dead for the session.—lt was relered yes
terbay to the Committee of the Whole on the
state of the Union in the House, by a vote of one
hundred yeas to eeventyeight nays, under circum
stances rendering it very certain that the majori
ty do not entertain the slightest idea of giving
other buisness before that committee the go-by to
enable them to take it up for consideration. Its
friends struggled manfully to save it from this fate,
but in vain. It was made, for the most part, a
party question; the Whigs voting against the refer.
ence, while the democrats voted to refer it.
There is a growing indisposition in our nation
al councils to multiply honors on military men
as was manifested in debate in the Senate on this
bill. Much of this feeling, doubtless, grows out
of the eagerness displayed by gentlemen who
have 'seen service,' to procure the enactment of
every thing proposed which looks to a recogni
tion of the principle that military service is worthy
of higher honors than are accorded to those who
merely serve their country with fidelity and dis.
tingushed ability as civilians. At least such is
the impression evidently prevailing among the
statesmen of America who have not drawn swords .
on the field of battle.—lfashingfon Star of Wed.
nesday.
DEATH OF CAPT. ALDEN . PATarnor..—There are
few persons who have done more good in their day
than Capt. Alden Patridge. For nearly a half cen
tury he has been charged with the education of
young men, and is known in every part of the cob..
try. He was once in the United States Army, and
Superintendent at West Point, but some point of
etiquette induced his resignation, when he opened
his military academy at Norwich, in Vermont, and
has since then been uninterruptedly engaged in
educational schemes. On Saturday week he was
taken sick at Norwich, and died on Tuesday; his
age must hive been near seventy, and he was bur.
ied last week. The loss which was sustained by
the burning of the College at Brandywine Springs,
he had hoped to repair by leasing the edifice at
Bristol, and it is now thought that Professors Rob
inson, Benjamin and McFarland, who were associ
ated with liim, will carry on the military college
at the latter place. Capt. Patridge 'possessed pe.
culiar qualifications as a teacher, and his practical
plan of education was recognized as the most use
ful ever adopted. His many old students will re
gret his loss, and some of them- we trust will do
appropriate honors to his memory.
THE BIGLER Cowx3.—A writer in the Pitts
burg Union, rays that 107 of the 233 delegates that
compose our State Conventions, are instructed for
Bigler, and that of the 26 remaining ones, only 12
of them are at all in doubt. This being the case,
we see no need.of counting noses, but only to tnake
his nomination by acclamation, as we believe it
will be done.
irr M. ALEXANDRE DE BODIED°, the Russian
Minister to this country, died at his residence in
Georgetown, on Tuesday morning last, alter an ill
ness of two or three months.
Important Vet I Messages
The following veto messages him Governor Big :
LZII, in relation to Banks, and to Municipal, Sub
scriptions, will be read with interest by everybody.
The Governor undoubtedly takes a correct view of
these subjects, and his views will-be - endorsed by a
large majority of his fellow citizens:
To the Senate and House of.Rtyresentatives of the Com
monwealth of Pennsylvania : - •
GENTLENZY :—On the day of the final adjourn
ment of the Legislature, Senate bill, No. 766, enti
tled 'A supplement to an act regulating banks, ap
proved the 16th of April, 1850,' was presented for
my sanction. A very slight examination of this
measure satisfies me that duty required that I
should return it to the House in which it origina
ted, without the Executive approval.
The first and only section of importance, reads
as follows, to wit : 'That from and after the pas
sage of this act, the total liabilities of any bank in
this Commonwealth, exclusive of the capital stock
and deposite, shall not, for any period of thirty con
secutive days, exceed three times the amount of
the capital stock paid in, nor shall the debts of any
kind, due and to become due, to the said' banks, ex
clusive of notes of specie paying banks, belonging
to said banks, and balances standing to the credit
thereof; in specie-paying banks, for auy period of
tk .. Arty consecutive days, amount to more than four
4smes its capital stock paid in; and the said banks
shall neither loan nor discount when their circula
tion thay be equal for thirty consecutive days to
hree times the amount of specie, States and E.
States bonds, notes of specie-paying banks in their
possession belonging to said banks, and any credit
standing to the credit thereof, in specie-paying, con
vertible into specie at the pleasure of said banks.'
It is alleged as a reason in favor of the proposed
law,that at certain season of the year the banks are
offered deposits to such au extent as to preclude
the creation of other liabilities—that these institu
tions are frequently prevented loaning and discount
ing for the accommodation of the business comma•
nity by means of these excess deposits- --that the
terms of their charters are liable to violation by
the act of a single customer who may desire to
make large deposits for a short period--that the
banks are thus boned to refuse deposits, and again
to seek them within a brief period, and that as a
consequence their operations are unsteady, and fre
quently unsatisfactory to the public.
That there is some force in these views, will not
be denied, nor will it be, after full examination,
that the remedy proposed in this bill is worse than
the evil itself. It deemed necessary, the inconve
nience complainsd of might be remedied by provi
ding that when the deposits shall equal the amount
of the capital stock, or such per centage thereon as
may be deemed proper, the excess should not be
counted as liability, in the meaning of the general
law. But the exemption of the entire' amount of
deposits, as proposed in the bill under consideration
—the removal of the restrictions in reference to
the amount of the debts due and to become due,
with thirty days' time to transgress and return to
duty, and the debts due from one bank to another
remaining as a basis of paper issued, would, in
my opinion, be a most hazardous experiment; one
that could scarcely fail to produce the most mis
chievous consequences to the business community,
and ultimately to the banks themselves, by indu
cing an extended and baseless paper circulation.
It may be said that the general law of 1850,and
the proposed bill, are precisely similar as to the
basis of circulation, and that the reasoning just used
will weigh against both. The answer is, that in
the f ormer, balances due from one bank to another
counted as debts due, and in: the latter, they
are expressly excepted from this restriction, and
that, therefore, under the law of 1850, the banks
have no inducement to become indebted to each
other; whilst under the proposed bill; with all the
depOsits excepted from liability,-they have unre
strained invitation to become indebted to each oth
er in order thereb: create a sufficient basis for
their circulation. Ile practical tendencies of this
measure would be not only to And the opportu
nity, but to induce the banks to issue paper to three
times the amount of the capital stock paid in,with
out a dollar of specie basis; Withthe balance stand
ing between the banks, excepted from the restric
tion as to the amount of debt that may be due to
I a bank, and these balances treated as a basis of cir
culation, this effect would be inevitable. For in
stance, let us imagine three or four banks in the
same vicinity, with a circulation exceeding three
times the amount of specie,
bonds, &c., on hand ;
the proper remedy for such a state of affairs would
seem to be an increase of specie; but under the pro-
I posed law; mutual indebtedness would answer just
as well. It would only be necessary to swell the
balance in order to come within the limits, and
with thirty days' time as a sliding 'scale, there
would be no difficulty in the operation. It must be
!,perceived, therefore, that under such a law a aye
! tem of paper money could be bolstered up with no
other basis than the debts due from one bank to
another, and the notes of each other. To exhibit
letillfarther the palpable weakness and danger of
'this proposed system, it may be remarked that the
notes of one bank held by another are also except:
ed from the restriction which provides that the
debts due and to become due, shall not ex
'
teed tour times the amount of the actual capital
stock, and are at the same time-a basis of circula
tion; two banks in the same town could always
maintain an ample basis by exchgoging notes. It
may be said that this would be of no use to the
basks; but it must be remembered that in this in
stance, as in the case of balancei due, they could
transcend the limit twenty-nine nut of every thirty
days; for under this law they are to be forgiven un
less they transgress for thirty consecutive days,one
day of duty being rated equal td:•twenty-nine of er
ror.
The law of 1850 is well enough in some of its
features, and weak enough in others, and that part
of it which treats notes of specie-paying banks and
the balance due from banks, as a basis of paper
circulation, would be intolerable if it were not that
it at the same time holds these notes and balances
as debts due or to become due, and in this way re
strains.the opportunity to expand that is furnished
in the proposed supplement.
In the great work of furnishing a circulating
medium we should look almost entirely to its safe
ty and soundnest. Matters of convenience for the
banks and their customers—the profits and losses
of those engaged, are considerations secondary to
the security of the pudlic in the use of a medium
which all are compelled to use. The convenience
and safety of depositors and customers should not
be over-looked, but the interests of the note-holder
stand pre-eminent. If, therefore, the ends of con
venience for the banks and their patrons, can be
promoted without hazard to the note-holder, or in
ducing the emission of an improper amount of pa
per, the measure would scarcely be liable to objec
tion. But the bill under consideration is not. of
this character. Its evident tendency would be to
extend the business and issue of the banks to the
amount of many millions, without adding a farth
ing to their real capital and means of payment, be
yond the notes discounted.
The experience of the past seasons fully confirm-
ed my apprehension as to the effect of this meas
ure, and I cannot doubt that had - it been adopted,
and the privilege which it would confer been hilly
exercised, the bad consequences, ere now, would
have been extensively felt and acknowledged. I
am also confident that in the confusion and excite
ment incident to the near approach of the final ad
journment, when the measure was considered, the
members of the General Assembly had not a full
opportunity of reflecting upon its consequences, or
it would have been rejected.
All inducements to an expansion of our• paper
system should be carefully avoided, for experience
manifests ehat the full latitude of the law, will be
occupied. Neither the severe lessons of experience,
nor the voice of admonition, will be sufficiently re
straining where large gains are in view. Nothing
but positive law and_penalties will reach the end.—
It is a well known fact, that during last summer,
the 'istitutions of our own metropolis, led to ex
tena their business with a view to enlarge profits,
were closely pressed, at times, to meet their en
gagements. and it has frequently been intimated to
me by experienced business men, that an efficient
guard against such hazard iu the futuie, oould be
found in a law rsviring very frequent settlements
amongst the banks.
EXECUTIVE CHAXB XS,
Harrisburg, January 5, 1854.
To the Honorable the Senators and Members of the
House of Representatives of the General assembly:
GENTLZMEN :—/House bill No. 108, entitled "An
Act to incorporate the Dillsburg and Harrisburg
railroad company," was presented for my sanction
near the close of the last Legislature.
The fifth section of this bill proposes to author.
ize said railroad company to borrow any amount
of money, not exceeding the whole amount of cap.
ital stock, and to cooler on all the corporations and
counties in the Commonwealth, unconditional and
unlimited authority to subscribe to the capital stock
of said company; and issue bonds in payment for
the same.
It is scarcely necessary to remark that the ob
ects contemplated in this bill cannot require the
use of such broad and dangerous provisions—nor
is it certain that any great practical wrong would
result from the adoption of the proposed law; for
it is not probable that any of the neighboring mu
nicipalitieswould become stockholders in the work.
But it is to the dangerous prinCiple it contains that
I object. Municipal subscriptions to -projects of
this Icital, , and especially to those of counties re
strained within distinct limits, are highly objection.
.
able in principle' ? and have proven to be Born pied
lice by the experience of this and other Sista—
/Imnd policy and duty dictates, therefore, that : iee
should restrict, rather than extend such grants, ` 7
The power conferred oPon municipal corporations
to subscribe to the stock of railroad companies, has,
usually been definite as to the corporations to which 1
it is extended—the extent of the' subscription au
thorized; maintaining also, the parvalue of the bonds
created, and extending to the people of such mu
nicipal corporation the opportunity either by vote,
or through the instrumentality of grand juries, to
decide whether such subscription shall be made,
and to what extent. This, it is true, does not teach
the great vital question involved in the case, but
the tendency of these restrictions is,lo greatly mit
igate any evil consequences that may result from
such subscription. An the bill under consideration,
however, these restraints are entirely disregarded;
and it is prop,sed to establish the principle of con•
terrine au unrestrained power upon the municipal
authorities for the time being, from whose action
there can be no appeal, and upon the officers of
other corporations, an authority co-extensive with
the State, and covering the whole capital of these
corporations, amounting to a virtual enlargement
of the powers of each.
For these reasons, and because I believe that mu
nicipal subscriptions are impolitic, add that the
principle has already been carried to a dangerous
extent, and that the time has arrived for a success
ful resistance to its use, I have deemed it proper,
in accordance with the terms of the Constitution,
to return bill 706, on the fifes of the House of Rep.
resentatives, to the body in which it originated
without my sanction.
EXECUTIVK CHAMBER,
Harrisburg, Jan'y 5, 1854.
Pennsylvania Legislature..
HARRISBURG, Jan. 25.
SZEIATE.—Several petitions, &c., were presented
and referred.
Mr. Price presented the resolutions passed by
the Board of Commissioners of the District of South •
wark, in favor of the passige of the Consolidation
bill.
Mr. Goodwin read in place a bill supplementary
to the act incorporating the Penrose Ferry Bridge
Company.
Several other local bills were read in place.
Mr. Fry submitted a resolution which was adopt
ed, calling upon the Canal Commissioners for in
formation relative to the frauds upon the Common
wealth, reported to have taken place in the otliee
of tl.e Collector of Tolls in Philadelphia, and
what action; if any, the Board have taken in ;he
matter
Alter some minor business, the Senate adjourn
House.—The House met at 10 o'clock. Alt
Poulson presented the resolutions adopted by the
Board of Commissioners of the District of 'South
wark -in favor of Conslidation, and also their me
morial urging the passage of the bill. He also pre
sented the resolution of the Commissioners of the
District of the Northern Liberties, in favor of the
same measure.
Mr. Sterrett submitted a resolution relative to
the management 01 the public works, complaining
of frauds practised, and calling upon the Canal
Commissioners to transmit to the House such intor
million as may be in their possession upon the iJb
ject. The resolution gave rise to 'an animated dis
cussion, and was finally adopted.
Mr. Hart offered a resolution calling upon the
Canal Commissioners tor in form at ion with refel enc
to the allegations of fraud on the Columbia and
Philadelphia, and the Allegheny Portage Railroads
The resolution was adopted.
Mr. Cook, from the Committee ou Vice and Im
morality, reported a bill to prohibit the 'traffic ip
intoxicating liquors in this Commonwealth.
A number of private and local bills were consid
ered, and passed. The House then adjourned.
INDIA ' RIIBBEII SHOSS.—The following interest
ing manner of making India Rubber Shoes, now so
much in demand, we find in the N. York Jobrnal
of Commerce
"Contrary to Ili general impression, India Rub
ber, in the process of manufacture, is not melted,
but is passed through heated iron rollers, the heav
iest of which weigh 20 tons, and thus worked or
kneaded, as dough is at a bakery. The rubber is
nearly all procured from the mouth of the Ama
zon, in Brazil, to which point it - issent from the
interior. Its form, upon arrival, is generally that
of a jug or pouch, as the natives use clay moulds
of that shape, which they repeatedly dip into the
liquid caoutchouc, until a coating of the desired
thickness accumulates, when the clay is broken
and emptied out.
"The rubber, after being washed, chopped fine,
and rolled to a putty-like consistency, is . mixed
with a compound of metallic substances, princi
pally white lead and sulphur, to give it body or
firmness. Those sheets designed for the soles of
shoes are passed under rollers having a diamond
figured surface. From these the soles are cut by
hand, and the sevetal pieces required to perfect the
shoe are put together by females, on a last. The
natural adhesion of the rubber joins the seams.—
:The shoes are next varnished and baked in an oven
capable of holding about 2000 pairs, and heated to
about 400 degrees, where they remain seven or
eight hours. This is called the 'vulcanizing' pro
cess, by which the rubber is hardened.
"A large quantity of cotton cloth and cotton
flannel is used to line'shoes, and is applied to the
surface of the rubber while it is yet in sheets. Not
a particle of any of these materials lost. The scraps
of rubber are re-melted, and the bits of cloth are
chopped up with a small .quantity of rubber, and
rolled out into a substance resembling paste-board,
to form the inner sole. The profits of this business
have been somewhat curtailed of late, by the pre
vailing high price of rubber, which has varied with
in a year from twenty to sixty cents per pound.—
The demand, however, is very large A species of
rubber shoes lined with flannel is extensively used
in some parts of the country as a substitute for the
leathern shoe."
BRITISH PHILAITHHOPY.—John Bull has many
admirers in this country of his exalted philanthro
py in pitying 'the poor slaves of the United States.'
He deserves such friends, for his preachings and
his doings are so consistent in their Christian char
acter! A letter from the Claincha Islands, on the
Pacific, illustrates the point :
The guano is dug by Chinese coolies or laborers
who are brought here by English ships from- the
free ports of their native coasts. The poor fellows
are ma de to believe they are going to do well, by
engaging to serve as laborers for five years at a
real' (York shilling) a day, and a scanty allow
ance of rice.
The truth is, the poor Chinamen are sold into ab
solute slavery—sold by Englishmen into slavery—
the worst and most cruel perhaps in the world.—
Here are about eight hundred !cif these unfortunate
creatures at work on these islands at a time ; as
fast as death thins them out the number is increas
ed by new importations. The labor is severe—much
more so than that of the negroes on our southern
plantations.
The Chinese work almost naked under a tropi
cal sun where it never rains. They are slender
figures and do not look strong. Negro drivers—the
most ugly looking blacks I ever saw—are stationed
among them, with heavy thongs, which I have of
ten seen them use.
The fact that some of the Chinese almost every
week commit suicide to escape their fate, shows
the true state of their case. More than sixty killed
themselves during the year, chiefly by throwing
themselves from the cliffs.
Americans that have to bear the reproaches of
the English for institutions entailed upon 'them,
and which they could not avoid, have a right to
reply that the worst slavery that exists among the
civilized nations of the earth is maintained by the
British subjects, who transport coolies to the Chin
cha Wands.
Arrangers Scsaz.—Major S. R. Hobble, First
Assistant Postmaster General, is lying dangerously
ill, of consumption, in Washington. ill is said there
was an affecting scene in the sick chamber of this
gentleman on the 18th inst. His aaughter Mary
was there, in the presence of r piostrate and al.
most dying father, united in of Wedlock, by the
Rev. Mr. Butler, to Nath eese,Esq, of New
burg, N. York. The fpilti father, apprehending his
speedy dissolution, requested that the nuptials
should be celebrated before he had seen the last of
earth. Major Bobbie was at one time a member
of Congress from New York, and as an officer .of
the Government, it is universally conceded that be
ever faithfully and assiduously discharged hie re
sponsible duties.
WM. BIGLER.
Cor.uxurs Rmaos.D.—We understand that John
T. Smith has been appointed Collector on this road
for Philadelphia. Mr. Yost, the late Collector, has
asked an investigation into his conduct, and requests
a suspension of public opinion until that investiga•
tion shall have been concluded. He acknowledges
that frauds have been perpetrated, but denies anY
personal participation in them.' Mr. Yost has al-
ways been looked upon as an honest mau, and we
trust that his reputation will not be injured by the
inquiry about to be .rnade.—Den. Unum.
CITY AND COUNTY ITEMS
Result of the Meetings.
THE TICKETS.
The following ticketa werelsettled in:the Um* .
wards of the City, at their nominating risentiop on
Saturday everting. We also append the vote tot
Mayor in each.
N. E. Wean.—High Constible, Johnllyer; City
do. William Grubb; Assessott, Wm. Demuth; In
spector, Samuel Rapley; Judge, Robert King; Se
lect Council, Emanuel Schaeffer; Common do.—
William Cox, John Weidler, Thomas Cox, Daniel
Okeson; Mayor—Gorrecht 44, Denison 38, Roh
rer 33, Mercer 9.
N. W. Wean.—High Constable. John Myer;
City do. George Huffnagle ; Assessor, Michael
Bendel; Inspector, James Chambers ; Judge, Wm.
B. Wiley; Select Council, George Wilson ; Com
mon do., David Rees', Dr. Henry E. Muluenberg,
Henry M. White, George Harighman, John Trr yer;
Mayor, Denison 69, Gorrecht 42, Mercer 13; Roh
rer t.
S. E. WA:D.—High Constable,John Myer; City
do. Jacob Gundaker; Assessor, R. McCollum;
Mayor—Gorrecht 158, Rohrer 33, Dennison 35,
Mercer 6. Committee on Conference—F. Miller,
W. A. Morton, S. H. Slaymaker, Walter G. Evans
and James H. Barnes. [This committee to meet
a similar committee from the S. W. Ward, to nom
inate a candidate for. Select Council—aad also to
nominate candidate, for Common Councili Judge
..nd Inspector of the S. E. Ward.]
S. W. Wano.—High Constable, Jno. Myer- '
City
do. George Hinkle; Assessor s Samuel Huber;Com
mon Council, William Mathiot, George M. Stein
man, George Eichelberger; Mayor—Denison 69,
Gorrecht 23, Mercer 17, Rohrer 2; Committee of
Conference, William Mathiot, Henry Schaum, Col.
'Wm. S. Amweg.
[This Committee to meet a similar committee
of the S. E. Ward, to nominate a candidate for Se
lect Council—and also to nominate Judge tied In
spector for the S. W. Ward.] "
VOTE FON MATOR-RECAPMLATION.
WM. BIGLER
Gorrecht. Dennison. Rohrer. V.ercer
38
N. E. Ward, 44 389
N. W. Ward, 42 69 1 13
S. E. Ward, 168 35 38 . 6
S. W. Ward, 23 69 2 17
;Mr. GORRYCHT, having the highest number of
votes, is therefore the Democratic nominee fo:
Mayor, and, as such, is entitled to receive the en
tire Democratic vote of the city.
BAYARD TAYLOR'S LEcruisz.—Ticketa for Bay
ard Taylor's Lecture on tomorrow evening are for
sale at the Book Stores—Price 25 cents. The ad
mission fee being within the reach of all, we feel
confident that none will fail to embrace the oppor
tunity which is now presented to the people of Lan
caster and the adjoining towns to' hear Mr. Taylor,
and' which, in all probability, will not soon be of
fered to them again. .
ACK?! OWLEDGMEMT —The ladies of the Union
Dorcas Society return their thanks to Dr. Henry
Carpenter lor his liberal donation to the Society.
LANCASTER YOUR* 141/1 ZS . INSTITIITE.— ' f he
next quarter of this very important Seminary, un
der the supervision of Rev. W. E- Locke will begin
Feb. 'i'h. next. We are happy to hear of its pros
periTy..id hope it will continue to increase in
.c until the earnest with o
in numerous friend, !hall be lolly taillized.
er \Vs arc pleased to learn that Robert Clark
sun, the efficient and accpinnordating Teller
or the Fanners , Bank of this city, has been ap
pointed Assistant Cushier of that institution hy the
Board of Directors.
CLN ES mu/ Srs.s.st Aft La.s.—The fol lowing
gmSteinen were. on Tburday, elected Directors of
tl Coi.estogs Steam Addis:
C. Hager, D. Longenecker, J. F. Long, G, M.
Steinman, Jno. Baer, Jacob Al!bright, Benj. Eshle
man, Tnos. Baumgarbner, E C. Reigart.
The Directors selected David Longenecker as
Provident and General Agent, in place of A. L.
Hayes, resigned, and Francis Shroder, Secretes
and Treasurer.
lziczNnwirEs.—The barn of Mr. John Kidd, of
Bart township, was set on fire, on Stmday night, the
22d inst., and'burned to the groClud, together with
all its contents. It was doubtleufs done by one of
the gang of outlaws, who have been annoying that
vicinity for several months past.
113- The desk of the inland Daily office was
broken open, on Wednesday njght last, and robbed
of its contents, being $2 in small change and a
counterfeit $5 Middletown Bank note. This is the
third time, in the last two or three weeks, that the
same desk has been robbed—the first time about
$l2 were taken, and the second time $5 and two
counterfeit notes.
Tuz °max.—List week we spoke of the beau
tiful new Organ, built by Messrs. Pomplitz &
Rodewald, of Baltimore, and recently placed by
them in the new Church of St. Mary-of the-Aa
sumption, (Cathulic) in this city. The following
brief description of this really splendid instrument,
we copy from the Inland Daily of Thursday last:
The Organ is enclosed in a handsome Gothic
case, corresponding with the style of ArcLitectur
of the Church, end the front pipes are richly gilt.
The instrumen. contains Great Organ, Swell Or
gan, and Pedal Organ, according,to the following
arrangement :
_ .
Great Organ, from C. C. to K in Alto. 54 Keys:
—Stop 1, Open Diapason; 2, Bourdon from C.; 3,
Stopped Diapason Bass; 4, Do. do. Treble; 5, Dui
ciana from Tenor F.; 6, 'Flute; 7, Principal ; 8,
Twelfth; 9, Fifteenth, 10, Sesquialtra, 3 ranks; 11,
Cornett; 12, Trumpet from Tenor F,
Swell Organ, from Tenor F. to F. in Alto. 54
Ksys:-13; Hautbbis; 14, Fifteenth ; 15, Principal ;
16, Flute; 17, Stopped Diapason ; 16, Open Diapa
son, 19, Viol d' Amor.
Choir Bass from C. C. to F :---Stop 20, Stopped
Diapason; 21, Principal.
Pedal Organ from C. C. 'to F. 18 Keys :-22,
Subbase, 16 it Tone; 23, Violincello; 24, Principal,
23, Bassoon; 26, Coupling for Pedal and Great Or
gam; 27, Coupling for great and Swett Organs; 28,
13ellows.
The organ is universally pronounced a very su
perior instrument, both in yoldne, sweetness of
tone and power, as also in its mechanical construc
tion. The action work is admirable, and contains
the latest improvements. The organ committee
hare unanimously pronounced themselves perfect
ly pleased with the instrument.
MEDAL AWASDED.—Among the awards of Pre
miums by the juries of the Crystal Palace Exhibi
tion, we notice one of a bronze medal to the Con.
estoga Steam Mills of this city, for heavy brown
sheetinge.
A Diploma of Honorable Mention was granted
for,
Chesnut Hill iron ore, pig, coal, flux, slag, Hen
ry Clay Furnace, Columbia, Lancaster co., Halde
man br.
eherfnut Hill hematite iron ore, magnetic iron
ore, pig, Ilux, slag; Chipueealunga Furnace, Colum
bia, Lahcauter co., Dr. E. Haldeman & Co.
Chesnut Hill ore, pig; Donegal Furnace, Colum
bia, Lancaster co., Eckert 4. Stein.
Hematite iron ore, pig, flux, slag; Conowingo
Furnace, Lancaster co., James M. Hopkins.
Hematite iron ore; Wyoming Valley coal!, zinc
ore, lead ore, copper ore, flux, bar iron; Safe Har
bor iron Works, Lancaster co., Reeve', Abbott
& Co.
• Q3'The Thirty-Seventh Anniversary of the
Colonization !Society, was held in Trinity Church
at Washington on the 17th inst John H. B.
Latrobe, Esq. President of the Society, was proud
of his position being the successor of Clay and
Webster, and stated the receipts of the Society for
the past year to be $82,454,25, that amount how
ever, being leas than the exnendilures, and the So.
ciety was $20,000 in debt. The number of emi
grants sent to Liberia last year, was 783, and
that country was represented as being in a highly
flourishing condition and beginning to command
a fair commercial importance, and her indepen
dence has been acknowledged by England,
France, Prussia, Belgium, and Brazil.
Tas Orricui VTOl.—We notice in the report
of the proceedings of the Legislature last week,
that both branches went to the trouble to count
the votes cast at the last election for Auditor Gen•
eral and Surveyor General, and they have declared
the folloWing as the official vote:
Ephraim Banks, Locofoco, 151,517
Alex. K. McClure, Whig, 114,221
Neville B. Craig, Free Soil, . 3,477
Kimber Cleaver, Native, 7,707
Banks over McClure, 37,296—0ver all 26,112
517IIVEYOB IMIZIUL. •
J. Porter Brewley, Locotoeo, 147,378
Christian Meyers, Whig, 116,767
L. B. Corson, Free Soil, 2,925
Mr. Beaver, Native, . 3,847
Brawley over Meyers 30,611—over all 23,838.
V' A terrible explosion took place at Lower
Ravenswood, L. 1., on Saturday morning. A large
factory for making ball cartidges was blown up,
and some fifteen or twenty of the operatives i3st
their lives.
ttr The bill repealing the charter of the Frank
lin Canal Company, has passed both branches of
the Legislature, and been signed by the Governor.
AUDITOR 01.117.81. L
COL J. W. Forney.
We take pinastiye in layint before our- readers;
the following pertinent remark. of Col. Poem,
made in response to a complimentary allusion to
•
Pennsylvania by Mr. Pool, at the Bth of January
celebration in the city of Wasidigton.
Mr. Forney said:—
Mr. Chairmanand gentlemen, I am deeply in
debted to yon for the honor you have done me in
connecting my name with that of my native State,
Pennsylvania. We Pennsylvanians have a modest
old Commonwealth, anThweare very proud of her.
We are willing to wait till the tail and of the feast;
but when the hour comet in which the government
is in peril, when the hour comes in whicli Demo
cratic principles are in danger, when the hour some
in which the country's flag is assailed, that glorious
old State, with a modest p, omptitude that never
has tailed her, is always found quickly in the front
rank. [Three rousing cheers were here given for
the Keystone:State.] Pennsylvania, of the
northern States—l say it with due de.erenoe es m
to New Hampshire, the native State of the Presi
dent—Pennsylvania upon that great question, the
=penance of which to the lovers of the republic
can never abate and can never be undervalued—l
mean the constitutional rights of the States—has
ever been first and foremost, and because she' is
right with regard to this question, she adheres to
the standard of Democracy,and all the more warm
ly when it is borne by such achieftain as Franklih
Pierce. [Enthusiasuc'applauae.]
Sir, I am one of these who are not here to ap
prove universally of every appointment which this
administration has made; and, indeed, what Presi
dent or Governor was ever known to be satisfied
with all his own selection s for office t The Presi
dent is neither übiquitous nor infallible; and the
errors ofpatronage made by Jackson, never dim
med the deathless glories of his civil and military
career. 1.1..0ud cheers.] • But I am proud to avow I
my sincere attachment to the administration, and
those imperishable principles at the foundation of
our tree institutions, taught in the school ofJeffer
son and Jackson. (Cheers.] Sir, the good old
State of which I am a most humble citizen has no
griefs to revenge; she has no resentments to gratify.
[Cheers.]
The attempt to engraft upon het the quarrel of
another State, has signally failed. [Loud cheers.]
No matter what the distinguished auspices under
which the attempt was made, no matter what the
means that were resorted to, when the attempt was
made, she remembered that in times past there had
been another effort to seduce her from her allegi
ance to the Demooraticparty upon another question
she remembered that this man whom she was now
called upon to assail-I allude to President Pierce
•during a long life and during an honorable service
in yonder Capitol, had never a vote against Demo
cratic principles—had never given a vote against
State Rights; and that although representing one
ef the extremest northern States, be had never giv
en vote against the South. [Cheers.] Though as
sailed, and though attempts were made to intimi
date him, he was always found true and steadfast.
',Loud cheers.] I thank you, gentlemen, tor the
honor you have paid to the State of Pennsylvania.
[Three cheers were here given for the speaker.,
The War of the Roses.
The country has been treated well nigh to a sur
lait ut the New York difficulty in •the party' in the
House. Yet we do not perceive how less than has
bten said, could have been said there upon it alter
tue (natter was once mooted in that chamber. 1;
has drought out men of eminent talents on both
sides. All the new members from New York who
have approached it have won enviable reputations
as debaters, in its conside;ation. Mr. Walsh, for
pungency, humor and vehemence; Mr. Cutting, for
adroitness, command of thought, and finished ora
torical attainments; Mr. Hughes, for elegance sa
gacity and boldness; Mr. Westbrook, for the law
yer like qualities of the orator, which enabled him
so soon to make a masterly reply to the speech of
his distinguished colleague, than whom (Mr. Cut
ting) no other member of the present House ranks
higher as a congressional debater, though this is
his first appearance in the National Councils. Mr.
Walbridge, too, for elegance of address, fluency and
other parliamentary accomplishments which char
acterize the successlul popular orator. And also
Father Bishop Perkins„ who talks shrewd things
which instantly find their way to the understand
ing of his hearers, fixing themselves indelibly upon
their memories. The old gentleman in his odd way
hits sledge-hammer blows, as all perceived yester
day, striking right and left, even upon his own side;
always being sure that the blow is deserved where
ever aimed, and always striking it effectively. Re
ally, we are satisfied that it has been many long
years since the great Stateof New York infused on
the Democratic side, as much talent and effective-.
news into a new House, as has already been mani
fested by those of her representatives who have ad
dressed the cauntry from that chamber upon this
interminable Hard and• Solt muss. We find this
impression universal here. We are also able to say
to our distant readers, that the politicians of all
parties here assembled, have drawn from this able
debate that neither wing is wholly blameless. And
that but for the fact that the spoils were to be di
vided among Democrats, as one of the results of the
election of 1852, there would have been no split in
the party in New York in 1853. 'There eloquent
and able gentlemen have certainly argued the
Washington political '.iblic into the belief that the
question is . we of pinnder--not ofprinciple. This
is apparent in tae fact that the result of the deb.lie
has been to c. t off the New Yerk dissatisfied from
al icipc of Democratic congress onal count. .ance,
ou..iide of the little baud of three, or at most five
gentlemen, w.io started out apparently the leaa..rs
of the force of a dozen or so, with which, as back
ers, the New York Hards certainly commeneed
their war on the Administration on the first Mon
day of the past month. We question much wheth
er they would have had with them, up to this time
the three gentlemen to which we allude but for
the fact that they so early committed themselves,
in the controversy, as that they could not, with
any show of consistency, back out of the position
thus precipitately 'taken.
We think the " muss " in the House Hall is over.
The wit and sarcasm of Mr. Walsh, the adroit and
accomplished pleading of Mr. Cutting, and the con
ciliatory eloquence of Walbridge, have, together,
done quite as much for the Hard cause as could be
done by any three able advocates. Yet it is by no
means as strong there to-day, as before the debate
opened. The truth is, the facts are againal thedi.
They have proved that the Baruburner portion of
the Sorts bolted in 1848, and subseqnently acted'
With the Abolitionists which has always been free
ly admitted. Yet, failing to prove that they do not
at this time stand firmly upon the Baltimore plat
form, and by all its obligations, they have failed to
induce Democratic members from other State. to
conceive it either wise, prudent or patriotic that
they should be so treated by the Democratic party
as to discourage their future faithful allegiance to
that party's policy on all points.
We are satisfied further, that this debate has re
ally strengthened the cause of the union of the
Democratic party in New York, in making it appar
ent to all, that the difficulty is now one wholly
with reference to men; not to principle. In fixing
this impression upon the minas of the Deniocrats '
in Congress, and of the other States, they have
rendered it certain that few indeed, except those
smarting under their own personal disappointment
will hereafter lend their countenance to any who
may venture further efforts to keep open the breach
in New York.— Washington Star.
SitAsosrAnLE SuoostsTioirs.—We clip the follow
ing tram the Philade!phia Argus, and endorse eve
ry sentiment contained in it. Atter speaking of the
various necessities of our maritime interests, the
Argus says:
"The recent deplorable loss, however, of the San
Francisco, has presented another necessity; and we
are glad to perceive that one of our own young and
gallant representatives in Congress (Mr. Drum)
has proposed to meet it, by moving a resolution in
structing the Naval Committee to inquire into the
expediency of authorizing, by law, the Secretary
of the Navy to equip and maintain three public
vessels at the harbors of Boston, New York and
Norfolk, respectively, which shall, in case of disas
ter to the commercial marine of the country, or of
other exigencies requiring aid from the Navy De
partment, be at all times in a condition to act
promptly under the orders of the Department.
The country—the seaboard and the interior—
will respond affirmatively to this wise and benevo
lent suggestion; and Mr. Drum deserves, and will
receiveohe thanks of every commercial communi
ty (or introducing it. We hope Congress will act
upon the matter at once, and while recent occur•
fences are fresh in the minds of members."
' DAUPHIN 1.2113 SUSCLUVIANNA RAILILOAD.—A.n
official notice from Ellwood Morris, Esq., Engineer
and Agent of this road, appears in another column
announcing that it will be opened for the transpor
tation of passengers and freight through from Au-
burn to Harrisburg on the Ist of February next.
This road, in connection with the Reading rail
road, will form the shortest and best route from
Pottsville, and all North-Eastern Pennsylvania j and
from Reading and all pointsPhceniiville, to Harris.
burgand the Western country. Auburn is 25 miles
above this city, and the distance from Auburn to
Harrisburg, by railroad, is 59 miles. A passenger
train on the Auburn road will connect with the
morning train from Philadelphia, which passes
' . ding at 10 o'clock daily, and will thus bring our
citizens within about four hours' railroad travel to
Harrisburg.—Reading Gazette.
941- A young man, named Thomas Blackburn, a
son of Dr. ft. S. Blackburn, of Charleston, Va.,
and a cadet at the Military InStittue at Lexington,
in that State was killed on the 16th inst., by a
piling man named Christian, a member of Judge
Brokenbrough's law school. The Woodstock
Toth Legion gives the following particulars of the
sad affair: 'Christian stabbed Blackburn as he
was coming out of church with a lady on Its arm,
to whom the former bad desired to pay his suit:.
SL Louis Correspondence.
The Ice-I-Stitigkin-r-Bssibuss of the City—Nebras
ka Coli vc udge-airch—Protrdestroy
ed by Fire—Boats in Danger—The Mails.
Sr. Lams, Jan. 19, 1854
I have again to report cold weather and the city
extremely dull of new& The Mississippi river op
posite this city gorged several days since, and froze
up solid. The morning after it ceased running, say-
eral , persor wishing to haveiit said that they *ere
the first who crossed on the ice of the great Father
of Waters, undertook the perilous tusk—one of
them got as far as the middle of the river, when
the ice gave way end he sank to rise no more. The
last two or three days were very cold; and the ice
on the river froze to considerable depth—horses and
wagons are now crossing; I saw several droves of
hogs driven over yesterday. This is the first time
is seven years that, the Mississippi opposite this
pace has been crosiiield by horses and wagons, or
even frozen over. I believe It was, in0474.1en it
was last closed, and at that time it remained so for
several weeks, and should the weather continue so
cold much longer, nothing, but a rise in the upper
rivers will start the great' body of ice in the river
opposite this city.
All navigation is suspended, and bbsiness of ev- '
ery kind dull and depressed. When shipments Can
not be made, the levee, as well as the commission
merchants generally look gloomy. We are now
completely hemmed in—bound up all , sides by
ice, ana'consequently cut off from allcommunica
tion with the world, as it would seem, as well as
the "rest of mankind," end we are left solitary and
alone to do the best we can for the time being.
A few days since we were visited with.quite a
mow storm, which covered the ground to the depth
of two or three inches, the weather since modera
ted, and we had a light rain or sleet on the top of
the snow, when it again turned very calld, and made
most excellent sleighing, which is quite a great to
our citizens, as it is so seldom the light snows we
have in this country lay long Enough for that pur
pose. The merry bells are continually jingling in
my ears, and the bright-eyed pretty Misses, snugly
robed in furs, and their( gallant beaux are having
good time of it. Everything in the shape of a
sleigh, and a great many articles that you would
call most anything else; is brought into use. There
are not many fine sleighs in the city, as they' are
so seldom needed, and those who have them can
very readily hire them, with two horses, at the lib
eral rate of $5 per hour! A sleigh and four horses
will readily command $lO per hour; and it is as
tonishing to say, but nevertheless true, they are on
the go day and night. I heard a young man say
--and it might be proper here to state that he is
on a salary of $6OO per annum—that it cost him
$5O for au atternoon's ride. This is extravagant
sleighing, and not Many can afford to enjoy much
of it at that rate.
There are a great many boats froze in et the le
vee, and their owners are fearful of a general smash
up when the ice moves, they are therefore having
the ice cut tram mound them, so that they will be
loose from the great body when it 'starts
The great Nebraska Convention convened in the
Court House, at St. Jbseph, in this State, on the 9th
January, and the Gazette of that city says it was.
largely attended, and its deliberations marked with
harmony and good feeling. It says that its voice
will be potent, because it is the voice of the people
proclaiming the one sentiment tbat pervades the
whole country, in favor of organizing a territorial
government. A committee Was appointed to pre
pare an address and memorial to Congress. Letters
trom several distinguished gentlemen were read,
and the proceedings ordered to be 'published in
pamphlet form. A letter was received from Judge
Birch, which, I should conjecture was not written
in the proper spirit—possibly too political for the
occasion—which brought forth a resolution con
demnatory of the Judge, and will - be seen by the
proceedings his letter was returned without print-
mg.
The St. Joseph Gazette, which has just been re
ceived here, contains the full proceedings of the
Convention--they will appear in our city papers, 1
presume, to-morrow morning.
On Sunday night last, 1.511) inst., our city was
illuminated by the burning of Ashbrook's Pork
House, in North St. Louis, nearly the entire build
ing with its contents were destroyed. The loss is
estimated at from $17.5,000 to $200,000. The
building, which was the largest in the Western
country, originally cost sso,ooo—insurance on
same $15,000. It with filled with pork and lard,
some of which was sold, but owing to the suspen
sion of navigation, remained in the bowie. This
establishment was doing an extensive business this
season. A great many ol the hogs, that had been
killed the day previous, were carried out and de
posited in an adjacent building, which took fire and
with its contents was destroyed. The building and'
stock were probably insured to the amount of $lOO,-
000, and the balance falls on different parties; Hew.
ett, Roe & Co., of this city, are the heaviest losers
The fire originated by the explosion of some part
ot the apparatus in the rendering department.
The irregularity 01 the mails is the general topic
of conversation among our business men. Three
or lour days elapse before we get an eastern mail,
us might also be said of the southern mail. Three
or (our days mail matter bad accumulated here be
fore it could be sent, owing•to the ice in the river.
Yesterday it was taken across on the ice, and start
ed by land to its destination. These annoy ances
cannot be remedied by our Postmaster, ior be is on
the alert all the while, and doing all his power
to have the mails brought and sent regularly. By
the way, can any body in your neighborhood in
form'us when we are to have our Postmaster ap
pointed, and who the individual is to bet No one
in this section has any idea who he is to be, or
when he is to be appointed!
The weather in-the last few hours has somewhat
moderated, and it is now raining. The curtain
falls. Ot.n Gown.
Doings In Congress
SENAT.I.—On _Tuesday, the Senate went into an
executive sesssion t and at its terminatien, Mr. Ma.
son submitted a resolution that the Senate attend
the funeral of Mr. Bodisco, adjournidg for that pur ;
pose until Thursday. After a debate, this resolu
tion was withdrawn; but, on the motion ,of Mr.
Weller, an adjouinment to Thursday, was after
wards agreed upon. The Senate then went into
executive session, and afterwards adjourned: ,
House.—ln the House on Tuesday, the bill grant
ing the !ranking privilege to the Superintendent of
the Coast Survey and his Assistant- in charge of
the office, was passed.
Mr. Hamilton reported from the Committee on
the District of Columbia, the bill appropriating
$500,000 tor the continuation of the construction
of the District of Columbia Aqueduct. But ob
jections being made, it was committed to the Com
mittee of thb Whole on the state of the Union.
Mr. Bine!! reported back, from the Committee
on Military Affairs, the Senate's Lieutenant-Gener
al bill; committed.
The House then went into a Committee of the
Whole on the state of the Union, (Mr. Orr in the
chair,) wherein the ,reference of the President's
message to appropriate standing committees being
under consideration, they were addressed by Mr.
Oliver, of Mo., against the tonnage duty system for
raising means for internal improvements, and by
Mr. Maxwell in favor of denoting alternate sec
tions of the public 'lands to aid in the construction
of railroads. After which the Committee rose. On
motion of Mr: Bayly,it was next agreed, that when
they adjourned they would adjourn over until
Thursday, as a testimony of respect to the late Mr.
Bottom And then the House adjourned.
AN Imixats.r. Banitoom.—The Paris correspon
dent of the Mirror of Fashi . on gives the following
account of the bedroom of the Empress Eugenie
at the Tuileries, having seen it previous to her ma •
jasty's recent return from Fontambleau
"The upholsterers have furnished it with a mag
nificent sky-blue silk tenture along thewalls, which
is fixed with gold frames, in the style of Louis XV.
The arm chairs, sofas, and lounges are of the same
style and like silk. As for the bed, all made with
gilt carved wood; it is covered with a couvre
of Maline lace, and the curtains, of blue silk and
lace, are hung down all around it, in the same man
ner as the old beds of our grandmothers. the car
pet is also of a blue color, and so thick that one
would take it for: a bear skin. Ix was made at Au
busson, expressly for the place in which it lays.—
The ceiling of the room was painted by Mr. Kres•
son, and it represents a group of genii throwing
flowers, from rich baskets. The painting is so well
done that no one'could believe that the figures are
not alive. In short, this magnificent bedroom is
the ne plus ultra of riches and elegance. But what
are'the dreams under those laces ?"
MIIIIDIRERS O 1 ♦ SLAVE SENTENCED TO BE
Huao.—Our readers will recollect the
. particulars
01 a horrible case in South Carolina, in which two
white men named Thomas Motley and William
Blackledge, hunteld down a runaway slave with
bloodhounds, aiat6hen put him to death by the
most prolonged and cruel tortures. These fiends
were bronght before the Couat of Appeals et Char
leston on Monday last, and after the motion for
new trials had bean dismissed, were sentenced to
qe hung, on thet 3d day of March next.
PITTS/MIS, Juan. 24.—The Western Theologi
cal Sernitnry of The Presbyterian Church in Alle
gheny City was burned to the ground lest evening.
About half of the library, which was very valua
ble, was saved. The building was insured for
$B,OOO, and the library was partially, .insured.—
About forty students of divinity oceapied the build
ing, but no livst were lost. •