lntelligenrer & Journal.
Ggip. SANDERSON2EDITOR
Lancaster. February 21, 1554•
County Convention.
The Democratic 'County Convention will - meet
at Ziegler's Hotel, N. Queen Street, rm to-morrow,
(Weddesday) at 11 o'clock, A. N. •
Delegates Elected.
City, N. W. W.—Col. John H. Hochman, Wm.
Hoover, Abraham Gibbs, A. Shaltze Reese, John
A. Shiren brand.
S. W. W.—George Coonly, John Fry, Col.
William S. Arming, Andrew W. Dennison, Philip
Fitzprt.rick.
N. B. W.—Thomas Coz, Joseph Samson,
James L. Reynolds, Dennis Marion, Col. Cyrus S.
Carmony.
S. E. W.—P. J. Genies, M. D. Trissler,
• John Shorts, Benjamin sciatica, M. M'Gonigle.
Lancaster Twp.—Henry Fisher, Wm. T. Youart,
Maj. Charles Nauman.
Columbia, N. W.—Jacob 'M. Strickler, James
Bennet, Hudson Henry, J. C. Medram, Samuel F.
S. W.—John D. Miller, John S. Giv
en, Francis H. Eler, John W. Hamilton, John
Yearnish.
Manor.—Abralnim Peters, Christian H. Charles,
Jesse T. Brush.• Conrad •Krause, Henry M. Hines.
Strasburg Bor.—Wm. T. MThail, Wm. Echter
nacht,
William Spencer, George, M. Steacy, W
F. S. Warren.
Coitiestoga . —John Hess, Samuel S. Welsh John
Martin, Juhn Holp, Henry Hammer.
Paradise—Henry Eckert, G. D. M'llvain, Peter
Neidick, George B. • Withers, Joseph S. Lefevre.
A Wilful Error Exposed.
The last Independent Whig, of this City, has an
article under the capticin of "Frauds on the Public
Works," which' amongst other equally unfounded
allegations, has the following:
Mr. Baker, the Superintendent of fist Columbia
and Philadelphia Railroad, states in his report to
the Canal Commissioners, that every locomotive
which runs from Philadelphia to Rolumbia, a dis
tance of 80 miles only, consumes. between one and
two cords of Wood, and nearly one ton of bituminous
coal! making the expense of fuel alone about no
Tor each tub over the road !I or $4O for the round
trip!!!
• By a, conversation with a practical engineer, ou
this subject, we are satisfied that this is three times
Mb amount of fuel actually consumed!!!
But. this fact does not in the least invalidate the
statement of the Report, which is made upon the
amount of fuel, wood and coal, paid for by the State
during the year, and the number of trips made by
the locomotives on the road. '
It most be plain to any one, that but a small
part of the wood and coal paid for by the State
was ever received or consumed by it. Mr. Baker is
not probably aware of the fact, for he has other
duties to attend to, but that immense frauds have
been and are constantly being committed on the
State,.in this as in other things, no one will ques.
Lion. The assumption that between two and three
cords of wood and nearly a ton of coal- are con.
Burned on a locomotive, between Philadelphia and
Colurribia, is preposterous and absurd in the high
est degree. We are told by an experienced engineer,
that it is not in the power of a fireman to cousume
that amount of fuel it he was working for a wager.
To show the utter falsity of the above estimate
of expense, we subjoin the following extract from
the last report of Col. BAKER, the Superintendent
of the Road :
Average consumption of wood per trip, two cords
and one hundred and lorty.one thous
ands, of a cord, or - -
Average consumption of coal per trip,
' eight-tenths al a ton, -
Oil and cotton waste per trip,
Sawing, moving and splitting wood, per
trip, - - - - -
Cost per trip of eighty miles for fuel, oil and
waste, eleven dollars and ninety cents, equal to fif
teen cants per 'mile; which I think will compare
very favorably with any road in the country.
- Here, the reader will at a glance perceive that
instead of the expense of a locomotive each trip
being $2O, as is alleged by the Whig, it is Only
$11,90, which includes wood, coal, sawing, moving
and splitting wood, as also oil and cotton waste.—
For the round trip it would only be $23,30, instead
of $4O, as charged by Mr. FENN. And this is the
kind of argument adduced to prove the propriety
and necessity or selling the public works! The
editor of the Whig must have seen double at the
time he penned his article, or else he has wilfully
perverted the facts ; for we hardly suppose he
would attempt to write on such a subject without
having the report of the Superintendent before him.
With regard to the source of his information re
specting the amount of fuel required to run mien.
gine the whole length of the road, we have only to
say that if his informant be a "practical" and "ex.
perienced engineer," he must be some Old Fogy
'who many years ago run an engine with abou t.
one-fourth the capacity and power of those now on
the road. For no one, with three grains of com
mon sense, would pretend to write himself down a
simpleton by alleging that the first class engines
now used on the road, could haul the enormous
trains attached to them, with one-third the amount
of fuel estimated in the Superintendent's report, and
at a cost of less than $4 per trip! The idea is so
absurd in itself, that we would be insulting our in
telligent readers if we were to notice it,any far
ther.
A Sly Movement;
The following is a copy of a bill introduced in
the Senate, a few days ago, by Mr. DARLINGTON:
Sec. 1: That on the application of siz or more
citizens of any elsction precinct or district of Lan
caster city ormobrunty, alleging under oath or affir
mation that they are apprehensive of frauds at any
election, the judges of the Court of Quarter See
sloes of Lancaster County, may select and author
ize three qualified citizens of such precinct or dis
trict, to be present with the officers during• the
election and making out of they returns, with the
right to challenge votec—provided, that no expense
shall accrue to the county by reason of such ap
pointment.
We hope our Democratic friends in the Legisla
ture will give this Whig banding the go-by. In
the county of Lancaster it is known that, with two
or three exceptions, every e.ection district is in the
hands of the Whigs, (in several.of them they even
violate the spirit of the law by electing both In
spectors from their party!) whilst the city of-Lan
caster, and the Boroughs' 9f Columbia and Sims
burg, are controlled by the Democrats—the City
especially having an overwhelming Democratic
majority. Of course .:Ir..DI , IILINGTON is hot soli
citous to seta watch over his party friends, altho'
many' of them need watching badly ; his bill,
then, it without doubt an attempt to break down
the Democratic party, by authorizing a 17hig Court
to appoint a committee of three Whigs at every
Tremoeratic .district to watch the Democrats, and
baffle and annoy them as "much as possible. This
system of political espionage, sought to be introdu
ced into our elections, is a gross insult to the Dem
ocratic voters and Democratic election officers of
the County—for it is saying in effect that they are
all disholiest—and should be, frowned down by a
'Democratic Legislature. Should such an insulting
enactment be unfortunately snaked through the Le
gislature, we sincerelylrust it may receive its qui
etus at the hands of the Governor.
We 'hope our Democratic iriends at Harrisburg
will watch this insiduous movement of the enemy.
We have nonrepresentative there, although number
ing -some seven thousand voters, and must of ne
cessity depend upon the Democratic membe rsfrom
other counties to see that no injustice is done us by
the Whig Senators or Representatives from this
county.
Govaasroa's MEssAoa.—An important message,
from Gov. Bretran, jn relation to the Erie difficul
ties, will be found in trr columns to-day. It is a
full and satisfactory exposition of the whole affair,
and its great length should prevent no one from
giving it a careful perusal.
HT The Marshal here again, on Friday
last, subpoening witnesses on the part of the U.
State . s vs. Messrs..Fondersnfith,•Ford and Evans.--
They are to give their attendance at Court, in Phil
adelpfda, on Monday next.
The War Queetion.
The news by the last steamer !leaves but little
hope of an amicable adjustment ;of affairs. in the
East; and Europe, it seems, is Once more to be
plunged into a bloody and protriMted war. It has
been mote than once hinted that t preat Britain and
Trance may take to themselves the credit of hay-
I-
log; at least, left the way open td whatever efforts
were made by the parties at issue to bring about
this result. If this be so, and we think the facts
strongly favor the presumption, the world cannot
brit regard it as very remarkable; in view of the
great principle that constitutes the platform occu
pied by the Allied - Powers, viz: the preservation of
r the balance of power.
We say it is remarkable, becauie whilst all along
the design of one of the belligerents to provoke a
war,was perfectlyapparent, and furthermore, tho' it
was conceded that Russia was the aggre.ssor,baing
well assured that the occupation of the Danubian
territories would be regarded by the Sultan as a
vans belli, yet, the Western Powers scarcely made
a remonstrance, but directly played into the hands
of Russia by entering upon a foolish and protract.
ed series of attempts at arbitration. Whilst they
were busy drawing up perfumed propositions, the
Czar was drawing up his armed 'legions and quiet
ly taking possession. And whilst it was under
stood at London and Paris that [Nicholas was • ex
ceedingly anxious in avoid a collision, it was equal
ly as well understood at St. PefTsburg that the
cabinets in the West being perfectly satisfied as to
the good intentions of the Cz.r, and not caring to
inquire into the hostile demonstration he was act
ually making, were being most elegantly hood
winked, 'taken in and done for.' Franee knew
whatever mystery there was about the movements
of Russia, would all in due time be explained; and
England could assure the Sultan that before long
be would bud there was no real ground for suspi
cion, thanks to the manwuvrea of a• wily ambassa
dor.
But Russia having continued through all this
time the most active warlike preparations, at last
gives a blow that dissipates all doubt about the mat•
ter, and shakes the Turkish empire to its very cen
tre. The thunder of Russian cannon breaks upon
the ear of Europe, and the royal eyes of the West
ern Sovereigns being now opened, the fleets are
ordered to .pass the straits and make an excursion
into the Black Sea, where we presume they now
are, floating as gracefully as swans. But what does
the Czar say when he hears of the approach of the
two fleets? Does he show anything like terror ?-
and does he:relinquish his gripe upon the throtil of
the Sultan? Not he. The indications are that
England and France will be compelled to send
something more than fleets, if they have any sin
cere notions of protecting Turkey from the ambi-
tious designs of the Autocrat.
The Russian empire extends over about one-se v'-'
enth of the whole globe, and has a population near
ly equal to that of Great Britain and France. Give
her Austria, with her 40,000,000, and you have an
array about equal to the three great Western Pow
ers, together with the United States. And when
we consider her geographical position and the great
probability of Austria siding with her in case of a
general war, we can easily perceive that there is
just cause of alarm, and that it would require a
union of all the forces, both military and naval,
that the rest of Europe could muster to meet this
mighty Northern combination. But there is a pros
pect of a still further augmentation of Russian in
fluence. She' has been- for a long time convinced
that there is one thing still wanting to place her
in the position for which she has for more than
half a century been zealously striving.
The door to her southern frontier is still open'
and the key in possession of another power.. That
key she must have and will have; it 'possible; and
she will spend millions to geb it. The Russian colors
met soave over the minarets of Constantinople. In a
word,.Turkey must acknowledge the Russian scep
tre; and it is that has troubled the dreams of Nich r
olas; It is for this he has been longing; and when
he is able to close that door, the entrance tothe
Black Sea, he will be prepared to make his most-1
profound bow to Europe and the world. The pos-1
session of Constantinople has. long been the pie-
dominating idea in the calculations of the Czar.—
His lather, before him, coveted this stronghold and
was equally as conscious of the necessity of making
it an adjunct to the Russian possessions. And this r
was well known to Europe. A proposition look
ing to the accomplishment of this had actually
been laid before the French government, and Na
poleon had sagacity enough to reject it, though a
magnificent bribe was offered.
It seems to us, then, in conclusion, that Russia
has 'stolen a march' upon Europe, and can, if she
is disposed, give a vast deal of trouble. A few days
however, will determine the matter. And we may
add, is there nothing` for us to do? We have adop
ted the non-Intervention principle, it is true, yet if
there is to be a general European war, it would be
well to see that we are able to protect ourselves at
least. Within the last quarter of a century 'our
commerce-has augmented beyond all precedent,
and our relations with the great seaports of Europe
have become so intimate, that in case of a rupture
it will require a naval force much larger and more
efficient than that of which we can boast at pres
ent, to afford a shield and protection commensurate
with the great interests at stake.--Baltimore Times.
9
UNION CANAL Co.—The board of management
of this company, held their meeting'in Philadelphia
shout two weeks ago. The report submitted, shows
that the receipts of the compauy during the past,
year were $105,871 38, including $2,954 19 from
the rent of mills, sale of real estate and old ma
terials. T e receipts of 1852 were but, $84,056 52
showing a increase in tolls alone of $21,814 85,
I being ali over 25 per cent. The tonnage carried
in 1853 as 92,011, while the year preceding it
was 152,143, showing an increase of 42,868 tons
or nearly 20 per cent. The increase in iron ore
alone was 33,000 tons, and in lumber three million
feet. The expenditures during the past year were
$87,373 05, including', $51,769 55 ordinary ex
penses, and 35,808 oih paying dividends on pre
ferred stock. A surplus was left of $21,447 52
over expenses and dividends, which has been ex
pended in the construction ofa towing path through
the Big Dam, in furnishing new bootees and
water wheels, in payment of interest on tem
porary loans and in the purchase of a new landing
at Pine prove. The report-.lstates that during the
driest season otthe past yalr, the water wheels
were in operation, worked by the surplus water
from the canal alone. The agreement with the
Schuylkill Navigation Company has been
completed, but no satisfactory bids having
been received from the new loan authorized
for the enlargement of the canal ; a contract has
been made with Mr. Chamberlain, of Cleveland,
for the work at the price of $1,000,000, in month
ly payments, the greatest portion to be paid in the
loan. The work is progressing under the super
vision of Mr. James ' WOrrall as chief engineer-
By
the contract the navigation of the eastern divi
sion will be kept open until the Ist of June, and be
completed in the Spring of 1855, but the navi4a{
tion of the Branch Canal and Western Division
will not be interrupted.
Teti GILDSpEN Tassxr.—This important treaty,
negotiated between - Santa Anna and Mr. Gadsden,
our itrigiter e to Mexico, concluded on the 30th of
.DeceMicr, at the latter city, was sent into the Sen•
aterim Wednesday. The President, in his message
accompanying it, recommends several important
alterations. Should the Senatft agree in opitiion
with the President, and insert the alterations, we
suppose the Treaty will have to be sent back to
Mexico 'fd'r the approval of that government.
ID" Thanks to Hon. Isaac E. RZIETZII for a
copy of the Census of 1850. Also, to Hon. Jona
L. Dawson for two copies of the President's Mer
sage and Accompanying Documents:
Governor Bigler's Message,
relation to the Franklin Canal Company.
Tothe Sinuao a*d House of Repuentatister :
,
Gairrizscsar :—The law revoking the charier of
the Franklin canal company, made it the duty of
the Governor to take such measurer as might be
necessary to carry its: provisions into effect. To
perform the duty thus Imposed mem mei I repair
ed immediately to the city of Erie, and returned to ' y
the seat of Government on Thursday morning last.
I embrace this early opportunity of communica
ting to you the results.
On the second instant, I caused a copy of the
said law, together with a communication relering
to its provisions, to be presented to the president
and directors of the Franklin canal compaby ; and
immediately thereafter, took possession of the rail
road claimed by said company, in the name of the
Commonwealth, and appointed William F. Parker .
Esq., to superintend its operations, with the pow
er to select.such assistants as might be found nee-
essary.
Arrangements were subsequently made with the
Cleaveland, Painesville and Ashtabula railroad corn..
pang; to stock and use said road on terms anqcon
ditions deemed just and' reasonable to all parties in
terested, and advantageous to the public. The bus
iness, therefore, has been fully resumed on the en
tire line from Cleaveland to Buffalo, and will,here•
after, in my opinion, be transacted in a manner
more advantageous and agreeable to the traveller
and transporter, than at any former period.
The accompanying correspondence between the
officers of the Franklin canal company and mysel f
together with the annexed copy of the contract
with the Ohio railroad company, for stocking and
using the goad from Erie to the State line, will ex-
htbit to you the details of my action under the
law."
It affords me tinaffected pleasure to inform you,
that notwithstanding the violent controversy which
had been maintained for months pant, between the
railroad companies and the people of Erie, and the
high degree of excitement incident to such a con
test, I encountered but little difficulty in accom
plishing the objectaot the law. No serious dispo
sition was manitested attany time, to resist the au
thority of the State. Forbearance and prudence ap
peared to distinguish the conduct of the mass of
people, as well as the action of all the parties direct
ly concerned in the adjustment of this unpleasant
affair.
Whilst, therelore, it is hoped that the settlement
of the difficulty in the manner just indicated may
prove satisfuctory, the restoration of peace and
quiet to that community, will doubtless be subject
of gratulation throughout the country; as it cer
tainly should be of special gratification to you and
the other authorities of the State. Witban unfalter
ing determination on the part of the people of Erie
to maintain their - rights belore the courts, and to
insist up - on measures of legislation for the promo
tion of their welfare, I feel assured that they are
equally prepared to restrain, and if needs be to re
sist any act of violence to persons or property, or
other acts in derogation 01 the law.
The claim Of the State to the route from the
city of Erie to the Ohio line, having been thus
maintained, the euquiry naturally arises, shall a
grant for a road between these two points be made
and on what conditions I have no hesitation in
expressing the opinion that the grant should be
made, and as promptly as convenient, and thus put
the controversy at rest. The State should certain
ly do this, or make provision for payment to the
stockholders of the Franklin Canal Company, a
lab compensation for toe railroad constructed by
them, and keep it herself. Of these propositions I
am inclined to prefer the former. Should the grant
be made to a corporation, such conditions can be
annexed as will meet the wishes of the people of
Erie, promote their welfare, extend the business
and usefulness ot the harbor at that place, and ad
vance the general prosperity of the State, without
subjecting travel or commerce to more than an in
cidental or unavoidable inconvenience.
Amongst the conditions, should be one requiring
this road to connect with the harbor at Erie; and
such other terms as the General Assembly may
deem right and proper.
With these remarks, under other circumstances,
my duty might close. But the manifest misrepre
sentations WhlCh have characterized the discussion
of this unpleasant controversy in certain sections
of the country, - have induced me to present a brief
statement of the facts of the case, as a defence of
the State and her representatives.
The Commonwealth has had no controversy
with the citizens - or corporations of other States,
nor has she been inclined to interfere with their
*rights or interests; or to unnecessarily interrupt the
travel or commerce of the country. She has been
dealing witha refractory creature of her own which
had most palpably 'misused and abused' the privi
leges conferred upon it by law; a corporation that
had attempted the usurpation of power, that had
infringed the sovereignty of the State, and invaded
her rights of eminent domain. If in this contest
she was brought into collision with citizens and"
corporations of other States, the difficulty was not
of her own seeking. The vindication of her honor
and dignity was a duty which she could not neglect
and I have no hesitation in saying, without any
reference to the difficulties at Erie, that it was right
and politic on the part of the State to exercise the
power which she had reserved over this corpora
tion. The act, I doubt not, will exert a wholesome
influence in future, over the conduct ol similar bod
ies. If neglected in a case so manifestly proper,
it would be idle to insert reservations and condi
tions in similar corporations for the protection of
the public, as it would be useless to grant addition
al railroad charters. Uriier such a latitudinarian
construction as claimed by the Franklin canal com
pany, those already in existence could occupy every
feasible route in'the State.
In 1844, this corporation was created for the pur
pose of improving the French creek division of the
Pennsylvania canal, the State reserving the right
to repossess said canal, at any time thereafter, by
repaying the company the amount of money ex
pended in its improvement, with six per cent, in
terest.
In April, 1349, the company was authorized to
construct a railroad on the banks of said canal,
and ; to extend the same from the head of the canal
north to Erie, aad south to Pittsburg; the Legisla
ture expressly reserving the right to revoke the
charter of the company, should the privileges
granted be at any time 'misused or abused.' The
company made no attempt to improve said canal,
nor to construct the railroad from the termini of
the canal to Pittsburg or Erie. In 1850, however,
they 'commenced the construction of a railroad
from the Ohio State line to the city of Erie, paral
lel with the lake, and nearly at a right angle with
the route assigned to them by the Legislature.
They were early admonished against this at
tempt In 1851, the Pittsburg and Erie railroad
company, instituted proceedings against the Frank
lin canal company, id the Supreme Court, on the
ground that they had no right to construct a road
on the location whie they were attempting to oc
cupy.
•1n the spring of 1852,the Attorney General made
complaint against said company before the Supreme
Court, in the name of the Commonwealth, and
prayed for an injunction to restrain the construc
tion and use of said railroad. The opinion of the
Court in this case, was delivered in January, 1853,
by Chief Justice Black; and whilst the injunction
prayed for was refused on the techical ground,that
the Commonwealth could not, under the law give .
security for damages, the views of the court liter
ally annihilated the rights of the company to con
struct a road on the route which they were then
occupying, and in this opinion the Circuit Court of
the United Slates, at Pittsburg, has fully concurred.
The LegislAture of 1853, repealed the law re
quiring the Commonwealth to give security for
Omega, and thereby removed the only obstacle in
the way 01 a final decree agaihat the company, in
the case then pending. But inasmuch as the rail
road, in the mean time, had been completed, and
the only effect,ot the decree would be to restrain
the use of the road, it was deemed proper to await
the meeting of the Legislature, the only power that
could properly and permanently dispose of this con
troversy.
The Legislature did act, and by virtue of the res
ervatio„s containecun the charter already referred
to, revolted and annulled all the rights and privi
leges granted to said company. This railroad with
all its appurtenances, is, therefore, in the possession
orthe State, and its operations under the direction
of an officer of her own selection.
, • This brierhistory will be sufficient, it is hoped,
to vindicate the Commonwealth against theicharge
of having misled this company, by indulgence in
their manifest inclination to assume rights not
.granted bylaw. Those familiar with the subject,
I. am confident, will agree with me in opinion that
the attempt on their part, to usurp the right has
delayed an express grant. The company were ad
monished-at every step, that they were transcend
ing their legitimate province; but the only effect
seemed to be to stimulate them to greater indigni
ty to the state, and increased fatality in the con
summation of their own destruction.
It has been frequently alleged that the State, in
her controversy with this corporation, was actua
ated by a selfuilk motive, that she desired to inter
rupt the transit of persons and tonnage over that
part of her territory.
The answer to this allegation, is that her author
ities could long since have had a final decree against
the company, and restrained' the use of the road;
and it will also be perceived, that as soon as she
did get control of it, arrangements entirely agree;
'The accompanying correspondence is omitted
for want of room.=E4. Intel.
able to the public, were made for its'' '. She was
also willing to remain quiet until.t tire ' ••lature
assembled and disposed of the whole atioversy;-
l
eg=
but it seems that her indulgence Ineksto been.pro
perly appreciated. • Prudence end a just espect for
the State, shOuld have dictated to-the • road coin
_
panics, the adoption's& a simitai liberal ' liey.
True, it may be said, that the repeal of the gauge
law gated the companies owning the:roads east of
Erie, the right to change their gauge; but it is
equally .true, that the opinion In dig SupremaCourt,
delivered in 1852, was notice to them Wail the State
had not granted the right , to make a road of any
gauge from Erie to. the Ohio line, and this tact was
not overlooked in •r'usidering the repent . of the
gauge law. War. .. prudent then, on their part, to
change the width of their road to suit that of one
constructed in known violation of law? Was it
not, to say the Least of it, presumptuous to conclude
that the State would confirm this trawl upon her
rights? Would it not baits been- the pert of wis
dom to have rested quietly until the State had le
galized a route from Erie west? I knoW that the
affirgrative of this, is held by gentlementjconnected
in idierest with the railroads. To this unfortunate
movement, more than to any other, may be attrib
uted a degree of excitement and resistance on the
part of the people of Erie county, for which the
State authoritieseteen so much censured.
\
The citizens of Eri and the present Executive
i
have been condemned or alleginitthat there should
— irste
be a break of gauge at Erie; arid r xnust big your
indulgence on this point for a moment.
A demand for an unnecessary break of railroad
gauge, and the consequent transhipment' ol tonnage
and passengers, it will, be conceded, Would be an
illiberal exaction, and an improper.interruption of
the commerce of the country. But such is not the
position of the question at Erie. Thanecessity for
a break of gauge between the West and the Atlan
tic cities, results from the policy of New York and
Ohio, and not from that of our own State. The
railroads of Ohio are uniformly four feet ten inches
wide, and those of New York, tour feet eight and
a half inches, except one, which is'SiX feet in width.
A transhipment is therefore inevitable. it must
occur, and the only question is as to the proper
point. After all the reflection I have given the
subject, I must again repeat what I said in my an
nual message, that I can see no reasons founded in
public policy why the break.should occur at Butii-
Jo, that do not apply with equal force in favor of
Lrie. The impediment to trade and travel will be
alike at either point, with the advantage of greater
unoccupied space at the latter. Nor have I been
able to discover why it is, that if a break of gauge
is so entirely unimportant, there should be so much
solicitude to have it at the city of Buffalo, or to un
derstand how that city has escaped the execrations
so freely heaped upon the city of Erie. It a tran
shipment at Erie be so prejudicial .to the commer
cial interests of New York, why is not a break at
Buffalo equally so? There is now a break Of gauge
at each, and is it not strange that whilst the latter
city has complained of Erie, it has failed to discover
u similar obstruction to trade and travel in its own
vicinity. When this shall have been removed it
will be time enough, it seems to me, to complain
of Pennsylvania.' . .
To illustrate this. idea still more forcibly, sup
pose it were possible to force that narrow strip in
territory eastward for a lew miles; and permit N.
York and Ohio to come together at-Ene, then whet e
would be the break of railroad gauge, and who
would be at fault ?.. When the capitalists of New
York commenced the construction of a railroad
from tee city of Buffalo westward, differing in width
from the other roads of that Stafp, they had deter
mined to impose upon commerce the inconvenience
incident to a transhipment. Solicitous as lam to 1
facilitate intercourse between the great West and
the Atlantic cities, and to maintain a liberal policy
towards neighboring States, I have been unable to
discover a reason, in public policy, why this una
voidable transhipment should not occur at Erie.—
Such a position is not wanting in courtesy or kind
ness to our neighbors. ' New York has selected her
policy as to the width of railroads. She desires to
extend them westward, and Pennsylvania is willing
to admit them within her limits. Ohio on the other
band, desires to get eastward, and Pennsylvania ex
tends to her an equal degree of courtesy. The let
ter State asks no advantage; she is willing to ex
tend her roads to Erie, and meet New York and
Ohio on equal terms, on her own territory. Surely
there can be no want of courtesy in this position.
However much she may regret the necessity for a
transhipment, she has not the power to obviate it.
But on the other hand, it is demanded that a gauge
ell railroad, unusual to Pennsylvania and N. York
both, with which neither can connect, should ex
tend from Ohio to the city of Buffdlo, on a line a
mile and more south of the harbor, at Erie, and
cdtting off the chances of connection with the Sun
bOry and Erie; in the former State, and the New
Ybrk and Erie railroad, in the latter. This arrange
nient may answer the owners of the road better
than the public. It has been assigned as a reason
for this policy that Buffalo is a greater city than
Erie, and that the former should be regardeil as the
eastern termini of the western business. Atlantic
cities will be scarcely willing to adopt this idea.
I however, regard the connection of this -Lake
Shore road, and the Sunbury and Erie, and the Pitts
burg and Erie railroad with the lake; at the harbor
of Erie, as vastly more important to the State and
the city of Erie than the termini of the gauges.—
The harbor at Erie, is one of the safest on the lake,
and its other natural advantages are not surpassed.
It can be connected with the Atlantic cities by a
shorter and better railroad communication than
any other, and it needs but this to place it in pos
session of an immense business-. But it will be in
vain to anticipate, the accumulation of the vast pro
ducts of the country in that harbor, unless facilities
be afforded to transportation to and from it. Nor
is it any more reasonable to present` the condition
of business in the harbor, at this time, as an argu
ment against the construction of such facilities. It
would .be as sensible to expect to discover full
grown corn in the uncultivated forest, as to find the
vast products of the country in a harbor from which
there is no means of transit. The natural advan
tages of this harbor have been thus far rudely re
jected; but this policy, I am confident; cannot be
longer maintained. The increasing•bdsiness of the
country will demand the use of this 'eligible
spot as a necessity; as I am also cdnfidLt, the
connection of the lakes, with. Philadelphia by rail
road, will distinguish an era of renewedlgrowth and
greater prosperity to the city of Erie and the sur
rounding country. 1
I have approached the discussion ol this subject
with much reluctance, because of th unpleasant
feelings which it has excited in certaiti sections of
the country. I have only been constrlained to do
so by a sense of duty to the State in her sovereign
capacity. With the controversy which has been
so vigorously maintained for a year or more at
Erie—with the crimination and re-crimination be
tween the railroad corporations and the citizens,
between conflicting interest at Cleveland, Erie and
Buffalo, and the peculiar policy that each may have
used to accomplish the end in view, I have not felt
required to interfere, nor to correct te various mis
representations of my official act§ in reference to
the late difficulties at Erie. I have felt most con•
cerned for the State and her character. For Penn
sylvania, the birth-place of the Declaration of In
dependence— the prolific mother of brave. hearts and
stout arms, ever ready to defend the country against
foreign aggression—the bulwark of our national
strength in domestic conflicts—the Keystone of the
Federal Arch, and the unfaltering defender of the
Constitution, she will ask only what is right, and
submit to nothing that is wrong. Whilst she will
never l yield her rights to the usurpations of crea
tures of her own, or suffer the invasion of her soy.
.ereiguty . by those of another State, she will never
make au unjust or unreasonable demand upon oth
ers. Claiming her rights and seeking to promote
her own welfare by every proper means, she will
hevertheless rejoice at the prosperity of neighbor
ing States, and. advance their interests by every
just means in her power.
WILLIAM BIGLF.R
EXICIITITZ
Harrisburg, Feb'y 11, 1854.
DB►Ta or Mow Powast.L.—We are pained to
learn the death of Moses Pownall,'Esq. who died
at his residence in the village of Christiana, in
this co, on Saturday evening the 1.1. th inst. Mr. P.,
was a representative in the Legislature for two
sessions and was last year nominated as the Wing
Candidate for Canal Commissioner. He was much
esteemed by his friends and acquaintances over
the State,.and his Ices is deeply lamented by his
more immediate neighbors and friendsi •
STEAMBAOT EZPLOSION.—Tke steam packet
rate Ramey exploded her boiler, in the harbor of
St. LOU* on Friday last, killing four persons out
right, and badly scalding about twenty others.—
Five or six others are missing—.supposed to be
drowned.
A LAIIGZ ROBBERT.--A man residing at Fredo
nia, while on hii way to New York, was robbed
on Wednesday night, near Buffalo, of $14,000, by
two men who had followed him for some distance.
V The French Spoliation Bill has passed the
U. S. Senate, by a vote ol 26 to 17. •
ID" Hon. Jj.zu A. PEARCE: (Whig) of Mary
land, bas been re.eleeted a 11. S. Senator from' that
State.
117 The Canal Commissioners have directed the
Canal. to be opened on the let of Mirth.
CITY AND COUNTY lEMS.T
S. W. WARD DEIZOCRALTiC. linfto.--At a
meeting ofthe Democracy elf the S. W. Ward,held
at the house of Philip Fitzpitrick,lcnigaturdayive
ning February 18th., Capt. GitalllE Hirranstratcrea
was called to the chair, Wm. Barnet find Michael
Shay we:e appointed Tice' : Presidents, and_ C. F.
Voigt, Secretary. . !.
. After proceeding to ballot' the Billowing, per
sons. were unanimously elected Delegatei to
,fep
resent the ward, in the County Convention, viz:
George Coonley, John Fry; WM. S. Amweg, An
drew Dennison and Philip Fitzpatrick:
The following Resolutions were theft offered
and unanimously adopted!-:-.
Resolved, That our Delegates be instructed to
vote for delegates to the State Convention who are
in &vor of the nomination of Wit. Stouts for Gor
ernor, Jr-lir:lnas S. Braes for Judge of the Su
preme Court, and Col. HENRY S. kl,crrr for Canal
Commissioner.
Resolved, That the Democracy of the •South
West Ward entertain the highest regard and es
teem for the Ron. James Buchanan, our distin
guished fellow citizen; that while as neighbors and
friends'we regret his absence from among us, we
rejoice that our country has secured his valuable
services as its Representative at the. Court o 1 St.
James.
(Signed by the Offieera.)
Cormirross. Towtaere•—The following resolu
tions were adopted at the Democratic meeting in
Conestoga, on Saturday last:
Resolved, That the Delegates are instructed to
support Wumest Bica..rm for the nomination of
Governor:ol 'the Mate of Pennsylvania, as our first
choice, since we find no fault with the man.
Resolved, That the delegates are instructed• al
so to, support Jzarmzox S. BLACK for the nomina
tion of Supreme Judge. -
117 By reference to an advertisement in anoth
er column it will be seen that Mr. J. V. Depuy,
No. 41 N. Bth st., Philadelphia, is on hand with
an admirable stock of Spring and Summer . Dry
Goods. Those making their purchases in the city
should favor Mr. D. with a.call.
V' A Masonic Lodge was opened in Columbia,
on Thursday night.
Err A mad dog passed through this city, a few
days since, and bit a number of dogs, most of
which have since been killed. The rabid animal
was pursued and killed, near town. I The Mayor,
accordingly, issued a proclamation, 'requiring the
owner of each dog to have him shut up for thirty
days, under a penalty of five dollars.
RESIDENCES or OUR POLICE OFFICERS. —John
Myer, High street; Jacob Gundaker, corner of
Lime and Church; Philip F. Baker, East King, near
Plumb; George Huffnaglc, Walnut, near Charlotte;
John Kuhns, Mandr, near West King. •
AcKsowLEnomerr-r.—The Union Dorcas Society
gratefully acknowledges the receipt of the very
liberal donations of Hon. Isaac E. Hiester and Mr.
Lapp
jp A Ball will be given by the Columbia Fire
Company on the evening of Wednesday, the 22nd
ins`, the proceeds of which is to be appropriated
towards liquidating the debt of the company.
I. Q. of P.—A meeting of Penn'a Association
No: 38, I. 0. of Phiozetheans, will be held at their
Hall on Wednesday evening, Feb. 22d, at 7 Welk.
Punctudl attendance of all the members is request
ed as business of is to be transacted.
SUSAN OK ESON, P. S.
SU/AN S. HAMBRIGHT, R. S
A. BEAUTIFUL DESIGY.-A few drys since, hap
pening to step in at LEWIS HALDVS Marble Yard,
in North Queen street, our altorition was directed
to several tine, pieces of workmanship—amongst
others, a beautiful Baptismal Font, manufactured
for the First German ttelormed Church. It hae
since been placed in the Church, and is one elfin
neatest ano most appropriate affairs of the kind we
have ever seen. On the front of the pedestal is in
:cibed that beautiful sentiment of the Saviour, 'Suf
fer little children," &c.; and on the top is a bowl,
with a doire perched on its edge—a fitting emblem
of innocence. The design is admirable, and the
workmanship, for neatness and finish, cannot be
surpassed.
MEETING OP Coottcrt.s.—On Tuesday last,Se
lect and Common Councils met in Convention, in
Fulton Hall, to inaugurate the Mayor, and elect
city officers. Mr. Kieffer was introduced to the
Convention by. Mr. Lightner, President of Select
Council and the oath of office was administered by
Hon. H. G. Long.
The following officers were elected: Treasurer
John Zimmerman; Solicitor, Amos Slaymaleer;
City Assessor, Micheal &Wel; Collector of City
Taxes, J. M..Westheaffet; Superintendent of Water
Works, Adam Messenkop, City Regulators, James
C. Carpenter, George Albright and Jacob Dorwart,
Messenger, George Albright.
The election of Street Commissioner was postpon
ed until au adjourned meeting to be held to-clay.
STANDING COMMITTNNS TOR ISs4.—Committee
on Streets.—bles.ra. Carpenter and Morton, Se
lect Connell; and Haughman and Jack of Com
mon Council.
Finance—Messrs. Hamilton and Wilson of Se
lect Council, and Eichelberger and Mathiot o
Common Council.
Water—Messrs. Carpenter, Hamilton and Wise
of Select Council; Steinman, Landis and White of
Common Council.
Markets—Messrs. Gillespie and Morton of Selec
Council; Brooks and Reese of Common Council
Fire Engine and Hose Companies.—Messrs.
Wise, Kramph and Morton of Select Council; and
Price, Troyerand Steinman of Common Council:
-- - .
Buchanan Relief Donation.—Messrs. Carpenter
and Seder of Select Council; Brooka and Wiley, of
Common Council.
Police.—Messre. Wilson, Morton and Gi Ilespie
of Select Council; Wiley, Feddersen and White of
Common Council.
Lamps.—Messrs. Gillespie and Wise of Select
Council, and Springer and Feddersen of Common
Council.
New Market House.- Messrs. Sener and Kramph
of Select Council, Steinman and Mathiot of Gom
mon Council.
The Periodicals.
Tax OLD BIIEWSRT.—Murray & Stoek have
just received this work which has already so large
ly attracted the attention of the :reading public.—
We have not had time to read it; but from the en
comiums of the press everywhere we do not doubt
it is. an excellent work, and will have an immense
run.
GODLY'S LADY'! 11008, for March, is on hand,
handsomely embellished, and well filled, as usual
with reading matter of an interesting character.—
We are glad to learn that this old and well estab
lished periodical continues in a prosperous condi•
than:
ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE Or ART. --The Febru
ary number is peculiarly rich and attractive in its
embellishments. The reading matter is elan of a
highly interesting and instructive character. Pub
lished at New York, by A. Montgomery.
THE POPULAR EDUCATOR, published at the same
plate and by the same person, is algid a highly val
uable work. The February number, in its depart
meats of Language, Geology and Maihematics, is
more than usually interesting and useful.
GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, published at Boston, still
continues its attractions. The wonderis,how Glea
son manages to get up such a paper, at so trifling
a subscription price. His efforts to please we
hope will be attended with abundant success pe
cuniarily and otherwise.
ESTATE OF COL. THOMAS H.Paartis.--It is es
timated that the estate left by Hon. Thomas H.
Perkins, of Boston, will amount to $1,600,000.
By his last will, the sum of $BOO,OOO is to be
equally divided among his six 'surviving children,
and $.1.00,000 is given to the heirs of a deceased
son. His five married children and a grandson are
the residuary legatees. He makes bequeits to his
two sisters and other relatives; but during his life
time made all, the donations he intended for public
institutions.
A 24131 or Motssx.—The United States Mint
at Philadelphia, was established in 1793, since
which date the coinage therein has reached the sum
of $322,228,868. The total coinage at all the Uni
ted States Mind, since their establishment, is three
hundred and eighty-one million, seven hundred and
ninety seven thousand, two hundred and ninety
nine dollars.
PAZ cm POST 111.urrEns—A bill from the Post
office 'Committee of the 11. S. House of Representa-
tives provides an increase of an , averane of about
25 per cent. on the compensation now received by
Postmasters, whose pay does not reach $2,000
per annum. The lower the rates of the present
compensation, the higher, of course, will be the
per centum of the increase.
A.5910212LL1T Or • SOLDIIR'S PAL-AO enlist
ed soldier assigned a portion of his pay in satisfac
tion of a debt. The assignee applied for payment,
which was rifused by the proper officer of the Uni
ted States, on the ground that the act of May 8,
1792, section 4, expressly declares that 'no assign
ment o f pay, made tiller theist day of June next,
by a non-com Missioned officer or private, shall be,
valid. (See Statutes.at large, vol. 1, page 280.)
fr.t . Tbe morning train West and evening train
East no longer run on Sundays—by direction of
the Sulierinteudent.
The r*oposed Uquor - Law.
The Jolloitring synopsis of the bill now pending
in the..Legisliture of this State, for the 4 Suppres.
sion of:the rrnitillecture and sate of intoxicating li
quors as:a beverage," we clip from one 01 our-ex
changes. The bill is too lengthy to be published
entire, but the extracts which we givewill convey
its import : •
Section 1. Provides that no person shall manu
facture Or sell 'spirituous or intOxieitting liquors,
except as provided for in the bill.
2. That the Court of Quarter Sessions shall
point some suitable pertion in each city, boroug
or township, to sell wines and liquors foi
medici
nal, mechanical, chemical and sacramental pur
poses who shall receive a fixed salary.
3. That such agent shall give bond for a true
performance of his duty.
4. Authorizes manufacturers to sell to 'agents ap
•oinred, as aforesaid, by authority of the Court.'
5.' Requires a bond from i the person so author
ized to sell to agents.
6. Dirdats the Court of ‘Zuarter. Sessions to keep
a register of agents appointed, to be open to inspec•
tion at all times.
7. Fixes the penalties for violation of the law
by agents, to fine and imprisonment.
8. Fines recovered under 7th section to go one
half to inforMer and the other half to the county,
and authorizes Justices to issue warrants.
9. Gives the'right of appeal from the award of
a Justtce to the Court.
10. Directs the Court to remove licensed agents
for a breach of the law, and fixes the compensa
tion of the District Attorney. -
11. Provides for the punishment for the manu
facture and sale contrary to the act, and defines
what shall constitute a sale.
12. Gives indictments or other suits under this
act precedence over all other business, and prohib•
its the District Attorney from entering a mile pro
.
aqui.
13. Authorizes search for liquors, when affirma
tion or oath is made by three citizens that liquor
is kept by any person or at any place for sale, and
if, upon trial, it shall be ascertained that such li
quors are kept for sale, it is to be destroyed, except
liquors imported under the litws of the United States
and in their original packages.
14. Requiring public notice to be given when li
quors are Seized and the owner is unknown.
15, Grants appeals from the decison of justices
upon payment of costs.
16. Requires all public officers to arrest any per.
son engaged in selling liquor at any muster, parade,
show, or any other assemblage and take them be-
fore a Justice of the Peace, who shall commit them
to prison. ,
17. Grants the rights of any persbn so arrested
to appeal to Court.
18. Pr'ovides that it any person shall be found
drunk and quarrelsome, he or she shall be arrested
and imprisoned until be shall affidavit and disclose
the place where he obtained the liquor, whereupon
a warrant shall be issued for the person who shall
be tried under the provisions of this act, and it
MUM guilty punished accordingly.
19. Prohibits and person engaged in the unlaw
ful traffic of liquor selling from serving upon any
jury .in any case arising under this act.
20. Removes incompetency of jurors, judges, &c
in consequence of being a citizen of the district in
terested in. the fines recoverable by this act.
21. Prescribes the form of information, warrant
&c.
22. Fixes the lees of the justices of the peace.
23. All payments by labor or otherwise tor li
(our may be recovered by suit.
24. Repeals all former acts inconsistent here
with.
25. Provides that this act shall go into effect on
he . 4th day of July, 1854.
Tee PLOT UNIKASICED.—TWO weeks since, says
the Erie Observer, in noticing one or two points in
the 'unwritten history' of our railroad difficulties,
we briefly alluded to a plot we had reason to be
lieve existed on &e part of the railroad monopolies,
to form a cciinbidation of interests and enter into a
grand bankinischeme, the securities of which were
to be the stocks of their several improvements.—
The existence of ouch a scheme might have been
doubted by some perhaps, but that it actually ex
isted we are as certain as of anything of which we
are not actually a participant. The Philadelphia
North .tfinsrican is also of the same opinion.. In an
article under the head of the 'Plot Unmasked,' the
•
Editor says:
'We have said that the New Yorkers, in asking
permission to extend their road to Erie, sought the
privilege merely as a •,stepping atone to more im
portant advantages. We go further, and say, that
it was but a part of a grand plot, which, hatlit not
been frustrated at Erie, would, in its ultimate de.
velopment, have kiven just occasion for alarm and
resentment throughout the country. The pro
gramme of operations, as communicated to us from
an entirely reliable and responsible source—a per
son to whom it was confessed by a New Yorker,
was as lollows: •
'lt was arranged that as soon as the through
track of tour feet ten inches, crossing Erie county,
was successfully laid down, the whole series of
railroads reaching lrom Buffalo to Cincinnati, should
be consolidated, and a mail contract for a fast line
entered into with the government for a term of
years, by which means the chances of Pennsylva
nia for the trade of the Lakes were to be absolute
ly and utterly cut off. It had also been concerted
that the Western, the Hudson river, and the Alba
ny and Buffalo railroads should be consolidated with
the roads leading from Cleveland to St. Louis, and
with this coalition perfected, a bill was to be pass.
ed through the Legislature of New York amending
the free banking law of that State, so as to make
the stock and bonds of theabove named railroads
the banking basis. Buffalo was to have been the
seat of the great banking house of the companies,
whose means and energies were to be concentrated'
with the aid 01 the State, in the event of the pas
sage of Senator Seward's bill ; for the purpose of
building the Pacific railroad.,
AN EXTENSIVE Czarsz.—Suits have been issued
in Philadelphia, by parties in England, to obtain
possession of several squares of property in that
city. The suit of course creates much excitement.
The Newt makes the lollowing mention of the
matter:
• We understand that during the last week writs
of ejectment were served on a large portion of our
citizens resident ann owning property in the west
ern part of the city, at the suit of parties claiming
property to•the amount of several millions of dol
lars. The claim, as we understand it, is made to
embrace a number of blocks or solid squares, in
the city, uqon which are erected some of the finest
and most costly buildings in it. The square from -
Tenth to Eleventh and from Walnut to Chestnut
streets, including the - Assembly Buildings; that
from Seventeenth .to Eighteenth and from Cneatnut
to. Walnut streets, embracing the most costly block
which is to be found on the entire length of Wal
nut street; mid that from Nineteenth to Twentieth
and from Chestnut to Walnut stieets which takes
the splendid palace of Mrs. Rush, constitutes as we
.learn, the blocks claimed in the southern section of
the:cityproper. It is also undersiood l that correspond
ing blocks north of these, within the city limits. are
claimed by the same parties, with varicins prop
erties in other parts of the county.
The parties claiming as plaintiff in the write are
Wm. L. Bostwick; Wm. and Francis Mary
Halstead, David i and Mkrgaretta G. Moor, Theodore
Glentworth, and some twenty others as heirs of
the
the originaliproprietor. Ibis said that the parties
claim as the heirs of a peison named Budden, who
is said•to have received title under Wan. Penu, who
died something more than a century since, leaving,
a widow as his executrix. Tne widow, it appears
according to the allegations, had no power given
her to sell any-part of the estate of the: deceased,
and therefore made leases for ninety-nine years, the
longest. period permittell by the law. These ,eases
have now expired, and toe heirs claim that no
conveyance has ever been made by any party
having absolute right to convey, and that therefore
the right of possession or title in this vast amount
is in them and not in the parties who hold it. What is
likely to be the result of the matter, it is of course
difficult to determine.
Err The Harrisburg Keystone says General
Purviance, late Auditor General, as attorney for
the Commonwealth, has received from the Bank of
Pennsylvania, and paid into the treasury, $40,532,-
36. This.inrn was 'paid on a Judgment rendered
against the bank for tax on dividends imposed by a
general law pissed in 1848, which was resisted by
the bank, on the allegation that it did not apply to
that institution. The recovery settles a principle
upon which• the bank will be compelled to pay the
State the further sum of $150,000 hereafter.'
I' The Postmaster General has decided that
'an actual subscriber to a weekly newspaper, resi-
Mot -within the county where the same is printed
and ptiblished t l entitled to reeeivissuch paper free
of postage ati any office in an adjoining county,
provided such office is the one at which be usually
receives communications by mail.'
XACILIII*Congr
Sara...vs—The Secofi.l
Report of hislexploratio'
ordeied to be*printed..
i
Mr. Stuart) intro a resolution instructing
the Committee on m eree to report the River`:
and Harbor 4ippr;riat on Bill. Objection beingi
made, the resoluti yea laid over under the rules being
made,
Rusk introduced bill making provision tort'
the surviving ipfricers cif he Texan navy. /
i,
The French Spoiled° bill was then taken op I!
and passed., Yeas #.,,n‘tys 17.
TneTbal tolcede tii Ohio all the public lands re
maining unsold in that litate, was ordered to be en
grossed.
The Setiats then akai resumed the consideration
of the Nebraska territor al bill.
.
Mr. Houston, in,cUntiuing his remarks, spoke
in high terms of the Ind an ,character . He said he
never knew the Indians o break a treaty. He was
opposed to the bill on thr ee, l great and prominent
grounds, which were.t hese : . Nebraska was yet
without a sufficient pop lation; kansas was entire
ly an Indian tenacity; a L td lastly, it provided for
the repeal of the Miami ri compromise. He was
opposed to all the provisi ons of the bill relating to
the Indians, and especily to that repealing the
Missouri compromise, uon which we had always•
stood. He (Mr. HOUSIO i] stood upon that ground
on the Oregon bill, and he South sustained him.—
It
That compromise forme a part ol the supreme
law of Texas. '
_
He- firmly upon the compromise acts ol
1850 and was the only nator now present who
voted for every measure mbraced in that series of
acts. He considered hose measures at that
time a finality of the; sla,Yery agitation, and they •
had been so accepted, and approved by the whole
people of the United Stales. He'would not repeal
the Missouri compact, for the reason that he fore
saw that such a cause would lead to excitement
and agitation. One corn tact set aside was nothing
more nor less than giviwr to animosity the oppor-.
[unity of trampling anot.er under loot.
He _wanted to support the Administration by vo
ting against this bill, on be principle avowed by
the President in acceptin: the nomination by the
Baltimore Convention. He would stand by the
Compromise. [He then i read the resolution adopt.
ed by the Baltimore Cofivention.] The South had
not asked for this measute. It would reFult in no
benefit to the South. It !mink! apply the knife to
their throats. In conclukion, he said he came in
to Congress thirty years! dgo,, when the Missouri
Compromise was betore he country. There were
only three here now wh , were here then—Mr. Ev
erett, Mr. Benton, and imself. [tie spoke until
hall-past two o
The amendment of
ed—yeas 35, nays 10.
The nays on the ques
Chace, Do"dge, 01 Wiscon,
Houston, Seward, Sumne!
on were Messrs. Allen,
in, Everett, Flbtl, Foot,
and Wade-10.
Mr. Chase then move
alter the amendment of
to amend by iiiterting
r. Douglas, the words—
of the territory, through
tatives may, it they cee
ot slavery therein.'
-ert after the word pro
uce.'
out ot order.
'Under which, the peopl
their appropriate represe
fit, prohibit the existence
Mr. Pratt moved to in i
hibit, the words 'or intro
The motion was ruled
The amendment of M
sed by Messrs. Chase, Pr.
neasee, Brown, Douglas,
The sobject was then
The Senate adjourned.
O. Chase was then discus
tt, Shields, June's, of Ten
Cass, Butler and Weller.
postponed, and
Pennsylvania / Legislature.
HAIIIiIBIIOIW, Feb. 17, lSh4.
The Speaker laid before the Senate the annual
report of the SuPerintendent of Common Schools. ,
i
Mr. Hiester reported a hill supplementary to the
act relative to the hours Haber.
Mr. McClinto::k hum t e Committee on educa
tion, reported a bill suppltmentary to the Common
School law.
Mr. Putt reported a bill to regulate the pay of
constables for attendance.
Mr. Hamilton read in lace a bill to incorporate
the Exchange, Deposit a d Discount Institution of -
Philadelphia.
The bill relative to divorcee was taken up, and
passing through Committ ' e of the Whole was post
poned.
The Senate then adjou ned.
.. .
house.—The following, together with a number
of other bills, were reported:
A supplement to the a* incorporating the Phil
adelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad Company
A bill to provide forte appointment of an in
spector of Quercitron Bar, at Philadelphia.
Mr. Kunkel reported a bill to authorize the
Board of Ci.nal Commissioners to examine and
settle the claims of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company for damages.
Mr. Mellinger, from the Committee on Banks '
reported a bill to extend the charter of the Bank
of Gettysburg.
The bill to authorize the Commissioners of the
District of Spring GardeiTo subscribe to the capi
tal stock of the liempfiel Railroad Company,was
taken up, and after a lengthy debate, passed Com
mittee of the Whole and .vas then postponed.
The 'louse then proceeded to the consideration
of a bill to incorporate a ompany for the purchase
of the Main Line of the • üblic Works.
The bill pussed Comm 0
being reported to the Roil
The bill to divorce Th e t
ry Ann his wife, was
length; and finally passed
4b; nays 28. , i
The House then adjoui•
r
LIIIIIIILLTIVE.—The lo I
passed the Hciuse:—An a
county, the first and sec
the 13th of April, A. .D,
protection of fruit, and 1
counties in this Commonf
tee of the Whole, and
Ise was postponed.
Inas P. Moore from Ma
ebated at considerable
a second readitig—yeas
lowing bills have linally
to extend to Lancaster
.nd sections of the act of
, 1853, relative to the
unish trespass in certain
wealth.
An act relating,to do,
Northampton and Lanc••
, s in Allegheny, Chester
ter counties.
uity to Christian Hattie
, , a soldier of the Revo•
An act granting an an
man, of Lancaster count
lutionary war.
Sr.ofs Tun PIIIZEPION as—Desperate Aitemt at
I , '
Escape,—Sherifl Heffelfis er left this place- on
Wednesday of last 'week r Harrisburg 4, there to i
procure a requisition Iro Governor Bigler, and i
(c . ri
to proceed to Baltimore t the purpose of bringing
Sloan, the prize fighter t the jail 01 this county, I
he having been previousl arrested and was await
ing the legal requp-ments for hie removal. He left
Baltimore with tam in Ch rge by,.the Friday eve
ning train for PhiladelPh a. On the road he corn-
plained of his hand-cuffs h i. rting, and requested the -
sheriff to take them otE Has hands beginiryglo swell
the request of the prisons was granted, the Sher
iff at the same time sho attempt
him a Colts revolver
and telling him that any attempt at escape would
compel him to use it as a preventative. When the
train was within eight or ten miles of Philadephia,
some confusion in regar to baggage occured in
the back part ot the car, he Sheriff cast his eye
away from Sloan who sy • sitting on the seat next
in trout, and in a moment he sprang to,,and out
of the door of the car, andthen Jumped - from the
train while ii was at lull ff
i ipeed. Sheri Heffelfinger
performed the same teat early the same moment.
The Sheriff recoverrd Iroin the shock of the fear
ful leap firat,.drew his pist.l pulled the trigger, and
fortunately for Sloan th‘ cap 'exploded without
igniting the charge other ise he would have been
a dead man. He beggedpit
shoot again. He immedia
him with the hand-curls,
on foot towards Pailadelp.
three miles the locomoti
them, and landed both safe
qrs of the train. were not
its arrival, when they wer
and the engine was disp
missing men. Sloan had
train who cut the.signal r
cars to the engineer and g
run. Sheriff Heffelfinger
brow bruised and scratch'
by jumbing from the
much injured, and the pro]
on the leg prevented Ms
that both were not insanity
by our new officer settles
ally, We think a dozen
nave tortured us to run so
toualy ofthe Sheriff not to
ely seized him, secured
d they started together
ia. Atter walking about
e returned in search of
y in the city. The oil
ware of the tact until
• informed of the fact
tcbed in search of the
an accomplice .on the
• pe running
iip
badly
cut, h
along the is
; ye him notice when to
ad h
i
t, and one shoulder hurt
a. Sloan was quite as
ability is that a wound
escape. The wonder is
killed. This daring feat
is pluck pretty effectn
cn culprits would not
• a terribleklsk, but We
I.ermitted to escape the
supposeir he bad been
anuab.ie bublic would hav
knowingly, and iurnished
bow the matter was mans,
much he received for Jew
Chester figruOtican.
amok its head very
mill) , reasons to show
ed by the Sheriff—how
him run &c.-7 West
11:7" The'Maine ;Liquor
Senate, on Wednesday last
The vote was on the eighth
for searching houses in wit
ter the defeatrot this sect
measure abandoned it; but
be brought up again, as t
absent when the-vote was
sad to submit the matter t
The friends of the meisur
have the'whole lo'at' or 'n
oppose any halfway meas
Ire•
ill was defeated in the
by a majority of one.
section, which provides
ch liquor is kept. At
on, the friends of the
he matter will no doubt
ere were two Senators
aken. The bill propo
s vote of the people.
• seem determined to
bread at all,' and will
Railroad despatched
, n Monday week, one
.roduee• The Company
upon the••aame clay,
river, 550 tons '
of dry
railroad and pig
,iron.
t and profitable bud-
arThe Pennsylvania
Eastward from Pittsburg,l
thousand and tlftY tons of
received from the 'EaStWar l
which It shipped down t 6!
goods, and 300 tour of
The railroad is doing a v.
nem in freight and pawn!
e ---First Session
VIrABZINGTON, Feb. 15.
part of Lieut. Heraden'e
of the Amazon river was
Douglas was then adopt