Auttiligatter&louritzd
GEO. SANDERSON, : EDITGR.
LANCASTER, MARCH 18;'1855.
Gen. John Weidman.
Sel. Gen. dom.; Weimar; of Debanon, has
published a pamphlet, (cimtaining a rejoinder
to the attempt made by SIMON CAMERON to
justify his conduct towards the Winnebago
Indians,)in which he deals some severe blows
at the Knov?-Nothing candidate for 11. S. Sen
ator. One of the charges is that. Cameron,
upon a certain occasion, attempted to brae him
(Weidman) in his own house! Gen. W. is a
host within himself, and being an honest man
and' a highly{ 'intelligent and true hearted
Democrat, wbbse integrity i's•well known , and
appreciated every where, has done more to pre
vent the election of the Winnebago Chief to
the Senate, than perhaps any other man in
the Commonwealth. He has thus placed the
Democracy of the State under lasting obliga
tions, and the honest men of all parties will
bear him in grateful remembrance. ' Nothing
would afford us more pleaeure than to see this
tearless, incorruptible and talented Democrat
in the Gubernatorial chair of Pennsylvania:
With such an Executive, the Goths and Van
dals Would be banished from the Capital, and
our honest old Commonwealth once more re
sume her former proud and exalted position
amongst her sister States. •
Gen. WEIDMAN is no. office seeker, nor do
we know that he would be willing to accept a
nomination for any office in the gift of the
people ; but this much we do know that, if he
would have it, a better man, in all respects,
could not be elevated to the Chief Magistracy,
nor one who would more fearlessly and honest
ly administer the Government.
Legislative Letter to George Law.
The Speaker of the House of Representa
tives, at Harrisburg, and a large number of
the Know Nothing members of both branches
of the Legislature, have addressed a letter to
George Law, of New York, sounding him up
on national affairs, and asking him to take the
field as the Presidential candidate of that par
ty and the champion of its principles. A long
letter from him in reply, is pUblished in the
New York papers, in which he toes the mark
square up in favor of all their proscriptive and
unconstitutional doctrines, which, we presume,
will' be perfectly satisfactory to Speaker
Strong and his coadjutors.
George Law for the Presidency I A fit can
didate for the Know Nothings, to be sure.
He is emphatically a natural born Know Noth
ing, except so far as making money is concern
ed; for nobody, who is acquainted with the
man, (except a Know Nothing) would for one
moment suppose that he had the first qualifi
cation for the Presidency. This same George
Law is the steamboat nabob of the city /New
York—the head of the Cuban Fillibusters of
that place—the ally of Lopez—and the owner
of some silty ur seventy thousand old mus
kets,i purchased from the Government and
'and
held in readiness for any expeditio that-
furnishesa good speculation. Thes are
strange times, and strange specimens of hu
manity are brought on the stage of action.
No marvel (after the attempt by these same .
men to elect Simon Cameron to the U. S.
Senate). that George Law should be brought
out for the Presidency, nor that such men as
-
Henry K. Strong and his Know Nothing col
leagues in the Legislature should be found
willing to run up his flag for the coming cam
paign I Ifvbe could only be elected, what a
rich time they would have in plundering the
coffers of the Nation. What an honest party
these Know Nothings are!'
Important Correspondence
We make no apology for occupying so much
of our room this week with the celebrated Os
tend proceedings, about which we heard so
much last autumn. Upon the call of Congress,
the President has made a portion of the corre
spondence public, and its great importance
will attract universal attention. Especially
will that be the case in reference to the letter
from our Ministers to the Secretary of State.
This document is evidently • &mil the pen of
Mr. BrCHANAN, hearing, as it does, the im
press of his great intellect, and the open,
straightforward diplomacy which has always
characterized his productions when treatingon
the subject of our foreign relations. We com
mend it to the careful perusal of all our read
ers.
VD- The Carlisle Volunteer is out strongly
against the election of Slum CAMERON to the
U. S. Senate. The same may be said of the
Warren Ledger. This makes eighty-sevenpapers,
in this State, to our knowledge, which are ar
rayed in opposition, whilst but five or six have
taken ground in hiS favor ! Some six•or eight
preserve what might be called an "armedneu
trality." At least seven to one of, all the pa
pers in the Commonwealth, are down on the
Winnebago Chief, and oppose his elec
tion, and we have no doubt that they
but express the opinion of nine-tenths of
the people of Pennsylvania. Many of the
Democratic papers in the adjoining States of
.New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia
and Ohio, are also arrayed against CAMERON ;
for they know him to be a corrupt and de
'signing trickster, totally unworthy the exalted
position to which he aspires.
A Correction 3
We are authorized by Dr. J. B. STUBBi,
LATER BROWN and' & W. P. Born, to con
tradict, in the most emphatic manner, the
statement of our correspondent, "J. 8.," in last
week's paper, that they were members of a
Know-Nothing Society which is alleged to
have met at Temperance Hall, in that town
ship. If their denial is correct, and we Lave
no reason to doubt it, our correspondent must
either- have been imposed upon, or else he
made a .wilful misstatement. At all events,
we take pleasure in making the correction.
Jser' THE AMERICAN, is the title of a new
paper just started at Carlisle, by GEO. Zatix,
Esq.,.late WII;g Prothonotary of Cumberland
county. As its name imports, it is to be the
organ of the Know-Nothings in that county.
It is a neatly printed paper, but like several
other proscriptive organs film have sprung up
within the last twelve months, in various parts
of the country, it will, in all probability, have
but a brief and sickly existence. Personally,
the Editor is a clever fellow.
The Tables Turnings
.tt the municipal elections held last week
in Detroit, Michigan; and Syracuse, Oswego,
Troy and Utica, N. York, the Know Nothings
hail) been routed "horse, foot and dragoons."
The " sober second thought" of the people
will soon bring all things to rights again.
Its. Messrs. GROSS, NORTH, HERR & WIT
HER will accept our thanks for-their continued
New Books, Elertodlcals, &c
HARPER' 3 31aanzisk, for 31arch, is ono of the most inter
esting numbers we have ever read of this standard work.
The account of Lieut. Strain's exploring expedition across
the Isthmus of Darien, Is, Itself, worth More than the
price ofthe number—to say nothing of the many other ex
cellent articles contained in it.
Tax r. S. Arms; for March, has several powerful arti
cles on various subjects. Tlutt on "Greek and Roman Lit
erature," is peculiarly.so—as also on "The Fall of Sebasto
pol." This excellent work merits a large and extensive
patronage.
Tur P.Mmartvests Scnom, Jornsm., for March, Ls Ailed
with matter highly interesting to Teachersand the friends
of Education generally. Edited by T. H. Bratamrta,Paq., and
published. at $1 per annum, inventibly in advance.
Winnebagoism BxposedS
BY THE ILMiILSBURG CORIIESPOI,fD.MCT OF THE
NORTH AMERICAS.
One of Mr. Cameron's characteristic trait)
was stzik.ingly exhibited during the canvass
recently,closed—diat is, the4acility with
which he ve i l change his opinitina. Your read= .
era will recollect that about sii - weelrlisincel
iepublishedin a letter the substanceofthe
ceedings of the Demperatie Confity Convention
of pauphin county,held at Harrishark otiAhe
2d of September last, to which Mr. Camernn
was a delegate, of which he controlled the
nominations and movements, and whose reso
lutions, then adopted, were, . if not actually
drawn by him, certainly expressive of the po
litical opinions he then entertained. One of
these resolutions congratulated Henry S: Mott
fur his "manly reputation of Know Nothing
ism;" another endorsed the Nebraska K on99
bill, as containing the true republican doc
trine, which could work no community's in-'
jury; and a third denounced the proscriptive
and intolerant principlesolKnow Nothingism,
and declared it to be the duty of Democrats to
oppose all candidates for office who were known
to have any connexion with that order. These
resolutions were published in one of my let
ters to the North American, in the early port_
of the session, and do not now require a re
publication. Mr:Cameron found them a cod
stunt stumbling block; and, doubtless, bitterly
regretted Their ever having been introduced
and passed. No sane man can doubt that they
expressed his real ideas; for then, few antici
pated a Democratic defeat, and Mr. Cameron .
was seeking, by professions of orthodoxy, to
regain the position in the Democratic ranks
from which he had been many years expelled
—a view which is strikingly corroborated by
the letter I subjoin, and particularly its clo
sing paragraph. Times have been changed ;
Americanism has triumphed; and Mr. Simon
Cameron has proved w be a regular American
and not only an American, but an Anti-Sla
very American, of which the proof is his let
ter of pledges to Mr. Kirkpatrick, of the Alle
gheny county delegation, (who has the origi
ualletter in his possession), dated February
9th, 1855—five months, lacking a week, after
the period he declared himself a Nebraska
man, and a hater of Americanism.
In this letter to Mr. Kirkpatrick, Mr. Cam
eron makes these declarations:—First, that
freni the introduction of the Nebraska bill in
to Congress, he has been opposed to it, and
ever will be. Second, that, if made Senator,
he would use all honorable and fair means to
effect the restoration of the so-called Missouri
Compromise. Third, that if made Senator,
he would use all honorable and fair means in
his power to effect the repeal of the Fugitive
Slave Law. Fourth, that, if made Senator,
he would vote to exclude slavery from the
Territories now belonging, or hereafter to be
long, to the United States. Fifth, that, if
made Senator, he would oppose the extension
of slavery over territory now free, or any
where or at any time, now or laereafter,where
ever, or whenever it may be lendeavored, by
its friends, to introduce it. Sixth, that, if
made Senatur,hewouldprotect andpreserve in
violate the rights,immunities, and privileges of
the North against all encroachments from the
South. Seventh, that if made Senator, he
would vote fur such a system of public rates
and duties as would guard home industry, &c.
Eighth, that he adheres to the doctrines of his
speech of July 19, 1846, on the Tariff. Ninth,
that he is in favor of river and harbor improv
ments, and *lures the Executive vetoes of
river anal harbor bills; and, Tenth, that he is
in favor of such a change 111 our naturaliza
tion laws as will require a residence of twenty
one years prior to giving immigrants the right
of suffrage. This is his platform of February
1855. His platform of September, 1854, was
as essentially and totally different as it was
possible for two declarations of sentiment to
be. Yet, such a man—so regardless of polit
ical principle—so unsettled iii his convictions
as unscrupulously to change them at will to
gain a supposed advantage, was not only im
pertinently a candidate for the high office of a
senator of the United States, but actually re
ceived a nomination from a portion of the
American party, polled a larger vote than any
other candidate in. the senatorial Convention,
and thought he had the coveted prize within
his grasp. And this in the State of Pennsyl
vania, the mass of whose citizens are too hon
est to tolerate such tricksters, and with too
much self-respect to desire their elevation.
Some of Mr. Cameron's friends attempted
tu create the impression that the pro-Shivery
and anti-American resolutions of the Septem
ber Dauphin Co., Convention did not declare
his real sentiments; but that question is set
tled by the following letter from a leading cit
izen of this borough, whose character is above
suspicion, and whose testimony no one will
dare impeach. It shows precisely where Si
moo Cameron - Was in September, 1854, and
proves his hypocrisy in now pretending to
told opinions of an entirely opposite charac
ter. It is well this should be made known
that the public—Americans particularly-may
• be warned of the character of this man, and
, take early and effectual steps to save their
, party the disgrace which would inevitably '
at
tend the election, by the next Legislature, of
Simon Cameron to the U. S. Senate. I ap
pend the fetter of Mr. Alricks, addressed to a
very intelligent and worthy member of the
House, from Montgomery county t
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26, 1855.
Hon. H. N. WICKERSHAM :
Dear Sir :—I received yours of this date,and
although I am much engaged, I will -prompt
ly answer your interrogatories.
I was a delegate, from the North Waid of
this borough, to the Democratic County Con
vention, which assembled in the Court House,
on the 2d September last, and passed a series
of resolutions to which you refer, and was
present during the entire sitting. Simon Cam
eron was also present—he was also a substi
tute for a delegate who had been elected to
represent Upper Swatara township.
To your Ist Interrogatory—" Were those
resolutions prepared by Simon Cameron? "
I answer, I do not know; but their existence
was first publicly made known to the conven
tion by Simon Cameron announcing that there
was a gentleman present who had resolutions
prepared, and therefore it would neither be
necessary to appoint a committee on resolu
tions, not for the convention to meet in the af
ternoon, as they could be immediately acted
on.
2d Question.—" Were they passed in that
convention ? " I answer in the affirmative.
3d Question—" Were they unanimously
passed?" I answer, they were. It is proper
to say here, that after Simon Cameron made
the annunciation that agentleman present had
resolutions prepared, and was again seated,
some minutes passed without any motion be
ing made. I then stated that I had resolu
tions, which I begged leave to offer; whereup
on the chair, at the instance of Simon Came
ron, ruled that 1 had not the floor first, conse
qaently those which I drafted were not pre
sented, but inasmuch as' they embody my
views on some of the questions at issue in the
late contest, I herewith transmit a copy of
two of the most prominent of them, that I
may be correctly understood.
4th Interrogatury.—'.Was Simon Cameron
active in that convention ?" I answer, he
was as active as if his future political success,
measurably depended on the decision and ac
tion of that body. One of the resolutions sub
sequently offered by the gentleman who Simon
Cameron announced had them in his posses
sion, recommended Simon Cameron for the of
fice of United States Senator; but, on my sta
ting that I would offer a substitute for the res
olution last-named, it was withdrawn, at the
suggestion of Simon Cameron. When the
resolutions (as you will find them published
with our proceedings) werelflopted, he made
a short appeal and gave his word' and honor
that he would not be a candidate for U. S.
Senator, unless nominated by u the democratic
i caucus, which was loudly applauded by his
select friends, who were present on the occa
' sion.
These facts are within the recollection of
Yours; most respectfully,_
HAMILTON ALRICKS
This letter conclusively proves that Mr.
Cameron, in September last, stood upon the
ultra Democratic platform, knew of the exis
tence of the anti-American and pro-slavery
resolutions the Convention passed, had them
brought before the Convention, and approved
them; and, in addition, then pledged himself
nut to he a candidate fir the U. S. Senato ex
cept as the nominee of the Democratic caucus.
Every reader will make his own comments on
this disclosure, and fohn his own opinioU 'of
the man unprincipled enough to play the dis
graceful part Mr. Cameron has recently at
tempted, and in -which he has, most righteous
ly and fortunately, utterly failed.
M.. The charter election in Milwauki,
has resulted in the success of the whole Dem
ocratic ticket. J. B. Cross, the Mayor, has
1400 majority over the Know-Nothing candi
date.
• 7A.S.V.E . :GTON, March 5 1855.
Tlie Soule,correspondence will make an oc
tavoE It has
_gone back to the State
Derlartment.
The first letter is from,Xr. Marcy to Mr.
Soule dated July 23, 1853;'-=After showing
that Cuba, from its vest agieulturdresoupes
anotiveallli,•;ita fine •Climate,_&e. is vastly - au-
Rerior to any other ;West India, Island, and
suAiing ititimportatice to-the United States,
fram the ..proximity to ()Ur - coasts,' that it is
very difficult for Spain to maintain its posses
sion of it, Mr. Marcy goes on to say what is
our policy in regard to it, and for that pur
pose quotes the instructions given to our Min-
istersin France and Great Britain in regard
to the interferencenf these two Powers in Cuban
affairs. He deprecates proteetiOn by aily*Eu
repean power to Cuba to enable Spain to main
tain herrule overit. Incase of collision with the
United States, such protecting power would
be in as good .condition to make use of that
island to annoy us, as it would be if it were
in actual possession. He alludes to British
interference in Central. America to show what
grotection means. While Spain remains the
Sovereign of Cuba, she can depend upon our
maintaining our duty as a neutral nation to
wards her. Mr. Marcy says our Neutrality
Laws are now as stiong as they can be made
without unjust interference watt the rights of
,our citizens—that every proper effort will be
made to enforce them in case of revolution in
Cuba. But necessarily, in such revolution,
many discontented subj,ects of Spain will leave
our shores to join their countrymen in the ef
fort to throw off the ydke of Spain. Mr. Soule
is charged to do away\ with the suspicion of
the Spanish Government that this Government
is disposed to encourage fillibuster descents
upon the island, by presenting our past course
upon such attempts. Mr. Marcy alludes to
the offer of Mr. Polk to purchase Cuba, but
doubts if Mr. Soule will find Spain willing to
enter into any such negotiation now. He says
there is reason to believe she is under obliga
tion to France and Great Britain to the con
trary, from the fact that these powers sent
their fleets to be assistants in the Cuban dis
turbance; from the proposition for a conven
tion to secure the island for all time to Spain,
and to their joint protest against the views of
Mr. Everett to M. Sartiges, in December 18,
1852.
Mr. Marcy thinks a proposition to purchase
would be attended with injurious consequen
ces, and Mr. Soule is instructed to ascertain
what arrangements have been made with
Great Britain and France in regard to sus
taining the dominion of Spain. If either of
them have urged a change in regard to sla
very in the Island, Mr. Marcy thinks Spain
may be induced to see that she cannot long
hold Cuba, and may be disposed to make it
independent of her, retaining some commer
cial advantages, &c. If Spain would do this,
the United States would have no further anx.
iety in regard to European domination, and
would probably contribute something more
substantial than good will toward such an end.
If Cuba is to remain in possession of Spain
we have a right to demand exemption from
the annoyance which the exercise of her arhi
trap, power to repress disturbances gives our
flag. We will not submit to detention and
search of our vessels. Our demands for wrongs
inflicted upon our citizens have not been at
tended to, or have been met by unsatisfactory
explanations. .This must be remedied. The
Captain General ought to have power to ac
cord redress as well as to inflict injury. We
want also a Commercial Treaty with Spain,
that the export only in her colonies may be
done away with, that we may have the same
advantages in trade we accord her, we being
prohibited by law from assessing export duties.
The second letter is from Mr. Marcy to Mr.
Buchanan, July. 2, 1853, in which he coin
plains of the course of Great Britain in keep-,
ing large fleets on the Cuban coast to watch
us.
When a country by her despotism ooads
her people to revolution, she has no better
right to invoke foreign aid to suppress it than
the revolutionists hove in support of their
cause. We will not quietly submit to the im
portation of free Africans into Cuba with the
object of making that Island worthless to us
when Spain finds she can no longer hold it;
and Great Britain and France must he made
aware of this. Mr. Buchanan, if he finds
Great Britain has any arrangements with
Spain detrimental to our interests in regard
to Cuba, must use his best endeavors to induce
her to abandon them.
Mr. Marcy to Mr. Soule, March 11th, 1854,
recounts the Black Warrior outrage in indig
nant terms, instructs Mr. Soule to demand
redress, but recommends no specific means to
get it.
March 17th, 1854, same to same, in regard
to. Black Warrior, says the country will not
brook any delay in the settlement of that out
rage. Demands 8300,000 indemnity to own
ers, and does not expect Mr. Soule to discuss
that matter much with the Spanish govern
ment.
If Spain seeks to delay or evade the
payment, it will be considered an aggravation
of the wrong. Spain must at once pay and
disclaim the action of her officers in Cuba, or
assume the responsibility of such action,
and refuse our claim.
Here follows the printed Black Warrior
documents, sent to the House March 15, 1854.
Mr. Marcy to Mr. Soule, April 3, 1854, fears
that a project is on foot to introduce a new
system of agricultural labor into Cuba, and
the President, in consequence, deems it pro
per to give Mr. Soule full powers to negotiate
for the purchase of Cuba. He thinks
the difficulties in regard to the pur
chase may have been partially removed by the
late change in the Spanish government. If
not disposed to sell, still he thinks for the quid
pro quo he:would consent to the independence of
the Island, and offers to aid Spain in plotting
to bring about such independence. He again
deprecates the African colonization scheme,
and directs our Minister to ascertain if any
such scheme is in contemplation.
Mr. Marcy to Mr. Soule.
"Extracts No. 19."
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, Aug. 16, 1854.
PIERRE SouLt, Esq.,&c., &c., Madrid:
Sir: I am directd by the President to sug
gest to you a particular step, from • which he
anticipated much advantage to the negotia
tions with which you are charged on the sub
ject of Cuba.
These, and other considerations which -will
readily occur to you, suggest that much rimy
be done at London and Paris either to pro
mote directly the great object in view, or, at
least, to clear away impediments to its_success
summation.
Under these circumstances it seems desira
ble that there should be a full and free inter
change of views between yourself, Mr. Bu
chanan, and Mr. Mason, in order to secure a
concurrence in reference to the general object.
The simplest, and only very apparent moans
of attaining this end, is for the three M inis
ters to meet as early as may be, at some con
venient point, say Paris, to consult together,
to compare opinions as to what may be a dvi
sable, and to adopt proper measures for per
concert of action in aid of your negotia
tions at Madrid. While the President, its I
have before had occasion to state, has full con
fidence in your own intelligence and saga city,
he conceives that it cannot he otherwise than
agreeable to you and your colleagues in Great
Britain and France to have the consultration
suggested, and thus to bring your common
wisdom and knowledge to bear simultantious
ly upon the negotiations at Madrid, London
and Paris.
If you concur in these Views, youwill pl.edse
to fix the time when you can repair to Paris,
or to such other convenientpoint.
W. L. .MARC
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE OSTEND CONFERENCE
WASHINGTON, Monday, March 5, 185.5
The following is the official report made to
the Secretary of State of the results of the, cel
'ebrated Ostend Convention:
Aix LA CHAPELLE, Oct. 18, 185 4.
To Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary of State :
Ste—The undersigned, in compliance •with
the wish expressed by the President in the
several confidential despatches you have ad
dressed to us respectively, to that effect, 'have,
met in conference—first at Ostend, in B elgi
um, on the 9th,loth and 11th inst., and then
at Aix La Chapelle, in Prussia, on the day's
next following, up to the date hereof. There
has been a full and unreserved interchange of
views and sentiments between us, which, we
)
are most happy to info you, has resulted in
a cordial coincidence of inion on the grave
and important subject ridded to our con
sideration. We have arrive at the conclusion,
and are thoroughly convin d, that an imme
diate and earnest effort ought to be made by
the government of the Unit d ',States to pur
chase Cuba from Spain, at a y price for which
it ce,n be obtained; not axe edmg the sum 2,1,
dollars. The pro sal should, in our
opinion,be made in sue a manner as to be
presentd througli the cessary diplomatic
forms to the 'Supreme Constituent Cortes,
about to assemble on the momentous question,
.
.thif - both tiflphin - aturthe -
United Stites are so deeply' inteilsted. All
our meeedings ought to be open, frank and
pith* , = - They should be of such a character
saienhallenge the approbation of the world.
We firmly believe that, in the,progress of Mt
.
makevdnts, the time has aritved, wheq,:the ci
tal haterestaof Spain are as seridiely , iiiiolved
'the sale as those of the United States in 4e
purchase of the island; and th4:the trandac
ticn will_prove equally honorable:to both.ta
dons. - L Under these mrcumstani:es we dinnot
.
anticipate a failure, unless piiiisibly 'through
the malign influence of foreign powers, who
possess ti 6 right 'whatever to interfere in the
matter. - We proceed to state some of the
reasons which have brought us to this con
clusion, and for the sake , of clearness, we shall
specify them under tiro distinct heads:—
First. The United States ought, if practica
ble, to purchase Cuba with as little delay - as
possible.
Second. The probability a great that the
government and Cortes of Spain will prove
willing to sell it, because this would essenti
ally promote the highest and best interests of
the Spanish people:
Then, finally, it must be clear to every re
flecting mind, that, from the pecuharity
of its geographical position, and the consider
ations attendant on it, Cuba is as necessary
to the North American republic as any of its
present members, and that it belongs natural
ly to that great family of States of which the
Union is the providential nursery. From its
locality it commands the mouth of the Missis
sippi, aid the immense annually increasing
trade which must seek this avenue to the
ocean. * * On the numerous navigable
streams, measuring an agregate course of
some thirty thousand miles, which disem
bogue themselves through this magnificent
river into the Gulf of Mexico, the increase of the
population within the last ten years amounts
to more than that of the entire Union at the
time Louisiana was annexed to it. * * The
natural and main outlet to the products of this
entire population—the highway of their direct
intercourse with the Atlantic and the Pacific
States—can never he secure, but must ever be
endangered, whilst Cuba is a dependency of a
distinct power, in whose possession it has
proved to be a source of constant annoyance
and embarassment to their interests. Indeed,
the Union can never enjoy repose nor possess
reliable security as long as Cuba is not em
braced within its boundaries. .Immediate ac
quisition by our government is'of paramount
importance, and we cannot doubt but that it
is a consummation devoutly wished for by its
inhabitants. The intercourse which its prox
imity to our coasts begets and encourages be-
tween the citizens of the United States has,
in the progress of time, so united their inter
ests and blended their fortunes, that they now
look upon each other as if they were one peo
ple and had but one destiny. Considerations
exist which render delay in the acquisition of
this island exceedingly dangerous to the
United States. * * The system of immi
gration and labor lately organized within its
limits, and the tyranny and oppression which
characterize its immediate rulers, threaten an
insurrection at every moment, which may re
sult in direful consequense to the American
people. * Cuba has thus become to us
an unceasing danger, and a permanent cause
of anxiety and alarm. " * But we need not
enlarge on these topics. It can scarcely be ap
prehended that foreign powers, in violation
of international law, would interpose their in
fluence with Spain to prevent our acquiaition
of the island. Its inhabitants are now suffer-
ing under the worst of all possible govern
ments—that of absolute despotism, delegated
by a distant power to irresponsible agents,
who are changed at short intervals, and who
are tempted to improve the brief opportunity
thus afforded to accumulate fortunes by the
basest means. As long as this system shall
endure, humanity ma) in vain demand the
suppression of the African slave trade in the
island. This is rendered impossible whilst
that infamous traffic remains an irresistable
temptation, and a source of immense profit to
needy and avaricious officials, who, to attain
their ends, scruple not to trample the most sa
cred principles under foot. The Spanish gov
ernment at home may be well disposed, but
experience has proved that it cannot control
these remote depositories of its power.
, N
* Besides, the com rcial nations of the
world cannot fail to per 've and appreciate
the great advantages which would result to
their people from a dissolution of the forced
and unnatural connection between Spain and
Cuba, and the annexation of the latter to the
United States. The trade of England and
France with Cuba, would in that event tomme
at once an important and profitable character,
and rapidly extend with the increasing popu
lation and prosperity of the island.
Secondly. But if the United States, and
every commercial nation, would be benefited
by this transfer, the interests of Spain would
also be greatly and essentially promdted
* * * She cannot but see What such a sum
of money as we are willing to pay for the is
land would effect in the development of her
vast natural resources., Two-thirds of this
sum, if employed in the construction of 'a sys
tem of railroads, would ultimately prove a
source of greater wealth to the Spanish people,
than that opened to their vision by Cortez.
Their prosperity would date from the ratifica
tion of the treaty of cession. * * * France
has already constructed continnous lines of
railroads from Havre, Marseilles, Valencien
nes and Strasbarg, via Paris; to the Spanish
frontier, and anxiously awaits the day when
Spain shall find herself in a condition to ex-•
tend these roads through her northern provin
ces to Madrid, Seville, Cadiz, Malaga and the
frontiers of Portugal. This object once ac
complished, Spain would become a centre of
attraction for the travelling world. - and secure
a . permanent and profitable marker for her va
rious productions. Her fields, under the
stimulus given to industry by remunirating
prices, would teem with cereal grains and her
vineyards would bring forth a vastly increased
quantity of choice wines. Spain would speedily
become what a bountiful Providence intended
she should' be—ens of the first nations of Con
tinental Europe—rich, powerful and contented.
Whilst two-thirds of the price of the inland
would be ample for the completion of her must
important public improvements, she might,
with the remaining forty millions, satisfy the
demands now pressing so heavily upon her
credit, and create a sinking fund which would
gradually relieve her from the overwhelming
debt now paralyzing her energies. 'Such is
her present wretched financial condition, that
her best bonds are sold upon her own bourse
at about one-third of their par value ; whilst
another class, upon which she pays no interest,
have but a nominal value, and are quoted at
about one-sixth of the amount for which they
were issued. Besides, these latter are held
principally by British creditors, who may
from day to day, obtain the effective 'interpo
sition of their own government for the pur
pose of coercing payment. Intimations to
that effect have been already thrown out from
high quarters, and unless, some new source of
revenue shall enable Spain to provide for such
exigencies, it is not improbable that they may
be realized. Should Spain reject the present
golden opportunity for developing her resour
ces and removing her financial embarrass
ments, it may never again return.
Cuba, in its palmiest days, never yielded
her exchequer, after deducting the expenses
of its government, a clear annual income of
more than a million and a half of dollars.
These expenses have increased to such a de
gree as to leave a deficit chargeable on the
treasury of Spain to the amount of six hun
dred thousand dollars in a peeunittry point
of view ; therefore, the island is an encum-
brance instead of a source of profit to the
mother country. Under no possible circum
stances can Cuba ever yield to Spain one per
cent. on the large amount which the United
States are willing to pay for its acquisition.
But Spain is in imminent danger of losing-
Cuba without remuniration. Extreme oppres
sion, it is now universally admitted, justifies
any people in endeavoring to relieve them
selves
from the yoke of their oppressors. The
sufferings which the corrupt, arbitrary hnd
unrelenting local administration necessalily
entails upon the inhabitants of Cuba, cannot
fail to stimulate and keep alive that spirit of
resistance and revolution against Spain which
has of late years been so often manifested.
In this condition of affairs it is in vain to ex
pect that the sympathies of the people of the.
United States will not be Warmly enlist ed
in favor of their oppresssed neighbors. V e
know that the President is justly inflexible in
his determination to execute the neutrality'
laws ; but should the Cubans themselves rise
in revolt against the cppression whicla they
suffer, no human power could prevent citizens
of the United States, and liberal minded men
of other countries, from' rushing to their as
sistance. Besides, the present is an age Of
adventure, in which restless and daring spirits
abound in every portioni of the world- It is
not improbable, therefore, 'that Cuba may be
wrested from Spain by a Successful revolution;.
and in'tliat event'She will low both 'tis island
and the price which we are now4illing to.
. .
pap' . fbeitzt: price:far beytmd'iviiat-was' dver:
pai by one people to another foranyproiince.
I may also be remembered that the settle
ment of this vexed question, by hecession of
Cobh to-the United States, word *forever pre
vent .the dangerous complications betwen nu
iiiind 'to -*Lich it may:otheawitakgive birth. 4-.-
It-ii certain that should the Catienadhenthaliiii
c l it f u , T, an:insurrection
,aigan st. the Spanish
god ivident, and should other indekndentiia
thin
t i )e
come to the aid of Spain in the contest,-
no imum - p:swer.could, in our opinion, prevent
the ople and government of the United States
fro taking part in such civil war in support
of eir neighbors and friends. rut if Spain,
deit to the voice of her own interest, and . act
ua by stubbornpri
- de and a false sense of
hoar, should refuse to sell Cuba' to-the United
Sts, then theqidestion will arise, what ought
to tie the course l of the American government
under such circupistances. Self preservation
is the first law of nature with States as well as
with individuals all nations have, at different
periods, acted upon this maxim. Although it
hasibeen made the pretext for committing &g
-raninjustice, as in the partition of Poland and
, otu r similar cases which h.etory records, yet the
prig iple itself,
.though often abused, has al ways
,1
bee recognized:
T e Untted States have never acquired a foot of
ter! tory except by fair purchase, or, as in thecae e
of exas upon the free and volunt.try application
of the people o: that independent State, who de
sired to ulend their destinies with our own. Even
our acquiatiOns from Mexico are no exception to
the rule, because, although we might have claimed
them by right of conquest,in. a just war, yet we
purchased, them for what was then considered by
both parses a lull and ample equivalent Onr past
histhry forbids that we should acquire the island of
-Cuba without the consent of Spain, unless justified
by
,the great law of eel:-preservation. pe must, in
any event, preserve our own conscious rectitude,
and our own self-respect. Whilst pursuing this
cot; se, we- can afford to disregard the censures in
theorld, to which we have been so often and se,
unjtj.tly exposed. After yes shall have offered
Spain a price for Cuba, far beyond its present value,
and this shall have been refused, it will then be time
5,.:.
to nsider the qnesTion. Does Cuba, in the pos
se ion of Spain, Seriously endanger our internal
peiT aud,the existence of our cherished Union 1
Sill) Id this question be answered in the a ffi rmative,
the by every law, human and divine, we shall be
just fled in wresting it from Spain if we possess the
‘,.
po er g and this upon the very same principle that
wo Id justify an individual in -tearing down the
bUr i ing house of his neighbor, if there were no oth.
ter i cans of preventing the flames from destroying
his wn house.
nder such circumstances we ought neither to
coo t the cost nor regard the odds which Spain
mi, ht enlist against us. We forbear to enter into
the question whether the present condition of the
Ist id would justly such a measure. We should,
hoiever, be recreant to our duty, be unworthy of
our gallant forefathers, and commit base treason
against our Posterity, should we permit Cuba to be
,Alliicanized, and become a second tit. Doniingo,
with all its attendant terrors to the white race,
am! suffer the flames to extend to our own neigh
bonng shoresoeriously.to entihuger,e . not actually
in consume the lair falliic nt our Union .
We Mar that the course and current ad events
are rapidly tending towards such a catastrophe.--
W, however, hope Mr the best though we ought
ceritainly in be prepared for the worst. We also
loritear. to investigate the present condition oil he
questions at issue betwen the United States and
'pain. A Ion! , -Pries or inieries ro our people have,
ties tit committee ti nb, by Spanish facials, and
i ,,.. „,,, ,i,t s , .1. Km reventa, a trlttst flagrant
nu r tee il.oi. n.. ..,ht- I Aittertean citizens and on
th flag tt: Ine I. a.,. a talc,, was petpettated in the
let bor of Havanna, till le, CirelllTl , Z lees which,
Wi hoot 11111ne eat.- tit& eNs, , mod have patitied a
4,ort to tit. ..:tires it, t'..ti tit 'tit. litt4lloll of nation
-1,4p.,
That out, e is u .t ouiy unatoned, but the Spite
ishi government lut deliberately sustained the act,
of its sutoirdmates and iissained the responsibility
.11111,1611 g to them. Nothing court' more impi es-
Ftvely teach us the danger to which thpse peaceful
r•datinns it h.is ever been the policy of the United
States to cherish with loreign 'nations, are con
stantly exposed. than the circumstances of that
case. : , 4hunted as Spain and the United States
arl, the latter, have fdreborne to resort to es
tame measures; but this c.iurse cannot, with due
regard to their own dignity is an independent na
tion, continue, and our recommendations now sub
mitted are dictated by the firm belief that the ces
sidn of Cuba to the United States, with stipulations
aslbeneficial to Spain as those suggested, is the on
ly effective mode of settling all past differ4nces;
and of securing the two countries against future col
lisions t We have already witnessed the happy re
sults for both countries which followed a similar
a rFangement in regard to Florida.
Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
J. Y. MASON.
PIERRE SOULE..
The reader, will observe that this important doc
ument contains several passages which do not ap
.pdar in the neWspaper copy, their places being in
diCated by stars. These are secret, and doubt
lc s of-the highest importance.
ennsyls.;ania State Lunatic Hospital.
i . ‘Ve have received a pamphlet copy of the re
sin of this institution for the year 1854. It
l,located near Harrisburg. and the buildings
are extensive and commodious. ' The report
informs us that, of the whole number of pa
ti‘nts admitted inio the institution during the
fohr years it has been in operation, although
a 4.easonable number have been . Jischarged as
restored or improved, yet there is a remainder
which increases annually, and may he consid-
Oed`as a permanent charge. This was 37 in
in the year 1851, and 106 in 1852, and 182 in
1853, and 214 in 1854. During the last year
144 patients have been admitted, 70 being sent'
by the public authorities, and 74 by their
1
fi ends, amounting with the remainder from
t e previous year, to an aggregate of 326 pa
ti nts, of whom 112 have been discharged, 27
a restored, 22 as improved, 30 as stationary,
a d 22 by death. Of the remaining 214, the
number of males is 127, and of females 87.
The report says that more than three hundred
patients cannot be accommodated in the insti
tition with benefit, and as appliCations for ad
*mission are increasing, malty must necessarily
be refused. in view of this, the managers re
ct.mmend the establishment of another institu
tion in Western Pennsylvania. Of the pe
dants who have been in the institution since
its establishinent, 333 were natives of Penn
sYlvtuda, and 104 of foreign countries, 57. be
ing from Ireland, and 27 from Germany.
Philadelphia Correspondence
PullAnkumu, March 10,1855.
rOur fire system continues to be a constant topic of agita
tkin and dispute. We have now somewhere from eighty
to a hundred engine and hose companieseach independent
or the other, recognizing no authority beyond its own of
ficers, and many of them in a constant state of quasi war
With rival companies. At a fire there is no concert of tic
ction, each party acting as its own whims or caprices may
dictate. The engine houses have become the regular
abodes of a large portion of the young vagabonds about
town, and academies of instruction in alPthe minor vices.
Pull of spirits and fond of excitement, nothing pleases
them so well as the fearful tolling of the fire bell, and on
the instant they dart forth to the scene of 'conflagration,
laid if a "fight" can by any possibility be commencod,their
enjoyment is complete.
Talking °tithe firemen, reminds me that some of your
spurting readers may feel some interest in the foot rams
of the champions of the different companies which have
come oil on several occasions recently in the ring of
Welch's Circus. for the prize of a silver horn.—
The competitors were to run round it twelve times,
making a distance of about a quarter of a mile.
The best time made was one minute and twenty seconds.
Heanwhile a wonderful amount of private racing has been
going on by way of practice, through our streets and
around the public squares. A lady who happened to be
- th the way of a'pairof racers running on a bet of a dollar
was very unceremoniously knocked down the other day,
find like scenes have been so frequent as to become quite
d nuisance in some parts of the city.
Business is becoming quite brisk, and the Hotels are
Crowded with country merchants. Of course there is no
probability that near so many goods will be sold this sea
on as last Spring, but still Philadelphia, from present ap
earances, will hold her own quite as well in this respect
asany of the other Atlantic cities.
I A Mechanical Theatre, recently imported from Prance,
In which automatons are made to act dramas, plays and
' farces, is advertised on exhibition in the amusement col
pun ot the Ledger. If plays can be acted by machinery, I
euppose we shall next have sermons preached and cases
lead in Court by the same means.
Quite a controversy recently took place between
he Itlayor,lthe Councils and the Policemen in re
u'ard to a new uniform hat, of peculiar shape and
pped with leathern the crown, which the former
nststed the latter should wear. Their present
badge of office is merely a star, which they can
very convehiently put into their pockets whenever
they wish to sink their official character, or evade
he performance of disagreeable. duties. The po
icemen contended stoutly against the new hat, in
lating that jt was beneath the dignity of American
'Fitizens to wear a "livery" as they termed it, and
a numbea of the Councilmen sided with them. The
t%par announced that but one alternative was
pen to them—ihey must wear the hat or resign,
and to seta good example, has commenced wear
ling the hat himself, and announced his intention
i ot doing so regularly hereafter. A few of the.ot
fficers did resign, but their places were soon filled,
and the new hat has become an established insti
tution with the whole corps.
A ,city passenger railway omnibus is now in
successful operation on the North Pennsylvania
Railroad, from Willow street to the upper part of
the city. The cars are drawn by horses at a rapid
rate, but can be stopped more (thickly than the
'ordinary omnibus, by means Of powerful brakes.—
The rails used form an iron gutter, - and do not
- present any impediment to the use of the streets
by drays or wagons: I took a ride in one of these
• conveyances the other afternoon, and was much
pleased with it. Although some prejudice exists
~ against them now, the probability is that inn, few
years they will be extended into many parts of
the city.
A young medical student )rom, one ot the East•
ern States, who recently graduated here, com
mitted suicide a few days since by taking a large
case of strychnine. No satisfactory cause for
• the rash act is.known,unless . it be •that within
the last fee , months he had become very dissi
pated, and,a short' time before be, graduated he
had recefrcii from home a considerable amount
' of money, which he recklessly..senandered, 'so
that at the time .of his death herbed scarcely a
. .
dollar left: . • .
- , '-' i Trily•Yours, • - 5
&ate of Trade and the Weather—Murder of
the Deputy County Marshall—Suicide-And
I still another Steapterseunk-zSam - Houston—
Military Reoieui=l6:4loA:ll' H. Lighiner—
Knoto-Nothing Resolations—Two Children
,burnedtol:Death--tri*W, .
Sr. Loins,? - March 5, 1855.
Theiireather . in the lif3gnining of last week
was very cold,but towards the close moderated,
and this a delightful spring morning. Since
my last date„ navigation ilaB been resumed to
the Smith and the OhiO rivei, but the streams
above Alton: are still filled with- ice, with a
fair prospect of running out in a very few
days.
Until yesterday, we had not received an
eastern mail since I last wrote. The railroads
in Illinois are again open, so that the mail
and passengers can come through 'Without
de
tention.
. Monetary affairs have improved considera
bly, and business in all departments begin to
look up. i
' Our city has again been the scene of great
excitement and commotion, in consequence of
the murder of the Deputy County Marshal.—
On Wednesday last, about 1 o'clock, a noto
rious character, known in this city as Bob
O'Blennis, got into a quarrel with Mr. Benj.
Brand in the saloon of the Planter's House,
in which, the cowardly wretch drew a revolver
and fired four shots' at Bratid—one taking ef
fect in the hand, one in the wrist and two in
the right side. Brand fell to the floor disarm
ed and helpless, whilst O'Blennis deliberately
stepped up to the counter and called for a
drink ! Brand was conveyed to his home and
in the presence of his wife and children with
the blood spirting from his Wounds. About
two hours after, the vital spark left the form,
and the fond husband and• doting father lay
in the cold embrace of death. O'Blennis gave
himself up to the County Marshal (who is a
brother-irillaw of the deceased) and was taken
to a Magistrate's office for examination.—
Whilst the investigation was going on, O'Blen
nis, with his friends, frequently left the office
for the bar-room, where he was permitted to
imbibe freely and walk the streets with a ci
gar iii his mouth as unconcerned as though
he was awaiting the result of a horse race. An
immense concourse of people gathered around
the Justice's office—excited and almost moved
to mob violence, but the desperado,heeded them
not, and in fact not an officer, and in shame
be it said, bad the courage to disarm or pre
vent him from visiting the grog-shops during
his examination. O'Bleunis found plenty of
legal gentlemen who eame forward on the in
stant, and moved in his behalf. This sad af
fair took place on Wednesday last, and the
examination has been continued every day
since, and is nut through with yet. His law
yers are endeavoring to:liberate the prisoner on
bail, but, the probability is,that they will be
disappointed, us public sentiment is strongly
against such a course, and the public journals
with one unanimous expression speak in tones
not to be misunderstood upon this point.—
O'Blennis has been in jail ever since the mur
der, though fed and nursed like a fighting
cock by his friends. He,*the man who shot
down in cold blood in the face of broad day
light an innocent and inoffensive officer of the
the law, is permitted by our County Jailor to
linings in the office of the prison, smoke ci
gars, laugh and converse with his friends,
read the morning papers, criticise and scorn
at the tale of blood which each one contains,
with impunity; whilst a poor WITNESS, who,
unable to give security for his appearance at
Court to testify in some case, is closely con
fined to the dismal cell, and fed on the rough
fare usually allowed the convicts. The law has
been repeatedly trampled under Mot in this
city, and intact the Criminal code, is but a
mere mockery and a shield to screen the
dawning crimes which are almost daily perpe
trated iu our midst. The safety of our lives
and property call aloud fur reform—the people
ilknand a more rigid enforcement of the pur
lime and ti ue intent of our criminal code—the
' victim from his grave, rises with the blood
dripping from fns wounds and implores for
justice ! But money, the root of all evil, defies
the laws of the land, and permits the murder
er, with his blood stained hands to roam about
unpunished and seek another victim to ap
pease his thirst for blood and vengeance, re
gardless of the consequences—the fond and
loving wife's tears and anguish—the father
less children and the sister's lament.
Now, a word about O'Blennis and his char
acter. He is engaged, some say one of the
proprietors, of the different lines of omnibus
ses running in our city, and is reputed to be
wealthy,-(hence the strenuous exertions of
our legal gentlemen to admit him on bail.)—
He is a man about, or over six feet in height,
and probably weighs 250 pounds. He once
kept a livery,stable in this place—was famous
for fast horses and horse racing—notoriously
reckless in his habits, engaged in nearly all
broils and disturbances of any magnitude that
have disgraced our city for years—and the
greatest coward that ever put a foot upon the
earth, and only gained his notoriety irom his
unapproachable, style and habit of using pro
fane and vulgar language. This- is not the
first time he has taken the law into his own
hands—it is not the first blood that he hus
imbued his hands in—it is not the,
first family fireside that ho hag
caused niisery;and woe in; but it is to he hoped
it is the last, and if justice is meted out to
him, his career of crime and debauchery is
sealed.
Mr. Brand was a member of the Order of
Odd Fellows, and was conveyed by them to
his last resting place, to rise before his mur
derer at that awful tribunal where every man
is judged according to his deeds.
After the first day's examination, it was
deemed advisable to continue it in the Crimi
nal Court room, adjoining the jail instead of
the Magistrate's office, as an injured and ex
asperated crowd are daily in attendance, and
it is believed that if he is admitted on bail, he
will be be lynched within 24 hours.
A German, named Charles Kumpler, com
mitted suicide a few days since in our city by
hanging himself with a rope to the rafter in
his garret. No motive is assigned for the act.
He leaves a helpless family.
The steamer James Trabue recently sunk
iu Red river. She is a new boat„ Isle par
ticulars of the disaster. ~
The citizens of Belleville, 111., have held a
public meeting and invited Gen. Sam Houston
to visit that place when he comes to Illinois,
as he purposes to do. Sam is known as one
of the leaders of the Know-Nothings, and it is
thought that the good people desire a Lodge
in their midst—hence the invitation of "Sam."
A large majority of the citizens of that place
are Germans, so he had better ]fay his visit
with as little pomp as possible.
The U. S. troops, stationed at Jefferson Bar
racks, in this State, were reviewed one day
Past week. A large number of our citizens
went down to witness it. Thirteen hundred
soldiers were on parade, and were, for about
two hours, taken through rapid and brilliant
evolutions. It is said that these soldiers are
preparing for service among the Indians of
the West. I hope it-is so, for something should
be done, and quickly, too, to prevent the dep
redations now being committed by the red
skins on our frontiers.
It is with great pleasure, and no small de
gree of pride and satisfaction, that I -am en
abled to present the name of a Lancaster Co.
Democrat in so favorable a light before his
many friends in-your 'vicinity, and more par
ticularly when it is coupled with a subject
which is now agitating the minds, not only of
this community, but the entire country. I
have had occasion during the last twelve
months to bring the name of Mr. dour H.
LIGHTNER before your readers as as a promi
nent, consistent and reliable Democrat of this
city. But it should be remembered that the
gentleman in questhor is not an office-seeker,
nor is he one of those who paddles in the po
litical waters merely for personal interest or
self aggrandizement; but on the other hand,
steadily and firmly maintains the measures .
and principles, which he believes to be strict
ly and thoroughly constitutional, and in ac
cordance with the letter and spirit of the in
stitutions under which we live—the measures
and doctrines of the Democratic creed.
Mr. Lightner was, pressed to become a can
qiidate at the last August election, Is one of
the Representatives from this county to the
Legislature. He made no exertion, as poli
ticians generally do, to rally around him the
suppoof those who were either unacquainted
in
or lukew his behalf; but left the people
11
to choose 4 hom theypreferred: to represent
this city in the halls of our. State Legislature;
and notwithstanding the combined influences
which were brought to bear during that can
vass, against the party of which he was of the
few who triumphed-Leven "Old Bullion" him
ielf sunk under the weight, which at one time
threatened to swamp the good old ship that
has rode in triumph for the last half century
over the rugged and troubled political ocean
—though a• portion of the crew deserted.the
flag they had so oft , and so nobl fought-un
der,and. :were " ,oft-arid
battling 'et their
k m,
colors on board. the pirate vase —although
. . ,
`our political enemies assumed anew &noise,
- midi-Mil:l6Fthe' &Mal
mask, and "stole the livery f Heaven to serve
the devil in," and in thei grOpifig made a
breach in the hull •of old. racy, yet she
stood erect andhole rlis i tti * ph through the '
tempestuous storm the 'spirits that man
ned, her in the hoar of ne when. breakers
,
presented themselves on l4sides; and every
wade threitened to rend., er, asisander, and
• sink. her "deep into the om of the ocean
; buried!" But she rode,p uclly on, bearing
aloft Upoir her banner---" a - CONSTITUTION
AND LAWS!"
Mr. Lightner was one of th se who braved the
tempest. and guidedhet safely through the 'surg
ing waves to.quarters beyond 'the fury of the roll.
tog billows.
Mr. Lightner has been at the Capitol of the State
the past two or three inonths,land a day or two
since presented a series of resolutions io opposi-,
tom to the intolerant, prosciriptive and bigoted
doctrines recently promulgated by a secret organi
zation, known, and very appropriately too, as
"Know-Nothings." I have just read the resolu
tions, and they speak my sentiments so well, and
judging, from the tenor of your editorials, perfectly
coincide with your ideas, that I subjoin them for
the-benefit of your readers. They are thoroughly
Democratic and American, and speak the spirit
of the Constitution, and the, o i rily true position to
preserve the purity and sacredotisa of our institu
tions.
REsocnnoas against iteligieus•lntolerance, and
against the proscription of • adopted citizens.—
Whereas, It has become e ident that from re
cent manifestations throughout the United States,
that there is prevalent an unitistleeling of hostility
towards American citizens who are of the Catholic
church ,pecause of their religious belief, and to
wards adopted citizens because of their foreign
birth; therefore,
Be it Resolved by the ,louse lor Representatives.
the Senate concurring:
Ist. That in the language oft the Constitution of
the. United States," no religto s teat shall ever be
required a a qualification. to lany office or public
trust,hnder the. United S,ateti," and further, that
there shall be made," no law !respecting an estab-
women' of religion or pro:iinging the free exerige
hereof."
2d. That in the language of the Constitution of
the State of Missouri,ildeclaritory of the rights of
the people," all men have a natural and indefeasi
ble right to worship Almighty pod according to the
dictates of their own conscience; that no human
authority can control or inteiters with the rrghts
of conscience; and that no person can ever be
hurt, molested or restrained irt his religious profes
sions or sentiments, if he doe; not disturb others
in their religious worship:"
3d. That it is violative elute spirit of American
nantutions and the sacredness of-American Mier-
ties to proscribe any who may be citizens of this
Republic, or to exclude them ffom positions of pub
lic trust and honors, either because of their "relig
ious professions," or because of the accident of
their birth, or:the tact that 'ley have chosen this
land at the free as the home t their adoption.
4tb. That wise and patrician ovitives.influeneed
our Revolutionary ancestors, both in encouraging
emigration to our shores, and in refusing to make
any religious establishment for our Common coun
try ; also that wisdom and patriotism.. both teach
toot it would .be as unjust now to discriminate
against any one religious denomination, as to dis
criminate in favor of any one; and that it would be
as impolitic to drise off labor and population from
our ‘ land, as it has hitherto been prudent and ben
eficial to invite it.
sth. That the two great distinguishing features of
our Republican governmeut4 which gives to it a
lustrous pre-eminence above all others on earth,
consist in the equality of citizbushtp, and the free.
door of conscience, and that/ any political creed
which either directly or indirectly denies the one,
or restrains the other, is itnwerthythe name "Amer
ican," as welt as false to tho"future destiny of our
nation.
6th. That the people of MisLouri will ever remain
true and loyal to the letter and the spirit of our Na
tional and State Constitutidns, and will neither
tolerate a return to the illiberal principles of the
Alien John Adams,lnor to the religious
I pu
persuch as that wnich forced our Pilgrim
Fathers to ta p•their abode in the New World.
7th. That ti r Senators in (Congress are hereby
instructed, and our Repr,:sentatives are requested
to conform to and carry out {he cardinal doctrines
set forth ih the foregoing reshlations. ,
A motion was made to lay these resolutions on
the table, but was defeated 4y a vote of 19 to 76;
they were then referred to tbecommittee who are
known to be in favor of them, and in all probabil.
ty will report them back to tte House and recom
mend their passage. The resolutions are said
to be warmly approved by , arge majority of the
member,: of both Houses.
On Monday nigftt last a fire broke out in an al
ley back of Glasgow Row, and two colored chil
dren perished in the' flames.(
Mr. Cyrus Helfenstein returned to our city on
Saturday last from the cast, i.vhere he had gone
for his spring stuck or goodsl Mr. Hartman has
also returned to this city from the south.
CITY AND COUNT
MOV:VT LAURED.—We have bo:a presented, by Col. J.
FALNKLIN REIGART, with a beau iful colored drawing of
Mount Laurel, at Safe Harbor, the property of Dr. J. H.
Kurtz, of this city. It Is an adniirable and correct repre
sentation of one of the most romantic spots in renusylva
nia, immediately at the mouth Ilia Conestoga where its
waters ore united with those of he Susquehanna river.—
From the top of the hill, the speehttor can have sin almost
unbroken view for more than Inilas any direction.—
The Hotel and Store House, at the base of the MD., and at.
present in the occupancy of John. Kelp, Esq., are plainly
set forth in the drawing, and everything about thopicture,
(including the steamboat and other craft in the river and
creek, and the perspective view Of the hills on the York
county side of the river,) indicates that it wee sketched by
a master hand
.44 The Musical l..envention Ithich held its missions in
this city, during the greater part of lust week, closed its
exercises on Friday evening;with u grand ConcerVat Ful
ton Hall. which was attended byla large concourse of our
citizens. The singing was really, admirable, and the , pro
gress made in this delightful exercise by those who regu
larly attended the Convention, was astonishingly great.—
Professors Jouxmos and Fuest who led the entertainment
certainlyrc adepts to their prossion, and have left uc
with the warmest regards of our 'citizens.
These gentlemen will give another Concert
in this City, on Monday night next.
ig!),.. The ToWNSIIIP ELECTIONS throughout the
County, will take place on Friday next.
Inks: Inksi—We direct the attention of our readers to
Ilvassy & Smut's advertisement, in another column.—
They keep tho best Inks now In use, and are prepared to
-furnish them in any quantities to country merchants and
others.
Aar-TAVERN KEEPERS will bear In mind that they
have only one week longer, in which to get ready their po
[Mons for license. If not published neat weak, they will
be too late.
say- Messrs. SFIERBROdEIE &.SON have com
menced a writing school in Columbia. These
gentlemen have just finished a very successful
engagement in this city—having taught over
150 pupils, of both; sexes, since the Ist
of December. We hop? to" hear that they meet
with liberal encouragemcint in that Borough.
Their system is an admirable one, and the fa
cility with which they communicate instruc
tion, and the rapid progress made by their pu
pils, is their best recommendation.
SERMONS.—We have received from Messrs.
Murray & Stoek (who hive the pamphlet for
sale) a copy of two dilicourses, preached in
the Presbyterian Church ` [ of Columbia, by Rev.
EBENEZER ERSRINE, on the Ist and Isth days
of October, IBs4—entitled "God in the Pes
tilence, or Cholera a Visitation from bod ;"
and "The Blessed Dead." The first—boing a
sermon on the subject of, the Cholera
.which
had been so fearful id its ravages in that
borough—and the second in relation to the
death of Dr. R. E. Cochran, Mrs Susan Dick,
Mr. Robert A. Spratts and Mrs. Hannah
Odell, members of his Congregation. These
are excellent discourses ? and should have a
general circulation. They breathe they spirit
of pure and heart-felt piety, and cannot fail
in having a happy influence upon the mind
of the reader.
la— The building at ;the south-east corner
of CentikSquare, known; as " Hubley'silotel,"
has been pdrchased by the Inland Safety Mu
tual Insurance Company, of this city, and will
be converted into a Banking House after the
let of April.
COLUMBIA AND OCTORARO RAILROAD-At a
meeting of the Directors,of the Columbia and
Octoraro Railroad Company, held in this city
last week, the following resolution was unani
mously adopted :
Resolved, That the Chief Engineer, Samuel
Esq., be directed to proceed forthwith
to complete his stirveyi of the route of the road
from Columbia to tile termination,on the Penn
sylvania and Delaware fine, and to prepare the
drafts thereof, together with the necessary pro
files, specifications and eitimates,so as to enable
the board to place the road under contract. ,
The road commences at . Columbia, and will
be located on the east bank of the Susquehanna
to Safe Harbour, from thence by the best route,
passing near the Unicorn tavern in Dtumore
township, and Oxford ini Chester county, to a
point on the Delawareand Pennsylvania line,
north west from New Castle. At this point
the road will connect with a road terminating
at _or near New Castle. r The'entire length of
the road connecting Columbia with the Dela
ware will be about at-railes.
te36, Hon. WALTER cr. LOWRIE, of the Su
preme Court, will deliver a Lecture, in Fulton
Hall, for the benefit of the Young Men's. Chris
tian Association, this evening, (Tuesday,) Com
mencing at o' clock.' Subject—" The Nat
ural Law of the Sabbeth." Admission 12i
'ronrc the well kilo vv2 abilities of the
rer a rich intellectual treat may be expected;
andthe great imisartancl3 of the subject should
ensure a full house.
Stir Councils, have established Night Mar
kets—see Ordinance. This, we think is a good
movement. , , .
Stir Councils ! have elected . Rem ; ,111Ten
Street Commissioner, aild Jour, TRep. , Oity
Assessor. •
OLD GUARD
MEM