INTELLIGENCER &. LANCASTERIAN.
GEO. SA.NDERSON, EDITOR.
A. SANDERSON, Associate.
LANCASTER, PA., FEBRUARY 23, 1858
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WILL KANSAS BE ADMITTED t
We answer yes. And why should it not
be under the Leeompton Constitution ? The
people of Kansas had deoided by a majority
of over five thousand votes, as a preliminary
measure, that they desired to quit their Ter
ritorial dependance and become a sovereign
State of the Union. This decision was had
in pursuance of the provisions of an Act of
`Congress; and, in accordance with the popu
lar wish, the Territorial Legislature enacted
a law autiwrizing the election of delegates to
a Convention for the formation of a State Con
stitution. The Convention met at Lecompton,
in the Territory, and after mature delibera
tion and reflection, agreed upon a Constitution
for the government of the new State. This
Constitution is now before Congress for their
approval, and is there in pursuance of law.
The only questions, then, in oar humble
opinion, for the National Legislature to in
quire into, are: First—was the Convention a
legal body, authorized to frame a Constitution ?
and, Secondly—is the Constitution, so formed,
republican in all its features according to the
requirements of the Federal Constitution ? If
these interrogatories are answered affirma
tively, and we apprehend there can be no
other response, the question is settled, and we
do not see what should prevent Kansas from
being at once admitted into the Union as a
sovereign State. This, we believe, is a plain
and concise statement of the whole affair—and
now let us examine the objections to her ad-
The first and principal objection is, because
the Convention did not see proper to submit
the whole Constitution to the people for their
approval or rejection. This would be a strong
argument against its admission, provided the
Convention was bound to do so, either by the
terms of the law under which it convened, or
by the instructions of their constituents to the
delegates. But, in the absence of all expres
sed or implied instructions from any quarter,
except so far as the question of slavery alone
was concerned, the Convention had a perfect
right to do exactly what they have done, and
the rejection of the Constitution by Congress,
under Buell circumstances, would be an inter
femme on their part with the doctrine of
popular sovereignty, so boldly enunciated in
the Kansas• Nebraska Act of 1854, It would
be, in effect, for Congress, the mere servants
of the people, to set themselves up as the
sovereigns and masters.
Another objection made, is because a ma
jority of all the people of Kansas did not vote
at the election of delegates to the Constitu
tional Convention, therefore that majority are
not bound by the action of the minority who
did vote. Now, admitting, for the sake of
argument, that the majority did not vote, whose
fault was it? Certainly not the fault of the
minority. The majority might have voted
and carried the election of delegates, for the
proof is that there were over nine thousand
names regularly registered in the Territory
prior to that time, but they did not choose to
do so. Now, elections in this country are de
oided by those who exercise the right of suf
frage—not by those who absent themselves
from the pulls. Let us cite an instance or
two with which all our readers are familiar.
At the Presidential election of 1856, the whole
vote polled in the City of Lancaster was 2922
—a bare majority of which would be 1462.
At the recent Municipal election, Mr. Bee-
ROWES was elected Mayor by 977 votes, or
about one-third of the whole number cast in
1856, and 485 less than a majority. Now,
does any sensible man presume to doubt the
right of Mr. BIJAROWES to exercise the duties
of the Mayoralty, because he was elected by
small minority of all the voters in the City ;
or could it be doubted Tor a moment that even
if Mr. BURROIVES had received but two hundred
votes, had that been a majority of the whole
number cast, he would still be the Mayor?—
The case is so plain, that he who runs may
read. So with the Amendments to the Con
stitution, which were voted upon last October
by less than one-third of all the voters in the
State—a large majority of more than two
thirds of the people of Pennsylvania neglect
ing or declining to vote. Are these Amend
ments not now the supreme law of the Com
monwealth, and are not all our people bound
by it? Every man will at once answer in the
affirmative.
A third objection urged is, that there were
enormous frauds committed upon the ballot
box by the Pro Slavery men of Kansas, and
therefore the Constitution ought not to receive
the sanction of Congress. That there were
frauds committed we have not a doubt, but
that they were perpetrated exclusively by the
friends of the Lecompton Constitution we do
not believe. On the contrary, we are of the
opinion that, when all the facts come to light,
it will be found that quite as many frauds
were enacted by the Black Republican leaders
and their abettors, as were by the friends of
the Lecompton instrument. And, even if
there were not, it is a subject for the investi
gation of the local LegiSlature alone, and not
for Congress whose authority, we opine, does
not reach behind the record, and who cannot
legitimately infliot punishment for an offence
committed against the Territorial law, and
which is punishable under that law. Tho
converse of this doctrine, if carried out by
Congress, would evidently be a violation of
the doctrine of popular sovereignty—a doc
trine which our opponents had always, until
very recently, most strenuously contended
against. if popular sovereignty means the
same thing in Kansas that it does in Pennsyl
vania, then would there be just as little rea
son for Congress to assume the power of cor
recting abuses in the elections of our State,
(such, for instance, as the frauds perpetrated
at Millerstown and Youngwomanstown dis
tricts by the Ritnerites in 1838,) as there is
for that body to interfere in Territorial affairs.
There have been other minor i objections
made to the admission of Kansas under the
Leoompton Constitution, and to the position
of the Administration on the subject, but the
above mentioned are the principal ones, and
it is upon these grounds that the Black Re
publicans and their allies hope to defeat it.—
But we do not anticipate such a result. On the
contrary, we believe that Kansas will be ad
mitted into the Union before the first of April
next, and that then, if not before, the wisdom
and sound policy of the President *ill be fully
felt and acknowledged by every Democrat and
every sincere lover of the Union throughout
the length and breadth of the Republic.
A QUESTION FOR. DEROCR.S.Ts 1
Some of our friends are honestly opposed to
the position taken by the President on the
Leoompton Constitution. We think they are
mistaken. But, be that as it may, the admis
sion of Kansas under that instrument is now,
to all intents and purposes, an Administra
tion measure—(indeed, it is the leading meas
ure of the Administration, so far as our do
mestic policy is_concerned)—then what will
be their position after its passage through
Congress? We merely put the question, and
leave the answer to our Demooratio friends
thawlves.
A. NEW LICENSE LAW.
Mr. RAMSEY, of Philadelphia, has intro.
dueed into the House .of Representatives, a
new license bill, which, with some modifies- '
dons, will probably pass that body. Amongst
other changes it takes the licensing power
from the Courts, and vests it in the County.
Commissioners. The bill also compels persons
taking out license to file a bond in the Quarter
Sessions' Court for $5OO, conditioned for the
preservation of order, and - for not selling
minors drink. Persons applying for license
in Philadelphia and Pittsburg who sell $lO,-
000 worth per annum, and upwards, to pay
$200; those from $5,000 to $lO,OOO, to pay
$lOO ; from $2,500 to $5,000, to pay $5O ;
those who sell $2OOO and under, to pay s3o.
In the country and boroughs, the latter class
to pay $25 per annum.
THE TOPEKA CONSTITUTION
The Topeka Constitution, says the West
Chester Jeffersonian, was never submitted to
a vote--of- the people of Kansas ? No legal
election was ever held for or against it, or a
section, or line, or word of it ! And no one
but the most reckless advocate of Black Re
publicanism ever asserted, daring the cam
paign of 1856, that the Topeka Constitution
was submitted to a vote. No Democratic
press will venture so far as to say so now.—
It is true that the Black Republicans of Kan
sas, headed by the traitor, Jim Lane, did, at a
town meeting, form the Topeka Constitution.
They there resolved to hold an election, which
was of their own party, without any sanction
of law ; and their own party did vote for the
Topeka Constitution at the several elections of
the Black Republican party. But the Topeka
Constitution was never submitted by law, or
the form of law, to a vote of the people.--
That Topeka Constitution was gotten up by
the Black Republicans in opposition to the
Territorial Legislature of Kansas, and their
party attempted to force it on the people
against their will, and Mr. Hickman, by his
vote in Congress, sustained them in their
action. Every Democrat during the campaign
of 1856 supported Mr. Buchanan and law, in
opposition to Topeka, Black Republicanism
and rebellion.
GENERAL CALHOUN'S ADDRESS
The promised address of Gen. Calhoun,
President of the Kansas Lecompton Conven
vention, has been published. He says that
he has written to Governor Denver to procure
the sworn statements of the Judges of the
controverted Delaware Crossing election pre
cinct, and have them taken under such oh ,
attendances as will secure it free nod unbiased
exhibition of the facts, By the sworn state
ments so procured he shell be governed in
the wart-Meaux of election to the members of
the Legislature from Leavenworth county, If
it shall, as it probably will, place the govern•
' meat of Kansas in the hands of his enemies,
no one will regret it more, yet he shall hon
estly discharge his official duties.
THE KANSAS Q,UESTION ,IN THE
I=ll
The special Committee of the House of Rep
resentatives on Kansas affairs met on Wednes
day evening.
Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, offered a resolution
summoning Ex Governor Walker, General Cal
houn, Ex-Secretary Stanton, and General
Henderson for examination, and requiring
them to bring all the documents in their pis
session bearing upon the subject-matter of
investigation.
this it was objected that the official
documents being obtained from the Executive
Department, oral testimony might not be
necessary - .
This resolution, together with four or five
others, looking to the examination of all mat
ters covered by the resolution under which the
committee was appointed, was tabled by a
vote of 8 yeas to 7 nays.
Mr. Adrain's, of New Jersey, resolution in
structing the chairman to procure from the
State Department the registry and census of
the voters of Kansas, with an amendment
offered by Mr. Stephens, of Georgia, "in
accordance with the law," was adopted.
The committee then adjourned over for one
week, in order to give time to procure :the
documents called for.
NEWS FROM EUROPE
By the arrival at Halifax of the steamship
Niagara, we have three days later news from
Europe. Consols were quoted at 95k. Cot
ton had advanced. The London money mar
ket was somewhat easier, and the Bank of
England had reduced its rates of discount to
four per cent. News from India, one week
later than previous advises, had been received.
General Outram had engaged the enemy at
Alumbagh, and defeated them, capturing four
guns. In China, thei'United States Commis
sioner, Mr. Reed, had vainly sought an inter
view with Yeh, the Imperial Commissioner.—
The British propositions made by Lord Elgin
were also rejected. A speedy attack upon
Canton was anticipated. The steamship
Leviathan was fully afloat on the day
the Niagara sailed. In .France the ad
dresses of the army to the Emperor Napoleon,
congratulating him on his recent escape from
assassination, were growing offensive to the
English. Many of them call .for permission
to pursue and exterminate the conspirators in
their haunts. Lablache, the great Italian
basso singer is dead.
A NEW BANK BILL
The following is the first section of a bill
before the House of Representatives, which
has been reported by Col. Houosox, Chairman
of the Committee nn Banks
That on and atter the first day of Novem
ber,'lBsB, uo bank, savings fund, institution
or corporation, having banking privileges,
shall issue or pay out any note or bill of a less
denomination than twenty dollars ; provided
that all chartered banks of issue now in exis
tence, or that may hereafter be clitatered,
may, by depositing State stocks or bonds of
this State with the Auditor General, issue and
pay out notes of the denomination of $5 and
$lO, which notes may be registered by the
Auditor General, and delivered at the same
banks in sums equal to the market value, but
in no case to exceed the par or representative
' of value of stocks so deposited.
Other sections of the bill provide for the
cancellation of the bonds thus deposited and
the redemption of the notes by the State
Treasurer, in case of the failure of the banks.
CANAL COMMISSIONER,
A correspondent suggests GEORGE W. CLOS
SON, of Bucks county, as a suitable person to
receive the nomination of Canal Commissioner,
by , the ensuing State Convention. Mr. C. is
a competent and worthy man and a thorough
going and influential Democrat to boot.—
Should the nomination be awarded to the
Democracy east of the mountains, then we
know of no man whom we would sooner pre
fer for the station.
ALL 4IIIET IN KANSAS
General HARNEY and Col. SUMNER arrived
at Washington on the 14th inst., direct from
Leavenworth, Kansas, having been tele
graphed for. They both report every thing
quiet in the Territory; and say they appre
hend no further difficulties, provided Congress
will give them a government of their own, by
admitting them under the Lecompton Consti
tution. If that is done, in less than ninety
days all trouble will cease.
PUBLIC OPINION
There is not a solitary Democratic paper in
the great State of New York—not one—which
does not fully and unequivocally endorse the
Kansas policy of President BucHLNAN !
VIRGINIA LANDS.—Farmers or Capitalists
who want to make a cheap purchase of a
splendid Virginia estate, large enough for. four
or five farms, would do well to call on the
Editor of this paper, who is authorized to
negotiate for the sale of such an one. See
advertisement in another column.
THE TRUTH FROU KANSAS.
All, will remember the flood of manufac
tured stories which swept over the country with.
reference to the frauds and outrages commit
ted at the first election held in Kansas under the
Territorial law. They were invented without
the slightest regard for the truth, and yet per
sisted in as if they were verity itself. These
were followed by others of the same character,
!Mewing that this inventing and sending forth
to the country false statements with reference
to occurrences in that Territory, was part of s
concocted plan of operations for keeping up
the disturbances there, and benefiting the
Black Republican party in the Nation. But
as time progressed, the people of Kansas be
gan to act under the wise and equitable pro
visions of the Kansas Nebraska bill, the agita
tors were restricted in their field of opera tions,
- •
and obliged to tax their ingenuity to the
utmost for fuel to keep the fire of sectional
excitement raging in the minds of their delud
ed followers. In spite of all opposition, and
in defiance of the threalS, menaces, and actual
outrages of the Black Republican agitators,
the law-and order citizens of Kansas proceed
ed to take legal steps to prepare that Territory
f‘ir admission into the Union as a State. A
law was passed submitting the question of,
Convention, or no Convention, to a vote of the
people. This was in full accord with the
doctrine laid down in the organic law of the
Territory, and met the approbation of all those
citizens of Kansas who were not open enemies
of the law, and actively antagonistic to its
requirements. There was no allegation that
the law under which the real bona fide citizens
of Kansas were to vote for or against a Con
vention toform a State Constitution, was unfair
or unjust. Under it, all persons, citizens of
the United States, were entitled to vote. The
vote, thus provided for, was taken at the
election in October, 1856, at the time the mem
bers of the Legislature were chosen. There
were two ways in which the people had a
chance to express their wishes: first, by saying
through the ballot-box whether a convention
should be held, and their government altered ;
and, secondly, by electing members of the Leg
lature, upon whom devolved the duty to call
the convention in the event that a majority of
of the people desired it. No way could 'J be
devised better calculated to ascertain clearly
the will'hf the people of Kansas on this mat
ter; and if any portion refused to vote the fault
teas with them, and nut the law which opened
I the door for all to participate in the t•esponsi•
ble duty of forming a State Constitution under
which their personal and politieal rights were
to be protected.
The people by their votes determined that
a Convention should be hold, and in obedience
to the Isin of the majority, the Kansas Logic
halve Assembly, in January, 1857, made all
the necessary legal arrangenlollo, for carrying
that will into praetioal, binding effect. The
election for delegates to the ConstitlltiUllil Con
vention took place; they assembled at Leounip
ton and framed a Constitution which was
submitted to the people as the Convention
ordered. Now come the plotters with their
scheme, gotten up in order to afford a thread
' bare excuse fur the agitators to oppose the
action of the Lecompton Constitution,—
and by them, nut the mass of the voters, the
allega!ion is made that " fifteen counties were
entirely disfranchised" in the election of dele
gates to the Constitutional Convention. This
was an afterthought, which came when it was
fully settled that the law and order party, or
to other words the party in favor of the speedy
admission of Kansas into the Union, had ob
tained a majority of the Convention. But is
it true that "fifteen counties were entirely
disfranchised, and by no act of their own," as
is stated by the Black Republicans and their
allies? Upon this point we give the following
"communication" recently published in the
St. Louis Republican. Its correctness is cer
tified to by the several gentlemen. who have
placed their names to the paper, and to this
time it has not beeu controverted, that we are
aware of, in any direction :—[Phihi. Argus.
At the October election in 1856, a majority
office thousand votes were cast in favor of a
convention, and at the session of the Kansas
Legislative Assembly, which met on the sec
ond Monday of January last. [1857] "all
necessary provisions were made for" that
Convention. A law was passed taking for its
basis the principles of the celebrated Toombs
bill, which Senator Douglas helped to make,
and for which he voted. It provided for the
registry of all the legal voters of the Territory
by the Sheriff of each count.:, and his deputies
The probate judges were required to hold
courts or sessions in convenient parts of the
counties, and add to the lists returned by the
Sheriffs, any names accidentally ur wrongfully
omitted. It also provided that in cases where
there h-as nu probate judge, or he would not
act, then the Sheriff should ; and if there was
no officer at all to perform the duties specified,
then the people might petition the Governor
to appoint some one to carry out the law.—
'The Governor says that " fifteen counties"
were entirely disfranchised, " and by no fault
of their own." Let us see : In Franklin coun
ty, one of the " oldest organized," Esquire
Yocum, probate judge, was driven away by the
Abolitionists, as was also Richard Goulding,
sheriff of said county ; each of these officials
was threatened with death should they attempt
to perform the duties conferred upon them by
the registry law. Under the same circumstances,
George Wilson, judge of probate for Anderson
county, was prevented from executing the
law. So with Allen county ; Passmore Wil
liams had to leave in order to save his life.
J. J. Barker, probate judge of Breckinridge,
being a Free State man, refitsed to act. These
lour were the ord y organized counties not repro
settled in the Convention. Why not represented?
It was the fault of those who now complain,
and "on their heads, and their's alone, will
rest the responsibility."
It is well to observe that of the nineteen
counties,spoken•uf us not repesented, the con
sus was not taken in four for the reason stated ;
the tither fifteen were, fur civil purposes, at•
twitted to organized counties as follows:
Two, Richardson and Weller, to Shawnee.
Three, Madison, Butler, and Wise, to Brook
inridge.
One, Coffee, to Anderson.
One McGee, to Bourbon.
Six, Greenwood, Hunter, Dorn, Wilson,
Woodson, and Gregory, to Allen.
One, Brown, to Doniphan.
One, Davis, to Riley.
The counties of Brown, Washington, Clay,
and Dickinson were organized at the last ses
siun of the Legislature; in the last named
three there were no inhabitants.
The registry law was executed, and voters
were registered in the following counties :
Johnson, Lykins, Lynn, Bourbon, Douglas,
Shawnee, Doniphan, Atchison, Leavenworth,
Jefferkm, Nemeha, Calhoun, Marshall, and
Riley.
It will thus be seen that the only counties
really disfranchised were the four in which
Abolitionists would permit no registry to he
taken ; and it is an established fact that many
factious . people refused to tell their names, and
otherwise obstructed the officers—some giving
fictitious appellations, and others threatening
the lives and property of the census takers.
" These officers were political partisans,"
and they " refused or neglected to take any
census or make any registry, and therefore
they were entirely disfranched, and could not,
and did not give a single vote. Why did they
not compel the officers to do their duty'? It
was possible; but if not, they could have peti
tioned the Governor for redress. If the people
of these counties could not and did not vote,
it was a " fault of their own," and on " their
heads, and theirs alone, will rest the responsi
bility."
From first to last, every opportunity has
been given for an expression of the will of a
majority ; and now if the principles of a min
ority, as alleged, are to triumph in Kansas, by
the neglect of a factious opposition of the so
called majority, " on their heads, and theirs
alone, will rest the responsiblity."
H. CLAY PATE.
We concur in the foregoing:
George W. MoKown, ex-member of the Le
compton Convention.
Franois J. Marshall, Demooratio candidate
fur Governor.
William (1. Mathias, Democratic candidate
for Lieutenant Governor. -
J. H. Danforth. ex member of the Lecoriip
ton Convention.
Blake Little, ex-member of the Leeompten
C 'nvention.
WESTPORT, Jaunary 4, 1858
The above is a plain, simple narrati.ve of
the facts in connection with the alleged dis
franchisement of certain counties in Kansas.
It is a triumphant answer to the stories con
totted by the Black Republican plotters, and
echoed by their allies in all sections of the
North. The same men who refused to vote at
the first election, but subsequently assembled
at Topeka and formed a Constitution not only
without, but openly against taw, are the very
persons who " disfranchised" themselves. In
the counties named, they insulted and drove
away the officers who were commissioned to
register the people living therein. Where the
Probate Judges were Black Republicans they
refused to act, and thus " disfranchised" the
legal voters by their own act. This was true
with reference to four counties. In the other
fifteen spoken of, there were not enough voters
in each to form a representative district, and
they were joined with other counties, and thus
represented, just as in this State several coun
ties are. united in one representative district.
This is not "disfranchising" the people of a
county. The charge is as absurd as it is
false and wicked. The truth is, each and
every voter in Kansas was placed in a position
where he could vote and be represented if he
chose, and those who refused to act, cannot
complain at this time. The truth is at length
c oming from Kansas, and it fUlly sustains the
President in the stand he has taken upon the
' question ;it isole.
REPORTS OF THE SENATE COMMIT..
TEE ON TERRITORIES.
WAsalsoTos, Feb. 18.
The report made to day, by Mr. GREEN from
the Senate Committee on Territories, recites at
large the events in Kansas, and asserts that
the majority of the people may simply, as in
ancient days, in mass meetings, make the Con
stitution ; they may elect representatives to
make one for them, or elect representatives to
draft one to be submitted for approval or rejec
tion. The last method has been the most
approved during the past few years, though,
formerly, the second method was very gene
rally resorted to: The calling of a convention,
as in this case, was conceded to have been
strictly legal, and also the election of de!egatew,
Was it not logical to infer that the convention
was legally elected, and clothed with authority
to make a Constitution, which can no more be
interfered with by Governor, Jude or Legis
lature, either to increase or diminish its
power, or !titer, or nullify its acts, than the peo•
pie mid be interfered with, had they assein
bled t , a Howie, instead of by representatives Y
In conclusion, the Committee say that the
abolitionists in Kansas had thus fitr sought
power by methods unknown to low, and by
violence ; not through the peaceful wetly of
the ballot box,. Claiming to he a majority of
the voters of the Territory, and therefore able
to elect a Legislature and Convention, they ask
Congress to wrongfully du for them What they
may at legal times and legal places rightfully
do for themselves ; that is, to change or abolish
their Constitution ; and in case Congress refuse
to comply with their constitutional demands,
they threaten to afflict the country with an
attempt at bloodshed and revolution. Unless
Congress w ill do for them what they assert
they are anxious not to do for themselves, but
which they wilfully refuse to do, they threat.
en to plunge the country into civil war. This
conduct is so exceedingly unreasonable as to
Mrce the conviction upon the mind, that they
are conscious of being a powerless minority,
and only expect to be able to compass their
unwarrantable ends by departing from the
general way of peace and quiet. If your Corn
mittee are not greatly mistaken, those reckless
men misjudge the American people, and will
he required to seek by peaceful methods for
the redress of all their grievences, whether
they be- real or imagivary.
The bill recites that the people of Kansas
framed for themselves a Constitution and
State Government, republican in form, and the
Convention held at Lecompton has, in their
name and behalf, asked Congress to allijit
tier. Therefore, it is declared that Kansas
should be admitted into the Union on an equal
footing with the original ,States, in all respects
whatever. The bill prescribes boundaries, and '
contains the usual regulations relative to, and
grants of public land, as in the case of Minne's
ota, and gives Kansas for the present, one rep- 1
resentative in the loose of Representatives.
Mr. Dorm Las, in his report, dissents from the
views of the majority fur reasons, among others
that no satisfactory evidence exists that the
Constitution framed by the Lecompton Con
vention is the act and deed of the people of
Kansas, or embodies their will. He shows
that the Convention was not clothed with com
petent power to establish a Constitution with
out the assent of Congress, whin has been
expressly withheld in this case ; hence the
Convention only had such power as the Ter•
ritorial - Convention could rightfully confer,
and no more, which was to form a constitution
and send it to Congress as a memorial for
admission, which could be accepted or rejected
according as it embodied the popular
That all the proceedings of the Convention
should have been held in spirit of obedience to
the Territorial government, while in fact it
was declared to he in force, and take effect in
defiance of the authority of the Territorial
government, as well as without the consent of
Congress ; that the only lawful election held
on the adoption of the constitution was that
of the 4th of January last, winch was in obe
dience to the law framed by the . Territorial
Legislature established by Congress, with full
legislative power on all rightful subjects with
in the Territory.
Messrs. Com.A3fert and WADE, in submit
ting their views, say that the Territorial gov
ernment of Kansas was never organized as
provided in the original act, that is by its own
people ; but was usurped by a foreign force,
conquered and subdued by arms, and a minor
ity installed in power, which has ever since
been sustained by the general government.,
instead of being examined into and corrected.
Thin has been done to establish and perpetu•
ate alavary. The Lecompton Constitution is
the result of these proceedings, and is contrary
to the will of a great majority of the people
legally expressed ; and for Congress in its
discretion to consummate this protracted atro
city, especially for such a purpose, is a viola
tion of the fundamental principles of our
republican government, and can produce no
permanent peace or satisfaction to the people
of the Territory. In the late Territorial elec
tion, they have reclaimed their rights, and
that the Territorial government is, for the first
time, now moving peaceably in its legitimate
way to promised freedom. The Lecompton
Constitution and its adoption was concocted and
executed to supercede the triumph of justice.
To admit it by Congress, is but to give suc
cess to fraud, and encourage merit to iniquity,
and to turn over that people, not to an election
fairly and legally conduCted, but to such State
officers and legislators, as Calhoun shall
hereafter proclaim, and on such contingency
as he shall determine; and his long, myster
ious and inexcusable indecision and reserve.
but encourage expectations in both parties.
one of which is earnestly doomed to dieappoin
ment.
THE FREE NEGRO NUISANCE. - A petition
has been presented in the Senate of the Penn
sylvania Legislature, from a number of citizens
of Bucks and Philadelphia counties, asking
the passage of a general law prohibiting ne•
groes and mulattoes from coming into our
State with a view of acquiring a residence
therein—such frequently becoming a charge
upon the public soon after getting within our
borders.
We heartily approve of the movement, and
hope that such a bill may be passed before the
Legislature adjourns. The nuisance has be
come intolerable, and measures should be
adopted to abate it at once and forever. If a
law cannot be passed to diminish the number
of free blacks already among us, the one asked
for certainly can.
MORE COUNTERFEITS.—New counterfeit ten
dollar notes purporting to be on the Bank of
Gettysburg, Pa., are extensively circulated in
some of the counties adjacent to ours—having
for a vignette, Coat of Arms of the State of
Pennsylvania, with a head of a lady in medal
lion on either end, signed J. B. McPherson,
Cashier. Engraving coarser, otherwise well
calculated to deceive. We caution our read
ers to be on the lookout.
CITY AND COUNTY AWFAID.S.
Trig DEll , Cti, %TIC COUNTY CONVENTION.—
The po,:era t ..ty Conventionwill ar+emble at Fulton
tonr.rrosr, (Wednesday,),at 11 o'clo,k. a. 'm. The fol.
lowing are the dekgetes elei , ted se far as heard from, up
to the time of going to press (4 col!clOCk; p. =lon yesterday :
City —S. W. W.—,Dr. 'Hoary titrpenter, Frederick Conn'
• ley, Gab. Sanders. on,,Gen. !It Bierflinao,
James Peapis.s. - , ••
•
B. E. W.—Christian Widmeyer, John H. Heigart,
John r, Davis KWh., S. J. Mor
.
Morrison.
N. W. W.—John R. Russel, Charles R. Fralley, H.
Backen•derfer. col. John Rankin, Geo.
W. Brown. •
N. E. W.—Henry E. Leman, H. B. Swart, John
Llppencott, Charles M. Howell, Francis
Gillespie. •
East Hemplield—John Hoffman, Dr. Eamnel Parker,
Daniel G.-Smith, Jacob Saner. Dr. G. Groff.
IlaSt Doneoal—Jaeob Spi-se. P. J, Albright, Abraham
lieltmacher. John Houseal , William Pinkerton.
After the election of the above named delegates, the fol.
lowinif resolution was offered and unanimously adopted
Rewired, That we have unimpaired confidence) in the ite.
tegrity and patriotism of President Bums:tan, and that
our delegates elected to the County C,ouvention are In
structed to vote for resolutions' sustaining the President's
Kansas policy, and to vote for no delegate to the State Con
vention who is not in favor of Mr. ELTEIKNAN'EI Kansas pol
cy. and in favor of Mr. Sitanswcon for Judge of the Supreme
Court. PETER ALBRIGHT, President.
HE.TRY Eaton. Secretary.
Columbia—S. W.—F. H. Ebur, James Collins, Lewis
Tredenick, Scott Patton, Norgan
Hayes.
N. W.—Paul Hamilton, John C. Meldrum,
Samuel F. Eberlin, Samuel T. Wilson ,
Jacob S. Roath
The following preamble end resolutions were unani
mously passed by the Democracy of the S. Ward: (We
also learn that similar resolutions were adopted unani
mously in the N. W )
Wnsuses--The Democracy of the S. Ward of Columbia
have full and undiminished confidence in JAMES BUCHAN
AN and his Administration, it is, therefore,
Resolved, That our delegates elect, shall so represent this
Ward in County Convention, and that they are hereby
instructed to use their efforts iu securing the passage of
such resolutions, and in the election of such delegates to
to the State Convention, as will endorse his views and pol
icy upon all questions now before Congress.
Resolved, 'r tat we entertain full confidence In the integ
rity, patriotism and statesmanship of JAMES BUCHANA-N ;
that we cordially endorse and sustain the wisdom and
justice of his Ka115.2.13 policy; that we are gratified with his
comprehensive, bold and firm performance of duty upon this
question, believing that it will restore peace and quiet to
the country; and that our delegates to the County Conven
tion are hereby instructed to vote for men of like senti
ments and views fur delegates to the Democratic State
Convention, to be held at Harrisburg on the 4th day of
March next.
- -
In Marietta two Betts of delegates were appointed, also
two setts of resolutions adopted, which we subjoin:
Marietta—James Duffy. John Huston, John W. Clark,
Charles Kelly, Lewis Housed!.
The tollowina preamble and re,,,,utiou, w•-re oz,ani
mously adopted:
WHEILEAF, It in our I determination to adhere to the
greiit principles of ' . ..-m• , -racy, whi,h have haret.4re al
layed all sectional di if, reuses. and for 4utlerations born the
anchor of our hopes. the bulwark of oar glorious institu
tions, therefore. ia.• it.
• '
Resolred. That the Democracy of Marietta unanimously
endorse, approve, and must cordially support, the Admin
istration of President BUcHANAN: that we recognize in his
message the true principles of the great National Demo
cratic party, which, if carried out, as we believe they will
be, will advance the true interests and dignity of our coun
try, and finally settle all difficulties, threign and domestic,
in which we have been involved.
Resolver!. That we approve and admire the course pur
sued by our distinguished Senator. [ion. WILD. .A.a BIGLER,
In vindicating the policy of the Administration in his mas
terly effort on the floor of the Senate.
Roxnlred, That the appointment of CHARLES KELLY, es
Postmaster, meets with our cordial approbation.
JNO. HUSTON, Chairmen.
.IErFEMON Tnoeti'oon, Secretary.,
Marietta—Joseph Iluchannh, Philip Deitrich. E. P. Trai
ner, John Judy, Samuel Loucks.
The following resolutions Were ttuanitnnuely adopted
/2e.roireti. That the Dentooracy , T Marietta IBM undlmur
Med conntlence tit tlsittati Utter 010, and that the admis
sion of Kansas under the loatottipten Constitittion 1n ote
our hearty approval.
lietollKd, 'Chat the Dentitortiey of Marietta feel highly
ineenstal at the appointment of 011-IttLEN ItgLLY, At Poot•
Insider of Marietta, to the eatlinsion of Mr, llocgaitall's tits it
friends, who are Ls-111101y entiipetetit slid fur more worthy.
We also regret the leinovol of our worthy Mend Dr. Jaws
F`nstimas, who has always hoot% out hottest and working
but we oohs,* oinu.nlvos with the b a llet timt
when the Postmaster lietteral lillde iiinipelf iiiipoond on by
talon rapreatuitationo, tondo in tk ,s3wAritly, 1111,1.1 , 11HILHA
woe, lie will incite thingu right.
Re.voierd, That the promuullngh of this Mooting t o ' pub
Ilehad lu the Nlarlettion, and hoinviator Intallignnenr.
SAM'i. HOPKINS,
W. 1.. CARTER, Seerelary•
Luncook Upper---Dr. A. S. Bare, Dr. Ism.) C. Weitiler,
Lome L. hard, Michael 11,./I,lol', Washington Simmons.
providence—Ur. John R. Rauh, IL L. Thompson, Amos
Winter, Thomas Robinson, William McMullin.
The following rea :lotions were unanimously adopted:
Rooked, That the Democracy of Providence heartily ap
prove, endorse and sustain the course of the National Ad
ministration, in regard to Kansas and the Lecompton Con
stitution.
• .
Resolved, That we heartily approve the course of the
Editor of ..The Lancaster In tellioncer," and highly recom
mend said paper as a faithful exponent ot Democratic prin•
ciples.
Resolved. That the proceedings of this meeting be pub
lished iu “The Intelligence,"
.10" [il A WINTER. DrP.id , ..t.
.lone C. SMITIL,
Conestoga—John Martin, John Kulp, S. 0. Welsh, A. R.
Herman Kuhn.
Strasburg Borough—Wm. T. McPhail. Samuel P
Daniel Miller, Issacher Reese, B. Frank lbach.
_
Strasburg Township—Franklin Clark, Henry Spindler,
David Potts, Simon Raub, Martin Burr.
Lampeter Ease—Joel L. Livhtner, Henry W. Gare. Lytle
Citrother, Henry Keneagy, Joseph McGuigan.
Paradise—Dr. J. J. Straun, Joseph S. Lefever. Muss A.
LLAuke, John Gibbon, Pennock Nichols.
Leacock—John L. Li4htner. Samuel F. Foster, C. J
Rakestraw, B. F.llOll. G. J. Eckert.
Salisbury—S. J. Boone, David Kurtz. D. F. Houston.
Thomas S. Mcllvaia. Dr. John Wallace
. _
Instructed to support the Administration of Amy, Bo
CElANAN—Levompton Constitution and all.
Sadsbury—James Boon, Wm. Noble, Jacob It. Townson d
Franklin Efomeher. Joe. Risser.
Donegal .East—Jacob Spiese, P. J. Albright. Abraham
Geltmadier, John Houseal, Wm. Pinkertun.
Mount Joy Borough—John H. Brenneman. A. I). Reese,
Henry Shaffner.ll. B. McNeel, Joshua Leader.
far as heard from throughout the county, the
delegates elected are tell. with two or three exceptions, the
staunch friends of President BCCIIANAN, and in favor of his
Kansas policy.
THE WEATHER—A "COLD SNAP"—SNOW.
Those of us who were beginning to think that there would
be no winter, have had our hopes, or rather thoughts, most
wofully disappointed within the past week by the "cold
snap, - which it has pleased that old gentleman. the "Clark
of the Weather," to favor us with. In the early part of the
week the streams all around were frozen over, and the ice
dealers and all those . having icehouses have had a fine
chance, which we were happy to see was fully embraced.
to obtain a plentiful supply of line, clear ice. Those who
were looking forward to dismal times in the "dog days,"
that is in not getting their usual supply of "mint juleps,"
"ice creams," and the various etceteras incident to that
period, have, ail of a sudden. had their fears turned into
pleasant thoughts and imaginations. Besides. the earth
has been covered with a beautiful 'white mantle," which
has served the purpose. to a slight extent, of our sleigh
riding. friend.. -It's an ill wind that blow: nobody.gond."
Although this sudden change may not he so pleasant to
the most of us, yet It has vastly benefited many by giving
them temporary employment. The weather is now more
moderate, preparing, nu doubt, for the genial and ever
welcome Spring to make its appearance. Till then, we have
done writing about an uncertain a subject as the Weather.
TEE HISTORICAL READING ROOMS.—The
Reading Room, of the "Historical, Agricultural and Me
chanics' Institute" were opened on Saturday, and will be
kept open every day and evening. Visitors will find there
a collectiuu of newspapers and magazines from all parts of
the country. The rooms are well warmed and lighted, and
no more pleasant place is offered to spetrd au hour or two.
The rooms of the Society are in Sprechers' Building, North
Queen street—entrance first passage.
FUNERAL DrSCOURSE.—Rev. Dr. HODGSON
will preach a funeral discourse on the death of the Rev.
BEVERLY IVACO D. D., Senior Bishop of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, on Sunday morning, in the Duke Street
M. E. Church.
NEW Book STORE.—The indefatigable BARR,
the woll•koown Newsman of this city, in conjunction with
our 1110 d Blend JOHN S. DOUOLIERTT, Rag., have opened
an extensive Book and News Emporium at No. El Eat
ICing street, whore ell the very latest publications will be
received. Two such energetic and pleasant gentlemen
cannot 11111 to soon heve troops of purcnitsers, its they have
already an army of friends. Son their advertisement In
another column.
THE BILL PASSED.—COL hIih:FFER'S bill to
Investigate the affairs of the Lancaster Bank ham peened
both Holmes of the Leglelature, and only awalte the Gov.
ernor'a approval to become a law.
THE FRIENDSHIP HOSE COM PANT.—This
Company, one of the very best in the Fire Department, aro
about making efforts to procure a Bret-class Suution
gine. Their servic,s ns a hose company have long been
known and fully appreciated, and we have no doubt this
endeavor will be promptly and amply seconded by our cit.
Mons. The Friendship numbers among its members some
of our most influential citizens..
ACCIDENT.—On Thursday afternoon a child
of Mr. Abraham Eshleman, residing in South Queen ergot,
near Vine, was severely burned by its clothes accidentally
taking fire from the stove. Two children were in the room
during the temporary absence of the family, where some
thing was cooking on the stove which excited their curi
osity, and in attempting to get at it the clothes of ono of
them took fire. Fortunately, the child was discovered and
relieved before fatal injuries resulted.
WASIIINCToIeS BIRTH-Der.—The Lancaster
Fencibles, under the command of Capt. Ductiman, paraded
yesterday in honor of the birth-day of Washington. The
ranks were full, and their marching &c., were excel
lent. Capt. D. may well be proud of his command. It Is
one of the very best drilled volunteer companies in the
State.
A CASE PLAINLY STATED.—A COMMUDied
tion appeared In the Daily Times, of Saturday, over the
signature of Rev. Mr. WALTERS, Pastor of St. Paul's M. E.
Church in this city, which, we think, places the recent
difficulty, relative to the right of a Church to punish by
law those who refuse to be governed by its rules, In Its
true light. The writer makes a proper distinction between
the public and the private meetings of a Church, and
shows, we think conclusively, that, whilst In the public
_congregation an individual may centrum to the rules, or
may not, so far as the attitude in prayer is concerned, at a
private meeting, after the public services are concluded,
those who remain in the private meeting for religious
exercises, are expected to conform to the rules and kneel
during prayer, unless prevented from physical disability.
Refusing to do this, the individual becomes in law a dis
turber of the congregation, and le therefore Liable to pun
ishment.
We advise those of our readers who take an interest in
the matter to read the communication referred to, In the
Daily Time: of Saturday.
SHERIFF'S Selz. —Cotton Mill, No. 3, was
sold by the Sheriff on Saturday last, to Dr. Henry Carpenter
St Co., for $10,6 1 20--sutjeot to a Mortgage of o'rer $lOO,OOO
MILITAir ELECTION.—Our handsome and
talented friend, Col—Barr - nem A. SHAEFFER, of the State
Senate, erns nanntmougy elected, on yeeterday, Brigndler
General of the Brigade Composing the military of Lancaster
county.
We congratulate the General on his promotion. Tt la a
compliment richly deserved and well bestowed. and we
doubt not the duties of office will be ably and gallant
iyyerforineii by him:
, • .
GTGEB.'I.6 Co.'s IRON But LDING. —Gy ger &
(b.. Bankers, havetakeii possession of their new iron bank
ing house, In East King street. We have heretfore alluded
lo terms of commendation to this structure. and have only
to add that the Interior arrangements are no less elegant
and convenient, than the exterior is substantial and im
posing.
HOWARD EVENING3.—Mayor BUR. BOWES, on
Tuesday evening last. delivered the first of a series of lec
tures, at Fulton Hall, for the benefit of the Howard Asso
ciation. Subject—" Lancaster as It was and as it is." The
attendance was large and highly encouraging to the pro
jectors of the experiment. The "Mayor did ample justice to
the subject, and all who were present were deeply inter
ested and pleased.
The second of the course will be be delivered by Rev. Dr.
13owmax, on Friday evening next, 28th inst. A rich liter
ary treat may be expected.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE—THE CHESNUT STREET
IRON WORKS DesTROYED—IMIIINSG LOB 3 TO MR. KIEFEEP.—
NARROW ESC/PE OF ADJOINING PROPERTY—NOBLE AND SUC
CESSIVE EXERTIONS OF THE FIRLYEN.-011 Wednesday eve
ning, about half-past five o'clock, our citizens were startled
with the cry of —Urn," the earnestness of which indicated
the danger of a more than ordinary conflagration. The
extensive Chesnut :Inset Machine Shops, belonging to Ex-
Mayor Kieffer, were totally destroyed. Thursday's Express
gives the following account of the conflagration
"In a taw moments the centre of our city was enveloped
in dense volumes of thick black smoke, the like of which
was perhaps never before noticed in this city. Many per
sons in the neighborhood of Centre Square supposed. and
it was said others. that Simber's Stables were on fire; but
this proved incorrect. The smoke proceeded from the ex
tensive Machine Shops of Ex-Mayor Kieffer, in West Ches
nut street, which were discovered to be on fire a! clout
quarter past five o'clock. and in less than three hours the
extensive establishment was a heap of ruins, involving a
toes estimated at pO.OOO, on which there is awlnsuranc•
of $13,000, partly on the building and part on the stock.
-The origin of the fire was for a long time, and still is
to some extent, involved in doubt, though all agree that
it was accidental. When first discovered. by the smoke
issuing from the building, a person pmcseded to the trap
door on the roof, and saw the fire was then confined to the
third lien. in which were. -tored an lionieuse
patterns and other combustible molter; and could he tiro e
had a hose at hand at that time there in no doom the tire
could have been extinguished: but before the "vater iiould
be turned on the smoke had become so dense and soli
eating as to render it impossible for any one t o r em a i n i t ,
Ruch a dangerous position. The theory most generally
received is that the fire communicated in some way feint
the cupola of the Piumiry which bait been in plant t hot
afternoon.
. .
'• it was soon apparent that the building in which the
fire originated. and those immediately connected with it.
could not be saved from the devouring element. which in
a short time began to break out at the windows on Chesnut
street. The Friendship hose having secured a plug. gave
the water to the Washington Engine to play upon the
large frame tobacco warehouse of Mr. Gable. which wog
only separated from the burning building by a sixteen feet
alley, and the conflagration of which, it is evident. must
have endangered all the property down the alley to orange
street, probably the most combustible block In the city.—
The exertions in save the warehouse' . were successful, mud
to these meet he attributed the arrest Ma conflagration
which at one time threatened to devastate an entire block.
"All the fire companies with their opparatite wet,
promptly on the ground, although lb. re was considerable . -
delay In getting a simply of water oil .11114 of them, owing
to the meagre stipply of good hose and two or I Mee or the
fire.plugs being frosen, The plug ott the corner of Wott
Orange nod Market streets was tinnily opened with boiling
water and P rutsel, and an addllonal sheen thrown Intel I
the Uulott Suction ligglne, enabling that itmeitino to do
elfrotitie work, The ping in limes orno, urnrir 01,1014 to
the fitw, was not in a Nonillion to lie mad, and We ttitilot
stand Another was opened WWI considerable ti 0 ,,10 0 and
some delay, Out When theta V1=1011.11114 and umeapocled
diftleUltiaa Were overt-vitae, titir_litltile 111.111011 W0e 1 3.,1 with
folttatillittos Wllleti t111141) 1 1 does them emilt and 1111101os
the villatme with pride and conthietion In the eftleleney of
the 'Ancestor Fire Depot Mont,
Whim the flio wits first discovered, Mr, David harm, illa
safety of whom now and extensive builiiiinm depended
upon Having the warehouse, promptly employed n large
number of men and worked hard and Inoeseantly himself
in superintending their efforts to stay the conflagration,
and take the necessary precaution to save the horse, nod
vehicles in the adjoining stables. Although drenched to
tile skin, he refused to leave the gtonint until the tire woo
completely combined.
"The dwellings on the opposite aide of Chriniut street
were on fire several Crime. as well as two or three of the
stables In the neighborhood: and buildings squares off
were endangered by the showers of sparks and burning
cords with which the atmosphere wee filled. The High School
frontiog on Prince street, woe also on Are at one
time, but was placed under the protection of the Wheat
land Hose, who carried the water up to the attic and thug
did good service.
"The Union Suction Evolve gave a striking illustration
of its utility in the econiolo , of water. Being stationed in
the alley between the umehine shops and the wai.ehouse,
where a large quantity of wade water n - os flowing down.
[ it woo serrated by e breastwork of manure, and used to
, supply
the engine through the suction hone, an arrange
! went which worked most satisfactorily.
"The office connected with the Works was pulled down
by the Empire Hook and Ladder C,oinpany. and the books
and papers of Mr. Kieffer saved. The insurance on the
building and stock was distributed in three offlres—s3,ooo
in the Girard, $6.000 in the Franklin, and $4,000 in the
State Mutual. The loss on new machinery. including a
fifteen-horse power engine, almost ready for delivery, is
estimated at from $15,000 to 000,000. The stock of patterns
consumed was very large, being the accumulation of years,
and though their value had become contingent, they must
have originally rest an amount ;squat to the estimate of
' the entire loss.
"The disaster will fall severely upon Mr. Kieffer and the
large number of employees, with their families, who have
suddenly been thrown nut of employment at the severest
period of the season.
" It may not he out of place Vthis connection, to correct
an erroneous impreesi its to some extent obtained
in relation to the caul, Of the dense smoke, many attrib
uting it to the burning of the -pitch" in the gravel roof
with which a portion of ths building was covered. This is
a mistake. as the smoke had disappeared before the fire
communicated to that potion of the roof. The western
half of the main roof had I..en covered with Warren's Corn
. ptedtion, by Messrs. Paticoast Brosius, and, beinl.! air
tight. combustion was prevented in that portion of the
! structure fora long time after the fire was raging under
the iron and elate rooting on the eastern end of the building.
' It given us pleasure to be able to state that the utmost
gond order and harmony was observed by the different
members of the fire department throughout the busy, la
borious and exciting scene. All labored faithfully, and
their movements were marked with a precision and good
judgment highly commendable. The only accident we
hoard of occurred to the American Ermine. the hind pump
and the springs of which were broken. The paint on the
; side of the engine next the fire was also considerably blis
tered by the intense heat. One of the officers informs us
• that the damage sustained will amount to $300."
l'ffE HOWARD ASSOCIATION—TEMPORARY
SuSPENsiON Or.snArtoNs.—lt will be son by the following
statement of the Executive Committee of the Howard Ac
socintion that this Society has been compelled to suspend
operations for the present for want of funds. We trust the
block committees will al once go actively to work, and that
a generous-hearted public. who have not heretofore refused
old in such a cause, will respond to their efforts by such
sums as will place this nolil., and philanthropic A,..nciation
nn a firm footing for doing good:
IT=
. _
The Executive Committee regret toannounce that, owing
to a failure of means, they are compelled to discontinue
operations for the present. The Block Committees are
therefore requested and instructed not to grant any orders
of relief later than Saturday, the '2oth inst., after which
day, and until further notice, no orders can be filled at the
Depository
The operations for the week ending February 17, are as
follows :
For the N. E. Ward-40 families, 165 persons, arn't $28.37
N. W. Ward-60 250 52.61
" S. E. Ward-136 269 55.11
" S. W. Ward-67
Amounts distributed in the four 'Wards are as follows
Coal, ISjy tons: Wood, 3 cords; Flour, 1664: lbe.: Corn
Meal, 2.6 1 :' bushels; Potatoes, 2% bushels; Turnips. 4 %
bushels; Coffee, 94% lbs.; Tee. lb.; Sugar, 5% lbs.;
Beans, SS quarts; Rice ' :37 lbs.; Bread, 169 loaves; Onions,
1.% bushels; Meat, 21 lbs.; Shoes, 1 pair. Total, an above,
$199.16.
TIIO3IAS H. BURROWES, President.
PETER McCONO'IV JOHN W. HURLEY,
F. J. KRAMPII. H. BAUMGARDNER,
JOHN WISE. C. MaCLEERY,
11. RATIIVON, JAMES BLACK,
JACOB S. HOFFMI ER.
F. W. BEATO, Secretary.
APPOINTMENT DY THE P. M. GENERAL
Cnott.r.c KRLLRY, Eau., In no Pogtnuistcr Rt Mnrlotla, In Ono
county, vloo Dr..lionex Cumlnuan.
COLL/Mill A AFFAIRa,—We glean the follow
lug "Reese" from Saturday's Spy:
Ton RIVER.-0a Thdreday night, of last week, the Sus
quehanna at lisle point was frozen from chore to slim., and
next morning the greeter portion of the surface between
the bridge and duns was smooth, brilliant Ice. From the
extreme calmness of the night, the water had been frozen
without a ripple, promising a 'skating-ground such as we
have net seen on our river for year's. The rold of Friday
and Friday night rendered the icsebridge perfectly safe,
and Saturday morning maw the beautiful. glittering sheet
pleutifully dotted with 'dusters, bent on going It while the
ice was young. Aud they were wipe who improved the
opportunity, for a protracted spitting of snow dming the
afternoon and suceeedlng night spoiled the sport. The
wind, however, lies compossionately come to the asslstar ,
of the desolated Jlll,ol'llo, and partially bared the glassy
field. During the present week every boy, large or small,
equal to a pair of irons, has been on them and Liking his
pleasure without stint. At this present writing the head
boy of the Spy office is dieporting with elephantine gra,
among the younger and more supple gamins of the town.
So long a time has elapsed since the back of our bead was
on familiar kissing terms with the face of the Susquehan na
that we dread a meeting, and decline, for the present,
renewal of the intimacy. We should be loth to attempt a
removal of the little coldness between us.
Ice.—Since the setting In of the present "cold snap,"
there has been n derided letting up in the despondency of
all parties dependent upon the winter crop of the Susque
hanna for comfort or support. Many gloomy forebedinee
had been indulged and serious sufferings during II': nes , .
at present hardly to be realized, dog days were glnreelie
prophesied. Pleasant memories of past cobblers and ices
were treasured and made much ef, as destined to do doable
duty, and many a fond youth looked dismally forward to
the torrid season when he should find it Impossible to
"cream his gal." The prospect did look blue, we edmit. and
when we recalled the wear and tear of Wills' daily lumps,
while undergoing a sunning process on our steps. last sum.
mar, we ruefully bethought us of the old adage. 'Wilful
I waste, be." But immortal Jack has changed all this, and
In one short night puckered gtim visages into a thousand
wrinkles of glee and 'satisfaction. A "crust" had scarcely
been formed along shore before the icemen were on the
alert, and now, with an unlimited supply of clear six-inch
before them, they diligently improve the occasion. Every
team in town Ss in requisition, and should that unstable
minded official, the Clerk of the Weather, put on fresh
coal, open the drafts and stir the fire asudden thaw would
find us pretty well fortified against even 100.111 the shade.
A. Ben RAKE.—On Saturday, 13th host., John S. Hansen
appeared before Thomas Welsh, Esq., J. P.,
with head cut
and bleeding profusely, and made complaint against Thoe.
Badger as the author of the mischief, alleging that the tar
ter had stock him with an iron rake, at the stone-quarry
near the old depot. A warrant was issued, and-Constable
Hollingsworth produced the body of Badger on Monday
morning, when a hearing in the case was had before the
Magistrate. Thomas (Badger, not Welsh,) flatly denied
the charge, and offered in explanation of the damage an
Ingenious theory bailed upon the asenmption that Hansen
had run against the rake whilst he, Badger, held It tip.—
The alight improbability of a sane mall voluntarily running
his head against an iron rake, rendered the introduction of
rebutting testimony unnecessary, and the plaintiff rested
his case without argument. The Justice, with his admire,
ble impartiality, exhonorated Badger from the serious
cheer of with intent to kill, but i ofew, of very
pitiful doubts anent the plausible theory vil'lmF6th
ment.,.gave defendant the benefit of the doubts, and ad
judged him guilty of having held the rake too hard when
John van against it, and bound him over in the sum of
two hundred dollars to do so no more.
A DISTINGITISRED LANCASTERIAN.—We are
happy to learn that the Emperor of Russia lately created
Dr. ToEooooil S. Event, formerly of this city, and now re
aiding in Paris, Cheralicr of the Orderlof St. Stanislaw of
Russia. This distinguished honor has been conferred upon
Dr Evans for his successful treatment of an officer of rank
to the Ruaalan Army, who bad part of his jaw-bone carried
away by a shirt at Sevastopol.
hiseneracs' Socim.—At a stated meeting
or the Mechanics' Society, held on the 18th nit., in emir
Hall, MoOonomy'e buildings, Wart King street, the reuoir -
tog were elected oflleeri for the ensuing year
President—John Bear.
e PresU:ient—C'harlee Gillespie.
Wirer—Christian asst
Seordary—llenry Pinkerton.
Library Cbmmittee—Peter G. Eberman, Christian Gast,
F. J. Kramph. Peter McConomy, 8. S. Rathvon.
Chmmiffse on Property—Christian Kieffer, Charles Gil
lespie, William Kirkpatrick, M. L. Brosis, Geo. Wiandt.
LICENSE GRA NTED.—At the recent adjourned
Court of Quarter Sessions, a lieenite fora tavern was granted
to Thomas Robinson, to be kept at Rawlinsville.
The other applications for tavern and eating-home dean -
see were continued until Saturday the 24th of April.
A NEW P. M.—Jons MASON, Esq., has been
appointed Postmaster at Peguas, in this county, In place
of Mr. Skiles, resigned.
YOUR ATTENTION To Tais.—To have
Gough or cold with a continual pain In the breast, spitting
of mucous and phlegm from the breast and lungs, Is truly
very annoying, and, besides being annoying, are usually
the precursors of deep,seated bronchial disease, which
eventually undermine the constitution and destroy life.--
Our readers will be pleased to hear of en effectual and
speedy remedy for those cases in Dr. Keyser's Pectoral
Syrup, sold at Ilelniteh's, 13 East King street.
THE EDITORS' BOOK TABLE
THE HAPPY HOME, AND PARLOR MAGAZINE. Pub
lished monthly at Boston, by C. Stone & Co. Tormo $2
per annum in advance
The February number contains a beautiful engraving
representing Rebecca teaching Jacob to deceive his Ftifher.''
There is also a fine flower plate representing " Morning
Clary." The number contains a choice piece of Music, and
a grert variety of excellent articles In prom and poetry, all
or which are well calcluated for the instruction and edifr
esti m of the family circle.
GODEY'S LADY'S BOOK.
The March number of thia favorite has come to hand.—
Its literary reputation Is Zell suatained, and Its engraving.
are na usual nnaurpassed. The engraving of the - Nlother's
;h.• nouiior is 111,10 vr..rib the price
of the Bonk It a 1.., pirsaessee another Ixowniug feature of
ittrvietiOn iU the eyes of the fair sat—lts unrivalled lath
ioe pint,. patterns. Ate. tin the whole, It Is par steel
lei, the Ladv'v Bask of the month. L. A. liodey, 323
tilte-tnut street,
REVOLTING CRUELTY
A eorre,ipunilent f the N. Y. Express,
writing from Little R relates the fol-
On Tuesday, the sth of January, Igl3B, at
Reid's bridge, a most inhuman act was perpe.
traced. Abut the 14 of January, some
$l5OO were stolen from the widow Reid, at the
bridge. A Ilegri , mimes was whipped severe
ly to fire" n eonfessitin that she had some
knowletlgr of the money. Under the torture
she stated that it Mr, Cobb in the vicinity,
had got the money, but not till the question
had been often asked, it Cobh had nut got the
tummy ?
Eli a s (hheal, the laiidligr 4 widow Reid, and
Martin Bell, low son in low, went to Onlib's
reside nee, took him to the bridge, then sent
round the neighborhood and gathered a num.
her of assoMaton, took Cobb, stripped him,
and tied him aeross a log, and whipped him
with a hand saw, After whipping, him, they
started to his brother, in Prairie c omity, 12
miles distant; stopped after going eight miles
and whipped him again, then returned to the
bridge. At that time the number who took
part in whipping amounted to fifteen. Each
one agreed ut give a number of licks with the
band saw. Good said he knew the law, and
told them to go ahead, he had a barrel of
money, and would pay all expenses. They
forced Cobb to drink whisky with them—
whipped him Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday. Then, under some sort of mock
trial onmitted him to jail at this phto. Dr.
Weblie ended at the jail to see f”lih, and
found him perfectly 1.1.. A from hie heal to his
feet, with large gashes in several parts of his
body. The Doctor sail Cobb could not live.
lie lingered in great agony several days, and
died about the 15th inst. Cobb begged the
inhuman monsters while whipping him, to
shoot hint and end his misery—not torture
to death. Cobb's dying declaration was
taken, and it appears from circumstances on
the examination that he was innocent, as he
steadily averred while living. He has left a
widow and four children. Eleven of the
murderers have been arrested, and four have
made their escape. , A preacher is one that
has made his escape. Six have been admitted
to bail under bonds of two and four thousand
dollars, as accessories, and„,five are detained
in jail for murder in the first degree.
; - Ftoul the Louinville Courier.]
LETTER. FROM COL. JOHNSTON, OF
THE UTAH ARMY.
We have been permitted to make the follow
ing extracts from Col. A S. Johnston, com
mander of the Utah Expedition, to a member
of his family in this city. It is the latest
authentic news from the Utah Army:
" Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, Black's 1 ,1
Fork of Green River, Dec.:l2, 1857 f
"My DEAR-: I have an opportunity of
sending you a line, hut only time to say a few
words, as I have been engaged till the last
moment in my public correspondence.
"We are still encamped at this place, and
will continuo until we move in the Spring.
The army has abundance of food and clothing,
and is well sheltered from cold in Sibley tents.
With your knowledge of camp life you would
pronounce our situation one of great comfort.
These Sibley tents are tall, comical tents, 12
feet high and 20 feet in diameter, open at the
top, with a vane to prevent its smoking, which
it does not quite do. With a stove or fire built
in the middle, it is a great improyment in the
comfort of the soldier, but not as good as a
wall tent with a stove, fur an officer.
"I said we have abundance, but inasmuch
as no one from the Governor and civil officers
to the private soldier, can obtain more than
one ration, we have nothing to give in the way
of hospitality; for if I invite my neighbor to
dine, he would be no better off than if he staid
at home, while I should be damaged by his
eating my ration. The regular diner out would
fare badly here. 'What genius and tact he
must be endowed with if he could procure an
invitation !
"The day before the reduction took place,
we gave a dinner to the Govenor, Chief Justice,
&c., on our surplus in the larder. Since then
I do not think we could feed an extra rat at
our mess, such is our health, and so nicely is
the quantity allowed, adjusted to the measure
of our wants. We, of course, Lind it irksome
hero,but time will soon roll round, and we
shall find ourselves again in the midst of those
we lovelmd admire. Until then we must be
patient. We fear our friends will suffer from
groundless apprehensions on our account. We
have nu reason to complain of anything but
absence from our families.
"Some think the Mormons, when it is neces
sary to make the issue with them, will submit
to the Government. Ido not agree with them.
1 think their fanaticism and villainy will lead
them to try one eneounter :it least: and I think
our Government ought to desire it as affording
a simple solution of a difficult political ques
tion. If they resist, a final settlement would
be on the basis of conquest. We could then
dictate to them the terms of adjustment.
"Brigham Young -wrote to me a few days
since, sending me us a present some 800
pounds of salt, or preferred, we might buy it
for the troops. Knowing they would entertain
;t fiendish delight in the knowledge that we
would starve or freez, neither of which we in
tend to do, although we have no salt, I sent it
back to him with this message:—'That Brig
ham Young and his associates in rebellion
against the Government; that until they return
to their allegiance and obey the laws, I will
accept no favor or courtesy From them, nor
hold any corespondenee with them; that when
I advance, the people NTII) remain at their
homes or engage only in their private business,
will be undisturbed. If I find them arrayed
in arms I will attack them wherever I meet
them; that if they entertained the delusive
hope that the army would retire from the ter
ritory, they had better banish it; that the army
will never take one step back, Sce., &e. *
'• Yours, A. S. JOHNSTON."
DISTRESSING OCCURRENCE.—The York (Pa.)
Republican says that on Tuesday last, five
children, three boys and two girls, who were
returning home from school in Manchester
township, ventured upon the ice on the Coder
us, but it not being of sufficient thickness to
bear their weight, fuur of the number broke
through, and before assistance could be ren
dered three of them were drowned. The fifth
child,a little girl, gave the alarm to some young
men who were fishing near by, and one of
them, Mr.l.l.ubley, at the risk of his own life,
with much difficulty succeeded in bringing the
other little girl safely to shore. Two of those
who perished were sons of a Mr. Boylor and
the other a son of Mr. Philip Lehr. 1