fttje f mtcaster Intelligencer GKO. SANPKBSON, EDITOR, ArSASBKBSOS, Aneoclate. LANCASTER, PA.. DECEMBER 6, 1859. omcoLATioN, aooo copies t Botmbipiio* Psion, $2,00 per m* ' 49-& M. Petthhoill A Co.’s AmmiEDia Amboy, 119 Nuun street, Sew Tori, and 10 State street, Boston. •8. M. Fmnmi 4 Co, are Agents for The Lancaster JhteEtgenccr, and the moßt inflnentlal and largest circula- Bng Newspapers in the United States and the Canadas.— They are authorised to contract for ns at onr lowest rates A PATRIOTIC SERMON. At the request of many of our patrons we publish this week, to the exclusion of much other matter intended for this paper, the able, patriotio and eloquent disoourse delivered by Rev. John Chambeeb, of Philadelphia, on Thanksgiving Day. It forms a striking and refreshing contrast to the Abolition harangues of Beecher, Cheever and others, and will be read with approval of the sentiments it incul cates by every lover of the Union and the Constitution. MEETING OP CONGRESS. Congress met on yesterday. There will, in all probability, bo considerable difficulty in organizing the House of Representatives consequently, we cannot eav, now, when the President's Message will be delivered. Should the House effect an organization within a reasonable time, say two or three days, we hope to be able to lay the Message before our readers next week —if not, not. We Bhall The Democratic caucus on Saturday night nominated Hon. Thomas S. Bococx, of Virgin ia, for Speaker of the House. The Opposition have made no nomination, but it is generally understood will support Mr. Sherman, of Ohio, for'the Speakership. SENSIBLE. About the only sensible thing we have read in a long while, occurring in the hot bed of all isms—New England—was the summary way in which Mayor Harrington, of Manchester, New Hampshire, disposed of a Black Repub lican Abolitionist, who was attempting to toll the City Hall bell as a mark of respect to the old murderer Brown. Here is the despatch : EXCITEMENT IN MANCHESTER. Manchester, N. H., Due. 2,IS.VJ. There was a brisk excitement here this afternoon, caused by an attempt to toll tbe obsequies ot “UM Brown’' from the City Hall bell. It bad struck four or fivu times when Mayor Harrington appealed among the sympathizers in tbe beliry and ordered them to desist. One ol them refused, when tbe Mayor dropped him throuuh the scuttle by the moat convenient mode, and the belldidn’t ring any moro. In Philadelphia, a city dependent to a great extent upon the Southern and Southwestern trade, a large meeting of Brown sympathi zers, oomposed mainly of infidel men and women? 41 black spirits and white, blue spirit? and grey,” was held at National Hall, only a short distance from Independence Hall, on Friday, at which a huge amount of “ froth and fury signifying nothing ” was expended. We are surprised that such a meeting was permitted to be hel.d in the 14 City of Brotherly Love.” Ilaslthe spirit of 1835 entirely died out? The meeting, however, did not oniy take place, but the Republican Mayor oFthat city detailed a hundred policemen to protect the Furnesses, Tiltons, Mary Grews and Lucretia Mottß in their treasonable assaults upon the Constitution and laws of the country. Philadelphia is really a National city— Sectionalism having never gained, until the present time, much foothold there. V e look to the “ sober, second thought” of the people to bring it back to the faith ol its fathers. BKWAR.D AND HARPER'S PERRY There can be no doubt in the mind of any person who has read the evidence at the trial of the Harper’s Ferry conspirators, and the evidence of Col. Forbes, who was once hand and glove with the arch agitators, Seward, Giddings and Gerrit Smith, but what all three of the abovj>named were clearly impli cated in the plot. Col. Forbes had an inter view with Seward in May, 1858, and in relation to the plan of “Crazy Brown,” (whom the Republicans then considered sane,) says “ I went full;/ into the whole matter in all its bearings” Did Soward inform on him, as every man is bound to do ? Not so. He keeps his knowledge of the plot to himself, and alloics the nefarious jirocceding io go on. Does not this clearly implicate Seward in the treasonable, murderous attempt at Harper’s Ferry, executed as it was by bis satellites. with his knowledge and consent. The Washington., Constitution thus gives the matter its true color: He knew that thoro were four millions of alaveß in this Confederacy, of whom nearly half a million were located in the State of Virginia. He was informed of the projected insurrection; he was apprized of the name of the leader; he knew the man, his character, motives and principles; his whole plan was fully communicated to him in all its details, and he is silent at Washington. He takes his seat in the Senate chamber of the Union. He meets there daily the Senators from Vir ginia and the other Southern States ; his oath to support the Constitution, and the govern ment of which he is a component member, is fresh on his lips and green in his memory ; he meets in social intercourse the wives and children of his associate Southern Senators with complacent smiles and friendly greeting; but in his heart lies brooding the knowledge of the deadly secret that, so far as Brown and his can succeed, a terrible tragedy is to be enacted, in which his South ern colleagues and their families may soon be the victims. He sees in the near prospective the curtain rise ; he beholds the acts of the dreadful drama ; he sees the conspirators rush upon their victims ; he witnesses the insurgent African banner superseding the flag of his Country ; he stands among the fragments of the Constitution which he had sworn to sup port ; he beholds the insurgeut negro cohorts rushing, as in San Domingo, upon their prey; he hears the shrieks of tbe victims; he sees the fathers, sons and brothers of Virginia and Maryland butchered, without arms or warn ing, in the midnight hour; he hears the cry of agony from those of the gentler sex doomed to a still more dreadful fate ; the hands of the assassin arc dripping in human gore ; a peace ful village where all, in unsuspecting confidence, retired at night to their repose, is given to the flames, and all its male inhabi tants are consumed amid its ashes. It is no imaginary dagger that he sees before him ; it • is no “ phantom of the heat oppressed brain;” it is no reverie or dream of slumber ; but a dread reality, but too distinctly portrayed before him, and he is silent and conceals the faot. He mingles every day with many of the intended victims; he sees their doom approaching, and ho raises no voice of warning, and no hand for suGCur. NEW*YORK. ELECTION. The municipal election in the City of New' York takes place to*day. There are five candidates in the field for Mayor, and the contest is very exciting, \ Prospectus of The Neiv Tori: Ledger, the great family paper, will be found in another column. It is scarcely necessary to pay that The Ledger is by far the most popular family paper in the country, having a circulation of over four hundred thousand copies. It is always characterized by a high moral tone, and, as will be seen by reference to its advertisement, and employs more emi nent contributors than any other paper in the world. Washington Irving, the celebrated writer and historian, died at his late residence, near New York, on Tuesday last, at the advanced age of 77 years. , The Spanish-Morocco War.—Official Notification. | Washington, Deo. 2.—The State Depart ment has been officially advised that war has been declared by Spain against Morocco, and the blockade of the ports of the latter country is announced. the execution of brown. Reporters Excluded by Gov. cepliou o£3lra. Brown at CUarlestoivu-- MLiltavy Display—lnterview tbe Husband and Wife— Scenes at tbe Execution— Disposal of tbe Boay. Charlestown, Dec. 2. The reporter of the Areiciated Brers telegraphed, yester a.i to 'Wire, for permiraion « attend execn&m. The’r»pfj wa. tS; the Governor declined to acrede to the inerepij fa-iuties will be extended to reporters. quietly, with the exception of » greet military beetle on the reception of Mra. Brown.— Mre Brown was resorted over from Harper's Ferry at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and the entire military force was brought out to make a demonstration. She was received with rail military honors, hnt her companions were net allowed to accompany her from Harper" tarry. After remaining foor hours vri , th „ h ”f b ” s , b o 'vTS Brown was escorted back to Harpers Ferry, . . hn fret night, where ehe will await tbe reception of her bos- be allowed to he near enough to the place of execution to hear any remarks t = ," John Brown wai hung at n quarter past eleven o’clock, tb Th?St£y aaaombled at 9. o’clock, and were posted on the field leading to the place of execution, and also at vari ous points, as laid down in the general orders • Everything was conducted under the strictest military discipline, as if the town was in a state of siege. Mounted scoots were stationed in the woods to the left of the scaffold, and picket gnards were stationed oat to wards the Shenandoah mountains, in the rear. The military on the field formed two hollow squares.— Within the inner one was the scaffold, and between the inner and outer lines citizens were admitted—no one being allowed outside of the lines excepted the mounted guards. At eleven o’clock the prisoner was brought out of the inil accompanied by Sheriff Campbell and assistants, and Captain Avia, the jailor. A small wagon, containing a white-pine coffin, was driven up, on which they took a companies of infantry, a rifle company, a company of horse, and the general and his staff, (nnmbanng twenty five officers.) beaded the procession, and marched towards the place of execution. Brown was accompanied by no minister, and desired no religious ceremonies either in the Jail or on the scaffold, lie looked calmly around on the people, and was fully pos sessed during the trying occasion. He mounted the scaf fold with a firm step. His arms were pinioned by the Sheriff. Ho hid farewell to Captain Avis and therm Campbell. At a quarter past eleven o’clock the drop of the scaffold was pulled, and after a few slight struggles John Brown yielded ud his spirit. The l>ody was placed ia a coffin, and is now on its way to Harper’s Ferry, to be delivered to his wife under a TUB INTBKVIEWBEXWISEN BROWN AND 1118 WIFE. CIIAELEKTOW.N, Dec. 2. The interview between Brown and his wife lasted from 4 o’clock in the afternocn unili near 8 o’clock in the even ing, wlieo General Taliaferro informed them that the period allowed them had elapsed, and that Mrs. Brown must pre pare for her departure to Harper’s Ferry. The carriage whs again brought to the door, the militajy took posses sion of the square, and. with an escort of tweuty mounted men, the cortege moved off, Captaiu Moore, of the Mont gomery Guards, accompanying her. The interview was, I learn, not a very affecting one, being rather of a practical character, with regard to the future of herself aud children, and the arrangement and settlement ; of business affairs. They seemed considerably affected when they first met, and Mrs. Brown was for a lew mo ments quite overcome, bnt he was firm as a rock aud she _ soon recovered composure. There was au impaession that the prisoner might possibly be furnished with a weap on or with strychnine by the wife, and before the inter view her person was searched by the wife of the jailor and a strict watch kept over them during the time they were together. At the time of the separation, they seemed to.be fully self-possessed, and the parting, especially on his part, ex hibited a composure, either feigned or real, that was truly surprising. Mrs. Brown, I learn, rather repelled all at tempt, on his part, to express sympathy with her under her afflictions. She resisted the ideu that Capt Brown had dnneauything to deserve death or toattaint bis name with dishonor by the ignomiuous punishment that whs about to be inflicted upon him. She regarded him as a martyr in a righteous cause, and was proud to be the wife of such a man ; that the gallows had no terror to her or to him.— frhe stated that she had not seen him since last June, about six mouths ago, and that they bad been separated, except fur a few days, for nearly twp years. They had, however, corresponded, and she always'felt a deep interest in the cause in which he was engaged. The character of the interview between them may be judged to some extent from this conversation with Captain Moore previous to the interview. I learn from Captain Avis, tile jailor, that the interview between the prisoner and his wife was characteristic of the man. and the direc tions given for the management and distribution of prop erty occupied all the minor details of.a last will and testa ment. General Taliaferro was also present, and Captain Brown urged that his wife be allowed to remain with him all night. To this tho Goueral refused assent, only allow ing them four hours. On first meeting, they kissed ami affectionately embraced each other; and Mrs. Brown shed a few tear?, but imme diately chocked her feelings. They stood embraced, the wife sobbing, and tho husband apparently unable to speak, for nearly Jive minutes. The prisoner only gave way for a .moment, ami was soon calm aud collected, and remained firm throughout the remainder of .the interview. At the close they shook hands, but did not embrace; and. as they parted, he said, ‘*ood bless you and the children.” Mrs. Brown replied, “Gotl have mercy on you,” and continued calm until she was about leaving the room, when sho re mained in tears for a lew' moments, and then prepared to depart. The interview tdok place in the parlor of Capt Avis, and tho prisouer was free from manacles of any kind. They sat niiie by side on tho sofa, and after discussing family matters, proceeded to business. 110 stated that he desired his property to pass entirely into her possession, aud ap peared Jo place full confidence in her ability to manngo it properly for the benefit of his younger children. , He requested her to remain at North Elba, in New York, on a farm where sho now resides, which belongs to her. — Hew us desirous that the younger children should bo edu cated ; ami if she c- uld not obtain facilities tor education at home. Ik have them sent to boarding school. He then irave din-cimas, uud dictated to Sheriff Campbell bis will, which directed that ail his property should go to his wife, with Hie exception of a f«w presents or bequests which he made. To one of his sons he gave a double spy-glass; to another one a watch: to another one he gave directions that he should take a tomb or mouumeut that marks the grave of his father, at North Elba, and have engraved on it lii> naiiir, age, tin** th« iu«uner tifliis death, toiroMier with the iraii'i* t-*r which lie suffered death, which ht> directs “hall remain ui Nurth Elba as lornr as his family resides there. To each of the children he bequeathed the sum of lilty dollars, and to each of his daughters a Bible, to cost live dollars each, to be purchased out of money coining to him from him his fathers estate. Also a Bible, to cost Hire' 1 ilcUnrs. to be presented to each of hie grand children, ami that lilty dollars each to be paid to three individuals whom he named, if they cau be found, if not, to their legal representatives. Din ing the enurso of thoir conversation, Mrs. Brown asked him if he had heard that Gerrit Smilh had become insane, ami hail been sent to the Asylum, at Utica. He replied that iu* had read cf it in the papers, and was sorry to bear it. but immediately changed the subject. The death of hifl two sons wa.3 spokeu of, and Mrs. Brown remarked that she had made some effort, whilst at Harper's Ferry, for the recovery of their remains, to which object, she said, Col. Barbour had kindly consented to give his assistance. Capt. Brown remarked that he would also like the remains of the two Thompsons removed, if they could be found, but suggested that it would be best to take his body, with the bodies of his four sons, and get a pile of pine Ins'-'nail burn them all together: that it would bo much butter, and less expensive, to thus gather up all their ashes tojeiher and take them to their final resting place. Sheriff Campbell told him that this would not be permitted within the .State, and Mrs. Brown nbjeoted to the preposi tion altogether. -The prisoner said ho contemplated his death with composure and calmness. It would undoubtedly l*e pleasant to live longer, but as it was the will of God he should close his career he was content. It was doubtless best that he should be thus legally murdered for tho good •of the caunn. and he was prepared to submit to Ilis will without a murmur. Mrs. Brown becoming depressed at these remarks, he bade her cheer up, aud told her liis Ijody would rood be with her, and that they would be united in Heaven. With regard to bis execution, he said he desired no reli gious ceremonies either iu the jail or on the scaffold, from ministers who consent or approve of the enslavement of their fellow-creatures; that he would prefer to bo accom panied on the scaffold by a dozen slave children and a good slave mother, wilb’their blessings iu bis soul, than all tho eloquence of the whole clergy of the Commonwealth billed. During the past week several letters containing checks and drutts had been forwarded to him by his friends in different sections of the country. All of those he endorsed aud ordered payable to bis wife, Mary A. Brown—(one of them was for SIUO, and another for SSU) —aud then handed them to her. THE EXECUTION. The prisoner was brought out of jail at 11 o’clock. Before loaviug, he bade adieu to all hlfl fellow-prisoners, and waa very affectionate to ali except Cook. He charged Cook with haviug deceived und misled him in relation to the support he was to receive from tho slaves. lie was led to believe that they were ripe for insurrection, and had found that his representations were false. Cook denied the charge, und made but little reply. The prisoner then told the sheriff that he was ready. Ilis arms were then pinioned, and with a black 6louch hut and the same clothes he wore during the trial, proceeded to the door, apparently calm and cheerful. As be came outside, the companies of infautry and ono troop, with Gt-u. Taliaferro and tho entire staff were deploying in front of the jail, whilst an open wagon, with a pine box, in which was a fine oak coffin, was waiting for him. lie looked around und spoke to several persons he recognized, aud walking down the steps was assisted to the wagon, and took his seat on the coffin box alongside of the jailor, Mr. Avi3. He looked with interest on the fine mili tary display, but made no remark. The wagon moved off flauked with two files of riflemen in close order. Ou reaching tho field, the military had already full possession. Pickets were stationed and the citizens kept back at the point of the bayonet from taking ,any position ex-ept that assigned them, nearly a quarter of a mile from the scaffold. Through the determined per sistance of Dr. Rawlins, of Frank Leslie’s, the order for excluding the press was partially rescinded, and they were assigned a position near the general’s staff. £ The prisoner walked up the steps firmly, and was the first man on the gallows. Messrs. Avis and Campbell stood by his side, and after shaking hands, and bidding an affectionate adieu, thanked them for their kindness, put the cap over his face and the rope around his neck. Mr. Avis asked him to step forward on the trap. He replied, •• You must lead me, 1 cannot see.” The rope was then adjusted, and the military order giv en. The soldiers marched aud counter-marched, and took a po3itiou as if the enemy was In sight, and nearly ten minutes was thus occupied. The prisouer remained'stand ing, and. Mr. Avis asked if he waa not tired. Brown re plied, “ No, not tired, but dont knep me waiting longer than is niicossary.” lie *as swung off at fifteen minutes after 11 o'clock.— There was a slight grasping of the hands and stretching of the muscles, ami then all wasquiet. Tho body was sover-' fll limes examitied, and the pulse did not cease beating until thn-ty-livo minutes. It was then cut down and placed ftinhe collhj, and conveyed, under the military es cort, to the depot, aud put in a car to bo conveyed to the Ferry by n epecial train at 4 o’clock. The whole arrange- ImfeDi was carried out with precision and military strict ness that was rnoßt annoying. The general conviction everywhere entertained was, tbdf excitement regarding an expected rescue waa caused by egregious hoaxes. This morning, Brown executed an instrument empower ing Sheriff Cumpbell to administer on all property of his in the State, with directions to pay over the proceeds of tho sale of tho weapons, if recovered, to hU widow and child ran. BROWN’S INTERVIEW WITH HIS FELLOW-PRIS- SherifT Campbell bid the prisoner farewell in hiR coll. Tho prisoner returned thanks for the Sheriff's kindness, and spoke of Capt. Pate as a brave man. The prisoner was then taken to the cell of Copeland and Green. He told them to stand up like men, aud not betray their friends. He then handed them a quarter each, say ing he had no more n3o for his money, and bid them adieu. lie then visited Cook and Coppie, who were chained to gether. He remarked to Cook—‘ meute.” •“ You have made false 6tate- Couk asked him, “ What do you mean ?” Brown answered—“ Why, by stating that I sent you to Harper’s Ferry i Cook—“ Did you not tell me at Pittsburg to come to Harper’s Ferry and see if Forbes had made disclosures.” Brown—“No, air, you know I protested against your , Cook replied, “Captain Brown, we remember different ly* at the same time dropping hia head. Brown then turned to Coppie and said, “Copnio, you also made false statements, but I am glad to hear that you have contradicted them. Stand up like a man,” and also handed him a quarter. He shook him by the hand and parted. Brown was then taken to Stevens 3 coll, and they Inter changed kind greetings. Stevens said, “ Good bye, Captain. I know, you are go ing to a better land.” B Brown replied—l know I am.” He told him to bear up and not betray his friends, giving him a quarter also. He did not visit Ha2lett, a 3 he has always persisted in de nying any knowledgeof him. On bis way to the scaffold, Mr. Sadler, the undertaker who was in the wagon jvith him, remarked, “ Capt. Brown you are a game man# He answered, “yes, I was so trained up; it was one of the lessons of my mother, bat it was hard to part from friends, though newly' made.”— Then remarked, “This ia a beautiful country, I never had the ploa-nre of fwing It kefc-re” On rearhing the gallows,..ltd observed Mr. Hunter and Mayor Green standing nttir.tb whbtn be said. “ Gentlemen, po«d bye,” his voice not fullering in the least. While on the scaffold, Sheriff Campbell asked him if he would take a handkerchief in his hand to drop as a signal when he was ready. He replied, ‘ No, he did not want it; but do not detain me loncer than U actually necessary. Shortly after the execution and whilst the body was being taken to the depot, great excitement was occasioned iu th» town by the arrival of a bnrs-man announcing that Wheatland, the late mider.cn of George W. Turner, eh. t ; at Harpers Ferrv, was on Ere, and that it was extending , to the farm buildings. ‘ Win. F. Turner, who waa in town, bad left home at 10 o’cltck. * He said that several of the horse* h»d died Tery sudden ly; and also Rome sheep. It was they had been poisoned, and it waa intended to have th-ir *o-m»chs ana lyzod. The stock of Mr. Castleman aud Mr. H>sfS, in the same neighborhood, had also died very m sU-nously. The excitement was very great and Cnl. Dnvia had the Fauqoier cavalry in readiness to go out and inquire into the truth of the report about the file. DISPOSITION OF TUB BODY OF BROWN. Thu body of Brown arrived in a special train, and will be taken on by Mrs. Brown and friends, by express, direct to Albany. Il is desired to avoid all publit demonstration, and the body will not be visible anywhere on the route to North Elba, where it will be deposited iu the family banal ground. Mrs. Brown speaks in the highest terms of the kiDdnees extended to her by the citizens and authorities of the State. She is, of coarse, in groat distress, and has most favorably impressed all who have met with her as a woman of fine feelings and possessed of great affection for her husband. PRESIDENTIAL VOTE As a matter of reference, and also to show the immense increase in the popular vote of the Union in the last thirty yearß, we give the following table of the Presidential elections from 1828 to 1856, inclusive. It will be seen that the vote has nearly quadrupled in that time: 1828 Jackson, 650,943 * Adams, 511.475 Aggregate vote, Jackson over Adams,. 1832 Jackson, Clay, Wirt, Aggregate vote,. Jackson over Clay and Wirt,. 1836 Van Bnren, •' Harrison, White, Webster,.... Aggregate,. Van Bnren over all, 1840 Harrison, Van Bnren, Blrney, Aggregate vote, Harrison over Van Buron, 146,060 Over all, 138,560 1844 Polk, 1.335,536 Clay 1,297,145 Birney, 02,229 Aggregate vote,. Polk over Clay, Clay and Birney over Polk,. 1848 Taylor, ; Cass, Van Buren, Aggregate vote,. Taylor over Crab, 149.738 Cuss and Van Buren over Taylor, 142,120 1852 Pierce 1,555,955 Scott, 1,242,585 Ilale, 155.624 Aggregate vote,. Piorce over Scott,.... Over Scott and Hale, 1856 Buchanan, Fremont, Fillmore, Aggregate vote,. Buchanan over Fremont, 479,537 Fillmore and Fremont over Buchanau,... 357.271 BEFORE AND AFTER. Before the elections, the New York Tribune was in favor of some comprehensive scheme of union which should consolidate all factions of the Opposition into one great party for the Presidential election of next year. Now it plays upon a different string. It casts out 1 the Americans who refused to co-operate with ! the Republicans and secure the election of the whole Republican ticket in New York, in the most peremptory and imperious man ner. “ Please, gentlemen,” says the Tribune , “stay not tjie order of your going, but go at once. There are really but two parties in the country —the party of slavery and that of freedom” —meaning that there is a Demo* cratic party, and a Republican party, between which voters must choose. This is the end of the much-talked of union of all the elements of the Opposition. The Republicans mean to fight their own battle, and to concede nothing for the purpose of humoring the Americans. This is the programme in New York as well as in Pennsylvania. The conservative portion of till! OppUßUiuLl may Uclud© tkcmacbco -nrltk the hope that a place will be assigned them where they will not be compelled to endorse Sewtfrdism, but it is the mere phantom of hope. Act with us heartily, or go out from us entirely, is now the order issued by Repub lican leaders. ABOLITION COURAGE We take the following truthful paragraph from the N. Y. Observer , a religious news- “ Indeed very few of the rose-water philan' thropists of our day have any courage. Wen dell Phillips has fired a thousand guns at the South from tho region of Bunker llill, but he has no grit to stand up to the doctrines he teaches, when others attempt to put them in practice. 11. W. Beecher lacks courage even to stick to his opinions when they are'contro verted. Such men, like Gerrit Smith and Fred. Douglass, are very brave on paper, mighty men of war on the platform, in their own estimation, but they are sure to be at a safe remove from danger when the mine ex plodes. Let any one of them have reason to believe that his speeches or letters are likely to bring him into personal conflict, and he quails at the prospect.” ANOTHER PLUNDER PROJECT. We see it suggested in Fernon’s Uailroad Journal that the State should release the Sunbury and Erie railroad company, for a number of years, from the payment of the interest on the purchase money for the canals sold to tho company, and the suggestion has beon copied into Forney's Press, with apparent approval. In plain English, this may be regarded as the first step in robbing the State of the pro ceeds of the caiials, sold at a price notoriously less than their real value, and, if successful, it will in time be followed by others designed for that purpose. Are tho people—the tax payers of the State—prepared for it, and are they willing that this scheme of the plunderers shall be successful ? If not, let them at once speak out in a voice that will not be misunder stood, and give their representatives in the Legislature distinctly to understand that nu such dishonest project can have their appro bation. What is this proposition ? It is to release the Sunbury and Erie company from the payment into the State Treasury of t one hundred and seveniy-Jive thousaild dollars annually, and consequently to withold this sum from the annual liquidation of the State debt; it is, virtually, to give to this corporation, annually, §175,000 of tbe people's money, for this interest truly belongs to the tax payers of the State, being the proceeds of publio works which had-beon constructed by their r-tnoney, and, prior to their sale, were yielding a net revenue considerably greater than this interest. And on what ground is this plunder of the State asked to be done ? On the ground that tbe Sunbury and Erie company, although favored, in the sale of the canals, to the extent of millions, still finds itself embarrassed, and without aid will have great difficulty in stock ing and operating their road so far as finish ed ! 1 If this plea is good for that company, the same plea or one equally as good might be advanced by many other railroad compa nies in the State who are in embarrassed circumstances, and whose stockholders are quite as deserving of State favor as the Sun bury and Erie horde of speculators. And suppose one or more of these embarrassed or failing companies were to apply to the Legislature for relief, —for a donation to enable them to finish their road—to stock it —or to pay the interest on their bonds, — would they succeed ? Most assuredly not; it would find no favor in that quarter. Andyetthis movement of the Snnbury and Erie company is of this unreasonable and unjust character, and at least two presses are found bold enough to encourage it. We may refer again to this plunder project. Our object, at present, is Bimply to apprise the people of this last scheme of speculators and stockjobbers to rob the State at the expense or her tax-paying citizens, — West Chester Jeffersonian, CITY AND COUNTY AFFAIRS, Opening of the State Normal School at MiU.KKbYM.LE—The appointed by the Governor, and Board of Trustees of the Normal School inspected tho baiidiog-i of that institution on Thursday last, preparatory to its adoctioD as a State Normal School. All the Inspec tors were present with the exception of Mr. Diaffenbach, who declined the appointment. Dr. John L. Atlee, Sr., of this city, was appointed to fill the vacancy. On Friday afternoon the large Hall of the Norma! School was filled to ovei flowing by an intelligent audience of ladles and gentlemen from Millersviile, this city, and the tmrrouadlng country. Among the gentlemen on the plat form were the Board of Inspectors, President Wlckersham, Ahrsham Peters, Esq., President of the Board of Trustees, Mayor Sanderson, Rev. Dr. Gerhart, President, and Profes sors Porter and Nevin of Franklin and Marshall College, Prof. S. S. Hald-mau, Gen. Slineffer, and a number of other prominent citizens. The meeting was presided over by Hon. Thomas 11. Bur rowes, and after a fervent prayer by Rev. J. K. Miller, Superintendent of Common Schools of Somerset eonnty, a short address was made by Hon. H. C. Hickok, State Super intendent of Schools, after which the report of the Inspec tors was read by John M. Sullivan, Esq., Deputy State Superintendent. A beautiful ode was then sung by the Normal Glee Club, and a capital address delivered by Mr. Barrowes, which was followed by addresses from President Wickers ham, Mr. Hickok, ex-Goveruor Pollock, Rev. Dr. Gerhart. Prof. Haldeman, Dr. Atlee, Prof. Walker and Mr- Houck, Superintendent of Schools of Lebanon county. The exercises throughout elicited the deepest interest from the vast audience, and the speakers were frequently and hear tily applauded. This Normal School now stands at the bead of those ; peculiar institutions in the country. Its buildings and grounds are equalled by none, and its President and pro fessors are known as men of intellect and in all respects amply qualified for their responsible positions. The citizens of Millersville, with their characteristic hospitality, opened wide their doors to the “strangers within their gates.” Among others, we must not neglect to mention our whole-souled friend, Abraham Petees, Esq. The latch-string of his mansion is always out, and the guests made to “feel at home” by the kind attentions of his amiable lady and accomplished daughters. Teachers’ Institute.— We direct attention to the advertisement in another column for tho meeting of a Teachers’ Institute, in this city. The proceedings will doubtless be interesting to our citizens generally, and we hope to see a largo attendance from day to day to listen to the exercises and deliberations. Ladies’ Fair.— Tho Ladies connected with St. John’s Episcopal (Free) Church, West Chesnut and Mulberry streets, propose holding a fair and festival in the maiu saloon of Falton Hall this week. The fair commences to-morrow (Wuiinesday) evening, aud will continue open during the day and evening until Friday night. One of the largest collections of fancy and useful articles ever pre" sonted in this eity, on an occasion of this kind, will be then displayed, affording am excellent opportunity to those in search of holiday presents. Season tickets, admitting one person, 25 cents; single tickets, 10 cents, which can be had at the Book Stores. ... 26.767 .-1,274.777 ...1,128.708 7,500 , 38,821 23,908 .1,371,955 .1,222,217 . 29 L,868 Patent Pucket Coin Detector.— This ad mirable little instrument for testing the various kinds of Gold and Silver Coins has been invented by Imlay & Bick. null, (Bank Note Reporters,) Philadelphia, and is furnished at a coat of $l. It is so small that it can be carried in the pocket without any inconvenience, and every business man should have one. It detects, at the same moment, both size, thickness and weight, from a Half Dime to a Dollar ln.Silver, and from $1 iu Gold up to $2O, besides foreign Gold and Silver coius. It is a most perfect instrument of the kind. Dr. G.S. Wuitehill. of Paradise, is the Agent fur the sale of the Coin Detector, in Lancaster county, as he is also the Agent ior Imlay i Bickuell’s Bank Note Reporter. . 213,370 . 57,746 .1,817,304 .1,337,857 . 866,808 The Fencibles’ Ball.— The Fourth Annual Ball and Promenade Concert ofthe Fenclbles took place on Thursday night last. We were uot present, but have been informed that Fylton Hall hns 6oldom or never presented such a scene of boauty and enchantment. The glorious promenadiug music of the Feticibles’ Band and the capti vating dancing music of Kefl'er’s Orchestra kept the large assemblage in the finest possible mood until the “woe sma’ hours” had fairly set in. The gallant Fencibleß looked every inch soldiers in their new aud becoming overcoats. This company can boast of as handsome a set of men as any in the State, and the lovely fair sex, if we can judge from their bewitching smiles, are not slow to believe it.' Admitted to Practice. — In the Court of Quarter Sessions, on Saturday week, on motion of Col. O. J. DicEEi", 11. W. Shenk, Esq., was admitted to practice law in the several Courts of this county. We understand that Mr. S. passed a highly creditable examination. City School Board. — At a stated meeting of the City School Board, held on Thursday evening last, lion. A. E. Roberts was elected a member thereof iu place of James M. Hopkins. Esq., resigned. Slißa E. Samsou was elected Assistant Teacher in the Female Secondary School, E. W., in place of Miss C. Steiger walt, resigned. Miss R. McComsey was elected to Oil tho vacancy occa sioned by the promotion of Miss E. Samson. Miss Kate W. McCaakey was elected a Teacher in the Combined Primary School, W. W., io place of Miss R. McComsey, promoted. The Superintending Committee waa authorized to-selset a I'riucipal for ti<s Combined Primary School, in Cheanut street, from among the three teachers in the school. After accepting au iuvitation to attend the State Normal School, at Hillersville, on Friday last, tbe reading of tbe City Superintendent’s Monthly Report, and thejransaelion ofsome other business, the Board adjourned. Tiie Howard Evenings.—The first ot trie serirß of this winter’s Howard Lectures will given this evening, at Fulton Hail. The lecture will be delivered by Rev. G. F. Ivrotel. llis name is a sufficient guarantee that the lertura will be able, eloquent and Interesting. The following is the programme of those meetings for the ensuing season : LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOWARD 1 A lecture at Fulton Ilall, on Tuesday evening, in every week, beginning at half-past seven o’clock, before the Asso ciation and the citizens of Lancaster. The lecture not to exceed thirty minutes in the delivery, and to be on some subject of a practical aod interesting character, which shall be selected or approved by the committee of arrangements. 2. The subject rtf the lecture to be op-n to free discussion, in which all are invited to participate uuder the following regulations: First. No one shall speak more than once without leave from the chair, nor more than ten miuutes at a time. Second. The speaker shall coufine hia remarks to the subject and avoid personalities. 3. The meetings lor the lectures and discussions shall he hold under the auspices of the Howard Association, aud tho President of tbe said Assorialion shall act as chairman and moderator at the first meeting. The person who lec tures at that mooting shall preside as chairman aud moder ator at tbe next meeting; and so of tho ensuing meetings, the lecturer of the uext preceding meeting shall preside as chairman and moderator, introducing tho lecturer of the evening and regulating the discussions and debates. 4. Tbe President of tho Howard Association shall desig nate the lecturer of the first meeting whose name shall bo announced in the daily papers, with an invitation to the public to attend. 5. A committee of three shall be appointed to prepare and" report a list of proper questions and subjects, from which the lecturers shall select the themes for their lec tures. The lecturers shall be selected and appoiuted by this committee. f>. The price of single tickets for admission shall be 10 cents, and of family tickets one dollar each. The Treasurer of the noward Association shall receive tho nett proceeds of the said lectures, &c., for tbe benevolent objects of the Association. Tickets will be left at the book stores and jowolers, where they may bo obtained at the prices above mentioned. Are Lightning Ivids Protective?— We taltf* pleasure in calling the attention of our renders to the following communication from tho distinguished Aeronaut, Prof. John Wise, and hope any of them who can do so will respond to the interrogatories upon which he desires information: Messrs. Editors : The lightuing-rod question is eliciting a considerable amount of discussion at tbe present time— many observant persons adapting the opinion that rods are not only useless, but that they are actually instru mental in bringing destruction upon the places which they design to protect. For the purpose of bringing as much matter of fact as possible to the elucidation of tho question—and thus bring to tho certain knowledge of men the utility or inutility of lightning rods—l would ask vour assistance in’ extending a request to the people of our densely populated county, and to others, to furnish me with answers to the following interrogatories: Has your house, barn, or out-houses, ever been struck with lightning? Was there a rod on any of them, nod, if there was, how was it erected ? What day of the year and hour of tbe day was it struck? What wero the effects of the stroke? Did the building take fire or not? Were the clouds high or low at the time? Was it raining at the time of tbe stroke? If raining, was it in torrents or other wise? Where your rod has been struck, how was the rod served—was it melted, twisted, wrenched out of its fasten ings, or otherwise? Did any of the property struck burn down ? By unswering me these questious, the observers will confer a favor oa science, and a general good on the com mtinity at large. Within tho borders of our own county a great amount of useful information on thiß important subject lies scattered abroad, and if the friends of progress and knowledge will send me answers to tbe above inter rogatories, and any other information relative to tbe mat ter. I will collaborate it into a form for general distribution and general good. Address JOHN WISE, Lancaster, Pa; P. S.—Our city and county papers will aid the advance ment of knowledge by requesting the above aid. Fatal Railroad Accident.— On Tuesday afternoon last tbe 2 o’clock train going east on the Penn sylvania Railroad, when about a mile south of Elizabeth town, accidentally struck aud ran over a boy named George Moyer, 17 years of age, fracturing one of hiß legs from tbe thigh down to the knee. Dr. Hinkle, of Marietta, waa im mediately sent for, but he was unable to reach the wounded boy until half-past Bp. it. Tho Dr. found him in a precari ous condition, and recommended amputatton as tbe only hope of saving life, but considered the chances of recovery as one to forty. With the consent of the boy’s mother, and with the assistance of Dr. J. W. Bowman, of Elizabethtown, tho operalion was performed, but tbe boy lived but a short time, when death released him from hia sufferings. How a Man’s Life is Sometimes Prolonged. Below will be found a certificate from a most respectable citizen of Patton township, Allegheny county, regarding the efficacy of Dr. Keyser’s Pectoral Syrup, a medicine which we have favorably known for a long time, and whioh is attested by huodreds of onr immediate citizens, in every walk in life. Whatever some may think of what are uan ualiy termed pateut medicines, we have entire confidence in Dr. Keyser’s Pectoral, as we are ussuxed that the Dr. prepares every ounce of it with his own hands: “Sometime ago, ah old neighbor of mine was very ill with a bad cough, which every one supposed to be con sumption. His relatives told me that he had taken ovary remody they heard of without benefit. His brother came to see him die, aud ail wero confirmed lu the belief that he could not live. I had about a third of a bottle of your Pectoral Syrup, which I gave him, and it entirely cured bioi to the astonishment of aIL What makes the case more remarkable is tbe extreme age of the man, he beiDg about eighty years old. I have no doubt the Pectoral saved his life. .JOHN M'GINNIS, Patton twp.” April 14th, 1857. Sold here by 0. A. Heinitsh and. all Druggist*. Fatal Accident.—A poor inebriate, named J»juas dy-.ti, amt with an accldeat on© day last weuk, at Elizabethtown. which re-olted in almost instant dtvith.— The dt-ceas-d was in llio employ of Dr. Isaac Bowman at the time, and was thrown out of a wagon he was driving, his head striking a post, which fractured his skull. Mount Joy Affairs.— Mount Joy Uerald has the following: Local Talent Hew a&des. —In looking over the premiums awarded b? the “Fulton Institute,” duriag the late Fair, wc observe that our Ucal *rtista have “carried off the palm" fir ti»e best paintings. The number on exhibition was ex ceedingly large, embracing pome of very rare merit and groat czcfll-uco, and the display was in the highest degree creditable. The competition was of coiirse great, and to receive the highest award of merit overall competitors was not a Irifliug mark of honor. Sirs. A. Jackson, late of Cedar mil Seminary; received a “Ist grade premium” for “Oil and Water Cojor Paintioga.” This was the highest honor conferred, and the judges farther add the flattering com ment and say—“these works are well executed, and display much ability in the artist.” Mrs. J. H. Brenueman received at Ist class premium for “Grecian Painting.” This was also* the highest honor awarded. In this class of p&ioting the competition was greater than in any other, and noth ing short of the highest merit could hear off the prize.— : The judges »Ifo awarded as follows: “Antique Paiuting, Mrs. Brenneman, of Mouot Joy, a very creditable produc tion, aud entitled to a premium of the 4th grade.”' The only honor conferred for “Antique Painting.” “Oriental Painting, by the same, of much merit, aud we award a certificate.” Both Mrs. J. and Mrs. B. can feel proud of their laarels and we teQder them oar congratulations.— Such high awards and marks of honor should be strong stimulants to further exertion. Abua-nuehents have bean made for a regular course of lectures to bo delivered weekly at Academy llall, under the auspices of the Lyceum of this place. As tho lectures are free, it is to be hoped that a majority of onr citizens will take a pleasure in attending. Mr. Moore deserves the thanks of the Lyceum for offering them the use of the large and comfortable llall of the Academy. Perhaps he wus partlv influenced b- a desire to have the pupils under his charge reap a benefit from the lectures. It would be but in accordance with the interest in their social and intellec tual advancement which he has ever manifested. Columbia Affairs.— We glean the follow ing “items” from Saturday’s Spy: Columbia Cricket Club.— A meeting for the purpose of organizing a Cricket Club was held in the Town Hail, on last Friday evuuiug, at which officers were elected and a Constitution and By-Laws adopted. The “name, style and title” selected was “Columbia Cricket Clab.” The officers jlected were: President—Samuel W. Mifflin. Vico President—Amos S. Green. Secretary—M. D. Wilson. Treasurer —N. McDonald. Ground Committee —Samuel W. Mifflin, Lewis Merrill, John Wright, 11. Brooke, Westley A. Martin. Loss of Canal Boats. —On the evening of Friday, 25tk ult„ a tow of seventeen Canal Boats, from Baltimore to Havre de Grace, encountered a severe gale, and nine of the huuibor broke loose from the tug, eight of which were sunk. Of the latter four were totally lost, tho remainder being rained ttod repaired. One of the sunken boats was loaded with iron ore, the balauce were empty. Of the number only one belonged at Columbia—the boat Equator, McGiunis, Captain, owned hy Captain Crowninshield. She was auuk, but was recovered and taken to Baltimore for repairs. One lifii was lost by the accident. Jonathan Howell, of Northumberland. Captain of the boat Napoleon, was drowned. He bad beoD actively instrumental in res cuing a number of hands from the sinking boats, and remaining to the last tfh onq of the vessels had to jump to save himself from goin'g down with her. lie fell short of the boat he attempted to gain, and cried to the men to throw him something on which to save himself; but they were in such alarm that they could extend him no assist ance, and he went down. He had In his pocket at the time of his drowning some five or six hundred dollars. — One of the boats lost belonged to Wm. McConkey, of WrigbtHville. ,_ . , The WpoNG Passenger.—Ou the evening of Wednesday, 30th nit.. Jacob Sager, or “Dutch Jake,” appeared before Esquire Welsh, covered with blood and dirt, and “swore his life” against one Susan Smith, who had committed a violcut assault upon his person with intent to wipe him out. The police being on duty in thu lower ward the Jus tice seized his baton and repaired to tho basin to arrest the sanguinary Susan. lie found that crowing and fighting hen at her residence, near the Peuna. lLiilrnad Freight Depot, and drove her captive before him to the Blue Front. On hearing it was established that Susau, who is an ath letic mulatto, enjoyed a tlbrst for stimulating liquors, which she had that day quenched with most potent McGiu uis, in sufficient quantity to stir her bile and curdle her naturally saccharine disposition. In this state of exulta tion she met with provocation from two white male?, to de ponent unknown, and retiring into her dwelling armed heraelf with a hatchet,and returned to tbeuttack. Forming herself into column she boat the j) as de charge and rushed, head lowered and weapon upraised, to the combat. De bouching on the street she assaulted the first body of t roops she mot, and this happened hy ill chauce to be Jacob, the complaiuant. She effected a complete coup, and got her weapon home ou the German’s head before he was aware of the attack. Although taken by surprise, Jake was by no means routedntaltying bis forceH he came back at Susau. and, taking oossessiou of her weapon of offence, knocked her down aud trampled her under toot. Susau, in defence, exhibited blood, mud and duds, tho latter in a very dilapidated condition. She swore she could whip any white man in Columbia, saving and excepting plaintiff, whose old Dutch head “turned de hatchet like i'on.” “’Squiah, ef’t’d bin any oder head but dat hard, onseiis’ble old cranium, de hatchet was bouud to fetch it. I tell you, ’Squish, 1 doesn’t hit no fool lick when I puts myself down to it. ’Squiah, de Dutchman done ruined my bonnot —he’s boun’ to pay fo’ dat. I walues dat article at three fips, I does. Make him fork over.” It having been fully and satisfactorily established by unimpeachable testimony that Susan, when drunk, was the terror of the neighborhood, and it furthermore appear ing that she attained that desirable state of happiness abont every fortnight, the Justice ruled that defendant, in do fault of $5OO bail, should retire to Cadwollville to await trial at the January Term of Quarter Sessions. Susan went down next morning, per Hollingsworth opposition. Departure of Trains, and Closing of the Mails at the Citt Post Office.—The different Passenger Trainson the Pennsylvania and branch railroads leave this city as follows: LEAVE EASTWARD. Fast Line Through Express Lancaster Accommodation. Mail Train -•••• Harrisburg Accommodation. LEAVE WESTWARD. Through Express. Mail Train IlArrisburg Accommodation. Lancaster Accommodation... Emigrant Train. CLOSING OF MAILS UY RAILROAD. Eastern Through Mail—For Philadelphia, Now York and Eastern States, at Ba. m., 1 1 /> p. m., and 1% p. m. Way Mail East—For Philadelphia and intermediate offices, at 8 a. ni. Western Through Mail—For Columbia, Harrisburg. Pitts bur;: and Western States, at a. m., and 6\4 p. in. Way Mail West—For Landisville. Elizabethtown, Mount .Joy, Harrisburg, Lewistown, Huntingdon, Tyrone, Alloona. Iroiliaaysuui ft Altoona ami Pittsburg.) at. 10p4 a. m. Southern Mail —For Columbia, York, Baltimore, Washing ton, D. C., and Southern States,at a. m. Pittsburg Through Mail, at \]4 p. m. For Strasburg. via: Camargo, Quarryville, Martinsville, and Now Providence, at S a. m. ARRIVAL or MAILS UY RAILROAD. Through Mail East 1.41 a. in., 11.17 a. m., and 2.34 p. m. 11.17 a. m. .4 a. m., 7.80 a. in., and 2 34 p. in. S.4O a. in., and 2.34 p. m. 2.30 p. m. Way Mail East. Through Mail West. Way Mail West Southern Mail CLOSING OF MAILS ON'THE STAGE ROUTES. For Reading, via: Nelisville, Litiz, Rothsville, Ephrata, Ileamstown, Adamstown and Gouglersvilie, daily, at 8 a. m. For Lebanon, via: East Hempfield, Manheira, White Oak, Mount Hope and Cornwall, daily, at 2 p. m. For MiUersville and Slackwater, daily, at 1 p. m. For Safe Harbor, daily, at 1 p. m. For Uinkh-towii. via: Landis Valley, Oregon, West Earl, aud Farmorsville, Tri-weekly, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 2 p. m. For Paradise, via: Greenland and Soudersburg, daily, at 2 p. in. For Litiz. via : Neff-ville. daily,at* 2 p.m. For Marietta, via: Hempfield and Silver Spriog, Tri-wookly t Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 0 a. m. For Strasburg, via: Fortuity and Wheatland Mills, daily, at 2 p. m. For Lampeter, Tri-weekly, Tuesday, Thursday and Satur- day, at 2 p. m. For Now Holland, via: Binkley’s Bridge, Leacock, Bareville, Beartown, Bowuiansville and Muddy Creek, daily, at 12 m. For Phmnixville, via: New Holland, Blue Ball, Goodville, Churchtown, Moraantown, Iloneybrook, Chester Springs, aud Kimberton.Tri-weekly,Tuesday, Thursday and Sat- urday, at 12 m. For Port Deposit, Md., via: Willow Street, Smithville, Buck, Chesnut Level,Green. Pleasant Grove, Rock Springs, Md.; aud Ruwlumlsvillo, Md., Tri-weekly, Monday, Wednes day and Friday, at 0 a. m. For Colobrook.via: Swarr’s Mill, Old Lino, Sporting Hill and Mustcrsonville, Semi-weekly, Wednesday aud Fri- day, at 0 a. m. For Vogansville and Terre Hill, Tri-weekly, Monday, Thurs day and Saturday, at 2 p. m. For Liberty Square, via: Conestoga, Marticville, Coleman viile, Mount Xobo, Bethesda and Rawliusville, Semi weekly, Wednesday and Saturday, at 1 p. in. For Now Danville, weekly, Wednesday, at 9 a. m. Office hours, from 7a.m.to 8 p. in. On Suuday, from 9 to 1U a. ui. Postage to California, Oregon and Washington Territo ries, 10 cents. Letters, alleged to be valuable, will bo registered, and a receipt given therefor, on application and payment of the registration foo of five cents, in addition to the regular postage. _ All letters are required to be pre-pald with stamps before they can be moiled. H. B. Swaiui, Postmaster. Toothache. —This disease can be cured by Dr. Keysets Toothache Remedy, prepared by him in Pitts burgh, Pa., which is put up in bottles and sold at 25 cents each. It is an excellent medicine, when dilated, for spongy and tender gums, and is worth ten times its price to all who need it. Sold here by C. A. Iloinitsh and all Druggists . A NEW SOURCE OF WEALTH. We see by the Pittsburg papers that there is considerable excitement in that region of country, respecting a subterranean reservoir of oil which has been repently discovered.— Companies are engaged in digging wells to obtain the oil. When procured in its crude sta f e it sells for GO cents per gallon. It does not cost more to pump it up than 1 cent per gallon, and 9 cents more per gallon will pay for barrels and transportation to Pittsburg, New York or Philadelphia. The refined oil is sold at a mueh higher figure. This oil is petroleum, a bituminous substance, which is found floating on the water of springs. The excitement does not appear to be altogether speculative, though possibly that may have something to do with the published accounts. One singular fact is mentioned in connection with these oil pits. In many places in the valley of Oil Creek the ground is covered with pits, hundreds and thousands of them evi dently dug for the purpose of gathering oil, and ; at a period so remote that trees 250 years old are growing over them. The query is, by whom were these pits dug, and for what purpose was the oil gathered? Supposed Arrest of Richard Realfe* Brown’a Secretary of State. Washington, Dec. 2.— A man answering Cooke's description of Richard Realfe, was recently arrested at Poolsville, Maryland, but while a commitment w&s being written out, managed to escape. He was yesterday re-arrested at Alexandria, and held for a further examination. He had previously visited Washington, and from his actions excited the belief that he was an itinerant swindler. [Reported for the Pennsylvanian.) THANKSGIVING SERMON Of Rev. JOU.V CHAMBERS, at Ist Inde pendent Churchy Philadelphia) Thurs day) November 91, 1859* The Speaker read, as introductory to his Sermon, from the Bth chapter of Deuteronomy, and the 2nd chapter of First Timothy. Then, after prayer, he said : I have announced to you my purpose to re lieve my heart of a burden that has oppressed me for along time. lam an American citi zen an American Minister of the Gospel.— I love this Bible. I love the God of this Bible. I love my country, its Constitution and its laws. lam a man of peace. I have a heart for the nation. I love it from its extreme Northern verge to the utmost limits of its Southern boundary. I love it from- the spot upon which falls the first ray of the morning sun, to that far off West, where linger the last beams of the sun’s evening retirement.— I love it from its centre to its circumference. I love it as a unit. lam ready to live by it as a unit; lam ready to put the blood of my heart fresh upon its altar, rather than see it anything else than a unit. The worth of this Union to ourselves and the world of mankind is infinitely beyond price- No powers of Arithmetic, no mathe matical genius, however cultivated, can figure out the intrinsic value of this Union to our selves and to the race. The eyes of the civilized world are upon us to day. Fixed and steady is that gaze that comes from every quarter of the globe; it seems just to hover, in its burn ing look, upon this galaxy of States. The nations of mankind are watching us with especial interest, because we are engaged in j working out the great, the momentous problem of self government. The finger of scorn has been pointed; the pen of the opponent of republics has been dipped loDg and deep, and has dashed rapidly across the page, declaring the impossibility of our success. It has long been my'fixed opinion that the monarchies of Europe, and especially England, were jealous of us. It is possible that in this we may be mistaken; but the old adage that “ actions speak more loudly than words ” comes in to our assistance. When small in size and young in years, we escaped from under the oppre-sive dominion of that govern ment ; and in despite of her armies, her navy, her wealth, we moved on with the strength of an infant giant, and'hurled from our necks, shook from our hands, burst from our feet, every badge and fetter of political bondage, and stood up freemen—freemen before the Universe. Subsequently, insult added to injury roused' the heart of the young giant, and brought him into renewed conflict with his former oppressor! That attempt to crush us failed, as had the previous attempt. Why did the first fail ? Because the heart ot our nation was inlused with the spirit ot the Bible- and patriotic unity. Why did the second fail? Because the increased multi plied States of this Republio felt that they were bound together by hooks of eternal steel: as one man, they met the enemy, they con quered, they triumphed. The invadit.g foe, with fallen crest, were commanded to return to their own shores and Ist us alone. This spirit of jealousy is, we think, mani fest ; and tho monarchies, the despotisms of Europe can to day see no hope of triumphing over this Western Continent in any other way than by breaking us to pieces. They cannot break us; but we can break ourselves. Tho combined armies and navies of the whole three continents are not equal to the task of severing this Union, if we be true to ourselves. Seeing, then, no hope, other than by divid ing us against ourselves, our adversaries are apt, as a matter of course, to seize hold of that whereby they may most readily engender strife —make us sectional —lift the heart from the great ark of the covenant of tho Union, and put it down in a little spot here and a little spot there. Here it is you fiud England particularly, most impertinently officious in attempting to interfere with our institutions. Her press, her pulpits, her forum, her Senate chamber, roll ont anathemas upon us, and endeavor to stretch forth the hand to lay it upon that which belongs to us, with which they have no business. And, as the Lord lives, if they are not careful, that arm will one day be smitten from the shoulder, in its intermeddling attempts. We are a long suffering people ; but, brethren, there was a point at which we found encroachment unen durable; and there may be another. If we are capable of working out the groat problem of self government, wc are capable of taking care of our own institutions, whatever they ...7.25 p. m. ...4.12 p. m. ...1.41 a. m. .11.17 a. m. may be —commercial, agricultural, domestic, civil, religious; we are capable of taking care of our institutions, and we must be let .12.20 a. m. If, however, the enemies of republics can, by the utmost stretch of their cunning and their power, urge us on to a spirit of mutual jealousy, of anarchy, of confusion ; if they can discover, (and they think they have dis oovored it.) the means by which an entering wedge of separation may be introduced between these States, now bound together by ten thousand ligaments of the human heart, and cemented by oceans of holy and patriotic blood, —if they can discover how they may divide and disrupt this Union, they will do it; and when it shall be done, they will put the iron heel of despotism upon the scattered fragments, as may suit their pleasure or their interest. But, O God! that day cannot come, that day will never come, if we be true to ourselves! I have no apprehensions from the malig nant influence of any power, unless it be seconded by our own folly. Sometimes men tell me— 4 If we should have war with Eng land, our enemies would burn Boston, and burn New York, and burn Philadelphia, and burn Baltimore ; they will burn every city on the Atlantic shore/ Ido not believe a word of it. That is not the kind of stuff that we are made of, to be thus burned. But we may burn ourselves. While no other hand dare grasp that helm of the Ship of State, and drive the noble vessel upon the quicksands or the rocks, we may do it. In viewing the aspects of public morality in this country, one of the most alarming signs of the times, to my mind, i? the utter indifference that seems to prevail /with regard to the solemnity, value and importance of an oath. Every President, every governor, every judge, all the mayors and lawyers and mar shals and justices of the peace, all the members of Congress and of our respective State Legislatures, are sworn, solemnly before God, as they will answer at the Great Day, to stand by the Constitution and the laws of the United States. This is the oath that they take. It is no trifle. The question is, now, is this oath complied with ? All naturalized citizens—(and I want this heard, I want it understood) —all naturalized citizens are if possible, more solemnly bound to the Consti tution and laws of the United States by oath, than either the President, the Governor, the Judge, the Lawyer, or the Magistrate. For the man that comes to this country from abroad and is naturalized, first solemnly renounces allegiance to the Government under which he was born, solemnly declares bis abandonment of that Government, and then he solemnly swears or affirms befure the great I AM, that he will maintain the Con stitution and laws of the United States. I ask, then, are our official men faithfal to their oath? Are our naturalized citizens faithful to their oath ? What do they swear ? They swear to stand by the Constitution and , laws of the United States. Whatl do the Constitution and the laws require? It is your business to know; it is your duty to know. If, as an adopted citizen of this Republic, you have not examined that Consti tution and those laws, you are bound to examine them that you may know what those lawß teach, and what are your duties in regard to them. The Constitution is the compact. It does not belong to the North nor to the South, to the East nor to the West. It is the covenant, my brethren, between the States of this Union; and while that Constitution remains as it is and what it is, you are bound by it. You may possibly say to me, “ But I am native-born. I never took this oath of fidelity to the the laws.” But, my brother, your Jjirthright holds you to that Constitution.. as the oath which binds the aSSjfed citizen. You are born under its obligations. Being born here, you are bound to 06% the Constitution and the laws. No man bus a right to set them aside. Now, for example, the Constitution most positively and absolutely—in tbe plainest and most unmistakable manner—provides that a fugitive from labor, escaping from one State into another, shall be delivered up. This is the Constitution. lam not to-day touching slavery, right or wrong. I am looking at things as they are. This is the provision of the Consti tution. If, then, the President or Governor, the judge, the lawyer, or the magistrate, the citizen (native bom or adopted) does not com ply with that provision, when it is within his jurisdiction to do so—-if hS connives at its evasion, if. ho aids or abots the fugitive in his flight, he is before heaven a perjured man, and the waters of the ocean could not wash out the stain. With regard to tho Fugitive Slave law, it is not my purpose to say whether that is a right law or a wrong law. But it is the law of the land. It was enaoted by a majority of our representatives; it received the signature of the President. It became a law. Every public officer is by oath bound to obey it. Every adopted citizen is, by his solemn oath, made when he received the right and privi leges of an Amercan oitizen, bound to obey it. Every native born citizen is bound by his birth right to obey it. If the Constitution is wrong, the people who made the Constitution have the right and the power, acting through the legitimate means, to alter it. If the Fugi fcive Slave law is wrong, with the people rests the law making power ; and thank God, they have the right, acting through their represen tatives, to repeal that or any other law. But no individual man has a right to ignore that law ; while it is the law, you and I and all the citizens of this country are bound by it. If, therefore, we, as President, or judge, or lawyer, or magistrate, or naturalized citizen, aid or abet, countenance or encourage the violation of that law, or wink at its evasion, we are perjured. I defy mortal man to contra dict this. If it be not so, law is worthless, and an oath is a bagatelle. Unless an oath is to have some solemnity and obligation,'unless the Constitution and the laws are to have some binding force, we may as well throw up the game and let all go. After these general prefatory remarks, I now take up that question of questions, * Can this Union be perpetuated?’ I answer, yes. By what means, then? By taking the Bible for our rule. This, as 1 have intimated, is the sheet anchor of our hope. If this bo faithfully watched and guarded, the Ship of State need fear no peril. The winds may blow, the political sea may rage, and wrathful waves may mout?t, the political heaven may gather blackness, the lightnings may flash, and the thunderbolts may be dashed down ; but I tell you, my brethren, if this Bible be followed strictly, prayerfully, earnestly, no storm that earth or hell may raise, no tempest ! that crowned heads or despotic sceptres can invoke, will ever throw our ship upon the leo shnro or put out the light of this American . Union. In considering tho means by whioh" this republic is to be preserved, I would remark, in the first place, that government is of Divine appointment. If we turn to the 13th chapter of the Epistle to the llnmans, we shall find thisquosiion definitely andabsolutely settled. We there read : “ Let evory soul.be subject unto the higher powers’ (the civil authorities.) For there is no power but of God: the powers that be arc ordained of God.” God has appointed civil government. 1 do not say that God has given us absolutely any specific form of government. Ido say, 1 fearlessly say, that the men who claim the Divine right of kings, claim right which God gave in His wrath. God did give a king to Israel; but God gave him in his wrath. That, however, is merely by the way. In a government of the people, the laws are of their own selection. We are subject to a Constitution ordained by ourselves. The formation of that Constitution was an object of long solicitude to wise heads and nublo hearts. You remember that those large minded patriots in the Constitutional Conven tion expended upon their task five weeks of anxious thought and consultation ; yet a satisfactory issue seemed still far distant; no daylight appeared to break upon them. Then, Franklin, (though he has been suspected of rather skeptical views on the subject of reli gion,) made his grand proposition, lie rose and said that the Convention had been labor ing in the dark, trying to got along alone ; he desired tln.t they should got some light from G.'d, and proposed that prayer should be offered. The proposition was adopted ; and, if I recollect aright, in three days after that, the Constitution of the United States was completed and signed. The next point I would notico is the duty that all men owe to the Government. Every citizen of our country, whether an official man or unofficial, whether a native born ,or adopted, owes allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the United States as ho floes also to the Constitution and laws of his respective State, and to the municipal author ities. In this great compact, as citizens, wo are bound. Obedience to tho legal authorities is not a mere matter of option. Wo may not say, “I will do as I please; I will obey or not obey, as suits my wishes or my conveni ence.” You are bound, my brethren. The official man is bound by his oath; the adopted citizen is bound by his oath ; the native-born citizen is bound by his immutablo birthright. What are the teachings of tho Bible as to the duty which all men owe to the Govern ment ? The great Teacher, the grand Rofonn mer, the mighty Missionary from the skies, who made Judea’s hills resound with the eloquence of his sentiments and tho divinity of his doctrine, was on one occasion applied to by some persons who were anxious to ensnare him. ‘ls it lawful/ said they, 4 to give tribute to Coc3ar?’ Jesus was living under Caesar’s government ; Jesus was amenable to Caesar’s laws. Had the son of God answered ‘ no/ instantly the charge of treason would have been brought against him. But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, 4 Why tempt ye mo? Bring me a penny, that I may see it.’ And they brought it. And lie said unto them: ‘ Whoso is this image and superscription?’ And they said unto him, ‘ Ccesar’s.’ What then, did Jesus say ? Did he say, ‘ Never mind Caesar"; Coeshr is a tyrant; his laws are not worthy of obedience ; pay, or not pay, as you like ; and if they attempt to force you to pay, then fight!’ Did Jesus say that ? Not a word of it. Jesus, answering, said unto them, 1 Ren der to Caesar the things that are Cccsar's, and to God the things that are God’s/ In the teachings of Jesus Christ, there is, you perceive, no interference with the civil institutions of the land—no attempt to excite the people to riot or bloodshed. Christ says in effect, “ Go meet the claims of tho Govern ment; you may Dot like it, but you are un der it, and you are bound to it.” The Constitution and laws of this country are made by ourselves. Wo may not be entirely satisfied with them ; if so, there is a legitimate and orderly mode by which they can be altered. The adopted citizen has no right to complain if our Constitution and laws Ido not suit him. lie came to this country of his own choice ; he voluntarily went before the authorities, and laying his hand upon this glorious bouk of Gpd, pressing it also to his lips as an evidence of fidelity, he took a solemn oath that ho would obey the Constitu tion and Laws of the United States; or he solemnly affirmed that he would do so. Did he not assume this obligation voluntarily ? Has he any right to interfere in opposition to our Constitution and laws? Does he say,‘l Ido not‘like your -Constitution V Then, eir, | pack up and go jjome ; the sooner we are rid jof you the better. We did not ask you to | come here ; and if you have come here to ! find fault with our institutions and uur laws, ; go home where you have better, j It is not a matter of option whether we shall be loyal to the government. The Constitution and laws of this country are our Ctcsar, and on us rests the solemn duty of obedience. In the 7th verse of the 13th chapter of Romans,.we have this injunction : 44 Render therefore*to all their dues; tribute to whom [tribute is due; custom to whom custom; 1 fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor,” This is the duty of the American citizen. Tho performance of this duty is one of the methods by which we are to keep together these States in one magnificent brotherhood, an object of universal admiration. In this Bible, our guide toward tbe practi cal duties of life, without the performance of which we cannot be good citizens, we have also presented to us tho duty of husband and wife. I need not detain you by referring to the passages of Scripture ; you will find them in Ephesians v chap., xxv,Tv., and Colossians 111, xviii, xix, and first Peter the third chapter. The husband is enjoined" to treat with deferance and honor the woman of his choice. If he fails to do this, he is recreant to every principle of manly honor ; but he is no viler, after all, than the perjured gove’rnor, or perjured judge, or peyurgd lawyer, or perjured magistrate; or peijured adopted cit izen, who will assist in tho violation of the Constitution and laws of the country. We have also distinctly pointed out the rel ative duties of parents and'children. I regret that my time does not allow me to dwell on these points. The duty of the child to obey tho parent is stated in the most absolute terms. " Children obey your parents in the Lord; for this la right.”—Eph. vi, i. Parents are commanded to bring up their children “ in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”— The parent that is guided by this Bible will teach his child fidelity to jGod, fidelity to his country, fidelity to the Constitution, and fidel ity to the laws. The Christian parent will
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