t;:lroiciro Meovto
Towanda, 'Wednesday, March 18;1846.
• FOR CANAL COMMISSIONER,
WILLIAM B. FOSTER, JR
Aocsev.—Gco. Pasa-r, at his Agency Office, New
Yrirkle our duty 'authorized Agent for the transaction of
all business connected with the Reporter office.
-V. B. Ramat, No, 30 Ann street, (adjoining Tri
bune Office) New York; Real Estate and Coal Office,
59 Pine street, Philadelphia is authorized to receive sub
scriptions and advertisements for the Reporter.
It electing a medium for the purpose of advertising
we would respectfully call attention to the Reporter.—
We have no desire to boast when we say that it affords
a most desirable opportunity for coinmunitating to the
public information wished to be conveyed in advertise
ments, hating nearly double the circulation of any paper
in the County ; end much larger than any paper in
Northern Pennsylvania (with perhaps but one excep
tion,) and lasted in a thriving and prosperous county,
'containing enterprising and intelligent citizens, who un
derstand too the benefit of purchasing front those who
we desirous of selling.
Correspondence
ALiwgr, %nen 7th, 1946
I am gratified ht being able to inform you, that at last
a hill has been reported from the proper committee, in
the House of Representatives of this state, incorporating
a company to construct a canal from the State line near
Athens, to unite with the Chemung Canal at Elmira.—
As far as I can judge, after my brief sojourn hero—there
is a fair prospect of the passage of this bill. Another
one is prepared, with similar provisions, for a connection
with the Chenango Canal, at Binghamton ; and will be
reported in a few days.
I have sent a copy of the first named bill to N'l:e. EL
yam. Eso.. of your place, and another to C. F. WELLES
Si. of Athens, fur inspection of those interested. I could
obtain but a limited number of copies, or I should have
distributed them more extensively. I make this public
aeferenee, to remedy the difficulty.
If the bill passes finally as reported—and Mini: it
will—l am persuaded the stud will be subscribed, and
the work on this, as well as on the North Branch canal
in Pennsylvania, be prosecuted without much delay.—
Unless the nation is plunged into a war, or some extra
ordinary, revulsion takes place, in the monetary altdra of
the country, I feel confident, that an improvement. which
Will insure so emple a return fur the capital invested,
Will not want the necessary means of completion.
In the longggle which has been necessary to pro
cure the requisite laws, and perfect the proper organiza
lion, in order to complete this grand link in the improve'
meats of the country—it has been felt by some of those
than engaged, that there was a strange indifference, on
the part of many of the citizens of the Susquehanna val
ley, to their own best interests. Can they possibly be
aware of what is going on around them 1 A company
is now forming, with a view ultimately to extend a rail
way the whole length of the Lackawanna valley, uniting
with the New York and Erie road near the North Eastern
corner of Susquehanna county. This would form an
outlet on the EAST of us, from the anthracite coal re
gion. The Williamsport. and Elmira rail road company
has had given to it by a late law of Pennsylvania, all the
loll: on descending freight (which shall pass over that
road when completed) on the Pennsylvania canal as far
down as Duncan's Island ! This, in my opiniOn, is a
gift to that company quite equal to the one accorded to
the North Branch Canal company, in the finished and
unfinished works from Wilkes-Barre Northward. The
rail road company run no risks--pays no expense; and
are liable to no repairs. They, literally, get the use of
seventy or eighty miles of finished canal, for nothing.—
The friends of this company are bestirring themselves:
they are now here at Albany—seeking a revival of their
charter from this state, which they have improvidently
suffered to expire: and I have little doubt, that their road
will be completed and ere long extended to connect with
the Reading mad—probably by way of the Catarina
and Little Schuylkill improvement, which is also moving
on. This forms an outlet from the interior of Pennsyl
vania, WEST of us. The New York and Erie road
will go .rapidly forward this season. The President of
the company lately informed me, they should expend
nearly a million of dollars on their iwork:the coming
summer and fall.
I mention these things not because I am sorry to see
them taking place. On the contrary—l rejoice in the
gleams of light which are thus breaking through the
lowering horizon, that has hitherto hung over Northern
Pennsylvania. So far from staying their progress, what.
ever I could do in my humble sphere, and with my limi
ted powers—l have always done to cheer them on to a
successful issue.eßut I refer to them now, and in this con
tortion, to enforce this position: not a muscle shank! be
relaxed—not a moment loaf, by ;the friends of the
North Branch Canal. If we can move on, (if nut
ahead) pare: paean with these improvements, all will be
well. But if on the East and on the West new avenues
are opened, apparently, (though not really) rivals to ours
—we shall find our difficulties greatly increased in any
after struggle.
The next twelve months will be the critical period
With us ;—both the prudence and patriotism of the chi.
tens of Susquehenna valley, will be put to the test. In
May 1847, the time expires within which by law, the
North Branch Canal must be commenced, or the charter
is lost. It may happen, (I hope otherwise) that some
two or three hundred thousand dollars of the stock al
ready subscribed, *ill have to change hands ; and that
e portion of it will again be offered to the citizens along
the line of canal. lam not sure that this will occur.
Blot let those interested in the prosperity of the valley,
be prepared to come Cordard, should the completion of
our great work demand their assistance. Meetings„
speeches and reports are very useful in their way ; but
will never construct tA cued, unless intetantially auppor-
ted is some form.
R►l{alsavaa, !Mace 9, 1946
An accident of great magnitude, although not fatal in
itsconseguentes t occurred here thia afternoon about two
o'clock. The boiler to the steam press in the Union Of
fice exploded, bursting out all the doors and windows—
tearing up the floor and setting fire 'ode building. The .
Unirm Printing establishment occupied four stories, ta
ginning at the basement in which was the press and en.
gine. At the lime of the explosion, Mr. Adams the
foreman and a boy were sitting on the first floor above
it; yea strange to my neither Otte badly hurt. In the
room with the press were sevelat hands just about to
commence work—among them w ,trd several girls who
work on and about the press. Some maxtred , so m e Rill
and some swooned, but none were killed. the walla of
the building are badly shaitered, and the }Tess end other
malaria greatly injured. , Q.
Takla= Pasaarr, has almost eomphdely mtoppe
die made. The Philadelphia mail due on .ssuaday,
casein on Tuesday night; while from flawishurg we
have as yet, how unable to obtain any eranmuniattiou.
This arrarlsonen4 will sufficiently excuse the notwiti
wal of the 11.-prxtel at the acetagomesl the
Pauper Labor oflinnOays. American
Laba,r t
The great panic argument of the Whigs in feet eta
high tariff is, that it is necessamsave American industry
friim the ruinous competition of European pauper la
borers. In answer to this, democrats say, that tho efibct
of such a tariff will be, to induce what we called the pan•
per laborers of Europe to emigrate to this country, and
thus be brought personally in competition with American
labor. And further ; that Capitalists employed in Ame
rican manufactures, and who clamor so loudly against
European labor, would themselves turn off the American
laborer, and take the European, if be could be gotat less
vrages. We did not expect this answer a ould be so soon
verified. But we have an instance in our neighborhood,
which shows off these American labor-loving people.— -
It is the following, taken from a Danville paper, and was
published as an exhibit of the increase of population of
that village, within the last year
Sine LETTF.II9.-Fifty ship letters were received at
the Danville P. st-ollice, on Tuesday morning last, from
England; they c tine by the steam•shlp Cambria, which
vemel arrived at Boston last week. Fifty-nine letters
were brought from England, by the Steam Ship Hiber
nia, for the alone (dim in January. These letters were
chiefly for the workmen employed at the Mountour Iron
Works.
Such men, as those concerned in the Montour iron
Works, have been loud and long in their abomination
of European labor, prostrating American indhstry ; yet
we see, from a fair estimation made from the above, not
less than four hundred foreigners are employed by them.
How much is American industry benefited by a tariff
which induces armies of foreign laborers to migrate and
supplant our own citizens by laboring for low wages I
Vac Coxcner.—Tha Baker Family hare announc
ed that they will entertain the citizens of our Borough
qn Thursday evening, the I 9th7mst , at the Court House,
with a Vocal Concert. The Bakers, enjoy a reputation
for musical ability unsurpassed by few, and we know
from personal experience, that this reputation is well
deserved.
The programme consists mostly of glees, with a few
songs. Piearly all the pieces were composed by the dif
ferent members of the Family; the Poetry selected dif
fers in style, and presents as great a variety as possible:
Sentimental, Msj,stic, Descriptive, 11i:tor:cal, Comical,
&e. There will be but one Concert given at this time.
The Baker Family consists of five persons : Mr. and
Mrs. J. C. Baker, Messrs. G. E. Baker, H. F. Baker and
J C. Baker.
Tickets only 25 Cents; Children, if accompanied by
parents or guardians, half price. Doors open at 6 o'clock,
Concert to commence at 7 o'clock, P. M.
HIGH WATEII—Never, "within the memory of the
oldest inhabitants," has the Susquehanna been high
at this place as it was on Saturday and Sunday last.—
The rise was very sudden, though as far as we have
been able to learn but comparatively little damage has
been done. The lumbermen, we believe, were pretty
Well assured that the fieshet would be tremendous, and
have secured themselves from its effects.
The Bridges have suffered most, several having been
swept away, among which was the bridge nexr Mr_.
Hate's, and the new bridge above P. C. Wards.
The Luther's Mills, in Burlington, owned by M. C
Mercur, were swept away, and made a Complete lose.
THE RICTIMGGD MunnEn.—We marked for insertion,
last week, the particulars of the bloody tragedy at Rich
mond, but they were deferred for matters of more general
importance. Comment on such a transaction can be
of no benefit, unless it be to deprecate the formation of
a political issue, or the tinge of a partizan coloring. We
would say to our neighbors, that it is no parallel case
with the lamentable CILLET ' S, but the legitimate fruits,
of that law of honor" fast becoming obselete, and upon
which it is the duty of every one to put the seal of con
demnation. We look upon Mr. Pleasants as a mar.
tyr only to this ba,baroua custom of feudal times;
while though his death is lamentable, his conduct is
equally as reprehensible as Mr. Ritchie's.
TILE LAND PIRATES OF NEW JERSEY.--111C
New Jersey Wreckers, who latest the coast,
have among their diabolical practices, says the
Newark Advertiser, a contrivanee for decoy
ing vessels in a storm to the coast, for the pur
pose of robbery, and they have been known in
this way to steal 850,000 worth of property
in the course of a single storm. The stories
that are told of their depradatioas in fact exceed
any thing in the annals of crime in our coun
try. And all this on the short coast of a State
in the very heart of the American Union, and
almost within hailing distance of its two largest
and wealthiest cities.
The Advertiser remarks : W y cahreariasgho
_..e
ed a hope that the efforts made sonic.
to punish them for their saw, eminent
of shipwrecked mariners, and the subse
quent labors of Christian missionaries among
them, had in some degree redeemed the region
from barbarism: but the hearties splunder of the
crews of the vessels recently wrecked upon the
coast affords painful proof that there has been
no amendment. The vampyres not only re
fused succor to the livina sufferers, but robbed
the dead of every thing foundupon their per
sons and carried off all valuables thrown upon
the shore. It is stated, among other things,
that the Monmouth county coroner, within
whose jurisdiction these cases fail, has declar
ed that he dared not keep the ptoperty saved
from the dead 'bodies withinfive miles of the
beach for his life wdnld be endangered." So
that it appears the outlaws have become as
bold anti formidable as before they were rout
ed some . ten years ago. It will be remember
ed that somewhere about the year 1835 their
robberies and outrages had become so frequent
and diabolical that the interposition of the Gov
ernment was imperatively demanded, and
Gen. Darcy, then U. S. Marshal, with the aid
of his deputies, and a Revenue Cutter furnish.
ed by the N. Y. Collector, undertook the diffi
cult task of breaking them up and bringing
such of them as could be caught in that inhos
pitable region to:pis - nee. After much toil and
exposure some forty of the thieves were taken
including their leader. "Squire Plait," (an ap
pointed Wreck Master too,) and were lodged
in prison at Trenton, Several others took to
the pine woods and camped out all winter to
aociltl arrest. The prisoners were indicted
and tries, but most of them escaped with fines,
though Platt was sent to the State Prison for
two years. It proved a salutary lesson, and
we have heard nothing of them ma within a
year or two. when they seen, to have renewed
business with all their original audneity.
ikIELANCIIOLY ACCIDENT,..aIfss Sarah Rider.
of Lebanon, Ohio, while drawing a bucket of
water last week, fell headlong into the well and
was drowned. Although discovered in a few
minutes after the accident oceorred, life was ex-
tinct.
C EN. Jscnsox's Eerrsen.—The Union, of
Neshojlle, Tenn., says the following will be the
epitaph oil Gen. Jackson's tombstone: Andrew
Jackson, boot on the 15th of March, 1761
died o n the B.th of June, 1811
The Manufacturing Capitalists.
Mr. Abbott Lawrence of Boston. the rich
manufaCturer has addressed two letters to Mr.
Rives. of Virginia. upon the advantages of the
protective system. The following editorial
front the •. Lowell Advertiser" shows the de
gree of credit which is due to some of the facts
set forth in Mr. Lawrence's epistles. The de
tails which are stated in this article, from the
centre of the manufactures of New England.
bear the impress of accuracy on their face.- Be
sides Mr. Hildreth. the editor, is extensively
known as a gentleman of high standing and
scrupulous integrity. His statements are en
titled. independently of circumstances which
give them conclusive authority. to quite as
much weight on the score of personal charac
ter as those of Mr. Lawrence.
It is idle, as Mr. Lawrence and his allies at
tempt to do. to attribute the prosperity of our
country to the tariff of 1842. A young and
enterprising country like the United States can
scarcely be arrested in its onward march by the
blenders of its government. It must march on.
although it does not march so rapidly as if it
were left to its native energies - and resources.
Hut there are other elements in the calculation
which the tariff champions are pleased entirely
to overlook. We would advert, among others,
to4he facts that in 1841 and 1842, the curren
cy in most of the States was in a very bad con
dition, and all kinds of business in consequence
mot less deranged.
That In September, 1842, one of the great
est revulsions ever known in banking history
occurred in New Orleans, the effect of which
were felt throughout the country.
That the effects of this revulsion continued
to be felt till :%1 ay, 1843, since which time the
banks have been steadily increasing the amount
of the circulating medium. •
That much of the prosperity, or apparent
prosperity, which has been attributed to the ta
riff of 1842. is -but in reality the effect of
throwing off a multitude of broken banks, and
the restoration of the credit of the residue.
That this result, though simultaneous with
the passage of the tariff, is quite independent
of it. The revulsion in New Orleans occur
red, if our memory serves vs, in the very
month in which the tariff of 1843 was passed ;
and so powerful was its operation, that even
those domestic articles to which additional
protection" was afforded by that turiff, fell in
price; and they remained low to price, till the
banks by the restoration of their credit in :gay,
1813, were able to increase the amount of cir- 1
culating medium.' But let us return to the ar
ticle in the Lowell Advertiser.
From the Lowell 3drerti.ler.
HON. ABBOTT LAWRENCE'S STATE
MENT AS TO THE PRICE OF LABOR
IN THE LOWELL FACTORIES.
Mr. Lawrence has written two letters to Hon.
' Wm. C. Rives. of Virginia, upon the tariff,
slavery, &e. The point in them is to satisfy.
Congress that a protective tariff is necessary to
the prosperity of the labor of our country. The
same old, often refuted arguments that have
been used a thousand times over are again pa
raded before the people—that by fostering ma
nufactures a home market is created, labor pro
tected ag,ainst the competition of the pauper la
bor of Europe &c. ; but not a word is said in
justification of the tariff system as it actually
exists, giving manufacturers four or five times
as great a per cent. on their capital as any other
interest in the country can make or get. or
tending to show that under a revenue tariff we
should not have the same markets, a greater
price for labor, the same every thing, except
that manufacturers' dividends might not be more
than ten, instead of thirty per cent. per annum.
But as we refer to those letters only on ac•
count of a single statement put forth as to the
price paid for labor in this city, we will not
dwell upon other parts of the letter.
Mr. Lawrence says :
I will give you an example of the rate of
wages tinder low duties, and under the tariff of
1842. In 1841 and 1842. the depression in all
kinds of business became so oppressive, that
many of the manufacturing establishments in
New England were closed, the operatives dis
missed, the mechanical trades were still, and
every resource for the laboring man seemed
dried up.
In the'city of Lowell where there are more
than thirty large cotton mills, from six to se
ven thousand spindles each, it was gravely
considered by the proprietors whether the mills
should be stopped. It was concluded to reduce
the wages ; this was done several times, until
the reduction brought down the wages from a
bout 92 to $1,50 per week, exclusive of board ;
this operation took place upon between 7,000
and 8,000 females ; the mills run on no sales
were made of the goods ; the South and West
had neither money nor credit; and finally, it
was determined to hold out till Congress should
act upon the tariff. The bills passed, and of
course the mills were kept running, which
would not have been the case if the act had
been rejected ; and now the average wages,
paid at Lowell—hiking the same number of
females for the same service—is $2 per week
exclusive of board. Yet Mr. Walker says la
bor has fallen. Where are the wages for labor.
I ask, lower than they were in 1842 ? Who is
to be benefited by the adoption of a system that
gives up every thing. and gives no reasonable
promise of any thing?
The object of putting forth such a statement
before Congress and the world is too apparent
to be mentioned. That it wholly misreprestits
the facts as they exist here, a few plain truths
will settle beyond all question. As Mr. Law
rence's efforts are directed to the task of show
ing that it is the interests of labor lie principal
ly regards, a correct statement of the compara
tive prices paid for labor, in connexion with
the fact that Mr. Lawrence is the greatest ma
nufacturer in the Union, and that some of our
manufacturing companies, besides making se.
mi-annual dividends of ten per cent. are mak
ing the great additions, recently made, being
made, and about to be made, increasing their
entire works in some cases 50 per cent. from
surplus profits. will be likely to set at rest the
•question whether he is anxious for the capital
invested in manufactures or the labor employ- .
ed by that capital. Mr. Lawrence says, and
now the average wages paid at Lowell—f a king
the same num ber of females for the same ser
vice—is two dollars per week, exclusive of
board," whereas in 1841 and in 1842 they
were brought down to $1,50 per week, exclu
sive of board. In the first place, then, about
one-half of the between seven and eight thou
sand" girls employed here work by the week,
and have received no addition whatever to their
wages since 1841 and 18-12. They get no
mote now than the ion est wages paid during'
those years. They never, since a yard of cloth
Was rnanufactoredlin Lowell, received less wa
ges than at this time, though they are com
pelled to do all of one-third more work, and in
many cases double. In 1840 " weeks hands"
received from 75 cents to $2 per week, exclu
sive of board. They now receive from 55
cents to sl,4o—making 25 per cent. less wa
ges now than in 1840, notwithstanding they
do 33 per cent more work. This is about the
fair average-25 per cent, less wages, and 33
per cent. more work. In these few words, we
dispose of Mr. Lawrence's statement as far as
about one hall of the girls in the factories here
come into the account. The remaining por
tion of these seven or eight thousand girls are
" piece," or " job hands." They receive fur
Me same amount of work performed the small
est pay that has ever been paid—the lowest
price paid in 1841 and 1842. For weaving
the same enarse'cottens, per piece,, as they
now get ni cents, immediately preceding the
time of their being cut down in 1841 and 1842,
they received fur weaving them 111 cents per
piece. These are the rates upon one, corpora
tion ; but the difference is still 'greater upon
some of the others. On another corporation
we are informed that for weaving the goods
that in 1840 10 cents per piece was paid, but
11 cents are now paid. Different pieces are
paid according to the fineness of the goods ma
nufactured. The reduction will probably ave
rage from 25 to 33 per cent. It is true the
" job hands" make more per week than they
did a portion of the time in 1841 and 1842 ;
but they are obliged to do much more work.
They still make leas than they did in 1840,
though they, too, are obliged to do nearly as
much more work than in 1840 as the week
hands are. We may as welllsay heft, that the
average. wages of the " between 7,000 and
8000." factory girls here in the mills are less
than $1.50 per week, exclusive of hoard. for
regular work. The average wages of the be
tween 7,000 and 8,000" factory girls here will j
not come tip to three-fourths of Mr. Lawrence's
statement of $2 per week. The "job wea
vets" were made to do the additional work re
quired of them at a reduced price, in this man-
ner : during the years " 1811 and 1842." (un
der the pretence that the time r s were such as to
compel it,) the wages were from time to time
reduced ; and after being got down to the low
est possible point a new system introduced—
the speed was lowered, and each girl required
to tend three looms instead of two as had al
ways been the custom. 'File price, per piece.
was reduced once more, we think, after the
three loom system was commenced. or at the
time. The price, per piece, has not been rais
ed ; but after the girls got adapted to the' new
system, the speed was, from time to time, rais
ed. and the girls compelled to do inure and
more work, and consequently (as they worked
by the piece) they got more pay than they did
at the same prices when they did less work.
And now, as the speed has been raised to near
ly where it was tinder the two-loom system.
they make more than they did when they were
making this change ; hut not because they get
more pay for the same amount of work done,
hut because they do much more work at the
lowest pay ever received.
In some of the mills the plan of operations
we have described has not been pursued. But
all may rest assured of this fart—in no mill
have the wages of week hands, or the rates for
piece work, been increased from the lowest a-1
mounts paid at any time between 1840 and
1846.
Now, if the tariff of 1842 has been of ad
vantage to any body but manufacturing capital
ists, we can't see it. Instead of being content
with reaping all the advantages it gave them.
by increasing the prices of their goods, and
giving the operatives the prices paid in 1840,
before the hard limo of 1841 and 1342 that
Air. Lawrence speaks of. when he says they
were compelled to reduce the wages or stop.
the mills, they demand that at least 33 per
cent. more of the sweat and blood of the facto
ry labor of this city, than they demanded in
1840, shall be added to their profits.
Late From Mexico
The United States s bris Lawrence arrived at
Pensacola on the evening of the Is% instant. at
thirteen days from Vera Cruz, with despatches
for the Secretary of State from Mr. Slidell and
Commodore Conner. Up to . the time of the
sailing of the Lawrence (about the 16th ultimo)
Mr. Slidell had not been received by the autho
rities of Mexico, and the letter says that it is
suppdsed he will return to the United States as
soon as he receives answer to the despatches
which he has now forwarded. This letter also
states that the citizens of Vera Cruz were look
ing out and holing for the return of Santa Anna
from ilavana, whose arrival was expected to be
the signal for the authorities of Vera Cruz to de
clare in his favor. iN o other news had tran
spired. The despatches for the Secretary of
State are said be very voluminous. The
sloops of war Falmouth, John Adams and St.
Mary's and the brig Porpoise were - all at Vera
Cruz. The steamship
,Mississippi and brig
Somers were at Pensacola, the latter to sail for
Vera Cruz on the afternoon of the 2d inst.
The Washington Uniondlas received a com
munication from Tallahassee, February 20, from
An American Citizen," who professes to have
just arrived from a tour in Mexico. The Union
says the object is to state, upon the information
of a Mexican, in whom Santa Anna had reposed
the utmost confidence fur five years, the conclu
sion ola new treaty which, within the last three
months, has been ratified between the British
Government, Santa Anna and French King.
which is intended to restore Santa Anna and
make him the King of Mexico." The equiva
lent to be made by him is to assist the allied
powers in certain purposes they may have form
ed towards the United States.
6. We can not repose much confidence in these
statements, unless our correspondent in Tallahas
see shall enter Into more definite specifications—
names, means, designs, time of operation, &e.,
&c We cannot publish his communication until
he has furnished us with some particulars, and
some evidence of the truth of his developments."
DROWNED. , —.-A DISTRESSINO C ASE.--Ou
Wednesday last, the wife of George Straughen,
of Upper Penn's Neck Township, New Jersey,
in attempting to cross Salem Creek on the ice,
broke through to her shoulders. in which situa
tion she remained for a considerable length of
time, when she finally sunk beneath the surface
and was drowned. A young man and woman,
daughter of Air. Stranghen, stood on th e bank
to meet her at the time she started to elos, anti
when she broke through the ice, used every ef
fort to save her but without avail. By the assis
tance of a boat, rails, &c., they succeeded in
recovering the body, but life was extinct. It ap
peals that several children had previously cros
sed on the ice'in safety, and therefore Mrs. Strong
hen apprehended no danger.
§TAtE PRINTING.—The bill abolishing the
office of State printer has passed both branches
of the New York Legislature. The printing
henceforth will be given to the , lowest bidder
instead of a preferred person.
The Murderous Rccontre.
The Baltimore Sun, has the 1:llo, ac
count of the late murderous affray at hid-
mond
Comparad with the recent savage rcncontre
at Richmond bettven Messrs. Pleasants and
Ritchie, the duello. is a harmless and inoffen
sive code, if the statements that have been put
forth relative thereto, bear any semblance to
the reality. We annex two accounts, in the
absence of any official statements, each pur
porting to contain the facts, though differing
in akw particulars. The following is from
the Portsmouth Chronicle, the editor of which
paper was in Richmond at the time, and con
siders it to be the correct version. From this
it will be seen that high partizan feeling and
insulting personal language so constantly ban
died between editors of partizan papers, most
.of which claim all the respictability and regard
the independent " penny press." with its
peaceful. order loving. mortal, and useful aims,
as objects-of scorn and derision. Argument is
cast to the winds by many of them, and per
sonal invective, falsehood and abuse resorted
to as a means of inculcating political doctrines,
and attaining party ends.
When Mr. Pleasants left the Whig edito
rial chair, in no pleasant mood, and announced
his determination to establish the Richmond
Globe, a writer for the Enquirer, who assumes
the name of " Macon." stated it was to be an
abolition affair. and coadjutor of Cassius M.
Clay. This opened afresh the old wounds,
and discourteous reflections and recriminations
have followed each other until passion was ex
cited beyond control, and on Tuesday Mr.
Pheasants was in waiting for Mr. Ritchie to
" cut him down in the streets as soon as they
met," as was the expression conveyed to Mr.,
Ritchie, who, we understood, tephed that "for
the decency of the thing. be would like it to
take place somewhere else." Mr. Pheasants
caused Mr. lithe to be informed that he
would be in Manchester no Wednesday morn
ing, armed, for the purpose oirnaking a dead
ly upon him there, if he :net loin.
" Mr. Ritchie. in company with two friends,
Messrs. W. Greenhow, and It. Scott, Jr.. re:
paired to the designated spot. and arrived first.
Mr. Pleasants with his friends, Messrs. Duane'
and Archer. shortly after arrived. Mr. Pheas
ants was armed with two long rifle pistols and
a sword cane—Mr. Ritchie with two patent
revolving six barrelled pistols and a Roman
sword. Mr. Pieasants immediately advanced
on Mr. Ritchie. who stood his ground, with
his pistol levelled—when Mr. R. commenced
discharging. Nit. P., although wounded. had
not vet tired. hut continued to ad% ante ; when
quite near he diseharged his pistol without ef
fect; he then levelled the other pistol, and in
the act of Ering, a ball from Ritchie's pistol
passed through his (P.'s) hand, which shook
him so that the second discharge was also
harmless ;.he then threw the pistol at his ad
versary, and attacked him with his sword.—
Mr. Ritchie continued effectually to parry the
ciforts of Mr. Pheasants until the latter fell ex
hausted, after he had received a slight wound
in the groin. Here the affray coiled. and
voting Ritchie departed unharmed, immediate
ly for Washington, and Pheasants, we learned
from the carrier of the Star. yesterday morning
on the departure of the Richmond boat, died at
two o'clock. Such, we believe, are the sim
ple facts, we give without comment or exten
uation
The Washington correspondent of die Pa
triot gives the following, account of die affair.
accompanied -by a high tribute to the charac
ter and worth of the decetrsed, who has leis
family of youtor children, with neither f,ther
and mother to protect them front the rude blasts
of the world.
'John Hampden Peasants is deed! Ile di
ed this morning at 2 o=clock, of the wounds in
flicted upon his person by Thomas Ritchie,
jr.. in their revent reeontre.
I learn the facts to be subtantmily as follows:
The quarrel had gone on in their newspapers
to each an extent that Mr. Pheasants thought
himself called upon to beim , the matter to a
crisis. Ile therefore sent a request to Mr.
Ritchie to meet hint at a specified place and
hour across the river from Richmond, w nh
side-arms. Mr. Ritchie sent word hack Mat
he could not consent to settle the affatr in that
way. Mr. Pheasants then sent hint word that
the matter :MUST be settled, to that way.
Mr. Ritchie then pr tired himself with a
revolver of six barrels, two duelling pistols.
and a horseman's short sword, and repaired to
' the place designated. at the time named.
Mr. Pheasants, who had not arrived, with
two ,or four—there is doubt about this) com
mon pistols and , a sword cane. A friend
of Mr. Pheasants approached Mr. Ritch
ie, and said to him, that he thought the difficul
ty might he settled if the latter would do one
thing - , and that was, to acknowledge that lie
believed Mr. P:easants to be a brave man.—
Mr. Ritchie replied that once he could have
done this; but now, Mr. Pheasants having call
ed him there, and not appearing himself, he
could not make such- an acknowledgement.
Mr. Pleasant's friend then informed him that
he presumed he would have to tight. Mr.
Ritchie replied, very well, he had come there
to meet Mr. Pheasants. The friend of the lat
ter left the spot nail went to his principal, who
was not far off. coon after this, Mr. Pheasants
appeared approaching Mr. Ritchie. considera
bly in advance of the two friends who had ac
coin panted him to the spot. As he approach.
ed at a rapid pace, Mr. Ritchie fired succes
sively his two duelling pistols, resting each on
his left arm, drawn up in an angle for that pur
pose. He then dresented his revolver and fir
ed either four or five of its barrels. After lie
had fired first upon Mr. Pheasants, the latter
drew and tired thrice without effect, all the
time rushing up to Mr. Ritchie, and when ricer
enough he struck him with his sword cane,
when the scabbard flew off, 'and Mr. Ritchie
struck up the blade or 'spear with his short
word—in doing which lie received the point
of Mr. Pheasants then fell, having received five
wounds from the pistol shots of his antagonist,
if not ono from his short sword. One ball
raked across the back of his left hand, carrying
away all the muscles and tendons leading to
tire fingers—another passed through the fleshy
part of his left arm, half way up from the el
bow to the shoulderanother entered the left
breast and ranged round under the arm—a
fourth entered the left groin and proved mortal.
The fifth wound was in the right thigh. either
bY a ball or a thrust from the short sword,
above alluded. It is thought to have been
from the latter.
WATER CURE .—The Water Cure Journal of
Dr. Shew, of New York, in an article on using
cola water on Consumption, gives this caution
It is to be remembered that we cannot har
den every person, and that we may kill many
in the attempt .this is comfortable to the pa
tieht.
'MINUS OF Persams.--We take freila
as
European Journal the following summani
another report on the European projects of
nailing the isthmus which separates the Ath,
tic and Pacific Oceans :
Some time since Mr. Magrella receiredo
commission from the French Government t o
proceed to Panama, fur the purpose of jogai,.
mg upon the spot into which have bsen (ie ro .
ed for cutting a ship-canal through the 'whelk
The report of that gentleman en - this editor
has recently been published, and presents,
(says the Debats") the results of the fi rn
scientific exploration that hae been* Vridertak e ,
iii regard to this celebrated passage. Thedi.
rectum fixed upon by M. Garella as the m on
eligible for the proposed canal, is on the side
of the Pacific Ocean, through the valley Ode
Caimito, so as to debouche upon the sea at the
anchorage of Naco de Monte, lying about 18
or 20 kilometres (11 or 12 miles) to the w en
of Panama. On the side of the Atlantic Oceo l .
the course should be along the , ;alleyer i b e
river Chagres, but not to terminate at p a n
Chagres, which is inaccesssible to ship s of
large burden, but at four miles distant in the
Bay of Simon. From the Caimito, the caw
is to beCl-ireelyl along the crOrse of the B et .
nardino, a feeder of that river, whence it p ro .
ceetls to the Ahogayegua mountain, whichit
crosses at a point where it is 455 feet above
the level of the sea. Thence it falls into the
valley of the river Pajer (otherwise Bonito,
which it follows as far as Dos Ilermanasothe rt
it joins the Chagres, parallel with which neer,
and sometimes oeecnpving its bed, the canal a
to be carried as far as Gafun, were it diverges,
to arrive at the Bay of Simon. The whole
distance will be about 47 miles in length,.of
which 33 are between the Chagres and de
I Pacific, between the Chagres and the Bay
o f sdn o tt, and aLout six along the bed of the
river itself. Canal is to be of the following
dimensions: depth, 22 feet 9 inches; breadth
at water scrf.ice„ IhG feet 9 Malec—
Ninety•rettr lurks will be required in order to
reach the summit level, each costing ea the
average 600,000 francs. Al. Garella, Gower.
Cr sucge s ts the magnificent expedient of a tuts
in the movillain, which, besides the
dimensions stated above for the canal itself,
must be of height sulSetent to permit the pas.
cam of vessels with their lower masts standing
120 h•et at least, and will he three miles and
one-third in length. The estimated rust of the
tunnel is fifty millions of francs, but it will en
able the canal to be constructed with a summit
level vur only 160 feet49.nd greatly- enhance Ihe
future advantages of the uodertakitivby
penning with by Our the greatest number of the
lucks The total expense of the canal is es t i .
mated at 125 millions francs (live millions
sterling.) _
E FoLLn w !Nu STATE E ENT is from the
two Ime rids ref erred to, who accompanied
Judge Vt uodward in his call on the President.
Loci: TI.tvEN. Pa., Feb. 23, 1845
LION. (il - .0. \V. WooDIVARD:
Dear Sir:—The attention of the undersign.
ed has recently been cahed to a rumor in ca
culation. winch. if true, wotild Certainly injure
von in the estimation of all honest men. Ire
•
reit r to the charge of want of fidelity to . Jude<
Junes, or in oilier words, charging you with
puhlicly protesting friendship fur fudge Jones,
while secretly andlvuh the President upposin;
him and II rglng )i,ur Dun promotion. As fir
were in Washington city at the time al - inert:
to, and with You cidled upon the President,
when you delivered film the papers, &e., m•
trusted to V ur care ler Judge /ones, we deem
it a duty to state that we know said charge w
be unfounded. That the conversation between
your.tll - and the ('resident was tint pnvate;
that we heard all the conversation between yru
at that time, and are saostied it was the 00-
interview you had with the President dining
your stay in the citw. We can state most r
ltvely, there was not the most distant allusion
to ourself in connexion with the appnintinent
during the whole conversation ; but on the con•
nary you urged the nomination of Judge Junes
with much warmth. and spoke in the highest
terms of his schofarship, his- legal ability. ex-
Federici.. and general qualifications to fill the
station fur which his (demist were soliciting his
appointment. You remarked that his appoint
mem would meet with general approbation and
he an honor to the administration, We len
the Executive chamber fully satisfied, if 11
had influence with the President, Judge Jones
w,tithl be appointed.
We believe the above rumor, utwon!tadift
ed, would receive-but little favor with inert se
painted with your character. But there, ore
those destitute of every principle that censti•
titles a man. wishing- to bring down moral
worth to their ownstandard, who 'will sell etc
courage and give publicity to the falsehood.
You are at liberty to use this statement Si
you way think proper,
Yours, with respect,
, AMNON WHITE.
R. S. BAIL 1.
TireP.xont•sor VIE MoumnNs.—Tlic 1!lineo
State Register contains a letter from Major
Warren, who is at Carthage, protecting the
Mormons in their departure for the country be
yond the Rocky Mountains. Fite letter is - ad•
dressed to Governor Ford, and is dated Feb.l2.
I hail an interview with Iligham Yong;
his wagons were loaded and on the 'eve of depar•
lure for the far West. The Twelve and they
say four thousand will leave immediately. 'One
hundred waE,rons I counted on the oppositeside
of the river in two encampments, and they hare
six ferry boats running constantly ; they exp'el
to get all over and take up the line of match
about to-morrow morning. The police We
been withdrawn from the city, and my detach'
ment of four men were treated with the greates t
respect, and an evident desire manifested toas
sist us and court our friendship. president
Young expressed himself as under great ablie
lion to you and the troops under my comnPud'
and desired me to say to you he declaredth 3t.
the indictments against hint bad been pro teed
by perjury, and that it was your action alone
which pretnitted him and the'Motmoni tofeave
the country.
The temple took fire while 1 over the
river, and had it not bten discovered, five P i ' .
a
utes more and it could not have been cared;
the fire was in the roof, a large portion ofwhi'cb
was destroyed. •
" I think it quite likely that. 1 shall be 100
busily engagedfor some time 11; prevent thisr
but shall have uo collision or ditlicultylti th .
the Mormons."
---
UNFKILFUL SURORTiV.—At the Court of Coafr
mon Pleas in Portsmouth. N. H., a in"' °awed
Sleeper, (last week obtained a verdict of 05
damages for unskilful treatment in setting tli°
collar.bone, which had been broken. The 409 0
united, but not in the propel p'are..