Bradford reporter. (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, May 06, 1846, Image 2

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

    CZ
VvilOraro n.it(eportev
Towanda, Wednesday, May 6.1840.
FOR CANAL. COMMISSIONER,
WILLIAM B. FOSTER. JR.
BECook Found Guilty!
• The grand jury of the County of Dauphin having
found a true bill of indictment against M'Cook. for at
'
tempting, to bribe Col. Piollet, he was put on 'his trial on
Thursday last. His counsel were Messrs. litCumuck
and Fisher, of Harrisburg, and Hon. James Cooper, of
Adams. The prosecution was conducted by John K
Kane, Attorney General ; assisted by his deputy fur
Dauphin county.
We have no account of the trial, farther than verbal
information that the jury have fonnd M'Cook GUILTY
of the crime of which he was charged.
The Notice to be faven!
The voice of this mighty nation, calling upon their
representatives to adopt measures for the preservation of
our rights, has at last been regarded and obeyed. The
great measure of the present session of our Congress—
the most momentous 'end important which any admin
istration has been called upon to recommend to the con
sideration of congress—has been decided upon, and its
termination reflects credit upon our country, and will
give it a loftier sod more abiding consideration abroad.
Itis with much pleasure that we record the final pas
sage of the "notice," in a shape but little less desirable
~than as desired and recommended by President Polk.—
It now stands upon the statute book • law of our land,
and our President is authorized at his diieretion, to give
to the Government of Great Britain, the notice required
by the second article of the Convention of the sixth of
August, 1827, for the abrogation of the same.
This measure was demanded by the country; it was
required for the safety of our cilium living within the
borders of a territory acknowledged to be our own, yet
guarded by no protecting laws, and exposed to insult
and oppression; and from the fact that every year of
p ocrastination but added to the difficulties of an amica
ble and satisfactory adjustment of this long-vexed Tres
tion. Discussed for five months, and passed triumphant
ly through the popular branch of our National Legisla
ture, the friends of the notice, and of our country, grew
sick at heart, and apprehensive of the most stupendous
and aggravated evils as they viewed the weak, sascilla
t• og and cowardly course of the other branch, whose re
gard of popular will is often merged in selfish and con
tracted motives. But we can rejoice that it passed, even
at this late moment; and the unanimity with which Mr.
Polk is sustained in giving the notice, will avert:many of
the evils which tardy legislation has engendered, and
make this movement nearly as effective as if promptly
adopted upon the first meeting of Congress.
know romaine to be seen what effect this notice will
Lave upon the state of our relations with England, and
wharmeasures that country will adopt, for the settle
ment of the controversy. We have no doubt that Pre
sident Polk will in all things, carefully guard the honor,
the rights, and the possession of our country, and so
manage this difficult matter, that it will be amicably and
satisfactorily arranged. We certainly desire no war.—
We believe there can be none. No two nations upon
the globe have greater reason to . perpetuate peaceful re
lations then England and the United States. If an
honorable peace can be maintained and the boundary of
Oregon be defined, "the only cloud which intercepts
the prospect of a long peace with Englam will be re
moved."
Z - . We find
[red, liberal and•
generous paragraph in Simon Cameron's paper at Son
bury. We have only to say in explanation of it, that
it is a paper which takes every occasion—in season, and
out of season—to find fault with our present worthy
Chief Magistrate ; is allied closely with the interests of
corporations and monopolies, and has disgraced itself by
dividing the party, and defeating its candidates. It
comes with a poor grace for a democratic paper to en
dorse and give publicity to theslanders of the New York
Tribune in riganl to the Free trade' um of our Con
gressman ;—an assertion without a shadow of founda
tion, and which has again and again been denied. The
remainder of the article is not worth paying attention to;
the feeble attempts at wit, and the falsehoods and false
constructions it presents can go for what they are worth :
Tat STATIC or Towserna.—Tbe poet's oft repeated
line, that " Westward the star of empire takes its way,"
does no longer hold good in this state; so far as the ever
lasting state of Williamsport is concerned. It was but
yesterday that she
" Wore her blushing honorsthick upon her,"
and yet, now there are " none so poor as to do her re
verence." The star of Empire has taken a northern di
rection. Towanda, in Bradford county, it is said. has
become the pet of the present administration. Bradford
county is undoubtedly a great and important county. It
contains some great and important men, as the records
and proceedings of the last legislature will abundantly
prove. Besides, it is the only county in the state-that is
represented by a free trade man in Congress, and whine
great men are opposed to a tariffof discrimination against
foreign governments for the protection of home industry,
and who at the same time advocate discriminations in
favor of one section of the state to the prejudice of an
other—who are in favor of taxing anthracite coal be
cause they produce none, and who are opposed to tax
ing bituminous coal and lumber because they produce it
themselves. Their very just and equitable notions of
free lade, and their opposition to the present tariff, may
account in some measure, •for the favor which they find
in the eyes of the present administration.—Sunbury
American.
Avturcur Murevicvcats.—The Washington Un
ion says :—" The temporary building which is erecting
near the City Hall for the exhibition of national mann
faciums during the month of May is of spacious dimen.
sions. It is of the shape of aT. The top of the Tis
I6ofeet long, by 60 aide. The shaft of the T. is 240
feet long. It is capable of holding a vast variety of
manufactures. The exhibition promises to be, u the
newspapers say. !, the largest of the kind (ever got up)
in this country." We cannot doubt that it will be an
imposing spectacle."
Fovire.—The Lewisburg Chronicle, of Saturday the
25th ult., says;— The body of Mr. Thomas Follmer,
who was drowned some weeks ago at Turtle creek, was
found on Saturday last, in the riser about two miles be
low where drowned. His body was taken to Milton for
interment on Sendai. followed by his friends, and the
Sons of Temperance of this place. His son, drowned
it the same time, has not yet been found."
TEM CROPS-AND TZZ Warman.—The balmy,
spring-Re weather with which we have been bleaaed:fur
some time, and the refreshing showers, have given a
beautiful appearance to the (ace of Nature, and proved
mow propitious far the mops. The farmers speak most
encouragingly, anti we mat that good harvests and full
garners'ivrill reward their labors. ,
BR►igroun et!VNTT Corer.—Our court VMS opened
onMoriday'isst by lodge Cosi:sass's, assisted by Hons.
Reuben: Wilber and Harry Morgan. The business, so
far, tiaibeen most industriously and expetritiously tran
sacted,:
- Legialatare of :Slew York has agreed to ad
journeri oa the 13th inst.
The Secret Service Fund.
We give . tin another column, Mr.lngersoirs speech,
charging Hon. Daniel' Webster, with unlawful and utP
euthbrized use of monies entrusted to his care. This is
• grave charge. It MIS made in:the halls of Congress,
and Mr. Ingirsoll has taken occasion in this speech to
- reiterate and specify his charges against Mr. Webster,
and duignates the facts be intends shall prove his asser
tions. There can be no shrinking from the investigation.
The public call for a refutation of the charges, or Mr.
Webster stands convicted, with the brand of malfeasance
in office stamped plainly upon him. His high and
elevated position should not shield him from an examina
tion into his conduct, if there is reason to believe he has
rendered himself obnoxious to the charges of corruption
and delinquency ; nor can his towering' and gigantic
talents ward off the opprobrium that would rest uponhia
EL2
While Mr. Webster commands our admiration by
those ends of his genius which enrapture his auditors,
yet his venality and his tiinwserving political tactics
render him et i're same time alike an object of admira
tion and scorn. No man in our Union hut been better
paid for his services. For a life spent in defending
British interests and for sundry small favour "thankfully
received," he has laid the gratitude of that nation under
tribute, while the "merchants princes" of our own
country have manifested their regard in substantial and
liberal donations. It is no wonder that the little that
remained of virtue and honerty was corrupted, until the .
preception of the relations of =cum and-inum was in
distinct, and the "God-like Beggar" was unable to dis
tinguish the difference between funds entrusted to his
keeping, and the generous loans of Banks, or the gra
cious gilts of those fattening upon the fruits of his
labors. . .
Mr. Ingersoll's name re a guaranty that these charges
are not idly made; and his character render it certain
that they will be probed to the bottom. Let it be so. Let
"justice be done tho' the heavens fall," and if great,
though unprincipled men fall also from their high posi
tions. our country and her interests will only be the
safer.
Fire at Owego.
We find in the Owego Advertiser a full account of
the late fire at Owego, which we copy entire.
" On Monday night about 12 o'clock, the stable of
Mr. Mosher, Inn keeper, on the corner of Lake and
Maine streets. was discovered to be OR fire, and in a
brief space the house and adjoining buildings were en
veloped in flames. By the energetic and prompt exer
tions of the firemen and citizens, the progress of the fire
was stayed, but not until the tavern, and out houses, the
house and barn of Mr. William Duncan on Maine
street, and a house and barn owned by Charles Porn
pelly and occupied by Mr. Riley on Church street, were
consumed. There were eight horses and two cows in
the stables, of which only two horses were rescued.—
OneZraveller lost a span of horses, a wagon and load,
all valued at $4OO. One horse was owned by Doctor
Churchill of this village, which with 'his sulkey and
harness was burned. A valuable stud horse, owned by
Mr. Shaw of Berkshire, was also burned. The other
horses belonged to travelers.
This fire was the work of an incendiary. The inten
tion undoubtedly was to barn the village, and but for
the stillness of the night the hellish plot might have been
consummated. The fire was checked in the very midst
of wooden buildings, some of which were situated with
in leas than a rod from those consumed. Not a breeze
was stirring; and this circumstance, with the extraordi
nary efforts of the firemen and citizens, and we must not
omit to say, scores of ladies too—prevented a conflagra
tion which must have swept the entire business part of
the village. The villain well knew the ground, and he
chose the spot to apply the torch of all others the most
sure to effect hi. purpose.
It is well known that a band of desperate villains have
threatened to destroy our village, and several stumps
were made to fire it last summer. About a week siffle
letters were received by several citizens, mailed at Led.
yard, Cayuga county, stating that the village would be
fired, and pointing at an individual among ne as one of
the gang. It is proper to say that the imputation against
this individual is wholly false; and the caution Was un
doubtedly the act of a vindictive personal enemy who
atxsazs appl*Lthe torch with the fell purpose of de
stroying the NAN "whom he suppostd had crossed his
path.
None of the buildings were insured.
Tow/L3n• RELIES rotas.—lt will be seen by the
following circular, that the Towanda Relief Notes are
refused at the Treasury, and in payment of tulle and
mm
STATE TREASURY OFFICE,
HARRISBURG, April 25, 1846.
To collectors of tolls and taxes, County Treasurers,
and other officers authorized to receive monies due the
Commonwealth. -
GENTIAMIN :—The condition of the issue made by
the Towanda Bank, under the act of 4th of May, 1841,
is u follows:
Amount of notes issued, which the
Commonwealth is bound to redeem, $107,500 00
Amount redeemed and cancelled at the
Treasury, 107,100 00
Amount nominal/ed.
Of which there is in the Treasury
Amount outstanding,
The amount outstanding will be received when paid
directly at the Treasury ; but in order to prevent any
over issue being received, and thus a loss ccaisioned to
the Commonwealth, I hereby -direct you not to receive
any of the notes above mentioned.
Very Respectfully
Yours,
JAMES R SNOWDEN.
State Treasurer.
Acme AND Rasozo-noxs.--The Harrisburg Reporter
publishes a list of the acts and resolutions of the General
Assembly of Pennsylvania, palmed session of 1846.
Among them, we find the following, having particular
reference to our county:
An act to secure to Julius 8, Holden, a new trial in
• certain chit tried in the common' pleas of Bradford
county.
Ao aefregulating the assessment and collection of
township taxes in the counties of Bradford, Tioga and
Power, and fixing the manner of reviewing and con
firming roads, and of assessing damages where roads am
laid out through improved lands in said counties.
An act authorizing the citizens of certain comfits to
decide by ballot. whether the'sale of vinous and spiritu
ous liquors shall be continued in said counties
An act authorizing the Canal Commissioners to repair
certain road in standing Stone township, Bradford
coun A ty.
n act to incorporate the North Branch railroad com-
Piny-
VIRGINIA ELEGVON.--WC WIWI, returns from most
of the state, which show a favorable result for the Demo
crats—though the majority will be less than lost year.—
The Houso will probably be democ.atic, and the Senate
certainly, giving us an United States Senator.
Poser Domirs.—The third trial of this woman for
the murder of Hr. Houseman and child took place at
Newburg, and resulted in her aesuittaL
WEST Beatecne—The water was let into the West
Branch canal from Mang to Northumberland on Tues
day the 21:t
New York Elections:
The election for Delegates to Revise the Constitotion
of the State of New York, took place on the Wilt nit:
we give the return! as far u we have received them,
Tree* Couarr..—John J. Taylor, (Dem ) elected by
a majority of spout 150, over 0. H. Barstow, (Whig.)
CuMscxo.—ln this County, a very wanncontestwu
carried on, 'end much feeling manifested between the
different branches of the Democratic pany—:the Old
Hunkers and the Barn.burners. The latter had placed
in nomination Col. Samuel Young, of Saratoga county ;
a proceeding very common we believe, and practiced at
the late convention, to secure the services of Martin Van
Buren, and other able and distinguished Democrats.—
The Old Bunkers' candidate wu Won. MainaU, of El.
mita, a very popular democrat, and who wu elected by
majority of about 800, the Whigs very generally support
ing him.
Bailout —The Democrats of Broome, have achieved
a most brilliant victory in the election of Col. Hyde,
over B. T. Cooke, the editorof the Broome Republican.
The following table includes all the returns which we
have received in addition to the above:
Hem Whig
Albany •2 •2
Columbia • 1 *I
Cayuga 3 0
Dutehes 0 2
...... 1 0
Greene 1 1
Genesee 0 1
Herkimer 2 0
Kings.. ..... 3 . 0
Madison 0 0
Monroe ' 0 3
Montgomery... 2 0
New York.... 16 0
Oneida 0 4
•Anti Rent.
TRY REVENUE BILL.-It is stated that the Revenue
bill, which was hurried through the Legiidature on the
last day of its session, wil Ibe inadequate to supply the
anticipated deficit in the Treasury. Several anieles pro•
posed to be taxed, were stricken from the bill, among
which was coal, which might, have attained the object
desired.
We trust that notwithstanding this culpable act of
legislation, the credit of our Commonwealth can still be
maintained, and the August interest paid; and we are
certain that such will be the case, if it is in the power of
Gov. Shunk—by the prompt and determined efforts he
has hitherto made, to preserve the reputation and chants.
ter of the State. If it cannot be, let the blame rest upon
those who have refused to co-operate with him.
FROM CAPTAIN Faexonx.—The editor of the Wash
ington Union has been favored with the( following ex
tract of • leuer just received in Wultington, from "Ja
lapa, March 27th, 1846," giving an account of this brave
and adventurous explorer:
“ Letters from Mazatlan of the 4th instant, state that
Captain Fremont, with his corps of observation, arrived
at StAtter's Settlement, on the Saemmente, euly in Janus.
ry ; he is said to have discovered • good wagon mad to
Oregon, which is much shorter than any heretofore
traveled. He had gone to Monterey, in Upper Califor
nia, leaving his corps on the Sacramento.'
New Yogi AND Ems RAILROAD.—The Legialatuie
of the Slate of New York have refused this company
the privilege of locating a portion of their road in Penn-
~ylvinia.
Tug Wroxiird ?do irverxre.—The Committee of
Arrangements, for the Wyominclldennment, met at the
Phoenix Hotel on the . 2341 ult., and appointed committees
to make the necessary amurgements for a celebration.
RgLIEP NOTIII DESTROY/D.—The Auditos General
on the 18th ult., destroyed forty thousand dollars of Re
lief Notes, which had been cancelled by the State Trea•
COL. R. M. Jonsisou, arrived in Washington • few
days since, in good health and spirits, and will remain a
few days attending to private business.
THE Pota.tc Woaus.—The Huntingdon
Globe of Wednesday says, " The Pennsylva
nia Canal, from Hoiidaysburg to Columbia, is
now, we understand, in complete repair, and
the business thereon has resumed as usual
activity. Boats are hourly passing this place
heavily laden with the products of the fertile
soil of the %Vest, and merchandize from the
great metropolis to our western merchants. A
few weeks ago we could not have been induc
ed to believe that the great damages which our
public works had sustained by the late freshet,
could have been repaired in so short a space of
time ; but we have been taught, in this instance
at least, that no matter how great the difficulty
may appear, when united energy and perse
verance is resorted to they are speedily sur
mounted and overcome. The Canal Commis
sioners of the State are justly entitled to the
thanks of the trading community for their ex
pedition in thus accomplishing the repairs
which has enabled them to resume the busi
ness with renewed energy."
MAIL * ROBBERY BETWEEN BUFFALO AND
ERIE.—W hen the mail Reached the Post Office
at E;ie. Pa., on Thursday morning last, it was
found that the great mail from Buffalo west
had been robbed of its contents. The leather
bag had been cut open, and the canvass bag
containing the letter packages taken out. A
person named Hugh. M. Thompson, of liVest
field, N. Y., was arrested. and money suppos
ed to belong to the mail found upon him.—
The stolen bag contained reyeral hundreds of
letters in packages. Nona of the missing let
tere have been found. It is probable that all
were destroyed to guard agairitt detection, af
ter those containing money. Am, had been ri
fled of their contents. The stolen packages
were directed to Erie, Pa., Pittsburg, Pa.,
Wheeling. Vt.. Sm. and contained letters ad
dressed to those towns and other places in
iniSoutheastern Ohio and Western Pennsylva
nia and Virginia.
$4OO 00
$125 00
$275 00
THE READING RAILROAD.—The Berks and
Schuylkill Journdi says, t. to give our readers
abroad an idea of the business of the Reading
Railroad. we will state that arrangements are
now making to run immense trains alone hun
dred coal cars and upwards, from one end of
the road to the other—up and down—with an
interval of only ten minutes between each
train! This will make a continuous line of
cars in constant operation, up and down both
tracks of the road ! This arrangement we be
lieve is to take place in a few days."
The same paper states that many of the
trains now running over that road contain one
hundred and fiften laden iron cars, and carry
a million and a half pounds from one end of
the road to the other, with a single locomotive.
OPERA HOUSE BOSTON ---.The site of the
late Howard Atheimum,'Boston, has been sold
to Mr. Edward A. Raymond for a little less
than $40,000, or $4 per foot' for the land.—
Arrangements have been made to erect forth
with, a substantial building. with 'granite front,
for an Opera Rouse, and music saloon, that
will beau ornament to the city.
..• •
Proceedings of the Nth Congress.
HOUSE Of' REPRESENTATIVES,
Warns:creme; April, 27th, 1840.
- THE SECRET SERVICE . FUND.. •
-Mr. C. J. INGERSOLL rose and asked
leave 'lO make a brief personal explanation.
Mr HARALSON. If the application re
lates to the personal matters between the gen
tleman from Pennsylvania, [Mr. C. J. Lease
sog.t.,] and the gentleman from Massachusetts,
[Mr. WEINTERa I protein against it. it is
Irom no personal feeling that I object, but be
cause the time of the'country is too precious
to be consumed in matters of personal crimina
tion and recrimination, to the exclusion of the
public business; especially when the termer
can be settled between the parties as easily .
through the public prints as in this House.
Mr. INGERSOLL. Then 1 must move a
suspension of the rules.
So the rules being suspended. •
And' leave having thus beeb granted.
Mr. C. .1. INGERSOLL spoke as follows:
Mr. SPEAKER:- When Mr. Webster, in
virulent terms, in Senate, assailed my troth.
concerning transactions of which proofs ought
to be in the Department of State. I went there
in search of them for my vindication. As
member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs,
for some years. I have some freedom of access
there, though probably none which any other
member of. Congress is not entitled to.
Searching for proofs, not to expose him.
but vindicate myself, I fell most unexpectedly
on others which led me, next day, to denounce
him as a delinquent.
When the President's answer to the resole
lion of the House of Representatives refused
certain documents, I repeated. in general as
sertion. the fact of delinquency, and added that
it is easily susceptible of proof. My friends
advised me to go no further, supposing that
Mr. Webster would challenge investigation.—
Not having done so, but having again, with
opprobrious language. in Senate, charged me
with slander. and called on me to substantiate
my accusation of him, I now submit a short
'statement, which may be tested as to truth.
There are three charges of delinquency :
First. Unlawful use of the fund appropriated
for the contingent service of foreign intercourse
commonly called the secret service fund.
Secondly. Misapplying part of that fund to
corrupt party presses.
Thirdly. Leaving the Department of State
in default of that fund.
First. Congress appropriates annually a
small sum, common by about $30,000, for the
contingent expenses of foreign intercourse ; the
disbursement of part of which is sometimes
usefully clandestine, never, as has been erro
neously supposed, corrupt. Whenever, in the
President's opinion, it would be wrong to
make public how any part of it is disposed 01,
he so certifies, and, by act of Congress, his
mere certificate is sufficient voucher at the
treasury for the required settlement:
These funds have, for the last sixteen years
if not always, been ; n Mie hands of a clerk.
called, by acts of Congiess, the disbursing
agent of the Department of State, who kept
them in banks, as agent. The official routine
is for the President, on the requisition of the
Secretary of State, to authorize payment of the
money from the treasury to the disbursing
sent of the State Department. The disburs
ing. agent is debited at the treasury with the
sum drawn into the Department of State, keeps
it to his credit as agent, in bank, and gives
checks as required by the secretary, for pay
ment to any person he may designate.
In this way the first check I saw, when I
went to the department, was drawn by the
agent for the service at New York in McLeod's
case, $l,OOO.
But shortly after President Harrison's death
and before Vice President Tyler _was at home
in chief magistracy—in April, 1841—Mr. Sec
retary Webster began an entirely novel meth
od of dealing with the secret service fund. In
stead of directing the disbursing agent to pay
any third person, Mr. Webster required the
money to be paid to himself.
In this way he drew to himself from the
disbursing agent twelve thousand dollars dur
ing the first nine months of Mr. Webster's
incumbency as Secretary, about 81,300 a
month, in 1841. and three thousand dollars
more early in 1842.
Thus he took into his own hands fifteen
thousand dollars in his first twelve months.—
The President, there is written evidence in the
department to show, never authorized this,
knew nothing of it, and when first apprised of
it, more than fourteen months alter it had been
going on, to the large amount of fifteen thou
sand dollars, refused it his sanction.
It was not till July, 1842, as the evidence
in the department shows, in Mr. Websteee
hand writing, that he got a President's certifi
cate for four thoneand four hundred and sixty
dollars, (94,480.)
That President's certificate, of which I took
a minute, dried 10th July, 1842, is—
To J. J. Crittenden, for expenses of journey
to New York. - - - - $lOO
To F. 0. J. Smith, services connected
with the northeastern boundary.
To Alexander Powell, for journey ta,
and stay on the frontier in 1841, on
the subject of the disturbances.
With several other items.
'l'he first item in this short account con
cerning McLeod, will show bow I was led
from that to other objects; and some of the
other items will show the agents whom. as
Secretary of State, Mr. Webster employed.—
Both houses of Congress, if not the public at
large, have not been left in ignorance of the
characters of some of those on whom the Sec
retary of State bestowed large sums of public
money, if their receipts correctly vouch what
they got.
In a memorandum of payments to Mr. Web
step by authority of the President, there is a
minute dated June 23d, 1842, •• By cash re
turned, $5,000."
After drawing $15,000 to himself during
fifteen months, during which period there is
no trace of what he did with those large sums,
he appears to have returned one-third of the
amount withdrawn. Why return it, if taken
for any public purpose? Where had it been
kept? If in any place oldeposite, was it sep
arate from Mr. Webster's private funds ? Did
he use it?
These 95,000 were, returned ten days after,
according to the published correspondence, his
negotiation with the British envoy extraordina
ry, began by conversational and confidential '
intercourse, without protocols or other usual
records of such transactions.
In 1843 Mr. Webster took to himself $2,-
000 more, making altogether $17,000.
On closing his account, crediting the $5,000
returned, and Various other sutra, there re.
mained a balance against him of $2,290 of the
Dem Whig
Orange 3 0
Onondaga.... 3 1
Ontario 0 2
Oswego 0 1
Orleans 0 1
Richmond.:.. 0 1
Pensselaer...•o •3
Saratoga 0 2
Schenectada.. 1 0
Schoharie.... 1 1
Ulster 0 2
Westchester.. 2 0
42 28
secret service fund. One of his credits against
it was for $1,300. published in House docu
ment, report No. - 29, first session, 28th Con
gress—report of Mr. Rogers for maps, charts.
surveys, and expenses of bringing them to the
seat of government, and (or copies of tran
scripts. and for various agencies to procure in
formation eonnected with the boundary treaty,
Thiti inarticulite and comprehensive mixture
of many incongruous items, without specifics.
uon of prices, dates, or any apparent test of
rectitude, Mr. Secretary Webster certified
himself as a proper credit for himself, and de
ducted from his debit to the secret service
fund. Without that credit his default to that
fund would have been 83.690. instead 0182.-
290, which it was when he was removed from
office..
•
The 817,000 were in his hands, contrary to
uniform usage; if - used by him. contrary to
the sub-treasury act. Whether so, is for him
to make appear. The burden of proof is on
him.
Secondly ; Application of the secret service
fund to corrupt party presses. The Ashburton
treaty bears date the 9th August, 1843. Con
gress were then in session ; and. as Mr. Ad
ams had charged me lately. and I confess I
did what little 1 could as one of a 'snag minor
ity in the House of Representatives (we had
forty votes, I think. under the previous ques
tion) to resist a treaty which Mr. Webster has
lately 'listed in the Senate granted near half a
million of dollars from the treasury of the Uni
ed States to the people of Maine and Massa
chusetts. 1 then desired to contend, when put
down by the previous question, that the House
of Representatives had a constitutional right
to pass on such a treaty.
What I am now enabled to add, of revela
tion from the Department of State, will prove
that my instincts of aversion to the treaty were
even truer than reason.
In the Deparment of State there is now a
letter signed F. 0. J. Smith. marked private.
dated Portland, the 10th of August. 1842. ad
dressed to Mr. Webster. Secretary of State,
substantially of follows :
It begins by congrstulating Mr. Webster on
his settlement of the Maine boundary question
by a a new mode of approaching the subject
after forty years of diplomacy, without which
new mode another forty years of diplomacy
would have come to nothing.
[F. 0..3. Smith seems to have suggested
the boast with which his correspondent Mr.
Webster hogged. himself in his elaborate vindi
cation in Senate.]
Mr. Smith informs Mr. Webster by this
letter that he had occasion to resort to services &
influences, in order to adjust the tone and di
reclon of TIM PARTY( PRIMES, and through
them of public sentiment, to a purpose so de
sirable of accomplishment under Mr. Webster's
administration.
Mr. Smith. therefore, submits a claim or sc.
count,ifl recollect rightin blank for Mr. Webster
to fill up, of which be calls for payment out ol
the contingent fund. Mr. Smith presumes that
the contingent fund will be ample, and Mr.
Webster's control of it complete, to do what
ever he may think just.
The sums Mr. Smith vouches as got by him
from Mr. Webster are $2,000 for services
connected with the northeastern boundary,
and two years after he vouches $5OO more, as
will be shown.
Thirdly : Leaving the Department of State
in debt to the secret service fund. 52.290.
The rccords of the depanment show this de
fault beyond all denial or question.
They show. furthermore, that it was neith
er paid or accounted for during nearly two
years after Mr. Webster's removal from office.
They show several lettere sent to him by
President Tyler's direction, urging payment,
and evasive letters of excuse from Mr. Web
ster fOr non-payment.
At length. a peremptory letter that expos
ore would or might be the consequence of
more delay, prmlneed reimbursement. Rot
settlement did not tike place till the Ist Feb
ruary, 1845, ten days before President Polk
arrived in Washington to be inaurrated. when
Mr. Webster produced another voucher from
Mr. F. 0. J. Smith. for an additional $5OO,
and other vouchers, one from George Smith
for 8500.
George Smith. since dead, denied that he
had ever been paid or vouched more than 8150
to whim sum Mr. Webster reduced the 8500
at first demanded, as his agent,, now in Wash
ington, will prove.
Granting all the vouchers Mr. Webster pro
duced, theft:, was nevertheless a. balance of
about 81,200 due from him, at all events.
when he left the department. That sum he
was in default to the secret service fund, after
crediting every thing in the way of re-payment
offset, or voucher, that he claimed.
In all I have said in this affair, no allusion
has been made to any private aggravation.—
Regretting the exposure forced from me, hav
ing afforded Mr. Webster several opportuni
ties to meet the charges in his own way, that
which he chose, left me no alternative but this
forbearing justification of myself.
A resolution. or committee, which I cannot
institute, will soon test the truth of my state
ments.
- 2,000
[Correspondence of the Public Ledger.]
THE NOTICE PASSED—REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCE—THE VOTE
OF THE TWO HOUSES.
'..
WAMIIINOTON, April 23d. 1846.
- 1,000
It was known this morning. before the as
sembling of the two Houses, that the Commit
tee of Conference had agreed to make a report
to the two Houses on the Oregon question.—
The official report and resolutions I have giv
en below.
In the Senate. 13 o'clock, Mr. Berrien, from
the Committe of Conference. on the disagree.
ing vote of the two Houses on the joint resolu
tion of the House of Representatives, entitled
"Joint Resolutions of Notice to Great Britain.
to annul and abrogate the Convention between
Great Britain and the United States of the Bth
August. 1727. relative to the country on the
Northwest Coast of Amerina, westward of the
Stony Mountains." reported :
" That they have met the conferees on the
part of the House of Representatives, and after
free and full conference upon the subject of
said disagreeing votes the joint conferees have .
unanimously agreed to recommend, to the re
spective Houses, as follows :
That the first section of the amendment of
the Senate to the original resolution of the
House be so amended as to be, in form, a pre
amble to the seoond section of the said amend
ment.
And that the Senate and House of Repre
sentatives respectfully recede from their disa
greement to the amendment, and amendment
to the amendment, of the original resolution of
the House, and eventually agree to substitute,
therekr, the folloiving jointrebolution :
:Tonal Relislittions concerning, th e on
Territory.
Whereas. By the convention cos e iw
twentieth day,,_ of October. 1878 tb, t ,
.the United States of America and the k k ,: 4
the United Kingdom of Great Britain a n dl t
land. for the period of ten years, and after * ,
indefinitely extended and continued is f etter ' •t,.'
another convention of the same 0 n i,, ,e6 1
eluded the sixth clay. of August. la the
of our Lord one thousand eight awl r Tett '
seven. it was agreed that any country that 4
be claimed by either . party on the N o , thw
coast of America, westward of the g tsnt
Rocky Mountains. now commonly caned:,l
Oregon Territory, should, together xi%
harbors. bays and creeks, and the narig t , i
of all rivers within the same, be free and iv,
to the vestals, citizens and subjects ofth ei , b
powers, but withont" 'prejudice to any 4 4
which either of the parries might hare 1, 3 , 0
part of said country, aid with this forth •
er
vision in the second article of the said e nt ,,
tion of the sixth of August. eighteen hesi, e4
and twenty-seven. that either pasty mi g h, 4
rogate and aneel said convention, on g a t
dim, notice of twelve months to the ether ea
treeing party—
Aid Whereas. It has now become 4144
that the respective Claims of the Usit t o tti
and Great Britain should be definitely settle;
and that said territory may no longer than ne t i
be cement subject to the evil consequence 4
the divided allegiance of its American and E rr ,
ish population. and of the confssion and e e ,
ilict of national javisdietrons dangerous i s h
cherished peace and good understanding et 0,,
two countries.
With a view, therefore, that stop* be t
foe the abrogation of the said convention ofs,
sixth of August. eighteen hundred and tar n
seven, in the mode prescribed in its locoed,.
tie. and that the intention of the goterurno i
of both countsies may be the more earn m e
directed to the adoption of all proper meaito s
for a speedy and amicable aditistmeut of L i e
differences anti disputes with tepid to i t
said territory.
Resolved, By the Senate and nom ri
Representatives of the United States ef Amu
ica. in Congress aesembled i That the pom,
dent of United States be, and he is hereby*,
thortaed, at his discretion, to give to is
Government of Great Britain the notice regen t .
ed by the said second article of the Bald eat
volition for the abrogation oftlie, same.
At one o'clock, the report was taken up iv,
concurred in by a vote of 42 to 10. In IS
House the same report wad made by Mr. It.
gereoll, and concurred in by a vote of 142 ti
The only change in the phraseoogy ftop
the Senate resolutions, ate the words *hid!
have marked in italics. and by a camporao,
with the original resolutions you will pence
that it is a mere change in the form Drum,.
lion. and that nearly the precise laapage §
retained.
AFFRAY AT CLIA SILOTTESA MLA. (Vi).-.
We learn by yesterday's Richmond papers tho
a riot occurred in Messrs Raymond ok Co,
Menagerie, exhibiting at Charlottesville, te
tween the students and the keepers, •htrhe
sulted in the death of one of the student
~ Thr
following letter to the Enquirer seems to be u
authentic account of the fatal affray :
During the performance*, and jnst as ear
of the managers had entered the cage with the
lion, tiger, leopard and cougar, some of these
dience approached near the rage and were m.
tioned by line of the men attached to the Men
getie not to do so as serious consequences miAM
ensue to the person in the rage with the nit
beasts. Some words passed between the kit
per and one or more of them pressing on to il
cage, when one of the latter struck the keeper
twice with a cane or stick, and he struck in
turn with a stink, and leveled two or three per•
sons, one of whom never afterwards spoke
word, and died last night at about 12 o'cloti
his name is Glover, from Alabama. Two mho
were seriously injured, and are now at the Moo-
ticello House. Messrs Jonson and Willoasor.
and another.
.Mr. Waring less injered.
•• While these things were taking plaee, tie
elephant entered the crowd, throwing his pro
boscie about, to drive the people from the
Cries of horror arose on all sides.: some.etre
paralyzed with fear, and could not move. or he
moved by their friends. Men, laying suit were.
dead on the ground ; the huge elephant dm.
lag out the people ; the keeper in the hon's rage
men pale with fear ; the women shrieking ; chnE
dren and servants crying oat that wild Deus
had broken from their cages, and wen ups
them, and each person anxious to. make his et
cape, presented a scene which few would dean
to witness. No damage was done to any per
son, except what resulted from a blow given b!
one of the keepers. The-magistrates entrapd
to the jail three persons belonging to the mew
genie, to undergo further examination."
The Enquirer states that the man who seek
the fatal blow escaped and secreted himself und
Monday morning, when he was recognized':
the cars at the Junction, was instantly arnoted.
and brought down a prisoner to Richmond. —
His name is said to be John J. Bailey.
LIGHTNING'S Fnsaes.—On the night 01
Saturday, the 18th April, the house and Wait
Mr. J. A. Waldron, in Conklin. Broome Corr
ty, were struck by lightning, and the barn rid
a portion of its contents consumed. The hoop
was badly shattered but did not take fire. ' En
ry room, as we learn, was more or less mnulw
ed, the furniture, floor boards, window camp
and other wood-work having been turn up roi
broken, and often projected with great force go
the walls. Wonderful to tell, of the eleven fgt .
sons in the house at the time, no one vim it
jured, farther than a slight singing of the hrY
or a toe in one case. A chimney was throws
down by l tbe concussion, which broke throtigl
the roof, and the fragments fell in parts or'
bed, but its occupants escaped with the sot
immunity as the rest.
NATIONAL BALL.--•-lt is proposed to CIOs
"National Fair" at Washington, with a g l . O
National Ball. A correspondent of the Nsuot
al Intelligancer says : The floor of
tN
.building erected for the occasion measures 3 0 e
000 square feet, and will accommodate /2
.
cotillions, giving 200 agave feet to each ttorr.
600 couples,. or 1,200 persons may be ' et°
dancing on the same floor at the lame time
•a thing never sorpatised in this or perhaps sl
other country. It would be desirable, if ree:
venient, that both sexes should appear dre°.
partly at least, in goods of,lmeri can We "
lu
re.
POTATOES PROM THE AZORES.—Th e
nateposition of the Azores has execeplea
potatoe crop of those islands from the P 1
which has so extensively prevailed. We
serve that large quantities have been impel
into Great Britain, where they meet a 0 '
1
sale.