Mratiforti il4l4ri.tovuv.
Towanda, Wednesday, Dcc. 23, 1816.
Democratic Qmnty Nominations.
roll corm:wow,
FRANCIS R. SHUNK.
Illubjeei to the decision or the Democratic State Convention.]
70111 liznicsENTATlTig.
FRANCIS SMITH, of Troy Borough.
T. fill the reenneyoceas i oned by the death of 4ons I. Wu%
Esq.—The day of election yet to be des coated.'
Waal anb Grain, tbaiiieb at Una Oflire,
On Accounts. six years old
The President's Message.
We were compiled last week, when we presen
ted this important document to our readers, to de
fer our remarks upon it for want of room, as its
length was such as to occupy nearly our entire in
side form. It is now before our readers, and they
will undoubtedly arrive at correct conclusions in
forming judument upon it. It is an able paper, and
its contents more interesting than any message
which has preceded it for many years.
A large portion of the message is devoted to our
difficulties and war with Mexico, and on that sub
ject we adopt the views of the Washington Union,
ably expressed in an article reviewing the roes
sage :
" The President, in this document, discusses at
length, and in a form altogether and irresistibly
conclusive, the whole course of the Adminbtradou
in relation to the war with Mexico, from its com
mencement to the present time. Every aspect of
this great subject, which now so deeply interests
the country, is fully and frankly exhibited. The
. ustice and the imperative necessity of the war is,
m the first place, put absolutely beyond the reach
of doubt, by a narrative of the facts extending
throu g h a period of fifteen or tweenty years, as
they have successively arisen in our relations with
Mexico, which impartial and competent judges will
not hesitate to pronounce one of the most luminous,
condensed, and impressive argumentative state
ments, upon a great and complicated political
question, which has ever been put forth in any
state piper of our country. So far as unquestiona
ble facts and arguments, susceptible of no Fr:visible
refutation, can effect such a re. ult, this Executive
exposition of our cause of war against 31exico,entire
ly sweeps away the whole ground of the-leaders of
the opposition, upon this subject from under their
feet. It nobly vindicates the righteousness of our
cause and the wisdom of the course which our go
vernment has pursued. Against this broad shield
of fact and of argument, which the President thus
holds up in the name of the people, to protect our
national character from undeserved reproach, all
the shafts which have been aimed at it by maligni
ty abroad. and by factious opposition at home, will
fall blunted and harmless to the ground. Hence
forth oar government is fully vindicated in this Mat
ter of the Mexican war before the world. It is
now as clear as daylight that to have longer delay
,el self-redress by arms, would have been an act
at once of wrong-doing and of national dishonor.
" The expenses of the war. The " half-a-million
a-day " panic is brought by the message to a most
untimely and ludicrous end. The great panic-
maker, who set this idea on fad, receives from the
message, on this point, another buffet, as grievous
as that with which Richard unsettled the centre of
gravity of the Holy Clerk of Copmanhurst. The
public debt incurred during the seven months
through which the war has lasted, amounts, in
stead of half a million of dollars a day. to less than
SIX MILLIONS AND A HALF in air
The message on the whole is just, such an one
as will be approved by the people, however much
it may be condemned by the federal presses.
(*— We deprecate, in the highest manner, the
establishment of such papers as the " Harrisburg
Yeoman." They do not contribute to the advance
ment of the broad and comprehensive principles of
the pay, but in the hands of over zealous, time
serving, political adventurers, cannot fail of accom
plishing much injury to our great and glorious
cause. We say we regret much the estahlishment
of newspapers merely to effect personal augrandize
ment, or defeat the claims of any man, and ren
dering the vilest subserviency to cliques and fac
tions. A newspaper which has only the advance
ment of individual popularity as its objects, to which
it makes the success of our principles secondary,
is a foul eacresence upon the patty, and the sooner
it is pruned the better. Freedom of opinion is an
uadoubted and inherent right enjoyed by all; and
we will ever defend it. We complain only of
those who steal the name of. Democracy to pander
to the worst and most degraded ambition, or per
sonal enmity, without one single emotion for the
triumph of Democratic principles.
Let such things be met on the threslthold, and
Democratic papers,however strong their preferences
may be for individuals, speak out against such
hypocritical and base attempts to divide the party.
Our countenance shall never be given to any efforts
to advance the cause of any man, at the expence
of a single member of the democratic party.
Most: Rum !—We find the following indubitable
evidence of the Ruin and Distress caused by the
present tariff in a paragraph which we cut from the
money article in the New York Sun of the 17th of
December :
"The Jackson Manufacturing Company of Nash
ua, N. H., have declared a semi-annual dividend
of *7O per share of 8800, equivalent to nearly 9
pr. et. The cotton manutactories are doing well,
and seem to be not at all affected by the new tariff.
They nrinnger require protection."
Awful! awful! Only 18 per cent. per annum !
What a ruinous investment ! Think of it, ye toiling
farmers, Laboring in the heal of summer and the in
clemency of winter, to realize 4 per , cent. How
monstrous unjust is the law that reduces your bur
dens by reducing the manufacturers' profits from
30 to 18 per cent. rer annum Let us have it re
pealed. Join all in the rallying cry of Repeal !
Repeal ! Repeal !
ANOTHER RF.DIMENT CALLED FuiL—Gov. Sbunk
has received from the President a requisition for a
- second regiment of volunteers from Pennsylvania.
Several companies have already offered their ser
vices, and are accepted by the Governor. Among
them is the Danville company. The troops-nre-ar
dered to rendezvous forthwith at Pittsburg.
(z The publication of the Message entire in
mu inside, last week, involves us in the necessity
of copying the events of the two last current weeks,
and will'accouut for a portion of our selections ap
pearing, rather out of date,
J. DANIEL Sruaczton has our thanks for an
sar'y rsTy of the r.esident's Message.
A Merry Christmas !
A Menu Giatoriete! to thee, dear reader of
the Reporter—: to all a merry Christmas!—
May the old and lie young exchange their greet
ings on this festive day,'ldth.heaxts unburdened
and with brows unshadowed. May peace and
plenty and happiness fall to the kt of each during
the year that intervenes : and its end bring again a
merry Christmas.
We have in a book before us, an account of the
derivation of the various customs and observances
peculiar to Christmas day, which we append for
the edification of those who may not have seen it.
Christmas day was so called becanse of its deri
vation from Chri.4.l Miss; the mass of Christ; and
thence the Roman Catholic Liturgy is termed their
Missal or Massbook. About the year 500, the ob
servation of this day became general in the Catho
lic Church.
In former days it was a popular superstition that
the cocks crowed all Christmas eye. Shakespeare
alludes to this superstition in Hamlet:
- 4, Some say that ever 'gainst that hallowed season,
At which our Savior's birth is celebrated,
The Bird of Dawning croweth all night long.
The nights are wholesome, and no mildew falls,
No planet strikes nor spirits walk abroad ; •
No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm,
So gracious and so hallowed is the time."
The ancient Christians divided the night into four
watches, called the evening, midnight, and two
morning cock-crowings. Their connexion with the
belief in walking spirits will be remembered :
"The cock crows, and the'morn grows on,
When 't is decreed I must be gone."—B utter.
They also alway observed Christmas as a Sab
bhth day and like it, it was preceded by an eve, or
vigil.
In the Western or Latin Church, Christmas is
called the Feast of Lights, because Christ,the light of
all lights, that into light, then came into the world.
Hence the Christmas candles, and what was, per
haps, only a succedaneum, the yule block, or clog,
before candles were in general use. Thus, a large
coal is often set apart at present, for the same put ,
pose: i. e. to make a great light or yule on Christ
mas-eve. Lights, indeed, seem to have been used
on all festive occasions. Thus, our illuminations,
tire-works, &v. on the news of victories.
The lower class of Irish, in the present time,
illuminate their rooms with mould candles; and to
this customary illumination at Christmas may be
traced the practice of tallow-chandlers giving
" Christmas candles" to the children of their cus
tomers.
4n ancient times, to which we could trace up the
origin of these almost obsolete customs, blocks, logs,
or clogs of dried wood, might be easily procured
and provided against this festive season. At that
time of day it must have been in the power but of
a few to command candles or torches for making
their annual illumination.
Our Christmas gifts are termed Christmas boxes,
because in olden times, the Roman Priests had
masses for almost every thing: if a ship went to the
Indies, a priest had a box in her, under the protec
tion of some saint; and for their masses to bo said
to that saint, the poor people put something into
the priest's box, which was not to be opened till the
ship's return. The mass at that time was called
Christmas; the box called ChristmassZox, or mo
ney gathered against that time, that masses might
be made by the priests to the saints to forgive the
people their sins at that time; and from this, ser
vants had the liberty to get box-money that they too
might be enabled to pay the priest for his masses,
well knowing the truth of the proverb, r• no penny,
no pater-nosier." Fosbroke says an altar was
erected in every village, where persons gave mo
ney. The apprenices' boxes were formerly made
of pottery; and Aubrey mentions a pot, in which
Roman denarii were found, resembling in appear
ance an earthen Christmas-box.
Our Table.
We have received from the publishers, Messrs.
Scott & Co., the republication of Blackwood's Edna
bu-g Magazine for November. It is unnecessary
for us to speak in praise of the graceful pages of
this highly celebrated work.
We also acknowledge the receipt from the same
source of the republication of the Westrnird.ster &
Foreign Quarterly Reviews; standard works of
English Literature. The plan adopted by Messrs.
Scott & Co., of republishing the valuable works
which may be found advertised in our paper, is of
great advantage to American readers, enabling
them to procure English literature at American
prices.
" YANKEE DOODLE," is the title of a humorous
weekly publication from New York, after the plan
of the London Punch. Its designs are in some in
stances good; but we think it mistakes the right
course when it takes such pains to give it a partizan
aspect.
" PENNY hlioszurc."—J. S. Redfield of New
York, is republishing that highly entertaining and
valuable work in semi-weekly numbers, at the ex
ceeding low price of cents par number, being
one third less than the original price. It may be
seen at this office.
"ILLUSTRATED Bosystr."—The December num
ber of this beautiful work sustains its previous repu
tation. The paintings are unusually fine, and the
letter press, instructive and entertaining.
DEPARTURE or THE Voioarstras.—The
Wilkes-
Barre Farmer of the 9th gives an effecting account
of the departure from that place of Capt. DANA'S
company of volunteers, their services having been
accepted by the Governor. The utmost feeling
was manifested for these brave men, leaving the
comforts of home and the pleasures of their beauti
ful valley, for the soldier's couch, and the "dread
ful marches " and " stem alarums " of - " grim vis
aged war." We trust that they may all return—
(vain hope)----from victorious battlefields, once
more to enjoy the peaceful blessings of their fire
sides, andlto gladden the hearts which sobbed their
farewell.
In the company were some of the members of
the oldest and most respectable families of Wyo
ming. Names which her history has already ren
dered immortal, are represented in this company;
and we have no fear that they will disgrace the
fair fame of those for whom the monument stands
as a memorial.
The type-setting fraternity was well represented,
there being no less than six printers in the compa
ny. Among them we see the names of the son
and brother of S. D. Lawn, editor of the Advocate,
and Mr. J. L. Coozza, once a resident of our boro.
At every point along the route, the volunteers
were enthuitiq;dirAly greeted by the warm-headed
plaudits of the citizens. At latest advises, the com
pany had reached littatusirohe-plaue of rendezvous.
Bradh>rd County Court.
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 1846
, The greater part of the day was occupied in the
case ofa Pauper from Orwell towuship—calling ayer
the Trial list, &c.
COM. IN. JERE3II.III HAPEAtAbldielMelli for
Arson.—Samuel Walls prosecutor. The defendant
was indicted for burning the hauseofStunuel Walls
on the evening of 10th of Febmarjr 1848,10 Ridg
bevy. The defendant being arraigned, plead not .
guilty. It appeared from the evidence adduced on
behalf of the Commonwealth, that on -the Bth of
February last, the prosecutor and defendant bad
same conversation in relation to the defendant tak
ing possession ofthe house then occupiedlty / dre
prosecutor, when some difficulty arose between
them—that on thenext day the prosecutor left home
on a visit to Chemung county, N. Y., and that on
the next evening about 10 o'clock the house was
burned. Several persons arrived at the-fire about
the same time, the defendant also; that the defen
dant said at the time the house was burning, ,that
he was sorry as it would be a loss to him as well
as to Mr. Walls. The defendant also said at the
same time, that he had just come from a sugar
bush about one half mile distant where he had been
making sugar. One witness testified that the de
fendant told him some time after the fire, that he
had burned Walls out once and would do it again.
, WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9.
In the cs.se of Com. vs. Hapeman, the jury ren
dered a verffict of not guilty.
Coat. vs. Wm. Doon. r -Indictment for Larceny—
Luther Stone prosecutor.. The defendant was in
dicted for feloniously taking from the shop of Luther
Stone on the 27th of Sept., 1846, eight pairs of
boots of the value of $24. The defendant being
arraigned, plead guilty. The Court sentenced him
to nine months hard labor in the Jail of Bradford
county.
Cox. es. DANIEL IscErtson.—lndictment for Lar
ceny—Johnson R. Coolbaugh prosecutor. Defen
dant being arraigned, plead not guilty. The defen
dant was indicted for feloniottsly tilting from the
Store of John L Webb, of Ridgbery, on the 9th of
Oct., 1846, bank bills to the amount of 88.
The principal facts testified to on behalf of the
Commonwealth, were in substance as follows :
The Clerk in Mr. Webb's Store, (Edward Cool
baugh,) had occasion to go down cellar, some time
about one o'clock, P. M., on the 9th of Oct. with
Nathan Greek; that when he went down cellar the
defendant was left alone in the Store; that when
he came up from the cellar the defendant had left
the store ; that he (Edward Coolbaugh) was not
absent from the store room ,but three or four mi.
nufs. Mr. Greek testified to the same facts. Mr.
Coolbaugh testified that in some ten or fifteen mi
nutes after he came from the cellar he had occca-'
sion to change some money, and that upon open
ing the desk he discovered that 88 in bills had been
taken out. Mr. Coolbaugh testified that the money
was in the desk but a few minutes before he went
down cellar, to his certain knowledge, as he had
had occasion to make some change a few minutes
before and the money was in the desk. The same
afternoon the defeiadant let a clerk in a store near
by have a 81 note to change, as he was owning the
clerk two shillings—at the same time telling the
clerk to say nothing about it. This $1 note Ed
ward Coolbaugh identified as being one of the
notes stolen from the store of John L Webb—he
was positive of it from the following circumstance :
A pedlar had been in the store a short time before
the money was taken, and traded some; the clerk
offered him in change for a bill the pedlar let him
have, a 8.1 note on the Ithaca bank. The pedlar
said he was not acquainted with the money and
declined taking if. Mr. Coolbangh then examined
it very closely, as it was suspected by the pedlar,
and noticed in particular that there were figures on
the back of the bill, and also the mane of "L T.
Titus." There were other circumstances given in
evidence against the defendant.
The Jury rendered 'a verdict of guilty. The
Court sentenced him to two year's imprisonment
in the Eastern Penitentiary.
COIL vs. HENRY Fissnrc.—lndictment for Lar
ceny—Johnson R. Coolbaugh prosecutor. The de
fendant was indicted for feloniously taking from the
Store of John L. Webb, of Ridgbery, on the night
of 12th Sept., 1816, several pieces of silver coin,
one pair of coarse boots, 4 pocket knives, one pair
of suvenders and one pocket book. Defendant
plead not guilty.
The facts of this case were but few. The store
of John L. Webb was entered on the 12th Sept. last,
in the night, by taking out a window in the second
story. Johnson R. Coolbaugh, who was Clerk of
the Store, learned that a boy had sold some knives
bearing the description of those stolen some few
miles distant from that place. Mr. Coolbaugh im
mediately made pursuit, and found the boy, who
upon being accused, confessed the whole matter.
The defendant at the same time accused on John
Banks of breaking open the store and taking the
goods, and gave him half if he would not tell of
him. The defendant said he was at the store when
the goods were taken. After making this confes
sion, the defendant was brought back to the store
on the same day, and he then confessed that he
broke open the store himself, relating the particu
lars of the transaction, but accusing another person
as being in company with him.
The Jury rendered a verdict of guilty. The Court
sentenced him to the House of Refuge.
FRIDAY, Dec. 11.
COIL vs. Enw. VERCESON, Gm. VERGESON, CYRUS
SHUNWAY, ZEBULON WHEELER, and RlCHARD:ln
dictment for Riot and Assault and Battery—Francis
Gallagher proserbtor. Defendants being arraigned,
plead not guilty.
The defendants were indicted for committing a
Riot, and also, an Assault and Battery on Francis
Gallagher, on the 25th of November, 1846, at Asy
lum. After hearing the evidence on behalf of the
Commonwealth, the defendants withdrew their
plea, and pleaded guilty.
The Court sentenced Geo. Vergeson and Cyrus
Shumway to pay the aum of 15 to the Common,
wealth, and Edward Vergeson, Zebulon Wheeler
and Richard Wheeler each, the sum of $1 to the
Commonwealth, and pay the costs of prosecution.
Cam. vs. As Sz.svica—lndictment, Assault and
Battery—Chrismas Hainsworth prosecutor. The
defendant being arraigned, plead guilty.
The Court sentenced him to pay a fine of to
the Commonwealth, and pay the costs-of prosecu.
tion.
COM vs. OWEN M'CANN and Joint BrGOVERN.--•
Indictment for Forgery—Daniel goverly prosecutor.
The defendants were indicted for altering a con
tract' made between Owen NE'Cann and Daniel
• The key rendered a verdict of Not Guilty, and
the defendants pay the cede.
Coat. sr. Wm. H. Sszeds.—lndictment for per
jury--Oliver Ellsworth prosecutor. The defendant
was indicted for swiearing fidsely in a snit before
Esq. Umphrey in Orwell township.
The Jury rendered &verdict of not guilty, and the
defendant pay the costs.
TUZSDAT, Dec 8
Wino Coisvmfrion.—The Whig Convention was
held on Wednesday evening, 9th hm, to nominate
a candidate for Representative, and elect delegMes
to the Whig State Convention.
A regular family quarrel in the party, among the
Irvin and Cooper factions, created some exc4e
ment, and' fast and furious grew the fight," until,
we believe the matter was compromised by the
expression ofthe Convention in favor of Irvin, and
the election of one Irvin and one Cooper delegate.
ALLES W. THOMAS, of Troy, was nominated as
a candidate for Representattve. ,
CousrrEantrrs.—slo's,ou the Chemung Canal
Bank, are in circulation, executed with great skill.
, The southern mail, due yesterday afternoon,
arrived this morning. The N. Orleans Pica
yune has received city of Mexico papers to 17th
ult. two week later than previous advices. The
papers contain the correspondence of General.
Taylor and Santa Anna, relative to the termina
tion of the armistice. Publie attention is very
much engrossed with the preparations for the
meeting of Congress. The official paper says
that the Executive is anxious for the assembling
of Congress, even before the time fixed by law,
in consequence of the urgent nature of the sub
jects which are to be brought up for considerat
ion. The first in importance are stated to be
the events of war with United Sates, the necessi
ty of great resources to sustain it, and some
other points relative to this important business.
The papers are filled with official communica
tion from the different Slates, assurring Govern
ment of public tranquility. There is no indi
cation of Almonte leaving the War Department,
and a great variety of orders are published emin
sting from him.
In an urgent appeal to the new Congress,
made from San Luis, the deputies are entreated
to intrust Santa Anna with dictatorial powers
for the prosecution of the war. There is noth
ing definite from the army concentrated at San
Luis, and no mention is made of the dissensions
which were said to exist in Santa Anna's ranks.
lie had directed that the capitalshould be furti
fied with energy, and a considerable number of
troops were arriving for the defence of the city.
Senor Villamil has been appointed Minister of
Finance, and took the oath'of office on the 17th.
The tone of the Mexican papers is less arrogant
towards the U. S.
In the consequence between Generals Taylor
and Santa Anna terminating the armisfic, the
latter complains of bad faith, hut says kis rea
dy to meet him on the held of battle. Gegral'
Taylor asks the release of the American pris
oners sent into thefinterior, on the ground that
all the Mexicans prisoners had been set at liber
ty. Santa Anna says in his reply, that the
generosity of Gen. Taylor had been responded
to in the same spirit, all the prisoners at that
post, (San Lois,) seven in number, having been
released and furnished with seventy dollars to
procure sustenance, upon the mad. Santa Anna
says. " From the spirit and decisitin manifest.
ed by all Mexicans. you should banish all idea
of peace while a single North American in
arms treads upon the soil of the Republic, and
there remains in front of its purls the squadrons
which make war upon them." He adds, how
ever, that it will remain with the Mexican Con
gress to determine.
RAILROAD IRON AND IRON FURNACE2I.-NOW
Jersey is comming in for her share of the pro
fits of manufacturing railroad iron. A contract
has just been closed by Utica and Schenecta
dy Raiiroad Company two establishment in
that State, fur 6000 tons of iron rails, to weight,
sixty-five pounds to the yard ; the heaviest rail
yet ordered by any company. The manufae;-
ure of iron and its trade have become of so
much improtance to this State, that every des
*ctiption of information concerning it must be of
interest. The Pittsburg Gazette furnishes some
information of this kind, which shows the ex
tent of the iron interest in the country between
Pittsburg and the Lakes. In Mereer county
there are sixteen furnaces, two of which mann
facure iron from the pig. There are also five
foundries in Mercer. In Butler there is one
lurnace and one rolling mill. This latter is a
mill for the manufacture of iron from the pig
and bloom. In Mahonin co•tnty, Ohio, there
are five lurnaces. which are all either using or
about to use raw coal. On the Shenengn there
are eight furnaces, two of which are at Green
ville, one at Hamburg. one at Big Bend. one at
Clarksville. one at Sharpsburg, one at Sharon.
and one at Middlesex. These are all the
works on the Mahoning andShenango, but
there is the Oregon furnace, a few wiles east
of the Shenango, taming on coke ; and near it
Meseta. Guthrie and Co., are now complet
ing a furnace to use charcoal, All the works
on these lines using chatcoal will soon aban
don its use, and s übsitute the better and cheaper
fuel raw coal.
THURSDAY, Dec. 10
APPOINTMENT OF COMMFITEEL-It is due
alike to the Speaker of the House. and to those
members who. by their absence up to Thursday
last, have been excluded from the standing
committees, to state that the uniform practice
of the House is not lo place any gentleman
upon a committee who does not appear, by the
journal, to be. or to have been. in attendance.
The journal shows that the committees were
appointed on Thursday last ; at least they ap
pear in the proceedings of that day, pursuant to
an order of the House passed then, in these
words : " Ordered, that the standing com
mittees be now appointed." Gentlemen arriv
ing after Thursday last. even before the meet
ing of the House on Monday. and prior to the
reading of the committees as part of Thursday's
journal, could not be put upon committees,
because the journal would thereby be made in
consistent with itself. First their names would
be enrolled as first appearing on the Monday
following.
LAND FOR VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR HEIRS....
Senator Cameron has introduced a resolution
in the Senate. which was adopted. to increase
the pay of the volunteers. and grant 180 acres
of land to each man or his heirs, with the pri
vilege of selecting the grant, within two years.
from any land owned by the United States.—
This is right. Men who peril life in the serv
ice of their country. should have ample pay
themselves. and provision m .de for their fami
lies In ease of their death.
Later Inda Make.
WASEINOTON, DEC. 18, 1848.
Proceedings of the XXIXth Congress.
'Wesstricrros. 6 P. M., Dec. 15, 1846.
SErtaxs.—A report was received from the
Secretary of the Treasury, upon the expedien
cy of requiring vessels navigating the Dela
ware bay to carry lights. Ordered to be prin
ted.
Mr. Semple intrcdueed a bill to extend the
national road to Alton, Illinois. and a• bill to
grant public lands to complete the Illinois and
Michigan canal.
A message was received from the House,an
nouncing the passage of the resolution in rela
tion to the decease of Mr. McConnell.
Mr. Lewis made a few appropriate remarks
relative to the deceased, and moved the custo
mary resolution. After which the Senate ad
journed.
House.—The resolution of Garrett Davis.
being first in order, came up for discussion.—
After considerable debate, the; original resolu
tion was modified on motion of Mr. Hopkins,
so as to request the President. instead of di
recting him, to- communicate the instructions
to Commodores Slost and Kearney. Adopted.
On motion., the House then went in Commit.
tee of the Whole, to refer the several
.topics
contained in the President's message, to the ap
propriate committees.
A debate ensued on the reference in commit
tee, and Messrs. Giddings. Jonson, of Tenn..
and Payne, each spoke their hour, after which
the committee rose.
A report was presented from ,the State De
partment. in- relation to the consular system.
and 2500 extra4eupies were ordered to be prin
ted.
A joint resolution was offered by. Mr. Hop
kins, and adopted, providing for the election of
Chaplains of different religious denominations.
Reports were received and read from the
commissioner of Public Buildings. and from
the commissioner of Pensions. Adjourned.
WASHINGTON, 6 P. M.. Dec. 16. 1846.
SENATE. -Mr. Simmons appeared in his
seat. Mr. Ashley. on leave, introduced a bill
establishing permanently a general pre-emp
tion system. Mr. Breese asked leave to intro
duce a bill to reduce and.graduate the prices of
public lands. Mr. Woodbridge asked leave to
bring in bills to grant public lands in Michi
gan for purposes of internal improvement. and
to sell mineral lands on Lake Superior. Mr.
Dix gave notice of his intention to bring in a
bill estaiilishing a branch mint in the city of
New York ; and Mr. Speight made similar no
tice in relation to a branch mint at Charleston.
S. C.
On Mr. 'Verney's motion, the Military Com
mittee were instructed to enquire into the ex
pediency of allowing the volunteers discharged
from the service, on account of sickness, to
draw their full pay for the term of their enlist.
Mr. Crittenden, on leave, introduced a bill
to improve the navigation of the western rivers.
The President's Message was then taken up,
to he referred to the appropriate committees.
Mr. Westcou moved that so much of the mes
sage as referred to the - establishment of Terri
torial Governments in the provinces conquered
from Mexico, he referred to the Committee on
Territories. Mr. Sevier moved its reference
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. Ben
ton sai•l there was no such thing in the mes
sage, and asked Mr. Westrott to withdraw hie
motion." Mr. Weitteott declined, and a spirit
ed debate ensued between the movers aad Mr.
Benton. Messrs. Allen, Archer, Cameron.
Crittenden, and Semple, also participated in the
debate, which was terminated by a motion to
lay upon the table being carried, by a vote of
23 to 22.
The Senate then proceeded to the election of
a Chaplain. On the second ballot, the Rev.
Mr. Slicer was elected. He received 24 votes,
the Rev. Mr. Tustin 9, and 7 scattering.
The Senate went into Executive session.and
afterwards adjourned.
Hotisx.—Petitions and memorials were pre
sented. Mr. Pollocl moved to suspend the
rules so as to enable him to introduce a reso
lution instructing the Committee on Ways
and Means to bring a bill for the repeal of the
Tariff of 1840. and to revive the Tariff of
1842. His motion was lost by vote of 73 to
110.
The House then went into Committee of the
Whole on the President's Message. Mr. Gent
ry opposed the message.and declared the Presi
dent had caused the war. Mr. Kennedy, of
Indiana. followed in the defence of the Presi
dent and the war. Mr. Hudson reviewed and
opposed the message, after which the commit
tee rose.
Mr. Benton gave notice of a bill regulating
the appointment of officers, and guarding the
public service from improper influences. Mr.
Ligon gave notice of a bill for the ascertain
ment and satisfaction of claims arising from
French spoliation,. Mr. Rathbun presented a
resolution from the New York Legislation in,
relation to the regulation of the pilot system of
the United . States. Adjourned.
WesimaToN. 6 P. M.. Dee. 17, 1840
SENATE.-Mr. Ashley moved that so much
of the President's message as relates to priv r a-
Leering. be referred to the Judiciary Commit
tee. Bills were presented for the erection of a
Custom House at New Orleans, for branch
mints at New Orleans and Charleston, and a,
Dry Dock at-Philadelphia. Also. a bill giv
ing the assent of Congress to certain States im
posing a tax on public lands as soon as sold.—
Also, bill to establish a National Armory at
Massae. Illinois. Mr. Dix gave notice of his
inteniton to introduce a bill to amend the act
relative to seamen navigating the waters of the
United States. Mr. Semple gave a similar no
tice of a bill to amend the Consular System.
On motion of Mr. J. M. Clayton, the Vice
President was authorized to appoint a select
committee on the subject of French Spoliation,.
On motion of Mr. Breese, the committee on
Commerce was instructed to enquire as to the
expediency of making appropriations for the
improvement of our harbors. The Senate 'lien
went into Execuiive session, and afterwrds
adjourned over to Monday.
Housz.—Mr. Winthrop offered a resolution
calling on the Secretay of War to furnish a
statement of the expenditures for harbors,roads,
and fortifications in the several States and Te
rritories. Notice was given that bills would be
brought in for the sale of mineral lands, and for
the improvement of rivers and harbors.
The House then proceeded to the election of
Chaplain. On the third ballot the Rev. Mr.
Spmle was elected, having received 103 votes.
Mr. Dewey had 48, Mr. Tinsley 18, and Mr.
Storrs 3.
Mr. Douglass, from the committee on Terri
tories. reported a bill Tor the admission of lowa
into the Union, which was read twice and or
dered to be engrossed for a third reading. Ad
journed.
The License Law for Bradford touts;
AN ACT Authorizing the citize ns e r einai
ties, to decide by ballot whether the sal undi d
and spirituous liquoreshall be conun'aed°
counties. 1114
8 ecTIoN I. Be it enacted by as saw,
House cfßepresentatives o/ the Com mon , ,!I
of Pennsylvania in General iin em bi„''i
and it
Thatere r b r y ou r a a n c
d te
ft b e y r t t l h ie e au f z tod e it
s u a a m ry e :one - thousand eight hundred and NI;
seven, it shall be lawful for the citizen, of ' l6
several boroughs and townships of the 4 , - 1
ties of Chester, Susquehanna, Wyoming,
ler, Erie, Delaware, 'flop, Bradford, (4 4.
ford, M'Kean, Elk, Warren. Fayette, Al!
fly; Mercer, Clearfield, Washington, g ta ;;;
and the - township and borough of Ma nst p t :
sant, in the comity of Wayne, and b ortni ii;
Lewisburg, in Union county, at the I LN
elections for constables, and other tos ib b
and borough officers in the said serer-di:,
soughs, wards and townships, to decide 1 7
their votes, whether or not the sale of yin ) ,
and spirituous liquors shall be permitted an tei
them for the then ensuing year ; and it 'l d
be the duty of the inspectors and judges orbs
said several boroughs,. ward and tososhim,
the said elections, to receive ticket', tar e
written or printed from the qualified roe
thereof, labelled on the outside "sale of
quors," and in the inside " for the salesi
quota." or " against the sale of liquors," II
to deposit the said . tickets in a bus to be re , sided for that purpose, by the said inepee ks
and judges as is now required by la,sor in ,
of tickets for officers to be elected at soebtle.
lion ; and at the close of said electiolok
votes so deposited shall be counted, and las
curate return of the same shall be made tot,
clerks of the courts of quarter sessine s
counties, to be by them laid before the ja g ,
of said courts, with the other township rbs
siois returns, on the first day of the counsiST
such election shall be held.
SEcTroN 2. That in receiving and cootie !
said votes, and in nu.king returns of thepy,
the said inapectors, judges and clerks of t 4
election, shall be governed in all respects E l
the law of this commonwealth now in fora,,
which may hereafter be, edacted, regulati
township elections ; and all the penalues ofOi
said election laws are hereby extended to in
votera, judges, inspectors and clerks 'poop;
and attending upon the election to he held e.
der the provisions of the first section of lb
act.
&mon 3. That whenever, to any of Is
said boroughs, wards or townships, then it
be a majority of votes • against a sale of 1,
quors," as aforesaid, then, and to that rands
the year next ensuing the first day of the tho
next regular term of the courts in said, no
ties, it shall not be lawful for any peons a
sell vinous or spirituous liquors within oi
boroughs, wards or townships ; and it std
not be lawful fur the court of quarter rotors
to grant licenses ho any inn or tavern snit
said boroughs, t and or ton nships, nor (to
treasurer of the counties to issue any into
to any retailer of inerebandue fur thenit i
vinous or spirituous liquors within said di
roughs, wards or townships for sald'year;c:
the sale of vinous and spirituous liquors so
in said boroughs, ward and towinhips,atity
time during said year.- is hereby declared Ina
a public nuisance, and is hereby prohnie
Provided, That it shall be lawful to sell ma
and spirituous liquors for medicinal, SaCrlVl
tal purposes, and to be used in the aria isa
manner hereinafter provided.
SECTION 4. That in such of the binnola
wards and townships in said counties, asrilal
by a majority of votes polled as aforesaid, es
cube "against the sate of liquors." it shall a
the duty of the judges of the court of pal
sessions of said counties, to license a tpfDrk
tent number of persons as temperancei hoot
keepers for the public accommodation, infra
authority to sell either vinous orspinisno
trims, upon the same terms and condoo
that Inns and taverns are now licensed, nil
thatilie notice required to be published, /Iry
first section of the act, entitled " An Attu?.
plementary to the various acts relatingto tis
ern licenses." passed March tvrenty-ounliga
thousand eight hundred and forty-one, ltd
not he deemed necessary ; and such hems
shall be charged but one-half the stun so
charged for licenses to retail vinous and PP
WOW, liquors ; and also to licinse a sufsrrn
Dumber of persons, the same being since tel.
ere or apothecaries, not exceeding three:nod
borough, ward or township, to sell vinous et
spirituous liquors for medicinal and sarnart•
tai purposes, and to be used in the Ins, id .
;*or no other purpose whatever : Prsst l6
That be.f..re said licenses shall he issnedkb
county treasurer, the applicant shall eat a
said treasurer, for the use of the c ommonweilt!
the sum of five dollars, in addition to thefts
now required by law, to be paid forlicentoo
store keepers and apothecaries being mks
of foreign merchandize.
SEcTtnet 5. That if any person or polo
within any of the said boroughs, wards
townships, in which there shall have bear
en a majority. of votes "against the sales'y
l iquors," as \ aforesaid, shall, within cos pi?
next after the first day of the count's( theirl
counties, held next after the said e leetinatd
and deliver, or cause to be sold and delirert 4
any vinous or spirituous liquors. to 1,1 1: 0 1 '
sons. (except as prOvided foron this s o)
person or persons so selling, shall be Wks
indictment, and on - conviction thereof.si v
forfeit and pay for every suhh offence , s
Gs
not less than twenty dollars, no mote thastel
hundred dollars.
Snc-rioN 6. That 2 if any of the hot
wards and townships in said counties Oak!
a majority of votes polled as aforesaid , at * :
" fur a sale of liquors," then the laws sol o _
force regulating the licensing of inns sad;
erns, and retailers of foreign goods a nd . $
chan4jze, including liqnors. shall retool,.
force, and apply to the said boroughs. tem p
and townships, as if this act had not bell!,
eel ; and all laws hereby supplied or Ow'
are hereby repealed.
HONOR TO TAE BRAVE.—In a letter rect ini o
by a gentleman of this city, from an 0 61 1 ,
Monterey, it is stated that Lt. Eugene F'q j
cf company D of the battalion of &oo f'W
Washington volunteers, under the coo
the lamented Lt. Col, Waimea, has, incsa:.
ration of his gallant conduct in the gril l '
guinary attacks on the fortifications of
ivy, been unanimously chosed captain
company. -
Thal ,
MASSAOHUSETRS NON RESISTANT.ta of volunteers requested from M3oolluo.
cannot be phtained in that State, soltr" I
popular prejudice against (or dread oft) id
Massachusetts will not fight it seam Soli,
for the non-resistant societies.