irtsfocnl AJISTRACT r THE MESSAGE. This long delayed document wna sent into yesieruay, nolwitliRtnndinff tlie dis prRiiiuirttion of the lower House. It wan ,. tnodmtely afterwards communicated to tho public in the leading citioi of the country, mid we present our reader with it tbii morn, lng. It commonces with tho rcmnrk that it bus been customary for the President to uinko no communication of a public character to Congress until after the complete orgnni-r-ation or both branches, but havW duferred to tnis usag until tho clog of the first month M the session, he can D", longer postpone the discharge of his constitutional duty. After an unusually brief reference to the tranquility, prosperity nnd peace enjoyed by the republic, tho message proceeds to" treat of our freitrn relations, beiriiininir with Cen tral America. With some foreign powers we have grave questions pending, which may require the consideration of Congress, aud of theso the most important is that arising oat of tho negotiations with great Britian iu n.T crnnce to Central America. It was the understanding of the United Htivtes in making tho Clayton-Dulwer Treaty, that it bound both parties to relinquish all territorial claims or pretensions in Central A tnerica, except tho Uclize. But. since then, Urflat Britian has colonized tho Hay Isluuds, revived her pretensions on the "Mosquito Const, mid annexed u largo part of Honduras to the Belize. Tlm U. S. Minister in Loudon has been holding a correspondence with tlm Biitiili Government on this sulijcet, crpics of which are cut to Congress with tho message I!y this, it appears that the two governments differ widely and irrccoiicilcably in the con struction of the treaty, and its effect on Cen tral America. Great Britian has refirsed to withdnw from Central America, nflirming that the treaty was prospective only, and did not require her to Hliandou or contract uny possessions held by her at tho date of iU con clusion. The United States deny that at the date of the treaty, Great Britian'had any ac tual possessions there, but maintains that, if she had, they were surrendered by it. In its lat communication, the British Government still declares that it sees no reuson why a conciliatory spirit may not euitblo the two governmeut to overcome all obstacles to n satisfactory adjustment, aud the President does not consider an ouiicublo solution hope less : but ho adds that there is reason to up prchend that this international difficulty can not long remain undetermined without invol ving ia serious danger the friendly relations cf tho two countries. The complications arising out cf tha recruit ing in the United States for the British army are dwelt upon with much emphasis. Our citizens have, us our laws permit, continued to ecII and carry for France nud England, arms, munitions of war etc., aud our ships are engaged in acting as French aud British transport Tor the war. A II the fears of pri vatetring rrom our ports havo proved futile. Bat while thus enjoying the benefit of otir laws and policy, Great Britaiu has not scrupled to infringe them, by eulisting men Tor her armies here iu onr own territory, contrary to our neu trality statute. While tho legal trial of some of tho parties was going on, with a view to their puuishment, a correspondence was open ed on the subject with tho British Govern ment, which latter admitted its approval und previous sanction of the act, but urged that its agents were instructed not to violate our laws. Tho President does not understand that such a thing would have been possible, as to eulist tho mon without violating our laws. Meantime, tho recruiting wus still contin ued upon a regulur systematic plan devised by official nuthonty. The complicity of Brit ish officers, civil and military, in thvse doings was fully proved on tho trial of their agents, but some of them are of high official position, and soiimof them beyond our jurisdiction, bo that legal proceedings could not reach the source of the mischief. As this design was a deliberate one, entered upon by responsible public functionaries, tho cuso has been pre sented to the British Government to procure reparation for the injury, as well as tlio ccs aation of tbo wroug. 'I'he subject is still un der discussion. The President again recommends that pro vision bo made for tho adjustment, by survey, of our disputed boundary between the terr'i tory of Oregon and the British Possessions, us there has been imminent danger of a colli sion there on tho subject. Ho also recom mends the extinguishment, by purchase, of the rights of the British Hudson's Bay Com pany, aud Pugot's Sound Agricultural Com puny, in Oregon and Washington Territo ries. The fishery commission bus been organized und has commenced its labors. On the 14th of April last, the U. States gave notice to Beumark of its intention to torminato the treaty of commerce and mwi. cation with that powor, one year from that date, on account of an article therein which might be construed into a submission to the bound Dues. The President remains of the opinion that wo ought not to submit to these tolls', because they iu effect recognize tho right of Denmark to treat as a close sea one of tho grout maritime highways of nations. Dcumark has indicated a readiness to make roihh new arrangement on the subjeot, and has invited tbo the governments interested to a convention to consider her proposal f. r the capitalization of the Sound Hues, and the distribution of the sum to be paid as compu tation amon the various nations ia propor. twn to their Baltic commerce. This invita tion tho President declined accepting, be c;mw Denmark did not offer to submit "to the Ceuvention the question of her right to levy t jie Sound Iues. and because, if she did, the Convention would not be competent to deal with the grtat international principle of com mercial freedom involved. Above all, the Confection proposes to complicate this topic with tho European balance of power. But while rejecting ch proposition, the President has expressed to iJemnark a willingness on the part of tho Uulted State to share with other powers In compensating her for bor ex penditures to improve tba navigation of the Wound Uelte. rihould uo satisfactory arrange taeat he soon concluded, tlm President will train call the attention of Congress to the subject, with a view to measure for lb secu rity of onr rights. The difficulty with Greece cut tha French Consul tit San Francisco, has been satisfac rily adjusted, tut also tho difficulty with Greece about the sequestration of property In-longing to the present Consul at Athens'. Spain has disavowed the seizure of the tteam er Black Warrior, and has paid the indemnity The other matters in dispute with Spain are thn aubject of negotiation, and the President hopes to conclude with that government some Irene rot arrangein.nl to avoid futuro difficul ties in Cuba. , Demands for reparation for in Juries' done to American citizens and their property jn Mexico, exist, but are obliged to await for swue settled condition of affairs in that country. A eatunl reference ii made to tho Kiuaraguan filibusters, from which it in fers that the President Is, or desires to seem, hostile to both Walker and Kinney, and is endeavouring to compass their expulsion from Central America. Treaties bare been made with Naples and Hawaii During the fiscal year ending June 30th, ISM, tha receipts into the national treasury troin all sources were $65,003,930, and the publie expenditures, exclusive of payments on accouut of the public debt, 850.265,393. The payments in redumption of tbe public debt, including interest and premium, amonot d during tha yea to f 9,8,o28. Tbe bal. ace bi tbe treasury. July 1st, 1855, was $18, 132,976. For tha present year tha estimated nceipts are given at 667,918.734, making the fc4labU resource of tha year e,856,710. 't'hf estimated txpenditurei) t-f Jha jiejent year are stated at 71.226,546, thereby leav ing an estimated balance in tha treasury, on July 1st, 1856, of $15,623,863 40. At the commencement of the present fiscal yenr, the amonnt ot tho public debt was S4U,&S3,wi, and as payments have been mndo since, tho debt i now less than forty millions, The President recommends that ft law be passed making it felony on the part of Public officer to mnka false entries in tboir book of record, or make false returns. In view of tho fact that the national revenue exceed tho wants of the government, the President recommend a reduction of the tariff. A de parture from the principles of the present tariff, however, la not anticipated. A regards the army, the regiments nave been recruited, orgnnized and sent to the field, where the great bulk of the force 1ms been employed against the hostile Indians. A partial reorganization of the army is ogain recommended. The six new steam frigate will bo ready for service early in the sprinir. and the Presi- dent recommends an appropriation to build six new steam sloops of war. As the Post Office expenditures for tho year have exceeded tho receipts $2,620,206. aud mnch of this is attributable to the enor mous quantities of printed matter transmitted by mail free, the President recommends action to provide a remedy. During the yenr, the quantity of public land sold was 15.729,524 acres, yielding tho sum of $11,495,380. The mefisngi says that in the territory of Ivnnsiis there have been acts prejudicial to good order, but ns yet liono have occurred under circumstance to Justify the interposi tion of the Federal Executive, which, it s;ivs. could or ly bo in case of obstruction to fodeiul law, assuming tho charade r of insurrection. Tho remainder of tho Message is u long dis quisition on the lubject of the constitutional rehttiona of slavery, which goes over the whole field of argument relative to the con stitutional theory of the government, the ren dition of fugitive sl.ives. sectional agitation, the extension of slavery, the Jrfflersou ordi nance, the Missouri compromise, tho compro mise of 1S."iO, mid the Kansa net. On all these topics tho President assumes boldly and clearly ultra Southern ground. He makes the Northern States the acpressors on every point ; nsscrts that the Jefferson ordinance relative to the northwestern territory wus superseded by tho provisions of the Consti tution, nnd ceased to bo operative. There is little that is new in all this essay, and those who would appreciate, it properly must read it for themselves, ns an abstract could not do justice to it. .V. Am. $ U. S. Ouselte. THE Pai.SlUKMS VIFAVft tS KLLATIUN to si.vvi;hy. constitctiosal. fixations of slavery. Placed in the office of Chief Magistrate as the executive agent of the whole country, bound to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, unci specially enjoined by the con stitution to give iiilorimi'.ion to Congress on the State of the Union, it would be palpable neglect of duty on my part to pass over a s.iliject like this, which, beyond all things ut the present time, vitally concerns individual and public security. It has been matter of painful regret to see States, conspicuous for their services iu found ing this Republic, end equally sharing its advantages, disregard their constitutional obligations to it. Although conscious of their inability to heal admitted and palpable social evils of their own. and which are completely within their jurisdictions, they engage in the oflensive and hopeless undertaking of reform ing the domestic institutions of other States wholly beyond their control nnd authority. In the vain pursuit of ends, by them entirely unattainable, nnd which they may not legally attempt to compass, they peril tho very exis tence cf tlio constitution, and all the countless benefits which it bus conferred. While the people of the Southern States confine their attention to their own affairs, not presuming officiously to intermeddle with the social in stitutions of the Northern States, too many of the inhabitants of the latter are perma nently organized in associations to inflict in jury on the former, by wrongful ucts, which would be cause of war aa between foreign powers, and only fail to be such iu our system, because perpetrated under cover of the Union, It is impossible to present this subject as truth and the occasion require, without no ticing the reiterated, but groundless, allega tion, tliut the South has persistently ssseited claims and obtained advuntages in the prac tical administration of tho eneral govern ment, to the prejudice of tho North, and in which the latter has acquiesced. That it, the States, which either promote or tolerate at tacks on the rights of persons and of property in other States to disguise their own justice, pretend or iinnge, and constuiilly aver, tbut they, whose constituiil righls are 'thus syste matically ussailed, uro themselves the aggres sors. At tlio present time, this imputed ag gression, resting us it docs, only in the vague declamatory charges of political ugitutors, resolves itself into misapprehension, or mis interpretation, of the principles nnd fads of the political organization of the new Teriito ries of the United States. What is the voice of history? When the ordinance which provided for the government of the territory northwest of the river Ohio, and fur its eventual subdivision into la w States, wus adopted in the Congress nf'the confederation, it is not to be supposed that the questioli r future relative pi.wer, as be tween the States which retained and those which did not retain, a inline runs colored population escaped notice, or failed to be considered. And yet the concussion of that vast territory to the interests nnd opinions of the northern States, a territory now the seat of five among tho largest member of tin Union, was, in great measure, the act of the State of Virginia and of the South. When Louisiana was acquired by the Uni ted States, it wis an acqnisilion not less lo the North than to the South for while it was important to the country at tho mouth of the river Mississippi to become the emporium of the country ubnvu it, so. ulso. it was even inoro important to the whole Union to have that emporium; and ulthough Ilia new pro vince, by reason of its imperfect settlement, was mainly regarded as on the Gull' or Mexi co, yet, in fact, it extended to the opposite boundaries of the United Slates, with fur greater breadth above and below, nnd was in territory, as in everything else, equally at least an accession to the Northern Siati s. It is mere delusion und prejudice, therefore, to sjieuk of Louisiana as acquisition iu the spe cial interest of the South. The patriotic and just men, who participa ted in that act, were in Hue need by motives far above all sectional jealousies. It wus in truth the groat event, which, by completing for us the possession of the valley of the Mis sissippi, Willi Commercial uccess to the Gulf of Mexico, impurted unity and strength to tbe whole confederation, and attached to gether by indissoluble ties the Eusl and the West, as well us the Not lb and the South, A i to Florida, that wus but the transfer by Spain to tho United States ot territory on the east side of the river Mississippi, in exchange for large territory, which the United States transferred to Spain on the west side of that river, as the entire diplo matic history of that transaction serves to deinot strate. Moreover.it was an acquisi tion demanded by tba commercial interest aud the security of the whole Union. In the meantime, the people of the United Stales bad gr wn up to a proper conscious ness cf their strength, and in a brief contest with Franc, and in a second serious war with Great Britain, they had shaken off ell which remained undue reverence for Europe, and emerged from tbe atmosphere of those transatlantic influence which surrounded the infant Republic, and bad begun to turn their attention to the full and sviu malic de velopment of the internal resource cf the Among tha evanescent controversies of luui periuo, iiiu most vuiispicuuub wu. uiv question of regulation by Congress of tho ocia) condition of the future State to be founded in the territory of Louisiana. The ordinance for tbe government of tbe territory northwest of the river Ohio hnd contained ft provision. - which prohibited the inn .if M.irvlla Inhne Innrnin ftnhinnf ti 4 Via condition of the extradition of fugitives from service due in nuy oilier part 01 the United States. Subsennentlv tn tlm mini, t Inn nfttin Constitution. thlA nroviemn rAncml in rnmnin a ft law; for it operation a such was ab solutely saperseded by the constitution. But the recollection of the fact excited the zeal of social flrnnnfrnrwliam in Bn...A Bnn:A.n -r the confederation and, when a second State, uiai 01 Missouri, came to bo Tormcd in the territorv of I f j'"''uaiuifi nua iiiuuu to extend to the latter territory the restric tion originally applied to the country situated between thn riai.a ril,(n - .1 t : : - J " rmu uuu HllSSlSSippi. Most auefctionnhln n il.io m.n tnait i Alt in all its constitutional relation, nevertheless it received the sanction of Congress, with some slight modifications of line, to savo the existing rights of the intended new State. It was reluctantly acquiesced in by Southern States, as n sacrifice to the cause of pence and or the Union, not only or the rights stip ulated by tho treaty of Louisiana, but of the principle of equality among the States, gnu- ..limn uy uiu cuusuiunon. Jt was received by the northern States with angry nnd re senMul condemnation und complaint, because it did not concede nil which they hnd exact mely demanded. tlnvd, i...,n.i. t ie forms of legislation, it took its place in no ni.nuie uook, Mnmiing open to rct eal, III A ,1,11 i.l I... ... . . P .1 ...I ... I . 1 ; . viiii-riuu'i ii'iuiniM constitutional ity, subject to be ni-nnmim....! mil nii.l i.l . - . F hi. ii ,ii. t ii'iu by tlie courts or law, and posscssic? no pnssi- mo eiuwiicv io control the rights of tin States, which micht tin ronrtfil Im firtmiii'iiil out of any part of the original territory of In all this, if any innovation upon pre-existing rights, to which portion of tbo Union are they justly chargeable? This controversy passed away with the occasion, nothing surviving it save the dor mant letter of the statute. But, longnTterwards, when, by the proposed accession of tho Republic of Texas, the United States wcro to take their next step in territorial greatness, a similar contingency occurred, and became the occasion for svs tematized attempts to intervene in the do mestic affairs or one section of the Union, in defiance of their rights as States, and of the stipulations of the constitution. These attempts assumed a practical direction, in the shape of persevering endeavors, by some of the representatives, in both houses of Con gress, to deprive the southern States of the supposed benefit of the provisions of the net authorizing the organization of the State of Missouri. But. the good sense oftho people, nnd the vital force of the constitution, triumphed over sectional prejudice, nnd tho political errors of the diiy. and the State of Texas returned to the Union ns she was, with social institu tions which her people had chosen for them selves, und with express ngreement, by tli" rc-unnexinr net, that she should be suscepti ble of subdivision into n plurality of States. Whatever advantage the interests or the Southern States, as such, gained by this, were far inferior in results, us they unfolded in the progress of time, to those which sprung Irom previous concessions mado by the South. ' To every thoughtful friend of the Union to the true lovers of their country to all who longed and labored for the full success of ibis great experiment of republican institu tions, it was cause of grntnlution that such an opportunity had occurred to illustrate onr advancing power on this continent, und to lurnish to the world additional assurance of the strength and stability of the constitution. W ho would wish to see Florida still a Euro pean colony? Who would rejoice to huil Texas ns a lone star, instead of one in the galaxy of States ? Who does not appreciate the incalculable benefits of the acquisition of Louisiana? And yet narrow views and sec tional purposes would iiu-vitubly have ex cluded them all from the Union. But another struggle on tho same point ensued, when our victorious armies returned from Mexico, und it devolved on Congress to provide for tho territories acquired by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The great relations of tho subject bad now become dis tinct aud clear to the perception of the public mind, which appreciated the evils of sectional controversy upon tho question of the admis sion or new States. In that crisis intense solicitude pervaded the nution. But the patriotic impulses of the popular heart, gui dud by tho admonitory uiivicd of the Father of his Country, rose superior to all the diffi cullies of the incorporation of a new empiro into tho Union. In tho counsels of Congress there was manifested extreme antagonism of opinion and action between some representa tives, who sought by the abusive and uncon stitutional employment of the legislative powers of the iioveininunt to interfere in the culiiiitum of the inchoate states, and to'iin pose their own social theories upon the hitler; and cti.cr n pi. si niativcs, who repelled the in.L-rpi.siUuti of the general government in luis respect, und maintained the sclf coiisti tuiiug lights of tho states. Iu truth, the thing attempted was. in form alone, action of the general (iovci nineiit, while in reality it was the cinieaver, by abuse ot legislative pcwi.r. to tortc the ideas of internal policy, entertained iu particular states, upon allied inie undent stales. Once more tho consti tution und the Union triumphed signally, 'ihe nuy Territories Wtie organized without restrictions on the dispu'ed point, and were thus left to judge in that partiei.liir lor them selves; und Ihe t, use of constitutional faith proved vigorous enough in Congress not only to accomplish the primary object, but ulso tho incidental and baldly less important one, of so amending the provisions of the statute fi;r the extradition of fugitives from service, as to place that public duty under the safe guard of the general government, and thus relieve it from obstacles raised up by the legislation of some of the states. A aiu declamation regarding Mie provisions of law fur the extradition of fugitives from service, with occasional episodes of frantic effort to obstruct their execution by riot and minder, continued, for u brief time, toagitute cerum h entities. But ihe true principle, of leaving eat h state und Territory to regulate its own laws of labor according to ils own sense of nuht and expediency, bud acquired fa-t bold f the pul.l.c judgment, to such a degree, that, by common consent, it was ob served iu the organization 01 tbe Territory of Washington When, more recently, it became requisite i orguuizo the Terriories of NebiaU and Kansas, it was (he natural and legitimate, if not the inevitable consequence of previous events and legislation, that the same great und sound principle, which had ulready been up plied to Utah aud New Mexico, should be applied to them; that they should stund ex eiupt from tho restrictions proposed in the act rul.ttive to the state or Missouri. These restrictions were, in the estimation of muny thoughtful men, null from the beginning, unauthorized by the constitution, contrary to fhetreuty stipulution for the cession cf Lou isiaua, aud iuconsistuuf with (be equality of the Kates. They bad been stripped of all moral au thority by persistent effort to procure their indirect repeal through contradictory enact ments. They bad beeu practically abrogated by the legislation attending the organization of Utah, New Mexico and Washington. If any vitality remained in them, it would bave been taken away, in efloci, by tbe new territo. nal arts, in the form oHflually propo4 to the Senate at tbe first sossion of the last Con gress. It was manly and ingenuous, a well as pnrioric and just, to do this direc;1y and plainly, and thus relieve the stafufe-bdok of an act, which might be of possible fufureinjury, but of no possible future benefit, and the mea euro of its repeal, wag the finnl consumnfion nnd comploto recognition of the principle, 'lint no portion ofthe United State shall un. derfako through assumption ofthe powers of ino goncrai government, fo dietafo tbe social institution of any other portion. The scope and effect of tho language of repeal were not lelt iu tlonbt. It was de clared, in terms, to bo "tho true intent and meaning of this act not to legislate slavery info any Territory or stato. nor to exclude it therefrom, but to leavo the people thereof periocriy iree to lorm and regulate their do mesic institutions in their own way, subject only o the constitution of the United States." The measure could not be withstood upon its merits nlono. It wan attacked with vio lence, on the false or deliisivo pretext that it constituted a breach of faith. Never was ob .jection more nfferly destitute of substantial .justification. When, before, was it Imagined by sensible men, that a regulative or declara tive statute, whether enacted fen or forty years ago, is irrepealablc, that an act of Congress i above tho constitution ? If, indeed, thero were in the facts any cause to impute bad faith, it would ntfuch to those only who have never censed, from the time cf the enactment of the restrictive provision to flip present day to denounce and condemn if ; who have con ffnnfly refused to coniplem if by needful snp- plemenfary legislation ; who have spared no exertion to deprive if of moral force : who have themselves again nnd ogain attempted if-i repeal by the enactment of incompatible provisions ; nnd who, bv f!ie inevitable reac tionary effect of their ow n violence on the sub jeer, awakened the country fo perception of fun true constitutional principle, ol leaving the in,'fcr involved fo (lie discretion cf the peo ple of the respective existing or incipient States. It is not pretended (lint this principle, or any other, prrcludes the possibility of evils in practice, disturbed ns political action is liable to be by human passions. No form of government is exempt from inconveniences; but in this case they nro the result of the iilinsn, nnd not the legitimate exercise, of the powers reserved or conferred in the organiza tion of a Territory. They nro not"to be charged to the great principle of popular sovereignly; on tlio contrary, they disappear before the intelligence and patriotism of the people, exerting through tho ballot box their pencelul and silent but irresistible power. If the friends of tho constitution are to havo nnother struggle, its enemies could not present a more acceptable issue, than t hut of a state, whose constitution clearly embraces "a republican form of government," being ex cluded from the Union becnuco its domestic institution? may not in nil respects comport with the ideas of what is wise and expedient entertnined iu s-cme other stato Fresh frjm groni'.dlers imputations of breach of faith uguiiif t others, men will commence the agita tion of this new question with indubitable violation of nn express compact between the independent sovereign powers of the United States nnd to the republic of Texas, ns well ns ofthe older and equally solemn compacts, which assure the equality of ull tho 6tates. But, deplorable as would be such a viola tion of compact in itsslf. and in all its direct consequences, that is the vciy least of the evils involved. When sectional agitators shall have succeeded in forcing on this issue, can their pretensions fail to be met by coun ter pretensions ? Will not different states be compelled respectively to meet extremes with extremes? And, if either extreme car ry its point, what is that so far forth but dis solution of Union ? If a new state, formed from the territory of the United States, be absolutely excluded from admission therein, that fact of itself constitutes tho disruption of union between it mid the other states. But the process of dissolution could not stop there. Would not a sectional decision, pro ducing such result by a majority of votes, either northern orsouthern, of necessity drive out the oppressed und aggrieved minority, nnd place in presence of each other tw o irre concilably hostile confederations? H is necessary to speak thus plainly of projects, tho offspring of that sectional agita tion now prevailing in some of the stiites, which arc as impracticable us they aro uncon stitutional, and which, if persevered in, must and will end calamitously. It is either dis union und civil war, or it is mere ungry, idle, aimless disturbance of public peace and tran quility. Disunion for what? If tho passion ate rage of fanaticism and partisan spirit did rot force the fact upon our attention, it would be difficult to believo that any considerable portion of the people of this enlightened country could have so surrendered themselves to a fanatical devotion to the supposed inter ests of the relatively few Africans in the United Stutes, as totally to ubaudon and dis regard theinterests of the twenty-five millions of Americans to trample under foot tlw in junctions of moral and constitutional obliga tion nud to engage in pains of vindictive hostility uguinst those who are associated with them in the enjoyment of the common heritage of our national institutions. Nor is it hostility against their fellow-citi-7ciis o roue section or the Union alone. Tho interests, the honor, the duty, the peace, and the prosperity of tint people of all sections lire equally involved and imperilled in this question. And are patriotic men in any part ol' the Union prepared, on such an issue, thus madly to invito all the cons quinces of the forfeit u re of their constitutional engagements? Il N imputable. The storm of phrenzy and Taction must inevitably dash itself ia vaiu aga'iit the unshaken rod; of the Constitu tion. I shall never doubt it. I know that ihe Union is stronger a thousand tinns than all the wild and chimerical schemes of social change which are generated one after another in the unstable iiinds of visionary sophists and interested agitators. I rely confidently on the patriotism ofthe people, on the digni ty and self respect of the States, on the wis dom of Congress, nnd, ubovr! all, on the con tinued gracious favor of Almighty God, to maintain, nguinst uli enemies, whether at home or abroad, the sanctity of the Consti tution, and tho integrity of f lie Union. FUANKL1N PIERCE. WAnitxoTox, December 31, 1S55 St. Loris. Dec. 29. The Lexington (Mo.) Herald oflhe22d says, that on tho 15th the citizens of Kansas voted on the Constitution adopted by the Free State Convention held nt Topelta. At Leavenworth a collision oc curred between the pro und ami slavery par ties. The ballot boxes were destroyed by the mob, tho voting stopped, and an anti-slavery man's houso burned. A man charged with the last Outrage, was arrested and lodged in jail. His friends broke open tho Jail, rescued Ihe prisoner, und burned down the building. Great excitement prevailed, and both sides hud sent for assistance. SKC0N DESPATCH. Chicago, Dee. 31. A letter from H'est port, dated the 18tb, states that on election day tho border Missouriani mobbed several voting places on the Missouri Kiver; at sev eral points they would not allow the polls to be opened. A large mob destroyed tho bal lot boxes at Leavenworth, and maltreated tbe judge ofthe election. TuiTobacc Caor orCAuroaxu. It is es tiuiatedthat the growth of tobacco in Califor nia tbe present season will amount to fifty tb ousaud pound. One grower ia Contra Cos ta county estimate that hi crop will amount to six thousand pounds. Tobacco promise to become an important agricultural staple of tbe State, A 1 nays remember tb poor. THE AMERICAN. SUNBUBY. SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 1858. II. B. MASSES, Editor and Proprietor To AovKTitiK -The circulation of tha Sunbury Amecican among tha different tnwnt on tha Sucquehanna it not exceeded ifequalled by any paper published in Norih trn Pennavlvania. e"Tbe proceeding of tbe late Teachers Convention, held in thi place, will be found on onr first pago. The Literary Society of this place, root at tho Court Houso on Tuesday evening last. An interesting nnd beautiful address was de livcrod y Mr. Gowen, of Shamokin, on the Miojtci oi -uenius. ' ftsT Goveun-or's Messaok. Wo are indebt ed to Gov. Pollock for a copy of bis first an nual 'message. It came, however, too late. even for un abstract, as our columns were al ready crowded with other matter. CiTThe Communication from Mr. Kcimen snydcr, the County Superintendent, and tho proceedings ofthe Directors' Convention, and other matter bave been unavoidably crowded out this week. CJTho Siuibury Brass Band, and tho String Bnnd, gavo o concert at Shamokin on Tuesday evening last. Our correspondent from Shamokin speaks in terms of high com. mendation of their performance. 63T The Sunbury Brass Baud and String Band will give a musical entertainment at the Court House, or. Monday evening next. The Brass nnd String Band will perform al tenately. Tho concert is for tho benefit of Professor Bice, the instructor and leader of tho String Band. It will bo a rich musical treat, and all who can, should be there. HySiKct Rv and Erie Railroad. The bad state of the weather has delayed the com pletion of the road to this place, but the track, from Northumberland, over the bridges, is now laid, and the cars, we learn, will pass over to this place on Monday. S-J"Tiib Mail. The conductor of the Philadelphia and Sunbury Railroad informs us that the failure of the mails alluded to in our Inst paper was owing to negligence in the Post Office at Pottsville. Tho Sunbury mail had been put into tho Shamokin bag. We understand tho mail bags are so poorly marked as to make it difficult to distinguish one from the other. (3T The recent full of enow I as made the sleighing excellent, and our farmers and eth ers are making good use of it, while it lasts. The weather, the past week, has been exceed ingly cold. Tbo Susquehanna closed over at this place on Monday night, and wag strong enough the second day following for porsons, on foot, to cross over. BST Wm. Piatt, of Wyoming, was elected Speaker of tho Senate, and It. L. Wright, o Philadelphia, Speaker of the House. Wm. Jack, Clerk ofthe House, Capt. Jacob Zieg Icr, Assistant, Mr. Maguirc, Clerk of the Senate. John Leisenring, of Northumberland, Mes senger of the House. SaS" Joseph Casey, Esq., of Harrisburg, has been appointed, by the Governor, "State Bo porter," iu place of James Hepburn, Esq. deceased. Mr. Cusey is well known iu this section of tho state as an excellent lawyer. The appointment is a judicious one. Si" The Philadelphia papers notice the death of James Hepburn, Esq., at Philadel phin, suddenly on the 25th of December last. Mr. Hepburn was a lawyer, aud for many years a resident of Northumberland. Ho was the first President ofthe Bank of Northum berland. Afterwards President of tho Tide Water Canal Compauy, and at the time of bis death "State Reporter," au office to which ho bud been appoiutod by Gov. Pollock. He wug esteemed as a good lawyer, and well qualified for the stutiou. PKKCIOEVrS MESSAGE. The sndden appearance of tho President's Message on Monday lust, took every body by surprise, as uo ono looked for it until Con. gress had organised by tho electlou of a Speaker iu the Houso, which that body bag been tryiug to do for tbe last month without success. The President, tbiukinir be had waited about long enough, on that body, con cluded to send in the message whether they were organized or not. Tbe House, however, after considerable debate refused to receive it. This i the first instance in our govern ment, where the Message was tent to the House and Senate before the two bodie were organised. In tbe Senate, which wa organi sed the first day or tbe session, tbo Message was received, and the ordinary number oider ed to be printed. Tbe foreign policy of tbe Message, ii gen erally approved of, bat its view in regard to slavery, are deemed, by many, as leaning en tirely too much in favor of the south, and is looked upon aa a bid for the Presidency. Tbe President tbinki tbe Missouri Compro. mise bill wa properly repealed, and aav that tbe ordinance of 1789 in regard to the North western territory, which was id fact the ori ginal Wilniot Proviso, waa repealed by tbe adoption of tbe constitution. Tbeie view will be condemned by many of the Presidents former friends, in tbe oorthoro and middle late. Not having received the Menage in time to publish it entire, we have published an abstract or tbe same, and also that portion of it which relates to the slavery question, ths most prominent subject discussed. , Commmunttcb . . 't ' ' For tka American. . ,'t Sunbury, January 2, 185fl. IT n M.n War. .Do., fcl.- a e dnys since a nit wn commenced by the heirs -r il.. f .. . D..-J.I.J - r t i ui iiiu miiiier t oirimnriua 111 I rnusyivania, against a citlsen of our Borough, for the pur pose, a I have since learned, of enforcing payment of tbo tiit rent, reserved by them on the lots in this Borongh. Since that time a rum oOT has been spread that I am interes- tftft in tho nmmtBal a fuhrilintmn ant allnnl by my political enemies for the purpose of croating a prejudice against me which is un- tun rn n, nil ,11 iiiti, nf f.ml Mm f'noA 4l.n .... . lU.llv. in jiuiiiv vi lull. .'II. ilSTTJT mo attorney in the case requested of me, as a fa vor to band it to the Prothonotary the pre. cipe for the writ, which is signed by himself. I did as requested, but did not know at the time, what the object of tho suit was; nor could I see any impropriety in handing over tho paper at tho request of a friend. My name was marked to the suit at the time, but on learning the ohject, I at once had it erased from the record. I was not employed as at torney in the case, nor am I interested cither directly or indirectly, in tho prosecution of these claims, tbe assertion of somo persons who own no property and aro not interested, to the contrary notwithstanding. I feel per haps as much interested in the progress and improvement of onr Borough, as any other person, and would bo sorry to be concerned in a matter, the effect of which would, neces sarily, prove detrimental thereto. I nm not afraid to act as counsel for or against, any man, or set of men, hnt I cannot be employed ncainst myself, nor against the interests of tho community io which I reside. A certificate from Mr. Casey as to the truth of the above statement can be seen at my office. Very Respectfully Yours. c, Wm M. Kockkfeixer. Shamokin, Dec. 25, 1855. Old Christmas here again with its grateful cheer, its smiles, its gifts and all its friendly greetings. How mnny advanced in years live overagaiu the rosey and smiling Christmas holydays of youth ; and how many children now amid its innocent enjoyments are trea suring up happy memories when life shall be in tho sear and yellow leaf, and but few more Christmas suns to rise upon their horison. Santa Claus came clad in his winter vest ments, and scattered along his footsteps hail, snow, rain and sleet out of doors, and his in door greetings were therefore still more joy. ous and happy. What a contrast this morn ing in the hospitable mansion of Dr. Atwnter, with tho snow-clad trees and mountains with out ; and with the streets of Shamokin cover ed with snow and rain, as the children of the villugo, iu their clean and neat attire wended their way to the usual celebration of Christ mas, provided for them at the Doctor's resi dence through the ever considerate and thoughtful kindness of Judge Helfenstein. What a happy visit was anticipated by these little seekers after happiness as they came from their homes through the winter morning, and fully were their hopes realised, nnd how did their happy faces tell tho story or their jojTul hearts as they met all the pleasant arrangements mado for their enjoyment. It was a most interesting sight to "see nearly three hundred boys and girls assembled to gether on such an occasion. Their neat up- Cearance and good behavior was. only equalled y the gratification they evinced at being thus made the particular objects of the Judge's regurd and attention. The preparations for tho entertainment were most perfect nnd complete. The first ohject that attracted attention was n beauti ful Christmas tree, handsomely decorated with "matzebaums," and nround" which the children flocked, highly delighted with all the strange locking figures that hung among its branches. The tree certainly was a curiosity, and seemed to have been planted there under the immediate direction of Santa Claus him self, and invigorated by April showers aud summer suus. The Magic Lateru called forth shouts of applause, aud just as everj ono was wander ing what would come next iu walked the ve ritable Santa Claus himself. Then, you may be sure, a scene followed that beggars descrip tion. Tho old traveler seemed to bo wearied and futigucd ; and he said his visit must be a short one, as he hud other and simila dutys to perform elsewhere. But he admonished the children that in order to merit his appro bation and securo on other visit from him next winter they must be dutyful, obedient and truth loving. With many good wishes and hopes that they would enjoy nil tho good things spread before them, the kind old gen tlemen departed ns suddenly and mysteiious ly as he came. While all these amusements were going on somo very fine music on the Piano leiits its attractions to the scene and threw over the wholo a soothing and gentle influence. The day was becoming far advanced when a new movement iudtcutcd that a distribution of gifts was about to commence. In one room on a large extension table, was an im mense pile of cakes nnd candies ; and in an adjoining room was an other table covered with a nicely arranged assortment of hooks. They were selections from the"Sunday School Union," anil suited through different ages or those present. The distribution of the pre sents, as each ono came forward, wus my gratifying to a number of ladies and gentle men that bud been invited to witness the entertainment. Tho healthy appearance of the children and their remarkable good be havior called forth a grfat many approbatory remarks and indicated in this mining village a sober moral and prosperous little commu nity. It is gratifying to know that in tho whole history of this important enterprise of deve loping this Coal Region, and constructing the Philadelphia nnd Sunbury Rail Road, proper regard has been paid to Sunday as a day of entire cessatiou from all business, so that no one, no matter how humble, nor how elevated his position, is required or allowed to do secu lar work oil Sunday so that a coal train, nor passenger car, nor other car of any kind has been known to run on Sunduy. For tha Sunbury American. .Veto l'ir Day in Shamolin Midnight Serenade The Shamolin Grey -7'Ae Concert of the Sunbury Brats and String Hands. SiuMoxiy, January 1, 1850. Last night as the hour band was pointing to twelve, the old year, care-worn aud hag gard, wrapped bis mantle about him and pas sed away. We saw his bent and crippled form receeding in tho distance, add beard the echo' of his footsteps sounding along the dim aisle where are scattered the wrecks of thn "things that were." A twelve month of time gone ! and in it how many hopes bave been blasted. How many tears have been shed, and how deep the wail of anguish that has risen from tbe stricken and sorrowing heart. But why lament the departure of the old year? in" nun ous greeiei us wun uis early saluta tions. Let us exchange tha melancholy thought for bis flattering song the sad ima ges of tbe past for the bright forms of the fu ture. While I am thus musinir tha stillnesa nf the midnight honr is broken by the rich strains of melody. A band of Welsh Vocal fsts are discoursing most eloquently near by. Their voices harmonise very sweetly, and the words are so distinctly spoken that we recog nise several familiar ana beautiful anthems. "Awake put on thy strength oh Sion." "Glo ry to God on high" and on or two other that I cannot now recall, were rendered with great harmony and considerable artitlio skill, uo one who was so fortunate aa to be within rang of their voices wall regret their visit The time was fitly chosen for tbo mind was busy with solemn thoughts, and well prepared to Join the song of praise to Him who guides the revolving season, and controls the des tenvs ofmon. Tbo morning of New Years dat was rnliv. ened bv the parade ofthe Shamokin Greys Cant. Rase. This is a fine looking company and elicited universal ndmfration Tor their neat appearance und soldier-like behnvinr. At night, a concert was given bv the Sun bury Brass Bund under the direction of Jno. VV . Bncher. They were assisted by Rice's String Band, under the direction of Professor Rice. The Lyceum Hall wus kindly granted Tor the occasion by Win. Fagely, Esq. Th novelty of the thing to mnny of our citizens, and the w idn spread reputation of this newly organised Band early obtained a large au dience. Onr citizens were not slow in re sponding to this call upon them by the native talent of onr sister town. The house was crowded, and the concert provod to be nn un equivocal triumph. The programme was well arranged, and the performance in excellent time. Mr. Rice won golden opinions, and a friend suggests shut the Band received "riher opinions," that to them were quite as good, if not more practical than those of their leader. I was surprised to learn that this Band has been in existence only a little better thnn a year. The selections from Straus and Julian were admirably given ; and tho "Schottishe" composed by Rice entitles that gentlemnu to rank among the eminent composers of the day. Altogether the concert was a brilliant affair, and passed off very satisfactorily we hope to all concernod. From what f hear, our citizens will extend a cordial welcome to these gentlemen whenever they conclude to honor ns with another visit. The Band returned home Wndnesdny morn ing much gratified with their visit, andjleaving behind them most favor.ihlp inijiressio'ns, and an earnost desire for their speedy return. IlARnisnt nn, Dec. 31. The Democratic members of the House of Representatives, to the number of sixty six. met in run us to niiiht and uouiinateil Richardson L. Wricht, of Philadelphia, for St .-nl-i'r. by ;o-i-lnn.iition'. The following niiiiiinilinns were 'wide bv tl;u American of the Hns" : H: Vr. l'i lint B. McCoombs, of Luzerne; Ch tl', A. W. Benedirt ; Sergeant nt-.A ri'M. liinh Wh.t lock ; Doorkeeper. John ,T. Hem. The Peiiir.crit:e ennens if tlo Hcr.nte nominated Wm. M. Pi dt. of Wyi.niinv. for Speaker, by acclamation. There were 17 Senators present. The Auut-ietm caucus meets to-morrow morning. MARRIAGES. On Sunday last, by the Rev. J. G. McK- b han, Mr. Isaac D. Ki.ink, to Miss Sarah CuAMriKRLAtN, both ofShamokin township. On tb 23d inst.. by the Rev. H. HnPinan. Mr. S. H. Adams, to Miss Catharinb Fisher, both ofShamokin township. SUNBUIiY WaHT. Rts. Coa. Oats. Potatoes, Bekswax HtcKLr.li Flax. Bvttsb. PRICE CURRENT son t so J5 3- 3.'i 10 Ti New Advertisements. J". S. OF A "lTrASHI:'GTn.N CAMP, No. 19 .1. S. of A liulds ila stntcil mrelinirs every Saturday evening, ill the American Hdl, M.irl ct Stieei. SunLuiy. Disttt Otarr.ii, P. A. J. Rockefeller, R. S. Sunbury, January 5, IRS tf. AUCTION ! AUCTION ! fT1l E Auction o f the Niilwritwr will rnmmr nee -- next Momlav u.ornn g m ti-n ii'iimk and will continue throuub lb i'i,v. will nK .(. (,,),! frem C till 9 o'clock in the ruri.ine. Every day and cveninis next week. Tf.e week following only Monday 'a, Wednesday' Hi it Sin ,!. ALT5ERT El.sDERG. Sunbury, January 5, 1835 If. AUDITORS' NOTICE. " TttTOTICE is hereby ;ien, that the umler 1 ntgned Auditor appointed liy (,e Orplmns' Court of Morlhumbcrlund county to audit the exrqitiona to tlie account of Daniel Cameron, dee'd., filed ly the Administrator of Wm. Gear hurt, dee'd, who was one of the executor of said D. Cameron, dee'd, will attend to the duties of hi appointment at his office in Sunbury, on the Sth of January next, i 10 o'clock, A. M., wrntri all persona interested may attend if they see propor. WM. M. ROCKEFELLER, . Auditor. Sunbury, Dec. 29, 1955. NOTICE. jyOTICE ia hereby given that Dr. J. W. Teal baa placed hia book accounts, notes, Ac, in the handa of the undersigned for collection, at whose Law Ort'ice all peraons iiulebte.i to raid J. W. Peal, whether on book or note, are re quested to call and make 1'ayiiient on or before the 15th day of I ebruary IgoC, aa all account Ac, unaellled at that date will be sued. IS. K. PEAL. Snnhurv, Dec. 88, 1855 AUCTION AND PRIVATE SALE. Worthy the Attention cf Every Han. f lAVING poailive'y delrrinini d ta leave Run- bury on the lat of February next. I iniciiu selling my large Stock of Chubing and oilier Goods at and below coat at private sale, and next month at Auction. My si ml. embrace a brcc variety of very ileairnh'e giod-of ilii'ii-reM kind--, (.'I.OTIII.Nti of dill'erent stle nui! makes va rious qiialilien and price, ancli nn Winter co.Hs from $2.75 upwajds ; OvcrenuU Irom 3,0 and higher; J'anta and Veu in propm lion Jfai4 and Cape, Boota arid Shoe, Sliiim, Fnilerc'lo tliinff, l)oya' Clothing, pistols, jewelry, horiery, and all other kinds of good geiier iliy kept in a Clothing EsluhlUhment. I have n is., on band a vrriely of Summer Coata. vest and punta ; ali Summer Hats of dillerenl iylr, all of which I will sell at tremendously low price. The Auction will commence mi ihe 1th of January next, and will continue through that week every day and evening, aflarwarda on Monday W'edneaday and Saturday. The puhlio will find it to their advantage In call early an J buy at private aale; they have then a pood ac eortmenl to pick from, and shall huv good at a low prices aalhey will probably be'aold by Auc tion, My star ia in Market Square, ia kuown, and eau bardly be miaaed. ALBERT EI.SEERG. Kimbury Dec. 32, 1855. To Merchants and Storekeepers. The subscriber desiroua of leaving aoon aa possible, will aell lo Merchanta and oihera who may favor bim, at wholesale, lower than I'hila delxhiu rates, any or all hit goods en hand. Hia atock'romprisea a Aariety of goods adapted lo ihe eaaon, it pretty large yei, an ihul he can give au . Aaaurtinent of aiaes and qualities t buyer. Merchants will find tl to their advantage ta call early. ALBERT ELPBERO. Diaaoliition olTai tiu-i ship. NOTICE ia hereby gi'n thai the co-pannrr. hip heretofore exiting un.ler the nunc d 8. Wiivia & Co., in Coal wwiialup. Noit i umberland county, wm diaeoKed ly mutind con enu on Friday, tha I Sth tnat. '1 he hooka art left in the hand of the eukecritier for aetl'ement on whom ell penone knowing iliemte!ea in debted to, or having claims againat aatd firm will pleaaaeal! and eattle immediately. ELIJAH CiUUL'3TtR. Shamokin, Pec. 13, MM .
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