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 .