The Columbia Democrat. (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, February 09, 1839, Image 2
ng In Viat undertaking, until our fiscal con-1 elate, I respectfully Busuest to- the legista . - " ouuuu uuv ..w...v turo tlio impolioy of applj ing tliQ funds of the commonwealth, at tlio present time, to any other works than tlio main lines, and their immediate tributaries. It cannot be long before tho increasing ordinary revo nuo arising from the tolls of tlio canals and niiftSads of the commonwealth, Will defray all the expenso necessary to keep them in repair, and pay tho interest of tho money expended in their contruction. Then will the state for all practical purposes, bo freo from debt, and be fully ablo to undertake, without fear of embarrassment, the exten- feion and completion of her noblo improve nient system, until it lunches every coun ty within her oxtonsive limits, and returns to their citizens tho entire sum of their contributions to thd syStont in its commence nrcnt and nronxessivd advanno towards their own homes. I cannot close this brief refcrenco to our system of public improvements, without inviting tho attention of the legislature to two subico'ls.which, thouirh not immediate ly connected with tho leading object of this communication, are yet, so essentially no- ccssary to tho full fruition ot tho benclits to de uerivcu irom our mam lines ui cauais And railroads between tho eastern and west- ern sections 01 inc cominunwuaiui, us iu u waken the earnest solicitude of every true Pennsvlvanian. I alludeUo tho removal of tho obstructions to steamboat navigation in tho Allegheny, Ohio and Mississippi rivers, from Pittsburg to tho Gulf of Mexico, and from Pittsburg up the Allegheny as far as the- same may be found practicable, by the survcv authorised under direction of the treneral government, and to tho construc tion oMa continuous rail road from the city of Pittsburg, through, or near tho capitals of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, to somo point on the MississiDpi river, at or near est. Louis. By the completion of those important un- dcrtakings, a great amount of business would bo at once thrown upon our improve ments. The merchandize qf various kinds from the eastern stales, and tho agricultural and mineral products of the rich and flour- ishing southern and western states, that wouiu paas mruugii -rci.noi.a.m., far beyond anv Dresent computation. The raDidlv increasing trade of the lakes, too, which is fast outstripping tho hopes of the most sanguine, would descend tho Alle gheny river, and contribute largely to swell the business of our canals and rail roads. The tolls on our main lines would be so much increased, as to amply sustain the less nrofitable portions of our system with dut rendering it necessary to make the lightest addition to tho stale debt, or to anv of thc burthens imposed on the people The trade of the growing and prosperous cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburg, would be immensely multiplied, and the southern and western states themselves, now feeling the want of such mediums of communica tions to an unparalleled extent, would re ceive an impulse of no ordinary influence unon their prosperity and greatness. A elanee at thc map of the Union, will eon' vince every man, of the importance of theso improvements lo Pennsylvania, as well as to tho vast regions of unsurpassed fertility and mineral wealth which would find tho canals and rail roads of the states, their di rect hichwavs to market. In order to car ry into ettect ine views nerein cxprcsscu ry into euoci me vww . respectfully recommend the prop ety of auopung me proper ep8 iu feral government itt the project of deling out the obstructions to the navigation of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers by steam boats from Pittsburg, which is a port of en try, to the gulf of Mexicoj and also, from Filto burg up tho Allegheny to such point is rriay be fixed in the survey authorized sidcr!llions, respecting her credit and resour byact of congress, as the termina on of c08 necessary pr?)per, to prevent misap ateam boat navigation. 1 he prosecution of ,,, ' , ' . ' ' , ,,, such works as these, by the national govern racnt. falls directly and properly, within its legitimate power, according to the strictest internretation of tho constitution. And I would also recommend tho adoption of measures, either by appointing a committee of the legislature, or by such orther mode, as may be thought expedient, to secure tho joint and united action ot mo sevoiai staies interested in the nrotect ot constructing a continuous rail roadxommunication between Pittsburg and St. Louis. This may be ef fected bv the toinf incorporations ol a com pany, ot of several companies, with author h for tho purno3C, or by tho states through Which the road would pass, undertaking it themselves, upon terms mutually assented to by aU. It would attorn mo great pleas ure to transmit to tho legislatures of theso mates, such resolutions or information, as will tend to bring about this desirable result It may not bo amiss to add that tho bold nnd gairacions policy of our southern and northern nciehoors, to securo tho trade of south and west, Is well calculated to ad monish Pennsylvania to bo on the alert. When tho countless advantages, to which I havo barely adverted, may bo firmly and securely grasped without tho slightest ex pense or inconvenience io ino peopie, ;iei, them not be surrendered by legislative pro crastination. Thc day for action has already thrived. , In roference to the mode of obtaining funds to suonlv tho present wants Of the treasury, I ni in possession of no further information, than is aireauyiucioru yuu, in the report of tho stato treasurer, and in tho message ol my predecessor, no outer ai tf rnativo seonis to bo presonted, than taxa tflfo dr Joaus of Che tvD, rhe latter appears least objectionable, because prodlictlvo of I juasi iiarusnip 10 we people is icss cxpen- sivc, and can be carried in to cilect with greater facility. That tho ctedit and resour ces ot the stale, aro amplo to oxtrtcato her, in tho present crisis, from embarrassment, is a (act which no intelligent citizen ot Penn sylvania justly looks upon the common wealth as second to none ol tho sister states, In tho industry, frugality nnd integrity of her citizens in the extent, quality and the accessibility of tho boundless resources, which nature has scattered throughout her borders with a prodigal hand in her coal Holds her iron ore her agricultural pro ductions, and in her stupendous system of internal improvements, connecting together her remotest cxlrcmiticsunlocking her rich est resources, and marked, in it conception, by the comprehensive rcaeh of mind, which entitles its projectors and founders, to rank with tho hrst statesmen of the ace. The creditof Pennsylvania losling on this foun dation, can be shaken by no convulsion, thai does not overturn tho government itseir, and dissolve sotioty into its original ele ments. Pecuniary embarrassments, it u is true, may ariso from ill judged measures, extravagant expenditures or ohort sighted policy, but they must of nocessity bo of temporary duration. Timo soon detects fal iaciCS( exposes errors, regulates dcrangc- mcnts, and corrects misgovernment. One failure to comply with her engagements, on tho part of tho stato, becomes tho parent ol future precautions against like occurrences; and serves but to show, tho faithful fidelity of the people to their obligations, because it is stamped with the seal ot universal con demnation or regret. It ts with no ordinary Icelmgs ol state pride and sctlsfacttnn, that 1 express my turn confidence, in the abundant means now possessed by tho commonwealth, to pay her public debt by the sale of tho pub lic improvements in tho construction of which that debt was mainly contracted, if such measure was deemed necessary or wise; and also niy conviction, equally firm and gratifying, in the increasing value of her means, to meet all luttirc liabilities cre ated by tho entire completion of our ays- of thig t undoing, we f0n0w thc dictates of prudence and experience. Woth ing but the improvident or corrupt misman agement of her rulers, can mar the bright prospect that is opening on thc destinies of Pennsylvania. Having recently passed through a period of unexampled excitement and agitation, the people of this great commonwealth are anxious for repose. Social commotions produced by political, pecuniary or any oth er causes, arc destructive to tho best inter ests and substantial welfare of thc commu nity. Thev ciinnlo business of all kinds; retard public improvements; deprive the la boring portion of our fellow citizens of their means of support,and tend directly to unset tle the loundation ol our republican institu tions. Let us hope that this condition of things is at an end; that henceforth, a spirit of undeviating regard for the public weal,and of unswerving respect for the laws of the state, may bo chetished, both by her rulers and by her people. Public opinion, tho unfailing corrective of all abuses in a free government, call loudly on every depart ment of ours to direct their strongest efforts to the restoration of that state of tranquility and commence in the intelligence and patri- otism of the people, that distinguished tho Ldminj8to,ionlB of our early republican pre- decessors. Let this be done, and repose, prospcrilv and patriotic concord will again , V ,', . ... , . , and forever abide in our' beloved common wealth. In connection with tho statement, I have felt it my duty to give of the financial con dition of the state, I have thought these con- prehension, and to show, that thoueh mon etary embarrassments do exist, yet the'foun- dations ot her prosperity and glory aro nei tner cnaKen nor impaired. DAVID K. PORTER. 2Gth January, 1830. From thc Chicago Democrat. Council Bltjpks, Oct. 15, 1838. WESTERN INDIANS. ifl Little Sioux Girl burnt at the siatcc oij ina rawnees. i no oioux and Pawnees, only ICO miles from here, are in constant hostility. This war has continued for about 200 years So thc Indians hero (tho Pottawata' mies, say. Thc Pawnees, in a war ex pedition into thc Sioux girl only 14 years old, whom they kept nbout two "months, until corn planting, and fat tened nor as they would a hog. Tlicy then determined to make a sacrifice of her. This they kept to themselves. Two days before the sacrifice, a coun cil of eighty of tho warriors and head men of thc nation met to see whether they would recieve the offers of two trader. of tho American fur c'omnanv. who offered them valuable presents if they would release her to them, so that thev might let her return homo. But all would not do. A majority of the council was lor a sacrifice ol course those in favor of her release could do nothing. At the breaking up of the council, thc prisoner was brought out and accompanied by the whole council, and was led from house to house; when thev cave her a small billet of wood and paint, which she handed to 1110 warnur uuxiio nei, uuu nu jjubsuu it dn to tho next until every wigtvam had contributed some wood and paint. On thc 12th of April she was led out to ho sacrificed, hut not until she camo upon tho ground did she conjecture hot- fate. They had chosen the place between two trees, which grow within five feet of each other. They then made her ascend the three bars tied a croes from trco to tree, her feet resting on tho bars below where a slow fire kindled beneath, would just reach her feet. Two warriors then mounted the bar?, & there standing one on each side ofherhcltl fire under her anna pits until she was almost dead. Then at a given signal they all shot nrrowd into her body so thick that hardly a pin could be placed between them. The arrows were immediately taken from her flesh, and it was all ciU from her bones in pieces not larger than a half dollar, and put m baskets All this was done be fore she was quite dead. Then the principal chief tool; a niece of the flesh & squeezed it until a doop of blood fell upon thc corn that was just pldnted, and tins was done to all they had m thc ground. I his is tho way they treat onsoncrs of war out here. The foreiioing was told by a trader of undisputablc verac ity, who was on thc ground at the time. In Juno last, thc narrator's wife's brother was taken prisoner by the Si oux and treated in the same manner. - I have visited the Ottoes 8 miles from here, and havo been forcibly struck with their superstitious burials of the dead. When a warrior of note dies, thoy kill one of the best horses of tho nation on his grave, and then cut oil the tail and tie it to a pole 15 feel high and" there leave it. They believe thc stunt ol tho horse will serve the spirit of thc warrior in the next world. ANNUAL TEMPKRANCE MEETING. Tho Colnmbia County Temperance Society met Jan, 3, 1839, pursuant to adjournment in the Presbyterian Church, in Washingtonville. Thc President being abseut thc house was called to order and the meeting organ ized by Mr. Win. KiUlIAUT, one of the Vice Presidents. The reports of thc different auxili aries were then called for and the del egates present admitted lo their scats, viz: Danville Tern. Societ James Donaldson. Liberty and Chillisquaque T. Society John Wilson, James McMahon, Joseph Wilson, James Simington, Williamsburg Tern. Society Daniel Melick, Azima Vallerehamp, New Columbia Tom Society Not Represented. Jersey Town Tern. Society Clark Dildine, Thomas Barber, Wm. McVicken WmShultz. Bloom Tern. Society Not Represented. Mahoning Tom. Society Not Represented, Fishing Creek Tern. Society Not represented. Washingtonville Tern. Society Stephen Brcarlcy, Thomas Robertson. Prayer was then offered by the Rev, Mr. Barber, after which the Wash ingtonville Society was unanimously received as an auxiliary lo this society Thc reports were then read and adop ted, Thc president not being present and having provided no alternate; On motion. Resolved, That the society request the Rpv. Mr. Barber to address- tho meeting which was done in an inter esttpg and spirited manner, and fol lowed by Mr. Vallerehamp. 1 he society then proceeded to thc ejection oi oniccrs lor tho ensuing year. Hie tollowing persons were nominated and duly elected. JAMES C.SPROUL, President. John Voms, ) James Donaldson, V. Prcsl's, James Mahan. ) Steiiien BniiAnLV, Treasure Azima VALLEnciiAMi, Wm. MoVicken Sect1 s. Resolved, That each auxiliary be requested to tako into consideration the expediency ofattempting toraisc a fund, to defray the expenses of n gen- neral lempcrance Agent, lor Colum bia County, and that each auxiliary be requested to report on tho subject at the annual meeting of the society. Resolved, That one person be op pointed in each auxiliary, as foreman of n reporting or executive committee, oppotnicuoy cacn atixiuaryio report io this society. Resolved, That tlio noxt annual meeting of this society bo held, in thc Methodist Church, at Mooresburg, at 12 o'clock, nbon, on the first Thurs day of January , A. D. 1840. Tho president to address tho society, or furnish an alternate. RnsoLVi:n, That thc proceedings of this meeting, be puhlibhed in all the papers of the county, friendly to thc Cause ot lempcrance. On Motion ThcSociely adjourned. AzimaValumichamp, Sect'ys. Wai. McVinKEit, During the great freshet onSaturday last, a small frame store house, situate near the canal at Conshohocken, was swept off by the torrent, in which were five men, who it is said were en gaged in attempting to save the goods. Thc house floated about one mile and lodged upon a small island in thc river near bpnng ftlill. J' earful that thc current would carry the house down the stream, the inmates left it and as cended somo trees growing upon the island, where they remained somu time; when a large canal boat lodged and became fixed ; they then descended and entered the boat, where they re mained, until rescued on Saturday morning. At the time they were ta ken off, but one, a M'Car.n, was able to speak; thc other four wore stiff with cold and badly liozen ot one it ts feared airiptilation of the feet will be indispensable. Jlwful and Destructive Flood and Repor ted Loss of Lives. Reading, Jan. 20, 1839, On Saturday last we were visited with one of theiinoBt awful and destructive Hoods which has occurred since tho year I7U1, as we have been informed by somo of our old est inhabitants. It commenced raining on thc nig'il of tho 25th, and continued with out intermiissinn until thc evening of the 26th during which time a large quantity of snow which had fell a few days previous, was washed irom tho adjoining lulls and valleys, into tlio river Schuylkill, which soon rose to an alarming height, so as to . . . . - . rtrni am ImUi mir pnnn d. It wn! thmifTlit. as the water ranidlv rose, that tho Reading Bridge which crosses thc river at Ponn Street would bo wRshcd away by thc flood, ice anu canal boats, which nau orono loose from their moorings and came floating down tho river, all lodging against the Bridge, causing it for a length of time to dam up to a fearlul height, and jarring the bridge great- ly. But it fortunately weathered all, and was saveu wi n sustaining out inue injury. M'lirt liKiilrrfi itMiirtli nricanu tlio rn nil it 1 L 1 1 1 1 1 the old ferry, known as "Blroheker's terry" ceiving considerable damage. This bridge" was built but a few years ago, and was con- sidered by all as a good substantial bridge, im.uuuu.ui u..IC,D ..u ...... ..u. w.. Wm. High's, and known as tho 'Popular Neck Bridge, was entirely demolished and carried oil by the Hood. o great and ra- IJ1U wua hiiu iiDiiiu ui uiu nuiui mat it. una with Treat difficulty for manv of our citi- zciib to rescue the inhabitants upon Water and Front streets from their perilous situa- Hon. Many of tho dams havo sustained concidoraule injury. 1 ho "big dam' we are informed has been washed more than half away, and upwards of one hundred canal boats have either gone to pieces or it is thorn? it to uc renuorcu entire v useless. Tho damage which has been sustained by iho canal must uo immense, and it is sup posed by many that it will take the greater part of tho next Spring to repair them. We also learn that many of tho bridges which crosses the Maidcucrcek have been swept awav, It has been rumored here by Passengers arriving from Philadelphia upon tho rail road, that fifteen persons wero drowned nrnr PhmniYvdln. mill thnt nnn nr two linns cs wcro washed away wilhVamilics in them. Wo however cannot givo credit to it yet, as rumors aro sometimes found to be untrue. rjlf "S!l",bc u: iLllUUll 1..11I11U. Jb UU UOUI.1 1U111V.U, UUV 1I1U loss to our county has been very heavy. We shall ctuloavour to givo the particulars moro lully m our next weeks paper. Jtjjerson Democrat, Jl Fatal Duel with Rilcs. Oncis more the moral feeling of tho community has been shocked by a barbarous appeal to tho bloody practice recommended by a false and criminal codo 6f miscallod honor. A duel has boen fought with rifles only forty paces, near Vicksburg between Mr. Menifee and Dr. Clung, the former has since died; An accidont occurred on Tuesday morn' ing, on tho Ilaleam Rail Road, by which Mr. Daniel Fisher, a valued citizen, lost his life, and several othors were mote or naa initirpil Mr Fifthpr u;n nun nf iIir proprietors of the New Haven Lino of Mail Stages. THt COLUMBIA DEMOCr.A'i). "TllCTIl WITHOUT IEAII " sjtronn.iv, jpsnair.inY o, i83o. Oh Friday tho 20th Ult. tho democratic1 members of the Senato and House of ReS presentatives gave Mr. Hell a dinner oil prcssivc of their respect for his character and approbation of his public services whilai a member of tho Senate of Pennsylvania. I ho dinner was served up in iho Saloon of the Fixchange, and about eighty sat down1 to the table besides tho members who gave the entertainment. Among tho numerous1 toasts given on tlio occasion, we select tho following well deserved compliment to our' old friend Woodward, of Luzerne. By C. W. Hcgins. George TF. Wood ward, of Luzerne: A rising star of the first magnitude, whose rays will shed now lusJ tro upon tlio indomitablo democracy of tho North. Thclnteliigencer publishes n bill introduc ed into tho Senate by Mr;Frailey,of Schuyl kill, for the establishment of a Poor Houia in this county, and calls upon the inhabit ants to suggest such alterations a3 they may wish to jhavo made to the bill. AVo will suggest an alteration that wo think will ren dot the bill satisfactory to a largo proportion of tho citizens of thc county strike out all after tho enacting clause, and insert " Nil Poor House wanted." A NEW THRESHING MACHINE. In another eclumn wojublish sn advertJ isement for a now Threshing Machino, and having seen it in operation, we can bear ItgZ timony (o the Utility of the invention. Ths advantages of a Machine of this description consists in its being propelled by one horso wjm tWo or three men to tend, thorofors; I nvnrv larmfir who nnssftsflfta nne or thena I J 1 luacl,incs' can thresh out his grain at hi leisure, or as he may wish to make UEe of the straw. A horse and fhrco men will ucah from 800 to 1000 sheaves of wheat . , ... r in Wo unde stand from the ownow of this power, ihnt they have had it m use for tho last ten months, and proven tne use fulness of it not only to their own eatisfac- . butt0 a,m09t n who haa I ' " " - "2 ""L The Supreme Court has decided unam- mousty in tavor 01 mo appomimeniB maao by Governor Porter. Thus has the lait olticial embarrassment auempieu oy:uor. . rr,tlf.,i ' ' - The Legislature have authorized a tern- PorarX ,oa" ol U,,"'UUY ". i . nnrv nnrt nnLla the Treasury to mecct tho payriont of tho interest on tho public debt which toll quo on me first inst. a TMnlniinn has mssed both houses of ,h3 j islaUlr0 suspeding operations on k(tvlir ' TJml IlL " b . with but few dissenting voices Ex-President Jackson was at NashTllIs, on the 10th ult.. His health has improved within tho last few months. Thaddeus Stevens has avowed his detsr-i mination not to lake his seat as a member of tho house of Representatives. Gov. Rilner appointed the 20th of March noxtas thc timo for tho execution of v in: Dunlap, jr. who was convicted by the list court held in Lycoming county, of the mur- Lycoming county, dor of his wife, The nconle of Pennsylvania will leorn' 4 . , with surpriso that they havo been saddled with a debt of $Jl -17,000 lucuxred by tho late Administration, in calling out tho troops to sustain them in their foul conspi racy against the Constitution nnd the laws of tho land. Tho Governor transmitted a Message to bolh houses on Tuesday, enclosing a state ment of Col. Pleas'anton, tho paymaster of " tho Army," by which it appears, that the expenses of Ritnor's War against tho peo ple, amount to tho above stated sum ol $147,000. What will tho people say to this ? Reporter. Tho message was refetrod to a joint com- mittco with power to send for persons and1 papers.