IIIIBIA
"I havo sworn upon the Altar of Uod, eternal hostility to every form of Tyranny over the Mind of Man." Thomas Jefferson.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY II. AVEBB.
Volume HI. BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY, PA. SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1839. Kumfccr 8.
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From tlio N. Y. Commercial Advertiser.
THE FIFTIETH YEAR.
The 4th of March, (of the past month,)
was the fiftieth anniversary of the govern
ment of the United States, under the pre
sent constitution. Finding that the old ar
ticles of confederation were not strong e
nough to bind the States together, and that
when relieved from the external pressure of
common danger, the binding force of those
articles was little stronger than a rope of
eand, the Convention of 1787 was convok
ed by the patriotism of the country, and
our present glorious constitution was the
result of their wisdom. During the year
1738, the States were engaged in discussing
the new constitution, and proposing the a
mendmcnt3, made conditions precedent to
its adoption. The consequence of the delay
way, that the constitution itself .didnot go
into effect till the 4th of March, 1830'. The
Bcmi-contcrinial anniversary of this ovent,
therefore, came upon us on the 4th of the
present month, and the event itself was cel
ebrated at Washington on that day,by many
distinguished gentleman, Senators, Repre
sentatives and others, by a dinner, and ap
propriate toasts and speeches.
But although the constitution became of
full force and viituc on the 4th of March,
1789, the wheels of the government were
not brought into full play until nearly two
months afterward. The inference is, that
in those days of pure patriotism, men were
less greedy of office than at present. For
although both Houses of Congress attemp
ted to assemble on the day prescribed by the
now constitution, which was the 4th of
March, yet a quorum of neither houses ap
peared, and both Houses were obliged to
adjourn over from day to day, week after
week before either could be organized.
Thrice did tho attending members of the
Senate address circulars to the absentees,
urging them to como and take their Seats.
It was not therefore, until tho 1st of April
that a quorum appeared in the House of
that month, that by the arrival of Richard
Henry Lee, of Virginia, tho Senate was
enabled to organize and procoed to busi
ness. John Langdon was elected Presi
dent of tho Senate, rrto tempore, and Fred-
crick Augustus Muhlenberg, Speaker of the
House.
Tho first act of Congress was to count
the votes of President and Vice President,
Only ten States had placed thomscvles with
in tho pale of the Union by ratifying the
constitution. The whole number of votes
given was sixty-nine, every one of which
was spontaneously given to GEORGE
WASHINGTON, for President. Tho vote
for Vice President stood for John Adams
31; John Jay 0, Robert II. Hairison 0,
John Rutledge 5, John Hancock 4, George
Clinton 3, Samuel Huntingdon and John
Milton" each, and nno each for Edward
Telfair, James Armstrong and Benjamin
Lincoln.
The result having boon ascertained, Chas
Thompson, tho Secretary of tho old Con
gress, was despatched to Mount Vernon, as
commissioner to notify the chieftain of his
election, and accompany him to Now York
to enter udoo the duties of his exalted gta
tion. His progress was one of triumph,
and his arrival in New York, on the 23d
of April, was hailed with a degree of pat
riotic enthusiasm which has never been c-
quailed since and but once approached.
That approach was made on tho anival o(
La Fayette, in the summer of 1821. The
matshall who conducted the pegcant of
the day vet survives General Morgan
ww U
Lewis.
Tho inauguration of the President did
not take place till the 30th of April. The
Vice President, John Adams, had been in
ducted into office a few days before without
public ceremony. The oath of oilicc was
administered upon tho terrace in front of
the ancient City Hall, at the head of Broad
street, by Chancellor Livingston, dressed
in a full suit of black. The Secretary of
the Senate held the Bible upon a rich cush
ion of crimson velvet. The man on whom
all eyes were fixed, stretched forth his hand
with simplicity and dignity. Tho oath
was administered. The Bible was raised,
and his head bowed upon it to kiss the sa
cred volume. The Chancellor then pro
claimed that it was done, in a fun distinct
voice, and in the following words: "Long
live George Washington, President of the
United Stalest" The silence of thou
sands was at an end the air was ient with
acclamations, dictated by reason, and burst
ing from the hearts and tongues of men,
who felt that the happiness of themselves,
ineir posterity, anu tticir country was se
cure.
From the Hall, the President, Vice Pres-
dent, the members of both houses of Con
gress, and a large concourse of people, pro
ceeded to Trinity Church, where the august
ceremonies of the day were closed by sol
emn religious services conducted by Bishop
Provost. Such, was a bird's eye glance of
fifty years ago; and in view of tho fact that
the inauguration of the first President took
place in this city, and that the wheels of
Government were first sat in motion here,
the New York Historical Society has very
properly resolved to clebrate the day on
which the crowning work was done, by ap
propriate exercises and festivities. A com
mittee has been appointed with instructions
to procure tho delivery of a discourse on the
30th of April ensuing, and to make such
other arrangements as may be judged expe
dient. The wealth or a country depends upon
its Farmers and Mechanics.
What is wealth ? Those things which
are convenient and necessary to use, and
which administers to our wants and com
forts. Money alone cannot, therefore, be
considered as wealth, because if the articles
or things above mentioned arc not to be had
or not in existence, a man would be poor in
deed, though he was loaded with gold and
silver. If he were hungry, and there was
no bread to be bought, his gold would be of
little service.
It is true, mankind, by common consent,
have agreed that gold and silver should be
the signs and evidence of property, or in
other words, tho mcasuro of property: and
he who has a certain amount of it, has evi
dence of so much wealth. He can change
it for the very things which do in fact con
stitute wealth.
Thus a man who has a huudred dollars
in his pocket, has a ticket, as it wcro to en
title him to enter into the possession of 100
bushels of corn, or 100 yards of cloth, or
100 acres of wild land, or a yoke of ox
en, or a horse and wagon, as the case
may be. But if these things do not exist,
and he needs them, his ticket is of no moro
use, than if he had a ticket to go into a
theatre, nnd it should be burned down be
fore he used it.
She elements of wealth therefore con
sist in material productions brought togeth
er, changed and modified by tho hand of
man, of the Fanner and Mechanic Com
merce, though necessary and honorable, is
nothing more than the moving or changing
of these productions from place to place.
It has always appeared singular to us,that
merchants should consider themselves, as
too many, far too many of them do, above
tho farmers and mechanics, merely on ac
count of their profession, when they are
indeed only teamsters to the others, 'fioy
arc the agents to transport their productions
hither and thither, as calls may exist for
them.
But to return to the subject. If we are
right in the position wo have taken, that
wealth consists in natural productions chan
ged and wrought upon by the labor of man,
it follows that the country which possesses
tho most of the elements or materials to
work upon such a good soil abundance of
water power forests of timber quarries
of different kinds of stono, mines, and beds
of different kinds of materials, &n. &c.
must have the most natural wealth.
It then requires the hand of industry and
skill to put these materials into shape, and
to put them together form real, substantial
wealth. This is the duty of the farmer
and mechanic.
The more industrious and skilful this
class is, the more wealth will be accumula
ted in the country. Do farmers anu me
chanics consider these things rightly ? Are
they not too apt to think themselves mere
plodders and servants in the increase of
wealth? And, indeed, is there not a false
standard of respectability too much m use
in society, and are not the productive class
es apt to measure themselves by it? This
standard appears to be idleness and a fine
coat: and consequently, the more une a
man can be, and finer the dress, the more
of a gentleman. Not so. Respectabili ty
should consist in an improved mind, and
skilful and industrious hands. Moral qual
ifications being equal, he should have the
most honor, who,;by the combination of
the efforts of his inilidahd phylleW'powOri
has contributed more 'largely Mo the in
crease of those things which contribute
wealth.
Such a one has done more for the ameli
oration of Society, than a thousand unpro
ductive dandies, who loll in the shade and
wash in Cologne. And society should be
stow upon such, a corresponding meed of
honor. Maine Farmar.
ESTERINE,
OR THE BANDIT'S DAUGHTER.
DY WM. R. LINDSAY.
1 Look out upon the heavcn3, Estorine,
and tell me how fares the night 1'
Tho individual thus addressed, was a
young lady apparently about nineteen years
of age, and of interesting appearance.
Her lofty forehead; her dark and intellectual
eye; and her glossy ringlets that fell in lux
uriant tresses over her fawn-like neck
combined with her fairy form, all tended to
make her an object worthy of adoration.
She arose from the sofa, on which she had
been reclining and going to tho mouth of
tho cave, she immediately returned, and re
suming her position, rcplid
'Tis datk as midnight the wind whis
tles through the ruins of the chapel, where
in 'tis said the murdered Jacquez holds his
revels; and save the hooting of the owl,
tranquility assumes the sway.'
Alas ! poor Henriqucz !' murmured the
dejected Bandit, cold and solitary will be
thy dungeon bed to-night thou who know
est no fear and whose loftiest ambition was
to save thy captain from the capture of his
foes.'
' But thinkest not, father, wo can avert his
fa.e ?' asked Estcrinc, as a tear trickled
down her roseato cheek.
Nay, Estcrine, would that it could be
so ! But, alas ! the tyrants have ensnared
their prize and even now the King may
have signed tho instrument of death and
cro tho return of our noblo comrades, Hen
riquez will bo no moro ! Oh, that these
wounds would permit me, alone would I
attempt his rescue'
But, father, suro our comrades return,
ere two suns from this.'
' True, but the going down of to-mor-row'ti
sun, will find Ilonriquez no longer
among the living. Already is his death
warrant on tho mad and tho excutioner
awaiting but its receipt.
What honr brings the postman there 1'
ankod Estcrine.
' The hour of seven will find him on the
scraggy moor. The bloody copse lies but
a few rods therefrom 'twas therc.mv child.
we twice routed our pursuers, and return
ing as oft to the charge, covered with blood
and dust, did Henriqucz deal death around
him like a lion the brave youth broke in
to their ranks, encouraging his firm com
rades to strike for victory and Hildelbrand !
Such deeds, Estcrine I can never forget.'
At seven ho scours the scraggy moor !
thus far 'tis well. And now, fatfier, com
mend thyself to sleep this night the deed
is done, which prolongs tho life of Henri
qucz. Good night.'
This said, she retired to an inner cham
ber to prepare for a daring cnterprize.
The iron tongue of time had told ten up
on the drowsey ear of night, when Estcr
ine again made her appearance. She was
habited in the garb of a way-faring man
her countenance appeared hideous from the
manner in which she had arranged the dif
ferent shades of paint in her hand she car
rictl a pilgrim s stall whilst concealed in
the folds of a leather jerkin, could be dis
tinctly seen a brace of silver-mounted pis
tola. Ilildebrand was reclining on :i couch,
scominly wrapped in a deep study. He
startled at the entrance of Esterine, for un
der her disguise ho recognized her not.
Quick as thought his sword gleamed from
the reflection of the fire, above the un con
conscious girl when with a tremulous
voice she cried ont, Do you not know
your Estciine ? The arm of Ilildebrand
fell, as he demanded, ' What -means this at
tire ? art thou crazy V ' Nay, father, but I
'Have sworirlo prolong" tho life of Henriquez
or die in the attempt ! I know the danger
I run into, but the death of Henriqucz adds
another victim to tho grave !' The eyes of
Hildebrand glistened with delight as he gaz
ed upon his heroic daughter, and clasping
her to his bosom, whilst the tears of joy
rolled down his weather-beaten cheek, he
proudly said, Go my child, and may God
crown yours efforts.'
Estciine, after taking farewell of her pa
rent, hurried on her matured mission. The
rain poured down in torrents tho loud
roaring of the mountain billows broko up
on the stillness of the night tremendous
thunder rolled in the distance tho an
gry waves dashing against the shore threw
the white surf high in the air and the
lightning's blue flames like lighted fire
danced the ocean. She had left the forest
far behind, and was now winding her way
round a narrow path which led past the
tower of the condemned. At length she
paused : shrill was tho blasts of wind
that swept over tho turrets of that lofty
lower, and echoed through the leafless
limbs of the aged oaks. How memorable
was the scene beloro her. At this tower
many a heart sunk with horror many a
doating mother parted with her darling son
and many a tender bride hung weeping
on the bosom of her husband. Again she
pursued her journey, and as she neared the
tower, the sentinel demanded, who goes
there?'
'A pilgrim, returned Estcrine, 'bound for
the holy Mecca, to seek absolution of his
sins.
'God protect those who thus seek forgive
ness at the Mecca such a night as this. But
a poor prisoner needs holy prayers within
this dungeon. Poor Henriqucz! will you
not pray with him holy father?'
'In God's name I will! Lead mo to tho
prisoner,' replied the pscudo pilgrim.
The sentinel conducted Estcrine through
the gloomy vaults of the tower, and stop
ping at a loathsome dungeon, he threw o
pen tho door which led to the ill-fated Hen
riquez. The light of tho lamp fell upon
tho victim, who started from his pallet of
straw, on the entrance of the sentinel, and
in a firm voice, demanded if his hour had
come !
Nay,' returned tho sentinel, 1 havo
brought with me a holy father to prepare you
for your coming fate. I will now leave yon
to your devotional exercises.' So saying,
he retired, turning the 'key in the door of
cell'
Henriquez,' said Estcrine, as she heard
the last faint foot fall of the sentinel leave
tho sounding corridor, I have come to save
you !
Henriquez started. He gazed npon the
person who stood before him : could he bo
deceived 1 that look that voice ! no ho
could not it was his beloved Esterine, and
rushing into her amies, he pressed her to
his heart.
And you come to visit the condemned
brigand oh, Esterine, how can I repay
your grateful love ? in a few more hours
the green sod will be heaped upon my life
less corpse;, and a cold shndder shook his
manly frame.
No, Henriquez, rather say that a few
more hours will tinu you at tne noaa oi
your comrades, to save the life of Ester
ine !'
Alas it cannot be 1' replied the youthful
brigand, ' surely you would not remain a
hostage within theso damp walls V
'Tis for that I have come,' returned tho
devoted girl; But, quick I there is no time
to lose I doff thy prison habiliments, and
array thyself in this disguise ! 1 have long-
been anxious to see how convict costume
would become the frame of Estcrine Ty
ler.' Henriquez expostulated with her on tho
danger of her situation, but to no avail; sho
seemed determined to maintain the stand
she had taken; and Henriquez, seeing that
she could not bo shaken in her purposes,
reluctantly conceded to her wishes,
After they had metamorphosed themselves
in the change of attire, Estcrine scanning
herself from head to foot in a brolfen van-
ror yinch hung against the dingy wall laugh
ingly said, ' This garb' befits me asthough
I were a queen whit's your opinion,
coz ?'
Henriquez was about to reply, when the
approaching foot fall of the sentinel struck
upon their cars, and Estciine, seizing him
by the arm, softly whispered to him, ' Hold
tight your chains let not their clanking be
tray us !' and falling on her kuces, with her
face buried in her hands, she seemed devout
odly engaged in prayer.
Again the hugo door grated on its hinges
and the sentinel entering, announced it time
for the pilgrim to tako leave of the prisoner.
Henriquez unhesitatingly followed the sen
tinel to the door, and turning on tho thresh
old, murmured in a feigned voice, 'God
bless the unfortunate Henriquez !' A sti
fled sob from the supposed prisoner, was tho
only answer.
When the door had again closed, Ester
ine instinctively placed her ear to the floor
and listened attentively to tho receding
steps until they could be no longer distin
guished, when to her great joy sho heard
the sentinel proclaim in his usual tone,
How's the morn,' and Henriquez immedi
ately replied, All's well.'
Thank God!' exclaimed Esterine, 'he's
past the Rubicon and all is eafo!' and
stretching herself upon her pallet of straw
she was soon locked in the embrace of Mor
pheus. The morning of tho fatal day had at
lencth arrived; and the glimmering stars
were fading on one by one, when a band
of bandits were scon winding around the cliff
which led to the tower of tho condemned.
Henriquez was at their head and anxious
ly did he await the orient rays of the rising
sun, which was the signal of his mistress'
rescue, or of tho death of his valiant band.
Already did he hear the chanting of the
death sng floating on tho breeze, and the
clear voice of Estcrine, as if inspired with
hope, arose in prayer. The signal time
had come each hand grasped its rapier
each eye was rivottcd upon the tower which
conlainnd the object of their affections
when tho deep rolling of the pistol of tho
infuriated Ilenripuez told plainly the unerr-.
ing1 im of the marksman. The sentinel
reeled and fell as the ball passed through