>. W. WEAVER k B. I. QII.MOHE, EDITORS.
fihuJ - . i •-
BtoomiLury, rhuisday, Feb. 7, 1850.
WANTED
A BOY of proper ago and qualifications
to learn the printing business. Make early
application at this office.
Oar View of tlu. VVllmot Proviso.
The very basis of a republican govern
ment is that the people shall make theirown
laws and govern themselves. The doctrine
of despotism was that the people are made
4fHftfcr the government, but our ago has decided
that governments arc instituted for tho good
of the people. Even in the ancient republics
of G'.eece the citizen wa3*rcgarded as a mere
nppendago to the state, and he was made to
endure everyjhardship, and sufler every pri
vation, that he might sens tho common
wealth with more vigor and ability. It was
justifiable to learn theft, lor the presumption
was that the student would only steal from
the barbarians. And if the stolen fox under
neath his cloak gnawed to his vitals he never
complained, but resigned himself to his death
with the consolation.
"Dalce et decorum est propatria mori."
Now we protest against retrograding, and
applying the old time-worn and moth-eaten
heresy of despoiism to the government of our
American territories. We protest against
f ding them feudal faitbjjhat looks to
the citizen as a'servant of the state, unfit to
govern himself. It might have suited George
the Third to treat distant portions of his realm
as outside barbarians, incompetent to under
stand their own wants, or to comprehend the
true principles of legislation. It might suit
. the disciples of Alexander Hamilton to be a
fraid of trusting rpen to be their owu law
makers, but such is not the doctrine of our
Republican Constitution, under which the
Union has prospered. Such was not the doc
tribe of the American Revolutionists when
they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and
their sacred honor in the contest for the tight
of self government. Aye. we say the doc
trine of Great Britain at that time, has be
come the doctrine of those who would treat
California and New Mexico as dependencies,
to be .ruled by
We care not how a single phrase of the
American Constitution can be tortured, but
we look to its spirit—to the circumstances
under which it was formed—and we sdy it
never meant to give one man the right-to le
gislate over another. It never meant to let
one portion of the country dictate the local
policy of \he oiher—it never meant to make
our territories a colony, d isfranehised of the
rights of self-government. For it was that
right for which the blood and treasures of its
framers had been periled; and when they
had obtained it at the dearest purchase, and
were exercising it for themselves—to say
now, that they meat to deny this right to ap
portion of the American people, is a base
and shameful libel upon the patriotism of the
venerated dead. So think we upon this sub
ject.
COURT PROCEEDINGS.
January 31, 1850.
The'case of Drießbach vs. Hower, noticed
last week, was argued and submitted to the
Jury. Comly and Buckalew fot plaintiff-
Hurley and Pleasants for defendant. This
was an action to recover the contract price
(deducting payments,) for putting a water
wheel into defendant's mill in 1848, and for
some extra work. The wheel did not work
well, and the contest was to ascertain wheth
er the fault was attributable to plaintiff or to
defendant.
February 1.
The Jury in the above case returned a
verdict for defendant, and plaintiff to have
the wheel! A motion to set aside the verdict
he. was made and lies over to next court.
The case of Adams & Price vs. Frederick
R. Wohlfarth, begun on yesterday, was con
cluded. For plaintiff, Pleasants and Comly
—for defendant, Buckalew and Hurley. The
main matter of controversy arose out of a
claim by Dr. Wohlfarth, the defendant, to re
ceive compensation for services in attending
the plaintiff's store occasionally betwooti A
pril 1847 and May 1848. The Jury returned
a verdict in favor of Dr. Wohlfarth for $65-
27.
John Shively w. Samuel Yost and George
Driesbach. Yost one of the defendants, be
ing dead, the action was tried against Dries
bach the survivor. The claim was upon a
note given for the 'patent right of the Stan
brough cast iron water wheel for Union co.,
bought by Yost from plaintiff. Driesbach was
the surely in the note. The defence set up
was upon the character of the wheel, but it
appeared in evidence that the wheel is a
valuable and useful one, especially under a
low head of 5 and 6 feet, or thereabouts,and
operates better under such head than the
wooden wheels formerly in use. The jury
returned a verdict for plaintiff for SB3 50.
Buckalew for plaintiff—Pleasants & Hurley
lor defendant.
In the case of Black rs. Black the Jury
gave a verdict of $1 for defendant.
After the disposal of some matters on the
argument list, the Court adjourned on Friday
evening.
This is the lushL'ourt at which Judges Oaks
and Baidy sit as A.-<>ciate Judges, as their
commissions expire before April. Governor
Johnston has the appointment of their suc
cessors. who will prohaiiiiservc. until the people
have a chance to select, undsr the proposed a
mendment to the Constitution..^
XV The Apportionment of the
House on last Monday reported a bill wkwii
makes Columbia and Sullivan a Represent**
# tivp district with two members, and Colum
bia, Luzerne and Sclmyikill a Senatorial di|
Irict with two Senators.
THE COUNTY CONVENTION.
The convention of last Monday pasaod off
orderly and quiet, and the strictest unanimi
ty of feeling prevailed. The delegates cared
principally for the one just act of the conven
tion—the denunciation of Best. A number
of them who spoke to us, were only anxious
that the resolution upon that subject should
be "strong." The character of the delegates
chosen fully testifies this feeling. Mr. Roat
ia a most inveterate opponent of Best, and
was so up to the moment of the Senator's
nomination in 1847, and wo believe, never
voted for him. Capt. Follmer, tho Repre
sentative delegate, was an opposing candi
date to Best for the Seua'orial nomination in
1817, and, though living in Limestone town
ship, is an active enemy ot tho treacheious
Senator's new county project. The delegates
nre both the right kind of Democrats, and
their votes will be sound and tadicnl.
Tho resolutions are all wholesome. Those
relating to the position of this county in the
apportionment bill of this year are oppor
tune; and we hope will have due weight
with the committees of the legislature when
they come to frame their bill.
In the proceedings, several of the lower
townships did not appear represented. It is
proper to state that delegates were in town
from those districts, but, finding that nothing
could be made for themselves out of the
proceedings of the convention, they quietly
staid out. They plainly saw that this time
the Democracy had turned out, and that trea
son would be rebuked. For the sake or Mr.
Best's personal friends they did not like to
vote for the branding resolution ; and before
the Democrats of the county, they dare not
vote against it; for their despicable leader
has fallen so low that if he any longer has
friends, they are either afraijl or ashamed to
own him. Besides, as there were only from
4 to 8 Democrats in each of these districts
last fall, it is not strange that they were un
represented in a Democratic convention. It
requires three officer.' of an election and two
delegates to represent a township, and the
iollowing was the Democratic vote for Mem
ber lait fall in four of tho unrepresented dis
tricts .
Danville, 6
Dcrry, 8
Mahoning, 4
Valley, 8
So it seems that in these four districts there
were only 28 Democratic votes which were
not represented.
Or perhaps tho rule with this class of De
mocrats is that when anything is to be made
out of a convention they go in, but other
wise they stay out. Last year the treaeher
o,: Senator with his accomplices came to
the spring convention, and when he found
tools to aid him 2nd subserve his plots and
plans, he went in with three other delegates
from his district, had himseir elected Secre
tary of tho convention, secured the election
of a Senatorial delegate against ell right and
propriety, and ortly a few weeks ago boost
ed how, by the aid cf supple tools, he had
duoed the Democrats of the county. But a
better day is coming, and the sceptre has
passed from the traitor to the people.
Montour County.
We are indebted to Mr. Fortner for a copy
of Best's bill to erect Montour county. The
bill does not vary from the one of last year
in any tiling else than the boundaries pre
scribed for the new county. According to the
bill ol 1850, Montour county would include
"the townships of Franklin, Mahoning, Val
ley, Liberty, Limestone, Derry, Anthony,and
the borough of Danville ; together with all
that portion of the townships of Montour,
Hemlock and Madison lying westward of the
following line: Beginning at Leiby's saw
mill on the bank of the river Susquehanna,
thence by the road leading io the Danville
and Bloomsburg road at or near Samuel Laz
arus' house, thence from the Danville and
Bloomsburg road to th back road at
tho er.d of the lane leading from said road to
Obed Everett's* house, thence by lane to O
l(d Everett's house, thence northward to the
school bouse near David Smith's in Hemlock
township, thence by the road leading Irom
said school house to the stalo road at Robins'
mill to the end of the lane leading from said
road to John Kinney's bouse, thence by a
straight line to Thompson's nearlhe German
meeting house, thence to Henry Johnston's
near Millvillc, thence by a straight line to a
post in the Lycoming county line near the
road leading to Crawford's saw mill."
•This must be an error, and we tiuppose
should read Ilenry Everett.
Schools in Columbia County.
There are in this county 123 schools, 100
male and 30 female teachers. 3,001 male and
2,283 female scholars. There are in the
county 25 school districts, each township be
ing a district. The average number of months
taught in the various schools is 221. The a
verage salaries of male teachers is 821 31,
of females 89 18 per month. The amount of
tax levied is 85,842 79 , of this 83,52 1 22 is
collected, and 82,417 32 is received from
appropriation. The cost of instruction for
! tho year 1849 was $5,145 32. Tho cost of
I building and repairing school houses for the
year was $1,269 71.
THE DEMOCRATIC REVIEW for February
contains several excellent political and Jile
rary articlos, and a fine portrait of Emery D.
I'otter. The best articles are, "There's a
O ood time coming." Rationale of land Re
form, General Lopez, the Cuban patriot, and
the one upon "Young Ireland," being sketch
es of the Irish patriots of the late rebellion.
This valuable publication should be in the
hands of every Democrat. Terms 83 per
annum. Address Ketell & Mnore, New-
York.
XV WE commence this week the publi
cation of "The perplexities cf a man with a
(amily Each chapter will in itself fbrm an
kteresting sketch, and it will be continued
ft we find room. So also will oar series of
Igal essays, in which,'we feel assured, our
eadeis will find many new things o( use.
TELEGRAPH TQ BLOOMSBURG.
MR. SIIAW, tho agent of MORSE'S TELE
GRAPH line has been in our town this week,
obtaining subscription for stock, and making
arrangements to complete the line from Ha
zleton to Danville, through Berwick and this
place. The posts are now nearly all qp as
far as to Berwick, and Mr. Shaw informs us
that if our people take tho necessary stock
he can in 20 days have the line completed
to this place. It extends through Hazleton,
Nazareih. Mauch Chunk, Easton, Allentown
and so on to Philadelphia. By this connec
tion we could hold communication with ev
ery telegraph station in the country, for dis
tance is nothing.
It will be like realizing a'fabulous age and
a residenco in Utopia, when we shall be
ablo to talk to all the country by lightning,
and write with a thunderbolt. Merchants
will send orders for goods, farmers ask the
price of grain, politicians send for election
returns, and lovers despatch tender senti
ments to their enomaratas—all by telegraph,
and all be certain to receive an answer in a
few moments.
That the enterprize will be profitable in a
short lime is best proved by the experience
along tho line. The receipts at Easton ave
rage about 8150 per month; at Allentown
nearly that amount; at Bethlehem the Com
pany nett the interest of $2,500 per annum
above all expenses. The line was not com
pleted to Mauch Chunk until after the navi
gation had closed, yet the receipts have
been sufficient to indicate that, that will be
tho most profitable station on tho line. The
expense of construction will be 8200 a mile.
$2400 siock is wanted to be subscribed in
this place. Some has already been taken,
and the books are now in the hands of Mr
McKelvy.
Tne Traitor Rebuked.
By the proceedings of our county conven
tion it will be seen that the treacherous Sen
ator from this district is disowned by the party
which elected liirn, and cast off asan impure
thing of pollution and 3in. From county af
ter county, loud and oft repeated, conies the
deep-toned condemnation of his guilt.
where he will, the brand of the traitor is
stamped on his brow, and the voice of his
shame ever hisses at him. Ana now hisown
county has spoken his dishonor. His former
friends hare disowned and deserted him; and
he stands a cast, with the stain
of his shame to mark him tor contempt and
scorn. He has fallen to that lowest depth of
degradation and infamy, that no man dares
call himself his friend. His ill-fated course
is a fearful lesson to the reckless politician.
May many profit by the example.
correspondent "A," whose remarks
we give a place to-day with pleasure, seems
to have misunderstood our article of a few
weeks ago in relation .to legislative instruc
tions. Wo did not mean to defend the posi
tion of Mr. Benton on the slavery question,
but referred lotus case ns ail illustration when
deprecating the practice of legislative in
structions. We believe that Air. Benton
should vote against the Wilmot proviso, not
simply because the legislature of his State
has instructed kim so, but because action ou
that subject by Congress is mischievous and
against the cardinal faith of the Democratic
party which has elected Mr. Benton as a
Senator. We hold that his very election by
the Democrats of the Missouri Legislature
was his instruction upo ■ this, as upon other
questions of public policy.
The compliment of our correspondent we
know how to appreciate; and wo shall al
ways endavor to prove ourselves worthy of
the respect of one whose good will we prize
as highly as we do his.
Correspondence of the Star.
FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, Feb. sth 1850.
GENTLEMEN.
The slavery debate still drags its
slow length along, and no business qf any
interest or importance is done by Congress.
It is generally believed here that if the Wil
mot proviso bhcmkt pass, General Taylor
wiU veto it. The magnates of Congress
sometimes, for recreation, try to elect a Door
keeper, aburethe printer of the public doc
uments, or vo.e themselves an extra dozen
reports of congressional proceedings. Pro
jects to settle, to fix, or to compromise the
slavery dispute are every day presented, but
none seem looked upon with so much favor
as that of Mr. Clay, presented on Tuesday of
last week. The following is a synopsis of
its sections:—
Ist Provides that California be admitted
with suitable boundaries, without dictation
as to slavery.
2d. Slavery does not exist by'law, and is not
likely to be introduced into any of those ter
ritories acquired.
3d. Fixes the boundary of Texas.
4th Makos an offer to Texas of a——
sum in consideration of cession of her terri
tory and relinquishment of her claims to
New Mexico.
sth Declares that it is inexpedient to a
bolish, without the consent of Maryland and
the people of the District, slavery in the
District—together with compensation for
slaves.
6th Resolves that it is expedient to abolish
the slave trade in the District so far as
brought from other places.
7lh Requires provision for the recovery of
fugitives.
Bth Declares that Congress has no power
to prohibit the slave trade between the Sta
tes.
You will observe thai this la the Demo
cratic doctrine of noti intervention, to which
I have no doubt, the most respectable Whigs
will eventually concede. Of alt projects yet
preset ted, I think Mr. Clay's most likely to
pass. Faithfully Yours,
A LOOKER ON.
XV Petitions have been presented in the
Legislature for a plank or turnpike read from
i Berwick 'o Providence.
DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CONVENTION.
The Democratic delegates of Columbia
county met in County Convention at the
Court House in Bloomsburg, on Monday,
February 4, 1850. On motion, Hon. STE
PHEN BALfiY was chosen President, and
Peter Kllne7 Esq. and L. B. Rupert Secreta
ries.
Tho then presented
their credentials, viz:
Bloom —\V Roat, L B Rupert
Centre —J Hagenbuch, H Hess
Catawissa —Stephen Baldy, Joseph Yetler
Derry —C Cleckner, John Derr
Franklin —Peter Kline, Solomon Hartley
Fiihingcreek— Harman Labour, W Robbies
Greenwood —J H Ikeler, J P Smith
Hemlock —John Mcßeynolds, Isaac Leidy
Jackson —Jas Yocum, T W Young
Limestone —G B Rutiyan, Wm Fox
Madison —J S Sterner, Daniel Welliver
Montour —J Deitrich, Jacob Leiby
Maine —H B Ely, C F Mann
Mifflin —Jonathan Bressler
Mount Pleasant —P Kistler, P Jacoby
Orange —J B Edgar, Daniel Lee
Roaringcreek —Henry Mctz, Jacob Stein
Sugarloaf— Jeremiah Siiles, Samuel Kline
On motion, the Convention proceeded to 1
nominate candidates for .Representative and
Senatorial delegates. Mr. Mcßeynolds nom
inated MM} RBat as Senatorial delegate.
G. B. Runyan nominated _Capt. J. S. Foll
meras Representative delegate.
On motion of C F Mann, the Convention
then by acclamation declared Wesley Roat
as Senatorial delegate, andCapt. J S Follmer
as Representative delegate to the State Con
vention.
OiF motion of John Mcßeynolds a com
mittee of seven was appointed to draft reso
lutions expressive of tho sense of the meet
ing, whereupon the President appointed Jno
Mcßeynolds, C Cleckner, J S Sterner, Jos
Yetler, John Dietrich, G B Runyan and John
B Edgar, who, after.reliring a short time, re
ported the following :
Resolved, That the agitators and fanatics
who are attempting to make slavery the sub
ject of angry and useless altercation and dis
pute, deserve the strongest reprobation of ev
ery well wisher to the harmony, permanence
and prosperity of the Union. Tho ground of
non-intervention, assumed by the veteran
Cass, is the ground of safety, duty and patri
otism. The people of the Territories may
well enough determine for themselves a
question in which they are mainly concern
ed, and with which Congress cannot meddle
usefully, or without an assumption of doubt
ful power.
Resolved, That the large increase in the ex
ports of American breadstuffs and produc
tions for the last few years; the extension of
American commerce, and the increased rev
enues of the Government during the same
period, are facts of peculiar interest to the
farmer, commereial man and consumer, and
vindicate the present Tariff act from the un
just and interested clamor of that class of
men who suppose that government was in
stituted, and that laws should be passed, for
the express purpose of enabling them to
plunder their neighbors.
Resolved, That the administration of Tay
lor and Johnston, made up as they are from
the fragments of old factions—old federalist
and tec re ant de mocrai e— sea around
which poimcat apostates grade and
hue cling, and find their fitting position.
Resolved, That we approve of the recent
appointments on the Public Improvements
by our present excellent Democratic C.uia!
Board, and especially f'Jr the judicious selec
tion ot officers On the North Branch Canal.
Resolved, That it is the desire \ of the peo
ple of this county that in the new apportion
ment bill this senatorial district remain as at
present, the connection with Luzerne being
an unobjectionable, natural and convenient
one.
Resolved, That it would be agreeable to
our people that this county be joined
with Sullivan, in tho new apportionment, so
as to form a Representative district with two
members. In such case, by after arrange
ment, Sullivan to have one of the members
three or four years out of seven.
Resolved, As the sense of thiß Convention
—that hereafter in Congressional and Sena
torial nominations, the co uuty from which
the candidate is taken should have the right
of naming him iu the first instance; subject,
however, to objection for cause, by the other
county or counties. The observance of this
rule will powerfully tend to secure union,
harmony and success, while its violation will
usually be productive of discord and injury.
Resolved, That Valentine Best, the Senator
from this district, has, by his conduct and
votes in the Senate, proved recreant to every
trust reposed in him. He has basely violated
every pledge given to his constituents before
and after his election, and now in justice to
ourselves ane the democracy of the State, we
disown him as a Democrat, and request him
to resign his seat in the Senate of Pennsyl
vania.
Resolved, That having confidence in the
Delegates this day chosen we do not instruct
them as to the support of any particularcan
dialate ; but enjoin upon them in no case to
vote for any candidate who is not of known
competency and thoroughly radical and
sound in his political opinions.
Resolved, That our Delegates in the State
Convention are directed to vote for Harris
burg as the place o{ holding the Convention
of 1851, and for fixing the time of its meet
ing at a date subsequent to the adjournment
of the Legislature.
On motion, the resolutions were adopted
with but one dissenting vote. It was then
Resolved, That the proceedings of this
convention be signed by tho officers and
published in the Democratic papers of this
Senatorial district.
On motion the Convention then adjourned.
(Signed by the Officers.)
More Compliments to Rest.
The Democrats of Huntington county la
tely met in convention and among their pro
ceedings we observe they have passed the
following resolution:—
Resolved, That the base treachery of Val
entine Best, a member of the Senate of
Pennsylvania, who betrayed his party for the
Speaker's chair at-a time when his services
were most demanded by his party, is richly
deserving the sneers of a pure democracy;
and that he has proven himself by this act, a
worthy member of the party to which he
now belongs. '..
Guessing at Hard Hords. —A missionary w
1649 stepped ashore from a flat-boat on the
Kennebec, with some tracts, to speak to .an
old woman who was knitting under a low
tiee, by a shanty. It was the height of the
cholera panto.
"My good woman," said the evangelist,
offering her a tract, ' have you the gospel
here I"
"No sir, wo havent," replied the old crone
"bnt they've got it awfully dpwij to Ban
gor."
Corrt'pondence of the Star.
From Philadelphia.
PPHILADA., Feb. 3, 1850.
Ever* - thing is now quiet and peaceful in
the great city of Penn. There have been no
street fights of note for about a week, and
those wounded in the last conflict are either
dead and forgotten, or so far recovered as to
no longer excite the compassion of the com
munity. The last street fight was away down
town. Pistols and muskets were repeatedly
fired, and brickbats flew plentifully. Nobody
was arrested; no dead bodies were left on
the street, though it is generally believed that
one or more were carried off"and concealed.
The Police, not being armed, are rather
slow in rushing into a crowd where revolvers
are briskly at work. The names of the row
dy gangs about the city aro enough to fright
en a nervous person. Killers, Bouncers, Pri
vateers, Rats, Splitters, Skinners, Tormentors
No. 1 and No. 2, aro just as well known '.to
exißt as organized societies, having their pla
ces of meeting, officers or leaders, pass
words or means of recognizing each other in
the dark, as any other societies whatever in
Philadelphia.
A few weeks ago the Police discovered the
place of meeting of the Privateers. On en
tering they found a goodly number of the
boys. The name of their association was
written in large letters in a conspicious place
in the room, thus, Privateers No. 1. How
many other lodges, or rather dens of privateers,
there are, we know not. Thos.t taken were
lodged in Moyamensing to a .ail their trial.
You have doubtless heard of the great feat
performed by the Killers, on New Year's
night, in the neighborhood of the Naval Asy
lum. gentleman had a number of his
friends at his house, eating, drinking, and a
musing themselves. At a late hour two stran
gers walked in and began to help themselves
to the eatables and drinkables, without cere
mony or invitation. They were requested to
leave; no violence was ofTered them; and
they departed. In a short time they returned
with a strong party, hoisted the kitchen win
dow, and began to remove pies, cakes, &c.,
which were on a table accessable from the
window. The given ; the guests
in another part of the building, and tho own
or of the house, with his son, rushed out to
arrest the thieves. Tho rowdies announced
themselves as Killers, shot tho son dead, bad
ly wounded the father, struck down a young
lady, and made good their retreat. A reward
was offered for the murderers, but as yet no
clue to them has been discovered. Feats
similar in character, but inferior in atrocity,
aro of almost weekly occurrence, as any one
can sdfe by consulting the daily papers. What
is to be done ?—How is this fearful state of
things to bo changed!—are questions which
deeply interest every Philadelphian, and give
occasion to many a long editorial in the city
journals, and to many a prosy letter from city
correspondents to country papers. Lectures
are being- delivered by different persons on
the causes of rowdyism. One attributes it to
the fact, that, whereas in old times apprenti
ces lived in the families of their masters and
thus enjoyed the salutary restraints and influ
ences of a home, now they are thrown to
gether in boarding houses, accountable to
their master, and under his oye, only 10 hours
in the 24. They enjoy little or no opportu
nities for reading, for though thrfty have time
enough, there is no quiet parlor, furnished
with lights, tables, books, &c., to which they
have access. From supper till bed time,
they are in the theatre if they can afford it,
or on the street il they cannot, seeking a
musement, and ready for any adventure.—
This is a cause greatly insisted on by many,
and as a remedy they recommend opening
the public school every night, so that these
young men may have an opportunity of im
proving their minds, and be led to seek a
musement in intellectual and scientific per
suits. If, with this, the old plan of appren
tices living in the families of their masters
could be restored, they think rowdyism would
soon disappear.
Others attribute it to the excessively dem
ocratic nature of our institutions, which fills
the young and badly educated with exces
sive pride and vanity, and thus desttoys a
proper reverence for age, &c. Altho' these
differ widely as to the cause of the evil, they
agree in regard to the remedy.
Many of the public schools have boen o
pened, and are nightly filled by young men.
Distinguished gentlemen in the three learned
professions give free lectures to them once or
twice a month on the natural sciences, histo
ry, &c., and the best results it is hoped will
follow them.
The ignorant can only be governed by
force and by tear; the intelligent can be
reached by other means. The vast impor
tance of education, though sufficiently evi
dent even in a sparce country population, is
for more evident in a crowded city. Educate
the people, or arm the police; open and im
prove your schools, or pull down your jails
and build greater, these are the conclusions
to which Philadelphians have arrived if I
rightly read their minds through their acts,
and leading journals.
My next letter I hope will be on a more
readable subject. R.
Death of an Eminent Mexican. —Pena y
Pena. who was president of the Republic of
Mexico at the close of the war with the U
nited States, is dead. It was under his au
spices that the treaty of peace was made,
and it was by him it was ratified, after Her
rera, the President elect, fearing popular in
dignation and the cabals of ths Sanatanist,
shunned tho responsibility of advocating or
signing it, and obtained the election of Pe
na y Pena as President, at interim, by Con
gress. He was considered one of the
ablest and best men in Mexico.
tyThe publication of the German laws
has been altogether abolished by the Legis
lature.
rW Meetings were held last week in Mil
ton and McEwensvillo to favor tho forma
tion, of a uew county out of parts of North
umberland, Pnion, Lycoming and Colum
bia.
Correspondence of the Star.
FROM IIARRISBL'KG.
Harrisburg, Feb. 2, 1850.
GENTS :
It is easy to sum up the puldie do
ings, but there are deeds done here, which,
if they come to light, the fiends might blush
at. On Thursday the infamous bill to favour
the Reading Rail Road passed the House on
final reading by a vote of 52t035,aud I was
pleased to see Mr. Fortner, for this time, vo
ting on the Democratic side against the bill.
It was amended and sent to the Senate. The
Senate amended it again and sent it back to
the House.
Judge Conyngham on last Tuesday presen
ted petitions for annexing a part of Luzerne
county to Columbia, and remonstrances a
gainst any division of your county.
Mr. Friek has also presented petitions from
several townships in Luzerne county asking
to be annexed to Columbia,and on last Thurs
day a remonstrance from Hemlock township
against any division of Columbia county.
General Packer, in tho Senate, has present
ed petitions asking that a part of Lycoming
may be annexed to Columbia. So it is plain
that your county will be more likely to grow
in size, than to be dismembered by the pre
sent Legislature.
Mr. Fortner on Wednesday read a petition
and bill to reduce the number of supervisors
of roads in Cattawissa township, also a peti
tion and bill to incorporate a company to
make a road from Columbia to Sullivan co.
HARRISDURO, Feb. 2, 1850.
To the Editors of the Star of the North :
GENTLEMEN :—Your article on the sub
ject of the Philadelphia aad Reading Kail
road Company has made its appearance
here, and is the subject of universal com
mendation among all sound democrats. I
am sorry, howevor, to say that the bill for its
telief has become a law. It was amended
in some slight particulars, but not in any of
its essentials. No stay of execution is allow
ed on the interest of the bonds. The stock,
holders of the company were made liable
for the debts hereafter contracted, jointly as
partners, by an amendment in tho lower
House. But in the Senate, with a cunning
known only to corporations, this amendment
was so modified as to limit the individual li
ability of stockholders to a mere nothing.—
Thus, the Senate says the stockholders shall
not be liable for any bond or bonds that may
hereafter be given for old debts, or for any
bond or bonds payable in 1870, given in lieu
of bonds due in 1850. And, further, no
stockholder shall be liable until the company is
first sued and its assets exhausted. You will re
collect that by the provisions of the bill the
company cannot be sued until 1870 ! This
is alittlethe most barefaced imposition that
ever was palmed upon one hundred and
thirty-three men professing to be entirely
sane.
Yet, I am sorry to say that the House of
Representatives concurred in the amendment
made by the Senate, by a vote of 49 yeas to
40 nays.
It is time that the press, and more particu
larly the democratic press, would speak out
upon this subject. Corporations with special
privileges and immense powers, are growing
up in our midst, and even now control, to a
great extent, almost all the great interests of
Pennsylvania. During the whole time that
this bill was before the Legislature, the halls
of the Capiiol and the hotels in town were
crowded with borers, shavers stock-jobbers
and unscrupulous speculators. They watch
ed every turn in the prospects of the bill—
crowded around the seats of members, kept
a tally of every vote, and gave to each other
the knowing wink. Then away to the of
fice of the magnetic telegraph to let their
partners ift speculation and corruption in the
different cities know the result, so as to give
the rise or fall in stocks. It is surprising as
well as painful to see how wide around tho
Hall the giant spread its arms, and to see the
members falling into its support one by one
until its purposes wero accomplished. But
it is at least some consolation to know that
there were a few who stood firm and resist
ed all its temptations First and foremost a
mong these was Andrew Beaumont, from
your neighboring county. He raised the
voice of alarm at the first appearance of the
bill, and recorded his vote against it in every
stage of its progress. He is always at his
post too, and extremely quick in his percep
tions. Not only this, but he is sound and
radical as a democrat in all his principles.
Yours, &c. JUSTICE.
NOTE. —The above letter is from a demo
cratic member of the Legislature, who, for
his friendly notice of our article of last week
has our best thanks. We are pleased to find
our views upon the infamous plot of the
Reading Railroad Company concurred in by
such men as our correspondent and the forty
honest members who voted with him on this
question. Though the bill has passed, and
the plunderers have consummated their out
rage ; yet we would a thousand limes rather
stand life-long with the minority, than yield
for a moment to the clamor of corruption &
wrong, bloated by triumph and inglorious
spoils.— Eds. Star.
From the N. Y. Commercial Advertiser.
MELANCHOLY LOSS OF LIFE.
TERRIBLE EXPLOSION I
One of the most terrible and fatal explo
sions ever known in this city, took place
this morning, in the machine and press-ma
king establishment of Alva B. Taylor, No. 3
Hague street, at about half-past seven o'clock
by the bursting of a steam boiler on the
filsi tloor of that establishment.
The building in which the explosion oc
ccurred wns a six or seven story brick erec
tion, on the rear corner of an immense mas
sive building owned and oocupied by Wm.
Hull & Son. The boiler was upon the first
floor, by some said new, by others repre
sented as second-hand, but estimated to be
as good as new. It was in use for tho first
time this morning. The moment tho explo
plosion took place the entire mass of build
ing was fell with a tremen
dous ctash almost ontirely upon its own site.
So sudden and complete was the ruin that
we believe not a rtngle person escaped, and
the next minute the whole mass watt on fire. 4
So powerful wns the explosion that the
shock, like the trembling of an earthquake,
was felt in some of the stores in Broadway, {
a distance, in direct line, of about a quarter |
of a mile, and was probably felt at a greater j
di-tance.
The losses of Mr Taylor, machinist, and
St. John, Burr k Co., hat manufacturers, are
estimated at 570.000. Partly insured. The
building was owned by the Harper Brothers,
mid vnlued at 575,000.
A large piece of one of the brick walls
was thrown to tho distance of sixty feet by
tho force of the explosion.
As near as can be ascertained, one hun
dred persons were in the building at tho
time of the explosion very few of whom A- j
caped. J
in.. •
PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE.
HARHISBURO, Jan. 29th.
SENATE. —Mr Fraiiey, remonstrance of I
citizens of Pottsville, against the iucorpo- j
ration of tho Pottsville Gas Company, un- "JB
less modified. Also, n petition from citi- s <
zens of Carbon county, praying the passage
of an act authorizing the application of State
taxes for 1850 towards the erection of public
buildings.
Mr Packer, petition of citizens of Frank
lin, Lycoming, county, praying that parts of
said county may be annexed to the county
of Colombia. Also, for new county, "Wind
sor." out of parts of Berks and Schuylkill.
Mr Frick, petition of citizens of Harris
burg for au extension of charter of the Har
risburg Bank.
Mr Sterret, petition of citizens of Cum
berland for tho rechartor of the Harrisburg
Bank.
Mr Dunn, Mr Lawrence and Mr Hugus
presented similar petitions in lavor of new
county "Redstone."
Dills read in place —Mr Packer, to erect
parts of Berks and Schuylkill counties into a
new county, to be called "Windsor."
, Jan. 30th.
SENATE.— -Mr Malonc, petition of citizens
of Lehigh county, for the incorporation of a
Bank, to be located at Allentown.
Mr Fraiiey, a petition for a new Bank at
Mauch Chunk, with a capital of 8100,000;
also, in favor of the new county "Windsor;"
also, six petitions in favor of new county
"Pine, 'out of parts of Schuylkill.
MrShimer, petition of citizens of North
ampton, for the incorporation of a Bank, to
bo located at F.aston.
Mr Brawley, petition in favor of a new
county, ConewAga.
The Senate went into executive session,
and discussed the confirmation of Wm. B.
McClure, as Presiding Judge of the Fifth
Judicial District, until the hour of adjourn
ment.
HOUSE.— Mr Killingor reported against new ,
county, "Conewaga."
Mr Leonard, for erecliSn of new county,
"Decatur."
The House then resumed the considera
tion of the Reading Railroad Bill.
Mr Meek continued to speak till the hour
of adjournment.
Jan. 31st.
SENATE. —Mr Konigmac'uer, Petition from
citizens of Montgomery and Chester coun
ties, asking the repeal of the three hundred
dollar exemption law. Also a petition in
favor of tho new county "Conewaga."
Mr Fraiiey, petition in favor of new coun
ty "Penn."
Mr Shimer, from citizens of Lehigh coun
ty, asking the incorporation of a Bank, to
be located at Allentown.
Mr Streeter, from citizens of Susquehanna
county, asking an investigation into the af
fairs of the Susquehanna Bank.
Mr Packer, from citizens of Lycoming,
petition for the repeal of the Three Hundred
Dollar Exemption Law, Also, for the rechar
ter of tho West Branch Bank.
Mr Friuk. from citizens of Dauphin coun
ty, asking the passage of a law closing the
Public Works oil the Sabbath Day. Also, a
petition in favor of the now comity, "Cone
waga."
Mr Sterrett, a petition for the extension of
the Charter of the Harrisburg Bank.
Mr Saukey, petition in favor of new coun
ty "Lawrence."
HOUSE.— Mr Biddlo moved the House con
sider the Reading Railroad bill, which was
agreed to. Mr Muck having the floor, pro
ceeded in his remarks, followed by Mr Mc
Cliulock and others, after which, a vote be
ing taken on the final passage of the bill re
sulted as follows—ayes 52; nays 35.
Harrisburg, February 2d.
SENATE. —The Speaker presented a peti- |
lion from citizens of Luzerne county, pray
ing the recharter of the Wyoming Bank,
with atl increase ol capital.
Mr Fraiiey, petition of ci'izens of Schuyl
kill county, in favor of new county "Penn;"
petition of citizens of in favor of.
repeal of tho Act of 1842, abolishing im
prisonment for debt ; two petitions from cit
izens of Northampton county, in favor of the
Farmers' Bank at Easton; petition of the
citizens of Carbon county, for the incorpo
ration of a Bank at Mauch Chunk, to be
called the Mauch Chunk Bank.
Mr Guernsey, remonstrance of citizens
of Bradford county, against annexing any
part of their county to Sullivan.
Mr Packer, petition of the West Branch
Bank; also, petition of oitizensof Lycoming
county, for the repeal of the 8300 Exemp
tion Low of last session. Mr Packer as
sumed a position negative to the prayer ot
the petitioners, and made some very eloi
quent and forcible remarks on tho subject.
Mr Darsie, petition of citizens of Alleghe
ny county, for repeal of tho three hundred
dollar exemption law.
Mr Muhlenberg, petition of citizens of
Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, lor now county
out of parts ol Berks, Schuylkill, Luzerno
and Lehigh, seat of Justico to be at Tama- d
qua. J
HousE.The uew invention for taking the ■
yeas and nays, was tested by the House this fl
morning.
Mr Killlnger presented the petition of the