STAR OP THE NORTH. R. W. WEAVER, EDITOR. Bloenufcniy, Thursday, Jan. 0, t8fl Lr|[i>likNlte •Organized on bat Tuesday and the Govern •or' Message wai sent in on Wednesday.— Wm, M. Piatt, Esq., of Wyoming, was elect ed Speaker of the Senate by a 70te of 17 to IS for J. Flenniken. Richardson L. Wright, of Philadelphia, was elected Speaker of the House by a vote of 63 to 30 for Robert Mc- Ccmbs. foifgreus and the Message. We have room ih is week only for a small •part of the President's Message which was ' delivered to Congress on lart Monday. Next week we will give all. It is manly and dig •nified in its tone, and statesmanlike in its views. Mr. Clayton and a number of other Senators expressed their approbation of its views on our foreign relations. It will do muoh to make Mr. Pierce a formidable can didate for the Presidency. He sent in the Message without informing any one except the Cabinet of his intention, and only a few intimate friends were in the secret a few minutes before its presentation in the House surprised members sui Wtihyjao ■idnuui, KLX> innovation." information on publio affairs—thay only want the tpr.ils. A New Yankee Notion. That part of this country in which fana'ics -and.bigots used to burn witches is ff ie so ;| 'upon Which such delusions as Mitlemm Spiritualism and Know Nothingism have 'their origin and grow to rank shame and in famy. Upon the tame prinoiple of mental philosophy it must be, and is, the region from whence springs the sickly arid morbid sym pathy which as Abolitionism, alias Free-Snil ism, alias Know-Nothingiem, alias Joe-Hiss ism, libels the honest sentiment of humanity. To staid, sober men, itsoems hardly credible that An the New England of Mar., lawecould exist such horrible fanaticism and intemper ate mental delusion as was actually devel •ooed in a lale case at New llaven. A sect 'of Millerilesand Spiritualists, who profess to ibe guided dy the revelations of a woman, 'named Wakernan, who pretends to have been murdered thirty years ago, and now re turns to earth to give her spiritual experience and expound the bible, have cut the thtoa; of ono of their number, because lie had "an evil spirit," which was exerting a terrible power over the prophetess. At a meeting of the soct, it was suggested that Matthews, the man with the "terrible power" should be 'killed, and what is still more strange, Mat -1 thews'hrmself said he was willing to die to evil spirit. Almost all present sa k e, for - less killed Matthews, in order to keep him I from enchanting (he widow Wakernan, whose death they believed would be followed by the destitution of the wcrld. LBWIBBCKC.—The Argus publishes a full accoont of the proceedings of (he first Court, which was held in one of the Churches. Ja cob Stuck jjad the honor of being tho first person tried in Lewisburg for a criminal of fence. Ho was charged with larceny, but •was acquitted. Henry Rodearmel was tried ifor embezzlement of public money while Su pervisor of the Susquehanna Division of the Pennsylvania Canal. He was acquitted.— There were four cases of nnieance before the" Conrt. The contested election case for Coun ty Commissioner, was not disposed of.' The friends of the Lewisburg, Centre and Spruce Creek Railroad Company, held a meeting in the Court House, on the 18th in stant. DEATH or THIS STATE REPORTEK.—We re gret the necessity of stating that James Hep burn, Esq., departed this life suddenly on the 25th inst., at Philadelphia. Mr. Hep burn was appointed to the office of State Re porter, by Governor Pollock in July last. He waa a man of great industry ar.J patient re search, and admirably -qualified to Rlil the position for whioh he was chosen. An HONEST ASSERTION.—The editor of the 'Philadelphia Daily News makes the follow jog correct assertion in hia paper of the 16th •ultimo: "The truth of the matter is, as we have vupeatedly asserted, Know.Nothlngram it in extreme bad odor; it stinks in the nostrils of All who do not belong to the order, and of a ■vast numt at who do." WERE •,OU EVER IN LOVE'—Would you tiike to be' Would yon like to marry the •object of your affection 1 Would yon like -to tzke lo>yiur bosom, and snatch from all Yivel ctrarroe the heart and face that you have yearned for aolt tg, but fear you cannot win ? There is no difficulty about it. Professor Standout has made it easy. lie has given the whole mysterious process in that rare book of bis, the " Bliss of Mar tinge." It ia Advertised in another column. 'tf William Swetland, W. C. Reynolds, Sanderson, William Hartley, and D. Wright have given legal notice that they will •pply to-the next Legislature for the incorpo ration of the (Lackawanna Bank, io be loca ted at Scran ton. BP* John Heytman waa drowned in the pond of Hesdley'e mill, at Dnabore, Sullivan County on Wednesday last, by breaking through the ice while skating. He was • irfaektmitb by trade. XW YOBICK, our Carrier, retunshis thanks for the respectable and profitable attention which his spicy New Year's Address re ceived. His harvest was the most fruitful that a Carrier ever reaped in the town. A Scene In the Know-nothing Congress. Good reader, exeure ns:—we are almost afraid to famish Congressional proceedings for feat -of •corrupting publio mentis. The people of Peoneylvaaia would have been moch better if tbey bad never beard of snch proceedings as those in the last' Legislature, end the people of the Union will be-no better or wiser for witnessing the tad spectacle at Washington? We' will give a scene from-ihe record of last Thursday: Mr. Millward of Pennsylvania, said he had' been approached by one of bis colleagues who had propoaed that if he would vole for Mr. Barik*he.(Mr. Millward) should be made Chairman of the Engraving, or Lithograph ling, or Printing Committee, and have a good thing of it. [Laughter and cries of 'name hin,' 'who ielie'!'] Mr. Millward replied—Mr. Pearce of Penn sylvania. [Sensation. Nearly all the mem bers ri-ing io their leet, and much interest manifested in all parts of the House.] Mr. Ranks amid great confusion, denies emphatically that any body had authority to offer such a proposition from him. Mr. Pearce'rose. [Cries of'order!' 'order'.' 'lets hear him !' 'down in front!'] Mr. Pearce • said he had not beenaulhorized by Mr. Banks i to make such a pledge to Mr. Millward, or r ' In i* for Mi. Banks, 1 cou ihi . jfilf [Laughter.] I asked you BBP \o.U Lflplleil |- at I eould bo made chairman <!? tho I'ii..ting, Lithographing, or Engraving | Corr.milteo. i asked, when you responded, , 1 have just had a conversation with Mr. Banks, ulio said that any promise I should [ make would be carried out by him.'" Mr. Pearce—l deny what my colleague has said. He hss misconstrued my remarks. Mr. Millward—l could not misconstrue them. [Great confusion, mingled with cries of 'order!'"] Mr. Humphrey Marshall remarked that he had advised Mr. Millward to make the expo sition. Mr. Pearce—l alluded to matter mere iy in a playful manner to my colleague.— [Laughter.] Mr. Millward—l do not consider it play, sir. Mr. Florence—Such a thing is disgraceful to our State, and were it in order I would at once move a committee of investigation. Mr. Millward to Mr. Pearce—Did you not tell mo that Mr. Hanks asduied you that, in case I voted for him, he would give me what you promised f Mr. Pearce—l did not. Mr. Millward, emphaticelly—l say you did! Had you any conversation at all with Mr. Banks ? Mr. Gtddings, bis lorm prominent amid the storm, calmly expressed the opinion that the House had bad enough of these proceed ings. F Mr. Banks—No man has an assurance (from me with regard to the formation of the tfNQlO)it!vt. I Mend, if •taolait, to ihn oHteo |of the Speakership, perfectly free to do w hat I ie right and proper lor myself, for the House, I and for the country; and of that lam the judge; and for doing which I would be re sponsible to the House and the country. [Ap plause.] Mr. Paine thought the house ought to be obliged to Mr. Millward for his revelation.— He (Mr. Paine) had heurd Mr. Peurce say that he had assurance from Mr. Banks that the latter woi'ldso constitute the Committees as take care of the interests of Pennsylvania. He could prove the fact. Mr. Pearce replied that he had the assu rance that Pennsyjvant'.Vs interest would be cared for. Ha never had il from Mr. Banks, but from his own colleagues. Mr. Todd trusted that his colleague (Mr. Millward.) would be moreguarded hereafter in attacking the character of gentlemen. The Pennsylvar. ia delegation are independent, guarded by right and truth, acting intelligent ly, asking no pledgee, and guilty of no false pretenses. Mr. Millward said he was not to be fright ened by being told that he inust be more guards I. He had only alluded to one gen tle': i from Pennsylvania, an< ; than was Mr. Peiiree. ?.• Campbell, of Pennsylvania, remarked tfcu -e had frequently met Mr. Banks social ly ever heard him at any lime or un der a'iy circumstances, made any remark which Could ba construed into a pledge. Mr. English thought this a pretty family fight Liu had voted for Mr. Rioharilson as a man above suspicion. Mr. A.K. Marshall was perfectly satisfied that if these charges were true they unfitted Mr. Banks for 'the Speakership. In conse quence of the absence of some members, proof car.not now be produced. Other reve lations might also be made. He desired all further voting to be dispensed with for to day. STATISTICS or THE YEAR.—The number of 6leamboar accidents during the year 1855, has been 27, by which 176 persons were killed ar.d 107 were wounded. In 1854, the number of accidents was 48, with 587 killed and 225 wounded. The great diminution of disaster for the present year is, doubtless, owing to the steamboat law, which requires a rigid inspection of steamboats before a certificate of good condition is granted. The number of railroad accidents during the year was 142, by whieb 116 persons were killed and 539 were wounded. In 1854, the num ber of railroad accidents was 193, by whieb 186 persons were killed and 589 were wound eJ. This shows that disaster was less fre quent on railroads, and that travelling by that means of conveyance was mote secure in 1855 than in 1864. Tba losses by fires in the United States, during 1856, ere estimated at twenty millions of dollars, probably an exaggerated estimate. IW Senator Clayton, in answer to a request that ba would allow his name to go before the Amerioan Convention as a candidate for the Preaideuey, says that he prefers his pres ent position, and respectfnily declines being considered as a candidate. Main Township Teacher's Institute. Pursuant to m notice prationtly given, a number of teacbero from Mara and adjoin ing districts, met at MainviHe on Saturday,' Dee. 29th, for tho purpose of forming an in stitute for the improvemeut of its members, and the elevation of the profession. The meeting was organised by calling Dr. Evans to the chair; who, after briefly stating (be objects of the meeting, proceeded to point ont the usefulness of aueh meetings in < ' a very able manner. The teachers present, then proceeded to elect permanent offioers for the Institute, which resulted in the choice of DR. SAM UEL D. EVANS for President, JOHN C.' STOKES, Recording Secretary, and Samnel West, William fa. Phillips and Mrs. Evans, an Executive Committee. j On motion, Mr. Dtokes wee appointed t prepare a Constitution and by-laws. After some discussions on different brandi es, in which all the members fteely partici pated, the Executive Committee proceeded t to assign subjects to the following, for the next meeting of the Institute. Dr. D. Evans, lecture on Physiology : jWa jjy. ans, essay on Education; Samuel Wtst.es , say on tho best method of teaching Aiitbine . "u; Willipp,, S, Philips, essay on OrtVogra ! piiy; J. 0. Stokes, essay on Grammar. lUUfctUfjij Own eoW- j HpHßlHPMM^gooTresults. Resolved, Th&t while we highly appreciate | the efforts of the Columbia County Teach -1 ers' Association, and arc proud to ackuowl -1 edge its efficacy in promoting the cause of | education generally; we are sensible tba) much good may result horn the formation of minor associations, which shall meet more 1 frequently, and thus have an opportunity of discussing more minutely, the modus operan di of the school room. UKolved, That every teacher who is wor thy of his profession, and who ia sensible of the exalted nature of his calling, will esteem it both as a privilege and a duty to manifest by his proseitce thai he has the good of (be cause at heart. Resolved, That we earnestly invite teachers, directors, and friends of educaliou generally to attend our meetings, participate in our discussions, and thus second our efforts to el evate the school and the teacher's profession to their proper standard. Resolved, That we invite Mr. Weaver, our able and efficient County Superintendent, to attend the next meeting of our fr.slitate. Resolved, That we hereby tender our thanks to Mr. Shuman, the gentlemanly proprietor of the Eagle Hotel, for the kind hospitalities extended to teachers on the present occasion. Resolved, That Mr. Weaver be requested In publish these proceedings in the '• Star of the Noith." On motion of Mr. Stokes, it was thsn re solved, that when we adjourn, we adjourn to meet in the public school-house in Mainvilie, on Saturday, January 12th, (856, at 10 o'clock A. M. On motion, adjourned. - C. gTOwgg Rev. Secretary. [NOTE —We are right glad to see this work of the teachers on the south side of the riv er. It is in the right way, and we will at tend the next meeting at Mainvilie wi'.h pleasure. A like Institute at Orangeville, Stillwater and Benton would do good to teach ers and scholars.—En. OF THE STAR ] A Dealt uclivc Fire. Il is with feelings of regret, that we an nounce the accident and loss, of our highly esteemed friend, Hiram Kirkendall who re sides in Noscopeck township, Luzerne coun ty, met with on Monday morning last, by the burning of his large and commodious barn, together with the entire crop of the season, which had been stored therein. A Thresh ing machine, farming utensils, harness, &c., was consumed, in the flames by the fiery el ement. Mr. K.'s loss is said to be about 81500. The properly was insured by a company in tho Stale of New York, that have recently broken up, (previously to the occurrence of the fire.) There is strong suspicion that il was the wotk ot an incendiary.— Berwick Ga zette. UN ANGST'S GIFT ENTERPRISE. In pursuance of publio notice the share holders in E. UNANOST'S Gilt Enterprise met at the Exchange Hotel, in Bloomsburg, Deo. 25th, 1855, and organized by electing John Harlman, Esq., President, and Amr.i Shoe, maker and R. F. Feese, Sec'ys. The President in a short address proceed ed to state briefly Attd clearly the object of the meeting, when a motion was pot to give the projector time to dispose ol the balance of the tiekels, whioh was negatived. On motion it was Resolved to appoint a committee of five to lake charge of the prop erty and distribute the gifts. ... Resolved, That but one man of said com mittee be from the same place or town. The following gentlemen were then dnly elected said Committee: M G. SHOEMAKER, of Bockborn, LEWIS ENKE, of Berwick, DAVID PLILLIPS, of Jersey town, CASPER RAHN, of Cst'awisas, JESSE G.CLARK, of Bloomtbnrg. On motion it was Resolved, that if any one or more of the above committee decline ser ving, the balance Have power to appoint one from the same town to fill the vacancy. Resolved, That the Committee is authorized to strike prizes aod blanks off io equal pro portion to reduce the tame to the amount ol tickets sold. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meet ing be signed by the officers and published in the Star of the North, the Danville Democrat and Muncy Luminary. JOHN HARTMAN, Priiiemt. Amzi Shoemaker, ) - , K. F. Feese, 'J 8 "*. PorrsviLLa —Upon (be recent visit of Prof. Johnson, of Boston, a society was formed for the promotion of (tie science of musie.—•C. Little, formerly Assistant Editor of the Mi* nert Journal, has been elected W. M. of the Mason io Lodge ia Pottsville.—At the last term of Court ten licenses to tell liqaor Were granted, and six petitions were refused.— The locomotive depot at Palo Aho, waa de stroyed on the evening of Sunday of bat week, by fire.——A fancy dress Bali came off xt the town hall lately. I PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. #Ulow Citixms tftlu Senatt and qf tk* Jfo utt l*he Consfitatii of the RJnitefi Slates pro vides thal'Congrifs tfiiall assemble annually on lh first Monday qf December, and it has been usual W'WtM&asidenl to make no commuoidaiioti of jt pfcblic character tig the Senate and House of Representatives until advised df 'their tradiuese to receive it. 'I tiaya deferred to this usage until the close of the first month "df tile session, but my con victions of doty will not permit me longer to postpone the discbeige of the obligation en-, i joined If the 'Constitution uponihe President ''to gjte to the CosßreM information df the tat*of the Uuion. and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judgs necessary and exped-ieM." It is marterof congratulation that the Re public is tranquilly advancing in a career of -prosperity and peace. FOBBIQN RELATIONS—CENTRAL AMERICA. Whilst relatione of amity continue to exist between the United Stales and all foreign powers, with some of them grave questions are depending, which may require the con sideration of Congress. Of euoh questions, the most important is that whic^i|Uiuuti||iMi^MMMH|^ A—rtwg, ~ v: I or fiiiify, or colonize, or as sume or exercise ant dominion over Nicara gua, Costa Rica, tly Mosquito Coast, or any part of Central Amaici. It was the undoulted understanding of tbe United States, in miking this treaty, that all present States of thi former republic of Con tra! America, and tie entire territory of each, would thenceforth gijoy complete independ ence ; and that boh contracting parties en gaged equally, and 'to tbe same extent, for the present and for lie future ; that it either then had any claim no right in Central Amer ica, such claim, an} all occupation or au thority under it, were unreservedly relin quished by the stipulations of the Conven tion ; and that no dominion was thereafter to be exercised or asoraed in any part of Cen tral America, by Cheat Britain or the United States. - x. • This Government consented to restrictions in regard to a region of oonntry, wherein we had specifio and peculiar interests, only qpou the conviction that the like restrictions were in the same sense obligatory on Great Britain. But for (bis understanding of the force and efieel of the Convention, it would never have been concluded by us. So clear was the understanding on the part of the United States, that, in correspond ence contemporaneous with the ratification of tbe convention, it was distinctly express ed, that the mutual covenants of non-occupa tion were not intended to apply to the British establishment at the Balize. This qualifica tion is to'be ascribed to the fact (hat, in vir tue of successive treaties with previous sov ereigns of tbe connlry, Grest Britain had ob tained a concession of the right to cut ma nogatij ui "7 ° nika., l.t —UW positive exclusion of all domain or sovereign ty ; and thns it confirms the natural construc tion arid understood import of the treaty as to all the rest of the region to which the stip ulations applied. If, however, became apparent, at an early day aftor entering upon tbe discharge of my present funotions, that Great Britain still con tinued in the exercise or assertion of large authority in all that patt of Central America commonly called the Mosquito Coast, and covering the entire length of the States of Nicaragua, ana a part of Costa Rica; that she regarded the Balize as her absolute domain, and was gradually sxtending its limits at the expense of the.State of Honduras; and that she had formally colonized a considerable insular group known as tbe Bay Islands, and belonging, of right, to that State. All these acts or pretensions of Grea' Brit ain, being contrary to-tbe rights of the States of Central America, and to the manifest ten or of her stipulations with the United States, as understood by this government, have been mads the subject of negotiation through the American Minister in London. I transmit herewith the instructions to liim on tbe sub ject, and the correspondence between him and the British Secretary lor Foreign Affairs, by which you will perceive that the two gov ernments differ widely and irreconcileably as to the construction of the convention, and its effect on their respective relations to Central America. Great Britain so construes the convention, as to mainlsin unchanged all her previous pretensions over the Mosquito Coast, and in different pans of Central America. These pretensions, as to the Mosquito Coast, are founded on tbe assumption of political rela tions between Crest Biitain and the remnant of a tribe oMlJfflilli sa that coast, entered into at a time when the whole country was a colonial possession of Spain. It cannot be successfully controverted tfaat, by the public law of Europe and America, no possible act of such Indians or their predecessors could confer on Great Britain any political rights. Great Britain does not allege the assent of Spsin as the origin of her claims on the Mosquito coast. Sbs has, on the contrary, by repeated and aucoessive treaties renounc ed and relinquished all pretensions of her own, and recognized the fall and sovereign rights ofSpain in the most unequivoaol terms, Yet these pretentions, so without solid foun dation in lire beaming, and thus repeatedly abjured, were, at a recent period, revived by Great' Britain against tbe Central American States, tbo legitimate successors to ell the ancient jurisdiction of Spain in that region. They were first applied only to a defined part of of Nicaragua, afterwards to tbe whole of it* Atlantic ooaat, and lastly to a pan of the coast of Costa Riea; and they are now reasserted to this extant, ao'- withstanding engagement* to tba United Slatee. On the Eastern coast of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, the interference ol Great Britain, though exa rted at one time in tbe form of military occupation of the port of San Joan del Norte, than in the peaceful possession | of the appropriate authorities of the Central American Stales, u now presented by her as the rightful ox;o.wj of a prdteotorab ip Over the Mosquito tribe df'lndisnr. Bdt the establiahmeit St the Balize, now Teaching far beyond its 'Treaty 'limits into the State of Honduras, and that bf tbe Bay Islands, appertaining of right to the same State, are as distinctly colonial governments -astbose of Jamaica or Canada, and there fore contrary to the very letter as well as tbe spirit of tbe-convention with the United States, as it was at (he time of ratification, and now is, understood by thrs govern ment. The interpretation which the British gov ernment, thus in assertion and act, presists in ascribing to tbe convention, entirely changes its character. While it holds us to all our obligation*, it in a great measnre re lease's Great Britain from those which con stituted tbe consideration of Ibis government for entering into the convention. It is im possible, in my judgment, for the United States to acquiesce in such a construction of the respective relations of tbe two govern ments of Central America. To a renewed ca'l by Ibis government up on Great Britain, to abide by, and carry into effect, the stinnlati-jn* of tbe convention ac cording to i>s obvious Import, by withdraw ing ftom tbe possession or colonization of portions of the Central American States of Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, tbp Brillsn ouveninr.nl tiarmi length —plied, afr firming that the operation of the treaty is prospective only, and did not require Great Britain to abandon or contract any posses sions held by her in central America at the date of its conclusion. This reply substitutes a partial issue, in tbe place of the general one presented by the United States. The British Government passes over the question of the rights or Great Britain, real or supposed, in Central America, and assumes that she had such rights at the date of the treaty, and that those rights comprehend the protectorship ol the Mosqnito Indians; the extended jurisdiction and limits of the Balize, and the colony of tbe Bay Inland*,' and thereupon proceeds by implication to infer, (hat, if the stipulations of the treaty be merely future in effect, Great Britain may still continue to hold the contested portions of Central America. The United Stales cannot admit either the Infer ence or the peemises. We steadily deny, that, at the date of the treaty, Great Brilein had any possessions there, other than the lim ited and peculiar establishment of the Ba lize, and maintain that, if she had any, (hey were surrendered by the convention. . This government, recognizing the obliga tions of the treaty, has of course desired to see it executed in good faith by both parties and in the discussion, therefoie, has not look ed to rights, which we might assert, indepen dently of the treaty, in consideration of our geographical position and of other circum stances, which create for us relations to tbe Central American States, different from those of any government in Europe. The British government, in its last com munication,although well knowing the views of the United States, still declares that it sees no reason why s conciliatory soiiit mav not enable tha two governments to overcome all obstacles to a satisfactory adjustment of the subject. Assured of the correctness of the construc tion of the treaty constantly adhered to by this government, and resolved to insist on the rights of the United States, yet actuated also by the same desire, which is avowed by the British government, to remove all causes of serious misunderstanding between two nations associated by so many ties of interest and kindred, it has appeared to me proper not to consider an amicable solution of the controversy hopeless. There is, however, reason to spptehend, that, with Great Britain in the actual occupa tion ol the disputed territories and the treaty thereforo practically null, so far as regards our rights, this international difficulty cannot long remain undermined, without involviug in serious danger the friendly relations, which it is the interest as well ss the duty of both countries to cherish arid preserve. It will af ford me sincere gratification, if- future efforts shall result in the success, anticipated here tofore with more confidence than the aspect of the case permits me now to entertain. RECRUITMENT. One other subject of discussion between the United States and Great Britain has grown out of the attempt, which tbe exigencies of the war in which sbe is engaged with Rus sia induced ber to make, to draw recruits from the United Stales. It is tbe traditional and settled policy of the United Slates to maintain impartial neu trality during the wars which, from time to time, occur among the great powers of the world. Performing all the duties of neutral ity towards the respective belligerent Stales, we may reasonably expect them not to in terfere with our lawful enjoyment of its ben efits. Notwithstanding ihs existence of such hostilities, our citizens retain the individual right to oontinue all their accustomed pnrsuits, by land or by sea, at home or abroad, subject only to such restrictions in this relation, as the laws of war, tbe usage of nations, or special treaties may impose; and it is our sovereign right that our territory and juris diction shall not be invaded by either of the belligerent parlies, for'the transit of their ar mies, the operations of their fleets, the levy of troops for their service, the fitting oat of Cruisers by or against either, or any aot or incident of war. And these undeniable rights of neutrality, individual and national, the United States will, under no oiioumstanoes, surrender. In pursuance of this policy, the laws of the United States do not forbid tbe citizens to sell to either of the belligerent powers arti cles, contraband of war,J or to take munition* of war or soldiers on board their private ships for Iranspartauon; and although, in so doing, tbe individual citixen exposes bit property or person to some of the hazards of war, hia acts do not involve any bteaoh of national neutrality, nor themselves implioate the gov ernment. This, during the progiess of the present war in Enrope, ont ( citizens have, without national responsibility therefor, sold gunpowder and arms to alt buyers, regard less of the destination of those artioles. Our ' merchantmen have bean, and still continue to be largely employed by Great Britain and France, in transporting lioops, provisions, and monitions of war to tbe principal seat o> military operations, and in bringing home their sick and wounded soldiers; <bot such use of onr mercantile marine is not inter dicted either by the international, or by oar mnnicipd Isw, and therefore does not cora promiv dlr nenlralyelationsyith Russia. But our municipal law, in accordance with the law of nations, peremptorily forbids, not only (oreigners, but onr own citizens, to fit out, within the limits of the United States, a ressel to commit hostilities against any State with which the United States are at peace, or to increase the force of any foreign armed ressel intended for such hostilities against a friendly State. Whatever concern may have been felt by either of the belligerent powers lest private armed cruisers, or other vessels, In the ser vice of one, might be fitted out in the ports of this country to depredate on the property of the other, all iuch fears have proved to be utterly groundless. Our citizens have been withheld from any such act or purpose by good faith, and by respect for the law. While the laws ol the Union are thus per emptory in'lheir prohibition of the equip ment or armament of belligerant cruisers in our ports, they provide less absolutely that no person shall, wkhin the territory or af the DniJb Stales. enlist or en ter himself, or hire or retain another person to enlist or enter himself, or to go beyond the limits or jurisdiction of the United States, with intent to be enlisted or entered, in the service of any foreign slate, eiMQr as a sol dier, or as a marine or seamen on board of any vessel of war, letter of marque, or priva teer. And these enactments are also in strict conformity with the law of nations, *shich declares, that no state has the right to raise troops for land or sea service in anoth er slate without its consent, and that, wheth er forbidden by the municipal law or not, the very attempt to do it, without such consent, is un attack on the national sovereignty. Such being the public rights and the mu nicipal law of the United States, no solicitude on the subject was entertained by thi* gov ernment, when, a year since, the British Par liament passed an act to provide for the en listment of foreigners in tbe military service of Great Britain. Nothing on the face of the act, or in its public history, indicated that the British government proposed to attempt re cruitment in the United Stalee; nor did i! ev er giva intimation of such intention to this government. It was a matter of surprise, therefore, to find, subsequently, that the en gagement of persons within the United States to proceed to Halifax, in the British province of Nova Scotia, and there enlist in the ser vice of Great Britain, was going on exten sively, with little or no disguise. Ordinary legal steps were immediately taken to arrest and punish parties concerned, and to put an end to acts infringing the municipal law and derogatory to our sovereignly. Meanwhile suitable representations on the subject were addressed to the British government. Thereupon it became known, by the ad mission ol the British government itself, that the attempt to draw recruits from this coun try originated with it, or at least had its ap proval and sanction; but it also appeared that the public agent engaged in it had "stringent instructions" not to violate the municipal law of the United States. It is difficult to understand how it should have been supposed that troops could be raised here by Great Britain, without viola tion of the municipal law. The unmistaka ble object of the law was to prevent every such act, which, if performed, must be eith er in violation of the law, or in studied eva sion of it; and, in either alternative, the act done would be alike injurious to the sov ereignty of the United States. fn the meantime, the matter acquired ad ditional importance, by their recruitments in the United Stales not being discontinued, and the disclosure of the fact that they were prosecuted upon a systematic plan devised by official authority ; that recruiting rendez vous had been opened in our principal oilies, and depots for the reception of recruits es tablished on our frontier; and the whole bus iness conducted under the supervision and by tbe regular co operation of British offi cers, civil and military, sotne in the North American provinces, and some in the United Stales. The complicity of those officers in an undertaking, which could only be ac complished by defying our laws, throwing suspicion over oar attitude ol neutrality, and disregarding onr territorial rights, i conclu sively proved by the evidence elicited on the trial of such of their agents as have been apprehended and convicted. Some of the officers thus implicated are of high official position, and many of them beyond our jurisdiction, eo that legal proceedings could not reach the source of tbe mischief. These considerations, and the fact that the cause of complaint was not a mere casual occurrence, but a deliberate design, entered upon with full knowledge of our laws and national policy, and oonducted by responsi ble public functionaries, impelled me to pre sent tbe case to the British Government, in order to secure not only a cessation of the wrong but its reparation. The aubjeot la atill under discussion, (he result of which will be communicatee! to you in dae time. I repeat tbe recommendation submitted to the last Congreas, that provision be made for the appointment of a commissioner, in connection with Great Britain, to anrvey and establish the boundary line whioh divides Washington Territory from the contiguous British possession*. By reason of the extent and importance of the country io dispute, there has been imminent danger of collision between the subjects of Great Britain and tbe oitizena of the United States, inoluding their respective authorities in that quarter. The prospect of a speedy arrangement baa contributed hitherto to induce on both aidea forbearance to assert by force what each claims a* a right. Continuance of delay on the put of tbe two government to aot in the matter will inorease the danger* and difficul ties of the controversy. Misunderstanding exist a* to the extent, oharncter and value of the possessory rights of tbe Hudson'• Bay Company and the prop- j erty of the Soond AgricuhtrntfCom pany. resorv Mta oor trßity wlth Great fcfft ain relative ujj, Territory of Oregen. I have reason-to v, ye th , t a cession of tho rights of both t0 , ba United States, which would be Ih^, ert maaili of tannl . listing all questions, M o ba obtained on rea sonable terms; and T ; aw to tbia e ni, I present theaubject tc ft* utnntioa of Con gress. The colony of ba ,j ng ao . acted the laws required by thdg at y 0 f tba 6th of June. 1864, is now plaeeii ri^<ba j ama footing, in respect to MHIUI*II n!hiaouioa with tbe United States, as tbe otbv British North American provinces. The commission whioh that treaty plated, for determining tho rights of in livers and mouths of rivers on the coajt of the United States, and the British North , American provinces, has been organized and has commenced its labors: to oomploto which there isneeded further appropriations for the service of another season. Arrival of the Pacific. SUCCESS OF THE ALLIES AT KAR3. The steamship Pacific from Liverpool, ar rived at New York on Friday evening, at 6 o'clock, with dstM to Saturday tho ISth in stant. Tbe news ia highly interesting. The long oxpected capture of Kan by tbe Russians has at last taken dace. Thorn are no particulars received except those brought by General Kmety and another officer, who escaped from the city, in order to hasten the advance of Omer Pasha to the relief of the city. At tbat time General Williams was about sending a flag of truce to offer capitu lation. Nothing further is known, but it ia believ ed that the garrison surrendered, as they wars only 8000—loo weak a force to cut their way through the Russian army. Omer Pasha was near Kutai which tbe Russians held in force. The only event of importance that has transpired in the Crimea ia an attack made by the Russians on the extremity of the French lines. Tbe Russians were 3000 strong, and after an hour's fighting, with drew. Both armies were comfortably housed and provisioned. The firing continues between the north and south sides of Sebastopol. Russia has opened a now loan in Berlin, Hamburg and Holland for fifty millions of ru ble at five per can'. It is quoted at eighty* five. The American army is "being--reduced to the peace footing. The government of Naples has published the convention with the United States, defin ing the rights ol neutrals. The Queen's Order in Council authorize* ■n issue of £476,000 in octet of the Bank of England, beyond the amount specified in the Bank charter. With respect to the prospect ol peace, we have a mass of contradictory statements. H negotiations are on foot, they have not pro grossed a step. It is known that dififerenoe* exist in the British Cabinet. Lrd Palmers ton and .P<uimure ura* a prosecution of the war. The rest of the Cabinet, supported by Napoleon, suggest the importance of em. bracing the present opportunity to negotiate peace. Fillibusters Detained.- The Nicaragua Tran sit Company's steamer Norihern Light, was attached by the United Slatos District Attor ney, as she lay at her wharf, at New Yoik on Wednesday afternoon, on the charge of having on board fillibusters and arms and ammunition to be used against the Slats of Nicaragua. By some mistake the Custom House authorities were ordered to refuse a clearance to the Star of the West instead of the Northern Light, and Capt. Tinklepaogh having got his clearance papers, put to sea, in the teeth of Mr. M'Kuon and tbe Presi dent, taking the United States officers with him. But a shot from the Revenue-cutter Washington brought bim tout Quarantine, , and he was compelled to return and anchor ia the North River. B. P. FORTNER, Auctioneer, WILL SELL On the 3d of January, at the late residence of Joseph Geiger, in Montour township, Col. county, all the slock, hay, grain, &o. On the sth day of January, a lot of land in Franklin township, Columbia county, late the estate of Joseph C. Cleaver, dee'd. In Franklin township, Columbia oonn'.y," on January the 18th, a house and lot; die properly.of John Toeple. On the 19th, in Franklin township, Colum bia county, the real estate ofO P. Teelsworth, being nine acres of land with good improve, ments on the same. On the 25th and 26th, in Maine township, Columbia county, the enure furnace stock, horses, and merchandise of G. & R. Shaman. Persons who deaire the servieee of R P. FORTNEU as Auctioneer will do well to engage him before advertising the date fo their sale. BT S. M. PZTTENGILL & Co., Advertising Agents, No. 119 Nassau Street, New York, and 10 Slate Street, Boston, are authorized to receive and receipt for advertisements and subscription to this paper. Public Sale of Real Estate* THE undersigned will offer at publie tale on SATURDAY the 19th day of Janua ry next, upon the premises, the following de scribed property; viz.: LEocoa odCT L£aaimdCL a containing NINE ACRES, situate in Frank lin township, Columbia county, whereon are erected a good frame Dwelling House f a Urge and ootnmodious Carpenter Shop, a a good Stable,and other necessary out build ings. There is a GOOD WELI OF WATEH Dear the door of the bouse end a young thri ving orchard of CHOICE FRUIT. ' Tfte prop erty lies on the publio road leading from Cat tawissa to Danville, about three miles from the first, and seven from the '''tor place : and is a very desired locatio* " OT . * mechanic or a person wishing to in the meroan lile business, it be"*. ,n • ll *ckly populated and flourishingneighborhood. Hale to at 1 o'clock; of said day when ' rtns *>• mß< ie known by O. P. TEETSWORTH. ( Franklin, Deo. 28, 1855,
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