Raftsman's journal. (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, September 20, 1854, Image 2

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WniG STATE NOMIXATIOXS :
FOE OOVEBKOR, ,
Hoal James Pollock, of Northumberland County.
. FOR CAXAL COMMISSIONER,
Hon. George IJarsie, of Allegheny County.
: -. -r FOR SUPREME JUDGE,' : . '
Son. Daniel M. Bmyger, of Adams County
CLEARflELD, PA.,
Welnesday, September 20, 1854.
WHIG MEETING.
The Whig Meeting, this evening, in the
Court Ilonse, will be addressed by Col 'A. G
Curtais. Judge Hale, Samuel Lyxx, Esq.
and others. " We hope our friends will one and
all attend.
- : NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS.
' The Stockholders of this paper are requested to
meet for business; on the Thursday of the Court. at
1 o'elock.P. M., at the office of II. B. Swoope. Esq
The Grand Democratic Tizzle.' . ' .
The great Democratic rally for which hand
bills had been posted, and recruits drummed
np, for the last two weeks, came off in the
Court House last night, and notwithstanding
Gov. Bigler was expected to speak, it proved
a mighty slim affair emphatically a one
horse" concern. Taking off the "Whigs and
Natives, who attended through curiosity, the
meeting did not number one hundred persons.
and as a whole, was much smaller than the
Temperance meeting, in the same place, on
Monday evening.
As we entered, Judge Barrett, one of the
defeated aspirants, was concluding his open
ins remarks as Chairman. " We heard him
say something about the 'tail of the ticket,
when he took his seat, and W. A. Wallace
Esq., one of the late .Congressional Conferees
"exhibited" to the unterrified their candi
date fan Conirress, David Barclay, Esq., of
Jefferson county. Mr. Barclay made a long
and laborious apology forthe Nebraska 'Bill
lie said if he had been in Congress he would
not have voted for it, that he deemed it inex
pedient, though he endorsed the doctrine of
"popular sovereignty." He admitted it was
wrrmz. hnt soneht to apologise for the Ad
ministration on the ground that though it had
committed one wrong act, it had conferred
numerous benefits upon the country. When
however, he came to enumerate the benefits,:
he discovered that they were "few and far be
t ween" and was compelled to despoil the wise
and patriotic Fillmore of his laurels, by claim
ing tho exclusive credit of the celebrated
Japan Expedition, ne then indulged in a
little fillibustering about Cuba" and the Sand
wich Islands, and wound up by declaring him
self in favor of Free Toleration and Religious
Liberty. He said not a word on any of the
great issues of the present contest, but adopt
ed the favorite non-committal policy of Gov
Bigler, and we defy any of those present to
tell Lis opinions on any of the questions now
agitated before the people.
The next speaker was the illustrious "Bill
Packer," who was once defeated for the Sen
ate in this district by Alex. Irvin. He has
very particular claims to the good will of the
lumbermen of Clearfield county, as be labor
ed so laboriously to defeat their Bill to prevent
log-driving. He commenced by pre-suppos-
ing the existence of a disaffection among the
firm' democracy of Clearfield, and besought
them not to forsake their fellow citizen and
neighbor, Gov. Bigler, in this, the hour of
his calamity. That if Clearfield would forsake
him, it would bo the unkindestcut of all. He
told them he had been sent express from the
Governor who was lying sick at Waverly, to
express his regrets that he could not be with
them. He then launched' forth in a tirade
against 'Know Xothingism,' from which he
got on to theology, and gave his fellow demo
crats a very lacid exposition of the New Tes
tament, the Constitution, and the Declaration
of Independence. He came down on the
clergy 'like a thousand of brick," and wound
no without sayintr one word in favor of
Governor Bicler's Administration or of
his position on any of the questions to
which public attention has been directed.-
The Sale of the Public Works, tho ' Temper
ance Question, the Nebraska Bill, and all the
otter great issues of the Campaign were en
tirely overlooked, in the unparalleled zeal with
which they denounced, their imaginary foe,
thet " Know Nothings."
The last speaker was repeatedly interrupted
by loud hurras for Bradford, and indeed, that
was about the only enthusiasm we saw mani
fested on the occasion. " One old covey, ejac-
j ulated "Amen" once or twice, thinking, we
' I :fi suppose, he was in a prayer-meeting, which, as
1 far as solemnity was concerned, it very much
! f resembled. r
i - And now, one word, as to Gen. William
VaVoa ix-Vi rt nrnfMWi to Tw Gnrll an ohlft : PT-
tX "
. .... , I , ,
j; pounaer or " tne law ana xue propneis, ' ana
K who was introduced last evening with, such a
i ' grand flourish of trumpets. He was appoint
f !? ed Canal Commissioner by Gor. Porter. . He
Ycwent into the office a comparatively poor man.
ill- He i was subsequently appointed, by the same
person, Auditor General, and audited his own
0 account. He came out of office the possessor
: of a ' princely fortune ! We state the simple
facts, and leave our readers to make the com-
. Gov. Bigler on the Stump:"'
When it was announced, with a grand flour
fsh of trumpets, that Gov. Bigler had deter
mined to take;. the stump, .and discuss the
questions at issue in this campaign before 'the
people, we were led to believe that he had at
last forsaken his non-committal policy, aiid
had determined to go before his fellow citi
zens and make a clean breast of it. But we
discover that we were egregiously mistaken
that he had no such intention, and that he
still continues his futile attempts to preserve
an equilibrium by carrying water on both
shoulders. He has recently visited the. Nor.
them portion of the State, for the purpose of
conciliating the anti-Nebraska democrats of
the Wilmot region, and very coolly stepped
upon their platform, notwithstanding he en
dorsed, in his speech in Fulton county, the
Nebraska Bill as the leadins measure cf the
National Administration.
' At a democratic meeting, held at McCon
nellsburg, in Fulton county, Gov. Bigler said,
(we quote from the democratic papers.)
"That the people desired to know his views
on the Nebraska Bill. Like an honest and
fearless Democrat, he then frankly and . fully
avowed his sentiments declaring that the
measure referred to was, in his opinion, both
constitutional and expedient, that it was a lead
ing measure of the National administration,
ana, as such, it received his hearty support."
This was his "honest" and "fearless" opin
ion expressed to the 'regular democrats' of
Fulton. But when he comes to Susquehanna
county, and gets among the 'Free Democrats'
he alters his tone. He says thcre,if "he could
have cctrolled it, he would have organized
the .territories under the act of 1830, and xox
disturbed the Missouri line!".,...
In Fulton county, the repeal of the Missouri
Compromise is perfectly right, and "receives
his hearty support," but in Susquehanna its
all wrong, and if he had control of the territo
ries, he would have "organized them , under
the act of 15-jO, and would not har& disturbed
the Missouri line .'" Who would have thought
that .a Governor of Pennsylvania, could have
so 'belittled' himself to beg for votes ?
In his speech at Montrose, on the 31st ult.,
he said (we quote from the Platform, which,
as it has been gratuitously distributed through
out this neighborhood, is accessible to nearly
all our readers) that "if democratic members
of Congress had voted wrong, that was no
reason why Democrats should strike down a
Democratic Governor if he had done right
He besought them not to hold him responsible
forthe acts of the "party." Now, in Fulton
County, the "measure" was "constitutional"
and "expedient," and "received his hearty sup
port," but he snj's virtually, to the Free Soil
ers of the North, that the members of Con
gress, who voted for the Nebraska Bill, done
"wrong," and-prays them not to visit the sins
of Pierce's Administration upon his head !
Such is a specimen of "Gov. Bigler on the
Stump," such the manner in which he meets
the issues involved in this contest. . He en
dorses the Administration in one portion of
the State, and repudiates it in another. Such
double dealing, political dialectics cannot
fail to disgust all honest democrats, whether
they be the advocates or the opponents of "the
Bill," and we may safely look for his defeat in
October, by one of the most overwhelming ma
jorities ever thrown against the 'Janus-faced'
candidate of any party or clique.
Cholera at Columbia and Pittsourg.
The cholera is prevailing to a most alarm-
ing extent in Columbia, and a large number
of citizens have fallen victims to the pesti
lence. The almost entire desertion of the
town bv the inhabitants, and the refusal of
the people in the surrounding couutry to visit
it, causes much distress among those who re
main. Subscriptions are being raised, for the
relief of the sufferors, in Philadelphia and
other places. Our lumbermen will, no doubt,
miss many familiar faces, on their next an
nual visit to Columbia. The following is a
list of the residents who have died.
Dr. R. E. Cochran, Joseph Strickler, Rob
ert Sprett, Adward A. Howard, I rancis Brad
lej-, John Gilbert, Mrs. John Shuman, Miss
Fisher (daughter of Henrv,) Mrs. William
nippy, Mrs. William Dickey, Mrs. Clarke,
(wife of gatekeeper,) Mrs. uliam VY ade, II,
II. Lichty, (innkeeper, and his ostler,) Mrs.
Jacob Grub, Mrs, Morgan Hays, David Welsh,
Miss Ann Hanlev, Mrs. Robert Dick, Peter
Remley, Samuel Hinkle, Mrs. Jacob Crosby,
Mrs. Stephen lelix, Mrs. Hinton, Mrs. Eli
Derrick, Mrs. Davis, Miss Katon, Mrs. Gilbert,
Mrs.Keesey, Mrs. Richards and Mis3 Richards,
mother and sister of Luther Richards, Esq.,
of Lancaster.
The dreadful scourge is also prevailing in
Pittsburg, to a greater extent than it has ever
done before. Heretofore that city has escaped
with but few cases, but now the very mention
of the number who are daily carried to the
grave, causes a thrill, of horror.
There have also been a number of cases in
Philadelphia and other places. In fact, it
seems to be prevailing pretty generally all
over the Country.
"The Blue Book
Perhaps those Democratic editors who rely
upon tho 'Blue Book' for the number of Amer
icans and foreigners holding office, will give
their readers the date of the edition, the
length of timo that elapsed in publishing it,
preparing it for the press and compiling its
contents. Then give them the number of for
eigners appointed to office, during that period
and see whether or not they can't pile up more
than 401. After they do this we shall perhaps
have something further to say on the subject,
by way of demonstrating who asserts the "big
lit" Trot out your nag.
The Pardoning Power.
Gov. Bigler's outrageous abuse of the par
doning power is fast disgusting the members
and leaders of his own party. Col. R. Frazer,
the great Democratic war-horse in Lancaster,
said recently, in his address to the Court and
Jury, on the trial of C. Livingston and P.
Hale, in the Quarter Sessions,
"That man at Harrisburg has so abused the
official powers vested in him, more particular
ly the pardoning power, that no decent, honest
man desires to bo associated with his party.5
Judge Black's Letter and tho Temperance Con"
' ' . : vention.
l- "This letter (Judge Black's) was written
and laid before the Convention at the same
time that Gov. Bigler's and Judge Pollock's
were, and. the fact that it was never given to
the public until within a few weeks, is another
very important link in the chain of circum
stances that go to show that that Convention
was controlled by a set o f men who were entirely
indifferent to the fa-te of the Temperance cause.
provided they could infiict a "stab in the dark"
on the Democratic candidates." . .
The gentlemen who attended the Temper
ance Convention from Clearfield county, and
other portions of the Stated will no doubt con
sider themselves highly complimented by the
above extract, published by an editor who, in
another column says "that it requires just as
great a degree of moral depravity for an editor
to assert what he knows to be false," as it does
for the hired witness to perjure himself in a
court of justice" and that his' "editorial ca
reer has always been guided by such a regard
for truth!" " Now, that editor knew when he
penned the above extract that a letter precise
ly similar in its sentiments, (which we publish
in another column) was written by Judge
Smtser the Whig candidate, and that the Com
mittee, after receiving this, discovered thai
they had committed an error in addressing the
Judicial candidates on the subject, and resolv
ed that neither of the letters should be pub
lished. But, although the original letters
were both in the hands of Stkpiizx Miller the
Chairman of the committee, it seems that more
than one copy of Judge Black's letter existed
and it was published by the Democratic pa
yers, for tne purpose ot maKingcapiroiouioi it.
Judge Smyser's letter was then promptly pub
lished by the Chairman of the -Committee,
and on its perusal, it will be found that both
candidates take the same view of the subject,
and occupy precisely the same position.
That the State Temperance Convention was
controlled by "a set of men entirely indiffer
ent to the fate of the Temperance cause," is
an assertion such as no man who ha3 a "regard
for truth" ought to make without the very
strongest evidence, as it impugns the motives
and attacks the character of some of the very
best men, not only of the State, but of our
own county. Clearfield was represented in
that Convantion by men whose standing in the
community is not surpassed even by the re
nowned Judge Black hiniself,or the astute edi
tor who penned the charge, men who are
among our best and most worthy citizens. To
say they would sacrifice the Temperance cause,
forthe purpose of inflicting "a stab in the
dark on the Democratic candidates," is, at
least, for a man who has such "a regard for
truth," a pretty wide stretch of the imagina
tion. . . : :
For'our statement in regard to the letters
mentioned above, and the reasons of the com
mittee for not publishing them, we are prepared
at any time, to furnish the evidence. It is
easy for editors to make mistakes, and it is
but charitable to presume, that this was one
It is to be hoped, however, that they will not
occur 'quite so frequently.'
f ettl9i at Last.
"lie (Gov. Bigler) will be elected because
he sustains the features of the Nebraska Kan
sas Bill."
The d iefcens he does 1 You were a
long, time finding it out. But how do you
reconcile this, with his speech in Susquehan
na county, where ho said "he would not have
disturbed the Missouri line," and that the
Democratic Congressmen who voted for the
Bill, done ttwrong !"
We are glad, however, that the admission
has been made in Clearfield county, for now we
know where to find the party, as they have been
heretofore 'lost in a bog.' fie congralulate
them on finding their waj- out. But how will
this suit the Free Democrats in the uppcrend?
Will ther support a man who sustains the pro
visions of the "Nebraska Kansas Bill ! Will
the freemen of the North consent to extend
slavery over Territory free from it by one of
tho most sacred compacts ever entered into by
the fathers of the Republic ? Will any true
Democrat, endorse the violation of that com-
paet, as embodied in the 2 ebraska Bill ! We
will acknowledge ourselves most awfully mis
taken if the mass of the free citizens of Penn
sylvania do not arise in their might, on the
second Tuesday of October, and repudiate
the Pierce administration, its supporters, aid
ers, and abetters.
KJ" The Democrats of Dauphin county have
nominated George Lai-man one of the editors
of the Harrisburg Union, for Congress. He
is one of Gov. Bigler's most bitter enemies,
and has been denounced in the very strongest
terms, by the Governor's organ, the Harris
burg Patriot. His nomination directly under
the Governor's eyes, is an instance of rebel
lion, which will doubtless cause him to feel
that he has received another 'dig in the ribs.'
C"Our enterprising friend at New Wash
ington who sent us the nanies, and desires to
know w hether we have a larger list at any oth
er office in the county, is informed that there
are still two ahead of them Curwensville and
Smith's Mills. He says they are determined
not to be beat, so we presume we may look for
a new accession to our list "Fotch 'em along
Squire." ' '
CL?"-Those of our present subscribers who
desire to pay their subscriptions in advancej
will still have an opportunity to do so during
this week, after which the prices will be charg
ed according to the Terms, and w ill in all ca
ses be strictly adhered to. The scarcity of
printing materials of every character, the high
price of labor, boarding &c, compels us to
adopt this course. The terms of the paper
are so very low that no ono should complain.
0-The Whigs of the old city of Philadel
phia have nominated Job R Tysos for Con
gress, in the place of JosErn R. Chandler,
Mr. Tyson is a good man, and received the
votes of a large number of delegates in the
last State Convention, as a candidate for Gov
ernor, .." , , . ,
"Know nothings'; fa Curensvi2le".".;; "
We were handed on Saturday listj a copy
of the Constitution of the Know Nothing so
ciety, in Cunvcusville, and from its' sentiment
we have no doubt it is authentic; If ii bosso,
we cannot sec why , this mysterious order
sbdnld be denounced" and proscribed, as there
is certainly nothing in it but what any protes
tant American can fully and freely endorse.
The following is the . Constitution, and we
commend it to the attentive perusal of our
readers:
Believing that God lias made it the bounden
duty -of every, man to lovc his 'neighbor, and'
to 'seek his good, politically,' socially, 'and
physically as well as religiously and spiritual
ly, and believing that our political and social
happiness depends upon a good government,
and righteous and just laws, faithfully admin
istered, by . which the weak and simple are
protected from the power and cunning of
their superiors who, for selfish ends would op
press and wrong them. We,therefore, 'citi
zens and voters f Curwcn&vilie. and vicinity
unite ourselves into a Know Nothing society,
under the following Constitution.
Article 1st. No immoral man, or "Infidel,
or Universal ist, or Roman Catholic, or Mor
man, or socialist shall become ; a- member of
this society. ..,;. r ,, .- ; :
Article 2xd. The object of this society
.,hall be to preserve the liberties of our coun
try, and her free institutions from the power
of the demagogue and heartless unprincipled
politician, from the designs of the Catholic and
Jesuit, from the encroachments of the slave
power and the baleful influence of intemper
ance. : . ; ' ' "
Article 3rd. Every member of this socie
ty must oppose at the.balot box, upon the pain
of expulsion from our bands of brotherhood,
the intiuence of slavery, Rum and Rome", and
give his his vote for men fearing God, and ha
ting coveteusness, men known to be true and
faithful, andthat would rather suffer, defeat
for a time', in a good- cause, than to triumph
in abad cause by foulnieans. !:' .
Article 4tii. The members of this society
shall vote for no man who is a Roman. Catho
lic, Infidel, Mornian, Socialist, Drunkard, or
immoral person; and they thall not be bound
by the power of party cast, , to vote for1 any
nominee of any political . party, where that
nominee is not worthy, but without party
preference they shall vote 'for that candidate
who may be worthy, let him be nominated by
any political party whatever, and if no politi
cal party shall give us a candidate who is wor
thy, and reliable, then the members of this
societv shall nominate and support its own
nominations. :
Article otii. No man shall receive the vot
of this society, unless he be pledged to carry
out our prmciples, or the societv have sum
cient evidence to satisfv them that if will be
done. ' - ' .
' Article Gtii.. Every member of this society
shall contribute of his means, .according to
his ability, to carry out the objects of our
union. - ,-'-'.
Article 7th. The officers of this socio
shall be a President, Vice President, Secreta
rvand Treasurer andl a business committee
of seven, whose duty it shall be to secure the
objects of the society. .' ; ;
Article Stii. No person can become
member of this society jWithout a solemn prom
lse of secrecy.
The emblem of the Order, is a hand and
heart, with an eye above, and the motto, is
contained in the,Cth verse of the 33d Chap, of
Deuteronomy, "Who said unto his father am
to his mother,.! have not seen lam, neither did
he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own
children ; for they have observed thy word
and kept thy covenent."
Are were requested to publish it, that the
false impressious that have "got abroad con
cerning the order, might be corrected. AY
have every reason to believe, that the gentle
man from whom we received it, is one of the
officers of fhe Society, though when we asked
him for particulars, we only received the an
&.ver "I don't know."
'. ' ' B.einoval. i
II. Bi'ciixr Swoope, Esq., has removed his
office, two doors East of the Journal Office,- in
Graham's Row, up stairs, where he may al
wavs be found by those- hav'mr professional
business with him. - i - :
fx?" Owing to our Court duties, &c, the
Journal has not received as much atteiiticn as
usual this week, which must account for any
and all discrepeucies. . . . .
Fire The steam Grist Mill and Saw Mill,
belonging to F. P. Hcrxtijall, in Bradford
township, with a large lot of sawed lumber,
were burned down last night. Loss" about
$12000. .".,
The Lager Beer Bill Vetoed.
We learn from the Wilkesbarre "Record of
the l imes," tnat txov. Bigler. m his recent
speech at that place, came out boldlv and
sun mat me i.iger oeer uui.was not in Ins
1 J AA.- T .
breeches pocket, but that he alreadv vetoed it
The Governor claimed to be pnrt of the law
making power, and intimated that his will
outweighed majorities in the Legislature! Of
caurse! That is democratic "popular sover
eignty" one man power! This bill, it will be
recollected, was designed to- suppress,'-to a
very great extent, the trattic m lager beer, and
close up tne siuns oi miquitv that diserace
all our towns and villages. This bill which
Governor Bigler says he has vetoed, provi
ded that lager beer sellers should obtain their
licenses from the Courts, in the same manner
and under the same regulations that hotel
keepers are obliged to do that thoir petitons
should bo signed by twelve reputable citizens,
certifying them (the lager beer sellers) to be
of good, repute for honesty and temperance,
and that their establishments . are necessary
for the public accomnlodation. Under this
bill not one in ten of the traffickers in laser
b .r could have obtained licenses. But Gov.
Bigler must have the votes of this class of
citizens, and the only way to secure them was
by the veto of the l.iger beer bill. The iniqui
ty has been consumated-the Governor has
openly espoused the cause of the lager beer
sellers and it now remains for the friends of
temperance to rebuke, at the ballot box, the
man who, with professions of temperance warm
upon his lips, basely truckles to the lager beer
sellers, that "thrift may follow fawniDg."
Governor Bigler is publicly recosnized and
claimed as the "lager beer candidate," and
his most zealous and active adherents are to
be found among the"lager beer sellers and
their patrons. In view of this fact, temper
ance men have but one course to pursue.
J. eiegraph. ,
A Familt Bcrnedto Death. -fJiant'SeDt.
8. On Tuesday night the house of Mr. Bald
win, at Moriab, Essex county, was burned
down, and himself, wife and . four childern
were burned to death. ......
If fltndi illsT if 1
' ' J3r--bastDess -this week. u; '
r - v - ' "" ", ' "." s
Slightly on the nsepviT river: - '-
Drawn cu the men that came to hear Bigler.
High the price of oal in the Eastern cities.
Don't forget the Whig meeting to night.
Not here Gov. Bigler, as was announced. Rea
son sickucss.
Cat a swell the man with a new suit of clothes,
on Sunday lust.
' Good music on Fiiuay ciht last by the Clear
field Brass Baud. - .a. !.... ..... - .
Arrested blind xuin for looking at a deaf and
dumb man, screaming murder.-, ....
Useless the hog law, if" we are to judge from
the number of 'porkers' J-et at large.
Understands his business Tom Shea, nis cus
tomers never fail to get lfiu?-' Give him a call.
Mitch needed the' improvements made by our
borough officers last "week; They deserve great
credit. . -, -; r- -t; :-, .- : '
Hea l it The Rafting story on our first page.
"Who is there in Clearfield cannot vouch for its
truth? : - i. ;. :
About the man with the pipe:stem legs. If he
should happen to get a 'brick in hia hat', he's a
goner.:-'. . - .. .. ' ' :
- Court. Xot ' very throng. Have disposed of
eevcral peases. Business enough to keep them in
sexton all week. . . ; -: . ? ,,
. Frightful the ravages of the yellow fever in
Charleston and Savannah.' The latter: is almost
depopulated. . . . ; . ;.
Sici Gov. Bigler, at Waverly, : He is fast re
covering, and we suppose will , soon resume bis
stumping operations. ,
, The Saturday Evening lIu-ilii an excellent
paper.. Published at. 106 Chcsaut Street, Phila
delphia, by C. F. Peters i Co
" IVell attended the Temperance meeting in. tho
Court House on Monday evening.' It . was address
ed by Judge Hale, Pam'l. Liun, Esq., and others.
Tasty our new sign. Troutman's improving.
Those who want lettering and ornamental paint
ing done well, should call on Troutjiax & Howe.
Flourishing the 'Know Nothings' or 'Hollers,'
in Curwensville. . .. "Wo hear that the -blockT is call
ed in requisition nearly every night Let her
rip-
Accommodating the young gentleman who
carries all his gamp 'to another house' to be cooked.
Not a fair shake John. So give us a chance next
time.
Got a dueling somo of our young gentlemen,
at the corner the other night. Shower baths ' are
not the plcasantest things imaginable these cool
evenings.
Suspicious those Dcmocrais. guking' about the
Town Hall on Saturday night last. 'Iron beads'
about. We like that kind of opposition to secret
societies! ' '
' Arrived M. A. Frank's new stock of clothing
trimming, Ae. Although Michael's a 'bloody na
tive,' he knows how to select fine and cheap
goods.
Gone to Europe our friend Capt. Powler, of
Xew Washington. We expect to hear from him
dnrini his tour, and will give our readers, the
benefit of his obsorvatione.
In t'jw i Col. Alexander, of the Clarion Deui
ocrut, looking like a pretty fuir specimen of a live
loco. The Col's, a clever fellow, and we hope . he
may always have a good list of subscribers, and a
'pocket full of rocks.' .
Ariioi"ledgrs the corn the Clinton Democrat.
Thai's right Col. We like to seo a man confess
to his miotakes, and are always disposed to treat
such men as geittlenian, among whom it affords us
pleasure to rar.k you.."
- JVtw Post Office at Kylcrtown, in this county
We hope that we shall receive fewer complaints
from our subrcribers there, now that they have an
office of their own. Those who desire their papers
changed will give us notice.
Mist j ken those who suppose we can be . kep
from saying just what we please, by thrents. Wc
consult nobody's tnates but our own, and those who
don t like our articles can just make their best of
it. Now, crack your whip, old snigglefritrrj and
see who beats.
Highly favoraUethe report of the Chief En
gineer of the Tyrone and Clearfield Itailroad. We
were spoken to on the subject of publishing a syn
opsis of the document, but tho board, for some
reason, have so far neglected to furnish us with
copy. ..Sir .Montgomery is a good Engineer, and
his report may be relied upon, bo it what it may
All right and really for action, Hemphill has
just fitted up the addition to his house with an en
tire new stock of cottage furniture, and has re
ceived a supply of venison and other game, ready
for Court. Those who stop with him will live
high, and sleep on the latest style of Freneh pa
tent "spring bottomed bedsteads." He's bound
not to be beat in 'wild cat district.
Clevrr fellow. Our friend Sol.' Bacdeh, -who
keeps good house below Frenehville illuminated
onr nanotion a few mornings since. We had tho
pleasure of making our professional debut, in Clear
field, under Sol's hospitable roof, and consequent
ly we have a sort of liking, for him, his house,
and the people of that section. He's a -sound
.rr " . - - .
Bound to le ahead. Our friends at New Wash
ington have determined to give us a larger list than
any other office in the county. Let her flicker,
and we'll speak for you, not only on the glorious
Fourth, but on Christmas, New Year, the 22d
February, and all the other hollidays in the year.
Groat country up there. Pretty girls, high living,
clever people, and plenty of the "ready John."
Wants to lnoir the Clinton Democrat, whether
we will publish M. Crawford'a lotter. Could'nt
think of taking up our space with such a pieco of
moonshine. The'Bluu Book' upon which he ba
ses his remarks is more than a year old, and it is
well known that the largest number of foreigners.
ppointed to office has been during the last year.
You will have to Show us better authority than
that, Col. '
A Villian. Look out for him. An Irishman,
short, thick set, wearing a brown coat,' and cap,
passing himself off for a school master," came to
Hemphill's last week, and after remaining there
four days decamped on Thursday night, without
paying his bill, and carrying with him the watch
of one boarder and some of clothes of another.
He also endeavored to pass a $20 counterfeit bill
on Mosssp A Pottarff. He's one of m.
. ' Judge Smyser's Letter.
The following is Jtuige Smyser's letter to
t.ie 3tafe Temperance Convention, by which
U will be seen that he takes the same positiou
as Judge BLACKv r.Both considering it impro
per to give promises ov .pledges on questions
of . law whsctf might come before theiu to de
cide '
Xorristows Ta, May 29, 1854.
Dear Sir : I received yours of the 24th
inst'.a lew days ago, in which you say that
as Chairman appointed by the friends of a
Prohibitory Liquor law in Pennsylvania, you
have been directed to forward- the following
interrogatory to the difJerent candidates. and
to lay their replies before a Prohibitory' State
Convention, to Be held at Harrisburg on the
7th of June next, and In which ' yoii also" re
quest my answer in season to lay it before said
Convention -: .
Do you believe a law prohibiting tho man
ufacture and s.ile of ajt intoxicating liquors
except for medicinal, mechanical, sacramental
and scientific purposes to be constitutional?"
The question presented is one of the utmost
practical moment in reference 'to the moral
and political relations of the, social state. - As
such, it -hart, necessarily, awakened- general
interest, and provoked a very great deal of
discussion. The current of opinion, as well
as of decision, seems to be setting strongly in
favor of the aflirmative of the proposition,
most of the decisions of a contrary tenor seem
ing to rest on objections rather' to the detail,
for enforcing its observance, than to the prin
ciple itself. Whilst participating, therefore,
in the general sentiment, without pausing to
question its correctness, and yielding to nono
in my earnest, desire to see our country freed
from the crime and raises which intemper
ance engenders, it is due to the sul ject to say
that whatever may have been my impressions,
I have never yet felt it to be my especial duty
to bestow upon it that searching investigation
which I should feel bound to give were I call,
ed upon, judicially, to decide it as a question
of constitutional law.
On questions like this, it is almost impos
sible to avoid the formation of an opinion on
the one side or the other. Their importance
necessarily arrests the attention ; reflection,
and perhaps investigation follow; and the re
sult generally is a conclusion either adverse or
favorable. And herein is manifested the dif
ference between the candid man and the bigot. ,
The former is open to conviction," and, when
convicted of error in his original impressions,
corrects them ; the latter is intractable' and
therefore unchangeable. I trust. I shall al
ways be found arrayed with the former, and
not grouped with the latter.
It is due, however, to myself, and without
the slightest disrespect bciug intended either
to the Committee or Convention, that I should
say to both with perfect explicitncss and can
dor, that it is inconsistent with my views of
duty and propriety, whilst occupying the po
sition of a candidate for the Supreme Bench
of Pennsylvania," to give any assurances or
pledges, either express or implied, as to what
will or will not be ray. decision, if elected,
upon this or any other legal or constitutional
question which may or might come before me
for adjudication. Not to secure my elevation
to. the highest judicial.5tation..in. the world,
would' I give such pledges.
This,' like all other questions, would be de
cided when it came before me according to
what might then seem to be the law, untram
melled by any previous committals, bringing
to its consideration as far as possible, a free
unbiased mind, and unprejudiced judgment.
Tiiis the constitution requires, the oath of, of
fice enjoins, . and the public safety demands.
Any other course would be as f,t: io the in
dependent and free action of the Judiciary, an
it would be derogatory - te the. integrity and
self respect of the candidate for judicial hon
ors. It would be realizing the, worst forebod
ings of the opponents of an elective judiciary,
by making the rules of law, upon the correct
exposition of which by the courts, the citizen
relies, in the last resort, for protection in his
property, life and liberty, depend on party
combinations and corrupt personal arrange
ments, on the part of tnose who prize success
more than right, and value personal elevation
beyond official integrity. My own position as
as a candidate was neither sought for nor ex
pected. I await the result without solicitude.
Success, in my opinion, would be purchased
too dearly at the price of a principle so im
portant as the freedom of the judiciary.
. You and the Committee will therefore dis
tinctly understand that, in the event of my
election, I go upon the bench tree and un
pledged, to act upon this as upon all other
questions that may come before me for my ju
dicial action, with no other rule or guide than
my own honest ami consciencious judgment of
what the law is,' when I shall be called upon to"
declare it. I am sure that you and the Con
vention will do jut-ticc to my sentiments, and
respect my scruples, even should you and
they not altogether coincide with me in hold
ing them. I can afford to be defeated, but I
cannot afford to purchase success at the price
of what I conceive to be wrong, viz : by pre
judging as a candidate, that which I may by
called upon to decide as a judge.
;- With high respect and regard, '
Your obedient Servant, .
DAX'L. M. SMYSER.
To Stephex Miller, Esq., Chairman of the
Committee of the friends of the Prohibitory'
' Liquor Law. ' v -
Wilmot and Bicler. The Determination
manifested in certain quarters to represent
Judge Wilmot as a friend of Bigler, induces
us to reprint the following resolutions adop
ted at a meetiug of democrats in Sullivan
county, in which Mr. Wilmot took part. Tho
following are the resolutions:
Resolved, That we have no reason to believe
that Gov. Bigler agrees with us in any point
connected with the question of Slavery now
agitated; we knew he recommended the pas
sage of. a law allowing slaveholders to carry
their slaves through this State; we know he
endorses the Fugitive Slave Law, which tram
ples upon our personal rights; we know his
election would be regarded in every part of tho
Union as a triumph of the allies of slavery, and
as those who are not for us, in this matter, are
against us, we declare Gov. Bigler unworthy
of our support.
Resolved, That inasmuch as J udge Pollock has.
declared explicitly that he is in favor of re-enacting
the law which prohibited slavery in tha
territories north of thirty-six degrees and thir
ty minutes north latitude; and also in favor of
the manumission of any slaves illegally hel4
there, he ocoupies a position so much mora
iust and liberal than Gov. Bigler, that (with-
out endorsing tne cautious aauressoi tne w nig
Central Committee) we esteem it our duty to
give Judge Pollock our full and active sup
port in the couiming election.
Judge v nmot maae a lengtny address t
the meeting which passed these resolutions,
and they are not only the legitimate conse-r
quence of the position advocated by him, but
have his sanction and approval. -Pitts. Gazett
Xew York Democracy The Soft Shell .
State Convention has had a hard time at Syr
acuse. . A. larjra portion of the delegates were
office holders and disnensers. who forced Ne
braska resolutions through, noon which Pres
ton King and all the Free Soilers left the Con
vention. The administration is very very
weak in Xew York, and Capt. Kynder 9 Us
most zealous champion. i
.micnts.