Raftsman's journal. (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, April 02, 1856, Image 3

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Raftsman's f ranral.
S. B. ROW, Editor ad Proprietor.
CLEAR FIELD, PA., APRIL 2, 1856.
suneei of the Philadelphia Convention.
TOR PRESIDENT,
MILLARD FILLMORE.
VICE PRESIDENT,
ANDREW JACKSON DONNCLSON.
the union state convention.
This body, which met at Harrisburg on last
Wednesday, to nominate a State ticket for the
support of all opposed to Locofocoism, ad
" journed on the 27th, after baring accomplished
the purposes fur which it was called. Nearly
every district in the State was represented,
delegates from all but two, we believe, being
ia attendance. The proceedings were charac
terised by the greatest harmony, and were of
uch a satisfactory nature as to create the live
He it anticipations for the success of the ticket
nominated, which is composed as follows :
CAS AX. COXXISSIOXER,
THOMAS E. COCHRAN, of York Co.
ACDITOR OEXKRAL,
DARWIN PHELPS, of Armstrong Co.
SCRTETOR GENERAL,
BARTHOLOMEW LA PORTE, of Bradford Co.
The Philadelphia Daily News, a substantial
American journal, speaks of the nominees in
tba following manner:
"All of these nominees are gentlemen of
high character, undoubted qualifications, and
personal influence and popularity in the res
pective localities in which they reside. Mr
Cochran is an Old Line Whig, and formerly
reprcsented York in the State Senate. He is
a lawyer by profession, and for many years ed
ited the Tork Republican. His nomination is
the best that has been made lor Canal Com
missioner for many years. He would do honor
to the office, and is just the man to introduce
the much needed rform ia that Department
of the Government.
"Mr. Phelps is an American, and now repre
sents Armstrong county in the Honse of Rep
resentatives. He was formerly a Whig, is a
lawyer by profession, a gentleman of high
character, and, in every respect, admirably
qualified to discharge the duties of the account
ing Department of the Government.
"Mr. Laporte is an American Republican, I
and was formerly a Democrat. lie was a mem- j
her of the last House of Representatives, and j
is again a member of the present one. lie is
a strong man in .Northern Pennsylvania, and
well qualified for the duties of the Land De
partment." .
a wis is probably the only ticket that will
be presented in opposition to the Democratic
State tickot, there will be no difficulty in in
dividuals deciding which they shall support.
The Democratic papers were predicting a flare-
op In the Convention, but have been sadly dis
appointed, and as a matter of course will be
down on the nominees severely. But the can
didates are so well known that their strictures
will fall harmless upon them. Of Mr. Phelps
we can speak from personal knowledge. He
ia a mail of undoubted ability, and wherever
he is known is decidedly popular. The dis
trict which he represents in the Legislature
gave formerly a Democratic majority of from
1000 to 1200 ; Mr. Phelps was, however, elect
ed by a handsome majority, running several
hundred ahead of the rest of the ticket upon
which he had been placed.
The proceedings of the Convention will be
found elsewhere in this paper.
DEMOCRATIC RETREUCHME3TT.
Last fall the people were frequently-assured
by the Democratic leaders that, in case their
party was successful, numerous reforms would
be effected and the strictest economy prac
ticed in our State affairs and finances. We
observe they are busy at work ; but it seems to
s that their ideas of economy differ materi
ally from those of prudent men generally
The Berks Connty Press, in noticing the pas
mage of a bill to regulate the. State printing,
says that it "learns from those who have ex
amined its provisions carefully, that it not on
ly increases the price to be paid for 'composi.
tion' and 'press work' seventy per cent., but
will add upwards of Thirty Thocsaxd Dol
lars per annum to the cost of doing the work;
that It is understood that the special object in
passing this bill is for the purpose of estab
lishing at Harrisburg a new sham democratic
central organ ;" and adds that "a more un
blushing attempt to rob the Treasury has not
been made for many years, although the party
has ever been good at performing operations
of this kind." A few days since the General
Appropriation Bill was up before the House,
and among the items we observe one of $2,500
for employing a State Engineer, which was
carried by a vote of 56 to 82. It would seem
that the duties which this officer is to perform,
come 6trictly within the sphere of the Canal
Commissioners' duties. If this is the case,
the creation of this office is nothing more than
another means of rewarding some favorite
without encroaching upon the "flesh-pots" of
others. This sort of retrenchment seems to
be peculiar to the Democratic reformers in this
State, and it might be well enough for the tax
payers to remember these operations, as they
will give them a pretty correct idea of the man
ner in wnich a Democratic Legislature is dis
posing of the money which is extorted from
them in the way of high taxes.
Saltpetkb ix Tennessee. A company in
Tast Tennessee has been formed for the pur
pose of manufactoring saltpetre. Large quan
tities of the nitrons earth are to be found in
tint section .of the fit-ate. . - ,
A "NEIGHBORLY" SALUTE.
In last week's issue of the Democratic or
gan in this place, we find an article, headed
"Roorbacks He-appearing," in which wo are
charged with "endorsing an unmitigated and
wholesale falsehood,' by publishing a set of
resolves of the New Hampshire Legislature of
1847, which were said to have been written by
Franklin Pierce, and which conflict with the
present position of his party on the slavery
question. We gained our information and
copied the resolutions from one of the most
respectable and reliable journals printed in
Philadelphia ; and we were not cognizant that
any pretension was made to deny their author
ship until ire noticed the extremely polite and
genteel article of the Republican. The mere
dictum of "our neighbor" down street can't,
however, be taken as proof positive that a
"barefaced lie," as he terms it, has been cir
culated. It is an insult to the intelligence of
the people to suppose that they have the ere
dulity to believe so. As to the matter of using
harsh epithets, we care not a whit. There is
no inordinate amount of mental calibre re
quired to call a man a liar : a street rowdy or
brawling bully can do that to perfection, and
never injure himself he won't wink at the ef
fort. There are individuals, we have often
heard it remarked, who are constitutionally
addicted to falsifying. They can't avoid it;
and by some mode of ratiocination peculiar to
themselves, they are led to believe that all
others are possessed of a similar weakness,
and soon they become habituated to impugn
ing the veracity of their neighbors. We trust,
for the sake of moral progress, if for nothing
else, that the editor of the Republican is not of
this class; though, judging from the manner
in which he has delivered himself of late, it
might readily bo supposed that he would come
within the category of those who
"Have lights where others eyas aro blind,
As pigs are said to see the wind."
The Liquor Lice.nse Bill. The committee
of conference settled upon a license bill which
was submitted to the two nouses of our State
Legislature on Friday last. The bill passed
the Senate unanimously; the House by a two-
thirds vote. Hotels and taverns are to be clas
sified according to the estimated yearly rental.
Where the rental ts $10,000 or more, the li
cense tax is to be S 1,000 ; where from $8,000
to $10,000, license $800 ; from $6,000 to $8,-
000, license $600 ; from $4,000 to $6,000, li
cense $400 ; from $2,000 to $4,000, license
$300; from $1,000 to $2,000, license $150;
from $500 to $1,000, license $100 ; from $300
to $500 rental, $50 license; and where the
rental is under $300, a license of $25 is to be
paid ; Provided, that in Philadelphia and Pitts
burgh no license shall be granted for less than
$75, and in other cities, towns and boroughs
containing over 200 laxables, for not less than
$50; one hotel in the cities to bo licensed for
every 100 taxables, and one for ever- 150 tax-
ables elsewhere, and allows one eating-house
to be licensed for every four hotol, I:-.
. K l twwiu rucsDurgh and Phil
adelphia, and elsewhere not less than $20.
Death op J. Biddle Gordon, Esq. It is
with feelings of deep regret that we announce
the death of J. Biddle Gordon, Esq., of this j
borough. He died very suddenly yesterday
at about 2 P. M. from what are technically
termed "spinal spasms." He bad returned
home the evening before from a visit east
and though complaining of slight indisposi
tion went to his office on the morning of his
death, after which he stopped in at the honse
of John L. Cnttie, Esq., where he died as be
fore stated. His remains, wa understand or
to be taken to Readinz. where his fathr
- -.u j".--'"-a "v.
promise with the brightest prospects before
him, and was highly esteemed bv all who
knew him. "
, .
Investigating Committee. On Monday of
last week, Mr. Speaker Banks appointed L
r n v ,u- , , " PP,niea
D. Campbell of Ohio, Mr. Howard of Michi-
gan, and Mr. Oliver of Missouri, to proceed to
Kansas for the nurnoso of fullv invr-stiffatino.
all the troubles of the Territorv. Mr. nJmn.
hPli n T v.' "7
w, "'cu, aim
Mr. Sherman of the same State, was annointed
in his place. Mr. nickman, it is said, sicni-
fied his unwillingness to serve on the commit-
, . ... I
tee. The committee is authorized to employ
vicrns ana oergeants-at-arms, to proceed to
the Territory, to investigate fully all the
frauds charged to have been committed in all
thc elections, and the President is requested
to anora them military protection should it be
necessary.
n ht Mexico is an Axarcht. The immense
wealth of the Roman Catholic Church in Mex
ico is often spoken of on account of its influ-
tul u political auairs. niie the annual
income of the rennblic does nnt vri o ivwv
000, the revenues of the church will amount to
9fi nnn nr vt, j . ,i
$28,000,000. The product of the tithes, on an
average, is estimated at $1,835,000 per annum,
and, in addition to this, the clergy possess an
immense capital in specie, the accumulation
oi three centuries, arising partly from bequests
and partly from surplus income. The eccle
siast establishment consists of one archbishop
Enfsr vhat portiOQ
of the tithes intended for the subsistence of
the clergy, and amounts to $400,000 the arch-
bishop receiving $130,000.
. ... ,
War Expenses. TheChancellorof tbeBrit-
ish Exchequer, in a statement made to Parlia-
ment, estimates the cost of the two years' war
with Russia at -C43,561,000 or about $200,000,-
000 ! Add equal amounts for France, Russia
.ndTarl!.y,.,drha.loU1ft800,000,000
It will take, perhaps, ono thousand millions of
dollars to pay all the expenses of the war.
.
A Dry Spell. Late advices from Isle an
Sal, Cape de Verds, state that the Island was
. ... . . . ' ...
healthy, but water was exceedingly scarce, no
rain having fallen for fonr years, which caused although the free States, had not gained a sin
the cattle to die in great numbers. Bread- fie Sute in all this territory, which according
$18 per bbl., and bread at $10 per bag.
roa the raftsman's journal.
THE PRESIDENT OP TIIE UNITED STATES A
VIOLATOR OF THE PUBLIC FAITH,
Mb. Editor: Some time since, I published
in your valuable Journal a number of charges,
preferred against the Chief Magistrate of our
I Republic, and as these charges have elsewhere
been declared untrue, I now will, with vour
permission, proceed to make good every charge
specified in my communication.
The first charge, is that of "violating the pub
lic faith., by breaking up a solemn contract be
tween the two great sections of our country,
which will greatly endanger, if not entirely
dissolve our Union."
The Missouri Compromise was a clear and
I specific contract, entered into by and between
the people of the Free States, of the one part.
and the people of the Slave Mates, of the oth
er, and ratified by their representatives in Con
gress. In 1S19, Missouri, formed out of Ter
ritory purchased from France, applied to Con
grcss to be admitted into the Union as a slave
holding State. This the people of the Free
States everywhere strenuously resisted, as it
involved consequences of the utmost inipor
tance to the welfare of the country. But the
slaveholding interest demanded its admission
into the confederacy, and denied the right of
Congress to impose conditions upon new States
applying for' admission into the Union. The
power, however, rested with the Free States,
and Missouri was refused admission. In 1820,
the snbject was renewed in Oongress, and the
people of the Slave States agreed to settle the
controversy by compromise ; that if the peo
ple of the free Mates would admit Missouri
as a Slave State into the Union, that all that
territory, ceded by France to the Tj nitcd States,
north of 36 deg. SO min. north latitude, should
be forever given to Freedom. To this the
people of the Free States, in good faith, agreed.
And by their representatives in Congress, both
parties entered into an honorable compromise,
or solemn contract, in the following binding
ngrcement : "In all that territory, ceded bv
France to the United States, under the name
of Louisiana, which lies north of SG deg. SO
mm. of north latitude, not included within the
limits of the State ofMissonr! ?fri nn,t
voluntary servitude, otherwise than in the pun-
ishment of crime, whereof the parties shall
have been duly convicted, shall be. andis here
by forever prohibited." In each house of
Congress, a majority of the members from the
Slave Mates, as well as from the Free States,
voted in favor of this compromise. In 183G.
Arkansas, another Slave State, formed out of
a portion of this territory, lying south of S6
deg. oO nun., was admitted into the Union
Thus, two slave states, by virtue of this com
promise, camo into the Confederacy, while
Freedom as yet gained nothing, but the prohi
bition of slavery from a vast region reserved
for free states. The powers of slavery now
put forth their efforts in earnest, to rule the
Republic. And under the administration of
President Tyler, slavery was declared to be a
political institution, and consequently, was ta
ken under the special care and ffuardianshiD of
the Genoral Government, and no longer left as
a state institution, to be controled by tho in
dividual states themselves. Then it was that
Congress began to act for slavery. The right
of petition was taken away ; the freedom of
speech denied ; the privilege of the press cur-
laueu, ana me inree Hundred thousand slave
holders began to rule fifteen millions of free
Americans. None but a slaveholder, or one
in favor of slaveholding, was henceforth to fill
the Jf residential chair. Cabinet, and diploma
tic officers, must all be slaveholders in fact, or
in principle, and no office of profit or trust
could be filled by any but slaveholders, or
those politically identified with sluvcrr. Laws
nere enacioa, ana rules adopted, by Congress
for the support and advancement of slaverv :
and the Supreme Court, being composed of a
majority oi slaveholders, can make all laws
constitutional. And although slavery had now
got all the power and patronage of the govern
ment in her own hands, vet she was not satis-
nea, out astced that her limits ba extendi
and demanded that the Government pay ten
miuions oi aoiiars, and take Texas into the U-
mon, as a slave state, with a stipulation th.it.
four more states should become members of
tne confederacy, whenever they might be form-
ea wunin ner limits. Thus the General Gov
ernment made provision foraddintr fire mr
new slave states to the Union, and securer? in
the slave power ten additional members in the
Senate of the United States, while the free
states gained nothinz but a war with fi.Tmn
hich c-os.t .he country over one hundred mill
- "ons oi aoilars.
Ae biavenoming power, not yet content
with her achievements over Freedom, demand-
cd tnat slaery should have acce'ss to all the
free f-erritorJ acquired from Mexico, and threa-
it-ueu io ovennrow the Union, unless her de
tnan,,s were granted. States formed out of
le.mt?r ,tn free constitutions, asked
admission into the confederacy, and after one
ol the most serious struggles eer had in con-
grc.ss California was finally admitted into the
Union. But Xew Mexico, with her free Con.
st'tution, was thrown back to the condition of
r:V a.na. contrary to the wish of her
peopie, ner wnoie region, with that of Deseret
was thrown open bv Congress to Klnv.n-. '
, .Bu th slaveholding power, after having ob-
J"' Z " l"!SeCon'lu?sts over Freedom, only
in ru-ant, ana consequently de
manded that the people of the free states ev
CI J oecome sumect to the control of the
fhaV P.wer?an1 th5 General Government, now
Tion. enacted .77 i"" L"""'""
citizens of the free states to run at the word of
the slaveholder, and aid hi m in hi xenrh- y t
slavery, or be subject to imprisonment, and a
thousand dollars fine a law that, contrary to
the Constitution suspends hnln rnrnn.
. u vto, V
destroys the right of trial by jury a law'that
uriuea us omcers, by giving them ten dollars
ii mey consign tneir victim to slavery, or on
MJ nve u tney let them go free. This act,
which has become the bv-word of Cnmn oi
!i!C2rn of civilization, is now the pandect of
ouverjr, on me statute of True America.
After this last great victorv of th lav
powers over freedom, and becoming satisfied
with t!?eir success, they proclaimed through
ff Jnmi
now forever settled ; and that it should rest as
sacred as the Constitution itself, anrf Pr.;,..
fierce in nis nrst message to Congress, pledz
T- - , , . . . ' ivumi.ij,
K-riisr pBTarntothperse0-
promises, proved substantial as a dream The
powers of slavery, now seeing but one barrier
in theip.way to the supreme control of the cn-
lirf uawn, ai once resolved on its removal.
TvhL9 barri,er WM tho Missouri Compromise,
SXg7 ffiS hadtter
mutually airreeintr. that slavrJ Vh.?
ever Prohibited, north of 86 deg. 30 m.. north
iatItule.-,n. a11 tha territory purchased from
lJ!Z2
holding states, having cot their nortion i 111
territory formed into slave States, and admit-
i - ea into tne Union, now determined to wrest
fCom the free States, their portion of the ter-
,7 , ,aPPr.Priate the last acre of
Iree territory, belonging to the United SLit
to the use and benefit of slaverv for a "j
Pierce signed, and made . lawful, the act of a
pro-slavery Congress, that fraudulently swept
from tne iree Mates, the last vestige of na
tional right, by declaring the Missouri restric
tion, "inoperative and void." Thus, the Pres
ident, by ono single act, removed the last bar
rier, that had been mutually, and sacrcdlv rais
ed by our fathers, against the encroachments
of slavery. By this single act, the President,
Franklin Pierce, broke up a faithful, and sol
emn contract, between the two great sections
oi our country, wnicn has already opened up
a field for strife and civil war. By this one
act, he destroyed a sacred compromise, that
was made in good faith, between the north
and the south, to exist forever, tho destruc
tion of which, has greatly 'endangered the U
nion. And by this act, he flung to the winds,
all the binding obligations of the nations plight
ed faith, and forced her to abandon her solemn
engagements, and sent slaverv on its withering
march, over all the virgin soil, that thirty-lour
years oeiore, had been for a valid considera
tion, deeded to freedom, forever. Then is not
the first charge in the indictment true : That
the President has violated the public faith, by
breaking up a solemn contract, between the
two great sections of our country, which will
gicatly endanger, if not entirely dissolve our
Union 7
And in reference to the editor of the Re
publican, I have;only to say, that if he intends
to write in the style or low and vulgar insult,
iiv Mm noi ue noucca, ior
''No candid, upright, honorable man.
Will dare insult me, and no other can."'
Clearfield, March 28th 185G. C. J.
LETTER TlLOM JOS. B. McEtfALLY, Esq.
Mr. S. B. Row : I perceive in the last num
ber of the "Clearfield Republican" an edito
rial article in regard to myself, under the cap
tion of "Good Bye, Mac." I wish to say a
few woids in reply. In speaking of myself
and the political campaign of 1854, the editor
in that article proceeds to say,
"There was nothing wron? then with the Xo-
"braska bill. That measure he endorsed to
" the fullest-extent and extolled the National
"Administration extravagantly on this very
sui'jeci.-'
Now, nothing could be farther from the truth
than that statement. I never entertained such
an opinion. On the other hand, I always be
lieved that the repeal of the Missouri Compro
mise by the Nebraska bill was in the highest
degree unwise and improper. I have no recol
lection of ever extolling the present National
Administration on any suljcct, and I am cer
tain I never extolled it on account of the Kan
sas Nebraska bill.
It was not my design to take any part in the
political campaign of 1854. But by the ear
nest request of some members ot the Demo
cratic party, I was induced to attend a few
mucmigs jusi uciore me election. In my
speeches at those meetings, there were at least
two subjects cn which I did not speak. I did
not in any way discuss the Kansas Nebraska
bill, and I did not say one word respecting
Gov. Bigler. Much was said at those meet
ings in favor of Gov. Bigler, and,.I think, also
in tavor of the Kansas Nebraska bill: but it
was by other speakers and not by myself. It
was not. however. ereneralTr lsirfd In- th
i Paa3.s me jvansas AeorasKa bill an issue
in the State politics, and the very convention
whirl, nomine n?i s
terly refused to pass any. resolutions on the
subject.
mo score or consistency, I would not
like to make an even exchange with the edi
tor of the Republican. There may, however,
be some little difference in our ideas of con
sistency. The only consistency at which I aim
is to support those men and those measures
which will most promote the welfare of the
country. The editor's consistency seems to
consist in adhering, under all circumstances,
to his party.
But the real question of public interest is
not, whether I or some other private citizen
has been consistent in his political course, but
whether the people ought to sustain tho party
that endorses the course of the present Na-
tioral Administration.
For my own part, I feel fully convinced that
tho highest interests of the country require
that the present National Administration, and
those who justify its course, should be remov
ed from power. Whether right or wrong, the
opinion has been deliberately formed and hon
estly entertained.
The editor of the Republican has a right to
think otherwise, and to convince his neighbors
if he can. But of one thing he may be as
sured, that to use his columns in needless p?r
sonal assaults on private citizens is not the
way to enlighten the community on public
questions.
Public measures and public men are fair
subjects of comment. If the editor of the
Republican will confine himself to them and
to other matters of ni,i, intn :
enough to occupy his attention without assail
ing me. If, however, he cannot restrain him
self, we would ask as a favor that he endeavor
to acquire the habit of tellinjr the truth.
March 31,' 56. J. B. McEnallt.
A Horrible Tragedy took blace six m;i.
east of Bridgeport, in Madison county. N. Y
on Rnnrt,. o-a ..c " '
Vl iuarcn. me wire or a
u.uuwCU, nyriniess leilow, named Mathw
ivaru, murdered four of her children in cold
, .
blood. Ward neglected his family and treated
them crnellv Tr; ;r !. j ...
not reform and help her, she would kill herself
and children. He heeded not the threat and
continued his old habits. On the day named
Tia uvnt ........ .
ZZa . ; .u Ji . - 6 tooft an axo
u ,Ui iub wroai oi lour children, the oldest,
aged about 8 years, escaped by running, the unanimously declared the nominco for Audi
mothervainly nursuinfr. THV. to- , ! tor General.
ed and ftftomrtori v . ru
ed and attempted to cut her own throat with
a razor, but did not cut deep enough to prove
fatal.
Protection
law passed at the late session of the Virginia
Legislature, to prevent, as far
- . - va avail I r (lie I
abduction of slaves by means of the northern was unanimosly declared tho nominee for Sur
vessels navijatins the stream
Chesapeake Bay, the pilots are required to j
r . . " cvery vessel outward bound, to ascer- a
tain if any fugitive slaves a ahnarrf. Fnr i
making the inspection they are to exact a fee
Of $5 from the captain. An Inxnarinr nn.r. I
al, to reside at Norfolk, is to be appointed by Thomas E. Cochrak, of York county, bav
the Governor. : . r-irf a maioritv- of all h t
UNION STATE CONVENTION.
Wkdsesdat, March 26, 1856
The Union State Convention compo sed of
delegates from the American, Republican and
Whig parties, met in the Hall of the Honse of
Representatives at 12 o'clock, and was tempo
rarily organized by the selection of John Co
vod as President, and Messrs. Beatty, Funk
and Ingham as Secretaries. A committee was
appointed to select officers for the permanent
organization of the Convention.
AFTKKNOOX 8ESSIOX.
The Committee reported the following gen
tlemen for permanent officers of the Conven
tion. The report was unanimously adopted :
President Gideon J. Ball.
Vice Presidents H. Jones Brooke, Wm.
Stewart, Dr. John Wright, Thos. E. Franklin,
Josiah Copley, E. Beatty, C. Thompson Jones,
Andrew Cams, J. F. Linderman, Jon. Knight,
Henry Johnson, Sani'l Royer, L. L. M'Guffin,
D. C. Boal, It. P. M'Dowell, Wm. Jessup, J.
M. Oliphant, Thos. J. Power, J. B.M'Enally.
Secretaries Edward MThcrson, J.M. Rein
hart, Jas. W. T. M'Allister, John N. M'Don
ald, M. C. Mercur, Thos. C. Steel.
The following committee on resolutions was
then selected : Messrs. M'Calmont,Flanigen,
Strong, Small, (PhiFa,) Cooper, Cornman,
Shainline, Downing, Myers, Cowell, Franklin,
Killinger, Fisher, Weaver, M'Lellan, Small,
(York,) Smith, (Cumb.) Ingham, King, (Cam
bria,) Bower, Mercur, Olmstoad, Derrickson,
Chamberlain, Howard, Gazzam, Lawrence,
Scull,Moorhead,Morriaou,Coulter and Palmer.
EVENING SE3SIO.V.
Mr. M'Calmont from the Committee on res
olutions, reported the action of the Commit
tee. The report was read ; and each' resolu
tion acted upon seperatelv.
As finally adopted, they are as follows : j
whereas, me ireemen of Pennsylvania.
opposed to the National Administration, are
divided into political organizations, holding on
some questions of governmental policy divers
opinions; yet it is believed that a large major
ity of the f reemen of this State are agreed up
on the momentous issues forced upon the coun
try by the repeal of the Missouri Compromise ;
by the undisguised policy of the National Ad
ministration to impose by violence and fraud
Slavery upvii Kansas, contrary to the wishes
of a large majority of the inhabitants ; aud by
its unjust, illiberal and Anti-Anicrican prefer
ence in the appointment of men of foreign
birth over those born upon the Foil, to offices,
of trust. and honor, as well as in the distribu
tion of its patronage ; And Whereas, Agree
ment in principle is the only bond that can
unite effectively honest men in political ac
tion : Therefore,
Resolved, That, animated by the spirit of
concession, wc will cordially unite in the sup
port of the candidates to be nominated by this
Convention, upon the basis of those princi
ples upon which we are mutually agreed.
Uesolved, 1 hat the present National Admin
istration, by the exercise of an unwarrantable
influence in the repeal of tho Missouri Com
promise, at the instance ol selfish and section
al politicians ; by the removal of honest and
competent men from offices of honor and trust,
in oruer that their places might be filled by in
ment of the right, designed to be secured to
J them by the Constitution and laws of the Uni-
ted States-thereby showing itself nowerful
laws for the protection of the people and the
honor of the country has justlv forfeited all
claim to the confidence and respect of the peo
ple 01 inis commonwealth.
Resolved, That we will use all honorable
means to check the evils inflicted upon the
country by the unjust aud sectional measures
adopted by the present National Administra
tion, brought about by tho exercise of its pa
tronage ; that we are utterly opposed to the
admission into the Confederacy of Slave States
formed out of Territory once consecrated to
r reedom ; and also to the extension of Slave
ry into any Territories of the United States
now Free.
Resolved, That we cordially disapprove of!
the interference of foreign influence of every
Kind in our civil and political affairs ; and are
equally hostile to tho iuterference of the gov
ernment or people ot the United States m the
affairs of other nations, regarding any such in
terferenco as unwise and in conflict with the
recommendation of Washington's Farewell
Address, which inculcates with emphatic ear
nestness, the propriety of avoiding the adop
tion of any policy which might involve us in
unprofitable and dangerous controversies with
foreign nations.
Resolved, That we regard the pandering of
any party to foreign influence as fraught with
manifold evils to the country, threatening the
stability of our institutions and endangering
the morals of the people bj- a contact with the
paupers and felons cast upon our shores from
the hospitals and prisons of Europe.
Aesolved, that as American Iibertv depends
lor its preservation on the intelligence of the
people, universal education is the first duty of
the State, and that all attempts, by whomso
ever made, or from whatever quarter instiga
ted, to destroy such a beneficent system by
perverting it to sectarian purposes, ot oppos
ing its progress and extension, because it is
Vl ia?. instrument oi inculcating any particu
gious creed, ought to be resisted as
fraught with incalculable mischief and evil.
Resolved, That the respect and confidence of
this Convention and the people of this Com
monwealth are due to the present Chief Ma
gistrate of the State and to the members of
his Administration, for the integrity, purity of
purose and sterling patriotism manifested in
their official conduct, and we heartily com-
Tnd heai A thv suPPor of erer '"n
who val" honor and interests of the
State, and can appreciate tho virtues of devo
ted and faithful public servants
,
- Thursday, March 27. 1856
The Convention met at 9 o'clock and pro-
eeeded at once
eeeded at once to the nomination of a candi
date for Auditor General :
Sankev.
- 7
- 91
- 3
Washburn
Evans, -M'Conkey,
Fielps, - -
lu "
.Bradford, -
Waterhouse,
Darwin PnELrs, of Armstrong county, hav
ins received a maioritv of all tho votes, was
The Convention then proceeded to nominate
a candidate for Surveyor General :
Laporte, - - - 88 I Cobean, - - . - 4
Shedaker,
Brown,
- - 3
King,
Snively,
9
JUL c - -
Bartholomew Laforte, of Bradford co,
The Convention then proceeded to nominate
candidate for Canal Commissioner.
78 I Williamson. - 11
Stitt, .... 6 Power, - - - . l
V.rlin - 20 I Llovd. . - - it
was unanimously declared the nominee for Ca
nal Commissioner.
On motion of Mr. Howard a State Central
Committee, consisting of one from each Sena
torial district, was selected by the delegates
from the several districts as follows :
1. Joseph B. Flanegan, Jacob Dock, rhila.
2. Henry L. Benncr, Oliver P. Cornmai.
Charles Thompson Jones, rhil'a.
3. William n. Slinglefl, Montgomery.
4. n. Jones Brooke, Delaware.
5. Daniel R. Clymer, Berks.
6. Henry T. Darlington, Bucks.
7. Peter Martin, Lancaster; George HifT
man Lebanon.
8. C. F. Mucnch, Dauphin.
9. B. J. Hagenbuch, Lehigh.
11. David Wills, Adams.
12. Abraham Forry, York.
13. E. Beatty, Cumberland.
14. David C. Bo.il, Centre.
15. John Penn Jones, Blair.
16. Philip T. Maus, Montour.
17. William Jessup, Susquehanna.
18. Gen. Ashley M. Hills, CUarfiald
ia- imam siewart, Mercer.
20. John W. Home, Crawford.
21. Michael Wcyand, Beaver.
22. A. II. Miller, Thos.L. Shields, AUaga'y
23. Thomas Miller, Jr., Washington.
24. Gen. William II. Koontz, Somerset.
25. Philip Clover, Clarion.
26. Israel Gutelius, Snyder.
27. Robert Stitt, Westmoreland.
28. Robert M. Palmer, Schuylkill.
The Committee met after adjournment, and
elected U. Jones Brooke of Delaware county.
Chairman.
After some remarks by Gen. Small, Hon .
John Covode, Mr. Howard and Dr. Gaztam,
the thanks of the Convention were tendered
to the officers and members of the Legislature
for their kindness in granting the use of the
Hall; when the Convention adjourned with
three hearty cheers for the ticket.
UISASTES AT SEA. '
One hundred and thirty-fire Lives lost. On
the IGth of January last, the packet-ship John
Rutledge, Capt. Kelly, of New York, left Liv
erpool for New York, having on board one
hundred and twenty passengers, and a crew of
officers and men numbering sixteen making
in all I3G all of whom perished excepting
one, Thomas W. Nye, of New Bedford. Da
ring her passage she encountered severe wea
ther. Oa the 18th of February, she passed
several icebergs, and on the 19th shs entered
a field of ice, from which she could not re
lease herself. At about 10 o'clock on the
20th, the John Rutledge struck an iceburg,
and at about 6 o'clock she went down. There
were five boats on board, in which one hun
dred and thirty four persons were to be saved1,
two having already perished. Four boats
pushed ofT before the one. in which Mr. Vyo
was. The last boat contained only IS persons,
of which four were women, and one a littl
girl. Mr. Atkinson, the mate, put his wifo in
to this boat and while he and the carpenter
went to sound the pumps, a heavy sea struck
the boat, which broke her from her moorings
and drifted her from the ship, w hich was rap
idly sinking, leaving the mate, carpenter and
from SO to 35 passengers on board. The dia-
tress and sa(rS of those in the boat lides-
open seas without a compass, among the fogs
and mists of the banks of New Fouuilar.d,
surrounded by drift and berg ics, their pros
pects were gloomy indeed. Day after day
passed with springing hopes, which the drea
ry nights turned to bitterness and despair.
On tiie third d.ij' one man died then a woman
both were dropped into the sea. The fourth
day can'ic and no ray cf hope, but the same
angry sea, the same leaden sky no water, but
a small quantity of food, aud the cold so in
tense that it almost froze the marrow. This
day their despair was increased when a brig,
which hove in sight, disappeared again with
out having seen them. A burning thirst soon
fell upon all, and heedless of young Nye's ap
peals, they fell to drinking salt water will
delirium ensued. They grew mad and madder
and besought each other to kill them ; then
they dreamed of sitting at sumptuous feasts
and spoke of the rare dainties which mocked
their grasp ; of the delicious beverages which
they in vain essayei to quaff.
At length worn out with the intensity cf
their physical and mental sufferings, they grew
more subdued, their haggard faces became
rigid : their wild 033 assumed a glassy look.
and their shrunken forms seemed gradually to
subside the next lurch of the boat tumbled
them offthe seats, dead ! Such were the sights
which young Nyo witnessed daily. As they
died, he threw their bodies into the sea ; as
long as his strength lasted. On the sixth day
there were only himself, a small woman wrap
ped up in two blankets, and the little girl aliva
in the boat. Before sunset the child died, and
on the day following the woman breathed her
last, ne had strength enough to throw the
body of the child overboard ; but that of the
woman, together with the bodies of three oth
ers, was so coiled np nuder the thwarts that
he was unable to extricate them. Feeling a
strong sense of drowsiness creeping over him.
he fastened a red shirt and a white shirt to an
oar, and hoisting it to attract any passing ves
sel, he coiled himself up in the stern tf the
boat and dozed away the hours, dreaming of
being at home in New Bedford with his family.
Fearing that he too might be delirious, he
fought against these influences, and kept him
self awake by various means. Oa tho 2Sih of
February a ship hove in sight of the lonely boy.
He says thai ho saw her before thosa on board
discovered him, and he was sure from the firrt
that they would pick him up. That vessel
was tho packet ship Germania, Capt. Wood,
fromllavrei boundtoNcw York. When Capt.
Wood descried the solitary boat, he ordered
one of his own quarter-boats to be lowered.
and sent an officer to sec what it contained.
As they approached him poor Nye groaned
"For Jesus Christ's sake, take me out of this
boat." Thev did take him out, with womanly
tenderness, and with the boat and its fearful
load in tow, rowed back to the 6hip. The
young: sailor was quickly transferred to the
comfortable cabin of the Germania, and his
late companions, already far gone in decompo
sition, were threwn into the sea. The boat
was half full of water, and the bodies washing
about in it had covered the seats and Brd iritis
bleed. ,
''3
4
n n