°Aera,td.
111
CARLIS t, PA.•_
irti,day; . Decomb r 14,1860. •
TOWNSNIP AND DOOAL I , Aws OF PENNSYLVA
NIA—by Win. P. Moines Esq.. Published •by
.E. F Pa.—Every Farmer
and Business man. should have a copy of this
work, as it embraces a vast amount of, legal
inforMation especially,
,u:refttl and interesting
to Justices of the Peace, Constables, Super
visors, Assessors, and other township officers;
carefully compiled front the acts of Assembly.
It is handsomely printed and put in substantial
law binding. Those who want to 'see the
general scope of the work, are referred•
advertisement, which Will appear in our next.
THE ,ELEGTORAL COLLEGE
' • The pectoral College of ` Pennsylvania met
at Ifairisburg, .on Wednesday-the sth inst.
UOV. Pollock 'was elected President of the Col-
Messrs W. Hays 'of Harrisburg,
and John Hall of Washington county, were op:
"pointod secretaries. E. Reed Meyer, was
elected as a substitute for 'Mr. Mercnr; who
was detained nt home by indisposition., The
Elocatrs then proceeded to ballot, and the
Telle'rs reported,that twetity-sovon votes had
been cast for Abraham Lincoln far President,
and llannibill mimiin, as Vice President of
the United sldes.
David Taggart was appointed 7Slessenget),to
carry the Electoral vote to the President of
the Scrint.ci at Wasilington, and fleitry Bumm,
to be the hearer to the Judge of the District
Court at Philadelphia. 'The college then closed
up the business of the meeting and adjourned
tine • die.
lEIM:I==
• STATEFINANCES.- An advance copy of the
Auditor Generate report to the Harrisburg
Telegraph, shows that .;;67.1,629,01, haVeheen
applied to the payment. of the State debt,
during the past year, and the balance of'
available ftinds in the State Treaury, N0v.,30
ISO amounted to `.1i681,4:311 OS.' The receipts
into the Treasury from the let day Of Decem
ber - 1859, to the :30th day of November 1860
—inclusivc, 'amounted to $3,479,257,30. The
payments fur the same period, including
~.pnymont on account of' Stat& debt, amount
to $3,637,147 32.
CONGRESSIONAL.
Congress commenced its pressent session on
Monday the 3d inst. After the appojulment
of a joint committee to wait on the President,
and inform him that a quorum of each Hmise
was ready to hear•any communication he might
bo pleased to transmit, they adjourned until
Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the Message was delivered to
both Houses at 12 o'clock. After the reading
of it. in the Senate, Mr. Clingman, of North
Carolina; made a strong secession speech.—
Mr. Crittenden, of Kentucky, replied, in op
position to Mr. Clingman and in behalf of the
Union.
In (lie Howe, on the motion of Mr. Bolder,
of Virginia, to refer that part 'of the Presi
dent's Message, relating to the grievances of
the Southern Stales, to a Select Committee,
several meinbers of Southern States, South
Carolina, Mhudssippi, Georgia and Florida,
declined voting on the ground, that their States
had already ;fulled Conventions to settle the
question.
In the .C'ennte, on Tdesday, Mr. Hale, of N.
Hampshire, moved to reconsider the vote by
which 10,000 copies of the President's Mes
sage were ordered to be printed, and made it
the occasion of a very impolitic speech on the
present crisis. It was at once a violation..of
good taste and sound policy, and was listened
to with regret by his own friends. Ito was•
followed by some of the Southern Senators,
who upheld tlui secession movement.
Mr. Iverson was particularly intemperate
In his remarks. Alluding to the clog in the
way of secession in the peron of Gov. llous
ton, of Texas, Mr. I. said that if he (Houston)
°will not yield to public_sentiment, sonic
Textin Brutus may Arrive to rid his equntry
of this hoary headed traitor."
i n th e Ilou B r, on Thursday, Dec. 6, after
the transaction of some unimportant business,
Mr. Speaker Pennington announced the ap
pointment of the special committee under Mr,
Doteler's resolittion passed on Tuesday, to
consider the questions connected with the
peelloalondition of the country.
The following members compose the Coni
mittee :
TIIIIIIIAA CORWIN, of Ohio, Chairman.
John 9. Wilson, Va. Outs. F. Adams. Mass
. .. - .. .
Warren Winslow, N. C. ` . .lirmex Ilmaphroys, N. 17
Wm. W. lloycw, S. C. Jamos 11. Campbell, Pa.
,Peter}. Love, Lin. Orris S. perry, Coup.
'II. Winter 143 vis, .S1(1. eltrlA.lpheritobliv,on,
Wm. O. WhItoloy,1)01. 7,1.0 n IV. Tappan, N. 11.
J. L. N. StrnLiop, N. . Prattris F. Itrh.tow,
John N. Murrill, Vt. Thos. A. It I{uleon i Tenn
)lil. Taylor, La:
Iteubon Ihtvit+, 1(Is3. Kcllog, Ili
Georg° Ilouston; Ala. Freonuni M. Morse, Mains.
John P. Phelps, Mn. A lbol t Ituq, Ark.
Wlna A. [lnward, Mieh. (leorge S. I lawkins, FIR
A. J. Hamilton Texas. C:C.'Washbnrn, Wis.
Samuel IL Curlls, lows. John C. B i
un , l, Cal.
William Window, 'Minn. Lant.lng Slott, Oregon
Mr. 'Hawkins, (Dcm.l'of Florida, asked to
-be excused from serving on the committee, as
he world be but on inefficient member, •antl
could not act in harmony. with the others.
Mr. Cochrane, (Dem.) of NeNv York, then rose
and said that be regretted to hear the honor
able member ask to biLexcused from serving;
in'times like these the country demands that
its 4itixens should work for its perpetuity.
Mr. Cochrane spoke for some minutes, and
Several times the audience iu the galleries
greeted with bursts of applause his conserva
tive and Union sentiments, Before action
could be taken on miming Mr. Hawkins, a
motion to adjourn prevailed. Both Houses
adjonrned over until Monday.
In the Senate, on Monday, Deo. 10.—The
'revolution of Mr. Powell, referring that part
of the President's Message relating to domes
tic affairs to a select committee, was taken up,
and speeches weramiade by Green of Missouri,
Davis of Mississippi, and others.
In the Houae.—Tho motion to excuse Mr.
Hawkiim of Florida, from serving on the select
committee, was called up. ,- The House refused
to excuse Mr. Hawkins; by a vote of 101 to
95. Mr. IL declared that he would not servo.
Mr. Boyce, of South Carolina, also asked to
be excused.
PiON' \ T PRAY FOR TON Pnusingwr.--The fact
le noted that every Episcopal clergyman in
Charleston, Sunday before lust, omitted the
usual prayer for the President of the United
States.
This reminds us of a member of Dr. Wiley's
church in Philadelphia, who refused to 'pray
for hie wifo, because, as ho said, she was not
one of tho elect, audit was no use to waste pray
anion her."
WELL CHARACITERIZED.--Tbe N. Y. Evening
Ads Washington . poliespondent says:
"The Message wass - playfully but quite hap
pily hit off by Mr. Seward, just after theread
ing, when home friends of the President asked
what.he thought of it. 'I think,'--said
the New York Senator, 'the President has don
oleteively proved two things: 1. That no Slate
bas the sight to aeoede—unless it wishes to:
and 2. That it is the President's duty to en
„for •O the laws--unless somebody'. opposes
GEN. SIMON CAMERON.
There are many. speculations nlloat•as to
the men wile aro to•form the cabinet of Prosi
dent Lincoln, and among others, vro see the
name of Gen. Simon Cameron, used in connec
tion with the Pod' CilicoDdpertment. If welook
at Pennsylvania, with •regard to hor impor
toned, as the second State of the Union, her
population, her wealth, her intelligence, hor
patriotism, and last, tlieugh not 'least, her
proud position in the recent election, as the
Banner State, she cart:Only presents strong
claims to . a cabinet officer; and in presenting
her claims, we believe she can present no man,
in all her bread domain, 4hose selection would
give moi) satisfaction; than the distinguished
BP:niter whose mune heads this article. •
Gen. Cameron was the choice of Penneylva•
nia, for the Presidency. It was a position
accorded to hintwithout question, as a merited
tribute to liberal , statesman-like views, on
questions of National as well as State policy;
energy and integrity in private life, and devo-
Lion to üblic interests. But when the choice
of the , Chicago Convention fell upon another,
no Man yielded mode gracefully than General
Cameron, and no man labored more, earnestly
to secure the electidn of Mr. Lincoln. In
justice, therefore, tiy the plate, to the party,
and to Gen. Cameron himself, it as eminently
right and proper, that ho should be tendered
a seat, in the Cabinet of the new Adminis
tratiom
Personally, we have no acquaintance with
GMu. Cameron. we do not kiTow that he
would accept the offer, if made. But, we do
know, that he would bring to the Post Office,
or Treasury Departments, as much energy
and business tact, as. any man,in the'Country.
The poSition he occupies in' the S'enate' of the
United States, commands (he confidence of the
people; and hiS appointment to a Cabinet of.
free, we feel assured, Mould be not Only RC
ceptAble to the Union, but a fitting compl l / 2 41.
'to the great State, which lie so ably represents
itt the'councils of the Nation. -
The Unlon'Scnilment insPennsylvantn,
A complimentary dinnei avasgiven a few days
ago, by some of the leading citizens of ,Phira
delphiti, to Cal. A. K. McClure, Chairman of
the Republican State Committee, as It mark of
their high appt:eciation of the,talent and ability
displayed by. him, in, conducting the recent
political campaign. Thntlinner took . place at
the Continental Hotel, and was presided over
by Morton McMichael Es . q. Speeches were
made on the occasion, all breathing the spirit
of union.
Cob Curtin, the Governor elect, in response
to a complimentary toast said :
• " Our chairman has truly said that this is
a time to indulge in jubilation or exultation.
It is a time which witnesses the triumph-of
principles; and no principle vindicated in the
great political contest in which we have re
cently proved so signally victorious, will ever
he deserted by the people of Pennsylvania.—
[Applause.] With a spirit of brotherhood,
With a fidelity to the past, with a hope for, the
future of Pennsylvania, let us conellate, let us
deal kindly; but let us stand up like people
worthy of the name of Pennsylvania, in de
fence of our rights. Our situ in the late eon•
test was that the government should be liberal
ized, that there should be progress, develop
ment of - wcalth : and, most of all, that there
should be protection to the languishing into••
gists of-the people of Pennsylvania. [Cheers.]
- We have stood up manfully in the late contest
for the glory
,of the State and 'the happiness
and. prosperity of the people. :
The law-making power of this State has
never designedly placed upon our statute book
laws to contravene or obstruct thek execution
of any act of the Federal Governniont; but if
there be any statutes on our boot: which, in
effect, do contravene, or conflict with any
legislation of the National Government, or ob
struct the execution of tiny law of the United
States, upon being fully satisfied that such is
the fact, let us repeal them. [Earnest and pro
longed cheering.] Let us show to. the South
and North, and all the world., that while Penn
sylvania vindicates her own interests and
rights, she is faithful to the Union; and that
the right of no State or man in the nation shall
ever be inierfored With, restricted or limited
by any act of the people of l'ennsylvania.
Colonel McClure, Chairman of the State
Centradcommittee, said:
I have said that Pennsylvania has never
sought in any way to encroaelt upon the rights
of sister States. I have said that she has been
true to them ; that she has soughtlo fulfil al
the requirements of our great compact not
merclyas theism , denilinds, net (nerdy because
it is so written in' the bond; she has sought
to do it fraternally and peacefully, as a tribute
to brethern, and so she . will do to the cud.—,
And in this great crisis the.voice of Pennsyl
vania will be heard rising above the din of
faction, declaring, to every portion of the'con
federacy, and to the world, that every State,
North and South, must be true to the laws.
true to the Union. [Prolonged cheering.]
I 'can speak confidently when I say that I
know that Pennsylvania is not obnoxious to
tho charge of seeking to defeat in any way the
faithful execution of the laws. It is charged
that Pennsylvania has sought by her legisla
tion to Obstruct the rendition of slaves. 11 have
looked carefully and in vain for such a legisla
tion. [Applause And, as a legislator; sworn
to support your Constitution, I hesitate not to
say, if there he (whether by design, or whether
effect merely) a)ty • statute upon your books
which seek to prevent, or which will prevent,'
the ftiithful execution 'of any-law, good faith,
patriotism, and every dictate of our common
brotherhood demand that it shall be erased.—
[Cries of "good," and long continued applause.]
111 e shall, with clean hands, demand of the
South that they too 'shall be faithful to the laws.
I believe, that if the honest convictions of
every Pennsylvanian were spoken, free front
partisan considerations, free front that narrow,
contracted spirit which has ehttracttrized a
portion of our people, beelkuse they have a
certain political faith—men who seem to in
flame the South by habitually misrepresenting
their own brethern,. by 'declaring that you;
and I, and all of us are faithless to our ob
ligations to the country-1 any, if they Would
but express their honest convictions, they
would declare that Pentiiylvania sends greet
ing to all honeat Union men of the South, and
bids theth he strong in heart and purpose, for
Pennsylvania will stand by the Union to the
last. [Loud cheering ]
South Corollna Legislature
A correspondent of the Baltimore Anteri•
can gives the following sketch of the manner
of opening the sessions of the South Carolina
Legislature :
"To give you a better idea of our daily pro.
ceedings, it would not be out of place for me
to describe the manner of opening the Legis•
lature. In both branches the members sit
. with their hats , on. In the House, at the
appointed hour, the Clerk, in his black silk
robe,li ke:the gown of an Episcopal clergyman,
calls the roll. The Messenger, in front of
the Speaker's room in the lobby, strikes his
staff on the floor and cries out, make way for
the Speaker. The cry is repeated at the
door of the House, by . the Doorkeeper , t 1 a
very loud tone of voice, aeconipanied ith
three..heavy raps with his stair. The ea
ker, clothed in• a rich mitztirinckbhpi i rope,
and preceded by the Medsenger with his attar
in land, marches up the aisle and takes 'fits
sea" , Three raps with the gavel call the
. us rder, thojournal is read, and busi
. s 4 is proceeded with,.
The House itself presents an unusual ap
pearance. The litiilding in which'the body
meets is very old and inconvenient. The
seats are old and bestrewed with papers.
The members are noisy and talkative, and
with their hats on look more likAa common
political, gathering than anything else.
Tun' MISSIONAItY CAUSE.—The Rev. Dr.
Durbin, Correskonding Secrettiry of the Hen.
oral MissiounroSociety,.preaehed at Harris.
burg on last Sabbath, in behalf or the Mis
sionary cause. Liberal. contributions were
wails by the eitiserip.
UNION AND 'DISUNION.-
..-fPublio,men, seem to be entirely at fault in
providing a remedy to meet the present crisis..
The publio mind is filled with doubt and anx
iety; -a panic pervades all- dames . ) even Con
gress, to.whom wo must ,japk, at present, for .
some plan of adjustment, have no 'reliable
point. on which to rally for the defence of the
Union: , Meanivhile, the Southern extromeists
are boldly carrying forward their plans for
the overthrow of the Republic.
Below, we lava given extracts from 'various
points, so that our readers may note the pro
gress of public, sentiment, for and against the
Union, but we can see nothing to indicate, the
shape our public affairs
..may take, in tending
to a final result. - .
Tito conference of Southern Senators, at
Washington, on Satdlday,.resultcd in nothing
but an exchange of opinions: The declare
tions,of those present, were to the effect, that
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi ateririda,
would follow the lead . of South Carolina, and
.no present action, could arrest the movement.
Others, however, are still hopeful tluit some
plan'of compromise mayyet.be adopted, that
will, at leastl, preserve the border States with
in the Union. •.
IMPORTANT. PR63t. SOUTH :CAROLINA.—CoI•
umbid, Dec. 15.—The•Iloose passed Alm bill to
provide au armed military force without op
position. It authorizes the government to call
into service ten thousand volunteers. It will
be taken up in the Senate to•morrow.
Tomorrow the election for delegates in the
Convention will take place. . There is Nies
citement Whatever, but determination olPthe
part of the people to carry the State' out of the
Union as soon as possible. The delegates will
all be for immediate secession.
The PreaidenCivniessage is here. It does
not, cteatc much remark. The people were
prepared for the views eotpressed in relation
to secession beforehand, and are taking such
steps. as, they deem necessary to nrceL whatever
exigency may arrive.
THE SENTIMENTS OF NEW ORLEANS.—New
Orleane, Dec. 5.—A synopsis of life President's
Message was received here to-day. It is con
Sidered as not intetfering with the right of
secession, but does not cover the ground, and
the remedy by constitittional amendment. is
deemed inefficient. ' - . •
TItE FEELING IN ALAIIAMA.—MO7/I.oMery,
her. s.—The Breckenridge electors met here
to.dny and cast their votes: - Colonel BIM
airs sent as.thessenger. . .
• Air. Yancey declines going as Commissioner
to South Carolina.
,Ile will be in the Con
vention of this Staid. the time that the Com•
missioners are sent out. John libilore will go
as Commissioner to South Carolina.
Judge Shorter will go to Georgia.
Commissioners will be sent to all the States
that hold Conventions.
•
&CESSION MOVEMENT IN TEXAS.—Neu
Or-
Irdns, Dec. 4.—The citizens of Texas have
been urged in a circular letter, signed by a
number of gentlemen, .to elect delegates to a
Convention on the Bth of January; said Con•
vention to assemble at lie Capitol on the fourth
Monday of the same month. movement
appears to meet with popttlartmuction.
Ttti ;GEORGIA AND SOUTH CAIWIINA CON
VENTIONS.—CharIeston, Dec. (3.—The Georgia,
Senate has rejected the bill calling a Conveu
lion of 'Southern Stales This is received as
an indication of the intention of Georgia to
Secede separately.
The election for delegates to the South Car
olina Convention was a quiet oue. A very
full vote was polled.
FLout DA. - Charleston, Der, Senator
Yulce, of Florida, has written a letter from
Washington to the Legislature f that State,
announcing that upon learning at any time of
the determination of Florida to dissolve con
nection with the Northern States, he will
promptly and joyously return home to support
the banner of the State to which ho owes al
legiance. •
Col. Blackburn, Federal Marshal for the
Northern District of Florida, is closing up the
business ()rids office, preparatory to resigning.
The secession feeling in Florida is quite us
universal as in South Carolina.
In the South Chirpline Legislature; on the
sth inst., au exciting debate took place, on
the organization of an army of 10,010 volun
teers, as to the election of officers. Mr. Cun
niugham as the leader of the extreme party
of the House, openly avowed his opposition to
the democratic mode pf the men electing their
own officers. lie considered the common sol
dier as incapable of nn elective choice. Ile
and others of his party wage a bitter war
against Democracy, and indicate an utter want
of faith in the ability of the people to make
proper choice in elections
,
tendencies of the Charles(Rn eliqueore
towards a Dictatorship, or monarchial &I'm of
Government. As modified; the bill ;.nhorizes
the companies to elect their own officers, and
the Governor, with the advice and concert of
the Senate, appoints the General and Field
officers.
SOIIIpERN CONVENTION.—The National
Intelligencer, in an able article addressed "To
the People of the Southern' StateS," proposes
as a, measure suited to the present • erbds,
Convention of Delegates from qm Southern
'Strafes. The Intelliyencer says:
"With the view, therefore, of arresting the
hands already uplifted for the,piecemeal dis•
membernient of our body politja;, and to the
end that our fellow-citizens and compatriots
of the South may seqt a solution of our present
political complications in a spirit of unity, and
by a method which shall rise at least to the
dignity of the occasion,-we venture to recom
mend the assembling, at an early day, of a
Convention or Congress of Delegates, who
shall be appointed by the slaveholding Stales,
in such number and in such it way as shall be
deemed most expedient, for the purposes of
mutual consultation in respect alie fq the
dangers believed to be impending and lllCrem
edy deemed most adequate to aVert.thetn."
FROM NORTH CAnotist.Thdely/i Dec. 4.
The Union men are risking up here. There
was a great demonstration at the Commons
Hall last night. The hall was crowded and
the galleries filled kith the fair sex. Mr.
Holden, from the committee to draft resolu
tions. presented a series breathing devotion to
the Union so long as the Government was con
stitutionally administered, and recommending
,the thorough' organization of the militia, the
arming and equipment of volunteer companies,
and asserting the duty of the State to demand
• her rights in the Union. Mr. Holden declar
ed his fixed purpose to stand by the Union .
until the Constitution ehould.be violated, and
that in that event, the South should stand as
a unit in defence of her constitutional rights.
Mr. Miller and Mr. Vance also spoke in de
fence of the Constitution and the Union: ,
Richmond, Dec.—Secret ary .Floyd writes to
the Enquirer a communication in which he
holds the right of secession, but says he would
not favor the exercise of it until every means
has been employed to preserve the Union.
INFLUENTIAL CONSERVATIVE. MEETING IN
GEORGIA.—The Savannh Republican, of ti
4th inst., contains the official proceedings of
a mass toasting held,in Greene county, Ga.,
called and directed by patriotic and distin
guished citizens, whose names, says the Re
publican, will secure for the. proceedings with
which they are connected "great respect and
a careful consideration."
The Baltimore American says:
"The prOposition of the National Intelligen
cer for a Convention of the Southern States,
suggested as we presume it to have been upon
consultation with the leading conservative men
of the South now assembled in Washington,
seems to offer the most practicable form in
which co-operation and concert of 13011119( 1 and
determination, either for mediation or7for ac
tion, can be obtained. In such a Convention,
should it be determined upon, Maryland will
feel it a :duty,. as well as pleasure, to meet her
sister States of the South. .
Hon. John Forsyth, in his paper, the Mobile
Register, affirms that he is not 'one of those
who look upon the dissolution of the f7lioll as
a - holiday amusement, .or drunken frolic, "or
a thing to be doulrbeforebAnkfast." If done
in haste, it will be repented at leisure.—He
proceeds at some length to counsel modera•
lion, while in favor of accession. '
PENNSYLVANIA AND THE FUGI..
TINE SLAVE LAW.
A correspondent of this Philadelphia North
American, most probably the lion. Ciu liLEs
GIIIBONS, whose high professional character
and thorough familarity with the subject, no
one will gnestion, has furnished that paper,:a
history of Pennsyiyanilt legislation on -the
subject of Fugitive lav , es. It'is peculiarly
interesting:at this 'time, and wo regret that
We have only room, for an ribilract or it. "Ile
says :
Pennsylvania, in her legislation on the
subject of , fugitive slaves, has never disre.
gardcd that comity which usually prderves
the peace of nations, nor wilfully departed
from her constitutional obligations as a mem
ber of the FederalUniok -She p'assed her
act for the abolition.of slavery in 1780. She
had then renounced her allegiance to Great
Britain, the articles of confederation had not
been adopted, 'and 'sbe was n sovereign iced
,independent Power. She had, therefore, the
same right'to declare that fugitive slaves
from other States and couhtries, found within
her. - borders, should be, free, as she' had to
give freedom to the 'Children of slaves born'
on l,er PiV'n 'soil. But Slayery existed in all
the border States, north, south and east. She
was struggling with them in a common cause,
and while her own citizens hold the opinion,
ikaid so declared, 'that slavery was iticonsis.
tent,not only witli'their political professions,
but also, with their duty td God, they never
theless introduced in their act for its abolition
the following section : . • .
t. Xt. Provided always, and be it further enacted,
That thin act, or anything in it :ontalued, shall not
.Fire any relief Dr shelter to any ahmennaing or re tufssay
negro or mulatto slave sr servant. ssho Iles 1 ,1,,,,,t e d
himself front his or her owner, starter or mint rem% re
sitting in 'any other State or country, but mueli owner,
master or mistress shall lama like right and aid to de
-111:01d, claim and take assay his slave or servant, as he
mot have had in ease this act had not been made. ,
This was the law of Pennsylvania on the•
subject of fugitive Slaveswhen the Federal
Convention assembled in Philadelphia in
1787, to revise the articles of confederation.
The . C9SCIICC of that very law was introduced
by the Convention into the Vonsiitution, and
now forms the secoffil section of the fourth
article, as follows :
Su person .held to si.rvlce or labor in one Slats, un
der the laws thereof, escaping Into another,'shall. in
consequence of tiny Jaw or . regulation therein, be dis
charged from such service or labor. lint shall be delivered
up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor
may be due.'
It jsa noteworthy tact that this' section
was adopted by' the 'Convention. without a
dissenting voice. --
In 1793, Congress passed a law to give'ef
feet to this Constitutional provision, by de.
daring that when a' person held to labor, in
one State, escaped to another, the owner, or
his agent, was empowered to arrest him and
take him before a Judge of the Circuit or
District Courts, or any Magistrate, and upon
proof, &c., to receive a certificate, which was
a sufficient warrant for his
This act• received the unanimous itote of
the Pennsylvania delegation in Congress.
In (lie' 'case of Worthington rs. Preston, :
which arose under this.nct, Judge Washing
ton Tin his- charge to the• jury, riointe 1 out
two glaring defects in this law. 1. The ma
gistrate had no authority to issue a warrant
for the apprehension of the fugitive. - 2. The
magit i drate had no authority to commit the
fugitive to prison. This was in October,
1924. • • •
During the session of the Pennsylvanitt ,
Legislature, in 1826,-a deputation from the
State of Maryland visited llarrishuitg, and
presented to Goy. Shulze a letter from Gov.
Kent, of that State, the object of which is
explained by the following copy :
IN COUNCIL.
ANNAPoLIS, January 9th, 1526,
:lien—Thin Immense losses nustnitted by tire citizens
of this State, by the absconding of their nlates, and the
great difficulties experienced In rensn ering them. Moe
been deemed of . nitilleleint importance to induce the I.e.
tnislature to make a solemn inimical to the governments
of those Stales in which the no retest portion, of such
tunnitivt, are Asown t4tl.lc refuge, for their nil in ttr
renting this growing roil. For this purpose the hearer,
hereof, F:701i1.1 F. Chambers. Evil., a member of the 'Senn
into. and Archibald bee and Robot 11. Goldsborough,
membints of the liottife of Delegates, hove been
appililltell a joiut tounnittve to confer with the begisle
t tire of Ponun3lvania. upon the measures best calculated
Dl-rffnfollY the grievance no sensibly felt, and which I
samara! yoor Excellency is of very serionsmagnitude and
general concern to all holders of slaves.
With the lullrat I.olilldl.llCo that tha 141.1410,1110,,,,10.
11MA:111111011 thigitafreStlllo luixiuenswill hit rucrit - cef in
the friendly :vat cow:Mato) y sphtt lo—unittill they have
been appointed. and with the iliqsnsition whisk no
doubt is entertained that yhur Extelleney, as well, es
the Legislature of the State riser which you preside, still
feel to meet the views and inci•oniplish the just purposes
of their minsion, we cannot 110Uht n 1311,0514111110111,
With the highest consideratioh, I Lade the honor to
Ire your Excellency', most obedient humble nervant,
JOSEPH KENT.
To his Excellency, J. Andrew Shulze, Governor, eze.
Gov, Shulzo 'communicated this. letter to
the Legislature on the 2d of February, 1826.
The lloputies were courteously received, and
took their seats by invitation within the bar
of the House. ,A committee was appointed
on the same (lay to contlir with them in relit.
tiouto the object of their visit', and the result
wits the passage of "An Act to give effect to
the imovisions of the Constitution of the . U.
,'fates relative to fugitives front labor; for the
protection of free people of color, and to pre.
vent kidnapping,' approved the 25th March,
1821;.
This' act defined and made provisibu 'for
the punish menAof kidnapping. It conferred
juriOictionAld authority upon all State
judges, jtistQs of the peace and aldermen,
to issue warrants, directed to the sheriff or
constable of the proper county or city, for the
arrest of fugitive slaves, and made it their
duty to issue: such warrants, when applied
for under the act.
It provided that a fugitive, when arrested,
should be taken before a State Judge, whoSe
certificate, on satisfactory prOof being given,
was a sufficient warrant to the owner to re•
move such fugitive.
It authorized the commitment of fugitiVes
to jail for safe keeping, if either party desired
time to get proof.
It imposed a penalty on any sheriff or
constable fur neglect or refusal to comply
with the law, and prohibited Aldermen or
Justices of the Peace, from taking cognizance
of the case of a fugitive slave, under the act
of Ccmgress of 1793.
The act of 1826 was all that comity de
!minded of Pennsylvania, and all that any
:outhern State could ask. It was passed at
the instance of the authorities of Maryland,
having been first apprOVed by her legislative
committee.
'ln 1837, Edward Prigg, a citizen of Maty ,
land, acting as the agent of Mrs. Ashman,
applied to a Justice of jilt) Peace of York
county, to arrest a negro woman, the *slave of
Mrs. Ashman. The:warrant was issued, but
the Justice refused to take further cognizand
of it, on the ground that the act of 1826 pro•
hibited him. Without 'complying with thie,
act, Prigg carried thO Wornan out . of the
State, and delivered her to Mrs. Ashman.
Prigg was indicted, and -tried for conspi
racy in York cOunty, and was defended by
counsel employed by time State of Maryland.
Under the prcivisione of an act of Assem
bly, Teased the 22d of May, 1839, a special
verdict was taken by agreement of counsel,
and a judgment entered by the Court on the
finding of the jury. , The. laid. mentioned act
was passed at the instance of the authorities
of..llliirylandt for the purpose, of enabling
them to try the question of the conat4ution
ality oPlhe Pennsylvania act of 1826, which
they now denied, although it hud been fully
approved by them and passed by their re
quest.
The Supreme,,Court of Pennsylvania, bay
ing affirmed .tlie judgment of the
~.Connty
Court, the ease was removed hy,the State of
Maryland to the Stipremeourt of the U.
States.' Mr. Nelson arid ---Mr. Meredith,' of
Baltimore, appeared for that State"; and con
tended :
That tho law of Penneylvania, on .which .
the indictment of Trigg was founded, was .
unconstitutional.
' 1. Because Congress has the exclusive power
ofdegislation upon the subject matter. of the.
said Constitutional provision, witioh power had
been exerciSed by the act of 12th Of February,
1798.
Tliatif this p t ifwer is not exclusive, still
tho concurrent power of the State Legislatures
is suspended lJ the netnaLexercise of the
Federal power..
3. That if not suspended, still the.dittituto
of Penneylyanin, in all its provisions 4plica ,
Me to thie case, is in direct collision with the
act of CongresS, find is therefore unconstitu
tional and voitL.
The opinion of the Court was delivered by
Mr. Justice Story, and it established the.
points contended.. for bythe learned counsel •
of the Slate of Maryland. It declared that .•
the. net 01'1826, upon'which' the indictment -,
was frornded,walvepognant to the Constitu
tion and laws of the United States,,and was
therefore void.
Titus rebuked for her comity, to the slave
hdding States, and submitting; as in duty
hound„to.the judgment of the Court, Penn•
sylvania permitted her magistrates toCxercise
authority. under the net of Congress of Mil,
without, any.legislation:on the subject. But,
that law proved to be worse than inefficient.
Practically, it was alaw to encourage kid
napping, and, in consequence, organfzed
bands of outlaws. infested our borders, and
free negroes were kidnapped, and heard of
no more.
These outrages ivere brought to tha 'atten
tion of the Legislature, and led to the passage
of the act entitled, "An Act to preVent•kid•
napping, preserve the public peace,". &c.,
which was approved the 3d March, 1847.
The first and second sections of the ace
defined and prescribed penalties for the crime
of kidnapping.
• Sectiod 3 provides that no judge, alderman
or justice of the pence, shall take cognizance
of the-cease of any fugitive from labor, from
airy of the Unite/1 States or Territories, tin
der the net .of IVA, or graptany certificate
or warrant for 1116 removal of such fugitive,
under a penalty of 500 dollars:
'Section , 1111 imposed a penalty of fine and
imprisonment, on pbrsons claiming a negro
as a fugitive from labor, who reinoved'such
negro in a riotous or tumultous manner..
Section 5 extended the right of habeas
corpus to evtiry human being within the
Commonwealth.
Section G prohibited the use of the jails
for the detention of any person claimed cis a
fugitive front labor or,servitudc.
This , act n:as the necessary result of the
decision iii I'rigg's case, and may be regarit
ed as a. codification of that decision - , so far
as it defines the power of the individual
States to contr6l by legislation the conduct
of •their dwn officers.. The necessity of the
measure may be inferred from the fact that
it encountered no opposition in either House,
and received the prompt approval of Gay.
Shunk.
In 1850, Congress passed anotherlugitive: .
Sin ve law, founded so far on the doctrine in - t
Prigg's , case, as to impose no duty whatever
on State magistrates. That act does not
pr,dCiti, the defects pointedout in the act of
1793, but' authorizes the issuing of warrants
and commitments by the judges and com
missioners who have jurisdiction undo!. itt—
It was supposed in Pennsylvania that the oth
section of the net of 1817, which prohibited
'die 'use of our jails for the detention of per
sons claimed as fugitive slaves, might be re
garded as an obstruction' to the proper exe
cution of the last act of Congress, and for
that reason it was repealed by an act of As
sembly, approved the Bth of April, 1852.--
(SeG Pamphlet Laws, 1852—page 295.) •
The other sections of the act of 18.47 are
not in conflict with the act of Congres\g t of
1859, and are not in the way of its Ott:fel:id
operation. They are necessary for the pro•
fection of the free negro . es of the State, be•
*cause the old net of 1793, under color of
which .so runny outrages were coturnittbd.
upon them, a unrepenled. It was, doubtless,
the intention of Congress to repeal and sup-
ply it by the act of 1850, but the intention is
not expressed, and the two nets are not re
pugnant. ,
The 4thsectien of the act of 1847 has been
objected to on the ground that it subjects
every, person who attempts to. arrest a fugl
tive slave to the risk of its penalties. This
is a palpable error, It, applies not to per.
sons who net by authority of law, but to those
only who act under "pretence of • authority."
Such is the language -of the act.
Since the passage of the act of Congress
of 1850, there has been, in fact, no legisla
tion in Pennsylvania -on the subject of fugi.
dye slaves, except the repeal of the oth sec.
lion of the act of 1847, as already noted,
The 'Penal Code reported i'y the commission
ers and "'adoptedby the last Legislature,
contained on this subject nothing but the.
utirepealed sections of 1847.
There is nothing that in the slightest man
ner interferes with the constitutional rights
of any Southern man. to claim and remove
his fugitive slave. With such a record as
Pennsylvania presents on this question, her
character as a faithful, law-abiding member
of this Confederacy, ought to be above re
proach, in the estimation, at least, of her owni.
citizens.
The Emi - tees ON nea TRAVELS.—The sud
den announcement that the French Empress
had left France, on a trip to Scotland,, has
somewhat surprised the public., The object
stated was the restoration of herhealth, which
had boon impaired by the death of Tier sister.
She crossed the channel, passing through Lon
incog. and is now the guest of the Hulce
of Hamilton, ' - at Hamilton Palen In Scotland.
MASONIC ELsonou.,..-The Grand Lodge A.
Y. M: of Pennsylvania, have'elected the
lowing officers for the ensuingyear, oonitneno
ing on St John'a'day ::-.--John'Thotesen, R. W
Grand. Master; D. C. Sherrott, It: W. D 0:
Master; L. IL Scott, IL W. S. G. Warden;
J.'L.l3odilard, It. W. J. G. Warden; W.
Addams, It. W. G. Secretary; Peter William
soi, IL W. G. Treasurer. The Hon.
Philips' declined beingre elected It. W. Grand'
Master. " •
Coln . 11itir .otruntg Blatttrs.
Ve , feohologieqi Reffisfei. fol. 1800.,
•
THERMOMETER.
1860. 7 o'ck. 2 o'ck. Dally Rain.
NOV. • . • 'e
DEC, A. It. .P. M. P. M. Mean. •
'0 28 . 31 .88 30 00
7 20 40 31 33.33
t 8 33 33 • .33 33 00 II .40
9 31 38 ' 28 3213.1
'9O 3r. ' 37 . 31No 00
11 37' - 38 21, 33 00. I
12 27 . ' 29• # 1 ,10 4 .41 .-
111131ARKS.-18no,!. .*Snnw and Rain. .
AG P" *tens'
:NT4 WANTED.—The attention of persons
in want of employment, is.direeted to an ad
vertisement in anothei:colnmn, for oanvas•
sera for Township and Local Laws of this
State.
BiIiFCONTRACT."—Lieut. J. P. Hotu-
DA; Ass't Com. of: Subs., U. S. Will re
ceive proppeals, until the 26th inst., for fur
nishing the troops at Carlisle . Barracks with
fresh beef, f,or one year, from the first of Jan
uary, '1661. •
REnUCTION• iN PRICES.—I.
LiviNa
srox, at thopritiv empbrium, North• nano
ver St.,,gives notice that he has reduced the
prices on his stock, and invites all who wish
bargains to give_hitri O call. .
.*.
LEGISLATIVE' REPORTS.—Those who
wish f.o have full reports of tbe proceedings of
the Legislature during the next Session, will
do well to subscribe for the Harrisburg D . ( dig
Telegraph, published by Hue. BERGNER. & CO:
it will be furnished during the Session; to sub
scribers, a't one dollar. ~
`TAVERN STAND FOR RENT.—We tire
requested to call attention to the advertise 7
ment,:l" For Ifent," of the Public House. at
13oiling'Spring. This house, in the hands of
an enterprizing man, might bo made n, fay°.
rite summer resort.
REctturrs.—Twonty-six recruits for
the mounted service, arrived at Carlisle Bar=
racks, from the Louisville (Ky.), station, under
command of ISergt. S. S. Balk. The officers
at the Louisville recruiting station, seem to
be very energetic, as the 'enlistments avgrago
about. fifty per month.' ,
DEArtf oFDn. TIERRoN.—Rev. FranciA
Herron, D. D. for many — years Pastor of the
First-P.rebyterian church of Pittsburg; died
recently in that city. He was a native of
Shipiiensburg, and graduated at Dickinson
College in 1794. , ,
Zlii FAIIt OF TOE "GOID WILL."—
This festival, for the benefit of the Goon WILL
Fine COMPANY‘ will open in Rhei - Ws Hall,
-this evening. The object of . the Fair, is to
raise money to pay off their indebtedness, and
we hope the citizens olearlisle, will respond
liberally. Every dollar invested by the pee
pie in this way, is an. additional guarantee
against I.ll . dravages of fire ; and, the Activity
and energy displayed by the. Goon WILL on
all occasions, is a strong passport to public
favor. •
DEDICATION OP TILE ENOLITI LUTHE
RAN entail/11.—Mo congregation of the Eng
lish Lutheran Church, under the pastoral care
of the Rev Jacob Fry, on last Sabbath, ro-dedi•
cated their Church, to which exterisive addi
tions and improvements have - been.recently
made. Rev. J. W. Conrad, of Dayton . Ohio,
conducted the services in the forenoon and
evening, and the Rev. E. W..llutter of Phila
delphia in the afternoon ; the services of both
gentleman were able and appropriate, and
were listened to by large audiences. At the
conclusion of the morning services, nearly
thirteen hundred dollars were subscribed, to
wards the expenses.
The church is elegantly ftirnished, well ligh.
ted and ventilated ; intl;the frescoing is new
and beautiful in style. Altogether, it is one
of the best arranged churches in town, and
retlects great credit on all who were concerned
in the work.
WEEK •OF PRA] Elt.—lmtiindiaielY after
the suppression of the awful insurrection in
India, the Missionaries of the Presbyterian
Board at Lodiana, in that country, proOscd,
that the second week of January, anahlly
should be observed as a:Week of prayer for
zthe conversion of the world. This proposi.
-lion endorsed by Christian men 'of .various
denominations throughout the world, was,
the last year acted upon quite generally,
with great interest and with beneficial results.
For the Coming year, the following subjects
have been suggested, as topics for thought,
prayer and exhortation. Viz ;
Sunday, Jan. tith, The promise of the Holy.
Spirit.
Monday, Jan. 7th, An especial blessing on
all the sermons of the week, and the promo
tion of brotherly kindness among — all those
who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Tuesday, Jan. Bth, The attainment of a
higher standard of hOliness by,the children
of God;
. Wednesday, 9th, A large increase of true
conversions, especially in the families of the
believers.
Thursday, Jan. 10th, The free circulation
of the word Of God and, a blessing upon
Christian literature.
Friday, Jan. 11th A large outpouring of
the Holy Spirit upon all bishops, pastors,
and ruling elders of the ; churches, upon all
seminaries of Christian iearning, and upon
every Protestant Missionary among Jews or
Getitiles, upon
.the converts of his °station,
and upon his field of labor. ;
Saturday, Jan. 12th, The speedy overthrow
of all false religions', and the full accomplish
ment of the prayer, " Thy Kingdsuu Come."
Sunday, Jun. 13th, Thanksgiiing foi past
revival, and the enforcement of the solemn
responsibility resting on every Christian, to
spend and be spent in making known the
name of Tesus . nt home and-.abroad.
We understand that, in Carlisle, these Rug
gestions will be acted upon, by a onion 0 .
the minister's, in the following order, on Sun
day, January 6, each minister will preach in
his own pulpit, on the topic proposed.' And
afterward, through the week, there will be a
sermon each morning, in some one Church,
with a union prayer meeting; in the evening,
in the same Church, as follows: on . Monday,
in the English Lutheran Church; Tuesday,
in the Second Presbyterian 'Church ; Wed
nesday, in the First presbyterian Church;
iThursday, in the German Reformed Church;
'Friday, in the Methodist Church; Sat
urday, Einory Chapel, with a mutual inter
change of pulpits.ainong the ministers, which
will be the ease also.on Sunday morning,
January 13. It is hoped that this chrislian
- Community, will appreciataNthe movement
ami-eordially sustain - - - •
CRSI LIP:ELAN D VALLEY R. R. Co.
.—From :the - annual report of this Company,
just published, !a learn. that its receipts for
.tolls for the past year wore
c from PassengerS,
" Freight,
. ' Mails,
$182,673,57
being an increase over last year of $18,647,80.
Total,
Dividends of 8 per V.eint on the prefered
,Moog{
and 6 per cent on the unpreferred stock of the
Company, have been paid. •.
'Alio Company has this boar from its, profits
retired $33960,136. u:ltioh . bas been placed in
tho hands ottrustees, to create aSinking Fund,
which it is intended to inerqiii - dormant', so
that thoie will be a fund to meet any contin,
gauchos whiOli may occur, and' ultimately pay'
off tho boOrde of the 'Company.
THE .IrellLKETS.—There are always dit
ficultioe iir thmway of breaking in on old es
tablished customs, and fears were entertained
that the change in our market hours, recently
authorized by the Council, would operate in
juriously: But; we are happy to say, that the
result is directly the reverse of what was an
ticipated. Our markets never were so good
as they have been since the ch : ange, and what
is better, a majority of the country people swim
to approve of it, • Ono Xing is certain, it' will
prink a number. -to market , who have been
precluded heretofore by the early,hours. Our
markets now open at 12 o'clock M., and it is
really refreshing, to'see Wow bright every thing
looks, and note the agreeable contrast between
what our market is, and what it was, when
people' had to grope their way around the dark
stalls, unable to Fee what they worn buying.
Ous butcher's stalls aro Well supplied with
beef, veal, poik, &e , and iti point or appear
'arm and quality, will compara with any mar
ket: in the Slate. The country folks line the
outer range of stalls, with baskets of rich yel
low butter, eggs, and other articles of domestio
produce, and every thing Moves along so pleas
antly, thai the dai-markets bid fair to become
a pexmaneut . ..institution." • •
Of course, there aro, some objectors. No
time could be fixed, that would suit every one,
but the object was, to accommodate the largest
number, and we think the Council have just
hit it.
WINTER.—TiIe naked forests stripped
of their foliage, the hoar-frost whitening the
landscape, the angry gusts sweeping far and
wide the drifting snow-flakes, and the chilling
breath of the ice king, tell us, in language,
not to be mistaken, that December has initiated
the winter. Shall they not tell us also, that
there are some to whom this - season brings
suffering and terror, instead of comfort and
blessings? Those who sit in cosy chambers
within the genial influence of a coal-fire, and
lie down tranquilly in warns beds to listen to
th . e moaning winds; or view.complacently - the
garnered products of a fruitful harvest, should
remember that now is the time to exercise the
Christian "&harities.
. To the affluent, winter han its peculiar joys.
The tire Side glows with happy faces, adding a
brighter coloring to the fascinations of home;;
and the very comforts they enjoy should load
them to meditate on the sufferings.of the des
titute. In other seasons, the - poor may be
forgotten ; but winter visions of the naked and
hungry, the, sick and the shivering, cannot be
disregarded. They appeal to the common
brotherhood of mankind ; and us those whom
God has blessed with abundance are but the
stewards of His bounty, these appeals should
not be heard in vain.
TILE GYNINASIUM.—The young men
of this place, have re-organized the Gymnasi
um association, and have fitted up the third
story of Itheem's Hall, for the, purpose of "go
ing in on their muscle."
The members of this club, are among the
most worthy and intelligent of our young men
and their regulations arc such as to ensure
the observance of good order, and the promo
tion of good feeling among the members, while
every facility is afforded for exercise and're
creation.
• LADIES' Fens.—Ladies wishing to buy
Furs, would do well to call at Messrs . . Charles
Oakford L Sons, on Chestnut Stteet, under
the Continental Hotel. They have the
largest and best assortment in the 'city, and
are selling at very low prices. They guar•
ante° every article sold to be as represented.
REINNICK ANGNEY 66
23rd of November at Allegheny city; in the
71st year of his age. Mr. Asosur was for,
roerly a prominent politician of this comity,
and for several years held the °nice of Clerk
of the Courts.
UIt.MY'S MOWFM, & REAPER.—W. C.
FIIANCISCVS, Carlisle, has the Agency of this
mad:int - C . : and has county and shop rights for
sale. This Reaper issaid to bo superiorto all
others, and is therefore worthy the attention
of farmers.
Riarriagts.
•
On tho 20th ult., by the Rev. J. Ulrich, Mr. LEANDER
SODER, to Mies ANNIE LIISTI.INE, both of this Co.
ou tho 6th Inst., by the'ttuno, Mr: EDWARD ERNST.
to Mise &MAU A. MILLER, both. of Franklin town
ship. York county.
On the 4th Inst.. by Rev. Jacob try, MICHAEL J.
UMIBILTZ, ofJunlnte county, to Miss ANN BARBA—
RA HATS of West l'enusboro, Cum beGuntl Co.
On the oth Inst., by thu Ron. NI 11. Kremer, Mr •
:JEREMIAH GILL, to Miss ANNE. STAUFER, both of
Middlesex twp. thbi county. •
4t H,Tarhtts.
CARLISLE PRODUCE DIARILICT.
Reported weekly for the • Herald by - -
Woodward & Schmidt.
FLOUR (Suportlna)..:.
do. (Extra.) ...i.
do. (Family )
RI i•
WHITE WHEAT
RED do
RYE "
CORN. -
OATS. per 33 lb. • •
OATS, par 30 lb
CLOVEIISEED
TI3IOTHYSEED .
SPRING BARLEY. ...
WINTER BARLEY....
New ilhoertisenients.
1 1 00 K 'TO YOUR INTERESTS.—
Ladles please take notice, that one of our firm
(Le dick Sawyer & Miller,) has ,Just returned from New
York and Philadelphia with a full Merit of WINTER
GOODS, comprising the newest stoles of Silks. Valour.,
Poplins, Figured Lefton. Engifsh Reps. (plain and
barred) French Delainbs and alerinoes, .
American Delainee & Caesimeree,
and many other styles of goods, which ire can sell at
Coma Patera having purchased since the late* giving
away of the market.
• MOURNING GOODS
elan kindit; - Merinees, Bombazines, Cassimores. Delanes
Ladles Chats, Raglans Cloaks and Mantles, Sbawle of
every description, less then manufactureys prices.
•
Furs ! Furs!! Furs It!
01000 worth of Finest Furs of all kinds Styles and sizes,
Muffs, Cuffs &c., As.
Mons and Boy's winter wear, woolen Shirts, drawers
Gloves, Stockings, Ties, and Pearls.
J y adiss` Cloaking Clothe and trimmings. •
CARPRTS I CARPISTBII Olt CLOTHS!
.
,
Furnishing Goode; aultable for 'the season. Mankato,
Yarns, tte. -
We respectfully Invite all to au inspection of our im-
InenPU sleek, feeling assured we ran offer superior in
dureasente over all aonspftitors. At the New Store one
door below Meettn'e Hotel.'
Dee. 17, '60.. LEIDIOH SAWYER & MILLER.
$70,177,48
107 4 296;09_
6,200,00
$4 50
.4 76
.4 75
.3 25
.1 10
1 00