'Skitters and Representatives in Cohgress
to Vote ter the District abolition?
ITais they pondered the votes, likewise
unanimous, at , ditterant periods, all speak
int the same language?
is thii convention, called to preserve the
Integrity of the Union:—is this a time or
place to undo what the days of good old
fashioned democracy have done? The far
ther we recede from the Revolution, the
better do we understand those subjects and
4luestions of freedom, which our fathers
debated with their swords and muskets.—
The colder the fire that forged out the gold
of our liberties, is that chain welded the
stronger, which binds the rights of human
kind? .
Or, leaving these, have gentlemen read
in the Constitution, that Congress has "ex
---elusive legislation" over the District in all
caseb whatsoever. But, sir, I will not be
tedious upon what does not admit debate.—
If this Convention goes to tear up well es.
Mblished Pennsylvania principles, we shall
make but poor speed in'allaying feelings of
Any kind. I have just one request farther,
which any two of us have a right to demand.
It is, that the question on this amendment
.• be taken by pnis and nays.
(Much confusion among the members a.
rose here. Some called quelition,and others
no yeas and ?lays.).
- Chair. I will put it tothe Convention to
say whether the vote shall be by yeas and
nays.
Mr. Stevens. Have we not a right to de
mand it?. _
Clerk. I would inform the Chair that it
'swill bo impossible to call the yeas and nays.
The roll of the members was taken hence
by a printer, .and it is impossible to take the
_ vote by yeas and nays.
Mr. Stevens. Sir, this will never do.
This "glorious Union" ie at stake. Penn
sylvania will expect what we do concerning
it lobe well done, and sent to her in black.
and white. Will the Clerk please to send
a messenger for the list? r presume we
can wait, or take up another resolution while
he is gone for it. Is the "Integrity of our
glorious Union" to be trifled with? Send a
Sergeant-at-Arms to bring • the list.
Clerk. The list cannot possibly be had.
It is positively gone.
Mr. Stevens. Alas! for the "Integrity of
our Union" here then. Have we nothing
to prevent the Convention from crumbling
to pieces? Let us take up some other busi
ness, and a new list be made out by after.
.noon.
(Cries of No! No! Question! Question!)
A Member. Mr. Presalent,the gentlemen
can be accommodated who are so anxious
to record their names. Let the vote be
put as, usual, and let those who vote in favor
of the amendment record their names. 1 t
will not probably consume much time.—
(The amendment was one proposed by Mr.
STEVENS, asserting the power of Con
gress to abolish Slavery in the District.) '
Mr. Steven& Aye, sir, (with burning
empasis,) I should like to see the names of
those who will vote in the negative. Sir,
these reformers of Pennsylvania prinelpieS
must not be lost to posterity. The names
of such as strike out new paths in the science
`of government, should always be carefully
registered. Those who have nobly bared
their breasts to popular odium;—those great
reformers who have toiled through the dust
of controversy for the good of mankind—to
them belongs the honor of their enterprise,
and the glory of their achievements. Let
then these reformers of the long settled doe.
trifles of Pennsylvania on the subject of Sta.
very, come out boldly and father their own
acts. Let those who have devoted their
time and wasted their strength in the bring•
ing forth of these sentiments, now endorse
them and send them forth to the pubic; or if
we are to have doings here in such sort that
the Abolitionists can tell the people that we
dare not stand as Godfathere to our own
bantlings, alas! for our glorious Unionl—
Abolitionists will run away with the
people in spite of all—
(Question! Question! and cries Qf order!
Rev. T. W. HAYNES again wished to
submit whether Abolitionists were to be
tolerated in the Convention? Question! Ques•
tion! In the confusion the question was put,
and it was voted not to record the yeas and
nays! Mr. STEVENS, still standing as
when he was interrupted, smilingly remar
ked amid the turmoil—"l rejoice to witness
the zeal of gentlemen, and their devotion to
the cause of 'our glorious Union.' In such
handa our Union must be safe." Question!
Order! was shouted again, many not recol
lecting that the question immediately trtsde•
bate had been decided.)
Mr. DUNLOP, of Franklin, said, Mr.
President, one word before the vote on -the
gentleman's (Mr. Stevens') amendment be
taken. No man has been more consistently
and steadily opposed to the dissemination of
Abolition doctrines,than myself. lam still
opposed to them in every form. Yet, sir,
I. think we are conceding too much, not to
the peace and quiet, but to the threats of
our Southern brethren. Ido not think this
resolution should pass without amendment,
because I do not believe that the abolition
of Slavery in the District of Columbia would
peril the "integrity of the Union." Nor
do. I believe the abolaton of the whole sla
very in the Country would do zt!
believe that Congress has Power to abolish
Slavery in the District, and 1 cannot think
that doing what , we have a right to . do will
make ethers do wrong. I have my reasons
for this belief but do not mean at this time
to trouble the house with them. I . think
the resolution sheuld be` - amended in some
way.
, Rev. T. W. HAYNES of Allegheny.—
Birit beikone moment; I wish again to sub•
mit to (bill Convention, whether there are
not come to among us, men who sit here
under a mask, who entertain the very doc
trines whose efreet we came here to coun
teract:. I wish to ask how any man who
has any sense of honor or self respect,know•
himself to hold the abominable doctrines
• ,iorthe Abolitionists, can come in here in
....iiiiimeskehithing and sit among the friends
of* Union, while in his heal t be is wish.
ilitkvOir Me tire. brands to consume it.--
eti, (with greet wgiemence,) do not
Apr ita
;the notion beet a man smart that be
deal . , . the abolition of all the Slavery
. ..„. ..
_..
in the Country would peril the Union? Is
not that an Abolitionist?—(pointing directly
at Mr. DUNLOP.) I ask, will the Con.
vention bear it? What have we come here
for but to quiet the South? and who does not
know that the question about Abolition in
the District of Columbia, has created more
excitement than any thing else? Shall we,
the descendants of Pranklin, of Washington,
of Jefferson, and of Penn, sit here on these
seats, and listen to such Intiguage from pre-
tended friends of the Union? (Here the
speaker became so rapid and impassioned
that it was impossible for the reporter to do
justice to his remarks. Ile spoke some mm
utes longer.)
Mr. STEVENS, said Mr. President: I
must say, I admire the effect, though I pity
the agony of the gentleman's inspiration.—
An exile from his home, rather than endure
the presence of Slavery; having suffered so
much already from this dreadful system, it
is not surprising that his speeches hero
should draw so largely en his own excita
bility and our compassion. Indeed, sir,
men will always feel—feel keenly too, on
subjects where human rights are concerned;
and it is to the credit of our nature that the
most fervid emotions are so generally on
the side of mercy to the oppressed.
But, sir, I must think that my respects.
hlo friend's zeal in the cause of "our glorious
Union," has swerved his judgement when he
speaks of my friends here, as "men sitting
here under a mask," and throwing "fire
brands" in the dark.
Rev. Mr. HAYNES. I meant no per
sons in particular.
Mr. STEVENS. Indeed! Mr. Presi
diem, his agonizing eflbrt was then a very
harmless thing, as an impersonal speech.
But I certainly understood the gentleman
to more than insinuate that my friend yon-
der (Mr. DUNLOP, whose complexion is
naturally florid, and his hair bright.., red,)
looked very..munh_like a firebrand.
(Great laughter and applause, in which many
members heartilyjoined,and the spectators with
out, with foot and hands. So electric was the ef
fect of Mr. Stevens's sallies here, that no reporter
can touch their magic or picture their effect upon
the hearers, who frequently renewed their ap
plause a second time, after the roar of the first
burst had subslded.).,
Mr. DUNLOP rose. to briefly state his reasons
for those remarks of his which gave umbrage to
the Roy. Gentleman. He did say that ho did not
believe that the abolition of all the Slavery in the
country would "peril the integrity of the Union,"
provided those States did who had the powet. Ho
was opposed, ho said, to the interference of the A•
bolitionists with this question—he had ever been
opposed to it; and if gentlemen wished to insinu
ate that ho kept his opinions under a mask, let
them go ask his constituents before making the
insinuation here. But how can the abolition of
Slavery, by those who have the power,, peril the
Union? W hy,sir,loolc at A ntigua,whore there aro
seven blacks to one white. Here Slavery and the
apprentice system were both abolished at once,
and who has heard of any trouble arising* in con.
sequence of that act? So far from the horrors the
gentleman has painted as flowing from Abolition,
the military has never boon called out in that
Island since emancipation took place, where
thirty-five thousand slaves were sot free among
seven thousand whites! So also in the island of
Bermuda, they had dispensed with both slavery
and the Apprentice system, and with like happy
results—peace and satisfaction on all hands. Am
I to be brrnded as an Abolitionist for believing
historical facts? How aro we to reason on sub.
jects connected with humanity?—from acknow
ledged facts or from dreams and reasonings
brought forth from' the closet or from the wild
woods of Tennessee? Are we to be instructed
by sitting hero and listening to exile* . drivou from
their native State, from one cause or another,
while facts are abundant and at hand to show
that.tho Abolition of slavery by those who have
the power,is not dangerous? Sir,
Rev. Mr. HAYNES explained. He called
God to witness that he meant not to allude to
the gentlemen in his remarks about Abolition
iets!(! !!) •
Mr. DUNLOP. Very well—as the gentleman
has taken back his words, I will not . ilay what I in
tended. I wished simply to show that I had my
reasons for saying that I did not believe the Abo
lition of slavery by those who have the power
would peril this Union; and I do not think Penn
sylvania should leave her old ground and agree in
relation to the District, what she has a right to do,
lost somebody else should do wrong.
(Mr. DUNLOP sat down and after some de
sultory talk by different individuals, the Chair
man of the committee attempted to reconcile the
conflicting views by explaining the resolution.—
Mr. EWING of Fayette, proposed another amend.
ment. Ho was interrupted by cries of question!
but calmly remarked that he should propose his
amendment lot the calls for "question" he contin
ued as, long as they might. Gon. CAMERON
offered some remarks which the reporter could
not hear. Ho was constantly interrupted. The
calls for previous question prevailed, and the reso.
lotions wore passed by a large majority of voices
in their original shape.)
JAMES COOPER, Esq. of Adams, then arose
and offered the following resolutions as an amend
ment to the report of the committee on resolu
tions, the question being about to be taken on all
the resolutions as a whale—
- Resolved, That we view Slavery as a grant mo
ral and political evil, and ono which it would be
right for the States having the power to abolish as
soon as practicable; yet while we claim the right
to speak. write, and publish on this and all other
important subjects, we disclaim any intention or
wish to interfere with what we admit to boa do.
mastic inatitution of the States where it exists,
and which States alone possess the power to abo
lish it within their limits.
Resolved, That an honest expression of opinion
on any subject, is not a violation of the Consutu
tional right of any Stato, or the citizens of any
Stato r
Resolved, That Congress has the power to abo•
lish Slavery in the Etisirict of Columbia, and pro.
hibit its introduction into the Territories
to be otected into States; and that, having suoh
power, it would be right to exercise it.
Resolved, That the right of potition is a right
which every human being.possessea; and that its
denial to the people of this Union would bo at
once a violation of tho Constitution, and an in•
fringoment of an inalienable and invaluable right.
Mr. COOPER had uniformly opposed the un
warrantable interference with this subject of the
Abolitionists, but he did not wish this Convention
to stand connectod in the public mind with the
support of Slavery. Ho thought a frank and open
avowal of our principles on this subject was ne
cessary, to prevent misapprehension abroad in the
country, 'and hn wished the opinion of the Con.
vontion to be fully expressed on all these import.
ant topics. Such an expression would prevent
the Abolitionts from deluding the public into,the
idea that this Convention is friendly to the exis
tence of Slavery; and he thought such an exp)res
aion was demanded by the oceasion,and due tothe
South, to the North, and to our own clutractori.
(M r. Cooper wail much interrupted during hie
remarkr.and filially gave way to a motion by Gen.
Cameron to adjourn till 4 o'clock.that the Courtin.
Lion might be full.)
TURBDAY,•4 o'clock, P. hr. May W.
Pending Mr. COOPER'S resolutions—
The CHAIR decided that the resolutions were
po different in their character from the report of
the committee, that they could not ho offered ae
an amendment to it. .
Mr. STEVENS. I appeal from the decision of
tho Chair. I rememberoir s that in Congress---
z
MEMBERS. le the question of an appeal from
the Chair debateable?
CHAIR. Tho Chair decides that It ip not de.
hateable.
Mr. STEVENS. I appeal from that decision
also.
(Question! Question! Orrlor!`,Mr. President!-:
Question! Sir! were shouted on all hands.)
Mr. STEVENS. I rojoico to witness this patri
otic burst in behalf of our tottering Union!
(Great laughter and applause by the spectators
and many members. Mr. Stevens appeal was laid
on the table,and the proceedings of the Convention
lost all form for a low minutes.)
CHAIR. Will not the houso sustain the chair
in preserving order? Nothing can be done with
out it.
Gen. CAMERON. Mr. President, lam per
suaded the Convention will heat me one word.
(lie made a few remarks which the reporter did
not hear.)
Mr. STEVENS. The Chair seems to have for.
got the motion before the house. It is the Previous
Question, I hone, sir, the notion will prevail, for
that must be taken by Yeas and Nays, and then
we shall find the list which wile lost this morning.
(Great confusion and loud talking. The clerk
again said the list was riot to be had )
CHAIR. I will put to the house whether the
question shall be taken by yeas and nays.
(No! No! No! without waiting for the chair to
put tho question, resounded from all parts of the
house.)
Mr. STEVENS. Have we no rules by which
this Convention is governed? The Vico President
by your Bido (Mr. W. S. FRANKLIN, from tho
City of Wnshington,) knows what is parliamenta
ry order in tho Homo of Representatives.
CHAIR. No. Tho convention have adopted no
rules.
Mr. STEVENS. I had thought it was under
stood in Conventions, that the rules of the House
of Roprosontatives should prevail When 'no others
were adopted. But I thank the chair for the infar.
motion; for I was told awhile ago that I was out
of order!
CHAIR. The Convention acts upon questions
as they come tip, pro re rata.
(Mr. Cooper's' resolutions were rejected by a
large majority refusing to sustain Mr. Stevens'
appeal. There was nivel] confusion at this time,
many motioned to adjourn.)
Mr. STEVENS, still standing, said aloud—
.
Mr. President: VVo a. e not slaves here in Penn•
sylvania. If the attempt is made to make slaves
of us here, whoiher by Southern Slaveholders or
by the reflection of Southern principles elsewhere
(the house hero became still ) there are some of
us here who will resist enough to give the people
warning of the doom that awaits them! Is the
time of gentlemen so precious, assembled as they
are to preserve inviolate the "Integrity of this
great Union," that Ott gaff must be applied hero,
as the whip is elsewhere, to atop free discussion!
Sir, if the free dis , ussion of any subject is at
tempted to be smothered by violent menns,wheth.
or by a mob of ruffians in your streets,or by gentle.
men of high standing assembled in Convention to
preserve the "Integrity of our glorious Union," I,
for ono, shall not fail to lift up my voice against
the tyranny.
CHAIR. Is the gentleman from Adams speak.
ing to resolutions which ho intends to offer?
Mr. STEVENS. Aye, uyo, sir! But it is in my
poor way. It will not he expected that I should be
able to make the Chair comprehend, at once, my
drift, seeing the Chair is somewhat confused!
The gentleman is out oforder.
Mr. STEVENS. What order! Pray, "Vie con.
vention has adopted no rules!" So the Chair has
decided.
Much confdsion prevailed for a minute. Calls
for question on adjournment, printing the pro.
ceedings, order, ; when Mr. STEVENS pro
cooded to otTer the following resolutions:
Resolved, That all mon are created equally
tree; and that they are endowed by their Creator
with certain inalienable rights, among which are
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'.
Resulted, That it is the duty of a Republican
Government to protect every human being in all
his inalienable rights, so far as it - can be done
without violating the fundamental laws of the
government.
Resolved, That Congress possesses' the consti
tutional right to a bolish Slavery and the. Slave
trade, in the District of Columbia, and the terri
tories of the United States.
Resolved, That Congress possesses the consti
tutional right to prohibit the slaVe trade between
the States and Territories, by virtue of the 3rd
clause of the Bth section of the Constitution of the
United States, winch provides that Congress shall
have power "to regulate commerce with foreign
nations, and among the several States, and with
the Indian Tribes."
Resolved, That if the Slave trade were prohib
ited between the several States and Territories,
and between the States and foreign nations, it
would tend much to the abolition of Slavery with
in this nation.
Re;olved, That Congress possesses power to
prohibit the admission of any State into the Union,
which tolerates Shivery by its Constitution; snd
that it is their duty to enforce such prohibition.
Sir, Ido not propose to speak to these resolu
tions, which aro taken almost wholly from the
Constitution of the United States, and the bill of
rights of Ponnsylvania. I know .that I speak' to
unlistening oars. 'rho Convention may go on and
vote down these, as it has my other propositions.
I shall look on in the best possible humor, hating
nobody the worse for voting against them. nor lov
ing any better than I now do, who shall vote in
thoir favor.
Gen. CAMpRON. I wish I may be heard for
a moment.
("Previous question," by a dozen voices )
Mr. STEVENS. 1 hope the gentleman will be
treated with courtesy.
CHAIR. Is every body to be treated with cour
tesy but the chair? (Much noise in the house.)
Mr. STEVENS. I confess we are a noisy Con.
ventiun
CHAIR. Tho gentleman is out of order.
Mr. STEVENS. But the Convention has adop
ted no rules. ("Question on adjournment." "Or
der," "Question" by many.)
The motion was then seconded and called for,
to 'mint the proceedings, and adjourn" sine die.
The Chair was about to put the question when,
Mr. STEVENS said, Mr. President, I have a
word to say before adjournment. •
CHAIR. The motion to adjourn is in older,
and nut debatable.
Mr. STEVENS. Then I move to postpone the
question of adjournment, till I offer my remark.
CHAIR. It is not in order to move a postpone.
ment of a motion to adjourn.
Mr. STEVENS. Not a motion to adjourn
sin.. die?
(The CHAIR made no reply, and Mr. STE.
VENS opened a letter.)
Sir, ho continuud, a letter has been handed me,
which, on opening, I find to be from a respectable
gentleman of this borough, which states that a
certain paper was sent to the chairman this morn.
leg, signed by several gentlemen, and couched in
(ho most respectful terms, requesting the chair
man to lay the same belbre this Convention -
CHAIR. Yes, yes, (interrupting Mr. STE
VENS and taking up the paper.) Such a com
munication was handed in by, I know not whom;
and 1 find on opening that it is signed by several
individuals calling themselves "managers of the
Harrisburg Anti-Slavery Society.. If the gentle.
man (Mr. STEVENS) had not risen, I was about
to have laid the papers before the Convention, as
I -could do no less.
Mr. STEVENS. Still standing. I knew the
Chair was just going to bring the
. cesstnunication
before the Convention, and I therefore called up
the subject before the Chair had put the motion to
adjourn sine die!
MANY Lay the paper on the table. Ques.
lion on adjournment. Question on printing the
proceedirma; much confusion in the Hohae.
Mr. STEVENS. I move the vapor be read.
Tho motion to print tho proceedings of thn Con•
vention, to bond a copy to the President of tho IT
States and others: and to adjouin sine die, pro.
veiled, by one and the same vole; so the Conven
tion was adjourned. -
While the members were leaving their seats
and passing to the door. the Chair aloud rogues.
ted the, members to resume their mt.., but his
regtiest was not heard by all, as many were alrea
dy out of the House, so the members did not re.
sumo their seats.
Ky. The following is a copy of the communica
tion above referred to:
To the President and Mem
bers of the Convention of the "Friends of the
Integrity of the Union, opposed to the schemes
of Me immediate Abolitionists," called to meet
in Harrisburg on the Ist Monday of May,1837;
GENTLEMEN:—As citizens of Pen nsylvanin,end
as Pennsylvania Abolitionists, whose schemes you
feel called upon to oppose, we beg leave, most re
spectfully, to solicit your candid attention to the
following condensed view of our principles and
objects:
1. We are accused of interfering in, matters
with which we have no concern. This we most
emphatically deny. If a heathen slave could say
"Homo sum, et humani a mend alienum Auto,"
(I em a man, and therefore interested in every
thing human,) much more are we hound to act on
this principle, who profess regard to that religion
which teaches us to consider every member of the
human family as a brother whom wo are to love
as ourselves.
Wo maintain that there are, at the present timo,
the highest obligations resting upon the people of
the free States, to endeavour, by every moral and
constitutional means, to remove Slavery from the
country. They are now living under n pledge of
their tremendous physical force, to fasten the gall
ing fetters of tyranny upon the limbs of millions
in the Southern States;—they arc liable to be cal
led at any moment to suppress a general insurre •-
tion of the Slaves;—they authorize the slave-owner
to vote for three-fifths of his Slaves as property,
and thus enable him to Perpetuate his oppression;
—they support a standing army at the South for
its protection, and they seize the Slave who has
escaped into their territories, and send him back
to be tortured by an enraged master or brutal dri
ver. This relation to Slavery we maintain to be
criminal and full of danger, and consequently ; -that
it ought ofright,4- absolutely must be broken np.
2. We believe that Congress has no more right
to abolish Slavery in the Southern States than in
the French Nirest India Islands. Of course we
desire no national legislation on this part of the
subject.
3. We hold that Slavery can only lie lawfully
abolished by the Leis'inures of the several States
in which it prevails, and that the exercise of any
other than moral influence, to induce such aboli
tion, is unconstitutional.
4. We believe that Congress has a right, and
is solemnly hound to suppress the Domestic Slave
trade between the several States. And further,
that Congress has the same right to abolish Slave
ry in the District of Columbia, and all other por
tions of our Territory which the Constitution has
placed under its exclusive control, that the State
Governments have within their respective jurisdic
tions, and that it is their duty to efface so foul a
blot from the national escutcheon.
6. Wo believe that American citizens have the
right to express and publish their opinions of the
Constitutions. Laws, and Institutiozs of any and
every State and Nation under Heaven; and we
moan never to surrender the liberty of speech, of
the press, or of conscience—blessings we have in
herited from our fathers, and which we intend
as we are able, to transmit unimpaired to our chil
dren.
6. Wa have uniformly deprecated all forcible
attempts, on the part of the Slaves, to recover their
liberty. And were it in our power to address them,
we would exhort them to observe a quiet and
peaceful demeanor, and would assure them that
no insurrectionary movement on their part, would
receive from us the slightest aid or countenance.
7. We believe Slavery to be sinful, injurious to
this, and to every other country in which it pre
vails; we believe immediate emancipation to be
the duty of every slave-holder, and that the imme
diate abolition of Slavery, by those who have the
right to abolish it, would be safe and wise. By
immediate emancipation we do not mean that the
Slaves shall be deprived of employment and turned
loose to roam as vagabonds. We do not mean
that they shall be immediately put in possession
of all political privileges, any more than foreigners
before naturalization, or native citizens not quali
fied to vote, nor that they shall he expelled from
their native country as the price and condition of
their freedom. But wo , do mean th tt all property
of man in man should instantly cease;—that the
right of all men to a fair recompense for their la
bor, should be practically as well as theoretically
atlinitted;—and that all the people of these United
States should be equally secured in the possession
of the "inalienable rights," recognized in the De
claration of Independence, "of life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness." We do not advocate
the emancipation of the colored race from law; on
the contrary, we plead for them that they may be
placed under its control and protection. We do
not address ourselves to the oppressed ; hut with
hearts of benevolence to both master and slave, we
beseech the master to grant to his slave, what hu
manity, justice, interest, conscience and God de
mand. By immediate emancipation, therefore, we
mean that measures shall be immediately taken to
deliver the slave from the arbitrary will of the mas
ter, and place him under the salutary restraints and
protection of law. Wo *see no absurdity in the use
of immediate, as applied to these measures, nor
do wa transcend the ordinary force At /anittilge
when we call an important 4nd complex
,public
measure an immediate one, if it be promptlycorn
inenc9d, with the honest determination of urging
it on to its completion. The immediate subjisga
tion of a revolted province, may be consistently
urged by the Senator who knows that a protrac
ted campaign may intervene between the decree
and its accomplishments. Or as our fathers, on,
the 4th of July, 1776, declared the United States
a free and independent notion, notwithstanding it
required seven years' conflict to place them in full
enjoyment of the blessing.
8. We are accused of acts which tend to a dis
solution of the Union, and even of wishing to dis
solve it. We have never "calculated the value of
the Union," because we believe it to be inestima
ble; and we are firmly persuaded that the abolition
of Slavery will remove the chief danger of its dis
solution. Our country is so knit together, in all
its parts, that nothin; ; will be likely ever to sunder
it but the conflicting views and interests growing
out of Slavery. Again, and again, have we seen
the dissolution of the Union tbreatened, and main
ly, as conceded by leading men of all parties,
through the influence of Slavery. Scarcely is one
crisis passed when another impends, and it is evi
dent that this succession ofdangerous excitements
will never end but by the removal of its cause.
Our pluns enable us to seek the removal of this
cause by means which cannot endanger the securi
ty of the national compact, and which, when suc
cessful, will greatly strongthe^ the bonds of our
Union. The only power w beemployea is that of
a reformed public opinion; and even a dissolution
oO the Union will not shield Slaveryfrom such at.
tricks.
/ 9. We aro anxious to protect the rights, and to
promote the education, -virtue, and happiness of
tho'colored portion of our pophlation, and on this
account we have been charged with a design to en
courage intermarriages between the whites and
blacks. This-charge has been repeatedly, and is
now again denied; while wo repent that the ten
dency of our sentiments is to put an end to the
brutakand heaven-daring amalgamation, which
now prevails wherever Slavery exists.
Such, fellow-citizens, are our piineiples, and so
far us we know and believe, such are the doctrines
held by all the Anti-Shivery societies in the land.
And now we ;talc, are you prepared to denounce
these sentiments, as unworthy of Pennsylvanians,
of Republicans, or of Christians? If so, we bog
leave most earnestly to request, that you will send_
forth opal, explicit, and delinile'sentiment of the
views entertained on the subject of Slavery. &c.,
by your respectable body, that the community
may compare your creed with ours, and draw their
own conclusions.
Our object is purely moral. It is to deliver our
colored brethern from Slavery, and our white fel
low-citizens from the guilt of oppression, the fair
fame of our country from the stinging reproach
of hypocrisy and tyranny, and ourselves and pros
tcrity from the judgments of an offended God.—
This object, through the blessing of God, we ex
pect to accomplish: The moral force of tho uni
verse is pledged to sustain our cause. All the
history of the past cheers us on to strenuous cf.
tint. The doctrine of immediate emancipation
must ultimately, and we hope speedily,banish Sla
very from the faco of the earth.
Very respectfully, Gentlemen,
YourFcllow Citizens,
NATHAN STEM,
WM. W. RUTHERFORD,
A. GRAYDON, .
WASHINGTON 13AJIII,
M. WKINNEY,
AUGUSTUS 0. HEISTER,
JOHN WINEBRENNER/
PHILIP ENSMINGER,
Managers of thi Harrisburgh
Anti-Slavery Society.
Star 4V Republican Banner.
At $2 per annum, half-yearly In advance•
GETTYSBURGII. PENN.
MONDAY MORNING, MAY 15, 1837
Constitulionut Convention.
(. 1•In our lust, owing to the non•arrival of our
Harrisburgh papers, in due time, We were unable
to give little more than the result of tho first
day's proceedings. The Convention is now or
ganized. Its officers are, JOHN SERGEANT,
President; SAmura. Suoca. and SAMUEL A. GlL
mons, Secretaries; Dr. George L. Faits., and Jo
seph Williams, Assistant Secretaries; James E.
Mitchell, Sergeant-at-Arms; Daniel Eckles, Door
keeper; Thompson & Clark, Printors of the Eng
lish JOurnal; Emanuel Glyer, Printer of the Ger
man Debates; and Joseph Ehronfried, Printer of
the German Journals.
On Wednesday, after the election of Clerks,
Mr. AM II ERS moved "that the President of tho
Convention invite the Clergy of the Borough of
Harrisburgh, by an arrangement among them . -
selves, to open each session of the Convention
with prayer," which was agreed to—yeas 110,
nays 18.
A rosolution wan submitted by Mr. /NO EIIfIOLL,
and ordered to be laid on the table and printed, ap
pointing.a.special Committee to report what busi
ness wag proper for the Convention to take into
consideration. Mr. HOPKINSON also presented
resolutions of a similar character, which were laid
on the table and ordered to be printed.
On Thursday, the Convention was opened with
prayer by the Rev. Mr. DEWITT, of the Presbyte
rian Church.
On motion of Mr. CilimnEns, a Committee was
appointed to report Rules for the governinent of
the Convention. - It was also agreed, on motion of
Mr. PORTER, of Northampton, that the Conven
tion be governed by the Rules of the House of
Representatives until otherwise ordered.
The following resolutions were submitted by
Mr. Izro Ensott, and laid on the table: '
Resolved, That the Secretary of the
Commonwealth -be requested to communi•
cote to this Convention, the member of all
the Judges, Justices of the Peace, Alder
men, and other Judicial officers of this
Commonwealth, together' with their respec
tive salaries, perquisites, and official emolu
ments, and • the dates of their respective ap.
pointments, as far as the same may be as
certained, or estimated, so as to show the
cost of the administration of justice in the
State.
And that the Treasurer of the Common- .
wealth be requested to communicate to this
Convention, a complete view of the expen
ditures, income, debts, and property of the
State; also, a precise statement of all sums
received at any time, or receivable, from
banks, as bonus, dividend, or otherwise; and,
as nearly as can be ascertained, of -the a
mount of gold, silver, and paper money in
circulation as currency, or otherwise, held
in this State; and also, a separate statement
ofall such sums as were received during
the last financial year as taxes, of all kinds.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the
Commonwealth; and the Treasurer of the
State, be requested to furnish this Conven
tion with statements showing the public
cost, by taxation, or otherwise, of schools,
academies, colleges, and education, in this
State, together with an estimate of a sum
sufficient, and a plan of the best method of
raising it, for educating all the children .of
the - State.
On Friday, the Convention was opened with
prayer by the Rev. Mr. SenEeicrat, of the Luthe
ran Church.
Mr. ClIA:111110.1tH, from the Corimlittee to prepare
a set of Rules for the governthent of the Conven
tion, made a report, which Was read and 'ordered
to be printed. "The report recommends the titlop
tion of a'set of Rules not Materially different from
those by which the House of Representativea of
this State is governed. It also recommends the
appointment of a Committee on each of ;ho nine
Articles of the present Cenatitution; 'a Committee
on Future Amendments, Anil a Committee on Ac
counts."
resolution was adopt° I, authorizing the I'resi-
Oont to employ Stenographers topilm the Debates
of the Convention, A resolution was adopted,
authorizing tho painting of the Comiitution of
1790 and of 1770 in bill form, for the use of the
members.
On Saturday, the Rev. Mr. STEM, of the Epis
copal Church, opened the Convention with pray
get After various resolutions were presented and
fait on the' table, the Convention proceeded to
the consideration of the resolutions olrvred on
Thursday by Mr. hvor.nsoLL. On motion of Mr.
DICKEY, of Beaver, the following werds were
stricken out of the second portion of the first tee?.
lution: "as nearly as can be ascertained, tie a
mount of gold, silver and paper money in circula
tion, as currency, or otherwise, held in this State."
At the suggestion of Mr. cfritvzigti, the first part
of the first resolution was modified so as to read
"Auditor. General" and "State Treasurer," instead
of "Secretary of the Commonwealth." The reso
lutions were then adopted.
The Convention then proctieded to the consid
eration of the "Rules for the Government of the
Convention," reported by Mr. CHAMBERS. The
first, second,third and hiurth rules were agreed to
without op-position. When the fifth rulemaking
it the ditty of the President to appoint the Com
mittees, unless otherwise ordered by tho COnven
tion, came up—
Mr. STERIGERE, of Montgomery, moved
to amend it, so as to give the appointmcmt
of the standing committees to the Conven
.
tion.
Mr. MEREDITH, of Philadelphia, said, he
regretted that the gentleman from Mont
gomery had made this motion; 'and thus, at
vo early a period of the session, introduced
into the Convention a subject which must,
from its nature, create unpleasant debattt,
and fan the embers of patty strife. Ho
had hoped, that, after the organization of
the Convention, the delegates would have
suffered party pint to have slumbered; and
looked only to the great objects for which
they had assembled. The motion of the
gentleman was an attack upon, the Presi
dent of the Convention,.as if showed that
he could not trust him with the usual pow
ers to appoint the committees. The rule,
as reported by the bommittee,he hoped would
not be altered. It was n rule which had
been observed in the government of
,both
branches of the Legislature of Pennsylvania,
since the organization oldie Commonwealth.
Most of the members of the Convention had
been members of the Legislature, and were
familiar with it; and he hoped that the con.
fusion incident to the adoption of new rules,
would be avoided.
Mr. S•rt:RtusnE disclaimed any want of
confidence in the integrity or purpose of
the President of the Convention. As the
purposes for which this body had assembled,
were of a high and importinit characier— : as
the usual legislative checks were here wrint.
ing—and as the proper preparation of buti-,
news for the action of the Convention, was
of high moment—it had been deemed, by
several delegates, the most proper course
for the Convention : in imitation of the high
est deliberative body in the world, the Sen.
ate of the United States, to elect its own
standing committees..
M r. BANKS, of Mifflin, did not agree with
his friend from Montgomery, and he hoped
he would withdraw his molten. Ho could
see no reason why the rules practiced in the .
Legislature of this State, should be changed.
For his part, he bud great confidence in the
presiding officer; and he hoped that no vote
would be taken to prejudice him against the
the members,
in the appointment of the com
mittees. The subjects upon which the com
mittees were to act, were, too important, to
the whole poople o to be submitted on party
grounds.
Mr. CLAntrx;of Indiana, said that , he was
sorry to differ from his friend from Mont
gomery; but he really 40pd he would with
draw his motion, and ktmit the practice
of the Penns} Ivenia Legislature, giving to
the presiding officer the appointment of the
committees, to prevail. Nothing could be
gained by adopting a different course.—
The gentleman from Montgomery had
mentioned the Senate of the United States,
us choosing their own committees: it was
proper in t h at body-as the presiding.ori
cer was not chosen by the Senate, bu( by
the people. In this Convention,,we cheese
our own presiding officer. -There ahem-
ther reason: the Senate of the United States
was a small body, composed of , limn whose
talents and characters were known to every
member; in this Convention, the numberls
large, and the great body of delegates un
known to each othor. He should, there
fore, vote against the amendment.:'
Mr. brociisou, said, ho should vote a
gainst the amendment, but from very dif
ferent reasons from those advanced by other
gentlemen on this floor. He was exceed
ingly sorry that circumstances made it
necessary to advert to facts, which reflected
no honor on this Convention, on the Presi
dent,and on the character ofthe State. He
alluded to that party discipline, which had
placed the President in the chair. When
the people of the States of Virginia, New
York and Massachusetts, undertook to revise
their respective Constitutions, did their del
egates assembled .for that high purpose,
elect their presiding officers by a party vote?
In Virginia, allyirties united in calling Mr.
Madison to the chair. In New York both
political parties placed the Chief Justice of
the State in the char, and in Massachusetts
ex-President Adams, was made the :Presi
dent of the Convention, without a dissenting
voice. lam sorry, said Mr. Ingersoll, fur
the honor and dignity if the Commonwealth,
that you have not been-permitted to assume
the duties of your office under similar cir
cumstances. But what ere the facts? Not
only you, but even the, Clerks, Sergeant-at
arms and Door-keepers. have been elected
by a strict party vote. ,Nearly a week hap
been consumed in the election of the subor
dinate officers, and the ; ime of the Cetteß,
lion has been occupied with trifles; with ay,
adhesion to party discipline. unparallelled,
the majority of this Convention have given
their votes for all officers, from the highest
to the lowest. Sir, these being the fads, I
shall vote against the amendment; for I had
lather trust you Sir, than the majority that
placed you in that chair. I regret, excel.
ingly, that these are facts, both for thy
honor of this Convention, its presiding of
ficer, and the credit of the Commonwealth
Mr. CIIAMIIF I RSi of Fmnlclin, re.plied,that
the gentleman who had just taken hie seat,
seemed to have, all at once, a great abhor
rence of party. This might be well Or
gentlemen whose hands were chin fors
pollution. Hitt why has this change come
over him? lie is not flee froni . .his own
charges. Has not that gentleman, on every
occasion given a strict party vote. In Ati ,
very instance in which hp complains, thb
election of a President, was he not found
among those who would not suffer a Presi
dent to be elected without opposition?—
The gentleman complains of the lossof time
occupied in organizing the Convention,
when he is again obnoxious to hia own
charge, having at no time voted but for his
own party candidates, and for adjournment,
when that adjournment was only intended
for delay. But if the election of officers
has consumed so much time, what will be
the effect ofa vote to elect all the commit
tees? Nothing but a delay of the business
of the Convention and the unnecessary fos
tering ofiftrty strife..
Mr. S' ttvENs, of Adams, said that the
gentleman from the county of Philadelphia,
had complained of the organization of the
Convention, because the Delegates had
chosen to vote for their friends, which the
gentleman himself did not pretend to say
were not as well qualified ns their oppo
nents. With regard to parties, based upon
principles, their support was the support of
those principles. He bolie‘ed that the par
ty to which he bad the honor to belong,was
based upon the support of the Constitution
and the Laws, and the great interests of
freedom, and he considered that represen
, tatives elected by parties based upon those
• principles, who would desert them little
- -hetter.than traitors. But the gentleman
contillains, that you were not permitted to
take your seat as President of the Ccinven
- tioa,'•without opposition, •like Mr. Madison,
in the Convention of Virginia, and Mr. Ad
am& in the Convention of Massachusetts.
Who was the cause of this opposition but
the gentleman and his friends? Did they
vote for you? Did that gentleman, or a
single member of hrs party, vote fir a sin
gle candidate opposed to the party? Who
made the.' motions, darafier day, for addi
tional Clerks, Sergeant at-arms, and Door
keeper's'? Dtd these motions come from a
majority:if the Convention? A gentleman
.from Allegheny, one of his political friends,
• had deserted his party on the election of
• sergeant at-arms, and by this means elee
• ted t he. candidate of the gentleman from the
county of Philadelphia. Could there be
found any such soft pl?ce in the hearts of
the gentleman or his friends? No, they
voted in every instance for their own politi
cal Triends. how ridiculous it is then, for
the gentleman - to - denounce this Convention 0
1, 4 1••
fir its party - organization, when he has vo
ted on party grounds, even for the very im
portant officers who are to bring us our wa
;i t .;ter!
Mi. Milieux, of Uninn, was opposed to
• changing the rule of the House of Represen.
tatives, not only because it would show a
want of confidence in the President, but be
cause it would delay the business of the
Convention, and would be productive of no
benefit whatever.
" Mr. PORTER, of Northampton, said that
the Speakers had left theluestion to discuss
matters irrelevant. How delegates had vo.
'led in the organization of the Convention,
and by what motives they had been govern
ed, had nothing to do with this question.—
Was it expedient to change the practice of,
the Legislature of Pennsvvenia, which gave
- ity.therkii,Adiiig . titTceis ttiVifp poi ii t moot of
committees? If the Convention had no
cOnfidence in the President, it might be well
to do so, but he believed that the members
of the Convention •.I;ever much some of
them might diffeill. 'lilies, had full confi
dence 4 in the purity of motive and integrity
of the President. Ho should therefore vote
. against the amendment.
• Mr. M'CAHAN, of Philadelphia county,
mid he should vote against the proposition
of the gentleman from Montgomery, be.
cause he did not believe the party to which
he belonged, would gain and thing by it.—
He did not complain ofthe majority for their
votes. He was pleased to see parties come
•
up to ilfe line. It showed that they were
governed by principle. So long as he be
lieved that his party was right, he should
vote to sustain it; and he would not complain
because others thinking differently from I
himself, tho't proper to do the same thing.
The PRESIDENT (Mr. Chambers,)thought
it might be proper for him to say, before the
vote was taken, that the gentleman from
Montgomery had a perfect right to make
the motion he had, and that his motion was
in order. It would always give him great
pleasure to put hie motions when in order,
to the Convention. Several Speakers had
considered the motion as an attack upon the
President. He did sot so consider it,--and
whatever might be the decision of the Con
vention, he should entertairm4personal pre
judices in relation to ,the'Xiiciver, or those
who voted for it. The 'right of free and
unbiassed action was guarantee;:i to every
member of the Convention; and he should
never consider any thing perso pal when in
order.
• Aftet the President took' bliikeat; the vote was
taken•.on Mr. STrttarata's amendment, which
was lost—ayes 5, nays 126, ...The sth rule was
then agreed' to:
When the consideration of the 15th rule (which
declares that if the rthiver withdraw a motion
.t_43-
fore a vote is taken upon it or before any amend
ment is made to it, the motion shall not appear on
the journals) camp up—
. Mr. Kum, of Barks, moved to strike nu!
the words "shall not appear on the jour.
nal," and insert "shall be expunged from
the journal.
Mr. STEVENS thought that it would an.
swer the purpose,.to have it read "black
ltnea ehall he drawn around it, and the
word EXPUNGE be written across it.' t .
Mr. KEIJI said, that the committee had
uttered-the rule of the House of Represen.
,tat+•vee. This amendment only went to res
tore it to Its original phraseology. The
word erpunße was a more expressive word.
it - was well understood; and he did not see
why it 'should he discarded ; unless the ma.
jority had imbibed a hatred of the word
,frilro doings elsewhere. He thought the
black line party ware unnecessarily alarmed
at the word. •
Mr. BROWN, of Philadelphia county,
thought that ' , expunge" was the proper
word. If a debate should continue for a
'length of time, end the journals should daily
be 'made up, a motion must be expunged if
it iF not to appear , on the journal.
Mr. DIIIVLOP would hke to hear the opin.
ion of the late President of the Senate,
who was a member of the Convention.
Mr. CUNNINGHAM, of Mercer, said, that
the journals we re not fi hished until .the
question was decided. The minutes of the
clerk could be altered at any time before
an adjournment: after which, the rule did
not apply. r •
Mr. STEntoienE said, that expunge was
the only proper word. Every motion must
be. recorded by the Secretaries, in the jour:
nals;—and was it proper to declare that a
motion shall not appear tirere, unless the
Secretaries were empowered to expunge it?
Mr. CLARK, of Indiana, suggested that
the rule be so altered, that no motion
should be withdrawn aft , r an adjournment. .
Mr. MARTIN,. of Philadelphia county,
hoped that the amendment would prevail.—
Expunge was the most expressive word;
and if it expressed the meaning better, it
should be adopted. He would not object to
the word "iforganize" if it expressed the
meaning better.
The motion to substitute the word "ex
punge" was negatived,—ayes 23, nays 105.
On motion of Mr. M►nrsnrru, of Philadelphia,
after some debate, a rule was adopted, requiring
the minutes and proceedings of the Committee of
the Whole and all other Committees to be kept,
subject to the disposal of the Convention; and also
requiring a call for the ayes and noes m Commit
tee of the whole upon the demand of twenty mem
bers. The following additions to the 29th rule for
the appointment of Standing Committees, were
proposed by Mr. lieop.nsor.i.:
A Committee on the subject of the Currency.
A Committee on the subject of Corporations
and privileges.
A Committee on the subject of Internal Im
provement, Highways, and the eminent dont uin
of the State.
After considerable discussion, the proposition
was agreed to.
On the proposition of Mr. STF.VENS, a Com
mittee on the subject of Public Loans and the
State Debt. was also added.
Mr. Aj'EVENti also proposed that a Standing
Commi.tee on the subject of Secret Societies be tip
pointed. He said, "he hoped that such a Com
mittee would be appointed. The operation of
Secret Societies had engrossed the public mind, to
n great 'extent, both in this country and in Eu
rope. In this State of Pennsylvania, with the ex
ception of Philadelphia, there was no subject up
on which the people felt a deeper interest. At
nn election for Chief Magistrate, more than 80,-
000 had made it n question at the polls. In Eu
rope, too, the question was beginning to be agita
ted. The celebrated Daniel O'Connell had lately
deliveretra powerful speech on the subject, before
the people of Ireland. It was a question which
he should bring before the Convention, and he
thought that it had better be done by a regular com
mittee."
The proposition was opposed by Messrs. Do AN,
PORTER, or Northampton, and CHANDLER, o
Philadelphia City, all High Masons; but before
any vote was taken the Convention adjourned.
FROIVI HARRISBURGEE.
Correspondence of
.the Gettysburgh Star
HARRISBURGH, May 11th, 1837.
The Convention is now fully organized, and
will be ready to commence operations immediately.
A number of propositions have already been sub
mitted. It would appear that more amendments
will bo made, or attempted to be made, than was
at first anticipated. Resolutions for amendments
have boon oared by Messrs. Brown, of Philadel
phia county; Read, of Susquehanna; Earle, of
Philadelphia county; Merrill, of Union, and others.
The resolutions of Brown are in favor of greatly
curtailing the patronage of the executive.
Yesterday the nine standing committees on the
several articles of the Constitution were announc
ed to the Convention by the President, and are as
follows:
On Article first of the Constitution—Messrs.
Denny, Banks, Barnitz, Maclay, Henderson, of
Allegheny; Sterigere, Kennedy, Purvianect and
White.
Article 2.—Messrs. Stevens, Ingersoll, Meredith
Bell, Porter, of Lancaster; Dickerson, Darlington
Ayres and Overfichl.
Article 3.—MeSsrs. Cunningham, Clark, of Ben
ver; Rogers, Earle, Clapp, Foulkrod, Jenks, Lyons
and Saeger.
Article /I.—Messrs. Clark, of Indiana; Biddle,
Smyth, Clcavingor, M'llowell, Bayne, Kerr, Far
rally and Fry.
Article s.—Messrs. Hopkinson, Chambers,
Woodward, Merrill, Hamlin, Fleming, Weidman,
Barclay, Chandler, of Cheater.
Article R.—Messrs. Read, chnuneey, Dunlop,
Heistvr, Fuller, Cummin, Royer and
Donnell.
Article 7.--Messni, Forward, Chandler, of Ph ila
delphia; Riter, Sill, Keitn l Reigart., Pollock, Mar
tin and Sellers.
Arlick B.—Measrs. Dickey, Clark. of Dauphin;
Long, Mann, Berri% Snively, Gamble, Todd and
Cochran.
Article 9.—Messrs. Porter, of Northampton
M'Sherry, Scott, Cox, Coates, Crain, Cline, Ag
new and Schectz.
• As soon as the reports of the above committees
shall have been made, there will be an opportunity
for some of the restless spirits, of whom there is a
goodly number here, to make speeches. As there
arc no less than forty-one lawyers in the Conven
tion, it is to be presumed that there will be many
and long speeches. I shall endeavour to furnish
you from time to time with the movements of the
Convention, as it is a subject in which almost every
citirfn feels a den) interest.
T,
HE ABDUCTION CASE.—The abduction
case at Cincinnati, whose horrible details
have been published far and wide, and exci
ted so much sympathy towards the imagin
ed innocent sufferer and so much virtuous
indignation against the presumed perpetra
tors, turns out to be a mere numnuo. The
young woman, instead of being abducted,
went into a state of reti racy of her own free
will—instead of being imprisoned, she was
only confined—instead of dark roome and
all the romantic et ceteras, her temporary
domicile was the comfortable house of a
physician—and instead of being subjected
to "threats and violence by the monster who
had her in custody" she was without moles
tation, engaged,like the lady in one of Sheri
dan's best comedies, in "getting rid of a
dropsy in a most extraordinary way!"
Qtrzwres.—The Nnrthampton Courier
states th - at a waggish fellow in that town has
invented a funny, little_apparatua for prevent
ing babies from crying in church when they
were christened. This beats the machine
for pulling the kinks out of pig's tails.
STAR & REPUBLICAN BANNER.
BY ROBERT W. MIDDLETON.
911;r111
Monday, alay 12,
.1837.
OtrThe'Wagon price of Flour in Balti
more-68 25.
Appointment by the Governor,
0-11 . asrnt• SUUIVER, Esq. of Littlestown, to
be a Justice of the Peace.
Q'J&MES RENSHAW, Esq. was appointed, at
the last Court, Commissioner of Adams county,
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation
ofludge WILL.
To 'Millers.
cc,.We ask the attention of Millers to the ad
vertisement in another column.
CO`The LADT'L BOOK for May has just been
received. It is well filled with intere.:ting original
and selected matter, and contains a plats of the
Latest Fashions.
oz. The "Commonweal/k and Independent
Democrat" is the title of a paper received from
Philadelphia lust week. It is a very large paper,
well conducted, and supports Ann- /
Masonry and
sustains the State Administration. It is edited by
Mr. WILLIAN METCA LEE, and is published at $2
per annum in advanc?..
ai-We conclude this week the minority report
of the Committee appointed to investigate the con
duct of tl.e Canal Commissioners. The Commit
tee have clearly exonerated the Commissioners
and those under them from all the false charges
brought against them by the base hirelings of those
opposed to the present administration.
"Integrity of the Union!"
j.Knowing the great anxiety of the public to
learn what was done by those kind souls who have
taken into their hands the safety and "integrity"
of this great and glorious Union, we have, to the
exclusion of almost every thing else, inserted their
proceedings in full. They appeared too intereef
ing and important to give a part and then add "to
be continued!" To, give them, then, entire, we
have drawn upon the indulgence of those of 'our
patrons who a-e partial to poetry and love-tales.—
They will be fully compensated, however, by read
ing the proceedings referred to above. Our "in
tegrity" friends, alter all their "labors" have scarce
ly brought forth a "mouse!" ,
✓llarining Times!
Suspension of Specie payments by the Banks
of New York, Philadlelphia, Baltimore,
Harrlsbnrgit and York!!
From time to time we have informed our
readers of the great distress which prevailed in
New Orleans, New York and other places mole
remote and not so intimately connected with our
own county as the Cities of Baltimore and Phila
delphia. It now becomes our duty, as a faithful
sentinel, to inform them that- that distress, after
prostrating upwards of THREE HUNDRED
AND FIFTY in Now York, and hunAreds in
other places, has commenced its work in our Coni
.
mercial Emporium, as well as in Baltimore! Mer
chants are breaking and Banks shutting up in both
places! In Philadelphia, at the request of a large
meeting of the citizens, the Banks have decided
upon a "TEMPORARY. SUSPENSION OF
SPECIE PAYMENTS!" .And we learn from
' the Baltimore Patriot, that the same courso was
recommended to the Banks of that City, but, up
to Wednesday hist, had been declined. How long
they could or would hold out, it is impossible to
tell. The times aro really alanning,and it behooves
all to "bear and forbear."
As to the real criuse, in a great measure, of the
present distressing pressure, there can be no dis
pute. And if those at the head of affairs at Wash
ington would du their duty to tha people. it would
soon be at an end, or, at least, greatly relieved.—
But it seems from the subjoined letter from the
President of the United States, to the Committee
appointed by the citizens of his own State to wait
upon him and solicit .his interposition to check
the ruin he was heaping upon them and his coun
try, that from that quarter there is no hope of re
lief! Hear what ho says—
Zeller from . 1 1.1r: . lifian Berett.
ASHINGTON, May 4,1837.
GENTLEMEN-1 ilnye bestowed On your
communication the attentive consideration
which is due to the opinions, wishes and
interests of the respectable portion of my
fellow citizens in whose behalf they act.
In the correctness of the judgment which,
in the exercise of an undoubtee right you
have in such general terms pronounced upon
particular points in the policy of the late
and present administrations, you cannot ex
pect me to concur. My opinions on those
points wore distinctly announced to the A
merican people before my election, and I
have seen no reason to change them. Hut
however much I may differ with you upon
them, as well as in respect to the causes of
the existing evil, you may be assured of tho
warm interest I shall ever feel, in whatever
concerns the mercantile community, of my
deep syinpathy with those who are now suf.
fering from the pressure of the time, , , and
of my readiness to adopt any measures for
their relief, consistent with my convictions
of duty.
The propriety of giVing to the Collectors
of the Customs, instructions of the charac•
ter desired, necessarily involves inquiries
into the extent of the power of the Execu
tive over the subject, the present condition
of the Treasury, and its probable receipts
and expenditures for the remainder of the
year. These examinations have been di
rected, and are in progress, and the result
will he communicated by the Secretary of
the Treasury to the Collector at New York.
who will be instructed to give it publicity.
A few days will be required to arrive at a
safe conclusion upon some parts of the in
vestigation,but there shall be no unnecessary
( o ay.
The other. subjects to which you have
called my attention, are, first, an immediate
repeal of the order requirinc , specie in pay
ment on sales of public lands, issued by my
predecessor, for the purpose of enforcing a
strict execution of the Act ofCengress,which
forbids the allowance ofcredit on such sales;
and secondly, on an extra session of Con•
dress. I have not been
ought, under
to satisfy my
self that I ought, under existing circumstan
ces, to interfere with the order referred to,
You must be aware of the obstacles to an
immediate convocation of Congress, arising
from the imperfect state of the represents
tiun in ono branch of that body. Several of
Ole States have not yet chosen their Repre
sentatives, and are not to do so for Borne
Frionthe to come. Indenendent of that con
gderation, I
do not see at present, sufficient
reasons to justify me in requiring an earlier
meeting, than that appointed by the Consti
tution.
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
MARTIN VAN BUREN.
It now rests with the people to say, shall such
rulers—such creatures of their will, remain much
longer in possession of that power which they in
gratitude to the services of the late President, con
ferred upon them. Already has New York, the
great Commercial Emporium of the East, declared
that such men shall not rule over them! Albany,
too, once the residence of Mr. Van Buren, has
also declared that she will 'no longer tolerate the
base ingratitude of him whom she was once proud
to call her son! Let this spint spread itself all
over our country. „Let the time soon come when
those who now trample upon the rights of the peo
ple, violate the principles of the Constitution, and
mock at the Calamities they occasion, will be made
to give their places to those who will respect and
protect the rights, liberties and immunities of the
people. We boast of being a Pau rr.orms; but
there is no people on God's earth so trampled up
on, by the minions of their oww,creation, as the
people of ;his land of boasted "Republican Lib
erty!"
P. S. Since the above was in type, we learn
from the Baltimore Chronicle that all the Banks
in tlutt City hare suspended Specie payments!—
as well as those of Harrisburgh and Fork!
Rank of Getlysburgh.
cO-Altheugh all the Banks in the neighboring
towns have suspended Specie payments, the Bank
in this place has not, nor will not do so, unless
there should be an unreasonable run made on it
from the Cities.
j Our Pan Rural Aleighbor.
1 3.Tike "moral" (Heaven save the mark!)—
Editor of the Van Buren paper of this place, is
surprised nt the "unjust assertions and insinua
tions" which appear in the Star from time to time!
He quotes three assertions which appeared in a
late number of our paper respecting Dallas's doc
trines on repealing Charters, introducing Slavery,
&c.; the Globe's denial of the "pressure," and the
disposition of the "collar presses" to suppress the
Governor's Veto Message—the two first being
Editorial and the last an article taken from an ex.-
change paper—rind holds them up as horrible things
"considering the professionsof morality, &c. &c."
of the Star! Well, Major, let us "reason together"
and see who lacketh "morality" iii their "profes
sions."
Our readers all recollect the vile doctrines con
tained in that letter of George M. Dallas, last fall,
which "the party" considered otoo bad" even to
appear in the “Compiler," in which the writer
claimed for the present Convention power to re
peal Marten', introduce Slavery and undo all that
was in existence under the present Constitution.
In view of tlios'Y abominable declarations, we re-
joiced a week or two since at the unanimity which
prevtdled'arnondthose elected to the Convention
in opposition to such doctrines, because it was an
evidence that the Dallasttes could not tarry their
measures. This has roused the ire of the Major,
who be rates us about our "morality"—accusing
us of Making, "unjust assertions," acc. If the
Major denies that Dallas contended for such things,
why did ke direct his , tprinter" to suppress his
letterlizstfall?
• The next thing is our , funjusi assertion" that.
notwithstanding there were so many failures, the
Globe said there was no pressure. Out of the
mouth of the great organ of the Major we will
condemn him. Read the following extract
• From the Washington Globe.
"There is no pressure which any honest man should
regret. Tbis cry of pressure for money, when it is in
greater abundance than ever before, is like a cry of
famine iu the midst of the most plentiful harvest.—
Some there may be, even.in such times, who bare
nothing to eat, but it can be only those who deserve
to starve," &c.
The insolence of such lariguage,& the impudent
denial of its utterance by a poor third-rate LaWyer
whose only dependence is upon the pressure of
the poor, are characteristics of the. “morality" of
those who are rejoicing at the calamities they have
brought upon the people! Despicable creatures!
The ignoral" Major, in respect to the suppres
sion of the Governor's Veto, says it has appeared
"in 'very inany, if not all" of his exchange papers!
We receive the leading Van Boren papers of the
State, out of the City, and know that it has not
appeared in those published in Lancaster, Car
lisle, York and other places. We suppose the
"moral" Major will next deny that the late wise
Legislature suppressed the Message!
“They strain at a Gnat, and swallow a Game!!”
1 :0 - -We were forcibly struck with the truth of
the above quotation on reading the Sentinel's re
marks about the Rev. Mr. BLANCH/Lan. It is right,
according to the logic of the Sentinel, that A should
be hissed and abused and otherwise ill-treated by
B, because he (B) happens to stand high in the
Church—aye, it is even Christianly!—but oh!
what horror, what "indignant feelings" it creates
in such Christians' bosoms should A complain of
such conduct and make use of plain language
instead of noires sous! Such "men" really
"strain at Gnats, and swallow Camels"—when it
suits them!
We must not be understood as justifying or ex
cusing Mr. Blanchard, for using the unguarded
expression which it is stated ho did. Far from it.
Neither can we justify or excuse the person's con
duct complained of by Mr. B. Both, considering
their standing as Christians, at least, acted very
improperly. Nor can we justify the Sentinel's at
tempt to bring reproach upon those of our citizens
who entertain favorable views of Abolition. Call
ing such persons ""THE HEATHEN OF AD
AMS COUNTY," comports not with the stand
ing or dignity of ono who claims to be both a Chris
tian and a Gentleman.
C:I . FREDEUICK EICUOLTZ, of Itlenallen 'town
ship, committed suicide by hanging himself on the
11th inst.
o:7The Fairfield Guards will parade at 2 o'-
'clock r. st. on Saturday next. in Fairfield.
The Liberty R;lleinen will parade, on the
same days at 11 o'clock •. N. at Daniel Lady's in
Franklin township.
From the Columbia Spy of Saturday last.
COLLECTOR'S OFFICE,
COLUMBIA, May 12, 1937. 3
WEEKLY REPORT. .
Amount of Toll received at this office
per last weekly report, $72,309 41
Amount received during the week
ending this day,
Whole amount received up to
May 13th, $76,633 10
W. C. M'PIIERSON, Collector.
The Gettysburg and Petersburg Turn-
pike Road Company has declared a divi-
dend of three per cent. on its capital stock,
payable on the Ist of June.
- -
HYMENIA L REO IST I;R
On the Gth inst. by the Rev. Mr. Steele, Mr.
SAMUEL LITTLE to Miss ELIZABETH YETTS,
dautter of Mr. John Yetts—both of this borough.
O the 18th ult. by the Rev. C. G. M'Lean, Mr.
SOHN B. BLACK to MISS CORINNA HAMILTON,
both of Mountjoy township, Adams county.
On the 27th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Lochman, Mr.
JACOB ROGERS to MSS HENRIETTA SPANOLER,
both of this county.
On the 20th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Ziegler, Wm-
LT•3I HILTIEBRANII, Esq, to Miss ELIZABETH
GEIP, both of East Berlin.
On the 27th ult. Mrs..lAvl: Ewtso, wife of Mr.
Jolts Ewma, of_Mountpleasant township, about
67 years of age.
On the sth inst. after a long illness, Mrs. JANE
BLAXELY, (widow,) of this borough.
On the 9th inst. SAIIAII AMT:LTA, youngest
daughter of 51.7. Samuel S. Forney,of this Borough,
aged 9 months and 14 days.
RELIGIOUS NOTICES.
u::1 -The Rev. Mr. KRAUTH, will preach
the English Lutheran Church on Sunday morn
ing next, at half past 10 o'clock—mid 11e . v. Mr.
REYNOLDS in the evening, at 7 o'clock.
Ty Rev. Mr. M'Lssir will also preach in his
Church on Sunday morning next-
IMPORTANT TO MILLERS.
A PESIII-ABLE SITUATION.
WANTED, immediately, a MILLER,
to take the sole charge of a Mer
chant Mill situated in the Valley of Virginia,
in a fine,' healthy, rich county. He must
be perfectly master of his business, and pro
duce good recommendations as to character,
Sobriety, &c. A man with a small family
would be preferred. A good house, garden,
pasture for a cow, and fire-wood will be pro.
vided for hilt, and the situation can, be ob,
tained for one, two or more years 4is May
best suit him. A single man, of the char
acter above stated, would not . be objected to,
although the advertiser prefers a man with
a family.
0:7 - Apply, personally or by letter, (post
paid) to the
EDITOR OF THE "STAR."
Gettysburgh, May 15, 1837. tf-7
NOTICE TO BUILDERS,
THE Board of School Directors for Lib.
erty township will meet at the house
of Nicholas Moritz, in said township, en
Saturday thelOth of June next,at 12 o'clock
M. to receive proposals for building
2 Stone or Brick Stone- .
Houses,
Any information as to size, Am. can be had
by applying to Mr. JOIIN EINER, President
of the Board, or to either of the Directors.
By order of the Board,
NA TII'L GREASON, Soc'ry.
May 15, 1837. tm-7
.AUDITOR'S NOTICE.
T HE undersigned, Auditor, appointed
by the Orphans' Court of Adams coml.
ty, to adjust and distribute the assets in the
hands of the Administrator of JOHN Mc-
GINLEY, Esq. deceased, to and among the
creditors of said deceased, will meet on Sat.
urday the 10th of June next, at 10 o'clock,
A. M. at the house of Col. James Reid, tin
Fairfield. All persons having claims agains
said estate, will exhibit the same on that
day.
AMOS 11PGINLEY, Auditor.
May 15, 1937. 3t*--7
ir.ETTERS of Administration having
4 been granted by the Register of Adams
County to the subscriber, residing in Stra.
ban Township, in said county, on the Es.
tate of DANIEL DIEHL, deceased, late
of Mounijoy Township, Adams County, all
persons having unpaid claims against said
Estate are requested to present them, and
all persona indebted to make payment, to
the subscriber without delay.
JOHN DEARDORFF', Adm'r.
May 15, 1837. 6t-7
ETTERS of Administration having
been granted by the Register of Adams
County to the subscriber, residing in Ger
many Townshp, in said county, on the Es
tate of PHILIP LONG, sen. late of Lit
tlestown, Admits County, deceased—all per
sons having unpaid claims against said Es
tate are requested to present them, and all
persons indebted to make payment, to the
subscriber without delay.
J. C. FOREST, Adm'r.
May 15, 1837. 6t-7
*um itrairanir
'SCAPED from the prison of Adams
county,(by means °fess' stance through
an accomplice, by unlocking the outside crate
of the Jail wall,) on Sunday the7th of "flay
inst., two men, named
GILDER T namsEr
ELLIS ELI:MIDGE.
P-AMSEY mahout 5 feet, 10 or 11 inches
high, Nit made, rather stooped, down look,
blue eyed, brown hair, low forehead, about
25 years of age, with a pair of grey cassiriett
pantaloons, tar worn; blue silk vest, well
worn; no coat; fur cap, rim turned up; also,
a coat pattern of claret colored cloth.
ELDRIDGE is 6 feet high, stout made,
bold appearance, turned up nose, dark eves,
dark hair, and swarthy complexion; dark
cloth pantaloons; no coat on. .
The above reward will be given for the
apprehension of both the above persona, so
that they can be got—or Fifty Dollar» for
either—and all reasonable expenses paid.
WM. TA UGHINBAGH; Sherif:
Gettysburgh, May 7, 1837. st-5
4,37.3 69
DIARRIED.
OBITUARY RECORD.
DIED.
NOTICE.
NOTICE.
PuBLIc NOTICES.
TO CONTRACTORS.
PROPOSALS will be received until
Thursday evening Ile . Bth of June
next, at the office of the Wrightsville, YOrk
and Gettysburgh Rail Road, inyork, for
laying a single track of rail*
on 12 miles of the above Road;
extending from Wrightsville to. York.
C* - Plans and specifications of the work
will be exhibited in the office after Atondity
the Bth inst. and further informatiotrwilrbe
furnished by Mr..). F. Houvrox. P. A. at
York.
S. W. MIFFLIN., C. E.
Mny 8, 1837. itl4
FOR RENT
THE HOUSE ofthe subscriber in Chem.
bersburgh Street, from the let..
of May next.. For further particulars, "
enquire of Maj. JOHN: Amt. , •
April 24, 1887.
UOROUGH ACCOUNTS.
MOSES McCLEAN,Vreasurer, of 'the
Borough of Gottysburgh, from May 7, 1836,
till April 29, 1837.
. • .
To Balance in bands at last settle.
merit,
Balanco in hands of C. Chritzman, Col.
loctor, on Duplicate of 1836,
Amount of Borough. Tax assessed for
1835,
Do. Road do.
A mount received of Burgoss, License
for Shows,
Stall Rent in Marital - muse. recoived
ofJ. F. M'Farlane; Esq. & J. Per
cy, for ono year, ending August 1,
1836, 5 00
Do. M. Dogroff, do. 5 00
Do. N. Codori, do. 5 00
Borough and Road Taxon, assessod on
lots of Dixon (tier, from 1806 till
1836, both years inclusive, received
of J. B. Ill'Pliorson, Esq. Adm'r.
CRAi
By Orders paid as follows, viz.
George Codori, repairing Handrailing,
David Ziegler, Street and Road Com
missioner, 96 91
John Slentz. do. 72 50
Geo. C. Strickhouser,Contract for Bridge, 80. 00
George Richter, smith work, 2 94
E. Buckingham, Balance of salary as -
High Constable,
Harman Kelly, attendance at Election, 25
Jacob Lefever, printing, 2 50
Adam Maury, Mason work at Market
houso, - - 8 00
Thomas M'Kellp, Painting do. 15 00
George Chritzman, Carpenter work at do. 12 04
Col. M. C. Clarkson, in trust for M. • -.
Stan mbaugh, repairs to Toivn.clock, .9 00
Sundry persons, removing nuisances, • 31i-
Honry Rupp, repairs to Engines and
Hose, • '-
Win. Holtzworth
Do.
11 months,
Robort G. Harper, printing,
Joseph Wharfe, winding Town clock,
8 months, 6 66
George Smyser, Mai. in trust, aspen
sea of oponing a street, 4 00
C. Chritzman, Collector, for a Release, 30 39
Salary of Burgess & Council. 1836, ' 30 00
Do. of Clerk and Treasurer, 30 00'
Balance of Duplicate of 1t336, uncol
lected,
Balance in hands of Treasurer. April
29, 1837.
do..
High Constable,
Borough School accounts:
MOSES McCLEAN, Treasurer of the
Public School Funds of the Borough of Gettys.
burgh, from April 30, 1836, till May 1, 1837. "
DR. Dolls. Cis.
To amount of School Duplicate,
sassed from 1836, -
Do. do. Personal property,
Cash received of Rev. Dewey, tuition,
Do. Sup't. Corn. Schools, nor.
tion ofStato appropriation of IMO,.
000, for the year commencing let
Tuesday of June, 1836,
Do. of Adams county, on School
Duplicates,
School Tax, assessed on lots of Dixon
Grier, for 1835,46
CR.
By Orders paid as follows, viz. :
Balance duo Treasurer at last settler.
ment,
Josiah A. Hall, tuition and sundries,
John Swonoy, do.
Harman Kelly, attendance at Town
Meeting, • 31 - t
Jacob Lefever, printing. 5 511
Robert Martin. writing Desk, 2 50
Robert G. Harper, printing, II 75
J. A. Adair, tuition, fuel and sundries, 204 871
-W. J. Sloan, tuition and sundries, 222 00
Miss A. M'Curdy, tuition, 144 00
I. Hartman, tuition and sundries, 202 06.
Sundry persons, cutting wood, •
John Jenkins, Rent, 30 00
Clarkson and M'Creary, for wood and
cutting do.
Hugh Donwiddie, glazing,
Executors of George Kerr, Esq. Rent
and School furniture,
C. Chritzman, Store Rent,
Peter Weikel% Rent, Fuel and sun.
dries, 98 00
Wm. Garvin, Rent, 20 00
Miss M. Scanbm, tuition and sundries, 72 25
Nathaniel P. Buckley, • 10 00
Thomas Menaigh, Rent, 90 00
Mrs. E. Reed], tuition, rent, fuel and
sundries,
S. H. Buehler, in trust, rent,
Ephraim Martin, in trust, removing
Schools, 1 ph
C. Ch ritzman, Collector, fees, and Re:.
lease,
Balance uncollected on School DUpii.
Cate, 1836,
Balance in band. of Treasurer, May;
1, 1837, aor
May 15, 1837.
COMPOUND cARRAGEENCOUGII
SY R U P.—The superior ad VANE'''. 01`
this Syrup are that at is a compound
sivoly vegetable, and Contains no sir.oholiat
or narcotic ingredients.
For sale at the Drug Store et
Dr. J. GILBERT, Goys*/
Marsh 117 IFOST.
THOMAS DICKEY.
tr-4
Dolli. Cu.
108 Oli
930 32
946 10
8655 32i
13797}
$655 92}
984.60
6428
70
260 91
UDEN
$1739 98
77 321
58 811
245 421
le 8 , 3
$4130 91
- 31-1