Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume], February 21, 1850, Image 2

About Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883

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VERMONT WATCHMAN & STATE JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 21, 1850.
Hvcry, ch Congress is caHcdo K
time, there are none .
reu this which relates -
cause Texas, sir, has r 7 S
,o settle. The qf uon of sU.erj,
mg connccreu nTi. The North,
runs into the uf ,f Texas within
The South, on tbo contrary, '
tend Vheir limits to tl.csource cf the R to Grande
for the purpose of obtaining an additional t Ica
re for slavery ; ami it s the question of the lim
its of Texasand llie settlement of her bounda
ries which precedes all others. Von will per
ceive that these difficulties of the boundary
question mee'.us a', ever- step we take, in "Inch
there is also a third question also adding to the
difficulty.
By the resolution of annexation, all territory
north of 30 decrees :) minutes was inteidictcd
from s'avery. But of New Mexico, all that
w hich lies north of :5G decrees 30 minutes, em
bra cs about one-third of the whole ot .New
Me co east ol the Rio Grande-so that free an !
slave territory, slavery and non-s'avery, may en
counter each otlier. All these difficulties are
to be met. And allow me to si, sir, that among
the considerations which induced nie to think it
was necessary to settle these questions, was tho
Ela'e of things tint now exists in New Mexico,
and a s'ate of things to be apprehended both
here and in the territories. Why, sir, at this
moment, and 1 think I bhall have the concur
rence of the two senators from th it state, when
I mention tne fact, there is a fe ling apprnxi
mating to abhorrence, on the part ot the people
ot New Mexico, of any union with Texas.
Mr. Rusk. Only on tho pari ol office-holders,
officj seekers, and those they could influence
Mr. Ciay. Well sir, that may be, and I am
afraid that" New Mexico is not the only place
where office holders and office seekers compose
the majority of the population of the country.
(Laughter ) They are a terribly large class, I
assure yoj sir. Now, if the questions are set
tied which relate to Tew, her boundaries, Ate ,
and which relate to the territory not claimed by
Texas, and included in "vevv Mexico, all these
questions will but tend to agitation, confusion,
disorder, and anarchy there, and agitation here.
There will be, I haw no doubt, patties at the
North crying out that if the question is not set
tled by the Wilmot Prouiso, or some other re
striction upon them, we absolutely do nothing.
And in my opinion we absolutely do nothing it
we do ?it provide against these difficulties, and
the recurrence of these dangers.
With respect to the state of things in New
Mexico, allow mc to call the attention of the
Senate to what 1 consider the highest authority
I could offer, as to the state of things there ex
isting I mean the act of their convention, un
less that convention happened to be composed
of office holders and office seekers, etc. Now,
f-ir, I call your attention to vv hat tney say of
their situation, if my colleague will he to kind
as to read for me.
Mr. Underwood read as follows :
' We, the people of New Mexico, in conven
tion assembled, having elected a delegate to
represent this territory in the Congress of the
Uniicd Stales, and to urge upon the tupreme
government a redress of our grievances, and
the protection due us as citizens of our common
country, under the constitution, instruct h-m as
follows: Tint wheicas for the las three vears.
we have suffered under the paralyzing effects of
a government undefined anu douoltnl in its
character, inefficient to protect the rights nf the
people, or to dischirge llie high and absolute
iluly of every government, the enforcement and
regular administration of its owilaws, in conse
quence of which industry and enterprise are par
alyzed, and discontent and confusion prevail
throughout the land ; tho want cf proper protec
tion against the various baiharous Iribcs of In
dians that surround us on every side, has pre
vented tho extension of settlements upon our
valuable public domain, and rendered utterly fu
tile every attempt to explore or devclopo the
great resources of the territory. Surrounded by
the Utahs, Camanchea, and Apaches, on the
North, east, and south, by the Navijos on the
west, with Jicanllas within our limits, laud with
out any adequate protection against their hostile
inroads, our flocks and herds are driven off by
thousands; our !cl!ow citizens men, women,
ana children are murdeic-d or carried into cap
tivity; many of our citizens of all ages and
sexe3, are at this moment suffering all the hor
rors of barbarian bondage, and it is utterly out
of cur povicr to obtain their release from a con
dition to which death would be preferable. The
wealth of our territory is being diminished.
We have neither the means nor any adopted
plan by government for the education of theiis
ing generation. In fine, with a government tem
porary, doubtful, uncertain, and inefficient in
character and operation, surrounded and despoi'-
cd by barbarous foes, ruin appears inevitably be
fore us, unless speedy ai.d clteotual protection be
extended to us by tnc Congress ol tho United
Slates."
Mr. Clai'. Now, sir, there is a set of resolu
tions indicative cf the ttate ot things there;
and if we go beyond the Rio Grande, to that
part not claimed by Texas, we find i.o better
stateot tilings, hi laci, i cannot lor n moment
reconcile it to my sense of duiy to suffer Con
gress to adjourn without an effort at least bring
mace to extend the benehts and blessings ot
covernmcnt to those people who have recently
been acquired by us. With regard to that pnr-
nonol New alcxico wiucii lies cast o; the Kio
Grande, undoubtedly if it were conceded toTcx
os, there would be two portions there, disliking
each other as much as the office-scckc.-s and ot-
Cce holders in New Mexico and the Tcxans
would dislike each either if they were thrown to
gether. That, however, might be a remedy, as
relates to New Mexico. But all beyond Deser
et and the north of Calilornia would be still open
to all the consequences of disorder, confusion,
and anarchy, without some stable government
emanating from the authority of that nation ot
which they form now a part, and with which
ihov arc but little acquainted. I think, there
fore, that all these questions, difficult and troub
lesome as they may lie, ougtit to be met in a spir
it of csndDr and calmness, and decided upon as
n matter of duty. Now, sir, the resolutions
which I have immediately under consideration
propose a decision of those questions. I have
said that there is scarcely s. resolution in the
series I have offered that did not contain some
mutual concession, or evidence of mutual for
learance : that the concession vvas nol dltoncth
cr from the uon-slaveholding States or the slave-
holding Slates. Iheeo resolutions propose a
boundary to Texas. What is it? We know the
diversity of opinion which exists in this country
upon the subject of boundaries. Wo know that
a very large portion of the people of the United
States have supposed thai the Western Iran ol
Texas was the Nueces--that it did not extend to
tho Rio Grande. We know that the question of
what is the W estcrn limit and trie Northern
limit of Texas vvas an open question has
been all along an open question when the
boundary was run in virtue of the act of 133$,
marking the boundary setween the United
States and Texas. Sir, at that time, llie boun
dary authorized by thai act of J833 was to br gin
at the mouth of the Sabine, run up to its head, to
the Red river, and thence westwardly with that
Hvcr, to the 100 deg. of longitude. Well, sir,
that did not go as far as Texas now claims, and
why? Because it was an open question. War
was waging between Texas and Mexico, and it
was not at thai lime authorized tosay what would
be exactly the ultimate limits. But, sir, when
we con-e to the question of what vvas done at the
time ot her annexation, the whole resolution
which relates to boundaries, from beginning to
end, assumes an open, unascertained, and unfix
cd boundary lo Texas on the West. Why, sir,
vrtat is the first part of the resolution? It is
that Congress doth consent thai territory prop
erly included within and rightfully belonging to
Texas may be erected into a new Stale." " Prop
erly included" "rightfully belonging." It ape
ciSes no boundaries it could specify no boun
dary. It assumes the state of uncertainty which
in point of fact e know existed. Now, sir, ihe
Jatler F1' f ll: " SJid State to be formed sub
ject lo the adjustment of all questions of boun
dary ibal may arise with other Governments, ana
the constitution thereof," etc. That is lo say,
he is annexed with her rightful and proper
boundaries, without a specification of ihem; bm
inasmuch as a was known that these bounda
ries at the west and llie north ere unsettled, tht
Govetameiit ol" th Called States retained to tt-,
cir the power of settlin- with any foreign na
fn what lb boundary should be .
11 Now. .ir it is impossible for M to go into the
.hol" question. I mean to express rather my
$ion,lh.n to go into the who e extent of the
argument. The western boundary of Texas be
ing unsettled, and Congress retaining to iieii
the power to settle it, I ask : suppose that power
had been exercised, and that no cession of ter
ritory to the United States had ensued, and that
the negotiations between tho two countries had
been limited to the settlement cf the western
and northern limits of Texas, could it not have
been done bv the Untied States and Mexico con
jtjinll v ? Suppose Hut a treaty of the limits oi
Texas Ind ueen conciuueu oeiwue:u iuhwi
the United Slates fixing the Nueces as the boun
dary, would lut Texas have been bound by it.
Or suppose il had been llie Hio Grande, Colora
do, or any other point, whatever li.nil had been
fixed upon by the joint act of the two powers,
would it not have been obligatory upon Texas,
by the express terms ot the resolution by which
il vvas annexed?
Well, jow Mr, lfMex-icoand the United States
conjointly by treaty tuighl have fixed upon the
Western and Northern limi'.s of Texas, and it
the United Slates have acquired lhat power by
treaty, then all the power up m wh.ch the limits
of Texas must have depended is now ves'od in
the United States solely and exclusively all
winch Mexico and the United Snles onjointlv
possessed prior to the old treaty with Mexico. Ii
seems tome, sir, t;i it the cohcIiimoii and re i6un
ing run perfectly irre.iisublf. I;" Mexico and
the United States could have fixed upon any
Western li..iit lor Teas, mid did nut do il, and
it the United Stales have acquired to them
selves by Hie treaty any extent of lho territory
upon winch UieU Cslern limn wa to be fixed,
and must bo fixed, it seems lo ine that no one
can resist the logical conclusion that the United
States now has the power lo do what the Uniicd
States and Mexico conj lititiy could have dune.
I admit that il is a delicate power an extreme
ly delicate power. I admit that it i ujhl to be
exercised w ith a spirit of justice, generosity, and
liberality towaids this youngest member of the
grrai American, family.
Upon thai question I offer no positive opinion
but possibly if the United Slates fives it in a
way contrary lo the desire and rights of Texas,
she might bring it before tho Supreme Court of
tho Uniird Sutes, and have the question again
decided. I say possibly, because I am not of
thai class ot politicians who believe that every
question n a proper question for the Supreme
Court ot the United Stales. Torre are ques
tions loo large 1 )r any tribunal of tint kind to
decide gieat political, nation il, an.l territorial
qui s nun, winch transcend their limits, and to
-Inch they aie uitorly inco npetent. Whether
this is one cr iut, 1 -vill not decide, but I will
maintain lhat the United States are now invest
ed oolelj and exclusively wi'h the power that
was in boih nations to fix, ascertain, and settle
the Western and N inherit limits of Texa.
Sir, trie other dny uiv Ennor.ibo friend who
r presents so well the Stale u! Texas (Mr. lil!;)
caiJ Hut we had no in re right to touch the lim
ns ot Texas than vve have to touch the limits oi
Ivemucky ; ti,c Slate is one and indivisible,
and thai the federal govern.nenl Ins no light lo
separate it. 1 agree with him that, when the
.hints are certain anJ ascertained, they are un
disputed and iiid.spuliblc. Too general gov
crim.cm has no right or power to interfere vv ith
the limits of a Stale hose boundaries are fined,
known, ascerlaiuei', and rccosnu?d no power
-..t least to interfere with it voluntarily. An ex
treme case rnav be put one which 1 trust in
God never will Inp.ion to this Union of a con
quered nation and ol" n constitution adapting it
self to fie stito of siil'jugation and conquest to
wiucii :t lias been reduced, and ttie giving up ol
whole Staic-s, as well as parts of 'hi State, in or
der lo save what rcman.s from ths conquering
arm ot tl.o successful invader. 1 say tnch a
poncr may possibly exist for a case ot extremi
ty such as tins; and I ad nit that short of such
an extremity, voluntarily, the general govern
ment has no ri;jlil to separate a Slate, or t: take
any poitiun of it territory fro n u, or lo regaid
it otherwise than an integer onj and indiviji
ble.
But then I assume what docs not exist in the
SWi of Texas that llns hound-try wa3 known,
ascertained and indisputable. Un th; contrary,
it was eipen vi as unfixed, and remains unfixed
ti lilts irumeiit, with respect to her Inn U west
and noith of the Nuecc Why, sir, vve gave
fifteen millions of eiollars for thc.o Tcrriiories
that we btiuht, and Gud knows what a costly
barijiin to th:s countrv thu was! Wo give fif
teen millions ol dollars for lli3 Territories cejed
by Mexico to us. Can Texas justly, fauly, an.l
honorably co. no to claim all she has asserted a
right to, without piung any p.rtmn j tint fif
teen mihijiis of 1 illura ? She talks, indeed,
about the United Slates bein her ngonl her
trustee. Why, sir, shi was no more l.cr agent
or trus.ee Ihuo the was the n; nl or tiusieo ot
any o.hcr pari of the United S lies.
Texas involved her in a wjr with Mexico: I
make no reproaches none, none. Texas brought
her ir.to the war; hut when hu got ui.o n, it was
nol a war of Tex n and Me-xico- ll was a wjr
of the whole tin ty Stales with Mexico a war
in which the govern nent 4 the United States
conduc ed the hostilities, and wds as much the
triisiee and agenr of lira twenty nine other Stites
composing this Union, as she w is the trustee and
agei.t ot i eviis. Sir, with respect to all these
circumstances such, fir example, as a map an
r.exed to the recent treaty ith Mexico : ihese
arc thu emimons of individuals, hiirolv respecta
ble and eminently rlevited indin lu ils, as vvrts
the lamented Mr. IV, late President e.f the
United Males. It was his individual opinioi,
ilmt he had no ri.trht, as President it th- United
State, or m any other character, otherwise linn
as regotiatmg wito Mexicu,4iud ihen the Senile
had to act in concurrence vvi.h him, to lix a
boundary. In respect to that map, which is at
tached to the t-eaiv. il is sufficient to say that
the treaty itself is silent, from beginning to cnJ,
upon the limits ut Texas; and ihi annexing
ol the map to the treaty no more confirm.;
the truth of any tiling delineated upon that
map in relation to 1 exas tnan it does in relation
lo any other geographical subject which compos
is tho man.
Mr. President, I have siid that I thought the
power has been concentratpJ in tho U. Stales to
fix upon the limits of Texas. I Inve said that
Mils power ought to be exercised in a spirit
of great liberality and justice, and I put it to you,
sir, to sny, upon this second resolution ot mine,
whether that liberality and justice have not been
displayed in the resolution. What is proposed ?
'To confine her to the Nueces? No, sir. To
extend it from the Sabine lo the mouth of the
Rio Grande and Ifi extend it up the Rio Grande
to llie southern limits of New Mexico, and
thence, with that limn, to the boundary between
ths United States and Spain, as marked out un
der the treaty of lcll). Why, sir, here is a vast
country. I have made no estimate about il, but
I believe it is cq'ial in amount nf acres
of square miles to what Texas cast of the
Nueces and extending to the Sabine ha 1 be-
lore. And who is th-ru that can hay, with truth
and justice, that there is no reciprocity, no cor
diilitv, no concession, in iheso resolutions, made
lo Texas, even with reference to the question of
boundary line: They give tier a vast country,
equal in amount nearly, 1 repeal, tu what she in
disputably possessed before a country suffi
ciently large, with her consent hereafter, lo
carve out of it some two or three additional
States, when the condition and number of the
population "may render it expedient to make new
Slates. Well, sir, H not that concession, liber
ality and jusl'ce?
But sir, it is not all that we propose to give
them. The second resolution proposes to pay
them a certain amount of ihe debt of Texas.
A blank is left, because I have nol hitherto been
able loasceitam the amount.
.Mr. Fooie. Will Ihe honorable senator allow
me to make a motion that vve now go into exec
utive session, in order tu enable hiui to finish his
remarks to-morrow ?
Mr. Clay. I do not think it will be possible
for me to conclude today, nlthough I wished to
go through as much as possible.
Mr. Poole. I will make the motion at any
time that the senator may feel disposed lo give
way.
Mr. Clay. It the Senate will allow me, I will
merely couclude what 1 have tu say in i elation
10 Texts, mid thcii 1 will give way, if the senate
desires.
Mr. President, I was about lo remark, indepen
des: o!" the tsotl liberal axd gcauroiu boundary
tendered to Texas, we propose to offer by this
second resolution a sum which the worthy Sena
tor from Texas, in my eye, thinks will not be less
than about three millions of dollars the exact
amount neither he nor I yet possesses the requi
site materials to ascertain. Well, sir, you get
this large boundary and three millions of your
debt paid. I shall not repeat iho argument l of
fered upon a former occasion, as ta the obliga
tion of the United States to pay lint debt; but
I was struck upon reading the treaty of limits,
first between the United Stales and Mexico, then
the treaty of limits between the United Slates
and Texas, to find in the preamble of both these
treaties a direct rrcogniiion of the principles
out of which. I think, spring our obligaiions lo
pay the debt fur which the doties ol foreign im
ports were pledged while Texas was an inde
pendent Slate.
The nrincinle asserted in the treaty of limits
with Mexico is, that whereas, by ihe treaty of
ISID bolween Spain and the United States, a
limit was fixed between Mexico and the United
States, Mexico then composing a portion of the
possessions of the Spanish crown, although
Mexico was, nt tho date of that treaty, severed
from the crown id Spain, yet she was bound, as
having been a part id the possessions of Spain
when the treaty of lril! was made she was
bound by that freity ns much as if It was made
w nh herself instead of Spain. In othtr words,
that preamble asserts that the severance of any
pait nf a common empire cannot exonerate eith
er portion of that empire fro u the obligations
thai are created when the empire 13 entire and
uusevercd. So the same principle is asserted in
the treaty ul IS-'li between 'IVnas and the Um
tc.l Slates; the principle asserted ueiui ill it the
treaty nf 1S&S between Mexico and ific Untied
Slates having been nude when Texas was a
part ol Mexico, and now Texas being dissevered
Iroiii Mexico, she nevertheless remains bound
by that treaty, as if no such severance had taken
place. In other words, the prirciple is this:
llut when an independent power creates an ob
ligation or u duty, no bubscqient political mis
fortune no subsequent pol, Heal severance of the
territory of that power can exonerate il from
the obligations which were created while it was
an independent powei. In other words, to bring
it down and apply it to this specific case, Texas
being an independent power, and having a right
to take loans, ami to make pledges, having taken
loans and having pledged Ihe specific, imports,
arising from llie customs, to the public creditor,
the public creditor became vested with a right
to tint fund of vn.ich he could nol be divested
by any o hT act bul his own consent by no
p dilical changes winch Texas might subsequent
ly think proper to make. In the absorption or
merging of Tex is in ihe United Slates, the
credilnr, being no party to llie treaty by which
that operation wa3 peifurmeJ, did not lose his
rights, but retained his rights to demand the ful
lilmtni of the pledge an.l llie payment of the
lund, just as if ihrre hail never been any annex
ation of Texis tithe United States.
That vvas the foundation upon which I arrived
at fie conclusion o i. braced in thai resolutii.n.
The United Slates, having appropriated lo thein
srlves the dunes arising from imports winch have
been pledged to the creditor by Texas, as an
honorable and just p iwer, oughi now to pay the
de'at for which these duties were solemnly pledg
ed by a poiver independent arid competent to
make the pledge.
Well, sir, I think that were you to give to
Teas the large boundary that is as.-tgned to her,
when vou take into view the abhorrence for I
think 1 am warraii.ed in u-ing ihal expression
with wlrch the people of New .Mexico, east of
the Kiu Grande, ou'd look upon any political
connexion w i;h Texas, and when vou take u.to
view the laro amount vf mown-, liberating and
exonerating Texas from a portion of her jiunlic
debts, equal to that amount when youlscr,ll
thtse circumstances into consideration, I think
they present a case, with regard to which, I con
fess, 1 should be grea'ly virpnscd, if Ihe people
of Texas thcuisi'ivos', w hep they come Indelib
erate upon this seiiously, should hesitate a mo
mcnl to accede.
1 have finished my remarks upon this resolu
tion, and it the senator wishes it, I will give way
to an adjournment.
I.t Soate, Wednesday, Feb. C.
Mr. Clay resumed ai.d concluded his speech
as follows :
Mr. President, if there be in this vast assem
blage ol beauty, grace, elegance, anJ intelli
gence, any who have come hereunder the ex
pectation that ihe hu nble individual who now
addresses you means lo attempt any display or
lo use any ambitious language, any extraordina
ry ornaments or decorations of speeeh, ihey will
be utterly disappointed. This se.i-on nf the
year, and my ow ii season ol life, both adiuuni-l,
me to abstain Irom the use of any such orna
ments; but abovo all, Mr. PiesiJent, the woful
subject upon which il is my duiy lo address the
Senate .i,id tl.r country jforbids my saying any
thing but wnat apportaius sdnu, ly to that su'ij' ct ;
and my solo i!i sire is lo male in) sell, v nh sen
uiisnes!, soberness and plainness, understood by
vou, and b) tio-e wlu ihin'.; proper to listen to
me.
When, sir, vosienlay, the adjounnccit o' Ihe
Sri. ate tool: place, at lint s'age of the discus
sion nf Ihe resolutions which 1 have sub i i"cl,
wh. eli iclaled to 'Texas and l er boundaries, I
tho.ighl 1 had coneLided the "vholfiMiliji.-ct; but
1 was reminded by o IrienJ that perhips I vvas
not sufficienily explicit upon a single point; and
tl at is, tlie- re'lalion of Texas to the government
of the United Slatrs, in regard to that prnon ot
ihe debts ot "Texas ft-r which 1 ihink a rcsyon,!
bnity cxi-ts upon the part ot the government ol
the United Stales. Si-, it was said thai it might
perhaps be understood thai in the proposed
grant of t'iree u.iilions or whatever may lie the
sum whenever it may be ascertained lo Trxa-,
In consideration of her suricnder of her title to
New .Mexico, on tins side of the Rio Grande, in
lhat grant vve merely dischjrge the obligations
wnicn exist upon the put of the government uf
Ihe United States, lu consequence of the appro
priation of tho imports receivable in the pores of
1 exas while snc was an independent power.
But that is not niv understanding, Mr. President,
ot the subject, as betn cen Texas and the United
States. 1 ne obligation on the patt oi 1 exas ti
pay the portion ot the debt referred to, is com
plete and uncancelled; and there is, as betweer,
these two parties, no obligation on the patt of
the United States to discharge one dollar ot Ihe
public debt of Texas. On iJie contrary, st, by
an express declaration in the resolution of ad
mission, it is declared and provided lhat in no
event are ihe Uniicd States lo be liable to or
charged with any portion of ihe debt or liabili
ties of Texas. It is not, therefore, from any re
sponsibility which exists to the State of Texas,
on the pari ot the government ot the United
Slates, that I ihink that provision ought to be
made for lhat debt. Nu such thing. As between
these two parties, the responsibility upon the
pail of Texas isconp'ete lo pay the debr, and
there is no responsibility upon the part ot the
Uniicd States to piy one cent ot it.
But ihen there is a third pirty, no party to the
annexation whatever that is lo cay, the ciedi
tor of Texas, who advanced his money upon Ihe
credit and faith of a salcmn pledge made by
Texts to him lo reimburse the loan, and by the
appropriation ol duties receivable upon foreign
unpens. The last is the party to whom we are
bound, according to iho view 1 piescnled upon
the subject. Nor, sir, can the other creditors
with '1 i xas complain that a provision is made for
a parlicular portion ot the debt, leaving the res
idue unprovided for by iho government of the
United States; because in so tar as wo may ex
tinguish any portion of ihe debt of Texas, under
which she is now bound, in so far vve shall con
tribute to the benefit of the residue crednors of
Texas by leaving the funds of the public lands
held by Texas, and what oilier sources the may
have applicable lo the payment of those other
debts, with more effect than if llie enliic debt,
including the pledged portion of it, as well as
the unpledged, was obligatory upon her, and she
siood hound by it.
Nor can those creditors complain for another
reason. Texas has all the resources which she
had when an independent power, with ihe ex
ception of the duties receivable in her por's up
on foreign imports ; and she is exempted fro.n
certain charges, ex en enures, and responsibili
ties, which she wuuld have had to encounter it
sbe had remained a separate and independent
f-oarer. For example, she would have had to
provide tor a certain amount uf naval force, in
order lo protect herself against Mexico, or a
gaicstany fu.-eiga caeiny w tutcver; out, by her
annexation to the United States, she becomes
liberated from all those charges, and of course
those entire revenues may be applied to the pay
ment of her debts, except those only which are
applicable to the support and payment of the in
cidental debts of the government of Texas.
With this explanation of lhat part of the sub
ject, I pass to the next resolution in the series
which I had the honor to submit. It relates, if I
am not mistaken, to this District :
3th. Iksoked, That it is inexpedient to abo.
ish slavery in the District of Columbia, whilst
lhat institution continues to exist in the Stale of
.Maryland, without the consent of that Stale,
without the consent of ihe people of the District,
and without just compensation to the owners of
slaves within the District.
Mr. Piesident, an objection vvas made to this
resolution by some honorable senators upon the
otlier side ot this body, that it did not contain an
assertion of the unconstitutionality of the exer
cise of the power of abolition upon the part ot
Congress, with regard to this District. I said
then, as I have uniformly maintained in this bo
dy, as I contended in l&ii, and ever have done,
that Ihe power to abolish slavery in the District
of Columbia lias been vested in Congress by
language too clear and explicit lo admit, in my
judgment, of any rational doubt whatever.
What, sir, is tln language of the Constitution?
Congress shall have power
" To e'xercisc exclusive legislation in ail cases
whatsoever over such district, not exceeding ten
miles square, as may, by cession ol piriicular
States, and the acceptance of Cmigrcs, bfcmiis
the scat of goversumni ot the United States."
Now, sir, Congress, by lias gnnting of power
is invested with ail legislation nliatsrievcr over
the District. Not only is it here invested, but
it is exclusively invented wiih all legislation
whatsoever ovor the District. Now, sir, can we
conceive of any language more paiticular and
ompreliensive ill in that which invests a legi.-l.-tive
body with exclusive pjwcruiall case-whatsoever
of legislation over u given disttict of ter
litory or ountry ? Let me ask, sir, is there any
power to tbolish slavery in this Di.-lrici? Let
nie sunp:iM lnndditian lo what I suggested ihe
oilier dry, that slavery had been abolidied in
Marvlanu and Virginia; let me add to that sup
position tli) t it was abolished ill all the Stales in
llie Uniati; H there any power, ihen, to abolish
slavery within ihe District id' Columbia, or is
slavery pi intodJieru to all eternity, without the
possibility of tl.o cxcrc.se of any legislative
poiver for its abolition? Il cannot be invested
in Maryland, because the power with which
Congress is invested is exclusive. Maryland,
therelore, is excluded, as all the otlier Slates of
tho Union are ec!uded. It is here, oi it is no
where. This was the view which I took in IS33;
and I think there is nothing in the resolution
which I offered upon that occasion incompatible
witli the views which I now present, and which
ibis resolution contains. While I admitte-d the
power lo oxisl in Congre-s, ami exclusively in
Congress, to legislvte in all cans whatsoever
and coiisiqu' nl.y in ihi case of the abolition of
slavery within this D sirict, if it deemed it prop
er to do so I admitted upon tint occasion, as I
contend now, that tl was a power which Con
gress cannot, in conscience and good faith, exer
cise, while ihe insliiulinn of slavery cmi'inucs
iviilun Ihe S i'te of Maryland. The question,
sir, is a good deal alteied now t.-om what it wns
twelve veaio ag, when Ihe resolution to vvlrch
I ullode was adopted by ihe Senate. Upon lint
occisir.n Virginia and Maryland were Loth con
cerned :n the cxeicie of the power; but in the
retrocession of the portion eif the District which
lies south uf the Potomac, Virginia has become
no more interested in the question nf the aboli
tion of e-lsvery in the rest of the District than
any other slavcholding Slate in llie Union is in
terested In lis abolition. The question now is
coi.fined to Maryland. I said upon that occasion,
lhat although the power was complete and uer
fect, and the right to abolish slaveiy, vei that it
was a thing which never could have entered in
to the concertino of Maryland or Virginia that
slaver.' would be abolished hero while slavery
continued to exist in either of those iwo ceding
Slates. 1 saitl, moreover, sir, what th granting
of tr,e power it-elf mdiciies, that, although ex
clusive legislation in all cases over the District
was invested bj Congress within the ten miles
s piarc, it w in make u the seat of govern nent
ol the United Stairs. That was the great, par
amount, substantial object of the grant. And in
exercising all the powers with which we are in
vested, complete and lull as they maybe, yet
tbo great purpose of thu cession having been to
create a suitable seit of government, that ought
to be tho leading and comrollnig idea with Con
gress, in the ex-rei-e nt tins power. And inas
iimch ns it is no', necessary, in order to render it
.i proper an.l suitable seat of government of ih?
United Siales, lhat slavery should be abolished
witlnn the limits of the ten ..n'.es square, and
inasmui'h as, at the lime ot 'he cession, in a spir
it of generosity inri.ed'Ote'ly after the formation
of this con-titution, wh-n all was pcac?, and
harmonv, and concord when brotherly affection
anJ friiH-rnil foeltnir prevailed throughout liie
whole Union when M.iryhnd and Virinn, in
a moment of gei.erotn impulse, and wi h teeluigs
if high regard tiwariU the principles nf I hi 5
U..1 ii. chose to make this grant neither parly
could have suspected that at so nr- distant and
fu'ure petiod, alter the agitation rf this unfortu
nate subject, their .enerous grant, wuiiout
equivalent, was to be tinned against them, and
that the sword wns to bs lil ed, as it were, lo
their fmso'Ti--, to strike at thtiro vu hearts. Tins
impl.ed lai'h, ilus honorable obligation.th'n hon
esi) anJ propriety of keeping in constant view
ihe olijJct of the cession ihese were the consid
erations which, lu Id-Jo, urged mi, as they now
I ir.flocr.ee ine, in the preparation ol Hie restitution
wh c'i I have submitted for your consideniii'.n.
I Now, as then, 1 do think that Congress, a a an
honorable body, acting bona tiJe, in good I'.nih,
according to me naiure, and purpose, and objects
of the cession al the time it was made, and look
ing at the condi ion ot the ceding States at this
tune Congress cannot, without lorleiture of all
those obligaiions ol honor which men of honoi,
and tntiioiis uf honor, will respect as much as if
they were found laterally, in so many words, in
the bond itself, interfere with the tn-diuitiun of
slavery in this District, without a violation ot ull
those obligations, rot in my opinion less sacred
or less binding than if they had been inserted in
the constitutional instrument itself.
To be concluded next week.
Jfonrlirful Cure. The Belfast (Me.) Journal
tells of an old lady who was always troubled
with the asthma during tho prevalence of cast
winds. "Alter consulting physicians without
success," her husband nailed the weathercock
with his held lo the west, and she hasn't been
troubled with the disorder since.
(U The Indiam House of Representatives
have passed, 53 to -II, a homestead law, exempt
ing from sales under execution pioperty of the
value of five hundred dollars.
( The name of the Post Office at West
Readsboro', Bennington Co., Vt., has beenchan
ged lo " Hartwellville."
Qy Barnard Lyude, Esq., has been appointed
Postmaster at Guilford Centre, in place of Geo.
A. Hunt, Esq., resigned.
In the Senate on Thursday, Mr. Clay made a
declaration, which produced great emotion : " I
know no South," he said, " to which I owe alle
giance. There arc out two sovereignties to
which I owe allegiance one is the sovereignty
of this Union and the other is the sovereignly of
Kentucky."
"The Seven Mi'e Mirror" exclaimed a maid
en cf thirty "I wish it vvas a seven year mirror
that would reflect my image as. I looked at twenty-three,
Aoip I would gaze!" Post.
Summary Justice. The editor of the Jefferso
uian, a Free Soil Democratic paper at Bangor,
has been cowhided by the wile uf the publisher
of the Democrat, of that city, for an ungallant
and as is slated hi llie Bangor Whig a false
and scurrilous charge against the lady who ad
ministered the punishment.
Jenny Lind coming lo .Imerica. Tho Euro
pean Tunes announces an agreement between
Jenny Lind and Mr. Bjrnuio lor a professional
visit oi me iornier 10 mis cuuniry.
UT Mr. Beale, of Virginia, has issued an ad
dress to ihe people of his district. lie recom
mends moderation on the pari of the South, lie
is opposed lo holding a Cuuvention at Nashville.
(juv. McDowell enteiiAins the same opinions.
ttJaJcIjmem & State Sonrnai.
E. P. WAWOy, JCIPITOK.
Tlim'Mluy, Vcb. 21, 18SO.
5tS5io!
A PROCLAMATION,
BV CARLOS COOLIDGE,
COVERXOR OF THE STATE OF VERMONT.
Whereas, in pursuance of the Ordinance of
the Council of Censors, of the State of Vermont,
dated in Council "of Censors, Feb. IS19," a
Convention of delegates of the people met at the
Slate House in Montpelier, on the first Wednes
day in January A. I). 1850, to consider of the
amendments lo the Constitution of this Slate
proposed by said Council; and
W nr.r.KAS, il lias been certified lo me by the
order of said Convention dated January 12,
I8.1O, that on duo consideration, the said Con
vention adopted the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth
Seventh. Ninth, Tenth. Eleventh, Twelfth, and
Fourteenth Articles cf Amendment proposed by
said Couuncil, which Articles arc in the words
and figures following, to nit:
AriTtcLF. H. Tlie A's'slant Judges of the
County Court shall I e elected by the Freemen
of their respi'cuve Coiintie-1.
Art. -1. Sheriffs anil High Bailifis shall be
elecled by the Freemen of their respective
Counties.
Ar.T. 5. S'ate's Attorneys shall be elected
by the Freemen of their respective Counties.
Art. Ct. Judges of Probate shall be elected
by the Frce.i.en of their respective Piobate Dis
tricts. Art. 7. Justices of ihe Peace shall be elect
ed by the freemen of fheir respective town3 ;
and towns having less than one thotisin l inhabi
tants may elect any number of Justices of
the Peace not oxceedingjlre , towns having one
thousand, and less than two ihousand inhabi
tants may elect jeri; towns ha v ins two thou
sand and less ihjn three thousand inhabitants,
may elect ten ; towns having three ihousand and
les than five thnu-and inhabitants, may elect
tice've ; and towns' having five thousand or more
inhabitant.', may elect ftjiten Justices of the
Peace.
Art. P. All the officers named in the pre
ceding articles of amend npn! shall be rinrmally
elected by ball it anJ shall hold their offices for
ouCjcar, said year commencing on the first day
of December nxt after Ilieir ele-ctinn.
Art. 10. The election of the several officers
mentioned in the precedrng or icles, excepting
Town Rppre-entatnes, shall be made at th
tunes and 111 the manrier now directed for the
choice of Senators. And the Presiding officer
of each Freeman's mc-.-iing, afier the votes shall
have been liken, sut-.iand couiile.l, s,''all in
open mectirg, make a err iticile of each per-un
voted for, wiih the r.-niW ot votes given for
each annexed In Ins 1 an.e and designating the
ullice tor which the v.ies were oiven, a record
of which shall be madf in tho 'Town Clerk's of
fice, and he shall seal up sud certificate, nnd
shall w rue thereon the name of the town and
the words, Ctrhjicnle of ruUj for
and add thereio, in writing, tl.o title o! the office
voled for, as the case- may be, and shall deliver
such certificate to some Representaiivc chosen
as a member of ihe General Assembly, whose
duiy it shall be lu caufe such certificate of votes
to be delivered to the Committee of ihe General
Assembly appointed to canvass the same. And
at the sitting of ihe General Assembly next af
ter such balloting fi.r the officers aloresaid, there
shall be a Committee rppointeJ of and by the
General Assembly wm shall be sworn to the
laiihful discharge of their duly and whose duty
it snail be lo examine such certificates an.l as
certain Ihe number ut voles iven lor each can
didate, mid ihe peisons receiving ihe largest
number of votes lor llie respective offices, shell
be d ciared duly ciecicj, and by such Commu
te be repotted to ih, General As-embly, and
ihe 1 fficers so elecled shall be commissioned by
llie G iveinor. And if to or more persons d
sign lied lor any oiiu of s.nd offices, shall have
received an equ ,1 number of vote's, the General
Assemb'y s,lu,l elect one of such persons to
sucii office.
Art. 1 1. 'The i. r-n of office of the Govern
or, Lituleninl G ivvrnur, Mil Treasurer of lh
State, respectively, shall commerce when Ihev
shall be chosen and qualified, and shall continue
lor the term of oi.ejeir, or until their succes
sors shall bo chosen a..d qualified, or to the ad
journment ot lhe sesi m of the Le"isl iturc, nt
which, by the Constitution and laws" i,jr sr.
cessors are required to be chosen, and not afirr
such adjotirnmen-. And tho Legislature sh.l!
provide, by rmierat lew, dccltring hat officer
snaii act tsejoverimr whenever llire shall be
vacancy in l oth Hn, otuces of Governor and
eiec, or by .hev ffi..i or 'hVie i
death, resignation, or inability of both Govern-1
or and Lieutenant G .vc-rno'r, to exercise the I
pin erst and eli-caargi- the duties of Ihe nfne
ol Governor; arid such eflicer so designated,
shall exerci--! the powers and discharge the du-
or a Governor shall be elected. And in case 1
there shall be a vacancy in ilia office nf 'I
urer, by reason of any of the causes nnn,,...i-i.
ted, the Governor shafl appoint a Treasurer for
me iimo oeing, wim shall aci as Treasurer until
the disability shall be removed, or a new elec
tion shall be made.
Art. 12. The Treasurer of tho Stale shall.
before entering upon tl e duties of his office, give
sufficient sprnritv tn ir, .... r o . . . ...
7 , . . 7 1 , -v .111101, Mi oiaie, in
behalf of the Slate of Vermont, before Ihe Gov
ernor 01 the stale, or oi.e of Iho Jud"cs of the
Supreme Court. And Sheriffs and High Bailiffs,
before entering upon the duties of their respec
tive offices, shall give sufficient security to the
Treasurer of their respective Counties, before
one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, or the
two Ass.stant Judges of the county Cou.t of their
n.-j'vi.iivt. uumii , ir. such manner anu 111 such
sums as eh lit be directed by the Legislature.
Art. 1 1. 'The Senate shall be composed nf
irony senators, to tie ot llie rreemnu otlhe Coun
ty for which they are elected, respectively, who
shall have attained the age of thirty )cars, and
they shall be elected annually by the Freemen
of.each County respectively.
The Senators shall be apportioned to theseve
ral Counties, according to the popu'alion as as
certained by the Census taken under the authori
ty eif Congress i'i the V eir IdlO. rcrard bein-
alwa)s had, in such apurlior.inerit, to the Coun
ties Having ine largest Iraclion, and givm to
each Cojniy at least one S.-nator.
The Legislature shall make a new apportion
ment of the Senators to the several Counties, af
ter the taking of each census of the United States,
or alter a census taken for the purpose of such
apportionment, under the authority of lliis State,
always regarding iho above provisions of lliisar
liclc. Therefore, be it known that I Carlos Cool
idge, Governor of the State of Vermont, hereby
cause llie said Articles ol Amendment, adopted
as aforesaid, to be proclaimed, to the end that the
same may be known and recognized as parts of
the Constitution of this Stale, and binding on
the people thereof.
S , Given under my hand and seal of this
t State, at Windsor, this Twelfth day
' ofFebruary, in the year ot our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and fifiy.
CARLOS COOLIDGE.
By the Governor,
Georoe F. Hct'ouTo.t, Secretary.
No. 3 of Byrne's Dictionary of Mechanics
has couie to hand. I
Congress Clay's Speech.
We again omit tho usual summary this time
giving way lo the speech of Mr. Clay. No
speech ever created a greater sensation, either
in Congress or the country, and we cannot doubt
that our readers will be glad to forego the usual
variety in order to have it in their possession as
early as practicable. The remainder will be
given in our next.
In Congress, Ihe debate upon the Slavery ques
tion has been continued for the past week, and
will continue some weeks more. Mr. Calhoun
and Mr. Webster will speak on the question in
the Senate, and in the House a legion. It is
said lhat California will be admitted, with her
present constitution, by nearly a two thirds vote
in both Houses. Dis-mion is at a discount.
Central Railroad. Some weeks ago the Bur
lington Free Press announced "the largest
freight tram out of Burlington" lo wit: 23 car
loads, which went over the Rutland road. Hap.
pening at our depot on Monday, when tho down
freight train was in, we found 23 car loads, aed
the conductor informed us th it this vvas but a
botit the average daily on me Central road.
(jy The to al amount of California gold re
ceived at the Mint up to Friday was eight mil
Huns of dollars. Of lhat brought by the last
three steamers, but one and a half millions have
been received.
Shukspeare. For the benefit of the admirers
of Shakspeare (uof being moved lo a pulTby' an
" editor's copy,".' we cummend a new and very
beautiful edition published in numbers by Phil
ips, Sampson &. Co. Boston. It is printed with
large type on fine paper, and illustrated by real
ly excellent engravings.
Grammar of .'Irilhmitic, or .'Inalijiis of th: Lan
gwieof Cigurcs and Science of.Vumbers: by
Charles Davics, LL. D. .New York, A. S.
Barnes Si Co.
Here is a nerr book and apparently a good one
also. Teachers and Superintendents will find
it well worth examination.
California I'utitics. We learn from the "Al
fa California" of Dec 31. tint the Whigs of San
Francisco met on the 27th and organized for the
first time as a po'.uical party. Ii. Simmon3 is
chairman of the committee fi r the city, and
Frederick Billings vvas nominated as a candidate
for a vacancy in the Legislature both Vcrmon
ters and Woodstock men. Fied, wo are happy
to learn in otlier ways, is doing well. Good
luck to him.
The vote on the Constitution in California
stood ayes 12,Cfil, noes 51 1.
Vote for Governor:
P. H. Burnett, GTS3
W. S. Sherwood, 3220
J. A. Siiuer. 2201
W. M. Stewart, lil!
J. W. Geary, 13od
Scaforuir, 32
, For din W'astdnsn.
DceR, Sir. : -Will v-nu have the goodness to
ive this note a phce in votir paper. I have al
ways been a supporter of the Vermont Patriot
until the editors thereof flew from the helm of
democracy, and loeled tn the suburbs ot coili
Uonisni and there begged for pap. One would
judge from theirtilk that they areas much lost in
going through this clnnge as Rip Van Winkle
was when he awoke from his sle"p and accused
his friends of being liars nd iraitors, they being
right an.l he being wrong. I nance in the Pal
not of January 31, a p;eco of DmJj Jc.V sling
011 which I wish to say a word.
Dandy Jack and the M.ij ir have a great deal
of irouble nbout the Long Team Deputies and
Sicrifi's, as they tern them. All there is about
the long team is this : th legislature sw fit to
break down the oirgaining cliques of counties
w Inch had loo long pi iyed th" duspul in Vermont.
I ask Ihe cand.d people lo look and see the men
who ruled imr caucuses and conventions, and
wfia made thu nominations for the people; fur
ihsiancc, lo-ik at the nominations ot the county
officer, in Orange county, and otter counties,
which .v ere made last lall by these cliques. Is
there a freeman in the stale of Vcroiont.who will
say the legislature did wrong in using their con
s'ltutional right to put down the cliques and
their game of bargain an J corrup'iGn ?
I wish the cdiiors. of the Palriot and their con
federate's, would crawl out of tie mud in which
t ':)' lie, and tell us the difference between a
whig and a Democrat in these la t'ir days. I
am sir, what I ever have been, a true friend nnd
supporter of equal rights, and I really wish to
knW ulMber anSel.n-a or .he unchanged
3r0 ,(' ,r,le ''""""MCf. Q.
n 7, .
U-vix, Boston. Mr. Siurnons is ever
lual''"fJ f0!,u-' improvements on his beautiful
Ciotnng Depot. He certainly keeps pace with
.oU Winter clotVng of evory
dcscriptl.m he sells lowerthan ever.
A new Plan. Among Iho schemes which are
noiv entertained by the Disunionists, is onu to
force the Wihnot Proviso upon Gen. Taylor, by
retiring from Iho Senate whenever the question
reaches that chamber from the House ot Repre
sentatives. I have already shown in former let
ters, tint by the resignation of Gen. Cass, and
iho negative vote of Mr. Dickinson, together
wiih the contingent influence of Mr. Douglass,
Mr. Bngh', and Mr. Dodge, the restriction would
be defeated 111 the Senate. Tuts opinion was of
course based upon Ihe presumption that the
South would present an unbroken front. Since
it has been ascertained lhat these Northern Sen
alors would oppose the Proviso, Mr. Foole and
his followers from the South, who have been in
stigated 111 all their inDvcnients by a desire lo
break down the Administration, have intimated
in an authentic form that the Proviso should go
to the President, let the consequences bo wiut
Ihey might lujAington Correspondence of tlie
Boston Journal.
So the Slavocratic cry against the Proviso is
all for party effect to enrage ihe South against
llie Administration.
Mr. Marsh in Florence.
We see it stated that the two distinguished
Vermonters, Hon. George P. Marsh, andHiram
Powers, ihe fiisl sculptor in the world.havo late
ly hid a tiitf-ting in Florence, the present resi
dence of the latter. Powers look ins guest to
sec tho statues and paintings, with which that
celebrated city abounds. No man has a better
laste, or can better appreciate excellence in the
fine arts thin Mr. Marsh. It we are correctly
informed, Messrs. Marsh and Powers were boys
together, boih being natives of Woodstock.
Sentinel.
.1 Caliornian Venture. A Liverpool mer
chant who purchased ."o,000 worlh of American
Qour at22s. per bbl., sent the whole out to Cali
fornia from this port, where it proved an excel
lent ventuie. The barrels sold at fifjs. each, and
he cleared 10,000 by the transaction Liwr.
pool Chron.
Cy The Baltimore Clipper says:
' vVe feci confident that not a solitary individ
ual in Baltimore, or in ihe Slate of Maryland.
can be found vrho will advocate a dissolution of
the Union and vve feel equally sure lhat public
feelinit is adverse to senuinr? delegates to tlm
Southern Convention, or lo any other ineeiiuir
where ihe question of dissolving the Union may
be dLK-injed."
To our Subscribers.
We thank those who have heeded our calls
and squared accounts : and now for a fair and
important notice to those who are in arrear. On
tlieSOTH OF APRIL NEXT vve shall erase
from our direction books the names of all r.ub
scribers who are in arrear for more t ian two
years, and proceed to collect the amount due
from them. If any can pay without trouble,
they have no excuse; if any iciW 110 pay except
upon compulsion, duty to ourselves requires 1,3
to compel them; and if any really cannot pay,
it is time for us to stop furnishing papers wi h.
out compensation. Nor is this course for our
advantage only : it is really for the advance
also of all whoe accounts are running up faster
than they arc aware of, and will prove a serious
difficulty to them if suffered to go on. We are
anxious to settle every case without recourse to
the lawyer: but old accounts must he settled.
Godeifs Lady's Hook for March is received ia
excellent season. Il is a good number.
The Southern Convention. 'The L-gialatcr
of Virginia, 011 Wednesday of last week, passed
the preamble and resolutions relative to the VV n.
mot proviso, the appointment ot delegates to the
Nashville Convention, etc. The resolumnj
were considerably modified, and ctd n.t then
pass without much opposition. 'They Co not
treat the conveirion nt Nashville, in June next
as a body authorized lo act for the vhje Souiti
but as a convention which can only co. snlt and
adv ise. They look on it m'rely as a notification
to define what should be the acti in of Ih; Smih
111 case of any interference in slavery. In ci-a
of a passage of the Wihnot pruv:so, the goverr.
or is authorized to issue his writ tor a conven
tion of llie State, which shall be empowered hi
select delegates lo the general convention oi iha
South.
(jyTlic Logishtnrc of Kentucky sus-i r-s
Mr Clay's; position in the Senite ful y ,in,l en ar
ly. and ihis.ioo, enlirrly unsolicited Dy lu r i!.s
tinuished Senator. We roj dee il ilus, and a 1
llie more lhat he has been assai ed by so ina .y
Senators fiom tho slave stales, the men if nur.t
in the bo y like Berrien and and Davis, of libs.,
as well as its mountebank, Mr. Foote. .Mat.
fjyThcfulloiving aie Mr. Weaver's le narks
on .Monday, in relation t receiving a pu.tioa
asking for a dissolution uf the Union:
Mr. President, I am much obliged to she num
ber from Michigan, for ihe clearness a.nl lo,ce
with which he has expressed opiuiins in hicii.
in the main, I entirely concur cspectnhy 1,1 waat
he says o! that exjsung idealism which I find
spieadcver the country, that there can be onmv
be such a thing as a peaceaijio oreaKiug op ul
this Union.
I am quite sorry that my friend from .vew
Hampshire has presented Any such petition as
this, and I shall be quite suipused if iuere
be any votes in ihe Senate receiving it. It wi uld
be oti'our part an assumption of power ; it woull
look as if by possibility we could do sotr.eti.'n;
to the effect and with the tendency which ih.s,
I will sav. presumptuous petition, troni whatever
source it comes, calls upon us to do.
I ihink the substance of this peii'nu is such
lhat, to be appropriate, it should hive had a pre
amble in these words:
u Gentlemen members of Congress, whern,
at the commencement of this scsswn you anl
each of you took yujrsnleoin oaths 1 11 the pres
ence of God, and un the H. ly Kvaugeli-ts, nut
you would support the constitution ul trie L'. i
ied States ; now, therefore, vve pray ycu to 1.1 .
umnedi He steps break up tiiu Urn jo, and
verthiow the constitution of the United Slites
43 soon as vou can. Ami, as m duty bound, c
wi.i ever pray.'1
Mr. (ass. That's first rate.
A Model Engine.
We take Inmi the Syraoue Star, ot Feb. I,
an accoui.t ot the s:eum engine ''Lightning:"
Toe Lightning came upyesterdiy ai'iemon
'roui Ulica, with a twin of six eight wli.jel c irs,
wi-h a strong head winJ, in sixty-sir aimutes.
This is the grealesl speil oil record, in llns
country or Europe, tailing the length or Ine roid
53 imies. The running spet-d would be just 51
mimites.
Her cylenders are IG inches diaoittcr. ?J i'ich-
ts stroke, placed horizontal, midway ot thecv-
llnorical part ot Ihe boiler. .'ne pair of dr.vn.g
wheels, 7 feet in diameter, ari" placed un nedi i;e-
ly under ihe tiro door. In fir nit of the fire bot
are placed a pair of bearing wheels -1 feet in
di nutter. 'The boiler is supported in front by
fttr wheels of o 1-2 feel in diameter, in a true!;.
'The eccentrics are placet! on the outside of llie
wheels, attached 10 thft crank wheel.
Th! cost ot this machine, we understand, h
I j t00, v-bich is certainly a low price tor such
a machine.
Breaking up of the Hirers. The Connecti
cut is fnluely free from even fliting ice, at
Springfield, and the water is very high.
On the Hudson,at Aleuuy.the ferry boats have
renewed Iheir bo3inrs3. 'Tilt Albau) Argus of
Tuesday says :
The warm rains at Ihe glose of last weekhavt;
I broken up ih: Muhisrk an I Hudson. OnSju
' day allernjOT ihe ice broke away at Troy, mil
I pas'ed away rapidly fro.n that city until it.- pri.
rfss was checked by a dim funned oppiis tn
j II11I1, where ihe ice was bleickel tin to 11 Eriat
height, setim;.' back the w aters upon Trov a -J
su'inv ring the lower pjrtionsnf th t city. Li
ter in the evening the elani foroied at Bii"i gava
way, anJ the ice pissed gradually out of the riv
er opposlie the city. On the L t flits al Cas'.le-
j ton Ihe ice was again stopptd, ibro vmg back til
water upon the city, inunJatiog Qny .-ireet and
I tho Pier, and laying Greenbnsh completely na
iler water. The damage done to properly M
co.npnatively tnil ng, our merchants having hal
sufficient warning to teuiova their effects out ut
hum's way.
Panther killed in VtmtnLii Mr. Burnt
caught a panther in a bear trap in Manchester
on Ihe 5th inst. The skin ot the annual has
been presented to the University of Vermont,
and placed in the Museum of Natural History.
Length of the Panther, from nose lo ibe Up of
llie tail, C feet and 7 inches. Weight e(i lbs.
fjy The Mnntreal Gazette complains that
agitators from tho United States have come a
mong tho Canadians, for the purposo of furlho.
ing the ends of the annexationists. Il warns
th"in that the conduct they are pursuing is dan
gerous for them, and likely to lead to serious
consequences.
Mr. Hannegan. The New York Glo'oj has
ihe following paragraph:
" We perceive that our late Minister to Ber
lin, Hon. Elward A. Hmnegan, has returned in
ihe Europa ; and-a personal friend of ours, who
Knew mm innmatelv abroad, authorizes usiosiy
that ihe letter defamatory of Mr. Hannegan, pab
Iished in the Whij pipers of Boston, and copied
elsewhere, makes nothing but statements utterly
without foundation. Mr. Hannegan never last
ed a drop of ardent spirits during his wholo res
idence 111 Europe, anu his conduct vvas of iho
most amicable and exemplary character under
all circumstances. Tho stories, therefore, of tb.2
letter writei in question, are most cruel as well
as unjust, and were no doubt Ihe manufacture of
some personal ill feeling and malignity."
A'c ic Jijjicutlt tcilh Great Britain. lion. 11.
H. Sibley, delegate to Congress from Minnesota,
complains 10 the Secretary of Slale, relative to
Ihe sale of spirituous liquors to the Indians in
our north-west territory by the Hudson Biy
Company. Mr. Clayton replies, under elate of
December lhh, that the United Stales Minister
111 London, his been instructed to address .1 re
monstrance to the llntiih Government oil tho
subject. The correspondence appears in the
Minuesota Chronicle..
Vermont Valley Hailroad. At a meeting of
ihe Directors of this Koad, held at Brattleboro'
on the IDlli inslam, a contract vvas cntcied into
with responsible persons to prosecute this impor
tant enterprise forthwith. The parties agreed
lhat the entire road should be completed and in
readiness for Iho running of the cars, within fif
teen inonllu al farthest. This road is to extenl
from Brattleboro,' where it connec'.s with the
northern terminus ot ihe Vermont and Massa
chusetts Railroad, along ihe west bank of the
Connecticut river lo Bellows Falls, there uniting
wiiu me buiiivan Hailroad at iu southern termi
nus.