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mCHMQgSlJ WHIG. NMi IlftV AND i*l Ml WbKKl \ BY AI.UX. MOKRLKY. Umilf 1'mp**....t* i*+r a "•Ml M |T.$S |'ff «HNI« • UPBItOa OK MR. YKRBY. or NoftTMAHrTOM. HOUSE or VEI.KUATES. 8.to.dat, March 5th, 1948. TtlK DISTRIBUTION ACT. [CMdsilrJ J Mr Y. Mid. h« would refer the Ilouee to the eperch of Mr Calhoun himietf, in eupport of hie scheme. In that speech, ae he had remarked, Mr C. attempted to ehnw that tha land* would be trued by tha new Slates, unless this plan were adopted. Agreeing with Mr Calhoun in hi* opin ion, that there was danger lest these lends might be se t-d on by the new States, Mr Y. said, he must still d ffer with him as to the mode hy which that result was to be prevented. While Mr C. proposed, in effect, to eurrender the lend* to the new Slater, he (Mr Y.) thought the ben mode of pieretr ing them to the Union, wee to distribute the pro ceeds of their tale—or in other word*, to preserve the Distribution Lew unrepealed. In Mr CalhousTs speech on this subject, he raid: • I smuld ask those who think differently an.l who be lieve the system still continued lo work well, wss it no evil, that session >nrr session, for the last ten or twelve yraie. Congress should beenjaged In angtr sod deeply efilattng 1|scuaetnna,growlng out ot the public lamia; in which one able should be denounced as the friends. and the other as the enemles.ot the new (States! W.* the In • rearing violence of ihla agitation, horn year toy-ar and litreUrelng ultimately, not only'he loas of the p 1 >l.r tb> main, but the itanqulli'v and peace of the r. mtrv. no evlll Islt stall that otto third of the lime of Conyreea Is rottsumo I in legislating on subjecta directly or indirectly connected wiih the public lands, thereby prol.tr.g ng the sessions pronorilanelly. ant* adding lo the eipenso up. wards of #ska), 010 annually?** Again, Mr Calhoun said; • Those who here not given special attention to It, and the pi.igrcai of our land aystam, can form no tntt e.sn eeptlon of the danger to which the public Ian t.i are capo, aed The danaer la two fold that thcv will he !e*t bv the loerr nrogvess of acti'einrni, without payment, in ccnae quenre of the vaat quan Hr beyond the wants of the coon try. to which the Indian title la eating uiahed, and if that should not be the case, they will tie from the growing roi'fl'Ot between the al4 and new t*ia'ea. Inconsequence of the rapid increase of the taller, and the great .htT r ence to their respective views of thepoltcy pioper to i.e a lopie.t In referenceto them Both canaev at e npera'mg wlih powerful > ffect. and if ihey do not speedily attract the attention of the Government and the country, they will eeitalnly ter.-nmato be'oie long, either bv thetr sops rate or joial action. In the loat of the public domain No thing bin a full underaian tint of iha cauaea of dang 'r. and the application of prompt and efficient remedy, i an pro sent It;and what I propose la to prcaent a brief sketch of tny viewa In reference to both.” Again, he say*: “If. then, this powerful tide of etr.urai on. which ie (I itv Ing in on the public land*, cannot lie atreatc-h whet ought, or can b* done, to prevent the lo's of the public domain hv the action of the eauaoe already eaplaine. I Thu lath* difficult question. In gnawer | ,,T. we uiual do aa we arc rllon rompelle I (o do in our progress through life—accent i mdaie oiu selves to elrruuwlanr.ee; In imugair evils w, cannot overcome; and retard or lessen those we cant 01 prevent. Such are the laws to which beings of our limited powers and connol over • vculs, omit necessarily yield " Aeain, he says: •* If something be not done, it taitm •wntcuit to tee that the danger from these causes and that from o^upanr? must run together, and that their combined force* mill be altogether Irren'stiblo. The occupant* on the public lands lying within the mates, are voter*, with a weight at th* l»olla equal to th* moat wealthy, and. of course, an equal influence over the election of President and Vico Presi dent, inomSera of Congresa. and fttate Government*. j hazard little in MMltinc that* If they haye not already. ftoni their number*. a decided inti icnce over all tlie elections In many ofihe new States, tliey will, in a very short pc. riotl. from their rapid increase. If nothing should be ilone to arrest the evil That influence would be felt here, and movement* would he made is satisfy the demands of a> numerous and powerful a class, ill’, with their grow mg'in flu mice, the propos ‘ion will be boldlv made, to give, as ha* been stated, the land without rurr!ia*c; In which, from the necessity of the case, the Government wi'l be compelled to vleld, in order to avoid the danger of being seize I and kept In open defiance of its authority. Against this, the only trotin ! that ran be devised. •• far as I can see. la the one I hive propped; to dis|M>ae of the land to the Siates—to part with ownership and a.lmininra i »on.the root of tho evil, on fait andeq ilia ble conditions,'with the best possible provisions th «t can he devised to answer the faithful performance of the compacts. If that, with the provision* against the danger from occupancy, cannot pre vent the losa of the public lands I kt.ow not wliat can. 1 have *4 strong confidence a* the nature of the ftihj»ct wi*. admit, that it will, when perfectedln Its details by the wi»! Horn of the Senate, prove all sufficient. not only to prevcu? the loss of the public domain, hut to arrest the many and growing evils,to which I have allu led, a* incident to the system as It now exist*. Hut. if in that it is possible I should err, with all the camion I have taken t*» come to a correct conclusion. I feci assure i I cannot. In asserting that the danger would be far lass, under the amendment I Intend to propose, than it would be should the sysreru con limit* a* if now stands; and if the public demain is in he lost, it i* far better it should he under the f truer than f he latter, ft would he with far Icta inter mediate hazard, and, to *he end, with leas violence and shock to our poli’lrsi fabric. In the one case we rouM lose nothing hot the value of the land, whir h f shall presently show I* ur ley* titan n«ualijr estimated, while in the other no one can esti male.*’ These extract* were intended to prove what he i (Mr Y ) had been endeavoring to establish, that the public land* were in great danger of being claim'd nnd taken by the new States. They should, he thought, admonish ut how we under took to instruct cur Senator* to vote to repeal a measure like the Distribution Law, which would be so salutary in i’s effects, and when a repeal might result in the sacrifice of the whole public domain. 1 Did any one doubt, that ns the new States increased in numbers, and grew in power, their demands •would increase, in proportion, and the old Stairs lie less able to reeist their applications? In connection with this part of the subject, Mr Y. would state, that it had been the practice of the Govern men-, uniformly, when a S'ate was admitted into the Union, to give it every IG b section of ah the land I within it* limits. Bv the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, of July 16, 1941, it appeared that ihcte had been donations of these public lands to the amount of four millions of acres, while not an acre has been given to the old Stale* 1 Mr Ycrby said, he was at a loss to know, by what principle of construction, or of justice, these grants had been made and regarded as con-tilution al ; whilst the Distribution Law, proposing to oi|. tribute the proceeds according to Fed-ral popula tion, was regarded as unjust and unconetiutionai 7 As to the objection, that its operation would be to encourage extravagance on the port of the States, in building up magnificent scheme* of internal im provement. he would say, “sufficient unto the day, is th* evil thereof.” He sow no reason for such anticipations, and ha woul I endeavor to show that the money would be applied in such manrer as to benefit every tax payer in the Commonwealth. Another objection to the Dinribuiion Law was. that it was a gross violation of States’ Bights! —that it would place the Slates at the mercy, end under the dominion of the Federal Government! — would innka them suppliants for favour! These argument* were made bv gentlemen, who were the special guardians of Sts es’ Rights on this floor, and who professed the greatest confidence in the integrity, independence, and incorruptibility of the Slates; and who never allowed an opportunity to pass, when they could discourse largely in favour of Stale supremacy and State independence. Now, when this measure was called for by 20 States—when it afforded such a fine opportunity for curtailirg the power of the Federal Government, and the patron age of the Executive, which “has increased, is in creasing, nnd ought to be diminished”—row, when su-h a fine opportunity it presented for placing the States upon an equality, of enabling them to carry out their own views of Stale policy, their own im provements, their free schools—now, when they have it in their power to lessen the burdens of taxation, by m»an»ofa fund about to flow into (heir coffers, (amounting from 3 to $500,000 annually) we were told V.y lh« gentlemen from Louisa and Accomae, that the Distribution Law wiisnan’i Ststes’ Rights measure, corrupting m its tendencies, •rid nppea’ing to sordid feeling instead of principle’ Ttiis fund would corrupt and debase Virginia ! and ! therefore we should not receive it, but instruct our I Senators to vote for a repeal of the odious Lnw t 1 This was what he (Mr Y-) railed Slates’ Rights, with a vengeance! Here was practical legis'ation, indeed! As to the idea that the reception of a fund which belonged to the States, and should havr been distributed long, long ago, would degrade them, he thought nothing could be more absurd or erro neous. So far from believing that any such result would ensue, he thought that if th* Distribution Law were carried «u». it would not only come up to the expectation* of i s friends, but would make new supporters from among (hose who now opt* ised it The House was also told that th•« Distribution Law was, in fact, an assumption of state debts.— Mr Y. challenged gentlemen to the proof. If an intelligent man could be found, who advocated Distribution, on the ground that that tale deb'* would thereby he assumed, he would yield this point. H'.ieh a thing, however, et.ni-.ot be shewn.— The Law only proposed to distril ute the money nnd leave its application to the wi 1 and pleasur* of the Stats*. The gentleman from Lomas told the Home that I the American system lay at the bottom of the lbs I tribution Act, and the gentleman from A-comnc asserted that it would necessarily disturb the com- ! promise act, and cause the Tariff to be raxed. On I thia argument, the opponents of the measure had mostly relied. Mr Y. esid he would glance at noma of the views of the gentlemen. He had al ready attempted to show that the public lands, whether their proceed* were distributed or not, would soon cease to be a source of revenue; for, if Mr Calhoun could be regarded a* authority (and h« presumed, with the gentleman from Aecomar, he would.) thia had bc«n made to appear from the • I .otationshe ha I made. Therefore, Mr Y agreed that the distribution of the land fund could not impose a necessity for additional du'iea on imposts, r nee it was to lx abstracted from -he Treasury, at • II events. It «„ admutrd by all that the p„«nt rata of duties would not, earn wlth the aid of the proceed# of the land sale#, yield sufficient rcaenu* to defray the neeevaary eipentea e,f the f;„Te,n.’ rnent, build up our navy, and pm tha country ,n a proper state of defence. If the gentleman f.„ra I.ouisa had correctly estimated the quota of Vir ginia, whan he wna underra'ing the benefit* to accrue fmm the measure, the fund waa to amount to but $1,000,000, annually. In another pert ot the gentleman'* speech, when he cameuj speak of tha necessity of raising the tariff, because (ins fund was to b* abstracted, he estimated the annual amount at $5,000,000. Why the gentleman thousht proper to vary his estimate, an essentially, he (Mr Y.) waa unab'a to My. But granting all that was contended tor by the gentleman, still a* the amount D Os uisnl by dulie* on iu>|m>si> will i.ui iiws* '.hat distrihu'cJ, even (hough the duties be increat *1, Virginia c mnot be injured; fur al.e ssould r» ceiee si much aa she had to pay. But he (M V.) maintained that Congress was in duty bound, to exercise tha power conferred on it, of raising th* rasenue by duties on imposts. So was ita dut« to raise n sufficient amount for the lUpport oi the Federel Government, and to supply all of ill >ti ti nate wmla. Further: Mr V. contended that nti her the framers of the Constitution nor the Slates, when they gase their sanction to that instrument, ever intended that the lands should he used to provide a fund for the support of the Federal Go vernment; also, that it w.ie due to the States, and was the duty of the Federal Gorernmcnt, to dis tribute the proceeds of the land sales among the States, and to provide ita own revenue from other source*. Therefore, he regarded distribution as having nothing to do with tha Tariff question. Ii had been asked why distribute at a lima when all tha revenue of the Government is inadequate lo par its dura, and when there wa* a public debt of • 12,000,000. Mr Y. said he would give thiv answer: the proceeds of the lands belonged of right to the StM'r*. and justice required that they should receive their due. It had been long denied them; but hi* motto was, "better late than never.” Con gress, ton, preserved ample materials, independent of this (and, on which they could legists'# to pro vide for the present and for the future liabilities of the Government. The gentleman from Accomac had contandcd that tha Distribution law violates the compromise act of 1833, because distribution would make it necessa ry to ms* a greater amount by imposts than it would be otherwise necessary to do; and that ac cording to the sp rit and intention ol that act, the duties could not be raised higher than 20 per cent, after June, ISIt. This seemed to him (Mr Y.) a most erroneous view of the subject, cs no reference to the land fund was intended in fixing the rale of 20 per cent, on import* slier IS42. This was evi dent from the fact, that at the very time when the compromise act was pending, a bill w.i* nlso pend mg far distributing the proceeds of tha sale* of the public lands. The compromise act, moreover, did not provide that the duties should not rxce«d 20 per (i.nt| but, on the contrary, expressly drclared that “such dunes should be laid for the purpose of * raising such revenue as may ba necessary to no eco nomical administration of the govcrumen'.” The gent'enian from Aecomsc also contended that the principle of protection was repudiated by the act—thst it look'd to revcnueonly after June, 1641. Ho i Mr ^ .) denied that this via the tact. lie n am rained that the policy of protection ws* not rrpu diated by the compromise act, but merely medifird, n*,TBB peuved by the trim “compromise,” so gene rally given u> the measure. P.d "e-mpromisc” mean that one party yield'd up every tiling? or did it not rathe' mean th.it each party surrendered a portion of what it generally contended for, and the two reconciled their diff-rciire* of opinion upon common ground ? Was it rot absurd to cuppore that tha Tariff men and WrCljv, tins father of the Amrr.cm svst'm mrt the autnor of i*-a rempromi-e ae', shoii'd abandon, iiileily and entirely, all th«T fo merfondlv rherisbed principles, and the police which they h id espoused w in >o rmi'h esr. and lor , so many years—was it not absurd, he repeated, tj j 3"|-pu»e nsv m"»r nr n wc„ J turrentife so much lo th* Anti Tariff men of ihe South 7 The coun try did not understand them is doing so at the time, but looked upon the act as the result of a spirit of conciliation, at a time when greet agitation and ex citement, and much disunity of opinion exited m the coun rv- Mr CUy consented to a modification of the Tariff for the sake of union and harmony_ Heneef he determined to introduce thr compromis», admitting that, with the protection which manufac turers hsd enjoyed for years, the capital ar. i skill they had acquired, the improvement in roach ncry, she slow and gradual reduction of rtu’ies down to IS42, the 20 per crr.t. after that lime on home valu ations end cash payments, they would he able to compete with foreign manufacturers. The Anti Tanffites objected to the principle of discrimination, I recognised in the bill, r.nd to the home valuation end cash payments; but they finally accepted it ss a measure cf compromise. If the principle, of pro tection was repudiated, why did the act provide “that alter 30:h June, It-JS, all duties sliou d be pa d in ready money, to the exclusion ofall credits;" end that “after the same day the assessment of the value of ell imports should be made at home instead of abroad;” and again, that “after the same day, a list of articles specified and enumerated in the act should be admitted free of d ity for the benefit of the manufacturing interest 7" The true principle of that act undoubtedly was, conciliation and har mony; and whilst it was intended to remove whet was thought to be e grievance by one party in this country, it was not designed to sacrifice the interest of any other. a no-ner proposition ol the gentleman seemed to Mr Y. to he equally erroneous, i. e. thet the duty necessarily entered into the price of the artic'e, end increased the cost to the consumer, and that prices would rise in proportion to the increase of the du ties. Mr Y. denied this proposition. According to if, if an article now psying ‘25 per cent, lie sub” jected to an increased duty ot 25 per cent., the price of the article muit advance 25 percent in matket. By a rrport from the Secretary, made December 20, 1941, Mr Y. found it slated that the price of arti ’ cles was not increased by increased dines. The Secretery of the Treasury gave it as his decided conviction, that in mo«t cases, though the duty was • increased, the price of the article lemsined stationary ) to the consumer. When an increased duty w.-s led on an article much utod in any ccmmurry, the Se cretary eave it as his op.nion that the duty always fell partly, and often wholly, on the foreign produ cer, who must sell, whilst the consumer is not ai> ways compelled to buy. The increas'd duty, theref re, rather tends to diminish the profits of the producer, than to increase the price paid by the consumer. Bu>, conclusive as Mr. Y. considered this argument, he would still advert to a few facts which were unquestioned, and were sustained by documentary proof. The principle was, thst du’irs looking to protection, if they were judiciously la.d. would reciuee instead of inereas ug p ices by means of the competition produced ot home between do mestic and foreign minufactures; for there would be a surplus thrown into market. Th • vi w of •he subject, said Mr Y., w«s sus a n-d by facts, a few of which he would enumerate. Take the iron , manufactures. Notwithstanding the duty haa been i increased, the price of arnc es manufactured from iron lias actually dec med. Cheese, too, (hot gh subjected to a duty of 9 cents a pound, sells at the North *t from 7 to 10 cents—so wjrh lead, which sells for 4 or 5 cen s a pound, though the duty is from 3 to 4 cents;—but nails, in ISIS, when there was no duty, sold for 12 cen‘s per pound—r.ow they sell at from 4$ to 5 cents, though thers is n duty of 5 cents imposed. Brown sugar, an article of prime necessity, with a duly of cents per lb. has declined greatly in price. At this time sugar of the best quality can he bought in Louisiana at 3 to 5 cents per pound. Salt, an indispensable arti cie, pnyB a duty of 7 cents per bushel, and is quite at high as when a duty of 20 cents was paid. Cot ton goods hsvc continued to decline in price, though higher duties are now paid than usual, and higlier j than any other fabric—on the contrary, ssjj Mr Y. i teas, coffee, silks, wors’ed goods, fee., #tc , which ! have been imported free of duty, have not fallen in | price. The truth of the matter was, it most fre I quently happened, that the effect of on increase of duly was to reduce the price of the article in the foreign market : and a reduction of duty raises the ; price. With our tobacco, which pays o duty in England of 72J cents per pound, whenever the duty has been lowered there has been a corresponding rise in the price in this country. But he would not I further continue his enumeration of articles, by which to illustrate the ground he had assumed, that ! articles on which a pro’ectiva duty was placed did not thereby sell higher in market. Again: Mr Y . denied the position taken by the gentleman from Aecom.ie, that this F) stribotion Law disturbed the principles agreed upon in the, compromise nc', and created the necessity for n new and increased Tariff. The revenue proposed to be icised on securities, (in aecordar.ee with the provisions of that act.) such as French silks worsted*, linen?, now not dutiable, and wiaei now paying considerably Ice than ‘20 per cen', would amount to more then the land fund, annually. lie I should be pleated to know who there were in that Hall, (hatopposed raising revenur.by 'eying du ties on luxuries imported into this country. He adverted to Oi* Fact, that France was now, bv meant ot her duty of 1,000 per rent, raising a re venue of 910,000,000, annually, from our tobacco' ' F.ngland, ton, levies 9IN,000,000 a year, upon American tobacco, entering her port*! This, ton,, when we have been yearly admitting 97I.OOO.OUO w rlh of article* duty free! Were gentlemen willing longer to sanction ruch a atate ol thing.7— Would tb.ry consen' to the repeal of the Diitril.u* ' tion F.aw, merely that foreign luxuries might go untaxed? Who would pay the tax on these luxu ries? Not the hard fis’ed, p!ain, hard working farmer and mechanic—not the man who euns h s d.n y bread by the awe it of hi* b»ow. Surely not; but those whom (he framers of the Conatitu ( lion intended shou'd pay it— ihe tentumm uf the luxuries, the wealthy and luxurious portion of so ciety. fin the other hand, cmd Mr Y., the pro eeedsof the and sale*, if distributed, will benefit every tax payer in ibis goo] old commonwealth. Suppose, for argument'* sake, it he admitted that this Jaw will cause an increase of the Tariff: What then Woo'd not such a measure be wise and juat? Was it not s qceation between direel and indirect taxation—a question aa to whether the duties should It* raised on imports—diilirs vo un. larily paid by the consumers—or whether the taxes •hou'd ^raised on s!av*»,lands,hortea kr —• ,,, which were paid alike hy the nrh and the poor, the h'gh and the low, and paid, too, under e/impol-ioni Which of these modes did gentlemen r rrftrf L> t us have th" land fund, and tha Lcgt*:at,,ro appropriate Virginia’s quota to the payment of the R'ate deb’, and Ihua avod the ncrcasity of a fur (her increase of tax»* on land, slave*, horses, lie. It will he remembered, that (he tax on lands and 1 horses was increas'd Si, and that on slaves per eent last yri.r. This is now found insufficient, and a further increase, ora loan, seemed inevitsh'e — to avoid either of winch alternativrs, he (Mr Y.) wanted tha land fund. So soon at the debt of the Mat* could he reduced, the fund might l e applied L° i cxietiug taxes, and time, a* h* had sskJ, lienrfit every tax payer in the State. 1 * V, ** iIkim hitherto chiefly 1 henefltted by the land fund? Wealthy conaumcrs of luxuries which paid nodutie*; whilst thousands ol honaat, hard working fsrmar* and mechanics •u j tc(«iv J uo Uihfi1 whau Vii, and nevei wou’d I until distribution mi accomplished. The tick and ike fvshlonih'e have been ell along reaping th< '•enrfii*, to the exclusion of the poor and leaa for un*t,f *)10 lr**J the humid j vralka of hone1' life. Mr Y. thought that such an inequality should not longer be permitted to c anlinue. Mr Y. said, he might press the imtortance ol distribution, on the ground of i a benefit to educa tion store. The late census of Virginia disclosed a deplorable state of ignorance nmong her popula tion. It presented a pictuie of darkness, sehieh was enough to sicken the heart of every psinoi that thobbed for the good of hie country. In a population of 740,DBS white persons, there ware 58,73? strove the age of ?0, unab'e to reed and write. I'be reason aaaipnad lor this culpabla ne gleet wee, that large turns of money were re qutred to put in operation any system of educa lion, which would be effective in its end*; and there was great reluctance manifested to tax the people. Here, said Mr Y., was a fund which would fill our State Treaiury, and place at our disposal an amount adequate to the support of a liberal eys tern of popular instruction. If such an object eoold l>e obtained through the medium of this land fund, ho thought that, of itself, a sufficient reason why the law should remain in force, and be sanctioned by unanimous acclamation. Instead of that, how ever, the t.ooo F■*eo party raised the cry, that th-« fund would corrupt and degrade the Stares and the people! They said we ought not to take the mo ney—the very touch of which, according to the gentlemen from Accomac, was contamination!— They urged upon the House this refusal, too, in spite of an empty Treasury, which could only be replenished by the receipt of this money, or a re sort to odious taxation on the proper'y of the peo ple—taxes which must come out of the pockets of every man's constituent! on that floor. Mr Y. deeirc-l to be fully understood on this subject. lie charged iheLico Focp party, in the Legislature, with endeavoring to reject the quota allotted to the State of Virginia, by ihe Distribu tion Law, which would fall due on (he first of next Jure, and semi-annually theieaftar. He charged that party with endeavoring to effect a tepral of the Distribution Law, if possible, and that tor mere party purposes. He charged them with echem rg to turn back a tide of wealth, which, under the operation of this wise, just, and beneficent mea sure, would flow into the Treasury ol the State for years, and perhaps nges. He held them re sponsible for llie increased lax stion. which roust take place, if the p- cnont of that Law l*e not carried out—a tex which would fall indiscriminate' ly upon the high enj the low, the mighty and the I humble, the rich and the poor; end, in niar.y ir * lance*, on those, of all others, least able to hear toe infliction of any new hurden. For there acts, he airaigned the Loco Foeo parly before the pen p'e, and before their own conscience*. l)*foie ;hos» tribunals, let them an-wei! OfUKUAL AMKBtflt.\ Of via, miss* house or delegates. Satoci'at, March 19, 1“42. A communication was received from the S.-nate •‘aung that they hnva (vacwd the hills entitled, “An act cone»rnin:' the Public Armor) And “an act to ululate the issue* of arms to Volunteer Companies.” On motion of Mr Hrovrn of l’., leave wns given to bring in a bill establishing th: Town of Browns ville on the Lands ol John Garner, in the county of Ptesten. On motion* severally made, leave of absence was given to Messrs Bowen, Wingfield and MoLaugh bn, from Morday nex‘; and to Mr French, from* Tuesday rex'. | i ne ui.i imposing iaici tor the support of Go vernment, was then further consrfertd. Mr Puniel moved to strike from the bill the 4th section—and supported the motion by a short, tut forcible »p»rch—shewing that 'he propos-d impo sition of tsxe* upon new subjects would operate ten timet more on, rously on the East than upon the West, which was manifestly unjust; nnd that it had been yes’erday shown to the House vny e'eariy, as tie thought, that there was no necessity for increased taxet on at this time. Mr P. said, if this measure were persisted in, he should feel’ it his duty to propose taxation upon horned cuttle of the West. Mr Erskme opposed Mr P.’s proposition at lengtn. Mr P. then withdrew his motion, and proposed to strike out that part of the 4th section imposing a tax upon Pianos. Messrs. Strother nnd Crutchfield aupported this proposition. Mr Keen made a few remarks, and then Mr R road ns sustained the views of it»e Commit tee as expressed in the bill —Pianos had been taxed before he an id — it was no new idea. He thought it at leas: as fair to tax luxuries as to tax necessa ries, and he insisted that Pianos were luxuries in a •trict sense of the word. Mr Mcl haney called the previoue question, ' which was ordered; and then the vote was taken on Mr Daniel's amendment,and stood—ayes 40, noes I 72. So the House refused to strike out. Mr Toler moved to amend that part of the 4ih 1 section in relation to Watches; but the motion was loet. Mr K nney moved to strike out that part of the ' 4lh section in relation to Silver Watches, fee. Mr Mayo made a few remarks opposing nil i amendments of the 4th sec’fon. Mr Kinney called the previous question, which was ordered. The ques'ion was then taken upon striking out, and decided in the negative —ayes 53, noee 53. Mr Erskine moved to amend the 3rd sect on in the 50th line, so as to provide that Merchants with whom Pedlars’ Clocks, or other article*, are deposit ed, sha'I piy a tax upon the same. And the amend ment was agreed to. M r Crutchfield nr.ved to amend the bill by striking out the whole 4tb section;—and upon this motion, Mr C.called the previous question. The vote upon sink,ng out stood—ayes4l,nocs 83 I Mr Erskine moved to amend the 3rd section by j adding a cim,*e imposing a tax of $103 upon every Insurance Office or Agency—which was adopted. ( Mr Crutchfield moved to strike out the 5:h sec tion of the bill, wh.eh provides for an increase of ! taxation upon law process—such increase to be pa d by the plaintiff. After a good deal of discussion, the House agreed to strike out. Mr Daniel moved to add to the fourth section the following: “And upc. every hundred dollars in vnlue in homed cattle, hogs and sheep, twelve and a half cents to be paid by the owner, there-f, of which property the Commissioners of the revenue are directed to lake accurate lists.” Mr Taylo* of N. B., said he ehoald vote for the amendment impc..ed by the same considerations, which induced him to vote on increase of the tax upon Lands, fie was opposed to this uncalled for increase of taxation proposed by the bill of the Committee, and h* f«'l very confident, if the amend ment succeeded, the bill would be lost. He would therefore vite for the amendment. A great deal of debair occurred—nud finally Mr Wood called the previous question. The vote was then taken on the adoption of the amendment, and stood—ayes II, noes 93. Mr M llhnney, after sums remarks, rnov-d to reconsider the vote upon striking out the fourth j section. Mr Hunter called e previous question—and the Ifo use tefused to i unsider, by u vote of yeas 50, nays 54. Mr Taylor then offered a substitute for the whole bill, providing that the taxes shall remain for the present, ps established «t the last session of the General As-embly. This preposition was tie cided in the negative—nyes4l, noes G2. EVENING SESSION. Mr McRae moved the following as on a>Mition to the fouith eect on: “And upon every hundred dollar* in valun of horned or neat cattle, to he pa d hy ihe owner thereof, one dollar.” Afterwards he withdrew it. Mr Morgan moved to suspend the rule in order to consider the vote refusing to reron.'der the vote refusing to strike out ihe 1h section of the hill, Mr Watkins cal e*' for the previous q res:ion. The question was then put upon the question of re consideration, which the House refused. Mr Toler moved to add a proviso to the llh sec. lion, exempting from taxation the pianos of all Teachers of Musie —agreed to. Mr 8 rother ca’led the previous question, which was ordered—and th# hill was ordered to le en grossed, hy a vote of H I lo 13 rheSpeaker hid b»fore the House,a report from ihe S-eond Auditor of the duties of the Principal Engineer, with a *t itement of expense* of Knui , neerin^;, fce , which on motion of Mr Holladay v*a» la11 on the table. Mr Daniel presented a communication from the ■Mayor of the f.Yy of R chmond, ns Chu iman of I u'he Meet,ng, held to consider the Cise of the Creole, cnr using the proceeding* of thet meeting, wh-ch were, on motion of Mr Kinney, laid on the tab!* and ordered to he printed. Mr Mrllhsney-eponed from a Special Com mute-, a bill to repeal the act entitled "an act pre senting the period when the Gubematoiial term of office shall commenee On motion of Mr Thompson, The House adjourned. A PAIR. fnr * •*'« of useful an I Panes *rtides, wl'l tie held si Powi,."*n Court flouae, on M»n> sy, ibe 4ib t.r ArrU nrii i - i«> In bu lllns an f piscupsl C'hurr h, nm Fine I reek Mils, Powhatan rnnnly. mb i rwilA Tin; Ml DDT CNBBI MPOR SALE OR LEASE. rpilP ab-va valuable Still* nesr Carterarilte, are for vsle * or !f s*» |,>,*eaetnn to bet delivered on the I et »f April. The term* will I,* le |, w and aaroininnlAiing Apu y in ib- subscribers, FroMee* of Itasn Ar fluaninghtm, .i *ie.bmo,.d w II mai.TaRI.aKi>, mt^/i rSawCav |f KllOllP.n Tilt O BO Rob g. TffO UNTO If —Take notlrs, ifl on Fn lay, tho 9^1 dBf of Aptll neif.af Bowl nj f’arofln^, In I ho ofAf.« of Jsfflf • B ihomton, ir.t !»,#• hour«o. lOn'tlork, A M. m l tuni set of ibai^rl*y, | shall ( reared to take ih* depoaitlon* of ftsmuel n Oliver. Pams t>;akl «<rr, Osr,i|* PUshiifh and others, !• be rea l m avMteaea in ■!,. suit e"w 'leper,.I log In tbs < Ireult ItuMrlor Conn f l aw an t f.hsntsry, fot ilia county of Caroline In wlilrh I am plaintiff and you are defendant. Very re*p«*ifaUy, n.bl* r«» JOHN TATI.OR, In. COMM UNI CAT! ON*. , Mr. EdiUr • The itlicltiu y« uc •>«) er of Friday • at, in relation to my vote for Judge Summer*, aa •overnor, ia, I think, calculated to proluce an srro '<aoua impreaaion, a* to my motives, in giving that vote. Noman ia Use in -lined than I am to bring ny name before tho public unnecessarily, but a vnae of justice to myself, requires that I shnul i repel the imputation, vthiCb a fair inference from voura.tic'e would cast upon my conduct in that a’f elicit. You remark, that “it ia but justice to Mr I'liompson, to say, that ho never voted for Judge Summers, on any ballot, when an election could bo m.id-," (I quote from memory, a* the pu. per ia not hr fore me,) which simply mean« that my 'Uppoctof tho Judge, was not in good faith, and that | woo d not have voted for him, if there had J'ten a fair prospect for his election. Had thero been a regular reporter in the Senate, or had you heard tho rema>ks wjih which I seconded the no mination of Judge Summer*, I am sure you never would have indited that paragraph; and I am equally sure, that not only every friend of Judge Summers, but you yourself, will at once acquit m* of the imputation which your article casts upon me, when made acquainted with the facts of th# ca,f- You profess in your article, a desire to do me justice; and as t ask nothing more, in reference to any of my public art*—I hope you will not be guilty of the injuitict cf denying, to this explana tion, a place in your column*. My intentions, in lefcrencelo this election, were well known to the prominent and active friend* of Judge Summers, pnnr to hi* nomination. When asked by them, how 1 would vote, should h* be Presented ns a candidate to the Legislature, I i frankly told them that I would vote foe him, and adhere to him, as long aa hi* mast aangu'ne friends thought thero mi reasonable prospect of hit electron. When Iris nomination was com municalcd to the Senate, ! rose and seconded it. vvsrmly nnd realoualy; not only because I beliavcd him acceptable to my constituents, but beenu«e of his high and eminent qualifications fur the office, and Ilia ardent and persevering devotion to the principles and interest* of Western Virginia. A reference to the Journal will show that I voted lor him on three ballot*, on cither which he in ght have been elected had his polit'cal fiienda united upon him. Auer the second ballo', a majority of his friends were co lvinred that his election was j hope'**?, ns many of the Kas’rm Whigs had de clared their deicrmination not to vote for him, i under any circumstance*. I left the matter for I them to decide, declaring my intention to vote for hint as long as a shadow of hope remained of his I success, and accordingly, again rerouted my vote j for him. After that vote, t believe all hi* Iriend* j had given up the contest in despair; but a* his name tvas continued Ignore tho Legislature, 1 eli't intended to vote for him; until, finding that his vote, instead of incress.r.g, had fallen c(T in the Se:iat»—end Mr Anderson of Dotetnu't having chanced his vote, in favor of Mr Stevenson—I determined to vote for him alio, in tho hope, that bv «o «,oing, I might terminate the contest. 1 '’**• Editor, ix a simple ata-nment of tho tac's, connected with this matter: — I can nssure I you, jivi.I at the friends of Judge Summers, that j throughout the whole contest, I acted in perfect .good ta ’h. and with a sincere desire for his suc cess, and n» you have the liberality toadnti: that t urn a gra.'/eman, although a I.cto Fjco, 1 hope you *ill do me the justh-c to benerethc assurance. > cry respectfully, Your obedient servant, _ R . A. THOMPSON. ■ - RICHMOND WHIG, VBIDAl HOItMHO, MARCH 9S. 111 n i ;i9Tr.iBi i r ^ n—. ? .?i« > jmgh/s m .> m, The distribution of the L.mJ Fund among the S ate*, is demanded by right and justice, and the best interests of all the States. The monsy be longs to the Suites, nnd their embarrassments ren der it highly important to them. They nerd it to ease the load of taxation, to perfect their improve ments anJ educate llicir chi.Jrcn. It would be n task of supererogation to dwell upon the importan1 benefits, which it would confer, in regard to each of these interests : The whole people feel the bur den of taxation, and covet relief—Tbe entire West •a suffering greatly for means to get their products to Market—this fund would go far to relieve their wants—The fact, that there r.re 50,000 persons in the State wtio cannot read—and that tho number is increasing—appeals loudly to every patriot for something to be dona to stay the progress of ignor ance. This fund would educate every child in the Commonwealth. B it important at tbi* fund is, considered with re spect to these great ends—or, if gentlemen choose— regarded in a dollar and el. point of view — it it tenfold more important in its bearing upon our system cf Government. The distribution is the greatest, most practical and substantial State Rights measure of the age. Its tendency is directly to curtail the means of corruption—the iioiver and patronage ! j of the Federal Government; aa J to augment the re sources, the power, influence an 1 respectability of each of the sovereign States of the Confederacy. Money is pow-r, all the world over.—This policy wrests from the Federal Government this immense fund, and transfers it to us rightful owners, the States, The power of the former is diminished, and the later increased, just in proportion to the amount of money which is abstracted from tho one and bestowed upon the other. This needs no argument — it is manifest to the simplest capacity. Suppose the Federal Government were stripped of all its re venues from customs as well es lands—and these re venujs were en’rusted to the States;—wou’d not t! e former be powerless and the letter omnipotent » Or, on the other hand, take frem the States all their pre’ sent revenues, as well ns their Land Money, and give them to the Federal Government—and what would ba the condition of the sovereign States ? In whet would consist their sovereignty, their power, thsir respectability J They wou'd be the mere depen dants—literally and absolutely the dependents of the t ederal Head. And it is to this condition—so far as the Land Fund goes—to which affected State Rights men would reduce these glorious sovereign ties ! " 9 confe«« that it is tha State Rights tendency of the Distribution policy, which, tnors than any other one consideration, enlisted us so warmly in ita advocacy. The <N1 oney belongs to the State*, and therefore it is but right and proper, they should hive it—But even if there were a doul.l al>out f their right, so wise end salutary do we deem the policy, that we should l»a lemptod to encroach up- : on the right* of the Federal Government, to obtain the Money. When the right, however, is all | on our side, n* it in, we cannot be so re- I creant to th* interest* of the State es to sur render our dues, end prostrate our sovereign ty at tho footstool ol the Federal Executive. The argument thit th* Federal Government isem. harraased and wants this money, has no weight with us. Virginia is embarrassed, too—and ehe claims our first affection—our fiiat care. Ar.d in this we differ from our Sta/r RIKhli rolemporary ' of the Enquiier, (Heaven save the mark!) whose every thought is for the Federal Government—he 1 has no solicitude for the honour end welfare of hi* native Suite. Virginia needs money n* much os they do at Washington—end it being her’*, she thill! have it. She if in no condition now to reject any , of her resource*. She is in debt, and old-fashioned honesty require* that she should be just Isfore *he is generous. Distribution will not only tend to strengthen and confirm Stele sovereignty, augment the resource* and incre .*e the respectability of the S’ates—but I', will prevent another mearure, now in embryo, | which we regerd with the most serio. s apprehen- ! non. We allude to an assumption of Kiate d*d>»e 1 | by the Federal Government. This mcaiore is in- j | 'v table, in the very nature of Ihmgs—if the die- i | honest alternative of repudiation be rot retorted to I —un :*a the distribution of the land money ),e cur ried nut. The State* are not able to pjy their debts by direct taxation ; and whatever be the ef fect upon the political system, they will insist upon the Federal Government’* paying their debts—av long as that Government receive* their revenues. And there will be even more than a show of justice in thi*. They will refer to th* precedent of I7'jf> —when Cong.es* assumed the debts of the States and took the Isnd money to meet them. They wil{ **y again to the Federal Government, "If you will deprive u« of our revenues from the public and*, you must piy our debt*.” We should dej r» ute * measure of this kind, because, its tendency would he eonio i.Jatmg ; nod, therefore, we the more ear n'S'ly urge its antegoniet, Distribution, and would exhort every State Bight* man to bestir himself to establish Diatribution a* the permanent policy of the Government. It is the only rff-etnal mean* of defeating the dishonest expedient of repudiation—or the more dangerous alternative of State rt*bt •*. sumption — which can be desired only by ih* ultra Fedtralist* of the Iti'chi* school. Two kidnapper* have been recently arrested l,y the officer* of the Railroad. Th* gentry had bet ter abandon their trick*. They gam lest honor than peril by thtir adventure*. I ill. I. \M» M »NKV. The fatuity of the L'Koa, in rejecting th* Stale’* quota, i« everywhere exciting il.e surprise and in donation of th* ps-vplc. A letter from Dinwiddle sayat "1 in astonished at th* marine** ol these men—what do they miaul .Ire they bent on self-destruction / Without a cent in the Treasury—an the beg—will they yet withhold this pittance from their constituents T I am comfort ed by the ri fleet ion, that it will lead to their over throw. Then we may say for ones, that an ab straction achieved gteat good I ” A letter from Buckingham says: "I hope Gregory will not hesi tate to appoint nn agent the first day of his Admin istration, and thereby entitle himself to the thanks of every tax-payer in the commonwealth. If he thinks it right, lie will be sure to do it, end how cana man of Ins good tense think otherwise f"— Without knowing, *e apprehend, that Mr Gregory may eoneider liirulelf instiucied by the retinal of the Legislature—and will not act unleas the people at the polls shall declare their teisho* in favor of the reception of the money. Letters from other quarters, and the entire Whig press of the State are to the tame purport. All de clare in favor of the money, if this question be properly presented to the people, there will not bo thirty Locus returned to the next House of Dele gales. Let the Whigs bear thi* in mind, and go to work accordingly. As a sample of the sentiments of the press, the following sound atlicle from tho Winchester Repub lican is presented: Frem the Minr.brs/rr Republican, March 19. THE LAND FUND. Th* relief winch vrr promised ourselves in Vir ginia from the operation of the act of Congress providing for the distribution of the proceeds ot the tales if (be public lands among the States, hat been dished from our lips by tho rclosal of the Legisla ture to appoint on agent to re.-eiec the portion to which Virgin.a is entitled. How tins result, so injtii-oiia to th* State, ha* l-eeti aeenrni lulled, and ueho art far |i, are questions about which wc ara nor left to conjeeli!**. It will tie seen, by raferrree to the pioveedings of the Senate and House of Delegates, and the recorded votes of the repree-ntalivea oi the people, that the wisdom or the lolly, the fjood or tbs evil of tine proceeding, be o-ige exclusively to the so-called Democratic party in the Legislature — those peculiar friends of the dear ptcplt—mot t of whom obtained their places by protestation* Ol rrgud lor their interests which woulJ bind them to pursue measures Calculated to lessen their burdens, and relieve tho embarrassment* under which they were Buffeting. How they havu redeemed their promises, let their reco ded vote* on (hi* important qucsiion answer. W* have wit rtrssrd, within the past few yearv, much of the Idightning effect* of pany spirit upon the best in terels of the country. Wa have seen a powerful oirty, under the guidance of selfish and designing leaders, movirg on, step by strp, Irom experiment , to cxparimrni, and from One ruinoua measure to another, until th: country has been precipitated from ! a height of prosperity unaurpasicd by any other on the face i f the globe, (o the very verge of uni versal bankruptcy and ruin. We havo seen the Government of tho Union, unable to meet the just demand* of its creditoi*, resorting to shifts and rumrunners lor temporary reuei, ana nna ly, as is ths ense at this very rronunt. under protest tor the non payment of its bil s. We have seen the sove r- 'gn States of tins Confederacy boldly, and, in the face of d iy, repud.at.ng obligation* into which they had entered, and to the observance of which they stood p edged in the must solemn form. We have sera cortiderca between man and man growing weaker an I weaker, until pnv.vc cred l bai utmost perished benrath the rank growth of suspicion nnd distrus', whose baleful influence is ee»n and felt in all the business relations of society. And it is at a moment like this, when the people, writhing in agony under the accumulated evi’s which had men ard bad measures have in Acted upon the country, most need relief, that we find a party in the Virginia L-gisliturr refusing to receive into the public Tree I mry of the S ate a fund which ordinarily would be I more then sutfic ent to defray the annua! ch >rges of the Government, nnd to which the State is, in every view, as Justly entitled as elm is to thn tax which rhe levies upon the property of her ciln-ns. If the annals of history, ancient or modern, sacred or pro fane, furnish any cump'e of fatuity to be compared with this, unless it be in the case of Esau, who to’d his birth-right in the kingdom of IJumcafora meer of pottage, it has most certainly altogether escaped our researches. L*t it be burrs in mind that the question pres*nted to the Legislature was not a question as to whether it was right or wrong inCongresi to have directed this money to be paid over to the State*. That was a quettion which was fully considerrd and de bated by Congress, end who, in our opinion wisely decided 10 make the distribution. The question, and the on’y question, for the Legislature of Virginia, was simply, Will you receive your share of the money ? And this, ihe avenge annual amount of which it is estimated would reach from t?00,000 to StoO.OuO, is scornfully rejected by our Legislature, at the very time wh«n comp’airts are going up to them fiomlhe people in all parts of the Slate, set ting f>rth the deep pecuniary distress which affects them, i mi imp'oring the Legislature for same mea sure ol relief; sr.d the relief which they grant is. to reject the State's quoto of the sales of the public lands—totear.'hfor new subjects of taxation—nnd, after all, to eke out adefic rnt revenue by borrowing money Irom the banks; and then, after having hor’ rowed hundreds cf thousand* • 'do !ars Iro n these institutions, they have the shameless effrontery to turn round and denounce them to the world for having loaned too much money! The people have asked for bread, and ye have given them a stone. How can those who have dor.e this deed dare to face their constituents and esl: a renewal of the trust they have so much abused ! And can it be that a people who hoest of their intelligence will prove so blind to their own interest that their perception of right and wrong is so blunted ar.d besotted by the fell spirit of parly—thallhey will again confide their intetests to hard* that have so grossly betrayed them? We call upon the people of Frederick espe ria'ly, to examine this question coolly nnd dispns itonalely, and to decide for themselves whether their wishes and interests have been consulted in th s most indefensible set of their Legislature. We 1 cal! upon ihsm to look to the recorded vote* of the House of De'egates, where they will find tha', with the exception of Mr Grime*, of Pocahontas, and Mr Martin of Tyler, the entire body of the Pcrno crane members fee they are called) voted against it* reception; and, alter having none to, to cast their eyes at the vote* taken in the Senile, where the party, without an exception, refused to vote for the reception of the money, unless coupled with a pro position which they well knew would defeat it al together. And af'er they have done this, we ask them to determine for themselves whether they ein 1 he instrumental in again returning members 10 the next Legislature who have shown tliemseives ready ami willing to play into the hands of party leaders, at the expense of those whose interests tiiey were chosen to defend nnd protect. It needs no prophet to tell u«, that, unless the immense fund which must accrue from the sales of these land*, is distributed amongst the States at once, the day is not distant when it will be loo late to assert our just claims in regard to thrm. It is n truth known to all that the political power nf the country is rapidly pass ng from the old to the new States in tvh eh these land* lie; and that the day in winch they acquire he as cendency in the councils of the nation wi I forever put an extinguisher upon the claims of the c Id State*. Indred, proposition* to cede, or in rfftcl to give them to the new States, have already been made, and it has been again and again boldly nnd rxuinngly proclaimed by Col. Ilmton and other Senator* from the new Stales, thnt "the time would soon come when tho will of the new States would stand for law,” on this subject: or, in p sin English, when llie new States would hold and exercise the power of com muting them to their own use. Arc the people, of the old States—are the people ol Vir ginia— willing to stand by with folded arma until that day eruvei, whieh is to strip them fo eiei of; their interes t in these lands? —or will they assert ■ their claim* before it is too late? If they would net J wisely and efficiently, they must act nf nice, and taka cire to select tho.eonly eslhcir representative* who will not 'aerifies the interests ol the people to promot# the views of parly leaders, nnd who pre : fer thiir country to party. |t'7*1 Nothing on moderate tho hitter hrt-j wh eh the I’.dror of the Enquirer bears towards 1 Mr Bolls, the Representative from (hi* District. It is a hate, rx tiled by superior merit, nnd it is, on that account, uderly incurable. We hnVr n touch of this in yesterday’s paper, in *f raking of Mr Butts’ resolution* of cemuie against Mr (lidding : “But what are we to think of the fteprcsrn'a* live of this District— whe ran draw a hair bread.h | d etinelion between the course of \>lsm* and of (lulling*—can vindicate the one, and denounce the other?" The two rn*» nr* at far apart aa the pole*—and Mr Rut* showed hi* good eenae and consistency in nuking tha distinction. Mr Ailam* presented petition* of dispeople—to the prayer of which tie liina*etf wn« opposed. Mr OkMing*, of hi* own mera motion, introduced rnaolution*, approving mutiny and murder, and calculated to involve the country in war— by taking aidea wuh Oieat Ri| lain in a pending negotiation. The venerable malignant may mike the m i«t of M* objection, tint it ia but loo m-nifest that ma lice In thi* rate hat the mattery over judgment.— Mr Kotlthaa taken the wind out of hit aaila—and ha it blind with rage. H’.IR fIF.TWF.F.N TF. X.1S .1NI> MEXICO I* Tha New Orleana papera received yesterday, bring intelligence of the invasion of Texaa by a Mexican fore* of 15,000, Three town* on the fron tier had been taken—and tha i. vadera were ad vanemg an tha interior. The Taxian* appear to bo ib goad cheer, sad preparing vigorously lu meet »l<* snemy. They effect to fasl groat coofldtnce that •hey will bo victorious. W« annex particulars from the N. Orlsans Hee. Theta teems to ho quits at great commotion in New Orleans at in Ttx.it, on the subject, snd the war spirit re get quite as furiously in the Crescent City, »e on the p'sin* of Trxvs. The lie* csl'e upon the friends ofTrxasto rally, and avenge the injuries and indignities irflcied upon our cii xcna hy Mexi* *°* ' If the United Slates, (it says) will not go to war, now is ill* time to join the standatd of a sis ter Republic to avenge the wrong* that have been heaped upon our countrymen by the autocrat of Mexico. Shou'd the United States hereafter encage in hostilities there will be enough left to euppoet the American banner. Oh' that the United Slates Government could catch a portion of the spirit of the people. “The I exas army, now that there is no eecape from war, should have its standard decorated with a miniature of the Cathedral in the centre of the city of Mexico; to that every man would tee it the test thing in the rveningand the first thing in the morn ing, to keep the end of his exertions continually in his mind; for not until the Tcxian banner is plant ed in the public square before tho palace of Santa Ana should the war be terminated. "ff*, I»r .Mrifc*/ We will toon hearths voice of Gen ral Combs, from the hills of Kentucky and the tallies of the greet West." ASTOUNDING INTELLIGENCE. INVASION OF TEXAS BY MEXICO! SURRENDER OF SAN ANTONIO •! Dv the arrival of the steam packet ship New York, wf hnv* !*r*n put in pot«#ftinon of the certain inle'ligeneeof the invasion of Texas by a formida ble Mexican force; S.m Antonis ha* surrendered; tbe Mexicans had taken Gulin). The invaders, variously estimated at from S to 14.000, entered 1 exas at several points. The Texians wire con rentrsting on Victoria, Gorzdea and Austin, at whirh place a desperate rcristanre will be made, 3% e add the following received from on authen tic-source and shall publish to morrow Gen. Hous ton's letter. At 11 o’clock on Sunday, as the New York was coming o,,t fiom Galveston, we met the atrnmer Mward Burrelson, just fr. m Houston, and learned officially of the surrender of Sun Antonio to the Mexicans, under the command of G n. Vs-nurz on the 5th instant. Ilia force consisted of 50 lan cers, 3.,0 ravalry; 1000 infantry; 30 mounted Cad-fo Indians, and about 550 rancheros, and is, no doubt ihti advance guard of the army. All the Mexicans in lirxar have joined the invading army. From the best information we cm get, lha entire Mexican loree now in Texts is believed to b» about 15 000 <»en Burrelson has about 2m>0 men under his com mand at Gonzv'cs, nnd is daily receiving accessions. Me it prepared to eivr the enemy a warm reception, and although the numbers are largely against t.iem, be and hit men are certain of tucccsa and impatient for tho conflict. Gen. Houston left Galveston on Sunday morn mg a, 10 o’clock for the army. He ge. cool and co Icclrtl, at would seem from exterior appearances, whi st at the same time, those who are intimate Monsli v *Ut pl‘rce,,r,‘ ll'«t eruption* equal to a "r* "twork him! Hi. 1 in ’JIVT" c°n‘1’»nd » determination immovrably fixed in him to heap vengeance on the mm'ii nr Mex rnn*’ n'-e«s"rv. he wtll have i 10 n,H’ ,* «'*"• 'he field in thirty ,!av*. Hous ton and Galveston are turning out to a man. as I '* olh«r P»'«* Texas. The .'earner l.afiite, nncl three soap*, all private prop-rtv, hav*» l ren manned and fully fitted out by I he ci:iz*ni of (3 vnaton iand tailed on Sundty, on *er commend of Gspr. Clirkc. lor Copano and the Braio San lego. , The lexnsflig will be planted at the latter place, j and the next step ia to t«i.o Mnlamoros. These are the orders of Gen. Houston. Never have | seen so much jov manifested by I any people a. is by the Texmns, in consequenre of their invasion by Mexico. All are on tiptoe at the 0 "'Z!'Zrmtr"' »"d the motto of i Victory or Peath and ro surrender," is the cry and watchword of every Texian citizen In the language of the he-oolS tn Jseinto, whose letter you have— Mexico has made the war and has pro voked thj indignation ..fall who have regarded her sanguinary cruelty and matchless perfidy since the Alamo was first besieged. Let Mcxica lock c ut for the recompense of her iniquities. Ltt'rr of PrrHdent I Tout ten. GALVESTON, March II, 191? To P. Edmonds, Consul to New Orleans. Sir—It is probable that you will find in New Orleans and other parts of the United Slate, cf,at excitement an.ing out of the late movement. „f Mexico ngam.l Texas. If any should be noxious o volunteer in rendering assistance to nur Repub. that'ifanv <,"'y h*V® '* m"de known, that if any should emigrate it will ba required fo^ e.ch emigrant to bring with turn a good rifle or mlZ ket, with a cartoueh box, or shot pouch and powder horn, with at least one hundred rounds of nmmu! muon, a good knapsack and six month* clothing and enter service for six month, ...bieet in the l.wi ot ltxas. 1 hey must he landed, for the nresen at s’me point West of the Brnsos, wi h , «ght dayi provision. No numli-r lets than fifty-six in enm pintcs well organized wi I be rece ved, sn i on lam'.' .rMn,7l"'dte Wiil rrfK>rt to '»>c Serri-tury °r T " [0ar,0.Hy*' fcn,«r,,n'» who wish to remove to I PX.1I at this time, must come thus prepared, as none other would be of i:«c to the defence of the country, nor will they be teerived. There ,1 greater scatrity of arms anj munirions of war th in of men in H exas.—Were men to conic in great i numbers to the country without bring in a cond tion to act efficient y, and well provided, it would only encumber the country, wtthout any other effect than to destroy the substance of those who would be ne- I cessary to sustain and defend the nation We can bring into the fir Id at least ten thousand men, and in ciee of emergency we could aise fif tern thousand. I he war will not be of long duration. No Mexi can force can long sustain itse f in Texas Hie indignation of Texian. will not tolerate the pollution of their sod by the footsteps of their srrvde rived, rs. Mexico hr* made the war end has pre voked the indignation of all those who have regarded E TJr.'LK&Kr'1""’ look .fl... I have the honor to be, ^ our obrdirnr servant SAM. HOUSTON, President. U an—and Rutnourt of War. The war which has lately broken out between i exa* and Mexico, will olmoat inevitably leej to a rupture between Mexico and thia country. The people of the Mississippi Valley hud already been greatly exasperated by the inhuman treatment of American citizens by Srnta Anna, and the insulting language of that individual toward* our Govern ment and country, in hit late letter to Gen. Kamil ton and they will seize the oeeaaion to wr.ak their vengeance in the Texian struggle. P will be im possible for our Government to restrain ihem-and un'sM the Mexicans be more cowardly than even their enemies repretent them, they will retaliate. I WhiltMlie prospect for war, on our Southern frontier, is so flattering, a eonte t with England is | deemed, by many, high y probable, ft i, said, that, at Washington, war is considered ir.eritab’e—That England is resolved to sea ch r ur ship., and we are dctcru red not-to snb r. t to u e-arch, and that,1 therefore, n hoiti'e edition cannot he avoided,— War rumours, from Washington, are always to b« received with caution — especially whrn a feeble administration is ehmorou* for money, and seeks to obtain it by operating upon tha patriotic fears of the Representative* of the peop'e. But we have eonfi ilenc* in both I!ousts of Cungrcii-inj if wjr it neees.nry, tiihcr for the honour or interests of the Republic, they will dcelaie it—end if it be not ne <• nary, they will not permit the selfLh ambition of Capt. Tyler to inrolre the country in war. I be Federal f) strict Court—Judge Mason pre • uling wss held on Wednesday to hear cases in Bankruptcy. I he Charleston Courier contains a reply from Oen. Hamilton to Rents Anne. 'The Gen. is very lari upon the Mexican, and rather dares him, lo invade Texas at the head of hi* army. "You seruta me (he says) cf the impudence of having offered ymi silver, I will not be guilty of the gasconade of offering you steel; but when you do come, I hope I may hear the neighing of your war deed on the banks of the Rio Bravo." I’rinee FMwnrd. At a m*e'ing ftf the Whig* at the laet Court, Dr. John It. M'Dc.irtnon waa nominated to repre eent the county in the ne*t Jlonte of Delegate*.— The utrnoft harmony and unanimity prevailed, and the Whig* * y they ran e.triy the eonnty •gain*! any m.ta, who ie again*! Me money; and they intend to elect Dr. M'D. any ho#, Mr Ur(|nhart he* been detained from hi* tea* for eeveral day*, by irdiepotition. Mr Jamet Haggerty of New York, hna been nominated to the .Senate, ae coneul at Liverpool. Thie ie a good appointment. Mr II. ie a native of Augtieu county, Va., end ia one of the beet in formed merchant* in the country- end withal a glorioue fa low. LEGISLATURE The Session draw* near i's rloae. Adjournment will take placa Saturday or Monday. The two House* am uow in a snarl atiuut two important bilts; the Jsmra lliver and Bank Bills. The Com mine* of Conference on the fi-st, was in session last night, when our piper went to press—with some prospect of adjusting the point* of diAcreacs. The Senate ndhrrae to it* amendment lo the Bunk bill—stria mg out the conditional resumption, aid disagrees to the House's amendment requiring ihs bonus to be paid into th* Treasure, instead of be ing converted into Stock. The House insult—A conference will be the result. W* learn that Mr Kinney has declined l.emg a candidal* lor to represent the county of Augus'a, in the next House of Delegatee. We hope the people of Augusta will submit to no aueh deter mination, nnd that they will insist on hie serving them again. Jas. 11. Lmghorne, Esq., hat been nominated by a Whig Convention, to represent the Norfolk District in the Stile Senate. Mr Lmghorne is a good and truo Whig—and will be gallantly sus tained by old No. I. ^ The Viaitert of the University have appointed Pike Powers, Esq., Professor of Mathematics, to succeed Mr Sylvester, resigned. The appoiotmenl to endure to the close of the session. Mr Irving's and Mr Bowden'e Speeches cn the Distribution question, will be published as soon as possible. We do not doubt that Mr Th^peon'e motives were good, in voting for Judge Summers-but he did not hold on till it thunderod, as a good Whig would have done. We beheve, that if he had no, bolted, when lie did, the Judge would have been elected at the next hellot— as enough wou d have voted for him lo have elected him, with Mr T.'e voie. DEATHS. K-vo'tottonary Patriot gun«. Departed thia life, on the 15th inat., Mr Bkmja Ml!* II. MuMnav, in the 79th year ol hia age. I la d ed universally lamented by oil who knew him — was kind and benevolent, and the main pillar of ihe Ripliti Chuich in hie neighbourhood, ol which he wos a member. On ye.terday morning, at hair past 5 e’eloelc, Mr. Eur.Anr.Tii M., contort of Wm S. Barret, aged 19 > ear*. Her Iriendsnnd acquaintances, and those of her Father, (Mr Samuel Quay) are rc spectfuliy reques'el to attend her funeral this af ternoon, at half past 3 o’clock, from the rrsidenre of her parent* on 19th Street, without further invi tation. thJ*1 1 he Norfolk Papers wiM please copy. On the 19th instant, Ma»t B. aged 7 years; on the I7ih inat., Ariama, aged 3 years; and on the 181,1 mat., Alexander, aged 9 inootba— children of Dr. J. A. Cunningham. In Lawrenceville, on the 6th inst., Doctor Nor* borne W. Lewi*, youngest son of the late Benjamin L'wis, ilec’d., of Brunswirk—aged about 99 years; nn amiable, intelligent and p*ous young roan. BY LAST EYEMMPs VIAIL. CONGRESS—W edm esoat. Mr Clay (poke in the Senato for 3 hours on hie resolutions, in rep'y to those who had oppostd them. The Hall was crowded. In the House a letter wae received from Mr Tyler, refus.ng to give the names of member, of Congress, who have applied for office—on the ground, that it would be an encroachment on (he Executive—the rights and privileges of which office, he is bound to defend. Mr Giddings sent in his resignation. ’1 he House then took up the Loan Bill—but such was the altraetion in the Senate (to hear Mr Clay.) that a quorum could not be obtained—and adjournment took place. f.ondy Raguet, long and fivorably known at a writer, died on Tuesday, in Philadelphia. Corretpondtnct of tkt United Stn'ti Cantu. New Yore, Tuesday, P. M. We had quite a mow storm last night, and ih* greater part of this morning. If the ground had been in good order there would have been lire sleighing; the house tops are still covered. But little was done in Domestic Exchanges_ Philadelphia is at i a 1 premium; Baltimore 1 dis count; Virginia 6j a 71; North Carolina 5 a 51; Charleston I j a {; Savannah and Augusta 2J s 3 Mobi’e 19 a 19; Tusre'onaa 19a2iE Now Orleans 7 a 71; Cincinnati 9 a 10. Foreign Exchanges are heavy atWn 7 on London, 5 3i J en France, 301 ® 331 on Amsterdam, and 351 a 35j on Hamburg. Treasury notes are offered at 3 a 31 discount. i There is no change in the Cotton market; 900; bs'ea were sold nt former prices. Sales of Gcnnts ’ see F our have been made at 16,95, holders how* ever, nre now unwilling to take lest than «6 311. Southern Flour Ins undergone no alteration either in demand or rates. - ■■ M A RINE . _PORT OF RICHMOND. _High Water this day, at 3| o’clock, P. m] ARRIVED. Schr Wm Burk, Rndsers. New York, aundriea, to Brers ft Poindexter. Dunlop, Moncure ft Co A Duaisll, T ft C E'lia,T Toe, J Myers, Dsaenport ft Alim. W T Hinton, L D Crenahasa, R H Whitlock, L Ludlam ft Son, Tyler ft Tny'or J B Fnrrer. * Schr Rrx Ann, Philip*, Baltimore. 8chr John Bsrr, Hoilingthesd, Baltimore, aun driea, 10 T ft C Ellis, L Ludlam ft Son, W Ander son, W ft Lurk, J ft O Winston, W Meredith, Lyle, Johnson ft Lyle, II W ft J J Fry, J Wil liams, I, D Crenshaw. Schr Thomas Date,Griffith, Baltimore, aundriea. Schr Four Brother.*, Harris, North Carolinu, kh.ngfe», t* J ft G Winston. SAILED, 8chr Nr.srau, Drnrbon, New York, flour and toboren. Srhr Saratoga, Creighton, Norfolk, hoop poles. ~"-r' -•---;-*—> TO THE niRMC, 'I lift undersigned frrlsit a duty that he owes nr>f lea* tc 1 him.,-It an I ihe public. Ilian In the rninmandias mill tar r ntTirer ai Old Pnlni. lo give a fair.randi I and linpartl. aialromri! of Ihe rlrcuimetaures attending the arrral ol t.apl Unwell ofthe htlg laing Island, In referenre in whirl, rirr.iitna’anre, a Card grossly initainiing the larla. aoi marked I a ruucli scertnly of ferhng, has tircn publish,-. In two nf,he Itielimood paper*. In wu : the "Whig' am Ihe -Compiler.' Ii aeia nut hy lermlna thaarreat an "nut rage.' I ahallhe ahl" clearly In aliew lint lh» traoaarllnt three net deserve such an appellation and lhat il.e rnniu maeinua <’epnrtmrni nf How.-ll, with hi* dogged nhaunaey coupled with open rrels-jncr lo. nmld, fltnre f. Cr law* rendered |i nrrea.it y, in order lo sindieale ibelr Insulta, ma|*a’y. lhat abl should he obtained In iha first place, arrealedCaid II urallm Hitn| ton Roads, w thin my hath wick—ai this time nnapplleat on hail been made lo Capt M. Kengte. forth# gtcinilitinl was then proceeding nn hr, usual mule r , Hampton,and merely stepped alnnrsldeth, Re g In Compliance with my ie<|Ue*l In Cant Henderson In or !'i I" enable me lo serve Hie pmrrss; i did nntilrrau nf npneiion ai d nf eeiir-e I ad ml taken Ihe pre an l»n a r meatures which eye, a auapiclntinf res) tanee wold, have prompted I servrd Ihe «a nr nnnn Mm. neon whirl ha prnfeaa»,l ign-rsn-* lunh f my character and hnalneev an I no summoning Mr II I1, who had negroes on board ha nrdeje.inie oroiptorile In il il> ih-se-.el reiraraln, to Mr Hull, “ Y'tu t>t nn board Hr rraeef. / bnetc irba l» tin It lb him " Mr II nlferrd to pay llie demand ni g his are only, which, medilaifng aa he did in g*t nr da we ig an>l pm In sea, and ihua escape, he positively rehiai d n aeeei t, deriving. Ihai If Ilk. n at all, It ahou’d he aa rmpti The Rug was provided Wlili arni*-l e. u d nn av id myaetr of fhe araiai inee nf a Revenue Culler, ther heuig none In Ihe road lent, and Capr. Ilnwall, nr is'lie hla male, rutting loose til* laala, no oOirr alien,alive wa letl Ilian le submit to fids '•outrage,1' nf proceed prnmpll I' trij Point, and demand as*|.tanee there from the I'nm mamtlng i.lh'or, to arrest the daring nnt’awtfnr hlare-t tanee mid" him -neb In all infen'S and purposes) who ha Ihuair inplml U|a,n Ihe m deary of thnlaw. I did mike ui g-nt ap I ration to l a,it M'Kenale to wtu rn t detailed Hi a'vi* r (ictifnataneea. and w*« furnlahr i hy him with a fi nfm*n unde, I lent Rowland, wild orders to plies m Inatrueiton* and md Inlerfete nnh aa at my order Tbm Initrvrliont were lil’rally ibryril. The a'eamlHii harms landed her mad called aa usual si tMd P lot, upc. w 11 h I wltli ihe lMsehmen', proceeded loll * lulg non last a ottgside, ordering the men m hoard, an lag in mad Ihh ur r et. I niuat hen-atata. that III# signer* of the r • i who b« It remembered, are the mat* and retniimn sailor ( wtinaa verse tty under the nose of their anperlor , filerr t a r ne like Hits, may well earke a duuhl) have asa«i,*,| wl fut and deliberate frlsahood when thef say that the ,»p eei d aw lila awor I and brandished II over Ihe lira I nf on nf the witness*!, (mirk that •) llarae, the mate Ilia atiame era fahrlr*T>ottt No, a awnrd was drawn- nio menare used ear epl liy myself. when finding Cap! How* y*ldiepnaedI • r*alu my lawful authority,I mum an,led il men t" setae Min ard place him on I • ard the strand,,is Throng,mill lb- whole *<T.|r nn'Mng was done nr earn a tempted without my o-dera No ren*ure, p willbepe e*|y* t, ran reel itron C ipt M Krnrle - I si,me I,ting , .pnn.lhl* for w ai I vm well ronslneed Wa* my spurn du under the circumstances. In <arsnlmraiinn of the m ling fan, Itiat raalaranee was altrmptr,| even aper h*ii *f rengthened hy I'.* preaenea nf it,* del*, hmept I ha mdy to mint to Captain Howell's I ard. for It ia evident Ida work, which vaunlh gly pmelilma that tart M" ai tt,at he was nvrrpewrred tna"ro,te end outrageous ma oer"-enthe remnr*. I aa.ert, nn more tore* kiiii linn hla oprn .eaisf.n, * ui uls nmea. ny; ard h# may y he hrodgbg to ihe liar nf pier re In answer tots 1 el I *■ In •Pleni re.iat-nre to legal authority To show thee* mate p are I ,i,..i„ ihe rondo-1 nf llpa Irneulenl Captal Ms ftlenda are for. rd to put in H,e pa list, ve plea nf bru edward r. navi i. f>epnty Rhenlf of Norfolk (nnnfj attention tiaalng hean railed to a Card pnhltahed I ’# Rt< hioofi.l win, andComptler, In rela'km imf* »rr, • f t apt Howe'lof the |.,‘g l.nnf Island, I rake pleaanre •taimg It,at the rnmir pursue | hy Mi Hail*, lieruty Rl r, i 'h,> f °"0,)f °f N nr Inis, ,n the sires, elf a it Mew ■•I Ihe salt lli g trie la with my approhafi n iM.nighn and I feet under great oh,gallons in Captain MrH-nate t rendering to Mr tlay|e, my Deputy, the aaMstanra he i to bring to Jusrlre a man who had put at defiance alt rl „ ft. O, BATUMI, «H BhsrtlT Norfolk CsuMy