Daily American organ. [volume], December 19, 1854, Image 2

About Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856

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WASHINGTON, D. C.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1664
VISfiHAN ELUS, 1UW.
R. M. HEATH, Assistant ' |
" Against ths insidious *Uh uf t>r?in iufloenoe?
1 oonjuro you to belisrs me, fellow-eitiseua- the jeal
ousy of* fres people ou^ht Ui b? oon.tantly awake ;
?inc. history ?ud experience prore, that foniirti in
ftuoooe ii one of the moat baneful torn of s republican
fo rem moot."? W*tKinglvn.
" f .hoP* *? #ud soum mount, in future, ot
tlnoldiug uurselves from foreign influence, political,
oommenaal, or in whatever form it may be attempted
*i? ^"*'7 withhold ?nv*elf from joining in the
wish of Kilaa Dean?' that there were an ooeau of fire
Utw*en thia and the old world.'
Ageats tor the " American Organ."
Jow T. AcDLsr, St. Aiaph street, two doors from
Xing street, Alexandria. Virginia.
Ainn Lbwsllin, Richmond, Virgiuiu
W. S. OaowLBT, 140 Baltimore street, Baltimore,
Mary laud.
Jobm P. Hiltok C assisted by D. W. BiiLsr, V) and
01 Walnut street, Cincinnati,) is our agent for Cin
cinnati and other cities in the west.
V. B. Paxmkk, the Ameriosn Newspaper Agent, la
only auikorixfd Agtnt for thia p*D?r in the cities
of Boston, New York, aud Philadelphia, and ia duly
empowered to take advertisement* and subscriptions
at the rates required kj us. Hia receipt* will be re
garded as payments. His offices are?Boston, Hool
lajr'a Building; New York, Tribune Buildings; Phil
* ilp a. northwest comer Third and ChoeUiut st*.
Th* "Anuicam Oaxus" will be found for sale at
Aaas A Yarns', Ntf. W Beekman street, New York.
V Cma Louse, Burlington, (N. J..) Is agent for
"t. Organ" for th* Stat* of NewJersey.
M. J. Be ays, Portsmouth, Virginia.
OaoBM H. Psttoh, Fredericksburg, Va.
J. 0. UoauAK, New Orleans.
Samuel O. Flaou, State of Massachusetts.
S. Clocqb, State of Rhode Island.
D. S. Yomo, Htaunton, Va.
J. A. DvNirtKOTON, for Prince George, Charles. St
MarVs, and Calvert eouuties, Maryland.
F. R. Varna, Esq., of Maryland, is general agent
to gtt tnbftcnbers 011 any route bo may travel.
"A Disclaimer." "" (
Th# Washington Union of Sunday morning
contained au article upon the claim of the
heira of Baron de Kalb, in which the editor
dashed off in " highfalutiu" style, assailing the
Know-Nothiugs, and claiming for the Pierce
and Forney Democracy, the crcdit and honor
of properly appreciating the aerricea of those
heroes of the Revolution who were of foreign
btrth. Th# article altogether was one of the
moat Impudent and groundleaa assaults ever
made upon any party, and conveyed impres
sions wholly fake and unwarranted, as well
igalntt the opponents aa the advocates of the
bill, for the relief of th# heirs of th# hero and
martyr in our country's causa.
We saw plainly, and kn#w well, that th# pit
ifal assault made by the Union in the article
referred to, would lead to an " explanation"
with its own friends. We knew, too, that
many?aye, eery many?members,, of the
House of Representatives, who are friendly to
the principles of the American party, voted in
favor of the relief askod by De Kalb's heirs,
and we do not believe one member of tho House,
who sympathises with our party, voted
that measure. It now turns out, upon the
Union'* own showing, that tho opponents of
the De Kalb bill are the enemies of our doc
trines 1 I
Wo copy the following from the Washington
Union of this morning, to wit :
" Tna D? Kalb Cask?A Disclaims.? In pre
paring the article in Sunday's Washington Union,
on the d*bat* in the House of Representatives upon
the claim of Baron DeKalb, it was far, very far,
from our Intention to leave any impression that
those who opposed that claim In the House were
actuated by the narrow dogmas of the prevalent
secret political society. On (he contrary, wo have
r jason to know that both Mr. MUlson and Mr. Let
cher are decidedly averse to the creed of that or
ganization, and Mr. Simmons took the pains ex
plicitly and emphatically to denounce It. Mr. Let
cher deserves especial credit for bis activity and
tlgilauce In aiding to correct an important error in
the amount claimed, by which a large sum was
a iv#d to the government."
In the above "disclaimer," the Washington
Union, as completely ?tult\fle? itself as if it had
denied publishing the article in question. If
the Union did not mean to leavo the hnpree
Rion cited in the disclaimer, what did it mean T
It is as obvious as the noonday's sun, that the
Union did mean to intimate that the " Ameri
can party" were opposed to recognising the I
claims of foreign patriots and their heira, and
that the Pierce and Forney party were in fsvor
of such measures. ^
Th# Union meant that, and it meant noth
"V ****?> M any man of common sense will say,
on perusing its article of Sunday, and yet the
fact now appears, from the Union'* disclaimer,
that the open opponent# of the measure were
tb# professed opponents of American princi
ple*! The Union intimated, and meant to
intimate, that the opposition to such claim* as
that of De Kalb's heirs, proceeded from " the
narrow dogmas of the prevalent secret politi
cal society." But when it is found that some
of its own friends were in the category of op
1-onenta to that measure, and that none of the
friends of American principles opposed the
bill, it retraoU iU misrepresentations at to it*
friend*, by saying, " it was far, very far, fr*m
our intention " to misrepresent you, we only
1 tended to misrepresent the " intoUrant, in
fitmoue, deceitful, frauJvlent, audacious, and
tr?ach*rotu Knott-Nothing* f*
Such conduct is of a piece with the usual
course of tlie Washington Union, and sur
prises no one who is familiar with Forneyitm
In this connexion we may remark upon the
fact, that the Union has elaborately opposed
the course (though very mildly) taken by Sen
ator Adams on the question of naturalisation,
and sought to use the arguments of Mr. Jeffer
eon against the positions taken by that Sens
tor, and has not yet, (so far as we have seen)
done Senator Adamathe juetiee to publish tkr
able and lucid tpcooh which he delivered in
defence of bis proposition ! We ask if this be
not. s dishonorable course to pursue towards
that distinguished Democratic Senator f
Tkere is no difficulty in allowing almost any
man to be in the wrong, if his propositions as
stated, are not presented, and if the arguments
which he adrancee in their support are wholly
suppressed. Why has not the Union pre
sented Senator Adams's speech to its readers !
Does it fear th* effect of it upon their minds t
Does the editor of the Union, Jesuit-like, think
it safer to tell the people tehdt they may be
l>ote, than to permit them to read and judge
f* themselves T Such is the inference fairly
Reducible from it* failure to publish the speech
of Senator Adams.
But the Union miscalculates its power to
Pal? W[x>n the intelligent people of this coun
try its opinions, ex cathedra as the true doc
t l ines upon which fr?e government should be
conducted The speeches of Senator Adams
and others, who have independently and man
fully oom? forward to aid in rescuing our in
rututions from the graap of a foreign Hierarchy
ou th* on* head, and from th* contaminating
?id disastrous influence* of demagoguism on
the other, win be read and pondered upon by
th# masses of the people, and thua an inUili
|snt public opinion will he formed, which it.
r= ?
it* reaults at the polk, wfll Swaap Sewardiaui,
fomgoiam and Jesuitism, into ?tie common
grwr*
la reference to the meriw or demerits of the
DeKalb clain, we have uot a word to prevent.
But we have to Bay, that the principUa on which
thia claim is to be abjudicated should be made
applicable to all claima of a like description.
Down to about 1880, and perhaps a year or two
later, Congress passed numerous special acts,
awarding fire years' full pay, or seven yean'
half pay, according to the nature of the claim,
to those entitled thereto, with interett super
added, as though certificates had been funded
under the act of 17*0. Since that period, (1880
to 1888,) Congress has refUsed to pay interett
on such claims, although in many instances
the principal haa bean awarded. Stmt uniform
rule thould be adopted and adhered to onthie
subject.
It is unjust and manifeatly partial to adopt
different rules in similar cases. The Senate
haa now a general bill before it, introduced by
the Hon. Mr. Evans, of South Carolina, to ad
just and pay commutation and seven years half
pay claims, in which bill this uniform rule
can be, and ought to be adopted, and by which
rule all such claims should be paid. Special
l?gW(0P? hose classes of claims, costs the
country three times the amount of money, in
tiie per diem of members, which is required to
pay the claims that are thus admitted. Let all
who are entitled, be placed upon an equal foot
ing, as it regards both principal and interest.
Let a general law embracing such casus be en
acted, and special legislation discontinued.
New Department.
A bill is now before the Senate, creating a
new Department of Government. Its provis
ions we And published in detail in some of tho
morning papers:
"Tbe bill proposes to constitute the existing
office of the Attorney General of the United States
a department to be denominated ' The Department
of Law' whereof tbe Attorney General, for the
time being, is to be the principal officer. He is to
perform all the duties now belonging to the office
of Attorney General, and such as may be required
of him by law. Among other prescribed duties,
he is to cause to be prepared, recorded, and trans
mitted or delivered, all appointments and commis
sions in the judiciary of the United States, of Gov
ernors and Secretaries of Territories, and ah special
commissioners or other officers not under the di
rection of any other Department; but aven such
commissions are not to be recorded until they shall
have been attested by the Attorney General. He
is also to superintend and direct the district attor
neys of the United States in the transaction of their
official duties. The office of the Solicitor of the
Treasury is to be transferred to the Department of
Law as a bureau of that Department, and its chief
officer is to be designated 'The Solicitor of the
lUnited States.'"
In the discharge of these accumulating duties
the Attorney General is to be aided in the depart
ment of law by an officer, to be called " the Assist
ant Attorney General of the United States," who
is to be appointed by the President, sutyect to the i
confirmation of the Senate. The Attorney Gen
eral is also to be authorised to appoint a chief
clerk, whose compensation is to be equal to that
of chief clerics of the other Executive Departments;
and provision is made for the appointment of sub
ordinate clerks and messengers.
Important, if True.
The New York Hersld of yesterday says:
" We beg leave to inform our readers and the
public that arrangements have already been effected
in the ranks of the Know-Nothings, both in New
York and Virginia, which render morally certain
the defeat of Seward for the Uulted States Senate,
by our new Legislature, and also the defest of
Wise, thu Democratic Cabinet candidate for Gov
ernor of Virginia.
" The recent manifestations in Brooklyn and
elsewhere, of internal difficulties and opposition
smongnt tbe party, have all passed away, and are
now entirely obliterated from the minds of its mem
bers.
" The rsnks of the now party, according to the
information before us, arc rapidly filling up, both
in this State and throughout the country generally, 1
but more particularly in Virginia.
" Ths recent expurgation which has taken place I
sines our last Stata election had merely reference j
to the secret spent* of Seward ; and now that thoy
are expelled, the Know-Nothings arc advancing
with a rapidity without parallel in tbe history of
anv other party of the present day. Statesmen,
politicians, snd journals, belonging to the old rot
ten parties, both Whig and Democratic, are daily
coming in and joining the ranks of the new organi
sation, which is destined to purify the American
| atmosphere, and toaset at nought the efforts of the
abolition diaunionists of the North, the accession
disunion is t* of the South, and the foreign influ
ences that may have been courted there or else
wbere.
" We hava not a doubt that, If the Slate elec
tions of tbe present year vrere to take place over
again, tbe result in every other State would be as
disastrous to the old parti ea, tbe administration,
and the anti-slavery coalition, as the reccnt aa
tounding election in Massachusetts."
That the Know-Nothingv in New York are
hostile to Mr. Seward ia a fact well known to
the country. Should they be able to accom
plish his overthrow, they will have performed
one act, which, of itself, is alone sufficient to
earn for them the lasting gratitude of tbe
American people. And yet, in tbe face of this
overwhelming evidence of their conservative
and national principles, the hireling presses of
tbe administration bare the baseness to charge
that the American party is leagued with sb?
litionism. A slander so void of truth, and so
often asserted with shameless mendacity, could
only come from those degraded minions of
power who live by sycophancy and fatten up
on tbe spoils of corruption.
We are altogether ignorant of the arrange
menu spoken of by the Herald, which are to
render morally certain the defeat of Mr. Wise
in Virginia. One thing, however, we do
know, that our party in that State is already
powerfhl?that it is rapidly increasing every
day?that it number* in its ranks much of the
virtue, intelligence, and patriotism of the Old
Daminion, and that before many months are
past it will apeak in a voice which will carry
terror to the hearts of our opponents. It has
a mission to fulfil, and its destiny is not to be
thwarted by the tricks of demagogues, or the
desperate devices of broken-down politicians.
Not all the eloquence of every naturalind
democrat in tbe State can successfully impede
its inevitable progress.
Taut roa Rsnccnos, Ac.?A case of unoaual
occurrence for baaenos* and villany came op for
examination before James II. Rnwl? Kao |n t|,i,
village, on Wedneaday of last weet The circum
stances, ss we learn them, were of a very agtrra
vated character. It aeems that a fellow named
Gilbert J. Hoiienbeek became acquainted with and
gained tho affections of a vouug girl of respectable
and virtuous character, fanny J. Floes, whom, by
his unprincipled coodaet, he ruined In reputation,
and finally dnetraverf. After having accomplished
his vile purpose, he took the victim of his sedue
tlon to South Adams, in Octobar last, and there
procured the services of Dr. Barker for thepurpoae
or emstug an abortion. Thia was acootnpliahed,
as we understand, bat through Impendence oa the
part oT the girl, she sickened and died on the flth
h sictaT th?0gh >tu,nd*d ?>y a regular
For this baaa crime, Hoiienbeek was arrested
and at a previous examination was under boo* of
?* . . ? Med to hi* baseness by " turn
ing States evidence," and Implicating I>r. B. to
whom ha had reaortad for eoanaal and advice and
?wt"
What KiMiui think of Ike *??
An America* pmilm*n Uuly returned from
Russia commueicste* to the New York Herald,
aom* mi?** infcfmation in reg^d to the
feelluif dieting there ou the subject of the war
After 'referring to the euryrko occaaiouod at
8t Petersburg, when it *M positively aarer
tained that the expedition of the allies had sailed
for the Crimea, and to the blunders committed
by them after the battle of Alma, the writer
goea on to say:
With hundreds of thousand* of ineu>at his com
mand, and a communication to the Cr^*.0Pf.n
during the winter, by means of sledges, the battle
of the Alma, Balaklava, and Iukerwanu have been
u good as so many victories to the Czar. But the
allied troop*?decimated by war aud disease, with
their supplies of ammunition arid f^ ^ut off ^
delayed by the storms on the Black Sea?must be
considered a lost army, though ^ery tnan ahould
display the courage and endurance of a hero.
U a serious question now whether even a retreat is
possible. It was considered miraculous when cav
alry, infantry and artillery were all safely landed at
Eupatoria In calm summer weather; but how would
they fare now, when it has been found impossible
to land the wounded, who were obliged to remain
In the ships, tossing for days upon those stormy
waves 1 What would become of the remnant of
that mi ?
that whic
To winter
To winter in tue Lrunea *ouw w
Mtrous The severity of the climate, and the un
ceasing hostilities of a relentless, persevering enemy
would fearfliUy lessen their numbers. It Is barely
possible that they could maintain their present po
sition. The Russian has already profited by the
experience of the campaign He has learned that
hisowu musket is a very Inferior weapon to the
i Je X aud lt is exacted that this disadvantage
under which he now labors will shorUy be removed.
Under every aspect of the case fortune seems to
ftnwn upon the allies. Bravery can <lo much to
most cases but In this even the dauntless courage
^d iS^ud bearing displayed at Inkermann can
only prolong the struggle.
The writer then proceeds to Bketch the vast
resources of the Emperor, and presents a vivid
picture of tho devotedneaa and unswerving
fidelity of his subjects: .
But Russia will continue to struggle for that po
litical ascendency, which Is the end and aim of her
monarch's ambition. Mark the elements of her
strength. Throughout all her vast dominions, from
St Petersbnre to the Caucasus, one feeling?m
dueed bya firm belief In the justice of the war-is
nredominant. Emperor, noble, peasant and serf
Lein animated by the same intense enthusiasm,
^ostensible o^lct of the.struggle, fa to secure
religious toleration to the Greek subjects of the
Porte and if territorial aggrandizement be the
real design, it is for the present thrust into the
background and remains where It was engendered
in thesubtle brain of the Csar. Jbe peopteare
told that they arm In defence of Cbriatolty?
that their Emperor, the head of their church an
champion of their fcitb, has taken up the gtge of
battle which the heathen has flung down?that
France Is opposed to them from the remembrance
of old hostilities, and that England, while she hohU
the cross in one hand, wields the ?*ord of^he
devil In the other. Monks and priesto are scat
tered over the empire pretthing the hol^e???[
the crusade, promising success and calling upon all
to aid its speedy accomplishment. For this pur
^ they ^provided with boxes on which is I
carvod the form of the
trihntM his mite. No patrioUc fund is raised ior
the wounded, but the war declares that they are
under his especial 'protection and the government
will provide for them. ,
Throughout the laud the chuwhcs are open day
and night, and prayer for the triumph of the Rus
sian arms is the universal theme. ThesoUiiersare
imnreased with the conviction that the sixteen
hundred saints of their chu.xh are i^din?,n
their behalf, and that when they are kdlcd in bat
tle they are received at once Into glory. And
sides this fanaticism, which of it?Sf wouldI be re
sistless against an ordinary enemy, they ha e
proved themselves equal, both hi
eipline, to the best troops of France and England.
lfamiUion of such men can be brought into the
field?if the fortresses on their frontiers ha ve alrea
been found impregnable-lf a *****
of the Czar's territory Is knowli to be an
bilitv, aud if his resources for prosecuting the wsr
are unlimited, where Is tlje colossal power which
can eventually subjugate this imperul
Nor is this all. Unlike Other crowned heads in
Europe, the Emperor of Russia
no internal dissensions to fear throughout the
length and breadth of hU dominions. Hs could con
centrate his whole army at any
the rest of the country would remain in perfects^
curity. He is idolized by his subsets, who look
upon him as a father. Br his soldier* be fa re
garded as a demi-god. Daily he maybe seen tak
ing his usual walk or ride through the streets of
St Petersburg, and often entirely unattended.
Tills again completely refutes the idea ?tarted some
tone since in Paris that a stray bullet would one
day terminate his existence and put an end to the
Baltiasore Cofroepo?4e?oe.
' Mi** Bunkley? Trial of IF. II. Martin?Hear
I city of Grain?JVbW? Chanty?Burglary ami
Inctiuliarimn.
\ Bai.Tiuonx, Pec. 19.
There is no small degree of interest manifested
to see and read the forth-coming statement of Miss
Bunkley, touching her captivity at Emmitsburg,
and her escape from the custody of the shrewd
" Mother Superior of St. Josephs." There is a
rery wide-spread conviction among the American
people that these so-called " religious houses ' of
the Romish Church, contain within their walls not
a few unwilling inmates, sighing to be free from
! the unnatural and unjust restraints imposed upon
them. This is a conviction, too, not without foun
dation, when we consider the many who have so
eagerly availed themselves of the first opportunity
to escape from similar places.
lflas Bunkley Is a young lady having a high rep
utation, not only for varied accomplishmenta, bat
for virtue, truth, and cendr / ; and her statements
will doubtless conmaad respect and credence,
even though they shorn'1 he In conflict with the
assertions of a " Mother Superior."
The trial of Wm. H. Martin, charged with pur
loining moneys from letters in the Baltimore Post
Office, did not commence yesterday, but will be
called this morning In the United States district
court.
The fact that there is a very great scarcity of
grain, is becoming more and more painfully certain
every day.
On 'Change yesterday there was a further ad
vance hi corn ; and wheat was held very firm at
the present high rates. In flour scarcely anything
was done, owing to the advanced price asked by
holders. Dealers are eagerly awaiting the arrival
of the now hourly-expected foreign steamer ; but
as there seems to bo barely sufficient flour snd
grain to meet home demand, leaving lK?lc or
nothing for expQrt, foreign quotations cannot have
much effect here.
The ladies connected with the Protestant Kpis
eopal churches of the city are holding a fair at <"ar
roll Hall, commencing to-day, for the purpose erf
raising a fond for the rellof of the Indigent slok,
without regard to religions faith. The plan Is to
build a mission house or hospital, where the sick
and destitute poor can be provided ?ith a home in
I which their physical, mental, and moral welfare
i will lie attended to. A noble charity and well de
serving encouragement.
I About one o'clock yesterday morning the gro
! eery store of Mr. William Armltage, on thee orner
of Lexington and Pearl streets, was entered by
some daring burglar, who, after robbing the drawer
of a small anomt of money, started a camphene
cask sad an oil can, and then set fire to the prem
iaesl Fortunately the ftreroen were qalekiy on
the spot, MMl wsssgri to extinguish the flames
before they had attained nneh headway. The
damage done Is estimated at about $1,000.
Anaaicvs.
Msrabw of t Ctty.
Wheu a city i? uikw bjr norm, la military
phrssa, and In accordance with tlw usages of war,
Uu "given up Ml the?oldWry " Whattkls means
will be appeal from the frightful piottre of Ba
(WoH, M to ?? w "W1 11 ***
boen carried by the allien, under Wellington, April
6 1812 Bay# an English officer, who Participa
ted In the assault: ... .
It wu neariv dusk, and the few hourt I
slept hud made a fearful cliange In the condition
and temper of the soldiery , hi the morning they
were obedieut to their officers, and preserved the
seinblauce of subordiuatiou j now they were in a
state of ftirious Intoxication. Discipline was for
gotten, and the splendid troops of yesterday had
Become a fierce and sanguinary rabble, dead to
every touch of human feeling, and filled with eve
ry demoniac passion that can bryUliw) the man.
The city who In terrible confusion, and on every
side horrible tokens of military Ucenso met the
eyOne street, an I approached the caatle was al
most choked up with broken furniture; for fhe
houses had been gutted from the cellar to the gar
ret, the partitions torn down, and even the beds
ripped up and scattered to the winds, in the hope
that gold might be found coneealcd. A convent
at the end of the strada of St. John was in flames,
and I saw more than one wretched nun in the arms
?f a drunken soldier. 0
Further on the confusion seemed greater. Bran
dy and wine casks'were roUed out before the
stores; some were foil, some half drunkout, but
more staved in, in mere wantonness, and the Uquors
running through the keuneL Many a harrowing
scream saluted the ear of the passer-by; uiauvs ,
female supplication was heard aAmg In for
mercv. How could it be otherwise, when it is re
membered that twenty thousand fonous and Ucen
tious madmen were loosed upon re
lation, among which many of the loveUest wouMm
upon earth might be found? All witUm Uiat de
voted city was at ths disposal of an infuriated army,
over whom, for the time, control l^w*ed
by an Infamous collection of
were, if possible, more sanguinary and pitiless even
than those who had survived the storm I
It is useless to dwell upon a scene from which
the heart revolts. Few females m this beautiful
town were saved that night from insult. The
noblest and the beggar-the nun, ?d the wifejrnd
daughter of the artisan?youth and age, all were
involved in general ruin. None were respected, ,
and consequently few escaped. The madnetw of
those desperate brigands was variously exWbltedI,
some fired through doors and ^tows?
church bells; many at the wretched inhabitants,
as they lied into the streets, to escape the bayo
nets of the savages, who were demolishing their
property within doors; while some wretches, as ir
blood had not flowed in sufficient torrents already,
shot from the windows their own companions, as
they staggered on below. What chances had the
miserable inhabitants of escaping death, when
more than one officer perished by the bullets and
bayonets of the very men whom a few hours be
fore he had led to the assault?
This city contained about 16,000 Inhabitants, and
had twice before, within the space of thirteen
months, been subjected to the horrors of a siege,
by the 44 Liberators of the Peninsula. If such a
fiUt awaits the inhabitants of Sebastopol, in the
I event of its fall, may we not pray that the attack
upon it may not succeed f ?
Central Bank, KtanaUm, Va.
Reports affecting the solvency of this insti
tution, having been maliciously put in circula- j
tion, the Staunton Republican correcti them
with the following convincing array of facts:
? With the view of satisfying our mind on the
subject, we have taken some pains to inform our
selves as to the true condition of the bank. The
result of that inquiry is as follows: the whole
amount of note^of the bank In circulation, is but
1208,000, whilst to meet them, the bank has in spe
cie funds |a0,000?State stocks, f2?8,000 ; balan>
#es due from other banks, #160,000, and discounted
notes, |148,000?making an aggregate of >488,000
to meet $208,000, or nearly three dollars of availa
ble means to meet one of debt Our reader* may
therefore dismiss all apprehensions on the subject;
for we are satisfied that there is no bank in the
Commonwealth, whose notes are more unquestion
ably secured.
From the Cincinnati Osteite, Dm. 12.
Shooting Aflair in Covington.
The cltiiens of Covington were startled yester
day morning by the announcement that Colonel R. i
B. Carpenter,"an attorney at law, had been shot
down in the btreot by V. T. I'erkins, proprietor of
the Cincinnati and Covington Omnibus fine, both
of whom are residents of that city?men whose
character for respectability has always been unim
peachable. There was much said during yesterday
as to the cause of the affray, but all the rumors
afloat were not of such plausibility as to justify us
in making them public. The one which was most
prevalent is, that Mr. Perkins had understood that
for some time past Colonel Carpenter had been
slandering lib wile, by stating that she was an im
proper woman. Mr. P. also alleges that on Sun
day last Mr. Carpenter had stated to a friend of his
| that Mr. Perkins had caught him (Carpenter) in
I l>ed with Mrs. P., and was too big a coward to re
| sent it.
Thik, Mr. P. says, so enraged him that he pro
cured a revolver and determined that as soon as he
met CoL C. he would make an effort to take his life. ,
Yesterday morning about 8 o'clock, as CoL Car pen- |
ter was leaving the post office, situated on Madison
near Fifth street, and mm going up Madison street
reading a letter, he was confronted by Perkins com
ing down Madison street, who pulled a revolver,^and
presenting it at Carpenter's head, flred. Not a
word passed between them. Carpenter turned
his head, when Perkins fired a second time, the
ban entering the right side of ths wind pipe, and
passing around the neck, came out of the back of
the neck, op the left side. In Its passage the ball
injured the nerve sufficiently to produce paralysis,
but it is thought it did not Injure any of the
vital organs. Carpenter dropped his head when
Perkins pointed the pistol at C. ? stomach and fired
again the ball passing through his clothes, and
making s flesh wound a few Inches from his abdo
men. CarpenUt then raised his hand and at- j
tempted to push Perkins away. Perkins then ran
into the post office, and Carpenter placing his
i hands on his neck, with the assistance of two gen
I tlemcn, walked to Dr. Blackburn's office, about
half a square distant from the post office.
The wounds of Carpenter were very serious aud
probably fatal. Perkins was arrested, but after
wards released upon heavy bail.
gspieae Conrt United (Uates. .
Mown at, December 18, 1864.
No. 4. The York and Maryland Line Railroad
Company vs. Ross Winans. Error to Circuit court
United States for eastern district of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Justice Campbell delivered the opinion of this
court, affirming the judgment of the said circuit
court In this cause, with costs and interest.
No. 180. James Montgomery et al. ??. the steam
er Jewess, Ac., J. F. Fardy et aL, claimants. Ap
peal from the circuit court of the U nited States lor
Maryland. On the motion of Mr. Reverdy John
son, counsel for the appellees, this appeal was
docketed and dismissed with costs.
No. 1*1. The Norwich and New London Steam
boat Company, owners of the steambost Worces
ter, appellants, M. the steamboat Bay State, Ac.,
| R. Borden, et aL, claimants. Appeal from the
I circuit court of the United States for the southern
| district of New York. On the motion of Mr. UmL
! counsel for the appellees, this appeal was docketed
and dismissed with costs.
No 14. Samuel Msyer and Brother, appelants,
! t? the (islliot Venlliai Ac. Appesl from circuit
' court United States for the Eastern district of Penn
sylvania. This cause wss called and dismissed with
costs nn<ler the 56th rule.
No. 1A The United States plsinUffc in error, *?.
Jules Uvols, claimant, Ac.
! Ho. 18. Do do Psnl Tricon, do.
No. 17. Do do Lion Plntara A Co.
No. 18. Do do Lion Plntara A Co.
These cases were submitted to|thn consideration
of the court on a printed argument by Mr. Attor
ney (loners! Cushlng for the plaintiflh in error,
j No. I# A lei, ? Lawrence, W nl claimants of
the sMp Hornet, appellant, M. Clias. Minturn. The
argument of this cause was commenced by Mr.
Cutting for the appellant, and continued by Mr.
Lord for the appellee.
Adjourned tlu to-morrow at 11 o'clock, a. m.
Notts*. ?Tfco llov. D. K. will
t preach (this Tuesday evening* at the Methodist Pro
testant Chureh, Nsvy Yard.
The public are respectfully inrited to attend.
dec 1?
TH1BTY-THIBD COSfl*B?l.
MOOgP WWW. - v p*
BEITAT*.
Mosdat, PeoKber 18.
In the Senate ve.tsi*^, after we went to pr*w,
the bill to establish a Beerd of CommJ??tawri for
?tie adjustment of private claims, **? taken up.
Thi? bill proposes to t-?Ul?li*li a board of turee
cumin issioners, to be appointed by the President,
with the approval of the Senate, at a salary each
of $8,600. To thia board aH petitions to Congress
for the payment of claim* against the government
are to be referred, and with them petition* and
papers may be filed during the reeeas of Congress.
To thia board the Solicitor of the Treasury I* to
render euch service aa the board may require ; and
the district attorney* of the several districts of the
United States are to render their aorvicee at the
request either of the board or of the Solicitor of
tibi6 Treamiry.
The district judges, likewise, are to give their
aid in the taking of testimony. The bill prescribes
the mode of proceeding, and defines the powers
and duties of the commissioners, who are to report
to Courrees monthly the result of their examine
tioa of the cases Bubuiitted to them. Final action
upon the claims on which a favorable report shall
be made, will be taken by Congress by bill as at
present and the adverse reports of the
sionera will also be the sutyect of consideration and i
dBMr?BRODHEgACiraddressed the Senate in ex
planation and support of the bill.
Mr. HUNTER fitvored an independent and
open court, rather than commissioner* immoveable.
Mr. CLAYTON referred to twice-paid claim*,
and the recent arrest of a similar one. He wished
the commissioner* to be arbitrators, not agent* for
8?M^PECTIT^roposed referring the whole Bub
ject^to j^^^y"Tenuel)8ee thought this the
most important bill ever before Congress, and
moved its reference to a select committee of five,
to be appointed by the Chair. '
Mr. DAWSON otyected to the reference, asking
why refer?
Mr. JONES, of Tennessee, replied, because the
speech of the gentleman from Georgia demon
strated that the bill in its present state would not
be satisfactory. It provides merely for a commit
tee, and then the whole subject would have to
come before Congress.
I The bill was then referred to a select committee
as aforesaid.
The Senate then amounted.
[ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Monday, December 18, 1864.
i After our report closed yesterday, the Indian
Appropriation bill was perfected in Committee of
the Whole, and laid aside to be reported to the
House. , ^ ,
The Military Academy bill was then taken up,
and
! Mr. OLIVER of Missouri, read a speech pre
pared by Mr. B??ton before be recently left the
city for the North. It was mainly in reply to the
speech of Mr. Mack of Indiana, delivered a few
days ago. After expressing the opinion that sla
very ought to be prohibited in the Territory, but
that Mr. Macs'b bill will embarrass the object
sought to bo accomplished, Mr. Binton says, ac
cording to the reported synopsis of his speech:
The gentleman from Indiana had said he would
1 oppose the admission of any State legalizing slave
ry. With regard to the first proposition Mr. Bin
to* thinks the only effect will be to disquiet the
settlers In Kansas. At the next session the ne
cessity for Mr. Macs's bill will be superseded by
events. Kansas will apply for admission as a State.
Now, a State is eutitled to admission with or With
out slavery, and this not by virtue of any act of
Congress or the Constitution, but a right anterior
and superior to Congress and the Constitution an
inherent right of State sovereignty possessed be
fore the Constitution was made, and not suirender
ed by the States when the Constitution was formed,
and therefore retained by the States. Add to this
a treaty right to the same effect. Kansas is a part
of the former province of Louisiana, and has a
right under the treaty between France and tho
United States to be Incorporated into the Union aa
soon as it can be done in accordance with the pro
visions of the Federal Constitution. Tho third ar
tide of the treaty gives this absolute right, whether
Kansas presents herself with or without slnvery.
There was, Mr. Binton says, crimination and re
crimination on the part of Mr. MiCi and Mr. Oli
via. The first charged that the Missounaus
crossed into Kansas to control tho election of a
delegate, and the Utter retorted by saying men
were sent from New Kuglanri to control the ???c"
tion. Mr. Benton believes both were about right.
KSOW-NOTHISOISM.
Mr. BARRY of Mississippi, then entertained the
House, with his views of Know-Nothinghun. He
was very savage against secret associations, but
consoled his distressed soul, with the idea that they
woukl be of short continuanco. One or two ex
tracts will give a correct idea of his speech.
If foreigners are to be excluded from office, gov
ernment should take the responsibility of enacting
law* for that purpose, and assume the glory or the
shame as the case may be?they should have such
offices as the people may see fit to give them, look
ing to their morals and qualifications?merit should
be the test. He had never indulged in the Fourth
of July hallucination so often expressed, thst the
whole world should come over and settle in our
country. His opinion was there should be no more
foreigners at a time than can amalgamate with our
people?more than this would be dangerous.
In relation to corruption in elections, ho said
that natives spoil foreigners by truckling for their
votes. Both parties have reported to this, but they
are afraid to provoke investigation. It was idle to
seek a remedy In new laws until the old ones have
been fully tasted. Hs considered this a Northern
I vexed question, just as the negro question is a
vexed question ip the South. It is a question of
the organisation of labor. He said Know-Nothing*
have different profusions of object. In one part
of the country, they differ from those in another.
They possess the worst parts of both tbe old par
ties. Their o?$ect is to overthrow this Aditiiiiistra
tioa. [Laughter.] Every ism, woman's right* and
all, combined under this Know-Nothing movement.
It was a natural child of the alien and sedition
1 liws.
I Ho was replied to by Mr. BANKS, of Massachu
setts, in an able and eloquent speech. In regard
to the duty of men to promulgate their views, Mr.
B. said:
A roan is accountable to no human being, but to
flod, for his opinions ; and when he is called to act
with regard to government ai a member of the so
cial compact, he is sccountable to the government.
The government which undertakes to control him
in this right of opinion, strikes at the basis of our
republican institutions, and for thia ought to be
wiped from the fiwe of the earth. He repeated, he
had the right to form opinions for himself. God
gave him that right.
Mr. BARRY. Has a secret society the right to
bind a man f
Mr. BANKS. Ill come to that.
Mr. BARRY. I would ask whether the New
York council had the right to bind men under oath
to tell who they voted for*
Mr. BANKS replied. I have a right to my own
opinion. My vote is by ballot., which Is a secret
institution. I have a rirht to give it secretly, un
known to men or secret Institutions. In consider
ing a public wrong, It la right to see what oonsti
ittirtes the wroB*; and by that we gM at the idea
of the wrong. What is the association, and who
are the member* of It? The people of tbe Uni
ted States. It Is not an association limited by
number, but It seeks, through the numerical
strength of the member*, to control the elections
of the country. . Therefore, It li popular in Its na
ture. Whatever the design of the New York
council, or associations anywhere, they who andcr
take to control the government of this country by
numerical votes, make secrecy impossible. There
is a popular element In this association, and no
doubt the gentleman knows, more than I do, what
makes secrecy impossible.
The gentlemen from Mississippi says the Know
Nothings are one class in the South, and in the
North are another?that In one section they take
np a man who was connected with the Democratic
party, and another, a msn who was connected with
the Whig party. This was true snd reasonable,
thase men left the old party organisations for rea
sons There may sometimes be a necessity for this;
and the form which men may choose to organiie
concern themselves. He took an Illustration from
his own State, and In this connexion, *?ke of the
oppressive Influence of wealth and corporation*
upon the free spirit of the people The move
ment la Massachusetts was on the part of the peo
ple and not thoee who had the property. There
?re men there who could not act Independently
without being crushed But in the night snd on
a Sunday, In a dark lane, in ? myiterious way,
*
those men ia*le a subtatraueau pnwage a covsred
way noon by uubody. The juomeut they cou
aUMcted thai trad way, you should have a*sn
Umid go through It [Ijuighur.] He would ask
the geutWiaan from Mississippi whether the people
bad not a right to reeort to that aveuue of escape !
The people are rwspouaibU for their conduct?what
have they done f Nothing to subject them to-a
criminal prosecution; and thin point could not
be controverted by hi* lHend from'Mississippi.
A Peuuaylvauia judge may charge the jury of
?uch end aach things as much as he cbooses, but the
people will take care of jurors and courts, a* well
an judges. [Laughter.] And gentlemen may find
they have something to do in ibis way. He asked
whether if there was not a necessity which justi
fied this action. He thought be had demonstrated
the right of the people to act in their own war.
He called attention to the fact that those who do
the wrong in Know-Nothingituu are the people ; il
there is uo majority of the people then no barn) is
done. The gentlemau talks against secrecy?was
uot the last Presidential election controlled by se
erecy?by s secret association and combination ?
There is no popular movement but what operates
through a few privileged members. He was for
publicity when a man acta for other*; but when ho
acta for himself, uo man has a right to his thoughts.
If he said nothing and knew nothing, it was hla
right. [Laughter?) .
He did not know whether the gentleman front
Mississippi was right or wrong in his exposition of
Koow-Notbingisni. He had road the article from
which that gentleman quoted, but did not see any
thing there about the naturalization laws, nor a
limitation on voting. The article from the Pcnn
sylvanlan was copied into the papers of his iec
tion. He did uot see anything referring to tho
Catholic religion or Roman Catholic church.
Mr. BARRY. I will correct the gentlemau. I
will read from the Pennsylvania^, and the gentle
man will admit bis error.
Mr. BANKS. I will admit nothing. I know
nothing. [Laughter, and a voice, " Banes, you're
a good Know-Nothing. Ha t ha I"]
Mr. BARRY read from the Pennaylvanian part
of the oath. "You will removo all foreigners,
aliens, or Roman Catholics, and, in no case, appoint
such to office."
Mr. BANKS. The gentleman at first said Cath
olics. He now says Roman Catholics.
Mr. BARRY. The gentleman misunderstood me.
Mr. BANKS replied that he bad no objection to
men of the Roman Catholic church, and would
vote for his friend from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Chabd
Lia,) notwithstanding the gentleman believes in
that Church. But there was another branch of
this question: the Pope stands out as the vicar of
God. Not only as supreme in spiritual affairs, but
to control all governments and sunder men from
their relations to the State. And that part of the
church creed, which makes the pontiff the su
Rme head, with power to absolve men from al
Iance to the government, has never been disa-7
vowed. If that was a man's Roman Catholicism
he should not vote for him. He doubted not every
man here entertained the same view. He had, in
the eye of God, always endeavored to be just to
wards all men. He had defended the North and
the South, and capitalists when they were in the
right; and had stood by foreigners, whether high
or low, rich or poor, but if a foreigner declares he
holds as his supreme head the Pope of Rome, and
that ho can dissolve him from allegiance to the
United States or the "Commonwealth, he has no
claims on him.
Mr. BARRY. I have always heard such a pre
rogative for the Pope disclaimed.
Mr. BANKS replied. So have. I?but I have
never heard such a power disavowed.
Mr. BARRY. I believe the Pope lias actcd on
the principle that he is never compelled to tell
anything.
Mr. BANKS. That is true.
Mr. BARRY. I agree with the gentleman that
the man who acknowledges such power in the
Pope has no right to sit here.
Mr. BANKS. 1 plant myself on tho ground that
this power of the Pope has never beeu disavowed,
as to secular affairs?he proceeded to condemn the
old parties for truckling to foreigners, who have
held the balance of power in elections, and said, a
man once told him, "I am a Jesuit, and our in
structions are to shout for Cass but vote for Tay
lor."
The committee here rose, and the Indian and
West Point Appropriation bills were passed.
The House then a#onrnert.
SENATE.
Tuesday, December 19, 18C4.
A message was received from the President in
relation to the diplomatic disturbances at Constan
tinople.
Mr. FESSENDEN moved that the message be
referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and
that it be printed,.
The House appropriation bills for the support of
the Indian Department and Military Academy,
were read the first and second times, and referred
to the Committee on Finance.
Mr. CABS gave notice that be should call, at an
early day, for the report made last session by Mr.
Underwood, on securing tho rights of religious
woraliip abroad.
Mr. HUNTER, presented the report of the Com
mittee on Finance on the bill making appropria
tions for Invalid Pensions, with an amendment;
which, after being further amended, was read a
third time and passed.
Mr. BROWN reported u joint resolution on tho
subject of private claims; which was referred to
the select committee of five appointed yesterday.
Mr. BROADHEAD called up the resolution to
send a steamer and tender to the Arctic seas, for
the purpose of rescuing or affording relief to the
Arctic expedition comniandell by Passed Assistant
Surgeon E. K. Kane.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Tceuoay, December 19.
Mr. PHELPS introduced a bill making appropri
j atious for the navrl service for 1860. ,
Mr. HOUSTON introduced a bill making appro
priations for fortifications, Ac.
Mr. HAMILTON introduced the following bills:
To amend the charter of (Georgetown ;
To discharge the Indebtedness of the peniten
tiary of the District.
Mr. DAVIS of Indiana, introduced a bill, to in
! corporate the St. Josephs Malo Orphan Asylum of
' the District of Columbia ;
All the foregoing bills were appropriately re
; feired.
Mr. COBB of Alabama, wished to introduce a
bill, but Mr. Letcher objected. Mr. C. denied the
?L of Mr. L. to act as his guardian, and thought
wished to exercise that authority, he had bit
ter be first regularly appointed by a court.
To-day being one at three set apart for the busi
ness of the District, there waa, of conrse, but a slim
attendance of members; many of these faithful
guardians of the public interest preferring their
own pleasures to the dry details of useful legisla
tion.
The House resolved itself into the Committee of
the Whole (Mr. Piielps in the chair,) and the flr*t
business that came up was, that the bill to estah
| lish an auxiliary guard. There being no opposition,
it was laid aside to be reported to tne House.
| The bill granting additional powers to the Cor
poration of Washington then came up. This bill
| among other things, enlarges the powers of asses
i sors and provides additional penalties for illegal
voting.
The CHAIRMAN having notified the committee
that no irrelevant debate wonld be allowed, the
members proceeded to consider the bill In very
business-like way.
Various amendments were offered and discuss
ed ; even a synopsis of which we cannot of course
give m this brief report.
Before much progress had l?een made, Mr. Ortv
ntxoft offered an amendment, pending, that no per
son should be imprisoned in the District, unless
charged with crime.
Mr. JONES raised a point of order, as to the
admissibility of the amendment. Ho contended
that it was not germane to the subject. The Chair
overruled the objection, an appeal was taken, and
the committee voted to sustain the decision of the
Chair. Ayes, 70, noes fig.
Mr. GIDDIVftH then proceeded to address tho
committee. We have neither time nor inclination
to report his abolition slang.
The amendment was rejected, and the bill, as
amended, was laid aside to lie reported to the
I tonne.
CnaiSTv as ! Cnaismajil?We wonld call'the
special attention of managers of halls and parties,
as well as boarding-house keeper* and private fam
ilies to the rich and splendid assortment of Pound,
Froli, and other Cake* and Confectionary at W*a
v*?V opposite Brown's Hotel, Pennsylvania avenue.
(W Dr. Mato's answer to F. F. C. Tnn>
| i.itt, late chief clerk in the Pension Office, wffl
appear to morrow.