NILE

NEW SERIES. No. 9-Vos. IV.}

EKLY REGISTER.

BALTIMORE, APRIL 24, 1819. [No. 9-Vol: XVI. WHOLE NO. 399

THE PAST THE PRESENT-FOR THE FUTURE.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. NILES, AT $5 PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE,

The editors of the National Intelligencer copi ed our remarks on "private claims,", some days ago, and because they did copy them, the editor of the "Daily Advertiser," at New-York, has run a-foul of them, by taking up "here a little and there a little" of our essay, to make it suit his own purposes.

We refer to this thing only because the editors of the "Intelligencer" have felt it proper to notice the remarks of the "Advertiser”—who might have been dismissed more briefly, by saying, "Satan can quote scripture." There are many of the most interesting chapters in the Bible which might be represented as little short of blasphemy, if liberty were loved to extract from them just such words as suited a design to make them appear so. We do not claim a comparison with the inspired writers: but require this that when one sentence, or a part of à sentence bears upon, or is the contingent of another, that both should be given-or the whole laid aside.

thors and inventors the profits of their writings or inventions, for a limited time. The reasons for this are manifest: yet in the broad clause charging con gress with the "general welfare," this power might have been readily implied, if it had been designed to leave any thing to implication in the constitution, the "general welfare" is deeply concerned in those things, and men will not spend their time and money to produce useful books and inventions, without the hope of reward. This instance plainly shews 3 that our government rests on delegated powers only, and the 10th amendment seems conclusive on this head. But let us recur to original landmarks, and the earliest interpretations of the nature and spirit of our constitution. It cannot be believed, that there is a man in the United States who will venture to assert that the constitution would have been ratified, if it had been understood that congress might grantinonopolies, or deprive the states of their right to tax property, except as to imports and exports. In every other instance, the right to tax is reserved. Among the reasons given by Virginia for ratifying the constitution, were these

Summary process. It is stated in the Washington City Gazette, that a circular is about to issue from the parent board of the bank of the United States, ordering that all notes under protest shall be sued for, "hat therefore no right, of any denomination, can unless paid or satisfactorily secured, in ten days be cancelled, abridged, or restrained, or modified, by thereafter-and that none of the District bank notes congress, by the senate or house of representatives, will hereafter be received at the Washington branch, acting in any capacity, by the president, or any deon deposite. See the article, "how tame an ele-partment or officer of the United States, except in phant," page 147.

those instances where power is given by the constitution for those purposes.” "hat each state in the union. The Sovereignty of the States-No 3. and right, which it not by this constitution delegatshall respectively retain every power, jurisdiction We repeat it that the late decision of the su-ed to the congress of the United States, or the preme court about the bank of the United States, departments of the federal government. "That these vests in the general government the right and power clauses which declare that congress shall not exerto grant monopoles, under so many pretences, that it cise certain powers, be not interpreted in any man may be said to extend to all cases whatsoever," and ner whatsoever, to extend the powers of congress;. for unlimitted periods; and it settles the principle, but that they be constructed either as making exthat property introduced into a state by, or growing ceptions to the specified powers where this shall be out of, such monopolies, is exempted from the com-the case, or otherwise, as inserted merely for greatmon operation of the laws of the states, affecting pro-er caution."

perty of the same description. This is truly alarm- New York, with others, assigned the following-ingit squints at" CONSOLIDATION. "That every power, jurisdiction or right which is What is a monopoly? The dictionary which I hap-not by the said constitution clearly delegated to the pen to have before me, defines it to be, "a grant from congress of the United States, or the departments the king or sovereign] to any person or persons of the government thereof, remains to the people of for the sole buying, selling, working, or using any the several, or to their respective state governthing." The bank of the United States, then, is a ments, to whom they may have granted the same; monopoly because the privileges granted by its and that those clauses in the said constitution which act of incorporation are exclusive-for the "sole" declare that congress shall not have or exercise cerbenefit of the stockholders of this particular institu-tain powers, do not imply that congress is entitled tion; and such privileges cannot be granted to other to any powers not given by the said constitution, but persons during the existence of the act. The gene- such clauses are to be construed either as excep. ral government is as the "king" in the case, and ab- tions to certain specified powers, or as inserted solute. It is, and ought to be, sovereign in respect merely for greater caution." to all powers delegated, and such as are necessary to "THAT CONGRESS DO NOT GRANT MONOPOLIES, OR ERECT maintain those powers. But certainly, it never was ANY COMPANY WITH EXCLUSIVE ADVANTAGES OF COMsupposed to be "necessary or proper," that the Unit- MERCE." ed States should deprive the states of their right to tax property, except in the case of imports and exports, as specially provided for. It is impossible that this could have been the original intention of the framers of the constitution; it is neither expressed or implied.

By Massachusetts-That it be explicitly declared that all powers not expressly delegated by the aforesaid constitution, are reserved to the states, to be by them exercised: That congress shall erect no company of merchants with exclusive advantages of

commerce."

There is only one case in which congress is con- By Maryland, «That congress shall exercise no stitutionally vested with the right of investing any power but what is expressly delegated by this conwith exclusive privileges-hat is, to secure to au-stitution."

YOL

You, XVI.-11.

ffidavits (agreeabl

atary.

By New Hampshire. "That it be explicitly declar- words "necessa r" is not only consoed, that all powers not expressly and particularly de- nant with that which prevailed during the discuslegated by the aforesaid constitution, are reserved sions and ratifications of the constitution, but is abso-V to the several states to be by them exercised. That lutely necessary to maintain their consistency with Congress shall erect no company of merchants with the peculiar character of the government, possessed exclusive advantages in cominerce." of particular and defined powers, ONLY; not of the geConnecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Dela-neral and indefinite powers vested in ordinary governware, and Georgia, ratified the constitution by simple acts, without comment. We have not been able to lay our hands upon the ratifications of North and South Carolina and Rhode Island.

ments."

We cannot add any thing to the force of these remarks, and shall not attempt it.

Mr. Hamilton, the writer of the 33d No. of the "Federalist," speaking about the words "necessary and proper," says, "they are only declarations of a truth which would have resulted by necessary and tuting a federal government, and vesting it with certain specified powers." To the question why these words were introduced, he answers, "only for the greater caution," &c. But to the very point, he observes-"though a law laying a tax for the use of the United States would be supreme in its na ture, and could not legally be opposed or controlled, yet a law abrogating or preventing the collection of a In several files of newspapers and a number of tax laid by the authority of a state (UNLESS ON IMPORTS books, we have looked over many hundred pages AND EXPORTS) would not be the supreme law of the land, of discussions, resolves and proceedings about the but an USURPATION of a power not granted by the conconstitution, and see nothing in any of them to jus-stitution." In the 34th No. in which the same subtify the opinion that an idea was then held that con-ject is continued, after arguing the right and necesgress could vest any persons with monstrous powersity of a concurrent jurisdiction in the general governand odious privileges now possessed by the bank of ment and those of the states, as to taxation, he says the United States, as a monopoly. It is no mattera concurrent jurisdiction was the only admissithat the bank has paid a "bonus" for its extensive ble substitute for an entire subordination, in respect to advantages, or that it is to perform certain services this branch of power, of state authority to that of the --these have no effect upon the principle involved; union." D for the bonus might as well be one cent as ten mil lions of dollars, and the services nominal, (like that of "rat-catcher to his majesty”), as real.

Judge Wilson, of Pennsylvania, one of the most profound lawyers of his day, addressing the people in favor of the constitution (Oct.1787) said, "But in delegating federal power, another criterion was neces-unavoidable implication, from the very act of constisarily introduced: and the congressional authority is to be collected, not from tacit implication, but from the positive grant, expressed in the instrument of the union. Hence it is evident that in the former case [of the states] every thing that is not reserved is given: but in the latter [that of the United States] the reverse of the proposition prevails, and every thing which is not given is reserved."

Then, even if the right exists in congress to establish the bank of the United States, the "concurrent power" remains to tax the property vested in it. It CANNOT BE OTHERWISE.

Judge Marshall, in his Life of Washington,speaking of the establishment of the old bank, says

Judge Tucker, on the constitution-See Tucker's Black. Vol. I, part 1. app. 142 speaking of the Since the preceding was in type, we have receiv [10th] amendment, says:-This article was added the Richmond Enquirer of the 20th inst. which ed to prevent misconstruction or abuse of the contains a strong editorial article on the subject powers granted by the constitution; rather than before us. We borrow from it the following exsupposed necessary to explain and secure the rights tracts of the states, or of the people. The powers delegated to the federal government being positive, and enumerated, according to the ordinary rules "This measure made a deep impression on many of construction, whatever is not enumerated is re-members of the legislature, and contributed not intained; for, expressum facit tacere tacitum is a max- considerably to the complete organization of those im in all cases of construction: it is likewise a max-distinct and visible parties, which in their long and im of political law, that sovereign states cannot be dubious conflict for power, have since shaken the deprived of any of their rights by implication; nor U. States to their centre!" in any manner whatever but by their own voluntary consent, or by submission to a conqueror."

The editor, in conclusion, observes

In fact, bur doctrine on this subject is to be found We recommend to the attentive perusal of every in the luminous and noble speech of the illustrious one, the remarks of judge Tucker, as well as the George Clinton, when he put his veto upon the reessays of the "Federalist," on the article vesting vival of the old United States bank, in 1811. The an authority in congress to make all taws "neces-following words of his, deserve to be written in lctsary and proper," for carrying into execution the ters of gold over the door of congress: powers granted [See as above, p. 286 to 289, and "In the course of a long life I have found, that the "Federalist," No's. 33 and 44.] "This neither government is not to be strengthened by the assumpenlarges any power specifically granted, nor is it ation of doubtful powers, but a wise and energetic exgrant of new powers.' He adds "whenever, there-ecution of those which are incontestible; the former fore, a question arises concerning the constitutional-never fails to produce suspicion and distrust, whilst ity of a particular power, the first question is, whe- the latter inspires respect and confidence. If, how ther that power is expressed in the constitution. ever, after a fair experience, the powers vested in. If it be, the question is decided. If it be not ex- the government shall be found incompetent to the pressed, the next enquiry must be, whether it attainment of the objects for which it was instituted, is properly an incident to an express power, the constitution happily furnishes the means for reand necessary to its execution. If it be, it may medying the evil by amendment. be exercised by congress. If it be not, congress cannot exercise it--And this construction of the

It is useless to multiply instances of construction; they are to be found in favor of the side we have taken, in the writings and speeches of every patriot *He was a member of the convention, and after-who advocated the adoption of the constitution of wards a judge of the supreme court. the United States: no other construction was thought

possible by the friends of the federal government- as the master spirit, demanding "unconditional sub- · And the opinion of these, together with the acts of mission." the states, at the time, are entitled to great weight. Comment is useless. Certain late arrangements Of the danger of admitting that congress may will very soon develope the mystery concealed in grant monopolies, and exempt thejmonopolists from our similitudes. It does not become the line we the sovereignty of the states, we have spoken free-have marked out for ourselves to shrew the progress ly, and perhaps enough for this time; and shall of political manoeuvring. We can only hope, that now let the subject rest for the moment, exhorting the deceived elephant will cast off his pretended every man who loves his country to investigate it for friends, and regain his "natural and unalienable himself, that he may appreciate its consequences. rights" of "peace, liberty, and safety." When in the course of things, our feeble aid shall appear to be useful to promote a return to the original principles of the constitution, it shall not be wanting.

How to tame an Elephant!

The Paper System.

It is with awful feelings, indeed, that we publish the terrible list that follows, of counterfeited and spurious bank notes, collected within the last eight or nine weeks,as we happened to meet with notices of The elephant has larger claims to independence such things in the newspapers. It is the last time than any land animal that we know of, yet he is that we shall attempt a collection of this sort→→ among the most generous and docile of any, two-leg-it is too debasing to the character of our country to ged or four-legged, that has been civilized. His affections are of the most interesting character, and his intelligence is as remarkable as his attachments; for those that he loves, he freely puts out his strength to promote the works of peace, or mingle in the clash of war: with Job-like patience he tugs the ponderous load, or rushes impetuous through the armed ranks of the foe. Always great, though his unsuspicious disposition is often deceived; always generous, though frequently imposed upon.

be repeated; but the detail was due to the history of the paper system. What a prostration of morals does it indicate!-yet, we are serious of opinion,that the greater part of the evil must be solemnly laid at the doors of our legislators, for permitting or establish ing so many banks. They who tempt the people to commit sin, are more inexcusable than the sinners.

There appears to be a gang of accomplished villains stretching from one end of the United States to the other, under various pretences, as traders, An old housewifery book, in directing us how to pedlars, and the like, whose chief business it is to cook a salmon, says-"first catch a salmon:" this is a deal in counterfeit bank notes and "bad money”— very important preparation for the cooking of one! and they are so very artful, that it requires a consi So, before we proceed to tame an elephant,derable degree of smartness to prevent them from it is necessary that we should get him into our toils. succeeding. This, we are told, is most certainly done by means We are very far from feeling any thing like plea of several female elephants, taught for the business-sure in publishing this list; we do it as an act of duty speculators in their fellow animal's misery, who en-to put honest men on their guard, and shew them compass him about, and coax and caress him, while low necessary it is to exercise caution in the receipt the master spirit of their actions binds him with of bank bills. Happily, so it is, that most persons ropes, passed frequently round his legs, and very accustomed to examine paper money, can nine times tight. When he is completely secured, the deceiv-in ten, tell a counterfeit or altered note, though on a ers retire and leave him to his fate. On discover-bank which they never saw one of before; but they ing this, he becomes outrageous; but he exerts his mighty strength in vain; he is fastened to the spot, and no longer moves at the impulse of his own desires; a captive, smarting under a sense of his wrongs, and indignant at hypocrisy.

The next thing is to tame him. Whilst thus bound, one fellow, armed with a club or some other offensive weapon, falls foul of him and abuses him in the most shameful and barbarous manner; when the suffering has reached its destined point, and the animal finds that dependence on himself avails nothing, another person appears and seems to chastise the wretch that maltreated him, driving him away. This is repeated day after day, until the sagacious animal, filled with gratitude to his supposed benefactor, knows his voice and person, and regards him as a protector and friend. Then this same person loosens the ropes, or restores their pressure on the elephant, as he shews a disposition to submit to, or reject his authority, or resist the good impressions made as above described, until he finally becomes a passive slave, and kisses the hand that robbed him of his freedom.

Now for the application of our story, the people of the United States, (but especially those of the west, in present circumstances) may be considered as the elephant-the paper system as the females who deceive him; their obligations to the banks as the cords that fasten him; speculators as the person who beats him, and the bank of the United States, through the agency of the government deposits, &c.

are often received without due examination by those who are capable of detecting them, and the people, in general, are very indifferent judges. It becomes every body, when the bills of strange or distant banks are presented to them to suspect them, unless they know the character of the person offer. ing them, and to reject them altogether from transient individuals, without some test to satisfy the mind that they are genuine representatives of money, at home. In this case, the calculation may be made, whether the profit on the articles exchanged for the paper, will satisfy the difference or difficulty of con verting it into money, &c.

THE BLACK LIST,

A fellow found guilty at Baltimore for dealing in a counterfeit bill of $100 of the Philadelphia bank, and several 20's of the bank of the Northern Liberties.

An emission of $50 notes of the bank of the state of Georgia, very well altered from genuine 5's of the same bank.

A man sentenced by a court in Delaware to a fine of $500, solitary confinement three months, and forever to wear the letter F, made of scarlet cloth sewed on the back of his outer garment, to be whipped, &c. if found without it, &c. &c. &c. for passing a 3 conterfeit note of the Farmer's bank of Delaware, payable at Wilmington.

1

The receipt by the editor of the REGISTER of a $5 counterfeit note of the same bank and office, which unfortunately, he was compelled to light a segar

with at his own loss-through uncommon careless-, Marine bank of Baltimore. They had also some coun terfeit coin. ness, in not examining it.

The breaking up of a large establishment at Bloomingburg, where much apparatus for making bank notes, and many bills partially executed, were found.

The arrest of several persons near Pittsburg, with a large amount of notes of the following descriptions ---5's of the Marine bank of Baltimore; 3's of the bank of Delaware, 10's of the bank of Auburn, 1's of the bank of Philadelphia, 10's of the bank of Buck's county, 20's of the bank of New Ark, 1's of the bank of Sandusky Bay-counterfeits; a note of the bank of Steubenville altered from 1 to 10; and of the bank of Utica, altered from 1 to 50. A wholesale business was hereby interrupted.

A notice of 10's on the bank of North America, 3's on the bank of New Brunswick, 3's on the Hagerstown bank, 2's of the Mechanic's bank of Baltimore, 3's of the Hartford bank; counterfeits.

A $20 counterfeit note of the Bank of Baltimore (old plate,) remitted to the editor of the REGISTER from Illinois, and sent back again, being crossed.

Counterfeit bills of $50 on the Hudson bank of N. York, attempted to be passed in Charleston, S. Carolina.

Spurious bills in circulation, on the Silver Lake Bank, payable at the Union Bank, in the city of N. York, subscribed by the fictitious names of Ives Sutton, president, and Daniel Woodbridge, jun. cashier, 10's and 5's of the bank of Virginia, counterfeits but easily detected with common care.

The capture of two men at Sheffield, Mass. for passing counterfeit bills, chiefly 10's of the bank of-well calculated to deceive superficial observers;

Auburn.

The passage of 50 dollar bills at Savannah, to a considerable amount, of the Marine and Fire Insurance company-well counterfeited; but the villain not caught.

The putting to jail of a fellow for passing 3's of the Fayetteville branch, of the state bank of North Carolina, altered to 50's. He had in his possession counterfeit bills of several other banks, among them, one of 20, on the Elkton bank.

Three dollar notes of the City bank of New York, altered to 50's.

Counterfeit notes, 1's and 2's, of the old emission of the bank of Cape Fear--miserably executed. A large quantity of counterfeit and spurious paper circulated in Monroe county, Ohio, and the parts adjacent, viz-3's of the bank of Niagara, 2's of the Phoenix bank, Hartford; notes said to be of a bank: at Circleville, where there is no bank-counterfeit 1's on the Philadelphia bank, &c.

A notice of the alteration of one dollar notes of the Hagestown bank into tens.

Joseph Lancaster.

Counterfeit notes of 5 dollars, on the Franklin The seizure of a person called Hunter, at Savan-bank of Baltimore. The signatures badly executed. nah, who had in his possession a vast quantity of notes, 50's, 100's and post notes, of the bank of Newport, Kentucky, engraved by Murray, Draper, and co. (who had been imposed upon by him,) but not filled up. This chap's real name is said to be Morse; and, as he graduated at Rhode Island college, he has been called, by way of eminence, "a classical scoundrel." He had some hundreds of thousands of dollars in

blank notes.

An account of another imposition practised on Murray, Draper, and co. in engraving or striking off plates to a large amount, for the Steam Factory company, of Cincinnati-there being no such company existing.

The detection of.10 dollar counterfeit notes of the bank of Illinois, at Shawneetown-said to be badly

done.

A large issue of a sort of a bank in Fayette county, Penn. called the "Connelsville Navigation Company," in defiance of the laws relating to banking.

This father and founder of the system of education known by his name, and extensively adopted in Great Britain and Ireland, and in the United States, and partially introduced into France and Germany, &c. and even spoken of as being countenanced in Spain, has taken up a temporary residence in Philadelphia, and will probably become a citizen of the U. States.

The editor of the REGISTER is honored with the

personal acquaintance and private friendship of this great apostle in the cause of knowledge. From our social conversation, as well as from his public lectures on education, the mystery of his system is-if there is any mystery in it-that all things belonging to it are done by method, and the pupils taught to UNDERSTAND one thing at a time. But of a system so generally known and approved, it is not necessary. to speak at this time. Mr. L. is now superintendThe capture of five counterfeiters in Golconda, ing a model school at Philadelphia, wherein it is exIllinois, with several thousand dollars of their pected that many young men and women will be own make, in their possession. They had a com-fully qualified for the instruction of others. plete set of apparatus and worked in a cave chief part of those fellows' notes were of 10's 5's and 3's of the state bank of Indiana; but they had 10's and 2's of the Middletown bank, 2's of the Phoenix bank, 5's of the bank of Auburn, 5's of the Exchange Bank, 3's of the Eagle bank, 5's of the Marine bank, and 5's of the Worcester bank.

The

The circulation of 10's of the bank of Auburn, and 20's of the Planter's bank of Georgia-good

counterfeits.

A caution against notes of the Frederick county bank, altered from 1 to 10 dollar notes.

A quantity of three dollar counterfeit notes of the Franklin bank of New York, detected in that city. The breaking up of a gang of counterfeiters by catching them at Lancaster, O.,the rascals made ble, but were subdued. Their stock was very large, chiefly in 20's and 50's on the Miami Export ing Company, 10's on the Farmer's bank of Buck's county, 5's of the bank of Columbia, and 5's of the

But our present purpose is chiefly to notice the respectful attentions which were paid to him on his visit to Washington City, during the late sitting of congress, and to record them, as honorable to all parties and individuals concerned.

In the house of representatives, on the 9th of January, 1819, Mr. Bassett addressed the chair, and said, that he rose to perform a pleasing task, because it was connected with humanity. It was to give praise and honor where praise and honor were due. It was (continued Mr. B.) said last night, from that chair, that sensible objects most forciMy heart responds to bly felt, attracted us. its truth. Most sensibly did I feel, on beholding in that chair a man whose life has been devoted to the amelioration of the state of man; one who, without the influence of kindred or country, and without any aid save that of a common tongue, has passed the vast Atlantic to make known the hidden powers and blessings of knowledge. Thou

sands, said Mr. B. are now enjoying the happy tuits of his exertions, and millions to come will reap their profits, and drink again and again of the neverfailing spring. I should do injustice to the feelings of the house, to dwell on this subject. Mr. B. then submitted the following resolution, which was read and agreed to:

Resolved, That Joseph Lancaster, the friend of learning and of man, be admitted to a seat within the hall of the house of representatives.

duty calls me to arduous exertion, it will be a stimulus to activity, a light on my path to cheer me on my way. Ihail it is a mercy from Heaven granting me a most honorable introduction to a great nation-a new call to duty; a powerful passport to usefulness. But there is one point of view in which it is to me a consolation-a joy-an honor beyond all price, both in the thing done, as well as the time and manner of doing it.

I have in my own country a venerable and belov. This resolution was passed without oppositioned father, a pious old man of seventy-five. I am perhaps, we should say, by unanimous approba- his youngest son-the joy of his life, the consolation tion. The following is a copy of Mr. Lancaster's of his old age. On parting he wept over me with letter to the speaker, on the presentation of the re- tears of joy he gave me up freely, he said, without solution to him. a sorrowful accent. "Go, my dear son, God will WASHINGTON CITY, 1st. Mo. 27th 1819. bless thee-I rejoice that thou art going to be a HONORED FRIEND—I have been favored with the blessing to the children of another nation. The vote of the house, on the motion of Burwell Bassett, good will of him that dwelt in the bush will be with of Virginia, respecting myself; an honor wholly un- thee." This honored parent I am not likely to see expected, and if the house of representatives had any more, short of that mansion which he looks to not thought otherwise, I should have considered it as as his own-an inheritance with the saints in light beyond any merits of mine: however, I am determined a city that hath habitations, where God wipes all that, by the mercy of my Heavenly Father, accord-tears from his people's faces, and gives them joy ing to my ability, it shall not be uninerited in future. unutterable without end-without alloy. It was put into my hands just as I was about occupying thy chair by thy kind permission, the second time:-I opened it, it overwhelmed my heart, and for some short time I was obliged to hide my eyes -with feeling the most handsome attention paid to a missionary of good-an attention which none but perfect gentlemen could have ever contemplated. In fact, I accept it is an introduction to your country -a passport, to usefulness. I feel your politeness, but when I consider the benevolence of the motive -love to your country-good will to education-patriotic feeling for all children of this great nation -I am doubly grateful.

Under your auspices as a legislature, I trust those measures will be matured which, with the Divine blessing on the wisdom of your councils, will accelerate such a total extinction of ignorance, that not one uninstructed child will in future times be found within your borders.

My exertions require a little repose. At one o'clock to-day I shall avail myself of the privilege conferred--for which I now make acknowledgments, and but feeble ones they are compared with my feelings.

In fact, the manner of my reception at Washington, and by congress, has been such as to endear the country to me, which has given birth to men, who knew so well how to love and befriend its children. I rejoice to see motives in action which give security to its future prospects-which consecrate the atmosphere in which citizens of the world may breathe -or hallow the ground on which he treads.

With high consideration and gratitude to the honorable house, of which thou art the speaker, and my true respect to thyself,

I remain thy obliged and grateful friend,
JOSEPH LANCASTER.

To Henry Clay, speaker of the

sett

House of representatives, in congress.

But the good wishes and the God of my father is with me, and the news of this honorable act of thine will reach him will cheer his aged heart--will make his tears of joy to flow-will console perhaps his dying hours, and tune another song of praise for mercies past, which shall rise to the footstool of Omnipotence as grateful incense, and bring down from thence the blessings of heaven on thy head.

While the heart of the writer beats, thy name and gratitude will be the same word, mean the same thing in my mind. May he who first loved little children called them and blessed them, remember thy kindness to me as their friend, and reward with his love thy goodness to thy Respectful friend,

(Signed)

JOSEPH LANCASTER. Washington, 1st Month, 27th, 1819.

During his stay at Washington he delivered two lectures, the hall of the house of representatives being permitted to be used for the purpose. They were attended by very numerous and most respectable audiences. At the close of one of them, it is said that "Mr. Clay (the speaker) complimented him in handsome terms, observing, that the chair (the speaker's chair) he occupied, had never been as well filled before." Mr. Lancaster modestly disclaiming the merit imputed to him by the speaker, said in effect, "that man in his purest aspect was but a very humble instrument of a higher power, and that the chair he had just occupied, exalted as it was, had not been filled by any thing better than CLAY."

The editor had the pleasure to hear Mr. Lancaster deliver his course of three lectures in Baltimore— The following extract of a letter from Harrisburg so well expresses his sentiments, that he adopts it without hesitation in lieu of what he himself would have said on the subject

A correspondent, under date of Harrisburg, FeHe also addressed the following letter to Mr. Bas-bruary 12, states: "We have had Mr. Joseph Lancaster, the founder of the system bearing his name, “To Burwell Bassett, a representative from Virginia. visiting us. He delivered lectures on his peculiar "HONORED FRIEND—“How shall I express the feel-system of education. They were attended by the ing gratitude of an overflowing heart, when I pe-president and members of the state legislature of rused thy speech and the vote of the house of re- Pennsylvania, and as many of the respectable inhapresentatives yesterday respecting myself. I had bitants of Harrisburg as could get in. He was reno notion that my motives to action-my humble ceived with those distinguished tokens of respect services, in a great and righteous cause, would have and attention which a life of distinguished benevobeen so highly honored and appreciated. Ireceive lence and diffusive good will to man, must claim from it with feelings as deep as they will be lasting-When an enlightened people. Ignorance is the curse of a