224 CHRONICLE. We have been looking ASTRONOMICAL AND METEORIC. for some account of the phenomena of shooting stars which certain astronomers say are annually exhibited on the nights of the 12th and 13th November. Those nights of the last month, we learn, were so much overcast with clouds in the New England states as to be un. favorable for observation. On the morning of the 15th a clear sky for a short time enabled them to count a great number, say at the rate of 200 in an hour, all starting from the same point in the heavens, as in former years, viz: at an elevation of 60°, and their movements generally southeast. 2nd week in Nov. 1835, 59.159 82 1837, 66,314 75 1838, 63,681 69 1839, 65,978 20 82,575 30 New York canal tolls. Account of tolls received on all 1840, The night of the 12th was overcast here, disappoint ing those who intended to have been upon the lookout. Between 2 and 3 o'clock on the morning of the 13th, however, it was clear, with a very transparent atmos-rived phere, the stars shining beautifully, and an unusual number of shooting stars were sporting from, and in the direction indicated above. By the way, a curious article has appeared in several of the eastern papers, giving as authority a distinguished professor of one of their Universities, announcing that the earth is so materially changing its position to the ecliptic as to make all the calculations of the nautical almanacs for the ensuing year wrong!-Added to this. it represents Venus as changing its aspect from billiant bright, to that of fiery red, like Mars--that the expanse between the rings of Saturn is apparently on fire; that Herschell is evidently leaving our solar system and rapidly disappearing, and that one of the fixed stars is as evidently approaching our system. We have some recollection of a famous moon hour, the author of which is perhaps still living. 74,025 22 DEATHS, during the last week at N. York, 107; at Philadelphia 94, of which 37 were under 2 years of age, and 13 were of consumption; at Baltimore 41, of which 13 were under 1 year, 6 were free colored and 2 slaves. ROBERT SMITH, esq., one of the oldest and most reANCIENT ALPHABETIC INSCRIPTION IN THE OHIO VAL spectable citizens of Baltimore, died on the 26th ult., LEY. Mr. Henry R. Schoolcraft has read before the aged 85 years. He fought for his country at the battle royal Geographical society of London a memoir describ- of Brandywine, as one of the Baltimore volunteers ing a very curious inscription on a small tabular stone, served many years as a delegate from Baltimore in the found in one of the large tumuli in the Ohio valley. It legislature of the state,-was secretary of the navy durconsists of 24 characters, arranged between parallel lines. ing Jefferson's administration from 1802 to 1805, and seSeveral of these correspond with the Runic, others bear cretary of state from 1809 to 1811, during Madison's ada resemblance to the old Etruscan or Pelasgic. A copy ministration, after which he remained in private life. of the inscription has been put in the hands of a person EDITORIAL CANDIDATE. Judging from the tenor of the learned in the ancient Druidical characters of Britain; and another forwarded to the royal society of Northern Anti- papers which reached us by the last mails, we should say quarians at Copenhagen, in the hope of its being read, there is likely to be quite an exhibition of esprit de corps and of thus throwing light on the Ante-Columbian his- in favor of the talented editor of the Richmond Enquirer, tory of America. Many other articles were found in this as a candidate for the next governorship of Virginia. tumulus, which is situated at Grave Creek, in Western Without regard to parties, the editors out of Virginia are Virginia; particularly a large number of small sea-shells, testifying in behalf of the claims of Mr. Ritchie, upon bone or ivory beads, perforated plates of mica, and seve-his party. For ourselves, we confess that this intended ral copper ornaments, together with the osseous remains compliment strikes us as somewhat equivocal. Had of three skeletons, in a state of almost complete decay. AN AUSTRIAN TOURIST. The Paris correspondent of the National Intelligencer, Oct. 25, makes mention of a book of travels in the United States which has not yet reached this country. He says, "If ever the travels of Loverstern in the United States should fall into your hands, you will be amused as I have been, with the miseries of this Austrian gentleman in his terrible attrition with American life. No English tourist has complained more piteously of what his gentility underwent from the uncouthness and familiarity of American manners. The English phrases with which he has interlarded his text disturbed my gravity nearly as much as his adventures by land and water." BANK ITEMS. The Alton (Illinois) Telegraph, asserts that there is a plot in progress by a board of speculators, antongst whom are men of respectability and influence the nomination been, as it might fairly have been, in FLOUR. The inspections of last week in Baltimore The stock of flour in New York is much less than usual on closing of their canal navigation. Dealers calculate upon having supplies reaching there from New Orleans, and expected less demand from eastern ports in consequence of supplies being diverted from Albany by the rail road to Boston. The sudden freezing up of the canals had the effect of raising the price of fur in the city. Parcels were bought for the eastern market at Pow-Wow CASE. The Westchester (Pa.) Village Record gives an account of a case tried before the Chester county court last week, in which Dr. Evan Jones, a learned professor of the obsolete art of now-wowing, brought suit against the administrators of a deceased patient, for the recovery of a sum due for sundry rubbings performed, and incantations pronounced about the said patient, which, the learned doctor contended, had materially lengthened his days. A number of witnesses were called, some of whom expatiated eloquently on the wondestul cure wrought by the doctor without the aid of drugs or bleeding, or any of the usual accessaries to the healing art; others, more sceptical, thought the doctor a humbug. The jury seemed to be of the last opinion, for they returned a verdict for the defendant, and muleted the plaintiff in the costs. PARIS. The Commerce states that "the superficies of Paris contained within the present wall is 34,398,800 square yards. When the enceinte continue at present in progress of construction is completed, the superficies will be 267,553,000 square yards, nearly as great as the superficies of the city of London." The population of Paris, according to the census taken in 1841, amounted to 912,330 inhabitants. To which being added the troops of the garrison and strangers would increase the population to 1,035,000. PORK MARKET. The Cincinnati Times, of the 25th ult. says, that about 9,000 hogs have been cut up, to that variably in Illinois state bank notes. Last year 100,000: date. Price ranged from $1 50 to $2. 12, paid almost inhogs were cut up in this place, this year number estimated at about 130,000. At present 3,000 here now in pen;-prices now paid $1 75 to $2. RAIL ROAD ITEMS. The Housatonic rail road is so far bush, and between Bridgeport and West Stockbridgecompleted that cars run daily from Bridgeport to Greenfrom thence there is an unbroken line to Boston. STEAM BOAT ITEMS. The steamer Hector, captain Crawford, bound to N. Orleans with 1,600 bales of cotton on board, was burnt on the 12th inst. off the mouth of Arkansas river. Boat and cargo a total loss. One passenger jumped overboard and was drowned in attempting to reach the shore. The Nonpareil steamer, with 1,000 pigs of lead for Pittsburg from St. Louis was snaged at the Graveyard," on the Mississippi lately. She was built in 1839-cost $20,000-owned principally in Cincinnati. The engine On the 11th ult. the boilers of the steamer Chamois exand 700 pigs of the lead were saved-boat a total loss. ploded on the Chattahoochie river, Geo., near Mount Vernon, and perfectly demolished the boat. The engi neer, a Mr. Floyd, a deck hand, Mr. Vail, and the stewThe steamer Oneida sprang aleak during the gale on ard were instantly killed, and several others injured. the lakes, and was run ashore at Stony Point, between Kingston and Sacketts Harbor, and is a total wreckowned at Oswego. SNOW fell on the Western river, Ohio, on the 8th, at Cincinnati on the 15th, and ice formed at New Orleans Alton, Ill. on the 9th, at Nashville, Tenn. on the 12th, at on the 19th. In the western part of the state of New York snow fell to the depth of two feet during the storm river at St. Louis on the 14th. On the 30th we had a of the 18th and 19th. There was considerable ice in the regular north-east snow storm in Maryland. THE LUMBER TRADE. Few persons are aware of the extensive lumber trade carried on in Chicago. The lumber is got from Green Bay and Michigan. That from Michigan comes principally from Grand River and Muskegon, and a little from St. Joseph and Kalamazoo No less than 14 vessels, carrying on an average 35 M, at this inarket during the present year. of both political parties, to defraud the public to a large 34 62 and their last quotations are at $4 75, at Philadel- are employed in this trade; 6,000,000 ft. have been sold LITIGATION. The Concord N. H. Statesman says, one whole week of the late term of the court for that county was occupied in the trial of two actions, one of which had employed the court, and embarrassed other cases in court, nearly a week at a former term, and at both trials the damage recovered was but $14,60, while the costs now amount to about $2,100 09! amount. Application is to be made to one of the judges The Union, City, Commercial, and State Banks of forfeited its charter. THE "PRIZE FIGHTERS," as they are familiarly termed, Three of them, James Sullivan, John McCleester and George Kensett, indicted at White Plains, New York, as accessories to the inhuman death of McCoy, have degree-but recommended by the jury to the clemency of been tried, and found guilty of manslaughter in the fourth the governor!-What a farce! Lilly, the champion, arrived at Liverpool in the George Washington, and was arrested there on the 31st October, but released, as no demand had been made from this country to deliver him up. MR. NATHANIEL BERRY, one of Washington's Life Guard, is still living in Pittston, Maine, enjoying at the TOBACCO. Superior Maryland continues in demand, age of 87, bodily and mental powers, which promise years yet of this life. Mr. B. was born in 1755, enlisted on the 7th January, 1777, and was drafted into Wash-but all other kinds are dull. Prices, as last quoted. In ington's body guard in May, 1778, in which he served spections of last week in Baltimore comprised only 22 months. He returned to Maine after his term of en- Maryland and 55 Ohio. BEETS. John Evans of Mill Creek, Erie, Pennsylva-listment expired, and has resided there ever since. nia, raised this season 1.814 bushels sugar beets from MAMMOTH SKELETON, was recently found 30 feet below Less than an acre of ground. How much less, the notice the surface, in a bed of marl, near Offenburg, on the banks of the Rhine. The molar teeth were 13 inches long, each weighed 11lbs. Teeth belonging to a species of horse were found at the same place. saith not. Samuel Ecker, of New Windsor, Carroll county, Maryland, has obtained this season 41 tons of beets from one acre; so says the Carrolltonian. PROTESTANT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION having as one of CANAL TRADE. The New York canals finally closed their prominent objects, opposition to "Popery and Paat Bulalo, Rochester, Utica. Syracuse, &c. on the nights pist Churches," is forming at Philadelphia. The preliof the 23d and 24th Nov.; as frequently happens, large minary meeting was held on the 8th November, at which quantities of produce are arrested on their progress to many protestant members of several denominations market. The Troy Wing of the 24th says, upwards of were present, among whom were the Rev. Messrs. eighty boats are frozen up within a short distance of Stockton, Boardman, Kennedy, Spears, Tyng, Chamthat city. Attempts to keep the navigation open by state bers, Burrows, Combs, Thompson, M'Dowell, Wyley, scows, proved an "uphill task and was abandoned.-- Aldridge, and Berg. At a subsequent meeting on the Property estimated at $750,000, in transit between Buffa-22d, a constitution was adopted. They propose to have lo and New York is now waiting for other methods to auxiliary societies in every state, county, and village in WHEAT. 12,000 bushels Pennsylvania red brought 88 cents last week in Baltimore-1200 bushels sold a partly for shipment and partly for grinding. Very Maryland or Virginia wheat at market.-Prices 75t cents for good. WEATHER. During the month of October, and of vember up to the 17th, we had delightful mild autu weather. On the 18th and 19th a tremendous gale On the 24th snow storm occurred upon the lakes doing great dan and winter therefore set in in earnest. New York canals were closed with ice. WYOMING IRON WORKS. The Wyoming Iron W were just put in full operation on Saturday last. learn that iron was made into blooms during that Anthracite coal was exclusively used in the pud continued in successful operation. and heating process. The works may now be pro FIFTH SERIES.-No. 15.-VOL. XIII.] BALTIMORE, DECEMBER 10, 1842. THE PAST--THE PRESENT--FOR THE FUTURE. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED, EVERY SATURDAY, BY JEREMIAH HUGHES, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR, AT FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. The British steamer Columbia reached Boston on the 6th instant, after a rough passage from Liverpool via Halifax. She brings Liverpool dates to the 19th ult. fifteen days later than those heretofore received. There is but little news of importance from Europe. Trade had undergone little variation. Cotton remained firm at former prices, considerable sales had been effected. The corn market had slightly improved, but there was great want of confidence in its stability. Some maintain that the prices have been at their lowest-others insist that they will yet decline. The failure of the house of Ferguson, Brothers & Co. at Calcutta, is announced. FRANCE. The Paris journals at present are principally occupied in discussing the "right of search" question. The Presse having announced that the protocal for the ratification of the treaty of 1841 has been closed, the Courier Francais and other journals declared that this alone will not satisfy the French nation; and that as the English government has, by its recent treaty with the United States, recognised the practicability of the suppression of the slave trade, by other means than those proposed for by the treaties of 1831 and and 1833 with France, it is the duty of the French government to demand their revocation, and the adoption of the treaty on the same basis as that agreed upon with America. PRUSSIA. RAIL WAYS. The Frankfort correspondent of the London Times furnishes the following information in regard to the railways constructed and commenced in Prussia. to The cost of the lines already constructed amounts! Berlin, Potsdam line Magdeburg, Leipsic Berlin, Cothen Dusseldorf, Elberfield Rhenish The cost of those now building has been Per mile. 230,000 290,000 RETALIATORY. The Chronicle, pablished at St. John, N. B. calls upon the press of Canada to agitate the importance on the part of Grert Britain, of closing the West India ports agrinst the commerce of the United States as a retaliatory measure for their increase of duties on British manufactures, and as a compensation to the Colonies for their partial loss of the timber trade. CHINA. The results of this victory have been remarkable. The Mandarins in the two most fertile provinces of China were dreadfully alarmed lest Wangchow-Foe and Nankin should be taken and sacked, and the mouth of the great canal seized. They sent a flying express for a son or some other relation of Howqua, the old Hong merchant of Canton, in order to interpret between them and the English. They exhibited a wish to make terms, but whether with the object of merely gaining time, does not appear certain. The approach of the expedition to the mouth of the great canal, and the dangers that threaten Nankin would, it was thought, induce the emperor to make an equitable arrangement, but doubts were still entertained of his being exactly informed of the truth. The efforts of the Chinese authorities to make resistance have hitherto been very great. A p.o. clamation issued by the emperor in the beginning of June breathes most decided hostility to the "barbarians," but does not brag of the valor of his generals and soldiers. This proclamation, it ought to be The mercantile news brought by the overland mail remarked, is dated prior to the attack on Shang hai. is disheartening in every respect. European goods were selling at various prices, and the trade of the of which would not earn enough to pay the wages of country was not sufficient to employ the numerous ships that had arrived out seeking employment, many the sailors. At the same time the destruction of the indigo crop, and the failure of the extensive mercantile house of messrs. Briggs, Thurburn & Co. of London, must affect credit injuriously, and entail serions embarrassments on many other firms in India. MEXICO. In China since the arrival of reinforcements, sir Henry Pottinger appears to go on with considerable vigor; and although the war is in some respects called a "buccaneering expedition" by the buccaneers Santa Anna left Mexico on Nov. 2nd for his resithemselves, it begins to assume rather a formidable aspect. After the utter destruction of the Chapoo, with all its batteries, public buildings, arms, and dence Mango de Clavo, 16 miles from Vera Cruz, ammunitions, was effected, the expedition entered where he has a body of the military. His plea 18 the great river Yeng tse Keang, and at day-light on shattered health. Gen. Bravo acts as president in the morning of the 16th of June anchored before his place during his absence. It as apprehended formidable fortifications on the shore. In two hours that Santa Anna will dissolve the congress, if the prothe batteries of the enemy were silenced, when our ject of a constitution which they are to present in a seamen and marines landed, and before the troops few days should be a federal one, of which there is could be disembarked, drove the Chinese out of them little doubt. If so, further civil commotions are and captured the guns. looked for. The United States sloop of war Falmouth arrived at Vera Cruz on the 4th November from Pensacola, and was detained there by the American minister, who was awaiting instructions from Washington. The United States steamer Missouri, Capt. Newton, also arrived at same port on the 7th, with a special messenger from this government. By an ordinance of the 16th October, it appears that Santa Anna has established primary schools of public instruction throughout all the departments of the republic. The ordinance is of great length, drawn up with great care, and apparently framed by On the 19th, the city of Shanghal submitted to the British after a gallant resistance, when its public buildings were immediately destroyed, and granaries given up to the pillage of the natives. Such is the state of affairs in China, and much dissatisfaction is now expressed in this country with the entire proAll parties heartily wish for a The proposition relating to the rail ways states, ceedings in the east. that in addition to the rail way between Berlin and settlement of affairs both in India and China. The progress and result of the conflict is published Cothen, from Magdeburg to the frontier of Saxony, from Dusseldorf to Elberfeld, and from Cologne to in an official circular, by her majesty's plenipotenAix-la-Chapelle, with the continuation nearly finish- tiary in China, from which we condense as follows: After destroying the batteries, magazines, and bared to Liege, which may be considered as terminated, the capital is fully secured for the following lines: racks, and other public buildings, as well as ordi- an experienced hand. The Lancasterian system of From Berlin to Stettin; from Berlin to Frankfort-on- nance, arms and ammunition, the troops were re-education is to be adopted. the-Oder; Magdeburg to Halberstadt, Cologne to embarked and the expedition quitted their post. The Bonn, Breslau, and Friburg; and Breslau to Oppeln. Chinese authorities had erected immense lines of It is, however, considered necessary to construct works to defend the entrances of both rivers, and rail ways on the following lines on government ac- seem to have been so confident of their ability to recount, or with the aid of the government, which will pel us, that they permitted a very close reconnoisance either advance a portion of the necessary capital, or to be made in two of the small steamers, by their guarantee the interest for a stated period. The com- excellencies the naval and military commanders-in mittees, it is expected, will recommend the latter chief, on the 14th inst., and even cheered and enplan, and will leave the execution to private compa-couraged the boats which were sent in the same night to lay down bouys to guide the ships of war to nies, guaranteeing 3 per cent. interest;their allotted positions of attack. Length. Through Thuringen towards Frankfort (Middle Berlin to Konigsberg, with a side line to Dant- Frankfort on the Oder to Silesia and the Aus- From Posen, north to West Prussia, and south to German miles Or, English miles It appears almost miraculous that the casualties should not have been much greater, considering how 35 well the Chinese served their guns. The Blonde frigate had fourteen shot in her hull; the Sesostris 15 steamer eleven; and all the ships engaged more or less. The loss on the part of the enemy is supposed 30 to have been about eighty killed, and a proportionate 35 number wounded. 15 By a special decree of Santa Anna, the privilege of navigating the Rio Grande with steamboats has been granted to Dr. Francisco Garay, brigadier general. The ordinance on the subject contains a number of restrictions relative to the people of Texas, and of countries having affinities with Texas. The shock of an earthquake was felt on the 18th ult. at Tetela, a village near the mountains of Puebla. At the same time the To Ecano emitted an immense quantity of thick red smoke. No damage was done. The arrival of Santa Anna at his hacienda of "Man and other tokens of rejoicing. go de Clave," was greeted with salvos of artillery, A new tariff went into operation in Mexico on the 1st of this month, which admits many articles of trade into this country heretofore contraband. A decree of the Mexican government allows a bounty of 8 per cent. on the exportation of all the productions of the nation-coin excepted. "On the 19th two more batteries close to the city The proclamation of the Mexican general fixes the of Shang-hai opened their guns on the advanced diThe U. S. steamer Missouri brings the latest ac40 vision of the light squadron, but, on receiving a number of invaders of Yucatan at 6,000 men. couple of broadsides, the Chinese fled; and the bat220 teries, which contained 48 guns, (17 of them brass) counts. It was understood that Santa Anna was op1,055 were instantly occupied, and the troops took posses-posed to the project forthe new constitution proposed The capital required for the erection of single sion of the city, where the public buildings were by the constituant congress, and which was published lines of rails estimated according to the expenditure destroyed, and the extensive government granaries in the Mexican Siglo, of the 7th ult. It is democratic of the rail ways already constructed, with some de- given to the people. duction on account of the favourable surface of the greatest part of the country to be traversed, is not supposed to exceed 55,000,000 dollars for the whole. Vol.XIII-SIG. 15. "The Chinese high officers and troops are sup posed to have fled in the direction of the cities of Soochow, Wangchoo-foo, and Nankin. -federal in features. The flower of the army had gone in the expedition ing Campeachy.. against Yucatan, and at the last dates were approach UNITED STATES SENATOR On Wiskonsan, The British officers who, on furlough from home FROM GEORGIA. had taken out and commanded the Mexican iron stea-the 30th ult. Mr. Colquilt, at present a representative mer Guadaloupe, were ordered to return home. in congress, was on the fourth ballot, elected United Accounts had been received from Tobasco to the States senator. 6th of November, which announce that several attempts had been made to produce a new revolution against the authority of the central government. As the San Antonio prisoners, to the number of six-three, were being marched for the capital, four of them, viz: Messrs. Van Ness, Fitzgerald, Connor, and another, being recognised as having belonged to the Santa Fe expedition, were ordered to be shot, but General Tornel, secretary of war, interfered to commute their punishment to ten years' imprisonment. The rest of the capured were to be marched to Perote, aud it was believed they would be well used. As veying, expenses, commission to re- Total, RESIGNATION OF J. C. CALHOUN, Esq. On To the senate and house of representatives: 43,646 50 $837,216 70 fund, &c. &c. we presume amounts to 275,072 52 $562,144 18 The sum has been apportioned as follows: Maine, Vermont, New Jersey, EMANCIPATION IN THE FRENCH WEST INDIES. The Paris correspondent of the National Intelligencer, thus announces, under date of 1st Nov. that the commission charged by ministers to consider the ex-March next. pediency of negro emancipation in the colonies, had decided in its favor. Alabama, Illinois, I avail myself of the occasion to express my pro- Mississippi, found gratitude to the legislature and the people of Louisiana, "The French Colonial delegates tilt daily in the the state, for the many marks of confidence I have Tennessee, journals against the plan of negro-emancipation-a received from them, and for their firm, unwavering Kentucky, measure which the government commission under support, in the many trying scenes, through which it Ohio, the duke de Broglie have matured on paper. Sev- has been my lot to pass in the long period of thirty- Indiana, eral of the most influential editors reply to the dele-one years in the service of the union. gates: "Your struggles and the counsels and remon- That the state may long retain her high standing Missouri, strances of the Colonial authorities are vain; eman-in the union, and that the union itself with our free Arkansas, cipation must be; make the best of necessity."- and happy and glorious institutions, may be transmit- Michigan, However, amid so many other dilemmas for the go-ted to the latest generation, shall, to my last breath, Wiskonsan, vernment, this may be long postponed in the exccu- ever be my ardent prayer. With the highest respect, Iowa, I am, &c. J. C. CALHOUN, Florida, Mr. Memminger moved, by a chaste introduction, in which he spoke of the eminent services of this distinguished statesman, and the lively regret which TRINIDAD. There is a prospect of great judicial would be experienced throughout the state, when reform. Trial by jury and the English law of evi- his determination to retire from public service in the dence were to be introduced in criminal cases. The United States senate is known, that a special comemigration to Trinidad from the Islands still continu-mittee be appointed to join the committee of the ed, principally from Anguilla, which had been inun- senate to consist of seven members to take into condated by a hurricane, which destroyed all the crops sideration this letter, which was accordingly done. and threatened the inhabitants with starvation. The crop of Trinidad exceeds 20,000 hhds. CARACAS. A Crusade preached against the U. States. A letter from Caracas to a gentleman of this city, bearing date 15th of October, says: The only news here is the arrival of a bishop and an envoy extraordinary from Santa Anna, of Mexico, to preach a crusade against the United States, and to unite all the South American Republics against Brother Jonathan, who, he attempts to prove, intends conquering all from Mexico to Chili, on the Pacific, and that the battle must be fought in Mexico, by Santa Anna, as the proper champion of the Spanish race. He will not succeed here. He next proceeds to Bogota, and then through all these coun WM. C. PRESTON, esq. senator from South Carolina, has resigned his seat in the United States senate. communication to that effect addressed to the legislature of that state, was laid before them on the 25th ult. His period of service would have expired on on the 4th March, 1843. The hon. GEORGE MCDUFFIE has been elected for the remainder of his term, and also for a further term of six years succeeding the expiration of that terin, (that is from the 4th of March next.) District of Columbia, Total Shares. 17,554 90 9,955 64 25,807 92 We see it noticed that one or two of the states have received their portion of the above. Two or three others have resolved not to receive their's, amongst them are South Carolina and Virginia. The New York Courier and Enquirer complains at the delay of the land office department in taking over DIPLOMATIC. The Baltimore American says: four months to ascertain and declare the above divi"Our fellow townsman, Brantz Mayer, esq., secre- dend, which it alleges ought to have been declared tary of legation at Mexico, reached this city on Sa- and paid according to law, early in July. This delay turday evening. Mr. Mayer has come home on a they attribute to political motives of course-a deshort visit to his relatives and friends, after which sign to influence pending elections, &c.-and alledge he will return to the duties of his post. Those du- besides, that the president used the power which the ties, during the period of his residence in Mexico land laws repose in the hands of the executive, of or have been unusually arduous and important, on ac-dering public sales of the lands at discretion, in such count of the various questions of moment which a way, as manifestly to diminish the amount of rehave been agitated within the past year between the ceipts on this account during the period that the disUnited States and Mexico. The affair of the Texan tribution act was in force-no public sales being made Santa Fe prisoners, the letter of Bocanegra, and the during the period. question of our claims upon Mexico, have all formed exciting matters for diplomacy to settle. That they have all been settled, or are in a fair train for settlement, is a circumstance no less gratifying than it is indicative of the active and honorable duties of our legation at Mexico; and in the discharge of those responsible duties we know that Mr. Mayer has not been undistinguished. ARRIVAL OF GEN. CASS FROM FRANCE. Mr. Ledyard, son-in-law of gen. Cass, remains in THE FUBLIC LANDS-DISTRIRUTION SALES. The following is the gross proceeds of the sale of Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,. ** "If," says the Enquirer, "those lands had been put into market so as to meet the legitimate demands of emigration, the sum now to be distributed would have amounted to millions instead of a few hundred thousand dollars, and the share of New York would have been ten times "eighty-five thousand."* "Those who have observed the government advertisements of land sales during this year, and who know the actual demand at the west will need no details of proof. Our lands, instead of being exposed to regular sale to the profit of the land fund, and the advantage of willing purchasers at fair competi tion, have been purposely, wilfully withheld from sale, and abandoned to the squatters who will take by force what they cannot buy." The Portland Advertiser of the 29th ult. contains similar complaints of the president having designedly kept back the public lands from market "until after he had checked the system of distribution"-and adds, "There is the more reason to believe this from the fact that as soon as there appeared any danger that congress would pass a tarill bill and thereby leave the land bill in force, the organs of the presi $12,534 27 dent openly declared that he would withhold, or at 39,125 53 least urged that he should suspend the sales as far 402,163 06 as possible, until congress should be brought to 113,832 94 terms. At any rate it is true, there were but scanty 18,295 69 sales while the distribution bill was going to take 38,377 32 effect. Now, the president has thrown vast quanti32.518 52 ties into market at once. He advertises to be sold 71,228 19 between the 2d of January and the 6th of March 15,494 68 next, upwards of five millions of acres, which will amount at the minimum price alone, to more than six $743,570 20 millions and a half of dollars!" The receipts from the 1st July to the period of the passage of the tariff act, when the distribution ceased, have not yet been published-probably not ascertained. They are estimated at about $184,000. The Platte (Mo.) Eagle says that great numbers of emigrants are daily arriving in the upper counties of the Platte purchase, and that nearly the whole of that section will be covered by pre-emption. RELATIONS WITH MEXICO.-The U. States steamer Missouri, capt. Newton, reached below New Orleans on the 22d ult. in three and a half days from Vera Cruz. She brought as passengers BRANTZ MAYER, Esq. secretary of legation, P. A. SOUTHALL, bearer of despatches from our minister at Mexico, sir TIMOTEO HAALILIO, private secretary of his majesty the king of the Sandwich islands, and Mr. WM. RICHARDS, his interpreter; and six of the Santa Fe prisoners. From various sources entitled to credit, we are gratified to learn that the difficulties existing between the United States government and that of Mexico are in a fair way of amicable and speedy adjustment. The Diario del Gobierno of the 5th ult. takes great pleasure in stating that all the existing difficulties between the United States and Mexico had been settled. The New Orleans Picayune states that the character of the despatches for the United States government is not known, but from all that can be learnt from private letters, there is good reason to believe that all our pending difficulties in relation to claims of American citizens will be most satisfactorily arranged upon terms compatible with the honor and interest of our country. THE ARMY. neer, who it was understood would bring with him UNITED STATES DRAGOONS. The ship Napier has towards the completion of the canal to the Mines of reached N. Orleans from Baltimore, with capts. Lloyd Allegany, the confidence and capital of those who J. Beale, and C. A. May, and about 170 men attach-had tested his capacities, integrity, and activity in ed to the 1st and 2d dragoons, and lieuts. Thompson, other and similar undertakings, and with the aid Saunders, Hamilton, Mason, Hammond, Noble, An- of whom, contracts could be effected for the complederson and Stanton. Those of the 1st regiment are tion of the work in a short space of time, provided on their way to Jefferson barracks, Missouri, such as the state and the company would secure to those who belong to the 2d regiment are to be stationed at Fort now made advances, the first proceeds of the work Jessup, Baton Rouge, Fort Towson, and the Falls of after its completion, to an amount adequate to the investment thus made. As neither the state nor the Ouachita. company have the means at command to carry on the work, this is as eligible a disposition as could be effected under such circumstances. The state will not be required to make any further advancesthe canal will be completed to the mines, and so soon as the trade upon it shall realize beyond the interest of what it costs now to complete it, the state will begin to receive returns for the heavy investment already made towards its accomplishment. STATES OF THE UNION. VERMONT. SLAVERY. The annexed resolutions were adopted unanimously by both branches of the Vermont legis lature: Resolved, by the senate and house of representatives, The Baltimore American of the 6th inst. says: 1. That as the representatives of the people of the A highly respected friend has sent us a communistate of Vermont, we do protest against the admission into the union, of any state whose constitution tion on this subject in which this appointment is thus tolerates domestic slavery, or the annexation of spoken of: "General McNeill is well known in this Texas. or any other territory, in which slavery exists. state, and is distinguished throughout the union for 2. That we believe that congress have the power, his talent and efficiency. As an engineer his skill by the constitution of the United States, to abolish and success have been eminently proved in more slavery and the slave trade in the district of Colum- than one of the great works of internal improvement. In all requirements of judicious economy and bia, and in the territories of the United States; and that if congress refuse to abolish slavery in the dis- financial administration, with an energy which is trict of Columbia, that the seat of the general gov-bly competent for the position to which he is now caldaunted by no difficulties, he is esteemed remarkaernment ought to be removed from that district, to a place where slavery and the slave trade do not exist. led. Upon such auspices we hope soon to see this 3. That we believe congress has constitutional important work in a train of completion. power to prohibit the slave trade between the several states in this union, and to make such laws as shall effectually prevent this trade, and ought to exercise this power. 4. That the constitution of the United States ought to be amended, so as to prevent the existence and maintenance of slavery in the United States in any form or manner. The Philadelphia Gazette, on the authority of a private letter from Mexico to a gentleman of Philadelphia, dated the 8th November, states that a treaty had just been concluded between the Mexican gov ernment and our minister, general Waddy Thompson, for the payment of the awards made by the late convention at Washington. The payments to be made in instalments of onc-twentieth every three months, and the proceeds of the Mexican custom house and some of the taxes are pledged to the Ame-going resolutions to their respective houses in conrican government for the fulfilment of the treaty. gress, and to use their influence to carry out the principles thereof. THE NAVY. The United States ship Delaware, capt. Macauley, (flag ship of commodore Morris), was at Rio Janeiro, 8th October; the United States schooner Enterprise, to sail about 15th for Montevideo. COMMODORE BARRON has relinquished the station of governor of the naval asylum on the Schuylkill, with a view, it is said, to retire into private life. LIEUTENANT WILKES. We learn from the National Intelligencer that four suits in trespass, vi et armis, for assault and battery, and false imprisonment, have been instituted in the United States circuit court, now sitting in that city, against lieutenant Wilkes, late commander of the exploring expedition. The wrongs complained of are alleged to have been committed on board the United States ship Vincennes, during her late cruise. Lieutenant W. has entered bail in the sum of three thousand dollars in each case. The sloop-of-war Falmouth, captain Macintosh, was the only United States government vessel left by the Missouri at Vera Cruz. She was expected to leave shortly for New Orleans with $250,000 in specie. THE SANDWICH CHIEF, whose arrival in the steamer Missouri is noticed above, is spoken of in a letter from an officer in the United States ship Falmouth, at Vera Cruz, as follows. "Mr. Richards, an American missionary from the Sandwich Islands, has politely offered to be the bearer of any communications the officers may place in his charge. He is travelling in company with the Chief of the Island for which he was missionary. The Chief visited the ship yesterday, and was received by the captain and officers, and shown by them every mark of respect. He is very thick set, and stands about five feet nine inches, complexion like that of an Indian, and short straight black hair. He is going to Washington, New York, London, Paris, and all the fashionable cities of the east, and return home by the way of Cape Horn. He left his residence on the 15th July last, and came by the way of Panama, and will leave in a day or two for Havana, in the English mail steamer Thames, and from thence to Savannah, Charleston, or New York." THE NAVY YARD at Charlestown, has an area of one hundred acres, which is enclosed on the land side by a wall twelve feet high. The dry dock in this yard, is three hundred and forty-one feet in length, eighty feet in width, and thirty feet in depth. Its cost was six hundred and seventy thousand and eightynine dollars. Vessels requiring repairs, are floated in by the tide, and then left dry in the dock. Much for the revenue of Maryland is expected from the canal when finished, and in England it is looked to as the primary and sure resource to our state for payment of her debt. All then must regard with deep interest any movement toward such a consummation, who cherish the interests of Maryland, and are anxious for the day when she may be restor ed to her credit, blighted as it now is. The legisla5. That our senators in congress be instructed, and ture we trust will co-operate with the canal compaour representatives be requested, to present the fore-ny in furthering the achievement of the enterprise. It is to be hoped that at its approaching session some expedient may be adopted for such an end, especially if (as was the case with the bills of the last session) it proposes the execution of the work without adding to the debt of the state. 6. That the governor of this state be requested to transmit a copy of the foregoing resolutions to each of our senators and representatives in congress. RHODE ISLAND. The appointment of Gen. McNeill is a subject of congratulation on another account. It shows that no political influences have governed the appointment to the trust of presiding over so great a project. Connected as it is, so vitally, with the welfare of the state-her honor as a debtor and her relief under heavy taxation-all partizan bias should be excluded from the councils which regulate this important state enterprise." TREASON TRIALS. To the indictment against Col. Cooley, charging him with the crime of high treason for taking his seat as a representative in the legislature, under the people's constitution, he put in the plea of justification, setting forth that that constituIt is due to Mr. SPRIGG the retiring officer, to say, tion was the paramount law of the state, because it was adopted by 13,944 votes, being a majority of all that his administration of the concerns of the compathe voters, and the act of the sovereignty of the state.ny, so far as we have ascertained, has been as efficient To this plea the acting government have replied, de- and satisfactory as could have been expected of him nying the fact these 13,944 votes were cast for that with the means at his disposal. He is not a profesconstitution. It being incumbent on Col. Cooley to sional engineer, however, nor so familiar with duprove his plea, Samuel Y. Atwell, esq. his counsel, ties which the station under such embarrassments as has moved the court for a writ of duces tecum, to be it has had to labor against, required, in order to comdirected to the two secretaries of the people's constition, summoning them to appear and bring with them into court, as evidence, all the original votes cast for and against the poople's constitution, which writ was granted. Mr. Atwell has also taken out writs of summons directed to every moderator and to every clerk who officiated at the several town meetings held for the election of delegates to the convention which framed the people's constitution, and writs of says:-The authorities of Virginia are now exacting summons directed to every moderator and every clerk who officiated at the several town meetings held for receiving the votes for and against the adoption of that constitution, requiring the attendance of all of them as witnesses. It is stated that if the above evidence is not deemed sufficient, the defendant is determined to summon every individual of the 13,944 voters as witnesses. MARYLAND.. CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO CANAL. A meeting of the that station. mand the confidence of the capitalists who were willing to adventure, provided gen. McNeill had charge of the enterprize. Mr. Sprigg under such circumstances did not hesitate to resign. on all vessels bound to New York which put into alternative. PENNSYLVANIA. THE DEBT OF PENNSYLVANIA, ABOUT $40,000,000. This movement is calculated to reinspire the As the condition of Pennsylvania in a financial point friends of that important improvement, and brighten of view, is every day becoming more interesting, the the prospects of the state of Maryland. An ar- following outline of the actual position of the state, rangement was in agitation at the last session of the gleaned from authentic sources, possesses consideralegislature, which failed only in consequence of a ble importance. She owes a debt, contracted chiefly trifling disagreement between the two houses on the to make her interual improvements, of more than instant when the constitution terminated the session, thirty-nine millions of dollars composed of the foland with that, the prospects of progressing with the lowing sums. canal during the year. That arrangement contemplated enlisting the services of this talented engi 6 per cents. $1,829,059 37; 5 per cents. $32,788,167 10; 4 per cents. $200,000; 4 per cents. (tempo rary) $15,000-making a total of $34,822,226 47bearing an interest of $1,659,982 67. 1. Add 6 per cent. stock issued for interest unpaid in July last, $874,118 71, bearing an interest of $48,000. 2. Claims of domestic creditors under the act of June 7, 1842, filed already, $1,159,041 65; yet to be filed, (estimated) $200,000-making a total of $1,359,041 65, bearing an interest of $81,542 49. 3. Relief notes issued on the responsibility of the state, $2,206,650 68-interest one per cent till funded, $22,066 40, making a total of principal, $39,262,037 51, and of interest $1,864,238 56. There has also been received, under the Distribution act of congress, $2,867,514 78, to which has. been recently added another receipt of about $63,000, but these require no provision for interest, nor is it probable that the state will be called upon to re imburse them. HEMP. The Louisville Journal says, there is now England New York 417,856 00 Holland Massachusetts 129,000 00 France Halifax, N. S. Secretary of war of the U. S., for sundry Indian tribes 100,000 00 $10,716,150 47 250,803 00 E.India & China 147.968 00 $23,736,206 00 OHIO. BUILDING IN CINCINNATI. The Cincinnati Republican says, that over six hundred brick buildings have been erected in that city during the present yearbut adds that some two hundred of them are still without roofs, for the putting on of which a few days of pleasant weather is earnestly asked for by the builders. STATE LOAN. The New York Tribune of Saturday says "A loan of $200,000 redeemable in 1860, was privately offered yesterday by the state of Ohio, and was taken, we understand, by the Cincinnati banks. The rate has not been made public, but it is The domestic creditors and the holders of relief supposed to be 69 or less. The highest bid by parnotes being probably all Pennsylvanians, these two ties here is understood to have been 67. The loan sums must be added to the class of Pennsylvania is to be applied to the repayment of the temporary holders-so that speaking generally, the debt amounts loans made to the state by the banks." to thirty-nine millions two hundred and sixty-two dollars, of which Pennsylvania holds thirteen millions-the other states one million-and foreigners twenty-five millions. In this statement there may be room for some changes, but for the present, it is sufficient to speak of the debt of Pennsylvania, as being thirty-nine millions two hundred and sixty-two dollars, bearing an interest of eighteen hundred and sixty-four thousand dollars.-Bicknell's Reporter. DEBT. We copy from a Tuscaloosa paper the following valuable table, furnished by the cashier of In the house, col. Sterling Price was elected speaker, The legislature of this state met on the 21st ult. the state bank of Alabama, showing the entire amount and in the senate, Mr. Houston was chosen presiof indebtedness incurred by that state for banking dent. The governor's message is a very long docucapital. Amount R. Pay. Int. due. all dressed in red, and shipped away at the public charges some 2,000 miles, or say only to the south of Spain, and fed there till wanted. And now, to that same spot in the south of Spain, are thirty similar French artizans, from a French Dumdrudge, in like manner wending, till at length after infinite effort, the two parties come into actual juxtaposition; and thirty stand fronting thirty, each with a gun in his hand. Straightway the word 'fire' is given, and they blow the souls out of one another; and in place of sixty brisk, useful craftsmen, the world has sixty dead carcasses, which it must bury and anew shed tears for. Had these men any quarrel? Busy as the devil is, not the smallest! They lived far enough apart; were the entirest strangers. Nay, in so wide a universe there was even unconsciously by commerce, some mutual helpfulness between them. How then? Simpleton-their governors had fallen out, and instead of shooting one another, had the cunning to make these poor blockheads "shoot." WESTERN RAIL ROAD. The Boston Trans cript gives the following statement of the gross re- 1841. miles. more and more. 155 miles. January February 7,153 7,770 26,300 March April May June July 1859, April 1, Oct. 1, N. York, BRANCH AT HUNTSVILLE. 190.000, 6, 1844, Nov. 1, *208.711, 5, 1858, Jan. 1, July 1, 469,000, 5, 1865, May 1, Nov. 1, 500,000, 5, 1866, June 1, Dec. 1, BRANCH AT DECATUR. 159,000, 6, 1844, Oct. 1, *208.71, 5, 1858, Jan. 1, July 1, 1,000,000. 5, 1863, May 1, Nov. 1, 500,000, 5, 1865, June 1, Dec. 1, 600,000, 5, 1859, Jan. 1, July 1, $9,831,005 debt. BANK OF MOBILE. Lendon, 11,400 MISCELLANEOUS. London, 10.434 WAR DESCRIBED BY CARLYLE. What, London, 30,000 Annual interest, $502,865 *One fifth part of £234,800, negotiated by Alexander Pope, Esq. Now, as many of these particulars can be observed as well without meteorogical instruments as with them it is manifest that all who will send me a faithful accoint of the winds and weather, will essentially contribute to the great end in view. Editors of papers |