The New York Herald Newspaper, January 22, 1844, Page 2

New work, Monday, January 28, 1144. "oe Readers in Philadelphia, Persons in Philadelphia wishing to be supplied with the u at their dwellings, stores, Ke, tminediately after the arrival of the cars’ Merald, regularly, can have it left Terms, 2} cents per copy, payable monthly. G is ZiRBER & CO., Agents, No. 3 Lulger Buildings, 3d and Chestnut-st. Herald Supplement. oe pense trivial matter. In Consequence of the great pressure of advertisements expense of obtaining them, and important news, we are again under the neces issuing today @ SUPPLEMENT to the HERALD, which will be served gratis to allour city subscribers, and to our country subscribers, will be embraced in the even lng edition. This SUPPLEMENT contains: — Ast. A Daguerreoty pe report of the exciting proceedings find debate in the House of Representatives, on Thursday and Friday last, in which one member (Mr. Weller, of Ohio), culled another (Mr. Stewart, of Pennsylvania) a liar six times without any serious offence being taken; the latter probably supposing that Mr. Weller wase blood relation of “ Samivel Veller” of London, who used such classical language only in a Pickwickian sense. 2d. Also the leading feautures of the new Post Office Bill, introduced by Mr. Merrick, in the Senate, abolishing papers. 3d, Also the commencement of the interesting examina- the continuation of the Newark trial, Dogberries, who got up the arrest of Mr. Rust, of Syra- cuse, for “ that trunk.” oth. Also editorial articles on the new Episcopal deveg lopments of the Rev Col. Webb in the Puseyite contro versy—on the illegal but humane verdict in the case of Amelia Norman—on the Kirk of Scotland, &c. &c, 4th. Also advertisements, money and other markets, ship news, &c. &c. ‘This Supplement will, as we have said, only he deliver ed gratis to regular subscribers—by transient readers who purchase it from the newsboys, it can be had at two cents per copy, at the office, north west corner of Nassau and Fulton streets—and nowhere else. Foreign News Expected. The Liverpool and Boston Steamer being now due, we may expect intelligence from Europe, eighteen days later, every hour till it be received. As soon as it may be received, night or day, an EXTRA HERALD will be issued from this office, containing a full synopsis of the political, fashionable, literary, Irish, English and Continental news—including full reports of the money, cotton, provision, corn, and other markets, Nothing will be kept back, from the commercial commu- nity, that we may receive, 0 look out. Procee The proceedings in Congress begin to assume very great interest. Several very important measures, affecting to a general and no ordinary extent the public interests, now occupy the attention of the legislative branch of the government; and the in- trigues and man™mavres of contending factions be- come every day more and more amusing and in- structive to the calm and philosophic observer. This appropriate position the President of the Unit- ed Stares himself has at length reached, and his field of vision, no longer obscured by the mists and fogs of deception and falsehood, he now begins to read with nceuracy and profit the character, mo- tives and dangers of the unprincipled politicians who have for the last two years been subjecting him to all sorts of deceit and derision. In another respect these proceedings have recent- ly presented a great deal to interest and amuse. We had supposed that the ‘Coon-skin Congress” attained an unapproachable point in slang, person- ality and contempt of all the dignity which is thec- retically supposed to characterise a deliberative as sembly. The violence of abuse—the grossness of personality—the intemperance of language---the ex- tent of blackguardism, exhibited so often in the debates of that Congress, were, as we did suppose, quite inimitable. But we have been mistaken--.we frankly acknowledge that our inability to estimate correctly the extent of the attainments of our le- gi-latorsin these qualities and talents, which are 80 properly appreciable in the classic regions of the “* Five Points,” has now been fairly exposed. There is in the barometer of blackguardism a point still more extreme than that reached by the “Coon- skin Congress.” In the lowest deep we are now able to discern a still lower deep Messrs. Stew- art and Weller have demonstrated that in the de- scending scale there are many degrees more than had ever been imagined by the most adventurous explorers of the realms of blackguardism. The most accomplished member of the ‘‘Coonskin Congress” could not hold a candle to either of these distinguished amateurs. The Hon. Me: Stewart and Weller have made a very fair beginning—a most promising beginning. We hope they will go on—indeed, of that there can be little fear. There is a vigour—a vitality—a full-grown, hardened into bone and gristle strength in this blackguardism, which ensures the speedy transit of the honorable gentlemen to the very ex- tremity—the ultima thule of personal degradation. We never recollect to have met with any public men who exhibit, to such perfection, what the Chinese very expressively denominate “laborious vileness.” They must, therefore, soon reach the very lowest point in the blackguard seale. And to that we wish to bring them. For then we can stick a pin there, and rest comtortably assured that the final discovery has been made. No Columbus can ever reach, in all the regions of blackguard- ism, a point more remote than the landing of Stew- art and Weller. The reports in the Herald will continue to be the most graphic, faithful, and exact. Look out for them, and study them, then, ye poets, philo- sophers, moralists and politicians, Mr. Merrice’s New Post Orrice Law Buu. We gave our readers yesterday, and present them also to-day in a Supplement, an outline of Mr. Merrick’s Post Office Bill. It will be perceived from this that the uniform rate of postage is to be five cents for all letters under one hundred miles, and ten cents for any distance exceeding that. This is certainly a great advance in the way of re- duction of the present enormous and oppressive rates. It is not perhaps as great a reduction as some may have contended for, and as might have been practicable and sate; but still it exhibite a pretty liberal acquiescence with public sentiment, and will confer a very great boon upon all classes of the community. Business correspondence, and the intercourse of relatives and friends, all sorts of communication through the medium of the mails, mist, by the substitution of such equitable rates for the exorbitant tax now levied, be immensely increased; and the department, receiving large ace cessions to its revenue, and no_ longer annoyed and harrassed by the opposition of private enter. prise, will be much better enabled to discharge its important duties with efficiency and uniform re- gard to the public convenience and profit It will be seen that the franking privilege is to- tally abolished by the proposed law, But then an equivalent is rendered to the members of Congress and the officers of the government, in the form of a limited number of {ree stamps or franks, This is quite right. It would of course be altogether unjnst and improper to subject the members of the government to the expense of postage, for they are the agents of the people, employed to transact their business. But we did not think it altogether proper to deprive the newspaper press of all participation in franking privileges. The newspa- per press is virtually, and,to all intents and purposes, a branch of the government—a voluntary branch, indeed, butstill a most important, influential and conservative part of the government of this country. Without thisgreat governor and director of public opinion—without this universal bond of union— without this influential tribnnal—without this per- vading organ of intelligence and communication, the national fabric could never maintain its exist- Some pri then, are in this view due Sull, for our own part, we ew leges, to (he newspaper prem of do not quarrel with the bill on this ground. The expense of tranamitting subscriptions tor our paper, will be deducted from the sum sent, and the sub- scriber, asin justice he should, will pay this ex- As to the abolition of free exchanges, it is a very It will indeed be rather beneficial than otherwise. It will cup off the worthless ones, in which category at least three fourths of our pre- sent exchanges inay be safely included. We shall of course only take such papers as are worth the ‘Tue Itarian Orzna—Conconps AND: Disoorps. It is now settled by the good Signor Palmo that his beautiful Theatre in Chambers street will open on Wednesday, next week, the 3lst inst., with ‘1 Puritani,” and that his company will consist of Mademoiselle Borghese Prima Donna, Bignora Majocc! Seconda Donna. Signor Antognini. Primo Tenore. Signor Valtelini : Primo Basso, last summer, then at 50 cents a ticket—the addi- tion to that company being Borghese and Antognini, . making it werth now $1 a ticket. At first Altogether the bill has our approbation. It will | it was supposed that, in addition to these effect a great and much needed reform. If passed | artists, Castellan, Mrs. Sutton, and De Begnis, by the present Congress, they willhave at least done | were to be engaged. Palmo offered Castel- one action to recommend them to the grateful re- collection of the people, ‘The Case of Amelia Norm: the Lawyers—Popular Opinion. This case has been, from first to last, one of very It has been one full of instruction and warning, not only to individuals but to the painful interest. community at a large. We have already endeavor: ed—and we hope not altogether without success— to educe from the case some profitable lessons. the franking system and reducing postages to five and en | And we deem the occasion and the opportunity too cents on letters, and to one and one quarter cent on news: | Valuable, important and impressive, to permit them to pass without some additional effort to improve ‘The popular mind, just like that of an indi- tion of Polly Bodine, at Staten Island, on Saturday—and | vidual, is sometimes much more susceptible than Tt occasionally gets a ith, Also an account of the arrest of Madame Legge, | revival,” a fit of virtuous indignation, or reve- at Buffalo, and the exposure of the Rochester Justice | rence for morality; and on these occasionsit is very apt, with characteristic haste and irrationality, to exhibit conduct any thing but consistent with just, sober or enlightened judgment. Hence the increas- ed and obvious necessity of at least attempting to give to popular feeling a proper and justifiable di- them. usual of good impressions. rection, the jury has been such as must excite in the mind of every sober and calm observer a very great deal of alarm. We need hardly say, after so full an expression of our sentiments with respect to the strong reasons for entertaining the deepest sympa- thy for the poor girl as that givenin our article last week, that no one can entertain more char- the conduct of her destroyer than we do. But, not- withstanding this earnest sympathy and that vehe~ ment abhorrence, we would be the last to justity or excuse the conduct of the jury. There could be no doubt in their minds as to the perpetration by the prisoner of a crime of a very dark and hie- nous character. And whatever righteous sympa- thy they might have entertained, and which every one buta villain must have entertained for the offender, it is clear that their oath, a regard to solernn duty, justice—every consideration which should press on the miud of a juror—required them to render a verdict in strict accordance with the law and the facts. But this they did not do. In open defiance of the facts, as given in evidence, they acquitted the prisoner. We thus plainly and decidedly pronounce our disapprobation of the conduct of the jury in this case, just as we did with equal frankness and decision in the case of the jury at whose hands Singleton Mer- eer received a similar verdict. It is im- duty and justice. The solemn ceremonial of a trial by jury thus degenerates into a perfect farce. Whenreason and justice are driven from the tri- bunal, and their place usurped by excited feeling, who is there that can place confidence in it—who is there that would not shrink with just dread from such judges? The lawyers in this case come in, most un- doubtedly, for a share of merited castigation.— ‘They conducted it, all round, in the most bungling manner These lawyers, with the greatest possible affectation of superior tact, are, after all, in many respects, the most inveterate blockheads you can pick out of the whole realms of thick-skulldom. They know nothing whatever, generally speaking, of the management or direction of public opinion in such cases as that which gow occupies our at- tention. Whatever there Was effective in the speech of the counsel forthe defence was obtain- ed from the article on the subject in the Herald. Indeed we have heard it stated that a representa- tion has been made in sundry quarters in this city that that article was written by Mr. John A. Mor- rill. This is the most laughable falsehood we have heard of inan age. Its absurdity is equalled only by itsimpudence. There is not a lawyer at the New York bar capable of writing an article for the Herald, without being instructed how to begin, and how to continue, and how to end it. Every editorial article which appears in the Herald, is written in this office—by whom it matters not; but all written there under the con- trol and superintendence of one mind. Lawyers, indeed, write editorial articles for this journal! We perceive that AmeliaNorman—the exposition of whose grievous wrongs will, we trust, attract the public sympathy to that miserable sisterhood of the lost and ruined from which she has been so ringu- city. We know something of this Mrs. Childs. She isja lady of great literary attainments, a good dit be it said, of a philanthropjst—and has written some very curious things in the Boston papers, es pecially her description of Ole Bull, which had more life, spirit, and genius about it than any other pen-and-ink sketches of that remarkable man which we have seen. We should not at all be sur- prised if Mrs. Childs’ new protege were now to become one of the most remarkable women into fashionable society, and be taken by the her sex, who would not to her name the reigning belle of Rockaway and Saratoga. Na’ Intelligencer, coining a dozen new outlandish epi: character. And, before the season be over, Majot stanzas on her eventful history. Do you srare York fashionable society—ever varying its myste rious phases, and never to be perfectly unriddled analyzed and understood till——the millemum. Now the sum of the whole matter is this: lic sentiment is in a sadly diseased state. It re. quires education, the sober restraints of judgment. and genuine morality. With respect to this parti cular crime of seduction, in particular, a great dea! of laxity of opinion prevails. whelming vengeance. Let the whole class, marked and branded. be at once made a penal offence thousands of unprotected females who are now the defenceless and easy prey of the destroyer. Tue Resection or Mr. Hensnaw.—The re- jection of this gentleman seems to have increased in that vicinity fired a grand feu de joie, and burn one hundred rounds of Dupont’s best. The same was caused by his movement to reduce the rate of wages, and increase the number of laborers ou of employ excellent when mixed, as inthis case 1—The Jury and In this case of Amelia Norman, the decision of itable regard for her, or more indignant hatred of possible to exaggerate the frightful consequences which must inevitably follow such contempt of larly redeemed—has been taken into the family of Mrs. Childs, a distinguished literary lady of this deal of a transcendentalist—still more, to her cre- of the age in this country. She will now enter hand by hundreds of puling sentimentalists of have allowed her to touch the hem of their garment before the re- markable incidents of her attempt on the life of her seducer and her trial had given a romantic interest Next season, then, Amelia may be Willis may be writing paragraphs about her in the thets to describe her beauty and strongly marked Jack Downing may have written fifty or sixty reader? Spare your admiration till you know something more of that fluctuating paradox, New Pub- Let not the popular indignation rest satisfied with an occasional victim like Ballard, to the enormity of whose offences accidental circumstinces have directed its over- of whieh he is but a solitary representative, be Tat the crime of seduction Let the strong arm of the criminal law interpose a shield around the the demand for gunpowder, and caused great re- joicing in some quarters. When it became known that he had leave'to return to Boston, the laborers was done at Washington and other places. This Feux de joie and low wages are order to go to France. Mrs. Sutton and De Begnis were not engaged, in consequence, as we un- derstand, of the opposition of the troupe, probably on some pecumary grounds. Signor Palmo was willing himself, but it is probable that the company supposed they were strong enough to get along with their present foree—and thus be enabled to divide a larger share of the profits. Yet it would tellan might have been made to more certainty of success, and thus have enabled the company to come out strong with Belisarius, or some such opera. Such being the arrangements, the tions now before the public are,,the character of the new troupe—their chances of wanhpay me Re licy they have pursued—and the result of the first offers made towards the permanent establishment of the Italian Opera in this country. Signor Palmo, with great liberality and effort,has done every thing that lay in his power. He really deserves success, and we. shall say and do eyery thing that we can to aid him in this elegant piece of enterprise. We have every reason to believe that Palmo was willing to engage all the talent within his reach—but it appears that the troupe manage things their own way, and compel him to do what he would not do as an independent cate- rer for the public taste. But one thing is unfortu- nate; it seems that this troupe not only exercise a veto on Palmo, but that they have a clique of friends connected with the press, who stoop to slander and cast libels on thoge artists who are in possession of at least equal taleuts, and whom they refuse to engage. We particularly allude to the ease of Mrs. Sutton, a lady of very high talent in the opera seria, and of the purest and most amiable character in private life. Let us show this: In the “New World” of Satur- day we find a series of remarks on the new opera —all very good and very proper, but combined with some malevolent observations on Mrs. Sutton which we here give verbatim et literatim :— After all, Mad. Sutton’s claims to nativity [Ame- rican nativity em to us somewhat apocryphal In the Havana, under the name of Mad. Fantoni (or Fantocini) Sutton, she but, from what sounded to rogue, we strongly suspect that this native American talent comes to us, with many other such choice importa- tions, from the bogs of the Emerald Isle. Should we credit her encomiasts, we should believe this lady to be possessed of all the most eminent qualities of a vocalist e would, however, beg leave to remark, that quantity in yoice can never supply quality. Madame Sutton’s style ix tne most libellous caricature upon the Italian we ever listened to; and, as for correctness, we have heard many a Billingsgate fish-wile cry ‘sprats” more in ac- cordance with the approved rules of musical intonation But her taste surpasses everything which may be found in the regions of the extravagant: she favors us with mis laced melodies and staccati in wvery passage, no matter ow simple in its musical conception. Witn: ner in which she sung “Una Voce” at Castellan’s Concert We thought, at the time, that the ornaments which she let into the original composition sounded amazingly like the variations from Yankee Doodle. Indeed, most'of the variations which she poured fourth in the course of that evening were equally in keeping with the style of the original music. We were placed immediately under her, and stood the fulltorrent of her screams, under which we winced and writhed like Lavcoon in the folds of the serpent, Now, a more beastly and brutal attack upon the private and professional character of a most amia- ble and unofiending lady, we do not recollect to have seen, in the shape of criticism, during the last twenty years. How any being, pretending tc have the heart and lineaments of a man, could ut- ter such language on sucha subject, 1s past our comprehension. Park Benjamin is the editor of the “New World,” and he gave out. recently that Signor Maroncelli is his musical critic, but wheth- er this dastardly, libellous, disgraceful attack emanated from the critic or the editor,or some other employee of the troupe, is a matter of litle mo- ment. The gross attack is unmerited, unjust, coarse, untrue and libellous in the highest degree Mrs. Sutton is a most quiet, amiable, unoffending lady—of great vocal powers, and the purest cha- racter in private life; and, even in these days of pri- vate degeneracy and public demoralization, a pure private life will not be overlooked by an American vudience. She isa native of this country, of an {talian parent on the mother side, and never was it Ireland in all her life, although we cannot conceive hy the supposed circumstance of an Irish nativity should invite insult, or be evidence of a want ot talent. She was born in New Orleans—her father being descended from a highly distinguished ne lish family, and her mother being of an equally respectable Italian family, Fantoni by name, At the »arly age of eight years she evinced the most extra- ordinary talent and disposition for music. Under the instruction of her mother, who, like almost all the higher order of Italians, possessed great musical hequitements and a splendid eontratto voice, at the ige of 12 years her young daughter was the delight and admiration of her musical circles, and con- tinued to progress in her musical studies, until, at the age of 18 she developed one of the purest and tichest soprano voices that had, at her age, been heard. Possessed, as her parents were, of great wealth, the study of music was to her a matter of recreation and pleasure, and it was not until years after, when married to her present husband,(Mr.Sut- ton) that the first commercial crisis in thia country, and the immense losses they experienced conse- quent thereon, rendered it a matter of necessity that those talents, which before had been for the private enjoyment of herself and friends, should be made available as a means of support until such time as their affairs could be arranged. With this stero apie imposed on one who had been brought up in the Hp of luxury, she went to Paris and placed herselt under the care, of the celebrated Bordogni, who not only manifested the highest approbation of her voice and talents, but endeavor- ed to persuade her to appear at the French Grand Opera in Paris, saving that she would make a great sensation and a splendid debut. Having decided, however, to go to Italy, she declined, and left Paris, Bordogai having presented her, amongst other things, with his portrait as a mark of respect. In Italy her career was successful in the te degree, commencing at Bologna, where she received the highest compliment that could be paid to an artist, by a letter from Rossini himself, speaking in high terms of her fine talents, and the purity of her style and school. Rossini like- wise arranged many pieces of music for her, among which were the ‘‘Una voce poco fa,” “ Ounque io son’? “Di piacer,” “Romance of Otello,” &c. Immediately after this she was offered an engagement at Madrid, by La Sales, the director from Spain, with forty thousand francs as surety, but prior to the completion of the contract, a letter was received by her husband at Bologaa with the intelligence that the United States Bank, in which they were deeply interest- ed, had failed. She returned immediately by the way of Milan, where an engagement was offered her by Rossi as Prima Donna absoluta for the Havana, and which engagement Donizetti again pressed upon her in Paris, offering her her own terms; but, being obliged to return to New York, she was under the necessity of declining. In Paris she had the honor to sing at the Court of Louis Philippe, who complimented her graciously. Donizetti, too, there added his compliments to her talents, in a letter, previous to her departure for New York. It is idle—it isinsulting—it is disgraceful—it i: libellous, indeed, to apply such language to thi amiable and talented lady as the ‘ New World” does—but it becomes still more a concentration of pure malice, when falsehoods are coined to depre- ciate her reyutation, for she never sang at Castel- lan’s concert, nor is her birth-place apocryphal If the present troupe forbid Palmo to engage Mrs Sutton, or to offer the same terms which were of- lered to Castellan, would not the simple negative satisfy their friends? Why lacerate her feelings besides? Why attempt to injure her reputation? Why coin gross untruths against an unoffending and amiable jady? Mr. Park Benjamin, or hi critic, Signor Maroncelli, cannot escape from thr consequences of this piece of malevolence by si lence. In the mean time, we trust that the foily of those who call themselves the friends of this Italian troupe will not injure the interests of Signor Palmo, or mar the attempt which he is making to establish the opera among us. The public have little to dc with the private quarrels, rivalries, or jealousies of artists or their friends behind the scenes; but when attempts are made to lead the public astray—to li bel those who are as good as others—to create feelings of ill will that may mar the public amuse ment-to lift up the curtain that conceals motives then is there right in that self-same pee to look behind the scenes, and to insist on the adoption of the most liberal and most enlightened system o} management. They pay for it—and they will have the worth of their money. [n other countries, the sovereign prince controls the tum ults, jealonsies, ind petty rivalries of these artists, who have more impudence than talent, more vanity than disere tion—in this land of liberty the sovereign people, who pay for it, will do the same, and compel both sanagers and artists to observe justice and discre- won t r it With others that tormerly performed at Niblo's| lan a very good engagement, but she declined in} | | firmations or rejections. | at all—that there will be any change of the existing seem to us that the offer rejected by Madame Cas- | ; rs. Sutton with | | presumed to know somethin reat ques: | (hat | trom the House, that it will pass the Senate. ‘They | ace without fear, however, that they will be induc- led to BY THE RN MAIL. . (Correspondence of the Herald] ‘Wasninoton, Jan. 19, 1844. Report on District Elections---Treaty with France | for the Delivery of Fugitives---Prospects of the Tarif’. The Committee of nine on Elections, in the | House, are ready to report upon the validity of the | general ticket elections in New Hampshire, Geor- | sia, Missouri, and Mississippi. It is a strict party | vote in the committee—six in favor of the elec- | tions, and three against them. The results willno. | of course be disturbed. It is understood that the Senate, in its executive session, ratified the French Convention, or treaty, forthe delivery of fugitives. They made ne con- You will see by the report of the Senate to-day, that there is but little if any prospect—in fact, none tariff at this first sessio nof the 23th Congress. Mr. Evans is Chairman of the Finance Committee, be- fore whom this subject has come up in the Senate. The Senate is whig—this Committee is whig—and Mr. Evans is whig—and he may be safely t as to what the Senate will do. He confidently intimates there will be no change made. Sul, the anti-tariff men hope, if a bill were to come say Messrs. Archer, Berrien and Rives have been anti-tarift whigs. There is some hope, too, of the Senators from Tennessee, Foster and Jermgan— © with their party (whig.) On the other hand, Mr. Buchanan may not altogether agree to Mr. McDuffie’s bill. 3 On the whole, there seems but little ground at present to expectany change in the existing tariff. ‘Wasuineton, Jan. 20th, 1844. James Gorpon Bennett, Esq.— Dear Sin— In the midst of the continued contradictory state- ments which have been made, and which writers are still making, I deem it of importance to say, again, en authority deserving implicit confidence, that Governor Gilmer has not received even the offeror intimation of an offer, of appointment to the Secretaryship of the Navy. i But it,is proper in this connection to say, that he is understood to have kad a standing carte blanc for any appointment under the present administration, which he might choose to accept—but he will not accept any appointment of any kind under this ad- ministration. i The Senate does not sit to-day. TWENTY-KIGHTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION. Frmay, January 19th. McDvurrie’s Sreecu Continuep—Our ComMERCE AnD ouR Navy.—Mr. McDuffie said he would rather contend against all the pirates of the ocean, and all the belligerent powers of the earth than against the Congress of the United States. “ [ur. McD. is here going on at great length with the same pip ahs arguments which haye been so often and so fully discussed and examined in (allow me to say) an abler manner inthe New York Herald.] ’ Mr. Clay’s policy, as he says, is to sell as much to foreign nations as possible, and to buy as little in return. Like the doctrine of a horse jockey who would sell as good a horse as he can get, and take ag poor @ one in return as can be found. But you get specie—like Spain—a miser perishing upon his treasure. What use is the money? He now comes tothe most important and interesting part of the subject—the exports of the country—confined to a few Southern States and a few of the Eastern States. Here followfacts and statistics. ane eee begin to thin off] | : ‘he idea of a nation exchanging its productions for silver and gold, is one of the most visionary ideas that wasever erigatiatot, This isa question of life or death. You have almost destroyed the inducements of Great Britain to maintain peace with this country. England is in- {uced t6 co-operate with the abolitionists of this country to destroy our institutions. The slave States of this Union are in a state of colonial vas- salage to the manufacturing States. If England were our present mother eds we being in co- lonial dependence, instead of New England, we should get our merchandize 20 per cent cheaper than we now do—for we now pay 40 per cent— whereas in the other case we should pay but 20. The free States of the orth who talk ‘so much sbout abolishin; avery Haye made slaves of us all, white and black. ‘e are now recriving, on in average, but 12} cents a day tor the labor of our operatives. ‘The labor of slaves is the cheapest in the world. During the twenty years that] have been a member of the public councils, I can say, as God is my judge, that! have never looked upon this government except with the most peculiar feelings. I have always looked upon this govern- ment as one of most iniquitous oppression. | All we desire is to be let alone. My only hope in con- senting to return to this Capitol was to exert some humble influence in adjusting this question. And if J fail in this, I shail shake off the dust of my feet against you, and retire from you forever. I under- take to predict that in five years from this date, the western States will be as united with us upon this subject as the States of the south now ure This whole system is one gigantic monster—the tod of eastern idolatry. I have humbly attempted to tear off the veil from this monster. Mr. McDuffie closed at about 3 o’clock. | ; Mr. Evans made afew remarks, Menroaating this discussion, as tending to unsettle public confidence inthe permanence and stability of National Legis- lation. The country is not so much affected by a high or a low tariff, as it is by fluctuations in legis- lation. Let us have uniform stability. He depre- cated this discussion, for the reason that it might hold. out vain hopes of a change in the present iariff—clearly iutimating that there would be no change made. He appeared to be disposed to reply at length to Mr. McDuffie, when the latter moves an adjournment. | a A ‘The Senate went into Executive Session. On Monday next it is expected that Mr. Evans will reply to Mr. McDuffie. House of Representative: Wasminaton, (Saturday, 20th Jan. The President's ag disposed of —Mr. Stewart's Explanation of Mr. Weller’s Attack—No Dueling. ‘As soon asthe Journal was read to-day, a mo- tion was made to suspend the Rules by Mr. Huaues of Missouri, to allow him to introduce a resolution, similar to the one that lately yee the Senate, relative to the President giving 12 months notice to the Government of Great Britain, on the subject of the joint occupation of Oregon. The House refused to suspend the Rules, as there were hut two hours left to debate about the Western Waters. te Mr. Wentwortu.—I have a petition here, Sir, { wish to present against the annexation of Texas; but, in a letter to me one of the petitioners says, Sir, that if there’s any danger of Great Britain get- ting hold of Texas, they want we should take it at raf (Roars of laughter.) The petition was re- ferred. Cave Jounson moved that the House go into Committee fof the Whole. Only 105 voted. No juorum. The vote wastaken again; ayes 88, noes . So the rules were suspended, and the House went into Committee of the whole, and took up the subject of the reference of that part of the Presi- dent’s Message relative to the Western Waters. Mr. Wixruror took the chair as usual, and there was a great deal of ecrambling for the floor. Mr. \. Stewart, of Penn. tried hard to get it, and stated that he wanted to make a personal explana. tion in relation to the charges of falsehood, brought against him by Mr. Weller yesterday; Mr. M’- Causten, of Ohio, also claimed the floor. Cuamaan.—The chair assigns the floor to the rentleman from Pennsylvania, unless his right is objected to. " Severat Voices.—Object—object—object. Mr. Srewart.—I appeal to the courtesy of the zentleman from Ohio, whether it is not due to me that I should have the floor under all the cireum- stances, for the purpose of exjlanation. I am nost anxious, Sir, and I will occupy it but for a few minutes. hi ‘ Gries of “Yield it—let him have it—no, no,” and much confusion. eh ye Mr. McCavstrn—I can’t do it, sir. We have heard almost every other kind of subject discussed upon this floor, Mr. Speaker, except the proper one upon this question, ‘Sir, we want this matter to go before prac- tteal men, who are acquainted with all the facts in rela tion to these western waters; and therefore I am for send- ng it to agclect committee. Sir, we have heard much said about the great city and hegreat State of New York, the course of this debate [ should like to know what h made New York what she is, unless it is the west and the teade of the west. What would the canals of New York have been without the canals of Ohio? No State in the Union has so many miles of navigable c Who pays for the bulk of the goods bough Why, the western merchants. Now, sir, 1 shall not speak of the great State of Ohio, although she isa great State bat I say that we have certain great rights and interests in his matter, which we wish to be fuily attended to. } not say that if we don’t get our rights We'll dissolve thi: Union; for I deeply regret to hear that expression used s often on this floor. But ¥ say that we will use our utmos’ endeavors to obtain our just rights, and though they may be withheld for atime we willdo our duty, of New York, obtained the floor. . ain rone and begged Mr. B. to yield him the floor, for only ® few minutes, for # personal explanc- los this subject from the Committee on Commerce would be areflection on the Chair who appointed that Cummittee mittee are unfit to legislate on this subject. they ? One is from Michigan, another from New York State, close to the St. Lawrence, two are from New En gland, one being from Boston, one from the city of New city of Charleston, and another from New Orleans on the the advantages I shall eccupy the floor but a few mi- Ss _-Dont yield it, Beardsley—Go on ¥i fo, no. a piece he not in order, sir, to make « personal ex- Wrermnep—t right has been objected to, and another member ir. Branpstey—I shall not ge into the political part of this jiscussion, Mr. Speaker, lor it appears to me that we've fad discourses on all subjects before this Commit. tee hae 4 upon the one that 1s properly under considera- tion, The question is, shall this part of the somes, go to the Committee on Commerce orto a Select Committee. Now, sir, what is the reason assigned that the interests of the Ohio, Mississippi, Arkansas and other rivers, are to be iven to a Select Committee? Is it to determine their length or breadth, or the number of snags or sawyers there is inthem? What facts are a select committee ex- pected to find out in relation to these rivers, ust the are not already matter of history? Or is real question not one as to how much money shall be ap- vers, What pra riated for the improvement fof these idden fact) is there to be ascertained by sending them to a Select Committee. If those who advocate this course e any reason why this plan should be adopted, they e shown us nene here. And, sir, we may as well abo- Committees of this House at once, if to be referred to a Select Commit- e heard a great deal said here about the power of Congress to make improvements, and the de- nial of that power, as well as upon what that power rested. Sir, the only ground upon which Congress has the power to make appropriations, is that clause in the Constitution which was mentioned hy the gentleman from Ohio (Vin- ton). Sir, there are sume gentlemen frem the south who think that Congress has no power to make these appro- priations for Western River Improvements at all; others rom other parts of the country take a more enlarged view of the Constitution, and say that Congress clearly has the power And some of the gentlemen from the south, the one from Virginia in particular (Wise) prided Aimsalf gpen being a straight jacket constructionist—(Laughter.) Sir, useful and a very convenient article upon certain occasions. It's worn by various in- dividualsgunder peculiar circumstances—(Laughter.) It has been considered a fitting garment fora king. George the Third wore one upon some occasions—(Langhter). And what is fit for a king I would not say is not fit for a legislator. Though [don’t say thatany legislator in this House wears it for the same reason that George the Third did—(Loughter)- But, sir, straight jackets are worn by some periudically, and thrown of periodically—(Laugh- ter). And po ty {will not say that it is worn by legislators only in periods of lunacy, yet I may say when it was thrown off by them. It was thrown off by southern legislators, sir, when the canal was cut through the Dismal Swamp. So also when the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was construc- ted, and also when the canal was cut round the fulls of the Ohio. And indeed, according to the recent doctrines broached in this House, there is no saying how far the powersot this government may not extend in this matter. ‘he gentleman from South Carolina (Holmes) said that this government derived the power to aj pcperinte money for these Western Rivers, from the old articles, act, oF compact of confederation. ' Sir, we find no such powers in that act of confederation. ‘Those who framed it did not then contemplate the necessity for comprising in it such extensive powers as have since been discovered to exist in the Constitution. Sir, in this ordinance or act of con- federation, it says that all the waters that flow into the ppi and the St. Lawrence, to the south und to the , and ali the carrying places between them shall be common public highways free for all the people of the then States and Territories, and for all the people ot the new States and Territories that might afterwatds come into the Union, and that these highways are and are to be thus free to all without tax for ever. Nothing said here about the power of Congress to appropriate money to im- prove these rivers, or waters, And this was a wise ordi- nance, sir. They who framed it saw that there was a danger that some of the new States, that were at that very time about to be added to the Union from the North Wes- tern Territory, might puta tax upon the navigation of those waters, and it was to prevent this being done that the ordinance was adopted. It was solely for the purpose of securing to every citizen the free navigation of these waters for ever. And thy the gentleman from South Carolina said that ecould find in this old ordinance the highest powers which this Government could exercise ; and that under it he would be willing to appropriate 12 or $13,000.000 to improve the Western Rivers. Now, sir, 1 find in the Constitution the power to spend money to improve these rivers, and I find it no where else. The old act or arti- cles of confederation never gave the power; they who made it never thought of giving that power. Itis in the Constitution slone that we find the power to spend money to emncove the navigation of the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Missouri, the Hudson, and on this ground | shell vote for all these works so much as can be properly spared out ofthe public Treasury. If the power to im- prove the navigation of these rivers is not to be found in the Constitution, then all the money hitherto expended has been spent without law. But, sir, we have the power to expend money “for all purposes that are na- tional”—those are the words. Andon this peocnd, sir, { feel as free to vote moncy tor removing the obstruc- tions of the Hudsoa River, the Connecticut, the Dela- ware, and the bays and harbors on your sea board. But I shall only vote wuch sums as a judicious regard to economy and the public interests require. And, now. sir, witli regard to the reference. I consider that to take a straight jacket is ave It would almost seem to say that the men on that com- And who are York, one from the shores of Lake Erie, one from the sissippi itself. "Who are more fit than these gentle. men? who can yatter #1 ed to k regard " 5en ob MRR THEE Mri Roce, ang te Peau therefore, sir, that the House will in this matter adhere to its ancient aioe: and refer the whole subject to the consideration of the Committee on Commerce. Mr. Stewart again tried to get the floor ; it was given ‘0 t Mr. Semurx, of Indiana. He begged the House to con ider the importance of this subiect ; and that the mari of the Lakes required as much protection as those at soa, on entering the bays and harbors of the Atla board. It was said that because there was no tide in the Ohio river, that therefore Congress could not spend mo- ney to improve it; that they could not do any thing for this noble river—it was unconstitutional. Kennepy (in an under tone,).—What, the Ohio river an unconstitutional river ? Mr. Searcy, said he was for improving all these waters He did not care whether they were rivers or lakes ; whe- ther they were called “Spring branches,” or “Noble Mississippi”; they are all national works, and as a west- ern man, Igo for them. Wejsay to the general govern- ment, you have all he perquisites and emoluments arising from these waters. We have surrendered all right—every thing to you—you have even all the public lands—you have left us nothing to improve the navigation of these waters with : and who then is to do it, but you ? Mr. Stewart again begged to have the floor; it was given to Mr. Pettit, of Indiana.—Sir, there is but fifteen minutes of time left to debate this matter ; and my constituents are interested. Mr, Scuxxck.—I rise to a point of order, sir; aml to move that the gentleman from Pennsylvania has the floor Here there was great excitement and confusion ; it wanted but a quarter to two o’clock, at which time the question was to be taken out of cummittee. Several mem bers rose to the floor at once—some clamoring for one thing, some for another ; cries of “give it him,” “No, no.” “sit down,” “order ” Mr. Pertir.—I should like to have the twelve minutes that is left, sir, to debate this without interruption. I pre fer to have this matter referred to a select committee . be- cause I have not confidence in the other. Now, sir, there have been words that were used in this debate that I do not altogether approve of. Words were used yesterday by the gentleman from Ohis, which,if they had been used to wards a gentleman. Here there was a tremendous excitement. Several members sprang to the floor—cries of “ order,” and the Chair called to order. Wixtnror—The Chair cannot allow such personali t—Well, sir, then, in characterising that scene remarks in relation to the member from Penn- sylvahia, shall bbe compelled to use the reply that{was made by the boy when his father whipped him for calling him aliar, After whipping him severely, he asked of him, “You young scoundrel, will you ever tell your father that he is a liar again?” ‘Oh, no, sir, no,” said the boy, “but, father, do tell me what i shall say when you io lie.” (Much laughter.) Sir, the conduct of that mem. ber is such as I cannot characterise. But to the subject, sir, We have had here the lecherous and unhallowed embrace of the South, and the Fast, and the Middle States on the subject of these improvements. Now, sir, 1 wan! none of these. Give me the hand of honor and honesty ! Sir, I shall not offer any indignity to the land of t! Sumpters and the Pinckneys! I shall offer {no indignity to the land of Washington, of Jefferson, of Monroe, and Madison, and Patrick Henry, and John Marshall, although she does boast that she gave us our whole domain without money or without price! and though they do wear straight jackets there, sir. (Laughter.) Nor will I re- ject the offer of the great State of New York, sir, for! am bound to remember, sir—there, I can never forget that she is my own, my native land! Sir, I will not offer an indignity to the land of Massachusetts Bay—the land of the Hancocks and the Adamses—for I can never fant that there stand Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill, and there they will remain forever. And as far as't' constitution will allow, | am willing to embrace in lo and harmony—(Here Kennedy, who is a great wag, said sotto voce, * Who with,” which created much laughter, ind indeed from some cause or other, a majority of the members were laughing and in great good humor, proba- bly from the pretiret that this was the last speech on the subject.) Sir, talk of straight jackets. (Laughter.) Sir, there is none that will lace them on tighter than [ will, or (Increased laughter.) But, sir, 1 am a strict ructionist with regard to your constitution and your And I want to know upor what principle of strict ruction it is that your bays are studded with'light: houses, while we, who stand out in the west, as the gems ofnight like wreaths upon a lady's head— (laughter)—are neglected? You improve your harbors on the coast with millions, for a sterile soil, and the west, which is so fertile and which contains more acres of fertile soil than all the world besides— Rartnove—(In an under‘tone)—He's been ‘out west, and that’s expanded his views, Pertir—With a soil so fertile, and with 6,000,009 of the most industrious people npon the face of the earth, hardy, honest, enterprising, laborious people—we are to have rothing done for us by the General Government. One centleman proposed to divide the interests of the Lakes from tie Western Rivers. 1 warn him and thore of his school thatithat course will not anawer here. It requires all the various interests of the West united to get any- thing at all for the improvement of the fnavigation of their waters from this Honse Let ns, then, all go togeth that we may accomplish some little for the West Sir, my time hae almost elapsed. [have not time enough left to finish my perioda—(Looking up at the clock.) But, sir, repeat, let this go to a Select Committee, that the interests of the West--imports—exports—all those things. (Down went the Chairman's hammer, and the confusion vas at its height,) : ig rived when all debate on Wintnnor. The tous ite Sr ‘Committee must proceed his subject ease, 0 vote. sefhe first motion {a to refer the aubject of the im- orvvement of the “ne ss sitter Commerce. ‘o hi wttto wtrikke out all alter “Resolved,” and ineert “that #0 shall take into: ion in phe connected with the im; of the nuvigation of the western riversand hee Mr. Vinron—I; that in order, sis. ‘Wintanor—It is, sir; (Much confusion.) A Memuen—Mr. Chairmen, whet is the question before yg pane intHRor—The Clerk will read it egain. The whole three resolutions were read. Cave Jonsson—Sir, I move to amend—(So mach con- faslaeerncee eee Test was lost ) Memuen—If the amendment ails will the subject of harbors to the Select Committee? a" Cries of “"No—no—no.” Mr§Ciranaxp—I move to amend it so that the harbors may Ko to the Committee on Commerce, and the rivers only to the Select Committee. A Memuxx—Mr. Chairman. I want all the amendments read for information. (Great laughter.) ‘WintHror—The Clerk will read them again. ‘They were again all read over—and so several members jumped up and called tor the reading, until poor French, 7) lerk, had to read the three resolutions about seven tim Wintnror—is the Committee ready for the question on the amendment to the amendment ? A Memarn—What is it about? (Roars of laughter.) Sevenar—Read it Read—read—read. ‘They were all read again. Brows—I ask for tellers. Tellers were ordered. ‘The question on Hardin’s amendment for a new etand- committee, was lost. Ayxs 60—Noxs 71. ‘he question then recurred on the first amendment, to refer it to a select committee of 9. Barwanp asked for tellers. ‘They were ordered. This amendment was also lost, Aves 59—Noxs 94. from New York—I now offer an amend- ment, sir, that so much of the President's Messago as re- lates to internal improvements be referred to the standing Committee on Commerce. Gaanet Davis—And I move to amend that by insert- ing, ‘the Committee on Roads and Canals.” Steenrop—I ask that the Clerk read the 98th rule. It was read, and showed that that committee already had power over the whole subject of roads and canals, as il the navigation of rivers. This caused much langhter. Finally, tellers were called for on the two last motions, and they were both voted down by a very large The question then recurred on the original motion made several weeks ago by Mr. Wise, when the subject of referring the President’s aga first came up, on re- ferring that part of it relating tothe improvement of the Western waters to the Committee on Commerce, and this was carried viva voce, almost unanimously!—although the House has debated this subject now for four weeks, at an expente of $2000 a day. But then there was an unu- sual quantity of steam had tobe let off by the new mem- bers, and a great number of speeches to be made for home consumption. respecting the District ‘The 12th section of the mes! of Columbia was to that committee. The 13th section, Recsepe 4 to the Smithsonian Bequest, was referred on amendment to the Joint Committee of the seco - . yitW: Davie—1 now move, sir, that the committee 3. ‘This was carried, and the committee rose and reported progress to the Speaker in the House. Stewart, again rising—Now, sir, before the question is taken on agreeing with the committee, I ask leave to offer a personal explanation— \’Connes— (standing near him on the left, and point- ing at him with a stick)—Sir, all personal ex, can be made out of daors. (Roars of laughter.) Srewant—Sir, this courtesy is never refused. Sreacer—Can Real « be by general consent. Stewart (anxiously)—Is there no way, sir, that! can possibly explain— M’Conneit (with comic gravity)—No—way—in—the world! (Shouts of laughter.) Bannanv—I rise to ea very common movement— an appeal to the courtesy of this House for the gentleman from Pennsylvania, sir. Bennet call the gentleman to order. (Great excite ment Bk know, pending the'question, it is not de- bateable, but it’s an every day occurrence to make this ap- peal to the courtesy of the House. ‘M’Conneit—Oh, it’s all out of order—the whole of it. (Increased laughter, excitement, and contusion ) Cave Jonnson—I e gentleman to order, sir. Barnarv—I in si! at I um in order. Srraxer—Can only be allowed by eral consent. Barnanp—Then, sir, 1 am to understand that this House refuses to grant the usual courtesy to the membe! Gripen—Did [ understand the gentleman to say—— M’Conset—Sir, I call the gentleman from Kentucky to order—(Roars of laughter)—and I call for tellers on the previvious question; let’s come to a vote any how. E. J Mornis—I ask the gentleman from New Hampshire to withdraw his motion for the previous question, to allow my colleague, (Stewart,) to make # personal expla-, nation in regard to the mirepresentutions that have been of what fell from him in the course of debate, M’Coxxett—Well, now, sir, [call the gentleman from Pennsylvania to order. We shall never get through at this rate. “Let the personal explanations be made outof doors —that's the proper place, (Laughter, excitement, and confusion.) [ tell that gentleman that’ he too shall keep order, and if he wishes to engage in this difficulty he shall also be accommodated. (Roars of laughter and great ,itement—most of the members rising.) * "he Srraxen then put the previous questionon serene to the report of the Committee ef the Whole as to their lisposition of the President’s message. This was car! Ae ce lasentees Mr. V. demanded the 1 te es jom, Mr. Varn mat « and noes ; 40 rising, they were ordeted. = Mr. Stewant.—I now ask to be excused, sir, from voting, for, until! have an opportunity to explain the charges that have been made against me, I shall not vote on this orany other subject. After! have been eharged with falsehood and lies, in a manner which I shall not characterize. I appeal to all to say whether I have utter- ed words of a personal character; sir, | was told if! want. ed to explain I might settle it out of doors, Why. sir, the sharges have been made not by one, but two, or three and more. If | was to fight one, sir, 1 cannot fight all thet have thns assailed me McConsrtt.—I call the gentleman to order, sir; but if shere’s any fighting to be done, P'll make an individual job of it. [sée I shall have to take ahand myself, of laughter and great excitement) ee Jounson.—I call the gentleman from Pennsylvania to order, Srrewant.—I say, sir, that I was told to settle this out of xER.—It’s not competent to reply to remarks made in the committee. McConnext.—To be sure not. Out of doors is the pro- ver place. (Continued laughter and confusion Stewant.—Sir, | have made no personal allusions to any one. And I will not submit the high privilege | have ana Representative here to be assailed by such Billings- gate assaults as have been made uy me here. Sir, I committed an error ey in noticing those remarks at all. And I shouid not have noticed the remarks of the zentleman from Ohio had | known so much of his charac- ‘er and standing as I now do. (This occesioned tremen- jous excitement ; 60 members rose at once.) StreNnon, Repixc, and Cavs, Jonxson all oalled Stxwanpto order. He was ordered to take his seat. Wintnaor—Sir, 1 move to have leave to order, and I call the ayes and noes upon it. Baananv—I understand, sir, from a leading member of the other side, that after this question is disposed of, the gentleman will be allowed to proceed Loud cries of ‘‘ No—no—Go on—Hear hym—No, no!” Rig sToN Kixa—Sir, I’m opposed to all these personali- ties, Revino—I call the gentleman to order, Mr. Speaker— call the gentleman to order. He's violated his pledge that he would use no personalities, jere several of the locofocos crowded round Stewart, and looked as though they could eat him up. Winrnror—Sir, | renew the call for the ayes and noes on my motion [They were ordered.] Cave Jouneon—Before that question is put— Scuenck—] suppose, the gentleman from Ten- nessee in voting. Cave Jounson—No, sir, (Laughter. Parmenten—Sir, is any debate at ‘ityin order now 7 Sreaxer—No, sir. : Lennie eae sir, how can the gentleman be al- lowed—— Spraxen—It's not in order for the from Massachusetts to debate. [Roars of langhter.} The ayes and noes were then cailed on gre Mr. Stewart leave to speak. Ayes, 152—Noes, I So leave was granted for him to explain. Mr. Stewanr then said that he had no personal feeling towards any member, and that he hgd not mede nor in- intended to make any personal allusions. I merely went into a statement of the general public policy of the great parties in the country, and for doing this I have been re- peatedly charged with falsehood, and a course has deen pursued such as I shall not now characterise. At this stage of the business it’s little use to explain, and if the House will give me another: opportunity, I'l withdraw my excuse to voting. General consent was then given. Mr. Vance withdrew his call for ayes and noes on the main question. ‘The question was then taken on the main question and carried—a reconsideration was moved and negatived, and 40 therefore, the whole subjects of the President’s message have at last been referred to the appropriate Committees. Mr. rere then moved thet Mr. Stewart have leave Sreaxex—Can only be done by general consent. McConneri—Well, Sir, 1 object, if nobody else does— (Roars of laughter) Finally leave was granted by sus- pending the rules. Mr. Stewart. the member from Indiana in this debate spoke of exploded American System, and the memberfrom Missouri spoke of us as the coon party, Inade up ofthe fagments und the fog end of all purties. fe reply I contrasted the policy of the twe Clay and Yan Buren; and for doing this I was assailed next morning by the gentleman from Ohio, (although | used no personal remarks) with gross abuse ; ‘he said he'd prove Ail that I xaid about Mr. Van Buren to be false, or that he'd take the brand of falsehood on his own forehead ; and that if he did prove it, he asked this House to put’ that brand of falsehood on my brow. Thus he first began these perronalities ; I cannot, #0 characterize his conduct or language without violating alike the rules of this House and of propriety. He came here, and charged me with falsehoods, Nos. 1, 9, 3,4, 5,6, 7, 8and 9—(Great laughter) Sir, Ire-aftirm ail Ithen said, and when the time comes, I will poe every statement I made about Mr. Van Buren and his policy to be true—with Jagr testimony sufficient to satiafy all, He finds an error of date, and says Mr. Van Buren voted money to the west after denying the power. If he proves Mr, Van Buren guilty of inconsistency that’s his look out, not mine. could where Van Buren voted to put turnpike gates on the Cumberland Road. ond where he voted for a high tariff in 1828, and against low. ering the duties afterw: But, sir, 1 have established all my charges 1 learn ‘$4,000,000 instead of $1,000,000, Now, sir, J reaffirm | sal Twill proveall, and wipe off the brand. But, sir, if in the discharge of ovr hich duties, we are to be met by ‘Waters to the Com-| the cry of “lies, lies. Hes, villiio, villainy,” why the there is an amend- | minority hed better retire from this House at once, when their rights sre wot if this House is te be de-