The New York Herald Newspaper, February 28, 1848, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. Highly Interesting Newspaper Question. BENNETT AND THE NEW YORK HERALD. Bishop Hughes’ Sermon on Bennett's Havoe among Virtuous Women. (Wrom Bishop Hughes’ Freeman’s Journal and Catholic Register ] (From a Halifax peper.} saat Some of our city papers have been retailing the low calumnies of the infamous Bennett, of the Herald, against that able champion of catho- licity, the distinguished bishop of New York.— There is not aclergyman in the United States more universaliy esteemed by all ranks, classes, and creeds, than Dr. Hughes, or one whose opi ion ou any subject carries more weight. He is, no doubt, the terror and scourge of every impostor, and especially of every literary scoundrel who daseden the press by licentiousness and false- hood. When, some tour years since, the bishop tied up Bennett to the tria! of public opinion, and scourged the al’s back with the whipthong of argument and ridicnie, he crashed an odious tyrauny under which the stoutest hearts in New ‘ork had long trembled. No character, no age no sex, could be secure against the attacks o' this American Marat, who levied his black-mail with impunity on the fears of his intended vic- tims. Scarcely a family of any respectability escaped irom the fangs of this ravenous monster, and the consequence was, that when a bishop of the Catholic church , in all the indepen- dence of his sacred ministry, and, in behalf of in- sulted morality and calumnifiated innocence, re- proved the miscreant, and inflicted an ever me- morable chastisement upon him, he won the ratitude and respect of the citizens of New ork. Bennett winced and groaned under the lash, and soon, like the well-whipped hound, unk inte a cowardly silence. He is since ci- vily dead, and under a ban of excommunication from his fellow citizens. When he lately drew, hy lot, a box in the new Opera House in Astor Place, every respectable person who drew boxes at each side of him, toa very respectful distance, to enter them, and gladly gave up their 8, to take @ seat as far as possible from calumniator ef virtuous women, and de- of the peace of famili We pity and amed ef the people of New York, for hav- ig 0 long submitted to the degrading tyranny of afeliow like Bennett, who, not many years ago, was not considered fit to be a common schoolmaster in Nova Scotia. But, to return to Bishop Hughes, and to the would-be imitators of Bennett in these parts, we assert that it is false to call the Bishop ‘‘ a vio- lent demagogue.” There is not a more loyal or eonstitutional citizen in the United States ; and this is well known by men ef all parties. It is equally false that he ever sought to be appointed Mexican commissioner—an absurdity which ghed at by every one who knows his high tion—or that he ever asked any other ap- niment irom government. [From the Washington National Whig.) y THE NEW YORK HERALD. There is no journal in the world, acnording to ous humble opicion, that exerts so powerfu and so wide spread an influence upon the public mind as the New York Herald. It combines all the elements of usrful, high-toned journalism ia a most remarkable degree. Its founder, proprie- tor and editor is a wonderful man. The advent ol Iter marked a new era in journalism in England, and Bennett’s advent has produeed a similar result in the United States. Walter ha had and still has imiiators, but they have never been able to eeme up to their mode!. So of Ben- artt; he stands alone in his greatness in this lcountry. While their imitatcrs have never been able to reach the platform which these two ex- itracrdinary men occupy, yet their exertions in trying to come up to their models have not been without good effect in helping to purify journal- fiem from its weaknesses, and to elevate it to a sound and healthful condition. The greut curse lof the public press has been and is its puerility. Walter and Bennett have taught it to think and speak as an independent man, acknowledging no other authority but that of God. Genius is like the diamond. It is a precious tone ot great value. It does not abound. The orld seems to produce just enough of it to bene- itmankind. All the geniuses who have ever lived would scarcely be numerous enough to fill he floor of the Rotunda of the Capitol. But very branch of human art, every department of human intelligence, has its genius to give form nd life to 116 being. Journalism is anew science, a new depart- nent of humen art. It never had master spirits o breathe upon it and mould it into per'ect torm, pos poi nutil Walter and Bennett made their appearance upon the stage of life. The mission of Walter satan end. His works do follow him. The London Times is the perfect representative of arope. It is the daily daguerreotype of Euro- eun manners aad European thought, Itis the ace of the eastern half of the globe, in which ou may read the features of the eastern world nall its workings, all its changes. The mission f Bennett is not tis a continuous ork. The New York Herald is now the repre- entative of American manners, of American hought. It 1s the daily daguerreotype of the eart and soul of the model republic. It de h faitatulness the American character, mall its rapid changes and ever varying hues The dominant caarseter of European journals is ‘alterism—that of American journalism is Ben- ettism. But not only is the New York Herald ne datly portraiture of the mind, the imagina- ion, the thought, of the United States—it is the eflecior of the inert mind of Mexico and the jouth 4 ican republics. It gives out the feel- ings of British America too. Jt may be said, ith perfect justice, therefore, that the New York erald is the face of the western haif of the arth, Whose lineaments portray with fidelity the inward workings of this new worid, now in pro- ress of being eivilized by the indetatigable Yan- ees nad their institutions. ‘Che Loudon Times taught the nations to esti- ate the value of time, by its energy in bringing the centre of the commerc.al world the latest telligence from all quarters. Lt aad us ships nd its steamers on every se Lr outetripped the cilisn government in the great work. It tre- ueotly gave the first information to the Secreta- of Foreign Affairs of the battles which the oidiers of the Empire fought and won. The ews of the battle of Navarino was laid before e ustoaished e¢ommons in the columns of the ondou Times. ‘The master of events, it could lasily take the next step and become the direc- r of them in the empire; and it did take It has, 10 1ts day, given, and it conti- lues to give, by operating upon public senti- ent, a direction to the puulic policy ot the Br.- sii goverament, that is the just frait of such weriul journalism. The New York Herald has en preparing the Way for the rame results ay, it nas already exerted an influence upon blic seatiment that has been felt from one end f the Union to the other. Its fearless discus- ons of political measures, and its bold exposi- lous of the selfish schemes of politicians, have pe great good, and, forwarded the inte- sts of the conatry inan emineat degree. Its oney articles have done more to rescue honest ople from the embrace of currupt banks, than | the legislation that has ever taken place. hose articles alone have won tor Mr. Bennett n immortality that no envy, no malice, can take sy. All of them, of any value, are the effi ons of his own powerlul pen. Others, it is ue, heve claimed the merit of writing them, t without the least right to do so, Even when has employed men to attend to this depart- ent of his journal, it was Mr. Bennett's mius that struck out the line of argument be parsued, and gave the points to be dis- ssed. Under the exposition of his earl joney articles, all of which were the wor | his own pen, the banking syatem of the United ates gave way and tottered to its fall. He has ne more than all other men in the couniry to ach the people that banking is nothing more an a system of trading upon credit, the chief nefit of which accrues to the non-laboring ses, But, as we have said, the Herald has arcely yet laid the foundation for its permanent fluence upon"public men and public things in is country. {tis daily and hourly launching rth upon new and untried seas, and its recent hievements in making the electric telegraph inister to its mastery of events, is without pa- lel. To lay before the thousands of readers of ww York city the speeches of Senators in the nited States Senate the morning after they are livered, makes Washington a suburb of New ork, and en the public mind, while the loughts of the speakers are yet warm, to an judgment upon the id id sug- lstions ot their servants, with a facility hitherto unknown in the world. Yet this has been done by, the Herald; but it is only the beginning of this’ new enterprise. Before the close of the pesaent half century, we predict that the New York Herald will be the perfect mirror of events in this vast confederacy, acting and reacting upon thé public mind with a power that cannot be estimated by the data before us. But the most remarkable thing about the New York Herald is its origin, as compared with that ofthe London Times. The founder of the for- mer came to this country a poor Scotch boy, without much book education. He was indus- trious, and by severe labor, in which he was fre- quently imposed upon by heartless newspaper employers in the most shameful manner, he ma- naged to keep soul and body together, and to train hiss Suneonsciomae for the mission to which he has been called. There are those who still en- joy the credit of his Iiterary labors; but the time will come when they willbe stripped of their borrowed plumage. Driven from post to pillar, Mr. B. founded the New York Herald in 1835. For the first few days, the enterprise threatened to fail, for he had no money capital. Things, however, took a favorable turn, and the Herald went up, and has been going up ever since, until the proprietor 1s now a millionaire and promises to be a second Astor. tal. But the conflict of this mental ca N the money capital of New York was terrible through a series of years. Mr. Bennett fearlees- ly arrayed himself against the corruptions of so- ciety and hoarded wealth, and they in turn strove to crush him day by day. Every lie that could be dragged from the bottomless pit of dia. bolism, was put afloat against him He was hunted from society as though he was 4 wild beast. But he kept the even tenor of his way, and lived down the misrepresentations of malice andenvy. Ever and anon, however, the powera of darkness were let loose upon his head in new forms. Men were found desperate enough to violate the law and to assail his person. Had we been in his place, we are free to acknow- ledge, that the issue would have been very diffe- rent in those shameful personal assaults. They should have taken our life, or theirs would have been the forfeit of their rashness; but, as itis, Mr. Bennett has outlived those ruthan assaults, and stands now immeasurably above his assailants in all the attributes of human excellence. He bore the buffets of the envy and malice that sought to kill him with a practical submission that puts to shame the professions of loud-mouthed Chris- tians, and he has been rewarded for his Chrie- tian conduct by the approbation of all good men, of all men whose esteem is worth having. His enemies are now under his feet, and yet he re- members mercy. a‘ _ How different the rise of Walter! He began journalism with thousands of rponey at his com- mand, and he expended upon the Times $350,000 before it beganto yield fhe first penny in return. Great was his conflict, too, against the powers of money and the social institutions ot his coun try; but he fought them to advantage. They sough: not to blacken his character; because they knew the effort would be vain. He triumphed over combinations against him that would have crushed any other man, and he lived to see the end of all his hopes—his newspaper, the fourth ower in the government of Great Britain. Mr. Bennett’s career and struggles are infinetely more instructive than those of Mr. Walter. The for- mer rose from poverty by the mighty force of his genius, and conquered the a'lied powers of money and corrupt society, that sought to des- troy him. The latter was already in position, and overcame resistance from among his own- fellows. Both have rendered society the great- est good—both have established the science of Journalism; but each from different points d’ap- bse clans) Beet Itis net in his writings alone, that Mr. Bennett’s geniusasa journalist is exhibited. It is seen in the powerful corps of writers which he h: around him in the conduct of his journal. He enjoysthe facility, in a remarkable_degree, in detecting in othes men the proper qualifications for the labors which he requires at their hands. This was Mr. Walwr’s great fort also. But it is Bennett’s articles which give character to his journal. He is the founder of a new school of writing. His articles are complete essays in themselves. They have a beginning, a middle, aud an ending. They are efiaracterized by a dashing feurlessness that harmonizes with the tone of the American mind. They are not col- lections of words merely, but are bundles of just thoughts, sound arguments, and practical con- clusions. Their chari lies in the purity of their style. There isa vein of cheeriulness running through them that is delightfully refreshing. Mr. Bennett’s style of writiug is ceerliay to him alone. He may be said to be the founder of a school of writing, whose chief characteristic 18 simplicity, and whose basis is common sense. Law Intelligence. Surznion Counr—Before Chivf Justice Oakley —Ro- bert S. Lowber vs. Jacob Le Roy.—This cause was sum- med up on Saturday and given to thejury. His honor saiq in hie charge, that the action was brought on acon- tract by the plaintiff. It seemed there wasa special partuersbip between the parties, and it not being as pro- fitabie as they desired, wri‘ings were drawn up, ia which tipulated that defendant would tal ih all the debts of the concern, and t! G . ness sheuld thenceforth cease, and further stipulating that defendant should ig Ang notes specified in the pa- per, and an outstanding book account due to Mr. Van- denburg This part of the contract the defendant did uot perform, and the plaintiff complains that he was obliged to do it himself, and that in consequence the defendant was guilty of a violation of bis contract. As! remarked before, said the Judge, the contrac, is in writ- ing, and it {s « woll established rule of law that wheu an agreement is entered into and reduced to writing, it cannot afterwards be varied by a verbal agreement, and this agreement was, beyond doubt, drawn up with great enre and formality. You will perosive that the part- nership was to be dissolved oa certain conditions—the firet of whioh was, that defendant should} pay the notes and the book account, he taking the assets. Now every one understands that the word atseta meant the proper- ty of the firm. and includes every thing belonging tothe partn not qualifies ut, then, the next ar- Ucle. whic! cifies what the piaintiff was to take, which was all the machinery rase includes the engine and boiler, and unless the agreement was varied it would give the plaintiff the right to this portion of it. Thus it would seem, Leyond all question, that the meaning of this agreement was, that the engine and boiler were to be the property of the plaintiff, Detendantg contends that a certain schedule was shown to him to let him see what the asseta were, and it is very important—io connection with the statement of Mr. Smith—to consider this schedule, in order to see if the engine and boiler were to be excepted out of the contract. | am of opinion that it was not, and unless it was, this schedule would be entirely out of the case The gist of the defenes, however seems to he,that either ‘Thomas Otis Le Roy & Co paid thore notes tor the de- fendant, or that the plaintiff himself wee bound to pay them; but the whole of the written evidence seems to bein accordance with the plaintiff's stery. The main questicm for you to consider is, were those notes paid by ‘Thomas Otis Le Roy & Co. out of the property of the plaintiff, and Cs to him under his contract with the laiter firm? If so, be is entitled toa verdict; but if you sre of opinion they belonged te defendant under his contract, and that the money was paid for bim, then he would be entitled to your verdict. Verdict for plain- tid, for $6,920 32 Count Catanpen—This Day—Common Pieas—Ist Part-- 55 57, 69, 61, 67, 94,71. 73.75,9 2d Part—102, 104, 106, 110, 112, 114, 120, 122, 194, 126, 128, 130, 182, 144, 136. Police Intelligence. Polio matter ut the several police offices yesterday, consisted merely of © drunk and disorderly charac- tere, mixed in with a who were sent on Blackwell's island, to ir strength for tl npring election. To tHe Eprtor or tae Heravn : paper of Saturday last, ® statement appe:red, which is calculated to reflect very seriously upoa one of our most respeotabie and worthy cit! We have allu- sion to the paragraph announcing the errest for perjury of Mr Stephen Weeks, of the firm of Brinckerhoff & Weeks. The friends of that geatieman, from their knowledge of his higo character, fecl avery confidence that he will not only b« able to fally absolve himself from tho charge preferred. but also to substantiate to the satisfaction of all concerned the affidavit made by him against Mersrs Richmond and Andrews. Miscetlancous, At Newark, on the 25th inst , the patent leather fac- tory of 8 M.& T, P. Ho as destroyed by fire. Loss $8 000; insured for $6,600. The Pennsylvania canals are to be opened for naviga- tion by the 15th of Maroh. were 7 ft, 8 inches wateron the falls last evening. ‘The river commenoed falling slowly yesterday, but as fi it is rising at Pittsburg and is again raining here, it will not fail much. The Cumberland river was rising on Saturday. — Louisville Jour Feb 22, s There are in Kentucky 31.238 parents unable to edu- ‘on, These children, between the ages of 5 and 16, number 85.416, At Mobile, on the 19tb, low vi reeruit thi peach-traes were budding. Tho Cumberland Mountaineer, of Feb, 26uh, says “the resent proprietors of the Monnt Savage Iron Works Rave concluded not to put them in operation, in conse. quenor of the recent reduction in iron.’ The tron masters and dealers in Penas ia have calied @ convention at Harrisburg, to be held on the 224 of March, probebly with » view of procu. ing some fur- ther action of Congress in their behalf. ‘The grand Jury of Essex co., N .J. have presented the Model Artistes, and recommend that decided and prompt measures be by the authorities of the eity of New- ialicoanec ** AFFAIRS IN VENEZUELA. THE MASSACRE OF THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, Official Venezuelan Documents. TERRIBLE STATE OF THINGS. SPECIAL DESPATCHES To THR NEW YORK HERALD. &e. &e. &e. La Guayra, Feb. 1, 1848. Enclosed I send you an account of the horrible massacre of several members of Congress, in the capital of Venezuela, on the 24th ult., a diaboli- cal scheme of the President, to prevent an accu- sation against him for a violation of the consti- tution, coercion of Congress, and proceedings of that body, since the deplorable events, up te the Ist inst. A The enclosed was written by a member of Con- gress, and is said to be a faithful account of the scenes enacted in Caracas, on the 24th, and which have indelibly stained the escutcheon of the republic of Venezuela. The greatest excitement prevailed throughout the republic. The schooner Susan Lading, Capt. Doty, has en ebchartered to take to the United States des- patches for the government. She will sail to- day. I will keep you advised of every movement La Guayra, Feb. 2, 1848. The late difficulties in the House of Repre- sentatives, at the capital, were foreseen. The liberal party, as they call themselves, but pro- perly called the negro party, having succeeded in the election of a President, he has been inflict- ing injury upon those who are opposed to his ad- NEW YORK, MONDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 8, 1848. that this produced discontents, and led to the formation of systematic oppositions, first in Ca- racas, and afterwards in Valentia, the capital of Carabobo. The nomination of General Ma- rino a8 Bilitary commander of this province next occurred, the faithful and eccentric Gene- ral Jose Maria Zamora being removed from this office—a man who had pertormed great aad im- portant services in the destruction of the faction of 1846. Colonel Domingo Hernandes, military commander of Carabobo, was ina similar man- ner, turned out of office; a man also who had done great and sufficient services to the govern- ment in the last campaign. General Laurentio Sylva waa substituted in his place; one of the chiefs who, equally with the actual President, had declared himself for the reform revolution in 1835. Ezequiel Zamora, who had been found guilty by the tribunals of the republic, of various otrocious crimes which he com- mitted in the last insurrection, notwith- standing that he had not been included in the mamber of those pardoned by the Pre- sident, was just as much protected by him. Nothing wes spared to obtain security for such agreat malefactor, and the counsel of govera- ment was desired to commute the punishment of death, to which he had been condemned, into a simple confinement to his own province. At last, however, with great effort it was obtained that he should be on ly confined in a fortress tor ten years. Zamora escaped when the judicial authorities were about to convey him to the ex- ecution of his sentence, for the officer who had him in charge had been designated by the mili- tary commander, who was the creature of an adinistration which openly exerted itself in order to save the guilty person, Already the above events had sown the seeds of discontent among great numbers of citizens, and all those of any estimation, when they saw that General Monagas was the decided protector of all those who had been concerned in the re- volution of 1846, or who had lent their aid and co-operation in committing the crimes which had distinguished it THE BRITISH MINISTRY. A notable and remarkable fact ought to be mentioned here. Colonel Wilson, Charge d’Af- faires of her Britannic majesty at Venezuela,was the intimate friend of Guzman; the same who had been condetaued to death. He was on visit- ing terms with him, and kept up the closest re- lotions of friendship with him ; and both him- ministration, and favoring that faction who, on repeated occasions, have attempted to usurp the control of the gevernment by force. In 1835 the President was arrested and sent away to the Island of St. Thomas, by the same faction which are now in power, and the poli- tical offenders on that occasion, have been called to office as a reward for their former treasonable acts against the legitimate government. Morino was at the head of that party; he was banished for life, but restored to his country after an ab- sence of eight years, and now restored to the command of the troops. Monagas headed a con- siderable force on that occasion. General Paez, the Napoleon of Venezuela, promptly marched to the province of Barcelona, where Monagas was encamped, and pitched his tents on a large hato (cattle farm) of Monagas, and the troops wer~ ordered to kill and cut. ~ Monagas could not long stand this military charge and blood- shed; he sent his Senora to Paez, as his mims- ter plenipotentiary to treat for peace. Paez stip- ulated to allow his adversary to retain his rank, to deliver up his erms, disperse his men and pay the expense of the expedition. This Moneges agreed to, and the war was concluded. | Gen. Paez is the only man the party in power are afraid of; he is a host in hi . Inthe war of the revolution it was estimated that he killed one hundred men, with his own spear, in one battle. . The mail from Caracas was interdicted yes- terday, but rumor states that Paez is marching upon the capital with 1500 lancers. Gentlemen from Caracas state that all the troops evacuated the capital yesterday. The oligarchy represen- tatives in Congress (as they are calied) have a majority, and it appears it was their object to prefer churges againt the President for uncon- stitutional acts, and thereby to suspend him for his constitutional term of office. This act led to violence in the House. Troops burst in and fired upon the members, and several were killed. The President pretends this vioient measure was without his authority; but it is be- lieved it did not take place without his know- ledge and private instruction. Anembargo was immediately ordered at this port to prevent any vessel sailing, which was kept in force two days. As I shall proceed to the capital this day, I will defer aturther ac- count until I can make personal inquiry into ali the facts of this political movement, when you will hear from me again. The public treasury is without a dollar, and the National Bank and party opposed to the government refase to loan a dollar. Money. is now worth from three to five per cent per month in the capital. The ob- ject seems to be to embarrass the present ad- ministration as much possible. AMERICANUS. A Brief Statement of Facts and Consideration, relative to the Assassination of several Members and Coercion of the Congress of Venezuela, on the 24th, and subsequent days of January, 1848, prepared bya member of Congress, whose life was miraculously saved, for publication inthe United States, written in a dark room amidst the confusion and excitement of the scenes de- scribed, and whilst his pursuers were seeking to compel his attendance again in Congress Gengrat Jose Tapzo Monacas was inan- urated President of the Rupublic on the Ist ay of March, 1847. He owed this honor ex- ciustvely to the recommendations of General Paez. Nothing whatever had rendered his lite illustrious, nor has he ever had any note as a soldier, never having been known, except it be for the wealth he has acquired, not by industry or labor, but by the spoliations which, during the irregularities of the war of independence, were impossible to be avoided. The proclamations which he address- ed as under officer to the People, in order to re- press the commotions which took place at that period, and the political principles which he rave out in his private letters, obtained for him bio votes of the electoral colleges in the pro- vinees most devoted to General Paez. No other candidate of any other party having been presented by the above mentioned colleges, the present Congress, composed of the same mem- bers of which it consists at this moment, per- fected the election by more than two-thirds of its votes. rage He commenced his administration by sur- rounding himself with men who stood high in public opinion, aud who were illustrious, having the reputation of being patriots. THE MINISTRY OF MARCH. The office of Minister of the Interior and of Justice (or Seeretary of Stute) was given in charge of Dn. Angel Quintero. To Sa. Miguel Herrara was committed the ministry of Foreiga Affurs. The ministry of War and of the Navy was entrusted to General Jose Maria Carrero. ‘The administration thus constituted, proceed- ed in its course with regularity, but General onagas very soon exhibited symptoms of not being satisfied with this order of things, 80 that by the month of May a separation and a change in the constitution o/ the ministry was already 4 thing resolved upon. ‘The minister, Herrara, firat gave in his resignation from motives ot deli- cacy. Atthe same ume, Sen. Quintero sent in his resignation, because that Colonel Jose Felix Blanco had been given asa colleague to hin without his consent and without consulting him, a man who had borne arms in the war ot inde- pendence, but of a morose and repulsive cherac- ter, and destitute of all those acquiremenis end that knowledge of finance which would render bim fit for the offiee confided to him. Lastly, General Carrero sent in his resignation also, be- cause the President had determined to commute the punishment of death in favor of Gazman, a punishment which hed been pronounced oa him by the tribunals at bis trial for a conspiracy, which bad been ehtered into the year betore.— Not being able to agree with such measures, he saw himself uoder the necessity of resigning his ministr THE NEW MINISTRY. Dr. Tomas Jose Sanubria was appointed Minis- ter of Justice, Colonel Blanco obtained the Min- istry of Foreign Affairs, Colonel Francisco Me- gia, an obscure military man, was appointed Minister of War. It is nee Ty to say that these several nominations could not be consi- dered stable, and yet eVen_ so little was it to be foreseen thatthe public affairs would tuke the course they did under such an administration. The ministry proceeded to conter several offi- ces created by the Legislature of ’47, in open op- Position to its views, upon isthe who belong- ed to the party which had elevated General Mo- nagas to the Presidency. It is without doubt self, as well as his dependents, friends, and as- sociates, always showed that they joined in de- cided co-operation with the same Guzman, The boldaess and effrontery of Colonel Wilson at- tained to such a pitch, that the government of General Soublette, in spite of its singular weak- ness and timidity, had been under the necessity of requesting his recall by the British govera- ment The new administration of Monagas, notwith- standing that the month of March administra- tion had asked for the recall of this English minieter, Was now composed of men who were decidedly favorable to this personage ; and not only did not require his recall, but, contrary to the national interests, withdrew the complaint against him. HOSTILE PREPARATIONS. According to the course now pursued by the President, and the march of public af- fairs uader his conduct, after having dar ingly separated himself from the Supreme Parliament, and from the Provincial Depu- tations ; after giving to the laws and constitu- tion an interpretation and a practical application contrary to their meaning—the President next di- rected his attention, to the great surprise of all good citizens, to the organization of militias of reserve, to be composed of miserable creatures, destitute of the means of providing arms and unitorms, as compared with the active militia, which, according to law, are composed of per- sons able to furnish both these necessaries, bein; therefore naturally persoas of some means an responsthilitv. Above all, in order to armave-at the accomplishment of the evil purpose which was contemplated, and at deeds of a still. worse character, he proceeded to disarm the active mi- litia, on pretence of the greater activity and dili- gence of the new reserve which took their place, and over which he appointed chiefs and officers who were either favorers, or else instigators, or pers who had bees compromised in the late sedition. The danger of the republic, the con- sternation of all men, continued thus to go on, rapidly increasing, till at length the opposition gathered such force as to become most violent and embittered. In this manner things were be- ing driven to extremitias. VIOLATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION. With the object of strengthening himself in his plans, the President did not nominate go- vernors for Caracas or for Carabobo, from among the names presented by the provincial deputations, eet to the provisions of the constitution, by which they are secured in their municipal independence; but instead of that, he appointed, under various miserable pretexts, men who were prepared to obey him as fis blind and servile instruments. He constructed the ad- ministration by such nominations as these, with the sole object in view of putting down every impediment which might be offered to his de- signs, and that he might be able to tyrannize over his country with more complete security. i HOPES IN THR CONGRESS. After so many, so great, such reiterated, mis- doings, which cannot posstbly be all related at this moment of conflict, no other resource was now left in order to make the perverted admin- istration re-enter upon its course of duty, but thet of seeking a remedy from the Congress which was to assemble on the 20th of January last. The evil, however, seemed to be incurable, from the military measures and precautions openly taken by the government. Also, the neighboring tates had been constantly instigated by false representations and descriptions, ursing and pre- paring them to be disposed to support the Pre- sident at all costs, and at rll events, represent- ing that the Congress, notwithstanding its popu- lar organization, was composed of men who were the seum of ali the provinces, aad who were the blind instruments of a party which was an enemy to the country and to its liberties. THE 20TH OF JANUARY. The 20th of January arrived at length under the rule of the above described feartul and la mentable circumstances; a day of fears for the administration, as well as of general anxiety and alarm for the whole republic. But, unfortu- nately, the authority of Congress was inade- quate to produce any salutary influence. We, “| sion, upon the dismissal ot the Secretary and of the individuals who, for the sake of the eharac- ter of our national employment, feit bound to accept the danger before us, and to offer our- selves up crifice, came to the meeting. We came, indeed, but prepared to fulfil our mis- sion, secretly conscious of the risks we were running, and also of the fact, that we ran them ia Vain as to any real hope of saving our country. ‘THE INSCALLING OF THE CONGRESS. The President of the republic, without having any enemy before him, yet made bis prepara- tions for war by having a large army ready at the tnastalling of the Congress, on the 22d instant. A constitutional quorum was present. The first measure was, to agree, in secret ses- the official head (or Speaker) of the Chamber of Representatives, because they had behaved badly im their situations and were persous lying under deep suspicions, Atterwards, in the neat day’s session, n conformity with act 75 of the consi- tution, not considering themselves in safety, and able, according to the constitution, to exercise their legislative functions with freedom, and believing that the proper security would not be paid by them in the expital, it was resolved, in pursuaace of Article 74 of the Constitution, to transler the session of Congress to Porto Cabello MEASURES OF SECURITY. The President of the Chamber, in pursa- ance of the powers iavested in him, nominated Colouel William Smith to guard the Houses of Congress, during their cession, orderimg that, with such @ number of citizens as he might judge necessary, he should provide for the safety and security of the legislative body ; and that he should require from the President Executive the arms Which might be necessary. Butte adimia- istration, already determined to stifle all liverty of speech, retused, on various frivilons pretexis, to supply any kind of arms, whatever, trom the arsenals; and, on the very same eveuing, the 23d inst., gave intimation of having dissolved the smull guard which had been appointed for the Chambers, SKSS(ONS OF THE 2471 On the motning of the 24th, the reports of the ministers to the President of the Chamber were considered in an extraordinary sitting ; and the fest what the criminal intention of the executive was. MRSSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT. At half-past 2 o’clock in the afternoon, the Se- cretary of State pregented to the Chambers the message of the President. But as the danger at or moment seemed to be greater, and thre had been used to induce the members to hear thle communication to be made by the minister, in derogation of the fundamental rights and privi- leges of the Chamber, it was proposed by. one of the deputies and agreed to immediately, that while the Secretary of State should remain on the spot, enquiries should be made of the other branches of the Executive for information as to what measures had been adopted for the public security, which ought, under such eir- cumstances, to be taken, and which had already been demanded to be taken, &c. At this moment it was easy to see that some fatal catastrophe was at hand, by the deadly pale- ness of the face of the Secretary of State, who hus forced to remain in the room without having been able to utter a word. ASSASSINATION OF THE CONGRESS. The message of the President was now read. This solemn document, from the chief of the administration, offered to Congress greater se- curities tor the free exercise of its functions. At this moment, while all remained calmed, and each one seemed as if possessed, for himself, ot apledge of personal security—scarcely hed the reading of the message been completed, when several bodies of the militia of reserve began to present themselves at the doora of the hous where the session was holding, and immedi- ately fired upon a small guard of ten or twelve young men of distinguished iamilies, who were ceping guard at the entrance of the place. Col. Smith was wounded, and one of the young men killed by this fire; yet, notwithstanding, they succeeded in fastening the door. | : It isto be remarked here, that in this bloody scene there was not in the chamber, thus deliv- ed up to be assassinated, a single member pre- sent of those who were avowed ministerial mem- bers. The House of Sessions was completely in- vaded by the troops at the disposition of the go- vernment, and the whole interior wastaken pos- session of, and their cruelty was carried to such a pitch as even to fire upon the spectators, who were on the roof. Many persons, the major part of them, however, of youthful age, took refuge within the room of the seasions; and during all this time, the greatest coolness and serenity were manifested by the members, who then, at that instant, raised a shout of “ Hurra for the constitution.” This at his last hour, when each one saw death to be inevitable They called for ‘order’ at different times, in the midst of the confusion, but the strangers present among them, rendered it impossible to maintain order. Some individuals, two of whom I know, bearing the character of emissa- ries from the President, went about, protesting and proffering complete security and safety for those who would be williag to withdraw. Those, however, who trusted to this assurance, when out of doors, met with insult and treachery, instead of protection. Many, however, were able to escape from ihe numerous crowd of assas- sins armed by the government, and thirsting tor human blood. j : On this mournful day, which indignant his- tory will relate with horror, died the following persons :—The Hon, Jose Antonio Salus, deputy rom Maracaibo; Joan Garcia and Francisco Argote, deputies from Caracas ; the Hoa, Santos Michelena was wounded bya lance, Besides these, many others received many bruises, with- out counting persons who did not belong to the legislative body, who were killed. i In this scene of bloodshed, the President of the Republic, showed himself triamphing in the scene. He was posted in the small square ot the building in a place of security, and caused those deputies who suppliecated for their lives, to be conducted to the government mansion instead of permitting them to withdraw to their own homes. THE ENGLISH EMBASSY. A man of fatal influence in the mistortunes ot our country, appeared at the end of these scenes above described. It was Colonel Wilson, who went arm in arm with one of the assassins, Ge- neral Diego O’Hara. All the conspirators were continually going in and coming out at the house of the British Embassy, viz: the Generels Monugas, O'Hara, and Santiago Marino ; Colonels Lugo and Austria, and to these was joined one of the most wicked of them all, namely, Dr. Thomas Joseph Sanabria, a fierce and treacherous man, and an implacable enemy of his country. Colo- nel Wilson received them all with great famili- arity ; with some of them he held secret coafer- ences, which doubtless could not have been con- ferences upon harmless subjects. Great noto- riety marked out this conduct of a man ungrate- ful for the hospitalities he has received, and one of those who has the chief hand in the misfor- tunes of our country. A DECREF OF TRIUMPH. The perfidious and infamous administration obtained immediately the means of doing honor to its crimes, having reconstructed the Congress by force, leaving to the members no other re- source but either to verify their powers, or be- come victims, gtogether with the whole city. Surrounded with troops and bayonets on all sides, they were obliged either to die or help to carry out the criminal intentions of the adminis- tration. Under these constraints, they passed a decree of indemnity and indulgence for all the crimes of the conspiracy. By this same decree, the President is authorized to raise an army ot 10,000 men, also to contract for a loan of a mu- lion of dollars; and within the next ninety days, to arrest individuals for conspiracy, in order thereby to enable the government to escape the indignation of those generous souls who, being friends of their country and its laws, would oth- erwise have risen up to punish crime and vindicate society from outrage, ferocity, and barbarity. THE GOVERNMENT OF FORCE. Congress is now a prey to the most uncontrol- led violence, its acts are consequently invalid, and of no obligation. Even those members who have taken refuge in tne legations of France and of the United States, have been threatened, if they do not appear to form a quorum in the sessions. There is no free communication with any place, and Caracas 1s, at this day, absolute- ly subjected to brutal force. With equal viola- tion of the constitution, and of tr 8, the ports have been closed as well to foreiga, us to national vessels. The consternation throughout the capital has been profound and immense. All the families of any distinction, and even those of middle rank, wish to leave the territory, and escape trom the horrors of the present administration Never, no never, has any ple ever been a wit- ness of so much cruelty and tyranny. Some deputies, neverthe!ess, have preferred running every risk rather than to agree to give the color of the law to the scaudalous deeds and to the atrocities of Genera! Monogas The Senate and Chamber of Representatives of the Republic of Venezuela, in Congres assembled, having copridered the me of the Exsontive power, ia whiob, after niaking @ representation of the notual state | of the Republic, he solicita extraordinary authority for the object of preserving peace sod public order, resoive : The President executive is authorized, Art. 1 To callinto service as many a4 10,000 men of the national militia Art. 2, To negotiate, by wey of loan, the sum of one miiiion of dollars, provided the ordinary revenue shouid not bs eufflofent to cover the expenses, Art 3 To employ the powers given by section 8, arti ole 113, of the constitution, during the space ot #0 daya; and Art. 4. To grant » general pardon or amnesty of all political sets or offences cormmittet posterior to the passing of the constitution of 1880, and such others, both general aud particular, which may enter without the time of (he sald 90 days. Given, ko. Signed, &o. T. J SANAVRIA. JOS% TADEO MONAGAS President of the Republic of Venezutla, §e., $e. $e By virtue of the authority given uuto me by Congress, by its resolution of the present date, it is deoreed, Art 1 A general amnesty is granted for all politioal acts or off-nees committed since the reception of the constitution of 1830 to this day, Art 2 By force of the present amnesty, all those who ow boring under any penalty for the aforesaid acts or offences, shall be lefc at pe liberty toreturn to their homes, or to proceed i¢ may oult them Ao tions now pending against them ehall be dropped, and no fresh ones shall be able to be instituted against them Art. 3 The Secretary of State is charged with the exesution of this decree. Given, confirmed under my hand ; sealed with the seal of the Executive power, and oountersignad by the Seoretary of State, ar Carkony this, 97(h of January, 1443. in the 19th year of the Law, and the 38th year of Indepen lence. JOSE T MONAGAS a ‘Tomas Jose Sanavata Matements end Measures proposed, contained in these reports, Were approved, without debate The jorning session was terminated at 10 o'clock ; and when the Chamber met again, at 12 o’clock, @ great crisis. was threateving the city ; fot, ever since the night before, the troops of the reserve militia had been made to enter the city, and every thing made palpably mani- By 8. This isa copy. Saw RIA. We are indebted to e gentlemen of this city for |, the following extracts from a letter dated iaite Wwe Ursin, cy and power. Tn 1846, one of these parties, the oligarchy (olegarginia) by unscrupulous !aws and improper means, succeeded in gaining the elections for President, and appointed a very wealthy, highly honorable and patriotie man, one of the chiefs of the war of independence Gen, Jove Tadeo Monagas. reely had he as- sumed the reing of government before he saw in to and opposed the ambitions views of the per- sons who, by intrigue, had placed him in the Previdential chair, fully confiding in being able to make him the passive instrament of their fue ture plans for personal agerandizement; but thia worthy men, inthe interests of the fr edom ot the country and of his owa honor, mice up his mind to do justice to the people, and c naequent- ly became the father and pretector o! the liberal party. A fection having been forme in the Con- gress by a few of the most turbuleni and restlese spirits, then succeeded ia drawing over a tnajo- rity to support their plans in the chambers of repra- sentatives forth» deposal of the President and the removal of the Congress to Paerto Cabello. This unprecedented and highly imprudeat measure so exasperated the peoplt thatafter having been join- ed by some faur oz five thousaod or more, who came into the city from the neighboring country, a fev of them inade an attack upon the Chamber of Representatives and shot seven of their num- This, as you may suppose, caused great ex- citement in the city, so much go that for the space of two or three honrs we all expected tl there would bea frightiul scene of bloodshed ; but to the honor of these people be it sid, not the slightest disorder bas taken place in the city; no one individual has been insulted, nor even a robbery the most insignificant committed. These brave people have only contended tor their rights as freemen, and to pat down a faction which, if successful, would have been fatal tothe peace of the country. This object being gained, they are now prepared to retire to their homes quietly, and [feel confident that we will not b involved ina civil war, for the blow that has been struck has put down the oligarchy perhaps forever. This is the ectunl state of the country, he attack upon the Congress having taken place onthe 24th inet. Caracas, 28th January, 1848. In my letter of 26:h, I gave you some account of the political stdte of the country, and now 1 add these few lines in elucidation thereof. It appears that the attack which was made on the Chamber of Representatives, by the people and militia, was provoked by a variety of cir- cumstances. In the first place, some 200 of the young men of the city had armed themselves, and gone to the convent of St. Francia, in which the Congress was assembled, with the object 0 supporting the faction which was desirous of deposing the President. On the 24th, in the morning, Tomas Jose Sanavnia, the minister for the home department, went to the chamber with the President’s m , when two of the faction threatened to take his life—one of them drawing a dirk, and the other presenting a pistol at him Upon this being known in the street, the peo- ple and a part of the armed militia advanced to the door of the Congress, when one of the par- ties from withia fired and shot down one of the people, which so provoked chem that a genetal attack was made upoa the Chamber of Repre- sentatives, with the resulc already stated. — T President, military chiefs, and civil au- thorities, immediately rushed to the scene of strife, and by their energy and resolution saved the lives of hundreds of persons. Oa the following day, 25ch, he Congress assembled again as usual, and passed a general amnesty for all political crimes and offences com- mitted since the year 1930, which being pub- lished on the 27th instant, has restored confi- dence and order throughout the city and the i ees country. I believe [evn with safety assure you, that we hall not be involved in a civil war, for more than 15-16ths of the whole country are in favor ot General Menagas, and resolved in supporting him The oligarchy is, in my opinion, down forever, at least for many years. There are, however, a few individuals who think that General Paez will lead himself to a revolution against the goverament; but those who know him well, are conviaced that he will never tarnish his glories by taking arins against the government. [le is at present ia the iaterior of the country, If he should, however, be so imprudest as to take up arms against the go- varnment, there is little doubt his falfwill be iim evitable. I send you a copy of the general amneaty, and the President’s address to the people. JOSE TADEO MONAGAS, General of Division of the Armirs of Venezuela, and President of the fe. Go, He. Venenvelans! [received the government of the repub- lio when is was devouced by civil war, and ® conoilia- ting and humane policy has res!ored (be country to the Dleanings of peace and order = Wohile | was rejoicing Im the hope that ile advancament aod happiness of my countrymen would be promoted odor the protection of var liberal institacions, the horri( monster of discord again appeared at the very doors oi the sanetuary of te laws, threatentug to rain ali. Bu oe, who has not forsaken Venegurla, stretched o teeting hand, end—the republic lives ! Ite ea remain, and ail our social wdvantuges—tho bi. glory of the nation are sxcrad. Venezuelans! Render blessings upon the National Congross—ithas anyed you from the civil war which was about tocrush and destroy yon An august act of ceooncilistion—a noble inspiration of the most fervent vatriotism, reatores to all of you the happy name of bro thers. Misfortune to those who would destroy this werated work which God’ himself has inspired into the fathers of the country, and which the exreutive power sopporte stains! Venesuelans! Listen to the voice of the government and of your fellow-countryman, who ved to ee orifice Bis life, to secare for ever your py and your happiness. A eecond time, | repeat to you, cease to look upoo one another as enemies, the government is the father of all. and looksupoo an4 protects all Let there be no longer any but Venesneians, friends and bro- thers Nothing but coaord, nothing but mutual confidence, own reader us great, respectable, and prosperous. Let us all work togetver for the common good, sacrificing our passions upon the altar of our country. Let us not ex- hibit to the world the digraceful scandal of a free peo- yl not capable of enjoying toe invalusble blessings whioh it has conquered for itself by heroic sacrifices. Follow countrymen! The government has dis;layed all its power to put dowa the attempt to disturb the pub- lic order. | protent to yon, that duriog my administra- tion. the rights aad guarentees which the coustitaclonal pact concedes to you. eal be respected. Yes! Ail my coorgies aro diracted to preserve uninjured this sacred code of one libarties by which the public prosparity te ae- oured. Ali my labors are directed to promote the na- tional happiness and greatness under the sacred aegis of the consiitution. This sacred code is my political faith, ond either I will deliver tt uniojared into the hands of my successor, by tho ald and with the oo-opeFation of the people, or else I will Dury myself with it under the ruins of the country. JOSE TADEO MONAGAS. Canacas, Jon. 27th, 1845, 19th year of the Lay, aud 38th year of Independence tepublic, Avmost a Fatau Accivent To Henry Cray.— The sage ot Ashland came near meeting with # fatal accident on Thursday oventee Our readers ara aware that he is a guest of Mayor Swift. After he re- tired Co reat, on the evening lidded to, the servant who waits upon him, inatead of stopping off the gas tu the usual way, blew it out and then left the room. Thingr remained ja this state until near daylight, worthy Mayor was ned by an unsuifer ofgas. He got up, di himeetf, aad his fiewt thoagbt was to proceed to the room of Mr. Clay, to seo if all was He» opened the door, the room was #0 gas, that it was with di ity he rashed to wad raised it, #0 as condmi: sourrent of fresh air. With terror, he glanced towards tha bed. The closhea whioh covered bis digtinguiahed guest moved slightly. The alarmed Mayor took courace, and #x- olaimed :~* Mr, Clay Mr. + ley--are you al ray old fetend, and wever felt vocter in my Ih delphia Butietin, Feb 36th Morep Deata or tae How. S. 8. Prantiss. ntleman froin New Orleans reports that Hognished orator was killed in a duel mens Now “ @ evening (late) was young Mr. Irviag son of the Hon. H Clay It was caused by some ex- pression used by Mr. Prentiss. in @ spocoh at the ber, in reference to young Ixvine’s father. Woe trust {t is ail foins, though we fewr its truth, from the fect thet it was stated, a fow days sinos, that a diffeulty. as mentioned re had taken place betwoon the parcies. Memphis inquirer Deatn or Jupeg Campsety, or Tenn _ Judge Geo: W. Campbeil, ot Nastiviite, 4 died on the 18th inst. ‘I'he deceased bad ovoupied sept: in each house Of Congress, was chairman of the most important comuaitiees in the House daring Mr Jeffer- son's administration, and wa chairman of the com- inittes on military affairs iu the Seuste when war was Caracas, 26th Jan. 1848, For several years past shere have been two partiesin this country conttnding for ascendan- 4 deolored He was also Seor of the Treasury under Mr. Madipon, and was afterwards 9) pointed Minisier to Russia Me. Monroe He wer, a the time of hig eatb, seven: y-nine years of age.