The New York Herald Newspaper, February 14, 1849, Page 1

a MORNING EDITION----WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1849.’ TWO CENTS. TRIRTIKTA CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION. jon of the negro question expected. Pt Jourpal of Saturdey last. Petitions, resolutions, re- CIVIL AND DIPLOMATIC AFPRO! Ns. On motion of Mr. Atnexton, the Senate took up ‘the bi)l making the annual appropriations for the sup- pert of the civil and diplomatic departments of the jovernment. The amendments reported from the ommittee on Finance..were read by Mr. Atherton, and agreed to asin Committee of the Whole. FLOGGING IN THE Wavy. One of the amendments agreed to, asin committees, was to strike out the proviso of the House which aboltshes flogging in the navy Mr. Hale moved that the Senate do net ooncur with thin agreement of the committee. He wished this proviso retaiond. which directs tbat the Secretary of the Navy shali publish ancrder abolirhing flogging in the service; that the endmént striking itont be not concurred in. He phealed strongly for the extinguishment of this brutal practice of flogging in the navy. Mr. Baocen ditaporoved of the pro. ‘the punishment of flogging in the ni Ua- Jess we wich to rite the whole diseipiioe and regu- lath pect the yin bloed, andto punish the most trititog cff-nces with death, we must retain this em of punishment, They who would abolivh it, [ pretend. are led away by a mirguided philanthropy. Toe officers ot the service are opposed to its abolition ‘and the bert men in the service do not desire to see this ceapores! punishment done away. The prantics ‘Ded txtted from the creation of the navy, and any charge contemplated ought to receive, at least, the most mature convideration, Better expendin reckless extravegavcs twenty millions of dollars, than to abo. lich a practice so important to the discipline of the fervice, without that full deliberation watch the inno- vation demand!, ‘The change proposed would ba un- equal. and unjust, and incongruous in its operations, from its imperiections It accomplished nothing in joint of fact; for while it directed one order to be Teaya abolishing flogging in the service, it left all the exirtirg Jaws still in force. Mr Hatn, to obviate this last objection, moved to strike cut the provieo, and to insert in liew of it: Aad hrovided. that ail laws and parts of laws heretofore in force sutboriring the punishment of flogging in the Davy, and the same are hereby repealed, Mr. Hare eaid, this plea of antiquity, in support of this practice of whipping. was the plea against every Teform cf every abuse in the world, from the days of Adsm But a system which is hosry headed—which has nothing but the cobwebs of age to recommend it— comes with a bad grace for our sapport. The Senator from North Carolina suys we cannot abolioh this prac- tice unless we wish to re-write the discipline of the rervice in letters of blood, Why, eir, it is oaly in let ters of blood that this relic of barbarism and barbarity is continued If the official reports of the service be true of the floggings administered on board the abips of the United States, then, sir, there is a stream of living blood flowing from the backs of American sailors, from the first day of January to the last day of De- cember. It ie a matter of fact, that this punishment bas been carriod even to the extent of taking life. not in one but in several instances. Great as has been the glory of our navy, I would give it up, if, by 10 doing, the records of this bloody punish: went oo: Jd be obliterated. There are other means of ditc'pline ond obedience than this brutal praotice of the cat-o’nine-tails The founder of the State of Pepnrylvania had tried the experiment of humanity with the aborigines, and it had succeeded beyond his mort sanguine expectations. Doubtless in the experl- ment he was laughed to scorn, under the idea that only blcodshed and 'nstruments Of destruction could De successful. It was bigh time that the sailors of our Davy, whore busin: it was to protect our commerce, andextend its opera’ions in al! quarters of the world, should be exempted from this barbarous, degrading. and huwiliating punishment. Let us try the experiment of humanity ; we have tried the syctem of brutality and degradation ; let us try that of civilized usage, and fee if the ealior has not something of the common feelings ofa wan in bis bosom. He denied that raflors desired this degradation. He believed the officers of the American Navy were uot only a brave and intelll- gent, but a generous bedy of men ; but where arbi- trary power was allowed, it would be abused, and this was an arbitrary power which led to the worst abuses. This odious practice of flogging was well caloulated to roduce mutiny, and it wasa system so repulsive to the feelings of a man, that it ought to produce mutiny. Mr ATHERTON ed a question of order, and after fome conversation upon it, Mr. Hae agreed to with- draw his motion to strike out and insert, until the question was taken first simply on striking out the pro- vino of the House. Mr. Bavcer persisted that unless the opponents of the practice of flogging could show that the power was unnecessary. and that the object of discipline could be obtained by otber means. the proposition to abolish it was worre than a nullit ssoms ought to be given, pecaure mere rhetorical declamation and exaggeration ‘was calculated to do injury to the character of the ser- vice. He hoped the Senstor from New Hampshirs would reconsider and, retract that expression that the punishment of flogging ought te produce mutiny, be esure euch a declaration froma Senator in his place was calculated to encourage mutiny, and if mutiny should grow out of it, the Sevator might be held re- sponrible to bis conscience for the consequences, Mr. Badger argued that the punishment of flogging could only affect bad men in the service; the good and obedient were protected by the practice, rather thas sufferers from it. Mr. Hace contended that there was no humanity in the cat o’-nine-tails. As tothe truth of hit tements, he referred tothe officialreporte, On board one of our sloope of war,there bad been 900 lashes given in 90 daye —equal to ten Iasbes a day ; and allowing thirty ships to be in commission, it would give average of 300 lasbes every day in the navy of the United States. ‘This would make lood strong enough to lustrate his argume: His statements, therefore, were not mere idle declamation ; no, not idle declamation, but— Mr. Berniex—Rhotorical declamation, Mr. Hate—They were not mere rhetorical deola- Mations, Ani the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Badger) desires me to reconsider and to reweigh my declaration that this barbarous practice ought to produce mutiny. No, sir; one of the first doctrines which { learned was, that resistance to tyranny is obedience to God: and if I had a voice that could reach every sailor in every hold of every ship of the United States, | would thunder it into bis ear that re- sistance to tyranny _is obedience to God. Mr. Hale ntained that neither the example of the British avy, nor its barbarous practice incorporated into our own, would justity the continuance of this arbitrary power of corporeal punishment. Mr. Butven-— Is pot the ropes’ ond applied asa pun- ishment in the merchant service? Mr. He and when we are done with He would not ‘o-nine tails, bad not yet No matter; this thing cannot heard the public voice. stand; your committees may put off, but it goes before the people, ‘and they will cause themselves to be heard. Mr. Yursr (chairman on Naval Affairs) arzued against the amendment A!l the officers and crew of one of the public rhips had petitioned sgeinst the abolition of flogging; aod that was tle only petition from the rervice. He contended that ungil some sub- stitute could be propored, flogging must be con- tinued; that it was nec ry to discipline; that it was limited to the commender, and sufficiently re- strained by law. A Senaron—But the commander oan delegate the wer. my Yurre—No, sit, he cannot delegate it. He is responrible, and must keep a record. It is t Jarbes in ordinary offences, and it is not by the cst-o' nine-tail, bnt by the colt, or ropes’ end. He contend- ed that if the Senator from New Hampshire would car- ry out bis philanthropy he must extend it to the mer- chant service, to schools and to families, in all of which thie practice of fogging prevall Mr. Yulee caused a letter from the secrotsry of the Navy to be read, to the Anal dang ged it would be inexpedient to abolish flogging in the nary. if. y hers desires few words, Mr. President. ‘We have bad an animated discussion on this subject, pd one would think that this was an attack on some one of our valuable institutions—I #ill not say peculiar, put valuable institutions. The Senator from North Carolina bas been rather warm for ® man so generally ool. But, I think, sir, it was Charles Wilkes who said that the worst ure to which you can put a man was to [think the next worst is to flog him. volition of this It is for them to give uns why it should be con- @ found no reason for all have the alternative 0 tinved. ir, if there abolishing this barbarity, ot. abolishing the navy icrelf, if it cannot be aust without this relic of barbarism. He desired tho gover ment to keep pace with society; to try thi ‘experiment of abolishing the whip and the lash; and ¥f 3¢ failed, as be knew it could not fail, then it would be time enough to fall back upon tlis disgraceful pustsbment Mr. Burien thonght that this was « most fearful experiment. In there nothing in the experience of the Engle, French, and Rursian service; nothing in the testimony of our own officers to be regarded ; thi'pg in the lersons of experience? Are weto be controvied by asickly rentimentality—by appeals to the prigudicos of an irresponsible multitude? (We suppose Gr. Butler meant the people.) We shoald not act upon this subject without o full undorstanding. He pleadwat that mese reprimand? and bread and water would not avail naa substitue for the discipline en- foreed by & yrompt punishment of the refractory and disobedient. Me Be E mored to amend the suerte b Ming the : Dotition of flogeing to the navy yards Sea seers stab ‘ons of the United Statos. The men could be punishea’ by imprisowment on shore; but such B& ponisument wo.td notte pr ole st vex = Nor was the tystets of fe ging regarded as a degradation at fea; and it waeafals® philantbrophy which contom- plated itim the lightot @ disgrace to the men Mr. Cravros thought the cave of the ebip in which YOO lashes were adminis, ered was an extraordinary and by no meaun a at. uderd by whieh to jadge the extept of the practice, | The British Admiraity have had this subject under av vitement. end they had eto bit upon no eur titute for the punish. ment of the lash. The practice was. also, one which the experience of our own rerviee had proved to be the most efficient for discipline He was oppesed there- fore, to the amendment. and he would call for the ayos ard noer.end hoped the Senate would give a strong vote against this ill timed innovation. ir Hate-The Senator calls for a strong vote for the cat-o'pine tails And he asks the yeas and nays, , [have called for them long ago. He may rovg host to support him; bat! promise you all, uch stronger one. e days of have gone by. In 49. their fui da monument erected with the HERE LIES THE LAST of the CAT-O'NINKTAILS. Mr. Hace argued that it was too late in the day to it the +xemples of the British government for ministration of punishments. have no It , for the experiment had been tried — red, and they are red enough; but th British hear botthe fe talk, one would think our sailors had that they bad no mothers, but they epewk of them as if incarnate fiends of hell, and as if there referred to a court martial, at which be was present, in which a paval officer hed declared that never should a man be struck with the lash on board bis ship, and he loved that cfiicer for that declaration. Mr. Yurex— Did that officer ever command a ship? Mr. Hark— Yes, sir. mavy of them, Mr. Yuree thought there must be some mistake about it. Mr Hate seid be could give the vame, if it were Proper to do so. (Voices—“ Che name,” ™ the name.”’) Mr. Yucee seked for the name Mr. Hare cealived to give it. The ofoer had made the declaration at a court martial which he (Mr, Hale) bed taken the part of the judge advoon’e, and he teit himself bound not to disclose the offiver’s name, As regarded the extent of the floggings in the ni believed that oll bad not heen teld There wa: tleman bere from New York (Mr. Watson G with nuhmerous petitions for the abolition of flogging, and if we may credit his statements, thers have been not Sale 9¢0, but 2 300 lashes, administered om board a tingle ship, in @ single cruise Mr. Yu.er- If the Senator will allow me, I will show what confidence is to be placed in this man. Mr Harx—Atter [am done. I do not know what confidence ia to be placed in him. He was on!y intro- duced to me the other day; but be brought with him a number of petitions, and they appear to be weil sup- perted | told the man that the House had done their pert, but that the Senate would ba too busy, just now, to altend to any thing of this kind (Ha! Aa! ha!) It was too smal) s matter just at this time. In continua- tion, Vir. Hale cited the care of John Herron, convicted of manrlaugbter in the Mediterranean. and sentenced te 600 Isshes. 400 of which were administered, as proof that the laws of limitation were disregarded on board chip, and that the punishment was at the arbitrary dictation of a commander cr a court marti: Mr. Yuiex remarked that the only petition on this subject from the navy was against the abolition ef flogging. Now, as regards this man from New York, it could be shown that he was not entitled to confiden The Senator from New Hampehire had been abus for the source of his information was not relial From the authority of an offi in the navy, it appe: ed that thie individual from New York had never been assilor inthe navy. He bad served month on board a eurveying verse), as surgeon’s steward, was discharged for drunkenness. Mr. Yulee continued esrnestly 10 plead for the preservation of flogging, as the only means of preserving the discipline of the navy. Mr Pur.rs argued that this important innovation was notin its place in an appropriation bill; but that it ought to be acted upon of itself, and after due con- sideration of the proper committee. Mr Avoustvs Donce asked if whipping was not abolished in the Army? Mr, Catnoun—Y ‘ir, andit has had a peraicous effect Im liew of whipping, the ball and chain bas been eubstituted, which is «| more degrading punish. ment,and Mr. Caihoun contended that it was in- expedient to abolish flogging in the Navy. Mr. Hause suggested that the question on striking cut the Houre proviso directing an order for the abo- litfon of flogging to be irsued, be taken by common content, and that the yeas and nays be taken on his amendment. Agreedto. Proviso stricken out, ‘The question then recurred on Mr. Hale’s amend- ment. for jing all laws inflicting corporeal puaish- ment in the navy, Mr. Dickinson, of the Finance Committee, had con- curred in striking out proviso, and was opposed to thisamendment However much he might be opposed to flogging, an sppropriation bill was not the place for anamendment ofthis kind. That was aradicaiact of legislation. which, by itself, ought to be maturely con- tidered. Besides, the propzsed amendment for abolish- ing corporeal punishment, abolished ail punishment, sor what punishment could be substituted for fogging that was not corporeal ? Mr. Hare smended his amendment so an to read, And provided, that all laws and parts of laws autho- rizing the infliction of the punishment of whipping in vhe navy ef the United St: be, and the same are Dereby repealed, of this Mr. Benton suggested that character retarded action upon the appropriation bill and were improper on that account. He was ated to flogging. Among the ancient Romans a citizen ot Rome could not be whipped, and I bel that an American isas goodasa Roman and better than a Roman. By the laws of Rome a citizen could not be scourged—that was reserved for slaves; but forall he thought the amendment was out of piace in a propriation bill. The question resuited 17 to 32, as follows :— endments ¥ Messrs. Alicn. Baldwin. Borland, Bradbary, Cameron, Clark of Mi husette, Dix, Dodge of own. Ham lin, Jon tealfe, Niles, Underweod, Upham, and W: Day a. A therton, Badger, Jor, Caltorn, Clayton, Davis of Wiesinippl, Da Downe, Fitzgerald, Fitepatrick, Foote, Groene, Hannogan, ten, Bonter, Jchneon ef Louisiana, Johnson of Georgis, Mangum, Maton, Miller, Prelps, Rusk, Bebastinn, Spruance, Sturgeon, Tur ‘alee— ndment was rejected. House of Representatives. Wasuinoron, Feb 12, 1849. A NEW DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT. Mr. Vintov, of the Committee of Ways and Means, eaid that it had been a long time since this committee wes called for reports, and, therefore, he moved #» suspension of the rules, that he might make ene, The motion was agreed to, and he reported a bill to estab- lish & de tment of the interior, and for other pur- remarked that the bill contained no appro- not necesrary it should go to {the Whole on the State of the Union. oved that it be made the speoial order for Friday next. The Srraxer—It will require two-thirds. t Mr. Kavraan—I move 10 lay the bill on the table. Mr. Vinton—I ask for the yeas and nays. Mr Kaurm. f this bill o 0 to the Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union, I will with- draw the motion. Mr. Cons. of Georgia —I hope that the gentleman wil withdraw the motien. Iam unwilling to vote to lay upon the table until! knew the character ot the bill. If he will withdraw, I will move to sefer the bill ui he Committee of the Whole on the State of the ‘inion. The Srraxen—The motion to make the bill the special order for Friday, is to postpone until a day certain. Mr. Vinton—This bill kas been recommended by bees Secretary of the Treasury, and is drawn up by im. Mr. Conn—I don’t know the merits of the bill; but itis too late im the session now, fully to consider it. Mr. Vinton— Feed pa ies yn knows that if this bill be committed there will be an end of it. There is no special order for Frida; eunoreni of Arkai i—I ask for the reading o the 5 Mr. Conn—The reason given by the gentleman to make this bill a epecial order, is the best reason fer not making St eo, Wo ovght not to be called on, at this late day, to act on this measure without the estigation which we should give it. I hope that the bill will be referred to the Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union. The Srraxen—Gentlemen will take their seats. The question js on the rotion of the gentleman from Ohi to postpone the further consideration of the bill un! Frigsy next. Mr Ficxitis—Yeas and nays. (“ Yes! Let's have them !”’ ‘ Question |”? “ question !”’ Mr. Jonnson, of Arkansas—I should like to hear the i TON ave tider the vote by hic the Prerident, on the sul of the treaty with Mexico, was laid upon thi I havea right to oall for it. I vith i" know what disposition has been made of my motion The Sreaxer remarked that the motion was now be- fore the House. The ion was then taken, and the House refused Mr, Stanton asked for # division—that is, a rising to reconsider. vote. Mr. Sreru expressed the hope that the House would reconsider the motion, and asked for the yeas and nays. They were not ordered. Another vote was taken (a “ standing up” one), and the House again refused to reconside: The question now recurred on the motion of Mr, Vinton, to make the bili the speoial order for Friday. The till was read. It enacts that from and after this act, there shall be created a partment of the goverument, to be ot ment of the Interior; head of the depr be called t etary of the Interior, to b ed by the President, b; .4 with the advice tent of the Benat the other 8 Hea ($6,000). The duties of the new officer, wide: jeged question to recon- other day, the massage of \wnt Secretary of the Treneury. My, Waite remarked that, on Fx ‘day last, he tried to offers report from the Committee on Agriculture on the tame subject; but the [Mouse wo Ud not receive it, He would now ask for the privilege “reporting a bill, apd presenting report, and giving tt the vane direction as the bill of the gentleman from O'l0. ibe Sreaxen—It is imporstoie to have two ‘bils be- fore the House et the rame time. Dix, Waite—I eek the privilege of presenting DY repoct, and that the House give it the same direstion as the bill now before us, Mr. Coun. cf Georgia—No objection. The Sreaxen—The bill may be received as a pape" for information, Mr. Wuite—I wish it to take the same direction as the other bil The question was takem on the motion to make Mr. Vinton’s bill ial nays 83 to commit the bill to the State of the Union. present session, ment to day. Every gentleman was acquainted wil tl of the House. They might well sink the bill in the bosom of the ocean, 0 seud it to the Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union, He then entered into an explanation of tas provirions of the bill. thet the House might understand its character and the objaois whioh it proposed to ef- fect. ‘The bill now before them was reported in pursue ance of the recommendation of the Secretary of the Tressury.as copteined im bis annual report on the ttate of the finances, The dill preposes to give adii- tional efficiency to the department now in existance. The Secretary says that the duties of his offive are so onerous, that it isimporsible to carry on business as the public exigencies require. As @ means of relieving the fTrewrury Department of the burdens which are now Iaid on it, the Secretary proposes to take from ita portion of the duties now diecbarged by him, and also take from the other departments duties whioh have from time to time devolved and acoumulated on them, and putthem underthe chargo of In ge 1 terms, the bill takes from the Sectetery of the Treasury the supervisory power over the Geveral Land Office, with all iis clerks, andother functions now discharged in the ireasury Department ; tukesfrom the War Dvpattment the fupervisory power and control over the vast and com- plicated Indian sffaire, sud the Persion office; from the Navy D«partivent, navy pensions; from the State Department. the control over the Patent Office ; the supervicion and control of the public buildings and grounds, the District Penitentiary,%c. Thuse are to to constitute the features of the naw depsrtmens If this bill, he repeated, shall not be engrossed to day, there will be an end of it. To refer it to the Commit- tee of the Whole on the State of the Union, will be to kill it by side blows. Mr. Coxna,ot Georgia, complained that the Houee were to be forced to vote on a bill, contemplating a change of the departments of the government, withoat being allowed a single moment for deliberation. The contusion which prevailed while the gentleman from Ohio addressed the House, utterly precluded others from hearing the tenor of ha argument. He was not dirpered to support a bill of this character on the more recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasary, or because it met the approval of gentlemen on the other side. Why should the bill be hurried through? If it be necesrary to add another oadinet offlcer. why is it that the gentleman has not, uutil this late day, re- porteda bill? Why cid he not report it at an earlier ay? Tho mere fact that another cabinet officer thould be created, is not a sufficient justification for the immediate parrage of the bill, ‘The gentleman from Obio would drive the House to vote while sleeping or dieaming, for members are not to be enlightened on the quertion. Mr Baopurap could not concur in all that was sald by the gentleman from Georgia. He could not think that the complaints against Mr, Vinton were well founded. The gentleman complained because the bill was not brought in during the session. The an- aver to this is, that the Seoretary of Treasury had not then recommended it. If complaint re to he anywhere, it should be to the oth a of the Mr. Brodhead thought that this was a good ig the ression, as it was suggerted in the report of the eretary of the Treasury. He did not care if the bill did create an additional cabinet officer, if the affairs of the country require it, believed that, for want of proper assistance, business could not be tr ted now asit should be, It was his opinion that when the de- mocratic party come into power, as they will, they would be willing to take the office. Mr. Stanton desired further time to look into the bill, The whigs will bave need of it, and more too, to satiefy the many applicants for office. Mr. Pecx wished the bill to be printed, and to have it made a special order. ‘The Srraxen. in reply to a question asked by Mr. Ash- mun, eaid that if the House should refuse to send the bill to the Committee of the Whole, the question would then be on ordering the bill to be engrossed for a third reading. Mr. Wentwortn moved a call of the Houre, but it ‘was not ordered, ‘The House, by yeas 77, mays 109, (not two-thirds) refused to rend the bi lto the Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union; and it ongrosred fora third reading—y. Mr. Vinton moved to reconsider the vote just taken. He consented to let the motion lie over, end the bill was ordered to be printed, to enable the members to look into it Mr. Wuirs, of the Committee om Agriculture, by general consent, presented @ bill and report on the tame zubject, which were also ordered to be printed. SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS. Mr. Smitn, of Connecticut, from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that he had been directed to ask the Houre to make the Senate bill, to carry into effect certain stipulations under the Mexican treaty,» special rdered to be » nays 76. order. It wae bill for appointing commissioners to decide on claims of citizens against Mexico, aad which bad been arrumed by the United States; it ,was highly important that it should be passed during the present lon. was made the special order for Tuesday, the 20th Inetant. SOUTH CAROLINA AND SLAVERY. cx asked leave to present the resolutions egisiature of South Caroli (“No objection,” “no objection,”| He said he knew thet the debate was not silewable. Gentle: would do him the justice to admit, that during the brief perled that he heds seat bere, he bad trespassed but littleon the time of the House. He asked permission to make a few re- marks ‘The Sreaxen raid that if there was no objection, the gentleman would proceed. The Cienx read the resolutions, to the effect that the time for discurs’on on the slavery question is paseed.'and that South Carolina is prepared to co- operate with her sister States in opposltion against the Witmot roviro; and that the vernor transmit a copy ofthe report of the Committee on Federal Rela- tions, to each of the Governors of the several States of the Union, Mr. Co..amer inquired whether the resolutions were parsed by tho Legislature itself, or were they the report of a committer ‘be Crzrx read— by the Houre of Senate for concurr at ta resolutions were passed presentatives, and sent to the ce. om question of order; he asked to know whether debate was in order. The Sreaxen replied, uot without the unanimous content of the Hous Mr. Gippinos—! can’t consent. TheSreaxex—It is too late. [Too late” “too late.” Dies Gissinas2k did not know it. Mr. Waxrace eaid that he rose to present the reso- lutions pasred by the Legislature of South Carolina, in December Jast, with regard to the attempt to exclude elavery from the territory of the United States, He availed bimeelf of the hind indulgence extend«d to him by the Houre, to exprees his cordial concurrence inthe rine! they arrert and the sentiments they express. je oh dto know someth! fe whose ? Ls d ther them here. eulogy which their country: history, in ever: be that he could stand fence of the areembled re; ptatives of the federal Union, and point with patriotic pride to the rocords of history in eupport of the fact that, in every period of their existence, they bave both at ho ip peace and in war. in the cabinet and in given the bigbert evidence which patriots can give 01 their devotion to the constitution, and to pre: serve which they areat. all times ready to lay down tl lives, And he hesitated not to asrert that it was a great error to su; ives bi They thelr due, js rittem on the page of period of fe and is floor, in the pre- jppose that these resolutions were passed without due deliberation, and ins moment f iteme it wae not the result of = mere without sufficlent cause, uid be abandoned the citement died away. grou: the feeling No: there was no excitement. It was due alike truth and candor to say that the people of South Car- will ndon the position assu d: and that they will ne’ ot upon their rights. He de encreac! “the words of truth )berness’’ on the most grave |d important sul ever agitated in thishail. In bis opinion. we ar proaching a momentous conjun ture, involving the very existence of the co: tation under which we live; and he wbo denies this truth is en alien to bis country and an enemy to mankiad,— After a few obrervetions about government, he moved that the resolution be laid on the table and printed. It ‘was so ordered. Mr. Hupson rore to offer # recolution, Mr. Asnmun moved to reconsider the vote just te- ken. He wanted,the first line of the resolutions read. [ Object,” “object ”}, The Sreaxex eaid that the gentleman, if he wished to make a speech, must obtain consent. Mr. Weniwonrn rose to a question of order. The Srraxrn temarked that Mr. Hudson had asked leave to prere Mr. Wentworth remarked that his point was this: The gentleman from Messach ked to make @ as Southern ie lpe d made objection to eadirg of the first line of the lutions. He hoped that the gentleman (Mr. Ashmun) would be permitted to goon, Mr. Hupson Offered his resolution—that the Clerk ti f Gent from the Rey of Mr. Mcrrigon as teourity that be will deliver the books for members under the contr Mr. Stxrnens moved that the House adjourn, but the question war not put. ‘The reeolation was adopted. EXPUNGING PROCESS Mr. Tnoxrcon, of Penweylvania, asked leave to offer along preamble, concluding with a rerolution, to ox- punge from the journal the amendment herstofore adonted, when the resolution of thanks to General Taylor and his compatriots were Ander sideration, declaring that the war with Mexico was “agnesessari- ly and upoonstitutionally began by the President,” j Like General eulogy from him. The | broad, field, | He arked for the yeas nays on the suspension of the rules; pending which motion, the House, by a vote of yeas 63, 0 58, adjourned Batrimore, Feb. 13, 1649. The Prize Fighters—The Offended Miyeaty of | Marviand—City Appointments—General Tuy- lor’s Fumtly— Office Seekers, §c. There is as much general anxiety 1n this city to getasight of Hyer as there is of Gen. Taylor, and as he will probably be on to day, an immense concourse will be im attendance. Almost every one has seen Sullivan; but Hyer did not show him- self in the city during the time he was training. The fact of their fighting in the State whilst the authorities were in pursuit of them, thus defying the majesty of the Commonwealth, will cause the tull extent of the law to be meted out to them. The Herald of Saturday contains the only report of the great prize fight that could be called a re- port, that has yetreached this city. ‘Taylor's pe- riodical establishment was threnged by persons anxious to precvre copies, throughout the day. The regular etty appommtments by the Mayor of Baltimore are to be made this week, avd there is great quaking among the “ins” and ‘outs ” Taylor, he has made no promises, thongh it is generally expect- ed that “rotation” will be the order of the day. The old gentleman has recently joined the “Rechabites,” “Odd Flows,” “ Sons of Tem- | perance,” and ‘United Brothers,” and the ex- pectants have also flocked to the same shrine, in the hepes of obtaining favor. However, he is a ood old fellow—a perfect ‘ Jesse Rural,” and as fie never heard a man speak an ill word of ovr worthy Mayor, I doubt not that in the matter of appointments he will gtve general sarisfaction, The Collectorship is to go_to Col. Sanderson; Migh Constable to Lieut. Myers; Health Com- mistioner to Dr. J. F. C. Hadel; Jinney Mullen isto give up the Home Squadron. Mr. Graves willretive from the Registry; and in short, there will be a general overturning of all the machinery which has hitherto governed our city appoint: ments. The Colonel seems to be going on his own hock entirely, and has taken no one into his counsels. A large number of the leadinz friends of Gen. Taylor, have paid their respects to Mrs. Taylor, as also to Colonel Bliss and Jady, by a short visit; but J observe that the gentry who are looking for office stick like leeches to Col. Bliss. City Intelligeuce. Sr, Varertine’s Day.—Well, St. Valentine’s day Pascome round again, and columns will agein be written to mystify people upon the subject of tho name of the worthy saint, or the day of his birth being connected with the sending of love missions from every bedy to every body else, The why or wherefore is, as | yet, an uxsolved problem, St. Valentine was, un- doubtedly, a very worthy saint, and an excellent Mehep, and there isno doubt that he brought down | upon his worthy bead the wrath of the Emperor Clau- dius, who had him barbarously exeouted because of his uncompromising devotion and fidelity to the Chris- tian religion. It may be that this fidelity of Valen- tine’s suggested to the aweins of early times the idea of selecting this dey to declare their fidelity to their mis. tresses, Not the church, but the hundred and odd pounds of female flesh, blood, bone and beauty, with which they poetically arsumed te bo as greatly ena- mored as Bishop Valentine was with his mistress, the church, In old English days, we believe, it usod to be the custom for young ladies to claim as thei® Valentine for the ensuin; t, the young gentloman whom they chanced to meet first on Valentine’s day, or else the young ceuntry gallants of those timos claimed to be the Valentine of the young lady whom they first encountere: nd there were forfeitures to be exacted in care of non-compliance with the law of custom. Whichever way it was, we have no doubt that the young Valentines, our grand-papas, managed to be met by their favorites ; or if it lay with our grand- mamas to mabe the exactions, we bave less doubt that they 60 arranged matters to be met by the young fel- lows at whose hands they were particularly desirous of receiving favers for a twelvemonth. Bat old ous. toms, like all ether old things, are changed for new, and, from one step to another, the celebration of the dey has gone on improving, or degenerating, until it is now come to be looked upon with greater favor by print rellers and penny postmen than by any other clars of the community. And these werthy citizens manage the first class by gevting up at- tractive prints, and the others by establishing special deliveries on the day, to eell off and despatch scores of thourands ef little billet dour and large car: with burbels of nopsensical trash, and large queatities of fulsome, and even obscene ditto. The t gove on increasing regularly, from year to bas come to be enormous. The day is looked for by y of our young ladies with as much anxiety as ia New Year festi Fortunes are invested in pre- sg and printing the little missives, which aro sold fir all prices, from a penny to $150, The mort extensive business is done in vile colored carri- cature prints, which are carefully boughtand directed by some malicious bipede, to females whose feelings td hope to wound, or, on the other hand, by young ladies who mischievously desire to perpetrate a joke at the expense of some of their male acquaintances, This businers would all be very well, {f done in a decent and good natured way; but it is not so conducted. Numerous instances have been known where young ladies have been wounded to the quick by the receipt of offensive “ Valentines,” and the records cf the Coroner's office show at least one carein which the feelings of a pureand youthfal creature were so barbareuely wrung by one of them, that im the tortured desperation of her sensitive mind, the seized and swallowed a deadly drug for the purpose of destroying her life id succeeded in tempt. She fills a euic! a tad lesron to the inbum ifle in this manner with t! the little messengers are no! them beautirul. and c' agreeable food for curiosity. “W! is the interrogation with which it is received, pestman is welcomed when his ring ie next heard at the coor. Some of the “ ntines” are really worth receiving. containing as they do, in eddition to the printed verses, @ of gloves, @ beauti- ful handkerchief, a ring, @ pair of bracelets, or a pretty little gold watch, and intrinsically worth, according to the articles they conteis, from $5 to $150, and some have been estimated at even @ bigher price than this Jast mentioned eum. These are connected with the “Valentine” trade msn: “ dodges,” or, in other words, impositio: It is weil known that the city postmen employ a of extra hands to astietin the delivery of letters on this end reveral ensuing d: done up and directed to young they have previously obteived by wn to themselves. In this wi thriv. | The the pointed postmen pocket the pennies. But all trades must live, and these worthies are only humbugs all sale sean it is just aswell. A Valentine is a Valentine, and if one don’t knew where it comes'from, it may be all the more vala- able, it counts one, and is etill s Valentine. Tne American Symratuisens.—The complimentary dinner to Mesers Ber, nd Ryan tsok pl Coliseum last Cai late hour at festivities terminated, preclude us from say: it than that it was happ'ly carr! in to-vay’s and that ral ellent speeches were delivered in the conrse of the ning. We shall give « pretty full sketch of the sayings and doings to-morrow. Tweety Anniversary or tHe Covonen Orrnan Asytum —There was a large audience at the Taber- cle last evening, to witness the exerci:es on the oo- tion of the anniversary of the Colored Orphan ylnm, The exerciees of the children consisted of ing, reading, folving arithmetical probl citing leseons from gecgraphy, cislogues, rebooi I in nil of whieh the children acquitted themre! In addition to this, Dr, J. M’Cune Smith gave a very interesting account of ashmen bled to fllastrate many of bis re- ir phrenological developements by he Bushman boy, which Mr. try some timesinos. Henry jum, and took part in the ike good English, and Girplayed his knowledge of language by appearing a8 one of the orators in a dialegue gotten up for the oceasion, Dr. Smith did not detain the audience long; but bis remarks were very interesting, and were received with demonsts penditures for the year Inat, according to the Inet report, w receipts were §1.165 60 less than thi vrpaid bijls to the amount of $1799 34. The total debt of the establishment is $2.°6484, Quite a number of the city’s pauper colored children ara kep asylum, and aptrolier paid for their Inet Arms Hover Pensioxens—Tue Out Doon Poon — Yerterday and to-day were the days appointed by the Cowmissiontr of the Alms Houre for the payment of money and coal tickets to the out-door poor, or alms howe pepsioners. This payment is the semi monthly wiowance fer Febreary, dietribated to persons who ap- piy for aid but co not wish to go tothe Alms Hous, The Commirsioner bes found, by experience, that tt is beat to encoursge this mode of relieving the poor, as the sume expended, though In many cases trifling, prevents whete funilies from reeking s home at the Alms Houso. narks reepecting erence of Hei apport The pensioners consist of widows, sons, apd others who, haring ured ¢! tions, fail to procure by their labor enough to support themselves and children, erpecially during the winter teaton, The amount allowed per week {s usually from fifty to seventy-five ceuts an: lowed. The greatent care is from applicants. and to this end pursued :— Application bei takes down the name and residence of thi An officer called a viniter is th it to the house, and jon is made of the case. The ‘h of tha individual is taken do: dren. and. im short, a complete hi the family and its clroumstences. so far as can be gl ed from conversation aod obvervation. These minutes the visiter transoribes into a book kept at the officeand called * The Visiters’ H .” From a view of allthe circumstances related im this history, the necessities or requirements of the applicant are made apparent, and an award is made of the amount which he or she is to receive per week. ‘fhe pensioner next appears at the cffice. and an officer next baving charge of the giver a ticket or voucher for the amount of two wee! allowance; and this voucher. presented at another desk, procures the allowance of money. ‘The eeveral visit keep watch of the pensioners on their lists, and that they do not continue to r longer tham the necessity exists. id the appll- | canta for money. there are numerous demands made | Upon the Commissioner for furl, during the winter | mouths, These applications aro treuted like the others, | and cecal or wood given out in «mall quantities, a quar ter of a ton of coal. ora half load of wood boing fur- nished atatme, The detivertos of fuel. from Jannary let (o February 10th, of the present season, were 23.378 quarter tonn of coal. and 1602 half loads of wood, The fystem of (bis charity, as far as can be sean, fs excel. lent. and aco-mplithes in the best manner the object Propored. The semt-monthly payments may be wit- hesred. by those curious in there matters. at the Alms Hovee Office in the Fark, every fortnight, when the fpactous ofilce is thronged during business hours. Doorkeep ve are eppointed. who admit only a conve- nient ntwber at once. Tho persons enter by one door, and, h.ving received thoir tickets, retire by another.’ The otber day. while the office was throngad, | ® crowd was seen to assemble in one coraer. Ono of | the officers thought @ fight was in progeass, and | bastened to the spot, but on arriving at the ooraer in question, one of the crowd feelingly suggestad to him that there was no need of his interference, “it Is only | a woman baving a baby.” and, sure, enough, that was | the care The littio pauper was bormin the oflce, and | it became necerrary to make provision for the mother and child at onos. Thus we go, Thisisone of the incidents of city life, and similar ones are ocourring every day, Why should we not grow to be a big nation ? Fines.—A fire broke out on Monday, in the office of William French, in Horatio street, near Sth avenue, which was put out with tr ling damage. A fire brok out on Monday night, in the hat factory of J. H Ban- ta, in 26th street, near 3d avenue, which was partially Gestroyed; fully inmred A fire broke out yoster- day merniug, in the slaughter house of S. Warner, No. 170 Elizabeth etreet, which was entirely destroyed. The flames communicated to a large wooden building in the rear, occupied by Josiah Field asa hide house, in which were stored a Jarge number of hides, which were consideratly damazed. A small house in the rear of No. 168 was also destroyed, and the rear of house No. 204 Bowery was siightly damaged. The wheel- wright shop, No. 172, was partially destroyed. Sap Accivent —Tae coroner held an inquest yss- terday at No. 104 Bayard street, on the body of a child, 8 yearn of age, by the pame of Michael Gilmartin, whe came to bisdeath by being accidentally knocked down by @ horee that had run away, striking tho child ia the bead. cauring almost instant death. It appears that George Higgins, cabinet. maker, of No. 191 Mul- verry street, was driving along Elisabeth street, when his herse suddenly took fright, and breaking loose from his barners, ran vp the street at full apeed. Mrs, Gil- martin wae walking along the sidewalk with her son, when the horve ran against him, eiing him on the head with his hoof, inflicting injuries which,in a fe pan, Proved fatal Verdlot acoording to the above facts. Dratn sy Drowsina.—The coroner held an inquest yerterday at the 7th ward station house, on the bod of Phillip Riley, aged 42 years, a native of Ireland. The deceased, it appears, fell inte the dock at the foot of Market street, on Monday night; 8 man who was in 8 veerel, near by, heard the splashing in the water, and threw bim a rope, and finally suocesded in fastening a rope round the it of the deceared and pulling him onshore. He was then taken to the police station houre, but being in @ very exhausted stato, he after a ehort time died. Verdict accordingly. a.— At about 9 o’clock on Monday even- parently not more than two or three days old, was found in the yard of house No. 175 Twen- ty-eighth street, The little stranger was alive, and fully able to give utterance to sounds which indicated the fact that he had no idea of parting with his hold on life. As no clue could be obtained as to its parent. oge, the child was sent to the office of the Alms’ House Commitsicners, in the Park, whore it met with proper care. It will be taken care of by tho county, watil some one is found willing to assume the responsibility of guardianship. Common Conunci Boanp or Atpeumen, Feb. 12—The Board met at quarter past 5 o'clock. Present, the President, Ald map Frankiin, in the chair, and a quorum of members in their places. The minutes of the preceding meet- ipg were read and approved, Petition a and sick per- ix utmost exer- in some cases $1 is to plicant. and remon- ted and appropriately referred. goed by the proprrietors of all the linesof omnibuses in the city. These proprie- tore all agree in recommending the Russ pavement, and asking for its extension in the streets of the city. The following communication was received from Horace Greeley, member of Congress from this city, offering to place at the disposition of the Commo Council the books which will come into his possession as a member of Congress from this city, under the late rerolution of Congress, baalh to ite members a num- ber of volumes of Congressional reports, American archives and State papers. The communication was referred to the Committee on Arts, Sclenoes, and Cemmon Schools. A communieation was received from the Com- wirsioner of the Alms House, explaining why th pencieres ot he 2 t year were greater than those of former years. H ked that no final disposition might be made of the paper until he has made his regular report. The communication referred to e joint Committee on Charity and the Alms Hous The select committee appointed to inquire into the propriety of ereoting # work houne in the city, sent in ® communication of considerable length. They recom- merd tbat a work boure be established, to be under perintendence ofan officer appointed for three the work houre establishment to be divided by svbstantiel stone wall, to separate the grounds and buildings of the paupers from those of the criminals. The inuiates are. according to the suggestions of the committee, to be employed in cultivating grounds, getting out stone, and building sea walls around the small islands belonging to thecity The committee presented with the communication a “draft of an act for the establishment of » work houss, for the employ- ment of persons committed tothe county prisons and Alma Houre, in the city of New York.” The repore but on the’ resolution proposing the et coming up, considerable ate nsued, in the let of which Ald. Gray propored to take @ recess (go to supper); be thought they could better understand the subject at&ithe expiration of an hour, for which time they sus- pended the discursion. APTER TRA, The Aldermen having spent an hour in agreeable Intercourse in the tea room, returned to their labors, and proceeded with tho reading of tho draft of the propored work house act, The act, with a slightamend- ment, was adcpted. A resolution wae. by permission, offered, making an appropriation to purchase o clook for the Eleventh ward station house, Adopted, Se: arserrment lists and appointments of collec- tors, were presented and appropriately disposed of. AL COMMITTKE ON THE evBLIC WELLS ISLAND, resojutions whioh were pro- ud were taken up separately 7 t ported by the committee, and ip order :— Resolved, That in the opinion cf your committee. the act of the Legistuture pasred im May, 1°17, regulating county nnd State J1isons, does not deprive the Corporation of the city of New York of any of thelr proverty, righta or franchisee, connected with the ty, Prison or penicextiany: but that n«twithstanding thatact, the Corporation have ful power to oontrol and regulate ena pri. KJ ai ioe ‘ibe rules for the government thereof, Adopied without de Kesuived, Jhatit be referred to a special committee to with all poreib e €lrratch s eystem of povornment for the penivene ary. 6nd other patio institutions. by which all keepers and other cfficers com ccted therewtr all be bound azd controlled. Adopted witheut debate Fetolved, That Jocod Acker, the protent Keepor, has violated the ordinencov of the Commcn Council, neglected and refused to yorform bie duiier, wil'ully d-fiod and’ resisted the aati the Corparstien of he of New York over him as an officer of ench corperaten, and ‘toffred a convict to receive, without any right oF exc I and favoruble treatment, inconeis tent with the management of prisoners, and in all re ihe reaolutl a by Ald his resolution was oppose | Carneley, of the J2th ward, is vi Ald. Downixa, of tho 13th ward, thought the resolu- tion ought to prevail, a rt. Acker, the agent of the Common Council, haf treate: ommitted to bis keeping with partiality, ell, who was convicted of @ heinous off normous ex- penee to the county. was treated like a lady, and was ermitted the attenda’ of rervanta. Thi He thought igbly reprebensible; and in view of these things he hoped the rerolution would prevail 1d Avams, of the 5th ward, defended Mr. Acker, and was replied to by Ald, Dowsina, who raid that there were other causes of complaint egainst Mr. Acker, who, he thought, con- sidered bimeelf beyond the control of the Common Covncil. and understood the law sufficlentiy well to defend himrelf. He mentioned several instances in which be alleged that the poets of the city had been »ppropriated hy Mr. Acker to bisownemolament He pata if any person weuld read this raport, and did to the conclusion that Mr. Acker had been , not com courte of Mr. A: ; but he thought t! 4 acte of Mr, Acker, wore only “follows: of his predecessors.” He thought that this Commem Council should have jd a resolution in the brs erp ane 08, the penitentiary inst pra thore who beid the placa before hi tertions of former keepers on Blackwell’ flect that Mad: Costello, when on weer was treated far more leniently than Madem Res! x bes been. He thought that the present feeling evinced against Mr Acker looked like persecution. Ald. Canwecey sgaio spoke in defence of Mr He did not find fault with Mr. Acker for allowing @ prisoner to sleep on a feather bed. He wished thas every poor creature incarcerated in the penitent a! ht have a feather bed to sleep upon; and he want wit now if any member of this board could wish other- se, Ald. Downina replied, priacipally to the remarks of Ald Crolius, He said that in pleading the acts of pre- deceesors to Mr. Acker, Ald. Crolius muet have fergot- tem that Mr. Acker had gone aside from precedent in refusing ; dmittance to Aldermen and others, entitled by law to visit the prisons Ald. Downing proceeded, by stating that if he could be allowed ‘he privileges whieh Mr. Acker bad assumed, he could, with prefit to himself, allow the Common Couxoil $2 000 per year and demand no salary. and do a better business than he could by going to California, (Laughter.) Ald. Croxivs arose, and in explanation raid that he did not wish to be considered as defending Mr Acker in biaconduct He only thought it unjust that Mr. Acker should be selected as the reelpient of all this cenrure. Ald, Apams again spoke tn defence of Mr, Acker, Ald. Canno.in, of the 14th ward said that he had not heard one of the defenders of Mr Acker acquit him of wrong. It wos as if a merchant should employ one clerk who bad robbed him, and that on another elerk taking his place and robbing his master also, a jury should be called upon to acquit him because his prede~ cernor had committed robberies }efore him. On the question being taken, the resolution pre- vailed, by @ vote of 11 ty 3, Roro!ved That the raid Jacob Acker should be, and is heroby, removed from the office of keepor ot the Pexites tiary. Adopted on a vote of 1t to3 ‘The following reaolution, propored by the minority of the same committee. was next adopted: — Resolved, That the subject of prisons of this city be referred tow special commiitee, to report what cbauges and modifications arg necessary to be adopted in relatioa thereto, aad to report withal convenivnt tpued au chairman appointed Ald. Crolias, Smith, azd iray. Russ Pavement.—The minority report of the Finance Committee, on the subject of creating a pavement. fund to extend the Runs pavement through Broadway, Bowery, Hudson, Chatham, and Canal strevts, next came up. It was proposed to lay the report om the table. Lost, It was then propored to indefinitely postpone. Lost. A motion to take up the majority report on the same subject was then, on motion, taken up, Ald Maynanp moved to tubstitute tho minority re- port for the report of the majority of the committee, Considerable debate ensued; some of the members ob- jected to the price of the Kuss pavement, while othere opposed the laying ef co muoh pavement on the north side of the city and 60 little op thy east side Ald. ¢ inst the Russ pavement, in (oto, and for the reason thatit was not good for jsople’s Dealth to ride too easily over the paving stones in tl streets; he said that it would be decidedly better for le tobe “shaken uo an they rode in their car- ” Several amendments were proposed aad lost. In debating the subject on the original question—f, 6.,0n substituting the minority for the majority ree Ald. Marnanp defended the project of paving first, because that was the thoroughfare As to the defenss of the cobble stone pavement entered into by the momber of the 10th M, said that the gentlemen seemed to a ride should be taken like medicine— Gwhen taken, to be well shaken.” {he proposiiion to raire the paving fund was very ably advocated tleough- out by the Alderman ofthe 15th ward Oh the ques tion being taken. the Board refused to substitate the minority for the majority report, Ald. McKniaut gave notice that he should inove a Asc renpaa im of this vote at the next mevting ofthe joard. Ald Smit moved to reconsider at the present time, L ost, Board then adjourned. Boanp or Assistanr Atpernmen.—The President im the chair. Petitions being in order were received and referred. For improving 54th street; for building sewer in Cee dar street, from Nasrau to Pearl; from Clark Wheel- ck, for relief from an erroneous assessment; from Dr, William F. Bell, with bill for medial attendance at Jefferson Market Station House; from petitioners, ask ing for a lease of pier foot of Franklin strest. Reports Adopted — Of Finance Committee, on peti tion of F. Boudinot, Captain of the 3d District Police, in favor of pay of oests, judgment &c., against him, Of Finance Committee. on petition from R L. Cooke, for abatement of rent, in conseqnence of a p:rtion ef pier foot of Albamy street being taken for a dumping place Of Finance Committee, on petition of James Quin, to be paid for injuries tained by hin through Joss of his horse. For adja tt of boundary lands near 3d Avenue. Of Committee on Ferries, r mending aconourrence with Board of Aldermen, to employ additional counsel to defend the furry fran- chite in this city. Several papers from the Board were received and concurred in. On petition of William Smithto be paid claim for damoges sustained by him for being dispossessed of lot on 6th Avenue. Repert of Committee on Reads and Canal of Artistant Aldermen. against re! ig the Ruotor, &e., of St. George’s Church from assessment for sewer in 16th street. Adopted. Report of Committee on Ordinanees, with ordi- nance, in relation to erection of iron posts and brack- ets for support of awnings, Adopted. Petition of inhabitants to have dist street repaired. Several papers from the Board were received and were concured In. Army Inteiligence, The following division orders were issued by Gen. Gaines, on taking command of the Western Division:— Heap Quartens Westenn Division. New Oeveans, January 26, 1619. i [Division Orders No 2] 1 In obedience to general and division orders, both numbered one, of the present month, Maj Gen. Gaines assumes the command of the Western Division His beadquartera will util otherwise ordered, be estab- litbedin thecity of New Orleans, Returus and reports Will be forwarded accordingly. 1. « following officers compose the staff of the cor ling general c oxton Bragg, 3d Artillery, Acting Adjutant Gener Mejor J. H, Eaton, 8d Infantry, Acting Judge Ad- ‘vocate. a Firet Lieut. Patrick Calhoun, 2d Dragoons, Aid-de- ‘amp. If precept er admonition were wanting to prempt the troops of th ion—regular aud volunteer—to hold for action—* in pesee to nd in war to brighten and strengthen sucession of brilliant triumphs—the skill. courage and constancy: proving that freemen, accustomed to self government, know how to defend their country—it were only necessary to point to the events of the war, to show what hat been accomplished by every description of force, and the distinguished honors awarded by the government to all; end mor ally by the voice of the nation, in the promotio their ex+mplary and uopretending leader to the highest office in the gift of a free people, E. P. GAINES, Maj. Gen. U. S. A. Com’g. A letter lately written at Jefferson Barracks, the Dead quarte: ted Rife Regiment, states that the mo making by the Rifles for their Ore; active drilling of companies ana inces a determination on the part of the officers to prepare the menu as well as possible for their appreacbing duties. No doubt the Mounted Riflemen wilt tinue to deserve the ap- probation which they won in Mexice, Politicat Inteitigenee. The Legirlature of Missouri bes passed regolations declaring thet the o netitution of the United States confers on Congress no power to legislate on the sub- ject of tlavery within the territories, and that the Wil- mct proviso ia an act unauthorized by the constitu tion, and therefore void. Hon. Thomas S. Flourney, whig is 9 candiiate for re-election from the third congressional district of Virgin: Co). J. M. T. Beale isthe democratio candidate from the fourteenth congressional district of Virginia, Capt. J IL R. Taylor fe the democratiooandidate for Congress irom the Ist district of Mississippi. The relect committee of the Senate of Michigan have Presented a voluminous repert, recommending the adoption of resolutions calling s convention to the constitution of the State. , 1s Of Andividaals. Minister to Mexico, Mr. N. Clif ford, embarked at Vera Cruz, on the 24th ult.. under the curtemary salute from the Castle. He declined the guard of honcr sent to him by the commandant. Movem: The United State ay coken out at Uniontown, mptoms to cholera, except the ex- lack. Twenty have died within become Anan named Stratton was arrested a short time nee at Cairo, Nl, bavingin his poseossion $400 in half dollars, A ton of Patrick Hays, of Pittsburg, who was sappoe ed to be lost, was recently found frosen to death, meagt Alleghany City. All the parties implicated {n the Parker marder, at Mancberter, N. H_, Dave been set ut liberty, Tne Surqueb: ‘iver, at Port Deposite, is so hard froren that itis cro by horses and carriages. Matavy at Ustonrows.— A singular malady is prevailing in the meighoourhood ot Uniontown, Pa., and bas caused twenty deaths, out of fifty cases, in two weeks. ts ravages are mainly ameng the young. It is euppesed to be cholera, but the eymptoma, as described, differ widely from. that digeaze.--Phu. Budlacin, Feb. 18.