The New York Herald Newspaper, November 5, 1850, Page 3

Our Washington Correspondence. Wasunetos, D.C., Oct. 29, 1850. The Effect of the Slavery Agitation at the South. Some five or six weeks since, I noticed in your paper an article in which you deprecated the agi- tation of the slavery question on account of its in~ checked by the people and among themselves, the time would not be far distant when one-third of the fine stores and warehouses that are now teem- ing with business, would be tenantless. I was then in the South, and was particularly impressed with the wisdomof your remarks andthe exact truth of the premises on which your conclusions were founded. | mean the moral separation, the separation in feeliag, which would be engeader- ed in the bosoms of the Southern people, and con- seq their seeking for some other outlets for their production than great city of the North. Alas, sir, { fear your predictions have been al- read! begun to be realized. I fear that a revolu- tion has already commenced, which will ch: the whole business of the South from our North- -era ports to Baltimore and other cities to the South. I know that they have commenced maufacturing ‘their own cotton. | know that they are begianing ‘to discover and invite the means of supplying them every kind ae sro. of crpmeegee ae ported article, without ug obliged to re- sort tothe Northern cities. I know that they are talking of the establishment of watering places irginia. I know that they are Segening to withdraw their childrea frem the schools and colleges of the North, and laying foundations for equal advantages among them- selves. These things I know; and I believe with you that the time will come, it this agitation is not Stopped, when not a shoe or a or ar- ticle of clothing of any kind, will be worn er used in the South, which has either been man- ufactured or purchased at the North. I believe the time will come when the name of Seward will bbe accursed threughout the whole North, as the tor of an agitation which might have been and ought to have been queiled, but which Fis brought we upon the business of the North. I fear that it is already too late to stop the revolu- tion. Atsome future day I will give ee sem Our California C0. San Diseo, Cax., Sept. 4, 1850. very of a Volcano—Salt Mines—L£arthquakes— Newspaper Enterprise—Emigration, etc. By the last steamer I wrote you somewhat at length in relation to the U. 8. Boundary Commis- sion ; this time I will endeavor to furnish you something of news, although I must confess that it is an article rather scarce in the market, and al- ‘ways commands a premiwn. Col. McGruder, with his battery, arrived here on the 25th ult., in fine health and spirits. The Colonel takes command of this post. His head- quarters are at the Mission of San Diego, six miles from the city, up the valley. Major Heintzelman, the former commander of the post, with two com- panies of infantry, are ordered to establish a post at the junction cf the Gila and Colorado rivers. They are now busily en; Meo their orders avideon, with one company of fantry, goes liams’ Ranch, or “ ‘ho del Chino.” Major eon moa with two by nies of dragoone, are still at the Mission of Louis Rego. So much for the military. Intelligence from the Gila was received here a few days since. Three members of a company which has lately established a ay. at one of the cressings of the Colorado, came in for supplies, aud report all quiet. A few days previous to their leaving, an ian was discovered lurking around camp, and a close watch was setfupon him; bly not being aware of his T, he shot an ar- Tow into camp, but before he could get ont of reach paid for it with a broken arm. One of the Yuma chiefs yoy came in and had a talk. He denied that Indian who was shot was a Yuma, but the boys knew better. He very amia- ble; but party have taken a lesson from the fate of Glanton. They have fortified their posi- tion securely, and will not permit more than half a dozen Indians to visit them at a time. Your subscriber, J. J. Warner, or, as he is familiarly termed by the Californians, “Juan Largo,” has recently discovered a volcano in the desert, about eighty miles northeast from his rancho. He had sent some Indiaus for salt, (by the way, there are extensive beds of salt in the dese ‘and on their way they discovered large Tt, volumes of smoke, which proved, on closer exami- pation, to proceed from the mouth of a volcano. ‘The land surrounding the crater is slightly ele- vated, say eighteen or twenty teet above the level of the surrounding desert On the 15th ulumo, we had a slight shock of an earthquake here ; ‘and about the same date, | leara, a shock was more sensibly felt at the Gila. sufficient, at either piace, to cause the dishes upon the shelves to rattle. The moral effect here has been decidedly good, as a subscription has since been set on foot to build a church, and about 2,000 collected. I am sorry I cannot say as much for the Gila ; but facts speak for themselves. Theodore Foster, Esq , formerly from your 3! but for the last year a resident of Los Angel: now on a visit here. He contemplates publishing a newspaper in Los Angeles. press, &c., is now on the way round the Horn. He seems an intelligent gentleman, and will doubtless meet with success, 45 a press in the southera part of Califor- nia is much needed. Emigration at this point has hardly set in yet. There have been few arrivals, and such as have come through have encountered but few difficul- ties—much lees than last year, doubtless owing to their having been better informed. There is no diflienlty now in crossing the desert, as New River is well supplied with water,-and grass of the best quality two or three feet high, and abundant, Major Emory is still in statu quo, as the last, like previous steamers, brought him no relief. His tm are still employed on the line, although there no money to pay them. it was Our Syracuse Correspondence. Syracusg, October 25, 1850. Central New York—Onevda and Onondaga Cown- ties— Statistics of their Progress—The Salt Bust- mess. ‘The census just taken, as far as returns have been made, shows a very considerable increase in the large central counties of this State, Oneida ccunty shows a population of 99,543, against 81,736 ip 1845, an increase in five years of 14,507, or with- ina fraction of fifteen percent. A large proportion of this increase is in the city of Uties, and the other shire towns of Whitestown and Rome, viz-—— 1850. 1845. Increase. 17,566 12,190 5,366 6,820 6,797 1,023 Rom 7,920 5,955 1,965 32,296 23,942 8,354 Remainder of Co. . 67,247 60,794 6,453 Tetal........ 99,543 84,736 14,807 Tt will be noticed that while the three shire towns above named have increased about 33 per cent., the other parts of the county show a gain of Jese than ten per cant in five years. The differ- ence in favor of the large towns is to be attributed mainly to the influence of internal improvements and the extension of manufactures. [ach of these three towns are the focus of canals, railroads, and plank roads. Uticaand Whitestown are the seats of extensive manufactures. Within a few years several cotton and woolen maaufactories have been erected at Utica; and owing to the de- ficiency of water power, steam is used im these es- tablishmente as propelling power; but the high price of wood and coal, for 1, must ever operate dieadvantageously to this enterp! in comparisoa with the superior facilities by many oth- er placesin this respect. If the Chenango canal, which connects with the, Erie can: Unea, were ext its southern termiaation at Bing- hamton, on the Susque! to the Pi Ivana line (40 miles) at necting with the Pen it, it wi le con- Ivania can farnish a channel for the cheap introduction coal into central New York. This canal would be import apt, not enly to the manufacturing interests of Oneida county, but to supply the salt works ia Onondaga county, the city of Syracuse, and other Erie canal, with fuel. the census of wil hibit a in proportion than Ou The county conteined a population of 70,175 in 1815, and it is now supposed to exceed 85,000. Syracuse slone now contains over 22,000, having increased about a hundred per cent within the last five The progress of Syracuse, now a ci as- ring to become the political metropolis of the Smpire State, has been remarkably repid. From an inconsiderable villege, a# it Was when it came jnto exivtence (with the exception of the old vile toge of Selina, now the Fifth werd of the city,) on the construction of the Erie cans; throagh the eniddle eection of the State, it hes, in elon twen- 1g & popula- ty of New ty-cight years, beeome a city contain? ‘Tea avert the same as that of the York et the close of the Ameri rity and growth have ‘he salt Works ot the Onondeya Keservetion, al. hough the onstruction of the Uswego caval, year as well as last, oply about seventy cents per > céntaining five bushels of fifty-six pounds weight, and subject toa oe to the State of five cents per barrel, and twenty-tive cents for the cost of the barrel, thus leaving to the manufacturer obly eight bushel—a price mueh below the cost of preduction. This applies to the fine salt only, the coarse, or salt, bearing a better price. The production of the coarse sali, made by solar evaporatien, is il in com, » being, last year, less than one-tenth of the aggregate quantity manufactured, as follows, viz:— Saxr INSPECTED aT sew, Desunasa Sar Serines IN Coarse. Fine. Dairy Total. 5,083,368 Inspected at Geracees “ Liverpool ” Geddes.. Total . 00 vere cscs esr cree 5,083,368 Of the coarse salt, 315,369 bushels were made at Byracuse, 34,792 at’ Geddes, and 27,574 bushels at ipa. There are, on the Reservation, between nine and ten thousand vats for the evaporation of brine, pro- ducing the coarse or solar bale. cost, including storehouses, . These vats have about $375,000. The manufacture of this description of salt, of course, is notcarried on during the winter months. It is understood that this branch of the salt business is much more profitable than the manufacture of fine salt by boiling ; but the capital required is much larger in the former than in the latter. In some instances, I am informed, the manufacture of coarse salt has yielded a profit’ of forty per cent on the capital; while the fine salt business is fre- quently carried on, as at p.esent, at a loss, and rarely at a large profit. There ere now in operation on the Reservation 181 blocks, (as they are called, being buildings containing the kettles,) for the manufacture of fine salt, averaging fot t_kettles to the block, thus giving an. aggregate of 8,688 kettles in ope- ration. Mr. Spencer’s block, containing cighty kettles, averages 400 bushels every twenty-! hours. The average running time in I as 110 days, and during such sumed six cords of wood per day, showing the en- tire eo of wood burned during the season 119,460 cords. This quantity, in a continuous line, allowing a cord to be four feet wide, four feet high, and eight feet long, would extend (181) one hun- dred and eighty-one miles. average cost, at $2 per cord, was $238,920. Nearly one million of barrels were u for vadking the salt, coating, at twenty-five cents each, $250,000. Here is the sum of paid for fuel und barrels, besides which $120,000 were paid for labor, 833 for duties, and $25,000 for canal tolls; t expended by the manufactory 753, in one season. The total amount of capital invested in the salt works by in- dividuals is about $925,000. Syracuse is generally well built, and the inhabi- tants ate exclusively a business community. few of e each block con- them being independent of their occu 8 for a livelihood. The elements of prosperity certain and enduring. Our Berne Correspondence. Brrne, New York, Oct. 24, 1850. Situation of the Willage—Helderbergs—The Geolo- gical Formation of the Hills—Statistics of the Country, §c. Fc. The beautiful situation of this pleasant and healthy town renders it a place of considerable note. It is one of the towns of Albany county, ‘lying twenty miles in a westerly direction from Albany, and ina central position; it is about 165 miles from New York city. The surface of this township is very uneven, and much broken by a chain of hills which extends through it, called the “ Helder- berg Hills.” It is composed of calcareous rocks, rising in a precipitate manner, in many places to the enormous height of from 70 to 500 feet. These vast cliffs alterpate frem gradual declivities to per- pendicular precipices, in several places assuming the appearance of artiticial walls. They also con- tain several natural and exceedingly curious sub terranean caverns, in which there are numberles and interesting curiosities, some of which are if not superior, to those found in the great moth Cave”’ ia Kentucky. Bat, as my let- signed to give as much information in as pace as possible, I shall confine myself to the moral, historic, and general statistics of cach county in the State, as I proceed on my geological tour. The county of Albany, originally, was organized by en act of the Legislature, passed on the Isto overber, 1683, but has since been modified to a considerable extent. This county contains an area of 464 square miles, or 297,351 acres of land. The surface of the soil is exceedingly variegated. Along the Hudson river there are well cultivated flats, none of which exceed a mile in widih, ire taking of the alluvial formation. Along the Mo- hawk the land is remarkably bold and rogged, barren and sterile. As we go west of the Heider- berg hills, it assumes a precipitous and craggy aspect, and is mpe a pee calcareous loam. e central portion of the county is formed of undu- lating grounds and plains, with small marshes, and tracts of cold, wet sands and clay ; these, however, of later years, have been reciaimed to a great degree by the wonderfully fertilising influences of lime, and en application of gypeum. In this man- ner the cold, sandy, and piny deserts have been converted into frogrant clover and fruitfal wheat fields. Yet, a great portion of this county is still unimproved, and, in many places, too rocky for improvement; still, the hand portion of it pro- duces wheat of an excellent quality, of whieh a large surplus is gent to the New York markets annually. The geological formation of this county is transi- tion, being the grauwack groupe of underiying recks, avenaceous and conglomerate grauwacks, in thick schistose beds, visible along the shores of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers; while in the Helderbergs appear the higher portions of the same groupe, sandstone and lime, abounding with organic remains. Ia many parts of the ie both limestone and grauwack are extensively ueed for building purposes, and many of the locks on the Erie canal, near the city, are constructed of the former. ‘The elevated plain of the east is underlaid with thick beds of blue and yellow argilacious marl, havi: « a distinct lamellar struc- ture, entirely destitute «f animal remains, and covered by a reddish ye! ow silicious sand. There are also a number of mineral springs in this county. The one at a place called Coeyman’s con- tains sulphate of magnesia, moriate of lime, iron, sulpburetted hydr and carbonic acid gas. In Guilderiand and Watervliet they are found im- aes with carbonate of iren and sulphuretted ydrogen. These sulphuretted hydrogen springs are found in nearly e part of the county, and gush forth in every direction. In the limestone of the Helderbergs are several extensive caverns, im which are stalactites and stalagmites of various beauty, and many interesting animal remains and minerals. They have apparently been formed the acticn of water, through most of which small streams are still flowing. Exclusive of Albany, this county is divided into nine townships, which contain a number of quite flourishing towns and villages. The city of Aiba- ny, the capital of the State and of the yf was founded by tome Hollanders so early as 1612; and was incorporated by the colonial ment der the administra’ on ot Dongan 1098. it was fortified against the Indians by the Dutch, with a stockade, in 1645, and vestiges of the work re- mained visible until 1812. Originally, by the char- ter, its government was lodged in a mayor, corder, six aldermen, and six assistants ; but however, it is under the control of what is deno- i ye Mayor, Aldermen, and Com- monalty,” consisting of a mayor, recorder, ten ey and ten ae Id religious, mo? quite numerous and flourishing. The schools and academies are jing condition. The facilities for the rapid i vernent and prosperity of this city are great,and will favorably compare with those of any inland city in this country. In 1835, this county contained 29, males: 29,295 females; persons of color, 1,250; col voters, 15; paupers, 339; deaf and dumb, 23; blind, 92; idiots, 65; lunatics, 42. Since then, however, it has greatly increased in population, as the pre- sent census, When completed, will show. There are extensive manufacturing establishments, doing a fine and prosperous business. The inhabitants ere of a jovial and happy disposition, quite fond of sporting, and their athletic exercise among the mountains gives a ruddy flush to their cheeks, and a heelthfal w to their countenances heir hoepitality kindness are unbounded, but they “are jealous of their rights, and quick to resent an insult, by whomeoever oflered. What's to be Done Three Months? Burrato, N. Y., Oct. 21, 1850. TO THE RivTOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD. As you ave located at head quarters, and doubt- Jers in reeipt of daily communications of mys terious ‘nockings, whig conventions, opposers of the Engitive Slave law, de , allow me to call your aitention to a few ideas trom a resident politi- eal funatic of the it His. i have been @ fecisent of the oliy of New Yor rk during the Jast eighteen years, and think 1 know be re- However, [am bound to go ahead and ¢ell you what I started for; and all the favor | ask orexpect at your hands, is that you will carefully preserve this nonsensical till the 15th February, 1957, and then i ‘and compare it with the New York Herald the previous two months. Early in December next, Congress will meet at the city of Washington, for the last time, to repre- sent the Northern and Southern States in one con- fogeracy The following are the whys and wherefores :— The first thing during the next session, the whole of the Southern members of both houses will ask for a more efficient law to enable them to reclain their fugitive slaves from the Northern St i asmuch as the late Fugitive Slave law, rendered completely useless, on account of unanimous treasonable juct of the people of all the Northern or free States. The South will justly and truly say, that in con- sequence of the Le yd treasonable conduct of the people of the North, having held public meetings, delivered inflammatory speeches, and passed reso- lutions to join in arms and protect the fugitives from Ran eenty reclaimed and returned to servitude, and threatened us with punishment, and evea to death, if we to ci the late law into ef- fect, we therefore ask and demand a law that shall enable us to reclaim our fugitives from the orthern States, and to this end we demand a law empowering our marshals, at the expense of the United States; to command a strong military force to accompany them from our frontiers to and throughout all the Northern States and cities, to aid and assist them in capturing our slaves and conveying them to their owners. On the other hand, the Northern members of both houses will immediately ask and demand the repeal of the late outrageous and unconstitutional Fugitive Slave law. ‘his state of things will oc- cur about the middle of December next; and from theace you will find one after another of the hitherto moderate, honorable, patriotic Unionists and great statesmen of the world, such as Beaton, Clay, and others of the South, dropping off from their former stronghold to the Union, and say all, with one accord, give us law and order, give us our property ‘and law, and the means to reclaim and retain it, or else give us disunion or war. Here, then, comes the two extremes—the South complaining of want of law to reclaim and retain their slaves, on the one hand, and the North com- plaining ‘of Bouthern cruelty, gross inhumanity, and totally denying, on constitutional grees the right of the existence of siavery at all, in one part of the United States, or the other. Beautiful state of affaire! But whose fault is it that all this diffic alte has been brought upon the people of this couatr, Is it the fault of the members of Congress, indivi iu- then, are in fault ? Ub, eit anata ae voters nit tea, whe elected end sent them there. Why so? Be- cause all the members of both houses of Congress are now, and ever have been,|made up of the aristo- cracy of this country ; they _ always have been, and, no doubt, always will be, selected from the minority of the various States, viz: that class of people who rank among the great— bankers, stock-jobbers, rich lawyers, retired merchants, and millionaires of the United s— they whose interests are always at variance with the true wants and wishes of the laboring cl and whose dignity would be injured to regar them. And it is not only so in Congress, but also in all our State legislatures and city councils. Who are the present mayor and aldermen of the city of New York? Are ey made up out of the labor- ing classes of the le, who compose four-fifths of the whole jation of the city? No; they are selected from the minority—that class of aristo- crats above alluded to; and if they oppress the poor, it serves them right, and they ought to suffer all the inconveniences and disadvantages, that those noble law-makers please to inthct ‘upon them. Serves them right. The Chief Engineer's annual report gives a rich and beautiful illustra- tion of the present Board ef Aldermen, and of the doings of the Common Council. He is, evidently, a high-minded and honest man, and belongs to that class of the community from whom all the officers of this government should be selected. [ see you hold him up for Mayor, and it is the most noble act that any journal could do, to advecate the election of an honest man to se important an office. Ifthe people of the United States could only be con- vinced of their folly, in thus electing men of each and all political parties, from that class of — whose e it is to o them, and be in- duced to abandon all political par of every name and kind, and start anew, upon principles and honesty, and select their candidates from the majority, then we could have good and whvle- some laws, and all the business of Congress could, and would, be satisfactorily disposed of at each and every annual session, ia less than three months, and thereby save the country many mil- lions ot dollars, beside avoiding all causes of dis- union or complaint between the Northera and Southern States. The fault all lies with the ople of the United States—the voters ; and if the Fogitive Slave law is unjust, they have no right to complain, or ask to have it repealed. This very nigger question will now, no doubt, cause a dissolution of the Union, and I hope it may. I saw all this ahead ten years ago, and saw the cause of it; and I have not disgraced myself by voting for anything, nor for anybody, since the election of President Wm. H. Harrison. A. W. Paice. Joun M'Donoven, tur Mittionarn.—The an- nouncement yesterday evening of the death of John McDonough took our city by surprise, and formed the sole subject of conversation wherever it was known. His long residence among us, his immense wealth, his peculiar habits and ap- pearance, had made his name familiar, not oaly ere, buteverywhere in the State, as a household word, He seemed to many a being apart from his fellow-men. While uth, and st health, and beauty were, year after down beside him, he moved on, tall, spare, with sprightly step and look. Every school ure recognized, at a firet glance, the thin, sharp, intel- ligent face, the smali, sparkling brown eye, the long white hair, the neat, prim white cravat and high shirt collar, the weil-preserved old hat and | blue umbrella, and the never-to-be-worn-out old | tashioned, tight-fitting blue cloth dress coat and | pantaloons, and well polished shoes. We had graduelly become impressed with the idea that John MeDonovgh would never die. He appeared as much an indestructible relic of our city’s an- | cient history as the old State House or the old ca- thedrel. One of those antique monuments has been razed te the ground; the other has thrown off its old vesture for a new one, and the third, John McDonough, now lies ready for his last journey avd his lest resting place—the tomb. He was in the city on Thureday, looking as well and active as ever. His old friends thought him better than usual. He spoke much of his private affsirs. He said he had made provision for his family, and felt himself in excellent health. That night he was seized with a severe cholic, which we are informed afterwards the appearance of cholei he most powerful remedies were em- ployed, but in vain. He continued to vink; his pulre became feebler, and about four o'clock yes- terday afternoon he died. A number of his friends and medical attendants were t. He handed his will to his legal adviser, ©. Roselius. At the time of his death, he was within two months of being seventy-one on of age. ohn McDonough came te this city immediately after the cession of Louisiana to the Union. He en, jaess asa merchant, and then en- te into speculations in lands and other property. By dint of the strietest economy and the exertion of rare business talents, he succeeded in ‘a fortune variously estimated at from ten millions. This most siogular propensity settled reselution not to sell any of bis ia~ fo ey nd that resolution he has kept. At the le of Chalmette Plains, and in t pre- ceding movements and conflicts of the campaii under Gen. Jackson, he a8 a private soldier in the Louisiana regiment, and comported himself asa gallant soldier. Many traits of benevolence are cited of him on authority, notwithstand- ing Se | opinion to the contrary. belief has long been entertained that he was meditating some grand scheme, either of negro colonization or otherwise, in which his magnificent fortune would ay T ty of immense benefit to humanity. — New Picayune, Oct. 27. Mvrper at Vernon, FLortpa.—A bloody tragedy was enacted on the day of the election, at Vernon, the county site of Washington. The victim was a i he county named Willis Taylor. The have received are as follows:— the time holding his brother from fight, when a third party, named Heary Ww, not concerned im the broil, stepped u and deliberately stabbed him to the heart. He di ina few minutes. An old feud existed between the parties, but no altercation had been seento take place during the day. A counter report, bat not so ‘well authenticated, tes that Taylor had struck Winslow with a st After the fatal deed, Win-. slow fled and was pursued by two of ee brothers. Being armed with a couple of revolvers, he mounted a log and warned them to desist from the pursuit, which they accordingly did, not being aware at the time that their brother was mortally wounded. Winslow then made his escape.— Florida Whig, Oct. 29. Miscellany. Snow fell_to the of twelve inches at Elilcoft- ere were iat dosthe tn Philsdeiphlea during the re were in a week ending the 2¢ inst, "7 ANOTHER ROUTE TO THE PACIFIC, Report of the Teh gantepec Committee. 7 TO THE CL TIZENS OF NEW ORLEANS. jing on the Sth of October, 1849, Rave the honor now to to you an account of Ese ne because the measures devised by them had not been brought to a satisfactory conclusion. The plished, and the time of action has arrived. On the organization of the committee, Mr. Con- made en offer of his services as secretary, which pted. Our first efforts were, of course, bag to Mr. Garay. These privileges con- ted == munication by steam across the Isthmus of Tehu- antepec by canals, railroads, or imprevement of rmanent Commit‘ee, appointed by you at their action in your behalt. This report haa beon most ii it of these measures are now accom- rey was chosen chairman, and Mr. Bernard Fallon was acce| directed to the obtaining of the privileges granted 1. Of the exclusive right of establishing a com- natural water courses. The right is granted for it in fee simple of ten leagues of land on each oe of the line of communication, mak- ing about five millions of acres. §. Of exemption from any contributions or taxes on travellers or merchandise in transitu, for a term of fifty years; and exemption from transport dues, freights, lighterage, tonnase, or any other class of ui e8. 4. Of the right to foreigners to acquire real pre- perty and exercise any trade or calling, even min- nB within fifty leagues on either side of the line of transit. 6. Of an exemption from all duty on agricultural implements, and implements for the arts, for twen- ty years; and on all articles of subsistence, cloth- ing, furniture, and other things useful for the con- struction and embelhghment of houses, for six years from the establishment of the colony. Of making all worke necessary for shelter and use, fortresses and ‘pif mpend in two ports, one at each end of the line, to be selected by the gran- tee. The vast value of so liberal a grant was fully ap- preciated by your committee, and their most ear- nest efforts were directed to the securing of its ad- vantages to New Orleans. Although the execution of such a work, if made by the citizens of other States, must necessarily contribute immensely to oar commerce, it was obvious that weighty motives existed for endeavoring to secure the control of the route in this city. The efforts of the citizens of New York to monopolize the daily increasing trade with the Pacific coast, by the Passage across Pa- nama, had been successful, aud could not but be mortifying to our merchants. e Whole line of Western travel, instead of descending the Mississippi, was borne on railroads to the Atlantic sea-board, and the bs co enterprise of our Northern rivals had ena’ them entirely to over- come the marked advantages that our natural posi- tion, in relation to this commerce, ought to have secured for us. The concentration in New Orleans of the capital to be expended in the road, and ef its receipts when made, were by no means unworthy of consideration, and our local position was pecu- liarly favorable for the yong and manage- ment of the work to be done. _ Two subjects of consideration were of primary importance. It was to ascertain the va- lidity of the grant, and to secure its transfer to a company, to be established in Louisiana. The re- po grantee, Mr. Hargous, had made himself own at W: by his zealous endeavors to obtain agsistence, in the shape ofa mail contract, to enable him to push on the construction of the road, but had been unsuccessful. The route by Panama had already secured the monopoly of New York, and no Sipomition, then existed amo. her capitalists to buildup a rival enterprise. The op- aot was thought favorable for tendering to ir. Hargous the co-operation of our citizens ; but some guarantee was required that the benetits of our exertions would enure to the advantage of New Orleans; that if our time, efiorts and money, were expended successfully in aid of the enterprise, we should reap ita fruits. With this view, it was de- termined to to Mr. Hargous a partnership, and this determination was based on the motive that the very great value of his grant was such as would require for its purchase so large a sum as to render it doubtful if a fund could be raised suffi- cient for the doub!e purpose of making the purchase and building the road; and also, because the com- mittee was not yet entirely satisfied as to the vali- dity of the title of Mr. Hargous, and was also desi- rous of retaining the aid and co-operation of him- self and his associates in the furtherance of the roject. - 4 eum of about ten thousand dollars having been raised by subscription to defray the preliminary ex- nses of all kinds, the committee appointed the eston W. Farrar, [eq , one of their number, ope delegate to visit ‘New York, confer with Mr. largous, ascertain as far as possible the validity of his ule, and endeavor to enter into an arrangement conformably to the views above erpri To- structions were given to Mr. Farrar, and a inie of three millions of dolare was suggested by the com- mittee as the extreme ther woe disposed to allow for the grant, if d by Mr. Hargous in the company to be |, in the shape of stock, to be issued to him in he } The mission ot Mr. Farrar ed unsuccessful. the proprietors of the grant, although expressing willingness to join the citizens of New Orleans, quiring not only the price of three millions, bu sisting that one-third of that sum should be them in cash; that all the outlay for surveys, ma- terials on the Isthmus, outfit, and expenses of other kinds, amounting to half a million more, should also be paid to them, and consenting to take the remainder of the price only in stock ot the contein- plated company. The committee were unable to accede to these terms, believ: | bed impossible to carry out the en- terpriee on th is. Convinced of the immense value of the land alone, independently of the privi- leges attached to the grant, they still feel diffident of success in obtaining the heavy subscription re- quired for building the road, if an additional outlay of one and a halt millions of dollars were required to be paid before a dollar could be appropriated on the Isthmus. The return of Mr. Farrar created a feeling of discouragement of all effort as hopeles: By a fortunate concurrence of circumstance: however, Mr. Fallon, the eary of the commit- tee, becume acquainted with Mr. Hargous in New York, a short time after Mr. Farrar's returo. In conversation on the subject, Mr. Fallon, who was thoroughly ecquainted, trom bis postion, with the feelings and views ot the committee, succeeded in convincing Mr. Hargous ot the great assistance that could be rendered to the grantees by the citi- zens of New Orleans—of the importance of their services, and that the advantages resulting from a blending of their common interests would more than compensate for any supposed sacrifice the antecs might make ia the disposal of their rights. Negotiations were resumed, and resulted in an agreement with Mr. Hargous, of which the follow- ing is an outline :— 1. Mr. ous was to secure for the citizens of New Orh preference in carrying out the en- terprise, and give them two years within which to organize a company for that parpose. 3 To prevent the possibility of any different dis- posal of the grant in the interval, Mr. gous was to make a conveyance of it to trustees, who were authorised to convey it to the contemplated com- pany, if formed within the limit of the two years. At the end of that time the trustees were tocoavey it back to Mr. Hargous, if there should be a failure of ee. 3. Mr. Hargous was to choose for trustees per- sons who were citizens of New Orleans, and who should be approved by the committee. 4. Mr. Hargous was to receive for his privileges, lands, &c., one-third of the stock of the contem- plated ny, not however, to exceed three mil- lions of dollars. For this purpose it was assu that it would cost about six millions of dollars to carry out the work. The capital of the proposed ny was therefore fixed at $6,000,000-—-one- third for Mr. Hargeus and two-thirds for sub- sernbers. But it_was also provided that if the work could be done for :es8 than $6,000,000, Mr. Hargous was to have shares to the amount of only one-half of tled to one-third of the whole number of oa and no more. If*the esti- mated cost of $6,000,000 were exceeded, then, any further sum req was tobe raised by loan, and Mr. Hi s shares were to bear one-third of the burden hag hemeny 80 as < = em ny and in any event to keep unimpaired the nal propor: tm reed on, viz : one-third for Mr. Hargous and two-thirds for subscribers. ‘ 5. Mr. Hargous was to be reimbursed for his ad- vance of half a million, but instead of cash he was to receive only one-fourth of it when the company should be actually organised, and the remainder ia one, two and three years from that date. ‘e have mere ery of beat | agreement, to avoid extending this report to too great length ; the minor de’ can be examined thoee of further,informatioa, at the of- ice of the committee, where the agreement! as well as all the other of the committee has been recorded in a book of (minutes, which is open to the inspection of every citizen. We shall not dwell upon the delays and difficulties encountered in be to a conclusion, almost entirely by cor- Teepondence, a matter ot such magnitude between distant parties, but shall merely state that Mr. Har- gous selected trustees who were approved by the foareay y are Messrs. Peter wees | Sey Leonard Mathews, J. P. Benjamin, 8. J. Pete: J. M. Lapeyre and wernard Fallon. The deed trust to these gentlemen has been executed, and is also open to inspection at the office of the com- mittee, and ths control of the enterprise of a Te. huantepee tralway is now vested in the city of New Orleswa, for aterm which will expire on the second dry of May, A. D. 1952. During the yprogress of the negotiations thus a) happuy conclided with Mr. Hargona, your commit- tee have not been unmindfrl of the other important tubjects requising their core avd investigation, It Was requisite not only to secure the conveyance of | Gulf of tepee. They without the rights of the but to become satisfied | itation co anaes Fo tS belief ia af of the validity of the concession made to them, of the matter. Capt.(Porter thinks and to obtain farther certainty i sh rractioaht: it is @ better place than for steamers lity of the enterprise, whose beneficial influence on | to touch, as the winds, (and im this they ali our prosperity was questioned by none. The in- ) are off the lesgh. qury as to the validity of the grant to Mr. Hargous ‘our committee now feel justified in Tesulted to our entire satisfaction. It rests on | that all the difficulties which obstructed Bey = 4 the following grounds: tion and organization of a Tehuantepee Railroad 1. On five successive decrees of the Mexican | Company in New Orleans, are removed; and it the let March, 1513; ‘uh Febraary, 184 ath Oc: | acts and thie vast entorpros whi Sumas alone to the Ist Mare! 2; 9th February, 3; _ vast enterprise wi tober, 1843; 28th Dezember, 1843; and Sth Novem. | completion. ag a ber, 1846. These decrees are all couched in most | A Valid grant of a right of way across the Isth- formal and explicit terms. They were issued from | mus, privileges of immense value, five millions of the office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, | acres of ground of fertitity, in a tropi- bey are signed by thiee macoenaite sgnentines of | cal ms pres inte for its salubrity, are ‘at ican republic, viz: President Santa Anna, our disposal. enterprise 18 established President Nicolas Bravo, and Gen. Jose Mariano } pocieott practicable. “} de Salas. 2. On fedigial proceedings had on the Isthmus, under order from the Mexican executive, by virtue of which proceedings eae was rendered, and Mr. Garay put in actual possession of the lands granted to him by the concession. These judicial proceedings took place after a regular and carefal urvey of the Isthmus had been made by Mr. Ga- .ay, With a competent corps of engineers, according to the requisition of his grant. 3. On the formal official recognition made'by the Mexican government to the Minister of the United States when the negotiations were pending which resulted in the treaty of aoe with Mexico, on the 6th September, 1547, The Mexicaa Commis- sioners for mequticting the treaty, replied to our ap- plication for the right of way, made by the Ame- tican envoy, in the following words :— “We have already informed you verbally that some years ago this concession was granted by the govern- ment to a private :ndividual, who, with the authorit; ef the same yovernment, had conveyed it to English subjects, of whose rights Mexico cannot dispose.” 4. On the renewal, in the most solemn manner, by the Mexican government, of the same recogni- tion, on the very recent occasion of the treaty with Mr. Letcher. By one of the articles of that treaty, it was provided that the present holders of the right of way acrogs the Isthmus should signify their agsent to its terms before its ratification by the respective governments, and in the official cor- respondence of the enn: of State, Mr. Web- ster, with Mr, Hargous, will be found the amplest recognition of the latter gentleman’s rights as the holder of the grant. It was to him that our ge- vernment addressed itself as the present holder of the grant, for his assent to the treaty prior to its submission to the Senate for ratification. Copies of this cotetppedeaen are also in the office of the committee. Although this correspondence resulted in a refusal by Mr. Hargous, acting for all con- cerned, to assent to the treaty, for reasons clearly expressed in the correspondence, the fact is not the Jess clear and conclusive that in an important nego- tiation which resulted in the formation of a treaty between the Mexican government and the Minister of the United States, that government declared that there existed a valid concession made by it of the right of passage across the Isthmus. As no other concession has ever been heard of or sus- pected than that to Mr. Garay, your committee consider that this matter is now beyond question; that the title to tne cae as obtained by them is beyond dispute; and that the only contingency on which we can be deprived of it, is our failure to anize @ CO) ys y io nation, however faithless or treacherous, could question the acts of its own government thus itedly recognized by ite executive organs for a long series of years. There is not the slightest reason for suspecting that the Mexican government could enteftain such an idea; and it is not doubted thatif our justifiable reliance on the honor and good faith of that government should unfortu- nately prove misplaced, the rights acquired by us whenecting wit hb Une at in which the entire nation is interested—would be upheld and maintained by the strong arm of our own go- vernment. NoAmerican can doubt what w be the course adopted by this country in such a con- tingency, and the committee feels justified in placing before you as a well established fact, that the rights which they have secured fer your use and benefit are placed ona valid and seeure basis The committee are the more confident in so reperting, because they are in possession of un- doubted intormation that the same view of your rights is entertained by the Departmeat of State at shington, and by our entire congressional dele- gation in both branches. In repeated interviews had at Washington, between the grantee, the dele- gation, and the Secretary of State, the views now advanced by your committee, in relation to the security with which the work might be prosecuted, and the certainty of protection by eur govern- ment to the persons and property of its citizens en- geged in the prosecution of this enterprise, were asserted by all, parricularly by the great states- man now having in charge our foreiga relations, and was considered by all as not even an open or debatable point. Independently of their action in relation to the frat the committee felt it necessary to gather irom every availab'e source, all the information that could be obtained in relation to the practica- bility of the enterprise; the probable difficulties to be encountered in its execution, the shelter to be obtained on either coast, for vessels trading to the terminus of the road. The only information ac- cessible to the public at the period when our meet- ing was called, was the pamphlet and accompany- ing maps, by tano Moro, the engineer under whose direction the survey of the isthmus was made for Mr. Garay, the original grantee. This curvey, although very satisfactory on many points, especially as regards the natural features of the country, its amazing fertility, its freedom from epi- demic, the mild and docile character of its inhabi- tants, and the moderate elevation of the summit level to be crossed by the road, could not be re- lied on as regarded the two coasts. That gentle- man himeelf declares, in his report, that he did not sound the bar of the Coatzacoalcos, nor was he able to give a thorough examination to the Pacific shore. Repeated soundings had, however, been made at different periods, at the mouth of the Coat- zacoalcos, and less doubt was felt on that suhject than was entertiined as to the existence of a suit- able harbor-on the Pacific The committee were, however, informed that a highly talented engineer of our own city, had, at a former period, made an examination of the isthmus, and was pow sessed of much information on the subject. This gentleman, Mr. Trastour, at the request of the committee, attended one of its meetings, bringing with him maps and plans executed by himself on | the isthmus, showing, not only the featares of the couatry, but its geological formation, and the _water in the Coutzacoaleos, from its mouth to its confluence with the Sarabia, far above the int where it is navigable for large vessels, and he also expressed his conviction that the con- struction of 4 railroad was not only practicable, but easy. He had not, however, himself sounded the bar of the Coatzacoalcos, nor could he give the re- quired information from personal observation of the ‘acitic coast. | In relation to its cost, we can give you as yet no | reliable idea. In our contract with Mr. Hargous, we have assumed six millions. Our reason for so | doing was, that we have su; the length of | the road would be about one red miles; and | that the cost per mile, including a bed wide enough for a! double track, would be about | 860,000. This estimate was on a letter written by Colonel Abert, of the engineers, to the Hon. T. 1849, utler King, on the 4th of Janu in relation to the Pete ‘road, and in the a of any adequate survey, it is, of course, enti conjectural ; yet we do not feel authorized to hope that the cost of the road would be reduced belew five millions in any contingency. Your committee, in conclusion, would remark that they are entirely convinced that the enterprise is one that must be eminently profitable to t teking a share in it; and this, in reference to its direct pecuniary return on the money spent, as @ mere investment. Of the indirect returns, in its influence on the growth and prosperity of New Orleans, your own intelligence will, lead you te form an estimate. It is a picture we fo to rags lest it should be thought too highly co- jored. But itis not too much to say that, in our opinion, the returns from the dis; of the lands alone, will pay the cost of the road. It is to be re- membered that the company will have for sale not only the immense number of acres already men- tioned for agricultural purposes, but that it will own the towns at each terminus, at which that enormous commerce of the road will be centered. Let each estimate for himself the price that will be obtained for the lots in towns thus situated, if ancy disposed of, and we feel satisfied that the least sanguine will not consider our anti as unwarrentable. The work poet another aspect peculiar to it- self. It will pin paying a revenue from the very moment of the formation of a company, and before the noise of the steam engine can be on the Isthnwus. It will not be f | that the shortening of the a by this route will make a difference so great in the passage to California that it will be the preferred line for travel and mail carriage, as soon as it shall be possible to wse it. A temporary communication by mules, corneas and boats, organized bythe company whilst railroad is in progress of fconstruction, could therefore, fail to afford heavy profits, and the made, as it were, in part to build itself. 4 A subscription and organization of the subscribers are alone now jired to set eve! in motioa, Itis true that a difficulty is presented for the me- ment by the state of our legislation on this subject; but this isa matter that can readily be rem by an amendment to our corporation law. — With you lies the power to procure the legislation for “ that purpose, and your committee leave it to your- selves to determine whether that; power | be exercised. Mhe Fugitive Slave Law. OPINION OF JUDGE CRANE, OF OHIO. A number of the citizens of Dayton addressed a note to Judge Crane, requesting him to preside at a public meeting called in that city, to consider the Fugitive law. The Judge sent the following reply :— Dayton, Oct. 25, 1850. GentLemen—Your letter of the inst. was handed to me yesterday. 1 would readily coi with your request, if sanctioned by the meeting, I were able todo so. But in the present state of my health | am unable to attend, still less to take part in a public meeting, which may and probably will be protracted (o a late hour in the evening. I most cordially concur in the wish you express that quiet, good feeling, fraternal _ tion, and may add, t ¢ old good humor, as in the earlier ears of the republic, may once more and heace- y prevail between us and our brethren of the Sout ‘While no one will question the right of the citi- zens, individually or collectively, to i freely and fully their views and opinions on all questions aflecting the public interest, it must be granted that these opinions when publicly announced, are equally the subject of discussion and criticism. The resolutions adopted at a pablic aanng, held in this city last week, censure the act Congress at last session, commonly called the Fogitive Slave Act, as “ unjust and oppressive, in- consistent with the spirit of our institutions and the rights of men under them, and disgraceful to the government.” Such are the general charges— the specifications are, that Marshals, &c., are com- pelled, under heavy penalties, to obey and execute process under this law, and subjected to liability for the es of such fugitives, whether with er without their assent. This would seem rather aa objection to the common law, than to this partiew- lar act of Congress. and other ministerial officers are compellable at common law wo obe} and execute all lawful process to them directed, and subjected to heavy penalties for lect or re- fusal. The same common law makes Sherif, &c., liable for the escape of a prisoner in his cus tody, Whether voluntarily or not. The Marshal by this act is only placed in the same predicament, and subjected to the same responsibility as the Sheriff. I need only to refer to the opinion of the Attorney General, Mr. Crittenden, to disprove the specitica- tion that this act renders ineflectual or suspends the writ of habeas corpus. This writ writ of right, and every judge, oa @ proper application to him, most issue it, and when the party is broaght before him must determine whether the imprisem- ment be illegal or not. This writ can only be sus pended by Congrees, in the cases specified in the constitution. The complaint that this law makes the petty officers of a court the judges in questions of per- sonal liberty and ——— slavery, without appeal or review, applied with equal torce to the act of 1793, whieh was the law of the landformore than haifacentury. That aci§gave the same summa: remedy, authorized the arrest of the alleged tage tive by the claimant, his agent or attoracy, give the circwit and district judges pf the United States Courts or any magistrate of ahy county, city, or town corporate where such arrest was made, ja- riedicvion to hear and determiae, without a and without appeal or review, Under these circumstances, your committee deemed it their duty to take measures for more re- liable information on doubtful points. Application was made to Major Barnard, of the engineer corps, whose abilityand reputation are well known to our community, and who consented to under- take the necessary survey for locating. the road, establishing the proper termini, and determining the question of a safe harbor on the Pacific, pro- vided leave of absence could be obtained from his of such jodge or magistrate was a. sufficient war- rant to remove the fugitive to the State or Terri- tory from whence he fled. he principal diflerence in this respect, betweea the net of 1793 and this act amendatory and sup- plerrentary thereto, is, that commissioners ap- printed by the Oircuit and District Courts of the ‘ited States are substituted for the county, city and town megistrates, and — petty officers er rather judges of limited jiction, superiors. Our request to that effect was favor- ably received at Washington, but the rainy sea- son rendered necessary the deferring of the expe- dition till about the Ist of November, when it will Jeave for the Isthmus. In the meantime, however, Mr. Trastour was despatched to the Isthmus, for the special papas of devoting his efforts to an ex- amination of Pacific shi 3 well as to give us information, if possible, ‘lation to the mouth of the Coatzacoalcos. ‘The latter purpose has been accomplished, and the committee have received from Mr. Trastour a map of the mouth of the Coatzacoal: the chaa- nels across the bar, the landmirks and bearings, and careful sound: of the bar from end to end. It is now ascertained that the western “is fourteen and a half feet deep at low water, fora width of fifty feet, and that the water gradually shoals on each side of this pass to 13 and 12} feet, which latter depth is maintained through a pass 250 feet wide. This bar, moreover, is of rock, and only 80 feet thick, adm tting easily of being deepened, if necessary. But its present depth is entirely sufficient for a large class of steamships, and all doubt is now removed on the Gulf shore. Major Barnard, after a careful examination of all the su; is made to the present time, and every source of ii ion accessible to him, had re- ported tothe committee that he considered him- self warranted in assuring them that the entire enterprise was feasible, provided a harbor could be on the Pacitic coast. He had also suggest- ed his impre: that the roadstead on the fie const would sv for all comme: purposes, even if no harbor could be found. The committee have now the satisfaction to report that this im- a has been confirmed since —~ + Barnard ft for New York, where he has made arrani ments for the survey, as shown by the following extract of a letter to the committee, dated on the 29th September, 1860 :— “Twas well aware, and represented’ the fact to ou, that a large part of our intercourse with Mi ico during the war was carried on in way, in face of the violent northers whi in Gulf. Also, that steamers enter at Chagres, but lay off as waprotected would be at Tehuantepec, and that eve ma, they lay out in an open gulf. | could not feel much donbt about the matter, therefore ; y's not being a seaman, | could not speak with the aonfi- dence which professional knowledge would have given me. Since that time | have consulted se- veral naval officers weil aay UY, give aa — » subject—among others, Capt. Porter moe My it. Sours of Washi and Lieut. }, who has coasted along the shores of the = will pro- bably be found quite as well qualified to hear aad determine, as their predecessors under the act of 1793. Judge Story, in his commentaries on the constitution, has shown the reason and necessit of this summary remedy, adopted in 1793, cad continued under the amendatory and supplemental act of 1850. [t isfurther objected that this circumstances, compels the removal of the to the State from whence he fled, by the and at he expense of the United States. stitution secures to the owner the ing his slave in Stat act, under certain fugiuve sive power of legislation on this sul try into effect this provisionoé the The act of 1798, as well as thet of 150, has estab- lished tribunals to and determine this description. Bat — be Lays and er of carrying its judgment Ti jory act of 1850 has tion. This ame arded against the forcible rescue of one tobea fugitive and bound to service,by reaens the Mar- Ma, Sed cope tng” Mm te sumonsstnet empowe eum to spopeoae ooh spbeckenton force. The Sheriff ‘re the may command the power of his county wi 4 of the court is forcibly resisted. the case specified, gives t power to enforce ‘we not reason to ee would prove aval a j tof the court. Have believe that in many cases such “yo! nugatory and un- jing withor provision for ent them 1° But is not on the oath of the ¢ end at the exper is the oat likely to be apprized of an Ly aw | reac’ id to feet appre! of its success, ig the 1 person to make the ae ey 4 should this extra expense on the claimant? The consti has secured his ie of re ion ; he has established that the witanal created by law Ghsas aul iaummae such questions, and not the secure to him the benefit of unlawful force and violence oie bee gone oe the Fea gage in the general charges cont hose tions. However t ty others, oy, do not mind that plemental act Lat A A ~~ iven it ty those ‘men, &e. Very nen yours," , . Green, Kennedy, Gi digharm Fiichend Senithe