The New York Herald Newspaper, February 8, 1851, Page 6

to be paid monthly to the cultivators, and holders , of the borda of the old company, and the rest weat Gratiry ing Prospects of that Country—The | to the English debt. New President, &. | The stamp paper tax was applied to the copper The next arrival from Mexico will bring us the | money bonds. news of the inauguration of Gen. Arista as Presi: | The tax from lotteries was appropriated to the dent of the republic, and the installation of the | Academy (of design) of San Carlos. new cabinet. It is, therefore, a proper occasionto | Fiom this statement, it is evident that some lay before our readers some remarks respecting | creditors of the government were receiving 10 aud that country, and to note the changes gradually 20 per cent interest on their debts, but others were taking place there, and which wil! be greatly acce- | reewiving nothing, and the Treasury had to rely Jerated under the iacoming adninistration. Mexi- | solely on the American indemnity. While the Co ia now, politically and geographically, in the | minister estimates the tolls from roads at $50,000, game position towards the United States as Florida | only $1,000 were actually received, in consequeace once wae, and as was Louisiana before becoming of the whole management being in the hands of part of the American Union. The States of ourre- a certain class of creditors, public are now on both stdes of the continent, and He has proposed, and we believe it is now the AFFAIRS IN MEXICO, protracted gala andexesesive hent, this saving in space is immense. Itiato be hoped thatall the natural obteclea in the way of the complete suc- cers of this line, will be found capable of being overcome; and the brighest anticipations may be realized fiom the forthcoming report of the engi- heer Corps now employed in the survey. The line of magnetic telegraph has engaged much of the attention of the Mexican government. This enterprise is now progressing, and is uader the manegement of Mr. Scewart, the consul of Mexico m this city. 1c is destined to run from Vera Cruz to Mexico, and from the capital to Aca- puleo. The stock has been already taken by the corporations of the large cities through which it will pags: by Vera Cruz, Jalapa, Orizaba, Perote, Puebla, Mexico, Cuamavaca, and the other im- Mexico must be passed over, or at least her ports | jaw, that all the revenues shall be paid into the entered, in all communication between our Pacilic | Treasury, and that all creditors shall be paid alike and Atlantic cities. The present condition, tnere- Bat we can well imagine the clamor this change fore, and the future prospects of this tropical wij) produce among the hitherto preferred credi- government are subjects of curiosity and interest | tors, and we see from the papers that the English to our political and commercial people. minister has protested against the law Private It vs gratifying to learn that al! Americans who advices say the American minister has ‘a but ; » also; have had the opportunity of studying the history | we cannot believe he has interfered 1a what is and character of Gea. Arista, concur in placing | culiatly none of his business. O te : . Our greatest ‘dim in the first rank among Mexican generals and | poy? a that Senor Payno has been able to statesmen. They even go further, and declare he | withstand the cry raised against him by the bank- is the only Mexican who ever had a correct idea | a ie of the true position and best interests of the two | = Pd pion ira cand 9 republics. That he desires the advancement of | pores estimating the receipts at $12,000,000, and Mexico, is undoubted; and that he consequently | deducting $2,000,000 due to some of the Oia desires the greatest intimacy and closest alliance shat the remaining fen millions be applied as fol- with the United States, is reasonable. The follow- lows—three millions to the payment of the interest ing extract from the New Orleans Picavune is 80 on the foreign and domestic debts, and sevea mil- appropriate that we cheerfully adopt it. Inanarti- jions to the support of the government. From ele on Gen. Arista, that paper says:— | our last advices we believe this arrangement will is the most remarkable character ever called to the | e ‘ Presidency of Mexico, and unless eatly in er- In order to induce certain classes of creditors to upon the institutions of that b-autiful country. Not Come into this arrangement, a distribution of the hhis predecessors, but we believe him to be superior A 7 Also'in honesty aud policical incegrity. while he isequal | W@# Proposed and assented to; but we apprehend to draw a comparison between him and those who | i have gone before him, ae their characteristics are so | hall explain when alluding to that fund. ; The reforms proposed by the minister, in the im- Mexico heve been #0 much a: variange with those that | positi 4 i Arista ie kbown to entertaia in regard both to foreign | Pomtion of duties on imported goods, are equally as important as those peraining to the finances; but Heretotore, Mexico bas held @ very low position in the rcale of civilized natious. Those who have had | article. Since the war with the United States, intuenced by feelings and mo'ives unworthy of stat | the trade of Mexico has taken a new direction, men, and consequently their country has been the rert ot the world Pride. prejadice. self interest, | known, while the former commercial cities are and ignorance ot the just prineiples of government, | other pation bas learned to treat them as Cortes treat- | the Rio Grande must exceed $6,000,000, princi- ed the Aztecs, by flattering them with imposing pre- | pally on silver, and the imports are of equal value, military power. : fe Tbe church policy of excluding foreigners, has | cottons, prints, &c. These are introduced by to the Americap invasion. The government has al- Americans illegally, and by bribing the custom has been one of the most corrupt avd reldsb which bis- | : tory bas ever recorded. To opptea: the poor, to plun- , Paying the export duty. Some of the ap se the city o' sian ignorance of national aflai:s, have been the ex- i " tent of their skill and ambition "This state of affaira | Mexico. Tampico, in consequence, hes declined in importance, und has become almost abandoned dered. or other spoils te be appropriated —— | re base c 2 a y La SS ie tae come Wonka eens liors of silver being exported from that place, not in poverty, and receive bribe~ as part of their saluries, | more than four or five millions take that direction while the foreign ond domeasic creditors are clataorous Under, olroumetaness so mapeonttions a om been exceeded in number and regularity by those eee eee oe eeiee eee uncer it iste this | at Acapulco. Exchange, which has always been very state of affwirs that he is indebte —_ ae ee now turned, so that Acapulco, San Blas, Mazatlan, and Zacatecazare considered more eligible pointa for tal are declining in importance; but whenever the reforms are éflected, and the comtrabaad checked, ‘The exports and imports may each be estimated at forty millions asnually; the exports being for the Th we believe him, ang bia onl, If be should fail to retrieve s emergency. 1s map othe siking 400 mush, to. stuart that be | 1 noise the epitiad policy of the executive. re gi ror, be will leave the impress of bis vigorous intellect | only is General Arista superior ia mind and energy to | instalments of the American indemnity still unpaid ‘to the best of them in true patriotism It is dificult some difficulty will ensue from this source, as we ‘opposite, apd the:r opinions of the proper position of | and domestic policy it is beyond our space to discuss them in this charge of her diplomatic affairs have been gener: ed ., ‘ ina false attitude, amd at an erroneous estimate by 40d given importance to places comparatively ua- have co long prevailed in their councils, that every | nearly deserted. Thus, the exports by the way of t a bi » i aeting with a show of r P -_ . pany i 4 | chiefly in prohibited articles, such as coarse bees copstently pursued trom th- time of the conquest ways been im the hands ot few, aad this oligarchy houve cfficers; end the silver is exported without der thore posiessing property, and to keep ailin Rus- | duced on this line are actually sold existed as long as there was public msney to be squan- as a port of eutry, and instead of eight and ten mil- ganised, the employees are unpaid the jadiciary are for what i y due to them The arrivals and departures from Vera Craz have sume the reins of government Moreover, it ist A in favor of the city of Mexico from the interior, has rend fortunes tunds. Hence, Tampico, Vera Cruz, and the capi- they will once more be in the ascendant. nto the Union. or permit her to Lot m Europ-an power Such | «to as under auy aspees. W: e Mex desire po wor an territory. and we desire also no further accetslon of Kuropean iafuenceonthis | most partin geld and silver Six millions of the contin precious metals pass out by the Rio Grande; five millions by Tampico; five millions by Vera Cruz, # of Mexico, he also knows net tras posttion | 104 about twenty millions by tne way of the Pa: reign natious nor apprehensions | cific ocean. In the last fiscal year, $26,000,000 LL never excite his people to lok | were coined in silver, and the total production in rdas their natural enemirs, y will be at variance with | that metal was estimated at $37,000,000. Abou eetabiianed. t. It ie a fortunate cirormetance that while Arista is perfect! f the trues coodition and the wants hie re and int i ‘ — especially two millions in gold may be added to this. Who towasds Commerce. colomizal : and internal improvement will be the leading prii will say thet Mexico iaa poor country ? or why do clpies of bis liey eed a good understand | we not place her on @ level with California ? other nations will form the basis ot bis macy | Itis evident from these data, that the commerce of Mexico is worth aitention and cultivation; nor ion of Mexico. An ap- | does any obstacle exist at this time to its indefi- hat can be expected, | nite extension. The old race of stateemen in Mex- it will suffice. Why | & hes passed awey, and with them has passed can only be ex | awey all the animosity and jealousy against for- and carelessness in the | C1@2€™ ¢ specially against ournation. Santa Anna The anici- | #0 ¢ xile, where we hope he may ever remaia; aod ‘ yj, | euch men as Almonte have lost all influence and hinge: pl ap * | consideration. For the first time, two of the most ae x james prectical men in Mexico,—Arista and Payao—are at the head of affairs, exerting every nerve for iifiiculty matter to ascertain with precision proximat and for the ueas plained by bed ¢ management of pated receipts fo. f their furth sury report of Senor Pa nt public revenues. Tr increase, resented do not €: nies eae vente ee a prorrcaben the good of their country. The feeling of hatred anenel revenues would 00 eetdllown— | towards the United States has been succeeded by fom meratime ou $4,090,000 that of the greatest friendship. Te . " $0,000 We may safely predict that under Genl. Arista’s » Exportation ¢ administration, Mexico will witness a state of un- a Conn i go byoo4 precedented prosperity. By the new financial Liyewood export A stp 0 hoo | regulations, order aad syetem will be observed in 160,009 | the treasury; the army will be punctually paid, be OO and promwnctamentos will cease; the judiciary “nl ogc teardaineenenie oo Will be remunerated; bribes will not be resorted ‘Two per cent on coin 23) 000 | ©, and justice will be fairly administered; the offi- ney paper teres sy cers of the government will receive their salaries, Tax on card 29,000 vi 2 exci . Lotteries 113.000 dering will not be excusable on the Mails . . s4ee ores 130,000 ity ‘Three per cent on siiver..... 253,000 of the wealth of the church has FS senone pe . + 1 been materially weekened by the election of Aris- aX on real estate......... * sees re ge Tax on leases of country r estate a. His official organ, the Monitor, has, for many Tax on city real estate . months, been corrying on an open war on the cler- ‘Tax on city | . gy. While advocating Arista’s election, that paper gptnes oonees has, on all cecasions, proclaimed its opinion to be ax on sales of Fr from the federal d 350 009 | Ukat Mexico ccu'd not prosper until the priesta were {contribution in dist 75.04) | humbled. Its colamna were filled with “Myste- - “be 7:00" | ries cf the Inquisition,” “ The Wandering Jew, ? aan 13.009 aad kindred publications. When the paper was om ” a) Contingent of formally excommonicated in the cathedral, the editor brought a euit against the officiating priest for defamation of character; and the singular epec- tacle may be at any time witnessed, in the building erected by the Inquisition, of students reading the daily periodicals, filled withall kinds of sarcasms od ridicule upon the religious superstitions of the 53,000 i from re 1 1).900 Miecellaace vee eee Bi1L919,50) people. The wand of the church 1s now broken, c the Minister of Finance is very 0d intellectual darkness 1 fast passing away. rea unded on reliable data; and ‘The liberality of the government and the promi- there seems to be no de {the laws which he ment topics of interest in the Mexican papers are suggests to Congress to enact be passed, that the Worth a passing notice. The Tehuantepec treaty Freceipte will exc e above calculation. Many has been extensively discussed, and to the same of the regulations proposed have already been tent condemned. Not one periodical ia Mexico adopted, and there is ev hope that the intelli has been found to approve of ite provisions ; andif thet government, were at ail under the control of public opinion, the treaty would be unanimously rejected in Congress. It will, however, be ratified, despite the public clamor. The citizens of Vera Cruz have protested against it; at Jalaps an indig nation meeting was held to oppose it; the State of Osjaca has condemard it, and Gov. Alvarez, of swenovo, has remonstrated, on the ground that it may be mjurious to the port of Acapulco. Gen Arista himeelf does not believe it will be useful to Mexico, nor has he much faith in its being practi- cable, while he cordially detests Garay nnd all other friends of Santa Anna. Yet, to please the United States, he is willing to permit the enterprise to proceed. Alaman, the head of the church party —the man who proposed the same route to the Spanish government—sow views it as useless to The custom house at Vera Cruz had also to pay Mexico, and at the same time deems it impracti- the garrison at that city and castle some $20,000 coble, from the went of a harbor on the Pacific; per month, and to remit monthly, to Yucatan, ¢29,- | Yet he still lends it support in Congress, from mo- 000. After ail these cums were subtracted, the tives of friendchip for Garay. Ile declares that he goverment had further to pay, by sentence of the | nee believed it practicable, having been misied by courts, some $30,000 monthly, to various merchants, | Humboldt, who hed never examined it. Thus, ‘The receipts at Matamoras and Todasco, and on | With the leaders of both parties im its favor, the the northern frontier, were applied to the payment | i# 7° doub the treaty will be sanctioned. Dut it is of the troops on that line. a project in which no one in Mexico feels any inte- The custom houses on the Pacific were bur. rest 98 one from which the conatry is to be bene- dened in a similar manner, and the exportation du- fitted. ties were set apart for paying the English debt. | The Trhuentepec, however, possesses some im- Of the tobaceo rents, the government was tore. [ortent advantages over the other routes further ceive twenty per cent of the profits, but five per Suth acrocs the lethmos. The distance between cent remained in the hands of the contractors; and | Penema and Tehuantepec is come 1,600 miles, on wt of the remaining fifteen per cent, $92,009 had the Pacific; and on a tropical ocean, subject to e gence and wisdom of the m ter will be appre- ciated by the national legis!s.ure ut Although the ebove are throw, direc jenal taxes, and indirect, yet for many years a great part of them have not been celled national receipts or revenues, from the fact thet they did not reach the treasury Thus, at Vera ( custem house were distributed among many —such « 20 per cent to pay the English debt; 20 do. to the 1 of 1826; 6 do. to the Brothers Martinez del Kio; 5 do. to Jeker & Co; 2do. to various per- ons; 1 do. to funding the copper money bonds; 1 do. to the judiciary; 2 do. to the convention of Pa- dre Moran. From the eirentation and export duty of precious metals, three per cent was destined to the convention of Padre Moran, and half of the total product to the debt of Serment & Co. uz, the revenuce of the portant towns upon the route. Ladividual subscrip- uons have been added iu these places. The etfzct of U ine willbe to put us in possession of Cah- fornia news in eight or nine days. Estumating the sleamer’s passage from San Franeiseo to Acapulco at seven days, and from Vera Cruz to the mouth of the Mississippi, where the A‘lautic wires com- mence, at two days, our intelligence from this city to California will be transmitted in leas than ten days. Itis from the operation of this improvement that Mexico anticipates the most favorable results. The earnest desire entertained among our enter- prising citizens to obtain @ short and easy route to California prompted some of our wealthy merchants to examine the advantages possessed by the line from Vera Cruz to Acapulco. To ascertain how far this rcad was practicable, as well as to learn the feeling of the Mexican Prmrarnest towards a project cf this character, Colonel Ramsay was despatched to Mexico during the last summer. The result of his mission has already been pud- lished ; but the great changes which will be effected in our intercourse with California and Mexico by means of the ar papenaes made by him while there, are worthy of more than a pissing notice. Acapulco has always been, from the earlist times, @ port of historical! and commercial importance. Situated in the 17th degree of north latitude, and far to the northwest of the Isthmusof Darien, it is about equally distant from Panama and San Fra cisco, that is,—2000 miles from both of these places. Being a harbor, land locked, of safe anchorage, of great depth of water, and without any bar at its entrance, the Spanish government in 1570 selected it in preference to all others on the Isthmus, as the depot for the India trade. The galleons for this trade entered and departed annually from Aca- ulco, until the year 1783, when the route round oe Horn was chosen, and this city abandoned. The other routes across the Isthmus were only used for the trade of Central and South America. The India trade with Europe took the road from Acapulco to Vera Cruz. The city of Acapulco has again become a place of importance, as the touching point for all the California and Panama steamers for supplies, as it is the only good harbor on the westera coast of Mexico. 3 The arrangements entered into by Col. Ramsey with the Mexican government, are principally for the privilege of transporting foreign mails across the territory of the republic, and also for carry; the Mexican ocean mails to the United States an Cuba. An understanding also exists, we believe, whereby the road from the capital to Acapuico will be under the superintendence of those engaged in the enterprise. The route will, therefore, at oace be made easy for the pai of Carriages, as it is the oldest road on this continent, and was ia an ex- cellent condition long before the settlement of any of the British colonies in America. ‘ Te comprehend the facility and rapidity of the transit for mails and travel across this route, in comparison with others, it is requisite to state the ume now taken by the way of Panama; and it must be borne in mind that the project is intended to effect the European as well as Amel trade and passege. The British W service is regulated co that there are two arrivals at Chagres, from Southampton, each moath—the time being fixed at twenty-four deys—and one ar- rival monthly at Vera Cruz, from Southampton: the time twenty-seven days. By the Panama rov'*, therefore, the time from Englana to Califor would be about forty-six days, and twice eaciu month. The time taken trom New York or New Orleans, by the way of Panama, to San Francisco, now is never less than thirty-one days. $ By the way of the city of Mexico the time is estimated as follows:—From San Francisco to Acapulco, seven aay to New York six da in all, eighteen days; or from Vera Cruz to New Orleans, three days—being fifteen days. The time trom Acapulco to Vera Cruz is taken at what several proposals have been made to carry passengers, mails, baggage, Sc. By this route itis intended to have weekly com- munieation with California; and as there is the same frequency of trips between New York and England, the time for the European correspondence to reach San Francisco will not exceed 25 days weekly, instead of 46 daye, only twice per mont by Panama As freight can now be tranaported across Mexico at the same rates and with equal safety 43 at Panama, a strong effort will be made to turn the gold dust of California, and all the Mexicen silver, which new go direct to Eagland, into this channel to the city of New York. Should the mail line of steamers be established to China, no one can doubt that Acapulco will be one of the arincipal depots, and, consequently, this route will, from its superior advantages, be adopted The Mexican government is strongly impressed with the superior advantages of this line, and if we may be permitted to judge from their papers, the executive i# inclined to render every aseistance to the enterprise. As no roads have to be con- structed por steamers built to open this commani- cation, ina very short period we hope to see tae undertaking in full operation. While the Mexican goveroment has thus evinced ite friendship and liberality toward our citizens, we regret that the wishes of Mexico, in relation to the ayment of the indemnity, have been frustrated. Ww ¢ believe that this, however, has beea uninten- tional oo the pert of the government, consequent vpon a change im the cabinet,after the death of Gen. Taylor. The understanding with Mr. Clayton was not communicated to Mr. Webster, and he, therefore, was not apprised of the state of affars and of the great interest it was to Mexico The instalment of §9,000,00 of the indemnity, folling due in June next, had to be provided for, #0 that itcould be premptly paid in Mexico. Th Mexican government wae anxious that the pa ment should be made in New York,indrafedrawn in Mexico, upon the United States treasury, and for this arrangement proposed to allow oar govern ment 4) per cent premium for the difference of ex- change. Mr Marke was empleyed to effect this object, ond having the confidence of the Muister of Finance, Senor Payno, and of Gen. Anata, aad being also favorably koown to Gen. Taylor, it was believed that this mode of payment would be edopted. The deeth of the President caused the atleir to pase into other hands. zl Had thie arrangement been entered into, it was the intention of the Mexican executive to apply the drafts to the liquidation of a certain class of de bts, charging about 12 per cent premium, or even more, upon them. By the operation, the Mexican treasury would have been benefited to an amount equal to €300,000—a large sum to a bankrupt go- vernment with unat> ereditors—and the United States would have received some $30,000 ¢ than by the contract «ubsequently made. a consequence of the failure of this negotiation, it is epprehended that the arrangement of the Mexi government with its creditors will be seriously emberrassed, if not ending in a total farlure contract to pay this indemnity was viven by our Executive to Messrs. Baring & Co., they paying to our government 3\ per cent as the remium of exchange. Inatend, therefore, of the Meziean government reeviving the benefit of the exchenges, it passes into the pockets of these The appropriation was made by Con- September jast, and the $3,000,000 were ¢ paid over to the contractore, they indemai- he treasury by a deposit of stocks sufficient to cover our losses. The difierence of evchan between New York and xico is at 10 per cent, which, after deductin to eur government, would leave us a profit of $195,000; but, in addition, ae the money is @nly to be paid in Jane, and as the funds ean, in the meantime, be ured in Mexico at # profit of 1) per cent per month, and as they are now so employed. the interest for, eay six months, would amouat to $270,000. These two sums would swell the profits from the contract to $465.000, which are received without the invest ment or risk of one dollar. E It is to be regretted that Mexico did not receive the benefit of this traneaction, as there ia oa the part of thet government th* most earnest desire to conciliate our citizens, and caltivate the most cordial friendship with the United States. But this article has already been too far exteaded, and we muet close without adverting to some other topies of national importance Crmtr tx Massacurserrs.—The abstract by the Secretary of State of the annual returna made by the keepers of jailsand the houses of correction for the past year, shows that these have been im- prisoned throughout the Stete 10,661 whom 9,180 were males, and 1,451 femal 8.962; minors, 1,619; 535 were colored, 3.555 could not read or write, 3,115 have been intemperate, and 5.854, or over one half, were born in foreiga The erimes committed were larceny, ult, 1,135; vagrancy, 245; barglary, 191; ind lewdness 292: brothe! keeving 9: terfeiting, 243; murder, 15; arson, vbbery, 19; rape, 6; perjury, 1; oF crimes, 1,757 Of these, 219 were sent to the S prison. The number committed for intemperance ie 334 Of the whole number, 204 are, or have been, married —Bostom Traveler, Jan 23. There wore 169 death in Phlindsiplis during the week ending the Let tast. Our Washington Correspondence. Wasuing con, Fed. 4, 1351. Theatricals--Evening Assemblies-~ Politicians on the Grownd. Miss Julia Davenport ia drawing elegant houses et the National theatre. Her performance of Pauline, in the “ Lady of Lyons,” to-night, was received with unurual enthusiasm. Assembly to-night, at Jackson Hall. Antijue chaperons and octogenarian Senators, aromatic of General Twiggs’s sulphuretted hair dye, flourish at these assemblies. The reports received to-day, of the failure, in the New York Legislature, to elect Hamilton Fish to the United States Senate, are received with con- siderable unction at the West End; for in this sec- tion Fish is represented to be rather fishy, The free-soilers are indignant. They hold whe con- spiracy to defeat Fish to be a scaly piece of busi- ness The presence of Mr. Dallas, Mr. Buchanan, and Mr. Walker in the city, in addition to the Cou- ereesional, executive, army and navy, and Suoreme Court candidates for the Presidency, is looked upon as indicative of a game going on; but there is little use of shuffling the cards tll it is under- stood what is to be the pl The present week will eS to a great ex- tent, the prospect for tariffs, cheap postages, and rivers and harbors, of which the chances now appear to be slim enough. Our Maryland Correspondenee. Annarouis, Feb. 1, 1851. The Maryland State Cenventron--Nothing Yet Dene. I propose giving you a few lines descriptive of incidents happening at the seat of the metropolis of Maryland. The State Convention on the constitution is now in session at this place, and you may have ob- served, through the issues of the daily press of Baltimore, that a proposition bas been submitted in that body, prohibiting the Legislature from “ for- ever interfering with the relation of master and slave.” Now, regardless of every other consider- tion, does it not strike the mind as superlatively ridiculous that the people should forever be de- prived, through their legislative agents, if they choose to act in the matter, of expressing an opinion upon the subject, or of doing aa they may please, by the easy and direct mode of legislation, without being driven to the other alternative of revolation? Those who advocate this feature may mean weil; but they mistake their mark when they undertake thus to restriet the progress of public opinion. [ am no abolitionist, but cannot see the justice or necessity of such a provision in the constitution. And, again: its further proposed to engraft upon the State conatitution @ provision deciaring the ab- solute right of & majority of the people, at any time, to change, alter, or abolish their constitution and form of government. This is another very unne- cessary proposition, and, with the other, had beter be omitted; and no statesman of broad comprehea- sion and foresight, can approve of either of these measures. But, unfortunately, there are in this body too many aspirants to popular favor, and several mem- bers who ought to exert influence, loose cast from the generally acceded fact that they are looking forwerd to seats in the gubernatorial chair or ia Congrese. This ambitious spirit, as a matter of couise, engenders no little rivalry, aad hence a good deal isdone und said in conveution thatbege's some feeling between members that manifests uself elsewhere. As a consequence, there is rea- son for ayeehenaing that, before this convention is concluded, resorts to the field, where chivalrous | etn are wont to gratify personal spleen, may the result. The anti-reformers hay evidently the advantage in Convention—not so much from numbers or ta- lent, ast nd other circumstances, and there is of any ge resulting from the nvention. Inthe first place, it is extremely ubtful whether the convention wiil conclude m any just principles for a new consti- tution; ani, unless wholesome changes are effect- ed, the people will probably reject it, for the delay in action has already so outraged public feeling that there are but few, if any, who voted for the convention, but would, if they now had the power, disband the convention. kK has been in session some thirteen weeks, at a cost of $6004 day, and upwards, and no one feature for a new consutation bus yet been adopted, and it will, no doubdt, tke some $200,000 from the State treasury before con- cluded, for its actual expens History of the Sogar Cane in Loulsiana, (From the New Orieans Crescent, Jaa, 23.) It is Just a hundred years since the first cane was planted in Louisiana. “ A vessel, Jaden with Freach recruits for the colony, touched at Hispaniola. The Jesuits sent their brethren a few bundles of cane, that they might try the experiment. These were planted in waat is now the heart of the Se- coud Municipality. and were cultivated by negrocs who came in the fleet which broaght the precious seed. It sueceeded, but the culture was not pro- secuted with any vigor, and it was only in 1759 that Dubreuil put upthe first mill. In 1769 the evlture was abandoned vnul 1794. That year, Etienne Boré, a native of Lilinois, whose indigo crop had tailed for several successive years, i derpuir abandoned that and attempted the cane. The second yeer he made a crep worth $10,000, His success induced his neighbors o imitate his example. Stoddard, in his history of Louisiana, says that in 1803, at the transfer of the territory, the delta contained eighty-one plantations. “ Some of these planters are «fiiuent, and possess from thir- ty to six’y slaves. The most wealthy of this class reside above the city, and before the cession seve- rel had made crops valued at from tea to sixteen thousand dollars. Since that period the number of slaves has increased; sugar estates are culii- vated On a more extensive scale, and the number of them greatly multiplied, so that the annual crops of some are new worth from $25,000 to $30,000. The sugar cane is not raised above the island of Orleans, nor is it believed that the climate will admit of it, No sugar estates are found more than one hundred mites above th Suen was its condition in 1812. The cane is now cultivated in the southern portions of Natchitoches and Tensas parishes, three hundred and fifiy miles above New Orleans Jo 1880 the Secretary of the Treasury addressed circulars to gentlemen in different parts of the country, seeking information in regard to the various products of industry. Josiah 3. Johnston, at that time a Senator from Louisiana, replied very elaborately on the subject of «nga. He said that, at the time of the transfer, the daty on sugar was 2) cents per pound, which, ia 1816, was increased to 3 cen’ twas more than tweaty years from the cession, before 40,000 hogeheads were pro- <= duced. At that time it was estimated th: 35.000 sh were engaged in the business, 725 plantations ut steam engines--capital abo: valued at $50,000,000. The slaves consume 35,000 barrels pork. They produce about 50,000 bushels of corn. The mac! ry Will cost, on each plan tation, $5,000. T! work 22,000 horses, vaiued at $1,500,000, which are renewed every seven years, fay at an annual cost of 200,000; more than three-fil of the revenues go to the other States As to prices, he shows they were, in 1818, from 14 cents to_15 cents; in 1829 they had failen to 7} ee The general average of Havana sugars for «ix years was ©) cents; that of Lovisiana 8|. The We sent prices (1839) range from 6) to 7} cents. la New Orieans it sella for 5), but in the Atlantic ey it will bring 64. Such was its condition in In 1840, the number of slaves was 143,99, the product 119,947 hhds. of 1,000 Ibs., and ¢ (00 gallons of molesses. [a 1849. 208,769 bhds. Ia 1850-51, the croy 200,000 hhds , ond 1 bring sia, census retor district direct to Wi tod, so that it is impossi- ble to arcertain at present the exact number of slaves and capital employed. The grea within the last five years has been in that seecion of the State. It may be safely estimated that the capital now employed is at least ¢75,000,000._ It seems to be a weil ascertained fact, that a fair yield will reduce the price below 4 cents, the mini-+ mum of Mr. Forstall. Whenever the crop t# short, the price ing one. But what capitalist would continue a business which required half idle time and full pay to keep up the price to remunera- tive rates! If the sugar planters alone were interested, the gapital invested. and persons dependent on the busi- bese should lead to Ope ge ia, if any ba- sinees ia to be benefired by ang revenue tari But, se was shown by Mr. Johnston, the North and Weet actually derive a large revenue from thi The Lonisiana planters will alwa: welled to buy their pork, and stock, and ma- chinery. One heavy item of expense escaped Mr. Jobneton’s notice—that for fuel, either as wood or coal. At that period, perhaps, the wood in the reer of the plantations had not been ent off., Now mony planters either buy the rafts which float ont of the tributary rivers, or burn coal, ata heavy ex- ‘nee. Pete cotton erop creates but little demaid for other than plantation labor. The sugar culture, which unites farming and manufacturing, requires the products of a great deal of white | Ia this respect it should meet with the pevu of those political economists who thin ereity of labor one of the chief causes of national pro perity and independence. The Renate of Wiseonein bas baved & lag abolishing e9y A rol 7 fF! ahaha The for 1850 are sent trom the Western 009,000, Our Minnesota Correspondence. Sr Pavi, Minnesote, Dec 31, 1850. Winter in Minnesoata--Inducements to Emigrants, Se. $e. $e. Here, in thie Hyperboreaa region, far away from ‘Wiull street, speculators, custom house office seek- ers, abolition and women’s rights agitators, we have little else to do save to revel in the exhilerat- iog and exciting amusements and sports of a North- ern winter. Ah! how we pitty you poor Gothim- ites, now plodding through sposh, now facing a drizzling vortheaster, or risking life end limb in a crowded omuibus, perchance groping your way through an impenetrable fog, eating the life-blood from delicate lungs, and forming a, winding sheet to many a lovely form, which weuld have proved a brilliant ornament to society. is superb In no part of thia continent are the skies so clear, so ‘darkly, deeply, beautifully blue,” and gilded with such surpassingly rich and delicate tints, as m Minnesota. especially at sunset and sunrise, for weeks in suc- cession, in moderate weather, a deep golden hue overepreads the horizon, shading off into the most deheate violet end crimson tints; and when the weather is severely cold, the northern sky changes to an inky blackness, and you may almost see the ghittering frost flakes and icicles sparkling in the transparent aumosphere. Six inches of snow on the rock frozen ground makes sleighing superb, and every form of vehicle which the ingenuity of man could invent, is called iato requisition to im- prove it. A sheet of ice a tootia thickoess, lies firmly over the broad surface of the ** Futher of Waters,” forming a magniticent road, over which sleighs fly, with lightning speed, bearing their pre- cious burden of piump, roey-cheexed belles, who, from ail parts of the territory, turn out to enjoy this amusement. Balls are very common here at thi season. The officers at Fort Saeiling are a set of jolly dogs, every way competent to attend to the interests of Uncle Sam and the fair sex, at the same time, and are never reluctant to ‘trip it on the light fantastic toe,” or skim over river and prairie to the merry music of bells and joyous laugh- ter. But we have advantages here for the poor, as well as others. As you have ever shown yourself the real friend of this class, althOugh not devoting your paper to advocating humbug labor reform as- sociations, and insurrectionary movements, permit me, through your paper, to invite the thousands of suflering poor in your city, to health, happiness, and competence, in this territory. No Western State can ofler equal advantages to the emigrant with Minnesota. We have a climate of unrivalled healthfuiness. The fearful chill and fevers, which have been such a curse to the other Western States, are here unknown. Consumption is a stranger to this climate. The exceeding dryness and purity of the atmosphere set all pulmonary com- ints at defiance. The season i: ply long enough © produce ali the grains and fruits raised in New York. Good land near the villages can still be ob- tained at government prices, and, at the preseat high prices, the emigrant can raise enough the first searon to pay for and fence his land. Mechanics command higher prices than in New York city— carpenters, and joiners, and mason, are paid two dol- Jars anda nalf perday. Let, then, all who are living in miserable dependence in the city of New York, and would exchange such a life for a happy, independent home, come to Minnesota. The ex- pense is not great. By first class cars aad steamers, it will cost a man some $35 or $40; by economy he msy come for considerable less. Many fermers pay for their farms with the first crop. la two years, 4 man may easily pay for and fence 160 acrea, such 1s the fertility of the soil, and the excellent market we have at our doors. To one aad all, then, we say, come and secure yourselves an todependeat home. Verrras. Minnesota and Her Prospects. The message ot Gov. Ramsay, to the Territorial Council, was delivered ou the Th ult. He speaks in the most encouraging terms of the growth aud future prospects of tue Territory. The inexhausti- ble beds of mineral, water privileges, and tertility of soil, render it one of the most desirable places of residence, and for the developement of intellect and nana. in the newly eeitled portions of the great West ith regard to the fiaancit! conceras of the Territory, he says :--**The total amouat of orders or Warrants drawn by the Auditor upon the Treasurer of the Territory, as I learn from the former oflicez, is $1,031 50. This includes the salaries ot the Territorial officers, and it is be- I] debts due from the Territorial treasury. have been received at the office of the prial Auditor, of property assessed in the counties of Ramsay, ‘ashingtoa, Wabashaw, Dakota, and Waebuahta. From the other counties, 1o returns have been made. In the counties re- turned, the total assessed yslue of property is as follows :— $177,331 v0 sees 223.560 45 36,015 00 $305,417 45 Upon this assesement, a tax of one mill on the doliar would yield a revenue of $305 dl; and as the taxable property in the ‘Territory will unques- tionably inerease ia 6 much greater ratio than the drafts upon the treasury, 1 do not deem it advisa- ble torecommend apy increased taxation for Ter, ritorial purposes. Of the Indian tribes of the Territory, and their removal, he say3:—The memorial ot the Li tive Assembly, for the removal of the Caip, from their ceded lands, was favorably considered by the President cf the United Staves, who was pleased to instruct me to notify the tribe that the privilege of hunting, fishing, and gathering wild rice on lands which had been sold to the United States, would cease. The removal has not yet been entered upon, owing to the lateness of the day et which Congress made the necessary appro- priation; but the Indian bureau will doudidess order the prompt prosecution of the movemeat carly in the spring. The treaty for the purchase of the hall-breed lands on Lake Pepin, which, if exposed to settles ment, would in & measure satisfy the Wants of our jabbing population, has not been ratified by the Senate of the United States, owing, it reported, to a constitutional objection. If such be the case, it is to be hoped that the difficulty may be sur- mounted or avoided, aad @ region rich im agricul- tural and miaeral resources, opened to the imdus- try and the enterprise of (he American people. The half-breeds at Pembina have manifested « deep solicitude to participate in the full benefit of our liberal institutions. Since my residence in the Territory, i have received frequent applications from this people for an extension ever them of our laws. The appropriation made at the last session of Congress, to meet the expenses of a treaty for the extinction of the Indian ttle et l’embiaa, will undoubtedly desireble en arrange meni is eflecte present means for accomplishing this If the contemplated conventioual t will place this interest- ing class of our population upon a firm basis of American citizenship, re them the protection of our laws, and by creating new incitements to immigration and seitlement, provide a ready mar- ket for all their surplas prodace. | am informed from credible sources, that there are huadreds of hardy half-breed hunters, on the British side of the interoational line, only waiting the extinction of the Indian ‘idle to change their homes and al- legiance. The appropriation is the more gratify- ing, as it furnishes evidence to this remote people that distance from the federal metropolis does not debar them from sharing in the guardian care of the government. The temper and condition of the large Indian tribes within our borders, will ever present ques tions fruitful of interest to the people of Mianesota. | Although it may safely be assumed, that in the | present circumstances of these iribes, no general war with the whites is to be apprehended, sy the petty depredations upon property contiouaily per- petrated by our red neighbors, are almost aa an- hoying as a state of open hostility. Ia this reapect, I believe all the tribes are alike guilty. So far as I learn, they do not wantonly aestroy property; but the confused ideas of right Which obtain among them—the faiat distinctions which they draw in regard to the ownership of property, and the influences of that education which accustons them to hold everything in common, lead them, when pressed by hunger. to commit every sort of vexatious larceny upon the property of our citizens. Peaceful relations have beea preserved with them during the past year, with the exception o! few outbreaks in Bunton eouaty, direct'y trace 7 which, notwithstanding last session, ied., To this rumous agency, andto the frcility ant trewae ney with which they crose to tne east side of the ) siscippl, 1 attributable much of our ladiaa trou: bles aad disturbances. Our own interest 9» en- tirely accords with that policy of the general go- veriruent Which seeks to retain the ladiane withia the limits of theit own territory, where a jude code of laws is operative, of eummary character, esjeciaily suited to their condition and to the cir- stances and temptations which surroand chem, that it is deeply to be regretied that many of our ertizens, by the aliurements of trade or otherwise, hold forth inducements to these Ivdiana to frequent ceded lane, on the east side of the river, woere the ree'raints of these laws do not exist, nor (heir penalties attach Citizens of good character, desitous of forming comtnercial counecuons with the ladians, can readily obtain a license to trade in [advan terri- tory; end there is the proper and legitimate local ty for the honorable prosecution of this advent brench of business, eo important and ao inter to @ frontier community Here the weather | Sometimes, | treet orate Sy gay en @.) " jan. 27. It iv not our desiga to attempt a biographical notice of the deceased. Volumes would be required to do it justice. His life was full of wild adven- ture, romantic scenes and thriliog iacideats. ‘Waehington Irving, in his Astoria, has in his owa happy style, narrated a few of these, while in oat of the most important transactions of his life, re- Jative to the betrayal of Astoria, he has done him reat, but undoubtedly undesigned injustice. To im, and him alone, was Mr. Astor indebted for all that was saved from the ruin which treason wrought. | The deceased was born in Scotland, June 15, 1783. In March, 1801, he left his pateraal mane sion, to carve out for himself his own fortunes, re- ceiving for his patrumony a mother’s prayers anda mother’s blessing. When only seventeen, thrown upon his own re- sources, he soon showed himself equal to the tasic. He came over into Canada and joiced himself to the North Weet Company, aad continued with them in the fur trade for eight years. Within this | period his health partially gave way ander the | eevere_privations to which he was subjected, and he revisited his native land, with a view to the re- gaining of his health—and when it was regained, | Teturned once more to his hazardous but chosen | field of duty. About the year 1509, he became one of the part- ners of John Jacob Astor, ia the establisnment of the fur trade west of the Rocky Mountains. Ia company with Mr. Hunt, of St. Louis, Mr. Mc- | Kenzie made the overland route to the mouth of the Columbia, thus traversing the conunent from ocean to ocean, a feat then seldom attempted, and full of perl. ’ ‘ He continued in this trade watil the surrender of Astoria to the British, by Mr. McDougal, duri: the war with England. As he could not avert that Catastrophe, he bent all his energies to save the u'most from the wreck, and converting everything possible into available funds, he carried them safee ly, upon his person, through a mighty wilderness da hostile country, and caused them to be de- ivered to Mr. Astor. After the restoration of peace, he exerted him- sel! to secure for the United States the exclusive trade of Oregon, but after a long negotiation with Mr. Astor, and through him with Mes-rs, Madisoa, Gallatio, and others, the matter was abandoned— and Mr. MeKenzie, in March, 1821, joined the Hud- sou Bay Company, and was immediately appoimed by that company a member of ita Council, and chief factor. In August, 1825, he was married to Adelegonde Humbert, who still survives. Shortly afer, he was appointed Governor of the Hudson Bay Com- pany. At that time he resided at Port Gary, Red River settlement, where he continued to reside until 1532, in active aud prosperous business, and amassing @ large fortune. In August ot the following year, he came to re- side in the town of Mayville, where the residue of his life was spent. He leaves thirteen childrea surviving by his present wife, and vae by a turner one. He was a good citizen, an honest man,a kind, confiding husband, aad an affsctuouste aad indule ES father. Ajl mourn his departure and honve is memory. {From the Jamestown. (N. Y..) Journal j The part taken by Mr. McKenzie, in tue North Wesiera Expedition firted out by Mr. Astor, was en important one; and in the history written by Mr. Irving, meny instances are given of the perils he encountered, and of his enduraace and personal prowess in meeting them. One in particular was so vemarkable that we «re induced to copy it, ia coorsation with the above obituary from the Sea- trnel. After a long series of disasters, the abandoa- ment of all hope ot aid from the United States, and the arrival ef news ot a deciaranon of war, Mr. MeDougal and McKenzie he consultation, aad finally decided to ubagdon Astoria. The lat ter, accompanied by two clerks, Jona Reed aud Alfred Steton, of New York, set otf for his post at the Shahapten, to get his gools from the caches, and buy horses with them for the caravan across the mountains. He was charged with despatches to Messrs. Stuart and Clark, upprisiag thei of the intended migration, that they might make prepa- ration They embarked in two cavoes, manned by seven- teen wien, unul they arrivea ia the eventful neigh- boriood of the rapids. Tney made the portage of the narrows aud the falis early in the afteraoon, and having partaken ot a scanty meal, had now a long evening on their hands On the opposite side of the river lay the vile lage of Wish-ram, of freebooting renown. Here lived the savages who had robbed and mittreated Reed, when bearing his tin box of dispatches. It wus knewn that the rifle of which he was despot ed wes retained as a trophy at the villaze. Mo- Kenzie offered to croes the river, aad demand the riffe, if any one would accompany him. Ii was @ hairbrained project, for these villages were aoted for the ruffian character of their tahabitaai; yet two volunteers promptly stepped forward—A ‘fred Seton, the cl.rk, and Joe de la Pierre, the cook. The trio soon reached the opvosite side of tae river. On landing, they freshly primed thelr rifles and pistols. A path winding for about a hundred yards among the rocks and crags, ied to tas vile lage. No notice seemed to be taken of their as proeech. Not a eolitary man, woman, or child, greetedthem. The very dogs, those noisy peats of an Indian town, kept sileace. Oa entering the vile lage, a boy made his appearance, and pointed to 4 house of larger dimensions than the rest. They hed to stoop to enter 1. As soon as they had passed the threshold, the narrow passage behind them was filled by a sudden rush of luiiags, who had before kept out of eight McKeuzie and hie companions found themselves in a rude chamber of about twerty-tive feet boag, end twenty wide. A bright fire was blazing at one d, neer which sat the {, about sixty years old. A large number of Indians, wrapped in buf- falo robes, were equattedt in rows, three deep, form- ing & semicircle round three softhe room. A tingle glance sutliced to sow them the gia ant daygerous aesembly into which they had iat-uded, end thata’l retreat wes cui off by tne mass Which biecked up the entrance The chet pointed to the vacant side of the room, and motioned them to be seated. They compired. A dead pause ensued. Tae gtim Warriors sat around like statues—each matiled in his rob with hi fierce eyes bent oa the intraders. Ic that they were in a perilous predicamen Pp your eyes on the je Lam ad eng him,” said MeKenzie to hie companio: nonid he give any #iga to his band, soot him, nd make for ihe door.” McKenzie advanced aud ofiered the pipe of peace to the chief; but it was refused. He then made «4 regular speech, explaining the object of their visit, and proposi: change tor the nile two blnokets, an wu be 0. When he ose, began to ad- dresehim io a low voice, but coon load aad violeat, aod ended by working himself into a fui 2 them &@ vianket or werely beciase they neighborhood, wi any other artic! had no furs to barter in exchange; aod he alladed, with meneces of ver » to the death of the Tadton killed by the whaies, ta the skirmish at the falle. Matters were verging a crivis. It was evideat th uTrousding savages Wore oaly Wai asg- he chief, pring upon the ¢ Me- henzie aod hia comp os had grad y Tisea on cheir feet during the eprech, and brought ther rifles to a horizo posttioa, the by resting in their left ba the muzzle of Me Kenzie’ a piece wes within three feet of the speak They cocked their ri he cliek of the a moment suffaece the derk cheek of ths savig aud there Wasa) cise. They cooly, but prompt advanced to the Goor; the [ndians fell back in awe, end suffered them to pass. Tbe sun was just set @ as they emerged from this dengeroas dea y took the precaution to keep atong the tops of the rocks as much as poser! yn their wey back to the canoe, nnd reached their camp in safe~ ty, congratulating themse!vea on their escape, and feeling no desire to make a secoud visit to the grun Warriors of Wish-tam. Tur vate Fink at Dexrer, Micu.—The Deo troit Advertiser, of the 27th uit, gives the follow- ig list of oufferers by the fire in Dexter, ta that State, on the 234 ult.:—Henry Viskiembrel block, loss $4,009; insured in Merchents’ Marnal Incurance Company of Butlalo, $2,500. Farrand red in Hariford Insurance Company, $1,500, which will more than cover their lors. O.'M. Sith, mervhaat=iaayred Co., $2,000; loss not so much. Odd niture 1a hall, 8109; no insurance. nee—$100; no msurance. Jas. Cos’ $2500; insured in Geneace Co , $1,500 chants’ Mutual, Duffsle, £500. Harper & Bother, of N. York—store; insured in Hartford Go., $700, LD Warner—store; @800 loss; insured in Piotectioa Ce. €400; goods, $1,500; insured in Utica Co., $1,000; store, @200 loss; inevred in Utica © H oye & Ewing—ineured in Merchants’ 2,000, which will covet los Jerchents’ Moetual Bafiilo, $300 George. Hays—store; insured in Protection Oo., ¢s00. H. Barebam—oods; insured ia Merchants’ Matual Company, Buffalo, $200, which wiil faliy cover his lors ~~ Julius Rainey—store; insured in Utiea Company, $10. Sophia Derby—siore; im- sured in Genesee Co., $890; loss about $1,000. Travnservine IN Texas ~The Governor, ina preelamation for e general thanksgiving in Texas srys:—“ May | not, in this pleasing asece ation embracing the length end breadth of the Vaio tender my congratulations for the [ok a ny on and say truly, inthe bea | and expressive lan- cage of the Bible:-* The wiater of our diseontent Shekepeare) is gone; the rain is over and past the time of the springing of the flowers is come, end the voice of the turtle dove ie heard ia ou: © Bre., merchant Soas of 1 No-—about in Mer-