The New York Herald Newspaper, February 4, 1855, Page 6

270 THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION. Jebato aor Bill in the Michigan Jan. 22.—Section 6 of the Pronioitory Liquor aw provides that no person shal! be deemed to have or acquire any legal property in such liquors imtead- 24 to be sold in violation of iow, or in say }» Or vessels containing then; but the same shall be deemed a public nuisance, and the person the same may be proceeded against as in other cases of nuisance; avd, in addition to hia liability as for a nuisance, such person shall be held liable to forfeit and pay the sum of twenty-jive dollara, with costs of prosecution, for every each affznce, and such Liquors so kept for sale, and any casks or ves gels containing the same, shall de forfeited. The forfeiture uoder this section shall be recovered in ihe same Maunér as thoss under sections 3 and 4 of ‘his act, provided thai the same shall have been vwized under a warrant for the purposs, and pro- rided, further, that mo person shall be punished as or 8 nuissace, and also proceeded agaiast for sach orfeitare for the same offence. Mr. PaRsons moved to strike out the 6th section. Mr. P. said he wou'd cons der it eatirely loeffe staal forthe purpose contemplated. I: dec'arad spirit- uous iquors @ nuisance. Bat didi; do it? We canaot (said Mr. P.) make any *hicg io law waat itis not in fact. Spirituoas liquors are not ia themselves a nuisance, aud are not so considered ia other parts of the bill; for instance, druggists are allowed to sell them for medical and mschantcal yurposss, We can only say, ia fact, that the abuse of spirituous Hquore 13 a nuisance, ani it is the remedy for the abuse which [ suppose it is tne object of tais bill to effect. Mr. Lrrrirsoun said ke desired the privilege of ing the reasoas which influenced him in sup- the motion to strike ont the six'h sestion of the bill. By other sections of the bill persons are allowed to manutactare the alcohol of commerce, and sellis to druggists with’n tae State, giviag bonds, &c. Druggis sare allowed t) sell t1e same for various purposes—for medicines ani for sacred uses; and yet by this seo’ion bot manufacturer and seller are declared incspable of acquiring any le; roperty or ownerstip in the same, if it be eee Toc sale in violation of law. That ia to say, the present intent decides te question of ownership, however proper the motive for manu- tacturing or purcnasing in the first instance. Bat again, the very article e/sewhere allowed to be kept, sold and uted for mechanical, medicinal, aad scientific purposes, yea, for the most sacred pur- poses, is Thee prononnced a nuisance—a public nuisanc?—as though the simple change of name by legislative act could conver: a ueefal agent int> a public nuisance! And how is the nature of the pst so suddenly changed? Simply by the intent of the owner to sell 2¢ im violation of the law. By some mysterious avalysis or combination in the chemistry of intent and motive, the pure alcohol of commerce becomes a loatnsome, lential mass of corruption—a public nuisance! The bare proposi- tion involyea a groes aveurdity. Characterize the intent to violate the law a nuisance—proclaim t16 abuse of the article a nuisance—yea, the use of a single drop asa beverage, a nuisance, in view of the desolation and ruin that may result, and I shall be content. Touch not, taste not, handle not the article as a beverage, and yoor fancied nuisanse will be suddenly abated. The ex:rcise of plain common sense seems quite desirable in legislating upon this important subje>'. Mr. Parson's motion to strike out was loat. Mr. Srrana@ moved to strike out of line five, sec- tion 8, the worda, ‘on bagel ei ofthe people.” Mr. S. anid he believed it waa the rule of the constitu- tion that all men should be equsl before the lav; and if we are to make ail men equal, we are to give the man accused the asme right we do the accuser. Tt would bo attended with great regres if ia this bill measures of an uncorstitutional character were re- tained. There were certain rights given to one party in this sestion that were not given ‘o the cther, which he proposed to remedy by the amendment. ‘The smendment was adopted. Mr. Lrrr.esoun moved to strike out section 13. Mr. Gregory hoped the friends of the bill would not consent to have that section struck ont. Mr. Caaren moved to strike out of the section the words, “the Lord’s Sapper,” and insert “the Fouith ef July.” Mr. ©. said: 1 offer this amend- ment, Mr. Spouker, because this Honee have rafused to strike out section eix, and have also refused to strike out that clause which describes liquora of all descriptions as a nuisance, and! hold idto be sac- tilege to retain a nuisance at the celebration of “the Lord's Supper.” I hope the good sease of the House will eee the impropriety of allowing an ar- lcleg which they designate ins preceding saction as a nuisance, to be used at the tadle of the Lord. For myse:f,1 do not believe itt» bea nuisance. I believe wine to be.es havmless as water; bat if it ia @ 1uisance, I have too much respect for religion to believe iu its use in one of our most sacred or- dinar ces—if i} is a nuisance, it should bajprouibited im the racrament of “the Lord’s Supper.” If this House refuse to strike out, it will be another proof of the insanity of the age. The motion did not prev: Mr. Brrana moved to strike oat the words “for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper,” and insert “for sscromental purposes,” which was adopted. ‘The question recurring ox the motioa to strike out be section, Mr Lirriesonn raid, Mr. Speaker—-Upon the motion to strike out section 13 of the bill, I desire to be heard by the House for a few moments. I am aware that bya certain circle of gentlemen wo claim to have t*is measure in their especial keeping, Imay be deemed au intruder. Still, as Iam not aware of their ability to reseive me from the re- sponsibility of a vote upon the measure, I must chal- lenge the right of being heard whilst simply jing the reatons which indus:d me to make the motion. The constitution, art. 4, ssc.47, pro- vides that ‘‘ The Legsiature shal: not pass aay act authcrizing the grant of licen: ths sale of ardent spirits or ot!er intoxicating liquors.” Under the existing laws every person may sell. By the pre cedir g sections of thie bill, no pe ghall manu- facture or ceil. Venders of drugs aod medicines, upon executing a bord with sureties, and upon cer- tain conditions therein expressed, are permitted to sell in sny quantity, to the exclasioa of all other peracoa, i the provisions of the section now under consideration, Mach as I may regret the inhioition of any license under the se tion of $16 constitution to which I have alluded, still, whilet that consiita- tiorai inhibition exists, 1 am bouad to respect it, and as I regard tre provisione of section 13 of the bill as conatituting a lio:mse, I must vote agains} it, Itcam be regarded iv no otber light than as granting an exclusive p ivilege to a cerva'n class, not erjoyed by others, It has ali the force aud effect of a licensee under the old system, only dit- ferent in not requiring fees, and thus becoming a soarce of of revenze. Here you allow the draggist, without respec; to bis capacity, integrity, honesty, or mo al parity, to execate a bond w.th sureties, to sell almost broadcast what you have previously de- clared to bea nuisance, and when arraigaed, to plead the bond in jostification. Gentlemen may b? acting Trem the best of mot'ves in endeavoring to arrest a growing evil in the land; but they will find that neither evasion nor subterfuge can overcome the cor stitution. We can neit>er overleap, undermine, nor cutflank the provisions of that instrament. While it stands, we must legislate in accordance with its rquiremente. Although! may bs thrust aside, and stand outside of the circle of those who | claim to be the special frier de of a prohibitory liquor law, still they will find me willing to advance with | them step by step, in any and every legitimate mea- sure for arresting and uliimately excluding the evils of intemperance from the State. Mr. Brnaxa—I qish to cail the a'tertion of the Honse for a few moments. J+ is with the utmost reluctance I diffe: from my friend from Allegan. | Were I sot an «eae in my opinion by mea far above moe--farther than | expec’ to reach—I should Inst & gentieman eo well not pitch my opinion a intordaed into There is a diffsrease batwean ths | provisions of this section and a lega! construction of @ license under the co instituti There is a wide difference. Ssstion 13 does not arth rise the mg had licenses. The provision of the const'- fation taken away from the Legislature the wer of granting licenses, bas does not srevent from regulating and restricting the sale of liquors, and if they enact a law to restrain the sale ina manter, or for a particular purpose, ; it is mot the grant of a power, bit rest ore ~H nyped previously unrestricted. Unter the constitution, every person has a right to sell Nquors. The object of this law is to restrain or prohibit, except under certain conditioner, the sa'e of epiritaous liquors. They have in another [a- stance prohibited the sale, except in certain in stances, Mr. S. referred to the session law of 1851. There was an interdict to the selling of liquors to ‘any body except to persons who should give a cer. ‘tain bond ; andj here is an interdict, except to por- sons eelling drugs, and giving bonds too. The constitutionality of the act of 1951, he bslieved, hid been sustained by the Supreme Coart. | uader- stand (said Mr. Strap the constitation to mean this: to probibit of any law bz which towns, counties, cities or the Stata shouli Legislature have the power to restrain, they may €xercire it in such a way as they think best. If it Comes up a8 a question ri ‘ing the uve or aba it may be NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1855. if lem at A a ge gentleman ad Neway A . Strang,, opposing 08 upon the comtruction to be given te sewion 13, Inatita between it and the act of 1861, and the two to be similar, attempts to show that the Supreme Court having affiemativel, wen constitutionality of that law, tue provi- ions of this section canaot amount toa license. Gade prov d for Log the logic rng Eg o leman, the very com, shows dissimilarity of the two mearuron, By the present bil: you ibit the traffic by all, and then allow certain few to sell, By the law of 1851 all wero prohibited from seliing in the firat instance, bu’ all Hi were also allowed to gell on giving o pay the damages that might result from t! a8 the prohibition a: d the grant in the law of 1851 being co-extensive, there cou'd be no exalusive pri- vilege, which constitutes the essence of a li ense. His premises failing, the conclusions drawa from them must of course be erroneous. I now leave the subject, with the expression of a hope that this House will go with me for an amendment of the constitution, so as to allow a license to sell for cer- tain purposes, Mr. MoInryre—The gentleman from Allegan is laboring under some mistake when he asserts that some persons have teken this matter ander their charge. There was a this mea- sure was aissuased; invitation was given to all triends of temperance, without any reference to party. It was wish to draw out objections and provide for them. The gentleman must hava had some misrepresentation on the subject. Mr. McInryre argued at som length that there ‘Was no valid constitutional objection to the section, as the measure was prohibitory, with certain ex- oo, and no person was au‘lorizad to graat Neenses. Mr. Tirrany did not look upon the section in the same light asthe gentleman from Allegan. At the time of fe on of the constitatyon, licensing was made a revenue to the State. It was thea de- cided, that from this abominable trattic no revenue should accrue, but it was not decided that the Legis. lature should not control or regulate the sale of liquore. Bat if it should be denied by the Supreme Court that we have no right to allow draggists to sell, it will not make the whole law uaconstitution- al; they will then be liable to the same penalties as others for a breach of the law. * The question then being taken by yeas and nays, ile J out sectien 13,the motion did not pre- vad. JAN. 23,—Mr. H. Monraaug moved to amend, by adding after the word “ act,” in the fifth line of sec- tion 18, the following:—‘‘And provided farther, That nothing in this act shall be construed to pro- hibit the manufacture of cider from apples, or wine from grapes cr currants.” Mr. Brown moved as 8 substitute, that the 16th section be amended by inser ae se the word “ aot,” in the fifth line, the follor :—“ And pro- vid That not! cons in this act sl sale of cider from apples, or wine from grapes or currants the actual growth and manufacture of the vender.” Mr. B. said— Mr, Speaker, I wish to make oue or two remarks with regard to the substitute, The law as laid down in the act prohibits the mana- facture or eelling of cijer or ie. Some gentle- men contend it does not; but if it does not prohibit the making, it authorizes the search for and saizure of cider and wines. If, sir, the manufacture be per- mitted, the use of the manufactured article ought to be allowed. No gentleman can contend that the use of cider or wine is injurious to health or the morale cf the people. If (ssid Mr. B.) lama!lowed to make it, I wish to have the privilege of giving my neighbors a glass of ciier, or disposing of the projuce of my orchard in that shape, without beiag subject to a fine or incarcerated ia a jail like a com: mon felon. The moral sense of the community will reject thia messure if pnased into a law in its pre- sent shape. it will b3 worse than the last liquor bill, and will “be prance of the same agitation ané confusion we bave had for the last two years en the liquor question. Mr. PP an op : vias the ety red in- corporat would allow every perscn to set up a liquor shop. A spirituous liquor could be macu. factured from apples which was injurious to health, and it was stated by temperance men thatj the ha- bit of sei alcoholi; drinks was created by ths use of cider. Heshbould not consider himself pledgad to vote for the bill if the word ‘‘sell” was retaincd in the broad sense ot the substitute offered by the gentienan from Barry. Mr. MonraGug hoyed the amendment would not ' ; thegrocery men would buy truit aua manu- I it into intoxicating beverages. His opinion was that cider might be sold before fermentation; after fermentation it becomes au intoxicatiag drink, and ought not to be sold, or the objact contemplat- ed in tbe bill would be ¢efeated. Mr. Bexcuer wished to be isformed relative to the point when it became iatoxi ating—when the ould be cut off. PARSONS Was oP sed to the amendment and substitute. He thought they would not accomplisn the chject of either of the gentlemen who offered them. He should favor tte Rees of the gen- tleman from Wayne, if presented to the House. He (Mr. P.) was in favor of leaving the manufac‘ure and sale of cider and wine open. He would allow every person in the State el pas in the sale, except restraining tne sale of cider and wine, #0 far aa to prevent it being taken -into the tippling shops, where, by stting spirituous liquor, a regalar tippling business would be carried on. If the position of the gentleman from Wayne should ba ee age the manufacture of cider and wine would cpen, but yee g ey from sale, except in quantities that could not be used oa the premises. | Mr. Trrrany said the remarks of the gentleman | from Shiawassee are entitled to consideration. I do not believe we ought to reatrain persons from mak ing cider or wine from fruite. I shall vote against both the amendment and substitute. The question wae taken on the substitute offered | | by Mr. Brown, and lost— yeas 13, nays 56. Tke question recurring on the motion of Mr. H. Montague, the same was lost. Mr. Gregory moved the following as an amend: | ment to section 18, to come in at the end of the se2- tion:~- “Nothing contained in this act shall be construed | to prohibit the Sg cider from app'es, or | wire from grapes, or other fruis grown or gathered | by the manufactnrer thereof, (if made in this Scate, | and froe from all ig erent! liquors); bat in no case sball such wive be eold in less quantity than ove gallon, and sold to be, and be, all taken away at one time; avd all seles of such cider, in leas | quantity than ten gallons, to be drank or used on | the premises, eball be an unlawfal sale in the mean- ing of this act, and be ig accordingly.” | ‘ir Moorman moved to amend the amendment | by ‘ikipg cut “‘ten gallons” and inserting ‘one | gallon,” and striking out “onze gallon’’ and insert- ing “one quart.” Lost. Mr. TrrFaxy had one objection to the substi tute. He did not think it would be meets to require persors to purchase ten gallons of cider, | or one gallon of wine, at one time. It would bs imposing a burden on yoor persons in sickness they could not bear. A much less iy, might | be “as much as they required, or that they had the means of purchasing. To prevent the use on the premises was all that adpeared to him neces sory. | ir. Sanporn would saggest to tie Honse that thease medicine shops do nos oxtend over the whole State. One-half of the inhabitants of toe State would not Lave access to the druggists. The law would be considered hard if it prohibited a person from purchasing a gallon of sweet cider, or a pint ofwice. He hi ped the gentleman would sce the necessity of reducing the quantity below which the eale was prohibited. Mr. Liitevoun said the member from St. Clair (Mr. Sanborn) need entertain no such feara of dearth of the article as he had expressed. Adopt the proposed amendment, and medicine shops will spring op like the fabulous harvest of dragoa’s teeth. Every grocery in the land, by the operation of section 15, whi:h you have determined to retaia, will be changed, as by a stroke of the epchanter’s wand, into shopa for the sale of drugs and cines. Calomel and jalap, rhubarb, camomile and serns, Epsom salts, lobelis and number six, will Sgure upon the shelf, while intoxicating drinks, ia every sage of adalteration, and poisonous mixtures, will continue to tempt the appetite, to allure the unwary, and congregate the victims of criminal inauigence. Mark well the aspect of the case as presented by this amendment, coupled with section 15. By that section you throw over the shoulders of the vilest wretch in nara f if he has money erouge to buy up sureties on his bond) the mantle ofa ene traffic, upon his assuming the charac: ter and functions of a druggist,and by this amend: | ment you give him ample scope for supplying the cravings of the most laveterate wine-awi! ag sae cider guzzling specimens of {mbruted mynhood. We | increased embat are ec’ unter embatrassments by en- | | deavoring to leg! apes tee at the same | | time. I would exclude this provision | having reference to the manutfactare. P on this bill is defined. I in ‘favor | stringent pers 2 bf 7 -d in in- | och trac 10 be » crime and | oe vcseestonenie cis panel en ba Be tt ~~ ie cak ie coe te one bundred days, and my word for it, your | other retailing shops bad wound up, | them. bs | ‘The question recurring on Mr. G-egory’s amend- ‘The ghar iny then recurring the motion to e on tribe out section 18, the eame was lost. ae eave nomad, hy eee eection bret dine 2, five.” Mr C. said--Mr. = wl bral a possible reasons mend: ment. fisve, the course of my been a dia- tiller. It was a busivess regarded by the laws of the State as honorable as any otrer business, and those cari on this business were as well pro- a ne ours of the Sinko te shein persons and property as apy other citizens, whether on mer anvile operestons, oret ir eh ew of law or physic. In this ne38, under the pro- tection of tie laws of the State, individuals have invested & Iarge ambunt of property. By the provi- siors in thie section you are destroy’ that pro- atypia the restiiction imposed thia sec: » it will be imposible to carry on the basi- ness. (Laughter.) Gentlemen may laugh, but it is no laughing matter to those who suffer. again assert toas you are spoiling the property of men, as respectable citizens, as honest and as honorable men, a8 any man in thia House, or in the State. I would ask if gentlemen act honor- ably when they thus spoil and destroy the pro- pony of the citizen? Under the sanction of your laws, and by a virtual contract with government, foreignera bave been induced to come here ard ia- vest ihe whole of their property in b-ewertes, yet pou legislate them poor men; you give them no pro- ction; ycu render their property valoeless, and leave their families destitute. Th's, sir, I assert, is handed robbery. If you wish to alter your icy, give compensationto those men wh? have vested their property uncer the laws aad faith of the State for the property you destroy. If you secu! it, them. Under the ‘clause allowing distille tion for exportation, and to those you give the privilege of selling, you fix eigty per ‘cent o! pure alechol to be run. Every man aoquainted with the manufacture knows that they cannot do it. You render their property wortbleas, and give them no compencation for it. Justice shouli, under all cir- cumstances, be doneto all classes of men. Gentle. men rqnirm now at the name ofhard cider, yet I recollect the time when it was all the » when on the i of a party wae ‘inscribed “Hard Cider.” bill does not give us the privilege of meking our apples into «cider; affecting the property in orchards, as well as the pro- duots of the farmer. Since the establishment of breweries, Isnds ad: for the growth of barle: have been very profitable. This you destroy, as wel as leseen the ya'ue of grain used in distillation. This measure will not only sffect the farmer ia the manegement of his farm, but it inquisitorially inter- feres with the domestic and economical arrangements of bis family. may of cur citizens raise carrants and grapes, from which tkey make wine for domes- tie use, and it is usually given freely to their neigh- bors in case of sickvess; but, if this bill passes, ey capnot iniater a drop of wize toa sick and de- bilitated fellow creature without viol the law. Besides, under a pretecded charge cf intention of selling, they might have their houses searched, their wine declared a nuisance, and be carried off, and themselves be subject to fice and incarceration in a common jail. This is the resultof your philanthro- py—the joint product of your moral and religious rinciples. This bill ia characterized in every se0- by persecution, fine, and imprisonment. [t isa h-handed measure of robbery and oppression. amendment cid not Mr. Warrmors moved to strike out the clause of ome aiteeay ten permits id ere of spirituous liquors ns who m: ve given bonds pureusnt to section thirteen of tate act. Mr. W. said his object was to do away with the sale of intoxicating drinke-—this cider and wine business altogether. His constituents did not wish to be in- terfered with. When we take our apples to the mil! and express the juice, it is not affected by the law. He was a firm friend of a probibitory law; he wish- ed to shut the gate on doggeries; he felt like keap- ing the thing out—rhutting it down. not for the manufacturing, or selling for mechanical pur- poses; he tad rather shut all dow. There were other provisions he did not like, and he was afraid those provisions would weaken the bill. Mr. Fitcu said the Poh etna of the gentleman was opposed to the principles of political economy. We Le Bley article is necessary for medicinal, manu- facturing and mechanical purposes, and we give cer- tain pennies privilege of sel.ing it fur those yar poses, but if the amendment prevails we must oo State to procure it. we . bi t. Mr. Carex moved to amend section 18, by adding the following:— Provided, That avy person who shail suffer loss of bis property, or if tbe same shall be injured by the operation of this section, be shall be entitied to com- bastion for such losa or injury, euch compensation be determir od by the Board of State Auditors. Lost, Yes, 16—nays, 54. Liquor Dealers’ Pledges In Indiana. The Rockviile (Ind.) ladies who took the liquor seilers in hand a few days ago, have reported the success of their operations. On tke 2d ult, they went round to the groceries at which they had left their menacing pe- tition, and received the following answer. Of those who refuse to quit, the ladies sa: will, upon timely reflection, retract thelr ankwer early day; if not, they will have to abide the conse quences of their business, which can now be read in the feelings, the sentiments, and the will, of an outraged and injured public.’’ Here are the replies of the sell. ere:— I will quit when my license runs out; tht will be the Ist of April, 1855. Wo. Fez, My month is out in eight days; I will quit then. Apam Foor. 1am willing to quit the business when I get rid of my present stock, I wish I was clear of it now. 4 Mr. McCay, T will sell as long as the law allows me. Mrs. MYErs. I will quit in four weeks from next Monday—sooner, if Lean dispose of my present stock, | FRux RUHAM, I will sell as long as the law allows me. lama free man, Grecory Scumrrr. When the law says I sball stop, then I will. Wa. Lapson. When the law says I shall quit, then I will. Mr. Wurat. Stop the business at Wheat’s, then I will quit. M SneprerD. Isell nothing but beer, and have not sold anything else. MR. FrprrMan. The committee having been credibly informed that dia not wait upon The New York City Post Office. TO THE EDITOR OF THE BW YORK HERALD. Tdesire to call your attention to the revenue derived by the Post Office department from the rent of the boxes at our City Post Office. Prior to the first of January, there were 3,549 boxes, which, at a rent of $4 each, yielded the sum of $14,196 perennum. In consequence of numerous complaints of our citizens about the inefficient management at the of- fice, in consequence of a want of force to attend to its duties, we are told that the department eannot afford more clerks, nor to increage the scanty pay of those al ready engaged, unless an increased rent is charged to the merchants for the boxes appropriated for their use, and that, forscoth, as the merchants are so greatly obliged by the condescension of the department, in allowing the merchants to have boxes at all, by which they are so greatly benefitted, they must submit to pay for their boxes at the rate six dollars per annum, fpstead of four; out of which increased reve. nue to the office they will be enabled to hire more clerks to attend to the legitimate business of the office, and proper!: mpensate those already en- gaged. The number of boxes have been increased to 46, which, at six doliars per annum, amounts to the snug sum of $25,478, being an increase of $11,280 to the revenue from this source last year. I conten] that this 1s all wrong, and the only excuse offered by the de- partment is, that for such greatly increased facilities the merchants must pay, in order to meet the increased ox- pense. ‘This argument is entirely fallacious, as can be easily shown. Ifno boxes were provided whatever, all the letters would require to be assorted alphabetically, which would require a'most as much time as to place trem in the boxes of the merchants, if not quite as long, as the clerks by practice, can and do, distribute the letters in the boxes with great facility, In such a case no ove would know whether he had a letter or not until after enquiry, and on examination of perbaps one hundred or three hundred letters! Many merchants do not every day receive letters, and the great majority receive both by the morning avd after- | noon mails, and sometimes only by one, s> that this creates an army of persons who are expecting letters, and who have none at various times, when they enquire daily, but whose enyjuiries consume as mach time as is required to find the letters of those who have. ‘ow, Mr, Editor, I leave it to your judgment whether under a system of delivering letters alpha the aid of boxes, the department is not a g arily by the present use of boxes, for I thin! be disputed that at least three times as man would be required (on the alphabetical system: clerks , to at- tend to the same amount of business in the same time as in now done by the use of boxes, If, therefore, we row require not more than one-third of the clerke than would be — on the old fogy system, there ix a large gain to the department in the expense of this office; but the mercbants of New York are called upon to contri- bute the som of $25,476 per aunum tow: ‘support. The department is under obligation to afford the mer. chants every facility in the earty transmission ana deli- very of letters committed to its care, and as the chief portion of the revenue is derived from the mercantile portion of the community, it is the height of injustice to enddle them with a tax to pay the expense of proper. ly conducting the affairs of the department. It is moro— it is contemptible. AN OLD BOX OWNER. Severe Sxow Storm iv Canapa—We have sel- dom Jered 80 terday it was Possible to contend with the wind at t! cotmecs of ctrests, tad the snow drifts ‘mn exposed were something to remember, climate of the Crimea is eaid to resemble ours. If the allied forces at ‘are visited by such weather, terrible ti |. Toronto Coto. their situation must Our Boston Cerrespondence. Boston, Jan. 31, 1855. Trip from Albany—Sleighing—The Snow Swept Away—The Election of United States Senator— Know Nothingism and Its Strength--The Opera —The New Theatre and Other Houses. In this age of go-a-headitiveness travelling by trailroad “express trains” at a rate of twenty miles per hour, is rot considered avery great a:hieve" ment, norf{dces it{improve one’s temper, if the trip be a long one. On Saturday mo ning, Ileft Albany at 8 o’clock in the Western Railroad “express train,” and arrived in “modern Athens” at 6 P.M. The distance is just 200 miles, and according to “Dabol” I figare the speed at the rate above mentioned. Nor is this all—from Albany to Springfield the road is abomt pably uneven and out of repair—the cars antiquated aud dirty, presevting a sort of “ gray-ish” appear™ ance; and from the last named place to Bos- ton, cur ‘express’ was transformed into a wey train, and the delay occasioned by stop- ping at every village on the reute allowed tho New York express train to pass and best us into Boston one and @ balf hour. Business men should avoid this route—“the farthest way rouad isthe quickest way home”—and the only class to whem it can conscientiously be rscommended are those who have plenty of time acd patience ani a ouch of “dyspepsia” —they will receive every atten- tion and kindness fromthe gentleman|y conductors— the only creditable feature of the concarn—wh>tru ly realize end sympathise with the passengers’ dis- tresses. Upon my arrival ia Boston, {found the crooked, narrow atreets, alive with sleighing parties—bells were jingling, and sleighs of all sorts, sizes and shepes were gliding inevery direction. The plea- sure, however, was of short duration. For like the snow flakes in the river, A moment white, then gone forever —so the rain of Sunday night swept away every voa- tige of snow, and created a strong demand for wheels, umbrellas and overshoes. The weather of yesterday and to day is clear and pleasant. The only political excitement I hear of is the election of United States Senator. The contest, I understand, will probably take place to-day, and the friends of Wilson are “big with hope.” A gentleman, how- ever, informed me yesterday, at dinner, that twenty-two Senators piped pore him. If Know Nothing’ Massachu- Led is what its Pope claim for it in on veal iZ.: OP] ion and uncompromising hostility olitical hacks, wie- rs and demagogues gene- Pilly-then it Preiflaamag% queerest way capes it is in supporting & man identified with rank abo- litionism and anti-masonic Whiagery of the Seward. pe It certainly is not a little strange and in- consistent that two men, standing upon nearly, if not the same, identical platform—candidates$for the eeme honors in adjoining States—yet one is warmly supported, and the other as eaceay opposed, by: this new tical Maced that professes to ksow no North, no South, no East, no West—no nothing, Gr the great confederation, ani one commen American interest. If Ge tea citizers of the right of suffiage, and mndiug it unconditionally to the woolly headed, ignorant negro of the South, are a part of the Know Nothing creed, then Wilson and Seward are their true repre- eentatives, and entitled to their ardent support. On Monday nigh’ I visited the new theatre, aud witnessed a representation of Don Giovanni by the Hacket — troupe. The building is a cre. , and compares fav. ly. with any similar cture in the United States; the salcons and drawivg-rooms are spacious and exceedingly convenient; the seats are easy and well arranged, and your ticket of admission secures them the entire evening; the scenery, the costumes and pointments are unequalled. In a word, the stage a whale e under the ment of Barry, formerly of the Old Park. Long before ringing up the cur- tain, every seat was occupied; the doors were now closed, and the cash counted a trifle over $4,000. I will not attempt a criticism .of the opsra—good reason why: bave no musical talent; but I will simply state that this comic opera, with sacred music, was well received. "4 Bostonians have a repntation of never bestowiag applause upop anything or any body at the theatre —their admiration is sient, so I am told—bit they are improving, and ceem savxious on this occa- sion t> make up for lost time, for ti «neored every thing ard every body, out of p!ace and in place, trom Grisi and Mario to the heavy German choras. Last night Hacket performed Falstaff in “ Henry IV.,” by request, to another crowded houze. Ths tickets were all sold betore 11 A.M. The applause ‘Was again bestowed without discretion. Everyboly wes celighted with the new theatre—the ssonery was beautifal—the dresses magnificent—the act: yocd—and how could ay Belp giving vent to their for, even t) indulging in the bad taste of “ calling ae ere ore by one after the dropping of the curtain’ Davenport, I understand, is also drawing crowds atthe Museum. Fleming is doivug a good business at the National. Perbam’s negro opera troups are at the Melodisn, and Tounaire’s circus company give day aud evening performancee. Not less than #ix or seven thousand dollars tre expended here rightly for amneement. Who says times are hard in Boston ? Aico. New Patents Issued. List of patents issued from the United States Pa- tent Office for the week ending January 30, 1855— each bearing that date:-- I. J. W. Adams, of Sharptown, Md., for impro’ implement for boring well, a ae Wm. Adamson, of Philadelphia, Pa., for improve- ment in clarifying glue. Abel H. Bartlett, of Kingsbridge, N. Y., for hot air furnace. ie = F. Babbitt, of New York, N. Y., for car venti- Jobn Blackwood, of Franklin county, Oaio, for improvement in seed planters. lobn Brown, of Lawn Ridge, Il!., for improvement in seed planters, Dex’er H. Chamberlain and Jobn Hartehorn, of Boston, Mass., for fountain brush. Alfred Dee, of Concord, N. H., tor improvement in ploughs. lames Eaton, of Townsend Harxbor, Mase, for improvement in dies for or-taps machines. orge Fowler, cf Northford, Conn., for double acting terce pump. Hezekish Griswold, of Hartford, Conn., for im— provement in the yoke of ehirta. Jonathan Hibbs, of Tullytown, Pa., for improve- ment in cicver hullers. Alex. Hall, of Lloydaville, Obio, for improvement in tianofortee. John Hobbs, of Hallowell, Me., for improvement in ruin staff ecrews for ship carponters. Wash! and Birdsili Holly, of Seress Falls, N. Y., for improvement in carriage whes's. Raseli Jennings, of Deep River, Conn., for im- provement in augers. Wm. H. McNamee, of Philadelphia, Pa., for im- provement in locking spindle door latches. Ln on Middlebrock, Jomes B. Blakslee, and Charles F. Biakalee, of Newton, Conn., for improve- ment jn machinery for felting hat bodies. Jobn B. Nichole, of Lynn, ., for improvement in sewing machiues. Apron Paimer, ct Brockport, N. Y., for im prove- ment in the constracticn of the frame of grais har- verters. Elijah F. Parker, of Prectoraville, Vt., for im- provement in lantern Jesse Reed, of Marshfield, Mass., for improvement in cable stoppers. Henry Rogers, of Ferrisburg, Vt., for improved force hd ee David Rueeell, cf Drewersbarg, Ind , for improve- ; ment in harvester cutters. Alex. O. H. P. Schorn, of Murfreesboro’, Tenn., <i _ rcvemente in portable fire arms. prevement in methods of work: Jchn Skeiley, ot ment in carrisge whee's. Geo, L. Squier,<f Chicopce Falls, Mass., for im- provement in straw cutters. Joseph Stockdale, of Ypeitanti, Mi sh., for improve- ment in cultivator teeth. Jovathan G. Trotter, of Newaik, N.J., for im- — in the construction of furnaces for zin> wbite. — in sad and Jobn Vee he ae en ick, N. J., for improvement for makin India rubber cloth. eee K Elisha Waters, of Troy, N. Y., for improvement in cylindrical boxes. Saem Wilder, of Lynn, Mass., for improvement in ite ore. jn, N. Y., for improve- = woxing thread in ey as Pinsey Youngs, of Milwaukie, Wis., for impr>ve- ment in sewing machin James 8. E ea. ik, of New York, N. Y., assignor to Wm. Everdell, Jr., of same place, for improvem: "twin A. Morrison, of Lawrenceville, Va. to bimeelt and Robert J, Morrioon ot Rice eaa, Yo fr improvement in dativeritg apparatee of Geo. A. Meacham, of New York, N. Y., for window war rsevas.—Corneliag R. Brinckerhoff, of Batavia, N. Y., for improvement in Charles Monnin and Booth, of Buffalo, ‘ for lanteres. Wi BN. ¥., for tmprovem: at in fastening ont eus Selleck, of poe tly Conn., for im | | Do. received for sundries fi | Paid Our Florida Correspondence. JACKSONVILLE, Fis., Jan. 25, 1855. Railroad Improvements— Communication with New Orleans— Hotel Accommodation and Good Wea ther—The Know Nothings—Election of United States Senator—Seward’s Chances—Emigration. ‘The Legislature of this State, at its recent ces- shee, Raia, Eanes ee With eeeeet ot WAT ing for @ liberal system of internal improve: in the State, the several railroad companies are now bestirring themselves to consummate she sevaral projects entrusted to their care. The Florida Railroad Company, with a charter to build a rosd from Fernandina, on the Atlantic, across the peninsula to Cedar Keys, on the Gulf—a distance cf one hundred and forty miles—have al- ready contracted with Mr. Anson Bangs, of South Carolina, to construct thelr roai. The work will commence in the month of March, and be prose- cuted to an early completion. This road can but prove au important and profitable one—cutting off, as it will, the tedious acd perilous sea voyage around Cape Sable for pastengers to and from the North, the Isthmus, and New Orleans. Hon. D. L, Yulee, United States Senator elect, is President of this company, and amovg its directors are many of the best business men in East Florida. The Atlantic, Florida and Galf Ceatral Railroad Company have a charter to construct a line cf rail- way trom this city weat through the State to Pansa- colabay. A considerable amount of tho stock is, I an informed, already taken, and a board of direc- tore, mainly residents of this place, beea chosea. Dr. A. 8. win ia the President of the company. Although the contract for building this rcad has not yet been taken, it is thought that tne fea ubility of the rcute, together with its evident payin< pros- pects, will soon elicit bids which will be acc ted, and the work commenced. Jacksonville i: 4 de- sirable terminus for a road, situated as it i: acon the noble St. John’s river, but twenty five miles from ths Atlantic, with an enterprising ani aotive class i fee res got Dt = ie piace Lerally requisite for a en ing city. oy the wag must not neglect to mission the fact that [em at present sojour: at one of the best public houses I have yet in the Southern country. It iscalled the Bu: on House, has an obliging and attentive proprietor, Col. 8. Buffing- ton, cee astistants, and faithful as well as civil domestics. I am py to find myself per- it at home in this pore far hotel. It is filled to overflowing with visiters from sections of the Union—the health-seeking invalid as well as the eceker of pleasure. The climate in this locality is mild and delightful —all that could be found in italy or the South of France— hence the occasion of so largea number of consumptive invalids resorting hither to escape the cold and harsh winter wea‘her incident toa northern latitude. Since my arrival here I hear much of a mys‘erious society called Know Nothings. No one seems to know whether or rot such a fraternity exists in this city, thoogh “ circumstantial evidence” would na- turally incline me to the belief that such is the case, This remarkable order is said to be in numbers rapidly throughout the State. Much interest seems to be manifested hereabouts with regard to the election of an U. 8. Senator in your State. Should Governor Seward ba defeated, as is ardently desired by the devotees of “ Ameri- can” principles, it will tend greatly to Know No- thingize almost the entire South. A fearon the bi of many, and the flings of its opponents, that tis new orcer is only ebolitionism in sheep’s cloth- ing, mill be set aide and its nationality firmly es- tablished, if Seward should be defeated in New York add Gen. Wilson in Massachusetts. God grant that they may. Tobserve that the tide of « migration into Florida from South Carolina and otber neighboring States in rapidly increasing. The steamers Carolina and Florida, from Charleston, come laden weekly with living freights of a substaztial character, which but strepgthen me in the belief that Florida has before her a bright and prosperous caresr. Amaaicus. FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. MONEY MARKET, Saturpay, Feb. 3-6 P.M.” The stock market was quite buoyant this morning. All the leading fancies were in active demand, and an advance was realized, with one exc2ption, throughout the entire list. At the first board In- Giana 6's went up 1 per cent; Virginia 6’s, ]; Mis- court 6’s, 9; Erie Bouds, 1875, 4; Canton Company, 4; Cumberland, 3; Uleveland and Toledo, 14; Brie, 4; Harlem, }; Reading Railroad, 3; Hudson Rail- i0ad, 4. Nicaragua Transit fell off } per cent. State stocks ,and railroad bonds were freely off.red, and found purchasers at better prices. Cumberland Coal was the most active fancy on the list, and closed at an advance on the opening price. The purchases buyer’s option thirty and sixty days, continue very heavy, and as they are made by parties who have the ability to carry every share as it comes in, the probability is that sellers will find a scarcity of stock when they want it for delivery. Exie Railroad is sustained upon the effect of the recent successful financial operatiors of the company. The fact that the income bonds were paid as presented, and that the interest due on the lst inst. was promptly paid, has been sufficient to enable the bulls to keep up prices and make a good thow of firmness. With perhaps two or three exceptions, sellers have much the strongest position; and time, which is the great regulator of the fancies, and the entire chapter of accidents, aid the bears wonde ‘fally in their operations, Transactions a' the offi:e of the Assistant Trea surer of the United States, New York, Feb. 3, 1855: — Received Paid ing tales of bonds and stocks were made at au stion, by A. H. Nicolay:— $5,000 Racine City (Wis ) Convertible 7's, int. ada. 061; 2,000 Cleveland and Pittsburg R. R. Incomes, do. 51!z 8,000 Northern Indiana R. R. Goshen Branch, do. 83 6,000 La Crosse and Milwaukie Railroad 8's, do. 8036 25 shares Manhattan Fire Insurance Compiny.116% 50“ Astor Fire Insurance Company... .. 15% 40“ Rutgers Fire Insurance Company 20 Harmony Fire Insurance Company |... 754; At the second board all the fauc'es were firm at &n acvance in prices. Erie bonds, 1875, went up der cent; Cumberland, 4; Nicaragua Transit, 4; Canton Co., 4; Erie Rail:oad, j; Reading Railroad, 4; New York Central Railroad, j. 47}, buyer’s option, thirty days. ‘We understand that the recent pu:chasers of the Pa ker Vein steamships have had offers made to them, by some foreign houses, for several of their vesse’s. Mr. Crom well is now in Baltimore, and it is to be hoped that before he leaves the merchants of that city will have induced him to continue the line unimpaired to that port. Toeir interest and that of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroxd Company must be closely identified with their steamships. If this line is abandoned it will be the last the citi- zens of Baltimore will have built ubon New York capi'al. The receivers appointed to wind up the affairs of the Cecbituate Bank of Boston, have made their s3- cond report to the Supreme Court, from which wa give the following abstract: — Cocmrtvate Baxk, Bostox Amount of claims proved prior to August 1, 1854 2 Do, from August J, 1854, to February 1, 1855 Circulation outstanding February 1, 1855 Due to depositors, not yet proved........ Contingent clains and claims presented and net allowed by receivers...... 0... cece ee 7,548 36 $580,845 98 Asser Cash on hand as reported, August 1, 1864... $168,762 40 ma August 1, 1864, to February 1, 3856......cscesecsceeves Total... Paid for divi ed nds on claims prov- oy? to August 1, 1864 $l4 for sundries since Augu: Deduct amount due on dividend on claims proved prior to August 1. Erie closed at | market, for the week ending Wednesday evenicg, January 3let, 1855 : Money matters present no new features’ The feeli is eon ‘worklog better, andas conhaeuse - capital seems more plenty ; showing that it is not the scarcity of money that produces the st ney which has been felt for some months past, ro mach as the sur- lus of funds being directed in a chanvel foreign to the immediate wantaet the business community, the ab- rence of confidence, and the distrust between man and man. ‘There is no doubt but that there aro large sums of money in and about the city, lying idle, because the parties holding are too timid to invest. Our banking institutions are paying more attention to buying and selling uncurrent money than to their le- gitimete business, and are using their surplus funds in ‘bat way, insteadof extending the discounting of busi- ness paper. Rates for money hold up extremely well. : We quote Fastern exchange at }¢ premium buying, and 1 premium selling rates; not very firm. Sight checks on New Orl nge from 34 to 1 per cent premium. From New York, the news is very favorable. Money is abundant, with s great falling off in the demand, and rates are not as high as heretofore. Ra'lroad stocks are somewbat unsettled, yet the leading ones have not de- clined much. , ‘The stock market in the West is more active, especial- ly among our low priced stocks, demand being’ bett confidence is regained, We understand that the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad Company have made a very favorable settlement with Page & Bacon, and have now the completion of the roud in their own hands. The earnings of our Western roads are still increasing. Cincinnati Stock SALRS AND QuoraTions, JAN. 31. Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad stock, 40; Cincin- nati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad stock, 68; Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad stock, 96; Columbus and Xenia Railroad atock, 90; Cincinnsti, Wilmin; and Zanesville Railroad stock, 8234; Central Ohio Rail- road stock, 52; Covington and Lexington Railroad. atock, 26; Eaton and Hamilton Railroad stock, 40; Fort Wayne and Southern Railroad stock, 10; Greenville and Miami Railroad stock, 25; Hillsboro and Ciacinnati Railroad stock, 24; Indiana Central Railroad stock, 45; Indianapo- lis and Cincinnati Railroad stock, 45; Little ‘Miami Rail- road stock, 90; Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad stock, ely rece and Cincinnati Railroad stock, 26; Ohio and Missistippi Railroad stock, 26 to 29. The Boston Telegs aph of the 21 inst. says :— The stock market continues inactive, at a slight duction from yesterday’s prices, with more sellers th: buyers in some of the sound stocks, but the fanci were generally in better demand at improving rates. Yerment Central sold at 834, and there {s evidently very few shares floating in the market at the present rates. Ogdensburg is very firm at 6% bid, and only a few shares offered at 6 Vermont and Massachusetts steady at 15%. Fitchburg declined Ai Eastern; 44, and both closed dull, Providence was in good demand at 695 bid, 70 asked, without sales. Michigan Central i ved to 78%, and was in good demand. Vermont and Canada is dull at 77 asked, the extreme advance within a few weeks not being sustained; Western steady, at 96 bid, 963¢ asked. Railroad bonds were in better demand this morning, epecially those of the burg and Rut- land. Ogdensburg 1st mortgage: could not be obtained at 59, and 2d mortgage sold at 30; Rutland 1st mo. were firm at 64 bid, none for sale; 2d 31 ‘mall lots, for Concord ted Montreal Me Dee Did, 90 asked; Michigan ‘and Montreal mor! 8, , 90 asked; Central convertibles of 1860 were’ offered at 79and not taken; Portland 6’s are scarce, at 10034 bid for $1,000 pieces, and 101 for $600; Albany City @s par bid, and the same guaranteed by the Western Rai 164 did. There is no City of Boston stock im the market just now, and the 5 per cents which soid at 94 some weeks since would now bring par. €opper stocks were in less de- mand generally, and Toltec declined to 534, in conse- nen of an asseysment of $2 per hare pare March which will make the whole amount Ra |, $11 on 20,000 jual to $220,000. Copper Falls is heavy at 39 asked, 37 bid for small lots. Pittsburg cos) Copper Company is in request at 125 bid, and no sl offered, Minnesota is held at 140, betas the dividend of pro- bably $20 per share, to be ceclai as soon as the pro- ceeds are realized from copper sold. This company has shipped a portion of its copper to Kogland, where they expect to realize a better price than in thia ‘ket. The last advices from the mining region at Lake Superior are encoursging, and the resources of that country will yet astonish the unbelievers in copper mining. shares,"e Stock Exch BaTorvay, Feb, 3, 1956. $2000 Inda St 5’s..03 81 20 shs Cum Cl Co,, 355 bs 96 20 a 13000 Virginia 6’ 1000 2000 Erie Bas, 81000 Erie Ba, °76.. 20000 do 08134 1000 Hud Riv 1stMB 10034 2000 TH Cen RR Bas, 72% 150 25000 ret 5500 NY Cen RR £00 N York Cen 7) 100 do... . po hea iS 100 400 blo 2 100 do, 3 100 Nica Trans Co 33 450 do. 5B 200 150 do... 7 North Ind RR... 8 20 Gal & Chic RR... BOARD. $£000 Inda St 5's 50 shs Canton Co 2 5800 N Y Cen 100 Harlem Ri 3 3200 do. 100 do, 2000 do y 100 do 500 N Y Cen RRBs 100 do. 1000 IN Cen RR Bs... 225 Erie RR. 200 do. 20000 Erie Rae, ‘75. 5000 do 100 100 Reading 760 do 100 0, «6680 10 Mich South'n RR t bi 2000 Inda Bk Bde. . 79 7 she Del & H Caf 11134 11 Metropolitan Bk. 102 15 Ohio Life & T Co. 8 50 Galena &ChiRR = 87 10 a + 90 400 I Cent RR., 5 800 Comb 500 N ¥ Cen RR. 100 Nica Tra 100 400 do, .. 8 CITY TRADE REPORT. Sarunpay, Feb. 3—6 P.M. Astits.—Sales of 76 bbis. were made at $6 68 for pots, and at $ Buran: ur—The sales embraced about 5,000 46.000 bbis., including common and straight State brands, at $8 18 @ $3 (0; common to good Western at $9 31 and $10 50do. for exira Ohio, Extra Genesee was nged. Canadian was sold to a limited extent at about $8 75 a $$ 87 in bond, and at $9 50 a $9 79) Southern flour solé in a moderate way at $9 25 for common to good, and at $9 31 a $10 37 for fancy and extra brands. Wheat—The sales em- braced 1,100 bushels Southern white at $2 20; 800 do. fouthern red $2 40, ack 12, and 1,000 do. white Michigan at scarce and sales limited. A_rale of oat, was made at $1. Rye it 52 a 54s. for New Jer- Rye flour was at 50 for Jersay, ant dat 70c. for heavy $6 258 Meal waa dul $4 67 for Brandywine. ‘ Cocoa.—Sales of 2,000 bags St. Domingo on private erms. Corres —Sales of 120 bags St. Domingo were made at 9 75 mats Java were sold at 19); a154j¢. Rio sold moderate way at 034 a 10c. "TON —The sales on the spot embraced aboot 1,000 bales, the market closing ft extreme prices, Freicnts — To Liverpool 1,200 bbls flour were engage’ at Iv. €d.; 1,000 boxes bacon at 17s. 6d., and 50 8 = ped gn cotton at 3s, 6d. . pork were 1 sar d80 The A k for London from a Chi at £3 18s. ; if from r nother port than Canton, £ if from Caleutia to London, £5. To Havana r: were uncharged. To California rates were steady, at about ® 40c. per foot measurement. To Bremen 500 Frert was unchanged, with moderate sales dry raisine at $2 40, and of wet Cry at $2. Hay.—Sales of shipping were made at about 90. a 95e. Inon.—The market was steady for Scoteh pig, at $29 50 a $81, on time MoLaeans —The sales embraced 700 a $00 bbls, part at for common, and 27¢. « 28e for prime; aud $00 hais. ‘uba at 24 ye. NAVAL Sronmt.—Sales of 200 to 200 bbls. apirits wore mace at 40c,, in shipping order; 2,000 bbls. common sorin sold at $1 70 per 10 Tbe. delivered; and $00 bbis. telected tar, for shipping, at $262. The last sales of raw turpentine were rej about $2 75 0 8. On.—Linseed teady at Sle., other descrip. tions were unebi PRovVERONK,— steady, but the market was without animation, The sales embraced about 400 6 500 Ubls. old mess at $12 60. New mess and new prime were nomiual at $14 25, and $15 25 for new prime. — Smell sales of country mess prime made at old rates, Trine mess beef was unchi .