Columbia telescope. (Columbia, S.C.) 1828-1839, April 22, 1837, Image 2
ofail the Ambassadors. Every body present
was in some uniform or oth? r. The King's
Aid, and I he Introducer of Ambassadors, pre
sently maa^ their appearance, and invited us
to form around the sides of the apartments ;
w hen this was doue, the line occupied the two
rooms, the number to be presented, of various
nations, being together something like two
hundred.
After standing about twenty minutes in mo
mentary expectation of the King's entrance,
the fatigue became insupportable to us Ameri
cans, and we began to seat ourselves upon the
tabourets behrtid as. Some of the English did
the same ; but I remarked that among the
Russians Austrians, and Spaniards,not a man
ven'ured to hamor his legs. As and I
were in that portioo of the line tnat occupied
the second Saloon, we could not see the door
by which the Itin g was to enter, but we pre
s ntly perceived, by a general movement along
the opposite line, that he bad made his appear
ance, and we instantly, with the help of a sign
from Gen. Cass, who was promenading infront
of our line, resumed the perpendicular.
In about five minates, the King bad pro
gressed far enough down the opposite side to
become visible to us. He seemed to make two
or three bows to each individual, and, after a
few words, to- passs on to the next. His back
being turned towards us, we could not see his
free. Hq was preceded by the Ambassabor
of the nation whose subjects he was receiving,
(the Ambassanadorining each individual in
tar^)?jd closely followed by three aids, whose
business it seemed to be to step forward, should
there happen to be a Fieschi, an Alibeau, or a
Menmer, among the presented. The King ofthe
French was short, thick, and ill~tfressed, in the
uniform of a colonel of infant ; that is, ablue
coat, with red facings, a ixf s&ape ess red trou
sers, without bootstraps. There was no embroi
dery aboat him,and?mdeed,no ornament but the
blue scarf across the breast, and the star of the
Legton of Honor. He carried on his left arm
his eternal white fringed chapeau, in a man
ner' peculiar to himself. Yoa may imagine
tint, among so many gay uniforms, he cut no
very brilliant figure.
-As the Americans were last in the line,
which of course, returned to the point where
it commenced in the "Salle du Trane," he
was some fifteen or twenty-five minutes fight
ing his way towards us. I had made up my
mind to return each salutation ofthe Kmg, by
a; profound inclination, by way of showing him
that we Americans possess by nature the man
ners ofthe Court, and I had accordingly re
served a space behind my heels for my evolu
tions; but by the time the royal panache had
reached my left-hand neighbor, the line bad
gradually backed us so far that my legs touch
ed the dais behind me, on which is placed the
throne. His Majesty, with a countenance fu'l
of smiles, and as red a? his own coat collar,
bowed to your humble servant in turn, 44 1 am
extremely happy to see you." If I had made
my salutation as profoundly as 1 had intended,
I should have placed my crown in the royal
stomach, so close he stood to me.
Accordingly I made but a moderate inclina
tion. He then said, "It gives me pleasure to
see so many Americans here this evening,"
making another how. As etiquette does not
permit one to speak to the King, unless in re
jfly, and as I could not think of any reply,
that would not seem superfluous addressed
to majesty, I replied by a sccond inclination.
He then bowed once more, by way of finishing
with me, and your humble servant made as
profound a reverence as be could, without
bringing bis forehead m contact with the roy
al nose. The King spoke English.
Next came the Queen, a delicate, nervous
looking woman, of some forty- five years of age,
w&i) -very light hair; her youngest daughter,
Marie, hung on her right arm ; she was a pret
enough, of perhaps fifteen or sixteen.
The qeeen asked in French, " Have you been
Ioog in the country V 9 I answered, "About
two months, madame."
Following her a short distance, came Ma
dame A&laide, the King's sister, an old mai
den of fifty ? with her was the elder Princess,
.Clementine*' who must be nearly out of her
teens. ? Thufpair bowed without speaking.
The Duke of Orleans brought up the r^-ar.
He is a remarkable handsome youn<j man, not
more than twenty five years old, with well cut
whiskers and moostachic, which, bowever, like
his hair, are rather too ftght. He wore the
handsome aniform of a Lieutenant General,
which fitted him well, He addressed us in
English, which, like bis father, he speaks re
markably well. He asked me if this was my
first visit to Europe. I answered him that it
? was my third. He said "then you must be
familiar with Paris and with France."
After the hour had been completed, the roy
al family, with their retinue, remained convers
ing near the door for ten or fifteen minutes,
. after which they disappeared into their privare
apartments. The crowd dispersed through the
.?zooms in th^>pposite direction, down the great
staircase, and conveyed themselves off as fast
as the carriages could come up.
1 most take breath after my ?tory, particu
. larly as I must give an account of the Court
Bali which took place two days after. ? Penn
jyiiMmian.
v; Steam Navigation.-- The problem of steam
Navigation between this and England will very
aoon be solved. Capt Cobb's boat will be rea
dy to sail in a few weeks; and before long the
beats which are preparing for this purpose in
<J?aglaad will be ready. The following ac
count afthe English vessels is from the London
Naatical Magazine:
%rhere are'two vessels at present building to
run direct from Bristol and London to New
York. Tae great western ship company's
vessels is baiiding at Bristol, and is of the fol
lowing dimensions atid power:
Length between perpendiculars, 216 feet.
Beam 25 do.
Depth in hold 22 do.
The engines are 400 horse power, having cy
linders 73 inches diameter anu 7 feet stock.
This noble vessel is expected to be ready in
the course of the approaching summer, and
will most probably make her first voyage in
August next. She is intended to carry Twen
ty-five days' fuel ? a quantity quite sufficient
*o ensare the regular performance of the voy
age in ail weathers.
Tke .British and American steam navigation
company wh?se head quarters are in London,
?ave contracted with Messrs. Curling, Young
Co. of Limeheus, for a vessel of 1,795 tons,
guilders measurement, and ef the following
dimensions and power:
Length between perpendiculars, 235 feet.
?ea? 40 do.
P*pth.~ do.
to have engines of 460 horse power, having
cySniers 7 inches diameter, and seven feet
atroke. The engines are fitted to work either
with or without Hairs condenser, at the option
the engiaeer. This oiagnificent vessel
the largest steam vessel ever yet propelled
will have capacity for Uveaty five days fuel
800 tons of measurement goods and 500 pas
jjngers.
YV e sincerely wish both the British vessel
and the London one all manner of succes; and
when we reflect ofthe immense intercourse
between this country, the United States and
Canada ? sixty thousand people having landed
at New* York from the 1st Sept. and twenty
seven thousand in Quebec last year the
increase that will naturally take place when
the passage is shortened io fifteen days, instead
, of thirty. seven, the present outward average
' passage of the New-York Packet ships, we
did not think that any, out of the numerous
plans before the public, hoid out stronger in
I ducements to the capitalist than such under
: takings.
It is difficult to calculate the national bene
fit that will accrue to both countries by the
establishment of steam communication between
! them ? the one with an overflowing population,
j the other witn iuexhaustible reserves of fertile
! lands ? tho one the greatest manufacturing,
I the other tne most extensive producing coun
i try in the world both talking the same lan
! guage, and allied by blood, religion and feeling,
I with one another. Thus much we may affirm,
! that it will greatly impove both counties, and
I render perpetual the peace that now so happily
I exists between them.
Trades Union Tyranny. ? Some twd years
ago a young man, or rather lad, of about 19,
came to this country from Irelaad, with his
sister, some years older than himself. He
was a stone cutter, and soon after his arrival
obtained employment at that business, at the
ti:en existing wages, in progress of time there
was a strike, in which he was required to join,
but refused, saying that he had never been
accustomed to work on granite, and not con-*
sidering htnaBeif ^ good workman on thut
material, his conscience would not allow him
to demand higher wages than he was receiv
ing, until he should become more skillful and
efficient. He accordingly continued to work
at the old rate, until he was seized with a
violent illness, which brought him to the verge
of the grave, and from which it was several
months before he recovered. Being unfortun
ately ignoraut that such refuge was open to
him, he did not go to the hospital, as he might
have done, but remained in his humble lodg
ings, without medical aid, or that nursing
which his helpless condition required, and
indebted for the little attention he received to
the kindness of his landlady and tellow-lodgers
who bad in truth but little time and means
to bestow in his behalf; and he was often left
alone, sick, miserable and suffering, from the
time when bis fellow lodgers went to their
work in the morning, until they came home at
night, with no kind voice to give him a word
of comfort, and no benevolent hand to reach
him even a cup of water if he thirsted. His
sister, meantime, having obtained a situation
as a servant,? devoted every shilling of her
wages to the payment of his board, but for
which his landlady would have been compelled
to deny him even the shelter of her roof, for
she was poor and could not afford to be chari
table. After along term of suffering and pri
vation he recovered, and as soon as he was
able to crawl out, returned to his employer,
and, to the best of bis ability, resumed his
labor. Will it be believed that the other,
workmen in the yard, having in the mean time
succeeded in obtaining tbs advanced wages
refused to admit him among them, and threat
ened to leave their work, in a body, if he was
employed ? It was even so. The poor fellow
was driven from every yard in which he sought
employment, because he had once conscienti
ously refused to demand wages which lie did
noUfrink himself capable of earning; and would
at this moment be starving, were it not for
the kinduess of his hrst employer, who has
taken him in as an assistant porter, or shop
man, although not actually needing such a
helper, gives him subsistence and clothing for
his services. Such m the tender mercy of
Trades Unionism tm those who will not bow
to its decrees. ? iV. Y. Commercial.
LATEST FROM THE EAST.
[Editor's Correspondence ]
New York , April
The state of things in this city is terrible.
Each d?y makes affa'rs worse and worse. ?
There were yesterday, it is said, twenty fail
ures, and, what is remarkable, almost every
man who fails shows great assets, but debts
upon the West and Southwest cannot be
collected, and, therefore, if an importer is worth
500,000 dollars in good securities, and has
but 20,000 to pay, if he cannot pay it, he must
suspend payment, and fail. The banks cannot
discount much more. The usurers dare not
l ind any more. Many mei chants now see that
in consenting to be shaved, they are but play
ing into the hands of the usurers, and taking
so much out of the pockets of their credi
tors. It cannot be disguised that the Trea
sury Circular is the reason why so many
of the Southern and Western merchants let
their paper return protested. The banks of
the West and Southwest, fortifying them
selves with specie, dare not discount. The
banks here, subject to the call for specie as
they are, also dare not discount to any ex
tent.
Messrs. Haggerty & Co. and Austin and
Wilmerding, two of the largest Auctioneers
in this city, have announced that for the pre
sent they shall suspend their heavy package
sales, as there are none haidy enough to buy m
these times.
The Cashier of the United States Bank, it
is said, will be in this city to-day with bonds
and post notes of the bank, which will be loan
ed when it can be done with security. This
will do a little good; for the usurers will shave
these notes when they will not shave other pa
per. Thedeposites in the banks unemployed
are very
Stocks have fallen again to?day. S^les can
hardly be forced at any price. 1 have never
seen mercantile men so discouraged. The
first question after hours is, ?? who has failed
to-day V'
The passage of the bill to prevent usury in
the New York Assembly creates much excite
ment in Wall street, which, generally speaking,
is opposed to it.
The Northern and Eastern Mails are in.
Portland,, the chief town of Maine, has in her
Charter Election, given the Whigs a great tri
umph. Cutter, (W.) for Mayor, 940 votes ;
the Administration candidate only 380, which
is an immense gain. Connecticut will probably
give the Whigs a gain of two members of Con
gress, certainly one, though the State has
gone for Van Buren, without a doubt, by l,00u
majority, or more. From the interior of this
State there is nothing remarkable. Rathbun's
trial is goingon at Batavia.
The young men in this city held a great
Whig meeting last night in the Masonic Hall.
The Tammany men have not much reliance
upon carrying the city at the approaching elec
tion.
Three cargoes of wheat arrived here yes
terday; one from Bremen, one from Konings
berg, and one from Odessa. The importers
wish it was all back again.
It is supposed that 2,000 laborers in this
city have been dismissed from employ within
the last ten days past, as th* employers can
not get money to pay them. Yours, &c.
National. Intelligencer .
[Correspondence of the Courier.]
\Y ashington, April 13, 1837.
1 understand that there will be no opposition
to the application of Mr. Whitney for the
benefit of the insolvent act. His furniture,
&c. was levied upon by the Counsel for one
, of fus creditors, as soon as bis application was
known, and unless some legal proceeding
! should stay it, will be sold for the benefit of
that creditor, to the exclusion of the rest.?
Mr. Whitney has behaved honorably to the
inhabitants of this District, if rumor speak
truth, when it says, that he has paid them
off, so that not a claim can be brought against
him which has been contracted since lie came
to reside within ten miles square.
The rumor that Mr. Camberleng and Mr.
Willis are to go in the Court of Vienna is
daily losing its believers; and the report which
is superseeding it,is that the situations will not
be filled until the Cabinet appointments shall
be made in autumn, when it may probably be
offered to, and accepted by, Mr. Dickerson.
There are also rumors, but I cannot trace
them to an authentic source, that Mr. Ste
venson and Mr. Cass will be at home about
that time; that the former may be offered a sit
uation to the new Cabinet, and their places at
London and Paris will, perhaps, be filled by
Mr. Forsyth and Mr. Woodbury. There
is no doubt that three of the present Cabinet
will go out, and it appears probable that the
( President will provide for them some diplo
matic appointments as their claims are, to
say the ie*5t, as strong and as likely to be
regarded as thostf of any applicants.
Mr. Persico executed his agrcemen wi
the President last week for supp!y,ng 0Ije 0
the groupes of statuary for the Easterti front
ofthe>CapitoI, drew his $4,000 in advance for
the first year, and has left the city on his way
to Naples, where he will do the work. It
will take him four years, and occupy him
about the same time as the two statutes ot
Peacc and War, which he executed under a
contract made with Mr. J. Q. Adams. The
other groupe, I am told, is given to Mr.
Greenough, who 13 now engaged on a piece
of sculpture for the Uniled States. The four
paintiugs will be finished long before the stat
uary, as they will be executed at home.
Boston Arpil 10.
Steeple burnt by LigUning. ? On Saturday
afternoon during a sudden shower of rain,
about 3 o'clock a yiolent shock of thuader
was heard, which to persons in the South
part of the city, appeared to strike some ob
ject near. About an hour afterwards smoke
was observed to issue from the top of Hollis
street Church-steeple. This is a great and
handsome church, compactly made of wood.
The steeple was about two hundred feet io
height, being one of the tallest in the city : ?
At the top of the spire was a cone surmounted
by a large gilt ball, above which was a small
er ball and a vane, and at the top ot the whole
the pointers of a lightning rod. The smoke,
when first discovered, issued from the top
of the spire, where it united with the bottom
of the cone, and apparently about sixty feet
above the highest point to which there were
any means of ascent. The fire must have
been communicated at the point whence the
smoke issued, by the lightning passing down
the rod, in consequence of some defect in the
manner it was attached to the steeple.
The members of the fire department prompt
ly assembled, and prepared for the attack in
the only manner practiable, viz. by introduc
cingthe hose of two or three engines through ,
the steeple to the upper balcony or platform,
from which tlit water was thrown to a suffi
cient height to reach the fire; but a very small
portion of it only could be made to take effect*
the fire being yet confined to the interior of
the steeple, the exterior being covered with
copper. The flame began to make its ap
pearance at about half past 4, and a little be
fore 5 tha engines were playing vigorously
upon it.
The fire although apparently kept in check
by the showers of water thrown upon the
exterior of the steeple, was not extinguished,
and it gradually extended downwards. The
effect produced upon it by the engines was
so slight, that the firemen perceiving it impos
sible to save the top of the steeple, remittefl
their efforts. A ladder however was raised,
and preparation was made for carrying i
hose to the immediate vicinity of the fire,
by an adventurous fireman, who ascended to
the top of the ladder; but, by this time, it
being about 7 ?'clock, the upper part of the
spire was entirely burnt off, and the part above
including a large iron shaft fifteen or twenty
feet in length, which was heated red hot,
with the vane, ball &c. fell with a crash
iipon the roof of the church, and thcnce into
Hollis-st. Fortunately no one was injured
by the fall.
The firemen at the upper balcony continued
fo maintain their stand, and the top of the
spire, encased in copper, continued to bum
like the chimney of a furnace, until past eight
o'clock presenting a very striking appearance.
Finally, by the renewed efforts of the firemen,
the flames were checked, and at 9 o'clock the
fire was entirely extingnished. The vigor of
the firemen, and the power of the engines,
was strikingly exhibited in the vast quantity
of water which was forced under such disad
vantages to a height of upwards of two huns
dred feet. A small portion of the water thrown
to this height would have been sufficient to
extinguish the fire, had not the covering o t
copper, intended to prevent the approach of
fire, effecutally prevented the approach of
water, when through the agency of the electric
fluid, the fire,, had firmly seated itself on the
inside. No damage was done to the church
other than that which we have already de
scribed except the .breaking, of a few slatea^
upon the roof and fortunately no accident hap
pened to the firemen or other persons asaem^
bled. ? Adv. Pat.
New York, April 12.
Fugitive Slave . ? Yesterday the Recorder's
office was "crowded to excess, on account of
the arrest of a colored man named Dixon,
claimed to be a fugitive slave. The claimant
is a Doctor Allander, of Baltimore, who says
the real name of the accused is Jacob Ellis.
Mr. Dresser,counsel totheAbolit onistSocietv#
appeared on behalf of the prisoner, and con
tended that he was not the man alledged to
have absconded. So well did the learned
Counsel seem convinced of this, that he caus
ed Doctor Allander, the claimant, to be arrest
ed while in court, on a charge of false impri
sonment. He has given bail to answer the
charge in the sum of $500. Mr. Morrill,
counsel for the claimant, wishing further time
to procure witness, the further consideration of
the case was postponed until this morning at
eleven. It has caused great excitement among
the colored people.
April 13. ? Rescue of the alleged fugitive
Slave. ? Yesterday morning the examination
of witness in the case of Dixon the alleged fu
gitive slave was resumed. ? Mr. Phoenix the
District Attorney and Mr. J. Morrill appeared
for the claimant; Doctor Allander; and Mr.
Dresser defended the prisoner. The claimant
alleges that the accused is his slave, and that
about five years ago he absconded from Balti
more. On the part of Dixon, witnesses were
called to prove that he had beeu a resident of
this citv, as a free man for upwards of fifteen
years, and that he is not and never has been a
slave. The examination continued in the Re
corder's Office until two o'clock, When owing
to the dense crowd of colored people who
Jfcronged the hall, it waa deemed prudent to
adjourn to the chamber of the Court of Ses
sions. On removing to the Jatter place a gen
eral rush took place, and every seat was occu
pied in a few minutes. The sprinkling of white
and black faces presented an interesting spec*
tacle, as they stood ranged like the keys of a
piano forte. The examination of witnesses
was continued until three o'clock, at which
time the Recorder adjourned the Court until
one o'clock to-day. The officers then proceed
ed to convey the pjisoner to Bridewell. In
doing so it was necessary to pass through the
Park, where nearly two thousand colored peo
pie were assembled. As might have befen
supposed; the prisoner was rescued from the
officers. Justice Bloodgood seeing how the
matter stood rushed from the police office with
a posse of officers, and succeded in seizing the
accused by the tiollar. But the exertions of
the magistrate were of no avail, for a powerful
negress threw her arms round his, neck, while
a negro seized his legs and others beat him on
the ribs in such a manner as to compel him to
relinquish his hold. Dixon then made good
his escape and run down Duane street, follow
ed by his friends. The officers treated into
the police office, dragging with thein several
persons who had assisted in the rescue. Among
them was R. C. Waldon, Esq., a member of
the bar of this city. Mr. VValdron the officer
charged him with having been very active in
assisting the prisoner to escape, in doing which
tore his (Waldron's) coat nearly off his back.
Owing to the dense crowd we did not hear the
gentleman's defence. He offered to give bail
to answer the charge. Mr. Bloodgood said he
would not take bail for a less sum. than ten
thousand dollars. Bail to the amount of $5,
000 was offered and refused. The gentleman
eventually procured bail to the amount requir
ed. A number of colored people were then
committed on a similar charge.
Having disposed of these, the magistrate
assembled the officers, and dispatched them to
recapture Dixon if" he could be found in the
city. Officers Merrit, Homan, Sparks, Bow
yer and others, proceded to the lower part of
Duane street ; where it was said Dixon was
concealed. After a long search they succeed
ed in ferretting him out. tie was concealed in
a coal hole in the yard of Mr. Arthur, a jewel
ler, who, however, had no knowledge of the
fact. Dixon made no resistance, and was re^
conducted to prison. The excitement, during
this scene was unparalleled, and it is a great
wonder that no lives were lost.
The movement in the Legislature of Massa
1 chusetts on the abolition question shews that
the abolitionists are growing in strength and
importance at the north- It shews likewise,
that abolition principles are not confined to
either of the great political parties into which
the country is divided. The resolutions adop
ted, almost unanimously, declare the power of
Congress to abolish slavery in the district of
Columbia, and that its early exercise is impe
riously demanded. They declare further that
slavery being an admitted moral and political
evil, should be circumscribed within tbe limits
of the States where it already exists, and that
no new State snou Id be admitted into the Union
whose constitution shall sanction or permit the
existence of domestic slavery.
In addition to this, we observe that Mr.
Webster, and Mr. Abbot Lawrence, who we
believe represents the Boston district in Con
gress, have both, in addresses since the ad
journment, taken a stand against the admission
of Texas into the Union, in the event of appli
cation, being made, on the ground that slavery
is there sanctioned, and that her admission
would strengthen the slave holding States.
We have little doubt that very soon this
question will be brought to bear on the elec
tions in the Nothern States, and that candidates
for office will be required to give in their ad
hesion to the abolitionists.
In this state of things what is the proper
course for the South ? The answer is plain.
Let her maintain a stout and unflinching resis
tance to all interference on the subject, either
with regard to the District of Columbia, or
States applying for admission. Let it be un*>
derstood distinctly that she will not submit to
such interference , and she has nothing to ap
prehend. It may be thought by some that the
Union will be endangered. We do not believe
that the North will push the matter to extre
mity if they see reason to apprehend such a
consequence. They are not so auxious to get
rid of the tax paying portion of the confedera
cy. But if in the blind spirit of fanaticism
they should lose sight of consequences, we
think, (much as we might deprecate such an
event,) that it must be evident, the South
would not be the greatest sufferer from the dis
solution.
Our readers may remember that we consid
ered the paper purporting to be the Farewell
Address of the late President of the United
States as hardly being a legitimate subject for
criticism, but rather entitled, as the closing
scene of the General's political life, to forbear
ance, &c. This opinion we have not chang
ed, so far as the General's responsibility for the
Address is concerned. Considered, however,
as tbe production of other minds, which he has
only signed, it presents itself in a different point
of view. In this light the matter is placed in
an article in the last number of the New York
Evening Star, under the signature of H. M.
B. (H. M. Brackenridge, a gentleman with
whose character and talent our readers are
well acquainted.) After Unmercifully ridicu
ling the thought of the late President's imitat
ing Or likening hiinself to Washington, in this
matter oi the Farewell Address, Mr. B. lets us
into the following piece of secret history, for a
continuation of which no one probably is pos
sessed of more ample materials than he : ? Nat.
Intel.
** The Farewell Address is in all probability
the p;oduction of 6ome such father of his coun
try as Amos Kendall, with just a sufficient spice
of Jacksonism to give it vraisemblance. I
k now something about these farewell addresres,
having written two of them for him. The first
of those was on the occasion of his taking
leave of his command in thefarmy. The only
part of it which wos his, was an uncouth me
morandum, containing some illiberal and un
gentlemanly reflections on a brother officer,
who stood high in the esteem of his country,
(Gen. Brown, ) but who, in a recent military
order, had been so unfortunate as to speak with
disapprobation of the practice of whipping in
the army; and this was all he contributed to
the address. The paternal advice to the young
officers, and the tine military and patriotic
feeling which breathed through the rest of it,
were altogether dramatic. The other state
paper was on his leaving Florida, when he had
displayed his excessive energy for some months
as military and civil governor. 4 You know,'
said he, 4what willc uit.' Accordingly, I wrote
I an address, without a single suggestion from
him, and which was signed without a single
alteration. The address alluded to was often
quoted to prove the fitness of General Jackson
for civil government, to show his exalted love
of liberty, and the absence of dangerous ambi
tion in his nature. It was highly eulogized as
his production. 1 own 1 had some design, by
contrast, in portraying out what a government
ought to be, to express my opinion of what he
was."
"The incapacity of General Jackson has
bccome eo proverbial, that it would be mere
affectation of delicacy to be silent. Mr, Duane
has declared 'that he has no distinct ideas on
any subject;' and Mr. Berrien very signifi
cantly says, 'that which I sign 1 write mean,
ing that Jackson signs that which he does not
write. At the commencement of his Admin
istration a pleasant anecdote was related to
me by one of the clerks in the Department of
State. General Jackson, having received a
complimentary letter from Bustamente, Presi
dent of Mexico, sent it to the office with the
following laconic endorsement : 'Mr. Van Bu
ren will reply to the letter of General Busta
mente with the jrankness of a soldier.'' The
Secretary laughed heartily at this conceit, as
he was neither a soldier, nor remarkable for
frankness."
So much for Secret History.
From the National Intelligencer.
GREAT IMPROPRIETY.
In his testimony before the Investigating
Committee of the House of Representatives
at the late session of Congress, Judge White
states the facts hereto subjoined. Judge
White then officiated as President of the Sen
ate. Nothing supposable for a President to
attempt could be mon reprehensible than this
effort to direct, through the appointment of a
committee, the leg station of Congress. Judge
White's statement is made upon oath.
"During this same session of 1832 and
1833, it will be remembered, the United States
seemed to be on the eve of a civil war with
South Carolina, on aceount of the tariff; and
that a bill was sent to the House of Repre
sentatives from the Treasury;.. Department,
proposing a modification ?od reduction of it;
that the provisions of that bill were so changed
in the House, that it became very unaccept
able to a large majority, and had no prospect
of finally passing ; that in this etate of things,
and after what was called the Force bill had
been considerably discussed in the Senate,
Mr. Clay introduced in the Senate, what
is commonly called the Compromise bill ;
and upon its second reading it had been
referred t6 a select committee, composed
of seven members. This committee it was
my duty, as presiding officer, to appoint.
Before the members were named, I received a
note from the President, requesting me to go
to his house, as he wished to see me. I
returned for answer that while the Senate
was in session it was out of my power to go ;
but as soon as it adjourned, I would call on
him. I felt the high responsibility which
rested on me in appointing the committee ;
the fate of the bill, in a good degree, depend
ed upon it; and if the bill failed, we would
probably be involved in a most painful conflict.
I endeavored to make the best selection I
could, by taking some tariff men, some anti
tariff, one nullifier, and Mr. Clay himself?
hoping that if a majority of a committee, in
which all interests and views were represen'ed
could agree on any thing/ it was likely it
would pass. Taking these principles for my
guide, I wrote down the names of seven
members, Mr. Clayton, of Delaware, being
one; and, immediately before we adjourned,
handed the namks to the Secretary, with dN
rections to put them on the journal, and in
the course of the evening waited on the Pre^
sident. Soon afier we met, he mentioned
that he had wished to see me on the subject
of appointing a com i ittee on Mr. Clay's
bill, to ask that Mr. Clayton might not be
put on it; as he was hostile to the Admin
istration, and unfriendly to Mr. McLane, he
feared he would use his endeavor to have a
preference given to Mr. Clay's bill over that
of the Secretary of the Treasijry, or words to
that effect. I observed, in answer, th.it it would
always givaeae great pleasure to conform to
the wishes of my political friends, whenever I
could do so with uropriety; but that the Trea
sury bill had been so altered and mangled,
and that, as I understood, in a good degree,
by the votes of his own party, that it had but
few iriends; that we seemed to be on the eve
of a civil war, and that, for the sake of
averting such a clamity, I would further
all in my power any measure, come from
whom it might, which would give peace
to the country; and that any bill, having that
for its object, was esteemed by me a measure
above party ; and any man who was the author
ofitwas welcome to all the credit he could
gain by it. But, at all event?, it was too late
to talk on the subject, as I had handed the
names of the committee to the Secretary before
we adjourned; and that as I had a very high
opinion of Mr. Clayton's talents and liberal
feelings, 1 had put him on the committee,
without knowing he was personally unkind to
the Secretary of the Treasury. He then
asked me if I could not see the Secretary of
the Senate that evening, and substitute some
other name for Mr. Clayton, before the journal
was made up : I told him I could not ? in my
judgment it would be wrong : and then the
interview terminated."
Philadelphia., April 10.
TWO DAYS LATER FROM ENGLAND.
By the ship Oconee, of New York, from
Liverpool, which arrived here yesterday, Mr.
Coffee, of the Exchange, has been promptly
furnished by Captain Wilson with the Liver
pool Albion of the 13th March, two days later
than received by the Sheffield, from which we
were permitted to make brtef extracts. The
money market seemed to be somewhat easier,
I and confidence in a degree restored. The
papers contain no news of general interest,
and not a word about the cotton market. ?
Ministers, it will be seen, had been taken by
surprise and defeated in the House of Corns
mon8. The house was quite thin when the
vote was taken, as appears by the yea? and
nays.
Our extracts being necessarily brief, relate
chiefly to money matters. The Oconee sailed
on the 14th of March.
London , March. 11. ? The measure adopted
by the directors of the Bank of England to
relieve the pressure of the money market, so
severely felt for some months past, and with
the view also of producing a return of the
precious metals to this country, are at length
producing their desired effects. The accom
modation, such as the advancing of money by
the bank directors upon the deposit of approv
ed bills of exchange, has relieved the private
bankers and the great discount brokers of a
very considerable portion of this description
of property, which they hold in their posses
sion; and they in their turn have been enabled
to extend accommodation to their customers.
The effects produced upon trade and com
merce have not yet been very prominent; but
within the present week, more extensive pur
chases have been made of manufactured and
raw produce, than perhaps in any preceding
three months or a month. ? Sunday Times.
Liverpool , March 13.? Another week of
anxiety, gloom and doubt, with regard to the
money maiket, has passed over without any
distinguishing feature calculated to increase
distrust and alarm; and although it does not
appear that any very decisive amendment can
be established, still there aresome symptoms
of an improved feeling* which cannot fail to
have an effect upon the public mind, and may,
in some degree, help to restore confidence,
which has b^en so much shaken.
Ministers ware surprised and defeated on
Tuesday night, in the House of Commons, by
the Radicals. Mr. Thos, Duncombc having
moved for leave to bring in a bill td repeal a
clause in the Reform Aclv which makes the
payment of all rates and taxes indispensably
necessary before a householder can be qualifi*
ed as a voter in any city or borough. Mr*
Spring Rice opposed the motion. The vol?
was 49 to 38, but there is not the slightest
chance of the bill passing. ? Albion.
Latest from Mexico. ? By the schooner
Water Witch, arrived yesterday from Mata*
moras, we have received our regular filea of
papers to the 17th March. They are barren
of any important intelligence.
We are informed by the captain of tbe
Water Witch, that there were about 4000
men in M a tamo ras, destined to operate against
Texas; but that their numbers were daily
decreasing by desertion. They were in a
most miserable situation, without the neces*
sane* of life, and completely discouraged and
worn down by fatigue. The invasion of Texas
is thus rendered quite a matter of doubt, but
should ihis enfeebled force get there ; tbe
result may be predicted with unerring ceiv
tainty.
The Diario del Gobierno states that the
independence of the Republic of Mexico ha<f
been at length acknowleged by the holy liege*
The pontilf was about to send a nuncio to the
Republic.
A vessel ifrom Bordeaux bad arrived, on
board -of which there were [six ecclesiastics*
one of whom was the Rev. Father Alpoches
Great apprehensions were eQtertained in
Matamora8 of an Indian " invasion. It was
believed there, that 8000 Indians were in the
vicini'y, with hostile intentions: ? ? -
Tne itica!C2H authorities had avenged
themselves for the treatment experienced by
one of their vessels in the port of Havana,*
and had compelled a Spanish vessel to hanh
down her national colours before suffering her
to enter. The Diario expresses the belief
that these points of etiquette will be adjusted
satisfactorily between the two nations now
that the independence of Mexico has been
acknowledged. * :
The W ater Witch brings $4000 in specie
consigned to Biennaime Dupeyre.
From the New Orleans true American, April 7.
. Late from Vera Cruz, ? We are indebted to
the United States Consul at Vera Cruz for oar
regular files of the Censor, from 20th February
to the 15th March, inclusive.
The difficulties in Yucatan are ascribed to*
the ambition of General Toro. The Merrida
Comet upbraids the General in round terms
for opposing the edicts of the Supreme Gov
ernment, and censures the York party for their
interference.
Santa Anna, in a letter to the commander
of Vera Cruz, from his farm (Manga de Clavo)
underdate 1st March, expresses hi* will ingoesft
to take the oath to observe the new ftindanen
tal laws as General to the Mexican army.r?
He took the oath accordingly to the new fun
mental laws on the 9th of March. A large
assemblage was present, and the General made
a speech in true Spanish styls, full of enthusi
asm for his beloved country.
Gultiebes with 800 men, was defeated by
the Government soldiers on the 27th of Feba
ary at St. Cristobal with a loss of near *
hundred.
On the evening of the 9th March the play of
Reoulcs was performed at the theatre in hon
or of Santa Anna. The Mexicans have tra
ced a perfect resenblance between Ike bvave
Roman and the hero ef St. Jacinto I- Mis*
Joaquina Paubret delivered, during tke enter
tainment, an ode in honor of liberty, tbe Rod
mans, and Mexican*.
In the month of February, 1837, 24 vessels'
entered the port of Vera Crux, and 90 were
cleared from it. Of these, 4 were Amerkjans.
Almonte started for the capital on the 13thT
with the exposition of the affair of San Ja6)Qto?.
and other documents relative to the invasion of
Texas.
The Mexican fleet has been reinforced by
the arrival of tbe Independence, a brig of war
built at Baltimore, 367 tons. She is to bt call*
ed the iturbide.
LATEST FROM TEXAS.
An arrival last evening from Velasco fur
nishes intelligence to tbe 2d April. ..Tli#
country was tranquil aod prosperous? the
farmers were actively engaged, and every
thing prognosticated that an abundant harvest
would reward their labors. -
Real estate had considerably increased in
value in the town of Houston; lots of 50 feet
front by 100 in depth, have been sold from
$2,500 to $3,500.
Little or no apprehension appean to be
entertained of another . Mexican invasion*?
indeed, we believe that a small "frolic" with
the enemy would be gratifying to these modern
Romans.
President Houston is highly spoken of, and
if we are to believe report, he is tbe '?greatest
and best" that country can boast of.
According to the Bee, the schooners of war
Brutus and invincible are both at Galvestop,
waiting supplies of men and stores. Captain
Hurd h as also resigned, and after accounting
with the government would leave. Some
other officers have also retire^ Hoary JL
Thompson has been ordered to take command
of the schooner Invincible.
Capt. Small, commander of the Ffrtat Ve
lasco, bad fallen in a,rencontpe with his liet*
tenant, Sprowl ? much excitement exists*
gainst him. ' . r
General Johnson, during the absence of*
General Houston, commands. The anay.*fr?
encamped on tbe La Bacca, and amounts to
2,500 men.
?Ail volunteers arriving at tho camp, are
obliged to serve during the war or two years ;
they are treated as regulars and are kept in
si rict discipline. They have plenty ofpro^
visions and are all in a perfect state of health.
Anna seems to be a favorite with the Tex
ian8, they already have a place denominated
Texas-anna, perhaps in honour of the hero
Santa Anna.'
In addition to the above which we glean
from the Bee, we find the following list o? the
Government Officers of Texas ?
Samuel Houston, President.
Mirabeau B. Lamar, Vice President.
J. Pinckney Henderson, Secretary of State.
William J. Fisher, ?' War.
Henry Smilh, " Navy.
Grayson, Attorney General.
B. Barr, Postmaster General.
J. W. Moody, Auditor of Accocmts.
W. H. Patton, Quarter Master General.
J. Snivley, Pay Master General.
A. Sidney Thurston, Commissary GeneraL
E. Moorehouse, Adjutant General.
W. W. Wharton and Memacum Hunt,.
Ministers to the United States.
Townsend, Consul at New Orleans.
Woodward, Consul at New York.
New Orleans, April?.? By the arrival of
several schooners from Texas yesterday, we
have the most flattering intelligence of the
condition of that country. All is peace and
quiet for the present. No apprehensions of an
invasion or naval blockade are entertained
and the spies who have juat returned from the
Rio Bravo, stale that no signs of an approach
ing army were - to be seen in that quarter.
The recruiting service has t>een suspended
under tho supposition that there will