The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, February 16, 1848, Image 2
From the N. O. Picayune, Feb. 7.
J jLATER FROM MEXICO.
The steam ship M'Kim, Capt. JJurthe, arriv.
ed on Sunday from Vera Cruz via Tampico having
left lha tormer port on the 24th and the latter
on the 31st ult.
Our accounts by this arrival are as contradictory
in regard to peace as the rumors which
y come to us ficsm Washington. One of our occasional
correspondents who apprised us some
lima. Mnun ikn l-ancmliilnn nfimnni'l.inl dos.
patches by the sloop of war Saratoga, reiterates
his opinion that "peace is made so far at least
as thjfrMexicans can make it. What has been
done only requires the sanction and approval of
the Government." On the other hand, a letter
from a distinguished oflicer, dated the 19th,
in the city of Mexico, says: "The Mexican
Congress has not been able to forma quorum
^,;:aqd peaco is just as far off as ever." We cannot
undertake to decide between these contra
dictory opinions, but proceed to lay before our
rcadej* such letters as wo have received by this
arrival.
Special Correspondence of the Picayune.
Vkr.v Cruz, Jan. 24.
The Courier despatched by the English Lc- ,
Ration arrived here on Saturday, (the 22d.)
having left Mexico on tho 18th. Although al- i
most everybody regards peace as concluded,
yfs I have seen a private letter from a high source ,
, enticedJo credit, which states that this general ;
- t, impression is entitled to] no credit, and that be
? Cannot sqo that we are nearer to it than ever, i
9\ Tim courier sent by Mr. Peoples with the 1
. President's message for the American Star,
was murdered a few days since near here on ,
his return. It is the more to be regretted as he
H was one of the best men for that service that
could be found. His trip up to Mexico shows ;
^this. , H? was taken into the bushes, stripped ,
w and shot by the guerrilleros or robbers. !
An expedition under Col. McClelland, 5th i
Tennea*ee Volunteers, composed of about 300 t
infantry and 200 mounted men, started this '
morning Iq follow up the Orizaba road and try ,
to cut off*robbers, who are presented to be in j
large force on the main road to Puente Nacion- i
l
A small merchants' train started out last ere. J
ning, but it was only a ruse de guerre to draw <
them on; and it was ordered back last night, i
i and I hope this expedition will succcd ifl throw- ,
, a fire in their rear, which will teach them to t
\ keep their eyes skinned, and a large space heL
Iween theui and our trains hereafter. k
The *team ship McKim, which takes this, ,
[look firoyesterday, hut was extinguished with- <
. out any .rery serious injury, and was the cause (
r of a few-hours' delay in her departure to-day. f
Although I have no very authentic grounds
Oto authorise me to say that Gen Lane is moving z
f,oo Orizaba with 500 cavalry, itlis positively as- I r
, serted that such is the (act by merchants wno
,.ere well informed of all that is going on in the
t.jntsrior. t
The small-pox has made its appearance here t
, And fifteen cases are known to exist in the city, s
" but there hi.ve been no additional cases for three t
day?, and it is to be hoped that the terrible dis- c
Arse will soon take its final leave of us. The
. cases reported are o! a very mild form. t
j ; Another specimen of Yankee enterprise fs t
{.about to be intruduced into the city of the Az- s
. tecs in the shape of an omnibus line, which is j
, to be established there as soon as the vehicles, (
. which have arrived in Vera Cruz, can reach }
that place. I have seen several of them, and i
the workmanship throughout will do credit to (
. the makers. c
Should peace be declared goon, and the country
be evacuated, we shall leave many marks t
. of American enterprise behind, and I sincerely ]
hope that the example shown during our short |
.sojourn] amongst them will stimulate them to j
.follow our example, which, with the advantages ?
(.which nature has lavished so plentifully upon c
^tbis region of the American continent, would
.place Mexico in a few years by the side of the j
first nations oftbe earth. Yours truly, ? t
... From an occasional Correspondent.
Vera. Cruz, Jam. 24. 1843. i
Gentlemen?We are in receipt of news |
from the cky of Mexico to the 19lh inst. All <
was quiet at the Capital. Peace! Pence! is the i
,?ry. It is generally believed that Gen. Scott <
And Mr. TrTst have succeeded in making a <
treaty of peace; nothing is known, lor of course
all the movements of those high in authority are |
kept seoret. Many1 persons of respectibility. ,
And some high in authority, positively state there |
will be peace in three months. The pronun- i
ciaraento of the State of San Louis Potosi, i
against the Government, and her invitation to <
other States opposed to the Government, &c.,
making peace to send deputies to meet at the i
.city of San Louis Potosi, 1 must confess, does <
.pot look very much like any permanency in
any peaceful arangement made or to bo made |
our gallaut general. It has rather a trist \
aspect. i
An expedition is undoubtedly on foot against
Orizaba, Gen. Lane, with a command of dra- i
.goons and Texans, has already left, and will
jrrobably reach there belore the expedition i
About being organized from this city.
Among the many arrivals at this place I was
glad fo meet Col. H. L. Kiney, from Texas.
Most ot jfoar readers must be aware of the very
'important services rendered by Col. K. to the i
' rmy. His service* in procuring the transpor- |
station with which the army marched upon ,
" ? * j . j?_ i
Monterey, nis perilous uuveiuur?*3 carrying urn- j
patches for Gen. Taylor, and his activity and j
zeal during the seige of Vera Cruz can never,
be forgotten by the army. I!is restoration to '
health and return to the army is the source of
much joy to a host of warm friends, who can- j
not cease to regret that private busincs of the ;
greatest importance compelled him to, resign j
"bis seat as Senator from the Western district of;
: Texas, to* the Senate of the Sate. X. X. j
i" > i . ???
Mnrrm Asyluh.?The bills introduced
'by Mr. Burt, Chairman of the Military Committee
of the House of Representatives, pro/i- j
ding a retired allowance for disabled officers, j
and an asylum tor disabled soldiers of the army j
-do equal honor to his head and heart. The i
- United States present the only instance in the !
..world in which the disabled officer and soldiers !
r is not provided pay and refuge on being disabled
In the service of their country. Let not any
ne Wgotted to the principle,right in the abstract,
. that pensions are unsuited to a republican gov.
ernment, class snch a provision with the pen ion
systems which belong to the indiscriminate
patronage of monarchial States. If the genius
?of republicanism is inimical to every form of
rpubllc support to those whom war has made
.physically rfnfit for civil pursuits, then is war
itself, its triumphs, its glories and renown no !
less inimical to republics. But if the human'
(instrument* for achieving these ends have worn I
out their thew# and sinews in the public service,
it is the office of national humanity to shelter j
j their wnisted frames. We hope that the crown- j
S?rW of the s'lorescfo' achievement hiV our !
he providing v Mie.im-j
,-??iior njaugiod sol -.r an- : m <h- 1
(fH'cbr.? > !
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
Monday, February 7, 1848,
Tx Senate.?In the Senate, the President
laid before the Senate, a report from the Secretary
of War, in compliance with a resolution
of the 18th ult. covering a copy ofthe survey
and map of New Mexico, made by Lieutenant
Abert.
A resolution presented by Mr. Johnson, of
Louisiana, railing on the Postmaster General to
report the causes of the recent failures of the
mails from New Orleans, <t$*c. was agreed to.
The resolution submitted by Mr. Rusk, relative
to the purchase of copies DisturnePs Maps
of Mexico, was taken up and referred to the
Committer on the Library.
The resolution submitted by Mr. Benton,
calling on the President for information as to
the anthoritv bv which certain words relative
to the promotion of Cadets were inserted in the
Army Register, was agreed to.
The Senate took up the hill to divide the
district of Arkansas into two Judicial districts,
hut, after consideration, it was postponed until
lo-nrorrow.
The Senate took up a bill amending the act
entitled "an Act granting half pay to widows
and orphans," where their husbands and fathers
have died of wounds received in the military
Service ofthe United States; in cases of
deceased officers and soldiers ofthe Militia
and volunteers, passed July 4,1330.
On motion of Mr. Niles, the bill was so amended
as to prevent its retroactive operation
before the commencement of the war, and limit
it to tho duration of the war, and was then passed.
Mr. Baldwin, submitted the following:
Resolved, That the President ofthe United
States be requested to communicate to the Senate,
if in possession of the Department of State
a copy of the instructions of the Ministerial
Counsel ofthe Republic of Mexico to the Commissioners
appointed to negotiate with Mr.
Trist, dated at Mexico, on or about the 24th
Jay of August, 1847, together with the proposals,
and projet, ifany submitted by the Mexican
Commissioners as the basis of a treaty prior to
he-counter projet submitted by them on the 6ih
3ept. 1847, and already communicated to the
Senate, and also the proceedings, ifany, which
tvere had in relation to said proposal first sub
nlttcd, so far as the same may he communicaed
consistently with the public interest.
The Senate resumed the consideration of the
\rmybill, when Mr. Hunter spoke at length in
elation to the destinies of our country, in favor
>f the bill granting supplies, and in advocacy
>fthe withdrawal ofour troops behind a niilita y
line resting on the Sierra Madre.
Mr. Miller obtained the floor, and the SenL*e
went into consideration of Executive busiless.
I
House of Representatives.
Mr. Stephens offered a resolution calling on i
he President to communicate to the House, if
lot incompatible with the public interests,
ill correspondeco with General Taylor, bewcen
the 1st and 23d February,, {1847. Alopted.
Mr. Hunt introduced a joint resolution of
hanks to Gen. Scott, Commander-in-Chief, and
hrough him to his officers and men, regulars
ind volunteers, for their unifo-n gallantry, &c.
n capturing VeraCruz, and at the hatties of
2crro Gordo, San Antonio Contreras, Churu>usco
and in front af the city of Mexico, directTig
the President to have a gold medal presentid
to Gen. Scott, and to communicate to him a
ropy of this resolution.
The rules were suspended, to allow the inroduction
of the resolution, by vote of 161 to 1.
Having been three times read and passed, Mr.
Henley moved a reconsideration, with a view to
imendmen'., by adding, "all of which achievcnents
are honorable to our arms, and give ad.
litional lustre to our army and navy."
Mr. Houston, of Alabama, expressed a wish
llso to amend, by including gold medals to all
lie Generals engaged in the battles referred to.
e o
Mr. Bolts moved the previous question on the
notion to reconsider, upon which motion Mr.
Ilenly asked the yeas arid nays, and they were
ordered?yeas 86, nays 113. The yeas and
aays, on mol:on of Mr. Haralson, were again
ordered on the passage of the resolution, and it
was adopted?197 to 1.
.Mr. Bolts offered a resolution, calling on the
President to state to the House whether any
:omrnunication containing a proposition for
peace had been received from Mexico, if not
incompatible with the public interests. The
rules were suspended, and tho resolution adopt?d.
Mr. Stephens submitted a joint resolution of
thanks to Gen. Taylor, and through him to his
officers and men, fir their gallant conduct at
Buena Vista, and directing a gold medal to be
presented to General T., and a copy of the
resolutions to be communicated. Tho resolution
was adopted?yeas 183 nays 1.
Mr. Wilmot obtained leave to make a person-1
1 r,rr,nnorbwl tn mmmnnt Hll
hi capiaimuuci, aiiu |/iuvvcih.ii ??
an attack upon him in tho Union, a fow days
since. He was very severe on the editor of the
Union and upon Mr. Buchanan, and intimated
that tho hostility manifested towards him arose
from an unwillingness on his part to attach
himself to a particular aspirant for the Presidency.
He denied that he had separated himself from
the Democratic party* by any act public or private;
and that his course here was in obedience
to tho known views of his consti uents.
He charged Mr. Buchanan with having opposed
the late war with Great Britain, and with
having been instrumental in defeating the election
of Mr. Woodward to the United Slates
Senate from Pennsylvania.
He examined Mr. Ritchie's political course
declaring that he had done more to break down
the Democratic party than any other man in
the United States?that there were not twentyc?
rifihn last House who
11* u i/oauvuiuiiv IIIVIII./VIW v. ....
had not been directly or indirectly assailed by
him; and that after having, no longer ago than
1837, come like a mendicant upon his knees,
begging for admission into the Democratic
ranks.
In the course of Mr. Wihnot's remarks Mr.
Brown, of Pennsylvania, declared that he had
good reason for declaring that Mr. W. himself
had opposed the election of Mr, Woodward and
was in expectation himself, at the time, of being
elected to the Uuited States Senate.
Mr. W'ilmot denied that he had any 6nch
expectation, or that he had opposed tho election
of Mr. Woodward, who was his personal and
' -? i -.1 i t.ic
political irioiiu?nan v- > <i ...? .........
grown up at his side?and road law in his office.
The friends of Mr. Woodward believed that he
had been defeated through the influence of Mr.
Buchanan.
Mr. Thomas, of I'enn., when Mr. Wilmot
had concluded, by permission of tho House,
replied. Ho defended Mr. Buchanan, denied
that he opposed tho war with Great Britain.
There was no man in Pennsylvania who was
j?...r..?, k ?? ? !?n?none who
if oyed a higher repi ; i.
| fits fricn I 4:i:t> !\ i. 'v ('*:r ao t"
* A
would call him, though he had now said much t
to forfeit his respect,) was only one among the I
whole democratic delegation from Pennsylva- <
nia who entertained such sentiments; and in
their expressions here, was much safer than he I
would be in Pennsylvania. <
Mr. Giddings offered a resolution, with a !
long preamble, declaring that the thanks of the
people are due to Alhert Gallatin, tor his distinguished
efforts in the cause of truth and huma. <
nity in the war in which we are now engaged. <
Laid on the table?yeas 132, nays 45. I
Mr. Houston of Alabama, offered a resolu- <
tion calling on the President for all correspon- I
deuce, not already published, between Mr. i
Trist and all our generals, and the government,
if not incompatible with the public intc- 1
rests to communicate the same. Adopted. Adjourned.?Bait.
American. i
Correspondence of the Courier. <
Washington, Peb. 4.
At the moment of the adjournment of the t
House, this evening, a message was received
from the President, communicating in compli- ]
ance with a call of the 31st ult., a copy of Gen. 1
Taylor's answer to the letter, dated January
27, 1847, addressed to him by the Secretary of |
War. 1 have hardly lime to copy it before the I
mail leaves. <
Head Quarters, Army of Occupation. ) <
Agua Neuva, March 3, 1847 $ I
Sir?I have had the honor to receive your 1
communication of January 27, enclosing a '
newspaper slip, and expressing the regret of 1
the Department, that the letter copied into thai
slip, and which was*addressed by mysell to '
Major Gen. Gaines, should have been publish- r
ed.
Although your letter do;s not convey the direct
censure of the Department of the President s
yet, when it is taken in-consideration with a
revival of a paragraph in the regulation of 1825
touching the publication of private letters concerning
operations in the f.eld, lam not permitted
to doubt that I have become the subject of
Executive disapprobation. To any expression
of it coming with the authority of the President,
I am bound by my duty, and by my respect for
his high office, patiently to submit; but lest my
silence ishould [be construed into a tacit admis- c
sion of the grounds, and conclusions set forth 2
in your communication, I cleem it a duty which T
I owe to myself to submit a few remarks in reply.
1 shall be pardoned for speaking plainly.
In the first place, the published letter beara 4
upon its face, the most conclusive evidence that 1
it was intended only for a private perusal, and 1
not at all for publication. It was published
without my knowledge and contrary to my wish- t
es. Surely, I need not say that I am not in the *
habit of writing for tho newspapers. The letter
was a familiar one, written to an old milita- j,
ry friend with|whcm I hare formany years inter,
changed opinions on professional subjects.
That he should think proper to publish it under
= r>ir/-iimstnnr.p?. rntild hcl have been foreseen '
by me. *
In the absence of any proof that the publica- *
lion was mado with my authority or knowledge, c
I may be permitted to say that the quotation in c
your letter of 650th paragraph of the superseded
regulations of 13*25, in which the terms y
"mischievous" and "disgraceful" are employed
to characterize certain letters or reports, conveys,
though not openly, a measure of rebuke,
which, to say the least, is rather harsh, and a
which many think not warranted by thepremi- i
ses. Again?1 have carefully examined the j
letter in question, and I do not admit that it is '
obnoxious to the objections urged in your com- ,
munication. I see nothing in it which, under 1
the same circumstances, I would not write 1
again. To suppose that it will give the enemy '
valuable information touching bur past or pros- a
nective lino of operations, is to know very lit- I
lie of the Mexican sources of information, or
of their extraordinary sagacity and facilities in
keeping constantly apprized of our movements.
As to my particular views in regard to the gene- I
ral policy to bo pursued towards Mexico, I per- v
coivc from the public jonrnals that they are a
shared by meny distinguished statesmen, and f
also in part by a conspicuous officer of the na- t
vy, the publication of whose opinions is not,
perhaps, obstructed by any regulations of his
department. It is difficult then to imagine that s
the diffusion of mine can render any peculiar f
aid to the enemy, or especially disincline him
"to enter into negotiations for peace."
In the conclusion, I would say that it has (
given me great pain to be brought into the po. j
sition in which I now find myself with regard
to the Department of War and the Government. [
It has not been of my own seeking. But it J
cannot be concealed that since the capitulation
of Monterey, the confidenco of the Department,
and I too much fear of the President, has been
gradually withdrawn, and my consideration and 1
usefulness corresponding!) diminished. The '
apparent determination of tlio Department to 1
place me in an altitude antagonistical to |tho
Government, has an apt illustratration in tho |
well known fable of .Esop. While intrusted j
with the command in this quarter, I shall continue
to devote all my energies to the public ,
good, looking for my reward to tho conscious,
ness of pure motives and to the final verdict of J
impartial history.
I ani, sir, respectfully, your obt. serv't.
Signed. Z. TAYLOR,
Mai. Gcn'l. U.S. A. Comd'g.
Hon. W. L. Marcy. Sec. of War.
Washington, P. C.
Washington, Feb. 8. j
The struggle now going on between the Clay
and the Taylor wings oftho whig parly, is no.
where rnoro violent than here, and in Maryland,
and in New.York. It is evident that Mr. Clay
has witli him all the old organization of the
whig party. He has the leaders. All the leaders
profess to prefer him, but some are of the
opinion that he is not available, while the rest
will adhere to him whether available or not.
Every day that may elapse belore the 7th of
June, will strengthen Gen. Taylor, as the whig
candidate, and it is highly probable that he may
receive the nomination. It has been lately
suggested, however, that they may, for the sake
ol harmony, drop both of these candidates and
nominate Judge M'Lean.
Wc are loojking, with much eargerness, for
the answer ofthe President to .Mr. Bolt's resolution
of inquiry, relative to any oflfer of a trea*
ty from the Mexican Government, the rumors
concerning which come thicker and sironger
than ever from private sources in Mexico.
The President certainly had no information on
tho subject on the 4th inst. What he has since
received, or may receive, is another matter.
I may add, that the most sagacious men 'here,
concur with Mr. Poinsett in tho opinion that
there will bo no peace, while tho American armies
occupy the interior of Mexico,
j We shall also receive from th6 President, in
I answer to Mr. G. S. Houston's call, all the let*
! ters of Gens. Scott and Taylor?all the corres'
pondenee between Gen. Scott and Mr. Tri*t ?
laud all ! it} rtn u ' !! " -I from Mr.
f Tj'rt th : Sv.'j V'* T!i:9 puUJi":!
tion will dispel all the mystery that hangs ove
the relations between the administration an
Gen. Scott and Mr. Trist.
Mr. Holmes presented, to-day, in the Hous(
the memorial from the Chamber of Commerc
Charleston, praying the establishment of
Branch Mint in that city.
The House has taken up the Loan Bill. Mi
Vinton conclusively proved to-day, that the sur
i>f nine millions ought to be added to the def
;iences of the present and next fiscal year; an
that the Secretary of the Treasury must call up
an Congress, during the present session, for
loan of twenty-five millions instead of sixtee
millions.
Mr. Clay was in the Senate Chamber to-da
but his case not coming up, he did not speak
Mr. Clay will probably speak on Thursday, i
is now said.
Mr. Lover is affording us an agreeable en
tertainmenf, in his "Irish Evenings."
There was nothing of inte rest in the Senat
i.J... ,l? r.n :
kU'UOjr| UAUtpi IUO lUlMJWIIIg*
The resolution submitted yesterday by Mr
Baldwin, was amended, on motion of Mr. Se
rier, as follows, to.wit:
"And also any correspondence which ma
have taken place between Mr. Trial and Gen
Scott, or either of those gentlemen with th
Government of the IT. ^States, upon the subjec
jf the proposed treaty or negotiation betwee
;he U. States and Mexico, at the time of th
irrival of Mr. Trisl in Mexico, or subsequent
y, or after the subject of the proposals made t
VIr. Trist by the Commissioners of Mexico."
The resolution was then agreed to.
rHECAMDEN JOURNAL
Wednesday Morning, February 10, 1848.
WILLIAM B. JOHNSTON. EDITOR?"
Agricultural Meeting.
A meeting of the Wateree Agricultural Societ;
vill be held at Swift creek on Thursday, the 24ti
net. A punctual attendance is requested.
JOHN BOYKIN, Sec'y.
The Market,
Cotton has been exceedingly dull the past weei
rwing to later accounts from England indfeatinj
l decline. The Sarah Sands is said to have ar
ived with six days later news, advising of a fur
her decline of |d. This intelligence was receiv
id here on Friday last by telegraph, since whic
ime we have had nothing further. The sale
nade the past week have been from 5$ to 7f ct?
Corn is still selling from 45 to 50 cts.; Oats 3.
o 37. Flour 84 75 to ?5 00 per barrel. Fodde
rs cts.
We have received a few further items of new
rrought by the Sarah Sands. The general aspec
>f affairs in the cotton trade wts very unfavorable
rnd decidedly retrograding. Flour, [Indian cori
ma breaasturts naa materially aecunea. in
Commission in Ireland was proceeding with it
vork and four assassins were executed. Severn
leaths had occurred from starvation. The dcatl
if Isaac Israeli, in his 82d year, is announced.
The Hibernia is hourly expected at New Yor
vith eight days later news.
Charlotte Mail*
We congratulate our readers, on the Lancaste
ind Charlotte road, that their mail facilities hav
>een increased. The cnlerprizing contractor M
UcEwen, having obtained the consent of the De
artment to run a tri-weekly mail, leaving here o
Uonday, Wednesday and Friday, and from Chai
otte on the alternate days of the week. Thi
vill likewise be a great convenience to traveller!
is they will arrive here from Charlotte in twentj
our hours.
Coroners Inquest.
An inquest was held on Friday afternoon on th
jody of Nelson Pettifoot a free colored man,
vagoner. He was hauling cotton to the boat yari
ind it is supposed, fell off his mule, in a fit, as th
irst intimation of the accident was the arrival c
he wagon at the boat yard, without the driver.
CrThe telegraph is now open to Pctersbur
ind consequently, communications, can now b
orwarded to New York, Boston die.
It has been decided by tin War Department
hat the Florida Volunteers, called out to defen
Florida against the attack of the Indians, are er
itled to the bounty under the act of the 13th Mai
1840.
Sonth Carolina Politics.
Mr. Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, in reply to an a
ack of the Union, last week, avowed his prefci
;nce for Mr, Calhoun for the Presidency. Th
ippears to us to be a passing strange declaratio:
We clearly perceive that the So jth Carolina delf
nation, South Carolina politicians and politic
presses are daily becoming mere opposed to tl
Administration. There are so few party lint
now in existence, it would be difficult to distil
guish Whigs from Democrats, else we would ss
they all had gone over to the Whig party. M
Calhoun and the whole tail ma/ be right in thi
opposition to a democratic admiristration, and ce
tainiy it wui require a vast amuum ui chh^ihgi
ment from the organ, to satisfy the country, wil
regard to the objects which it nuw has in view,
the prosecution of this war, and in the call for th
large increase of men and meanii for that purpos
but we feel well assured that the time consume
in speech making at the Capital the party bicke
ings in and out of Congress, and the conseque
want of union among our peoule with regard
the mode of putting an end to the war, will mat
rially delay this desirable consummation. Unt
our people are united on this point there will 1
no peace. When supplies and men were requ
red, when we deemed a hearty support of the me
sures of the Administration necessary to the ho
or of our country, and when Mr. Calhoun's poli*
was first developed, we were inclined to belie'
that a vigorous prosecution of th e war was thes
rest mode of obtaining peace, and we doubted tl
wisdom of any "masterly inactivity" in our des
ings with the Mexican people, but we are afra
n"?N linn lioon vtrrnrniia
we were wrongs iuc v?a? nao u?i. ,.6w.
prosecuted, men and means have been prompt
furnished and to an ample extent, yet the very 1
test intelligence from Mexico, gives us the infc
mation, that it is the opinion of some of the highe
officers the prospect of peace is as remote now,
when the war commenced. It is high time ther
tore to pause for reflection, and to consider whet
er the views of those who occupy the "South Car
lina platform" are not consistent with the soun
est reason, and more in accordance with the pri
- ' ? r< ,i.
ciples and institutions or our uuvciiuucih, m
the contrary policy of pushing our conquests to ;
extent which will bo equivalent to the utter am
hilntion of the national exigence of
w.J . J ijs'io . ' bw 'hi* f.p iify'i t.
ir down if possible, on some mode of ending this
d war, during the present session of Congress, for
should it adjourn without this being done, the
Presidential Canvass will turn entirely upon this
e question, and every day's developements indicate
11 that the multitude will go for absorbing a large
portion, if not all of Mexico, and do this too, from
* false notions of national honor and pride,
j We conclude therefore, that it is not the duty
J even ol a democratic press to sustain the administration
in its plan for the subjugation of Mexico,
o until urn L-nnur nvnrllu thn measure and extent of
" - ? * ? J ?
n the indemnity it will claim from that country.?
The policy of holdmg and taking possession of her
7 territory is dangerous in the extreme, and it will
; not take much argument to make our people be11
lieve that it is our just right to hold the territory
we now occupy, or may hereafter take possession
of. We hope then, the President will communie
cate to Congress the amount of indemnity which
he considers just, and the precise security he re .
quires for the future. We are not deeply versed
in such things, but we cannot see the propriety of
withholding this infor.: ation, which if given we
7 think would facilitate any steps proposed for ob'
taining an honorable peace. We have arrived at
e the conclusion, that such information would speedily
unite our people on some mode of action, for
p the attainment of that object.
Abolition Nulilication.
0 Rhode Island has wheeled into the line of ultra
abolition by nullifying the act of Congress of 17t
93, providing for the recovery of fugitive slaves.
( Philadelphia and?Charleston.
It appears that there will be two distinct and
separate lines of steamships shortly plying between
Philadelphia and Charleston. The first
; vessel of the company first organized will be ready
lor sea in a few weeks. Both lines have detery
mined to build vessels of the first class?after the
h model of the Cunard steamers.
D* We are iudcb'ed to the Hon. W. Sawyer
for a number of speeches and public documents.
L' DeBow's Commercial Review.
% The February number contains a number of
" valuable articles. This periodical deserves, as we
" have no doubt it will receive, a liberal support
h Sonth-CaroJina Rail Road.
s We find in the Charleston papers the Report of
i, the Directors of this Road, made at a meeting held
5 during the last week. The length of the Report
r prevents us from publishing it entire, but we make
such extracts from it, as will be interesting to.our
8 readers:
t The Board of Directors of the South Caroli!(
na Railroad Company regret that they are not
1 able to present as favorable a statement of the
e operations for 1847, as the business transactions
for the first six months of the year confidently
j encouraged.
In October last, a revulsion in the commer1
cial relations between the United States and
Great Britain, swept like a tornado over the
k land, paralyzing all the moneyed interchanges
between our cities and extending to the agricultural
interests in the interior. Cotton, the
great staple of the South, declined 5 cents per
r lb. in value; and this, with other connecting
e causes, suspended for a while all the transportar
tion of produce, on which the Railroad mostly re!
lied at that season for revenue. The effects ol
n this derangement in trade cannot be more
. strongly presented than by the fact that the
3 freight lists exhibit 62,833 bales of cotton less
? than for the corresponing months of October,
November and December of the previous year;
and ?49,452 78-100 reduction in the moneyed
t* ?1 - L!.L _1 I -1
receipts tor me same ponou; which cieanj
shows that all of the deficiency was in down
e freights, while the up freight and passage had
a been reserved, but not to the augmented extent
^ estimated; and on which, from more enlarged
' connections west, confidence had justly been
e reposed.
^ Notwithstanding these sudden and unlookcd for events,
the gross rvceipts for the vear amount to 65"i,480 30
The current expenses to 303,091 40
? And the net revenue to 352,094 90
e Being a fraction less than the ratio of 47 per
cent of expenditures to receipts. 352,094 90
From this revenue provision has been made
for meeting annual interest on foreign debt,
108,461 77
\ And for payment July dividend, 93,113 75 201,605 52
d ,
Leaving in reserve, $150,199 33
^ Applicable to meet in part obligations contracted
in the construction of the Camden branch,
and to permanent improvements on the track,
at depots, at workshops, and for increased locot.
motive and car power.
These statements show an increase in the
jg annual receipis, notwithstanding the deficiencies
in the three last, and usually most busy
months, of $66,494 05; and an increase in
the net revenue of $72,7*22 78 over the previous
year of 1846.
ie FARES AND FREIGHTS.
33
The subject of fares and freights continue, as
they have, to divide public opinion; and a tariff
iy to regulate either, with satisfaction to all the
r* interest involved, seems almost as complicated
o __ |L? ~? C,. rnuonna ond nrntpctinn which
"" KS I HO UIIP IV/I IV'VIIUV MMM Y '
r- has agitated Congress. The Direction has be*
it- stowed on the subject all the consideration
th which theory and practice have suggested. On
in freights, it is believed, no important mcdifica,c
tion can be made on the one as now classified,
e. in a just discrimination is endeavored to be pre*
served, according to what the article can bear;
observing the rule, in all instances, to reduce on
r" domestic produce of Utile value and general connt
sumption to the lowest remunerating rate.
t0 Fares for passengers is a more difficult subject
?- of adjustment; and as it is the one which seems
il to excite interest and inquiry in the community,
tie it is brought to your notice for, advice. The
ii- Board, in all their action on this subject, have
a. admitted the principle that low fares increase
n. travel, but that increase of travel is only to be
,y recomended to common carriers by a corresVQ
ponding augmentation of revenue. In all localities,
therefore, where a reduction of fare
( " stimulates travel to the extent of an increaso of
ie revenue, there can bo no disagreement as to
il- arinnwl Fxnprimentinff on
lilt/ j/Wlltjr IW I/O nuu|/-vu? ?^...| n
'd this basis, the fares on the South Carolina Rail'y
road have been successfully reduced and inly
creased, until settled down to the chartered
a- rates of 5 cents por mile, as the one most ap,r
proved in the judgement of a majority of the
,8t Board, as combining the two elements,greatest
ag number, consistent with the largest correspone.
ding revenue.
In all the experiments made on the South
,0 Carolina Railroad, reduction of fare invariably
^ increased numbers, but not to the extent of a
corresponding increase of revenue, but produn"
ced the opposite result as to number of passenan
gers. Tho chartered rates, as now practised,
an seem to have accommodated the largest num.
ii- her, with a corresponding increase of revenue.
!' The report made on the subject, and developing
facts aii'ir sol's,therewithsubmitted,that
M?fp??-.t>
the stockholders may deckle on the advisability
of a reduction, which in ifs favorable results is 4r
so experimental, that the Board were unwilling
at a period when increased revenue was essen*
tial to meet the obligations for the rmprotement8
contemplated to sanction or h&Zaffd*
With a view to the accommodation of merchants
and professional gentlemen, who crserfhflf
RoaJ frejquently, and of families for recreatforf/
a class of season and family tickets, at an ex'
ceeding low figure, has been established, and
these, to a very limited extent, have operated
favorably, but not in as great a degree for the
interest of the Company as was justly expec*
A. , .
VCUt .
SINKING FUND.
The indebtedness of the Company ig
889,562,41; ?2,512,016 of the amount is futxfed
at five per cent, and payable in 1866; and
$352,552 41 is a floating or Bank obligation
loan institution connected with the Railroad
company. The amount paid in on the stock
represented by the Company is but $75 p?rr
share, leaving $25 on each share which
be called in at any period deemed advisible~
On the completion of the Camden! Road notr
less than 40.000 shares will be repeaented;
which at $25, for which each each share ig responsible,
amounts to $1,000,000; and whicle
deducted from the debt funded, leaves but
527,010 to be provided for by 1866. It ve&M'
be very easy to calculate the annual amount of
annuity at compound interest, which would extinguish
the above debt before the maturity of
the bonds,Jand which sum might, no doubt, bo
easily appropriated from the annual revenue of
the Company hereafter.
There is, however, another source which will ybo
found more available in a year or two, not
merely tor the extinguishment of all the Coin*
pany's liabilities, but for objects of any permanent
improvements which the increasing busi*
ness of the Roads may impose. The inducements
of those holding the bonds drawing but
5 percent, interest, or which may be purchased
at a discount to exchange the same for a stock
capable oi producing from 6 to 8 per cent, wiQ
he strong enough to convert the entire fundi of
the Company into stock. These two opera*
lions, the call upon the stock holders at a mora
appropriate period for the additional amount duo
on their shares, and the issuing ,new share*,., , . *
to he sold at par or to he exchanged for thl . ...
bonds of the funded debt, absorbing the same,
seems so simple and practicable an operation,
long before the debt can mat jre, that the Board
of Directors think that the stockholders need
have no apprehensions on the subject of a del* ,
so easily controlled and so plainly to be absorb*
ed at the proper time.
CAMDEN BRANCH.
The construction of the Camden branch w*
an obligation imposed in the original charter to
the L. C* de C. R. R. Company. The cittond '
of the eastern portion of our State wterfe josrtf
and exceedingly importunate on the subject.
The Company, however, was in debt to it* J x ^
State (or a loan to the Hamburg Road, and tor
the reduced stock to an amount exceeding 500?*
000 dollars, which was due, and which
Comptroller had instructions to collect.
only resource to have met the same was either
to have suspended dividends, or to endeavor^
which at that period was impracticable, to toad
it on time. While this debt remained unprovl* ^1
ded for, this Company could not prudently en*
gage in any new enterprises. The difficnHioa _
which interposed, were all however, reconciled
by an ngreement on the part of the Stato to
lund this matured debt at the rate of5 percent,
interest, payable in 1866, provided this Compa*
ny would undertake the construction of the <
Camden Road, the citizens of the adjacent >
Districts furnishing in new stock one half of
the estimated co3t. The conditions were ae*
ceded to by all parties, and are now in the prog,
ress of fulfilment. This company has paid hi
her proportional subscriptions $105,847,43,
and has recently issued bonds, at short dato%
drawing 7 per cent interest, to meet the bahtoco
of her obligations on this work. The whole**
mount will be represented in the Shares of th#
Company, constituting the fund from which lb*
Bonds, as they mature, may be paid.
At the last annual meeting the Board report*
ed the. unexpected causes which had grnadf
retarded, though they did not suspend, the prog*
tpss of the work through the VVateree Swamp.
The longest tressel work, and of great eleva*
ration, tojavoid the floods of the River, in the U*
nited States, being nearly four miles in extent*
The delays in winter, the only period wfaeft
work could be performed in the swamp in aeon*
rity, threw that operation on tbe summer .
months, and when the requisite force could Ml
be produced at any price. A protracted fall and
freedom from frost added to these difficulties; bat
the Board arc happy to report that the swamp
is now overcome. A lodgement has been
made on the opposite bank of tbe Rubicon ?|
past obstacles; and that, as the grading ol tbn ...
entire bed of the road is nearly completed, and .
the most ample provision made in advance for
all the materials and iron necessary, there can
be no further serious obstacles opposed to tbn
most rapid completion of that important foedar
or the boulh Carolina Kailroad.
The Board, in justice to the Bank of tfcp
State, feel called upon to record in this report
an act of great liberality and of vast import
tance to the credit of thia Company, by which
that of South Carolina might have been implicated.
The practice has been to remit by tbo
October or November steamers the amount nf
semiannual dividend on foreign debt duo on
1st January. The revulsion in England, and
the derangement in all commercial credits, Mb
this Company with means at home, but with an
immediate ability to provide for obligation*
abroad. Private bills were difficult to be procured,
and however responsible the drawor
might be esteemed to be at home, the alarming
accounts of England did not afford the tame
security in the accoptors.
Application was made to all the Banks dealing
in foreign exchanges, but without success
They wodul draw in no amounts and at no retain
this extremity the Bank of the State csaa*
forward, and under guarantees with whieh fin
direction was satisfied, its credit abroad m
interposed to protect the English debt, and wkfc
the punctuality which had characterized all of
the previous foreign engagements of the Company.
4
All which is respectfully submitted, by r
JAS. GADDEN, President.
k r>... .n ? tl. t>:nv.r?nn/t n .nnkfL
A UALliAi IIU X I?" X iitS 1VIVUIIIV1IU Uvpvvil*
can has been favored with the following extract
ot a letter to a gentleman in that city, from kit
brother in Kentucky:
"The lamented Capt. Wm. T. Willia, wfca
feel at Bucna Vista, was an intimate friend and
acquaintance of mine, and was as brave a cool
as over went to battle. Ho had three son* ua?
der him, one about 17 years old, who, it tasaid
fought over and around his father until the dead
and wounded wore gono off. When the gallant
Captain was found, his little son was found by
him, with seven dead Mexicans, and, strange la
'ell, ?he bov wps unhurt."