The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, December 13, 1848, Image 2
From the Charleston (-aurier.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Our Washington correspondent, ever prompt
and attentive, furnished us last evening with a
synopsis of the Message of the President of the
Untied States, communicated to both Houses of
Congress, in Washington City yesterday, at 12
o'clock.
The document says our correspondent, fills
twelve cohints of the Washington Union extra*
It opens with congratulations upon our friend
ly relations with all the world, and a declaration
of the doctrine of non-interference in the
domestic concerns of other nations, a?:d hails
with delight the great Republic and the union
of the German Stales.
The important results of the Mexican War
are dwelt upon as demonstrating our military
strength and its influence on our institutions of
government. The area of country acquired
in four years hy the United States, is one million
one hundred and ninety.three thousand
square miles. The United States are now as
large as the whole ot Europe. The value of
the territory acquired by the annexation of
Texas, New Mexico and California, isexpatiated
upon at length. The aceounts of the abundance
of gold in California are corroborated by
authentic reports of officers who have visited
the mineral districts. In Col. Mason's report
it is recorded that he ffitind four thousand per.
sons digging gold. The exploraiions warrant
the belief that the supply is very large. Mines
of quicksilver are found in the vicinity of the
gold region. The^nhundance of gold has caused
in California an unexpected risp in the price
of all the necessaries of life. A Branch of the
U. S., mint i# recommenced io he established
in California, which will raise gold to its pure
val?te in that country. The bullion and specie
of the Went Coasts of America and the interior
would flow to this mint and be converted into
our coin to secure the great result- of our new
acquisitions. California and New Mexico
must be brought under the control of rpgularly
organized Governments. The existing condition
of California, and of that nart of new Mexi
CO lying Wert of ihe Rio Grande and without
the limit's of Texas, imperatively demand that
Congress should. at its present session, organize
Territorial Governments over them.?our
temporary military government, and all government
and control under the authority of Mexien
have eeased. Congress adjourned, leaving
the inhabitants without any regularly organized
government. Since that time, the very limited
power possessed by the Executive has been
exercised to preserve and protect them from the
inevitable consequence of a state of anarchy.
No revenue ha* been collected at the ports
in Calilbrnra, because Congress failed to ertah.
lisb Cusotm Houses and officers for that pur
pose. The Tost Offi'-e Laws have been extended
to California, and th<? monthly line of
inail. steamers have been required to stop and
deliver, and take the mails at San Diego Montery
and San Francisco.
The President trusts that Congress will at
this session adjust the only domestic question
which seriously threatens, or probably ever
can threaten to disturb the harmony and peaceful
operation of our system. He says it is fortunate
for the peace and harmony of the Union I
that this question is in its nature temporary,
and can only continue for the brief period which
will intervene liefore California and New Mexico
may be admitted as Slates into the Union;
from the tide of |>opnlalinn now Rowing int >
thein, it is highly probable that this will soon
take pbire. The President urgently recommends
that the line of compromise should be
extended on the parallel c?f thi.tv *ix from the
western boundary of Texas to the Pacific Ocean
An adjustment of the question might al-o be
made by referring the whole subject to the Ju?
diciary. Congress i* earnestly invoked, for the
sake of the Union, its harmony, and our continued
prosperity as a nation, to adju-t at its
present session the only dangerous question
that lies in our path. There is an implication
in his remarks, that he will not assent to a re.
striction of slavery in the whole Territory
A joint commission of thi* IMavv anil Army
hare been ordered to the coast of California
and Oregon, for the purpose of making rcconnoisance*
for future forts and naval .stations, as
nearly all the gold and other mines are found
to belong to the United States. Provision is
reeomrnended for a geological and mineral examination
ot these regions. Measures are to
be adopted to preserve the lands for the use of
the United States, or when brought into market
to dispose of th??m in such manner as to sp
cure a large return of money to the Treasury.
An immediate surrey and location of the lots is
recommended, and their sale in small quantities
at a fixed maximum price. The right of preemption
to farming the lands, and liberal grants
to early settlers is recommended. Provisions
for executing the fifteenth article of the Mexican
tieaty, and the article for making the hounclary
line are again recommended?also, the
apjtointmen! of Indian agents, to reside among
the tribes in Oregon.
The imports for the fiscal year ending on the
thirteenth of June last, were of the value of one
hundred and sixty tour minions, mnn nunureu
and serenty-seven thousand (8164, 977,000.)
The value of the pxports for the same period,
was one hundred and fifty Tour millions thirty,
two thousand one hundred and thirty.one dollars.
The receipts into the Treasury for the
seme period, exclusive of loans, Amounted to
thirty-five millions four hundred and thirty-six
thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars.
The expenditures during the fiscal year were
forty two millions eight hundred thousand dollars.
The estimated recepts for the fiscal year,
ending 30th Jne, 1849, will amount to fifty-sev.
en millions, of which thirty two will he from
customs, and the estimate expenditures fiiy-four
millions. The expenditures as estimated for
that year are thirty-three millions, two hundred
and thirteen thousand one hundred and fifty
dollars, leaving the sum of twenty five millions
eight hundred and seventy-four thousand and
fifty dollars and thirty-five cent*, which it is believed
will be ample for the ordinary peace expenditures.
The operations of '.he Tariff of
1836 confirmed the wisdom of its policy. The
operations of the Constitutional Treasury continued
to be useful. Retrenchment ofunnecessary
expenses, and economy till the public debt
is paid, is recommended. A ((ranch Mint at
New.York and iha graduation and reduction of j
the price ofrhe public lands are al?o again re {
?-i\,?m Tnrlturt ro la f i/in a rn cf a 111/! I
cumiliriiuril, VHP IllPlinil BlHPim.n n,,.
to bo in favorable condition. A line of Mail
Steamer* from New Orleans to Vera Cruz i*
B urged. The revenues of the Post Ofiee De- 1
part men I are increesed under tbe present rates.
A further reduction of postage to the uniform
rate ol fire cents can he safely made.
The remainder of the message is devoted to 1
an argument against the American system and
a def-nce of the President's veto.
Mr. Buchanan has purchased the beautiful ,
property of Wm. M. Meredith, Esq., Lancaster, i
Pa , to which ho designs removing next spring. ' ?
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS.
Wednesday, DEC. 0.
In Sen ate.-*-A f?etici??n from the Chaplain
and Students of the Soulh Carolina College,
[ raving the enlargement nf their new Chapel,
vviiii nrps.>nti>(l hv Mr. Withersnnnn.
After the usual formal matters harl been disposed
of, the special order of the day was called
tip. which was
The portion of the Governor's Message, relating
to re charter of iBank of the State, and
Mr. Marshall's Resolutions referring to the
same subject.
Col Moses moved that the special ordpr hp
discharged, to he taken up on the ensuing day.
He hoped that the gentleman from Orange,
would not designate him as the champion ol the
Bank on this account, fir his proposition was
made, simnlv because he wanted the Senate to
act upon full information in this matter.
The Comptroller's statement had not yd
been received, and without this they would
grope in the dark. He desired that document
to be examined before the Senate proceeded to
discuss the Bank question, for it contained the
information necessary to form a correct judgement.
He therefore proposed to discharge the
the matter until 1 o'clock the next day.
Mr. Marshall objected to the postponement
of this question. He was for acting promptly
upon it, as these delays were dangerous.
The postponement was agreed to, and on
motion of Mr. De Treville, half-past 1 was
fixed upon as the hour.
The Committee on the Judiciary, reported
unfavoiably on Mr. Johnson's proposition, to
give the election of Commissioners in Equity
to the people:/
The favorable Report was made 011 the petition,
praying an increased penally for obstrucling
the passage of Fish up Lynch'* Creek.
Mr. Moses submitted the following Resolution
from the Committee on the Bill to afford
Legislative aid t?> the Rail Road*.
Resolved. That the committee of the Senate |
Jo which was recommitted the hill to nffhrd aid J
in constructing the Railroad from Columbia to i
Greenville and Charlotte, do enquire and re-|
port whether the fond referred to in the said
hill should he so distributed, ns to divide the |
same equally between the Greenville 61 Co I
lumbia the Charb>ttee <Si South Carolina and i
the Wilmington and Manchester Railroads;
and if in their opinion the said fund should not
be regarded as sufficiently ample to be of benefit
and avail to the said roads if divided be.
tween the three, and the said committee do
report by hi 11 or otherwise what aid should be
extended by the State to the said Wilmington
and Manchester Railroad, out of what fund, and
on what conditions.
The Senate then adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. Pre*toii presented petition of the Chap i
!ain arid Students of die South Carolina Col
lege, praying improvement of Chapel.
Con rnittee on Corporation* reported A Bill
giving power to the citizens of Columbia, to
provide by taxation for meeting their engage,
merits of subscription of Slock to Greenville
and Charlotte Rail Road*.
Mr. Simons reported Bill proriding that the
Act for Deaf and Dumb be repealed, anil the
Commissioners be empowered to send them to
any proper institution either within the Stale or
otherwise.
Mr. Aver presented a Resolution to the following
effect:
Reso ved. That the next Animal Report of
the President of the Bunk shall make nu exhibit
of the liabilities of all members of the Leyisln
ture uid each officer and Director of said Bank ,
and its Branches, whether as principal or security
commencing with the 1st February
next.
Made the Special Order for Saturday next.
Mr. McAliley presented Resolutions providing
(or appointment of Joint Committee loreport
on condition of Bank nnd its Branches;
which will come up to-morrow.
Mr. O Ae.is. of Barnwell, presented a series |
of Resolutions relating to Palmetto Regiment;
The Judiciary Committee reported unfavorably
on the proposition to establish a Court of
Equity (or Marlborough District.
A Bill to incorporate the King's Mountain
Rail-Road Company, received a first reading.
The favorable Report ofthe Committee 011
the propose I Rail Road from Charleston to Silver
Bluff, Was taken up and ordered to be printed.
After some conversation, it was made the
Special Order of the day for Friday next.
The Report of the Committee adverse to any
increase, in the present number of .Magistrates
excited quite a lengthy discussion?in the course
of which, very conflicting opinions were expressed
as to the utility and average character
of that class of public functionaries.
.Mr. Yancey, who favored the proposed
change, dwelt with much earnestness upon the
evils arising from a scarcity of magistrates in
his section of country, lie stated that a ride of
*25 or 30 miles had olten to be taken to get at
one, in cases ofexigency. In civil eases this was
a great inconvenience?hut in criminal onss a
serious grievance. The present law upon this
subject gave one for each h -at, but two at least
should be allowed. His remarks were characterized
by clearness and an earnest desire to
remedy an existing evil.
Mr. H enry, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Whitner
opposed him. Report was adopted.
House then adjourned.
Thursday, Dec. 7.
In the Senate, the Bill affording aid to the
Greenville and Charlotte Rail Roads was la.
ken up.
It was advocated with much ability by Mr.
Mazyck and Mr. Moses, and opposed by Mr.
Felder, anil then passed by a vote of 31 to 11.
The debate on the Bank question was then
opened by Mr. Marshall?the Senate having
resolved itself into Committee oflhe Whole, Mr.
Witherspoon in the Chair.
Mr. M. disclaimed any feeling of persona]
opposition to the President of the Bank, or any
interest in any other Bank as influencing his
course. He was opposed on principle, to any
alliance between Bank and Stute, and urged
his reasons at some length and with much earnestness.
Mr. Black rose in reply, and sustained the
Rank with much vigor and ability.
'I'Ko Ssaimto flion ?i Hi (ill r llHil.
Mr DeTroville offered the following resold,
lion on the 5th inst. which was referred to the
Committee on Banks:
Resolved, That the time has arrivedxvhen,
with a view to the final winding up of the" Bank
of the State, it is expedient to place the said |
Rank under the exclusive control of a Board ol
Commissioners, to b? appointed by the LegiV
lature. with instructions, first, to extend to all
debtors of the said Bank, where sufficient secu.
rity has been or can be given?such further
lime, not exceeding fivo years, as they may
deem advisable. Second, to convert all its olh
?r assets; as soon as may he conveniently done,
into cash, awl apply it to the speedy extinguishment
of the I.ills and other liabilities of the said i
Bunk, as far as the said assets can he made to <
extend. And third, to report to this Legisla- r
ture, a*, each session, a full account of all they t
may have done towards the final closing of the t
said Bank.
? f
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. <
Mr. J. P. Reid reported a Bill from Special t
Committee, to give aid to the. Wilmington and I
Manchester Rail Road, which was read the first
time. i
Mr. Huger, from the Committee on Federal t
Relations, mnde the following report on the I
slavery question, which, it will he seen, throws i
cold water on the attempt to obtain any action i
on the part of the Legislature, '
Report of the Committee of Federal Relations, I
on so much of the Governor's Message, as re
hites to the agitation of the Slavery Question. \
The, Committee on Federal Relations, to i
whorn was reterred so much of the Governor's I
.Message as relates to the question of Slavery t
Agitation, heg leave to report that they agree
in opinion with his Excellency, that the present
moment is not propitious to DECISIVE i
ACTION.
Many citizens of the South believe that the
elevation to the Presidency ot a Southern man,
furnishes a reasonable security against any in
fringement of Southern Rights on the part of th?
Government. While we hope that this expec.
pectalion of our Southern brethren may not fie
disappointed, we will only fay if disappoint
merit in this respect should occur, they will find
South Carolina united to a mnu, ready then as
ever to co operate, in defence of the rights and
honor of the South.
Mr. PeSansstirc reported a Rill to provide
for taking a Census of the free while citizeus of
the Slate, &c.
Mr. Yancey, from Committee on Internal Tm
provernents. reported a Rill to abolish the office
of Superintendent of Public Works, and Cor
other purposes.
The Special Order of the day. Mr. Cunning,
ham's Resolutions, limiting the issue of promissory
notes by Ranking corporations, was then
taken op and sustained with much ability by
that gentleman, and adopted.
Mr. Sommer introduced a series of Resolutions,
declaring the re charter of any of the
Ranking Corporations in this State, alter the
exniration of their present charters, inexpedi*
ent antl unwise?which gave rise to some sparring
between Messrs. Memminger, Henry and
Summer.
The following Resolutions were then offered
by Mr. Keitt, who pressed their early consideraiion:
1 Resolved. That the continued agitation of
the question of Slavery, by the people of the
non Slaveholding States, by the Legislatures
nod by their Representa'ives in Congress, exhibits
not only a want of that national courtesy
whicli should always exist beiwe-n kindred
Stales, bu* a palpab e violation of good faith
towards the Slaveholding States which adopted
the present Constitution "in ord<-r to form a
more perfect Union."
2. Resolved, That while we acquiesce in
adopting the boundary between the Slavehold
ing and non-Slaveh dding States known as the
Missouri Compromise line, we will not submit
to any further restrict on upon the right of any
Southern man, to carry his propeily and his
institutions into any Territo v acquired by
Southern treasurn and by Southern blood.
3. Resolved, That should the Wilmot Provi?
sn, or any similar restiiction be applied by Congress
to the Territories of the United States
Snjih of 36 deg. 31) rnin. North latitude, we
recommend to our Senators in Congress to
leave their seats in a body, and that the Legislature
of South Carolina be forthwith assembled,
to adopt such measures as the exigency
may demand.
In a few incidental remarks, Mr. K. boldly
and strongly proclaimed the necessity of action,
urged thai the Repoit of the Committee on Fe
1 1 11 ' * * oil oeoonnf nofinri
(KTHI IVt'iailOMS rcjjiiuiiiiru mi ov.u,
and took issue with Mem. He was for meeting
the question fairly and fully, and obtaining
the sense of ihe House. His constituents hud
spoken out, and his views coincided with theirs
? he therefore urged the settlement of (he question.
Mr. Huger replied, that the Committee only
had reported on the Governor's Message, not
on the Resolutions of Mr. (Jarew and others.
Mr. Keilt said that report, it only a portion of
the materials in their possession, was sufficient
to make the issue as to whether the State should
now act on this question or not. He was lor
stripping it ol all incumbrances and presenting
that naked question.
The Resolutions were referred to the Committee
on Federal Relations.
The (fill fir aiding the Greenville and Charlotte
Rail Roads, then received its third read,
ing. Its passage was opposed by Messrs. Aver
and Owens, of Barnwell and urged by Messrs.
Henry, Metr minger and Thompson.
On a call of the yeas and nays, it passed by
a vote of 84 to 30. The House then adjourned.
Friday, Dec. 8.
In the Senate, Bank question was the exciting
topic of the day. The following resolutions
introduced by Mr. Quattlebiun, elided some
debate in which Messrs. black, t-elUer, and
Quultlcbum took pari.
Air. Quattlebum said his sole motive in pre*
seuliug his resolution was that the people might
he aide to learn from undoubted authority the
indebtedness of the directors. They were ordered
to bo printed, and referred to the committee
on Finance and Banks:
Whereas, The word "private" endorsed upon
the Annual Report of the President of the
Bank of the Stale. setting forth the indebtedness
and responsibilities ot the several directors i
with tlie said Bank for the present year" might
seem to imply that no member of the legislature
should speak of the details of the said Report;
be it therefore I
Resolved, That the word "private" was used
for the purpose of restraining the Legislature
from ordering the said report to be printed, but
does not or should not prohibit u member from
copying the same for information, and such use <
as his judgment may diiect. I
Be it further Resolved, That it shall be 1
the duty of the President hereafter to include in I
the said report the liabilities and indebtedness (
of the officers, as well as of the directors?and
the report shall not be endorsed "private," or i
regarded us private, but be subject to such di- i
reel ion of either branch of the Legislature, as '
in their wisdom the public good may seem to j (
require. I ;
The Senate then resolved itself into committee
of the whole, Mr. Wilherspoon in the
chair.
Mr. Black concluded his defence of (he Bank j
in a most masterly and powerful manner.
The committee then rose, and after the trans- j
action of some unimportant business the Sen- 1
ate adjourned. . . I
- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. r
The proceedings of the House yesterday 1
*ere of little general interest. The question "
>f adjournment excited some discussion, many
>f the members being apparently very anxious
o get home in time to kill the fatted turkey in
ime for their Christmas dinners.
The Senate sent ill a recommendation that
tlfr w Sslon should terminate on the 18th inst.,
vhich Mr. Memminger desired to postpone unil
the 20th, in conspquence of the amount of ^
business yet to be disposed of. f
After some squabbling on this matter, Mr.
Vfemmingei carried his point. The business t
act of this genllemon?his readiness and un- i
ailing urbanity, give liirn a powerful influence \
in the House, which he does not fail to exert? j
in this instance, as we think, to the. public advantage,
for the great questions of the Session
have not yet been touched. I
Mr. Richardson introduced a Resolution,
providing for the appointment of a special committee
of three for the mother Bank, and three
for the Branches, to examine into their condi. j
tion during the recess of the Legislature, and
report to it at the next Session?to act jointly
with a similar Committee, to be appointed by
the Senate.
Mr. Simons reported in favor of the erection ,
of a New College Chapel.
Abo a Bill, appropriating 83000 for the education
of twelve male, and twelve female pupils
as teachers at the Seminaries of Messrs. Curtis
and J. W. Hudson.
-.Mr. Memminger reported a Bill, to raise
supplies for the ensuing year.
Mr. Cunningham introduced a series of spirited
Resolutions on the Slavery question, taking
strong grounds, and recommending the
Governor to call together the Legislature in
ca'e of the passage of the YVilmot Proviso.
They were referred to the Committee on Federal
Relations.
Mr. Seabrook introduced a proposition to
amend the Constitution, so as to change the
mode of voting by ballot to the Viva Voce system.
Mr. Henrv introduced resolutions relating
to Bank, which were referred to Committee of
the Whole on Saturday.
Mr. Sullivan, from the Judiciary Committee,
reported against limiting the tenure of the Judiciary
to 65 years.
The Home then adjourned.
Saturday, Drc. 9.
In the Senate, the bill to extend aid to the 1
Wilmington and Manchester Rail road came
up. It provides for the subscription on behalf
of the State, of 8*200.000 of the State stock of
the South Carolina rail road at its par value.
The bill passed by a vote of 30 to 12. It
was supported by Messrs. Moses, Mazyck, I.
D. Wilson, and Buchanan, and opposed by
Messrs. Feldrr and Quattlohnm. We shall
emJpavor to give a synopsys of the speech of
Mr. Moses, its principal advocate, from notes
in our possession, in to-morrow's paper.
The Senate hen resolved itself into committee
of the whole, on the Bank question, Mr.
DeTreville leading off in a very able assault
upon that institution, whose operation he desig.
? ?i )! lit
nairrl tiy Ih?? wetl-Known term "Killing. " vye
have not been able to procure notes ofhis argument,
having been absent at the tirr.e in the
other Housp, where Mr. Memminger was holding
Ibrth on the same subject.
Mr. Manning, from the commitfep on Federal
relations, introduced a series of resolutions
strongly re.affirming the famous Virginian rcso.
lutions of 1847. They are crowded out to-day,
but siiull appear to.morrow.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Passing from the Senate to tho House on
Saturday, the same tune with variations might
be heard?it was nothing but Rank, Bank, on
both sides; the clear cutting tones of Mr. Memminger
rising above the buzz of the galleries
above, and the mastication of chesnnts below.
His speech was characterized by his usual tern
ppranee of language and severity of accusation
against the "monied monster,"at which he, as
well as Mr. Fplder, delights to kick.
His argument was very forcible indeed; and
admitting his propositions, his deductions were
irrcsistnblp. But figures as well as facts are
flexible (not stubborn) things; and Mr. Black,
with the same materials, proves the very con
verse of the proposition just as triumphantly?
consequently, plain people are not a little mys
tifiedat this Legislative sheep.shearing, whence
proceeds much cry and linle wool.
CONGRESS.
Quorums of both Houses of Congress assembled
at the Capitol yesterday at 12 o'clock.?
The House was iuij?us, upon uiiswi-rmg iu
their names, 178 members were found to be
present. Mr. Speaker Winthrop took the
chair. The senate was not so full?only 41
senators answering to their names. A joint
rominittee wailing upon the President of the
United Slates to uniform him, as is the custom,
that a quorum of both houses had assembled,
and, were ready to receive any communication
from him. The President replied that
he wou d communicate with them by message
to-day at 12 o'clock.
Some interesting notices of resolutions were
given to the Senate. Mr. Douglas gave notice
of his intention to ask leave to-day or on some
subsequent day, to introduce a bill to establish
the territorial government of Nebraska. Also,
1 * ? If 1. 11 - /T/innrn r\ f
a but 10 es'auiisn me tr/?????u? v/
iVetc Mexico?and a bill for the admission of
California as a Statb into the Union.
Mr. Cameron gave notice that he would on
this day, or 011 some subsequent day, ask leave
to introduce a bill to provide lor the taking ot a
seventh census, or enumeration of the inhabitants
of the United States.
A more harmonious and conciliatory spirit
Reems to prevail generally among the members
than on the adjournment of the last session.?
The campaign is over. The election is decided.
The whig* are, of course, pleased with
their success but manifest no extraordinary
exultation of manner, and it is very evident
that some shades of misgiving are thrown over
them. They do not yet know what sort of a
man they hnve elected, or what sort of a polilician
he will make?whether he will unswcr
their purposes, or what measures he i* prepared
to carry out. The democrats, on the other
hand, though disappointed in the result of the
election, are buoyant in their spirits, sntisfied 1
.1 r.:_ ,1 ..r?I,r nniirsn ihov Ii.ivp nor.
vvnn uie mir unu iii.m.j ?j ?
sued, determined to rally upon iheir principles,
mid to unite all their forces for their support.
They feel tliat they ought to have succeeded,
Mid they know they have the brightest pros. 1
pects before them.
Washington Union, 5th Inst. 1
?f
Fatal Blunder.?Mrs. Nixon, ofMediana,
N. Y. while riding, called at an apothecary's
ihop for morphine to relieve toothake; the boy
in attendance gave her strychnine which caused
her death immediately.
ME CAMDEN JOURNAL/
Wednesday Morning, December 13, 1848.
WILLIAM B. JOHNSTON, EDITOR.
The Market.
The recent news from England is considered
* ? -?* L-_ L . J maa/I nflTnef An f Km Pnltnn
avorau:e auu ii?ib imu a gwu v.. ?..v wv??v.?
Market on this side, in making prices somewhat
itiffer. We quote 4$ to 5 62.
The Charleston Market has been firmer during
he past week, but without any material improvenent
in price. The sales of the week in that
Market amounted to 9,448 bales, a' prices ranging
"rom 4$ to 6 cents.
D* The Legislature of this State will adjourn
by consent of both Houses on the 20th inst.
Hon. John C. Calhoun.
This distinguished statesman, passed through
ihis place on Friday last, en route for Washington.
He was in good health.
President's Message.
This is an able and comprehensive State paper,
embracing almost every national topic of interest.
Its unusual length, even for Presidents Messages
prevents our publishing it, and our readers must
be content with the portions of it we are able to
get into our columns. The finances of the country
are represented to be in a very flourish ng
condition. Our foreign relations are of a peaceful
character. The results of the-Mexican war
are discussed and a glowing picture is presenied
of our acquisitions gained thereby. The Slavery
question is noticed and the adoption of the Missouri
Compromise strongly and forcibly recommended.
The Tariff! a National Bank and ihe Executive
Veto, each receive an extended net ice, and a uni
form cheap postage is recommended. The Message,
as an able and well written document reflects
the greatest credit on President Polk, and
will undoubtedly impress all its readers, with a
conviction of his talents, wisdom and patriotism.
VVe do not think, that this annual Message, is
surpassed by any of its predecessors.
State Action?Southern Convention.
The Mercury, of Monday last, has quite a spirited
article on the mode of securing an understanding between
the Soulliern Slates, in the event of the passage
of the Wilmot proviso by Congress. A Southern Convention
is discussed, and lite editor conies to the conclusion
thnt such a movement is not attainable, be
cause of the recent Whig majorities in eight of the
Southern Slates, the nearly equal division of parties in
three others, and the powerful minorities in the re
mnining four. He argues, too, that the timidity of
politicians, and the inaptitude of Southern planters for
combinations of sny kind, will prevent a Convention
of any numlier of the States interested. IJc then comes
to the conclusion that separate State action is the only
means of redress, and that South Carolina is the only
State that is able properly to begin and enforce this
remedy. Our views of the best mode of effecting concert
of action are well known, n >r can we perceive any
sufficient reasons advanced, in the Mercury's article, to
induce us to relinquish them, and adopt that suggested
therein. The plain cognomen of separate State action?nullification?has
a magic power, in scaring
off, not our enemies, but our friends, and we think it
prudent to eschew any and every objectionable movement,
though it be only so in name. The drift of the
Mercury's idea, if wo comprehend it aright, is to place
the Statu singly and unsupported, in direct collision
with the General Government, and rely on her sisior
Southern Slates to follow her, and this, wc presume, is
to take place after the infamous restriction laws have
become the law of tho land. Now our desire to sec a
Southern Convention called arises fiom a principle of
honor, that of giving warning In our assailants, and
this we conceive to be the duty of the Southorn States
towards their sister Stales of the North. We cannot
doubt the patriotism or determination of any .Southern
Slate, should we bo driven to active defensive measures,
and therefore they can more readily unite in a
solemn declaration of their purpose to defend thoir
rights with all the means in their power. Should tho
North heed not this warning, and persist in her reckless
onslaught uoon all that we hold dear, then the respou.
sibilily rests with her, and wo shall havo done our duty.
As to party influences king brought to hear upon this
question, we sinoercly deprecate the use of party names
in connection with a subject which affects all alike.
A Southern safety movement cannot be successful if a
parly movement. Lot us not be underslor-d, in theso
remarks, as discountenancing State notion, as fur as an
expression of the feeling of the people in this or any
other State is concerned, this would be tho first link in
lha chain of union and concert; wo only desire, if possible,
to procure such concert, in this all important matter,
as would cause our position to be fairly and fully
understood. As tho Legislature represents the people
of the whole Stole, we call upon them to adopt those
measures most likely to secure the co-operation of nil
the Southern States, and wc further call upon tlicrn to
give expression to that deep indignation wmcn uieir
constituents feel upon thin subject?if they do not this,
they are not the truo representatives of the people of
South Carolina.
D* The Alumni of the South Carolina College,
held a meeting last week, adopted a Constitution
and elected a President and Vice Presidents. The
Hon. W. C. Preston was chosen President.
CP Old Rip Van Winkle appears to have fully
relapsed into her accustomed drowsy condition.
The Watchman published in Salisbury, in noticing
a recent article of ours says, the difference between
North and South Carolina is, that the latter
ia for a union of the South, whilst her good natured
old sister, is for cleaving to the Union at all
hazards. We had vainly hoped, that the old
North State, though under federal rule, would
have come up to the help of the South at this
crisis, and not have signified her intention to be
perfectly happy, under all circumstances, provided
she was allowed to enjoy her nap undisturbed.
Decidedly Rich.
The Washington correspondent of a Baltimore
paper, speaks in high terms of Calhoun, Judge
Marshall and Judge Story, as all being great expounders
of the Counslitulion, but is of opinion
that General Taylor knows more about it than all
of them !
Bank of Georgetown, S. C.?We are requested to
Btatc llml this Bunk has liad a new 5,10 and $20 plate
engriived by Rowdon, Wright and Hatch of New
Fork. The Bonk has boon and is now withdrawing
all its old notes from circulation. No bills from tho
old $20 plulc engraved by Burton, Gurley and Edmonds
have been issued of a lator date than 1844. The
oounlerfeil bills presented at the Bank are all of tho
date of 1845 and 1846. Tho Bank is not aware of any
counterfeits having tho name of J. Chapman or J. G.
Henning, Cashier. The counterfeit $90 is well calculated
to dcceivo. It has the u^mo of D. L. McKay,
Cashier,r-Ofoerrsr.
Tine Tatar* rasr Conohsss.?The next Congress
will contain a Democratic majority in tho Senate of
J
"ix, sod it is supposed a Whig
of twenty. The number ol members in
sixty, and it is divided as follovrs: Democrats electSk
tnd vacancies to bu filled, 33; Whigs, 34; doubtful, 3.
The Hotifo has 230 membeis, of which 139 fes* bcea
e'ect d, and standa as follows; Whigs, 26; Democrat*!
54; Free Soil, 9. In the present Congress these jnegb.
bore are divided 72 Whigs, 66 Democrats. ...TO <
Ntw Pork Packing Process.?In romc of the vestr
pm Put.-ihlicliiitnulii tviflt a vin?? nf mftk'ivtff ttwa vuarlf
r?
fi incr and k cp better, s> as lo commsnd a higher
price in the London market, they singe the hair off
The fresh killed lings ltc<ng hung up in ? room,, straw
is set in a blaze underneath till the operation is MU4 *
pletcd. "
niA 4
North Carolina Legislature.?In the
House of Commons, on Monday lash
lowing Resolutions were submitted:
Resolved, That the territories of (be United
Slates belong to the several States composing
this Union, and are held by them as their joint
an I common property,
Resolved, That Congress, as joiui agent-asu}.
representative of the States of ibis Union, bap
no right to make any law, or do any act what-,,
ever, that shall directly, or by its effects, make
any discrimination between the States o?,this
Union, by which any of them shall be deprived,
uf its full and equal right in any territory of the" ^
United States acquired, or which may her^afi*^ *
be acquifed. ^
Resolved, That the enactment ?f any hw
which should directly, or by its effects, deprive^
the citizens of any of the States from emjjt rat in jf;with
their property into any of the territories
of the United States, will make such discrimination,
and would, therefore, he a violation of
the Constitution, and the rights of (be States,
from which such citizens emigrated,-And in d
derogatn n of that perfect equality which he. ^
long* to i hem as members of this Union, *hd *
would tend directly to subvert the Union itself.
Resolved, Tha' it is a lundament^UjrincjpIn ^
in our p. li ical need, that f. people'jh forming
a constitution have the unconditioe^rtight to 1
form and adopt the the government which they
may think best calculated to secure their liberty.
prosperity and happiness ; and thai in confirmus
ty th relo no other condition is imposed by the
Federal Constitution on a State in order to be
admitted into (lie Union, except that itsconstilution
shall he republican, and ihafthe imposition
of any other by Congress would not only
be in violation of the Constitution, but in direct
conflict with the principle on which our political
system rests. ? v,
Resolved, That a copy of these Resolution*
be sent to each of our * enutors and Representatives
in Congress, with a rpq'lesf that they be
laid before their respective Houses.
College Commencement at Columbia.?We
learn from the Columbia Telegraph, that the
celebration of the Commencement of the
South-Carolina College was uurocronsly attended,
and the Exercise* were of a gratifyrag
character, as displaying much talent on thai
part of the speakers. . i;
After the Addresses had been finished^ Interspersed
with a flourish of wind jn?lrument*
from an excellent band stationed in the gallery,
the Degree of A. B. was conferred by th?
President, with his accustomed grace,epou ther m
following gentlemen : m
J. P. Adams, W, Anderson, W. A listen, Ji J
W. Avery, J. F. Belser, J. T. Bethea, L. 8,
B1 nling, J. Brunfield, R. II. Cheves, W. Sfi
Dogrn, J. II. Ewait, II. D. Fraser, F. Gamewell.
J). C. Govao, R. He my. J. B. Labordry
B. H. Matheson, D. .McRue, J. T. Porcher, T,
F. P. r:her. E. J. Remlrert, G, W. Roger*, Er, '
W. Seibels, A. J. Shaw, A. M. Smith, f>.
Sparks C. H. Snher, VV. R. Taber, W. R.
Ta'loy, A VV. Thomson, W. T. Thomson,
C. S- We t, W. S. Wbiey, W. R Wi h-ra^34.
When (l is cprrrm ny had been concluded, |he
Presidei t (says the Telegraph) enchained the
attention of the youthful graduates, and the audience,
ly the outpouring of one of the happiest
eff>rts ?>fhi? unrivalled eloquence. All who
have heard Mr. Preston, when the inspiration m
is upon him. know full well the impossibility of *
reporting with any accuracy his'winged-words'
or conveying the faintest idea of the fascination
of his eye, voire and manner, which ever captivate
and enthral the hearts and understandings
of his auditors. His admonitions to his
young disciples were full of parental kindness,
andconvpyed the lessons of a ripe experience
and lofty intellect, in words which must long
linger in the memories of those to whom they
were addressed. For them they were intended
ami we will not weaken their impressive solemnity
by giving a mere outline of them ffcwn ?
memory. "
The following spntlem*n have been nominal
ted by the Committee fir President and Directors
of the Hank of the State of South Carolina^ 1
President.?F. H. Elmore.
Directors.?I). C. Webb, P. M. Cohen, F,
R. Shackelford, T. Lehre, J. H, Steinmyer, W.1
C. Dukes, G. Robertson, E. ('arson, P. C.
Gaillard, 11. G. Stone, S. L. Glover.
Alaham.v Factok'ks.?The Flag end Advcrliser
at Montgomery says, a factory is now
in proresR of predion in Tusrnloosa county by
Mr. Hardy Clenipns, which is intended to run'
one thousand spindles, and to be worked-by \
slave labor exclusively.
"The Tuscaloosa factory?the most exten.
sire in the state?has been in operation only a,
lew months. It promises to be exceedingly
profitable to the stockholders. They confident,
ly calculate, we nre informed, upon 30 per cent
profit on the capital invested.
"A reliable calculation made for the proprie.
lor of the factory now building near Tuscoloo.
sa, shows that if the eastern factories can make ^
cloth at 10 cents per yard, he can make It'at
8 1-2 cents.
"Daniel Prnll s factory, we learn, is succeed,
ing so well, that a company of gentlemen, reci.
ding in the vicinity of Prattville, have sent an
agent north to buy machinery for a factory, to
be located a few milo above Prattville."
v. ? '. * * **
TaKRN VP anl> SENT to JaIL.?A white
man who calls himself JOHN HARRISON,
and says he is an Englishman by birth, and a
shoemaker by trade. He was captured in Urn
woods near this place on Tuesday last, and
committed to Jail on suspicion of stealing?, . *
negro man who was found with him, and who
says his name is DAVIS JONES, a freeman,
alias WILLIS, a slave and that he belongs to
Michael Dorgan, of Savannah, Georgia. Thfl
white man is about 5 feet 5 inches high, atoot
built, dark hair and dark complexion, and ap?
pears to bo about 25 years of age. The ne
gro is about 5 (bet 8 incbps high, weighs 160
lbs., and is about *20 years of age.
Chrrav Gazette.
The
New York State Cnnat* arc to he closed
Dec- 9. The tolls for the tear wjH rp^ch tf ry
ne?r *3,30Q,000. . ,