The Northern Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-12-19 00:00:00

A PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. aro ' 0 .Z'ellow-citizens of the Senate and of the House of Reptesentatioes : ~The interest with which the people of the Republic anti- Xte the assembling of Congress, and the fulfilment on that 4 1 8 61, of the d u ty i m p ose d U p on a new P res id en t, i s one v 2 e best ev id ences o f t h e i r capac i ty to real i se the hopes of ,',..e founders of a political system, at once complex and Por netrical. While the different branches of the govern taent are to ii certain extent, independent of each other, the duties 130... of all alike, have direct reference to the source of % ler , Fortunately, Under this system, no man is so high, t y "loble so humble in the scale of public station, as to es e' front the scrutiny, or to be exempt from the responsibi -4 Which all official functions imply. , upon the justice and intelligence of the masses, in a Go element thus organised, is the sole reliance of the Con t'eraey, and the only security for honest and earnest de ..etion to its i n t eres t s , aga i ns t th e u s ur p a ti ons an d encroach :Q:l43 of po wer on one h a nd, an d th e assau lt s o f p ers onal am bit• ion on the Other. lhe interest, of which I have sp o ken, is inseparable from b inquiring, self-governing community ; but stimulated, do ubtless at the present time, by the unsettled condition of c er relations with several foreign powers; by the new obli gations resulting from a sudden eater sion of the field of en terprise ; by the spirit with which that field has been :ctered, and the amazing energy with which its resources 6 '°r meeting the demands of humanity have been developed. ••&lthough disease, assuming at one time the characteristics " t ' a Wide-spread and devastating pestilence, has left its sad most • upon some portions of our country, we have still the 'cst abundant cause for reverent thankfulness to God for an ticumulation of signal mercies showered upon us as a na cumulation It is well that a consciousness of rapid advancement , Q ,.nd increasing strength be habitually associ.ted with an ' tl i tling sense of dependence upon Him who holds in his hands 'e destiny of men and of nations. Recognizing the wisdom of the broad principle of abso -14 e religious toleration proclaimed in our fundamental law, lud rejoicing in the benign influence which it has exerted 'Pon our social and political condition, I should shrink from a clea r d uty did I f a il to express my deepest conv i ct i on t h at fe can pl ace no secure re li ance u p on an y apparen t p rogress it b e not sustained by national integrity, resting upon the r'eat truths affirmed and illustrated by divine revelation. the midst of our sorrow for the afflicted and suffering, it has L , oeen consoling to see how promptly disaster made true n eighbours of districts and cities separated widely from each "ther and cheering to watch the strength of that common bo nd ' of brotherhood which unites all hearts in all parts of r n a Union when danger threatens from abroad, or calamity I ,,Poods over us at home. 'J • ar diplomatic relations with foreign powers have under t'olle no essential change since the adjournment of the last et tigress. With some of them questions of a disturbing i i "aracter, are still pending, but there are good reasons to be eve that these may all be amicably adjusted. , Per s ome y ears p as t, G rea t B r it a i n h as so cons t ru ed the nt article of the Convention of the 20th of April, 1818, in `'bard to the fisheries on the north-western coast, as to ex ude . • ti , e our citizens from some of the fishing grounds, to which h „.'°Y freely resorted for nearly a quarter of a century subse „went to the date of that treaty. The United States have ge r , er acquiesced in this construction, but have always e t t4 inied for their fishermen all the rights which they have k ° ll l ° l l. ft enjoyed without molestion. With a view to remove t difficulties on the subject—to extend the rights of our t'hermen beyond the limits fixed by the Convention of 1818, 'V to regulate trade between the United States and the British Forth American Provinces, a negotiation has been t ° Pened, w ith a f a i r p ros p ec t o f a favorable result. To pro v et our fishermen in the enjoyment of their rights, and pre eat collision between them and the Briti s h fi s h ermen , I de emed it expedient to station a naval force in that quarter ding the fishing season. G - r - atobarrassing questions have also arisen between the two o..'"ernments in regard to Central America. Great Britain A -.4‘ PrOPOSed to settle them by an amicable arrangement, ..p d . . ti , our Minister at London is instructed to enter into nego- Q ttons on that subject. -A• commission for adjusting the claims of our citizens a gai nst Great Britain, and those of British subjects against t he United States, organised under the Convention of Feb -121:Y last, is now sitting in London for the transaction of ,s iness. b o l t is in many respects desirable that the ,boundary line 4,' W ,een the United States and the British provinces in the 4' 4 4 , 4- west, as designated in the Convention of the 15th of t er `", 1846, and especially that part which separates the t io i 4 , t °rY of Washington from the British possessions in the th ''a) should be traced and marked. I therefore present e a • abject to your notice. Vi" to u .,_. all Prance our relations continue on the most friendly lZg,_ • The extensive commerce between the United States ii k . l "aat country, might, it islconceived, be relased from some I)a tt 7 ee ssary restrictions, to the mutual advantage of both Oi k ie 3 . With a view to this object, some progress has . been \ ! . ill negotiating a treaty of commerce and navigation. km-N., pendently of our valuable trade with Spain, we have 1 1 260 ,N: t political relations with her, growing out of our o 4 bourhood to the Islands of Cuba and Porto Rico. 1 Ici l t ern h appy to announce that since the last Congress no at k Pas have been mad e , by unau th or i se d expe diti ons w i t hi n % ti „ united States, against either of' those Oolonico. Should bj Movement be manifested within our limits, all the 1 t ' 51 41 at my command will be vigorously exerted to repress ► 4 , 1 Several annoying occurrences have taken place at Ha et• a, or in th e v i cini ty of the I s land of C u b a ,. between our i' 7. eas and the Spanish authorities. Considering the .prox 4ut t t a of that Island-to our shores—lying, as it does, in the IC; '' of trade between some of our principal cities—and ti e „'"icious vigilance with which foreign intercourse, par t. 'arty that with the United States, is there guarded, a 11;Petition of such occurences may well be ap tgel'eenoded. As no diplomatic intercourse is allowed be ha., our Consul at Havana and the Captain General of Cuba a ff °Y explanations cannot be made, or prompt redress crded, where injury has resulted. All complaint on the part tOlir citizens, under the present arrangement, must be, in fe ar first place, presented to this government, and then re ticie,(l to Spain. Spain again refers it to her local authori till Cuba for investigation, and postpones an answer i t •She had heard from those authorities. To avoid these tjltating and vexatious delays, a proposition has been made li ,Provide a direct appeal for redress to the Captain Ge li!.al by our Consul, in behalf of our injured fellow-citizens. t o l therto, the government o f Sp a i n h as decl i ned to enter , e, any such arrangement. This course on her part is ‘l43' regretted; for, without some arrangements of this hi t ,' the good understanding between the two coun °Or may be exposed to occasional interruption. ne t i Minister at Madrid is instructed to re ticle the. proposition, and to press it again upon the con zoNtion of her Catholic Majesty's Government. , thi s o „r several years Spain has been calling the attention of ect Government to a claim for losses, by some of her sub , h B, in the case of the schooner A rmistad. This claim is titre t i ed to rest on the obligations imposed by our existing di sty With that country. Its justice was admitted, in our q t : i taliatic correspondence with the Spanish Government, as 4e 4 Y a s March, 1847; and one of my predecessors, in his 4 h o aal M essage o f that year, recommend e d th a t prov i s i on k t ,,,!thi be made for its payment. In January last it was erl submitted to Congress by the Executive. It has re-'. th" a favorable consideration by Committes of both bran tr,`,3, but a s y e t th ere h as been no final action up on it. I I it qcoive that good faith requires its prompt adjustment, and vtesent it to your early and favorable consideration. li k 4 artin Basta, a Hungarian by birth, came to this count r y d 5 O, and declared his intention, in due form of law, t o lle a citizen of the United States. After he remained h, 1 nearly two years he visited Turkey. While at Smyrna 'Tas forcibly se i ze d, t a ken on board an Austrian brig of eftlien lying in the harbor of that place, and there con -0(77 in irons, with the avowed design of taking him into the litn i •nions of Austria. Our consul at Smyrna and legation ftt,, Co ions interposed for his release, but their efforts g r ; k e ineffect ua l. Whil e t h us imp risoned, Commander In kti:j'atia, with the United States ship of war, St. _Louis, kt k jed at Smyrna, and, after inquiring into the eircum eiq,e,es of the case, came to the conclusion that Kosta was e ae `"ed to the protection of this government, and took kr t 'getic and prompt measures for his release. Under an It 41 , geMent between the agents of the United States and io to 'lastria, he was transferred to the custody of the lie - ", e h Consul General at Smyrna, there to remain until th e 'oould be disposed of by the mutual agreement of pl at Consuls of the respective Governments at that atid'' Pursuant to that agreement he has been released ha., 4 now in the United States. The Emperor of Austria tr• 44 ° lade the conduct of our officers who took part in this as ,j.etion a subject of grave complaint. Regarding Kosta th e l '. ll his subject, and claiming a right to seize him within 0 1 ,,,, 1111 its of the Turkish empire, he has demanded of this 'llg ll nlent its consent to the surrender of the prisoner, a all e a-' :°wal of the acts of its agents, and satisfaction for the 1 1, e d- outrage. After a careful consideration of the case, 1 'ehre to the conclusion that Kosta was seized without I'll b e nthority at Smyrna ; that he was wrongfully detained 4 41 B ° e 9 r d of the Austrian brig of war ; that, at the time' of k ate tzure he was clothed with the nationality of the United tt4 tie s ; and ' that the acts of our officers, under the circum 'tell 1. 8 ,,0f the case, were justifiable. and their conduct has '; 1 1 d e u itY approved by me, and a compliance with the seve ,, Or a k ands of the Emperor of Austria has been declined. nekartitnore full account of this transaction, and my views in ' l l, s t „ t°, it, I refer to the correspondence between the ` t t 4i c ir cv Affairs of Austria and the Secretary of State, 1 1 , te tei P herewith transmitted. The principles and policy, he,4 t naintained on the part of the United States, will, 'tb e e r a proper occasion occurs, be applied and enforced. t hat l so c ondition of China, at this time, renders it probable Thleh " L '.° important changes will occur in that vast Empire, , h e e will lead to a more unrestricted intercourse with it. ;`,llioi4c4tet!iissioner to that country, who has been recently u NI 4 :1 1, is instructed to avail himself of all occasions to topi, e u extend our commerc i a l re l a ti ons, not on l y w i t h t h e / 11 °f China, but with other Asiatic nations. m 52 4 d. 18 of , , an expedition was sent to Japan, unde r the corn te ret ai C o mmodore Perry, for the purpose of opening coin toeei,edultercourse with that island. Intelligence has been ),he ° f his arrival there, and of his having made known ki ee _Mlieror of Japan the object o f his visit; but it is not rt ained how far the Emperor will be disposed to aban don his restrictive policy; and open that populotis country to a commercial intercourse with the - United States. _ _ It has been niy earnest desire to maintain friendly inter course with the . governments upon this continent, and to aid theta in preserving good understanding among themselves. With Mexico, a dispute has arisen as to the true boundary line between our territory of New;MexicO and the ,exit aii State of Chihuahua. A fotnier Cotiiiiiissioner of the United States, employed in running that line, pursuant to the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo, made a serious mistake in determin ing the initial point on the Rio Grande ; but, inasmuch as his decision was clearly a departure from the directions for tracing the boundary contained in that treaty, and was not concurred in by a surveyor appointed on the part of the United States, whose concurrence was necessary to give va lidity to that derision, this Government is not concluded thereby; but that of Mexico takes a different view of the sub' ect, There are also other questions of considerable magnitude pending between the two republics. Our minister in Mexico has ample iustructions to adjust them. Negotiations have been opened, but sufficient progress has not been made therein to enable me to speak of the probable result. Im pressed with the importance of maintaining amicable rela tion with that Republic, and yielding with liberality to all her just claims, it is reasonable to expect that an arrange ment mutually satisfactory to both countries may be con cluded, and a lasting friendship between them confirmed and perpetuated. Congress having provided for a full mission to the States of Central America, a minister was sent thither in July last, As yet he has had time to visit only one of these States, (Nicaragua,) where he was received in the most friendly manner. It is hoped that his presence and good offices wll have a benign effect in composing the dissentious which prevail among them, and in establishing still more intimate and friendly relations between them respectively, and be tween each of them and the United States. Considering the vast regions of this continent, and the number of States which would be made accessible by the free navigation of the river Amazon, particular attention has been given to this subject. Brazil, through whose territories it passes into the ocean, has hitherto persisted in a policy so restrictive, in regard to the use of this river, as to obstruct, and nearly exclude, foreign commercial inter course with the States which lie upon its tributaries and upper branches. Our minister to that country is instructed to obtain a relaxation of that policy, and to use his efforts to induce the Brazilian government to open to common use, under proper safeguards, this great natural highway for international trade. Several of the South American States are deeply interested in this attempt to secure the free navigation of the Amazon, and it is reasonable to expect their co-operation in the measure. As the advantages of free commercial intercourse among nations are better under stood, more liberal views are generally entertained as to the com mon rights of all to the free use of those means which nature has provided for international communication. To these moral, liberal, and enlightened views, it is hoped that Brazil will conform her policy, and remove all unnecessary restric tions upon the free use of a river which traverses so many states, and so large a portion of the continent. lam happy to inform you that the republic of Paraguay and the Argen tine Confederation, have yielded to the liberal policy still resisted by Brazil, in regard to the navigable rivers within their respective territories. Treaties embracing this subject among others have been negotiated with these governments, which will be submitted to the senate at the present session. A new branch of commerce, important to the agricultural interests of the United States, has, within a few years past, been opened with Peru. Notwithstanding the inexhaustible deposits of guano upon the islands of that country, conside rable difficulties are experienced in obtaining the requisite supply. Measures have been taken to remove these difficul ties, and to secure a more abundant importation of the ar ticle. Unfortunately there has been a serious collision be tween our citizens, who have resorted to Chincha islands for it, and the Peruvian authorities stationed there. Redress for the outrages committed by the latter was promptly demanded by our minister at Lima. This subject is now under con sideration, and there is reason to believe that Peru is dis posed to offer adequate indemnity to the aggrieved parties. We are not only at peace with all foreign countries, but, in regard to political affairs, are exempt from any cause of serious disquietude in our domestic relations, The controversies, which have agitated the country here tofore, are passing away with the causes which produced them and the passions which they had awakened ; or, if any trace of them remains, it may be reasonably hoped that it will only be perceived in the zealous rivalry of all good citi zens to testify their respct for the rights of the States, their devotion to the Union, and their common determination that each one of the States, its institutions, its welfare, and its domestic peace shall be held alike secure under the sacred aegis of the Constitution. This new league of amity and of mutual confi dence and support into which the people of the Republic have entered, happily affords inducement and opportunity for the adoption of a more comprehensive and unembarrassed line of policy and action, as to the great material interests of the country, whether regarded in themselves or in connection with the powers of the civilised world. The United States have continued gradually and steadily to expand, through acquisitions of territory, which, how much soever some of them may have been questioned, are now universally seen and admitted to have been wise in pnlioy, just in character, and. great element in the actvance meht of our country, and, with it, of the human race, in freedom, in prosperity, and in happi ness . Th e thi rteen States have grown to be thirty-one, with relations reaching to Europe on one side, and on the other to the distant realms of Asia. I am deeply sensible of the immense responsibility which the present magnitude of the Republic, and the diversity and multiplicity of its interests, devolves upon me ; the alle viation of which, so far as relates to the immediate conduct of the public business is, first, in my reliance on the wisdom and patriotism of the two Houses of Congress; and secondly, in the directions afforded me by the principles of public polity affirmed by our fathers of epoch of 1798, sanctioned by long experience, and consecrated anew by the overwhelming voice of the people of the United States. Recurring to these principles, which constitute the organic basis of union, we perceive that vast:as the functions and duties of the Federal Government, vested in, or entrusted to, is three great departments, the legislative, executive, and judicial, yet the substantive power, the popular force, and the large capacities for social and material development exist in the United States, which, all being of themselves well constituted republics, as preceded, so they alone are capable of maintaining and perpetuating the American Union. The Federal government has its appropriate line of action in the specific and limited powers conferred on it by the Constitution, chiefly as to those things in which the States have a common interest to one another, and to foreign governments; w hil e th e great mass of interests which be long to cultivated men, the ordinary business of life, the springs of industry,all the diversified personal and domestic affairs of society, rest securely upon the general reserved powers of the people of the several States. There is the effective Democracy of the nation, and there the vital es sence of its being and its greatness. Of the practical consequences which flow from the nature of the Federal Government, the primary one is the duty of administering with integrity and fidelity the high trust reposed in it by the Constitution, especially in the applica tion of the Public Funds, as drawn by taxation from the people, ani appropriated to specific objects by Congress. Hap pily I have no occasion to suggest any radical changes in the financial policy of the Government. Ours is almost, if not absolutely, the solitary power of Christendom, having a surplus revenue, drawn immediately from imports on commerce, and therefore measured by the spontaneous enterprise and national prosperity of the coun try, with such indirect relation to agriculture, manufaqures, and the products of the earth and sea, so as to violate no constitutional doctrine, and yet vigorously promote the ge neral welfare. Neither as to the sources of the public trea sure, nor as to the manner of keeping and managing it, does any grave controversy now prevail, there being a general acquiescence in the wisdom of the present system. The Report of the Secretary of the Treasury will exhibit in detail the state of the public finances, and the condition of the various branches of the public service administered by that department of the Government. The revenue of the country, levied almost insensibly to the tax-payer, goes on from year to year, increasing beyond either the interests or th e prospective wants of the Government. At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1852, there in the T reasur y a b a l ance of- fourteen million, six hundred and thirty-two thousand, one hundred and thirty six dollars. The public revenue, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1853, amounted to fifty-eight million nine hundred and thirty-one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-five dollars from customs, and to two million, four hundred and five thousand, seven hundred and eight dollars from public lands and other miscellaneous sources, amounting together to sixty-one million, three hundred and thirty-seven thousand, five hundred and seventy-four dollars ' • while the public ex penditures for the s ame p er i o d, exclusive of payments on account of the nublic debt, amounted to forty-three million, five hundred and fifty-four thousand, two hundred and sixty two dollars--leaving a balance 'of thirty-two million, four hundred and twenty-five thousand, four hundred and forty seven dollars of receipts above expenditures. This fact, of increasing surplus in the Treasury, became the subject of anxious consideration at a very early period of my Administration, and the path of duty in regard to it seemed to me obvious and clear —namely, first, to apply the surplus revenue to the discharge of the Public Debt, so far as it could judiciously be done ; and, secondly, to devise means for the gradual reduction of the revenue to the stan dard of the public exigencies. Of these objects the first has been in the course of accom plishment in a manner and to a degree highly satisfactory. The amount of the public debt of all clams was, on the 4th of March, 1853, sixty-nine millions one hundred and ninety thousand and thirty-seven dollars ; payments on account of which have been made, since that period, to the amount of twelve millions seven hundred and three thousand three hundred and twenty-nine dollars—leaving unpaid, and in the continuous course of liquidation, the sum of fifty-six millions four hundred and eighty-six thousand seven hun drad and eight dollars. These payments, although made at the market price of the respective classes of stocks, have been effected readily, and to the general advantage of the Treasury, and have at the same time proved of signal utility iu the relief they have incidentally afforded to the money market, and to the industrial and commercial pursuits of the co entry. The second of the _above,mentioned objects, that of the tariff, is of that importance, and the plan suggested by the Secretary of the Treasury, which is to reduce the duties on certain articles; and to add to the free lists many articles now taxed ; arid espedialiy such 0 enter in,nianufactures, and are not largely, or at all, piodtided in the country, is commended to your candid and careful consideration. You will find in the Report of the Secretary of the Trea sury, also, abundant proof of the entire adequacy of the present fiscal system to meet all the requirements of the public service, and that, while properly administered, it operates to the advantage of the community in ordinary business relations. I respectfully ask your attention to sundry suggestions of improvements in the settlement of accounts j especially as regards the large sums of outstanding arrears due to the Government, and of other reforms in the administrative action of his department, which are indicated by the sec retary; as also to the progress made in the construction of Marine Hospitals, Custom-houses, and of a new Mint in California, and Assay Office in the City of New York, here tofore provided for by Congress ; and also the eminently successful progress of the Coast Survey, and of the Light house Board. Among the objects meriting your attention will be impor tant recommendations from tihe Secretaries of War and Navy. lam fully satisfied t(hat the navy of the United States is not in a condition of strength and efficiency com mensurate with the magnitude of your commercial and other interests ; and commend to your especial attention the sug gestions on this subject made by the Secretary of the Navy. I respectfully submit that the army, which, under our sys tem, must always be regarded with the highest interest, as a nucleus around which the volunteer forces of the nation gather in the hour of danger, requires augmentation or mo dification, to adapt it to the present extended limits and frontier relations of the country, and the conditions of the Indian tribes in the interior of the continent ; the necessity , of which will appear in the communications of the Secre taries of War and the Interior. In the administration of the Post-office department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1853, the gross expenditure was seven million nine hundred and eighty-two thousand seven hundred and fifty-six dollars ; and the gross receipts, during the same period, five million nine hundred and forty-two thousand seven hundred and thirty-four dollars; showing that the current revenue failed to meet the current expenses of the department by the sum of two million forty-two thou sand and thirty-two dollars. The causes which, under the present postal system and laws, led inevitably to this result, are fully explained by the report of the Postmaster-General; one great cause being the enormous rates the department has been compelled to pay for mail service rendered by rail road companies. During the last fiscal year, nine million, eight hundred and nineteen thousand, four hundred and eleven acres of the public lands have been surveyed, and ten million, three hundred and sixty-three thousand eight hundred and ninety one acres brought into market. Within the same period the sales by public purchase And private entry amounted to one million, eighty-three thousand, four hundred and ninety-five acres ; located under military bounty land war rants, six million, one hundred and forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty acres ; located under other certificates, nine thousand four hundrel and twenty-seven acres; ceded to the State as swamp-lands, sixteen million six hundred and eighty-four thousand two hundred and fifty-three acres ; selected for railroad and other objects, under acts of Con gress, one million four hundre i and twenty seven thousand, four hundred and fifty-seven acres. Total amount of lands disposed of within the fiscal year, twenty-five million three hundred and forty-six thousand nine hundred and ninety-two acres—which is an increase in quantity sold and located under land warrants and grants, of twelve million two hundred and thirty-one thousand eight hundred and eighteen acres over the fiscal year immediately preced ing. The quantity of land sold during the second and third quarters of 1852, was three hundred and thirty-four thou sand four hundred and fifty one acres. The amount re ceived therefore, was six hundred and twenty-three thousand six hundred and eighty-seven dollars. The quantity sold the second and third quarters of the year 1853, was one million six hundred and nine thousand nine hundred and nineteen acres ; and the amount received therefore, two million two hundred and twenty six thousand eight hundred and sevt nty six dol ars. You will perceive, from the report of the Secretary of the interior, that opinions, which have often been expressed in relation to the operation of the land system, as not being a soiree of revenue to the Federal Treasury, were erroneous. The net profits from the sale of the public lands to June 30, 1853, amounted to the sum of fifty-three million two hun d-ed and eighty-nine thousand four hundred and sixty-five dollars. I recommend the extension of the land system over the Territories of Utah and New-Mexico, with such modifica tions as their peculiarities may require. Congress, representing the proprietors of the territorial domain, and charged especially with power to dispose of territory belonging to the United States, has, for a long course of years, beginning with the administration of Mr. Jefferson, exercised the power to construct roads within the territories, and numerous applications have been, and no d&ubt will continue to be made for grants for land, in aid of tho .1:.-..d intent and meaninF of die Constitution, that the power to dispose of the public domain should be used otherwise than might be expected from a prudent proprietor, and, therefore, that grants of land to aid in he construction of roads should be restricted to cases where it would be for the interest of a proprietor, under like circumstances, thus to contribute to the construction of these works. For the practical opera tion of such grants thus far, in advancing the interests of the States in which the works are located, and at the same time the substantial interests of all the other States, by en hancing the value and promoting the rapid sale of the public domain, I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Interior. I commend to your favorable consideration the men of genius of our country, who by their inventions and dis coveries in science and art, have contributed largely to the improvements of the age, without in many instances, secur ing for themselves anything like an adequate re card. The present judicial system of the United States has now been in operation for so long a period of time, and has, in its general theory and much of its details, become so familiar to the country, and acquired so entirely the public confi dence, that if modified in any respect, it should only be in those particulars which may adapt it to the increased extent, population, and legal business of the United States. In this relation, the organisation of the courts is now confessedly in adequate to the duties to be performed by them, i n consequence of which, the states of Florida, Wisconsin, lowa, Texas, and California, and districts of other states, are in efect excluded from the full benefits of the general sys tem, by the functions of the circuit court being devolved on the district judges in all those states, or parts of states. The spirit of the constitution, and a due regard to justice, require that all the states in the Union should be placed on the same footing, in regard to the judicial tribunals. I therefore commend to your consideration this important sub ject, which, in my judgment, demands the speedy action of Congress. I will present to you, if deemed desirable, a plan which I am prepared to recommend, fot the enlargement and modification of the present judicial system. I have omitted to ask your favorable consideration for the estimate of works of a local character in twenty-seven of the thirty-one States, amounting to one million seven hundred and fifty-four thousand five hundred dollars, because, inde pendently of the grounds which have so often been urged against the application of the Federal Revenue for works of th s character, inequality with consequent injustice is i , herent in the nature of the proposition, and because the plan has proved entirely inadequate to the accomplishment of the objects sought. The subject of mental improvements, claiming alike the interest and good will of all, has, nevertheless been the subject of much political discussion, and has stood as a deep graven line of division between statesmen of great ability and patriotism. The rule of strict construction of all pow ers delegated by the States to the General Government, has arrayed itself, from time to time, against the rapid progress of expenditure from the National Treasury, on works el a character within the States. Memorable as an epoch in the history of this subject is the Message of General Jack son, of the 27th May, 1830, which met the system of internal improvements in its comparative infancy; but so rapid had been its growth, that the projected appropriations in that year, for works of this character, had risen to the alarming amount of more than one hundred millions of dollars. In that Message the President admitted the - difficulty of bringing back the operations of the Government to the con struction of the Constitution, set up in 1798, and marked it as an admonitory proof of the necessity of guarding that instrument with sleepless vigilance ag a i ns t th e authority of 'preced ents, which had not the sanction of its most plainly defined powers. Without perceiving any sound distinction, or intending to assert any principle as opposed to improvements needed for the protection of internal commerce, which does not equally apply to improvements upon the seaboard for the protection of foreign commerce, I submit to you whether it may not be safely anticipated that, if th e policy were once settled against appropriations by the General Government for local improvements for the benefit of commerce, localities requir ing expenditures would not, by modes and means clearly legitimate and proper, raise the fund necessary for such con struction as the safety or other interests of their commerce might require. If that can be regaaded as a system which, in the exPe rience of more than thirty years, has at no time so commanded the public judgment as to give it the character of a settled policy—which,.though it has produced some works of con ceded importance, has been attended with an expenditure quite disproportionate to their value—and has resulted in squandering large sums upon objects which have answered no valuable purpose —the interests of all the States require it to be abandoned, unless hopes may be indulged for the future which find no warrant for the past. With an anxious desire for thr completion of the works which are regarded by all good citizens with sincere in terest, I have deemed it my duty to ask at your hands a deliberate reconsideration of the question with a hope that, animated by a desire to promote the permanent and sub stantial interests of the country, your wisdom may prove equal to the task of devising and maturing a plan, which, applied to this subject, may promise something better than. THE NORTHERN D►AILT TIMES. constant strife, the suspension of the powers of local enter prise, and excitingeof vain hopes, and the disappointment of cherished expectations. In expending the appropriations made by the last Con gress, several cases have arisen in relation to works for im provement of harbors, which involve question as to the right of soil and jurisdicton, and have threatened conflict between the authority of State and General Government. The right to construct a breakwater, jetty, or dam, would seem, neces sarily, to carry with it the power to protect and preserve such constructions. This can only be effectiially done by having jurisdiction over the soil. But no clause of the Constitution is found on which to rest the claim of the United States to exercise jurisdiction over the soil of a State, except that con ferred by the eighth section of the first article of the Con stitution. It is then submitted whether, in all cases where constructions are to be erected by the General Government, the right of soil should not first be obtained, and legislative provision be made to cover all such cases. There is one subject of a domestic nature, which, from its intrinsic importance, and the many interesting questions of future policy which it involves, cannot fail to receive your early attention. I allude to the means of communication by which different parts of the wide expanse of our country are to be placed in closer conzection, for the purposes both of defence and commercial intercourse. But the general subject will now present itself under aspects more imposing and more purely national, by reason of the surveys ordered by Congress, and now in the process of completion, for communication by railway across the Continent, and wholly within the limits of the United States. The power to declare war, to raise and support armies, to provide and maintain a navy, and to call forth the militia to execute the law, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions, was coa►erred upon Congress, as a means to provide for the common defence, and to protect a territory and a population now with-spread and vastly multiplied. As incidental to, and indispensible for, the exercise of this power, it must sometimes be necessary to construct military roads and pro tect harbours of refuge. To appropriations by Congress for such objects, no sound objection can be raised. Happily for our country, its peaceful policy and rapidly-increasing popu lation, impose upon us no urgent necessity for preparation, and leave but few trackless deserts between assailable points and a patriotic people everready andigenerally able to protect them. These necessary links, the enterprise and energy of our people are steadily and boldly struggling to supply. All experience affirms that wherever private enterprise will avail, it is most wise for the General Government to leave to that and individual watchfulness the location and execution of all means of communication. The surveys before alluded to were designed to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean. The magnitude of the enterprise contemplated has aroused, and will doubtles con tinue to excite, a very general interest throughout the country. In its political, its commercial, aud its military bearings, it has varied, great and increasing claims to con sideration. The heavy expense, the great delay, and a t times fatality attending travel by either of the Isthmus routes, hare demonstrated the advantage which would re sult from international communication by such safe and rapid means as a railroad would supply. These difficulties, which have been encountered in a period of peace, would be magnified and still further in creased in the time of war. But whilst the embarrassments already encountered, and others under new contingencies to be anticipated may serve strikingly to exhibit the importance of such a work, neither these nor all considerations combined can have an appreciable value, when weighed against the obligation strictly to adhere to the Con stitution, and faithfully to execute the powers it confers. Within this limit and to the extent of the interest of the Government involved, it would seem both expedient and proper, if an economical and practicable route shall be found, to aid, by all constitutional means, in the construction of a road which will unite, by speedy transit, the populations of the Pacific and Atlantic States. To guard against miscon ception, it should be remarked that, although the power to construct or aid in the construction of a road within the limits of a territory is not embarrassed by that question of jurisdiction which would arise within the limits of a State, it is, nevertheless, held to be of doubtful character, and more than doubtful propriety, even within the limits of a terri tory, for the general Government to undertake to administer the affairs of a railroad, a canal, or other similar construc tion, and therefore that its connection with a work of this character should be incidental rather than primary. I will only add at present that, fully appreciating the mag nitude of the subject, and solicitous that the Atlantic and. Pacific shores of the Republic may be bound together by in separable ties of common interest, as well as of common fealty aud attachment to the Union, I shall be disposed, so far as my action is concerned to follow the light of the Con stitution, as expounded and illustrated by th .se whose opi nions and expositions constitute the standard of my political faith in regard to the powers of the Government. It is, I trust, not necessary to say that no grandeur of enterprise and no present urgent inducement promising popular favor, will lead me to disregard those lights, or to depart from that path which experience has proved to be safe, and which is now radiant with the glow of prosperity and legitimate con stitutional progress. We can afford to wait, but we cannot afford to overlook the ark of our security. When the grave shall have closed over all who are now oncleavouring to meet the nhligatinng of rinty, the your 1 RAA —.al 1.. 4- r . hension, A successful war has just terminated. Peace brought with it a vast augmentation of territory. Disturbing questions arose, bearing upon the domestic institutions of one portion of the confederacy, and involving the Constitu tional rights of the States. But, notwithstanding differences of opinion and i sentiment, which then existed in relation to details and specific provisions, the acquiescence of distin guished citizens, whose devotion to the Union can never be doubted, has given renewed vigor to our institutions, and restored a sense of repose and security to the public mind throughout the confederacy. That this repose is to suffer no shock during my official term if I have power to avert it, those who have placed me here may be assured. The wisdom of men who knew what independence cost— who had put all at stake upon the issue of the Revolutionary struggle—disposed of the subject to which I refer, in the only way consistent with the union of these States, and with the march of power and prosperity which has made us what we are. It is a significant fact that, from the adoption of the Constitution until the officers and soldiers of the Revolution had passed to their graves, or through the infirmities of ages and wounds had ceased. to participate actively in public affairs, there was not merely a quiet acqui essence in, but a prompt vindication of, the constitutional rights of the State. The reserved powers were scrupulously respected. No statesman put forth the narrow view of casuists to justify interference and agitation, but the spirit of compact was regarded as sacred in the eye of honor, and indispensable for the great experiment of civil liberty, which, environed with inherent difficulties, was yet borne forward in apparent weakness by a power superior to all obstacles. There is no condemnation which the voice of Freedom will not pronounce upon us should we prove faithless to this great trust. While men inhabiting different parts of this great continent can no more be expected to hold the same opinions, or entertain the same sentiments, than every variety of climate or soil can be expected to furnish the same agricultural products, they can unite in a common object and sustain common principles essential to the maintenance of that object. The gallant men of the South and the North could stand together during the struggle of the Revolution • they could stand together in the more trying period which succeeded the clangor of arms. As their united valor was adequate to all the trials of the camp and dangers of the field, so their united wisdom proved equal to the greater task of founding, upon a deep and broad basis, institutions waich it his been oar privilege to enjoy, and will ever be our most sacred duty to sustain. 1t is but the feeble bxpression of a faith strong and universal, to say that their sons, whose blood mingled so often upon the same field, during the war of 1812, and who have more recently borne in triumph the flag of the country upon a foreign soil, will never permit alienation of feeling to weaken the power of their united efforts, nor internal dis sentious to paralyse the great arm of freedom, uplifted for the vindication of self-government. The successive decennial returns of the census since the adoption of the Constitution have revealed a law of steady progressive development, which may be stated, in general terms, as a duplication every quarter century. Carried for ward, from the point already reached, for only a short period of time as applicable to the existence of a nation, this law of progress, if unchecked, will bring us to almost incredible results. A large allowance for a diminished proportional effect of emigration would not very materially reduce the estimate, while the increased average duration of Iriman life, known to have already resulted from the scientiic and hygienic improvements for the past fifty years, will tend to keep up through the next fifty, or perhaps hundred, the same ratio of growth which has been thus revealed in our past pro gress ; and to the influence of these causes may be added the influx of laboring masses from Eastern Asia to the Pacific side of our p iniossions, tavtuer with the probable accesions of the populations already existing in other parts of our hemisphere, which, within the period in question, will feel, with yearly increasing force, the natural attraction of so vast, powerful and prosperous a confederation of self-go verning Republics, and seek the privilege of being admitted within its s ife and h ippy bosom, transferring with them selves, by a peaceful and healthy process of incorporation, spacious regions of virgin and exuberant soil, which are des tined to swarm with the fast-spreading millions of our race. These considerations seem fully to justify the presumption that the law above stated will continue to act with undi minished effect, through at least the next half century : and that thousands of persons who have already arrived at ma turity, and are now exercising the rights of free men , w ill close their eyes on the spectacle of more than one hundred millions of population embraced within the majestic pro portions of the American Union. It is not merely as an interesting topic of speculation that I present these views for your crnsideration. They have important p rac ti ca l bearings upon all the political duties we are called upon to perfo-m. Heretofore, our system of government has work ed on what may be termed 'a miniature scale, in comparison with the development, which it must thus assume, within a future so near at hand, as scarcely to be beyond the present of the existing generation. It is evident that a confederation so vast and so varied, both in nnmbers, and in territorial extent, in habits and in interests, could only be kept in national cohesion by the strictest fidelity v_ / to the principles of the constitution, as understood by those who have adhered to the most restricted construction of the powers granted by the People and the States. Interpreted and applied according to those principles, the great compact adapts itself with healthy ease and freedom to an unlimited extent of that benign system of tederatife self-governnient, of which it is our glorious, and I trust, immortal chatter: Let us, then, with re doubled vigilance, be on our guard against liehling to' the temp tation of the exertion of doubtful powers, even undet the pres sure of the motives of conceded temporary advantages, and ap parent temporary expediency. In like manner, as a manifestly indispensable condition of the perpetuation of union, and of the realization of that magni ficent national future adverted to, does the duty become yearly stronger and clearer upon us, as citizens of the seve ral states, to cultivate a fraternal and affotionate spirit, language, and conduct, in regard to other States, and in rela ion to the varied interests, institutions, and habits of sentiment and opinion, which may respectively char acterise them. Mutual forbearance, respect, and non-interfer ence in our personal action as citizens, and an enlarged exercise of the most liberal principles of comity in the public dealing of State with State, whether in legislation or in the execution of laws, are the means to perpetuate that confidence and fraternity, the decay of which a mere political union, on so vast a s , ale, could not long survive. In still another point, of view is an important practical duty suggested by this consideration of the magnitude of dimensions, to which our political system, with its corresponding machinery of government, is so rapidly expanding. With what increased vigilance doest it require us to cultivate the cardinal virtues of public frugality and official integrity and purity. Public affairs ought to be so conducted that a settled conviction shall pervade the entire Union that nothing short of the highest tone and standard of public morality marks every part of the adminis tration and legislation of the Government. Thus will the Federal system, whatever expansion time and progress may give it, continue more and more deeply rooted in the love and confidence of the people. That wise economy, which is as far removed from parsimony as from corrupt and corrupting extravagance—that single regard for the public good which will frown upon all attempts to ap proach the Treasury with insidious projects of private interest cloaked under public pretexts—that sound fiscal Administration, which in the Legislative depUtment guards against the danger.. ous temptations incident to overflowing revenue, and in the Executive maintains an unsleeping watchfulness against the ten dency of all national expenditure to extravagance—while they are admitted elementary political duties, may, I trust, be deemed as properly adverted to and urged, in view of the more impressive sense of that necessity, which is directly suggested by the considerations now suggested. Since the adjournment of Congress, the Vice-President of the United States has passed from the scenes of earth, without having entered upon the duties of the station to which he had been called by the voice of his countrymen, Having occupied, almost continuously, for more than thirty years, a seat in one or other of the two Houses of Congress, and having, by his sin • gular purity and wisdom, secured unbounded confidence and universal respect, his failing health was watched by the nation with painful solicitude. His loss to the country, under all the circumstances, has been justly regarded as irreparable. In compliance with the act of Congress of March 2, 1853, the oath of office was administered to him on the 24th of that month at Ariadne estate, near Matanzas, in the Island of Cuba ; but his strength gradually declined, and was hardly sufficient to enable him to return to his home in Ala bama, where, on the 18th day of April, in the most calm and peaceful way, his long and eminently useful career• was termi nated. Entertaining unlimited confidence in your intelligent and patriotic devotion to the public interest, and being conscious o no motives on my part which are not inseparable from the honor and advancement of my country, I hope it may be my p.ivilege to deserve and secure, not only your cordial co-ope ration in great public measures, but also those relations of mu tual confidence and regard which it is always so desirable to cultivate between members of co-ordinate branches of the Gov ernment. FRANKLIN PIERCE. WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 5, 1853. LIST OF PASSENGERS PER STEAM SHIP " CANADA," FROM BOSTON, 7TH DECEMBER, 1853.—Mr. T. G. Davie, Van Abbott, W. Whiteford, Charles Bacon, W. T. Brady, Charles King, F. Smyth, Palisons, Fabian, Capt. Mellon, Rev. Henry Caswell and lady, son and daughter ; Madame O'Hanster ; Lotach, N. J. Lord, Thomas Tapling, S. G. Whentland. Vidal, Arista, F. W. Hill, G. W. Johnston, Thomas Charlton, D. Richardson, T. F. Parish, M. E. Clarke, Robert G. Brown, Dichaux, H. Neald, David Lane, J. J. Rogerson, Edward Evans, E. Maitland, B. Megone, A. M'Kaird, John Campbell, Henry S. Charlton, Frank Hodgkinsod, Gregorson, —Nixon, J. W. Nield, A. C. Doorman, John Kerr, Thomas May, James Gilmour, W. C. Evans, —Rae , Oldendorff, W. S. Rassell, Mr. Thos. Kear, Mrs. Martyn, maid and 2 chidren, Mr. Abbott, Mr. F. Somers and lady, R. Macpherson, Mr. Mullins, Mr. John McCartry, Mr. Vincent and lady, Mr. H. Sherklaud, Captain Richardson, D. S. Massini, T. A. Whitt, Herre, J. Stewart, Antho Vellon, F. Roux, S. M. Ilion, Grant, Claverie, Wood, Nostage, H. Q. St. George, David Shaw, A. Cameron and lady, Geo. Waddell, Badge, Anna Bruce, Allan Fluck, J. Waide, John Hamil .L. A. iviusincr. vmay. sr. ifflau“... liourice, lady, lutaut, and servant, Smifla, J. vv. .I:turas, Fairlarks, Mitchell, Kolo, Nott, Pearce, F. Montetragen. List of passengers by the South American and General Steam Navigation Company's screw-steamer Olinda, Capt. Haram, from the Brazils for this port, which vessel has put into Cork, with machinery damaged : From Monte Video : Thomas Blackie, Dupony Gustave, H. Lohnis, Tajeu Juan Baptiste, Brougness August, Piyolle Marie Thomas. From Buenos Ayres : Pablo Dilleman, F. Lahman. From Rio : Julius Ree, Kohfahl, lady, and two children, W. Lanton, Richard Foster, Charles Valais, Fern, Ling Macnado de Mages, Ales. Hamilton, Juan Durand. Miss Clara N. de Burwy, Jose Messeler, Mrs. Wilson. From Bahia : Ric card Latham, Joaq. Frin d'Almeida. From Lisbon : Ed ward Thornton, Jos. Sturge Gilpin, Emile de Lagarde, Geo. Olver, wife, and two children, J. F. Wilman, wife, and four children, Samuel Jenkins, H. Rowe, J. Jennings, John Friend, Abraham Isaacs, James Mather, and Herbert Elliot. MR. SMITH O'BRIEN. This gentleman, the Irish journals inform us, has made his escape from Maria Island, Van Dieman's Land. At the Manchester Police-court, on Saturday, a young man named William Lawson was committed for trial to the assizes for having stabbed a young man named Edward Clarke. AN INFANT FOUND DEAD.—CURIOUS CASE. —Mr. E. Her ford, coroner, held an inquest on Friday evening, at the Shakspere Inn, Manchester, touching the death of a female child, unknown, lying at the burial-ground of the Roman Catholic chapel, Linsey-street. Timothy Nolan, the sexton attached to_ the chapel, stated that on the previous Monday evening, about five o'clock, two men came with the coffin shown to the jury, with the body of the deceased child in side, and laid it down in the chapel with a number of other coffins, and then the burial service went on. The two men brought the coffin out again, and a woman followed. As they gave no registrar's note, he stopped them, and said that the child would not be buried without a registrar's note, and the payment of the dues. They replied, "You'll get none and will go and see the priest." When witness returned into the chapel he found the coffin there but saw no more of the people, and had neither seen nor heard of them since. He made inquiry and found that they had not spoken to the priest. He gave information of the circumstances to the police. The men who brought the coffin were Irish and rough-looking. It was a workhouse coffin, and there was no clothing on the corpse except a bit of check print. Mr. Henson, surgeon, stated that he had examined the child's body and found that it was healthy in all parts except the head, and that it had a scalp disease which had apparently produced congestion of the brain. The disease in question was generally caused by filth and neglect of washing the body, and that appeared to be the cause in this case. Verdict "Disease of the scalp, aggravated by neglect." . - DEATH OF A WOMAN FROM TR& ADMINISTRATION OF POISON —An inquest was held on Friday evening at the Shakspere inn, Manchester, touching the death of Mary Brannan, (wife of James Brannan, Kildare, Ireland) aged 52 years. Mrs. Bright, wife of a painter living in Wainwright street, stated that the deceased, her mother, had been living with them about five years. She drooped on Sunday, but complained of nothing except cold. On Thursday she said she was a deal better, and at 12 o'clock witness left her; she returned, want into the room, and asked her if she wanted anything ; she said not, and next morning witness went in, and found her just drawing her last breath. Deceased was in a club. The husband of the witness stated that on Thursday he called at Mr. Race, the druggist's, and told him that she was poorly with a cold and cough. The young man in the shop said that a mixture of ether and paregoric would be good for the cough, and witness gave her a tea spoon full. She had no more. James Brannan, son of the deceased, stated that he put his mother into a club about three years ago. She objected very much to be in a club, and said she would not take anything out of their hands. She had asked him to taste things which he had F iven her, and said she did not like her .daughter and son in-law. ler motive for asking him to taste the things must have been to see that there was no poison in them Joseph Hopwood, apprentice to Mr. Race, stated that about twelve o'clock the previous day the male witness, Brannan, called and said that he had an old woman at his house who was very poorly and had a bad cold. Another young man in the shop said he must send, and that he would mix him something for the old woman. A boy, about ten years old, came about half-past six at night. The other young man to'd witness to mix two drachms of laudanum and a drachm of ether, which he did, in the bottle produced. He put no label on, and told the boy to give her half a spoonful in cold water every two or three hours. The other young man had served his time, but witness had been there only about ten weeks. It appeared to him that about one drachm out of the three was gone, and it would contain 40 drops of laudanum, besides the ether. We knew that such a quantity would be a dangerous dose for a person in weak health. Mr. Race had told witness always to put labels on medicine. Verdict—" Died from the effects of narcotic poison, administered by mistake." SATURDAY EVENING CONCERTS. The concert-hall,Lord Nelson-street, in which these popu lar evening amusements for the working classes are weekly held, was most numerously attended on the evening of Satur day last, the mayor, J. B. Lloyd, Esq., having expressed his intention of presiding. Every part of the hall was most densely thronged, and on the platform were Mr. W. Rath bone, Mr. Parr, Mr. Caine, and several other gentlemen. The artistes were Mr. and Mrs. Scarisbrick, the Misses \Vemyss, and Mr. Ryalls. The programme contained a well selected assortment of songs and trios. Each piece was en cored, the singers invariably substituting another piece which as usual was as pleasing as the first, and it, would be an act of injustice were we to refrain from particu larising the " Sally in our Alley,' ; and the " Maid of Kil dare,"by Mr. Ryalls, and the now popular song of the "Low backed Car," by Mr. Scarisbrick, which were most credit ably sung by those two gentlemen, and were warmly applauded. In the course of the evening, Mr. Rathbone craved the indulgence of the audience for Mrs. Scarisbrick, who was labouring under a severe cold. During the interval which takes place between the first and second parts, Mr. CAINE, after alluding to a former speech he had made at one of the evening concerts, condemnatory of the free concerts, and their effect upon the morals—not only upon the morals of the inhabitants of the town, but also upon the visitors from the neighbouring localities who frequented them, which assertion he was ready to prove—proposed a vote of thanks to the chief magistrate for his kindness in taking the chair that evening, saying that that gentlemen had not only shown his desire to promote their evening's amusement, but had given a substantial proof of his desire to promote their objects, by giving a donation of £5. Mr. RATILBONE, who, on coming forward was most enthu siastically greeted, said it was very charming for au old than, who had passed most of his time, and whose actions were well known, to be thus received by his fellow-townsmen. He felt it his duty to accompany the chief magistrate, as he had been accustomed to do, on that occasion ; and he felt c 0..- siderable pleasure in seconding the motion which had beta made. He knew how that motion would be received. F many years the chief magistrates, for the time, being had visited these concerts, and it was nearly the first placp th did come to. They went there not to meet one clas, but to meet all classes ; and the chief magistrate, by being present that evening, proved by so doing, that he was. the chief magistrate of all the town, and not the chief magistrate of a class. He was there to promote the concerts; being convinced that prevention was better than punishment. Having briefly pointed out the benefits and ^omfor'.s which would result from the working classes generally atteridi g these concerts, as music had a tendency to soften the inci sions of mankind, he concluded by seconding the motion, and in the words of the poet, by wishing them farewell. Mr. J. B. LLOYD, who was warmly received, having thanked Mr. Caine, and Mr. Rathbone, for the handsome manner in which they had proposed the vote of thanks, said he could assure the meeting, that on no occasion did he.ever experience more pleasure that at the present. He quite agreed with the observations made by his friend Mr Rath - bone, that however angry a husband might be, or w atever difficulties he might have to contend with during the week, it must be beneficial to him to attend the Saturday'evening concerts, as he fully believed that music had a tendency to sooth, calm and quiet, the mind of man, and after being present on that occasion would feel themselves much better qualified to attend to the important duties of the sabbath. It was not only on the present occasion that he had experi enced much pleasurein attending the meeting, for he felt mu h satisfaction in seeing how numerously they were at tended, and what gratification they afforded his fellow-towns men which was a proof that the town was then reaping the benefit of their establishment. He had only to re Bret that his predecessor in office was not present that evening, and he could assure the meeting that he was only prevented by unforseen circumstances. Had he been present he would have given them an able address which he was so capable of doing, and he, (the Mayor) only regretted that the mantel of his eloquence had not fallen on his shoulders. He as sured them that in any way he could promote the happiness of the working classes it would be his pleasure to do so in the best way he could. In conclusion, he begged to say, that having for some years hecu connected with the ward in which the building they were then in was situated he should be ungrateful if he did not do his utmost to promote its interests and the interests and well being of the town in general. Mr. PARR, on being loudly called for came forward and briefly addressed the meeting, as,uring it that he felt much pleasure in attending, and would do so more frequently. A most agreeable evening's amusement was concluded with " God save the Queen." REFO TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN DAILY TIMES. SlR,—After reading the remarks in your paper of the 14th inst., on prostitution, being impressed with the importance of the subject, on conr,uitir g with some friends, we agreed • as - to the duty and necessity of the clergy and office-bearers of all the Protestant congregations in town taking up the matter. In the first instance, they might meet together to consult as to the best plan to be adopted for preventing, as far as possible, and reclaiming those who have fallen. It must be painful to hear of, and-witness the most disgraceful scenes in our streets, and to know that. so little has been done by our civil authorities and clergy to counteract such wickedness. It appears as if none, cared for the souls of these females; Trusting that you have now brought this cryipv, evil so pointedly before the public, something will be done effectually by united, prudent, and energerc means, I remain, yours, &c. Liverpool, 17th Dec., 1853 J. W The Master-General• of the Ordnance has apioint^d Lieut-Colonel the Hon. Robert E. Boyle, Cold..tre II :- Guard, to .be his secretary, in the room of Captain Lord Clarence Paget, R.N., resigned. AUSTRALIAN EMIGRATION.-SOUTHAMPTON ' Dec. 16. The ship Hooghly, of 500 tons; belonging to Messrs. .7,1111- shall and Eldridge, of London, sailed yesterday (Thurs day) for Portland Bay, having embarked 202 statute adult emigrants from the government depot at this port. The Hooghly was despatched by Messrs. Dawson al , :d Arrow. A lady has died in London of eating calomel lozenges. AUSTRALIAN EMIGRATION.—An action of damages has been maintained in London against Sir George Hodgkinson and Co., for. passage money paid by a lady proceeding to Australia, but who, subsequently to the period advertised for the sailing of the ship, had married. The vessel did not sail at the appointed time. Verdict for the plaintiff. ' SUNDAY SAILING IN THE CLYDE.—On Thursday last the Court of Session of Scotland, gave judgment in _this cause—a pursuit taken by Sir James Colquhoun, to inter dict the owners of different eteamers plying out of Glasgow, from landing pgssengers on any of his piers on the Gareloch. The public is aware of the means taken to prevent these Sunday excursions, and the disturbances which folllowed. The Lord Justice Clerk in giving judgment in favour of the pursued, stated that there was no law to prevent travelling on Sundays, or to shut up piers, harbours, or highways on the Sunday, and held that Sir J. Colquhoun's piers must be taken as public, having been used by the public. RUSSIAN SHIPS.—PUNISHMENT.—Mr. James Cook, pilot, who piloted the Russian corvette Navarin from Portsmouth and back, denies the statement that several men were hung on board during her absence from port. He declares no such thing occurred. The same party states that he piloted the Aurora, Russian frigate from Portsmouth, anrthat no pu nishment took place on board of her during the period he was on board. It had been stated that.six men were hanged on board before she was cleared off the land. It will be ob• served he does not deny there was punishment on board the corvette, but only that there was no hanging. A CHILD BURNED TO DEATH. —Oll Saturday, an inquest was held on the body of a child, the son of a tailor living in Levett-street, Toxteth Park, named McNaff, a few days previous the child was left in a low room, when it was soon heard to call out, and upon its parents going to see what was the matter, they found it enveloped in flames. The child said there was a stick in the fire, "I took it up and set my pinny on fire." The child lingered for a few days and died. The parents of the child said in answer to the Coro ner—my child was in a burial club, and I expect to get 255. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. DEATH OF THE COUNTESS OF EGLINGTON.—It is OUT painful duty to chronicle the death of the Right Honour able the Countess of Eglington, at Eglington Castle, ca 3 1 y yesterday morning. Scarcely three weeks ago her ladyship became alarmingly indisposed, suffering from a dangerous fever, which she passed favourably through, and had almost been restor d to her wonted health, when she was suddenly deprived of the power of one of her arms. Since the latest attack, the noble patient did not appear to be in such a critical state as to warrant any apprehension of the malady terminating fatally, her constitution not having sustained any material shock. Her demise was thus alarmingly sud den and unexpected ; its proximate cause being stated , to he heart disease. The news of the melancholy event created a very painful sensation yesterday afternoon throughout the city, which universally sympathises with the noble earl in his afflicting bereavement. In Ayrshire the memory of the countess will be more particularly cherished with gratitude and respect, as she endeared herself to all classes in the country by her unreserved affability and christian bern volence. The deceased lady was married to the Earl , of Eglington in 1841, at which- period she was the widow of Richard Howe Cockerel, Esq., and leaves issue by her second, union, four children.— North British Mail of Saturday. • ) 0,1 9 our, the i ter ) Le o', tbi t beo ad 1' ( It, like', ?r• )00 r 5 for 1 10 011) Jae L tll leer ° )out 13. fi f akeP,,t,f s g i°' t eft° be t , ep os lie life ] he Cal'