The Express.
London, England, 1847-09-16 00:00:00

BOSTON, SEPT., 1817.
Since the departure of the last steamer, the election
returns have been with us a topic of paramount insportaace,
scarcely lees absorbing than the war with Mexico. Themes
there are three or four states not at present heard from. there
ie-minne t. ttterst fee tdarT.V.lle 60tbt that out next nouse
of Representatives will be whig. According to the most
moderate calculation the wleig party will number 116 out of
22S members. Unless a peace is concluded before the meet-
ing of mailmen of which event there appears but little
pi essset, the war, its object, its probable results, and its
speedy termination or more vigorous prosecution, will, of
course, be the leading question of the session. Connected
with this, the rexata queestio of the famous " Wilmot Pro-
viso" will be once more revived, and some strong discussions
may be expected to ensue. This " proviso," as you will
recollect, is a declaration on the part of congress, that in no
territory hereafter acquired by the United State', either "by
purchase, conquest, or voluntary annexation, shall the
institution of domestic slavery be recognised by the
laws and constituted authorities of the United States."
This law, if carried into effect, would, in the event
of the acquisition of Mexican territory, surround the
slave states with a cordon of free territory, vir-
tually prohibiting the emigration thither of south-
erners with their " property," offering a refuge on
all sides to their runaway "chattel," servants, and
in fact, striking a heavy Wow and great discouragement
at the " peculiar institution" itself. When the President
asked congress for three millions of dollars to facilitate hie
plans for securing a speedy peace, the very demand was un-
derstood to intimate that further territory was to be
acquired. The purchase of Mexican lands seemed involved
in the vote, and the question was whether that land-free at
present should continue free, or receive from us the :stet in-
stitution of slavery. The proviso intended to prevent the
latter alternative was proposed to be appended to the three
million grant by Mr. Wilmot of Pennsylvaniain the House of
Assembly, and deliberately sanctioned by the house. Great
and protracted stiuggles were made to defeat it, but they
only resulted in • re-affirmation of this great pets'.
ciple. The senate (where the slevehelders have a majority)
struck out the proviso, and constrained the house at last to
grant the money without qusliiication •' but although they
tid so from motires of immediate expediency, it was well
understood by all that it was a mere postponement of the
question to present necessity.
This momentous question will soon come again before
congress. The eouthern members to a man will merge
political differences in the necessity for what they call " self.
preservation," and oppose it. In the northern and wester.
ewes the sante unanimity of action will not exist. The
ultimite fate of the measure it is impossible to foresee, but
it must be confessed that the present aspect of things looks
ominous for its success.
At times like the present, the voice of the venerable John
Quincy Adams—now lingering on the verge of the grave—
is deserving of peculiar attention, both from his experience
and his patriotism. In • letter recently published with his
sanction, he avows that " his confidence in the perpetuity of
our government is much shaken. lie regards us as tending
towards a military despotism." The attempt to make Gen.
Taylor president upon the popularity which he has gained
in a few battles he regards as ominous of the downfall of re-
publican iustitutions. He a prebends that we shall follow
in the footsteps of those republics that have gone before us.
The usurpations of Mr. Polk, in sending an army into
Mexico at the instieation of his own will—the extension of
the slave power by the annexation of Texas and by con-
quest—arc evidences to his mind that the end of our govern-
ment draws nigh ; at least, he regards them as portending no
good to the American people, &c. &c.
It is not easy to foresee how General Scott can make a
treaty with such a government as Mexico at present pos-
sesses, bat the prevalent opinion is that if, on his arrival in
the capital, the existing government persist in their obsti-
nacy, he will form one, and with them patch up a treaty ;
which creature of his own, backed by the church party
(whose favour be has been very anxious to conciliate
throughout), and the presence of some United States troops,
will probably be the most efficient government Mexico has
had for some years, and this mil be the commencement of a
new and better era for that unhappy country. The terms
which Mr. Trist is authorised to make to Mexico are the ac-
knowledgment by them of a boundary lino from the 36th
degree of latitude, thence to the Pacific, the cession to the
United States of California and New Mexico, and a right of
way acrossthe isthmus of Huanhatepee, the United States
paying for the territory ceded, and taking on itself debts due
by Mexico to American citizen,.
The annexation of Cuba is a subject which is now gravely
discussed by some of our leading journals. The speech of
Lord Palmerston in the House of Commons, intimating that
the time might come when the British government might
deem it necessary to make reprisals on the Spanish colonies
for debts due from Spain, has given the alarm here, and
there is no doubt that a large and influential portion of the
American peup"e would prefer war with Great Britain rather
than see her add Cuba to the list of her colonies. The slave-
holders of Cuba would themselves prefer annexation to t'itis
country, from motives of self-interest. Our government,
some time back, notified that it would not willingly
see England acquire Cuba. The subject is perhaps pre-
maturely, and certainly too warmly, taken up on this side.
The manner in which Lord Palmerston, in the same speech,
alluded to the defalcations of some of our states. created
much bitter feeling here, which, however, ban been in a
great manner allayed by the handsome manner in which the
United States were alluded to in a subsequent debate, intel-
ligence of which reached us by last steamer, and which was
highly gratifying to all on this side of the water, who are
anxious to draw closer the bonds of friendship existing bo-
tween the two countries.
The number of emigrants to this country for the present
year is without parallel ; so, also, are the sufferings expe-
rienced by them unequalled. In Canada, especially, the
ship and typhus fevers rage, until the quarantine ground at
Quebec is • perfect charnel house. In New York end Baton
the emigrants have suffered several ; but tee isceliaat te.
galotions adoparibia both tiffs Mkt iambi du wed of
I contagion. All prates in due to the authorities of these
places ; nothing that could alleviate the sufferings or admi-
' niater to the comfort of the afflicted has been spared. At
' New Orleans the yellow fever is raging with virulence ; as
' many as sixty deaths occur in twenty-four hours. The
' number is, without doubt, increased by the many people who
are compelled to be there on business connected with the
war. At Tampico, also, the rom ito has appeared among our
troops in its worst form. Thecrews in the Gulf squadron, too,
are suffering with this dire scourge.
On Friday last, 27th inst., Governor Silas Wright of New
York died of apoplexy. Ile was the prominent candidate of
the democratic party for the next presidential election. Mr.
Wright was an admirable debater, and when in the United
States senate stood among the ablest of the great men of
either party. He had the confidence of all parties, and was
warmly attached to the great principles of human freedom.
Mr. Wieght's death will einbarass his political friends in the
empire state. I regret to see the beat men of the two great
parties dying off, as their talent, virtues, and moderation do
much to give limitations to party violence.—Y. Z.
A Philadelphia correspondent writes:
The venerable Henry Clay, the saga of Aslibuid, bus paid a visit to
the north. The tour was • " strictly private one," undertaken for the
purpose of direrting his mind from the scenes which constantly re-
called the memory of his son, Major Clay, who fell at the battle of
Buena Vista. Everywhere he appeared the apontaneoua enthu-
dawn of the people overwhelmnl him with honours and attentions.
Ills route was an uninterrupted ovation. No man can properly con-
ceive the depth and strength of the attachment of the people to this
great and noble roan; sad a general and sympathetic movement is at
this moment in progress throughout the country which may force him
upon the political stage at the next cans-e, with brighter prospects
than ever. If be were freed from the odium of slavery,. there could
be nu doubt of his election; but I still adhere to my opinion, that no
slaveholder except • military hero, who will draw off • large portion
of the " hurrah boys" of the democracy, can ever again be elected
President.

SHERIFFS' COURT.—Tats Div.
Before Mr. Under-Sheriff BombeU.

STELGAL V. SMITH.—PASSING THE COLLEGE.—This was
aa action to recover the sum of ten guineas, oh defendant's
guarantee. The plaintiff is a doctor of medicine, and the
amount was claimed for services in qualifying a friend of the
defendant to pass the College of Surgeons. it appeared by
the evidence that a young man named Palmer came up from
Hugely, to pass the College of Surgeons and Apothecaries'
Hall, aid agreed to pay the plaintiff fifteen guineas
for instruction, and the defendant alms wrote a
letter, saying that if Palmer could pass in a
month, he (defendant) would nuke plaintiff a present of ten
guineas. Palmer passed within the time specified, and gave
plaintiff 151. beyond his agreement, together with two dozen
of chompaigne, some hams, meat, cigars, and scuff, and
ultimately a grand dinner was given to him. Palmer, who
was called as a witness, proved that plaintiff and defendant
met, but could not state the conversation, as be did not dine
with them; for his examination had been so inciting
to his appetite, that he ordered dinner instanter.—The
learned Secondary• said, the question was, whether the
plaintiff had done more than was his duty under the can-
' tract with Palmer. If Palmer could have passed upon tke
ordinary instruction, then the defendant would not be liable,
for there would be a want of consideration for the contract.
If, however, the jury thought from the evidence that more
assiduity was shown by the plaintiff to facilitate the defend-
anes object than could have been justly expected of him
under the original contract, then they would find for the
plaintiff.—Verdict for plaintiff, 101. 10s.

ADDRESS To SIR HARRY SMTTR.—Yesterday a
meeting was held at the Crown Assembly Rooms, Ports-
mouth, and u address to Sir Harry Smith agreed to unani-
mously. A deputation having waited upon the gallant
general at the George Hotel. he, at once, proceeded to the
meeting, where he was received with loud cheers. Lord
Gleam Lennox read the address, which was one of con-
gratulation and gratitude for past services, and anticipations
of their renewal in the new sphere of action to which he
had been called. Sir Harry acknowledged the compliment
in an impressive speech. Sir Ham Smith was afterwards
entertained by the gallant Light lirigade. The entertain-
ment pasted off with great eclat.
RUSSIAN GRAIN.—Of the recent arrivals of grain,
of various kinds, front the continental states of Europe, dur-
ing a period of six days, there arrived no less than 57 vessels
at the port cf London alone from the Russian ports, which
were, with one or two exceptions. in which other Russian
productions formed a trifling portion of the cargo, entirely
laden with grain, the growth of Russia. It will be borne in
mind that these arrivals took place at the metropolis, and do
not include those at other parts of the kingdom, which were
numerous ; or at the port of Liverpool, which were of an ex-
tensive character. We must also mention that probably
the average arrivals of previous weeks were scarcely leas ex-
tensive than the one under notice. Some of the vessels
included in the number mentioned as having arrived during
the week, brought nearly 4,000 qrs, of grain, while others
brought something less than 1,000 qrs. each; to take an
enrage, therefore, of 2,000 qrs. for each cargo, which is
within the mark, the quantity of grain imported from Russia
alone into the metrepolis in one week, exceeded 100,000 qrs.
—a very large quantity certainly, and which when added to
the large supplies from other directions, will give an idea of
the amount of grain which has poured into the country. With
few exceptions, the arrivals of grain from the United States,