davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02

that we arc Don to have the Tloridas, which will
so far facilitate the introduction of slaves as to
render any attempt, by the force of statutes, to
heck it, wholly abortiyc, there seemed to me to
be no way to lessen this species of horrible traffic
but by doing the best that could be done to pre-
vent the increase OF a market for slaves. II they
can be struggled into the country with IMMUNITY
AS il Is clear that they can-and if that vast
region west of the Mississippi were to become
mart for them-the value of, and, of course, the
demand for them would be infinitely increased
| had never any doubt that we have the right,
constitutionalIy, 10 refuse the admission of any
new state into the Union until she should have
provided in her constitutional otherwise, against,
at least, the further increase of savery-and this
was all that was attempted in relation TO Mis-
sour.
Had the lava against smuggling been found
efectual, should have felt less rupulous as il
regards the extension of slavery into the western
country. ! should, indeed. have considered it as
a question of policy, merely having no connex-
ion with the claims of humanity, or the rights Of
man. ! might have thought, as ! did or the
former occasion, that II would not have added TO
the number OF slaves IN this union-and that it
could not In such case be very important whether
they were suffered TO be in one part or another
Of the Union so that the people, where they
might be, were DESTROYS ofthem.
As the evidence was, and being contained in
authentic dooume ns il could not be oontrorerted,
! was compelled 10 view the subject in very
different light. I'll have not gratified the wishes
Of my friends can only regret it. Next to self
appreciation Is that Of ones country.
Should you think II proper TO publish the fore
gong explanation you will oblge
Your humble servant,
EzEkiEL WHITMAN.
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02
MR.. WHITMAN.

The Argus maintains that il has manifested no
injustice towards this gentleman, and claims con-
siderable credit for the correctness and courtesy
with which the assault upon him has been cor
Quoted through its columns.
But 10 say nothing of the unhandsomeness OF
excluding from two successive papers short
note from Mr.. WHITMAN, in explanation of his
vote respecting Arkansaw, addressed personally
10 the Publisher Of that paper, while the inter
mediate paper was occupied with sric lures upon
Il, TO what purpose il may be asked, has his con-
sressiona conduct at a former session, when IL
assed without comment or an.madversion, been
10 AIDE the theme of such violent and uuremitting
reproach
II must be admitted that the Argus has been
perfectly consistent and uniform in the course il
has pursued upon the Slave question. from the
first moment that il proclaimed TO our represen-
tatiycs, that Maine must be admitted at any
price, without regard TO any restriction upon
slavery at the south. until it closed with the
Compromise such capital thing-as fit car
ed two coppers about any compromise whatever
upon any other principle .
IL may be true also, that cold-booded peril
nacty has been preserved in the editorial de-
partment Of that paper IN pressing perpetually
upon the representative f,s this district IN partc-
ular, who has acted with the mast uniform nteg
rily throughout this, every other affair of his
life; and who has only in the present instance ex-
pressed the sentiments entertained by the great
body of his constituents, in which he has had the
cordial concurrence Of a very respectable major
ity Of his colleagues from this state.
But while the columns Of this newspaper are
thus oalcuatingly closed against the exp!ana-
tions of our representative, to deprive them, as
far possible, oftheir due effect, they have been
inytingly thrown open 10 the most illiberal re-
Elections and Irrelevant nsinuations respecting
his past political department and opinions.
Let the following extract from the Argus Of
April 9TH, be taken as specimen. Abiding TO
the ADDRESS of the majority of our representa-
tives, the writer says, the gentleman who pre-
pared il is not inconsistent ;'-ss Men who have
ever delighted an elanor against southern men
and southern influence, could MOI be baokrard an
securing so fine an opportunity 10 grGiyy hs,r
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02
BY THE MAIL.

by the Washington irom Gibraltar we learn
that about 'lie 2ih Of March, 2 duel was fought
al that city, between Lieut.. Downing, of the
Guerrero iIigsle, aud Lieut.. Smith. OF one of
tbe English regiments stationed lhsIe, In which
the latter was severely, bat not mortaily
wounded. We understand The dispute which
was the occasion OF this meeting, took place
previously 10 the departure of the Franklin,
aud was considered 10 have been settled
Gov. Don had expressed his opinion 10 Com.
Stewart that 1t. Downing was not TO blame
IN The affair; but shortly after her departure
the British Lieut.. challenged him, and Lieut..
ID. feeling himself bound 10 accept ii, they
met. On the iirsi fire Lieut. 3. was wounded
IN The cali OF the leg; but not being satisfied,
they bred again, and he had oue OF bls fingers
Shot OF; but being still dissatisfied they fired
The third time, aud Ii. Downlng's bali entered
his body just above The hip, when he fell and
deolared Limsei satisfied. 1t. ID. remained
rnhur.
In consequence Of this unpleasant affair, an
order was gwen 10 the guards thai no Amer
cans should pass the gates into the town, which
The next day were so far qualified as TO ex
eepi masters aud other persons belonging 10
merchant vessels. The American Consul was
oil this order, but without any great probabil-
ny OF success. The arrival OF Commodore
cambridge was expected 10 produce a favor
able effect on this Stale of lhngs.-Boston In
'efisgencer
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02
EEIR @ANRNHN0
PORTLAND, TUESDAY, MAY ., 1920.

.hthtory annual May meeting OF
the militia OF this stale lakes. place 10 day
As kind OF inlerles exists between the Mill
TIA law OF Massachusetts, which has been
partly atrogaled by the Constitution Of Maine,
aud the laws on that subject which may here
after be framed by The new government, an
mdisenminaie CONSUMPTION has been made OF
most OF those who have been formerly exempt.
ed from ihi, duty. Justices Of the Peace
engne-men, aud even ministers OF the gospel
lhe sanci,y OF whose profession has hitherto
exempted them from learning the art Of sear,
nave been required TO appear in arms and
perform military do'y. Not liille difficulty,
VI apprehend, will occur, in settling The ques.
lion, as 10 the liability OF those to tram, who
are exempted under the laws oil Massachu-
sets, until our Legislature shall pass law up.
on the suhiect.-Ihe 9th section OF the 7lb
article OF The Constitution, provides that
. QIakefs, Shakers, Justices Of the Supreme
Judicial Court aud Ministers of The Gospel,
may he exempted from military duty, but 10
other person OF the aye oil eighteen and under
the aye OF Tory five. excepting officers OF the
militia, who have been honorsbly discharged,
shall be so exempted, Unless be shall pay an
equivalent 10 be fixed by law" Now it is
said that the section OF The Massachusetts tni.
liila law which exempts certain descriptions
oi persons, Is incompatible with this clause of
The Constitution, and true, ii is I; but all The
proceedings OF enrollmeni, notification, &C.
he organization ol the militia, and the very
penalties, all originate and end In the Msssa.
ehuselis law. This law must therefore in or
der To compel eAcmpts 10 train, be taken TO
pieces, and such parts as hay be deemed ex
pedent used, aud the rest rejected. and hi,
by the commanders OF companies. Surely no
Judicial tribunal will sanction such consrue.
tion the constitution was never intended ia
operate upoo former exempts, until after the
legislature had framed laws Under II, and the
clause referred TO. was intended TO guide and
restrict The Legislature, rather than 10 define
The rights and dulles OF the citizens upon this
sublect
1his the phraseo!ogy OF the Instrument,
clearly points out, for it says unless he
shall pay an equivalent 10 Be fixed by law"
clearly indicating tina, no penalty is VOC Fix
ed ior such persons They pretend to notify
under one law and punish neglect upder an.
other. But II they refer back to the Massa.
ohoselts law for The 6ne, that, SO far from
answering their purpose. declares thai those
persons are not liable TO fine. How then
shai' 'hcy enforce their requisition The con.
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02
POE I,l.'I2Y Y .
ron THE GAZETTE.
THE NUNS RELY.

I'LL Nuns REFILL.
Vnite, rai'e embord pr9ienos.
CEASE, cease proiane no more intrade
The converts walls are dear 80 me,
Your heariless fol!ies they exclude.
And leave me TO reflection free.
The world, my hope has oft deceived,
! heard was battered and believed.
But now, no more, my foolish heart
Can listen to your IDLE strain,
Your words paradise impart,
Which fancy can alone attain:
Eve left forever PASSIONS track,
No syren's song shall win me back.
Oft in the fragrant orange grove,
Whose shade the amorous branches weave,
! used with raptured soul 10 rove,
As glowed the lovely star of eve
Then deep, loves poisoned accents fell
And peace, my bosom bid farewell
Eve seen the worlds delusiye glow,
And followed long its Grant CLEAN,
Sure wounded feelings only know
The baefal influence Of its beam:
Now nobler acts, my thoughts inspire
And purer hopes, my bosom fire.
Then cease this hallowed spot no more
With witcheries Of love assaii,
For here I've touched upon a shore,
Where earth born feelings meier prevail.
O think of me then but as one
That's loved and sighed - that. now
MIN
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02

s'itution provides no penalty, bun ep1oins upos
The legislature to fix an equivalent; strongly
I'm plying that one is pow wanting the Mas.
sac busetls law prov ides none, but on the con-.
iiary eSempts them from the duty altogether.
This dilemma the courts OF law. we conce i've
will solve, by dec laring that the constitution in
this particular was merely directory upon The
Legislature for their future government, and
did not intend 10 abolish the militia statute
of Massachusetts ; Otherwise it would have
been more explicit, and have provided a new
organization. But as the law does al present
exist, and upon the fs,rest constitution We
have been able 10 put upon i. it does appear
TO US tina. those whom The Massachusetts, Law
has exempted must remain so until the legs.
lature shall Otherwise order and tfr an cquir.
dien', as directed by The constitution.
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02
MR.. WHITMAN'S LETTER.

we do mol know that we do not owe some
apology 10 Mr.. WHITMAN fos mol having pub
lished the following letter before. We ,IiouiJ
be sorry 10 be accessory 10 The injustice by
which it was SO long withheld from the public
Not having been addressed 10 the editor OF
Tbs paper, nor requested 10 COPY 1t, there did
moi. appeal 10 be much occasion for H. H.,
publication at this period however Cannot be
ihpropor.
wAsnINGToN, MARCH 90, 1890.
TO he Ed,tor Of The Eastern argus.
SIN I'm your paper Of .he l4th inst. noticed a
remark, that at the last session of Congress, when
the question was, whether Arkansaw should be
restricted as to slavery, voted against it and,
from series Of remarks in the same paper, it
would seem TO have excited some surprise that |
should, at the present session, have voted for the
restriction upon Missouri.
The truth is, that, at the last session, the sub
ject OF admitting slavery, west Of the Mississippi,
was brought forward, on the application OF Mis-.
souri, TO be admitted into the union. at n late pc
Rod in the session. ! was not then apprised that
the admission Of slavery there woald he produce
tive OF an increase Of the number OF slaves IA the
Uated States. then knew that we had very
severe laws against the importation Of them from
abroad and did not doubt these laws were duly
i
evaded ii the people were, as had then doubt
they were, disposed 10 enforce them for there
could be no negro who could not, At least, tell
whether he had been introduced into this coan-
try since 1908 or not, which must in every case
lead TO detection.
!. To my astonishment and notification have
found that was utterly deceived. We have had
documents before US at this session, which abun-
dainty prove that Notwithstanding the severity
OF the laws, slaves are constantly imported into
louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia.
In these states the sentiments OF the people, or
rather, their interest, have been found so hostile
TO the execution OF these laws that eyas,ons can
not be detected Where every man, or nj least a
great majority is equally concerned III interes, in
the evasion OF law, there can be no enforcement
Of IT. In the above states it appears that no man
can be found sufficiently hardy to encounter the
SCOTS, and even violence, to which he would ex-
pose himself, by becoming an inlormer-and that
il there could be, there would not be found, Ell
ther grand jurors 10 indict or petit jurors to
Wet an offender.
The temptation TO smuggle has been enor-
msus beyond what had ever conceived The
importation of a slave cost not exceeding one
hundred dollars aud when imported he is worth
from five hundred to a thousand dollars. The
numbers annually smuggled into the states, Dor
dering on the Gulf of Mexico and Georgia, are
yariously estimated. Some-and well informed
men too, on whom much reliance may be placed -
have estimated them at upwards OF eight thou
sand. Others, however, who are strongly OPP
posed to the restriction, seem to believe that the
number, annually introduced, is not so consider
able.
the vicinity O, lie West Indies and considering
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02
CONGRESS-.

An important aci has passed Congress, al
tering The method Of disposing Of the public
lands. The. former plan Of selling extensive
tracks upon protrac,ed credit, was throwing
loo fascinating bait TO the spectators Of this
age, and instead of encouraging the settlement
OF the country, only created kind Of monop
oily, placing large tracks Of lands al the dispo;
sal OF private individuals, rather than al that
Of the government, and al the same time &C.
curnulat,ng an Immense amount OF debt from
that section OF count y. Of 81 least deuLifuI
estimation. In order 10 remedy these evils,
Mr. KING, OF New York, has eAerled himself
and succe ssiully to introduce cash payments
IN these sales, making the lowest prre 10 be
Si95 an acre, aud reducing ihe quantity Of.
tered for sale TO halt quarter sections This
law will opersle equally for .he benefit Of Tie
western country and Of he United States
il passed the lower house i,y ma jorily OF las
10 %, and takes effect from the Isl day of
June.
THE .NEW TARIFF.
The Tariff bill became the subject Of dis.
cussion in the House OF Representatives on
Friday the 2lsi ull. Afer The bill was read,
which reported Il, made speech OF three
hours length ~ support III lis provisions, and
to develope The views OF the Committee. Mr.
SMITH, OF Maryland, opposed The system gen.
eraly upon IL merits, ihoilgli lie thought some
alterations might ad,snia.eously be made ia
The present system OF revenue. lie moved an
amendment Ia tie FIRST s. olina II the b,ll. v III
a view 10 reduce The proposed duly on cerlsis
articles nenioned tram ~ 10 7 per cent
MIR. CLAY, supported Mr.. BALDWIN, IN III
principles he ad, anced and opposed any >
mendmeni being made TO general system
which the comniltee bad prepared with so
much patience and industry. The motion 10
amend was moi successful. M. SILsBEy, Mt
SmIH. Mr. HOLMES. Mt SAnrs, n. and Mr..
WHITMAN, se,eraily oheree anendments,
which were rejected /; The biii was read through
without receiving any alterations when Nj.
Tyler, OF NngiUIa moved to sinke cut Tie
hfs, section, to test the epInlon u she House
Dn the merits Of the bill. but on accoun, of lie
aeness OF the hour on Saturday. he commit
ee rose without taking the question. Tbs
Dill was sill under discussion On Tuesday the
18Th uii.
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02
Extract ola letter fran Jastiegton, doted .
pri con

Extract Of a letter fran bdstiagton, doted q.
pra 2ota
:" We cannot Learn any ihin9 ~ paiticu'af
concerning the negotiation VIII TIC Spsnish
Envoy. The Tariffs undes di-oussi =, ard
there seems 10 be fixed detefu i,at,oD thai
il shall pass the House. win all ,ts obnox.ous
provisions. There is squabbiitz OF contra
~ interest, they seem 10 he fshlina heir owa
battles, al the pubic expense, and a1ier The
Tag oil eur country's prosperity, vLen pr,,ae
interest Is the. siaI by which each IS al.
tempting TO steer The ship"
II viii be perceived by the former par u
ids extract, that The rumour Concerning ne
rejection Of hs SsniA Treaty l. u9'peadsd
or at least had not transrlreJ al The eailsb
as late as Tuesday afternoon last.
Extract of another litter from Washa. 81 Il.
ed .4p1a 25th.
1--WE had story here yesterday ia. =
COLLATION. with the new Spanish min.s
broken Of suddenly doubt the core, s~
the report-we shall probably know nut r
ticuiars to day in official form, il such be ~
fact; II true, Congress will probably be deta
here still longer than was anticipated ~
The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1820-05-02

The following is Me Pension BIZ as i Iss'
sed The senale April 25ih Il now waits cai
the Presidents Signature TO Aecone isw y
Will be perceived ihsi II almost choaks VI De
passage by which the surviving Re,o lsIions'y
Soldiers have approached the Treasury sne
received th.iI small annual consolation
BE IL enacted, &c. Tina, no person who now y
or hereafter may be, placed ON the pension list
the United States, by virtue Of the act, entisse
" An act to provide Tor certain persons engage
in the land and naval service OF the United Sts's
in the revolutionary war; passed on the ~
teenth day Of March, one thousand eight nm
dred and eighteen, shall, after the payment
that part Of the pension which became due on y
fourth day OF March, one thousand eigb; huncna
and twenty. continue 90 receive the penss'
granted by the said act Until he shall have EN-
bited 10 some court of record in the county, cry
or borough, in which he resides, schedule, 'w
soribod by him, containing his whole eststss~
income, (his necessary clothing and beddms~.
cepted, aud shall have before the said eour,
some one OF the judges thereof, taken and ~ ~
soribed, and producedto the said court, tne a. =.
lowing oath or affirmation, to wit -, A. D,
solemnly swear, or q9irn,, (as the case may ~
that was a resident citizen cfthe United o's'sd
on the eighteenth day Of March one lnou'.Is
eight hundred and eighteen, and that have
since that time, by gift, sale, or IN any m's .sd
whatever, disposed of my property, OF any !.
thereof, with intent thereby SO to diminish"
TO bring myself within The provisions OF 1oDs's
entitled ian act TO provide for certain pa. Is.
engaged in the land and naval service 3
United States in the revolutionary war, p..sa
on the eighteenth day Of March, one 'nou' All
eight hundred aud eighteen, and 'ha'i"''
Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-06-19
Fifty dollars Reward.

Dan AWAY from the subscriber living
~ in Prince Georges County, Maryland,
within tour miles OF Alexandra, on Easter
Sunday last, April Cd, negro man called
JACOB, sometimes called JACOB DOD.
SON, about 81 years OF age. about 5 feet 6
or 7 inches high, small, of a yellow complex
ion, black beard and whiskefs, bis wool "a.
ther bushey than knotty he has scar on
bis brest as | am informed he has wife at
Mr.. Calvert Jones's, who lives at the extrp.
nifty OF Calvert county, on Patuxent river;
he will probably endeayour 10 pass forafree
man, and get employ in the wood vessels be-
tween thatplace and Baltimore. will give
Tor experimenting said negro and securing
HIM in Jail so tina t | get him again, thirty
dollars if takrn in the district, the same if Ia
ken in Maryland, and fifty dollars if ont Of
either, with all reasonable expenses paid.
or | forwarn all masters of vessels and
others againsr harbouring or employing said
negro, as am determined TO put the law in
force against all offenders.
FRANCIS FOLSOM, Sen.
June 10 II
Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-06-19
400 Dollars Reward.

" AN away from the subscriber, on the
-sLs23d OF April, muIatto man, named Jar
rett. He is an excellent cook, and handy
servant; and used to the garden about 40
years OF age, of ordinary size, 5 feat 8 or 10
inches high , his complexion IS very light.
almost approaching to white, but enjarkabIy
treckled Oh The lace, hands. and breast. with
very large dark freckles. His hair is not
quite as knotty as that OF a negro, but near.
~ so ;hls countenance is bad and frow ang
he is generally polite, hut very luarrelsome
when intoxicated. He has vile living in
Alexandra, and many acquaintapces in
Washington and George town His clothing
is various and considerable. will give DO
dollars to any person who will have him Sc
cured in any jail in the District of CoIpm-
bia, SO that Ii get him again, loo dollars If Sc.
cured in any Jail utof the District.
WIN. BRENT, Jr.
Richland, near Aqua, Va.
T. s.. Any information, by letter, by Which
! shall be enabled to recover him will be
thankfully received anu handsomely reward.
ed May 81
Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-06-19
ALEXANDRIA BATHS.
Mrs. IN. Garner

II AVlNG rented the place, adjoining the
IL Theatre, formerly occupied by Tho
mas Shields, in which the PUBLIC BATHS
were kept. respectfully informs tie citizens
of Alexandra, that she purposes opening
them ON the 10th inst. in style superior to
any heretofore kept in this place. She be-
lieves it unnecessary TO say any thing in re-
commendation ora custom so universally ap-
proved of by all physicians OF eminence, as
more conducive to health than almost ANY o :.
ther practice which can be adopted. She
will only observe that private room is set
apart entirely for Ladies, where they may
enjoy the comforts OF a warm OF cold bath,
without fear of interruption, and female
servant will always attend to their wishes
Gentlemen will also be attended to in a pro-
per manner, in the baths set apart tor their
use.
The price having been reduced from TEN
TO EIGHT dollars the season, she hopes will
be an inducement TO many TO favor the in
stitution with their custom.-The season
will commence on the 10th day of May, and
end on the LIST day of October.
Strangers and Others may be accommoda-
ted with single baths, a, so cents each, or
three for one dollar.
A subscription book is opened THE bar,
where persons DESTROYS of subscribing are re-
asested TO leavetheir names. may
Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-06-19
Henry z. Whitney

Corner of Prince and Faigfar Streets,
DECURNS his sincere thanks to the citi
Ne gems of Alexandra, and in an especial
manner. TO his customers, for the very libe-
raj encouragement he has mel With during
his residence in this town, and takes this OPP
portunity to inform them shat he has just re-
ee;vei good assortment Of SEASONABLE
GOODS, which he will dispose of at the
lowest rates, and any uncurren. notes taken
at reasonable discounts.
P. S. Every description of ready made
clothing constantly on hand, at the lowest
price, and all orders for any articles OF cio-
Thing executed in the most fashionable style,
with punctuality and dispatch, on the most
reasonable terms. thstu4mo april 2