Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-03-09
From our Washington Correspondent.
STEAMBOAT CATSE.

ihere was report in circulation this MORN
ing, that the ChiefJusticc would take his scat
upon the bench to-day, and deliver the opiniop
OF the court III the steamboat case But he did
not make ms appearance. 1t is runored that
the decision Will be adverse to the state of New
York an toto, annuilng all the acts of the leris-
lature, granting exclusive privileges of nayira-
ton by steam. lfths be so, ii will deeply affect
the interests of the North River Steam-Roat
Company, who it is believed has a capital en-
Ployed OF something like sic hundred thousand
dollars at any rate, about that sum has been
employed since the experiments in navigation
oy steam were commenced, considerable Part
OF which was sunk in bringing the invention to
perfection, and reducing it 10 practice. The re.
venue of the state will also be effected by the
decision, If it be such asreport represents it. as
the tax on steamboats, will be abolished. But
will not anticipate thedecision, which will doubt.
less be given in few days.
The Tea Cdusc.-This morning the causo of
the United States against Thomas FL. Smith of
New York was called up for argument ; coun-
sci Tor plaintiff, the Attorney General, MIR.
Blake, OF Boston, MIR. lngersol, of Philadelphia;
Tor defendant, Mr.. Ogden, of New York. and
Mr.. Webster, of Boston. The nature of this
suit Is briefly as follows; Mr.. Smith imported n
cargo Of tea from China, which was entered n,
the Custom-Housc as of an inferior quality. and
paying less duty than it is alleged to have been
IN reality. The amount involved, for which the
United States have prosecuted, is understood to
DO about $4,000. On motion of Mr. OGDEN.
and after some interocutory remarks between
the court and counsel, the cause was postponed
on the ground that material evidence in favour Of
the defendant is daily expected from China
The motion for postponement was strenuously
opposed by counsel for plaintiff, upon the princi-
pie that the record was made up, that the cause
had long been before the court, and that ample
time had been allowed to Mr.. Smith for collect
ing all the evidence he might wish to adduce.
Repcrtee.-1n the Supreme Court this morn
insa while the Attorney General and Mr.. Claw
were arguing a cause, the former spoke of GER
tam statute, no matter what, Of 1896, which was
merged in another of 1897. Mr.. CLAW in reply
ing to tins part of the argument, having forgot
ten the precise phrascology Mr.. Writ, substi-
tuted the word absorbed for merged and profess
ed not to understand this legislation by a5so,y-
ton Mr.. Writ disclaimed having used such
language. Hewas sorryto spoil the gentleman's
wit, as he was so seldom witty. Mr.. Claw per-
ceived the Attorney General was little disturb
ed, and probably feeling the hit himself, instant
ly retorted. He regretted to witness in that GEN.
tleman so much gravity; for he wouie 2ppes, to
the honorable Court, that his friend was as sell
dom grare as himselfwas aoitty.
This piece ofpleasantry and keen repartce be.
i tween two such antagonists was not little a.
musing to the crowd of spectators. 1t NAV not
perhaps bear repeating, nor appear to good adj
vantage on paper, Invested, ofthe circumstances
which gave itpont; but as Mathews used to
say by way of chorus to one of his Jokes, at made
a great laugh at hetimc IN. Y. Statesman