Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-05-26
KEY WEST.


We have been politely furnished with the
following extract of letter to gentleman in
Philadelphia, dated Key West, 29th April:
"a few days since Lieut.. Payne left this place
for Pensacola, taking with him all the officers
and men belonging to the navy, and the effects
Of The government-so the Island is now entire
ly abandoned as naval depot, and we are lef,
to take care Of ourselves
The presence heretofore Of military force,
has been check on the turbulent and refrac-
tory part Of the inhabitants; but being with
drawn, and no civil authority as yet organized,
the idea of every one doing as he pleased, was
strongly manifested among some Of the lower
people, towards the goods and cha,tels OF the
citizens. AS it was very clear this State OF
things would not do, and the necessity Of au-
thority being exercised by some one being evil
dent, our worthy Collector, by common consent,
and bearing the commission OF a Justice from
the government of Florida, assumed the powers
of civil governor of the island. Complaints
multiplied rapidly, and, aware OF the good Ell
feet Of strong impre in the beginning, ne
determined on trying what corporal punish
| ment might do. The difficulty which now pre-
sented, was to find a person to carry his judg-
nent into execLton--no stat: officer having been
| appointed. After some delay, carpenter from
Nassau, every way qualified offered his servi-
ces, and being accepted, he discharged his du.
ty, with good faith. The parties, some three
or four having been in his hands, desired no
further share of his acquaintance.
The result of this first act of the Govern or
has produced good order, and created respect
for the "powers tina, be" from which we are led
to the conclusion, tina, under all forms Of Go
vernments, whatever names they may assume
absolute po,Uer must be placed somewhere. We are
getting on smoothly and becoming rising and
prosperous colony. Mechanics and laborers re.
ceive great encouragement, and very high wa
ges are given the year around. Though de.
tached from the main, almost entirely unpro'
lecteG by the Government, abused by host oil
newspaper scribblers, prescribed by the under
writers, and without the least hearing, con
demned by public opinion, still we have acted
with conscious rectitude, injuring none, and do
ing all the good we could. Like men left to the
free exercise of their powers, we have pursued
our way, and yielded TO nothing but impossi
bilities.
1t is now, and ever has been the wish of the
people here, TO have district, or some'othel
Court, to hear and decide in case of wrecks foI
SALVAGE. his Would DC satisfactory 10 all
parties, and save much trouble. But how
stands the case now? The only law we had Ia:
been done away by Congress, and we are no
yet informed of any other being substituted IN
its place. "With how little wisdom is this
world governed" Why have not the Insurance
Companies urged the matter or the considera
ton Of Congress, and demanded the immediate
establishment Of Court, with Judge enjoy
ing salary sufficient 10 induce him to SO
there, and to render him independent after
wards. Blame could not attach to the Petition
ers Corporate bodies sometimes do that,
which Individually they would spurn from
them. This however never happens with
companies Of Underwriters-their high stand
ing and the confidence reposed in them, have
ever been marked with liberal and honorable
proceeding on their part"