Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-07-06

the heavy columns Of the Richmond Enquirer.
It is unfair in argument, it is said, TO suppose
extre me cases. {. such cases as are never like
ITO occur. But when the argument turns up
on the validity or invalidity OF any assumed
principle, it is legitimate TO suppose an extreme
case TO test the principle: for, unless it will
ouadrate with every possible case, il must be
false Butthe case put in the question is not
extreme. The probability of its recurrence is
no. more remote than the termination of the
war a, present progressing between Spain and
Portugal, IN which Great Britain participates
For the latter power may demand Cuba as an
indemnity for The expenses OF the war, at the
conclusion Of hostiities. Should that leland fall
into the hands Of so commercia power as
Great Britain, in all circumstances the COM
meree of the West and South would be injured,
and. in the case of war with that power, It
would be almost totally destroyed. The al
fairs Of men are at least so far influenced by IN
teres,, as 10 reader division OF the Union no
very unnatural result Of destruction OF this
trade. /; would be very strong to say, that an
instrument which was made for the purpose OF
preserving union, should furnish no expedent
TO remove al obstacle 10 the union The truth
is, if the powers given to The General Govern
ment by the Constitution, ars inadequate to
give protection to the great and prevailing IN
tere3tS OF the ScSeTaI SeCtiouS u thc Soo"t'y
under its control, it is nonsense to defend SO
crazy fabric Because, in that case, It is nh-
suitable To our situation, which az will allow is
good cause to alter or abolish government;
provided the alteration or abolition cost no
more than the good 10 be gained is worth.
II 10 legitimate estimation (for we are aginst
unlimited construction cah be made 10 author
iZe the General Government TO make the Flo
rida Canal in the event anticipated by the ques-
ton, il the name Of union let us amend the
Constitution and give the power. What we
mean by legitimate construction, is such as is
authorized by the rules which common sense
1c tates, to ascertain the meaning of written
instruments
A Joman abused for Wichcrof.-At the Ok
ford Circuit, on the 9TH instant, William Wat
kins, respectable farmer, John Prosser, con-
stable, and two men-servants, were charged
with assauling Mary Nicholas. The case is
one which is calculated to humble the national
vanity Of those who make the enlightenment OF
the age their constant boast, and who, in their
enmity to our Catholic fellow-subjects, conjure
up accusations against them Of exclusive bigot-
Try and superstition. The prosecutrix was a
very aged female, whom the prisoners had most
absurtly fancied 10 be witch, and the prisoner
Watkins having had several Of his cattle die
suddenly, fancied that she had bewitched them
Under this notion the prisoners came up taihis
unfortunate old woman in the road, and dragged
her by force 10 the fold.yard Of the prisoner
Watkins. BY this great concourse Of persons
was attracted, as the scene Of this outrage was
only one mile from A5ergavenny When they
had got her there. they placed her behind colt,
and obliged her to kneel on the ground and take
the animals tail in her hand, and to pray and
thp wi ich xuas IN tha
against her spells This she did, and the pri-
soners, under The stupid notion that il you draw
wilch's blood she cannot hurt you, took
a bough of wild rose out Of hedge, and they
drew this across her arm, SO TO make ii bleed.
They then proceeded 10 strip the upper part Of
her person, for the purpose OF finding suppos-
I'd mark OF where she sucked imps, or some
sort Of beings OF another world, and when they
had cut off some Of the unfortunate creatures
hair, they found wart on her head, which they
said was it. Upon this they proposed to duck
her, but at the earnes, en,reaties of her daught.
err, they let her 60 The poor old woman who
was still hearty looking, stated herself to be
ninety years Of age. She gave her evidence, as
did her daughter and another witness, very dis.
tincty, establishing the facts, and also Ito the
disgrace Of manhood) that about seventy per-
sons calmly looked on whilst the assault, was
course, found gully; and Mr.. Baron Vaughan,
from the singuIarity Of the case, delayed pro.
nouncing judgment.
A Gentleman of this Town, one of the Credit.
ors Of Samuel Williams, Of London, having ad-
dressed letter to one Of the Assignees request
ing him to state what would be the probable
amount Of the dividend to the creditors, re-
ceived the following answer, dated at London,
April 9th, 1875 Newpori Mercury
"Mr. Williams's Ass:gnees have now in hand
about cd. in the pound, which they will pay soon
if there should not be a prospect of a speedy
determination Of the Chancery suit with Ala.
do, the Spanish merchant. His claim W as re-
jected by the Commissioners, but he appe aled
to the Lord Chancellor, and the issue, as well
as when it will be known, are equally uncertain.
If wholly set aside, it will increase the dividend
Is. in the pound. 1.-THE attachments in Massa-
chuse,,s be defeated, of which however have
not heard but from you, the dividend would be