Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-06-26
REFORM.

PORTSMOUTH, IN. H. June le
Great Political observation-disclosures has for man,
years past been faithful old servant in the Custom
House employ, by the name of Spinney. We reall,
40 not Know the style title of his Office but belle
ms autlos constituted, principally, in keepinp the
noor swept, for which high political trust small com
OF very extensive correspondence he was not little
surprised, few days since, to tnd his hands let
TER with such imposing aspect and high official marks
as betokened some great good fortune to his humble
condition. From the character of the appoin mept.
recently made, he saw reason, why he mnht mo-
also he promoted to some high station-and aithouol
the little matter of reading and writing had becon,,
rather absolete with him, yet the time had beer
when he could spell as well as some of them hfie,
rubbing Ills spectacles, which, by the by, althouui
they had been in his service many wears, had no,
grown old quite fast his eyes and connino oyer
his ne'c commission again and again, he could not foi
the soul oil him tell whether he appointed Dcpuv
Collector, Surveyor, or Inspector. So, high with
nope nc resorts to the aid of friend to announce 10
him his promotions when with intense interest he lis
tened, while his friend read to him in audible voice
the following letter:
"CusroM I1orsr, PonrsMouru,
''2la .sIGy, 1920.
SIR Permit me to inform YOU that tho scurriious
abuse which fills the papers Of the opposition marty
against thc viruous Chief Magistrate OF orr country
compeis me, even had Wish continue vol, in Office
to say that your services will not be wanted ater
first day of June next.
"Respectiiilly, your oh'' scrv't
''JOflN 4. DECATUR, Collector
"A1r Joseph SpINNEY.'
s'fc powers!' what can ever shake an Admins
tratlon supportedby such vigilance? In truth father
Spnney is willing 10 take his ''book oath :" that he
has not 'oren and published any abuse rainst the
present virtuous Chief Malistrate of mr. rnrr.rv
and hath never been the Editor of any ofthe papers
OF the opposition party But there is O. reason for
you! Ye anti Observation-Disclosures r that if Won oan.
-'Nuzza!" rCo,,, nh,
WASHINGTON, June CT.
Circuit Curt Of Me U. St1les--On the opcn;nr
OF the Court yesterday, when AN opinion was OK
pected TO have been delivered on the demurrer 70
the last bil! OF Indictment against Tobias Watkins
1uoge CRAFcIr' addressing the Bar, said that the
court had encountered n difficulty in the casc-
ne name OF the party was not properly included in
the indictment. The word Tobias was not to be
round IN 1t; nor was the place Of residence or the
mystery, trade, or calling OF the accused stated
neither these omissions could be taken advantage Of
IN demurrer to the indictment, the court W Sh TO
consider; and suggested to the gentlemen to CON
slider wei! before it argued 10 the court. The
court very mnch doubted, from, their cxaminat ion
whether advantage could be taken of il to sustain
the demurrer. The elementary writers doubt upon
tie subject, connecting 1t with the of error in
'he name, &C. and the court doubts 1.-THE mime of
f. W atkins Is gl"en as signed in the 'abstract"
and the indictment always refers 10 him as said
Watkins
Mr. Cox, Counsel Cor the accused. said, there
were several authorities TO shew that advantage
could be taken Of this omission njter the dcmurl or
1.-THE demurrer should be overrulcd, might 2 ta-
ken advantage of TO quasiI the indictment.
Mr.. hrY, Counsel for the United States, said
whatever might be the option ott!c court OF ether
questions, it desirable that the opinion Of tho
court should be pronounced upnn the point which
had been argued and discus, 81 before it. The reason
why the indictment appeared as does is that it has
been exactly copied from The preScutincnt by the
Grand Jury
The C.IIEr JrsTscr said tlat the court had not
had an opportunity Of celebrating this question
all not being together, until this morning. Upon con-
snitatioa, they had no; precisely agrecl upon tho
question whether it be necessary, in an Indictment
to make use ofiac WORD forged" That point the
court wished for another day TO consider.
(. The court then passed 10 other husiucss.
In the course OF conversation, it was mentioned
that Mr. SoUTHARD the late Secretary of tile Navy
vas expected in this city in the course oftho day.1
.Nat. LA