The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-12-25

Pilots-Combinations. and the Rights OF
State.
/ We have before US a copy OF the " CONSTITUTION
and Rules and Regulations OF the Board OF Pilot
Commissioners OF the port OF New York" OF which
brief review is offered to the public, but partlcu-
lary addressed to the citizens OF the state OF New
York, and the Congress OF the United States
| From the title OF the paper under consideration, II
might reasonably be supposed, that this "Constltu-
/ tion," &c, emanated from some = lawfully consul,
tuted, superior source = nay from Its imposing and
comprehensive style, that the system was adopted
Shy authority" either OF the State Legislature, or
that of Congress. Yet, II is but the llleglmate OH
spring of the "Chamber of Commerce and the
Board of Underwriters" who, "deeming 1t I'M or
ant to the interests OF humanity and commerce, IN
order prevent improper persons from acting aspi-
| lots. have adopted the regulations on the SUBJECT
Though il might not be quite decorons to impute
arrogance to these distinguished bodice, especially
when protesting TO be moved by : humanity, mey
benevolently exclude their tellow-citzens, ui the
hardhanded sailor can thus be recognized0 IRON
acting as pilots, and assume censorship over that
portion of the community who are IN the enjoyment
of a franchise, by the Legislature OF the State made
common to all who may think proper 10 exercise IL.
Still, when we examine the partial and defective sys
TEN, Tor which the cooperation OF the mercahtiie
communities solicited, 1--WE cannot ial 10 enquire Dy
what authority they venture to control or interfere
with the pursuits OF those who are strangers to their
respective corporations.
1t might disturb the complacency OF the dlsn-
guished individuals who compose these valuable as
sociatlons valuable so long they discharge their
functions within their appropriate spheres, rut Dan
gerous when they transcend tfem,) that IN contem-
platoon of law and the genius OF our institutions, the
pilots OF New York have equal authority to adopt
/" constitutions, and rules and regulations Tor the
government of the Chamber OF Commerce and
Board of Underwriters, as these imposing bodies
have to warrant their present proceedings. The
Board of Underwriters, with the same proprlety,
may undertake to regulate the lawyer, and the
baker the butcher, as the selt-constituted Board
,fC nFp
late pilots, any other class OF men. It's DANCE
rous and Unprecedented pretension, pregnant with
mischief, glrdlng and sappng our liberties, when
exerted by wealth, intelligence and power, against
the humble and defenceess. Is such authority de-
rived from the charters that gave them corporate ex-
stence, or are they transcendlng the powers with
which they are inves ted by the State! Have the
members OF those associations already forgotten the
pernlcous effects OF trades union. or are they pre-
pared, in their own example, to foster combinations
for public interference and aggression!
Mechanics and laborers strike for an advance OF
wages; by this constitution, corporate bodies COM
bne tor prescription, and alike offend, at least, In
morals. Thus much Tor the source OF the "consttu-
ton, and rules and regulations OF the Board OF Pilot
Commissioners OF the port of New York" The
IN amer in which this volunteer and assumed prero
gatve has been exercised, will presently consl-
dered. PuBLIcoIA.
MIR. BENNErT-It we get California has it occur
red to you that the value Of Oregon is greatly de-
creased and its settlement by emigrants indefinite
y postponed
If MIR Siidell succeeds in getting California, our
government may, without much sacrifice, renew
the proposition that was g withdrawn and here
see way o. settling difficulties with Johnny
Bull
Let US hear you on this subject but first consult
your mp, and see how much more easily the con-
templated intercourse of the United States with
China and the East may bel carried on through Ca
forna, to say nothing of the greater facility OF
reaching California through the States. Yours etc.
FIRST READER OF THE HERALD.
MURDER WILL Our-That "truh is stranger
than fiction" has been often said, and the cIrcum-
stances about to relate do not at all lessen the
truth OF the quotation. Last week noticed that a
special term Of the Circuit Court was in session for the
trial of John c. Lester charged with the murder OF King
D. Scott. Scott was young man who was brought up
u this county wild and reckless in his habits and care.
less about the good opinion Of the society IN which he
lived His mother possessed considerable property and
Scott and Lester, who had married scors sister were
shocking at the house of Lester found in her own house
dead. When discovered, she lying in the fireplace
fire accidentally, and thus died Suspicious were
aroused the time there had been foul play and
there such appearance Of accident clue could
then be had to the murderers if she was murdered In
apprehended a charge oflarceny the nforma-
ton OF Lester. his brothern.law. He managed to make
disappearance was freely commented upon by the
reighbothood and there were those who did not
Lester was indicted having forged instrument
OF writing, and man named John Horton was indicted
for perjury having as subscribing witness sworn 10
raines Of the law Horton first tried for the
crime with which he was charged Lester SO managing
the matter to put of his trial until the fate Of Horton
determined; and at he March term, l5l4 OF the
Lafay cite Circuit Court Horton found guilty ofper
Jury and sentenced to the penitentary for two years
ster subsequently tried for the forgery and acqut
ted. Proper representations having been made to
Governor Edwards, he paTdoned Horton in April last
Upon the return Of Horton to this county immediately
after he received his PARDON he declared that King B.
scott had been murdered and made oath before Judge
Rvand, Lester A
Immediately issued for Testers arrest and he appre
hended at his farm on the next day On bringing the
prisoner to town he attempted 10 escape but was badly
wounded and recaptured by the guard. The examination
Of Lester took place before Judge the next Day
Scott As we'll recollect Horizons narrative ofthe
horrid affair was about as follows 80 He said he had
been to a neighbours, and returning home in the
evening" when he deer in the prairie which he
followedgetting near small thicke or grove IN the
prairie He Lester and Scott coming down the
prairie He determined himself in the bushes
let them pass but instead of passing him. they turned
en- watch them to see what they were about II by
this time was growing dark. and the two commenced
was produced from which they drank alternately and
Scott turned to set the bottle dewn Lester struck
blows upon him until he was dead-he then buried him
in sort Of gulley, AM covered him with dirt and loose
stones day ortwo alter Horton saia ne mao ueen
turkeys which he followed to the hillside came sud-
denly the top Of q steep HILL and In the hollow ne
returning by the SPOT where had been buried he
that hogs had partly rooted him from his grave and
had eaten part Of the body-he then supposed that
Testers object in digging the hole was to make more
secure grave for his victim; he accordingly watched
LISTERS movements that evening" and saw him remove
Scott and re- bury him" party sent to the place
where Horton said Scott buried accompanied BY H.
to show the spot, and the body taken up and
cognzed to be the body Of Scott from the clothing He
buried in place that no human being would ever
we're sent to search for this evidence corroborae
Horizons testimony, believed the story to be fiction
until the body was found II was in ravinc, where
rona strea nm nj Wate w
Upon this testimony, Lester committed for trial
Lester applied for a change Of venue and his trial was