davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-04-04

Mr.. Clay AND THE LADIES. The Phila-
delphia North American in its account oi
the great ball on Friday Inst in that city, a.
which Mr.. Clay was present, thus notices
his withdrawal from the festive scene:
'Iie returned to the room OF the managers
where number Of ladies' were gathered to
take parting salute-to insure which they
had possessed themselves Of his hat. 1t
was redeemed by cordial kiss Of every
lady present, and he finally escaped TO his
carriage from the unceasing admiration
and devotion, amid hearty cheers that last
cd until tho vehicle hid gone some distance.
The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-04-04

Toll CoNoUERING PRIDE-John Adams,
the second President Of tho United States,
used to relate the following anccdote:
When was boy, used to study the
Latin grammar; but it was dull, and Ihated
it. My father was anxious to send me to
college, and, ,herefre, studied the gram
mar till could stand il no longer; and GO
ing to my father, ] told him did not like
to study, and asked for some other employ
ment. II was opposing his wishes, and he
was quick in his answer. "Well, John, il
Latin grammar does not suit you, try ditch
ing perhaps that will; my meadow yonder
wants ditch. and you may put by Latin
and try that" This seemed delightful
change, and to the meadow ] went, but
soon found di,ching harder than Latin, and
the first forenoon was the longest ever
experienced.
That day late the bread Of labor, and
glad was when night came on. That
night | made some comparison between
Latin grammar and ditching, but said not
word about il; dug next forenoon, and
wanted to return TO Latin at dinner; but j,
was humiliating, and could not do it. Al
night, toll conquering pride; md though il
was one Of tho sevcrest trials ever had ia
my life, told my father that if he chose
would 90 back to Latin grammar. He was
glad Of il, and If have since gained any
distinction. it has been owing to the two
DAYS labor in that abominable ditch"
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
In.uIt IN popnInr Intelligence.

Locofoco editors bestow upon their readers
exactly enough information to keep them in
error. They arenot allowed to believe any thing
that they hear from hereto, or which they
may read in the intordicted columns Of Wing
newspaper II is only thus that we can ac-
count for an article taken from Pennsylva-
mia paper, which states that Mr. JENKINS, Of
Georgia, having declined tho appointment Of
Secretary Of the Interior, il has been rendered
to ga Mr.. STUART, Of Virginia" "Thus,"
says this paper, Pennsylvania has been again
passed by"
Pennsylvania has again been passed by"
Is there any portion Of the Union, save that
illuminated by the sulphur match Of the Norris
town Register, ignorant that the Hon. T. NJ.
T. McKESSAS, distinguished son Of Pennsyl-
vania, created by his resignation the very va
cancy which Mr.. JENKiNs was appointed to fill
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
pOrIs as wilI effeetually suppress the systematic

ports as will effectually suppress the systematic
frauds known 10 be extensively perpetrated.
In conclusion, take the liberty TO suggest that
adequate remedies for these frauds only be pro-
vlded by acts OF Congress; that mainly they attach
10 the system OF levying ad valorem duties upon
the market value of merchandise in foreign coun-
tries which il is almost impossible for the officers
of the customs TO ascertain under the most favor
able circumstances and that, practically, very few
of them pretend 10 accurate knowledge concern
ing them; that the longer this system is continued
the weaker will become the restraints, and the
stronger the inducements 10 defraud the revenue
Our dependence for revenues is now upon the re-
ceipts from duties levied upon the importation of
foreign merchandise. The rates Of duty are fixed
by law; but the values upon which they nm
posed are left entirely 10 interested foreigners.
would, therefore, respectfully submit that many
oil the inequalities of present system would, In
my opinion, be remedied by the substitution OF
home for foreign valuation Of dutiabe merchandise
This change would place all importers upon an
equal footing in respect to valuations for dutyj II
would both guard the revenue against most of the
fraudulent practices complained OF, and tend to its
increase.
Although the period OF the adjournment of Con-
gress has been fixed and is at hand, ven
ture to recommend that the change be made at the
present session.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS C0RWIN,
Secretary Of the Treasury. .
Hon. WM. Il KISo, President of the Senate.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
Army Bill-swamp Land Bill-Bounty Land
Hlll-Insane AsYIum. &c.

The House of Representatives was yester-
day engaged in animated dialogues of five min
ute speeches upon varied and homogeneous cat
alogue of measures. The widow of the late
Clerk of the House was refused an application
for the payment of her husbands salary. The
chaplain prayed in vain fer extra compensation,
and the other employees of the House were
equally unfortunate. Having despatched the
ladies and reverend clergy, the House turned
10 the Army BILL 1t refused to build national
armory at Fort Massac, or to purchase $50, 00C
worth of Colts or anybody else's revolvers.
The Civil and Diplomatic bill was taken up.
and in passing into Committee an effort was
made TO get in the River and Harbor bill ''be-
tween the drops" 1t failed, however, so that the
lives and property of the great west must trust
still longer TO the tender mercies of the ele-
ments-the unfinished works must remain in
their present dilapdated condition. Though
the waning moments Of Legislation cosld not be
manity, the House found time to reject the Sem
ate amendments regulating mileage.
The Senate has been engaged in discussing
some measures of great importance. 1t passed
the Swamp Land bill The Bounty Land bill
was taken up. It was loaded down to the
guards with amendments, some Of which--as
that of Mr.. Dawson extending its provisions to
the representatives of deceased soldiers-were
valuable. The passage Of this meritorious bill
was, however, jeoparded by proposition OF
Mr.. Mason 10 grant scrip to the officers and
soldiers of the continental line, to whom the
State of Virginia has heretofore issued war
rants.
This unfortunate amendment, which has
been, if we mistake not. defeated several times
before, was rejected by the signal vote Of IS
tolerate no homogeneous amendment to the
Bounty Land bill, than deliberate indignity
to the State Of Virginia. We cannot help in
truding the opinion, that if the Virginia dele
CATION had devoted their attention to maturing
a bill TO remedy the great injustice done their
State; had they prosecuted this demand with
half the zeal that they have watched over the
honor and interests Of Texas and California.
Virginia would have been spared the mortifca
ton Of seeing her grey-haired defenders thrust
like mendicants from the halls Of Legislation;
denied the fruits of their valor, that they may
be used as an electioneering fund, or applied to
promote local interests.
The Bounty Land bill passed, however, to
its engrossment; and rs none Of the amend
ments impair The principle upon which IT is
founded. will, we think, become law.
The proposition to grant Miss DIX public
lands for an insane asylum occasioned much
discussion; its passage seemed at one time
probable; but Mr. Benton having prepared
for a ponderous demonstration, the bill was
postponed till the second Monday in December
next
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
Letter from the secretary OF the Treasury

We have placed on our outside page a very
important letter, communicated yesterday by the
Secretary Of the Treasury to the President of
the Senate, in reply to the resolution of that
body calling on him to report upon the mea-
sures that have been adopted to prevent frauds
upon the revenue since the passage of the act of
1916, and the results of those measures
Mr.. CoRwIN enters into an elaborate and de-
tailed consideration of the whole subject, and
demonstrates that all the authority conferred
by Congress upon the Department has been
Intellectually exerted to suppress frauds upon
the revenue, and will continue Intellectual un-
less the act of Both July, 1916, should receive
different construction from that which has
hitherto obtained; or unless Congress should
remedy the inequalities of the present system
by the substitution of home for foreign valuation
of dutiable merchandise.
We have received this letter at TOO late an
hour to present such an analysis of its contents
as we should desire-but we shall have fire.
quent occasion to recur to it. To us it seems
that no party ought TO acquesce in the COM
initial of ascertained and obvious frauds-and
we hope that merely technical rules will not
be interposed to defeat the recommendation of
the Secretary, notwithstanding the period of
adjournment is SO near at hand.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27

LIBEL SUIT.-The libel suit Of Pratt Us. George
Wilkes, Dexter, and others, in New York, has re-
suited in verdict Of $3.50 in favor of the plaintiff
The court charged the jury, that besides the person
who wrote and caused TO be published the lbellous
matter, others LIABLE he who printed il for
publication; and if the jury believed the defendant,
Thomas, owned the press on which the paper was
printed, he to be regarded as the printer, and
TO be held liable Next, the agent who kept an
Office as vendor, and sold the paper for profit,
liable a publisher. This ia the law under
the new code, and is certainly severe in this par
ticular case on the printers and vendors but may
be necessary to curb the dangerous disposition
eyinccd by some journals.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
WhiQ Ratification Meeting.

The Wings of the city and county of Phila-
delphia met on the evening of the 25th instant,
pal officers made by their delegates The
Iarge hall of the Chinese Museum was crowd
ed with one of the most enthusiastic gather
ings ever assembled within its walls Resolu-
lions approbatory Of the nominations having
been passed, the meeting was addressed sue
cessively by the Hon. JosEPH r. INeERsoLL
Isaac HAzELHURsT, ROBERT T. CONRAD.
CHARLES GILPIN, WILLIAM b. MANI, and
JOSIAH RANDALL, esq's. The greatest har-
mony and good feeling prevailed, the speakers
elected frequent rounds Of applause, and at the
intervals between the speeches band Of music
dscoursed in melodies suitable 10 the occasion
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
Public Faith and Public Contracts.

We understand that the Committee of Ways
and Means in the House has acqulesced in the
amendment OF Mr.. SoULE to the Civil and
Diplomatic bill, slspending the contract sys-
TEN for the Congressional printing, and making
compensation TO the present contractors OF ten
per cent. profit, and indemnity tor their losses
in this behalf sustained. There are questions
of morals and policy involved in this kind of
Legislation, which, in our judgment, demand
more consideration than they have received In
the Senate. We will confne ourselves TO the
question of policy.
Locotocoism proposes 10 the WINGS tempo
ra'y and partial suspension of the contract sys-
TEN: partial, because ii applies to Congress and
not to the Executive; temporary and personal,
because it is to last only for the present Con
gress, and to inure to the benefit of Locotoco
contractors. If the next House should be Lo-
coioco, then the contract system may be abol-
ished entirely for Locofoco advantage. If it
should be WING, then the contract system is
continued, with the certainty that if a VINO
should happen to be the under-b bidder, no Lo-
cotoco courtesy would come to his relief.
If Locofocoism thinks the contract system
should be suspended for individual relief, il adj
mits the inadequacy and inefliciency of the
whole system. An argument that is good for
its suspension is good for its abolition. 1t ought
to be abolished. If Congress cannot trust itself
with the discreetand tdisposition of its own
work at fair prices, and cannot trust the Exc
cutive to the same extent, we apprehend that
they place very overweening estimate on
very inconsiderable disbursements We OBJ
serve that the journeymen printers of the Dis
trict have petitioned Congress for the abolition
Of the whole system-that they may get fair
work at fair prices-and we hope that Con
gress will accede to their petition, and not
exhaust itself in bestowing undeserved relief
upon partisan contractors.
The proposition Of Mr.. SoULE is mere trap
for the WINGS. The suspension of the contract
system for Locotoco uses is very different
thing from the abolition Of it on general
principles. We have no objection to repudia-
ton of the whole system, for it has worked
miserably, and is practically a disgrace to the
country. We have no objection to the voting
of a gratuity to the contractors, for the reason
that the system has failed, and that Congress
are willing to pay something for their expert
ence---because this is putting the matter on
fair and tenable ground-but we should most
distinctly object to any mere suspension of the
system, which would give the Locoiocos the
public printing by management, when they are
in n minority and enable them 10 take IL bv
their rotes when they are in majority.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27

The South Carolnian endorses the declara-
ton of the Ricbland Association, that, for the
purpose of resisting the encroachments of the
Federal Government, they will place them
selves at the disposal of the government of
South Carolina. 1t says:
eve are glad to find by our State papers thatin
every district it is purposed TO organize Southern
Rights Associations"
We observe this paper has adopted as its
motto the memorable injunction of dying
statesman: "Let all the ends thou airn'st at be
thy country's." We fear that if its present
counsels prevail, and its doctrines be carried
with, by destroying the Union and thus max
ing an end Of its country.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27

TIE PENNsYLvASfA LEoIoS.-An adjourned
meeting Of this Association, composed Of the col.
diers Of the war Of 1872, and those who served in
the late Mexican war; was held AT Captain Binders
Hotel, on the goth instant. large number Of
members were in attendance, and lively interest
was manifested in the objects and purposes for
which the Legion was organized, two years ago
General Patterson presided, and Colonel Small
acted as Secretary. report from the committee
previously appointed was received, with state.
nent of the leading features Of the organization,
and number Of resolutions providing for the
Enlistment of local division of the Legion for
Philadelphia, for military and beneficial purposes,
and prescribing the form Of medals 70 be worn by
the officers and members were adopted. com.
mittoc consisting Of Colonel r. X. Scott, Captain
Edmond r. Badger, and Colonel J. s. Benezet,
vac appointed TO devise and report an appropriate
form OF testimonial TO be awarded by the Legion
10 such members as have distinguished themselves
oy gallant and meritorious services. commit
tee was alec appointed 70 select proper time and
place for the next Festival Of the Legion, and the
Commander IN Chief was requested 20 call another
meeting when these committees we're prepared 10
rcport--PhlG Ledger
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27

TIE Hon. n. w, THonPsov.-The Baltimore
Patriot speaking Of the recent Wing gathering in
the Monumental city, says:
1.-The Hon. r. w. Thompson, of Indiana, was
next introduced, and was received with an earth
quake greeting Of applause He spoke nearly two
hours, his clear, loud voice ringing in trumpet
tones for squares around, he appealed 10 HE au-
dience to stand by the good old of the national
Wing party-a party which had saved the country
again and again from foreign and domestic wars
which, by tie patriotism had saved tho Union, en-
dangercd again and again by Bocofoco misrulo and
violation OF the principles of the Government. He
cited many instances of such violation; and showed
that from Wing ascendency alone could we hope
for peace, union, and national prosperity for our
selves and our posterity. Mr. r., in the course of
HE remarks, paid meritcd compliment to the
Hon. James A. Pearce. He spoke of him dis-
Gnguishcd son of Maryland, who had, in the crisis
from which the country has just escaped, won the
applause and admiration Of The patriotic OF the
ton. His reference TO Mr. Pearce received
with loud and repeated cheers. IL was a grand
speecb-ful oftruc eloqucnce and lofty patriotism,
and completely riveted the attention of the audi
encc, who seemed willing to listen to him the whole
night Mr.. TIE speech on this occasion added (if
any thing could be added) to the reputation he
CURED by his great speech in Monument Square
during the campaign of lS4SD
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
Naval Intelligence.

We learn from the Nautical Standard that il is
the intention of the Admiralty to send steamers
only to the coast of Africa, they the most ef-
fcient for the suppression of the slave trade. The
sailing vessels to be all Withdrawn soon as
sufficient number of steamers can be got ready to
take their places
The Lords of the Treasury have accepted tho
offer of James Laming, esq, to convey the mails
to the Cape of Good Hope for f3O, 900 per annum
in screw. propelled vessels, that gentlemans ten
der having been lower by 10000 per annum than
tender from Glasgow firm.
Thompson's system of Naval Light Signals, of
which 60 many experienced and practical men
highly speak and approve, consists in the use of
the three colors at present adopted ceored lights
in her msjesty's steam vessels, and which, with
six lanterns he applies 20 as they shall yield 999
either vertically horizontally-th highest num-
Der of the day code Of signals at present used in
the British navy.
FRAScE-THE NAvY.-Correct returns to March,
ls50.-Ia Com mission and Ready for Serpiee-Sai of
the-line, 20; frgates 49, corvettes, 81; briggs, AZ.
Building the line, %; frigates, 10; cor
vettes, 5; briggs, s. Sleam Fleet a foaf-scrcw line
Of battle ship, L. steam frigates, 2l steam sloops
%; steam packets, 90. Buiiding-stcam- sloops, a;
steam packets, 9.
By the entries in the visitors book time and cir
ship at Portsmouth, more than 10 900 persons have
visited her during the past year.
Three very important naval subjects (says the
Ndudi and Military Gaxstte) have lately been adj
vocated in our columns LIST. The reduction of the
captains list to $50, to insure it's general ef
cheney. I'd. The retirement Of the old Off
the commanders' and lieutenants' lists.
Sd. The necessity for an improvement in the train
ing Of the senior officers by the restoration of tho
Naval College. period of peace is the time to
carry out these arrangements and 1t is surprising
their importance has not long ago forced them on
the attention Of Government.
naval officer Of experience In the British SER
vice, in letter descriptive Of the French squadron
recently collected at Cherbourg, in honor of Louis
Napoleon, intimates that England cannot oppose
efficient feet that OF France, if all her ships
are as powerfully manned and armed as the Cher
bourC squadron.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
Southern st.ts-R,xhts Association.

We observe the proceedings OF meeting in
Rchland district, South Carolina, in which the
signers soemnly declare:
"We ready, with all the means the God Of
Nature has given u.s. to resist all encroachments by
the Government of the United States upon the
rights the interests, the honor of the slave hold
ing States of this Union; and to the full effect of
this declaration pledge ourselves whenever the
constituted authorities of South Carolina may
deem it proper and cxpedient to demand its execu
tion'
This declaration is signed by large num-
Der of citizens, and looks to some organized re-
taliation upon the Federal Government for the
measures of the National Legislature. We
fear it is in vain to demonstrate with the infiu
entail and respectable men whose names APP
pear in these proceedings; but it really should
occur to them that such organization can effect
nothing. California was portion of the terri
tory acquired by a war, according to the Ian
guage of an act of Congress, ''existing by the
act of Mexico" Attempts were made to i'm
pose restriction upon the institutions of this
territory; Congress rejected it. The people of
California established chosen form of govern
uheHt. ho pouiiuoly VI AcAao was duJuSteu
by act of Congress. Texas has acquiesced
in it,
These things have been pressed upon the
representatives of the people as if by the hand
of destiny itself. They have done the best
they could do. What avails, then, the indig
nation Of South Carolna2 Where will she
strike? Can she condemn the Administrations
1t has passed no law; it has originated none
Can it reproach Congress? That body has but
done what the Constitution authorized to be
DONE If South Carolina should revolt, it Will
not establish slavery in California; if she could
eTpel California, it would not increase the po-
Iitcal influence Of South Carolina. With the
| sncerest wishes for harmony, we yet hope that
reason and reflection will convince even the
signers of this infiammatory declaration, that
Congress has done the best which was under
the circumstances possible; and that no possible
action by any State or association of States can
change the institutions of people deliberately
chosen by them. The offer of their services,
made by the signers of the declaration, imposes
4 heavy responsibility upon the Governor of
South Carolina. We trust he will bring coun-
sells of calmness and wisdom to allay the ex-
element, and to save his country from a civil
war, which cannot passiby repeal the obnox-
ious measures of which the signers of this dec
laration complain.
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27

We have heretofore shown our readers that
the unhappy agitation of the Free soil question
has been greatly instrumental in the defeat of
this important measure. Our attention has
been, however, attracted by most unmerciful
dagellation inflicted by the Bucks County
Lteligencer upon the political opinions of its
Democratic Representative. Mr.. Ross. Upon
with having voted against any action upon
the tariff" and with having defeated even a
proposition to enquire into the operation of the
present tariff with view to its amendment"
Having heard a recital Of the various votes
which this gentleman had given, we were con-
WINGED Of the justice Of the punishment, and of
the sincerity with which it was inflicted
The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-27
TIL e r EP u BLIC .
WASHIN GTON:
FRIDAY MORNING, SEPT. 27, 1850.


In the Senate, yesterday, bin making APP
preparations for lighthouses, and a bill grant
ing bounty lands to officers and soldiers who
have been engaged in the military service of the
The House Of Representatives passed the
Army Appropriation bill; and after having, in
Committee of the Whole ON the state of the
Union, acted on few of the many amendments
of the Senate TO the Civil and Diplomatic APP
preparation bill. adjourned at O'Clock