davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
MASSACHUSETTS.

The language of Governor Briggs of Massa-
chusetts, in his late annual message, is very ex-
plicit on the Slavery Question. lie closes his
remarks on it as felloYs:
The people Of Massachusetts, come what may
will be faithful to the Constitution and the Union
Her patriotic statesmen ped make that Consii-
tuition, aud her citizens agreed to and adopted it,
She would not knowingly withhold or violate any
right secured by it to any citizen or section of the
country.
"Her opinions upon the subject of slavery have
been known to the world from the time of the
Declaration of Independence to the present time.
AS a member of the Union she is content to
leave slavery where it is left by the Constitution,
that is within the limits of those States where it
exists. Whilst it is clear that Congress has no
right to pass over the limits of State to inter-
fere with the institution of slavery within il, it is
equally clear that no State has the right to push
the institution beyond its own limits, into and
over the territory of the Union where it does not
exist
Entertaining no doubt of the constitutional
power of Congress to exclude slavery from its own
territories, and believing that such exclusion is
demanded by the highest principles Of morality
and justice, she never consent to its extension
over one foot of territory where 1t now is not. II
the other free States concur with her in this reso-
luton, the thing win b done, and consequences
be left to themsslveso
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
MARYLAND.

Governor Thomas of Maryland seems disposed
for resistance at all hazards and to the last ex
tremityn In reference to the Territorial Cues
ton, he remarks:
Non-intervention is all the South has ever
asked, and, however reasonable the request, 1t has
been, more than once, coolly, If not Indignantly,
refused. The time for reason and argument
seems to have gone by, and the perpetuity of this
mighty Republic, with all the countless blessings
which it is capable of imparting, must now rest
upon the firm, united, temperate, but determined
action of the Southern States; and, to this end,
it is believed to be the duty of the representatives
of the people of Maryland to reflect the senti-
ments Of their constituents by the solemn deela-
ration, in advance, of the unalterable determine
ton of this State in the event OF the passage by
Congress Of the Wilmot Proviso,' or any similar
scheme, to make common cause with The South,
and to resist to the end the execution Of measure
so palpably violative of her rights, and so preg-
nant with injustice, disgrace and degradation"
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
TWO WEEKS LATER FROM CALIFORNIA,

The Mw York Tribune has news from Califor-
MIA two weeks later, up to December lst, brought
by the steamer Unicorn The following are the
important items
The canvass of votes cast at the State election
shows that about Is 900 were given in ALA
smaller number than that of the citizens entitled
to vote, and much smaller than was apti;ipeted.
Peter II Burnett is elected Governor, and John
McDougsl Lieutenant Governor.
The members elect TO the Y s. House of Rep
resentatiyes are George w Wright and Edward
Gilbert.
All these gentlemen are Locofocos. OF the
complexion Of the Legislature or the prospect as
to the candidates for United States Senator there
is 10, hing decisive to be added to the advices by
the Panama, which were up TO November 10 -
Mr. G. w. Wright, one of the Congressman
elect from California, is quite young man, who
kept the Gosnold House at Nantucket a few years
since. He went TO San Francisco from that place,
on the breaking ont of the gold fever, and has
been very successful in specializing in real estate.
The prices of vegetables here are enormous,
owing to their scarcity and, in fact, the neces-
sares of life generally are much higher than
they were at this time last year.
Heavy boots are now selling at San Francisco
at the rate almost unimaginable to any one but a
Californian, of Rinay-sir dollars a pair
The growth Of this city is still without plral-
lei, even in the records Of magic 1t now num-
bers tmesy thousand regular Inhabitants, to say
nothing of the vast number Of its transient popu-
laton.
Labor is becoming constantly cheaper at San
Francisco on account Of the great number OF
persons coming down from the mines to spend the
winter and seeking occupation in every depart
ment Of industry.
The quantity Of gold dug still continues to in
crease. The yield Of the river bars is great
they are RS rich as ever Companies are now being
formed to work the strata of quartz, which arr
very rich in gold Tests which have been mad
| in San Francisco give from one dollar and a hal
to three dollars worth of gold from every poun
| of quartz.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
THE PRIvTLEGEs OF POSTAisTERs.

Woare pleased to see that the Postmaster Gen.
eral shows disposition TO give such a construc-
ton to laws relating TO the Post Office to pro-
mote the great object Of that Department Of the
public service-the spread of intelligence, among
the People.
The following letter from the Second Assistant
Postmaster General, in reply to an inquiry pro-
pounded by the editor of the New York Mirror,
shows that Postmasters may frank the moneys Of
to newspapers
Posr OFFICE DEPARTMENT
appointment Office, December 81, ls49.
T. SIR; The Postmaster General, after careful
consideration Of the question as to the right OF
Postmasters that have the privilege of Thanking
to frank letters to publishers Of newspapers, COW
ering money for subscriptions or the names OF
subscribers, has decided that, when the Postmas-
ter is agent for the publisher, he has the power
to frank such letters and his agency viii be pre-
sumed from the fact that he franks them. AS
no Postmaster has any authority to frank these
oew-Z-ILs:l.1-S., y, Len he "a y~S.S ss,s-,
it is proper to regard him as acting in that ci-
pacity when he so conducts, until information IL
received to the contrary In doing this business,
the Postmaster must be regarded as entirely the
agent Of the Publisher, and not of the Depart
ment Very respectfully. &c.
Flrz HENRY WARREN.
H. Faller, Esq, Editor Of The Mirror, Mem York.
We may well presume that the increase in
the circulation of newspapers, resulting from this
liberality on the part Of Postmasters, viii amply
repay the slight additional cost on the increased
amount Of ranked letters
We have been asked whether Postmasters have
the privilege of writing to publishers for back
numbers of newspapers, without charge We
understand that they have
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
NO. l59.

;,s of the Constitution, and no farther Up 70
that they will hold to a rigid accountability ell
,hose representatives coming from the free states
nm undertake TO sacrifice the opinions OF the peo-
ns on the question Of slavery, either in this or in
The other House That, sir, Is q feeling which Is
exceedingly misunderstood, and not less msrep-
resented
word as to the remark Of Mr. Hale respect
inc the resolutions passed in the Northern States
ON the subject Of slavery. We have no doubtthat
within two or three years past, the majority Of
those passing them have really approved the sent-
ments therein declared. They have not been
guilty Of hypocrisy, nor do we understand MIR,
Hale to make such charge. But we certainly
agree iu the opinion that there has been too little
resolution in such resolutions; and our reason for
believing this is, that the Legislatures affirming
strong anti-slsvery doctrines, have not generally
selected as United States Senators, men earnest
ly devoted to the establishment Of the supremacy
of those doctrines How is IL that, until sne ias'
Congress, the dead calm of the United States SEN
ate in relation TO the domination OF the Slave row
err was almost unbroken How is il that, until tins
wear. scarcely a protest has been raised against
committees by the Slavery men?
:. Similar comments might be made on the con-
duct of the Wings and Democrats Of the Nor'n'
in generally electing men to the House Of Repre-
sentatives, more devoted to ordinary party issues
than to the great issue presented in the res0'u,
tons OF their popular Conventions In view 0s
such facts, Mr.. Hale was justified in saying 'n''
there was little resolution in sl these resoutons'
Had the professions Of Northern men been Io'-
lowe.iup with corresponding action at the ballot
box, the sllvery Question would have been set
tied long ago, SO far as the action of the General
Government was concerned tistheinconsissency,
vacllatiOu party spirit, want Of fidelity to them
selves of the nOn-slavehOding citizens OF the oonn
try. that has emboldened the Shareholders, and
given them such a control over the action OF the
Federal Government, that the serious attempt
now to release Ii from their grasp is supposed by
not few TO be shaking the Union to Its founda-
ton.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
THE LEGISLATURE or NEW Y0RK.

The Legislature Of New York has had the
subject of Slavery under discussion in both
branches. All the propositions 10 relation to it
in the Assembly have been referred TO Select
Committee, the Dem, Gratis voting for this refer
ence, the Wings voting TO refer them to the Com
mttee of the Whole. IL the object be to secure
united expression Of opinion, the former dispo-
sition Of the question is preferable.
On the 9th the Select Committee Of the Senate,
to which had been referred the resolutions intro
duced by Mr. Geddes, reported in favor Of them,
with certain important notifications. A CORES
pondent of the Mem York Erenhg Posi- says
"The language of the resolution in relation to
the Territories merely instructed our Represent
atives to resist all attempts to ysd to slarry any
part of such territory, which left Senator's to
wait until the South should prepare positive laws
to establish slavery in the Territories, and then
to resist them. This apparent evasion called out
some harsh comments from the Free Democrats.
Mr.. Geddes himself, it appears, has receded from
the position aud the substituted resolution of the
committee, of which he is chairman, closes in these
words:
"'Our Senators in Congress are hereby in
structed, and our Representatives requested, 10
use their best efforts 10 prohibit By posairs enact
men, the extension Of slavery over any part Of
such territory, however small, and by whatever
pretence Of compromise
"This is more ineligible language The res
olution which declared the territory lying be-
tween the Rio Grande and the Nueces to be the
property Of the Unitei SSstee, mol within the
boundaries Of Texas, and that it should be pre-
served apart, has been altered so as TO read thus:
"'That our Senators in Congress be instruct
ed, and our Representatives requested, to resist
firmly and to the utmost Of their ability, and by
such positive legislation as may be necessary, the
extension of Human Slavery, or the jurisdiction
of Texas over any part of New Mexico
Both these notifications have been suggested
by the Evening Post, in its comments upon these
resolutions. But the amended resolutions still
fail to speak of the abolition Of slavery in the
District of Columbia, and of the admission Of
slave States For this, presume, among other
reasons, Mr.. Stanton, the minority of the CON-
mittee, refused to assent to the majority report,
and stated that he would hereafter present his
views
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
ELECTION OF GOVERNOR In MASSACHUSETTS

On an examination of the votes for Governor,
in the Legislature of Massachusetts, last Satur-
day week, it was found that George ~ Briggs
had received $4,000, George S. Boutwell, tDem.)
30Oio, Stephen C. Phillips free Dem) 25,2l7
There having been no choice by the People, the
Legislature proceeded to elect
In the Senate, Geo. N. Briggs received % votes,
and Geo. S. Boutwell, II, Including the Free Soil
members) In the House, for Governor, George
N. Briggs received 1877; Stephen C. Phillips 60 ;
George s. Boutwell, 59-Geo N. Briggs and John
Reed were duly declared elected as Governor and
Lieutenant Governor Of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts,.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17

on Rules. IL recommended the adoption of the
rules OF the last Congress, with about twenty
amendments.
The following rule, with an amendment, which
is inserted in brackets, was adopted
In all cases ef election by the House, the
Speaker shall vote in other cases, he shalt not
lbe required TO vote, unless the House be equally
divided, or unless his vote il given TO the minor
ity will make he division equal and in case Of
such equal division the question shall be lost"
The report was subsequently discussed at
large, Mr.. Vinton delivering speech in favor of
restricting debate in Committee OF the Whole to
the particular subject under consideration.
The discussion was discursive and irregular,
and the House, without making further progress,
adjourned
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17

ifornia have adopted Constitution which iscn-
tirely in accordance with the spirit Of the free
institutions Of our country--and our Senators IN
Congress are hereby INSTRUCTED and our Repre-
sentatives requested 10 mid in the passage OF such
laws az may be necessary to admit that State In
10 the Union.
@Rgolrsd ~ the Assembly concur,) That the
Governor be requested to forward copies OF the
foregoing resolutions TO each Of our Senator'S and
Representatives in Congress"
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
PENNSYLVANIA.

Governor Johnson of Pennsylvania thus defines
his position on the Great Question.
mo disturbance is contemplated of their rela-
tons Herewith, in States where it now exists
Holding their slaves by compromise and conces-
sion il would involve on part breach Of faith
and an interference with the sovereignty of sister
Republics to intermeddle with their social policy,
or to controvert the legality of their domestic re-
lations. Whatever injury may be inflicted on
Northern interests from the jealousies incident to
the existence of the institution and the efforts to
PROSTATE free labor, sacred regard for our pedg-
ed faith admonshes us TO suffer- rather than at
tempt reformation where our authority will not
be acknowledged The extension of the evil be-
yond the present limits discloses very different
feature The consent Of the free States Of the
Union to its further progress would eyince an ig.
norance Of their true interests, Of the rights OF
justice and humanity, and an Indifference to the
character and dignity of their common country.
When these are implicated, it is an abandonment
of duty TO compromise"
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17

hourly swcled by deseriions from the Austrian
regiments in Prterwuden, Esssy, &c Il is said
that Russia has been intriguing 70 get up this in
surrection, in order to have both Austria and
Turkey entirely dependent upon her--a proof Of
which is that Russian agitation is daily proving
more open and daring; and the Incredible activity
Of the agents Of that Power leads to the conclu-
sion that sangunary ENHANCEMENT viii speedily
break out between Russia and Turkey. The Prince
ofSerya has already refused pay the tribute due
to the Porte, Of 81 900 duca,s, and the armng Of
all male adults is being carried on with the great
est possible activity, without any one knowing
where the arms come from
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17

have been given by Inc Society Of which he was
pistor, the Relief union, Of which he was Presi-
dent, and the Young Mems Library Association
OF which he was liberal patron. These are not
mere empty iormali;ies in fulsome praise of the
dead we all feel them TO be the honest express
sion OF esteem for good man. 4 moro arniable
aud benevolent man-one more fully exhibiting
the Christian temper in all The relations Of life,
could hardly have been taken from our midst.
Yours, p
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
8RAHAM's MAGAZiNE-i.4s
q. II. GRAHAM, J. X. CHANDLER, AND J. b. TAYLOR,
EDITORS.

q. H. GRAHAM, J. X. CHANDLER, AND J. b. TAYIog,
EDITORS.
TIME January number Of Graham's MagAxineths first
number Of the New Volumeis ready for the malls
and for shipments agents. The Publishers and Editors
while expressing satisfaction In the
with which their Efforts 10 elevate the character Of the peri
odca literature Of the country have been crowned
fully offer statement Of their for the New Vol
IL vii known that other Magsxne publish
ed In the English language has presented such Of
ilustros contributors bryant Cooper Panding Herbert
Longfellow Hoffman, Willis Fay Simms, constitute alone
corps than before for sngs work.
An examination OF last volumes will show that these dis
tngushed writer's have all furnished Tor this miscellany
ss sssl To tbs best they have given To the world They
with other old contributors will continue 10 enrich
with thr prodacons and several eminent suthors
who have not hitherto appeared In will hereafter
be added TO the list O course therefore, all attempts to
compete with Crahams Magazine In Its literary character,
viii be unsuccessful In every department the highest tai
snt country will be enlisted snd effort spared 10
maatan t present reputation A. the leading literary peri
odcsi Of Americx
Cren inducements 10 P0stmasfevs and Clubs, unequai-
led By those Of any other Establishment.
For three dollars In advance (par money In the states
from which II Ia remed) copy OF Grahxm for one year
aud merrotint Portraits proof sheets Of Gen Taylor cen
Batter Gen. Scott Cen Worth, aud CAPT wAlksr These
pictures properly framed will make valuable set OF parior
or library pictures They engraved from undoubted orr
FINALS By the artists and Of themselves worthy the
price Of years subscription 10 Grshams magsnns Ut
the option the subscriber remng THREE dollars We VIII
works magnificent print from the BURN OF osshssfed
For Ave dollars Two copies yearly and set Of thu portits
above named, 10 s4eh subseribsr.
FOR ten dollars copies yearly and copy Of the msGs-
zine 10 the other person forming the club
For twenty dollars eleven coptes and set Of ths portraits
to subscriber and copy ofthe Magasias % che psrs0A
forming the dub pse'1
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
FOREIGN MARKETS.
L.lvERrooI. Dscsmbey

LIVERPOOL, Decsmber 20, 1919
Cotton has advanced it, per pound since the
sailing Of the Cambria.
The demand for corn is moderate, and the tons
of the market has improved.
Wheat has advanced 3D. per 70 pounds.
Fine brands Of American -four are quoted at
25s.; ordinary, 23s. 6&
White corn is held at 29S n 3OG per quarter
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
DOMESTIC MARKETS.
NEW York, JdauarV f2. is

NEw YORK, JaHuary IT, 1850
The flour market is steady Sales at IS ssh
for common Western and State brands Ohio
s. IS; Michigan, - 25 pure Genesee S. 50 a
S. 6213 and Southern, IS 81 S53715. Corn
meal, 81 81 50 Rye flour, 1894
Not much doing in wheat Ohio, 81 06 SIO7
for white; red, 81 Oh Sl0j. Genesee, sl26 n
sl27. Corn is quiet and dropping sales of only
5000 bushels, at So a 60 cents for new Northern.
Oats, 81 SO cents Rye, 6l cents
Provisions inactive Sales of Ohio mess pork
at SIT, and prime at $3.50. No change in beef or
bacon. Lard is in good request sales of coo
kegsat ca a Gls cents per pound.
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
MONDAY, JANUARY ID, 1850.
NENATE,

SENATE
Mr.. Pearce presented the credentials of Thomas
G. Pratt, recently elected Senator from Maryland.
Mr.. Houston submitted preamble aud resolu-
ton, affirming the want Of power in Congress to
legisate on the subject Of slavery in the States or
Territories of the United States, the right Of the
People Of the Territories TO settle the question
for themselves, and the duty Of Congress TO re-
ceive States into the Union, north south of $50
80, whether they shall establish or prohibit sla-
very.
Mr. Douglas submitted a resolution, instruct
ing the Committee on the District Of Columbia TO
inquire into the expediency Of retroceding to
Mary land that portion Of the District lying be-
yond the corporate limits of Washington.
The Senate then took up the resolution offered
by Mr. Phelps 10 suspend the operation Of the
proviso to the act Of ls40, limiting the expenses
OF collecting the revenue. debate ensusd in
which the necessity Of reducing said expenses was
admitted on oil sides.
Mr. Dickinson moved the following substitute,
which was ndopted-yess q, nays 27--thc Vice
President giving Lis casting vote in favor of the
amendment
Rsolred By The Senate and House Of Represent
atipo of ihe United Safe5 Of Aaaetica in Coag1ei
assembled, That, until specific appropriations are
made by law, the proviso to the 4tb section Of the
act Of % March, is49, be suspended; Prorided,
nepnheiess, That In the mean time the expenses
of collecting the revenue from customs shall not
exceed such sum per annum es was expended for
said purpose during the fiscal year ending the
30rh june, ls4s, together with such sums la adj
dition as may be paid into the Treasury for dray-
age, carriage, labor, and storage
The Senate, after going into Executive session,
adjourned.
HOUSE or REPR EsENTATIvEA.
The House WAS occupied through the day in
The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
A GLIMPSE At TIE FOREIGN NEWS.
The telegraphic report Of the steamer Canada
news is as follows:

The telegraphic report Of the steamer Canadas
news is as follows:
LIVERPOOL, DecembeT 20, 1919.
Cotton has advanced one farthing on general
descriptions since the departure Of the last steam
or. Fair Uplands sell at 6s6d, Mobile 6lsd, aud
Orleans G3id, with au uphold tendency
Wheat has advanced two pence per 20 pounds.
Fine brands American -four were selling at 25s:
ordinary, 23s. 81.
Corr, white, was bringing 29' to 3os, yellow
2Ss. TO 20s.
The bullion in the Bank Of England is seven
teen millions of pounds sierling-s fact unpre-
cedented in the annals Of the Bank.
REBELLION IN sERyIA.
The accounts received from Vienna and Berlin,
10 the 22l ulmo, state that rebellion OF formi-
dabIe character had broken out in Servia and
Sciavonia. The military along the boundaries are
mn in arms against the Austrian Government
The Sclavonjan and Servisn boundary regiments
have revolted, and raised the Gordon Of the Turk
ish frontier, 10 that their rear Is fully secured
They are assured beforehand Of all support, a
circumstance which will compliciatc the relations
already sufficiently complicated between Austria
and the Porte. The boundary regiments which
have revolted are among the bravest and hardest
soldiers Ia the Austrian service. The chief move
msnt il In the Servian, Peterwsrden, and Weteck
military districts, which are exasperated a. being
excluded from the Woodschah. The military
force Of the rebels 10 estimated at i2oooo ana is