The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-03-07

gentleman by the name OF WEBB, late comedian
at the Adclphi Theatre, in this city. 1t is sup
posed that he fell off the wharf the evening be-
fore, having missed his way
THE CENSUS OF ls5o.-Among the things
omitted to be done by Congress, was to author
ize the census for 1850 to be printed No pro-
vision having been made for it, we shall not have
the census printed till 1852.
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For the Southern Press
Relics OF Scraps and Musings--No. 12.
CONGRESSIONAL EDUCATION.
The growing practice in Congress of authoriz-
ing the publication Of books for the purpose Of
distribution among the members, at the public ex
pense, is both unauthorized and undignifed.
They have no more right to appropriate money
for that object than to pay their washing and
lodging. If they are SO deficient in the knowledge
Of their public duties, and so ignorant of the mode
Of performing them, to require new course of
study, they should set about supplying their def
cencies by their own efforts, and at their own ex
pense. Every workman furnishes his own tools,
and every member should furnish his own books.
They don't come to Congress, as to school, to
learn their C, but to legislate for the country;
ard they should be at least prepared for that duty
by previous knowledge Of the Constitution Of
the United States, well the nature and insti-
tutons of the government. The people pay for
their services, but see reason why they should
pay their members for qualifying themselves for
their performance
When the learned M. Huat was appointed
bishop Of Avanches, in France, a peasant Of his
flock one day called to pay his duty, but was told
by servant that the bishop was at his studies,
and could not be seen. He called the next day,
and the next, but received the same answer:
"The bishop is at his studies" On going away
the last time, he was heard grumbling to himself,
:" wish to Heaven the king could send US a
bishop who had finished his studies" In like
manner, it were to be wished, the people would
send members to Congress who had finished
theirs.
" DID FOOL
Peter Hagner-who | believe is since dead
was one Of the auditors of the treasury, and
distinguished for his capacity, as well as in
tegrity; SO much so that he exhibited the rare phe-
nomenon ofremaining in Office under every change
Of administration. Tr-, who had lived and
Aourished for almost generation in claims upon
government, wished to try experiment on Mr..
Hagner, but returned from w Washington overflow
ing with abuse Of that excellent officer. On being
asked what cause Of complaint he had against
him, he replied, with most contemptuous bitter
ness, "Why, the ID fool is as careful Of the
public money as if it were his own
ANOTHER!
A certain Postmaster General-I will not name
him, for he is still living, and it might ruin his
charncter-when an enormous, and, as always
believed, most iniquitous claim was smuggled
through Congress, as usual, the last night Of the
session, refused to pay it, although sanctioned by
the Solicitor of the Treasury. The claimants
brought suit, and recovered the whole, both prin-
cipal and interest the court being bound to decide
according to law. He was then private citizen,
and being responsible in that capacity, com
pleteIy ruined, though am under the impression
that Congress, some years afterwards, passed a
law for his relief. Had he been a defaulter to the
amount he wished to save TO the public, or had he
participated in some Galphin claim, he would pos
sibly now occupy high station, if not in the GO
vernmeDt, at least among PATRIOTS trading poIiti-
clans, and arstocratic brokers' Since this memo
rable example, believe no public officer has ex-
posed himself to similar fate by trending in his
footsteps. The opposite course is much the safest
and most profitable.
COMPROMISE.
great overgrown bully, who was much az
fcted with scrupes Of conscience about the back
sIidings Of one of his neighbors, meeting him one
day, demanded his purse under pretence that he
was going to make a bad use of his money. The
neighbor, who was rather troubled with weak
nerves, pucked up his spirit, and swore he would
defend bis property at all hazards and to the last
extremity. " But" said the other, My dear
friend, and excellent neghbor, IN compromise
with you. If you will only give up your money
peaceably, won't take it away by force. Surely
this ought to satisfy any reasonable man" go,
If that's the case, /" said the other, I'm satisfied
Here take my purse, but hope you will be more
moderate and judicious in future"
u. S. MrNT.-The Philadelphia Am erican Of
Monday says: The annexed statement, for which
we indebted to the treasurer of the u. s.
Mint, T.. G. Dale, esq, shows the operations of
that institution for the month Of February. The
total coinage during the month of February
IS, 1853, against S2,705,l93 40 in January,
showing increase of $2,4l0, l64 80. or near 80
per cent. BY the middle Of the present month it
is confidently expected that all deposites, upon the
entertainment of their value, will be paid prompt
", even should they reach to six or seven nil
lion dollars a month. The present paying point
extends to depoaie No. 1858 inclusive.
GOLD COINAGE.
22S,04 double eagles, value, x4,560, $50
1873, 326 quarter eagles, value, 333,3l5
1893, 702 gold dollars, value, ,702
550,077 pieces, $5,082,997
SILVER COINAGE.
los, 900 dimes, value, 10000
100, 900 half dimes, value, 5000
copPER COINAGE.
.sss $40 cents. value. 1896
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o.44l ,637 pieces, value $5,I14 ,863
| Gold bullion deposited for coinage, from LIST to
the 2Sth February, 1851, inclusive;
From California 0,obO ,.5O0
From other sources laV,ooo
Total $4,000 900
Silver bullion, deposited for coinage,
from JET to 18th February, inclusive, 100