davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14
WASHINGTON.
"Liberty and Union, NO ~ and forever, one and
insepaIabte.o
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1852.
THE MEXICAN INDEMNITY.

We observe that the Boston Courier has taken the
trouble to prepare formal and thorough refutation
of the allegations put forth by interested individuals
against the SECRETARY of STATE, on account of the
agency through which he, following the precedent
and practice of two preceding Administrations has
thought fit to pay certain insalments of our ndem-
nity-debt to the Republic of Mexico.
Our first impulse on reading the article Of the
Courier was to place it before our own readers, as
having in its general object entire concurrence
but little reflection persuaded us that it was an
step The debate which we published
on the question completely indicated the cor
rectness of the Hon SEcRETARYs course, that, we
presume, there is not reader Of this paper who
tertains shadow Of doubt ON the subject. 1t was
defended by the most jealous political adversaries
the Secretary in the House Of Representatives and,
with others, by the present as well as the late
Chairman Of the Committee Of Ways and Means.
And when finally, the vote came to be taken on the
bill which sanctioned and confirmed the course of
the Secretary, all the motives Of personal feeling
or interest, and political rancor, combined, could
not muster strength enough in opposition to COM
mand the Yeas and Nays, (Which requires only one
fifth of the members present,) and the bill actually
passed without division. 1t turned~out new and
clear case of "gnawing at file"
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14
TO THE EDITORS.

Messrs. GALES 4 SEAToN: Every schoolboy
knows the saying of Solon that he did not give the
best laws to the Athenians, but the laws which were
best for them The principle conveyed by this wise
remark should be borne in mind when the Const-
tuition just promulgated by Louis Napoleon is ex-
amined The question in regard to it is not whe-
Their good Constitution ntrinsicaly, whether
it is not as good a one as the French can turn to
good account; whether it does not give them quite
much liberty as they know what to do with and
whether any more would not have been something
worse than wasteful and ridiculous excess Every
one gifted with eyes that and that hear who
has been in France must be convinced that the ex-
traction of sunbeams from cucumbers or the fabrica-
ton of silken purses from the aurcular of certain
uncleanly female animal is an easy process com
pared with the manufacture of Republicans out of
Frenchmen, delightful and brilliant as they may
be. This is now entitled to be classed among
fixed facts, it having been voted SO by more than
seven millions of the gentlemen themselves; and
though opinions, says philosopher, may meet with
conflicting opinions, facts can never encounter con-
Trajectory facts. As poet Burns declares:
g Facts chiefs that dinna ding,
And wadna be disputed"
And by whom will that fact be disputed? 1t can
hardly, then, edoubed that practically the French
will be freer under their present Constitution than
under the previous one, which made every body the
slave OF every body; and in that point of view, it
may be deemed progressive instead Of retrograde
movement. The old proverb about enough being
as good as feast is especially applicable to freedom
However excellent dish in ITSELF strong and
healthy stomach is required for its digestion Disease
and death are the invarable results of surfei and
homeopathic portions all that the generality of
organs can manage. A full banquet Of it may be
meat to Americans, but it is poison as yet to the
other peoples of the globe Infants unweaned must
not be fed on roast beef. Gentlemen of small sta
ture will be uncomfortably and dangerously attired
in the integuments Of giants; and although in order
to learn to swim it is indispensable to 60 into the
water if the tyro gets beyond his depth he must be
helped into shallower place, or he will sink That
was evidently the case with the French. They had
got I" over their heads" and the Prince President
was their Cassus" for the nonce The water in
which they now are is quite deep enough for all
beneficial purposes; and if they will remain in it
for time they may acquire sufficient skill for
tually sustaining themselves upon the democratic
pillows, or even upon "a sea of troubles"
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

WASHINGTON S BIRTH Y-The anniversary of
the birth of him to whom the people owe and feel
more gratitude and reverence than to any other our
country has ever produced, is always observed in
Richmond as a national festival But the circum-
stances in which we are now placed-the recent at
tempts by meddling foreigner to get us to renounce
the wise counsels of him who has hitherto been the
polar star by which our foreign policy has been
guided, the apparent success of his efforts in some
Of the cities North of us, and the active continu-
ance of his exertions his broad tour through the
Western and Southwestern States-seem to demand
from the conservative part of our people observ
ance of that national festival imposing and
phatic than is customary in our city.
1t is refreshing and comforting to see the whole
South sound and conservative on the new-fanged
doctrine of Intervention. True, we among us a
teao Kossuh hats; but they significant of nothing
but fondness of novelty and, like mushrooms win
soon wholly disappear with the changing within of
their wearers They are not meant to be express
sive of any principle. 1t appears to us to be duty,
in this state of things to signify the strong public
disapprobation of the KossaM madness and folly,
and our deep-rooted approval of the principles and
policy of Washington by the observance of his birth
day with more than usual attention and respect. 1t
is gratifying to see this spirit showing itself in va
rious parts of Virginia. Already of our coun-
try papers, without distinction of party have been
urging such marked notice of that day. 1t will oc-
cur this year on the Sabbath; so that the public
festival should be held on the day before the day
after.
We trust that arrangements will be made for a
than common observance of this day, full Of
the loftiest and purest and most
This is due, too peculiarly from the people of that
State which claims the honor to have produced the
hero of modern times Richmond Wing.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

TERRIBLE CALAMITY GAs.-A family of five per-
in st. Louis lost their lives January 9th by the
halaton Of gas during the night and morning which es
capped by the burstngof metre in the cellar of the house
Two dogs in the room also suffocated. The family
occupied chamber over store and the gas from the
cellar filed the building completely that but few could
stand il the day after the discovery of its victims The
terrible Catastrophe should warning to those
who use gas, and where its suocang effects posi-
bly, reach their sleeping apartments
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

THE MAINE DEMocRAcY-At the Legislative
Democratic Convention at Augusta, on Tuesday
evening" motion to postpone nomination of a can
didate for Governor until after the meeting of the
State Committee having been lost by vote of 35
to 60, those in favor Of having the nomination made
by State Convention, instead of by Legislative
caucus, retired. Those who remained re-nominated
Hon. JOHN HUBBARD for reelection by vote of 6S
to 3. Asthe number present at the commencement
of proceedings was 95, this would give "a boilers
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

THE GERMAN Press IN AMERICA. The German
press in this country seems to flourish rapidly In
Baltimore there are three or four. In New York
they have four or FIVE. In Philadelphia they have
two in ST. Louis three four, and there is hardly
large city in the West north of there, that has not
one or more.--Netc York San
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14
NOTE BY The EDITORS.

Though not entirely concurring in the above
views of an estimable correspondent, we have too
much respect for his knowledge and judgmentn the
matter of which he treats to exclude his letter from
our columns. He may be right; and popular
Representative Government cannot stand in France.
The universal acquiescence of the People in the one
man Government just established there seems to
prove this
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

FREScn SPECULATION AMERICAN Cox.-The Phn-
delpha Inquirer has been assured by gentleman who
Gently returned from Europe that large quantities Of Ame
rcan coin imported into France from the United States
gold is extracted while the value Of the silver is not i'm
paired Indeed it is said that quite extensive business
is carried on this way The process is peculiar one
and known only to a few scientific men in France.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

Loss OF TEN LrtEs.--The Hamilton Canada west) Ex
press states that the I'd instant while the employ
ed on the Great Western Railroad work under the
heights the lower bridge the bank gave way, and
buried ten of them under load Of and
earth. Five of those killed we're married men
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

The Buffalo Courier says that in London, and some
other English cities Savings Banks have been established
in which as low penny two eentsl is taken
deposte. The which has attended the estab
shmen Of the Penny Savings Banks they called
Of these banks in London received deposite CO 500
Isl 500 paid in by III 800 persons, thus making
average Of about dollar and half for each depostor
They have induced the most degraded and prodga classes
to commence laying up savings.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

FREE BANKING IN New JERsEy.-A report the ope-
rations under the General Banking Law of New Jersey
represents that during the last year fifteen banking
sociaons have been established under that law based in
all cases upon securities Of public stocks only. These
amount to S774145 g. less S149 209 returned by the
treasurer for the like amount Of bills withdrawn from cir
culaon The gross amount Of bills issued is $916 81
the total amount in present circulation is 1857 602
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

RELEASE OF Observation-Disclosures has been
received at the Department of State from Madrid
that the QUEEN OF SPAIN has extended pardon
to Mr.. JOHN S. THRAsHER, and given orders for his
immediate release
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

SINGULAR DrscovERY.-The Buffalo Courier publishes a
despatch dated Hamilton Canada West January 80, as
follows
Yesterday the aborcrs the Great Western Railroad
Burlington Heights found part Of the head and the tusk
Of elephant beneath the strata of and gravel
The tusk measured six feet nine inches in length and
thirteen inches in circumference"
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

BROTHER Sister DRowSEp.--A little and
daughter of tho late Mr. Charles Gregory Of Norwich
Connecticut, went the ice to slide last Wednesday
when the little girl broke through and fell into the water
She called to her brother for help, and the little fellow
to assist her. when he fell in aud both drowned
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

the right of declaring opinion upon question Of yio
lated public law? The question involved in this discus
sion is whether shall assert great principle Of the
law Of nations and when the Senator quotes me, he
does correctly, conending that not in cond-
ton to intervene by arms he refers to sentiment which
has the slightest bearing upon the question between
us. That is whether shall 60 war, but whether
shall exercise coequa power of the Govern
OF the world in the adjustment Of the great prnc
ples of public law
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

The Rev. DAVID McCoNAUcHy, DID,, for many
years President of Washington (Pa.) College, died
at his residence in that borough Thursday even
by the people of Washington, as an evidence of
which all business was suspended on the afternoon
of his funeral. He was in his 74th year.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

VIRGINIA VINO CONVENTION Wing men,
bers of the General Assembly of Virginia, and the
Wing Central Committee, have recommended a
State Convention of the Wing party to be held in
the city Of Richmond on the 18th day Of April
next Ri
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

The House of Representatives of ONO, on the
9Th instant, refused to pay the expenses Of NJ
KossUTH while on his visit to that State. A reso-
luton directing appropriation for this purpose
was laid on the table in that body, by vote of As
yeas to % nays
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

RECOGNITION OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF LIBERIA
BY Prussia President RoBERrs, Of Liberia, has
received from the Prussian Minister at the Court of
81. James despatch containing formal recognition
Of the independence of Liberia by his Government,
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

NEW YoRK AND LIVERPOOL STEAMERs.-The Collins
steamer Arctic which sailed from New York Saturday,
took out million of dollars in specie She also had
yenty passengers, which, larger number than has
out in single steamer for four months.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

1t is stated in the St. Louis Republican that the
Postmaster General has made arrangements for the
more speedy delivery Of the mails between that city
and Washington, by which it is expected they will
go through in five DAYS and ten or twelve hours.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

The jackson Association Of New Orleans have
nominated the Hon. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS, of Hi
nois, as suitable person to receive the nomination
of the Baltimore Convention for the Presidency.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

bin has passed both branches of the Legislature of
Pennsylvania and been approved by the Governor fixing
general gauge for all future railroads to be built in Penn
ylvana the gauge to be the that of the railroads
built and owned by the State.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

The Athens (Ga) Herald says that the gold Jeper
has played sad havoc with the male population in
upper Georgia this winter, and understands that in
Lumpkin county there are scarcely enough men left
to take care of the women and children
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

Governor FARwELL, of Wisconsin, lately sent in
a Veto Message upon the resolutions in favor Of
the Irish exiles adopted by the Legislature. He
objected to the direct censure passed upon England
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-02-14

The MrrHoDIsr PRorEsTser ANNUAL CoyfERESor as
sembes at Georgetown d. c. the 18th OF March next
and not the 3D., ns has been stated.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-24

ONO FREE-SoIL CONFERENCE.-The State Gen.
trail Committee of the Free-Soil party or, as they
choose to call themselves" the Free Democracy"
have issued call for State Convention, to be held
next to appoint delegates to the National Conyen-
tion and for other purposes. Attached to the call
is a notice of the appointment of VIM Henry Brs-
bane as agent and lecturer to travel through the
State for the purpose Of promoting the anti-slavery
sentiment and the general objects Of the party"
These men do not seem to appreciate the advice
of Gov WooD (,chom they assisted 10 elect to con-
slider the slavery question as settled and cease agi
tation They have, IN reality, nothing left to work
on or for but the " old gentleman" who makes it
his business to " find work for idle hands to do"
will stimulate them to create as much noise and
confusion" possible in the approaching Prcsiden-
tial contest Cincinnati Gazette of JdnaayV 16
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-24

MoRE INDIANS OF THE PLAINs.A delegation of sixteen
Omaha Indians from the Nebraska country west of the
Missouri and north Of the Platte arrived here Wednes
day with their interpreter Ten Of these men, and
six women two of the latter being favorie wives Of
the principal chief Two Grizzly Bears his other three
having been left at home to take Of the papooses
The delegation is accompanied by Messrs. Wheeon and
Johnson and have undertaken their long journey of four
months durationn the which they have suffered
much from cknessn order represent in person the
Government Of the United States the hardshps
and prvatons suffered under existing circumstances by
their tribe No less than Ave roads from the United States
to Oregon and California their country along
which thousands of emgrans annually pass BY this the
Indians suffer in the lavish consumption Of their pasurage
and timber which latter is rather scanty and the expu
sion Of game within the limits of the neghborng tribes
whittier they dare not pursue it. They consequently
reduced very destitute condition, and have left to
them other hope but what is contained in an appeal to
the justice and mercy Of this Government,
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-24

tary Of State calling upon Congress to pass this bill
without delay and said that the for the payment
Of this nstament entered into before appropra
ton made And now because Of their tarsiness IN
passing the bil the Secretary had them lecture
He considered it the duty of the House prescribe by
law who shall pay this money and they should then hold
them responsible for the faithful discharge of their duties
Mr. EDGERT0N then obtained the floor, but yielded to
motion that the committee rise which being agreed to-
The committee and reported progress
Mr. HOUSTON then submitted resolution to close the
debate on this subject at three o'clock tomorrow.
Mr. DUNHAM moved to amend the resolution SO as 10
close the debate at one O'clock.
Mr. HOUSTON demanded the previous question: and
remarked that he did wish to press the re
solution to-day He would now move to adjourn, and
gentlemen could tomorrow prepared to vote to
the time the debate should close.
The motion to adjourn agreed to.
And the House accordingly adjourned.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-24

In a letter from the same correspondent Of pre-
ceding date, he writes follows:
"The French journals publishing with wonderment
and admiration which in spite of themselves they
not all suppress which weekly reach them from
the United States of the remarkable extension given to
electric Geographic communication in happy country
without let, hindrance annoying supervision and con-
troll of q medding and suspicious Government Bulk
leys connector by the aid Of which messages are so
rapidly dispatched over such immense distances, is of the
present moment receiving the honor Of very general
notice in the press In the time the Government
itself is tightening the grasp Of whitening Capitalization
mon teegraphic communication in France 1t won't do
in despotc countries TO let individual enterprise have full
and free swing NJ Bonaparte understands this, and
YOU NAV be sure that the odous system which has char
acterzed al former Governments here parayng private
energy in whatever direction it would exert itself Grip
ping depressing Stacking private industry in all its
fields Of labor will not be whit relaxed under the
regime A decree the 9th instant ordains that mo
teegraphc line be established or employed for the
Transmission Of correspondence but by Government
with its permission. Whoever shall transmit, without
such permission, by signals from place to another,
whether by the aid Of teegraphic machines by any
other shall be punished by Imprisonment Of from
one month to year, and by fine Of from 900 to 10000
francs (of from $500 tc S2,0o0 Thirteen other arti-
ces provide under severe penalties for the protection
and unimpeed by Government Of such telcgraphtc
lines whether electric acrian may fit to estab
fish. There in in actual process Of con-
sructon nine lines Of electric-elegaph in France pre-
senting an aggregate length Of 233 kilometres ,437
miles")
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-24

We have met with paragraph in the letter of a
Washington correspondent to a Northern paper,
stating that the friends of President FILLMORE had
called upon him and requested him to decline be-
coming candidate at the approaching Presidential
election We have reason TO believe that precisely
the contrary is the TRUTH and that the friends of Mr.
Fillmore have called upon him with the view of
dissuading him from the expression of any such
determination.
Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-24

Mr. CARTIER said that he was merely supposing that
this might be Ii ii should prove true he hoped the
House would refuse to allow the delegate 70 hold his seat
They could not close their eyes to the fact that these
things whispered-aye, more than whispered They
came to their notice under the authority Of report of the
disranchsed officers whose duties had been foreclosed
BY violence He would lend what little energy he pos
sessed in investigating this subject without fear favor,
affection.
Mr. PHELPS suggested that as this had been decided
to be question Of privilege the gentleman could with
draw his resolution and introduce il another time
The SPEAKER stated that the gentleman had the
power TO withdraw his resolution.
Mr. BRIGGS thereupon withdrew his resolution.
BOUNTY LANDS
The House then proceeded to consider the report of the
select committee the bill explanatory Of the bounty
land act Of September 81 1S50the pending question be-
ing the motion to refer to the Committee Of the Whole
the Of the Union the original bill and the subs
tute reported therefor by the select committee
Mr. CLARK resumed and concluded the remarks which
he commenced yesterday.
Mr. HARRIS of Tennessee believed that the passage
Of this bill would be facilitated by its reference to the
Committee of the Whole the state Of the Union and
ne would therefore, move the previous question on the
pending motion to commit the bill Before doing this,
however he would ask the unanimous consent of the
House that this bill should be made the special order Of
the day in Committee of the Whole for Tuesday next
to continue from day to day until disposed Of
Mr.. TUCK objected.
Mr. MEADE suggested that the bill from the Senate
the same subject now the Speakers table, should be
embraced in the motion to commit.
This required unanimous consent, and
Mr.. BISSELL objected
Mr.. HARRIS, of Tennessee, then demanded the pre-
you question on the motion to commit the bill andsub
stitute.
Pending which
MEXICAN INDEMNITY BILL.
On motion of Mr.. ORR the House went into Commit
tee of the Whole the state of the Union Mr.. JoNEs
OF Tennessee in the chair and resumed the considerl
ton of the bill to provide for carrying into execution
in further part the 18th article the treaty with Mexico
! concluded at Guadalupe Hidalgo.
After time spent in the discussion of this subject
the committee rose, reported progress, and
The House adjourned