The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-05-04
BILE SHEET
New York, Tuesday, May 4, is52.
The News.

The News.
We are sorry to learn from Washington, that the
venerable Henry Clay is rapidly declining. Aware
Of his close proximity to another world it is said he
has sent for his family, in order that he may have
ne melancholy satisfaction of giving them his
parting benediction.
In connection with many other interesting para
graphs, our special Washington correspondent re-
marks that Chevaler Hulsemann left Washington
yesterday, with the intention of Immediately sailing
for Europe. A rumor is said to be ahoat that he
left letter insulting Secretary Webster, but laud
ing President Fillmore. 1t cannot be possible that
ths is true report is also current that the demo-
Gratis in the National Convention will finally unite
apon Senator w. r. King, of Alabama, for Presi-
dent and ex-senator D. S. Dickinson of this State
for Vice President. How would the barnburners
relish this ticket
Mr.. Rusk made most convincing speech in the
United States Senate yesterday in favor of extend
ing additional aid to the Collins line of steamships.
He examined the subject in all its details, and con-
alluded that, rs means Of defence in time of war;
as Of postal revenue, objects of national
pride, and act Of downright humanity to the
travelling public these vessels ought certainly to be
maintained, and kept upon the route between this
country and England. These steamers commend
themselves for their strength and durability as well
az their unprecedented speed. He was opposed to
the cheap plan of building vessels-a plan which, he
spty remarked, had made more widows since the
Mexican war than were made by that war In con-
neotion with this matter give a table in another
column, showing the performances Of the Collins and
Ounard steamers since last September. Let all who
take an interest in steam navigation examine the
Rgures.
Quite m interesting little dialogue sprang up in
he Senate yesterday, between Mr.. JONES' the Ten
nessee whig, and Mr.. Hale, the great New Hamp-
shire free soiler. Mr.. j. wished to have read a
second time bill granting pension to faithful
old negro who served in the war of the revolution
Mr.. H. objected and thence arose some pretty sharp
words. Had this bill been for the rendering of as
sistance to slaves to escape from their masters Mr.
Hale would, most unquestionably, have strongly
advocated its passage. But, as ID was simply for
The benefit Of poor, honest and decrepd, but free,
negro, he could not eountenance it. This is about
On par with the general action of the abolitoniss.
They viii fraternize with runaway slaves but those
negroes who were born free, or have been manu-
mitted must keep out Of the way, and get along as
beet they can
The Senate engrossed the bill granting land to
Wisconsin, to aid in the construction Of railroads
between Jonesrille and Fond dn Lac, and the Mis-
sisSppi river and Milwaukee. If these roads, and
also the proposed ship canal around st Mary's falls
are ever completed they will open to the channels
Of trade vast region Of country, abounding in
mineral and vegetable resources. At the present
time, however, large portion Of the territory of
both Michigan and Wisconsin, il in the hands Of
greedy Spectators, who desire to enrich themselves
through the internal improvements authorized
by the government. By rrocs ring the passage Of
bills in Congress, making extensive donations Fer
railroad and other purposes, these Spectators will
be enabled TO dispose Of their lands at exhorbitant
prices. Both Illinois and Indiana were for many
years oyerrun and kept back by this class of drones
but now they have nearly all given way to the work
ing classes and the consequence is that those States
arc fast shooting ahead. Nearly all these railroad
land bills are in reality destined for the immediate
benefit Of the SPECTATORS, but they may, eventually
result to the advantage Of the agrisuturiss and
nufacturers.
Resolutions from ehe Massachusetts, Legislature,
in favor of sheap postage, yesterday pre-
scented in the Senate. The arguments in support of
reduction Of the resent postal rates the ocean,
are sound and substantial. 1t is an undeniabe fact
swelled instead Of having diminished the receipts Of
the department By giving cheap facilities for cores
pondence, people were naturally invited to hold
more general intercourse with their friends at dis
tance. 1t opened the door to thought The poor, as
well as the rich, willingly and gladly pay three cents
for q letter, who could ill afford to pay twenty-five
cents for one. Twenty letters go, n all direc-
tons where formerly went; and there is doubt
whatever that, should the inlaLd rates on letters
be cut down to one cent, and newspapers be trans
mitted free, the receipts would still yield hand
some profit This being the case, why not reduce
the price of ocean postage from twenty -four cents
per half ounce to tsree cents, at tic most. Ii is
quite certain tn parcels can transmitted at about
az cheap rate Ia steam and sailing vessels as they
can upon railroads, stenml oats aud stages Let
Congrsssmen think Of this.
The House Of Rel resentatives appear. to have
been almost wholly engage yostcrdayin parcelling
cut work TO tie scy,r al committees. Some discus
sion took place on the Senate resoluton, cutting of
the pay OF any territorial officer who shall absent
himself ir1m his post, witht ut sufficient cause. AS
this resolution II intended TO directly affect the
Of the Judges who found 1t convenient TO sud-
denly absent themselves from the Mormon settle
ments in Utah, several honorable getlemen could
not resist the temptation to speak, and give vent 10
their feelings pro and con. A debate also sprung
up with regard to the French Spoliation bill, and at
the adjournment the subject was not disposed Of,
Bills were passed for the relief Of Lieutenant Hun
ter, and granting pension to Jane Irwin, daughter
Of Colonel Irwin revolutionary patriot,
despatch from Charleston announces that the
u -. X. Balnwel Rhett has resigned his seat % the
United States senate. On reviewing this gent