The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1854-01-06
N CorresponScnoe Of the Chronicle.
WASHINGTON CITY.

CorresponSenoe of the Chronicle.
WASHINGTON CITY.
The present House of Representatives has \
In unusual number of new members in il, and J
here is avery general opinion that it has
more talent, and fixed dissemination to at
tend to business than any one for the last
len years. The debates, so far, have been
able orderly, aud courteous, sind nbst of the
matters Introduced are Of more or Tess public
Importance.
Enough has been said and done to indicate
pretty clearly, what are ,to'be the leading to-
pics discussed and agtated In and about the
capitol, during the present session. Internal
improvement, the Tarl, the Pacific Rail,
Road, the organization oil Nebraska Terrific
ry, with Or without the prohibition Of Slavery,
and sundry matters Of interest between the
administration aud ant-adminstraton demo-
crats svhn9e knIp, in, one forum, or another,
w. ~ uniii3cient has appeared to
make s''lss1 ''''.' That they will be dis
1t is also expected that many matters of an
exciting charac er, will be before Congress,
of private nature. Such as the provision
for the Collins line of Steamers, the claim
for the Amstead Africans, applications for
donations of land in aid of Rail Road compa-
nies, and applications for the extension Of
time to pstentees. -.... ..i-.. .....
The law granting to tho owners Of the
Collins Steamers over $500 900 wear, is, by
its terms to continue in force until December
81, 1897, and six mouths utter notice shall
Re given Of dctermihstion to discontinue
the allowance. There must then be a con.
current action of both houses OF Congress,
approved Dy the President, before valid
notice can be given. They are therefore Sc
cure for, at least one year from this time.
! There are, no doubt, many in both houses
who will be in favor of the extension of the
time. They will be able to delay definite
action for many months, though the majority
in favor of the measure, should be very deci
sive. In matter like this, time is of grea,
Importance, about So. 400 per day.
Now that the two Houses are fully officer
ed, and organised, standing committees ap
pointed, and holidays over, we may expec
some work will be done, and, if the outsider.
are not mistaken, some progress made in bu
siness.
A warm Newspaper controversy has ariser
{ between Mr.. Benton and Senator Gwin, abou
the location of the Pacific Rail Road, the ent
OF which is not yet. Mr., Gwin made some
remarks in the Senate in favor of NOR,
Southern route than the one advocated b.
Col. Benton. To these remarks, not havin!
an opportunity to reply TO them where the
were made, Col. Benton replied through th'
National Inteligencv. Mr.. Gwinu has res
ponded in the same paper, and Col. Bentoi
is expected to continue the discussion. Thi
will serve to keep the attention of Congress
upon the important measure, and throw mort
or less light upon the subject, but may ope
rate to divide and greatly lessen the powe
and influence of its friends. There is no doub
that they are both true friends of Pacif
Railroad. They represent districts of coun
try that have been, from the first, warmly il
its favor, California and ST. Louis. Gwinn'
partIalty for the more southern route, all est
being equal may be excused from his lon!
residence in Mississippi, and Benton's for tn,
more Northern from his position. We ma!
Il expect more authentic information, in rela
ton to routes, before many months; from tn,
Corps of Engineers now engaged in recon
noitering the country. One thing is gene
rally conceded, that the road is practicable
on more than one track.
The Erie Rail Road difficulty has beer
brought before Congress, by the presentation
of the proceedings of a public meeting con
demning the acts of the people of Erie in tn,
matter. This is an occurrence much to b,
regretted, and under the evaporation of th
public at the present time, there may be in
justice done to the people of Erie. All shoul'
be willing to have the difficulty settled BY
the proper judicial tribunals Of the country
This, it seems, is declined by the Erians, an,
1t may not be easy TO prevent excesses OF
the other side. The laws, and the judicia
tribunals of the country, are not retaining
their former moral influence. Whenever thu
popular mind shall adopt the fatal error tha
national liberty can be preserved without ODE
dlence to law, the reign OF terror will begin
No people can preserve their liberties, where
the public peace or criminal laws can be vic
lated with impunity Government must pro
tect the persons and property of the citizens
against lawless violence, or it is failure an,
must fall into anarchy, or become an odiou.
I despotsm Is it not more than probable tina
the torbearance, in many quarters, towards
| the unlawful combinations formed in tn,
United States against the Government o
Cuba, has exercised a malign influence upol
the spirit OF insubordnatioh in our country
For some reason, or other, the verdicts of ju
rors, in cases OF high crimes, have, of late
very generally, failed to satisfy thu public ex
pectation, and it is believed that there is of
Ten dangerous relaxation on the part Of ju
| rors, in favor of criminals.
PARTY TACTICS.
We transfer to our columns, at the sugges