Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-12-28
ALEXANDRIA,:

ALEXANDRIA,:
WEDNESDAY MORNING, DEcKuBER 20, 1859
The Presidents MESSAGE was sent in Il
Congress yesterday, and at an early hour IN
the day, we distributed it to our city subscri
bers in an extra sheet. 1t will accompany
this number Of the Gazette for the country
in an extra. We will no: undertake. upon
. cursory reading 70 commen. on, or criti-
else its contents. We shall, hereafter, take
occasion. as opportunities present them,
selves, TO refer 70 several of the topics which
il discusses. In the mean time. We can say,
that it is = plain, business like document
contains a succinct and satisfactory history
of the present. condition of our public al
fairs. and has some excellent suggestions.
The Presidents remarks concerning the
Harpers Ferry invasion. will attract atten-
ton. He is hopeful that the affair, will.
after all. lead to preventing similar out
breaks for the future.
We rejoice to see that there is no danger
Of precipitate measures on either side, IN
reference to the difficulty about the island of
San Juan. But the recommendation to en-
ploy military force to enter Mexico, for the
purpose OF obtaining indemnity for the past
and security for the future" clouds the pros
pect Of future peace an quietness. We fear
that il will occasion more strife at home. and
difficulty abroad. We purposely abstain.
however, from further remarks at this time.
Hon. WV. SMITH. of Virginia, delivered
in the House Of Representatives, on Mon
day. an able speech, in which the whole
history Of the slavery question in this coun-
try was deliberately set forth. and his posi-
ton, that. throughout. the onns Of the agl-
taton lies on the North. fortified by docu-
mentary testimony. and the consistent and
conservative course Of the South. and South
eru statesmen. with regard to the whole
matter, insisted on. The proceedings and
interruptions following the delivery Of the
principal portion of Mr.. Smiths speech, are
given in another column. They were GER
tainlv not of character to commend tue
conduct Of those who were engaged III them,
either to annoy Mr. Smith. or to prevent the
free expression Of his sentiments.
We have received the last Annual Report
Of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia
Military Institute, showing very prosper,
GUS condition of that Institution.
Also. tho Appendix to Message No. OF
the Governor, containing the letters relative
to the Harper's Ferry invasion. found in the
possession of John Brown and his a>so-
ciates They present no facts not already
known to the public.
The Postmaster General did not say that
the delay in the organization Of the House
of Representatives las enormously stated in
paragraph copied in Mondays Gazette
was caused by the Administration members
The paragraph. we presume. is correct how,
ever, in stating the fact TINT the delay IN
the organization is source OF loss to the
department.
1t is reported that late orders have been
given to put an armament aboard and dis
patch the steamer Anacosta with ammunl-
ton, small arms, and provisions to Annapo-
lis. 1t is surnlised that the departure ot th'S
steamer has reference 10 trouble between the
MARYLAND authorities and the Phiadel pima
0ystermen.
The Charleston Courier Of Friday. says
there is good reason for believing that Hon
C.G. Msminger will be clothed with the
honorable and important office of represent
ing South Carolina as the special commission
or to the State Of Virginia, according I" the
provisions made by the Legislature that has
Just closed its labOrs.
II is stated that the French mission was
some time since rendered to Mr.. Faulkner, OF
Virginia, who has until the first of January
TO determine whether or not he will accept it.
If he accepts. it is understood that the nonil
nation will be sent in soon after the Senate
shall regularly convene after the holidays
The New York Times says II has learned
on good authority that Judge Roosevelt has
declined the appointment Of district attorney
for the southern district Of New York.
The steamers Commerce and City OF Nor
folk. composing the line ofsteamers between
Baltimore and Savannah, were sold on Sat,
urday last for $25. 600.
Mr.. Dimitry, the United States Minister
10 Costa Rica and Nicaragua. has gone L
the latter country, where, at last accounts
no was suffering from fever.
Judge Sinclair, Of Prince William County
Va, recently returned from Utah, has arr
we'd in Washington city.
PosTAi TREATY sErwEEs THE ISiTEf
STATES AND BELdIUX.-A postal convention
has been executed between the Postn'asteI
General and the Minister of Belgium. estab'
fishing regular exchange Of correspondence
in olosed mails, between the q. States and