FROM THE ARMY, POLITICS A TRADE AND ODE TO MCGRAWVILLE

Gen. Winfield Scott.

 

McGrawville Express, Thursday, September 9, 1847.

FROM THE ARMY.

   NEWS FROM VERA CRUZ, August 21st, said Scott's army reached Ayotla, 20 miles from the Capital on the 13th. Not a gun was fired thus far. Major Sally with reinforcements had got safely beyond Jalapa.

   Well's command had a fight with the Guerillas at National Bridge and were forced to abandon their attempt to cross. Loss 6 killed and 3 wounded.

   Major Sally is said to have had a sharp skirmish with the Guerillas at Cerro Gordo.

   One report says Scott has been defeated with a loss of 800, but it is not believed. Most letter writers believe Mexico to have been in Scott's possession on the 18th. The last Division of the army, 4000 men, left Jalapa on the 10th.

 

Destitution in the Army.

   The correspondent of the New Orleans Picayune discloses the following facts in reference to the destitution in the American army at Puebla:

   "Contrary to all expectations, the train which came up to-day did not bring any money, and hence the poor providers for the absolute wants of the army are worse off' than ever. As high as fifteen per cent has been paid to-day for money to defray the expenses of the short march from this city to Mexico, and some of the holders here are even chattering for eighteen! Such are the straits to which our quartermasters and commissaries, abandoned as they have been by the government at home, are driven. Nor is clothing brought, nor any of the necessaries of life for the well-being of the army, to say nothing of the comfort, and hence all is to be purchased at rates which amount to ruinous extortion."

 

Postage.

From the S. S. Advocate.

   Several features of the late post office regulations are justly obnoxious to the people of the entire nation. A reform has been commenced, but it remains to be consummated.

   1. The odious and (to the people) burdensome privilege of franking, as held by members of Congress, is still retained.

   2. The postage on pamphlets is quite too high. The smallest one cannot be sent the short distance for less than 2 ½ cents.

   3. The law with respect to newspaper postage admits of no discrimination. Just as much is charged for a small paper like ours as for a blanket sheet weighing ten times as much. Here is manifest injustice. Under it not only the publishers of juvenile papers, but the public at large are suffering. Our own paper, for example, might without doubt, double its circulation in a short time, were the postage on it reduced to an equitable rate, taking the size of newspapers as defined by the law for a standard. Not only would additional thousands be benefited in its perusal, and the country blessed in the diffusion of knowledge, but probably the revenue of the post-office department itself would be increased by the change.

   4. Finally, a most unreasonable and offensive regulation is, that no person, except publishers, can send a newspaper through the mail without paying three cents upon it in advance.

   This is such a gross encroachment upon the rights of the people, that we cannot persuade ourselves they will submit to it longer than till the next session of Congress.

   Let the people then rise in their majesty, our thousands of patrons among the number and, by petitions timely prepared and sent in, demanding of the next Congress a full remedy for all the above mentioned errors and abuses of our post-office system.

  

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Ode to McGrawville.

   The writer of this piece, who styles himself "one of the Poets," is welcome to our columns. His production is certainly very cute and ingeniously wrought together. It is mirth-provoking, and altho' a little sarcastic at times, will nevertheless be relished by all, and will have the effect to produce (on others as it did on us) an involuntary fit of laughter.

   The Poem entitled "Temperance Star," is received. We have examined it closely, and have laid it by for further consideration. There is a little too much discord in it; so it seems to us, which makes it grate very unpleasantly on the ear. With some alterations we think it would do very well. Not wishing to take the responsibility of doing this, we wait the further pleasure of the writer.

   The poem by D. D. is under consideration. We should like his name, and also to see him in person to suggest some alterations.

 

   ◘ The reports from the seat of War are very contradictory. The blow has been struck ere this and the city, and capitol of Mexico have undoubtedly fallen into the hands of Gen. Scott. At all events, this is the prevalent opinion. By our next issue, we feel assured, the true result of the matter will be known.

 

McGrawville Express.

   We this week present to our readers, as usual, a sheet well filled with some of the choicest literary productions of the day, viz: Articles on Science and Education, Temperance, Poetry, and Original Sketches, together with Juvenile reading and Humorous articles; also a full compendium of the latest news of the day, both domestic and foreign, with a full review of the markets, &c., &c., all of which will afford to the general reader, a greater amount of instruction than can otherwise be obtained for ONE DOLLAR.

   Our paper is finding access with the people more rapidly than we could reasonably have anticipated. Every week, since we have issued our paper, we have added to our list from fifty to sixty subscribers.  Thus it will be seen that our paper, despite the little opposition in certain quarters, is rapidly winning its way into notoriety and popular favor. It shows that we are living in a discriminating community, and that the people will judge for themselves, without assistance from their neighbors, of the character of our paper. A neutral paper, therefore, unbiased by party prejudices, and looking to the benefit of the whole people, is what has anxiously been looked for, and desired by the great mass of citizens in the county; and now that an opportunity has presented itself, show their willingness to give it their hearty support.

   We do not wish to say one unfair word, to disparage the success of our contemporaries. Far be it from us to descend to a little action to further our own interest. We look upon the field of ENTERPRISE as a wide one, and we enter on it boldly and fearlessly, expecting to stand or fall on our own MERITS.

   That our course, so far, has been duly appreciated; we introduce the following letter to prove:

   MR. EDITOR:—Dear Sir, if you approve, you may drop these few lines into your truly valuable paper. From some of your editorial remarks, I am led to conclude that one of the objects of your labor will be to hold up noble, disinterested worth in its true light, whether its possessor be rich, influential and literary, or poor, unknown and ignorant. Such a position has ever done honor to him that has taken it. When I read your articles upon "Aristocracy," "Encouragement," "Anonymous Communications,'' as well as other editorial remarks, I could say without flattery sir, as the noble Switzer Tell said—"A MAN." There are a few men in this great world who can smile, and smile, and murder while they smile; but it must be done in the dark. They are mean enough to do anything under cover, but are strangers to that manly dignity that shows itself in broad daylight. With the spirit of jealousy and the eyes of Argus, they watch, and if a man who is not one of the same clique, rises his head above the great mass, an unseen dagger stabs his honor—his character—his interest, and he falls back into the arms of disgrace and poverty unwept, whilst the narrow hearted assassin gloats over his success, and moves on in sunshine as if he were a saint.

   Mr. Editor, go on, as you have begun, above the petty slanders of the little hearted—those that whisper suspicion in the social circle, work wires in politics, and vent their spleen behind the curtain. Men clothed in a little brief importance may play their tricks, but push ahead, and (like the Farmer on Long Island that minded his own business) you will yet get a good support, being patronized by a noble minded public.

   The writer of the above has judged of us rightly. It shall always be our aim, to regard disinterested worth and talent, wherever it may be found. In us, virtue and integrity shall always find a firm and faithful supporter.

 

Politics a Trade.

   Many, no doubt, will look at the head of this article and say,—" Well there—just see there, now—that fellow has gone to dabbling in Politics." But hold on, my dear sir, let us look at this matter; we are neutral, that is, we take neither side of the great political parties of the day, and consequently have a right to speak of Politics as a trade, and show what effect this trade has in elevating men to office.

   Our country at the present time is overrun with swarms of individuals who think of nothing, or care for nothing, but their own personal aggrandizement. These individuals, to all appearance, are the greatest patriots in the land. Their whole soul seems to be wrapped up and absorbed for the welfare of the dear people, and the prosperity of the country.

   One party, to-day, comes into power by an overwhelming majority of the masses, who have been made to believe that the country would be ruined, had it longer remained under the domination of the retiring party. To-morrow, Extravagance, Ruin, and a disregard for the public welfare, &c., are charged upon those in power by expectants and hungry aspirants for political favors. The leaders set the cry agoing, and every political newspaper of the same kidney throughout the country joins in to gull the people, and make the confiding masses, (those whom the leaders regard as the "rabble") believe that the country is fast going to destruction. By this means, they affect a change of rulers, and thus secure to themselves "the loaves and fishes," which, in other words, means to " feather their own nests," and then, as a matter of course, the country will be perfectly happy and prosperous!

   What a reflection is this upon the intelligent masses of the country! What a squalid picture presented to the patriot and philanthropist!

   The time has gone by when the people are to look for truth and candor in rank political papers, of whatever stamp. They are controlled by political leaders, and as a matter of course, must twist and turn and dissemble, as the success of party would seem to dictate. It is by this means that the people are shamefully humbugged and imposed upon, by allowing themselves to be duped by the stratagems of designing politicians, and led to believe all sorts of trash that comes from the corrupt party press as genuine truth.

   What care the leaders for the masses? They profess great friendship for them, and what for? Merely to get their aid to ride into power. This is the ultimatum of all their love—this the grand scheme of all their professions. We have studied the wire-workings of those leaders, and therefore understand them to a T. They understand their trade so well, that offices are promised years in advance. This is because the nominations are under their control. And the people are led to believe that this is fair. The leaders control the caucuses; secure the right delegates, and then, as a matter of course, their own nominations must be secured. This is ingeniously, and to all appearance, fairly done, but the people, after all, have been most beautifully juggled by the leaders! This is called a regular nomination, and hence the party must go it, anyhow, or else submit to be called bolters, disorganizes, &c., &c., and thus render themselves liable to be read out of the party.

   It is through this corrupt system that the country continues to be kept under the control of designing men, who look only to their own interests without any regard to those of their constituents.

   We desire to see men elected to office that are honest and capable, and we want these men chosen by the PEOPLE, and not by a few designing men, who wish to control all of the offices.

   We have deemed it to be our duty to say what little we have for the good of ALL PARTIES, and for the benefit of the people at large, and hope it may be seriously reflected upon, and in the end result in good to all concerned.

 

Temperance.

   There is no cause of moral reform that seems to be taking such decided and tremendous strides in the United States and the old world as the Temperance cause. It is rushing like rays of light, dispelling the darkness and gloom that Intemperance has hung over the world, and bringing to the light and to proper scorn, the individuals who still continue to deal in the poisonous drug. Who can check this mighty and glorious cause? Can a handful of men, scattered up and down the length and breadth of the land, who have wrung the hearts of the widowed and fatherless, check this holy reform?

   They predict the time is coming when the cohorts of Temperance will cut loose from their principles, and turn again, like the swine, to their wallowing in the mire. But their heartless divination will fail. The world has resolved to be sober, and the great army of people, men whose faces have been bleached by Alcohol, are now clothed in their right minds, and with god-like steps, marching with the free, inhaling the clear, pure air of FREEDOM. And ah, the stories they have told of their woes, has awakened public sympathy, and has caused the finger of scorn to be pointed at the man who has the hardihood to continue in the traffic of liquor selling!

   The temperance cause is from God, and its course is onward, and along its pathway you may hear the sweet music of singing and the sounds of rejoicing. Use no harsh means in the temperance movement, let the spirit of kindness go with us but let us be firm, unwavering and diligent, and mark ye, the time will not be long, when our tavern keepers will not have a single man to buy their Rum, and they be ashamed of liquor selling, as Falstaff of his army.