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| Benjamin Franklin. |
McGrawville Express, Thursday, November 11, 1847.
CORRESPONDENCE.
For the McGrawville Express.
MR. EDITOR:
I attended the funeral of a venerable old Gentleman last Saturday in your Village. The corpse was taken to the Methodist Church, where a very penitent discourse was delivered by its Pastor; but when we entered the Burying-Ground I was astonished. Instead of the Cypress and the Rose, planted around the tombs of the once loved, as the last tribute of affectionate remembrance: Behold! It was overrun with Thorns, Briars, and Elders; and the fences broken down. A path had been cleared to the Grave through the underbrush, leaving the stubs six or eight inches high. Here I witnessed the utility of the Ladies short dress, and if all their paths through life are to be strewed with such pointed obstructions, it would be advisable for them to carry the fashions still higher.
But, Sir, to be serious, the occasion recalled to my mind a remark made by Dr. Franklin, "that the condition of a Church-Yard proved to him conclusively the condition of the community which surrounded it; and that when the Graves of the dead were trampled on by the feet of the living, and torn up by beasts, and the tomb-stones broken down by the boys, and the fences suffered to fall down—that the living were not to be trusted; and if he could avoid it, he would never remain in that village over night."
The above remarks are not elicited in a spirit of dictation or unkindness; but merely to stir up the mind by way of remembrance, for it is conceded by all who are acquainted with the citizens of McGrawville, that a more united, sober, industrious and liberal class of people is rarely to be found, and need only a knowledge of their duly to prompt them to a vigorous prosecution.
S., Cortlandville, Nov. 8th, 1847.
Correspondence of the Express.
Brimfield, Nov. 8th.
Dear Express—The usually dull village of Cortlandville is at present somewhat enlivened by the presence of a recruiting officer. He arrived Saturday, P. M., and took lodgings at the Eagle, where he intends to remain for a few days, and give a chance for the brave citizens of Cortland, or as many of them as are willing to do so, to gather laurels in the service of their country. Now is the time for those who desire to go to Mexico, to step into the 'Capens offis,' and take the 't'ck.' This brings to our mind, the wholesale abuse indulged in, by certain patriotic citizens, not only against those who voted for the war, but even those, who in obedience to commands, carry it on.
Therefore we take the liberty of a Correspondent to express our own views. They teach in Pathology, that impressions long continued on one spot, lose the power of sensation. Thus, when we hear gentlemen, whose patriotic motives or feelings it is no part of my design to impeach, speak of this as a war of aggression, we are driven to the belief that twenty years of provocation has so deadened their sensibilities that they cease to regard insult as an uncommon occurrence. Had we chastised this vainglorious and pertinaciously offending people, on the occurrence of the first insult to Baldwin, all would have been well now, and the "Lone Star" ere this would have shone brightest among the thirteen stripes, and the rich bottom lands of Rio-Grande would not have been enriched by the blood of so many of our eminent citizens, or their bones lie bleaching on the table lands around the city of Mexico, marking the track of the victorious SCOTT. Yet our government was forbearing, and chose to pocket the insult, rather than plunge into a bloody war. There is a point at which forbearance ceases to be a virtue, and when that point was reached—" War already exists," says President Polk.
Notwithstanding they crossed the disputed boundary, and slew our citizens with malice prepense, yet some would not strike because she is weak—
Away with such stuff,
As well might you blow out the Sun with a puff.
But the war has been successfully carried on, nearly one year and a half, and many bloody battles fought and won by our little army. They have suffered much loss, and now wish some of the hardy yeomanry of Cortland Co. to fill up the ranks.
The proper officer is now with us, and we hope that he may have much success, for no county produces hardier and braver men! Yet we think that we, at least, shall wait awhile, although we would like the 'land.' Some may say that we are a coward—it may perhaps be so.
Yours, ACADEMICUS.
Ho! Up and be Doing.
The Editor of this paper will speak to the people at East Homer, (weather permitting) on Friday evening next. Hopes to see a general attendance.
The Protest of the Corporation of the City of Mexico, together with the Martial orders of Gen. Scott, will be interesting to the general reader [page two].
"One of the Poets," replies to the article signed "One of the G'Hals," in last week's paper. Random shot.
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| Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. |
SANTA ANNA AGAIN PRESIDENT.
ANOTHER ENGAGEMENT.
Anticipated Battle between Lane and Rhea.
The steamer Alabama has arrived at New Orleans from Vera Cruz bringing [updates] from the city of Mexico to the 7th.
The decree appointing Pena President has been revoked, and Santa Anna is again President at Queretaro. Paredes is attempting to establish a monarchy.
The feelings of the people generally are opposed to any compromise with the Americans. Congress assembled at Queretaro on the 5th.—No quorum.
Valencia is at his country seat, doing nothing. Bravo is at the Capital on parole. Other leading Generals have gone to Cuernadaca, seventeen leagues South of Mexico [City].
Gen. Lane reached Huamantla, half way between Perote and Puebla, on the 11th. He met Santa Anna, who evacuated immediately, leaving two pieces of artillery and took two prisoners, Col. Vega and Sturbid. Santa Anna had a thousand cavalry. He was subsequently reinforced with 1,500 regulars.
Rhea took possession after Gen. Lane's departure, and following up his rear, killed seven men principally American stragglers. Rhea sallied out from Puebla at the head a considerable force, awaiting the approach of Gen. Lane, whose flank and rear are constantly harassed by the Mexicans. The Texan Rangers have returned safe.
The yellow fever is still raging at Vera Cruz and Matamoras. Capt. Churchill and Lieut. Jenkins have died of it.
It is reported at Matamoras that an army mail had been captured—also that a Mexican force had assembled at Mier.
ITEMS.
INFAMOUS LAW.—We learn that the corporation of Washington, our National Capital, have passed a new edict requiring all Free Colored persons in the city to give good White security each in one thousand dollars for their good behavior for one year; and to pay $2 each for a certificate they have given such security. This is an infamous act, and the whole Nation ought to cry shame upon its authors. It is unconstitutional also, that is, if anything can be unconstitutional which is done by slaveholders against people of color and in behalf of the 'peculiar institution.' What right has the Corporation of Washington to require men not convicted or even accused of crime to give bonds for good behavior? Of all means for raising the winds, this is the most cowardly and base, and we will not allow ourselves to doubt that the Courts of the District, if appealed to, would decide that the requirement is illegal. Are there no white loafers and villains in Washington who are quite as likely to break the peace as the poor free men of color? Why then should the complexion of the skin alone be held to raise a presumption that crime is meditated?—N. Y. Tribune.
NATIONAL DEBT.—The last number of Hunt's Merchant Magazine states that the present debt of the United States is $40,422,006.46.
UTICA AND SYRACUSE RAILROAD.—The heavy rail is now laid down the whole distance between this city and Rome. On Monday afternoon the passenger train went up in 22 minutes, distance 15 miles.—Utica Gazette.
EDITORS TABLE.
Business, Enterprise, Improvements, &c.
Taking into consideration its size, M'GRAWVILLE is one of the most flourishing and energetic villages in western New York. It is situated in the centre of the county of Cortland—is surrounded by a rich and fertile country—is easy of access, and as a matter of course, is and of necessity must be, a favorable mart for a large and increasing amount of trade. Three heavy Flouring Mills are already in operation here, and advantages are offered for Machine shops, Factories, and everything else, coming under the head of mechanical operations.
We understand that it is in contemplation to put up next spring a large IRON FOUNDRY in connection with other buildings, for mechanical purposes. Our citizens have already made arrangements for a commodious UNION SCHOOL HOUSE, which will offer superior facilities for a common school education. The location and plan have already been hit upon, and the contract for building is immediately to be put into the hands of experienced workmen. This is a very important branch of public improvement, and reflects honor upon its projectors, and gives dignity and importance to the town. The advantages of a common school education cannot be too highly prized, when we take into consideration the influence it has in forming the habits and character of the rising generation, and preparing them for future usefulness in the world.
M'GRAWVILLE, although at present an important town, is but a mote compared to what it is yet to be in a few years of time. When the New York & Erie Rail Road is completed to Binghamton, a branch road will undoubtedly be built from Syracuse to intersect it. The route through M'Grawville to Binghamton will not only be found to be the best, but will be the most feasible of any other that can be selected. Another important desideratum in this matter is to be found in the fact, that the citizens along this portion of the route will not be behind hand in taking the requisite amount of stock to insure the location in this direction. This important feature of public improvement will enhance the business character of the place by always affording the farmer a ready market for all of his produce. We can then eat our breakfast in M'Grawville, and sit down to our supper somewhere between Kinderhook and Hudson; and the next morning, long before daylight, if we choose, we can be wending our way along the streets of New York. And these prospects, though brilliant in their character, are not all that the citizens of this town have to urge them forward in their upward career.
The BAPTIST FREE MISSION UNIVERSITY is to be located somewhere in this State, without doubt; and from a recent letter, received from those who have the point of location in charge, there is a favorable prospect that M'GRAWVILLE is to be the place of its location, provided a sufficient sum is subscribed to render the thing an object. We are proud to learn that subscription papers are in circulation and that our citizens are subscribing liberally, which leaves little room to doubt, that the requisite amount will soon be made out.
Twenty thousand dollars will enable the Board to complete the INSTITUTION; and when this is done, it will afford facilities for an Academical and Collegiate course of instruction. The Institution will be founded free from sectarian shackles; will be based upon the principles of rectitude, and must, of necessity, involve the equal rights of all men.
◘ The Elmira Gazette is in favor of Martin Van Buren as the next Democratic candidate for the Presidency.
◘ The annual course of lectures commenced at the Albany Medical College on Tuesday. The Introductory was delivered by Dr. Armsby.
◘ Ground has been broken for another large Catholic edifice in Buffalo.
◘ On Sunday week the steamer Canada, when opposite Quebec, ran down a small boat and it is said five persons were drowned.
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