UNPRECEDENTED HOGGISHNESS

1847 United States stamps.

McGrawville Express, Thursday, November 18, 1847.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Unprecedented Hoggishness.

   Undoubtedly all have severely felt, more or less, (excepting public officers,) the oppressive effects of the alteration made at the last session of Congress of the new Postage law, called the act of '45. In reflecting upon this memorable event, unparalleled in the history of our government, I cannot consistently allude to it without speaking of it in the most sarcastic manner, as its importance deserves. The grievous restrictions which were imposed by that law upon the means of communication, under which the people of this nation now suffer, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every true American.

   Ever since the foundation of our government, the laws in relation to Postage had been of the most unjust character until the year 1845; when the heavy restrictions of the old law began to excite the indignation of the sensible people of our land, and a reformation was at last effected. These restrictions, which had become so much the subject of complaint, were removed by the salutary provisions of the new act, and equality began to more freely exist among the citizens of the United States. The base system of "the franking privilege" was greatly restricted, which our public men had so long extensively enjoyed in direct violation of all rules of justice, overloading our [mails] and extending the influence of partiality. The postage upon letters and other matter passing through the mails was reduced upon a more equal standard. The medium of the promulgation, and diffusion of knowledge, and the propagation of truth, (newspapers), which our forefathers were so desirous of extending into all parts of this country, were placed under more favorable circumstances. The country prints were protected from the encroachments of the city presses.

   Thus the act of '45 was spreading its benign influence among all classes of community, much to the satisfaction of the people, until the astonishing intelligence was announced of its repeal, and the substitution of a law of the most aggreviating [sic] nature.

   That cursed system of extending to some portions of our race the unjustifiable privilege of sending communications, and other similar matter through the mails "free" of charge, was again restored upon its original basis. That protection which had boon deservedly afforded to the only true and correct instruments of knowledge, calculated to increase the circulation and extend the influence of newspapers of the different counties and districts of our Union, was utterly destroyed by the [reinstating] of the enactments of the old law. Not only was the law of '46 modified in this important respect, but an enormous rate, unwarrantable in the existence of any government, (amounting in effect to a direct prohibition), was instituted upon transient newspapers, serving to oppress the poor and honest yeomanry inhabiting this country.

   Among the many evils originating from these disastrous alterations of the new law, made before a sufficient opportunity had been afforded, to test of the brilliant success which attended its progress during its short continuance, that in reference to the franking system, is one which first should receive our entire condemnation. The principle which implies the extension of privileges so unequal in their tendency, especially to those individuals who happen to be so fortunate as to enjoy the fruits and benefits accruing from the possession of office such a sentiment, cannot otherwise be considered by any person of sound judgment, than anti-republican, and utterly inconsistent with the pretensions we make of the freedom of our institutions. Through this enactment, men by attaining the spoils of particular offices are guaranteed by law certain privileges which the private citizen, who may be the least able to endure the restrictions, is not suffered to enjoy, but on the contrary, must submit strictly to its requirements, only for the purpose of supporting these very characters in the pleasures of their offices. The partiality in this case extends principally to representatives in Congress, and Deputy Postmasters, who in fact, are generally more able to endure these burdens than their constituents—the people at large.

   Not being satisfied with increasing their own privileges, they next proceeded to take some measures to grossly infringe upon the rights of the poor working classes, and did it most effectually. And how? By a grievous alteration of that portion of the law of '45 which granted to our worthy newspaper publishers, the truly inestimable privilege of forwarding their newspapers, free from postage, to their regular subscribers for the short distance of 30 miles. And in this manner also, correspondingly benefiting the subscriber, who may be in poor circumstances as many are, and therefore feel somewhat unable to subscribe for a paper unless he can attain it free from postage. How numerous are the instances that might be enumerated of this kind. This wise provision of '45, was not only lending to alleviate these cases, which might be mentioned, and exerting a salutary influence in almost every poor man's dwelling, but also producing a stimulant effect in the manner of encouragement to our country persevering editors, and printers who above all should be protected in their arduous employment. It was simply creating a method of carrying out the hearty desires of our ancestors, which they in adopting the rules and regulations pursued by other nations at that time, had neglected to improve.

   Washington was frequently known, in his conversation, to attach the origin of the Tories in the Revolutionary war solely to their gross ignorance in not understanding the difference between right and wrong, and rightly comprehending the oppression they were continually suffering from the tyrannical government of Great Britain. His sensibilities were aroused at this display of the powerful consequences of ignorance, and in view of its disastrous effects was heard to mourn on many occasions the want of influence of newspapers, that might circulate and proclaim to these deluded men, the only necessity of action and perseverance on their part, to deliver themselves from their oppressed condition.

   So this [Postage] law was only [sent to members] of every family, through which they might becomes acquainted with the daily transactions occurring in the various regions of the earth, especially in their own vicinity. Save them from growing up in darkness, living in ignorance and wickedness. It was eradicating the incalculable evils of ignorance, and diffusing light and knowledge, among the inhabitants of this country. It was arousing the energies of our publishers, and invigorating them onward in their glorious work. It was extending the circulation of the medium of information and learning into all parts of this wide Union.

   A STUDENT, G. A. H.

 

   QUEEN VICTORIA.—The rumor gains credence in circles of the highest authority of the symptoms of insanity having been decidedly manifested by her Majesty. The well known liability of her family to this cruel malady strengthens the probability of the report.

   COLORED SUFFRAGE IN CONNECTICUT.—The official canvass of Connecticut shows a vote of 5,553 in favor of extending the suffrage franchise to colored persons, and 19,975 against it; being a majority of 13,975.

   SONS OF TEMPERANCE.—According to a report exhibited at the Annual Session of the Order of the Sons of Temperance held in Philadelphia, it appears that there is at present in the State two hundred and ninety-five divisions, which have together 24,829 members. The number of members in the State on the 1st of September, 1846, were 16,259, showing an increase in a year of 8,639.

   THE CAPITOL ON FIRE.—While the Assembly was engaged in a call of the House this morning, says The Albany Atlas of Monday, a portion of the wood work near the south fire place took fire from the furnace. The incident for a time threw the House in confusion. The damage was slight.

   ◘ There is a man in Worcester who has lived so long on corn bread that his hair has turned to silk like that which grows on the grain, and his toes are full of corns, that he expects to see to see them covered with husks next spring.

 

FROM MEXICO.

Death of Capt. Walker—More Battles—Santa Anna Superseded—Orizaba Taken—Another Fight at Puebla.

   The steamer New Orleans arrived at New Orleans on the 7th, bringing [updates] from Vera Cruz to November 1st.

   Gen. Patterson was to leave Vera Cruz on the 1st. Col. Walker was killed in action with the Mexicans at Huamantla.

   Nothing of importance had transpired at the capital since last advices.

   Atlasco had been taken possession of by 1,000 of the American forces. No resistance. Santa Anna is superseded by Rincom—Santa Anna loudly protests, and refuses obedience to the government.

   The city was filled with rumors of peace, and it was said a quorum of Congress met at Queretaro and a majority decided in favor of amicable adjustment. Little doubt that a force of 400 Americans had occupied Orizaba existed.

   Several officers had leave of absence from our army, and proceeded to the United States—some to recruit for the Regiments.

   A new press has been commenced in Mexico city, called the North American, W. C. Toby, publisher. Affairs in the city were quiet.

   Gen. Lane arrived at Perote, and was joined there by Capt. Walker and his command. Walker took march to Huamantla.

   A sanguinary engagement took place between Walker's force, 250, and Mexicans, 1,600. The result was a total rout of the enemy, the occupation of the town by our troops with loss of only six men, among them Capt. Walker who was killed by a father enraged at the loss of his son. Mexican loss 200 men and three pieces of artillery.

   The Americans afterwards evacuated the place, and went toward Pinal on the Puebla road, and fell in with Gen. Lane, and both together marched to Puebla, which they found in a state of insurrection. They had to fight in platoons; and drove the Mexicans back and restored order. Gen. Rhea then fled with 400 guerillas towards Atlifico.

   Santa Anna was last heard of at Tehuacan de los Granados. All of his followers had deserted him except 200. Several shocks and one earthquake had been experienced at the capital.

   The health of our army was far from good. The climate had proved uncongenial to Southerners. The effective force had been considerably reduced in consequence 10 or 15 per cent.

   Gen. Persifor succeeds Gen. Quitman, as Governor of Mexico city. The Osian, from New York, arrived at Vera Cruz on the 25th of October with troops.

 

NEWS OF THE DAY.

   FROM SALT LAKE—MORMON LOCATION.—We yesterday saw a person direct from Council Bluffs, who states that on the day he left, a runner came in who was sent in advance by the Mormon "Twelve,'' who were on the route back from the Salt Lake.

   Our informant states that the Mormons have located their grand gathering place about half way between the Utah and salt lake in California, on a stream which connects the two waters. The distance between the two lakes is about sixty miles—a fertile valley extending the whole distance, of several miles in breadth. There they have laid out a city, and commencing making improvements. They are in the midst of the Blackfeet, Utah, and Crow tribe of Indians, who are said to be peaceable and favor this settlement.

   The main body of emigrating Mormons, which started from the Bluffs in June last, had advanced about two hundred miles between the south Pass by the latter end of July, and were passed at Green river at that time. They had got on without difficulty to that point, and were pushing on to their new location.—St. Louis Repub.,Oct. 27, 1847.