FIRE IN THE NATIONAL CAPITOL

United States Capitol Building.

Cortland Evening Standard, Tuesday, November 8, 1898.

GAS WAS RESPONSIBLE.

Further Account of the Fire in the National Capitol.

METER WAS BLOWN TO PIECES.

The Greatest Damage Was Done in the Destruction of Official Records, Some of Them Over a Hundred Years Old—Law Library Not Badly Damaged.

   WASHINGTON, Nov. 8.—Examination into the supreme court room and basement in the Capitol building where the fire was, revealed that in the meter room, where the supplies to the Capitol is measured, the big meter had been blown into pieces. This satisfied most of the Capitol officials that a gas explosion was responsible for the damage, but they would not express this view openly until an official inquiry had been made.

   Several supreme court justices made a visit to the scene of the catastrophe. Chief Justice Fuller and Justice Harland walked through the various apartments, guided by a man with a lantern, while they looked at the scenes of destruction with manifest interest; they made no remarks. They spent somewhat more time in the courtroom than elsewhere. There they found the upholstery and the court's new $4,000 carpet greatly injured, but the two court clocks were ticking away as regularly and as dignifiedly as ever. The busts of former chief justices which line the walls of the old chamber were also uninjured, and this appeared to be a source of much gratification to the chief justice and his companions.

   The only damage that cannot be made good was done in the file room of the supreme court in the basement where were stored all the official records and the original copies of opinions from the foundation of the government. All these opinions have been printed but the original manuscripts were highly valued. This room was almost over the scene of the explosion, and it was one of the first compartments of the Capitol to be attacked. The documents here were stored away in an orderly manner in wooden cases and none of them had any other protection, except the records of the court from 1792 to 1832, which were encased in tin boxes. The flames appear to have completely enveloped this room, but they were only sufficiently intense to badly char the woodwork and many of the documents. Comparatively few of the papers were absolutely destroyed, but those which suffered this fate were among the most valuable in the room. They included the original opinion of the court in the early days of the republic and among them were many manuscripts prepared in the handwriting of the jurists of the days of Washington, Jefferson and Adams. There were in the list many opinions in manuscript written by Marshall, Story, Samuel Chase, [Iredell], Washington and others of the period between 1790 and 1830 and therefore prized as relics of the early days of the court. They also were occasionally referred to, to settle disputed points concerning words or punctuation marks. These papers were stored under the arch of the room and seem to have been completely consumed.

   On the other hand the official records of the court's proceedings covering the same period appear to have been preserved and probably in good condition. Those were encased in tin boxes and these in turn placed within wooden cases. The debris is in such disorder as to have rendered it impossible to open the wooden doors, but these doors were not penetrated at any place; hence the belief that the records themselves are intact.

   Many of the more modern documents including letters and opinions of recent date were also so badly burned that it will be impossible to restore them, but none of these appears to have suffered such complete demolition as befell the early opinions. No documents affecting the present docket of the court were injured.

   The library of the supreme court, which next to the congressional library is the most valuable collection of books in Washington, escaped with little damage, although it was in the very center of disturbances, the wrecked elevator shaft and upheaved stone floors being at the library entrance. It is estimated that the loss in the library will be covered by $1,500. The books escaped intact, the loss being confined to singed woodwork. The floor of the electrical room under which the explosion occurred was as completely demolished as if it had been directly over the center of an earthquake. Fortunately no one was in the room when the explosion occurred.

   Mr. Woods expressed the opinion that the damage to the Capitol building could be repaired for $20,000. "It is by no menus so serious as I first thought it was," said Mr. Woods. "I find that the foundations of the building were not damaged in the least, but that the only injury done to the structure by the explosion was done to the arched floors. These were struck from beneath and, affording the least resistance, gave way so readily that the foundation walls were not injured in any way."

   Mr. Woods believes the explosion was caused by gas, but says he has not yet been able to make a sufficiently critical examination to place the exact spot at which the ignition occurred. Some express the opinion that a broken main and a burning jet are responsible for the occurrence. None of the very valuable books in the law library was injured.

 

Jews in the Senate.

   Senator Simon of Oregon will not be the first Jew to hold a seat in the United States senate, three others having preceded him. The first was David L. Yulee of Florida, whose father's name was Levy. He was elected a representative in 1845 as David Levy, but when his term expired he had his name changed to David Levy Yulee. The second Jewish senator was the famous Judah P. Benjamin of Louisiana, and the third was Benjamin Franklin Jonas of Louisiana.

 

Gen. Calixto Garcia.

GOVERNMENT FOR CUBA.

One is Probably Now Being Formed by the Assembly.

PROGRAM OF THE BUSINESS.

The So-Called Cuban Government Will Be Approved and a Commission Selected to Go to Washington. Spanish Troops Embarking For Spain.

   HAVANA, Nov. 8.—The latest advices received here from Santa Cruz del Sur fixed yesterday as the definite date for holding the convention to be presided over by General Calixto Garcia. The general opinion is that the convention will be limited to two or three sessions, at which the message of the so-called Cuban government will be unanimously approved without discussion.

   It is further said that the instruction to be given to the commission which is to go to Washington will be discussed secretly. The convention will then adjourn to Playa Marianao near here, and await the result of the work of the commission which will be sent to Washington. It is reported that this commission will consist of General Calixto Garcia, Senor Gonzalez Lanusa, who is a lawyer, and a Cuban general who has not yet been chosen.

   President Bartolomeo Masso will afterward retire to private life and will take part in improving the condition of the property which he owns near Manzanillo.

   General Roloff has been commissioned by the so-called Cuban government to make a statistical report on the personnel of the Cuban army. This report which is already far advanced shows that half the enlisted men can read and write.

   Colonel Williams, the chief quartermaster, and Chief Clerk Caldwell, who have been suffering from fever, show slight improvement, but F. T. Stewart of the quartermaster's department is very ill.

   The French steamer Los Andes has sailed for Barcelona, Spain, with 75 Spanish officers and 1,366 soldiers on board. The Spanish steamer Satrustiqui also sailed for Spain via Gibara, with 281 soldiers on board.

 

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

Uniformity of Divorce Law.

   The animated discussion of divorce in the general Episcopal convention, which recently closed its sittings at Washington, has called fresh attention to this subject, one of the most important which society is called on to solve. The laws relating to marriage and divorce being made by the different state legislatures, it need scarcely be said, are widely divergent, and this involves a crowd of evils which at once suggest themselves to thought. Why a national law of marriage and divorce, prescribing the fixed conditions under which the dissolution of the marriage vows shall become legal in every state should not exist like a national bankruptcy law is one of the curious anomalies existing under our triform political system.

   The facility with which divorce may be obtained in some of the states is well known and has frequently drawn the attention of social reformers. The privileges of these laws are not only bestowed on the real citizens, but extend to temporary sojourners, who have resided there for 60 or 90 days. No discussion of the presumptive ethics which are invoked to justify such laws is necessary. It is a question not so much of any alleged evil in the fact itself as of the wide variety of law by which a couple are a divorced pair in one state and married in another while, even if a dissolution of the bond is admitted in practice, a moral stigma attaches to a new marriage, and all kinds of complications arise, which radically affect the social, if they do not touch the legal condition.

   The wide difference of opinion which exists as to the theory and purpose of marriage is of course the root of the difference in state legislation. This makes it a question of importance that there should be enforced harmony of conditions, for it is the result on the great body of social life which is to be looked to. A constitutional amendment would of course be necessary to make a uniform divorce law possible. The constitution forbids that one state should impair the legal contract made under the laws of another state. Whether this can be stretched to cover dissolution of contract, as well as the making, is possibly debatable. The question should be thrashed out by persistent agitation. Even those favoring lenient divorce laws recognize the great evils which come out of the widely divergent legislation on this great question. It is probable that a great majority of the citizens of all the country, including those of the liberal divorce states, would be glad to have a uniform law throughout the land.

 

Machinery and Labor.

   Mr. Carroll D. Wright, commissioner of labor, in his report for 1898 presents very interesting statistics respecting the effects of machinery on labor in his annual report. The deductions to be drawn from his researches are rather suggestive than conclusive, but anything which throws light on this important subject will be read with avidity. Figures are given in a tabulated form concerning 84 different branches of manufacture, and in agriculture, mining, quarrying and transportation. A contrast of hand and machine labor is shown in a total of 678 articles, showing fluctuations at different periods. Only the broad, general features of Mr. Wright's report can be here summarized, in brief, and on those points most pertinent to the immediate welfare of the working classes.

   Wages have constantly increased since the introduction of the factory system, which substituted machine for hand labor, but it is almost impossible to decide whether this increase is the outcome of a higher standard of living or the increased productivity of labor supplemented by machinery, or to other causes or to a combination of various causes. There is always, however, the basic fact that the most unintelligent manual labor has increased proportionally in wage value. Mr. Wright sustains the conclusion that machinery has lowered the cost of products. Under the machine method, too, there is increased demand for labor in the aggregate, though there may be temporary depression and loss of employment from special causes. Indeed the epoch of machine labor has been subject to the same fluctuations in the labor market which existed in the days of hand labor—now a surplus, now a lack. The same fluctuation exists in the variability of wages, and during the periods of depression there can be no question of a decrease not only in rates and earning power, but in the number of operatives employed; but the day of machines permits this fluctuation, it may be added, to be more frequent and more violent. The enormous power of machine production, in a word, easily brings about the overstocking of the market, which is one of the chief causes of labor interruption.

   The statistics show three conclusions which cannot be dodged, if we trust the figures. In the first place, machine production has lowered cost of goods in every line of manufacturing. In the next place, it has increased the number of persons required for the production of articles needed to meet the demand. Thirdly, there has been a concurrent tendency of wages to appreciate, in spite of fitful depressions. What part the organization of labor in trade unions and similar protective methods has had in the working out of conditions to results is not considered. On the whole, however, Mr. Wright's evident conviction is that there has been a notable advantage to the cause of labor by the greatly added power which mechanical device gives to its productiveness.

 

HEAVY VOTE POLLED.

Voting Began Early and Continued at a Rapid Rate.

   NEW YORK, NOV. 8.—Weather conditions at the opening of the day were all that could be desired by voters. The air was clear and fresh and the temperature about forty-five degrees. The polls opening at 6 o'clock, many citizens took an early morning walk to the polls, deposited their ballots and returned home to breakfast with the consciousness of a duty performed, leaving them free for the rest of the day for their business pursuits or for recreation and pleasure.

   The early morning vote was quite up to the best averages. Nowhere had any trouble been reported during the first three hours of balloting. There were comparatively few votes challenged, and in all but a few instances the person challenged swore in his vote and went about his business. The blanket ballot has become familiar to most New Yorkers and the marking of it occupied but little time. At the last state election 122,000 blank or defective ballots were cast, but it is not likely that there will be even approximately as much waste paper deposited in the boxes this year. Party lines are most closely drawn than they were in 1896 when Democrats were divided on the currency issue. In that year, there is reason to believe many ballots were invalidated by the attempts of voters to scratch without being fully informed as to the effect of their marking.

   It cannot be said that any particular vote—Democratic or Republican—showed itself distinctively in the early hours of the day. The merchant and the mechanic, the clerk and the day laborer were in evidence at the polls just about in the degree that they were in the early hours of other recent Election days. Almost all the manufacturing concerns shut down for the day, and banks and brokers and insurance offices were closed. Many of the large department stores, on the other hand, were open for business the entire day, but even in those concerns employees who are voters were given time enough to go to their several polling places and deposit their ballots before the close at 5 P. M.

   Over one-third of the vote had been cast in the city at 9:30 A. M. and it is stated at both the Democratic and Republican headquarters that the full vote registered would be cast. No serious trouble occurred up to 10 o'clock, though there had been about a dozen arrests on warrants.

   ITHACA, Nov. 8.—The weather this morning is all that could be desired. The indications point to a full vote in this city.

   SYRACUSE, Nov. 8.—At 10:30 o'clock fully half the vote of this city had been cast.

 

[CORTLAND] VILLAGE TRUSTEES.

Public Business Transacted at the Session Last Night.

   When President Stilson called the meeting of the board of village trustees to order last night at 8:20 o'clock, Trustee O'Leary of the First ward was the only absentee, but he came in later, and remained during the most of the session. The first matter to receive the board's attention was a communication from Attorney B. A. Benedict concerning the conveying of water from Madison and Schermerhorn-sts., north to Otter creek through sewer pipe laid in private grounds. The proposed sewer passes through a few feet of ground at the bank of the creek, and Mr. Benedict asserted that he would expect all work to cease at once, or he would feel compelled to enjoin the village by action. Trustee White said that Mr. Benedict said he wanted $100 for the privilege, and he thought that too much. On Mr. White's motion, the communication was laid on the table.

   Clerk Crombie read a communication from the Warren-Scharf Asphalt Paving company stating that the company's construction bond covers everything, including the construction of the curb, and protects the village from all legal steps that might be taken against it, and asking that the village provide for payment for the curb. This matter was referred to Kellogg & Van Hoesen, the village attorneys.

   The paving company also asked an extension of time until Nov. 20, and this also was referred to the same attorneys.

   T. E. Courtney of the law firm of J. & T. E. Courtney presented a claim of Edwin D. Woodbury of 14 Pomeroy-st., who alleges that in September he fell through a defective walk on Pomeroy-st. opposite the Garvey property, receiving serious injuries. He wants $5,000. This was referred to Kellogg & Van Hoesen.

   The board of health recommended for sanitary reasons that a new sewer 430 feet in length be laid in Graham-ave. running north from Prospect-st., and the board authorized the sewer board to have the sewer put in at an expense not exceeding $172.

   Engineer Allen submitted his monthly statement of expense of the new pavement to date, amounting to $25,470.78 after deducting what had already been paid. The engineer stated that the work had all been executed according to contract and specifications except as to the curb, and in this respect the contractors had failed to furnish evidence of the extinguishment of the patent right. On motion of Trustee Nodecker, payment for the pavement, less 25 per cent, as per contract was ordered, excepting for the curb and gutter.

   Several sidewalks were ordered rebuilt and repaired, and it was decided to open bids for putting a steam heating apparatus in Fireman's hall Thursday night to which time the board adjourned.

   Bills were audited as follows:

   Jas. F. Costello, salary, $25.00

   Reider & McLaughlin, supplies, 20.08

   Police force, 189.00

   Delos Bauder, 2.00

   Street commissioner's payroll, 298.10

   James Grant, labor, 13.00

   E. A. McGraw, labor, 8.30

   Savings bank, interest, 59.75

   H. F. Benton, lumber, 60.68

   Electric lights, 396.85

   W. J. Moore, examination of reported smallpox at McLean, 25.00

   E. A. Didama, health officer, 21.00

   H. C. Allen, engineer, 789.13

 

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

Hopkins' Greenhouses Visited by an Admiring Public.

   Hopkins' chrysanthemum show opened at the North Main-st. greenhouses last evening, and was attended by a very appreciative company. The greenhouses were lighted in a pretty way with Japanese lanterns, and the whole effect was indeed very fine. Mr. Hopkins has a larger variety of chrysanthemums than ever before, and it was the special delight of the ladies last night to admire them. The violet and carnation houses also had their admirers, and indeed they looked very beautiful. Each of these houses has been doubled in size since last season. The rosehouse was attractive for many of the visitors. The greenhouses as a whole are scrupulously neat and clean, and Mr. Hopkins is certainly to be congratulated on the beauty of his exhibition this year. The show continues each afternoon and evening of this week, and the public is cordially invited.

 

Cemetery Association Meeting.

   The annual meeting of the Cortland Rural Cemetery association was held at the office of County Judge J. E. Eggleston last night, and Messrs. A. L. Cole, C. P. Walrad and A. D. Blodgett were reelected trustees to succeed themselves. Treasurer C. P. Walrad reported a surplus of nearly $11,000 in the treasury, and Superintendent B. B. Morehouse reported that the whole of what is known as the Corwin tract in the northwest part of the cemetery is graded and that lots are ready for sale. The trustees will meet at the cemetery next Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock to look over the premises.

 

BREVITIES.

   —The Ladies' Literary club will meet to-morrow afternoon with Mrs. N. H. Gillette, 20 West Court-st.

   —The Fortnightly club will meet tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock with Mrs. Edward Stilson, corner of Owego and Union-sts.

   —The ladies of the Farther Lights society of the First Baptist church will meet for work at Miss Grace Stoker's, 13 Church-st. Wednesday evening, Nov. 9, at 8 o'clock.

   —New display advertisements to-day are—Davern & Co., Trimmed Millinery, page 6; Palmer & Co., Prices Can't be Matched, page 7; Model Clothing Co., Dress Suits, page 4; McCarthy & Sons, Shop by Mail, page 4; Opera House, Ferrer-Phillips Concert Co., page 4; Baker& Angell, Jenness Miller Shoes, page3.

CORTLAND COUNTY ANTI-SLAVERY CONVENTION

 

Cortland County Express, Thursday, October 10, 1850.

ANTI-SLAVERY COUNTY CONVENTION.

Cortlandville, Oct. 8th, 1850.

   At a meeting of the Anti-Slavery friends of Cortland County convened for the purpose of mutual consultation; Dea. Nathan Bouton was appointed Chairman, and Philander Knight, Sec. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Thatcher. Voted that a committee of five be appointed to prepare business for the meeting.

   The following persons were then appointed by the Chair; Oren Cravath, George K. Stiles, Silas Hammond, Thomas Boland, Joel Hancock.

   At this period a delegation of over thirty students of N. Y. Central College entered the Court House and the friends felt encouraged.

   While the committee were out, some very interesting remarks were made by Rev. Mr. Thatcher. The committee then reported the following resolutions for the consideration of the convention which were accepted.

   1. Resolved, That we believe with John Wesley that "Slavery is the sum of all villainies;" and that "Liberty is the birth-right of every creature;" with Jefferson that "The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions; the most unrelenting despotism on the one part, and degrading submission on the other;" and that "One hour of American slavery is more intolerable than an age of that which our fathers rose in rebellion to oppose;" with John Randolph, that "The best blood of Virginia flows in the veins of the slave;" with Franklin, that "We are bound to step to the verge of the power vested in us by the constitution to abolish slavery;" and with Washington, that "There is but one proper and effectual mode by which the abolition of slavery can be accomplished, and that is legislative action, and that, so far as our votes will go, shall not be wanting."

   2. Resolved, That in view of the events of the past few months, we are more than ever convinced of the moral turpitude and black and damning enormity of American Slavery. That the recent action of Congress in its favor, and that too, at a time when throughout the civilized world, this atrocious system of fraud and piracy is receding before the growing intelligence and morality of the age, is insulting and disgraceful to the American people; at war with the spirit of our free institutions, and richly merits, and should receive the bitter scorn and unmitigated contempt of every good citizen.

   3. Resolved, That it is the duty of every citizen of this country to treat the late Fugitive Slave Bill us a nullity; because it tramples upon every principle of Liberty, Justice, and Religion; and that we can no more obey its horrible requirements than we can abjure our religion; that we should consider obedience to it as, in fact, a renunciation of Christianity; for God has commanded us to "Deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor," and "Not to deliver to his master the servant who has escaped from his master."

   4. Resolved, That the Fugitive Slave Bill, recently passed by Congress, is a monstrous and cruel device; at antipodes with every dictate of Christianity and humanity; that it is a flagrant violation of the Constitution of the U S.; a palpable outrage upon that portion of our countrymen, who are already down-trodden and oppressed; and that its speedy repeal is imperatively demanded by every thing valuable and sacred in our civil and religious institutions; and that in our opinion, it would be proper to call an extra session of Congress for this express purpose.

   5. Resolved, That this Convention cordially approves of so much of the action of the Whig State Convention, recently held at Syracuse, as relates to the restriction of slavery, and expresses approbation of the course pursued in the Senate of the United States by that noble and fearless champion of freedom, Wm. H. Seward.

   6. Resolved, That in as much as the Whigs at their State Convention approved Wm. H. Seward, and also the present administration, whose leading and infamous measures met with his inflexible opposition, is, to say the least, palpably and unjustifiably inconsistent and renders them wholly unworthy of the confidence of every friend of humanity.

   Resolved, That the Free Democracy of this State, by forming an alliance with the Hunkers, and agreeing not to make the Jefferson Proviso their long cherished principle, a "Test;" and finally, in the recent State Convention at Syracuse, by endorsing the wicked and absurd doctrines of the last two Baltimore Conventions, have deserted the Buffalo Platform, on which they pledged themselves to "fight on and fight ever until a triumphant victory should reward their exertions;" and that in our opinion, every Free Democrat is loudly called upon to evince by his actions, that he loves principle more than party. [Our italics—CC editor.]

   8. Resolved, That Congress has the constitutional power to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, and in the territories of the U. S.; and also, to abolish the Internal slave trade; and, in our opinion, that it should exercise that power forthwith.

   9. Resolved, That we deem any man worthy of our suffrages, who endorses the principles embodied in these resolutions, and whom we believe to be honest and capable.

   10. Resolved, That the professing christians of this nation are responsible for the late infamous acts of Congress, which are a libel on our free institution, and that they have reason to deprecate their coldness and indifference in the cause of God's poor.

   Voted, that the resolutions be taken up separately. The resolutions (excepting the 4 and 10,) after a spirited discussion, were adopted.—The 4th resolution was laid on the table for the reason that the same ideas were embraced in the 3d. The 10th resolution, on motion of Rev. Mr. Thatcher, was indefinitely postponed.

   Resolved, That this meeting adjourn to meet at the Court House in Cortland village, on the 15th inst., at 10 o'clock A. M. and invite all Anti-Slavery friends to meet with us for the purpose of considering what course it is proper to pursue in the present crisis of affairs.

   PHILANDER KNIGHT, Sec.

 

SLAVE EMIGRATlON.

   The Buffalo Republican has the following paragraphs:

   Yesterday a party of fifty-one colored men, women and children from Pittsburg, under the command of B. G. Sampson, a mullato of very considerable ability, crossed the Ferry at Black Rock into Canada. They were all armed "to the teeth," and on their way to Toronto. When in the middle of the river they made the welkin ring with huzzas for their safe escape into a land, to them, of freedom. When they landed on the British side, they paraded on the beach and again swung their hats and gave shouts of joy, mingled with song. It is said that one hundred left Pittsburg of this party, but forty-nine dropped off and remained in the States for the present. It is also stated that fifteen hundred have organized and are on their way to Canada from the States. In this party were seven females and four children.

   The singular spectacle is here presented, of a race of enslaved people, fleeing for protection to a government which first riveted their chains upon them by establishing slavery in the colonies of the United States. Sensible of the wrong she has done the colored race, the British Government has now become their friends and offers them an asylum on her shores. There is a moral in this which will not be lost, we trust, to the people of the United States.

  

LIBERTY PARTY CONVENTION.

   The Liberty Party electors of the County of Cortland are requested to attend a County Convention for the Nomination of County Officers, on Monday next, 14th inst., at 12 o'clock noon, at the house of S. R. Ward, in Cortland village.

   By Order &c.

   Dated, Cortland, Oct. 8, 1850

 

FOREIGN NEWS.

Arrival of the Steamship Cherokee.

   New York, Oct. 5—3 P. M.—The Cherokee arrived at her wharf at 9 o'clock this morning, bringing two weeks later news from California, Oregon, &c., a large number of passengers, and over $1,000,000 in gold dust.

   The Steamer Oregon arrived at Panama on the 18th Sept., having left San Francisco on the 1st., bringing down $1,500,000 in gold and 300 passengers, 250 of whom came in the Cherokee. The rest came by the Georgia, which will probably arrive to-morrow via Havana with the mails.

   The San Francisco Herald says with regard to the affairs at Sacramento City: We are happy in being able to state that the disturbances almost wholly ceased after the first outbreak. The first account, as is usually the case, somewhat exaggerated the number killed, and of the combatants. The squatters fled in a short time. After the first difficulties in the street, some of the ringleaders were arrested and they are now awaiting their trial in prison.

   A few days after the fight in Sacramento, Sheriff McKinney was killed in attempting to arrest a man named Allen, one of the leaders of the Squatter party. Rumors prevailed in Sacramento that a band of some 400 armed men were now in the vicinity of Weaversville, preparing to make a descent upon Sacramento for the purpose of securing the prisoners.

   The wounds received by Mayor Bigelow in the affray are not likely to terminate fatally. It is said his physicians now entertain hopes of his recovery.

   The news of Gen. Taylor's death was received with much concern in the country. In this city measures were immediately taken to celebrate his obsequies, which took place on Thursday last.

   Since the arrival of the Steamer on the 15th, we notice a great apathy in our market generally, which can be accounted for, by the large stock of goods on hand, and the scarcity of money. Lumber still continues very abundant and scarcely averages the prices of freight.

PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE NEW YORK CENTRAL COLLEGE STUDENTS

 

Cortland County Express, Thursday, September 26, 1850.

COMMUNICATED.

For the Express.

Preamble and Resolutions.

   We publish the following Preamble and Resolutions adopted by the students of the Central College. We throw them before the public with pleasure, that those unacquainted with the principles of those, or a portion of them at least, attending that institution, may read and judge for themselves:

   At the close of a series of meetings, held by the students of New York Central College, for the purpose of deliberating upon the incarceration of Wm. L. Chaplin, the following Preamble and resolutions were adopted:

   Whereas, According to the American Declaration of Independence, all men are endowed with an inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and whereas; Three millions of our fellow beings are this day held in a bondage, an hour of which according to Thomas Jefferson, is worse than ages of that which our Fathers rose in arms to resist, and whereas, it is the right of every bondman to seek to obtain his freedom, therefore:

   Resolved, That it is also the right and the duty of every person to aid him in obtaining it.

   Resolved, That we honor and admire the Philanthropy, Humanity, and Heroism of that noble and Christ-like man, Wm. L. Chaplin, in aiding his poor and outraged and crushed brethren in their escape from the hideous monster, American Slavery.

   Resolved, That although many of the leading politicians and religionists of the day, stigmatize Mr. Chaplin's conduct as kidnapping, yet we hold that true republicanism and true religion sanctions it.

   Resolved, That those Editors who sympathize with oppressor instead of the oppressed, and are ever ready to apologize for man stealing in the form of slavery, but who condemn man restoring in the form of giving aid and comfort to the fugitive, are false to God and humanity, and show that they love popular applause better than the cause of truth, and their purses better than justice.

   Resolved, That the American Christian Church, so called, with a few most honorable exceptions have, by extending their broad mantle of charity over the system of American slavery, done more to extend and perpetuate that system than any other organization of American Citizens has done, or can do, and are consequently guilty of participation in the crime of the incarceration of Wm. L. Chaplin.

   Resolved, That at the present crisis it is the duty of every lover of his race, to exert whatever influence he may possess, in favor of a thorough, permanent, and radical reform in the unjust laws of our country, and also that each one should strive to purify public sentiment from these wicked and cruel prejudices, which recognize distinction of caste, and claim superiority of rights for the rich and high over the humble and poor, thereby placing almost an unsurmountable barrier to the elevation of the degraded.

   Resolved, That the foregoing Preamble and Resolutions be sent for publication to the papers of this county, and in the Liberty Party Paper, American Baptist, and Impartial Citizen, and all other papers friendly to Antislavery and the interests of this Institution be requested to copy them.

   H. R. Perry, President, H. N. Gilbert, Sec., McGrawville, N. Y., Sept. 18, 1850.

 

For the Express.

   The following resolutions are published by request of the citizens convened at a public meeting at Freetown Corners, N. Y., Sept. 2, 1850.

   At a meeting of the Citizens of Freetown Corners, who are opposed to American Slavery and who sympathize with Wm. L. Chaplin, in his imprisonment for aiding the escape of slaves from bondage, convened in the Baptist Church in Freetown on Monday evening, September 2d.

   The following gentlemen were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions, viz: Dr. H. P. Eels, L. D. Tanner, John Seeber. The committee reported the following resolutions which were adopted:

   Resolved, That all men are endowed with the inalienable right to enjoy "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;" and that it is the right of every person, held as a slave upon American soil, to seek, and to obtain such enjoyment whenever, and wherever he can find it; for similar acts we praise our pilgrim fathers, and applaud the patriots of every clime and nation.

   Resolved, That though we recognize the right of separate and independent political communities to legislate for themselves, being responsible to God for the moral character of their acts, yet American Slavery is a "monster of so hideous mien" that we can impute no moral turpitude to the man who dares the penalties of its regulations to free his brother man from its embrace; but rather feel to respect and approve the impulses of humanity, philanthropy, and religion which prompt the act.

   Resolved, That in the recent arrest of Wm. L. Chaplin, in the D. C., we recognize a Providential calling of the attention of the people to the laws of said district, and to their responsibility in regard to them.

   Resolved, That no legislation can confer upon Slavery the character of right, justice, morality, or religion—that the laws under which Wm. L. Chaplin is incarcerated are the laws of congress, and therefore national laws, for which the whole people are responsible; and that they ought to be repealed, and every vestige of slavery wiped out from the seat of our National Government.

   Resolved, That the act for which Wm. L. Chaplin is imprisoned, is the same in principle as that which we glorify in Kosciusko, Pulaski and Lafayette—which we commend in the aid and sympathy extended to Greece and the struggling nations of Europe, in their efforts to gain their liberties; and that we commend him to sympathies and the prayers of the friends of freedom and humanity in his present condition.

   Resolved, That in as much as the friends of slavery claim the right to extend it into territories now free, we in our turn demand that the U. S. Constitution shall be amended by striking out those clauses which are claimed as its compromises, so that no pretence may be left for the support of Slavery by the general Government.

   Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be forwarded to the Liberty Party Paper, Cortland County Express, Cortland Democrat, and Cortland County Whig for publication.

   John W. Strowbridge, Sec.

 

Jenny Lind.

JENNY LIND.

   We are really gratified to learn that this distinguished Vocalist knows how to dispose of money so profusely paid, by the adorers of vocal music. She no doubt possesses a fine voice, and her powers for song are not surpassed, yet we believe that music is not her best gift; her charity seems to be unbounded, and but few persons, after receiving twelve or fifteen thousand dollars for an evening's labor, would promptly distribute ten thousand dollars to the various benevolent societies of the city. We are glad that she knows so well how to dispose of her funds. Perhaps it is a wise dispensation of Providence that she has the power to draw money from the pockets of those who never have a dollar for benevolent objects, when by passing through her hands it finds its way into those societies who deal out their funds to assuage the woes of the unfortunate. We hope this grace of charity will abound in the heart of this sweet singer, and that she will continue to use her surplus funds to aid the sorrow-stricken and destitute of our country. If so, the prayers and benedictions of the poor will follow her, and she will have a large stock in heaven's banking house to draw upon in time of need.

 

   ◘ Don't pass under the sign of the "Clothing Store," without stepping in and examining Mr. Latting's new stock of Ready Made Clothing. If you want to stop a hole in your pants or coat, better go to Latting's and buy a new garment than furnish candles and set "wife" to mending. He will shingle you all over with lining on the inside for a trifle; yes, and put on a hat or a cap to finish you up. See his advertisement in another column.

 

SENATE.

   WASHINGTON, D. C., Sept. 18, 1850.—Mr. Hamilton, from the Committee on Commerce, reported a bill for the free navigation of the St. Lawrence river, and to establish reciprocity of trade with Canada.

   Mr. Rusk from the Post Office Committee made a report, responsive to a resolution of the Senate, relative to the manner in which the contracts for carrying the mail by ocean steamers to California and elsewhere had been performed. The report was ordered to be printed.

   Mr. Chase, pursuant to notice, asked leave to introduce a bill prohibiting slavery in the territories of the U. S.

   Mr. Clay—I oppose the leave; I hope it will not be granted. There is peace now throughout all our borders, and I hope it will be perpetual and universal. I trust that the Senate will at once decisively set its face against these exciting topics.

   Mr. Cass—I heartily concur in what has been said by the Senator from Kentucky, and move to lay the motion for leave on the table.

   Mr. Chase, after a few words in a tone quite inaudible to the reporter, withdrew his motion for leave.

   Mr. Pratt, pursuant to notice, moved that the Senate take up the bill to prevent the enticing or assisting slaves to escape from the service of their masters in the District of Columbia.

   Mr. Hale expressed the hope that the Senate would set its face against further agitation upon these subjects. They had just heard that there was peace throughout all our borders, and he trusted that it would be perpetuated by the refusal of the Senate to disturb it. He hoped that aggression would now cease. (Laughter.)

   Mr. Clay thought the bill now presented a part of the system of measures, of which many had recently passed. He-agreed that aggression ought to cease, and the object of the bill was to cause a cessation of the aggression of slave stealing.

   The bill was then taken up and considered in Committee of the whole.

   Mr. Hale moved that the bill be referred to the Committee on the district of Columbia, with instructions to report an amendment abolishing slavery in the District.

   This motion by 8 yeas to 41 nays was rejected. Messrs. Baldwin, Chase, Davis of Mass., Dodge of Wisconsin, hale, Hamlin, Seward and Winthrop were those who voted in the affirmative. After further debate the bill was postponed until to-morrow. The senate went into executive session for the remainder of the day.