Constantine Republican from Constantine, Michigan • Page 2

natural quantity allolted by the laws of trade, without depreciating in value. Our bank paper is mado to represent gold and silver, and should Always be convertible in. to that medium at the will of the holder. Care must bo exercised, jhen, not to Jut this paper representative become too dispropor-tioned to tho metallic basis alotted to us by tho laws of trade; 'if increased beyond this guarded limit, it loses its general standard of value, depreciates and becomea worthless in the hands of tho peopk Tho syctcm of banking, at present au-' thorized inMichigan, e.xisU in the provisions of a general law, ottering to all persons the privileges of banking under certain guards and restrictions. The principles under which this law is based, arc certainly cor- rcct, destroying as they do, the odious fea.

lures of a bank and giving equal rights to all classes of iho community. in tho practical operations.of the system, there is much to apprehend. 'v. As long as a desire of gain exists in the heart of man, at. tempts will be mado to avoid the requisitions of any general law on banking.

Our sys. tern then should be strongly guarded, its provisions rigidly enforced, tho operations of the banks vigilantly watched, or tho whole stato will be irretrievably plunged into the Vortex of over banking, with all its attend, ing pernicious consequences. Although, it is but justice to say, that' tho institutions under tho general law, from their returns as far as received, exhibit as sound condition as any of tho chartered banks of tho state, it must yet be 'admitted, that they have multiplied beyondtho utmost expectation of tho public. It is not then from tho system itself, if properly reformed, but in its abuses, that we have most to fear. Tho dangers to be apprehended from the abuses of the system, arc over issues of bank paper, a dangerous extension of credit, fluctuations in our currency, and consequently fluctuations in tho prices of property and the wages of labor It becomes your duty then to guard against these evils.

Your object should not bo tho destruction of tho but an cflicicnt regulation of it, and its restrictions to proper limits. AVith this object I would refer you to the suggestions contained in the report of the Bank Com. missioner accompanying this communication. I may hero suggest, that it is important for tho legislature to cxtmine into tho general condition of all the banks of tho state, with a view to the resumption of specie payments at the earliest i possible period. From tho report of tho Dank Commissioner it will be perceived, th.lt tho thirteen" char- tered banks ol tho stato upon wnom win uc- end the resumption of specie payments, lad in circulation on tho 1st day of Decem ber last, $1,551,800.

Their specie on hand at tho samo period amounted to 8350,019 1G their total liabilities wcro 83,121,060 53 and their loans and discounts 53 It will bo seen from this statement when compared with tho report of tho Commissioner in June 1837, that these banks have, within the period from Juno to Do-ccmbcr, increased their -circulation one hundred and eighty-thrce thousand dollars, curtailed their loans and discounts about seventy -six thousand, and lessened their general liabilities about three hundred and 'ninety thousand dollars. By tho act of Juno 22d, 1837, tho banks had extended to them tho privilege of an exemption from ppecio payments until tho sixteenth day of May next. Under no circumstances should the provisions of this act bo extended beyond that period. It is demanded of the nnd it is duo to tho character of tho country, that specie payments should bo at onco resumed. Tho banks have had ample time Jo prepare for such a measure.

By refcrenco to tho Commissioner's re- Eort, it will also bo seen, that somo of our anks, although continuing to refuse specie on their notes when presented for payment, have denied accepting tho terms of tho sus-pension act, and havo thus set the legislation of tho state at defiance. It is left for tho legislature to adopt such measures in the premises, as their wisdom may The conduct of these institutions has satis-fied me, however, that tho act allowing the banks thirty and sixty days for tho redemption of their paper, should at onco bo repealed. It is by a subterfuge under this act, -that tho institutions referred to, claim an exemption from tho penalties of tho existing laws. I have no disposition to do any bank injustice, but I believe un inquiry by. tho legislature into abuses of tho trust confided to some of them, would bo productive of public good.

It is well enough to test the question whether these. corporations aro a. bovo the laws of tho land, and to make tho issue at once, if it must arise, whether wo are to have a government of the banks or of tho peop'e. If your present laws arc in-sufficient to coerce the banks into their du-ty, let them be amended and if the pow-crs of your Chancellor bo doubted, cnlargo t'icm. v.

An exclusive metallic currency neither to be desired nor expected in this country; but that as largo an amount of tho precious metals as practicable should be infused into our local circulating medium, is undeniable; and as it is tho laboring classes who arc most subjected to the loases incident to bank paper, wo should endeavor to keep within the stato and in circulation a sufficient quanti. ty of gold and silver for our ordinary daily The suppression' of small notes would operate to bring a largo amount of metals into circulation, ris a substitute for the bank paper which would necJssari-Jy be withdrawn. You must suppress small notes, or the gold and silver brought into the stato will accumulate in tho banks, or bo withdrawn for individual purposes connect-cd with banks or banking. An inconven-' ienco to tho public might at first arise from the operation of this law but this inconvenience would pass away, as tho vacuum produced by tho withdrawal of small notes is filled by a return of specie. The mcasuro however, should bo gradual in its operation so as not to produce too sudden contrac tion of our circulating medium.

Tho o- pinion that the public would suhor a per manent embarrassment by suppressing the circulation of small notes, is not sanctioned by experience. Manv of the states have adopted tho policy, and in England, whero the maturcst reflection is given to tuo sun icct of currency and banking, all bank pa per has been suppressed below tho denomination of fivo pound notes. It may also be-worthy of consideration, whether our banks should not bo further limited than at present, in the amount of circulation they should bo permitted to have out. at any fnt limn. Jn connection with the subject of banking I beg leave to call your attent'on to the act of tho Legislature authorizing a loan of five millions of dollars for purposes of internal improvements.

By the provisions of this law, it is declared, "jhat the proceeds of all railroads and canals constructed by the stato the interest on all loans which may bo made from the internal improvement fund, and the dividends arising from all bank stocks own. ed or, to bo owned by the state, so' far as may be necessary, hall under tho direction of. the constitute a sinking fund for the payment of the principal nnd inter-est of tho loan authorized." Under this law, the faith of the stato has been pledged, to guarantee certain sources of rcvenuo for th Redemption of our loan, A sense of duty, and tho interests of the public require that asystem for tho investment and "man agement of this sinking fundi should at onco bo ma'ured. We have held out to the. world these difll-rcnt sources of revenue, as show.

ing the ability-of the stato to meet its en. g'jgeirients, and I am satisfied that it was tho intention of tho legislature to carry out good faith their lmphed pledge, by stato investments in bank stock, so soon as tho loan authorized should Incompleted. That the investment of this sinking fund in bank stocks would be more productive and cor tain than any other mode, I have little doubt; and us it seems" tho state, js to bo a holder of bank stock, tho question will arise whe- ther sho will place her funds la privato in stitutions, or in an institution under her own controh i Whilst I am willing to yiold to the better judgement of tho legislature, I can but ex press my decided preference for a stato in stitution. In addition to the advantageous crcatoin of a sinking fund, for tho payment of our loan by tho incorporation of such a bank, wo should have an agent with abih. ty to manage the financial operations of the state, and calculated to aid us most essentially in our contemplated works of public improvements.

Again, a stato bank, if properly managed, would bo an important instrument in establishing and sustaining our credit abroad it would havo salutary influenco upon our currency, and would from its large capital, be enabled to render great assistance to the commercial commu-nity, in tho exchanges between this and other states. Tho faith of the state pledged for the redemption of its circulation, its pa-per, would command confidence in. every part of tho Union. If the project of a state bank should find favor with tho legislature, I would suggest that its capttal should be limited to the a-mount of the loan, and that its charter continue during the period for which the loan made. Tho stock should be apportioned be-tween the stato and individuals, in such a proportion as would give the state unrestricted control of her funds, and, at the same time, create such a check by privato inspection, as would prevent the abuse of the trust held by the public agents.

The circulation of the bank should bo limited by its char-tcr, and at no one time should exceed a certain fixed sum. Tho individual stock-holders should give the state real estate se-curities for the amount of their stock, as an indemnity for a cuarantto which the state should issuo for the redemption of the cir. dilation of the bank. This guarantco might consist of state bonds, bearing an in-t crest of six per to be deposited in the ofiico of tho Bank Commissioners, and although bearing an interest of six per no interest should bo paid whilst tho bonds are in their hands. This stock should bo assignable only under the order of a court, and after such assignment the interest should begin.

The bank should bo tr.eJepos-itory of all tho public moneys, should is-suo do notes of less denomination than ten dollars, and should make all tho disburse ments and exchanges of the stato gra tuitously. For the capital stock, on the part of the state, we might calculate on the surplus revenue received from the U. tho premium and exchange on tho state such part of the principal of the loan as might not be immediately required for public use, tho receipts from all rail- roads and canals, or, it should bo deemed advisable, the whole school and university fund might, at a reasonable rate of interest be loaned to the internal improvement fund. rom these sources, an ample capital might be produced for all the purposes of the in stitution and as there aro considerations of gravo character connected with the proposition, I would ask for it the calm and dispassionate deliberation of tho autre. I havo repeatedly expressed my opinion against the policy of granting acts of incorporation to individuals for ordinary purpos es of trade.

My views on this subject re. main unchanged. Competition is tho best regulator of every branch of industry. Ihe association of wealth for such objects as may bo pursued by individual cnterprize, subjects tho great body of the mechanic and industrious classes to an unfair and injurious competition. Tho general law rela- tivo to incorporations, now in existence, is sufiicient for all thq purposes of encouraging manufactories and I would recom mend that the legislature abstain hereafter from all such special legislation, as is calculated to create within tho heart of the state, a system of privileged monopolis, combining to enhance tho profits of stock, and with power to depress tho wages of la- bor and in certain particular departments of trade.

At tho last annual assembles of the legislature, I brought before them, tho inju-rious consequences resulting from our existing usury law, and urged tko necessity of its repeal, as based upon sound and as caucu lor by tho. best interest of the state. A casual observance of events for the last eight months, has but increased my convic tion of the pernicious tendency of all such futile restraints unon the freo circulation of capital, from individual to individual, or from one occupation to another. We havo attempted by legal enactment to fix a value of money at seven per cent per annum, without regard, to tho condition to tho mon-ey market and what has been tho prac tical opcratbri of tho Why, that while legislation has limited the rate of interest to 6ovcn per cent, tho demand of the market has brought it up to fifty, and even ono hundred per cent per annum, in direct violation of your enactment. But by are.

cent act of the legislature tho rate of interest on loans, may, by a special contract, bo increased to ten per cent per annum. This modification of tho law of usury, does not recognizo howevor tho sound and undenia. ble principle, that whatever legal rate of in- tercst you may establish for the value of money, will yet command tho natural rate of tho market which is produced by the dc mand of the borrowers, and tho "competition Of tho lenders. Tho value of money liko every other articlo of commerce, must bo regulated by demand and supply. If you authorize tho lender, 1 by special con-tract, to take ten per cent per annum for tho use of his money, you aro certain of accomplishing at least ono and this is that ever)- emergency, you bring tho value of capital up- ten per ent.

In the mean time tho harpies and shavers of your money maiket, aro lid of nil honorable competition, and extort tho most extravagant nnd usurious interest from the wants of the bor-rower. But the moment you destroy all restraint upon tho free circulation of enpi-tal, it will flow into the country, and open competition will regulate its As long as the necessities, and oftentimes interests of mcnfJ induco them to- otter more than your legal rate of value for the use of money, where is tho policy of a law, which only throws them in(o the, hands of individuals, who, in addition to tho demands of avarice, claim the usurer's compensation for a conscience scared, and ask the usurers reward for the violated laws of his country. Establish then a fixed rate of interest, when no contract exists between tho but in all special agreements, leave the interested allowed, to bo governed by tho' direction of the lender and the borrower. The geological survey authorized by tho last legislature, has been placed under the chargo of a competent and scientific gen. tlemen, and is in as rapid a progress as tho limited appropriation for the last year would permit.

Tho examinations for the past season, have necessarily been of a general character prparatory to tho more minute survey of the present year. Sufficient in-vestigation, however, has been made to render it certain, that Michigan abounds in such mineral resources as will amply com-pensate the stato for any expenditure tho legislature may authorize in promoting this survey. The botanical and zeological de-partments have received duo attention, and it has been discovered that tho peninsula of Michigan furnishes an interesting field for investigations in ratural history. The central portions of the stato belong to the coal formation, and sufficient coal has been found to justify tho belief that it exists in abundance. Iron and gypsum have also been discovered in large The examination of tho saline springs has been carried so far, as to render it.

certain that we posses an extensive salt region, and that with but a comparative trifling expen. diture, we shall be enabled to manufacture salt in sufficient quantities not only for home consumption, but that it must become an article of extensive export. The whole number of salines granted by the act of Congress Have not as yet been located, in consequence of a want of time to examine the northern region of the stato but such a number have been secured to justify the legislature in authorizing preparatory measures for bringing them into public use. I beg leave to refer you to the report of the State Geologist, which will bo laid before you, for all tho information you may desire on this important subject. But as that of-ficer is at present engaged in an extensive analysis, ho will not be enabled to submit the result of his investigations at as early a day as ho would have desired.

The general advantages resulting to tho public from a minuto geological survey of our territory, are so manifest, that I am satisfied tho subject will recommend itself to your favorable consideration. The deve-lopement of the mineral resources of the state, it is an object of primary consequence as it will afford opportunities for tho investment of capital in manufactories, and will enable us in time, to reverse in somo de. greee at least, tho balance of trade with other states, which is at present so largo a. gainst us. The benefits to agriculture, by obtaining akndwlcdge of our soils, will be immenslv advantageous to the farming in-terest, ana should command attention.

The favorable results to tho cause of science in a general point of view, should not be overlooked nor should we forget tho opportunity now offered of furnishing an extensive and invaluable cabinet in natural history for our Stato University. And jn view of this latter consideration, I must beg leave to state, that I havo been requested by tho board of regents to recommend to the legislature, that provision bo made, by an increased appropriation for the collection and preservation of the specimens intended for that institution. I join the regents most heartily in their suggestion, and submit to you a report from a committee of. their body, from which strong reasons will be derived for complying with tho rccommenda-tion I now make. Impressed also with the importance of this survey, in its general benefits to tho state, I commend it to your consideration, as justly claiming a participation in a liberal and enlightened system of legislation, I conceive it an indispensablo and impe-rious duty, again to call the attention of tho legislature to our penitentiary system, and to urgo that means may bo provided by which it may bo brought to somo degreo of perfection.

The commissioners appointed for that purpose, will at an early day, recommend a point for tho location of the state prison, and report a place for the building, together with a system of gov- ernmcnt for tho institution. The great object intended to bo accomplished by im-pnsonment as a punishment, is tho reformation of tho offender. Any system we shall adopt, must accomplish this end, or our penitentiary will become tho school of vice. Tho reformation of the morals of the corrupt and wicked, enlightenment of the ignorant, and tho employment of the idly disposed, are cardinal objects, not to bo overlooked in your system and disiplinc. But the objection urged against directing tho time and energies of, convicts to some useful occupation, is that it will injuriously affect the mechanic interest of tho state.

This objection is not without somo founda tion. There can bo no doubt, that in some states tho labor of convicts has competed with, and in somo mcasuro lessened tho value of tho labor of the honest mechanic nor can itbo questioned; that by teaching in stato prison the trades of tho country our mechanics may bo exposed to a degrading" association. It ii then an un. dcrtaking of great difficulty to place our penitentiary under such system, as will ex cmnt the public from taxation for its sup port, and yet avoid the objections I have stated. Common humanity forbi wo should adopt tho Vicrid system solitary confine.

mcnt without Jabbr, for cxpcricnco has shown, that tho imprisonment of the offend, er without occupation, destroys tho mental faculties, and soon undermines tho constitution nor is it believed, if. this objection did dot exist, that the public would consent to direct taxation for the entire support of a state prison. must then from necessi. ty engage the convicts in productive labor But if possible, wo must guard against in. jurioisly affecting tho mechanical trades of the state.

Ine prisoner, who is a median-ic at ho time of his conviction, might still be employed in his usual occupation for by so doing, you would not increase the aggregate amount of labor jn his particular branch of trade and if tho end to'bo ac complished is the reformation of tho offender, the mochanical interest could not op-poso it, as when discharged, he would bo free to enter into trade again. But in all cases," when a trado is taught to the convict, ho should be confined to thoso branches from which tho country is supplied by im. jqrtationsfrom abroad. No complaint could bo urged against this by persons afterwards embarking in the same occupation, for they would engage in it, under an existing stato of things, and would have no right to urge the destruction of tho But as the convicts in this state, will for a long time, be encaged in constructing the necessary buildings for a permanent penitentiary, the day may be considered remote, when the evils to be apprehended from a state prison monopoly, can In maturing system, however, you should guard against this although remote and distinct. The President of tho United States has recommended the passage of an act of Congress for the benefit of pre-emption claimants to tho public lands in the western states.

This recommendation is demanded by that hardy and enterprising class of citizens, who, invitod by Congress, have set. tied upon the public lands and it is also due to them and tho president, that the le-gislaturc of this state should second a recommendation, which, if successful, has a tendency to bring our vacant territory into the hands of actual settlers. In connexion with this subject, I beg leave to state, that many of tho state locations of lands author-ized by tho granfof CongressJiavo conflict, ed with privato claims, and that many of those claims may bo recognized without in. jury to tho public. A special message, however, will be communicated on this sub.

ject, based upon tho report of the superin- tendent ot rublic Instruction, who has in quired into tho number of private claims that may be yielded to without detriment to the fund under his charge. Tho legislature at its extra session, which has just closed, has had under consideration a revision of the laws, and have completed such parts as were submitted by the reviser. There remain, however, several important matters which require your consideration these are the regulation of courts and fees, tho limitation of actions and prosecutions, and provision for the relief of insolvent and imprisoned debtors. And I beg leave here to state, that I cannot permit this occasion to pass without again expressing my conviction that tho entire abolition of imprison, mcnt for debt, is at onco due, both rights of personal liberty, and to a wise and equal dispensation of justice among all classes of citizens. My views upon this all absorbing topic have been fully present, od to your predecessors.

But whero per. sonal liberty is at stake, where the oppres. sion of tho poor and unfortunate, call for your protection, whero equal justice is to be extended to every citizen, the additional aid of an executive recommendation cannot be needed to ensure tho prompt action of an enlightened legislature. I also conceive it my duty to invito your attention to the present state of our militia. Under the existing state of things, the whole system is falling into disrepute, and unless somo reformation is speedily adopted, any attempt at an organization of tho militia of this stato must be abandoned.

Too little interest is generally felt in this important department of stato policy. But it is man. ifest under our republican form of govern- mem, mai in me event ot war, tho cinct dependence of the country rests with the citizen soldier, and unless it be made a part -iL- 1 oi me poucy oi eacn state, 10 discipline tne muuia ana pericci ineir organization, tney will in the event of emergency, bo found to- tally inadequate for all the purposes of na- tional defence. Our people are competent as soldiers for any service, as their history proclaims but a raw and undisciplined ar my, though composed of freemen, contend against fearful odds, when opposed to rcgu- ar troops, and they even tho hireling slaves of a despot. or tho purposo of introducing a more perfect discipline, in our militia, I would re commend tho creation of a school of in.

struction for officers. Frequent officer drills should bo required and a chief drill officer of tho stato appointed, whoso duty it should bo to attend each muster and con. duct tho dill himself as instructor. Every encouragement should be given to tho organization of volunteer corps they should bo exempted from certain burthens of government as an inducement for volunteering, and each company should be furnished with army and camp oquipago at tho cost of tho state. They should bo required to do camp duty thrco days at least in each year, and should receive from tho stato marks of hon.

or for excelling in appearance, and for per. fection in drill. Your attention is also directed to the organization of tho different departments of divisions and brigades and tho general staff. Entertaining, fellow citizens, an anxious and confident hope, that tho result of your deliberations will tend to promoto the last, ing prosperity of tho stato we represent, I offer you in conclusion, tho assurance of my uuigent ana laitntui co-openuion mo accomplishment of every measure, condu cive to tho well being and happiness of the pcoplo of Michigan. STEVENS MASON.

'January 4, 1838. DETROIT CITY BANK. The following gcntlemon havo been elcc-ted Directors of this institution II. M. Campbell.

1 T. M'Riynolds, Jonit Tbuax, Cullex Browh, Julius HotutcE Hallock, J. M. Mead, Charles Bissel, and E. Tho directors, after their election unani mously appointed II.

M. Campbell, President, and F. II. Harris, Cashier, CANADIAN NEWS. From tha Detroit Duily Free Prcsg.

LATE AND' IMPORTANT FROM BUFFALO. AN AMERICAN STEAMBOAT BURNT, AND AMERICAN CITIZENS INHU. MANLY BUTCHERED. ON AMERI. CAN SOIL ARMED BRITISH SOL.

DIERS. It is with most painful, though highly indignant feelings, that we before our readers to-day, an authentic confirmation of the tragic reports which havo been in cir. culation here for threo days, of the burning of the American steamboat Caroline in Niagara nver, and tho savage butch, ery of her. passengers and crew, by Britsh As Capt. Appleby's affidavit undoubtedly contains an impartial and unexaggcrated account of tho outrage, we shall refrain to-day for want of space from giving more than the leading incidents growing out of the affair.

As might bo expected, the excitement which tli massacre produced in Buffalo was intense. The 47th brigade of militia was immediately ordered to rendezvous in that city, and three companies of the 208th regiment wero ordered on duty on Satur-day evening. The services of volunteer city guards had been offered as a patrol and accepted by the Mayor. The Buffalo Daily Star, of Sunday evening, from which we make this extract, suye James Smith, one of the special dep. uty marshalls, has just returned from Wa.

terloo, whither ho went for a boy, taken prisoner on board of the Caroline. The boy belongs to this city, and is about 15 years of age, by the name of Luke Walker. Yesterday Col. McNab expressed a willing, ness to giro up tho boy, but to-day, he re. fuses to let him return There can bo but two reasons for this ho either considers him a prisoner of war, or fears that his affi.

davits will bo used by our authorities the latter is most probable. Tho funeral of tho murdered Durfee was held this afternoon, at the court house. After prayers and some remarks, by tho Rev. Mr. Hawes, of Trinity church, the concourse of people was addressed in a feeling and patriotic manner, by II.

K. Smith, esq. An immense concourse attended, who appeared to feel as one person the thrilling interest of tho occasion. The Rochester Democrat of Monday the first instant, publishes tho account of tho destruction of tho Caroline, and adds "On tho receipt of the abovo intelligence, the most inexpressible excitement prevailed throughout the city. The military assembled- drums wcro heard in the 6treet the Court House bell was rung, and our citizens flocked together by hundreds, to deliberate upon the proper course to bo pursued.

Tho meeting was organized, speeches made, and a resolution passed, that those present would hold themselves ready at a moment's warning to defend the integrity of our soil, and tho lives of their fellow citizens. Tho meeting was then adjourned till Mon-day morning. The independent companies are to meet tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock. The insolent tyrants of Upper Canada cannot imbruo their hands in tho blood of Americans with impunity. A gentleman direct from Buffalo tells us that the steamboat Constitution was being sawed out of the ice at Buffalo.

There was a large meeting at Lcwiston on Saturday evening, to express their ab horrence of the murderous attack atschlos-ser, and to adopt measures of self-defence. Tho militia wero gathering on Sunday morning. There were 400 under arms at Lockport at 10 o'clock on Sunday, and they were continually augmenting. They wero to pro. ceed on the line.

In every direction between Buffalo and this city, tho most intense excitement pre. vails. At an hour's notice ten thousand men could bo marched to tho frontier to defend honor, property and life." State of New York, Niagara county, ss: Oilman Appleby of the city of Buffalo, being duly sworn, says that he left the port of Buffalo, on tho morn'ng of tho 29th in. stant, in the S.B. Caroline, owned by Wm.

Wells, of Buffalo, and bound for Schlosser, upon the east side of Niagara river, and within tho United States. That this de. ponent commanded tho said Caroline, and that she was cleared from Buffalo with a view to run between said Buffalo and Schlosser, carrying passengers, freight, that this deponent caused the said Caroline to be landed at Black Rock on her way down, and that whilo there this deponent caused the American flag to bo run up, and that soon after leaving Black Rock Har bor, a volley of musketry was discharged at tho said Caroline, from tho Canada shored but without injury. That the said Caroline continued her course down the Nirgara river unmolested, and landed out side of certain scows or boats, attached to Navy Island, where a number of passengers disembarked, and as this deponent supposes, certain articles of freight were landed. lhat from this point the said Caroline went to Schlosser, arriving there about thrco o'clock in the aft er noon.

That between this time and dark, tho said boat made two trips to Navy Island, landing as before. That at about the hour of six in the afternoon, this deponent caused the said boat to bo landed at Schlosser, and mado fast with chains to tho dock at that filace. The crew and officers of tho Caro-ine numbered ten, and that in tho evening 23 individuals, all of whom wcro citizens of the United States, came on board and requested this deponent and other officers of the boat to permit them to remain on board during the night, as they wero unablo to get lodgings at the tavern hard by. These requests were acceded to, and tho persons thus coming on board retired to rest, as did also tho crow and officers of tho Caroline, except such as were stationed to watch durinir tho nieht. That about midnight this denonont was informed by one of the watch, that several boats filled with men were making twoards the Caro lino from the river, and this deponent im mediately gave the alarm, and before he was able to reach the deck, the Carolino was1 boarded by some seventy or eighty men, all of whom were armed.

That they commenced warfare with muskets, swords and cutlasses, upon the defenceless crew and passengers of the Caroline, under tho fierce cry of "God damn them, give no QUARTER KILL BVERY MAN. FIRE FIRE That $he Carolino was abandoned with-out resistance, and tho only effort made by the crew or passengers seemed to be to es. cape slaughter that this deponent narrow, ly escaped, having received several wounds, none, of which, however, are of se. rious character that immediately after the Caroline fell into tho hands of an armed force who boarded her, sho was set on fire, cut loose from the dock, was towed into the river, and then abandoned, and soon after decendedtho Niagara Falls. That this deponent has made, diligent search for tho individuals, 33 in number, who were known to be on tho Caroline' at the time she was boarded, and 21 are only be fonnd, one of whom, to wit Amos Durfee of Buffalo, was found dead upon the dock, having re.

ceived a shot from a musket, the ball of which penetrated the back part of the head andcamo out at tho forehead, H. King and Captain C. F. Harding were seriously though not mortally, wounded several others received slight wounds. Tho twelve individuals who are missing, this deppnent has no doubt wero either murdered upon the boat or found a watery grave in the cataract of the Falls and this deponent further says that immediately, after the Carolino was got into the current of the stream and abandoned as before stated, beacon lights were discovered upon the Canada shore near Chippewa, and after suf.

ficient time had elasped to enable the boats to reach that shore this deponent heard loud and vociferous cheering at that point. That this deponent has no doubt that the individuals who boarded tho Caroline were a part of the British forces now stationed at Chippewa. Gilman Appleby. Subscrbcd and sworn, December 30, 1837, before me. S.

B. Piper, Commissioner of deeds, for Niagara County. C01ISTAIITIIIE REPUBLICAN. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, IS39. Governor's Mestage.We lay the Governor's Message beforo our readors this week, to the ex.

elusion of much other matter prepared, of loss importance Governor Mason has given us at usual, a roll business document, and we prcsumo tt will bo road with interest. Southern Rail Road, A resolution was in-troduccd into the House of Representatives of this State, on the 13th which passed that body, suspending all operations on tho Southern Rail. Road. Mr. Bowman, one of tho Representatives of this county voted for tho resolution.

Petitions havo been sent in, signed, we venture to say, by every man whose name could be procured for that purpose, such has been the exertions of thoso who have been disappointed whilo those interested in the route which has been adoptod, supposed the matter scttlod, and havo mado little or no exertion upon the subjoct. The object of tho resolution, it appears, is to cause a relocation of tho Road. It is the general opinion throughout the county, and tho wes. tern country, that if the prosont location is rais. ed, the system is destroyod.

For instance, we will look at St. Joseph county, where the gontle-man rcferrod to resides. An alteration made to suit that gentleman, would carry tho Rail Road across the St. Joseph River at Three Rivers. Every man must see that this would not satisfy the inhabitants of White Tigcon and others, up on tho south of tho routo at present located, and who aro among tho petitioners for a re-location, as they would be placed some five or six miles farther off.

In this county, tho road could not bo located to accommodato the citizens hotter than it is at present. It runs within two or threo miles of Nottawasoppi prairie, through Centre- villo, the county seat, and contre of the county and from thence it makes southing to Constan tino, which is within a mile of Wliite Tigeon prairie and continuos on a direct line to Mott- ville. From Mottville to New-Dufialo, the state. ment of the Engineers show that the Commis. sioners have adopted that route, the construction of which will cost the Stato less, by eighty or a hundred thousand dollars, than any other routo surveyed.

Any disinterested person would say the same that we have said that tho present lo cation is better calculated to subserve the intorests of tho citizens of this county than it would have boon had it boon located upon any other route. Had tho Rail Road been located through White rigeon and Mottvillo, Constantino, Ccnlreville and the whole north would have been neglected and had it been located through Centrcvillo and Threo Rivers, Constantino, Mottvillo, Whito rigeon, and tho whole south part would have been neglected, which comprizes nearly two- thirds of the entire population of the county. We can not perceive how Mr. Bowman justifies himsolf in voting to suspend operations upon tho Southern Rail Road, against tho best interests of his own county; wo do not wish, however, to bo understood as roading Mr. Bowman a lecture, for any course he may chooso to take, for we are not among thoso who holped to placo him whore he Is, but merely to show the inhabitants of this county where he is to be found.

We hope the friends of the Southern Rail Road, as at present located, will now sco the necessity of making some exertion to sustain that location. The St. Joseph Rivera-Canal to the Detroit River Wo to-day, the proceedings of a Canal Convention, holdon at (Iomer, in Cal houn county, on tho 10th inst. 1 Dclogates were in attendance from the countios of Wayne, Wash. toncw, Lenawoo, Jackson, St.

Joseph, Branch, Hillsdale and Calhoun. We are happy to per. ceive that the peoplo of these counties are taking hold of tho project of connecting tho waters of the St. Joseph with tho waters of the Dotroit River, with a spirit which will eventually carry it through. Tho convention adopted a resolution praying tho Legislature to grant an appropriation for the improvement of the St.

Joseph River; We regret that wo have not time or space to say much upon tho subjoct this wook. We shall rovcrt to the subject horeafler. i Bounty on Wolvet. We perceive by the Do-troit papers that an act has passed the Legislature of this State, granting a bounty often dollars for the destruction of full grown Wolves and five dollars for Wolf's whelps, under tho age of three months. 'We shall publish the act as soon as we can find space.

Brady durds of Detroit are stationed at Dearbornville to guard tho Arsenal, upon the requisition of Capt. Webb, of the U. S. Army. ID" Our correspondent will plcaso pardon lis for not publishing his communication last week.

We publish it to-day, and should be lisp py to hear from him often. 1 CANADIAN NEWS. Attack vpon and capture of Bois Blanc Island, by the Patriots of Canada, and loss of Schooner, with arms and frovis. 'ions. We Extract from a letter received by a gentle, man in this villago from his correspondent at De 1 troit, the following stirring intelligence i i "A few days since the Canadian Patriots, to 4 the number of from five to eight hundred, made a descent upon Bois Blao Island, bppostie Maiden.

They "killed some eight or ten negroes and three or four whites, and drove tho guard, (some 60 others,) Schooner, from which the Patriots had debarked, and which contained their, supplies, was anchored near tho hoadof the Island. Yes- terday afternoon, this schooner dragged her an-chorsinagale of wind there were then only. fifteen'mon on board, with two mounted cannon on deck, and both loaded with ball and cannis. tor shot. The Loyalist forces seeing the vessel drifting to their shore, drew up upon the bank of the River and fired upon lier.

The Patriot. et off their cannon several times, upon the Loyalists," which is said to havo done great execution, hav. ing killed from one to two hundred men. The vessel drifted on the Canadian shore, and, together with all on board fell into the hands of the Loy. alistsl -i The Patriots lost with the vessel somo two hun.

drod stand of arms, four field pioces and a largo amount of provisions and other stores. It is not known how many of the Patriots were killed, or what fate awaits the survivors. Dr. Tholler, a respectable citizen of this and Mr. Dodjo of Monroe, a merchant, who were on board the -vessel when she went on shore, and composod part of tho Patriot force, aro reported killed.

The Patriots still remain upon one of the Is lands noar the mouth of Detroit Rivor. Reports are various in relation to tho number of stands of arms that were on board the Schoon. cr, and also in relation to the Loyalists killed. I bolieve thero were loss killed by the Patriots than is generally believed, and I also think probablo that more arms wcro taken than tho Patriots will allow." CANAL CONVENTION, AT HOMER. The Convention met in tho villago of Homer, on the 10th January, 1833, pursuant to public notice, when on motion, the Hon.

SAMUEL DEXTER was callod to tho chair, and CataLxa G. Hammond was appointed Secretary, pro. torn. JtrsTix Goodwin of Calhoun County, Doctor Nichols of Washtenaw county, Chestj a Ham. mono of Branch county, Levi Watkins of St.

Joseph, and Cuakles II. Van Dosn of Jackson county, were appointed a committee to examine credentials, and report namos of mombers and officers of said Convontion. The committee reportod the following persona as officers of said Convention, to wit: CUES TER HAMMOND, President, CvaEL Nichols. Milton Barney, N. M.

Wells, Vice Presidents; II. TnoiursoN, James Olds, and E. Thornton, -Secretaries. The Convention being regularly organized, a call of the Houso was made, and tho following delegates appeared and took their soats in tho Convention, to wit Hon. Samuol Dexter and Cyrcl Nichols, of tho county of Washtenaw; William Bishop, Levi Watkins and Isaac G.

Bailey, of tho county of St. Joseph Hiram Thomp. son, Honry Drake, Porter Lathrop, David Smal ley, Charles II. Van Dorn, William Smith, Asa A. Flint, Sylvester G.

Abbott, and Benjamin II. Packard, of the county of Jackson William Al-drich, Bryant Bartlct, Chester Hammond, Chas. G. Hammond, and John Paikerson, of the county of Branch J. Goodwin, II.

C. Hurd, Ansel Ad. ams, Milton Barney, Arza Lewis, A. Finch, E. Thornton, II.

Smith, John Burt, J. M. B. Weathcrwax, N. D.

Skoels, II. Sabin, F. R. John A. Rico, and Jonathan Enos, of tho county of Calhoun N.

M. Wells, Jacob Vrolond, John Cook and B. S. Hicks, of the coun. ty of Wayne James Olds, Jesse Button, Lyman Blackman, Lewis Smith, William Potter, Ranson Gardner, U.

B. Couch, L. W. Wright, Harvey Smith, Harvey Egglcston, and B. R.

Wood, of tho county of Hillsdale. Tho object of tho Convention being explained by tho Chairman, a call was mado for informa. tion as to the practicability of a Canal Route over the summit levol of Michigan, from tho valley of tho St. Joseph Rivor to Lake Eric, or Dotroit Tho convention was addressed upon tho subjoct, by Messrs. Goodwin, Hammond and Setts.

On motion of Mr. Finch, Retoleed, That Samuel Dexter, Charles Hammond, Jesse Button, Justin Goodwin, N. M. Wells, II. Thompson, A.

Finch, Isaac G. Bailey, be a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the senso of this Convention. II. Thompson presented a communication from the citizens of Ann Arbor, which was road and ordered to be laid upon tho tabic. Mr.

Wells prosontod a communication from the citizons of Gibraltcr, which was road and order, ed to bo laid upon the table. The committee to draft resolutions, sbbmittcd tho following, which were unanimously adopted, to wit Resolved, That facilities of Intornal commu nication are calculated to devclope the resources of a country, and to promote the prosperity and happiness of a peoplo. Resolved, That no one Intornal Improvement would benefit so large a portion of the inhabitant of this state, or bo so great a publio benefit as the connection of tho St. Joseph River with some point on Lake Erie, or Detroit Resolved, That from the surveys authorized by the Stato, and already mado, of the St. Joseph River, and from the survey made through private entcrprize, the question of the practicability of such a connection has been fully settled.

Resolved, That while this Convention would say nothing touching the fbasibility of any route that future surveys may point out, we are satisfi. ed, from the survey already made, that a route from the St. Joseph River, commencing at or near the village of Homer, and terminating at the con. fluonce of Mill crook with the Huron," and from thonce to Detroit River, or Lake Erio, is feasible Resolved, That tho Convontion memorialize tho Lcgislataro at its present session, to make an appropriation to improve the navigation of tha St. Joseph River, as far as tho survey has been mado, with refcrenco ta such improvement, and to survey and locato a canal, connecting that point with the navigable waters of the Dotroit River or Lake Erie, by that route which is moet fcasiblo and bost for tho groat interests of tho state.

On motion, Resolved, That J. Goodwin, Samuel Dexter, Charlos O. Hammond, N. Wells and Jesse Button, bo a committoe to draft a Memorial to the Legislature, and report the samo to tho Convcn..