Richmond Enquirer du lieu suivant : Richmond, Virginia • 4

-w POETICAIm THE LADDER OF ST. AUGUSTINE. BV aCMBV W. LONGFELLOW. Saint Augustine! well hast thou said, That of our vices we can frame A ladder, If we will but tread Beneath our feet each deed of shame.

All common day's events, That with the hour begin and end; Our pleasures and our discontents Are rounds by which we may asoend. The low base design, That makes another's virtues less, The revel of the giddy wine, And all occasions of excess! The longing for ignoble things, The strife for triumph more than truth, The hardening of the heart that brings Irreverence for the dreams oi youth All thoughts of evil deeds, That have their root in thought of ill, Whatever hinders or impedes, The action of the nobler will! All theso must first be trampled down Beneath our feet, if we would gain In the bright field of Fair Renown The right of eminent domain We have not cannot soarBut we have feet to scale and climb By slow more and more? The cloudy summits of our time. The mighty pyramids of stone That wedge-like cleave the desert airs, When nearer seen, and better known, Are but gigantic flights of stairs. The distant mountains, that uprear Their frowning foreheads to the skies Are crossed by pathways, that appear As we to higher levels rise. The heights by great men reached and kept, Were not attained by suiiJen flight But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.

Standing on what too long we bore With shoulders bent and downcast eyes, We may before? A path of higher destinies. Nor deem the irrevocable Past, As wholly vain? If rising on-its wrecks, at last, To something nobler we attain. "OH DON'T DO THAT TILL I AM BV BBAINEBD WILLIAMSON. A hi end or the don't do that till I am Atlanta (Ga.) Republican Bays On the day of the meeting of the secessionists at Kingston, a Revolutionary soldier returning to his residence in Cobb county, on the railroad, though his eyes were so dim that he could not very well see them, asked what all that meant. He waa told they were trying to get the people to dissolve or secede from the Union.

Whereupon he drooped his withered face, and seemed to be in deep distress for one or two minutes; after which he raised up his head, and with a faltering voice said, "Oh don't do that till I am dead While he uttered these words the large tears chased each other dewn his way-worn cheek. He was told that a great number of men wonld try to prevent them, to which he replied, "Don't let them do it till I am dead!" "Ob don't do that till I am dead," Said an old man by the way, With many a winter on his head, And a beard grown long and gray. He asked what means those words 1 And his friends In answer said, Men were threatening to draw their swords, Their brethren's blood to shed. And the old man heaved a heavy sigh, And earthward bowed his snow white Then cried aloud with streaming eye, "Oh! don't do that till I am dead! "By the mem'ry of your father's blood, Once by despots freely shed. Start not ugain the crimson flood, Till the last of them be dead! Oh! sons of sires, who fought for you On fields their blood mads red, Shame not the swords your fathers drow, Till all of that brave band are dead.

Forget them then, when they are gone, And wage yonr strif? above their head, But, off! let not your blades be drawn, While one survives the glorious dead. Porget them then, forget their worth, And steep their graves a gory red, Forget that e'er they dwelled on earth, But wait, till all are These eyes are dim, I thank my God, Night's gloom begins o'er them to spread? My heart would break to see this sod, So let me first be dead! To save it from the Tyrant's chain, Long since my blood 1 gladly But I for it can't fight again, Too old, alas! let tne be dead! If ye will sever what we boundTo fragments will your banner shredFirst, let my children gather round, And lay me 'mong the noble dead. For oh! I would not live to hear The note of wo and carnage First let me die, and take me where I'll rest in peace among the dead. Then draw your swords, if draw ye must, And bid your river-wavea run red, And trample spurningly the dust Where lie the ashes of the dead! And rage in battle's fiercest din Above my low, and Bilent bed, Then may ye do the cursed sin When I am sleeping with the dead." NI8CELLAN EOUS. Correspondence of the Washington Union.

Baltimore Dec. P. M. Arrival of the Steamer Ohio at of her of her Perilous three days at the to the Markets, The announcement, by telegraph from Norfolk, last evening, of the arrival at that port of the steamer Ohio in distress, with 400 passengers on board, caused quite an excitement in our community; and the arrival of the Norfolk boat this morning was looked for with great interest, as among her passengers were the following Baltimoreans; Reverdy Johnson, Gen. Benj.

C. Howard, Brantz Mayer, John Gibson, Wm. M. Gibson, and James Browmel. From a Blip issued by the Sun, I make up the following account of the disaster "The Ohio prepared to start from Havana on the 18th but on the first evolution of her engines she blew out the head of one of her cylinders.

Her departure was then deferred to the 19th, when she got under way with one engine, and made good time till Sunday evening, the 22d, when sho was 9truck by severe gale. She, however, continued undsr steam until 11 o'clock that night, when she laid to, and remained until Monday evening, having boen greatly racked by the storm. "On Monday evenicg she again got under way, and continued to breast the atorm until 2 o'clock on Tuesday morning when she sprung a leak. The crew went to work at the pumps, but soon found the water gaming on them, it having risen to such a height that the fires in the furnaees were extinguished. passengers were then aroused, and called on to in freeing the vessel from water; and they truned out manfully to the work.

There were found to be ten feet of water in the hold; and all the pumps were immediately put in operation, and bailing resorted to from evfiry point that access could be obtained to the water. "The passengers thus worked from Tuesday morning until Wednesday at noon, before they had lowered the water sufficiently to enable the crew to rekindle the fires. "About one o'clock on Wednesday afternoon steam was got up; but it required the constant assistance of the passengers from that time until she reached Norfolk to keep the water from gaining to such an extent as to extinguish the fires. "She reached Norfolk at two o'clock on Thursday afternoon, having on board four hundred hundred and fifty of whom were from California. 'The Norfolk boar this morning brought about one hundred and fifty of her passengers to Baltimore.

"The Ohio is considerably damaged in her of the iron hogs (or braces) that support her frame having been asunder. Her furniture was also broken, with everything that was breakable on board. "The damage to the vessel is supposed to be not less than and she will have to go into the dry-dock to be repaired, before she can return to New York. Among the passengers who have arrived here were nearly one hundred returned California miners, the sight of whom waa sufficient to cure any one that might yet be afflicted with the California fever. They were dressed in rags and tatters, juat aa they had come from the mines, many of them with constitutions apparently broken down by disease and exposure.

They all had bags of gold dost with them, averaging a few hundred dollars each, with the aid of which, however, they soon improved their outward appearance. A correspondence la also published between Captain Schjucfc and the paasengers, in which the latter urged him on WednesdAy to put into Norfolk, urging the impossibility of able to continue their services at tne pumps long for him to reach New lawyers among the passengers giving him also their opinion that by ao doing he would not forfeit the claim of the ownera for insurance. Capt. Schenck replied, agreeing to the proposition lo go into Norfolk, stating further that he waa compelled to do soon account of his store-rooms being flooded, and most of his provlsiona destroyed. The Ohio brought all the California mails, including 27 large bags of letters; but orders were reoeived from the department to eend them on to New York, and they left here in the 11 o'clock train this morning.

Tu the Baltimore market this morning there were sales of 1.400 barrels of Howard street flour at and of 4,000 barrels of City Mills at 4 56 X. Rye flour ia held at 4, and City Mills corn meal at 2 The prices of wheat have not varied, but remain, aa for some time, at 95 a 100 cents for ordinary to good reds, and 100 a J03c for to strictly prime do; white, 104 a 103c; and family flour white at 110 a 115c. Washington, Dec. 27. NAVAL GENERAL COURT MARTIAL.

As soon as the court met, after the reading of 4he record of yesterday'e proceedings, the Judge Advocate announced to the court that his proceedings had been arrested in consequence of an application from the accused to the Department relative to a despatch from him to the Secretary, which the I deeired to produce in evidence. The Secretary bad accordingly retained the despatch book for the purpose of examining the letter in question, in order to decide oathe propriety of persisting In having it produced. The accused has objected to the production of this document; and, I presume, if the production should still be demaoded on toe part of the government, thrt the counsel for tht jeewed will resist it by all the legal or other arguments 4m ou adduce. I believe the objection is founded on the fact "wt 'he publication of the paper might lead to some in the bosoms of some officers who introduced ia the despatch. Under the clrcumstancee, the Judge Advoeete did sot feel at liberie to call other wit.

until the mooted point waa decided, and the court until, to-morrow. RICHMOND the AsChurch, upon which occa!" bc acted on by the in cour.se of prepara character, we are led ciety. From information, fonned in Amherst, to expect that Societies Caroline, llenrico, Prince Nelson, Albnmarle, Hanc, Appomattox, George, Mecklenburg, and, indeed, Charlotte, Halifax, Pit From a careful bete, wear. and, in doing so, our country aB t0 refu9e Southern produce or of Constitution. 0ur own city, and ir there a maker of shoes t0 give the i a single individual can 9trRngcr and the citi-1 zens of another Mate, forthe first instincts of eorf our nature gone to of Virginia or fhUcsutV would not rather know he was using goods wherein the Statu, wo Virginia than that ho manufactured at one If 90 and so was using goods made at we do really think patriotic a Purp0" te servitude to Northern capitalthat nothing short of a action in wouM create JcoaMM of the Legislature upon these subject, we mav be indulged for craving and urging by eviry persuasion Without laws enacted to advance these patriotic we may fail In a purpose as noble and 1" would be judicious and beneficial.

A tax, benefit mechanics and agriculturalists, would do more in a few years to revive Virginia, than all the pratings and resolves which have been entered into for the last half century. 1 he strong Tariff men should now take this view of the case, hou iv sion. We fear, however, that the Whig party will oppose it, not because it will benefit Virginia, but because it. success will retard the interests of their abolition friends of New England. And here, we beg leave to again, the language of the Preiidcnt of the Aseociation, who In this whole move the last wave oi party excitement has run i useless ripple over the great ocean of popular feeling.

blow i. for no party, but for our common country-ou State, and for our vital interests." We urge the claims of the A. sedation upon the attention of our mechanics and laborers, we urge them to foster and aid an association that will undoubtedly advance their interests. Certainly no man ought to buy his furniture of a Northern manufacturer, if he can get it in Richmond on as goo terms No Northern artizan ought to be brought here to build churches and gas-works to the prejudice of our own mechanics, laborers andartizans, who are equally as competent. Where are the working men of the City 1 We.ay th.m, your true friends offer you the right hand of and patronage.

You ought to grasp it wi.h avidity and pleasure. We are no advocates of foolish extremes. We place this move In its true position-as the concentreted action of Virginians in an effort to encourage and protect ach other, and To vindicate the outrages that have been so frequently heaped upon them in every form by the oneratcfuUnd contemptible free negro party of the North led on by Seward and Mann, followed up by the sleepless fana icism of Parker and Giddings. Awake! arouse come fearlessly up to the issue-throw away your foolish prejudices against associations and societies. We do not wish to trap or deceive any body, but our real purpose Is to improve and vivify every Interest in Virginia by this move; and we are not alone in our e.timate of the advantages to flow to all who may unite in pushing forward the interests of our own people and our own State.

We hop- to witness a degr of enthusiasm and patriotism, at the Unitarian Churchit evening, such as wc have never before seen.n Come one, come all for once, we will all differences predictions, and go forward, in the pathway of duty and advancement, without cavilling or disputing. Come, we have long d.ffered with many of you on the subject of Federal politics. We now throw a these and go directly forward In om tual good and mutual preferment. can and build up our beautiful city. We can and will encourage our own mechanics in every department.

We are ready to buy our hats, coats, boots, shoes, and everything else our own worthy workmen whoaiofce them here Virginia and wc will not question but that man Is wlllngto likewise If so we will rejoice to know that our feeble efforts have contributed to a result so much to be desired and 'm. not wofully deceived, a more move never made in Virginia than this; and we not tMSel all surprised if the non-intercourse societies In this out-number all other pieties In less than twelve months. THE FUGITIVE SLAVE CASE. The reader will find in another column, full details of the proceeding, in New York, in the case ol Henry Long, the fugitive slave belonging to Dr. J.

T. Smith of Russell1 county Va who wa. last hired to Messrs. Haskins Libby, of this city, and from whom he eloped some two year, since. It will be seen that every possible Impediment was rown in the way of the claimant by the counsel for the alleged slave, and when the evidence was concluded, and the slave nnoarently on the point of being surrendered, a wnt ot habwecrpus was produced from the Supreme Court that the prisoner be brought before the Court at 12 o'clock Thursday.

The Commissioner, alter some hesitation, on the ground that the law required him to hold a summary" examination, consented to the postponement, and the case was adjourned Referring to this case the New York Journal of Commerce nroves one thing most conclusively, viz: that tne 'herefon uncon.tl.ution.1, is entirely without foundation. THE PHILADELPHIA SLAVE Saturday night last a colored man named Adam Gibson, was arrested in Philadelphia, charged with being a fugitive and property of William Knight of Maryland. He taken before the U. S. Commissioner, and after a hearing was surrendered into the custody of Mr.

Halzell, U. 8. Deputy Marshal, and taken to Elkton, Md. Here Mr. Knight, the alleged ownor, was sent for, and Immediately on seeing Gibson, that he was not his slave, and that he had no claim whatever upon him, and that he might be taken back, which was accordingly done.

"This incident (says the New York Globe) will no doubt be used by the Abolitionists as an argument against the uaitive Slave Law. Yet no one, at all acquainted with the South, but knows that it would be impossible for any one to hold a man there as a slave, who was not known to be such. The facilities for the vindication of a free colored man rights are quite as ample in any of the Southern States as at the North." The following proceedings since taken place in case above mentioned "On Tuesday afternoon Lieut. Ellis arrested Geo. upon the oath of Adam Gibson, charging comnanv with with conspiring together, committing an assault r.nd battery on hi.

person, and him. He wa. taken before Alderman and held bail in 11,500 for a further hearing on Friday James Price waa arrested at his residence in Verno street who l. also implicated with Alberti. in the false imZnmem of Oibaon Ho wa.

committed in default of bail. CENSUS OF THE UNITED 1790 the Union was composed of seventeen States, with a population of 4,929,827, and 461,424 square miles of land, or nine persons to a square mile. In 1800 there were twenty States, with a population of 5,305,040, and an area of 572,024 sqtiare miles, or 8 persons to a square mile. In 1810 there were twenty-four States, with a population of 7,239,414, and an area of 782,544 square miles, or 9 persons to a square mile. In 1820 there wore twenty-aoven with a population of 9,738,191, and an area of 849,314 square miles, or 10 person.

to a square mile. In 1830 there were twenty-seven States, with a population of 12,966,020, end an area of 849,314 square miles, or 14 persons to a square mile. In 1840 there were twenty-nine States, with a population of 17,068,606, and an area of 117,344 square miles, or 14 to a equare mile. We haw now 31 States, containing a population (by eatimate) of 21,686,000, and an aroa of 11,913,122 square miles, or 12 persons to the square mile. Legislature mat on the 2d Instant.

Enos Lowe was chosen President ot the Senate, and George Temple Speaker of the House. The message of Got. Ansel Briggs shows the receipts into the troasury fromjOctober 31, 1848, to November 4, 1850, to have been $90,444 33; paid out 94; leaving a balance of $1 39. Ttre revenue a.aessed ldpjftamounted to showing an increaae from lACfrifr tfii revenue from taxable property within the of $20,406. Gov.

Briggs docs not think that the Fugitive Slave Law suspends the privilege of the writ of habeat corpus and says no good citizen of Iowa will, for a moment, sanction or countenance resistance to that law. the Enauircr. TO THF FPITOR OK THE RICHMOND TIMES. 7" vour uf 24,1. Il.l.

i. "We ridicule Mr.Daniel H. London's proceedings, und not those of tlie association, whose objects and motives we respect, though we think the limited sort of nun-intercourse they propose amounts to nothing practical. Xw if the Editor of the Times is sincere, which we are willing'to admit, we hope he will give us the influence of his nninc and position, to forward the objects of the Rights Association, "whose objects he applauds and whow motives lie rcpccts." by ulents and position of the Editor, the writer thinks it highly probable that the "limited" ti.rn of association might be extended to his entire sa.isfaciion. We hope he will not be deterred by the of Mi.

Daniel II. London, but show his Southern feeling bv his arts, and nut content him.se with mere professions. The Pyramids were built by additions und, If a large portion of the people of can be induced to give the preference to their own citizens much good may be accomplished. Let us make a trial; and even if we should fail, we shall have the consolation of failing in a good cause. We do not wish to be considered uncharitable, but, when we hear men say "your objects are laudable and praiseworthy, yet I cannot assist you," an involuntary feeling of mistrust arises in our mind.

hope this suspicion will be quieted by the Editor of the Times coming forward like a true Virginian, at the meeting to-nighi, and signing the Constitution. If ho should fail to do this, what will be thought of his professions'? What of his loyally to the South? Is the Editor of the Times unwilling to give one dollar to try the experiment? Time will show. These few remarks arc addressed to the Editor of the Times, with whom wo are personally unacquainted, because of the general fairness of his editorial career, and because they are applicable to all others entertaining his views the association. A Citizen or Richmond, and Native or Viboinia. December 23.

GEORGIA SPEAKS! If there is an American who can read the noble address and red dutions adopted by the Georgia Convention, which we publish in thin rooming Penneylvaniau, without feeling the force and (he eloquence of its sentiments and its style, his heart must be cold indeed. A close argument, a cogent appeal, a patriotic prayer for the Union, it speaks directly to the judgment and 10 the sympathies of the whole We have perused and reperuscd it with no common emotions. It meets our deliberate and unequivocal As a Northern man we declare that we believe its high tone and resistless reasoning, will be re-echoed by ninety-nine men out of every hundred in this State, and by an overwhelming majority of the Norih. In that address and resolutions the North may see the united sentiments of ihe South. There are many in that region wh- will go further? there are many who will differ with the address upon certain points, but the argument and the alternative will be approved by all.

The argument is so overwhelming that it presents the alternative in a shape that cannot be avoided. And the alternative is, that unless the Fugitive Slate Law is carried into effect by the North, the Union is dissolved by the necessity of the case. Upon this single proposition the whole fabric of Union depends. Who would have supposed this possible a few years igo? Who would have dreamed of the contingency of the of the Union depending upon the execution of a law based upon a heretofore indisputable, and a unanimously idopted provision of the Federal Constitution 1 But if this Seso, to whom are we indebted for it To those bold bad men in the free States, whose extreme course against the Constitution, and whose insidious and unpausing efforts to create dissensions between the North and South, have excited the slave Stales inio a perfect frenzy of excitement and of alarm. To call these agitators fanatics, is to honor them.

'I'licy are the worst Jots of worst enemies of proscriptive udversarits of the only successful of a free government since the world They are entitled to the name of traitor; because treachery i9 a combination of all the baser passions; and though often the end oi an ambitious career, is much oftener the resort of the incendiary and the coward. Even Arnold was bottor sort of villain, compared to the domestic vermin of Abolitionism. lie sought to betray his country, but professed to be true to his friends. Our present traitors would not only sell the country but would put the knife to the throats of all, whether their friends or their foes. They seem to labor to extinguish this light of liberty, and with it all who might preserve the record of their infamy.

Georgia has a right to speak in such a contingency. She was one thr original Thirteen Colonics, and it Is meet that she should speak bold and decisive language in this Her sons fought through the war of Independence. They participated in the debates upon the Federal They know the trials and tribulations through which the country pRBscd before it escaped from the weakness of the. Confederation, and emerged into the beauty and power of the Union. She can appreciate, therefore, the valuo of th? Union, even while she remembers and cherishes the rights she has confided to it.

Her voice In the present conjuncture ol affairs, especially when manifested in4such tones of eloquenco and patriotism, as mark her address and resolutions entitled to the attention of the country. It ha" only to obtain thnt to win general commendation and A NATIONAL CONVENTION, to bo composed of the friends of the Union, from every State, is recommended by the Governor of Virginia, in a short but manly message to the Legislature, which the reader will find in another column. That such a movement is loudly called for at the present time, when open resistance is made to a solemn enactment of Congress, and when the rights of the South are violated with impunity, must be self-evident to all reflecting men. Is there not enough patriotism in the breasts of vhe millions of freemen who enjoy the blessings of the best government in the world, to stay the suicidal hand of fanaticism which has been stretched forth to pull down the temple in which Is def)osited the charter of our liberties! Can it be possible that, saving out the cbazy Abolitionists, there can be found a rational man who would glory in seeing the bonds which bind this Union together severed I So wicked and base a traitor is unfit lo enjoy (ho blessings of civil liberty, and ought to be hunf; as ns Hamnn. The Legislatures of the States should forthwith make provision for the election of delegates to a Union National Convention, to assemble at as early a day as practicable, to adopt measures to put an end to the agitation that has so long disturbed the peacc of the country.

Woodstock, Va. Tenth Legion. A RARE Boston Atlas makes the following Important announcement: "William G. Allen, a colored young man, law student in the office of nilis Gray Lor in hn9 been appointed to the Professorship of Greek antI Rhetoric, in the Central Colleee, Mount Granville, York. Mr.

Allen is also well known a Ucnirer upon the origin, literature, and probable destiny of the African race." Those Southern gentlemen who aro so fond of giving their children a northern Education, would do well to avail themselves of the superior advantages of "Central College," with Wm. G. Allen, Prqfcssor! Republican. CONTENTION BETWEEN OFFICERS PLEASANT WEATHER-APPOINTMENTS, Washington, D. Dec.

27, P. Is said to be some little contention going on at present between tho Home und War Departments" The Indian bureau belongs to the former, and retains a place in the building of the latter. The War Department has issued some complaints, but the Home Department has noi yet seen fit tochango its location. General Scott has taken the matter into consideration, and has written a letter on the subject to the Secretary ol the Home Department. We have had a pleasant day.

The grave politicians are all engaged in enjoying the holidays, and political matters ar? very moderately discussed. I learn that Allen A. Hall has been appointed Superintendent of th- Custom House and Marine Hospital at San Francisco. The Senate haa confirmed the following appointments, and they will bo officially announced to-morrow. J.

M. Jones of San Rosa. California, District Judge for the Southorn District of California. J. L.

Pcttigru, to be U. S. Attornoy for the Southorn District of South Carolina. Hugh O'Neal of Indiana, to be Attorney foi the Southern District of Indiana. VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.

riUDAV, DECEMBER 2,, 1850. HOUSE OF DELEGATES. Mr. BARBOUR took the members present. On motion of Mr.

WALL, the House resolved that when it adjourns to-day, it will adjourn to meet on Monday next, at 12 o'clock. On motion of Mr. WALL, the House then adjourned. THIRTY-FIRST SESSION. Washington, Thubrday, December 29, 1850.

SENATE. Mr. Mangum moved that when the Senate adjourn, it adjourn to meet on Monday. Mr. Walkeropposed the motion, and it was rejected.

A committee from the Department of the Interior, transmitting the number of insane persons confined at the expense of the Government in tha Maryland Lunatic Hospital, was received, read and ordered to be printed. A large number of petitions were presented. Mr. Underwood introduced a bill providing for a survey of the Ohio river and its tributaries, with a view to the improvement of iheir navigation by means of reservoirs. A bill to change the time for holding the United States District Court in Alabama, was introduced, considered and ordered to a third reading.

Mr. Cass called up his resolution calling on the PresideBt to transmit to the Senate copies of all correspondence between the Slate Department and the Austrian Charge, relating to the appointment and proceedings of the American agent seni to Hungary during tho late struggle in that country. And the resolution waB agreed to. The Senate took up the bill to ascertain and settle private land claims in California, and after some remarks by Mr. Benton and others, it was postponed till Thursday next.

On motion by Mr. Clay, it wan ordered that when the Senate adjourn it adjourn till Monday. The Senate then proceeded to the consideration of Executive business, and alter a short time the doora were opened, and the Senate adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Mr.

nipson of Pennsylvania, chairman of the judiciary committee, reported a bill, which, being amended, was passed, authorizing the removal, by change of venue, of the eause in which the heirs of Geo. Thaddeus Kosciusko are plaintiffs? and which has been pending in the United States Circuit Court of the District of Columbia for the last twenty-seven either the United States Circuit court of Maryland or that of Virginia. The introduction of this bill and the amendments that were ordered, produced about an hour's discussion, during which it was argued, that a bill like the present, embracing a special case, would seem to convey an imputation unop the Circuit Court in the Ditsict of Columbia; but it was contended on the other side that the circumstance of a case remaining for such a length of time undecided, afforded sufficient ground for legislative interference. The bill as passed is entitled "A bill to authorise a change of venue in certain cases therein provided; and declares that in any case now pending or hereafter to be decided in the United States Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, the venue shall be changed upon application of either party, or his attorney, that in their opinion a fair trial cannot be obtained." The yeas and nays having been called for, tbare were llOin the affirmative end 39 in the negative. A motion was afterwards made that the House go into a committee of the whole, for the consideration of the business on the Speaker's table.

Before a decision could be obtained it was moved that the House adjourn, which was carried; and it having been previously decided that the House when it should adjourn be adjourned till Monday next, it stands adjourned to that day accordingly. lhc Washington SPECIAL MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR FLOYD. The position of Virginia, and Iier interest in the subject pf slavery, give Iter action on this question the most important bearing upon the existing agitation of tiic country at both extremities of the Union. She lias been averse to impassioned and precipitate actiun, and has waited in the hope that a returning of reason and of duty would render any interposition on her part unnecessary with those States and communities in which feelings of discontent prevailed. She seems to have waited long, and almost in vnin.

At length the governor has felt it to be liis duty to bring the whole matter to the attention of the legislature; and this he has done in a special message, which we propose brietly to review. We do not entirely concur in all the recommendations of Gov. Floyd; and yet with much that lie snvs we perfectly agree; and so far as respects the lofty tone, patriotic tamper, and the dignified style of his message, we express our unqualified admiration and approval. We will proceed to state how far we concur with him, before we touch the only point on which we respectfully dissent. We agree with that it is highly necessary and expedient that the Legislature of Virginia should take this subject of agitation upon the rights of slavery into consideration; that measures should be devised to check this Agitation in the North, and to bring about, if pratieable, union and harmony of action among all the States of the republic, to this end; that the action of Vermont is alarming and most refractory, and calls for prompt and effectual repu diation on the part of every other State in the confederacy; and that the Legislature of Virginia ought to unite in an earnest appeal to all the Southern States to wait patiently the further progress of afTuirs, and, whatever is resolved on, to let the Southern Statc-s march firmly and harmoniously together in the path that duly to themselves and to the Union constrain them to that path lead to acquiescence, to tread it hand in hand; if to resistance, to march shoulder to shoulder into the breach.

Thus far we agreethus far wc happily pursue the same road together. We come now to the point from which we dissent. The point is, the recommendation for a call of a national convention, to meet as early us in May next. We cordially approve the plan of holding a convention of all the States, if any such convention bo deemed necessary. Sectional conventions, in the present crisis of the country, are partial and ineffectual remedies.

They can produce little if any good. Whatever is done should be radical and effective. The chief grounds on which we object to a national convention at so early a day are those: 1. The time id too short to organize tho movement, some time being essential even for Virginia to prepare the proposition to be submitted. The Legislature of 3lissiasippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Vermont and Ohio, either have just adjourned, or will have completed their labors and adjourned before this project can be properly matured for their action.

It would be difficult to reassemble them in time to provide for the occasion. 2. Wc think the first attempt should be directed to the action of the States themsolves, to end this wanton agitation against the rights of the slave-holding States. This can be done by adopting, in the Virginia Legislature, a basis of State action somewhat, in its general outline, like that of the Georgia convention, nnd earnestly calling upon all the other States to ratify and confirm it. Perhaps it would be advisable, also, to request the respective Legislatures to instruct the Senators and Representatives in Congress from each State faithfully to adhere to such general principles of compromise, and to repress all further disturbance of these slavery measures which have been already adjusted by Congress.

It would also be advisable to request every State in the Union to act on these propositions, one tray or the other, and to solemnly pledge the faith and honor of each State to abide honestly by the course that it saw fit, in this instance, to pursue and approve. 3. The developments respecting tho passage of this Vermont nullifying statute, which have como to light even 6ince Gov. Floyd's message, afford some reason to hope that the people of that State may take in hand this gross fraud that has been practised upon them, and repeal this obnoxious act of their own accord. Should they do this, one of the main reasons assigned by the governor for a national convention will have been removed.

The suggestions which we take the liberty of making provide for this object, and for similar contingencies. The resolutions proposed to be addressed to all the States by the Legislature of Virginia will necessarily call the attention of Vermont to this subject. Thus, for good or for evil, would the policy of each be distinctly avowed and made known. The Legislatures of Pennsylvania, N. York, Massachusetts, and other Northern States, as well as Southern, will soon assemble, and their inclinations must be shown.

Within less than a year can the legislative action of every State in the Union be obtained; and will at once demonstrate on what footing the whole matter rests. A a be fixed within which each State should be respectfully asked to express their concurrence or non-concurrence in these of slavery adjustment, or in their stead to declare their own plan of action. When the ground is thus carefully survoyed, the South and the North will cach know their true position, and how to regulate their conduct. Suppose the people of Vermont should, as wo have some assurances they would, think proper to repeal their nullifying law, and the people of Ohio should becomo more rational and considerate of the rights of the South than some of their members of the Legislature have manifested a disposition to be; would not these facts be worth taking into the estimate in resolving what to do in this emergency! We believe no man can deny the propriety of this. Or, on the other hand, suppose Vermont were to persevere in her lawless course, and Ohio, or any other State, were to become infected by her example, and the other Northern and Western free States should concur in such great principles of concord as were satisfactory to the South: would not this state of the case most materially affect the system of remedies the South would feel called upon to pursue! But all the non-3laveholding Slates refuse to co-operate with the South, or so large a proportion of them as to render a satisfactory adjustment on this basis impracticable, then a national convention might be called by the Legislatures of Virginia and the other Statesfor ihe special and exclusire purpose of regulating this subject of slavery and fugitive slaves; to carry into practical effect the federal constitution on these subjects, and not to change it; to endeavor to heal these dissensions, and to compromise the difficulties: and if this course prove unavailing, then it might be provided that the Southern delegates should withdraw, return to their own limits, appeal to their constituents to determine some available remedy for healing this breach among the States, or to establish such an independent organization as would protect their rights, and place them beyond the reach of future aggresiyon from their faithless brethren of the non-slaveholding Sfctes.

This considerate and conciliatory course would have the further advantage of enabling the people of all the States in the Union to reflet on these momentous and io check and restrain the violence of one portion of their public servants, and to stimulate and invigorate the backwardness of the other. The wisdom and patriotism of the firesides of the country are to be confidently relied on at all times when they can be brought to bear on tho policy of the government; for, after all, that is the groat appellate tribunal of the country. This would be a course which they could justify in the eyes of mankind without digracing tho memories of their revolutionary ancestors; and having thus exhausted the cup of reconciliation in vain, they could boldly take their station among the nations of the and trust their case with equal confidence to the God of peace or battles for vindication. But we ought not to fear that any such terrible alternative would be presented. We strongly hope that a frank, rational, and earnest appeal, made by the legislative authority of Virginia to all her sister States of the North, South, and West, would be received and acted upon in a spirit of candor and of justice, and that it would result in the final and conclusive settlement of this vexed question of slavery to tho satisfaction of all.

Let the effort be made. Let Virginia take the lead. Pennsylvania, wo trust, would speedly come to her aid; other States would follow. And if any were so lost to all sense of shame and of duty as to prove recreant, let a united movement be set on foot which would induce these contumacious States to accede to the terms of compromise, or exclude them from the benefits of the Union. Meantime, if no aggression be oflercd, the South can wait in the certainty that she is not sacrificing any present advantages, and, come when it may, if tho evil day must arrive, she will be as ready to meet it as her adversaries.

This consideration should inspire patience as well us firmness and perfect reliance on her own strength. Jt is for the weak to fret and bustle; the strong can lack danger in the face without blanching. The South should prepare for this struggle with coolness, so that she may strike in triumph. She should neither invite not shrink from the onset, come when it may. This message of Governor Floyd cannot fail to arrest the attention of the whole country at this peculiar crisis.

It is the first proposition, emanating from high authority, which looks to a general settlement of tho disturbing question of the times. The convention of Georgia adopted a platform of the most patriotic and substantial principles, but they extended no further than the action of the State of Georgia herself. The Legislature of Mississippi acquiescing in the suggestion of Gov. Quitman, too sectional in its views, and too irritating in its temper. Such is tho disposition of the legislature of South Carolina, only aggravated in a tenfold degree.

Ths legislature of Vermont, at its close, acted with as palpable a want of honesty as of patriotism. The legislature of Ohio is of a most doubtful complexion; Massachusetts is nearly the same; New York not known; Pennsylvania, In all probability, sound and true. In this condition of afiairs -each State pursuing it own course, and influenced by a diversity of distracting should regard it as a miracle if anything should result but "confusion worse confounded." The suggestion of Governor Floyd, if confined to an earnest and sober appeol to all the respective States to concur in the satne sentiments and measures of redress and of peace, would produce the most beneficial advantages. It would unable the States to unite or to divide, with a full knowledge of tho points oi agreement or of Indifference, and also of the ground on which they respectively stand. For this purposo we hope it will assume this shape, and that the legislature of Virginia will promptly act upon It with that prudence and firmness which have ever distinguished her course In all great public emergencies.

We have iooked to a mode something like this as the only one by which these unhappy dissensions could be quieted, and tho wrongs jusilv complained of be redressed. It is a manly, generous, patriotic appeal to the candor and justice of the people of the States to renew the pledges of mutual regard for the right of each other, and to brighten afresh the bonds of Union which have held us as one poople so long. If this pflbrt fail, hope itself must abandon our glorious Union to its fate. Let not our brethren of the North or of the South misunderstand the object of this policy which wc recommcnd. It is not to postpone the evil day, or to recoil from Its approach.

It is because we feel that tho movement is vital to the pnblic welfare, that we would adopt overy reasonable and arailnble means of composing the fraternal strife, without yielding any essential advantage of position or This submission of the whole matter to the States in the first instance, wo believe, has all those requisitss, and, as such, wo approve it. We would delay, but we would not abandon the final issue of the rights of the South; and we beg the people of the North to remember that sooner or later these rights must be acknowledged, and fully protected under the constitution, just as the" rights of all other sections now are. We copy a few paragraphs from the Ionian of the 9th of December instant on this subjoct, io show that what we now advocate is in perfsct unison with the position we had before taken for the final and complete arrangement of this most perplexing subject of slavery and abolition agitation. In connoction with this interesting subject, wc lay before our readers the following article from the Richmond Enquirer of the 19th instant. It vindicates throughout the whole proposition of Governor Floyd; and we are not only willing but anxious that all our readers should understand his whole scheme, which is here so clearly illustrated.

Besides it is a respect which we sincerely feel for that distinguished man and a compliment which he richly deserves, to lay this expose before our readers. There is in its suggestions, and great truth; and the only point of difference between us is as to the process of effecting the ohjoct we both have io view. We are both determined upon accomplishing one this Union, if possible, from the attacks of the fanatics, by carrying out the present Compromise and by arresting all forther aggressions upon the We are both inexorably bent upon this great object; or if it be found impossible to accomplish it, then, and at all events to preserve the rights of the South. We differ only about the mode of operation, of which time is one of the great ele menu. But let not our brethren of the North mistake anv difference of this sort for a desire to back out from the position which we any indifference Hlla upon litis platform as Mount Atlas itself.

From the New York Herald, Dec. 25.) THE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW. Court, before Charlc, M. Hall, Esq. THE ALLEGED KCOlTIVE SfS-TtacSSw.

other room but Ibo on. llwy ww rrctt is- the iiunvdiate friends of the accused Iro.n unnectssari for the proMru.ioo: Messrs Jay Whitehead and White, for theaikged was brought before me com. In the cuatody "Mr! ot the accused, said that ho nrotested against the proceedings being held in this toorn, (he exclusion of the public and the numerous who, is "end" ol the accused, were anxious to witness the inVCMrg Western said that, conscious of thercctitudeofthe law under which ihey acted, he was nu' any impediment in the way of the accused, but suffer himself to be excitcd or influenced by any to create a mawkish feeling in the community. The has said, in eliect, that, as this was a before an United States officer, we must keep it on Lnited ground, and under the United States flag, an (. ml) d.J not hesitate to say that justice can be admitlisted in this room as well an elsewhere.

True it i crowded; but we have several is the result! Every sentiment that may bt every word of evidence sworn to-will go on the ings ot the wind to every corner of the United may say it is an open investigation-open to the pub from one end of the United States to the other Mr. White asked as a favor-he did not demand I.as a right that the Commissioner, for the convenience of counsel, would adjourn to a larger room. of reA long discussion ensued respecting the pr moving to a more spacious room, in which tho alleged fugitive designated the proceedings as star chamber," against tile intention of tho act of Congress, which gave the authority to this the The Commissioner said that, far aa the "marks of the counsel for the which implied censure on him for holding the investigation in this room w-ere made, he would only say that they were wholly uncalled for and Mr. Jay begged to state that he did not mean to convey any censure to the Commissioner. The Commissioner said the investigation here.

He did not wish thai tho examination be cret He had no power over any other room than this, ana he was told that none other could be procured. Thn rfnuirr is therefore undeserved and uncalled for by any act or observations of his. Mr. Jay begged to withdraw any implied ctmsure that the Commissioner might have felt. The Commissioner directed that the proceedings should commence in this curt, until it was ascertained whether a more spacious court room could be obtained.

nroof. Mr. Western then said that, as he understood the proois of the claim to the labor of the man (Henry) were already testimony of identity was ajBo in and th point that the fugitive owes labor, is the only he need adduco additional proof; if he establishes this, it would then be the duty of the Commissioner to grant his certifi.rate for his return, which the act ordained to be summary. Dr. Parker was again called, and examinod by 31r.

tern- he have known Henry for the last five yea I was on a visit to tho county in winch his master resides, and met him there in his master's employ; I knew himi nr. in Richmond, about four yoars ago, when he was sent to by Dr. Smith (the claimant,) to hiro him out, 1 wiis not at home nt ihe time lie arrived, and my brother had partly agreed to hire him out at the Columbian Hotel, I ha the bond myself; this hiring of him oui continued for two those two years, had you any communications with Henry respecting his position Mr. White said, as the act did not allow- the fugitive to be examined, but treated him as a chattel, the counsel would not attempt to press a question of that Kina. Mr.

Western said that he had a right to provt that Hen had admitted to the witness that he was the property of argued against the admissibility of the question. If the confession of the party is lio effect-if by the laws of the State the oath of the is cx prcssly forbid, it will require considerable ingenuity to make the confession good for anything. The master mu8t estttblish his claim under evidence which is clearly admUsib in law; and can it be gravely urged upon when that the confession of the man is good for anything, when his oath is, by the same law, rendered good for Here is a man who. by the laws, is not a man, except for some purposes, but as a itness in his ow case, is a man. Counsel, therefoie, contended that of the alleged slave were not moro adiinssihlt.

com ng through another party, than they would be coming from him self Is it the law, that what the man says cannot be used to establish his own freedom, but that what he says can be used to establish the case of those who claim hlm as a chattel? Is there a caae in Virginia where a can be produced as evidence againsi a whito inan7 INo, proclaims him an incompetent witness. Mr. Jay followed, on the same side, and uiged a similar ar replied, and said that the vary argument of the counsel on the other sido was, in itself, suicidal to their case. Their argument amounts to eannot give the admissions of this man, because he isa slavo the very thing that I am here to establish. They havu doi said so, actual words; but that is the rationale to bo drawn lrom their argument.

The man stands there as a freeman until his slavery is established, and. are perfectly admissible. your question. you had any conversations with Honry, in Virginia, in which he recognized himself as tho slave of Dr. Smith? Aiicr Pimo surmer argument, me uonrmisBioner i think that the question of the claimant cannot be What the alleged slave said csnnot be given in evidence.

1 will permit any act of his to be put in evidence to prove his servitude, to show the relation between him and the claimant; but no conversation must be admitted. The question is, therefore, overruled. Counsel for defence excepted. The examination of Dr. Parker was then resumed.

your return to Virginia, in what position did you find Henryl This question was also objected to by counsel for the accused. Here a bust of Demosthonos was, by the throng of persons, nearly thrown from a case on which it was placed, and Mr. Wostcrn interrupted the counsel for the defcncc, by saying he wished to remove so as that it could not fall upon his head. Mr. White remarked that he hoped tho counsel and his head would be preserved lor the purpose of being engaged in more laudable causes than that in which he now appeared.

Mr. White continued at eomo length, to areue against the admissibility of tho question proposed. He contended that as the Commissioner had decidod not to admit the confessions of the nnn, he cannot receive in testimony against him his acts, for acts aro confessions, and are likewise ineompetont evidence. He said, see what it would lead to; a man may by duresse gain a free man of color to work for him, and would it be evidence of his slavery to obtain witnesses to prove that they had seen him work in tobacco field thai person might be sent to slavery by the admission of his acts, whilst the law repudiutes the negation of 9uch evidence. Mr.

Western contended that this being a penal act, it should be legally construed on one side and the other. He (Mr. did not limit his proofs to the man's own acts, but to circumstances surrounding him during the term of years he was known to the witness. There are hundreds, aye thousands, of slaves In Virginia, held without one scrap of paper, and how else could their bondngo be proved but by the evidence of his acts and the conditions in which he existed? He therefore insisted that there is a wide difference between, the admissions of the man and his acts; the ownership of a man's horse is evidenced by possession; the ownership of his house is evidenced by deeds, but the ownership of his wheel barrow was evidenced by possession. He (counsel) offered to show that this man came on 350 miles from Dr.

Smith to Dr. Pnrker, to be hired as a slave; that he was hired out, and that Dr. Parker set up with him (Henry) one night in i he capacity of a physician. He therefore submitted his right to continue with this examination. Mr.

Jay replied, and contended that cvidcnce of acts of a party, while in a state of duresse, cannot be admissible. A law in South Carolina enacts that every colured person arriving at that place any foreign port, may be taken into custody and delivered over to the Marshal while the vessel remains in port; but before the vessel sails, the master may claim him from the Marshal, and the law enacts that he shall be delivered up to the master on his paying the jail fees for mainlonance; if the master refuses to pay the jail then the colored person may, by the laws of that State, be suld to slavery for the fees due for their detention; now ho had seen by the report in this day's Herald, that Ur. Parker admitted yesterday that he never saw the title deed by which this mnn was held. Dr. Farkor said he had not said so.

Mr. Jay was not present at the proceedings yesterday, but he took the report from the Herald. Counsel then read the following extract from the do you know he was a slave 1 have seen him at Mr. Smith's house and I agreed to hire hlni out. Q.

Did you ever see the title deeds or authority by which Mr. Smith held this man as a slave 7 sir, 1 have you any other means of knowing that this man is a slave, than seeing him with Mr. Smith and your hiring him out! have not; except that 1 have heard my sister speak of him as being a very useful servant, and the property of Dr. Smith. Are not some of the black servants in Virginia freemen I have heard Mr.

Smith speak of him as his servant; the servants and slaves both are engaged in tho same kind of work in Virginia; and black free persons as well as slaves are sometimes called servants; beyond what I have seen, and what 1 have heard from Dr. Smith and my sister, 1 have no knowledge of his being a shve." The Commissioner wa9 then asked to read his notes, and having done so, they were found to be almost verbatim with the above. Mr. Jay said, then this report is virtually correct. Dr.

Parker remarked that he could explain the meaning which he intended to convey. Mr. Jay continued. He denied that the right of property was, as statod by Mr. Western, proved by possession, and he maintained that no single act of this party, while under restraint, could be established as part of the In case of chattels, except wild animals, they must belong to somebody; the case is different with regard to this man; they cannot prove their claims by the acts or admissions of the individual under such circumstances.

Counsel, referred to 2d Starkie on Evidence, page 28. Mr. Fessenden.a volunteer counsel on behalf of the accused, wished to urge one or two observations. He said it would doubly enhance the severity of the law, if the Commissioner would admit the acts of this man as evidence against himself. Is it possible, he would ask, that a law, in a civilized land, would shut a man's mouth as to his own vindication and give his acts in evidence against him 1 He trusted that the Commissioner would hesitate before he gave such a construction to the act.

The provision of the constitution of the United States has not tha word "slavery" in it, from beginning to end. It says, one whose services are claimed and la bound to service or labor, shall be reatored; and it is applicable to a white apprentice as well as to a black man; the evidence of acta ia in nis (Mr. mind inadmia 11 eiblc. If any law contains any such provisions he Iicvc8 ihat the Supreme Court of the United s'utj1' scd of gentlemen who have property in slaves aside that law as contrary to the Constitution w' Mr. Western and Mr.

Jay having addressed the I the same subject, The Commissioner evidence appears in tk, up to the present time, to prove that the man durosae, except as to the relations he occupied towi Smith. He (the Commissioner) did not know tS Court was to assume that Henry was in duresse andk not think that the duresse of slavery was sufti, elude the acts of the party as incompetent evidence thought, the whole, that the testimony on this ooil admissible. Mr. White excepted to the ruling, though he did not what advantage the exception would be to him. Tin- question was again your return to mond how did you find Henry situatodJ Henry at the Columbian Hotel; lie was a waite' tkere-1 ceived waires myself for Doctor John T.

by of a letter from Doctor Smith, and by previous what right, known to Henry, did Doctor claim to receive his wages? This question was also objected to by counsel for Hi and was ruled out by the Commissioner. U. -Did Henry know you received his wages? A did. How long did lie cominue in employ at tho year; he demean, himself properly; he frequ ame to me during the year as the agent of his master; I garded me as his master in the absence of Doctor's when I was leaving the city to spend the Christmas I him to the City Hotel and told him to remain there'u came back; I had made an arrangement to hire h-n, but when I returned, I found that tie was not there stopped at the City Hotel a dav or two, but I found 1 about the streets; I censured him for disobeying my and wrote to his master about tt; I found great diMcuk setting him a situation afterwards; he (Henry) was lutJ please, anil wanted to hire himself, as his master had pn ously permitted him to do; I expostulated with him and him of the will of his master; after some and, ing an advertisement from I.ibby, i wen them and they agreed to hire him; this was abojt the February, 1647; before that. had been hirin" himJ and never mode returns ol Ins wages to me; in January hired himself to wail on sick inan, at my request which services I did receive his wages which amounted 81 a day; he hired himself, also, at House, and another place, for which he made no retun me, though, 1 had told him to do so; during that vear I him frequently, and I think I had loaned him money; continued at Haskins Libby's during the year until sL time in December, 1948; he disappeared about that tim went to Rockets, a purl of the town where he lived, and quired about him; I saw Haskins Libby and what had become of him; Henry was gone, and I made gent inquiry, and could not find him.

did yo. as agent of Dr. Smith when Henry was no specific authority to advertise him, because his man wan more than 300 miles distant, and did not expect hint run away. was your authority, or in what it contained in relation to your agency over Ahad both verbal and written authority. you tj part of your authority which was in writing with y'uulw: number of letters.) Itbeing now past three o'clock, the Commissioner an the counsel how many witnesses thev had to examine, cause, if there was no probability of finishing the cin day, he wo uk: adjourn.

Mr. Western said he had but more witness. Mr. White said he did not think it to finish the case to-day, ns they had right or ten wit for the defence. The letter produced from Dr.

Smith to Dr. Par' ruled by the Commissioner as inadmissible. The wi'said he had entire control over the man Henry. 7l examination of Dr. Parker was eotnniencc thing varying from that which was reported ir Herald, was elicited.

it By the Do you know the do not. Anderson B. I.atnbkin being sworn, knows Henry; lie (Henry) was in employ, in Richmond, Virginia, and the positive, is the same; brought stores threo days before lie ran nway; it was two he ran away; 1 know it, bccause that Christmas; he was employed by Mr. I pucity of waiter, to carry stores on board packet between Wew York and Richmond. -h Cross did not know of my that ho ran away, I only heard it.

Mr. White, upon the evidence, moved for the prisouer upon the following grounds; has been no satisfactory evidence ollered, 1 to prove that the alleged fugitivoat the tii was held to service by the laws of that Second, That there has been no satisfaci fered, competent in law, to prove that thealle raped from Virginia, or from any person by the laws thereof, he owed service. Third, '1 hit evidence has been admitted improperly of tl acts of the alleged fugitive, and also evidence of acts and larutions of the claimant. Fourth, That all the evidence adduccd on tb? claimant, as to his title to the services oi the is inferential only, and that the law- will against liberty. Fifth, Tnat the act under which theclainir seeks to ture the alleged fugitive, is unconstitutional nd void.

The Commissioner said thought that the accused pe son ought not to be discharged at this of the procee. ings. Mr. White then handed In a writ of habeas coryu? fro tho Supreme Court, for the appearance of Henry i tuinableat 10 o'clock on Thursday mornirg. The Commissioner then said that the writ of hal ou? most certainly be obeyed by him.

The prisoner ever, be detained in the custody of the Marshal, ant he adjourned the case to Thursday, at 12oVI ck. The accused was immediately conducted to t. il by obout two hundred policemen. No disturbance though the conduct of one or two of the office Fourth ward, whose names we have learned ted, by their rudeness to produce In front of the United States Ma; I's office at cinity, a large body of colored wore congr. an early hour, and among them tnber of fema withstanding the inclemency of the weather; yet tl.

huJ dlud together in close conversation, djsciiftfcing the pr ybli iy nf bmthei escaping the pending charge, a -ct, large body of police were in attendance, to see that tiutteti were carried on without any disturbance, yet, in the faceu the public authorities, an individual, said to be a white nisi ana one of the abolition leader? and speakers began dress tho assembled colored pr pie. He abused the Waihj ington law-makers, and retlccted on the character of the iin mortal Washington. This, together with language of a ry Inciting nature, tending to cause a breach ol the peace, the police thought it high time to interfere, and tin speaker was requested either to be quiet, or to leavi tho place. These requests Jie refused most positively consequently, he was ito custody, and convej ed to the Tombs, before Osborn. The nngistrati here again told him that tie promised to remain fmn the scene of excitcnw: the Park, he would al low him to go.

This pri' he positively refused, that l)is conscionco wou allow him to do, that lie lend his aid to the poor and die with him if nccct sary. The magistrate, tiding the prisoner was determined to return and create a urbanee, took the requisite ailidsw; against him, and held to ball in the sum of $300, to kef; the peace lor six mom.is. Tho prisoner yave his name Ei ward de St. Remy, and, in default of bail, he was locked In tho Tombs. Otherwise, the colored people themselves with tho utmost propriety; not the slightest intimation of violence wes there attempted, all expri.sslnjja wirtl to purchase the liberty of the repudiated slave, should he bJ found, by the decision of the Commissioner, to be the perty of John T.

Smith. Between five and six hundred dollars, we understand, has been subscribed already for the pu'; chase of the fugitive. It is said, however, that the value the slave is held at one thousand dollars. THE NEW VORK SLAVE New Yo Journal of Coinmcrce gives the following account of the pre ceedings in iliccusc on Thursday, before (lie U. S.

Commit sioner: Mr. Jay. as counsel of I lie fugitive, said, wo object to-dv we did the day before yesterday, to hold anv lurther pr. ceedtngs, until an adjudication is had on the writ of corpus, which was issued from the Supreme Court, an untthen think that you have no authority toprocced intti matter. Our objcct in procuring the writ in to test the constitution ality of the act of Congress under which you act, bclote tin Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Stipretu Court of the Lnitcd States.

We believe it to be unconstitutional and violative from beginning to orid. of various under the Constitution. Mr. Western contended that the Commissioner had right to adjourn the case, and that the writ of habeas corps' did not compel him to stay proceedings in the case or in way interfere with the proceedings now going on before Commissioner. 6 According to the intentions of the other party, the was to bo held over for some two 01 three vears, while was through the different courts.

Arid it was to that such a modo of proceeding called summary, or such as the law contemplated, or rit dcrcd it the duty of the commissioner to perform. the adjournment several persons front Virginia In' called on him, Mr. Western, anil informed him that thr knew the alleged slave from hit boyhood, also mother, and that if any furthet evidence was deem.fl sary, in relation to the elavo identity, it would be product! Mr. Jay replied at considerable length, and concluded tr requesting that no further proceeding should be taUnia tk matter until the case up before the Supreme Court- Tho Commissioner said, on Tuesday night, I said thai should most certainly obey the writ of habeas corpus was served on me. and it is scarcely necessary for me to i peat that 1 intend to obey it.

I made out a return this iw ning, which was the first opportunity I have had, yesterd being Christmas day; I made out the return this moininj and left my office to make, the return, and was informed thai the court had adjourned. Counsel on both sides addressed the commissioner, ar Mr. Jay stated that the senior counsel in the case went awj on the understanding that the case would be adjourned i to-morrow. Counsel for the claimant then assented to adjournment, and the case was adjourned to eleven o'clock New Yokk, Dec. The rase of I.onjr, the nll-ged fugitive slave was brought op for trial this morning and postponed until the afternoon lor further teotin.ony.

During the evening session, a colored man came upon the stand and testified he saw Long io York at the time Dr. Parker swore ho saw him in itginu TI.e negro on being ctoss examined, flatly contrada'tJ himself, and his evidence was rendered worthless. Th? Court adjourned until Saturday to allow time to eiecute habeas corpus. ELECTION IN THE SHENANDOAH DISTRICT. The President of the Virginia State Convention has appointed Thursday, the 2d day of Januaty, 1951, as the day for the election of a suitable person to fill the vacancy casioned by the resignation of Mr.

Samuels, in the Dls composed of the counties of Shenandoah, Hardy and MARRIED. Mabbied, on the24tli inst bv ilv Dr Kiutxfnpli Mr JOUR. MOON in MARIETTA Al.BERTA GRAVES, daughter Mr. Win. II.

Craves, all ol this city DIED. Died, yesterday moniinr, after a abort illness, JANET em child ol a and Mary fSuest, need two LUNENBl'RU, VIRGINIA. DBCEMBE 2, MR. ROBERT H. MITCHE1SJ1R uke nonce that on the 4th lyuurdmy in Jauuaij.

at Columbian I shall mote for a judemeni on a eutedby you toS. P. Rorrus, oX and 41 cents. 8. a p.

Dea. 17-cw4w By SUCHAP ORO.