Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 2

wvd, and that the soundings along the wLol coast have been materially changed. Railroad Meeting. We publish, this week, the proceedings of a meeting held in Hudson, on Monday of last week, at which delegates were appointed to the Railroad Convention proposed to be held there on the 12th instant. A meeting has been held in Bedford, for tha same purpose. Although Ravenna has not been invited to appear in the Convention, and will not probably "intrude," yet we, no doubt, feel as much interest in the success of the project, as they do in other places.

Our level country is peculiarly adapted to Railroad improvements, and we hope ere long to sec Railroads connecting all our important towns, and lateral lines to almost every township 6r village in our county. But, the most important lines will be first constructed, and; among those, we feci convinced that the line from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, intersecting the Canal near this place, is a prominent one. A Railroad Meeting was held in Canfield, on the 28th ultimo, and passed resolutions in favor of a Railroad from Pittsburgh to Cleveland; "upon the shortest and least erpensive course which the face of tho country will admit." Ravenna Courier. mJ PITTSBURGH, JANUARY" 12, 1835. CCITY ELECTIONS.

The election for Mayor and Councils is now going on. Our paper will be around in time to remind our readers that it is not yet too late to give a vote which may settle the question in favor of a reform of the "City Police and other abuses" The Mails. We received no papers this rooming from Washington City, or from any place east of the Susquehanna river, except -llarrisburgh. Th Fittsburguer. We have received the first number of this Cumberland Presbyterian paper, edited Thomas Wilson Haynes, and printed by E.

Lloyd Co. It is stated in an editorial article, that, "while a less numerous denomination sustains seven weekly and six monthly periodicals, Cumberland Presbyterians, with the Bame number of communicants in the United States, sustain but one weekly and one irtonthly paper." This would appear to afford ample rosm for the Pittsburghcr: we therefore presume that it. will prove entirely successful. The editorial department of the proper is sustained with ability and zeal, and the mechanical execution is good. For the Gazette.

PRINTERS' MEETING. A meeting of the Journeymen Printers was held on the evening of the 11th inst. JOHN I KNOX was called to the Chair, and J. E. Siie- iudan appointed Secretary.

I After the object of the meeting had been stated by the Chairman, the following resolutions were read and adopted: 1. Resolted, That a committee of three be appointed to confer with the Master Printers of the city, on the subject of an increase in Journeymen's wages, and regulation of the hours of labor; and that said committee make report to a subsequent meeting'. 2. Resolved, That this meeting when it adjourn do so to meet again on Saturday, the 16th at half past 6 o'clock, at the house of F. Lutz, to receive the report of tiie committee appointed by tha foregoing resolution, and to adopt such course as shall then be deemed most advisable to secure the interests of Journeymen Printers.

3. Resolved, That all the regular Journeymen Printers in the city, who take an inturest in the welfare of the be invited to attend. 4. Resolved, further, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman and Secretary, and that the several editors in the city be requested to publish them. J.

KNOX, Chairman. J. E. SiiERinA.v, Secretary. From tht Rational Intelligtncer, TIIE SMITHSONIAN LEGACY.

In Senate, Jan. 5, 1836, the Committee to whom this subject was referred made the following report: That it appears that Mr. James Smithson, late of London, deceased, by his last will and testament, bequeathed the whole of his property to his bankers, Messrs. Drummonds, of Charing Cross, London, in trust, to be disposed of in the manner therein provided and directed; and desired his said executors to put his property under the management of the Court of Chancer'; and then, (after bequeathing an annuity of JC100 sterling to John Fitall for life,) he bequeathed and provided as follows: "To Henry James Ilnngerford, my nephew, I give arid bequeath, for his life, the whole of the income arising from my property, of every nature and kind whatever, after payment of the above annuity, and, after the death of John Fitall, that annuity likewise; the payments to be made to him at the time interest or dividends become due on the stocks or other property from which the income arises. Should the said Henry James Hungcrford have a child or children, legitimate or illegitimate, I leave to such child or children, his or their heirs, executors, and assigns, the whole of my property of every kind, absolutely and forever, to be divided between them, if more than one, in the manner their father shall judge proper; and in case of his omitting to decide this, as the Lord Chancellor shall judge proper, i Should my said nephew, Henry James Hunger-j ford, marry, I empower him to make a jointure.

In case of the death of my said nephew without leaving a child or children, or of the death of the child or children he may have had, under the age of twenty-one years, or intestate, I then bequeath the whole of my property (subject to the annuity of -CI 00 to John Fitall, and for the security and payment of which I. mean stock to remain in thi country) to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among- men." It further appears, from a letter of Messrs. Clark, Fynniore, and Fladgate, solicitors, to Mr. Vail, charge d'affaires of the United States at London, the 21st July last, communicated by Mr. Vail to the Secretary of State, that, pursuant to the instructions contained in Mr.

Siuithson's will, an amicable suit was, on the death of that testator, brought in the court of chancery of England, by the legatee, Mr. HuBgerford, against the Messrs. Drummonds, the executors, in which suit the assets were realized; that these were very considerable; that there is now standing in the name of the accountant general of the court of chancery, on the trusts of the will, stock amounting in value to about that Mr. Hungcrford, during his life; had received the income arising from this property; but that news had reached England that Mr. Hungcrford had died abroad, leaving no child surviving him; so that the event his happened on which the executory bequest of this large property was made by the testator, Mr.

Smithson, to the United States, to found, at Washington, under the name of "The Smith ty to the foundation of the intended charity at Washington, and to provide for the due administration of the fund, so as to accomplish the purpose of the donor. The committee are sensible, however, that these are points which can only be determined and settled by the judicial authority of England. In the opinion of the committee, the questions which it behooves Congress to consider are, whether it is competent to the United States, whether it comports with their dignity, whether (all circumstances considered) it is expedient pnd proper that the United States should appear as suitors in the courts of justice of England, to assert their claim to the legacy in question, as trustees for the intended charitable institution to be founded at Washington. It might be a question of much doubt and difficulty, whether it would be within the competency of the Government of the United States to appropriate any part of the general revenue collected from the nation at large, to the foemda-tion and endowment of a literary or any other charitable institution in the District of Columbia. But, in the opinion of the committe, no such question is involved in the consideration of the present subject.

The fund given to the United States by Mr. Smithson's will, is nowise, and never can become, part of their revenue; they cannot claim or take it for their own benefit; they can only take it as trustees, to apply to the charitable purpose for which it was intended by the donor. The committee can see no reason to doubt that the United States must be regarded as the partns patriai of the District of Columbia. That, in that character, they have a rightj and they are in duty bound, to assert a claim to any property given to them for the purpose of founding a charitable institution of any kind within the District, and to provide for the due application and administration of such a fund when they have obtained possession of it. That the rights and duties of the United States, as parens patriai of the District, in such a case, are the same, whether the charitable donation be made by the subject of a foreign nation, or by a citizen, or whether the claim to the bounty is to be asserted before a domestic court of justice, or before a foreign tribunal, which, by the comity of nations, or the laws of its own country, is bound to entertain the and to adjudge the property to the United States, if they are by law entitled to it.

If a foreign tribunal, decreeing such property to the United States, should think proper to impose any conditions incompatible with the constitutional powers of this Government, or with its duties or its dignity, the United States may then decline to accept the property and the trust. But no difficulty of that kind is apprehended. The committee are also of opinion that the United S'ates, in prosecuting a claim to property given to them for the purpose of founding a charitabls institution within the District of Columbia, and which they are entitled to claim and take, and regulate the administration of, as the parens patriai of the District, may property appropriate, out of their general revenue, such sums as may be necessary to prosecute the claim with effect since the United States have no other pecuniary means to defray the expenses that may be incurred in exercising their powers, or in performing their duties, as parens p'ttriiB of the District, but such as are afforded flagrant kind. This country has not violated the treaty of alliance subsisting with the Mexican states, either by executive or legislative enactments; nor have any demands for redress or prevention been made ou our government by Mexico. Retortive measures cannot therefore be sanctioned; and it is high time to teach the Mexicans better manners and more faithful policy.

Their commerce or commercial laws have not been interfered with in any manner yet they have commenced a system of aggression on oiir trade, and of plunder on our citizens who were foolhardy enough to reside among them. Redress should immediately he sought, or tear declared. Mexico has virtually declared war by her orders of non intercourse: shall this lie tolerated by this country? Why not have issued letters of mark and reprisal; and send some Yankees and Baltimore clippers to scour the Mexican seas? The Dardannelles. A late London paper gives the following description of the celebrated fortresses which guard the entrance to the Black Sca:" "On the European side of the passage there are six the first containing 15 guns, outside the Dardanelles; second, called "the padlock of the seas," at the cntcrance of the Archipelago has 70 guns and 4 mortars; third, three miles from the former, with 12 guns; fourth protects a town, and has 54 guus; fifth, in the Southern bay, with 3i) guns; sixth, the last place of defence on the European side, has 50 guns. On the Asiatic side there are five; first at the south, point of the entrance, has 80 guns and 4 mortars; second, has 14 guns; third, has the strongest fort, and commands the stream where the current runs most rapidly into the Archipelago, and has 192 guns; fourth, at the south point of the bay of Magara, has 46 guns; and the fifth has 84 guns.

The guns on them are on a level with the water's edge. The whole number on the European side is 319 guns and 4 mortars; on tho Asiatic, 416 guns and 4 mortars." From Asiatic Turkey. The late accounts in the London papers from the party employed in transporting a steamboat to the river Euphrates are not very flattering. A letter dated at Constantinople, Oct. 3d, says Col.

Cherncy is yet at Bir, gradually recovering from the effect of a coup de soleil, which placed his life in the most imminent danger. His negociations with the Arab wandering tribes had been hitherto highly unsatisfactory. They are decidedly averse to the steam navigation of the Euphrates, and in fact to every innovation tending to introduce civilization in the country. They have expressed the determination of impeding, the passage of the river by throwing rocks in its led. The same letter gives some information of the state of Ibrahim Pacha's army in Syria.

The condition of the armv is represented as far superior to that of the Sultan. A feeling of violent hostility is kept up between the troops and the people of Syria. Ibrahim has taken pains to improve the condition of his army, and to secure the attachment of his men, at the same time he persevered in his system of severity towards the inhabitants. The inhabitants of villages were torn from their occupations, and compelled to labor without compensation. The Pacha had ordered several hur'drcds of these unfortunate men to work at the Coal mine which has been discovered in the vicinity of Beirout.

Its coal is Suid to be superior to that loaded at Coumi, in Negroponf. These discoveries wi! materially approwd of by two thirds of the members present. A tetter from Washington City says "John Qcincy Adams made a speech, in which he related a fact, in relation to the Bank of the United States, which has never before reached the public. It was related in reply to some remarks from Mr. Ceardsley.

"I was, said Mr. Adams4 one of the Committee sent by this House to Philadelphia, to investigate the affairs of the Bank of the United States. On our arrival in that city, it was moved that the Committee call on the Bank of the United States for the names of all members of Con-greys and public officers who had applied to the institution for loans, who stand indebted on its hooks. This motion, said Mr. Adams, I resisted with ell my power, on the ground that we were not sent to the Bank to investigate the private affairs of private gentlemen.

But, sir, my efforts were vain; the Committee outvoted me, and the list was called for and obtained. But, sir, when we came to examine it, it was found to be a two edged stcord. It contained the names of members of Congress and of gentlemen high in ajfice it cut, sir, to the right and the left, on both sides of the house, and the Committee thought it was not best to publish it, as it related to the pi 'tale affairs of private gentlemen. I did then, sir, urge with as much zeal as I had employed to opposo the original proposition, that the list of the "doomed men" should he furnished the house and the country; but I was outvoted by the Committee! Well, sir, what then? Why, sir, on my return to this city, and this House, I made a report on my own responsibility for the minority of the Committee, and to it I did append that very list of members of Congress and of gentlemen high in office, who were indebted to the Bank or had applied for loans; but that, sir, was a two edged sword, it cut to the right and to the left, on both sides of the house, and was not permitted to gr to the country, for it rektcd to the private affiirs of private Poulson. The following extract of a letter to the Kdi- tor of this paper, from a gentlemen high in the confidence of Mr.

Webster and his friends, dated Washington, Jan. 2, 1836, indicates the course these gentlemen deem it proper to take, and demonstrates the policy of sustaining Mr. Webster as a. candidate for the Presidency. The same views are expressed in the Boston Atlas of Saturday.

Philadelphia Commercial Herald. "Do not heed the imputation of Van Buren-ism cast on Mr. Webster and on To give up Mr. Webster is to give up New England in a mass to Mr. V.

B. If you lose N. E. you lose the Senate of the United States. While Governor Harrison's friends are saying so much about available men, they should think something of available States, and especially of the prospect as to such States in the Senate, which is now the only stay of the opposition.

Give up Mr. W. and you give up N. E. Give up N.

E. and you give up the Senate. That done Mr. V. B.

is supreme in all the branches of the Government. For it is the unequalled reputation of Mr. W. and the steady attachment of his friends to him, which can preserve N. England from falling into the hands of Mr.

Van Bu-rcn." PENNSYLVANIA LEG I SLAT RE. SENATK PETITIONS. Friday, Jan. G. Mr.

Penrose one, for an appropriation to construct a Feeder from Kittan-ning down the Allegheny river; also, one for the incorporation of the Penn township savings institution, with banking privileges. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, Jan. 8. Mr.

Frew presented a petition for the erection of a new county out of parts of Allegheny, Washington, and Westmoreland. COMMITTEE OJ- Tf IE WHOLE. Mr. Conrad in the Chair. The bill to incorporate the Exchange Bank of Pittsburgh came up, but after some time the committee rose to sit again this day a week.

Mr. Cowen in the Chair. The bill supplement to the act to incorporate the Pittsburgh and Carlisle savings fund societies came up, and after some time the committee rose. The Boston Post states that the Wilbcrforcei Colony on Lake Erie, Upper Canada, a settlement of blacks who were expelled from Ohio, by an Act of the Legislature in 1831, lias been constantly increasing since its first settlement, and is ct this time in a flourishing condition. Bait.

Amer. The rc-appcarance of Halley's Cornet is announced by Professor Loom is, of Yale College; It is now visible in the East, but not without the aid of a telescope lie says that, "according to theor3 the intensity of the light should now be about the same as it was on the seventh of September, as appears to be actually the case; and this intensity will lie continually diminishing, until the comet is entirely lost" in the regions of space. Yet, as it will rise each morning at an earlier hour, the circumstances will bo more favorable for observation a week or two hence than they are at present. Supposing tho Comet to be visible at as great a distance from the sun and the earth after its perihelion passage as before, the intensity of its light by the middle of February will be no greater than it was xm the 31st of August: and as its meridian altitude will then be only six degrees, the difficulty of seeing it will be increased by the hazi. ness which is uniformly to be expected near the horizon." Bait.

Amer. The question of the removal of the seat of government of New York from Albany, is constantly revived in the papers of that State. It. may be called a contest between the body and the mind, it being contended, on the one side, that the fittest place for tlve capital of a State is that nearest to its territorial or physical centre, as at Utica, while, on the other hand, the centre of the State is agreed to be the point of the greatest mental activity and control, that is, N. York city.

Viewed in this light, the great city has the best of the argument, and may claim to be no more disqualified for being the scat of government of the State than the head is for being the seat of government (in all well regulated bodies) of the rest of the body. The New Yorkers can call to their aid the old fable of Agrippa about the head and the belly, though it may be -doubted whether the good people of the interior would rel ish its application. halt. Amer. Sudden Reverse.

The Eastern Argus relates the death, at Stonewater village, of a young la-day Miss Winslow by being overturned in a sleigh on going home from a wedding party. She was taken up carried back to the bridal circie she had but a few minutes before left and shortly died. Memoranda. The second reduction of 10 per cent, of the excess of duties above 20 per cent, on any and all articles of imports, takes effect on Jan. 1st.

For example, articles paying a duty of 25 per cent, by the Tariff of 1832, will hereafter pay bat 24; articles assessed 30 per cent, by the Tariff of 1832, will hereafter pay 28 per and so on with the rest. The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Patriot says "Among the speculations of the day, the subject of Messrs. Taney's and-Kcndall's nominations occupies a prominent po-. sition. It is confidently believed by many of of our friends here, that Roger Brooke Taney will be confirmed to the office of Chief more than once decidedly rejected as a nominee for the Associate Justiceship.

What is there to make such a sudden and entire revolution of opinion, on the part of the Senate, in reference to this nomination? Amos Kendall is also before the Senate as the nominee for the Post Office Department. I have no belief that he will receive a confirmation at the hands of that body. Of Mr. Barbour's appointment to the place of Judge Duvall, I have not the least doubt." The Bank of North America, the first institution of the kind in the country, opened at Philadelphia, January 7, 782. A correspondent of the Norfolk Beacon says "A project is on foot for constructing a Rail Road from Norfolk to Charleston, S.

C. It is contemplated to commence the Road from the eastern extremity of Main street, Norfolk, cross Elizabeth river to Ferry Point, thence to Deep Creek: thence along tho bank to the angle of the canal; thence across the canal to Edenton, in Chowan after passing through the grain growing and fertile counties of Pasquotank and Perquimans the distance from Norfolk to E-denton by the proposed route would be only 52 miles." DIED, In this town, on Friday morning, the 1st instant, after a protracted illness of several weeks, the Rev. MILTON COLT, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the 25th year of his agej The deceased was stationed in this place, for the current year, by the last Pittsburgh Confer, ence, and during the few months he labored among us in the ministry, he not only gained the confidence and esteem of all, but proved himself to be "a workman that ncedeth not to be ashamed." Mr. although a young man, possessed talents of a superior order, with all those qualities of heart calculated to render a minister useful, and promised to becemea bright and shining light in the church of which ho wan a member and (0.) Repository. PORT OF RIVER 6 FEET ABOVE LOW WATER MARK.

DEPARTURES. Jan. 12. Lady Marshall, May, Louisville. IX rORT.

January 12. Oswego, Rufus Phila. delphia, Pioneer, Flora, Caledonia, Canton, Good Intent, Fame, Washington, Bee, Mountaineer, Gazelle, Arabian. LIST OF ARRIVALS AT THE FOLLOWING 1IOTEI.S, IS THIS CITY, FOR TH 24 HOURS ENDING THIS MORNING, 7 O'CLOCK. Pittsburgh Hotel C.

M'Kibb'in. Divin, Oxford; Fullcrton, Cinn; Clarke, Beaver; Walker, Elizabeth; Brown, II Newlden, Dunham, Beaver: Maupuuj-O; Bowman, Georgetown; Wil-- ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 6r the Pittsburgh Board of Trade. Whereas, a want of unity of action on subjects relating to Trade and Commerce has been heretofore a serious detriment to the interests of the community: And whereas, various commercial advantages, particularly in the communication with distant parts of our own country, are best obtained by united actin, we therefore deem it important at this time to form an association in this city, which shall be called 'The Pittsburgh Board of The general objects of the association shall be to extend the Trade and Commerce of the city of Pittsburgh, to give a proper direction to all commercial movements; to encourage and extend the facilities of transportation, and generally to take all proper measures for the extension and regulation of the trade and commerce of this city. Art. 1st.

The officers of this association shall be a President, a first and second Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer; to be elected at the same time as the Board of Directors, who shall serve for one year, and until others are chosen, and wha shall be ex-officio members of that Board. Art. 2d. This association shall meet on the 1st Thursday of January, April, July, and October. The President, or, in his absence, cither of the Vice Presidents, shall call a meeting of the association, whenever they are requested by ten members, in writing.

Art. 3d. The affairs of this association shall be conducted by a Board of twenty-one directors, to be chosen annually by ballot at the stated meeting in January. They shall continue in office one year, and until others are chosen; seven members shall form a quorum at any meeting of the board of directors. Art.

4th. The board of directors shall meet on the last Thursday in every month, for the transaction of such business as may come be-foro them; and at the stated meeting in January, shall lay before the association a report of their proceedings for the past year. Art. 5th. The funds of the association, in the hands of the Treasurer, shall always be subject to the control and disposition of the board of directors, but they shall have no power or authority to enter into any contract whatever, in behalf of the association, nor shall the members at any time be accountable for any contracts made by the directors, or the association, beyond the amount of funds in the hands of the Treasurer.

Art. 6th. The board of directors shall have power to make such bye-laws as may be deemed necessary, not inconsistent with this constitution, and to employ a clerk, not of their own number, and to' allow him such compensation for Lis services as they may think proper. Art. 7th.

An annual contribution of S3 shall' be paid in advance on the first day of January, and any member who shall neglect or refuse the payment of the said amount for one year, shall not be permitted to vote; and should the payment be omitted for two years, he shall forfeit his right of membership. Art. 8th. Nominations for membership in this association may be made by a member at any meeting of the board of directors, or of the association; and the applicant shall be admitted after receiving the votes of three fourths of the members present, upon his signing the constitution, and paying the annual contribution for the current year. Art.

9th. As soon as the funds of the association will admit, convenient apartments shall be provided, to serve as a Public Exchange, for the general transaction of mercantile business, and for a news room in which the principal commercial newspapers of the union shall bo kept on file, for the perusal of the members; and registers shall be kept for the record of the arrivals and departures of steam boats, and other items of commercial intelligence that may be deemed worthy of insertion. 10th. Controversies relating exclusively to business transactions, that may arise between members of this association, may be submitted to the monthly committee for the time being, or to a special committee, if preferred, by cither of the parties, for arbitration; and the decision of aid committee, made after a full hearing of the merits of matters at issue, shall be re corded in a book provided for such purpose, stating the case, and the principles which governed their decision, with reference i its proper operations upon future cases of a similar character, shall be recorded as part of the proceedings of the board. Art.

11th. Any alteration or amendment in these articles shall be proposed at a-stated or special meeting of th association, and shall be acted on at a subsequent meeting, and must be sonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men. Messrs. Clarke, Fynmorc, and Fladgate also inform Mr. Vail that it h'is now become necessary that measures should be taken for the purpose of getting the decision of the Court of chancery as to the further disposition of the property; that it is not clearly defined in Mr.

Smithson's will to whom, on behalf of the United States, the property should be paid or transferred; and indeed there is so much doubt, that they apprehend the attorney general on behalf of the crown of England must be joined in the procecf ings which it may be requisite the United States should institute; that they act, in this matter, for Messrs. Drummonds, the bankers, who are mere stake-holders, and are ready to do all in tiieir power to facilitate getting the decision of the court of chancery, and carrying the testator's intentions into etToct; and that they will be happy to communicate with such professional advisers as the Government of the United States shall think fit to appoint to act for them in England. And, having thus statad the nature of the business, they add, that they abstain from making any suggestion as. to the party in whose name proceedings should be adopted, considering that the point should be determined by counsel in England, after the opiuiou of the proper law officers in the United Siates shall have been taken on the subject. In a letter of Mr.

Vail to the Secretary of Stale, of the 2dth July last, communicating a copy of Mr. Smithson's will, and the letter of Messrs. Clarke, Fynniore, and Fladgate to him, he says that that letter, and the inquiries he has made, leave no doubt of the will of Mr. Smithson having been established, and its dispositions recognized by the court of chancery of England; that, according to the view taken of the case bv the solicitors, the United States, in the event of their accepting the legacy, and the trust coupled with it, should come forward, by their representative, and make themselves parties to an amicable suit before the Lord Chancellor of England, for the purpose of legally establishing the fact of the demise of Mr. Flungerford, the legatee for life, without children and intestate, proving their claim to the benefit of the will, and obtaining a decree in chancery awarding to them the proceeds of the estate; that Messrs.

Clarke, Fynmorc, and Fladgate are willing to undertake the management of the suit, on the part of the United States; and that, from what he lias learned of their standing, they may safely be confided in. And Mr. Vail suggests, upon the advice of those gentlemen, a method of proceeding to assert the clainj of the United States to the legacy, without further delay, in case it should be thought unnecessary to await the action of Congress to authorize the institution of the requisite legal proceedings. The Secretary of State submitted the letter of Mr. Vail, and the papers therewith communicated, to the President, who determined to lay the subject before Congress at its next session; and of this determination- tiie Secretary of State apprized Mr.

Vail, in a letter of the 2Gth September last. The President in, his message of the 17th December, transmits to Congress all the correspondence and information relating to the subject, as the same had been reported to him by the Secretary of State; and adds, that "the Executive, having no authority to take any steps for accepting the trust, and obtaining the funds, the papers are communicated with a view to such measures as Congress may deem necessary." The committee concur in the opinion of the President, that it belongs to the Legislature to devise and prescribe the measures, if any, proper to be adopted on this occasion, and to provide for such expenses as may be incurred ia the prosecution of them. Judging from the letters of Mr. Vail to the Secretary of State, and of Messrs. Clarke, Fynniore, and Fladgate to Mr.

Vail, as well as from the information which the committee themselves have been able to gather as to the course of adjudication of the court of chancery of England in such cases, the eommittce suppose it unquestionable that the exe cutory bequest contained in Mr. Smithson's will of his whole property to the United States, in the event that has occurred, for the purpose founding, at Washington, under the name of Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men, is, by the law of England, a valid bequest; that the United States will be entertained in the court of chancery of England to assert their claim to the fundus trustees for the purpose of founding the charitable institution at Wasl i'lgton, to whioh it is destined by the donor; and that that" court will decree that the fund shall le paid and transferred to the U. States, or their Iiwfully authorized agent, leav-ling it to the United States to apply the proper by their general revenue. Upon the whole, the committee are of opinion that it is within the competency of the Government of the United Stales, that it well comports with its dignity, that indeed, it is its duty, to assert in the courts of justice of England the claim of the United States to the legacy bequeathed to them by Mr. Smithson's will, for the purpose of founding, at Washington, under the name of "The Smithsonian Institution," an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men; and that provision ought to be made by Congress to enable the Executive to assert and prosecute the claim with effect.

Therefore, the committee recommend the adoption of a joint resolution, authorizing the President to take measures for recovering the said legacy. From the Baltimore Patriot. CLOSING OF MEXICAN PORTS AGAINST AMERICAN VESSELS. The last mail from New Orleans brings the unpleasant intelligence that the Mexican Government had ordered its ports to be closed to our commerce." The Bee of the 21st harf the following paragraph: regret to receive information that an embargo has been laid, by order of the Mexican government, on the ports of Tampico and Metamoras, against Mexican vessels; and on all the ports of Mexico, against American ships. No ingress nor egress is now permitted; and hence the failure, formerly noticed by us, of hearing from the ships formerly despatched from New Orleans, or of having any certain information direct from Tampico or Metamoras.

The foolish expedition planned by Mehia may have led to this resort, as well as the state of affairs in Texas. If this information is correct, the sooner the better that the executive government shall proceed to action. It is certain that the brig Kanowa, which left here about 10 days ago, was not permitted to anchor in any Mexican port, and therefore obliged to sail for Mobile. The effect of this measure on our commerce is thus adverted to in the N. Orleans "Union" of the 21st ult.

If it be true that the Mexican Government has prohibited the entry of American vessels into their ports, an evil has been inflicted upon the whole country and especially upon the city of New Orleans of the most serious character. The trade between this place and Mexico alone is eight millions a year! at one blow this has been stopped and stopped at a moment when increased quantities of goods, especially adapted to the markets of Mexico, are now in possession of many of our merchants, independent of the many millions of American goods which must at this time be locked up in the Mexican ports. The Government of Mexico has taken a most effectual way to arouse the U. S. Government, and those interested in the prosperity of New Orleans, to the impropriety of permitting the fitting out of expeditions within our borders, to aid the conflicting parties in any province or State of Mexico.

It may be said we can force open the Mexican ports; suppose we do, if the government seize American goods and produce when landed, what does our success avail us? we should be obliged to have an army to accompany the goods, to effect a sale, or obtain payment. But is it not probable, if matters proceed to further extremities, will not the Mexican Government grant commissions to privateers, and sweep the American commerce from the Gulf We think so: they have no commerce to lose; we have, and there are many bold and desperate men ready to act as captains of privateers, and reap a rich harvest from the seizure of our merchant ships. The government is imperatively called upon to protect the commerce of this part of our country. The New Orleans Bee of the 22d December has the following paragraph upon-the subject. The embargo laid on American vessels entering the ports of Mexico is confirmed by intelligence received yesterday by the schooner J.

J. Simpson, eight days from Metamoras, whose captain (Mr. Wiley) states that he had been requested to inform our merchants that Metamoras, Tampico and Vera Cruz were closed against all American vessels. Whether this order proceeded from the government of Mexico, or from the executive officers of the states of Vera Cruz and Tamaulipas, we have not ascertained, but it is certainly worthy the cognizance of our national government. As a species of retribution against this country because individual citizens may have aided the people and cause of Texas, it is of- the most increase lacihties of steam navigation in the Mediterranean.

It is said that a Considerable treasure has been discovered by Ibrahim in one of the passes of Mount Taurus. The coins are of the times of tho It is supposed to have formed part of the military chests belonging to the Frank army, and to have been abandoned, to prevent its falling into the hands of the Saracens. PREDICTIONS FOR TIIE YEAR 1836. This year will ba famous for a thousand wonderful things. From January to December, the days will consist of twenty-four hours each; and there will be such a number of eclipses, that many wise people will be in the dark.

There will be fogs in Maine, fires at Constantinople, and a lack of brains in many a fool's head. 1 South-America, this year, will not extend beyond Cape Horn; and the Nirth Pole will be exactly in ninety degrees of latitude. Those ho lose money will look sad, and those who are in want of cash when they borrow, will want it more when they come to pay. Wisdom will cry aloud, but few will regard it. There will be long speeches in Congress; but, for all that, Lake Superior will not be upset.

Quadrupeds, this year, will go upon four legs, pretty generally; and cows' horns will be crooked, fate of lottery tickets will dubious, but whether there will be a war with France or not, mortal wounds will be apt to kill, and he that is sick with old age, will have a disease harder to cure than tiie mumps or chin-cough. The celestial aspects indicate that political parties will not agree for some time to come; but, whoever is President, water will run down kill, and ducks will waddle as heretofore Cabbages, this year, will be rather round than three-cornered, and carrots will be decidedly red. Coals will be as black cs ever; cats will love fish, but hate to wet their feet, and all on account oflla'ley's comet. The world, this year, will turn upside dowm but not in consequence of the Governor's proclamation. The crop cf hay will depend upon the weather; but, whether it rains or not, there will be plenty of sand at Cape Cod.

Whoever sells his house to buy moonshine will hardly get his money's worth. Whoever runs to catcli the rainbow, will get out of breath for his pains. For all that, eastern lands may be had for the buying. Locomotives and auctioneers' tongues will run fast. There will be mortal war between cats and rats, as well as between aldermen and roast turkeys.

People will talk about the end of the world, but it is ten to one that the solar system will not run against the dog star between now and next December. Sea-serpents, this year, will be hard to catch, and none but a conjurer will be able to get a quart into a pint pot. Those who have wooden legs will suffer little when they freeze their toes. Wigs are expected to be fashionable a-mong the bald, but blind will have some difficulty seeing. Divers staamboats will blow up this year, yet it is hardly probable that any southern slang- whanger will be able to set the Mississippi on lire.

Apples will ripen about October, sooner or later; but that ia all one, provided we have cider enough. Foxes will pay particular attention to poultry; there will be very few old birds taken with chaff, and wild geese will not lay tame eggs. But, most of all, there will prevail this year a horrible epidemic, worse than the cholera, small pox, or plague, which there will be no escaping and for which there will be no cure. The Italians call it paco danaro; the Germans, kein geld; the French, faute J' argent; in this country it goes under various appellations, but is most commonly known by the name of empty pockets. Boston CcOirier.

Remarkable Circumstance. Upon the trial (by court martial) of captain Seymour and the officers H. B. Majesty's frigate Challenger, for the loss of that ship near the port of Conception, on the coast of Chili, the extraordinary fact was given in evidence that the late earthquake on the coast had transformed what was previously a current of two miles an hour to the northward, into a current of five miles an hour to the south. The question was upon the time the committee should sit again.

Mr. Davis named the first of April next. Mr. Watts inquired if the object of the gentleman was to destroy the bill. Mr.

Davis said "it is, and all such institutions as I am able to." (A laugh.) Mr. Watts thought the bill then should be killed fairly and openly, and not by an insidious manner. Proper feeling should always be exhibited on these questions, hen no one could have cause for complaints. He considered the Pittsburgh institution a valuable one, that it was designed, and effected to a great extent, the advancement for the interests of the poor, the industrious poor, who could in it deposit their weekly earnings with security, and thus be a stimulant to industry. It was not intended as a monopoly for the benefit of the rich, and the stock speculator.

Mr. Watts spoke at some length on the benefits of the institution, and concluded by hoping the gentleman from Lancaster, (Mr. Davis) would withdraw his motion. Mr. D.

then withdrew his motion, and the subject was made the order of the day on Monday two weeks. llarrisburgh Telegraph. Union and Harmony Convention. The Dele gates to the Union and Harmony Masonic Convention- assembled in the Court House yestcr-dav, and organized by appointing Tjiomas S. Cunningham, of the Senate, President, six Vice Presidents, and four When the vacancies were all filled by substitutes, the Convention had about one hundred ih number.

A committee, consisting of tiie Delegates from each Congressional district, were constituted a Committee to recommend suitable persons, to le nominated for Electors for President and Vice President. A Mr. Justice made some remarks rather pleasing to the audience, but not quite as much so to the Wolf men, in which he said he was in favor of an entire new Electoral ticket "he was for striking off every mother's son of them, and forming one entirely new, to unite and harmonize the party." Another gentleman offered some resolutions wherein it was asserted that the object of the Convention was "Union and Harmony;" that they had the healing balm in their possession, and if they applied it they would heal all old wounds, and without difficulty prostrate their enemies, by giving the vote of the State to Van Buren and Johnson. The resolutions were postponed for the present, and afterwards handed over to the committee appointed to prepare resolutions. A committee of fivs, of which is chairman, was appointed to prepare an address to the people.

Mr. Justice, who was appointed on it, begged to le excused, and recommended in his room, Mr. Ashmead, as a gentleman of far better qualification, which was agreed to, and the convention adjourned, to meet this morning at nine o'clock. After the adjournment, the House wa3 cleared of Spectators, and the Convention went into a secret meeting with closed doors. Thus far, in all the movements, the Muhlenberg men bear the sway.

Present appearances indicate that the convention will be less irmonious when they break up than when they met. Some Wolf men elected as delegates have refused to take seats. llarrisburgh Telegraph, January Elertion of Governor. -It will be seen by a letter from Annapolis, that Colonel Thomas W. Vearey, of Cecil County, was yesterday chosen rnor this State, without opposition, by joint ballot of the two Houses of the Legislature.

Bait. Jan..