vii Quarterly Review, extract from Saw, circular Quito, mentioned R Rags against money 406 Sugar-from the maple, 255; 226 Schools, public-see New York, Sea-serpent 400 383 Seal caught in the St. Law- Red Jacket-one of his letters Redman, John 358 Seamen, health of 320 Secret debates to be published Register, terms of the 1; a no- from the cane 257; on the du- 401 Representation, remarks on the Revolutionary papers Rhode Island-about the consti- the U. S. "Right of search" 384 386 Rio de la Piata, the provinces Robin killed by hail of the Slaves and slave trade--horrid 408 112 South Carolina-law against pope 139; castle of St. An- 176 of the 375 112 Specie, arrivals of 63, 128; ship- 414 255 ments of Salt, imported 53; Onondaga 384 Johnsons' project 63; fresh 368 Stocks, money, &c. 209, 273; er- 408 Stonnington 289 192 341 Travelling, rapid 272; cheap 88 Tuscany U Underwriters, fraud intended upon-see "Norfolk.” V 414 Van Deiman's land Two Sicilies-declaration of the sove- 365 77, 98 facts 110 174 Vermont-proceedings of the Virginia. 225 State of the banks 48, 288; elections 112, 144, 415 259 Wool, import of 239---raised in England and Spain 257 Waltham factory NEW SERIES. No. 1-VOL. VIII.] BALTIMORE, MARCH 3, 1821. [No. 1-VOL. XX. WHOLE NO. 495 THE PAST THE PRESENT FOR THE FUTURE. EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY Ah. miles, at $5 PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE, We have not inserted our usual notices of do- people. On this all parties seem agreed--that the mestic and foreign events this week, for want of citizens of the United States might be, and of right time to prepare them. Nothing of importance, should be, prosperous and happy; though it is unihowever, has occurred; but whatever is interesting versally acknowledged that their situation is calashall be preserved. TERMS OF THE REGISTER. mitous and distressing. It is also agreed on all bands, that there must be some great changes in the general policy of the government, as well to ob "Niles' Weekly Register," is published every Satain revenue as to save expenditure; and a spirit turday morning, in Baltimore, and immediately for warded to all its subscribers, carefully packed, at five dollars per annum, payable in advance. It makes two volumes in a year, which respectively commence in March and September. Complete sets may be had on the following terms: For ten years' subscription, from Sept. 1811, General Index, Price in sheets, For binding the 19 vols. now published, and the General Index-20 vols. at 75 cents prevails which, I believe, will forbid th passage of a law to authorize a loan at the next session (which will be certainly wanted), unless ways and means are simultaneously provided to pay it off at a short period. But what these changes are to be, causes much botheration. Thus, I have seen a public meeting, when in confusion, attempted to be brought into quietness by every one calling out “or50 der' as loud as he could, instead of bringing himself into order. In addition, too many are tremb. 6ling for their popularity, and apparently afraid to 3 do what their conscience tells them should be done -what their own good sense forces them to ac59 knowledge will come to pass: perhaps they do not Any volume will be sold separate, to complete sets or otherwise, except 1, 2, and 3-these are scarce and precious. Gentlemen may commence their subscriptions at what time they please, but it is recommended that they should always begin with a volume. THE MISSOURI QUESTION is at last settled, so far as it depends on an act in congress. The manner of it has not pleased either party; and some express an opinion that the legislature of Missouri will obstinately refuse to accept the condition; but we cannot believe that this is probable. know how to check the re-action which they so 15 much fear. Others will not do this because some will not do that, and some "won't because they $74 won't"-which are excellent reasons, when better ones are not to be had! A few brave me appear quite willing to meet any degree of resp..sibility which their situation imposes, to throw themselves into the breach to restore their country to prospes rity to produce a system, such as Napoleon established in France, and which she is reaping the rich benefits of, in public and private abundance. Her foreign trade is small, and of little account in the great aggregate of value produced; but her internal commerce is active-every one that has any useful article to sell finds a ready market for it, whether it is the product of agriculture or manufac tures. If this state of things exists in France, un. der a kingly government, why may it not be in the CONGRESS must rise this day-and we hazard U. States, wherein we have a republican one? We little in saying, that the people, and the members appeal to the good sense of the nation for an anthemselves, are most sincerely glad of it. Since swer to this question-not to the parties and fragthe famous tenth congress, no one has contributed ments of parties in congress. Without the least less to an advancement of the public interest or degree of hesitation I pronounce the opinion, that the promotion of private prosperity. They had, to the present congress has less zeal, less talents, and be sure, a "distracting question" before them-but perhaps, less virtue, than almost any other that we it ought not to have distracted the members from have had-though it contains many really good, and other subjects of legislation, no less important some truly great men. The people have not than any measure proposed respecting Missouri. enough attended to the polls-they have been inThe public credit is at stake, and most things con fluenced rather by private partialities than public nected with the national interest, are either not considerations. There are many within the walls understood, or, in desperation, suffered to get along of the capitol who ought never to have left the as well as they may. If any thing of moment has walls of a county court-house; but they can make been done, it has been done in a hurry. The list-speeches-and what is a member of congress wlio lessness of the early part of the session, has been equalled by a bustling in the present week, not in harmony with that discretion by which our affairs ought to be managed. The proceedings are given at considerable length in the subsequent pages, and what yet remains behind shall be promptly attended to. The editor spent a part of last week and most of the present at Washington city, to see, hear and understand, if possible, what was going on-to gather the public feeling on certain great subjects, and ascertain some facts himself for the use of the VOL XX,- -1. cannot make a speech, even if he himself may not just exactly know what he is talking aboutthough he may repeat what has been said half a dozen times before? But I have not time to dilate on these matters now. As almost public bankruptcy has succeeded pri vate misfortune,-as it is evident that the present mode of raising a revenue will not keep us a-going; that new taxes cannot be collected unless something is done to enable the people to pay them. Hence, some of the best men at Washington flatter themselves with a hope that, on Monday next, when Mr. Monroe is to be inaugurated president, he will on men called right hongrabies and nobles, perhaps, offer a system of management by which the pre-as the hire of their wives to adulterous princes vailing distress may be relieved- -others think and other grand dignities in the government. Certhat he will suffer things to go on as they are. We tain preferences too, in our country, have been noshall soon see what measures he means to support,toriously conferred unworthily, or without a just We are convinced, that if a change is not brought discrimination, though the authority or confer them about peaceably, it will be accomplished violently was designed for the noblest of purposes. Seeing -not by force of arms, but by the indignant suffra- then, the abuses of the system and knowing the falges of a neglected and injured people. A generallibility of rulers, we act the most safely when we discontent prevails-a rustling begins to be heard, leave the least possible power to their discretion, and the spirit of truth will cause a "shaking of the except as to things of a general nature; and we dry bones," and they shall live! The political quiet should should set our face against specialities, parof the day is as the repose that precedes an earth-ticularly such as tend to raise up a distinct class quake. A mighty re-action is close at hand. among the people, with interests opposed to those of the community. If cases arise in which the public service demands an act of public liberality, let us give, at once, an amount which will meet the case, if we are able-by which we shall know what we are doing. But payments, in the shape of pensions, at so much per annum, are deceptive-like moths that consume without being noticed until the garment is found to be full of holes. When an individual or nation gives any thing, the matter is perfectly understood whether it can be afforded or not, whether the case requires it: but when we promise For ourselves, we have deliberately resolved to do all that we can to sustain this re-action: to take a firm stand against dishonest borrowings of money, as all borrowings must be when the means of re-payment are not provided, except in times of great public emergency in war: to reprehend every attempt made to disguise the facts which belong to the affairs of the nation: to speak of things as plainly as we can without denouncing individuals, and as severely as it is possible without being rude. As has been before observed, the editor pledges himself that his paper shall never be lent to elec-to do something hereafter, we should always do tioneering purposes--but it shall be devoted more warmly than ever to the interests of the people, without regard to those who have, or seek, the loaves and fishes"-to bring about a turning to original principles, that, again, every free American may "sit down under his own vine and under his own fig tree, with none to make him afraid." We only wish that our ability was equal to the part we are about to assume-but the will must be taken for the deed. If it shall appear that our course is disapproved of--if the people will not support us in this matter, and things shall go on from bad to worse we are resolved to be innocent. it like a prudent man endorses a note for his neighbor, and more so in our public character, because a nation cannot be relieved of its liability to fulfil its engagements by the benefit of accommodating insolvent law! With what we have, let us deal liberally; but of that which we have not, let us be careful how we promise ourselves to have it. There is many "a slip even between the cup and the lip" there are eleven points against the non possessor. We ought to derive wisdom from experience. No one will pretend to believe hat the revolutionary pension law would have been enacted, if its operation had been anticipated--though that law came from the best motives of the human heart, and was PENSIONS. We have inserted an account of the emphatically called an act of gratitude: but the case of com. Tucker, of the revolutionary navy, real design of the law was overturned by individual and the yeas and nays thereupon, in the house of ingenuity, and the disposition, at present, perhaps, representatives. Com. T. was not only one of the exists to repeal it altogether, from the double mobravest, but also among the most fortunate of our tive, that its provisions were abused and from the officers who carried the newly-made "star spangled poverty of the treasury. The amendments have, in banner" over the sea; and some of the prizes taken many instances, had a cruel operation in respect to and sent in by him were of so great importance to some who were placed on the pension list, though the young republic, that the supplies of arms and even improperly placed there. Let us avoid hereammunition which they furnished, were actually after, the public injury and private suffering which regarded as "providential," by tens of thousands such things may cause. Free governments are of patriots, at the time. On the general score of subject to frequent re-actions, depending on the service then, he appeared as well entitled to a pen-current of events-to-day liberal, to-morrow emsion as any one; and why the family of com. Perry barrassed, and the next day penurious. The preso easily obtained a vote in their favor, which was first denied, and then granted only by a majority of two votes, in the same house, to him, must rest on principles which we do not understand. sent then, is all that can be depended upon; and the people will not agree to borrow money to pay pensions, except to maimed and disabled persons, if they can help it. We should therefore, be very careful how we adopt the system. When we seized the opportunity the other day (see February 3), to object to pensions, except for disabilities actually incurred, we hope that we IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE U. STATES. Feb. were understood as not being hostile to the espe- 26. Mr. Justice Johnson delivered the opinion of cial case then before us-that of the family of com.the court in the case of the Bello Corrines, MalaPerry: for, on the contrary, if his family is in want gamba (consul of his Catholic majesty for Rhode we would bind ourselves, as a matter of right, to Island district) claimant, (argued by Mr. Winder pay them ten thousand times more per annum, for the captors, by Mr. Webster for the claimants, individually, than we shall have to contribute and by Mr. Wheaton for the salvors.) in the character of a citizen. But there is great The court determined, in this casedanger when government acts in relation to such 1st. That a foreign consul, recognized by our things. Pensions, no doubt, were originally grant-government, has a right to libel or claim in the ed both in England and France, for valuable services rendered to the respective states-but we well know that they have been conferred on the most infamous wretches in creation: for instance, admiralty courts the property of his fellow subjects, without specifying their particular interests. 2dly. That the original Spanish owners, in the present case, were entitled to restitution, the cap turing vessel having been fitted out in our ports, The committee have studied to subject this in violation of the neutraility of the United States source of expense to some retrenchment, corresin the present war between Spain and the Southpondent to what is contemplated in other branches American provinces; and the capture was made of public expenditure, in the only way in which it by our citizens, in breach of the laws and the treaty is susceptible of retrenchment. From the inwith Spain. creasing value of money, and the consequent di 3dly. The libel for salvage, and that of the Unit-minution in the price of almost every article used ed States for an alleged forfeiture, were dismissed. Public Buildings. Report of the committee on the public buildings, with a bill making appropriations for the public build ings, January 30, 1821. in building, it is presumed that the work may be accomplished within the estimated expense: that the progress of the building will not be retarded or embarrassed by a small reduction of the esti. mate: and, the committee are of opinion, that an appropriation of 80,000 dollars, together with the unexpended balances of former appropriations, will be adequate to the completion of the estimated improvements on the centre building, the present year. The committee on the public buildings REPORT:-That they have carefully examined the different branches of labor and expenditure It is believed that the security of the public proconnected with the progress of the public buildings, perty renders it advisable to have the roof of the during the last year; and have reviewed the esti-president's house covered with copper the ensu mates presented by the commissioner and publicing summer, and an estimate of the labor and maarchitects of the work contemplated to be perform-terials, exclusive of such materials as have been al ed the present year. ready procured, amounting to the sum of $7,845, The alterations and improvements in the senate 84, is also subjoined. chamber, and in the hall of the house of represen There are, also, some small improvements deem. tatives, that were authorized by law at the lasted necessary in the hall of the house of represensession of congress, to render those rooms more tatives, and in the library, the whole of which are convenient for the transaction of the public busi-not estimated to exceed the sum of six hundred ness, have been effected within the amount of the dollars. [Here follow the statements of the superintenCant and architect: a brief summary may suffice. For the last year estimated expense, and within the appropriations} The committee have prepared a bill making the made for those purposes. above mentioned appropriations which they diThe work on the centre building has been con-rected to be reported to the house. tinued, and, with the exception of a small portion, omitted in consequence of the sickness of the workmen and the intemperance of the season, as much has been done as was contemplated by the estimate. Some alteration has been made in the order of the execution of the work; but the committee are perfectly satisfied that the change was judicious and proper. It appears, from a statement furnished by the commissioner, that the labor and materials have been procured on better terms than they were the preceding year; the work appears to be well done, and the expenditure on this part of the public buildings has, also, been kept within the estimates and appropriations. There was expended on the centre building $95,607 63. On the wings of the capitol, painting, &c. 2,840 90. On alterations and improvements in the senate chamber 1,217 84. On improving the capitol square 2,937 46. On the repairs of the president's house 615 99. But these disbursements are only so far as the regular vouchers were received on the 31st Dec. last. The expenditures are less than the appropriations. Duplicate Offices, &c. Report of the committee on military affairs, upon the subject of the employment of officers of the army as clerks in the departments, and the extra pay allowed to them for such service. The committee would have been gratified if they could, with propriety, have recommended a dimi. nution of the annual appropriation to this object, diminishing the annual amount of work to be done upon the centre building; but prudence and econo-The my obviously require that the walls should be erected, and the whole building covered, before any considerable reduction in the annual appro. priation for the centre building would be consistent with the public interest. The committee have been furnished by the pub. lic architect with the subjoined estimate of the cost of the labor and materials necessary in the prose cution of the work the present year, including materials for the ensuing season; and, also, a provision for the improvement of the ground around the capitol, amounting to $120,643 29. The estimate for the centre building is calculated with a view to complete the enclosure of the west front; to carry up the stone and brick work of the east front, and the walls of the rotundo, to the springing of the dome. committee on military affairs, to whom was referred the resolution of the house of representatives, instructing them to enquire whether any officers of the army of the United States are employed as clerks, or in any other capacity, in any of the departments, or in the office of the surgeon general or apothecary general; and whether such officers, if any, have received any other compensation than their pay as officers; if so, what are their names, and what extra compensation have they received; submit the following report: The committee directed a letter to the secretary of war requiring information on the several subjects of the resolution, and received sundry statements which are annexed, and to which they invite the attention of the house. It appears from the statements furnished by the second and third auFrom the letter of the commissioner of the pub-ditors of the treasury department, that captain lic buildings, accompanying this report, it appears George Bender was detailed to perform duty in the that there remains unexpended of former appro-war department; that, in addition to his pay and priations to the different public buildings the sum other emoluments he has received $623 50 for act. of $26,173 56. ing as clerk, first in the office of the adjutant |