Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 7, No. 51, Ed. 1, Wednesday, December 7, 1842 Page: 2 of 4
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ami assigned to the duties ofEngmelfjand Ordnance offi
cer, for thai station, to continue dunngihe emergency
whieh'eBfotcednhe-'neceesiiy of-his appointmrnt. "J" - -"
Forjtbe want pmcansgyery possible embarrassment,
has bjjen prelbntedlothe administration. Texas, in truth,
presents ap anomaly In the history of nations, for no coun-
try holievenexisted without a currency; nor has any Gov-
ernmenteverbeen administered without means. The
transition frcmtarState of things, where unrestricted and
unlimited-extra vafgance prevailed, and-disbursements were
made-without appropriations,J)y XUongress; to a slate of
things where vra are without means, without appropria-
tions andiwkh 'disbursements, is well calculated to bring
odium upon the administration oftbe Government, unless
examination israadeinto the causes which iuvolvedit in
its presentfUafortiHiate dilemma.
Aware oflhe"auTtude in which the country must be
placed,- thafpresent Executive upon coming into office,
recomraendedisuch measures of finance as he was 'satisfi-
ed, would to some.exteni, relieve the existing embarrass-
ments, aBd eventually extricate the country from" its in-
volvements. Theystem Tecdrnmended was" nqtadopt-
ed. The- issue of Exchequer -bills, the representative,
part of the system was adopted, 'but the foundation- of the
issue was' not regarded. Authority to- hypothecate, the
Cherokee lands, pr-to 'make "sale Dfihemorv any portion
thereof, was omitted to be given, The collection of the
direet'taxwasalscr postponed for six months after the usu:
al period for its collection and -the "Exchequer bills of
necessity refer redfor redemption to imports and licences
alone. The excitements in the -country have prevented
importations", and persons owing their license tax have re-
fused to pay. The process of collection is so tedious that
unless some prompt remedy 4s devised by Congress, it is
useless to Tegdtd such ,tax as a source of public revenue.
TheExcuequer bills, being thusJeft dependent alone up-
on -importfduties for their redemption, no -other demand
existing for -them depreciated; and. at one time were
worlh in, market, "but awenty-five cents-on the dollar;
thoughhe-wholeiamounfisEurd -up to this time, is only
about one hundred and twenty-five thousand-dollars; and
the amount now in circulation, cannot by possibility ex-
ceed thiriv 'thousand. 3Had the jequisiteTauthorily been
given forlhe-hypoihKcalion ofthe Cherokee rountry for
the Tedemption'ofthVse.bills.iind-had the tkce-for the col-
lection of the direct tax Vint -been postponed, and-the license
tax-been collectable, and the 'wJire-hoasing system been
abolished, it is believed a sum more than double the
amount of two hundred-thousand-doliurs could have been
already broug'ht into the Treasury; -
At the extra PSsioB in June last, a saw was passed au-
thorising the Executive to have surveyed and bt ought into
market, our hundred thousand acres of .the -Cherokee
lands; but under-such restrictions that they amounted to a
prohibition.' "'Competent surveyors, after contracting for
the execution of ihentork, declined its prosecution, having
been assured that -such hindrances -would -be interposed as
would rpnder their jpjforts, if not abortive, at least unpleas-
ant. For the purposeofplacing this" -subject at rest in fu-
ture, and1 that the country may not be prejudiced any lon-
ger in its just interestthere wiU'he laid before the -hon-.
orable Congress fcliiu-early day, an. opinion of the Attor-
ney General, which, for ability, clearness and conclusion
must place -the question of right in the government forever"
at rest, anJlpnable theCoagress to adbpt such measures as
will convert some of the most -valuable resources of the
nation into means, and havp a tendency -with other meas-
ures, to sustain Awther issues if needful under the Exche-
quer law, to no extent double -that .now aulhoiised to be
issued - .
It istecommende-d to the honorable Congress, thata law
be passed, prohibiting the circulation within the limits of
the Republic.-of'the i notes of ail foreignjbanks, andthatall
individual and'-corposatidu notes intended -for circulation as
currencytinthe Republic be suppressed; and that engraved
Exchequer bills of denominations ranging from twelve and
a half cents to ose dollar, and from orie doller to one hun-
dred dollars, be issued and made receivable for all dues to
the government exeppt those arising from imports and ton-
nage; and that these latter be receivable in nothing but
gold-and silver.-' That-the Exchequers can be sustained
in credit b$ a course of this kind there -can -be no doubt.
Up to this liraB none of hem have -been husbanded but
for the purpose of-paying duties.- The -demands. will be
greatly increased,-attd as" snon as the taxes are collectable,
they will become on object of procurement. . If prudence
is observed in their issop, the whole amount now author-
ised would not be sufficient to pay ihe -direct taxes, and
tbatdeficit must -be made up in gold and silver. It is im-possible-Undecthes
circumstances, thaUhe money should
not be atparfrom the time that taxes are collectable, as
the'demand woijld he-greater than the amount in circula-
tion to meet it. According to the amount-of circulating
medium inthe-Umted States, e-stimatiog-our population at
one hundred thousand souls, our riiculution ought to be
six hundred thousand dollars, or sis dollars for each indi-
vidual. Supposing this data -to be corrct, a circulating
medium of one third of that sum, would, fiom the force of
circumstances, sustain itsejf at par, -control led by the abso-
lute wants of the country. I view the subject ofthe finan-
ces of the nation as of-yital importance to its existence;
and that they .can fe'e sustained in a sound and healthy con- .
dition.the JSxecutive entertains not a doubt.
-To pnfore the collection- of the revenue -is also of the
highest importance, Theenactment of laws without their
enforcement is of noavail to lhecounlryt If resistance is
madelotheconstituted authorities," of whut avail are en
actmen-s on,paper-wilhout the means or the power to pun-
ish. It is theduty of Congress to enact such Jaws as will
enable the Executive to command the power commensu-
rate to their execution. Resistance to the constituted au-
thorities,sand to the laws of the land is one of the most fla-
grantoffences that can be-committed against society; and
is -entitled to no milder-appellation than thatof sedition or
rebellion. The constitution has -decl&Ted-th' se offences, '
bul'has not prescribed a remedy -for -the punishment of of-
fenders. "That power is delegated to Congress. The at-
tention ofthe honorable Congresshas heretofore been cal-
led to it, and salutary- enadments requested They are
now again urged as indispensable to -the public safety and
the execution of the laws". The law has delegated to the
President'lhe power to call out the militia to suppress in-
surrection without giving any definition to the crime; or
authorising the in.fiiction.of any adequate punishment. No
tribunal is appointed for thetrial ofthe offence. Instances
have occurred within the last three years oi a character
well calculated to enforce a conviction, Upon the" mind of
every patriot that the offence should no longer be disre-
garded -or the delinquents nnpunished. Our prosperity
asa natipn depends upon thesecurity of life and property
being guaranteed to the peaceful citizen, and the punish-
ment of those who disregard the spirit'and letter of our
social compact When men take the laws into their own
hands, or undertake to--construe the constitution in de-
legation of the constituted authorities of the land,- .it
manifests" a diseased "condition ofthe body politic, and
demands of the law making power the prescription of
a remedyj whilst the Executive by his oath is bound
to -enforce it The punishment of offences ought to be
as prdmp't and summary as the nature of our institu-
tion will -admit. The reason is manifest. Thereare
not jails and prisons in the tountry for the confine-
ment of-ihe accused, nor are the several counties in a
situation-to pay a tax sufficient to ensure the safe-keeping1
of culprits.
Our foreign relations have undergone no material
change since the last Executive communication to the hon-
orable Congress, with the exception of the exchange of
ratifications ofibe treaties with Great Britain. No infor-
mation has been received in relation to,the mediation of
that powerbetween Texas and Mexico. It is hoped, how-
ever, that before the "adjournment ofthe present session, it
will be in tho power of the Executive to submit to the
honorable Congress important infoimation, embracing
that subject A treaty of Commerce and Navigation has
heen negoliated-by our Minister the Hon. James Reily
with" the government of the United StateB. The treaty
not havingyet been received, it will not be within the pow-
er ofthe Executive to submit it to the honorable Senate
for their consideration as early as he anticipated ; its arri-
val however is daily expected.
Nothing is better calculated to present the deplorable
financial condition of Texas than the situation of our post-
office and mail establishment. For the years 1840 and
H
1841, not less than one hundred and ninety thousand four
huTidfed'and seventy dollars in promissory notes, besides
fouMhousand two hundred and fifty-eight dollars in Ex
chequer bills, were appropriated to sustain the establish
ment For the service oi me present year congress up-
nronriated only five thousand dollars in Exchequer bills,
without making any allowance for their depreciation
nor did they leave any discretion with the JbiXecutive to
sustain this important branch of ihe.government . Texas
at this time.furnishes the, singular fact of a government
without the means ofcon veying intelligence or distributing
the laws throughout the Republic. It is doubtless the only
community on earth at this lime purporting to be a nation
that is similarly situated,, -Instead of inquiring- into the
causes which .have produced this state of things, and the
reasons which enforce them upon the country, it is impu
ted to the delinquency of the administration. U is lor
Congress to determine whether means can be devised;
and if they can, whether they will be employed in sus-
taining the mail establishment There is reason to be
lieve that the proceeds arising from a Well regulated mail
establishment would go far towards defraying the expense
incident to its rnaintainance. The diffusion of general
intelligence through a country like ours subject to frequent
causes of excitement on the frontier isof great importauce.
The ready circulation ofinteliigence-would prevent much
confusion and commoting throughout the country, and ena-
ble the Executive to command the means- of its defence
with some degree of certainty ; whereas he-has had to re-
ly alone upon the procurement of expresses without the
means at his command of, even defraying their expenses
while in service. When, indeed, he could obtain them at
all, they had to rely upon the future ability ofthe govern-
ment for compensation. A free government cannot exist
without mails. At the called session in 'June, the atten
tion ofthe honorable Congress was most earnestly in voiced
to this subject ; but met with no favorable response, and
has therefore remained neglectpd up to this time for the
want of means, though with great exertions some of the
principal routes have been partially maintained.
Another subject of some importance in the present
crisis, I deem it my duty to present to the Honorable
Congress. In the month of March last during the in-
cursion of the enemy, under the provisions of the -Constitution,
the President felt it to be his imperative duty to
order a removal of the archives and Heads of Depart-
ments from the city of Austin to a place of safety. As
to the propriety and necessity of- the act no reasonable
doubt could exist The Constitution delares that the
President andHeadsof Pepartmentsehall remain andkeep
their offices at the Seatof Government, unless removed by
the permission of Congress, "or unless iii cases of emergen
cyin lime vf war, the public interest may require their rt-
moval.' jThatthis emergency did exist to a most palpable
extends .demonstaled by the fact that, for temporary se-
curity the archives were buried with a view to secure
them from injury. The Executive, in accordance with
this information, ordered their immediate removal to the
city of Houston as a place of undoubted security. Agents
were ordered to provide transportation, so as to effect it
with the-greatest despatch, and to -secure the public arms
and stores which were at that point, and which have since
sustained much damage and loss by their non-removal.
The President .considered that he was the sole judge of
the emergency requiring their re movah Resistance, how-
ever, has been offered and continued up to the present
time. Acts ofthe most seditious and unauthorized char-
acter havobeen perpetrated by persons styling themselves
the "Archive Committee" positively refusing obedience
to the orders ofthe Executive, and refusing to permit in-
dividuals to remove from.taatplace with their effects, unless
a passport was granted by some member of said Commit-
tee. The Executive felt a reluctance to have recourse
to such measures as would have enabled him to carry out
the provisions of the -Constitution. During the late in-
cursion ofthe Mexicans, the Executive has been inform-
ed that atprominentiindividual made application to cull
and select such papers as he deemed of importance, for
the purposeof conveying them to a place ofsafety. The
Commissioner ofthe General Land Office, anxious to.se-
cure the archives in his charge from injury, attempted
theii removal, but his authority was resisted the com-
mittee proposing to remoue them, but at the same time to
retain a supervision of them, and to designate the point to.
which they were to be removed thereby clearly conced-
ing the insecurity of their present situation and assuming
to themselves the power of resisting the constitutional au-
thorities of the country and interfiling with the constitu-
tional right and duty ofthe Executive, The causes which
at-first, existed under the provisions ofthe Constitution for
the, order for their removal by the Executive, still exists
with undiminished force. This flagrant violation of all
civil rule inculcates the indispensable necessity of some
Congressional enactment for the purpose of .suppressing
insurrectionary acts towards the authorities of lhecountry.
If individuals are permitted to associate themselves ioto
bodies for the purpose of resisting the Constitution and
laws of the country, the laws cease to be operative. The
salutary provisions uf the Constitution are nugatory, and
rebellion and anarchy take iheir place.
The reasons for the removal of the archives from the
city of Austin still existing, it was deemed most proper to
couvene the Congress at this point. 'The subject was
laid before Congress at the late extra session, andjno defi-
nitive action took place. In addition to the fact that the
Supreme Court had been, by law, recently removed to
the town of Washington, and the removal ofthe archives
to the same place would be attended with no public ex-
pensej the Executive regarded it as, in many respects un-
der existing cicumslonces, the most eligible, safe, and con-
venient location for the Seat of Government
The. Executive has been informed that public arms
and other government property of much value and which
would be of great convenience in .our present circum-
stances, are distributed in various paits ofthe country,
baying been appropriated by individuals to their private
use, which they refuse to give up in compliance with the
order of the government It is, therefore, suggested
whether U would not be proper to invest the Executive
with authority to enforce the collection of the ame that
it may be applied to.the publie benefit.
While presenting subjects to the consideration of your
honorable body ol vital importance to the nation, our In-
dian relations will be entitled to at least-secondary estima-
tion. Sopu after the commencement of the present ad-
ministration, the President, anxious to retiew that course
of policy which he was satisfied could alone giv peace
and security to the frontiers, availed himself of every
means of information upon the subject, and from aesur-
ances.pf the Indians themselves, as well a6 officers ofthe
United Slates government employed in the Indian depart
ment, he was satisfied that a sincere disposition towards
peace was entertained by the Indians. He accordingly
despatched commissioners east of Red River, whither
the Jndians of Texas had generally retiied with their
families, and from whence they sent out war parlies to the
frontiers of Texas,) for the purpose of establishing amica-
ble relations., They met .the Indians and entered into ne-
gotiations with them, with ulterior arrangements, to meet
again on the Brazos at the Waco Village as the commis-
sioners understood it in the month of October last The
commissioners attended, but owing to some cause, the In-
dians were unable to attend. Some difficulties 'intervened
at the time of the formation ofthe treaty east of Red River.
The principal ground on which it was believed the Com-
manches would not enter into a treaty, or adventure them
selves to a council, arose from the circumstances, attend-
ing the unfortunate affair which occurred in Bexar in the
spring of 1840, in which they lost many of their piinci-
pal chiefs; after thpy had received a solemn invitation to
come in and establish friendly relations. It was a.'ledg-
ed that they were yef crying for their kindred and that
the clouds of sorrow yet restpd upon their nation, because
their chiefs were no more, and they had not the light of
thcircounsel to pomtto the path in which they should walk.
Other tribes who had bpen friendly with the colonists
of Texas and had always been friendly and commercial
with the first settlers of the country, though they had oc
casion to deplore many circumstances, were nevertheless
anxious to return with their womrnand children to where
, a. , , , , . ,. i. i. . ,
buffalo were abundant, and where they could obtain sub-
sislence for their families, live at peace with the citizens
nfTev.a nn.t ,.rr n rrlP nn.l ,m,int.,m fr,. ,,HI,, ,
tercourse.
The government of the United States has indicated a
willingness to" guarantee peace, and maintain the treaty
stipulations which may be entered into en the part ofthe
Indians, provided Texas maintains good faith on her part.
That friendly relations can beestablisfd there is no doubt;
and messengers are now out among the various tribes for
the purpose of ascertaining the pailicular reasons why
the chiefs of the several tribes dirt not inert our commis-
sioners at the Waco village, and the Executive will not
be remiss in the proper appliance of whatever may con-
tribute to the achievement of an object so truly desirable to
the interests of the country. It has not been to him a mat-
ter of much astonishment that the chiefs did not attend.
The season has been one of unprecedented character.
The high waters, the inclemency of the weather, and the
range ofthe buffalo, being further South than is usual at
this season ofthe year, would interpose difficulties to the
attendace ofthe Indians, that seem to be quite satisfactory
for their p sence. If a treaty is once concluded, and good
faith maintained on the part of the people of Texas, there
can be no doubt that friendly relations will be maintained
with the Indians,. When only a few hundred families
existed in the colonies, Texas had friendship and com-
merce with the border tribes Those who engaged in the
commerce found it profitable and but few interruptions
took place between the .whites and the Indians. Since
then causes have arisen that have brok( n offall commerce,
and such has been the exasperation of feeling on the part
ofthe Indians that there was no medium by which they
could be approach! d unless troush tribes resident within
the limits ofthe United States, or the Indian agents of that
country. The fact ofall the commerce ofth Indians with
Texas ceasing would induce them to seek for a market for
the spoils acquired by depredations upon our citizens-
This they could readily find at trading houses on the R d
river and with various tribes in friendship with the Uni-
ted States, who could furnish their .a i lie Its obtained fiom
United Slates traders, who would regard it as a fair traf-
fic. The border Indians having secured their wives and
children beyond the limits of our territory, were incited
to continual outrages on our citizens, and regaided us as
irreconcileable enemies to them. Exteimination ofall
Indians within our borders having bern denounced by
the former Executive upon his coming into office, they
viewid every act of hostility onlhtir part as one of retalia-
tion ; and their hostility, having nothing of interest to
counteract oi restrain it, has exposed the frontiers of Tex-
as to rontinual depredations. Let peace once be made
with them. Let thern realize, that they can obtain such
articles as they require within the vicinity of their familes
and hunting grounds, maintain good faith on our part,
and they willatjonce perceive that their interest is to remain
at peace and in commerce with us, that.their women and
children may remain secure in their wigwams, and renew
their agriculture Their warriors will be changed into
hunters, and should they entertain a passion for war, its
theatre will be distant from their families, they will find
new enemies to make war upon, at least as profitable as
Texas, and we shall enjoy the benefits of a lucrative com-
merce, and become the recipients ofthe fruits of their en-
terprise, whilst our citizens will enjoy security, and our
frontiers exemption from alarm.
All the information within the control ofthe Executive
will be submitted to the Hon. Congress during the prog-
ress of the session.
Gentlemen, that your deliberations may he attended
with the most salutary benefits to the country and that
in its present depressed condition it may derive under
a munificent Providence, essential aid from the exercise
of your patriotism, and wisdom is my most fervent de-
sire. ' SAM HOUSTON.
THE TELEGRAPH.
EDITED BY FRANCIS MOOEE, Jr.
Efiouston, Wednesday, JDec. 5T, i43.
The Message. We publish to-day the Message of
his Excellency, delivered on Thursday last The editor
of the Brazos Farmer 6ays, "it is a plain, practical, com
mon sense and business document, and its style is chaste
classical and simple; equally free from insipid lameness
and turgid bombast pointed, pithy and perspicuou?."
We have examined it with some care; but are able to dis-
cover few of these properties. The financial scheme re-
commended is so indefinite and impracticable, that we be-
lieve few men having common sense can designate thp-
means of carrying it into effect. The classical bpauties
have eluded our research. If the editor of the Farmer
had not called our attention to them, we .should never
have thought of seaiching for jclassical beauties in the
writings of Sam Houston, for it is well known he makes
no pretensiou to literary merit There is however, per-
haps something classical in the remark "that the enemy
are strengthening themselves by water." This might ap
pear classical to a Hydropathist. The Message may be
pithy but its pith we think Tesembles the pith of a reed
or the Elder destitute alike of solidity or tf,wnglh.
Whatever may be its other defects however, they are
trifling compared with the-one single recommendation, to
make theExchequer Bills now in circulation-receivcable
only for direct taxes, &c, and not receiveable forthe dues
on imposts and tonnage. This is dishonest: it is a
plain palpable violation of public faith, and should meet
with the scorn and contempt of every honest man. We
have no leisure however, at this time to expatiate upon
this subject At a subsequent period we may sneak more
at large upon this document, and happy shall we be, if
after a more careful examination of its details we shall
find that its merits exceed its defects.
Congress. There was no quorum in' the Senate un-
til Wednesday last. Judge Webb however arrived on
that day and completed the quorum, and the Senators pro-
ceeded to the eltction ofthe officers. The Senators pres-
ent were Messrs. Barnett, Greer, Lawrence, Muse, Pa-
tillo, Randall, Shaw, Smith, Titus and Webb- The offi-
cers elected in the two houses were as follows:
In the Senate.
Stephen G. Hoyle, Secretary.
M. H. Nickelson, Enroh'g & Engrossing Clerk.
Tbos Waru, Sergeanl-aLArms.
Mr. Miller, Door Keeper.
In lliz House of Representatives.
Jas.
Mr.
H. Raymond, Chief Clerk.
Henderson, Assistant Clerk.
J.
B.
Long, Enrolling Clerk.
Hill, Engrossing Cleric
R. B. Wallace, Sergeant-at-Arms.
W. Cockburn, Door Keeper.
A joint committee was appointed on Wednesday to
waiton the President and inform him that the two houses
were organised and leady to leceive any communications
he desired to make. He reported that he would meet the
two houstson the foilowins morning al 10 o'clock. The
two houses met accordingly at the appointed time but
Judge Webb having left the town no quorum was formed
in the Senate. The hous'6 therefore adjourned until 3
o'clock in the afternoon: when a quorum was formed in
the Senate Messrs. Webb and Muse refused to adjourn to
the House of Representatives and the Senate did not at-
tend. The President however appeared in the house of
Representatives and delivered his message to that body.
. . r,, ,.. ,u0.;nn
A portion of the Senatois were present on the occasion.
v
,, , T ,, rt r , , . tin
1 Col Wm H Daing-rficld Secretary of the I reosury.
irrived n " on 'V '2d in-! from
Fmied State-.
We mentioned a few weeks since that the reports of
the collectors show that a sum not exceeding 25,000
have been collected in any one quarter during the present
year." The Editor of the Civilian, probibly thinking
ihat we had reference to the gross amount of revenue in
Exchequer Bills, remarks that the revenue at the port of
Galveston alone for thequarterending 30th April amounted"
to $28,643,49. We were aware of this, but we spoke with
reference to the nett amount of revenue received into the
treasuy of the Republic. Deducting the expenses ofthe
Custom House at Galveston during that quarter, it will
be found that the net revenue amounted to $25,874, 1&, add
to this $1,968,89 the nett revenue paid in to thecolleqtor
ofthe Red River district, the only collector who has re-
ported a net revenue, and we have 827,843,03 in Exche-
quer Bills, worth at that time only 50 cents on the dollar.
The actual value of the revenue collected therefore was
only $13,921,56. Estimating the revenue however in
Exchequer Bills and deducting from this amount the ex-
penses of the Custom Houses at San Augustine, Sabine,
Velasco, Matagorda and Aransas, over and above the du-
ties collected, we think the sum will not exceed $25,000
even in Exchequer Bills.
Mexican Expedition. The vessels engaged in con-
veying troops to Yucatan in the late expedition consisted
ofthe steamers Guadaloupe and City of Dublin, two brigs
and two schooners of war, the English baTque Duke of
Wellington, schooners Herald and 'F. W. Dean, the
American ship Virginia Antoinette, barqe Anna Louisa,
Belgian brig Elephantine and a Spanish polacre.
European vessels. We casually mentioned a week
or two since, in an-article relating to tonnage duly, thnt
during the last eightmonths, only three or fourEuropean
vessels have visited our ports. We had no means ofascer-
taining the exact number, and recollecting that few vessels
had arrived, we spoke in general terms to indicate that a
very small number had arrived at our ports. We are in-
debted to the editor of the Civilian for the exact number
of vessels that have arrived since the 16ih of February
last. The statement was taken from the books of the
Custom-House, and is doubtless accurate:
Arriv'd. Vessels.
Feb. 16 Briij Felicie,
Ton. Where from. Cleared.
120 Bremen, 15th March
" 17 ,w Louisa, 112 Havana.
30th April
16th May
2 1 st May
8th Sept.
11th Aug.
11th Aug.
21st Nov.
March 7 Bk C Willihelm,230 Bremen.
14 Br LFrederich.100
June .13 Bark Funchal, 189 London,
July 5 BrigVruma, 124 Havana,
" 5 " Amanda, 75 Havre,
Sept. 16 Bark GConde, 220
Oct. 26 Br Mary Barry,156 London;
Nov. 27 Bk Iron Queen,310 Liverpool,
1,696
Also, not paying tonnage,
Jan 18 Brig Nomade, 125 Marseilles, 7th April
Feb. 5 " Severn,- 233 Liverpool,' 5th April
" 23 " Jane 192 London, 5th Aug.
2,146
It will be seen from the above statement, that eight
European vessels have arrived al Galveston during the
ten months preceding November 27th, on which tonnage
duties were paid, and three on which no tonnage was paid.
Four only arrived during the eight months preceding
the date ofthe publication of our article. Our statement,
therefore, was substantially correct. As, probably, two
months elapsed before the news, that our tariff was in
operation, coqjd have beeo'promulgated in Europe r we
may safely infer that the captains of only five oi these
vessels had notice of our tariff, and were prepared to pay
the tonnage duty. We have learned also, that the con-
signees of .several of the other vessels,, which arrived just
after our tariff took effect, were so irritated because1 theyi
were compelled to pay duties under a law passed while
they were on the way to our ports, and of which they
could not possibly have had notice, that they threatened
immediately to leave our coast, without "breaking bulk;"
but the Exchequet bills falling suddenly to a discount of
about 60 ppr cent, they consented at last to discharge their
cargoes. Whether the other three, that paid no tonnage,
left our port without discharging any cargo in consequence
of the high tonnage duly, we have not ascertained The
fact that five European vessels arrived at Galveston du-
ring the first two months that the tariff was in operation
and before notice of it could reach Europe, while only
four arrived during the succeeding eight months, we
think furnishes very conclusive evidence that the tonnage
duty has been a formidable obstacle to the direct trade with
Europe. Under the present operation ofourtonnageduties,
the European vessels are unable to compete with the small
vessels eagaged in the trade with the United States.
The European vessels consist chiefly of brigs, barques and
ships; and their capacity for tonnage varies from one-
tosix hundred tons. Thetonnageduty,thereforc,at60 cents
a ton, is from $60 to $360, on each vessel. The demand for
goods in our market is so limited that, tew importers are
enabled to freight a vessel complete in European ports,
and in consequence they often engage vessels bound to the
ports of the United States to take out, for our ports, a por-
tion only of the freight of the vessel. For instance, the
vessel may be of four hundred tons burthen and three
hundred tons ofthe cargo is shipped to New Orleans, and
tne remaining one hundred tons to Galveston. The ship,
however, should she proceed to Galveston to discharge
this cargo, is compelled to pay a tonnage duly of $240,
while a schooner of one hundred tons burthen could
transport the same cargo and would pay a tonnage duty
of only $60. Owing to the.difficulty of obtaining full
freights for Texas, many of the shipments from Europe
are made in large vessels to the United Siab-s, and there
small schooners are engaged to take the cargo to Texas.
This operates injuriously to the cotton trade, for these
European vessels are thus prevented from visiting our
harbors; consequently we are compelled to send our cot-
ion to the Unittd Stales to ship it on Europran vessels
We have before mentioned the losses thus sustained by
our merchants and planters in consequence of the duty in
the United States, storage and other expenses incurred in
the re shipment European vessels are also compelled to
pay full tonnage when they come in to our ports "in bal-
last" Many of these large vessels are prevented by our
shallow harbors from taking out a full cargo of cotton;
but if there were no tonnage duty, or a light duty levied,
these vsssels would often come in to our ports in ballast
and take out a part of a cargo, and then proceed to the
United States and obtain their full freight. " But, now as
they are compelled even when in ballast, to pay a tonnage
duty of two or three hundred dollars, they necessarily
avoid our harbors. It has been suggested that, if Con
gress should be unwilling to repeal the tonnage duty en-
' tin lv. the law should be so modiheG that vrss ' should
I pij tonnage only on the cartro actually '' iiverd m the
! .uiin'rv If a lar'-v IviForan ?3 !, ,hr, siiouii bt.ngj
fn a cargo of only sixty or seventy tons, she would pay
tonnage duty only on this amount, and if she should come
UllUgW UUfcV UU1 V UU Hi A3 UUIUUUl UliU Jl OUC? oUUUIU ITUJUw
ballast, she would pay no duty. Bythis meaiis foreign
ssels would be encouraged toSislPtror KarVers, even
in
vessels
when they hao no cargo engaged, and our merchants and
planters would be furnished with abundant5 opportunities
of ship'ping the produce oflne country 1oa iurbpl&fcT8.
direct trade with Europe would' thus soon be established,
tnat would be of immense Advantage to the coontfy.
The. Army. Some of the Montgomery troops who
passed through LaGrange a few days ago reported, tba
Gen. Somervell started from the Leonat on the 2Qih ult?
for the Rio Grande with arjoutseven hundred or a thou
sand men, with once field piece. vOn the 22d they were
on the Medina and orders were issued for them to start
that morning for the Rio Grande by the-Laredo road.
They are probably by this time at Laredo, Nearly all
the drafted troops had previously lefi the camp to return
to their homes The army could have marched a week
or two sooner, but the streams west-of the San Antonio
were so high that they wero impassable. It is said that
the Rio Frio for several days was four miles wide and
the Nueces at the crossing ofthe Presidio road had over
flowed the coumry so as to fiUthc wholevaHey to the
bordering hills. It was reported thata spy had come in
from the RioGrande andtated that' there had been great
dissention in the Mexican army j and'that m consequence
Gen. Woll had gone to Mexico; this report however like
most of the ieports from the RioGrande iVprpbably
wholly unworthy ofr credit An "expesswrider' from.
Washington passed through La Gra'ngeaBorifffivea'ays
ago, with orders from ther President to Gen. Somervell.
The purport of these orders-was not known, but it was cur-
rently reported in La Grange that they would delay Jhe
march of the army. The western citizens have done
every thing in their power to encourage the troops in camp,
and many have turned out the last cow they had to furnish
the soldiers with beef. . ,
The Montezuma. We find in our exchange pqpers
an extract from an English paper, bi ought by tha Great
Western, mentioning that the steam ship Montezuma was
at Lisbon on the 12th of October, taking in coal'for Yera
Cruz. It is probable, therefore, that her builders have
been permitted to deliver her to the Mexican government;
but the British officers and seamen will" probablyf be re-
quired to leave the-vessel immediately after her arrival at
Vera Cruz; for the British steamers, which arrived' at
that port after the expedition had sailed for Yucatan,
brought orders from "the English government, for the
immediate return of all the officers and seamen employed
on board the war steamer Guadaloupe. The orders were
handed to the commander of the English Brig of war
Ringdovp, lying at Sacriffcios?' . ' ,
The London Times mentions that previous to; the sail-
ing of the Montezuma, a trial voyage 'was made- from
Blackwall to the Lower Hope and back,' "at w,Ijich. a se-
lect party of scientific gentlemen and others fnteresteef in
the success of the experiment were, present The Mon-
tezuma, although of the burden of 1,100 tons, draws no
more than nine feet water when fully equipped, and is built
19 carry two swivel guns, 68 pounders, on the upper deck,
besides the usual number of smalLguns. She was con-
structed at the yard of Messrs. Wigram and Green, at
Blackwall, and her engines, which are of 300 hores pow-
er, and constructed on almost a similar principle to those
on board -Her Majesty's steam frigates- Driver, Gorgony
Styx, &crwere supplied and fitted by the firm of Me3r&
Seaward & Capel. These engines possess the peculiari-
ty of being capable of cutting off the .steam at half stroke,
so as to acton the expansion principle, thus saving a con-
siderable expense of steam and fuel,, and the success of
this mode of construction was made apparent in the fact
that, although the Montezuma isjather constructed as a
war steamer than for the purpose of speed, she steamed
at the rate of 10 miles an hour against tide. both ways,
ihe engines making 21 strokes per minute. A disconnec-
ing apparatus for releasing either paddle wheel, which
was tried, was found to answer admirably. Upon the
whole the trial was eminently successful. andf,t.he scienti-
fic gentlemen on board expressed their satisfaction in the
warmest terms."
.Rutersvilli:, College. rlt must be a subject, -of
gratulation, to all who feel an interest in promoting the
cause of education in the country, to learn that the Rufers-
ville Seminary is now in a remarkably flourishing condi-
tion. This institution has been in operation about three
years, and notwithstanding the embarrassed-condition of
the country, it has been steadily advancing-mvprdsperily.
The number of students this year has exceeded that of
any former year. The situation of this Seminary is re-
tired, healthy and picturesque. The main building has
recently been, -completed, and presents quite an imposing
appearance, contrasting pleasantly with the beaut jfuL
scenery around. All the buildings connected with the in-
stitution, are remarkably commodious. and convenient
The gentlemen, to whose industry and perseverance this
institution owes its advancement, must derive great pleas-
are from the success that has so soon followed theirexer-
tions The present term of the Seminary will closo on
the 16th inst, and the examination will be heldonjUie
15ih and jeth. The next term will commence online
third ..Monday of January.
We learn from the Texas Times that during the late
cruise of our navy two letters were sent by the Governor
of Yucatan to the President: one by the San Antonio in
February, and the other by the Austin in April last,
They were both received by the Executive, and on the
the 1st of August neither had been answered. When
Lieut Seeger was in Merida in June last, the Governor
of Yucatan complained of the wantof courtesy on the
part of the President of Texas and said he thought it
strange, if the government of Texas teas really friendly
to Yucatan that his communications had not been noti-
ced.. Planters' Gazette. We have received the first
number of anew paper styled the Planters' Gazette, pub-
lished at Columbia, by Samuel J' Durnett It is a well
conducted and interesting paper, and will be found a very
useful and valuable acquisition by the planters of that
section. t .
Bad roads. The roads have been so wet and miry,
for the last month, that teams from the interior have been
unable to proceed more than six or eignt miles a day,
and, in some instances, have been detained eight or ten
days at tho smaller-water courses which had overflowed-
their banks. We understand one team from Independence
was detained thirty days on the road. Notwithstanding
these difficulties, however, teams are daily arriving with,
coitoii, and the receipts during ihe last three days have
l amounted to forty or fifty bales.
7Z.
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Cruger & Moore. Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 7, No. 51, Ed. 1, Wednesday, December 7, 1842, newspaper, December 7, 1842; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth48211/m1/2/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.