Newspaper of Burlington Free Press, 27 Temmuz 1838, Page 1

NOT THE GLORY OF CJ3SA R HUT THE WELFARE OF ROME. BY II. B. STACY. FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1838. VOL. XII No. 579 From llio New Monthly Mngnzinct RECOLLECTIONS OF LU N D Y'S LANE. Tho sun had just passed his meridional altitude, and was blazing in bis full glory, in one of those clear cerulean skies which I have never seen equaled, oxcept in boiiio other portions of tho North American con tinent. The native forests, which bound cd on two sides the farm of Lundy's Lane, lay lonely and motionless ; and save for the noiso caused by the rapid motion of the wing of some beautiful little humming bird, fluttering occasionally from flower to flower, in the foliage of tho majestic and blossoming tulip tree, or tho hum of the la borious bco among the sweet bud and blossoms of the sugar maple, all was life less and still as tho grave. Tho roar of the ' mighty Niagara disturbed not the repose of the mid-day lassitudo that seem, cd everywhere to reign, for its thunder be camo softened and subdued through tho thick foliage of the forests ; and, although scarcely a mile distant from tho Canadian diorcs of this mighty cataract, had it not been fur tho immense column of spray, roll ing Upwards to a vast height, and then forming into a stream of fantastic clouds, impelled by a gentle current of upper air, a stranger would never have supposed him eclf within one sliott mile of this unparal leled and tremendous fall of water. Tho sun had not yet descended behind the gentle summit of Lundy's farm. The cattle had not yet returned to their even ing pasture, nor the wild bee to its hive in the lightning scathed pine trco ; but the green pasture was occupied by armed war riors, and the faint hum of the insect crea tion was drowned in the shrill tones of the fife, and the louder rattle of the battle drum. They were the valiant troops of my own sovereign, arrayed in that enchanting scarlet and white, and the dear white and blue cross of Saint George flaunted proud ly in each silken banner ; and there were gay bannors born alolt, with the emblazon cd names of many a strong hold secured in Spain, where their gallnnt supporters had hardly earned their crowns of laurel, when they lent their proud name to adorn the living page of history. The poise of tho loud Niagara was lost amidst the incessant rattling of musketry and the frequent thunderings of a battery of cannon which crowned the gentle emi. nenco already mentioned ; and the silvery column of spray was obscured in the dense sulphurous vapor which the awakening evening breeze rolled onward through the western woods. As yet, no living enemy had appeared, and the fury of the assailants seemed to be wreaked on an unoffending and defenceless grovo of oaks which lay northward from the centre of tho farm. But ero long more formidable foes came ; for ihore issued out of that oaken grove two compact columns of armed men, arrayed in dark blue uni forms, with many a gaily striped, and star spangled banner fluttering in the breeze ; und notwithstanding the murderous and successive volleys of grape and mu-ketrv poured in against them by the British troops, these new comers, and they were Americans, boldly ruhed forward to the very centre of their position. Long.doubt ful and bloody was tho struggle ! The sun Bunk rod and fiery through tho smoke of battle guns ! and when the last faint rays ot the evening twilight mellowed the sp'en dor of the golden west, still the battle rag ed, and various wore tho successes and hopes of tho contending combatants. Vic tory never hovered more doubtfully over a well fought field ; both armies claimed her; but in fairness she belonged to neither. It might with much propriety be termed, what It reallv was. a drawn buttle. " It was the lone hour of midnight, and the scene had again changed; the pale moon hung hor nilvery crescent far over tho eastern wilderness; while, ever and nnon, her gentle face was veiled behind tho fleecy clouds which were wafted olung by tho freshened breeze across the blue vault of heaven ; as if it were too painful a sight for her to behold tho carnage that bestrewed Wo battlc-ueld of Lundy's Lane The loud bellowing of cannon, anil tho thurper rattling of musketry were heard no more. Lundy's farm was no longer the sccno of hurried movements, raoid advances desperato charges, and quick retreats, for the contending armies were nowhere to be Been. Tho affrighted herds had never returned to their wonted pasture, but both glade and upland were plentifully tenanted with tho wounded,-nnd tho dying and the dead. There was also a profusion of bro hen and useless arms along the skirts of tho forest, and in tho direction of the sum mil of tho open plain where a few field nieces had been planted, and which still remained on the "round. Soma of them wero however, disabled : some turned, a it wero, pointing in tho direction of thoso who had deserted them; while others remained shotted, and ready to pour forth destruction upon whoever might approach them: but tho lato contending parties wero jjono. It seemed as if both armies, equally ivoary of tho conflict, had simultaneously rotreatcd, tho vmoricans across ino u.nip nowa river, and tho British to their on finmnmont on QuoenBton Heights. Tho night wind moaned mournfully through tho torn foliago ot tho lorcst, nnu mwgiou wuu its murmuringa wore iienru uio gruauu uin supplications of tho wounded and dying the roar of tho mighty cataract was heard more distinctly, as if in mockery of those whoso parched lips would soon bo livid in death, but who could yet hear its loud rumbling, and gladly would havn given nil that in this world they possessed, for one single draught of its puro but unpitying waters! Happy wero they who heard it not their sufferings were over; but many, very many there wero that must welter in their goro, until after tho morning sun should have tinged the tall pino trco with splendor and beauty. -r The morning came, and the &un arose in unclouded glory, as if to exhibit more ullv tho destruction which had boon wrought during tho preceding night. Lundy's farm was ono scene of desolation and death! Tho ripening crops which had gladdened the husbandman's heart, for they promised a rich harvest, were entirely swept nway. The fences were nil thrown down and levelled with tho ground, and the farm buildings wore perforated with a thousand bullets. The farm-house was occupied, not with tho affrighted family, for they had not ventured to return, but with tho ad vanced guard of the British army, come, not to slaughter, but to save they had returned to administer relief to the wound ed, and to dig craves for the fallen brave. Never is tho British soldier's generosity more conspicuous than after a hard fought battle; for it is then he treats his van quished foe as he would an unfortunate mend, sharing alike with each, those Kind offices and attentions which situation and circumstances admit of and that was a day to task his best feelings, for there was no lack of objects to claim his sympathy and aid. On no part of the field of battlo did death appear to have measured out so prodigally, as in that part of the woods where the lintish cannon were, at the first onset, observed to piny ; for it was through this grove the Americans advanced to the attack, and alter repeated charges, valor ously made on the British lines, even to and pist tho cannon's mouth, as repeatedly fell back on this fated ground, charged, in turn, by our own troops into tho bosom of tho forest. Here at the head of tho pur suing party, fell, mortally wounded, the young and gallant Moorsom. Brief, but brilliant was his path to glory ; tho bloom ot youth had but barclv ripened into man hood when this last of his many battles ended his mortal career. Near him lay stretched in death the commandant ol a bravo brigade of Americans, who like trusty soldier, had been the last to retreat before the advancing foe. They sleep in the same grave, which was dug fur them at the foot of a tall acacia tree, which though wounded and rent by many a can' non ball on the lalal night, will survive yet lor unnumuereu years, ami annually give forth its fragrant and graceful blossoms, as tribute in memory of tho virtue of those who slumber in peace beneath its silent hade. STORY OF A LEG, In the autumn of 1782, tho surgeon Ljouis lncvenct, ot uaiais, received an nonymous letter, requiring his attendance on the following day at a certain house not far from the town, and requesting him to bring with him the necessary instruments for amputating a limb. Thovcnet was, a hat period, renowned far and wub fur hi kill, and it was by no means uncommo for Datients to send for linn from England in order to be guided by his judgment i cases of more than ordinary importance He fiad been long attached to the army and, though ol somewhat uncouth munne was universally beloved on account of the kindness ot his disposition. Tlievtnct puzzled a long time over th anonymous communication. uoth tuna and place were indicated with the greatest exactness: at such an hour, and at such spot, would he be expected ; but, as befor observed, the letter boro no signature. 'A hoax, in all probability,' was the conclusion ho arrived at, and he resolved not to go three days alterward he received a sun uar invitation, inougn couencu in more pressing terms, with tho announcemen that a carnage would bo at his door at nine the next morning, to convey him to tho up pointed spot. bcarccly had tho clock finished strikin tho hour of nine, on tho following morning than a handsome open carriage drove to the surgeon's door; he made no furthc hesitation but entered it. As ho rrot in. h inquired of the coachman whither ho wa going to drive him, and the man replied in mo tiiigiisn language, 'I do not ined die with things that are no business of mino Oh, ho! 60 1 have to do with nn Hun- glishman, you surly dog,' replied Thovcnet rnecoacn nrrivou at length at tho nn pointed house. 'Who am I to see who lives here who is ill?' n6ked Tlicvonot o l lie cusciiniuii, us iiu leu llio carr nrrn Tho man repeated his former answer, and was inanituu ior ins civility in terms very mucn rcsciiiuiiug moso uuovc quoted. lie was received at the door by a hand some young man, about twenty-eight years oiu, who conducted nun up a staircase to largo room. Ilia accent belrayod him beaimtivo nf Great Britain. Thnvonot addressed him in English, and was replied to with much politeness. 'You desired my attendance,' said tho surgeon. 'I am vory grateful for tho trouble you havo taken to visit me. Pray rost yoursein hero arc refreshments of all kinds if you wiHu unyuiiug umoro performing tho opor ation.' 'First of all, sir, lot mo boo and oxamino the patient; possibly it may not bo neccs Biuy iu procoeu 10 amputation.' u win uo necessary, Monsieur Thovcnet liCi mo entreat you to bo seated. I have lino iuiicbi commence m you listen to mo ere is a purse containing n hundred guin 8, they arc yours when the oparation is over, let the result be what it may. If, on c contrary, you refuse to fulfil my wishes you sco this loaded pistol you arc in my power, and, as suro as you are alive, I hoot you dead on the spot,' 'Sir, your pistol docs not in tho loast arm mo. What is it you require r Ten mo at once, without further prolacc, for hat purpose have I been summoned here." 'You must cut oft my right leg.' With all my heart, Btr, and your head as well, if you please : but, if I am not mista ked, your leg appears porfeclly sound. You sprang up the staircase just now, with II tho agility of n rope dancer. What is the matter with your leg ?' 'Nothing whatsoever, only oil it must come.' 'Sir, you arc a fool.' 'That, Monsieur Tlicrcnct, is no business f yours.' What sin has that well-shapen limb of yours committed r 'IN one ; but have you made up your mind to tako it off?' Sir, you aro a stranger to me, and I should like to have proofs of your being of sound mind.' 'Monsieur Thcvenet, will you grant mv request ?' rirst, sir, give mo somo sufficient reason for inflicting so wanton a mutilation on you.' 'l cannot discloso the truth to you at present, I may, perhaps, within a year; but will lay you anv wager, sir, that you your. elf will, at the expiration of the twelve month, allow that my reasons for desiring to be freed of my leg were most satisfactory and praiseworthy.' I make no bet with you, unless you in form mo your namo, your residence, your family and profession.' All this shall bo duly communicated to ou, but not at present. Allow mo to ask ou if you consider me a man of honor.5' 'A man of honor does not present a pis tol at his surgeon's head. I have duties to perform even toward you, who aro a total stranger to mo. Without it bo strictly ne cessary, I will not consent to mutilate you. you nre bent on becoming the assassin of an innocent father of a family, tire ! 1 is well, Monsieur lhevenet, answered the Englisntnan, taking up the pistol: 'I will not be your murderer, but I will still compel you to remove my leg. What my entreaties have failed to obtain: what neither tho hope of reward nor tho fear of death have succeeded in extorting troin you. I will owe to your passion.' 'How so, sir r 'I will lodge a ball in my log, hero beforo your very eyes.' The young man sat down, and deliber ately placed the muzzle immediately above his knee. Monsieur Thcvenet rushed to ward him in hopes ot preventing him from effecting his mad design. 'Stir from your seat!' exclaimed the knglishman, 'and pull the trigger. Answer me once more, will you put me to the needless pain will you by your refusal, compel me to increase the Futlcrings 1 have to endure?' Sir, once more you arc a fool, but bo it as you wish 1 consent to tako ou that curcu leg of yours.' The necessary preparations wore soon made. Just before tho first incision, the Englishman lighted his pipe and swore it should not go out, True to his word, he smoked on till tho leg lay on the ground before him, no longer his own exclusive property- Monsieur l hevenet 6howed all Ins wont ed skill, and in a tolerably short space of time, the patient was restored to health Ho gavo his surgeon n munificent feo, am felt his esteem for him increase each day. With tears ol gratitude in his eyes he thanked him tor relieving him of his limb and sailed for England, duly equipped with a wooden leg. About eighteen months after these events Monsieur Thcvenet received a letter from England, to tho following effect: Enclosed is an order ou Monsieur Pan- chard of Paris, for two hundred and fifty guineas, which 1 beg you to accept in token of mv heartfelt gratitude. By depriving mo of a limb which funned the solo obstaclu to my earthly bliss, you havo rendorod mo tho happiest of mortals! liest ot men! At length shall you bo made acquainted with tho real grounds o what you wero pleased to term my mad whim. You persisted in maintaining lha no rational cause could possibly warrant tho self-mutilation I have undergone. Well for you that you refused to accept tho wa gor I offered. 'shortly after my last return from tho East Indies, I becamo acquainted with perlection, in tho porson of ISmily Harley I fell desperatoly in lovo with her. Her wealth and lamily connexions madomy re lations ns cagor for the match as myself, though I saw but her beauty and angelic disposition. 1 yoked mysolf to tho ca her admirers. Alas! my dear Thovcnet I was fortunato enough tobecomo tho most unfortunato of all my rivals ; sho loved me and mo only ; sho avowed hor affection and rejected mo ! In vain did I press my suit, in vain uiu her parents anu mends in tercedo for mo she remained inexorable 'For a long limo did I fail to discover tho causo of her rofusel to becomo nunc: mako ono happy whom sho owned to bo loving to distraction. At length, ono o hor siatcra revealed tho mystery. Miss Harluy was a marvel of beauty, but6trango to rciato, was born with but ono leg, and this blemish rendered her avorso to becom ing my wifo, as sho feared I might look on her with aversion. 'My resolution was 60on formod. I de termined thoro should bo no disparity bo tweon us, nnd, thanks to you, worthy The vcnot,it exists no longer. 'I returned to London with my wooden log, and at onco betook myself to Miss Hurley. The report had circulated (nel on foot by a letter I had previously despatched to England) that I hnd injured my leg by a fall from my horso, and that amputation was found necessary ; I became tho object of universal pity. Emily fainted away at our first meeting. Sho remained for a long j time inconsolable, but at longth consented to our mwriago. On the day after our union did I, for the first time, disclose to hor the sacrifico I had made to gain her. hand, Her lovo for mo becamo even yet more tender. O, Thovcnet ! to obtain my Emily, I would lose ten more legs, without the least compunction. 'My gratitude toward you can only end with my life. Como to London and pay us a visit, and when onco you havo seen my angel wife, I defy you to eay again that I am a fool !' Charles Temple. Monsicr Thovenot showed tho letter to his friends, after having related nil the preceding circumstances, and ho never told the story without a burst of laughter, ns ho wound up with: 'Ho is as much a fool as ever!' Tho following was his answor to tho above : .Sin I am obliged to you for your mu nificcnt present, for such must I term a sum, so much exceeding the value of my humble services. 'I congratulate you on your marriage with your accomplished countrywoman. True, a leg is a heavy price to pay for the possession ot a fair and virtuous wife ; yet not ton heavy, if the result prove in favor t tho change. It cost Adam a rib from his body to be blessed with Eve; many other men, since him, have lost their ribs for their fair ones; eomc even have forfeit cd their heads. 'Notwithstanding your protestations, you must allow me to retain my original opinion. Very probably you aro right at present, for you aro still in all tho rapture of tho honeymoon. I am right too, but with this difference, that it requires time to be convinced of tho justice ot my opm ion; for it is ever long ere we are wiliinj to admit the truth of ideas that clash with our own. 'Have a care, sir. for I strongly suspect, that ere two years aro Mown, you will be gin to wish that tho amputation had been below tho knee joint. In three years it will strike you that you might very well have compounded for tho loss of the foot only. Iu four years you will think that the sacrifico of your great too might have very well sufficed, and beforo the expiration of the filth year, you will grudgo even your it Liu toe. Alier six years 1 am alratd the paring of your nails will seem to you all that was necessary. I have said all thU without prejudice to your wne s merits, lieauty and virtuo arc not so fleeting as the judgment of man. In my vouth I would havo laid down mv Hie tor the beloved ono, but 1 never would have lost my leg for her; tho loss of the ono 1 would never havo repented, but each day 1 should have repined over the sacrifice of the other. Had I ever consented to 6uch sacrifice, I should say: 'Thcvenet, you were a fool!' and herewith I have the honor, etc. otc. c tiievenet.' In the year 1793, during the reign of terrour, Monsieur Thovcnet, who had been denounced as an aristocrat by some aspiring member ot his prolession, lieu to London in order to escape tho equalizing propensi ties of tho guillotine. When there, desi ring to increase his acquaintance, he inquired for the residence of Sir Charles Temple. Ho was directed to his mansion, and was announced to its master. Seated on an easy chair by the fireside, a foaming tank, ard of porter at his elbow, nnd twenty newspapers strewed about him, appeared a portly gentleman, whoso size would scarce ly allow him to quit his chair. 'Ha! right welcome, Monsieur Thcvc net! exclaimed the north gentleman, who was no other than Sis Charles Temple; do not be offended with mo if I resume my seat, but my cursed wooden leg is always in my way. In all probability, my worthy friend, you are como to ascertain if my hour of conviction has arrived ?' 'I am hero as a fugitive from ray native land, and claim your protection!' 'You must take up your abode with mo, for, of a verity, you are a wise man. By this time, Thcvenet, I should, have been admirable of the blue, if this infernal wood en leg had not incapacitated mo from eorving my country. Hero am I reading in the papers news nf tho most stirring kind, and cursing my stars that I can take no part in all that is going on. Como Eay something consoling lo me.' 'Your excellent lady is far bettor adapt ed than I to play tho comforter.' Don't mention her. Her woodon leg hinders her from dancing, so she has dovo ted herself to cards scandal; (hero is no possible dealing with her, but sho is a good enough woman in her way.' 'Then, after, all, I was right?' Most indubitably so, my dear Thcvenet j but enough of that. I committed an egre gious blunder. Had I my leg back again, not a noil-paring ot it would I part with. Between ourselves, bo it said, I was a fool ; but keep this pieco of truth to yourself.' CULTURE OF TROPICAL PLANTS. Having accidentally seen tho manuscript of tho following lottcr to tho Hon. Levi Lincoln from a gentleman as well acquaint ed ns any other in tho country with evory thing relative to Horticulture and Arbori culture, wo havo placed it in our columns aa well for information to our readers on tho matter which it treats of, as to show to them that tho cstimablo writer has lost none of that zeal which has always distin guished him iu the pursuit of objects likely to bo useful or bonoficial to his country men,- A'ulionat Intelligencer, IlAWTIIon.N CoTTAOE, ) Roxbury, April XT, 1030. My beau sir : I am vory much obliged o you for the report of tho Agricultural Committee on the memorial of Dr Per- KtNE, in relation to tho culture of tropical plants in Florida, which you wero so kind as to send inc. I have read it wjjh the deepest interest, instruction, and pleasure; and so favorably do I think of his honorablo and patriotic cntcrpriso, that I most sin cerely hope L-ongrcss will cheerfully nnd promptly grant his request, and aid him in tho most liberal manner. The introduction of a single plant, or seed, has, in all ages and nations, frequently produced too most important and valuable results. Tho mighty intiuenco on the agri cultural industry and tho gonoral prosper ity of empires which tho naturalization and culture of tho cereal grains, tho olive, vine, white mulberry tor the silkworm, tho sugar cane, coffee plant, cotton, patato, rico, and tobacco, have produced is well known; and I have no doubt that several of the plants which Dr Pcrrinc has now growing nt Cape Florida & Indian Key may speedily become staple articles of cultivation in several of tho southern State?, Besides, 1 do not think so meanly of tho capabilities of the soil of Florida as most people. I well re member mat Liouisiana was caned a mere alligator swamp when first, so cheaply acquired. The single fact that East Flori da is the only portion ot the Union where many of tho most precious tropical plants can be acclimated, will at no very distant period, bring every acre of land into great demand for tillage. It will be drained, diked, embanked, and converted into va rious kind of plantations. What was Holland beforo its dikes and canals wero constructed." What lias made tho cotton and sugar states of Lower Louisiana so prolific, but tho levees for re taining tho overflowings of tho Mississippi; What the rice fields of faoulh Carolina and Georgia? Human genius and indomi. table industry. Where there is a cheer ing prospect of reward, they will triumph over all natural physical difficulties. We know the knights of Malta made fertile gardens on the barren rocks of that island so celebrated for their chivalric deeds, and as the site of Paul's shipwreck, by pound ing up the loose and scattered stones which covered its bleak surface, and im porting soil from Sicily to mix with thoir dust. Tho Mexicans had floating gardens on tho lake Tezcuco, whore their capital city was established. Tho Chinese have long resorted to the same means of rearing culinary and other plants, and not an inch of soil, even though Bituatcd amidst the precipitous cliffs of the mountains, is until! cd, so great is tho demand for vegetable products by the thronged population of the Celestial Empire. Tho lemon and orange groves of Portugal and Sicily are establish cd and maintained by an expensive and la borious system of artificial fountains an channels of irrigation. With us land is so abundant, in comparison with the popula Hon, that wo havo no just conception ot it value, as estimated in those portions of th globe where the inhabitants are so numer otis that a few roods are considered an cs tatc so ample that the fortunate proprietor is accounted an independent man. But, even in the vast extent of tho U States, with the millions of acres still in state of nature, how many thousands arc now cultivated which, a few generation since, av, in our day, were deemed worth less? In England, what extensive moras ses have been reclaimed, and added to th domain of agriculture, while the heath covered mountains of Wales and Scotland are rapidly boing planted with magnificen forests, not for embellishment merely, but as inexhaustible sources of wealth. Tb old Duke of Athol planted on his estates in Perthshire 15,593 acres, which contained 27,431,000 young trees; and his successor set out G. 500 acres of poor mountain groun solely with larches. Tho land was not then worth over 22 cents rent per ncro and now, with the limber on it, is value at 32,500,000 dollars. The citizens of this country have, here and there, selected th most fcrtila and eligible locations, and call most of tho vast remainder of tho lan cither refuse or worthless. Time, and the increase of population, will show that nearly tho whole will become mora valua ble than even what is now deemed th most choice. Tho embankments in the vicinity of Now Orleans will be cxlendc nn each bank of tho Mississippi, from th Gulf of Mexico to the Falls of St. Anthony If but one of tho most valuable of the two hundred plants Introduced by Dr. P rino can bo successfully cultivated, Florida will bo drained, and becomo luxu riant fields and gardens, and embellished by canals, rivers, bays, harbors, and beau tiful lakes. It will bo tho Cuba ol th nation. I know your liberal disposition, and enlightened and enlarged views in relation to subjects connected with agriculture, and all tho great branches of national industry, and am confident you will be dis posed to do what is expedient on this occa. sion. Dr. Porrino, like most men of science and ardent patriotism, has dovotod much lime, and expended his rosourccs, for n great purposo, eanguino in tho beneficial results to tho Republic, and tho hope of future remuneration from his own practical oxcrtions ; and it is very dcsirablo that ho should not bo left, as is too often tho case, to lament his labors, and to find that others, hereafter, reap tho fruits of his meritorious enterprise, without having endured any of tho toils or expense of a first experiment. Congress must bo to him a munificent ns would havo been Henry IV. and Napoleon, to render his indcfutigoblo researches and intolligenco useful und honorablo to himself and tho country. , H. A. S. DEARUORN, I Hon. Levi Lincoln. CONGRESS. SPEECH OF MR. SIBLEY, OP NEW YORK, TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1030. In Committee if the Whole on the state of the Union, on the bill making npproprut' Hons for continuing the improvement of certain harbors and rivers. Mr. Sibley addressed tho committee as follows. Mr. Chairman: Much ns I desirotho passage of this bill, I had resolved not to consume ono moment of tho precious timo that remain'3 to us in advocating it. This purposo would have been adhered to but for tho extraordinary declarations and avowals that have just fallen from tho chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, (Mr. Cambrcleng,) which 1 cannot permit to pass without somo notice. An opportunity to discuss the general merits of tho bill would have been quite cccptablo to mo: out it is now too lato for that. There is too much important business on hand, and the anxious counte nances of members, to whoso vigilance it entrusted, admonish mo that every upcrfluous word should bo spared. I will, therefore, content myself, with merely pointing tho attention of the Houso and the country to tho position which my colleague (Mr. Cambrcleng.) has now assumed, and answoring his objections to tho passage of tho bill. I will do this as plainly and directly as I can. That gentleman has openly proclaimed his decided, unqualified hostility to all improvements upon our great chain of of internal lakes or their tributary streams. Ho not only denounces the policy which set on foot such improvements, but ho would arrest here, to-day and forever, in their present unfinished condition, all thoso important works which have been sanc tioned by our predecessors and upon which so much money has already been expended. Give the gentleman his wish, nnd our long range of lake coast, stretching to an extent little short of the entire Atlantic sea-board, would remain with only n few practicable and secure harbors that Nature has provi ded. Ho would leave the rivers of our wide interior rivers which traverse re- ions that aro peopling hourly under tho influence of causes greater than ever before threw a human inundation over tho wilderness unnavigable, for want of tho removal ot a few natural obstructions, which seem to have been nlaced in them as so many stimulants to ths industry and enterprise of man. He would expose tho multitudes of men who navigate thoso lakes, and the vast amount of products tho fruits of patient toil and succcsstui ndustrv which float upon them, to llio perils of winds and waves without a refugo from the rising storm. He would disap point all the just expectations to which tha past action of this Government has given birth, turn back the current of human improvement, and consign the whole region that would send its productions over tho lakes to tho condition so far as the lacili- ties of transportation aro concerned in which tho savago left, and the white man found it. Sir, tho relation with my colleague holds to this administration as chairman of tho commitleo of Ways and Means, entrusted with the financial concerns of the country; set here to speak for the Executive branch of tho Government, and in immediate and intimate intercourse with its head gives to the sentiments he has now put forth an interest and importanco which they wouW not otherwiso deserve. The speech of the honorable gentleman may be regulated as an official annunciation of the policy of the Administration. To mo this annuncia tion produces no surprise. It corresponds but too well with what I have long bo lievcd were tho secret and disguised senti ments of those who now cxorciso tho Ex ecutive power of the nation sent irients ut terly at war with tho policy of the admin isttations, and with nil our efforts lo im prove tho facilities of internal commerce, and give to our farmers a safe and expedi tious way to market for tho productions of the soil, but in entire harmony with that narrow, short sighted, partisan policy which at tho commencement of the Erie canal, was arrayed in open or disguised hostility to that great work. Yes, sir, I discern in the doctrines this day promulgated by tho honorable chuirman tho same spirit which visited that magnificent enterprise tho splunded conception of a great mind, and now the pride of our State with ob loquy and reproach, and which Bought to defeat or embarrass its exoculion by cver7 weapon that argument or epithet could supply. Paradoxical ns it may sound to tho cara of a stranger, it is nevertheless true, that tho Erio and Champta'tnt canals whoso object was, by uniting tho waters of tho Hudson with thoso of tho great lakes, to open a highway from tho mountains to tho sea, and from the rivers to tho ends of tha earth and tho great results of which hayo been, and will be, to pour a tribute of con stantly accumulating and boundless wealth into our commercial emporium found tho seat of their most virulent and determined opposition in the city of Now York. It seems to have been, ontil recently, tho strange and unnatural habit of that city to send into the councils of tho Stato and na tion thoso whoso views of policy lead them to war upon her dearest interests, who have opposed our system of internal im provements from its very inception to tho present hour, who would, if they could, havo strangled it at its birth, and are now ready to arrest its further prosecution for. evor. 'Commercial Representatives' havo long been distinguished by their opposition to nil thoso facilities which our citizens would extend to tno vast int-ernal commnrco"! tho West ; and to whatever oxtciu those facil ities aro now enjoyed by tho city, of Now York, alio is indebted to the wc'l directed