Indiana American, Volume 13, Number 19, Brookville, Franklin County, 9 May 1845 — Page 1

Our Caantry Our Country's Interestsand our Country's Friends. BY C. F. CLARKSOX. llUOOK.VIL.LE, FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA, FRIDAY, 31 AY , 1843. VOL. XIII. NO. 19

SELECT TALE.

From the Southern Literary Messenger . THE HEIRESS, AND THE POOR GIRL. "Fair ns the first that fell of woman-kind." Byron. Fsir, yes more than fair was Nina Hamilton, and there was more than mere beauty in her child-like face. The daughter of a wealthy and aristocratic Southerner, he inherited the warm, impulsive feelings of our Southern land; while from her mother she derived the almost ethereal beauty of form and feature, and the clear marble complexion belonging to Northern climes. With her small and well-rounded figure, she united a grace and ease of carriage seldom to be met with, and her face 'twas one of Nature's master-pieces. Her features were delicately moulded, and of Grecian rr gularity. The bright, blue eye, so speaking in its glances, when once seen was not soon forgotten, and the smile was one of those whose influence all must feel. In her the picture of Zuleika seeme d realized, and as you gazed you thought, 'The light of love, the purity of grace, The mind, the music breathing fiom her lace, The heart whose softness harmonized the whole; Ana, on: tnai eye was in useii a soui: - Bnt beautiful as she was, Nina was aian spoild child, and as such, oftentimes most unhappy. We have said she inherited the impulsive feelings of her father, and these, long left controlled, had merged into an impetuous and irritable disposition, which occasioned her friends many moments of grief. True, in these, her dark hoars, the face su sweet to look upon was clounded j and changed, and you scarce believed ! 'twas the same; yet when the mood had passed, all was fair again, and you "righted to think there had been a change. There were treasures in the casket, whose lustre was dimmed, iough not destroyed, and there were flowers, which, unlended and neglected; had grown into wild disorder, and languished for the kind hand which should tend and reclaim them . "Nina," exc aimed a clear, childish voice, "Nina, dear sister, Mrs. L. says you can-, not have your dress for the ballto-night. " and the little speaker hesitated as she delivered the message, and casta half terrified glance towards her mother, who at near. Nina turned quick around "Now, Mam ma, is not this loo bad: after all her promises. and when I entreated her not to dis-J appoint me? It is shameful, and I will, not employ her again, and now I have no other dress to wear, I declare " but tears choked her utterance and she threw herself in a chair overcome by passion and disappointment. " 'Tis, indeed, very vexatious," said Mrs. Hamilton; "but do not distress yourself, dear child, I will go and persuade your father to give you the beautiful dress you wished at M 's. Nay daughter, cease: you will spoil your eyes," and she left her with her little sister. "Nay, dear sister," exclaimed little Ellen, kissing away the tears which trickled through her fingers; "do not weep so, Fapa will, I am sure, give yon the pretty

dress, & after all, it is more beautiful than ( dings to you. We were then, as yon the one Mrs. L. is making." But her know, considered, and d uly, the weallhichildish efforts weie repulsed, Tor poorj est persons in our city, but your father, Nina's impetuous temper had gained the j led on by the thoughtless advice of others, mastery, and she finally believed she. was embarked in speculation and lost his all. a most injured person, and there was no He borrowed the money to save our propremedy but to give way to her feelings, erty, but the interest lias amounted to a She was at length roused by the en- large sum, larger 'than we can pay, and trance of her mother with the coveted, every thing must go. I have long known dress from M 's; but the spoiled beuty jit, but weak woman I am, I could not bear

scarce deignd to cast a elance on the handsome combination of thuile, satin and rib-; bon. so tempting displayed by the fond though erring parent. i Long- and soothingly did the mother strive to check the outbursts of grief, but her Mift tones, mellowed by love and sorrow, fell unheeded on her wilful child's ear: and so soon do evil passions distort the medium through which we gaze, that even the much desired dress failed to call forth any expression of admiration. Worn out with weeping, she sank into a moody silence, end (w hen evening approached, prcpaired wuli an ill grace, at the entreatlesot her mother, to makeher toilet for the tall. But even yet the trace of her ill-hu-mor still remained: a bow here was dis arranged, a curl thereout of place, and the ilress, in the morning pronounced so rerfeclly anfait, was not near so pretty by cannie light, as she had thought. "Nay, Nina, dear, look here," exclaimed Mrs. Hamilton, leading her to a mirror in which her lovely form and face were rereeled "now one smile. Nina, and there will be nothing wanting." The tone and manner were irresistable: the April cloud passed Bway. and the: bright sunlight of a smile gave new beau-

ty to her sweet fare. j place, bnt even here they dwelt no longer A sigh escaped Mrs. Hamilton ns she jin peace. Soured by the loss of his propergazed on her daughter, and a troubled 'ty, and his reflections rendered more bitthought for a moment deadened her heart 'ter by the pale 'looks of his wire, and Unas the future rose before her; but all was ceasing lamentsof his daughter, Mr. Hamforgotten when she heard the buz i,r ad- 'ilton resorted to the gaming table, where mir.tion which greeted her entrance at thein B snofl time he made way with the little ball, and ihere was nought but love andjrenl(1 prcserved frorn the general wreck, joy m the glance which followed the fairy I Starvation seemed to stare them in the

rguretnat tripped so lightly tlirongti the. uance. 'Twas a brilliant assemblage ofbeauly gathered together at Mrs. Manvers', and lovlier than all was Nina Hamilton. Admiration followed her every step, smiles and kind words greeted the lovely heiress, and her beautiful lips parted but to enchain a listning audience. Her molhet watched her with eyes, to which only a mother's love could give that expression of proud joy. and every sigh for her daughter's wilful temper was forgotten and hushed as she gazed. "Melville," exclaimed a deep full voice, ' who is that beautiful creature?" ' Where?" enquired the person addres-

sed; "directly opposite? That is Nina Hamilton, is she not lovely?" ' Beautiful indeed!" said his companion, rather as if communing with his own

! thoughts. "Surely not creation of genius was ever more faultless. But tell me, Melville, is she as good as beautiful?" he ' continued, more earnestly, turning eagerly round. "Ha! my proud Leonard Grey, do you at last own the spell ofbeauly you who have roamed through distant lands, peopled with pretty faces and brtghter eyes, and yet boasted that unscathed by their influence, you were free; while your hum-

ble servant here, more susceptible, scarce evening in Autumn, that Nina sat by her recovers one wound, ere another is inflic- j mother, yet an invalid, and as her little finted?" gers plied her needle most busily, the sil-

"Nay, Melville, we will not discuss that , point answer my question." "Well! my fneivl of the stony heart, Nina is a good girl, though for truth's sake ! I must confess, a little spoiled and wilful. Dame Rumor makes some bold assertions about her impetuosity, but her parents are, I expect, more to blame." "In other words, she is ill-tempered." exclaimed Leonard Grey. "You have ; rcuutrru iici riuiii in in v cjrs. 1 -I 1. 1 ; M n..AJ i .1 l i anrl tia ui. a.w i iiear one i moved off as if fearing to remain whose spell of beauty was only too danserous. But go where he would, his eye . involuntarily sought that face; and watch (the changes which passes over its heaven i -her eye, now dancing with merriment ; nasnmg wjtn Driniancy nrsi on one, 'hen on another, now softened and roel- j j ,owedi as tne current of her feelings : jchanged. ("Who hath not proved how feebly words j j essay , iTo fix one spark of beauty' heavenly ray? , Who doth not feel, until his falling sight Faints into dimness with its own delight, His changing cheek, his sinking heart conj fess I The might, the majesty of loveliness?" Two years passed away, and Nina grew, if possible, more lovely and more wilful. Hitherto, all had been bright to her, and the spoiled child of fortune revelled in the sweet moments of the present, and gave not one thought to the future. She deemed not that dark shadows might cross her path, and sufferings came upon those whose kindness she so ill upr. Her wilfulness made her selfish, and so that the passing- moment was pleasant to her, she cared not to think of the feelings of others. But a cloud hung over her which grew darker each day, and Nina learned but too soon that sorrow wasin store, "Oh! Mamma, what shall we do?" claimed a voice of mingled terror exand grief; "must all go? Oh do not tell me the 'goods and ills of life' are equally divided! it cannot be, for surely our lot is more difficult to bear than" but tears choked her utterance, and she sank to the floor in the utter abandonment of her grief. "Oh, Nina, my poor child, what will becomeof you ifyou thusgive way toyourfeelings? Try, my dear girl, to calm yoursel, and listen while I unfold a'tale w hich you must sooner or later learn." The young girl obeyed, half in terror, half in curiosity, and gazed earnestly into her mothers face as she spoke. "Nina," she said, "two years since, I little thought to be obliged to break such tito mar vour pleasure, so I preserved it a secret; but it can be so no longer we are ,begsars!" The mother's heart was not proof j against the future, which rose in its saddest .hues to her mind, and she'bursts into tears. .But her daughter's overwhelming grief calmrd her own and oh! how sad were her reflections when she gazed on her child, and how bitterly she reproached herself from her almost idle worship, and jhe neglect of her stern duties. Poor (Nina! unfit alike to aid herself or others, roamed about the house, borne down with grief, while her mother and little sister busied themselves with the necessary ar rangments. and collected the few things they called their own. The day came, and they left their once regal home, and bitterly Nina went as she passed, for the lasttime, through thoehalls, rich in splen'dor. and eazed upon the decorations in .which her taste and wishes had been consuited Mr. Hamilton, fhtouph the kindness of lenient creditors, had been enabled to save a few thousands, with which he took small cottage in the suburbs, and hoped there to live economically. Thither they moved, and comfortless indeed was the face, and there was no alternative left but to seek some employment. But ere any arrangement could'be made, Mrs. Hamilton sunk tinder the accumulation of misfortune, and her life was dispaired of. 'Twas then the woman shone in all her strength in Nina's character. Every no j ble and better feeling was called into ac- j lion. The energies which had been latent . she strove to arouse, and often wondered that she had hitherto not examined her heart. The strucple was lnnir and bitter. but her better nature pained the masterv. and noble indeed was the conquest! Weeks passed, of painful rodily sufferings to Mrs. Hamilton, and still greater menial sorrow to Nina, but she was rewarded by

the gentle smile of happiness which beam

ed on her mother's face at her approach, the sweet kisses of Ellen ns she gazed in wonder at her changed sister, and the approved looks of her father, who watched !her as she fulfilled her many duties, with a bewildered glance of astonishment. : But even yet her struggle was not over. I Her father was often harsh to her, his spoiled child, and long and ardently she j strove to return the kind words, when her j wayward heart had urged a hitler retort. j But each effort proved lighter than the i last, and his cold words grew fewer. A year had passed, and it was a brilliant ver tones of her voice were ofien heared cheering the drooping spitits of the 6ick one. The gorgeous light ofthe Autumn sunset cast a rich glow over their homely chamber, but brighter far than ever that sunset was the golden spirit of happiness which shed its beauty through the little ! room. "Nay, dear Nina," 6aid Mrs. Hamilton, her voice fainted with supressed emotion: "cocl a tvtiiln fpAm mi 1 t..li f .vo. u nub iiuiii juui lung ta&it. m lltrillble for your health. See, dear, what a lovely evening does it not tempt you to throw aside your work and revel in the sunshine? Haste or you vi! "No dear mother, I shall s fill loose it." soon be done, and I could not enjoy the evening, beautiiui as it is, il I lelt you here alone. Nay, do not urge me, dear mother," she added, as Mrs. Hamilton was about to renew her entreaties. "Am I not repaid for my laborby adding to your comfort? Have you forgetton when we had wealth at cornmaud, how readily my father and yourself supplied my ever wish; and wilful girl that I was, I was every ungrateful? Can I forget this, dear mother, and your kindness to me when I was most irritable and impatient? Nay, mother, dry those tears, 'tis I who should grieve for my past misconductbut you have forgiven me, have ou not?" "God bless you, my daughter!" sobbed Mrs. Hamilton, "and make us thankful for such a treasure." "He does bless you, mother!" said Nina. Ay, and she was right; for even the lovely smile of the girl carried a blessing to the mothei's heart. "Here is Ellen," she exclaimed, "just from school, and while she is with you, I will go and dispose of my finished work. There, mother, dry your tcar6." "I weep not for sorrow, Nina; 'tis for joy, unutterable joy Bnd thankfulness." And so it is: strange and yet true. It is not always a smile which expresses the deepest joy. When the heart is over charged with happiness, a smile would ill-confess the deep feeling, and it must find vent in tears, yes; even tears, the outlet of sorrow." Glad and joyous was Nina's step, as she hurried through the town, and having accomplished her purpose, returning almost bending tinder the weight of an immense bundle. But her's was a labor of lovelier heart was light, and so washer burthen. She bounded wuh a light step into the house, and as she busied herself w ith preparation for the evening meal, her clear voice, as she warbled a gay air, reached her moiher'o chamber, end robbed it Of half its gloom. I Mr. Hamilton entered, and there was a look of weariness on his face, as he drew j shivering near the fire, Bnd threw off his worn and thread -bare overcoat. It fell to the ground, and wiih a merry laugh, Nina seized it and hurled it out ofthe window. Her father turned w iih some degree of ir-, titation and said 1 "Why, Nina, what is the meaning- of this? Such childish freaks are illtrimed. I cannot now afford to purchase another coat, and" He was proceeding more bitterly, but as he turned to leave the room Nina was before him: her face beamine wiih unwonted joy; and, throwing around him a handsome new coat, she stood gazing with tearful eyes of happiness at his astonishment. He caught her to his heart: that man of stern feelings; his nature was softend, and he breathed a prayer, "that God would bless his lovely child and shield her from harm;" and the tear ,that dropped on her bright curls oh! do not say 'tws unmanly; 'twas an earnest of "a 'future charge deep and lasting; and his heart, hitherto callous to suffering, owned the influence of this simple act of filial love. "Some feelings are to mortals given, With less of earth in them than Heaven And if there be a human tear; From passion's dross refined and clear, A tear so limped and so meek, It would not slain an Angel's cheek, ' is that which pious fathers shed, Upon a duteous daughter's head." It was a bright day in Sprng, that two gentlemen walked into one of the most fashionable stores of the city of C ; and lounging on a settee, continued in earnest conversation, so earnest indeed, that they marked not the entrance of a lady for such her mien and air betokened her, tho' her dressed indicated poverty, and it was not until she turned, that the younger of the two exclaimed "Pshaw! Leonard, there is a face which, in mv eye, possesses more beauty than all the sunny landscapes and bright skies of Italy, about which you rave. I would rather catch a glimpse of that sweet eye, than gaze on Venice, Rome, or all the classic spots on the globe." And perhaps his companion thought so too, for a deep flush mounted to his brow, and lie gazed with fixed admira'lon on the unconscious girl, as she made her purchases, little drea : mina that the was the oHecl of such at , tention. "Do you know her, Angus?" exclaimed Mr. Grey, as she left the store. ! once saw a facenlrangely like her's, and would fain know if u is the same

"It is Nina Hamilton," said his friend, "the daughter of the once wealthy Mr. Hamilton, the courted "and flattered millionaire. By some unfortunate specula

tions, he became almost beggared. and now. by manual labor, maintains his family in a comfortless dwelling enough, near by. But he is rich in the possession of such a daughter, for Nina, from being the spoiled and petted heiress, has proved the stay and comfort of the family. Her mother is an invalid, and Nina is nurse, attendant, seamstress and all." Why did Leonard Grey hang with such breathless attention upon the w ords of his companion, and why did the tide of feeling rush with such force to his heart? There were memories and impressions which he had checked, though not extinguished, and they had grown even while he gazed for a few moments on her face. and listened to the account, thus disinterestedly given ofher filial affection. It was a recollection of her. which had huno around him like the spell of a sweet dream and which had vaguely haunted him in his wanderings. "I have glad tidings, Nina," exclaimed Mr. Hamilton, when he 'one evening returned from his day's work, "and now,dear girl, I shall no longer see you striving against poverty. Mr. Grey, a gentleman with whom I was acquainted in former days, hns offered me a situation with a salary w hich will maintain us comfortably, at least."; "Mr. Leonard Grey?" asked Nina, wiih a thoughtful air, as if try ing to recall some remembrance. The same." "Oh, I lecollect now," she continued, "he was at Mrs. Manvers' ball, and I remembered being somewhat piqued, that he did not seek an introduction to me, the spoiled child of flattery. Indeed it if very kind in him, and we had no right to expect it." "And now, Nina," said her father, "tomorrow we must seek a better dwelling, and you shall go and fit up your mother's chamber." Who can tell the deep faellng of thankfulness with which she executed her loveful task, and saw her suffering mother settled in a comfortable dwelling. The contented and cheerful faces of her father and sister gave new pleasure to her own. Self was forgotten, and she still watched and tended them with a pure and holy af fection. The cloud which had so long darkened their existence, w as fast being dissipated by the bright hues of virtue and happiness. Friends, if they deserve the name, who had forsaken them, w hen deprived of their wealth, now came forward with affectionate enquiries, and Nina wondered in her heart at the world's inconsistency. She, w ho had so long been forgotten, wns now greeted with kind words and gracious smiles. Proud of his beautiful child, Mr. Hamilton was urgent that she should mingle with society, and, at his entreaty, she one evening prepared to accompany him to a ball. Attired in a simple while, with no ornament but a rose-bud half hid in her luxuiiant curls, they entered the ballroom. Many eyes were cast on the new and beautiful face, and few who gazed once, but turned a second glance. "Nina, let me introduce Mr. Grey," said her father, returning after a few moments' absence, accompanied by a gentleman,' you already know how much we owe him, and will, I am sure, thank him for us all:" and in the next moment, the young girl was pouring forth her gratitude in lowwords of music, and her bright earnest eyes telling, in a language stronger than speech, the grateful feelings of her heart. Had she dreamed how dear those words were to the listener, perhaps they had been less earnest, but she spoke from her heart, and thought only of her parents and sister. Weeks passed. Leonard Grey had be come a constant visiter at Mr. Hamilton's. and Nina's heart had learned to throb and her eye to brighten at his approach. On a soft summet's night he had called, and as they enjoyed the bright moonlight, the witchery of its beauty stole over them, and they ceased to speak, loo much occupied with thought for words. ' "Tell me, Mr. Grey," said Nina, breaking the long silence, ' have they in Italy as beautiful nights as this? It is a pleasant idea to fancy that the moon shines more brightly here, as if smiling on our land of Freedom." "Nay, they could never be as beautiful to me, and shall I tell you why?" Struck by his earnest words, she raised an enquiring glance to his face. "Because." he continued, ' here they possess the inestimable charm of being enjoyed wiih you nay, do not interrupt me, Miss Hamilton, but hear me patiently, while I give utterance to feelings I can no longer conceal. That I love you deeply and wholly, you must have perceived, but that ihis affection began years ago, you have yet to learn. Do you remember the ball at Mrs. Manveis'? It was there I first saw you, and could scarcely now define the impres sion vourbeautr made on me. You were then the wealthy Miss Hamilton, courted ml flattered wherever vou w ent. and the reiffiiins' aueen of ball and fete. From a Iriend, of whom I made inquiries, I learned vou were a spoiled and wilful child, and though he spoke leniently of your faults, I was under the impression j that you were an ill-tempered beauty, i cast you, as I thought, from my mind, and shortly after departed for Europe, where I remained lour years. But go wnere i would, the memory of your face would cling lonie In spite of my endeavors to cast it off. Soon after my return, you entered a store, where, with a companion, I at eonversinff. From him I learned your misfortunes, and I was startled to feci the 1)1 which ran through my heart, as I listened and learned you had been chas

tened by your sufferings, and the picture he drew of yonr filial devotion, first gave me an idea of the true state of my heart.

I determined to render every assistance to your father in my power, and by the aid of influential friend,ph(ained the situation he now occupies. I have known you but to love you more deeply than words ran tell. Say, w ill ) ou not make me more than happy, by reciprocating my attachment?" Wiih a smile, bright as a summer sunbeam, she turned her blue eyes to his face, and frankly placing her hand in his, replied: ' Here, Leonard, is the hand you sue for, and I only w ish the heart w as more w orthy that goes wiih it. Such as it is. it is yours forever. I have been a wilfjl girl, but I trust the lesson I have experienred w ill ever retain an influence. Reared in the lap of luxury, my parents deemed it impossible to refuse a w ith of their petted and i inpatient child. As I grew older I became ill-tempered and unkind, and my heart bleeds now, when I recollect the many acts of unkindness shown to my doting parents. Could you have known that Ihe face you saw at the ball, wreathed in smiles, had, a few hours before, been convulsed with passion, and inflamed by tears merely because I had been disappointed in getting a dress; that the lips breathing kind words, had given utterance to bitter and harsh retorts in return for the soothing language of a parent the remembrance had scarce dwelt on your mind. With nought to wish for, I was still ungrateful, but ihe day of retribution came. Wealth vanished, friends departed, and my poor mother, bowed dow n w iih suffering, lay vibrating between life and death. Then it was that God in his mercy, w ro'l a change in my hardened heart, snd I gradually aw oke as from a dream, to a just view of my past conduct. Words arc inadequate to give you an idea of my sufferings, as I watched by the sick couch of her who had ever been the kindest of mothers; and, oh', how I prayed that she might live to bless her repentant child. My prayer w as granted, and I have learned to bless the afflictions I then thought so hard to bear." But w hy continue the tale? They w ere married. With glistening eyes ol happiness, Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton gave their daughter to one worth' of such a charge, and with deep thankfulness of heart they lived to behold her the joy of a home of her own, and to feel that "Sweet are the uses of adversity .'; Estob. South Carolina. Our Country. Wc copy the following brapgadocia artide from the London Times, that our readers may know something of the spirit and opinions of out English adversaries. When England calculates to gain any advantage by any division among ihe American people, or by the feeble support which the whig party may give to the administration, they but poorly understand our people. The present whig party arc the descendants of the whigs of '70, and when the foe approaches our shore, the whigs will be the first to point the grim cannon at the enemies of our liberties. It makes no difference who is President or w hether our country is right or w rong, w e will stand by our Government. When it is necessary to call our people to the field, to defend our territory, our homes and our families, the w hig party will be w higs still. Old parly bickerings w ill be forgotten, and ihey w ill rally to the support of ihe President and our country. Then there w ill be no faltering. The following article is from the Times, ihe organ of ihe British Government, and is therefore to be looked upon as an expression of the Tcelings and vices of thai Government: From ihe London Time of Aprils. The .inierican packet, the Caledonia, which has been detained till this morning, will carry out the distinct snd emphatic declaration of the British Government on the subject ofthe Oregon Territory: which w as rccivcd lat night w i'h the Ftrotig and unanimous satisfaction of both Houses of Parlia ment. When the interests and dignity of the country, and the preservati n of the dominions of the Crown are really at stake. there is no equivocation in the language of the Government to Toreigu powers, and no semblance of weakness or hesitation in any political party. ff'e are justly proud that on the Oregon question. as well as on that ofthe Northeast ern boundary, the Hritisb Government has uniformly shown its moderation as well as its firmness on our side. It is impossible not to deplore, on the other hand, that ill regulated overbearing, and aggressive spirit of the .jmcrican Democracy, w hich overlooks the real present interests of tbe two nations in the Oregon territory that, namely, of letting it alone for another half century at lcaet. or deciding the matter by arbitration, before any local national interests have sprung- up there too powerful to be 60 disposed of. But, since tbe Americans, anJ even the President of the United States, are determined that this question shall not be allowed to rest any longer since they have rejected the proposal of an arbitration, and ostentatiously announce claims and measnres utter!? inconsistent with the svstem of joint occupation, or the equitable recognition of sny concurrentiighisatall, it i6 fitthatthey be warned in the most explicit manner tint their pretensions amount, if acted upon, to tho clearest racut belli w hich has ever yet arisen between Great llrilain and tbe American Union. In this case the strong determination and convictions which were expressed last night are not those of particular statesmen, or of ' the present Ministers, but of the British

Parliament and of the country. If theq.ics-1 tion was to be determined by the argument !

a reference to geographical fac's. to disco v eries, to l.ibtory, to treaties, and to occupa - tion the case on behalf oftliC British claim, as it w as ably staled by Lord JoLn Uuss - ell, is omjilcte ft it is only in consequence of admissions made with too much laxity on former occasions especially in the in - terpictation ofthe treaty ofGlient that any concurrent ncM enn be admitted to exist in the United States to any portion of territory. But from the character ofthe recent for

eign policy of the Ameriram-. and the extra-1 "ny years ago, fitted up an apparatus fof ordinary declaration of Mr. Pi.lk. it is evi. : satttnp ood wnh corrode sublimate, dent that no argument w ill produce any ef- al one uf 'be English Navy Yards. The fec; ai d we can scarcely anticipate thnl a . object of this w as to coagulate the albupovernuient so constituted and directed, w ill l men of the sap. or displace it altogether", even take a dispassionate or correct survey and prcienl iu putrifaciion. and the conoftl.e frightful and inevitable consequences ' sequent destruction ofthe timber by what of its cxtravigant references of diplomatic U called the dry rot. But on experiment questions to popular clamor- I it w as found lhal although Ihe albumen in According to all ordinarv political calcu-f , , . , ,. . , , . ., -, n ii : the sap or the weod was the most liable lationa, and aeninimir that 3Ir- folk s, mau- ! , .. r , . . ... guraladdroswas the manitesto of a gov. ! f"d.be first to pu rify, yet the l.gi.fous ficrnment and not mere declamation for ill- bre,l'r after 11 "s been derited vf all hustings, the President already finds him- P,P' w'H,whcn exposed in damp and warm self and the Union placed in presence of two ; situations, rot and crumble into dust. To wars, for the avowed purpose of territorial preserve wood, therefore, which is much aggraridisemenr, and in direct violation of exposed to the wetther, it isnoton'y necthe wholo policv of America from Gen. essary that the sap should ibe coagulated. Wellington to Mr. Webster. but that ihe fibres should be protected

1 lie vug nun .in.Mtu is ru miuii-iii niui we are awaiting w ith anxiety the next arrivals from that country; and the other with Great Britain, is more remote, but also 1 more inevitable, if the menaces ofthe Americans arc zr, i hinrr but vauor rEranc bluster. Under t hese circumstances, a statesman of!

ordinary caution would direct the public every pore of the wood, even to the miattcntion, not oiily to the paesions and ob- mile veins of the smallest fibres of stems jrcts whit h are likely to cause these wanton and leaves. The same result w ill follow.

and wicked contests, but to the conEequcnccs which must attend them The United States Government is very apt to provoke quarrels, but it is very ill prepared to carry them on. The same democratic folly which makes them arrogant in the (.'nbinet, makes them hab;tually feeble in all that constitutes a nation's strength in tbe field. In a military point of view, the consequence of a declaration of war by the Government of Mexico ajrainst the United States would probanly be contemptible and indecisive; for neither of the belligerents posses an army at all proportioned to the vast pxtert of the operations necessary to accomplish any practical resultBut if the actual contest on land would probably degenerate into something- Jittle better than the partisan warfare ofthe stales of South America, it is not less certain that the tiate vf tear between the two countries, and the exercise of belligerent rights, would be attended with most serious corspquenccs. not only to themselves, but to neutrals all over the world. The system of letters of marque, which the Americans themselves made no small use of in their last war With Great 7?ritain, places the whole commerce of the United States, undefended as it is by any considerable naval force, at the mercy ofthe privateers and adventurers of ell nations. ,4nd in a war entirely provoked by .Jmerican rapacity and violence, no usages which have ever been justified by the laws of nation,;, and by ihe example of the United States, could be regarded as unwarrantable. The Mexican territory commands both oceaus, and the position of the port ol .1capuleoonthe Pacific would facilitate the most extensive operations against the whole -Asiatic trade of the United States and their South Sea whale fisheries. Such a war would be inglorious, and repugnant to the interests of civilization; but it would be worthy of the nefarious transactions in w kich it hid originated, and if .Mexico has been plundered of a province by her powerful neighbor, the practices of war would amply justify her in making reprisals wherever she con find them. Letters of marque reflect no hnnor. and are of no great advuntnge to a power which may be duly represented on the seas by its own cruisers, but ihy tend to remove the maritime disparity which exists between two States like Mexico and the Union, bnd they are not nn improper weapon in the hands ofthe weak for retaliation on the aggressions of thei stn-nir. It is extraordinary that the United States tibou hive advanced so near the brink of war as to have carried through tbe S'nate a measure for annexing Texas, and failed. by only two votes, in a measure for seizing Oregon, without having any perceptible care j to provide fur the means of consuinating such unparrelled acts, or defending themselves from the consequences of them. .Ire they not aw are that in proportion as they assume the illegal exercise of sovereign rights on the desert shores of the Pacific, they expose the populous coasts ofthe .Atlantic to ihe broadsides and blockades to ffritish fleets! have they forgotten, in their anxiety to extend their "domestic institutions" to the whole continent of .America, thai in the event of w ar they will have to encounter the most novel of all dangers that arising from tbe presence ofthe standard of freedom among a population of slaves! ! Oris their blindness or infatuation in proportion to their injustice and criminality in their designs, so that, in their carernes to seize adjacent territories, they overlook the resources of iheir opponents and their own weakness! The consequences of such a war will prove incalculably disastrous They wuuld make brave men hesitate, even in a just cause; but the boldness of democracies despises alike the justice of the cause and the terrible evils ol the probable result. We have no intention of aggravating the very serious difficulties with which the indiscreet la nfruape of Mr. Polk has already surrounded the Oregon question, and w hich render a speedy solution of it indispensable to the maintenance of pacific relations be tween the two nations. The linguage ol. this country in such emergency, and in presence of such opponents, cannot be loo temperate or too decided. That language, and with equal propriety anj patriotism, .by the leaders of each of our great parties. The rights of Great fritain are as clear and unquestionable as those which Mr. Po'k has thought fit to mike the subject of his inaugural address; and w hattver he may be prepared to do, this country is, as the Prime Minister of the Crown declared last night, "resolved and prepared to maintain them." tCSAn Irish girl, boasting of her indus1 1 ions habits, said she rose al four, made a fire, put on the tea kettle, prepared break fast, and made all the beds, before any one in the hovsc triis up!

WOOD PRESERVATION.

This subject is one of vast importance i "c surpn-ea u.ai u na. ex- , J"lled so ,liule 'Mention among us. In Enf i ,al,d 8l,d on l,,e continent of Europe, sotnv 1 "f l,,e most scientific men of the age hat ft 8'' en it a thorough investigation, and the result of their labors have from time to j time been made public. In the present 'article, we can do but little more than to refer to the diffsre in processes. Public attention w as first called to the subject, we believe, by Mr. Khan, who. , rrnm rnl.r Two or three years since, in experimenting upon ihis subject, a French Chemist discovered that any mineral sohrion,w hen mingled with the sap of a living tree, would be taken up.and distributed through anCr a tree is felled, or a branch cut . ,ff provided the end of the tree or branch be placed in the metallic solution before the leaves have lost their t itality. In ihis way wood can be dyed of an), and of ihe mojt beautiful, and variagated colors, and at a small expense. The great advantage, however, resulting from this discovery is, that the limber can be readily impregnated with the oil of tar and oilier bituminous matters, rontaii.ing erensole, and also w iih the pyrolignitc of iron, which holds more creosote in solution than any other w atery menstruum. Mr. Bethel!, an Englishman, has recently taken out a patent for impregnating wood w ith ibese compounds, by artificial means. His process is substantially as follow s: The wood is put in a close iron tank, like a hijih pressure steam boiler, which is then closed and filled wiih tar oil or pyrolignite. The air is then exhausted w tth air pumps, afterwards more oil or pyrolignite is forced in by hydrostatic pumps, until a pressure of from 100 to 150 pounds to the inch is obtained. Tris pressure is continued six or seven hours, w hen the wood becomes thoroughly saturated, and will be found to weigh from eight to twelve pounds per cubic foot heavier than before. In the large tank used by the Bristol and Exeter Railway, 20 loads of timber can be prepared in a day, at an expense varying from $2 50 to 3 00 per load of feet. Timber prepared by either of the two last processes, is not at all sffected by alternate exposure to wet or dry; it requires no painting, and after it has been exposed to the air for some day s, it loses all unpleasant smell. Railway sleepers prepared in this way, w ill last for centuries. Those which hava been in use three years and upw ard, look much belter now than when first laid down, having become harder, more consolidated, and perfectly waterproof. The materials which are injected, preserve iron and metals from corrotion, and also from the attack of insects two very impoilantand useful qualities. Another process has lately been patented in England for mineralizing wood, which bids fair to supercede ail others. The process is simply this: The limber is placed in an air tight tank, similar to that used by Mr. Bethell, and then charged w ilh sulphate of iron. After the wood is impiepnated wiih ihe sulphate of iron, it is placed in another tank and charged with the muriate of lime, which, coming in contact w ith the sulphate of iron, decomposes it,"and forms an insoluble sulphate of lima or gypsum, v ithin the vooil; and ihe muriate of iron is set free. In this way the wood becomes thoroughly impregnated w iih stone as hard as a rock, and yet as toueh ss it was before. The expense of preparing wood by this process, is not great. It is said that 2000 sleepers, enough for a mile ol Railway, may b prepared in ibis w ay for $400. Some of fe best Eng ish Engineers have expressed iheir confidence in the invention, and recommend its employment in the Government works. The advantages that will result from these discoveries w ill be apparent to every one. By their means, we can make buildings fire-proof, our tail ways as durable as if built altogether of iron, and oi r boats and vessels almost indestructable. We understand the last mentioned process has been patented in this rountry,snd the agent of ihe patentees i now in this city, ready to give any information that may be desired. In mr conversation with him, he assures us that wood prepared by the last mentioned process, is almost fireproof, and will not burn unless held in a powerful fire, and then without flame. As soon as it is withdrawn Jrom the flame it goes out. tdrDippi'tg Captain Tyler is said to lie engaged in ra'rhing fish in the James River, Va. This is right, and would hae been righter yet if he had gone at it sooner. Pity that he had not been employed in "dipping" for fish during the last four yesrs, instead of dijjmig into matters by which he had his fingers burnt, and his reputation larni.hed. He would have gained more credit, and ihe people been better sa'ikfied.