Rising Sun Times, Volume 3, Number 144, Rising Sun, Ohio County, 13 August 1836 — Page 2

Original.

Written for the Rising Sun Times. CACOEUIES SCRIBE.NDI NO. I. INTRODUCTION. Mr. Editor Now lhat the election is over, and that there is a strong probability we shall enjoy a short respite from the feuds, the dissentions, and the turmoil, which the county seat business has occasioned for some time past at least until the season arrives for getting up petitions and remonstrances 1 propose occupying a portion of my leisure time in attempting to fill up the vaccuum created by this temporary cessation of hostilities between the; upper, middle and lower sections of the county. How far I may succeed in this eilort, I presume time and the reader will have to decide; yet, although I cannot sec any great distance into futurity, I will inform the reader that I have no very mean opinion of my own abilities, i am serious in this avowal. U hy should I distrust the power of my mental faculties? Is it not natural for mankind to think well of himself? Most assuredly it is no one will deny this; and all that prevents men from speaking it out openly is that society has introduced a kind of mock modesty w hich Btitles half our privileges, and which we must all submit to, or elso become a subject for envy, malice, scorn, slander, jealousy, and all such kind of thing, to feed upon. Hang upon such a way of living'. there is entirely too much of the dog's life In it for me t want to be independent, and I never could go in for traveling through society within certain prescribed limits, when ten to rne, these limits were marked out and laid down by persons who were in the -daily habit of trampling on them; and what is far worse, by persons who never knew half as much as I have forgot. But bad as these things arc, do not let any one suppose that I am going to attempt a reformation This would be useless it would be wasting pen, ink and paper, and consuming the Printer's time and trouble to no purpose, and end exactly like the fable of the mountain In labor. I am therefore disposed to let the world wag on in its old tracks, and will merely say that I have, after mature deliberation, come to the conclusion to pick my own path, even if 1 must go alone. Well, so far, so good. But perhaps after this sort of Ptefa.ee to my Introduction, the reader might take the liberty to enquire what subject or subjects I 'would be after writing upon? I do not deny the right of any one to make this inquiry ; nor should 1 have the least objection to making a proper reply, w ere it not for two reasons the first and most important of which is, that 1 don't ! know myself ; and secondly, it might be the means of forestalling 'the opinion of the reader in regard to my abilities; and thereby defeat my obtaining the laureh which may he in readihess for me. I will therefore merely remarkthat there are subjects enough, in all conscience, uprin which almost any man could write an essay, that would give interest, amusement and instruction. Do not be startled at this assertion; it 'is a fact, and the most casual observer of the ways of the world , if he will reflect but a moment, must be convinced of its correctness. Look at every day occurrences notice the different characters of mankind watch the movements of society cannot you there find something for reflection? and cannot you put those reflections upon paper? If persons distrust their own abilities, if they have no confidence in them selves, they will never climb the hill of fame. I have often heard men of good understanding and sound minds, say lhat they were too ignorant to speak or write upon any subjecJ; when, at the same time, had another person told them so, it would have been considered a gross insult. This is occasioned partly by mock modesty, and partly from the fear that the higher orders of society will laugh at their presumption. This fear has kept a great number of persons from rising in the world, who might else have been ornaments to the r;ntinc first sodcty, and of great benefit to their fellow citizens. oome men lacKamomon i mean an honorable ambition to excel; and yet they will always be grumbling about others, probably of inferior intellect, rising far above them. This is not right. In this country, all men are equal, and all are of the same rank, if they would but think so. I know that some arrogate to themselves exclusive privileges. I have seen the ruffled shirt and the empty pocket on the same person -I have heard persons making use of highflown expressions and large words, when they actually did not know the meaning of them 1 have seen bankrupts in character and fortune, associate with the rich and -he good but I did not envy them: I did not complain of their riding over me. I have always

thanked my stars that such portions of ignorance, impudence, and assurance was not allotted to me. These arc the characters which sit in judgment on the actions of their superiors these are the very personages whom many people dread, and who keep many from rising to the stations which nature designed them to fill. But these persons are partly to blame themselves, as I have before stated. Some would al

most seem to subscribe to the doctrine, that u Where ignorance is bliss, 'T is folly to be wise.'' But if ignorance can succeed in the general, better than good sense, it is what 1 have not yet met with. It is therefore plain to be seen that honest, just, and high-minded men have no rca son to mistrust their own abilities; and that they are to blame for doing so The sneers, -the scoils, the ridicule of a set of jackanapes and dizzards, shall never keep me down. From what has been said I think the reader will discover that I shall have no difficulty in finding subjects upon which to employ my pen; and I think 1 shall not be sparing in what I may have to say. Richard, the Scnini:. 07Thc following article is taken from the last Shelbyville Courier. AVe give it without note or comment, other than stating that we have several times heard hints similar to those contained in this article. From the Shelbyville Courier. LAWIlENCEBURGH AND INDIANAPOLIS" RAIL ROAD, AND COMPAXV. A few thoughts connected with this subject, have suggested themselves as proper to be thrown before the pub lie. A charter was granted by our Legislature, and become a law pebrua ry 2d, 1832, giving certain specific and exclusive privileges to a company to be denominated the "Lawrenceburgl and Indianapolis Rail-Road Company," for the single purpose of making, be tween those points, a Rail-Road. Pur suant to said charter, a company was lormed and certain ofheers elected, who became a bodv corporate Wi the after doings of this company, and its board of directors, the public are not much interested, and cannot know much, only as it it made known in their official acts, until said board approach ed our Legislature and asked it either to loan the credit of the State, on which to borrow money, or to become stock holders to a considerable amount, both of which it was unwilling at that time to do. But as the State was then about to authorize various and extensive sur eys, with a view to further improve ments, (which was with much true pat riousmani! statesmanlike skill, liberal ly entered into during the last session it became matter of much solicitude with the real friends of this road, who had not speculation in view, that should participate in the benefits of an appropriation by the State and so like wise share to some pitiful extent, in the public approbation and State credit i he boardofdireclors with considera ble apparent reluctance, consented lhat their friend and semi-agent, Mr. Kelso then a member of the House of Re pre sentalivcs, should move in that bodv to have said road appended to the sur veying bill then pending, which was accordingly done and became a law this was all that session was willing to do for any of the proposed public works ana thus much if willingly done fo this road, so enabling said rout to come officially ar.d scientifically before the next legislature, wheie its comparativ importance and cheapness of construe lion was fairly tested and frankly ac ! I.I I . . I . . . . Kuowiuugea. At tnis crisis it was much to have been hoped, that sah company would tender its charter back to the power which first gave it exis tence as that said road might becomo a State work. In this however, we have been muc disappointed. The oflicial organs of this company as a board, determined to hold on to their chartered privileges and again apply to the legislature for loan. And accordingly made its ap plication, aided by its friend, a member ol the the House of Representatives who was also amemhprnf the hoard for a loan of $500,000 which was granted. And for the fact, as well as the terms, see laws of last session, page 1 G. I hat such a law should have been asked for, seems very strange, unless it was previously determined by this company to enter the field of speculation. But that it should have been given by an enl.ghted legislature, desiring lo promote public works, is truly inexplicable. Unless indeed grave legislators were so far carried away with the project of a general system of internal improvement, as entirely to overlook its provisions. Perhaps the likeness and loosness of this law is not to be met with elsewhere in legislation. The promptness with which every thing was granted that was asked for

in behalf of this road, is proof of the

importance of the rout, and shows a willingness to have made it a state enterprise had it been asked. The im portance of legislation in this matter is only equalled by the injury sustained. That so vast a loan should be given without a requirement on the part of the law, or even a promise on the part of the corporation, that it would ever be applied to the road, is perplexing. lhe 2Gth section of the act chartering this company, restricts the corporation from engaging in mercantile or banking transactions, and evidently was intend ed to guard against the abuse of pow er, but this law puts into the hands of i heartless corporation five hundred thousand dollars, with full liberty to use it as they please. c have now every assurance, that tnis vast sum ol money when obtained, instead of being ip plied lo our important public work; as the legislature no doubt honest in tended and expected, will be vilely washy from its legitimate purpose and appl'Sl to the pockets and private speculation of individuals. 1 he honest stkholdcr w ho mortgages his prop erty ;ld borrows of this money, is not in blame. We are deeply interested, and investigation is proper. UNIT. From New Orleans Papers. FKOJI TEXAS. By the arrival from Texas yestcr day morning, it appears that there is little likelihood ol an engagement be tween the contending parties. The advance guard of cither army, it is be lieved, are not within 150 miles of one another, and there was scarcely any probability of the Mexican army ad vancing, as they were short of provis ions, and every necessary munition of war; it will be recollected lhat their supplies were cut off by the intercep Hon and capture by the lexian armed cruisers. Our informant states, that a few days before he left Texas, there was much indignation expressed among the sol diers against Santa Anna, and that thev had made an attempt to shoot him, but were prevented by lhe timely interfcr ence of his guardsi A pistol shot watired at Santa Anna, but did him no in jury, lhe excitement rose from the fact of the return of the Mexican ar my into Texas. To prevent any harm reaching him trom the soldiery, hi guard has been doubled. From lhe Courier of last evening, we glean seme further particulars. The Texian force is estimated at about 3000 men, but from the number of volteers flocking in, particularly from the western and southern States, it was presumed that in a few weeks it would be augmented to G000 men. Cos and other officers, with about 400 prisioners, are at Galveston Island. It is said to be the intention of the Texians, in case the Mexicans attack them, to put all the prisoners to the sword. The Mexicans, 5000 strong, tinder the command of Carreor, were at Nuces, wailing reinforcements. It is rumored that Santa Anna had written lo President Jackson, asking him, or the Government, to be his security for any treaty which he may enter into with the Texians. He is said to have informed Jhem that they have no reason to apprehend an attack from his countrymen, as he would issue a proclamation tha.t would induce them to evacuate without striking a single blow. The Texians, however, appear to place but little confidence in his word, and are preparing for every exigency. They are well supplied with provisions and munitions of war, and, we are informed, would rather light than not. Texas. The Texiaii government has declared that the bounties of lands granted to volunteers shall be as follows: To all who arc now in service, and shall continue in service faithfully during the war, 12S0 acres. To all who have served faithfully, or who shall have served faithfully, lor a period not less than six months. G40 acres. To all who shall have served faithfully for a period not less than three months, 320 acres. To all who shall have entered service previous to the first day of next July, and shall continue in service faithfully during the war, provided the war shall continue for a period more than G months, 9G0 acres. To all who shall enter the service after the first day of July, 183G, a quantity proportioned to their service, and lo be hereafter determined. In Alison's History of Europe, now publishing in England, the following sentence occurs: "It is the highest glory of England to have given birth, amidst transatlantic wilds, to such a mun'ai WASHINGTON."

YVJlI'IiF. AVILL THESE THINGS END.' We have indeed fallen upon evil times. Every mail brings to us some shocking detail of lawless violence and outrage. The negro burnings of the South tarring and feathering, as in

the case of poor Kitcliell, are getting to be things of every day's occurrence. And it has come lo that, that even travelling is unsafe. The peaceful travel ler who would visit his friends, or go quietly about his business in diller'cnt parts of the country, must do it r.t the risk of life and limb. We now particularly refer to an outrage upon the Erie canal, and the destruction of a canal boat, and abuse of unoffending passengers, ana even Jemaies, as de i r I tailed in an account of the transaction which we have copied from the Buffalo Daily Commercial Advertiser. It is time for us all to pause and rcllect what will be the end of these things, if suffered to go on at this rate, without restraint. That we live under a government of laws, is getting to be a real mockery. No man, however innocent his intentions, or blameless his life, can feel that he is safe. No man can express an independent stand upon any subject, and know, that he will not for so doing, become the victim of a mob, whose views he may chance tc thwart. The press, too, is in danger. This spirit of misrule is aiming a fatal blow at its independence, and its conductors will be awed into silence, or speak their sentiments at the peril of all that is dear or valuable. IIow long shall these things be? It is frequently said there is a redeeming spirit in the land. It would, it seems to us, be now more appropriate, to say there is a disorganizing spirit in the land, which unless speedily checked, will bring ruin and disgrace upon the country. This disorganizing propensity, this alarming disregard of law and good order, continues to increase rather than diminish, and the enquiry with which we stated, 'where will these things end,' is becoming a painfully interesting one. We. can safely answer, lhat unless speedily and effectually checked, they will end in universal anarchy, in the prostration of law, right and liberty, in the universal desecration of our altars and our firesides. There is a plain duty, then, incumbent upon the press, and upon all who would see good order restored, and the wholesome restraints of law enforced. We hope that duty will not be disregarded by any. G'lio .-lrns. Mic hkjaN and Arkansas. The acts of the last session, providing for the admission of these new Slates into the Union, do not appear to find equal favor in the sight of the people of each "sovereignty."' In Arkansas, according to the Helena Journal, the information of the passage of the act, seems to have diffused general satisfaction; and the people were at once disposed to assume their stand agreeably to its provisions, as one of the States of the Union ; while the case is a good deal different, though it may probably result in the same final action, in Michigan. The Legislature of Michigan met at Detroit on the 1 1th inst. The message of Governor Mason was transmitted on the same day. This document speaks somewhat indignantly of the decision of Congress on the boundary question. It however, recommends the acceptance of the law, so far as to enter upon the duties and responsibilities of a member of the confederacy, and to leave the terms as a matter for after settlement. This, the young Governor deems the only true course consistent with a spirited and I determined resistance of congressional dictation. We should think, however, that Michigan must lake the law as it stands, or reject it altogether. She must accept it, and she may, and, no doubt, will afterwards endeavor to get some alteration in that part of the 'terms' which is unpalatable to her and this course she will probably pursue rather than reject the law" as it stands, and start afresh in the race for sovereignty. lla lli to rc Patriot. The Lexington Reporter of the 30lh tilt, says: "We learn by a gentleman who left Frankfort yesterday, that the number of companies (10) called for by the proclamation of the Governor, has been reported to the Adjutant General and that several others have been necessarily refused. This shows thai Kcntuckians are as ready now as they were in 1812, lo obey the call of their country. The company from this county and city, was the last received."' From (he N. Y. Evening !t;ir. The South Ski Explouino Expedition. It is with unfeigned pleasure that we learn from the Globe that the President has given orders to have this expedition fitted out with the least pos-1 sible delay. Alter the untiring and inappreciable zeal and labors of J. N. Reynolds, Esq., the Navigator, to effect

this object, this paper claims for itself the credit of taken an early and decided stand in favor of this project, which it never has lost sight of and in the final succcssof which, it now feels that it has a claim to merit some gratitude from the country. The appropriation by Congress being ample, we are pleased to learn fur

ther from the President, that he is determined that the expedition shall want in nothing that becomes the dignity of the country. The frigate Macedonian being repaired at Norfolk, and two brigs of 200 tons each, one or more tenders and a store ship of competent dimensions, is the force agreed upon, and to be put into immediate preparation. Captain Thomas A. C. Jones, ha? been appointed to the command. The Macedonian has been chosen because her accommodations are spa cious for the scientific corps which the President is determined shall complete in all its departments within the whole range of natural history and philosophy. "We understand also, that to J. N. Reynolds, Esq., the President has given the appointment of Corresponding Secretary to the expedition. Between this gentleman and Captain Jones, there if the most friendly feeling and harmony of action. The cordiality they entertain for each other, we trust, will be felt by all, whether citizen or officer, who shall be so fortunate as to be connected with the expedition." A Total Abstinence Man. Lewis Cass, a man respected by all parties for his talents and worth, who has held many responsible situations in public life, and has now received the appointment of .Minister to France, furnishes the following testimony in relation to the use of ardent spirits: 41 have never tasted any ardent spirits, nor have I, at any time, during life, been in the habit of drinking wine. It is of course, almost useless to add, that I know nothing of the effects of stimulating liquors upon the constitution, except by observing them in others. I have, perhaps, during a portion of my life, been as much exposed as most men. Having lived, since boyhood, in a new country; having served in the army during war, and having been led by official duties to traverse almost all the western region of the Ohio and cast of the Mississippi ; it is impossible to say what effects would have resulted from the use of stimulating liquors, at periods of great exposure arid fatigue. I can only say. that I have done well enough without them.' Di-m quE. The Dubuque, (Wisconsin) Visiter of June 27th. in speaking of the flood of emigration which is settling in that quarter, says: "Among the numerous an ivals of emigrants we notice one in particular a company of about 50 persons from Philadelphia the gentlemen principally mechanics and all men of first rate character; and two smali paities from Ohio farmers and mechanics men made of the right stuff for pioneers. Indeed, a calm observer must he struck at contemplating the business of a town only three years old. One will witness every where in Wisconsin, a surprising augmentation of inhabitants, and a corresponding progress in wealth and improvement but particularly in I)u Buque and Dos Moines counties. History furnishes no example of such rapid advances.' Smitiisomvn Biwf.st. Wc understand that the Hon. Richard Rush has been selected hv the President, lo at tend to the bequest of Mr. Smilhson of England, made to the I J. States, for the establishing a University "for the diffusion of knowledge among men." The amount of the legacy is large; its object is of much prospective importance, and the matter is every way worthy of immediate attention. The choice of Mr. Rush for this trust, is both an appropriate compliment to him, and a selection which will be approved by all pai ties. He is eminently qualified for it and such a mission could not be belter placed than in the hands of a gentleman, who is himself an accomplished scholar, with the advantage of having passed years on (he spot, to which ho is called by the duty confined to him. He will probably proceed to England in the course of the coming month. I'cnnsiIianiaJl. Extraordinary Li UEKAMTV. A gentleman in Philadelphia recently lost .51000 in uanic notes. l hey were found by a colored man and immediately restored to their owner, whereupon the gentleman gave the finder tornly he cents n$ a. reward for his honesty. A woman in Gates county, North Carolina, lately shot her brother-in-law. an intemperate man by the name of Andrew Banker, on account of his cruel ticatmeutto bis wife aud children.