removal of Holt, of Herkimer, and the appointment, 15th April, 1820.-Sir, your being a mail conment of Jabez Fox, esq.-also of Howell, of Bath,tractor, and the only printer in the place where and the appointment of an excellent friend, W. B. you reside, it is considered that you holding the Rochester, esq. a young man of the first respect- office of post-master, gives you an undue preferability and worth in the state-and the removal ence over other citizens and printers, not justified of Smith, at Little Falls, and the appointment of by the usual practice of this department. With Hollister--and the removal of Chamberlain, in Ox- your conduct as post-master, I am well satisfied. ford, and the appointment Lot Clark, esq. I am in Respectfully, yours, &c. R. J. Meigs, jr.-Stephen extreme haste, and can therefore add no more. Use B. Leonard, esq." The report of the post-masthe enclosed papers according to your discretion, ter general, marked HH, made at the present and if any thing is done, let it be quickly done, session of congress, shews that there are 58 postand you may rely upon it, much good will result masters, who are at the same time contractors for from it. Yours, affectionately, M. Van Buren. April carrying the mail: and it is well known, that in three 4th, 1820. The hon. Henry Meigs." The ostensible important cities, the post-masters are at the same object of this letter is the displacement of certain time proprietors and editors of newspapers; and post-masters on account of alleged mal-practices; it cannot be presumed that the circumstance of but the real design was to subserve the purposes Mr. Leonard's being the only printer in Owego, of party. The removal of a few distinguished post-would increase the force of the general objection. masters would serve as a monition to the 674 post- In this case, there would be no immediate rival masters in the state, to come out as electioneering partizans against the state administration, or to maintain silence. The improper and corrupt prac tices imputed to post-masters, by Mr. Van Buren, are, no doubt, entirely unfounded. The private characters of those gentlemen are perfectly re. spectable, and their official conduct had never, as I understand, been impeached before that period. If any thing is done, let it be quickly done, and you may rely upon it, much good will result from it." That is, let it be done before the election, and many votes will be acquired.

establishment which he would be interested in injuring, by virtue of his official situation. The case of Mr. Leonard is particularly mentioned in the paper marked II. The documents marked JJ, KK, LL, MM, and NN, are corroborative of the other proofs, and exhibit some interesting views of this subject.

There are in all probability scenes of equal, if not greater turpitude, which cannot be exposed dependent for their livelihood, in maintaining on account of the peculiar situation of individuals, silence, interested in concealing abuses, desirous of screening personal or political friends, averse to encounter the vituperation which will ensue-apprehensive of personal injury from the desperation of detected malefactors, or looking to a particular quarter for favors to themselves or connexions. Under these circumstances it would be impossible for any department of the government, even if armed with the power of compelling testimony, to attain a full knowledge of the abuses complained of in the present case, it was rendered still more difficult from the want of official authority to take cognizance of the investigation. And when it was instituted with a view to the obtainment of documentary testimony, the offenders were forewarned, and had ample time to take measures for the suppression of the truth.

The letter of Mr. Van Buren produced the removal of Messrs. Chamberlain and Smith, two of the post-masters mentioned in it. It seems that Mr. J. R. Drake, then a member of congress, interfered very officiously against a post-master living out of his district. And it is believed, that the removal of Mr. Leonard, whose case will be hereafter mentioned, was accomplished through his instrumentality. It appears that Mr. Drake cultivated an influence when in Washington, sufficient not only to injure men much more respectable than himself, but to secure a contract with the government, which he considered of some consequence, Mr Howell was kept in his office, by a personal acquaintance with Dr. Bradley of the general post office, who very properly exerted himself to continue the services of this excellent officer for the benefit of the department. Mr. Holt was not reIt is, I conceive, impossible to resist the unfavormoved until the 7th of December last, after the able conclusions which must be drawn from the resolutions of a party meeting, marked DD, held body of testimony now submitted to you, making on the 30th October last, were forwarded to the full allowances for exaggeration or error, for the post-master general. It is said by the post-master influence of prejudice and the operation of im general, that Mr. Holt was considerably delinquent, proper motives. And admitting that a consideraand failed for a number of quarters to render his ble portion of the allegations may be successfully accounts according to law. In order to establish refuted, yet still there will remain a sufficient numthe reality of this reason, the application of re-ber of strong and established facts, to prove a conmoval ought to exist in every similar case; but an cert of exertions on the part of the officers of the intimation has been publicly and repeatedly made national government-in the navy-yard, the custom of a great delinquency, and no notice has been house, the general post-office, and in the judicial taken of it; and I am greatly mistaken if many cases and some other institutions of that government do not exist where the returns required by law operating in our local elections: and which demonhave not been duly made, and which have, notwith-strates the existence of an organized and disciplinstanding, been passed over without animadversion.ed corps, and the obtrusion of extraneous influence The papers marked EE, probably contain the for the purpose of promoting the aspirations of true statement of this case. The papers marked ambition-of securing the possession of authority, GG, relate to the removal of the post-master, at or of breaking down the power of the state, by the the Little Falls; and the affidavits of the honorable encouragement of intestine divisions: And this is a Robert Monell and Joseph S. Lyman, marked FF, case in which the maxim-He orders the commission will illustrate the general character of the transac-of a crime who does not forbid it, when it is in his power, tions. On the 15th April, 1820, Mr. Stephen B. may be justly and emphatically applied. The least Leonard was removed from the office of post-mas-intimation from the proper quarter, would have efter at Owego. The letter announcing this, is in fectually prevented these notorious and alarming the words following, to wit: "Post office depart-evils?

Foreign Articles.

ENGLAND &c.

By the ship Amity, arrived at New-York from Liverpool, which she left on the 1st Dec. ultimo. London, Nov. 23.-The house of lords met this day, pursuant to adjournment, and the commission for proroguing parliament to the 23d of January, was then read. The commissioners were, the lord Chancellor, and earls Bathurst and Liverpool.

To all sincere friends of republican government, and such, gentlemen, I believe you all to be, this statement must present subjects for serious reflec tion. Without the existence of state governments, it is impossible for us to enjoy the blessings of free government. And without a national government, we would be involved in wars at home, and have but feeble security against attacks from abroad. Both are essential to the freedom, the safety, the prosperity, and the honor of our country. The House of commons.-In consequence of the order national government is from the necessity of the for a call of the house this day, and of the interest case, armed with controlling authority over the excited by the expected communication from her revenues and physical force of the country. In its majesty, the members began, at an early hour, to military and naval establishments--in the arrange-assemble in considerable numbers. ment of the national domains-in the disposition At 1 o'clock, the whole of her majesty's counsel, of its diplomatic intercourse-in the collection of who are members, except Mr. Brougham, who was taxes-in the immense patronage which it derives detained professionally in the court of king's bench, from the numerous and lucrative offices in its gift were in their places, besides nearly one hundred and in the allurements which are consequently other members, chiefly of the opposition party. held forth to ambition and cupidity, we perceive The speaker was, however, looked for in vain. the foundation of an influence which may be array-It was understood that lord Castlereagh had been cloed with a force almost irresistible, against the inde-setted with him for a considerable part of the forenoon. pendence and stability of the state governments. Mr. Denman rose at two o'clock and said, "Mr. It may be truly observed, that in proportion to the speaker, I hold in my hand a message, which I am population of the United States, no government commanded by her majesty, the queen, to present to has more numerous and efficient means of directing this house." (Loud cries of hear! hear!) and controlling public opinion. And when we consider that few of the states have any funds or resources, except what are derived from taxation; that the compensation of their public officers is comparatively small; and that the heads of their executive and judicial departments have been even sometimes induced to accept offices under the national government, subordinate in importance, but superior in emoluments; we must at once perceive the difficulties which the state authorities might have in opposing the improper influence of the national government. And when we further consider, that in all probability there would be no unity of views or coincidence of exertions operating in the house of peers."

at the same time, in the states, while the national

At this moment, (a minute past two o'clock) Mr. Quarme, the deputy usher of the black rod, tapped at the door, and immediately entered. This interruption caused great uproar. About 50 members rose in their seats, and the general cry was "Mr. Denman, Mr. Denman!" "Withdraw, withdraw!” but the noise was so great, that that gentleman in vain attempted to be heard; and, in the midst of the tumult, Mr. Quarme proceeded thus, although it was impossible for him to be heard by the chair, Mr. speaker, the lords commissioners, appointed by virtue of his majesty's commission, command the immediate attendance of this honorable house,

Cries of Shame! Shame!' were reiterated on all sides, and the utmost indignation was manifested by a number of members, who found her majesty's message thus treated.

The speaker instantly quitted his chair, followed by lord Castlereagh and the chancellor of the exchequer, to obey the summons of the peers.

Mr. Tierney rose, and observed that not one authority might make its approaches by singling word of what had fallen from the deputy usher had out particular states, and advancing against them been heard; and how then, did the speaker know with its combined and consolidated force, we have what was the message, or whether he was wanted at every reason to exercise the utmost vigilance, and all in the other house? (Loud cheering intermingled to interpose all proper barriers against undue en-with cries of order,' from the treasury bench. ) croachments. A government of influence and cor. The speaker then rose, the uproar still continu. ruption, is the worst possible shape which a repub-ing, and Mr. Bennet exclaiming with a loud voice, lican government can assume, because under the This is a scandal to the country? forms of freedom, it combines the essence of tyranny. And, although I am far from saying, that this is now the case, yet the first attempts to give a wrong direction to the authority of government, ought to be resisted. Slavery is ever preceded by sleep. And the liberties of free states are more frequently prostrated by fraud, than by force. In the intelligence and patriotism of the body of our The utmost confusion prevailed at this moment, fellow-citizens, we may, I trust, rely for the pre- and it would be vain to attempt to describe the tu servation of our free governments. And with an mult which took place in the body of the house. anxious desire to merit their good opinion by a The loudest and the most indignant cries of faithful and independent discharge of my import- Shame!" were reiterated throughout the house, ant duties, and with: an entire disregard of any hos-and the speaker, followed by his majesty's ministility which may arise from any quarter, in conse-ters and several other members, advanced towards quence of my pursuing this course, I submit this the door, on his way to the lords, in midst of the communication to the representatives of the peo- most disconcerting uproar. ple, fully persuaded, that when the personal aniMr. Denman, during this confusion, remained on mosities and political agitations of the times are his legs, holding in his hand her majesty's message. buried in oblivion, I shall be considered, by impar- He was surrounded by the most distinguished mem tial posterity, as having endeavored to deserve bers of the opposition, who, as well as many indewell of the republic by my conduct on this occa-pendent members who generally vote on the other

sion.

DE WITT CLINTON.

Albany, 17th January, 1821.

side, seemed utterly astonished at what had occurred.

At 5 minutes past 2 o'clock, the speaker reached the lobby of the house of peers.

After being absent about ten minutes, the speaker returned, accompanied by the few members with whom he retired, and being surrounded by the members present, he communicated to them that the house had been to the house of peers, where the lords commissioners, by virtue of his majesty's commission, had prorogued parliament to the 23d of January next!

The members then retired, and the strangers collected in the lobbies and avenues leading to the house, dispersed.

The queen's message to the house of commons. The following is the message which Mr. Denman was in the act of delivering at the moment he was interrupted.

from Madrid, of the 14th, announce that new troubles had broken out in Valencia; the pillar of the constitution had been insulted; and subsequently a popular movement took place against the archbi. shop, and the troops had been called out to protect him from the fury of the multitude. The head of general Elio was demanded, and he could with dif ficulty succeed in calming the commotion.

PORTUGAL.

A packet sailed from Lisbon for the Brazils, but no private letters were suffered to go with her. The election of the cortes has been conducted in the same manner as in Spain. A national loan to a considerable amount, was nearly completed. 20,000 troops were stationed at Lisbon, and quartered with the people. Robberies were frequent, and the people were dissatisfied.

"Caroline R.--The queen thinks it proper to inform the house of commons, that she has received a communication from the king's ministers, plainly A letter from Bayonne, dated the 14th inst. says, intimating an intention to prorogue the parliament "The English have taken possession of two Por. immediately, and accompanied by an offer of mo-tuguese vessels at the mouth of the Tagus, and war ney for her support, and for providing her with a between Portugal and England may be daily exresidence until a new session may be holden. This pected.-Gazette de France.

offer the queen has had no hesitation in refusing.

ITALY.

While the late extraordinary proceedings were A London paper of Nov. 29, says-The Brussels pending, it might be fit for her to accept the ad-papers contain some communications from Vienna, vances made for her temporary accommodation; respecting continental affairs. It is not pretended but she naturally expected that the failure of that that the precise determinations of the allied powunparalleled attempt to degrade the royal family, ers, as settled in the congress of Troppau, are yet would be immediately followed by submitting some known. It is, however, acknowledged, that Auspermanent measure to the wisdom of parliament; tria, in conjunction with Russia and Prussia, will and she has felt that she could no longer, with pro- occupy the kingdom of Naples with military force. priety, receive from the ministers, which she is well The immediate co-operation of England in this neassured the liberality of the house of commons farious scheme is not anticipated. The English would have granted, as like essential to the dignity fleet in the gulf of Naples is stationed there for of the throne, and demanded by the plainest prin- observation, and for the purpose of protecting the ciples of justice. If the queen is to understand royal family in case of need." that new proceedings are meditated against her, she throws herself with unabated confidence on the representatives of the people, fully relying on their justice and wisdom, to take effectual steps to pro- Hamburg, Nov. 2.-The post from Copenhagen tect her from the farther vexation of unnecessary has this moment arrived. There have been a greatdelay, and to provide that those unexampled per-number of arrests in that capital, and among others, secutions may at length be brought to a close." several persons of great consequence. Their object appears to have been that of obtaining a new constitution, and a representative government.---Some lives have been lost, when the instigators were arrested by the police; but as the feeling in general throughout Copenhagen and the whole of Denmark, is in favor of a new constitution--no doubt is entertained, that it will ultimately be grant

It is the more extraordinary that this message was not received, as Mr. Brougham had apprised both the speaker and lord Castlereagh, that such a message was to be brought down.

Though the house of commons, as is well known, usually meets about a quarter before four, yet the hour fixed in every adjournment is ten.

There appears no doubt that Austria will invade Naples. "Perish the invaders," say we.

DENMARK.

RUSSIA.

Nov. 29 Lord Grenville has declared to theed to the people. king that he could form no party of friends in either house that could strengthen the remnant of A London paper says-In Russia, it would seem the present administration, if left by the earl of Li- that the people are by no means satisfied with the verpool the earl of Harrowby and Mr. Canning, existing state of things. The letters from Peters. who have all tendered their resignations. It is said burg, most probably from motives of prudence, are that the king has sent for lord Spencer, to consult written in a guarded manner, and say but little as with him on the formation of a new administration. to the real state of things. The latest advices are The stocks fell per cent. in consequence of a received by a vessel arrived at Yarmouth, from Pevisit of the queen to St. Paul's-because distur-tersburg, after a passage of only 15 days. The folbances were expected! lowing is an extract from one of them:

SPAIN.

We learn by the English papers that-The continued absence of the king of Spain from his capital, and some unconstitutional appointments, by the sign manual only, gave rise so a very general suspicion, that some treachery was meditated by Ferdinand against the people. An address of the municipal authorities was therefore published on the 18th ultimo, which had determined the monarch to return to Madrid. The alarm spread through the provinces, and the militia is every where or ganizing to protect the constitution.

The Courier Francais, of Nov. 22, says-Letters

"We are now inclined to think that the accounts received from the Sound, of a portion of the Rus sian army having laid down their arms in consequence of the severity of the discipline imposed, may have some foundation in truth, as it is not unlikely that the great event alluded to, in the above extract, refers to the mutinous spirit of the military."

Another observes--"Mention is again made of the discontent of the Russian soldiery, and the fact seems to be, that a regiment of young noblemen had taken a dislike to their colonel, and had become impatient of the strictness of discipline."

January 31. Mr. Dana, from the select commitThe following were the yeas and nays in the tee appointed to enquire into the propriety of reducing the compensation of the members of conhouse of representatives on the 25th ult. on the resolution to alter the constitution, to establish an uni-gress, and also the salaries of the principal and form mode for the election of electors of president and representatives in congress: YEAS-Messrs. Adams, Allen, of N. Y. Archer, of Md. Baker, Ball, Bayly, Beecher, Bloomfield, Brown, Brush, Burton, Butler, of N. H. Butler, of Lou. Campbell, Cannon, Clagett. Clay, Cobb, Cocke, Cook, Crafts, Crowell, Culpepper, Cushman, Cuthbert, Dane, Davidson, Eddy, Edwards, of Con. Edwards, of N. C. Fay, Fisher, Floyd, Foot, Ford, Gross, of N. Y. Hall, of N. Y. Hall, of N. C. Hendricks, Herrick, Hobert, Hooks, Jackson, Johnson, Kinsey, Kinsley, Little, Lincoln, Livermore, Lowndes, Maclay, McCullough, MeLane, of Del. McLean, of Ken. Mercer, Metcalf, Monell, R. Moore, T. L. Moore, Morton, Moseley. Neale, Nelson, of Mass. Parker, of Mass. Pitcher, Plumer, Rankin, Rich, Bich ards, Richmond, Ringgold, Robertson, Russ, Sawyer, Silsbee, Simkins, Sloan, Smith, of N. J. Smith, of Md. Smith, of N. C. Stevens, Street, Tomlinson, Tracy, Tucker, of Va. Upham, Walker, Warfield, Wendover, Whitman, Williams, of Va. Wood-92. NAYS-Messrs. Abbot, Alexander, Allen of Mass. Allen of Tenn. Baldwin, Barbour, Brevard, Burwell, Case, Clark, Crawford, Darlington, Dennison, Dickinson, Earle, Edwards of Penn. Forrest, Garnett, Gray, Gross, of Pen. Guyon, Hardin, Hibsbman, Hill, Hostetter, Jones, of Va. Lathrop, McCoy, McCreary, Marchand, Meigs, S. Moore, Murray, Nelson, of Va. Newton, Parker, of Va. Patterson, Philson, Randolph, Reed, Rhea, Rogers, Ross, Ser

the prizes, and the gross amount of the proceeds
of the said lotteries which will come into the hands
of the managers; and also, whether the condition
of the said act of incorporation has been complied
with, so far as it respects ne authority to raise
money by lotteries--delivered in a report conclud-
ing with the following resolution:
Resolved, That it is
inexpedient for the house
of representative to express any opinion on the
question, whether the condition of the act of incor-
poration of e City of Washington has been com.
plied with by the corporation, so far as regards the
authory to raise money by lottery.

ΣΤ

Te report was read and referred to the comtee on the judiciary.

The speaker laid before the house a letter from the secretary of the treasury, transmitting the information required by a resolution of the house of representatives of the 9th inst. in relation to the agency of the treasurer of the United States for the war and navy departments, and whether the same may not be discontinued without detriment to the public service.

[The letter expresses the opinion that the agency of the treasurer for the war and navy departments may be discontinued without detriment to the public interest.]

The said letter was referred to the committee on the treasury expenditures.

year 1820. The letter, &c. were ordered to lie on the table.

After other business, which will sufficiently be noticed in its progress

On motion of Mr. Clay, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the state of the union, Mr. Smith, of Md. being called to the chair; and the resolution from the senate, for admitting Missouri into the union, with a caveat against the provision, if there be any, which conflicts with the constitution of the United States, was taken up.

Mr. Randolph moved to strike out the proviso (or for the present, to accommodate Mr. Clay, who caveat) from the resolution, but waived his motion wished to address the committee on the whole subject.

on the present state of this question. He was in
Mr. Clay then delivered his sentiments at large
favor of the resolution from the senate, and should
vote for the resolution, even though more empha-
tically restricted against any supposed repugnance
of one of its provisions to a provision of the consti-
however, he did not by any means admit.
tution of the United States, the existence of which,

When Mr. Clay concluded

Mr. Randolph renewed his motion to strike out the proviso, and spoke for about fifteen minutes in support of it.

Mr. Lowndes opposed the motion--it would pre

The rest of the day was chiefly spent on business sent to the house the naked question already de of a private nature.

Adjourned to Monday.

Monday, Jan. 29. Mr. Barbour, from the committee on naval affairs, reported a bill authorizing a machine to be built for hauling up ships, (on the plan of Rodgers' inclined plane.) The bill was

twice read and committed.

cided. Mr. Barbour assigned his reasons why he sho vote against the motion-he thought this proviso useless, but was willing to gratify those who thought otherwise. Other gentlemen spoke to the subject, and Mr. Foot moved to amend the resolution by adding to it another proviso, that it be taken as a fundamental condition on which said state is Mr. Barbour, from the same committee, to whom admitted into the union, that so much of the conwas referred an enquiry into the expediency of stitution as requires the legislature to pass laws to limiting the number of seamen and boys to be em prevent the migration of free people of color thi ployed in the navy, made a long report, conclud-ther, shall be expunged from the constitution of the ing with a resolution, that "the navy peace estab-state within two years from this time, in the mode lishment ought to be fixed by law." The report prescribed for amending the constitution. [This was referred to a committee of the whole on the would admit Missouri into the union forthwith, on state of the union. the condition stated.] Mr. Baldwin having express

Mr. Sergeant said that he had not any amendment to offer, but should support every one that might bring the resolution nearer to what he wished it to be-but, in the issue, would vote against the resolution, however amended.

Mr. Whitman, from the committee on the sub-ed his intention to vote for this proposition, &c. ject of the currency of foreign coins, reported a bill to continue in force the act regulating the currency of the coins of Great Britain, France, Portugal, and Spain, so far as relates to the crowns and five franc pieces of France; which was twice read and committed.

The speaker laid before the house a letter from the secretary of the treasury, transmitting, in reply to a resolution of the house of representatives of the 19th instant, information of the number of inspectors, weighers, gaugers, and measurers, emploved in each port of the United States; and the compensation allowed to each for the last five years; also a statement of the fifth auditor of the treasury, exhibiting the names of persons employed as agents for building and supplying light-houses, revenue, cutters, and marine hospitals, for the last five years, with the compensation paid to each of them.

The letter was referred to the committee on

commerce.

The speaker laid before the house a letter from the secretary of war, transmitting, in compliance with the law of the 21st of April, 1808, statements, exhibiting the contracts made by the quarter mas ter general, commissary general of subsistence, the ordnance department, the commissary general of purchases, and the engineer department, in the

After these proceedings the committee rose, and this day, in the expectation of some great speaking, the house adjourned. [The galleries were filled but the people were disappointed.]

Tuesday, Jan. 30.--Mr. Smith, of Maryland, from the committee of ways and means, reported a bill to authorize the collectors of the customs to pay debentures issued on the exportation of loaf sugar and spirits distilled from molasses; which was twice read and committed.

The house having then again resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the state of the union, Mr. Smith, of Md. in the chair

The resolution from the senate, for the admis sion of Missouri into the union, was resumed--the motion of Mr. Foot, as stated above, being under consideration. Some speaking being had

Mr. Storrs, after a few introductory remarks, moved an amendment to Mr. Foot's amendment, which was, to strike out all of the latter, after the word "union," in the third line, and in lieu thereof, to insert thollowing: