Representation of Baltimore. "HE THAT GIVES UP ESSENTIAL LIBERTY TO PURCHAS "NOR SAFETY." time of the legislature the members become impatient with it: and, instead of striking at the root of the evil, which a strange jealousy against this city has planted, by liberally enIt is not our practice to meddle much with larging the powers of the corporation, they rail local matters. But, although the following at us, and heap upon us every opprobrious rema ks specially apply to a peculiar case of epithet that presents itself-without reflecting, hardship, they involve considerations interest-possibly being too ignorant to know, that Baling to every friend of freedom. timore is as the soul, or vital principle, of The right of suffrage equally extended to Maryland. Blot it from the map sink it in the free citizens of a state, is the moving prin- the basin," as has been charitably wished, and ciple of a just administration of its concerns- the value of the real property in the state would the corner stone of the republican edifice, and be instantly diminished fifty percent. It would only safe depository of power. It is a right be felt from the mountains of Alleghany county that cannot be guarded with too much jealousy to the pine swamps of the Eastern shore.-it is a right that cannot be legally compro- There is no other market for the products of mised a bartered away; because the exercise agriculture--no other depot to supply its wants of it is essential to the general welfare: and no other resource in emergency. Baltimore any agreement that is not in accordance with city, at present, contains about 65,000 inhabia full enjoyment of it, is, in justice and equity, tants, of whom, I suppose, 57,000 are free null and void. white persons. What was asked to give to A bill was introduced into the legislature of 57,000 freemen a power of legislation equal to Maryland, two or three weeks since, to alter 4068 persons in Calvert; or 6289 in Alleghany; the constitution so as to give to the city of or 6794 in St. Mary's; or 7201 in Kent; or Baltimore Two additional members in the house of delegates-say four in all. This bill has been rejected. I am sincerely glad of it. -regret, however, that, when affecting to consider the merits of the bill, sone "honorable gentlemen," as they must be called, descended to the use of language about Baltimore that would have caused a Billingsgate-lady to blush for her deficiency of tongue! It was to be hoped that a spirit of justice had superseded the rage of party. 7810 in Charles; or 7933 in Caroline, &c. &c. or 28,766 in Frederick, which is the most populous county in the state! Let us see how many counties, having four members each, it will take to make up a population equal to Baltimore city, to which it was proposed to allow four members: Counties. Free persons : 6 289 : : 6,794 7.201 : 7.810 7933 2 9,352 10,408 59 755 Delegates. 32 Baltimore has two delegates in the general asseinbly of Maryland, or a fortieth part of the power of legislation in the popular branch of the government. From the linitted powers of the city corporation, and the daily manifestation of things required to be done for the The great favor was that Baltimore, having convenience of a rapidly increasing population, it is almost impossible, if not absolutely so, that more wealth, and nearly the free population of any two gentlemen can attend to all the local EIGHT Counties, sending THIRTY-TWO members matters required of them in the legislature, as to the legislature:-and with a greater populathey ought to be attended to-many of which, tion than ANY THREE cunties in the state, of no importance whatsoever to the public at should have the weight of ONE County! There large, could and would be much better manag- was as much modesty in this request as there ed at home, if there was an authority so to ma- was of something else in the refusal to grant it. nage them. The business presented from Bal-I should like to hear upon what principle it timore occupies, perhaps, one fourth of the If we have been abused we have also been defended the following is an extract from a speech, delivered in the legislature of Maryland, by Mr. Kennedy, a farmer and delegate from Washington County: was refused-it must have been for the old woman's reason, "I won't, because--I won't;" or for that which governs monarchies wherein power is right, and the accident of birth confers peculiar privileges. This is apparent-for no other than a monarchist will have the hardi“Mr. Speaker-there is no member of this house hood to say that one man in Calvert county who has a more sincere regard for the prosperity ought to have the influence of twenty-eight of Baltimore than I have. That city, whose gallant men in Baltimore city, which is the fact as the defenders foiled British demonstrations, and prov-representation of the state stands at present. ed that, under the "star-spangled banner," Ame Nor can Calvert claim it for her wealth; we have ricans inust conquer, has a strong hold on my affec tions, nor do I ever approach that "home of the many streets, and, perhaps, one or two lanes brave," without feeling sensations of delight and or alleys, either of which are worth more than the fee of the whole county. reverence." The whole population of Maryland in 1810, | members of political parties, I think it may was 380,000 of which 103,000 were slaves. be agreed, that our general assembly possesExcept from Frederick and Washington coun- ses less talents and much less common sense ties and one or two others, there is a constant than any other in the union-a few men annuemigration to the more fertile fields and more liberal governments of the west; and it is pro- extension of Pratt street. At present we have on bable that, by the census of 1820, it will be ly one leading street from east to west, which is oftentimes dangerously crowded with waggons and found that the half of the increase of the state other carriages. The opening of Pratt street, for 10 years, has centered in the small spot therefore, became on object of the utmost import whereon is erected the city of Baltimore-ance, and the only question about it, one might which, in spite of its own misfortunes, and have thought, ought to have been for the just com the malice of its enemies, foreign or domestic,pensation of those whose property was injured by in war and in peace, steadily marches to popu- tension is demanded by the public good)-but other the extension, (as no man can deny that such exlation and wealth-ranking as the third city questions bave been considered, which should have in the union, though only a scattered village 50 had no more influence on the subject than a disyears ago. It now has a fifth part of the free cussion about the properties of diamonds as applipopulation, a fourth of the wealth, and two- cable to the building of a wheelbarrow. I am justhirds of the floating capital of Maryland-tified in saying this by the following extracts from Upon every principle, therefore, it is entitled the speech of Mr. FoRnEST, a "federal" gentleman, and member of the house of delegates from Montto a fifth part of the power of legislation-that gomery county, which is copied as it was printed is, sixteen members of the eighty which com-in the "Federal Gazette" of Wednesday last. For pose the house of delegates, and a proportion- such sentiments he was superciliously called "the ate interest in the senate-and I would have third delegate from Baltimore." this, which is car right-or nothing. I WOULD "I had hoped, Mr. Chairman, that gentlemen NOT BARGAIN WITH INIQUITY. Let the evil (if would have confined themselves to argument upon it is not honestly remedied) go on--it will ac- the subject before the committee, and that no atcumulate force in its progress, and in due time voice of justice in the storm of political passion; to tempt would again have been made to hush the command redress. sacrifice right at the shrine of political fury, and to I have considered Baltimore as the soul of drown the judgment of a legislative body in a sea of the state. What would the state be without faction. I had hoped that gentlemen would not it? Many parts of it would become a semi-de-have suffered themselves to forget that they were sert, covered with scrubby oaks and dwarf addressing a deliberate body, whose decision was pines, for the want of a market for its little to their political feelings and passions. That to be influenced by argument, and not by appeals surplus productions. During the war, the state they would have recollected the oath which they wished to negociate a large loan-it would had taken to vote upon all questions without favor, have been applied for in vain to the counties; affection, or resentment towards any man, or any but in the city it was negociated and fixed in a section of the state. That he (Mr. F.) was deterfew hours. And as, during the war, the state mined always so bear in mind the sacred obligation under which he acted, and that no consideration on authorities did not fully and frankly take earth should ever induce him to legislate upon part in the cause of the country, though both party principles. That if he were to be governed shores of the Chesapeake were conflagrated by by such unworthy feelings, he should not only de. the water-winnebagoes, a large amount of mo- serve to forfeit the good opinion of his constitu ney expended ($295,912 61) yet remains un-ents, but would deserve to be drummed from the settled at the treasury of the United States; ranks of any party to which he might be attached." some part of it, perhaps, has a character si-I admire the city of Baltimore; she is the pride and Speaking of the city of Baltimore, he said "Sir, milar to that of the claims of Massachusetts, ornament of Maryland. I respect her people for and will never be paid. Hence, there is a de- many reasons; and, although I am not prepared to ficit in the annual revenue of the state, which assert the fact that "she was the salvation of the it is proposed to supply by sales of the reserv-state in the memorable year 1814, when the prouded rights of the state to subscribe to the capi-est monuments of the arts were rudely destroyed tal stock of the banks in Baltimore-by a tax by a public enemy, and during a period of despondency from which the country was awakened by upon lotteries drawn in BALTIMORE, by a com-the shouts of rejoicing for the repulse before Baltimutation for duties or taxes upon auctions, more," yet I am not disposed to contest it, because &c. in BALTIMORE, to be paid by the city. I do not profess to be sufficiently acquainted with Baltimore is the alpha and omega of the hopes her military history. But, sir, if it be the fact, of the legislature to relieve the state of its dif- the faithful page of history shall record it, and ficulties; and for this we are abused, and de- when the splendid edifice in which the assembled representatives of the freemen of Maryland this day nied the natural right of representation accord-hold their deliberations, shall be crumbled into ing to our numbers. a Without immediate reference to the present legislature of Maryland,† or any regard to the †The present legislature has passed an act of great importance to the city of Baltimore. It is for the dust, and you, and I, and all within the sound of my voice, shall have descended to the tomb, the conduct of the people of Baltimore at that epoch, will be celebrated with enthusiasm by her posterity, and will reflect honor not only upon her citizens, but upon ali. the people of the state of Marylanıl.” ally save it from total condemnation. This is it succeeded, might have retarded. Better the necessary consequence of our rule of re- times are coming; reason will yet rule the peopresentation; by which the people are often ple instead of party, and self-evident truth compelled to take up individuals for legisla- will be acknowledged. Let us press on the tors that would be better employed in receiv- happy period; the quiet of our country is fitted ing the rod of the pedagogue at school, than for its introduction. The people are honest, in saying dye and no on the passage of laws for and demagogues are daily losing their iufluthe government of a state-young gentlemen, ence over them. who ought to "retire to Jericho until their In these remarks I disavow any party poli beard is grown, rather than assume the so- tical considerations. Many of those calling vereign powers of legislation; "lots of boys" themselves republicans are as censurable as whose knowledge of politics is limitted to a others called federalists, in respect to the parrot-like repetition of a few ranting things grievances complained of. I contend only for for electioneering meetings, and who have no my rights as a man, desiring that the majomore idea of political economy than an abori-rity should rule---a principle that is, and ought ginal of our forests. How can it be otherwise, to be paramount to any written constitution, when, in some of the counties having only 6 or or else it is false that the people are the origin 600 voters [every free man is a voter if a citi- of lawful power. zen of the state eight persons must be put up by the opposite parties as fitted for legislators? In a crowd, like the house of representatives of Massachusetts, sometimes consisting of 7 the secretary of the treasury, transmitting a We have received a copy of a letter from or 800 members, many of those might do very long and interesting report of such measures well, following the fugle-man; but our house of delegates has only eighty members, and every al execution of the laws for collecting the duas are deemed necessary for the more effectuvote in it "tells.' Hence the greater necessi ties ty for experience and virtue in the members on imported goods, wares and merchandize; prepared in obedience to a resolution of the house of representatives of the 28th of February, 1817. generally. The two additional delegates for Baltimore, were proposed to be allowed by an amendment to the constitution! "God mend me," was a favorite saying of the celebrated Pope, who was very crooked and deformed"God mend you!" reiterated a link boy, surveying his uncouth figure he had better make a new man." Our constitution is a "most Duties on Imports. This is a subject of the highest importance, in every respect. That frauds to a great amount have been committed, seems undeniable; and if their effect was only to lessen the revenue, we should care less about them than we do as a part of the amount lost to the stupendous fabrick" of human folly and in-public treasury might be retained in the pockjustice, and is not worth mending. Any ticles smuggled or otherwise fraudulently inets of the people by a reduced price of the ar amendment to it is like putting "new wine into troduced, of which we have had many mamold bottles"--and it has been so amended and moth examples from England direct, during amended that it takes a pretty smart lawyer to the non-intercourse, and after that by way tell what it is, and the sooner it is a ruin the of Amelia island, &c.* But these frauds better, We have just shewn how the house of delegates is constituted---the senate is formed the efforts of our manufacturers, whose întestrike at the national industry, and paralize upon more objectionable principles: itis chosen rest is the national interest, and whose gain is by electors elected by the counties, (as in the the national gain. All the people of Europe case of delegates) for five years, with power are to fill up its own vacancies; and it has happenen that ten of the fifteen members which composed it were elected by the senate itself. The executive department is no better---the govern or, chosen by the legislature, has power only to grant a noli prosequi and to pardon; he is merely president of the council, which is chosen in the manner that he is. The voice of the people is not heard in either department, and the minority rules the state, With these facts before me, I repeat it---I am sincerely pleased that the proposition has failed, under an assurance that the time will arrive when the people of this great city will obtain a recognition of their just rights---and acquire a fair representation in the legislature of Maryland, which this partial measure, had many of them justly complain that England roused to a feeling sense of this fact; and has fixed on their necks a "more real yoke than such humiliatory forms." The youthful exuthat of Napoleon, though not invested with berance of our country and its sparce population, has hitherto prevented us from feeling The reader will please to observe that we say, "we should care less about smuggling, "&e, if it only affected the revenue. The "mammoth examples" will be too easily remembered the relinquishment of the "merchants bonds" lost to the people and put into the pockets of the merchants, twenty five millions of dollars. They sold the goods with the amount of those bonds added to them in the same amount was paid to the merchants by the consumers, way that they add the customary duties-their and then thrown by the government into the pockets of (in most cases) the wilful violators of the law that "yoke" so severely as some others feel it -but it is in a progressive state and will speedily bend our proud republican necks, if we do not take heed to our ways. Fowling and hunting pieces, single barrel Cannon, cast iron brass Frying paus Gridirous and griddles Vessels, cast iron, not otherwise specified Vessels, of copper of pewter, including dishes, plates, basons, tankards, spoons, and other utensils, not specified Tin, in sheets or plates Bandana, flag, and other silk kerchiefs, from India, not exceeding 36 inches square Cards, for carding Cotton bagging Drugs, ammoneacum, (gum) Gloves or mits- long silk The secretary recommends a number of provisions, many of which appear to be important --but we respectfully must express an opinion that he relies too much upon "custom-house oaths," which bind only those that would act honestly without them, instead of relying upon a rigid examination of the packages imported, by competent and responsible persons appointed to examine them. We are much pleased at his recommendation to diminish, as far as practicable, the list of articles paying ad valorem duties, and he enumerates those stated below as proper subjects for specific du ties. He also proposes, that, as nearly all the black teas are imported under the name of Bohea, which 12 cents pays lb. that all black per teas shall a duty of 18 cents per lb. and pay also recommends a reduction of the duty on claret wines, which, if in bottles, pays 70 cents per gallon, though the first cost of it is, generally, only 10 cents per gallon. There is some claret wine, however, which he sells as says, high in Bordeaux as Madeira does in the Unit-Honey ed states-but the quantity produced is very Horns-ox small, and a considerable importation of it can- Horn tips not be expected; the little that is made being Leather, soal required to supply the tables of the rich in EuWe should have been pleased to have seen Lemons rope. paper enumerated among those articles. There Limes is no manufacture that makes so great a value Mahogany from things that, as it were, are worth nothing in their state as a material, and it employs a great number of women and children. would recommend a duty by the pound weight on all imported paper. More hereafter. Wel short long cotton ** short Hats, woolen or felt men or womens' beavers, men or womens' Hams, and other bacon Hair powder Horse hair Lard dressed Liquorice Madder 15 20 Mustard, (except seed) and eighteen inches in breadth 25 per piece 40 Ludra, long, not exceeding ten yards, and twen- Oil-olive, in bottles The following is a list of the articles now paying ad volorem duties which the secretary olives recommends should pay specific duties; caster Capers Opium Pickles Pine apples 40per gallon 20 20 50 50 2 each Pines smoaking. Prussian blue 50 per 100 25 per pound 10 per groce 10 per groce 19 per pound Preserves, comfits, and sweet meats, in sugar or brandy10 30 cach 25 hatchets 15 adzes 25 Quick silver Augurs, not exceeding halfan inch above that size, and not exceeding one inch Chissels, not exceeding half an inch 5 above that size, and not exceeding 1 inch above an inch, and not exceeding 1 1-2 inches Hammers, blacksmith's claw-hammers (carpenter's) Hoes broad narrow Knives, currier's Snake root Saffron Suna Stockings, silk, or where silk is the principal material, 10 40 cutting 25 drawing 25 Scyths 25 Reaping hooks or sickles 5 Rakes 10 whole Umbrella or parasol, covered with silk Wool-blankets cotton Sticks and frames • carpets, inferior to Brussels Brussels, and others, superior 4 perbound 100 ruch 60 30 20er yard 25 J 35, 12 Tonnage of the United States. The secretary of the treasury has transmitted to congress his annual statement of the District Tonnage of the United States, which we intend to notice as usual, when we have room. The follow ing items may suffice until then: 95ths 800,759 63 The registered tonnage of the United States, as corrected at the treasury department for the year ending Dec. 31, Tons 1816, amounted to. The enrolled and licensed The fishing vessels Aggregate tonnage in 1815 522,164 84 49,294 01 1,372,218 53 1,368,127 78 The amount of registered and enrolled tonnage built in the year 1816, is 131,667 86. The difference between the amount of the ton nage of 1815, the vessels built in 1816 being added, is caused by 23,379 tons sold to foreigners; 22,591 lost at sea; 6,702 condemned as unseawor try, and a large "presumed" difference of 73,216 tons, as arising from transfers in 1815 not credited until 1816. The whole amount of tonnage on which duties were collected during the years 1816, was as fol. lows: Registered tonnage paying duty on Enrolled and licensed (annual) Duties were also collected on tonnage owned by citizens of the Unitted States, engaged in foreign trade, not registered Ditto coasting trade them, and anxious to pursue that course which will best comport with the good of the public service and the high duties of the senate, have given the several memorials all the consideration to which they are entitled.51 The memorialists of the navy and marine corps, pray that the senate would institute an enquiry into the proceedings of two naval courts martial, had in the Mediterranean, in the early part of the last year. They complain that those proceedings were such as to impair their confidence in the tribunals which have been established by the laws of the country for the protection of the rights of all who are connected with the naval establishment. The memorialists of the marine corps pray, that their rights may be guarded by a special act of the legislature, "or that the rules and regulations for the better government of the navy be more strictly carried into execution." Your committee sincerely regret, that any circumstances should have occurred, which have caused discontents among any portion of the officers of the United States' navy. They have indulged the hope that the high reputation and renown which had been acquired by the naval establishment of this country in war, would be cherished and sedulously guarded in the season of peace, by every officer of the corps. It is only by a correct deportment; by a rigid dis charge of duty, and a strict observance of the laws, 865,219.57 that their well earned fame can be preserved.” If 414.594 47 these observations are correct, as it regards the in48,147 40 dividuals, officers of the navy, they most strongly apply to their tribunals. If naval courts martial, 1,327,961 49 or courts of enquiry, have become so negligent, or so partial and unfaithful in the discharge of their duties, that those who should look to them for protection can no longer confide in them, but must re11,811 02 sort, in the language of the memorialists, for safety 430 82 "to those arms with which their country has entrused them, or to that strength with which nature Total on which duties were collected 1,340,203 38 has endowed them," then, indeed, there is most seAllowing 6 months as the average period of the voyages of registered vessels, the preceding would shew that they were not much more than half-employed. ་ The following is the amount of tonnage, regis. tered and enrolled, &c. at 11 principal ports: New York 299.617 70 Portland Portsmouth New Orleans J Savannah 30,417 29 30,411 39 13,299 86 12,776 07 rious cause of aların. But your committee do not be. lieve that this is the condition and character of your naval tribunals. They have heretofore been unimpeached. Under their administration the American navy has attained a character, both at home and abroad, of which the nation is justly proud. In the instances complained of, there may have been some ground for criticism; the proceedings may have been such as not to give entire satisfaction to all: but your committee are decidedly of the opinion, that whatever may be the character of the proceed. ings of the courts martial under consideration, they are beyond the control of the senate. It has no power that can reach these cases. It has noņe other than legislative power touching these matters, which in its nature cannot be retrospective. The corrective, in such cases, is confided by the institutions of the country to the chief magistrate, and to New York is double that of Boston, and that department of the government would their comBaltimore is superior to Philadelphia. Naval Affairs. plaints, perhaps, have been most properly addressed. There is another view of the subject, to which the committee have not been inattentive. It has been considered a fit ocasion to look into the laws goIn Senate of the United States, January 21, 1818 verning the navy, in order to discover whether any The comma tee on naval affairs, to whom have been defects exist, which may require legislative correcreferred the memorial of certain commissioned tion. Your committee have done so, and on exámiofficers of the navy, under the rank of comman-nation, are of opinion, that no legislative proceedders, and also the memorial of certain officers of ings are necessary at this time. The rules and rethe marine corps attached to the Mediterranean gulations for the government of the navy (now in squadron, have had the same under consideration, and REPORT→ |