COTTON AND ASHES. Louisville. The Franklin passed Natchez about the ten millions of dollars in such payments, and at such same time for New Orleans. times in each year as the situation of the treasury will best admit. Provided, That all such payments Commercial letters from Liverpool (says the as may necessary to enable the said commisBoston Daily Advertiser) to Jan. 7th, contain a sioners to discharge or reimburse any demands variety of statements of imports there, and at other against the United States, on account of the prinports of the kingdom during the year 1816, com- cipal or interest of the debt which shall be actually pared with those of the preceeding years: The fol- due in conformity to the engagements of the said lowing are some of the results exhibited by these United States, shall (may) be made at such times in statements, each year as shall enable said commissioners faithfully and punctually to comply with sich engage 72,653 24,749 1811 1812 62,701 16,827 171,428 171,774 1813 14,174 2,988 1814 39,624 1815 129,410 31,343 141,666 181,773 271,087 1816 Imports of cotton for the last six years. American N. Orleans Liverpool G. Britain ment. Provided also, That any money which may 324,724 have been paid before the passage of this act, to the 260,168 commissioners of the sinking fund for the year ong 250,430 thousand eight hundred and seventeen, as a part 288,024 ofthe annual appropriation heretofore made by law 373,500 to that fund, shall be held to be a payment for the 373,656 year one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, on The two first columns give the number of bags account of the appropriation of ten millions, herinbeof the several kinds specified, imported at Liver-fore directed. pool. The third column gives the total imported Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That in addiat Liverpool, and the fourth imported in the king.tion to the sum of ten millions of dollars, hereindom. The imports from India, at Liverpool in 1815, 1484 bags-in 1816, 12,414 bags. The imports of ashes at Liverpool, during the last three years have been as follows. Bbls. 1816 1814 BALTIC TRADE. before annually appropriated to the sinking fund, there shall be appropriated for the year one thi sand eight hundred and seventeen, to the sinking fund, the further sum of nine millions of dollars, to be paid out of any moneys in the treasury, not otherwise appropiated, at such time within the year, as of which, in 1816, 20,670 barrels were from the the secretary of the treasury shall deem most conUnited States, 9900 from Montreal, and 470 from ducive to the public interest; to be applied by the the Baltic. The quantity on hand on the 1st of commisssioners of the sinking fund, to the purchase January, was 9000 barrels. The stock of cotton re- or redemption of the public debt, and it shall be maining 50,000 bags. The weekly consumption lawful for the secretary of the treasury, at any time about 5500 bags. during the year one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, if he shall deem it expedient to do so, to Elsineur, Jan. 4.-Last year there passed the cause to be paid to the commissioners of the sinkSound, 8871 ships, among which were, from the ing fund a further sum not exceeding four millions north sea, 1097 Swedish, 408 Danish, 396 Norwe of dollars; which shall be considered as an advance gian, 208 Russian, 525 Prussian, 942 English, 83 to that amount, on the appropriation of ten millions American, 8 French, &c. and from the Baltic, 906 En-payable in the next year, and the said amount shall glish, 85 American, 8 French, 4 Spanish, 23 Portu-also be applied by the said commissioners, to the guese, &c. purchase, or redemption of the public debt, and the commissioners aforesaid are authorised and directton-ed to apply the sums by this act appropriated to the purchase and redemption of the public debt, hølden by the bank of the United States, if not other. wise to be obtained on the terms stated in this act. Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That after the An act to provide for the redemption of the public year one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, debt. whenever there shall be, at any time after an adBe it enacted by the senate and house of representa- journment of congress, in any year, a surplus of motives of the United States of America, in congress as-ney in the treasury, above the sums appropriated sembled, That so much of any act or acts of con- for the service of such year, the payment of which gress as makes appropriations for the purchase or to the commissioners of the sinking fund will yet reimbursement of the principal, or for the payment leave in the treasury at the end of the year, a baof the interest of the funded debt of the United lance equal to two millions of dollars, then such States be, and the same is hereby repealed. surplus shall be, and the same is hereby appropra Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That from the ted to the sinking fund, to be paid at such times proceeds of the duties on merchandise imported as the situation of the treasury will best permit; and and on the tonnage of vessels, and from the pro- shall be applied by the commissioners thereof, to ceeds of the internal duties, and of the sales of west- the purchase, or redemption of the public debt. ern lands, now belonging, or which may hereafter Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That whenever, belong to the United States, the annual sum of ten in any year, there shall be a surplus in the sinking millions of dollars be, and the same is yearly appro- fund, beyond the amount of interest and principal, priated to the sinking fund; and the said sum is here- which may be actually due and payable by the Uniby declared to be vested in the commissioners of ted States, in such year, in conformity with their the sinking fund in the same manner as the moneys engagements, the commissioners of the sinking fund heretofore appropiated to the said fund, to be ap- shall be and they are hereby, authorised with the plied by the said commissioners to the payment approbation of the president of the United States, of the interest and charges, and to the reimburse to purchase the debt of the United States, at its ment or purchase of the principal of the public market price, if such price shall not exceed the debt: and it shall be the duty of the secretary of following rates, viz. for stock of the United States, the treasury annually to cause to be paid to the bearing an interest of three per centum per annum, commissioners of the sinking fund, the said sum of there shall not be paid more than sixty five dollars 72 = for every hundred dollars of the principal thereof; monstrated against the destruction of said house and The deposition of Ridgely and Garret, are those only that go to touch the cause of the burning, and all they state amounts to no more than this was the vague excuse of a vindictive freebooter for a disSec. 6. And be it further enacted, that all certifi- graceful outrage on the usages of civilized warfare. cates of public debt which by payment or purchase The detachment of cavalry, it appears, were evihave become, or hereafter shall become the proper-dently sojourned in a public house over the Sabbath ty of the United States shall be cancelled or de-only, that they were there as persons passing casually, stroyed, at such time and under such regulations and not in a military station, nor exercising any control securities as the commissioners of the sinking fund, over the house. The attempt to establish a militawith the approbation of the president, shall estab-ry occupancy from the presence of militia, is still lish and determine. And no interest shall be consi- more objectionable, as they were, it is believed, only dered as accruing and no further payment shall be the local militia present, and many of them resimade on account of such debt, the certificates of dents. That a British admiral committing acts of the which have been so cancelled and destroyed, most flagitious desolation should, when earnestly Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That nothing in expostulated with against it, offer some pretence of this act contained shall be construed to prevent the justification at the expence of candor and truth, was congress of the United States, if war shall occur to be expected-it was pefectly in character. But with any foreign power, from applying, to any object the committee think it would be erroneous to admit of pub: c service, any surplus of the amount herein such authority, to establish the fact of public occuappropiated to the sinking fund, which may be left pancy. Mr. Garret says, that many of the houses in ay year after paying the interest and principal were alleged by the enemy to be occupied for miliwhich may be actually due and payable by the Uni-tary purposes. This would seem to convey the idea, ted Sates in conformity with their engagements. that Mrs. Sears' house was the strongest case, and Nor shall any thing in this act be construed to re- that others are considered as eligible to allowance peal, alter, or affect, any of the provisions of any for- even on slighter pretences. Some, however, it is mer act, pledging the faith of the United States, to admitted, have been burnt wantonly. the payment of the interest or principal of the public debt, but all such payments shall continue to be made at the time heretofore prescribed by law, excepting only as before provided, that no payments shall be made on certificates which have become the property of the United States. H. CLAY Speaker of the house of representatives. JAMES MADISON. The whole transaction, the committee have no doubt, was of the most lawless character, and they cannot admit for a moment that this flagitiously incendiary act, should be at all palliated by the admission of such evidence, to sanction it as an act of excusable warfare. The committee believe this to be the first claim of a similar nature, presented for the decision of congress; and they apprehend that the extent in which like claims may be made, gives to the decision that may now be had an importance that does not belong to the value claimed. While they regret an enemy styling themselves Christians, could commit acts of such aggravated turpitude, and Claims for property destroyed, &c. that their fellow citziens have been made the vic tims of such heinous depravity, they cannot feel the obligation on the government to make indemnity, nor discover any practical principle of justice that would allow it. They submit respectfully the following, to wit; IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES-FEB. 27, 1817 The committee of claims to whom has been referred the petition of William B. Stokes, REPORT That the petitioner was owner of a house in the town of Havre de Grace, in the state of Maryland, when the British detachment arrived at that place in May, 1813, at which time it was de-not to be granted. stroyed by them. Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioner ought Memorial of the Peace Society. The petitioner represents his said house as of the value of $7,500. The evidence laid before the committee, appears to have beeen taken under commis- To the honorable the senate and house of representa tives of the United States, in congress assembled, sions issued by Richard Bland Lee. It is set forth in The memorial of the members of the Peace Sothe deposition of John C. Ridgely, a lieutenant of dragoons, at said time in the service of the United ciety of Massachusetts, respectfully represents:--That the society which now solicits the attention States, that on the Saturday before the British arriv ed at Havre de Grace, he reached there with a de-of our national rulers, was instituted for the sintachment of dragoons in pursuit of deserters, and gle purpose of diffusing pacific and benevolent senasked for quarters. Mrs. Sears who keeps the house timents through this country, and through the of Mr. Stokes as a tavern, objected, but he insisted world. Impressed with a deep and sorrowful conand did quarter there from Saturday until Mon-viction that the spirit of christisnity, which is a spirit day, when the British landed, and at that time of mercy, peace and kind affection, is imperfectly had two deserters under guard in the said house. understood; afflicted by the accumulating miseries Subsequently he bore a flag to the enemy and re-and extensive desolations which war has lately spread over the fairest, most fruitful, and most en- of public opinion, that invisible sovereign, to whose Lightened regions of the earth; and at the same time power the most absolute prince is often compelled encouraged by many decisive proofs of the revival to bow, and to which the measures of a free goof purer, and more benevolent principles among vernment are entirely subjected. When we consider christian nations, your memorialists have formed the support which is now derived to war, from the this association, with the solemn and deliberate pur- perversion of public sentiment, we are desirous pose of co-operating with the philanthropists of eve- that our government should unite with the governry country, in promoting the cause of peace and ments of Europe in a distinct and religious acknowcharity; in stripping war of its false glory, and in ledgement of those principles of peace and charity, uniting different communities in the bonds of amity on which the prosperity of the states, and the hap and mutual good will. We are sensible that from piness of families and individuals are alike susthe nature of our object, it is chiefly to be accom-pended. plished by a silent and gradual influence on the Ininds of men and accordingly we have limited our operations to the circulation of useful treatises, in which, the pacific spirit of our religion has been exhibited with clearness, and we hope with success. We believe, however, the present moment demands a departure from our usual course, and we cherish the hope, that by an application to the government under which we live, important service may be rendered to the cause of humanity, in which we are engaged. We are Secondly-We respectfully solicit that congress will institute a deliberate enquiry, for the purpose of ascertaining the methods by which this government may exert on human affairs, that happy influence which is anticipated by the president of the United States; the methods by which it "may infuse into the law which governs the civilized world,” a pacific spirit "may diminish the frequency, or circumscribe the calamities of war," and may express the most noble of all ambitions, that of promoting peace on earth, and good will to man." The present memorial is founded on two occur- persuaded that a government, sincerely disposed to rences, which we hail as auspicious to the pacifica- sustain the august and sublime character which is tion of the world. The first occurrence to which we here described, of the pacificator of the world, will refer, is the well known and unprecedented union not want means of promoting its end. We trust, of several of the most illustrious powers of Europe, that under the persevering and well directed efforts in declaring before "the universe their unwavering of such a government, milder principles would be determination to adopt, for the only rule of their introduced into the conduct of national hostilities; conduct, both in the administration of their respec- that the reference of national controversies to an tive states, and in their political relations with impartial umpire, would gradually be established every other government, the precepts of christia- as the law of the christian world; and that national nity, the precepts of justice, of charity, and of compacts would be formed for the express purpose peace." of reducing the enormous and ruinous extent of The second occurrence to which we refer, is the military establishments, and of abolishing that outdecided expression of pacific sentiments and anti-ward splendor which has so long been thrown cipations in the conclusion of the late message of around war, and which has contributed so largely the president of the United States, in which his to corrupt the moral sentiments of mankind. parting wishes for his country are expressed with When we represent to ourselves a christian gotenderness and power. In this remarkable passage, vernment sustaining this beneficent relation to the worthy the chief magistrate of a christian commu- world; mediating between contending states; recomnity, be expresses his conviction that "the destined mending peaceful methods of deciding the jarring career of his country will exhibit a government, claims of nations; laboring to strip war of its perwhich, whilst it refines its domestic code from every nicious glare, and to diminish the numbers of those ingredient not congenial with the precepts of an who are interested in its support; diffusing new and enlightened age, and the sentiments of a virtuous generous sentiments in regard to the mutual duties people, seeks, by appeals to reason, and by its libe- and obligations of different communities; and inculral examples, to infuse into the law which governs cating, by its own example, a frank and benevolent the civilized world, a spirit which may diminish policy, and a sincere regard to the interests of the the frequency, or circumscribe the calamities of world; when we represent to ourselves such a gowar, and meliorate the social and beneficent rela-vernment, we want language to express our conceptions of peace; a government, in a word, whose tions of the happy and magnificent results of its conduct, within and without, may bespeak the operations. It would form a new and illustrious era most noble of all ambitions, that of promoting peace in human affairs, whilst, by the blessings which it on earth, and good will to man." On the recurrences now stated, your memorialists respectfully beg leave to found the following suggestions and solicitations: would spread, and by the honor and confidence which it would enjoy, it would obtain a moral empire, more enviable than the widest dominion ever founded on violence and crime. First-We respectfully solicit, if it be consistent Loving our country with tenderness and zeal; acwith the principles of the constitution, that the so- customed to regard her as destined to an exalted lemn profession of pacific principles, lately made rank, and to great purposes; and desirous to behold, by several distinguished sovereigns of Europe, may in her institutions and policy, increasing claims to be met by corresponding professions on the part of our reverence and affection, we are solicitous that our own government. Whilst we are sensible that a she should enter first on the career of glory which melancholy discordance has often existed between has now been described, and that all her connection the language and the conduct of rulers, we still be-with foreign states should be employed to diffuse lieve that the solemn assertion of great and important the spirit of philanthropy, and to diminish the occaprinciples, by men of distinguished rank and influ- sions and miseries of war. ence, has a beneficial operation on society, by giving shall exult to be the children, and we pledge to it to these principles an increased authority over the an attachment, veneration and support, which can consciences of those by whom they are professed; only be accorded to a virtuous community. by reviving and diffusing a reverence for them in It is our happiness that we live in an age when the community, and by thus exalting the standard 'many noble schemes of benevolence have been ac Of such a country, we complished; when the idea of a great amelioration all persons from harboring her, and declared that he of human affairs is no longer rejected as a dream of would not be responsible for her debts:-And wherefancy; when statesmen are beginning to learn that as the Shakers hold, that whenever married persons all nations have a common interest; when philan-unite with their society they are absolved from the thropy is extending its views to distant countries, marriage contract and profess to believe that the and is executing purposes which would once have said contract is unlawful and immoral, and that it is been regarded as the offspring of a blind and ex-sinful for a member of their society to maintain any travagant zeal. In this age of enlarged views, of intercourse with those who are not members, withgenerous excitement, of unparalleled activity for out what they term a gift from their elders: And the good of mankind, it is hoped that the idea of a whereas a propagation of these principles is utterly nation, espousing the cause of peace and humanity, subversive of the peace and happiness of families will not be dismissed as visionary and impracticable and the order of society-Therefore, Be it enacted by the people of the state of New-York, Enlightened and benevolent statesmen will discern that we do not live in ordinary times, but that a represented in senate and assembly, That the mar new and powerful impulse has been given to the riage contract between the said Eunice Chapman human mind, which, under judicious influences, and her said husband James Chapman, be and the may issue in great and permanent improvements of same is hereby declared to be dissolved, and the said Eunice Chapman entirely freed from the same; but nothing in this act contained shall be construed to give the said James Chapman a right to marry, during the life time of the said Eunice: Provided, that the dissolution of such marriage shall in no wise affect the legitimacy of the children thereof. the social state. In presenting this memorial, we solemnly declare, in the presence of God, that we have no private or narrow views. On this subject we belong to no sect, no party. As lovers of our country, as friends of mankind, as disciples of Jesus Christ, with the II. And be it further enacted, That any married spirit of peace in our breasts, and with a deep impression of the miseries of war, we are only soli- person being an inhabitant of this state, who shall citous to prevent the effusion of human blood by hereafter attach him or herself to any society of human hands, and to recal men to the conviction Shakers in this state, shall be deemed and taken to that they are brethren. We trust that the warmth be civilly dead, to all intents and purposes in the with which we have spoken, will not be construed law, and his or her property may be disposed of in into a want of deference towards our rulers. On the same manner as if such person was really dead; such a subject coldness would be a crime. Our and such person shall forever thereafter be incapaconvictions are deep, and no language but that of ble of taking any estate, real or personal, by inzeal and earnestness, would do them justice. heritance. We hope that we are addressing rulers who are III. And be it further enacted, That whenever any sensible to the responsibility imposed by the pos- married person, being an inhabitant of this state, session of power; who regard the influence which is shall hereafter attach him or herself to the said granted them on human affairs as a solemn trust; society of Shakers, it shall and may be lawful for who consider themselves as belonging to their coun- the husband or wife, not belonging to the said sotry and to mankind, and who desire to treasure up ciety, to file a bill in the court of chancery, setting for themselves consolations in that hour when hu- forth and alleging that the husband or wife (as man applause will be an unavailing sound, and the case may be) of the person filing such bill, has when no recollection will be so dear as that of hav- joined him or herself to the said society of Shaking aided with a disinterested zeal the cause of ers, and the like proceedings shall and may therepeace and humanity. By order of said society, WILLIAM PHILLIPS, President. A true copy. Attest, THADDEUS MASON HARRIS, Legislature of New York. We deem the publication of the following act of the New York legislature a curiosity well worth the preservation. IN SENATE, MARCH 10. An act concerning the Shakers. upon be had as are prescribed by the act, entitled "an act concerning divorces, and for other pur poses," and if it shall appear on trial or enquiry, in the manner directed by that act, that such alle. gation is true, the chancellor shall pronounce and deem such persons, so joining the Shakers, to be civilly dead; and it shall not be lawful for such person thereafter to marry, if a man, during the life time of his former wife-and if a woman, during the life time of her former husband. IV. And be it further enacted, That in all cases where any husband or wife, having any child or children of the marriage, shall hereafter separate, or may at any time heretofore have separated the one from the other, and shall or have attached him or herself to the said Shakers, and shall also take Whereas, Eunice Chapman, in the year one thou-or have taken, with him or her, such child or chilsand eight hundred and four, was lawfully married dren, being under age, the chancellor or any judge to James Chapman, by whom she had three children, of the supreme court, for the time being, on the and with whom she lived until the year one thousand application of the husband or wife, not having join. eight hundred and eleven, when the said James ed the said Shakers, and being an inhabitant of this Chapman abandoned his said wife, without leaving state, may allow a habeas corpus to bring such child her any means of support, and soon after joined the or children before him; and if on the return theresociety of Shakers, in Neskauna, in the county of of, such child or children cannot be found, and it Albany: And whereas the said James Chapman, since shall appear that such child or children is or are joining the society of Shakers, has taken from his concealed and secreted, by and among any society wife her children and now keeps them concealed of Shakers in this state, it shall be lawful for the from her, and insists that the marriage contract be- chancellor or judge, as the case may be, in his distween him and his said wife is annulled, and that he cretion, to issue a warrant directing the sheriff or is not bound to support her, and has publicly forbid other proper officer of the county where the said 12. How far is your manufacture dependent upon foreign materials, and by what means can they be supplied from internal sources? society reside, in the very time to search the dwel-persons whose infirmities unfit them for such emling houses and other buildings of the said society, ployments? 10. What is the quality of your manufacture, comor any members thereof for such child or children, and on bringing such child or children before the pared with those of a similar kind imported? Illuschancellor or judge, he may on due considera- trate this by instances. 11. If the articles manufactured by you are more tion, away the charge and custody of such child or children, so to be brought before him, or any of serviceable than the imported, please state the reathem to that parent who shall not have joined the sons; if less substantial, inform by what means these said society of Shakers,for such time and under imperfections can be removed. such regulations, and with such provisions and directions, as to the said chancellor or judge shall seem proper, and as the case may require; and the 13. What is the cost of the raw materials? Comchancellor or any judge of the supreme court, shall at all times thereafter, have power on sufficient pared with the prices of the same quality in foreign cause shewn, to annul, vary or modify the order so countries, and if higher, say by what means you to be made; and such warrant of the chancellor or suppose the prices can be reduced? 14. What is the difference of profit from hands judge shall justify the sheriff or other officer, and those who by their order shall come to their aid, employed in your manufactory, and from hands emin making such search as aforesaid, and sued there-ployed in the pursuits of the yeomanry? for, may plead the general issue, and give this act and the special matter in evidence. American Manufactures. 15. What is the national gain from the difference of the raw materials employed in your manufacture, and the value of the articles when manufactured? 16. What is the difference between the wages paid to laborers in your manufactory, and those paid to Great and simultaneous exertions appear to be laborers in similar foreign manufactories? Does this made at the present moment to awaken public atten- difference operate favorable or unfavorable? 17. Is the establishments of your manufacture fation to the subject of home manufactures. The following queries are calculated to produce infor-vorable or unfavorable to the extension of agricul mation important to the great interest of the nation; and we therefore lay them before our readers that such as have it in their power may give the answers. (CIRCULAR.) ture? 18. Do the present duties on import afford a sufficient encouragement to your establishment? If not, what rate of duty will be necessary? 19. Has your manufacture been the cause of increase of the wages, paid to the laboring part of the community, or upon what principle do you account for the increase paid for daily labor? Philadelphia, March 6, 1817. SIR-The committee appointed on the part of the "Philadelphia society for the promotion of American manufactures," to report a plan in aid of the inter20. Is the increase of paupers owing to the estanal industry of the country, take the liberty to call upon you for information on this important subject. blishment of manufactories? If not, to what cause That our manufactures are in a state of great de- do you ascribe the increase of the number of the pression, is a fact, unfortunately, too well known, and poor, and by what means do you suppose the num too severely felt: but the nature and extent of the ber can be reduced, and their condition rendered evils which press on particular manufactures are not so obvious. more comfortable? You will particularly oblige the society, by forFor the purpose of obtaining an intimate view of warding without delay your answers to such of the the manufacturing interests, and of strengthening above queries, as you consider within your knowour application to the legislatures, by the most pow-ledge, and in such terms as you shall consider best erful of all means, a well digested statement of facts, calculated to give the most useful information. Address to William Young, chairman, No. 10, we request of you the fullest answers in your powSouth Third Street, Philadelphia. er to the following queries. 1. Is your manufactories in a depressed state? If it be, to what cause do you ascribe its situation? 2. What measures in your view, will contribute to its relief? 3. What proportion does the price of your manufactures bear to the present price of articles in your line, of foreign fabric? What to the heretofore regular import price, and to the cost in the foreign country in which they are made? 4. What is the national consumption of articles of your manufacture, and how far can the demand be supplied from internal sources? William Young, Siddall, Relations with Russia. FROM THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER. Committee of superinten dence and correspondence. 5. What are now, or have been heretofore the quantity and value of goods manufactured by you? Our readers have seen, by extracts from English 6. How many hands do you employ, when your manufactory is in full operation? What is their state papers, and verbal advices from Europe, that the of mental cultivation, and what their moral habits. difference between the United States and the Rus7. Do the habits contracted by the people of your sian government is said to have been satisfactorily manufactory render them less profitable in other adjusted. It has given us pleasure to learn, that employments? 8. Is your business conducted by manual labor, or labor saving machinery, in whole or in part? What is the relative propotion of each? 9. Are the people employed by you principally adults capable of field labor, or minors, females, or this report is not without foundation, and that information has been received by government, indirectly from Mr. Harris, our charge d'affaires in Russia, that, immediately on being made acquainted with the true state of the case, by means of the dispatches of which Mr. Coles was the bearer, 1 |