Earthquake in Venezuela. carried official notices of appointment to the offi march immediately to Detroit, for the protection of cers to every section of the country. The law for our frontiers. the establishment of a quarter-master's department did not pass until the 28th ult. immediately after which the recruiting orders were issued. We have collected these facts, in order to explain, to those The brave spirits whose ardor cannot brook delay, the reason why the hour of preparation has seemed to them to "limp so tediously along." Nat. Intel. Major Swift, of the United States engineers, has received orders from the war department to visit the fortifications in Georgia, South-Carolina and Virginia, to direct proper repairs and alterations, and to orders supplies of all necessary ordnance and stores for war, to repair to Washington, and report on his proceedings. Bos. Con. We understand that Wm. Jones, esq. has de clined accepting the appointment of commissary general. Dem. Press. NOTES OF PREPARATION. following are all the particulars we are yet able to collect respecting the melancholy matter to which they relate. A more distinct and perfect account will doubtless be published, which we shall not fail to lay before our readers. By the arrival of the schooner Independence, Betts, at the port of Baltimore on Wednesday last, from Laguayra, we learn that Caracas, Laguayra, and the adjacent villages were destroyed in a ve hundred in Laguayra and about ten thougreat measure by an Earthquake.- -Twentysand in Caracas are said to have perished in the ruins. One American alone fell a victim to the catastrophe, a Mr. William Cromwell, of New York. The first and severest shock at Laguayra, &c. was felt at 4 P. M. on the 25th day of March: four shocks were felt on the night following, but not sufficiently The appropriation laws of the United States for vivors were employed in digging the dead from unsevere to do any damage. On the 27th all the su the year 1812, were passed about the 21st and 24th der the ruins, from whence they were put in lighof February last, and were known here about the ters, carried outside of the shipping and thrown then 24th and 27th. The woollen, linen and cotton gar-into the sea. On the 28th of March the sea was so ments inspected, since the 5th of February and be rough, that they desisted, built a large fire near the fore the 15th of April, amount to eighty six thou wharf and burnt forty at a time in one fire. On the sand nine hundred and sixty four. Besides these, 29th the stench was so great that they had to desist shoes, hats and caps, worsted and cotton bands and from digging up any more from under the ruins.tassels, cockades and eagles, leathern stocks, stock The survivors pitched their tents on the plains of clasps, woollen hose, 4 or 5 woollen and cotton Mogetaro. On the 4th of April there was another blankets, plumes, epaulets, great coats, bedsacks and sheets, cartouch boxes with belts, bayonet belts as if on a ridge of rocks, and from the schooner very heavy shock that caused the vessels to tremble and scabbards, camp kettles, axes, axe slings, mus Independence the mountains were seen moving like kets, gun powder, salt petre, sulphur, drums, fifes, ships in a heavy sea, and large pieces scaling off 300 hospital, horsemen's and common tents, knap them. As the Independence sailed at half past five sacks, haversacks, &c. have been bought or made; P. M.; the damage by the last shock was not known. materials for 6 to 7000 tents, have been purchased. The duties, powers and knowledge of the business, so far as relates to the purveyor's office, end, with the into, the public arsenals and stores. Extract of a letter from a gentleman at La Guayra to [Sun. his correspondent in this city, dated La Guayra April 4th 1812. · Contracts for, and purchases of various articles The dreadful earthquake which has laid in ruins to a large amount, have been made in the same the cities of Caracas and Laguayra, and the adjatime. The whole of this business has been done cent country by which more than 5000 houses have without any material addition to the ordinary clerk- been destroyed, happened on the 26th March, at ship. There was a considerable surplus of cloath-seven minutes past 4 o'clock, the explosion was so ing and materials from last year on hand in Decem-violent that it buried in its ruins more than eight or ber, besides the above mentioned. Four contracts ten thousand persons. for woollen blankets, 6000 cotton blankets, and 25,000 yards of kersey, besides, many others have been made; 80 to 90,000 pairs of shoes, 5000 horsemen's swords, and a great number of felt caps and hats have been purchased. [Dem. Press. Extract of a letter received per schr. Independence from Laguayra. mage done. Such is the alarm of the inhabitants that the town is entirely deserted, and they are now living without the walls, beneath little tents and huts, which are erected merely to shelter them, from the rain and heat of the sun. "A few days prior to our arrival, this town was almost destroyed by an earthquake; it commenced about four o'clock, P. M. on Thursday the 26th The purveyor of public supplies advertises for March; its duration was about four minutes, and 5000 felling axes with slings, 5000 iron camp ket-its effects horribly destructive; since my arrival, tles, 500 drums with sticks, 800 fifes, 2000 pick there have been a few shocks, but no material daaxes, 2500 spades, 2500 shovels, 25000 gun slings, 3000 dragoon saddles, 3000 bridles, double bitted, 3000 halters, leather stalls, 3000 forage bags, 3000 nose or feeding bags, 3000 pair of holsters, 3000 curry combs and 3000 brushes, 1000 fascine hatch ets, 1000 grass hooks, 7000 yards of picket cord, "It is not within the compass of my ability to 3000 valises, also woollen and other usual supplies. describe to you the misery of these people; fear and PENNSYLVANIA.-It is the opinion of the best despair, grief and ruin, have completely overwhelminformed, those who have the best opportunities of ed them. Parents have escaped, with the loss of information and who feel most anxious upon the their children; children with the loss of their pas subject that the army quota of this state, twenty rents, and very few without the loss of their pro"nine companies, will be completed in three months.perty.-Already five hundred persons have been Press. found, and the probability is, that a greater number ZANESVILLE, (Ohio) April 8.-Governor Meigs still remain buried beneath the ruins. The destruchas received orders from the president of the Unition at Caracas is much greater; 2500 bodies have ted States to raise twelve hundred volunteers, to been thrown upon a funeral pile, and burned ab eady, French weights and measures. and it is supposed, from 5 to 10,000 souls were lost. ¡his excellency the minister of war to make the proOut of forty churches in that place two convents per experiments with this new invented piece, the only remain standing. Such is the lamentable situ order was executed at the polygon of la Fere under ation of these two places, that it will be a long time, the direction of general d'Aboville commandant of before they can be reinstated. No business of any the school, together with the inventor, Mr. Villannature is doing. All the Americans here will go to trois. The result of those experiments surpassed Puerto Cabello. every possible expectation; they had been for a long time announced and expected; hence the curiosity of an amazing crowd of spectators had been excited, all eager to see the effects of this new and extriorThe killogramme is one of the decimal proportions of the French dinary war engine, the bare dimensions of which system of weights, which by a law of the 7th of April 1795, was reduced to a rule of proportion founded on the measurement of a affrighted the eye. Without further description, it section of the earth, being a tenth part of the distance from the is enough to say that the piece and carriage weigh pole to the equator, equal to 30,784,440 feet of the old French neasure, which is well known to be 68 parts of 1000 longer than ten thousand kilogrammest, and that notwithstandthe British; or the English foot being 1000 parts, the old foot of ing its enormous weight is as easily managed as the The unit of the new French measure then is formed in this way common gammer mortars and requires no greater -the tenth part of the distance abovementioned, was divided into number of men to work it. This singular advanten million equal lengths, or parts; and one of those parts wastage is owing to the particular construction of the found equal to so much of the old measure as amounted to 36 carriage, said to have been invented by Mr. de Vil France was 1068. inches, 11 lines, (or eleven-twelfths of an inch) and 296 thousandths of a twelfth: and the denomination given to this part was a Greek lantrois. word meaning measure, that is metre-a word already familiar in all The charge of this howitzer is 45 pounds of pow. languages which have borrowed from the Greek, as in diametre, tie metre, geometry, trigonometry, barometer, eudiometer, der: the weight of the shell 180 pounds. It was and measures were determined to be denoted by four duce a most dreadful detonation; but it was found, thought that such an excessive charge would proelementary words, or words characteristic of the application or nature of the use to which they were applied; and at the same that the explosion is less than that of all other mortue of a decimal distribution, subdivision, or collocation of the tars hitherto known-which probably proceeds quantities; so that not only the quantity was told, but the kind of c. &c. quantity was to be signified by the word. Thus the four elemen-from the particular form of the piece. The projectary words are metre, lenghth-are, capacity-litre, superficial or ile takes from 35 to 40 seconds to run over its curb. surface, length and breadth-gramme, weight. The metre was thus made the elementary term, or measure of The greatest height of the throw, is of 600 toises all other measures; and is itself the sign of rectilineal measure or or thereabouts. But the eye cannot (on account of ten, th, the square metre is the element of superficies or length or the swiftness and elevation of the shell) discover it breath; and the cubic metre is the measure of capacity, as length in the space. breadth and thickness. To bring the system of measures, of capacity and weight, to correspond with the exactness of the length; a cubic metre o water, condensed from vapoor and weighed in vacuo, was found to correspond in weight with 2041 pounds, 14 ounces, and 14 grains of the old French measure of Paris. This quantity, or cubic in tre, was divided into ten million parts, or proportions also, and was designated by another Greek word, gramme, which means a cubic centimetre of water. After this discovery, it may be truly said, that French artillerists, who it appears have advanced rapidly to the greatest possible perfection, have found means of shooting their projectiles, to a distance unknown to all other artillerists. The range of this howitzer exceeds by twelve hundred toises These principles being established, the language of proportional part, in order to be rendered simple and plain and universally that of the Congreve rockets; and it is well known understood, was like the new language of chemistry. (so happily that our artillerists after having found out the conand with so much advantage already in universal use) to be new struction of those rockets improved upon the disThe greatest ingenuity of the system is the decimal prefixture, covery, and that now they can throw them to a which by combing decimal proportions with the designation of greater distance than the English themselves. the kind of measure, simplifies knguage by avoiding care locu modelled. Parliamentary Pleasantry. In the British house of commons, Jan. 24. a The composite work or profitars were of two classes, the hest class were those which describe decimal subdivisions, as feci, anti, milli, ortens, hundreds, and thousands; the second class were words samfving collection and not division, aera, 10 times--. 106 times-ils, 1,000 times-and min 10,000 times. Thus the three first are to be considered as divisors, and the four lacera Mr. WHARTON moved a grant of 10,057 pounds mutipliers all applicable to each elementary proportion of weight Taus to apply the new language of weight to theiling towards erecting a bridge over the river quantity of any article, my 200,000 kilogramours of wesi, a gramme Eden, at Carli-le. according to the new standard is equal to the following amount- Sir J. GRAHAM advocated the motion on the OLD FRENCH-18 grants and 841,000 decimal parts of a grain ground that the bridge would facilitate the entrance ENGLISH-22 grains and 966 decimal parts of a grain, divi- of Irish members, and gentlemen into England! ded into 1000 parts, or wanting only 34 parts A laugh) He also observed, the county of Cum or here. divided into a million of parts. of a thousand of making 23 grains. Here we have a knowledge of the exact proportion-one kilo-berland was ready to bear all the expences, if the grannte is 1000 grammes, or 1000 times 22 grains, leaving out the house granted half the expences of the bridge.— 34th part, or say a silograme is 15,440 grains English. A pound English is 7,000 grains-multiply by kilogrammes and divide by (A laugh) English grains amounting to a pound, and the result is the amount of 441,614 pounds avoirdupoise. (Aurora. Newly invented Howitzer. TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH. Mr. WHITBREAD observed, the hon. baronet's reasoning was most convincing; he had just told the house the county of Cumberland was ready to pay all the expences, only requiring the public to pay half.-(A laugh.)-He had also declared the bidge, in its present state, was large enough for Scotch cattle to pass, but not for Irish members.Load laughing. )—He (Mr. W.) was well aware the Irish members were of some weight, but he thought any Irish gentleman might pass where the hon. baronet could. 4 laugh.)-If this vote was granted, all the counties in the kingdom would This howitzer shoots a shell to the distance of expect the same indulgence. This had been called 3000 toisest or one French league and an half. The a job for Ireland, but, in his opin on, if it was a corps of artillery of the imperial guard, having by job at all, it was a job for Cumberland. (Ilcar, hear') LAFERE, Nov. 20th, 1811.-Of all the discove ries honorable to the corps of artillery, from the days of genera! Gribeauval down to our time, no one has been more deserving of praise than that of Viilantrois howlzer, so called from the name of its inventor, late colonel of artillery. The toise i 6 feet 6 inches English. The kilogramme is little more than two pounds. Interesting to Farmers. On the Siberian, or Naked Wheat. rising resources of our country enjoying freedom, Not many years ago the quantity of sheep in the United States were only a few hundred, and now the millions are counted. They now almost equal By a fortunate accident I obtained from a mer the population eight millions and in four years chant in Boston, in January last, half a bushel more will amount to sixteen mill ons--and again in (which he imported from Russia) of this invaluable four years to thirty two. Man doubles in 23 years grain, as respects our cold northern regions. Small in population; by the benevolent dispensation of samples will be delivered to cach of the members of Providence, animals for food and raiment multiply the Berkshire Agricultural Society by applying to faster, so that notwithstanding their slaughter, Thomas B. Strong, or to the subscriber in Pittsfield enough remain for increase. In South America a -or to Dr. Caleb Hyde in Lenox, personally or by bad government diminished population by war and order. oppression, and prevented its multiplication by For the information of the public, the following monasteries and nunneries, but the cattle have so is in substance extracted from Varlo's Husbandry, increased as to be killed only for their hides and vol. II. page 263-published in 1795, by an English tallow. farmer residing in America. Pittsfield, 9th March, 1811. E. WATSON. In North America the emigrants were annually numerous and the cattle and sheep imported few in proportion; too many were therefore killed for food "Varlo states that the naked wheat is a native of valuable more care is taken of them. A short pe-still they increased, and now their wool is become Siberia, one of the coldest countries in the world, riod will unfold the wonderful consequences from covered with snow nine months in the year. That Merino sheep introduced by Bonaparte's invasion it is the chief support of the inhabitants, and vege of Spain. What great events arise from little tates and grows quick; the grain, small, fuli and hardy with a thin skin-that he ascertained its va(Dem. Press. lue-twelve pounds of English wheat was made into a loaf, the like quantity of Siberian, and both baked together. The English loaf weighed 15lb. the Siberian 18/6. when baked, and both equal in quality. That the Siberian produces only half the quan. tity of bran, and as it partakes partly of barley in its nature, it makes good ale. things. The Spanish Guerillas. 66 In the details of events in Spain frequent mention is made of the Guerillas. By the French they are accounted as robbers and assassins-but the Englowing description of them, by an officer in the ar lish speak of them as patriots. From the folmy of lord Wellington, an idea may be formed of what they really are stools out greatly and injures the crop to sow it thick. to That it costs only about 3s. sterling an acre in Eng land, and will require in this mode only twelve quarts to an acre. One man can cover two acres a fore the ground is raked. There are two kinds day with a rake—and grass seed may be sown be [Pitssfield Sun. wheat in Siberia. of That when it first arrived in England he procured only half a wine glass full, intending to sow it in April, but by mistake it was not till the 7th of June, and it yielded a good crop. The ensuing year he dibbled in each grain a foot part in April, and yield"Perhaps a description of the Guerillas might be ed 2000 fold. That it exceeds any grain for increase acceptable to you; I will attempt to give it as well and grows better upon bad land--but yields better in as my own knowledge will allow me, from hayproportion to its goodness. The proper season tong seen a great deal of this hardy race :-They geSow is about the 10th of April (probably 1st of May number to the object they have in view, their un nerally perambulate in small parties, according in here) he advised to plough deep, or even to trench plough, that is twice in the same furrow-to dibble ceasing thirst for spoil, makes them extremely active in learning where the enemy are contemplating in each seed with a setting stick, a foot apart, as it convey baggage or provisions; and the perfect the country, gives them a decided advantage, in knowledge these Guerillas have of every tract of being able to watch and way-lay the enemy's transtheir in ormation is generally correctly obtained. port. They are unremiting in their labors night and day, when they have any object in view; and The dress and look of these marauders (as the enemy term them) are enough to inspire dread; they wear an immense cap, covered with fur, which is tied by a black belt under the chin, a loose dark jacket is thrown carelessly over their shoulders, and at the side of their horses hangs the destructive weapon of terror, a lance, which measures about ten feet; the sharp point fixes into a leather tube, which is suspended from the saddle to the off shoulder of the horse, on the right side; in the centre of the han$60 00 dle of the weapon is a strap affixed, to secure it from impeding the animal's progress or inconvenience to the rider; and when necessity requires the use of the weapon, it is unstung with the greatest boots, give these natives a most striking and terrifacility; their immense whiskers, and goat-skin subsit (as an onion, a piece of bread, or bunch of fic appearance; and the hardy way in which they grapes, is to them a meal of luxury and content) Calculate this at only one half when manufacturnables them to undergo any privation, and render ed and add thereto the leather and parchment, the them fit for the harrassing nature of warfare, so de. meat, tallow, &c. and an idea may be formed of the structive and annoying to the enemy." Manufactures. is in In the archives of useful knowledge for April, a statement of 24 yards 3-4 woolen cloth made Pennsylvania, which gives a general idea of the great benefit resulting from increasing sheep. 18 3-4 pounds of half bred Merino wool manufactured into 24 yards 3-4 wide cloth, sold 2 2-3 dollars per yard, Deduct expence of manufacturing 18 48 $41 5 ma The price of the wool and the profit on the nufactures, is 2 dollars and 15 cents per pound. The wool of the United States will increase this year above three millions of pounds. Miscellaneous Intelligence. The Chronicle. We have this week to record one of the most A NEW OIL-A method has lately been discovered at Venice of extracting oil from the Chinese distressing events that has occurred for years: Our raddish-this oil is said to be superior to those al sorrow for the disaster, as a mere misfortune, is ready known, not only for eating and communica greatly increased by our earnest wishes for the hapting light, but even for medicinal purposes. It pines and prosperity of all the citizens of the new results from experiments made by Dr. Francisco republic; and we fearfully anticipate that a calamity di Oliviero of Verona, that this oil is extremely so distressing may have some effect in reducing useful in pulmonary and rheumatic affections; also them again to bondage. See "EARTHQUAKE IN in pleurisies. It has also been successfully employ- VENEZUELA," page 131. ed in convulsive coughs. It is not liable to grow raneid, as other kinds are. Accounts are received which appear worthy of full credit, that the southern Indians (the Creeks) MILITIA OF VIRGINIA-The governor has tho't had been so far led away by bad advice as to unbury proper by and with the advice of the council of state, the tomahawk,notwithstanding all that government to direct the distribution of so many arms as will be has done to render them quiet and prosperous. We sufficient to arm completely, (they being the most are told they have killed twenty families on Elk river. exposed to danger,) the following counties, to wit. A letter from Jefferson, (Ten.) informs that the Accomack, Charles-City, Dinwiddie, Elizabeth writer was that moment under marching orders City, Essex, Fairfax, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, against them. We hope these reports are exag. James City, King William, King George, Lancas-gerated-not that we apprehend those Indians will ter, Middlesex, Mathews, Nansemond, North- do extensive injury, but because they themselves ampton, Northumberland, Norfolk, Princess-Ann may be swept from the face of the earth. SurPrince-George, Prince-William, Richmond, South rounded as they are by a race of men more hardy, ampton, Stafford, Surry, Spottsylvania, Sussex, more skilful, and so numerous, their actual exter Warwick and Westmoreland. mination would appear an easy task. The governor after given some wholesome advice The papers teem with accounts of the impressand direction to the officers commanding the seve- ment of our seamen by the British. We have ral regiments in those counties,says "It seems that received a copy of the "message from the president no alternative is left, but an appeal to arms or an ig- of the United States, transmitting a report of the nomimous submission.-America will not deliberate secretary of state on the subject of impressments, which to choose. How long shall we set with our in obedience to a resolution of the house of reprearms folded together, and still hope for the continu-sentatives of the 29th November last ;" by which ance of peace-when by a long series of acts, such it appears that 6257 persons, detained in the British hope is proved to be illusory? There was, indeed, navy, have actually claimed of government the proa time when such a hope might well have been in-tection of their country! Will not this nefarious dulged. Separated as we are from the old world by business end? a mighty expanse of ocean; quietly pursuing our Massachusetts.-The late election in this state was honest and legitimate avocations; impartial in our uncommonly animated. Last year only about 85,000 feelings and irreproachable in our conduct towards votes were taken, but on the late occasion they exall nations; with justice for our guide and peace ceeded 100,000. If the returns are well and truly for our object, I repeat again, we might well have made, Mr. Strong, the federal candidate, has been hoped to have been exempt from those calamities elected by a majority of between 1500 and 2000 with which, as with the besom of desolation, an votes over Mr. Gerry, Loud complaints are made angry God has swept the face of Europe. But ra- of unfair dealing. Last year Mr. Gerry's majority tional as that hope once was, it would be madness was about 3000. any longer to indulge in it. The measure of our The new senate consists of 29 republicans and 11 sufferings is full; that of our patience is exhausted." federalists. The house of representatives is to be He then refers to some of the evils we have suffer- chosen in May; both parties are sanguine of suc ed, and expects the people "to place their eyes up-cess. ralists. on the history of the revolution"-to be always The elections in Rhode-Island, and in Connectiready and prompt for any emergency and exhibit to cut, as usual, have terminated in favor of the fede the world "the sublime spectacle of a free people with arms in their hands, disciplined and prepared to defend the heritage they received from their ances tors." A letter has been received at Philadelphia from London, dated March 12, 1812, which says, that by a secret treaty between the British government and Spanish regency, the islands of Cuba, Porto Rico and St. Domingo, are to be placed under the protec⚫ tion of the British. Price of grain in England.-A letter from Liver pool dated 3rd mo. 21, 1812, says "American wheat would now readily command 18s. 6d. to 19s. per 70lb. flour 74 to 76s. per bbl. We anticipate A French squadron of four sail of the line and a high prices. Rice has been sold at 38s. per cwt." frigate sailed from L'Orient about the 10th of March. The price of wheat is nearly equal to three dollars Destination unknown. for the American bushel of 60lbs. What a pity, that this step "mother" of ours, will not so conduct herself that we might freely administer to the wants of her people, from our exuberant productions! The general price of flour in Spain may be esti mated at 20$ per barrel, though at Cadiz the price is quoted at 16 a 17. Price of stocks London, March 19-3 per cent. cons. 60 1-8 60. The people of that part of Hayti lately commanded by general Borgela, have revolted, and put themselves under Petion. There appears to be a great stir among the people of Canada; the new militia law obliges each man It is stated in some of the British papers that ano-to attend muster six times a month, and take an oath ther mighty armament is designed for the Baltic of allegiance. For refusing to comply, imprison"to take possession of Copenhagen and the island ment and fine, or banishment from the province are of Zealand, in which the British are to be assisted imposed; many are said to be leaving the country. by the Swedes." At Kingston there was mutiny among the soldiers because one of them was flogged for a small offence. They killed the commanding officer and 30 other persons, and were masters of the fort. : From a late New-York paper-Yesterday afternoon, the frigates President and Essex left their anchorage in the North River, and proceeded as far as the watering place, Staten Island-and, if the wind is favorable, will proceed to day on a cruise. As they passed, they fired seven shots at Castle Williams, for the purpose of trying its strength five balls hit the castle, and two stuck the rocks forming the foundation of the fabric. On an exa. mination of the effect of the balls, we are happy to find that much less injury was done than was anticipated. Three 24 pound balls entered one of the embrasures of the lower tier, knocked off a small part of the ornamented edges—one of the balls hit one of the mounted cannon of the castle, in which it made a small indentation, carried away the cap square and trunnion plate, and the forepart of the earriage. One ball struck the embrasure in the se cond tier, directly over the one above mentionedand one was a point-blank shot on the solid part of the castle, which penetrated only three inches, and did no injury to the wall. The walls of Castle Williams are nine feet thick, and we may conclude from the experiment upon them while yet in a green state, that no apprehension need be entertained of their being battered down. tions, and the nation bereaved of one of the brightest luminaries of its glorious revolution." On motion of Mr. Smith of New-York that the senate come to the following resolution: "The senate being informed of the decease of their distinguished fellow-citizen George Clinton, vice president of the United States"Do resolve, That a committee be appointed jointly with such as may be appointed on the part of the house of representatives to for the memory of the deceased, and expressive of the deep regret consider and report measures proper to manifest the public respect of the congress of the United States, on the loss of a citizen so highly respected and revered." of N. Y. Smith of Md. German, Gilman and Bradley appointed a The resolution was unanimously agreed to; and Messrs. Smith committee accordingly. And the senate adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, April 17.-Mr. Gold obtained leave of absence for a month. On motion of Mr. Calhoun, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Bassett in the chair, on the bill for authebors of the United States in certain cases. No objection being made rising the departure of ships and vessels from the ports and har to the bill, it was reported to the house. that vessels chartered by the United States might now be detained On motion of Mr. Calhoun, the house resolved itself into a com mittee of the whole-Mr. Breckenridge in the chair, on the bill making further provision for the army of the United States. An ineffectual attempt was made by Mr. Wright, to procure an amendment to the bill going to place all the military officers of the M. Degen of Vienna has invented a machine for United States of the same grade on equal footing as to pay and flying about in the air. The experiments made in the emoluments. The mover stated that at present the brigadier-general Prater,before a numerous company were completely much less pay than those on the two additional establishments.of the old army, the oldest brigadier (general Wilkinson) received successful. He flew at pleasure in all directions; The amendment was rejected on the ground of its inapplicability raised and lowered himself; and the balloon (which and irrelevance to the present bill, being properly a subject of is a part of his contrivance) followed him sponta- Further amendments were made to the bill which was then re neously whichever way he turned. The diameter ported to the house. of the latter was nineteen feet five inches. After deducting the weight of Degen and his flying-ma- Mr. Sheffey moved to strike out that section of the bill which chine, the balloon possess a power equal to thirty-four additional brigadier-generals, whenever in the president's authorises the appointment of two additional major-generals, and two pounds. distinct consideration. Mr. Wright renewed in substance the amendment he had proposed in committee, which was again negatived. opinion the public service shall require it. This question was widely debated. In support of the provision it was said that the number of officers now authorized was not greater than was absolutely necessary to command the troops; Secret [Congressional] Journal. and cases might occur in the progress of a war, in which the regu lars under an inferior command might be embodied with te 'The secret journal of the proceedings of the senate and house of militia or volunteers, and it might be necessary to appoint an representatives on the hill to prevent the exportation of specie, officer to take the command. Separate detachments might also &c. (see last number, page 107) has been published. We notice be made from the main army, requiring more general officers it chiefly for recording the yeas and nays, which as articles of than at present belong to the army. On the other hand, it was reference may be useful. contended that the militia must be commanded by their own offIn the senate the final passage of this bill was determined as follows:cers; that they cannot constitutionally be superseded by any offi YEAS.-Messrs. Anderson, Bibb, Brent, Campbell of Tenn. cer to be appointed over them, and therefore this clause could not Condit, Crawford, Curts, Gaillard, Gregg, Howell, Leib, Robinson, be defended by the argument urged to support it; that moreover Smith of N. Y. Tait, Taylor, Turner, Varnum-17. it was not proper to vest so great a discretionary power in the NAYS-Messrs. Bradley, Dana, Giles, Gilman, Goodrich, Horsey, executive, &c. Hunter, Lambert, Lloyd, Reed, Smith, of Md.-11. In the house of representatives the votes, were- Wim-69. After much debate and some warmth On motion of Mr. Lacock the bill was ordered to lie on the table. The bill this day ordered to be engrossed, was read a third time and passed. And the house adjourned to Monday, 41 to 41, the speaker declaring himself in the affirmative. a Monday April, 20-Sundry petitions were presented and referred. Mr. Seybert presented a petition of sundry merchants, praying suspension of the non-importation act. Mr. Mitchill presented a similar petition from sundry merchants of New-York, a reference of which petition was moved to the committee of the whole to whom is referred the bill on that NAYS.-Messrs. Baker, Bigelow, Bleecker, Breckenridge. Brig-subject. ham, Burwell, Champion, Chittenden, Davenport, Ely, Emott, Fitch, Mr. Lowndes assented to the referente of the petition; but took Gold, Jackson, Key, Lewis, M'Bryde, Milnor, Moseley, Nelson, this opportunity to state that he himself had no intention, and he Newbold, Pearson, Pitkin, Potter, Randolph, Reed, Ridgely, Rod- believed his friends had not, of moving the order of the day; and man, Stanford, Stuart, Sturges, Taggart, Tallmadge, Wheaton, added that whilst he thought the adoption of the measure would White, Wilson-36. be wise and beneficial, the useless agitation of it (and he was con vinced the agitation of it at this time would be useless and improper} could neither benefit the publje nor those particularly concerned. He should therefore not call up the bill; and if its consideration should be moved by any other gentlemen, he should vote against taking it up. Twelfth Congress. IN SENATE, A message was received from the senate, announcing the death of the vice president of the United States, and the resolution they had adopted. The house agreed to consider the joint resolution as above Gentlemen,-Upon me devolves the painful duty of arronce. ing to the senate the death of our venerable fellow-citizen George¦stated. Clinton, vice president of the United States. By this affictivel Mr. Tall nadge said, it was assuredly not from any want of re dispensation of Divine Providence the senate is deprived of aspect to the memory of the patriotic deceased, that so:ne muencher president rendered dear to cach of its menabers by the dignity and of New-York did not on this occasion address the impartiality with which he has so long presided over their deliberas) Chours At their request, and being himself a native citizen of the |