NORTH CAROLINA BANKS. In the Raleigh Register. of July 19, we find the following paragraph, under the head of bank "regulations" punishment to the enormity of crimes; and it would almost seem as if they had been made with a view to the respectability of criminals or the dignity of offences. We see that, in Philadelphia, a certain John Branson, "The officers of the Fayetteville North Carolina who, in about seven months, contracted debts to the branch of the bank of the United States, we learn, amount of 35,438 dollars, and then petitioned for the have received instructions from the parent bank, to benefit of the insolvent laws, has been found guilty of pay out, after the first of September next, notes of fraudulent insolvency-and, from what is stated, no the issue of their own branch; only, but to receive, doubt justly. But mark the tenderness of the court-as heretofore, in payment of debts, indiscriminately, by the laws of the state, such offenders may be punished by imprisonment only, or imprisonment and hard labor; but it being certified by a "respectable physician," that the state of the prisoner's health would not permit him to labor, he was gravely sentenced to be imprisoned for the term of one year, during which he will live on the very fat of the land; and it would seem that he can very well afford it. the banks of this state. What effect this arrange ment will have on the money transactions of our stats cannot be precisely foretold: but we apprehend it will be the means of curtailing the business of our banks; for, as the United States bank will not pay out their notes, they will, of course, from time to time, call upon the local banks for payment in specie, United States notes or northern drafts, for which calls the several banks must be always prepared. With a view to this event, we believe our banks have taken measures for redueing the present amount of their notes in circulation." [Which they ought to have done a long while ago, or have paid their debts like other people.] By the proceedings had, we are bound to believe that the person was guilty of the offence with which he was charged, and that he defrauded persons out of tens of thousands of dollars: now what sort of justice is there in simply confining this man for twelve months, allowing him to live on the best that the market will furnish, and the sending of a poor creature to the penitentiary for seven or ten years, to hard labor, solitary confinement and bread and water, who may have stolen some article of the value of 50 or 100 dollars? Ought not the amount of the damage sustained by society to grade the punishment-and should not the cool, deliberately calculating fraudulent debt-him an enemy! If the "holy alliance" have not or, rather suffer, than a simple thief, who, perhaps, impelled by want, or giving himself up to a momentary indiscretion, appropriates to his own use the property of others? There is as much difference, in my opinion, between the offences as there can be between murder by poison, and manslaughter in an affray: and while it is my most earnest wish that the laws may be amoliorated as to unfortunate and even imprudent debtors, I am not the less zealous that those who are fraudulent should take up their residence in our penitentiaries, with kindred counterfeiters and thieves. "LEGITIMACY." It appears from the following that the poor negroes of Africa have some very refined notions about the doctrine of "legitimacy"-but they agree with the English, that it is lawful to put a "sovereign" to death, when the chiefs shall declare enough to do already in support of their principles against the progress of reason and of arms in America, and the stand taken by Great Britain in Europe, we might expect they would teach the negroes that a "sovereign" may not be killed, under any circumstances, with impunity,-notwithstanding the mur derers of the father of the head of this "holy alliance," are of those who are nearest to his heart and his throne! Extract from travels in Western Africa, by major W. 4 "The fever and dysentery still continued to do their works of destruction. To divert, as much as THE TOWN AND PORT OF ERIE, on the lake of this possible, the minds of the men from reflecting on name, is rapidly rising to importance. The spacious the scenes of death around them, I had recourse t harbor of Presque isle is the best on the lake; but the amusements and employments of all kinds. Hun'in entrance to it has been obstructed by a sand bank, the game in which the country abounded, affordi that would not generally admit of vessels drawing an ample range for those who were able to partake of more than six feet water, and the channel was si- it, to employ their time to advantage. Wild hogs, nuous and irregular--but it is believed that the im-antelopes, guinea fowls and partridges, were conprovements now going on will make it easy of en-stantly brought in. During one of our excursions, trance, and give it a depth of ten feet. Within the ba- we met, and sccceeded in killing, a large lioness, sin, vessels of the largest size may ride in safety, and it is protected from storms, especially from the west, which are the most dangerous on this lake. As there is a current from the basin to the lake, the channel will be confined by parallel embankments, supported by piles; and the pleasing fact is already shewn that the bar has been reduced. The works are superintended by capt. Maurice, of the U. S. army, and the Pennsylvania commissioners. *If a minister could not be had in the allied courts sufficiently well versed in the "divine rights of kings," we have in our eye the editor of a certain American newspaper that would be exactly fitted for an ambassador! He has lately called Napoleon an "upstart emperor," though he was the idol of the French nation, and, by the stamping of his foot, drove the "legitimate" Bourbons from the throne. If Napoleon deThe town is described as one of the most beautiful served to be called an "upstart," we should like to in the west-the streets are wide and laid out at see it shown by what right it was that the Guelphs right angles. It contains between 800 and 1000 in-came to the sovereignty of England-or Kate, of habitants, who enjoy excellent health: the scenery is beautiful-and the soil of the adjacent country generous and productive. Its happy location and import ant harbor, whether for a naval depot, or as a place of refuge for vessels navigating the lake, with the rich country round about it, will soon render Erie a place of much business, and give to it a large and valuable population. The roads leading to it are excellent, and several lines of stages are upon them, and it is a stopping-place for all the steam boats that ply on the lake: one is building there to accommodate travelfers to and from Buffalo. Russia, sat on the throne of the Czars: or, to come more closely home, on what principle it is, that we call WASHINGTON "the father of his country?" Wilt we admit that, if we had not succeeded in our revolutionary struggle, he ought to have been cailed a traitor! yet so he would have been called by all the "legitimates." Success is revolution--such as the 'glorious revolution" in England, when one tyrant was expelled and another introduced to supply his place but "rebellion" is that which fails, like the attempt in Ireland, where better men than ever sat on a throne were hunted and hung up like dogs. which hau, for some time, been disturbing the neighborhood of the village. On this occasion we were accompanied by some of the inhabitants of Samba Contaye, one of whom gave the first wound to the animal; in consequence of it he was disarmed by the rest of his companions, and led prisoner (his hands tied behind his back), to the town, at whose outer approach they were met by all the women, singing and clapping hands. The dead animal, covered with a white cloth, was carried by four men on a bier, constructed for the purpose, accompanied by the others of their party, shouting, firing shots and dancing, or rather playing all sorts of monkey tricks. As I was not a little surprised at seeing the man, whom I conceived ought to be rewarded for having first so disabled the animal as to prevent it from attacking us, thus treated, 1 requested an explanation; and was informed, being a subject only, he was guilty of a great crime in killing or shooting a sovereign, and Last suffer this punishment until released by the chiefs of the village, who, knowing the deceased to have been their enemy, would not only do so immediately, but commend the man for his good conduct. I endeavored, to no purpose, to find out the origin of this extraordinary mock-ceremony, but could only gain the answer, frequently given by an African, "that his forefathers had always done so."' LA better reason than this, in favor of "legitimate sovereigns," could not have been given!] A QUAKER in Kent, (says an English paper), being pressed by a zealous tory to conform to the established church, made this answer:-"Friend, thou mayest spare thy breath and persuasion; I never will belong to that church which is always in danger." ing way when led by religion. A general censorship of all the hooks printed in the country or abroad has been confided to the ministry for ecclesiastical af fairs, upder the immediate care of a counsellor of state, and the director of public instruction. THE ROAD TO MEXICO. St. Louis, June 27. Seven wagons belonging to the expedition, setting out for the purpose of making the road from Missouri to the Mexican provinces, left here on Wednesday last. One of the commissioners, maj. Sibley, the surveyor, Joseph C. Brown, esq. and the secretary to the commissioners, captain Gamble, left here on Saturday and yesterday on their way up. They will, it is sup posed, be joined by the other commissioner, colonel Reeves, and proceed in their arduous undertakingA great part of their time will be necessarily employed in treating with the different tribes of Indians, through whose country they will have to pass, and whose permission they will have to obtain for making the road. The hot weather, the number of flies, and the difficulty of getting their wagons through a trackless country, will oblige them to travel slow, and it will be some time before they complete the work.. The commissioners say twelve or thirteen months. THE HUDSON AND THE DELAWARE. Companies have been formed and the stocks subscribed, for making three canals between the Hudson and the Delaware. The Delaware and Raritan canal, by way of New Brunswick; the Morris canal, from the Passaic, af Patterson, to the mouth of the Lehigh, in the Delaware; the Hudson and Delaware canal, leading from the first named river, not far from Kingston, to the Lackawaxen, and the region of coal. The Delaware, above the Lackawaxen, may be easily made navibreaking ground for the last, was performed, on the 13th ultimo, by Philip Hone, esq. of New York, preRUSSIA. The autocrat, (says a London paper),sident of the board of managers, on the summit is much puzzled with the problem how to give the poor education without giving them desires which they cannot gratify. In short, nature is to be put on quite a new footing in Russia. We suspect there is more of his father in the emperor than people are aware of, otherwise he would have his fate more strongly impressed on his memory. [The cant cry of the tory party is "the church is in danger," whenever any proceeding is suggested that may lessen its secular power or reduce the emolu-gable for one hundred miles. The ceremony of ments of its ministers.] 1 level, in the midst of a great concourse of people assembled for the occasion a full account of which we have on file, and desire to give at some future day. Mr. Hone has thrown the weight of his cha racter and wealth into this undertaking, and it will be successful. The following extract from his address will be read with much interest: The following is the article referred to:"In the present age of improvement, when the capi"Warsaw, May, 2. The emperor has left the capital, the enterprise and the public spirit of the citital for a few days, to view the manufactures newlyzens of our happy republic are actively employed in established in the district of Massovia and Katesch. developing its resources, unfolding its natural advan"In the speech of the minister of the interior on tages, and rendering operative all the blessings with which a Kind Providence has endowed it-andertakthe state of the kingdom, is the following passage:It is to be lamented, that the want of ready money, ings, like that which has been this day commenced, and the poverty of the country people, have hitherto become matters of ordinary occurrence; and an en prevented the general introduction of elementary terprise, which, a few years since, would, from its schools. It cannot be unobserved, that a liberal and st-very magnitude, have been by some deemed chimeperior education given to the peasant, would, in his pre-rical, and the success of which would have been consent circumstances, be a real misfortune for him. He sidered, at least doubtful by all, is now viewed with would become acquainted with much, but, unable to little interest, except by those immediately concerned enjoy it, would experience many wishes, and look in in its accomplishment, and its projectors have less to vain for the gratification of them; and all this would hope from the applause which may crown their sucembitter his life, and fill him with dislike to the rich-cess, than to fear from the odium which is a natural instability, and often the deceitful resolution to take consequence of a failure. up various occupations without being able to pursue them; and the end of the unhappiness lies already in the child which the man prepares for himself in mature age. Circumstances have made it possible to introduce various improvements into the school system. A general committee of superintendance has been appointed, whose chief business it is to watch over the moral and religious behaviour of the students. In this manner, education is founded on the principles of morality, and where mere learning might lead to many errors, it finds its true and unerr "The state of New York enjoys the pre-eminence of having first boldly taken up the line of march in the proud era of internal navigation Our Schuylers and our Morrises, who first conceived the noble project of uniting the great lakes and rivers with the ocean which bounds our territory, were not permit ted to enjoy the successful accomplishment of their labors; but their precious legacy has been worthily improved by those to whom it descended, and the great design, opposed as it has been by the honest doubts of some and unworthy prejudices of others, has succeeded beyond the most sanguine expectations of those whose fame and reputation were identified with its success. which New-York has obtained in works of internal improvement and public utility, is in no danger of being tarnished by the operations of the Delaware and Hudson canal company." The ceremonies were concluded with a dinner and the drinking of toasts among them the following: The Delaware and Hudson canal-Fosterity will celebrate the anniversary of its commencement as a new era in the history of improvement. "Our state owes an impayable debt of gratitude to the illustrious individual who is now at the head of its government, and to his associates in the canal commission, for their unwearied exertions to carry into effect the measures adopted by successive legislatures, who, less sanguine than themselves, were still disposed to give every facility to their opera- The legislature of the state of New-York-to whose tions; and the successful completion of the great liberality and enlightened policy the citizens of western and northern canals, while it attests to suc-Orange, Sullivan and Ulster, are indebted for the caceeding generations how much may be effected by nal, the commencement of which we this day cele public spirit and individual exertion, will serve to brate. stimulate other sections of our country to similar efforts in the great work of internal improvement. The state of Pennsylvania-willing that the Delaware and the Hudson should shake hands, may she be as prosperous as she is great and magnanimous. The cause of internal improvement throughout the union. The union of the states, cemented by works like this-it will be imperishable. The undertaking which has now been commenced does not claim an equal share of consideration with that to which I have just adverted; but, when viewed as the work of individuals, associated under the sanction of the state, but deriving no support from its funds, and when the great and important conse-By John Sudam, esq. vice president. The presiquences which cannot fail to result from it, are fairly dent and orator of the day-his enlightened judgment considered, we feel assured that the public will give has enabled him to appreciate the advantages of the us the benefit of their good wishes, and contribute, at Delaware and Hudson canal; his name has given to least, a friendly "God speed ye" to a work, which, if Ulster and Sullivan a strong arm in completing it. successful, must increase the prosperity and redound [Mr. Hone here rose and thanked the company in to the glory of the state. But, from you, citizens of a feeling and appropriate manner, for the honor this Orange, Sullivan and Ulster, we have a right to ex-day conferred on him.] pect something more; and, judging by the friendly By David Hunter, esq. vice president. New-York co-operation and support which many of you have and Pennsylvania, twin sisters of the republic, may hitherto afforded us, we have no apprehension that their common efforts produce internal wealth for themour expectations will be disappointed. We are pre-selves, and external strength for their country. paring to open for you the means of communication By Charles H. Ruggles, Esq. vice president. The with a sister state, rich in the production of the soil, health of a citizen of a sister state, Maurice Wurts, and possessing an inexhaustable supply of coal,which, esq. whose mind first conceived the project of the from its situation and the imperfect navigation of Delaware and Hudson canal, and whose ardor and the rivers, is of little more value than the rich gems, perseverance has brought the work to an auspicious which "the dark, unfathomed caves of ocean bear." commencement. The products of your own farms, and the timber of your own forests, will also be increased in value, to an amount incalculable, by the facilities which will be afforded you of conveying them, with little labor and expense, to a market always calling for supplies and never supplied. But, in the prosecution of this work, we have many difficulties to encounter, many obstables, to remove, and although, from recent experience, it has been found that the talents and industry of our countrymen are sufficient to overcome them all, yet we may be allowed to say, in the language of an accomplished orator of a sister state, who saw all the difficulties, while he expatiated on the advantages of such an enterprise, "to accomplish all these objects, man raises the valley, levels the hill, diverts the stream, perforates the mountain, he leads the river in unaccustomed channels, and the bird of the air views the white sail of commerce usurping her accustomed haunts." Several routes were surveyed, and that which was adopted appears to have been selected after much consideration. Neither the length of the canal or its estimated cost is given in the address, which otherwise affords a pretty clear view of the different routes proposed-but, in conclusion, Mr. Hone said-- "Contracts have been entered into for excavation and locks on a considerable portion of the line, and the peaceful and beautiful valley, in which I have now the honor of addressing you, will soon be the scene of active and vigorous operations. The hardy arm of labor, directed by science and professional experience, will be employed in rendering the hounteous gifts of nature subservient to the improvements of art. The citizens of our state and those of the state of Pennsylvania, will be convinced that the privileges granted by their respective legibjects of an not intended to be merely employed as objects of interested speculation, and that the proud character "LIVE THE CONSTITUTION!" This was the heading of one of the editorial essays in the REGISTER when, in the memorable year 1814, I was engaged in exposing the wickedness and weakness of certain mad seekers of power in the east, seemingly resolved "To RUIN OR TO RULE THE STATE;" and little then did I suppose that I should resort to it again to direct the attention of the readers of this work to similar, but less reasonable or excuseable, proceedings of some politicians in the south, with whom it has been my common practice to think and act, on political subjects, for almost thirty years past: but that which was wrong in the one cannot be right in the other, and the progress or safety of the constitution cannot any more be submitted to the factious of the south than to those of the east. I wish it clearly understood that I am not in the les, or by the agitations which are aty |