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Leader (1850-1860), 17th January 1852, Edition Town of 1, Page 51, Untitled Article

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      motto under it , ' Si vis pacem para bellutrf—prepare for war if thou wilt have peace—a weighty memento , gentlemen , to the name of William Penn ; and I am in that city which is the cradle of your independence—where , in the hour of your need , the appeal was proclaimed to the law of Nature ' s God ; and that appeal was extended for help from JSurope , and that help was granted to you . I stood in Independence-hall , whence the spirit of freedom lisped eternal words of history to the secret recesses nf vour hearts . Man may well be silent when from such

      a source history so speaks . So my task is done—with me the pain—with you the decision ; and let me add the prophetic words of the poet , ' the moral of the strain . '" At Baltimore KbBSuthwas equally well received * and his " non-intervention" doctrine enthusiastically responded to by the people . He arrived at Washington on the 30 th of December . "We are indebted to the New York Herald for an account of what took place in Washington . It is very brief , no particulars being given .

      * . * "Washington , December 31 , 1851 . —Kossuth , accompanied by his suite , was presented to the President today , at noon , at the White-house , by Mr . "Webster . The interview was strictly private . ' General Shields and Mr . Seward were present , and Messrs . Hall , Graham , and Conrad , of the Cabinet . The interview lasted about twenty minutes . It took place in the circular room . Kossuth came out first , and remained alone in the hall for some minutes . He looked very grave , and apparently somewhat disappointed . After he was seated in his carriage , Mr . Webster joined him , and they drove away together . The other members of the Cabinet remained to attend a Cabinet meeting . The President wilt give Kossuth a dinner on Saturday next . Thirty-six covers

      are ordered . The secretaries , with their ladies , in all twelve—three of them belonging to the President ' s family—the committees of the Senate and House , the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House , together with Kossuth and his suite , will make up the number within three or four , and who they are to be has not yet transpired . Personally the President is desirous of showing every attention to Kossuth ; but officially he will be , of course , governed strictly by the proceedings of Congress . The reception of the diplomatic corps is to take place an hour earlier than usual to-morrow . Some assert that this arrangement has been made so as to avoid aujrunpleasant-COllision between the despots of the Old World and the apostle of liberty . Perhaps . ' *

      Another report mentions that after he left the President , Kossuth calledjan Mr . Case . - " Washington , December 31 . —Immediately after the adjournment of the House this evening , the subscribers to the Kossuth banquet were called to order , Mr . Clingman in the chair , and Mr . Stanton , of Ohio , secretary . On the motion of Mr . Stanton , of Tennessee , the chairman was authorized to appoint a committee to confer with a committee to be appointed by the Senate , to make the necessary arrangements . The following gentlemen were appointed : — Messrs . Brigs , chairman , Stanton ( Tennessee ) , Robinson ,

      Cartter , Stanton ( Kentucky ) , Biesell , Walsh , Florence , Porter , Magercoll , Setcher , Peaslee , Wabors , Davis ( Massachusetts ) , and Doty . A committee from Columbus , Ohio , invited Kossuth to-day to visit that city . He replied that he should stay here about a week , and would let them know in a few days whether he would go , and when . The accounts received here from the WeBt are very flattering . Kossuth received to-day the calls of many public men . A fine serenade was given to Kossuth at eleven o'clock last night . He came out and briefly returned thanks . "

      To The Editob op the Leader . New York , December 31 , 1851 . Sir , —The reception of the great Hungarian in this country has been the most significant thing of the kind that has ever taken place here . It is impossible to describe the enthusiasm , with which he has been received by all classes of our citizens . From the moment of his landing at Staten Island until his arrival at the seat of government , where he is now , his progress has been one incessant ovation . In New York city particularly , his welcome has been unparalleled , both as it respects the members who took part in it . and the brilliancy and feeling of the demonstration . I have been familiar with all the affairs of the sort that have occurred , from the landing of Lafayette in 1826 , to the last visit of General Jackson ; but I assure you that none of them were comparable to the demonstration made in behalf of Kossuth and his cause .

      What is true of New York is equally true of Philadelphia and Baltimore ; and even at Washington , which is only a large Government office exposed to all the influence of the foreign ambassadors , the studied reserve uf the Cabinet , and the timidity of the politicians , could not so much as chill the fervour of the people . Ihey have everywhere turned out en / nasse to moot and ealute him with their warmest expressions of regard , It will show you the univerahty of the movement to

      e , observe that no one class of persons have abstained from participating in it ; but that , on the contrary , all classes have been eager to do him honour . Thus , in New York , the first banquet given to him , after the grand reception and ?« Tni ? ' ' r ! by , the /? 1 UniC i ! pal aut h ° rities , fepresent-Z I n Tt V the B l COndwas bv the P ublic press , whoso editors , I beheve , have never ' before united in in © same cause ( only one paper out of tl » A n «« pT ^ lrr ^ T ^^ V g refus ° ed ? o take part ; , the third , woa by the bench and bar , or the

      whole legal fraternity ; the next public , by the volunteer military companies ; by the foreign residents , exiles from every nation in Europe , not excepting Russia ; the next , by the workingmen ; and , to say nothing of innumerable deputations from , the clergy , private societies , &c , finally , the women . Kossuth in his , replies to the various bodies who have addressed him , has shown the most consummate ability ; always frank , eminent , and eloquent , he has yet avoided all questions of a mere partisan character , and commended himself to all parties . His speech at the municipal dinner in this city has been pronounced by many of our best critics —( and you know that we have critics in that line here * where eloquence , as Emerson says , is dog-cheap)—the greatest oration ever delivered on this side of the water .

      Certainly , in its knowledge of our policy , in its ingenuity and force , and in the boldness with which it announced the speaker ' s aims and objects , it has never been surpassed . Kossuth rests his claims upon three points : —1 . The recognition by our Government of Hungarian independence ; but this he will not get , because there is now no Hungarian Government de facto , and Congress will not legislate on a mere question of abstract right . 2 . A distinct adoption of his * non-intervention doctrine , or rather of intervention to prevent intervention . At present Congress will not even take this

      stand ; but it is pretty certain that the next popular election will force them into it . 3 . A national or Voluntary loan ; and here again the nation will do nothing , but the people will . How much money he will secure I know not ; but the subscriptions are already quite large , and may amount to enough to enable him . to carry out his plans in Europe . : Kossuth ' s advent here has has a most important effect on the sentiment of the country . It has awakened a deep and earnest interest in European affairs * We have before been too much absorbed in

      our own petty disputes ; but now our sympathies and convictions go forth to embrace the world . The question of an Anglo-American alliance , among the rest , receives a profound discussion everywhere ; and should the worst come to the worst among the Continental States , you will find the Western Republic perfectly alive to her duty . Yours , Cc .

      THE FIRE . By the fire at Washington , announced in a telegraphic despatch received by the last mail , the library of Congress was partially destroyed , the Capitol having been saved with difficulty from the flames . About 35 , 000 volumes of books were destroyed ; this is estimated from the supposed number saved , which is 20 , 000 , the original contents of the library being about 55 , 000 volumes in all . The contents only of the principal hall were consumed , the north , room and

      law library having escaped the fire , owing to the thickness of the intervening walls . Besides the books , a number of valuable paintings were destroyed . Of these were Stuart's paintings of the first five presidents ; an original portrait of Columbus ; a second portrait of Columbus ; an original portrait of Peyton Randolph ; a portrait of Bolivar ; one of Baron de Kalb ; one of Cortez ; and one of Judge Hanson , of Marylandt presented to the library by his family ; and between eleven and twelve hundred bronze medals of the Vattemare

      exchange , some of them more than ten centuries old , and exceedingly perfect , are lost . Of the statuaryburnt and rendered worthless , were a statue of Jefferson ; an Apollo in bronze by Mills ; a very superior bronze likeness of Washington ; a bust of General Taylor , by an Italian artist ; and a bust of LaFayette , by David . Only three books were saved from the principal library , namely , the Librarian's Register , an account book , and an odd volume of Lord Kingsbury ' s magnificent work on the Antiquities of Mexico . buuiucu in ui weBiiruiiv

      xnenorary , me uenuru me , was constructed with great taste and beauty ; the room , 02 feet in length , 34 in width , and 36 in height , having alcoves over which were two galleries extending throughout the apartment . The room was handsomely ornamented , and the light was admitted both from ample windows and from three skylights above . Paintings , marble busts , and cabinets were a part of the attractions , in addition to the elegant folios of coloured prints , and a choice collection of books , gathered from all civilized countries , and from international exchanges .

      Mr , Jefferson's library , embracing about ; 7000 volumes , was purchased in 1815 for 23 , 000 dollars . ; and this formed the nucleus of the 55 , 000 volumes which have since accumulated . Congress has , for a series of years , annually appropriated 5000 or 6000 dollars for the purchase of books and papers ; and it is estimated that these have cost the Government , in addition to the Jefferson purchase , about 200 , 000 dollars . The original declaration of independence has been preserved . The origin of the fire has been ascertained beyond a doubt . On the removal of the rubbish one of the timbers of an alcove , entering tho wall on the east side of the library , exactly where the fire was first observed , was found to extend into a defective flue leading from the committee-room , where a wood fire was kept . This timber wan mostly consumed , while othor timbers in parts of tha wall were but

      slightly burned . The chimney connecting with this flue was also ascertained to have been on fire . It is considered satisfactory proof that this wa » the cause of the fire .

      Untitled Article

      .. ¦ « .. - ., THE LOSS OF THE AMAZON . ESCAPE IN THE BOATS . Two . narratives have been published of the escape in the boats of those who -were picked up by the-Gertrude . Thefirst is by Mr . Allen , the foreman to / the engineers at Messrs . Seawards ' , who fitted themachinery to the Amazon , and went out in her to » render assistance , should it be required . " About half-paat twelve I had taken a turn round the * engines , and then to the paddle-boxes , to oil the outer bearings . I then went to the engineers on watch , and told them that the outer bearings were all right , and they would not require to go there for two hours . It was then blowing half a gale of wind . Took my lamp , and went to

      Mr . Angus's cabin to bid him good night . He was lying oa his sofa dozing . I did not disturb him , but went to ray own cabin on the lower deck . I undressed for bed , butt had not been there ten minutes before I heard a voice cry ' Fire ! fire ! ' twice , very distinctly . I jumped outt of bed , hastily dragged on my trousers , and rah up the fore companion onto the maindeck , when I saw flame * issuing up the fore stokehole hatchway , as if they werecoming from the engineers' Storeroom on the starboard fore boiler . I then ran aft towards the engineroom , and saw two or three hands at Downton ' s pump , an * then went with others to pull down the fire buckets .. I turned round to go towards the fire , when the flames and smoke came rushing along between decks ,

      forcing every one to make their escape to the spar deck . I did not see a drop of water thrown on the fire . I then saw the second and fourth engineers clearing hay between thehatches , and every one , passengers and crew , rushing up through the after companion on to the quarterdeck , many of whom were in a state of nudity . When I saw the state the ship was in , and knowing the capabilities of the pump , I was certain there was no chance of saving the vessel ,. I then , with others , flew to the nearest boat , to the paddlebox on the starboard side . Mr . Roberts came and said ,, ? Leave the boats alone , don ' t lower . ' I and others consequently desisted for a few minutes . All hands ,, however , rushed to the boats , Mr . Roberts calling out . for the females to be placed in them first . Mrs .

      Macclennen and child were then placed in the boat , when several others jumped in . I and the fourth engineer followed with the others . Word was then given to lower the boat . —We endeavoured to do so , but could not on account of the cranes j , which we did not know were there . We knocked away the hooks , * boused / up , and cleared the cranes . Word was again given to lower , and when it was down about two feet the after blocks would not leave , on account of a half hitch being in the after tackle . The people who had hold of the after tackle lowered away , but a sea struck her , unhooked the fore tackle , and left her swinging perpendicularly , some falling into the sea , others clinging on . I was towards the head of the boat , and Mrs . Maclennen seized hold of

      my leg as I was trying to regain the deck , and said , * For God ' s sake don ' t leave me . ' She held her babe in her arms , clinging on to the thwarts . I said , ' Hang on tilS we right the boat . ' I and William Stone , the fourth , engineer , regained the deck , and called two or three toour assistance , but through their excitement could not get them to pull together , to get" the half-hitch out . I then ran over on the larboard side to see if there was any chance of escape from that quarter . The last boat was just launched into the water with people in it . I then returned to the same boat , when I and Stone , and some others , made a last effort to get the boat off , the flames being close upon us . By the assistance of William Berry man , who went down to the water and cleared the fall , we lowered

      the boat into the water . I then jumped into the gig , which a few minutes before I had seen stove by the cranes in attempting to lower her , and . from her , I can hardly tell how , I got into the boat below , followed by Stone ,. John Lamont , Mr . Glennie , passenger , and one or twoothers , when a sea rising threw our boat under the gig , which was still lashed , nearly capsizing us several times . I called out to cut away the rope and let her go . It was done , and we went rapidly astern , the ship having way upon her , notwithstanding the engines had stopped . To our surprise we found Mrs . Maclennen and her child lying in the bottom of the boat . The poor lady had nothing but her nightdress on . Finding the boat rapidly filling , and on looking for the cause , we discovered the

      plugs were left out t With some waste , Stone and another blocked up the holes . We then prepared to put the boat ready for sea . We lashed the mast in the boat and threw it overboard , in tho expectation it would keep her end on , but finding the sea breaking over us , we pulled the mast aboard again , and got two sculls out to pull , lashing the other ( there being only three on board ) at the stern , to steer the boat . We went before the wind , not having , sufficient strength to contend with the eea , which was running mountains high . We hoisted a lady ' s bhawlfor a sail , and carried on in that way until three in the morning , when it came on to rain heavily . A sea breaking over us , carried away our tiller , and I thought , then , it was all over . By boat

      means , however , ' of a beaker , which was left in the , and our boots , we managed to bale her out . Towards four in the morning the wind abated . We were then drifting away many mi lea from the ship , which was one mass of flames , the fire rushing out of every window and porthole , and from * - the funnels to the height of twenty feet . We lost sight of her about five , but aid not see her go down . We continued on our course until about ten o ' clock on Sunday , when we thought we saw a nail ; but , after pulling towards it for one hour , we lost all sight . At half-past eloven , or about twelve , a sail hove in night , and every man plied the oars , and we pulled until halfpast six , when wo fortunately rcaohtfd the veeael , a Dutch giOUot . '

      Untitled Article

      Jan . 17 , 1352 . ] .. / / . tofoy ' & * & $ * & ¦ f 6 I - . ' ¦ . ¦ - ¦ . . ' - "' .. ' .. ' - ' .. - . - ¦¦'¦ ' ' " ''¦''' - -- - . ~ u ^ . ^ - - ^———* - » J- »^—*— - ^_^ JM _ J—_^— t . ^^^^ __ 1

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Jan. 17, 1852, page 51, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1918/page/7/