Ifortign anb

Fstaticc.—The Chamber of Deputies began on Monday a discussion of the Customs Bill. The object of the bill is to obtain the sanction of the Chambers to important measures which have been adopted by Government, and already put in force by Royal ordonnance but which have not yet been ratified by the Legislature. The principal of these measures are, the treaty of commerce and navigation concluded with Belgium upwards of three years ago, the treaty of commerce concluded last year with Sardinia, and the important modifications made last summer in the customs tariff, by which heavy additional duties were levied upon iron machinery, steam- engines, and several other manufactured articles, that are at present im- ported into France principally from England. M. Gaulthier de Rumilly attacked the treaty with Belgium, as conceding favours which would pro- -yoke jealousies and retaliation on the part of Germany. M. Lestiboudois praised the bill, as a wise return to healthy commercial doctrines; for hitherto Government had been too much in favour of what is called free trade, which might more properly be called commercial disarming. M. Roger (du Nord) objected to the Belgian treaty, for not sufficiently pro- tecting the French linen-trade; and to the American treaty, for not pro- tecting the shipping interest. M. Drouyn de Lhuys rated both the Government and the Chamber for practices which have recently grown up,—the Chamber for refusing to ratify treaties of commerce concluded by the Government; and the Government for rashly concluding treaties, which, failing to obtain the assent of the Chamber, are obliged to be broken. M. Carlin Gridaine defended the bill; adducing many statistical details to show that French commerce advances. The principal exports, however, being articles of greater value than bulk, do not make much figure in the returns of tonnage. The imports of America, being mostly bulky, are brought in American ships; and overtaxing the American flag, instead of benefiting French shipping, would only drive the trade of Havre to Antwerp or Rotterdam.

On Tuesday, the Chamber proceeded to discuss the details of the bill. The duties on flaxen and hempen thread being under consideration, the treaty with Belgium again became the subject of animadversion; and M. Lestiboudois proposed an amendment, requiring that the treaty should not be renewed. M. Guizot attempted at great length to prove that France had a strong interest in conciliating Belgium, even to the extent of sacri- ficing some of the branches of her own industry. That, he declared, was the basis of the peace of Europe. At the same time, he admitted that' there was not sufficient reciprocity for the commercial interests of France on the part of Belgium; and he did not oppose M. Lestiboudois's amendment. The amendment was can-led almost unanimously.

Swirznithann.—The Committee of the Extraordinary Diet could not agree on the questions submitted to it; and the majority therefore laid the following propositions before the Diet as the basis of a decree. We some- what curtail the document, retaining all the substantial points. The report begins—" Whereas the Federal Diet possesses, in virtue of the first and eighth articles of the Constitution, the right of adopting in the question of the Jesuits such measures as it may deem necessary for the internal security of Swit- zerland"; therefore the Diet was to decree—" Article 1. The State of Lucerne is forbidden, in the name of the Confederation, to admit the order of Jesuits. The Diet, moreover, recommends in a pressing manner to the High State of Lueerne to grant a general amnesty or pardon for all political offences connected with the events of December 1844. Article 2. Should the High State of Lucerne not comply with the injunctions contained in this decree, (Article 1,) the Diet reserves to itself to adopt ulterior measures. Article B. The States of Schwyz, Friburg and Valais, are invited by their confederates, in a pressing manner, to expel the Jesuits from their respective territories. Article 4. The admission of the Order of Jesuits into the Swiss Cantons is hereafter prohibited, in the name of the Con- federation. Article 5. Should none of the propositions respectinc the Jesuits be approved by a majority of the Diet, the Assembly will adjourn to Monday the 24th instant; and the Confederated States are invited in the mean time to furnish their representatives with fresh instructions relative to the affair."

The debates in the Diet on the report of the Committee began on the 18th instant. The preamble was discussed at great length; but while -eleven and two half States declared the competency of the Diet to enter- tain the question of the Jesuits, eight and a half maintained a contrary opinion. On Article 1, the expulsion of the Jesuits was advocated by only ten and two half States. A draught decree prepared by the minority of the Committee, to invite Lucerne to revoke its decree admitting the Jesuits, was supported only by two States and the city of St. Gall. None of these propositions, therefore, obtained the support of twelve States, requisite to constitute a legal vote.

The report of the Committee reprobating the Free Corps Vas discussed on the 20th and 21st; and was ultimately adopted by a majority of thir- teen and two half States.

At the close of the debate, the President closed the session of the Diet in the following terms- " Our deliberations are at an end. Several among us will depart dissatisfied; stud the same feeling will be manifested bye portion of the Swiss 'people. It con- sequently becomes your imperative duty to exert all your efforts for the mainte- pence of order and tranquility, in order that the spirit of party may not triumph over the interests of the country. I must remind the Canton of Lucerne, how much depends on itself not to increase the public irritation, and to bring about a conciliation by a patriotic sacrifice. May Switzerland be ready to meet all eventa- eli,ties and strong enough to maintain her honour and her liberties under all cir- cundances. Repentance will come too late if the authority and force of Switzer- land be at the mercy of parties."

Daring the debates, a note by M. Guizot to the French Minister at- tracted some animadversions, on account of the peremptory manner in which it enforced the necessity of suppressing the Free Corps. On the last day of the session, the President announced the receipt of a note from Prince Metternich, the Austrian Prime Minister; but he did not commu- nicate it to that assemblage. It has since transpired in the papers and proves to be an echo of Lord Aberdeen's note on the state of Switzerland, tat, couched in more peremptory language. "The cessation of the Act of Union between the twenty- two Sovereign Can- tons of Switzerland will be in the interior of the Confederation the signal of civil war, of anarchy, and oppression; while as regards foreign relations, it will break those titles under which these twenty-two States occupy their actual position in the great European family. • a a A government not posqrssing sufficient power to master its subjects—to prevent them carrying, with arms in hand, mur- der and pillage into the territory of an inoffensive neighbour—such a government would not deserve that name. It would be worthy of being put to the ban of the opinion of civilized Europe, if to the toleration of such misdeeds it should add acts of connivance. In a confederation of states, united one with another for the sake of aid and mutual assistance, the odium of such enterprises would be farther augmented by the weight of those sentiments that are always natu- rally excited by the violation of sworn faith. Such a disorder must be put an end to, and extirpated by the root. It must cease to be possible that a Canton, besieged by armed bands encamped along its frontiers, shall for months together be kept under arms and obliged to exhaust the means and patience of its liopu- lation, if Switzerland desires to preserve in the eyes of foreign nations the charac- ter of a Confederation of States, (to quote the words of the declaration of Vienna, of the 20th March 1815,) in the integrity in which they existed as a political body at the period of the Convention of the 29th October 1813, the same being recognized as the basis of the Helvetic system."

The Zurich Gazette, of the 23d, announces that the Prussian Ambassador had communicated a despatch to the President, precisely of the same com- plexion as that forwarded to him by Prince Metternich. Most of the Deputies left Zurich on the 21st, to return to their respective Cantons. Much anxiety was felt by the Directory, as there was reason to apprehend some new movements on the part of the Free Corps; and Lucerne persisted in calling in the Jesuits, although the General of that order had been exhorted by the Pope not to let them enter the Canton. Great activity had been observable during the last sittings of the Diet among the Radicals; several well-known leaders of the Free Corps had been seen at Zurich with their badges of command; and some meetings of the same party had been held, at which a member of the Diet had spoken with extraordinary violence. Several arrests had taken place at Lucerne, of refugees, charged with being engaged in organizing a conspiracy in that town.

MA 'A.A.—The Malta Times denounces a new attack upon the currency of the island. Some time since, Government fixed the legal value of the Spanish dollar at 4s. 2d., it having been current at 4s. 4d. The consequence was, that while the Sicilian dollar, which had been current by the custom of the island at 4e. 2d., continued to be current at that rate, the Spanish dollar was exported to places where it was of higher value and this went on, although, when the value of the Spanish dollar was fixed, the Sicilian coin ceased to be a legal tender." Now, the Government have decreed that it shall be a "legal tender," but at the rate of 4s. only; a deduction, ob- aerves the Malta Times, equivalent to a tax of 4 per cent in addition to the previously-imposed burden of 4 per cent on the bullion of the island. The merchants and bankers have agreed to take the Sicilian dollar at 4s. 2d for six months longer; an act of generosity which is expected to obviate some of the worst immediate effects of the change. The British Govbrnment is blamed for neglecting to provide the island with a sufficient circulating medium; a neglect which occasions these vexatious and injurious tamperings.

UNITED SrarEs.—The packet-ship Indiana brings intelligence from New York to the 6th instant. It is important; involving some serious legislative measures, and the inauguration of the new President.

On the 27th February, the Senate adopted the "joint resolutions" sent up by the House of Representatives, for annexing Texas to the Union, The Senate, however, appended to the resolutions a bill by Mr. Benton, which provides that a " State " shall be at once formed out of the " terri- tory " of Texas, and that the annexation shall be effected by treaty or by articles submitted to Congress. By the resolutions, it is provided that More States may be formed out of the Texan territory, with or without slavery, as the inhabitants may desire. During the discussion in Senate, the measure was strongly resisted by a few Senators, as a " deed ot violence," and various amendments were moved to limit or defeat it; hut they were rejected by considerable majorities. Finally, the measure was adopted, by 27 to 25. It at once received the signature of President Tyler - and he sent off instructions to the American Minister in Texas to taki; steps in furtherance of its object.

It is said that Sefior Almonte, the Mexican Minister at Washington, had protested against the whole proceedings, as equivalent to a declaration of war against his country.

The Oregon Occupation Bill came before the Senate on the 3d. The President sent notice that the question was in a fair way to be settled by negotiation with the British Government. The bill was pressed to a vote, and it was lost; the votes being 21 for, 23 against. The matter, therefore, remains as before.

The " territories" of Florida and Iowa had been formally admitted VI " States " into the Union, returning Senators to Congress. Slavery, divorcee, and lotteries, are forbidden in the latter state. This raised the number of States to twenty-eight, exclusive, of Texas.

A proposition for allowance of drawbacks on goods reshipped to Canada has passed both Houses of Congress. It appears to give very general satis- faction. This will affect many of the Lake shipments to Canada. A new postal rate of five cents for letters under 300 miles, and tart cents above that distance, had passed; coming into operation next July. The opposition to it was very great, many supposing that the drain upon the treasury which it must create would require an additional tariff to keep the Government in funds. The private mails, of which such loud com- plaints have been raised by the Post-office authorities, will be effectually put a stop to by this arrangement.

The Presidency of Mr. John Tyler terminated on the 3d instant, and that of Mr. James K. Polk began on the 4th; on which day the inana oration of the new President was performed with mach ceremony. .0er account is abridged from that given, in true Yankee style, by an America newspaper.

The weather was unpropitious, but nevertheless "Pennsylvania Avenue IVO crowded with pedestrians, and carriages and vehicles of all sorts." The crowd Wai particularly dense at Coleman's, where the new President had taken up his ahead The Marshals had great difficulty in keeping clear a sufficient space for the mil- tary, in consequence of the pressure of the crowd; whose Democratic feelings would not suffer them to see the necessity of keeping the middle of the road in front of the hotel quite clear of persons, when they wanted to see the President whom they had helped to elect. The roof of the carriage was, however, opened, notwith- standing the rain, which was not very heavy; and Mr. Polk shortly made his ep- ee, accompanied by Mr. Tyler, and both got into the carriage. Some rertilyi cheers were given at his appearance; and that trite, although it would appear unanswered question, was repeatedly asked, with great emphasis, Who is James K. Polk ? ' and it elicited roars of laughter. The next carriage to the President was occupied by two young gentlemen unknown to the writer, and to the public also; while in the third were Postmaster-General Wickliffe, Mr. Secre- tary Wilkins, and a third not recognized. The procession then began to move off towards the capitol.

"The Chief Marshal and his aids were bedizened with the usual quantity of silks and ribands in the way of scarfs and nisettes; and for batons of office each was provided with a piece of young hickory about two feet long, which, of course, each had decked with as much riband as suited his taste, some with much, others with little. Of course, the Marshals were obliged to make the usual, or rather an extra quantity of fuss, and to gallop about most furiously, for no other earthly purpose but the endangering the lives of the crowd who accompanied the proces- sion. The military were well represented. There were several _fine companies, and all in excellent order and apparently well drilled. Their appearance gave

universal satisfaction and a the greatest share of attention next to Presi- dent Polk. The Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution ' were represented by one fat pursy gentleman, in a sort of navy undress, who might be some purser Or other, about fifty years of age, two young naval officers, one of them (Liedtenaut Eld) late of the Exploring Expedition and two boys apparently midshipmen, about sixteen years of age; and this respectable numbei of five individuals repre- sented the Revolutionary warriors. The clergy turned out well. There were about twenty of that profession; and the different denominations were well represented. The President came next, looking well, though thin and anxious in appearance, with President Tyler in the same carriage. -Ex-Presidents—none. Tyler's Ca- binet—Wickliffe and Wilkins. Supreme Court—none. Diplomatic Corps—none. Then came the Members and Ex-Members of Congress, of whom there was a goodly number; headed by Shepherd Carey of Maine, of Yconisury memory, and. long John Wentworth of Illinois, who stands the head and shoulders taller than his fellow Members of the House of Representatives. The sum total, however, Of Members of Congress, of the Baltimore Convention, Governors, and Ex-Govemore, Members and Ex-Members of State Legislatures, Federal and State Jud es, did not number more than 100 or 120 persons. Officers of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Millie, we did not see at all, except those belonging to and with the military in the procession. Then came the Empire Club,. or rather the banner with the few accompanying. members and the band, and a piece of ordnance: and the balance of the procession perhaps numbered 400 or 500 persons—certainly not more."

The Senate Chamber was thronged in every part, and looked unusually bril- liant, from the assemblage of ladies and officers in uniform; among whom General Scott was rnnspicuous for his towering form and lofty. plumes. Having entered the Chamber for a few minutes, the two Presidents, with the Members of the Senate, proceeded to the East portico; where President Polk was to address the multitude. Their appearance caused a new commotion in the crowd- " Hurried inquiries and replies of 'Which is him?' That's him.' 'No, that's too big.' 'Down with the umbrellas ! you'veno business to have 'em here.' "That's him with the paper in his hand.' 'Which, which?' Do tell me which is he?' No, I tell you that's not him, he's not so big.' 'Down with the umbrellas, down!' I tell you it is him—I know him as well as I know you.' 'Down with the tun-

brellas, I tell you,' and such like, were heard all around." . Having taken the oaths, the President delivered his "inaugural ad- dress"; a document of moderate length as compared with the great Presi- dential messages, for it does not occupy more than four columns in the daily papers.

He begins with an expression of diffidence at assuming "responsibilities so vast." "Well may-the boldest fear and the wisest tremble, when meurring.respon- sibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and, in some degree, the hopes and happiness of the whole human family." He broadly and emphatically declares his thoiuueh adhesion to the constitution of the United States—" the safeguard of our i&lerate compact, the offspring of concession and compromise": "it will be my first care to administer the government in the true spirit of that instrument, and to assume no powers not expressly granted or clearly implied in its terms." Be formally recognizes the sovereignty of the seve- ral States; and then proceeds with an enlogium on the institutions of the Union— "This This most admirable and wisest system of well-regulated self-government

among men, ever devised by human minds, has been tested by its successful ope- ration for more than half a century."

This leads to a manifesto of his own policy; but which is rather implied than asserted. The subject of slavery especially-is approached in a very delicate and covert way. He is speaking of the Union—" Every lover of his country must shudder at the thought of the possibility of its dissolution, and will be ready to adopt the patriotic sentiment, Our Federal Union—it must be preserved.' To preserve it, the compromises which alone enabled our fathers to form a common coastittition for the government and protection of so many States and distinct communities, of such diversified habits, interests, and domestic institutions, must be sacredly and religiously observed. Any attempt to disturb or destroy these compromises, being terms of the compact of Union, can lead to none other than the most ruinous and disastrous consequences. It is a source of deep regret, that in some sections of our country misguided persons have occasionally indulged in schemes and agitations, whose object is the destruction of domestic institutions existing in other sections—institutions which existed at the adoption of the con- stitution, and were recognized and.protected by it. All must see, that if it were possible for them to be successful in attaining their object, the dissolution of the Union, and the consequent destruction of our happy form of government, must speedily follow."

Another bit of eulogy for the Union ushers in a deprecation of a State Bank and the fiscal policy implied in such an institution. "With these views of the nature, character, and objects of the Government, and the value of the Union, I shall steadily oppose the creation of those institutions and systems which in their nature tend to pervert it from its legitimate purposes, and make it the instru- ment of sections, classes, and individuals. We need no national banks, or other extraneous institutions, planted around the Government to control or strengthen it in opposition to the will of its authors. Experience has taught us how unne- cessary they are as auxiliaries of the public authorities, how impotent for good, and how powerful for mischief. "Ours was intended to be a plain and frugal Government. • • • A national debt has become almost an institution of European monarchies. It is viewed in some of them as an essential prop to existing Governments. Melan- choly is the condition of that people whose Government eon be sustained only by a system which periodically transfers large amounts from the labour of the many to=the coffers of the few. Such a system is incompatible with the ends for which our Republican Government was instituted." "Repudiation," though not mentioned in terms, is discountenanced. "I con-

te my fellow-citizens on the entire restoration of the credit of the General Government of the Union, and that of many of the States. Happy would it be for the indebted States if they were freed from their liabilities, many of which were incautiously contracted. _Although the Government of the Union is neither in a legal nor a moral sense bound for the debts of the States--and it would be a violation of our compact of union to assume them—yet we cannot but feel a deep interest in seeing all the States meet their public liabilities, and pay off their just debts at the earliest practical period. That they will do so as soon as it can be done without imposing too heavy burdens on their citizens, there is no reason to doubt. The sound, moral, and honourable feelings of the people of the indebted States, cannot be questioned; and we are happy to perceive a settled disposition on their part, as their ability returns, after a season of unexampled pecuniary em- barrassment, to pay off all just demands, and to acquiesce in any reasonable mea- sures to accomplish that object." Air. Polk discusses the expediency of a high tariff; advocating moderation. "In the general proposition, that no more money shall be collected than the ne- cessitiee of an economical administration shall require, all parties seem to ac- quiesce. Nor does there seem to be any material difibrence of opinion as to the absence of right in the Government to tax one section of country, or one class of citizens, or one occupation, for the mere profit of another. Justice and sound policy forbid the Federal Government to foster one branch of industry to the de- triment of another, or to cherish the interests of one portion to the injury of ano- ther portion of our common country.' • • * The power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises,' was an indispensable one to be conferred on the Federal Government, which without it would possess no means of providing for its own support. In executing this power, by levying a tariff of duties for the support of Government, the raising of revenue should be the object and protection the incident. To reverse this.principle, and make protection the object and revenue the incident, would be to inflict manifest injustice upon all other the protected interests. In levying duties for revenue, it is doubtless proper to make such discri- minations within the revenue principle as will afford incidental protection to our homainterests. Within the revenue limit, there is a discretion to discriminate; be- yond that limit, the rightful exercise of the power is not conceded. The inciden- talprotection afforded to our home interests Iy discriminations within the revenue range, it is believed will be ample. In making discriminations, all our home interests should, as far as practicable, be equally protected. The largest portion °four people are agriculturists. Others are employed in manufactures, commerce, navigation, and the mechanic arts. They are all engaged in their respective pur- suits, and their joint labours constitute the national or home industry. To tax one branch of this home industry for the benefit of another, would be unjust. No one of these interests can rightly claim an advantage over the others, or to be enriched by impoverishing others. All are equally entitled to the fostering care and-protection of the Government In exercising a sound discretion in levying discriminating duties within the limit prescribed, care should be taken that it be done in a manner not to benefit the wealthy few at the expense of the toiling millions, by taxing lowest the luxuries of life, or articles of superior quality and high price, which could only be consumed by the wealthy, and highest the neces- saries of life, or articles of coarse quality and low price, which the poor and great mass of our _people must consume. The burdens of Government should, as far as practicable, he distributed justly and equally among all classes of our popu- laten."

He is fully prepared to carry out the new law of annexation. "The republic of Texas has made known her desire to come into our Union, to form a part of our confederacy, and enjoy with us the blessings of liberty, secured and guaranteed by our constitution. Texas was once a part of our country (! !!)—was unwisely ceded away to a foreign power—is now independent, and possesses an undoubted right to dispose of a part or the whole of her territory, and to merge her sovereignty as a separate and independent state in ours. I congratulate my country, that, by an act of the late Congress of the United 'States, the assent of this Government has been given to the reunion; and it only remains for the two countries to agree upon the terms, to consummate an object so important to both. I regard the question of annexation as belonging exclusively to the United States and Texas. They are independent powers, competent to contract; and foreign nations have no right to interfere with them, or to take exceptions to their reunion. Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the trim character of our Government. Our 'Union is a confederation of independent States, whose policy is peace with each other and all the world. To enlarge its limits, is to extend the dominions of peace over additional territories and increasing millions. The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government. While the Chief Magistrate and the popular branch of Congress are elected for short terms by the suffrages of those millions who must in their own persons bear all the burdens and miseries of war, our Government cannot be otherwise than pacific. Foreign powers should therefore look on the an- nexation of Texas to the United States, not as the conquest of a nation seeking to extend her dominions by arms and violence, but as the peaceful acquisition of a territory once her own, by adding another member to our confederation, with the consent of that member; thereby diminishing the chances of war, and opening to

them new and ever-increasing markets for their products. To Texas the retmisa is important, because the strong protecting arm of our Government would be ex- tended over her, and the vast resources of her fertile soil and genial climate would be speedily developed; while the safety of New Orleans and of our whole South- western frontier against hostile aggressions, as well as the interests of the whole Union, would be promoted by it. • • •

"None can fail to see the danger to our safety and future peace if Texas remains an independent State, or becomes an ally or dependency of seine foreign nation

more powerful than herself: Is there one among our citizens who would not prefer perpetual peace with Texas to occasional wars, which so often occur be- tween bordering independent nations? Is there one who would not prefer free intercourse with her to high duties on all our products and manufactures which enter her ports or cross her frontiers? Is there one who would not prefer an un- restricted communication with her citizens, to the frontier obstructions which must occur if she remains out of the Union? Whatever is good or evil in the local institutions of Texas will remain her own, whether annexed to the United States or not None of the present States will be responsible for them, any more than they are for the local institutions of each other. They have confederated together for certain specified objects. Upon the same principle that they would refuse to form a perpetual union with Texas, because of her local institutions, our forefathers would have been prevented from forming our present Union. Per- ceiving no valid objection to the measure, and many reasons for its adoption, vitally affecting the peace, the safety, and the prosperity of both countries, I shall, on the broad principle which formed the basis and produced the adoption of our constitution and not in any narrow spirit of sectional policy, endeavour, by all constitutional, honourable, and appropriate means, to consummate the ex- pressed will of the people and Government of the United States, by the ?numer- ation of Texas to our Union at the earliest practicable period." From the annexation of Texas, he easily slides to the occupation of Oregon. "Nor will it become in a less degree my duty to assert and maintain, by all con-

stitutional means, the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains. Our title to the country of the Oregon is clear and unquestionable ; and already are our people preparing to perfect title, by occupying it, with their wives and children. * • • The jurisdiction of our laws, and the benefits of our Republican institutions, should be extended

over them in the distant regions which they have selected for their homes. The increasing facilities of intercourse will easily bring the States, of which the formation in that part of our territory cannot be long delayed, within the sphere of our Federative Union. In the mean time, every obligation imposed by treaty or conventional stipulations should be sacredly respected. With repect to internal administration, Mr. Polk undertakes that "a strict per- formance of duty will be exacted from all public officers": but, on the other

hand, Ile confidently relies "upon the aid and assistance of the coordinate deprtments of Government in conducting public affairs." And he promises to be, in his official action," "not the President of party only, but of the whole people of the United Stales." The account which we have quoted records some of the comments in the crowd— "'Listen! he's poking it into the Abolitionists.' 'Go it, old boy! that's the ticket.' 'Give 'ern pepper, Hickory.' By and by another remarks, I don't hear him say anything about protection.' 'Protection be hanged ! ' says another; we •

don't want any.? 'Don't want a protective tariff? ! an American not want a protective tariff?' cries the man, perfectly aghast with astonishment No American wants protection; he wants a fair field and no favour; and I don't thank any man for helping me against another.' 'It ain't fair,' replies the second;

when a third says, Stop your talk, then; I want to hear what he's saying.' ? He's reading; and you can too, if you like,' replies another: on which x horse-laugh goes up, and Mr. Polk goes on. 'There, he's on Texas now,' says

another. That's it, keep the ball rolling,' cries another. Texas and Oregon!'

shouts another; and these remarks, with variations' are to be heard all over the ground. The inaugural is finally finished, and Down with umbrellas!'—' Take

rem down Down with 'em ! Down !'—' Down!'—' Down !'—' Down!' re- sounds from every part of the crowd : and simultaneously goes down every um- brella; and Mr. Polk is perceived by the vast congregation, with the Bible in his

band; and his lips are seen to move as he repeats the oath to protect the consti- tution; and finally kisses the book; when a gun 18 fired, and a deafening cheer rends the air.'"

These ceremonies concluded, the procession reformed, and conveyed Mr. Polk to his official residence, the White House.

WEST INDIES.—The steamer Severn brings mails from Jamaica to the 23a February, and from the other colonies of corresponding dates. The damage caused by the fire at Bridgetown in Barbados is now estimated at not more than 50,0001. The loss fell principally on the wealthier inhabitants; and they already talked of improvements, for which the rebuilding would afford opportunity.

The disaster had delayed Governor Grey's departure to meet Governor M'Leod of Trinidad, in conference with Lord Elgin, in Jamaica, on the subject of a penal settlement for West Indian criminals. Several places are named as the probable site of the proposed settlement—the Falkland Islands, accounted too remote and profitless for the purpose; Rattan Island, too near the Mosquito shore; and Jamaica itself, where the copper-mines would afford lucrative employment for convicts. Lord Elgin laid the foundation-stone of a new Penitentiary at Kingston, on the 22d February. In his address he "regretted that such an erectMa is imperatively called for by the unlooked-for and lamentable increase of crime."

It is still reported, that in consequence of the very favourable season, as well as the improving cultivation, a larger crop of sugar will be produced in the West Indies than has been obtained for many years. Jamaica, it is computed, will make 50,000 hogsheads Demeram 45,000, and the other islands one-third or a half more than usual.