The Caledonian

"TO PLAGUE THE INVENTORS."

The Whigs have long complained of the improper interference of the federal office-holders in elections; but it has suited their antagonists to deny the justice of their complaints. It seems, however, by the proceedings of the Democratic Association of the second ward, Southwark, (near Philadelphia,) that they begin to feel the corrupting influence of this interference. It appears, by the proceedings of this meeting, that in the nomination of the democratic ticket for the Legislature of Pennsylvania, in that county, public opinion had been unequivocally and by a very large majority expressed in favor of Major Thomas D. Grover, as one of the candidates. "But the office-holders preferred William Bonsall- and in the end, patronage as usual, was too powerful for numbers."

Grover was defeated, and Bonsall's name was put upon the ticket. The "Democratic Association" of Southwark, thereupon assembled, and passed a number of peppery resolutions-denouncing Bonsall "as a mere squatter in the district, and a notorious cats paw of the Post Office and Custom House departments;" defending Major Grover from the attacks of his assailants; declaring their determination not to support Bonsall, &c. &c.-

They conclude with the following resolutions, which show how faithfully Mr Van Buren adheres to the pledge of his illustrious predecessor to preserve the freedom of elections unimpaired by the influence of federal patronage

Resolved, That it is with deep regret -that we have learned that the son of the 'Collector of the port of Philadelphia was at Manayunk on last Sabbath, and paid for the refreshments had by the members of a caucus held there on that day to thwart the freemen of this district in the selection of a Representative.

Resolved, That we will not be dictated to by any persons connected with the Custom House or Post Office departments, because we are of age and fully qualified to judge for ourselves.

Resolved, That as freemen and democrats we cannot and will not support any ticket got up by bargain, fraud, and caucusing at Manayunk on last Sabbath, by a few corrupt officeholders and office hunters.

Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be forwarded to the President of the United States, one to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, one to the Postmaster General, one to Col. Page, Postmaster at Philadelphia, and one to the Surveyor of this port.