Elizabeth Town Gazette

From the Franklin Gazette.

Extract of a letter dated Washington, January 25.

"In the House of Representatives to-day, when the Speaker came to Ohio, for petitions, he said that he had received a letter from a man in Ohio, and that when he first opened the letter, he thought it was a quiz; but after reading it he considered it his duty to bring it to the view of the house. It proved to be from a man in Ohio who had invented a peculiar kind of a trap to catch rats and mice. The letter was read and laid on the table. Being in front of the gallery, I distinctly heard one of the members request another to move to have the letter referred to the committee on the district of Columbia, as there are a great number of rats in this place.

After the adoption of several resolutions, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole. Mr. Baldwin in the chair, on the Missouri bill. Mr. Storrs offered an amendment to the bill, which he said was intended to effect a compromise. This amendment was opposed by Mr. Clay, Mr. Lowndes, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Randolph. Mr. Clay said that he hoped the gentleman from New York would withdraw his amendment, that they might meet the main question of restriction boldly and fairly. Mr. Randolph said he did not like this bush fighting. He was opposed to the amendment. He said that the tables of the members had been covered with pamphlets and papers against restriction, and he was determined that the people should see the other side of the question. "God," he said, "had given that country, and the Devil himself should not take it from us."

At about half past four o'clock, the committee rose, and the house adjourned.

The Missouri question is now fairly before both houses; and if I am to judge of the opinions entertained and expressed here, it will occupy a month, and but little other business can be done this season. It is understood that no compromise can be effected. The house appears to be well attended, and the members will no doubt be all present, who are able, when the question is taken. The information I have received from the friends of restriction, and from various sources, induces me to believe that there will be a small majority in favor of restriction in the house."

* [It does not appear that the Devil has manifested any disposition to take the country from you—on the contrary, is he not aiding his friends to make it the residence of TYRANTS and SLAVERY—not the Asylum of Freemen ?]