“There is a point beyond which forbearance ceases to be a virtue,” and we think the people of Martha’s Vineyard have, long since, exceeded that point. To be sure you have cursed yourselves; you have waited patiently for “something to turn up,” until your patience has become supineness, and you have no one to blame but yourselves. But the Vineyard has just began to awaken from this morbid state, and has put forth a hand to help itself. One of the best efforts ever made upon this island has just been put into effective operation.

The Anti-Slavery Amendment to the Constitution, passed the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, on Tuesday last. As the resolution has passed the Senate, nothing is now required but the endorsement of the measure by three-fourths of the States.

A new town has been added to Dukes County; the act establishing the town of Gosnold, embracing the Elizabeth Islands, heretofore a part of Chilmark, having been signed by the Governor and become a law. - Mercury.

The Selectmen of this town have granted a license to Mr. Peter West to plant, grow and dig oysters, in a certain part of Squash Meadow Pond, for 20 years. We are glad to hear this. The oysters grown on this Island are of a very superior quality, and we should not be surprised to learn of the complete success of the new enterprise.

This new and superior steamer arrived at this port on her first trip from New Bedford, on Saturday last. Our old and much esteemed friend, Capt. Cromwell, who commands her, is greatly pleased with her, in every respect and thinks her a better boat than was the Eagle’s Wing. We hope to see her well patronized. Since the old boat was burned, the Vineyard people have suffered much for want of a regular communication with the main land.

The storm of Saturday was very severe. We fear that we are yet to hear of much serious loss. The ship Maritana, Williams, of Providence, from Liverpool, with a valuable cargo and 14 passengers, struck on Egg Rock, off Hull, about midnight. About 7 A.M. the ship broke in two suddenly, and immediately went to pieces. The captain was instantly killed, and 21 others also perished. Thirteen were saved; nine of them by Samuel James, of Hull, in a dory, alone.

We regret to announce the almost total loss of this splendid and favorite steamer by fire. She left here for New Bedford on Wednesday, the 24^th ult., and made a fine passage to that port. Shortly after arriving there, she steamed up for Providence, with the intention of making an excursion from that city. She had proceeded to within five miles of Providence, when she was discovered to be on fire in the vicinity of the steam-chimney on the promenade deck.