The New York Herald Newspaper, December 29, 1843, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD. w York, Friday, December 29, 1843. The Newspaper Press and the American Republican Party It very singular fact in the history of the newspaper press of this city, that not a single paper has taken uotice of the movements of the American Republican Party with the excep- tion of the Herald alone. seem to avoid it, or, if they make any reference at is a all to their movements, or make a record of any of their meetings, it is with a view to underrate their pretensions and popularity, and to make an impres- sion upon the public that they never can reach any prominent pointjin public affairs here This peculiar characteristic of the press, suppressing vely important intelligence of a public nature, arises from their political thral- dom and party selfishness. Almost all the leading newspepers, with the exception of a few neutral ones, which have no end or aim of any kind, are bound to, and tied up with, particular cliques of politicians and financiers ; they dare not travel beyond the lines pointed out by these cliques for their government,without bringing themselves into great trouble and annoyance in their financial affairs; therefore, for a paper con- ducted upon business principles, and upon the cash system, like the Herald, the whole field is open to give the fullest synopsis of every kind of news that may take place, either here or elsewhere. The American Republican party, indeed, from the popularity of their movement, are creating a sort of field for new penny papers, but they do not amountto much. We believe that three of them have started since the party came into existence ; but their inefficiency, and their being managed by two or three little cligues of individuals, will always prevent them from attaining any sound standing or in influencing their own party or the public mind. The shackles that have heretofore bound newspa- pers with mere political cliques are broken, and mind governs all public movements, not newspa- pers or cligues. There is, however, one great mis- take to the very verge of which the new party is rapidly approaching, and that is, yielding to the in- fluence of various cligues who, with all their usual intolerance, absurdity and confusion of ideas, which characterise all cliques, are threatening to involve this in all the disgrace and ruin which simi- Jar means brought upon the two old parties. In one of the little penny papers, of little or no circulation, to which we have just alluded, we find a communication, which affords very melancholy evidence of the growth of the evil of which we would warn this new party. The communication js anonymous, but the authorship is very easily de- tected. The violence of its language, the loose- ness of its style, the dictatorial character of its tone, the vulgarity of its vituperation—all very clearly establish the identity of this communica- tion with the speeches of Mr. Sammons, one of the American Republican orators of the Third Ward. ‘No one who has read any of these speeches, as re- ported in the Herald, can fail to observe their stri- king similarity—their identity with this communi- cation. Here it is:— Drax Sin :—I have witnessed with some interest the course of acertain journal in this city, in relation to the American Republican party. So soon as the Editor re- turned from his foreign tour, he immediately set to work with all his power of ink and paper (for soul he has none) to ridicule and put down your cause, Soon, however, he found that his subscribers would not submit to any such foreign dictation, and thus, in order to win back lost favor, and to revenge himself upon the Irish repealers, beca of their great champion having ejected him from a great repeal meeting in Ireland, he immediately wheels to the right-about,cvd is most furious in your support. But why, 1am sure I cannot tell ; whether it war the shining siller, or love of these Papistical doctrine: hich he boasts that from early infancy he has been ‘initiated ; or hatred of every thing American, as the man is still an’un- naturalized foreigner. Yet so it was, again he stood upon the old trick, an Fidieuled your principles, as being at least two centuries behind the intelligence of the age. ‘The election was near at hand, he injured you all he could The election came, the votes were counted—eight thou sand vight hundred told in round numbers yonr prodi ious strength, and what then :—The viper found he had been gnawing a file. He was alarmed. With jesuitical cunning forthwith yielding to his sui-generis nature, he again performs a Jim Crow evolution, and so the man is a third time with Fh in full chase, crying, stop thief, stop thief, in as much earnestness, and with the same inten- tion, as ene of the city police who is after a rogue, really not for the purpose of arrest, but to get a reward. ‘Then forthwith he sets himself up asa Dictator, advises the American Republicans tog in for anew candidate for the next Presidency, besides various other sugges- tions, all of which hé well knew were in direct op- position to the avowed and real sentiments of the party. Failing to distract the party by bring- ing in the Presidential question, which ‘under any cir- cumstances you have wisely determined not to meddle with, as a party ; he then makes up various reports of fictitious meetings never held, publishes speeches never made, as ifthe cause was a fair subject of ridicule. This, like every other project, failed, and then apparently with the wild enthusiasm of a flaming zealot, he dashes away in your favor with as much show of sincerity as if he were really in earnest. For a time all went on right mer- rily ; but ‘the very first opportunity that offered, hi All the other papers in| | or its leaders, or its machinery, or its origin, pro- mises us the same reform of the city government _ as do the American Republicans, we shall render toitas free and generous support, in all its move- ments, a3 We have extended to te American Re- | publicans. What reason, therefore, is there for | Mr. Sammons, or Mr. Any-body-else, to pour out | such a torrent of vituperction and impudence against us, because we; happen to assist, in our own independent way, that very party to whose welfare he is professedly devotedj? Such suicidal | conduct cannot, we fearlessly assert, come from | an honest quarter. Were the writer of the effusion | we have given actuated by pure motives—did he really desire the prosperity of the principles about which he so loudly declaims—were he really an | honest, modest, sincere man—could he by any pos- sibility exgjt such a dictatorial, impertinent, abusive communication—a communication so much calcu- lated to disgrace and injure the party? Most cer- tainly net. We very much regret to see these indications of a desire and intention to browbeat—to intimi- date—to use the people—by individuals in this party, We regard such conduct as altogether opposed to the spirit of the movement—its prin- ciples, its objects, its purposes. And we trust that the true authors of the party—its true leaders—its true supporters, the great inde- pendent masses of intelligent and industrious me- chanics, who do not live by political agitation, but who wish to be delivered from it in every shape and whereever it may appear, will put down promptly all such attempts to dictate to them, and to lay down set rules to regulate all who may be friendly to their great and patriotic purposes. On all occasions since this party came into exis- tence, we have given a fair representation of its doings. We have given the American Republi- cans good advice. We have assured them again and again that if they adhered to their repeated pledges about municipal reform, that we should support them through the election, and oppose them only when they abandoned their promises. By re- porting their meetings we have done more to give strength and popularity and currency to the party than all their orators put together; and this the most sensible and intelligent men of the party frankly and gratefully acknowledge. All this has not been done without cost; and we have expended many hundreds of dollars in aiding this cause, merely be- cause we believed it to be the cause of municipal reform. And no vulgar abuse from Mr. Sammons —no private slander—no public calumny—can move us one inch from the position we have as- sumed, or from the course of policy which we have marked out for ourselves, And to show that we are still as friendly asever —that we regard the abusive communication in the little penny paper, with little or no circulation, only with pity—we shall give some more advice to the orators of the party. If, instead of now attempt- ing, as did the sophists and demagogues of the democracy of ancient Athens, to disturb, and divide and inflame the people, they were to set out on a great mission of political reform throughout the country, they would indeed be doing the State some service, and per- forming something in the way of establishing their own sincerity and honesty. Let them go to Philadelphia, and Boston, and Albany, and all the large cities and towns in the country, and stir the people up to the great work of reform. They could easily raise money enough to defray all expenses from the independent classes of the people, anda great movement might be originated which, at this particular crisis of our history, would lead to pro- digious results. ‘This would be a much nobler and more fitting work! for Mr. Sammons and others, than that of abusing and vilifying all who do not choose to adopt all his or their crude, illiberal and unenlightened views on particular subjects. This much for the present ; and we appeal to eve- ry reader, whether of the American Republican party or not, whether we are not presented with abundant evidence, in the illiberalityzand gross un- charitableness of the production we have copied, of the danger and disreputable character of that little clique in the Third Ward, which threatens so much injury to this great party, but which we doubt not will be at once properly disposed of and dis armed. ‘ATE REPORM—ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.— We perceive from a number of newspaper an- nouncements in Albany and western New York, that a strong and powerful movement has been made in favor of ‘ constitutional reform,” as it is called, headed by Mr. Hoffman, member of Assem- bly from Herkimer county, and supported by a large portion of the democratic party in both branch- shapes his communications as if there was a serious di culty in the First Ward. He continues to connect the aameof Mr. Ralph, the only disorganizer in that ward, with the names of those who have known no shadow of turning in your cause, up to the very day of your great meeting ot Vauxhall Garden ; evidently hoping that by so doing he would be able to drive away from the meeting those persons, or if they should come there that it would justify the disorganizer in getting up a row. ‘The evening for the meeting came, and such numbers were present, and such unanimity was evinced as was never before seen in our city. No daring disorganizer had the fool-hardiness to say or do ought against the una- nimous manifestations of the people’s wishes. What fol- lowed! Did this apparent friend of the cause have his reporters there ? Certainly not. There was not anim — speech made. There were no divisions; and hence what does he say? Why, there were some pretty little bits of speeches made about the garden, but they contained nothing new, and then authoritatively states that another great mass meeting wall soon be held, and advises that new schemes be set on foot, of which he will be the projector. You may, sir, congratulate the Ameri- can Republicans that, at the’ very first moment, they Jaid down their principles with’ such precision and clearness that they want no addition or alteration.— The people have approved of them, and all you have now to do is to stand fast precisely where you are. Do not permit yourself to be drawn away by every wind of doctrine, but battle manfully upon the broad American foundation which has been so well laid. Assuredly this maa’s whole object has been, and st 5 0 along (where he dare not oppose), and then, "ooeaiehe dra you away from your cause, and thus destroy it. I appeal to the community if this be not so ; and for one I am truly ashamed that any person having a decent regard fer him- self or the country in his paper any longer. As to another mass meeting, [hope the party will fol- low the suggestion you made some time since. That is, to call it on the birth-day of the Father of our country, and not till then. Indeed, with the exception of some three or four wards, it would be more prudent if fewer ward meetings were held until that time; and in the meanwhile let the ward committees more perfectly organ- ize the wards, and see that every person in their respec- tive wards has offered to him the petitions for the modifi cation of the naturalization laws and the repeal of the common school law. There could not possibly be a better corrobora- tion of the accuracy of our delineation of the char- acter of Mr. Sammons, given the other day, than is afforded by this amusing effusion. It would be difficult to find in the same space a greater amount of impudence. In this case the wri ter’s impudence appears to amount to the species of talent attributed by the London “Times” to the famous General Duff Green. The mixture of illiberality, jfolly, impertinence, egotism, vulgarity, ignorance and mistepresenta- tion, presented in this communication, cannot be paralleled except by one of the speeches of Mr. Sammons, the American Republican orator of the Third Ward. It furnishes a very remarkable ap- pendix to the conduct of that individual in rela- tion to the difficulties which oceurred in the recent organization of the First Ward. But we have no idea of allowing the folly and impudence of this in- dividual, or any other, to endanger, in any degree, the safety of the new party. We shall therefore take his effusion, and wringing out its essence, bottle it up for public inspection, just as faithful country agents do the troublesome animals expelled by Sherman’s wonderful lozenges, for the warning, es of the Legislature. This movement has several very important objects. It embraces financial re- form, and also a decided and radical reform of the gross abuses which have been committed with the administration of justice in all the courts and judi- cial tribunals throughout the State. Perhaps, indeed we are sure, there never was atime in the history of this State, when such a movement as this was more needed. In relation to the finance of the State it is all-important that some constitutional check{should be interposed, so as to prevent profligate expenditure and the unne- cessary creation of debt. The truth that the peo- ple should devise some constitutional and efficient means of counteracting a prevailing, corrupt and injudicious legislation in their financial affairs has been written in great and glaring characters in the recent history of Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Mary- land, and other States, Had it not been for the fidelity and vigilance of the newspaper press, and some degree of decency in the democratic portion of the people of the State of New York, we believe that she would have been reduced to the same dis- graceful condition as the States just named. When the whigs were in power, they were running as ra- pidly into debt as they possibly could, and in two or three years longer this State would have been as great a butt as Pennsylvania for the Rev. Syd- ney Smith. But it is manifestly unsafe to trust to such accidental preservatives in future. Let us have some constitutional provision which will ef- fectually secure us against disgrace and ruin by means of corrupt politicians of all parties. Again, in relation to the judiciary and reform of the administration of justice. Look at the scenes which daily pass before the public eye in courts of justice in this city—look at the strange, unblushing evasion of all law, all equity, all justice—look at the inequality in the meting out of punishment to of- fenders. Here, in this city, we have had dozens of defaulters—public robbers, who have plundered banks and insurance companies and defrauded and beggared hundreds and hundreds of widoWs and or- phans, and yet not one of them has been convict- ed. On the other hand miserable, starving, half- naked offenders have been subjected to the utmost rigor of the law. Some poor editor, with three cents in his pocket, like Mike Walsh, happens to say something hard of some fellow who spouts about politics in the dirty rum-holes of the Five Points, and he is at once packed off to the Peni- tentiary, whilst rich old scoundrels who have out- raged the moral sense of the whole eommunity, are able to defy our courts, and in their case it is quite impossible to remove the scales from the eyes of justice. ‘The necessity and importance of this great reform movement are clear as noon-day. We therefore greatly rejoice in it and wish it full and speedy suc- cess. ‘Tue New York Mepicat anv Surercat Insti- tute, No, 75 Cuamner ¢Trext.-—~Persons afflicted with disease, or requiring surgical operations, can- not do better than to apply to this Institution for re- lief. and with almost unprecedented success. Dr. H. Bostwick is the operating surgeon, and we take pleasure in referring our readers to the menthly report, as wellas to the advertisement, which will be found in another column, and will give a much instruction and benefit of all. In regard to the course of this journal, in relation to the American Republican party, we are very free to say, that on many occasions we have remarked in their movements things of which we disapproved. But we permitted them to pass unnoticed, believing that the party were, in the main, more honest, mere practical, and more likely to be useful, than any other. However, we need hardly say, that whilst we were thus indulgent, and thus friendly, we did not give up one iota of our own indepen. dence—our own freedom from all party shackles. And if any other party, we care not what its name, better idea of its usefulness than we can, It has been in operation nearly three years, ‘The Nominations before the United States Senate. The nominations for several high officers in the government, and also for mincr ones, are“still before the United States Senate, and still waiting for the confirmation of that body. A great deal of interest begins to be excited in relation to this point. We understand from the best sources of information at Washington that much curious intrigue 1s en foot in relation to these nominations, and that these in- trigues may develope some curious facts before they are terminated, It will be observed, in the leading noml- nations before the Senate, that the appoint- ments were made principally from a belief of the great influence of the persons so named with the democratic party. For instance, Mr. Porter, now Secretary at War, was appointed to that office from a belief infused into the mind of the President that the Porter influence in Pennsylvania was pre- dominant—thatit could control that State and take it away from Mr. Van Buren. Mr. Nelson, the Attorney General also, it is said, was selected in consequence of his supposed, extraordinary influ- ence over the destinies of Maryland, and the pow- er he could exerciae in giving a new direction to the politics of that State. So in relation to Massa- chusetts—Mr. Henshaw was select?d principally under the advice of Mr. John C. Spencer ; Mr. Rantoul also and others of Boston were selected from a belief that that section of the democracy in Boston could control all that of New England. So also in this city, Mr. Towle and several others were appointed in the Custom House here under the belief that they and their friends had a most extraordinary influence over the young democracy of New York. But recent events in Congress, particularly the election of Mr. Blair by a large vote, and other cir- cumstances, have opened the eyes of the President to the fatal delusion practised upon him in ma- king these appointments. They are now before the Senate ; and we have‘no doubt that the individuals appointed and their friends are engaged in various schemes for the purpose of carrying them safely over that Red Sea of trouble {and disaster. Now it is in relation to this point of which we have in- formation that a variety of curious intrigues are on foot in Washington, that,when they come out, will perhaps astonish persons that never have been asto- nished before. The Senate has a small whig majo- rity. All these appointments have been ultra in their opposition to the whig party, and vehement in their faith, and confidence, and adhesion to the de- mocratic party. Now we should not at all be sur- prised but that arrangements are on foot by which all those distinguished men surrounding the President, and in his daily confidence—either they ortheir friends—will first transform themselvesinto another line and another position in order to get their confirmations through the Senate. We have already heard instances of operations of this descrip- tion, and of the various intrigues that are on foot to deceive the President the second time, and deceive the Senate. But we shall wait the issue. ‘The whole of these nominations may probably be confirmed by the Senate, in consequence of the ad- mirable arrangements made,and the promises given by their friends both to the whig and locofoco par- ty—to Clay, Van Buren, Calhoun, and every one of them—for all sorts of promises are made, and all sorts of declarations are found, so that in the whole thing we perceive one of the funniest in- trigues, double and treble intrigue, that has ever taken place since President Tyler has been in pow. er and deceived by the various branches of the democratic party that have fastened upon him du- ring the last two or three years. . Sicnor Casetta’s Concert.—Signor Casella, the celebrated violoncellist, from Italy, gives his first concert to-night, at which he will be assisted by Mr. Wallace and Madame Sutton. Casella’s qualities are well known upon that great instru- ment. He has made his appearance twice before a New York audience, first at a concert given for the benefit of the French Benevolent Society, and last at the concert given by Mr. Wallace ; and up- on both occasions he drew forth most extraordina- ry applause in every point of view. He seems to be upon the violoncello what Ole Bull is upon the violin—a perfect genius, a poet and an artist of the highest kind. The tones coming from his instru- ment seem to acquire a new grace, a new beauty, and new powers entirely unknown before in this country. We have heard great artists upon this in- strument ; for instance, Marx Bohrer and Knoop; but we must say, in real feeling and in reaching the heart, Casella is far superior to anything we have ever heard before. Upon the same occasion Mr. Wallace will make his appearance. Mr. Wallace, as a geniusin mu- sic, has few superiors. Unfortunately, however, there has been such a constellation of musical ta- lent in this city, that amidst the hurly-burly of con- certs, critics and campaigns, the public mind nas not had sufficient repose to appreciate the great ta- lent of Mr. Wallace, who has extraordinary genius upon the violin. This is admitted by the most cri- tical part of every audience; but the public at large seems to have been entirely without any ap- preciation of his talents; and, what is most re- markable still, Wallace, so eminent upon the vio- lin, is also equally so upon the piano-forte, a com- bination of excellence without a parallel in the musical world. To-night he probably plays upon the piano-forte; we are not certain, however, whether he appears upon the violin ; but, at all events, we bespeak for his performances only a slight degree of attention in order to make them to be appreciated. Mrs. Sutton also makes her appearance at this concert—a lady who has suffered a great deal from the penny-a-line critics of the present day, but whose greatness, strength, beauty and precision of voice are equal to any in the country. Without detracting from the talents of other distinguished and eminent vocalists in the same line, we must say that Mrs. Sutton’s voice, in itspurity and sweet- ness, resembles that of Grisi more than any other. We trust that this concert will be well attended, for the talent combined to furnish the amusement of the evening deserves it in the highest degree. Movements.—Ole Bull has been astonishingly successful, it appears, at Washington, as well as at Baltimore. According to all accounts he has in- fused a spirit of enthusiasm into all classes of socie- ty, that is perfectly irresistible. His career down to New Orleans will be triumphant in the highest degree. One curious thing ought to be stated. It seems that upon the evening after Ole Bull had ap- peared at Washington, Mad. Damoreau Land Artot also made their appearance, but the house was so thin that it passed offso complete a failure that they have taken their departure forthe south. This is a singular result, if it be se as is stated, and it would appear that Ole Bull scatters all competitors round him like chaff before the wind, whether they be musical or instrumental, or even tragic, for we have heard at Washington and Baltimore, he suffered much by the musical furor there. New Year’s Girrs ror 1844, at Repucep Prices.—The Langleys, 57 Chatham street, de. serve the thanks of the book-buying community, fortheir recent liberal measure of reducing the prices of the principal English annuals some twenty per cent, or more, from their retail rates. This they have been enabled to do from having made a heavy importation of these costly works, of which they have a very splendid and recherché assortment; and we understand they have had no occasion to repent their experiment, for all who indulge the luxury of giving to their favorite fair ones such bijouterie on the approaching festival of the New Year, will be sure to avail themselves of the benc- fit. If this present making, which really is one of the purest pleasures we enjoy, confers more on the doner, as it is said, than the receiver, to speculate in annuals is not so bad an investment after all. We refer our readers to their advertisements. Streamer Evreka, Captain Fitch, connects with the Housatonic railroad every day. TuearnicaL anp Musicar—Tue [ratian Overa. —We have heard it stated and contradicted at least three or four times during the last three or four days—that the Italian Opera was go- ing to the Park, and not going to the Park ; that they had made an arrangement with Palmo, and not made an arrangement with Palmo ; and that they did not know what to do, and that they did know what to do. In shert, we have heard all sorts of rumors about this Italian Opera; and we believe—at least so far as we can ascertain yet— that nothing is yet determined upon positively. It is very evident, however, that there is some diffi- culty between the reverend and antiquated system of management at the Park and the Italian singers, and that a great gulf seems to separate the two. Bpon the other hand, Palmo in his new theatre, (which will be finished by the 20th of January,) goes into the field with a decided disposition to make a hit at once. Whether he will do so or not we cannot positively affirm, although it has been af- firmed elsewhere that negociations have been opened. At allevents, if any negociations should be made, we trust and hope that the three principal female vocalists in this city may be all engaged, so that we may have a chance of hearing their different quali- ties in succession—we mean Castellan, Mrs. Sut- ton, and Borghese. Indeed it is said in some quar- ters that the friends of Borghese’ will not permit her to make an engagement with Palmo, or the Park, unless she is prima donna as saluto, thus throwing all the others entirely into the shade, others too, who have in some respects superior attractions. All that the public want is a harmonious opera company, the engagement of all the talent in the city, so that their whole force may be applied to it, and to the final and full establishment of an Ital- ian opera in this city, upon the same plan that it is established in Europe. A fixed, a permanent resi- dence is absolutely necessary for such an establish- ment. Itis utterly impossible for an Italian Opera to be travelling from city to city as single vocalists or tragic stars, They must fix their permanent re- sidence in some great city, andthen all those who want to attend the opera must come to the opera and not the opera go tothem. In this country we expect to see an Italian Opera fixed permanently in New York and New Orleans. By that means it will be possible to combine the greatest talent, with the greatest patronage upon the same points. Boarp or ALpEeRMEN.—This branch of the Com- mon Council meet to-night for the dispatch of bu- siness. Seventh Warp American Repusrican Mest- 1NG.—The association of this Ward met at Sacket’s Lofig Room last evening, but owing to the incle- mency of the weather, the attendance was small. There will be a great turn out on Thursday even- ing of next week. Hawkine anp Peppiina.—A petition to the Le- gislature against hawking and peddling goods with- out license, in the city, is at our desk for signatures. Call and write your name. Exrraorpinary Cases or Butcuery anp Love at 239 anp 240 Broapway.—It is with a melan- choly pleasure that we have to state, for the infor- mation of the whole world, and Joe Smith in parti- cular, that some most extraordinary scenes of un- bloody butchery and exquisite love take place dai- ly under the awful auspices of John Florence, Jun., 239 and 240 Broadway. The unhappy beings undergoing so much torture and affection, are thousands and thousands of the finest oysters, who are (poor things) most unmer- cifully cut open with steel knives, night and day, pickled, fried, and frequently swallowed raw, without the slightest remorse or compunctious vi- sitings of conscience, besides many thousands be- ing sent to all the large cities of Europe, and even to Pekin to adorn the table of the Chinese em- peror. Ifany person, without faith in oysters, doubts our information, just call at Florence’s, 239 Broad- way, and see and swallow the evidence. That’s enough. Sream Sure Hisernra will leave Boston next Monday for Liverpool. Her letter bags will close in this city to-morrow afternoon. City Inte mee. Police Office, Drc. 28—A Rocur of tHE Sam Patcu Oxven.—On the 16th instant, an overcoat valued at about $30, and two yards of cloth worth about $20, were stolen from the store of William T. Church, 196 Wil- liam street, and suspicion rested upon a mulatto man named Elias Maxfield, who had been seen prowling about the premises. A few days since he was seen near the store, and arrested by some one of the clerks, who took him into a back room, where he confessed the theft, and reed to redeem the property, which he had pawned. While preparing to leave the store to go to the pawnbro- ker’s, he sprang out of a back window, and jumped a dis tance of fifteen feet tothe ground, and escaped. On Wednesday evening, as officers Stephens and McGrath were passing through Madison street, the former spiee him, and ued from description that he was the thief. arrested him and lodged, him in the city prison, where he stands fully committed for trial. Avotner Tovcn Casx.—One Billy Peters, who holds forth at 124 West street, met one Maria Taylor on Wed- nesday night while taking an evening stroll, and accom- panied her to her private quarters, where’ she or her partner relieved his pockets of $20. She was arrested, and fully committed to answer the offence. Court of Oyer and Terminer. Before Judge Kent and Aldermen Emmans and Woodhull. Dec. 28.—The Grand Jury, impannelled on Tuesda; last, came into court this morning and presented four bills of indictment, and were then discharged with the thanks of the Court. The bills were handed over to the Court of General Sessions to be disposed of there, the offences not being capital. ‘The trial of Williams for the murder of Stanley, will be heard before this Court on Tuesday next. There being no business to occupy the attention of the Court it then adjourned. Court of Common Pleas, Before Judge Inglis. Dec, 28.--Oran Sherwood vs. Jane M. Fordham, et als.— The jury in this case could not agree and were dis- charged. Thomas Charnley vs. Morris C. Hall, Hen et als —This was an action for damages sustained by thc pis! by the seizure,under execution, of the househol? urniture of his boarding house. The question involved was simply the exemption of property. As usual the cas was given in favor of the plaintiff. Richard C. McCormick vs. Jonathan G. Thompson.—This was an action of Replevin. The plaintiff is the assignee of Mr. Alden, leather dealer and tanner, in Pitt street. who, becoming embarrassed,§and being hard pressed made an assignment of all his property for the benefit of his creditors without distinction or favor—the assignee, Mr. McCormick, not being a creditor. This assignment was made onthe 4th of August, and on the following Monday the defendant came with a cart to the premises in Pitt street and carried off a qnantiy. of unfinished skins and hides of leather. For this the present action is brought. The case will be continued to-morrow. D. Loomis Superior Court. Before the Chief Justic Dec. 28.—Witherell va. Acker.—In tl ase reported yesterday, the Court was occupied all The jury gave the defendant a verdic Amusements. Broapway Circus at Nrsto’s.—Notwithstand- ing the inclemency of the weather last night, hun- dreds crowded this fashlonsble scene of rational enjoy. ment to witness the graceful accomplishments of Mr. Levi North, and convey to him a substantial evidence of their efit was as complete as the circum. ances ofthe weather would permit, but we are gratified to learn that the managers have re-o1 this gentle- man, who will perform this evening in the same charac- ter, and at the afternoon and evening exhibitions of to- morrow. ‘This is an arrangement highly acceptable to the public. # Cuaruam Tueatre.—The theatre-going public will regret to learn that the pretty and graceful danseuse, Miss Ellen Rallia, who has since the opening of this house been a member’ of the company, is about to leave the stage of this her native city, and to seek fame and emolument in a neighboring State. Her first appea! fora benefit she makes to her friends to-night, and we have no doubt that the house will present a full represen: tation from the ranks of her troupe of admirers. there be not a full turn ont, we must attribute itto lack of gal- lantry, as in addition to the charms of the fair benficiare, a most attractive and original bill is offered for the occa. sion. The effective piece of the Miller’s Maid, Tom Cringle, with Scott as the hero ; a new ballet in which s Rallia with Williams (the Egyptian) appears, Mr land, the melodist, sing: al favorite ats,” Miss Clair of the Olympic, with Miss Clemence and Miss Rallia, all dance—which catalogue are only some of the itema of the bill. No ApateMEnt or Arrractions at the American Museum, where all the novelties and amusement of Christmas day are retained, and splendid performances are given ‘every afternoon at three o'clock, and every evening at seven. The afternoon performances afford # fine opportunity for those ladies and families to attend who would otherwise be debarred the amusements of this favorite establishment ; and as the entertainments are pre. cisely the same in the evening, every one can enjoy them Gen. Tom Thumb remains only this week, so no time is to be lost in going to see him. He may he seen at all hour, day and evening, together with the Gypsies,the Queen, &e Look out for something new and extremely interestin, for New Year's day. robation. His M Hor St. BY THE SOUTHERN MAIL. Washington. (Correspondence of the Herald.) Wasuineron, Dec. 27, 1843. James Gorpon Bennett, Esq:— Dear Sm :— Nothing of am cial interest has occurred to- | oo 2 {| ®C- Jonnson—l'm desirous of obliging men. there is a very deep feeling among the Western | in| relation to the occupation of the Oregon Territory. | day in Congress. I would apprize you early tha members, both of the House and of the Senate, Movements of immense importance are in agitation. Ole Bull has just arrived from Baltimore—he steps out of the cars into the green room—plays this | evening—hops into bed at twelve to-night—whips | live on hickory roots (qy. nuts) and slippery elm—the onl. food within our reach, and for want of s publication rf these claims at the proper time we were plundered out of ‘em by speculators. A Memmex—Did he say |hickory nuts and @ la com: paign ? . Wetuan—My friend from ‘Tennessee is most alw: right ; but when he is wrong, hes very wrong. 1 am Gp sed to eek Sayin ‘ik that concerns the widow orphan. fore having contributed my share to the fund of public speaking, I shall vote for printing. l the gentle- Writex—(Laughing)—Yes, by votin, inst all thei measures. (Laughter.) Cries fats uestlon”- several votes were taken, but no quorum voted. The Speaker counted 182 members. At last the resolution to print all the claims on the books for services in both wars and all arrears, was passed almost unanimously. A Mrmpex—There Jae) $300,000 out of the Treasury. Avotner—300 ? Yes, and $3,000,000! Tue Home Squa: ‘The following resolution ofiered by Mr. Haze the other out of it again at five to-morrow morning-—takes | day then came up :— the cars tor Richmond, where he plays to-morrow | tnis or That the Secretary of the Navy report to night. If this is not fiddling on the “go ahead | principle,” then itis not likely to be done in this | day and generation. TWENTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION. In Senate. Wepnespay, Dec. 27, 1848. Little or no business of public interest was trans- acted to-day in the Senate. _ A communication was received from the War Department in relation to the Cherokee Indian af- fairs in answer to a resolution of the Senate. Quite a number of petitions were presented by diflerent Senators, i One by Mr. Wrieut, from the Tonawanda Rail- road Company, asking the exemption of railroad iron from duty Referred. Mr. Brown introduced, on leave, a bill relative | Read twice | to Indian lands—alineating the same. andreferred. Numerous Pensions aad perery were taken from the files and again referre Exvensrs or Goyernment.—The resolution of | Senator Waker, of Mississippi, was read again.— G nt | It asks for the yearly expenditures of Governme: \backod wa shia Wha Ber sitciiie, other —where and for what purpose made, ever since the foundation of the Government. Some debate fol- lowed on the ground of expedieney: in asking for information which could not probal ly ibe obtained WarD SHE much cost of time and labor, if to be got atall. Mr. Evans doubted the expediency of going into the matter. Mr. Crrrrenpen fmade a few remarks on the same side. e oa wip Biel % Mr. Wacker explained his object in calling tor this information. He said very much had been said in relation to the grants of public lands which had been madeto the Western States, and he thought it was no more than fair and right that something should al- so be known and said too, in relation to the expenditure of public monies, when and {tor what purpose, And he de wirea to know if this information was to be withheld from the people of the U. States. Mr. Woopsury said something had been done already on this subject, and could be done again. At least gene- ral results could be attained. Mr. Evans made some further remarks by way of show- ing that even these results could not be relied on, for mo- ney{might be paid at New York which would go to Ken- tucky tor hemp raised there, and the same with timber, &e. ‘Still he would not oppose, although he did not be- lieve the information coul relied on after it was got. The resolution was adopted. ‘The Senate shortly adjourned. House of Representatives. Wasnrneton‘ City, (Wednesday night,) i December 27, 1843. The House resolves to eleet a new Postmaster—Also to pubilsh the names of all entitled to reward for serviccs in the two Wars—Debate and deter- mination to cut down the Home Squadron and the Navy Generally—First Gun for the Presiden- tial Election ! The Select Committee to consider and report on all the strange semi abolition petitions has been made up—Mr. Adams is at the head, with Gid- di Garrett Davis, Clingman, Rhett, Gilmer, and t ree others on it. Committees were called for reports. Mr. Vance reported against a claim fora steam- boat lost in the Florida war. He moved to lay it on the table. Kennepy—Lay what on the table—the steamboat —(laughter.) , Cave Jounson—I object, Sir—(laughter.) ne —It is only an adverse report, Sir—(cry of a) Mr. Cranton sent up’aresolution to allow the Ex- penditure Committee t¢ send for persons and pa- Ts. PeApans—That’s a very wide power, Sir; is it for cial case? i Linron—It is to save expense and time; very often by having an explanation from a person, we could gave days and weeks that would be spent in searching for papers and in writing out cases. ‘The resolution was concurred in. | Mr. Burke called up his resolution that the House go into the election of a Postmaster for the House on Thursday, the 4th of January, 1844. Hotmes—I move to lay that on the table. _ {The Calhoun men are in favor of McCormick, the present pene : ‘ Jounson—I demand the previous quéstion. ‘This was sustained, and the resolution was car- ried by ayes and noes—83 to 68. REVOLUTIONARY AND OTHER CLaIMs. Mr. Hann called up his resolution as follows : Resouveo, That the Secretary of War be directed to communicate to the House the names of all persons enti- tled to bounty lands in the last war, who have not obtain- ed their warrants ; and the names of those who have ob- tained warrants, but have neglected to take out patents ; and also their place of abode and place of enlistment. Cave Jounson.—Sir, as I said the other day, ] am opposed to the ublication of these names ; if it is done, the speculators all about the country will go and hunt aa persons whose names answer to the claims ; andthe country will thus be defrauded. Many of the claims now, sir, have been paid twice over ; and this thing has given rise to more fraud than any thing else in the ceuntry. Hamiin.—Sir, it is necessary that these names should be published, that all may know what claims thy have. : atHBUN,—I move to lay it on the table, sir. . Horkins.—I demand the yeas and nays on that, sir---(cries of ‘‘ no, no; yes, yes; let’s try it.”— They were not ordered. ¥ Tomasson, of }Kentucky.—Sir, publish these names, and all the creatures that throng around this city and capitol will be enabled to defraud the wi- dows and orphans of our brave soldiers of the small pittance due to them. I know in one case that wat published, there were seven claimants to one claim; and he that swore the hardest got it ; and then it turned out that he had not the least title to it. CLaughter.) Haue.—I think there should be no objection to iving the fullest publicity to all these claims and those entitled to them. * A Severat Voices.—Oh, yes, certainly, certainly. Cave Jounson.—And so you'll enrich the land speculators all over the western country at the ex- pense of the soldier, or his widow and orphan. C. J. Incersor..—Is_ not this whole debate out of order, sir? I call for the orders of the day.--- (Laughter.) : A Memper.—What are the orders of the day 7 (Much laughter.) ove __ ©, Jounson—I hope the gentleman‘will withdraw it, sir. e Q Heke age nn ge aN certainly, sir; I only wanted to know whereabouts we were, that’s all. Laughter.) c Hamuin—Sir, [ am opposed to the miserly polte of the gentleman from Tennessee, I hope he’ll withdraw his opposition. * Jounson—lI certainly shall not, sir. (Laughter. Horxtns—Sir, I wish the names published ; there may be speculators on this floor—I will not say who they are—who can atall times lcok into the records, and get the names of claimants and use them as it is. Cave Jounson—Sir, no member of Congress has a right to examine these records. , orkins—But it has been done, Sir; and I wish to prevent those harpies and speculators from plun- dering the widow and orphan any longer, and swal- lowing up nearly the full amount of their claims, by this monopoly. It has been the custom of some of the clerks in the Departments to search the records. for infor: mation and then speculate largely in these claims, and ex- tort one half the claim for furnbhing the necessary evi- dence at no trouble at all. Tuomasson—Sir, the resolution ought to include all the sol and officers of the revolution, who are entitled to arrearages of land or money, or are entitled to pensions, and I offer that as an amendment. Hamiin—I do not like to accept that rider, which may ride down my resolution ; but 1 will vote for it as a sep- arate resolution. ‘Tnomasson—No, sir, I insist. (Laughter.) €C. Jouxsox—I move to refer the whole subject to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, (This was fulti- mately lost.) Mr. Dana—I don’t believe the Department has the names of half the claimants. Mr. Diuiincnam—Many of the Clerks in the Depart ments, after getting all the information necessary about these claims, have found it most profitable to resign their office, and become solicitors to Congress to urge these claims. They send word to the parties that the necessary information has been lost, and that they only know where to find it, (Laughter.) ey then come out with their terms ; first they ask }, then increase it to jd—and ut last they insist on having halfofthe wholeclaim. (Laugh- ter.) And this is given, and for this they have only to carry a copy of a record from one room in oneflepartment, to another room in another ; and get the claim and poo: ket halfthe money. It is time this was put a stop to. So long as you refuse to publish, so long will you minister to the cu y of these men, Mr. Bows of Mistouri—Sir, IT haye suffured by these herp so have some of my fellow soldiers, who fought in the last war. We braved the tempest of the jo—the hardships of the northwestern frontier—had to jouse when the Home Squadron was first established by law; what has jbeen its annual expense ; and how much of next year’s estimates are required for its support.” Hanatn.—And what duty ¢ , formed since its xtablishingat,”. home, Squadron hes per Brown, of Indiana.—Con—s Hate.—Sir, I wish for t) ‘Treasury tells us that we hi four or $5,000,000 of debt. House the expedient of Wy! more money ! ange) in face of all this, sir, the Secretary of the Navy asks for nine millions to support the navy forone year. Halfofthe whole revenues othe country, sir, And among it is this famous Home Squad. ron, for which, I believe, we're indebted to this Adminis tration. Sixteen vessels of war are required for the Home Squadron this year. How many for next? To do what? Protect the coasting trade? Sir, in my sec- tion of the country they are nearly all engaged tn tho coastiug trade; and we to you that we want no such extravagant outlay. What we want. sir, real reform and retrenchment, to show the people that we have not been humbugging them. Gentlemen, talk of having our navy ona foWling withjGreat Britain! Sir, the expenses of her navy in peace are between 0 and 100 millions of dollars; and to equal it we must increase ours from 50 to (Bursts of laughter.) because the Secretary of the ve a Bankrupt Treasury and And he recommends to this rofligate on earth—borrow 100 millions, Willyou dothat? I think not, sir. Sir, ite all idle to e such irge navy. We don’t want this extravagance to make us ure at home, or feared and respected abroad. In the days of Gen. Jackson, sir, with a navy whose outlay was less than $4,000,000 annually, he made an impression on the oldest nation in Europe, a wers; and this was done, sir, by the force of his moral character, And now, in peace, we are going on, expending and borrow- ing and spending! Sir, | want to know when the pay day is to come.—(Much laughter ) A Memarr (across the House)—Ay, that’s the ticket! Hati—Sir, if in a time of profound peace with all the world, with every branch of our national industry em- ployed, with the fand running over with its increase, we can’t pay our way, then its time to pull and stop!—(Laugh- ter.) I go for a thorough economy, reform and retrench- ment C. J. Incxnsoxt-—Sir, I believe that the expenses of both army and navy at times have been too heavy; but, sir, there are other branches of the public service that can be better cut down than the navy. 1 don’t think much of this new fangled doctrine of cutting down the navy. Sir, Tam for ney 4 the expenditures of this branch of the service—reduce the expenses of Congress —let’s us havea short session, and adjourn before May. A Memner.—The Baltimore Convention meets in May. (Shouts of laughter) Inornso.t.-] didn’t refer to any Baltimore or any other President Making Convention, sir—{Laughter.) Sir, the cies in the country are to ‘be sen in reatest extrayi this Capitol. Iti not right to.cut down the most impor- tant branch of the public service. ‘There are other ways of economising, sir! Why we might omit at least one session of Congress, (oy accident if you please) and yet the conntry would not be destroyed——(Laughter) We comehere, sir, and we spend $2,600,000, ani we spend haps in cutting down or dismounting a regi- ns—dismisaing afew pages, and call it re- form. Sir, there are extravagancies in the army to be remedied. ' The Judiciary inmy time has grown up from $40,000 to $475,000 a year. We cut it down $100,000 last year, and yet here it is tl year in the list, just as much as before the tail was cut off—(Laughter.)’ ‘Sir, 1 believe the French finances were once tarmed out te what were called“ Farmers General.” Now, I dare say we ‘ould get six or eight good clever fellows to farm out the expenses of this government; limit them to $20,000,000 or $21,000,000, and P’'ve no doubt they would be willing to ay all its expenses, and each make @ handsome fortune Fouiles—(areat laughing ) Sir, it isnot by pulling down or tearing up that we canjretrench ; but it’ must be done by the administrative economy of this House. So long ag we double the e: of this eagpital Bache. the ex- pensesof our Foreign Ministers—allow extra pay to all the officers of the army (for on a refusal of this House to pay one officer extra pay he proved that all the officers gotextra pay, which stifled that resolution) so long as each bureau exercises a kind of independent government of its own—so long shall we be running deeper and deeper. Aneminent navy officer assured me lately, that the ex- travagancies in fitting out shipswas enormous—that$600,- 000 might be saved in this branch alone—and the waste of provisions and materials in a ship coming home that were thrown away ‘or carried away—I do not charge the officera with this, for itfhas been sanctioned by custom - is enormous. Sir, Ido not speak of parties—the gentle- man from New Hampshire belongs to the same party that Tdo—and I say that a deep responsibility in this matter rests with us—that we ought to be answerable, and that we will be answerable. And if by along continuance of thesession—if by our enormous contingent expenses—if by not bringing all our energies to bear against all kinds ol extravagance—and not by dismounting’ w regiment of dragoons, which I take it for granted this year are to be mounted 'again—(Laughter.]—we increase instead of les- sening our debt. That responsibility will weigh heavily, and it will weigh betes ir, it ia not often I al Inde to ‘ies or to presidential elections. But I do say that we have no right to say one word to the le about any party, or any candidate for the presidency, unlese we ow ‘asincere and thorough retrenchment and re- form. A Memner rnom 111 Wrst. - Good, Ingersell,I go that, blind. Hotmes.—What about a reduction of the tariff? (Laugh- ter.) Incensoi.—My friend from South Carolina asks about the tariff! (Laughter.) Sir, 1 once offered the gentleman and his friends a seat on the Pennsylvania platform, but they refused. (Laughter.) They wouldn't take a whole- some drink of wine and water. I ask ’em now how they like the raw whiskey? (Roars of laughter.) A Memner—Hlow will it be if Mr. Clay is elected ? (Laughter.) IxGexsott—I dont wish to calculate such acontin- gency, sir. (Great laughing.) Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof. But the raw Whiskey — Houmes—(Laughing)—We were Washingtonions—we wanted pure water, (Laughter.) Incenso1t—BSir,the reform must begin here—at home— let us take the beam out of our own eye. It’s a very large one! Sir, it costs a million of dollars more than the beam of last year; and we shall be confided in—we shall be reapected—we shall elect our President! (Laughter.) And iPnot, we shall do nothing of the kind, Mr. Arams rose (with a comical look.)—I should like to saya few words, sir, (Laughter.) TEENKO! ar, the gentleman renew the motion to le? an’t do that, sir. leave unconditionally, or not at The motion to 1 nthe table was then negatived, so as to let Mr. Adams (Laughter.) 1 must have all. 4 Mr. Apams rose an I have been e: ly edi- fied, sir, by the discussion which has just taken — the efforts of my friend, laughter)—and particularly by = paeseae le tact: mnteF all round the House)—to ai the gentleman from New Hampshire in his purpose of economizing the expenses of the government ofthis coun- try. He has given reat of instruction, sir; first, as tohow the Heuse was to economize, and secondly, how we were to elect a President.—(Much laughter.) But, sir, unfortunately, what the gentleman said didn’t apply to the subject brought before us by the gentleman from New Hampshire. It was leading away from the question, (laughter)—and it was telling this House that it was not the nine millions that are required for the expenses of the navy, and nearly or quite as much more for the expenses of the army, that were the causes of our being involved in aheavy del t {--(sughter: ) Oh, no, sir—of course not | (Increased laughter.) These were not the expendi- tures of the nation! It is not by cutting down these, or by curtailing the great forces ofthe nation—the army and navy—that we can economize !—(Laughter.) Oh, no, sir. But he says that we must begin here, sir; in this House | This is the spot, sir. Now, sir, what are the expenses of this Honse—of both Houses of € ? What is the comparison, in dollars and cents, with the Navy . ment alone? Sir, the gentleman, with all the power of his eloquence—exaggerative eloquence—that he has brought to bear on this subject, makes the ses of thia branch of the government come to $2,000,000, although I deny that i is $0 much. And how much is thenavy, sir? Why, nine millions! For what? For your ships to float about in fo harbors—sail up down your s—to go abroad and hoist our flag, and spre: the stars and stripes aloft upon other seas. For what else do they do? Sir, what are those nine millions for? What do we want such an enormous navy for? Is it necessary for the protection of our com- merce? Iwit necessary for the defence of our const that we want this great coasting squadron? Is the great maratime power of the earth in such a position as is tus that we apprehend m war with her? No, sit, No What, then, do we want these nine millions of dollars then for? Sir, we were told two years in a report from the Secretary of the Navy, that we had, as compared with the navy of Great Britain, a force of 1toS; that she had eight times as many vessels of war as we had. We were also told at that same time, that for our then naval force We required the annual appropriation of eight millions. Now the sum asked is one million more than that. ‘That report also went on to establish the principle, sir, that wo ought to proceed with the increase of our navy as fast as saible,until we had at least halfjae many vessels of war as reat Britain, or four times as many as we then had. Four times eight is thirty-two. We shall then want at least $32,000,000 for appropriations forthe navy, according to that precedent. Sir, if that precedent was’ established— if that rule was carried out ‘ing very warmly), fifty millions would not suffice for the expenditure 4 your navy, (striking his hands violently, and his eyes literal ly sparkling like diamonds.) Sir, my friend from Penn- sylvania at that time was very ferocious in his feelings to- wards Great Britain. (Laughter.) Sir, the peace maker then wanted te go over to burn London! (Roarsol laugh ter.) Yes, sir, burn London; and if our fleet was not then large enough’ todo that, he wanted us togo on and in- crease it until it was large enough to burn London. (Increased lai aughter.) Sir, it was not merely Chatham that he wanted to burn, or any such trifling place; but his capacious mind would’nt be satisfied with any thing short of burning the great city of London itself. (Here the members laughed most heartily at Charles Ingersoll.) Ixaensort.—My proposition to burn London was in re- yours to take a British fleet up the Mis sippi, and burn Natchez! (Laughter.) (Witheringly sarcastic.) —Ttake a British fi ppi to burn Natchez! No, sir, no! ‘That ought of the gentleman's, air. Anafter thought! I never made rt But to return to the subject lish this Home Squadron passed, I stated then my 8 oLt.—Why, there were only three votes againat Avams.—(With much sarcasm.)—Them, sir, that was —_