The New York Herald Newspaper, November 29, 1844, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD. New Vork, Friday, November 29, 1844. PICTORIAL HERALD, MAGNIFICENT NUMBER! Mr, Polk’s Home in the West. BROADWAY AT NOON-DAY. TRINITY CHUROH. The Weekly Ulustrated Herald, to ve issued to- morrow, will containa beautiful view of Mr. Polk’s residence in the pic'uresque village of Columbia, Tennessee. This is quite a gem, and has been taken from un original drawing procured with great care aud expense It presents a most interesting view of the peacefal and retired home,from which the President-elect has been called by the popular voice, to take up his abode in the White Hovnse— the earthly paradise of Ameri-an political aimbi- tion Another engraving gives a graphic illustration of the gay and bustling scene presented in Broadway at nooa-day, in the full blaze of sunshine and fashion. The third engraving gives an admirable view of the splendid temple erected in Broadway, immedi- ately infront of the great avenue of Mammon, where it is the Evil Oae’s custom to engage in the pleasant game of nine-pins. Price of the whole, only 63 cents. Natural History of the New York Bar. The members ct the bar in this city may be divided into three classes—first, good lawyers, who are gentlemen; secondly, good lawyers, who are not gentlemen ; thirdly, pettifoggers, who are neither lawyers nor gentlemen. This division is simple and accurate, and includes every individual who is said to practise law in the city of New York. The definitions are clear and intelligible to the humblest capacity; and unlike many definitions in science and philosophy, they do actually convey a correct idea of the thing intended to be explained. Let us briefly glance at the habits and characteris- ties of the several classes thus indicated and de- fined. The first elass, which is composed of good law- yers, who are gentlemen, isa very small one. It is possible that the number exceeds that set down as the maximum of just men, whose return to the an- ge) engagéd ia taking the census of the virtuous in the doomed city of Sodom, would have ensured its immunity from the threatened vengeance of in- sulted heaven. The bar of this city can indeed boast of a few men, whose eminent professional attainments derive additional lustre from the refined manners, the cultivated taste, the uni- form urbanity, and gentlemanly demeanor which characterize their possessors. These are worthy successors of those distinguished men—the Em- metts, the Wilkinses, the Wellses, and other kindred epirits—who gave such dignity and cha- racter to the bar of New York twenty years ago. It were invidious to mention names, but few of those who are conversant with the movements of the se- lect few who give tone to any movementsin society, literature, science, or refined civilization in this city, which are really worthy of respect, can be at a loss to fill up that brief list, in which stand the names of the good lawyers of New York who have the education, feelings, and manners of gentlemen. We now come to the second and much more nu- merous class—the good lawyers who are not gen- tlemen. There are a great many talented and sharp-witted blackguards in society ; and as the practise of the law in the present state of the ad- ministration of justice, presents peculiar facilities for the successful exercise of a combination of ta- lent, smartuess, vulgarity and coarseness, it is not at all surprising that at the bar we fiud a very nu- merous representation of that class in society to which we have justalluded. We do think that we can in this city match any bar where the name of Blackstone is honored, in clever lewyers who are as free from any pretensions to the character of gentlemen, as the region of the ‘Five Poin’s” is to cleanliness or virtue. We have repeatediy heard these men in their pleadings before a court and jury, indulge in a strain of coarse, vulgar, impudent, personal attack on parties not even di- rectly implicated in the case, “hich could have been properly chastised only by means of a horse- whip. And then the manner in which this class of legal practitioners browbeat, and incult, and wound witnesses, is shameful and brutal in the extreme. Almost the first remark which every intelligent traveller makes on visiting one of our Courts of law, is, “What license you do allow your lawyers!” The stranger is astounded. He can scarcely believe it possible that a Court wili suffer its own character to be disgraced—its dignity trampled upon—the rightssof individuals to be ruthlessly violated—public decency outraged by the toleration of such beastly language en the part of counsel in theirspeeches, and in their cross- examination of witnesses. Talk of the scurrility and personalities of the press! | Why we have heard lawyers abuse parties and witnesses before our courts, in terms of invective,such as we have never seen in the columns of the most reckless and vio- lent partizan print; and heaven knows this isindeed about the lowest standard of comparison to which, spoken or written Billingsgate can be reduced. We had recently a case in which this great and glaring evil—for it is indeed a social evil of alarm ing and growing magnitude—was presented to the attention of the public ina very intelligible man- ner. The high-toned and honorable feelings of a young gentleman, were so stung by the gross and off-nsive personalities of one of these lawyers, that he administered a severe drnbbing to the offender; and when the case afterwards came before a cri nal court, the harsh sentence first pronounced was very properly reviewed, and the hasty avenger of the outraged honor of his family, received what was tantamount to an honorable acquittal. And yet a portion of the party press, which is utterly incapable of taking any generous, comprehensive view of matters connected with the social con- dition, condemned this lenity, and ij ed that the chastisement of the brutal vulgarity of a lawyer, who grossly abused his professional privilege, in attacking the personal character of parties not properly before the court, should have been visited with the utmost rigor of the law; whilst that very press would have been the first to protest against the monstrous injustice of punish- ing some desperado connected with a poiltical club, who had attempted to deprive a fellow being of his life. It is indeed matter of astonisn- ment to us that the coarse, insolent, and unman- nerly personalities of these lawyers do not more frequently provoke serious breaches of the peace. Of one thing, at least, we are quite convinced, that the toleration by the bench of such conduct on the part of lawyers, exercises a most demoralizing influence on society. If private character and private feelings are not respected in our courts of law—if in the very temple of justice itself, all that honorable men regard as sacred and dear is ruthlessly trampled upon—if seurrility, in- vective, and blackguardism, are tolerated in the ministers of the law, how can we expect that out of doors, in the daily social intercourse of men, any regard will be paid to the decencies and cour- tesies of life? Will not the artificial barriers by which, in all well-regulated societies, the constant outbreak of the evil passions of the human heart is restrained, come at last to be unceremoniously and universally disregarded % Bat let us now pass on to the third class—those who are pettifoggers, being neither lawyers nor gentlemen. This is by farthe Jargest class of all. lt comprises the shoals of sharks about the “Tombs” ~the harpies that hang about the Marine,Court- one of their greatest harvest-fields, by the by—the smallertry that swarm around the “‘ ward courts” — and the innumerable herds scattered all over the city. Probably one haifof the litigation in the city, and one-third of the vice and crime, owe their origin to these pettifoggers. The plots and con- trivances are innamerabie, by which they manage to continue theirloafing and disreputable existence. Their rapacity and demoralization, as exhibited around the “ Tombs,” are almost incredible, and saust Le made the subject of another article. ‘To one of their schemes only we have space at present to advert. It is quite characteristic. It isthe get- ting-up of prosecutions against the newspapers for libel. If a trifling allusion appears in a report of criminal or any other proceedings at the Courts, these pettifoggers go to work, hunt up the individu. alin question, and persuade him thatthe publication is a gross and malicious libel. If the individual oe hot-headed,and not particularly gif'ed with sense they work upon his feelings until they excite his spleen against the editor; if he be a poor hungry loater, like themselves, they assure him that a fine enauce 1s off-red of making a handsome sum by a prosecution ; and thus in many cases they succeed in extracting a tee of eight or ten dallars. But they have, of course, no idea of a prosecution, Their next effurt is to get an additional ten dollars trom the newspaper proprietor ‘to stop proceedings.”— But lately some of the proprietors have been be- fore-hand with these pettifoggers, and by prosecut- ing the matter, and bringing out the real facts, the lawyers themselves have been indicted or driven out of the city. Such is a brief and cursory view of the natural history of the New York bar. The subject 1s am- ple, interesting, and important in the highest degree. We have merely glanced at it. Enough has been said, however, to show that a great reform is wauted in the legal profession. How it can be ef- tected we are at a losa to know, unless it be through the egency of the good lawyers who are gentle- men, on the bench andat the bar. Will we appeal in vain to them for the purification of their “ order” —for the expulsion from it of those elements of vulgarity, dishonesty, and crime, which have so sadly disfigured, weakened, and degraded that pro- fession which should be the pure, honorable and irreproachable minister of justice, order and mo- rality? Tae Muaper Case on Staten Is.anp.—On Mon- day morning last, a special Court of Oyer and Ter- miner commenced the second investigation into the case of Polly Bodine, at Richmond. It was generally considered likely, that much difficulty would be encountered in procuring a jury on that Island, as free and impartial as should satisty the prisoner on one hand, and the people on the other; the opinion was quite correct,and it has been fully sustained by the proceedings of the last four days devoted to the case. Our reporter went dowa for the purpose of giving a complete report of the trial, intending to remain present during the entire in- quest; but finding that the result of four days con- stant application of the Court has been to get but two jurors empanelled, and as there is good reason to think that the next week will not be more suc- cess{ully spent in efforts to obtain a jury,it appeared to him that there was little use in remaining. From the report in to-day’s Herald, and those previously published, the public will gather a correct impres- sion of the nature of the proceedings up to yester- day afternoon; and_after reading them, and remark- ing the sameness which prevails throughout, we think they will come to the conclusion,that an ex. tension of the report of the preliminary proceedings in the case, would not be worth the time—for until a jury is obtained, the doings of the Court will be but a transcript, with a change of names, of what has already taken place. Very great zeal is shown by counsel for the accused, and not a point, even the most minute, but is seized by them and turned to as much account for their client as is possible tor legal ingenuity to do; nor are the gentlemen engaged on behalf of the prosecution behind ; for nothing is neglected by them, and no pains spared that can be made subservient to the ends of pure justice. Perhaps the great, and, it may be added, laudable zea! shown by both sides, not omitting the uncommon patience, and untiring assiduity of Judge Kent and his associates, may tend to prolong the trial; we believe, however, that delay in this case is unavoidable, and that after all, they will be unable to get a jury; and the whole time, and trouble, and expense incurred in the case will go for nothing. Tae Wuic Jovgnais anv Mr. Bancrort.—The whig partizan prints have again opened their bat- teries on Mr. Bancroft, the historian. They got rather the worst of itin the attempt to make him out guilty of giving a partizan coloring to his ae- count of the Rhode Island charter; and now they accuse him of the wholesale plagiarism of a rare Ms. which he obtained from Mr. Everett, the American Minister at the Court of St. James, and of which it is now alleged a duplicate copy was lately offered for sale. Mr. Bancroft, it is said, had incorporated the MS. in a forthcoming volume of his history; and finding that he could not pro- cure the duplicate for love or money, he melted down the stereotyze plates in order to prevent a discovery. The whole story is as apocryphal as the stories of the party journals generally are, and altogether has a “* Roorbackish” flavor. The Courier and Enquirer re-echoes the hue and cry against Mr. Bancroft, and refers to a striking coincidence between a passage in his “ History” eulogistic of the Puritans, and one which occurs in Macauley’s splendid paper on ‘ Milta” in the Edinburgh Review. We first pointed this out a twelvemonth ago. It is true, the resemblance is striking, but it 18a matter of trifling importance. Nothing is more common than for the same ideas to occur to different minds, and be expressed by them in almost the same language. This instance only affords another example, as the poet remarked, who was accused of pilfering from Shakespeare, of “how very closely the sentiments of two great men may be allied,” Tae InpignantLy Virtvovs Civss or Lonpon. —The resolution of certain fashionable clubs ia London, to blackball every Amerivan proposed for membership, is one of the most amusing examples of pseudo-morality in a paroxysm, which has ever been presented to our notice. A per- son unacquainted with the character of the elements of which those clubs are chiefly composed, would naturally and innocent- ly enough imagine, that they consisted of the most honorable, honest, pure, and virtuous men in the British metropolis—periect paragons of morality and rectitade. But when it is considered that the majority of the members are genteel swindlers, who prey upon poor tradesmen, and “ive by their wits,” as the saying goes, a more correct judgment will be formed of their pretensions to honesty. It is a notorious fact, that the majority of the patrons of these club-houses never pay even the biils of their poor washerwomen, and are constantly driven to all sorts of shifts and contrivances to escape those evil genii of London fashlonable life—the duns. Yet these are the men—the Huntingtowers, and Stewarts, and D’Oreays and Beresfords—the gentlemanly swindlers of London, who affect to talk of the honor and honesty of States! ‘Tue Treaty with Cuina.—It appears that the city papers cannot find any thing relative to the new treaty with China, in any of their English files. This may be true. We were the only paper in this city that published the fact of the treaty; and if the other journals will look into the London Globe, of the day sfter the arrival of the overland mail in London, they will find under the head of India and China news, the very paragraph that was given by us to our readers Enp or tHe Woxrtv.—The exhibition of F. Anelli’s Painting ‘the End of the World,” will be open in the day time only from 10 A.M. to 4 P. M., from the Ist proximo, Crry Revoam.—A number of the democrais of the 9th Ward held a meeting the other night, and passed long resolutions about the necessity of a re- form and re-organization of the city government.— All this is quite according to the use and wont of the politica! factions. 1t has always been the prac- tice for many years past, of the ** old Huukers,” the trading poliucians of all parties, to make a reat fuss and outcry ubout city reform, for some months prior .to a municipal election. It is all “talking to Buncombe.” We do not want new laws or new municipal regulations. What we want is an honest and upright administration of the city government, as it is constituted. The “ na- tives” had it fully in their power to have satisfied the public, and secured to themselves the ascenden- ey over both the old factions. Had they fulfilied their pledges to the community, we should have heard nothing of this renewed agitation of city reform by the locofocos. But it is clear that an effort must again be made by the intelligent and independent maszes of the community, to obtain something like an efficient and salutary administration of city affairs. When we look at the corruptions of our police system— at the utterly defective regulations for the lighting, watching, and cleansing ci this great metropolis— at the miserably paved streets—at the confusion and disorder prevalent at the steamboat landings—at the abuses of the omnibus system—at the enormous expenditures, producing an almost intolerable bur- den of taxation—at the utter absence of any thing like an intelligent, active, and efficient supervision and rpanagement of city aflairs—the melancholy fact torces itself upon us, that although the citizens of New York are annually obliged to contribute an immense sum for the support of a municipal gov- ernment, they are yet almost entirely destitute of the benefits and blessings which ought to result from it, and which would be created by it, if it were in proper hands. The present time is, we must confess, favorable for a renewal of the agitation for city reform. We have had a settlement of the Presidential question. National and State politics, which have hitherto been introduced with such pernicious effect into the municipal election, cannot now exercise such an evil influence, in diverting the attention of the citizens from matters which really affect so closely their own interests. We are therefore glad to per- ceive an effort made in any quarter to turn the at- tention of the people of this city to this all-impor- tant subject. It isevident that it is now too late to expect anything from the party at present in the ascendant in the corporation. The expulsion of the apple-women from the Park—the immortal idea of the tin cups around the Fountain on the Fourth of July—and the prosecution of poor barbers for enabling a Christian to clean his teeth on Sun- day—make up, we believe, the exploits of the pre- sent corporation in the way of achieving city re- form. It is now time to devise ways and means of getting something a little more useful and bril- liant than this. Is it nut? Curious Pusnomena aT Sza.—We learn from Captain F. A. Crocker, of the ship North Bend, from Batavia, that he met with a singular pheno- mena while on his passage to this port. It appears, that about the 20th of October, when in lat. 12 N,, lon. 38 W., a great number of grass- hoppers alighted on the deck and sails of the ship, and also ou the sea. They continued hovering about the vessel for two or three consecutive days, and then disappeared. It was supposed, from ap- pearances, that there must have been thousands, if not millions, within the space of a few miles. They were like the grasshoppers of this section of the world, except in color, and that differed only in shade—those seen at sea having been of a deeper red. Who can explain this phenomena? It was an extraordinary one; for these insects seldom fly more than two hundred yards at atime. In the above instance they were seen seven hundred miles at sea. It is thought that they were carried to that distance by a hurricane into the higher cur- rents of the air, and then falling into an adverse current or strata, they alighted on board the North Bend. If this opinion be correct, they come from South America. Tux Anti-Rentsrs.--The Governor of New York has issued his proclamation, offering a reward of five hundred dollars, for the apprehension of those men, disguised as Indians,who recently way- laid a deputy sheriff, in the town of Sandlake; while on his way to summon witnesses before the grand jury of Rensselaer county, took his papers from him by violence, and threatened him with personal injury. What good will this do? Tuk Lone Isuanp Accipent.—Miss Almeda ‘Smith, the young lady whose limbs were 80 dread, fully mangled by the Long Is'and Railroad cars at East New York on Saturday last, while in the act of getting out, died yesterday morning at about seven o’clock. She wasattended by Doctors Wade and Edmonds, of East New York, Dr. Kissam, of Jamaica, and Dre. Mason and Hard, of Brooklyn; who agree there has been no time since the acci- dent, which would justify the operation of ampu- tation without causing immediate death. Sm Burpinc.—There ate now several vessels of the largest class on the stocks in this city. At Brown & Bell’s yard,the keel of a packet ship, to be of thirteen hundred tons ingizeis laid ; atWilliam Brown’s, a steamer for the North river, to reach from here three hundred and thirty feet up that river, is building ; and Smith & Damon have just faid the keel of another steamer, to be three hun- dred feetlong. This latter boat isto be one of the outside line to Newport and Providence. ArrivaLs.—The following members of Congress arrived at the Franklin House yesterday :—J. Col- lamer, of Vermont; O. Hungerford, of Jefferson Co.; John M Niles, of Con. At Howard's Hotel —John Stewart, of Con. ; David S. Seymour, of Troy; A. Dana, of Ithaca; L. D. Carpenter, of Waterville; John Cramer, of Waterford; C. 8. Benton, of Mohawk ; C. Kathutn, of Herkimer; P. Dillingham, Jr., of Vermont; A. Smith, of Batavia ; S. Stetson, of Keeseville. ‘Tre Sgason.—Winter has set infupon us at the right day this year. In good old times it was al. ways expected that the first snow would fall on or about Thanksgiving day. Yesterday that festivity was celebrated in New England, and we have heard of snow in several places already. We had a eprinkling in this city. Navication.—Jf the cold weather of yesterday last thirty-six hours longer, the river at Albany will be closed. Jack Frost sheeted the basin over at that place on Wednesday, and ice formed in masses in Poughkeepsie onthe same day. Mourpgr Tatats.—Baltimore has been famous this month for murder trials. Samuel Jones, Wil- liam Freeburger, and Charles Brown, have each been found guilty of murder in the second degree, for killiug Alexander Mcintosh, a city watchman. Late rrom Nassau, N. P.—We learn from Cap- tain Holmes, of the Rocket, that he perused Nas- sau papers of the 14th inst. They contained no news. American produce was very low there, with the exception of corn, which was in demand, and sold at $1 50 per bushel. Firz.—Burnham’s Hotel on the Bloomingdale Road was burned down on Wednesday night. Nothing left but the bar-room. Sream Sure Britannia.—This packet will leave Boston next Sunday for Liverpool. Her letter bags will close in this city to-morrow afternoon. News rrom Evrore.—The Caledonia, with ad- vices from Europe to the 19th instant, will be due at Boston next Monday. Navas, Sonoor.—What has become of this valu- able auxiliary to our navy? Has it been aban doned? We hope not, Very Late Prom Jamaica ann Racoep Isianp. —The Rocket, Captain Holmes, arrived yesterday in a short passage from Falmouth, Jamaica, and Ragged Island. Our dates from the former place are to the 27th ult., and to 19th inst. from the Jat- ter. We are indebted to Captain Holmes for the la- test news. Dear St There is not much news to be expected from so barren a place as Ragged Island, vet it may interest jou to know that the inbabiiants have experienced of late, in that place, a great scarcity of food. ‘They have depended hitherto mostly upon the vessels that came there to load salt, obtaining a little irem one and alittle irom ty but these have failed this ses . So that they were ob- liged to despatch a couple of amall boats to Nassau, N. P., for a eupply. But previous to my leaving they have been reduced very low, living only upon what fish they could catch, and in several instances the last morsel hud been consumed, the men had become so reduced as to refuse to work, on ‘the plea of their being too weak. The few white inhabitants had assisted them as far as their store would go, but with all it was getting so low that they would soon have been in @ state of stervation. Fortu- nately, the day previous to my sailing, on of the vessels returned from Nassau with a full cargo of provisions, which caused a goud deal of joy among them. As t are vot more than three hundred souls on the island, Little goes a great way with them. cf the 94 , but there was nothing new in them. Corn was selling there at $3 per bag Yours truly, A. F, HOLMES, brig Rocket. P. 8—As J left Jamaica on the 27th of Oct, 1 send you the latest papers | could then obtain. Yours, &c. November 23, 1944 ALF. H, ‘There was a severe ehock of an earthquake felt at Falmouth on the 24th ult., which lasted about forty seconds. (From the Kingston (Ja.) Journal, Oct. 19.] The first week of the Colonial Parliamentary Session has expired. Like the first week of every session, it is not chorecterised by the introduction of any important measure. Alveady the que‘ tion of immigration {rom India has been discussed incidentally, and it hus been deemed necessary to take the sense et the house upon the propriety of intro- ducing 5000 Coolies into the island during the coming year. We might remark that there are two distinct points in this matter which the house wi'l have to consider. 1st—Whether Jamaica shall, like Demerara, consent to borrow half a million of money for the purpose of trans- porting laborers from the East to the West Indies; and 2d, whether the undertaking of the West India merchants to bring in five thousand of those laborers immediately shall be confirmed. Whether it is prudent in making the experiment with the Coolies, (tor we consider that the West India body in indeed have committed the island to that experiment by the steps they have taken,) to doso with the large number of 6000 or a smailer one, is a ques- tion in the minds of many. The allusien in the Governor's speech to the “Census,” drew fiom members aa expression of opinion as to the correctness ef the returns. Thé total number of slaves for whom compensotion was awarded in 1834, was 309- 836. There never was any actual enumeration of the white and colored inhabitants during slavery, and no con jectures which may have been formed can be adduced as lence of incorrectness in the census Besides there mesttitty, among the children of the laborers since free- lom. Dr. Spalding’s proposition res) ing the emancipated Aivcareta Cina winaens ie elicited however the information, which is Fapostsnt, that the authorities 0 get rid of these people— be red that their presence was rather injurious than otherwise, If they are sincere in this latter opinion, they will soon thruat out the Emanci and there is little reason to doubt these will find thew eg to this land of freedom—a land flowing with milk and honey. We quite agree with the Doctor, that if there be any number of these persons in Cuba who can be i duced to make this island their home, theirs would be the best Casing of immigration, not only as re- et the class of the people, but the small expens 2 which ‘™ The matter is td jand, and we have to congratulate the colony upon the deci. dedly Anti-Slavery tone of the remarks of hqnorable members on the occasion in question. ‘The times change, and we chenge with the times. So thought many of the old Anti-Slavery men who were present on the occasion. Theatricals, Iravtan Orena.—Tornight the opera of L-crezia Bore gia isto be repeated. Its former representations have been received with the greatest possible approbation, aud we have no doubt that it will to-night produce ano- ther splendid house, and showers of “bravoe” and bo- quets. Itis quite amusing to listen to the discussions respecting the relative merits of the two fair Prima Donne. The weak heads of the drawing room literati appear to be completely fuddled, by their efforts to make out which of the opera queens ovght to reign supreme; and are scribbling away about the throat of Pico, ond the eyebrow of Borghese,in a strain that recalls to our mind the exclamation of somebody in “Love’s Labor Lost,” ‘This ia the liver vein, which makes flesh a deity; A green goose a Goddess; pure, pure idolatry God amend us! God amend! We are much out o’ the way. ‘The sensible portion of the opera-going people, how ever, know how to appreciate both the charming artists. Exch has her characteristic excellences, and neither has uny just cause to be jealous of the other. Mr Paitiirs gives another of his delightful concerts ‘at Niblo’s Saloon this evening. City Intelligence, Police Office,—Thursday—Konsina 4 Strancer.— A few days since, a girl named Mary Ann Lee, together with a man named Henry Holmes, were arrested, Charged with having rubbed Mr. Wm. McChe:ney, of N-w Jersey, of $63, whilst on avisitto this city. It appears, however, that i this instance, the officer barked up the wrong tree.” Both the prisoners were discharged trom custody on Wednesday, and aman named James Hadden arrested by Conklin and Knapp on the same charge, and he has been identified as the uctual thie! id fully commitied. Anotnxak Strancer Rossen —A man named Antonio Williams was on yesterday arrested by officors Knapp and Martin, charged with rebbing a man of his coat, cloak, and about $75 in money. He appears to have been a re- sisent of New Jersey,and on Friday last had been in- dulging to some extent in the use of * strong waters,” by which he was overpowered, and fell asleep in a house in Orange street, where the robbery was committed. The prisoners were fully committed. More Stansixc..-A colored woman named Emma Williams was arrested and fully committed for inflicting a severe wound on the person of Joseph Francis, also co- jored, with a knife. The wound is not considered dan- gerous, Punzoinina, Monsy, &¢ —A young man named Robert Roberts was last evening arrested and committed, for stealing various articles, money, &c., from the store of Mr G 8. Rose, No. 150 Grand street. The prisoner has been in the practice of purloining from Mr. Rose for rome ime past, Runaway Convict Sscuagp.—Two of the prisoners at Blackwell’s Island, named Wm. Hendley und Robert Prince, made their escape a few days since, but were dis- covered by deputy keeper Shadbolt on Wednesday even- ning, and conveyed back to their former lodgings. Ronmna an Emruoren.—A colored porter, named rds, in the employ of Lippincott & Co., No. arrested by office Rice, charged with 4 from the store twenty-five pounds of tea, worth 20, ‘Nhe tea was found in his possession, and he was fully committed. Atiecsp Canecessvens.—A complaint was entered ycr- tesday against Captain De Wald, who commands and acts as pilot of the steamboat Samson, charging him with wiifully and maliciously runnirg into one of the barges belonging to the garrison at Governor’s Island, complete. ly destroying the same, and endangering the lives of six soldiers belonging to the Second Regiment ot Artillery, who were in her at the time. The boat was lying at pier No. 2, East River, when the steamboat came in and com: mitted the alleged injury. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Captain De Ward, and he was held to bail to an- swer, Coroner’s Office.—Srppen DeatH —An inquest ‘was held at No. 68 St_nton street on the body of Mrs. Matilda M Bullwinkle, a native of New York, sged 23 years, who died very suddenly on Monday afternoon.— Deceased went to the hydrant for a pail of water, and phe as she entered the house, she fell down and expired. ‘erdict, death by apoplexy. Death sy Buanine.—An inquest was also held at the ged three years, asement ef the day night,and was so badly burned that she died from the injuries on Wednesday right, at the Hospital, to which she had been immediately conveyed. Verdict ac- cordingly. Asorner Supnin Deatu.—An inquest was also held at No. 2 Thomas street, on the bow of Suson Land, aged 69, a nstive of England, who died suddenly on Wednes- day aiternoon Deceased went to call upon a friend at 174 West street, and had been in the house about five minutes, when she fell to the ground upon ber face, Far. < wice and expired. Verdict, death from disease of the cart. U. S. Cireult Courts Nov. 28.—The Grand Jury having disposed of some bu- wh were discherged until Monday, ‘True bills have been found in some of the cases which have been before them, and the parties will be arraigned this day. Court Calendar—This Day. Common Puxas--Nos, 82, 19, 33, 2, 28, 97, 39, 11, 36, 40 InreRrstiNe From Nortu ALABAMA—IMPoRTANT, ir Trus —The ‘Macon (Ala.) Republican” of ‘Thursday last has the following paregraph :— It is currently reported here, that three of the northern locofoco counties of this State voted for Presidenti«] Electors on Monday before last! Ifthis be the case, ard they were not informed of the mistake in time to correct it by some of their leaders from other counties, there is ‘et a hope of carrying the State for Clay. Some whigr fear, however, that they voted again on Monday Inst, ond that hoth votes will be counted for Polk! That would’nt beat the White Metancnony Suicing.—On Saturday morning last, Dr. A.C. Birchard, at whose store the recent fire at Saratoga Springs was first discovered, and who lost all his property at that fire, committed suicide bd taking oil of cedur. The cause which led to the commission of the aot, is thus given by Dr. B. in two letters to bis broth er: One detailed bis lors, and the repoit of the origin of the fire in his store, expressed his wish to die, and hie hope his relatives would not mourn for him, The other expressed the hardships under which he had labor. cd to acqnire his property destroyed, hia hopelesaness of repatring his loss, his unwillingness to live, his inability to pay a emall debt due Mr. Newcomb, of Troy, Tsaw Nassau papers * Court of Oyer and ‘Terminer. Ricumovn, Wednesday, 8 o'clock, ?. M. Case ov Pouty Boone Continven —By the last steam- boat of Wednesday, the pi were sent up to nearly three o’clock, at which time the juror Lik was under examination. ' Counsel for prosecution challenged him, ani produced Mr. Phelps as @ witness to prove that Lisk bad Koolared himself biased in favor of the accused. The deience objected to the admissibility of Mr Paeips’ evidence, who was called to tesuly to @ conversation at which Lisk was present, und in which he made use of Buage iu regard to the case of Mrs Bodine, tending to show that bis mind was not in an impartial state. ihe court allowed the evidence of Mr. Pnelps, and he was therefore examined. He recollected the conversation with Mr. Lists, and understood him to say, that from all he (Lisk) had heard, ne could not find the prisoner guilty does not recollect that he said any thing on the abstract question bce) gi or innocence ; remembers Mr. Lisk said something in justification of Mr. Decker, the juror who refused to join in the verdict against the prisoner. Mr. Rictianps called as a witness ani sworu.—Had o conversation with Mr. Lisic after the last trial upou the subject, on which occasion he (Lisk) said that he gloried ee Was one man on Staten Island whe would not take ifs. It was here objected, oa the part of the prisoner, that this testimony was extran-ons,and should not be allow- ed. The Court held the i poary pe Counsel on both sides entered into a long argument upom the admissibility of Decker. The Court charged uud caplained the law bearing npon the, case, and read his notes of the evidence for tke information of the tryers. The challenge of the prosecution was su,tained, and J. 'T. Lisk was set aside, i ‘The Court then (four o’clock) took an hour’s recess for inner, Bessamix Decker was, on the reassembling of the Court, cailed asa juror, challenged for principal cause and sworn.—Has been on neither of the grand juries which found the indictment against Mrs. Bodine ; is qualified by Property to serve as @ arene is cousin te the deceased Mrs. Houseman. Set aside. Sreraen Sxcuine challenged and sworn.—Is related to the deceased Mrs. Houseman ; has formed and expressed ‘an opinion as to the guilt of the prisoner, Set aside, Wittram Daaxe challenged and sworn.—Has formed, but not expressed an opinion as to the prisoner. Bet aside, Jonn L. Ronertsox challenged and sworn.—Can write; has no tasable property ; is au edopted citizen and has Heed pauraligel , hes nbs. Kanw on either of the Grand Juries which found indictments Senne Mrs. Bodine ; has no personal property that is taxable; has got 260 dollara of perional property, but not over and above his devta. ‘A disagreement aa to the meaning of the statute con- taining a definition of the qualification, occupied the at- tention, and called forth a lavish expenditure of theelo- quence of tho pleaders; thechallenge was at last al- lowed, and Drake set aside. Nichouas Vanprxe challenged and sworn.—Set aside for having expressed an opinion. Gronar B. Davis, challenged and sworn.—Has formed nor expressed no opinion ; has both heard and read ac- counts of the transactions which form the basis of the in- dictments ; read the newspaper accounts of the last trial, formed no opinion Sapa eenl ee a decision ; made no im- pression on his mind favorable or unfavorable to the pri- soner pout say that he had never said anything about it; if he did, cannot recollect what he said , has no bias on his mind for or against the prisoner ; read ne account charging the prisoner with murder ; is in no way related to the family of Mr. Van Pelt. ‘The following questions were put by counsel for de- fence, but overruled by the bench :— Did zon express any opinion that the jury that tried the prisoner belore should have convicted her? Did you ever that the jury, from the evidence, should hive found her guilty?’ Have you any opinion as to her cha- racter? Set aside. . Moses Decxer, challenged for favor and examined—Is possessed of $150 worth of real estate and twice that; has been present at no former trial; resides at Northfield; has heard and read accounts of the accusation against the prisoner; what he heard made an impression as to the prisoner; hus formed and expressed an ppinten as tothe guilt or innocence of the accused. Setaside by mutual Consent. Epwarp P. Banton of Southfield, challenged and ex- amined—Has been on no jury before which the subject matter of the indictment has arisen; is worth over $250 in Property is not related by morriage or otherwise to either of the parties; has both read and heard accounts of the-matter forming the basis of the indictment; has deri- ved no impression from any source, favorable or unfavor- able to prisoner; has both formed and expressed an opin- ion upon her guilt or innocence. Josera H. Securnz—challenged by defendant—Knows no reason to prevent him frem serving as a juror ; is relr- ted by blood to the prisoner, her father and he being se- cond cousins ; has been in no jury in this case; has form ed no opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the priso- ner, Challenge was here withdrawn by defence, and re, newed by prosecution. Examined—Has no conscientious scruples against con victing @ prisoner in a capital case. Sworn asa juror. Wittiam H. Ratan examined and challenged—Has both expressed and formed an opinion upon the case ; they were formed from facts he heardof in court. Set aside. Ricnarp Braxe called and sworn—Has been a member of no jury in this case ; is related by marriage to Mrs. Bodine’s husband ; his wite’s father being cousin to her husband ; has children, but his wife is dead ; Mv. Bodine is dead ; has formed an opinion and expressed it as to the guilt orinnocence of the prisoner. Set aside. Eowin R. Bennert challenged and examined.—Was one of a general panel summoned on this case ; is not re. Jated to Mrs. Bodine ; is worth $250 beyond his debts, but has not paid assessment ; has formed an opinion as to the prisoner’s guilt. Set aside. Joun W. Woop challenged and sworn.--Has never been a member of a jury before which this case hes been in vestigated ; is no relaiion to Mra Bodine ; has both form. ed and expressed an opinion upon the guilt of the prison- er. Set aside, Asuanam Wacim examined.— Ia worth over 250 dollam in real property ; ia not related te the accused ; has heard ond read of ecgounts of transactions in this cause; has formed an impression as to guilt or innocence of prisoner ; has expressed it. Set aside. Jacos G. Wivana called. Set aside because of being on the grand jury. Joun Van Scuaick sworn.—Is an oysterman; is worth more than 260 dollars ; has tormed no opinion ag to the prisoner’s guilt or innocence; thinks he read accounts of the Jast trial; ‘connot say he derived any impressions therefrom favorable or untavorable to the risoner; is not on terms of intimacy with the Van Pelt family. The challenge was pronounced not good by the tryers. He was then challenged peremptorily by pro secution, and set aside, bey Winant sworn—Set aside for expression of opi- nion. Josera Ecuent challenged and sworn—Has formed an opinion, anq is set aside Daniet. SHaRnot sworn and challenged—Is a butcher; is not related by marriage or blood to Mrs Bodine; has not been member of any jury which sat on thie case; never heard enough to make np his mind upon the guilt or innocence of the occused; has heard people talk of it; but did not read the newspaper reports; was present a short time at the lost trial ; has said that if the prisoner committed murder justice onght to take place ; could not see whether she was guilty or innocent ; has Le that it was she who did the murder, orknew who did it. Crogs-ecamined by Mr. Waitina.—From what he heard thought she wus guilty in part, but could not make up his mind ; has always said that he never heard enough to make up his mind a to what he would do; has ssid that she had a hand inthe murder, but did not do it alone; formed his impressions from the current stories, a great many fine ones being common enough, many of which prove false ; thought she knew something about it, pro- vided what [heard wastrue, Set aside. Rosent M Hazanv aworn.—Is not related to any of the parties ; has formed and expressed an opinion on the subject. Set aside. Pexen Anprovetn sworn.—Is not related to either ed an opinion as to the 8 5 sus Totanp sworn.—Is not related to the parties ; has formed no opinion on the case; neither heard nor any acceunts of the transaction; has lived on the island all his life; has neard people talk of it ; has no im- pression on his mind as to the accused. Challengs not allowed. Peremptorily challenged and set oside, Timotny Bocanrt sworn and set aside for expression of an opinion. Ginger A, Core ditto. Cornexivs Laroncr sworn.—Has not been on any jury in the case ; is not related by marriage or blocd to Mrs Bodine; has heard and read accounts of this case; has formed and expressed an opinion. Set aside. Isaac Frost sworn —I¢ not related to Mrs. Bodine ; has not been on any jury upen the case ; has formed an opin ion unfavorable te the prisoner. Set aside. Joun C. Garnetrson sworn—Is not related to Mrs. Bo- dine; has been member of no jury on this case; has form ed and exprested an opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the prisoner. Set aside. Joun Binp sworn—Is a native of the Island; is net re- lated to prisoner; nas not served juror before; has expressed an opinion. Set aside, Joun P. Wactim sworn, and set aside] for the usual cans Daniet. Moons formed an opinion and is set aside, Wo. Brarty do. Josxen Van Cuiry examined- Set aside for same rea- son Jacon Stonen examined, and set aside for same reason. 4 ‘W. Wiwan orn, and set aside for forming an opin- jon. Asnen Anpnonetr sworn, and disposed of in the same disposed of in a-like way. ere exhausted, the Court ordered the Sheriff to summon Mt ecreis to attend as Jurors next day at nine o’cleck; the Court then, with the consent of the prisoner, having permitted the single Juror empanelled to depart to hia family, after charging him to hold himeseli without ‘communication on the case with any person who- soever. Adjourned till nine o'clock next diy. Tuunspay Morning, nine o'clock, Oa the reassembling of the Court this morning, the Sheriff had in attendance the ten Jurors summoned as # tales, the first of filty being exhausted. The Court at once proceeded to eximine the new levy, with what suc- cuss will be seen on glancing over thé minutes of exa- mination. Henny J, Seaman challenged and sworn—M read some accounts of the case; cannot hi any impre ir the other; does thet he y impression at the time of hearing those accounts of the case; docs not think he read any report ofthe trful as far as he recollects. Challenged perempto. rily by defence, and set aride. dhoge Crank sworn — Has been on no tina Ag) the pre- sent case; is not rr to the family of Mr. Van Pelt; has heard and read statements of thit care; they have ind in regard to the prison- Lig ay Bem ad oo on of to the euilt or inheoence e not recollect ide. James M F Challenged. Has read statements of this ci has received impressions favorable or unfavor- tile tithe prisoner; has expressed an opinion upon the ide. OT eee re Challenged. Has heen on no jury on ot related to the parties; heard statements of eae Have prednced an impression os to the oecusec on his ind has expressed an opinion upon the subject 3 on’ anent—Challenged. Has been on the Grand aside. ge Corx—Challenged, and set aside for express- ini onde Be Cate, ohallenged.—fet aside for the same reson, Apnanam Taitor, chi aside formed and expt an % Bastin Joseru Beaver, .—Is not related to either ; has heard but not read any statement of the case; oes not know that he has any inpteation on the subject; cant say that the eonversation he heard charged the pri- soner with the crime; cannot say that the people charged her with it; could not believe it til further convinced ; does not go much from home, and is unsble to say whether he talk-d himself on the subject; is a farm resident six miles trom here. Defence here withdrew chailenge, which was renewed by prosecution. Examined by Mr. Cranx —If properly convinced that the prisoner is guilty,would have uo conscientious scru- nee onerint her ‘Sworn as a juror, JouneLius Eoexat sworn and challenged. Set aside for having expressed an opinion Bensas 1LL14ms, sworn and challenged. Svt aside for same cause. Here the panel of eleven taleamen were exhausted. District Raye d Cuanx then moved that the Court should order a tr tales of 10 to act as jurors on the Sl case, which was complied with in a very short ae. x1. B. Jaconson challenged and sworn —Is not re- to the prisoner ; isa freenolder ; has heard and read statements of mind ; ha Wittiam Coverty challenged and sworn— related to the deceased or pri o1 no y in this case ; has head and read statements of it; have produced impressions on his mind ; has expressed himself onthe case. Svt aside. Witttam Woop sworn and challenged—Set aside for having expressed an opmion on the case. Jamus Moone challenged and set aside for a like reason, Henoenson Jeaunnex—challenged and set aside for fame reason. Peres Donsert, challeaged—Has heard, but not read statements of this cuse ; can read * has no impress on fa- vorable or the contrary, tow: the prisoner ; the state- meats referred to alluded to the death of Mry. Kmmeline Houseman ; Mrs. Bodine’s name was meationed in con- nexion with the same : in those accounts the p iscner was not charged with being instrumental in effecting Mrs. Houseman’s death ; heard some one say that she murder- Houseman ; did not hearthe reasons stated for tt having ssked what were the particulars in regard to the commission of the crime by Mra, Bodine, Mr, Wunrine objected to the question, asbeyond the rule to be properly used in the examination of jarors. It was regular to put general questions, which tended to elucidate the state of the juror’s mind,’ but it could not be permitted to enter into details, and put leading ques. tions The question whether he had aclean and clear mind; and whether he heard much or little about the cese, was Sree to the sry. The defence replied at great length, and contended for the right to put sugges- tive queationa, in order to ascertain how far the accused was associated, in the mind of the juror, with transac- tions said to have taken place in the case. The Court said the inquiry was of immense importance; that if the line of examination already pursued was not regular, that in fature no inquiry as to the particnlars of what jurors heard could be allowed ; but it was r. gular to ask whether witness heard or accounts er states ments in relation to the case, and what they were; if in writing or printing, in what form; ifin conversation, be. tween whom, and on what subject; whether he has form- ed or expre: an opinion on the guilt or innocence of accused; if so, to whom, and what it was; if as to the guilt of the prisorer, what it is; ishe under any bins or prejudice unfavorable to the prisoner, that would in any way prevent his rendering a fair and impartial verdict. Examination of Dawson resumed —Had heard Mrs, Bo- dine murdered Mrs, Houseman ; believed the murder took. lace, but by whom could not tell; believed nothing as her having murdered the deceased ; had no impression Mrs. Bodine did it; was in court durng a part of last trial; did not hear half or qnarier of the witnesses sworn ; does not recollect saying to a person going dow! that if the evidence were true it looked pretty bad the prisoner ; does not recollect talking to any one after goi-g home about it ; might or might nut have said seme- thing about it to his wife. Another discussion arose here upon the examination ot the Juror, which the Court entered into with readi- in order that the subject may be brought to a definite clear form. The arguments were but repetitions of those already referred to, and were suspended about one o'clock, at which hour the Court arose until two. Common Pleas, Before Judge Daly. Nov. 28.—William Lynch vs. Ebenezer Welch.—This ‘was an action brought to recover the sum of $1863 63, being the balance due upon an execution levied upon the property ef defendant by plaintiff. It appeared plaint {f was occupier of a store situate at the corner of West Broadway and Reade streets, and made over all the goods contained in said store to the defendant for the sum of $3500 ; $3000 of which were to be paid by notes at different dates, the balance to be paid imm« ‘ely in cash ; that the latter stipulation was com. plied with, and one of the notes was paid. Some time aiter, and before all of said notes were due, he wanted to et out of the store. In accordance with the sdvice of is legal adviser, an execution was issued, the goods were levied upon, and after eens had been obtained, the goods were sold and defendant was credited with the coeds, after deducting, the necessary expenses, and it is for the balance remaining due that said suit wus inatitu- ted. It was put in for defence that plaintiff agreed to take the goods in the store as payment of the whole debt, and that as he did so, and afterwards found they would not ore the debt due to him, still he must stand by his egree- ment. The Court charged directly in favor of the plaintiff, on the ground of the validity of the contract. It being a wellestablished principle in law that no parole or other agreement had between parties who sign a written con- tract, can invalidate the instrument. The jury will render asealed verdict this forenoon. C. 8 Rve for plaintift—- Taggart and Begwich for defendsnt. Alfred Crommelin ve Jacob Lafarge—Slander— Mary Roxers.—Tbis was an action of slander, in which the de- fendant is charged with having uttered a certain malicious and defamatory slander egaiust the plaintiff, to the effect that he (the plaintiff’) had been concerned in the murder of the late Mary Rogers. Mr. Brapy, on the part of the plaintiff, opened the case, after which, the Court was adjourned. No evidence be- ing examined, the case will be resumed this forenoon ; and not wishing to report the mere «xparte statement of counsel, until the case comes fally before the Court, we omit. giving Mr. Brady’s ad More From Texas.—The Civilian says an effort will be made at the approaching seesion of Con- gress to repeal the act prohibit foreign vessels from engaging in the coasting trade of Texus. The iy sn | is a list of vessels at present under the Texian flag an trading to the port of Galveston : Ship John Barnes, sailing to England. alla ah and San Jacinto, (the latter undergoing repaire. iteamers—Dayton, Col. Woods, Scicto Belle, Lady By- ron and Vesta ; besides the Ellen Frankland, rebuilding in this port, and a new boat on the Trinity, and another on the Colorado. Schooners— Native, Lewellin, Creole, Geo. B. Inness, Grandicoit, Caroline, Giraffe, Surprise, Jas McKnight, Thor. Lee, Luda, Pauline, Shoal Water, You Know, Swan, Charlotte, and a splendid vessel building at 3a- bine, aud one at InJian Point. Sloops—Alamo, Tom Jack, Cutter, Washington, Sa- rah Foyle, Orenge Branch, Picayune. Montezuma, Wm. Wallece, Champion, HL.’ Ki orietta, Di % and at Icast fifty others of smaller size. The Civilian is evidently opposed to the repeal of the prohibitory law. It says— The aggregate valne of these vessels is, perhaps, not less than $100,000; many of them have been built in Texas, some are building, and more will be built, if the law remains unchanged. ‘There is expended upon them, in repairs, annually not less than $20 000, which goes directly to our mechanics. while their stores and aup- plies are all purchased of our merchants and f.rmers. They are not, as our coasters formerly were, mere birds of pasaege, bringing ia autumn their supplies of onions, codfish and pota.oes from Maine, and returning there in the spring to repair, and invest or expend the profits of the winter’s labor. They give em ment to at least two hundred useful and hardy men, who will not hoist chor aud sei' away at the sees of an enemy, but to defend their country and homes. aptain Elliott, the British Charge d’Affaires to Texas, is expected to arrive shor!ly from the United States. The French Minister, Count Saligny, is also expected to ar- rivein a very short time. The Texian planters pear to be turning their atten- tion to the cultivation of sugar. From Tamrico.—By the schr. Sally Miller, Capt. Crawford, arrived last evening, we recelved a copy of El Gejen of the a0th ult , but find nothing new in it. ‘rhe SM. was bound to New York, but was compelled to put into this port—all handa sick with the exception of the master ond one man. She also experienced very heavy weather, particularly on Monday and Tuesday last.— Savannah Georgian of Saturday. Anti-Rent Disrursances.—We learn from the “Schenectady Cabinet” that am affray of rather se- rious character occurred in the vicinity of Middleburgh, Schoharie county, on Friday last, growing out of the on- Lpiwnd citement, The particulars are thus given in the “Cabinet ":— Oa Friday afternoon or evening last, Gen, Jacob Liv- ingston, of Cherry Valley, while on his wey home from his roills in Middieburgh, and when near Gridley’s gate, was intercepted by five or six men, diegnised in Indion dresses, who siezed his horses and ordered him to stop.— He declined, and requested them to clear the road and al- low him to pass. They refused, and he ordered his driver to put whip to his hortes and proceed, at the same time drawing a pistol and firing it at one of the men, the top of whose ‘was grazed by the ball. Mr. L, was so hotly pursued as to be obliged to refuge in the house of Jucge Mattice, near the whence he despatched » messenger to th e, e Sheriff of the e time made his appearance with a 1 succeeded in apprehending two of the “In- county, who in ians,” one ot whom is safely lodged in Jail; the other, being badily injured, was Teft in kee ing at Middleburg. he disguised persona are said to be residents of Ber: Albany county. In connection with the above, we also learn that meet- a were held at Berne, and neigh ing places, on Sa- eared, of organizing a@ e prisoners, rticulars as we learn them, and irom a responsible source ,we pre- me truth in them, as they appear to cor sume there must be Snockine Surcipk.—On Tuesday last, a young man named Jacob W.Nield, a patient inthe Block- ley Insane Asylum, committed euicide by eniting his throat. Nield belonged to NewJersey, and had been sent to the Bloc kiey Asylum, having made a similar attempt to destroy himself once before. Ey rome means or other he furnished himself with the blade of an old razor,which he fastened toa piece of stick, to serve fora handle He was Adem g in one of the rooms of the institution, with several other patients, when he left fora few mi- outer \d not returning 8 soon asthe keeper expected, tne latter went in h of him, and found him in the curpenter’s shop, with his throat cut from ear to ear, and ead almoat severed from his body. He expired im- mediately. He was only 23 years of age. The Coroner was gent for, and an inquest held on the body. Verdict of the jury that the deceased cut h # throat while in a state of mental derangoment.— Phil. Chronicle, Nov. 98,