The New York Herald Newspaper, January 29, 1848, Page 1

—~ ne ener a The Foroign Postal Arrangements. Post Orrick DerantMenr. Contracr Ovries, Jan 15, 1948, Yo Hon. Cave Jonnson, Postmaster General :— Sin :--On the Ist of June last {left the United States in the steamship Washington, upon @ foreign agency, by which I was charged in your instructions of the 26th ot May. Omarriving at Southampton, in England, on the loth of Jum was shown an order of the British Post Office Department, iasied on the 9th of that month, imposing the British packet postage of one shilling sterling for each letter of a half.ounce, and twopence for oh newepaner brought in the U. 8. mails by the Wash- ton. ‘This was made chargesble as well upon those estined for Frauce as those delivered to the United Kingdom, and the postmaster in Southampton was re- quired to forward to London all the mail bags left by the Washington, without being opened. The effect of this order was to subject all the letters and newspapers to double postage, and those addressed to Kranoe to ad- ditional delay, by being taken out of the direot course to their places of destination. is proceeding was wholly unexpected. It was known that letters sent by ship to England were liable to be charged with a postage of 8d, the same as letters brought to the United States were liable to be charged Scents. But the United States ahi @ had been relinquished in respect to th British and Canada mails brought by the Cunard steamers to Boston, and trans- ported thence to St. Johns, and in all other cases was abated to two cents, where the letter was deli elsewhere than at the port of arrival. The most ly disporition growing out of the British and Canada mail arrangement, which was made in 1844, had bee: expressed, and an informal correspondence hi carried on through the British minister in respect to the facilities to be given to our mails in England, to ad- just which you decided to send out an a j and that intentio een communtcsted by the British minister to bis government, ‘These circumstanc: couraged the expectation that the 8d. ship chai might be waved, and that no other postage would imposed on the mails sent by the Washington, than the ‘port or inland rates. Inetead of according to our mails this justly expected reciprocity, or of even being content with the ordinary ship charge, onerous a3. that fa upon. yoail*, the cost of oonveying which is wholly defrayed by another government, special proceedings were taken upon this ocoasion for the purpose of increasing the poat- age, and the highest rate under their law was imposed by order of the Lords of the Treasury. Tbe same or- der required o prepayment of the full packet rates of postage to the Evglish post office, on all letters aud news- papsra sent to the United States by the ship Washing- ton. Boing required by your instructions to proceed with the Washington to Bremon, | addressed a full commu. nication on this subject to his excellency George Ban- croft, our minister at London. His despatches to the Beeretary of State will show the procsedings taken by him to elfect a revision of the order of the 9th of June. ‘They disclose the ayowal that this postage was imposed asa dircriminating one—to ptotect the Cunard steam ship mail line—thet is. to induce the employment of that line for the trantaportation of letters, in preference to - the American mafl line, by enhancing the cost of con- yeyancs by the latter, I bad been in Germany but ten 8 when I received & request from Mr Banoroft to repair to London, writ- ten in the expectation of an offer of terms from the Bri- tish government fora postal arrangement. | accoraing- ly joined him, but this expectation was not then realis- ed. After a delay in London of a month, I returned to thecontinent. Having drawn the business of my mis- sion to a closo in Germany, I again joined Mr. Banoroft in London about the first of October, At this time he received the project for a postal convention between the two countries. Several of the terms were deemed objectionable, and a counter proposition on our part was submitted by Mr. Bancroft. At tho same time the revision of the order imposing the British postage on the American mails wes again formally applied for, and its withdrawal insisted upon, at least pending the negotiations. But it was re- fused in any other:mode than by the adoption of a con- vention, A formal protest against the order of the 9th Juno was then addressed by our minister to the Secre- tary for Foreign Affairs, Interviews were appointed and held at the office of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and also with the Post- master General, the Marquis of Clanricarde—and dis- cussions had on the points of difference between the Dritish snd American propositions for postal arrange- ments. Thess it would not be proper to forth in this report, uor the terms themeelver, so long as the negotiation is pending. They were made under an ayowal of principles of perfect reciprocity, and we felt encouraged confidently to expect their full assent to all our modifications of their terms, excepting one, looking iurespect to that for some adjustment by compromise. Bat their final restatement of the terms upon which they would negotiate a postal convention, made at the urgent request of our Minister for a defloitive answer, beiore my departure for the United States, contaius not only the objectionable preposition alluded to, but the others likew: However anxious to take back to the United States the adjustment of a difficulty which had so unexpectedly atisen; however ambitious to accomplish within the littio time alloted me a! |, arrangementa with the British postoffice as well as with the German euthori- ties, I could not consent to obtain this gratification by wer of our just and equal claims. vise a concession to the British post- office of any advantage im th aeroume int, for the a pene of getting rid of the greater 3 to which ‘wo were subjected by the order of the 9th June. That would have been to th of the advantage yielded, a submission to a wrong alike forbidden ‘@ Bense of right and of honor. That order is a manifest act of ag- gression on a rightful measure of our goveroment. As such it is to be resisted. For it cannot be presumed that this hostile demonstration is to drive our government from its policy of encouraging the establishment of Ame- rican ocean steamers, and employing them as means of communication with other parts of the world. And yet it is obvious that we must do so under the effect of the British order of the 9th June, at great pecuniary loss. Mails will not be eent by our steamers, if they are to be taxed twice as mush as when con by the English mail. Mataliation is, therefore, unédvoidable. If we levy the same contribution on the British mails which they exact from ours, we shall place the international mail service of the two countries on an equal footing, and obtain out of the mail service of the British steam- ers a redress equal, at least, to the exactions forced from our own, ‘The inequality under which our mails are placed by the order of 9th Jung, is manifesting its effects upon our revenue from this mail line in a way that cannot be mis- taken. The postage on mails sent to Great Britain, by the second trip of the Washington, were 19 per cent less toan the amount by the firat trip, aad by the third trip the postage was 41 per cent less. + ‘Tho foliowing legal provieions would place our inter- national mails upoa an equal footing with those of (reat Britain :- 1. Toimposo an uniform rate of twenty-four cents American postage on all single letters received at our ports, or sent from them, by any packet boat, whether belonging to, or employed by, our own government, er that of amy other country. 2. To authorize the Postmaster (seneral to waive such packet hoped obarge on letters brought or sent in the packets of other governments that reieased the letters sent or brought by the packets of the United States go- vernment from packet poatage or other equivalent charge, and to levy on euch letters oaly the usual port or inland postage, a3 the case might require. 3 Yo authorize the Postmaster General to reduce such uniform rate of twenty-four cents on ail letters transmitted by American packets, between our country and those foreign countries whose governments main tain packet lines with ours, and establish a like rate on letters conveyed by those lines, 4. To outhorige the Postiaaster General to increase taid packet rate, corresponding with any inorease in the foreign packet rate tha: may be ordered by any other government. 6. ‘Lo eularge the operations of the 17th section of the act of 1825, requiring letters to be delivered into the post oftice from each packet or ship before making entry, so #8 to embrace all letters brought, whether addressed “to persons in the United States wnd its territories,” og elsewhere. To prohibit the receiving on board of a packet to abroad, any letters exespt those coming through the post ottice Intimately connected with the adjustment of the paek- e, which is the conveyance of foreign mails by t vessels——that is, vessels belonging to govern- ‘for (hat purpose, or employed by government, un- der coutruct, to carry mails -in that ot mail tr tion by private ships. postage is th sterling, equal to twenty-four cents, ‘Their ship rate is #d,eqanl to 16 cents, whist our sbip rate is but aix conts, Lhe packet rate is, however, higher in the United States than in England, because here, inland postage is to bo added, whilst in England the 24 cents pay the entire postage from the place of mailing, or to the place of destination, mo matter how far inland that may be. But our ship rate is proportionably low—and besides, we impore that rate only on letters received. 1 propose that ia regard to ship as well as packet convey- ance, we establish au uniform rate, one that will pay postege from the place whence mailed, or to the place where delivered, wherever situate, in the United States, ‘This mode of acsessing postage is so much mol tho pubjic, and so much more convenient to the ment, that the Orst opportunity presented for it, should, in my jadgment, be embraced. | therefore propose the following further provisions :— 7. To estab ivh an uniform ship postage between any place in the United States and any foreign port, of 10 cents 8. To authorias the Postmaster General to require outward-bound ships to take and convey mails, and duly deliver them at their ports of arrival 9. To prohibit them from taking ony letters other than those revived through the pont office. The packet postage rate above suggested rofers solely to our susil intercourse with countries beyond the At- lantic. I beg leave to add whilst this matter is Ji consideration, that uniform rates of postages be 10 Botween any port or place of the United States and any port onthe Western continent, excepting Mex- Jeo, Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, ut 20 ownts. 11, Between any piace in the Uuited States and any port on the Pacific coast of Mexico, of the United States, of the British, aod of the Ruseian porsessions, at 20 conte, ih one bee ween any on in the United States and Ca- nada, New Branwio, Nova Souti than the Facitic const, 10 cents,’ © °F Mexl00, other I have proposed the packet rate of port trion beyond the Atlantic al 24 cents beostee tent ty the English packet rate, and it becomes necessary in the Present state of things to retain @ postage in regard to tbat country as high as that which she imposes. But when the postage policy of any foreign government, as for instance that of France, will admit of a reduotion, then the packet rate should be down to 20 cents; 15 cents of this will be for sea-conveyance, and 6 cents for inland. And in case the G-rman States will ameli- orate their postages, and make more uniform rates than at prerent, | would reduce the packet charge on letters to and from that portion of Europe to a 20 cent rate also. By placing eur packet rates on letters brought and sent by foreign government ships as well as our own, the Department is enabled at once to countervail the discri- miuating policy now adopted by the British post office, whilst the authority to release the charge upon the ters conveyed by the public packets of those govern- ments that do not subject our public packets to any such burthen, enables us to deal with moderation and justice towards those who act in that spirit towards the United States. An uniform rate of postege for newspapers and other printed matter should be adopted, whiah postags should cover the whele charge from the place of mail ng, and to the place of destination in the United States, without any superaddition of inland postage. The Buglish rate of postage to and from this country is equal to 4 cents; but it would be desirable to provide that the Postmaster General may reduce this rate with those countries that ‘reductions in the foreign ne must be paid in ntly promote the convenience of all concerned, and ‘tly increase both rlendly and business correspondence between different {countries, if postal conventions eould be entered into between ‘them, establishing the following arrange- ments :— 1, Optional payment. privilege of paying at the place of mailingin our country, the entire postage through to the place of delivery in the other, or of sending the letter through to its destination, the postage to be collected by the receiver. 2. An international rate of postege that shall combi; in one amount the charge for inland conveyance in the country sending. for the sea conveyance, and fer the in- land traugportation in the country receiving and deli- vering the letter. 3. The mutual accountability between the govern- mente, that would secure to each all the inland postage it was entitled to, that the other had collected, and all the sea postage om the letters conveyed in its packets whioh bad been paid in the other country. In respect to our mail intercourse relations with Great Britain, it is highly expedient to establish a transit rate of postage. The mails are despatched to and from the chief portions of her possessions on this continent with the greatest expedition, by a conveyance across our ter- ritory; and, on the other hand, a large portion of our mails to and from the European nations, and the East Indies and China, is transmitted across the island of England, and threugh channels of communication be- youd, belonging to Great Britain. The lowest transit rate that she imposes is 5 pence, equal to 10 cents—that is between England and France. Our conveyance ofher Canada mails is over a distance equally as great, and by means of conveyance as expensive, As a p ad- justment of this matter, and ssn arrangement prelimi- nary to any successful negotiation on this point, I pro- pose an uaiform transit rate of 1@ cents, American post- age, on all single letters between bo dat in the United States, aud any place in the British possessions. This might also be extended to Mexico, excluding the places on the Pacifico coast which are provided for in previous suggestions. A ten cent transit charge is rather low, in comparison with present rates of postage, but wili stand in very just proportion with the contemplated uni- form postage of 5 cents, Agreeably to your instructions I went to Paris, and had interviews with the Director General of the French ost office, Count de Jean, and the Administrateur des ‘oate, of the bureau of Foreign Correspondence, M. Du- brot.’ They declared a willingness to enter upon ar- rapgementa, but for the interference of the British order of the 9th of June, which made it impossible to fix the postage for the French and American lines at the sai amount, or to adjust mutual and reciprocal terms be- tween the two countries. When apy portion of the pre- sent American steam line shall run direct to Havre, legislation of ress will be needed to enable the Ame- rican sea postage te be reduced to the same amount as the French packet postage, which is 20 cents, in case the packet postage is to be retaiaed at aseparate amount from the inland; and the French authorities will make their inland chary better cou woul I doudt not, conform to ours. , a8 heretofore recommended, to for both countries, embracing and inland postage. This it would bs com- potent for a convention between the two governments to arrange; and itis by a convention that both Eng. land and France contemplate to adjust these intern: tional matters, whenever they shall conclude to take them up for that purpose. There is but ene poiat with France, upon which | can apprehend any disagreement. Mer limit of weight, for a single letter, is one-quarter of an ounce, whilst ours isa half of anounce. Jn eccount- ing by weight, which is the mode insisted upon both by her and England, we should have to pay toher four popeass rob e beg nhchee ae Bageted Se at two postages; wi a8, Pract , the letters bo-written tn cetwence to the standard of one- querter of an ounce to the single letter, and Fran would actually collect four American postages to the ounce. This would be obviated by each government ac- counting for the postages collected for the other the actual number of letters. More inconvenience would re- sult from this mode, but manifest injustice would be avoided. When I arrived at Bremen in June last, | found a re: dy and willing consideration extended at once to the subject of our international mail intercourse with Ger- many, and to all suggestions for its improvement. B sides the post office authorities in Bremen,| met there representatives from the post offices of Prussia, Hanover, Brunswick and Hamburg, and a communication fr the Director General of the Posts of the Prince Thutn and Taxis at Frankfort-on-the-Maine, was brought to me by Charles Graebe, Esq., our American consul, and a zealous and devoted friend to American interests. The postal systems of Germany are of a very complicated or- anizetion. ‘Che Prince of Thurn and Taxis, (resident f Ratisbon, in the kingdom of Bavaria,) holds, by au- clent feudatory grant, renewed at the Congress of Vien- na, the exclusive right of mail conveyauce in seventeen of Confederation, and in most of the remaining States a right concurrent with the separate right of the local government. ‘This circumstance I found, after my first visit to Bre- men, and after [had had an interview at Frankfort with the Director General of the Thurn and Taxts ports, em- barrassed my operations with difficulties somewhat ps- cular. The General and the local authorities entertained conflicting views. Deeming it unwise to excite jealou- sies, and not having the time,to follow out the negotia- tions with each, I judged it best to rely upon the agency of the government of Bremen to effect the desired results of uniform and reduced postages in Germany upon the American mails. I then adjusted with the post office authorities of that government all needful arrangements. For sending mail matter a from any place in the United States to any place in Germany, and also to several of the adjoining nations north and east of it, and likewise from thenos to any place in the United States, under a charge of postage that should cover the whole distance. 2d. For allowing t! iter to pay the postage to the place of destination ii nce, or leave it to be paid by the receiver of the letter on delivery, or to pay part of the postageon either side as far as Bremen, leaving the residue to be paid by the receiver on delive- Te 3d For the keeping the accounts bd Bremen with the several European governments on the one side and with the United states on the other, and accountingand ying over to the United States ali postage due it, col jeoted in Germany or the countries beyond—and ac- counting to and paying over to the several German go- vernments and those of the countries beyond, the post- aocruing to them respectively from the Ameri- can mails collected in the United States. The Port Office autherity in the Hanseatic Republic of Bremen is exercised by a committee of its Senate, the principal member of which is the honorable Arnold Duckwitz, With him my business was transacted and arrangements made. Through him the applications were presented to the difereat governments to reduce the postage and establish unitorm on the Ameri- mails. The Kirgdom of Prussis, whose postages ged from 6 center to 19 cente, fixed a single uniform rat» of 12 cents, including the transit one through fla- nover, The Kingdom of Hanover, whose postage was 7 oonts, agreed to make # uniform charge of 6 cents on all American mails delivered in or semt from Its territo- ry. The Duchy of Brunswick has adopted the same rate in lieu of its former charge of 9 cents, and the Kingdom of Saxony, whose rates ranged as high as 19 centa,bas quite recently acceded to the Prussian postage of 12 cents, understood, of course, to cover the cost of transit through the intervening territories of Hanover, Brunswick and Prussia, The peatage charged by the Dach; 5 cents, and by the free town of Hamburgh 6 cents. The foregoing may ba considered as fully adjusted, and single postege allowed to the extent of haif an ounce, The Ge pe ofanuniform rate for the country covered by the Thurn and Taxis posts, and for Austria, has been the subject of correspondence, but has not, as yet, been accomplished. The Thurn and Taxis posts embrace the Kingdem of Wurtemberg with the priacipalities of Hohenzollern, the principalities of Hesse Hamburg and Meisgenbeim, L.ip- ¢-Detmeld, Reuss, Schaumburg, Lippe-Schwartaburg adelstadt and Schwartburgh-Sonderhausen, the Grand Dachies of Hease-Caesel, Hesse-Darmatad, Saxe Wei- nd Mecklenburg-Strelits , Saxe Altemburgh, Saxe-Co- burg Gotha and Saxe Meirringen and the free city of Frankfort. These countries lie, in part, on the Rhine, south of the Prussian possessions, also in detached States through the central part of Germany and north of Prussia beyond the Elbe. The postages from Bremen to the different points range 10 to 21 cents. M. Deeaburg, of Olvemburg is the Director General of these posta, agreed to an uniform rate of 12 cents (tho single letter to extend to » halt ounce.) on Americano omdence sent from his t ritory to Bremen; but not restrict the charge to 0 low an amount on tl rrespondence received; as Bremen, in virtue of tome arrangement with Hanover, senda those mails by the Hanover posts instead of his own, and he is obliged to account to that government for a transit charge thereon. It is confidently believed that this difficulty will, before long, be obviated. My attention was early given to the subject o channel of conv ance to Kast India and Chin line of steam packets to Alexandria in Egypt. ‘This route pre- tented, what in the course of the season would become interrupted channel of conveyance by ate hort portion of the distance between V; . Krom Alexandria to Cairo, the con furnished by the Pacha of Egypt, and bey British government, I was aware that # 001 the British Peninsula and Oriental steam packeta, like- wise across Frauce to Marseilles, and thence by French steamers to Alexandria, also existed, and that by these, letters could be sent from England, eee @r unpaid. But I was desirous of ascertaining whether the like fa- cilities could not be secured by the way of Germany and the Adriatic, and through privileges obtained by treaty or otherwise by the Austrian government. On this point a full communication was received by Baron Kubeck, the Austrian Minister of Finance. Without occupy- ing this report with the minute information furnished, it is sufficient to say that, as yet, the arrangement would require a separate payment of the Austrian inland and sea postage. Also of the English postage accruing on the route cast of Alexandria, so that the German route to India does not furnish to us the facilities desired. It ie, however, hoped that that government will see the im- portance to their own noble enterprises, of securing the right of sending mails through on the whole route, with privilege of paying postage to destination either in ad- vance oron delivery Qur interest in the matter con- sists in this, that our arrangements through Bremen will enable such privilege to inure to the benefit of American mails. Of the inland postage of Austria and other countries not yet enumerated, | will speak hereafter. ‘Whilst on the subject of reaucing postages, and ad- justing uniform rates, | willstate that the attention of the several German governments was earnestly directed last summer to the peat of general reforms in this and other particulars of their post office systems. The result was that a postal Congress was convened at Dres- den, in Saxony, in October lest. The Hon. A. Dus! wits became a ber of that body Anticipating t! the American mail interests were liable to be affected by the action of the Conventien, | ventured upon the free- dom, whilst at London, of addressivg the following sug- gestions to Senator Duckwitz, under date of 16th Oo- tober, 1847: * Combining, as you do, with the character of Repre- sentative of Bremen that of an agent of the Post Omi Department of the United vag will doubtless im- prove this occasion ¢o labor for the accomplishment of that whioh will redound so greatly to the advantage of both countries—the reduction of the Ger tage On the Amerigan-correspond-nce, aud the establishment of uniform rates. | will avail myself of this opportunity to reiterate whut I have heretofore urged upon your atten- tion. In the United States a single Trea Fagg de ed in ee veyed any Iivered for ten cents. The United States mail route from New York to Austin, the capital of the State of ‘Texas, near which place is a large and increasing Ger- man settlement, is more than 2300 miles in length. In view of this fact, it may well be claimed under the prin- ciples of reciprocity, that in Germany, the American letter should be conveyed and delivered, even at the re- motest point, at a charge not exceeding ten cents; for the longest route traversing it, is not, probably, half as long as the one | have named in the United States. And it is not probable that any mail route in any one country in Germany exceeds the distance of 300 miles. “ Consideration, | admit, is due to the circumstance of there being so many separate governments in Germany, esch of whieh is to bave its distinct remuneration for the service it performs. Conceding to this oiroum- stance its foll weight, ihen 1 should say that a postage of five cents to the government which conveys and de- livers the letter, and of two cents to the government that simply gives a transit without delivery, would make an ample remuneration. This conclusion is justified b; the further consideration that no additional outlay is made for this correspondence; the mail lines being es- tablished and kept in operation without any reference to it. “On this scale five cents. £ Brunswick would be the same, also Odemburg. The Prussian postage would consist of two transit rates, rating from Bremerhaven and one delivery rate, amounting to nine cents. The Saxony, the same; the Austrian, of three transit rates, and the five cents added,” making eleven cents. Thuarn and Taxis would be two or three transit rates and its own charge of five cents. Bavaria the same. “If there are German States not embraced in the above enumeration of Post Departments, itcan be readi- what, according to the above scale, would be their from Bremerhaven, by an allowance of two cents ‘of postages, the Hanover rate would be bers linet postage transit for each country through which the letter passes, and the addition of the final rate of five cents. “Uniformity of regulation as to the weight to which a single letter may extend, is important between countries that give to their international correspondence the ad- aatage of optional payment of postage, You 1 presume, press, upon the other German States, the ex- ample of Prussis, Hanover, Oldenburg, Brunswick, Ham- burg, and Bremen, in adopting the English ecale of a half ounce to the single letter. This is observed in America, boteaird throughout the chief portion of the commercial world. It gives to correspondents no greater share of the use of the mails than a full ordina. Ty despatob requires.” Senator Duckwitz replied to that part of my letter, under date of 26th No ber, 1847, as follows : “Though as yet, not much can be ssid regarding the alterations to be eopcluded, yet so muoh I may say, th: we may hope to see postage reduced and put upon uniformity all over Germany. The observations you had the kindness to give in your favor of the 16th Ooto- ber, bave been used, and however desirable it may be to see the principle expressed in execution, you must not overlook that hief expenses for t-matter do not exist in the transport of letters, but in the expenses of thd administrations. The consequence thereof is that the je in @ country of LM Nierse ly less Bopu tion, and many different administrations, must be high- er than ina country of pro) jonate less population, aud with a singl ministration. In this point exists a difference between the United States and Germa You will receive further news regerding that Congress there comes forth a result ; but so much you y , that good will be done there, and that we have the best prospect for a correspondence, not to be compared with thy triflirg number we received hitherto, ‘as soon as the steal go at a certain day, and as soon United States postage, steamer and inland, is placed at a reduced and single tax.” I will close the statement of my Ger ments by referring to the regulations which | ha: honor, as your agent, to prop: and which have re- ceived the unqualified assent of Hon. Mr. Duckwitz, excepting in ove particular. On this excepted point he agreed to your decision,and as you have so made it as to leave the regulations unchenged, they stand, of course, wholly agreed to and in full force: A change of circumstances in our postal arrangements with Canada, leaves so much of the regulations as refer to them inoperative—and where egreements have been since made, the rate of postage has been varied from the regulations, as in the case of Saxony. So in reapeet to the Thurn and Taxis territories, the postage rate sup- posed, when the regulations were drawn, to have been agreed to, remains unsettled. I have prepared the following table, to show the post- age between the different pointsin the United States ‘and the different points in the countries reached by mail, through the channel of the American mall steamers and the Bremen postoffice ‘This table is more accurate, beoause made at a later date, than the list in the regula- tions = ra 3 & S35 “vot Ce aan 35 geei sf = i Bes Destination is eae h eae, ¥ ‘ se S88 Ss eye & Seow e weSosk Eo fe§ SF 2755 SS SRS ERE GES ‘These may be 24 5 or 10 00 oz) B24 patdtedertion — —" — 6 — "| 258 tion, orsentto— — — 5 — | §ene Broken lea me. gear bee ey ing residae to — — 6 | Sect 2 wees t = 1 JRESh wom a pete shia £ — Moz gas Ct aa ne ym Poo ipl Rim a diiae Bavaria gene- az al a ne w tallysss se: 4 f - 2 Frankton? Sety | 8 3 ; § BE Po “ <b hea lett has 6 ~ seers “ as -— — 6 Mor ‘ ess ott 223 a's -- —-a2e- age See & so oe i ase tiania & far’st eo ee pegs Norway beg t Petersburg Paap eee Conatradt, a,” “ é Zee Ton Greece... 8 cn aw = Knst’mn to} au irl io Ge de ere. eS aS rerland gen’y§ oO In respect to newspapers and other printed matter, the American postage on which must in all cases be prepaid, it in to be observed that they oannot pass through the foreign mails, aa such, unleas placed in narrow bands (not wrappers as with us) hot more than a third or ® quarter as wide as the length of the package. And they must be printed in the language of the country from which they are sent, unless special exceptions are made by mutual agreements of the nments concerned, as is the case with Galignini’s Grersenger and the Auer burgh Gazette, Newspaper postage in Germany is gene- rally one-fourth of the letter rate. ‘The right of optional payment, that is, payment of post- age here or in the foreign country—can be engaged tn respect to all the places named in the foregoing table, but it is advised by the Post Department of Bremen, as 2 better policy, to adopt it only with those countries that hi ad to apecific rates for the American corres- pondence, and to extend the privilege of optional pay: ment as the other nments come into like agree- ments, which, it is believed, will in time embrace all Oar postage is too complex - too contingent and unoer- {ain in amount, to be a stood im the German post of- fives, and o; as 8 serlous obstruction to correspen- dence. We should lose no time in adopting an uniform rate that will express, in one sum, the whole American or. both for sea conveyance and inland. Other omissions and irregularsties must be corrected, and more boats should be place on the line. So infre- quent a departure as once in two months, will have little or fo {effect in diverting correspondence from other channels—and departuren at different days from those wiously advertised, as has been the case with the ‘ashington, owing to peculiar circumstances, have left ber only that correspondence to convey that was casual and collected chiefly within short dibtances from her Ports of eailiog. ‘The German mails conveyed by the 'ashington, though slightly increasing with each trip, are far less than was anticipated,owing, doubtless, to the foregoing circumstances. Your instructions made it a part ot my duty to exam- ine into the operation of other post office systems abroad, to ascertain what ey na gn might be to our own. When in London, especially upon my first visit and my time eould not be made available upon the business that called me there, I employed it chiefly in making those examinations. Every facility was granted me ior that purpose. For this I feel greatly inde! the conrtesy of Uolonel beevig’ the able Secretary of the Britich Post OMce. And in making scknowledg- ments for the kindness shown me in giving information, 1 cannot refrain from naming another, little known from his official the successful projector of the penn: Rowland Hill. mode of mailing, ba; warding and delivering; their forms of post bil eyed accounts, and mode of rendering them, and heir manner of contracting for mail conveyance, are entirely different from ours. ‘I'hey have, wi belonged to eur establishmont—a registration of letters, (a fee beter oye for that purpose.) the better to prove and trace them through the mails; and moner order office, toeupersede remittances of small sums through the mails, by providing for the receipts of deposits at one jt office, and the payment of the amount at 2 & commission allowed for that purpose, of which, for the last year, extended to egtegate amount of £11,116,103 ring. Ihave not space, at the close of this report, to enter upon a di scription of the peculiar features of the British post ad- ministration, the great superiority of which renders it unnecessary to refer to others; nor to disouss the prao- ticability aud expediency of engrafting them upon our system. ‘These will be reserved as the subject of a second report. ‘All which is respectfully submitted by 8. K. HOBBIE, First Assistant Post Master (ieneral [Courier and Enquirer. poten but of distinguished reputation as reform, 3 another, [connesponpENce oF THE HERALD ] Monrreat, Jan. 22, 1848. Canadian affairs are exciting some degree of interest at present; and, as a consequence, not a few American papers fre enlightening their read- ers on the subject, with, in many cases, most absurd remarks. For instance, I have seen it asserted that the triumph of the “ liberal party, ” in the recent elections here, is a kind of political revolution which tends to draw the Canadian people nearer to us—that, in fact, “liberal” opinions are synonymous to republican, &c. Nothing can be more ridiculous. The great test questions in Canada, of political parties, are purely local. The fair division of office—the right of the Canadians to make their own local laws—and the making their constitution an ex- act transcript of the British, are, in fact, the only political questions in Canada, and the leading principles of these are allowed by both parties, The “ University Question,” as it is called, is not a political question, properly speaking—it is a mere sectarian dispute. The “churen ot Eng, land’? wishes to monopolize half of the clergy reserves, (a quantity of land donated for the sup- port of religion in Canada, by George the III. ;) the ‘established church of Scotland” claims a third, leaving the residue to be distribated among all the remaining sects. Asa consequence, the other denominations are dissatisfied that they do not get an equal share of the sop; and des- patng of a more equitable division, now cry ustily that the whole amount set aside by the British government for religious purposes, be tunded and applied to the promotion of education generally. It will be seen at once, therefore, that the edu- cation party comprises a large proportion of peo ple,who, on other questions, may be, and are, di- vided as the poles. ‘i x Another topic agitating the Canadian mind, 13 that of free trade. Ia Montreal, and elsewhere, free traders will be found in both the liberal an conservative ranks, so that this cannot be classed asa political test. In fact, the Canadians have no aspirations for political freedom beyond what they now possess. The most ultra liberal soars not above colonial rule; and, indeed, the tory in our infant struggles for liberty, was more of a re- publican than the Canadian radical of the present day is. Canadians in gencral have been taught toregard Americans much in the same light that Englishmen looked upon Frenchmen some years since. An Englishman’s idea of a Frenchman was, a half-starved, shrivelled-up looking speci- men of humanity, continually ejaculating ‘*mon Dieu !”’ and employing the intervals by swallow- ing frogs. A Canadian’s idea of aa Ameri- can is pretty much the same. We are looked upon as an embodiment of rascality. Tell a Canadian that there are such things as ladies and gentlemen in this country, and he will look incredulous. Tell him that in our Congress there are as talented men (not to say more so) as he will find in Eogland, and he will laugh out- right. And it is almost a natural consequence that Canadians should be thus ignorant. Their trade with us, till within the last year or so, has been almost nothing, and consequently their in- tercourse has been yery inconsiderable. The great majority of Americans who stray into Canada, are not of that class. which tends to raise our natienal character, Bent generally sharpers, blacklegs, and the like. The partial trade which the drawback law has induced with New York, has dissipated slightly the foggy ap- prehension the Canadians entertain of us, and as free trade is carricd out, and a closer commer- cial intercourse prevails, light will continue to dawn upon them as to our realcharacter. They ere, at prevent, fully fifty years behind the age. Possessed of a splendid country—rich in mine- ral and agricultural wealth—scarcely taxed— they are yet, with all their advantages, far behind the very least favored ot our States. The reason is plain. They have always accustomed them- selves to depend upon England to carry out their public works. They have magnificent ca- nals—splendid plank and macadamised roads— fine improved harbors—all made and paid for by England. They have never yet trusted to their own energies to sustain them, and like sickly children, they are afraid if they let go their mother’s skirts they will tall. “Their public works,as we have said, are splendid; but they had no part in building them, aud the manner in which their private enterprises are conducted, proves that, had it depended upon them, they would never have been built. ‘There is but one railroad in all the Canadas—a very poor affair, from Laprarie to te Johns—and we believe thatit is owned by Ame- rican capitalists. The Great Western Railroad, about which we have heard so much, is still in embryo, and unless taken hold of by Americans, it islikely to remain in prospective forever. The capital would all be taken up in the United States were it not for the illiberality of the Canadians, who are willing enough we should subscribe, but deny us at the same time the privilege of direct- ing the aflairs of the company in proportion to our stock. On the whole, we are glad to see the free trade movement, as it will be the only means of inform- ing the Canadians of the great country alongside of them; and when they once become aware of our greatness and their own littleness, it is not improbable they may awake to the conviction that it is better to forma portion of a great re- public, than a dependency of a country thousands of miles dista At present, what field has a man of talentin Canada? Let him rise to the highest office there, and, outof the little Ped- lington, who knows of it ?—whilst, if it were a portion of the republic, hisambition, as his field, might be boundless. We, however, do not re- quire Canada, Not only is our country large enough, (Mexico included,) but we can make more out of the Canadas in the state they at pre- sent exist, than if they were joined tous. But tollowing out the great principles of philantiro- py, We are willing she snould join us whenever she pleases, as we believe it would be conducive as Well to her prosperity as her happiness. An Amgaican (rom the Montreal Herald, Jan. 22.) With this mail we forward a classified table of the returns to parliament on the general election which has just concluded. it will be ren that (he ministers, as wo anticipsted in a previous summary, have rustained a decisive defent, “That it han been #0 decisive, however, has disappointed ourselves, and, we believe, the great majority of thove best acquainted with the state of public optuion throughout the country. [t seems extremely chee that the mpjority against the government wiil we from twenty to five-wod-twenty. In o synopsis such ‘ag this, we neod me into the reazons of the change in public opinion this event indicates. No doubt many causes combined to bring it about; but the orying fault of the men whose tenure of office is now expir- ing has been their want of a straightforward policy, and the strong will which is necessary to carry such « policy out. Having no reliance upon their measures, or upon themselves, they wero ever ready to yield to the opinions of their opponents, and to maintain their posi- tion by deprecating their enemies instead of relying upon friends. ‘Their imbecility degenerated into politi- cal dishonesty; and was not only criminal, but ridicu- lous. Nothing is yet known of the courso to be adopted by the Ministry, nor the time when Parliament is to be assembled. ‘Ihe latter announcement will probably bo made in thisday’s Gazette, The Montreal election wasas usual the oocasion of great disorder. Both sides were arm- ed with axe bandles manufactured for the purpose, and with fire-arms. Notwithstanding several sharp encoun- ters, however, in which many shots were diso! sd, it does not appear that any person was wounded by the balls. Several wore severely beaten; but we have heard of no deaths. The conservative candidates retired on theseconddsy. Similar disturbinoes occurred at Three Rivers, Nicolet, and Beauharnois. At the last mention- two lawyers, one of whom represented a con- servative, and the other a radical candidate, not popular with the majority, were v. much maltreated. His Honor, the late Chief Justice Reid, died at Montreal on Wednesday last. This opens the succession to a retir- ing pension, which will, probably, be accepted by his Honor Mr. Justice Gale. The vacancy on the bench caused by this movement. we presume, will not be filled till after meeting of Parliament. The winter season affords little room for remark on commercial subjects. But this winter even the trifling business of supplying the markets of the city has been suspended by the mild- ness of the weather. There has been ue possibility of crossing the river om the ice near the city, up to the day before yesterday. ‘The last thaw was extremely unfor- tunate for the inbabitants of some parts of the city whioh lie low, aud which were entirely inundated. The iver shoved, and the ice was forced over the wharves upon the street above them, till it drove in several doors Fortunately, this Bigentic, wer cessed t that point ; for the thrust contin- ued. stone walls could have offered as little resiatance as wooden barriers. Such an accident has not occurred for a very long tim: ‘he oldest inhabitant declares it ia at least fifty years since he saw so mild @ winter. ‘Tho St Lawrence and Atlantic Railway Company held its annual meeting on Wi —— lomt full report ap- peared in our last number. It is believed that the first sixteen’ miles of this line will be opened next sum- mer, and there is no doubt that the Legisla- ture at its next meeting, will grant @ guarantee for a dividend of six per cent in favor of the shareholders. The knowledge of this factmay probably induce some of the recusant shareholders in ingland to believe they were in too much haste to give i) their stock. A sad at- fair happened here a week ago. Mr. John Leemiog, one of our principal auctioneers and merchants, was shot by 8 dry goods merchant named Beaudry. We are obliged t refrain from alluding further to the ciroumstan: there is too much reason to believe that the carrying fire arms is encouraged by the countenance af- forded to violence during the course of our elections. Mr. Leeming is happily in no daugor of his life. The election has taken place in 84 districts. The re- turns from which are thus classified :— Ministerial. 24 Opposition... ......54 Doubtful. . 6 O return.......-- 1 The Montreal Pilo es as seats rescued from Tory- ism, 16; seats lost to Reformers, 2. [Frem the Quebec Chronicle, Jan. 21.] The Provincial Parliament having been dissolved by his Excellency the Governor General, in December last, his Excellency’s constitutional advisers were thrown upon the country, which they expected would return a verdict in their favor; and as far as they are individu- ally concerned, perhaps it has been the case, as the con- stituencies which the ministers severally represcnt, have again returned them to parliament, with one ex- ception, and he—Mr. Solicitor General Turcotte—is hardly,one of the ministers. Mr. Turcotte, but new!: appointed to office, appeared at the hustings as a candi- date for Champlain, but was defeated by Mr. Guillet, an ‘anti-ministerialist, who had an overwhelming majority. The list of returns, which we publish to-day, will give some idea of what the character of the new parliament will be. Out of 85 members constituting the lower house, 78, it will be seen, have been elected; of these 23 are set down as ministerialiste, and 50 opposition. There seers to be little doubt now, that the so-called reform party willazain come into power; and itis confidently pre- dicted that abinet will be constituted almost simi- lar to what it was in Sir Charles Bagot’s time. Whether the country will be governed better under the new regime, time alone will tell. Judging from past experi- ence, however, the prospect is any thing but encoura- ging. The present winter,as we observed in a former summary, will be characterised by the straitened opera- tions in our principal industrial employment—ship build- ing—as will be learned on reference to the statement given elsewhere. Tho number of vessels constructing at this period last year, amounted to upwards of thirty; contrasted with sixteen building this winter; and even a8 regards these, we informod that on rome of them operations have been suspended. Letters received here lead to the conclusion that the amount of lumber got out for market this winter, in the upper part of the pro- vince, will be very limited, owing to the paucity of pe- cuniary facilities; the very mild weather which has ob- tained, and the \atnone ear scarcity of snow, has like- wise militated agsinst lumbering operations. Notwith- standing the alarming pr. happy to state the public more favorable. (From the Rochester Demoorat, Jan. 24 ] Tho papers of the ministerial party cannot but ad- mit that their party is completely defeated. The Mon- treal Courier, conservative paper, consoles itself with the idea that all Canadian politicians of whatever party, are a great “set ef rascals.” “Only,” says the Courier, “it is more pleasant to have one’s own ecampsin than those of theother party.”’ The Mon- treal Gazette gives an account of an inundation st that place on the 15th : “At daylight on Saturday morning,the streets and dwellings in the lower parts of the city, bor- dering on the river, presented a piteous spectacie; the water had risen during the night, aud Griffintown show- ed almost an unbroken sheet from end to end. The water continued to rise, until the greatest part of Wel- lington street was about two feet under, while in most of the cross streets the depth averages from four to six feet. The condition of the families was, as may be easi- ly conceived, sad in the extreme. Some managed to ex- tricate their furniture; others, less fortunate, were com- pelled to abandon their dwellings, and leave most of their effects behind. In some of the lowest parts of Griffintown, many families who, when the lower stories became flooded, took refuge in the attics, were compelled to leave those also, and make their way to a place of safety, as well as they could, in canoes and scows. St. Paul and Commissioner streets were, to a great extent, under water, and damage, to a li extent, has been sustained by the store-keepers and merchants in those streets ModGill street was flooded x College at which was also inundated. In M street, th water extended up to Mr. Torrance’ , and th Lachinerailroad, feaces and all, were ous of sight. ‘The greater part of the houses on the lower side of Bonaven- great discomfort of the inhabitants, and the destruction of their furniture — Through all the streets enumerated, canoes and scows found busy occupation all day in removing furniture, goods, &o., or occasionally carrying passengers from one point to enother. Saint Anne’s market was also flooded. ‘The sheds at Point St. Charles early all flooded. number of the sick to be transported to afety. We were glad to seo that every possi- ion was paid to these poor people. prehension, we und d, pe: riod of the day, thai langer of being oarried off by the force of the water; but we did not hear, up to Saturday evening, that any of them had been moved. The flood continued to te hour on Sa- turday evening. Ifso,an almost incalculable amount of distress wili, of necessity, ensue. The Rochester Jmerican learns that Wm. Ford, Es has been elected Mayor of Kingston. He formerly sided in Oneida county. ‘The Petersburg and Port Hope Railway has been com- menced. The Lower Canada Agricultural Society have pro- = lands for the establishinent of a school and model farm Hon. Malcom Cameron and two other gen en have been appointed by the Hamilton Board of ‘I'rade, to p ceed to Washington for the purpose of conferring with our government on the subject of free trade with the Canadas. The ice in the St. Lawrence, opposite Montreal, gave way oa the 15th inst. Commissioner and part of McGill streets are nearly inundated. The boom of Laprairie is completely deluged, and hundreds of families dri from their houses. Several curt loads of bread have been distributed to the sufferers. A fire occurred at Kingston on the 14th inst. Wm. Simpson suffered to the umount of $1200, W. Jackson $2800, and Mr. Elder $500. ministry:—President of Council, Hon. R. B. Sullivan; Attorney General, Ion. B Baldwin; Solicitor General, ©, W,, W. H1, Blake; Inspector General, Hon. F. Hincks; Attorney General, E., [. 11, Lafontaine; Solieitor Ge neral,C. E, Hon . Boulton; Speaker of House of Assembly, fton. A. Morin. it is generally believed that the first and most important act of the new minis- try will be the establishment of a paper currency, by bank issue, to the credit of the province, suitable to pre- sent emergencies. ‘The liberals carried the election at Montreal, three to one. Mr. flolmes, formerly of Boston, is one of the suc- oossful candidates. Creat excitement existed during the ¢lestion. ‘The parties were ranged in bodies and fought with bludgeons, axe-handles and firearms. ‘he num- ber of injuries was great,.but no deaths haveas yet been reported. cipal authorities of Vhiladelphia, was held on Thursday afternoon, at the chamber ef the Common Council of the city, for the purpose of devising m to prevent a re- currence of the riots and disturbances which have go frequently disturbed the peace of thw city and districts, and tended to endanger the lives and property of citi- zens. ‘Che copy of & bill proposed for legislative enact- ment, designed for the batter regulation of the fire de ‘tment, was submitted and read, the details of which humerous and complicated, yet sufficiently stringent to accomplish ail the purpozes for which it is intended. —Phila, North American, ~ Mall Paitares. The Sout rern mail failed at Boston, Fy eA g “Northern tly) Augusta, Ga., 22,2 oo Nee | OR) Salen Sens 3 “ euth “a New Li ee forthern ‘ Charleston, ‘ oo “ Wilmington, N.C, 28,24 ostications of some, we are | Music Socie: jealth of our city was never | Euterpean Society, Liederkranz, Concordia, and the en ‘The following persons, it is said, will compose the new | prporiate speech from Gen Lo Paux Tuearan,—There was quite «large audience last night at the Park, and all hands seemed to be quite amused. The clown is waxing quite patriotic in his tongs, and the applause consequent on bis Mexican ditty, last night, was very great. Tho equestrians female and male, gymnasts, horses and ponies, and all tho paraphernalia of this splendid troupe. are all in fiae” working order, ang now i4 tho tims to y> and see them, aa they have bsen in mica flue practice lately, that every thing goas as smoothly as possibie. The comio pantomina is very funoy. Ventiaud keeps ths house in a roar, with his jokes and oddities ia it. ‘To-day being the children’s day, an extra afteraeou perfor a given at 244 P. Mand as usual, one at 7 P weok the afternoon performaac and we expect it will aleo be so t Bowery Tueatny,—There was a full and fashionable attendance at this theatre last evening, to witness the performance of the tragedy of * Damon and Pythins, oc the Test of Friendship.” Damon, inthe hands of Mr. W. Marshall,was very ably sustained, as Is, in fuct, every character he undertakes; andjthe part of Pythias, by Mr. Barry. was excellent. All the other charaoters ware ad- mirably well filled, particularly the part of Calanthe, by Mra. Phillipa. Next oamn the third act of the “Battls of Mexico,” which was resetyed with emthusiastic ap- In fact, this beautiful pleco alone, put forward , should draw aniug the regedy ot “Richard [11 ;” after which, the third and fourth acta ot the ‘' Battle of Mexico,” snd will conclude with the beautiful drama of the “Golden Farmer.” ‘This is an excellent progeamme for one eveaing, and we should not be surprixed, fom its attractive features, if the house wore cramuned from pit to dome. Every exeztion is be ing used by Mr. Jackson, to render the amusements at this theatre no way inferior to any other house in this city; and hence,his great s CvatHam THeatie.—There was quite a full house at this theatre, last night, and the attractions there of fered, were well worth a visit. ‘The farce of the “Youth. ful Queen,” was adqirably performed—Mr. Hield, as Steinberg; snd Mrs, Wilkinson, as Christine, Queen of Sweeden. Mies Deloraine, who always gets the appla of the audionce, danced a beautiful Scotch Pas Seul, which was encored, and loudly and long applauded This faverite dangeuse is one of the greatest attractions, and her performances are looked for with eager imps- tience, she being the very personification of grace. The farce of “Sudden Thoughts’ then followed, ia which Mr. Mield took the part of Impulse, and Mz. Herbert, thatof Jack Cabbage; and during the whole time the piece was on, the whole audience were convulsed with laughter. ‘The drama of the “Miller andI lis Men’? was also performed, and well received. ‘he Model Artiste made their last appearance, and, indeed, they seemed more beautiful than they ever before appsared; their exhibitions being chaste and beautiful, so that the most fastidious could look upon them, and but wonder and admire. Mr. Fletcher will present them on Monday evening next, in Albany, where they will, no doubt, ex- ceed his most sanguine expectations; for they are seen only to be applauded and admired, Curisty’s Minstrecs.—That plantation festival dance is a great affair, and so ure all the sayings and doings of this uniue band of minstrels. They certainly do give most splendid bills every evening—no monotonous re petition night after night, but every successive evening, new, fresh, and piquant.’ This afternoon they give an extra performance at 3 P.M, in addition to the usual one at 8 P.M. Broapway Oprox.—Pintoux bas good houses every evening, and his visiters ore much amused with the oo- mioal folks he has engaged, and the pretty bliad sing- ing which ia given ty Jeannie Reynoldson. Tete Mor- ris, Valentini, Odeon Minstrels, aud Master Juba, are all good in their way. Tiers? Moet Antists.—The performances of this roupe are very graceful indeed, and we have no doubt they will soon become tho rage in New York. They ought to be fully patronized, as much care, time, and money have been expended by the manager in the bring- ing out a perfect series of tableaux, Som of their groupings are bevutiful, but we must still protest against that eagle in Washington's dream; it certainly spoils an otherwise beautiful picture. Samson and Delilah, Venus and Cupid, the Listeners, and many other of their pictures, are perfect, Tre Sauce Brotnens, at Columbian Hell, Grand st., are giving very amusing concerts thrice a week, They give one this evening. Mr. Lyxxx gives the seventh of his series of musical illustrations of Shakespeare next Tuesday evening. the Stuyvesant Institute, Ho will be assisted by Mier Leach and Miss DeLuce, Mesers, Arthurson and Leach ; and the subject of the ‘evening being the play of * As You Like It,” a delightful evening may be anticipated. Tux Gran Musicat Soursterry, fa hoaor of the In- mented Mendelssohn, will come off on Saturday, the oth February, at Castle Garden, it will by the most mag- nificent thing ever dona in the way of concerts, in the United States. The Philharmonicand New York Sacred the American Musical Institute, the sous tire professional and amateur talent of the city, will all assist. Banvann’s Pavonama is attracting crowds nightly. The pleasant description given of the country, as the Panorama is unrolled, adds much to the pleasure of looking at it. It is truly a magnificent work of art. Baunswien’s Statuary of the Apollo and Venus do Medicis, modelled in Mexican composition, are attract ing much attention. They are weil worthy of a visit. Dumnonrox’s Ermoriaxy Senenavens are playing with great success in Baltimore. Tho houses are crowd ed every night they perform. Camrnecy’s Mixstrets will perform at Bridgeport on Monday and Tuerday next; at New Haven, on Wednes- day; at Hartford on Thursday; and at Springfield, on Friday and Saturdey. Law Intellige’ Craceit Count, Jan. 23 —Before Judge Morse -- Michael Farrell.—This was an action to recover damages for an alleged assault and battery and false imprisonment ‘The plaintiff kept a amail store in Canal street, and pur- chaged at different times from the defendant’s son, alad about 15 yeurs of age, various articies of jewelry, alleg- ed to have been stolen from defendant. The latter caused plaintiff to be arrested—upon his examination he admitted he had the jewelry, and subsequently gave it up. But it appeared he wasarrested without a warrant, and upon that ground, brought his action. The jury | rendered a verdict for the defendant, For plaintiff, Mr Jones, for defendant, Mr, H. Holden. Common Pixas—Before Judge Daly —Edword Els worth vs Jas, R. Sparrow —Action of assumpsit, to re cover $469 91, the price of 204 oil alleged to be sold by the plaintiff to the defendant in January, 1347, onsoredit of six months. ‘T'wo defences were set up ; first, that the casks were not merchantable, being deft cient of hoops, worm-eaten and otherwise injured ; aud ving 90 of the casks, the defendant in Jecting out of the balance such of them je, which the plaintiff refused, unless he ones, Second, that after suit brought, a tender for the amount (224) of the casks received, and the costs of suit up to that time ; the defendant claiming that there were only 90 casks received, while the plaintiff insisted there were 110 de. livered, ' Sealed verdict to-morrow (this morning.) For plaintiff Messrs Ketchum & Brown ; for defendant, Measrs, Shaffer & Soughton, Suragse Count or tie Uniren Srares—January 27, 1s43.—No, 14. Martin Luther, plaintiff in error, vs Luther M, Borden et. al. The argument of this cause was continued by Mr. Webster for the defendants in error, Recretion or General Preres ar Concorp, N.1L.—Upon the arrival of the morning train from Boston, Thursday morning, Gen, Pierce was re ceived by the committee of arrangements, and wel comed by the hearty cheers of thousands who had 9s sembled to meet him. ‘Che day was as bad as it be—snow, which had fallen ducing the previous night ander foot, wud a drenching rain on the heads— but ail these circumstances combined could not repress the en- thusiastic feelings of the patriotic citizens of New Hampshire. The assembly then retired to the large Railroad fall, which is capable of holding over 2000 persons, and it was on this occasion densly filed A meeting was organized. Joreph Low was chosea President, aided by ten Vice Iresidents. Gen Pierce was then presented to tho multitude in a neat and ap and three cheers given to General Pierce, when the General stepped forward and addressed the citizens assembled in a speech of orer an hour in length, very appropriate and eloquent. lie was interrupted in its delivery with frequent and pro- longed cheers. His speech was coniined, of course, en- tirely to the war and its presecution, aud a history of the 9th regiment and his brigade, from the time be left Vera @rua until the taking of Mexico. A'ter the conclusion of Gen Pisrce’a speech, letters were read from Hon. Marcus Morton, Vel. C. G. Greens of Boston, Hen. Hibbard, Hon. Moses Morris, Jr. ion. Warren Lovell and others, ‘The General was then taken by the hand’ by all tho multitude, and between one and two o'clock the meeting adjourned. A public levee was be ld ‘at the State House last evening. — Boston Times, Jan, 28, Rumors or Peace —Ramors of a peace—of a eaty of peace—ol a projet ot peace—are so rile today in the city, and ia the capitol, that we think it our duty to state there is no official Recount to confirm these rumors. We have more than once stated that ‘eist han no power or instructions to treat with the exicans, But no treaty, or projet of one, has been re ceived, Tho Washington correspondents have sent these rumore to all points of the compars, One even goes so for as to say that hois prepared to seo a peas written on paper OF parchmect, seat into the Senate, and ratified b; But this statement is certainly premature Certain it o is to come at all, the mor war is conducted --the m are supplied for its pr that we are determin ot the war—the lesa the ory of opposition the more firmly the w! tand by th sooner we shail have ® treaty of pe will produce an early peace ‘The more th the war—the more dilatory they are im fu m feel the preasure invt it, and necessary supplies—-the looger 1t may be before peace comes.— Washington Union, Jan, 37.