The New York Herald Newspaper, August 4, 1848, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD. South-West Corner of Fulton and Nassau sts. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, PROPRIETOR. ERALD tures edie coory ay. toe cents a The MORNING BDYTION te dis ; EB moment of m TING inds executed beautifully and with de- —. Grdare rassived at the Opies, corner of Pulton and au streets. “LL mail, for subseriy or with adver- Seiepetta or pA te deducted from OLUN CORRESPONDENCE, containing imports gets steed irom any quarter of the world; if used” will Be liber a. " (OTICE taken of anonymous communications, What- Ir, intended for tne ever is J the writer; not necessarily for Stagumenty af be goo Fale, We cctees Tera veered ALL PAYMENTS to be made in advance. AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Forruxio—Tur Aporren @u1w—Gu. Bras. : NIBLO'S, ASTOR PLACE—Napo.ron's O1v Gvarn— Goxsoy oy Ennons—Perer Wuirr. BURTON'S THEATRE, Chambers street.—CaRnival. oF Veerce—Lvucy mp SHAM AwouR—Los Lrcaponss. CASTLE GARDEN, Battery.—-Macic Mrrror—-Herr Ciine's Dancinc—Hovsr Dog, PANORAMA HALL, roadway, near Houston,—Banvarn's Panorama or THe Missouri AND Mississrrpi Rivers, MECHANICS’ HALL, Broadway, near Broome. —CuRusty’s Masetrets—Ermorias Sixerso—Dancine, ke, MINERVA ROOMS, Broadway.—Panonama oy GuvxRar ‘Payvon's Mexican CamPaicn, PANORAMA ROOM. corner Broadway and Walker street— Bamincron’s Dioramas oy tHe CREATION OF THE WORLD asp Devoe. New York, Friday, August 4, 1848. ‘Actual Circulation of the Herald. Avgust 3, Thursday... .. «+00 21,812 copies iblication of the Mornin, me we lay Wofore 3 ocleck, and finished at Moncod yesterday at 5 minutes bef 7 o'elock; the first Afternoon Edition commenced at 3) minutes Part 1 o'clock, and finished at 2 o'clock; the second at 3 o'clock, ‘And finished at15 minutes past 3 0 clock New Plans for the Annexation of Mexico and Cuba, We give in another part of to-day’s paper, an article from the National Intelligencer, headed ** New Schemes of Conquest and Annexation of Territory,” in which it is said that a scheme is on foot to annex the Mexican provinces on the Rio Grande to the United States, that General Shields asat the head of the movement, and is probably at San Luis in general’council, to make the final ar- rangements. A few days since, we published an article froma New Orleans paper, giving some particulars of a contemplated insurrection against Spanish authority in Cuba, and having for its ob- ject the ultimate annexation of that beautiful island to the United States. Thus we have whisperings and rumors of more annexation, more increase of territory, and more expansion of the American system of government, and 1ts attendant blessings. ‘The Intelligencer makes a great “pother” about the contemplated invasion and future annexation of the Mexican provinces, bordering on the Rio Grande, and declaims much about national honor and national justice—as 1f it were not in the nature of things inevitable that, sooner or later, the re- publicans of the north, would overrun the whole of Mexico, and we may add, Cuba, too, before many years. if the inhabitants of those provinces are convinced, as we believe they are, that as an integral portion of the Mexican confederacy, they will never be free from trouble, disquiet, and disorder, but be subject, continually, to al! the ca- Jamities that ensue from revolutions, insur- rections, and cmeutes, concocted by military chieftains for their own aggrandisement, at the expense of the State, and believe tka by annexing themselves to the United States, they would be more secure, more quiet, that their lives and their property would be better protected, and that they would be at liberty to de- velope the great agricultural and mineral resources of their country, which they cannot do now, we cannot see but that they have a perfect right to do so, and to secure all the assistance within their Teach that they can. If General Shields, and five thousand Americans, choose to go to those pro- vinces. and identify themselves with such a cause, they absolve themselves from all right of protection from their own government, and will sink or swim with the movement in which they may have enlisted. Such being our views, we do not see any necessity for making such a terrible outery about the matter. [f those provinces suc- ceed in establishing their independence, and their independence as a separate republie be recognized by the Jeading nations of the world, they Will have a perfect right, as Texas had, to seek annexation to the United States; and if those rumers are true, such will in all probability be the ultimate result. If we are to have the whele of Mexico, as appears to be probable, sooner or latir, this would be as good a method as any other, of getting her. it may be possible that this expedition of Gene- ral Shields may have been suggested, and is about to be undertaken, in consequence of the difficul- ties in the midst of which Congress is placed, in reference to the extension, or non-extension, of slavery into the new territories. Certain it is, that if successful, it would, in connection with the annexation of Cuba, bring abont an equili- brium—a balance of interests on the slavery matter, that would be attended with good re- sults. Much as we talk about freedom in the North, slavery and servitude exist there to as great an extent, if not greater, than it does in the South. Our mechanics and laboring people are the slaves of a state of society which reduces them to a condition of servitude as low as that of the ne- groes of the South. They are not identified with the soil; nor, when out of employment, have they any source on which they cen depend for assist- ance, ormeane with which to support themselves and families. They are the victims of competition. ‘When work or employment is abundant, they make out to get a scanty subsistence ; when the times are dull and employment scarce, they are perfectly free to starve. Such is not the case with the colored slaves of the South. ‘They are identi- fied with the soil which they till; they have a claim upon it as well as upon their masters for their support; and they are not at liberty to pro- create as rapidly as the white slaves of the North are, which is a consideration of much consequence under the circumstances. They will not increase ®0 much as to encroach on the means of subsist- ence Again, in Mexico there is a species of slavery, or human servitude, which, in whatever light it may be viewed, is nothing but slavery. We mean the system of Peonism, by which a creditor is allowed to hold a perpetual mortgage on the labor of the debtor, until the amount of his debt is paid. Under this system, which is recognized and up- held by the laws of that country, and 1s a munici- pal and peculiar institution, as fully as the system of negro slavery in the Southern States and in the Island of Cuba, a laborer who becomes indebt- ed to his master, 1s seldom or ever released from his slavery. It 18 the interest of the masterto keep him in debt, and in debt and in servitude he remains during the term of his natural life. It 1s mockery to call such a system by any other term than human slavery Slavery thus existing, in one form or another in the North, as well as in the -outh—in Mexico, as well as in Cuba—if more of Mexican terr:tory and the island of Cuba were annexed to the Uni- ted States, the consequence might probably be a balance, or equilibrium, between those different species of servitade, which would be si factory to the advocates of each. There would, in such case, be no need of Wilmot provisos, or anything else of Each section of the country would be satsefied, and the rights of each would be protected. We see no use in making an outcry about the further annexation of Mexican territory, or even of Cuba. The Spanish race, on this continent, are destined to be displaced by the Anglo Saxon; and come the day will, when the territory which be | they occupy will be tlled, and its resources de- veloped, by the bone and muscle of the United States. Mr. Van Borex axp me Burrato Conven- tion.—The Van ‘Buren party in this region are beginning to get alarmed at the probable composi- tion of the Buffalo Convention, to which so many delegates, of various colors and complexions, wil] be wending their way in a few days. Mr. Van Buren and his friends never found fault with the action of the Baltimore Convention, until it nominated another man for the Presidency, instead of himself. The four years of quiet and repose which he had been enjoying at Kinderhook, were produced by the soothing predictions of General Jackson, that he would get the nommation again 1n 1848; but General Jackson died, and with him the prediction. The Baltimore Convention met, and from the influences which prevailed, Mr. Van Buren was thrown overboard, and General Cass was nominated. Hence the sudden waking up to the importance of free soil and free territory, which has marked the conduct of Mr. Van Buren and his supporters for the last few months. No one who knows Mr. Van Buren, his career or sentiments, believes that he cares a copper for the colored races, or any race, in any portion of the world, much less the condition: of such race in California or New Mexico. The whole of the noise heretofore made against the Balumore Convention, has been caused prinei- pally by Mr. Van Buren; and now, according to many of the probabilities, the prospects which have been held out to him by the Buffalo Conven- tion, are about to be dashed from his lips in the same way. Accordingly, we see his organs in this region taking a strong ground of independence already, and threatening the Buffalo Convention, if Mr. Van Buren should not be the candidate of their choice. We.do not think that theee threats or this disposition will tend to smooth the way for his nomination at Brffalo. That con- vention will consist of three or four original influences. The particular partisans of Mr- Clay wall go there, burning with revenge, in consequence of the nomination of General Taylor at Philadelphia. The original anti-slavery men will meet in the same convention; but they will be governed by altogether different impulses than those which actuate the friends of Mr. Clay or Mr. Van Buren. Mr. Van Buren’s friends may be represented in that convention; but it is also proba- ble that the friends of Mr. Clay in this State will have delegates there; so that there may be four or five different influences at work in that convention, the number of representatives of which will proba- bly reach thousands instead of scores. A great effort may be made by the Van Buren mentoshow that the Kinderhook statesman would be the most popular, and would draw more votes from the other parties, than any other man that could be nomi- nated but this we think is very doubtful. General Scott or Judge McLean, of Ohio, would be a much more effective candidate for the purposes of the convention, and to represent their particular ideas and principles, than either Mr. Clay or Mr. Van Buren. The days of these latter statesmen, Clay and Van Buren, are past and gone. They ought to have been numbered with the dead and desolate years ago. They have kept the country in a struggle for the last twelve years ; and but for the struggles of their friends and partisans, it is very probable that one half of the trouble, and one kalf of the present national deLt of the country, would have been avoided. Many of those great statesmen, as they call themselves, are, after all, nothing but great intriguers, great pests, and great scourges to the country. Noman should be President for more than one term, for one dose is enough to spoil any candidate or any party Mr. Weusrer ann us Posrrion.—Several o the family journals in this latitude are making long and tedious apologies for the silence ot Mr. Web- ster, on political matters, during the last few months —apologies which, we think, are unnecessary, un- called for, and somewhat ridiculous. One of these apologists states, with all the gravity of a Don Quixotte in literature, that the great statesman, Daniel Webster, was prevented from delivering his opinions in favor of General Taylor, at Balti- more, in consequence of a violent storm from the north-east. ‘This storm, it appears, took place many weeks nd yet, according to all appearances, connected with Mr. Webster, that north-east storm must be still reging somewhere on this side of sun down. Possibly the wind has changed around, and the storm may be blowing from the north-west —most likely from Buffalo, or in that direction, Certainly, Mr. Webster is still covered with silence and solitude as with a thick camlet cloak, to save him from the peltings of thispitilessstorm. Certain- ly, not a word is heard from his lips, either in Con- gress or out of it, in favor of either General Taylor or Mr. Clay, on the compromise or on no-compro- mise, or any subject whatever. Some of the Wall street journals are predicting that at the proper time Mr. Webster will open his mouth, and let out some words of truth and soberness, We hope so; but if there is any desire in any party to open Mr. Webster's mouth, it 18 very easy to do so, accord- ing to the plan that has been tried and found sue- cessful on former occasions. If the manufacturers or capitalists down Hast, and in Wall street, will merely open subscriptions for one hundred thou- sand dollars, and purchase an annuity for the pur- pose of stilling the violent storms wherever they take place, it is probable that we would soon have some most eloquent speeches from the defender of the constitution. Won't they take this new plan, which they will find much better than that which the angel exercised when he met Balaam and his companion in the wilderness? Jonny Mrtremmy.—We learn from a correspondent that a person who was a steward over some pub- lic works in Bermuda, arrived in this city on Tuesday. When he left Bermuda, about ten days since, Mitchel was well,and had a certain limit on which he could walk for the benefit of his health. He still wears his own clothes, and is not asked to work; and is treated, in every respect, like a gentleman consistant with his safe keeping. No one is allowed to speak to him, and all Irish notin the army, and who held civil situations un- der the British government, have been dismissed, and a strict supervision kept on all Irish who re- side on the island. This wholesale dismissal of the Irish, was the cause why the informant of our correspondent left Bermnde. Mr. Mitchel is al- lowed books, but neither pen nor paper. is feel- ings cannot, of course, be ascertained, but he does not look at all dejected. No doubt he is buoyed up with the strong hope of his country’s freedom and his own release. Mats ror Evrore.—The American steamship United States, Capt. Hackstaff, will leave this port to-morrow afternoon, at j before 2 o'clock, for Cowes and Havre. Aurap or THe Mas..—We. are indebted to McKay & Co.’s Express for Charleston papers ahead of the mail. ‘Tel Matters, The new Western telegraph, building by the Messrs. Townsend, intended to connect Baltimore direct with Wheeling and the entire West, has been completed as far as Frederick, Md. ‘The wires of the magnetic telegraph, by which Troy and Montreal are connected, were safely carried across the river St, Lawrence some days ago,and the communication between those dis- tant points has been fully established. Newsparen Camniers axp THER TRape.— Perhaps there 16 no feature in our eit= which sooner cttracts the attention of a stranger, than the number of boys which surround him on his arrival—whether he come by land or by sea—in omnibus or railway car—packet ship or steamer. He is assailed on all sides by a crowd of vocife- rous newsboys, who lay siege to him with an energy that will brook no delay, and an impor- tunity that will take no refusal, until he is com- pelled in self defence to purchase one of their papers. There are hundreds of boys who con- trive to make an excellent living in this way; but as they are outsiders and <kirmishers, they have not the same standing as those who belong to the regular army of news distributors, nor are their beats computed in the regular profits of the news- paper establishments. There isa large number, however, employed in the regular trade, many of whom have, from time to time, realized a handsome independence, and all are able to obtain a comfortable subsistence. The whole of the city is generally divided into eighteen districts, to each of which a news-car- rier is appointed by each establishment; and some idea may be formed of the value of this depart- ment of the newspaper trade, by the following es- timate of the value of one of the districts which is not one of the most lucrative. Som: time since, the proprietor of this paper considered it expedient to dismiss one of his newsmen from the district which he served, and to appoint another in his place. The one removed felt dissatisfied in con- sequence ot this proceeding, and, since that, he has been endeavoring to flatter himself with the delusion that the length of time he was in one em- ployment, gave him a kind of vested interest in the situation, This appears ridiculous enough upon the face of it; but to such an extent did the foolish chap permit himselt to be carried away by the fancy, that he has actually commenced legal proceedings against us, and has laid his damages at $5,000. Now, if this be an accurate estimate of the value ef this district—which 1s far from being the most luerative one im the city—and no one is better able to decide upon this point than one of the class of whom we are treating—some idea may be formed of the value of this branch of our establishment throughout the city and elsewhere. If no higher amount be taken for any district, we have the news-vending trade alone of our establishment, worth $90,000, in the city ot New York. If no higher average be taken for the districts in Brook- lyn, Wilhtamsburg, Jersey City, Newark, Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Troy, Utica, Boston, Salem, Providence, Richmond, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Washington, New Orleans, Charleston, Cincinnati, and the various other places where we have agencies established, the sum total of the value would come very little short of: $200,000 for the news-vending business of this establishment. This is a branch of our business which we regard with peculiar satisfaction, as it enables us to give employment to an immense number of hands, who are all able to procure from it an excellent livelihood, ‘We understand that complaints have occasion- ally been made hitherto in several districts, in con- sequence of our subscribers not having been sup- plied in time with our paper. This was not un- trequently unavoidable, owing to our endeavors to procure the latest news from all parts of the world, which, together with the immense number of co- pies required to be struck off, sometimes retarded the issue. But, with the powerful revolving print- ing presses we have now erected, and which are universally admitted to be unrivalled in the world, we shall not only be able to maintain the pre-e nence at the head of the American press in priority of news, as we have always doae, but also to be the first in early delivery to our readers. ARRIVAL FROM THE Paciric.--Capt. Samuel V Shreve, late of the bark Amnetta, of Boston, sold in the Pacific, passed throughfthis city yesterday, en route from the Western shores of America to Boston. Capt. S. came overland, across the Isth- mus of Panama, and was a bearer of dispatches from our naval forees at Mazatlan to the govern ment, which have been forwarded to Washing- ton We leam that Capt. S. passed Mr. Livingston and family, crossing the Isthmus, on the 28th of June. ‘They were all well Our advices from Californin, by Capt. S., are to the 30th of March. We have received, in addition to papers and letters from California, the Jamaica Despatch to alate date, and some unimportant in- telligence trom the Sandwich Islands. Annexed is one of cur letters from | fornia correspondent :— Catsronxia, March 30, 1848. Affairs in California—Value: of the Country —Sitver ines, §c., Sc. Private and public, religious and political affairs aro our Cali- comes over the country from the “Town of the Angels” —and who would suppose false reports would originate from there—that Bustamente, or some other hero, is on the road to retake this department. But the pa trictiem of our countrymen here, and the state of the natives cause these reports soon to die away. Mexican pronunciamentos in this country, and the authors clearing out with a few hundred lrorses belonging to the Californians, begins to be considered by the owners | of Ranchos. poor business. Cel. Maron moves on rlow and steady, cutting down his expenses to a small seale, and keeping the country in as good order as possible.” Horse stealing, however, improves, as some Yankees have taken a part in the game ; improvement follows thelr actions as a matter | of course. Our governor has but few troops ; the Ware ren is our squadron—yet our situation appears saf All our vesstls-of-war on this slation, are holding p sersion of the Pacific ports of Mexico. ‘They will move for California in June, to syoid the gales of San Blas and Mazatlan, Trade is fast increasing with us. In 1847 our im- ports excceded the amounts of several p:evidus years. Farms are being rettled, and by men who will soon know their value; the tide of emigration has as yet eet for the Oregon; as in ‘46 and 47, we purchased large amounts of flour and jumber, and some few other ar- ticles, they have cracked up that country ina fine style. In the fall of °46, the new state of affairs, the entrance of 60 many strangers, the prosence of alarge Fqtadron, soon consumed every article in the market, We therefore purchased flour and boards at the Ore- gon, this is now to stop. Saw mills and flour mills are rising in every direction; by next year the price of Jumber in California and the freight from Oregon will be the same. Our farming lands are fast rising in yalue; house lotsa in towns 1000 per cunt. in value, Thereare several young men, who arrived here in 46, that have made $5,000 to $15,000 in land specula- tions, Mines are discovered in many places; but quicksilver ‘There is to enrich California bg hi all other mines, is one now in operation belonging to Barron, & Co, an English house in Mexico. The workmen at thismine have only the common try-pots.a few picksand crowbar, and for a few days past have bottled off $300 per da: I presume the expenses are less than one gunster, ‘The ore is simple rock, mostly of a red color ; is merely broke and heated, producing one-fourth its weight ‘in pure metal. By dropping a | pinch of it on a hot iron, covering it with a teacup two minutes, the ¢ is covered with the smoke. This being rubbed carefally by the finger, in some cases, produced a globule the size of a small pea. Almost the same expense and labor employed in Penn- sylvania, in obtaining e ton of iron, will obtain a ton of quicksilver in California. Neither you nor your readers are expected to believe thiy mort incredible story; yet, such is thefact. The quicksilver obtained at the Forbes mines, in one week, will pay for the ma- chinery. When the expected works from Tiirepe reach Ganon the tons of quicksilver will show for it Near the Pueblo de San Jose, an American has two leagues of land, which cost him four hundred dollars. A gentleman from Virginia, lately arrived here, has wurebased agmall part of this land-at five hundred dol. a d should it have quicksilver, as he expecta, is to several thourands more. There is a mining com- pany established here, who do not wish to commence working their quicksilver ore until they have proper machinery. They are not satisiied with the slow pro- cers of Barron, Forbes & Co., who, however, this month make their first shipment to ‘atlan, of twenty thou- sand dollars. So California this month mates the first move towards shipping this all-important article to work the Mexican gold and silver mines, If the present war cost a pair of hundred millions of dollars, or even a million ounces, and the United States can obtain a tenth of this rich quicksilver that ap to be scattered so profusely about in this territory, i think the Rothschilds had better enter into a contract with Mr. Polk to on the war on their no- count, taking the t of our mines for a generation or two for their expense. Pithaso. Movements of Uistinguished Individuals, Capt, Samuel C. Head and Mexican lady arrived in Washington on the 1st inst. a William Mitche!, eq., brotherof John Mitchel, eg Irish patriot, arrived in Philadelphia on the 2d inst. ail right side up in California; ever and anon a rush | Cuxamine Streets sy Conrract.— We have re- ceived the following communication from Assist- ant Alderman Webb, and would probably have had many of the same sort, but from the fact, that the remainder of that august body were yesterday on avalonté écart, which probably means “ridingon a ruil,” on Long Island, in reply toanarticle which we gave yesterday morning, felative to the mise- rable condition of the streets ‘Trunsvay, Avgust 3, 1848, Janes Gorpow Bennett, Ese., For some days past, you have indulged in rather severe remarks concerning the condition of the streets of our city; and in this morning’s paper you giveus along article, in which you accuse he bers of the Common Council of neglect of duty, and of paying more attention to “dinners and other entertalpments of pleasure,” that the busi- ness which, as servants of the people, they are bound to iy led — is reese Lines rey py do not speak thorough knowledge e facts; and, inasmuch as you have published th mes of the members in a list—including mine—“that the public may know who is responsible for this lame and impro- per Mansgement,”’ as you are pleased to style it—I hope you will indulge me with the privilore of endeavoring, at least, to set you right in the premises, Yo that the streets are in a very filthy condi- tion ippose that a majority of your readers ac- tually believe so; but that this state of things is owing to the neglect, remissness, or incompetency of the Common Council is, to say the least of it, a great mi take. The streets of this city have never been cl than since the present Common Counoil were into office—and I will warrant, that the venerable entleman known as the “oldest inhabitant,” if he fs not gone to the Springs, or Newport, or Niagara, or Coney Island, or to Cuba. to make preparatiors@o annex that great island to this republic—will boar me out in the assertion. I mention him particularly, be- cause itis generally presumed that he knows every- thing; but I will also appeal te men of this generation for proof of my declaration; and if the atreets are not 80 clean now as they were a month ago, the fault lies in the mode of cleaning them, and not in those whose duty it is biepy fi pes clean. You may ray then, “if the system is a bad one, why not adopt a better? A very proper question, certainly; but instead of calling on some one to answer it. you make the reply without first asking the question, by stating that the members of the Common Council do nothing, and are “perfectly lost toshame anda true sense of the position they occupy.” 2° hers it is evident that you do not speak from the card, or you would not be so unjust in your remarks ; and as you are very much in the dark allow me to light you along toa true state of the case, On the second meeting of the Board of Assistant Aldermen, I, as Chairman of the Committee on Cleaning Streets, sub- mitted a report on the subject (a copy of which I'send you) in favor of cleaning streets by contract ; and that Teport was as strong as words could make it. Immedi- ately thereafter, an ordinance was submitted to the Board of Aldermen, by the proper committee of that Board, (a copy of which, also, [send you,) which was sent tothe Board of Assistants for concurrence, and which. after being debated and amended, was passed June 26th, and sent back to the Board ef Aldermen, where it was adopted July 3d, and approved by the Mayor July 14th. That ordivance occupies neatly twelve pages of dooument form paper, and is said by thore who have read it to be as perfect as such an one canbe. If you would lay that and the report before your readers, they could judge whether or not members of the Common Council do nothing but eat canvass- back ducks, and go on excursions. Well, after the paseage of the ordinance, the next thing was te adver- tise for proposals and fix a day on which to open them; which day being last Friday, they were duly opened by the Committee, and such a pile was there of them, that the Clerk was ordered to make out an abstract, and when he should have completed it to call the Com- mittee together, at ten o'clock in the morning. The Committee are already called, and will meet on a cer- tain day this week, to consider and determine the matter ; and much judgment and discrimination will be necessary to a proper fulfilmen: and consummation of it. Thus you see the Common Council have done something towards cleaning the streets, and I hope that hereafter you will give us credit when we “doa generous action,” as Paul Pry says, instead of con- Uinually denouncing us for things of which we are not guilty. Tocarry on tho affairs of this city, a great deal ‘of care, labor, and attention are requisite, and committees of -he Common Council are in session every day the year round—sometimes all day and all night—notwithstanding the great talk about “a recess until the first Monday of September;’’ and inasmuch as they work for nothing, it is bat fair and just that you should exercise 2s much for. bearance and charity as possible towards them. Our duties are multifarious, and some of them very unpleasant; but, nothwithstanding that, we get slong as smoothly, and do our duty as thoroughly, as any of our “illustrious predecessors” have; and if the streets are dirty now, it is mo more than they were last year, for, according. to common report, they have been growing dirtier and dirtier for many years last past. According to caloulations thet might be made from newspaper paragraphs in regard to the increase of the filth of the streets in each succeeding year, the dirt continually accumulating, like money at interest, would, at this writing, be even with the second-story windows of houses in Broadway, and much higher in some other streets; but it is not so now, and yet the Common Councils get no credit for what they have done in order to keep dirt-dom within reasonable bounds. However, itis well enough to find fault wita and. abuse members of the Common Council—frr, as the old wo- man said of the eels she was skinning, “they are used to it, and it don’t hurt ‘em 2 bit. Rerpectfully yours, CHARLES WEBB, Assistant Alderman of the Sixteenth Ward. This is very good and very funny. The alder- man thinks that the streets are cleaner now, or were afew weeks ago, than they have been fora year, or two, or three. That may be, and yet they may be in a most disgraceful condition. We had hoped that the new Common Council would arrest some of the wayward doings of the late members of that body, but are sorry to say we see little or no difference in the management of the affairs of the city. Itis also stated by Alderman W., that, at the second meeting of the new board, which took place on the 16th of May, he, as chairman of the Comunittee on Cleaning Streets, reported an ordi- nance for cleaning the streets by contract, which received the sanction of the Mayor on the 14th of July, requiring only two months to pass a law to which all were favorable. After the ordinance became a law, it was necessary to advertise for proposals, which was accordingly done; and we are credibly informed that already nearly a cart- load have been received by the committee, and the highest offered will not exceed one-half the amount which was paid for the purpose this last year. The alderman complains that we will not give them credit when they do effect any thing for the public good. To this charge we demur. We have always urged the necessity of the contract system, and when the subject was first spoken of gave them full credit ; but we cannot render unto Cwsar the things which are not his, and give credit where there is none to be seen. We will give Alderman Webb due credit for his exertions for the contract system; he has worked hard for this system, but when he says that they have at- tended to their duties as thoroughly as any of their “illustrious predecessors,” we admire his modesty. In thus working as thoroughly he claims very litte. But we expected more from them than a continuation of the unwise legislation which had been visited upon us for years past, and do sttll look for those measures which will tend to the public good. We understand that since the contract system was spoken of, many of the laborers have been discharged from the streets. We may be wrong, but so we have been informed. We leave the public to judge for themselves, and a visit will satisfy the most incredulous. But sweeping the streets 18 not all that is required ; it is compelling the servants to keep their garbage till the carts call for it, as they are bound to do by the city ordinances. This is done in Boston, and that place 1s kept clean. If a householder persists in throwing his potato parings and corn husks into the streets, fine him as the law directs. Our streets ought not to be a disgrace'to the city, be- cause a servant here and there and everywhere loves the atmosphere that the swine revel in. If our police and street inspectors attended to this matter in a proper manner, and compelled the payment of a few fines, we should not only get rid of a vast amount of filth, but of the swine too, There is no reason in making this beautiful city the pig pen of the Union. New York ought to be the cleanest city in the world. If it was, thousands of strangers would come here in the summer and spend their money, instead of geing elsewhere. Tur Rerortep Loss ov an American Vessni ov ‘Wan —The Kingston (Jam.) Despatch, of the 5th ult., contains the following paragraph:— “We hear that the American frigate from Hayti, with four hundred refugees on board, which was ex- oted to arrive at this has been wrecked off the Morent Keys, on Friday iast.. It is said that their lives have been saved.”’ We have a letter from a gentleman at Kingston, Jamaica, stating that the United States Consul at that place had made diligent inquiries, but tinds no clue to the report. There 13 no dowbt it ie with- out foundation, Summary of the Latest News. Both the Senate and House of Representa- tives were yesterday occupied in listening to ha- Tangueson the slavery question ; but in ngither bedy was any new light shed on the subject, nor any definitive action accomplished. In the Senate, the Oregon bill from the House was introduced ; and several Senators made it the occasion to de- liver lengthy speeches in the support ot and oppo- sition to the defeated compromise bill. In the House, Mr. Wilmot, of proviso notoriety, and others, indulged in eloquent reiterations on the slavery question, pending the consideration of the army appropriation bill. 9 Arrivals at St. Louis, from Oregon, acquaint us with the particulars of a battle between the set- tlers and the Indians, in which the latter were de- feated, with considerable loss. Intelligence of similar import has, however, been previously communicated. An election for Governor, &c., took place in North Carolina yesterday. We present the re- turns so far as receiv: NORTH CAROLINA ELECTION YESTERDAY, FOR GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE. Maniy’s Reid's Manly, W. D. i ia a i 49 aN) ry 159 - ng % 58 = 238 3 nh 1 _ 8 5y - 26 82 3 - 6 I) 43 46 = . 8 199 = 76 ow 3 bs = . 8B Rh - 59 Ww 0 - I, 1,156 ‘age 1,026 Reid's majority... ......... 130 Hall, the whig candidate for Senate, in Raleigh precinct, had 78 votes ; Thompson, democrat, 41 ; Commons—Simms, democrat, 204 ; Newcombe, democrat, 200; Jones, democrat, 215; Moore, whig, 275 ; Battelle, whig, 281; Fleming, whig, 273. Full returns may confidently be expected in season for our evening edition, Impoxes:.: from Oregon. Sr. Lovis, August 3, 1848, Ten men from St. Joseph have arrived in this city, in eighty-seven di rom Oregon Territory. ‘They left the 10th of March. A battle had been fought between the Indians and the Oregon regi- ment. The former were defeated, having had 50 killed, end a considerable number wounded. Fur- ther pursuit of the Indians was abandoned, on ac- count of the want of provisions and ammunition. The Americans had none killed, and only 10 wounded. The regiment would, it was thought, be successfn! in detending the territory, but was in want of supplies of horses, &c. Col. Gilliam, com- manding the regiment, was accidentally killed after the battle, by the discharge ot arfle. Pro- positions of Reve were entertained by the «In- diana; but the troubles were not settled. The government had called for more troops. Re- inforcements were anxiously expected trom the States. The Mormon settlement at Salt Lake was ina flounshing condition. Parties of emigrants were met at Sweet Water. Col. Garland and Ma- jor Brant have arrived from Fort Mann. Thuirty- two Camanche Indians were killed in the engage= ment with Lieut. Magill’s command, on the ist of une. [We published the following, among other items of western news, in the NV. Y. Herald of the 2d inst. “ Abeat the Ist of February, Col. Gilliam had two battles, or rather skirmishes, with the Indians, who had the worst of the fight, losing twenty-five or thirty men, killed and wounded. Colonel Gilliam lost three men, one by an accident. The Indians, besides their lors of men, were obliged to leave behind them $1400 worth of property, which, of course, fell into the hands of the victors.” Pirrsuvren, August 3, 1848. The owners of the mills here have published a card, in which they state that their mills must and will remain suspended until they are placed onan equal footing with the factories oft ofr States, by the repeal of the ten hour law. THIRTIETH CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION. Wasnixorow, August 3, Senate The Senate convened at the usual hour, and in the abeenco of the Vice President, Mr. Atchison presi- ded, Several petitions were received, which took the ordinary course A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, A message was received from the President in writing, by the hands of his private secretary, trans- mitting, in obedience to a call of the Senate, the pro- ceedings of the Court Martial in the case of General Pillow. It was, on motion, ordered to be printed, and in addition to the usual number, three thousand eopies, with accom; ying documents, were ordered to be printed for the use of the Senate. A MESSAGE PWITH THE OREGON MILL, A message was received from the House with the Oregon Bill, passed yesterday. It was received and read twice. Mr. Crayton, of Delaware, rose and addressed the Senate at come length, and chiefly in explanation of the defeated compromise bill, which, he said, Southern members had objected to, on the ground of its giving up too much by the South, and that Northern mem- bers opposed it, as giving up too much by the North. Mr. Crav1oy, in conclusion, moved to refer the bill to the Committee on Territories, Mr. Downs, of Louisiana, gave notice that he would move an amendment when the bill came uj for con- sideration. Mr. Bancen, of North Carolina, spoke briefly, and expreseed his surprise that any northyrn man should have opposed the compromise bill, or that any southern man should have supported it, Mr. Piexrs, of Vermont, obtained the floor and ad- dressed the Senate. Hg said that he was prepared to go home and face his constituency, and to vindicate his course on the compromise bill; and that, unless he was nares mistaken, they would unhesitating- ly give him their approval. The bill was then referred to the Committee on Territories. CIVIL AND DIPLOMATIC APPROPRIATION BILL, Mr. Atnexron, of New Hampshire, moved that the Senate take up the Civil and Diplomatic Appropria- tion bill, which was agreed to. The first question be- fore the Senate was the amendment in favor of strik- ing out $50,000 for the improvement of Savannah river, On which, the yeas and nays were demanded, and resulted in the affirmative, by the following yote: yeas 35, nays 15, So the clause was stricken out. The next question was on an amendment to pay $50,000 for the Amistad slaves, Mr. Bavwrn, of Connecticut, addressed the Senate against the amendment at length, after which a de- bate sprung up, in which Mr. Johnson, of Maryland, Mr. Badger, of North Carolina, Mr. Butler, of South Carolina, and Mr. Hall, of New Hampshire, partici- pated. The yeas and nays were called for, when the amendment was adopted, by yeas 24, nays 21, On motion; the Senate then adjourned over until to-mor- row, (Friday.) House of Representatives, The Hoxse asrembled at ten, A. M., and was called toorder by the Speaker. The journal was read and approved, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. After the transaction of some routine business, the Speaker decided the first on his table to be in order to be reports from committees; whereupon, sundry bills were reported, read twice, and referred to the Commit- tee of the Whole. PRIVATE BILLS, Mr. Rockwet1, of Connecticut, made an ineffectual effort to have the House agree to take up private bills on to-morrow (Friday), as the order of the day, in pre- ference to other busine OPRIATION BILL. Ohio, chairman of the Committee of Ways and ns, the House resolved itself into committee of the whole on the state of the ion, and took up the Army Appropriation bill, Mr of Massachusetts, in the chair. isu, of Vermont, being entitled to the floor, the committee at length. He made Northern side of the slavery question, id that he was unwilling to leave the decision to the Supreme Court of the United States; that, as it ‘was now constituted. it was composed almost entirely of Southern men and of Northern men with Southern principles. He said that he had authority for declaring that slavery now exists in the territory of Oregon. Mr. Wiimor, of Pennsylvania, followed in an elo- quent speech. in which he took’ occasion to advocate his proviso, He said that he was willing to let slave: exis’ where it was, but that he warned the Sout inst forcing its extension over free soil. It waa for of white men, and belo to them as ~ 9 to negroes; and it was for the ted. He was followed by Mr. Jonw H. Crozien, of Te who addressed the committee at some leng' nded the House majority, for killing the "s Territorial Compromise bill. He denounced t all, and said that it was 1d nottled nothing. Mr. M, P. Gentry, of Tennessee, made « speech, in which he made similar declarations, in roference to the Compromise bill He said thi eae toe Le da ut upon its final passage, ® Would have defeated i a ee ne ee cussion then sprang up, between Mr. jae \, Mr. Bowden, Mr. Crozier, Mr. V! others, which was ted with much spirit. Mr. Binvsatt, of New York, obtained the floor, and proceeded to make & meg in ag Se Bags speech of Mr. Collins, 6f New York. In the course ofthis remarks, he gave a history of New York politics. ‘The discussion was ore 1 be na, Mr, Bailey, of Virginia, Mr. ad ge, petvohn Air, Newell of Sew Jersey, and Me. Hoy- ‘Tue Bartisn West Inpizs.—By an arrival from Kingston, Jamaica, we have files of the Despatch and the Journal to the 7th July, being the same as received a few days since by the Robert Peel, at New Orleans. The political affairs of the co- lony engross the attention of the people and the press, The feeling of discontent caused by the depressed state of mercantile and agricultural pursufts, is yet on the increase; and various move> ments and projects are presented, in order to re- lieve the people and the local government of the oppressions and embarrassment that have been daily growing upon them, through the illiberal po- licy of the home ministers. Among the movements now on foot, is one urging the Assembly to resign its functions into the hands of the Governor. Another recommends a separation from the mother country. This last appears to have a large number of advocates ; and their object, itis stated, is a union with the United States. Marine Affairs. Tux Stzaaxn New Won.v.—Another attempt was made, yesterday,to get this monster into the water. ‘The great difficulty appears to be the want of an expe- dient in getting sufficient grease on the slides, Another trial will be made this morning. Launen or tHe Stramsuty Onecon.—The beautiful steamship Orogon, the third vessel in Messrs. How- land & Aspinwall’s Pacific line, will be launched to-mor- row, at half-past one o'clock, from the yard of Messrs. Smith & Dimon, foot of Third street, She is 1300 tons burthen, intended, as we have previously mentioned, to run upon the N. W. coast of South America, She completes the line projected under a contract from the government. ‘The California, which is the pioneer, will take her departure for the Pacific, on or about the 25th of the next month. The Panama, fer the same line, is receiving her machinery from the Allaire ‘Works, and will be ready to leave for her destination in December, Tue Steamsnir Frayxcix.—A visit to this really beautiful ship, as she stands upon the stocks, in the yard of Messrs, Westervelt & MoKay, will fully repay one forthe time occupied. She is now receiving her first coat of paint, being planked, and nearly ready to launch. Her build and form differ essentially from the Washington and Hermann; she is longer, has more beam, and less depth of hold. Her model is admitted, by thoee capable of discriminating in these matters, to be one of the finest proportion ever designed. She ia long and low, with @ round and graceful stem, and, although having sharp ends, her floor is carried out almost from stem tostern. She is longer than the Washington or Hermann, ih every respect, but does not draw within four feet as much water as either. Her timbers and fastenings are all of the very finest material, and are put together with such care as hag not been bestowed upon any vessel now afloat. Apart from the immense fastenings of copper, crooks, and knees, her frame is laced with large wrought iron braces, running diagonally from the upper deck to the knee, as in the steamers now building for Mr. Collins? Liverpool line. She will be launched about the end of this month. Clty Intelligence. Mestcan Festivat. or Wanp ScHool No, 5—The annual musical festival and exhibition of this school, | came off on the evenings of Wednesday and yesterday, at the school house, corner of Stanton and Shi streets. The manner and the style in which the per= formances were executed were of the highest order, and reflect great credit upon both pupils and instructors, ‘The‘‘Fairy’s Transtormation.” an operetta, composed for the occasion, by Mr. Dubois, one of the teachers, was most beautifully performed throughout. ‘There was @n ease and grace manifested throughout, raroly to be seen among children, especially by Misses Cole- man and Cook. The “Fuiry Queen’s Benison,’? was also handsomely performed. Master Graham, in the piece of “Music Mad,” performed his part to the delight of all prerent. The “Maniac,” by Miss Mary Parkiss, was beautiful; so true to the sentiments of the piece were her ravings and pathetic allusions, that one wat almost led to believe, for 1 moment, that he was not looking upon a picture but a reality, and the effect was such as to cause the tear to start from every eye. Miss Fanny Harper appeared in the songs of “Dearest Mae,? and “Stop that knocking at the door,” and so graphie were her delincations. that the effect of the perform. ance of the “Maniac,” gave way to the groate et risinge of the mirthful faculties. ‘Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Mr. Durand, principal of the school, for the efficient skill dispiayed in the managemen: and dis- ea of this interesting department of his duties. The feature is u new one, and cannot be too strongly commended, as the study is a diversion from the ordi- we studies, and calculated to Inspire the children with that xeal which is sure tolead to proficiency in all the departments of their education. Tue Lenctany Case.—The caee of burglary noticed a few days sincein the Herald, in which a large dog was the aggressor, occurred at No, 118 White street, in- stead of No. 120. Accirnt on Tur Raitnoap.—A serious accident o¢- curred. yesterday morning, while the White Plains train of cars was passing through Broome street, op the downward trip. A cartman was driving through Mott. street, and attempted to cross Broome street ahead of the car, but it being impossible to stop the car, the pole was forced into the side of one of the lead- ing horses, and broken. ‘This is the result of carcless- ness ov the part of the cartman, who should bave been aware that it would be impossible for him to crose the street in time to clear the car. Finrs.—A fire broke out about 10 o'clock Wednesday night in the basement of the grocery store of il. A. Kerr, corner of Broadway and Astor Place, which did considerable damage before. the flames could be sub. dued. It was fully insured. A fire also broke out about one o'clock yesterday morning, in a small Wooden house in Twelfth street, near First avenue which was destroyed, together with a stable, and two. shanties adjoining. Also, about 1 o'clock yesterday morning, a fire broke outina bakery, on Eighth ave- nue, near Twenty-fourth siree:, which was put out with trifling damage. ‘ Drownen.—A Iad about 13 years old, accidentally fellfrom the dock, at the foot of Vestry street, about ten o'clock Wednesday night, and before assistance could be rendered, drowned. ‘His body hes not yet been recovered. Supprx Deatn.—Coroncr Walters held an inquest Met day, at City Hospita!, on the body of James MoNamee, a native of Ireland, and 50 years of age, who came to his death by disease of the bowels. Ver- dict accordingly. Tremexvous Havt.—The fine steamer Jacob Bell. Capt. Yates, wont yesterday on a fishing excursion. with a large party. “She returned in the evening, with eight thousand fish! ‘This is grent fishing, Police Intetligence Charge of False Pretences.—Officer Patterson, of the lower police, arrested yesterday one of our persevering speculators, by the name of John W_ Porter, on a wat- rant issued by Justice Lothrop, wherein ‘he stands charged with obtaining $123 worth of clothing by. false and fraudulent representations, the Property of H. H. Jones, tailor, No. 176 Broadway. It appears from the affidavit of Mr. Jones, that about the 20th of No- vember last, Porter came to his store and was measured for a suit of clothing, amounting to $00, {und on pay- ment being made, Porter had no money, but wanted Mr. Jones to take his noto at a short date. This, Mr. Jones refused todo; and Porter finding it impossible to got the clothing without pay of some kinil, introduc. eda man by the name of Charles Stratton, whom he represented to be et, solvent and responsible.— A was then given by Stratton for $125, at a short date; and allover the $60 Mr. Stratton took himself im clothing, thus making the job complete, At matarity; the note was protested for non-payment, and subse- quently, on enquiry, Mr. Jones ascertained that Strat- nm was & man of no means or responsibility, which fact is alleged was knowing to Porter when making the representations to Mr. Jones. The magistrate detain ed Porter in order to have the case furtherinvestigated intelligence, Taytor Srraws.—On board the steamer Za- chary Taylor, on a late trip from Cincinnati to Pittsburg, a vote was taken, which resulted as follows : Taylor, 85; Cass, 16. Gen. Tayior Dectings TRAVELLING AS A CaN- pipate.—Gen. Taylor having been ivited by some of his political friends to visit the Nort Curing. the approaching Presidential canvass, re- plies, from Baton Rouge, his present headquarters, with the following langu: “Lregret that it will be quite out of my power to ac- cept this hospitable invitation. I have recently been assigned to command of the Western div! of the army, and this fact alono, would prevent my leay- ing this section of the country, without due authori- ty. But, im dently of this consideration, | must acknow! That I disapprove of the practice—now generally ‘ed by our candidates for the Presiden. ey—of travelling th: th the country previous to the election; and! hope, tl my friends wil) fees tu crane fae tena nt dul elec! ie jcers ment, every “‘Amesioan elton should cast his vote ted. and unsolicited by any one; and I sincerly Rrust that suoh, at least, may be the case as faras | am concerned.” Free Soi, 1x Cnemva —A meeting of the Var Buren, Free Soil democracy, is called in Chemung county, signed by six hundred democratic electors A, letter from the Hon, Dixon H. Lewis, de: claring his intention to give a hearty support tc Cass and Butler, has appeared in the Florence (Ala.) Gazette. Moprst—It is said that, John Van Buren har written to Chicago that he is determined to mak« no more political addresses during the canvass, ot account of the nomination of is father at Utica. During the month of July, the exports Bostom amounted to 2007 toners Are OF rictfrom