The New York Herald Newspaper, December 19, 1848, Page 2

NEW YORK. HERALD. ‘North west corner of Fultou and Nassau sts, JAMES GORDON BENNETT, PROPRIETOR. THE ¥ HERALD.—Three editions. pars nntam. The MORNING nd dlatributed before break/as TON can be ha: the ‘BION ly 3 < AFTERNOON ED) news hoye gti velack P. Mand the second AFTRRNUON BDITION at ne WEEKLY HERALD—Bvery cirewla ‘Bion on the American Conthwent-—6'4 cents per copy, $3 123% per | annum. Beery steam packet day, for European circulation, | Sper annum, toincli ropean edition | = > athe Prench and ng ERS by mail, for subscriptions, or with adver- t-paid, or the postage will be deducted from ‘TAR Y CORRESPONDENCE, containing important solicited from any quarter of the world; of used, will be ‘ADVERTISEMENTS, (renewed every morning, and to be ‘lished inthe morning and afternoon editions, )at reason ble wn j te be written ina Ply ie: manner; the proprietor errors in manuscrivt. nonymous communications. insertion muat be authenticated by the name publication, but return rejected VOL news, «1 liber. not ible NO. ‘Koric ever is tended Gnd addvess of the wrrter, not necessarily for Ged guaranty off hs goot Jauh We caret Pi G of all kinds executed beautifully and with des Orders racdioed “at the Uflee, corner of Pulton and Tho NERALD ESTABLISHMENT is open throughout the wight as well as day. AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING, BOWERY THFATRE, Bowery —Txx Lion oF THe Desenr— Howe in Tux Wait—GoLp Seexeas—Dancine nv Crocca ano Name BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway—Usen Ur—Tux Houw wrock’s Perron» ancas —Pook Puascoppy, NATIONAL THEATRE, Chatham Square—PizaRRo—Joan or ARo-OmniBvs. BURTON'S THEATRE, Chambers street— Barrack or Pro misn—CaLivonsia Gov t vas—Wuere’s BARNUM? BROADWAY CIRCUS, near Spring street—Equeeraian- amt, Ro. ‘ MECHANICS’ HALL Broadway, moar Broome—Cu tusry's Mocran—] PIAS BINGING, MELODEON -Vinosvia Benexaprns. SOCIETY LIBRARY—Casrnxit’s Mixeraxrs, ZOOLOGICAL (NSTITUTE, Bowery—Vae Amsuncn's Gaaxp Menacenie. STUYVESANT INSTITUTE, Broadway, near Bleecker street —New Orixans Serewapers’ Erwrorian Concerts. New York, Tuesday, December 19, 1848. Actual Circulation of the Herald. Deo. 18, Monday ...... cesses ssse0e 21,072 copies. blication of the Herald commenced yesterday at 3) ainsi ond Velook, and finiabed at 30 minutes past 6 glock. Circulation of the othe: Journal Courier and Enquirer, (daily) Journal of Commerce Express . ‘Tribune ueading Morning | Errore‘ int the above estimate will be corrected on | adequate authority. Preparations for the New President. Our pnvate accounts from Washington are of a very interesting character, and withal very amus- ing, so faras relate to the incoming administra tion of General Taylor. We understand thatthe | whig leaders, members of Congress, and whig office seekers congregating at Washington, are now busy, night and day, in both houses, on the hill and in the hollow, in the hotels and in the ta- verns, making every arrangement for the selection of a cabinet for General Taylor, and for the ap- pointment of all office seekers who may have claims to fat places, so as to save all trouble and all thought to the new President, when he reaches Washington. Our Washirgton correspondents have already mentioned the names of several deserving politi- cians from the whig ranks, who are getting up re- | commendations for particular offices, and prepar- ang the way for their applications, as soon as the next fourth of March shall have passed and gone. Foreign missions and consulates are exciting the attention of the great and little politicians through- | out the land. Home offices, from cabinet mem- bers down to door-keepers, are beginning to be assorted and arranged, even before the inauguration of General Taylor, or before he shall possess the power of bestowing what is placed in hishands by he constitution. Let us come to particulars. During the last few | weeks, we have seen a variety of names mention- ed for cabinet ministers. From time to time we have given those as they appeared in the papers. The following, however, has been freshly issued at | ‘Washington, and has in itsome names which the previous lists did not contain. We give it for what it is worth, as the latest version of the new cabinet :-— Secretary of State—Reverdy Johnson, of Maryland. Secretary of the Treasury—John C. Spencer, of New york. : Secretary of War—James Gadeden, ef South Caro. Da. Secretary of the Navy—Joseph R. Ingersoll, of Penn- eyivania Postmaster General—Robert C. Winthrop, of Massa- chusetts. Attorney General—S. 8. Prentiss, of Louisiana. What authenticity may be attributed to this programme we do not know ; but as far as we can understand the position of General Taylor, and the principles which are to regulate his conduct, we believe it isnot a matter of very great importance who his cabinet may be, provided they are the same class of intelligent and respectable persons whose names have app eared in the numerous lists which have heretofore been published. He will, without doubt, select them before the fourth of Mareh; but if, in a tew months, this cabinet should not suit him, or the persons composing it should turn out to be different sort of men from what he had expected, it will be easy for General Taylor to remove them as quietly as he appointed them. He might, indeed, take a new set of men every six months, if necessary: and we do not doubt but that the country would support him against any cliques of disappointed politicians among the whig The people elected him for President pe- cause they had confidence in his determination, virtue and integrity. His cabinet will not exer- cise the executive power ; they will merely attend to the practical duties, under his guidance, which the | aws and the conrtitution have allotted them. This is o ne idea of cabinet making and cabinet manoging, and we shall see in a yearorso how near we come to the mark. As respects removals and appointments to the Offices, it 18 very probable that General Taylor has his own notions; and those notions, we suspect, will be found to correspond more with the times 0° ‘Washington and Jefferson, than with those of Gen. Jackson and Capt. Tyler. Our cotemporary, Col Webb, it is said, has been very busy at Washington | obtaining endorsements from members of Congres: for the appointment of minister to Berlin—salary $9,000, outfit $9,000. . There may be no reasonable objection to Colonel Webb's aspirations, and he may be just as fit for such a post as many others who are now abroad; but the system of procuring a long list of endorsements for some particular office, from members of Congress, or politicians, looks very much like an attempt at coercing Gene- ral Taylor under the threat of “ Tylerizing” him | printing out to contract, will ten timos over pay the Rerortine THE Denatss or Coxoress.—The proposition which we recently made to the House of Representatives, and which was subsequently referred to the Committee on Printing, offering, for a ceriain amount, to report in full, and print, and publish daily, the proceedings of that branch ot the legislature, has attracted a good deal of attention, not only in the House of Representa- tives, but among the newspaper press throughout the country. The subject, however, seems but | very imperfectly understood by the newspaper pro- | merce and our rghts, in those distant regions, 4 prietors and editors without the limits of Wash- ington and New York. Aftera little further con- sideration and discussion of its merits, we have no doubt but its advantages will be fully appre- ciated in al! quarters, and that some preliminary action will be taken upon it, during the pre- sent session, even if nothing positive should be accomplished. In the mean time, the proprietors of other papers have also made proposals to the House of Repre- sentatives, of a similar nature. Among these we perceive that the proprietors of the Morning Ex- press, of this city, have entered the lists—which bid has brought out the Evening Fost, with consider- able violence, in denunciation of the whole pro- ject. The following well reasoned reply we give at length from our cotemporary, the Express, of yesterday:— The Evening Post, noticing a bid of the co-partner of the Express newspaper for printing the debates of Congrees, takes orcasion to say:— « Ore of this firm, James and Brastus Brooks, is a member eleot of Congress. He preludes his official duties by asking ten thou tand dollers from the pubiis treasury. What will he do when he gris invo his seat, if his eyes are turued thus early oa the pablic chest?” . The “member elect’? knew nothing of the bid till his co-partner in Washington made it—but as he is not a member of this Congress, he could see no Impro- priety in making the bid. or if there were to be such » Did at all. why at any time he should be excluded from a public offer in it We do not, however, concur with the Post, nor with many otber papers, in lectur- ing members of the House of Representatives for de- siring to have full and accurate reports of the doings of the House of Representatives— when they never can be had in Washington, unless they are paid for. No newspeper there. and none any where, unless sustained d ° 0 ge report and y of a legislative body, unless it is paid for it. The cost of reporting in great, but the cost of printing yet greater:—and the two combined will sink any paper in Washington, unless largely supported by the public treasury. That it is of importance to members of Congress, and to the country at large, to have a fall and com- plete record of every thing said houres of Congress, no reflectin; he city of Washington is but a small city, attendence of strangers upon Congress is small— and the country at large, therefore, can learn nothing of what is done there but through the public press, The Washington correspondents in part supply what is needed: but only in part—for what is really want- ed is not the spirit alone. but the record of congres- roinal doings, The epirit answers, it is trae. for the great body ef the people; but it is not what such» country os ours is entitled to. All other attempted re- porte. (except those made in Washington.) with occa- tional exceptions, when extraordinary efforts hare been made. bave been but caricatures, in the main disowned by all the parties represented in them. Members of Congress, then, naturally enough demand that they be fairly and tally represented before the pubiic; and the only way in which it can be done, ia for Congress to pay for it, directly, as for forty years, it has been indi- rectly paying, in printing jobs fastened on the public treasury; and what it has saved by putting the public reporting of congressional proceedings. In making @ contract for reporting congressional | proceedings, Congress ought to guard against imposi tion from without d within. Official documents, which the printer is at ilberty to publish or not, such as messager to Congress from the President, ought not to be paid for, nor sheuld members of Congress be per- mitted, after Congress adjourns, to publish such speeches as Mr. Benton published agatust Gen. Keat by, and such as Mr. Westcott lately put forth. T' contract ought to compel the publication of all t epeeches the morning after their delivery, or else leave the speech-makers to pay for the publication, at their own expense. The view presented here, and the reasoning of our cotemporary, appear very fair in reference to the general object of reporting. We concur in the material portion of this article in reply to the Evening Post, and we hope that the members of the House of Representatives will give it that at- tion which it merits. The New York Herald and | New York Express are, thus far, the only competi- tors that have made any proposals of this kind to the House of Representatives. Of course, in making a selecticn as to the organ best calculated to carry out the object in view, the Printing Com- mittee will naturally decide according to the cir- culation, capabilities, and reputation of the two journals; and we are perfectly satisfied that legal evidence, on oath, should be demanded by the committee on these points, and quite willing to abide the result of their decision. This is the system now adopted by the Post Office Department | in advertis'ng letters which have not been called for ; and in pursuance of it, the New York Herald and another paper, were, 1n consequence of their | large circulation, appointed the official organs of | the Post Office Department. To be the official | organ, however, for reporting the debates of Con- gress is a very different thing from advertising un- called tor letters. It requires corps of well-trained and intellectual men, in various departments, and the most powerful physical agencies and appli- ances, to execute such an undertaking with that | efficiency which will give satisfaction to the ho- norable body in whose service they may be engag- ed, and meet the requirements and expectations, | not only of the intelligent population of this great republic, but the earnest and anxious enquiries of the strugging nations of Europe and the world. Ability, however, to do this in an efficient and fatisfactory manner, is not the only requisite.— There must also be the means to circulate and ex- tend these reports, so as to make them accessible to the great bulk of our own people, and foreign nations. Now, on this point, our respected cotem- porary, the xpress, in an article intended as ex. ceedingly severe against us, wishes the public to | believe that its circulation reaches nearly 11,000, implying, no doubt, that it reaches that amount, | including its daily, semi-weekly and weekly issue. That may or may not be the case. We did not make such a general statement. We confined our- selves merely to its daily circulation: and we reite- rate what we stated before, that this ranges from three to five theusand, more or less—but averaging about 3,500. If, however, we take the general 18. sue of the Express, as the number claimed by our cotemporary, and estimate the daily and the weekly circulation in the same way, we shall have, even without a semi-weekly paper, which—we do not | | | Tax Gorp Discoverres—Ru-onganrsaTion OF tnx Navy —The discoveries of the gold mines in California, the probable construction of a means of com munication between the Atlantic and the Pa- cific, combined with the extensive commerce that will no doubt soon spring up between Asta and India and our Pacific coast, and between the Pa- cific and Atlantic, and thence with Europe, bring before the umagination a picture of prospenty that 1g almost startling. In order to protect this com- will be necessary to increase our steam marine to avery great extent. To avoid war, we must in- ctease that arm of defence as rapidly as our com- merce increases, and be prepared at all times to assert our rights, prevent, if possible, injury; and promptly punish aggression, should any be offered to our flag orour people. This is clearly the dic- tate of wisdom. Vessels depending on the wind alone will not answer the purpose—we must con- Strict a powerful steam marine, cemposed of ves- Fels capable of carrying a respectable armament, and ready, at a short warning, to be converted Into formidable vessels of war. In fact, a complete and radical re-organization of our navy, on the basis of steam, as a mode of propulsion, will soon be needed, and must, within a comparatively short time, be effected, if we desire to remain at peace with the world, and at the same time maintain a dignified positien among the nations of the world. The re-organization of our navy will call for a Te-organization of the course of mstruction that has been pursued in the service. The tactics, toa great extent, must be changed, and a perfect ac- quaintence with the sea steam-engine and all its varied combinations and appurtenances, ought to be acquired by every officer. The English have steadily been increasing their steam marine for a number of years past; and, with the view of making it as efficient as possible, the Board of Admiralty have lately determined that, in future, a know- ledge of the principle and application of the steam- engine shall be deemed a necessary qualification for all midshipmen, before they can be allowed to pass for the rank of lieuteuant. We would desire 10 see a similar change made in our system; and we think that it would add very much to the effi- ciency of our national steam marine, if it were established. The time is fast’ approaching, when nations wil! have to depend almost exclusively on steam ves- sels for the maintenance of their honor and the protection of their rights. The recent discoveries in California, and the consequences to which they will lead, render it incumbent on the United States to have a powerful navy of this description; and, in order to make it as efficient as possible, every officer should be qualified, in case of emergency, to act as engineer, and direct the power which would propel these vessels. We commend thi suggestion to Congress and the Secretary of the Navy. Mr. Forrest any American Dramatic Lirera- turk.—It will be recollected that in June, 1817, Mr. Edwin Forrest, the great American tragedian, ofiered a premium of three thousand dollars for the first, and of one thousand dollars for the second best, original drama that might be furnished him by American dramatic writers. It seems by a card which has just been published ina Philadelphiy paper, that he has received a large quantity of ori- ginal manuscripts, and the following is his deci- sion on that interesting bundle of dramatic litera, ture :— Purtaperruta, Deo. 7, 1843 Dear Sir:—I have just finished reading the large number of MSS. with which my countrymen have fa- yered me, in consequence of certain proposals made by mein June, 1847. Among all the pla: ich have been presented to me. I do not find one that I could venture to put upon the stege—but as your tragedy of “ Mahommed”’ kas been determined upon rorthy of the second prize, inasmuch as it is considered eupe- rior to all the others as a dramatic poem, I herein sonal acquaintance. With sentiments of the highest esteem, 1 am, my dear sir, Yours, very truly, EDWIN FORREST. Gro. H. Mies, Esq., Balt amore. This is a very strange and curious note. Mr. For. restis a great actor, and ought to be something of a judge of dramatic literature; yet we have the force of his great name to sustain the opinion that there is not a dramatic genius in the country capable of writing a tragedy tit ic be put upon the stage. What has become of the first, for which he offered three thousand dollars, Mr. Forrest dees not say} but the one thousand dollar prize for the second best, it seems, 18 merely presented to Mr. Geo. H. Miles, of Baltimore, by way of favor, in con: quence ef his tragedy being a very good dramatic poem, although unfit forthe stage. The letter of Mr. Forrest addressed to Mr. Miles, of Baltimore, appears to be unsatisfactory and mysterious, and we think the numerous authors of the large num- ber of manuscripts which they sent to him, should atonce make arrangements for publishing their productions, in order that the public may ascertain whether Mr. Forrest 1s as superior a dramatic erutic and literary judge, ashe is an actor and tra- gedian. Mr. Forrest, in his decision, and the termg in which he has conveyed it, has certainly givena much greater blow to the reputation of dramatic literature in this country, than his recent card was calculated to produce on the reputation of Mr. Ma- cready, or any other competitor. We hope to see the mystery involved in this singular Itterary coup @ état disclosed and explained to the public. Bowrny Tnratar.—The production of a new drama by Herr Driesbach, in which more wonders were to been_ acted by him, attracted an immence audience last even, ing; nor were they disappointed; for a more remarkable exhibition has never been prerented to the public The plece itself being written for the purpose of intro” ducing the animale, will scarcely bear much criticism. The story is founded on incidents in the war of incur- sion by the French into Algiers, and Arabs and French toldiers form the principal gdramatis persona. Hert Driesbach personates an Arab, who has « wonderful eontrol over als, and thus introduces his bea: @ scene where the tiger and he have aregular rough and tumble fight; other, where be drives his lion acroes the stage harnessed to a chariot; and in the final scene, the whole collection of his animals aze shown on the stege in their large cage, which the Herr enters, and then goes through @ number of feats with them, such as making the panther play with him, the tiger jump on his shoulders, issue, and which our cotemporary does—an amount | exceeding 40,000 copies, and sometimes reaching | nearly 50,000. Our daily iseue, at +present, and | for a long time past, averages 21,000 or 22,000, and | not unfrequently the daily issue nearly reaches 30,000. | This statement is not put forth in the spirit o, | boasting. Jt is the simple, unexaggerated truth | which can be at ary time proved on oath, er by | personal inspection ; and we respectfully submits itis one which should not be overlooked by the honorable Committee on Printing, should they for amoment think of putting our amiable and res- pected cotemporary in the balance with ourselves, With respect to our capability to furnish verba- tim reports, we do not intend to say anything, The columns of the New York Herald for the last ten years, and the wide-spread reputation we have Such a system we are persuaded would be “ het. ter honored in the breach than the observance.” We are much disposed to think that the new Pre- sident will take a not very opposite view of this and similar modes of foreing pumpkins to grow to tiemendous sizes on very short notice. Indeed, according to all accounts in Washington, many of the whig leaders have taken the business of the incoming administration upon their own hands, and will have every thing arranged in relation to the policy and appointments of the new President Jong before he ehall have crossed the Alleghanie: and the probability 1s, that when General Taylor shall arrive upon the banks of the Potomac, he may find to lis surprise—if not to his satistaction-- that the busy-bodies about the halls of Congress have quite settled every thug for the next four years, and that Old Rough and Ready will have nothing to do but sign his name, toast his shins, ‘and go to bed at sun down, in the White House, for the full term of lus Presidency. gained for the fullness and accuraey of our reports, lender this quite superfluous, We were the first who established a well organized system of giving verbatim reports of speeches in this country, and Wwe have at the present time a more talented and efficient corps of reporters in our employment, than any dozen papers in the whole Union—all put together. In concurring, therefore, in the above statement of our honorable and amaible cotemporary, the press, we have thought it proper to subjoin our statement of the matter, which can be verified in any fatisfactery way the Committee on Printing may require. Mr. Cortins’ Liverr SreamEns.—The two magnificent steamers which are now almost com- pleted for Mr. Collins’ Liverpool line, will be launched in the early part of January. They are tobe let off simultaneously from the yards of thei™ respective builders. and. finally, he adjusts a most original bed, viz: a lion for his mattress, a tiger for his pillow, and such small fry as ferccious leopards for bie covering—the curtain falls when this tableau is complete. The farce of the “Secret,” Ciccca and Neri’s dancing, and the beauti- fai drema of “The Gold-Seekers,” made up the per- formances. Of the excellent acting of Miss Wemyss in this last piece. we shall have more to say hereafter. ‘The came bill will be repeated this evening. Broapway Toratne.—Coleman’s popular comedy en- titled “The Poor Gentleman,” was performed here last evening, before @ highly fashionable and crowded | house. The part of Sir Robert Bramble, by Mr. Bleke wes personated with excellent effect; and Miss F. Wal lack, a6 Emily Worthington, acquitted herself with much cleverne; Tho piece went off well. After the comedy, a dramatic poem, on the loss of the ship Ocean effect. gallant sailor, Frederick .'erome, who was pre: fovitation. He repeatedly bowed from the bo h been sitting, and ‘reveral of the andience, not fecling satisfied, intimal wish that he should ap- pear on the stege. The gallant tar was therefore com ed to yield he request of the many admirers of is noble conduct im connection with the wreck of the Ocean Monarch, and accordingly he made his appear- ance before the curtain, and having bowed repeate tly, in acknowledgment for the comp'iment, retired, the orchertra, at the same time, playing the‘ Star Span: Banner,” which hada yery enlivening effect 0 whole proceeding was an interesting feature in the ea- terteinments of the evening, and afforded much satis. faction to the crowds who were present. We wou'd remind the many patrons this highly fashionabie theatre, that the great German artistes, Charles and Adele Hohnstock, will appear here for the first time this evening, and that on the evenings appropriated to their performance, the prices will be raised to one dol- Inr to the boxes and parquette, and fifty cents to the upper tlers and samy, circles, There distinguished profertors have won the highest reputation in their rformance on the viotin and piavatorte; and their it} ‘bh fame has travelled before them here, having re- ceived the most flattering notices from the pre nd also heen awarded the highest praise from all who have heard them. The house, thisevening, will be crowded to excers., Natiowat Toeatne.—Mr. J. R. mort entburiastically, last evenin, ott was reoelved at this house, in ‘the charecter of Julian St. Pierre, in Knowles’ play of " The Wife,” This play is » great favorite of ours, for one reason, and that is, that the intercet of it is not entirely centred on one character, but it affords scope for many of the performers in it to show themselves to seer end this was the case last evening. as the National compavy shone owt to advantage it. McFarland. an the noble-minded Duke and f band; Tilton, asthe intriguivg Ferrardo; Miss ’ as the pure-miuded Mariana; Richardson, Pardey, ther: \ bert. and the rest, all did admirably. Astor oir. Scott's St. Pterre, it was a good performance; but atill we have ceen bim ip parts we like him better in. He played too much ine style more suited to Don Carat ds Bazan, we thought, than the Julian St. Pierre of Knowles. Re thot as it may. hcwever, he was much applauded. Tilten’s Ferrardo was fine; it is a long part and s tedi- ous one, we should think. to the actor; still Mr. Tilton played it’ mort spiritedly. Miss Mestayer’s Maria: ‘was very good, and she was deservedly applauded. T' rest of the ent ments passed off finely. Buxton’s THeatar.—This attractive place of amuse- ment was filled to a jam last evening, by s remarkably intelligent audience, a large portion of which was-com- posed of the prettiest ladies we have witnessed for some time past. This sight alone is worth all the price of admittance. The performance commenced with the “Tragedy Queen,” followed by the “ Counterfeit Pre- rentment,” and then came the laughter moving plece callad * Califor nia Gold Mines,” in which Mr. Johneti as Jecob Breese, a New York * b'hoy,”’ hound to ©. fornia, played to the lite, and Mr. Brougham, as Thady O’Roodle, represented the wild Irishman to perfection, at the tame time keeping the house in a constant roar of laughter at the droll puns and witticiams of the Irish. wan in search of gold dust. This piece takes exceed- ingly well. and was evidently the means of drawing so large an audience —as all are ir to gl cies of news or information possibly to be had, pecially those who are on the ing this city for the gold digging region, scenes, no doubt. will be enacted near All we vay is, if yeu wish to laugh, go ‘night, as bill is offered that cannot equalied—the “ Breach of Promise,” “ California Goid and “ Where’s Barnum?” Go early. Granp Concent—FesaLr Acapemy, BRooxiyx.— Madem Anna Bishop, prima donna assoluta di carteo, of the San Carlo, Naples will give her last concort, this season, in Brooklyn, on Hacer ig | Sraniee next. She will be aided by the celebrated harpist, Bochsa, who will perform three of his most favorite pieces. Madam Bishop alone is sufficient to attract a large audience, for @ more perfectly accomplished vocalist, since the days of the charming cantatrice Madam Malibran, has not yet appeared in this country. She will sing the beautifal and plaintive ballad, “ Onthe Banks of Gua- dalquiver.”” composed expressly for her by Balfe, together with several other gems from the mort familiar operas, and the productions of the best masters. The citizens of Brooklyn will, no doubt, emble in larg nuwbers to hear the sweet intonations of this quee of song. Miss Apri ann Cuarirs Honnstock.—Th: distinguished of whom we have proviot spoken, gave, ning, & soirée musicale, which w e attended by many members of the press and amateurs, and afforded them another opportunity of appreciating the wonderful talent possessed by there artists. We were present at that Lisi and must confess that we have never been s0 astonished and pleased as we were last night. Miss Adele Hohnstock, ® mignone young lady, of a very delicate figure, and agreeable manners, performed several pieces on one of Erard’s megnificent pisnos, among which was a (vemolo, by Scmudt, one of the most difficult morceauz ever written. and gave to it that finish of doigié and execution, that brilliancy, which enchanted all her hearers, for it is the seal of bigh and refined talent.’ She is, to our taste, a most excellent rival of Prudent and Thalberg, to whose school she undoubtedly belongs. As for her brother, Mr. Charles Hohnetock, he achieved wonders with his instrument. We consider him as one of the most eminent ‘stars’ that ever crossed the Atlantic and landed on our horpitable shore. To the delicacy of execution of Artot and Vieuxtemps, Mr. H adis the power of Ole Bull and Sivori; and ‘the style in which he performed a “Souvenir from Haydn,” was really astonishing, and extremely remarkable. This piece. which, to our taste, as well as to that ot compe tent judges, is one of the most difficult ever composed was rendered ina manzer which drew forth unbounded spplaure, eurpriso, and admiration. The soirée ended with that duetto from the “Somnambuia’’ so cele- brated among us, which was also greatly appreciated, for it was executed in a faultless style. The public of New York will have to-night a first opportunity of hearing these two musical geniuses, for they appsat at the Broadway theatre, which, we have no doubt, will be crowded with dilettanti. Cunisty’s MinstreLs.—The programme which these universal geniuees give, is quite new and varied. The dances bave some extra touches in them ; the banjos, violin, triangle, tamborine, and bones, are in fine con- cert order; and never was there ecen a slecker oF merrier set of singers than this same Christy’s band. Broapwar Circus. reception of Mr. Kemp, the English clown, last evening, at the Circus, gratifying, being attended by one of the fullest houses n. of the reas ‘The audience were delighted with his originelities, and genuine humor. This is certainly the most delightful place of public amusement in the city. Mrs. Gardner's act of equestrianism is second onjy to the celebrated Madame Macarté, whom she pearly resembles. Mr. Gorsim, the cld favorite clown, takes his farewell benefit, previous to his departure for the gold country, on Thurrday next. Zooroarcat. Hatt.—The “ holiday week,’ at this at- tractive resort, will draw crowds of visiters. The per- formance each evening. ani the fine condition of the beasts and birds composing the menagerie, have al- ready drawn a vast concouree to this |d exhibi- tion. The lions, cyphanty, tigers, &c. ke., should be ren by every oltizen during the holidays Camrnei.'s Minstaets.—This band of minstrels are very eminent in their line. They have the trae musi- cal taste and appreciation whicu 1# 80 requisite for those who hope to obtain the approbation of the pub- He, particularly in New York, where every one has the opportunity of hearing all that is fine in music. They aire 8 fine concert this evening. New Oaurans Senenapens.—The Ethiopian musio of the dey has really taken a high stand in the musical world. ‘h#n Gzet introduced, the grotesqueness of the novelty of the whole perfonm2nce, gave them much popularity. Now allthat is chan,sd. Elegance and refinement is more sought after, and od" be tuund in the entertainments of fully attended nightly. Menopron —At this house the usual success con- tipues, and no wonder, for the performances of White's Serenaders are very racy. Sporting ittelligence. Untow Course, L. L—Trortinc.—A trotting match for $400, between bik. g. Stranger and b. g. Kentucky Jerry, two mile heats, to go they please, came off yesterday afternoon, over the Union track, and was won by the latter of the ubovenamed, after three wel! contested heats. Although winter, s0 far, has been extremely favor- able, and none of the usually cold and gloomy weather of December has been experienced, yet appearances in. dicate the near approach of the close of the sporting season. Deterred neither by the inconvenience of a ride through the mud, nor the chilliness of the air, now so different from the bland and refreshing breeze of summer, when it comes laden with the perfume of flowers, and the coolness of the Atlantic—the amateur stili enjoys @ ride to the Centreville or the Union, in- different to all around except the reputation of some favorite, nag, and a farther supply of the precious metals, There, however—and they are numerous—who visit the track poe from secondary considerations, are falling cff sensibly in their attendance. The country has few charms for them in wii plea- ture of @ ride on the island is over—the flowers that bedecked the landscape are no longer visible—thi olden grain has been garnered—the trees eerite of mbre liv the snowbird and the water fowl, the feather nearly all gone to their southern homes, and cheerful notes no longer exhilerate as be barkens forthe song of the thrush ling ofthe robin. It is high tima now th: jhe rearon, and be renewed increased vigor which a season of rest always inspires, ‘The betting on the trot was quite brisk, nearly every ese Serenaders, which are jeaves, sighed puton a mor Excey person present giving indulgence to his speculative propensities, Kentucky Jerry was the favorite at 10 Woy Both horses appeared on the track under the seddle—C. 8. Bartine mounted on Stranger, and Jas, ‘Whelpley astride of the bay. First Heat,—Jerry won the choice of position, and at the first attempt they started finely together, and kept beside each other until near the quarter pole, where Stranger broke up, and fell off four lengths. The time to this point was 45 seconds. Down the back etreteh the black closed up about haif of the gap the bay passing the pole in 1:29, Round the lower belle Ms up the home stretch, there was no changein the ition of the nags, and the first mile was made by the bay horsein 2:52, Allthe way round on the second mile, the black was kept in the rear. tne bay having too much speed for him. Coming to the score, at the ond of the heat, Jerry endeavored to stop, an: it required the utmort exertion on the part of his rider to get him overthe mark, As it was, he won by about alength. Time, 6:5), Second Heat —The owner of the bay horre had him for this heat;! but he did not go so well as when ander the sadd Th end they were side and pole, when the black again brok the quarter polein 47, ‘and the half in 1:30, both gol nd the lower turn Stranger clored up a tri at the stand had his head at the wheel of th y the other. Time of the mile, 2:59. To the next quar- ter pole the biack lay close up with the bay, but from to the half felioff badly. Round the lo lied again. and closed up well, anda strug- commenced, The bay horse, however, broke up, and the black led home three or four lengths, making the beat in 6:55. Third Heat.—The black heree was now offered, at two to one, with vory few takers, The first mile of thie heat proved that the black had had enough inthe two preceding ones ; he was beaten from the score, The Bey led bim,on the first mile, one hundred and filty yerds, but he started off at the first quarter of the secoud mile, on a keen run, which he kept up until he crorted the score, coming in two or three lengths abend, but loring the race and money. The Colonel raid that Stranger ran away with him; but from the repid manner that he applied, his heels to the sides of the horse, on the back stretch, it was the current jon of all present that he was the guilty one in the juction. ‘Time of the heat, 6:45. The following isa summary of the race :— Jas Whelpley entered b g. Kentuoky Jerry....1 2 1 C. 8, Bartine entered bk. g Stranger. 212 Time— 6:61—6:66~ 5: A census of New Mexico has been taken, by which it appears that (exolusive of the county of Va- Jenoia.) the population ts as follows :—Whites, 28,161; Indians, 4,057; total, $2,208, the singer's action, <=> 502d humor of the words, and | THIRTIETH CONGRESS. SECOND SESSIONS. Senate, Wasnimoron, Deo. 18, 1848. The Senate sesembled at 12 o'clock, when the Vice President resumed bis seat, and called to order. Prayer was then offered up by the Chaplaia. A great variety of petitions were presented. RATLROAD FROM MiseissIPPI TO THE LAKES. Agreeably to notice, Mr. Devorass, of Illinols, asked “pd obtained leave to bring in a bill, which was read the first and second times, by unanimous consent. It related to grants of land, for the construction of a railrcad to connect the Mississippi river with the lakes, It was referred to the Committee on Territories. CALIFORNIA AND NRW MEXICO, Mr. Dovatass then called up his bill, of which pre- vious notice had been given, relating to the admission of California and New Mexico into the Union, as States; and moved that it be referred to the Committes on Territories. Mr. Bexnien moved that it be referred to the Judi- eiary Committee. The question was discussed at some length, when, finally, the question was put, to refer it to the Territo- rial Committee. The yeas and nays were demanded, and stood as follows :—Yeas 24, neys 26. It was then, on motion, referred to the Judiciary Committee, Vice President Daias laid before the Senate a com- munication from the Secretary of State. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. A message was then received from the President of tho United States, by the hands of his private Seore- very. BRANCH MINT IN CALIFORNIA, Mr. Downs offered a resolution on the expediency of establishing a United States Mint im California, which- ‘was read and adopted. PURCHASE OF CUBA, Mr. Mituer, of New Jersey, offered a resolution calling on the President for information concerning ®ny correspondence with Spain, in regard to purchasing the island of Cuba, which was adopted. PANAMA RAILROAD BILL, On motion of Mr. Benton, the Aspinwall Panama Railroad bill was takenlup, when Mr. Benton proceed ed to address the Serate at some length in its favor When he had concluded, Mr Hace, of New Hampshire, obtained the floor, and spoke at some length, in opposition to the bill. Mr. Breese opposed the passage of the bill at length, but mainly becaute sufficient time had not been given since its introduction to clicit competi- tion. He had reason to believe that more favorable offers would be made, and on this accounts, if for no other, he hoped the bill would be postponed, to give other parties opportunities to offer for the work, Mr. Cuanan, of Rhode Island, Mr. Avten, and Mr- Jounson, mace brief remarks concerning the bill, Difficulties were suggested, further information was wanted, and delay was recommended. Mr. Cameron has the floor on this question to. morrow. On motion, the Senate then went into executive ses- sion, and the doors were closed. House of Representatives. Wastinaton, Deo, 18, 1848, The members met at the usual hour, when, after prayer and the reading of the journal, ‘The Sreaxux laid before the House sundry commu- nications from the Executive Department, relating to the prerent etate of the Land Office, the progress of the coast survey, Ko, MILITARY FORCE IN MEXICO, Mr. —— submitted a resolution of inquiry, respoot_ ing the military force employed in Mexico during the war, which was ordered to be printed, and laid on the table. GENERAL APPROPRIATION BILL. Mr, Vinton, of Ohio, reported s bill, providing for the deficiency im last year’s General Appropriation bill, which was read twice, and made the special order of the day for Wednesday, the 27th inst. INTEREST ON ADVANCES TO ALABAMA. The Senate bill, authorizing the payment of interest on advances made by the State of Alabama, for sup. pressing Indian hostilities, eleven years ago, was read twice and referred. THE WILMOT PROVISO. The House then took up Mr. Robinson’s motion to reconsider the vote adopting Mr. Root’s resolution, respecting slavery im Celifornia and New Mexico. Mr. Roninson addressed the House at length, in a po- itical harangue. He said that he wished the demo- cracy to stand from under, and let the question go , down toGen Zachary Taylor's administration, that be might exbibit bimeelf in his true colors, ME. ®.obinson repeated the arguments of his party, in the late cam. paign st the whigs. 'The motion to reconsider was iaid on the cdl, by yeas 106, nays 82. SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Mr. Gipprxcs, of Ohio, asked leave to introduce a LIM, giving to the people of the District of Columbia the priy ‘lege to express their sentiments on the subject of slavery in the city and district’; which was read twice Mr. Jacon Tromrsox, snd Mr, Tomrxins, of Missis- | tippi, each interregated Mr. Giddings, as to,the inter | pretation of the bill. Mr. Gippines replied, that it meant to include both whites and blacks; he knew no difference of color in these matters. Mr. Tuomrsox, of Mississippi, moved to lay the bill on the table. On this motion, the yeas and nays were demanded, and, on being taken, resulted in the affirmative, by yeas 105, nays 77. So the bill was laid upon the table. THE PRESIDENT’s MESSAGE. Mr. Vinton submitted a resolution, in favor of refer- 1ing the President’s annual message to appropriate committees; which was referred to the committee of the whole. ‘THE ISTMUS OF PANAMA. Mr. Rockwext, of Ct., moved for a Select Committee of —, to inquire into the comparative advantages ofa railroad ora canal between Chagres and Panama. The Sreaxenr called on the States for resolutions. Various resolutions and bills were thereupon read and referred. The House then adjourned over tiil to-morrow. The Panama Rallroad Bill, Wasminaten, Dec. 18, 1848, The Panama Railroad bill, based upon the proposi- tion of Messrs. Aspinwall, Stephens and Chaunesy, and which was introduced into the Senate by Mr Benton, meets with strong opposition, in consequence of the competition among the different capitalists who desire to engage in this railroad undertaking. Mr. Law and Mr. Adams, of New York, are among the competitors of Mr. Aspinwall. The chances are, that the whole scheme will fall to the ground, on acconnt of this competition among our capitalists, and that the passage over the Isthmus will be left to the mono- poly of the British at Tehuantepec. The Boundary Line between the United States and Mexico. Wasurnaton, Dee. 18, 1848, The Hon. Ambrose H. Sevier, it is understood, has been nominated by the President as Commissioner on the part of the United States to run the boundary line between this republic and Mexico. The Senate will, no doubt, confirm the nomination, Andrew B. Gray, Esq , has been nominated as E.ngi- om the 15th of April; particulars, however, are nog given. Two British vesrels of war had gone to the Fojees fer the purpose of inquiring into the matter, he. The Ohio Legisiaiare, Corumngs, (Ohio,) Deo. 18, 1848, Mr. Townsend's resolution was, to-day, reconsidered | by the demcora's, and there was another long dob: | upon it, The whigs having rejected it, there are doubts whether the democrats will accede toit The discussion ocoupied moet of the day, when an ad journment was made by the whigs. Mr. Townsend desires the whigs from Hamilton te de excluded, and the democrats allowed to keep their reats until the question is fairly settivd by vote of the Houre. The Senate is at rixe eccura, ane people 1@ | ad svvens, and nothing new getting tired of tie ex- Movements of General Taylor. Cuncinwatt, Deo. 18, 1348, The Western papers state that General Taylor will leave, in the middle of Janusry, via Memphis, for nd. Seeretary of State of indiana, Cincsmmati, Deo. 18, Test, the irregular democratic pandidate, a elected Secretary of State in Indiana Steamboat Sunk. Cincinsatt, The steamboat Commerce was sunk baad The cargo was saved, state. Dec 18, 1848; yesterday belt but ine damaged Markets, Baurtimone, Deo. 18, 1848, Flour—The foreign news has caused a heavv market. Sales of Howard st. at $4 75 ; City Mills at $4 871g — Grain ~Sales of Wheat tat 060, for ofa, Frotght to Cin- cinnati 62c, per : jvef Cattle—Sales o! head at $4 per 100 Ibs, ie er Cincinmati, Deo. 18, Flour—Sales to-day have been very moderate, at $3 75, Whiskey is iu fair demand ot 1619. Cattle Demardisaotive, and prices firm; sales at $40 $4 60, Provisions—The foreign news is considered favorable, and has produced more firmness in business general 7. Pirrspuna, Deo 18, 1848. Flour—There is av active inquiry, but holders are firm; sales mostly for immediate wants, at $3 814 — 3 8754. Grain--The demand for whe: good, but Fansactions are not large. The inquiry is chiefly for good samples, poor lots being negivoted and heavy. Corn—The demand is confined entirely to lots for consumption: sales moderate at Slo Outs—Demend fair at 260. Barley at 50c 40. Provisions—Nothing bag in bacon. “Groceries unchanged. Lead—Sales at Clty Intelige: Tur Cnovena.—The reports of the Health Offeer ttill show an inc’ of cases of cholera, as wil be seen by the following :— Quananting, Dec. 18, 1848, His Honor tHe Mayon:— Five new cases of cholera and two deaths have occurred at the Marine Hospital, since my repert of yesterday.—Rerpectfully, ALEX. B, WHITING, Health Offoer. Fines.—A fire broke out on Sunday night in the back room of the third story of house No 163 Green- wich street, the whole furniture of which was destroy- ed; and, in a short time after, in the fourth story. A Ces woman named Catherine Gilhooly was arrested as the incendiary, she buving been in both rooms but a short time before the fire occurred, and several articles were found in her trunk, which had been taken from @ bu- reau which, it is said, she broke open. A fire broke out on Monday morning, in the dry goods store of L. Doolittie, in Lighth uvenue, which was put eut with trifling damage by fire, though considerable by water. Supported to have been the work of an incendiary, Cuitpren Lost,—It will be seon by reference to our advertising columps, that two little boys, four aud five years of ago, strayed from their home in Albany stree| on Sundsy afternoon, und havo not since been hems of. Their return would make glad the hearts of their disconsolate parents, Tue Weatuen.—The weather for several days past hes been perfectly delightful, having more the appear- ance of spring, than the usual cold and bleak weather of December There was every appearance last night of a ocntinuation of the plea:ant and olear weather. Tux Strext Contracts.—The Common Council, it will beseen, have gone to work in earnest, with re- gard to the subject of cleaning the streets In several cases, the contrsotors have failed to pay the laborers for the work performed by them, though it was very little, thereby reapiog all the benefit, while those who should have been compensated, were lef: without the means of support. In the Board of Aldermen, last night, the subject was fully investigated, and the re- fuit of that investigation was the revoking of the con- trects fer the first and second districts. Had such a movement been made three months befars, the olty would not have presented the deplurably filthy oondi- tion which it now presents, even aftera week of hard labor. Calls were made day after day for the action ofthe Common Counc'l; but not until @ devastating pestilence entered the city, and threatened to destroy the lives of thousands of citizens, could the wise city fathers be aroured from their deep slumber, and made to see the Impending danger which hung over the city, through their sloth in the performance of thetr duty, which should have been performed upon the firat o: The aldermanic year. however, bas but Dalf sxpired, andit sto be hoped the activity which myq seetas ip pervade that body may continue, a4 ¢ y again present sueh a sorrowfy) »’ the awake toa EF AeDEG OF rh Thea. ges fawn alltheit doties, no city in 0 better opportanity for good ome thea the eity of Now Yorke it te tote hoped *‘ey will not weary in well doing. bat persovers ‘until the city presents an appearance a! YP worthy the metropolis ofthe Western world. Inperennent Warren Guanps.—A very fino look- ing corps, bearing the above and commsoded by Captain Burnett id office yester- day afternoon, accompanied by a band of fine music’ They marched in strict military style, and their tar- got showed evident marks of accurate aim, The Land Rov:te.—Young Gentlemen about Town, who meditate goi.& 10 California, had better siudy the royer steps to carry them through the land route, ata grand ‘ancy Dress and Civic Ball, to be given at Magar's Cocert tall, No. 101 Blizateih street, on Weonesday Evenins, 20th ynstant, Many of the lad'es, who will be prevent, are well acqusinted with California end the gold diggings. The utx°st order and decornm ‘be observed. Managers, J. W.and J, Me. California Fever,—Although exceeding in intensi:y ot excitement that of the cholera, yet falls far short of payee quale uratunen Rests the ‘olouce of cating Bait net 4in the ts Wilerd Hill's infalite Onguests to aashots Se antennae hair, as above. California Outfits..india Rubber Tents of il snes, Bede, Pillows, Camp Blankets, Mining Boots, Gold Baga, Money Bel’, ronchos, Cloaks, Coate, dats, Porte. Ho Boats, Be. Be. for sale in quantities to sult purchasers, at the Goodyear Rubber Ew porium, 159 Broadway, Rathban's Hotel, Callfornia,—Boots for the Mining Region for sale at Governor Young's, from $3 to $8, Fine French Hoots $4 0, neually $6 and $7 in other cheap stores. Fine boote $5.50 and every thing in the line at ¢ XK i sefetaieectin eee ee me pea Hair Dye—Batchelor’s Instantaneousliquid obtained the first preminm at the Inst F ir of the Ameri¢aa In- stitute. This isa new article, eatirely free from the many objeo- tioxs of other dyes, and more oy «f application, For saleat Batchelor's wig manufactory, No.4 Wall strect, oli No.2 ‘This th topy the add: Ne is decidedly the best article in the rea Gold Pens for the Holidays!—The Cole= brated ‘ Richelieu” Gold Pens, ia Gold and Silver casos of et sey: suitable for boliday anne For sale by B.E. WAT: SON, 15 Wall street. ‘The “* Richelien” Pens apd warranted te ‘wear for five years. Gold Pens repaired. ‘Wigs and Toupces.—We would advise all persons wiching a superior Wig or Sea p, to examine the extem five atsortmeat at Batehelor’s manutnctory, No, 4 Wall strest, old No. 2 His new-inver ted wigs ubtained s silver medal at the fair of the American Institute, Copy the address, COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS, MONEY MARKET, Monday, Dec. 18—5 P. M. The bulls have it all their own way in Wall street, ‘and, from the appearance of things, they are likely to have, for some time yet. At the first board to day, th® market opened buoyant, and the leading fancies vanced one and two per cent. Harlem went up 2'; pet cent; Long Island 2; Canton 2%; Farmers Loan 143 Norwich and Worcester 34; Morris Canal };;' Reading Railroad 1¢; Pennsylvania 5’s 1's; Kentucky 6's 1. AU others clored at prices current on Saturday. At the second board there was aslight reaction, and prices c'osed a little lower than those current in the morning. Norwich and Worcester fell off 1 per cent, Canton 1s; Long Island X; Resding Railroad ';, Farmers’ Loan 34. with moderate sales of each, California appears to be the Fl Dorado which ha® been so long looked for. ‘Thousands are preparing for a start, and the office of every steamship line com- neer and Surveyor, to accompany (the Commissioner: Mr. Gray was formerly an engineer in Texas, and afterwards'on the Northeastern boundary line. H® was strongly recommended by the Texas delegation. ‘The American Squadron on the Coast of Africa. Boston, Deo. 18, 1848, The brig Almena, Capt. French, from Porto Praya, reports the arrival there on the 10th Oct. of the U. 8 brigs Porpoise and Bainbridge, froma cruise, They sailed again for Perto Grande. The U.S ships Jamestown and Portsmouth were at Porto Grande, from Madeira, at last accounts, all well. Large quantities of rain had fellen this season at Porto Praya, and the place was unusually unhealthy’ and most of the residents had left for more healthy islands. No American vessels at Gambia on the 17th Nov, at which time the Alm sailed. Later from the Sandwich Islands—Horrible Massacre at the ejeo Islands , &c., dio. Bostow, Deo. 18, 1848, A vessel which arrived at this port this mor: from the Sandwich Islands, brings intelligence that the population has rapidly decreseed lately. Large numbers of emigrants have departed for California, We learn from the Sandwich Islands papers, that a most horrible massaore had occurred at Fojee Islands nected with the road, {s daily besieged by hundreds, se- curing passages, and making all the necessary in- quirles, for their government. Every steamer leaving this port fer Chagres, for the next two months, wilh gofull; andthe steamships leaving Panama for S: Francisco, up to the lat ot March, have alrendy their complement of passengers, There are several projects afloat, for the construction cf @ railroad acrors the Isthmus of ‘Panama, the most prominent of which ia that of Merars. Aspinwall, Sto- phens,and others. Those gentiemen will probably ob- tain the contract from the government for the trans- portation of the mails, &o; in the event of which, alj the companies propored will be consolidated into one ‘The grant of the right of way acroms to the Isthmus belongs to the government of the United States, having been obtained by treaty; and Congress has the right to transfer it to whom it pleases. The passage of, the Dill introduced by Mr. Benton carries with it, um, doubtedly, the rights and privileges of the government guaranteed by the treaty with New Granada All other plans in contemplation for connecting the At. lantic and Pacific oceane, must give way for this, as the route vie Panama and Chagres will take precedence, from its feasibility and comparatively limited oost of construction. x A tew days since we made some remarks relative te the old bonds of the Erie Ratlroad Company falling due ey