The New York Herald Newspaper, December 26, 1848, Page 2

0. Drcic 4M ard distributed before breakfast ; NOON EDITION can_be had of the newshoys P. My and the second AFTERNOON EDITION a WEEKLY HERALD—Boery Saturday, for circula. tisenends te be pst paid or the postage Tall be deducted from NTAK Y CORRESPONDENCE, containingimportant news, solicited from any quarter of the world; ¥ used, will be Tisk 3, (reed emery, morning, ond, to be published inthe morning and afterneen editions, )af reas Prices; te be 1: plain, lepible not ible for errors KO" “4 unioations. Wh t- NO KO7:C trkeaet anonymous communinations, 0h te is intended for insertion mi Same and address of the weriter; wot recessarily for publica: fiom, bet asa guar intyo! his goed faith. We cannot return rejected communicats x NY a di ewted beautifully, and with ERIN Bach, tui led atthe Oftee, corner of Palton and Nassau stre Thc HARALD ESTABLISHMENT (e open throughout the night as well as day. Nuva—Ei. Brow BROADWAY THEATRE, Biosdway—Mowrs Crisro, NATIONAL THEATRE, Chatham Square—Dawox arp Pr- quras -Twin Brornxns—Lenp Maffive Sariiince—Panto- en BURTON'S THEATRE, Chambers Orn Eno. Gen TLEMAN—C4LivoRsi4 GOLD Minzs—WHERE's Barnum? pponwar CIRCUS, Near Spring street—Equasrmias- ram, Ro. MECHANICS’ HALL, Broadway, Near Broome—Omnurr's Manerras'e—Erniorian Siverne, MELODEON —Vinornia SeRE*ADERS. SOCIETY LIBRARY—Camrsaii’s Miverners. ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTE, Bowery—Vax Amnvnen’s Grarp Mer acenix STUYVESANT INSTITUTE, Broadway, noar Blocoker street —New Oneans Senesapens Erwortan Concerts STOPPANI BALL, corner of Broadway and Walker stroet— Wrrre's Sxk ex aDERi—ETH10PIAN SiNGING. MUSICAL HALL, 539 Broadway—Tax Howxsrocy’s Last Concer. New Yoru, Tuesday, Decomber 26, 1848. ulation of the Herald, se aseee cesses 20,160 copies. actual Deo. 25, Monday. . The publication of the Herald commenced yesterday at 2 mainetes past 2 o'clock, and finuhed at 15 minutes before 6 o’olook. Circulation of the other weading Morning Journalie Courier and Enquirer, (daily}......+ ++ 4,800 Journal of Commerce. Express Tribune Aggregate * see eeee + 24,600 Errors in the above estimate will be corrected on edequate authority. TRE CALIFORNIA HERALD. Map of the Gold and Quicksilver Region, dic, dic. Bee f The Cavironnia Henacop, to contain a great deal of valuable information relative te the Gold Region, and the routes thither, accompanied by a MAP OF THE GOLD AND QUICKSILVER REGION, will be pub- lished at ten e’clock this morning. ‘The map, we received a day or two since from Cali- fornia. It isthe latest and most accurate in exist- ence ; it was drawn on ‘he spot, since the discovery of the rich gold mines, by an officer of the army,and em- braces all the principal points, distan Dorado, Suchsmap, with the information accempany- ing it, will be of the greatest value to those who remain athome, as well as to those who intend to seek a fortune, or something worse, in the rich valleys of the Sacramento. : ‘The Catirornia Heracp will be ef the same size of the New Yorx Henatp. It will be sold in wrappers ready for mailing, at sixpence per copy. It can be had in time for the steamer’s mails. General Taylor's Appointment Policy. The good people of the Union who are not in quest of office, in common with ourselves, have perfect confidence that General Taylor’s appoint- ment policy will be dictated bya “sole reference to justice and the public good,” to use the language of Washington ; but as this may not be so ciearto those who are desirous of serving their country in public stations, it may not be amiss to direct the attention of this large and patriotic class of our fellow citizens to General Taylor's own recent announcement of his intention to execute the office of Presideat as 1t was administered by Gen. Washington, and to inquire, particularly, what was General Washington’s policy in regard to dis- tributing the public offices. On the 30th of last month, the survivors of the veterans of 1815 waited on General Taylor, at New Orleans, to pay their respects to him; and in reply to their address, on the occasion, he made the following gratifying announcement :— General Taylor raid that he had not been « candi- date for the Presidency of his own accord, bat he had been placed in that situation by the voice of the peo- ple, who, he supposed, had made bim a candidate from the belief that it might be im his power to bring back the governmen’ te its original purity. New that the fect of his election to that exalted station had been Gefinitely settled, he felt himself not otherwise inte. Testect than to perform the executive duties ia faithful comiormity to that beautiful system ef government framed by the wisdom and petriotism of our ancestors and presided over for eight years by him who stands distinguished and beloved, before all others, living or dead, as the ‘ather of bis country.”’ On bisown account, he had nothing to gratify but a feeling experi- enced by every patriotic cit for the advancement of the prorperity of the nation, ard the happiness of the people. All he could promise was the faithful dis- charge, tothe best of his ability, of his duty to the con- stitution and the country; and if.in the performance of it. the expectations of those who elected him shonid be realized. he would be more than greatly repaid for all the ‘sbor and anxiety which he should have to encounter Now, General Washington’s appointment policy was one of the chief glories of his administration an adyawistration which General Taylor proposes to revive, because of its purity. What was tha! policy ? The following extracts from Washington’s let- ers, to different persons, will shed so much light upon this question, that we do not think it possible to mistake its solution. The system of Washing- ton’s appointment policy being therefore known, we can, in consonance with Taylor’s speech to the | veterans of 1815, safely predict that Taylor’s system of distributing the public offices will be precisely | the same as that of Washington’ From Sparks’ Life of Washington, vol. 1, ch 16. No part of the President's duties gave him more nxiety than that of distributing the in his Applications innumerable flowed imupen bim, even belore be ieft Mount Vernon, many of them from | his personal friends, and others supported by to commendations of friends, nor did Jong as any vacancies remained. He early preser: to hhumeelf’.@ rule, however, from which which was. to gi ages or ¢ ment toamy applicant. H red them all civilly; but avowed bis determination to suspend # decison till ointment should arrive, and tose! euch jodividua's lied to exeoute | as io bie judgment were best q with faithfulness and ability the trust reposed in them His sentiments and motives ell expiain- ed in a letter written to # gentleman who had tol cited an office for another person. “ From the mo- ment when the necwss!y had become more apparent, saic be, ‘ond as it were inevitable | amticipated wich « heart filed with distrrs*, the tem thousand embarrass. ments. perplexities aud troubles to which | murt again be exponea in the evening of # lite already nearly con- somed in public cares. Among ail these anxieties, I ‘Will not conceal frow you, lanticipated nove greater than those that were likely to be produced by applica tious for appointments to the different offires which would be crested under the new government Nor Wil | ooncea! thai my apprehensions have wireedy been Dut too well justified Scarcely # day passes in which app ications Of oue kind or another do not arrive; in- sowuch, that had | net esriy adopted some general prinerples, | ehould before this time have beem wholly ocetupied im this business. As it is, | have fouud the number of apewere which | have been necusritated to ive ip my Own band au aimont insupportabie burden to me The pointe in which all these answers have agreed ip substanoe are that. should it be my lot to go egein into pubiic office, | would go without being y possibie engagements of any matare what. o far as | Knew my own b I would emotest degree inflasaced, in maxing | hy trotieer nrising f=om the ther of farntiy | went nding altogether on the good will of the people for its establishment, would certainly be exposed in its early tag . Be- sides, I thought, whatever the effect might be in pleas- ing or displeasing any individuals at the present mo- ment, a due concern for my own reputation, not leas decisively than a sacred regard to the interests of the community, required that [ should hold myself abso- lutely at liberty to act, while in office, with a sole refe- renee to justice and the public good.” In practice, he verified these de ions, acting in every case with perfect independence, looking first to the national in- terests, and next to the best means of promoting them, other ground of preference betwe: pretensions were in oth: of former efforts or sacrific 7 Extract of « Letter from General Washington to Ed- ward Rutledge, dated New York, May 6th, 1789 I anticipate that one of the most difficult a: cate parte of the duties of my office, will be that relates to nominations for sppointments 7 Though from a syst: m which | have prescribed to my- self, | caneay nothing decisive on particular appoint- ments, yet 1 may be allowed to observe in general, that nothing could be more agreeable to me than to have one candidate brought forward for every office, with such clear pretensions as to secure him ageinst com- petition, Extract er @ Letter from General Washington to Mrs. Mary Wooster, (widow of General Wooster, w: a of wounds received in an action with bury, April,1777,) daied New Ihave duly received your affecting % 8th day of this month Sympathizing with 4o, in the great misfortunes which have befall family in comsequence of the war, my feeling individual would forcibly prompt me to do everything in my power to repair those misfortunes But as a public man, acting only with reference to the publio good, 1 must be allowed to decide upe: my duty without consulting , privat ren and wishes. I must be permitted, with the best lights I can obtain, and upon a view of characters and circamstances, to nom! offices, as in my judgment al discharge the functions of the departmen ‘be appointed Hitherto, I hav to the applications of any candidates Nor would it be proper ver, shall be created, and before I cat knowledge of the competitors for them, to say any thing that might be construed as intended to - Tage or diecourage the hopes which individu: y have formed ef success I only wish, so faras my | agency in this business is concerned, that candidates for office would rave themselves the trouble and eonse- quent expense of pertonal attendance. Ali that I re- quire is the name and such testimonials with respect to abilities, mtegrity, and fitness, as it may be in the power of the several applicants to produce. Beyond thie, nothing, with me, is neceseary, or will be of any avail totbem in my decisions. In the meantime, | beg you will be persuaded , madam, that let the result be whatever it may. | can have no interest to promote but that of the public. Extract of a Letter from General Washington to David Stuert, dated New York, July 26. 1789, Nothing would give me more pleasure than to serve any of the deecendants of General Neison, of whore merits, when living, no man could entertain @ higher opinion than I did At the same time, i must confess there are few persons of whom | have no per- sonal knowledge or good information, that I would take into my family, where many qualitcations are necessary to fit them for the duty of it, to wit: agood bilities above mediocrity, secrecy and pru- ‘tention and industry, good temper. and a ca- dence, pacity'and disposition to write correctly, aud to do it obligingly. Mort clerkships will, I presume, either by law or custom, be left to the appointment of their principals in office. Little expectation, therefore, could Mr. Nelsom or any other stranger have from this rource. This latter consideration, added to the desire I feel of serving the son of my old friend and acquain- tance, bas induced t all hazards. to offer Mr. Thomas Nelson, his son, a place in my family. Extract of a Letter from General Washington t® Bushrod Washington, dated New York, July 27, 1789. You cannot doubt my wishes to eee you appointed to any office of honor or emolument im the new govern- ment, te the duties of which you are competent; but however deserving you may be of the one you have guggested, your standing at the bar would not justify my nomination of you as Attorney to the Federal Dis. trict Court in preference to some of the oldest and most esteemed general court lawyers in your own State, who are desirous of this appointment. My litical conduct in nominations, even if I were unin- fluenced by principle, must be exceedingly circum- spect and proof against just criticism; for the eyes of ,ke., &c.,in EI | Argus are upon me, und no slip will pass unnoticed, that can be improved into @ supposed partiality for friends or relatives. Extract of a Letter from General Washington to Jame? Madison, dated New York, August 10, 1789 My eolicitude for drawing the first characters of the Union into the judiciary is such, that my cogitations on this subject last night, after | parted with you, have almost determined as well for the reason just men- tioned, as to sil the clamora, or more properly soften the disappointment, of smaller characters, to Mr. Bi 4 Col. Pendleton as Associate 4 Mr. Edmund Rando}; Extract of a letter from General Washington to Joseph Jones, dated New York, Now, 30, 1789. In every nomination to office, I have endeavored, as far as my own knowledge extended, or informa- tion could be obtained, to make fitness of cha- racter my primary object. If, with this, the eculiar necessities of the candidate could be com- ined, it has been with mean additional inducement to the sppointment, By these principles, in a proper degree, have I been influenced in the case of Mr. Grif- fin, who is not only out of office, and in want of the emolument of one, but bas been deprived of the former by my means * * * * * and is now entirely out of employment. This circumstance, added to the knowledge of his having been a regular student of law, having filled an important office in the Union in the line of it, and being. besides, a man of competent abi- lities and of pure charaeter, weighed with me in the choice. [Mr. Griffin wae appointed District Judge of the United States in Virginia.) Extract of aletter from General Washington to Ed- mund Randolph, dated 30th Nov , 1789. For, having in every appointment end far asmy own knowledge of characters extend information could be obtained, to se'ect the fittest most acceptable persons, * * * * * it would we pain if Mr Wythe, or any of his friends, should conceive that he has been passed by from improper motives. I have -P ejudices against none, nor partiali- ties which shall bias me in favor of any one. If! err, then my errors will be of the head, and not of the heart. Extract of a letter from General Washington to Wm, itzhugh, dated New York, 24th Dec ,1789. In appointing, persons to office, and more especiall: in the judicial department, my views have been muc! guided to those characters who have been conspicuous im their country; not only from an impression of their services. but upon @ consideration that they had been tried, and that a readier confidence would be placed in them by the public, than in others perhaps of equal merit, who had never been proved. Extract of a letter from General Washington to John Armstrong, dated Philadelphia, 6th Feb., 1791. Having, in all cases of application for appointi to office. prescribed. as an invariable rule, to m; it of remaining to the last moment fre ed, I did not find ‘< y at liberty, evenin La regard, to deviate from that rule; which yougwill so gocd as to assign as the reason why! did not answer your letter of last spring. I have the best dis- position te serve the person whom you then recom- and in whatever may comport with ciroum- nd public propriety, | shall be happy to do 80. At present I know not what offices may be created apd applicants multiply with every new office, an: some of them come forward under such fair pre- tensions and pressing wants, that preference is difi- cult and painful toadegree. Ina word, tos manwho bas no ends to serve. nor friends to provide for, nomi- nation to office is the most irksome part of the ex- ecutive trust. Here is the chart of the President elect. Will all the office-seekerg, “from Dan to Beresheba,” go to work and calculate their chances from these elemente, before they disturb the old hero with their applications ? SETTLEMENT ov THE DirFicerties 1x On1o.—The difficulties in the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Ohio have, we are glad to perceive, been placed in such a position, as to ren- der it probable they will shortly be satisfactorily settled. The contested seats are to be submitted toa test, and left to the judgment of the remaining members. Although there has been much delay in arriving at this conclusion, we are glad to see that party spirit has given away to sense and mo- devation at last. The members must work hard to remove the stigma which their recent disgraceful conduct has inflicted on their own characters, as well as on that of the State of which they are rep resentatives. Arparrs IX THE Cxvestia Emrine.—We re. ceived by the last steamer from England the over- land China mail to the 28th of September, inclu- sive. It contais a great deal of very curious intelligence relative to the internal affairs of China, a few extracts of which are as entertaining asa novel. We give several of the extracts in another column of this day’s Herald; they convey @ very correct view of the way affairs of state are managed by the Celestials, and will repay perusal Tue Leapino Cuaracrers or Evropr.--We give, in another column, « few sketches of the Jeading men in Europe. They are, of course, incomplete, but are interesting as far as they go Orrmine or THRE New Havew Ratinoav.—We learn that the road to New Haven was opened yesterday. A train arrived in this city, and came in over the Hladben Reed ‘The Battery ‘Taxes— Change of Government, Two of our cetemporaries, who are steeped to their eye-brows in all kinds of speculation and trading, are calling vociferously for the enlarge- ment of the Battery, and threaten to ostracise the members of the Common Council if they do not pass the measure immediately. It seems that these speculators, not content with an increase of the taxation, amounting to three hundred thousand dollars during the last year, making the enormous aggregate of three millions of dollars for the taxes of the coming year, want to saddle the unhappy people of New York with another half million of do'lars at the end of another year. Is there, for goodness sake, never to be an end of this base, bare-faced, impudent corruption and public plunder. ing? We expect ne relief under the present or- ganization of the city government. All the vast and extravagant expenditures of the city govern- ment are made by the respective committees of both boards of the Common Council, and the per- fect recklessness with which they are authorized, prove at once that we need an alteration in the form of our city government—such a one as will make each individual connected with it, responsi- ble for his doings, and amenable to impeachment and punishment for malfeasance in the discharge ot his duties, We need not tell our readers that we have, for Years past, demonstrated this as the root of all the evils which we suffer from extravagant and reck- less legislation, backed up by extravagant and reckless taxation. It 1s apparent, that it is the want of a system of government simular to that 0 the several States, or of the United States, that we need, and that we must have, if we -wish to stop the flood-gates of corruption and extravagance that have been so long open upon our unfortunate ¢iti- zens; and the tide of which has finally reached a volume of such magnitude, that it threatens, if not reduced, to overwhelm us completely. Our citt- zens, from the oldest to the youngest, and of both sexes, are the sufferers. The taxes are in the first place laid on property, but the mechanic and the working man have eventually to pay them. Hence arises the extravagantly high rents, and the annual migration to Brooklyn, Jersey City, Williams- burgh, and other places contiguous to the metro- polis, of thousands who find their means insuffi- cient to pay the high rents demanded for tene- ments in this city, and at the same time support their families in comfort. This 1s a serious injury to New York. What, we would ask, has been the cause of the increased and increasing value of lots and houses on the line of the New Jersey ratl- road, of the land in Westchester county, and in Kings county, while land in the upper part of the city, in the vicinity of Harlem, remains the same? Itis the increasing amount of taxation that is an- nually imposed upon us. The best portion of our population, our honest and hard working mechan- ics and tradesmen, are thus driven away from the city, because their means will not allow of their paying the high rents demanded. The increase of taxes for the coming year is nearly three hun- dred thousand dollars, the greater part ot which has to be paid by the industrious poor. A still greater jncrease may be levied next year. Is it any won- der, therefore, that there will be this migration to places where there 1s a relief from this overburden- ing taxation? The only remedy for the abuse, the corruption, the extravagence, and the wilful waste of the public moneys which characterizes the government of the city, is the establishment of a system of government, the members of which, trom the highest to the lowest, would be responsible and tangible. In order to show this more conclusively we reter our readers to the following table which we have compiled for the purpose of showing the population of the States therein named, and the expenses of cafrying en their several govern- ments :— Estimated popu- Total Ex- States. lation in°47, —_pendituree. $478,756 Maryland... Virginia. . 165,306 The governments in those States are all respon- sible and tangible. If there be corruption, it can be stopped; if there be extravagance, it can be checked. Hence we see that in the State of Ohio, with a population of one million eight hundred and fifty thousand people, the expenses ot the go- vernment are more than half a million less than those of the municipal government of New York. ‘The expenses of the government of the State of Alabama, with a population of six hundred and ninety thoug@nd, are only $287,051, while the ex- penses of the government of New York city, for the year 1849, with a population of about four hun- dred thousand, are estimated at $3,016,664, and the probability 1s that that sum, large as it is, and appalling as it is, will not be sufficient for the purpose, in consequence of the leakiness of our vessel of government. Now, we have tried the system of government at present in existence here with all parties—whig, democrat and native, and with the same result— we have tried it long enough, and if the public are not convinced that it should be changed, we do not know what can convince them. No matter what professions of reform and retrenchment the whiga may make before election, they outrun the demo- crats in waste, extravagance and corruption after their election. The democrats, in their turn, do the same; and so did the natives, when, by way of variety, and for the fun of the thing, as much as anything else, they were elevated to the control of the city government. There is but one remedy, and that 1s a complete and radical reorganization of the whole system of government. A system | similar to that of the States, or of the general go- vernment, is called for, and we must have it Sooner or later. We must have the legislative branch divided into two houses, each elected in dif. ferent years. We must have an executive or Pre sident, and We must have bureaus and departments for all the divisions of the government. When this shall have been accomplished, we may expec | a reduction of taxation; we shall have the mem- | bers of the city government paid for their services; we shall have them all personally responsible ; the public business will be managed by the heads of the departments, who will be liable to the law for the execution of their duties, and our city will not be disgraced, as it is, by corruption and ex- travagance of the worst description. Fatat Accipent nazar Hastines.—On Sunday night last, the roof of the old brewery, at Dobb’s Ferry, near Hastings, fell in, when two young Irishmen, of the names of James Sherwood and Patrick Fay, were instantaneously killed. This house has been for some time past used as a boarding house, and the unfortunate young men, who were laborers on the railroad, were lodgers, and happened to be 1n bed at the time the accident occurred. Another person had his knee severely bruised, and several were slightly injured. We are not aware of the cause of this untoward occur- rence, but, from the inquiries we made, we under- stand that the roof, which was eighty-four feet long, was very badly supported, and gave way, partly from its original defective construction, and partly from the superincumbent weight of the large distillery chimney, which it was but ill- calculated to sust The coroner's inquest will doubtless throw some light on the subject. The young men bore anexcellent reputation, and were much ecteemed by all_who knew them. ‘Tur Cuorera Excrrement.—The gold fever Christmas holidays, extraordinary weather, various other topics, have contributed much to- wards allaying the panic which was caused a few days ago, by the announcement that the dreaded Asiatic cholera was among us; stiil we regret to say that the excitement which was so heedlessly, and we must say toolishly, raised, has caused considerable damage to the trade of our city, more particularly among the shipping interests. The report -weut abroad that the cholera was in New York, and the consequence is, that at the ports of Cuba, and most of the West India islands, a most ngid quarantine is exacted from vessels arriving from New York; for even with clean bills of health, all regu'arly certified and attested, the au- thorities{in these islands, with certain New York papers full of cholera articles, in their hands, can- not help regarding our city as an “infected dis- trict,” from whence the seeds of disease may be brought, even though there may be no actual case on board the vessel. We heard of a case, a day or two ago, where the master of a vessel, bound to the West Indies, was about to go round to some other port, and take his departure from thence, in order to avoid being put in quarantine on arriving at his port of destination, Now thiss all too bad. Here we have the com- mercial relations of the empire city of the Union thrown into confusion, our citizens alarmed and panic-struck, and the greatest excitement produced generally, and all on what grounds ? Why, the very extraordinary and unheard-of fact, that two poor Dutchmen have fallen victims to eating too much sourkrout, and washing it down with a superfluity of Dutch beer, tor such, in sober reality, do w® Teally believe to have been the sole cause of the two “awful” cholera cases conjured up by cer- tain wise men of Gotham, and which served as a text for certain speculators, who wish to have the Quarantine ground removed from its present loca- tion, on which to raise this groundless panic. An excitement regarding cholera was started week or two ago in New Orleans; there, however, the Board of Health was on the alert, and the card they published was a most proper one; aad if our own Board of Health had taken similar care here, all the trouble which has been the consequence would have been avoided. Their report was as follow: Boanp oy Hes: ru.—A epecial meeting of the Board of Health was by!d this day, in consequence of a rumor which was circulated yesterday, that two. cases of Asiatic cholera bad appeared in our city, from a ij arrived from Havre. The Board, therefore, due dilligende to ascertain the facts in reference to these cased of disease, which they feel assured were se- vere attacks of cholera morbus, brought om and ag- gravated by long confinement on shipboard, and im- roper indulgence in fruits on the arrival of the veasel, ‘he public have nothing to fear from these cases, A. D. CROSSMAN, President of the Board of Health. A. Hrsten, Secretary. Weare informed, on good medical authority, that the two “awful” cases reported in the city were nothing more than cases of the same ‘nature as those reported in New Orleans. The first one died from excessive and injudicious treatment; the last irom not having any in time. We might say much regarding the ridiculous figure which the Academy of Medicine have cut in this matter. When this body was first organized, i1 was with a great flourish of trumpets about raising the stand- ardof the medical profession, &c. They may have raised it privately, but publicly they certainly have notas yet. Let them try to do better in time to come. As aprofessional body, none can stand higher as scientific and respectable members of society than the medical men of New York; but they do not seem to get on well together in such societies|; what is the cause of this, itis hard to tell. Toconculde, we would once more assure our citizens, and all those doing business with New York, that there 1s no Asiatic cholera here, nor has there been this year. ‘fue Sreamer Istumvus, which was to have ailed yesterday, for Chagres, could not go to sea in consequence of the almost impenetrable tog which hung over the bay and city. She will say this morning, should the weather clear off. She goes out in command of Captain Baker, and car- nies out about sixty passengers. Theatrical and Musical. Bowrry Turatre.—One would have thought that the very unfavorable state of the weather yesterday would have been sufficient to dampen the ardor of the holiday folks, as far as going to theatres was con- cerned ; but it had not the slightest effect that way, as we never saw the Bowery more crowded on any oc- cestum than it waslastevening. Last Fourth of July the house was filled as close as we thought it well could be, but last night it was even fuller ; the private box: Shakepeare: id, indeed, every inch of the hou |, and all before the curtain rose for tl first pi The afternoon performance was also finely attended, and the morning exhibition of the wild beasts was also well attended. The hi beautifully decorated with flags, greens, getherjthe scene of that immense hou: y filled with most enthusiastic audience, was one which it was well hipaa! 5 ying the price of admit- tance to ree. The various performances of Herr Driesbach and his anim the farces; ballet dancing by Cioces, Neri, G. W. Smith, and the ballet company, the grand romance of “E] Hyder’’—all t off satis- factorily, reat was the cheering and applause which was ished on everything that was done du- ring the day andevening. To-night’s bill is first rate, #0 that those who could not obtain admission last evening, will do well to go and see it. Broapway Turatxe.—“The Count of Monte Chris, to,” expressly dramatized for this theatre, by G. HH, Andrews, Esq , from the celebrated novel of Alexandre Dumas, was presented here last evening, for the first time, before a densely crowded house—every available place of accommodation, from pit to dome, being filled up. Indeed since the opening of this popular and highly fashionable theatre, never before did it appear 80 jam-full. Considerable anxiety was felt, by many who bad read tne work of the distinguished author, to witness this granggomantio spectacle ; and the vast crowds who attended It, seemed highly gratified with t performance. plot and design, the ge tures of the work itself, have been admirably together fer dramatic representation, from the pen of the literary gentleman who has prepared it for 4 a per ner in which it has been fitted up displays much taste, on the part of the artist. The character of Edmond Dantes, « sailor, afterwards Count of Mr. Lester, was a powerful and ably si tion. Dyott, as the Abbe Faria, a teu @if, acquitted bimself with infinite ability; and in the interview with Dantes, where he foretells the suecessful progress ot republican liberty in Europ whieh he predicts will follow the example of Americ he wan greated with a round of applause feom all qu ters of the house. The cast altogether acquitted them. selves in bigbly creditable manner. The various incidents, and the voluminous material of which this splendid drama is composed, will insure for it along run at this eplendid theatre, where it has been got out for the first time with such decided success. The work itself bas caused a deep sensation in Europe; and when produced, with so many advantages in dramatic form, upon the American boards, and by 80 powerful a cast, it cannot fail to be a source of deep attraction, It will be repeated this evening. Nationat Tneatre.—Christmas comes but oncea year; but we should think that the managers would like it to come once a week, if not oftener, were it always to bring such large audiences as those that attended the National at both afternoon and evening performances In the afternoon the house was crammed, and in the evening it was found necessary Ming tickets at a very early hour, and we applicants were turned off a the h Holiday audi natured on perform: well, that if they wished to no possible way of being so. jarke, Tilton, Booth. Pardey, feeling prevailed. The rated with green, and the fro! flags of all nations The weath enough yesterday for theatre-goers, still that atop them from resorting to the favorite N To night « capital bill will be presented, and as the company comprises some of the most eminent talent in the Union, justice will no doubt be done to all their parte Burton's Turatne.—Notwithstanding the incle. mency of the weather, Burton's was crammed, lart night, with a highly respectable audionoe. The pie given were the “ California Gold Mines,’ “ Lucy did Sham Amour,” and the “ Counterfeit Presentmonts,”’ and never did we witness these piecss rei greater applause, the audience being perfectly enraptured, eapecially on the representation of the gold diggin region. Many facts are, no doubt, truly representa, Honnet: 's Concetr, best musical gems appear in concert which will be given this 1g by these emi- nent and deserving artists. In this season of suaces- oe Weplast talent, when a is of New York ave had so many opport: of judging the respect- ive merits of ai, we do not deem it ome teeny more of there artists than what has already appeared before the critics of this city. However, we will simply say‘ they porsess abiuities of a very high order, and we hope their last concert will be attended, this evening, bo a large assemblage of those who delight in hearing the soft and delicate tones of the violin, which are 60 scientifically produced by Mr. Charles Hohastock. Mavam Anna Bisnor —The information will be re- ceived with much pleasure by the musical geatry of this city, that the grand musical o sition by Doch- age Musical,” will be repeated If we may judge of the musi re predict that the Tabernac! taste of our citisze: on that evening will crowded in every department. Independent this waned weine ion. the great favorite, and the queen of so: adam A hep, will some of those pisi re followed by reiterated c! concert in the Tabernacle. Benerit or tHe Panx Oncuestaa.—This splendid affair, which comes off next Saturday evening, under the direction of Mr. Max Maretzek, promises well. Se- veral of the most distinguished artists, Italian and otherwise, bave already volunteered their aid on this occasion. It is & laudable work, and should be well patronized. Cunisty’s Minstaets are determined to keep up the excitement during Christmas week, and each evening they will give a new programme. tainment, so one need not time for fear of hearing the deal of tact, these Christy's, e public taste as well as any 0: New On.eans Serenapens. — These darkies are a touch above the ordinary, and aim at giving most refined and elegant concerts, such as will suit the taste of the most hypercritical musician. That they succeed, the crowds of our most fashionable citizens that nightly throng their concert.room fehow. The grand finale of the Fireman’s Song is always much applauded. Camrnrit’s Minstaxts did a fine business on Christmas day, and will no doubt continue it all through the week, as they calculate te bring for all their most attractive music, dances, statuary &c., during this festival time. No one who visite their concerts will regret the outlay. Metopron. ginia Minstrels, the visiters to thi amused by the tiful ballad singing of Miss Rey- noldson, joing by the infant Carline, &o.—This house is always well attende Srorran: Hati.—White's Serenaders have com” menced a series of their excellent concerts at this con- venient location. The universal favor with which this band is regarded will insure them full patronage.— They give a capital concert this evening. apway Cincus.—The grand entertainments of itiful aires her last crowds. appearance, plied with the promised variety of toys for his young customers, which were distributed with liberality. The equestrian and athletic exeroit together with the performance, passed off with much success, Yesterday was a regular gala day at the circus, Zoorocica Hart —Notwithstanding the heavy storm of yesterday—the rain continuing to pour down heavily during the day—the menagerie was visited by crowds of our citizens, who seemed much delighted with the appearance of the beasts and birds. The ex- hibition, altogether, afforded a treat to the groups of visiters who crowded the hall during the day. Kemr’s Lrceum.—At this house, which has been beau- tifully fitted up. Kemp, the favorite Clown, holds forth nightly, assisted by @ clever company, in a variety of amusements, Kemp is well worth seeing in his extra- ordinary barrel performances, Movements of Individuals, The following were a portion of the very fow arriv esterday, at the rerpective hotels . Whitemarsh, Thos. O'Shaughnessy, . Gongerson, Boston; E. Hobart, do; R. R. Blitchford. do ; iterman Sweet, Amster: Lumpkin, Georgia; W. Bates, Massachuset! ser, Pennaylvania; W. H. Seward, Albany; bert. Boston; H, Chadwick, do. Howard—W. Clarke, New York; S. Gordon, Delhi; A Waner, Bo: ton; C. E, Wood, Lockport; E. Fitzgerald, New York; Edward Bell, England; Hon, Gideon Reynolds, Troy; Hon E. Skimmele, Kingston; E. L. French, Canada; Ool. D. Saunders, Washington. Irving House, (How: ord’s,)—A. B. Gillman, Cincinnati; E. K. Job: Newburgh; C. Phelps, St. Catharine's, Cana : McArthur, U. 8. Navy; A. J. Cheesebrook, Philadel- phia; Capt. Englishavlet Light Infantry, Brit, Ai ‘ngland; Lt. Duncan, U.S. Engineers; C. D. Jackson, Westchester; Lieut, Day, U.S. > ¥ a 3 General Taylor's Visit to Louisville. Baton Rovar, La., Dec 5, 1948, Gentiemen :—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 18th ult odly inviting me, on behalf of my fellow-citizens ouis- ville, to visit your city, and to sojourn a few days with you, while on my way to Washington City This hospitable invitation is cordially accepted. I shall deavor to reach your city about the 10th or 12th of February next, when I shall be most happy to offer to you, personally, my acknowledgments for the cour- tesy of this invitation, and to renew my acquaintance with my old friends and former neighbors among you, ‘With my best wishes for your health and prosperity, I remain, a vee ‘ery respec’ your eb’t serv’t, J Z. TAYLOR. Law Intelligence. Intenestinc Case.—FourtH District Court.— Morgan W. Brown vs. John Crockett Chapman and Wife.—Our readers will remember the particulars of « fakes | last summer, in the Fourth District Court, y which the defendants, who are most respectable and excellent citizens of New Orleans, were brought up for a contempt of Court, in being concerned in an attempt to withdraw a young lady, their niece, from the guar- dianship of Morgan W. Brown, a citizen of Tennessee. The young lady in question inherits a large property from her father, who died while she was qzite young, leaving Brown as his testamentary guardian. The defendants, thinking that Brown was unfitted, on va- rious grounds, for the charge of a young lady, and that her education would be seriously neglected under his care, took her away from Brown's family, without his consent, and brought her to this city, whither Brown ee them. and suing out a habeas corpus, was sus- ined by the Fourth District Court, in his rights as testamentary guardian, He has since sued the parties for damages for @ tort or injury done him by this alleged interference with his rights as guardian. De- fondants have set up the following excoptions to the plain ms it does not appear that plaintiff is the duly guardian of the said M ty MeNell, (the ward, 8. That the said plaintiff, as guardian, appointed in ‘Tennessee, has no authority here to maintain his said action in manner and form as set forth. 4. That plaintiff's appointment as guardian does not authorize him. in law, to maintain this action in the Courts of this State. is Court has no jutification of torts or trespasses committed in Tennessee, as laid in plaintiff's petition. —New Orleans Delta, Dec. 17. Tue Yettow Fever in InervittE.— We copy the following startling paragraph from the last number of the Sentinel, published in the town of Plaquemine : The Yellow Fever.—We are pained to record the pre- valence of this distressing malady im our vicinit; y d most strangel: toa great de- oughed it through life up good health and strong virulent type, gree among those who to this time, with contin radise which many of them, doubtless, never expected to reach. Soberly, we must dixcontinue publishing those bewildering sccounts of California gold, if we wish to retain apy of our subscribers. Our cotemporary 1s informed that this identical “fever” is raging most violently in our midst— indeed, it may be said to have assumed an epide- mic form—and threatens to ‘* carry off” many of our resident population. Seether and the unac- climated stand no chance at all, or very little, of escape.—N O. Picayune, Dec 17. Hemp.—The Western (Mo) Frontier Journal saye: The new hemp erop of Platte county is said to ex- ceed the crop of last year in quantity, but is regarded inferior in quality, Insome parte of the county, pecially east of Platte river, it is considerably below ‘an average in length. It will therefore be incumbent on the farmers to handle their hemp with more than ordinary care, x ; ‘The same paper in urging upon hemp growers the importance of greater attention to the pre- paration of this staple, says:— Mireouri hemp whem well cleaned, is superior to Ken- tucky hemp; and in the Louisville market will out-rell itatleast five dollars per ton A letter from a Ken- tucky manufacturer, lnvety received here, states, that all the Missouri hemp is below the Kentucky, as to cleanness, Tne Facon.—This fine steamship, Cast. Thome. son, leaves tomorrow for Chagres, with the mails for California and Oregon, and a large number of passengers. We understand that the vessel is crowded to her utmost capacity with passengers, on their way to Califorma. Her departure 18 & notable incident in our naval career. She goes to form a connection with the American steamers in the Pacific, by which to maintain a more intimate communication between our possessions on the two oceans. It can hardly be that any part of so extended a plan of operations will succeed perfect- ly in the outset; but as it depends upon the steamer ‘alcon and her commander, we have no apprehen- sions.— New Orleans Prcaywne, Dec. 12, Corvmnus, Deo, 23, 1848, Dr, Town The House is organized. This mornin; Fesolutions again; after = rambling disoursion, they Were substantially adopted, and the House organised. ‘The resolutions are to this effect :— 0 on fils; that, sescanising iter as cha'rman for the purp se of organvzat‘on, the first bu:iness transsoted shal be. the copeiderstion of the following proposttion '== ‘That Messrs. Pugh and tieros, [democrats] are, by their corti facie outitied vo seats until their claims snall bc finally decided upon their merits, On which rvsolution the said Pugh and Pieree shali no. be entitled to vo'e, but the be decided by the remaining seventy members ‘The v resolution shall Le decisive of the pr ma facie richt of and Pierce to coats, but nothing in the aforesuid pesceert be construed to interfere with the right of either Mess 4. and Runv’n, or Pugh and Pierve, to contest for seats orgas ization. Mr. Lerrer, demoorat, acts as chairman. Mr. McCuuvne, whig, acts as clerk. AsI close my despatch, the House has not sdjours_ ed, The probability is, there will be nothing until after Christmas. Markets. New Orcerans, Deo, 20, 1848. Cotton.—The Canada’s news has bad a favorable ef- fect upon the market made yerterday. at bigher rates, firm. Plour—Sales of 14 000 barrel: madeat $4 60, Corn remained unchanged by the news, Provisions, as lastquoted Nothing newin freights, The weather warm for the season. City Intelligence. THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK. ‘The anxiously expected anniversary has passed, bu® was far from being what was hoped. When the morn- ing first dawned, the city was enveloped in a fog, the density of which bas not been ejuslied. About the hour of sunrise, the rain began to descend, which con- tinued at intervals, during the whole day, and up to a late hour at night. The anticipated pleasures of th® day did not come with it, though around the femiy hearth, there were doubtless hours of pleasurable con- versation. The little children, as usual, received their presents, but the streets were in sucha condition asto prevent their making their regular Christmas visita- tions. The city, during the early part of the day, pre- sented an unusually quiet appearance. Nearly all the stores were clos d, as if for some general mourming, and the solemn peals of the church bells sounded from the lofty towers; but few persons assembled to commemo- rate the occasion. It was not like a Christmas day, fox joy and pleasure were not visible. The unweloome m: senger, whose appearance begets sorrow, and bri asunder the tendrils of tion which bied the: selves around the his work; and, ever, aad anon, the solemn moving of the funeral train but too plainly told that all were not Lappy’ In that circle, where through a long eeries of years the day had been commemorated in feasting, sorrow reigned The eged sire, whore life had been spentin the service of l_ earth b borne to his ntil God shall summon the nations great final tribunal How sad tie picture now! But a short time since, health and bappi- ‘ness shone in every countenanc epondency prevail. The axe has been laid at tke root, and the tree has fallen. The branches bow their withering heads, which nought oan raise but the pro- mise of Him who holds the world in his hands “God chasteneth whom he loveth;”’ a decree filled with ho) ‘and inspiration; one which, though rending to ti bright anticipations of the heart, and causing “ sorrow for the night, will bring him joy with the morning.’’ The day was auspicious to the scene—wrapped in gloom, and foreboding of sorrow. But, aside from that mourning circle, as the day advanced, though the rain oft poured in torrents, there werethose who seemed to enjoy the little pleasures of the day The volunteer military companies turned out in conriderable numbers for target practice. and, as ustal on such occasions, appeared to good advan- tage; each company sccompanied by @ band of good music. The following are the companies which passed the Herald office :—Fuiton Blues, Capt Watson; Fron- tier Guards, Capt Chanes; March Light Guards, Capt. Lippincott; Packing House Guards, Capt. Brownell; Clayton Guard, Cupt. Clements; Gilder’s Guards, Capt. McManus ; Tompkins Guards, Capt. W.C Anderson, and the Artificial Rangers, Captain Blake. The last named excited more attention than all the rest, from the peculiarity and comical appearance of their uniforms. The principal pioneer represented the world moving to California, and was really amusing to look upon. The other members of the company were dressed in every possible variety, from the handsome uniform of the American soldier to the gaudy trap- ings of the wild man of the forest andthe sikh of the fodian empire Asthe night grew on, the scene was uiet, and the blackness of darkness prevailed. Ghristmas has parsed in joy and sorrow, and as another Christian anniversary rolis round with the wheeis of time, great changes will bave been wrought, but. as rt, with the last, there will be a mixture of pleasurable and sorrowful meditations. Cnrorrns.—The following is the report of yester- day :— 7 Quanantive, Staten Istanp, December 2£, 1848, } To His Honor THe Mayor :— No new case of cholera or death has ocourred at the Marine Hospital since last report Respectfully, ALEX. B. WHITING, Health Officer The resident physician reports, that no case of cholera has ocourred within the limits of tne city since his last report. Catironnia.—The Rev. Dr. Beecher delivered a dis- course on last Sunday ing, in the Congregational Church, corner of Broadway and Fifteenth street, on a subject intimately connected with the present gold mania,and the part which the Christian ought to After reading. during tne ex- sixth chapter —" My le nd their staff gb nator the fourth chap ask counsel at their stock unto them,” &c.,&e, Covetousness is declared to be an idol, and the word which sigaifed idol in ancient, has become the seme to siguify wealth in modaro, In ancient times, too, old men leaned on their pursuing the ‘acquisition of wealth idol, Mr. Beecher placed the Christian @ present ay in the position occupied by Christian and Hope- fulin a by ‘ilgrim’s Progress He compared Cali- fornia to the little hill called Lucre in that work, and which was represented to contain e silver mine, by digging which, Hopefal nd Christian might become wealthy. Those imaginary persons declined the invi- tation extended to them by Demos, to turn in and see the mine, but followed on in their progress, regardless of both the invitation and the prospect of weaith thus extended tothem. This formed the theme for some lengbty remarks on the necesrity, on the part of the christian of the present day, to resist temptation. In conclusion, he prayed that, as r-gards Ualifornia, the christian may resist the temptation as Hopeful and Christian did that to turn in andscee the hill Lucre, with its silver mine. Tue Henny Staeet Tracrov.—Dr, Walters, our very effivient Coroner, visited the city hospital ysia - and had an Interv! with the German d Henry sta, Sne hasso far recovered that on being questioned by the Voroner, yesterday, as to how the affray took place bet: 2 d Marka, she gave the following acooun' ut Ll o'clock, Geiger came into the room where od Marks were sitting, and turned the key. a to her. “Maria, you mar- ried to this man?” (mesming Marks) She answered no, but that they were going to be in afewdays Gviger then handed Marks a dirk, and said to him “derend ) Geiger then siened Maria and a the fell on the floor. Geiger and then began to cut at each other with the dirks ; then fainted and bas no recollection of anything that took plack after that, and had no knowledg» of their bei dead, untilto day. Dr Thompson, the skilful house surgeon of the hospital, appears to baye great hopes of her recovery. Mentat Derancerent.—Th" Coroner held an in- quest yerterday, at No. 102 Chambers street, on the body of Henry H. Seymour, a young medical ‘student, aged 20 years, born in New York, who came to bis death by jumping from the 2d story window of the said house to the pavement below, receiving auch bodi- ly injuries that he died in » short time after. It seems that this young man, afew days ago. took a #e- vere cold which turned to a violent typhoid fever; and yeoterday morning, while a young man by the nime of John Ker. and a female servant were in the ro» no the deceased jumped out of bed, in @ deranged sta’ of mind. ran to the window, threw itopen and sprang ce of over 35 feet to the pavement te of the deoeased were so rapid thone in the room were unable to arrest ‘his pro- ss. ‘The deceased was ® young man of promising jlity, and would. shortly, have pared his degives. The jury rendered the following verdict:-—That the deceased came to his death by jumping from the 2d story window of house No. 102 Chambers atreet, while boring under delirium from typhoid fever. Deatn ny Burninc.—The Coroner held an inquest t the city hospital, on the body of an old colored woman, by the mame of Julia Og4 of , & Dative of Spain, who came to her d clothes accidentally taking fire from a stove in the house No. 65 Franklin street. that after the poor old woman’ ance, aod Mr. Bie ed out of bed and endeavored to put doing #0, he set fire to his own clothi: mates of the house assisted in extingulabin, the nerhasssts cloths fter a dreadful suffering of ro: ours, di ‘The deceased waa slave with Mr Bien- nerhaseet, and wasin his service twonty veara, on Blennerbarset’s Inland,'n the Obieand twent' she bas been in the service of hin son, the present Mr, Blemnerhasset, who is now lying very slok from the burns received in the endeavor to put out the flames, Accipent.—On Tuesday afternoon, an aool curred in the Bowery, near Houston street. by which one of the horses belonging to the railroad was killed. A pair of horses attached to the milk wagon of Mr Deok, took fright and ran off. Tho driver on the cat saw them appro ig him, and. with a viewto avoid accident, dropped the poi 'd drove his horses by the