The New York Herald Newspaper, January 24, 1849, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD. Borth west corner of fu PROPRIETOR THE DAls¥ HERALD—1 wo editions, 2 conte per copy— ‘annum. The MORNING EDITION subbisted at eclock 4°. ind distributed before breakfast ; the AP TER IN EDITION can be hud of the newshoye xt 2 o'clock P. Mt. THE WEEALY HNRKALDY, for circulation on this Conti nent, is published every Suturday at 6% eents per copy, OF per annum, for ‘circul ition in Rurope and prined in and Knglish every muil steam pa ket fox at 64 conte per copy, or $i per annum; the latter price to include the post- LETTERS il, for eubscriptions, or with adver- Gooments,to fhe ‘e”postange ‘all 6e dadusted from ited. VOLUNTARY CORRESPONDENCE, containing important mows, 2 olicited from any quarter of the world; wf used, will be id for. PTISESTENT'S, (reneoes every morning, and to be rernoon editions, at reasonable legible manner: the prop’ ript, ‘ communications, Wh xt- ion Sst be. auhentin by the f the on rer: not neceararily for pubiica- Bon, but asa gunrintyo! his cood faith. we cannot return ted commnicat on an ie teh. (irders received atthe office. HERALD ESTABLISIIMENT is open throughout the ATRE. ' wery—Arosrats ~Tis Lee's Par- wR Poumon on Facre BROADWAY THEATRE, Brosdway—Mowre-Cassro, NATIONAL, TAEATAR, Chatham Square—Wonar—— Wiwow's Vicrim—W acovsra. BURTON'S THEATRE, « Dw Snax Amoun—Canii MECHANICS HALL, Broadway, near Broome—Curisry’s Mivsrexis. BOCIETY LIBRARY, Broadway, near Leonari—New @n- MEANS SEREADERS. ALHAMBRA, Broadway, near Prince—Bawpe, Laxr & Co.'s Abznican Cinove, ZOOLOGICAL HAUL, Bowery —Vaw Amsunci & Co's Mewacenix. CHINESE MUSEUM, 59 Rroadway—Cwtwase Cunrosrrins. nber stroet—Joun Buti —Luoy a GOLD Minas, lew York, Wednesday, January 24, 1849. — —— eee News from Europe. The steamship United States, Captain Hack- ataff, is in her sixteenth day. She wasto have Jett Havre on the 8th inet ,and touch at Southamp- ton, which would probably detain her a day or two. Election of United States Senator, We have from time to time exposed to view the petty warfare and squabbling that have been for wome time past going on between the rival cliques of the whig party and their leaders, at Al- bany and in this city, in reference to the election of a United States Senator to fill the place of John A. Dix, whose term will Boon expire. The great bone of contention which 18 at the bottom of all these quarrels and squabbles, is the distribu- tion of office under the administration of General Taylor, the President elect. Each clique wishes to secure the nomination and election of its own particular favorite, in order that he may act asa channel for the distribution of offices in this State between those whe are desirous of enjoying a por- tion.of the spoils and the m-coming administra- tion. In these squabbles, the various journals at- tached to the interests ot the different cliques, take am active part; and now that an independent por- tion of tle whig members indicate an intention to act as indeper.dent men in the matter, irrespective of the deeies and wishes of all cliques and ‘all fac- tione, they are hunted down bv the bloodhounds of the whig press in this city, as well asin Albany. Because the whig members refuse to go into a joint caucus, they are termed traitors to whig principles, and loaded with opprobrium. Conspicuous for their attacks on those indepen- dent whig members, are the Courter and Enquirer and Tribune, of this city. These journals are reckless in their abuse of them, because, forsooth, they may unite with a portion of the democratic members and secure the election of a United States Senator who may be opposed to the Wall street office-begging clique 1n this city, or to the central junto at Albany, which endeavor to control not only the minds and actions of the whig party in this State, but the distribution of offices as well. Now, what 1s all this outcry about? What ter- nible calamity will befall the country, even if the whigs in the Senate form a coalition with some of the democratic members, and elect a Senator who will not be a mere puppet in the hands of the show- Man, to be moved by wires behind the curtain? ‘The enly result will be that some hungry office. seekers, who have eagerly looked forward to the time when they could dip their hands into the flesh pots of Egypt, and satiate themselves to repletion, will be disappointed. The country, nevertheless, will be safe, and the constitution be unimpaired. We hope that the independent members of the Senate, at Albany, will disregard all this imperti- nent dictation trom the Wall street clique, or any other faction of the whig party. We hope they will disregard all those denunciations of the organs of office-begging cliques, and that they will main- tain their mghts and independence. A Senator re- turned by a coalition of whigs and democrats, would, we have no doubt, attend as well to the in- terests of the State as one returned by a caucus arrangement of the whigs. The President elect, General Taylor himself, was first put in nomina- tion, not by whigs alone, but by whigs and demo- crats indiscriminately, and the whig party support- ed him only because to oppose him they kaew would be annihilation, Why should not the same independent principle which gave us the noble old hero of Buena Vista for President, also give usa simular man for Senator in Congress ? ApministRation or Law in New Yore.—His Honor Judge Edmonds notified the Mayor, on Monday lest, that seven hundred and forty-three vagrants, out of seven hundred and forty-six, who are now detained on Blackwell’s Island, were committed in violation of law; and that in pursuance of his duty, and in accerd- ance with the directions of the Revised Sta- tutes, it was his intention to proceed with the task of discharging this vast number of paupers, this day. In making this communication, that tune. tuonary states that he has delayed the execution of his duty in this matter, partly from otker engage ments, but maialy from rezard tothe consequences of £0 serious an act. To turn loose upon the com- munity, at one moment, he says, “s> large a number of persons, who have been expressed to be unfit to live at large, may seriously affect the pub- Ic peace ;” and he calls the attention of Mayor Havemeyer to the subject, to the end that the city authorities may make a suitable provision therefor. What « commentary does not this furnish in the adminietration of criminal law in this city! Her we have seven hundred and forty-three persons who have been adjudged as improper persons—who cannot, with safety, be allowed to go at large in the community—whose release we sre threatened with, and who cannot accord- xng to Judge Ldmonds be prevented from Yushing in a horde and inundating the city with vice, crime, misery, and wretchedaess. What Kind of magistrates can we have, when such things as these occur? Year after year they have gone on committing vagrants and improper per- gone, petty larceny thieves, and vagabonds of all shades, to Blackwell’s Island; and, lo and behold! as soon asthe subject is investigated by Juage Edwards, it turns out that the whole process and proceedings were illegal, and that they are entitled to liberty, and most have it whether they want it or not. This is, however, in keeping with the way in which every thing connected with the city affairs 1s conducted. Illegality, corruption, wanton extra- vagance, imbecility, and ignorance, follow in the train of our municipal affairs. In the name ot all at is right and proper, are we never to see an end of this?) How much longer will the people of New York submit to these things? Wil! they never awake from their lethargy and rid themselves of the burdens and oppressions that have been so long consuming them ? Act.—The important ‘decision of the Supreme that the States are prohibited from passing any Imrortant Dxorsion—Tux ALigN Passevexn Court of the United States, 1n relation to the above set, will create much interest in the shipping and Onstructions in Het Garx —We really and sincerely Lelieve that nothing can be expect-d from the present Congress, of any important cha- racter; neither do we think that the great interests commercial community throughout the States; | of the country, which should oecupy the attention and particularly at the present crisis, when immi- gration forms so prominent » branch of trade from the different European ports. It appears that a majority of this court, now at Washington, have rendered judgment adverse to the constitutionality of the State laws imposing taxes upon alien passengers arriving at the respec. tive ports in the States. This measure will mate- rally affect the interests of the cities upon our At- lantic seaboard; and the decision, which will be formally rendered at the end of the present term, will create much embarrassment in the ensuing spring. The ground taken by the United States Court 18, laws calculated to affect or obstruct commerce, such as it 1s recognized or established by the laws of the Union; and that under such provisions, no tax can be levied upon passengers while on board ship at theee ports, nor upon the owners of the ves- sels. The decision, when published, will be read with deep interest, and will create a good deal of confusien, both here and in European ports, betore those engaged in this business can make definite arrangements to carry out its provisions. The principle 1s liberal aad just, 1n a constitutional and national point of view; but we should be equally guarded 1n protecting ourselves in the States from the importation of foreign pauperism and crime. It is understood that the British government are openly at work to.weed out tne masses of crime and destitution to be found in the purlieus of Lon- don and elsewhere 1n England--hordes of this degra- ded class of human beings. If we could only make John Bull responsible for the conduct of those va- grants and emissaries who threaten to inundate us during the ensuing spring, we would not feel disposed to offer any opposition to the decision in question, Of its constitutionality, under the laws of the United States, however, we must say that we believe in its soundness, and are equally of opinion that a sufficiency of power remains still with each State, under the laws of the constitu- tion, to enable them to guard against any injurious consequences that are likely to flow from this de- cision. It is time that the matter should be pro- perly adjusted ; and the State Legislature now at Albany, should pass a law, upon “constitutional” grounds, embracing some provisions to protect us from all the abuses that are likely to ensue from a temporary change in the alien laws. We always welcome the industrious, well conducted emigrant to our shores, and here he will find a field for his labors ; but it is a remarka- ble fact, that in tracing up the statistics of the higher grades of crime that fill our State prisons, many of the most accomplished pickpockets, and thoge familiarly known as “‘knucks,” have graduat- ed in London and in the large European cities. Indeed, this can scarcely be designated a Yankee offence. We should, therefore, if possible, keep John Bull’s fingers out of our pockets, and prevail on him to keep his paupers, pickpockets, and va- grants at home, to operate in their own “diggins.” Congress will probably pass a law that may place the matter beyond all future dispute ; but we await the publication of the decision in full. TransFeR or Governor’s Istanp.—We have heard recently, in several ways, and from several sources, that a project has been concocted by some New York speculators, to procure, if possible, a cession from the United States of Governor's Island, in the harbor of New York, with the ulti- mate view of getting possession of it themselves, and using it for commercial and other purposes, and, of course, making a profit of four or five hun- dred per cent by the operation. Of all the speculations which we have ever heard of, this 1s decidedly the most impudent and most audacious. But we have no hesitation in declaring, 10 advance, that the projectors ot the scheme are doomed to disappointment. The people of New York will never consent that that island, the gem of their harbor, and their source of defence to a very great extent, in time of war with a toreiga naval power, shall ever pass from the ownership of the United States, or be devoted to other pur- poses than those for which it is now used. A glance at the position ot New York and its means of defence, will show that, without that island, we would not be secure from an attack of a fleet of hostile vessels, in the event of their passing the forts and fortifications situated at the Narrows. Let a fleet pass the Narrows, and the commercial me- tropolis of the United States could be bombarded and reduced to ashes in a very short time. It ap- pears, indeed, as if nature had planted that island in,its present position for the express purpose ot pro. viding against a contingency of this kind. From its of the members, will be cared for until the next Congrees thall have assembled. They are de- termined, according to all appearances, to waste their time in paltry squabbles about abstractions and other nonsense, until the period arrives when they will be, by law, compelled to adjourn ; and those matters which claim immediate attention, and on which great resulta depend, must lie over until another session. Well, be it 80; but let the country bear in mind—Jet it remember, the men who have thus violated their duty to the country at large, by indulging in sectional prejudices and factional projects. On reading the debates in Congrese, one would suppose that the few North- em and Eastern fanatics were the very pink of all that is just, honest, and conscientious on the question of slavery ; while they, in pursuing the course which they do, are only pandering to the prejudices of their constituents, and exerting them- selves to the utmost to make them believe they are really in earnest. The Southern ultras, to a great extent, are acting with the same purpose in view; and no good can be expected from either. Among the measures requiring immediate ac- tion in Congress, is that having for its object the removal of the numerous obstructions to naviga- tion at Hell Gate, in the East River, at Blackwell’s Island. An appropriation, quite insignificant whea compared to the manifest advantages that would be acquired, would be sufficient to remove all those obstructions, and make the navigation of that re- gion as safe as that of Long Island Sound. The damage done to sailing craft of every description, in one year, would suflicejto cover all expenses of the work ; but Congress is so much engagea in matters concerning New Mexico and California slavery, tlavery in the District of Columbia, mile- age, boot-black bills, and pot-house scores, that it has not time to attend to it. That partof our navi- gable waters hasbeen explored,and the obatructions to navigation can, as we are informed by an emi- nent naval officer, be .removed at a trifling ex- pense ; but Congress has no time to attend to the matter. We look fora reform in these matters from the next Congress. Tux Prorast or Tux Frencu NaTIoN aGawst THE RevotutTion.—We find the annexed spirited paseage in the Courrier des Etats-Unis, originally extracted from some other paper :— Ne ee ie French Some persons pretend to belie people have made ons are utterly ign daily passing before their eyes; they libel the people who three t‘mes in only 33 years have contemptuously driven away the Kings of thehouse of Bourbon. But, say they. e republic is @ surprise upon us; it came by rurprise; it was not the act of the nation.” A surpriee was it? Yer, indeed, it was a surptise upon cliques and upon parties. Yes! it wasquitea to the little clique which shut itself out from of day, and talked of nothing but marrow th their constitutional monarchy. as who boasted of their wonderful foresight and pene’ lon, and who were utterly confounded at discovering that were completely outwitted. It wasindesd quite orprire upon those impudent political ks who, not knowing how to account for events, and wishing to deny the real causes of the ravolution, miracle!’ “a miracle!’ to disguise their own folly and ignorance, But what matters all this? It is enough that the revolution, sudden as it was, isa manifest outbreak of the instinct, of the feeling, of the ardent aspirations and irresistible power of the people it is a link of necessity in the religious and hilosophical chain of human svete, peavared by the foresight, the justice, and the power of the Almighty, That jsenough to account for its suddenness. Let the new President then show that he appreciates this state of things. Let him remomber that when the theorists wamted to turn the revolution of July, which placed Louis Philippe upon the throne, into nothing elre than a simple change from one branch of mon- archy to another branch, though they succeeded for a time in their folly, the dey came when this illusion terribly expiated, and the will of the nation was in expresred. May It not again be mlsan interpreted, danger of mistaking epirit of a revolution and the feeling expressed by great Poplar manifestations, is as great now, in 1848, as it was in former times. ne Jost his throne on his yeturn from Elba, by mistaking the spirit of the people which had recalled him, and by shirking to return to the derpotiem of the empire. May no mere such mis. takes be made. Has the Courrur des Etats-Unis made up its mind to believe that the election of Napoleon is not an extinction of a republic? Will he try to be sober and sensible? General TayLor anv THE CrapLE or Liner- ty.--The following letter from General Taylor is published in the Boston papers:— Batow Rovwar. La , Jan. 3, 1849 Drax Sin: -I have duly received yours of the 19th ultimo, enciesing to me an invitation to attend the “Taylor Festival’ for the 22d of February next, in Faneuil Hall It would give me the most sincere pleasure to ao- cept of your kind invitation, were the opportunity af. forded me; but itis perbaps needless to say that cir cumstances will necessarily prevent. I am at liberty, therefore, only to expreas toyou my best thanks with the assurance that bad I been able to avail myzelf of your courtesy, SOL would have given me more pleasure, or been more in consonance with my wishes, location, it commands full sweep of the North and East rivers, as well as of the bay. If a fleet should pass the fortifications at Throgg’s Neck, on the shore of Long Island, and attempt an attack on the city, before it could assume a position from which it could materially annoy us, it would come within range of Governor's Island. It appears, therefore, that Governor’s Island 1s a most com- manding site for a fortification, in every point of view. It actually 1s our main stay of detence in case of emergencies; and none but those who care more formoney than they do for the honor or in- terest of this great city, could entertain the thought of diverting it from its present purposes. The pro- ject 18 indeed an audacicus one, and its orginators should be held up to the scorn and detestation of the whole community. We shall watch the move- ment, and promptly expose all connected with it as soon as it shall be in our power todo so. No. Governor’s Island must remain the property of the United States. Tur Panama vey.—The following gentle- men have gone to Chagres,to enter upon the survey of the Isthmus. Gen, Morris, Commissioner, is to act in the place of Col. Hughes, Commander-in- Chiet :-— Capt, Liorp Truumax, “ Epwo W. Seaneut, | 7 «JL. Baupwin, > Chief Engineers. « Joun May. J JL. Wis trams, ) A.H. Manpeavittr, Gro. StoppaRn, { Gro. Watcor. These gentlemen are to be joined by another party in March, when a complete survey will be made for the construction of the Panama railroad. Latex 1m m Port av P ince.—We learn from Capt. Wainwright, of the schooner Iowa, arrived yesterday, that the American Consul at Aux Cayes had been insulted and struck at that place, by one of the blacks, which caused quite an excitement; but he understood that it had been arranged. A French and British man-ot-war had gone from Port au Prince to Aux Cayes on that acc ount. The former had returned. He also states that the go- vernment were making preparations to send troops to take the Spanish part of the island. The autho- rities had placed double guards at Port au Prince, several days previous to the sailing ot the Iowa. Principal Assistants. From Matanzas.We are in receipt of files of the Aurora de Matanzas to the 7th inet. These are no later dates than we have had by previous arrivals from Havana. The Aurora comes in a handsome new dress of type, instead of the old- fashioned, ill assorted looking sheet which Spanish editors are so fond of—the Aurora has been re novated entirely, and is completely modernized. Cantrornta News.—One or two of the evening papers of yesterday, copied a Mazatlan letter of the 22d of Nevember, fromthe New Orleans Picayune, and called it ‘six days laterfrom California.” Our accounts {rom Monterey are of the 16th of Novem- ber, and that isthe very latest date from California. Mazatlan 1s in Mexico, and some distance from the gold region, than to meet my friends in the time-honored and re- nowned “ Cradle of Liberty,” and join in their festivi- ties. Iam, sir, with much respect and regard, Your most cb’t servant, Z. TAYLOR. Naval Intelligence. Captain Vorhees took command of the frigate Sa- vennah, at Boston,on Saturday last. She was docked st the navy yard on Monday morning, at 9 o'clock ‘The officers and crew are on board the receiving ship, Tho United States brig Porpoise, salled from Mon. rovia, December 12th, for the leeward coast, City Intelligence. A Romantic nut Tave Story —Some time Indy, who is the head of a reepectable Frenob. hour. ecoise boarding house, presented to her little daug ter, aged about two years, a beautiful little dog. as companion, to which the roma: been given. Zozo and the little child were in the habit of playing together, and fondling with each other sufoably, ‘and the greatest harmony prev. ¢ confiding mother often even the room and her little girl alone protection than the faithful Zozo, It was in this room that the fond mother was ‘in the hi the soup and band and bea the addition of a —that being, as is well known, with bottle of wine, more or less, the rogn- lar dish and dainty fare of the Frenoh bourgeoise, who | firnt take a plate of soup, after which, they eat, with delicious mustard, the well stewed beef which has served to furnish the preceding savory soup In this room then, {n which Zozo and the little girl were playing together, the mother loft them; and, at the tame time ina corner near the fire place stood the pot upon the furnace, with the beefand the water, and the carrots and the cabbage, and the leeks, and the pot herbs, all merrily boiling together, quickly and not too violently. as it ought to be, over a nioe, moderate, charcoal fire. Meantime, the playfal Zoso and the lovely objid were gambolling and rolling together over the floor, when the little girl. in @ andden freak of love ’ or play. or fondness, or whatever it might be, took the gentle Zoz0 up by the nec \d, child tike, softly and quietly dropped him into pot of boiling ao ‘bat Zozo said to himeelt, ot how felt, when came tothe bottom, must be left to the imagination to *upp!y; suffice it to say, there he ta: girl continued, unoonsciourly, her play, snd totally forgo eating Z joan eryetal goblet, with the purple Borde ing In the contigaous botti domestic comforts of French x wait. all exhibited the itudes and life. The rive to dinner; each t with a loudand merry gable; the re unfurled; the soup is served up. ‘Wife,’ uaband, “ your soup is excellent to-day, bet- al. although it is always goed; and with this commendation he extended his plate and took another piateful The gueste did the same The soup being now deapatehed. “come,” said the husband, toiling, to his wife, “let us have the houilii.”’ which, as the weather was cold had toon left in the pot. that it wight, when the time came. be eaten hot, The good emptied the contents ef the pot upon the dish, eh! horror! oh! atapefaction | there--what a 2 eer there, there waa Zono, the dear littie Zoxo, with bis tall between his legs. his teath gril im. his eves glaring. and bisredden body ly, alo upon the diab with « fine was wellcooked. The abo Fine — A fire broke out pleee of buuilii, ut half past nine o'oleek, last night, in the third story of the house No 234 Washington street, which story was entirely destroy- ed. The lower part of the building oocupied by E D Clark, a produce and provision store, The damage is sald to be about $200. The Weather, on Friday last, the thermometer At Banger, M *tood 22° below . At Mobile, Ala., on the 12th inst. the thermometer stood at 22°, the coldest weather felt in that city for nine years, The thermometer at Greenport, Me, om Thursday last, stood at 20 deg. below sero. The Opera. “You have reen the last ballet at the Opera?’ “No, I have not.’’ What ! not the last ?’’ “No, sir, { have not.’ “ You go to the Opera, occasionally, I suppose 2” “ No, sir. 1 muet confers that | have never been tosee or hear the Opera.’ “ Upfortunate man! My dear sir, you are not fashionable—you are nobody. Is it possible that you are living in this enlightened age of the nineteenth century, and bave never attended the Astor Place Italian Opera? Is it possible that you have never beard that dear Twizzi, that sweet Nozzi, or the divine Legatti !. Sir, you are nobody—s nonentity. Nobody is always nobody, unless he frequently attends the Opera- when, if that is the case, he may be thought scmebody; andif be owns seat, sports white kid ploves and vest, black coat and unmentionables, and isable to Hsp » few sentences of that charming Italian, then he is somebody as is somebody. My dear follow, attond the Opera—the Opera, sir—the Astor Place Ita- lian Opera!” My friend left me, The Opera—thinks I to myself; the Opera— yes, I will go and see this Opera. Accordingly, last evening I found myself at the As- tor Place Opera House, to see the opera and hear the opers, Being one of “the people,” [went where the peopl 6 most do congregate, and now make a note of what I saw and heard therein, with my opinions thereon. The ballet, or rather tragedy, I found, on inspecting the programme for the evening, was “Devereux,’’ ‘‘Ro- berto Devereux,’ » lyric tragedy in three acts, with the memes of the sotora and actresses set forth in flaming capitals. This, thinks I to myeelf, is something grand, and [ anticipated much pleasure in the forth - coming spectacle. In the meantime, the habitues of the Opera began to arrive and to take their respeotive seats. White kids, rich shawls and satins, high heeled boots, and low necked dresses, young and old, rich and poor— poor, did I ray? No I mistake—none but the wealthy urually attend the Opera. Fans began to flut- ter, when, judge of my sstonishment, as take up two telescopes joined together, and ly put them to her eyes, and with the utmost conl: proceed to take # survey of the party opposite. Thin! 1 to myself, what impudence ! what a disregard of that Dative modesty; which we always expect to see im wo- man! But on locking around, | saw another and then Guother—gentlemen and ladies—each engaged in tak- ing @ survey of each other’s faces and habiliments, making their reepeotive observations thereon —those in the pit or parquette looking at their neighbors above. and those above in turn looking at those in their tler and at those below; and on Jegking around the gallery, | could here and there two huge gog- les. piercing forth and surveying those below, where noticed another lady taking @ very critical inspeo- tion of the painted cherul Js it possible, thinks I to myself, that so meny are afilicted with poor eyes, which render it necessary that they should ure there ill-looking instruments to see—or is it fashion? Quien Sabe. Presently the musical froupe began to take their re- spective seats, and anon was heard the squeaking of a fiddle,s note from a kettle-drum, and a small blast from bugle. I noticed s man, also with white kids, and who appeared to be the leader of the bend, taxe his teat before @ concave piece of tin that was plaved on the end of the stage, in the centre of which was a round hole, through which was discovered s head—evi. dently of some person beyond. Presently the leader, who bad in his “gloved hand” a small stiok, rapped with it this picoe of tin—which I understood as the sig- nal of commencement—and commenced beating the air this way aud that way, and over his shoulder, with pervous rapidity; and soon, with a grand flourish of music, the curtain arose, The scene, a hall in West- minster palacejeladies of the court and a duche: are singin Then comes in Queen Eli- sabeth an then comes im a lord, and he sings; ditto a page, and he sings; ditto Roberto Devereux, and he sings; and theyallsing—endsingandsing Thinks I to myself—wonder when the play will begin! Heard about singing enough; pretty good introduction, though; wonder what the words are; can’t hear dis- tinotly, band makes too much noise; must be some- thing fine, Hands clapping— young chap by my side knocks hit cane. Bravo! What is it? The ourtain drops. Thinks { to myself—Very good for singing; rort of @ prelude, I suppore, to the tragedy; sorry could n’t hear the words, though; er mind, “ better luck next time” Presently, after a short respite. the curtain rises again, accompanied with a grand blast on the bogles and trombones, soraping on the fiddles, with a general banging on the big drums, little drums, and kettle-drums Now, thinks I to myself, for the tra- gedy—now for the opera. Another scene, and two lord:—and, to my astonishment, they commenced to sipg—eapg, end sung. This, thinks I to myself, is hearing the tregedy of “Roberto Devereux’ with a vengeance However, I will hear what they have to sing. Music ceases in a rseasure: | listen, and listen; yes — no-—confound it! what the d—I are they singing ? Thinks | to myrelf, they are singing—that’s a fact! What are they singing? That's the question. Man and lady on the stage; man gets mad at the lady, and sings; lady falledown on knees, and sings; man gees of mad.and be sings. “Sir—a-hem !—Sir, will you do me the favor to inform me whem the opera commenc » “Opera, sir??? “Yes, mr, the opera — the opera, sir!’ (Man stares.) “Opera! why, there it ie!’ ‘Whar?’ says | “Why, there, that’s the opera! Are you deaf, sir?” “Oh, no, sir “Oh, { sec’—(end hear, thinks 1 to myself—clear as mud) “But, tir, excuse me; what are they singing?” “Why.” says he, “ Devereux, si berto Devereux’? —(putting onthe Italian accents in the most emphatic manner)—“don't understand the language, | presume, ir?) Thinks I to myself—“Here’s a go,” “now I have done it’; come here to ree the opera, and don’t underetand a word of it! Very fine. this—delightful! Hands clap again; curtain drops. Thinks I to my- telf- Bravo! Thus | sat for three mortal hours, and listened toa concord of most harmonious sounds, from grave to gay, from lively to severe. uttered ina jargon that, to me, was perfectly unintelligible. ‘Thinks I to myself, as the treneay. or rather the farce in three acts, closed, how delightful when I have understood not one word! This opera is evidently in- tended not for American ears, but that of foreigners After ail. thinks | to myself, this opera is intended as a rort of exclusive gathering place of upper-ten-dom to stare, and be stared at—to see who is inthe market and who is out of it, ceompanied by musio expressed by words which only the accomplished ate expected to understand; a little smattering of the vernacular may be requieite and perhaps indiepensable to the majority. ‘Thinks I to myself, how beautiful the ops how con- genial to common sense! How charming to hears person—no-artiste aing—“Cut off hishead!” And for aperson about to give up the ghost, si Olam dying!” 'Tiseo natural to express ruch feelings in tong. under there circumstances. Imagine one of our soters, who does up the tragic, to siag,in swolling notes, secompanied by the orchestra—“Come on, Mocduff,” or “Ia this a dagger.” &c. Perhaps this operatio style might bs introduced in the domestic cirele. and then we sbeuld have in song, accompanied with the muric of the kitchen utensils, and the olatter of knives and forks—“ Hand the bre: nd butter’? — “Hurry up them cakes" Char ~delicious ! Thinks I to myself, as I left the Opera, let music and tragedy each have their appropriate sphere. There are words which must be apoken to represent common sense, and not uttered in song, which makes them a nd @ fit theme for laughter. Let the drama be reprerented in its appropriate place and apoken before an American audience in words which the people can understand. Still, thinks I to myrelf, if there are those who will have there novelties and can pay for them— ‘tis a free country, The next morping I met my friend who goes to ths Opera “Ab, good morning; and how did you like the opera?’ The opera? Oh, fine—fine, sir; such splendid moric and then the words so easily understood—de- Nghtful, sir; and. thinks I to myself, yes the Opera— the Opera, the New York Astor Place Italian Opera. Theatrical and Masical, Bowen Turatnr.—After a most successful run, the epectacle of “ Boadicea”’ bas been laid aside for a time, apd to-night the sterling tragady of the “ Apostate” will be performed, with a most admirable cast. N, B, Clarke and J. H. Hall will play Pescara and Homeya; Mies Wemyes will be the Florinds. We are glad to see euch a tragedy as this announ: that the acting of the principal performers will be well worth seeing. After the tragedy, the Lees will appear ‘We have spoken im such high terms of these attiets, that those who have not seen them may, pathaps, think we have exazgerated their merits; but such is by Do means the case. Lavater’s bottle feats, young Kugene’s and H.C. Lee's performances on the magio pole, the bounding globes, &e , aurpnas anything yet teen. We advise all to make ® epeedy visit to the Bowery. whilst these remarkable performers are ¢ gaged. The very langhable petite comedy of “ Found on Facts’ will conciude this eveutng’s bill; Mr. Gil- bert, JM. Scott, and Miss Taylor will all appear in it Broanwary Tnratre.—“Nonte Cristo” continu nightly to draw immense houses, with sll the attrao- tion of a new favorite, The frequency and favor with whioh the merita of the pivce itself, aud those of the respective actors in it, have been criticised and com- mended to the public through there columns, make it not only superfiuous, but almost an insult to our readers, to repeat the encomlums which we have bestow. ed upon it, and all connected with it, every day. for the Inet ft ke. We have exhausted the English lan- Kunge, and unless we take to the French or German, or give our readers a small t of variety. w delight we bave felt with this grand romantic speota- cle Lenter was at home, xs usual. in all his characters Sinbad the Greek amuge! English travel- Jer, and & French Abbe, he drew down great apple by the admirable manner in which he sustained every part. Mra. Abbott, Mies Wallack, and Mr Fredericks jained their respeotive parte very renpectably, and conrid ring the present scarcity of ‘stare’ in the dramatic firmament. they are probably as favorable tpecimens of stock actors as could be found in aay ertablishment They know their business well, and are # great acquisition to this theatze, Burton's Turatae.—“The Hai inted Man, and the Ghost's Bargain,” a dramatic piece from the celebrated Christmas tale of Dickens, which some of our enter- prising publishers have distribated throughout the United States, by hundreds of thousands of copies, at pes spo each, thus makiog an immense sum of money anit were for nothing, by the and talent of an author who gets nothing from them fer his produo- Hon—s crying shame—a piece of communism —a sort of vol— was per ormed Jast night at this charming little theatre, the variéiés, the Feydeau. the Porte St. Mactip of New York = It ti t the first time that Mr. Brougham has shown the eminent talent he possenses ot dramatization His Captein Cattle was an exool- lent thing, and was mine of gold to Burton By the by, cur theatrical managers, as woll as our booksellers, floating on the boards. a8 wo are persu-ded | in their extraordinary gymnastic ‘eats, which have been | 2° fo much admired every evening, lately. at the Bowery. | debt to Dickens—but owen when /+ rr. st la propriété. Be tl a cellent pi ad produces a test, though it cannot be compared to“Dombey Mr. Burto: Tetterb: t of the play, abiity.’ Mr Broughai the portly Brougham im the other parts, characters throvghout are weil chanted Isle’ followed. a truly enchanti encbantingly performed. On some other occasio: propose to ge more ipto the merits of these two pleas- ing and delightful dramas, ime, for variety of entertaipment, beauty of perform and merit: preperation, there is no place like Burton's. Nationan Tueatnr.—After this week, “ Wacoust: will be laid aside, in order to make room for other no- veities. which huve for rome time been in preparation. Meantime it is being performed nightly, with the great- eat eclat. The house is well filled every evening, and however much the California fever rages, it does not seem to deter the folks from amusing themaeives 0’ nights; indeed, it gee if it were absolutely neces- eo way of diverting their minds ubject of gold, gold, gold; and no- where can they find s more pleasing way of changing th t, than by listening to the interesting per- ces nightly produced at the National. This evening, Mr Chanfrau will appear in his favorite cha- racter of Chip the Barber, in the “ Widow's Victim,” in which part he gives all his famous imitati lee brated actors. Previous to the farce, the ve: ing domestic drama of the entertainments. W. a new lacal drama, called “Rosina Ideadows, or Temptations Un- velled,”* will shortly be produced, wish new scenery, &e, Chanfrau does not let the grass grow under his foet, American Cincus.—We have at last, as Jack Buns- bey would sey,“ circus as in @ circus,” and so we have in the establishment of Sands, Lent & Co, at the Alhambra, in Broadway. This circus is got up ina in this city. style superior to any other ever ope The audiences are all select, and the most orderly kind. The performan nd all the other performers, were received with great applause. “Valentine and Orson’ is a very laughable piece, and ought to be seen by all who admire fun and fancy. Gunau’s Granp Concxrt.- Notwithstanding the extreme severity of the weather, the Tabernacle was graced, last evening, with much of the beauty and fashion of our city, who enjoyed the gorgeous musical banquet prepared for the oocasion by this distinguish- ed artist, and comporer with intense gratification, and whose magnificent band of performers uitted th selves with their usual powers and ability. The vi rious instruments, consist of violin, violinoello, flute, olarionette, hautbey, basoon, haro. horns, cor- netto, and several other instruments which ad- mirably ted for a full band, and introduced ii concert by professors of the bighest accomplishments, are made to blend and harmonize so sweetly 1: ation of the different passages, in the most select ginal pieces, and general compositions of the day, oan socsreely be imagined by any save those who witness the performance, and whose charmed senses will enable them ppreciate the thrilling melody that flows from the combined efforts of these high!, gifted artiste. The overture from the oyera of Semi- ramide, by Rossini, was a beautiful introducti the grand concert last ing. It was suo the duetto from Belisurio, Donizetti. Thi Pp formed with exquisite ‘and execution. In som: of the pasreges the soft and delicate touches on th violin and string instruments were made to har- monize most sweetly, 60 as to produce a thrilling effect uponthe eudience. Indeed, a pin could easily have beon heard in thi ious edifice, had it fallen at the time. The wandering melodies were deservedly en- cored, but the variations on the flute by Mr. Stede, surpassed anything of the kind ever before heard with- in the walls of this large building. The astonishing powers of execution—the soft, rivh and exquisite tones of this ever admired instrument, elicited the most rap? turous applaure, and in the hands of #o finished a per- former , imparted a deep gratification to the entire au- dience. ‘‘Pot Pourri,’’ from the opera of “Ls Fille du Regiment,” Donizetti, was also well executed ; and “Sounds from Home,” though net announced in the programme, was performed by particular desire, and was greeted with repeated rounds of applause, The plece of the evening wan the “Rerponding Alpine Spring Jubilee,” composed by Gung’! in beautifully exesuted by a portion of the band, w! the remainder, placed at a distance, respond in echo to the passages, which has very beautiful was deservedly encored. T! *Dream of Ocean,’ Gupg’l, was equally well performed. The acknowi- edged talents of this distinguished composer. and the high reputation he ao deservedly enjoys, hi him a fame and popularity shores, will al insure for hi tion from the many ty. A repetition of his concert will afford a rich treat to the lovers of genuine melody. Tux Distin Famity.—It gives us muoh pleasure to state, that Mr. Henry Distin is rapidly resovering from his recent illness. Much disappointment has been felt, not only in the musical world here, but in almost all the neighboring large cities, in consequenee of his indieposition. A number of applications have heen received by them, from several philharmonic societies throughout the country, which they were, of courss, obliged to keep im abeyance for the present. We hope, however, that the public will sbortly have an op- portunity of ‘being delighted with these splendid artists on their novel and mellifiuous instruments. Mn. Lxvern —The benefit of this favorite actor will come of on Fridey ¢vening next, at the Olympic Theatre, on which occasion he will be aided by the cele- brated comedian Mr. Walcot, and the excellent delin- eator of Irish character, Barney Williams. The pleoss releoted are “Born to Geod Luok,’-the “Old English Gentleman,” and the local extravaganza of ‘A Glance at New York.” Cunisty’s Minstrecs, with their scientific touches on the banjo and all the various eee instruments, and their hermonious voices, agile dancing, and Teady wit, are sailing on the rea of cess, with wind and tide in their favor. They 001 ntly renew their programmes; and having so muoh experience of the taste of the public, they know how to suit them exactly. Tux New Onrrans Srarnavens are doing a fine bu- tiness at their headquarters, Society Library, whioh is nightly thronged with the élire of our oitizens. Stran- gera in the city. at a loss to know where to go for an evening’s amusement, cannot do better than patronize thereeiegant concerts. The members of the band are ail thorough musicianr, and firat rate vocalists. Crinxse Museum —To endeavor to particularize all features of this remarkable exhibition, ‘& whole n the paintings, of Grong the most pleasing to our taste, and give ones new idea of the great genius of these people and thelr advancement in the fine arte. The full life-size figures, of which there are sixty. are also most interesting, as on them:are dis- played the costumes of = number of the grades of Chinese sooiety, Altogether the exhibition is a most pleasing one. Police Intelligence. Charge of Stealing Jewelry.—A very well dressed female, and pretty good looking into the bargain, by the name-of Mrs. Mary Maywood, appeared before Justice Lothrop yerterday, at the’ Tombs, and pre- ferred a charge against two individuals by the names of Charles Pride and Catharine Hamilton, on suspic of having stolen on last Tuesday night, (a week ago. small box containing jewelry, such as gold chains, bracelets, finger rings, &o., valued in all at $200. The fair complainant, Mrs. Maywood, is t of ome of thore indinpenrable houses cf ommodation known under the “ daily code” of this oity, and fre- ba only by the beau monde,and merehants of ecided respectability. It appear that on the night In question, a few select friends were on a visit at this house, and to decorate the belle, this jewelry was plac room was left for and j 1 ; Captain Carpenter, of the 'd police, arrested the accused parties. and discovered a gold ring in the possession era, which is supposed to be rty. magistrate, ui detained the prisoners for a further h ing. wlrrest on Suspicion.—Charles Loyd and Siary Smith Wore arrested last night on suspicion of committing a Grand Jarceny. in stealing a quantity of merchandise from Stephen Griffin. Officer Keefe. of the Fitth ward, arrested the prisoners. They were detained for a fur- ther examination. Assault with intent to Kill.—OMoer Pool, of the Ninth ward, arrested jast night a man by the name of Wm L. Smith, on » charge of violently assaulting Daniel Wilson. at a house in Twelfth street, with » large jack knife, inflicting a dangerous wound on his leg andarm. Smith was held to bail to answer the charge, by Justice Blakely, Selling Lottery Policies.—A negro, of the name of Jobn Davis, was wrreated yeaterday by assistant Capt. Cook, of the Ist ward, on & char, of stesliag from his empleyers « larce End a 4 of goods. Thin negro, on his arrest, acknowledged that he was induced to steal for the purrore of buying lottery policies These po- Hoy tickets he has been in the habit of buying of a man of the name of Clark, in Nassau street. In ac- cordance with this fact, a complaint taken against Clark for ceiling lottery policies; @ Warrant was secordingly issued for his arrest. ed.—We noticed in yesterday's He- John Schmidt, on a charge of p jury. On the investigation before the magistrate y: terday, the complaint was disminsed, Mr mid showed to thes atisfaction of the court, that the accusa- is unfounded. ‘ge of Larceny —Officer Stephens, of the lower ond: a me of J, D. arrested, on ise y Justice Lothrop. nde charged with obtaining « promise. ry note, valued at $107, of Henry ker, of No. 187 Greenwich street, by @ trick and device, thereby de- frauding the complainant out of the money /t ap- jor bad h. Maa at 60 This note Mr. Deoker lied to Mr Champlin for that urpore. who informed him (Decker) that he thought Be could rell it to the teller of the Ful Bank, and for that purpose Champlin Mr. Decker for « short time in order to aroertain. On his return to Mr. Decker he raid, “yes. | oan sell that note to the teller of the Fulton Bank for $100." “Very well,” said Mr. Deoker, “take the note and get the money” Che lin then started with the note to get the money, did not return; ardainoe that time he has not see: either the note or the money, but subsequently sscer- tained that the teller of the Fulton Bank The magistrate held Mr Champlin to bail Of $600, to answer the charge, TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE, THIRTIETH CONGRESS. SECOND SESSION. Senate. Wasninaron, J: BXRCWTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, The Senate met at the usual hour, and after the usual | preliminaries, the Vice President leid before the Senate | several communications from the President. CREDENTIALS, After the reception and disposal of the usual ber | of petitions, Mr. Mason, of Virginia, presented the ore- | dentials of the Hon. A. P. Batler, re-elected Senstor for | the State of South Carolina, for the term of six years | from the 4th of March next. FRNSIONS, The resolution of Mr. Jounson, directing the Com- | Mittee on Pensions to enquire into the expedieney of | graduating pensions secording to the amount of injary | received by the soldiers, was adopted. UNIFORM rosTacR. Mr. Brena submitted a series of resolutions passed by the Legislature of the State of Illinois, in favor of reducing postage on letters to the uniform rate of five ry other alterations in The resolutions were referred to the Committee on Post Offices aud Post Roads. IMPRONMENT OF MR BUSI Mr. Dioxinson presented s memorial in bebalf of aw indi al by the who had been imori- the inland of Cubs. preying that Congress ire his release. At‘er some Hing on the Presiden: for amy y be in his possession, relat- 23, 1849. D, DRAKE HENRIE The House bill in favor of D. Drake Henrie was taken ‘Up and passed. Mr. Kiva, of Alabama, agreeably to previous notice, introduced a bill giving the right of way to thy compa- ny for constructing the Mobile and Ohio Rallroad, through the Stateof Alabama, Some discussion and on motion the subject was informally lald aside. SHINPLASTERS Mr Reverpr Jounson presented @ memortal of the citizens of Maryland, complaining ef the circulation among them of Washington shinplasters, and praying | for their suppression, which was referred to the Com- mittee on the District of Columbia. MR. FOOTE AND JUDOR MCLEAN, § Mr. Footy asked leave to make a personal explans- tion in relation to the card published by Judge Mo- Lean, inthe Nationol ty Re. fering to his (Mr. F.’s) attack on Judge MoL , during a speech in the Senate a few days since, Judge MeL, with writing letters agatast slave- ry, wor of free soil, &o., for political effeot Mr. F replied to the card, and reiterated his former charges against its autho: violent speech. during which Mr. Kina made an ineffectual attempt to gain the floor, When be had concluded, Mr. Corwin rose and replied tothe attack ima digni- fied manner. defending Judge McL. frem the asper- re- sions. He thought him censurable fer having p: judged the question of slavery; yet he felt too high a Teapeot for the office which he filled, to indulge in im- fe of his motives and character; neither could e allow them to pass unnoticed in other: THE MOBILE AND OHIO RAILROAD. The bill giving the right of way te the Mobile and Obio Railrosdtbrough Alabama, was ealled up a second time and passed. TRADE WITH CANADA. On motion of Mr, Dix, the Senate took up the bili roviding for a reciprocity of trade between the Uaited Biates and Cenada, Mr. Dix made alesrned and able epeech in support of the bill; when, On motion of Mr. Pierce, of Maryland, the bill was informally pa: Mr. Dickinson, of New York, preseated the petition of Mr. Carver and others, for aid in the construction of a railroad from the Mississippi to Californis, which was appropriately referred. DEFICIENCY APPROPRIATION BILL, The Senate took up the deficiency appropriation bill, and after some discussion, concurred in the amend- ment recommended by the House, RESIGNATION OF THK REGENT OF THE SMITHSONIAN IN- eTITUTE The Vice Parsipent laid before the Senatea o munication from Senator Breese, of Iilinols, ait his appointment as Regent of the Smithsonion lasti- tute ; whereupon, on motion, the Vice President was authorized to appoint his successor. After the tra: tion of some further business of no great importance, and the reception of a message from the Presi . The Senate adjourned. House of Representatives. Wasuinaton, Jan, 23, The House met at 12 o’clock as usual, when the journal was read and prayer offered by the Chaplain MEXICAN TROPHIES, Mr Sawrer made an ineffectual effortto introdue & resolution, placing the trophies obtained inthe Mexi- can war in the National Gallery, CIVIL AND DIPLOMATIC BILL, The House, on motion of Mr. Vinton, Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, resolved itself into Committee ofthe Whole on the State of the Union, Mr. Smith, of Indiana, in the chair, and proceeded te the consideration of the civil and diplo-natio bill. Mr. Farneii’s amendment, previously offered, ap- Propriating $160,000 to finish the Patent office, was adopted. Hr. Vinton's amendment, sppropriating $200,000 to enable the Secretary of the Treasury to redeem bounty lend sorip, was adopted. Also another, from the same, prohibiting the Treasury from purchasing stocks while above par, was adopted. Various amendments were submitted, among them, one by Mr. Greeley, of New York, proposing to deduot from the pay of members during their absence, whioh created considerable merriment. Mr. Gerecey entered into an explanation. Mr. Mureny, of New York, moved to amend the amendment so as to deduct the pay of members who ait there and write editorials for newspapers; which there was much laughter. ‘The amendment was finally put, and lost, PORTRAITS OF PRESIDENTS. The item of $10,000 for purchasing portraits of the Presidente of the United States, forthe ornam iting ofthe White House, was carnestly opposed by Mr. Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, and was finally re- jected. During the consideration of the above question, exciting scene coourred. Mr T.O Edwards, of Ohio, had read Mr. Greeley’s statement inthe Tribune, to the effect that he had voted for those books under @ mistake. Mr. Grvrtry rose, much excited, and Proceeded to explain his courre. Epwarps, much excited also, deolared thet Mr. Greeley’s statement was totally unfounded in fact. He asserted, that proof existed in that House, showing that Mr. Greeley had justified the vote, both before and after b ve bis vote for the said books, The proof was ready, The article inthe Zribune was an after ba art bi ir. Greecey challenged the proof of the gent from Ohio. . onenee Mr Epwanps named Mr. Hudson of Massa! vette, who detailed # conversation he bad had with Vir. Gre ley, om 8 certain occasion, in which the latter had jas tifled the appropriation for the books. Mr. Daruinc made a similar sta sation he had beld with Mr. Greeley. Mr. Putnam, of New York, who had been referred to in the matter, made a statement that he had not heard Mr. Greeley justif, vote. Ley explained. He admitted that the MN preves one thing; but that he voted or tended to vote against it, beosuse he did not want arking at him this ecene was over, the vommit! bill to tl fouse, with the a1 dments. am ‘he House then proceeded to act on the amend- enrs. Mr. Scurnck, of Ohio, moved that the jadmont relative to mileage be rejected On thie motion, the yeas avd nays were demanded, and it was decided ia the negative—only 38 votiag im the efirmative. The other amendments were agreed to, whon tha Dill was pas On motion, the House adjourned. ent of a conver- Atoanr, Jan, 2%, 1849, SENATE. The petition from Supervisors was presented, FOREIGN INSURANCE COMPANIES, Mr. Mownor reported a bill to tax agencies of foreign insurance companies two per cent. on earned pre miums. THE PRES OF THE COUNTY CLERK AND REGISTRAR OF NRW YORK, Mr, Smit submitted @ resolution for the Seoretary of State to report the fees of the Cou nty Clerk and the Register of New York. MUTUAL SAFETY INSURANCE vOMPANT, Dir. Jounson offered a resolution, requiring the Mu- tual Safety Insuranee Company to report, under oath, @ full statement of their affairs. commy The bill to continue in offise the Commissioners of Praotice was taken up, and, after further consideration, the question was put, and the bill rejected. NOTICES OF BILLS Notioes wore given of » bill for the relief of Fernando Wood; and also, of » bill to reduce the oapital stook of the Albany Insurance Company. ‘The bill for the abelition of capital punishment mi further debated in committee of the whole; when, without taking the question, the committee rose an: reported progress. ‘The bill for the rellef of Rutherford Stuyvesant 0 taken up and considered. -paietiasie Mr. MeArdle was confirmed as Commaissie ir. om gration; also, Mr. Balch, erkcsgg oe NON-CONFIRMATION OF NoTARI The confirmation of Mosers 8, Purdy, as Notaries, was not agreed to. ASSEMBLY.