The New York Herald Newspaper, March 16, 1849, Page 1

——_ Cendmion of the Island of Cuba, Havana, February 24, 1849. My Dear Sm:—This letter [ write, uader the ope that you will make its contents known at ‘Washapgton, or procure its publication. It is wrinen for the purpose of securing, if possible, a representative of the United States at the eoert of Madrid. You must be aware, that the deep interest which [ have in this island, has brought me in connection with a large number of elanters, Creoles, Spainarda and foreignere; aad in the agitation of the question of a change of gov- ernment in Cuba, I think { well understand the feelings and opinions of most of them. I am satis- d that there 18 no settled purpose or strong de- aire on the part of the Creoles or Spainards to sever the connection which exists between Sp and Cul there is, no doubt, a wish to modi Wit, 80 a8 to improve the condition of the island. The planting intereet is about equally divided between te nattves and emigrants from various couatries The government of the island, from the highest to the lowest, including the collectors of the revenue, the officers of the army, the governors and civil captains of the various departments and sections, the judges aud subordinates in the courts of jus- tice ; indeed, ail those who are clothed with gene- Tal er toca! authority, are, nearly to a man, natives ot old Spain, either sent out bearing commissions from Medrid, er holding appointments under those who bear such commissions. Not only the gene- Fal regulations of commerce, but the municipal re- g@ulutions of citive, towns and rural districts ; the regulation et highways; the adjustment of rights ‘becween individuuls, as among themselves, in re- dation to property and personal conduct, as well as am the relations which individuals bear to the gov- ermment; the manner. and exteat whereby aad to which funds are raised tor public use, not only the portion required by the goverament at Madrid, but also the portion expended in the various depart- aments aud purposes of the island, all depead upon regulations originating in Madrid, and carried into execution by Spanieh officers. Formerly there existed a sort of local legislature, which exercieed, until within the last thirty years, -considerabie power over the iaterual atfairs of the island; this insutution has substantially disap- peared, the Captain-general and those under him ‘acting under orders trom old Spain, have absorb- ed these powers. You can well understand that government thus situated is calculated to excite much discontent; the complaints which have been ‘made by the natives of the islaud, have not arisea from a desire to be separated from the mother country, but trom a desire to have the govern- meat of the island changed 1m many ef the above particulars. 4 ( The love of power, official distinction and.rank, 18 more strongly manitested in the Spaaish race, and its descendants, than 1n any other people. The violent outbreaks at Madrid, effecting changes in the administration of public affairs by violence in- stead of a peaceful expression of public opinion, afford evidence of their national character; yet none ef these changes exhibit a purpese on the part of the people to overthrow the foundation of the Spanish monarchy. The attachment of the Natives of Cuba to the institutions of, and their connection with, old Spain, and their pee ot race or descent, are plainly to be perceived, whenever ou converse with them. There isa well settled deliet among the people of the island, that they have the power and ability to sever their coanec- tion with the home government whenever they are disposed to do so. {n this opinion they are, no doubt, right. The Ieland of Cuba has greater ability to overthrow the authority of old Spain, than Spain has to retain it against the popular will. The peeple of the island desire substantial securi- ty, and they know it, in relation to their slave pro- rly, in consequence of the military force of the d, consisting of men enlisted in the Peninsu- lg. The people of the island are left to tollow their several employments, without beu @rafted into the public service; and a wel organized force to secure the peace of the jand, is furnished at a rey moderate ex- penee. The slave population is kept under proper subjection, at the sume time that their wants and personal rights, eo tar as they can be, consistent with the condition of slavery, are secured. This 1s also well known to the peuple of the island. Now in relation to its productions and commerce. ar constitutes the great article of producuon, 18 manufactured ‘about one-third into Muse vado, and two-thirds into clayed sugar. Citizens of the United States are the owners generally of the Muscovado sugar estates, and the natura! mar- ket jor this article is the United States. The cofiee production has ceased to be one ot consi- derable importance, while tobacco has rapidly meen into an article of great magnitude, and is principally raised by the owners ot small siteos, or parcels of land, who together constitute a very considerable portion of the white population. The wants of the island from other countries consist principally of clothiay, articles of machinery, and tools, aud certain kinds of provisions. Altogether the largest portion of the food of the island is sup- plied by the island itself. So tar es flour 18 an arti- cle of consumption, Spain, by a syetem of exorbitant duties upon fereign importauons, has endeavored to secure that trade to iteelf, principally trom St. Ander and other ports on the Bay of Biscay. Since the change of commercial policy in Great Britain, whereby flour is allowed to be ictroduced at a low Fate of duties, that country 13 conveniently situated to receive this article from Spain, and the interest of Spain to secure the trade of Cuba therein, has bax: much changed. he machinery required by the island, and which, when you consider the quantity used on su- ar estates, you will see amounts ‘annually toa rge sum, nct less than half a million of dollars, is principally, and Sk be wholly, under proper regulations, supplied from the United States; so with agricultural implemeats, coarse clothin; , fish, jerk beet, (in American vessels,) pork, and other artucles of p ovisions. Under proper commercial regulations, the above would be supplied wholly by the United States. When you consider how very large a portion of the trade between the Uni- ted States and Spain, including its colemies, is the trade of Cuba and Porto Rico, does rt not strike you as marvelloue, that your government Rave been BO inattentive to this great interest, in the eelect- ing of its agent or representative at Madrid. In- deed, it 18 of more importance to have an able, efficient, aud properly selected Mino- ister at Madrid than at any other court in Europe. Your relations with England and France will take care of themselves, but with Spain they require constant watchfulness and con- sideration. Iu the selection of a Minister, aman ot high reputation at home, distinguished ia the public service for marked abilities, well known integrity, conciliatory maoners, who goes abroad with a name uasullied, either in private or public lite, wouid produce the most favorable influence upon our relations with the Spanish government. Such a Minister would be able to remove the an- noying and expexsive impositions upon American pavigation, aud secure the importation ot Ameri- can property upon diminished rates ot duty; and upon corresponding action by Congress in relation to the products of the is'and, the commercial rela- tions between the two countries would be greatly increased, equally beneficial to the United States, to the island, end to Spain. sf It shoutd be borne 1. mind that, independent of the trade, a Jarge portion of the surplus profits of the island are expended or invested in the United States, There the childrea are educated, there large numbers resort for health aod amusement. Large amounts of Cuba money have from time to time been invested in the securities of the United States. The ease of access renders the States the conveni- ent resort for the people of the iceland. I might urge a hundred other considerations, but I will re'er to only one point more, which 18 this;—the mul-administration ot the law, both at home and in the colonies, has rendered that means of redress for the violation of contracts or of rights most worthless. Asa consequence, men who desire to wire a consideration and confidence with their fellow men, have necessarily been compelled, it not inclined, to establish rules of conduct among themselves, which will secure for those most dis- guished for their shay Sid the highest amount of favor and influence ; hence the common obser- vation, that a Spanish or Cuba merchant is above allo:hers the most faithful in the fulfilmeat ef his engagements. Such should be the qualification of an American Min‘ster, 10 order to secure confi- dence and respect Remarxas.e Frost in Texas. -A gentleman arrived in this city, a few days since, from the sources of the Brazos and Colorado, and states that herds ef the antelope have been seen on the prairies, covered with ice and snow, and conse- quently frozen to death. It 18 said that the ante- Jope is so very shy, that it never takes ref in the timber, but herds in the open prairie durin: cold weather.—Houston ( Tewas) Gazette, Mar. 8. Taat Fiont.—The Lowsville (Ky.) Journal, of the 10th inst., says—F. P. Blair, jr., and U. Pick- ening, editor of Oe ae enor whe hed late! reonal wartare in ie pal t onects of St. Louis on Monday. Pilar attacked Pi ‘ing with an umbrella, when both drew wea- but no harm of consequence was done. vidently got the weat of ine fight, Commencement of the Medical D: partment of the University of New York, * The annnal commencement of the Medical De- Partment of the University, took place at the Univer- sity Chapel, Washington Square, Wednesday eve- ning. There was a large attendance of spectators, who occupied the galleries and side slips, the seats in the centre of the chapel being occupied by the gra- duating class. A platform was erected ia front of the pulpit, en which was seated the Chancellor of the University, Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, ac- companied by the faculty of the college. There was a band in attendance, which entertained the audience with several tunes, well selected and to- lerably wrell gerebie ds DATs at appropriate inter- vals. The exercises of the evening commenced at 7o’clock. Atter the usual opening exercises, the yo! asto match. The class was very 147. We give their names below. The degrees w fei by the Chancellor; after which Protessor Pattison delivered address to the graduates. This address was a happy effor Jearned lecture upon the science of medicine and sur- gery, but afamiliar discourse, interesting to all, and tlemen who are about t0 long been preparing. H. they would naturally entertain, now that they haa completed the course of studies which was to prepare them for their profess! They had, he said, great difficulties yet toencounter;end if they had weigh- ed theoe difieulties at all, they would find by experience tbat they had estimated them far too lightly. Thereis “ne royal roud to learning,” and it ls net wealth that makes the physician. Tne circumstances of the stu- dunte, he intimated, were very different. Some ofthem, said, were the fortunate obildren of wealth; others 4 not been eo favored; but in their profession they all started om an equality, so far as position was con- cerned. 1t was the custom of the faculty to educate a certain pumber of students, who received their tuition as beneficiaries; but the faculty made a point ef never Gieciosing the names of such. They were not known, except to thore who had derived the infermation of their circumstances from the beneficiaries themselves. ‘The Professor's remarks, made by way Of advice to young physicians just commencing practice, were hap- Py and apposite. If » young physician settled in the country, for instance, he should not choose for his domi- cll the village tavern, which was eure to be the centre ot frivolity, the meeting place of politicians,etc. Such a domicil was not the one where he could pursue the studies which he must pursue in order to succeed in business, or attain to a position of excellence im his profession. He alse warned them against commenting censoriousiy upon the prefessiona! practice of other poynicians never do an act that might be deemed un- dscme towards @ brother; be studious; be advised. Every pbysieian was expected to be, he ought to be. ® man ef good general attainments; but their mental labor was not to be devoted to diffase branches of literature at the el afewr of that which belonged more strictly and legitimately to their profession. ‘As to secisty, they were to be cautious, ard not allow themeeives to be victimes of the toe prevalent delusion, that they were to establish thempel by gaining s reputation in the gayeties of fashional hfe. “ No pbysicien,” said he, get & case from the grace with which he danced the poika or cachuoha ”” In remarking nee the condaot which they serve towarde thelr patients, the professor impressively charged them never to divulge secrets confided to them in protessional life. The phy: possess information whieh wo to the olergyma: er should they be divulged by him to whore ping they were entrusted—never talk about your practice as conorrming your patients. It might be said, that in ordinary cecasions, no harm could result; but therekwere plenty of topics witheat this; too much care could not be observed in relati to this matter. Don’t be brutish; it ie a mistake t' yargeen without who, wl ing under the most paint awer their cries with curses; the true surgeon, while en- gaged in his trying dutive, utters no expressions except thore of kindness and sympatby. In practising the peor, observed the epeater, t! sheuld be observed ae while practicing ‘Aste politics,avoid them. If you ba\ politics, better to give up yeur profession anu devote your time to peli This t t the: haa te expect for the time he gave, even yaccessful as @ politician; he would not have his suditors indifferent to matters which con- cerned the interests of their country, but the: should not gite teo much attention to them. It had been suid that physicians were atheists; he contended that the student who bad studied the ane- tomy of the eye, the ear, in short, the ematemy of man, could not be an atheist. The professor aliuded pcelecment to the bad taste displayed by writers in our medical workr, in branding the physicians of Ame- Tica as mere illiterate and appeees than the physi- cians of any other country in id. He was morti- fied when travelling im Europe, during the past sum- mer, by hearing this charge made the members of the protesrion in this country. He was imdignant; but whem he vindicated the cvaracter of our medical he was reminded of the fact that the charges re made by Americen writers. He could look with indifference, or contempt, upon the idle twaddle of a ride Laff’ & Marryatt, for he ki hat 3 less in the address, a be: the audience left the chapel time playin, agrocable air. The following are the Dames of the graduates. They were for the most pert fine look! young dis. playing in their countens: larger share of intel- Myence than is usually seem in #0 large a class. Abbott, C., Maine. Livessy.G@ W., Va. Abernathy, a ie if Aiken, W. A.,8. C. J.P. Andrews, J. 8, Conn. Long, M. L., Ale Baker, N.H., Ale. MacDonnell, P. M,N. Y. Baldwin, D. A.,N.York, MoAllister. J... N.C, Ball, Jay, do. MeBride, N,N. ¥. Besmes,C. W., do. McDermott, C., Ky. , W.; Ohio. MeDowell, A y,G.Thos.,N. 8. MoGee, T. E., Bing Biack, Jas. R., Ohio. Brandegee, F.D , Conn, J.B,8.C, do. G 8.,N, York Buckipgbam, G. 8.,8.C. Burdick, B. ke, J., Carter, F. Brenan, Curtiss, H'H., do. Cummings. E. P.,N. H. De Alvear, L. Y ,N. ¥. Deane, A. 'C., Mars. Dewitt, J.D, N J. Dewitt, Charles De, N. Y. Diekson, mes, Pe Dimmiok. L. N., Ii. Dodeon, Thos. ©, N.C. Doster, E. A., Als. Douglass. A D,, Conn. G. T. Jr., N.Y. Va. Rossiter, © Bharpe, M.L,8 C. Shee s, L. D., Md. Sheffer, T. Smith, Thos. Steptoe, JR, Va, Btiger, J. F.,N. Stoddart. W., Wisconsin, 0 8,c R.N.C, jor. D. T., Tay! éo. Tucbill,J W,N.Y. ‘Tweedy, T. W., Als. Urquhardt, W.'D., Obio. bey ALN Y. jyokel, S Herndon, H.C , N. C. Ven NJ. Voght, F.W,8 C. Vowles, N F, Va. Woods, M., R. I, Wwearare Thos. D., a Tux Fioon In THe Mississtprt.—The N. 0. Com- mercial Bulletin, ot the 7th inet., says—*' A personal inepection yesterday of the entire line of levee, as far up as Hoeyville, satisfied us that there are no accumulated grounds of rehension. The river looks most formidable, and to a novice appalling!y 80. The levee 18 eontinuously entire, aad we saw no places where the water was actually breaking over, although we observed many points where, between the suriace of the river and the top of the barrier, there was very littleto spare. Above Car- roliton, which is considered the most d Tous place, there are some two hundred hands actively employed in constructing an imner levee. The work is in an adv of i Saw goed etage of progress, wad will »g Letters to Mr. Wm. B. Astor, the Billionaire. The Chiet of Police, for the last few days, has been engaged in ferreting out the writers of certain threatening letters sent to Mr. Wm. B. Astor, of No 84 Lafayette Place. The letters demanded the payment, under prescribed direetione, of $50,000, in default of which payment as directed, the writer threatened to take the life of Mr. A., and destroy his property. The parties arrested and accused of the crime, are men called Franklin Bragg and Isaac A Biggs. Annexed is the leading letter :— To Mr. Wm. B. Aston, No. 84 Lafayette Place— Your life depends upon your compl jotly with of this letter. Im the first place, | will of your receiving thi: made, and all the particulars and instructions my father, @ the amount menufactured, as was set forth by hie account snd memorsndums, signed by my fether and his brother. The whole anufsctured $2 800.000, the P ime was ¢ comm of 1815, they shipp:d the aa c 1d $60,000; e year they a till Nov., 1817, ths shipped. including the abvve mentioned sums, was $2,000 000. Ail aneactions were done by your father, except the manufacturing of the colp.aud that was done by my father and uncle; the whole that was received by my father amounted to only $198.000 for their expenditure and support. leaving & balance in your father’s hands of $2 602000, out of which my father and uncle were to bave c-oe ved one-sixth part, leaving the amount due them $438 833. without intervat and the profite tbat were made im the business, Besides, my father made @ statement every month, of the amount manufactured, and expenditures, aud remarks vpom the schedule, with all the particulars, and signed his name to it. And my uncie also signed the fame papers, and realed them up, and put them into the hands of their sister, so that in case of any detec- tiem or elue to the nature of their business, they would not be discovered. In October, 1817, your futher wanted my unele to go to Philade’phia te pur- cbase materials for the coin, as my uncle was a good judge of the articles they wanted. On the night of their arrival im Pbiladelphis, my uncle was taken sick suddenly, and died before eight o’vlock on the following morning Physicians pronounced him to have been poisoned. This induced my fa:her to quit the business. as he had been long in it, and Deen successful. It was agreed by fe and my father to quit at the end of 1817 © thi your father was generally supposed to be worth §: 400,000, while my father from $10 000 to $15000. At this ti ed to er. some real estate, 000. Your father th! fe amy eurprise er suspicion an tomy tather’ of it himself in his own name; it one, with the understanding th y had suspended the manufasturing business. the early part of 1818, your father wi the title to the property. Your proceeds of their bi nay jas supposed to be worth my father wish- my father similar to my uncle, Up tot left thi time, my fall particulars ofall the transactions cf his hie jest account he set forth the real his de that he bad placed and inetructed her not to ci them opered until Mr. John Jacob Astor came to see her; d informed ber that they bad unsettled business be- jase he, Astor, did not communi- he was to ask him if there was to m_asto money aif he did not peat n to gote my father's sister get all the papers whic bad been left with exemine them, and make use of them in such 8 way as my mether thought proper And now, sir. your father never gave my mother any information respecting wy father's sffeire; and acco ding to his directions, my mother called upon your father for the informa:ion spoken of, but your father gave ber no satis- faction. My mother, therefore, went and got the pa- pers and examined them. and was astounded and did Bot know what course to pursue; but finally concluded to let the whole matter remain, ra‘her than to expose the business te the world, until | became of age, which was im 1826. My mother then communicated to me the nature of the business, and gare me the and told me all in relation to m: her's desth. ter [had examined the pape been foul play, and thet John Di sh, id aleo my uacle atistaetion, Soon afterward: nd called upon your father, and spoke to ps the intormation I had received, pot looked at me with astonishment. within bimeelf that my father was not jesd, and asked me where | got my infurma'ion from nformed him that that kuowledge ha id ts 2s y fe af aid that there had jacob Astér had caused ad thet I I seoured p 6 you and your mother appear to property of yours, I will give $10000 to commence buriness with, for bad s high regard for your father, ff that amcunt will be satiefactory to you both.” I told bim about the business generally, and said that I ith my mother about {t. I did so. and 4 doliars im the year 1827. commenced business. and in 1831 my basiness hed in- creased to $160 000. but in 1882 | failed, owing to my Duriness being too largely extended, and the existence of the cholera It teok all my property and all my mother received, to settle with my creditors at 70 cents on the doliar, | them appiied to your father for far- ther sid, He ssid “No; all business between us ie | settled? “Very w said I. I was leaving, when he acked me how much | wanted or expected. I re- plied, | wanted satirfaction and would have it. At that moment I met you oc ming in the office. Your father arked me to wait. 1 said,“ No; I will settle it apcther way,” and lefi him; snd from that time I have determined to have satisfa tion, and every exertion has beem mode to accomplish that object 1 have fur- nished youand your relations with tenants and ser- " d everything is now ready to cause the imme- dia th of yourself and family, and destroy » large amount of your property; and it is entirely out of the of this community to detect or apprehend the why or the wherefere, or to vid will prevent what ie set forth leas the following you ourself, as I alw ‘ou are atrictly forbidden giving any infor- in rel nm to receiving this letter, or C end your faraiy, and your relatives, with yor ou do, iL omly ki know of it in case frem $50 to $500—no: Jara person will call upon you He will bi » containing nothing except that = gentleman will call upom yo for it. The person who presents you with the package knows nothing of this trensaction, neither does be Know me, nor the pervon giving him the paok- age to give you, and | shall never let bm know who I am, andbe will never know the contents, nor the per- ton that will re othe packege from him, which you are directed to give him; consequently he will not knew any thing ebout it. and the woney will bu used by perecns shodo not know me, and consequently. if you make any effort tu detest the persou using the money it will only prove youremtire destructio tir, after you eomply, aad onthe 20th March, give you ima written communicetion, the names of siithe terants whom you must not re-let your propsr- ty to, andaino the names of ail thore that are in Yad empley that you must di-charge, for your own safety. I will also name the dey for you to make the discharge. L remain, as ever, unth the appointed time of aur com- plisnce. E. K, BASSWOOD. P.8.—The neme you will not recognize. New York, Mareb lat, 1849, The rollowing is a letter sent to Mrs. Astor, for the purpose, evidently, of alarming the family, in order to induce Mr. Astor to pay up the money, also directing how to msert an advertisement, let- ting him know the fact that the money would be forthcoming :— New Youu, Maroh 6, 1849. jour husband on the first of him fifty thourend do ‘se of my doing ro, whi: a pl y at is to tare place. tof what took between Jno. Jacob Astor ure the fifty thousgad dollars @ will be no farther difficulty . ad your y losing their lives. ly, on the morning of the 9th Maroh state as foilows, inthe Morning Herald of that dete — $00,0w.—The person having advertised for ftty thousand doliars cam bave & by edéressing A, R.D., Attempted Extortion, and Sending Threat: | th's office. After I see the advertisement, I willin- ttruet jou tp what way | will receive the money I remain, as ever, E, K. BASSWOOD. On the same day and date, the tollowing letter Was received by Mr. Astor, purporting to come thom one of hie tenants, This letter was written in a diflerent hand writing from all the others :— Mr. Wittiam B. Astor, Dear Sir—I fear there is a plot to cause you some in- yy: a9 two individuals have cailed on me to dey, aad ave offered me two hundred dollars to have the liberty to set tire te the house wnich | occupy. aud they want me to go to Williamsburgh, and stay on Saturday and remsin all night; 4 they say | can collect my iosu- Fence, and that they will do all that they wish in my pony They were hing Te looking men; one ebout y a the ether about ears of age. Perhaps you mey escme clue tothem. I told them [ would give them an answer on Fridey, as they said that was the day they would call for an answer; and they told ip care | ever made this known that! could not live five hours, as it would come to their ears immediately. Was ii not for thie, should have given my name ia fall J can only say, be on the look out, for some one has gota grudge sgainst you; for they ssid that you of yeur fine houses and property, by a and other means that $ |p b> user ge it could be in blowing up ships. Now, in the pame ef Heaven, do see to it, and do not say word atout this letter, as! may loose my life by it. om ® True Friend and Penant. After this advertisement appeared in the Heruld, the annexed letter was received by Mr. Astor :— New Yorx, March 9, 1849. Ma. anv Mus, Astor :— lree by the Herald of this morning. that the adver- tiement A. R. D. ie answered correctly; and accord- ingly, | shall eend a person for the package containing the fifty thousand dollars,on Tursday merning, the 13th day ¢f March, 1849, to your house, preoisely at ten o'clock He wijlask fora package fora gentleman, and you will hand the packege to him, and ask no uestions, as be knows nothing about this matter, more jan to ark for the package and do with it as directed Dy me. Who I am, he never knew, nor never will Rnow. Have tbia in‘city money, well sealed up, from fifty to five hundred dollar bills; aod after it is delivered to him let that be the last attemtion you ever give to it, directly or indirectly— as it is best for you, aud there Will be anend to all diffleulties, The persons using the monty will never know me. Yours, as e' E. K BA OOD. We give below the letter found on the person of Biggs, which he asserts he received through the Post Office, and exhibits the same in justification: New Yorx, Mato’ 10, 1849. Mn, Isaac A. Bras, No. 61 Morton street -— Sin :—As you value your life, do precisely as you are d'rected in this letter,in every particular; by deviating in any particular you eannot live twenty-four hours. Now, sir, on Tuesday morning, 13th, between the hours of 11 and )2o’olock. go to the United States Ho- tel. corner of Fulton and Water streets, and get of the Dar-keeper a package that will be behind the bar, marked A. R, D. Green; after you have got it, open it, ‘and you will find $50 006, whicn you must get exchanged for o her money; (get what city money you can ia $1(00 bills; you are at liberty to getin r money not over 1 per cent discount, and you must get it all ex- changed before Saturday next, 12 o’clock, M.; and py. precirely at 4 o'clock, P M., you enclose all jobanged at that time each day, we led up, it to me. and put itin the Post Office your- self, directed to E. K. Basswood, New York. You will deat liberty to retain for your trvises $1,600; you are strictly forbidden communicat!ng this t ° . tly or otherwise, unless you do making your exchanger; if s0, you tel) all you know about it If osMoulty, | will your best fri ‘the perso; eisely as before directed. know me. Your unknown You nerd not expect ever to friend, Under the direstions of the Chief of Police the adver- tirement was inserted in the Herald, and Basswood, on seeing the notice, supposing bis scheme to have suc- ceeded, eent another Jettur to Mrs. Astor, directing the man: , Reed, and Coles, of Chief's office, having the business placed into their bands, fixed up @ peckege that resembled money, and, on Tuesday the 13th instant. a messenger was to be sent to Mr. Astor’s house et 10 o’clock tn the forenoon, ho would band bim a package, and receive the $50,000 packege in retern. At the ap- appointed houra mam called, presented his package and received the supposed package of $50 000, and walked off The officers were lying in wait, and fol- lowed him down town to the corner of Cliff and Fuiton atrevte, where he wentintoa grocery store Offloer Sowges Sartal teat & . empl off with the psok- age, followed in after and saw him wraps of rob TB Green tf around it and mark thereon “A a the ot she “And where are cer. The man said. . Hotel.? ¢ pac closely by the king down on the Battery and through feveral streets, he was finally arrested Capal etreet, near Mi , with the package of He wap fortwith taken before the i) 36 him to get this packege of money, according tions. and then get the bills exchanged for other mo- ney; and if be refused 80 to do death would be his por- tion. It was this letter that he offered in justification of bis conduct in the matter. Bragg is a brother ia- law of Biggs. and evid coneort t gether, altboug! devised by them. was evidently supposed to bs o: culated toalarm Mr. Astor into the idea of paying the money through fear. They were both committed by the Mayor. to anawer the charge. Daring yesterday, it was arcertaiped thate Mr Wo. Smith residing at St George’s Manor. Long leland. had received a letter, purporting to be signed by Jobn Geo. Jones stating that it he did not forward $2000 tos certain place, within & certain length of time, his baildings would be borned down. This letter, on compari: it with those received by Mr. Astor, was undoubtedly the same handeriting. The punishment of the accused should they be convicted of the offence, would be five years’ imprisonment in the State prion. Battimorg, March 15, 1849. Rumored Appontments—List of Applicants, &c. The latest rumor from Washington gives Z. Collins Lee the post-office of Baltimore, and John > pear Nicholas the custom-house, which, if cor- ret, will give more dissatistaction to the main body of the whigs of Baltimore than if the present incumbents were retained. Colonel George P. Kane is decidedly the most poputar man in the city for the office of Collector, being a general ta- vorite with both whigs and democrats, and withal a pot r mao, who has never heretofore touched the bow] of Shdihrdrat pin any wi For Postmaster all the applicauts are decidedly unpopular. Col. Monroe is censidered wealthy ervough to do wiuhout it; Z. Collins Lee served as District Attorney under John Tyler, the odor of which great man still sticks to him, despite all ex- ple nations, geseral desire that he ehall rem: Y je; Mr Madax, who has been chief elerk in the office tor many years, 1s the third epplicant; but he having never rendered any poli ical serviee, and already holding a good office, 18 not considered as entitled to it, a nee a very worthy man The most ,opular man tor the office, Elias T. Griffin, the lat whig candidate for Mayor, has so far been too modest to ask for it, though he will abt pa be spurred up to the task. For the DyetrictgAstorneyship, John M. S. Can- en, and B. Chomners Wicks, , both members of the Maryland Electoral College, are spoken ef. Ilearn that Elias ‘T. Grffia has applied tor the Survey orship, 8 also Col. Wm. Pinckney, who held the office under John Tyler, as well as Edward Kenley. For naval officers, Gen. Leukin, turnerly Mayor, and Capt. Webster, ate aspirants. There are, doubt'ess, many other applicants for each and ull of these offices, that are urging their claims privately and quietly Political Intelligence. Gen Walter Booth bes been nomiaated as the demo- cratic candidate for the 24 Comgressional district of Connecticut, Charles 8 Morehead Js the whig candidate for Cou. Roane anv tHe Anxansas Constitution.—The Baveovilie (Atk) Eagle, cf the 84 inet , says: —“Col, e, if elected, cannot become Governor of this State. The inauguration oath requires the party to awear that he has never been engaged in a duel, wither as principal beilenge. Col R bas, howev The Senate of the State, st ite recent seasion, repenied the law, with en eye to the case of Col, R., but the House refased to pare the bill” Zevon Labauve is spoken of asa vernor of Louirians, Ben. Hardin spd Charles Wickliffe aro oandi- for the Constitutions Convention of Kentucky John B. Thompson is the whig candidate for Jonna ididate for Go from the 6th distri . Ste Dockery, whign, are for Congress from the 8d district of North Samuel Watts ts the whig ‘rom the let dist riet of Virgt: ‘ N ou — T. Nye hes beem elected Mayor of Marietta, \didate for Congress oS TWO CENTS. General Sessions. Before the Recorder,and Ald Adameand Downing. CURIOUS CAsE OF FRAUD.— FOURTH DAY. The Counrel for the accused sald, that it now be came his duty to address the jury, but he would con- tent himeelf with simply stating the points of their de- fence. At another stage of the trial, he aud his asbo- ciate would avail themselves of thelr privilege to sum up. and in that privilege it was their jutention te in- duige to the fullest extent. He would be able to pro by the evidence of one whore character stood fair bo! here and in her own couatry that Afner had loft the city by his own stion. and of his own free will He bad left 1t not through fear of arrest for debt, but. through fear of arrest for crime; and that, he (tne 4 counsel, d to show by tl Se criminal him: 10 o’olock in the evening, . Chomder's house d there for # length At last, Chomder's wife, (as we und stood ) went to call him to supper, but seeing that they were in earnest conversation, to gratity that ouri- ority whioh is common to all. heard Atuer make use of these words: * Will you save me 2”? “will y: seourity for me?’ “ Will you give mea room for days?” Afnerthen said: Chomder, | will tel) you the truth; I committed forgery fur thirty thousand gilders; | wasinan o; saloon the other evening, when | heard persons speaking about the matter. and the peop! after me? Chomder re. fasrd to give him ® room, and to go seourity for him. Th of the spectacles. the shaving of his whis- kers the caution. the alarm, and the looking him-elf up in hisroom, could not have been the rerult of a fear of for simple indebtedness, Thejury kmew that by the f their country, no such arrest could have taken. ‘The conversation of Atner, from first to Inet, about the letter which had been sent to Vire Ber- tie, and that was the role cause of the prosecution, He would prove from what Afner had said tha: the jewelry all fair emough; that he bad sold it, and that he ven a receipt for it. There something be: the alleged indubtedness— there was an apprehen- sion which emelt of imprisonment for crime. He (the learned counel) would now say before the court aad jury, that he would positively, emphatically, and un- questionably, prove that Afner bad uttered, while he was on the stand, fifteen distinct falsehoods. He ‘woud, also. prove that he had been arrested and im. prigoned in Vienna, for having siolen three packages of blue cotton pecket handkerchiefs, and that on the Ist of June last, when he said that he had exchanged $3 000, he had given a written admission that he had not $850 on the face of the earth. There was another fulrehood to be added, making sixteen, which wa:, that be had travelled to Albany under the name of Wash- burn, and that Chamdon had travelled with him un- der a fictitious name. They would produce the clerk of the boat, and the books, and they would prove that there was m ich name as Washburn in them, while th e of Chamdon atood out in boldrelief. Nota single witness oalled for the prosecution was worthy of credit, aud it was ‘the learned counsel’s) intention was s person whom the jury could not belie they find Mr. Chamdor guilty upon auch No. The liberty of men was not to be taken from them upon such evidence as that which had been brought forward to im the prosecutio! After some other remarks, in the course of which he animadverted with lori, the learned to call his witnesses. severity upon the evidence of Mr counsel procee: Puiiir Ro ruary, 1848; or six times to Vienna year, metimes oftener; he did not know Afner in Vienna; ; hehad first seen Afner in begin: seen him again al of August; thi he had seem him was in the Bowery; tion with bim on the following day; Afner Galleri came to him, and the tormer told him ted to speak; witness told him he was bog Harlem, and asked him stairs; Afner asked him if he knew any thing the case of Chomder; witmess said that he had heard tometbing, but that he did not know much abeut it; Afner then raid that he would tell him; witness ask him if be could not tell him at another time, as he had business in Hatlem; he (Afoer) asked him when ne eould see him; wit replied to. morrow, if necessary; Afner arked him if he would like to come over to Ho- boken; witness said that was too far, and he would prefer meeting him at some piace in the city; Afner then appointed to meet himat the City Hovel, Broad- way; on the next day, between half past 10 and 11, when witness arrived at the hotel, Mr. Afmer was not there, but witners met him on the steps, and be ( Afner) excured himeelf by saying that he had been obliged to tee ® Mr. Gailon, and that that had detained him; Mr, Afner them propceed to take a walk to the Battery, and they accordingly went there; Mr. Afmer said to wit- »* Will you do mea favor? I wish yor would do ; )oukpow me; | guess you Know the case alrvady.”’ Witness replied that he had heard something about it, but th of consequenee; if he could do him any favor, would; Afner said, “If you say so, I will tal ou; doyou know that I have been cheated out of $860, and $150 in jewelry, by Chomder?” Witness replied that he hed heard as much, or something about him if it was possi! thst @ young man 1d have lost such , * You may (Vitness asked him 2 it; ard ask like bim, Nal jo! mder; the letter is more to me thananytbing |b: id therefore [ would like to have it.” Witness told him thet he could not and that it was quite should hat to bim, ie / Mr. confused | did not directed Chomder; Afner sai: Know what I was doing, and in mistake the wrong lettet to Mr. Chomder.”” mention the name of the third perty, but berdly kn ig be was directing them; Afner told him that he had in Chomder eeipt for the jewelry but that he (Uhomder) would not be able to de mach with it—that it was not much worth; witness asked him why, and told bim that he did not understand what he me: Afner said, ‘I don’t want to tell you sow; I will tell you again; but the receipt is on a piece of paper which Chomder can’t make much of;” witperstnen asked him what the favor was which be wanted him to do for him; Afner said, “I will asset you, I wil do anything for you, I will give you huno- rari—« preeent;” witness then asked him if he meant to insult him; Afoer then sald, ‘It is not $50, it wili be more then $500 thet | ha A ig you,” witmess said to jog for him, he would do so interest (reward); Afner said, losenthorp, | will tell you, we are now under four (that means that there were but themselves pre- and if you will do me that favor, the case will d | want you to come and swear that you ro Chomder the omg Ly wit- im je, that they had never been en- reputable, and that he did not to do with bim, if he could do au: with pleasure witbout “Mr to Iiner said, jo me the favor, we are under th yea; (Afner) said Gallorl was waiting tor him Hobo! . M: it ith him to the Ferry, and as he bey him to mind that home, speak something about stolen god: AaRon Lawexnenc Was the next witness examined —Had bad o converration with Mr. Afi bout the middle or )ast ot July, to the best ef his recollection; it was on one cf the steps of the Tombs; before th investigation at the police oM arrest of Mr, Chomder, witn ttrect when he eaw Mr. Afoer, kncwing where he was going to, 7 him enter the police o 4 beard bim sek the Clerk when the ¢ Mr. Chomder was to be; the clerk said that the Jastice 4 thatit would not come on for followed Mr. Afner again, and asked him me was not Aforr; he looked surprised at wit- neee, and arked me who I was; [ told him my name, and raid thet I was the friend: of Me. Chomier: pers told him that it was very wrong for two strangers, foreigners, to be engaged in such a case as that was and that Chemder was a man who bed got «wife ani 4 that it was very wrong to persecute sa man Afner laughed at witness, id that ured bis oonfid Cc La porrible trem bi wines isan optician by trade, tree! onthe ioscan was cross-examined, bat nothing mate- wa ersrar é o’slock, the eourt adjourned until 11 o’olnek to morrow (thir) th There tone run the riek of catobing co! ry tien of perbape a» reri film by opening the sindews. they munt he a'moat enffocated with tha in jurlous Rows \has proceeds Irom the stoves. 1'ue propur authorities should see to this great d-faat, and give it the coosideration which It deerres |~Wehave no doubt it peeds only to be poimted out to insure, without un- necessary delay, the application of the remedy } Movements for Cailiornia, FROM NEW YOKK Samin@ or THE Sreamsuir Crrscent Crry.— The noble steamship Crescent City, Capt. Stod- dard, satled yesterday afternoon, at halt-past one o’clock, for Chagres. Among her passengers will be seen Mrs. Col. J.C. Fremont and child, Mr. Jucobs, son-in-law of Hon. T. H. Beaton, Col. G. Ww. Hughes, who goes to the Isthmus as Lagineer- in-chief on the Panama Railroad, tor Messrs. Howland & Aspmwall, and a number ot ather dis- Unguished personages. The aoneaed list exhibits a larger number than has heretotore gome in any steamer tor Chagres :— Mrs, Colonel J. C, Fremont, child and servant, Col. G_W. Hughes, engineer in-chief on Panama Raliroad, Mr. Jacobs, Samuel C. Gray and lady. Jos Bell and lady, Rev. T. Seidines, H A Whitney, Charles H. Poter, H.S. Cushing, James R Dow,J H Chittenden, M. Loughnane, H. | Richmond, D’ D. Hana Ee Taggart, A. W. Brick, Francis Arent, A. Winnat: M. Howiton, George Furguson, J. H. Dall, C Will H.N Dilton, T A. Wurboss, James Gordo: Beemer, Wm H Simpson, D. J Geshine, Brew. ster, Edgar Camp, CharlesJ Rockwell, H Hutonfasen, Nicholas Recter, N. Woodward, U.'D. Gib! derer, T. S. Thompson, LM. Tuompson, J. ©. Reid- man, E. W. Hopkius, RC, Bosworth, F.'W. Hopkins, ‘Theo. Milis, M. Smith. E Barry, H Smith, J. suilivan, D. T. and W. W. Trimbly, C. H. Molatosk, D. J. G. Hawley, J Dillon, John Clark, William, J G. Carpenter, WH. Chandler, DT. . Burns, C. Collins, Julius Smith, § W. Hast- E. Tuttle, H. 8. Chay B. Chap- Ford, G. Copeland J , PR. Ww. . J Bulliven, 8. Wallis. 8. P. Carmichael, O, San- .G. Dew, M M. Burtill. T. H Jeffersoa, 0. Hab- ell, W. Wood, Issec Foote, P. Reotor, Phomss Dix. L. B Raymond,'A Whitney, B. P. Hutchioson, John Harris, E.G. Waite. S Clute, 8. A. Martness, J. Pope, D. Hay, A. Campbell, W. Case. JH. Williams, J. Hag- T. T. Rice, Abm. Wiley,R G. Burrell, N. Comru, eton J. MeCall, L. J Studley, W. H. Holdea, J. Scott, G. Hulem, M Thompson, R. R, Starr, J M. Richardson, W. W. Upham, R. Quick, W. Wilson, Jai el, Dr. Payne, L. Westfal.. — Austin, C. H. M. H Lincoln, Edgar Smith, R Walker, Wm Rus, T.B. Tyler,J Bartiett,@ R. Barbour, J W. Gorter, M. D, , C. Weber L. Proper, W. 8. Gib- ton, 8. T, Walker, B Billings. J. Wells. {1 J. Wolverton, J.C, MeGoven, 'F. W. Collins, H. 8. Cutnwy, M, B- Clark, W. L. Kemp, H. E. Tooker, J. Swift, A Whit- 8. Jones, F. Ballard, J. Merrihew. £.'L, Winslow, . Clark, J. C, Lawrenee, A. Cornish, t, Taylor, S. , J. Thomas Mojholiand,# 8 rr u Allen, A. W. Geer, C, J. Wathins, C. Hedgkips, N. Field, J. Bass, W. M. SI Cclburn, P Shaw, M. Gi . in, F, E, Westbrook, M. Callal T. Irvine, A. Hammond, E C. Josin, J, Allen, C. P, Huntington, E. R. Sabine, L, Chamberlin, G. W. Murray, C. Carpenter, D. Park- burst, 8. Dunnelle, C, Fuller,S Shufeit, J. Miller, J. Cornell, H.R. Robine,S L Hayes, F Allerton J. Chap- man, W. Ramede.:, A. Cook, W. Sutherland. L. Uden, ©, Bentaell, F. Noble, H Taylor, C. V: burgh, J. R. Merrell, F.8. Boyd, W. R. Sutton, TN. Wileox, W. B. White. H. Tidmsh, 8. Swart, R. B. Arobor, J. F Randall, Scow, T. Kinna, J. Gridiey, jc, W. H. Thcmas, Ira Hotchkiss, J. Molloney, J, Lufkin §. Me- Ciun, W. H. Shipjerd and four friends, G. Hale, A. Hale, C. H. Worden, J. Hanford. C Dra aomoad, M. Barkalou,C. W. Latonville, D. Mack. T. Aadrewa, D.H. Ferguson, R. Patrick, H’ Ashley, J. E Stearns, R, Jones, W. Troat, W. Trout jr., B. Jone. J. Fisin, J. W. Jordon, W. Barner, M. Spoor, F. L Foot, H. A. Barnes, C- W. Paul, JR Laatar, AR. Bisit, D.W. Cud,J. Malby, 8. Gaze, J. Colby, W H Bennett and sop. L. Cross, B Hunt, J. Simpson, N Coffrey, J. 8. Beckwith, J 8. Hopper, 8. Flinn, R. Rees, M_D. Fair- child, W. H. MeKinster,J Runyon, D. A. Ranyon, A. Hosmer, M, Culver, D. Fairchild, M.$, Norton, S. Thornten, F.C. Spooner, T. A.Skinoer, A. E Hatehin- son, J. Kittridge, O Crooker, W. Metcalf, J. P. Geuley, C.DeGram, W. Bercham, J. MoMaale, J.8 Tal- bot, L. Belin. 8. Parnish, W. E Lewis, H Miron, A. Bromsn, A. Mattior, L M. Mattivr.H C. Gerdaer, W. K, Morris, Jno. Galvin, J. Boyle, GH. 1, Cola, T. F. Hiscox, J. Bullock. D, Hammond.C. R ders. H M. Robinton, 8. W. Preble. J. A. Throekmorton, 9. Pat- ton, LB. Gilkey, W, E, Lewls—Totsl, 338, VIRGINIA. _ The following passengers sailed on the 10th inst., in the schooner Viola, from Norfolk, Va., for Cha- gres:— Hugh P. Woods, H. F. Leudon, Cloero Herringtony James Paul, Horatio Paul, Owen Paul, aod — Mit- chell, of Nerfolk ; Cherles Murphy, Richmond; Dr. C. A Watkins, Portemouth; Dr. W.[Cornick, Princess ‘Anne—Total, 10. The bark J. G. Colley, Capt. Wm. Smith, mas- ter, Jacob B. yant let officer, Matthew Noland, 2d officer, and a crew of 12men acd boys, sai ed from Hampton Roads on Sunday, 11th, for San Francis- ce, Califcraia. The following 18 a list of her paseengers:— John Robert Langley. H. W. Williamson, Edw: Robert Scott, John V. MoLean, G. G, Ca- J. Bunkley. J.C. Mall Kirby. Norfolk. Va.; T. H. Thomas, Portsmouth, Va.;F. W. Jett, y, Wm. Catlive, Wm. Holden, Geo. B. infield, Dr. W. sins, T. G. Battaile, Sussex county, Va.; Dr. E. Worrell, Wm. Dowdy, D. C. Lindsay, J. H. Kin- sey, Nerth Caroline; J.'M. M. Smith, New York.— Total, 29. Domestic Miscellany. The skeleton of an Indian woman was found a short embedded in the benk of the Niagara river, wy d to have remained for 200 years.— It was found ie sitting posture, ‘A passage across the North River was effected om Tuesday said to be thick, but quite u: safe to venti Frederick Siball committed suicide at New Orleans, on the 6th instant , by hanging himself, Martin K Snell, Postmaster at Houston, Texas, was shot dead recently, by his step-som, aged about fifteen years - The caureis reported to be a difficulty with his wife, the mother of the lad, A meeting was held short time since, in Grimes county, Texas, having for ite object the construction of a railroad between Spring Creek and Houston. There were eeen, at one time, in Boston Bay, on ‘Wednesday, eeventy-three equare rigged vessels, and alarge namber of schooners, inward bound. Upto ten o'clock, 16 ships, 26 barks, 20 brigs, and 17 schoon- ers had arrived. Jobn Latchet was murdered on the 4th fn oma hunting exsursion, by & Ll The bill to repeal the usury laws was lost in the Mas- eachuretts House of Delegates on Wednesday last. Jim Wenn —This notorious rogue, who was ar- rested in New York for the late robbery of the eovernment jewels, was arrested in the suinmer of 841, in this city, MA Constable Clapp, under the nasne of James Williamson, charged with robbing the store of Messre. Davis, Palmer & Co., of some $15,000 wortn of watches and jewelry. His part- ner in that robbery, William Seale, was convicted, and on the 12th day of July, 1841, was seatenced to 10 days solitary confinement, and 15 years hard Jabor in the Statesprison, under which sentence he 18 stll imprisoned. Williamsoa escaped cvavic- tion, Webb is described as being about 40 or 45 years of age, considerably bald, light sandy and ray hair, pale tace, nostrils somewhat extended, dy whiskers under the ehin; on the lett cheek, near the nose, he has asmall wart, or mole; he stands about 5 feet 64 inches, and rather slender make.— Boston Journal, March 14. Tue New Yor«x Heravv.—The daily New York Herald appeared yesterday on a double sheet, for the firsttime. The experiment, we doubt not, will succeed to the entire satisfaction of its enter- rising publisher. In point of circulation and de- lectable reading matter, it stands at the nead of all the daily papers in the United States, and we ques- tion whether there 1s more thaa oae in the old world tnat surpasses it in any of the above men tioned particulars. May success continue to re- ward the labors of its energetic proprietor.--Bostom Herald, March 14. ‘ Sreamsuie Farcon.—The fine steamship Falcon, Captain Thompson, from New York, bound to Chagres, via this port, Havana and New Orieans, toucked off our bar between three and four o’clock esterday alternoon. The steamer Ni Catan jagee, went down to her with the mail and the following passengers, viz: Hon. J. E. Morse and family, fon 8. W. Iogee, Mr. Mack and Mr. made, of Georgia; Mr. Tueker, of Virginia ; two Masters Zeoutant, ot Lousiana, aad twoor three others.— Charleston Courier, March 12. APPOINTMENT BY THE GoveRNoR AND SenaTE, March 13, 1849. — Kings--Jared Sparke, a notary public, in the place of Richard H. Stanley, re- moved trom the State. irk urt Calendar=This Day. Cr og 18 14, 34. 89 40, 41, 67, 73, 92 to 10 okanty, Common Piras— First Part— 101, 65 68, 116, 125, 119, 129, 181, 195, 137, 189 141, 143, 145. 147, Beeond Part— uy bay boo, 4a, Av i, Loy, Abd, 129, 140,