The New York Herald Newspaper, May 20, 1849, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD. errr Borthwest corner of Fulton and Nassau sts, ano JAMES GORDON BENNETT, ae THE |LD— Three editions, 2cente DALY at MORNING EDITION 4s Pubiieke 7 1. M., and dist: fore breakfast; Hy ‘ies (vdtin' EDITION cron bead ofthe Neroes it lorcleck: and the econd at'$ o'clock, Pe OYA WEEKLY HERALD, for circulation on thie Uon= Binent, is » id ever} Saterday, at 6% cents per copy, or $3 per annum; for ctrewlation in Europe, and printed én French and English, at 6X4 cents per copy, or $4 per an- mum; the latter to include the tage. TLL LETTERS by mail, for ew riptiony, or with ade gertisements, to be post paid, er the postage H be deducted from the mone} ontaining im remitted. VOLUNTARY CORRESPONDEN portant newe, solicited from any quarter of the world; 1 be Hberatly potd for. m of anonymous communications, sd for insertion must be authenticated by the na veand address of the writer; not necessarily for asa guaranty of his good faith. We can= MENTS. {renewed nd te g ‘every morning, as Set coe cellent at reasonable prices; to be wrétten ina plain, legible manne Gre proprietor not responsible for errors in manuscript. PRINTING of all kinds executed beautifully, and with despatch. Orders received at the office. ALHE HERALD ESTABLISHMENT 4 open throughout e dB 2 AMUSEMENTS TO-MORROW EVENING, BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Haxay VIll—Past Tex O'CLock, BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway—Love'sSacriricn —Comepr or Ennoss. AL THEATRE, Chatham Square.—Witv Oars G THE Lingk—is Finer Pecoaviiio. URTON'’S THEATRE, Chambers stroet.—Pet or THE Pe11s00a18—Tue WaGer. MECHANICS’ HALL, Broadway, near Broome.—Cunjs~ Tr's MiveTRExs. CUINESE MUSEUM, 663 Broadway.—Cuimese Cuni0s- ries. ASSEMBLY ROOMS, 553 Broadway—VoreTLanpen’s Mi- erocoamic Views. APOLLO ROOMS, Brosdway—Camragcy's MinarRecs. APOLLO SALOON, (In the Parlors)—Stamess Twins, 11 tol, 3 to 6, 8 to 10. TABERNACLE, Broadway—Mn. Demrsten’s Conomnt. MINERVA ROOMS, Broadway—Monat or New Yorx. TO-NIGHT, CASTLE GARDEN—Sacr ev Concent. New York, Sunday, May 20, 1849, Affairs in Germany. We give in our columns to-day a very interest- ing letter from Cologne, and also one from Berlin, detailing lucidly the present state of German affairs—the relations of Germany with other Eu- ropean powers, and the probable result of the ex- isting state of things. From what is taking place there and in other parts of Europe, we do not see how a general continental war can be easily avoided. = The Recent Conflagrations. » We have been called upon during the last week to record several most extensive and ruinous con- flagrations. Watertown, in this State, has suffer- ed severely. The flourishing, rapidly rising town of Milwawkie has also been visited by a similar calamity. On the 7th instant there was a large fire at Charleston; and on the first, at Racine, there was a conflagration, which was large for the place, and destroyed much property. Last of all, comes to us the sad intelligence of the terrible fire at St. Louis, by which almost all the business part of that most flourishing city has been laid in ashes. Twenty-seven steamboats destroyed, and five millions worth of property given to the flames! No one can help being most seriously aflected by the intelligence of these awful calamities, by which many of our brethren and fellow-citizens have been bereft of their property, and some of them, we are pained to add, of their lives. Severe as the blow must be, there is yet some source of consolation. much, as they had but few msks at St. Louis, ow- ing to the fact that the agencies in that city had re- duced the rates of premium so considerably, that the companies here would not insre to any extent at that point. But still, the destruction of so very large an amount of property, at St. Lows, cannot fail to make itself felt, to a greater or less degree, in this centre and emporium of the national trade and commerce. Very Important from California, We give, in another column, an important despatch from Washington, relative to California affairs. It appears that the action of the people of the region adverse to the introduction of slave labor, of which we gave out readers information some time since, has been fully confirmed; and it seems also that the repudiation of Governor Smith has likewise been confirmed by the intelligence just received atthe seat of the general gvvernment. All along, we have predicted a very troublesome state of affairs in California, in consequence of the criminal conduct of Cengresa in refusing to or- ganize a civil government in that distant region. Our fears begin to be realized. Those apprehen- sions of serious difficulty were not experienced by us alone, for all intelligent and sober minds in the country saw the dangers whioh stood threatening in the distance. Both the parties, who consumed so much of the time of last Congress in unprofit- able, needless, and inflammatory debate about the introduction, into the law organizing the territorial government, of an explicit negative, or admis- sion of the right of slave-owners to proceed with their slaves to California, have incurred a fearful responsibility. We now behold that region, into which so many thousands have been pouring, in- spired by the lust of gold, abandoned, apparently, to disorder and anarchy. Itis reported that the Secretary of War recom- mends the organization of a volunteer military, for the preservation of order and the support of Go- vernor Smith. We do not believe that that mea- sure is now practicable. Even had there been a regular organization of government in that region before the emigration commenced, it would have en- countered serious difficulties. The lust of gold 13 a terrible leveller and anarchist ; and the law of the strong arm and the seared conscience is likely to prevail, under the most favorable circumstances, in such a state of society as exists in California. But had there been a government organized, it would have afforded a rallying point for the well- disposed. As it 13, we are now left to rely on the intelligence, patriotism, love ot order, and, last not least, instinct of self-preservation, which may ex- ist among the better classes of those who have sought fortune on the gold coast. We await, with intense anxiety, the next news from that quarter. Tur CHoLena aNp THE StReETS.—It 13 a matter of dispute among our medical men whether the deaths which occurred recently in the Sixth Ward in this city were caused by the real Asiatic cholera or not; some affirming that they were, and some that they were not. This diversity of opinion is not at all strange or uncommon. It will be recollected that one of our principal medical in- stitutions, embracing a great portion of the medi- cal talent of the city, held two sessions, for the purpose of arriving at some conclusion respecting the contagiousness or non-contagiousness of that disease, and on each occasion they adjourned with- out arriving at any definite result. At the last meeting, we believe, they contented themselves with passing a resolution to the effect that it was inexpedient to express any opinion on the subject, thus leaving the matter where it stood before they entered upon its investigation. Our own opinion On all these occasions of serious disaster by fire, affecting populous cities and towns of our country, one result has signally exemplified the re- markable elasticity and immense resources of such communities. We allude, of course, to the rapidi- ty with which the ruin wrought by the flames has been repaired. There are always, necessarily, many cases of great individual loss; but the com- munity itself does not seem to be retarded in its career of prosperity. New public buildings, and warehouses, and streets, appear on the site of those destroyed, with a degree of rapidity which is quite marvellous to those unac- quainted with the moral and physical re- sources of our people. We all recollect the ex- tent of the last great fire in this metropolis ; whole streets, on the morning of that memorable day, presented only a heap of smouldering ruins. Im- mense warehouses had been annihilated, with alh their valuable contents ; hotels and private dwel- lings were laid in the dust ; property to the amount of many hundreds of thousands of dollars had been, in a few hours, reduced to ashes. Ina few short months, almost every vestige of the calamitous con- flagration had disappeared. New streets had been builtup, and many of those noble piles devoted to the is, that those deaths were caused by malignant cholera morbus, superinduced by the disgustingly filthy habits of the victims, and the horribly dirty and wretched abodes in which they lived. Indeed, no one, who has visited the scene of the disease, wonders at the breaking out of a malignant disease among the people in that neighborhood. The only surprise that can be manifested, is, that as the at- mosphere of the whole vicinity is filled with poison- ous exhalations, and the wretched inhabitants are sunk in poverty, degradation, drunkenness, and the most abject wretchedness, how a human being can live there at all, or what mysterious agency kas prevented yellow fever, cholera asphyxia, or some other dreadful disease, trom devastating that neighborhood long before this One good result, however, will grow out of the alarm caused by the report of the Asiatic cholera being among us, unfounded as it may be. We are certain, according to present appearances, of having clean streets, and a purification of the dir- tiest part of our city, before many days. Whether the cholera 1s here or not, we hope the authorities will carry out the system of street cleaning which they have commenced. It1s a Herculean task— as great, almost, as that of cleaning the Augean great operations of commerce, which now orna- | stables; but if our newly elected Mayor will put Meiit-cte-tower part of our city, had been erected, Our sister city, Brooklyn, ir ade ran still so. be styled, now that she has been almost merged into her collossal neighbor, also presented, after the fire which laid so many of her stores and dwe!- lings in ruins, a similar illustration of vigorous prosperity, in the industry and success with which she rebuilt the desolated quarter. And the same spectacle has been exhibited in all portions of the Union, under similar circumstances. Nor must we, im this connection, omit mention of the prompt and efficient manner in which the generous sympathies of the people of this country have responded to the call made upon them on these melancholy occasions. The most substantial evidence has been given publicly of the sincerity with which the communica- tions of our cities and towns have sympathized with the sufferers in those cases; and it is par- ticularly worthy of notice that the commercial classes, who have been too often accused of being selfish and mercenary, have, in these instances, nobly vindicated themselves against such an asper- sion, by their munificent donations. In private, and known only to heaven itself and the recipients, there has been manifested a degree of benevolence and charity, which has reflected infinite honor on those from whence the stream of fraternal genero- sity proceeded. ‘The frequent occurrence of these extensive and destructive conflagrations should impress upon the municipal authorities ef our cities and towns the absolute necetsity of a proper and efficient organi- zation of the police and fire departments. In many of our cities and towns, particularly those inthe West and Southwest, a great many of the buildings of which they are composed have been built of wood There is als@ reason to apprehend that there is often, onthe part of the occupants of stores and dwellings, a culpable carelessness in guarding against the occurrence of a fire. If their stores and dwellings are insured, many persons do not maintain that vigilant precaution which 1s abso- lutely necessary to prevent the terrible calamity of a fire ina city or town. Again, the arrangements for obtaining an adequate supply of water are often defective in our cities. Springing up with so marvellous rapidity, it is not so much to be wondered at, perhaps, that in many of our towns and cites the municipal regulations should be de- fective. We think that the occurrence cf so many destructive conflagrations about the same period will produce a salutary effect in this respect. It is, indeed, quite singular, that so many exten- sive fires should occur almost simultaneously; and our readerswill naturally enough recall the remark- able instances of the same melancholy coincidence which presented themselves in the year in. which our own city last suffered from an extensive con- flagration—that conflagration out of which gre the famous question, “Will saltpetre explode 1 We have not as yet been enabled to judge whether any or all of these recent conflagrations were the result of incendiarism. No doubt a rigid will be instiguted in each case dthat the insurance companies of this city will not suffer his shoulder to the wheel, and act with as much energy in this as he has done in other respects, the work can be accomplished. If it were done—if we had clean streets, especially in the lower wards, we might, with confidence, defy the cholera. We hope, therefore, that the authorities will not relax theirefforts, but that they will prosecute the good which they have commenced, until we shall be in a position to boast of, at least, having clean streets. Tne Catasrrorne on THe Hupsox River.—We give in our columns, to-day, the latest and fullest particulars that we could obtain, concerning the accident which befell the steamer Empire, while on her passage to Albany, on Thursday evening last. There is good reason to believe that the worst has been known, and, deplorable as the loss of life has been, itis a matter of congratulation, that the rumor of its being much greater—amount- ing, according to some reports, to one hundred—is unfounded. We have not heard that censure 1s cast upon any parties—either those on board the steamer, or those on board the schooner; but we trust that a rigid and searching investigation will be made into the whole matter, and that the severest punishment that the law provides will be visited on the parties, if any there are, by whose negligence this sad loss of Jife has been occasioned. We hope that the examination now being made, will not be like former ones of a similar character—a mere matter of form—but that the whole subject will be probed to the bottom, and full justice done to the community. There is a growing disposition in the public mind to investigate all accidents of ‘this kind, and punish those whose negligence caused them. We do no know whether there has been any negligence in this one, but an investigation will do no harm. Tne Srarcn or Sin Jonn Pranxuin.—We are informed that Commanders Tatnall and Sands are both volunteers for this arduous and interesting service. It appears by our telegraphic despatch from Washington, that Captain Wilkes is to have com- ‘mand of one of the ships. In a letter relative to the search for Sir John Franklin, Captain W. says that time would not permit, this winter, to make any effort in the Arctic Ocean in search of Sir John Franklin, other than for the Navy Depart- ment to despatch @e of oursmaller vessels from the western coust of America (o notify our whale thips that fthey should be on the look-out. He adds that What is now required is @ speedy exploration of the Wellington channel. ‘The distanes trom vue chet ie not greater than that to Europe, and the voyage may be readily performed in forty-five days ; now fitted, they would be in time for tho senso: opens about the middle of July, would be able to explore this channel thoroughly 6 furthest oxtent or pavigable point, and, ifnot to succor, they will ascertain whether Sir Jobn Franklin had taken that besser od urn safely back bs pie winter, with tidings. which From Nassau, N. P.—By the arrival, yesterday, of the brig Charles, Capt. Smith, from Nassau, N. ?., we have received files of the Nassaw Guardian to the Sth inst, inclusive, They contain no news More Trounie in rus Wiawam.—The ten go- vernors of the Alms House Department met in caucus, on Fridzy evening, and agreed upon most of their appointments. Joseph Keene, (whig,) is to be keeper of Blackwell's Island; John Fitch, (barn- burner,) Superintendent Alms House; H. Eldridge. (barnmburner,) £ nt Workhouse; Anderson, (uative American whiz barnburner,) Storekeeper on Dlxckwell’s Island; Thomas B. Tapoen, (baruburner,) Storekeeper on Randall's . (whig,) Chief Clerk to Peni- tentiaries; fer the City Prison, (che Tombs,) Win. Edmonds, (whig,) and for General Agent, George H. Purser, (barnburner,) stands the best chance of succeeding. ‘Thus far, it appears, that the huakers of old Tammany heve been entirely thrown over- board, It is rumored that Messrs. Miekle and Daly, who repreeent this party, have become so chagrin- ed at the alliance between the whigs and barnburn- ers, that they will resign their seats at the next meeting of the Board. News rrom Puerto Rico.—We are in receipt of files of the Boleten Mercantil to the Sth inst. We are indebted to Captain’ Pole, of the brig Olivia Thompeon, for these papers. On the 28th April, three men and one woman were executed by the ‘garote,’” at St. Johns, for the murder of a woman whom they killed for the purpose of obtaining a sum of money they sup- posed she possessed. They did not get it, however; and were convicted and executed This is the first instance of the execution of a woman that ever occurred on the island. They are stated to have met their death firmly, especially the woman. A patent (for the term of five years) had been granted to Don Juan Ramos,for an invention of his, by which he can make sugar without leaving any molasses from the syrup. Capt. Pole states that he saw it in operation, and that it was very success- ful. The natives are very proud of this inventionof their countryman. Sporting Intelligence. Unton Counse.—Tnorrinc.--On Monday afternoon. the first trot of the season will come off. The throe fastest trotting nags in the world contend, vis,:—Lady Suffolk, Lady Sutton, and Lady Moscow. This occasion will be the first appearance on the turf of Lady Suffolk since her break down at Saratoga Springs last summer. We understand that she has entirely recovered from her injuries, and her friends will be out on Monday in largo numbers, to back her against hor fleet competitors.— Both the other mares are in splendid condition; and as the track is in superb order, very fast time may be confidently anticipated. The Cholera. Reront or tHe Comauttsx or tue Boaro of Hrattu. —At a meeting of the Sanitary Committee of the Board of Health, held at the Mayor's office, May 19, 1849, Dr. Geer, Resident Physician, reports that no oase of cholera has occurred within the limits of the olty during the last forty-eight hours. The Sanitary Committee, in communicating the above to the publie, would assure their fellow citizens that every precautionary measure has been adopted to purify the city, and to prevent, if possible, the spread of disease. KELLY, RO! T T. HAWES, ALEXANDER H. SCHULTZ, CHARLES WEBB, EDWIN D. MORGAN, Committee. SETH GEER, Resident Physician. (And signed by the members of the Medical Council.) The above is the first report made by the Board of Health, showing positively that no case of cholera had occurred within the limits of the city for fort; hours, but is not explicit with regard to any real Asiatic cholera having occurred at all. It is ¢) opinion of one of the most experienced physicians in the city, and one who attended several hundred cases of cholera in 1832, tbat there has been no such diseare in the city during this spring, The disease supposed to be cholera was of a sporadie character, and the effect of the filthy condition of the house where it originated. From the first report, we were satisfied that it was a false alarm, and gave the reasons why; and the report of the Sanitary Committee goes very far in confirma- tion of those reasons. If the cholera had made its ap- pearance, its source would have been very easily traced, and the ineans by which it was brought to the city. The disease is « forcign one, and was never known in the country except when brought from some foreign port. True, doing the whole winter, it has made its ravages at the South, and the West has been sorely vi- sited by it during the spring, but no case has been known east of Cincinnati, When the cholera made its appearance in 1832, it was not confined to any particu- lar locality, though in some of the more filthy and po- verty stricken sections, it was more fatal than in others; but like every other epidemic, it embraced the whole extent of the city. The disease which has lately appeared, has been confined entirely to the locality where it’ originated, and none have been attacked except such as were given up to debauchery and wallowing in filth. That fact alone is sufficient to sa- tisfy the most incredulous, that no great danger was to be apprehended. Beit what it may, it seems now to have disappeared, and it is to be hoped’ no further alarm of cholera will be raised until it really comes, and not create excitement because a few of the miserable dwel- lers on the Five Points may die suddenly of rum, filth, and starvation. y Intelligence. Tue Weatnen.—The weather continues delightful, ppearance of the thousands of ladies who d Broadway yesterday, lent a beauty to the day. sun was warin, but a gentle breeze from the south made the air pleasant and healthful. The eve- ning was plearant, and the night gave promise of a pleatant Sabbath day, which, should the signs truly prognosticate, will be the first clear one of the month. Finr.—A fire broke out, about half-past eight o'clock, last night, in the fourth story of house, No. 59 Pearl street, occupied by William C, Wade. as a crockery and china store, the upper portion of which was partially destroyed. The damage is supposed to be $4,000, which’ is covered by insurance. ‘The damage to’ the house is probably $2,000. The fire communicated to the house No. 61, coon es by A. Otis & Co. as a drug store, the fourth and fifth stories of which were partial- ly destroyed. ‘The loss on the goods is said to be $2,000, and the same amount on the building, both of which were insured. It was not ascertained how the fire originated, A New Kesren ror Brackwert’s Istanp.—An ap- pointment was made, yesterday, by the ten Governors, (or, we should say, by the six Governors, that being a majority of the board.) of a keer for Blackwell's Island; Mr. Joseph Kean being thus chosen, and, of course, the lucky man, as we understand that near forty applicants were, up to yesterday, each almost certain of receiving ‘the appointment.’ Mr. Kean is conversant with the business, as he was keeper of the same place in 1844, It i# rumored, also, that Mr. Ed- monds, the present efficient keeper of the city prison, will be retained in office, Fata Accrorst.—The Coroner hled an inquest yee- terday, atNo. 92 Orange street, on the body of a small hoy, eight years of age, by the name of Patrick O'Don- nell, who came to hfs death yesterday, under the fol- lowing circumstances:—It appears that the deceased was picking up chips on the outside of a new building, erected at the above number, in the rear. One of the workmen, John O'Connor, before throwing a plank from the roof to the sidewalk, called out to the chil- dren below torunaway, The children who were under ran away; but the deceased was in the building, and seeing his companions running off, started after them, and just ran out in time to receive the plank of wood on his head, which broke his skull almost into two pieces. Verdict, “ Accidental.” O'Connor had been taken into custody, as it was supposed, at first, that it was done wilfully, but, upon the verdict being ren- dered, the Coroner discharged him from custody. ri ny Drowxixe.—The Coroner held an inquest, , at the Almshouse yard, on. the body of man found flouting in the dock foot of No. 28 East River. He was about 35 apparently about four weeks in the in blue overhauls, blue flannel shirt, also blue und red shirt, er pants, and dark satinct pantaloons. Ver- th by drowning. x.—An unknown man was found drowned in . foot ef Walnut street, He appeared about 40 yeurs of d in blue-black monkey jacket, with white veivet col cotton sbirt, ‘len socks, bro- an shocs, and plaid neck-handkerchief, Verdict— death by drownin Police Intetligence: Charge of Gambling —Officer Van Nostrand, of the Lower folice, arrested, yesterday, a man by the name of A. B. Archer, on a warrant issued by Justice Lothrop, wherein he stands charged with gambling, in winning, at a game of dominoes, the sum of $48 from James Har- rington, Both parties are drovers, but aa one got a lit- tle the advantage of the other, he applied to the Police for aid The magistrate held Archer to bail in the sum of $200, toanswer the charge Another Case of Gambling. —OMcer Horrigan, of the Lower Police, arrested, yesterday, a man by the hame of David Dougherty, on a charge of winning, at the gamo of “Faro,” on the 6th of April last, $370 from Josiah Woolston. On the case being brought before Justice Lothrop, there appeared to be some doubt as to the identification of Dougherty; the case was adjourned over until one o'¢ k on Mon “nother Yet.—Officer MeMannus, of the Fourth Ward, arrested, last evening. five black boys. by the names of Jobn Smith, Edwin Smith, John Mitcheil, Wm, Thomas and Henry Johnson. These young rascals were gam- bling on the dock for pe thus thinking to bring the profession into disrepute, whereupon the polios seized them all and locked them up in the Tombs,— Served them right, they had no business to gamble for pennies, Kailed to Appear —Mr. Vanhovenburgh, whose arrest we noticed yraterday, on a charge of obtaining $50 by fraudulent pretences, was admitted to bail in the sum of 10, he having waived the right of a hearing. ; Court Calendar for Monday, weurt Count —Nos. 61, 66, 69, 70, 73, Tb 7, 62. BB, bh 8b Se Ton Na™ 8ts 65; 08, 70, 73, 70, 76, 77, 80, Common Preas, Ist part 23, 66,51 2d part 8! wo Now. 7,9, 135, 7h, 8, 11, 15, 10, 2, 4, 8, 18, 24, 66, 66, 76, v2) 96, ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS OF THE STEAMBOAT DISASTER ON THE HUDZOM RIVER. NAMES OF THOSE SAVED. Ge. Se, SH, At an carly hour this morning, the steamer St, Nicho- las, with the necessary burgos in tow, were despatchod for the Empire, and the necessary arrangements for raising the wreck will be at once begun. It is supposed by those engaged in the work, that about a week will suifiice toraive her, No farther particulars as to the number of persona drowned, have yet franspired, Thus far, the bills of freight which have been handed into the office of the company, amount to about $5,000 ; but there is much more, of which they oan have no account until the papers in the office of the boat are recovered, (From the Albany Atlas, May 18.) The steamboat Empire, of Troy, left Now York last night at6 o'clock, with about three hundred passen- crs on board, About 10 e’clock, when opposite New- urg, in Newbury Bay, she was struck by the schooner Noah Brown, of Troy, loaded with lumber, @ little for- ward the forward gangway, with a tremendous crash, the bowsprit of the schooner, which was hoavily laden, making a large breach under the guards, through which the water instantly rushed with great force, #0 that in ten minutes she went down, Many of the passengers had retired to their berths, and the socne that immediately ensued, as described by the passengers, was heartrending and’ terrible. The water was rushing through the cabin to the stern of the bout, and in aninstant almost, the cabin was com- pletely filled. Men and women, half dressed, rushed wildly on deck, and some plunged overboard. Wives were clinging to their husbands, and mothers clasping their children in their arms and running to and fro in a frenry of terrer. Fortunately, the Rip, Van Winkle, Captain Schuyler, (who has kindly furnished us with the particulars.) was but short distance astern, and immediately came up alongside the Empire to her re- lief, So rapid was the rush of water into the cabin that the Empire was fast sinking, and thero was a tremen- dous struggle among the passengers to get on board the Rip. ‘The cabin was filled with waters and passon- ers were seen below struggling to reach the deck. very assistance was rendered, but it is feared several erished. Analarm was given that several ladies were in the lower cabin. Axes and crowbars were set at work. ‘The water rising so fast, drove the men from the ladies’ saloon, and they were unable to save any mere lives, One lady that was rescued, stated that several more were below. A hole was then cut through the deck, and a lady almost dead was rescaed. Sho called loudly on her brothers—four of whom were on board— but they could not be found. Boats with lights, from the shore, swarmed to the scene of destruction, and aided in picking up the pas- rengers, A mun was soon to jump from the Empire on board the Rip Van Winkle, with two children in his arms, He lost his balance, and, struggling for bis own life, lost the children. It was impossible to give anything like an idea of the awful terror, or of the numbor of lives lost. The Rip Van Winkle remained alongside, her officers and crew doing all in their power to save the lives ot those on board of the Empire. Mr. Burden, of Troy, was picked up in the river, floating on a box, almost exhausted, A number of oth- ers were saved, who were found floating on boxes and bales. ‘The Empire was towed ashore by the Rip Van Win- kle, where she was left, the water having reaghed her state-room deck. ‘The loss of life, it was feared, was great, as a largo number of passengers had retired to their berths. The number lost it is impossible to state, at present, so conflicting are the reports. Some of the passengers place the number as high as 40,and others not more than 10. (Fiom the Albany Journal, May 18.) ‘Weare called upon, to-day, to chronicle a serious disaster, which took place on the Hudson river last night, and which, we fear, has cost s serious loss of life. ‘The steamboat Empire, of Troy, when near New- burg, about ten o’elock, last night, came in collision with the Neah Brown, of Troy, loaded with lumber. ‘The schooner struck the Empire forward of the wheel- house, on the starboard side, So great was the con- cussion, that the Empire sunk, almost instantly, to her state-room deck. ‘The officer of the boat immediately gave the alarm signal for relief, when the Rip Van Winkle came alon; side in less than five minutos after the concussion, am succeeded in saving the lives of many. About’ two hundred of the Empire’s passengers were taken off or poe up by the officers and passengers on board the ip Van Winkle. Capt. Schuyler, it is said by those who were on board of the Rip, acted through the whole of this emergenoy with great coolness and discretion, and with great ef- fect. “As soon as he came alongside, the offeers and men under his cnarge cut aay 0 nings to the saloon and the ladies’ cabin; and while they were engaged in this, bis small boats were in those who had jumped overboard. One lady was rescued by cutting an opening to the ladies’ saloon through the top deck, She stated that there were several others in the saloon at the time, who, it is feared, have perished. Nothing was saved from on board of the boat; not even the list of passengers, ‘The clerk barely escaped with the money he had taken during the evenin, After the paxsengers had been taken off, and every thing done that could be, the Rip Van Winkle, together with the steamboat Hudson, towed her ashore on the Fishkill Flat, where they left her sunk to the height of her storm deck. We bave no definite account as to the number of per- sons who have perished by this sad disaster. A list of the passengers taken off by the Rip was collected and given to the captain of the steamboat ‘Troy, while on er way to New York. The Rip Van Winkle afterwards landed at New- burg, where many of the passengers taken frem ¢ Empire remained: some for the purpose of obtaining their baggage, and others, we regret to say, for the pur- pore of finding their friends, whom they had not seen sinee the disaster. On the arrival of the Rip alongside of the Empire, the scene is represented by those on board tohave been truly appalling. A large number of the persons saved were rescued with scarcely a rag of garment about them, while others escaped from the sinking vessel with but a picce or two under their arms. As soon as they reached the deck of the Rip, they were conveyed to the cabins, where everything that could be was done for them, For some, clothing was obtained, while others were wrapped in blankets, ‘The statements made by those on board of the E: pire and Rip Van Winkle are conflicting. Wel from those who were on board of the latter boat, t vessel could be distinctly seen a mile off; while others, who were on the Empire, represent the evening as being dark, and that when the accident occurred the vessel was tacking. At the time the disaster occurred, the Rip was two miles astern of the Empire. She came up, passed and had got a mile from her before the signal of distross was given. When the Rip passed her the water was being blown off the boilers, and Capt. Schuyler sup- posed that ome accident had befallen her engine, or that her boiler had sprung a leak, The moment the signal was heard, he rounded and came alongside, and rendered all the assistance in his power. The schooner was towed on the flats with the Em- pire, und when the Rip left she was still entangled with the boat. Capt. Schuyler landed sixty of the Empire's passen- gers at Newburg, and brought the same number to this city, with but little wearing apparel on. A large nuim- ber were taken off the vessel. Mr, Burden, of Troy, as picked up floating on a dry goods box,'minus his at. vice in picking up Many appalling scenes were depicted to us by those who assisted in rescuing the passengers from ‘this ill- tated boat. In the ladies’ cabin, a female ery was heard soon after the Rip came alongside; the top covering was torn off, but before this was done it had ceased. Another passenger states that a woman, while in a fran- tie state of mind threw her infant child overboard, and was afterwards taken on board the Rip, where she be- came rational for a moment, but realizing tho loss of her child, she fainted; but afterwards recovered, and was landed at Newburg in almost a frantic state. [From the Albany Knickerbocker, May 19.) A young lady, in making her escape from the cabin, wading through the water up to her waist, discovered an infant fleating on a mattress, She dropped her c: pet bag, rescued the littfe innocent, and restored it to its mother’s arms, A poor Scotchman, who arrived in this country a day or two since, with his uncle and aunt and four ehil- dren, twe of them orphans, took passage on the Empire on Thursday night, intending to go to Canandaigua, came up in the Rip Van Winkle yesterday morning, His aunt and the two orphan children were drowned, He was penniless. The Scotch society took care of him, The two children belonging to the drowned wo- man were provided for by Mrs, Peter Smith. Their father remained with the wreck, to reoover the body ot his wife. {From the Troy Budget, Extra] About ten o'clock last evening, the steainer Empire was run foul of by the schooner Noah Brown, in New- burg bay, nearly opposite Newburg, staving @ hole in her, forward of the wheels. She commenced sinking rapidly, and in a few minutes the water reached the state-room deck. Fortunately, as the water reached this deck, the freight between this and the main deek buoyed her up so that she sunk gradually, until the Kip Van Winkle came alongside and took off those who were so fortunate as to reach the upper deck. ‘The scene was & terrible one to Unose on board, and to thore who were so fortunate as to get on board the fchooner, which was a sinall proportion to the number on board, For some fiftesn minutes before the arrival of the Kip Van Winkle, it was expected that the Empire must go down with two-thirds of her passengers on bourd ; but just at this critical moment, probably from the cause mentioned above, her sinking was less rapid, and the water did not attain to the depth of over three or four feet in the state room ball, until towed ashoro by the Rip Van Winkle, About this time the steamer from Hudson, bound down tho river, came wlongside, and took those pas- rengers who withed to return to New York. ‘The Rip also left quite a number at Newbarg. The officers and men of this boat deserve great praise for their ef- forts to render ali the aid in their power; and their kind- ners tosufferers can never be forgotten, ‘Lhe reselutions passed by the meeting but fecbly ox- press the gretitude of those who received their kind attentions Conspicuous among the passengers, we cannot omit to mention the name of Joshua L. Jonos, of Albany, aa one who did every thing possible to eecure the sul- fercrs, aud render sid to thore ov board. We give below the namos of those who were saved, as nent ae could be arcertained. Quite a number were , Whos. names are put on the list, ur friends who wore on buard assure us that no Less than 5 or 6 must have been lort-and perhaps 20 te 30, One Indy and a colored man belonging to the boat are known to have buen drowned cn from the Empire om board the Rip Van Win- hu Geo, Gage. P, Day and lady, J. W Chamoerlain, Seymour, seutiy a, Pete il, J.D Garduoe aod tady, n Robb, 8 L. Beil H Toftin G.C, Hesuaa, J. Sarvat, K. Andrews, GW. Noore, Jobn ( olleban, T. Toby, 8. Grifiin J. Meller, Chas. Learned, C, Peek, Sanucl ( rawtord, J. Munson and wife, John Hust E. Craft, Rodt, Robinson, ‘Wim. Woldson, A. If Pleree, J. A, Drake, ‘A. Williams, T. Greenwood, Mrs. Smith, John Turrell, Mrs. Mulligan, 8. Page, F. Ball, S.L. Wilbur, - ‘Wm. Morrisettle, J. Carson and 2 childrem E.. Perdwer, James Smith, W. D. Haight, H. Duncan, W T. Hollet, H, Polnap, Mrs, Tuttle, J. MeAdden, J.D, Heath, Mre, Evans, 8. V Buswoll, A. P, Hemphitt, W. Briggs, R. Manefield, E. Childs, M. Rureell, Mra. Low, H. Gantre and lady, Levi Sipperty, D. B. Gray, F. Dewheot. J. Docherty, Mrs. Smith, Elizabeth Docherty, Miss Webster, Ellen McNamara, 8. Osborn, ‘Ann Hughes and 2 obild’n, Mrs. H. Wilson and chid, W. F. Sage and lady, Mrs. Calbee and sister, John MeGray, Mrs. Tuttle, 3.€ Davia, Mr. Braoket, J) Brockfield, J, Moody, Chas. Pryman, 8, Robinson, H. K. Smith, sister and five G. Reynolds, G. R. Davis and daughter, juckland and son, ixon, n Poty, jowls, Morris Davis, adcomb, Jobn Farrell, E,W. Free, James Wood, €, Relan, H. Grew and’ wife, Miss Boulater, Aaron Harvey, J. Moon, L, Brunt, Bridget Faulknor, Mra, Bixby, Mrs. Freeman, and obild, J. Lincoln, Montreal, 2 Misses Vangott, Daniel Swirsh, Mr, Peck, C. Runnion, ham, H. Middlebrook, N, Ladd, wife and 3 chil’n, M Miss Gallop, Miss Williams, J. Gardner, Mrs. Ladd and Miss Ladd, Miss Trumble, Mrs. and Miss McCanly, ' 8. M. Selvy, Mrs. Collaman, M. . Kasson, R, H. Holady and lady, W. P, Bura Mrs. Canfield, Miss E, Karey, Mrs. Grigg, 8.G. Doughty, 4 Carl Becker, James Rogers, W. 8. Brown, d es, E. H. Lane, James Cole and son, TT. W. Blatohford and lady. J.M, Fish, , Miss 2. Smith, Jos. Golslen, RD. MeMurrby, N. Gillespy, . W. Fuller, M. V. Blackman, 8. W. Woodworth & lady, ‘Thomas Biddows, Capt. Siade, Mrs, Whites D. Lewis, Miss Trumble, . EB. ” JN. Hill, Mire. Linob’ sister and Dr Silliman, wife andtwo children, children, J. Spalding, P. Richmire, James Rork, J.C, Wood, J, Brownson, L. P. Simms, Griswold and wife, K. Bosworth, 4, € Hubbel, P. Sheldon, . Brow! ‘A. Bulor and son, W. E. Eddy, Mra.C. W. Reynolds, Charles Carpenter, Jos, Van Sohaick, P. Graat and wife, D. Thomas, 8. H. Pitcher, J.P. Thomas, John Cramer, Hi. 8, MeTick, R. Toby. Saved by small boats at Newburg, and taken on board there :—3 ladies, names not known, Mr, Bulkley, Mr. E. A. Wityen, Rey. Mr, Price and lady, A. O. Bran- vid, Wm. Cromwell. After the passengers from the Empire had reached the Rip Van Winkle, a meeting was organised, by call- ing the Hon, John Cramer, of Waterford, to the chair, and appointing E. Brownell, Secretary. ‘The following gentlemen were appointed a committee on resolutions :—Gen. Geo. R. Davis, Troy; Hon. G. Reynolds, of Rensselaer co.; James Noxon, Saratoga co.;H. B.’ Todd, Westchester; Stephen Griffin, Warren co., and Shadrick Robinson, Boston. The following were proposed by Gen. Davis, and unanimously adopted :— Resolved, That for the timely and efficient efforts to save the passengers from the steamer Empire in her sinking condition, and the generous care of those who were rescued, Capt. Schuyler, of tho steamer Rip Van Winkle is entitled to our gratitude and remembrance, and to public respect and esteem. Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be fur- | The latter expected if the plot proved successful, thas nished Or Sehuyler, and also published in the Al- bany and Troy papers. JOHN CRAMER, Chairman. E. Brownrxt, Secretary. BY TELEGRAPH. THE LATEST FROM THE WRECK. Newnuro, May 19—1 P. M. ‘The Empiro is still lying on the fiats, the same as yesterday. There have, as yet, been but seven bodies recovered. The coroner’s jury is still in session, wait- ing for witnesses from New York, including the captain and hands of the schooner Nosh Brown. We have a list of 228 passengers saved. The four brothers Ladd, from Stonington, Ct., are undoubtedly lost, as no trace of them have been yet discovered. The remains of Mrs, Noble have been taken up the river. Many per- sons in our community believe that the pilot of the Em- pire is not altogether free from censure. SECOND DESPATCH. Newsuno, May 19—8 P. M. The Empire still lies on the flats, having floated some distance north with thetide. The John Mason, of Troy, has just left with her baggage. Nothing is known of matters in the lower cabins as yet. Two additional bodies, a male and a female, aged about 25, have been found between decks, near the cap- tain’s room. They have not been identified, but are supposed to be Scotch immigrants. The captain’s office has not yet been reached. It is impossible to tell the loss until the boat is raised. The 8t. Nicholas arrived here this afternoon. There are six ofthe drowned on the Fishkill side of the river—a boy named Carson, about eight years old; one named Duncan, ten years of age; three females, from eighteen to thirty; and a male, not known, aged about twenty-five. The whole number of bodies re- coveredis nine, The coroner's jury will be in session after the arrival of the up boats, Our boatmen have picked up several floating trunks, boxes of goods, Ke. Insurrection aT Tenreran.—The Constantinople Journal, of the Mth, states that accounts have been received from Persia, of a serious insurrection, which broke out at Teheran. The new Prime Minis- ter, Mirza-Taghi-Khan, had introduced some reforms into the administration, which were displeasing to some of the great men about tue court, who got up a conspiracy against him. The insurrection broke out on the nigat of the 11th of March. Four regiments, which bad been gained over by the conspirators, at- tacked the residence of the minister, under pretence of demanding some arrears of pay. They were re- ulsed by the guards, and having been promised that justice should be done to them, they retired to their quarters, Shortly afterwards, however, they again sallied out, declaring that the minister should be deprived of office, Affairs took so serious a turn, that the English and Rus reprerentatives went to the Shal commend him to yield to the demands of his He refused, and the inhabitants having taken up ar: in favor of the government, the soldiers were ul mately driven out of the place, and order restored. It appears that the conspirators have since acknowledged their offence, and thet an amne ty has been granted, ‘The affair lasted two days, and was at one time ex- ceedingly formidable, Horrintr Acciornt—Turerr Crurnpren Drown- Ep.— Yesterday morning, about half-past 8 o’clock, the wife of Mr. John Murphy, moulder, residing in & small frame building in North Broadway, missed her three children, who had been playing in the house and yard, and went out in the latter place to find them; to her indescribable horror, in passing the cistern she saw the head of one and the feet of another above the water. She instantly gave the alarm to some workmen in the brewery, who came to her aid, and rescued them from their watery grave. Her oldest child, a girl named Catharine, about ight years of age, was dead, as alto was the baby, (which she had been taking care of,) Ho- nora, wbout eight months old. The second cbild, Eli- aubeth, five years old, showed some faint sparks of life, and the usual restoratives were used ; but whether it will live or not is a doubtful matter, Doctors Bay and Freeman were called in, who did everything in the power of medical skill to save the child's life, The top of the cistern is only two feet in diameter, and there was probably not more than twenty-six inches of water init atthe time, How they got in is inconceivable, unless the babe first fell from Catharine's arms, and she and her sister went in to rescue it. They made no out- ery, and, had not their mother been looking for them, might have remained in the cistern for hours without being discovered.—Albany Knickerbocker, May 18. Tur Wreconsin Wurat Cror.—We learn from every county in the State, that the wheaticrop looks uncommonly vigorous and healthy. The remark is made by the farmers, that it never promised better; and it ix estimated that at least one-third and porhaps one-half more wheat will be gathered in Wisconsin du- ring the coming summer, than in any previous season. ~ Milwaukie Wisconsin, May 9 Merper at Crrcago.—At Chicago,a man named Andrew Stewart was attacked on Sunday night, and beaten inwcrucl manner, His head was terribly cutas if by some sharp instrument, He was picked up Ly seme pasecrs by, who found him weltoring in pore, in a state of insensibility, His wounds were dressed, but after lingering in aa inscosible etate, he Jied during the forengon of Monday. | Pe ERTIES TH TELEGRAPHIC ENTELLIGENCE, THE FIRE AT SZ. LOVES. For some reason that we do not understand, further at St. Louis have faited to reach us; though we do not doubt that our corres pondents have forwarded despatehes from that city, particulars of the great fr in accordance with those which were published ia the Herald, yostorday morning, From Philadelphia, we learn that vothing farther had been received af the telegraph office in that city; and we conclude that a disconnection of the telegraphic wires has occurred weet of Pittsburgh. We hope to reccive full particulars in time for pub- lication in the Heredd to-morrow morning IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. ADVICES FROM CALIFORNIA. The Naval Hxzpedition to the Arctic Ocean. manne TROOPS FOR CALIFORNIA, e., die., Sie. Wasuinarton, May 19, 1849. It ie reported that Capt. Chas. Wilkes, of thelate Ex- ploring Expedition, will be sent out as commander of one of the vessels to be dospatohed in search of Sir John Franklin. ‘ The cabinet days are reduced to two per week, Mon- day and Wednosday—the heavy business being done, We understand that important dospatches have been received at the War Department, from California, set- ting forth that the people had organized a government for themselves, and had adopted the Wilmot proviso as a fundamental articlo It is believed that General Taylor will lay Mr. Labou- chere’s bill for the repeal of the Navigation Laws of England before Congress, if passed by the British Par; liament, as a proper subject for legislation The diplomatic appointments are soon to be made, to take effect on the Ist of July, and already there are several candidates on the ground, including one or twe for Madrid and Berlin. Itis reported that Mr. Crawford recommends to Gen, Taylor to organize a strong military force in California, of volunteers, to sustain Gov. Smith, until Congress shall act for the territory. Departure of the New Postmaster for San Franclsco—Despatches, dc. ‘Wasnixarox, May 19, 1849. Jacob B. Moore, Esq, the recently appointed Post- master for San Francisco, set out for the Pacific yester- day evening, via Chagres. 1 The departments arc in possession of no California | despatches that they are willing to promulgate at pre- sent. : hea Blockade of Venice by the Austrian Fleet; | Wasuixatox, May 19, 1849, M. Hulsemann, the Austrian Minister to the govern- ment of the United States, has given the President of- ficial notice of the blockade of Venice by the Austrian fleet, commencing on the 4th of April last. further Accounts In Relation to the Polsoi ing Case—An Unsuccessful Plot, é&o. Bosro, May 19—10 A. M. Dr. Coolidge, the murderer of Matthews, committed suicide, in consequence of having been detected in @ plot with a prisoner, who was about to be liberated, te kill Flint, his former student. The plot was as follows:—Flint was to be lured toa certain place, where he was to be killed, in sucha manner as would lead tothe impression that he had committed suicide. A bottle was tobe placed near him containing poison, and a letter confessing himself the murderer of Matthews. The warden found on the prisoner the letter with the details of the plot, and at once shut Coolidge up. Shortly after, on going to the cell, Coolidge was found expiring, and soon after died, he would be liberated. He had promised to pay his accomplice $1,000 for murdering Flint. The Excitement on Account of the St, Louls Fire. Prrrssuno, May 19, 1849. Considerable excitement prevails in this city in re- gard to the St. Louis fire. A number of the steam- boats burnt, with their cargoes, were either owned in whole or in part by our citizens, The Philadelphia Insurance Offices. Purcapevenia, May 19, 1849, The insurance offices of this city will not lose over $30,000 by the fire at St. Louis. ‘We have not received a word from St. Louis this afternoon. The Insurance: it Boston on St. Louls Pro= perty. Boston, May 19, 1849. The amount of insurance in this city, om property destroyed by the late conflagration at St. Louis, is esti- mated at $100,000. Baltimore Losses by the St Louis Fire, . Bautiore, May 19, 1849. The merchants of this city believe that thoy will lose a great deal by the fire at St. Louis, Death of the Hon. Dantel Duncan, Wasiinotox, May 19, 1840, The Hon. Daniel Duncan, of Ohio, expired in this city yesterday evening. Failure of the Southern Mall. Baritone, May 19, 1849. The great Southern mail failed to-night, The Steamship Tennessee. Savannant, May 19—9 A. M, The steamship Tennessee has just arrived from York, in 66 hours from wharf to wharf Fine Weather. Raxesou, N. C., May 19, 1849. ‘We have no news here, but splendid weather (! ! !p Fatal Railroad Accident, __ Hanven’s Ferry, May 18—6 P.M. We have again to inform you of ‘another fatal acoi-’ dent on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad this after- noon, near ,this place. Aman named Jacob Greon- hodge, or Greenwood, one of the hands in the employ- ment of the company, was out with Mr. Beachem, the agent, engaged on the road, when a train suddenly came ‘upon them. Mr. Beachem baroly suceceded making good his escape, whilst the unfortunate Groen- wood was caught and crushed to death, the whole train passing over him, He was an honest, industrious and worthy man.—Tel. Cor. Balt. Sun, Markets. é Postox, May 19—6 P. M. There is m moderate inquiry for flour, and we notice sales of 1,200 barrels, at $4 8734 a $5 124 for Western flat hoop, and good Ohio and St. Louis, closimg dull, with a downware tendency in priees. For corn there is a fair demand, and the’ sales are 16,000 bushols, at 560. for white, and 60c. for yellow. At the close, the market ruled in favor of the buyer. In rye, tho sales were 1,000 bushels, at 65c., which is a trifle lower, The transactions in oats are 5,000 bushels, at 400. Corm meal is selling, in # small way, at $3 a $3 12% Burrato, May 19—6 P. M. Receipts within the past twenty-four hours :—Flour, 8,000 barrels; wheat, 8,000 bushels; corn, 7,000 do. The market for flour has ‘a downward tendency, and we notice sales of 2,000 barrels, at $3 8734 a $4. “In whi the operations are 3,000 bushels, at 88e. for good Ohio. Corn isin fair demand, and the sales are 6,000 bushols, at 4éc, In freights there is no material change, Aunany, May 19—6 Receipts by canals, within the past twe: hours:—Flour, 11,000’ barrels ; corn, 14,000 bushola, ‘There is no change in Western flour, and the sales are only for the supply of the trade. In corn the sales are toa fair extent, and the market steady, About 12,000 bushels changed hands, at 60b, for round. Oats moved to the extent of 2,700 bushels, at Sdc. Shipping Intelligence. Arrived—Ship Cordora, New Or! chicola; Samuel and B Young, Bal Periect, aud Grand Jeland, Norfol ox, May 19, 1 brig Globo, Apala= 6; wohrs Maytlowor, Marsu ‘Tacksys.—On board the brig Emma, which sailed from Charleston on ‘Sunday last for this port, were seven South Carolina low country, or marsh tackeys, purchased by a gentleman formey of Charleston, ‘but now o resident of Pennsylvania, Though & somewhat novol export, remarks the Char. isston Mercury, we should not be surprised if it turns out to be the commencement of « profitable business in a race of animals which would be more highly prised even among South Carolinians, if they were not se plentiful and so cheap. They are of Andalusian do- scent, the race having been originally brought hore from the Spanish settloments of Florida, and are abun- dant in the swamps and marshos, where they row uncontrolied and uncared for, winter and summor, am almost a8 unaccustomed to the presence of man as the wild hors*s of the prairies, Though diminutive ime. sine, (hey are extremely hardy, active, and tractal i and are admirably adapied for the use of Inds light weights, ‘Ihe firs: cost of the sovem composing the preeeut invoice was forty two doliars,—Phivadelphee jum, day 19.