The New York Herald Newspaper, March 25, 1853, Page 4

» NEW YORK HERALD. enn JAMES GORDON BEN PROPRIETOR AND EDITOR, poshreevenees =... i ENA So containing impor pom me SSH amas Connueren wanre ARE anireui sean RXQUEOTED TO OEAL All Ler- SRO NOTICE a7 ENT U8. ions. We 26 net | oat Pee et fe Society, Sete, | PRINTING executed with neatness, cheapness, and VER TISEMENTS renewed every day. ++eNQe 830 AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. BOWBRY THEATRE, Bowery—Lost Suir—inan ann | ‘me Sreap. BROADWAY THEATRE, Brosdway—Tix GLanraToR— Twas i. BURTON’S THEATRE, Chambers stroct—Mrnny Wives @v Winvson—Two Queens. Le nat poiady THEATRE, Chatham street—Ocram or ack SwEPPARD—MILLER OF WHETSTONE. WALLACK’S THEATRE, Brosdway—Sue Stoops ro Conquer—Par or THE Perricoats. AMERICAN MUSEUM—Afternoon—Who Spraxs Finer? —Vitracr Gossip—Breaing—A Puxnomxnon 1m A Suock Waocx—Buux Beanp. ST. CHARLES THEATRE, Bowery—Tux Lost Son— Mippy Aswona—VALer pz Suam, CHRISTY’S OPERA HOUSE, 472 Broadway—Ernroria® 9 By CHRISTY’# OPERA TROUPR, WOOD'S MINSTRELS, Wood's Musical Hall, 444 Broad- way—Ermorian Minetxaisy. OIRCUS, 37 Bowery—Equasrniaw ENTERTAINXENTR, GEORAMA, 586 Broadway—Banvago’s Psxonaxa OF wes Hoty Lisp. RISLEY’S THAMES, at 406 Broadway. HOPE CHAPEL—Dnz. ~~ Wew York, Friday, March 25, 1853. The News. Judging from the report of the proceedings the members of the United States Senate had an ex- eeedingly merry time yesterday They commenced business with a discussion upon the propriety of au- thorizing the Committee on Indian Affairs to delegate one of their number to proceed, during the recess of Congress, to take testimony in regard to the conduct of Alexander Ramsey, Governcr of Minnesota and Indian Agent, who is charged, among other things, with having, through a third party, paid off the In- | dians in paper money, thereby causing them to lose fifteen per cent. Several Senators, belonging to both political parties, testified to the good character of Mr. Ramsey, and, the subject becoming some- what dry, it was postponed, and an ex- ecutive session was held. Upon the reopen- img of the doors, a motion was made to ad- journ over tiil Monday—and then the fan be- gan. No quorum could be brought to avote. It ‘was hinted that certain members were busily en- | gaged with the heads of departments, endeavoring to advance the interests of particular friends—some gentlemen wished to adjourn over, in order to give all an equal opportnnity of assisting in the distribu- tion of the spoila—a few were very hungry and loud- ly complained of being detained from their dinners— others, again, were desirous of getting through with the work and going home; and the Sergeant-at-Arms ‘was ordered to drum up the absentees, but it was all im vain—a quorum could not be gathered, and the Temnant of the body was, per necessity, compelled to adjourn till to-day. Appearances now indicate that after Monday next there will not be a snf- ficient number of Senators left in Washington to transact business, although it is understood that the President is anxious to have them remain during the | whole week. He will either have to hurry in his | nominations, or else wait till next December for con- firmations. ‘We elsewhere publish a large list of appointments and confirmations, together with much other politi- eal intelligence, of considerable interest to the geno- ral reader. It will be seen that the Hon. John Slidell, of Louisiana, has been nominated as Minister to Central America. This is probably intended asa fetoff to the appointment of Hon. John A. Camp- bell, Southern rights man, as Judge of the Supreme Court; but it is thought that Louisiana will hardly be fayored with two important missions, and, conse- | quently, the appointment of Mr. Slidell may prevent Senator Soulé from going to Spain. Our special | correspondent remarks that Secretary Marcy is busily oceupied, day and night, in endeavoring to mend the | breaches in the ranks of the New Yorkers, and that, | after he succeeds in patching up their difficulties, he will take a survey of the foreign missions. Well, | that isa crumb of comfort for the hards and the softe. A few of each faction will soon be placed firmly on deck, and the remainder unceremoniously pitched overboard, thereby putting an end to their saspense. In the State Senate yesthrday, Mr. Vanderbilt made another long speech in favor of his proposed amend- ment to the constitution, in order to provide means for the completion of the canals. Mr. McMurray got the floor, and, at his suggestion, progress was re- | ported, and the subject was made the special order | for to-morrow. Various bills were read a third time and passed; among them the bill for the consolida- ‘tion of the schools of this city. The Assembly also @ passed a great number of bills, most of which were of a local character. Our legisiators are evidently struggling hard to get through the work, but it is feared they will labor in vain. The day of adjourn- ‘ment is drawing near, and they must either drop the farther discussion of canal projects, or el*e leave a large amount of important business unfinished. The committee appointed by the late Whig Con- vention of Rhode Island, to nominate candidates for { State officers, have published the ticket agreed upon, which is considered asa decidedly strong one, and ‘as well calculated to harmonize the hitherto con- fiicting interests of the party. At the head of the list stands the Hon. Wm. W. Hoppin, for Governor. The whigs of Pennsylvania yesterday held a State Convention for the purpose of nominating candi- dates for canal officers. The result of their labors will be found under the telegraphic head. The Canadian House of Assembly has passed a Dill increasing the representation in that body from eighty-four to one hundred and twenty-eight mem- bers. Dr. Alexander Dancan, formerly a member of Con- gress, died at his residence, in Hamilton county, Ohio, last Wednesday evening. His disease was ap- poplexy, but his death is supposed to have been hastened by being run overbyawagon. The Doctor at one time held a very prominent position among the democrats of the Buckeye State. He acted a conspicuous part in the lamentable duel between Meecers. Cilley and Graves. From the South we learn that a large amount of property was destreyed in Georgia and Alabama, by the storm which visited that region of country last Thursday week. The various streams of water rose higher than they had before been for many years; bridges, walla, and fences wore washed away, the moads rendered impassable, and planting in the low- Mande greatly retarded. This probably accounts for ‘the non-receipt of the mails from New Orleans, four of which are now due. The trial of Spring, for the murder of the two fe- males in Philadelphia, was last evening closed by the rendering of a verdict of guilty. During the day the prisoner exhibited symptoms of great agitation, and seemed to be inwardly repenting of his atroeions @eeds, but when the decision of the jury was an- nounced the reckless hardihood of the man was fally demonstrated. Instead of being appalled, he waved bis hat and joined the excited «pectators in their cheers gt the result of the investigation. An action for damages against the Vander\ilt line of communication between San Francisco and New York, for {alee veprosentations, and for misery, de- shy, and dangers, to which Mr. Tallman, e passenger, had been subjected, resulted yesterday in a ver- dict of $50 damages against defendant, which car- ries costs. The accounts which we daily read of the sufferings of passengers on the Pacific, are appal- ling, and are calculated to deter the most daring and ' enterprising spirit from seeking his fortune in the golden regions. When representations are made to induce travellers to pay a liberal sum for the voyage, and to place confidence in the parties guaranteeing their comfortable and specdy transport, exemplary damages should be given for the failure of the con- tract, in order that others may be saved from the perils, the dangers and delays which are so often complained of, and which too frequently result in | the death of many a hapless traveller. The wages movement is in full swing. There were meetings yesterday evening of the ship joiners, the house painters, and the varnishers and polishers, reports of whieh appear in another column. We annex a brief summary of the contents of our inside pages:—Description of the Installation of Rev: G.D. Folsom as Pastor of the Eastern Congrega- tional Church in Madison street; The Organization o° the new Presbyterian Church in Sixth street; Rev. Dr. Pomeroy’s Lecture on the Character of the Yan- kee; Proceedings of the Meeting to consider the Wel- fare of the Deaf Mutes; Article on the Militia of this State; Business transacted by the Beard of Educa- tion; Reports relative tothe Insane in New York and Pennsylvania; The Coolie or British Slave Trade; Appointment of Cadets; Statistics of Massachusetts and Ohio; Commercial, City, Police, Court, Theatri- cal, and Miscellaneous Intelligence, &c. The steamship Asia is now due with three days later advices from Europe. ‘The Awful Condition of the City—Down with the Dust. Considering the misgovernment of the city and the systematic violation of every munici- pal law. the inefficiency of the police, and the increase of theft, the clumsy delays of the Custom House. and the absolute mockery of the Post Office, the dust in summer and the rnd in winter—not to speak of a thousand other minor miseries—Mark Tapley might possibly consider ita ereditable thing for a resident of New York to be jolly. We would not join the band of croakers who make a point of turning up the whites of their eyes ahd groaning in spirit whenever a snug picture of earthly felicity and contentment crosses their path; but we do think the people of New York may pique themselves on exhibiting a very respectable equanimity un- der circumstances which might try the patience of a saint. Weare told. day after day, for a couple of years. that our aldermen rob us; but it is not till a grand jury has officially noticed the circumstance, that we can get upsteam enough for a public meeting. We know that half the city regulations remain a dead letter; but our only response, when the subject is brought under our notice, is a feeble smile and a half apologetic condemnation of the City Fathers. We are acquainted with numerous instances of neglect of duty, idleness, and want of zeal on the part of the police; but our censure soon evaporates. leaving no perma- nent trace of its existezce. Our letters take two days to travel from one end ot the city to the other. or perhaps never reach their desti- nation at all; but we submit with the meekness of true Christians. and are highly incensed if a foreigner ventures to criticise our Post Office. We swallow a pint of dust on an average on Monday, and carry about with us some corple of pounds of fine loam on Tuesday; but the extra baggage thus imposed upon us never seems to constitute such an interference with our personal comfort as is required to stimulate us to active exertions. We doubt whether a more patient, long euffering, set ot people than the citizens of New York could be foundinany otherquarter of the globe. Ifuncom- plaining resignation under suffering and mild forbearance under affliction confer any claims to praise, alk the rhetoric of a Quintilian might be exhausted in compliments, without doing us justice. Look at our streets. for instance. We said that a pedestrian swallowed a pint of dust per day. and we think all will admit that our esti- mate was exceedingly moderate. We shall not invade the province of the medical faculty by attempting to explain to our readers what the medicinal properties of dust, taken internally, may happen to be; the slightest reflection will supply a tolerably correct chemical analysis of the sweepings of the streets, and this will pro- bably prove so suggestive that further de- velopements would be superfluous. It will suffice to say that the atmosphere we breathe isa compound of common air and decayed animal and vegctable matter, the latter being the prepon- | derating element; that our saliva is a saturated | solution of similar substances; that our food contains them in large proportions; and that every time we imbibe a liquid, its chemical character is changed before it reaches the sto- mach, and ovr alimentary organs become, in plain language. a common sewer through which the vilest substances are constantly passing. We say nothing ot present of the temporary in- convenience of the dust. We pass over the de- lightful rensation of being blinded by a cloud of dust in the middle of a street—of finding every orifice in the human face divine a sort of dust- bin on one’s return from business, or of the ex- hilarating diecovery. after an hour’s walk, that one’s chirt-bosom and collar, dress coat and boots. have assumed a uniform rich umber hue. We will content ourselves for the present with drawing publie attention to the effects of the dust on the health. If we were com- pelled to swallow a plafe or a glassfu! of dust every morning before breakfast, what an outery would there not be.! What work for the doctors! What learned disqnisitions we should have on the fatal effects of doses of dirat What hecatombs of drugs and myriads of red and blue phials the apothecaries would sell! How many cases of consumption, of dyspepsia. of inflammation would be traced to this cai And yet every man, woman and child who » habit of walking up and down Broadway, ged to submit to this very infliction. We may be told that the nuisance is less per- ceptible in the narrower streets. True. If we patronize any of the side-streets we are differ- t whether the bill of fare is het- ently reguled ; ter or not isa ent matter. We have, at all events, a che of pleasures. We caneither wallow in the liquid mad id enjoy a dowch from a passing cart or st or we can grub our way throngh heaps of bage, emitting a poisonous stench and generati a@ most deathly sort of pestilence. On one side we bave the contents of a dust barrel, nposed of caly lage stalke. potato peelings, fish heads, drip- pings and ashes ; on the other. a more récher ché olla podrida, to which housemaid and cook have contrfhuted in equal proportions. To pick one’s way through similar obstacles. and avoid the slimy contact of ragged urchins, and be mired crossing aweepers, isa task requiring con iderable ingenuity. Those whose Inngs can not tolerate the irr tation of the dust, resort to thie alternative. Hew many of them sow the seeds of disease by a prolonged exposure to the deleterious efftuvia hovering round these nests of pestilence, we cam only conjecture. With all his care, the Health Inspector cannot inform us through what streets the fever patients whose deaths he records, were in the habit of passing. To the pictare we have drawn—for the fidelity of which every citizen of New York will readily vouch—but one touch is wanting, and that is the law on the subject.. An ordinance of 1849, sec. 2, declares that All pavements hereafter to be laid in any of the streets or lanes of this city, by the ite Sonsracton of of Pavements, or contractors for the sewers, or the laying of aler, fa, o te shall, after the pavement is laid and Heme have covered over them one inch in nd ees Sra pure sand, and no more. We need hardly say that. if this were ob- served. we should seldom be inconvenienced by dust. Instead of “one inch of pure sand,” we have the best authority for stating that, in al- most every instance above mentioned, the con- tractors cover the pavement with some three inches of fine powder, part stone, part earth, part sand, and part rubbish. Why is this suf- fered? Is it nobody’s duty to prosecute the offenders? Again: Section 1 of an ordinance of April, 1849, says:— No person or persons shall throw, cast, or lay any aaa offal, Regen: e, dross, cinders, shells, straw, dirt, or rubbish of any kind whatever, in any street, lane, or alley, or public place, in the city of New York. Although this. law has been in force nearly four years, and although heaps of almost every variety of all the substances enumerated in the above catalogue this moment encumber the pavement of half the streete*ot the city, not a single prosecution before a competent court has ever taken place under the ordinance. Mr. Henry Arcularius, Jr., very naively re- marks in his report: “Ordinances are either something or nothing.” As Mr. Arcularius grows older and wiser, he will discover the fol- ly of such a remark, and will agree, with us, that ordinances passed by the ity Council avail absolutely nothing. They are very orna- mental to the statute book, but of no use whatever to the city. Anybody may break them who pleases. It is nobody’s business to see them observed. City officers don’t care, policemen don’t care, citizens don’t want the trouble of meddling in the matter. The same gentleman informs us that $228,129 were expended last year in cleaning the streets. We can only regard this as a playful piece of pleasantry on the part of Mr. Arcula- rius, Over a quarter of a million spent in clean- ing streets, which, to our certain knowledge, have never been clean for one whole week out of the year! To use tife expressive phrase of the Down-Easter, this isa pilin’ of it upa leetle too ‘‘ mountaineous,” thisis. We do not mean to impute wilful misrepresentation to the commissioner, but we fancy some wicked goblin must have diverted itself by carrying back the mud as fast as Mr. Arcularius’ carts carried it away. One word more. Whose business is it to pro- secute offenders against the city ordinances? If a citizen visits the stationhouse, and complains that his neighbors incommode him by throwing garbage into the streets opposite his door, he is civilly recommended to prose- cute, and shown pretty plainly that the inspeg- tors and the police consider it none of their business. There is some mistake here. If we pay men to inspect our st#@ets. we ought not to be driven to the expense and trouble of inspect- ing them ourselves. Let us know the law on the point. Can any one turn informer. and is there any profit attached to the office? If so, we have a batch of delinquents in our eye ; and some poor fellow who is starviag might make a good thing out of ‘them, Gen. Prence’s "APPOINTMENTS. —It is an old adage, well endorsed by experience, that “ the proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof.” In fact. the trial of a thing is the only true test of its quality. And upon this test, thus far, the new administration will bear a pretty rigid examination in the matter of its appointments. It is simply impossible that all could be good. The President of the United States, were he as old as Methuselah, could not be expected to know everybody. Of the claims of many per- sons for office he can judge only from the vouch- ers laid before him; and if it too often happens that they exaggerate the merits of the individu- al, itis but fair to assume that he has made the best selection that he could from the lights before him. Gen. Pierce has been making some good ap- pointments. Major Hobbie, as First Assistant Postmaster General. is a capital appointment. If his health will allow, we sre quite well eatis- fied that in due time he will rectify the running machinery of his vast field of operations to the public satisfaction ; and we are equally well rutisfied that his late predecessors have left no sinecure upon his hands. The appointment of Col. Campbell, late Consul at Havana. to the head of the Mexican Boundary Commission. is good. The continuance of John Randolph Clay in his post at Peru. and his promotion to a full minister, we should say was also judicions, and due to him for the good services which, as a di- plomat. he has heretofore rendered. Charles H. Peaslee, as Collector of Boston. we doubt not, will give full satisfaction to the merchants of that city and the public at large. He isa modest. honest. unassuming and worthy man. Judge Upham, of Concord, and John Addison Thomas, of this city. as the American Commissioners ,to London for the settlement of private international claime, under the new treaty, are also good men and true. Nor is the celebrated Texa ranger, Jack Hayes, as Surveyer General for California, a bad selection, though it may ap- pear, at first glance, to savor too strongly of five-shooting rifles. and six-barreled revolvers, and bowie knives as heavy as a Roman sword. But Jack is, for all that, a man of business—is popular in California. and a striking example of Richmond’s doctrine, that In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility. And Kit Carson—romantie and historical Kit —the right hand man of Fremont in his ex plorations of the desert mountains and desert bavins of Utah. Oregon. California. New Mex- ico, and the vast plains which flank the Rocky Mountains—Kit. who can trail an Indian and designate his tribe. where a bloodhound would fail to cateh the seent—Kit Carson is the very man for an Indian agent among the Comanches, Apaches, and Navajoes of New Mexico. Old Entlion bh will approve the appoin r, he will do sir; he is t's children of the mountains, sir; th xy upped together. in the wilderness. on pe route and dog. sir; they are the men, Kit Carson willdo sir. He knows the fndiang. vir, and the Indians know him sir; yes. sir, they now him, and they fear him, and respect him, sir, Kit Careon will do sir; no Vrer have sir a woolly horse about him, sir.” We shouldo’t wonder if Colonel Benton had already made just such a speech as that to General Pierce, in confirmation of Kit Carson’s appointment. Campbell, of Alabama, though reputed as a political salamander of the hottest secessionism, is generally conceded to be a man of superior talents, and competent legal acquirements for the Supreme Bench; and the movement may possibly prove to be a good stroke of policy, in consolidating the two factions of the Southern democracy on the Union platform. We shall see by and by. Then, again, we understand the President has hit upon Mr. Daniel C. Eaton, of this city, | aspirants to consular dignity now besieging the capital. for Navy Agent. He isa retired merchant, understood to be worth some $300,000, and in all other respects a qualified and trustworthy man. If this be so there is a substantial guaran- tee that, in winding up his accounts, he will not fallehort. This is a mighty good feature in the case. In all offices affording a large and in- definite margin for pickings and perquisites, there should, in some shape or other, be se- cured, in the selection of the officer, a protec- tion against those tempting speculations which are so very apt to turn out disastrously to the Treasury Department. And we are gratified to say that, in the various responsible appoint- ments thus far made, General Pierce has evinced a practical purpose. in the choosing, as far as possible, men whose honesty may be re- lied upon; and has thus given to the country an assurance of his intention to steer clear of the Galphins, and all other Jeremy Diddlers, and premeditated plunderers of the public money. Let him adhere to this great principle. The rampant speculative spirit of the age im- peratively demands it. We are advised that, in regard to the New York collectorship, the cabinet have been cast- ing about for a conciliatory go-between the hard shells and soft shells—a half-and-half sort of a chap—and the idea is not a bad one. It is the common usage, in cases of extreme differ- ences of opinion, in the most trivial and in the most important affairs, to split the difference. We are waiting very patiently to see what sort of a king the great Jupiter is going to send us this time—King Log or King Stork. Heads up! We have, however. been speaking of some of the satisfactory appointments that have already been made by General Pierce. They show him to bea man of judgment and sagacity. We might. per contra. pick out some indifferent, some bad, and some miserable selections; but as the list will, no doubt, become longer, as the howl for the plunder becomes stronger, we shall defer their enumeration for the present. All things considered, General Pierce, thus far, in his distribution of the spoils, has been doing very well; and if the business has been some- what tardily done. we must recollect that there are some disappointments to be taken into the estimate. Puta little more oil on the guillo- tine. ConsvLatTEs IN THE West Inpra Ist.anps.—Now that there are such a number of gentlemen about Washington desiring the privilege of serving their country, and who. for the sake of doing so, would have no objection to receive consular ap- pointments, we conceive it to be very appropri- ate to publish some facts in relation to the proba- ble value of those offices in the West India islands, upon which our information is authentic. And if, after reading them, the innumerable ap- plicants have still patriotism enough to consent to gerve their country at the price, then let them persist in their praiseworthy efforts. The fol- lowing schedule and statements may be relied on as approximating most nearly to exactness in these matters :— CONSULS IN TIN PRINCIPAL PORTS IN TI: WEST INDIES. Occupation. Value. 000 guseeeessr. See 382388 & Ys eR St. Johns, P. Geo. Latimer... General, who bas the appointing of Vice Consuls in other parts of Porto Rico, except Ponce, and Consul part of the emolnmenta returned... ......ses06 4 Havana...... W.L. Sharkey .Consul only, Gon: sul General, who appoints Vice Consulsin other porte of the island, same as in Porto Rico. ..12 to 15,000 *Those marked with an asterisk are Commercial agents. It will be seen by the foregoing schedule that, with the exception of the two Consul Gen- eralships at Havana and Saint Johns, Porto Rico. the emoluments of the consular offices in the West India islands only average some $870 ayear. This petty remuneration, when taken in conjunction with the following facts, may serve to cool down somewhat the effervescing impetuosity of office scekers. In the Spanish. Danish, English and French islands, no person can transaet commercial business without taking the oath of allegiance, and obtaining a license. or permission. This, of course, cannot be done by a representative of a government. unless such representative should have been a resident merchant previous to re- ceiving an appointment. This fact, with the very considerable expenses of living in the islands, accounts for having most of the offices filled by resident merchants. the emoluments being co small as not to he an object for a person helding the office solely. Besides, by a late law of Spain, a Consul General shall be appointed 3 3 | by a government to reside at Havana and St. Johns, P. R., who shall appoint Vice-Consuls in other ports in the islands ; and Spaia will not recognise any other consul, after the pas- sage of this law. Those filling office previously, as at Ponce, P. R., of course remain until removed by death or otherwise. Many persons have strange ideas of the value of consulates abroad, no doubt obtained from looking at the “Blue Book.” published in Phila- delphia. In a recent number of the “Drunners’ Gazette,” in this city. the consulate of P: set down at $35,000 to $100,000, 'T most absurd idea, as it would not amount to that sum if every passenger to and from Califor- nia had to pay the fee of two dollars on pass- ports as charged in Europe. ‘The commercial agency at St. Thomas has heen also set down at $6.009 to $10900; but it has never heen worth the first amount sine the island has been known, The emoluments de- pend chiefly on the number of American ves- eels arr in distress, on which the notarial fees are considerable, most veesels being con- signed (0 regularly established insurance agents, | and not to the commercial agents, as has been eupposed. The merchants also throw in fees though not legally compelled to do so, to an obliging. hor est officer. Another source of in- come, in pre fees on American vessels arriving, whether en- tering at the custom house or not; but as these charges have been abolished of late on vessels ws years. has been from register | arriving without entering, this source is mach reduced. As the port of St. Thomas is an important place, commercially, though the consular pay is small, it is to be hoped the present administra- tion will appoint to it an officer capable, in all respects, to represent this country with honor and respect, and to protect and be a benefit to the large American interests centered there. These remarks are made to undeceive persons seeking appointments in the West Indies, and we commend them to the serious attention of all interested. We expect the publication of them will create regular stampede among the Accuracy oF THE TRIBUNE, ON THE LiQuoR Law.—The Tribune quotes a portion of an ar- ticle from the Richmond Whig, which origin- ally appeared in this paper, in regard to the progress of the various laws prohibiting the sale of liquor, and the success they have met with before the legislatures of a number of the States. and appends to it the following, which purports to correct a number of errors into which it alleges we have fallen:— ae anos eves: ied the Maine Li law, nor good. 2. It has not een n voted penal of Wisconsin; that by Soe for it, though the bill pass- ed “ the House was defeated in the Senate. instead of re} er the law, has adc ed it, abject ote approval of the people. Pe izh nota d ms fn Maseach ne ee etich Bi Boston and dee ie rs paireenedh and enfeebled its operation. So much for depending on the accu- racy of the Naw Yorx Hera, In answer to the above, we contend and re- peat—First, that Illinois has tried the prohibitory liquor law, and that said law was approved and signed by the Governor of the State on the first day of February, 1851, and that it remained upon the statute books, and was in operation for upwards of two years, and was only repealed by an act passed by the last Legislature, which went into effect on the 12th ultimo. Second— We did not assert that the law had been voted upon by the present Legislature of Wis- consin; we plainly stated. without naming any particular session, that it had been defeated, which the Zribune admits was the fact; and we are enabled now to announce that it has again been rejected by the present Legislature. Third--The liquor law in Michigan is far from being the Maine law. and contains very little that harmonizes with the stringent and coercive features of the law in Vermont. Nor is it a fact that Michigan has adopted it. It has, it is true, been passed by the Legislature, and will short- ly come before the people. to be by them sanc- tioned or rejected. Fourth—If the liquor law is not a dead letter in Massachusetts at the pre- sent time, to what extent of rum drinking and inebriation. we would ask, must the good peo- ple of that commonwealth be driven, before it would become so in the eyes of the Tribune? There are now more arrests for drunkenness, a8 the statistics show, and more committals for rowdyism and other crimes—the causes of which can be traced directly to the dram shops of Boston and its vicinity—than there were when liquor was supposed to have been imbibed from fifteen gallon kegs, and dealt out gratuitously at striped pig exhibitions, “So much for depending on the accuracy of the New York Tribune.” In connection with the subject of the liquor law. we will mention one or two facts which are not altogether inappropriate to the present article. A recent case—and we believe the first one under the Vermont enactment—will serve to preeent the stringency of that law, and also show the injustice which may grow out of its operation. It pro- vides that whenever any person is found in- toxicated, he may be apprehended and put in prison. and retained in custody until he reveal to the authorities, on oath. where and from whom the liquor which produced his in- toxication was obtained. Under this section of the law, a man was arrested at Woodstock on the day it came in force—the 8th inst.—and be- ing unable to recollect, from the totally uncon- scious state he was in while under the influence of the liquor, where he procured it, he was of course unable io give the required information, and has consequently remainedin prison ever since, with no hope of being relieved, except by a formal trial before the Supreme Court of the State. We have also a fact to mention, which is connected with the operation of the Liquor law in its birth place. The statistics of Portland, Maine, show tbat the number of persons committed for drunkenness in that city, from April, 1851, to March, 1852, was $25, out of which number 117 were dis- charged, the complaint against them not having been established. or, in other words, they were falsely charged, leaving 208 actual cases of drunkefiness during the year. From April, 1852, to March, 1853, there were 273 committals for the same offence, and 31 dis- charged, making the number of well founded cases during the latter year, 242, or an increase of 34 cases over the aggregate number of the preceding twelve months. How will this be accounted for. where the sale of liquor, by a most stringent law, is strictly prohibited ? Tne Barr axp Butter Controversy.—We can follow this affair no farther. The last card of Mr. Butler. of two mortal columns anda half, in the Journal of Commerce, blocks the game. His closing paragragh, however, will show how the matter stands :-— In respect to the offer of Alderman fare to sab- mit the question, whether or not [have been ne by him and General Webb, to the Grand Jury, I most respectfully decline. In reference to the latter, I have never had any occasion to ask for any help in dealing with bim. far as concerns the attacks of Alderman Barr, there are several reasous for de- clining his offer. The investigations, now in pro- gress, into some circumstances connected with the composition of the Grand J ary will present a state of things at which all good citizens mnst shudder. I have no personal animosities to gratify in alee to Alderman Barr. His other offences—tlie slight import- ance of his attack upon me, (so far a8 I am concern- ed,) and my duties of another character— int out tome a different course. The connection of James B. Taylor with this matter, and other circumstances in my knowledge, reveal a black conspiracy,’on the art of those who have been held up to public odinm i for their misdeeds, to injure me in the deepest man- ner. J defy their utmost malignity, and tal upon the public to do their duty towards such bold and unscrupulous tranagreesors against the i morals. Gronce TLER. This shows that our cotem ry of the Journal is getting slightly excited, less the matter is carried up to the Grand Bat une Jury. where is it toend? What is the “black conspiracy” against Mr, Butler?) Why does he, defy © their utmost malignity ? Who is « trick Doonan?” Axornen Ormratic Savon x New Yort.—On Monday evening next the summer reason of opera in the metropo lis will be inaugurated at Niblo’s. The public are alroady aware of the conjunction made by the Alboni and Mare’ xk troupes into one powerful company, comprising Alont, Steifanone, Salvi, and other artivtes of great roputation, Such a gataxy of starshave neyér before appeared here together in opere, The reason will be opened by “Dan Parquale, ‘The counting of the votes for the Assistant Engineers was oneluded last night at 10 o’clock at Firemen’s Hall. ‘The voting has been going on for the last few days, in very quiet but spirited manner, by the ‘Carson party’? om one side, and the ‘‘anti-Carson’’ om the other. ‘The inspectors began reading the returns at 10 o'clock: last night, not more than one-half of which were an- nouneed before our reporter left, which was about one o’clock this morning, at which hour the engine returns had just been finished, and showed # great majority for the ‘ anti-Carson party.”’ The chief of that party, Henry H. Howard, received the greatest number of votes. John Decker, also of the same party, received about one thousand votes. ‘The returns of the Hose, Hook and Ladder, and Hydrant Companies, yet remained to be read; but the general im- pression was that the anti-Carson party would triumph. The greatest excitement prevailed. among both parties; but everything was conducted in an orderly and quiet manner, The reading of all the returns occupied, no doubt, about seven hours. War Wire France—Apvice To Geveran Pierce.—Our patriotic cotemporary of the Courier is apprehensive that unless a pacific gentleman is appointed Minister to France, we may be plunged into a war with Louis Napo- leon. He may interfere in Cuba—he may pounce down upon Mexico, and appropriate a half do- zen departments of that inviting piece of terri- tory, before we can get our eyes open. And then he has such a formidable navy. Therefore, our diplomatic neighbor recommends, in case Mr. Dix should not be chosen, that Mr. Francis B. Cutting be appointed Minister to France, for the sake of preserving the peace with Louis Na- poleon. There may be something in all this worth looking after. Besides, the appointment of Mr. Cutting would give the Whigs another chance for a member of Congress from the Eighth district. Nota badidea. Let us be guarded, at all events, against a war with France; but we wonder if our neighbor is not more desirous of defeating the appointment of Henry A. Wise. than of preserving the peace with Louis Napoleon. How is this? Tux Ports or THE Post Cavine Iy.—The free soil and abolition vagaries of the poets of the Post, since the inauguration of General Pierce, appear to be taking a new direction. Their fan- ciful notions of the horrors of slavery are, ir fact, already transformed into a partial belief in the mysteries of the spiritual manifestations. In the Post of last evening. they say that— As to the a) nt intelligence of the res] given by the Taney we tattle it will turn out note much of a Tyme as it seems, but a case of the sym- pathetic action of different brains, such as we have seen in well-authenticated sere te in animal magnetism. But we merel est these thoughts forthe consideration of ph! ihoophe , and Lae & matured opinion. In the e we should ad- vise our friends to reserve their judgment as to the spiritual origin of the affair. They are almost gone. ‘“ Sympathetic action of different brains!” Awful!—awful! ‘ Well- authenticated experiments in animal magne- tism!” Verily, our neighbors are in need of a wholesome warning ; and as their opinions are not “matured,” we do warn them to give a wide berth to the rappers. In one thing we concur with the poets of the Post—tet the mys- tery be turned over to the philosophers ; and if they can do nothing with it, let the rappers be turned over to the grand jury. But at alk events, let the poets of the Post be saved from the ‘sympathetic action of different brains.” No time to be lost, Muntcrpat Rerorm.—We understand that the New York delegation will report the amend- ments to the city charter positively on Satur- day or Monday. The subject is surrounded with many legal difficulties, and requires great fa- miliarity with the machinery and operation of the departments. Their bill will contain im- portant arfl radical provisions, it is rumored, equally overlooked by the reformers of Metro-~ politan Hall, and the select committee of which Russell Smith was chairman. It will be ac- companied by a report on the measures submit- ted for consideration. Tuk SENATE AND THE PrestmpENT.—The Sen- ate hold on. though they have dwindled down to almost less than a quorum. It is said the administration want them out of the way be~ fore making certain appointments. which they may or may not reject. In the meantime. the five or six hundred dollars per day which the Senate costs the Treasury is something, as long as they are doing nothing. Let them set- tle their accounts and adjourn. There is no immediate prospect of war. Talk on ’Change. There was no now movement of importance to notice in produce markets yesterday. Regarding the Colleetorship of this port, it was snid— What would the public think, were a merchant eppointed to fill the office of Judge, or United States Attorney Gene” ral? And yet, the selection of a lawyer for Collector, Assig- tant Collector, Appraiser, or Naval Officer, is eqnally ab- surd. Merchants say that they always find it dificult to talk to lawyers, respecting practical commercial roatters, and that much delay occurs in attempting to make expla- nations, while to merchant speaking together i milar caser§ would probably understand each other in. five minutes. Merchants also claim that commercial agents,.an well as consuls, at important commercial points, should either be merehants, or have a commercial edueation. They contend, that were there a larger admixture of practical men employed in the administration of public affairs, the public interest would be better served. It reems incredible to them how euch cases as tho Gal- Phin and Gardner claims (to say nothing of Indian and other frauds), could ever havo been perpetrated under the suyervirion of practical men of integrity. A merchant stated that he was gratified to think that New Yerk waa o great national and nota sectional city, and trusted that it would always remain such; that the city was na ional ground, and as a great central empo- rium of trado, belonged as much to the citizens of all the other States ax to the State of New York. All attempts to Fectionalize it were so many stabs at its own onward growth in population and pro perity. It was believed that should the United States mint not ixeue the new sflver coinage until parties voluntarily sold it silver for gold, it might he a long time before it could do so Unless the government pay a higher pro- mium for silver than brokers, how are they to get it? Some anxiety was expresced to learn the nature of the instructions which would be given to the director of the mint, by the Secretary of the Treasury. Apropos—Messra, Wetmore, Roberta & Co, have received the following let- tor from tke director of the mint at Philadelphia :— Mint ov Tue Unrrep Staves, 7 Puitapeirusa, March 23, 1863.” y Gentlemen—In reply to your letler of yesterday, I have to state (in the directors’ absence) that under tho new silver coinage law tho mint ix not’ permitted to receive silver on deporit by individuals for re-coinage, but must purchase the silver and re coin it for the United States, to be old for gold to applicants. In the sbseneg of definite instructions from Washing- ton (now daily @xpected), I am unable to say when we shall commence purchasing silver, and at what prise. This Information will probably be made public within w few days. Very traly 3 your obedient servai nt, HERT PATTERSON, for Direotors. Wrrwore, Rowents & Co., New York, Strikes, as genoral thing, were disapproved of, yet, in all reasonable requests for better wages, it was thought round pelicy to grant them, The shipping interest wan among the first to concede better wages to its employes, Anether demand has recently boen made upon it in the advance claimed by caulkers and riggers for wages at $2 50 yer day. ‘ Personal Intclligence. Mr. Instice Mondlett,’ gg heel . Rabinsohm, Ger- many; Senor F. de Cantyp, He vans, and Don Felix *Wall- heim, Mexico were anilipg the arrivals yesterday at the Metropolitan. Alex. R. Holi iday, democrat from the Eighth nomination. , democratic member of Congress. istrict of Virginia, declines a re-