The New York Herald Newspaper, April 20, 1853, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 7424. PRICE TWO CENTS. OBITUARY. ‘Death of William Rufus King, Vice President of the United States. Gketch -of his Public Life and Services, &o., &0., ko. The event which has heen for some time anticipated by vthe public -has atiength occurred, The telegraph informs us that the Hon. Wizsam R. KinG, Vice President of the Waited States, died at his home in Selma, Dulas county, Alabama, on the Alabama river, on Monday evening, 18th ‘inst., having reached that place, on his return from Cuba, ‘the day previous. The Vice President was a little over sixty-seven years of age, having been born on the 7th of April, 1786, His native place-was in Sampson county, North Carolina, a tow miles east of Fayetteville. His father, William King ‘was oneof three brothers, whose paternal ancester emi qgrtated from the north of Ireland, and was among the early settlers on James river, in the colony of Virginia. ‘The mother of these brothers was descended from a Hu- guenot family, which had fled from France on the re- ‘vocation of the edict of Nantes, In the war of the Revolution, the three brothers espoused the whig side, and did good and effective service in the ‘cause of the country. The» eldest brother com- amanded © company of State troops; the younges held » captain’s commission in the continentalarmy, an ‘William, the father of the Vice President, took his posi Aion in the State line, as a common soldier, by the side of nome of the best and most patriotic men in the State. The date Hon. Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina, who reprevented the State in Congress for many years, also served in the ranks as a common soldier, through the war of the Revolution. and refused to accept of a commission in the army. ‘During the whole of the Revolutionary war, North Carolina was fighting ground, and none of her patriotic sons made greater sacrifices or met danger with tnore heroism than did the gallant family of King. ‘At the {conclusion of the war for independence, the fa- her of the subject of this sketch, wholwas a planter in in. dependent circumstances, devoted himself to the care o this family and the education of his children, At the early sage of twelve years, William R King was sent to the University of North Carolina, at Cha- el Hill. On leaving that institution, where he ac- quired a.good reputation for his correct deportment and studious habits, he entered the law office of William Duly, a distinguished lawyer of Fayetteville. In the gutumn of 1805 he was licensed as a practitioner in the Superior Court of North Carolina. In 1806 he was elected @ member of the Legislature from his native county of Sampson, being then in the twenty-first year of hin age. The following year he was re-elected; but being chosen solicitor by the Legislature, he resigned his seat in that body. Mr.King continuod the practice of the law until hhe was called upon to take a seat in Congress. He was elected a member of the House of Representatives from the Wilmington district, im August, 1810, when he was in the twenty fifth year of his age, and took his seat in the Congress of the United States in November, 1811, being the first session of the twelfth Congress. On that ovca- sion Henry Clay first made his appearance as a member ‘of the House, and was elected Speaker. The presence of the talented Ketuckian, and of Messrs. Calhoun, Cheves, and Lowndes, of South Carolina, with other active and spirited members of the House of Representatives, aided ‘by William H. Crawford, of Georgia, and a few others in ‘the Senate, infused new vigor into the ranks of the sup- -porters of the administration. It was soon determined that inactivity and indecision should no longer be the policy of the democratic party. For several years war with England had been contemplated as a probable event; but Mr. Jefferson had carefully avoided war mes- fsages, and his successor, President Madison, had endeavor ed @ pursue a similar course. It was believed by the new Jeaders of the democratic party who were in the twelfth Congrers, that efficient measures were now demanded by the people, and that a war with Great Britain would be popular, particularly with the party which sustained the administration. The policy of the democratic party respecting a standing army and navy, was unchanged, principally through the advice ard influence of Clay, Calhoun, and Lowndes, notwitstanding they met with opposition from many of their democratic associates of the old school. The youag and ardent democrats, among ‘whom was William R. Ring, zealously co-operated with their chosen leaders in the adoption of mea- wures preparatory to war. The act of declaration ‘of war with Great Britain, was passed by Con- gress in June, 1812, Mr. King advocating and voting for that important measure, which became the test of party fidelity with the demvcracy. Ho was re-elected in 1812, ‘and again in 1814, continuing to represent his district in Congress during the war, and sustaining with all his power every measure deemed necessary to enable the government to prosecute it to a successful termination. ‘He did not feel disposed to relinquish the responsible position in which his confiding constituents had placed ‘him, although a young man, until the rights of the coun- try were vindicated and secured and peace restored. He rewained a member of tho House until a year after ‘the close of the war, and assisted in the adoption of many mportant measures rendered necessary by the return of peace. Inthe spring af 1816 he resigned his peat in the House of Representatives, and ac. companied William Pinkney, of Maryland, as Scc- retary of Legation, first to Naples, and then to St. Petersburg, to which courts Mr. Pinkney had been appointed minister plenipotentiary. Mr. King remained abroad nearly two yoars, having, in that time, visited many parts of Europe, making himself acquainted with the various governments, and the condi- tion of the people. On his return to the United States he determined to ‘remove to the Territory of Alabama, “then a great point of attraction to Southern planters as settlers, which determination he carried into effect in the winter of 1818-19, and fixed his residence in the county ot Dallas, on the Alabama river, which continued his home, when not engaged in the public service, for the remainder of hia days. The section of South Alabama which he early selected for his residence comprises some 0 the finest table lands in the State, and is very productive in cotton, grain, and frui's adapted to the climate. In the vicinity of Mr. King resided the late Hon. William £mith, formerly of South Carolina. the late Hon. Dixon H. Lewis, Judge Pickens, and other distinguished planters and statesmen. The flourishing towis of Selma and _Montgomery, the present capital of tho State, afford con- venient markets and landing places to the planters on the Danks of the meandering Alabama in this part of it: course. A few months after Mr. King arrived in Alabama, and had taken up his residence in the territory, Congress having authorized the people to form a constitution and ‘establish a State government, he was elected a delegate to theCenvention chosen for that purpose. He was an active and influential member of that body, was placed ‘on the commtttee appointed to draft a constitution, and was also selected by the general committee, with Judge ‘Taylor, now of Mississippi, and the late Judge Hitch- cock, to reduce it to form, in accordance with the princi ples and provisions previously agreed on. Tho constitu. tion thus prepared was submitted to the Convention, and adopted with but slight alterations. Itisone of the fow ‘State constitu tions now in operation which has not re quired the calling of a convention to revise it, after the lapse of more than thirty years. On the adjournment of the Convention, Mr. King visited hhis former residence in North Carolina, and having ar- ranged his business there, set out on his return to Alaba- ama. At Millidgeville, Georgia, he received a letter from Governor Bibb, of Alabama, informing him that he had heen clected one of the Senators to represent the new State in the Congress of the United States. This was the first intimation which Mr. King had that his name had Deon presented to the Legislature for that responsible tation ; and injuriously as it would effect his private inter- (ats, in tho then condition of his affairs, he did not hesitate © accept the honor so unexpectedly conferred upon him. ‘Leaving his companions and attendants to pursue their ‘way to Alabama, he retraced his steps, and reached the ‘ity of Washington s few days before the meeting of Con- Srons. Hin colleague in the Senate, the Hen. John W. ‘Walker, had arrived before him. <Alabpuon Woe admitted int o tbe Union in December, 1819, and her Senators were required, as usual, to draw for their respective terms of service. Mr. Walker drew stx years, and Mr. King four years, expiring in March, 1823. He wasre-elected by the Legislature for four successive terms of six years each, viz:—in 1822, 1828, 1884 and 1840 ; but in 1844 he resigned his seat, after nearly twen- ty-five years continued Senatorial service, in consequence of accepting the appointment, by President Tyler, of Minister to France. At the time that Alabama was received into the Union the indebtedness of her citizens to the United States for Public lands—under the old credit system—was nearly twelve millions of dollars. It was apparent that this large amount could not be paid from the resources of the Planters, and that an attempt to enforce tho payment could only result in ruin to the people. Ccngress, satis- fled of the evils of the credit system that had been pur- sued, passed a law reducing the minimum price of the public lands to one dollar and twenty five cents, with cash payments, instead of two dollars per acre, the credit Price. This change was warnily advocated by Senators King and Walker. To the exertions of these Senators, also, is Alabama mainly indebted for the passage of laws which enabled her planters to relinquish » portion of their purchases of lands at high priees, and other mea sures of relief, which enabled them to save thomselve from threatened ruin, and so secure their possessions upon reasonable terms, In 1836 Mr. King was elected President of the Senate pro tem., and was repeatedly chosen to that office at various times, always performing the duties of a presiding Officer to the satisfaction of the Senate. He was induced to accept the offered mission of France, in 1844, from his anxiety to promote the annexation of Texas. It was feared that the French government would interfere to prevent the annexation, by uniting with Great Britain in a protest against it. Mr. King, fecling the importance of prompt action, did not even return to Alabama to arrange his private affairs, but repaired at once to New York, and took passage for Havre. Arriving in Paris, he obtained an audience of the King, presented his credentials, and at once entered upon the object of his mission. The result of his negotiations was to satisfy Louis Philippe of the impolicy of the proposed protest against the annexation of Texas, and the desired object of his mission was accomplished. This service gave Mr. King a strong hold upon the affections of the people of the South- ern States, who considered the union of Texas with the United States a measure of the first importance. Mr. King remained in France until the autumn of 1846, dispensing a liberal hospitality to his countrymen and others, and receiving from the most distinguished circles in Paris the kindest attention, Having requost- ed a recall from President Polk, he returned to the United States, in November, 1846. when Mr. Bagby resigned his seat in the Senate of the United States, in 1848, in consequence of being appointed Minister to Rus- sia, Mr. King was appointed by the Governor of Ala- bama to succeed him, and he was subsequently chosen by the Legislature for a full term of eix years from March, 1849. Upon the elevation of Mr. Fillmore to the Presidency, in consequence of the death of General Taylor, in July, 1860, Mr. King was chosen President pro tem. of the Se- nate, which station, as we have mentioned, he had held several times from 1836 to 1841. Being a decided Southern State rights man, he was opposed to the Union Compromise measures adopted by Congress in 1850, but finally acquiesced in that settle. ment of the questions which had agitated the nation. In June, 1852, he received the democratic nomination for Vice President, to which office he was elected at the last presidential election; but, as will be remembered, he was compelled, on account of ill health, to resign his seat in the Senate, and proceed to the island of Cuba, with faint hopes of recovery in consequence of the change of climate. But the hopes of himself and his friends have not been realized, and he has only lived long enough to reach his home, and die without entering upon the duties of the high station to which he had been elected by a great majority of the people of the United States. He had, however, nearly approached the good old age of three score and ten, and but few of our statesmen have seen more years of public service. Mr. King has never been married, He is the only bachelor who has ever been elevated to either of the two highest executive stations of the Union. He isthe third Vice President who has died in office—George Clinton died in April, 1812; and Elbridge Gerry, in November, 1814. Both died at Washington city, and both were advanced in years; the former seventy-four, the latter sixty-eight years of ago. “ Mr. King was ever a decided democratic republican of the Jeffersonian school. He always opposed the exercise of implied powers on the part of the general governmont, ur- less palpably necessary to carry into effect unquestionable granted power. He was firmly impressed with State rights doctrines, and in favor of a strict construction of the constitution. In all the relations ‘of life Mr. King maintained a spotless reputation. His frank and confid. ing disposition, his uniform courtesy and kindness, en- deared him to numerous friends, and insured the respect and confidence of all who had the opportunity of his a quaintance. In person, he was about six feet in stature, remarkably erect in figure, and well proportioned. Brave and chivalrous in character, his whole bearing impressed even strangers that they were in the presence of a pol- ished gentleman. He had the advantage of fine collo- quial powers and varied and extensive information, which rendered him a most interesting companion, His name will be enrolled in the annals of both his native and adopted State as one of the most worthy among their public servant, ‘The following, received by yesterday's mail, willbe read with melancholy interest at this time — THE LANDING OF THE VICE PRESIDENT. [From the Mobile Register, April 12.) Yesterday morning, about 12 o'clock, the steamor Junior, Copt. Armstrong, brought up Vice President King and his accompanying relatives from the steamer Fulton, whieh remains at her anchorage near Dog river bar. They were landed on Government street wharf, where animmense assemblage of citizens had gathered to witness the debarkation. Colonel King came forward, supported by two of the officers of the Fulton, and waa conducted to a carriage provided for the purpose. He appeared to be extremely feeble and attenuated, though he bore his head erect, and his eyes glanced around teemingly with a sad, though pleased interest, to find himself once more on the soil of his beloved Alabama— the Land of Rest, . There was a profound sensation in the large crowd pre- sent, as they gazed upon the form of the venerable states- man and patriot, thus enfeebled by the heavy hand of disease—thus stricken by the arrows of sickness, in the midst of the honors which the nation bas so recently be stowed upon him; and the sad countenances, the un- covered brows, and the mute decorum of all, testified to the deep rolicitude and sympathy which universally pre- vailed. Tho ead spectacle repressed the cordial and on- thusiastic cheers which would have otherwise greeted our illustrious fellow citizen upon his return to the em Nath! of the State which has so long cherished him as er favorite son. During the promrene of the Junior up the bay, with the national flag disp aged at her jack-staff, the State Artil. lery fired the Vice President's salute of seventeen gui lone! King, with his family, was immediately con- ducted to the Battle House, where he now has most plea- sant and desirable rooms. {tis, we understand, his in- tention to remain some days in this city. We trust that the fine weather now prevailing may alleviate his dis- ease, and give him some slight increase of strength. For some days before leaving Cuba the influence of the cli- mate there was not ro favorable as had been hoped, pes his passage to this port did not increase his de- bility. ‘Though our eiticons are not, under the circumstances, permitted to make any public demonstration of their re: gard for their distinguished countryman, yet they have thought it proper ‘and becoming. to testily to Lieutenant Murray, and the other officers of the Fulton, thoir grati- tude and esteem for the kindness, courtesy, and atten- tion, which those officers have extended to Colonel King during his presence upon that vessel. With this view, arrangements are on foot, we understand, to tender to them a public dinner. ‘The Fulton will remain but to-day, we believe, in our waters, and then proceeds to take her regular station in the service, (From the Mobile Advertiser, same date.] _* * * Celonel King had to be assisted to the car- riage, when he was driven to the Battle House, where the most comfortable apartments had been procured for him. | He is very feeble, and there is no probability that he will Pass again from Alabama. It is a solace to him to have been able to reach here alive, to die among his friends and kindred. He has the sincere and univer- sal sympathies of our Frople, and if human power or affection could avail, the fated hour of his removal hence would be long deferred, THE OATH ADMINISTERED TO VICE PRESIDENT KING. When sworn in, Mr. King was too feeble to stand with- out assistance, ani was supported on the right by G. W. Jones, M. C., and on the left by T. M. Rodney, Eeq., con- nl The ceremony was witnessed by the following ladies Margaret King, ef Alabama; Catherine do. ; = Stebbins, La.; John C. Caulfield, Ala.; 8. W. h Vtj 4, Maswilliam, §. (.; Joba Chartrand, 8.0; Marcy, wy ‘The ceremony, althongh simplo, was very sed and im- pressive, and will never be forgotten by any who were present. To see an old man, on the very verge of the rave, clothed with honore which he cared not for, and recieay wee otis Lc eapetes ee never ai nl was louching. was persuasion r. King would go through the ceremony as he looked on it as an idle form, for he said he was conscious he could not live many weeks. After the ceremony was over, Mr. King conversed with the gentlemen present for a stort time, and then retired to his couch. ‘The Effect of Mr. King’s Death in this City. Immediately on the receipt of the mews of the death of Vico President William Rufus King, the flags floating from the shipping, the Custom House, City Hall, and the principal hotels, were lowered to half-mast, as a tribute of respect to the memory of the departed statesman. TELEGRAPHIC. THE EFFECT IN ALBANY. AwBany, April 19, 1853 ‘The news of the déath of Vice President King casts gloom over the whole city. The national standard was hoisted at half-staff on the Capitol and City Hall, as a to- ken of respect for the deceased. EE ER NE SSE ARRIVAL OF THE CHEROKEE. TWO DAYS LATER FROM HAVANA, NEWS FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. F BacPronl The Memage)c! ao entent Baez, The steamship Cherokee, Captain Baxter, arrived yes- terday morning, from New Orleans the 11th, and Havana the 14th inst. She brings two days later news from the latter city than received by the Black Warrior on Sunday. ‘We have files of the Havana papers to the 14th April. Our correspondent writes to us as follows :— Havana, April 14, 1853, The Visit of the Caplain-General to St. Jago de Cuba—Trou- bles at that place, dc , dc. The sudden departure of General Canedo for Santiago de Cuba was more than necoseary. I reported to you at the time that the supreme magistrate, or “‘regente,”” as he is ealled, of the eastern province of this island, Mr. Arango, had been arrested, and thrown into the Moro at Cuba, by order of the Governor, Gen. Medinilla, because of a certain letter which was published in the Herat a short time ago, relative to ‘the arbitrary proceedings which had been exercised towards a British subject, who was expelled from the place of his abode without cause having been given, and recommending his case to the at- tention of the then political secretary, Martin Galliano,” An act so despotic as that of Governor Medinilla, and the indignity offered to the whole magistracy of the island, by throwing the Regent Arango into prison, for merely giving a letter of introduction to a man who had been ill used, and which letter, it seems (unluckily for Mr. Arango, in this instance), having found its way into the columns of the Hxratp, has filled the whole of the authorities at the ether end of the island with indigna- tion; and they having joined Mr. Arango in a most ener. getic and strong protest against an act so illogal as that of the Governor’s, Gen. Medinilla deemed that it was their intention to depose him from the command, which he immediately communicated to Gen. Canedo, who hastened thither to inquire into the circumstances. In the mean- while, the military stationed at that province have been causing the greatest uneasiness, from the increasing symptoms of insubordination which they have cf late manifested. Besides the incarceration in the Moro of Mr. Arango, neatly all the other authorities are under arrest—most of them, however, are merely confined to their own houses—ro that you may easily imagine that the very un- usual circumstance of captain-general extending his tour so far away from the capital as St. Jago, was in this instance absolutely necessary. Gen. Carrillo de “Albornez is acting as captain general during the absence of Gen. Cunedo. Of course you will understand that the cause of the arrest of the other au- thorities at St. Jago, is owing to their haying so energeti- cally protested against the illegal course adopted by Gov. Medinilla in the allair of the Regent Ataugo”’ “0. £. q. THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. The installation of the new President, Santana, had taken place with great solemnity, andin the midst o lively public rejoicings, On concluding the period of his magistracy, Senor Baez read to the Chambers a long mes- sage, in which he described, as prosperous, the general situation of the country, and proposed as the wisest doc- trines, to seek in the protection of European powers, that point of support necessary for their nascent state society. The following paragraphs, which we translate from the message of Senor Baez, place this doctrine ina clear light, and show, also, the sentiment of cordiality which prevails in the republic towards Spain, and which the recent visit of the Spanish war steamor Isabel II. had tended not a little to strengthen. Senor Baez holds the following lan- guage in his message:— ‘The suggestions of evil ambition, which respect no ac- quired rights, whatever may be their tftles, have pro- duced in these latter years just cause of inquietude to the authorities and peaceable’ inhabitants of the island of Cada. In past mon hs, also, insidious projects of an alarming disposition, founded on our immigration law, have been denounced by the press. With this motive, in protection of our inde jendence, and with the decided pur- pose of preventing whatever hostile act soever to the inju- ry of the Spanish nation, energetic measures were taken to frustrate every spurious plan which might attempt to shelter its foundation in this republic. ‘The situation of the government was a difficult one, in dictating restrictive orders with respect to the entry of foreigners into the country; but be what might the consequence of acting in such a delicate matter, or whother the powers with whom treaties were stipulated should comprehend or not the true tendencies of such measures, up to the present time the government has received nothing but marks of appro- bation, * 8 8 8 ee ee Besides this saving iden, comes another of not less con requence—that of insisting on the mediation of the two grea} and powerful nations who have always been carcful of our conservation, Strong proofs have been, up to the pretent time, given of the nobleness of tho views of France and England, and to no other cause—thanks to the efficacy of their protection we owe it—that thera has not been on the frontiers a periodical effusion of blood. In my former message I had occasion to congratulate myself and the Legislature for the immense authority which the French people had eonfided to the most gene- rous friend of our young republic—Prince Louis Napoleon. To day, the empire re-establishea, that authority remains in hia’ hands in a permanent manner; and through it France will hold that lofty influence in the world to which her refinement and her power give her incontestable rights. From the moment in which we proclaimed our independence, shaking off Haytien domination, France took the initiative in procuring for us peace—in regu lating the foreign policy. She terminated at once the question which occasioned such losses to the two peoples who divide in this island dominiov and sovereignty. International relations, generally well cultivated, will bealwaysa profuse source of benefits for those coun- tries which, as ours, found on periodical emigration their hopes of progress. ‘They will place us in the way of obtaining the material advantages, of which our country is susceptible, by the nature of its territory and its in r situation, and to them we will be debtors for-the ad- yantages in moral order, which sre immediately derived from connection with civilized people. This purpose is fulfilled by inculcating the necessity of being explicit in the manifestation of our friendly and sincere desires towards the ancient metropolis. Spao iards all, by origin or by education—having the same cus- toms, the same religion, the same lenguage—we see al- ways'in natives of the peninsula, our brothers and our friends, the companions of the achievements which, in other times, illustrated these territories, presaging from that time forth the portents of which the Spanish Ame: rican race was capable. Be what may the motive which makes us differ, we must not attribute it to hostile Providence, in preserving us from civil war, pleased to leave intact the sentiments of reciprocal affection between these two people. Spain neither op- pored by force the political modifications which were wrought in this portion of her dominions, nor was it necessary, in effecting this, to shed the bleod of our brethren.” Thus, then, our duties already prescribed, we ean call for peaco at the gates of the metropolis, certain of meeting a sincere reception. By an act of Congress, the commerce with Spain ought, in my opinion, begin already to calculate on the same freedom as with the most favored nation; and, besides, from our own sense of propriety, it would ‘be right to re- cognize, as a national debt the amount of losses which the Spanish residents of St. Domingo sustained by the con fiseation of property decreed by the Haytien government, reserving to ourselves the right of exacting from the lat- ter the corresponding compensation at the definitive regulation of peace. ; Edmund WEAVING OF BRocaTELLEs.—It is said that a fac- tory at Humphreysville, Conn., is the only one in the world where silk brocatelies are woven by power looms, At all other places where they are made the weaving is done by hand, and, previcus'to the successful operation of this establishment it was deemed impoasible to con- struct machinery ingenious enough to weave in silk the complicated patterns of the brocatelles, The use of ma- chinery is the thing which enables ‘to com with the German and French manufacturers in this branch of industry, as the foreign establishment ita in of labor. have greatly the ad’ the cheapness ‘Th: artist eee to execute designs an draw new is one of the best order, and was WNapotcon'a ‘celebrated aban! o¢ donign at educated at Tyona. HIGHLY INTERESTING FROM WASHINGTON. EUROPEAN POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS, errr Deduetion upen the Charge fer Newspapers, &., &., &. TELEGRAPHIC, IMPORTANT POSTAL REGULATIONS—NEWSPAVERS FOR EUROFE—CURIOUS DISCOVERY—ENGLAND HAS BEEN RECEIVING DOUBLE /PAY—EX- SECRETARY CORWIN—SIMEON DRAPER AND THE PURCHASE OF GOVERNMENT STOCKS—SERIOUS IMPUTATIONS, ETC. SPRCIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THR NEW YORK HERALD. Wasunoroy, April 19—9 P. M. The Post Office Department has just adopted regulations by which the postage on newspapers, when sent from the. United States in the British or open mail to great Britain, for transmiasion, is two cents each, to be prepaid, in- stead of four cents, as stated in the postage tables last published, being the United States postage only. When newspapers for those countries are to go in the United States and Prussian closed mail, the rate required to be prepaid is six cents, being the full United States, British, and German postage. In order to prevent confusion be- tween the British open, and the Prussian closed mails they should be marked as follows,— City of Alexandria, via Marseilles, by French packet. Algeria, Austria and its States, via France. Baden, via 8. Bavaria, via France. Belgium, City of Bremen. Brunswick, City of Be; France. rout, via Marsailles, by French packet. The Dardenelles, ditto ditto. Denmark, via France, German States. Greece, via Marseilles, by French packet. Hamburg and aven. Hanover, via France. Holland, Free City of Lubeek, Mechlenburg Schwerin, and Strelitz, via Franee, Moldavia, Kingdom of Naples, via Marseilles, by French packet. ‘Norway, via France. Oldenburg, via Franee. (News pers cannot be forwarded, except as letters, to Poland, Prussia, Rowan or the Papal States, and Russia.) Saxony, via France. Scrutaria, Asia, Smyrna, Asia, cities of, via Marseilles, Sweden, via France. Switzerland, Turkey, Europe, and Tuscany, via Mar- seilles. Venetian States, Wallachia, Wurtumburg. Note.—For the countries above, where the route is de- signated, can only be forwarded as there specified. Those important modifications of previous regulations have been adopted by the present able Postmaster Gen- eral, Judge Campbell, in consequence of the receipt of the following rather emphatic despatch from the post of- fice authorities in London, calling his attention to the ir- regularities and neglect of the Post Office Department here whilst under the direction of the late Postmaster General, N. K. Hall :— Geverat. Post Orrice, Loypoy, 29th March, 1853, Sir—Tho Postmasfer General has received your letter ofthe 3lst of January last, in which you informed his lordship, with reference to your previous letter of the 26th of the same month, that you had so far mo- aoe o order _ oe 24th of January, issue ry you, respeccins ie rates of posta; to. be collected’ in the. United States pont attees for France forwarded through the United King- dom, that the usval credit of two cents on each newspaper for France via England, would continue to be given to this eet by United States Post Office, as heretofore. e receipt of this communication has brought to the knowledge of the Postmaster General the fact that the United States Post Office, in sending to this ceuntry newspapers for France, has accounted to the British Post Office fora postage of two cents gn each news- paper, contrary to the provisions of the twelfth article of the postal convention of the 15th of December, 1548, in hich itis stipulated that letters and newspapers pass- ing between the United States and France, and sent ——- the+United Kingdom, shaJl be speeially ex- ce] from the British transit rates applicable to other foreign correspondence; because, under the po. tal_ccnvention between France and the United King- dom, such letters and newspapers are liable to certain rates which are to be paid to this country by the French post office. The Postmaster General extremé- ly regrets that this circumstance has so long escaped tho attention of this department, and that thus the post office of the United States has been permitted to account to the British post office for postage on the newspapers in ques- tion, to which the latter has no claim. And his lordship is much concerned to find, on§ enquiry, that the United States post office has accounted to this office for a postage of two cents, not only upon each newspaper for France, and for countries the correspondence of which is sent through France, but also upon newspapers addressed to many other countries mentioned in the accompanying Unt, under convention with this department, owing to which, the British post office has twice received payment upon such newspapers. This irregularity, which was re- ported to your department on the 17th of May, 1850, has, I regret to state, continued without correction up to the present moment, owing, as far as the British post office is concerned, to the original papers on the sub- ject having been unfortunately mislaid. This being the ‘case, the Postmaster General will readily reimburse the post office of the United States the amount of postage erroneously received by this office, upon being furnished with a statement of the number of newspapers for the foreign countries in question, which have been forwarded through England from the United States, since the con- vention of 1848 came into operation. Inthe meantime, his lordship requests that you will be good enough to issue immediate instructions to your olficers not to give credit to this office in future, for any newspapers ad- dressed to those continental States with which the United Kingdom has concluded postal conventions. enabling this department to receive the postage collected on the do- livery of newspapers, and that you will also cause the reduced rate of two cents—the United States rate—to be charged in the United States upon such newspapers, in- stead of the postage of four cents, which it appears has been hitherts collected, to enable the United States post office to defray the British transit rate. I havo the honor to be, sir, your obedient, humble servant, M. MABERLY, To THE PosTMASTER GENERAL, &c., &c., Wasinncron, ‘The prompt and decided action of Judge Campbell is deserving of praise, and augurs well for the affairs of the department under his administration. ‘The facts and figures with regard tothe purchase of United States stocks, have been incompletely stated. The following statement can be relied upon :—The only person employed by Mr. Corwin was Mr. Simeon Draper, who had seventeen hundred thousand dollars placed in his hands for the purpose of buying up United States stock. Up to this date all he has purchased amounts to but three hun- dred thourand dollars, leaving a balance in his possession of fourteen hundred thousand dollars, This has been ostensibly secured to the Treasury Department by the deposite of stocks of all descriptions, which would proba- bly fall short if the department desired to raise the money upon them. The transaction is deemed a violation of the sub-treasury law, and an agent of the government fhas been despatched to New York to investigate the circum. stances. Independent of the legal steps to be taken, the President will doubtless feel it his duty to lay the matter before Congress at the next session. It is believed that Mr. Corwin has rendered himself liable to impeachment, and his being out of office wiil not affect the proceedings in the slightest. Without the aid of government brokers, large amounts of stock are daily received at the treasury department, and liquidated under the recent law to that effect. X.Y. 4% BY MAIL. THE POLICY OF THE ADMINISTRATION—THE NEW ORLEANS CONTRACT—APPOINTMENTS. {From the Washington Republic, (whig organ) April 19.] ‘The administration are already realizing the perplexi- ties of such responsibilities as theirs in the considera- tion of questicns other than disputes of partisans relative to the division of the #1 Thus they are deeply im- mersed in problems of foreign poliey, which they conceive toh ated out of the inst six years’ galloping ex tension and increase of American (oterests’in the West Indies, on the shores of the Carribean sea, and wherever the waters of the Pacific lave a continent or isiend. It in said, im quarters in which I have confidence, that they have made up their minds that it will no longer answer to follow the beaten track of American diplomacy in such quarters, but that almost entirely new principles of action must hereafter goverm our policy thore, which have for their basis the purpose of pushing with extreme vigor as well as protecting as hereto- fore, our West Indian, Contral American, and Pa- cifle’ commerce. They thus design, if posible, to take the lead of Britain in opening new foreign fields nm for American ent: ‘ive, resortiny ly to pretty much the same means tiecugh which abe has eo far been ona- bled to preserve her commercial supremacy against the rivalry of all nations. ‘Thus we are about to meet her on many fields, tusseling and wrangling for privileges at least in all respects equal to those which her two hun- dred years of persevering energy have seeured for hor. This purpose on the part of our poveremens, can hardly fail to end in naval recommendations in December next, such as will astonish the democratic Senators and mem- bers from the rural districts. Nevertheless, as without a corresponding navy, big words from ministers plenipo- tentiary are Leaf jokes, their rural honors must yote to foot the bill, or be content to check the Ais se of our foreign commerce, which is just now ex; producing practical results almost as astonishing as the wonders of the Arabian tales. Horetofore it has very Eee bere spon © hee Oe ee eae members from rural reg! pert of their districts is, of tho prosperity of mereial cities, whose understand sufficient of fain rule works beth ways, tration are about to undertake their instruction in this now almost self evident theory, or rather truth, they will doubtless learn rapidly, bappily abandoning the Se snd pound-foolish axioms which have erties governed their votes on naval questions. The lent is recovering his health and sceoneee. To-day, thanks to the gradual dispersion of the office seelers, four-fifths of whom have gone, he looks far bet- ter than at any previous time since reaching the federal ei ‘he Cabinet were to-day upon the Rhode Island ap- pointments, it is judged. Their action has not yet trans- Ir is taid on the avenue that the only question in issue delaying the signing of the groat contract with Glover and Mather fora twice a day mail. by low pressure boats, between New Orleans and St Louis, is whether such boats can navigate the Mississippi above New Orleans. After being prepared, ready to be signed when the new Postmaster General entered office, many members of Congress, (urged on, I presume, by disappointed bidders) pressed him to delay carrying it cut; and he has done #0 until he can investigate the only remaining point in issue, which was started, by-the-by, by Senator Bright, who has always taken a wonderful interest indeed in western waters wail contracts, The price agreed to be paid is $450,000 per annum. Wo are likely to make a haul-over of John Bull very shortly, the old gentleman having proifered to pay over certain postages which he has legally collected for the ocean teansit of newspapers from certain continental countries tours, via the Collins line By the instructions originally prepared in our Post Ofice Department, the cestn postages on such newspapers were very generally collected from the receivers here. Thus doubie payment has been the result of the bungling instructions issued on this side. Ax the payments were all very small, there will be mo reclamation by the losers, and whatever Mr. Bull will have to pay over will be so much clear (but really illegal) gain to the Uuited States treasury. It is to be hoped that Postmaster General Campbeil will at once amend his instructions; for such improper exactions usually come from the pockets of those least able to bear em, ‘The Hon. William Fuller, of Maine, is here. Friepds of his colleague, Hamlin, say that he it doing ‘his bost to have Mr. George M. Chase appointed Commissioner of the Sandwich Islands. P. 8. The following appointments for Rhode Island were agreed on to day, in Cabinet council, commissions being issued for them in the course of the afterncon, vi Francis E. Gardiner, United States Marshal;’ George H. Brown, District Attorney; Weleome B. Sayles, Postmaster, Providence; Milton Hall, Naval Officer, ‘port; Collec: tors—Gideon Bradford, for Providence; George H. Run- nela, for Bristol, and George Turner, for Newport; Silas A. Comstock. Naval officer, Providence; Samust Maxwell, Surveyor at Warren; James Fisher, Surveyor, Pawtucket; Joseph 1. Sisson, Postmaster, Pawtucket. John James, Commissioner for the erection of the new custom-house at*Providence. APPOINTMENT BY THE PRESIDENT. [From the Washington Union, april 19.) Daniel 0. Morton, of Toledo, Ohio, tobe Attorney of the United States for the district of Ohio, in the place of S. Mason, resigned. California Emigration. VAN BUREN, ARK. The Van Buren (Ark.) Intelligencer, of the 30th March, aays:— ‘The number of strangers in ourcity, and arriving daily, indicate n large overland emigration over the southern route to California this spring. Many of our own citizens, as well as persons from abroad, are collecting large herds of cattle, which they intend to drive to California. The bustle and stir of business that animate our workshops show a degree of preparation and a knowledge of require- mentsfor the trip. Many of those who are preparing for the journey are experienced in overland travelling to the lend of gold, and inexperienced persons who accompany them will feel assured of a safe conduct. Van Buren is situated near the head of emigration en the Arkansas river, in the midst of the oldest settled and moat populous part of the State, Emigrants leaving thin point have one great advantage over those starting from the Missouri frontier, in this, that the grass springs earlier, by some two or three weeks, on this route, than it does ‘on the Independence or northern routes; snd emi- grants can proceed near half their journey from this point, before the emigration starts from Independence or eston. It ix a conceded fact, sustained by the reconois- ance of officers of the army, ax well as by emigrants, that ‘wood, water and grass are more abundant on this route than upon any other now known. The country is gen ally level, and the passes through the Rocky mount fer, easier, and shorter than the route through the “Southern Fass” and the Salt lake, WESTON, MO. [Frem the Weston (Mo.) Argns, Apgil 1.] We are but four miles from Fort Leavenworth, from which place there is ig eg ee road to Fort Lara- mie passing through Fort Kearney. It is the finest road in Awerica—high, level, dry, and with fine grass and convenient water. For a few sailes in the vicinity of Fort Leayenvorth the country is set with fine blue grass, which is several weeks earlier than the prairie grass. Emigrants can come to Weston as cheap on the boats Independence, Kansas, or Parkville, and are just se much further on their journey when here; but when they travel north of this place they lox The road from Fort Leavenworth, be ing northwest, inthe new military road, which crosses the Big Blue, 124 miles from Leavenworth. The dotted Hne from Leavenwerth was the old military rosd, into which the St. Joseph road strikes. On account of the large streams, the swamps, the sands, the hills, and the crookedness ot tho whole road, it was abandoned by the government, and the new military road, some forty miles shorter, was surveyed, improved, and bridged in 1860, and is kept in constant repair by the United States army. ‘The old, or St. Joseph road, and the new military road, unite abont twenty miles this side of Big Blue.” When rou have traveiled up to St. Joseph, with a poorer mar- ket in which to outfit, you are as far from the Blue as when at Weston, and have before you one hundred miles of indifferent grass, of ureven, crooked, miry, uncared for road and large streams. From Leavenworth to the Big Blue, by the military road, 124 miles. From Leavenworth to the Big Blue, by land’to St. Joseph, 167 miles. From Leavenworth to the Lig Blue, by river to St. Joseph, 195 miles. From Leavenworth to Laramie, by military road, 598 miles. From Leavenworth to Larainie, by Kanesville by land, 745 miles. From Leavenworth to Laramie, by Kanes: ville by river, 985 miles. SPRINGFIELD, ILL. [From the Springfield Register, April 7.] For few days past our streets have been enlivened with California wagons from Ohio and Indiana, and seve: ral haye originated here. It is plainly perceivable that there is this season a vast emigration to Uregon and Cali- fornia—principally to Califor An impression seems to prevail that there will be less emigration this spring than last. This error proceeds from the fact that people have become so habituated to the subject thata trip to that country excites no remark. The first we hear now: a-cays is thata man is gone. Formerly the news was proclaimed for months before the adventurer set out. We are sure that Ohio, Indiana and Illinvis will send as may beyond the mountaing this year as any previous ear, and we hear of no falling off in any other quarter. The steamera by the Isthmus route run full, and the “starting points’? on the Missouri are beginning, even at this early day of the season, to be crowded with emi: ants. ir new feature in this movement westward is seen this reason. Hundreds of men who have made fortunes in California, and returned here last fall and summer, are among those going out, most of them taking fine trains of wagons, cows, mules, and horses, in droves—nearly all purchased with money obtained at the mines. From New Brunswick. Letters have lately been received at New Brunswiek from many of the young msn who were the first emi- grants to Australia, giving a decidedly discouraging pie- ture of affairs in that land. Most of them think they would have been better off to have remained at home. ‘he New Brunswick Legislature has issued an address to the Queen in regard to the fisheries, in which they ask her to continue the same protection to the fisheries ‘8 was afforded last year, being impressed with the be: Nef that it will prove much more advantageous and isfactory than the acceptance of any equivalent yet of- fered by the American government } for a participation in those fisheries. The opinion is also decidedly express- ed that the fisheries in the rivers, harbors and estuaries should be reserved exclusively for the people of the Pro vince, and that no foreigner should be permitted to par- ticipate therein upon any terms or conditions whatever. ‘The address then treats of the commercial relations between the provinces and the United States, and thinks the separate treaties on the fisheries and reciprocal trade would be detrimental to the interests of the province. ‘The address sa; “We humbly contend that only one convention, em- bracing all the objects now under discussion between the two governments relative to the fisheries and the freedom of commerce, should be negotiated; such ¢on- vention to contain ® provision, reserving to your Ma- jesty’s government the full right of withdrawing any concession of the fisheries that it might be deemed ex- pedient to make, upon giving due notice“of such inten- tion whenever it may be thought proper s0 to do.1) When the United States are willing to concede to the provinces resiproeal free trade in the natural productions of those provinces, including those of the field, the forest, the mines, and the fisheries, to extend the prin- ciple of reciprecity to colonial ships, and to open the coasting trade, then, they a “ We will be willing to admit the American fishermen toa free participation with British subjects in the in- shore and bay fisheries on the coasts of New Brunswick, with permission to land upon the coasts for the purpose of drying their nets and curing their fish, not interfering with the rights of private property or British fishermen; provided that the fishermen of New Brunswiek are per- mitted to enjoy a free participation with American citi- zens in the in-shore fisheries and the fishorirs within the bays on the coasts of the United States, subject to the like conditions, limitations, and Tegulatians as should be imposed upon Ameriean fishermen in the waters of New NEWS BY TELEGRAPH. Death of Vice President King. INTERESTING FROM ALBANY. The Loan to Pay the State Debt, Testimony in the Gardner Case. Marine Affairs---Market Reports, &., de, dk. Death of Vice President King. Cuarueston, April 19, 1858, The Hon. W. R. King, Vice President of the United States, reached his home in Dullas county, Alabama, om Sumday morning, and died yesterday evening at six o'clock. He will be buried to-morrow morning at eleven o’clock, at his plantation of the Pine Halls, six miles east of Cabawba. He was about sixty-eight years of age- pba lataeetia ties. Interesting from Albany. - AWARDS FOR THE LOAN TO PAY OFF THE STATS DEBT—THE TAX-PAYERS AND THE CANAL FUND— COLUMBIA SUPERVISORS INDICTED, ETC. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THE NBW YORK HERALD. Atnany, April 10—8 P, ML The Comptroller has awarded the loan at five per cemé, to pay off the State debt of $467,000, as follows:— . 8. 10,000 B. F. Bancroft, ::10,000 Rickson .. 60,000 W. Cuyler. .142,961 05 The premiums received, $34,038 95, make up the ameam: of the debt to be paid, $467,000. A gain of the State by the operation is the deduction of the debt by the $54,038 05 and one per cent of interest, | 7 “Be Sum OF Frederick J. Botts, of Newburg, has addressed an able letter to the Comptroller, complaining of injustice done + tho tax-payers by making the advances to the canal fund. He protests against any future pryment out of that fund for any purpose other than required by the rer. Beres 400k in tho Hudson River care lov. Seymour took pas: in tha this mmorving for NewYork. - ‘The Supervisors of Columbia county have all beem im- dicted by a Grand Jury, for soveral alleged ollencos com. mitted in their public capacity. 4 THE BANK BASIS BILL. ‘ALBANY, “April 19, 11 The Bank Basis bill is in the hands of the Govecoe, unsigned. 7 Progress of the Gardner Trial. Wasuinatox, April 19, 186%. In the Gardner case to day, Col. Abbott was further exe. amined, and diagrams, made in part by him, exhibited by the defence, which went to show that the southerm bousdary of the municipality of Laguinillas, as laid dowm on the maps heretofore exhibited by the prosecution, was wholly conjectural; that instead of three leagues, aw thoy had represented, the southern boundary line was five leagues due xouth from the village of Laguiniliss, and therefore included in the municipality Dr. Gard: ner’s mines. Capt. Slosum and Col. Abbott have both testified that those mines were not more than twelve miles south of the village. Captain Doubleday, who made the map exhibited by the prosecution, was recalled by the counsel, and ex- plained he did not make accurate measurements of dia- tarces, hin prineipal object being to got the relative po- sitions of the mines and other objects. His original Graft of the map was produced, and the discrepancies pointed out. The counsel for the United States said they shoul’ prove their map to be the best that could be got Senor Huiel. attached to the Mexican Legation since 1848, identiied the signature of Rosas, the Mexicam Minister, on papers offered by the defence: also other handwriting and signatures on certificates in the mining account book. He also stated that President Ariste wrote to the Legation, commending Gardner's claim to their notice. Frem Boston. LOSS OF BARK GEORGE D. SMOUSE—ATTEMPTED MUR- s DER—FIRE AT MEDFORD. Boston, April 19, 1858. The bark Geo. D. Smouse, of Boston, from Rockland, Me., for Galveston, is reported by telegraph to have gene ashore at Owl’s Head, near Rockland, and is expected te be a total loss. The publisher of the Life in Boston was assaulted last night about ten o'clock, within afew paces of his real- dence in Cambridge, by two ruifians in the employ of Boston, Gambl "and Beat and, bruised cate oe su] ed to less. A slut ot was employ ane there is no doubt they intended to kill him on eecomae at his exposure of the galvanized prop tables. The grain and mahogany miil of the Messrs. Cutters, in Medford, was destroyed by fire last night. A valuable stock of mahegany logs and plank, together with a quam- tity of grain, was consumed. The’ loss is about $20,000; no insurance. From the South, THE NEW ORLEANS AND KEY WEST MAIL LINE— FATHER GAVAZZI IN BALTIMORE. Baurimore, April 19, 1868. The new mail line from New*Urleans to Key West was to go into immediate operation. The first steamer was advertised to on the 17th inst. The managers of the Mechanics’ Institute have refused Father Gavazzi the use of their hall fer the delivery of his lectures. Strike of Walters in Philadelphia, April 19, 1868, The hotel waiters in this city are on a strike, Females have been substituted at the Franklin House, and othe proprietors are about to follow the example. Suicide at Savannah, Savannan, April 19, 1858. Capt. Wm. M. Sartelle, of the brig’ Coral, committed suicide today. He leaves a wife and children at Thomas- ton, Maine, Steamers arrived at Southern 5 New Onikans, April 19, 1863. ‘The steamship Empire City, Capt. Windle, has’ arrived frem New York, via Havana. Savannan, April 19, 1853. The steamship Alabama, Capt. Ludlow, has’ arrived hero, in fifty-nine hours from New York, CuARLEsTon, April 19, 1858. The United States mail steamship Marion, Capt. Berry, arrived here at twelve o'clock last night. Markets. New ORLEANS, et 18, 1858. The sales of cotton to-day have been 4,500 bales, at firm prices since the reception of the Pacific’s news, which came to hand at noon. Middling, 10c. a 1036.3 govd middling, 11c.; mesa pork sells at $16 a $15 25° Sterling exchange, $c. a 9340. prem. Cotton freights te Liverpool, 9-16d. New Onueans, April 19—Noom. The sales of cotton already to-day are 3,000 prices remaining firm since ffc’s advices. We quote strict middling at 104¢¢ a 10 y Unmiricatep Rascauity—A Dog Kiiurp To SOLD 48 MUTTON IN MARKET.—A case was brought before the Police Court yesterday, which, in the testimony, closed facts of the moat unmitigated meanness re- yolting character, involving the health and lives of eur citizens. William String, a butcher residing in the rear of the Brighten House, and holding stall No. 10 in Wade street Market, was arraigned before the Court on the charge of selling unwholesome ay ided for im the ordinance. Mr. Todhunter, Marl ster, testified that he had been informed that had killed on Sunday morning, and dressed it ‘the manner dressing mutton, for the purpose of selling it im market. On receteing the information, he went to the ala house and there found the dog suspended from a re gularly dressed, scored and prepared for market. Several witnesses were examined relative to the charge, all of whom corroborated the evidence of Mr. Todhunter, while one or tro testified they had knows the prisoner to pur- chase a ‘‘sluck’’ calf, threo days old, offer its meat in market for ee ee ee ee In fact, the evi- dence elicited was ot the most revolting character, well calculated to make mankind foroawear the use of meat forever. One of the hands in the employ of stated that he bad killed the calf referred to, as well as the dog, but in extenuation of the latter stated that it was for the purpose of pi hed fat of the dog for medicinal purposes. The evi however, went ta show that ff the discovery of the killing of the dog not been made, in all probability the animal would, ‘been offered in market as mutton, from the fact of ite being carefully eo § and Seles Bee the a meat, The court, ‘pooner, #; oSe age on the enormity of the crime. against ity of Fig i iter ny a th Mi ~ ‘of the laws in rega: \¢ selling {roing ede Of the court was, that he choulds forte te stall, No. 10, in Wade street market, and 29 foatidien ‘at in market for the space of six months, iMIne of $20 and the conta of prosecution, end te, Committed until paid.—Cincinnati Inqusrer, aypril 18. i bs Bi ick, * * * * Should these negotiations ve unsuccessful, and the government. of the United ‘Kates Pg enige y Ao Buin — The chaxt, of — persist in refusing to ‘extend to those colonies advan- ‘aoe pi phe Aer hl pom ry tages situilar to those which the American people bave | Frapocsy a0 the toptnet waten, bastion being, abtained from Groat Britain, we would earnestly urge on | leeks with rebeence to th Jour Majerty the necessity of ri ee eet | 'fethown the. lnke to be divided into three sections, One Wine be neaelag ttt Cee darelioa with regaet b wae of these extends frem the head down to Pt. Pellee Notiaie big — ~ | and the bottorn presents a goneral Jove, with a depth a a ‘x- A fire in Allegheny Giiy, on Wednesday, the 13th inst, deat, tad stcetshes e Loo, ‘inn ala evel ath . destroyed. the hive lead factory of . Stockton, Pay oF 694070 feet, ‘he third ssotion tes “ a Fangs aon Rianatheaas cas | Stor Geeks dete hos we poh Insurance Company, will cover Joss sustained | tie, Hes but o by the a opth of water.