The New York Herald Newspaper, February 2, 1854, Page 5

doce memeren t= NEW YORK HERALD.| AX ME GORDOS BESSETP PROPRIETOR AND SDITOR. DYPICH H.W. CORNEB OF FULEON AND #AGEAU 15, BOWERY THEATRE, Uncte Tom's Gast. jroadway—Hore ov THE Fa- ov Tue GANGES BROADWAY THEATE & =r CATARACT 14 THEATRE, Chambers street —-Oun Bast Bow 8 TOOPLE NATIONAL THEATSE, aroab © ARDS. Afternoon— a Love Cxase- Love | Wire. WALLACK’S THEATRE peu—MR. AND 4H ane CAN MUSRUM—A Tow Txvae—Trvive | AMERICAN Mr te dansan—Wason JowEs” COURT aur To a0 ae | BR VAY MENAGREIE—Stamese Twins avy WiL> | Bea | on A HO «72 ‘Ureade we Risr y's Seon RL - | ood’s Mingwre! Hail, 444 Broad- cing | Wooo's INSTR! way—Br mortar & aan BUOKLEY’S OPERA HOUSR, 52° Broadway—Buex | Bev's Brmorian Ovens Trovre. BANVARD'S GRORAMA wux Bory barn REENISS 641! 96 Dea Seay—Pasonama or | cRY * y -Day and FIGNOR BLITZ wey ACADEMY HA MIFIVIONS OF THE vuvvesant Inatirers, 669 saucy Penmax’s @rez ie Mines BOPE ay—Jonxs’ Paw rosoore. ULERY ®£ CHRISTIAN ART—33 Grond praary 2, 1852, The News. Tbe steamsbip Arabia is over dae at Halifax, with ove week later advices, Having been out nearly twelve cays from Europe, it is probable abe will ar- rive in reason to enable us to publish her news in | to-morrew’s edition, Our columns to-day coniain a great variety o interesting information from Washington, to most o! which it ts unnecessary to refer in dets It em | braces letters from our own aud other correspondents, relative to the movements of politicians, the carry tee of ocean acd iulund » r ind patent | schemes. Kc. Also, an explanatory note from Hon, Presiey F letter from Senator Dixon on the Missouri Com pro another communication from Mr. Dickerson concerning the Colt patent contro- versy, the annu | sums appropriated for the improve ment of rivers and harbors during a period of thirty: five years, moveme:t of American segar dealers for farther protection aga importations, &c.— the whole sffording a comprehensive chapter of the various interests now being brought to bear upon the law makers assembled at the national capital. Both brauches of Coogress werg perfestly quiet concerning the ) stion yesterday. ebraska qu fr, Bamner presev'ed a petition to the Senate from Penneylvacia remonstrativug against any fatare ia- froduction of slavery north of 36 30. A debate took Pisce on & resolution tustructing the Judiciary Com- mittee to iaquire into und report upon the expe @iency of so amending the rules as to remove the in- junction of -ecresy upon the dnal action on all nomin ations in executive session. ué reason assigned fer this movement is, that it is almost impossible to Maintain cecresy in matters of importance—the vote on Collector Redfleld’s appointment having been pablisbed in atl the principal newspapers the morn ing after his confirmation. The House bill sesuring the right of citizenship to children born abroad of Am:rican parents was reported, with an amead- ment striking out the clause entitling the mother of foreign birth to citizenship. Considerable time was spent im discussing the right of Mr. Phelps to a seats he having been appointed by the Governor of V mont to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Upham, which was prior to the last meeting of the Legislature of that State. The Legtslatare met and adjourned without electing a successor, aud hence the ute as to Mr. P.’s right to a sea Quite an eaciti controversy k place in the House yesterday respecting the Rrie railroad trougles, the quertion being a bill to prevent obstractions to mails on railroads. In support of the mea-ure it was urged asa disgraceful fact that newspapers were now conveyed to the W anc da many beurs sooner than by the regular and direct mail rocte, and asa consequence the people most deeply interested were petitic cto have their let- ters transferred by the ciremitess route. The Pennsylvanians are evidently very sore upon this sabject; but it is hardly probable that they will suc” ceed in prevailing upon a majority of Congressmen te uphold their unlawful outrages, notwitustanding the threatening intimations that they will tura the excitement into a political issue, and hereafter exert themselves to defeat all men and parties who may pow oppose them. The bill was finally referred back te the Post Office Committee, and after brief deliber- ation upon the Deficiency Appropriation bill the House adjourned. The letters (rom our correspondent relative to the railroad excitement at Drie will be found unusually imteresting. The writer gives graphic delineations of all the jue taovernents and incidents of which he bas been an eye witness, thus enabling the reader to form a correct opinion of the dispute. Governor Bigler addressed the Erians yesterday, and, while oountelling them to obey the laws, informed them that his sympathies were enlisted iu their cause, Every day's experience tends to add weight to the belief, which is becoming quite general, that the majority of the members of the New York Legis. lature are anxious to serve their constituents a second term without going through the ordeal of an election, and are therefore endeavoring to avoid action upon all measures of importance, in order, if possible, to compel the Governor to call an extra session. The whigs, who are now in power, seem disposed to wholly overleap the extensive and indefinable bounds of lib. erality marked out by their predecessors, the de- mocrats, notwithstanding their continued boasts ef economy. According to our special des patch, the Benate spent considerable time ia diseussing a resolution, which was evenwually passed, giving the messenger boys pocket knives at the expense of the State. A bill was presented which provides for the separation of the office of Superin- tendent of Common Scsools from that of Secretary of State. One of the chief objects of this measure seems to be to create a new office for a popular par- tigan, ata salary of twenty-five hundred dollars a year. The Senate wound up the day’s and the As sembly the night's business with debate on the pro- hibitory jiquor bill, which may be considered as just #0 much time lost—it being koown, almost beyond doubt, that the majority are in favor o’ and intend to vote for the measure. The commitice appointed by the State Legisiature to examine into and report uponthe harbor of New York, coneladed their inyeetigation yesterday, after baving examined several witnesses, and heard bota sides of the question disouseed. See in another column the continuation of our report, with a synop- wis of the evidence adduced. The question is a high- ly interesting one. A rumor being afloat that M. Bedini, the Pope's Nuncio, had arrived in Koston on Tuesday night, for the purpose of taking passage in the steamer Niaga- ra, which suiled yesterday, aboat five hundred Ger- mans assembled on the Common and barned an efligy of the Nancio, crowned with a Cardinal's hat, and olotned in scarlet and purple robes. Bedini’s name does not appear among the list of passengers by the N., and the lact despatch declares that ho was not in that city at all—consequently his opponents there, a* well as here on @ similar occasion, had all their fweuble for nothing. ‘The number of destructive fires in North America is increasing ata rate that is traly alarming. We xow learn that the Canadian Parliament House and oc coining buildings, together with their contents, in tern States through | writ, and the Marshal was allowed till this morning | guilty of manslaughter. a Ouding t ety, were ntirely consumed at Quebeo yesterday | ncrnte g. The property was chiefly insured in Liver- | pool offices—-the buildings for $150,000and ths libra- | for ¢50,000. We have given a very interesting description of the building and its contents in the | proper place. The Missouri Iron Works at Wheeling, wort about | sixty thousand dollars, were entirely destroyed bye fire on Tuesdey. The sum of ten thousand dollars was collected ia Philadelphia, and has been distributed among the | Officers aud crews of the vessels that were instrumen- tal in saving the lives of the persons on board the | Captains Crighton and Lowe arriv- | San Francisco ed in that city yesterday, and will be given a public reception to-day. Advices from the Cape of Good Hope to the 6th of December inform us that all was quiet, aad the peo- ple were ina very prosperous condition, The lands | | of the natives were being parcelled out to settlers, the troops were withdrawning from the country, and ivory, copper, aud other rich products, were ar riving in large quantities from the interior. ‘The Maryland Legislature has finally passed the bill euthorizing Baltimore city to Jean five millions of dollars to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The widow of a Mr, Landreaux, who was killed by an accident on the New Orleans Railroad, has obtained a verdict against the company of twenty | thousand dollars damages in one of the New Orleans | eourts. Let the example be imitated in the various | courts throughout the country where similar suits are brought, and it would soon have the effect of meterially decreasing the number of aczidents. A New Yerk Depaty Morshal has arrived in Nor- folk, with a fugitive slave found secreted on board a vessel below this city. The United States Marshal yesterday received a communication from the President, ordering Alexan- der Heilbronn to be delivered to the British authori- ties, in accordance with the treaty of extradition en- | teredinto in 1842. Counsel forthe accused applied for a writ of babeas corpus, with the view of testing the question of authority at issue between the State avd United States Courts. The Judge granted the to wake bis return, James Marin, on trial in the Hudson county court, J, for the murder of bis wife, was yesterday found Onur market for breadstuffs was pretty active yes- terday, bat there was no improvement in prices. Some thirteen thousand barrels of flour changed hande, at rates varying from $8 50 to $10 25, accord- ing to quality. Wheat was offered more freely than on the day previous, but purchasers were not forth- coming. Cotton remains steady here, but at New Orleaus, we observe by the last despatch, prices are rather irregular. The receiots at all the Southern ports to this time are six hundred and seventeen thousand bales less than those of the correspouding period last year. In addition to much other interesting matter, today’s inside pages contain Ja‘e and important | news from New Mexico, including a thriiling nar- rative of the adventures and sufferings of Mra. Wil- eon éuring the period of her captivity among the Comanche Indians; letters from Harrisburg and Old Point Comfort; the Freach iatrigues at St. Domingo ; communication relative to obscene litera- ture and the Ladies’ Five Points Mission, &c. The European Question. Private advices from London add something to what we knew before of the Turkish ques- tion. Public rumor in England charges the British Minister at Constantinople with secretly | will be at least equal. favoring the Russian cause, and ascribes to the Cabinet feelings of actual disappointment at the news of the Turkish success at Kalefat. It is eaid that had it not been for the manwavres of the envoys of the Western Powers. the dis- aster of Sinope would never have occurred: and in confirmation of this statement the vex- atious objections so frequently raised by Gen- eral Baraguay De Hilliers are quoted as evi- dence of a secret though ill-conceaied enmity to the Turkish cause. It is generally believed that Prince Albert is not a stranger to this inconsistency between the language and the actions of the government; but while his per son is not spared in the public prints, the uation seems to look forward, with resignation if not with complacency, to the ultimate success of his efforts. In truth, as we have bad occasion to observe over and over again in the course of this con- troversy, if any one has any thing to gain by a war, it cao only be Louis Napoleon, Enyland’s interests are certainly on the side of peace. She has her commerce to protect, her debtors to look after, her manufactures to sell, her taxes to diminish. In comparison with these, the motives which urge her to go to war are light indeed: little more than the clamor ot a few idle journalists. Nor has Russia any sub- stantial ground for plunging into a continental war. From such a contest she could not hope to escape unscathed. Dependent as Russia is upon Englaud and France fer the bulk of her manufactured imports, and excellent customers as they are both to her Baltic and her southera seaports. a war with either of them would be keenly felt among the most intelligent and wealthy classes of the empire. So far as money and men are concerned, the Czar is perhaps as well able to undertake a war as apy of the European powers. But where is his fleet? Where would his land forces be if the whole of the West advanced through Germany to Poland, and threatened a second expedition to Moscow? Turkey has still less interest to serve by going to war. She is risking her very existence. It is not an isolated victory on the Danube, or the capture of a stray fort here or there, that can save her if the war becomes a matter of years. Destruc- tion to the Moslem would then seem inevitable. Destruction in defeat, under the rathless foot of the Cossack soldiery; destruction ia victory, for the Western allies of the Porte would eventually injure her as fatally as the Czar himeelf. Who, then, is to gain anything by the threat- ened war? Not the masses of Europe, curbed under the strong arm of large standing armies; not the monarchs, nor the dynasties of the Con- tinent: nor yet the central Powers of Europe, on whose soil the battle would probably be fought. Louis Napoleon is the only man whose advantage might be furthered by a war. It would be of service to him in two ways. He could hardly help achieving a certain amount of military success, and that would not only add to his material power but would increase the popularity with which he is now regarded by his subjects. In the second place, a European war would keep the public mind in France fixed on foreign affairs, and divert attention from his domestic policy. Experience has taught French sovereigns that tranquillity at Paris can only be purchased at the cost of peace abroad. M. Thiers knew it well when he strove to inaugurate a war policy under Louis Philippe ; but the old king lacked the nerve for the task, and allowed Guizot to substitute a peace system, which cradled the revolution into life. Louis Napoleon has a bet- ter chance for placing his foreign relations on 4 war footing than his predecessor. Philippe had but one foe to fight~—England— uable library of the Historical Boci- | that a war with Great Britain would cost more than it wes worth. Louis Napoleon stands in a much better“position. Russia is lees formidable and less popular in France than “perfidious Albion,” who, on her side, is so busily engaged in watching Russia and the United States that che too has torgotten her hereditary hatred of her neighbors across the channel. Thus for the first time since the days of the Stuarts, France aud England are united by the bonds of a solid alliance, having Louis Napoleon at its head; and the latter can safely prepare for a foreign war without fearing that another 1815 will mete out to him his uncle’s fate. The question of war and peace would thus seem a question between Napoleon’s will on the one side, and the permanent interests of Euro- pean nations on the other. His past skill in diplomacy quite warrants us in saying that. if his mind is made up in favor of war, the odds Nicholas of Russia is a child in his bands. yo WE More of the &carlet Letter - General Plerce’s Free Soil Antecedents Again. The Washington Union, the central organ of General Pierce and bis free soil coalition Cabi- net, and all its dependant echoes throughout the country, ineist upon it that the recent letters of Mr. John Cochrane and Judge Waterbury disprove the charges of the New York Heratp concerning the free soil letter of General Pierce to the Van Buren Corresponding Committee of this State of 1848. The Cabinet organ and its country echoes pronounce the statements of Messrs, Cochrane and Waterbury as perfectly conclusive—that they ‘crush out” the atrocious fabrications of the Herap, and that the diabolical insinua- tions and impudent inuendoes of Bennett are scattered to the winds. Not satisfed with this, the Cabinet organ and its echoes have taxed their abilities to the utmost in their de- lightful expletives against the editor of this journal. Liar, caitiff, Scotchman, candidate for the French mission, scoundrel, villain, vaga- bond, libeller, thief, burglar, ruffian, and awful wretch, are among the ffittering epithets ap- plied to us by the spoilsmen of the-aduministra- tion presses, We are described as being Satan- ie, as worse than Satau—a great deal worse than Satan. In fact, the wrath and the violence of this crusade of the spoilsmen against the editor of the Herat, taken altogether, discloses him to be possessed of a more magnificent com- bination of intelectual power and moral wick- edness than any hero, historical or fabulous, living or dead, natural or supernatural, from the creation of Adam down to the present day. If we moy believe the half of the fine things that have lately come pouring in upon us from all sides, Satan himself wae not our equal in audacious rascality, not even in that grand address of his reported by Milton as having come off at a grand Cabinet council of all the fallen angels in Hell, the subject being a decla- ration of war against the kingdom of Heaven. But, notwithstanding all these eomplimentary epithets, comparisons, accusations and allusions, it is evident that we are good for something. or we should never have been officially designated ag the leading organ of the opposition to the administration and the spoilsmen. True, we only hold this position till a vacancy occurs in the mission to France; but meanwhile we must do our duty in the important office assigned to us. We, therefore, recur to General Pierce’s Scarlet letter of 1848, written to Juhn Cochrane. and to a part of the evidence sustaining our allegations, which has fullea into our hands from various quarters. ‘The first intimation we had of this precious document was from a correspondent in Ohio suggesting that some of the democratic free soilers of this city had in their possession a most invaluable letter from Geueral Pierce, written in the memorable year of 1848. We commenced casting about us for the memoran- dum, snd soon traced it home to our free soil democratic fellow-citizen, John Cochrane. Upon this discovery we despatched two diplomatic agents to Mr. Cochrane to inquire if he really had the letter in question in his breeches pock- ets or in his bureau, or in some old barrel of refuse papers ; and also to obtain the letter ora copy of it, it accessible or convenient to the Surveyor of the Port. Mr. Benjamin Galbraith, with this view, was one of the gentlemen who waited upon Mr- Cochrane. And be it understood, that Mr. Gal- braith is not a politician, but a distinguished, yet unobtrusive, member of the legal profvs- sion. whose office is 127 Fulton street, New York. The following is the report of his visits to and conversation with Mr. Cochrane :— MX. GALSRAITL'S LETTER, 127 Funrox srrerr, New moet Jan. 25, 1854. To THE Eprror oF rns Herat :— Lately 1 bad @ conversation with James Gordon Bennett, the editor of the Nsw Youk Hax.Lo, about polities, in which the nawe of Frankiin Pierce, the President of the United States, was mentioned. D.obts were entertained and expressed as to the soundness of bis political opinions. The abolition speech which he made in New Hampshire was re- ferred to. The freesvil letters which he is alleged to ie peng aod her ee said oe been ately found among the papers of a inte distinguished New Hanpshire politician, were also mentioned, and articularly the letter written by bim to the Van Bares free soil ratification meeting, held at New York in 1848, was named. This last one was said to be in the possertion of John Cochrane, the Surveyor of the Port of New York. Upon the name of John Cochrane being mentioned, Mr. Bennett asked me if I was not acquainted with him. I said! was. He then asked me if I thought be would give me the letter. I told him I did not know, but that if I saw Mr. Cochrane I would ask him. I saw Mr Cochrane soon after this, and I asked him if he had the letter which was written by Franklin Pierce in 1843, to the Ra og Hae in sieht York in bo same year, for the purpose of ratityin, confirming the proceedings which had Tavely taken place in the Utica or Buffalo conventions, and the nominations which were there made, in his posses- sion. Mr. Cochrane said he had the letter reforred to. I then asked him if he would give it to me, and he said he would if he could find it, but that it was some time since he saw it, and that he hardly knew where it was, but that he would look for it, and send it tome. Not having received it, I saw Mr. Cochrane again, and he told me he had not yet found it, “for,” said he, “I have been moving my office from Wall street to Trinity Building, and my pa have got somewhat disarranged, 1am ‘sure I have it, and wul find ut for you; I saw it not u great while since; J cpened a roll of papers, and in that roll of ‘8 there I found this identical letter, watten by Frank: lin Pierce to the ratification meeting in 1848.” 1 then asked bim as to its contents, and he said he did not recollect very distinctly, but so far as he re- collected, tt was a general approval of the course that had been pursued, and the nommmations made ut the Utica or Buffalo Convention in 1848. I then asked him why it had not been read and tert at the time or immediately afver the meet- @; he said he did not know, but he suj that it was because the officers of the meeting, and he particularly mentioned Judge Waterbury, consider- ed Franklin Pierce a man of so little note or im- Aiuence at that time, that to read or publish a leter of hs would do no good to them whatever, aud hence the reason of its being thrown aside along with a num ber of others, as entirely worthless, until he became President of the United States. Respectfally yours, &c., _Baxsawin Gavpaarti. This statement of Mr. Galbraith, written down some days before the letters of Messrs. Cochrane and Waterbury were brought out, proves, we Louis | undertake to say, the contents of that Scarlet letter of 1848. Another gentleman has fur- and Guizot as well as he, saw plainly enoug | nished testimony to the same purport. Bu, this was before there was any consternation ex- cited on the subject, and before any pressure from the White House was brought to bear upon the memory of Mr. Cochrane. He is a man of truth and candor, and very apt, poiat blank, to tell all that he knows. We presume that he told all he remembered of the letter of 48 pluwply to Mr. Galbraith, without the slightest suspicion that he was lighting a bomb- shell. But the White House influence operates as a narcotic in some cases, and is favorable to forgetfulness. Andsowe have no doubt in the world that Mr. Cochrane and Judge Waterbury told all that they recollected at the time of writing their letters, having forgotten the ma- terial part of the evidence within the last few preceding days. But to settle the question be tween Mr. Cochrane and Mr. Galbraith, and between the Heraup aud Gen. Pierce, why not bring out the letter? Has it vanished ’—has it been spirited away? Produce the letter. But there are other letters in existenee—a whole batch of them down East somewhere— confirming the free soil associations and in- clinations of Gen. Pierce, in 1848. We expect yet to publiak some of them before long. There can be no doubt of the free soil affiliations of Gen. Pierce in that campaign. Ask the leading Van Buren free soilers of ’48 if they did not believe Gen. Pierce to be with them in sympathy and in principle? Ask Gen. John A. Dix, Benjawin Jd, Butler, John Van Buren, Azariah C. Flagg, and Martin Van Buren himself, if they did count Gen. Pierce, In 1848, as among their partizans in feeling, and opposed to Gen.Case? Question those m-n upon the subject; they may be re- lied upon. Give us their testimony. Try Joho Vau Buren, to begin with. Nothing has oc- curred, that we know of, to weaken his memory. Call him out. Under such circumstances and facts, who can longer doubt that the Baltimore nomination was a fraud upon the democratic convention, or that the election of Gen. Pierce was a fraud upon the honest but deluded American people. With such antecedents as those of the Buffale platform and the Van Buren free soil party; with such tree soil associa- tions as those of the present Cabinet, and our New York office-holders, there is danger, we re- peat. of treachery from the administration to- wards Judge Douglas and the South on the Ne- braska question. The compatriots of the Van Buren free soil rebellion are hardly the leaders to be trusted in the repeal of the Missouri line. We here drop the Scarlet letter for the pre- sent. But we have other collateral proofs in our possession of the free svil proclivities of Gen. Pierce in ’48, which, when brought to light, will “wonderfully refreshen” the memory of Mr. Cochrane. Tue Frencu Inraiaves at St. Dommco— About the middle of December last we pudiish- ed some: intelligence in relation to the de- mands said to have been made by the French commandant on the Dominican go- vernment, which exposed what we conceiv- ed to be the ulterior designs of France with respect to that island. One of our French con- temporaries—La Patrie—has, as will be seen by an extract in another part of this day’s paper, taken us roundly to task for the news that we gave upon that occasion. In its desire to be epi- grammatically severe, our contemporary has been betrayed into a still greater forgetfulness of facts than that which he accuses us of. The disinterestedness and high moral sense to which La Patrie \ays claim on behalf of its country- men. and the correctness of the statements which it has put forth in the article to which we allude, may be judged of from a brief review of the real facts of the case. The truth is that the propcesitions for annexation, which La Patrie turns to such good account, emanated solely and entirely from the then President Baez, who, it is well known, was under the direct influence of France. It was the slavish devotion that he displayed on all occasions to the interests of that country, that mainly led to his expulsion from the island. So much for the assertion that these propositions were thc free and spontaneous expression of the popular will. But the candor and fairness of our French con- temporary are shown to still greater advantage by the fact, of which he must be made aware that ex-President Baez was reported to be on board the vessel of the French commandant who made the demands that formed the leading fea- tures of the information we published, with a view to profit by any disturbances to which they might give rise. We think that this simple statement will be sufficient to neutralize che conclusions to which our contemporary’s article would seem to lead. Parent Extenstons.—In another column will be found a letter from Mr. Dickerson, counsel of Mr. Colt, in reply to the letter published some days since from Horace H. Day. These gentle- men are both, we believe, lobby agents; and we cannot object to their stating what they think of each other,in the way which seems best to themselves. We are entirely indifferent to the merits of the controversy in which they have engaged—as much £0 as we are to the abstract question of right involved in Mr. Colt’s case. Our position is simply this: We object to special legislation for the benefit of private individuals, in cases where the law has provided a simple, equitable and reasonable remedy. It is natural that patentees should desire an eternal perpetuation of their monopoly. Avarice grows with wealth; and if Mr. Colt had enjoyed his patent rights for thirty years, and was worth millions, we have no doubt that he would still do his best to beg for seven years longer. Congress is not a fit body to decide on similar applications. Impudent agents and cor- rupt influences will effect ends in that body which modest merit could neverattain. Say what the lobby agents will, the proper person to decide on the merits of an application for the renewal of a patent is the Commissioner. When he has refused to grant the application, an appeal to Congress bears fraud upon its face, and holds out about as much prospect of equal justice be- tween the inventor and the country as an ap- peal from @ judgment of the Supreme Court to an assembled mob. We shall not lose sight of the patent extensions. Pouce anv Dirty Streets.—We perceive that the police have recently arrested all the street sweepers. The only reason for this strange conduct on the part of the police seems to be that they have an intrinsic love for the dirt of the city, and do not desire that it should be disturbed. During the past few days Broad- way hasbeen in such a state that no respecta- ble person could cross it without being soiled from head to foot; but it seems that this mud is a source of delight to the Street Commis- sioner, the police, and other authorities. They consider clean streets a species of barbarism, and do all they can to prevent the exhibition of such phenomena in our city. Tus Tratsan Orera—Hackerr ys. NiBL0.— Mr. Hackett has recently informed us that he has a special contract with Grisi and Mario, by which they are bound to come out here next summer. As Mr. Hackett is given to joking, this may or may not bea fact; but it seems very likely at present thet Mr. Hackett will get the lease of the new Opera House, by reason of his real or supposed contract with Grisi and Mario, and also because it is impossible that any European manager would take it. It is stated that the proprietors intend to put the rent of the Opera House in Irving place, with its saloons and connections, up to fifty thousand dollars per annum; and it will be along time before they get a customer at that price. If Hackett should secure Grisi and Mario, he may do something for a while. To be sure, Grisi is passé; but Mario is in the prime of life—he is a splendid artist, aud will be a great favorite with the ladies. But all these things are in the future. In the meantime, Niblo is working industri- ously at the improvements of his theatre, and he intends to make it the most commodious) as well as the most beautiful place of amusement in the city. We have not learned his plans, but we have no doubt that he will open early in the spring with a first rate company. Feepinec THe Enemy.—We perceive that the new Collector, Mr. Redfield, has bestowed the best and most valuable of his patronage in the way of advertising on the principal anti-slavery organ of William H. Seward. This we pre- sume is by way of showing his sense of the notable service rendered him by Mr. Seward in securing his confirmation by the Senate. Since that vote, most of Mr. Redfield’s appointments in the Custom House here have been distributed among the most thorough free soilers. Whata singular spectacle it is to see an administration professing to support the principle of the com- promise, and to desire the repeal of the laws of 1820, and a sound return to®onstitutional prin- ciples, bestowing its aid and assistance on Wil- liam H. Seward, and his anti-slavery organs and assistants here! The famous free soil letter, which is now in the possession of John Cochrane and Jobn Van Buren, and was brought to light by us, fully accounts for the policy and appoint- ments of General Pierce’s administration in this State; can it be that the appointments in our Custom House were due to the existence of a similar letter in the possession of the Senator from New York? Wit THe Nepraska Brut Pass Bota Houses. —This important question is now beginning to engross general attention throughout the coun- try. Wesee but one danger for the bill, and that lies in the treachery of the administration, and the faithlessness of the men who compose the present Cabinet. The fact of Gen. Pierce’s free soil antecedents, of Mr. Marcy’s tendencies, and of the notorious anti-slavery character of the bulk of the supporters of the administration, The men who knowingly committed a fraud on the Baltimore convention and the American people by palm- ing off a free soiler as a devoted friend to the ought to inculcate caution. Union, do not deserve to be tru-ted now. Tue Nationa, Wuics anp THE NEBRASKA Qvestion—The Seward whigs have defined their position promptly on the Nebraska ques- tion. Now, shall we not hear from the national- Fillmore-Webster-and-Everett silver grays? The question is simply between Judge Douglas and Fred. Douglass—the white and the black. What color are the silver grays? It is the test question. Where are the national whigs? Let Let the cotton whigs come up to the work, Pass the gas be lighted in the Broadway House. round the call. Nepraska AND THE Two Democratic Socte- Trks.—Neither Tammany Hall nor Stuyvesant Institute, neither the hard shells nor the so‘t shells, have yet shown their hands on the Ne- braska question. Are the boasting national hard shells afraid to risk it? Cannot the elas- tic soft shells be stretched any farther than the Missouri line? No time to be lost. Let us hear, without further delay, from Tammany Hall and Stuyvesant Institute. Toe the mark. Joun Van Buren Wantep.—Captain Rynders, one of the soft shell leaders of Tammany Hall, has immortalized himself on the Nebraska question. But where is his associate soft shell Where is John Van Buren? Where is the Prince? Will the Cabinet organ at Wash- ington aid usin bringing out John Van Buren? leader? Where is Captain Scott? Tux Post Orrice Apvertisivg.—We learn that the Postmaster General at Washington has directed our Postmaster, Mr. Fowler. to issue new circulars for the reception of pro- porals for the printing of the list of unclaimed letters. Under the new order the city circula- tion of each paper must be correctly stated. So we will have the truth at last. ‘THE “HOLERA at St THOMAS —The sobr. ¥lish, Capt Me- Kennon, arrived yesterday morning from St. Johos, Porto Rico, 20:h ult., reports that the cholera contioued very dad at the island of 8t. Thomas, Fifteen hundre’ people, mostly blacks, had died of the disease between the lat and 18th of January. The Porto Rico steamer had ceased running on account of her machinery being out of order. City Intetligence. Tus Parecort Hovsk —Capt. De Groot, of the Prassott House, bas sold out his interest to Mr Allerton, for one bundred thouran¢ dejlars. The new Jandiord took pos tossion yesterday morning. Tus TextiMostAL CoMMITTER FOR OniGiton Lows, &0,- At 12 o’elock yestervay the Merchants’ Com».ictes h mesting to proceed with the ma'ter of the di+tribation o the rewar's to the captains and reamen who ty k auch « noble end beroic part in saving the passeagers of the Inie stesmrbip Sen Francisco Mr. Perit wes oxiled to the ree and Mr. Barstow appointed Secretary = Mir. Thomas Y , the Tressorer, reported that the com uittee on iste ware in favor of presactig Liest. Marray, Capt. jatkine and Ospt. Paagieton, esch with @ nerviso of sil- ver, — aralver, two pitchers, and four goblete. On motion, the recommendation of the committee was adopted Various models of pitchers were exhibited, and those appropriate fot presents to Captains Crighton Stouffer, and Low, were adopted. A'ter the t-anrastioe of some unimportant bu-iness, the meetiog adjourned. The commities will assemble again at ths call of the sub- committee. Tue ADVANCE OF Hovas Rest --It is astonishing that the valueo! real eatate has heen increased ‘pring the past year so mach asit has, Last way it was tnought by apeca- t state bed reached its maxi From present appear. wever, the iocrea+e this season will De greater at of any other. We have heard of one instance ire ® dweiling that mow rents for $600, (which nas cepeldered fair eum for it,) i# cow in the market for on ual rent of $1,000, and atl that thi« inoresse {s based apon Ia trifling repairs to the extent of ‘ few hundred dollars. Instances of an advance|of t wenty- og ry a SS ae im ® burthen which falix «vily, and mor ticularly, upon the poorer sad eae — ‘and muat wai in the natural course oF 16%, ® Corresponding rise for the services of ‘there classes. ‘4 Patrick O’ Donohoe, the Irish Exile. TORE BDITOR OF TH KRW YORK HERALD. 42 Bamrron “ss gt Brooklyn Jan of wy late brother, Patriok O’Donohoe, im of this cay. state that it was at the Besry that the body was exhumed and 1 beg to inform stance, nor at The committee of the Board of Councilmen to whom wan referred the petition for the widening of West street ona hundred and fifty feet from its present width, met yes- terday in the city Library, to hear remarks of property holders either in favor or against the project. ‘Mr. SkIDMORE said the compass of the olty of ew York 4s fixed. Everything had been done to iojare the sity, but wot until now hes there been any attempt made to tworease tho compass of New York. The city has grown #> large that it bas net sufficient ascommodations for ite business Look at the A'lantic Docks in : why, it ins little city, in fact, and which never would have been in existecoe had it not been for the want of ascom- modations ia New York. I have here in my posession & [pas for making an Atlantie Dosk in Jercey, opposite jew York, proposed in the year 1848, which would eatirely throw the oze in “Brooklyn in the shade. la fact, there was to have been a eity all around it. Now, by removing the commerce of New York city to Brooklyn we thought {t had enoagh; but © when it was proposed to remove it to another Mtate, why we could net wolerate it. The only rilieve the city, and to secure its commerce within its own limita, in to wicen West street 160 cet. Taere is no question about the space being filled ap for nothiug. The owning: property on the water mark would be iight glei to hava the street widened, and to bave large a! out near the bulkheads, like thoxe at the Atlante Brooklyn. The streste of New York, in the lowe part the city. were not mace for ede: ber 1@ conve- nience. I «member, when I wasa boy, t good: used to be shipped (rom the atcres along the water mek from the doors West s'reet was sid out, as be seen by oli maps of the city, fore fort—s placeto plant | w protect the city of New York, for theinhabit. ere afraid of (he Louses being blown imto ‘he skies Now, if something is mot dae to re. e lyn. Now, what other method oan be adopted te .eep the commerce here unless to widen Wert 5 it only widen it, for that would do no good, but wad ee- ent etore houses should be built out near the en all the produce sonld be landed at the doormf these. stores. The city would be rel from alilamber. Railroads ocule be laid down in West street witbat any inconveni-nce to pecectria What would theity da when the business of the Ecte Com; reas. ed #0 mush that it would inte: all traffic upad dowm West streets? What woul: th le do if, in iyear or 40, trains of freight ears one mile. Mloay would eae Text ning down Huceon street? Whee couli thecars OF freigh! be accom mocated if West street was aot ridened F Van Onpaw +aid that those who leased theyroperty allalong the Hudson river would have no objetion ta have Wes: street widened if the property holdes would, psy the oe ae pee ‘he ooou- te would not to for ‘wok, for {' Fould not benefit them ony ia » Mr. CRVICKSHANKS oppored the ening of th street,’ ard said toat hecid not k2ove Reece o land on Weet street that was not opposed to widening tle street. There was eufficlent width now to accommodat the in- terests of the city It would only bes movemert conve« nient to some railroad company, and not for ths pro- perty holders, whose interests Ought to be taron inta conrideraiion. The Committee then sdjourned until some futire day, when notice will be given of their day of meetiig in the daily papers. Coroners’ Inquests. THE LATE MURDER BY STAvBING—KSOAPE DF THO ASSABSIN—CORONER’S INQUEST ON THE BODY, AND VERDICT OF TBE JURY. A few Oasys sgo we published the death of Fields, otherwise know WwW. Peter Williams, at the New h whi! ilton street, The iejury was perpetrated om Tuesday Right, 24°b inst., and tha injured men was ocomveyed to the Hospital, where he died on the Monday followiag. Cor: nor Hitton yesteréay heid the inquest on the body, at the Hospital, and the following evidexoo was elicited:—« Towle, sworn said—I am ® seaman, and re- ria’. 163¢ Hamilton street; Idid mot know 4: on Tueadsy of last week, in the ar about 8 o’clook, I wes sitting in the Hariis inf company with Ceceased ni anoths: man, woen & pereou uemed Morpby came in: no eonversstion took place between us Marphy was the last mas that came into the barreom that night; he did notseem to be intoxicated: he bad been ia the room about ten min- utes when he suddepiy crew from his inside coat pocket 8 dirk hvife and stabbed the crceaced inthe breast; tha Geceared was at the time si ting on the right bend side 0! M rpby and clove to him: deceased. on receiving the wound, rap towards the room leading tothe entry, ory- ivg ‘murder! Iam etabded;” Murphy followed a when ceceared turned acd kicked him twice under the chin; deceased then jumped over the counteran’ rea up stairs; Murpby thea cheved decease: and made three mores abs at bim;I wa afraid of my life. and ran into the etreet; the other man who was in the barroom at the time, op besring the ory of murder, which awoke him from his sleep, req up stairs; I Icoked for & poiceman, but could not find ome; cm returning back to the house I was informed thet Murphy bad sesapets I think Morphy fa an Irish- man; be toid me he belooged to Derry oouaty, Ireland; M:. Herries ves vot at home at the time; the man who was ia the bedroom st the time has since gome to Nor- folk ina cchooner; his rameis Ware; deceased boarded with Mr Swan, im Front street; I and rlped deoessec home afer he was s:abded; ae deceased came into the haxoom togather; they rink; they toth appeared sober; no words pasred tweec them; I bocw of no radon for the Beturdsy ight Murphy came icto Mr. Berria’s barroom deteeen 8 rn! 9 o'clock; hin Daud was covered sith fresh blood acd he bed e wh te reg =7<pped arouud it; Bs) oon as be me in Imsde for tus door and raa into the s'reet: be followed me, and I ran (0 rards Ontherine street; be did not peak; he had Un ted State z and net be- teat Wm. 8 Hi st 16 Hamilton street; Murphy board came herein the United Staten storeship Relief; he waa e hard drinker, and I should think @ reckless man; he had been at my house eight days when be stabbod the de- censed; Ido not know his Christian name; I bave mot seen bim since the Sunday morning before the affray. The Jury rerdereta vo diet "That George W. Fields came to his death by s stab from a dirk, iaflicted by # men calling bimself Morphy,” ‘The Coroner gives the foll description of the wurderer:—"' Murphy ‘* suppoved to be twenty six years of age, five feet four ivchea in height, pale and slizhtly Be har a large sear on the 0 freckled fece, brown b right ride of bis neck and another in front of th eer He hat rings marked wita India ink om hi band, wrist and fingers, and also anchors of the # hia feet, Hed on olue pants, rather long, « black on the ba) 2) hip; comne bootr, spotte Ted comforter arcund his neck. Also wore an old pilot cloth coat, s sack cos‘, snd glazed csp. On last Satar- day be was seen wita his left hand out ond tet up. He then wore @ soldier's overcoat. It is said he d: serted seme time since from the U 8 ship Vincemnes,’’ Deara py Fauna into 4 Vat — Coroner O'Dorxell held an inquest at 141 Eighth upon the bocy of Harman Bonhonick, s German, twenty five years who died on the evening of Tues from iohal. * bonis scid gas, collected on the bottom of a fer- menting vat, into which he accidentally fell. On fi he callec \cuély for help and remained io the vst five minutes, and war taken ont in @ state of insensbility, frem which ha never recovered Ons post mortem ex- siinstion the lunge were found to bs much emgested from inbaling the gas The jury returned a verdict ao- cordingly, Deceared wana Isborer in Mr. Johaon’s dis- tillery - Weat Fifteenth street, where the accident ocenrred, Tux Fxriosion at Ravxswoop,—Coroner Hilton yes: terday he d av inquest at the New York Hospital, on the body ‘of John Smith, one of the unfortanat® sufferers whose di was cansed by the explosten # Frach’s cartridge factory at Ravenswood. Dsceased helrsioh f Roeper) ion of gunjowder in the oar: of E. French, at Ravenswood, Long Island,’ ag ‘Williamsburg City News, Tarp Braxet ConTRacT —At the meetiag of the Com- mon Council on Monday evening, a repat was received from the Special Committee on the Third steeet contract, (nbict haa been overpaid abont $7,040) fa which the ste 8 reet Commissioner ie censured, ke entered iato « contract with F. Switt for $497 per running foot, instead of $297, as directed by the Commom Council. A renolution wee adopted xnihorizing the City Counse! and Mayor to take such action iu the matter as the facts in ‘the case dem? THE Gas QcEsTION—A resolution was ad Meeting of toe Soard of Aljermen 6n M bh ong the city couneel to furnish the written opinion, aoawering the following questions rel- ative to the obiigations of the Williaa beg Gas Light Company, ae provided for by the contrast ontered inte with Mr. A T Swiih, in April, 1860: Fi ther thatcompany can exact from private oon- j;,ihBa $2 00 per 1.010 oubic foe for gee Of epecito - Whether the cit can sustain an ection artinst $7 50 per wrblie Iemp por he rd 0.4017 apie to mibmit to those ro the annual slection forjTrustees of Williamsbarz Dirpersary, held last evening, the following gentlemen J.B ‘were cbonen:—Samuel Groves. J, J. Hiske, & ‘ont Adawe D. Manger, B. Ten Evek, TC. Moore, J, F. ke say, hhiogeey, OM. Beet, George Pics eepeaae em wey +a cor] ds, U Tate, Wo. Wall TM tie, HK Rip Beak: feg. F' Whiting 7 fer, J. We Field, J D Welle, Hnbberd, 0. H Fellows, H Olt G mans, T J. VanSent. Personal In NCC. Caleb Lyon, of Lyonsdale, hat Cg pe afew dsys rince to attend the uneral of a relativ®, if now sat. fering from a severe attack of bilious fever at a or Philadelphia st! Gothen ees Me 'Dr Boot, Now Her Ind ; 0, Cowles . D. 5 were amorg the arrivals yesterday at the Uooper House, Broadway. Hop Jotee Carroll, Livingston; Capt. West, Philatel- Hamiiton and wa 4 George Gillam, Virginia; Col. fen, Ne Hampebice, and Hon, J itor Howse, Corsoran, Washington; &, Laamera, Jr, Pitter field; J ©. Donn, Bow'on; Jawea Gillmore, Olacto ast, Wm. Walcott, Ution; Bon FE Farnsworth, Detroit; 4. N- Walker, do. Hon. BP Young. Virginia; Oapt. N. Oxsa~ ron, Buffalo; Wo. Kelly, Filersiae, wai Rov. EP. Sda- tom, Castleton, arrived a: the st, Nicholas yesterday. Gen. 8m Bor Texas; Gon. ©. T Ji Valea Staten Senator from Rnoie Island; Hon, F, P. wa, amngg A ap L Williams, Masischaasets; Frans jon, British Army, and Capt. R Qook, St. af the Metropolitan Betat yeatectas y. | sar pregt TURES. DEP. For Charleston in steam: Hier, NW Sally, T Bates, WW Bovine: AO Butea en, J 8 Kivehing, Mrs ceo Hastings and-twe ehivtees, t®/ Fartek ps Sy ey Whevir W 8 N-edham, Thee Quins, B Carpeme