The New York Herald Newspaper, February 18, 1854, Page 4

NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GURDON BONNETT, RO! RIRTOR AND KD. OB ‘78 THIS BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery—Uxcx Tou's Cam. BeOADWAY THEATRE, Broadway-Derey Baxen - & Aswsumexn Niowr's (REAM BURTON'S THEATRE, temn Niour’s Daxian Ba’ — “NATIONAL THEATRE, Chatham street—Afternoon ang Bvoning— Unorx Tom's vAsim. LLACK’S THBATRE, Bros ay wee pe oy Businass Love ann AMERICAN MUSEUM—Afternoon and Bvening—Fain Heanr Never Wow Fain Lavy—Tue Bxview. BROADWAY MENAGERIE—Staunss Twine amp Wid Busars. ExciTED. [URDER. RISTY'S AMERICAN OPERA HOUSE, Pe LR McvLopias By CuRurtr’s eRe WOOD'S WINSTRELS—Wood’s Minstecl Hall, 644 Broad- qway- Rrwiorian MinerReLsy. BUCKLEY'S OPERA HO! Broadway— anv’s Beworian Greea Thowre. > Sz: BANVARD’S GRORAMA, 60 Brosdway—Pavonsua oy rus Boxy Lann. BHSNISH GALLERY , 663 Brosdway—Day and Brenicg BIGNOR BLITZ—Srovvesast Isersvers, OS Brosd- AUADEMY HALL; 563 Brosdw: ‘eaman’s Girt Ex- Mumersone Oy THE KEVEN Mite MIRROR. DRYAN GALLAKY OF CERISTIAN ART--845 Broad: New York, Saturday, Feb, 18, 1854. = setae Acta th Mails for Europe. ‘HE NEW YORK HBRALD—EDITION FOR BCPOPE. The royal mail stesouhip Pacifio, Capt. Era Nye, will Beave this port thie day, at moon, for Liverpool. Bubsoripticus anc acvertisemt ates for any edition of the New York Hxxa.y will be received at the following pisces fm Europe :— Javmnroon..John Hanter, No 2 Paradise street. Ww .Livings' ‘The European mails will close at a quarter to eleven @elock this morning. ‘She Waaxty Henivp (printed ia Fremch and English) ‘will be published at haif-past mine o’closk this morn ag. Sing'e copies, in wrappers, sixpence. OUR AGENTS IN PARIS, FRANCE. ‘We beg leave to state to our readers and patrons in Paris, and Europe generally, that Mr. B. H Revoil, 17 Rune de la Banque, Paris, is no longer connected with the Mew Yorx Hxxiip, cither as correspondent or agent. Mosars. Livingston & Wells, § Place de la Bourse, are fur only agents in Paris, both for advertisements and wabscriptions. The News. OurfEuropean files by the America reached this ‘ety from Boston at an early hour yesterday morning. We had previously received by telegraph and pub- Ikehed the important features of the news contained imthem. We give to-day some very interesting ex- tracts with regard to the latest engagements between the Turks and Russians; the financial position of France at the close of the past year; with a copy of an official paper from Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, in which the objects of the combined fleets in the Black Bea were defined for that time. We also publish addititional commercial and shipping intelligence brought by the Canada at Halifax. The news caused considerable buoyancy in ourstock market yesterday, but it had no influence of moment ‘en breadetuffe. In the absence of letters, sales of flour were limited, including common State brands at $8 68 a $8 75. Corn was dull, and no buyers ap- peared except at a considerable concession in prices. They offered $1 per bushel, while sellers demanded $1 03 to ¢1 04. Wheat was also quiet. There was some movement in freights, with engagements of grain st higher rates, which tended to check sales. Room to Liverpocl was scarcer, and freights closed quite firm. The Nebraska Kansas question continues the lead- Sng topic of discussion and excitement in the political circles at Washington and elsewhere. In the Senate, yesterday, Mr. Seward gave official expression to the free soil view of the subject, as will be seen by his very lengthy speech, which we give in fail, in order that the public may thoroughly understand both sides. He will be followed on Monday by Mr. Pettit of Indiana, after whom will come Mr. Sumner, the Massachusetts free soiler. Quite a spirited debate ‘was produced on the opening of the House, by the Presentation of the joint resslutions of the New York Legislature, remonstrating against the passage of the Nebraska bill. This and some other matters having been disposed of, the body went into Com Mitéee of the Whole ou the Free Farm bill, where- upon Mr. Stephens, of Georgia, teok the floor, and made a strong speech in support of Judge Douglas's measure. He referred to the records, and established ‘the fact that the Northern freesoilers were the first to break faith with regard to the Missouri compact. ‘They violated the principles of that law in 1836, by introducing and supporting a free soil amendment to the bill for the admission of Arkansas into the Union. Messrs. Campbell, Kerr, and Giddings followed. Both houses adjourned till Monday. The Senate are in trouble in relation to the publi cation of the copyright and Gadsden treaties, and a motion was made on Thursday to arrest the editor and proprietor of this paper for contempt of the Benate. It was very properly voted down; for what would the Senate gain by such a proceeding? No- thing. On the other hand, it would compel the editor to reside in Wathington for a few weeks at the ex- pense of the government, where he could watch the movements of the politicions tor the benefit of our readers. But is there a Senator who was not really pleased to see the treaties in print ? ‘The developementsevery day coming to light tend to strengthen the impression that the Nebraska furore will cause a general breaking up of old party ties, and a reconstruction of the elements upon the broad basis of the Union on the one side, and anarchy and dissolution on the other. We learn from our correspondent that the work of repudiating prints promulgating dangerous and unsound doctrines has already commenced, and ina more forcible manner than by way of mere personal denunciation. The Bouthbern whig Senatirs have held a caucus, and passed resolutions etrongly denouncing the recent course of the leading whig organ at the national eapital. It will not be surprising should the demo rats pursue a similar course with regard to those journals which, under the garb of reverence for the eonstitotion, do not allow an opportunity to pass without exhibiting their contempt for the federal compact. Charles Francis Adams, son of the late ex-Presi- dent, made a speech at an anti Nebraska Convention, held in Dedham, Mass., yesterday, by all the aboli- tionists, whigs and coalition democrats that could be brought together. He adhered to the old Van Buren platform, on which he ran for Vice President in 1848, and declared that Judge Douglas's bill was in- tended to subserve the interests of the South entire- ly. He appeared to be much annoyed at the move- ment to run a railroad to the Pacific through slave territory, and also at the prospect of the ultimate an- nexation of Cuba. The convention is characterized as baving been a meagre affair. Few members were present in either branch of our State Legislature yesterday—scarcely enough to form qucrums—and, as a matter of course, very little busines was transacted. The only point worthy of special remark in the proceedings was the aanoance ment by Mr. Clinton, in the Assembly, that he in- tended to introduce a bill for the i { the canals, as provided for in t stitution which was ad day. The contevted election case ty gu) ional democrat, and Mr. Cla free er was postponed tll to-day. It is believed that the r gentleman will be declared entitied to the seat. Nevor. qheless, Clark, through the procrastination « assembly on the snbj will have the satisfa stior y Grawing fall pay for avout balf the session. Unies: a majority of the members should become imbued with a little more of the spirit of industry, combined with zeal for the public good, the people will be gra | tified when the day arrives for a fins! adjourameat. Half the allotted time for the session has already ex- pired, and yet searcely @ bill of importance bas pass ed either house. Members spend their time in de- hating matters that are scarcely worth a passing re- | mark, Literally nothing is ever done on Saturdays | and Mondays, owing to the fact that towards the close of every week the majority of the wiseacres leave for home, u‘terly regardless of what may trans- pire during their absence. And yet these men prate of their arduous exertions in behalf of their consti- tuents. There must be a reform; else the people will teach them a lesson that they will not readily forget on next election day. As everybody is interested in the projects fora settlement of all our difficulties with Mexico, and more particularly for securing another large slice of her territory, we to-day publish the basis of a treaty sgreed upon by Minister Conkling and the Mexican authorities. Readers can now judge whether either, or both Mivister Gadsden's and Minister Conkling’s treaties are entitled to consideration. ‘The last despatch from St. Louis states that foar persons were killed and twenty wounded by the ex- plosion of the boilers of the steamer Kate Kearney last Thursday. Five or six others are missing. Two persons were drowned by the sinking of the steamer Amazonia on the same day. We publish in another column the law recently drawn up by the Congress of the republic of Ecuador, and sanctioned by the Executive on the 26th of No- vember, declaring the rivers of that State, (which includes a portion of the Amazon,) open to the free trade of al! nations. It is gratifying to see that some ofthe South American States are beginning to un- derstand the true principles of commercial prosperity. New Granada and the Argentine Republic as well as Ecuador have opened their rivers, and we trast shortly to see other States following their example. and free trade established over the whole continent of America. Now, when this liberalizing spirit ia manifesting iteelf, is the time for our government to come forward and enter into treaties with these re- publics for the mutual benefit and advantage of each. The question is one in every way worthy of their nigrtt notice. lI the news worthy of noting from Bermuda since our previous dates is embraced in the letter which we publish elsewhere. It was expected that Gover- nor Elliot would leave the island on the 6th instant, and sail, via Barbadoes, forthe seat of his new govern- ment in Trinidad. Colonel Poole, of the Royal Ar- tillery, was to assume the direction of affairs in Ber- mnda pro tempore. The Germans of some of the uptown wards held an enthusiastic meeting last evening at Fortuna Hall, Second street, at which a very decided stand was taken against the proposed introduction of the Maine liquor law, the license law for rum, the excise law, and the recent Sunday anti-lager bier exertions of the Common Council and police. It was shown to the satisfaction of the people present, that the drinking of that beverage on the Sabbath did not conflict with the constitution of the United States, municipal rule, religious discipline, or domestic economy; but on the contrary, that by so doing the citizen gave evidence of how fully he appreciated the amount of civil and religious liberty which he en joyed. "The report of the Committee on Harbor Encroach ments, laid onthe table at a former meeting, was taken up in the Board of Councilmen last evening and accepted without debate, and the resolations were adopted. No “business of any importance was transacted. The Board adjourned until Taeiday arene, In addition to a large number of advertisements, and much interesting reading, to-day’s inside pages contain an interesting narrative relative to the pas- sengers rescued by the Antarctie from the eteamer San Francisco; Petition of the New York Chamber of Commerce to Congress concerning a modification of the tariff; Proceedings of the Military Court of Inquiry; a variety of local, political and legal intelli- gence, &c. The War Question. Although the indications presented by the intelligence which we published yesterday are, we own, of a most unfavorable character to the prospects of peace, we have not yet lost faith in the chances of some solution being found which will avert the dire alternative to which they seem to point. The speech of the Queen of England, whilst it recommends that her people should prepare for the worst, still breathes a decidedly pacific tone, and holds out the hope that every effort of negotiation will be exhausted before hostilities are resorted to The failure of Count Orloff’s mission to Vienna, which, it appears, had for its object the forma- tion of a league with the German against the Western Powers, has removed one element of un" certainty from the consideration of the question’ which had imparted to it its most dangerous as- pect. In the political isolation of the Czar we see the prospect of a speedy settlement of the question, either by his timely submission to the stern necessities of his position or by the form- ation of such a powerful combination as will effectually crush him. The affairs of Europe have, in fact, arrived at a crisis which will no longer admit of palliatives or temporary expedients. Something must be done quickly, and done effectively, te put an end to a state of things which menances the peace of the world and paralyses its commercial operations. The war between Russia and Tur- key has now been carried on for nearly a year— for the invasion of the Principalities was an act of war—and yet no advance has been made towards the settlement of the question at issue. The position of the other powers has, up toa certain point, been an independent one as regards the belligerents, for, without favoring either side, they haye been endeavoring to stay by ne- gotiation the progress of hostilities, and to effect an accommodation between them. Finding the pretensions cf the Czar irreconcilable with the claims of justice and moderation, and inconsis- tent with the future safety and peace of Eu- Tope, they have now openly espoused the cause of Turkey, and it is clear that we must very soon have either a European war between the allied Powers and Turkey, arrayed on one side, and Russia, with such of the German States as she can drag into her quarrel, on the other, or else some general and comprehensive adjustment of the rights of the different Powers, similar to that laid down in Lord Palmerston’s project. Mat- ters have, in fact, arrived at a point which will only admit of one or other of these alternatives, and it only remains for us to examine in favor of which the probabilities lie. It is evident that the Emperor of Russia has been all along counting on the impossibility of a cordial union being maintained between the governments of England and France, from the traditional animosity which has so long existed between the people of the two countries. He also reckoned upon the sympathy and support of all the German and a portion of the Northern Powers, from the consanguinity, contiguity and similarity that existed between their respective families, thrones and govern- ments. How far the first of these suppositions is well founded remains to be seen; but as re- gards the second, there is no doubt of the disposition of the German Powers either to re- main neutral or side with Russia. Besides the motives that we have just eoumerated, the Ger- man States stand in natural awe of the over grown power of Russia, its close propinguity to them, and the enormons masses which it can bring into the field. But there is a new and important obtacle which has revealed itself in the progress of European civilization, which op- pores itself to the succcesful carrying out of either of these ideas by the German Powers. The great popular, social, and religious revolu- tion which was brought about three centuries ago, by the efforts of Luther Calvin, Knox and other enlightened minds of that age, was also political in its effects, and divided Europe into two great camps, swayed by principles of the most uncompromising hostility towards each other, All the North of Burope—England, Holland, and Northern Germany —com- bined the power and force of the revo- lation of that day; whilst the South of Eu- rope—Italy, France and Spain—were arrayed in opposition to it, and in support of the old order of things. That distribution of the mate- rial power, impulses and opinions of Europe is at the present day entirely altered by the poli- tical revolutions, enterprises and experiments of the last halfcentury. The principles of popu- lar or parliamentary government, more or less defined, have taken the place in the public mind formerly occupied by the controversies of the Church of Rome with the Protestant sects. The popular masses of France, England, Italy, Ger- many, Spain and the North of Europe, have now a common bond of sympathy and brother- hood, whatever may be the form of government which accident has imposed upon them. Asa counterpoise, the power of Russia has grown within the last two centuries into a sudden strength and preponderance menacing the so- cial, political and religious systems of the rest of Europe. te It will be seen from this rapid retrospect that the distribution of the social and political ele- ments of Europe is entirely changed at the present day, and there is now more or less of a league amongst the masses against the barba- rous principles of despotism on which the go- vernment of Russia is based. The Czar in fact resembles, both inyhis attributes .and his atti- tude, those great destroyers of civilization and of the human race, Genghis Khan and Tamer- lane, of whom he may be said to be a sort of residuary legatee. In the days of the latter was witnessed the same spectacle that we be- hold to-day—Christians and Turks forgetting their religious differences in a combined effort to oppose bounds to the insatiable ambition of their barbarian invader. The failure of the Czar to induce the German Powers to abandon their neutral position for active co-operation, is therefore to be attributed less to any want of sympathy for his cause than to a wholesome dread of the enormous force of popular opinion wielded by France and Eng- land, the two great representatives in Europe of the parliamentary and elective systems of government. It should be remembered that this is not a mere quarrel between Russia and Turkey; itis the beginning of that great conflict of principles which was foreshadowed by Can- ning some thirty years ago, in the celebrated speech which he delivered in the House of Com- mons in support of the independence of the South American republics. This straggle will present a novel feature, in the fact that in- stead of the revolutionary elements, being set in movement by evolutionists, it will be wielded by France and England against Russia. It is not likely that in the presence of such a combination the Czar will persevere in his insane projects. Should, how- ever, all efforts at negotiation fail, he will pro- bably, to save the honor of his arms, maintain @ contest of a few months duration; but he wil! eventually have to yield to the immense force that will be brought to bedr against him. In the warlike preparations recommended in the Queen of England’s speech, we therefore see the best guarantee ofa prompt and satisfactory solution of the questions at issue. The best way to prevent war is by being fully prepared for it; and if England and France only assume the firm and decided attitude that becomes them, we have no doubt that in the course of another year we shall see this and other trou- blesome questions effectually set at rest by the arrangements of @ general congress, ‘The Herald and its Influence. The administration organs at Washington and several minor journals which act as flun- keys to the Cabinet, are fond of asserting that the Heratp may have a large circulation, but that it has no moral or political influence. Such assertions are perhaps not warth notice; but once in a while we may devote a few lines to their examination. We claim for our journal the largest circulation of any daily newspaper published in any language in any country on the globe. We claim that this circulation is the fruit of eighteen years of toil, and we trust we may be permitted to add, of individual en- terprise and energy, in the midst of an intelli- gent, prosperous, and enlightened community. We claim that the unparalleled success which has crowned our efforts is mainly due to our en- deavors to give the earliest and most reliable news of passing events, and to reflect promptly and accurately the current topics of the day on this continent. This ie all we cla‘in. Whether the Heraup does or does not exercise any moral or political influence on the public mind, we know not. We have never inquired, have never cared whether it did or no. It has so happened that on many occasions on which the public feelings have been powerfully roused, the side which we thought fit to espouse has eventually triumphed: and hence it has been asserted that the result was due to the influence of the Heratp. We have never troubled our head about such mat- ters. It was true that we opposed Martin Van Buren towards the close of his official term, and that he was defeated in 1840 by an overwhelming majerity. It is true that we sup- ported Mr. Polk, and that he was elected by a large majority. It is also true that General Taylor was first proposed as a candidate for the Presidency in our columns, that we supported him throughout the canvass, and that he like- wise became President of the United States. At the close of the last campaign, several jour- nals throughout the country asserted that we had exercised a very considerable inflaence on the public mind in bringing about the result. That opinion was shared by others, as will be seen by the following letter, written by Mr. Pierce to a friend of ours during our absence in Europe :— Coxconp, NH, Nov. 80, 1852 hy Dram Sin = Your ovligtng letter of avewered be ore 25th should bare bern ¢ kind amd coasiderste the letters both of Mr How far it is true that w exercise! influence throughout the canvas” as Mr. Pierce says, we neither kuow nor care. Our aim is solely to make the best and most independent journal in the world ; the measure of popularity we have secured must decide how far we have attained our object. Whether or no we have any influence on the public mind, we shall con- tinue to tread the path we have always trod, and endeavor to combine every element which capital and enterprise can obtain, for the pur- pose of producing a just, fair, independent journal, devoted te the interests of the Union, and the advancement of this growing republic. For the applause of parties, cliques, sets and coteries, we care no more than for the idle wind. We are content to look for the approba- tion of the great civilized community of the world, and the sanction of posterity. Our Electoral System in Practice. Well, the spoilsmen are triumphant, and the ten million loan is carried by an immense mejority out of the hundred thousand votes polled. We are as yet unable to lay before our readers the whole vote, but we know enough to say that this number—100,000—will rather exceed than fall short of it. It is estimateé that the number of individuals who are di- rectly interested in the proposed expenditure of ten additional millions on the canals amounts, with their friends and those whose vote they can control, to about one-fifth ef the male adults of the population of the State: it cannot cer- tainly be less than one hundred thousand souls, As therefore the vote polled on Wednes- day does not exceed this figure, we may take it for granted that the bulk of the public proper: the four, five or six hundred thousand people who will have to pay the interest on the ten millions, and who are able to form a dispassion- ate opinion of the merits of the principle at stake, remained quietly at home and never troubled their heads about the election The question was solv ed by the canal men, the forwarders, boat owners, employés on the ca- nal, contractors, speculators and politicians: they were all at once plaintiffs, advocates, Judge and jury in the case. Those who should have moved, and decided so weighty a matter, ehirked the responsibility; it seemed as though the public thought a mere sum of ten millions and a half was not worth squabbling about. In their private capacity, the merchants and others who allowed Wednesday to pass*without attending the polls would think carefully and examine shrewdly before they made themselves liable for any portion of the interest on such a sum. As citizens, they never inquired or cared how the point was settled, and will doubtless pay without hesitation whatever shareof the debt to be incurred may devolve upon them. The decision of the ten million loan is not the first instance in which this apathy among the public has come to light. It is fast becoming the rule at some of the most important State elections. They are managed and con- trolled by bands of grog+hop politicians and abandoned knaves, who having failed in every respectable businese, have turned final- ly as-a last resort to procuring votes as a trade. These are the present rulers of the State of New York. They nominate candidates, and elect the one who pays best. They build lying platforms, and appeal to the community with abstractions under which their thirst for plun- der is clumsily concealed. They set up great men at will, and pull them down when their heroes’ purses are closed. The choice of our representatives both at the federal and at the State capitals is canvassed, arranged and deter- mined over adulterated whiskey and brandy in low drinking saloons: the men who fulfil the duty are the lowest rabble, the vilest scum of the city’s dregs. Lack of principle renders their lack of sense innocuous: with them elec- tions are a matter of mere bargain and sale, at which ambitious men, in consideration of a certain number of votes and a certain amount of perjury and violence, agree to pay them a specified sum of money. They can make the bargain confidently: it is quite safe to pay them in advance, for they hold the franchise in their hand, and have the keys of Senate, Con- gress and Legislature in their breeches pocket. In case of murmurs or attempts at resistance on the part of the public proper, thick sticks and similar weapons—or at least, formidable threats —are called into play, and the balance of power is restored. But it is seldom necessary to re- sort to these weapons. Many years ago, the bulk of the people of New York came to the conclusion that it was waste of time to exer- cise the franchise. They saw that elections were in nine cases out of ten, mere party con- tests at which the only point decided was whether the State should be plundered by the whigs or the democrats: and being tolerably indifferent as to which of the two varieties of hbarpies fe:! upon the carcass politic, they began to abstain from visiting the polls. Time con- firmed them in this view. Every now and then, one of the two political parties would contrive to put the slavery controversy or some other abstraction prominently forward at the election and go rose a temporary excitement among the public, waich would lead to a small indepen- dent vote. But in general, the voters at most of our State elections are simply those who make a trade of politics, reinforced by a few thcusand individuals who vote as democrats or whigs because their fathers did. A Presiden- tial election adds to their number a further pro- portion of private citizens whose feelings be- come engaged in the canvass; but even that, at the present day, can rarely call forth half the actual vote of the State of New York. The fact is ominous. Its effects as well as its causes are worth considering. The latter may be briefly summed up as general prosper- ity, thriving trade, and a universal contempt for politicians of every party. Every indus- trious, intelligent man in this community is doing well. His business engrosses the whole of his time, and he cannot give thought to po- lities without injuring his private affairs. He therefore lets the State govern itsclf. He does 0 with the less reluctance when he remembers how universally corrupt politicians are shown to be. and sees how those who clamored the loudest about reform and integrity before the election are the most abandoned leaders of political profligacy afterwards. He abstains, and washes his hands of party strife ; nor can we blame his act, or even deeply regret a state of individual prosperity which gives rise to such indifference to the public weal. But that indifference cannot exist for any length of time without producing startiing re- sults, It is not reasonable to suppose that the men who found it so easy to reb us on Wednes- day of ten millions ot dollars, will be satistied with that razzia, Next year they will want more. Fresh amendments to the constitution will be proposed ; fresh schemes started, all outwardly for the glory and greatness of New York but really for the private gain and pelf of the politicians. Of course when these plaus are submitied for our ratification we shall en- dorse them as we endorsed the canal loan, by steying away from the polls, and letting the politicians have it all their own way. Their object will be attained, and new demands upon our purse and our patience will be of yearly occurrence. Corruption will be duly installed at Albany,and money will flow in the halls of the Capitol as freely as it does in the corresponding building at Washington. In the latter, demorali- zation seems already to have reached its limit, With the hundreds of schemes for the renewal of patents. the absorption of public. lands and surplus revenue fora test of character, the House of Representatives could hardly fall lower than it is. One effect the grow- ing indifference of the public may produce. All the schemes of corrupt politicians will be carried; all their knavish tricks will be successful from the want of a single hand to oppose and frustrate them. As the days of Congress wane, and the sittings are prolonged far past midnight--when the committet-rooms and lobbies are thronged with active agents acd unscrupulous lobby members—when intoxi- cating liquors are freely passed round among the collective wisdom of the country, and patri- otism is stimulated with punch or repressed by hiccups—we may then see in the infamous re- cord of successful swindles on the nation, that the indifference of which New York is now set- ting the example has not been without fruits even at Washington. Tue Fry-Carcner or La Patrie.—There is a gobe-mouche, named Etienne Mouttet, who writes some of the foreign articles of the Paris paper La Patrie, and whose particular depart- ment ecems to be to chronicle and criticise the sayings of no less personages than our humble selves. He is an airy sort of genius, fond of disporting in the realms of imagination, and, like all literary knights errant, difficult to pin down to the sober realities of facts or figures. He is, moreover, the “echo Parisien” of all the scandal and malevolence of our New York con- temporaries, and is especially endorsed by the Courrier des Etats Unis, which lives by re- bashing the absurdities of the Paris press, this fellow’s amongst others. On the principle ot “ tickle me and I'll tickle thee,” these worthies mapage to make some capital out of us. It is not long since we had occasion to notice a contradiction published in La Patrie by this Mouttet of a statement which appeared in our columns about the middle of last month, re- specting the intrigues of the French at St. Do- mingo, and their ulterior designs upon that re- public. In this denegation our sprightly friend made some indiscreet admissions that fally bore out the truth of the charges that had been ad- vanced by our Dominican correspondent. It will be recollected that the gist of these charges was that a French man-of-war had constrained the Dominican government to pay asum of three thousand dollars as compensation for having expelled two French citizens from Hayti, and that the French commandant had likewise demanded from the President, Santana, that his ministers should be dis- Inisged to make way for an administration Jess hostile to French interests. We drew from these facts, taken in conjunction with the re- port that the ex-President Baez was on board this French vessel, the natural conclusion that some serfous steps were contemplated by France against the independence of the Domini- can republic. The reply of La Patrie, instead of weakening, fully confirmed this impression. Whilst it passed over in silence the specific charges made by our correspondent, it endea- vored to neutralize the effect of the conclusion towhich they pointed by a general statement of the favorable disposit‘on of the inhabitants of St. Domingo towards France, as evidenced by the frequent demands which they had made for an annexation, pure and simple, to that country, or for a protectorate estabiished on such bases as France might please to indicate. It was not convenient, however, for M. Mouttet toadd that thege demands were made at the suggestion and under the direct influence ot ex- President Baez, the warm and devoted partisan of French interests, and who was subsequently expelled from the island for his unpatriotic and anti-national tendencies Nothing could be clearer, therefore, than that the object of this hostile demonstration was the restoration of Baez, and, through him, the establishment of a French protectorate over the republic. If the feeling of the Dominicans had been in reality 80 favorable to France, there would have been no necessity for a proceeding which could only have the effect of wounding their pride and alienating their sympathies. The truth is, that our correspondent only gave expression to the natural sentiment of indignation aroused amongst the people by this attempt to impose a foreign domination upon them. Under the patriotic government of Santana we hear no more of these French tendencies; and it is certain that if the designs of France against the independence of the republic are to be carried out, it will only be by a coup de main such as seems to have been contemplated on the oc- casion te which we refer. Since the short reply which we published exposing these facts the indefatigable fly- catcher of La Patrie has discovered another mare’s nest. Swallowing with avidity, as usual, the statements of the journals opposed to us, he is in a perfect frenzy of delight at the exposal of our alleged fabrication of what is called the Gadsden treaty. Seeing that so many of our New York contemporaries perse- vered to the last in the same wilful incredulity, we are not disposed to bear too hardly upon this feather-headed Frenchman for the pert flippancy with which he writes about matters that he evidently does not understand. Ere he sees this article he will have received the text of the treaty itself. Let him profit by the second lesson of prudence it will have given him. AyorueR AnTrNepraska MEETING AT THE TapernacLe.—Another meeting of the citizens of New York, under a call this time of the workingmen, is to be held at the Tabernacle this evening, “to utter their stern protest against the threatened breach of faith”—we use the language of the call—‘and their deter- mined hostility to any encroachment by the slave power on the rights of free labor in the territory secured by the Missouri compromise.” The call, as we have said, is signed by various workingmen; but the same anti-slavery and Seward leaders who got up the first demon- stration at the Tabernacle are doubtless at the bottom, of this movement. And these anti- slavery and free soil organizations, we per- ceive, are getting up similar meetings from Boston to Chieago. This Nebraska bill is a godsend to them, and they are determined to woke the most of it. But as the first demon- stration at the Tabernacle against the repoal ofan unconstitutional law was a dead failure, 80, we presume, will be the second. The of New York will sustain any act which upon the compact of the Union—the constita- tion of the United States. Presipext Pierce axp His Promises The recall of Mr. Haddock, late Charge of the United States to Portugal, and the confir- mation of John L. O'Sullivan as his successor, have created a great sensation in certain circles in New England and New York where the cha- racter of Mr. Pierce has been investigated and discussed, and is thoroughly known. Before the death of the lamented Daniel Webster, it is well known that Mr. Pierce took Many oppor- tunities of expressing the deep sympathy and regard he bore to the eminent statesman, and all connected with him. At that time, Fletch: Webster his only surviving son, was, and is still, we believe, Surveyor of the Port of Bos- ton. Mr. Leroy, a brother-in-law of Mr. Web- ster’s, likewise held a prominent office under government, as navy agent. A third relation of Mr. Webster's, the son of his favorite sister Grace, Mr. Charles B. Haddock was Charge of the United States to Portugal. Mr. Haddock had been a clergyman, and a professor in Dart- mouth College; he was not a politician, but man of considerable literary attainments and polished scholarship. During the contest, it so happened that Mr. Haddock wrote a letter in which the temper and personal habits of.Mr. Pierce were vindicated from the aspersions cast upon them by the correspondents of the New York Tribune. The letter was published. and as soon as it reached him, Mr. Pierce expressed the warmest gratitude toa relative of Mr. Had- dock’s, adding that the letter had saved him the entire temperance vote throughout the Union. After the election, several friends of Mr. Web- ster’s called on Mr. Pierce with a view to in- quire what the chances were of the relatives of the late statesman retaining their offices, To one of these Mr. Pierce replied, after many as- surances ofhis regard and esteem for the Web- ster family: “I’ll be d—d toh—l if any of them shall be turned out.” To another—a reverend gentleman whose name we have—he expressed. himselfin similar terms, adding: “These gen- tlemen (meaning the son, nephew, and brother- in-law of Mr. Webster) are as safe in their offices as if God had placed them there.” Now for the fulfilment of these various pro- mises to the friends of Mr. Webster. His bro- ther-in-law, Mr. Leroy, has long since been turned out. Mr. Haddock has likewise beer dismissed, and John L. O'Sullivan, a free soiler, and a filibuster, who stood his trial for invading the dominions of a friendly power, has been ap- pointed in his stead. Fletcher Webster is the only one of the three who has, we believe, been retained in his office. And we are given to un- derstand that he, too, would have been dismiss- ed had there been found in Boston a democrat mean enough to take his place. In this dilem+ Taa, we venture to recommend the President to turn to New York or New Hampshire, where, we doubt not, several such democrats as he re- quires may be discovered. Tue Caarteston MERCURY AND THE Papsi- pENT’s New Encianp Orcans.—The Charleston Mercury is down upon the suspicions support. which the Boston Post, the leading New Eng- land organ of Gen. Pierce, gives to the Nebras- ka bili, which is precisely the support contri- buted by the President’s home organ, the Con- cord, Patriot. Our Charleston contemporary says:— The Boston Post, in commenting Jeman’s {uit bows) recent speech, takes reaenre 2 , Os it asserts, ot Sas iii cannot aerent plicity to the former and an un: 10 the latter. For if it is intended to be argued by tor Dongies, that in creating Territorial governments vented with the usual powers, they can legislate 10 as exclude and abolish slavery, when very law which gavizes them dec'sre the Territoriss open to theimmi- gration anc setilement of the slaveholder, we must reject suche a as not only uncons‘itational, but ae containing upon its very fses the mark of treachery. | question. The Boston Post is particularly the confidential organ of the President, and in fore- shadowing the idea that the South are to be ex- cluded from the new Territories by the action ofthe people in their Territorial capacity it doubtless gives the President’s construction of the bill. The Boston Post, the Concord Patriot, and the Washington Union, will now per- ceive the necessity of some new statement of the construction which the President gives to this bill of Judge Douglas. Let us have an- other administration construction of the bill. The last does not hold water in the South. Tuurtow Weep on THE TeETH.—Thurlow Weed admits, with tears in his eyes, that our circulation is enormous and highly respectable, but consoles himself with a savage onslaught on our teeth. We are, he says, a “ toothless cur.” Now, this must be # mistake ; for Dr. Jones, one of the most eminent dentists in thie city pronounces our teeth the soundest he ever found in a man of our years, and good for twenty years at least which is as long as we shall want them. Thurlow Weed may be a \ connoisseur of canal lettings and other spoils, but he is evidently no judge of teeth. ‘Tex Onawampam Hore, at Waite PLame, Burxeo To rep Gxounp.— At eight o’elock yesterday (Friday) mornieg, & fire was discovered in the above mentioned hotel by one of its inmates, anc ine very short time that pretty and popular place of resort was a heap of ruins. It originated fn one of the chimney flues, which we understand to have and by her indefatigable exertions sad pers2nal popnlari- ty with ali the frequenters of the hotel she was ys acoumulating ® smug little fortune. She has va catastrophe lost her alJ--the money that she he’ oy Daving been recently spent in the embellishment of the iaterior of the house, and out door improvements, of @ very expensive coara>ter. At the time of the tion the houre was croward with Lote pe am Red week. The vill manifest a great of sym) for Mre. Smith's , &9 itis understood she will sot cover aby insurance, Oourt Calendar—This Day- Commow PiaasNos 8i1, 208, 328, 291, 820,397 to 334, Se Knox and the Crystal Jo sgine th cooment of +s it for KNuX"! an syreeh a pri Bxbibition. Good npring shyle now reac, le ichiasas Drake, Fashionable Hatter and Wholesale mannfeoturer, No ¥ Bowe oy. will intendnoe the Spri Gintlomcn's hate on Saturday, Fob 18, 13540 Ye Genin, 214 Broadwi his apring style of geutioner This Seturdsy, Feb. 18, 1854, the New any. MO. 146 145 Naseau ssroot, off weal to the mov resaeited bet can be done for three duly vality and one price, Free Admission to Root’ lery —Romem >t, Ho * reosived sne ta Palsoe tor the best 1¥pon, sterocarores and plvia wonther, at J63 Brosdway, Premium Gal e001) Crayons, dsguerteotypes, taken im s0¥ ‘