The New York Herald Newspaper, December 21, 1854, Page 4

NEW YORK "AERALD.| PROPRIETOP, AND EDITOR, ovyiss ¥. W. CORY gu WASGAU AND FULTON ord. TRRMS, anak 4 se i HE HE RE pce copy—S per annum. HERALD every Sctmmny af 0% cents sopay or $3 fer wsanum: the Buropenn Ecition $4 per aan, aly pirkef Grout Britrin, ant $s to amy part ef the Coe” |. bath 40 imclune postive. ALL LETTERS 5; pat fr Subscriptions or wih Adver- Hisements to he post pid, er the postage will be cedu ied from the money remuted. VULUNTAR Y CORRESPONDENCE, containing iw por tent news, soli ted the wer'!, will be liberally paid DENTS SRB FARTICULARLY REQU net return those JOB PRINTING executed with nestnen, chesprete, and VER TISEMENTS renewed every dav. AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. BROADWAY THEATRE, Brosdway—A Lucxy Hir— Avene, —_ BOWBRY THEATRE. Bewery—Tnz Rovex Dirawonn— Doansaant Piren—Piior. WIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway—Lvcy or Lauuzaxoon. BURTON'S THEATR! Chambers stroot—Monerzun Jacquus- Urrzn Tax a Lowzn Twarry. WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broadway—Two re One—A Queriauan yneu insiawp—My Wirs's 8200p Fioon. MBTROPOLITAN THEATRE, Broadway—Monzy—Mi- wars Banus. AMERICAN MUSEUM—Afveracen—\nstz—To (pz0n Bercor. Bvening—Guxe ruz Ganonza—Mar or rus WOOD'S VARIETIES—Mechanics’ Hall, 73 Broadway. FERA HOUS! Broa¢way—Buox- aie ntus ores thevrs. a ————eeaeas=Seq“*@WavXO New York, Thursday, December 21, 1854. ‘The News. Im the Senate yesterday the Pension Appropria- ~ dom bill was passed, after an ineffectual effort on * caping to (he street wil the part of Mr. Fessenden to place the widows of efficers in the navy on the same footing aa the offi- eere of the army. The jastic: of the proposal was generally admitted, and the obj:ctio.s urged against it were merely technical. Tse bills for extending the California Land Commission, and , See naturalizing children of American parents born abroad, were aso passed. The bil providing better security for life and health on board emi- grant vessels was referred to a select com :ittee. Tuesday next wa; -ssigned for the consideration of ‘the bill creating the new Department of Law. The mlect con m ice to devise a plan for adjusting private claims reported a substi.ute for tie bil! qmtablishing *Boa:d of Commissioners, and the subject will probably be brough: up for discussion today. After an executive session the Senate a1. journed. In the House yesterday s:veral bills relating to the District of Columbia were passed, the most important vf whic1 was the ons suppressing the @irculation of bark notes uncer the denomination of fivedoliars. The act 's to go into effect—if the Se nate concur—next November, ond its provisions are very stringent. The Committee on Commerce wae tracted to inquire whetzer any farther lecisla tion is neceseary for better defioing the rights of eur citizens in property purchased, under certair circumstances, of citizens or subjects of fo-eign eountries, Gen. Whittield, delegate from Kaasas, appeared and took the usual oath. Onr readers should atien'ively read the letters of our correspondents at Wastington, published in to day’s paper, if they would be thoroughly posted ap im the progress of affairs at the capital. Th: Board of Aldermen transacted a good deal o! peutice business last evening, amongst whish vere Fesojutions appropriating $250 for a portrait of Mayor Westervelt for the City Hall, and $150 for » saitabie testimonial to John W. Garside, the ire- Man who s> her i-atly rescued three persons from the fire at No. 371 Grand s'reet, in July last. The Beard concurred iu the report of the Councilmen, mukicg on sdditions! sppropriation of $50,000 for saieric® ani $2,000 for contingencies for the present year. The motion to concur with the Counsilmen im appropriating $15,000 to purchase Dr. Abbo't’s collection of Egyotian satiquities was lost by a vote of seventeen to one. Dr. Francie and his associates must, therefore, look to other sources for material aid in securing to our city those highly-priz27d m:- maorials of the Jand of the Pasroahs, which a critical member of the Board termed a collection of ‘dogs, monkeys, bulls avd such things.” After the regular Dusiness was cver an effort was again made to con firm the Mayor's appoin:ments of clerks for some of the police courts; but the same dodge to defeat the mom atio: s was resorted to a3 on Tuesday night- aportion of the members reticing from the room, leaving the Booid without a quoram. The Board of Councilmen met last night and pasced an ordinance providiig for the sppropriatioa of fifty-two thousand dollirs for salaries aod con- timgent expenses for the balance of the year. The resolution author zing the appropriation of ten theusand dollars for the relief of the poor was taken up sud passed uvanimously. The Board of Education met last evening an! twapsacted & large amount o° foatine business, A yesclution was adopted to pay the mecessary ex- penses for repairing and cleaning schoothoase N» 5, ta Mott street, used iast summer as a cholera hospi- tal, which payment, it seems, thé Board ef Health hae refused to mate. An extensive fire ccourred in Broadway yester- @ey morning, riliing one fireman and destroying upwards of $150,000 worth of property. Shortly after 4 o'clock, it seems, fire was discovered in the premises of the City Assembly Ballroom, situstes at 446 Brosdway, ix the black bouuded by Howard ard Grand streets, which was totally destroyed together with several stores. At the tim» the fire broke out the Tailors’ Protective Gnion Assuciation was just closing up one of their sviréer, and the alarm crested amongat the guesta can more readily be Jaagined than described, many of the ladies es nothing on them bas their ball dresses, and the extremo severity of the weather rendered their situation anything bat comfortable. A fall report of the fire will be found elsewhere. Tt ie stated that the Navy Department bas posi tive information of the sloop-of-war Al ub Carthagens on the 12th of Ovtover, previous to toe disastrous gale in that m sho sailed witbia that week, she mast bave poved to ita fury; batt ere is room to lope that she did not. Ae an off-et tothe reports that bave deem circula’ed respecting the unseaworthiness of the Albany, Capt. Platt, formerly her commssier, has pub ished » statement in which he says that she ia a very superior vessel. Ac vices from Rio Jaseiro to the Ist ult. may be found undsr the telegraphic head. Nothing of interes: bad occurred in politica’ circlea. Onur: te egra advices from Quebes siate that Lord E'gin will urriv in this ty on Tuesdsy rest, azd leave for Liverpool i) the steamer Puc tio oo the foltowing day. Sir FE. ‘. Head was svora to Governor Gemersl on Tuxday at. The weavie had been excessively cold through ut the prov effectrially choking aviation. The roatda, however were in excellent condition, enabling farmers supply the towas with large qua tiles of prov and we therefure hear nothiog of “hard times” | ' ia Causds. Tho entire by fNew O of chipea-penters stopped work yesterday, in resietan ath a of toelr cuppioyers r ber wages \) ) per day aise to add a. dour aad o bal A Gay’s work, The Commirysion reo m mis’ yeaterds & Brno”. rh * meat was Fr 1 by @- wl ft appre bat h 94 namber of en “ nved ‘ n to yesterday # £ 8 76; balance on hand, 55,257 Howlog the lead of the Almaionse Governors, tae” | bim from t Rena } party, in conductors of the Dpt'a mc H>-pita’ a asked of the Coumissione’s reimbursemet for ex,ense incurred im the treatment o em gran’ patien's. Neither of the steamships due ro Barop iad been telegraphed at one o'clock this morning. Tre jury in the cise of Aron, charged wih causing the dea ho’ Mr.and =r’. Allison, by ‘12 explorion o a nfe:nal mactin» at Cincinas! after deliberating bu ‘bree | ours yesterday, ron- dered @ verdict » gu ty o murder: the = - degree. A report of the testime»y for the defence is published ‘n anothe: colu : n. ‘There was e grand congratulatory jubilee at the Tabernacle lust » ght 0 rejoice over the result of the recent State cleétion + emperance m2, abol'- tionists, and a very large number of ladies, made up the audience. Gov. Clark cou'd not attend, being busily engaged in preparing hiv mesfag- to we Legislature. A ull repor. of the proceedings is given eleewhere. The m rket for fair !o goo’ common State brands of flour was firm:r yesterday, and c'osed at about 12h¢. per barrel advanc . O.he desc:iptio:s were unchanged. \ hite Michiga. wheat-oda $2 s4. Corn advanced from 1c. to 14c. per bushel, and clos- ed stiff at 96c. a 97hc. per bushe ess pork sold fieely, for delivery tois month and on the pot, a $12 75, and small lote of prime sold at $12 25. Beef as steady, with sales of prms mess at $25 50. About 1,000 bales of cotton were sol), ani ‘he mar- ket, with alight siock, closed steady, at 8c. for mid- diing uplands; 8}. do. for Florida; 8 «. do. for Mo- bile, and at 8jc. a 84c. do. for New Orleans. Salea of 4,000 tons of Cumber and coa!, for at:aming pur- poses, were made at $6 25 a $7 50. ‘W. H. Seward in the New Legislature—Pros- Pects of his Defeat. The Know Nothing oppceition elements against the re-election of W. H. Seward to the United States Senate are assuming a definite, consistent and formidable character. The new Americun party, in fact, are sanguine of de- feating the arch-agitator, and of bringing his unprincip'ed political career abruptly to a close. It appear, that Seward himsel’ is fully aware of his danger, for within the last forty- eight hours, we understand, de:-erting his of. ficial duties at Washington, he gh have been found closeted with a few of his !eading spir- itsin the room appropriated as his head juar- ters at the Astor House. Tcere, over the choices: liquors f:om the four qiarters of the globe, we may guess the sulgvet of the consul- tation. Very \ikely, indeed, it comprehended an inquiry, keen and practical, into all the available means and appliances for securing Master Seward’s re--lection such as the State revenues and disbursements, the Canal fund, the spoils of office, andthe number of votes which may probably be obtained forthe sur- render or sale of the Maine Liquor law. It is the crisis in the man’s history. If he fallsnow, he is hopelessly prostrate. If he maintains his feet through this impending struggle, he may stand yet for a season, «nd seriously derange the present general estimites of this new American party. We may, therefore, rely upon it that Seward aud ‘his agents will leave no stone unturned, no available means unemployed; that they will be troubled with no scruples or nice distinctions of political honesty, but that they will use all accessible instrumentatities, and stick at no bargain or sale of spoils or principles, in view of the single and paramount object of Seward’s re-election. Notwithstanding all this, the Know Nothiags The Post Office Advertising. Twelve months «gow spplied to the Post- m-ster of New York for the Post Office adver- tising, whic te law declares shall be awarded | to the newsp»per having the largest circulation ‘in thecty. O rclalw was contested by other | journals; and though it was established to the | Satisfaction of every reasonable being that the i Heraxp had in fact a much larger circu’ation | than any other newspaper in the city, the award | was made in favor of an obscure cotemporary, | whose insign’ficance was such that it had no | enemies. We will not aseert that Mr. Fowler wilfally an of hs own accord availed himself of a quibble to def-a he object of the law: the probability is that he merely falfilled. instruc- tions from those who had reason to hate the | Heraxp: but from whatever cause the injustice sprang, certain it is that, though no man of ex- perience doubted the Heratp’s right to the | award, it was made in favor of another journal. We have availed urse ves of the earlicst op- portunity sllowed 'y he law torenew the con- test. A few days a20, an application was made on our bebalf othe Assistant Postmaster of New York to permit us to prove that our city circulatio. is larger than that of the newspaper in whic» the Post Offize advertisements are at present in:ert:d. Mr. Waterbury, who knows about a: much concerning his duties as the bu'k of Mr. Pierce’s nomi- nees, referred us to the Postmaster General. It is hard, when the Eastern war, the Know Nothing progress, the corruptions at Wathington, and the thousand other startling events which are taking place aroand us require so much attention, study and thought—it is hard that we ehould be compelled to find time to teach the public officers of this government the business of their station. Mr. Waterbury, and his superior, Mr. Fowler, will find, on re- ference to the law, and the regulations of the Post Office, (section 170, subdiv. 6,) that the Postmaster General (an only exercise ap vellate jurisdiction over conte ts of this nature; and that cognizance of the same, in original juris- diction, apperta'ns exclusively to the local Postmasters. We therefore now reiterate our demand that the lists be re-opened, em ull the city jonraals be allowed to put in statements of their circu- lation, to the end that the Po:t Office advertis- ing be granted, in conformity with the Jaw, to that newspaper which reaches most readers in this city. ‘The operation will give them little trouble, for the tenders just seat in to the City Comptroller for the city advertising will answer for the Post Office as weil. Iu those documents, we find the following figures given, (and sworn to by each,) as the circulation of the newspa- pers mentioned:— Cit; Aggre: Circulation, cirdlaton. 40,004 5: 42,679 26,449 > = is , 28,000 . The Tribune tender was withdrawn, but we understand that these figures were about those given as the circulation of that journal. We want to see whether, im the face of these facts and figures, the administration will ven- ture to refuse the Post Office advertisements to the Hxratp. We hope they will. Mr. Flagg has done so, and we wish him joy of the deed. The “honest are sanguine of defeating him, aad claim to bave'mustered up already the requisite force ic our new Legislature to do the work. and todo it handsomely. We understand that the main (Barker) organization of the Know Nothiugs in this State can count over a thousand cona- cils and lodges, embracing a solid mass of two hundred thousand voters—that the original Allen organization have one handred and tifty- three lodges, separated from the grand organi- zation, but equally opposed to Seward. There is, however, a third party of the Know No- things, 9 spurious organization apon false pre- tences, organized at Utica in October last, un- der the auspices of Myron H. Clark ant other instruments of the cunning anti-siavery dsma- gogue of Anburn. This third party may be: called the Seward Know Nothings, aad are said to number throughout the State some flity- four lodges. Tueir object in October was to create a diversion amopg the Know No things for the benefit of Clark; and the Utica movement may have served its purpose to this end in securing at least the two or three bundred votes by which Clark bas been elested But, in the meantime, the Know Notaniazs did not overlook the Legislature. We are in- formed that they have canvassed it, and fel quite sure that, as between the two houses, they have Seward between their finger and thumb. They claim a majority of one in the Senate. In the Assembly they are reported to have sixty- five Know Nothings of the whig strise, and twenty of the democratic, making en aggre- gate ofeighty-tive members, ora majority of seventcen in the Assembly. It is suspected, however, that among these sixty-five whigs, there may be some ricketty disciples of the U schoo}, sod these are to be looked after The Know Nothings, from all parts of the Sta‘e, opposed to Seward. will have their represeuts- tives at Albany, and their separate and unit- ed inflaence, with the influence of the party throughout the country generally, will be brought to bear upon the single point of Seward’s detent. While it is thos evident, however, that Seward will be invested, like Sebastopol, it is equally ay parent that bis ageats and suport ers ‘will defend their champion — with the tenacity of, ibe Russ ans, From ibe feelers thrown out by the Albany Journal, and the junior and con- fidensial satellite of Thuriow Weed in tui: city it is pretty clear that the Seward men are ready to sell the Maine L quor Jaw for whas is will fete’ in the way of vores for our beleaguere Senator in the Assembly; and that they are | even ready for avy reasonabe bargain with the Know Nothings themselves which will save the bead of the an islavery coalitivn ‘rom the guillotine. The spoils of th. Si ate govera.neot especially the Caval taad, wil nuqne rly be brenght tot directly to the same point and with the bard aud cruel times whjoh are npoo ne, the spoils in sagoeious hands uy b wielded with telling effic ency The Know Nothings claita a majority ia the | new Ascembly. The test question is W. U Seward. His defeat, by all odds, will bo the test of all the victories o he Koow ‘thinps— greater, iv ite m rat -feot through e country, particularly ie Virviaia avd th, than wll their other 0 u In the invers: rato, his ' be w Nothing defeat. The prestige of Kr h os #@ os ieoal 1ervs pa ae ix, in fact, mpon -ble detwat Seware With he power La rads to portance. Let them carry out the good work 4 iupartauce At su early day we may ex | | | priated $10,000 in aid of the Society for tn. | proving the Coodition of the Poor. | cellent; so far a3 it goes; bat oo tc | vate society will accomplish muc | Yorks between this and the Ist of May nexs | | alms be not afforded them, will far exce | Comp‘roller” has printed over his own signa- ture 4 repors in which he say» that he believes it to be cheaper to pay three-quarters of a cent for reaching the eye of three thousand people than eight cents for reaching the eye of forty thousand: but every one sees that Mr. Figg stated’ that to be true which he knew to be false in order to try to injure the Heraup which he hated, avd to gratify the Evening Post which defended all his follies. Let the administration follow so noble an example. Pray let Mr. Fowler be ordered under penalty of Bronson’s fate, to report that 34,709 is in reality a larger number than 40. 004, and that ‘the law, which directs that the advertisements must be" printed in the most widely read journal, would be best carried out by an award granting them to that one which circulates the least. The public are er owing weary of the inactivity of the adm! .-:,ation, Since the Greytown outrage, they have been absolutely idle. Surely this opportunity of feeding their spite against the Heraxp will not be thrown away. Gexerat Cass, Arcapisoor Hvons: AND Free Reviciox.—We see that General Cuss has called up in the Senate the resolution of last session touching the freedom of conscience in foreign nations. If we are not mistaken, this resolution, (which is not given by our Con- greseional reporters,) proposes to attempt, by diplomatic negotiations between our govern- mgnt and the foreign nations interested, the concession of those religious liberties to Ame- rican citizens abroad which are enjoyed by the people of all nations and sects in these United States, Our readers will recollect the learned controversy @year ago between General Cass and Archbishop Hughes upon this important subject, particularly interesting to the Arch- bishop from the fact that the Catholic coun- tries of Europe end America are most deeply concerned in the matter. Accordiagly, we re- gret the absence of the Archbishop at Rome, upon a question concerving the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, now that this snbject oi religions liberty is again brought apon the carpet at Washington. The general uprising of the Kaow Nothings since last winter, and the lively excitement which they have stirred up throughout the conntry, would give to the re- sumption at this time of the aforesaid disca’- sion with General Cass the higbest degree of apother speech upon this question from the ; but who will take the place of t Archbishop? Will Seward come to his relic We should Jike to know., Necessity ror Some Renter ror THE Poor,.— The Board of Councilmen last night appro Gener Vhis is veal or towards ry lieving the @istress which mass fall upoa New The number of poor people wao will starve ad aay It is hig thing that bas been seeo hereto time that especial messuc s were & i thet committoes » orvantzed in ‘2 to meet | the case his and other | people 1 ¢ e| cities to distribute food and fuel is winter will cr paupers whom & should be eab-cribed largely : th whe hav batone day they had ao hould remem r hat whol thing fent moy yet deprive them o iT ruit of the'r ta 1 Josrics ro Ammnican Gensnats.—We hope | that Congress wi 1, before many days, vote to confer the rank of Lieutenant-General upon the Communder-in-Chief, with the additional pey annexed; and also that it will pass the bill tor the relief of the family of the late Major | General Worth. It ig only justice that these claims should be all wed. General Scott de- serves a far .reater reward for his eminent ser- vices than the brevet of Lieutenant-General ; and General Worth, one of the bravest and best that ever “set a squadron in the field,” died in the service of his country, and ia consequence o” disease engendered in the prosecution of the war with Mexico. The republic is now hsked to contribute some- thing to c'eer the declining years of one of these Generals, and to relieve the family of the other. ‘he proposition is received with com- parative indifference at Washington, while ecores of speculators are plundering the public treasury. It is indeed a singular spectacle which is now presented a: the national capital. The-public funds are rap‘dly passing from the treasury into the hands of lobby members, hangers-on, stockjobbers, and the endless army of sharpers who congregate at Washington every year ; the money so distributed is used for gambling, drinking, and all sorts of de- bauchery, tending to public demoralization and national degradation—and two of the best and bravest Generals that ever lived have their claims disallowed and their services slighted. It is to be hoped that there are yet a few mem- bers of Congress who are not entirely lost to a sense of justice, and that these bills will be pressed forwerd and passed at once. Tar War Between Wau Sreeet anv Trist- Ty.—The matter of the opening of Albany street through Trinity churchyard to Broad- way,istocome up for final action in the Board ot Councilmen to-morrow evening. The war has been waged with vigor on both sides. The opponents of the extension are led on by Mr. Henry Erben, who is supported by the Wide Awakes, Chauncey Shaffer and the memo- ry of the revolutionary patriots whose bones lie in the churchyard. He also hasthe great Trini- ty corporation with him—an important power, in a pecuniary point of view. The leader on the other side is Mr. Boorman, who is backed up by all the Wall street stockjobbers, and other ‘nancial operators, whose peculjar feats in the monetary world have brought the present commercial depression upon the city. Mr. Boorman says that he will spend a great deal, and that he “will put the thing through in spite of the ashes of ourrevolutionary fathers.” We shall see. Who will win, Erben or Boorman? Chauncey Shaffer or the stockjobbers? the Wide Awakes or Wall street? Things look better for Trinity just now;‘and the corporation having more money than Boorman, he will probably not be able to tarry it through “in spite of the revolutionary ashes.” THE LATEST NEWS. BY MAGNETIC AND PRINTING TELEGRAPHS, Non, Arrival of the European Steamers. Haurax, Dec. 20—10 P. M. ‘The weather is quite thick, and the agents of the steamer America do not consider her fully due here be- fore Thursday. Portianp, Dec. 20—10 P. M. We have no tidings as yet of the steamer Sarah Sands, now fourteen days out from Liverpool. Sanpy Hoox, Dec. 20—10 P. M. ‘The steamship Washington, now in her fifteenth day from Southampton, has not yet appeared off this point. From Washington. THE GLOBE AND MESSRS, SELDEN, WITHERS & CO.— PROOKEDINGS IN THE SUPREME COURT. ‘Wasutnatox, Dec. 20, 1854. The Globe of this city says that gross errors exist in the schedule of Messrs. Selden, Withers & Co. Init the tate Gen. Armstrong is put down as owing the firm $22,000, when his estate owes it only $1,000~" It further says the preferred creditors who claim $55,000, are in reality no others than Messrs. Selden, Withers & Co. The following cases were acted on in the Supreme Court:— No. 9.—The Troy Iron and Nail Factory vs. Geo. Odiorne, Jr., and F. Odlorne. Appeal from the Citeuit Court of Massachusetts. Justice Catron delivered the opinion of the court, affirming the decree of the Circuit Court, with costs. No. 23.—The propeller Monticello, John Wilson, claimant, vs. Gilbert Mollison. The argument was con- tinued by Mr. Grant for the appellee, and concluded by ‘Mr. Gillett for the appellant. No. 24,—The President, Directors and Company of the Bank of Tennessee, plaintiffs in error, vs. Lewis B. Horn. Argument by Mr. Janin for defendant. ‘The Conviction of Arrison, the Torpedo Man. Civcmnati, Dec, 20, 1854. The case of Arrison, for the murder of the Allisoas, was given to the jury this evening, and, after being out only three hours, they rendered a verdict of murder in ‘the first degree. Affairs in Canada. i MOVEMENTS OF LORD ELGIN—THEB NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL AND HIS POLICY—EFFECT OF THE COLD WEATHER, §TC. * Quxsrc, Dec. 20, 1854, Lord Elgin will leave Canada on Friday next, via Port- land and Boston for New York, where he will arcive on the Tuesday following. He sails for Europe in ihe steam- ship Pacific, leaving on the 27th, Sir E. W. Head, his successor, was sworn in as Gover- nor-General yesterday. It is said the next Gazette will see all the officers who were deprived of their rank for joizing the anaexation movenfent, restored to their re- spective ranks. Kixestox, Dee. 19, 1854, The weather here is exceedingly cold. The thermome- ter is now at two degrees below zero, Navigation is closing vast. There are large supplies of produce in the market. Haorroy, Dec. 19, 1854, Hamilton bay ia frozen over. Trading vessels have gone into winter quarters. Ganz, Dect 19, 1854, Avevere frost has occurred here. Owing to the im. proved condition of the roads, farmers are bringing in large quantities of produce. From Baltimore. LARGE ROSBERY--MAIL DIFQIOULTY IN Sout CaROLINa. Barmiwore, Des, 20, 1854. The jewelry store of Mr. Muh, in New Orleans, had been robbed of goods valagd at $7,000. A qood deal of aneasiness was being felt in Charleston in regard to the transportation of the Southern mail after the Ist of January next, aa no agreement has yet been entered into between the Postmaster General aul the South Carolina Railroad Company. It has been found impracticable to get boats to convey the mail be tween Wilmington and Charleston, Ramor says tha’ the Postmaster General will save his honor by allowing a sub-contract to the railroad company, granting their term ss Disaster to the Bark Thos. 1H. Baxter. Partapsuriia, Des. 20, 1854. ‘The bark Thos. E. Baxter, Capt. Sdull, whieh left here onthe 30th ult. for Bostoa, retaraed to port to-day, having encountered @ gale on the Sd inst, whico awept her decks, and after lying hove to for seven days she was forced to retarn, On the 17th she reached the Capes, and was taken in tow by the steamer Tempeat aud brought up to port, Capt. U received serious | injuries daring the gale, and od ant of which he was contined to the cabin for fourteen days. Relies of the Poor at Haison, Hopson, Deo. 20, 1854 A meeting of our infloential citizens was held here last ey totoke measures for the relief of the poor, in . be extreme depression of the times, An as 1 awhscriptions taken ation was formed, and lbs he spot, for beginning at once the work of ameliora- jen. ‘The bark Lapwing arrived here to-day, and brings dates from Rio Janeiro to the 1st of November. 4H. H. Porter, Esq., a passenger by her, came as bearer of despatehes to the United States government. Heavy rains were prevailing at Rio, and had greatly retarded business, Political affairs were quiet. The coffee market re-opened after the arrival of the English steamer on the 25th of October, and 35,000 bags were sold at 31900 to 44200, for European lots; 44300 for United States lots, and 44450 for selected lots. The re- ceipts from the interior were coming in freely and deal- ers were disposed to keep the stock moving. Richmond flour was selling 24] a 25}, on credit, and Baltimore at 234250. Freights were firm at seventy to eighty cents for the United. States. q 5 The Lapwing left in port at Rio the U.S, steamship Massachusetts, Commander Meade, repairing, bound to the Pacific, The U. 8. brig Bainbridge, from the River La Platte, had just arrived, The ship Sophia Walker, Gray, from the Isle of Sel, ‘was'discharging, and the Maria Green, from New York, had just arrived. The brig Mary McRae, Bremhall, from Wilmington, was discharging; the Bonita, Shack- elford, do., and the Dolphin, Colby, from Montevideo, had just arrived. ‘The Sunbury and Erie Railroad. Niagara Farts, Dee. 20, 1854. . A large number of Philadelphians arrived here this morning, over the new railroad, via Sunbury. They go on to Erie this afternoon. From Boston. MB BENTON’S LECTURE—THE SHIP KING LEAR. Bostoy, Dec. 20, 1854 ‘The Hon. Thomas H. Benton lectured before the Mer. cantile Library Association this evening, in the Tremont Temple. The hall was crowded, and between three and our thousand persons were present. The Cad King Lear, which ran aground at the Nav ‘Yard, whilst being launched yesterday, was got of morning at ten o’clock, without damage. Ship Carpenters’ Strike in New Orleans. New Oneans, Dec. 20, 1854. ‘The ship carpenters of this city struck ina body to- day, on account of their employers attempting to reduce their wages to two dollars and a half per day, and also eee Jengthen the day’s work by an hour and s lf, State of the Weather. Aupany, Dec. 20, 1854. At six o’clock this morning, in this city, the thor mometer indicated 14 degrees below zero; at twelve o’clock it ntood at 3 degrees below. At the Half Way House, on the road to Troy, early this morning, it stood 18 degrees below zero. Teams are now crossing Hudson river on the ice in perfect safety. . - 20, 1854. Lanstycpura, Dec. The thermometer at this place was 16 degrees below zero this morning. Buruatox, Des. 20, 1854 At six o’clock this morning the thermometer stood at sixteen degrees belo w zero. Dec. 20, 1854. ‘The weather is intensely cold in this city. The ther- mometer this morning stood at only five ve zero. °. Bostox, Dee. 20—8 o'clock A. M. Weather extremely cold. 'The-thermometer stands at eight degrees above zero. PortLAND, Dec. 20—8 A. M. The thermometer here at this time stands one degree below zero. Carais, Dec. 20~8 A. M. The thermometer is six degrees below zero. Weather Eastport, Dec. 20—8 A. M. Nokgg thermometer stands at five degrees below zero ere. Markets. PHILADELPHIA STOCK BOARD. PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 20, 1854. mpeg Serpe: iach Stocks are steady. We quote Read- ing at 383; Morris 1134; Long Island Railroad, Canal, 1234; Penn. RR Co., 405; ; Penn. fives, 80%. ‘ gjeud Guvcmsan, Dee. 20, 1854, Hogs are selling to-day at $40 $4 50, The weather is moderating. Broadway Theatre=The Beggars Opera. ‘The ‘‘ Beggars’ Opera” was first produced in London in the year 1727, and had a run of sixty-three consecu- tive nights. The great popularity which it attained was to be attributed as much to the idea which suggested it to the mind of the author—that of satirising the extra- vi of the Italian lyrical’ stage, founded as they were upon the stilted action of Greek tragedy—as to the intrinsic merits of the piece itself. Its success marked ‘the expression of the same democratic sentiment which, curious to say, manifests itself as strongly in the pre- sent day as when this piece was first brought out. The general run of theatre goers, incapable of appreciating the scientific music of the Malian composers, and unin- fected by the affectation of » taste which, if the truth were known, three-fourths of the would-be fashionables who patronized the representations of their works-did not in reality possess, rejoiced in the production of a pieee which, whilst it ridiculed effectively the folly of this assumed passion, furnished them with an entertain- ment adapted to their simpler ideas of musical enjoy- ment. The revival of the piece at the present” moment has a striking applicability to the present condition of the lyrical drama in this country. The taste for Italian opera, although fostered by an extravagant expenditure, and the highest order of artistic talent, does nof find our soil congenial to its developement. Almost every enter- prise of this sort that has hitherto been attempted, has proved more or less of a failure, and we have ‘ha 1 some recent instances in which even names that have hitherto always carried with them success have not been able to guarantee the speculation against disastrous losses. Under circumstances presenting so remarkable an analogy with those which inspired Gay’s happy concep- tion of the ‘“Beggar’s Opera,”’ it was to be expected that its production at the Broadway last night would draw a crowded house. The result justified the anticipation of the management, which, we must say, bas evinced a good deal of tact, not only iff seizing upon a conjuncture #0 favorable for the introduction of a good troupe of English yocalists, but in reviving # piece so eminently de circonstance. Although the earlier scenes of tle opera went off rather heavily, owing to the shortness of time allowed for preparation, fhe result was a decided success. The Polly of Louisa Pyne was, as might be ex- pected, from the unaffected and natural grace of her style, both of acting and singing, most effectively rendered. Simple as is the music of the piece in general, she cou- trived to invest It with a thousand new charms and beauties of which we hardly thought it susceptible. In the solo of ‘Cease your funning,” the brilliancy of her execution, ina succession of the most extraordinary thrills and cadences, drew down a perfect tempest of applause from the house. Mr. Harrison was more at home in the character of Macheath than in any of the parts in which we have as yet seen him. He was in ex- cellent voice, and impersonated the dashing highway- man with a spirit and geniality which gave full effect to the part. We cannot conclude without saying « word in praire of the Lucy of Miss J. Gougenheim. Next to the two leading parts, it was the most effective charac- ter of the piece. Marine Affairs. ‘Tur Sreamentp Norre Star sailed yesterday for jsy'n wall, with passengers and the mails for California, Oregon, &e. Reuisy Vessrt.—The Secretary of the Navy has detailed the cutter Caleb Cushing to cruise off this coast for the relief of veisels in distress, in place of the brig Wash- ington, which is now repairing at our Navy Yard. It is to be Foped she will be at once dispatehed on her benef. cent errand, as there has been some severe weather, and there may be now vessels that have su(fered in want of | assistance on the coast. Personal Intelligence. ARRIVALS. At the St, Nicholas—Hon. Judge I Jobn N. Wilder, A. M. Str v W. Griswold, Bonton; A. H. Wither, Providence; B. W. tor: Delisie, A. Wall Simma, Mississippt; J w roree, New Orie R. Gilbert, ; RG. Penniman, john Kennedy, Buffalo. DEPARTURES. Californ: Brewster, Roohé spinwall any 4 apt F Stanle¥, AC Mo: Fy GF Smith'and 2 Meir and cbilo, Wm Nixon ni ana ol ierton, Ca echelder, A Sblatchley, R B tloadley, M Lougan, M MeDonovgh,' J MeCarthy, H Wagner, 8 B Poiton, J Kell, WR Lovelace, J tlodges, B Pellery, P Galtahor, J Panett, J & Raga W Stites, tle, N Siel- Bradbnry, » Gf Pepe WB’ Gritin, TW * Doon, M ite fo, Mrs Mather, on Me Seimpeon we nh, Mra Moory, t , B Meery, B 8 Meory, G Cheosman, and others in the steerage. | twenty-two years of age. His body was dug out from B | DISASTROUS FIRE IN BROADWAY.” NEARLY A WHOLE BLOCK IN RUINS. Total Destruction of the City Assembly and Wood's Minstrels Hall. One Fireman Killed and a Severely Injured. Over $159,000 Werth of Property SCENES AND INCIDENTS, &., &, &,. A most destructive fire broke out about four 0’ yesterday morning im theCity Assembly Rooms, and Jess than an hour,after it wae discovered the whole build. ing was in flames. The ball room was filled at the by.= gay and festive throng, ‘it being the occasion the Fifth Annual Ball of the Tailors’ Protective Union. A few days ago we received a ticket to this ball, enclosed! ina note, inviting us to be present, our friends imagining that their entertainment would terminate abruptly, and be attended with such disastrous conse- quences. It appears that the fire was discovered about half an hour before it broke out, in one of the flues in the dressing room, but as it had made very little headway it waseasily suppressed. Only a few of those in the room| heard anything about it until the second alarm was given, when it had proceeded too far to be checked im- mediately with the limited means at hand. As soon it became known that the building was on fire the great- est excitement took place among the company—every- thing and everybody was thrown into confusion. women screamed anda few of them fainted, while men knocked each other down stairs in their wild to get out of the burning building. Some of the coolest took the matter little easier, amd having seen that. there was no immediate danger, went into the hat room and got their clothes, but the majority’ made their appearance in the street in the same dress, they wore at the ball. About half or three quarte: of an hour after they left, the flames burst out of the front windows; and the ball-room, which they had occu- pied but a short time before, glowed like s furnace. ‘The fire spread with fearful rapidity, and in less than two hours after it was first discovered, it had extended overhalf the block. The firemen, as usual, were in prompt attendance with their machines, but it was im- possible to get at work as soon as desirable in conse- quence of the water being frozen in the hydrants. They succeeded, however, in obtaining a supply of water, but not before they were obliged to burn one of the hy- drants. By this time the fire had made such progress ‘as to render all attempts to save the Assembly Rooms. completely useless, They directed their attention, how- ever, to the adjoining buildings, and after incredible ex- ertions succeeded in confining it to the glock in. which it originated, and in saving several housee that were in imminent danger. We are ale most variably accustomed to speak of the firemen in terms of praise, but we could not do full justice to their conduct on this occasion. There was a cold biting frost, and the water as it fell in spray from the the walls of the burning build~ ings on their clothes, encased them in s covering of ice. Nothing checked them in their struggle with the fierce element, and, and even in the face of seeming destruction, they rushed in among the tottering- ruins. In this instance; however, their temerity was attended with the loss of one of their numyer, named James Lowry, who was buried under one of the walls as be was in the act of holding the hose. The deceased belonged to Ringgold Hose Co., No. 7, and was about the ruins at four o’clock yesterday afternoon, having remained finder them twenty-two: hours. When found, it was in a horribly mutilated state, in which condition it was taken to his residence, No. 131 West Twentieth ‘| street. 4 A policeman, named McVay, was seriously injured by some of the bricka from @ falling wall striking him on the head, It is expected, however, that he will Tecoverg. There was a rumor that two firemen were buried un- der believed person ated war ly ata of she etaer tee have been missed. But if they escaped the flames, not a few of them were n dat Linen geil and eee. consumed in the a letailed account of the losses sustained and occupants of the buildi — Commencing with extended over four or five were owned Mr. » we No. 444 was ocoupied by Mr. Costar, vender of various: drugs, and Costar’s rat exterminator, and owner of a. nmall collection of animals, called the ' Happy Family 2° ‘These consisted of an old tom cat, two or ‘Eire uiloe an many rats, one a and one or two others sup- Be ee eee sins nian. the hall a ae joi was Wood's Mitre, in which all the company kept ic wardrobe. This was |. Loss about $14,000; insured for $3, ‘Minstrels will still con- tinue beep wey hall, No. 473, where @ branch of the company hold forth every night. Robert occupied No: 450, asa carriage re- pository, runving ‘to Crosby street. He esti mates his loss at $50,000, which is insured for $3,000- only, in the Granite Insurance Co. His business will be- carried on for the present in No, 137 Grand street, near. way. No. 143, the site of the old Ol Theat - ee on Se Beek Soe by ie herve Cpvtal Gee i Me. ington, Loe stainer; third were vacant; the fourth floor Robert M. Pratt, Mr. Mr. ufman, artists, and by Mr. Wm. Durand, Mr. Pratt’ lost ‘about $1000 in valuable | H ¥ ington, who also occupied a of the building, lost about $2,000, on whiah there is no insurance. No. 440 was entirely occupied by Mr. Isaac Mix, Jr.,a8 s carriage repository, but he suc seeded in saving's large number of vebicles witbout material damage, 8 loss, if any, is entirely covered by insurance. No. 454, the chair manufactory of John Commerford, was to the extent of about $1,000, but the lose Was covered by insurance. ‘Fhe boot shoe store of Mr. Hunt, No. 46714, was completely destroy ed. His loss is about $2,000, of which about one one half is insured. No, 446 was occupied on the first floor by Mr. Duns- comb, saddle and harness manufacturer; his loss is es- timated at $500, which is covered by an insurance of 11,600 in the Lorillard Insurance Company. Henry Elder, occupant of dwelling house No. 141¢ Crosby street, bad his furniture damaged by waier to the ainount of $200; he is insured, to the full amount im the Astor Company. Several of the buildings in Crosby street, in the imme- digte vicinity of the fire, wege partially damaged, but none of them ver: extentively. Fl. City leven Ag+ nag rs bald Sandays by © congregation of Rev. A. A. Wood, who has turned out for the secood tiras. i, rare The inmates of some of the houses in Crosby street were obliged to remove their furniture; but they sus- tained little if any damage, as their neighbors received them into their Cine A member of No. 3 Hook and Ladder Company had his hair burned from his head, and his coat conside. pf scorched: he was struck by a part of a falling wall, and had hie fire cap literally smashed upon his head. He escaped, however, with a few bruises and burns, Ano her member of the same company had his head cut, and lost his fire cay among the ruins. The fol owing table gives the details of the loss with the names of the owners of the property, and tho se veral amounts for whigh they are insured -—~ ‘tetors or Buildings. Ocoupants. Loss. Insurance. City Assembly Rooms, owner, sr, Mifer.$34,000 $21,003 No. 444 Broadway....Lostar (apie “ Christy’s Minstrels 14,000 McKinstry . ° fal Rangers Club which was to be held atthe City Assembly Rooms, will take place,at Brooks’ Assembly Rooms, No, 461 Broome street, thir ' evening. For « Holiday Hat, visit Knox.—For a Now | Year's gift, an’elegant set of furs for your mother, sim lady friend, visit Knox, For a fascinating, legant little hat for your pet child, vist an ombrella, walking stick, opera hat, visit Koox Why?‘ Geeanse le is an honorable and upright will, supply your wants to yo re vntisfaetion.”’ En Where is hei? * At 128 Fulton street, and 688 Broadway.’