The New York Herald Newspaper, December 24, 1854, Page 4

y YORK HERALD. m advance, ERKLY HERALD every Sater: OG 4 vam: the Bre Evition $4 per 2 ‘ reef Grevt Britvin, and ¥ bo any part of the Con A to inclu Je postage. LETTERS by Mail for Subscriptions or with Adver- te post paki or the postage will be deducted from ited. RY CORRESPONDENCE, containing impor. , solicte! from amy qurrter of the worl!—ly use y pail for. ger Cun For: Comnasrox YARTICULARLY BROADWAY THEATRE Broadway—Encuantness—To @wricw Benson ftornoon ~Burnp Mine ing—Onsect ov LxrE. iB OF MIOIILLEWAK WEBLO’S CARDEN, Somenran Ginw. BURTON'S THEATRE, Chambers street-Nioe Youn Man—Avouio 1x New Youx—Movusraong Mantra, WALLACK’S THEATRE, Brosdway—Lavon wHen vou @ax—A Gari nay yaom IRELAND—ALTYUL Donosn. METROPOLITAN THEATRE. Brosdwar— Wavy or vue Lacs—§ Gu IN SPIve oF doror ov rue Brarn. Bau Rivcex ov Bosre ue Buiprenoom, AMBEFICAN MUSEUM—Moi A Gost 1 Srite or Hinaerr. formances—DON Cxsan ve BAZAN. WOOD'S YARTETTRS—Mechanios’ Hal), $72 Broadway — Afternoon and Evening. —Viniace Prorneary Afternoon—Two Vor. Kvening—Row Roy. '§ OPERA HOUSE, 539 Rrosdway—Recx- ke TO-NIGHT. METROPOLITAN THEATRE—Svunpay Conoanr. ‘Sew York, Sunday, December 24, 1854. The News. By the arrival of the America at Halifax we have goeeived ten day’s later intelligence from Earope. ‘Zhe summary of her news, received by telegraph, al- though brief, is of the highest importance. To counterbalance the absence of any fresh @etaila of interest from the Crimea, we have the ‘searcely credible statement that, on the 2d instant, atreaty o” alliance was signed between Austria,’ France and England, by which it was supposed— Sor only thus far docs the assertion go—Austria thad bound herself to declare war against Russia within one month from the date of the instrument, Ewgiend and France guaranteeing her against in- wasion and insurrection. I+ is added that Austria ‘only consented to sign this treaty aa a choice be. ‘tween two alternatives put to her—that of either actively co-operating with the allies, or having war immediately declared against her. If these state- ments are correct, they may be regarded as the firat yesults of the understanding come to between the Eapperor of the French and Lord Palmerston, dar- ing the visit of the latter to Pariz. Prussia and the other German States are hastily patting their contingents on war footiag, but it gemains to be seen whether they will respond to @@e appeal for support said to have been made to faem by Austria. Russian influence is known to be dasily at work amongst the members of the Federal Diet, and if Austria has by this new treaty aban- @oned the limits which she herself so lately laid @own as the Rubicon ot peace between herself and Bassia, and within which it was only possible to se- ware the united action cf Germany, we may antici- patean immediate split inthe Diet and a divergence of interests which will array some of its members m the side of the Czar. In that case a general Buropean war will become inevitable. Oount Nesselrode has published a letter defining the four conditions on which Russia will accep: peace, but as they seek fo maintain existing treaties with the exception of that of 1841, a revision of which would be admitted, there is vo probability of thelr new propositions being more acceptable than ‘the laet. Omer Pash: was about to embark for the Crimea with 40,000 men. A proposition is to be laid be- Bore the British Parliament for a further augmenta- tion of the British army to the exteat of 30,000 additionsi troops. From Spain we learn that the Spanish Chambers Bave resolved to suppport the present dynasty. ‘The Ministry had resigned after a slight defeat, bu: yesumed office again. Further changes were, how- ever, expected—BPspartero baving advised tho Queen to send for Madoz and Oleazo—both of them, we believe, violent Progressistas. Mr.Soulé had atrived in Madrid. The mails of the America are not likely to reach ts before Monday wight. They will be looked for with impatience for the completion of the meagre @etails given above. The screw steamer Sarai Sands left England on the 5th, andthe Washington emthe 6th. The latter vessel had 100 passengers and a cargo worth $3,000,000. Our Washington correspondent informs us that ‘the Committee of Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives has concluded to repors @ resoln- tion tendering the mediation of the United States imthe pending European war. The resolution, it ie understood, will be substantially the same as ‘Wat introduced by Mr. Clingman, which is follows :— A Joint Resotution requesting the President to tender the mediation of the United States to the Powers ea- [a in the Eastern war reas, the people of the United States cee, with re- gret, that several of the great Powes of Europe are en ange ima war which threatens to be of long duration, disastrous in its consequences to the industrial and social interests of a large portion ot the civilized worl|; and being, under the favor of Providence, in the full en- Jjoyment of the blessings of peace, distant from the thea ‘tre of conflict, disconnected with the causes of quarrel Detween the parties belligerent, and as a nation having no immediate interest in the contest; and while not re *oognizing the right to interfere cither by force or by menace, nevertheless, are of opinion that the contro. is susceptible’ of pacific adjustment through the interposition of a neutral and friendly power, Therefore, Be it Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representa- es of the United States of Anierica in Congress assem- Died, Thatthe President be requested to tender to the Belligerents the mediation of the United States in such manner as, in h's judgment, may seem most likely to lead to a pacification. Dennis Carrick and Peter M. Lawson, chargeds respectively with causing the death of Hugh Hagen and a man named O'Neill, the former by a blow on he head with « cart rung, and the latter by stad bicg witha knife, were examined before Coroner Gambie yesterday, and committed to the Tombs to await the action of the grand jury. To-morrow being Christmas day, no business will be transacted in the law courts. The ship Howa.@, arrived at this port yesterday from Hamburg, hed thirty-three deaths on the pas- sage. The ship William Nelson, recently arrived at New Orleans from Havre, reported sixty deaths during the voyage, Hon. David L. Yulee has been elected to the United States Senate by the Legislature of Florida. Be is a cemecrat, and succeeds Hon. Jackson Mor ton, whig, whose term of office will expire on the 4th of March next. According to the official report of the City Ia- spector there were 379 deaths in the city during the past week, viz.: 86 men, 61 women, 130 boys, and 102 gisls This shows a decrease of six, as compared with the mortality of the previous week. There were 6 cases of bronchitis, 58 of conaump- tion, 25 of infizmmation of the lungs, 23 of other | inflammetory complaints, 15 of dropey in the head, 9 of other dropsical diseases, 8 of diarrhea, 4 of dysentery, 6 of congestion of the lungs, 6 of typhus fever, 5 of congestion of the brain, and 3 of deli- riam tremens. -The priscisal canses of mortality among ¢hildren were: convulsions, 30; croup, l4; scarlet fever, 17; marasmus, 20; and measels, 12. There were 5 premstore births, and 25 cases of Mil born reported. There were five deatba from nal causes, one from poison, and three from age. Of the tots! number, (2 were inmates of #@ public institutiops. The nativity table gives | 946 natives of the United States, 70 of Ireland, 47 wf Germany and the belance of other Earopean antriee. of numerous essays upon finance. We also give, in another column, the bill cresting a court for the consideration of private claims. it was reported by Mr. Brodhead, the chairman of the select com wittee, and pasced the Senate on Thursday last with only a single amendment, having referease to the issuing of subpeesas to compel the attendance of witnceses. The importance o! this subjest will com- mand for the bill an attent've perusal- Guatemala—Its Objects. We have already had occasion to observe that Santa Anna is striking a final blowat even tbe name of republic in Mexico, and through a pretended appeal to the national will, preparing for ap absolute subversion of the present nomi- nal form of government in that country, and for his own assumption of the title of Emperor. At the same time we see Guatemala, the next Spanish American State in respect to size and population, north of Panama, rather aatici- pating than following this example, and re- laping intoa de facto monarchy. The pro- hlem, therefore, whether the people of Spanish America, from whom at the period of their in- dependence so much was expected, are capable of seli-government, or even of comprehending or enjoying civil freedom, approaches a sela- tion in the negative. This result, as affecting the principles and poliey of the United States not less than its interests and safety, must soon claim a predominating share of the attention both of our government and people. This country cannot regard with indifference the re-establishment of the antagonistic systems of Europe upon its. borders, nor permit the hostile and dangerous influence which would inevitably spring from them to take perma- nent root. When Santa Anna returned to Mexico scarcely two years ago, he was absorbed wi the grand idea of a general alliance of the Spanish-American Sta'es, under the “ protec- tion of Spain,” against the power and progress of the United States, in which scheme, however, true to his instincts, he never lost sight of him- self as the grand head and director. This echeme was not without some elements favora- ble to its success. It was favored by the ig- norance, the absurd pride of race, the bigotry, and the proverbial jealousy of those to whom it was addressed. The most artful and un- scrupulous appeals were made to their pride, prejudices and ‘passions, while mendacity ex- hausted itself in misrepresentations of the United States and its policy. The public news- papers of Spain, Cuba, and Mexico, as well as the more obscure journals to the southward which were attached to the same interest, echoed each others denunciations of the United States, coupled with every local appeal which it was supposed could excite the popular mind in far- therance of the scheme. It is barely | possible that Santa Anna believed that the incongruous materials which he sought to bring together might be wrought into a strong and permanent fabric, and that the grand Hispano-American Alliance, under the omnipotent “ protection of Spain,’ might really become a positive and ef- ficient counterpoise to the United States in America. To suppose so, however, would im- ply that he was as blind as unprincipled, and would lead men to despise hjs judgment as much as they have learned to detest his character. In the elaboration of their scheme Santa Anna and his supporters rightly comprehended that the proposed results were incompatible with both the principle and practice of repub- licanism. They saw further, that even the im- potent support of Spain, mmch less the coun- tenance of the other powers of Europe, could not be secured except by a sacrifice and total saffo- cation of liberal and democratic ideas and sen- timents. For, while the States which might be seduced in‘o this alliance were suffered to retain either the form or spirit of republican. ism, there would be more or less of sy mpathy with, the United States. Hence, from general attacks upon this couctry, the schemers gra dually turned their weapons upon the principle of which it is the exponent ; and from advo- cates of a Hispano-American Alliance became the apologists of reaction, and the advocates of monarchical principles and the restoration of imperial power ! It was not long after his return to Mexico that the echeme of Santa Anna took this form and scope. In prosecuting it, the liberty of the press, the constitution of the country, the sove- reignty of the States, in fact every safe- guard of freedom, were rapidly stricken down, and an advance toward imperialism made in the restoration of titles of rank, dilapidated ordera, and regal designations. The ever ready and obsequious allies of dispotism, a mercenary priesthood, were reinstated in those positions of power and influence from which the republic had displaced them. In short, every obstacle to the success of the great treason which was meditated, was early removed by the unscrupulous exercise of force. The consumma- tion has only been delayed by outbursts of popular indignation in some of the provinces, and by an almost total absence of means to sup: port the extravagance of imperial state. To procure the latter, he, who in affected patrioti> indignation had banished the men who signed the cession of California, himself bargained away another portion of his “querida patria!” But even the money thus unworthily acquired, and we may add s0 foolishly bestowed by a go- vernment which could not have been blind to the objects for which it wassought, has already been squandered. Yet.the traitor and impostor with an infatuation unparalleled in history, is making the final grasp at a shadowy sceptre, and rashly seeks to plant his feet on a throne which crumbles away even before it is raised ! The Empire of Mexico will be proclaimed to- day, only to be overthown to-morrow; and the Emperor of one hour will be the derided refa- gee of the next. The fate of Iturbide might be a worning, except to one “whom the gods have first made mad.” The subversion of republicanism in Guate- mala has been effected by pretty much the same machinery which was put in operation in Mexico, and was, in great part,” car- ried under the direction of Sinta Anna, One of his earliestaets, after the promulgation of his echeme of a grand Hispano-American alli- | ance, was to de-patch ® confidential agent to Guatemala, charged to procure the concurrence of that State, and through her of all Central America, at any hazard or cost. This emissary ; found ready and powerfal auxilaries in the | men who had placed Carrera in power, and who had declared tre aggregation of Central America to Mexico under the ephemeral ent- pire of Iturbide, The men who at that time had accepted tiles from the 'The Monarchical Movement in Mexico and | ‘| an ermy of mercenaries to apill the blood of Pasty their own countrymen who favored indepen- dencé and the republit, were eager in their adhesion to the scheme of Santa Anna. They at once commenced a systems of eneroachments on the few liberal features which had been left im the constitution of their nominal republic. The establishment of a censorship of the prese restriction of saffrage, recall of the Jesuita, restoration of the powers and property of the | priests, and increase of the army, followed each other in rap'd succession. Intrignes were set on foot to bring over the remaining States to the Mexican scheme, and where these failed internal discords were foufeuted, and aggres- sions made, with the hope of driving a reluctant people to accept the proposed change as the price of peace. The right to appoint all the principal officers in the various municipalities was early arro- gated, but no sooner obtained than they were secretly instructed to declare for investing Carrera with perpetual and absolute power, and for the utter subversion of the ex- isting civil organization. The traitors were too distrustful of their ability to control the people at large to attempt a submission of the question to the popular voice; nor dared they submit it to the abject apology for a National Assembly which they had hitherto used for the purpose of giving formality to their decrees. They feared that some clarion voice might be raised even there, which should rouse the people to their danger and defeat the conspiracy. Cowardly as treacherous, they procured the dictamen of the obsequious municipalities and corporations, all of which were duly pub- lished in the official gazette. Month after month these were quietly accumulated, until finally, in September last, they were referred by the officers who had dollected them to the so-called “Council of State,” which, on the 23d of the same month, reported that the change recommended by these various municipalities had been effected by the very fact of the aaoption of the resolutions themselves; and that the constitution of the State and all organizations under it had been superseded by them. In other words, that the resolutions of the municipalities, whether sug- gestive or advisatory, had all the force of an organic act, and were equivalent to the resolu- tion of a constituent or constitutional assembly called with special reference to the change. This monstrous doctrine, or rather this bold fraud on the people of the State, was promul- gated by the Council in the following terms:— The corporations indicate that their desires should be submitted to the action of the Assembly; but the Council have arrived at the conclusion that there is no power capable of dictating resolutions or making declara- tions upon an existing fact. They consider the fact (i. ¢. the investiture of Carrera with absolute and perpetual power,) established by the manifestations of the depatt- ments’ that it is superior to our present political orgaai- zation, and one which cannot be limited or circum- scribed by {he provisions of the constitutional “act. * * It further appears to us that the Council of State has not the ability to take any resolution in the premises; as well because the subject is superior to their attributes, as because they kre not competent to meet, by any reso- lution they might take, the magnitude of the matter in hand! © —* — They are persuaded that whatever means, apparently legal, which they might adopt in the premises, would beno more than a vain formela, which would detract from the force of the truth, and therefore think it most appropriate merely to suggest the core. oa which should be observed in carrying out the cl With these extraordinary declarations the Council proceeds to regulate the order of cere- monies and proceedings for the day when Car- rera is to be invested formally with the “per- petual Presidency and right to name his suc- ceeeor,”’ and when the last form of republican- ism shail disappear from that devoted country, where its spirit is already extinct. In Mexico, republicanism expires under the frand of a pretended popular election, and in Guatemala g@der the fraud of municipai reeolutions. In both cases the people, robbed of every means. whereby they could make themselves heard, are crashed under the heel of unscrupulous force, and the power of a ma chinery which they cannot resist. The next act of the drama, which, but for its melancholy results, would better deserve the name of a farce, will be the aggregation of Guatemala to the Empire of Mexico, and the direction of their combined power against those States fur- therto the southward, which intrigue, aided by artful distractions, may not, in the meantime, bring into the scheme of the Mexican usurper.’ The extent of support which he may receive from the monarchies of Europe, either in the form of sympathy or material aid, will depend much upon events in that quarter of the world which even now alone prevent him from receiv- ing their open concurrence. Mecuantcs’ Mgetinc—Dancer.—We per- ceive a tendency in some of the sentiments ex- pressed at the mechanics’ meetings of thepast week to the law of physical force and the dis- turbance of the peace and good order of society. Such sentiments at this crisis are dangerous playthings, and we warn our working classes against being led astray by any disorganizing and revolutionary advice. The mischief will recoil most heavily upon themselves. Take care. There is nothing in the recollection of the riotous scenes of 1836 to. encourage their repetition. On the other hand, our wealthy fellow-citizens should remember that starving men are easily incited to the law of the strong arm; and that the laws are powerless if not sustained by the good will of the masses of the people. A spirit of patience and loyalty to society on the one side, and of open handed generosity and conciliation on the other, will weather ussmoothly through the winter. With the return of spring the pressure will be with- drawn, and better times will come. Meantime et the rich see to it that there shall be no star- vation; and let the suffering working men be patient yet a little longer. This is the reci- procity treaty which is now most needed. Sprecnes ar tux New Encuanp Disyer.— There are some points worthy of a passing notice in the speeches at the New England Pil- grim dinner of Friday night. The remarks of Charles King had a decided leaning to Know Nothingiem. The speecti of Seward, though a little shaky in the knees, had a strong squint- ing in the opposite direction, including a side- long glance at “the higher law.” But the most self-complacent epeech was that of Mr. Young, President of the St. George's Society. He seeme to have taken all the inflexible and incurable Jobn Bulls in the country under his especial protection; and is wonderfully de- sirous to secure the sympathies of the American people against Russia, and in behalf of the allies. We think that Mr Crampton, the British Minister at Washington, and all her Majesty’s Consus in the United States, might as well surrender their official duties into the hands of Mr. Young. He is evidently willing, and per- haps may be capable, of taking care of all the interests of the British government and all the English people in the United States, in addition to his arduous and responsible duties of Presi- dent of the St, Gcorge’s Society. Give him a Wo publish in to-day's paper » very iqtereeting | Mexican Emperor, and had induced him tosenq trial, Biections—Contrast Between the Old Partice and the Know Nothings. For some days pist the wire-pallers of the old politics parties have been busily engaged fn electing officers to rale over their commit- tees. The whigs have had their meetings, and the democrats, hard shell and eoft shell, have both had theirs; and all have plunged into the practices which are rigorously observed on these interesting occasions. Much bravdy has been drunk, aad mavy oaths used; half the rowdies in the city have had a frolic over these primary elections, Some—smirt fellows— have voted as whigs, softs and hards; thus making a clean jo» of it, aad pocketing money from all aides. Others who do the heavy work of elections have displayed equal freedom from prejudice in their readiness to fight. Thewhole business, from the nominatioas to the close of proceedings, has been as disgraceful a scramble as usual, Very few rezpestable men, if any, have had anything to do with it; the busines: has been left to broken down idler, grog shop keepers, rowdies and vagabonds, who have been guided by no other motive than views of personal gain, or a desire for a spree. This is the way in which the politics of this city, and in a measure those of the State, have been managed for many years. Can any won- der that the Know Nothings should succeed as they do? We hear of no primary elections among them, whereat the rum bottle and thick sticks are the only arguments used: no rowdies meetiog to divide up a ward among them, and “ ensure the triamph,” as the cant phrase is, of whomeoever pays them best. No dishonest announcements in the papers that “the party” is to meet at such or such a gin palace when the only people who will frequent that place of meeting will be fellows who are notoriously on sale, voter, stieks and all. Very differently have the Know Nothings proceed- ed. Rum and riots have hed no share in their victories, If the leaders have met to discuss their plans and prospects, they have done it quietly, and without noise, fuss, or rowdyism. In judging of their men, they have not asked who paid most or who treated most liberally; but, who was likely to make the most efficient public officer? Proceeding in this wise, and presenting in their tactics this bold contrast to ‘the long-established practice of the old parties, the Know Nothings have independently of their principles insensibly gathered around them every man who was sick of corruption and blackguardism, and desired to restore the poli- tics of New York to something like an honest and reputable footing. This class comprises nine-tenths of the worth and intelligence of the city. Years ago, respectable men were dis- gusted with the electoral practices of whigs and democrats, and craved earnestly for some new party to set the example of attempting to carry out the system of universal suffrage without grogshops, without bullies, and without bribe- ry. At length they have found it. Thus far, the Know Nothings have fulfilled the promises held out by their chiefs, and the anticipations formed of them in this respect. They may, like all other parties, relapse, after a while, into the follies and disgraceful practices which have degraded the whigs and democrats. The danger ig even imminent. But. if they are true to themselves, and rightly conscious of the true secret of their success, they will adhere steadily to the plan they commenced with, and resist to the death any attempt to engraft upon their organiza tion the corgapt tactics of their political pre- decessors. They will set their faces against those hotbeds of corruption and infamy called primary conventions and managing commit- tees, and will make whatever nominations they require without the intervention of the dis- honest hu¢ksters of the political world. They will make to themselves a prohibitory law for the government of their voters, excluding ram and its influence from any share in their pro- ceedings. If they do this, if they insist on de- parting in every essential particular from the Tules and systems which are used by the three factions now eontending against them, they may-confidently rely on the support of every respectable and enlightened citizen. Men may object to their principles, and question the soundness of the doctrines which are under- stood to form the basis of their party creed ; but in spite of this, 20 thorough is the detesta- tion of the vile means by which the old parties ave used to carry out their plans, and secure their principles, that people will rather vote for the Know Nothings, with whom they do not coincide, than the whigs and democrats, whose electioneering manwuvres they execrate and abhor. AnatTeur American Dirtomars—See Waat Tuer Can Do.—We are informed, chapter and verse, by one of the Wall street journals, that our distinguished military cotemporary, Gen. James Watson Webb, ($52,675 67,) has been lately engaged in London as gn amateur American diplomat; and that to his sagacity, promptitude, plack and keen perception, are we indebted for the pacific adjustment of the late threatening rupture between Pierre Soulé and “Napoleon the Third. It appears that all previous statements of the instrumentalities accomplishing this adjustment were erroneous; that even the letters upon the subject of Mr. Mason, our Minister at Paris, did not reach the real mainspring ot this Napoleon and Soulé compromise. It was the Chevalier James Watson Webb that did the business. He says £0, and it must be so. True, he had no authority in the premises; ut he saw the dan- ger ofa war between France and the United States, and he magnanimously stepped in and prevented it, without authority, with- out instructions, and free gratis for nothing. His experience as Minister to Vienna, enabled him to see ata glance that Buchanan and Mason, under the influence of Soulé, Sickles and Sanders, were not to be trusted ; and that there was no time to be lost. Accordingly, the chevalier Webb was the first man to break the news to Lord Clarendon of the danger of a war between the United States and France, to point out its consequences, and to show his lordship how the danger might be avoided. The result was the revocation of the interdict against Soulé, and the restoration of peace. Happy country! to have such amateur volunteer diplomats at a great crisis, in the right spot, and in the nick of time. False mo- desty would have suggested that Mr. Buchanan was the man to apply to Lord Clarendon. But Buchanan is slow and time was precious. False modesty would have ruined us, General Webb has saved us. Excepting his negotiations and certificates on the Guyandotte coal: mines, the amateur diplomatic position of Chevalier Webb with Lord Clarendon, itis thus shown, was strikingly analogous to the confidential relations which subsisted between the Chevalier Wikoff and Lord Palmerston befgre that terrible fare-up with Mise Gamble. The two chevaliers have now fallen beck into retirement—Wikoff rained by his costinental essapede with the intracta- ble Miss Gamble; and Gen. Webb suffering from the absolute failure of his cheap farms and coal mines of the Gayandotte speculation. To what field of enterprisé can we now direct the energies of these two dashing chevalicre—to what field requiring the highest diplomatic and military experience. “Eureka.” We have it. The Kinney expedition to Central America. The very thing. Let them be enrolled in the Kinney expedition. Tue Krsyey Exrepition.—Now is the time for men of pluck and good constitutions, not afraid of the Isthmus fever, and not afraid of a little hard fightiog, by way of variety—now ia the time for them to enlist in the Kinney expe- dition. No winter inCentral America. “Plenty of rain. Inquire of the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, the editors of the Union, or of Col. Forney, or any other mem- ber of the Kitchen Cabinet at Washington. THE LATEST NEWS. BY MAGNETIC AND PRINTING TELEGRAPHS, Important from Washington. THE MEDIATION OF THE UNITED STATES IN THE BUBOPEAN WAR. Wasninetos, Dee. 23, 1854, The Committee on Foreign Relations of the House, it is understood, have agreed to report unanimously 2 resolution in favor of the interposition of t2e United States as mediator between the Allied Powers and Eu- rope, similar to that submitted by Mr. Clingman. REDEMPTION OF THE PUBLIC DEBT—CONVICTION OP LUCAS—LEGAL DECISION. Wasaixaton, Dece 23, 1854. At the United States Treasury yesterday the amount of the public debt redeemed was $167,000. The total re- deemed during the week, will add up about $800,000. 8. F. Lucas was found guilty to-day, on the second trial, for obtaining money under false pretences from | Messrs. Chubb Brothers. In the case of the Corporation of this city vs. Werner, for selling liquor in violation of the recent liquor law, it was decided that the defendant was entitled to sell under his license granted previous to the passage of the law. Election of a U. 8. Senator from Florida. pa Corvus, Dec..23, 1854. ‘The Legislature of Florida has elected David L. Yulee as United States Senator from that State. From Canada. LORD ELGIN--LEVEE OF THE NEW GOVERNOR-GENERAL, Quesxc, Dec. 23, 1854. Lord Elgin left’ here yesterday for England, via Now York, He delivered two farewell addresses, and was es- corted out of the city by a guard of honor. Sir E. Head, the new Governor-General, held his first levee at the Government House yesterday. Affairs in Philadelphia SUICIDES—ACCJDENT AND DEATH—THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS. PHILADELPHIA, Dee, 28, 1854. John Hantzinger,,s single man, employed ia a factory at Manayunk, committed suicide Irst night, by cutting his throat. Anthony Guthner fell from a porter wagon to-day, at the tollgate, near Manayunk, ani broke his neck. John Baird, @ convict in the Eastern Penitentiary, committed suicide by hanging himself with a handker- chief to the grating of his cell, He was sentenced last March to two years imprisoment, for having purchased & quantity of fron stolen by some boys. The coroner held an inquest upon the body of John Dike, who died at the Hospital from the effects of a gun- shot, fired by one of three brothers livingfin,the. neighbor- hiood where he resided. It is supposed the shooting was accidental. The streets of the city this evening are thronged with people, and it appears as if the whole community had made up their minds to enjoy Christmas eve. The Santa Anna Guards are now out on parade, wear- ing every description of fancy dress, and accompanied by fine bands of music discoursing most lively airs. NON-ARRIVAL OF THE SOUTHERN MAIL—MI8S BUNK: LEY, THE ESCAPED NUN, ETC. Baxrimorg, Dec. 23, 1854. We have received hero no mail south of Richmond this evening. Miss Bunkley, the nun who recently escaped from the convent at Emmittsburg, is writing a long letter in reply tothat of the Superioress of the conveht, published a few days since. She intends giving a complete narrative of convent life. The ship William Nelson had arrived at New Orleans from Havre, with 568 emigrants, and reported 60 deaths on board during the passage. From Buffalo.- THE JOINT STOCK BANK SUED—ACTION FOR LIBEL Borra1o, Dec. 23, 1854. The ‘Joint Stock Bank’? has been sued here as a foreign corporation, and injunctions issued holding all the debts due the bank for the benefit of the bill holders. This attaches the assets of Hiram Johnson’s banking house. die 8. P. Allen, editor of the Rochester Democrat pleaded guilty in an action for libel, yesterday, in the Superior Coust, and urged extenuating circumstances. He was fined $25. The libel was agaiust the editor of s Buffalo paper. DEPARTURE OF Destructive Fire in Boston. Boston, Dec. 23, 1854, About 12 o’clock last night “a fire broke out at No. 22 School street, known asthe Newspaper Exchange, and occupied by George J. Bemis, Moore, Riddle & Co., John Wilson & Son, and other printers. Thenewspaper offices burned out or damaged are The New England Farmer, ‘The Massachusetts Ploughman, Christian Register, True Flag, Puritan and Recorder, and Youths’ Companion. ‘The fire was confined to the upper portion of the build- ing, the stores underneath escaping damage except from water, The loss amounts to about $15,000, A Case of Poisoning. Avpany, Dec. 23, 1854, On Monday last, Mrs. Geo, E. Rice, of this city, died after a very short illness. Circumstances tending to show that she died from the effects of poison, induced an inquiry to be made, and after post mortem exami- nation had been held, such was proved to be the cdse, Charles Gill, her brother-in-law, has been arrested on suspicion of haying caused her death. The parties are highly respectable. Explosion at a Safety Fuse Establishment, Hurrrorp, Dec. 23, 1854, The main building of the large safety fuse establish- ment of Bacon & Bro., in Smithfield, Conn., was entirely destroyed last night, in consequence of some of the ma- terial employed in making the fusés exploding and set: ing the building on fire, The loss bas not been ascer- tained, Heavy Damages in « Slander Suit. Newarg, Dec. 23, 1854. In the case of Ruckel vs. Francis the verdict is for plaintiff; damages $5,000. State of the oe Quenzo, Dec, 23, 1854. The thermometer in this city this lagen stood at 20 deg. below zero, Loxevun, C. E., Dec. 23, 1854, wit o’elock this morning, the thermometer indicated below zero. pas REAM, N. H., Dec. 23, 1854. ‘The cold here is intense—thermometer, this morning, 22 deg. below zero. - + . TON Vt., Dee, a ‘Thermometer 22 deg. below vero.” pang Rortann, Vt., Dec. 23, 1854. At sunrise this morning, the thermometer stood at 16 deg. below zero, CALAIS, Dec. 23—_8 A. M. Weather fine, clear and cold; wind N.W.; thermometer 21 deg. below zero, - Dec. 23—8 A. M. Eastport, Weather clear and very cold. Wind N. W. Basaon, Dec. 23—8 A. M. The weather here is clear and cold, Wind N. Thormometer 26 deg. below zero. Portianp, Dec. 23—8 A. M. Weather clear and cold. Thermometer 6 deg. below zero, Wind N. W, Boston, Dec. 23-~8 A. M, Weather clear. Thermometer 10 deg. above 20r0, Naw Onixans, Dec. 22, 1854. nw . ran tages ested bale aes era the foot u) bales, and the receipts for ‘the same period have byen 97,000 Dales, leaving & stock pipe 8% a Oc. for Rio; the stock now en. 000 bage. woke at og Dec. 28, 1854. ‘ to-day. Panngeasy Rag reine ‘94x¢; Mortia Canal, 1144; Long Island Railroad, 1234; Railroed, 4034; Penna 5’s, 81. , The Ship St. Patrick. r STATEMENT OF BENJAMIN RB. GRIFFEN, MASTER OF |i ieee ‘THB SCHOONER EMPIRE STATE. I was the first person that boarded the ship. St. Patrick; I did #9 about twenty minutes after she struck ; Ii the Captain requested myself and my crew to stay by §f him and help to land the passengers, if prudent; we gif stay by him ali that night and next day. I see by the report in the Herarp of Saturday, that Captain Kinney || says that he boarded the ship on thas night; he anehored | near to the ship that night, but did not come on board until about 9 o’clock next morning, after signals of dis- If tress had been made. In my opinion the Captain of the St. Patrick, his officers, and crew, used the passemger? 1 an well as could be expected. The crew stated that the 1 captain was a gentleman in every respect, and an ablé { seaman as ever went master of a vessel. I did not ged | any of the passengers used badly. I thought that |} passengers were in as good a condition as generally are after a voyage across the Atlantic; ‘were none of them then sick, and I was informed only two, infants, had died Quring the passage. the moment the ship struck until the time we left her, | the captain was untiring in his exertions for her safety and that of all on board; he never ate # mouthful of slept during that time. The doctor states that a line was run from the ship to the shore next morning; I beg to say that we ran» line to the shore at 90’clock the ff night she struck, and were about to land the passenger# then, but the captain thought they would perish from cold if put on shore at that time, and hence they were kept till next morning. The crew were employed lightening the ship all the night; they worked no notwithstanding the intense cold of the weather. I the last person who left the ship with any of the sengers. The passengers, in leaving the ship, their trunke themselves, and took away all the evesything valuable from ‘We are favored every day with letters from pondents on the best means of relieving the distress among the laboring classes. Some of t! epistles contain very excellent suggestions, but the jority of them propose schemes of a very doubtful pediency, and betray a strong propensity on the of some people to waste good ink and spoil valuable pap@. | Among others we have received the following, which we | give for the benefit of the parties appealed to. Theides has certainly the merit of originality:— I see in your paper of this day that you are in your power call attention to the suffering » Twould suggest that you should keepers of barrooms devote the day’s business to the charitable fund, ai there are but few who will not answer them, for many are the sixpences that: they 4 have Wocoived, and will Teoniee, from working com- munity. Should your appeal be in vain, it will not be lost, for many will see the folly of spending their money Nilew th sort tons men Whe retces ame called a relieve e distress, w! many cases has been caused by them. rm » AMERICUS. Another correspondent sends us a long communica. tion in the form of an appeal, on behalf of the ‘ne- giected and helpless working girls of New York.” saye im While the press and the public appreciate and in behalf of the numerous Wechsnice thrown out of ome t this winter, and justly sym} with ivations and necessities, let me for a moment calf attention to a class likely to be over! from inherent modesty and unobtr prived of the advantages of present and the future without hope; and yet roy eens the tance of & comparatively 1 cast-off clothing; to the fathers, brothers {ribute thelr mate of honey; and to ite cieye pret ecommend that the a weather, and thus add their assistance cause. Our correspondent then goes on to propose the ing a famd of twenty thousand dollars, and offers to- furnish two thousand himself. As this part of the note looks like an advertisement on « certain hozse in Water street, we omit it. He concludes by calling on the cler- gy to collect money for this worthy object. The following appeal is in circulation, and will, no doubt, be heartily responded to, It would be well, how- ever, for donors to be careful-¢o whom they give their money. APPEAL OF THE MECHANICS’ AND WORKING MENS’ AID SOCIETY TO THE CITIZENS AND OTHERS or wa tenu as fe, ving formed ourselve: committee, with coneurrence.of a mass ‘ fe helt to Pespecti ° pap near gtd se fog were "a collection to the at least, be dinpensed with ?© oe On Christmas Day a masa meeting will be hekl in the Park, at noon, pursuant to the following announce. ment:— A meeting will be held at the Park on Christmas at 12 0 = Peace and. good will to all men, Cone One, come all, high and low, rich and poor, and let reason together on the state of the poor, and to ado; means for our benefit. By request of many citizens. , Manyianpv Coa, Trape.—For the week Saturday, December 16, the shipments of coal wer rmall. ‘The amount transported during that peri from the whole coal region, is 8,159.15 tons, q 4 babes pote fs) het typed Tf which 490,: 13 tons were transported over imore Ohio Railroad, and 150,233.02 tons peake and Ohio Canal. The coal oj — pegrgds payor owing to the canal ice, a1 inability of the Baltimore and Ohio Pailroad to transport eal ie the Easto-Ounberlong : Telegraph. . Coroners’ Inquests. EXAMINATION OF DENNIS CARRICK AND PETER M. Lawsoy, CHARGED wifn MuRpER.—Yesterday, Dennis Carrick and Peter M. Lawson were brought before Coroner Gamble, toanswer to the charge of murder, preferred against. them by the Coroner’s Jury. Carrick, on being questioned, testified that he was won, OR C testified as follows:—My name is Peter M. Lawson; I was twenty-nine years ~ age last October; I was born in Sweden; I live at No. ' Rector street; Iam a sailor. In relation to the cl 7 preferred a; me, I have to ray that I am not guilty | of the crime charged upon me; I am advised by Henry L. ¢ Clinton, my counsel, that any statement I might make — would not be legal evidence in my favor; I #1 there~ Pua teen vie pes tected sO 10 re then to await the action of the Grand Juty. er AcormmtaL DraTi—A Sivcutan Case.—The Coroner yesterday held an inquest on the body of Robert Allen, at his late residence, 203 East Twonty-third street, wha was killed by the discharge of « pistol, under very sin- gular circumstances. It appears the deceased kept a, meat stall in Third avenue, near Nineteenth street, and, as he was in the habit of having considerable om his person, he carried » loaded pistol him, ad it under his pillew at night. On bbe ee inst. he went to bed, and, as usual, winced hie plated under his head, He hp ye and spirits when he retired. In the his mother called him, as usual, and after heard the Of pistol, andy on eating the Foo Toad er oy” : , Saecceiedeiieitiinaiaastiaiiatiailiianiniaiedl "