The New York Herald Newspaper, December 25, 1854, Page 4

AND EDITOR. JABS GORDON SENNBT®, PROPRIETOR Qerice B. W. CORNER MASSAU AND FULTON OT8. AMUSEMENTS THIS DAY AND BYENING. BROADWAY THEATRE Brosdway—Encuanraxss—To @ruics Baxsen. WERY THEATRE. Bowery—Afternoon—Burwp Miner —Wronssic AND Tux LonD. 3—Onsuor or Inve avkers oy Buve-Massacks ov MicHILLimax mac. MIBLO’S GARDEN, Bro: BURTON'S THEATRE, Chambers street—Nice Younc Mar—Apror.o 1x New Yone—Movusraons Mania, Bowxmsan Gini. WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broadway—Laven wHen vou @an—A Gentieman rRoM [neLanp—ARtruL Dopesr. METROPOLITAN THEATRE, Brosdway—Afternoon— apy or tue Laxs—4 Gre ITs oF Bimseur— dover ov THE Hearn. Evenit Hoan BROTHBRS— Bec. Rinoer oy Bosron ~S¥: RIDEG ROOM, AMERICAN MUSEUM— A Quosr i Spire or Hn fermances—Don C¥sar DE ‘WOOD'S VARIRTIES—Mechanics’ Hall, 473 Broadway— Miternoon and Evening. OPERA HOUSE, 639 Greadway—Brox- sare Eas Ovens (si —Afternoon and Even- ss. ‘ing—ViLLAGS PRoriicatE E11 Afternoon—Two Ver LAN. ‘Row Rov. New York, Monday, December 25, 1854. The News. By the arrival of the steamship Washington at ‘this port, and the America at Halifax, we, have de- tails of European news to the 6th instant, and a eepious summary, by telegraph, of intelligence to ‘the 9th. ‘The important feature of these advices is the treaty between Austria and the Western Powers, by which, according to some accounts, the former is bound, within a brief space of time, to declare ‘war against Russia unless the Czar accept certain peace propositions. Upon this point we have given our views at length in the editorial columns. ‘Phere is nothing from the Crimea except reports wf sorties of the garrison of Sabastopol, and skir- maiohes between detached revi Yep the opposing forces, without any marked on either side. A late despatch from Gen. Canrobert states that ‘with the return of fine weather siege operations would exhibit greater activity, and we may Bherefore expect, by the next arrival, news of ® more startling character than we have lately re- eeived. Mcantime both armies were being reiu- @oreed, and farnished with the necessary supplies fer the winter campaign. A thrilling description af the burricane in the Black Sea,which commenced om the 13th ult. and continued for three days, is given in another colamn. Thirty-five ships of the allies were totally destroyed, and as many more were seriously damaged; but notwithstanding the @ightfol violence of the tempest, and the almost amparalleled destruction of vessels, the number of ‘Bives lost did not exceed three hundred. The full foree of the storm was felt at the harbors of Eupa- foria, Katchs and Balaklaya, where the vessels of the allied squadron suffered 20 severely. While the gale raged with its greatest fury a strong force of ‘the Russians advanced upon and atticked Eapa- tevia, but they were promptly repulsed. Our advices from Spain do not mention any fa:t of general interest. The commercial intelligence by these arrivals may be found elsewhere. At London on the &th dmst, money was in fair demand. Consols were ‘qmoted at 93} 2 93}. United States stocks were iu good demand, without any change in prices; State meeurities are reported as slightly reduced. Cotton, provisions and breadstuffs are quoted at the same Fates as by previous advices. Freights at Liver- pool also remained unchanged, but there was a wcsrcity of steerage passengers. ‘The next news from Furope will reach us by the Atlantic, which left Liverpool on the 16th inat. for this port. The news from Halifax was too meagre, and re ceived too late in the day on Saturday, te exercise any influence on produce in this market Flour ‘was quite firm, with tolerable free sales, and common Btate brands were about 124 cents per barre! higher. White Gevessce wheat afloat, and delivered, scld at about $2 484; and Canada ditto, in bond, at $2 025. Gorn wae tirn, with ssles for export and distilling at higher rates. Western mixed brought 99c.,and new Southern yellow, $1. The light stock of cot ton restricted sales toa few hundred bales. Tre market was firm, and holders generally demanded Fates above the views of busers. ‘The Bremen bark Clio, ariived yeaterday from Bremen, lost nine children on the passage; the Bremen bark Atlantic, from the same port, lost four children ; and the Hamburg ship Herachel, from Hamburg, loat twenty. What disease it was which proved so fatal to these little travellers is not mentioned, but it is presumed to have been caused bby the bad atmosphere of a crowded steerage, added to the deprivation of necessaries, with difficulty io be got on board ship. Capt. Harper, of the bark Charles E. Lex, has farnished us some interesting iniormation respect- img the ealt traffic at Matthewtown, Isagua, the facilities enjoyed there for manufacturing the arti- cle, and the advantages it offers to traders, by the very low rates of port and other eharges. The salt ponds of this island are the finest and most exten- sive in the world, ard have excellent bottoms. The yield curing the past six months has realized tre gam of $60,439, and the only drawback to a large mmcreace of the production is the scarcity of labor. ers. At the time Capt. Harper left the island— Decembe: 8—all the salt on hand had been sold; bat the pends appeared nearly in condition for an- ether raking. The advantages offered to vessels are a fine snchorage, with unsurpassed facilities fr loading. Passing vessels can anchor withoat obarge, except when a pilot is required; and in wach cases ships of two hundred tons burthen are eharged but two dollars ard a half. Supplies of all Kinds can be hadin abundance. The population of the island is between five and six hundred. The walue of the importe for the past six months mou: tes to $8 640, which shows a very large and Profipbie balaoce of trade in favor of the salt rakers. Pepuistens anp Avrnors.—It is fast becom- ing disrejatable to be a publisher. There isa family here somewhat known in a small way in literature, two of whose members—a brother and sister—write books which are vastly puffed by the insect press. The world is given to enderstand that this charming pair have quar- yelled, and in imitation of Lady Bulwer and Sir Edward, have written books to abuse each other in good rvund terms. Whereupon their respective publishers get smali editors to espouse each side of the qnestion, and belabor eash other on the subject of the rights and wrongs of the injured sister or the slighted brother, and so—this be'ng the secret of the whole business—both books get wind and sell. Dodges of this order used to be the monopoly ef quack doctors aod petty shoemakers. Then again, a showman, whose whole life has been a series of disreputable tricks and a libel on the American name, gives out that he intends to write a book, and actually induces the pub- Mebers to tender for it. Only fancy pubtish- ere—men to whom the world gives credit for education, worth and self-respect—cringing and bowing to an exhibitor of waxwork and humbuge, and begging the favor of being al- | lowed to pay him thousands for as dull a bio- graphy as wasever written. All of them de- serve as severe a lesson as the successful competitor will learn. If this sort of thing eootinues, Ameriean publi-hers wilf soon be claesed with vegeta'.c » li m kers, aod other charlatans, The European Ware¥reah Complications influence ef tb Mcdiation of the United States, eir country. Of the success of the project, emanating as it will fiom so im- The treaty of alliance signed at Vienna on | portant a body as the federal legislature of the the 2 inst., between Austria and the maritime Power-, ma:ksanew and more complicated phase in the Eastern question. The precise character «nd terms of this instrument will not be known until ater its ratifization, and it is therefore impossible to decide as to the cor- rectness of the different versions given of it. We learn from one source of information that | Russia is expected ‘0 accept peace on the basis of certain propositions to be presented by the allies in conjunction wih Austria; and that if the former power refuses to accede to them, Austria will at once dec'are war against her. A delay of three months—-some papers state of only one—is, however, to be allowed for Rus- sia to signify her acceptance of them. Another and later account, received from Vienna by telegrsph, gives, under cover of a reservation, which throws great doubt over its correctness, a still more positive character to the treaty. Without entering minutely isto its separate provisions, which will be found in another co- lumn, it is sufficient to state, generally, that according to this version of them, Austria en- gages herself to regand any iurther violation of the Turkish territory as a declaration of war on the part of Russia against herself—to rein- force her army in the Principalities, so as to Jeave Omer Pasha free to act—and to forward a contingent to Varna to be employed against the Russians in the Crimea, if necessity should call ror it; whilst, on the other hand, Eagland and France guarantee, under all circumstanees, the territorial possessions of the Emperor of Austria. There is said to be a secret article at- tached to the treaty, the conditions of which have not as yet been guessed at by those who pretend to be thus far acquainted with its gen- eral provisions. Whatever may be the exact nature of this document, there can be no doubt that it is the immediate result of the late conferences held in Paris between the veteran and energetic statesman whose views have so long influ- enced the foreign policy of Great Britain, and his political protegé and disciple, the -French Emperor. Austria, according to all accounts, hasbeen reluctantly forced into this treaty— in all probability by a threat that her refusal would be followed by the invasion of her terri- tories, the unfurling of the revolutionary stand- ard in Italy and Hungary, and the blockade of her ports in the Adriatic. In fact, in the des- perate crisis to which the allies were reduced, by the continued failure of their efforts in the Crimea, nothing short of some extreme mea- sure of this sort couid possibly have revived the drooping spirits and depressed confidence of their subjects. The adhesion of Austria wae of much more importance to them in a moral than in a physical point of view, inasmuch as her suspicious attitude has hitherto paralyzed all the operations of the war. Hence it is easy to understand the excessive exultation dis- played by the English and French ministerial journals at the accomplishment of an event which has so much present importance for them, but which may yet prove a source of as great embarrassment as it is of momentary advan- tage. Until we have the treaty before us we cannot of course tell the ex- act extent to which Austria has bound herself; but of one thing we feel as- sured, that the cautious and skilful states men who direct her affairs have not failed to protect her ulterior action by reservations which will in the end probably render this treaty as valueless as so much waste paper. The shameless manner in which Austria vio- lated the spirit of her last treaty with Turkey by her arbitrary and treacherous conduct in the Principalities, shows how little importance she attaches to the faithful observance of her engagements. Admitting, however, the hypothesis that she means to carry out seriously the undertaking to which she is said to have bound herself by this new compact, so far from its simplifying the present difficult state of things, it appears to us likely only to complicate them still more. It will impart, in any case, an entirely new character to the war, and will raise a va- riety of fresh issues, all of them of greater im- portance than that which originated it. Turk- ish interests will be in a measure lost sight of, and the contest will assume all the im- portance and magnitude of a struggle in which the very existence of sev] ral European nationalities will be involved. For the present it will probably resolve itself into a strife for ascendency between the lead- ing German Powers, backed on the one side by Russia and on the other by the allies, From the heterogeneous elements of which her em- pire is composed, Austria is likely to prove in the end the greatest sufferer. She cannot be ineensible to this fact, and we are therefore inclined to regard her adhesion to this new treaty as dictated more by her present appre- hensions than by any serious intention of hon- estly carrying out its prospective objects. In this conjuncture of circumstances, so op- portunely favorable to our intervention, when the Powers already engaged in the war have become alarmed at the magnitade of its consequences, whilst those who are about to be involved in it are equally trembling for what the future may produce, it is to be hoped that Congress will lose no time in’ giving effect to the recommendations of the Committee of For- eign Relations, by sanctioning the project of mediation suggested by Mr. Clingman’s resolu- tion. If the present opportunity is suffered to evcape, it will be long before such another presents itself. The question of a peace, honorable to all parties, or of a war, sau- guinary, protracted, and universally disas- trous in its results, can only be decided now. Can any mission be more glorious or honorable than that which we propose to ourselves of stepping in as peacemakers, with the hope of restoring tranquillity to the troubled and anx- ious mind of Europe, and stability and pros- perity to its commercial operations? Here is a noble field for our embryo statesmen in Con- gress to successfully distinguish themselves in. We have lost, it is true, either by death or ro- tirement, the great minds, such as those of Clay, Calhoun, Webster and Everett, which tor the last half century have exercised so import- ant an influence over our public affairs, and which would have gladly seized upon such an occasion for displaying their enlarged views | and philanthropic sympathies; but we regard the present question as one eminently calcu- lated to develope the same noble qualities, which now probably lie latent from the want of a befitting opportunity to bring them forth. Let, therefore, our young politicians, by their efforts in the cause of universal humanity and by their strenuous advocacy of this particular proposition, endeavor at once to advance their | own reputations and the moral and politica, Unite! States, we entertain but little doubt. | The European Power: will glai'y avail them | Selves of so favorable an opportanity for a | peaceful and rational settlement of their diffi- culties. | Material Grounds for Preserving Friendly Relations with Russia, The Briti-h press has been loud in its abuse | of America siding with Russia.” As republi- cans, we have been »ccused: of sympathizing with despotism, and enjoying its success over the so-called liberal powers of Earope. But is itso? We have certainly expressed our con- | viction that Russia must prove victorious in the end. We have also pointed out the advantages to be derived from maintaining peaceful relations with that empire, but in all this we have done no more thau give an opin- ion, ard r:ciprocate, in a measure, the kindly feelings extended towards us by the Ozar. From the supremacy of the allies we have much to dread—for war, toa commercial and progres- sive nation like ours, may reasonably be dread- ed—while, on the other hand, from the supre- macy of Russia we have much to expect. By the latter the rigut hand of fellowship has been held out to us, and we sec no reason to refuse it, though its government be despotic and its empe- ror the enemy of our ownimmediate rival. Rus- siaseems, asit were, to have just sprung into life, and is no doubt advancing fast along the path of greatness. We have now the opportunity of establishing with her a close commercia! intercourse, which will be greatly beneficial to both countries, and, as we hope, be the means of spreading for the first time a liberal influ- ence among her people. With her despotism we do not sympathize, and with the cause of the present quarrel we have nothing to do; but it is incompatible with our republican ism, and far less with our material inter- ests, to destroy the friendly feelings at present existing between us. Let us illustrate this last assertion with o few facts. At the present moment the earnest desire of the Czar is to counect by telegraph and railroad all the important points of his vast dominions. Hence the facilities atforded to Mr. Shaffaer, who lately visited St. Peters- burg, to settle preliminaries and otherwise fur- ther the grand enterprise of “placing a girdle round the earth.” It is intended to tra- verse the Russian empire from the capi- tal to Sitka, and the line, throughout, will run south of sixty degrees, with the exception of a small portion, which diverges north, for the purpose of reaching Yatousk, on the river Lena. It has also been. determined to build 2,300 miles of railway—the principal road be- ing from Moscow to Odessa. Iron is required for this—the native metal being too soft—and to procure it (the trade with England being stopped,) the Czar must necessarily turn to America. Again, he has seen the destruction caused among his troops by the screw ships of the al- lied fleet in the Crimea. Both at Eupatoria and the Alma, the English vessels as they lay along the coast, beyond the range of the enemy’s guns, did fearfu) damage with rocket and bombshell. The Emperor has already been taught a lesson from experience. To be even with his opponents he must have « steam navy. The Russian pine is not to be compared with Great Britain’s oaken walls, and the Czar must turn to America for timver and for ships. In working out her destiny Russia will, therefore, assist America in rev lizing her own. Nicholas has already shown not only a willingness, but au eagerness to import American enterprise into his empire, and neither our interests nor those of the republican principles we uphold require us to draw back. We know that a wide field has been opened to physicians, engineers, me- chanics and manufacturers from the United States; and who can foresee all the numerous benefits that will be derived from such a con- nection, to the furtherance of liberaliam in one country, and the progress of commerce in both? Nor is this all. We noticed some time since that the Russian boundary in Asia had lately been extended to the River Amour, which emp- ties itself into the North Pacific Ocean. This new accession of territory, as large as the whole of the New England States, was at first neglect- ed as unprofitable. But it was subsequently found to be a splendid tea country, and now the Czar wishes to tfrow it open to American trade. Protected by the Ieland of Sagalin from the ice which flows from the Sea of Okhotsk, the mouth of the Amour—navigable for four hundred miles—is open during the whole year. To the north is the fur region of Kamtschatka, and the advantages of trade here are scarcely inferior to those recently acquired by the opening of Japan. e Are we, then, to throw away such benefits as these for an empty shadow? Surely not. Our admiration may be excited in favor of the heroes who toil and bleed and die in their country’s cause on the frozen plains of the Crimea. As men, Our sympathies may be especially roused for those whose Anglo- Saxon names sound familiar in our ears. God forbid that we should fail in doing every justice to the enduring courage of that race from which we ourselves have sprung. But with the cause of the war we have no concern; and with the result, it is to our advantage that Russia should preserve the integrity of her em- pire, and drive back her opponents. Tue Late Arson Case—Ovr Fire MarsHat. —On Friday last, Charles A. Peverelly, pre viously found guilty of an attempt to bura down his own store at 147 Front street, was sentenced to four years and six months im- prisonment at hard labor in Sing Sing prison. The trial in many particulars was one of im portance. The prisoner had up to the commis. sion of the offence, enjoyed a character of the highest respectability. He had numerous friends, and several able counsel were engaged to defend him. Yet all proved of no avail. Through the energy ot our Fire Marshal no stone was left unturned ; the proof was com- plete. and the ingenuity of counsel could raise no legal technicality by which their client might be saved from the grasp of justice. This is the first conviction of any importance obtained under the regime of a Fire Marshal and the fact is significant. Every one knows that, during the last few years, the crime of arson increased to such an extent that a general feeling ‘of alarm pervaded the community. No one felt safe ; crim. inals were seldom detected, and never brought to trial, and property was destroy- ed by bands of plunderers with the most barefaced impumty. We have, however, been relieved from this incubus. After several ex- periments werg tried aud bad signally failed, the suggestion was made and eagerly accepted by the peovle, that an officer should be appointed to investigate amd discover, if possible, the origin of every fire. It is searcely mecessary to enumerate here the benefits which the city of New York has derived, and continues to derive, from the services of a Fire Marshal, who can devote himself exclusively to the duties im- posed upon him. From the experience of only a few months, all are willing to admit the im- portance of the office. It haS a moral influence over the community which should not be over- looked or disregarded. Whenever a fire takes place, and any suspicious circumstances are connected with it, a close investigation is held, and frequently, as in the Peverelly case; a tangled web of crimeis unravelled, which woald otherwise have remained a secret forever. The creation of this office has also the effeet of producing greater care on the part of house- holders and occupants. It isa fact to benoted that in the present commercial crisis, distress has not been increased by the prevalence of large and destructive fires. This, at least, is a material benefit which comes home to us all. It is a benefit which other cities in the Union’ have observed and will profit by; for we un- derstand that movements are already on foot to institute a similar office both in Albany and in Philadelphia. The present Fire Marshal of New York isan active, intelligent and efficient officer, His services to insurance companies, the city and the community at large have been val- uable, and he has proved himself a relentless enemy toincendiaries. The trial and conviction of Peverelly, whichcould scarcely have been procured without his aid, will be a warning to criminals and will restore confidence to the citi- zens of New York for the future. THE LATEST NEWS. BY MAGNETIC AND PRINTING TELEGRAPHS, Ini from Washington. CABINET RUMORS—@URIOUS AND RICH DEVELOPE- MENTS. Waanincton, Dec. 24, 1854. The change in the Cabinet originated with Forney, who had received, in a letter from Buchanan, an assurance that “‘ any step he, in confidence, might take to get Marcy out of the Cabinet, would meet with his approval.” ‘This letter was shown among others to Cushing, and it also contained the assurance of his (Buchanan’s) eaily retirement to private life, and a censure on Sickles. ‘The particulars of this letter got to the ears of Marcy, in spite of the cautious secreey attendant upon all the diplomatic acts of Forney. Marcy made known these facts to certain members of the Cabinet, and they in turn gave them to Pierce. It soon got abroad that Marcy would resign for London, to be succeeded by Buchanan. Your paper, I think, contained the earliest intelligence of this bit of news. To get popular fecling in its favor, Forney wrote to his confidential friends of the press, and sclicited their aid in the matter, as did also Cushing, Forney taking care to reserve each letter or article as it came to his hands for ulterior purposes. Now the story runs that Forney, at the supposed proper tinte, called upon the President with his docu- ments and commenced proving to Pierce the unpopular- ity of Marcy, and the necessity for an immediate change. Pierce took the extracts or letters, turned them over one by one, and before they had all been examined, Marcy entered the President’s room. Pierce, in his bland maa- ner, handed over the documents to Marcy, who taking them, enquired “what they were?” ‘ Evidences,”’ said the President, ‘so I am informed, of your unpopularity with the people for the office of Secretary of State;” which Marcy followed up with the remark—‘ as written and procured and published by request of a person not far from your side.”’ The extracts were returned to Forney, who left the room, having been caught in hia own trap. About this ‘time there appeared in sundry papers throughout thé Union severe reflections upon other members of the Cabinet, which, upon comparison, were shown to have been written by the same pens that made Marcy’s removal a necessity. Cushing and For- ney are the supposed caterers; and so general is this impression, that Cushing has not a friend in the Cabi- net left him. There is not the slightest foundation for Marcy’s resignation, and no hope that Cushing can be gotten clear of. From Boston. OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS—THE MONBY MARKET—- MORTALITY—ANOTHER FAILURE—THE WEATHER, Boston, Dee, 23—Evening. Christmas will be more generally observed in this city on Monday than heretofore. Our money market was comparatively easy to-day, considering that notes due at the banks previous to Tuesday had to be met to-day. The rates of interest in the street were from 134 to 2 per cent per month, for good paper. The financial prospects in the city are brightening. The health of the city continues good. The total num- ber of deaths for the week was only sixty-four. It is reported that Messrs, Rawson, Brigham & Co., dry goods dealers in Milk street, failed to-day, with lia- bilities of $300,000. . The creditors of Messrs. J. W. Blodgett & Co., dry goods dealers in Pearl street, recently failed, met at the Court House to-day. Claims were proved against the firm to the amount of about one million of dollars, as- ‘signees were appointed, and another meeting of the cre- ditors will take place soon. ‘The weather here continues cold and cloudy, with in- dications of snow. The sleighing in the suburbs is ex- cellent, but is getting considerably worn down in the city. From the South. NON-ARRIVAL OF THE SOUTHERN MAIL—SERIOUS * RIOT IN ALLEGHANY COUNTY (VA.)—REDEMPTION OF THE PUBLIC DEDT, Bautmore, Dec. 24, 1854. We have received no mail here south of Washington this evening. A serious riot occurred in Alleghany county (Va.) yesterday, growing out of a meeting denouncing Thomp- son, the murderer of Miss Pharr. The citizens hung ‘Thompson in effigy, when a large party of his friends ar- rived armed with pistols and knives, and attempted to cut him down. A aight then ensued, the citizens driv- ing off Thompson’s party, seizing their leader and riding him on a rail. The redemption of the public debt at the United States Treasury last week amounted to $885,350. Business Failures. Provipence, Dec. 23, 1354. Messrs. Seagrave & Steere of this city have made an assignment in consequence of their endorsements for Messrs, Hill, Carpenter & Co. They are amply secured for their endorsements, but are unable to realize the securities immediately. They will meet all their own obligations as they mature, and also the individual obli gations of Joiah Seagrave, Jr., and after paying them will have a handsome surplus. Destructive Fire in Ellsworth, Me. Bacor, Dec. 23, 1854. A destructive fire occurred in the town of Ellsworth, in this State, last night. It broke out in the store of Mr. Asa Edwards, which was entirely destroyed, to- gether with the harness manufactory of Henry Rollins, the bookstore of J. B. Osgood, the office of the Maine Telegraph Company, (which was the cause of the inter- ruption of the line, and rendered communication with Halifax impossible,) the grocery store of Messrs. H. & S. K. Whiting, together with several out buildings. The dwelling houses of Mr. Somerby and Mr. 8. H. Themas were badly damaged, The total loss is net known. Markets. Provipence, Deo. 2 The cotton market for the week has been are unchanged, In wool the market has been rather dull, with sales of 27,100 pieces. The market for print ing cloths has heen quiet. Prices, are without change Sales 23,100 pieces, Frox Tie Coast or Arrica.—The brig Reindeer, Moul ton, arrived yesterday from Ambriz, brings dates from that place to Oct. 26, and from Loando to the 28th. ‘There was an American man-of-war at Loando, name unknown, The British brig of war Philomel went ashore Oct. 22 off Loando, but was got off without any serious damage. ‘Late From St, Douro. ¢ brig Era, arrived yester day from St. Domingo, brings dates to the 4th inst. The French vessels of war L’Ardent, Penelope, L’Ouest, and Meleagre, and the British war steamer Argus were in port, and one more Froggb aug pyro Byitish expected, CHRISTMAS DAY. Preparations for the Celebration in the City. To-day there will be a general suspension of business among our citizens to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Messiah. The law courts will all be closed, and judges, juries, lawyers and clerks will rest awhile from their labors. The children in the public schools are to have a holiday, so that they may enjoy them- telves without the fear of bard lessons before their eyes. The Custom House will be open only one hour in the day, as will be seen by the following :— Notice.—Monday, 25th inst., being Christmas Day, the Custom House will be open from from 9 to 10 o'clock A.M., for the entry and clearance of vessels only. HEMAN J. REDFIELD, Collector. JOHN ROMEYN BRODHEAD, Naval Officer. JOHN COCHRANE, Surveyor. Of course the usual festivities will be indulged in. ‘The eating houses and restaurants down town will be deserted, as all who have homes to go to will share with their families the inevitable roast turkey and plum pud- ding rendered sacred by immemsrial custom. Some will go to church and others will attend theatres, aud all will amuse themselves and be as jolly as the hard times will permit. It is to be noped that the poor will not be forgotten ; and that those favored with this world’s goods will be able to look back on the 25th day of December, 1854, as a day hallowed to them by deeds of charity and kindness to the suffering poor. As usual, our military friends will be out in full force to-day, Among others the Rynders Grenadiers will at- tract no little attention. Last year they astonished the “natives; but this year they expect to amaze both natives and foreigners. They will parade under the command of Maj. George: B. Hall; and after passing through the principal thoroughfares of our city, they will pass in review at the Park before Gen. Ward B. Burnett, of the New York Volunteers, and finish the day by a grand jollification at Tammany Hall. For several weeks past the store windows along Broad- way have given strong indications of the approach of the jolly, good natured Santa Claus. Here, in this one, isa collection of the rarest kinds of toys, set out in the most attractive manner to catch the eyes of all who have any juvenile friends to remember at this particular time. Horses of every description for the boys, dolls of all sizes for the girls, miniature houses, with furniture to match, masks to suit every taste, Jacks in boxes and Jacks out of boxes, snakes that wriggle and twist every way in the most natural manner, handsome cluna sets for small tea parties, beds for babies that always awake, and cry whenever they are required, with andall the other requisites to wash the faces of the aforesaid babes. Then there are any variety of birds, Deasts, and fishes for such juveniles as feel inclined. The future Cuviers and Buffons may find among these enough to interest them for months. Here are elephants as small as mice, and mice r than elephants, fish whose scales are warrant never to fall off, dogs that bark on the slightest provocation; houses that run on wheels and p on rockers; lions and tigers with the most amiable king faces; rhinoceroses forgetting all animosities at this particular season, and. treating their enemies toa horn; donkeys with ears out of al proportion; whales that are always spouting; cats at their legitimate occu- tion of catching mice; and hundreds of animals that jt would be impossible fo name, #0 different are they from any ever classified by the naturalist, all herding together in the most friendly manner, and throwing rival happy families. far in the shade.’ For those who have a tastefor such things there are sing haa, in which the stag is mever overtaken, and the hounds are always kept at the same distance; regiments of soldters on horseback and on foot, that are warranted always to stand fixe and to fall before they fly; and cannons which are never discharged till they are peas-full. Passing from the toy shops, which are generally sur- rounded by an eager crowd of you ‘we next pass tothe markets, where the eye, if not the stomach, is feasted with A genet all that ministers to the ap- e. 16 of poultry and game are seen on ever! Rde-—turkeys of marvellous fatness, and geese of por, tentious size, dressed with red and white ribbons and adorned with Christmas greens. Not, indeed, that all the poultry are to be commended, for some of them bore every mark of extreme old age, and had a decidedly venerable appearance, but then they were carefully kept out of sight, or rejuvenated and adorned by their owners to compare with their younger and more tempt rivals. Then there were baskets of apples and vegetables of every known variety. All were busy—there might be hard times in Wall street or !n Broadway, but the mar- oi oa Saturday, at least, never looked so busy and ‘To-day will be observed throughout the Christian world. It is only within the last few years that much notice has been taken of it by our people. The Catholics and Episcopalians have always observed the day, but the Puritans never would recognize it as the anniversary of Christ’s birth. They denied that the Saviour was born on the 25th day of December, as the nights were too cold for shepherds to be tending their flocks on the i ide, as related in the second chapter of St. bjection would hold good were it true that the weather is as cold in Palestine as it is,in New York or New England But leaving this vexed question to musty old commentators, there is no question but that Christmas isa t institution. At least the little folks think so, and it is to be hoped they have not over estimated its value to them, this year, anyway. It may be refreshing to our readers to know. that the weather was not always as cold about Christmas times as it has been this year. We are informed that sixty years ago, in Salem, Massachusetts, the ship Betsey, 190 ‘tons, was launched on Christmas day, with the ther- mometer at 80 Zegrees, and that it was so warm that the men and boys indulged in swimming, asia summer. Now, this might have been a very agreeable and safe performance ‘sixty years ago, but we don’t think a nowledge of the fact will induce any one to try it this year, with the thermometer at its present average. ious bodies, with the exception of the Catholics and Episcopalians, will not have any services in their churches. In the Catholic church, however, Christmas is ¥ ed as a holiday of strict obligation, the members being required to attend mass in the morning and to refrain from all kinds of work. High mass is said in all the churches, and sermons appropriate to the day are preached. On this occasion, also, Catholics are called on dap peas to be generous in their donations to the Orphan Asylums and other benevolent institutions un- = ee eoe of the Sisters of Mercy, and other us orders. The Episcopal church celebrates the day by additional services according to the prescribed forms of her ritual, and decorates her edifices with evergreens. In Grace church, in addition to the lar service, the order of music contains a choice selection, as will be seen by the following programme:— ORDER OF THE MUSIC AT GRACE CHURCH, FOR CHRIST- MAS Day, 1864, Venite exultemus Domino. Gloria Patria, composed by Spohr. jus, COM} Ms Hughes. Benedictus, ai from G. M. von Weber, by King. Psalm Ixviil, v. 1, 11, 18, 14, composed by King. Thy mercies, Lord, shall be My piyt them shall over dwell, To ages yet unborn, my tongue mar one might Lape rhs arm is strong Yet, Lord, thon dest with i eatice reign; Possess’d of absolute command, Thou truth and mercy dest maintain. Thy saints shall always be o’erjoy’d, Who on thy tected name fing And, in thy righteousness employ’d, Above their foes be raised on high. For in Thy strength they shall advance, ‘Whese juests from a Dad spring; The Lord of is our d And Israel’s God, our Israel’s King. christmas hymn, the xlv., composed for this day by ter the sermon, ‘‘the anthem,’” (words selected from the Psalms of David,) will be sung by Mrs. Bod = the music composed for her by Signor G. N. Tor- rente, reli- SURPRISE FOR THE POOR IN WILLIAMSBURG. The children attached to the South Fifth street Metho- dist Episcopal Church propose giving a substantial sur- prise to the poor to-day. They will assemble at the church at 10 0’clock, when addresses will be delivered by the pastor, Rev. Henry G. Fox, and others; a collec- tion will then be taken up, and the proceeds applied for the benefit of the suffering poor. After the services a dinner will be supplied to a number of poor children in the basement of the church. Dramatic and Musical Matters. With the exception of the English Opera at the Broad- way Theatre, and the appearance of Mr. Morris Barnett at Burton’s, nothing new has transpired at any of the theatres during the week. Business, technically spenk- ing, has been bad all around, and the holidays are ex- pected to bring it up——At the Metropolitan theatre, Mr. Anderson has been playing to very thin houses. He took his farewell benefit on Friday, and played Claude Melnotte and the Elder Brother. Miss F. B. Conway played Pauline for the first time. At this house, on Wednesday, Mr. E. Eddy will take a benefit.—Mr, M’Kean Buchanan wif! commence an engagement on the 2d proximo, as Hamlet.—-At Niblo’s Garden, Wille Nau, Mr. St. Albyn, and others have given selections from English operas——At the Broad- way theatre, Miss 1, Pyne, supported by Mr. Harrison, Mr. Borrani, &., has appeared as Polly, in the ‘‘Beggar’s Opera;”’ Zerlina, in “Fra Diavolo,” Arline, in the “Bohemian Girl,” and Catarina, in the “Crown Diamonds.""—At Burton’s theatre, Mr. Morris Barnett has played Monsieur Jacques three times to the great satisfaction of critical audiences.—At Wallack’s the- atre the plays of the week have included “Speed the Plough,” ‘A Bachelorof Arts,’’ “Two to One,” and “A Gentleman from Ireland.”” A new play is announced for Wednesday evening.——Since the destruction by fire of Wood’s Minstrel Hail, No. 444 Broadway, the com- pany has been giving entertainments at the old Christy Hall, No. 472 Broadway. The same fire destroyed the building formerly known as Mitchell’s Olympic, once the most popular theatre in this city.——At the Bowery theatre popular dramas haye been played to fair houses. Ob Friday night Miss Fanny Herring had a good benefit, and was assisted by a large amount of volunteer talent, ingluding Ms, G, W, ly Fox, Mg, 0 W, Joylos Mr. ©. Keller, and others.——Buckley’s Serenaders hav@ done nothing new lately.——The German opera contin- ues to dourish at the Stadt theatre in the Bowery, Flo- tow’s ‘Marthe’? was played on Thursday night last, to @ crowded house—A new musical burlesque is an- nounced in rehearsal at Burton’s.——Mr. George Jorian, one of the most popular actors in New York, announces his benefit at Burton’s on Thursday evening next, when Morton’s comedy, ‘Secrets Worth Knowing,” will be played, fer the first time in four years. The bills for this evening will give an agreeable des sert to Christmas dinners. At the Broadway theatre, Balfe’s ‘“‘Enchantress’’ will be played, with Miss L. Pyne, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Berrani in the prineipal parts. In the second act @ “grand bal masque’? will be introduced. Mlle Zoe has been engaged, to give effect to the Terpsichorean part of the entertainment. At Niblo’s ‘The Bohemian Girl’? will be produced, with M’lle Nau and Mr. St. Albyn as Arline and Thaddeus. At Burton’s a new comedy, by J. E. Durivage, a well- known and popular dramatic writer, will be produced. It is entitled ‘‘ A Nice Young Man.’’ The cast includes the names of Mr. Burton, Mr. Johnston, Miss Raymond, and Mrs, Hughes. ‘ Apollo in New York’’ and “ The Moustache Mania” are also to be played. At Wallack’s theatre three pieces are announced, viz., « Laugh when you Can,’’ ‘A Gentleman from Ireland,”? and ‘The Artful Dodger.” In these plays, Messrs. Lester, Brougham, Blake, Dyott, and Vincent, will appear. At the Metropolitan theatre two performances aré announced, the first at twoP.M., and the second at seven P.M. A prominent feature in the bill is a new national drama, written by Mr. De Walden, in which Mr. Eddy and Mrs, M, Jones sustain the principal characters. At the Bowery theatre a new equestrian military drama, founded upon the novel called ‘“‘Wacousta,”’ will be produced. New scenery and a strong cast of charac- ters. An afternoon performance will also be given. At the American Museum four performances are an- nounced. Mr. J. R. Scott plays “Rob Roy’” in the evening. At Wood’s Minetrel Hall, 472 Broadway, an excellent programme is announced for this evening. At Buekley’s, 539 Broadway, afternoon and evening performances are announced. The successful burlesque on “Sonnambula”’ will be revived on this oocasion. Agrand concert, for the benefitof the poor of the Kighteenth ward, will be given next Thursday evening at the Dispensary Rooms, Twenty-third street and Se- cond avenue. We hope that the people in that section of the city will turn out in goodly numbers om this oc- casion. , Miss Teresa Esmonde, whose readings from the nation- al poetry of Ireland gave such general satisfaction, hav- ing been obliged, on account of delicacy of health, to postpone entering on her professional tour through the States, beyond the time she had arranged, was presented with a requisition numerously and influentially signed, on Thursday evening last, soliciting ‘‘another reading from Trish and American poets of her choice, in order to gratify those who had not enjoyed the pleasure of already hearing her,” congratulating her on her well- deserved success, and wishing her the compliments the approaching season. Among the names attach the requisition are those of General Hall, Judge M thy, Levi Beardsley, and Wm. Vincent Wallace. Esmonde expressed her thanks for the unexpected = ..- liment, and consented to give the “reading,” and named Friday, Dec. 29th, au she proceeds South imme- diately after New Year’s. The introduction of American national poems into Miss Esmonde’s course will add, no doubt, a new feature of attraction to her reading. It comes off on the above named evening, at the Stuyvesant Institute. Musica, anp Dramatic Facts.—Miss Davenport has finished her engagement at the Walnut street theatre, Philadelphia. The Chestnut street.theatre is closed. Mrs. Farren is playing prolonged and successful engagement at the National theatre, Boston.—Mr. For- rest is drawing very large houses at the Front street theatre, Baltimore. He is to be succeeded by Levi North’s equestrian troupe. Mr. C. Walcott has opened the Charles street theatre.——In New Orleans, at the last accounts, it was rumored that the American theatre was to be opened by the dramatic troupe of the Varieties. Mrs. Coleman Pope, who had been engaged by Mr Placide for the Varieties, but who found the theatrea mass of ruins upon her arrival at New Orleans, had # benefit offered to her, which was to take place on the evening of the 16th instant. Mr. George Holland was to have a benefit at the Orleans theatre on the 18th instant; and Miss Louisa Howard and Mr. H. Farren were to conclude their engagement (rather a successful one, it is said) at the St. Charles theatre on the 16th instant, with a omplimentary benefit. A series of masked and fancy dress balls are to be given at the Orleans thea‘re.— ‘Mr. Chanfrau is playing at Memphis, Tean.—Mr. Crisp has opened the Savannah theatre, and Miss Robertson was announced to appear thereon the 18th,_—Madame de Vries has lately been singing at Nashville ——As Mr. G. V. Brooke, in recently performing the character of Richard the Third, at the Liverpool Amphitheatre, fell upon the stage at the close of the fifth act, struck down by the sword of Richmond, the moment of breath- leas silence which followed was suddenly broken by a voice from the shouting in tones of encour: suggestion to Mr. Villiers, who ed the of bea had “Now’s your time, wid Fetes off with his The Turf. LOUISIANA RACES. Union Course, Dec. 16—purse $100, mile heats, A.W. Smail’s c. f. Gallatini, by Gallatin, dam Eliza Mills—3 y. 0.....+sececsseeversereeseeeee E. Slevin’s b. f. Rats, by imp. Yorkshire, dam by stee--3 y. 0...... tees eeeesesessees . ° - 2 n. Serah Taylor, by \ aed Domestic Intelligence. A duel was fought at St. Foy, near Quebec, Canada on Friday, between Messrs. Irvine and Pope, advocates of that city. Neither were hurt. The recent severe weather has caused a great rush to er uy — ae of the . In the mon’ foveal Nast, men were éi Pass h isted, and Geni the Espen- SCHEID hat, for the holiday season, agfashion’s favorite. classically ioned and truly elegant. Those Te ee | apne nae One AVION WaT at 118 Nas- u street. i Fy and tasty and for the youn; people, and these he is selling “ ‘" His eatablishments ate at Now. Spacing once Broadway. Real Life Size—The Only Real Life Size photographs, made on canvas, and finished in oil, are those done as No. 863 Broadwa; , corner of Franklin street, and see them, and ol that y are no’ mon paper anc th Every style of picture taken in ‘any kind dwar It Will Go Into a Stocking.—If you would delight Lee | child, get your likenesses at ROOTS [si en jo. 363 way, and leave it where oer us will see it. He will be sure to put it into Anson’s Size Dague for cents, colored, and in a nice case, with a Marge the size others make for fifty cents, and equal to $2 pic- tures elsewhere, ANSON’S, 589 Broadway, opposite the Metropolitan Hotel. Meade Brothers’ rb Gifts for the Holi- days.—Daguerreotypes in most beautiful styles on , Christmas day. of views on glass and » in catty boxes, for centre table, producing runlight and moonlight effects. New goods just received from Europe, at prices to suit the times. Broadway, four doors above the Astor House. Knapp’ to sult the times; fine gold lockets. |, pins, rich cases and frames, 25 ar Rag on Lkenesses in all weathers. Call ily, before 3 P. M., at 559 Broadway, between Metro politan and St. Nicholas hotels. Large Size Len Sage rant ped for 50 cents, are taken at HUTCHINGS’ old st |, No. 295 Broadway, co- lored, and Including case Uned with velvet, equal, if not superior, to those taken elsewhere for two dollars. The Book of Books—Magnificcnt Holi- day prevent—Dunigan, & Brother’s highly illustrated edition of the Catholic Bible, with Haydock’s Notes: approved by the Most Rev. John Hughes, Archbishop of ‘ew York. No more splendid “aon can be made to a Catholic friend than a copy of this superb Bible—the most beautifully printed, bound, and illustrated edition in the world. publishers invite all to compare it with Harper’s celebrated Bible, or any other heretofore published, in paper, type, illustration, or purity of text. Its Commentary is unequalled in extent, and compiled with the utmost judgment and care. ‘The prices are ’ such as to te it in the reach of every family; ranging, according to the style of binding, from $14 to $25, limited number in super-extra binting, for presentation, now on hand. DUNIGAN & , 161 Fulton st. New Muste—“To-morrow, Mo.morrow”— Ballad as ne, Mr. Barnett in the character of Mons, ghee drama of that name, as played at Burton’s with the test success. Title page em. / Dellished with bert on a niga in character, 5 ‘8 ”” ballad, i the same . Price canta, i on Ronace WATERS, Publishes, dod Browdnag.