The New York Herald Newspaper, January 3, 1855, Page 4

sm 4 NEW YORK HERALD. JA MES GORDON BENNETT, PROPRIETOR AND EDITOR. OFFICE, Ny. W. C@BNER NASSAU AND FULTON STS. TP AMS, cash in edeance. : 7 MB DAILY HERALD. 2 cents per copy—$7 per annum. WEEKLY HERALD every Saturday at 0M cents per @y,"or $3 per annum ; the European Bidition 4 per annum any Rart of Great Britain, and $5 0 any part of the Con- P fags. LETTBRS by Mail’ for Subscriptions or with Adver- is to be post paid, or the postage will be deducted from money re metted. POL UNMET Y CORRESPONDENCE, containing impor- base , solicited from any quarter of the world—if used ‘wali be ter tly paid for. Our Fonmicn Conrese: MEATS ABE PARTICULARLY REQUESTED TO BE. AnD PACKAQES SENT UB. Re WO TICE taken of anonymous communications. re r. Vv We do IG executed with neatness, cheapness, and :RTISEMENTS renewed every da xx ~ AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. Wproapway THEATRE, Brosdway—Sornta’s SurPen GAR'S OPERA—DIVERTISEMENT. | . "BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery—Fornrunez’s Froutc— Poor Sorprenr—lpior Wiwness—Tue MASSACRE OF THE Mrouriumaumac. NIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway—Bonzmtan Gini—Mu- = O110—Lucy oF LAMMERMOOR—SAVAGE AND THE EN. BURTON’S THEATRE, Chambers street—Urrzr Tex any Lower Twaxty—AroL.o in New Yorx. WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broadway—Tue Sisters— @urricwan From lngtanp—Arrrut Dovern. METROPOLITAN THEATRE, Broadway—Macsern— Uncix Sam, AMERICAN MUSEUM—Afternoon—Cwanus: II. Even- ARLES II—Howxsr MiLKMAN. WOOD'S VARIETIES—Mech: ) Hall, 472 Brosdway— BUCKLEY'S OPERA HOUSE, 589 Broadway—Bvox- uuv’s Erwiorian Opera TROUPE. New York, Wednesday, January 3, 1855. ; ‘The News. The steamship Btar of the West, arrived yesterday, brought us eight days later intellegence from Cali. fornia. She had on board about six hundred and #wenty-five thousand dollars in specie, which will Jeave one million, four hundred thousand to be drought by the mail steamer, to make up an average @emi-monthly shipment. Among the items of news ‘will be found an account of the attack on Petro qanlowski by the allied fleet, given by an eye- witness. In the uews previously published, we ave am account of the arrival of the Ras- sian merchantman Kamschatka, at San Francisco. It is now said that she is a pri- ‘vateer, mounts eight guns, and has on board one hundred men. The allies have an eye upon her, and ‘it was reported that the British frigate President ‘was leying off the harbor on the look out. The mines of California appear as productive as ever, and yield ‘to the theusands of men employed in them satisfac- ‘ory remuneration for their labor. Some idea of the wumber of persons employed in the mines may be ebtained by a table which we give of the number of foreign miners licensed in the different counties of ‘the Btate, by which it appears that there are of that -elase upwards of one hundred thousand. Some in. teresting 1 and musical intelligence will be found among the items of news. New Year's day was celebrated ia Washington with.unusual hilarity. The politicians abandoned ‘heir plots and counterplota, and entered into the ‘Peativities of the occasion with such zest that it will Probably rognira the balance of the week bsfors ‘they again get into good working condition. In the Benate yesterday the only matter of general inte- peat waothe discussion of Mr. Brodbead’s bill, grant $ng bounty lands to soldiers who have been engaged im the service of the United States. The bill amend- img the Judiciary system was made the special order for Thursday. In the House the President’s mes- sage, giving his views at length on the question of jaternal.improvements, was received andread. The @eoument (s an elaboration of the opinions contained im the message vetoing the River and Harbor Dill of the last session, and concludes with the re. mark that the embarrassments of the subject sug- gest the policy of Congress confining appropria- tions by the general government to the works mecessary to. be constructed for its own use, leaving ethers to be provided for by individuals and States, the latter by tonnage duties, which are authorized by the constitution. The other proceedings in the House were unimportent. ‘The legislative bodies of this State and this city aasembled yesterday, and completed their organiza- fiens. The message of Gov. Clark is published in to-day’s paper,and in case any of our readers should ‘de deterred from its perusal by its great lengta, they fare referred to the editorial eolumns, where its main points are recapitalated, together with such com- ments as they suggest. The proveedings ia the are of course unimportant, as is usaal @n the first day of the session. De Witt C. Little- jan, of Oswego, was chosen Speaker of the Assem- By, by # majority of thirty-nine over Mr. Ambrose vens. The Governor’s message was referred fe ethe various standing committees, except that portiony relating to the liquor traffic, whic: will be placed in charge of a select comm. ‘ttee. Upon this point Mr. Clark’s views seem th) be somewhat modified since the election. Maye © Wood’s message to the Common Council of this e'ty is also given today. It is an exceeding- Uy inter wsting psper, and will no doubt be read at- fentively by all. The following nominations were emt in te the Board of Aldermen, and action will bo taken upon them to night:— First Cleck—Colonel Alexander Ming. Dapet Gerk—George W. Hinchman, esbal—Wm. H. Stephens. Presddent of the Croton Aqueduct Board—Myndert Van Sebaiek City Chamberlain—Francis W. Edmonds. Resielent Physician—Wm. Rockwell, Health Comissioner—Jedediab Miller. ‘Vilsoe: mail—Clerk of the Seventh Judicial District. Jahn Wanderpool and James McLeod District Clerks of ‘MWe Lew" police. court created by act of March 31, 1854. ‘Alfie’ Chancellor, Clerk of the District Court, in place of W..¥. Davidson, elected Police Justice. The mw city government of Brooklyn, as con- polidat. 4, was inaugurated on Monday. The Com- mon Co ¥seil, composed of thirty-six members, con- yened i:tébe City Hall at half-past ten o'clock ia fhe foren Won. Daniel P. Barnord, Esq., alderman of the Ti Eri ward, was elected President of the Board. Th®.democrats have a nominal majority, dat Barnar @ ‘2 whig and Know Nothing, and his election ind tater the potency of the new American slement over’ party politics. Mayor Hall delivered ral address, in which he recommends a stands ré of qualifications in the police force, the suppressioe of tipp!iog shops and of rowdyism jw the Fire Department, and makes some other re- @n local matters. The appointments gmacic by the Bovd last night were, almost without qmooption, whigs 4nd Know Nothings. As near as «ep be pacertained, the Board consists of one genv- 42'@ Whig (Fowler), sixteen Know Nothings, four wi 492, fourteen democrats, with @ sprinkling of Km Ww Nothings, and five independent or Know oti ing democrats. We learn that the committee appointed by the Jate Po t& meeting intend to petition the Commi Counci! is evening for an appropriation of five undred : bousand dollars, for the immedixte im of the pablic Jacd and lots, for the pur pone of givix'g employment to the poor now in want of bread. (The Navy Dep. ‘ment, it appears, no longer con- jootvire as to the probable fate of the sloop-of.war ‘Albeo y- She is givert ™p as fost, and we presame the nance of her officers and crew will shortly be struck fm the roll of tie ravy. Her untimely fate calle to mind that of the LXernet, which undoubted- ty foundered daring one of ‘bose desolating gales that po freqhently swoep the Caribtean Sea.» In another ooluram we publish a list of the officera and crew of the Albany, together with § Técord of the bipe of the navy that have been jost 4 16Ce ite orga wiagtion. tate advices from the Cape of Good Ho, * oe sent ibe country o# being in a very dieta-bed ..**, eunsed by the interference of tbe British offic, We with the system of polygamy practiced by the na tives. The local papers oppose the policy of the government with great severity. We copy from the London Times, of the 16th, the text of the new treaty of alliance between Austria and the Western powers. Although its meaning is Jess obscured bygreservations than her protocols ia the previous negotiations, itdoes not appear to us | to advance much the cause of tbe allies. By the gecond article Austria pledges herself to defend the frontiers of the Principalities against the return of the{Ruesians, and consents to the formation of a | mixed commission for the regulation of all excep- tional and disputed points arising ont of its occupa tion by her troops; and by the third, the powers mutually pledge themselves tosustain Austria in the event of hostilities breaking out between that power and Russia, It is clear that the contingency pro- vided for by the last mentioned article is not likely to arrive unless that contemplated in the previous one should come to pass. For the present, Rossia will take care to avoid giving the stipulations of the treaty force by entering the Principalities, and therefore Austria will still be virtually enabled to preserve her neutrality, although ostensibly com: mitted to the alliance. The object of the treaty, as far as she is concerned, appears to be only to gain time; and in this respect she seems to usto be still playing into the hands of Russia. The tenor of this document is not, on the whole, one that is cal- culated to reassure the public mind in England and France. Accounts from Texas state that Gen. Houston wil! resign his seat in the Senate at the expiration of the present session. The 'Indians on the frontier were becoming more tractable, the six companies of rangers ordered out by the Governor having had the effect of making them solicitous for peace. We publish elsewhere some late and interesting intelligence from Mexico. The election on the 2d resulted, as we expected, in ar immeuse majority in favor of Santa Anna. Somes curious facts are given as to the manner in which the votes were ob- tained. From all appearances, His Serene High. ness intends to draw the cord of despotism still tighter around the unfortunate people whom he has hitherto ruled with a rod of iron. ‘We have received intelligence from Havana to the 27th of December. Our correspondent gives some more interesting details of the imprisonment and anticipated trial before the Military Commis- sion of Messrs. Felix and Lacoste, (or Estrampes, as his name is now declared to be,) accused of being implicaled in the Baracoa affair. The letters are well worth a perusal. ‘The flour market waa again firmer yesterday, and sales were made to a fair extent, at about 12}c. & 25c. per bbl. advance. White Michigan wheat sold at $2 38, and Southern do. at $2 28. Indian corn was also better, with sales of Western mixed at $1,and Southern white at $1 02. Rye wasat $1 38, The stock of old pork in this market on the ‘lat inst., was 43,236 bble., which was larger than was anticipated. The stock of beef, inclading all kinds, was found to be 33,344 packages. Old mess pork closed (dull, at $12 62. Cotton was about jc. a je.,per lb., lower. The stock, including some 12,000 bales, unsampled, recently arrived, was between 20,000 and 30,000 bales. The sixth anti-slavery lecture of the eeason was delivered last evening, in the Tabernacle, by the Rey. Henry W. Bellows. The subject taken by the speaker was “ The pro-slavery testimony of the Northern conscience cross questioned.” Our report is crowded out. The Governor's Message. The first message of our newGovernor, Clark, is before our readers. It is a rather long, prosy document, but full of substantial facts and statistics to all classes of the people of this great Commonwealth. Our readers will peruse it carefully, and study it for themselves, and shape out their expectations of our new State administration accordingly. The financial exhibit of Governor Clark will be found to be intensely interesting, suggest- ing, at it does, the very possible necessity of resort to increased taxation to meet the re- quirements of the treasury. There is a falling off in the canal revenues of over one hundred and ninety-four thousand dollars, the result of bad management, the drought, short crops,railroads, and other causes too tedious to'mention. The Governor hopes for a better state of things for the future. So do we, although we are not en- lightened as to the exact manner in which it is to be brought about. In one thing we have been particularly blessed. We have had an abundance of money—paper money—vulgarly called bank rage, to the extent of a circulation of forty-four millions, and an increase of banking capital to the amount of se- ven millions. Still hard times have come upon us, as they always do come with @ flood of shin-plasters. The Governor appears to be aware of this, and suggests a lit- tle indefinite pruning, with an especial regu- lation to prevent the deposits of savings banks from being employed as banking capital. We join in this recommendation, and hope that something further will be done to guard against the evil, as far as possible, of these ruinous bank-rag inflations—the great and primary: cause of excessive speculations, commercial expatsions, wholesale swindling operations, periodical explosions and general distress. The Governor is somewhat philanthropic in regard to the discipline of our State prisons, and his suggestions under this head may be turned to good practical account by judicious legislation. Upon the public schools, also, he betrays his benevolent disposition, and his great sympathies for the rising generation. It is certainly a melancholy fact that one-fourth of the children in the State, of the proper age, do not attend the district schools. The re- medy, however, suggested by the Governor, is inufficient. Legislation, we fear, cannot reach the real difficulties to be overcome in this mat- ter. It is evident that the Governor has not consulted Archbishop Hughes upon the subject. The Archbishop is losing ground with the Sew- ard party. The absorbing question of the Maine liquor lo w next demands the attention of our new Governor. Here our expectations are not realized. Here there is a wondertul falling off from that formidable bill vetoed by Governor Seymour. Governor Clark disowns his own bantling. He does not recommend it, nor any- thing like it; but, as nearly as we can make him out, he has fallen back upon the platform of Judge Bronson. He still believes that the evils of rom selling and ram drinking ery aloud for the interposition of some sort of a liquor law. It is due to the Temperance A)liance—due to the women’s rights associations—due to the pie- hald Syracuse and Auburn conventions—due to the Carson Lengue—and due to Greeley. Bat it is delicate business. The Governor has jast found it out. He suggests that while liquor selling and liqaor drinking should be stopped by some sumptuary law, personal rights should not be wholly disregarded. this is offered as a compromise to the liquer men in the Assembly in behalf of W. H, Seward ; and it betrays @ greater solicitade for bis re-election to the Senate than for the bless | ings of universal temperance upon compulsion, Upon the asory lawe Governor Clurk isa fiat footed old fogy. On the abject of rail It strikes us that | roads in cities and towns he is as non-commit- talas Martin Van Buren. On rivers and har- bors and a high protective tariff he is a whig of the year 1836, and a firm believer of special bounties to manufacturing monopolies, at the expense of the whole community. The Governor is true to the Saratoga plat- form, and the resolutions of the conglomerated Syracuse and Auburn conventions touching the Nebraska bill. He recommends, according- ly, to the Legislature, the most decided action for the restoration of the antislavery inter- dict of the Missouri compromise, to the end of arresting the extension of slavery and the in- crease of the representation of the South in the two houses of Congress, This is the cream ofthe mespuge—the platform of the holy anti-slavery alliéétce of last fall, and the pro- gramme of Seward for his sectional contest for the Presidency. It invokesa renewed and violent agitation of the slavery question upon false pretences; for while our anti-slavery Governor pleads in this connection for the har- mony of the Union, he is urging upon his abolition partizans the most direct course for a violent and sanguinary dissolution of the Union. Upon the whole, this first message of our new Governor isan instructive document. It. shows that the Maine liquor law is to be sacrificed for the re-election of Seward—that a desperate effort is to be made to overshadow the Know Nothing excitement in a fierce revival of the anti-slavery agitation, and that the Seward platform for 1856 is the improvement of rivers and harbors ona grand scale by the federal government, a high tariff of special bounties for the enrichment of manufacturing corpora- tions, and war without quarter against the South, the extermination of slavery, and the disruption of the Union. Perhaps, in the ac- tion of the Legislature, the Know Nothings may reverse this revolutionary platform in a counter revolution, displacing Seward, de- molishing his principles, and maintaining the constitution, the obligations of the North, the rights of the South, and the integrity of the republic. We await the action of the Legis- lature. The Mayor’s Message. Mr. Fernando Wood has commenced his ,du- ties as Mayor with a message which is likely to create some stir. For the first time for many years a Mayor has been found with sufficient nerve to point to the true cause of our recent municipal troubles, and to claim for himself a measure of authority commensurate with the responsibility of his office, and the necessities of the city. Mr. Wood’s predecessors have been content to relinquish the government of New York to the several heads of departments: to this commissioner, certain duties, to that one, others, conceding to each sole control over the business of his department, and in reality divesting himself—the chief aivie «Mear—of all power ead itiuence in the regulation of muni- cipal concerns. That this state of things was in some degree the inevitable fruit of the ill- advised legislation which curtailed the execu- tive authority of the Mayor, and rendered so many subordinate officers practically indepen- dent of his control by making their offices elective, is not to be denied; nor can we won- der that men of weak, yielding disposition should have forborne to seek a collision with their subordinates {by attempting to assert an authority whigh the spirit of six or seven char- ters tended to deny. But, at the same time, practice has clearly shown the evil effects of this system of divided authority. All the seve- ral civic departments being independent of the Mayor and of each other, a spirit ofhostility and opposition has arisen between them. Each has resented any interference on the part of another asa species ofinsult; and many have conducted the affairs of their own bureaux more with a view of annoying their colleagues than in order to satisfy the public requirements. The Comp- troller especially has signalized himself by en- @eavoring to counteract and thwart the other heads of departments in every way in his power: aiming at manufacturing for himself a reputa- tion for Spartan virtue at the expense of his fellow officers. The example has been followed by the other heads of departments; and at the close of the late year, it is doubtful whether any two elected municipal officers were on such terms that they could transact business satis- factorily ; and we witness on the second day of the new year the virtual refusal of the Ten ‘Governors of the Almshouse to give Mr. Wood some information ot a public character which he desired to obtain of them. The prsctice of the heads of the departments spread to the con- tractors and clerks; and only recently its effects were visible in the state of the streets, The contractors would not clean the streets in a manner satisfactory to Mr. Glazier, the Com- missioner: this gentleman attempted to prevent their being paid; but Mr. Flagg, the Comp- troller, being independent of Mr. Glazier, and as hostile to him as to the other heads of de- partments, paid every man as if he had done his work properly. In this familiar instance rivalry and opposition which the system of di- vided authority has engendered. It isthe case with every department of the city government; and Mayor Westervelt, interpreting the charter as depriving him of all right to interfere, has contented himself with looking on helplessly. Mayor Wood has resolved to make aa effort to remedy this state of things. Relying on those passages in the charter which declare that the Mayor shall constitute, in every instance, a member of the city executive, Mr. Wood in- tends to exercise a co-ordinate authority with the heads of departments over every depart- ment of thecity government; thus restraining the Comptroller from paying men why have er of Streets to have the mud removed, That the law confers upon Mr. Wood this au quibbles may be raised on the point, there can | not be a question but great benefits will ensue from the centralization of power that will thus be effected. Until the old plan can be reetored, and the appointment of subordinate officers vested, as it should be, in the Mayor, this oe- ordinate jurisdiction of his will tend greatly to counteract the mischievous effects of the rival- ry heretofore existing between heads of de- partments, and to give a wholesome vigor and unity to the municipal machine. . It is, as Mayor Wood remarks, intolerable to think that in ten years the expenses of the gov- ernment of this city have increased two bun- dred and fifty per cent: and to see, as every one does, that under aload of six millions of an- nual toxee, we live in the worst managed city in the world. Negligence, frand, and filth are | acterieticts and have been for yeare the leading char- of onr mnnicipal arrange- every one can judge of the fatal effects of the | earned no pay, and compelling the Commission- | | wae fortunate for American reputation } TT NEW YORK HERALD, -WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1855. ‘VOL. XX. ments, Whence has this arisen? It was usual, a couple of years ago, to impute all the evils of our government to the defects of the charter and the villany of the men who ad- | ministered it. Well, the charter has been | amended under the advice of the Reform Com- | mittee, and of the old municipal officers not one | remains. Has the city improved? Why, the | streets are dirtier than ever: the police is as useless, the laws are as constantly violated, the | taxes are increasing at a more rapid rate than | at any previous periud. The reason is clear | as daylight. The Legislature and the Reform | Committee were all wrong. What is wantedis | not division of power and numberless checks, | but centralization of power and judgment in the selection of municipal officers. Mr. Wood has been elected Mayor under a storm of abuse that might well have crushed | an abler man. Notwithstanding all, he ob- tained a majority over his opponents, and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. He begins by stating—what none of his predeces- sors dared to avow openly—that the charter is bad and the sooner we revert to the old one of 1836, the better it will be for the city ; and he continues by declaring his intention of in- terpreting the present charter by the light of his own understanding, and exercising as large a share of authority as he can possibly find war- rant for in that bad law. Opinions may differ as to the strict legality of his course; but not as to its expediency. Salvation can only be ex- pected from energy of this kind. If Mr. Wood perseveres, it is possible that New York may be better governed under his mayorality than it has been for years; if he allows his co-mana- gers to divert him from his purpose by argu- ments or threats, he will be no better than his predecessors, and his enemies will cast in his teeth, with general approbation, all that was said of him during the canvass. We shall watch his course with peculiar interest. Fippuine yor THE Poor.—A scheme .is on foot to get up a grand ball for the benefit of the starving poor of New York. As itis said to be patronized by many of the “first fami- lies,’”’ it will no doubt, if carried into effect, be a grand affair, whereat brilliant toilettes will be seen in great profusion and to the best ad- vantage. The question is, will this sort of thing relieve the surrounding distress? The misery now pressing upon New York has grown out of the extravagance of a few rich people, who, spending thousands for balls and similar luxuries, set an example to others who could woree afford it, and thus in the end made pro- digality the rule and economy the exception in New York homes. Many entertainments are still within the memory of all, at which thou- sands were spent for flowers alone, and the toilettes of ladies often cost as much as would support a mechanic’s family for more than a year. It is this sort of thing which has pro- dueod the present revulsion. How can the effect be neutralized by a repetition of the cause? How com tho damage of extravagance be repaired by extravagant display? If the Fifth avenue people sought to illustrate the cause of the present distress, and to furnish a practical warning against similar errors in fu- ture, the proposed ball would answer the pur- pose; but to propose to relieve existing misery by further waste of money in laces, silks, flowers, suppers, and so forth, evinces a degree | of folly that may well challenge comparison. Ayorner Ostenp Cuaprer.—Our speeial telegraphic advices of this morning give us some highly interesting additional facts touch- | ing the Ostend Convention, and the Buchanan, | Soulé and Kitchen Cabinet league against Marcy. It seems that this conspiracy are draw- | ing their toils around their victim with una- bated industry; but that he has resolved to | | opposed to it. Should Mr. Bayly report in its favor it dited, upon the information communicated by them as to American policy ip Cuba, These replies are guardedly worded, but the marked hostility of France and England towards American success, is everywhere plainly visible, as will be seen when printed, England recalled her of- fensive letter after the adjournment of the American convention. Louis Napoleon, not knowing this, arrests Mr. Soulé on his way to Madrid, and after apologizes. These papers must yet come before Congress. They are too valuable to be.locked up in the State Depart- ment. It is questionable whether the committee that has in charge Cliugman’s peace resolution will report in its fayor. The President, Davis, Guthrie and Cushing are will be simply to get the matter out of hishands, as it is known that, personally, he is opposed to it. Cushing says that its introduction, just at this time, was a piece of great indiscretion, and in this opinion he is supported by nearly all of theCabinet. It is reasoned that our foreign affairs are very far from being in a satisfactory condition, and that much of our difficulties creased through British interference ani intrigue. The truth of this is daily before our eyes. Lord Aberdeen’s assurance that ‘ British alliance with France was not formed with a view alone to the East, but took in the other hemi- sphere,” is not forgotten. It would, indeed, be the ex- treme of wisdom for the United States to relieve Eng- land from present embarrassment only to turn againat us a more vigorous opposition. ‘Aletter from Belmont, of the Hague, is in the city, charging upon Marcy the loss of Captain Gibson’s case, and expressing a determination to resign. ‘ Neither the President or Cabinet are to be relied upon,’’ says Mr. B., ‘I am made to appear before the world ina most unfavorable light when the fault is in Wash- ington.” In June Buchanan will leave for the United States. An effort is making to put Cushing in his place, which does not meet with old Buck's approval. @he friends of Pierce, in both houses, are quietly urging this step. Jo harmonize the party Cushing must leave the Cabi- net. The success of his intrigues are acknowledged on every hand. He must be shipped off. In regard to the succession Cushing may be considered, together with Jeff. Ravis, Forney and the Kitchen Cabi- net, as part of the Buchanan Ostend league against Marcy. The first object of this league is to get Marcy out of the Cabinet, and then to fight out the battle among themselves. But Marcy says, come what may, he will not resign to accommodate them. He will seo them damned first. If Gen. Pierce thinks proper, says Marcy, of course I will retire. Otherwise, I will see this conspiracy damned first, r CABINET QUABRELS—SALE OF THE ALBANY ARGUS . TO THE ADMINISTRATION. Wasutnaton, Jan. 2, 1855. The quarrel has now become so open and personal between Marcy and Cushing, that no reconciliation can possibly be effected. One er the other must very shortly voluntarily retire from the Cabinet, otherwise the Pre- sident will be compelled to exercise his prerogative. There is no longer disguising this fact, soft-soap it as the friends of the administration may. A rupture is inevitaole. The news of the sale and transfer of the Albany Argus into the hands of certain friends of the administration, reached here last evening. The hard shells swore terri- bly and dealt severe blows upon the head of poor Cros well. Ex-Governor Seymour, now at leisure, is expected here in the course of a day or two, who, it is said, made arrangements for the purchase of the hard shell organ. The President and heads of depart- ments will be requested to assist in sustaining the pa- per, as itis expected to support the administration. The free soil Albany organ must of course be suspended. The hard hunkers here are perfectly astounded at this caving in of the Argus, as it has been one of the most vindictive and bitter against Pierce, Marcy & Co., expe- cially ever since the keys and emoluments of the Albany post office were refused to be placed in the hands of one of its propri€tors, RUMORED RESIGNATION OF MR. SICKLES—THE COM- MonWEALTH BANK IN TROUBLE—SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS. WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 1855. The Star of this city says that Mr. Sickles’ return to the United States was preceded by his resignation. Awrit quo warranto was issued to-day by the Su- preme Court against the Commonwealth Bank of this city, for a violation of its act of incorporation in dis- counting notes at usurious rates aud for dealing in pro- missory notes. The writ is returnable on the 20th of this month. A bill in equity was also filed, praying for a special injtnction to restrain the bank from continuing the discount of paper at usurious rates. The hearing on the motion has been fixed for Saturday next. The following cases occupied the Supreme Court to- day — Nos, 20 and 21.—James Haynes vs. the Yates County Bank, The same vs. James L. Andrews, et. al. Errors Cireuit Court, Michigan. Justice McLean announced fight it out against Buchanan and his Ostend alliance, Cushing, Jeff. Davis, Forney and the whole Kitchen Cabinet. This is right. Marcy | must fight itout. It also appears that there is | acounterplot going on in the kitchen to get | Cushing out of the way. Buchanan is to re- | turn in the spring; and then Cushing may be- | come exceedingly troublesome, if allowed to | remain in the country. Beautiful! Was there | ever anything so beautiful, or so delightfully | absurd, as these Cabinet, Kitchen Cahinet and | diplomatic intrigues, plots and counterplots, | for the lead in the next Baltimore Convention? | Who is ahead? All using the President of the United States as a stool pigeon. The crisis of the game approaches. Stand aside, look sharp, | and be still. The plot hinges on Marcy: | Watch Marcy, | Last or THe Harp Sne1is.—Our tele- | graphic despatches from Washington inform | us that the Albany Argus has been bought up | by the administration. How much? and who | pays? THE LATEST NEWS... BY MAGNETIC AND PRINTING TELEGRAPHS, Very Interesting from Washington. | MORE OF THE INSIDE HISTORY OF THE OsTEND CON- VENTION, AND OF THE INTRIGUES OF BUCHANAN VS. MARCY FOR THE SUCCESSION—MAROY HOLDING Fast. Waasmnetoy, Jan. 2, 1855. i} The following particulars of the Ostend convention will be found interesting and truthful. My statement | challenges official denial. The absence of consistency, | and the abandonment of American policy, as shown in | the official despatches from the State Department in this city, gave birth to the Ostend convention. The | proper move to make had been a subject of con. sideration between Soulé, Buchanan and Mason, | for some weeks before the meeting of the con- | vention. Soulé settled the matter by leaving Ma- arid, post-haste, upon the receipt of a paper from | Marcy, recalling his previous instructions, which had been his guide and action. These papers and instructions | from the first, found their way to Mason and Buchanan, and received a ready sympathy in each of these gentle men, who felt themselves not in an unlike position. Soulé’s despatches, about this time, will show that | Cuba must be the immediate property of the United 7 | States, on his own offered terms, or that Spain must be thority seems beyond a doubt; bat, whatever prepared to meet the consequences. The receipt of the | annulling despatch, and the breaking out of the revolu- tion in Spain, came at the same time. The revolution firat, in saving Mr. Soule the necessity of exposure ; and secowd- y, bis resignation. Flight was the thing ; Ostemi the place. Now for a glimpse at its proceedings. Mr. Soulé’s grievances were first considered, anda the question as to the propriety of hiv resignation was de- cided upon. Mr. Buchanan remarked that such a step would compromise both himself and Mr. Mason, who, according to instructions, had made known to their ac credited courts the policy of their government upon the question of Cuba. Sonlé’s resignation would certainly be followed up by Bucbanan’s and Mason’s, It was a virtual reflection upon them, in their official transas- tions. You will understand that the Spanish govern- ment, the predecessor of this, had given to Mr. Soulé’s proposal @ prompt and positive refusal, and that no- thing raved the United States from dishonor or open hostility but the revolution, and the Ostend convention. Tho Ostend convention went beyond Mr. Soalé’s por- | repliee which our ministers {rf England and Fra sopal embarrasamente. It took into consileration the ceived from the governments to Nhich they were accre- the decision of the court, affirming the judgment of the *said Circuit Court, with costs and interest. No. 87.—Lyde Goodwin's admitted appellant vs. Robt. Oliver’s executors, Argument continued by Hon. Rever- dy Johnson for the appellees, and concluded by Mr.,Mar- tin for the appellant. NEW YEAR'S DAY IN WASHINGTON. Wasutneton, Jan, 1, 1855. ‘The weather here to-day has been extremely fine, and every one seems to be seeking pleasure, The receptions by the President, the members of the Cabinet, the fo- reign ministers and private citizens have been very large, and the day has been more generally and exten- sively observed than heretofore. We have no news of any importance to communicate as all business has been suspended, Late and Interesting frem the Cape of Good Hope. Bostox, Jan. 1, 1855. The ehip Minstrel, arrived at this port, brings Cape of ood Hope papers to Nov. 4. Accounts from the frontier state that there were fears of another Kaffir war. It was alleged that the Kadlirs were endeavoring to stir up the Fingoes to rebellion, the Englieh baving attempted to interfere with their system of polygamy, &c, Active watch was kept by the go verpment, : The natives beyond Orange river sovereignty had re- fused to allow further trading of the British with the | interior of Africa, saying that they would kill off all their elephants. So large an amount of weol had accumulated at Port | Elizabeth that freights to London nad considerably ad | vanced. The Cape papers contain severe articles on the policy of the home government, as regards the ‘natiye | tribes. The country was in an unsettled state, and many mur- ders are chronicled, Later from Texas, New Orteans, Dec, 30, 1854. Advices from Texas state that Gen. Houston will re. sign his seatin the U. 8. Senate at the end of the pre- sent ces-sion. The yellow fever is prevailing at Lavacca. The Indians of Texas are disposed to make peace and settle on the lands resegyed for them. From Boston. INAUGURATION OF THE NEW GITY GOVEANMENT— FIRE—ARREST, BTC. Boston, Jan, 1, 1856. The new city government was duly inaugurated here this forenvon, for the year 1855. Chief Justice Shaw administered the oath of office to the Mayor elect, Dr. Smith, who then qualified both branches of the Common | Council. Ki The Mayor's address was entirely of local interest, The patent leather manufactory of Gexeral Abijah | Thompson, in Woburn, was destroyed by fire, last | night. Anthony Granber, of East Boston, was arrested to-day charged with committing minslaughter on Christmas day, while intoxicated, by driving his carriage over Mra. Curry, an aged lady, residing in Lynn, who has since died from the effects of the injuries she received, From New Oricans, BURNING OF THE MEGUANICS’ INSTITUrE—THE VoNT- | CBARTRAIN RATLROAO—ARRIVAL OF THE STEAM SHIPS PRILADBLPHIA AND DANIEL New Oninans, ‘The loss by the destruction of the Me in this city is estimated at $70,000, of which $20,000 is co» vered by insurance, An injunction was granted to- tay restrainiag the Pou chartrain Railroad Company {com » we city boads now offered for sale by them in New ¥ The steamship Philadeiphia, from yaua, has arrived at this port importance. news of | The steaw ! Bostow, Jan. 2, 1855. The Legislature of Massachusetts will assemble to- morrow. ‘The Know Nothing Senatorial caucus to-night nomi-- nated Henry W. Benchley, Esq., of Worcester, for the: Presidency of the Senate, and C. L. Cox, of Lynn, for Clerk. Mr, Gifford, of Duxbury, will probably be the assistant clerk. The vote for the Presidency on the first ballot was as follows:—Benchley, 17; Richmond, of Berkshire, 7; Hall, of Plymouth, 6} Baker, of Middlesex, 4. ‘The House caucus lasted until this hour, and finally nomingted the Rev. Daniel C. Eddy, of Lowell, for Speaker, and Henry A. Marsh, of Pittsfeld, for Clerk. The Legislature of Pennsylvania. Harnissune, Jan. 2, 1855. ‘The organization of the House took place here thie morning. On the first ballot for Speaker, Henry K, Strong, the whig and native American candidate, wad elected, receiving 76 votes—scattering.21, The Senate met at 3 o’clock this afternoon, and made hree unsuccessful ballots for Speaker, with the follow~ ing result:— B.D, Hamlin; (dem.),. John Hendrick, (whig Scattering. Know Nothing Victory in Oweg6. Ownco, Jan, 2, 1855. At the charter election, held here to-day, the Know Nothings elected their entire ticket. Felilure of a Banking House. Prrtasura, Jan. 2, 1865. The banking house of Gen, Larimer, of this gity, failed to-day. The Legislature of Illinois. : Cuicago, Jan, 2, 1855. ‘The Legislature of this State organized at Springfield to-day. Thomas Turner, Esq., the anti-Nebraska can- didate, was elected Speaker of the House, and E. T. Bridges, Clerk. Movements of Steamships. ARRIVAL OF THE STEAMSHIP AUGUSTA. SAVANNAH, Jan, 2, 1855. The steamship Augusta arrived here from New York yesterday (Monday) evening. THE STEAMSHIP SOUTHERNER AT CHARLESTON. CHARLESTON, Jan, 2, 1855. The steamship Southerner, Captain Thomas Ewen, ar- rived here from New York at three o'clock this (Tuesday) morning. From Schenectady. PARTIAL DESTRUCTION OF AN ENGINE HOUSE ON THE NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROD, BY FIRE. Souxnucrapy, Jan. 1, 1855, ‘The engine house of the New York Central Railroad at this place took fire at an early hour this morning, and was partially destroyed. The damage to building and locomotives is about $3,500, It will cause no interrap- tion of the business of the road. Southern Mall Arrangement. CoLumn1A,{Jan. 1, 1855. The following mail schedule has been decided upon, and will go into effect in a few days:—From Kingsville to Columbia the mail to be conveyed by the cars; from Charleston to Kingsville in coaches—time, 30 hours; and from Columbia to Augusta in coaches—time, 16 hours, The great Northern and Southern mails are thus , to pass through Columbia, ~ Markets. Nuw Onteana, Dec. 30, 1854. The cotton market is firm. ‘The sales to-day. amount to 4,500 bales, and the sales of the week to 35,000 bales. The’stock on hand is 177,000 bales. The receipts for the week foot of 15,000 bales. Middling we quote at 8 a 830, ——____ The Ten Governors, ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD FOR THE ENSUING YEAR —MAYOR WOOD SEEKING INFORMATION—INDIGNA- TION OF THE TEN GOVERNORS. A meeting of the Board of Ten Governors was held yes- terday at 4 P. M., at the Rotunda ih the Park, Present, Messrs. Draper, Smith, West, Henry and Duke. Joseph 8. Taylor and Daniel E. Tieman, the newly elected gov- ernors, took their seats as members of the Board for the coming year, On motion, an election for officers for the ensuing year was gone into, and Simeon Draper wag chosen by a vote of nine to one for Mr. Townsend. Mr. Draper briefly acknowledged the compliment. He would be most happy to aecopt the proffered honor, were it not fora consideration he would presently mention. The kindness of the gentlemen in the Board gratified him extremely, but he could not accept ti - dered him. Bo bed but ‘two years’ to rome; tas’ he wished to be disembarassed in his action in future. Mr. Draper briefly reviewed the past history of the Board, Over twenty citizens of respectability had been connect- ed with the government of ‘charitable institu- tions of the ity of New York. It was an experiment, and might he not say a successful one? There was a serious responsibility resting om all the members of the board, and when they would leave their offices they would be ¢alled toan account by the public for the acts done therein. He would beg leave to de- celine the ee honor, as it was understood that hereafter the office of chairman would be filled alter- nately by members of the opposite parties, A motion that the declination of Mr. Draper be ac- cepted was carried. Anew ballot was gone into, and Mr. Townsend was elected President forthe coming year. A ballot for Secretary was then had, and Mr. Dake was elected. Mr. Wrst offered the following, which was adopted :— Resolved, That the thanks of this Board are hereby tendered our late President, Simeon Draper, Esq., for the able, faithful and impartial manner in which’ the duties pertaining to the station he so satisfactorily filled bave been discharged by him A communication was received from the Superinten- dent of the Almshouee, in reference to two boys, who, in endeavoring to excape, were drowned. ‘A communication was received from the warden of the workhouse in referencé to the crowded state of the ie- moale department of the almshouse. The paupers would not go to the workhouse, where there was plenty of room, Referred to a special committee consisting of Messrs, Henry, Tieman and Taylor. ‘ommunication from Dr. Ranney, to farnish stov to heat the Lunatic Asylum properly; Referred Ltt mistes on Lunatic Asy lum. mmunication from John B. Haskins, Cor tion Attorney, in relation to Emma Cruther, who was brutal, ly used by her employer. He did net think that the Poard could do avything in the matter. Referred to Committee on Out door Poor, with power. ‘The following letter from the Mayor was receivod:— Sin—Please furnish me with copies of specifications and abstracts of such contracts now on file in and made by your department, which are in course ef being per- formed or have not been commenced, with sach infor- mation in relation thereto as may enable ms to compre- hend the obligation of the city aud of the contrastor in every instance. Very respectfully yours, o FERNANDO WOOD, Mayor. Simeon Draper, Esq., President of the Board of Ten Governors. Upon this considerable discussion arose.§ Mr. Wrst was of opinion that the Mayor had no right to call on the Almshouse Department be any informa- tion whatever, as it was a distinct institution, not eub- Ject to his control. The books were free to every citi- zen, and from them the Mayor or his clerk might glean what information they wished, but the Governors were not bound to go to thé trouble of furnishing their pro- ceedings to any official. oe. sage oe eee ns b4 this nt Ir. THEMAN objgeted; ought the i roper, and the information should be tatalehed. phi Mr. West moved the following, which was adopted:— Resolved, That it be referred to the Corporation Cour sel, for bis opinion as to the legal relation existing be- tween the Mayor and this Lepartment, and whether thie Department is legally required to furnish the documenta ed for. After the transaction of some other unimportant bi ness, the Board adjourned. 4 The number of inmates in the institutiens under charge of the Doard of Governsrs, on the week end ng December 30, 1854, were as foliows:— Pellevue Hospital . Randall's In’d Hospital 202 Lunatic Anyl City Prison . 280 Almshouse . Colored Hom Penitentiary Colored Orphi 180 Do. Children at Workhouse .,,., the cit ase Almshonee Hospital Second district prison Workhouse do, Third do. Smallpox Hosp Randall's Islan Totel Amid the General Rejotctng on New Years there Oth'ng that excites our admiration more to witness the generosity of business men to thue in their employ. The following resolutions are from the collectors, engineers, pilots, &e . engaged on the two 1p town ferries uy bir, Gideon Lee Knapp. Ata aren Tuesday evening, bi inst., of the em- ployes of the Tenth street and Twenty-third street Foe. following Resolutions wer unanimously s@ov'= ed : Resolved, That we tender to Mr. Gideon Lee Knapro, proprietor of the above ferries, our sincere thanks ‘or the very kind and gentlemanly treatment we Rave mr» ceived from him during the time we have been in bis employment. Resolved, That we also tender our sincere thavks for the very Nberal New Years’ gifts presented to us by hiva on New Year's day. Further Resolved, That we present to Mr Wm. kt. Marsh, cashier, and Mr. Jonas Cheabire, superinteu- dent, Our united thanks for the pleasant and agro. ia manner in arranging and giving directions, &e , appers taining to our various duties. Further Resolved, That in the great expecte in erecting an elegant Perry at Ten’h street, Mr inten Lee Sina dieplaydd th ics imall his w reed liberality w to the hberal patronage of ad URIA Wa B. Conwrm, Secretary,