The New York Herald Newspaper, February 2, 1855, Page 4

252 NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1855. NEW YORK HERALD JAMES GORDON BENNETT, SPFICE N. W. CORNER OF NASSSU AND = Volume 1X. AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway—Crxpenenca— Bova Five TRAVELLER. Q@OWERY THEATRE. Bowery—Suaxny Macvine— Jnism AssukANCE AND Yanuex Mopasty -Barrex oF ALGIERS. SORTON’S THEATRE, Chambers street—Tax Seniovs Famsry -Toowirs. WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broa¢way—Tows axp Coun- way—Lapy anv GenrLeman, METROPOLITAN THEATRE, Brosdway—Equrstrian Penvonmances. SMERICAN MUSEUM—Afternoen—Evsracus, Evening |ACEETH. ‘WOOD'S MINSTRELS, Mechanics’ Hall, 472 Broaiway. e PUCKLEY'S OPERA HOUSE, 539 Brosdway—Buox- mav's Lrusorzan Overs Troure. DONALDSON'S OPERA HOUSE—Hope Chapel, 718 and 7 Broadw: New York, Friday, February %, 1855. The News. There isa political crisis at Albany. The whig members of the Legislature met in caucus laat might to ballot for s candidate for the seat to be vacated by William H. Seward on the 4th of next March in the United States Senate. Great efforts were made to have the caucus full and emphatic; ‘and the vote shows that Seward and his friends have not been idle. One half the members of each Hovsa were in attendance. The Logislature fe composed of th'rtytwo Senators and one hun. dred and twenty-eight Assemblymen. There were im the caucus sixteen Senators and sixty-four As- semblymen. After the usual proceediags, and a speech from the Lieutenant Governor, the balloting took place, and resulted as follows: For William H. Seward,. “ Washington Hunt, 2 Hee te It thus appears that Mr. Seward has not a mejority in either House. Even if the entire caucus had gone for tim, there would be one against him im the Senate, aud a tie in the House. In joint ballot he would be in a minority. But this is close shaving; and it will be nevessury for the Know Nothings t> look sharp, aud have every mem- ber on duty bright and early next Tuesday, the 6t2 inst. Albany is fall of politicians. ‘There {e aleo a political crisis at Washington, and the cause is the spoilc—the much coveted spoils. Collector Redfield, of this city, badgered to the last extremity by the voracious softs, has resolved to resign his office, aud the paramount and all.absorb" qag consideration jast at this moment with the administration lickspittles is, who is to be his suc. seseor. Upon this prin‘ our special despatch from Waabirgton sheds a flood of light, by which the foowteps of the faithful may be guided. Meanwhile, the office holders are shaking as with an ague. There was again no quorum in the Mlinois Legis- lature yesterday, and consequently the election of a ‘United States Senator was further postponed, The Wisconsin Legislature, in joint conventioa, on Tuesday and Wednesday balloted for a United States Senator, but without effecting a choice Anoiber trial was made yesterday, but we have no! Jearned the reeuit. In the United States Senate yesterday Mr. Se ward, from the Post Office Committee, reported a joint resolution providing for an overland weekly mail communication with San Francisco. It was ordered to be printed. After refusing to take up the French Spoliation bill, the consideration of ‘the Army Appropriation bill was resumed, the ques- tion being the smen¢ment relative to providieg means to suppress Indian hostilities. Finally it ‘wae agreed to increase the regular force of the army by adding tworegiments of cavalry and two of in- fantry, and two millions and a half of dollars were ‘appropriated to defray the expense. This increase of the army meets the recommendations contained im the President's annual message; but the Senate refused to carry out the suggestions of the Execu- tive aud the War Depaztment with regard to raising @ special volunteer force of three thousand men to overawe the savages. The House bill autho. izing the construction of a line of telegrapb to the Pacifi: Ocean was read and referred to the Com- mittee on Territories. In the Houce yesterday, the bill authorizing the corstruction of a line of telegraph to the Pacific Ocean was passed by a vote of 110 to 70. It gives the right of way[ and extends the penal jaws of the United States cver the line forits protection, the grant of two million of acres of land being withheld by consent of all parties. The bill establishing the Office of Surveyor General of Utah, ani granting Jands to actual set:lers therein, was taken up. This subject was debated at the last session, during which the practice of polygamy in Utah was freely com mented on. Yesterday Mr. Disney proposed a sub stitute for the bill, omitting the clause donating Jands to settlers, and retaining only the provisions granting lands for educational purposes. It was adopted, and the bill passed. Au effort was made to obtain an expression of opinion relative to the poly- gamy question, but it proved unsuccessfal. It seems quite certain, however, from the incidental expres" sions of opinion daring the action of the House upon ‘this bill,that the Mormons will receive but little favor | at the hands of Congress until the peculiar institu, tien of that sect is repudiated. Mr. Houston moved % go into committee on the tariff, but afverwarda withdrew the motion, stating that he should renew Has a test question next Wednesday, Don Felipe Molina, Minister from Costa Rica Gaatemala and Sin Salvador, died at Washington yesterday morning. A brief sketcn of his vareer is given under the ovituary head. We give elsewhere some additional extracts from our California files received by the Star of the West, among which will be found a portion of Governor Bigler’s message, relating to the finances of the State, the condition and prospects of the mines, and the exports of gol dust during the past year. Among our extracts wi! also be found some interesting statistics made up at the close of the year. ‘Two cases of arson were yesterday under investi gation by the Fire Marsal, vefore the police jas- tices. A report of the proceedings will be found in another column. Cotton continued firm yesterday, with sales of about 500 bales in transitu, and about 300 8 400 do. on the spot, at full prices. On the 3d of January middling Upland cotton sold at 7jc.; it 1s now worth 9c., showing an advance within the month of 1je. per Ib. The average advance has probably deen equal to lc. per lb. Of the whole crop of the United States we have probably shipped about 700,000 bales, leaving a balance in the country of about 2,500,000 bales. The advance of lcent per lb. is fully equal to $4 per bale, or to $10,000,000 on the whole gained in the valne of this great staple in a single month in behalf of the United States. Flour was steady yesterday at the previous day’s prices. Wheat was nominal, and corn unchanged. Pork was firmer, with sales of old mess at $12 62. The stock of old moss pork was taken yeeterday, and amounted to 27,297 bbis., andof new do. to 892 bbls. Beef was unchanged; doing in New Orleans sugars, and the sales em- braced about 900 a 1,000 hhds., at prices ranging from 4hc. a 5jc., with small lots of prime to the trade at 6c, The notice of stocks, &c., will bs found in another column. Freights were unchanged. We publish elsewhere some additional news from Karope, received by the steamship Africa. The mails brought by this vessel reached New York shout one o’clock this morning; but as our tele gtaphic summary of the news, heretofore published, contained the main points of the intelligence, we are induced to postpone the publication of detailed ac- counts until our next iseue, The question of the choice of a successor of Wm. H. Seward to the United States Senate oscupied the attention of both branches of the Legislature yes- terday, to the exclusion of all other important basi- ness. Under the appropriate hesd we give a sketch of the debate on Mr. Petty’s reselution defining the qvalifications of a Senator, fiom which it will be seen that the excitement at the capital is rapidly in- creasing. The National Democratic General Committes mes last evening. The axti-fusion sentiments adopted recently by the State Central Committee were fally endorsed, and a resolation urging the democratic members of the Legislature to stand firmly by their principles, in the election of a Senator in place of MreSeward, was agreed to. The Kinney Ceatral American expedition turns up in sourd condition. Our Washington eorres- pondent states that the rumor of a proclamation by the President heading off the enterprise is un- founded. But what about the British Minister aud his instructions to the West India squadron ? Onur legal reporter has farnished us lately with a great number of cases of slave trafficking, which have ‘been ferreted out by the United States District At torney, whose hands, it appears, are fall of prose” cations of thekind. But we think, many as he has before him, he should have more if other officiala were on the alert. We would ask what has become of the schooner after which the United States At- torney despatched a steamer, the schooner having left port without s clearance paper? Wha‘ has be- come of the brig and two schooners lately mys. teriously fitting out at this port? Where is the Collector? Where is the Surveyor? We publish to-day a graphic account of the wreck of the British bark Argyle, near Squan Inlet, on the 28th ult. Of eleven persons who were on board, only one, a sailor named Paul De Coste, escaped. We publish elsewhere additional news from Mexi- co. Our correspondent at Laguna inferms us of the popular lethargy existing in Yucatan, which he states is merely a slumbering volcano, as the pro- vince is ready for revolution. Trade was very dull, and a number of vessels were in the harbor wait- ing freights. It was notcreditsd that Banta Anna would be allowed to continue in his infamous traffic in Indiana for Cuba. The American Geographical aud Statistical So- ciety held its usual weekly meeting last evening, in the New York University. A paper on the aborigi- nal Jangueges of this continent, displaying great ability and research, was read by Dr. Hawk. A brief sketch of the proceedings will be found in an- other column. Another Precious Row in the Custom House— Mr. Redficid’s Ultimatum —Soft Shells in ‘Washington. The newspaper reporters and correspondents at Washington have been cudgelling their brains to get at the secret ofthe extraordinary ga- thering of New York soft shells, visible tor some deys past, on any fine morning, in and around the White House, the Treasury and the State Department. Some have supposed that these birds of evil omen had come to enforce upon Mr. Pierce the appointment of ex-Goveraor Seymour as Minister to France—some, that their business had reference to the proposed nomination of Tammany Hall for the succes- sion; but with all the vigilance and sagacity of the newspaper corps on the spot, they have jailed to ferret out, in advance of the HeraLp office, the real mission of Seymour, Cochrane & Co. to the White House. Our special advices this morning from Wash- ington, among other things, throw considerable light upon this mysterious Custom House dele- gation. Its object is said, by our correspondent, to be a proper successor to Mr. Redfield, whose resignation awaits the action of the Cabinet. But, according to our private advices, the Col- lector is but a secondary question, the main issue being a change in the spvils policy of the Custom House. Mr. Redfield has taken his stand against the conciliatory policy ot Coch- rane & Co., and if their plan is adopted in Cabinet council, the Collector's office becomes avacancy. Nature abhorsa vacuum, and so does Tammany Hall. Accordingly, the Tam- many plan is first to carry the spoils policy of Cochrane & Co., when—the resignation of Mr. Redfield being confirmed—it will become neces- sary to provide a satisfactory successor. The row between Collector Redfield and the Cochrane clique has been upon the division of the epoils. What else could it be? But, though similar in character, it is exactly on the oppo. site tack to that of the Bronson imbroglio. It will be remembered that, to conciliate the hard hella to Mr. Pierce’s free soil and secession Cabinet and foreign appointments, Gov. Dick- | ineon was first chosen as Collector for this port, establishing the office of Surveyor General, and | and that upon his positive refusal to accept either the honors or the plander of this desira- ble berth, Judge Bronson, as the next best hard shell, was appointed, and that he accepted and was duly installed into the office. It will also be recollected that the honest old Judge, hav- ing no sympathy with the dogmas of the Buffalo heretics, gave them the cold shoulder in par- celling out the spoils. The wrath of these Van Buren heretics was, of course, excited. They went to Washington, flocks of them, picked up all along the road from New York to Buffalo. They demanded, and Pierce ordered, and Gutbrie instructed Bronson to give the softs a sop in the rich pap of the customs. Bronson protested. He would do no such thing. He recognized no Baltimore amnesty to the traitors. They were black sheep, and not entitled to feed with the pure white southdowns of the democratic fold The Judge was, therefore, contemptuously turned out, and there was a precious row. In the twinkling of an eye the happy result of all the labors of the two factions, from 1818 to 1852, was thrown to the dogs. Our efforts in behalf of peace were unavailing, The re- united democracy were again split into two halves, and never again to be reconciled while clams are gathered around Coney Island. ‘The ruinous revolts and accidents which, from this beginning, have successively fallen upon the administration like so many ocean breakers, until at last it sticks a hopeless wreck in the sand, it is needless to recount, Our present object is this latest spoils mission of the soft shells to Washington. Whatisit for? Incredible as it moy appear, it is to insist that the bard shells shall have a sop in the spoils of the Custom House, It is a charity movement. Mr. Redfield was appointed to quiet the soft shells. He has been doing it to the best of his ability, to the total exclusioa ot the hards, reversing the plan of Bronson en- yard wag rather mory buoyant, There was more tirely. But Moers, Seymour, Fowler, Cooh- plattorm, and none for the Van Buren free soil | rane, (with the Scarlet Letter in his pocket,) and other “hiefs of the coal hole, and the Custora House clique, have got the precious idea into their heads, that as the New York democratic party was split upon the spoils, so it can be reunited upon the same platform. Hence their mission to Washington, preparatory to the nomination of that poor, deluded man, Fraaklin Pierce, for the succession, by the re- conciled officeholders of Tammany Hall. We understand that, in behalf of a treaty of peace with the famishing hard shells, (whose ribs and hip bones have become painfully pro- minent from a dependence upon the soup houses,) that Cochrane & Co., are urging upoa the administraticn the advantages of a little roast beef and a mutton chop or two to these outside hard brethren. Redfield, however, is said to be as implacable agains: them as Bronson was against the softs. Ir, therefore, the schedule of Cochrane & Co, which pro- poses to turn out from the Custom House a ot of soft shells (including Captain Rynders,) and to put in their places an equivalent number of hard shells, is agreed upon as the basis of the reunion of the democratic purty, Redfizld’s resignation before the President holds good. We shall get a new Collector. We shall have Franklin Pierce nominated for ’5¢ in Tammany Hall by the reconciled spoils democracy, and all the equabbles of the Cabinet will be at an end. John Cochrane, (with the Scarlet Letter in his pocket) will most probably be successful. We may therefore look out for the happy con- sequences which are to follow his scheme and Redfield’s retirement. One other thing, essen- tial to enable the administration to cope with the Know Nothings in this State, appears to have been overlooked; and that is a portion of the spoils to the Seward coalition party, in pur- suance of the holy alliance lately entered upon in our Twenty-ninth Senatorial district. Short of afusion with the Seward coalition, we suspect that the scheme of Cochrane’s delegation for re- building the administration and the democratic party upon the plunder of the Custom House, will fall through. Master Cochrane (with the Scarlet Letter in his pocket) should instantly call upon Seward and bring him into the pro- posed reorganization. He and the administra- tion are ready for anything to checkmate the Know Nothings, and this is the last chance. What a precious lesson is all this upon “the cohesive power of public plunder !”’—what a commentary upon the rum and rowdy patriot- ism of Tammany Hall, upon the principles of hards and softs, and the peddling spoils sca- vengers of this most wretched and imbecile Pierce administration! Mark the perplexity of Pierce concerning these Custom House spoils. Neither Cuba nor Central America appear to have given him half the anxiety which he be- trays upon these spoils of the Custom House. Let us be patient, Let us hope for the best, from the prospect of a new Collector and a new Custom House spoils policy. John Cochrane has the business in hand, and he seldom goes upon a fool’s errand to Washington. He cannot be resisted, for he has the Scarlet Letter in his pocket. Marcy anp THE Lerrer Wrrrers.—The Washington letter writers persist in the asser- tion that Marcy will shortly resign. We have no faith in any such thing. We rather suspect that Cushing, Forney, and other Kitchen C abi- net conspirators, are the sources of these re- ports, and that their object is to familiarize Mr. President Pierce with the idea that it would be good policy to get rid of Marcy. To be sure, in the Dudley Mann disclosures there is sufficient provocation for Marcy to throw up his commis- sion in disgust; but as against the Kitchen con- spiracy, it is plainly his policy to hold on. France has no temptations tor him, for there the spoils fall short of the expenses. Marcy will stick to the spoils, and let the Kitchen dis- | place him if they can. The best expedient for driving him out will be to despatch Dudley Mann as Minister to Paris. Hints, we perceive, have been thrown out in this direction; but we presume that Mr. Pierce has had enough of Dudley and his projected socialist rapture with Louis Napoleon, by this time. The administra- tion dare not send Mann to France ; Mr. Pierce is afraid to remove Marcy, and Marcy will not | resign. This is our view of the position of | Marcy and the Kitchen. Marcy has the whip | hand, and he will hold on. | Tue Mayor’s Comptatnr Boox.—The public have hada fair opportunity to judge of the | effect produced on the condition of the city, both in its moral and physical aspects, by the complaint book established by the Mayor, im- mediately after he entered upon the duties of his office. For it New York is entirely indebted to Mr. Wood, and to him, therefore, belongs all | the credit of the good which it has effected. Dirty streets, obstructions to the sidewal and nuisances of all kinds, are recorded in it, and the officials, whose duty it is to have them | removed, are instantly notified by a clerk ap- | pointed especially for that purpose. Occa- eonally some rather singular and amusing com- | plaints find a place on its pages. A woman charges her husband with having deserted her | for another; a shoemaker calls upon the Mayor to assist him in obtaining a debt of a few dol- lars which a delinquent policeman owes him for a pair of boots; a bookseller, who has been compelled to remove a sign because it ob- structs the sidewalk, complains that his neigh- | bor on the other side of the way is allowed to violate the ordinance with perfect impunity. But the great bulk of the complaints is against the street contractors for fading to perform | their duty. In this last particular it has been | the means of effecting a partial reform; and if | the Commissioner of Streets and Lamps con- | tinues bis work with the same energy which he displayed in the commencement, New York will become one of the cleanest and healthiest cities in the country. It is incumbent upon each citizen to assist the Moyor in carrying out the objects for which —. was established, and the most efficient way In which he can aid him is by reporting | every case of neglect to the clerk, either by note or in person. Every violation of the Sun- day liquor law coming under his observation shculd be entered upon it, and every omission of duty on the part of the police brought before the notice of the Mayor. As a proof of the | good which it has produced already, we may state that over a thousand dollars have been recovered from Peter Punks, emigrant board- | ing-house keepers, and other imposters, | end restored to their original owners. Rowdyism, too, in its worst forms, bas been to — a grea’ extent sappressed; arrests on Sunday for drunkenness, and the crimes of which it is the prolific parent, have been reduced to leas | than one-tenth of their former number; the po- | lice are more efficient because every neglect of | duty is promptly reprimanded or punished; swindlers of every kind, who have heretofore preyed upon the community without fear of de- tection, are now watched with a lynx-eyed vi- gilance which has driven many of them out of the city. All this and more has been effected in less than a month, and still the work of re- form proceeds with unabated rigor. In some instances, however, and we are glad in being | able to say they are es yet very few, persons take advantage of the opportunity atforded them by the Mayor’s book, to indulge in com- plaints of a most trivial nature, for the mere gratification of an ill will against their neigh- bors, while parties arrested by policemen make use of the same means to annoy them for any fancied insult by which their digaity has been | offended. All such complaints should be dis- countenanced at the commencement, for they must interfere with the successful operation of the whole project. No charge that cannot be substantiated should be recorded in it; but where the proofis undeniable, the grievance complained of should be promptly redressed. In this way the Mayor's book oun be made a terror to all evil doers, whether in or out of office. Mr, SovLe anp THE ADMINISTRATION.—-The article under this caption, which we publish in this papge from the New Orleans Bee, sub- stantially @opts our statements and opinions concerning the chain of causes and conse- quences of the Ostend Convention, and the resignation of his mission by our French Minis- ter to Spain. If the resolution adopted in Con- gress calling for all our diplomatic corres- pondence not heretofore published upon this Cuba question, is answered by a transmiss on of this correspondence to the House, we doubt not that our views and explanations of Soulé’s mission and the Ostend conference will be fully confirmed. We are a little apprehensive, how- ever, that the Ostend journal, and the confi- dential correspondence upon that extraordinary | assemblage, will be withheld from the public eye a8 long as possible. It is almost too rich for immediate publication. One of the most striking evidences of the moral cowardice of Mr. Pierce is in the fact that the anti-Nebraska agitation in the North frightened him off from the island of Cuba. Thus the last instructions to Soulé, resulting in his resignation, were due to the anti-Nebraska excitement which entered so largely into our Northern elections of last fall. Thus have the South been suld upon the Nebraska bill. They have gained Kansas and Nebraska, if they can outnumber the free soilers, but they have lost Cuba. What a glorious administration! Let us wait the return of Soulé. THE SaRpINIAN CRIMINALS AND THE ADMINIS- TRaPION.—Notwithstanding the efforts of Mayor Wood to secure from the government at. Wasb- ington some action on its part appropriate to the outrage which the Sardinian government | | examination of a public document. has thought proper to inflict upon this country in a shipload of criminals from the dungeons of Genoa, nothing to meet the case has been done. On the contrary, we understand that the District Attorney, Mr. McKeon, is instructed to see that these criminals are received as ex- iles; and a procession in honor of their arrival, 4 la Kossuth, may be in store for them, for all that we know. Who will volunteer to send the Koszta letter to these valuable emigrants, on the arrival of the ship, and the inaugural? THE LATEST NEWS. BY MAGNETIC AND PRINTING TELEGRAPHS, CAUCUS NOMINATION OF MR. SEWARD, THE POLITICAL DEBATE IN THE ASSEMBLY, &o., Imporant from the State Capital. THE WHIG LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS—THE UNITED STATES SENATORSHIP. Atnany, Feb, 1, 1855. Albany is alive with politicians, The topic to-night is the whig legislative caucus. Annexed is the notice issued by the leaders:— : WHIG LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS, The whig Senators and members of Assembly are re- quested to meet in caucus in the Assembly Chamber, on ‘Thursday evening, Feb. 1, at 7 o'clock, for the purpose of nominating a candidate to be supported by them for the office of United States Senator, on Tuesday, the 6th day of February next. By order of the committee. . H. ROBERTSON, Chairman of Senate Committee. R. M. BLATCHFORD, Chairman of Assembly Committee. AuuaNy, Jan, 30, 1555, The caucus met in the Assembly Chamber this even- nominated Senator J. B. Wilkiams Chairman, and Senator sonal allusion called Mr. Stevens to his feet instantly. Permission was given him to answer Mr. Leigh, when stated that he desired simply to inform the House how he became connected with the resolution, A few days since, Mr, Leigh applied to him, (Mr. 8.) wishing the in- troduction of a resolution into the House on the subject of United States Senator, in order that he (Mr. L. ht have an opportunity'to define his position, inti- ma that he was opposed to Seward. The resolution, as drawn up by Mr. Tele, (emoaee its grammatical er: rors,) was submitted by Mr. a. Mr. Stevens inti- mated that himself ana Mr, iy had both been de- ceived by Mr. Leigh. ‘This abpouncement created great excitement n the House. Mr. Leigh had just concluded a speech extolling Wm. H, Seward above all other men; and now the infor- mation was g:ven that Mr. Leigh had procured the intro- duction of the resolution under false promises, written by his own hand, thus:— Resolved, That in the now distracted state of parties it is the duty of this Legislature to cast off the bonds of party leaders, and vote only for such men for the office of United states Senator a8 have shown themselves by their acts, speeches and votes, that they are true to the interests Of the State, to the publie schools, and to the whole country, Many of the ablest debaters of the House were called out, and among others, Mr. Speaker Littlajohn himself, who advocate: the choice of Mr. Seward in an able and eloquent magner. Mr, Stebbins, Mr. Joanson, Mr. Baxer, and several others, made appeals to the extent of their ability ia favor of the Senator. The democratic free soil- ers were tallied upon to vote for Mr. Seward on account of his higher law and abolition doctrines. All party prefer- ences were discardeo by these Seward whigs proclaiming lustily that they should not vote for him as a partizan, but solely and only because he sustained the higher law doctrine, and the ‘abolition of alavery. It was truly laughable to hear these whig political sinners proclaim themselves as patterns of pure saints upon the question of Senator, ey were no-party men tu-day—precious innocents ! It is now undeniable, that the resolution was intro- duced by am underground movement of the Seward whigs who were su with ¢loquence in support of the Senator; and that Leigh was desiguated to play the conspicuous part of producing its introduction. Over anil over again, professing to be ‘opposed to Seward, to be a member of the mystic order, though he had lost some of the hans, he succeeded in inducing Mr. Petty to bring the resolution forward, as the House would then belleve, coming from him, it was of pure Know Nothing origin.’ This is equal to the game played by Mr. Loomis, in the House, two or three years since, who induces Henry Shaw to introduce a resolution of inquiry into the conduct of certain State officers, when the only ob- ject sought was the impeachment of Mather, When all the eloquence of the House will be spent upon this matter it is impossible now to form the least idea. It is to be again taken up in the morning after the reading of the journal. The triends of the Senator hay- ing consumed the entire session to-day, it is probable that his opponents will prepare themselves this evening to rebut some of the many statements made to-day on is behalf, ‘The debate in the house absorbed all legislation. The Senate did but a trifle, as most of its members were en- gaged in listening to the karangues in the House, It may be well to state that the galleries and lobbies were croded with Seward whigs, who applauded the Speaker, Mr. Baker and others, during the delivery of their speeches, It seemed more like a mass meeting than a quiet, peaceabls legislative audience. ‘The American party fired one hundred guns at twelve o’clock, in honor of their victory in the I'wenty-ninth Senate district. Complaints against the new manaxement of the State isons became so alarming, during the ia-t session of the Legislature, that the members were iaauced to enact a law, over Governor Seymours veio, authorizing the Comptroller to institute a commixsioa to investigate the affairs ot those institutions. a certain mun, well known in this city, was placed at the head, und the investiga- tion commenced some pix or eight months since. It was expected that a repert woula be submitted at the open- ing of the session. There are many matters under con- sideration, relating to the prisons, before committees of the Legislature; there were bills pending, relating to money transactions of agents and contractors, upon which intormation was indispensable. But ali such in- forfoation being withheld, the Senate has been compelled, in one or two instances, to call ror copies of specitic por- tions of the testimony inthe hands of the casirman of the State Prison Commission. Yesterday, however, nearly five weeks after the commencement of the session, the report was received, and announced in the House of Assembly, & motion made to print, and the copy sent to the public printer. The moment the report was pre- sented to the House of Assembly, it became public pro- perty ; not only every member of the House, every repor- ter for the press, but every citizen of the State, is en- titled to the privilege of examining that public docu- ment. But no. She report of that committee is still a | sealed book, The dictatorial chairman has placed the printer under injunction of secreey, and the press, and consequently the public, are deprived of the right of aa The democratic members of both houses will hold a caucusin a day or two. They will decide not to present a candidate for United States Senator, but that each Senator and member of the House will exercise his own discretion as to his preference of a candidate. The K. N.’s keep mum, of courre. ‘The Sherifi’s special jury, empannelled to decide upon the question of the sanity of John H. Phelps, have de- cided that he is of sane mind; consequently he will be executed on Friday next, unless the Governor shail de- cide upon another day, of which there is no expectation. ‘The city is becoming filled with politicians from every portion of the State; almost every assembly district re- Presented by a ide | Know Nothing has its delegates at the capital.” The all-absorbing question is, Shali Seward be Senator? or shall the election go over to another Legislature, when both houses will new’ Never be- fore was such a pressure known to elect a siagle indivie dual or nobody, No labor, no time, no monvy, no means are withheld. It may be well to inform the New York barbers, that as matters now stand, there is no prospects of the Legis- lature closing their shops on Sundays. It there ever,was | an intention of introducing such a bill it isnow abau- Richards, and C. P, Jounson, of the House of Assembly, | Secretaries. The roll of members was called. one were present, including the President of the Senate, Bigaty- | ing, and was called to order by Mr. Blatchford, who | *Pélls at head quarters. doned, Shave on. Important from Washington. THE NEW YORK COLLKOTORSHIP— DESPERATE STRUG: GLE OF THE SOFT SHELL LEADERS—WHO I8 TO BE REDFIBLD’S SUCOESSOR?— THE ADMINISTRATION NONPLUSSED—POSITION OF SECRETARY MARCY, Wasuincton, Feb, 1, 1855. For some days past speculation has been rife here as to the secret conclave of soft shells from New York. I am at length enabled to put you in possession of the facts. Several months ago Mr. Redfield, the Collector of the New York Custom House, tendered his resignation, and assigved as a reason kis desire to avoid the political entanglements of the office, and retire to the shades of private life. But owing to the approach of the fall elec- tions, and the uncertainties of the results involved therein, he was earnestly desired to hold over at least until the Cabinet could see through the mist and agree upon a successor, With the close of the December ac- counts, (no action having yet been taken, and the po- licy of the President relative to the hards and softs not agreeing with his notions,) Mr. Redtield reiterated his request to be relieved. ‘This was the signal for a general gathering of the soft It is hardly necessary to tell you, however, that this meeting bas been anything but rmonious- Gov. Marcy, who claims the appointmen, 8 his own, ix said to be strongly in favor of Cornelius _ W. Lawrence; while Guthrie, to whose cepartment the being one less than the majority in the Senate and one | less than the majority in the House. Absentees in the Senate, Messrs. Barnard, Brooks, Field, Putnam, and Whitney. Of the Assembly, twenty whigs were absent; of these four are out of town. Of the New York members there were present Messrs. Stuyvesant, Leigh. Senator Robertson moved that the caucus proceed to Jimmerson and | daliot for a candidate for United States Senator, Senator Crosby and Mr. Boynton were appointed tellers. The tirst ballot resulted as follows:— For William H. Seward uM For Ira Harris... For E. BD. Culver. : 1 1 Blapk......... om 0 more was cast by Mr. Weed, of Mr. Littlefield moved that the vote be declared unani- mous. Carried. Mr. Raymond addressed the members of the caucus, when they adjourned. TRICKS OF THE SEWARDITRS—EXCITING DEBATE IN THE ASSEMBLY—REJOICINGS OF THE KNOW No- THINGS—0O> DUCT OF THE STATE PRISONS COMMIS~ SION—PHELPS THE MURDERER—GREAT GATAER- ING OF POLITICIANS, ETC. Anaxy, Feb. 1, 1855. The House of Assembly presented the most exciting scene this morning, though no absolate disorder occur red still, for ® moment, fears were entertained that par. liamentary decorum would be violated. The facts are these: Mr. Leigh was permitted to close his unfinished speech of yesterday on Mr. Petty’s resolution. Tasted of taking side against Mr. Seward, as there was reagon to believe he would, he disappointed a large number of he members in advocating the Senator's re-election. post of necessity belongs, insists upon John J. Cisco, whose conduct, as Sub-Treasurer, has given great satis- faction, and won for him the reputation ot being the dest financial officer under the government. The New York soft shells, beaded by John Cochrane, are in a great stew about the matter, and favor neither Law- rence nor Cisco. ‘They have managed to possess them- selves of the ear of the President, and will “hold , tim in their arms’? until Marcy and Guthrie are wearied out, They are understood to favor Kobert Kelly, w! recent election to the posi- | tion of “head boots’ at Tammany ifail was designed as @ checkmate to both Lawrence anc Cisco, It may seem strange to your New York readers that Marcy and Coch. rane +hould differ, but the fact that they have split can no longer be concealed, and hence the Governor's deter. mination to put some old fashioned fellow at the head of aflairs who will keep his fiery first lieutenant in train. The result of the New York election, which was left almost exclusively to Cochrane's management, has given great dissatisfaction, and Le is now opealy ac- cused of baving purposely connived at Governor Sey- mour’s defeat, by loncing cown the ticket with men wno wete notoriously wopopular. The appointment of a new Collector, therefore, involves Cochrane's own en and he will not die without a desperate stroggle. Poor | Fierce, in the mean time, is between a sweat and some- Mr. Headley followed in a no-party sense, cared very, little whether the resolution was adopted or not, expe- cially since, as he now perceived, that it was introduced under a misapprehension that the Know Nothings were anxious for ite adoption. Mr. Leigh cailed Mr. Headly to order, and commenced apeaking. “Commit your question of order to writing,’”’ «aid Mr. Wager. “Te writing’’~‘‘in writing,’ reiterated Mr. Ferdon. « Put your pointof order in writing,” responded from every portion of the chamber, with rapping upon the desks. Mr. Leigh rose and withdrew his point of order, and claimed a question of privilege. He spoke a moment, when, in alluding to a gentleman of the House, pretended | trie cents mene neces bea it votes enough.” This upmanly a: ot and per. | the coprt, thing a great ceal worse. ‘The reports of a change in the Cabivet are all hum- bug. There is not a word of truth in them. They are got up apd circulated by Cushing, Forney & Co., to driveg Marcy out of the Cabinet. That «@ the reason, foth Mercy and Guthrie are stumbling blocks to the Kiteben Cabinet, and heuce the efforts to get them out of she way. Cashing, Forney & Co. use the newspaper corseapentente $0 eptend these reports to manutactare public opinion to carry out ther special purposes. siarey Goes not want to go to England or Frenec and has bo idea of going. mt budge an inch. le THE KINNEY EXPEDITION IN FULL BLAST. Wasmyotos, Feb, 1, 1855. ‘The rumor that the President wiil issue a proclamation probibitmg the departure of the Kinney expedition Is without foundation. The report, It is reported, originated with Mr, Cushing, who is said to oe largely interested ta ho Transit Company. Mr. Marcy still endorses the erprine, THR FINANCES—SANATOR FISH, ETO. Wasuixotox, Feb. 1, 1865, ‘The United States Treasurer reports the net amount in the treasury on the 29th ult, as twenty-one million nine hundred and twelve thousand seven hundred and six dollars, Senator Fiab leaves here to-morrow for Havana via New Orleans, on account of ill-health, He was in the Senate to-day. “Sam” attracts great attention in the Senate, by writing with an enormous quill in full (eather—proba- bly from an American eagle, SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. i Pah Wasmuvoron, Feb. 1, 1855, No. 4¢—1 Hemdon, vs James ©. Ridgnay, et. al. a orthern iste siselppl. Judge Campbell delivered ing he decree of tbe Distiee Geese ith VOL. XX, ree a ea So, ‘liam vs. the State of Per ty @. Reise, Se seco, error. 58 A lor utile Pa a Tave A. Coy, xuardian, 'Ke.y 9 paints Chas Argemest' oa scam menced by sad fe it ant ut y Hon. 5. P Obase, Meary W. De Puy, late Private ¥ was ad) itted a counselor and i Aeded in this I United States Senator froma Wisconsin. Cuiwago, Feb. 1, 1855. The Senate and Assembly of Wisconsin met im joint convention for the election of a United States Senatoron Tuesday axd Wednesday, but without effecting a choice. ‘They agreed to ballot again to-day, but we have not yet Jearned with what result. United States Senator trom MMlinets. Cmieaco, Feb. 1, 1855, There is no quorum to-day in the joint convention of the twe honses of the Legislature for the election of 4 United States Senator. A Singular Discovery, Cape IsLanp, Feb, 1, 1855. Aman cutting down an old tree near the Cape May Court House, discovered the remains of a man that are supposed to be those of a Mr. Smith, who disappeared here very strangely some sixteen years ago. The over- coat and bools still remain around the skeleton. Arrival of the Canada at Halifax. Harivax, Fed. 1, 1865. The royal mail steamship Canada, from Boston at 10 o’clock A, M. yesterday, arrived here at an early hour this evening; and after taking on board the provincia mails and a supply of coal, will take her departure at about 10 o’clock for Liverpool. The Pacific Ratlroad Project. New Onceans, Jan, 31, 1855. An expedition is being organized here by the govern- ment for the purpose of securing further informatiom relative to a railroad route to the Pacific. Capt. Popes with a force of 150 troops,is to proceed to Lanoa de Ks+ tecado to ascertain whether water is obtainable there by" means of artesian wells. Marine Disaster. Boston, Jan. 31, 1855. The bark William M. Harris, from Galveston for Bos- top, came in contact on the dist ult. at five o’clock im the morning, with the bark Celestis, from Baltimore, and in consequence of which the Harr s had to be aban- doned with five hnndred bales of cotton on board. Her one were saved by the Celestia, and brougnt to this. port. The Africa’s News at New Orleans. New Or:EaNs, Jan, 31, 1855. The advices by the steamship Africa reached this city on Tuesday night by the natioual line, and to-day exer- cised a favorable effect on our cotton market, causing more firmness, but without advancing quotations, The sales of the day foot up 11,500 bales. Markets, PHILADELPHIA STOCK BOARD. PHILADELPHLA, Feb. 1, 1855. tocks are inac- Tre money market is easer to-day. Si tive. Reading, 363;; Morris Canal, 1 Railroad, 15%; Pennsytvania Railroad, nia Fives, 88. Personal intelligence. His Excellency the Governor of the State of New! York; Hon. E. W, Leavenworth, Secretary of State, and the members of the Senate and Assembly Committees. of Commerce and Navigation, left the city yesterday, at noon, for Albany. His Excellency Governor Dutton, of Connecticut, and Governor Price, of New Jerggy, also returned home yes- terday. ARRIVALS, W. 38. Latham, Williai 3 ‘omstock, ‘ashington; Capt. Pol. W, M. Payton, Morris, Baltimore; Toronto; Bay » 8. Mosely, New rt: rnold, Philadelphia; ¥ ‘Troy. Bowling, Isano james’ Welsh, A-MoConnell, Capt'B Rowe, HJ Joy, Thos Caivert Seth Cooper, N iKing, ¥ J ‘smith, \’ A Smith, William Young—27 in steerage. DEPARTURES. For Liverpool in steamsbip Canada, from Toston—Misa Ada NG of de- ir NG pin, 0 London; Mrs James A Calvert and son, Westfiele, Marxmelusetts; herr, pp, Lal, Alexander 'Sidi, boaror a Mr Parap, » bearer dsley and wife, o J Scott and two ambury, Neill, of 3 Davidson, Benj D Montreal; J 8 Fry, M Nesmith, of Toronto; A M and W Rt Reynolds, of| and Jas Sullivan, of Liver, f Penusylvan A Haniiton aad joyant, of Ireland; Messrs T Garbette f Paris, bearer 0 £ cueral, of Chas Burg, of Germany—ti. Fire Marshal’s In’ AKRESTS ON CHARGES OF ARSON, Before Justice Wood. Fire in Prrr Srrerr.—A very curious state of affal bas been existing on the premises No. 36 Pitt street dur- ing the last six or seven weeks. There have been no than thirteen attempts made to burn the suid premises. ‘the parties cccupying the buildings have been kept in Great state of excitement, expecting every night to burntout. Most of these attempts have been made b; throwing camphene or turpentiae on the floor or wood work of the building, and setting it on fire. In no c has there been any amount of damage done to the prem: ises, but enough has been done to justify the insurance companies in withdrawing their responsibility. Henee, the owner is without insurance. On Wednesday even: ing last another attempt was made to fire the said prem. ines, A boy of about nine years of age, named Phillip Daly, whose mother occupies apartments in the building of che premises in question, is alleged to hav been seen to strike a mutch and throw it down among} rome camphene or turpentine, and set the same on fire. On this informatiam, officer Churebill, of tthe Tnirteenth — arrested the boy and conveyed him to the station Ouse, Yesterday the Fire Marshal conducted the fnvestiga- tion before Justice Wood, and the evidence of a young] girl, named Rosanna Riley, showed that as she p ; from a rear room into the entry, she #aw the striking o match by the stairs, and instantly om the match ligat- ing she Posie the boy Philip Daly, He dropped th lighted match on the floor, and instantly a flame ascend- ed, apparently from camphene, or a fluid of that deseri tion, She instantly gave an alarm, ana the inmates off the premires run into the entry and extinguished fixe. Search was made for the boy, but he could not a that time be found, and in about twenty miuntes 7 the policel came and took the boy into custody. On th rt of the defence, the relatives of the boy show that ne'left with them at about half past six o’elock “from the adjoining building and went to St. Mary’s church, for the purpose of becoming sponsor to the baby of uncle, and it was not until his return that he wi rested by the police. The boy denies the charge, and bis friends assert that the witners has been mistaken in the identity of the boy. ‘The case is not yet concluded. It will be continued to-day, Fine IN PEARL STREFT—AREEST ON SUSPICION OF AR son.—At about 1 o’clock yerterday morning a fire discovered by officer Quales, of the Sixth ward, in th upper part of the tant house No. 619 Pearl «treet, The officer discovered smoke on the topof the build and at once knocked at the door, when it was opened b; ant of the firsttivor, The officer proceeded up ed on his arriving on the third floor he met woman and a men, telly dressed, down in great baste. The man hada bundle in his arms. officer asked the man what was the matter up st and Le understood the reply to be, “fire.” 0 continued up stairs to the fourth floor, where he diso covered in ore of the rooms, but the aoors were He Leche og the door, and therehe mw an a lot ol farntture, apparently piled up er I u micdle of the rocm, pow 3s The alarm the firemen came and succeeded in ¢ the tames before bad tim beyond the originated, Subsequently, it the whole of the fourth fovr wes occu; by s Freneh * Clair, and his wife and enild. Pi ofticer saw coming down stairs w! he was geiog wp at the t me of the fire. Ing, of the Sixth ward stances suspieiou Clar had taken cordingly, astisted by cflicer Lord, dy ip orcer that the Hire Marshal might make a tho| rovgh imvestigation. [tis +hown that Mr, Clair has aq ye on nis furniture of $500 in the Rutgers In Mpany, which is said to be con: 0 thar the propert, worth. Mr. Clair was before Justice Connel’y, who detained him for ex tron. The case will be investigated by the Fire Marshal betore Justice Connelly to day. The New York Chamber of Commerce. J ‘The Chamber of C ce held a meeting in the Mer chants’ Bank at one o'clock yesterday afternoon, Perit, President, and a quorum were present. After reading and adoption of the mimutes of the last meeti the first busmes# in order was the balloting for members of the board. Mr. Henry Ludlam, and Mr. C] F. Habicht were duly elected; and Mr. Isaac H. Smit was elected a member of the Arbitration Committee, Mr. Barstow, as chairman of the committes on th) Usury laws, raid that be had been to Albany, amd sented to the Legirlature the memorial wroparee on vubject, that it was read in (he Senate, reverred. the Committee on Cermmerce: and that it was alko im the House, and referred to the J Committee. A communication was received from the Boston of Trade, i regard to seamen, and referred to thea; priate committee. Severs! other communications of minor — been received and referred to their committees, the Foard » \jougned, t