The New York Herald Newspaper, February 18, 1855, Page 4

380 NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENS ET?D, PROPRIETOR AND EDITOR. DFFION N. W. CORNER OF NASSSU AND FULTON @ré. sheen reese esses NOs 48 AMUSEMENTS TO-MORROW EVENING. BOWERY THEATRE. Bowery—Apostare—Forest or Bowny—Dzarn oy Poor Jox—sackers or Buue. BURTON'S THEATRE, Chambers streos— ; denuace Byun Buran, saat WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broadw: Bacuxsron or Ants~Anrrur Dov AMERICAN MUSEUM—Astorncon—Heans or Taris— Lawn Mx Five Suituinos, @yening-Unoie Tom's anim. WOOD'S MINSTRELS, Mechanics’ Hall, 472 Broadway BUCKLEY'S OPERA 639 Brosdway—Bvox usv’s Ermorian a New York, Sunday, February 18, 1855. The News. The six judges of the Superior Court have unani- monsly decided to grant a new trial to the proprie ter of the Hegavp in the case of Fry against Ben. nett, in which excessive and extraordinary damages ‘were awarded the plaintiff for a musical criticam onthe management or mitmanagement of the Italian opera in 1848-49. But littie of interest transpired in the United States Senate yesterday. Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, offered a resolution affirming that States only have power to pas laws admitting or excluding foreign emigrents. Should this resolution be adopted it would open the door for the summary ejection of the forty cr fifty thousand Chinese in California. ‘The bill to extend credits for duties on imported railroad iron was taken up. An amendement was offered requiring railroad companies availing them- selves ot the extension of three years’ credit to give good security for the payment of duties at maturity, and compelling them to file an obligation to carry the mails at prices stipulated by the government. ‘This was agreed to, and after further debate the Benate adjourned. In the House the considerstion of the Ocean Mail Appropriation bill was resumed. The amendment velative to the Collins steamers was adopted—100 to 83. The appropriation proposed at the last sea- sion for the ocean mail service was also adopted, and the bill passed. The President’s veto message ef the French Spoliation bill was received and read. A brief synopsis of it may be found under the Congressional head. Mr. Bayly moved to postpone the consideration of the message till Wednesday, bas without taking the question the House ad- joarned. Both branches of tbe Legislature were hard at work yesterday. Inthe Senate, the bill providing for the appointment of commiseioners for the pre. servation of the harbor of New York, was passed. The bill providing for taking the census of the State was taken up in committee. The amendment giving the Secretary of State power to appoint marshals to take the census, instead of allowing the common councils of cities, the supervisors and elerks of towns to make the appointments, as eriginally provided for in the bill, gave rise toa spirited debate, and was finally adopted by one majority. This proposal was urged on the ground ‘of ecotiomy; but the true reason for it is tolodge & lerge political patronage in the hands of the “Beeretary cf State. Th thé Assémbly, Mr. Colemati introduced a bill increasing the number of harbor Masters to seventeen. Mr. Waterbury, of West- beater, introduced a bill providing for the election of a Chief of Police for this city. Mr. Sturtevant ofiered a resolution requesting our delegation in Congress to urge either the restoration of the Mis gouri Compromise or the repeal of the Fagitive Blaye act. A joint rezolution to take a recess ‘rom February 26 to March 5, and viait New York, in ac- cordance with the invitation of the Almshouse Governo:s, was adopted. In another colamn may be found the proceeding im the Marine Court yesterday with respect to tne alleged contempt of tha: tribunal in Thursiay’s Daily Times, The matter stands adjourned, but the Court seems to be of opinion that the defendants have not yet purged themselves of the offeace. Our Havana correspondence brings us the pro, elamation of the Captein General in reference to theapprebended outbreak on the island, and also some interesting items of news in connection with it. The period recently fixed for the duration of ‘travelling passports for the interior has been cur. tailed from three months to fifteen days, and several other arrests have been made. In addition to those already mentionec, we learn from our own letters, and from private sources of information, that Senores Citra, Joeé Gener, Benigno Gener, José Oviedo, and Francisco de la Garcia, have been thrown into prison. Senor Cintra is the first lawyer, and Senor Oviedo is one of the richest men, in Cuba, being worth at least # million of dollars. The others are also leading men. The report concerning the ar- rest of the Governors of Matanzas, Puerte Principe ard Trinidad, turns out to be unfounded. We learn, oa the other hand, that the Sonores Galiano and Mojanietta, both Oidors of the Real Audiencia, have been destituted of their offices. Senor Aldama, one of the wealthiest men in Havana, has ben ex'led from the islend. Our Maracaibo correspondent, writing-on the 19th of January, furnishes an interesting review of the state of political and commercial affairs ia Venezue- la on the inauguration of General Jose Tadeo Mo- Bagas to the Presidency for a constitational term of four years. Owing to the deteriorating influences of the evil advices of the counsellors of his brother, Gregorio Monsgas, and the continual dread of a Paez revolution, great confusion existed, and sales ‘were effected with much difficulty and at very long credit. The steamboat enterprise on the lake and adjoining rivers was being crowned with great suo- cers. The sales of cotton yesterday amounted to about 2,000 bales, a part of which was intransitu. The higher graces were scarce and firm, while qualities below middling continued easy to purchase, withoa’ further change of moment in prices. Flour was in fair demand, without material change in quota tions. Canadian white wheat in bond sold at $2 30, and common Southern red at $212. Corn was more active, and free sales were made, including considerable lots for export, Prices ranged chiefly from 980. ® $1 for white and yellow. Old mess pork ‘was easier, and sales were made at $1262. Coffee was about jc. per lb. higher tor Rio, with more doing. Cctton freights to Liverpool indicated some pmprovement. According to the official report ot the City In- spector, the whole number of deaths in this city da ring the past week was 550, viz.: 111 men, 92 wo men, 192 boys, 155 girls, being an increase of 65 on the mortality of the week previous. Of this increase 36 were inmates of the public institutions. There were 65 deaths of consump‘ion, 56 of inflam mation of the lungs, 14 of congestion of the iangs, 8 of bronchitis, 19 of typhus fever, 15 of dropsy in the bead, 14 of other dropsies,10 of diar- rhocs, 10 of dysentery, 6 of erysipelas, 12 of inflammation of the bowels, 5 of inflammation of the throat, 5 of palsy, and 6 of old age. The mor tality among children increases at a rapid rate, ‘There were 61 deathe of convulsions, 19 of croup, 13 of debility, 23 of scarlet fever, 1 of hooping couga, 27 of marasmus, 4 of teething, and 6 ot measles, ‘There were 10 premature births, and 32 cases of stillborn. The following is the classification of dis eases:——Brain and nerves, 108; generative organa, 9; heart and blood vessels, 6: lungs, throat, &c., 107; old oge, 6; eruptive fevers, skin, &o., 36; still. born and premature births, 42; stomaca, bowels and other digestive orgaps, 9%; uncertaip spat and NEW YORE HERALD, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1855. general fevers, 60; urinary organs, 6; unkn>wn, 3. ‘The nativity table gives 357 natives of the United States, 109 of Ireland, 57 of Germany, and 8 of Eag- land. There was held yesterday on ’Change, purenant to notice ofa committee, consisting of Messrs. Tiles- ton, Grinnell, Livingston and Morgan, one of the largest. and most reasxectable meetings of merchants that we recollect to have seen. All the p:ominent merchants of the city engaged in shipping were present. A deep feeling of indignation appeared to pervade the whole assembly at the sammary manner in which Senators in Congress were inclined to dispose of the vast interests imperrilled at Wash- ington, on a question of courtesy, and at the exer- cise of the veto power on the legislation of Congress by an abzent Senator. We have been accustomed to regard the systein of proxcis in the Britiah House of Lords as an anomaly in legislation, and as a great evil; but that is a trifle compared to this new pre- rogative of actuslly preventing the passago of laws by a Senator oe thousand miles from the seat of government, A full report of the proceedings is given elsewhere. Mese«rs. West, Arbuthnot, Prica, and Rowe--act- ipg on behalf of the unemployed workingmen—have addressed the Board of Couccilmenin a lengthy paper, entitled “‘ The Workingmen’s Review of the Report of the Finance Committee of the Board of Councilmen on the Subject of the Memorial and Pe- titions of the Unemployed.” The dovument is well drawn up, and gives some hard knocks to the real estate capitaliste, with a reply to the cry of the labor market being overstocked by foreiga emi grants. We publish the “Review” to-day. The Fry Verdict Quashed—Ihe Press Free After All. At length we are permitted to congratulate the public on the reversat of the scandalous verdict rendered a few months ago in the case of Fry vs. Bennett. Yesterday morning, the proceedings of the court below were fally re- viewed by the six Judges, who unanimously de- cided, on the very first point raised by the defendant, that the verdict of the jury was bad» and that a oew trial must be granted. Very few people, we imagine, will be taken by sur- prise by this intelligence. In spite of the silly attempts of our rivals to justify a decision which was in reality as injurious to themselves as to us, the public at large have all along been fully persuaded that the verdict was ao un- righteous one, and that it was as wrong in prin- ciple as it was impolitic in practice to endeavor to stifle by heavy fines the voice of just criti- cism. It is not necessary at this time to refer either to the improper agencies or to the obtuse intellects to which we were originally indebted for our sentence; they are of record, and will remain a striking proof of the injury which the jury system may be made to work For our part, we can afford to treat them with contempt. The thinking portion of the com- munity long since reversed their folly ; the six Judges, with a unanimity very seldom wit- neesed, have now reduced it to nullity, and we shall probably hear no more of the matter. The plaintiff is at liberty of course to tempt fortune still further by pouring his sorrows into the bosom of another jury, in the hopes that some private enemy of ours may be seated in the box and may take that opportunity of gratifying his spite against us, He may once More hire a licensed slanderer to insult us by the hour, aud earn a few dollars by raking the gutters for filthy epithets, or lying charges to horl against the Herarp. He may find wit- nesses to swear to order; we have enemies far more than enough for such a purpose. But with all these, with spiteful jurymen, unecra- pulous counsel, improper witnesses, and any other allies he may choose, he will never get another verdict against the Hernan. For since the Fry verdict, as it has been called, was rendered, a striking developement in pubiic sentiment has taken place. The pub- lie have been educated on one most important point, the necessity of upholding the liberty of the press. Until the jury in that case awarded ten thousand dellars damages against us for cri- ticising an opera, no one had any idea of the dan- ger to which newspapers were exposed in fal‘ill- ing their duty as chronicles of passing events. Men had a general idea that the law of libel was a wholecome institution, retained in order to pre- vent journa's from destroying & man’s charac- ter through malice; and rather liked it than oth- erwise. But when it appeared that this same law of libel could be made to work in such a way as to involve a newspaper in the necessity of indemnifying an opera manager for losses sustained through his own incompetency, sim- ply because the editor had noticed the evidea- ces of that incompeteucy as they appeared, a vast change came over the public mind. The question at issue then took this shape: Shall the newspapers cease to report and criti- cise theatrical performances, or shall fair re- rts and criticisms be held to constitute no ibel? The public could not have decided in the affirmative to the former proposition with- out stultifying themselves. People must and will read accounts of what is passing at theatres as well as elsewhere; and therefore newspapers must furnish them, and be protected in doing so. These ideas have been fermenting in the mind of every citizen who is liable to serve on juries ever since the Fry verdict; and long be- tore the judges quashed it unanimousty, we had reason to feel certain, if the case went a second time before a jury, that the verdict would be conformable to justice and right. The chances are that we shall not have an opportunity of verifying our conviction. Whether we have or no, the case of Fry vs. Bennett is destined to be a landmark in the history of the press in America. We are vio- lating no rule when we say that it was noto- rious that the plaintiff in that case was sustain- ed by a large clique of wealthy men, compris- ing what are vulgarly known as the ‘codfish aristocracy,” who lavished influence, money and intrigue in order to crush a journal which had ever been hostile to them as a class, and unfriendly to their schemes. Backed by them, Mr. Fry entered the lists against the Heranp under peculiarly auspicious ciroumstances. Accident favored lim in the choice and deposition of witnesses; he had as many as he wanted, and they swore the things he wanted. The Judge was—we mean no reproach—very favorable to the adduction of evidence. When the case came on, an out- side pressure from our rivals began to be exer- cised on the jury. Finally there were among them men directly concerned with the plain- tiffs backers, with whom the rendition of a ver- dict against the Hexato was a sworn point. Surely, so singular a combination of happy accidents was never witnessed before ; no plain- tiff ever came into court under such bright aus- pices. Yet with all these advantages, the net result of the whole is that Mr. Fry takes nothing by his case, and the press is still free. In England and France the point was de- cided many years ago in the same way. In the former country where the Jaw of libel has gone through the process so much needed for ours, no manager would be foolish enough to sue a newspaper for criticising his performances. in the latter, equal freedom is asserted by the press. Under the cruelest political tyranny, when the journals of Paris have not dared even to mention the names of political men, they have jashed the theatres with unbridled se- verity, and long long ago the folly of appealing to the courts for protection against their stric- tures was amply proved. We hope the Fry case may establish the same doctrine for this country. The public may rely upon it that a lesding journal may be trusted with power ; it costs more to use it than gratified spite would repay. Frexcn Srowiuations—A Vero—The Presi- dent bas prepared an elaborate veto to the Freneh Spoliation bill, which was sent to Con- gress yesterday. This was expected. Colonel Polk vetoed it, and Mr. Pierce belongs to that school of constructionists, At all events, he desires to appear to the South as strict a con- structionist as Colonel Polk. The Washington spoilsmen will now be in a bad way. They have lost Colt’s patent extension and several others—the railroad land jobs hang fire—and now losing these five millions of spoliations they feel it very sensibly. Two weeks of the session, however, still remain, aud a vast amount of pickings and stealings may be secured in the interval, with sharp management. Let Colonel Forney muster the lobby aud go to work, The New City Charter. What is doing at Albany with the Corpora- tion bill for a new city charter? In compari- son with nine-tenths of the measures before the Legislature, this one possesses paramount im- portance. To the city its passage is essential. At any moment an emergency may arise, in which the miserably restricted power of the Mayor, and the antagonism engendered be- tween the several executive departments, may be productive of serious mischief. Only a few ‘Tus Graxp Srare Councm at Sxaacuse—A Puer Lxs1pe—Excrrine Srxcracis.—The letter which we publish elsewhere in these columns, of Hon. Moses Eames, (a Know Nothing mem- ber of our Legislature,) describing his recep- tion as a delegate at the Grand State Council of the Know Nothings, now in session at Syra- cuse, gives us an inside peep into their sanctum sanctorum, at the most interesting crisis, no doubt, of all their proceedings. When called upon to say for whom he had voted for United States Senator, we can imagine that his re- spouse of “ W. H. Seward,’”’ created a sensa- tion. After reading Mr. Eames’ account, how- ever, of the scene, the wonder is that he was not bagged tike Morgan, and spirited away to Niagara Falle, and thrdéwn over in the dark. He got out, got off, and left in the first train, otherwise, as the first martyr to their wrath, in sacrificing his life, he might have saved the country from the terrible grasp of the Know Nothings. It was another Jerry reacue; but in this case the humanity of the rescuing par- ties, especially Mr. Barkeryis eminently praise- worthy. Tammany Ha)l can produce very few remi- niscences transcending this terrible sceae in our Know Nothing Grand State Council. Seri- ously, bad not Mr. Eames escaped, his life might have been endangered from the frenzy of his brethren. But we have to say that if such are the brotherly meetings of the Know Nothings they must collapse aad fall to pieces. Terrorism is net the thing. Buca- ing in effigy and the hanting down of deserters from the camp in all the relations of private life are not the thing. In this country, in this age, and among this intelligent people, these elements of party obedience wiil never answer. It is to be hoped that the deliberations of this Syracuse State Council willresult in leading the way to the Americanizing the rules and regulations, oaths, obligations and penalties of this new American party. They have an in- viting prospect before them. The masses of the people, disgusted with the rum and rowdy months ago,we were compelled to have recourse to the Board of Health—in an unconstitutional and roundabout way—to have the streets cleaned. A similar embarrassment may recur at any moment, The bill now before the committee contains the germ, and even more fhan a germ of the law required. It is based at bottom on sound principle—concentration of power and responsibilisy. This feature alone covers a multitude ef defects. The appointing and removing power vested in the Mayor, a degree of energy and efficiency will be imparted to the city government which ought to ensure a faithful observance of tne laws. We have already seen how much cau be done by an able and vigorous Mayor; how much more would have been accomplisbed had he not becn tram- melled by the ridiculous restrictions of the present charter, establishing an imperium in imperio, and rendering his right to oversee the various executive departments a matter of controversy ! It is the duty of the committee, in our opin- iun, to report the bill on the ground of this fea- ture alone. But there is no reason why it should not be made perfect in all particulars. There can beno one—but the small class who are swayed by personal motives of emolument —who is interested in maiutaining the present system, or in preventing the city from obtain- ing @ good government. Witha little cure and study, the best plan can easily be discovered by the committee, and its adoption by the Legislature can hardly be a matter of question. Let the members of the former body lay them- selves open to suggestions from every quarter; let them take the opinions of men who have had a practical share in carrying out the pre- sent and former charters; let them consalt the press. We are not aware that aay difference of opinion exists among the leading joarnals of New York with regard to the necessity for a change, or with regard to the character of the government to be substituted for our preseat one. With the exception of one or two sheets avowedly enlisted in defence of the interests of this one or that one among the present office holders, all the press of New York unless we are much mistaken would support a charter framed on a basis of undivided authority and undivided reaponsibility in the Mayor, subject of course in matters of appointment to the sanction of the Aldermen. Eusured of their support, which implies that of the public, the committee need not flinch from a thorough scheme of reform. No earthly reason can be shown, for ins‘ance, for retaining the Almshouse under its present management, or the Board of Education in its present shape. Both departments would be far better manag- ed by @ single commissioner appointed by and responsible to the Mayor. Under the present system, they are like the House of Lords in England, which is only saved from coming into constant collision with the other branch of the goverment by the forbearance and discretioa of its members. What a system for a free city! In point of executive efficiency, oac single man is infinitely superior to the best board in the world. And the possibility of a recurrence of the altercations which have already impeded the city government would be entirely obviated by making both offices de- partments of the city executive, on the same footing as the commissionership of streets. Another reform which might very well be included in the new bill would be the codifica- tion of the city ordivanzes, These have now become #0 numerous that even the best informed lawyer is often at a loss to know what the law is; and citizens, policemen and others, who ought to be familiar with their tenor cannot possibly hope to gain even a smattering of them. Let a section be introduced into the new charter providing for the consolidation of all these various conflicting ordinances into one municipal statute, which every one can buy and read. Nothing has helped the viola- lators of the laws more than the prevailing ignorance of their provisions, Nothing would operate so effectually as a check upon munici- pal officers as a general acquaintance with the nature of their duties. We have no doubt but ether enggestions will be made in other quarters, and all we ask is that the committee pay them due attention. Guided by the one main principle which is the basis of the bill now before them, they cannot go fur wrong in matters of detail if they will give a patient hearing to the advice offered them. This is the more necessary as the city requires above all things a charter which shall be final. Even the mischief produced by the errors of past charters has not been so great as influences, and spoils corruptions, of both the old parties, are disposed to second this Kaow Nothing movement ina great and wholesome revolution of reform. Let the Know Nothings prove themselves worthy of this popalar in clivation, in the reformation of their harsh discipline of dreadful oaths and monstrous in- quisitoria) penalties. Let them try a system of attractions and persuasions, in lieu of terror- ism and organized vengeance, or they cannot hold together. Let them deal with each other as with honorable men, and not as confederate counterfeiters or midnight robbers, where good faith involves the alternative of assassination. The machinery of this American party is new, and grates harshly upon the ear, like the working of a new and ponderous steam en- gine. But, with good engineering, after raa- ning awhile, trom friction and a plentifal appli- cation of oil, it will work smoothly and with- out scratching. It becomes the Know No- things, however, to remove the defects ia the machine as they are discovered, to file off ex- crescences, and supply deficiencies as they may be discovered when the steam is on, or there may be a rainous explosion. Of all things, let them beware of rum and rowdyism, and the fate of the late whig and democratic parties. Let them keep cool and temperate, and thus com- mand the respect of the honest and sober classes of the people; for if they sink into rum and ruffianism they are destroyed. Will the Kuow Nothings, as anationsl party, hold together till 1856? They cunif they will. The popular sympathies of the whole couatry are for a political revolution, aud a new order of things. But the issue will depend upon the reconstruction of the discipline of the Order. Terrorism is not the thing. Oil is wanted. Apply oil. Wuio Panry Macuixery or 48 Disctosrpn— Tuvxtow WrEp Scene Surrrer.—We publish to-day the speech of Mr. Dickiason (Seward man), in our State Senate, on Friday last, ex- planatory of a very important incident in the Taylor campaign of 1848. Our readers will re- member, that iu August of that year quite a stampede was excited among the whigs iu these latitudes, especially at Albany, by the receips ot information from Charleston that Gen. Tay lor had accepted a South Carolina nominatioa, with Gen. William O. Butler as their candidate for Vice President, Butler being the nominee for this office on the democratic ticket. Zack was “a whig, but not gn ultra whig,” and so he accepted the nominations of all parties, which added immensely to the interest of the campaign, and unquestionably very much in- creased his vote in the election. But the Seward wire-workers at Albapy were perplexed at the acceptance of this Charleston nomination, repudiating, as it did, the rezular whig nomince for Vice President, Mr. Fillmore, on account of his free soil antecedents of that day. It looked asif Old Zack, too, did not care much for such company. Hence the im portance of the Albany meeting, so success fully got up and managed by Thurlow Weed The whole thing was cut out and cooked by’ Weed, even to the speakers and the sentiments they were to utter. He boasts of it. He de- lights in exhibiting his skill as a party thimble- rigger, and showing what a mere flock of sheep the whig party has been in follow- ing the lead of their cunning old bell-wethers, who have appropriated all the glory aad pocketed all the spoils, Even in 1848, how- ever, as it appears, Mr. Fillmore smelt a rat, and suspected there was treachery in the emooth-faced professions of the Albany scene- shifter. Sabsequent events have, perhaps, sa- tisfled the ex-President that his apprehensions were correct. He had no managing consulta- tion with Weed, we dare say, upon the late re- election of Seward to the Senate. All political parties are managed by secret caucuses and pipe-layers; mass meetiogs and processions, hard cider, stump speeches, and song singing, are but the tubs thrown ont to amuse the whale. Thurlow Weed, and from what we know of the funct parties, how utterly preposterous it is to talk of the secret despotism of the Kaow No- things! Read Weed’s letter. Docraiwe or THe ImmacuLate Concertioy— Tue Pore’s ArosroricaL Lerrer.—We pnblish elsewhere, a document of considerable interest Pope Pius IX., concerning the dogmatic defiai- tion of the immaculate conception of the Vir- gin Mary. The effect of this instrament is, as we have already explained to our readers, to render an indispensable article of the Roman that caused by the continual changes. Let us have an act which shall last usa generation at lap, ‘ Catholic faith the doctrine that the Virgin Mary | was conceived immaculate, or without original sip. It is curious that jt showld be reserved for Old | With these revelations from | rum and rowdy machinery of both the old de. | to the religious world —the letters apostolic of | our day to witness the solemn incorporation into the Romish creed, of a belief which, al- though it has hitherto had an almost general acceptation amongst its professors, has not | been reckoned amongst its positive canons, And yet there are none of its articles which the members of other churches are at heart less disposed to cavil at, or to the assertion of which Catholiciem itself has owed more of its success. It was to the influence which it exercised on the ideas and habits of the early Christians that we are indebted for the elevation of the female sex to their proper position in the social scale, and which the loose notions of morality incul- cated by the pagan mythologies had prevented them unti! then from attaining. Asa measure of ecclesiastical policy, this step of the Romau Pontiff is opportunely conceived. At a time when religious indifference is fast seizing hold of men’s minds, and when the poetical is rapid- ly becoming absorbed into the material, we cannot but acknowledge the sagacity which, under the form of a solemn tribute to the vir- tues of the Mother of God, takes the opporta- nity of reminding the world. how much civili- zation is indebted to this particular doctrine of the Romigh church. Sevators Berork THe Fooruicuts.—It is a singular fact that the up town opera house has vever been full but once, and that great andi- ence was drawn by a new star—the Hon. Thos. Hart Benton, of Missouri—who delivered a lec- ture on the Pacific Railroad. To-morrow, Niblo’s theatre, the central opera house, will probably be filled by another great crowd, as the Hon. Sam Houston will deliver a lecture on the manners and customs of the American Indians, part of which he is, and all of which he has seen. _ We predict for “Sam’’ a great house, and for the managers of the lecture on this occa- sion a more substantial pecuniary return than usually falls to the lot of such worthy persons generally. THE LATEST NEWS. BY MAGNETIC AND PRINTING TELEGRAPHS, Latest from the State Capitol, US BILL—HARBOR ENCROAOHMENTS—THE STAL PALACE MARKET—ANTI-SLAVERY RESO- 1ONS—THE MILITIA BILL—THE OBSERVANCE THE SABBATH BY JEWS AND GENTILES—AD- DITIONAL HAKBOR MASTERS—ELBCTION OF CHIEF OF POLICE—-FRED, DOUGLASS’ LECTURE, ETC. Aunaxy, Feb. 17, 1855, The discussion on the Census bill was resumed, the question being on the amendment pending, giving the power of appointing marshals in each election district to the Secretary of State, instead of to certain lecal officers, as reported in the bill. The object of making the altera- tion is purely political, and the party in power, if they can give a trifling patronage to its friends, are ia duty bound to doit. Hence the justice in allowing Mr. Secre- tary Leavenworth to station officeholcers in every elec. tion district at tle public expense, to take especial care of ‘Sam’? at the next election. The committee adopted the substitute—eleven to ten—but there is some doubt whether seventeen votes can be obtained for the altera- tion on its third reading. The bill authorising the Governor to appoint commis- sioners to examine New York harbor encroachments was passed in the Senate this morning. Mr. Brooks intends to introduce a bill to incorporate ‘the ‘(Crystal Palace Market Assosiation.”’ What kind of a market? ‘The bill directing the ferry companies in the city of New York to place life-preserving gates at the ferry bridges was reported against in the Senate this morning. ‘The Committee of Commerce thinking, probably, that if people will look before they leap no lives will be lost at the ferries Mr. Stuyvesant, of the House, introduced a resolu- tion instructing members ot 38 to procure the restoration of Missouri Compromise line, and if that capnot be done, then to endeavor tu procure the repeal of the fugitive agt. Laid over. Mr. Waterbury offered » resolution permitting the Continen‘al uniform companies of the city of Albany to use the Assembly Chamber on the afternoon of the 22d taetaat foe the purpose of ae | ao address from one of the State Sevators. Some of the members thought they naw “Sam” in the resolution, and made some in- uiry. Mr. khodes replied that he supposed t)e whole Ghainber would be filled by ‘Sam,’ and he desired to notify members accovdingly. Mr. O'Keefe vata the Chamber had been granted to the temperance men, the agricultural men, and the Fred. Douglass men, au’ he Loped the application now pending to admit other dis- tinguished gentlemen would be unanimously granted, which was done. There is quite a feeling in relation to the new militia bill introduced by Major Cocks. Yesterday, io the House, while the Clerk was proceeding with its third reacing~there bavinz been not the loast opposition to it—Mr Colemen suddenly rose and moved that the fur- ther reading of the bill be dispensed with, as a tele- graphic communication was jast put in his anda froma New York, desiring that the bill be delayed nuzil a re- monstrance could presented. The House refused to Jay the bilWaside. The Clerk then read a section or 89 turtber, when Mr. Blatchford rose and made acother spent the House to suspend the reading of the bill. He was successful. This morning Mr. Coleman presented a remoustrance from General Sandford and a few other officers. The objections they urge are very weak, and if others more substantial are not presented, the bill will undoubtedly pass. ‘The bill contains a provision which compels thé Major General and the Brigadier to instruct their commands in field exercise. To this those gentle- men object; and itis thought that their opposition to the bill has “this extent, no more.’ The Hon. Nicholas Seagrist, who represents the law and orderly citizens of Bloomingdale and vicinity with marked ability in the House of Assembly—having the greatest respect for the morals not only of his own di- rect constituents, but also the people of tne entire county of New York—has determined to introduce a bill into the House to accomplish his benevolent pur roses. ‘The title of his bitl reads thus: ‘‘an act for the better obrervance of the Christian, Jewit ad other Sabbath days.’’ The preamble is as follows :— Whereas it bas been ascertained, beyond all manner of doubt, that the present statutes of ‘this State Uo aot provide sufficiently strong penalties to compel the rich and the upper classes of society to keep the Sabbath day holy, or to keep inviolate that commandment of the great Law Giver, which saith, “In it thoa shalt do no manner of work: thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy matd servant, nei(uer the stranger, nor the cattle that is within thy gates.”” And whereas the above law is violated with impunity by all that class of persons who kee; horses nnd carriages, and wen and women servants helps; and whereas, 't ia also violated with impanity in the cities of New York, Brooklyn, Buffalo and Albany, by the proprietors, editors, reporters, printers, press- men, and other employees of the daily newspapers, and by various other persons, ing for publication, reading and circulating on the nd day of the week, called Mon- day, such papers, or extras, on the morning of that day} and whereas, there is a class of very weaithy and honest citizens, known as Jews, who profess a diferent religion from the majority of the people called christians, it is therefore enacted by the legisintive authority of tis State that the seventh day, or saturday, shall be the Sadbath of the Jews, or the descendants of the twelve tribes of Ivracl. That the first day of the week, called Sunday, shall be the Sabbath day of all persons, male or female, who profers to follow the christian religion, o faith, no matter of what sect they shall be, and they shall’ keep the day holy, and do no manner of work theeron, or employ others. ‘There are other provisions in the bill, going into detail, esignatmg the particular manner in which the law in the course of afew days. It is remarked that this measure has been introduced in consequence of a recent decision relative to the collection of debts due Sunday newspapers. Mr. Coleman introduced a bill increasin; | of New York harbor masters, It is propo: the number to seventeen—fifteen for New | for Brooklyn—to hold for two years. This increase t¢ | well for two reasons, to make six more places for the | hundred and fifty applicants, and to render the duties much easier than at present, Mr. Waterbury introduced a bill to provide for the election of Chief of Police of the city of New York, The House have agreed to visit the city of New York, upon the invitation of the Ten Governors, on the “7ta instant, The Senate has not yet assigned any day, but that body will, in all probability, agree upon the day named by the House. fhe Governors may, therefore, | prepare for showing the said gentlemen the varioas in- | stitutions under their charge. | The Assembly Chamber was filled to overflowing, lest | evening, with ap audience assembled to listen to Fred, Douglass, the coloree orator. The Speaker announced | bis subject to be the ‘Rights of Man,’ and in the course | of his remarks took an extensive range, including the | Fights of bis own Af ncountrymen. It was a rehear- selof the barangue frequently recited by Fred. dw | the last half a dozen years, containing many traths an an equal gumber of inaccuracies. bew to many of the abolition memlers of the Legislature, and also to | @ majority of the audience, he was frequently ud | ed, expecially when he gave bis account of t) rors } the number i if thern slavery. ,A!! acknowledged that the seeinar: om talentd auperior to most oon ge He spoke nearly three hours, and was quietly and res fully Nistene it. "Very few of his colored | appropriations for improvements of the harbors in ta shalj be enforced. Mr. Seagrist will introduce his bill | + and his everything ng a culprit was about Ca his cell, when Mr. Springatead, the Go through the r, came rushin, fhe Sheriff a furt! MARINE DIGASTRES—MARKETS, ETO. Baurimong, Feb. 17, 1858, We have reports of several marine disasters from Nor- folk. Schooner Elizabeth Jane, from Norfolk, loaded with corn, is ashore off Cape Henlopen, and is supposed she will be got off with partial loss of cargo. Schooner Black Monster, from Norfolk, with corn, was picked up at sea, with loss of, sails and crew frost-bitten. Cargc much damaged. Schooner Allen, from Rockland, Me. , is ashore south of Cape Henry. Schooner Harriet New el, from Balfax for Richmond, put into Norfolk with Jons of masts and leaking. Also put in schooner Monu. ment, from Gonaives, leaking—lost deck load. Sales to-day of 2,600 bags Rio coffee, at 9%c. a 103¢0., which is on advance of a quarter. ‘New Orleans papers of Sunday, and from other pointe as late as due, are received, Injuries to the Eastern Rallroads by t8y) * Freshet, d&c. Boston, Feb, 17, 1855. The railroads bave suffered considerably from the freshet. There is a break in the Essex road at North Andover, of two hundred feet long and twenty fect deep, _ Passengers are conveyed round in stages, The Lowel) and Lawrence road will be impassable for some days. | The Boston and Maine road is badly damaged at Haver- | hill, a small bridge having been awept away, over which it cronsed The weather continues foggy and dieagreeabie. Navigation Resumed on the Ohio River. Lovisvitus, Feb, 17, 1855. Navigation on the lower Obio has been resumed, an¢ boats are leaving for New Orleans. Mail packets hénce for Cincinnati resumed their trips to-day. Prrrsnura, Feb, 17, 1886, There is nine feet water in the channel and rapidly rising. Navigation will be resumed on Monday. Phe Weather, Boston, Feb. 17.—Rain storm commenced this after. noon, fog soptinues thick and weather altogether, the mort disagreeable of the searon, No news. Md oa) 17.—Weather comfortably cool. Slight fal of snow. Dxrrorr, 17 —Weather mild and cloudy. Thawed con. siderably. KLAND, 17.—Weather mild and clear. Snow nearly gone. SANDUSKY, 17.—Clear and ch lly, 30 degrees above. Markets. Nuw Onueana, Feb. 16, 1855. Our cotton market in rather easier, but quotationigar unaltered, The sales to-day were 4,500 bales; and fo: the week they foot up 25,000 bales. The stock on hani is 179,000 bales, and the receipts thus far at this por! are 21,000 fn excess of last year. Sugar hae ad vanced 3c.; fair in selling at 3c. 8 4e. Ohio flour ii quoted at $10 a $1012}, The sales of io coffee during weex amounted to 17,000 baga, at 73c. « 8340. AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. EXTENSION OF CREDIT ON RAILROAD IRON Passage of Mail Steamer Appropriatior Bill in the House. THE PRESIDENT'S VETO MESSAGE. Vi» State Rights and Emigration Laws | Ker, den, &e. THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, MROOND BRASION, Senate. Wasmnarox, Feb. 17, 1865. PETITIONS. Mr. Surerps, (dem.) of Il, presented the instruction be had received from the Iinois Legislature to oppos the extension of patents to McCormick’s andall othe ' reaping m«chines. Mr. CLayToy, (whig) of Del., presented a petition fro the citizens of Philadeiphia for. a:commodations for th United +tates courts and post office in that city. Mr. Bropuxap, (dem.) of Pa., presented a petitio: from tho citizens of Philadelphia designating the localit; for the above courts and post offices, PROTECTION FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS. Mr. Tovcwy, (dem.) cf Conn., from the Judiciary Gym mittee, introduced a bill to protect officers and other acting under authority of the United States. IMPROVEMENT OF LAKE HARBORS, Mr. Srvant, (dem.) of Mich., opposed the bill makin; Northern lakes, REVENUE CUTTERS. Mr Hawtix, (dem.) of Me., from the Committee o: Commerce, reported « dill authorizing thé Secretary 0 the Treasury to sell certain revenue cutters and pur chase others, SOLDIERS’ PENSIONS. Mr. Jonex, (dem.) of Iowa, re @ dill allowin; officers aud eoldiers of the revolution whose penaion are less than one hundred dollars, to have that amoun hereatters Ms. Hawutw wished the bill to be laid over to Monday in order to provide by amendment similarly for th widows of the deceased officers and soldiers, jen renee, ‘KR, (free soil) of 4., presented a memoria € Worcester, Massachusetts, agains Giission of more slave States; also, one fror f Philadelphia, for the repeal of the Fugitiv POWER OF STATES TO REGULATE EMIGRATION. Mr. Jones, (whig) of Tenn., offered a resolution which says that the power to regulate emigration neve Laving been delegated to Cor gress, the governmenta o those States afilicted with an influx of foreigners posyes the sole power to make laws regulating their admission or exclusion. WRITISH POLICY IN AMERICA, Mr. Cass, (dem ) of Mich, gave notice that on Mon day next he should take notice ef the words attribute: to Losd Clarendon relative to the Transatlantic policy t de pursued by the English fovernment, with referens to affairs upon this continent. ‘THE INVATID PENBION BIL, was taken up, on motion of Mr. Gwin, (dem.) of Cal. and postponed to Monday. ‘THE PACIFIC RAILROAD was then tale up, but it was also postponed to Monday PREDIT ON RAILROAD IRON DUTIES, Pee: Dill extending the credit om railroad fron was the: en op, Mr. Cooren, (whig) of Pa , regretted that such a mea fore rhould be pressed at this time, and at this stage o the sew: He depicted the embarrassments unde which the trad rey as suftering, and led to the to reject this bi wt ot we ich he’ thought wauld occa n a further depression im that branch of industry. Mersrs. Procbead, Hamlin, Clay, Dawson, Bayard _ see of Ky., and Rush took part {a the debate or | submitting an nodment to an amendment, wherg\, railroad companies availing themselves of the thie) years’ creoit extended by the Bill, are required to give ood security to the Collector of the place of importa tion for the payment of the duties at maturity, when ever the solvency of the companies is doubted Collector, file an o to carry United States mails at prices stipulates by the go verpmeni—we bell thin the sum of $300 per mile Agreed to—yous 2%, and during the further dis cussion of the bill as ded, the Senate adjourned, House of Representatives, Wasttnatox, Feb. 17, 1855. VETO OF THE FRENCH SPOUMATION BILL—THE COLLING SYRAM sins, ¥t0. ‘The House proceeded to the consideration of the Ocear Mail Steamer Appropriation bill The amendment of Mr Olds, offered on Wednesday last, was adopted—yeas 100 nays 3. At this point @ message was received from the Presi dent of the United States ioforming the House of bis ver 4 of the French Spoliation bill. It creat Mr. Ove, (dem.) of 8. C., pr toxic vas and printed, and on Monday, at on or + Mr. Bavtx, (dem.) of Va., « Tuosda: Mr. Havex, (whig) of N.Y., without mean'ng ‘an disrespect tothe Premdent, inasmuch a# time was pre cious, suggested that the reading of the message be dir wed with. P porsterous ories followed— No’—« Rega? Read, and great confasion. ints of order were then raised, that the bill grotto acte on, This was ee in, * ti the il for that paren must be disposed of before the message could Another ame: it was then