The New York Herald Newspaper, December 5, 1855, Page 4

A NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1855. NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDOS BENSETT, PROPRIECOR AND EDITOR, DPPIOR N. W. CORNER OF NASSAU AND FULTON STS. ing dino uaed will be RecvestED TO Sent os. Volome XX. . AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. TRE, Broadway—Tux Baxwavrr— BROADWAY T Punusany > HiGu20R, BIBLO'S GARDEN, Bread Gmaxy Dreenrismncnt oF ha Daders—AnonoDer. : BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery—Ouven Twist—Jnazovs Wore Pais Cours. BURTON’A THEATRE, Chambers street—F aise Paerances —Deuicate Grounn. a WALLAOR’S TIIBATRE, Broadway —Tan Dowscea—Tue Larrun TuRasOKI F ERFECTION, WOOD'S MINSTRELS, 414 Brondway—Ermortiax Pen- PORMANCES. BUCKLEY'S BURLESQU & OPERA HOUSER, 539 Broad. way BUKLRsQUE Orrra AND Negro Mutsrneisy. JeaNstte AND JRANNOT— NAL AND OMARACTERINTIC , Wednesday, December 5, 1855. The News, Nothing of moment transpired in either house of Congress yesterday. Inthe Senate four new mem- bers were qualified and took their seats. Rev. H. C. Dean was chosen Chaplain, and this ended the @ay’s labors. In the House five ballotings were had for a Speaker, making nine since the first meeting. The votes indiente nothing whatever ¢s|culated to aid in the formation of an intelligent opinion ax to the final result. Last evening the republi- eans held a caucus meeting, but adjourned without patching up a coalition. Everything is still in doubt and uncertainty. We publish to-day Mfe-like, graphic, and authentic sketches of the lives of the several candidates for the Speakership. They will be found interesting and instructigg. Wash- ington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe were all born within one small district in Virginia. Richardson and Banks were born only three days apart. An- other coincidence worth noticing is, that two of the candidates were born on the 13th of January, though four years apart. Read the sketches. A meeting of the stockholders of the New Haven Railroad was held at New Haven yesterday. From @ report which we publish elsewhere it will be seen that this corporation still adhere to the polioy of re- pudiating the stock issued by Schuyler, the late treasurer of the company. ‘We have received telegraphic despatches from @ dozen different points on the line of the canal, and all of them represent the weather as very mild and favorable to the unobstructed continuance of navi- gation during the five days that yet remain before the canals are officially closed by the Commissioners. Unless suddenly stopped by a severely cold “‘ snap” —a circumstance by no means unlikely—the im- mense amount of property afloat on the canals dea tined for the Eustern market will all get through to tidewater. The steamship Africa, from Liverpool for Halifax ‘and Boston, is now in her eleventh day out. She will probably arrive at Halifax to-day. She brings one week's later European news. In accordance with a resolution of the Missouri Legitlature, that body will go into joint convention today, to try their Luck at electing a United States Senator. In accordance with the call of the Massachusetts Irish Emigrant Aid Association, which was publish ed two or three weeks ago, aconvention of delegates from the various auxiliary societies throughout the country was held yesterday morning in the Astor House. The object of this movement is the libera- tion of Ireland, which, we understand, is to be ef- fected by an armed invaston from this country. As to the way in which this is to be accomplished, we have not been informed, the business of the meetings being kept as private as possible. At the Convention yesterday, fourteen States were represented, and some thirty delegates were in attendance, but the proceedings were entirely of a. preliminary charac- ter, as will be seen from our report. This move- ment has not received either the encouragement or sanction of the thinking part of our Irish popula- tion, and has already been condemned by a portion of the Catholic clergy from the pulpit. At ameeting of the Almshonse Governors yes terday, one of the Board, Edward C. West, tendered his resignation, to take effect January 9. This wili make two vacancies in the Board—one in place of Jozeph 8. Taylor, Street Commissioner elect, and ‘one in place of Mr. West, resigned. The first named gentleman isa Know Nothing, and the latter a hard shell democrat. The Board has power to fill ‘vacancies until the election next ensving. Governor Draper made a forcible speech, in which he dle- nounced Comptioller Flagg, whom he charged with making false statements with reference to the ex- penditures of the Almshouse Department. Ie also charged the Journal of Commerce and Flagg with & design to break down the department. There has been an increase in the number of inmates of the in- stitutions on the islaud. The cotton market was more active yesterday, with rather more strength in prices, The sales ex braced about 2,500 bales, including midd!ing uplands atabout 9jc.a 9Jc. Flour was heavy, and sales of common and medium grades declined about 12}c. a ‘6c. per bbl. Wheat was 2c. a 3c. lower, with mod- erate sales. Corn was heavy and declined about le. 8 2c. per bushel. Pork and beef were unchanged. Sugars continued firm, with a good demand for boxes and bags for refining, and at full prices. Coffee was firm and active. The sales embraced be- tween 2,000 and 2,000 bags Rio, at prices ranging from 10}c. a 11jc.a 12c., and a cargo was sold in Baltimore at 12c. Freights were steady, while en- gagements were moderate. Our files from Kingston (Jamaica) are tothe ith ult, and contain later news from the other islands. The British war fleet reinforcement was expected from Portamonth. A large number of vessels from Halifax asi Bermuda were ordered to meet at Grey- town and will remain there until January. Jamaica is in a very undefended state. Increased taxation had caused some popular riots. The accounts from Antigua, Trinidad and Barbadoes are hopeful. Ei We have received files of papers and letters of our correspondents at Havana, up to the 28th ult. Senor Segovia, Spanish Charge de’ Affaires to San Do- mingo, had arrived at Cuba, on his way to his post. ‘The Prensa says that the policy of Spain agreed in accord with that of France and England, relative to the politics of that island, as well aa of Cuba. Rail- road plans and harbor improvements were encou- raged by the Captain General. The obse quies of General Miguel Tacon, the reform Governor of Cuba from 1834 to 1838, wore to be celebrated with extraordinary pomp ina few days. M. Felix bad lowered his first schedule of Rachel prices, Too Genxenovs ny Wate—The case of Wm, Taylor against the Camden and Amboy Rail- way Company came up in the Circuit Court of the United States on Saturday. Mr. Taylor ‘was one of the victims of the Burlington mas- sacre, by which both of his arms were broken. He received other injuries, and demands fifty thousand dollars damages. The company of- fered five thousand, and with that excessive generosity for which it is so eminently cele. brated, a free ticket to ride over their road uring life! It is unnecessary to say that Mr. Taylor declined the generous offer, He never desires to go on that route again, and a feeo ticket “for life’ would make bim shudder every time he sawit. A free ticket for death would be more correct. Congrees—Becond Day-—So Speaker—No Sounding:—Outline of the President's Mes- ee ‘The reeafs of another day’s experimental eflorts in Congress for a Speaker are before our readers, under the head of oar Washiogton telegraphic advices. After five additional | votes without any epproximation to a solution of the diffculty, the House adjourned—ao Speaker—oo soundings. The first yote of Monday, and the last yes- terday, are as follows -— First Vote Mr. Richardson, M., Neb. Dem... . Mz. Puller, Pa.,’ Auth Mr. Compbell Ubio, A. No. Mr, Lenningion, N. Jersey, A, N Mr. Muishall Ky., K. N Mr. Banks, Masi Seattering’ Here it be seen dropped, and that the Northern Anti-Nebraska and Know Nothing forces are very tenderly fluctuating betweeu Campbell, Banks, and Fuller. The party difference between the two leading free soil competitors is exactly this :— L. D. Campbell, of Ohio, A. N. K.N.; N. P. Banks, Jr., of Massachusetts, K. N. A. N.-- Anti-Nebraska and Know Nothing, or Know Nothing and Anti-Nebraska—which is amighty nice distinction; for the whole issue is now with the Northern majority whether the Speaker rhall be A. N. K. N, or K. N. A. N. Everything depends upon the precedence of the initials A. N. or K. N., in their combina- tion; for while A. N. K. N. signifies a flaming black republican with Know Nothing pro- clivities, the order reversed to K.N. A. N. means a full blooded Know Nothing, with a streak of the Anti-Nebraska coloring down his back. The same initialsin another shape—N. A. K, N.—illustrate the prineiples of Richard- son exactly-—-Nebraska Anti-Know Nothing. Yet again, the same letters thus arranged—K. N.N. A.—indicate the position of Marahall— Know Nothing Nebraska Absolutely. Thus we see that this contest for Speaker hinges upon this, that or the other combination of four cabalistic letters of the English alphabet—a thing never heard of before in Congress. We apprehend that the portentous news of the outbreak of a full blown civil war in Kansas will operate to give the precedence to A.N. over K. N., in the final Northern fusion upon the House organization; and it may in- volve, in all probability, a definite split be- tween the Northern and Southern Know Nothings in reference to the Presidency. We may have something more definite this evening. See our reports from Washington. In anticipation of the President’s Message, we understand that it will be lengthy, grandi- loquent, comprehensive, evasive, smooth, pa- cific, congratulatory, self complacent aad plau- sible; and its copious catalogue of subjects, great and small, will embrace:— A thanksgiving exordium, touching the su- perabundance of the fruits of the earth which a kind Providence has vouchsafed to our hus- bandmen, with some appropriate allusions to the destroying angel, which for a time visited some of our cities with the ravages of a dread- ful pestilence during the past year. Upon our foreign relations, Mr. Pierce, (or rather Mr. Marcy, for the foreign portion is his branch of the Message,) will touch very gingerly, especially with reference to Great Britain and France, assuring the dear people, in the strongest manner possible, that there is no apprehension on the part of the United States of a disturbance of our amicable rela- tions with John Bull or Louis Napoleon, in consequence of recent difficulties that have arisen, notwithstanding the slight interruption of diplomatie interéourse that has occurred be- tween this government and that of Great Bri- tain. With reference to the present attitude of the question of the Danish Sound dues, the plan suggested in the President’s Message may possibly reconcile the difficulties which it has hitherto presented. It is recommended that a sufficient commutation shall be paid to Den- mark for buoys, lighthouses and other auxilia- rics for the protection of commerce, which she has stready incurred and must continue. For this inglemnity she will have to renounce the taxation imposed upon American shipping, which, considering the smallness of its pro- cecds, she will no doubt be disposed to do. The plan is not a bad one, inasmuch as it saves both the principal contended for by the United States, and to a certain extent the alleged rights of Denmark. It remains to be seen whether the latter will make a virtue of ne- cessity and accept the compromise thus offer- ed. The capitalization of the toll will, it is aid, be rejected by Prussia, England and 8 by this country, Upon the Central American question, Mr. Pierce will expatiate voluminously, and en- force the Mouroe doctrines of this administra. tion, such as they are. No new polfey upon this eubject by a fyreign Power, and no new pre- tension can be uilowed by Mr. Pierce to be put forward. The President upon his accession to power took the ground that the right of emi- nent domain over the Mosquito coast is in the State of Nicaragua, and that San Juan del Norte fs, according (o the views of thie govern- ment, within the rightful jurisdiction of Nica- ragua, and the Message will now reiterate that doctrine. With reference to Mexico the most magnani- move, mereiful wed couciliatory policy will be recommended. Entre nows—Jeff. Davis aud his man at the city of Mexico are concocting auo- ther Gadeden treaty, The mersage will complacently exhibit the flourishing condition of the federal treasury, with over twenty-three millions surplus on hand, and will refer approvingly to Secretary Guthrie’s report recommending wool as a raw material, to be admitted free of duty, and also the chemicals and dye stufis used in woollen manufactores. He will propose nothing new in regard to the present duties on iron. With our exports for this last fiscal year amounting 0 $275,156,846 against imports in the same period of $261,382,960, Mr. Pierce will certain- ly have something to crow over, no matter what the causes which have brought about this hopeful state of our financial and commercial relations, ‘The Kansas imbroglio will be glided over in the most approved style, (though there may be an extra Mersage on this busivess.) The sublime supremacy of “squatter sovercignty” will be reaiirmed, and Mr. Pierce will be found recommending Congress to look well to the point that the Territorial laws of Kansas do not come in conflict with the United States laws, and also deprecating, in an carnest and innocent manner, the difficulties that have been and are still in existence in Kansas—urging strenuonsiy on all good and true men of all parties the duty of maintaining the public harmony and tranquillity, 99 dear to all; and of abstaining from the introductian of those exciting questions of a sectional character (how modest and inno- cent!) which have hitherto produced decidedly painful apprehensions in the public mind, and repeating the solemn warning of the first and most illustrious of his predecessors against furnishing any ground for characterizing par- ties by geographical diecriminations, The Pacific railroad explorations will be ex- plained at some length. The Message will enlarge upon the distress- ed condition of the frontier odian tribes, and will recommend a comprehensive and humane policy in their behalf, which will tend to their immediate relief aud their peaceable subjuga- tion to the arts of civilized life. This policy, we understand, will embrace a plan for the permanent location of certain tribes in certain territorial reservations, The President will sustain the action of the late inquisitorial Navy Board, and will refer to Mr. Dobbin’s report upon the subject, and also in relation to the strengthening of our navy by the addition of certain small sized war veseels for coasting operations. There willbe some gigantic reforms recom- mended in the War Department, including an increase in the army on our Western frontiers, particularly in cavalry, for the benefit of the Indians. Upon the subject of the Post Office system and its complex machinery under Mr. Camp- bell, the Meseage will speak with subdued ex- ultation; and among other reforms, Mr. Camp- bell, it is said, will recommend through the Meseoge and his own report a money order system—-that is, the English system of drafts for moneys deposited at one Post Office, upon such Post Office as the depositor may desire. The President will close with a glorious ana pathetic (he can be pathetic) outburst of pa- triotism touching the blessings of the Union of these United States, their prosperity under it, and the paramount duty devolving upon us all of perpetuating it. Such, by our private advices from Washing- ton, we are given to understand will be the leading features of the President’s annual Mes- sage to the two houses of Congress, and we dare say this epitome will prove to be sub- stantially correct, At all events, it is mani- fest from the very necessities of the occasion that the Meseage will be one of unusual in- terest, and will embody a catalogue of eva- sions, suggestions and recommendations suf- ficient for six or eight months active legisla- tion, even by an obedient and overruling ma- jority in both branches—which does not happen to be the case. Very likely the Kansas ques- tiomalone will monopolize the regular debates of the House for the next three or four months, The work of organizing that body is but the overture to the exciting, lively, boisterous, momentous and protracted drama which is to follow. Thus endeth the second lesson. RemovaL or Tue Carer or Porice—Has it Breen Accomriisxep ?—Down in New England they have a proverb, “Never halloo until you get out of the woods.” Now, the opponents of Mr. Matsell have done a large amount of hallooing already, and it may be worth while to look at the law and see if they are really out of the woods. In the Board of Aldermen on Monday even- ing last, the following preamble and resolution were adopted by a majority of four :—- ‘Whereas, the office of Chief of Police of the city of New ork is oegupied by a Britiah allen, (and he does not deny it,) and has, therefore, never haa necessary qualifi- cations to hold office; therefore, Resolved, That the office of Chief of Polise of the city of New York is hereby declared vacant. The question just now is, not whether he is an alien, but whether the Board of Aldermen have power to remove him. Mr. Mateell was appointed in 1845 by Mayor Havemeyer, under the old law, which gave the appointment of the Chief of Police to the Mayor, subject to the confirmation of the Board of Aldermen. At that time we presume the Board could have removed him, because the Power to appoint carries with it the power to remove. But in 1849 our delicious amended charter was passed, and it contains the follow- ing section :— aod Dsenbers of the Oeanuon, Conseli aay be reaered from office by concurrent resolutions of both bosrds of the Common Council: provided that no removal shall take place until the party sought to be removed has had an opportunity to be heard in his defence, and unless fu» thirds of the whole number of both branches vote therefor: and provider, also, that the cause of such removal shali be entered at large upon the journal of both branches of the Common Counell. Now, Mr. Matsell has never been heard in his own defence, and there will not probably be two-thirds of the Aldermen who will vote to remove him. He seems to be safe under this law. If we look at the police law under which Mr. Matsell holds his present appoiatment, we shall find the following :— ‘The Mayor, Recorder : licemen and doormen of the Police Department, and all officers, en and doormen of the the Police Depart- ment shall be appointec by the same Board, in the man- ner herein provided; but no member of the Police Depart- mens said be re-appointed who shall havo resigned be- fore the expiration of his term of oftee os officer, nm etna a5 tarod ct nde nsec Noreen The members of the Police Department, appoinied atter cause as hereina‘ter provided. ay be Mr. Mateell, according to this law, holds of- fice during good behavior. Atter a thorough consideration of all the points, it seems to us that the only way to remove him would be by trial before the Commissioners, who, from all we can see, have the sole power of removal and appointment. Let the party opposed to Mateell bring their charges against him before the Mayor, Recorder and City Judge, accord- ing to law. We firmly believe that he would have a fair trial and speedy judgment. Tur Cask o Juncr CowLes—We publish this morning some interesting correspondence between Judge Cowles and some of the lead- ing members of the bar in this county, It will be remembered that Judge Cowles was ap- pointed to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Bench caused by the death of Judge Edwards, Judge Cowles filled the place much to the satisfac- tion of the bar and the people, and received several nominations for the long term, The democratic party, however, having united on Mr. James R. Whiting, Judge Cowles was de- feated. A few days previous to the election, Judge Morris died, making another vacancy, and the political parties nominated candidates for the succession—Mr. Henry E. Davies re- ceived the highest number of votes cast, and claims the seat. The Governor of the State bas decided that the election was invalid—as the law requires twenty days’ notice—and he has appointed Judge Cowles to fill the yacan- ey. The letter we publish is a request on the part of a large portion of the bar that Judge Cowles will accept, which he has, bat at the same time expresses willingness to have the whole matter fully tested. We believe that the appointment is a good one; but we join with large numbers of citt- zens in requesting that the matter may be fairly settled by the courts, in order to avoid the same difficulty hereafter. Either of the gentlemen would, we doubt not, wear the judi- cial ermine with grace, dignity, ability and impartiality; but it seems tous that Mr. Davies has a right to be heard in the matter. Bad News from Kansas—Civil War at Last United State Troops Ordered to Assist the Executive. We give this morning some very bad news from Kansas Territory. The exciting ques- tions which have made that Territory have at last brought about a civil war, and the aboli- tionist factions have taken up arms against the constituted authorities, appointed under the act of Congress which erected a Territorial government, The story, as we receive it through the St. Louis papers, and the despatches of our corres- pondent at that point, is as follows:— It seems that a man named Coleman, who lives in a part of the Territory chiefly inhabited by members of the free State party, was ordered off his claim by three abolitionists. He resisted; the assaulters were armed; Coleman shot one of them, and then gave himself up for trial. His house was then burned, and his wife and children driven out of the Territory. The Sheriff of the county was resisted in hia en- deavors to arrest the guilty parties—the free State people rose in open rebel- lion and defied the law. They were arm- ed with rifles and had five pieces of cannon. The Sheriff’s posse was in danger, and the Go- vernor of the Territory wascalled upon. He issued a proclamation calling on the people to assist the Sheriff in the execution of his duty. The posse was unable to take the assaulters of Coleman, and the Governor called on tho Pre- sident of the United States for aid. The Washington papers of yesterday say that the President has ordered the United States troops at Fort Leavenworth to the assistance of Go- vernor Shannon. Many persons had been frightened out of the Territory. Companies of outlaws were being drilled daily on the prai- ries. The next intelligence from Kansas will pro- bably be that of a desperate conflict, and much bloodshed, for when those frontiersmen shoot they shoot to kill. Our previous insur- rections, such as they were, were generally bloodless battles. Of such a character was Shay’s rebellion in Massachusetts, in 1786; the Pennsylvania whiskey insurrection, in 1794; and the nullification excitement in South Carolina, in 1832. In all these cases. except Shay’s rebellion, the United States troops were ordered to the support of the authorities; but their bayonets were, happily, unnecessary. Recently, at Bos- ton, where some of these same free State men blustered about a fugitive slave, and threat- ened to rescue him “with the last drop of their blood,” the would-be rioters were frightened off by one company of artillery. We have no doubt that the effect of two or three cqmpa- nies of regular troops would be salutary in this Kansas business, but we are at a loss to see where they are to come from. General Harney has drawn off nearly all the troops from Fort Leavenworth for the Indian war, and there cannot be more than a corporal’s guard within a reasonable distance from the scene of the disturbance. It is, therefore, pro- bable that the quarrel will be a family one (and, of courss, very fierce) between the New England Aid Society’s squatters on one side, and the “border ruffians” on the other. It would be well to inquire now which are the ruffians—the men who, armed with rifles and revolvers sent from Boston and Worcester, are resisting the law, or the friends of Governor Shannon, who are supporting the legal authori- ties of the Territory as appointed by the Presi- dent under the act of Congress. The abolitionists have some fighting men among their number—men who are gulled by the Seward papers at the North—led by the nose by Garrison, Greeley, Raymond, and others of the same set, who are alone respon- sible for the blood which will yet flow in this Territory. These Northern journalists, lec- turers and orators are too careful of their precious lives to engage in what they call the contest for freedogn on the prairies of Kansas; but they are never so happy as when stirring up their dupes to murder, rebellion and trea- son, Arms and ammanition have been sent to the men of Kansas, who are excited to fury by the high sounding pronunciamentos of the abolition press. The men who fire the shots— who burn the houses—who point the artillery —who defy the constitution and the laws—are only instruments in the hands of Northern po- liticians, who skulk behind false names and at- tempt to make capital for the arch-agitator, Seward, by inciting their gulls to treason, rapine and murder. Well, the war has begun. We have said that Congress must settle the question; but the people, it seems, have taken it into their own hands. The men of Kansas have divided themselves into two parties, and their mani- festos have been placed before the public. The original settlers—chiefly Southern men— charge that the abolitionists in New Eagland have formed aid societies for the purpose of sending men and arms to control the affairs of Kansas. The aid societies answer equivocally by saying that they did not send men, they only assisted them to go. This is a distiaction without a difference. The Southern men have ranged themselves on the side of law and or- der, while the free State men, as they call themselves, are guilty of treason, as they are now in arms against the constituted authori- ties of the United States. There are already two governments in Kan. sas. The free State men refuse to acknowledge the authority of the Governor or the United States Judges, Marshals and Sheriffs, or to re- cognise the laws passed by the late Legisla- ture. Two delegates have been sent to Con- gress, repreeenting, not the people, but politi- cal factions. It appears, however, that the Southern party are in the right at present, and that they have rallied to support the law. This is what we make out of the accounts from Kansas which we received yesterday. A civil war bas commenced. Blood has already been shed and the laws defied. It seems to us that the struggle will be protracted and bloody. With a weak President, without troops, with a Congress rent into so many factions that the initiative step to organiza. tion cannot be taken, with a civil war on the frontier, with a disturbed state of foreiga re lations—with enemies without and traitors within—we ehould think that Mr. Seward and his organs would be satisfied with the mischief they have already done. But, no: this Kan- ses war gives them aboUtiun capital—it will be the great question of the coming Presiden- tial canvass, swallowing up all minor matters, and they will work it as long as possible. “engineer hoist with his own petard.” City Taxes. The tax bill, as usual, goes‘on increasing. This year Comptroller Flagg is. content to mulct us in an additional sum of $632,032 54. During the former years of his administration he was not content with éo little: two millions a year increase wasabout what he figured it. Now, he has merey upon us and only exacts a trifle over half a million more than last year. Let us be thankful for the boon. At the same time, if we are to be told day after day that Mr. Flagg is such a paragon in finance and foe to extravagance; if praises of his re- markable economy are to be dinned into our ears month after month and year atier year, one may well ask when are we to see some practical fruits of the virtue? During the three firstyears of Flagg’s administration, the city taxes increased from nine to fifteen mil- lions of dollars. When the public grumbled, it was assured that the increase was unavoida- ble, that it was due to the extravagdiice of for- mer administrations, and that in course of time the leaks would be stopped. Weare in the fourth year now, and the leaks go on increas- ing. When isthe caulking to begin? Where is this ever growing drain to end? How much will Flagg want next year? Will ten millions eatisfy him in 1860? It has already been shown more than once in this journal that the main secret of the in- creased expenditure is the capricious and par- Last year many tisan spirit of Mr. Flagg. very heavy items of expense were occasioned by unreasonable refusals to award certain jobs to the contractors: whereby the city was obliged to perform the work in question by day labor, of course at a much greater cost than the con- tractor would have charged. As an instance of the amounts which havesbeen thus thrown away, in the single department of Streets and Lamps the arrearages amount to within a trifle of $200,000. For cleaning streets alone, a sum of $107,000 has been paid over and above the appropriation for the year; in that of Re- pairs and Supplies, $52,362. There were two ways of remedying the evil. One was by al- tering the charter so as to deprive the Comp- troller of the power of defeating the object of the law and increasing the municipal tax bill to gratify his whims or his political prejudices, The other was by electing some better man Nei- ther plan has been adopted; and there is very than Flagg to the office of Comptroller. little reason to hope that this time next year the financial accounts of the city will be more satisfactory than those which are now before us, e From these we learn that for almost every city department an increased appropriation In the item of salaries thirty thousand dollars extra; in that of street cleaning, ninety thousand; in that of lamps and gas, fifty-three thousand; in that of water pipes and laying, forty-two thousand are call- will have to be made. ed for by the report. We look vainly through its long paragraphs for » word of practical economy. Retrenchment is nowhere. None of the old leaks are stopped, and new ones seem to be sprung every year. But we are wrong. There is an attempt— a distinct attempt--to save money in the Comptroller’s report. We give the passage entire:—“The estimate for painting lamp posts is reduced from $3,000 to $1,000, the same as last year. There have been abuses in regard to painting lamp posts, and the sum appro- priated should not be increased until faithfal- ness can be secured in the performance of the work.” Is not this Flagg all through? Does not every one recognize him in the attempt to save $2,000 by leaving lamp posts to rust for want of paint, while he throws away a hundred thousand dollars by mismanaging the street cleaning contracts? Gay Times Aneap.— The last California steamer brought us two millions in gold—the farmers have plenty of money from the fall crops—business is lively—amusements well patronized—hotels_ full—weather delicious, and the ladies on Broadway much more gay in their attire than Solomon when he gave audience to the Queen of Sheba. The holi- days will soon be upon us, and silversmiths, jewellers, venders of bijouterie and knicknackerie are run down with orders. Our grandmothers were satisfied with inexpensive tokens of friendship and affection, but the modera belle turns up her aristocratic little nose at any- thing which does not cost five hundred at least. Somebody's pockets have to suffer now-a-days, Tue Iron Finmyess or THE Presipent.—The Providence Journal recently called Mr. Pierce “our weak minded President.” Now, we de- sire the Journal to take it back. The President is hard as the granite and firm as the hills of his native New Hampshire. Although pressed with applications from newspaper agents all over the country, he positively refuses to al- low his invaluable message to go into type, and he remained “firm” up to the last no- counts. Such firmness on the p&rt of the Executive has not been known since the days of Jackson. One chance more for Cincinnati. Ninto’s Garpex.—To-night the Ravels nonounce a» greatly varied and attractive bill. It iv unnecessary, at this time, to speak of this famous family, but they have, thin reason, added to thetr compacy an artis of such undoubted tal nt as a danseuse that rhe is justly entitled to more than ordinary attention. Mlle, Robert has eyi- dently founded her style upon those of Carlotta wrist and Cerito, uniiing sll the rapidity, neataoss and prect ricn of the one with the voluptuous grace and pictures jus pors_of the other. The lightness aud ease with which Mile. Robert rises, ax {#Wwere, into the air, the precision of every movement, and the startling fours de force «ls» accomplishes without any evidence of @Tort or exertion, must be seen to be believed. Had she been annoanced here with a flourish of trumpets and a column of puis, we thouid have passed her over to the mercy of the vys- tor Louse critics; but a8 she is content to rest her claims upon her undoubted talent, we cheerfully commend hor to public favor. ‘The aggregate vote of the city and county of New for Secretary of State was 66,096, divided as fo Ward, 16,140; Hatch, 12,863; Headley, 20,257 6,078; Fred Dougiass, 49. King, Marine Affaire, freaven New York. —This mammoth voosei ner con. adjoin- ard in the rhort epace of eight rings {ro the bands of the butlder the largest steamer over com structed on this continent. Let us ree if they will not realize the fate of the THE LATEST HEW#. BY FLECTRIC AND PRINTING TELEGRAPHS.. Boston Weekly Bank Statement. Bostox, Dec. 4, 1855. The following is © comparative siatement of the fort irge of our bank exhibit for the two weeks anding Nov. 26 and Dee, 8:— Dec, 3, $81 960,000 48,794,000 200,900 8'700,500 4,301,000 13,280,000. 8,324/900 Capital stock si FOUR YOUNG MEN DROWNED—THREE BURNED TO DEATH. Atnany, Dec. 4, 1855. Four young men were drowned on Friday last, below Long Point light house, on Lake Ontario, in atiemptiag to take in a gill net. The house of Mra, Spelman, on Palmer Hill, Exsex county, was burned down on Sundey morning, burning to death three children, from one to nine years old. The Grocers’ Bank of Boston. - Boston, Dec. 4, 1855. Judge Merrick, of the Supreme Court, to-day continned the injunction om the Grocers’ Bank, until the 7th of January, when another hearing will take place. In the meantime all the property of the bank is placed in charge of Messrs. Charles H. Warren, Jarvis Slade, and South- worth Shaw, who are empowered to return private pro- perty in the possesmon of the bank, renew securities, and otherwise act for the best’ benefit of the parties in- terested. From Boston. ELECTION OF MAYOR AT CAMBRIDGE, DEATH OF AN EDITOR. Boston, Dec. 4, 1855. John Sargent was elected Mayor of Cambridge yester- day, by three hundred and seventy majority over Mr. Raymond, the Know Nothing candidate. A building on the corner of Causeway and Friend streete, coeupied by Messrs, Watwon & Frisbee, turners, and for other mechanical purposes, was destroyed by fire this forenoon. Loss about $20,000. Samuel Kettell, one of the editors and proprietors of the Boston Courier, died last night at his residence in Malden. Destructive Fire at Honesdale, Pa. Hongspatg, Pa., Dec. 4, 1855. A fire broke out here last evening in the large frame building known as Cornell’s Hall, owned by Thomas Cornell & Co., and oceupied by John Grady, Judah Levi,, and 0. W. Slockbower. Mr. Grady’s loss is about $6,000, for which he is insured ; Mr. Levi's is $4,000, and not insured ; Mr. Slockbower's $4,000, not insured. Thos. Cornell & Co.’s loss is $8,000, and insured for $5,000. The ttames communicated with the store house owned by T. C. & Co., in which were stored two thousand hides be- longing to Messrs. Hard, Gilbert & Palmer. Loss on hides $9,000, no insurance. Governor Throop’s loss in the building is $1,500, insured $1,000, Isaiah Hnyder’s wtore house was also badly demaged. Decision on the Liquor Law. Derrorr, Deo, 4, 1855. A Police Justice of this city to-day delivered an opinion. declaring the probibitary liquor law unconstitutional in every important respect. Destruction of Two Steamers by Fire. Crvomnan, Dee. 8, 1855. At Memphis, this morning, the steamer George Collier- took fire and was entirely consumed. The flames spread to the steamer Mayflower and the wharf boat of Duvall, Algro & Co., and they were Ukewise completely de- stroyed. No lives were lost. MA88.—FIRE— Loss of the Ship America, of Baltimore. Ricumonp, Va., Dee. 4, 1855. The b@k Isabelle, arrived at New Orleans on Satur- dey, brings intelligence of the total logs of the ship Ame- rica, Captain Berry, of Baltimore, bound from Trapani with a cargo of salt to New Orleans. The wreck oc- curred in Gibraltar bay, on the 18th of October. Crow saved, Canal Navigation—Weather, &¢. Rocuxster, Dec. 4, 1855. There is no ice in the canal here, and boats are mov. ng briskiy. The water will probably be drawn off'to- morrow, unless it is otherwise ordered. Weather delight- fal. Unica, Deo. 4, 1855, ‘Wind west and weather cool. The canul is open and there is no ice, Lyon, Dec, 4, 1855. The weather here is clear and cool and the canal free from ice. Curve, Des. 4, 1855. Weather beautiful and sun shiny, and the canal open. It freezes in the shade. Syracuaw, Dec. 4, 1855, ‘The canal is open and the weather cold, yet pleasant, Caxasonani, Dec. 4, 1865. _ The canal is in navigable condition and boate are pass- ing freely. Weather fine and growing warmer. All the boats will probably go through. Aunion, Dec. 4, 1855. Weather clear and warm. No ice in the canal. Boats move treely. Lockrort, Dec. 4, 1855, The canal is open. Very few boats here, and not many looking either way. Weather mild and pleasant. Aubany, Dec. 4, 1855. The Canal Auditor says that yesterday there wore twenty loaded boats west of Little Falla, and between Little Fails and Schenectady three hundred and fifty to four hundred, bound enst, At several points they were in crowds of twenty to thirty, working along. Between the crowds, boats singly were moving along finely. He could see no reason why ali would not reach tide water, especially as the weather is fine. It must be a severe snap of cold weather te close the canal, Arrival of the Nashville at Charleston. Cuanestox, Dec. 4, 1855. The U. 8. mail steamship Nashville arrived here after » fine passage from New York, at 12 o’clock last (Monday) night. . Markets. PHILADELPHIA STOCK BOARD. "HILADELPHIA, Deo. 4, 1855. agi tooks du. aTeznsylvania State Fives, 8346; Rendtog, 3; Long Islan } Morris Canal, 1234; 1 Sislong Wend, 18%; , 1234; Pennayle: New Onwzans, Dee. 8, 1865: Sales to-day were 6,600 bales, New ORLEANS, Dec. 4, 1855. Sales to-day 6,000 balos, at ; ne tae ery) A c35 ig Flour— Prices are a trifle er; sales at $94 $925. Ste exchange 7% per cent. premium. — Cotton bas declined 30. at Oe. a 934. for middling. Cotton has declined 140. 9a 9X0. fer miacling. Convention of the Irish Kmigrant Aid So- clety at the Astor House, FIRST DAY'S SESSION. Our resders have already boen made acquainted witir the existence of an extensive mevement among our Irish population threughout the Union, having for its mais object the freedom of their native land. How this is to be accomplished we have not been informe’, for the meetings of the society have been kept secret; bat #0 far 48 wecan ascertain from their published platform, it is in- tended to take advantage of the present atruggle in which England is engaged to invade Ireland with an armed force, and with the assistance of whatever portion of her popula Jation that may «till be found favorable to their purpose, to free the country. This in brief is the object, and the following is the pla‘form which has been presented by the Massachusetts Irish Emigrant Aid Association. and which haa been adopted by the other societies througn- out the Union:— reas, in view of the entangling alliances hetween the ‘capots of Europe, wa believer thet the good time so Jong promised has arrived when England's aulfioully has decowe Ireland's opportunity, we, the Directors of the hbusotte irish Emigrant Aid Association, haye con- ation of the trie and trusted «ont of Ireland, at@, to take counsel, deliberate and Je the speeaiont and most effectual means of con i and directing the energies of our fellow- euntrymen in a course of action perfectly eonsistent sith our duty and obligations to America, but tending to eneure the svocess of the cause of liberty in our native ~ therefore, ercived, That an address be presented to the Irish wen in tmp United States, @ iy entreating them to unite ins Bend of univ, forge ting the causes of past Civisions aud bittercess, remembering oly that their common mother is in tribolation and sorrow, that the Vand of the oppressor is heavy upon hec, and that the Almighty hae yvachse'ed to her that opportunity tyr which our fathers prayed, and wauting which they suf. fered glorious martyrdem. Resolved, That we cordially invite the co-operation of every tocisiy, order or company, pow in ex'atenco in these States, Whose cbjeet and i mn order that, bang Wound in wirorg im the faith ofa ri the errors of the p. to another, we nm which cur fathere ed abipwreck 2 apom CHILDREN -|