The New York Herald Newspaper, February 26, 1856, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD, TURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1856. WEW YORK HERALD. JauE “@ompon BENNB?®, PROPRIETOR ANP EDITOR. BROADWAY THEATRE Sroadwar—Hauws raz Hostess, om wus Fouaer Fruxp xv rue Dewon Horas. amare GABDER, Broadway Ey Kino, on Waarra cy yexry Karey. QOWERY THEATRE, Bowery—Bxoxex Vow—Famaia Sour Tusves. SORTONR THEATRES, Ubamocers sireet-Unosnt Pai- vars Avrarne—A WINTRN’S ¢ LB. JURA MERWS’S VANIETINS. Uroadway—A Moazing eae Btussce OF CoMFORT-NOVELIY, THEATRS road’ EN wal see ee way—KxicnTs Or THE BROADWAY VARIBTI“S, 473 Broadwav—Mitsv Queen wu mms Woon & Mansy Owpnas—Wanvening Muvstam, WOOD'S MINSTRELS, (44 Bronaway-Srmoruun Pus. gnmanone—Harry Man, om Taxary wits Jaran. 8 0% OFR eRPRLET'S BURLESON OPRRA BOUER, 699 Broad dew Vork, Cucsaay, 26, 1856, Muss .0f Gurvpe. MW YORK HERALD—-EDITION FOR EUROPE. Yee Cunard mail steamship Canada, Capt. Lang, will wave Boston, on Wednesday, at noon, for Liverpool. ‘Ze Eerepean mails will clore in this city at a quarter te two o'clock this afterncen. Peo Mur» (printed in Hoglich and Freneh) will be abMebed st ten o’cieck in the morning. Single copies, Pm wrapyers, sixpence. Subscriptions end acverticements for amy edition of the Naw Yoru Hxnin will be received at the folowing places in Kurope:— Eevenroc.— dc. do. 1 Rumford street. Ssvmwoo1—Jobn Hunter, 12 Exchange street, East. ‘The contents ef the European edition of the Hznurp Hi embrace the news received by mail and telegraph at he cfice curing the previous week, and to the hour ef publication. The News. The Know Nothing National Convention at Phi- ladelphia split yesterday, the delegates from New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Ohio, and parts of the delegations from Pennsylvania, Iowa and Illinois seceding. The re- galar Conyention proceeded, and nominated Mil- lard Fillmore, of New York, and Andrew Jackson Donelson, of Tennessee, candidates, respectively for ‘the offices of President and Vice President of the United States. The bolters organized a meeting, and appointed a committee to report a pian of ac- tion, but we are not advised of their subsequent pro- ceedings. Inthe United States Senate yesterday a com- munication was received from the Secretary of the Navy, stating that the Naval Retiring Board had not cent to the department any journal or other re- eord of its proceedings. The Committee on Naval Affairs reported a bill to amend the act to promote the efficiency of the navy. The bili, among other things, authorizes the President to organise as many Boards of Inquiry as may be necessary to examine the professional, moral, mental and physical qualifi- eations of any dropped officer making application for restoration; and upon a report of the facts, with the opinion of the Board of Inqnizy, he may, at his discretion, restore such officer to the yank formerly occupied before the action of the Jate board. Mr. Mason, chaivanan of the Com- mittee on Foreign Affairs, offered a reso Wation, which was adopted, calling for all the corres- pondence that has passed between Great Britain and the United States relative to the enlistment difficulty. An interesting debate took place, a re- port of which is given under the telegraphic head. The President's Kansas message was taken up, and Mr. Jones, of Tennessee, gave his views in regard to the state of affairs in the Territory. It was expected that be would reply to the recent onslaught of Mr. Wil- son upon the private character of Governor Shannon, but as that Senator's anthorized version of his re- marks did not contain the objectionable matter, or had been modified by excluding the offensive ex- pressions used, Mr. Jones merely briefly alluded to ‘that point. In the House Mr. Orr submitted a reso- lation directing inquiry as to the expediency of in- creasing the navy by the addition of fifteen steam frigates; but as there was no quorum present, the House adjourned without taking action upon the proposition. The steamship Daniei Webster arrived at New Orleans yesterday from San Juan, with San Francis- co dates to the 5th inst. The Star of the West left San Juan on the 10th for New York, with three hun- dred passengers and half a million in gold. The steamship Northern Light left this port yes- terday afternoon for San Juan. She carried out a full complement of passengers, among whom were @ large number of emigrants for the tropical groves of Nicaragua. We understand that one company of seventy young men, all skilful mechanies, organized in Newark, N. J., went out inher. A crowd of two or three thousand persons assembled on the dock to exchange farewells with the passengers, and witness the steamer's departure. The scene was an exhila- rating one. An intense anxiety to aid in the re- Reneration of Central America seemed to prevade a Yegion of yonng Americas whose boast it is that “travel on their mnscle.”” One fine specimen of the “light weights,” after a brief communion with himself announced loudly, in language more vigo- rous than polite, his decided intention of “zoin’ ont.” Did hezend for the “fifty pounds of baggage” al- Jowed each passenger by the rules of the Steamship Company? He did not. But while he exchanged a rather dilapidated jacket for a better one with one friend, le despatched another for two pounds of fresh plug tobacco—“fresh plug !”’ said he, with em- phasie—and then stepped gaily upon the vessel's deck, bound for “fresh fields and pastares new.” And of such material are the pioneers of our civi- Yization generally composed. To the Board of Aldermen last evening the City Inspector sent in a communication with respect to the contract of Mr. Forbes for the removal of offal, by which it appears that a great saving will accrue to the city. Under former contractors it appears that the offal contract cost the city $60,000 per annum; but under the direction of Mr. Morton, the city, in- stead of paying for the removal of nuisances, will receive $4,000 a yearfrom the contractor for the privilege of doing so. This, with other reforms, will reduce the expenses of the City Inspector's de- partment from about $70,000 per annam to $8,315. The revenue is $8,100—leaving the net expenditure only $215, according to estimate. Amongst other pepers received was a communication from the Finance Committee asking for an appropriation of $424 60—instead of $250%-for the funeral expenses of the late Councilman Dixon; the Committee re- pudiate, and refuse to pay the bill of the New York Daily Times for $26 for “editorially reporting!” Mr. Skidmore, a reporter of the press, was appointed in convention as Police Clerk, in the room of W. H. Canniff, deceased. The salary is £1,250 per annum. The steamer Elm City, Capt. Lewis, left this port this morning at three o'clock for New Haven, via Long Island Sound. She no doubt succeeded in forcing her way through the ice between Hellgate and Throgg’s Point, and we may, therefore, regard the navigation of the Sound as permanently opened. ‘The State of Maine left yesterday afternoon for the eastward, taking the outside passage round Long Island. The interruption of the ordinary commani- cation between this city and the Bast has been of vast injury to trade, and the resumption of naviga- tion is, therefore, an event of great importance. The Sound has this winter been closed by ice exact- Jy one month. Sneh a circumstance has not occur- red since 1935, when it was impassable for fifty- nine days. A telegraphic despatch from Richmond, ‘Ve., informs us that the James River, also, is now im navigable order. The steamer Roanoke, from this city, arrived there safely yesterday morning, to the great joy of the inhabitants. Acconnts from Gonaives, (Hayti, to the lat inst., state that Soulouque had disbanded his army, and that the invasion of Dominica had been abandoned. Peace is the rage just now, and the likes to keep in the fashion. Ws sunccati The value of foreign goods imported at the port of Boston during the week ending 22d inst., amount- ed to $1,068,295. The cotton market was unsettled yesterday, on ac- count of the foreign news. The sales were too limited to establish a standard of prices. Flour was dull at Saturday’s prices. Inferior brands were neglected, while sales of good to extra qualities were confined to the domestic trade. White South- ern corn sold at 75c., and yellow at 73c. Rye sold at $112 onthe spot. Pork was in fair demand, with sales on the spot at $15 87 a $16, closing at the latter figure; and deliverable in August, seller's option, at $15 50. Sugars were firm, with sales of 700 a 800 bhds., and 400 boxes, at prices stated in another column. Coffee was also firm, with mode- rate sales. Freighta were tolerably active for Eng- lish ports, at steady rates. To Rotterdam a British vessel was loaded with rye at 11d. Rates to Havre were unchanged. impending War with ngland—Habitual Violations of Treaties by Her. The arrival of the Asia brings us the se- cond edition of the brags and blutls of. the London Cabinet and press, touching the enlist- ment and Central American questions. The latter we regard as the only serious ground ot dispute; and in that difference we are clearly right. It is impossible to rise from an exami- nation of this question, as presented by Mr. Buchanan ard Lord Clarendon, without the fullest conviction of the justness and necessity of the American construction of the Clayton- Bulwer convention. England is not only in the wrong, but her conduct is marked by a shameless disregard of the common decencies of civilized intercourse. She has raised a question of the purest assumption. The trea- ty iteelf chontd never have been negotiated; but once done it should be executed according to its letter and spirit, It is well, in the exist- ing state of our relations with England, to re- view our diplomatic history with that country since we entered the family of States, Since the termination of the Revolutionary wer we have negotiated with England coa- ventions and treaties, which have been ratified, as follows :— Previsional Articles Armistice ......... Amily and Commerce . ty, Ccmmerce and Navigation (Jay's) Nov. 19, 1794 ‘Additional there:o Ma; Jan. 8, 1802 Treaty boundary, (Northeastern) ‘Treaty boundary g gon). Treaty, (Ciayton-Bulwer) Reciprocity... ...-s.e006 «»Mch. 16, 1855 _ Including the provisional treaty of Novem- ber 3, 1782, and the armistice of January follow- ing, it will be eeen we have concluded with England sixteen conventions, besides some ad- ditional and explanatory articles, such as seem now to be demanded by the position of the par- ties to the Clayton-Bulwer compact. Froma careful review of our diplomatic intercourse with our amiable kinemen, it would appear that the object of negotiations and conven- tions has been rather to complicate disputes than to settle and adjust them. The definitive treaty of peace in 1783 under- tock to adjust the boundaries of the United States and to arrange conditions of political intercourse between the two countries. There is nothing remarkable in the covenants of that compact—they evince fairness, friendship, and a desire to cultivate relations of amity with us on the part of the British government. We had just emerged from a long war, had fairly shown our ability to maintain an independent government, and fully to resist especially the power of the Mother Country longer to keep us in a state of colonial dependence. It was, therefore, both natural and equitable, ia ar- ranging terms of accommodation with us, that our progenitors should exercise a dae share of maganimity and seeming liberality; and we can refer to the instrument iteelf to prove that they did both. The conditions of settlement were few and obvious—that referring to the boundaries of the new government being, in the nature of things, the most difficult. Cer- tain rights appertaining to the fisheries were conceded to th2 inbabitants of the States, in- dicating on the part of the British Cabinet ex- teme moderation, if not liberality. We secur- ed the right of fishing on the Grand Bank ana the Banks of Newfoundland, in the Galf ot St. Lawrence, “and all other places in the sea” “and also on all the coasts, bays and creeks of all his Britannic Majesty’s dominions in America.” This ia sufficiently definite and obvious, leaving no earthly room for doubt as to what was intended to be conveyed. It was the broadest and most direct conveyance of authority to the people of the United States to fieh “on all the coasts, bays and creeks” of the English possessions on this side of the water. Under this authority we entered the waters in question, and by the enterprise of our people soon established a most important and lucrative branch of American commerce; and according to the treaty of 1815, the United States were to remain in complete possession of their rights in regard to their intercourae with British North America. No sooner, how- ever, had the fisheries become a source of pro- fit, and were sure to be @ nursery of Ameri- can seamen, than we were met by the British Cabinet with all sorts of limitations and re- strictions of our rights, and often their pra:ti- cal denial, by the interference of the colonial authorities, under the direction of the home government, The treaty of 1794 had been negotiated by which commercial privileges were liberally conveyed to Great Britain, and certain gene- ral rights guaranteed to the people of the United States, and amongst these, of course, the rights appertaining to the Fisheries. Meanwhile England was engaged in the Na- poleonic wars, and in 1806 issued her Orders in Council which were followed by the Berlin and Milan decrees of Napoleon. It is enough to say that in the meanwhile not the slightest regard was paid by our kinsmen either to the obligations of their treaties or to the laws of nations. The Fisheries had proved to be a most valuable nursery for our seamen, and this, with other selfish considerations, waa enough to induce the government to practi- cally deny us the rights they had conveyed by the treaty of 1783, Impressment of our seamen, to the number of several thousand followed, and our commerce was the object of piracy in all parts of the world. The Embargo followed, non-intercourse and war came in its train; and three years after, peace was agreed upon, totally ignoring the causes which led to hostilities. We backed out, and never, official- ly, till 1842, was the chief ground of complaint, that of impressment, alluded to, and then Lord Ashburton informed Mr. Webster that he had no powers under which he could negotiate on the subject. Thus, the fishery article in the treaty of peace has been made a source of almost end- less international wrangling. In vain did we point to the terms of the treaty ; we were not then a strong Power—we had waged war with our adversary and withdrew from it without redressing the grievances we complained of. It was, therefore, impossible to secure justice, and absurd to hope for an enforcement of the compact, In 1818 Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Rush negotiated another treaty, embracing the fishery dispute. It is manifest, from the terms of this latter convention, that our public men bad come to the conclusion that we had better take a half loaf; so the general rights con- veyed by the convention at Paria were vastly reduced and confined to specific districts, and theee were subsequently diluted by the British government, by insisting that we should be confined to certain lines to be drawn from “headland to headland.” The language of this construction contrasts strangely with the “coasts, bays and creeks” of the first treaty, which smack strongly of near shore description. But we yielded-—precisely because we could do no better. It was all we could get, and all we bave ever succeeded in getting, excepting a treaty now and then which has invariably ent down our rights. We have been equally and even more unfor- tunate in our intercourse with England touch- ing the bourdaries of the Union. The original convention on this subject was again all well enough. It wasnot exactly definite, but un- dertook evidently to be fair. In processsof time, bowever, under the rapid progress of this country, and the developement of valuable points here and there, it became manifest that something conld be gained by crowding us off from this and that degree of latitude or longi- tude; hence our boundary disputes were pro- longed from 1783 to 1846, a period of more than sixty years, and ended at last by the loss of about three handred miles of territory on the Pacific ocean, and extending in something of a wedge-like form into the interior; and we were equally unfortunate, though on asmaller scale, in the settlement of the Northeastern limits of the Union, A candid and fair con- struction of the treaty of 1783, and that of 1814—the latter explanatory, giving “metes and bounds” touching the question of boundary —was all that we required to entitle us to all we claimed in the Northeast and the North- west; and that was precisely what was denied us. The ink was hardly dry that legalized the last named coavention before the London Cabi- net set up a construction, touching the Oregon boundary, wholly incompatible with its cove- nants, Four years afterward that construction be- came the basis of another negotiation, and the United States so far yielded as to agree to a joint occupation of the disputed territory for ten years, and in 1828 extended this agree- ment for ten years more, and until certain no tice should be given. When this notice was finally served, and the joint occupation termi- nated, we had the satisfaction of having these two treaties quoted by the British goverament as one of the grounds upon which it claimed title. It is needless to say, when the question came up for final adjustment we backed down from 54 degrees 40 minutues to the 49th paral- lel of latitude, and put our antagonist into possession of territory we had clearly acquired by treaty with Spain and by discovery. The Oregon treaty of 1846 contains the terms of this capitulation. We not only surrendered our territorial rights ia that treaty, but con- ceded to the Hudson’s Bay Company what we are now talking of buying for over a million of dollars, Thus our boundary differences, extending through sixty-three years of negotiation, gave birth to rix distinct treaties on the subject, neither of which was ever honestly executed, possibly excepting the last, and of that we ought not to feel over confident. Itis certain. ly worthy of note that England is the only Power with which we have had these endless boundary and intercourse disputes. Our rela- tions with all other States have been cordial, friendly, and easily managed. The very covenant of the first treaty of peace, to withdraw the British armies from our territory, and to surrender up places aud things, and not to “carry away any negroes or other property belonging to the inhabitants of America,” was not noticed at all till the con- clusion of the convention of 1794, and then shamefully violated in both provisions, the subject matter of the latter of which was re- ferred to the Emperor of Ruesia, and finally dis- poeed of in 1822. It is worthy of remark that even after the award of the umpire had been given, the British Cabinet, true to its instincts, quibbled about the construction of that award, and compelled the referce, out of regard to his own position, to re-affirm his decision. The treaty of 1794, negotiated by Mr. Jay. was an unmixed blunder. So far as questions : £ Previous dispute were involved, they were ac- tually made worse; while its article in refer- ence to the trade of the British West Indies and the United States, was a palpable discrimi- nation in favor of British navigation. It required more than thirty years to get rid of this nightmare upon American trade and com- merce. It was deemed extraordinary and un- accountable that the British government re- fused to withdraw its troops and deliver up forts and places occupied by them for so long a period after the conclusion of peace; but sub- sequent events have gone far to iadicate that such refasal was matter of State policy, look- ing to further concessions from this govern- ment; and at the very moment that the Ashbur- ton treaty (1842) was being negotiated, the five great Powers of Earope were concocting a league to control the freedom of the seas, and the American negotiator, in the face of that combination, was made to guarantee concur- rent naval operations with England on the coast of Africa, That negotiation wasa “family matter,” and as usual, th» offspring was put intosubjection to the progenitor, The next point to be noticed is the Clayton- Bulwer treaty. What that convention was made for, what we were to gain by it which we did not before possess, even upon our owa construction of its terme, it is is not casy to see. We had avowed certain purpose reference to European colonization on this continent, and we made a treaty with England ia refer- ence to the operations of that Power in Cen- tral America, The intention of this govern- ment in executing the convention was to fore- close England in that direction; the result has turned up that by its terms she claims perme- nent lodgment there. What else Mr. Clay- ton thought of we know not; but certain it is, if he was at all conversant with the treaties of 1794, 1798, 1802, 1814, 1815, 1818, 1822. 1826, 1827, 1842 and 1846, and the various io- termediate constractions put upon them by tne British government, and not one of which has been executed in a spirit of fairness, he is little less than a stupid diplomatic blunderer, better fitted to manage the small concerns vf his small State than the foreign affairs of the American people. We 6o not complain of England for driving good bargains with our inexperienced diplo- matists; but having tq advantage in the trade, it is beneath the char@tter of a common high- wayman to cheat in the distribution. The truth is, the lesson which this review of oar affairs teaches is that our great progenitor is a moet slippery customer. Where he has the power it is evident that it is quite sufficient for his purposes, In this light we can see his pre- sent bluster, and better understand the motive of that infinitely contemptible mancevre to frighten the American government from its position in reference to Central American af fairs. It remains to be shown that the present is much the most important controversy we have ever had with England. We cannot recede from our position without a sacrifice of honor, safety and interest alike. Every movement of population, every sign of enterprise which comes to us trom the Pacific Ocean—from Cali- fornia, Japan and China—from mountain and from valley—from city and from couutcy-— foretells us of the future value and importauce of Central America. England sees this, and it is this fact that has made her stubboraly in- sist upon making ® lodgment in that direc- tion. We are continental neighbors, friends, projectors and proprietors on both oceans, and, at the hazard of war, should stand by our posi- tion, We have a military power great enougd to contro) affairs on this side of the water; itis our interest, and our duty, and our determina tion, war or no war, to do 80. The present bluster ot our kinsman, although extremely harmless and useless so far as we are concerned, may operate better upon the governments of the Continent. The announce. ment that Alexander of Russia and Fraacis Joseph of Austria will be present at the Peace Congress at Paris gives a decidedly continen tal aspect to that movement; and if we deno- minate the present warlike tone of the Londoa Cabinet towards the United States as an effort to show to the Paris negotiators that England is all powerful and exhaustless in resources, we have no doubt future events will wholly jus- tify us. Tue Cost oF CLEANING THE STREETS AND THEIR ConpiTIox—Waat Broapway Can Be Ciesxep For—As the city authorities have failed in their duty to clean the streets of New York properly, a number of merchants and hotel proprietors, with a very commendable public spirit, have taken the matter into their own handg, and are cleaning the front of their residences and places of business, Yesterday groups of laborers were employed in different parts of Broadway in tearing down the Alpine ridges of ice and dirt with which that busy thoroughfare is now incumbered; and if this good example is generally followed, we may hope to see, before the week is over, the main artery of our city travel in a condition that at least is not particularly disgraceful to our me- tropolis. From the parties interested we learn the fol- lowing facts with reference to the cost of clean- ing different portions of Broadway :— For cleaning block between Chambers and streets Reade $100 00 To. do. 60 00 Do, front of St, Nicholas’ Hotel 300 00 Total for three BIOCKS..,,..sseeseseer oe seve $160 00 As there are about 40 blocks between the Battery and Grace church, at this rate it would cost about $6,000 to clean Broadway between those two points; and a number of contractors have expressed a willingness to remove the dirt and clean the street for three-fourths of a cent per square foot. This sum may appear large, but surely double the sum would be trifling compared with the destruction of property, inconveni- ence to business, and annoyance to which our citizens are put by the present condition of this great centre of city trade and travel. And the conduct of Commissioner Ebling cannot be too severely reprobated for not having the uno- sightly ridge which he has raised, to disgrace our city, removed long ere this. He cannot complain of not haviog means, for the Comptroller’s report shows that the people are munificent in their outlays of money, though the use to which it has been | put is enveloped in considerable mystery. According to the books in the Comptroller’s office, there was paid out for cleaning the streets of New York, from Janusry Ist to October 29th, 1855, the sum of $275,262 42, and the probable expense for the other two months was about $60,000—in all, nearly $340,000. We cannot state the exact amount, from the fact that the books in the Comp- troller’s office, through some strange remissness on the part of Mr. Flagg, are not yet writ- ten up. The original estimate, in the tax levy, for cleaning the streets for the year 1855 wus $170,000, and this sum was afterwards swelled by an appropriation of $90,000 by the Com- mon Council, to $260,000; and again, by a far- ther appropriation, to $277,784. But even this vest sum was insufficient to meet the de- mands of the head of the street cleaning de- partment. The estimate put in the tax levy for the year 1856 for cleaning the streets is $259,224; but this sum will fall far short, if Commissioner Ebling continues to call for as much money and do as little with it as he did last year. These facts speak for themselves, Our citi- zens are taxed $300,000 a year for cleaning our streets, and yet so inefficient are the parties whose business it is to keep our ‘thoroughfares in proper order, that they are compelled to put their hands in their pockets and have dene by private enterprise what it ig the function of the city government to see performed. For this state of things there is no justifica- tion. New York is built on a long, narrow strip of land, with a rapid river flowing on either side; and with a good system of sewer- age, such a8 we have, avd with a competent perton at the bead of the street cleaning de- portment, this city could be kept ae pare and ! sweet as any in the world, and at lees expense, from its greater advantage of position. We call upon our citizens to make some de- monstration to wake up our officials to a sense of their duties, so that the stain may be remov- ed from New York of being the filthiest city in the Union, out of New Jersey. The Philadelphia Know Nothing Convention and its Interesting Results. From the rest and soothing reflections of the Sabbath, we had supposed—we had hoped, we may say--that the members of the Phile- delphia Nominating National Know Nothing Convention would on Monday morning re- aseemble in council, united like a band of brothers, recognizing “ no North, no South, no East, no West”—-no niggers—no Niacer Wor- siuPPERs—nothing In short but the Union, the constitution, and the most available candidate for the impending contest for the spoils of seventy-five millions @ year. But our hopes were speedily dished. The reassembling of the brethren yesterday, soon disclosed the fact that the repose of the Sabbath day had done them very little good—that with a considera- ble number of the delegates there could be no euch thing as the “ pretermitting” of the nigger question—and that they were prepared to desert “Sam” for “Sambo,” upon the firat provocation in the shape of what they calla “Southern slaveocrat’” or a “Northern dough- face.” Through the intrepidity of Parson Brown- low, of Tennessee, these Northern impractica-" bles were speedily brought to the test. The Convention, upon the redoubtable parson’s motion, resolved—151 to 51--to proceed to the nomination of their Presidential ticket. The excitement, of course, was tremendous; but the firet ballot was the additional feather that broke the camel’s back. Here it is:— :71 Houston . + 6 Ij. 5 3 Brooks, 2 7 Raynor. 2 ton. + 8 Campbell, of Ohio. 1 Clayton. : +1 Johnston'........cccc05 1 Total....... sevens Uh Upon this splendid beginning for the resus- citation of the dead body, of the old whig par- ty the Convention took a recess. But mark the upshot of this experiment—some “ fifty ul- tra Northern members bolted,” and set up a se- cond bolters’ convention, with Lieutenant Go- vernor Ford,of Ohio, at their head—one of the leaders of the bolting party of last June. He and his abolitionized brethren bolted then be- cause of that “ twelfth section ;” but now, that scarecrow having been taken down, they take to their heels at the first tap of the drum for Millard Fillmore. Anything but Fillmore! He signed the Fugitive Slave law— did all that he could as President to break down W. H. Seward and his schemers, and made himself altogether too popular with Southern whig slaveholders tosuit such inflammable Seward Know No- things as Col. Ford, of Ohio, and his followers. Read the proceedings of Col. Ford’s bolters’ convention. They were ready to unite with any party for freedom that would not reject them on account of “their American princi- ples.” Their line of action, then, is plain enough. Seward and hia party will accept them on those terms. They were prepared to make freedom the paramount question. They believe that the Pope is undermining our in- etitutions—that the Jesuits are at work among us—that the Irieh Catholics are their instra- ments, and that unless they are put down, Popery will ultimately rise upon the ruins of our glorious republic. But this Ford party, while believing all this, still more strongly be- lieve that freedom—nigger freedom—is the “ paramount question.” What a precious set, to be sure, are these Ford philosophers for carrying out that great fundamental idea that “ Americans (excluding the Irish and including the niggers) shall rule America!”’ That first ballot was like the opening of an immense mine of hidden treasures, old and new; but the ominous ascendency of Fillmore, a live old straight whig, was the signal for the bolt and the indignation, the consternation, and all the interesting scenes which ensued in both divisions of the Happy Family. There has been nothing of the kind in any national con- vention of any party to compare with this Ford split, neither before nor since the exit of the Van Buren delegates, full of rebellion aud disasters, from the convention which nomi- nated Gen. Cass. There were “curses, not loud, but deep,” by the Webster men at Baltimore when General Scott was nominated; and there were plentiful symptoms of “open treason” at Philadelphia against that slaughter house nomination of General Taylor; but the Van Buren split of 1848 isthe only thing in our political history which, from the beginning to the end, is analogous to this Ford bolt from the national Know Nothing camp; for the one and the other rest exclusively upon the “para- mount question of (nigger) freedom.” “Like causes produce like effecta”—old, but apropos, In 1848 the democratic party was grounded upon this “paramount question of nigger freedom;” in 1852 the late great whig party was ehattered into fragments among the same breakers; and the prospect now is vividly presented of the utter destruction of this new American party, upon the same perilous shoals, in ite first attempt to put to sea, The regular Know Nothings, as will be seen by our telegraphic reports, have placed in no- mination Millard Fillmore and Andrew Jack- son Donelson. These names are very sugges- tive, and the subject wil] rece.ve attention from us hereafter, Our Dirricunties wits EncLanp—Tue Feev- ing at THE OruEr Sipe or tuk Warrer,— We publish to-day two remarkable and interesting docaments—one a history of the Central American question, taken from the London Times of January 31, and the other history of “Recruiting in the United States,” which has been publish- ed in London in pamphlet form, and which has attracted a good deal of attention. The value of the Zimes’ article is derived from the clear analysis which it presents of the views and arguments of the English government on the construction of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty. Tt will eave those who wish to understand the merits of the question without wading through amaes of official correspondence, some trou- ble. Better still, it will leave the impressipa on the mind of the reader that, notwithstand- ing the thoroughly partisan view which it takes, the writer is conscious of the weakness ot his case. From this it is evident that the Central American question will never be suf: fercd to become a casus lelli between the two countries. The history of “recruiting in the United States” gives us the Exglish popular view of the difficulty, as contra-distingushed from justification of the English Minister, proved by the fact that after Mr. Crampton had had an apparently candid explanation with Mr. Marcy on the subject, he proceeded to meet the: Governors of two of the English provinces for the express purpose of conspiring with them to evade the laws of the United States. Under such circumstances, the writer very justly says that the apology of Lord Clarendon became only an additional insult. He exonerates the Ameri- can government from the imputation of undue harshness in preesing this matter, and states that. although they have it in their power, and pos- sees a mass of evidence sufficient to prosecute to conviction two of the English Consuls, they had generously refrained from doing so—a marked contrast with the condust of the King. of Pruesia, who recently, for a much less grave. offence connected with this same matter of foreign enlistment, imprisoned the E£aglish Coneular Agent at Cologne. From the honesty and boldness of this reasoning it will be seen that the American view of the question {s fally appreciated by the moderate portion of the Hag- lih public, and that if General Pierce had had. the nerve to do 38 he ought to have long since done—namely, given Mr. Crampton his walk- ing papers—the proceeding would have been approved of by all men of common sense and correct fecling at the other side of the water.. That in the face of such opinions there is any serious ground for apprehending a war be- tween the two countries for either of the mo- tives involved in the questions now pending, we do not believe. However much the Eng- lish government and press may bluster, the practical shrewdness of the Englith people will prevent their vaporing being pushed to the extreme of such folly. Like us, they look upon the present differences as involving merely the fate of an administration. They know that if Lord Palmerston and his col- leagues were to go out of office to-morrow their successors would probably take an entirely dif- ferent view ot them. It is not likely, therefore, that they will suffer themselves to be embroil- ed with us for the sake of such purely personal and passing interests. Wallach’s—“'The Knights of the Roun@® ‘Tabie.” A fine house greeted Planche’s drama of ‘' The Knights of the Roukd Sable,”’ which was played at Wallack’s, for the first thme in this country, last evening. The action of the piece is supposed to transpire in the time of George the First, a fact which enables the mansgement to represent the scenery, costumes and appointments of that period with great accuracy, and with that perfect knowledge of stage effect and regard for detail that marks the production ot every picce at Wallack’s, and in this respect compares most favorably with establishments of much greater pretensions. The plot of this drama is an involved and exciting one, and has the merit of interest- ing the audience from the opening to the closing scene. It turns upon the misfortunes of Perdita, (Mrs. Hosy,) who had been stolen while young by a gipsey, and who is in the interesting predicament of not know- ing who her wcther is untif the Jast scene, when she turns out to ke a Countess, and dead, leaving her “avghter heiress te her titles and large estates. Leonard D’Arcy (Dyott), her half brother, though know- ing his sister to be alive, and perfectly aware of her pre- sent position, takes no means to inform her of ber real station and fortunes, but repo:ts that she is dead, and seizes upon her estates, the best part of which he squan- ders in gamblivg. When in» desperate strait for want of money he is tempted by a Captain Cozens (Leste), handsome, dashing, mysterious scoundrel, who knows everything, as all stage villains do—whereas in real life they don’t know half as much as honest people, or eve they wouldn’t be roguer—who being in pes- seasion of the knowiedge that D’Arcy’s sister is alive, and also of her whereabouts, tempts him to join @ fratenity known as the Knights of the Round Table, whom commonplace, worldly people would call swindlery, and not without reason, as they display as pro ‘ound a disregard for the rights of ndividuat Property as the most violent French socialist could de- sire. However, the drama ends by Perdita being re- stored to ber right through the aid ot General Grantley: (Norton), a heavy old gentleman, laboring under » severe depression of spirits, in consequence of an un- fortunate afaire du cwur, he having been in love with her mother, assisted by Tom Titler (Walcot), an accsn- tric fencing master, ard Peggy Poplin (Misa Gannon), a charming little milliner, who is in love with and even- tually marries Titler. While this drama is interesting, and will no doubt have a long run, from the splendid manner in which it is put upon the stage and acted, it cannot be considered an artistic success. To maintain permanent possession of the stage, » piece must either have great literary merit in the construction of the dialogue, or else it must give an opportunity for the deli- neation of original character. The reason why “She stoops to Conquer,” the “Rivals” end similiar plays are always fresh and attractive is, because they represent indivicualittes in the way of character, and have dialogues rparkiing with wit, and rich with genuine feeling, which the ‘Knights of the Round Table” and nine-tenths of our mo¢ern dramatic productions have. not. This piece was capitally performed. Walcot gave the: character of Titer an amusing significance that was hardly justified by the text, but which was highly relish- ed by the audience. Miss Gannon made a, delicious lttle- milliner, and Mr: and Mr. Lester were very effective. in their respective is. Mr. Dyott made rather an old locking young gent 2, In response to # unanimous eall, the ‘Knights of the Round Table” was announcad for pr a every evening this week, It is well worth weoing. ‘Williamsburg City News. IncENDIARY Fire.—-Yesterdsy afternoon, about 3o’clock, ‘a fire was discovered in an anoccupred dweliing house in Second strest, near North Sixth, Eastern district, owned LAr Cavanagh. It was soon extin; ed. about Tae ican ins urauce the Fulton C.m- pany. The fire was kindled by an ince: it of Ember which was being used 0 repair te eae, sid Bexerit 10 A Disapuep Finewan.—It will be resol- lected that during a fire in the Eastern district, last tall, Mr, Wm. Mershon, then a member of ine had the fingers of one of hia hands crushed 90, badly that amputatiou became necessary, This misfortune of course has dfsqualified him from ‘attending many kinds of business. In consideration of tuis the Williamsburg re yee reas give a ot limentary Lend ‘oD, On Thursday night, and the will be ap- piled for the benefit of Afr’ Mershon. Laeace de 3 Sixth Avenue Propert: J. Bicecker, Suctioneer, wil well, at the Mercvante’ Exchange, on Wed esd xt, the valuabie property corner of avenue rley place, consisting of one dwelling house and five stores with dweilings above fitle perzect. ‘T'wo of purchase money may remain on mortgage, For maps and terms, see Auctioneer, No. 7 Broad sireet. Frank Les!! Illustrated Newspaper, No. 2, contains a portralt of Benator Robert Toombs, view of the. Polloge of Surgeons, and portraits of Movens And JJ9 afield. ° : jaa oaton Dai 3 PO aed ways: is the best ever pub 10. contains portraits of Milbuo, West, the paint The Masion Star (Md ) says ehade,”” Prank Leslie's Ilustratea New Ne 11, contains the ¢reat picture of We:hingtor hoot twenty otber beauiiiul engravings, Potarm's Ragee tt “orf aa than anything of ihe kind hitnerva Puvitshod Frank Lesiie’s Mastra 12, contains portraits of ON 4 Brady, Eaq., the steamy hip ful engravings, ‘the Buion triumph in Americanart,”” spaper, No- Persia, and trenty of ie eee: Rogue Comet sayst—"It ts a great New and Popular Maste thom: ic—By Thomas Baker “The State Statt Polka,” : lored vignette tte: price 60 comune Teena Guat vast on aire from the opera, introd: 4 ‘These BAKER, 233 Broadway, and all musis stores. vgitly at "Milo! AS Clothing at Wholesaie.—W. We to Inform Fonthern and Western merchants thet our stock. i surcmer oiothing, just mauutucwored, contains ‘he eigen: ~ Hlety of ebaice siy.eR for men’ rangid from ‘he low priced. 9 10 the aria Hi sg . up in our uawal superios st . i 60,, do6, 200 and 260 Broadway, corner ‘arree th 7%