The New York Herald Newspaper, June 11, 1856, Page 12

12 WOTICES OF NEW PUBLICATIONS. ‘THE CHSVALIER WIKOFY’S NEW WORK. We have received the proof sheets of the first chapters of the Chevalier Wikoff's new work on European politics and diplomacy, which is about to be published simultaneously in London and New York. These important subjects are handled in the Chevalier’s usual off hand and lively style, and pre- sent the leading questions and politicians of the day under quite a new aspect. They give us, in fact, an inside view of much that we were only su- perficially acquainted with. The Chevalier has been 80 intimately mixed up with the intrigues and move- ments of the European governments for the last dozen years, and has had such close relations with the principal actors in them, that no man living is better qualified to enlighten us as to the secret springs and motives of the events which have re- cently agitated the world. Né dans le serail il en connait les detours. He belongs to that class of roving, prying amateur diplomatists, half coxcomb and half literary, of which that astute statesman, Prince Kaunitz, bod at once so great a dread and made such frequent use. It is related of this Minis ter that he enjoined the Aust representatives in London and Paris to keep «+ a religious distance all the men who, like \ikoff, are continually flut- tering about the embassies in the expectation of picking up information that may be turned to useful account. Jo the German legations just the reverse instructions were issued. There diplomacy, like a mirror, was intended to reflect just as mnch or as little as was suffered to transpire of the political movements at the superior courts, The Austrian statesman, though childish in the excessive egotism of his character, was yet no mean judge of human nature. He knew when and where to employ the men whom he either distrusted or feared, so as to render their peculiarities harmless or profitable, as the case might be. ‘The present Emperor of the French is remarkable for the possession of the same intuitive perception of the useful qualities of those whom chance throws in his way. He met Wikoff when in exile, and suc” ceeded in impressing him, not only w'th the great” ness of his talents, but with a conviction of the splendid destiny that waited him. He could not have better chosen his man. He knew that the Chevalier, in desiring to profit to the utmost by the honor of his acquaintance, would, in his turn, be come the trumpeter of his views, or at least of 80 much of them as he was then desirous of confiding to the world. Of the acenracy of his calculations we have a proof inthe account, published by the Chevalier some years ago, of his conversations with the prisoner of Ham. Wikoff acted the part of a faithful Boswell, and swallowed implicitly all that the Prince poured into his ear. Although duped, like the rest of the world, by the democratic fervor of the Idées Napoleoniennes, itis but due to the penetration of the Chevalier to say that he was one of the first to recognise the great abilities of the Man who has since raised himself from the position of an obscure adventurer te that of the virtual ar biter of the destinies of the world. Lord Palmerston was not equally happy in his ap- preciation of the serviceable qualities of our author. Unlike Kaunitz and Louis Napoleon, he did not possess the faculty of putting the right man in the right place. The circumstances of the Chevalier’s connection with the English government show that had he been properly managed, he might have éeen made a most valuable instrument of, and per- haps have saved, the administration from the conse- quences of some of their own errors. Wikof, as our readers probably recollect, distinguished him- self during the debates on the constitution in the Constituent Assembly of France, by the publica- tion of some articles in the Siecleand the Presse, showing how the principles which had guided the framers of the constitution of the United States might be usefully applied to the work then in hand. ‘The ability and extensive political information dis- played in these articles procured for their author the notice of some of the leading politicians in the French capital, and amongst others, the then Sec- retary to the British Legation. Afier sounding Wikoff as to his views, and as to his disposi- tion to accept employment under the Eng- lish government, this gentieman gave him o letter of introduction to Lord Palmerston, armed with which our chevalier immediately start- ed for Broadlands, his lordship’s country seat, near Southsmpton, and there concluded hs bargain with the minister. Of what occurred between them, and of the precise character of the mission entrusted to him, respecting which there has been some doubt, we presume that we shall be fully informed in the future pages of this book We shall not attempt to anticipate Wikoff's own account of the matter, but shall content ourselves with accepting the generally received idea of his functions, which were those of manager general of the French and American press, in the joint interest of England and the United States. Of the chevalier’s capacity fur this post we need not remind our readers, after the dis- play which be made of his abilities in this line las year, in bis joint management of that most unman- ageable body, the Directors of the Academy of Music, and of the New York presa in connection with it. Whatever may have been his instractions, he certainly rendered great service to the British government in Paris, during a most important and anxious crisis of its affsirs, the advanteges of the entinte cordiale not being 80 well under- stood by the red republicans as by the old citizen king and his imperial successor. It was by Wikoff that General Changarnier’s project of landing an army of invasion in England, and un- gallantly knocking the wails of Buckingham Palace about her Majesty's ears, was first communicated to Lord Palmerston. The Chevalier had the honor of doing that which no man ever did before him—of giving the Duke of Wellington a twenty-four hours colic from pure apprehension. From some cause or other, with which we suppose we shall be made ac- quainted in the present work, Lord Palmerstoa quarrelicd with his agent; it may be from jealousy of the superior diplomatic skill which he displayed in his mission, or it may be from that lamentable defect of ingratitude, which, since the time of Sir Robert Walpole, seems inherent in British Ministers, ‘The vindictive part which his lordship acted in that anfortunate and memorable affair, which consigned oar author toa Genoese prison, did not of course tend to soothe the feelings excited by our author's dismissal from his post. Hence the desire of the Jatter to illustrate Lord Palmerston as he ilinstrated his quondom flame, Miss Gamble, and his quondam associate, Napoleon IJI. Hence the origin of the present work. Apart from any special object of this kind the book possesses an interest which will recom mend it to all clasces of readers. The Chevalier has | geen ¢o much of the world and of its celebritie and from the peculiat constitution of his miad has such a tendency to persiflage and gossip, that he never fails to amuse, even when he dves not excite people's sympathies. He belongs essentially to that clase of writers who under the Regence and the reigns of Louis Quatorze and Louis Quinze, impart- ed to French literatare some of its most piquant, if Mot most instructive and moral features. At once & politician, diplomat ani fop, with an audacity equal to that of De Grammont, a sang froid and in- wensibility equal to that of Talleyraud, and a conf- ence in his own powers of fascination eqnal to that of Brummnel, he 'acks but one thing necessary to attain the success of al! three —an age to appreviate Zhe combination of such dashing qualities. Asa specimen of the character of the work, w+ shall quote the account given by the Chevalier of bis first visit to the Elys‘e after the elevation of Louis Napoleon to the Presidency, and which, by the by, reminds one of the witty epigram, Ubique Fn hic primus, applied to the Emperor Jo- A DINNER AT THE ELYORE. In March, 1849, the public eye was bent with sua sorutiny en the Goustituent Asspmbly in per- NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE ll, 1856. manent session at Paris, This body was the pro- duct ofthe universal euffrage of France, immediate- ly after the revolution of 1848, and it was, therefore, the reflex of the popular sentiment at that moment. was , the minorit former is, therefore, acco’ alee to the best means 0! ging their political preponderance. eeoeee ‘sagacious enough to see that the only mode of preserving their popniarty se to ef- fect those reforms that up to time the people had failed to obtain from the monarchy. Soon after they met in May it was 80 a) ago that they meant to touch as little as ponte the organization of France as the monarchy had left it, that a portion of the Parisian populace, at the instigation of Louis Blanc, made 8 cemonstration a: ¢ them, and only amonth later nearly the whole populace of Paris rose in arms to overthrow them. A republican chief, General Cavaignae, undertook successfully to defend the Assembly, and was rewarded by being made the Sprig head of the State, with the title of “Chief of the Executive Power.” The As- sembly then commenced the business for which it was especially elected, the structure of a new consti- tution, that was duiy carried by the majority, but ihey avoided submitting it to the approval of the French people. I will reserve my remarks on this nstrument for another place. What the people of France finally thought of the constitution and the Assembly that voted it may be gathered from the overwhelming rejection of the representative of both, General Cavaignac, when he came forward as the oppenent of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte for the Presidency of the republic. On that occasion the upper, middle aud lower classes united to mark their condemnation of the republican politicians, who had proved themselves either incapable or false. The Assembly remained in session after the election of the President, but for want of equal par liamentary ability the republicans fell in a measure under the sway of the monarchists. This body was to dissolve, by the terms of the constitution, on the election of a new lapenees in May, 1849, and at the time I am speaking of—the month of March—the republican ae ae was sinking lower still in public estimation, by unseemly brawls with the monarchists on the subject of tneir party inte- rests, entirely forgetting the popular cause they were sent to promote. The President of the assem- bly was M. rrast, ex-editor of the National, al- ready spoken of, and the number of brilliant enter- tainments he gave had procured him the sobriquet of the “petit Marquis.” From the profound dissatis- faction of the public, high and low, it was consider- ed certain at the forthcoming election the monarch- ists would obtain the majority, and Messra. Theirs, Molé and Berryer were in high spirits at the pros- pect. At this delicate juncture the President was, perhaps, the only manin France that understood his own position and the state of the public mind. The politicians of both parties, and of all shades, were entirely engrossed with their party or personal inte- rests. “The President saw their error, and wisely re- solved to avoid identifying himself with any of them, but to remain in a pertectly neutral position. The republicans could mot accuse him of being against them, whilat the monarchists believed he was secret- ly with them, which led M. Thiers to hope, with his aid, to get back the Orleanists, whilst M. Berryer calculated equally on him to restore Henry V. The French people, meanwhile, had their gaze fixed on President Bonaparte, and were conten! to wait, as they knew, by the constitution of M. Marrast, he had no power to serve them if he wished. This was the complicated state of t'ings when [ received, one day in March, an invitation from the President to dine with him at the palace of the Elysée, already men- tioned. I was saree and flattered at this prompt mark of bis friendly remembrance, but I did not a!- low my self love to overrate it. T attributed it at once to that good taste and kind feeling so charac- teristic of the Prince Louis Napoleon, and not to any desire to renew his former relations with me, which, in his present exalted position, it wonld have been presumptuous to expect. I felt very curious, indeed, to know something of his state of mind on the amaz- ing revolution in his fortanes since I saw him last, in May, 1847, an exile in London. I remembered still his parting phrase, “J’attends /zs evenemeus” (I am waiting events), which indicated that if his hopes were inflexible, he felt it useless to wrestle longer with fate. I was still more eager to ascertain his po- litical views, and to divine his futare policy, but I did not for a woment deceive my-elt, nor underrate the Prince. I felt sure his tact was quite adequate to the occasiou, and that, whilst avoiding his old fami- liarity, which might embolden me too‘much, that he could still show he was not unmindfal of the fact that I was the only oue, not interested in the resu't, who cherished a profound belief in his final suc- cess, when all else pronounced it @ shallow delusion. Jn the dreary solitude of Ham, after five years of imprisonment, and forgotten by the world, the visit of even so humble @ person as inyself was cheerin; to him, as 1 afteevact learnt, not only as an act oi persoral devotion, but as a proof his fortunes could not be utterly desperate, since a foreigner, and withcut a motive, -till persisted anshaken in his faith. I drove at a few minutes before the hour ramed on the day in question to the Elys¢e, and oa entering the first saloon I found several members of the President's household assembled. I recognized amongst them his faithfal friend and physician, Dr. Conneau, who through every vicissitude had re- mained true to his trust. No one could have divined in the mild countenance and the ie but genial demeanor of Dr. Conneau, that his sagacity, firm- ness and courage had, in many trying emergencies, rendered services far more precions than any his professional skill had ever been called on to afford, and it is not to be wondered at that he held so nigh a place in the affectionate esteem ot his august atron. I fell into pleasant chat with my former ac- aintance, expecting every moment to see the vresident enter the room, as I supposed the dianer was only to be, in common psrlance, a family party. I was of a sudden surprised to hear the ushers an- nocnce “ Monsieur Thiers,’ who passed through into an adjoining saloon cf grander dimensions. Im- mediately after M. Molé was announced, then M. Kerryer, M. Mentalembert, General Changranier, and others of little less celebrity. It turned out that it was a grand dinner of state that the President was giving, and I found myself not a little elated at coming so unexpectedly into contact not only with the most illastrious names of the day, but the very men who aspired to shape the future destinies of France. I strolled along into the principal saloon, where I found the company was gathering to await the coming of the President, and I ensconsced ay self in a quiet corner, talking the while with an aid- de-camp in waiting. On the opposite side of the room smal! groups of two or three were collected about the political oracles I have mentioned, who were conversing in under tones, but with consider- able animation. As my glance fell in turn on the distinguished persons before me, it was natural my mind should revert rapidly to the singular features of their different careers. There was M. Thiers, with the star of the Legion of Honor on his breast. Of bumble extraction, he came to Paris at 24, and began life in a gairet. ple on @ ne’ aper, his literary tulent raised him’ as once ing public opinion running against the p-iest-ridden government of Charles X., he wrote a democratic history of the first revolution, and so hastened the sect when he became a minister of Louis Philippe. Finally discarded by the King, and fore- seeing his downfall, he began Konapartising france by @ dazzling history of the Consulate and Empire, and Louis Napoleon came sooner than h» expected or wished. Writer, orator, statesman; brilliant, pro- found and unscrupulous, M. Thiers i+ an antagonist any ru'er might fear. Is the President a match for this political Titan’ The result will show. Count Molé is listening to him. The Count, though of an- cient lineage, owed his title aud everything to the first Napoleon, whose fortunes he never avaudoned. He was more than once ene minister to Louis ae High respectability more thin great talent is the secret of his distinc ion. M. Berryer is near bim. The first advocate of France, and the poli ical champion of a hopeless cause. Splendid talents, lofty character, chivalric nature. He de- fer ded the Prince Louis Napoleon in 1°40 before the Chamber of Pests. The Count Montalembert stands apart, pround cynical in manner and disposi- tion. An orator, devoted to church influence, he would revive the middie ages if he couid. General Changarnier, cold and haughty, promenades about ough impatient for the enéreé of the President. soldier ot fortune rose rapidly in the African campaigns. under Louis Philippe, and if as success- ful in politics aa in strategy, he will play a promi nent part hereafter. My inind was pleasantly en gaged with these retrospects (or some little time when the company having ail arrived, the President was duly announced,and a moment after entered the saloon. His guests bowed low and remained silent. To my astonishment, and still more to that ot his distinguished convives, ue advanced directly towards me, and shaking my hand, with a friendly word or two, passed over t» receive the salutations of hiscompany. I was at uo loss to understand this delicate attention of the Prince, whose eye happened to fall on me, etandiog almost alone, the side op- pa to the remarkaile persous | have imentioned. Je knew me to be the bumblest of his guests, and intended. by anact of condescension, to put me at my eave, and to show his consideration for an old partisan. Iwent on talking with the aid decamp near me. Presently the President “slaty hed me ogain—*You don't know Count Molé, f think?” he suid. “Come with me, I wish to present you to him.” Bowing, I followed across tne room, amid the evident surprise of the com»any, who looked on tne a8 some illustrious unknown, little dreaming that Iwas @ Yankee and ademocrat. ‘Count Mole,” said the Prince, “I wish to make you acquainted with an old friend of mine who has twice crossed the At antic to pay me a visit.” Of course I was re- ceived by the it with the test cortliality; but if the Prince had stated [ had twice come from ghe moop, his puasled guesta cold baydly harg to know who what he Intent, rales ot the Presiaent, love of bu- I on a of M.Thiers was on the left of the Presi- Berryer for his neighbor. General hangarnier was visd-vis to the President. Nothing could exceed the ease, affability, and self possession of the Prince. No affectation in his manner, noettort in his conversation, he maintained the ity of his position with natural but imposin, ity. The situation of the President was a one—a stran- ger to France, and but newly acquainted with her greatest statesmen, it @ rare combination of qualities, mental and moral, to acquire the ascen- dancy he had clearly obtained. Conversation at ta- be Shes fe in an heel tone. Pele grey fe his dinner, occai ® commen! upon some remark he chose to Poeadicar: T fel! into easy chat with Count Molé, who, fancying that I was deep in the confidence of the President, gave unreserved expression to his opinions on the strange events of the past and the ts just dawning. His ast ment was almost ludicrous when I proclaimed in reply the strong democratic notions that possessed me. I stated my belief that the time had come when more than par- liamentary discussion was necessary to meet the de- sire of France for material progress, and that unless the Prince and his advisers gave heed to the national conviction, that, perhaps, the gulf of revolution was not finally closed. The ex-Minister of Louis Phi- lippe really seemed not to comprehend me, for so ab- sorbed was he in Parliamentary intrigues, and so embedded in routine, that plain common sense sounded like the jargon of an uw! wo land. He stared at me fora moment, and then concluding that I was only employing one .to conceal my real opin, went on with repast, The Presi- dent, ! could see, was not unconscious of what was going on, and, I fancied, was trpiug to conceal his amusement at the unexpected collision of a staunch monarchist of the old school, like the Count Molé, with an American demccrat, who looked at facts as they were, and at things asthey ought tobe. About the middle of the Peas M. Thiers raised his voice, and gave utterance to his indignation against the in- tolerable licentiousness of the press, which respected. neither place nor person. He called attention to one of the morning papers that had outraged de- cency in its coarse vituperatior of the President. The note was caught up till every one at table had joined in the chorus of anathema against peccant journalism. When the tide of sympathetic hor- ror had fairly exhausted itself every eye was turned upon the President, whose feel- ings, it was hoped, might be touched, and, above all, whose opinion on this vital point it was thus artfully sought to extract. The silence was rofound. The President seemed to reflect, when raining his glass of the few drops it contained, he remarked, “Every one, of course, has his own point of view. Ican comprehend your dissatisfaction at the licence of the press, and your anger at their violent attacks upon myseli’; but, Messieur:, shall [ own the truth ¢” Every head converged towards the Presi- deut. ‘I read these diatribes,” he continued, ‘each morning at breakfast, and I assure you they afford me so much amusement, that I am kept in good hu- mour for the rest of the day.” It was with an effort that I suppressed my mirth at the blank disappoint- ment I detected in every face around me. The din- ner ended without further incident, and the Presi- dent leading the way, as before, the company return- ed tothe drawing rooms. I joined M. Berryer, whom Thad not met since my arrival, and after c! awhile, playfully remarked on my satisfaction a: seeing him in the palace of a republican President. He smiled significantly, whilst he added that, ‘in times like these @ luckless politician was ly re- sponsible for what he said or did.” During our din- ner Mr. Brett, so well known for his telegraphi> en- terprise, had obtained the permission of the.Prince to run a wire through the various saloons of the pa- lace, in order to exhibit to him some striking im- provements, jointly invented by himself and an American associate. As the preparations were go- ing on, I happened to be standing near the Presi- dent, when M. de Montalembert came up, and with that cynicism so characteristic of the man, remark- ed, in asncering tone, “Qu'est que vaut tout cela?” — (Whatis a!l that worth?) pointing to the tele, Tee I shall never forget the genuine look of astonish- mentof the President. ‘What is all that worth,” he anges mechanically, ‘‘Mais c'est la civilization" (Why, itis civilization) he added. “Oh, le beau mit?” (Oh, the fine phrase,) retarned M.de Montalembert, in real disdain. The President said no more, but turning, talked with Mr. Brett. Whenall was ready the President was solicited to make the first experi- ment, and he wrote a single line to the effect “that M. Berryer dined at the Elysée’on — day of March, is49,” which was doly printed on slips, and passed round amongst the guests. The simple use of M. Berryer’s name, who was accidentally standing by when the President was called on for a phrase, threw all the politicians present, I could observe, into deep rumination. What could it mean, was @ mystery that likely cost them whole days of panei, The wires were soon taken down, and the company be; nea e disperse. On going, I advanced to thank the President for the honor of his invitation, and the interest that meeting so many remarkable men had afforded me. In return, the Prince was kind enough to express his satisfaction at some publications of mine, during the summer of ’48, wherein eres my convictions of his being called to the head of france £0 positively that the French Minister at Washing- tou, M. Poussin, pronounced me quite mad. ‘ As often happens,” remarked the Prince, playfully, “I dere say you are not a little surprised to find all your predictions at last 89 completely verified.” ‘* How- ever that may be,” I replied, ‘‘Iassure your Highn2ss that it is fortunate for me as weil as for France that you were elected.” ‘ How so?’’ inquired the Presi- dent. ‘“ Simply because I foretold your success with such unqualitied confidence, that I should have beca a loat prophet if the event had turned out otherwise.” Bidding the Prince good night, I wended my way home, fully occupied with my reflections. I” have detailed the incidents of my first dinner at the Dlyste with some minutenesa, with @ view to convey a more vivid impression of the actual state of things at this interesting epoch. Ex-President Tyler's Letter to a Biack Man, (Frem the Buffel Advertiser, Juny 4.] We cheerfully give placs to the following letter. It carries sufficient explanation of the circumstances uader which {t was written on its face. Hope Batler isa well bebaved colo:ed map, who has resided among us for ceveral years, and is favorably known to many of our citizent:— Surrwoop Form, Cmaanras Crry County, Va., May 21, 1856 My Goon Frinxp—I was highly gratified in the receipt of your letter of the 4th Mey, and shail not fait to mate buown your kicd rem«mbrances my brother, Doctor Wat H. Tyier, when [I see him. His post office ia thy “ Olé Caureb, Hanover county,” an¢ he would be vary muck pleased to receive a letter from you. Mr. Wiliam Ailen is resict ; Claremont, having married Misr Jessup, from Canace, and Mrs, Orgain lives at Berkeley, she birthptace of G mm, whica she purchered in the last two yeaze. Doctor Mings, afer baving sold out here and emigrated to A’aberra, tas returped te Virginie, and purchaas! the ferm formeriy occupied by Mr. Uocke, rear to Fiowes de huncred. Mr Francie Ruffin etill ives at Cabin Poiat, enc General Heivey in Richmond. I reg-et to say thst cur exesient frierde Para Crumpand Dr. ber: Butler, have paid the great deat of mature. Two more estima sie men rorely, fi ever, livec. Thea beve I given you an account of all thoxe you ia- quired after, end I cout not but that esch of them who now live wou'd moat cordially salute you wherever they et you, whetner in your old ns ive Virginia, or adop’ed State cf New York. Theysiy you true in segatd to the penalties imposed on tree persons of color returning to this Stete. But it waytray te asid that the s'ringency of our laws is eniuele to be @cribec to the factious iaterference of bore who are cverwo-e engaged in :he task of distarb- irg their neighnore, sather than to the soirtt and feelings ot our cwn people, You were always treated with atten- tion and res pee? by th's people, becwu to be corr I your dea fous and fa engegr men nd you eau wel avouch men who conduct themss'ves becomiogly reated at all limes with oontieratin There are no types of Uncle Tom ant h corieg he period of bis quie; and happy ho: all your all oviored +, Cimtr. {bad the pleasure ¢f meeting with Mr. Cook last year, at Saratega, suc through bia maade enqulties concsrning you. Jem gisd tbs! he made kaown tue fact to you, ai to ft Tam tne+b ¢ your letter. 1 ¢ fa mentionieg your remambrancy: esired, ane am gratified ty learn that i age you continue to ex joy god heatta. cortinae to be. Sach is the sin iad apects merit without cistinetio: race, Vers truly your friend, JOHN TYLER, Mr Horr Boticr. Cowntprna AFratr IN Boston.—Considerabje ex- citerment wes creased in the viciarty of etores numbered treet. this forenoon, by the sppsarancs uth resicing in Cambri¢ge, who was on the lrokeut for a clerk ia ® shoe store in the immed ate vi- cinity of the latter number. Tue Cambridge gentleman Gieeevered the chject of bis rearch in @ store toree or four doors from thet in which he is emyl>yed, and imme- & stout cowhide and comwmenced isying it well cn are about the bead and aboulders of the clerk, 1d took refugein bis employer's store, but was purrued: ‘avd sundry fofile:ed upon him there, (te cowh'ding lefc distioet marks on his face and neck. The onvee of this at'aek ia said to be the fact. that the clerk bys on more than one ocsasion invulted the wife of the avsauiting perty, his tosul's being 99 gross thet the la¢y bas refrained from leaving ber house for several weeks past. trom fear of theig repetitiqn~-Boxon Jour- tah, Jung 9 Our San Francisco Correspondence. San Faancisco, May 5, 1856. The City and County Consolidation Bill—Suite and Claims—Publie Offices and Public Pay— State of the City Wharves—Attempt at Official Bribery— Weather and Trade—Chinese Idolatry and Chinese Murders—Gambling and Lynching— The Drama at a Low Bbb— Miss Oatman’s Grant and Other Appropriations—Escheated Estates Bill—The United States Senatorship—Chances of the Candidates—Know Nothing Intolerance— Reform of the Criminal Code—The Panama Mas- sacre Excitement—A New Catholic Church— The Claims on Adams & Co. ‘The first fruits of the bill consolidating our city and county and organizing their govarnment on a better basis are rather unpromising. A few daya after its passage a number of suits were commenced against the city for near a quarter million dollars and all its funds and property attached. These proceed- ings are instituted by holders of scrip, who have long waited for its payment. For each department of the government a proportion of the taxes collected are set apart, and no more than the sum thus placed asideycan be paid. The consequuence is, much of it has been rejected and a large portion was frauda- lently, issued by Meiggs. The Supreme Court liber- ally construing the charter, holds that the city ia liable. Under these circumstances, it was pressed on the Legislature to pass a law funding this debt and thereby give security to claimants and save the city the expense of defending suits brought against it by creditors. The bill was introduced and passed one branch of the Legislature, but on a subsequent day it was reconsidered and no further action taken on the subject. Some of the scrip taken to Sacramen- to was, on examination, found to be spurious, and this is the way, Madame Rumor has it, the measure was defeated. Had it become a law all the litiga- tion going on and to follow would be spared us. It is another trouble added to the long catalogue in- flicted on the city by dishonest functionaries and hostile legislators. Our citizens are too ambitious and too busy to pay the requisite attentien to the doings of their law makers. The necessity of a funding bill was as apparent as reform in the gov- ernment of the city. An act was passed funding the outstanding debt of the State up to January, 1857. Bonds are to be issued to run for twenty years, at seven , per cent, for $1,600,000. This will make the entire liabilities of the State, bearing in- terest, $5,000,000. We can only regret a similar provision was not made for San Francisco, While the city is thus sunk in hopeless bankrupt- cy, itis a singular fact that $600,000 remains due and unpaid for assessments. This sum is owing by wealthy men, who refuse to pay: and, by compelling le; slipmeoeeeings to be brought against them, are able, by appealing to the higher courts, to evade for years their collection. The burthen of supporting the city government is in this way thrown on the poorer classes, who prompt pay when called on. ‘The merchants say they would only contribute the means of enabling the treasury to be robbed, and therefore refuse—a lame excuse to cover their real motives. Their delinquency takes the bread from school teachers, policemen, &c., most of whom have to wait six or seven months peters they can have their salaries paid. The floating indebtedaess of the county is over $500,000; that of the city is one million and a half, or over. i An ex-County Recorder, has succeeded in getting from the county, already impoverished, the sum of $8,000, for indices to the books of mortgages, con- veyances, &c. He refused to deliver them up with- out being paid this sum, aud as they are indispensi- ble to the prosecntion of searches, a committee of the Supervisors were persuaded to let him have this ex- tra compensation. _It is doubtful if he can get the $8,000, as the new charter restricts the Supervisors in the appropriation of money. Yet another effort is on foot to exact a largersum, namely $50,000, from the county for the lost archives of the pueblo of San Francisco. These documents are to settle the titles to all lands in this vizinity, about there has been so much litigation. The gen- tleman who makes the demand says that he dug them up out of the earth, where they were con- cealed, and he is determined to make the spot from whence they were taken prove to hima rich mine. Asa matter of right, these papers are the preperty of the eity as the successor of the pueblo, and his duty in the premises is to deliver them up and re- ceive a liberal reward for his trouble, and any ad- ditional gift their value would justly entitle him to. As it is now o committee have had a conferenee ae him, and his terms as stated were made known. The commercial interests of the city have long required a safer and more substantial description of wharves than what the harbor is at present pro- vided with. The building of a bulkhead would ive far greater security to the shipping arrivi ere. A general acknowledgment of its necessity ia abroad as a preventive to any ulterior chanze of Benicia being selected as the great entrepot for our Pacific markets. The outlay for its construction would be considerable, and from the ee finan- cial condition of the city it is out of the question that it could he performed at its expense. An offer has been made by speculators to build a sea wall, but on terms so manifestly unfair that the press insisted on_ refusing the proposal. The Board of Aldermen had an exciting time when the subject came up before them. Messrs. Levi Parsons and others agreed to construct a bulkhead on condition that the city would relinquish to them the right to collect wharfage for ail future time. The Board is composed of eight members, and it was found four fuyored the grant and an equal number was in opposition. One of the members explained the ground of his antagonism. He had been ap- proached by individuals a few days previously, soliciting his vote. They assured him, in case he promised,the ordinance would go (eye ee as four of the Aldermen had pledged themselves to suppor: it. They were ready to hand him $6,000 if he consented to give bis vote in favor of the measure. This dis- closure fell like a bombshell in the Board,and imme- diately proce to their feet all who were in favor of the grant. patente were demanded, and one member, more beligerent than the rest, made advan- ces of a non-pacific nature across the room, towards the gentleman who had been tampered with. He was restrained from committing any violence. The proposition of Messrs. Parsons and others was unanimously rejected. If the bulkhead can be built on equitable terms the voice of our citizens will be strong in its ravor. The field is now open for other parties to make offers, and such are invited. The State will contribute nothing towards it, and the city is unable to move, so if ever built, it must be done by private enterprise There is and has been for months past a general complaint of the stagnation of business, and the mercantile community have reason to grumble at the dullness of trade. We are receiving large shipments from the Fast, inundating the markets, which makes commercial matters listless enough. The long drought had also a tendency to paralize business. Another cause of this depression is that the trade is over done. There are two persons in each branch, where one would be sufficient. The plentiful fali of rain has had the effect of brightening the prospects of bountiful crops, while to the miners it affords the means of conducting their operations. In maby dis- tricts they had to suspend for want of this neces sary element. Cheering accounts are to hand from the agricultural counties, promising fall re- turns to reward the labors of the hushandmen. The mineral! resources of the State are yielding pro- fitable results to the persevering and industrious. There is no appearance of the diggings giving out; and trom the fresh discoveries every day, there is every reason to believe California was never richer in this respect than at present. The country papers report unusual success among the miners, and in- stances are given of good luck that would seem ficti- tious, if they were not well authenticated. The miners will not trade nor pay debts when idle, and as they have now plenty of water, we may expect an improvement in business. The market is well supplied with every article in demand, and in con- sequence goods are frequently disposed of at auction at iow rates. The port charges are high, and freight having to be paid, it necessitates the converting of the cargoes speedily into cash. The Chinese have opened r Asylum again, to cerry on the barbarous worship introduced by tli into America. On this occasion none but Celest were permitted to enter. They communicated fact to the newspapers so tlat the public mi; know they were engaged in the adoration of Ching Tai. Perhaps they intend to supplicate this wooden idol to protect them in their precar' positi and to look out for himself that he hay down frem his exalted situation. But certainly, broad visage will show indifference to all appeals, The ship Mary Whitridge left here‘on the 26th ult., for Hong Kong, with fifty Chinamen returning to their native country. Two days subsequently the a cp Baldwin arrived from the same port, with near 300 preinee. This importation will add about $12,000 to the state treasury, if the head tax of $50 oneaeh is collected. The late Commissioner of Emigrants was removed a month since for re- fusing to enfore this law. He consrdered it uncon- stitutional. Most of these Chinese go direct to the mines, the Legislature having reduced the foreign miners’ tax toa uniform rate of four dollars per th. be horrible state of affairs among the abandoned Qhineee women bas come to light, on a goromer'g ka: each case, and from the misery of the females it is matter of speculation how many more may have rid opal of the burthen of duch a life as they lead. rome of ie ne sarien 30. ne ene cues prosecut e keepers of gam ouses thatinfest their localities. In this good work they are sustained by the people. A vigorous and deter- mined enforcement of the laws against similar places in this city would be productive of great be- nefit. It weuld remove from among us one of the greatest evils that affliot the pan In these places every inducement is spread out to lead the weak minded to destruction. les of gold, liquors to be had for the asking and pictures, all combine to lure victims to want and reck! The Consoli- dation bill confers on the Supervisors power to sup- press places of this character. Toa new and honest set of rulers it will be an excellent fepocianity) to soetinesibe peels labors by clearing the city of these plague spots. “ A suit has been commenced in the Superior Court, by a man named Comstock, against Swany two individuals, for an attempt to lynch him in the month of December last. He claims $100,000 da- mages, and in his complaintalleges that at that time being a resident of Contra Costa county, he was seized, and violent threats used by the defendants to coEnnsy him to bring charges against certain partes in the neighborhood. On refusing todos, ie was hung up by the neck, and would certainly have remained in that position till life was extinct were it not for the kind offices of some friends, who rescued him from his perilous situation. The his- tory of jurisprudence will scarcely furnish a parallel case, and in no other country could the courts be called on to redress such a wrong. The state of af- fairs at one time compelled the people to take the law into their own hands; and its inistration by them, though divested of all formalities, had a wholesome effect. The period is past when it was necessary to eae. extreme measures. The regu- larly organized tribunals are all sufficient to punish offenders and protect life and property. Our citi- zens are emulous ot establishing an unblemished reputation for good government and obedience to the laws, and in consequence quiet and order reign over the entire State. In this respect we are not behind any of our Atlantic sisters. Mrs. Catherine N. Sinclair left here on the 26th ult., on the eet ship Horizont, for agerh New South Wales. She was accompanied by the pansnet performers of the Metropolitan theatre. he party consisted of Mlle. Duret, John Dean and family, John Dunn and daughter, and Messrs. Sed- ley, Le Roy and Loder—all well known in this city. Mrs. Sinclair's professional and managerial career our State has secured many warm and attached friends, though it has not realized the golden returns her energetic efforts to cater for ee ic amusement deserved. Her enterprises for the past eighteen months were not productive of any advantages, but,on the contrary, have embarrassed her affairs considerably. It is said she has abandoned the di- yorce suit, and has taken the trip to Australia for the purpose of improving her financial affairs. She intends to remain ten months in Australia from this date, and her expectations of success are heartily se- conded by a large number of well wishers in every part of the State. Mrs. Sinclair’s departure was quite unexpected, and was aot generally known un- til after the vessel sailed. The drama was never reduced to so low a point in California os at present since 1849. The theatres have been literally deserted, and the performers, such as they are, had to play to empty benches. The material of stock companies has gradually deterio- rated until now; there is not one that would receive support in an eastern city. The people of San Fran- cisco are fastidious, and will patronize only artists of merit. We will not sit contented, during an even- ing, to have our sight and hearing offended by actors who fall into all the errors Hamlet so strenously inveighed against. We are satisfied to forego en- tirely dramatic performances, unless better than fourth or fifth rate companies sustain characters in the pieces presented. The Metropolitan, the finest theatre on the Pacific, is undergoing an entire change in its internal arrangements, with the view of converting it into a circus. In a commendable spirit the Legislature passed an act granting the sum of $1,500 to Miss Olive Oat- man, the young girl recovered from the Apaches in the southern part of the State. Much surprise was occasioned when it was known that Goy. Johnson thought proper to refuse his assent to the bill, and at the same time to veto the appropriation of $7,500 for the benefit of the two orphan asylums. For rally berevolent purposes this was but a small sum, and the Governor stepping in to defeat these acts of charity towards es and helpless objects will hardly he excused on the ground of constitutional scruples. It isone of the acts of commission for which the Legislature are deserving of applause, and peo- ple will hesitate before approving of the over anxiety of the Executive to prevent the funds in the treasury being applied for euch meritorious uses. The ap- roprietiors for other objects did not mect any ob- Redon on the part of his Excellency. For the pay, milage, and other expenses of the session, $257,000 was voted; to the State printer, $100,000; advertis- ing various notices, $58,000; and lastly, the Governor found authority to confirm the contract granting to Gen. Estall $1,000 monthly, for five years, for sup- porting the State prison. Fifteen thousand dollars ‘was yoted for calling into service a mounted company for the suppression of Indian hostilities in Klamath county. The Legislature passed one act before its adjourn- ment, that entitled it to some share of praise. It has placed on the statute book a law relative to es- cheated estates which is certain to draw the atten- tion of legislators in other States to this important subject. It is extremely liberal towards foreigners, who can now invest their capital in real and person- al property with entire ay, It provides that aliens hereafter may inherit,and hold by inheritance, real and pergonal property the same a3 native born citizens. But no non-resident foreigners can hold propert ef within the State five years after they shall shall inherit the same. If at the end of that time no claimants present themselves, the vaiue of the pro- perty is to be used for the benefit of the State. This act is an advance in the direction of progress, and, moreover, will be of great benefit to California. It will check the movement to withdraw foreign capital now Otte ae, and induce capitalists of ether coun- tries, by the perfect security guaranteed, to invest their money in the working of the mines. They ay need men willing to labor, and capital, to ma je render up their rich and inexhaustible wealth. The political cliques are at work again scheming for candidates forthe United States Senatorship. The strongest of these rally around Mr. Broderick. He will be found a difficult rival to overcome by all who enter the srena against him. His chances for the Senatorship are best, for with the certain elec- tion of a democratic Legislature in November, it will be compulsory on both houses to give him their suffrages, s0 as not to permit a favorable opportu- nity to pasa of sending a representative of their party to the United States Senate. It is the fate of every public man to have enemies, and Broderick is no exception to the rule. In the Legislature he was very popular, and every one liked him for his straightforward and unostentatious demeanor. The other candidates named have great difficul- ties to ovecome. Dr. Gwin has a strong body of friends among his party, but numerically far behind Broderick’s supporters. His connection with the administration does not add to his chances,and aid from that quarter tends to depreciate his prospecta of success. The Know Notiing aspirants at the commencement of 1856, with the exception of Mr. Foote, are out of the State, and the last named gen- tiewan, making a virtue of necessity, retired from the contest. The republicans, though mak a great chow at their Convention, it is well under- stood are satisfied their party has no chance in4hé Senatorial campaign. Their great hopes and bold designs are certain to be crushed to atoms. For deep laid and unfathomable scheming our politicians are not behind hand, and we have an assurance no effort wil be neglected by the friends of known and unknown candidates to forward the ends of their favorites. The democracy of California will secure the vote of the State for the nominee of tae Cincin- nati Convention, whether the man selected be Bu- chanan, Cass, Douglas, or any other sound national statesman. Their Lair Dk f for Buchanan will not cause them to be dissatisfied with another candidate coming up to the right standard. Mr. Fillmore has few friends in this State. Mr. W. H. Rhedes, late private secretary to the Governor, owes his dismissal from that position in assuming to disparage the wisdom of the Solons of the Legislature ey dispersed. As a political martyr, and wielding a bold and pointed pe he is determined to let the people comprebend his situa- tion. Inthe canvasa last year he did yeoman’s ser- vice in the Know Nothing cause, and was rewarded with the office he has just lost, and for which his acquirements well fitted him. Under the signature of “Caxton” he has advanced some extreme opinions, always supported with marked ability. Members of the Legislature, teking umbrage at ‘a letter pub- lished by him, demand his removal; and on refasing to resign, he was turned adrift by the Governor, in a communication containing just two linea, He regrets that his removal should be caused by what he calls “defunct pattizans,” and says hia offence was “the honest expression of opiaion, The Know Nothings consequences that are certain to follow the perpetrac. tion of crime. But they are rare. Since the arrival of the John L. Stephens front Panama, begs news of the massacre of Loops gers on the us, the city has been in peer a great excitement. The papers speak of the most indignant tones, and urge immediate hos- tilities. Rumors of every kind are afloat. It is stated an expedition is organized to proceed to Panama, take the town, and visit on the Inhabitants the retribution their treasherous and blood thirsty deeds merit. There has been an active demand for firearms, pare eleey revolvers, for the last two day and at least seven hundred and fifty must have been sold to persons leaving in the er ' Tf the Panama people renew their attack on assengers that m here they will lament it, for every one is fully prepared to defend himself on the least sympton an aesremise spirit. Gov. Foote attended a meeting on Saturday to perfect ar- rangements for securing a safe transit across the Isthmus, and it is said a resolution was arrived at to despatch a body of men to see that no interruption will take place. There is little doubt @ party leaves pany h this object. A notice was extensively circulated through the city oftering a free passage to two hundred men to proceed to Panama protect American citizens and aveng the late outrage. There will be no lack of volunteers; ao it is more than prob- able the government will be saricipased in exacting reparation for the attrocities itted by the New Granadians. There is much distress among the sengers, who were robbed of all their property. They had to part with it as the price of their livea from the ferocious cupidity of their assailants. Seaton oe new church, under he oo vonage of Notre Dame des Victoires, to be by & congregation of French Catholics, was dedicated by Archbishop Allemany, assisted by a lp nam- ber of clergymen. This church, built by Bap- tists, was occupied by them to the time it was pur- chased by its present occupants. It was c to its utmost limits, and the ceremonies, as on. such occasions, were grand and imposing. The choir was composed of French vocalists and formers, and the music was superior to any yet heard on this side of the continent. An innovation in the custom of collecting was introduced. Two young ladies, one a daughter of Consul Dillon's, carried the plates around the church, escorted by several gentlemen, and of course, as might be ex- pected, the plan was highly successful. The French frigate Alcerte is iyin in our harbor for the past two months, She fired three salutes, and was dressed up in the gayest colors on receipt of the news of the birth of an heir to the throne of France. The report of the referee, Mr. Gilbert A. Grant, in the matter of dividing the assets of Adams & Co. ae | the creditora, was this morning filed in the For District Court, and an order made that the receiver pay to Mr. Grant $2,903, his expenses im the receiving and classification of claims. New @atents Issued, List of patents issued from the United States Patent Office for the week ending June 3, 1856— each bearing that date:— William Alley, of Columbus, Ga., for improve- ment in uterine supporters. Solomon Andrews, of Perth Amboy, N. J., for im- provement in gas burning lamps. Josiah Ashenfelder, of Philadelphia, Pa., for im- provement in marble sawing machines. N. Aubin, of Albany, N. Y., for improvement in feeding apparatus for gas retorts. Jesse Batte: y of Honeoye Falls, N.Y., for im- proved method of regulating windmills. los. Becker, of New York, N. Y., for improved pi- anoforte action. William Burdon, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for improve- pets in relieving slide valves from the preasure of steam. ,_ John Casey, of New York, N. Y., for improvement in window frames. Richard H. Cole, of St. Louis, Mo., for improve- ment in nut machines. Thomes Estlock, of Philadelphig, Pa., for im- peered device and walls of building*-for preventing jamage to goods by water in case of fires. Rich . Cole, of St. Louis, Mo., for improve- ment in making nuts. Richard H. and John C Cole, of St. Louis, Mo., for improved machine for polishing metallic nuts. ‘eorge Crangle, of Philadelphia, Pa., for improve- ment in rotary brick machines. Rufus Ellis, of Boston, Mass , for improvement in needles for knitting machines. Benjamin Gilpatrick, of Lowell, Mass., for im- roved saw set. rs Sylvester H. Gray, of Bridgeport, Conn., for im- prevement in machines for felting hat bodies. Jacob Green, of Philadelphia, Pa., for improve- ment in gas consuming furnaces. John G. Hock, of Newark, N. J., for improvement in the arrangement of a gas retort bench. Christian Knauer, of Pittsburg, Pa., for copying presa, Wn. D. Leavitt, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for improved fawing machine. Henry F. Mann, of Westville, Ind., for improve- ment in harvester frames. Wm. N. Manning, of Rockport, Mass., for im- provement in melodeons. Robert Myers, of Factory Pcint, Vt., for improved marble sawing machine. ,_ Foster Nowell, of Lowell, Mass., for improvement in wool carding machines. R. H. Peverly, of Chelsea, Mass , for improvement in celt-regulating ships’ compasses. Samuel Richards, of Phitadelphia, Pa., for im- provement in glass furnaces. Josiah A. Rollins, of Buffalo, N. Y., for improve- Tent in melodeons. Issac M. Singer, of New York, N.Y., for im- provement in sewing machines for binding hats. Lysander Spooner, of Boston, Mass., for improve- ae in elastic bottoms for chairs and other ar- icles. Wm. Samuels and Geo. L. Stansbury, of Jackson Township, Ind., for improved boring machine. Wn. B. Treadwell, of Albany, N. Y., for improves ment in cooking stoves. John A. Toll, of Sugar Bridge, 0., for improved marble sawing machine. Otis Tufts, of Boston, Mass., for improvement in operating valves of steam engines. Henry 8. Vrooman, of Logansport, Ind., for im- proved sawing machine. Chapman Warner, of Green Point, N. Y., for im- proved filter. Marshal Wheeler, of Honesdale, Pa., for improve- ment in gas regulators. Allen B. Wilson, of Waterbury, Conn., for im- provement in grain and grass harvesters. Hevry R. Worthington, of Brooklyn, N. Y., for improved methed of attaching steam to a conical valve. i runs Yale, Jr., of Newport, N. Y., for improved lock. Frederick B. E. Beaumont, of Upper Woodball, Eng., for improvement in firearms. Solon Bishop, of Horner, N. Y., for improvement in washing machines, John T. Bever, of Haynesville, Mo., for improve~ ment in washing machines. Samuel L. Denney, of Lancaster, Pa., for improve- ment in hand com planters. David L. Davis, of Dedham, Mass., for improve- ment in elastic bearings for railroad chairs. Janes W. Evans, of New York, N. Y., for improv- ed amalgamator. Mahlon 8, Frest, of Detroit, Mich., for improve- ment in railroad car brakes. Cyrus Garrett and Thomas Cottman, of Cincin- nati, O., for improvement in subsoil ploughs. Horace L. Hervey, of Quincy, Iil., for improve- ment in parallactic instruments for measuring dis- tances, George Kesling, of Lebanon, 0., for improvement in firearms, Servetus Longley, of Cincinnati, 0., for improved apparatus for rolling and handling barrels, &e. john McChesney, of Louisville, Ky., for improve- ment in washing machines. Jacob J. & H. F. Mann, of Westville, Ind., for im- provement in reaping machines, Josiah Mumford, of Clarksburg, 0., for improve- ment in revolving last holders. Joseph Emith, of Condit, O., for improvement in machines for raking and loading hay. Oren Stoddard, of Busti, N. Y., for improvement in machines for husking eorn. Lucius E. Treadwell, ot Warren, Mass., for im- provement in lattice bridges. George W.N. Yost, of Pittsburg, Pa., forimproved driving wheels for steam drags or propellers. George W. N. Yost, of Pittsburg, Pa., for im- proved steam land propeller. Samuel Fahrney, of Boonsboro, Md., amiga to Abraham Huffer and Benjamin Fahrney, of Wash- ington county, Md., for oid i vice. Jollen Whi ipple, of Providence, R. L., assignor to the New England Screw Company, of same place, for improvement in making screws. Wm. P. Wood, of Washington, D.C., conlgnct to Samuel De Vaughn and Wm. P. Wood, of same pace, beg im dhe bt Le Ny Bor fog to janie! jee, of Heeseville, N, ¥-, Coy igprove- went ig pail machines.