The New York Herald Newspaper, January 4, 1858, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 7794. NEWS FROM EUROPE. ABRIVAL OF THE NIAGARA'S MAILS. we Improvement in Financial Affairs in London and Hamburg. Probable Reduction ef the Rate of Interest by the Bank of England. CONTINUED HEAVY COMMERCIAL FAILURES, DECLINE IN THE PRICE OF COTTON Reported Amnesty for Politioal Offences in Pranoce and Spain, ae. &e., do. —— ‘Bho steamship Niagara, Captain Wickham, from Liver- pool at about 10:30 A. M. of Saturday, tho 19th ult., arrived (6 Halifax at 12:30 A. M. on Saturday. ‘The Niagara was signalized from the Highland Light ape Ood) at 12:45 P, M. yesterday , and reached her dock @t Rast Boston at about 5 o’clock last evening. The mails Yor the South were forwarded by last night’s train, which ‘eM Boston at 8 P. M., and will arrive in New York about six o’clock this morning. ‘The Niagara on Jan. 1, at 6 P. M., passed steamship Ca- nada bound for Liverpool. ‘Tho Niagara brings £7,000 for Boston, and £20,000 for ‘Halifax. Bhe reports: December 30, at 5 45 P.M., Cape Race Dearing north, distant two miles, fired two rockets and a ‘lve light, and threw over board the dospatch for the As- wociated Press. [The news yacht was not out at the time the Niagara passed Cape Race, her repairs not having been eompleted.} ‘The news by this arrival, except in a commercial way, fe of Mttle importance. ‘There is nothing later ftom India. Money was slightly easier in London. Consols for ac- gount closed at 9234 a 9214. American stocks were generally dull, and prices without ‘much change. Fwancial difficulties had arisen among the woollen manufacturers. Mesers. Cheesebrough & Sons, one of the Jargest firms in that line in Yorkshire, had suspended, ‘end many others were expected to be involved. ‘The Manchester market was dull, and prices of goods had considerably declined. In the Liverpool market sugar had declined éd. a Is, ‘The Collins steamship Atlantic, from New York on the Sth vitimo, arrived at Liverpool on the 16th December, at 820 P. M. THE FINANCIAL PRESSURE. In the London money market on the 16th ult. there was. efurther decided tendency towards relaxation among the discount houses, and selected bills were readily nego- ated at from 834 to @ per cent. Tne demand at the bank ‘was very light. The funds were buoyant, owing to the sontinued influx of gold to the bank and @ consequent ex- pectation of a speedy reduction in the rate of discount. ‘The following failures were announced —Edward Smith, ‘woo! stapler, of London, with large liabilities, and Saal- feldt Brothers, woolen manufacturers, of Leeds, with lia Bilitics of £200,000. Mr. Jewdall, of Leeds, a very extensive operator in wools, was roported tobe in temporary diffloulty, but wot actually suspended. ‘The commercial crisis continued very severe in the north of Europe, but at Hamburg affairs had begun to ‘tmprove. At Hamburg the rate of discount bad receded to 9 per went. ‘On the 17th ult. there was a feeling of increased confl- dence and a rise in the funds under the influence of the Adlantic’s news and specie. Money was in good supply and the applications at the bank Light. ‘The suspensior® was announced of Wm. Chesborough & Gen, of Bradford, one of the largest woollen firms in Yorkshire. Their liabilities are not stated. ‘The Dartford and Gravesend Bank has also stopped, ‘with liabilities of not more than £20,000. ‘The burgesses of Hamburg have authorized a new joan, Ahereby making the amount of joans contracted tor about forty millions-of francs. The rate of discount there bad farther receded to seven and nine per cent. ‘The important firm of Schulte & Schemman, largely en- geri in the metal trade in Hamburg, have suspended. James Holmes, of Kidderminster, carpet manufacturer, has suspended for £35,000. ‘The official statement of the affairs of the Western Rank @f Scotland show liabilities of over £§,900,000 sterling, fend a deficiency of over £300,000. (On the 18th the London stock market further advanced, fend closed buoyantly, Telegraphic advices from Hamburg reported a further sonsiderable improvement in financial affairs. ‘W. J. Powoll & Son, of London, in the Manchester trade, Ihave suspended, with heavy liabilities. ‘The Bank of France has r@juced its rate of discount to six per cent for all descriptions of bills, Additional condl- @ence was inspired by this, and the funds closed on the ‘Moth at 671. 200. In the Hague, in the Second Chamber, a resolution in favor of the abolition of the Usury Law was adopted, after fan important debate. ‘The commercial! crisis in Norway continued very severe. Two delegates from the goverament had gone to Hamburg ‘with money to support the firms there whose failures would be prejudicial to Norwegian commerce. A number of now ana important failures are reported fm Sweden. Government bad proposed to borrow twelve million thalers to’ assist the ta. ‘The Bank of Denmark has Bivanced nearly two millions of france to a house charged to maintain relations between ‘the banks in Germany and Denmark. THE LATEST FINANCIAL NEWS. BY TKLEGRKAPH FROM LONDON TO LIVERPOOL. . Loxvos, Dec. 19—Morning. ‘Me Times’ City Article says the funds opened with Grom steadiness this morning, and experienced before ‘the clove of business a further advance of one quarter per cont. The Bank return was expected to be very favora- ‘Bie, and it shows a further increase of £1,381,366 in the Mock of bullion. Both the bullion and reserve, even supposing two millions of over issue to be deducted from Aho latter, are now higher than in April last, when the wate of discount was only 615 per cent. 1m tile Stock Exchange the supply of money is abun amt, and in the discount market the beet paper can be Weadily negotiated at from 834 to 9 per cent. At the bank the demand continues limited, and the wesources of the establishment are augmenting with @uch rapidity that a reduction from the maximum rate f ten per cent scems hardly likely to be delayed Bayond Thureday next. At Hamburg the crisis ap- pears likely t bo partially subsiding, the rate of dis emunt for short paper having fallen to six per cont About £152,000 of gold of {various sorte, were taken to the bank day, besides about £40,000 in sovereigns from America, and £100,000 in sovereigna from Ireland A very large amount i also expected to be delivered to- morrow. The precise anount of epecie to be shipped for the Fast on the 20th in £367,277, of which £16,404 is gold and the remainder silver. Yesterday the bills were returned of Dray & Co., on. @'Dr ers oud agricultural implement makers. ‘The Tinaa’ City Article gives a list of the principal ane ae ennounced in london since the | oginaing of Ov ober, [i number is filtydve, and the liabilities are meen at £16 ga90 000 or £16,000,000. The, liabilities of houses suapétded in the provinces arc computed at £86 00 000, at a Fery moderate calculation, but thie in Gludes the debts of five banks, ameunting to £23,000,000, Me total HiNy millions Tho Daily News’ City Article pays a considerable fall in ‘the value of money is evidently impending. Speculation fs increasing in the stock markets, The funds t»-day were ‘very buoyant. Englieh, Canadian, Indian and other rai way shares Were inactive speculative demand, in many Canes at considerably advanced rates. Now that the More prominent stocks have experienced so important g rise, the speculators are eagerly turning their atten tion to & Varety Of securities Which have hitherto Deen neglected. All the markets clored with a fa vorable appearance in anticimtinn of favorable Dank returps, At the Bank of Englund to-day the de- E NEW YORK HERALD. MORNING EDITION—MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1858. mand was again only moderate, whilst large sums fall due there from day to day. In the open market the signs of returning ease are unmistakable. Good bills are currently discounted at 93¢ per cent. Choice paper is done at 9% and 9 per cent, and in exceptional cases transactions take place as low as 834 per cent. We know of one instance in which two months’ bills were done at $46 per cent, and of another in which a large firm have @ieceunted their customers’ bills at 8 per cent. ‘The latter are, of course, exceptional cases, but we quote them because they denote the tendency of the market. Areduction in the bank rate is evidently at hand. A ‘very large amount of money is seeking employment in the Stock Exchange and loans on government securitios, Dut the highest rates obtainable are 6 to 6 per cent for short periods. It is stated that the liabilities of Jonathan Hills & Sons, bankers, of Dartford and Gravesend, amount to about £40,000. In foreign exchanges yesterday afternoon there was a demand for bills upon Hamburg, and a scarcity of supply. A rate less faverable for London was es- tablished. ENGLAND. : Operations were resumed upon the Leviathan on the 16th, but with the most tremendous pressure the vessel ‘was only: moved about three feet, whien the work was sus- pended sime dic; no less than three hydraulic rams, one powerful arab or windlass, and the double chains which drag the vessel towards the river, having been all burs* and broken. The Times thinks that half the hydraulic presses will be required to overcome the difficulties. Admiral Sir F. Beaufort is dead. ‘A special despatch of the East India Company had con- firmed the grant of a pénsion of a thousand pounds a year to Gen. Wilson, and five hundred pounds a year each to Lady Neill and Mrs. Nicholson. Gen, Hayelock is gazetted to the coloneley of the 3d Regiment. Another public meeting in favor of reform for India had Deen held in London. A memorial has been presented to Lord Palmerston, praying him to make provision for granting of suffrage to certain classes by virtue of their educational acquire- mente, The memorial is signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of Oxford, several noblemen, and a large number of gentlemen connected with the univer- Biles. FRANCE. It was rumored in Paris that the Emperor intended to remit a portion of the punishment incurred by the Presse, and that a general amnesty for press offences would appear in the Moniteur on New Year’s day. It was also said that a decree of exile which exists against Generals Bedeau and Changariner is to be repealed. It was stated that instructions had been sent to the French Minister in China to co-operate effectively with Lord Elgin and the English nayal and military com- manders. An Imperial decree announces that foreign bran- dies are to be subjected, on importation into France, toa duty of twenty francs perjhectolitre of pure alechohol® SPAIN. An amnesty for political offences in the trans-Atlantic possessions of Spain has been granted. A meoting of the Cortes was postponed till January 10, when the Queen will open the session in person. BELGIUM. ‘The Belgian Legislature commenced its session on the 15th ultimo without any formality. Prince de Ligne was appointed President of the Senate. It was officially an- nounced to the representatives that the Duchess of Bra- ant was in an interesting condition. M. Verhagen, a distinguished liberal, has beon clected President of the Belgian Legislature. A moderate course of action is expected from the victorious liberals. SARDINIA. The Legislative session opened at Turin on the ldth, ‘The King in his speech hoped for cordial co-operation in tho developement of liberal principles, which are the im- movable base of the national policy, and referring to the continued interruption of relations with Austria, said tha: the civil and commercial intercourse of the two countries ‘was not affected in the least thereby. PRUSSIA. A Berlin dispatch says that diplomatic relations wil probably be soop resumed between Prussia and Switzor- land. RUSSIA. The Berlin correspondent of the London Times says:— ‘The American brig Silver Keys, baying on board the en- gineers and machinery that wero to have been employed in the raising of the vessels sunk at Scbastopol, have re- turned to Constantinople. The said vessels are reported dy the divers to be so thoroughly buried in mud and earth that any raising them is ousof the question; the diftt- culties and expomse of doing 80 being estimated to oxceod the probable proceeds of salvage, A despatch from St. Petersburg announces an impor. portant victory over the Teherkesses, A great number of them were killed and a large number of their villages burned. TURKEY. ‘The Paris Patrie says that the Ottoman Minister ie about to bring the question of the occupation of Perim by England before the representatives of the Great Powors at Constantinople. Lord Stratford de Redcliffe had at last quitted Constantinople, and was at Vienna. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. LONDON MONBY MARKET. Mosers. Baring Brothers que the money market slight- ly easier. Bar silver, §is. 1%d.; dollars, Ss. Sd. eagies, 768, 23,4. Console for account clowed at $25, a 92k. The bullion iw the Bank of England had increased £1 882,000. AMERICAN SRCURITIRS, Mesars. Raring Brothers report the market generally quiet. State stocks were held firmly, but in the absence of sales quotations are nominal. Messrs. Bell & Co. re- ort generally a limited business at previous rates. ‘nited States Sixes of 1 sa Pennsylvania Fives... Pennsylvania Fives, bonds, of 18: Virginia Sixes, 1880 Virginia Fives, 1888 “m Tilinois Central Railroad shares (dis.). Do. de Sixes of 1976.00... Do do. Sevens of 1875...... Do. do. Sevens of 1860,Freeiand Michigan Central Rights of 1860 ‘i Do. do Shares, New York Contral, shares... SSsFesressss=z Peeeesesesseses 2 Do. do. | Sixes, 82 Do. do. Sevens... 2 Erie Railroad Shares... . Ww To. do. third mortgage bonds, oo De, do. Sinking fund........ 45 Penneylvania Central Sixes, first mortgage & fla ‘The Londow papers of Friday report the following sales on the 7th:— Tiiimols Central shares (:lis.).. Do. do Sevens... . New York Centr! Sevens of 1 seees Pennsylvania Central RR. 2d mortgage bonds. . LIVERPOOL GOTTON MARKET. ‘Tho Brokers’ Circular reports the sales of the wook ag 28,000 bales, of which 2,000 Dale were on speculation, anti 1,200 for export. Prices were id. per Ib. lower on ail qualities, and particularly for new crop, bolders of which were pressing on the market. Friday's sales were 5,000 bales, including gl 600 on speculation and fr export, the market closing quiet, though with a rather better de- maad than previousi,,, at the following aTeotations = wah, 82 Mideliing. Now Oriana... ccc seccseceeee 5% M sonneeeve By TUUMMAE,, 0450 cssereneenvvie tec OM 54 ‘The stock in port was estimated at 387,000 »ales, of whieh 185,000 were American, LIVERPOOL BREADSTUPPS MARK. Merere. Ric bacdson, Spence & port dour quiet, bat sieaty. W : Philadeipbia and Baltimore, 268. a d66.; Ohio, 27s. a 28s, Wheat tirm and mightly bigher, the impr ment being mamly on the Gner qualities; red, fe. 2d. a 7s. 1d; white, 6. 10d. a Se Gorn firm; mixed, 338. a 39s. 6d.; yellow, das, 6d. a is. ; white, 378. a 38s. LIVERPOOL PROVISION MARKET. Mesers. Bigiand, Awhya & Oo., Richardson, Bpence & On. , James Melleoury and others quote beef heavy anc ir. fegular. Pork dull. Bacon dull and slightly lower Lard heewy ond nomintl. ‘Tallow quict—batchers’, Sts. a 62s. Chere advanced 2a. a 6s. LIVERPOOL. PRODUCE MARKET. The Brokers’ and other circulars report ashes quiet pote, das.; pearls, d4e. 6¢. Sugar dull, and 6d. n Le. lower. Molasses generally unebanged’ — Coffve quiet Rice heavy and slightly jower; Cargiina 189. Bi. a 186. él. For tea quotations were barely maintsined. Rosin dull, at Qs, 10d. a 48. for common, #8, a 10s. for medium aud Ls Gd. for One. Cor oil, £264 £27: sperm oil, £70; te: oil duit at 902, Spirits turpentine firm at 80, a Sie. Quer citron bark slow of sale, but prives nualtered. LONDON MARKETS. Mesere. Rearing Rr rs report Lreadetaffe quiet: white wi ia. a 488. rod de. a 459. Flour 248. a fron dull an? nominal at £6 for bown rails and & Srygar devi abd de. !ingd 6d. a la, Cofies q Nter deaiapd and Congou rather dearer; common Congou 11}¢4. a Is. Rice quiet. Tallow steady at 52s. a 63s, 3d. Spirits tar- Pentine dull at 31s. a 32s. 6d. Saltpetre declined 1s. 61. 2s. Fish oils very dull: sperm £68. Linseed oil q'et at 27s. 9d. Lard oil dull and nominal at 66s, a 586. Whale- Done nominal. Pig iron dull at 50s. a 538. Linseed cakes in good demand. HAVRE MARKET. For the week ending Dec. 16, inctusive.—Cotton dull, and all qualities considerably lower. Sales of the week 8,000 bales. Stock 76,000 bales. New Orleans tres ordi- naire 95f. Breadstuifs quiet. Ashes dull. Coffee steady. Provisions dul} and nominal. Rice heavy and nominal. Sugar heavy. Qils, nothing doing, Whalebone nominal. The Law Courts for January, ‘We published in Sunday’s Hxkawp an accurately com- piled table of the business transacted in the Law Courts during the past year, and this day the different legal tri- bunals will be organized for the commencement of busi- ness for the year 1858. The various calendars are long— that of the Superior Court containing 1,761 causes—show- ing that the love of litigation is not diminishing in our com. munity. We will have jury trials this month in the Supreme Court, Circuit, in two branches of tho Superior Court, two parts of the Common Pleas, two parts of the Marine Court, and also in both the federal courts. In the ‘United States Circuit Court the action for libel at the suit of the Austrian Consul General against the proprietors of the Hapress is wet down psremptorily for Wednesday of this week. The causes in the other courts are of the usual varied character, from actions on notes to suits for injury person and property, actions against insurance compa- niee—and their name is legion—for amounts of policies on fire and life. The changes in the judiciary are numerous. Judge Ingraham, from the Common Pleas, and Josiah Sutherland, Esq., have been elected to the Supreme Court in tho room of Judges Mitchell and Peabody. Judge Roosevelt, being the senior Justice of this Court, goes to the Court of Appeals for the year 1868. Judge Pierrepoint has taken his seat on the Superior Court bench, to fill the vacancy created by the death of Chief Justice Oakley. Henry Hilton, Esq., takes his seat to-day in the Common Pleas, in the room of Judge Ingraham. Judge McCarthy having been re-elected to the Marine Court, the constitu- tion of that bench remains the same as last year. , The January term of the Court of General Sessions commences this morning, when City Judge Ruseell will occupy the bench. He has just entered upon the second year of his official term, and if the energy and ability which bas characterized his administration of criminal Justice during the past year is to be a criterion by which to judge of his future acts, he will speedily redeem the character of this court, and secure the vigorous prosecution of offenders, as well as receive the merited and unani- mous approval of eur citizens and the public press. His efforts to do so will undoubtedly be seconded by Recorder Barnard and District Attorney Sweeney. Our new Dis- trict Attorney has exhibited proper discrimination in selecting Mr. John Sedgwick for his assistant, for during ‘Mr. Hall’s administration he has secured the confidence and esteem of all classes by his vigilance, affability and legal knowledge. The calendar is unusually large this month, and the prisoners have been rapidly accumulating. It is not likely that the alleged Greenwich street mur- derers will be tried this term. There are a few cases of manslaughter, but the majority of the charges are for larceny and burglary. The celebrated Licut. Col. Marma duke Reeves will be tried for false pretences, Subjoined is a list of attendants approved on the lst of January, 1858, by the City Judge and Recorder, for the Court of General Sessions:—Joseph Karge, W. H. Carter, William Joice, Cornelius Murray, Andrew Sheen, Patrick Murphy, Wm. 8. Allen, Henry Evans, Patrick Smith, Jobn N. Cornell, Faward Halloran, Faward 8, Mulloy, Edward ©, Baker, William R. Wilde, William Dougherty, Joseph T. Webster, James Tease. Wm. Joice is appointed Cap- tain and W. H. Carter, Crier. ‘The Common Council for 1858, The new Board of Aldermen will assemble in the chamber of the Common Council this day, at 12 o'clock, ‘where they will be sworn in by Mayor Tiemann. The Board of Supervisors—who are now an independent body, composed of elected*members, and not constituted of the members of the Board of Aldermen—will also be sworn in by the Mayor this day, in the chamber of the Board of Aldermen. Mr. D. T. Vajentine, the father of city officials, will, of course, be re-appointed Clerk of the Common Council; and his deputy, Mr. John H. Chambers, and the other assistants, will, doubtless, remain aa they are. As the majority of the Councilmen are democratic, Mr. Me- Clenahan is certain of re-election as Clerk of that body. ‘The business will not be very brisk until the new mem- ders become au fait at city government. We understand ‘that ex-President Clancy will be again a candidate for the Chairmanship of the Aldermen. The new Board of Councilmen will be organized at 12 M. today, in the chamber. Although there are three candidates for the }'residency of the Board—Meesrs. Has- well, Arcularius and Brady—it is pretty generally under- stood that Mr, Haswell will be elected. There is scarcely any doubt of John T, McClevahan’s re-election as Clerk of tho Board, he not tod exporlente tyr Use elicitor einsbaren 7 he dutiee, but eminently qualitied by his urbanity tw ocoupy the sition which he has 80 abl; vod. ee, Police Intelligence. COURT CLERKS. The appointment of these persons, of whom there are two complete sets, taking eff! on the first of January 1858, they all reported thomselves to the respective courts to which they were assigned by the body making the appointment, as follows: — Towne.—R. iH. Johnson, BE. M. Skidmore, John » Fim. J. Magrath, Wm. J Westerfield and Edward R, Bou Jxvvenson Manket.—James M. Murray, M. N. Jones, , fest Manan. —-Genrye Ww. "ie, wr JARKRT. — » Wm. B. Rockwell, Wm. F. Haskins and Isaac Kaylor. Yorxviis—C. M. Vanderwort, James Tinson and James M. Byrnes holding over. The Ji presiding at the courts in most in- stances, where the old incumbents were re- appointed and on hand, recognized them in ference to those appointed by the Aldermanic Bn. vention, although ineach case they were received with courtesy and allowed to take their seats within the bar. At Yorkville Justice Brownell says he shall set each of the three clerks to work when be has anything for them to do, but will not allow either of the new ones to administer the oath until after the Courts shall have decided the question as to who ix the and legal pt In nod — - pacers, 3% rhe continues to perform uty ae fore, aa he it bolding over op the ground that he waa by the following resolution, on the Lith of G ie 1888, for six years: — Resolved, That James M. Byrne be and he i# hereby ap- pointed a police clerk for the new Potice Court, created by the act of March 21, 15d4. ‘The statute of 1857, under which be waa appointed, however, provides that each clerk shall be appointed for So district, which it seems in IMs case was over Tt is also set up in defence of the position Mr. Byrne assumer, that as he was appointed for the same term as the District Court elerks,, ae their term ° expired under the old law onthe 18th of January, 1858, the term of bis office must necessarily expire on that day: Tt is conceded, however, on ail sides ¢l ‘ho suite will be commenced to gain possession of either of the offices until the Ist of February, when the question will probably come up in the form of a suit against the city for two month's salary. As tht is the least expendive and qyjck- est my of testing the question, it i# tar preferable, and will p bly be adopted, In the meantime, the clerks on bof sides intend fees themselves at Weir respec. tive courts for duty daily. ‘Thore in italics appointed under the law of 1867, by the Police Commissioners, for six years. Those in roman ap- pointed under the law of 1865, by the aldermanic Coa vention, to hold office for the same term. A Boy ARneeren ror Rwnezgtxwest.—William Smith, a lad 15 yaars of age, was arrested on Saturday night at tho Bowery theatre, It seems he was employed as a clork at the store No. 654 Washington street. On Wednesday the boy was missing, and 80 was $190, which had been taken from the till of his employer. After taking the money young Smith found Nis way to New Haven, but subse- quently was ineautious enough to return back, and being alover of the drama, he invested «quarter to see the verformance at the Towery theatre on night. cer Senior, of the Fourteenth ward, who wi on the track of the ‘truant, caught Init in the juvat person wae found over $100 and a gold wach, supposed he bought with the stolen money. mitted yesterday by Justice Brenoan, in default of bail Pewate Bev’ in Cauivouma.—The San Francisco Bul- tetin representa that Cero is great want of servaut girls | in California, and recommends the girls out of emp t in the Rast to emigrate to the Gollen State says that house girls’ Wages in San Francisco are $90 to $96 per month, and cocks’ $40 to $v0. t | U.S. Dasmmet Covat will me Common Punas—lart 1.—Nos 26, 1131, 31, 27 14, 287 Tuesday) "Noss, iy, 10, Part 2.—Nos. 1082, 2 to $, 10 to ck CovRT—Cirouit —Noe. 820, 2797, 1083, 1517, 8, 887, 1821, 359, TI, 2868, 1499, 2142, 2809 + ATi, 1682, 1738, 4, 8. Penion Corer (opens at 11 o’slock A. M.).—Noe. 2, 4 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18, 17, 10, 21 to sd, 26 w 29, 31, 93.10 0,4, 4 45 7, 58, Court Calendar— This Day. 1 | | Qur Washington Correspondence. ‘Wasuinaron, Dec. 31, 1857. Secretary ‘Thompson's Grand Ball—The Rank, Wealth Beauty and Ton of the Capital Assembled— Lords, Barons, Chevaliers and Civilians Enjoying Themselves, dc. Considering the short space of time which intervened between Governor Brown's ball and the ons given Inst evening by Secretary Thompson, the latter, though not as largely attended, will compare favorably in every point of view. Nothing could surpass the array of beauty there assembled, the elegance of the costumes, the rich- ness, delicacy and variety of the viands, and the admira- ble taste displayed throughout. The Secretary, his ac- complished lady, and his charming and fascinating niece, ‘Miss Wiley, did all in their power to render this an agree- able re-union, and succeeded admirably. It was attended by alithe rank, wealth, beauty anditon of our gay and brilliant metropolis. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather without, within all was joy and gladness. Senatore, grave and gay; representatives, wise and otherwise; diplomats, whose lengthened vieages indicated rotonue seavetd and pettielans, ready and-willtes serve e country at an hour’s notice, were here, miagling in the mazes of the giddy dance, 1 shall mention only a few of the prominent persons that met my gaze.- Among the Cabinet officers, Secretary Cobb, Secretary Fioyd and Postmaster General Brown were ail that were present. The veteran Cass rarely if ever atthe Vioe President, Pr ive kinridge, shone ioe it, Mr. Breckinridge, conspicn- ous, and was the * observed of all observers,” og he usually is on such occasions. The was represented in the persons of Baron id and Count and Countess de hore 2 and Lord Napier. Lady Napier was unavvidably absent. Tne renowned and philosophical Hulsemann was also present, He looks as though he had not yet recovered from the ef- fects of the Webster letter, and it is said by some that ho never will. ; Among the Senators, with their accop plished ladies and beautiful daughters, I noticed Dr. Gwit, Mr. Slidell, Gov. Seward, Gov. Brown of Missisvippi, Mr. Clay of Alaba- ma, and Mr. Johnson. ‘The other wing of the Capitol was Cully and ably repre- sented, But time and space wiil not. permit me to clabo- rate or give an extended notice of this grand and elegant ball. \Suifice it to say it was an exceedingly recherche affair. Wasitnaroy, Jan, 1, 1858, Lord Napier Mot Consulted by Gen. Cass on the Nicaragua Question——The* Contract for Post Ofice Stamps and En- velepes——The Pawnees, Poncas and Potiowalamics in the White House——Captain Rynders at Home—Interesting In- terview with the President and Picturesque Scene-The President Pacifying the Pawnecs and the Poncas. ‘The statement made in one of the New York journals some days ago, that Gen. Cass had submitted the treaty negotiat- ted with Yrigarri, the Nicaraguan Minister, to Lord Napier, and that the British Minister had expressed his dissatisfuc- tion with the conditions of the treaty, is a mistake. Lord Napier has not expressed any dissatisfaction or disazreo- ment in the matter, From January 2 to March 31, 1857, the Post Office De- partment contracted for 45,666,095 postage stamps, equal to $1,229,774 20; from April 1 to June 30, 89,559,750 stamps, equal 10.$1,122,385 20; from July 1 to September 30, 44,000,415 stamps, equal to $1,249,204 70; in all one hundred and thirty millions of stamps of all denomina- tions—that is to @ay, of one’s, three’s, five's, ten's and twelve’s included, Toppan, Carpenter & Co. have the contract for the stamps for four years. Rawdon, Hatch & Co, had it previously, but their bid being higher than that of Toppan, Carpenter & @o., the Postmaster General awarded it to them. Nesbitt has the contract for stamped the charge of Major J. B. Robertaon, and the Potiawato- mies, accompanied by Mr. Jenes, who acted as inter- preter. The reception was in the “Bast Room’? of the Presidential mansion. There were from two to three hun style most comical. After pre , the President welcomed them in a few remarks, and requested they would state what they wished him to do for them. The chiefs of each of the four bands of the Pawnee delegation in turn advanced towards the President lieve they have suffered. The idea which seemed to occupy the minds of these Indians most, and which thay frequently gave exproasion to in their addresses, was that they are “poor.” They compared themselves with the white man, looking at his ition and then at their own, and felt that they ." They expressed their desire to become “rich,” like the white man. The President, perceis' idea of their minds, informed them in chase, to cultivate the soil and the arts of life. I have fre- quently noticed how familar and easy people with great minds are with children, and bow readily understood by them in conversation; so it appeared to be with the In. diane and Mr. Buchanan. Simplicity accompanies great. ness, and beauty in langnage, in forme mannes. The distance between the great statesman or Mipily calti- vated man and the rude savage is diminished mw their im tercourse. I that the Pawners and Poncas have been ene. mies for along time. Mr. Buchanan, understanding this, after the formal addreasee and replies had been made, stepped forward, and taking a Pawnee with one hand anda Ponca by the other, joined their hands together telling them to bury their weapons of war and to become (riends, This he did with all, taking them one by one fyom each tribe and joining their hands together. At the conclusion of the ree » the daughter of Major Dennison, the agent for the Bawnees, a bright and pretty youg lady of thir teen,.wHS has been a great deal with luo wibe, and whom they are much attached, wae tnt d to Preskient as a Pawnee, by the Commissioner, the tr having adopted her. Mr. Bachaoan kissed her pre sented her to Mise Lane, bis neice, who took a great im- torest in her ho, much to the atnusement of the young indy, naively aaked if she could speak English. ‘Tue Indians appeared to be much impressed wah the re- ception; aad while they did net show ~ dae or thatdity, the feelings of most of them were evidént y subdued. Another trive of Tudians, the Sioux, eame in thie morn ing. We are receiving “ natives” enongh in Washington Just bow to gratify the most intense Know Nothing. LETTERS TO OTHER JOURNALS. [Correspondence of the Press | Wasinnctos, Old and Young Riiburtrrs and Watker— Sv Filibustorism, tike other youthful exceesrs, brings forth fruits of repentance anc reformation. It serves ae a vont for the natural tendency of Amoricans to conquest and ex pansion, and where once largely indulged, in yi manhood, is apt to produce a conservative off age and an increased regard for law, order and regular authority. This is on the principle that » reformed rows makes the best husband, and a retired pirate the most exac og Jus. tice of the Penge. We have here at Willard’s Hotel two very startling exsiples of this philrsopluic truth in the ex Presidents of the ropublic of Texas now sojourning here. General Hourtm, whe hae been very quiet tht season, and who, on hie arrival, gave out that his Senate rial duties would be con ‘ined to tie pious tack of offering 4 proper tribute to his late colleague, General Ravk, ie now much exercised by of General Walker, ‘eciares that modote eo will d ¥@ in the Senate. The other ex-l're: Toxas tye chivalric Tamar, whose charge at San A atthe head of his small force of dragoous, was sv orilliant a featore in that wonderful achievement of Americas valor now & stoop-shouldered, abstra reservad thovghtfal old gentioman, will leave our shores in a few days, a9 Minister to Coutral Americe, with in-treetions to deep off Mibusters General Walker, however, it # 1 the bie tory of there two ancient flibuet and manhood a bitte: apt wlio He waa in youth tive and maintainer of international \aw, and of the faith of treaties. There is an incident in his life, related to me by an old friend of his, which is a precedent for tho remedy sv, by some persons as the juat one e wrong done him by Commodore Paulding. Some seven or cight years ago an imprisoned eonviet, of the name of Rey, escaped from the prison of Mevana and reached New Orleans. Here he was watched by certain spies of the Spanish Consul, was at last forcibly scized, gg oy fo vessel chartered for the purpose, and sent k to Cuba. When the facts became known there was a tremendous excitement in New Orleans. The Spanish Consul and his employs were arrested, an! an exciting trial, during which the Consul had to be protected by a police force from the wrath of the populace, was held. During this affair General Walker, then editing » per in New Orleaua, strongly defended the Spanish a}, and devoted his pen specially to the denunciation of the lawless xpirit of filibusterism, then #0 rampant in the South. But the Consul was committed for trial, and his exequatur was withdrawn by the federal authori- ties. did it end here. General Campbell was in- structed by our government to demand the return of Rey to the United States, and the American squadron appeared before Moro Castle to enforce the demand. It was urged that Rey was a felon, and that his retarn to Cuba was of his own free will. But General Campi, withont being very warmly backed by eur gorerneets insisted that it yaks came th Renee that Rey must be sent to bind Orleans in a Spanish ship. RS done. ane is G rule set by our own government wi y Justify or vil tno ‘Congréan of the proposition that will be introduced page ban if the rulos can be auapended,) that Walk- er, with his whole command, shall restored to the place whence be was iMegally taken by the authorities of the United States. ‘By-the-by, referring to General Lamar, I loarn that he has received orders to Wave for his post in Central Ameri- ca on Tuesday next. He will probably go in the Saratoga, of which Captain Engle wil be commander. This excel- Jent officer ig now bere. Though the executive oflicer in carrying out the orders of Commodore Paulding, no cen- sure can attach to him in the matter. Indeed bis tact and delicacy were conspicuous in the whole affair, and a warm regard has sprung up between Captain E. and General W. {Correspondence of the Richmond Enquirer.) Wastincron, Dec. 31, 1857. The Case of General Walker. Everybody is now on the qui vive ty ascertain what the administration is going to do with General Walker and Commodore Paulding. A word of explanation on this point may pe acceptable to my readers. The President ‘was astounded at the news of Walker’s arrest, and, after a short consultation with his Cabinet, determined to recall Commodore Paulding and bring him before a of Inquiry. In the language of Secretary Toncey , never contemplated that the United States forces would invade Nicaragua in order to arrest one of her citizens’’ and the whole thing is repudiated by the government. General Walker, having been discharged from custody by Marshal Rynders after he was told administration could not consider him a prisoner, will now in turn make his complaints and demand redress. If his seizure was illegal, the government is undoubtedly bound to pay ex penses and make fulkindemnity. This can be effected by dollars and cents ; but General Walker says dollars and cents will not cover the injury done him, and claims that the United States shall send himself and men back whence they were taken—and rehoist the Nicaraguan flag, and cause it to be saluted by the United States ships-of- war. Such are the filibuster’s demand; but it remains to be seen now far they will be complied with by the govern- ment. Another special meeting of the Cabinet is to be held to-day to consider this subject, and so soon as it is disposed of Walker will set about making preparations for another departure. He is in fine spirits, and says that the combined powers of the government may delay the accomplishment of his purpose, but cannot defeat it. Great excitement prevails among Sothern members of Congress, with whom General Walkor’s rooms are con. stantly crowded. They promise us something definite on the Neutrality Jaws so soon as Congress shall re assemble, OUR RELATIONS WITH VENEZUELA. {From the Charleston Courier, Dec. 80.) Am the arrivals by the Isabel on Monday morning ‘was Dr. Mariano De Briceno, editor and proprietor of the Caracas Diario de Avisos, who is now on his way to Wash- ington as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Mlenipoten. tiary to our government from the republic of Venezuela, his diplomatic mission especially relating to the pending eS in regard to the Island of Aves, better known as Birds Island. The leading points of this question may not be without interest to our reaters, Birds Itjand—west of Gaudal islands alovg the coast, is 6u! to ir with other e government of bjeot Venezuela, It # a rocky, uninhabitable island, valuable , 1854, the only for ita deposite ef guano, Venezuelan government granted tract, the exclusive right to ex; all the other guano is!ands ir the re. public. In June, 1855, the island was visited without au- by several vessels from the United States in search In Decom’ It is to adjust these difficulties that Dr. Briceno is sent to our government. We understand that he left the city last evening for W . Brooklyn City News. ‘Tre Riot tx Ferrow Staeer.—The parties arrested for rioting in Fulton street, on New Year's Day, were brought before Justice Voorbies on Saturday, but as there was an unusual number of drunken cases to dimpose of, which de- manded immediate attention, thetr examination was post- poned until Tuesday. The fight originated between the runners of two rival @ com} ‘Nos. 3 and 4). Seeds pean nn alen feietn Sekt whee wereerd Ee aot cee aoe ee discriminate fight enaued ween them. Wi » and several of the clubs and other missiles were used, bumber were , Ue bruised. ‘The neighborhood Fulton High streets, where the bce, age of and wag thrown into @ great state of excitement during ae ee some time, and had just about ter- inated dif'the srrival of the police, who, however, suc ceeded in art pete nd ie wily pe The affair will probably be made subject of investigation by the Fire Commissioners. Prize Ficet Paeverrep.—A party of some two hundred of the denizens of Bed Hook Point, in the Twelfth ward, proceeded to Yellow Hook Point, Gewanus, before daylight Sunday morning, for the purpose of witnessing a tight be tween two of their namber. They arrived on the ground ip good time, and everything being in readiness, one of the was sud 7, seized with doubts as to his abili- ty to contend successfully with his opponent. After view ing bis for some time, he concluded to decline the encounter, and eo withdrew with hiv friends. Many of the party were greatly disappointed at this unexpected termination Se, one one giving vent to their senti ments ward, without exciting the ions of the poles of the ‘ward. — Stanmxe Array iv Hicks Sreeer.—Jamee Gallagher, who attends a livery stable in Hicks street, was seriously stabbed on the afternoon of New Year's day by a man named Thomas Parse. It appears that Parse called at the stable to see the proprietor. Gallagher told him he was not in, but Parse insisted 1 tn and seeing for him. self. ‘High words ensued blows were exc! 5 when Parse drew a knife and inflicted two stabs in Gal lagher’s neck and one in his side, leaving him in a dan- gerous condition. Officer Oats, of the Third precinct, sub- jnently arrested Parse at hia house in elsey's alley, he was locked up to await the result of the injuries. Gallagher was as being quite low yesterday Cucren Depicarion —The uew Methodist Hpiscopal chureh recently erected corner of Hanson place and St. Felix street was dedicated yesterday morning. ‘The following clergymen were present and officiated in the services:—Bishop Janes, Rev. Goodsell, Presiding Fider of the district, Rev. Inskip, Rev, Camp, Rev. Dr. Kennady, and the pastor of ihe ompttqum, Rev Mr. law ‘The dedicatory eermon waa preached by Rishop Janes, who took for his text on fhe occasion the Mth verse of the Ist chapter of St. John. He ‘or resting ‘discourse upon After = tue sermon the —_ consecration ‘ayer was made, the congregation standing during its delivery? Rey. Mr. law then gave a short statement of the history of the church. The congregation formerly worshipped in asmatl building on Dean strect, afew blocks from the site of their new church. When tho congregation com menced the present building busigtes erally was prosperous; but before the church waa balf comploted tie great panic threw a obstacle in their way, anda great many Who had subscribed liberally towards its erec- tion were unable to pay their subscriptions. The build ing, furnitare, lots and My ow} complete cost $25,000, the amount paid in ie $8,000, leaving a debt of $17,000, which thoy hoped to be able to cancel before many yoars A collection and subscription was then taken up, and be. tween $5,000 and $4,000 raised. Tao building is a very commodious church, and will comfortably seat about 1,200 persons. It is A brick structure, 88 fset on St Folie street by 61 feet on Hanson piaco, and containg a iectura room and three class rooms on the ‘asement flour, ati the audience rooM, with gallories ou three sides, on the second floor. The church is kuvwa by the name of tas Hanson Place Methodiet Episcopal church. Rev Dr. Kennady preached in the afternoon, and Rev. Inskip inéthe evening. The services throughout were attended BY larne cou, | gations. A Mas ix Woman's Ciommm.—Charles Shepherd was sporting about the strecte of the Sixth ward on Saturday night in the dross of a female, which caused great morri ment to the juveniles as well as older heads Shepherd showed evidences of bung under the Influence of hquor; and oficer MeMahon coming up, he was escorted to the Third precinct station house, and locked up to await a hearing APPOINIMUNTS HY THe SHeRIFR—ShoriT Remeen made the following appolatments upon entering upon the datie of hs office on the Ist inetant. Deputica—C. A. Sparks Thomas Murphy ard Hugh Mclaughlin. Turnkeys Jail—Jobo Van Voorlies and Thomas Giddens The U. © te folk for the Pu coming NEW YORK $TAS@ S@VERNMENT Officers Deputed to Administer the P Government, THE LEGISLATURE—ITS DEEDS AND MISDEEDS. Measures of and Propositions islative Action. Laws whieh should be ‘Abolished and Others which ought to be Enacted. Corrected Lit of the New Legislature, with Poltieal Designation, ke, de, &e. THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR 1858, The new Stato officers wero sworn in on Friday, the Istinst. The new Legislature meet m Albany to mor- row, the bth inst, The executive of Stave is as fotlows:— Governor........ Jou A. Kina, Lieutenant Gover: Hevky R. Skupey, ‘Tho terms of their respective offices will expire on the Bist December, 1858, and an election for their successors will take place on the first Tuesday of November preced- ing. The Lieutenant Governor is presiding officer of the State Senate, has a casting vote on all motions and resotu- tions, but no vote on the passage of any law. THe also presides at the meetings of the Canal Board, where he ia entitled to an equal voice and vote with any other mem- ber. He receivés six dollars aday for his services in either place, and ten cents a mile for travelling fees in going to and returning from the capital. There is no greater imposition practiced apon the people than the sys- tem of constructive mileage paid to these public officers, and their double pay. For instance:— The Lieutenant Governor epeus the morning session of the Senate, for which he gets six dollars. He then calla one of the Senators to the chair, and proceeds across the park to the room where the meetings of the Canal Board are held; takes his seat at that Board, for which he re- ceives an additional six dollars, making twelve dollars a day, when ina majority of the casea not more than an hour’s time is devoted to both branches of the public ser- vice. The constructive mileage is still worse. A late lieutenant governor resided three bandred miles from the capital. He had afree railroad ticket always in his pocket. The law allowed him ten cents a mile for travelling, making sixty dollars atrip to Albany and back. He met with the Canal Board, which generally sat aday or two, then adjourned for about the same period, when, with- out returning home, another sixty dollars was charged for mileage. And it is no more than probable that sixty dollars for alleged mileage fees has frequently been paid, when the claimant only croesed over the park from tho Capitol to the State Hall. Attorney General State Engineer and Surveyor. ..... The following are the names of the deputies and clerks of the above offlcers:— OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE. Sam Chief Gicrke..... AN. Wakefinld, of Otsego, Clerks—Chas. W. Ward, of New York, Diederick Wit- lers, Jr., of Seneca; George H. Harrison, of New York; John Lansky, of Kings. COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE. Tax Ge Insurance Clerk. . Royal Chamberlain. Messrs. Lawyer, Spencer and Leal remain for the pre- ‘pt. rks , Sloan and Henry Evans. TREARSURER'A OFFICE. - Cornelius Ten Broeck. + Louis Voetz and Mr, Raker, STATE ENGINKER'S OFFICE. -dleorge R. Perkins, of Uviea. -B. Van Rensselaer and J. Wesley Smith, All the above officers retire on the 3lst of December, 1859, The duties of Comptroller are extremely arduous tnd highly responsible. The remainder have no duties of ‘any importance to perform, and all they are required to © might be accomplished through mere clerkships. Neither the Secretary, Attorney General nor Treasurer find business sufficient to keep them empleyed upon the affairs of the State more than two days in a week. This officer has uniformly been selected by the Canal Department, solely for the reason that his business sumply related to canal matters, adjudicating disputes, paying out moneys to contractors, and of having a general mupervi- sion of canal mattors—duties which formerly belonged to the Comptroller, The last Legislature, however, amongst many other injudicious acts, took this appointment from the Canal Board and vested it in the Governor and Senate. ‘4 was & political move and nothing else. The Auditor is invested with the powers and duties formerly belonging to the Comptroller, ia relation to the canals; draws war- rants on the Treasurer for cana) payments, audits all canal accounts, instructs cana) collecting and disbursing ofeers, and is ex-officio Secretary of the Canal Board, and also & member of the Contracting Board, as recently organized. No office in the State is more responsible. lostead of being selected by any delegated body, the Auditor should be placed before the people, the samo as tho State officers now are. The law of inst session, giving the Governor power to nominate and the Senate to confirm the Canal Auditor, was an cepecial enactment to thruwt Mr. Benton out of the office and place in it Francis H. Ruggles, the man who, in 1848, recommended a forty million canal debt, which suggestion William TH. Seward very strongly en- dorsed. There ia now an interesting billing and cooing going, on between the Americans and republicans in relation to thie matter—the former pledging anything to the legisiatere if the Governor will present the name of Mr. Benton w the Senate. But the Governor is pledged w Weed to ap- point Ruggles, Patterson or Leavenworth, neither of whom can be confirmed, and therefore Benton will bold over another year. James M. Cook, Superintendent of the Banking Depart- ment. He is appointed by the Legislature, and has another year to serve. This office is more directly a the interest of the people than any other in the State. The entire banking capital or ite representative, in the shape of bonds and mortgages, is in his bands, Through the administration of Mr. Cook we have heard no seriou complaint against him, except that during the recent panic he allowed an undue proportion of stoeks as against mort- gages to be withdrawn by the bankers. The banks seem favorably indiined towards bim, for they authorised the Legislature to tax themselves double tha amount hereto- fore paid him for bie salary ae Superintendent. In refer- ence to taking bonds an{ mortgages asa banking basie, t hae long been deemed imprudent to allow the latitude which bas been given them. Many of the banks “4 chase lots, erect banking houses upon them, place own value upon the property, barry to the Bank De- fagement wih m @ bills ia return. A i was introduced ture, directing the Super ment to take no mortgages io pleige aul half the valu the real osiate thus ‘ed, exclusive of any buiddings mm. Agd when thi rf as eooarity, then to iseue to the applicants only e' per cent upon euch amount. A law of this character would undoubtedly protect the billholder from aay swindling operations of Peavere Henry H. Van Dyck, Saperintendeat of Pr vlc. Inetrac- tion, af @ salary of two thousand five bradred dollars. He was selected on account of being a blick reruhiean, but the people have no evidence aa yet whether thie merely partisan selection bas beex o1 any utility to tne common school interest, oF Caiculated to advance the standard of popriar ¢tu-auion, We learn, however, that he makes slow Leadway in bis examination of teachers bove the capacity of simple wnltiplication. CANAL BOARD. ° . Henry R. Selden. Gileon J. Tucker, df. Church. Vanderpool. Iseut. Governor. Secretary of § Comptroller Treasurer, Attorney ( Lyman Tremaio. State Engit or ¥. R. Richmoud (2 8 Whalion. Cana) Commiseioners « ©. H. Sherri. (7) M_Jaycox. This Board meets in tholr rooms. in the State Hall, dur. ng the sitting of the Legisiature; fixes the rates of tolls on the canals, appoints the collectors of tolls, hears appeals from ranal appraisers, r We regulates the po- lice of the canals, and until the law of laat session, which passed by the vote of Mr bad the appoiniment of rperintendents, ir ke, CANAL COMMISSIONFRE, &. &. Whallon. ©, HL Sherri J. M. Jaycox § They have the coneral charge of the pablic works and of the comstructom of pew wacae. MP Sherrill