The New York Herald Newspaper, January 23, 1858, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. OFFICE N. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS. FERME cash in advance. THF DAILY HERALD, two comnts per copy, $1 per annwm. TUR WEPKLY HERALD. every Saturday, ai six cents per . OF $3 per annum, the European adition, $4 per annum to : Bart of Great Briksin. or $5 0 any part of the THE FAMILY HERALD, every Wednenday, a! four cents per PoLUNTARE ‘CORRESPONDENCE. dmportant from irter of the workd, (/ weed will be libe- mnewee, solicited any . CORRESPONDENTS ARE PAR: vel paid fos. Bg-Ove Vousion Con: anes Aan Fa AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway—Afternoon and Evening—Kavestrian anv ZooLocical PeRroORMANCES—Cun- DERELLA, OF THE LITLe GLass SLIPPER. GARDEN, Broadway—Afternoon and Evening— iM aND GrMNasTiCs—EpucateD RaINOCEROS, Ecarnant, Came, Mcies any HORses. BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery—Afternoon—Mazerra— Pappr Mices’ Bor. Evening—Rooxwoop—Waeck AsHoRE —Pappy Mixes’ Bor. BURTON'S THEATRE, Broadway, opposite Boud street— A Dar or Recxoy iNG-Oouomeos—Btameom Twins, TNAULACK'S THEATRE, Brostway—Tus Poor or New OR. LAUBA KRENE’S THEATRE, Broadway—Muierern or ‘To.eDO—AN UNEQUAL MaTcH. BARNUM’S AMERICAN MUSEUM, Broadway —Afiernoon fad Evening: fas Pioneer Patriot. WOOD'S BUILDINGS, 561 and 563 Broadway—Geonrce Oxnusts & Woon’s Minstears—New Year Cais, BUCKLEY'S SERENADERS, KUODIES AND BURLESQUES—Sual No. 444 Broadway—NecRro BREAN READINGS. MECH NIO'S HALL, 472 Broadway—Bavant’s Mises OPiAN BONGE—DOWN IN Alabama. eg Re ag a a New York, Saturday, January 23, 1858. ‘The News. ‘The proceed ngs of Congress yesterday were un- mportant. The Senate was not in session. In the House a bill for the improvement of the Patapsco river and harbor of Baltimore was introduced. An ‘unsuccessful attempt was made to introduce a resolu- tion calling for all information which gave rise to the Utah expedition, the instructions of its leaders, syd all correspondence tending to show how far Brigham Young is in rebellion against the govern- ment. The Pacific Railroad project was diseussed with reference to the northern and southern routes until the adjournment. The republican members of the House held a cau- cus 1ast evening to make preparations for the strug- gle which will shortly ensue upon the question of the admission of Kansas into the Union under the Le- compton constitution. They expect to defeat the measure. Mr. Blair, of Missouri, is to lead the op- position in this important parliamentary pitched battle. A remonst rance was presented in the State Senate yesterday against the passage of a bill extending the time for the redemption of real estate sold under foreclosure of mortgage. We have alluded at sofme length to this measure in the editorial columns. A remonstrance was also presented against modifying the laws so as to permit aliens to hold real estate. A bill incorporating the Scott Life Guard, a military association comprised of persons who took part in the war with Mexico, was introduced. The Assem- bly had a very exciting session on the Speakership, but all efforts to effect an election proved unsuc- cessful. } Mayor Tiemann has commenced hostilities upon | the policy dealers. Some half dozen of these fungi | were arrested yesterday and placed under bonds to | answer. By the arrival of the steamer Cahawba at New Orleans we have Havana dates to the Sth inst. They contain no news of importance. The Cahawba run aground at the Southwest Pass, and was detained .NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY. JANUARY. 23, 1868 Fellow aad white, at 65¢ @ 67c., while dry v's, in ship- ping order, was beid at 70c, Pork gras sold toa mado- rate extent at $14 654914 75 for mess, Sugars were moverately dealt in, while prices were unchanged. Free sales of molasses were made at prices given in ansther column. Freight engagements were moderate, with the chief engagements to Liverpool and London. For the former port four was taken at Is. 10d, a 2s. _—_————— inent, bah | War between Spain and Mextco—The Only Hope for that Republic. The state of the pending questions between Mexico and Spain begins to look as though a war would grow out of them, and our Wash- ington correspondent informs us that such a re- sult is confidently anticipated there. At the present moment a war with Spain would be one of the best things that could hap- pen to Mexico, if it is not in fact the only event that can save the republic from universal anarchy. No small share of her present inter- nal dissensions is owing to the direct and indi- rect machinations of the Spanish government, which steadily contemplates the putting of a Spanish prince on the throne of Mexico. Even President Comonfort has been approached by European agents on the subject; and at the present moment it is stated, in well informed quarters, that the scheme now being arranged between Santa Anna and the Spanish govern- ment is, that the ex-President shall be made Emperor of Mexico by the direct assistance of the Spanish army, and having only an idiot son, who could not succeed to the crown, shall adopt as his heir one of the Spanish Bourbon princes. To this scheme the Mexican church lends its assistance, and one of its principal crgans in Mexico proposes already an immediate return to Spanish colonial rule. In view of the present state of parties in Mexico, the resort to a foreign war seems to be the only resource of the government. Such an event would unite all parties there in support of the administration. Let President Comon- fort come out with a bold and honest state- ment of grievances; let him call things by their right names, and, laying the charge ef treason against the liberties of the nation at the door of the church, where it belongs, let him pro- duce the abundant evidences of Spanish compli- city that are in his possession, and make a clean breast of the infamous proposals made to him to sell the freedom of his country to a European monarch. If he will do this, not only will every patriotic Mexican hasten to his sup- port against the common enemy, but he will have the moral approbation of the world for his course, and material aid to the extent of fifty thousand men and millions of money from this country to preserve a republican form of goy- ernment in Mexico: Should he still continue to vacillate and tem- porize with the duty that is before him, his fall, and perbaps the fall of his country, is inevitable. Spanish intrigues will continue to foster internal dissension, and support the brigands now in the field in the name of the church, un- til a Spanish prince is brought in with the con- sent of a strong Mexican party, or at best, San- ta Anna returns to pave the way for one. We do not hold this to be avery distant event. Unless war is declared with Spain, we expect to see Santa Anna back in Mexico within the pre- sent year; and then there will probably arise a leader in Northern Mexico, who, seizing the elements that Comonfort has abandoned or feared to use, will become the cynosure of his country twelve hours. Several other vessels were aground | and the depositary of her hopes. The Sierra at the same place—among them the steamer Empire City. The brick cabinet shop of August Janson, No. 197 Chyrstie street, and three of the adjoining buildings, were destroyed by fire early yesterday morning ‘The loss is estimated at $20,000. By this disaster between forty and fifty workmen are thrown out of | employment. The Board of Councilmen met last evening and concurred with the Aldermen in the adoption of an ordinance to prohibit the deposit of dirt on the Bat- tery enlargement. Petitions in favor of removing the steamboat landings were presented and referred tothe appropriate committee. The special order of the evening—the consideration of the reports of the majority and minority of the Finance Committee ‘con the tax levy for 1858—was called up, but in conse- quence of the absence of a member of the minority Madre may yet be the rampart of Mexican liberty. Asvse oF THE PrERoGaTIVvE of Mercy.—We see that Governor King has thought proper to commute the sentence of death upon John Cum- mings, convicted of the murder of Stumpf, a German. Whilst we feel indisposed, as a gene- ral rale, to interfere with any act of clemency on the part of the authority to whom the exer- cise of this prerogative is entrusted by the con- stitution, we must protest against its extension to cases like this. People are in the habit of complaining that much of the crime by which we are afflicted is caused by the reluctance of Judges and juries to convict. Of what use is it, we will ask, for our tribunals to discharge their the matter was laid on the table. Abstracts of both reports are given elsewhere. A special committee of three was appointed to confer with the com- mittee of the Aldermen in reference to a new Post Office site. Alonzo A. Babcock was placed on trial yesterday in the Court of General Sessions, charged with em- bezzling moneys from the proprietors of Porter's Spirit of the Times, but was acquitted on the ground of variance between the indictment and the proof. Frances Creagh was tried for manslaughter in the fourth degree, it being alleged that she caused the death of an infant named Michael Costello, on the lst of January, at 211 Monroe street, but the Dis- trict Astorney abandoned the case and she was dis- charged. Edward McCormick, a youth, was con- vieted of an assault with intent to kill Christian Hilkmeyer, an assistant in a German drinking ta- oon in Greenwich street, on Sunday last, the par- ticulars of which were published a few days ago. He will be sentenced this morning. George Hop- key, also a youth and a bartender, was charged with manslanghter in having cansed the death of Micheel Dunlay, in the grocery store corner of First avenue and Forty-fifth street, on the 3d of December. The District Attorney read the evidence taken at the Coroner's inquest which clear: ly showed that the accused was exculpated from iny blame. The deceased teek up a cheese knife to help bimeelf, when the prisoner attempted to pre vent him. They clinched,and in the scuffle Hopkey inflicted a flesh wound, which, however, bled so profusely as to cause death. The jury, after consulting for a few moments, rendered a verdict of “Not guilty.” Henry Field, indicted for stealing a diamond ring, pleaded guilty to petit larceny, and jndgment was enspended on condition that he leaves the city within ten days. Thos. Gilhooley, charged with stealing $56 from Elizabeth Bulman, was discharged, there not being any evidence against him. Jas. Kiernan was tried for picking Mrs. J. B. Smith's pocket while passing out of Bedford street charch, but the evi- dence was insufficient to convict. The District At- torney remarked that from some cause or other a notorious pickpocket had escaped. A Pernambuco commercial circular of the Ist inet. say*:—The arrivals of sugar since the date of our last monthly circular have been 113,049 bags, or bout £075 tons, and the shipments during the same period were 6,013 tons. The accounts received of the state of the produce and money markets of Burope have caused frices to be reduced to our quo- tations, viz.:—2\/300 a 2/400 for Channel browns, and other qualities in proportion: but the rate of ex- change having been constantly falling for the last two months, is now at 2344. a 24d., 60 and 90 days, and a few drawers. In Parabas a few cargoes were sold at 29450 down to 2)/200 per arb. f. 0. b., but we hear of transactions during the last week at about the former price ‘The sales of cotton yesterday embraced about £00 bales, closing dull at about 103¢¢. per ib. for middling qualities Dealers were still inclined to wait the receipt of iater foreign news. Flour was without animation and gales were moderate, including some parcels for export, with- out change in prices. Prime wheat was scarce and firm the sales embraced common Indiana white at $1 17; * North Carolina white at $1 38, and 7,000 basitels Mit from store, at $1 05, which was an extreme «we ste’) i less active, with sales of new ct we pree duty if their decisions are to be continually re- versed by the Executive? Inclined as our courts already are to take the most lenient view of the cases brought before them, it may fairly be presumed that when they find a prisoner guilty of a capital charge the evidence has been strongly conclusive of the fact. It is, therefore, a serious responsibility for the Governor to go behind such verdicts, and it is only in very rare cases indeed that he should use that discre- tion. The danger of an imprudent exer- cise of his prerogative is too apparent for a man like Governor King not to be sensible of it: and he should be careful how he allows outside influences to be brought to bear upon his judgment. Caution is more than ever necessary at a time when erme is flourishing’ amongst us, and when, through the indifference of Judges and juries, offences of the deepest enormity are allowed to escape punishment. We cannot expect our criminal tribunals to be over zealous in the dis- charge of their duties when they find their ef- forts continually frustrated by the interference of the Governor. Between the shifts and subtle- ties of legal ingenuity, the exertion of political or other influences, and the probabilities of a successful appeal to the executive clemency, a murderer in our days stands a better chance for his life than he did when civilization was yet in ite infancy. This state of things is radi- cally wrong, and we are suffering from the con- sequences of it. The law, to be effective, must be certain in its operation; and we shall never enjoy the full measure of protection to which we are entitled against crime until all the offi- cials engaged in its administration, from the policeman up to the Governor, are fully im- pressed with the importance of the axiom. Prorosep Revivat, or Sprroviariox..Our financial cotemporary, the Chevalier Webb, en- dorses in the strongest way some scheme for silver mining operations in Northern Mexico. The Chevalier, now that the panic is over, and things are returning to their former normal condition, thinks it a good time to go into all sorte of speculations in mining companies, and other concerns of the same kind. We do not believe that thie is a proper time to go into each speculations, nor have we any confidence in our mining companies. During the great ex- pansion of busines, it may easily be remem- bered that the Wall street and the whole press of the city were humbugged by bogus mining companies, euch ae Potosi, Lake Superior, and others of the same kind. Theee speculators publish lying pamphlets, create stock, sell out, and then disappear, leaving the public to whis tle for its money. We are not ready to be bitten again so soon, nor do we believe that the Northern Mexico speculation will eucceed. even with the heavy endorsement of Chevalier Webb. Newspaper Opinions Before and After the ‘Crisis. We congratulate the readers of the HeraLy oa the entertamment they must derive from a perusal of the comments now apearing in our cotemporarics, abroad and at home, on the sub- ject of the revulsion, We know of no comedy at any of the theatres which aght to be pro- ductive of so much merriment. It is always an edifying spectacle to see a maa eat his words; but when that gastronomical fat is accompa- nied by pompous denunciation of his own former acts and sayings, the sight becomes rare indeed. It is within the memory of every general newspaper reader that duriug the spring and teily warned the public that there was trouble alwad. We pub- lished elaborate reviews of th: trade of the port, showing that our importsions were un- duly heavy, and that a decline ix the value of our staple products would cau# very grave mischief. We appealed to the innorters of fo- reign dry goods and luxuries to noderate their orders, if not for their own saki (the market was tending toa glut then) at east for the credit of the country, which would suffer if they failed. We submitted to the barks that the course of excessive expansion which they were pursuing was calculated to lead to a frightful reaction when the time came—atit must come Above all, we de- voted attention to those overgnwn railroad corporations which had become at one and the same time, the chief fcus of spe- culation, the chief borrowers of money, and the controlling agents of he financial and in many parts of the plitical com- munity. We showed elaborately hat the bulk of these corporations were unsourl and insol- vent, doing a bad business as carrirs, and com- mitting heinous frauds as financial institutions. We proved that very few out ofthe number could earn the dividends they pid: that no concern could borrow money at te rates they paid, and do a profitable business; hat their re- ports were fellacious, many of ther statements false in fact, and their suppressionsof the truth enormous. From these premises wiargued that a breakdown in railway securities vas at hand; summer of last year we re) —for them to contract. and considering the condition ofthe general commerce of the country, and the aflated state of things produced by six yeare product of gold, we stated that it was probwle that the collapse in the railway world migt be the oc- casion of or coincident with a revusion among the general business community. These views were set forth, repesedly, in the Heratp, throughout the first thre-quarters of last year. There are persons whocan well re- member them, having saved thousare by acting upon them at the time. There are others, again, who will recollect them eat by the hubbub they created and abuse the drew dowa upon the Hexap by the newsppers of the whole commercial world. The key note was given in ths city. The theory here was that this journl was in the pay of stockjobbers who waned to make money by breaking down the tock market; and that the sole design of the Harp in pre- dicting the revulsion was to hip these fel- lows make a little money. Tha absurd stuff was frequently repeated here, and re-echoed not only throughout this country Sut acress the Atlantic to the chief commercal organs of every leading country. Ever: mal from Europe brought some frantic dewncation of the Heratp and its editor as a ncklas stock- jobber bent on ruining his countr; t: make a few thousand dollars. As for thepaers here they were crazy with rage. No abuse was strong enough for their hate andfiry; they actually proposed to lynch the edtor of this paper because he would persist i foresecing trouble ahead. Certain weekly wrnals: in Europe gave pen and ink portrai of him, representing him as an ogre wh lived on rapine and murder, and who was ng engaged in ruining all the American railrids in the ordinary course of his business, Amid all this clamor, the Herat ersevered steadily in its course, noting facts, diwing con- clusions, and warning the public, A last, the first heavy drops of the thunder shotr began to fall; the railroads began to bik down; there was no question that there wan earth- quake. Then the newspapers chaged their cue, and said that the Henan hadbused the breakdown. All over the commenal world, the cry was that that terrible paperje Henanp had actually succeeded in smashing thousand millions worth of property with a fe articles, Still, the revulson went on, spreadg, widen- ing, extending. Very soon, the disae left the railways, and attacked the merchantsnd banks. What was now to besaid? The newsjpers had not the brass to pretend that we hi broken banks and merchants as well as railys; yet the facts were there, just as we ha pretold them. The papers, abroad as well ast home, took the prudent course of holding theijongues. No more abuse appeared about the Hap; no more gabble about stockjobbing: no nte non- sense about the ogre and his ferociousistincts. Eating hamble pie, noieelessly, an shame- facedly, the organs of the commercial prid left us a monopoly of the direction of ¢ public mind. Latterly, they evince symptoms of teovery, and begin again to discuss the revulin. Bat their roar, now, is like a sucking dots. You shall find all their ideas in last yearMeraun. ‘They are ashamed of their sorry ptht; their attidude sits uneasily upon them; sa of them seem to be in mortal dread lest we shld over- whelm them by republishing their et year’s articles to show how foolish and schievous they have been. Their hang-deg ais worth a trifle to see. Tue New York Pourricians atWasurvo- tox.—One of our Seward cotemperies has heard the news that Mayor Wood, Ertus Corn- ing and a whole raft of the anxiousew York democracy are now in Washington pon the benevolent mission of saving the ainistra- tion and the party from the yawnif gulf of the Lecompton constitution. We suapt, how- ever, that this patriotic idea is the fuiful con- ceit of some ingenious Washington ¢respon- dent, and nothing more. Mayor , we dare say, entertains the belief that th¢lminis tration is fully competent to take carff itself; and we know what sort of patriot Eras Corn- ing is, and Dean Richmond, and th¢ facto- Their present business at Washin doubt, to eupplant Mr. Schell, as the of this port, and to secure in his place Schell in 1853, but we should not be if they were to come home in 1858, of this barnburner delegation, with a very large flea in hisear. We are in mo hurry; but when it is quite convenient to thae Senate we hope that Mr. Corning, Mr. Dean Richmond and Company will be relieved of thei1 present painful suspense in regard to the spoils of our Custom House. City Intellect and Rural Backwardness, We see that two bills have been introduced into the State Senate which illustrate admira- bly the contrast between city intellect and rural backwardness, One was introduced by Gen. Mandeville in order to put a stop to time con- tracts at the New York Stock Board; the other by Senator Sloan for the repeal of the usury laws. It would be difficult to conceive two measures more utterly opposite in spirit. The practice of making time contracts at the Stock Board may be productive of injury. It no doubt fosters the habit of gambling which is very hurtful to a portion of our people. It may contribute to foist worthless properties upon the public, or to depreciate really good concerns. But the question is, can anew law on the subject avail to check that practice? To this the answer must be in the negative. Under the law as at present in torce, no one can reco- ver a stock gambling debt. More than this, a person who has paid a difference accrued on a stock gambling transaction may, if he be so inclined, recover the same from the party who received the money. All stock operations are illegal, and are made on honor only. How Gen. Mandeville proposes to increase the already pa- tent illegality of these operations by his pro- posed law, is not obvious. Furthermore, experience teaches that no amount of laws can be of any effect in preventing stock gambling, so long as the mania of gambling remains in the human heart. Any law that can be made will be evaded and broken, just as the Prohibitory Liquor law was, and as any other law will be which is manifestly contrary to the spirit of the age and the feelings of the people. If the State Legislature wants to introduce a reform into the operations of the Stock Exchange, let it legalize time contracts for stocks, so that a creditor on a stock contract may sell out a de- faulting debtor. This perhaps would thin the street and the board of those who operate on the principle of “tails I win, heads you lose;” but as to making more prohibitory laws, the idea is as ridiculous as it would be to declare it to be illegal for a merchant to contract to deliver flour or pork to a government or an individual months and years before the flour is grown or the hogs raised. As te the other bill, the proposed repeal of the Usury laws, there can be no question but the reform is urgently required. In the present state of the law the most legitimate and neces- sary operations of commerce are exposed to be stamped with the taint of usury, and to be de- clared illegal. Money notoriously fluctuates as widely and more rapidly than eotton or bread- stuffs; it is quoted in the papers from day to day as being worth 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 and even 20 per cent per annum; and yet we have a law on the statute book which pronounces it to be worth seven, neither more nor less. The age of restrictions on trade ought to have disappeared, and has disappeared in most places long ago. Here it seems to linger. The Usury laws still remain, a monument of the pe- riod when man’s nose was split for buying up great quantities of wheat, and a baker was pil- loried for charging over a certain price for his bread. The avowed objection is the dread of the farmers, lest, if the Usury laws were re pealed, they would find it impossible to obtain money on bond and mortgage for the improve- ment of their farms at any reasonable rate. But can no middle term be suggested? In England and Scotland the Usury laws still hold good with regard to rural property, while they have been withdrawn from the operations of commerce. Cannot some member of the Legis- lature prepare some such scheme as this, which shall set trade free from absurd entanglements, and relieve the farmer from apprehensions of being unable to obtain money save on “usurious interest?” Gexerat Scorr axp THe Monmons.—It is re- ported that General Scott, probably by the next steamer, will depart for California to superintend an army movement from the West- ern side of the Continent against the Mormons. We do not believe this report, simply because General Scott can better superintend the pro- jected army movement at Washington or New York than at San Francisco. We presume that between him and the Secretary of War the plan and the details of the next campaign against the refractory polygamists of the Great Salt Lake will be all arranged before anything is actively undertaken. And in reference to this projected campaign we would suggest to the Secretary of War and the General-in-Chief that it would be better to raise volunteers for this particular service than to increase the regular army to the number of troops that will be re- quired. The proposed increase of the regular army will be a comparatively expensive plan, and slow and limited in its capacities. On the other hand, the volunteer system may be so ar- ranged as to comprehend two great objects first, the expulsion of the Mormons or the Mor- mon hierarchy; and secondly, the colonization of Utah Territory with a new school of settlers. From the western side of the Mississippi Valley twenty thousand volunteers for this service could be raised upon a notice of sixty dayg; and in two weeks time a volunteer force oF ten thousand men could be raised in California, and such men for the deserts, plains and mountains, as soldiers or settlers, as only California can produce. A volunteer movement of this sort, coupled with a liberal system of land grants to actual settlers of the corps in Utah, would make short and decisive work of Mormon polygamy. In this connection, if the War Department could secure an early importation of five hun- dred or a thousand camels, with a view to their transplantation and reproduction in Utah and New Mexico, a new and most powerful agent for the developement of the mineral resources of those regions, and for the rapid settlement of the same, would be secured, to say nothing of the value of the camel in the business of army transportation. We earnestly invoke the attention of the Secretary of War and General Scott to these suggestions. Volunteers and actual settlers should make up the next army for Utah, and the camels should net be forgotten. Every beast of this kind imported, to the number of ten thoutand, may be made to pay a profit to the government, while their services in our western plainsand deserts, in the work of colon- ization and commerce, would soon extend in yalue to thousands and milligus of dollars. et Sovrsers Sentiment vs, Scerneny Apuse oF | short-sighted, there is very little chance of ite tm New Yorn Hexay.—We pubtish to-day a leader from the Richmond Whig,in which the editor says that “the recent numerous articles” of the New York Heratp “on the Leeompton convention and constitution have been marked by sound and practical common sense, and in- dicate, in our judgment, the only course which the South can pursue with safety and honor.” This, we have reason to believe, is the Southern sentiment; but onr Richmond cotemporary is careful to qualify it in advance with a little of the choicest leaven of Southern abuse. Thus our Richmond philosopher informs his readers that:he has “but little respect for the motives which inspire the course of the New York HERALD on any political or other ques- tion;” that “it@ a venal journal, and traffics its opinions as a pédier his wares, always having an eye to the main chance, and its whole thoughts bent on dollars and cente;” an@ that “it will advocate or oppose any measure with- out a moment's reference to its merits or its effect upon the country, and utterly regardless of its owg notions and convictions.” These, indeed, are sweeping allegations; but they are only among the variations of the old cho- rus of our disappointed rivals and broken down politicians, party organs, party hacks, and va- gabonds of every degree, who, from time to time, have had occasion to remember-us. But, as for a quarter of a century we have not only lived down but have flourished and continue to prosper pari passu with the malignity of our enemies, we can well afford to despise the im- potent inventions of their malice and envy. To our newspaper cotemporaries of this or that party or faction, right or wrong, the indepen- dent course pursued by the New York Heraup has been a mystery which they could only ac- count for upon the spoilsman’s theory of bri- bery and corruption. Let us cite a few cases. When the Heratp came out in support of poor Pierce for the Presidency, the secret was alleged to be a bonus from the democracy of fifty thousand dollars; when we trotted out George Law as an experimental live oak can- didate, it was understood that “Live Oak George” had come down handsomely; when we dropped him, lo! and behold! it was because we had received, in Mariposa scrip, the valua- ble consideration of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for supporting Col. Fremont. In advocating the administrative policy of Mr. Buchanan, it has been charged, North and South, that the Hrratp only “ traffics its opinions as a pedler does his wares,” “utterly regardless of its own notions and convictions.” Lastly, our peculiar views upon financial and commercial affairs have been diligently set down to the account of fancy stocks and Wall street kite-flying and swindling specula- tions. We presume, however, that it is hardly ne- cessary to assure our Richmond cotemporary that all these alleged cases of buying and selling, and a thousand others, were and are but the “weak inventions of the enemy.” We have never been bought into the service of any poli- tician or party or party candidate, and have never been sold into the service of any adminis- tration. We have never dabbled in Wall street fancies, bubbles, swindles or stocks, to tho ex- tent of a dollar. We have outlived our black mail libellers; and, in reference to all sorts of lobby jobs and plunder-mongering, we can court the closest investigation. If our Rich- mond cotemporary, therefore, can produce any specification and any proof of the “venality” of the Hrratp, and that it “traffics its opinions asa pedler his wares,” let the fact and the proof be produced, or let our accuser stand forth a confessed libeller. Is not that fair? For twenty odd years, through good and evil report, the New York Heratp has been about the only Northern journal that has unfailingly vindicated the constitutional rights of the South. Our reward from Southern politicians has been, in season and out of season, a plentiful supply of abuse and blackguardism. We are at length on the high road to the conviction that Southern honor is the most transparent of Southern ab- stractions; and that Southern chivalry, among Southern politicians, is Southern insolence and vulgarity. Who comes next? Tue Prorosep Stay Law ww tae Stare Senxate.—A certain Mr. Noxon, of the State Senate, has thought to signalize his zeal for the popular good by the introduction of a project of stay laws in regard to the sale of property under foreclosure of bond and mortgage. Now, we have no objection to the man’s desire to ob- tain notoriety, but we do object to his attempt- ing to pass off this new absurdity as a possible thing, even were it desirable. The constitution provides that no ex post facto laws shall be enact- ed. Therefore, Mr. Noxon’s plan can have no effect upon contracts already entered into, or such as may be entered into before his proposed law shall have gone through all the forms of legislation. But were it possible to enact the proposed law, its effects would be fatal to the very interests the mover proposes to attain. Who would invest his money in the purchase of a house or store offered for sale under fore- closnre, if his title to it is to remain incomplete for a year or two, subjected to the additional dis- advantage of intervening judgments? The answer is, no one. If, then, bona fide purchasers do not present themselves when property is offered for sale, what becomes of its value? It must most surely sink in value till it comes down to a price so low as to serve as an offset to the disadvantages which the proposed new law impose on the purchase. Nongs this the only fatal consequence of the enactment sug- gested. Everybody is deeply interested in the security of bonds and mortgages. Our cities are built on credit to a great extent. Let their security or availability be impaired in any way, and capital that now gives life and activity to all the various branches of business connected with house building, both in town and country, will be at once withheld. What, then, becomes of those enterprises for the future, which have thas far done so much to encourage every branch of the national industry, and to beautify and enrich our cities? But we have no fear that a scheme ¢o crude and suicidal will ever be entertained for a moment by the enlightened Legislature of the State. The Hon, Mr. Noxon’ bubble only requires to be pricked, and ite beautiful proportions and colors at once dis- Gppear. ‘ Tt is possible that some temporary relief might be afforded by such a law to those who are now suffering from the financial pressure, hy preventing their property from being sacri- ficed ata time when money is of such para- mount value and real estate is so depreciated. Mr. Noxon may have been animated by huntani- farian sentiments in proposing this measure. But oe it is clearly unconstitutional, ag well as ever going into operation. No law can be pawed which would interfere with contracts already made, whether such contracts are de- pendent upon the provisions of a mortgage, a bill of sale, or any other legal transaction. Another stay law, but having application ouly to the payment of expenses for local improve- ments, was enacted by the last Legislature, on the 20th of March, 1857. It was entitled “An act relative to the payment of expenses for local improvements in the late village and city of Williamsburg, and to actions and proceedings in respect thereto.” The principal section of this law is as follows:— By section eight the Commissioners are paid per diem, without limitation as to time. not heard; but it strikes us that it is ex post Facto in its operation, and would hardly be sua tained in all its features, though enacted by the wiseacres of last session. At all events, it may be fairly classed with the rest of the legisla- tion emanating from that august body. THE LATEST NEWS. IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. ‘War between Spain and Mexico Said to be Inevitable—Trouble among the British Di- plomats—The Expense of the Public Print ing—Naval Officers Charged with Sm: —The Case of Commander Boutwell—The Wasinneron, Jan. 22, 1866. It is confidently stated in the diplomatic circles here that a war between Mexico and Spain is inevitable. The latest advices from Mr. Dodge, our Minister to Spain, state that it is the generally received opinion at Madrid that Spain will shortly make @ demonstration on Mexico, Kng- land and France to the contrary notwithstanding, and that active preparations to that end are new in progress. Inti- mations of Santa Anna’s complicity in the contemplated invasion are also mooted. The government has seat stringent orders to the Captain General of Cuba to have the Spanish naval forces in America put at once in the highest state of efficiency. On the other hand, letters received here by the iast mai! from Mexico, a day or two since, say that a negative reply to the Spanish preliminary propositions has bees recently sent to Gen. Almonte, the Mexican Minister im England, and to Senor Lafragua, and that they are in- structed by the Mexican government not to recede in @ single pomt from the just demands that Mexico has made. The story thét Santa Anna bas been lately in Havana is not credited here, although it is known that his agents are actively at work there, and possess the favor of the gov- ernment. The double beaded mission from England does not sean to be getting along smoothly, Rivalry and jealousy hae already manifested itself on more than one occasion. Sir William Gore Ouseley keeps his special mission a secret from Lard Napier. The republican members are holding a caucus this even ing for the purpose of making arrangements and fixing their plans to oppose the Lecompton constitution, which will shortly be communicated to Congress. Mr. Blair, of Missouri, is to be their leader. They are confident that a sufficient number of democrats will go with them to de- feat it. The gross amount of expense incurred for the publie printing, binding, engraving, &c. of the thirty-third and thirty-fourth Congresses has just been ascertained. The account stande as follows: irty third Con; 5 Thiny fourts Congres The sum of $790,000 is called for to make up the dedi- ciencies in the appropriaUons for this branch of the pubiie work. Information bas just been furnished the Treasury Depart- ment of extehsive attempts on the part of the captain and officers of the frigate Congress to pass through the Phila- delphia Custom House a large amount of valuables of vari- ous kinds, free of duty, and ia violation of law, The mat- tor is now being investigated, A Naval Court of Inquiry bas been ordered to meet hore on Tuesday next, composed of Captains Henry A. Adama, Andrew Harwood and Edward G. Tilton, as members, and J. M. Carlisle as Judge Advocate, for the purpose of in- quiring into the conduct of Commander Edward B. Bout- well whilst in command of the John Adams, on the Pacific station, during the years 1855.6, and also as to his retarm from his command without being regularly relieved. ‘Two pursers in the navy were appointed to-day, name- ly, John W. Nixon, of Louisiana, and Miles I. Morria, of Mississippi. The steam frigate Wabash, I understand, will be order- ed to the Mediterranean as the flagship. Thirteen bids have been received at the Navy Depart- ment for tho steam machinery for the new sloop sloop.of- war building at Boston. They are from New York, Phila delphia and Boston. The Treasury statement for the week ending 18h inst, is as follows — Amount subject to draft. Receipts since January 1... Drafts paid in meantime, ‘One million of the new treasury notes has including exchanges and payments. THE GENERAL NEWSPAPER DESPATCH Wastryotos, Jan. 22, 1868. Lieut. General Scott, although not long since opposed te & movement from the Pacific side against the Mormons, is now anxious to organize a force in that quarter. He has not yet, however, received orders to do so. The Senate's Committee on Foreign Relations will make ‘A report on the President's Central American message, om Monday. Several Senators are preparing themselves for the ocoasion, and a warm debate is anticipated Jobn G. Barr, of Alabama, is appointed Consul to Mel- bourne, Australia, vice Tarleton. The British Post Office has made complaints that large bumbers of newspapers containing writing are discovered in mails received from the United States, and, according to the request made to our Post (fice Department, the latter bas directed the attention of postmasters throughout the country to the necessity of enforcing the laws and regulations upon that subject, and enjoined them to pro- tect the postal revenue from such illegal practices by exercising greater care and diligence in futare. ‘The British Port Office has also been requested to return papers, &e., illegally forwarded pa Rm seen a erlecod fale, wlth he view to prosecute the senders for the penalty of $6 for each of- fence. been issued, es The Kansas Election. Sr. Louw, tan. 22, 1858. At the election on the 4th inst. the majority against the Lecompton constitution was 10,226 Connection.—The St. Louis despatch published yesterday: morning stated the majority against the Lecompton com- stitution at the election on the 4th inet. at 1,296. The same despatch was received by our agent in Philadelphia, which stated it to be 10,226, which if doubtless correct. —_—_——$ The Cahawhbea at New Orieans—The Emptre City and Many Other Vessels Aground. New Ontxaws, Jan. 22, 1968. The steamship Cahawha, from New York 12th inst., vis Havana 18th, arrived at alate hour tact night, baying been detained for twelve hours at the South West Pass, where several vessels are aground, blocking up the channel. The steamship Empire 0) Wednesday morning for Hi hich left this elty on nd New York, is among by May 3 na at the Pass, fe ¢ Oahaw' dringsgpo news of importance from van. - ——— Fire tn 2 School Rutiding at Boston. Borrow, Jan. 2, 1858 Voaterday afternoon ope of the femals teachers i the