The New York Herald Newspaper, February 20, 1858, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIFTOR. OPFICE N. W. CORNER AND NASSAU ST. TERMS, cosh in ndvonre ‘ THE DAILY HERALD, (100 conte Wek Ly oy tain, oF $5 10.an 2 us "ERTISEMENTS renee every day; advertioements in A sa Famicy Henan, and in the ile neatness, cheapness and des seeee NO. 5O QMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway—Afternoon and Eve iag—Crmous AND MEN AGERIE—GULLIVER @ THE LILLIPUTIANS — flea THEATRE Bowery—Ouanoe Gini ov Vemior t NX PRUSHES—EKBTONRS IN LYDLA—OLIVER Twist. BURTON'S THEATRE, Broadway, opposite Bond street— Ha Wovr sg an Acton—Haan or 4 Pin—You'ne ANOTHER Tux Cainic. LAURA KFENF'S THEATRE, Broadway—Dovetx Facey ‘sorte —Racue1 tux Reaver, BARN ‘oon and AMERICAN MUSEUM, Brondway—After- vening: PIonExR PaTkior. WOODS BUILDINGS, 561 and 568 Broadway—Groncr Oamury & Woop’s Minstnnis—Afiernoon and Evening— Rocusnrs or Tuomas. BUOKLEY'S SERENADERS, No. 44 Broadway—Neano Mxvovixs ap Burtesques—TRaineD ANIMALS. MRCHANICS MALL, 472 Broadway—Brvanr’s Minerreis —Erarorias Somgs—Brv art's tram OF Shove Ry. New York, Saturday, February 20, 1858, MAILS FOR THE PACIFIC. New York Herald—California Edition. ‘The United States mail steamship Star of the West, Capt. Gray, wil leave this port this afternoon, at two o'clock, fer Aspiawall. ‘Hho mails for California and other parts of tho Paciic ‘wil close at one o'clock this afternoon. ‘The New Yor Weanty Herato—California edition— @entaining the latest intelligence from al parts of the world, will be published at ten o'clock in the morning. Bingle copies, in wrappers, ready for mailing, six cents Agents will pleage send in their orders as early as pos- alble. Revtval of Business—The Newspapers. ‘The best evidence of the revival of business generally ig the fact of ite revival and growth in such an establish- mont as the New York Henatp newspaper. The first effort te do business after the depression is to tell the world what you have to sell, and what you waat to buy. ‘This is best dome through the columns of a widely ciron- iating journal. In proof of this general view we give the following statistics of the cash receipts for advertisements and circulation during the first six weeks of the last three years :— Cas ReCkIPTS—ADVERTISKMENTS AND CIRCULATION. 1856—From week ending January 5 to week 185T—Do. January 10 to February 14. 1868—Do. January 9 to February 13. 1651—Increase over 1856, 1858 Do. over 1857. ‘These facts evidently show that the revulsion for the present is over; but unless great wisdom and prudence Prevail in the management of banks and bankers we may bave several amall expansions, contractions and revul- sions in the compass of the coming year. Capitalists are ‘the engineers of the great money machine, They must moderate the quantity of steam,or they may smash the machinery again. Things begin to look bright; but let us not get crazy, aa people did in Wall street and elsewhere S&yearago. Walk slow and sure. Be economical, even to to the extent of $7 a month for the butcher's bill,a la Fifth avenue, and all will end well. ‘The News. The Senate yesterday was engaged on the private calendar. The House was entertained by explana- tions of the personal feuds existing between Measrs. Hoard, of New York, and Burns, of Ohio, anda recital of the cause of a quarrel between Mesers. Hatch, of New York, and Zollicoffer, of Tennessee, relative to the absurd ritual of the Know Nothings, which Mr. H. believed to be treasonable and danger- ous to the peace and welfare of the country. Very little attention, however, was paid to these bilious ebullitions. Mr. Hoard revived the charge against the aduinistration of Executive interference with legislation, and offered a resolution providing for the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the subject. Without taking the question the House adjourned. Both houses of Congress stand adjourned till Tuesday next, in order to afford members an oppor- tanity to celebrate Washington's birthday. A large number of members, together with Secretaries Brown, Cobb, Floyd and Thompson, will participate in the inauguration of the statue of Washington at Richmond. The majority report of the Senate Territorial Committee on the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton constitution is printed in today’s paper. ‘The importance of the subject discussed insures for it an attentive perusal. Nothing of general local importance transpired in the Legislature yeetesday. Both branches adjourned till Tuesday evening. Interesting extracts from our files of European papers received by the Baltic are given elsewhere in our columns. Among them may be found an ac count of the second escape of the American bark Adriatic. This vessel, it will be recollected, was seized at Marseilles, and the captain sentenced to re- imburse the value of the French steamer Lyonnais, the two vessels having unfortunately come in col- lision, which resulted in the loss of the latter. After her seizure the Adriatic managed to escape from Marveilies, but was subsequently recaptured by a French man-of-war and taken to Spezzia. It now appears that during a tempestuous night the enter- prising captain of the bark quietly slipped out of the harbor of Speazia, and he is now probably half. ‘way acrom the Atlantic, homeward bound. A full account of the successful launch of the steamship Leviathan is also given. ‘The first unmistakeable snow storm of the sea- son commenced yesterday forenoon, and continued throughout the day with every prospect of achieving @ decided success; but towards nightfall it abated somewhat, and later in the evening it gradually subsided altogether, much to the diagust of all the belles and beaux who felicitated themselves pon the enjoyments of sleighing, and also of our livery stablekeepers, who have patiently and hopefully waited for their usual winter profite. At midnight, however, the olonds had a portentions appearance, and we may yet have the sleighing carnival in fall blast. The ominous indications of the weather de- layed the departure of the Sound steamers yesterday afternoon. Up to eight o'clock the Stonington and Pall River boats had not left their piers. Our tele- graphic weather reports from all points remark the fall of snow, and we may, therefore, anticipate more or less interruption of travel, with all its attendant delays and annoyances. The Chamber of Commerce met yesterday and passed resolutions condemning the bill before Con- gress compelling merchants to use Rogers’ marine signals under severe penalties, A long statement ‘was read, showing the defects of the present laws respecting the collisions at sea, and suggesting amendments. The case of the Lyonnais and Adri- atic was referred to,and much sympathy was ex. premed for Captain Dunham. A report in reference to the forms at the Custom House was also read, and laid over for consideration. There was a verdict of $60 damage’ returned yes t ‘day, in the Marine Court, against the Rev. Mr. H wn, former rector of the Church of the NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1858. Good Angels, Brooktyn, for slander on Mr.Greea, | The Brooklyn one of the wardens of that conguegation. Judge Thompson gave a very lengthy charge to the jury. He animadverted severely upon the ayetem of deae- crating the sacred office of the ministry by bringing it down to the level of the politician. Tn the Court of General Seasions yesterday coun- sel for a number of Germans, who were held to bait on the verdict of a Coroner's jury, who came to the conclusion that man named Muller came to hia death during a riot in the Seventeenth ward, moved for their discharge in consequence of no in- dictments having been found againat them. The District Attorney concurred in Sig, sppiication, stating that the evidence was inst nt to bring them to trial; whereupon the Recorder ordered the recegnizances to be discharged. Ex-Recorder Smith, counsel for the alleged keepers of policy establish- ments who haye been indicted by the Grand Jury, gave notice that on Saturday he would move to quash the indictments, on the ground that no felony had been committed and that they did not show upon their face that there had been any violation of law. James O'Hara, charged with assaulting Mary Ann Brace, was acquitted. James O'Hara was tried for a rape on Catherine Bagley, a young girl of the town, and convicted of assault and battery. He, together with a large number of pri- soners, will.be senteneed this morning, it being. the last day of the term. The petit jury were discharged, the Recorder observing that he never saw the duties of jurors performed more promptly than they had been done by the gentlemen selected for that pur pose in the February term of the Court. The European news by the Baltic had no effect of mo- ment yesterday upon our cotton market, except it was to impart more steadiness to it, The rales embraced about, 2,000 bales, based upon middling uplands at about 11%Xc, 8 11%c., with’a good local and Eastern demand, with some sales for export. The market displayed more Grmness and animstion, with a sight improvement in some cases. There was a good demand for extra grades of Southern flour for export. Wheat was firm and quiet. Corn sold toa fair oxtont at 67c. a 68c. a 706. for yal low and prime white. Pork was loss buoyant, aad sales of mess mado at $16 90, and at $13 60 for prime. Sugars were firm, and within a'few daya prices have advanced from Xe. a *{c.,for some grades of goods. The sales embraced about 500 a 600 hogsheads and 500 boxes, at prices given in another piace. Coffee was firm, with salss of 1,200 bags of Rio and 100 do. Maracaibo, quoted eiso- whore. Freight engagements were moderate, aad rates unchanged. Spanish Intrigue and American Intervention in Mexico, The full accounts which we published yester- day from Mexico give a graphic but sad picture of the political throes that agonize that republic It is evident that a contest is going on there, far deeper in its springs, and with promise of far greater results, than appears upon the sur- face of things. The constitution that was adopted a year agg has failed as a practical scheme of government, from its too great adop- tion of the radical theories of the schoo! of European republicanism ; and the monarchical and theocratical elements that still remain in its society have taken advantage of the reaction to carry into power a policy cf the most abso- lute tendencies. The constitutional President of the republic is driven to seek aid for his country beyond its borders, while the Vice President is compelled to call the representa- tives of Mexican freedom together in a distant quarter of the republic. The new powers that have been installed under the nominal Presi- dency of Gen. Zuloaga have proceeded at once to reinstate several of the old institutions, which have become must odious to the people The church and the army are restored to their privileges, and declared superior, in the eye of the law, to the civil power and the great mass of the citizens. The contest is, in truth, a con- test between the feudal and ecclesiastical theo- ries of the middle ager, and the politica! ideas of the present century. It is the general belief in Mexico that the re- cent triumph of the ecclesiastical party is mainly due to the influence of Spanish gold and Spanish interest; and so universal is the popu- lar impression of this fact, excited as it ie by the open part which many Spanish subjects took on the side of the priests in the recent conflicts, that Senor Escalante, the Spanish Consu! Gene- ralin Mexico, felt himself compelled to publiah an official denial of the accusation of Spanish meddling. He does this in a way, however, that gives a strong support to the popular be- lief. Instead of denying the great fact, he merely asserts that those of his fellow sub- jects who didtake a part in the contest had ceased to be Spaniards and had beoome Mexi- can citizens—which he further claims they had a perfect right todo. We will not dispute the technical point of international law with Senor Escalante, but we do think that if he could not find a better ground of denial to meet the pub- lic accusation he had better have remained silent. In the course he has adopted he has given an official sanction to the genera! belief What course the developement of this Euro- pean intrigue in an American republic against. republican institutions will take is not yet evi- dent. A portion of the church party has already declared in favor of a return toSpanish colonial rule, while another party is in favor of the re- turn of Santa Anna to absolute semi-imperial rule in the country. In the meantime, the libe- rals will strain every nerve to n lican institutions, and, if possible for their cause from this country. tervention on the pert of our government would be received with joy by the great body of the Mexican people; and should such a movement fail, they may invite the filibwsters to their aid Not the filibusters of the Walker-Nicaragua school, but those true Americans who aympa- thize with republicans everywhere, and who would gladly aid in removing from power the feudal elements that are now in the ascendant in Mexico, and in restoring constitutional gov- ernment there. In the difficulties that now sur- round the question there is one course open to President Comonfort. He fs the constitutional President of Mexico, driven from his post and his country by Spanish gold and European in- trigue. Let him at once present s memorial to our government and to Congress, setting forth the facts, and asking for ite intervention to re- establish constitutional order in a contiguous republic. Such @ course on his part would call out the sympathies of the whole land in his favor, and by provoking discussion in and out of Congress would go far toward restoring liberty to the Mexican people. If it were required, an army of fifty thousand men can be raised in six weeks in thie country to restore him to the chair of the constitutional Presidency of Mexi- co. We know that many of the public men of that country are afraid to acknowledge their belief that the calling in of American sid is the only hope for free Mexico; but we know, too—for we have received a thousand proofs of the fact—that hundreds of aem entertain thie belief, and that it is widespread and rife in the hearts of the Mexican people. Whenever a bold Mexican leader does take euch 8 course to restore freedom to bis fellow citizens he will be himself astonished at the readiness with which all classes in Mexico will accep! Lis leadership. A direct in ‘rime ta Our Large Ctttes. The verdict of the Coroner's jury in the recent homlcidé case in Brooklyn impli- cates three parties as accessory to the death of Mr. Simonson. Not one of these persons is over twenty-three years of age Taken in connection with the death sentences now pending over the heads of two youths— Rodgersand O’Connell—the immense number of convictions for minor offeuces that have taken place of late amongst the same class of adoles- cents, and the results of the Fire Marshal's in- vestigations for the last half year—which show that of the acts of incendiarism that have oc- curred in our city the largest proportion have been committed by boys—this fact isan instruc- tive one. It proves that owing to some active cause or other demoralization is rapidly spread ing amongst us, and that the rising generation, so far from benefiting from the diffusion of edu- cation and the rhetorical efforts of our great religious luminaries, promises to outvie all its predecessors in wickedness. Without stopping to inquire how far the clergy of every denomination are responsible for this state of things—a question that can never, we fear, lead to any practical solution— it seems to us that it is not difficult to trace where a large share of the blame is attributable. If the axiom be correct that the prevention of crime is half accomplished by the certainty of punishment, then it follows that we have our- selves to reproach with the major portion of these results. It is useless for us to try and satisfy our consciences with the assertion that our magistrates are corrupt, that our juries are indifferent, and that political or other influences are at any time sufficient to stay the arm of jus- tice. There is something more powerful than judges, than juries, or than corrupt influences ; and that is the force of public opinion. If our community would only acquit itself of its own reaponsibilities then it would have but little ground of complaint against its servants. There can be no doubt in the worid that the disgraceful facts that we daily have occasion to signalize are entirely due to the laxity that has prevailed for some years past in the administra- tion of justice. In the first place an inefficient and corrupt police brought under the cogni- zance of the courts only such offences as the accused parties were not rich enough to compound for. Then when offenders were taken before a magistrate friendly influences could frequently be brought to bear to defeat a charge or arrest a decision. Even when jadges and juries were found to be inaccessible, the punishment meted out to criminals could be averted by a well supported appeal to the executive. The result of this system of checks and hinflrances was, of course, to induce a gene- ral laxity in the administration of the laws, to encourage crime, and to induce in the viciously inclined amongst the youth of our city s spirit of defiance and contempt of the authorities. Hence the increase in the number of offences to which the hot passions of youth usually lead, the scenes of drunkenness and rowdyism of which our streets are continually the theatre, and the acts of murder, incendiarism and rape onthe partof mere boys, which of late have contributed to swell the catalogue of crime. This state of things wonld have been much worse but for the efforts of one or two conacten- tious magistrates, who, disregarding the in- fluences brought to bear upon them and the clamors of the lowest and vilest portion of the prese, have steadily exerted themselves to arrest the tide of demorelization which has set in. Since the present Gity Judge came into office he bas done more to vindicate the authority of the laws and to check the progress of crime than all the otber authorities put together. By the promptness and energy of his action he has cleared off an immense number of indictments that would have otherwise hung fire and per- haps never have been heard of, whilst the se- verity of his sentences has struck terror into the hearts of offenders. During his brief judi- cial term be has disposed in this way of up- wards of three thousand cases. Since the pre- sent Recorder has entered upon bis duties he has seconded him in the most energetic and able manner; but what, after all, can these two men do against the overwheiming influences by which they are surrounded, and which are in- cessantly exerted to neutralize their efforts? Nothing os we have before stated, but the force of public opinion expressed unmistakeably through the batiot box and the Legislature, can provide an effective remedy for this state of things It will be seen by the prompt and decisive action of the Brooklyn people, on the occasion of the late homicide, that they have re- solved to submit no longer to the state of terror- ism and incertitude in regard to life and pro- perty under which, in common with us, they have been so long living They have appointed a committee of respectable citizens to see that in this case the ends of justice shall not be de- defeated by corrupt influences. Whilst in its objects this body partakes character of a vigilance committee in its form and operation, it comes in no way into conflict with the laws, Should its exertions be neu- tralized by the pliancy of the Brooklyn judges or the improper interference of the friends of the accused, it will then be a subject for con- sideration what new phase it will assume. Without expressing any opinion as to the judi- ciousness of this experiment, we think that it shows clearly that the administration of justice in this State hae arrived at such a degree of laxity and corruption that the people are de- termined no longer to submit to it. All efforts at areform will, however, prove unavailing, unless accompanied with the abolition of the present eystem of an elective judiciary. Our own experience has already confirmed what that of other countries had long since demonstrated— that the stream of justice can never flow in a pure and even current so long as it is liable to be disturbed by political influences, Scrermtenpent Cook Berore tHe Barrisn Pewtic.-The English papers are copying and commenting upon Superintendent Cook's annual report from the banking department of this State. We give elsewhere the views of the London Times on the document, from which it will be seen that the English journalist prefers the Superintendent's theories to his grammar. The London Times seems to concur with him in thinking that it might be possible to frame a banking system under which the banks would be forced to keep twenty per cent of their liabili- ties in coin, and might yet do a profitable busi- ness, In this view very few persons are likely to coincide ; though a determined effort to pass alaw with such an aim may very likely be made in more than one Legislature. It might pay well to menace the rich banks with such a atatute. essentially of the | George Peabody, of London, banker, has pub lished another letter about bia late embarraas- ments, It runs a6 follows:— Referring to @ letter T wrote on the 224 ‘inst , on'the eub- ses ecerred t meta searettes of ts Sintants 8 retmarks contained im Amerioas papes , on the subject of Wuasaoties given for the same, that it ls advisable to stale ibe charter of tht Wen of forbids the Governor aud Direclers from lending monsy on ey but. Brite curities, and ® consi le portion deposited by my being in bonds of the various States and cities United States, the rule of the bank required, in adit “or ponder’ sane 96 | it i mania have done had the sect een Uni ‘Rotes), which was yi Sb addon, given. The joint stock banks required no au: 4 ‘Some personal friends and perties interested (about eight in pumber) have given their names to eae separate ' do, that, wing beon given by my firm for the full gum borrowed, their Feo is merely nominal. coumstance of all the three American houses who obtained assistance of Engiand in the crisis of 1837 having given guaranties, without other recurity, bas doubtless led the correspondents of tho American prese into the errors to w! Lhave alluded, am, very feapectfully, yours, GEORGE PEABODY. From the above it seems that Mr. Peabody was weaker than people supposed,ashe was obliged to get individual endorsements as well as to@eposit securities as collateral for the advances he got from the bank.. It also appears that notwith- standing the revival in the money market, these loans from the bank have not yet been repaid— that the debt has simply been extended. Whether disclosures of this kind are calcu- lated to help Mr. Peabody's credit is of course a matter of which he isthe best judge. An outside observer can only look on, and wonder. It may now be sanguinely hoped—since Mr. Peabody has taken to letter writing—that he will not svandon the practice until he has ex- plained the singular delusion under which he labored throughout the summer and fall of last year, and under the influence of which he went about, both in this country and in England, till the very verge of the revulsion, proclaiming that there was no trouble ahead, that every- thing was goimg on right, that the banks were doing right to expand, that the railways were doing right in financiering as they did, and that the prospect was serene and highly fa- vorable. Tus Cuevarser Wess wy a Race.—The Che- valier Webb, of the Courier, after husbanding his strength for several days, has come out with a tremendous manifesto, in his loftiest Bom- bastes Furioso style, against Mr. Buchanan. Starting out upon an extract from the late anti- Lecompton speech of the Rev. George Bancroft as his text, the Chevalier Webb proceeds to in- quire what can be the matter with James Bu- chanan. The Chevalier tells us that the gene- ral expectation was that Mr. Buchanan would prove to be a wise and discreet President; but, alas! after assuring us that he has fallen below the dead level ef poor Pierce, the Chevalier pain- fully inquires, “Is he mad? Ishe crazy? Is he afool? Is hea knave?” Then the Chevalier proceeds to show that this hard-headed President must be both a fool and a knave, and then that it is impossible that he can be either a knave ora fool. And why? Because our immortal Chevalier, who has cross- ed his legs under the tables of so many distin- guished people, has, from his personal associa- tions with Mr. Buchanan, formed “a high esti- mate of his gentlemanly instincts and his social qualities, nis aeqnirements and his unquestiona- ble talents.” But in the very next breath all this is upset; for the Chevalier flatly declares that this same admirable man “has proved faithless to his most solemn pledges, faithless to his character as a gentle- man, faithless to the democratic party, faithless to the platform of the Cincinnati Convention, faithless to the people who confided in his per- sonal honor, faithless to liberty, to the princi- ples of our constitution and to James Bucha- nan.” This is certainly equivalent to de- nouncing him asa cheat, an impostor, a liar, a fool, anda knave. But in the very next sen- tence we are told that ‘a fool, he aasurodly is not; and that “a knave would be too cunning thus to expose himself to the contempt of man- kind, and that it follows that Buchanan is either s monomaniac, a madman, or an imbe- eile.” Upon this cloudy conclusion, with tears in his eyes, and with his hands npon his “maho- gany stocked pistols,” the Chevalier Webb ex- claims—“in charity, then, let us look upon his affliction as it is, and spare the man in conside- ration of the hand that has dealt the blow.” All this is but a sample of the malignant and scurrilous, but foolish, denunciations that are heaped upon the head of Mr. Buchanan by our black republican contemporaries, on account of his inflexible adhesion to the Lecompton consti- tution. We have had nothing to compare with this fierce and savage, but impotent, hostility to the President and his policy, since the time of Gen. Jackson: but we would admonish the Che- valier Webb, and all concerned, that from the violent course of vulgar and contradictory abuse they are now pursuing, they are in a fair way to make as great a hero of “Old Buck” as they did of “Old Hickory.” Tux Usirep Srares Seyators rrom Kan- sas.—According to the latest pronunciamiento from the immortal John Calhoun, the organic State Legislature of Kansas will be in the | bands of the free State party. In this event, f the first result from the admission of Kansas | under the Lecompton constitution will most probably be the presentation to the United | States Senate of the credentials of General Jim Lane and Governor Robinson as the duly elected members of that body from the State of Kansas, What a commentary will this be upon the pre- sent hue and cry against the administration for “selling the cause of freedom in Kansas to the slave power!” On the other hand, what better proof could be demanded of the self- sacrificing and patriotic labors of John Calhoun in behalf of “pepular sovereignty” than the election of Lane and Robinson to the Senate under his Lecompton programme? Yet this is the man denounced as a traitor and a vagabond by all the anti-slavery agitators in and out of Kaneas, when, in truth, he has done more to make Kansas a free State than all the ship's crew of them put together. Pass Lecompton, and let General Lane take his seat next to Mr. Douglas. A Hist to Apvenrisens.—We have received anote from a correspondent suggesting that persons who advertise that they have houses to rent ought to state the amount of the rent in the advertisement. Our correspondent states that he has lost much valuable time in running after houses which, when he found them, were far above his means. Ifevery advertiser would stafe where his house stands, what size it is, how finished, and what rent he will take for it, he would take the best course for his own in- terest and the most likely one to let his house, and he would save a vast amount of time and expense to thove who are looking for houses. Axorser Lerrer From Mr. Peapopy.—Mr. War Don’t vaxy Arracs THE Lecompron Consrrrvriont—Tae anti-Lecompton leaders and oratars in Congress, and the anti-Lecompton or- gans and stumpers outside of Congress, can find no end to their catalogue of complaints against the alleged “infamous outrages” upon popular rights and “fraudulent usurpations” of popular sovereignty, by which the Lecoimpton constitu- tion was framed and ratified. But we hear very little said against that constitution itself; and for the very good reason that, excepting the slavery article and the clause relating to free negroes, the most fanatical black republican can find nothing objectionable in the said constitu- tion. Apart from the nigger question, old Joshua R. Giddings himself must confess that it is a fair, equitable and liberal republican con- stitution, quite as much so as the Topeka model of popular sovereignty. But what practical ob- jection can be made to this Lecompton docu- ment in regard to negrees, when, from the day of the admission of Kemsas under it, the people of the new State will be “left perfectly free to regulate their domestic institutions in their own way?” So long as Kansas remains a Territory, 60 long will she remain a acene of civil discord and a subject of sectional agitation. The sooner, therefore, she is admitted as a State, the better. The Lecompton constitution is an act of grace which the intractable ragamuffins of Kansas do not deserve. But let it be passed, and let them have achance to govern themselves, if:they can, Prepare FoR THE Orera.—The energetic manager of the Academy of Music having closed up his season in Baltimore and Philadelphia, opens with all his old force and some additions, at the Academy on Menday. We presume that this season, which will end about the first of April, will close the operatic campaign in this city for the present, and the fashionable world should put forth all its efforts to make it a bril- liant finale. It might be supposed that under ordinary circumstances some of the more select ,of the opera goers would object to appearing in “their seats during the season of Lent, but recent developements go to prove that inthe Fifth avenue they keep Lent all the year round, and in the way of mortifying the flesh, they go even beyond the instructions of Archbishop Hughes. We call upon all the saints in the Fifth avenue to make a etill further reduction in their butchers’ bills, and lay out the money in dry goods and opera tickets. —_—_—_—_———= THE LATEST NEWS. AFFAIRS AY THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. Despatches from Mexico—Recognitien of the New Government by Our Minister—Amert- can Purchasers of Church Property in Dimi- culty—Serious Question Between the Two Governments—Quarrels of Our Army and Naval Officers—Increase of the Army, dic. Wasurxatos, Feb. 19, 1868. Important’ despatches from Mexico haye been received at the State Department. Mr. Forsyth, our Minister, had recognizad the new government, as have all the other members of the diplomatic corps, such a course being not only usual but necessary for the protection of the interests of American citizens. Grave questions are likely to come up at once with the Zuloaga government, in consequence of the decree restoring the confiscated church property to the clergy. When the sales of this property were made last year, by the government, some of our citizens avplied to the legation to know whether, if in case they should buy any of the confiscated property from the government, their title would be # good one; and if they cond claim damages as American citizens if any sub- sequent government should take the property away from them. After mature examination Mr. Forsyth decided that as the confiscation and sale were the acts of the gov- ernment of Mexico,de facto and de jure, they would have & good claim in case the property they paid for should be taken from them by any subsequent government. It is said that purchasce to the valne of several millions have ‘been made by American citizens, and that ag the recent decree of President Zuloaga has a retroactive as well asa present and prospective effect, the property is to be taken from them. These question are likely to cause serious complications between the two governments, as, however well founded President Zuloaga’s government may be, it can never posacss the right to invalidate completed con- tracts between former governments and individuals, There have been quite a number of duels on the tspis for the last two or three days, but they are all likely to ter- minate without bloodshed. It appoars that a difficulty occurred between Gen. Harney and Col. Sumner, growing out of the Court Martial of the latter gentleman at Fort Leay- enworth some wocks ago, Col. Sumner thinking himsolf in- salted by Harney. Shortly after their arrival here Sum- ner addressed @ note to Harney asking him to meet him outside of the District. Gen. Harney sent the note to the Secretary of War, and at the same time addrossed a note to Col. Sumner, stating that be intended to make it an of- ficial matter for investigation, and be has accordingly pre- ferred charges against Sumner. Col. Sumner replied to Harvey that he could have nothing further to do with « man who would screen himeelf by his offigial position. Thus the matter stands. ( course the army officers who are bere—and their name is legion—discuss the matter in all its bearings. Both Harney and Summer have leftthe city. Here is another bloodless affair. A.C. Rhind, formerly of the navy, sent a challonge to Commander Boutwell, in consequence of false charges made against him in « pamphlet published a short time since. Boutwel! refused to accept the challenge, and consequently Rhind posted him in the old style, as follows: — NOTICE. TO ALL WHOM [T MAY CONCERN—GENTLEMEY OF THR NAVY IN PARTICULAR. Whereas, Commander EB. Boutwell, in a pamphlet pub lished by bim, has made certain ote ep yd and whereas, | have demanded satisfaction from bim, which he has declined or failed to give, I rey — him a coward and a liar. Wasnincton, Feb. 19, 1858. ‘The Wabash, late flag ship of the home squadron, has deen ordered to be put out of commission, and prepared ae flag ship of the Mediterranean squadron. The officers Have been detached and the crew will he discharged. The democratic members of the Pennsylvania deloga- tion, Lecompton and anti-Lecompton, met last evening in the Ways and Means Committee rooms, for the purpose of conferring together relative to the Lecompton conatitu- tion, This consultation was a free and friendly one, and they manifested a disposition to act together if they con- sistently could. They came to no conclusion, but ad- journed to meet again. In the House to-day Mr. Hatch, in reply to Mr. Zolli- coffer’s remarks of yesterday, plated the whole mattor upon just and honorable grounds, and in a satisfactory manner. Mr. Zollicoffer rejoined in appropriate terms. Here ended what at ove time threatened @ personal dif- culty. ‘The Committee on Military Affairs of the House has do- cided to report in favor of five ‘regiments of volunteers, to be called out if deemed necessary by the President. Mr. Faulknor, of Va., diments from the views of the ma- jority, and will,on behalf of the minority of that com- mittee, present a bill to add to the regular army. The Army bill (the administration measure) will pro- bably be carried early next week in the Senate, in the shape that Mr. Hunter proposes—to add three regiments to tho army. ‘Tho District of Columbia appointments wit be sent to the Senate next woek. The most importont office, that of Marshal, hangs between Mr. Flinn and Mr. Selden. Mr. Plitt, who was a candidate for the Marshalship, will, it is understood, have @ foreign appointment. Mr. Flinn, an old personal friend of the President, will probably be ap- pointed. Col, Selden’s connection with the disastrous banking institution of the District is considered aa fatal to his prospects. THR GRNERAL NRWAPAPRR DESPATCH. Wasmiwotow, Feb, 19, 1868. The Senate Committee on Territories in their report my that they do not approve of the ordinance accompany Ing the Lecompton constitution, and therefore oppose Its acceptance. ‘They do not regard it as any part of the con siltation, nor will ite approval or disapproval by Congress, effect the validity of the constitution If Kansas is admitted into the Luiun a recommenced. ‘The democrats of the Senate will not, as has been stated, press tho passage of the bill for the admission of 0a Territories. There ie the highest authority for sa Kapoas exactly ia tire form reported from tae Comm that when the subject comes up for consideration smenament will be offeroe from Chat side, and doud adopted, expressly declaring that “Nothing ia ibe compton constitution shal] be construed or beld Wit ) fere with the right of the people to alter, amond or m it at pleasure.’* ‘The Pennsylvania democratic members of tha Ik last night hada full and free interchange of opio continuing for four hours, on the Kansas aad other « tions, but nothing of an affirmative character consummated. The utmost confidence ard respect expressed for the President; and, although son grotted that they were compelled to differ from h. the subject of Kansas, they had no disposition wha’ to embarrass the administration and its general poiics Mossrs. Brown, Cobb, Floyd and Thompsoa, | Cabinet, and a large number of the members of Cong bare made arrangements to attend the inauguratica ¢ statue ef Washingtou, in Richmond, on Monday noxt Hon, Jobn 1s. Robinson, ex-member of Congress Indiana, was today confirmed by the Sonate as U ‘States Marshal for that State. It appears from the official statement that the amou deposit in the Treasury’on Monday last was six m three hundred and thirty-three thousand doilars, of our millions two hundred and twenty-eight thousaa: subject to draft. The receipts for the wee« 9650,000. RAILROAD PASSES ABOVE GROUND AND U @ROUND—PROXY VOTING TO BE CONTINUED- SECRETS OF THR SENATE CHAMBER—FOC WASTE OF TIME—CANNOT INVESTIGATE THE CORRUPTION FUND—WHO FURNISHED AID COMYORT TO BLEEDING KANSAS?—REPORTS O° METROPOLITAN POLICE BILL, ETC., ETC. Ataany, Feb. 10, 1) Senater Stow’s bill restricting railroad companiec issuing free passes to pablic officers, including memb the Legislature, was taken up in the Senate last ev It did not seem to meet with much favor. No 6 spoke in its support, except that senator himself. Dohgrty made a playful specch, and rather hux throughout. Among other things he made the in why not apply the provisions of the bill to the ‘1 ground railroad,” the principal depot of which is s be in this city. Oh,no! Our friend on the other ¢ the chamber (the republican,) would do no such A good, hale, hearty, sooty nigger, a Southern tro to Canada, might travel through the State on a fre furnished by the railroad companies, but the it’ { of a member of the Senate was to be questioned bad the same favor extended to him—a sad comm on our humanity. As things look now, it seems doubtful whether free railroad passes will be pro! by the Legislature. ‘A bill was introduced on the 4th inst. by Senator the use of proxies in the election of offic ial » Itwas referred to the Roy r committee, for the consideration of the ate. understood that the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Noxou opposed to the principles of t amton, on the Fri« on city airs, is still hosts of a of guilt am) oe this morning 5 moved that the injun er mfoved that the committec be instrfeted to re: on the fifth day of July next ¥ y Tho President’ put the quertion on the said motion, it was decided in tue affirmative, as foliows:— Ayes—Mesars, Hravdreth, Burhans, Doherty, Johnson, ite, Mather, Prats, Schell, Scott, ' Si , Btow, Wadsworth, 0! B. Wheeler, John D. lesars. Ames, Boardman, Darling, Dive, Halsted, Hubbell, Laflin, Noxon, Paterson, ; Wheeler, J. A. Willard, Williams—t4."” Another resolution day of July shall. be resolution for aa investi tothi and Amor! \ a committee to ascertain whetb in this State in furn means for resisting the United #ta: le wanla to send for persor ‘ % sted (republicans , Will recommend some siight smendment ‘not changing any of its essentia — 8 misority Tepor., Ww! Tepeai of t the Iatter geatiemaa ha + several days since, but mi A to do #0. ‘Both houses bave adjourned over uni] Tuesday m: Hf z : THE GRVERAL NEWSPAPER tesPATCH. Awa, Fob. 19, The Assembly chamber was crowd to-night & the speech of ex Stante on the af gentlemen, tomposed of its—including Hon. Wm. A * ‘mtchester. He mas Jones, Jr.. of New York, and fon. Moses 5 y of Brookiyn (democrats). The Charman introdu Stanton, who was recsived with lou applause. marks were much the same as those made in Nev and were received with enthusiastic applause thro Senate. Wasmrvotoy, Feb. 19, ‘The Senate was engaged on the private caic: some time. The Army bill was taken up. Mr. Ivensow, (adm.) of Ga., said that Mr. Day TROUBLE RETWEEN MESHRS, HOARD AND BERS Mr. Hoanp, (opp.) of N. Y. question of p sent up to the Speaker's desk «letter from Mr. momber of the House, addressed to him, and to lowing effect ~~‘ You took occasion on Friday from the New York Tridane « false and foul against me, from the tenor of which you know, charge set forth, if true, would disqualify mo fron 4 house. You qyo! slander 0 weet ation, I pronounced paragraph a fals me guilty of th truth or falsehood innocent you should get me right.’ date. Mr. Bouwert, (adm.) of Ky., called Mr. Hoard saying ‘‘ the gentleman could explain by letter.”” Mir Givouwes, (opp ) of Ohio, wanted to kuow* the friends of Mr. Burns would insist on their ob wants Hosnn made another ineffectual attempt The subject d 4 The House resolved that when an adjournmes place to-day, it be till Tuesday next. ‘The private calendar was taken np. THR MISUNDERSTANDING BETWHEN MEERA. Gatce 4 COVFER. Mr. Haron, (adm.) of N. ¥., rose to make « explanation lo ead that pe bis absence y Mr. Zollicoffer made a personal allusion te him ¥] right as a member of the House to discuss any 5 public interest, No power on earth could deter | | ‘8 faithful and fearless discharge of that duty. T day he apoke of a cortain party and their oaths course could only be known to members of oh He did not propose to #isouss the question off with any member of the House as to ike ex. Or an to their treasonablencas: tationality. He songht to bring before the Ho ditablg authority for their existeace, samely, ,