The New York Herald Newspaper, March 19, 1858, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1858, ~~ NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. eee OFFICE N. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS. Free DAILY HERALD, tro conte onmm LD, two , per THE WEERLY HERALD. ery CY ae Mee conte por oon 5 the Bw Bedition $4 por annum, to or annum, the Bu operas Sry tery of reat Brat, oF WS to any part eye Omen, Both Vetume XXII... ||... He. TT AMUSEMENTS THIS BYBNING. — ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Fourtecuta st.—Itauuax Oraea— ‘Tus Hecosnors. BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway—Equesraun Exen- @xvee—Muitany Brecescus, tan Name Bauis. BOWRSY TREATRE, Bowery—Dawom amp Prraus Buips or Lanueascon—Mounine Can. BURTON'S THRATRE. Broadway, oppesite Bond sirect— ‘Tas Monnons -Tus Cascremuc. Broad went THEA’ p aetna Baown, on — LAUBA KBENE’S THEATRE, Broadway—Fiowsas oF rus Pouzst. —_ BARNUMS AMERICAN MU: —Tas Wanio € or ras Gian—! Baws or an Everiza, MBCHANTOS HALL, 472 Broadway—Raranr’s Minstnets Bearers Cover its Worts BB ax Agron. — BROOKLYN ATHEN SUM, Brooklyn—@: Cuaustr & Wooo's Mureranis. ” ecient New Vork, Friday, March 19, 1655. Liox, Evening:—Tas ‘To Paper Makers. Proposals and specimens will be recetved at the New ‘Worx Hmatp office for one thousand reams of printing Paper per week, 53 by 46; woight, 60 pounds. Cash @iways or delivery ————— MAILS FOR THE PACIFIC. New Work Herald—California Edition. ‘Tho Unked Bates mali steamship Star of tho West, Capt. Gray, will foave this pert tomorrow afternoon, at two @'clook, for Aspinwall. ‘The mails for Caitfornia and other parts of the Pacific ‘will close at one o'clock to-morrow afternoon. ‘The Mew Yous Wamnrr Hunato—California edition— qeataining the latest intelligence from ah parts of the world, will be published at tex o'clock in the morning. Gingle copies, ia wrappers, ready for mailing, six conte Agents will picase cond im their orders as early as pos aio. The News. In the Senate yesterday the Sesretary of War fent in a request for authority to sell the property at Rock Island on which the military post is located, it no longer being re yuired for government purposes. A resolution was offéred directing inquiry as to what steps have been taken to punish the murderers of a party of one handred and eighteen emigrants in Utah. The offence is charged upon the Mormons, but they assert that the Indians were the perpetra- tors. The debate on the Kansas bill was continued by Mesars. Toombs, of Georgia, and Bell, of Ten- measee, the latter in opposition to the Lecompton constitution. The House was again engaged in dis- cussing Gen. Quitman’s Army bill. The final ques- tion on this measure will probably be taken to-day. The proceedings of the Assembly yesterday were diversified by one of those disgraceful personal ren- contres for which our legislative bodies are becom- ing notorious. It appears that Messrs. Chatfield and Delaney, both democrats, from this city, had @ mis- understanding with reference to some legislative business, which led from altercation to blows. They were, however, promptly separated by the by- standers. Subsequently Mr. Chatfield's movements in- dicated a hostile design towards his antagonist, when the Speaker of the House interfered and ordered him to take his seat. Chatfield persistently refused, and the Speaker directed the Sergeaut-at- Arms to forthwith forcibly expel the mutinous mem ber, which order was duly executed. At 4 later period a resolution was adopted declaring Mr Chatfield in contempt, and directing that he be kept in close custody till the affair is settled. A bill to regulate the sale of intoxicgting liquors, Bimilar in ite provisions to the old excise law, was yesterday introduced in the Assembly. Nothing of general interest transpired in the Senate. The bark Adriatic, the vessel that was in collision with the onfortunate steamer Lyonnais, and sub- Sequently seized and confiscated by the French au thorities at Marseilles, and whose singular escape has made her famous in maritime annals, arrived at favannab yesterday morning. We publish elsewhere the official report of the proceedings of the court martial in the case of Col. Sumner. It may be well, however, to state the origin of the difficulty between Col. Sumner and Gen. Harney. It is given as follows in # Washing ton paper:—‘‘Col. Sumner was part of the Sioux Ex- pedition, commanded by Gen. Harney, and, as was alleged by the latter officer, instend of marching his regiment, as he was ordered, to Port Laramie, he marched it to Fort Leavenworth, thus weakening the expedition by withdrawing from it between four and five hundred fresh cavalry troops. For this matter Gen. Harney filed charges against him. ‘The War Department, however, did not order a trial of them by court martial. This fact Col. Samner, 4 we understand the case, mentioned to the court martial at Fort Leavenworth as eviden:e of Gen. Harney’s malice towards him. Gen. Harney answered the imputation by stating his be- lief that the explanations by which the charges were met at the department contained improper and untrue statements.” The correspond ence between the parties, Col. Bumner's ambiguous Challenge to Gen. Harney, the reference of the mat ter by the latter to the War Department, the court martial and the soquittal of Col. Sumner, are cir- omstances doubtless fresh in the recollection of our feaders. The finding of the court, however, did not Moeet with the concurrence of the War Department, and the reasons for such non-concurrence are fully fet forth in # letter of Secretary Floyd, appended to the published report of the proceedings alluded to. Col. Sumner has been discharged from arrest, and Ordered to join his command in Kansas. The revival meeting at Burton's Chambers street theatre was largely attended yesterday, and inte resting, as our report will testify. Several stirring Bddresses were delivered and prayers offered by re- formed actors; and among others, a prayer that the President might be brought into the fold of Christ. A largely attended meeting of the firemen of this City took place last night at the Central Presbyte- wien charch, Broome street, in response to an in ‘vitation of the Young Men's Christian Association, Bhe object being to imbue the firemen with somo of that religious fervor now #0 extensively prevailing Sn our midst. Addresses were delivered by the Rev A. A. Wood, Thomas Armitage and R. M. Hatfield, welling upon the importance of disseminating the wrord of God among firemen as well as other classes ef citizens. A condensed report will be foand else- where. ‘The charge of conspiracy preferred by Marcus icero Stanley against Middleton and McCarty was @oncluded yesterday. Messrs. Mateell, Bowyer and Teonard tertfied as to Stanley's character, stating Mhat be was unworthy of credence. The Recorder will give his decision in the case on Saturday. A regular session of the Board of Councilmen ‘Took place last evening, but all the business trans pected at it was of & routine or trivial nature. ‘There were no jury trials in the Court of General Bessions yesterday. Charles Henderson pleaded Bouilty to attempting to pick the pocket of Coroner ‘Derry, and was sent for one year tothe penitentiary. wJéby Hoyle pleaded guilty to an attempt at grand arce.» in ptealing & pocketbook containing $75 from | vn Irvine, and was sent to the State prison Yor tw years. Ellen Landy, indicted for forgery in Bide od degree (passing counterfeit bills), pleaded rallty to the fourth grade of that offence; she will Be mutenced on Saturday, The Grand Jury came Gato court at noon with a large anmber of bills Gong which were nineteen indictments against lottery policy dealers. On the foreman stating that they had finished all the business before them, Judge Russell dismissed them for the term, with the thanks of the Court for the prompt manner In which they had discharged their duties. ‘The examination of Jacob H. Mott, charged with being implicated with Benjamin K. Brotherson in defrauding the Union Bank, was concluded yester- day. Mr. Peter R. Kissam, the receiving teller of the bank, was the principal witness. Counsel for the defendant said he would move for the discharge of his client on the ground that there was not suffi- cient evidence to hold him. The argument will be made before the Recorder on Saturday. The Aldermanic Standing Committee on Frauds were to have met yesterday, but it would sccm as though the committee on this occasion determined to retaliate on the witnesses who absentod them- selves at the last meeting, as Alderman Tucker was the only member of the committee who was present when the time for proceeding to business arrived; 80 that, after the witneases who were pre- sent had waited till their patience became wearied for the arrival of a quorum, they were compelled to eaye the City Hall without being afforded an op- portunity of giving their testimony in relation to the existence of any fraud. An adjourned meeting of persona opposed to the widening of Duane street between Broadway and City Hall place, was held last evening at 94 Chatham street. Mr. Jones, the chairman, announced that the committee appointed at the prior meeting had had several interviews with the Common Council on the matter, and had entered into an agreement with couneel—Mossrs. Bonnell, Williard and Howe—to oppose the assesament. Subscriptions to the amount of $400 were signed for the purpose of de- fraying the necessary expenses. ‘The inquest in the case of the late Isaac H. Smith, who was accidentally shot by Mark Johnson, a bar tender in the saloon of John Horton, No. 388 Canal street, on Sunday evening, was resumed yesterday morning, at the late residence of the deceased, No. 26 Beach street. A number of witnesses were ex- amined, who all testified to a state of facts precisely similar to those already published. @&e jury, in view of the testimony presented, regdered a verdict of “accidental death;” and the Coroner, upon the rendition of such verdict, discharged Johnson from custody. Judge Thompson, of the Marine Court, appeared yesterday afternoon before the Recorder, and made an affidavit charging William A. Hardenbrook with libel, in farnishing the Board of Supervisors with statements impeaching his integrity. A warrant was promptly issued for his arrest, and he was brought before the Recorder last evening. Although geutleman was present who was desirous of be- coming bail for Mr. Hardenbrook, he refused to accept the offer and was accordingly committed. The Recorder promised him an examination at an early day. Our correspondent at Port au Prince writing on 18th ultimo says that trade was entirely prostrated in consequence of the Reinbaud defalcation. The money market was exceedingly stringent. Coffee rated at $110 (Maytien), and logwood was scarce at $60 per ton. The firms of T. Shultz & Co. and Ackerman, at Notzli, had been declared )ankrupt. Our files from Mexico, with letters from our cor- respondents in Vera Cruz, Acapulco and Mexico city, brought by the Tennessee to New Orleans, have reached this city. Reports reiterate the fact of the prevalence of deplorable anarchy at all points of the republic. President Zuloaga held an uncasy, if not dangerous position, and had arrayed against him all the old and tried military men of the coun- try. No decisive action had been fought, but the contending armies watched the movements of each other warily. Zuloaga had had a loan of one anda half million of dollars from the church. The Spanish difficulty was not mentioned. Bishop O'Connor, of Pittsburg, and Mike Walsh, had arrived at Vera Craz. It was thought that important results would ensue from the visits of the eminent ecclesiastic and distinguished subterranean. We have news from Demerara, British Guiana, to the 16th ult, The Royal Gazette of that day re- marks:—“ The appearance of the crops is all that could be desired. The young canes are thriving, and the work of making sngar is progressing well on most of the estates.” The government had sanc- tioned a plan providing that planters could send coolie delegations to villages in India for the purpose of recruiting laborers. In the Court of Policy a com- munication was read relative to immigration trom Bombay to the colony on private account. A Porta- guese storekeeper, named Antonio D'Aguier, com- mitted snicide in Demerara, owing to financial diffi- culties. Leprosy has extended so much in the cotony that government has proposed a bill to establish an ayslum for lepers, and to provide for their care and maintenance therein. The St. Christopher (West India) Gazette of the 15th of January says a Rossian fleet is expected in the West Indies, but for what purpose we are un- able to conjecture. The arrival of the fleet is anx- iously looked for at St. Thomas, and it is said that a German house there has been instructed to hold at the disposal of the Commandant £60,000 sterling. A Granada (West India) paper of the 3d ult. re- ports that the Board of Council have put an extin- guisher on the introduction of Indian Sepoys into Granada, which it thinks would be “injurious to the morals of the community. The Hudson river is navigable to Albany.” In a short time the canals will be open. With these great arteries of commerce in full flow we may reasonably look for a recuperation of the body com- mercial through all its ramifications. The steamer New World will leave on her first trip through to Albany this afternoon. Annexed is the date of the opening of the river for a number of years past:— bales, come 800 or 900 of which were in transitu. The market cloned dull at 12¢. for middling uplands. Flour was heavy at the previous day's reduced figures, while talon were to a moderate extent. Wheat was lirm, eape cially for good to prime ota. The sales embraced prime Kentucky white at $145, and red Indiana at $1 15. Corn was easier, and sales to a fair extent at O60. for damaged, 67c, for sound white, and 69¢. for prime yel- low Southern. Pork was dull and lower, and closed at $16 WO for meee, ant $13 48.0 $15 60 for prime. Bugare ‘were Girm, with sales of 1,000 « 1,100 bhds. at rates given in another column. Coffee was firm. The cargo of the Anne E. Grant was resold, consisting of 5,500 bags, at Lie. 8 12., averaging about 1l)jc. Freight engage- ments wore without change of momeut im prices. To Liverpool rome 90,000 bushels of grain were engaged at 64. in bulk. Casrie Gannen Lxvesticarion ty ALBANT.— A good deal of fuse has been made about the emigrant concern in Castle Garden, and an in- vestigation committee has been ordered on the subject. For several years past great com- plaints have been made of the management of Castle Garden, but the exact state of the case could never be sacertained. Jacob Smith, who is the chairman of the Committee of Investiga- tion, is the agent of George Law in the filling up of the Battery, and George Law has recontly gone up to Albany on mattere connected with that enterprises, Thurlow Weed is known to be concerned in the emigrant business; eo that on all sides powerful influences are at work in con- nection with Castle Garden. The fact is that a good deal of money has been made out of the emigrant business and Battery enlargement, and those who are expectants of further profits are like the vultures crowding round the car- caseee Lecormpton tn Congress—Rejotcings of the Oppotuon—Te South Betrayed by Soute- em Men. In the remarkable speech of Mr. Senator Crittenden, of Wednesday, on the Lecompton constitution, a new leaf was turned over in the history of the Kansas imbroglio. The distin- auished Senator from Kentucky has boldly ibrown the whole weight of his name, his posi- (ion and his talents on the side of Douglas, Wise, Walker and the Northern black republi- can holy alliance. But still the importance of this epeeoh of Mr. Crittenden does not lie in the strength of his argument; for this is but a re- petition of the old story of border ruffian frauds and forgeries, The peculiarity which makes (hie speech the most important of the session is the fact that it is the first developement of the practical results of the negotiations which have been going on for several woeks between the black republicans of the North and the plot- ting Southern Know Nothiags of Congress. Upon the heel of this bold pronunciamiento from the Kentucky Senator, one of our Seward cotemporaries makes the announcement that it is possessed of information which renders the de- feat of the Lecompton constitution in the House of Representativescertain and sare. This may be 60; butasit can only be so through a joint stock combination of the black republicans, the Doug- las democratic renegades of the Northwest, and the marketable Know Nothiogs of the South, we may eafely conclude that this mongrel com- bination bas been made up. A common league among such diverse and incongruous elements must necessarily involve some special consider- ations to the several parties implicated; and we dare say that this anti-Lecompton alliance, in ite essential features, is marked—first, by ve- nality, corruption and degrading concessions to political hucksters; and secondly, by the com- mon purpose to break down the administration of Mr. Buchanan. The exact terms of this bar- gain will leak out hereafter. It is enough for the present that a bargain has been made. With the delivery of the special message of the President upon Kansas affairs, it was ad. mitted on all hands that there was a positive majority in both houses in favor of the Le- compton constitution. The prevailing opinion that, more readily than any other expedient, it would settle the Kansas agitation, satisfy the South, and still make Kansas a free State, ap- peared tobe too strong to be successfully re- sisted. But delays are dangerous when we have to deal with factious disorganizera, reck- less conspirators and trading demagogues. When defection, treachery, rebellion and de- moralization are detected in the camp, they should be dealt with promptly and rigorous- ly. It is foolish, in the last degree, to tamper and dilly-dally with them after the fashion of the present administration party in Congress. Their only policy was to follow up the prompt, firm and decided course of the President. Thus they had the game ia their bands; but now, by their temporizing delays and vacillations, it may be lost. The rise and progress of this anti-Lecompton conspiracy against the administration are very curious and suggestive. It was first faintly foreshadowed in a saucy letter last summer from Mr. Douglas to Mr. Buchanan concerning the promotion of a Washington officeholder. This was next followed by more significant warnings from the home organ of Mr. Douglas, the Chi- cago Times. Next followed the coup d'état of Walker and Stanton in Kansas, which gave the Territorial Legislature to the free State party; next the open declaration of war from Mr. Douglas against the sdminisiration, with the reading of the President's annual moesage in the Senate; next, the Tammany Hall manifesto of Governor Wise; and so on, from step to step, has this work of defection and demoralization been spreading and radiating from Washington to every point of the compass. The ignorant, imbecile and spoils seeking democratic journals of the North have been utterly incompetent to grapple with the exigencies of the crisis; the Richmond Enguirer, the oracle of Virginia demo- cracy, blows hot and cold in the same breath, and the representatives of the party in Congress stand like a beleaguered garrison, afraid of the enemy in front, but more afraid of traitors in the camp and the enemy in the rear, Thus, from want of unity, discipline and de- cision of purpose, the Lecompton democracy of Congress have lost their Southern allics, upon whom they had counted. The votes of the House upon the late decision of the Speaker have betrayed the extent of this miscalculation. The speech of Mr. Crittenden, and the simulta- neous boastings and rejoicings of the opposi- tion, show very conclusively that thase South- ern Bavarians have made their terms with, and are to go over to the enemy. The disastrous retreat from Leipsic may follow; bat the field of Leipsic has yet to be fought. If it should turn out that the present compact between the black republicans, the Douglas renegades and the Southern Know Kothings is upon any such basis as that by which Mr. Banks was elected the Speaker, and Mr. Wendell the printer, for the last Congress, it will prove indeed a base transaction. For all political purposes, it will be enough for the Southern people to know that the cause of the South in this Kansas contest has been betrayed by Southern men. A most extraordinary coalition bas been agreed upon to crush the administration. Should the result be the defeat of the Lecomp- ton constitution, we may anticipate the most in- tense political excitement and the most dan- gerous political combinations and party recon- structions that have ever threatened the peace of the country or the integrity of the Union. The Lecompton bill will pass the Senate. It may yet pass the House, but the struggle there will be desperate and doubtful. Meantime, fol- lowing up the lead of Mr. Crigtenden, as the plot thickens, we may perhaps discover the terms and purposes of this new coalition, and the chief conspirators. Desperate men of des perate fortunes are always ready for chaos and revolution. Baw Deratcarions.—The examination of Ed- ward H. Arthur. the cashier, Augustus M. Smith, paying teller, and Peter R. Kis- sam, receiving teller of the Union Bank, on the proceedings for the arrest of Jacob H. Mott, charged with complicity in the recent defalca- tion in that institution, throws anether ray of light upon the method in which banks are managed in Wall street, These gentlemen were in the very beet position to know what was paesing inthe bank. It was the duty of the former at all events to be thoroughly acquainted with the state of every customer's account, and every omployé’s books. Yet we find, when called upon to state what they know, that they are as thorough know nothings with regard to the tranractions of Brotherson and Mott, as the dé reetore of the Bank of Pennsylvania were with @gard to the affairs of that institution, or a6 George Law is before committee of the Com- mon Council. Iv the cashier and the tellers of the bank knew ©0 little, how much less must the directors have known! If the bauk could be robbed of over $100,000 without arousing the suspicions of the paying teller and cashier, how much would it have been possible to take without alarming the directors? Apparently, the whole vault might have been depleted before the di- rectors would have given a sign. We recur to tke subject again for the purpose of reminding our readers that, three or four years ago, on hints which we received from a very reliable quarter, we stated that in more than one Wall street bank, defalcations to large amounts were then lying hidden and would one day be discovered. Our statement wasstrenuous- ly and vehemently denied by the officers of ee- veral leading banks, among others if we mistake not by the President of this very Union Bank. These finanolal authorities were perfectly furi- ous at our audacity and insolence. Three years have elapsed since then, during which time no less than three heavy defalcations have been brought to light in the banks which we de- nounced. What must the public conclude the next time these bank presidente assert their in- nocence, or the soundness of their institutions? The Probable Extinction of American Ocean Steamers. According to public advertisement, the Gol- lins Liverpool line of steamships—the Atlantic, Baltic and Adriatic—were to have been sold yesterday at auction; but for some reason the sale was postponed to the: Ist of next April. The Bremen line—the Herman and Washing- ton—were to have been disposed of in the same way two or three months ago, but the panic put off their sale till a more favorable oppor- tunity. - Thus it appears that at this moment when the governments of England and France are more attively engaged than ever in promoting and sustaining lines of ocean steamers in all directions, so as to mo- nopolize the trade of the world, our government has succeeded in prostrating and destroying all our American lines of ocean mail steamers, by the niggardly and unwise policy which distin- guished the last administration and the last Con- gress. Unless the present administration and Congress bestir themselves to correct this evil, our boasted commercial prosperity will speedily be nothing more than a myth, and the American flag will be confined to river boats and fishing smacks, with an expensive naval establishment to protect an American commerce which has ceased to exist. Witb the exception of the contract with the Collins line of steamers—and which the pro- prietors of that line are unable to continue since the withdrawal of half their pay—there is not a single American ocean mafl contract now in force. The contracts with the California lines, the Havre line, the Bremen and South- ampton and the Havana have all expired. A temporary arrangement bas been made with the California line, by which the service is con- tinued until Congress makes some disposition of the matter; and the Collins line is subject to prosecution for not continuing to ruin all con- cerned in it, by carrying the mails at the re- duced price. Such is the present condition of our ocean mail service; and up to the present time neither the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads of the Senate or House of Repre- sentatives have taken the eubject up for con- sideration. The question is a very simple one. It is merely to determine whether the United States shall quietly give up to England the su- premacy of the ocean and the carrying trade of the world, or that our government ehall, by a wise liberality, assist our enterprising citizens in disputing this threatened monopoly. The last administration, whilst it connived at the most enormous land stealing, made a point of opposing in every shape any legislation which had in view the extension of our com- merce. We have confidence in Mr. Buchanan’s experience and judgment, and we there- fore cannot believe he will permit a continuance of the miserable and dis- honest policy‘of his predecessor, but will en- courage our commercial developement in every proper manner, as the true source of our nation- al wealth, By this we do not mean to urge the establishment of every line of ocean mail steamers asked for; but where it can be demoa- strated that the establishment of a line of steamers would open to the United States a large commerce which is now diverted from us by the existence of a British line, and where an American line can be established with the aid of a moderate assistance from the government for the conveyance of the mails, it is clearly the duty of the government to extend that aid. In the assistance which the government of this country is called upon to afford in the eco- nomical establishment of lines of ocean eteam- ers, by guaranteeing the payment of a moderate sum for short period for the conveyance of the United States mails, it is but fulfilling its organic duty; and the argument that in every case the amount of postage should be sufficient to defray the expense, is absurd. There isa wide difference between mail service within the United States and on the ocean. In the former case the whole object of the establishment of mail routes is to accommodate the correspond- ing public. The government of the United | States derives no benefit from the establish- ment of post offices, beyond the public convenience; and it is fer this reason that it is sought to make the Post Office De- partment a self sustaining institution. Yet itis not pretended that even the mail service within the limits of the United States can on every route be sustained by the amount of postages on that route. If this were the case the people living in sparsely settled portions of the coun- try, out of the line of large cities, would be cut off altogether from any mail facilities. In the case of ocean mail steamers, however, another very important consideration arises. It is not alone the accommodation of the corresponding public which must be taken into consideration, as in the case of inland mails, but also the ad- vantages which commerce will derive from their establishment. Ocean mail lines, where pro- perly established, not only take no money out of the treasury, in fact, but*they are the real arteries through which the revenues of the go- vernment are derived. As a mere question of dollars and cent, the establishment of a line of ocean mail steamers, where it can be shown the interests of commerce calls for it, directly places in the treasury a far larger sum than by any possibility ie paid out for the conveyance of the mails. Pertinent to this view of the subject is the reaponee of the Post Office Department, just communicated to Congress, as to the inland postal receipts and expenses, Wo find that in the following States aud Te.” itories the receipts for mail matter were less than the expenses of maintaining the Post Offices and transporting the mails for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1857:— ‘ Miobigaa. —And the States and Territories where the re- ceipts exceeded the gross expenditures were:— 23,007 26 Distot Columbia.” 0016 36 176 19 Washington Tor.. 947 68 It is worthy of remark that the repre- eentatives of those States where the greatest deficiencies occur, and which require the larg- est eubsidies from government to aid in carry- ing their inland local mails, have, as a general thing, been most conspicuous in their opposi- tion to any extension of our ocean mail service, on the plea that the mails should be self- eustaining. Our revenues are derived solely from duties upon imports. We are a great agricultaral people; but our government is, nevertheless, sustained by commerce; and we have had a re- cent instance of the speedy shock the govern- ment receives the moment the commercial rela- tions of the country become embarrassed. The larger our commerce, the greater our prosperity as a people or as individuals. The merchant is but the factor ef the agriculturist; and the growth of the large cities on the Atlantic is only the result of the prosperity of the citizens of the interior. Amy propesition, therefore, which has for its object the extension of com- merce appeals equally to the citizens of all the States. The people of the valley of the Misais- sippi have the same interest in it as those of the Atlantic border. It is a question as to the pros- perity of the whole country, and it is the initia- tive of a measure which returns to the treasury a hundred fold more than it takes out. Weare engaged in a struggle with our great commer- cial rivals, and it becomes our government to act with wisdom, liberality and promptitude. Mr. Postmaster General Brown has an ample opportunity to make an enviable position for himself in the manner in which he may press upon Congress the extension of our ocean mail service. His predecessor did everything in his power to defeat and crush our ocean mails. His narrow, contracted mind could not under- stand that true economy consisted in expending the money of the government so as to increase our revenues and extend our influence, politi- cally and socially. Mainly to his exertions is due the prostration of the Collins line—a line which did more to vindicate the reputation of American mechanics and American enterprise than would a pyramid of such imbeciles as com- posed the’ last administration. We look for better things under the present administra- tion ; and we hope Governor Brown, disregard- ing the “red-tapeism” of his department, will distinguish himself by the energy and liberality which he will display in extending our influ- ence and commerce by the establishment of lines of gcean mail steamers, wherever the in- terests of our citizens and our true develope- ment demand it. The committees of Congress have an im- portant duty to perform in this respect; and we await the result of their deliberations, as determining whether the United States is to divide the commerce of the ocean or to aban- don it to the superior enterprise and liberality of the English government, and thus beggar our treasury, under the specious cry of “ economy.” A Braxcu Mrxt iw New Yors.—We under- stand that Mr. Letcher, of Virginia, a member of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, is preparing a bill fer the establishment of a branch mint in this city, in connection with the United States As- say Office. The necessity for such a law has long since been acknowledged. All the bullion coined at the Philadelphia Mint is brought in the first place to New York, and is transported from here to Philadelphia and back, at the ex- pense and risk of the government. Nothing but the tears and lamentations of the Philadel- phians whenever the subject of a branch mint in New York has been mooted has prevented Con- gressional action up to this time. We hope Mr- Letcher, disregarding the humid demonstrations of our square-toed neighbors, will press the measure to a satisfactory conclusion. Ofcourse, the establishment of a branch mint in this city would speedily lead to the abolishment of the Philadelphia Mint—for the latter would then have nothing to do. If the policy of the govern- ment is to have the Mint at a distance front the point where the bullion concentrates, then Washington would be the preper place, as being the federal capital. If the object of a Mint is to facilitate commerce and coin bullion at the least possible expense, then this city is the proper location. But, in any view of the case, Philadelphia has no possible claims, and Con- gress has been grossly negligent in not having long ago abated the evil. Prooness ov Rowpyisw.—The death of Mr. Tsanc H. Smith, a quiet respectable citizen and prominent merchant, from the effects of a pistol shot which he received a# he was walking to church with his wife, in Canal strect, on Sunday evening last, marks the progress of row- dyism and carelessness in the city. Certain rowdies had been carousing and misbehaving themselves in a low disreputable saloon, No. 388 Canal street. Their conduct at length be- came so outrageous that the keeper of the place sent his barkeeper for the police; they pursued him, and it was he who, to protect himself from the violence of his pursuers, fired the shot which took away Mr. Smith’s life. The whole story illustrates the unfitness of New York for a resi- dence for quiet persons under our present mu- yicipal system, and especially our preseat police arrangements, It seems that the saloon in which the affray took place which led to the firing of the pistol, was the scene of the murder of young Hamil- ton, some months since; in the language of our reporter “it was a noted resort for prostitutes and other disorderly characters.” Yet no means had been taken to suppress or close it; nor were the police at hand, as one would suppose they would have made a point of being, to prevent the Sabbath evening from being desecrated by rows originating at this ill-omened house. The “Short Boye” were enabled to pursue the bar- keeper for come distance down the street, no one interfering. The police turned up in time to arrest the barkeeper, who, seemingly, did nothing worse then defend bimeclf ankwardly and unfortunately; we need not add, of coures, that they have not arrested any of the “Short Boys’ who were the prime cause of the homicide, No such ecene could have taken place in aay other first class city than New York. No suc’ city as this, except this, would tolerate for any length of time so utterly inefficient and helpless 8 police force 8 ours; nor could an organized band of murderers, robbers and rioters—guck as our rowdies and “Short Boys” are—eacape being put down within an uncommonly brief epace oftime. Such affalrsasthe murder of Swanston, the recent rape cases, and this homi- cide of Smith are perfectly unparalleled out of New York. What share of blame for these atrocities should rest on the shoulders of the firemen, whe permit these rowdies to congregate round their engine houses, and follow their engines, they can as well decide as any one else, —_—— THE LATEST NEWS. AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. Speeches of Senators Toombs and Bell on the Kansas Question. THE KANSAS PROGRAMME OF THE REPUBLICANS. 4 NEW MISSION TO MEXICO. FORCIBLE EXPULSION OF M3. CHATFIELD, deo, de, es. Our Special Wi Despatch. THE LATEST REPUBLICAN KANSAS PROGRAMME— A NEW MISSION TO MEKIOO—AN ANNEXATION PRO: JECT ON FOOT —REPORTED RESIGNATION OF OUR CONSUL AT HAVANA—DESPATCH OF THR BURO- PRAN MAILS, BTO. Wasmcton, March 18, 1858. ‘The republicans in caucus last night arranged their pro- gramme in reference to Kansas. The fishy democrats and South Americans will go with them. A move will be made by Mr. Stephens, whon the bill comes from the Senate on Tuesday next, to refer it to the Committee on Territories. Mr. Harris, who bas been solected by the republicans as their leader, will then move that it be re- forred to the Select Committee of Fiftcen, that said com- mittee be increased to seventeen, and that the two mem- bers be clected by the House. The combination intend to carry the latter proposition by six or cight majority. The South Americans agreed in caucus to sustain the re- publicans in this move. Advices have been received here from Mexico to the effect that the Zuloaga party bas signified its desire to treat with the United States government for the sale of some additional territory belonging to the republic. The church party in Mexico advocate this moasure as a moans of enabling Zuloaga to sustain himseif in power without drawing upon the revenues or property of the church. Our government contemplate sending an able and ae- complished person cn a special mission to Mexico, with the view to keep sharp lookout in reference to certain matters now pending in that country, in which we have a large interest. T understand that Colovel Blythe, our Consul at Havana, bas tendered his resignation, to take effect on the first of July. The Post Office Department has just received motice from the New York Postmaster that he has meade an ar- rangement for the European mail to be carried by the Kangaroo, which sails on Saturday. The arrangement made is to pay the amount of ocean postage on the mal carried to the vessel that carries it. It is to be hoped that thig fair system may prevail generally, to the relief of the preeent heavy burden on the lost Office Depart” mevt F. W. Denn, of Missouri, has boen appointed purser in the Navy to fill an existing vacancy. THE ORYERAL NEWSPAPER DBSPATOK. THE PRESIDENTS RECEPTION OF THE TURKISH AD MIRAL. Wasmwyoros, March 18, 1858. The Turkish visiters were formally received by the Pre- pidemt to day, who tendered thom the hospitalities of the country, Mobammed Pacha replied, saying that he had ‘been directed by his imperial master to be guided by the advice and direction of the President, and to offer this souvenir in testimony of the high regard entertained by the Sultaa for the Presi ent. The President then inviled the visiters toa dinner next Wecnescay. Among the few persons present at the reception, were General Cass, J. Horsford Smith Hon J, M, Cross, Edward H. Cormiok, and the President's private secretary. ‘The question on the Army Bili will be taken to morrow in the House. It is decided to remove Montgomery Blair, as Solictter of the Court of Claims, and of this fact he isaware Rau- maor says that Ransom H. Gillett will be bis successor, though no appointment has yet been made. THIRTY-FIFTH CONGRESS, FIRST SRSSION. Senate, Wasurworo, March 18, 1868. A letter was received from the Secretary of War, saying that Rock Isiana is not required any longer for military Purposes, and asking that steps be taken for ita sale. Mr, Wisos, (opp ) of Maas., said the informal agree- mont was that the Senator from Georgia (Toombs) should take the floor on the Kansas bill. He also proposed an evening seesion, which was agreed to. ‘THE MASBAORE OF EMIGRANTS IV CTA Mr. Gwix, (adm.) of Cal, offered a resolution of . Hoveror , ‘exes, WAS opposed guns oorteré So tle totem” Ho was willing to vote {oproceeding wihowt inquiry, and thus o proveke « wer , UR oawar of retaliation. meipd Mr. Gwiy asked that the murderers only be punished. THK KANSAS QUR#TION. Mr. Foot, (opp ) of Vt., in moving that the Senate take up the bill the of Kansas, said he bad re- tigned the floor to Mr. Toombs. Ht 3 i Fieds FZge-0 fae f : i Poin at | 5 EF . [ 2 + 3 i ty j i i 3 om i 5 i i Mr. meget Lage argu +! the taeompton constituion and the a to pans it. could hie friend (Mr. Critton- don), he asked, stand on the extraordinary proposition ite constitution is fraudulent simply be- cause frauds occurred in the elections, which have no re- ‘ations. own Dill, and explained i beyond the credibility of ordinary witnesses, and tt it them indebted to his courtesy in not going further, Ho then alluded to Mr. Critigpden’s exproseion of regret at the repeal of the MiseouM oompromine, saying that he, on the ) Fojoleed that |t was torn from the statnte wi the vane of the U1 z : j