The New York Herald Newspaper, December 5, 1858, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1858. NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, | EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. OFFICE N. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS. TERMS, cash in advonce, Money sent by mail reill be at the risk of the sender. Postage stamps nox received as subwcrition THe DAILY HERALD, (00 cents i annum. THE WEBKLY HERALD, cers sucer ete y per eopy. or $3 per annum; the Buropean Edition $4 per annum, to any part of Great oF BB f6 any part of the Continent, both fo tnchude pomuge, THE FAMILY HERALD, every Wednesday, at four cents per eory, oF $2 per annum. VOLUNTARY CORRESPONDENCE, containing important meres, solicited from any quarter of the world: if wart vill Rheralty puid’ for, marOUn FOKMIGN CORKESPONDENTS 4 Paxticuiakiy REQuastep To Sma. Alt Lartans AND PAck a: Sus Rexr ux. NO NOTICE taken of anonymous correspondence. We do not return ted communication. ADVERTISEMENTS roncwed every day; advertisements ine tin the Wuexiy Hewat, eKaLD, and ta th Oalyorede and Editions. ON PRINTING executed wlth neatness, cheapness and dee AMUSEMENTS TO-MORROW EVENING. ACADEMY OF MUSIO, Fourteenth street.—Itauian Orzns Tux Hugesyors. BROADWAY THEATRE, Brosdway.—EquestRiaNisa— Gyaaastics—THe ELEPHANTS—FoUR LOVERS. NIBLO’S GARDEN. Broadway.—Tue ScuooLmatren— Festival DaxsaNte—Jocko. BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery. Ricut Hanp—Asruopsi—PLovew BURTON'S NEW THEATRE, Hgart—in anp Out or Pison. —Rourr, om tax Rep aN Tunnev Lonp. Broadway.—Woman's WALLACK'S THEATR! Broadway.—AmxRicANs Panas—A Guwtuewan R, 1x me IRELAND. LAURA KEENE’S THEATRE, No. 624 Broadway.—Ovk Ausxicar Cousiy—Bonnim Fisnwire. BARNUM’S AMERICAN MUSEUM, Broadway.—After: noon and Kvening—King, Minister aND GENERAL—DALURT DIVERTISSEMENT—AKAB ( WOOD'S MINSTREL BUILDING, 561 and 563 Proadway— Bruiortas Songs, Dances, &¢,— CTUBEN Lire IuLusTRaTED. MERCH ANIC'S HALL, 427 Broadway.—RRvants’ MINSTRELS —NEGKO SONGS AND BURLESQUES—I AINT GOT TINE TO CARKY. MINSTRELS, 444 Broad 108, SoNGs, &C.—Macio Gurral ¥.-—Ermiorias New York, Sunday, December 5, 185%, TAILS FOR THE PACIFIC, New York Herald—California Edition, ‘The United Statos mail steamship Illinois Capt. John McGowan, will leave this port to-morrow afternoon, at two o'clock, for Aspinwall. The mails for California and othor parts of the Pacific Will Close at one o'clock to-morrow afternoon. The New Youx Wex.ty Hxwscp—California edition— @ontaining the latest intelligence from all parts of the world, will be published at ten o'clock in the morning. Single copies, in wrappers, ready for mailing, six cants. Agents will ploase send in their orders as early as pos Bidic. The News. The abduction of Edgar, son of the Israelite Mortara, in Bologna, which has excited so much comment all over the world, was the occasion last evening of the largest mass meeting of our Jewish residents ever held in this city, and the only public meeting held by this people in this city outside the Bynag: es since the Damascus excitement in 1840. Our columns contain a full report of the speeches and resolutions, which denounced the outrage in the strongest terms, Addresses were made by the President, Jonas N. Phillips, Rev. Dr. Raphall, Rev. Dr. Isaacs, Rev. Mr. Jacobs, Chauncey Shaffer, and others. The Virginia Democratic State Convention, after a stormy session, yesterday morning nominated John Letcher as candidate for Governor. Later in the day John Randolph Tucker was nominated for Attorney General. At last accounts no candidate for Lieutenant Governor had been nominated. In the case of the crew of the slave brig Putnam, which was captured by the Dolphin, and taken to Charleston, the Grand Jury, at Columbia, 8. C. have thrown out the bills of indictment, and thas the case is virtually dismissed. The accused are, , until however ned in custe for a few day the lawyers conclude their arguments on the snb- ject of the slave trade and other questions that have reference to the affair. According to the report of the City Inspector, there w deaths in the city during the past week—a decrease of 7 as compared with the mor. tality of the week previous, and 37 less t curred during the corresponding week in last year. Of the total number 193 were of ten years of age and under, and 57 inmates of the public institu tions. The following table shows the number of deaths for the past two weeks among adults and children, distinguishing the sexes:— Men. Women. Boys. Girls. Total. Week ending Nov.27...82 9 110 97 383 Week ending Deo. 4....67 ® 19 OL Among the principal causes of death wer following :— —— Werk enling— Now. 2. Dec. 4 a 8 8 53 2 2 Dropay in the bi 19 il Inflammation of th 6 2 loflatamation of th con Py Intiammation of the brain.... 4 > Marasmus (infantile) .. 30 4 Scarlet fever lu Mu There were aleo 4 deaths of apoplexy, 7 of can- Carous affections, 11 of con ion of the brain, § of congestion of the lungs, 11 of croup, 10 of de bility (infantile), 6 of diarruaa, 5 of erysipelas, 4 of typhus fever, 11 of disease of the heart, 12 of hooping cough, 4 of intemperance, 4 of palsy, premature births, 29 stillborn, and 11 from violent causes, including 2 suicides and 5 burned or scaled, The an d table shows what portions of the hhuinan +y « been most affected:— Diva Nov. 2. Dee. 4, Boner * soveee D 2 . 09 * 16 134 4 v aud oo 46 4 wean... ‘ The number of deaths, compared with the cor responding weeks in 1856 and 1557, was as fol lows: Week ending Dec, 6, 1886 n nding Now. $2, 1868 ‘ = Week ending Dee. 4, 1868 rrrrrenrn | The nativity table gives 254 natives of the United Btates, 74 of Ireland f Germany, 6 of F 1 4 of Scotland, and the balance of various foreign Countries. The annexed table shows the temperatare of the Stmorphere in this city during the past week, the range of the barometer, the variation of wind cur. Fents, and the state of the weather at three periods during each day, viz.: at 9 A. M., and 3 and 9 o'clock P. Ma— Seles “ya epmoaioy, | epraning ? fi ERR L EE _ 30.06 NE fal ge Me xtw 2 | Raturday—Cloudy all day; night, enow. Sunday—Snowing all day. night, #leet and rain Monday —Morning, overcast: afternoon and night, clear Tucsday—Olear all day and night We inesday—Clear all day and night Thor —4wercast, with fog and rain during the day. Friday—Morning, hazy; afternoon, clear, Saturday—Morning, overcast. Qu Monday last Judge Pruden, of Cincinnati, | or lese with the gen charged with an i fraction of the Sunday law by driving an omnibus or public conveyance on Sun- day. The Judge considered such conveyances as coming within the exceptional cases allowed under the head of “works of necessity.” This was a test case, and the Sabbatarians are again defeated. The inclemency of the weather yesterday bad a ten- dency to check out door business, and to interfere more current of trade, ‘The cotton mar* Ket was quiet and sales limited, white quotations we» withont noticeable change in prices. Flour was in mode rate request, the chief demand being from the domestic trade, Common grades were heavy, while the better class of brands were sustained. Wheat wae unchanged, while sales were moderato—the chief transactions were confined to the better quaiities of Southern and Western. Corn was held above the views of purchasers, which re- stricted sales ; Western mixed gold at 720. for inferior to 75e. for prime do, Pork was firmer, and in good demand for future delivery. On the spot sales of moss were made at $17 75 for old, and at $18 25 for new, and of prime at $14.4 $14 50. Sales were also made of mess, de- Liverable next summer, seller’s option, at $18. Lard con- tinued firm, with moderate sales. The rainy weather With the fact of its being the last day of the week, checked sales of sugar, which were confined to about 300 hhds. Cuba muscovado, at steady prices. Molasses was in good request, with sales of some 800 hhds. Cuba muscovado ‘and 200 bbis. New Orleans. Freight engagements were light, while rates wore unchanged. The Expenses of the National Government— The Estimates for 1859-60, The Secretary of the Treasury has prepared his estimates for the expenses of the gene- ral government for the next fiscal year, ending the 30th of June, 1860. It will be presented to Congress to-morrow. He estimates the whole expenditure of the national government at the sum of $73,217,947 46. This figure is composed of the following items:— Civil list, foreign intercourse, and miscella- neous, including expenses of collecting the revenue from sales of public lands and expenses of courts $11,629,535 11 To supply deficieucies the General Post Otic 6,382,900 00 Pensions. 852,000 00 Indian Department Army, proper, objects... Fortifications, ordnance, &¢ Naval establishment, 13,500,370 80 Total..... canna odeinpareeeii +++ 852,241,315 68 To the estimates are added statements show- ing:— 1. The appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1860, made by former acts of Congress, of a specific aud indefi- ter, as follows, viz. -— Miscellaneous, mcluding oxpenses of cotlect- ing revenue from ¢ . $5,024,410 14 Compensation to the General Post Office for mail services. Arming and equipping the mi a . 700,000 00 200,000 00 10,000 00 963,314 36 Interest on the pu’ 8,497,724 50 2. The existing appropriations, part of which are required lor the payment of the habt liues of ‘the present fiscal year, but whieh will not be drawn from the treasury un til after June 30, 1859, and the balance applied to’ the service of the fiss end ing June 0, 1860, ¥1 Civil list, foreign lutercourse and miscellaneous ....,....$4,270,967 24 Inter’ Department, (pensions and Indian). = 1,003,002 83 Departmes 3 Navy Departm TOUAL....scsesccesrccerascn ecco sees ooo TO SIT ONT 40 At will be seen that of this sum there has been already appropriated, by former acts of Con- gress, the sum of $8,497,724 50, and that there is expected to be unexpended from the appro- priations of the current year a further sum of 312,478,907 28. Of this latter sum, however, some portion—it is not said what—will be ap- plicable to the present fiscal year. There will, therefore, remain to be appropriated for the service of the next fiseal year, according to the estimates of the Secretary of the Treasury, $52,- 241,515 68; but the actual expenses of the na- tional government for the year ending June 30, 1860, must be taken to amount to the first named figure, $73,217,947 46. We have not yet seen the statement of the Secretary of the Treasury in regard to the sources from which these expenditures are to be defrayed. That will be contained in his annual report, to be presented to-morrow. It is not un- likely, ever, that, in view of the diminution in receipts from import duties, a further loan will be recommended. Indeed, we do not see how that is to be avoided. A few years, with that revival of trade which we may naturally ex- pect, will set all that right again, and will enable us to bring up that indebtedness which the com- mercial reverses of the last few years have led us to incur. The estimates for the next year are somewhat less than were those for the present year, though not to any very appreciable extent. Thus, ‘ year ending June 30, 78,217,947 46 ear ending June 30, 1860, were. ee eeesereneeceeees 74,064,755 97 A dimi in favor of the present The expenditures for the year ending June 30, 1857, were $70,822,724 85, exclusive of several inillions that had to be appropriated in deficiency bills. When it is recollected that the expenses of the Utab expedition, and of the Paraguay ex- pedition, and the interest on the new public debt that has been created, have to be deducted from the aggregate for the next year, it will appear that there bas been an actual decrease in the ex- penditures of the national govesnment under the administration of the present Executive, Tue Ei next our ¢ cTIoN ON TvEspay—On Tuesday ons will be called upon to elect one hundred and twenty-one candidates, to fill that number of offices in the municipal government, under the provisions of the amended charter of 1 ‘The publication of the names and occupations ot the candidates, and the statement as to whether they were taxpayers or not, in the columns of the Hensio—and which appears again to-day—has enabled voters to understand who these individ- ualsare, and to discuss their character and quali- fications. We have before announced our estimate of both; but we repeat, that a worse selection could not be made. With few, very few excep- tions, the qualifications which these candidates present are of the very worst character, and give promiee that our municipal government for the next year is to be administered in a more abominable and corrupt manner than before. Members of the Common Council who have been trained in the vilest schools of party politics and whose God is plunder; school officers with- out education or moral character: a Comptroller who is either a twaddling fanatic or a party hack—these are not the elements one would expect in a healthy and honest govern- ment. Yet, owing to the indifference of the most influential portion of the community, the woret classes of our people—the barroom politi- cians, bullies and gamblers—have had it all their own way in making the nominations, and we sce the blessed result. For some time past the coming election has created unusual excitement in all quarters, and at one period it looked as if some wisdom and discretion were about to be exercised ja the | are most interested in procuring an honest a1 | economical administration of affairs; but either | | through timidity, incapacity, or subserviency to | party rule, such, unfortunately, has not been the case, and hence we are destined to further mis- rule, corruption and fraud. Let us do what we will on election day, there is no help for it now. The time for amendment has been foolishly allowed to pass away, and our citizens, who evidently think they are not taxed half enough, must make the best of it. | The Anglo-French Policy in America=Why their Representatives Cannot Explain ‘What It In The attitude which the Western Powers of | Europe are assuming in the questions of Mexico and Central America is one that demands an earnest watchfulness on our part. It is evident from the outpourings of the Paris journals— which, from the severe censorship that is held over them by the government, may be considered as quasi official utterances—that the Anglo-French alliance thinks it is now time to take the United States in hand. The march of Russia towards Constantinople has been checked by the slanghter in the Crimea, the exclusivism of China has been cast down by the capture of Canton and the treaties of Tien-tsin, the policy of every court in Europe has been regulated by conferences at Paris, and now the time has come to clip the wings of “manifest destiny” in America, ‘This is the self-assumed mission of France and Vngland which was so boastfully announced by Lord Clarendon four years since. While the re- sult of the Russian war, the Indian rebellion, and the affair of China, were still doubtful, the Allied Powers seemed to be in wonderful good humor with us, and perfectly willing to let us control affairs on’ this continent in our own way. The only point that they insisted upon was that they should be al- lowed to protect Spain from the efforts of the filibusters to liberate Cuba, This was as far as they would go, On several occasious they vo- lunteered their advice to Spain not to go too far in snubbing the United States, and pretty broad- ly hinted that their agreement was only to pro- tect her against aggression. Now, the advice of the two Powers is changed. Spain is prompted into an aggressive movement against Mexico, in which France and England agree to protect her with their ficets from any interference on our part. Such is the statement of a said to be well informed Madrid correspondent of a Spanish journal published in Paris regarding the late conferences of Calderon Collantes, the Spanish Minister of State, with the Ambassadors of France and England. In Central America a similar change has occurred. When the Cass- Yrisarri treaty was negotiated, Lord Napier and Count Sartiges announced the perfect acquies- cence of their governments to it; it was just the thing, and they should probably make similar ones as soon as the back of the rebellion in India was broken and the Chinese affair was off their hands. Now that these points have been at- tained, the tune is changed. The Paris Patrie announced that the Cass-Yrisarri treaty abrogates the Clayton-Bulwer treaty, proclaims it “an act which betrayed” Nicaragua, and applauds Gen. Martinez for having seen “the snare,” and refus- ing to sign it. This game of double-faced diplomacy has not yet been entirely played out, as will be seen by our despatch from Washingion, published else- where, Our government has become alarmed at the preparations of Spain against Mexico, and of France and England to sustain her in them. Explanations have been requested of Senor Tas- sara, which bring ont only a mass of virtuous generalities, amounting to nothing at all. Napier and Sartiges are anxious to help their confede- rate out of his dilemma, and the whole trio are in a precious stew. Their exertions are evidently aimed at producing another result like that from the mission of Sir Wm. Gore Ouseley. No one knows what he came for or what he accom- plished. He stayed eleven months at Washing- ton, apparently with nothing to do, and in that time the administration changed its views in regard to the abrogation of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty—a treaty which was the most foolish mis- take of commission that any administration has ever made. It is far worse than any error of omission could have been. The business of satisfactorily explaining the course of Spain towards Mexico is a peculiarly awkward one, Why should Spain take just the present time to enforce her claims on that re- public? A civil war is raging between two par- ties. neither of whom can be held to represent the republic or bas the power to make due reparation. And why should Engfand back her in this exhibition of force against a divided republic at this peculiar juncture, when her own claims against Mexico are a hundred fold greater than those of Spain, and she refrains from press- ing them? Why should France, too, wish to egg Spain on in this affair? Ter minister in Mexico is the prime mover of the Zuleaga government, and Spain herself at this moment is governed in Paris, Is there any with in all this to complete the overthrow of the constitutional goverament in Mexico and to make the clergy supreme there? Is it the mission of Louis Napoleon to destroy constitutions in America as well as in Europe, and to protect the Jesuits in Mexico as in China? The struggle now going on in Mexico is « struggle between the people and priesteraft— between the political ideas of the nineteenth century and the theocratical despotiem of the ninth. Perhaps the eympathies of the Anglo- French allianee are in favor of the policy of Hil- debrand. There is a conflict impending in these ques tions regarding Mexico and Central America between ourselves and the Anglo-French alliance. Like Turkey and China, circumstances have ex- cluded their elements of wealth and their high- ways from the republic of trade. The four great Towers combined to open China because no particular advantage was seen to aceruc to either. But England and France com- bined to keep Turkey closed to the march of commerce and civilization, sia, from her proximity, might reap the greatest advantage from it. So Mexico and Central America must be closed, because we are likely to gather the most fruits from their opening. The impulse of California upon the industrial energies of this country may be repeated from Mexico, and we bear off the palm as the first commercial nation. This must not be, if France, England and Spain can prevent it; for our moral influence in favor of the rising commercial classes of Europe is already too great. But this will be. it is in the inevitable future of this country to restore peace and order to Mexico and Central America; to bring their hidden wealth to light and pour it into the lap of commerce, and to make their highways and byeways safe to the merchant of every land. In view, then, of the unsatisfactory explana- because Rus ! | Gave his decision in favor of Nicholas Rudolph, | choice of candidates on the part of those who ‘08 of the European diplomatists and represen- fatives in Washington, our government should at once address notes to the Cabinets of Spain, France and England. It should tell them that the representations of Tassara, Napier and Sar- tiges are too vague and indefinite to inspire con- fidence, and require at their hands some logical and well founded assurances. Special Ministers should be sent with these communigations, and the step should be clothed with all that impor- tance which the immense results at issue re- quire. Those governments should learn at once that the President of the United States is not to be hoodwinked or humbugged by two or three second or third rate representatives, who are not of sufficient importance at home to be told what steps their governments intend to take in an affair so nearly affecting our present interests and our future welfare, Tux Premio System tN our Pvsiic Scuoors.— The recent exhibition of the ward schools at the Peter Cooper Institute, and the award of pre- miums which has since been made, do not appear to have been productive of those beneficial re- sults which those who approved of and supported the movement anticipated. So far, in fact, have their expectations been disappointed, that instead of creating a spirit of generous emulation and rivalry among the scholars, it has aroused the strongest jealousies among both teachers and pupils, Not more than one-half the ward schools of our city were represented, and the feeling of dissatisfaction about the distribu- tion of premiums was so general among these that the exhibition has utterly failed of its object. Indeed, whatever doubts may have been enter- tained as to the policy of this premium system in its effects upon the scholars, this exhibition has done muob to remove them. In the city of Boston, where it has been carried toa greater extent than with us,it is rapidly growing into disfavor. The distributton of me- dals for proficiency in the different branches of education has, for a long period, been a promi- nent feature in the school system of that city. Franklin, in his will, bequeathed a thousand dol- Jars, the interest on which was to be expended in the purchase of silver medals, and six of which were to be given to each school for distribution among the most deserving of its pupils. These are known as the Franklin medals; but there are quite a number of others, some of which are given by men who have the interests of education at heart, and some by men who have only their own publicity in view, and who in this way seek to gratify their desire therefor. The effects of the system, however meritorious or unworthy the objects of those who patronize and encourage it may be, have been found to be absolutely injurious upon those whom it is in- tended to benefit—the pupils. The close study necessary for the attainment of that proficiency which secures the desir.d prize, and the mental labor and anxiety with which it is attended, have not unfrequently resulted in insanity. Such is the testimony afforded by the records of some of our insane asylums; and it would be well for the friends of popular education to give it their ear- nest attention. How many minds have been either utterly ruined or dwarfed by this forcing process it is impossible to say; but there are many who have just cause to regret this mistake in their early education. While, however, we con- demn the medal system, we think the distribu- tion of book premiums might be substituted with great profit and advantage. As for the late ex- hibition of the schools in this city, it has, as we have said, proved a total failure, and it is very problematical whether a second affair of the kind will be attempted. Tue Srrveete amona tay Vircrta Dewo- cxacy—Tux Hunter Factios Vicrontovs.—A sharp and embittered struggle for the ascendency between the Wise and Iunter factions of the Vir- ginia democracy has terminated with the victory on the side of the Hunter faction, by the capitala- tion of the Wise faction in bebalf of the nomina- tion of Hon. John Letcher as the candidate of the party for Governor. This result is very significant. In fact it may be considered as the death blow to the Presidential aspirations of Gov. Wise. The Governor, after his great victory over the Know Nothings, in 1555, fairly had the democracy of the Old Dominion in the palm of his hand. But in deserting the administration to follow the +lippery fortunes of Douglas, Walker, Forney and Company, on the Kansas question, Mr. Wise lost his prestige and his popularity among his own people. Hunter, who stood by the Kansas policy of the administration, supersedes him as the favorite of the Virginia democracy for the Charleston Convention, and Wise must be con- tent with a back seat. As with Wise, so with Douglas. The decision of the democracy of Virginia against the one carries down the other. Thus, discarded in Old Virginia, vain will be the efforts of Douglas, on his present Southern pil- grimage, to render himself acceptable to the Southern democracy upon his weak and shaky Kaneas platform of “popular sovereignty.” Wise and Donglas in the South must go down together. Tae Cuarter Evection ws tae Penerr—In about a dozen pulpits of this city today one of the issues involved in the charter election of Tuesday next will occupy the attention of the clergy. The Bible in our public schools is the text announced for illustration by several clo- quent preachers in the various churches, The use and importance of the Bible is undoubtedly a legitimate theme for pulpit oratory; but we would beg to remind the reverend preachers that there is such a commandment in the De- calogue as “Thou shalt not steal”—a Di- vine command, which our city officials, of all grades, seem “to be entirely ignorant of, or to have wholly forgotten. If the charter election is to be taken into the pulpit at all, we would suggest that, as the question of the Bible in the common schools is to form the subject of o many morning discourses, the commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” should be the text of every evening sermon throughout all the churches, It is the last chance before the elec- tion which our preachers will have of aroudnyg the slumbering sensibilitice of the candidates on this delicate subject. There are a good many people who think that the Bible in the public schools is little more than an election ery; but no one, office holders and office seekers excepted, doubts the neces- sity of the due observance of the command, “Thou shalt not steal,” on the part of our city officials, A Wrowe Fasriy Bernsen to Deatn—At Mat- toon, Diiwois, on the 28th ult. a fire was observed in a tenement on the east end of Broadway, and before the 'm could be given the house was in one sheet of lurid flame. Hugh Harkness, wife and child, were burned to death. Harkness war very intemperate, and, as suppored, in a Ot of celirium tremens bad overturned the stove, Whereby caus ing himself, wife and child to. meet horrible death. After the fire was extingushed, the bodies were discovered iu the ruiis, burned to a crisp. THE LATEST NEWS. Our Special W. he ANXIETY OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS KKSUECTING THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT-—-ARRIV AL OF GEN. ROBLES AT THE CITY OF MEXICO AND HIS RECEPTION, ETC., BTC. Wastinaron, Dec. 4, 1853. J learn, through a person connected with the French legation, that the diplomatic corps here is in quite a stew in regard to the course which our governmont may adopt in the Mexican and Central American questions. It seems ‘hat explanations have been requested of Senor Tassara as to the intentions of his government in their Mexican ope- rations. He bas roplied with some general assurances which mean nothing, and are not of a character to satisfy the administration. Napier and Sartiges are cognizant to this, and are very anxious to get Tassara ont of his dilemma. Thore is no other conclusion to be drawn than that all three of these Ministers are ignorant of Lhe course their governments intend to pursue, or else they assume @ state of ignorance in order to hoodwink our govern. meant. Information has been received at the Mexican Legation of tho arrival of General Robie at the city of Mexico, whore he was received in a friendly manner, but not in such a manner as to inspire a hope that the present chiefs in Mexico will forsake their own ambitious designs to pro- mote his aspirations. The history of Gencral Robles’ sufferings and adventures in reaching the city is romantic. He was five days on the uninhabited island of Sacrificios, off Vera Cruz—five days without shelter in a norther, and part of the time without provisions. ‘The President gave to-night his first diplomatic dinner. ‘There were thirty-six guests. Besides the foreign repre- sentatives and their ladies now present in Washington, there were Gen. Cass and Mr. Forsyth. A great many members of Congress came in to-day. ‘There are more than a quorum already here. In consequence of the exhaustion of the appropriation made by Congress, the directions of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieut. Michler, United States.Army, to submit to him the map, plan and profiles of the Atrato Ship Canal Survey, cannot be complied with for the present. ‘The President's Message will occupy ten (not eighteen) columns of the Washiagton Union. ‘The Virginia Democratic State Convention. NOMINATION OF THK HON. JOHN LETCHRR FOR GOVERNOR, AND JOHN BR. TUCKER FOK ATTORNEY GENERAL. MIGHT SESSION, Perrespura, Dec. 3, 1858. Mr. Pryor concluded amid tremendous applause, He was followed by Mr. Wm. M. Tredway, for Letcher, and Mr, ©. Jennings Wise, also for Letcher. The latter was speaking at teno’clock, The balloting will commence as soon as Mr. Wise concludes. Dee. 4, 1858. ‘The Convention got through with the first ballot at four o'clock in the morning. ‘The interest manifested was in- tense, the crowd remaining till the close. The candidates presented were Messrs. Letcher, Hopkins, Edmundson, Smith of Greenbrier, Brockenbrough and John Randolph Tucker. Mr. Letcher was nominated by about 12,500 votes over all others. The Convention adjourned till eleven o'clock this worning. Mr. Letcher’s friends are in ecstacies. Perersavne, Va., Dec. 4—P. M. ‘The Convention re-assembled at cleven o'clock A. M Mr. Letcher’s vote is $5,532, and his majority over all 17,520. His nomination was deciared unanimous. . Mr. Gordon, of Albemarle, Mr, Wise and other bitter oppouients, formally pledged themselves to do everything in their power to secure his election. John Randolph Tucker was then nominated for Attorney Genera! by acclamation. The merits of six or more candidates for Licutenant Governor are now being discussed. The Convention will probably adjourn to-night. The South Carolina Legislature and the Slave Trade. Cotvanta, Dec. 4, 1858. Mr. W. D. Porter, of Charleston, was to-day elected President of the Senate, in place of Mr. Chesnut, resigned. Resolutions were yesterday introduced into the Houte instructing the representatives of South Carolina in Con gress to use all their efforts to secure the repeal of all measures of the general government restrictive of the slave trade, the same being in derogation of the rights of the South. They were ordered for consideration to day. Senator Douglas at New Orleans, New Onigans, Deo. 4, 1868. Senator Dongias and lady arrived here yesterday. There was no particular enthusiasism manifested on the part of our citizens towards the Senator from Mlinois, but hospi tality was extended by all towards himself and lady. He visited the St. Charles last night by invitation, and to-day will give a reception to his political and other friends. A dinner is to be given bim, tendered by the Pierre Soulé and American party. The administration party keep aloof from any participation in the honor in- tended. News from Mexico. Wastmorox, Dec, 4, 1858. Now Orleans papers of Monday last are received. They contain an extract from the Havana Diarie dela Marina of the 25th of November, saying that General Robles had routed General Llave at Jalapa, taking the latter prisoner, Letters from Vera Cruz to the 13th are said to confirm this statement, which the Diario remarks was conveyed to Havana by the Spanish brig Vizeaino, from Sisal, in private letters written by persons of credibility. ‘The Picayune, having dates to the 22d ult., without a word referring to General Llave's defeat, doubts the whole story. Disasters at Sen. Hatsrax, Doe. 4, 1868. ‘The echoonar John Benson, from Norfolk for Halifax, strock on Bantam Rock on the 84 inst. and bilged. She was afterwards got into Port Herbert full of water The brigantine Magele, from Boston for Charlottetown, has been totally lost in Fisherman's Harbor. The mate rials and a part of her cargo were saved ‘The bark Elizabeth Halil, of Portland, Mo., war aban- doned at sea, and the captain and crew wore taken off by the brig Bull, which has arrived at Port Medway. Purtapenrata, Dec. 4, 1858. The steamer North Carolina, for Norfolk, collided taet night with an unknown vessel off Annapolis, The smoke stack and upper works of the steamer were shattered, No liver were hort. The Marion at Charleston, Citanueston, Dec. 4, 1858, ‘Tho United States mail steamship Marion, from New York, arrived here this (Saturday) morning at six o'clock Markets. PHILADELYHIA STOCK BOARD. Pronapenenta, Dec, 4, 1858. Stocks steady, Ponnsylvania State fives, 9534 Reading Railroad, 2645; Morris Canal, 484%; Long Island Railroad, 11%; Peunsyivania Railroad, 43. Mow, Deo. 3, 1858. The sales of cotton today were 3,000 bales, at un. changed prices; sales of the week foot up 15,500 bales, and the receipts 24.000, against 21,500 bales in same week last year. Inereased receipts at thie port to date, 104, $00 bales; stock 107,00) bales. Freights—Cotton to Liver pool, 916d; to Havte, Lise Sterling exchange 1074 a WTS. Ciantmstox, Dee. 3, 1858, The sales of cotton to-day were 1,000 bales. | Market depressed Barewone, Dec. 4, 1858, Flour dull, Wheat bnoyant; red, $1 90; white, $1 36a 91.60. Corn dull at eae. a Obe. Provisions firm; mess k, $17.50; prime, $14 60. Lard firm at 10%. a Ile. bickey dull, Tre Sort Catouxa Stave Trane Resovotiows —The following are the slave trade resolutions now before the Legiviature of South Carolina — Resolved, That the constitution of the United States no grant of power to FeRHIAYY, prevent of reaWict commerce among foreign nations, and therefore ail neta of Con cress pur porting to probitit or tnterfere with the wave trade between Toreign countries are unconstitutional, and have no right(al oree of F Resolved, That the act of omgrens Jeclaring the slave trade fo be piracy—if ft he anderstond aa affirming that it ia piracy in the patare of things aod in the sense of the conetitutien — flirtos what le not trie. and, ina much as it purports and in So eon vert into pir mt the sense of the o onal, null and void. Senator Mazyex, who introduced these resolutions, made 8 brief speech in their favor, He argued against the right of the federal government to interfere with the slave rade when carried on by foreign nations, but he did not touch the question of reopening our own ports to the foreign slave cade, In regard to the act of Congress which declares the slave trade piracy, Mr. M. contended that when the federal constitation was adopted the slave trade Was as legitimate as the trade in wool, coflee or to bacco, and that if the power delegated to Congress to te qlate commerce is to be interpreted into the right to make itn act of piracy to carry on that particular trade be tween any countries whatever, then mvist Congress surely have the same right, at its option, to make the trade in coffee, Wool or tobacco an act of piracy. If Congress. he caid, really posseseed the power to make the slave trade between Africa and Cuba p , it would have the same power to declare the same trade piracy between Lonisiana and Virginia when carried on by the sea. ‘The Senate did not seem to be prepared at that time to act upon the resototions, and they were referred to the Committers on Federal Relations, what is not eo in the natare of things tution, the said act is unconstive ‘The Slave Brig Echo Case—The Bills Throws Out by the Grand Jury. SPEOIAL REPORT BY MAIL. Covumma, Nov. 30, 1858. Tho Fedoral Court met ata quarter past cleven o'clock this morning, when the following proceedings took place:— ‘The Court-—Mr. Distriot Attorney, has any application been made to you by the Grand Jury since the adjoura- ment of the court yesterday? Mr. Connor—May it please the Court, the Grand Jary applied to me last night to bave a copy of the oath of office taken by them sent their room. I told them that it would be proper for them to make their application to your Honor, in court. ‘The Court—Mr. Marshal, you will please direct the fore- man of the Grand Jury to come into court and receive the oath, if they desire it. * The foreman of the jury shortly afterwards made his ance in court. the Court—The Court is informed, Mr. Foreman, that ‘ou desire to receive the oath taken by the Grand Jury, for your information. It was not sent to you by the Ins- trict Attorney, when the application was made to him, be- cause after the Grand Jury has received its case tired no document whatever is allowed to be sent before them without the order of the Court. The Court now gives you this copy of the Grand Juror’s oath, which you will take with you to your room. : At twenty-five minutes before twelve o'clock the Grand Jury came into Court. The roll was called by the clerk, and all the jurors answered to their nam °s. The Court—Mr. Foreman, any findings the Grand Jury fre Pine i present to the court, you wili plouse hand to Tho three indictments were then handed to the Clerk, who read each of them, endorsed *+No bill.”” ‘The Court—Mr. District Attorney, have you aaything urther to present to the Grand Jury? Mr, Connor—Not at present, your Honor. Bat T ask that they may be discharged watil Thursday morning, when I may bave further business for them. The Jury were accordingly discharged until Thursdag: morning. ° There was evident excitement in court when. the finding of the Jury was announced. TELEGRAPHIC. Covumaia, 8, C., Dec. 4, 1858. To-day the prisoners in the slaver Echo case, sixteou im number, were brought before the Foderal Court on a writ of habeas corpus. The counsel of the prisoners moved that they be dis- charged from custody, when a counter-motion was made by the United States District Attorney, that they be re- manded to jail to await the future action of the Grand Jury. Arguments against the constitutionality of the law of 1820 were made by Messrs. Spratt and Gregg, the inva- lidity of the law being the ground on which the discharge of the prisoners was demanded. District Atioraey Conner replied in an argument of conceded force, soundness aud eloquence. The further hearing of the case was thea post poned until Monday. Academy of Music. The “Huguenots” was produced last night with ail the advantages of a powerful cast, fine scenery, splendid costumes and choral and instrumental arrangements of the first magnitude. This opera has been so rarely per- formed in this country that a few words in regard to its history and general characteristics may not be unaccept- able to our readers, The ‘Huguenots,’ like “Robert le Diable,”’ developed a style of composition which, until Meyerbeer’s time, was but imperfectly appreciated, for the simple reason that no previous composer had achieved success in i. Both works may be said to have owed their birth to the domes- tic bereavements which cast a gloom over the commenco- ment of Meyerbcer’s married life, and which condomned him to several years of melancholy and retire- ment. From the religious impulses which, springing from the death of his children, prompted him to the composition of the “Stabat Mater,” the ‘Miserore,’” and the “‘Te Deum,’ he passed naturally to the concep- tion and elaboration of the two great works which have fixed his place in the foremost rank of modern com- posers. In “Robert” he struck into ao entirel: new vein, and unconsciously satisfed a taste which had been created in the public by the crude experiments of others in the same direction for the union of the highest order of dramatic action with the finest efforts of molody and harmony. The success of the work contirmed him im the resolution to cultivate the grand and terrible, rather than the lighter species of compositions, io which there were numerous competitors, all more or less successful. It ‘was only after an interval’ of four years, however, that “Robert was followed by the “Huguenots,"’ Although by, the public generally the latter was not considered equal to its predecersor, cu tivated judges did not fall to recognise in it as happy an effort of genius Conceived on the same plan, it exhibits, perhaps in a more eminent degree, all the qualities and defects of its author. Ite principal merit Consists in the forcible expression of its passions and cha- racters; but in addition to this, the composer employs all the resources of art, no matter how meretricious; and if this luxury of meana ofien produces the happiest effects, it bas someti © inconvenience of fatiguing the attention of not leaving them the enjoyment of In spite of this fault, if a superabun- dance of musical wealth can be so terined, the ‘Tlugue- nots” is a work of unquestionable genius. Mounted ond cast as it was last night, it would be impossible to stimes the fer, to a mind prepared for it by any degree of musical ultivation, a richer, a more Satis(actory, oF a more ited lectual treat. Tho great feature of the evening was the début of Mile Poinsot, of the Grand Opera in Paris, in the réle of Valom- tina. We have rarely wituessed @ more complete sucess. From the beginning to the end of the opera. she ealisted and secured the sympathy and admiration of her aadience: Possessed of a fue figure, expressive features and a pure, full toned voice, she could not fail to command a certain amount of 1 that to these qnatifica of avery high order, iy ¥ understood why she is #0 much este country. In the duct with Marcel, in the second act, the necuracy of her intopation and the preet and elegance of her execution gave infinite aatisfac- ; but the seene between her and Raoul, at the close of the third act, developed to their full extent her qualities @ an actress, From that time unti! the curtain fed every passage drew down thunders of applause; and at the close Of the opera, as, indeet, after each act, she was called again and again before the curtain and overwhotmed by demonstrations of favor. Signor Tamaro, Who was evidently still suffering from the effects of illness, could not, of course, render to the part of Raoul the ree of force which it requires to sup- efliciently a Valentina of such marked powers as ie. Poinsot. Still, inthe grand duct in the third act he surprised bis auditors by his eflorte to overcome hie physical difficulties, and was rewarded by the of the audience. Madame Laborde was not much advantage in the Queen as might have b ed from her showy style of singing passages she was deevlediy expect In the declam tory le, and her frriture could hot conceal her want of physique. Amongst the male Fingers there was a good deal of car ens observable, hut more particularly in the quartstte between Raoul, Mareei, Vevers and Saint Bris. It ts necomsary to point out these tangs, for it is a pity that negligence should at all mar the effect of a piece got up at such expense. The choruses were well disciplined and effective, with @ single exception, that of the Hague- hot soldiers at the commencement of the second ct. Eats Phould be seen to before the pext representation, in order ‘ork May be presented perfect in ail its details, jeficiencies apart, we are bound to admit that we have never seen this opera produced with greater effect than it was last night. The miseen scene was admitted on all hands to be finer than that of the same pieco as given either in London or Paris, and the orchestral arrange: Meots were quite as extensive. A ballet by Mile. Soto aad Herr Dennstaedt added greatly to the attractions of this ifeent representation. morrow evening the ‘Huguenots’ will be again re- myn on Tuesday evening Mile. Piccolomini taker benefit, Om this occasion it is said to be the intention of the stockholders of the Academy to present the fair bencfictaire with a thousand dollar bracelet. The 1 Route. TO THK EDITOR OF THE HERALD. T have noticed an article in this morning's N. Y. Times in reference to my withdrawal from the command of the ‘steamship Hermann at Panama. There are so many dis- erepaucies and inaccuracies in the eaid apticle, thai T only. ‘Wait a proper time to make public my statement of facts; in the meantime I beg to assure the public that the power fal influences brought to bear upon me were not directed by any outward interference designed to affect the inte rests of any company whatever ,but were of such a nature that I would have been some a worse than a man had they not directed my movements homeward. These will all be made public when I deem it necessary New York, Dee. 4, 1868, SOWARD CAVENDY. Skating Pond tn Central Park. TO THK EDITOR OF THE HERALD. We understand that ina few days, if the weather will Permit, water is to be let into the skating pond in Central Park, We aleo understand that the water will be ten fect deep. Against this we protest. Such a depth will be dangerous, and may lead to a loss of life. Should the plan be persisted in the city will be put to an catra ex. pense in furnishing apparatus and attendants to prevent accidents, as is necessary on the Serpentine river in Lon don. The true way shoald be to let in only water enough to furnish a emooth surface for the skaters, and a depth of two or three feet. We shall then see one of the moat beautiful epectacies ever witnessed Ina New York winter. Every pleasant afternoon there will be thousands of gee: tlemen, Indies and children enjoying themselves on skates, and the wintry capitals of Rarope will be thrown into the shade. Thovaands more will be present to witness the scene. We hope the Central Park Commission, in view of this result, will take care to prevent all possible accidents, by admitting no more water into the pond than is abso- lutely necessary to eecare a smooth surface, and avoid the bility of danger to those who resort to it for the most Pesiehent and joyous of amusements. Crenet ro Whom Cinorr i Dee. —In our edition of yester day it was stated that Mr. Richardson, Deputy Commis- sioner of Repairs and Sapplies, extingaished the fire in the Comptrotier's office. We have since learned that Mr. Rich ardeon had nothing to do with the suppression of the fire, but that Mr. Henry A. Secor, of the Street Commissioner's iy who cut through the walls of the ealing the flames, and by his own exertions extinguished them before the firemen oF any other officers arrived. The prompt action of Mr. Secor ho dowbt saved Whe city from a great loss of property huilding es