The New York Herald Newspaper, January 14, 1859, Page 1

| THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 8167. MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. Aldermen. RE TAX LEVY—REFORT OF THE SRLECT COMMIT- ‘EB—AFPROPRIATIONS 000 FOR TH “CABLE CELEBRATION” RECOMMENDED—~THE GREENPOINT FERRY—COMMUNICATION FROM THB COMMISSIONERS’ FEES— ‘THR CITY INSPECTONSHIP—IMPORTANT LETTER FROM THE STREBT COMMISSIONER ON THE APPRO- FRIATIONS FOR 1859-—NO MONEY IN THE TREA- SURY—INTERESTING SCENE AMONG THE COUNCIL- MEN. ‘The Board met last evening, the President (Alderman ‘Mec8pedon) in the chair. ‘THE GREENPOINT FERRY. ‘Alderman Branuzy offered a resolution, referring to a former preamble and resolution of the Common Council, on the irregularity and incompleteness of the Twenty- ‘third street and Greenpoint ferry, requiring the same to Yun two boats—one every fifteen minutes—from 12 to 8 P. M.; also, that in consequence of the same not having Deen complied with, that counsel be instructed to com- mence proceedings against the Ferry Company, and to ‘annul their lease. After some debate the paper was re- prvdcetanin: luring the snowy weather was ‘Aldermen BauDtxy moved that the subject be referred on was of ible benefit to the citizens, and he walled the asvertion. of the Counell to the condition of lway to-day, from the sprinkling of salt during the ‘Alderman Bray said that the of salt on the public ‘was of no benefit, and he would sub- ‘mit to the citizens whether a] of it or not. He alluded to the of ths with heavy loads passing Broadway when the snow is melted by salt. Alderman ApaMs the custem of sprinkling salt, and alluded to the Common is ILEMEN—The assessment list fOr and One Hundred and tistecath ea) erect betreuh highihare Soe and Harlem rivey, contre’ Four honorable body, = ie tes ey z Gok Ane bee such action as may ‘Tt will be Observed, on examining this list, me het wort rns Sou Mat Bh, nd tbe for the execution was = : i allowed by law; and Resolved, That said assessment list, when thus cor- rected, be returned to the Comptroller for entry in the bureau of the Clerk of Arrears. The resolution to remove telegraph poles throughout the city was referred. THE CITY INSPRCTORSHIP. Apams alluded to the fact that the committee consider the above sub- ject had not yet together. He moved that ‘the committee should be discharged and the appointment made, He thought further delay would end in the Legis- ant deprecated the conduct of the Mayor in making his nomination without consulting the Board. Alderman Booux, as chairman of the committee, stated that he LAH fad on the = ao, last meeting. ; ver, const! 1e , who informed him that he did ‘not himself know Dr. Foster, and bad only seen him once or twice. He was ready to call the mecting together at once and have the Mayor preeont, when hon A ‘would talk over the subject, if he (Mr. Boole) could conscientiously vote for Mr. Foster he would do so. Alderman Starr considered that they should make juiry into the Doge ne of the Mayor’s nominee, Dr. , especially ap his Honor had stated he did not know him. Alderman Apams defended the action of the Mayor, who had nominated a man whom he did not personally know, and without regard to his politice—a man who had been recommended to him by competent persons as one well qualified for the office of City Inspector, After a lengthened debate the motion to discharge the committee was lost. The following communication was presented from the Street Commissioner :— ” Street Commisstoner’s Orrice, i New York, Jan. 13, 1859. To tHe Hononaster tHe Common Counctt: GentLewzN—On the 34 instant, ganization of the two Boards of Common Connell for this Jear, n communication from this, Depart ul refusing to incur further expenditures Tndef the direction and contre of the 4 ‘@ppropriations were made therefor. "An Jong as I retain the office it is incumbent npon me to do, ‘cause to be done, whatever properly pertatns to the duties ‘the position; ‘when, aa in this case, I nd that there 1 disorganizing. to make the appropris: t in necessary for = ioe Legislature to make provision penditnres: incurred by the it durin; Inst evening, Prenident, Charles G. Cornell, prosiding. After the minutes 0; the previous mecting were read and approved, a fow ‘unimportant petitions and resolutions—principally appli- cations for appointments as Commissioners of Deeds—were Yeferred to the various committees. ‘The Mayor roturned without approval a resolution which Watrous and others for flagging sidewalks and setting carb and gutter stones from Grand to Houston stroots. His Honor also roturned without approval the assess- ment list for regulating Lexington avenue between Forty- second and Fiftieth streets, He also vetoed a resolution in favor of laying a crosa- ‘walk opposite 23 Cherry street; also as to paving Fourth avenue, between Fourteenth and Thirty-second streets, with hey. Lo ie together with a resolution paying mpany No. 11 $880 for Engine Company work alleged to have The preamble Abd Teec)utiong of the Aldermen in rela, MORNING EDITION—FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1859. PRICE TWO CENTS. hoped that if the President intended to lican on every committee, he would and not a man who was repudiated by the party, and who declared that he never was a member Of it, Mr. Puarr called the gentleman to order, as he was in- dulgin, ‘sonalities. “ar blew ‘aid that he mentioned no mames, and he wished to enter his protest in reference to the action of the President. ComumTeE® POR 1850. ‘The Prespanr announced the committees for the ensu- ng er ee A john McConnell, W. H. Valen- tine, Hamlin Babcock. pes and Sciences—Alex. Frear, Geo. Ross, Morgan es. Ascessments—Gilbert M. Platt, Morgan Jones, Franklin J. qi teaming Strects—ohn A. Tipper, F. J. Ottarson, F. ©. nore. Croton Aqueduct Department—John McConnell, William Lambier, Jr.. Gilbert M. Platt. i Ferries—B. T. Rhodes, A. J. yes Allen. Fah oe i. Valentine, Alex. , Wm. H. Bul- ‘“ Fire ‘Wm. H. Bulteel, F. ©. Gilmore, An- rew Joint Committee on Accounts—Wm. H. Valentine, Ira Allen, B.'T. Rhodes, ey and Gas—John McConnel), Charles N. Decker, lex. Frear. iS nee and Places—Morgan Jones, F. C. Gilmore, T. G. fall. be ad Department—Alex. Frear, Wm. H Bulteel, Andrew Aarkets—A. J. McCarty, Wm. H. Bulteel, Daniel Town- send. lent eee C. Gilmore, H. Babcock, Wm. H. Valen- e. Police—Jobn A. Tipper, John McConnell, Geo. Ross. epitlie Healt—Geo. B. Bickford, G. M. Platt, T. G. ‘Public Buildings on Blackwell’s Illand, dc.—F. C. Gil- more, Daniel Darrow, John A. Raitroads—John Van Tine, B.T. Rhodes, Geo. P. Bick- ford, Ira A, Allen, F. J. Ottarson. Repairs and Supplice—A. J. MoCarty, John Van Tine, Morgan Jones. Hoade—O. A, Platt, John 4. Tipper, Chatleg N. Decker. Salaries and Ofices—John Van @ne, Geo. P. Bickford, Abraham Lent, ‘Sewers—Wm, H. Bulteel, G. M. Platt, Daniel Townsend. ‘Strees—Geo. P. Bickford, John Van Tine, Abraham Lent. ‘Piers and Slips—B. T. Rhodes, A. J, MoCar- 'm. Lambier, Jr. Wharves, ty, Wm. "nece—A- 3. Motarty, John McConnell, Daniel Darrow. Mr. Bancock observed was ap- pointed on the two committees with Wm. H. Valentine, serving with that in- see eae vavenigenmes tye ‘Mr. Roms moyed that Mr. Babcock be relieved from serving on all committees. Misarl, Latte Kee Biscace seen, One Ue ee no power to adopt any such resolution. -- Baboock) only asked to be relieved from serving with he named, who deserted his party on the for the presiding officer. One of the members of the which is the most committee , is Mr. Alex. Frear, who, it is claimed the repul A elected bupher people. Mr. dam contests the seat, and a was appointed to investigate the ee ee oni ler th Board adjourned the republican members ex- pressed great dissatisfaction at tho alleged partisan course which the President pursued. United States Cireuit Court. Before Judge Ingersoll. IMPORTANT MERCANTILE SUIT—NEW YORK MER- CHANTS SUE A PHILADELPHIA HOUSE FOR THE VALUE OF STOLEN GOODS SOLD BY AUCTION. Jan. 13.—Henry B. Dibblee et ab. vs. James F. Furniss et al.—This ease, which bas been on for the Jast three days, excites much interest among all mercantile classcs, from the nature of the questions of law involved and the re sponsibility of auctioneers. The suit is brought by the plaintiffs, who are importing and jobbing merchants in this city, of good standing, against the defendants, who are respectable auctioneers, of Philadelphia, to recover the yalue of certain silks, &c. Our readers may recollect that something over a year ago one George EF. Parmelee, who occupied the store in the story above the plaintiffs, at No. 25 Murray street, was arrested, charged with hav- ing taken silks the plaintiffs’ store, into which he had obtained an entry through the mya Parmelee was indicted, but has never been tried. The plaintiffs now bring this action of trover against the defendants for their silks, sent to them for sale by Parmele, under the name of Sylvanus Ousthout, amounting to about $17,000. The suit ‘was commenced in the ee Court of the State, and thence removed to this Court by the defendants. They claim that the goods were sent to them in the usual course of business, and nothing to put them — suspicion, and that they are not, therefore, liable. They also contend that if there was proof that the goods sold by the defend- ants were the property of plaintiffs, that the latter could only recover actual net proceeds of the sales in Phila- delpbia, and not the cost price SS fa as claimed by ffs. In the course of the trial lee himself was placed on the stand as a witness for the plaintiffs, and gaye the whele history of his depredations, amounting to about $40,000 and extending over a period of nearly three years. He described the manner of his operations in taking the ‘oods to the defendants and others; and, on being asked yy Mr. O'Conor what led him into the matter, he replied that he supposed the ways of crime were generally similar—that the of money for his 88, the opportunity occasioned by the breaking of glass in the skylight,and a feeling of anger by ill treat- ment received from the plaintiffs, bad led him to take the goods, Mr. O’Conor, for the defendants, spoke at some length, and Mr. Evarts, for the plaintiffs, summed up; after which Judge Ingersoll charged the jury at length. He said at the case wag one of great importance, not only to the parties tmmediately concerned, but to the public generally, and the jury would have to give it their patient attention. Although it was unlike cases in some points 0° diffe- rence, yet it must be governed by the same rules . law and of Gvidence as qther casee; and be passed upon with respect to questions as to the credibility of the witnesses the same as any other case. The action was in trover to recover the value of goods and merchandise alleged to have been stolen and converted into money. If the plain- tiffs were entitled to recover, they were entitled to the actual value of the goods and no more. The defendants controverted the claims of the plaintiffs on two grounds— first, that it was not proven that the foods wero ever the property of the plaintiffs; and secondly, that if the were the property of the plain- tifls at the time of their sale by the defendants, or when they converted the goods to their own use, the law which should govern the jury in determining this question was this: “If the goods were owned by the plaintiffs, and while so owned were stolen by the witness Parmelee, and sent to the defendants, and they sold these goods, then the fact, if proven, would entitle the plaintiff to recover the value thereof at the time such goods were sold by them, No matter how honest the defendants may hayo been in the transaction, the law ! ag the case may be—the plaintiffs must recover; but of the facts the jury must be the sole judges. The question was which of the two parties must suffer from the disl Parmelee. The law is thatthe defendants must suffer for such frauds or wrongs if the plaintiffs can the Jury that the goods were stolen by Parmelee, and were the same goods as the defendants sold and accounted to that person for. There was no doubt but that the goods came from New York, and that the invoices were in the handwriting and signed by Parmelee, under the feigned name of thout.”” The fact that the goods were sent by Parmelee was not sufll. cient, and it was forthe jury to say what credit th would give to Parmelee’s testimony, and that beyond all reasonable doubt. The main question was, what faith they could place in the evidence of Parmolec? He has been convicted of no crime, and was therefore a compe- tent witness; but that was not sufficient, as he should be something more than & competent witneas—he should be a creditable one; and it was for the jury to say if he wa such. Hopes bad been held out to Parmelee of ultimats escape, and it is said that he has made different stato ments out of doors to what he has made in this Court When the goods were sent to the defendants there was a virtual representation to them that he had a right to sell them ; but if hg 4 should believe the were stolen, then, however dishonest the , the " should recover, and defendanta be held responsible for the actual value of the goods at the time were stolen. If they should render a verdict for the plaintiff, they must do 80 for the value of the lsat tho tit with interest thereon, Tho Judge then reviewed the testi- mony at length. the =, retired, and after a few moments’ absence, Judge Ingersoll recalled them and informed them that if in their judgment Parmelee was not a creditable witness, or pported by others, to prove that the goods were stolen, and were the iy of the plaintif’s, then they must find a vordict for the defendants. After Neon or ne! an hour the Judge ordered the jury to bring ina verdict. ‘The Court adjourned to this morning. Political Intelligence. How Guaxey Jonss was Derearay ix Orn Ben-RiaKs Govnty,—An Iowa paper says that General W. H. Keim, republican, has been elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of ‘‘Mishter Shones, Committee of te shatrman of Mean Ways,” in the Berke district, Pennsyl- vania, Somebody bas told the people there that General Jackson is dead, and that Buchanan is in favor of a law © MAKE exONtD quartors pass for only twenty cente, imo of the sale, . Police Intelligence. THE LATS BURGLARY IN FULTON STREET—ARREST OF THE THIBVES AND RECOVERY OF THE STOLEN Goons. A few days ago we published an account of a burglary at the store of B, H. Arnold & Co., No. 190 Fulton street. ‘The thieves, it will be remembered, succeeded in making their escape, with five hundred and fifty pounds of sewing silk, valued at $3,000. A reward of $250 was offered for the apprehension of the burglars and the recovery of the stolen property, but it failed to effect any good. Subse- quently the amount of the reward was increased to $600, ‘as ap incentive to the police and others who might be on the lookout for the thieves. Om Sunday last policemen McCord and King, of the Lower Po- lice Court, received information from ex-police- man Spicer that a person named Joseph Alexander, residing at No. 2 Ludlow street, was in possession of some of the stolen silk, That evening the officers pro- ceeded to the dwelling houge of the accused party and searched it, but they were disappointed in their expecta- tions, as no trace of the goods could be discovered. The Police determined, however, to watch Alexander’s move- ments, for they were convinced beyond a doubt that they were on the right track. On Wednesday they learned that Alexander bad hired a room at No, 42 Riving- ton street, for the ostensible purpose of providing for ®@ friend who was hourly expected from Chicago, ‘The idea struck them that it would be well to examine the room, and accordingly it was arranged that they should unce upon the premises that ~ On arriving at i ea juestion the police Fc MND cai tons emerging from the with some bundles in and upon’ coming wD tits tn evetied tents Goat 7 10 be nose ber than’ Aleander Gad Ris ppb eit eon EE se Blog Ba ge A Nien sik ‘which it. was subsequent Seaweed way a of st a recelving shop in the Bowery, ae? rere ly con’ to the Tenth ward Slesore King and i fe # A ie i E E i hired by Alexander they found in four large trunks the retalnder otal es been stolen from to the house for security, and thus ended the tht’s performance. Yesterday Alexander and bi pupil were La al before Justice a4 nat ty and receiving stolen goods. a of bury was ‘them by Mr. Arnold upon information and as it was found wrapped ages, the trade marks attached. ‘Tus Troumes oy 4 Parer Deaten.—Charles F. Sands, agent for the sale and manufacture of all kinds of paper, at No. 14Forsyth street, where he is always happy to receive orders for writing, printing and wrapping paper in any quantity, from a quire to one hundred reams, found himeelf involved in serious trouble yesterday. Mr. Sands took it into his head to deprive Mrs. Helena Rogers, of No. 39 East Twelfth strect, of some articles of linen and dry goods, by an old though somewhat ingenious trick, and in doing 80 was unfortunate enongh to fall into the hands of the police. The circumstances attending the theft of the dry goods as aforesaid being somewhat pecu- iar, we give space to them as follows:—On Wednesday afternoon Mrs, Rogers attended prayer meeting, and on her way home stopped at the store of Messrs. Holmes & Co., No. 711 Broadway, for the purpose of doing a little shopping. After making some purchases, to the extent of $15 or $20, she departed tor home, accidentally leaving porciragle an hob dtp an phe edhnapmenaryer 8 seni 8 esses eorrined toad J home the book ‘the bundle of dry goods. was to Peter, the porter, with instructions to deliver it with as much despatch as possible. No sooner had Peter left the store on his errand, as i alleged, than he was followed closely by Mr. Sands. A few minutes after the delivery of the the latter gentleman door bell, and, in a hurried manner, informed Mrs. Rogers’ servant 1 that the package was delivered by mistake, and that it ras intended forthe lady next door. |The gir! immediate: ly handed over the pro} y to the disant porter, ani Hwan 00 woul an ‘None O bwo afterwards thes the trick was discovered. When Mr. Sands opened the parcel and found that there was a Bible therein, he was a little puz. zled to know what to do with the book. Not being of a religious turn of mind the article was useless to him, #0 he determined to return it te the owner rather run the risk of keeping that which some day or other might lead to his detection. Accordingly he set out on his mission of restoration y morning and boldly stepping up to Mrs. rs’ hail door banded the servant gir) the Bible. The girl re- cognized the fellow at once, and raised the alarm, when Sands took to his heels and endeavored to escape by flight. Fortunately, at that moment a milkman was etanding opposite the door, and hearing the cry of “Stop thief,” pursued the fugitive as far as Broadway Here policeman Helms, of the Fifteenth precinct, joined in the pursuit, and before the paper merchant could turn the corner of Eleventh street he found himself in the grasp of the officer. On being taken before Justice Kelly the prisdner denied his guilt in the most emphatic terms, and as an evidence of veracity, respectability, &c., handed the magistrate his card, of which the following 18'a copy:— OOO DEDEDE NILE EEIEDE IER DOIEDE DE OF CHARLES E. SANDS, Agent for the sale and manufacture of ALL KINDS OF PAPER, No. 14 Forsyth street, New York, Where he would be happy to receive orders for all kinds of writing, printing and wrapping papers. Orders of from one to one hundred reams delivered to any part of the city free of charge. Paper in any quantity from one quire to one hundred reams. rnvennronnree ee! nee 00, Justice Kelly seemed inclined to believe in the guilt of of the prigoner, and accordingly he committed him for trial before the Court of General Sessions. The dry goods remain missing, and the prospect of their turning up is very remote indeed. ANOTHER SranBinG AFFRAY.—At an early hour yesterday morning two men named James Cogan and Barney Donnel- ly gotinto an altercation at the corner of Flizabeth and Houston streets, when Donnelly, it is alleged, drew a dirk knife from his pocket and plunged it into the abdomen of Co- gan, The injured man bled profusely and foll to the sidewalk msensible from the loss of Wood. His situation was dis- covered by the Fourteenth precinct police, who conveyed him to the station house, where'a physician attended and rendered such aid as was deemed necessary. Subsequent- ly policeman Williams arrested the of the as- Sault, and locked him up to awe Festeraay the pri- goner was brought before Justice Brennan, at the Exsex Market Police ‘Court, where he was committed to await the result of the wounded man’s injuries. The row origi- nated at a ball given by the Marion Light Guard, where the parties quarrelled about some girl who was in attend- ance. Tem AuieceD Ronpery AT THe GLOBE Horm.—We haye received a Jong communication from the proprietors of the Globe Hotel, in reference to the robbery alledged to have been perpetrated at that establishment some days ago, in which the trath of the report previously published is questioned, and concluding with the following appeal to the patrons of the house:— Wefear no contradiction when we state that small as our charges are, guests find in our house all the security , com- fort and attention that can be obtained at more pretentious establishments ; and we beg to assure our patrons generally , and “Jenkins”? in particular, that had such an occurrence as the one described been brought to our knowledge, wo rope have spared no effort to bring the perpetrator to justice, Worturess Moxry.—Kdward Mettich was taken intocus- tody by detective policeman Horrigan, on charge of pass- ing @ worthless $1 bill on the Hancock Bank of Ellsworth, Me., at.tho Prescott House, Broadway, in payment for x glass of” punch. Justwe Kelly committed the prisoner for examination. AN ALLEGED Case or BuiaMy.—A soldier, named Henry Moore, stioned on Governor's Island, was yesterday morning brought before Justice Welsh, at the City Hall Court, on an alleged charge of bigamy. It appears that the complainant was a young woman residing in Philadel- phim, who charged Moore with having married hor about 4 year ago, but about two weeks since he suddenly disap- peared, since which time she discovered he had another wife in this city, and to got rid of thom both had enlisted in the United States cervice. Unfortunately, the woman had come across Moore’s first wife, and she was also present to substantiate what wife number two had stated. A warrant in the hands of officer Burdett, of the Harbor Police, brought Moore before the Justice, when ho stated, in reply to the charge, that he knew he had dono wrong? but was very sorry, and that at tho timo of his last ‘marriage he was not exactly himself, and could not say why he done it, After some conversation with the Judge the second wife decided to surrender ht and title to cing of him; to the Moore, as she found sho could g whereupon he was discharged and Jeland, a ba ii Hi The Fine Arts. ‘The city, during the last two or threeyears, has had many Opportunities to profit by several fine exhibitions, ‘whieb have been open to public inspection. Pictures from the French, English and Flemish schools, from the pencils of old as well as living masters, have become quite fa- miliar to the eye of untravelled amateurs. Of course the result of all this isa decided improvement among our artists, and» very much elevated standard of taste. Pic- tures whioh afew years since brought high prices cannot now find places on the walls of the educated classes of our city. The crude and rude conceptions of very many of our aspiring painters, perfectly consonant with their own rugged natures and imperfect education, have given ‘way entirely; @ higher clazs of subjects, more elaborately ‘Wrought, and presented in colors which show a profound attention to this important branch of the pictorial art, are now quite frequently met in private collections and public galleries. H was generally supposed at one time that the decline and fall of the picture shop in Broadway, better known as the American Art Union, would be fatal to art. On the contrary, however, since that period, without other incentive than ambition and hope of reward, a greater number of much Pictures have been painted during the last three produced under its very questionable in the way of art worthy its paramount claims to pre-eminence over its sisters of the great North American continent. Of course this is mainly owing to the brute force which constitutes its government and subor- dinates. Evoked from obscurity or vomited forth from gam- bling hells and grogshops, nothing else could be expected; and hence in the historical department of art it has no- thing to show—not even a single picture, national, or of its own State or municipal history. Is not this a shame—a dishonor? Nor hath the National Academy of Design ex- hibited that respect for its high vocation and the interests of art the public have a right to expect from it. Deplora- ble as this remisaness is, ihe city, thanks to her young ar- tists and to a few public: |, is not without its artistic: though by no means on a scale commen- surate educational mission of art. He ar i i i 2 & | &§ 5 1 ei [ ie H HE : i i Ff i iF H i af : by FA Pople sna. imitators—Cole alone, and that only in his of ?? retaining bis’ great The South Aiperies Modsonpes Sr Onsreh added greatly to his ‘Goll earned reputation as an idealist and among s Falls,” the mast laborious end fauniai Gall Mie works; “ir. oust ‘has hithervs held a ag IE eee iagara It is of the size of Church’s large picture, and far more effective. The gloom which pervades the greater part of this picture heightens to an inconceivable appearance of reality the rapids,on which the full orbed moon is @ flood of light.” This piouure is painted for an Engi gentleman, well known for his love of art, and is shortly ‘to cross the Atlantic to grace his collection. At the recent exhibition, cay the pictures on view was a fruit and by Mr. George Hall, which is in nowise infe- rior tothe magnificent picture of the same class in the Belmont gallery. Mr. Hall is a8 fumous for the range which his pencil takes as he is for his beautiful coloring. It is in the department of fruit and flowers that he is least exceptionable as an artist. The four great pictures with whose premature history the artist world is too familiar are not likely, it is said, to gratify the public eye soon. ‘This is deeply to be regretted, as great expectations were raised by the anticipated joint labors of Huntington, Hicks, Rossiter beapr nase’ In every department of istory alone excepted— the city bas ite eminent rece fg Not a moun- tain or valley, a prairie or the turbulent coast of old ocean, now escapes the eye of our artists in their annual excursions in search of the beautiful and the sub- lime. On genre subjects, but a few years since, the public looked alone to Edmonds and to Mount, artists who now but occasionally show “their wonted fire.” In this department of art, we, as well as the artists, are greatl} indebted to the French school, a fine collection of whi were last year exhibited for several months in this city— Bellows, Blauvelt, Luzerns, Cafferty, Blondel and Thom— the last named quite a lad, and the son of the Thom to whom art owes the once unrivalled group known as “Tam O’Shanter.”” Mr. Rossiter often indulges his pen- cil in essays in this department, and invariably works outa brilliant and charming production. At the recent sale of pictures for the benetit of the Ranney fami- ly, the artists were astounded at the prices paid for the little, and by no means best efforts of the contributors. Aclever littie misty picture on the River Magdalena, by Church, brought five hundred dollars; a marine view, by Kensitt, smail and not remarkable for the high qualities which Eye oliont pervade his works, brought near four hundred dollars. All the other pictures of the collection, with but few exceptions, commanded extraordinarily liberal prices. Of course such an effort will never be again repeated, and hence the artists are engaged in the formation of an association to provide for the widows and orphans of their deceased brethren. On the 18th the gallery in Tenth street—Studio Buildinge— will be opened to"view by card. Here will be seen somo of the finest works of Gigneaux, William Hart, Hays, Church, Nichols, Brevoort, Gifford, Blauvelt .and Osgood: This latier building has been built especially for art uses, and is superior to anything and everything hitherto done to advance the arts. We noticed the “Portrait of a Lady” in this gallery, in her widow's weeds, by Fo- lingsby, which is unquestionably the very finest effort of our great master in portraiture, A full length of Henry Clay, by Stanton, is painfully ungainly in attitude. No- thing 80 severely tries the ability of an artist in portraiture as full lengths, and had Mr. Stanton tried many times ere he exposed his very ungraceful rendering of the departed statesman it Beate nib ‘been much better for his reputa- tion. Ina departinent which requires a Renoylds or Van- ayk, an Elliot or Hicks, our tyros should walk with fear and trembling. t present all the artists are engaged on works for the coming annual exhibition of the National Academy. The public may expect from these fertile and felicitous endea- ‘yors still greater evidence of advancement in their seve- ral departments. Proresson Mircitt’s Lecromms at Tue ACADEMY OF Mvsic.—Prof, 0. M. Mitehel, the eminent astronomer and director of the Observatory on Mount Adams, Cincinnati, delivers the first of his series of lectures on astronomy ‘at the Academy of Music to-night. The fame of Professor Mitchel as am astronomer of the highest merit is wide- spread, and his contributions to science and discovery have been of the greatest importance to the world at large, In his capacity as director of the Cincinnati Obser- vatory he has been able to add much to the interesting science of which he is so distinguished a devotee. The lectures of this course will be delivered in the following order:—The first on this evening, and the others on Wednes- day, the 19th; Friday, 21st; Tuesday, 26th, and Thursday, a7th—season tickets to the whole being fixed at one dol- lar, and single admissions at fifty cents. The subjects of the lectures cover @ wide ground in the science of astro. nomy, and cannot fail to be most instructive au: interost- ing. They are ively as follows:— Fransition from Ancient to Modern Astronomy—Discov- of the Laws of Motion and Gravitation. “Iyo Laws, Structure and Stability of the Planetary stem. Syne Motions, Orbits and Physical Characteristics of Cometa. The Tolescope—The Depth of its Ponetrating Power— Ite Capacity to Define—Its Uses in Observation. The Stollar Universe, and the Groat Problems which re- main to be Solved. Tho ulterior purposo of this conrse is tho ostab- lishment of an observatory in Contral Park, an object much desired by the scientific men of the city, and of groat im) to the whole public. The directors of Columbia College haye recently applied to the Park Com- missioners for for an observatory on the grounds, but we believe no apot hag been finally selected for that purpose. There is no doubt that such an institation is much required in this city, and that a well designed struc. tre of Une character add considerably to the beaaty of the park. We therefore, that the appro- priate efforts of Professor «Mitchel will be so well appre+ ciated a8 to materially agsist in carrying out the inten. yon. | ‘The Opera and the Theatres. | The brief Opera season at the Academy of Music was | Cloved last night, with the performance of “La Traviata,” | dy Piccolomini, Brignoli and Florenza, an admirable dis- tribution, so far as the performance of the principal rdles was concerned, Tne performance was, in fact, altogether the best that hag been given of this opera here, tho or- chestra and chorus being in good order, thanks to the baton of Signor Muzio, who conducted. As for Piccolo- minj,sbe had evidently resolved upon a great triumph, and she won it. We have neveP seen the vary- ing phases of the réle of Violetta so well express- ed, musically and dramatically. Brignoli was in fine Voice, and won favor from an audience not over fayorabie towards him, It will bea long while before we find a tenor voice and musical knowledge equal to those of Brig- noli; and as for the caprices of teuore, they are like the caprices of prime donne—matters of course. Florenza was very good,and very cast-irony as the father. The audience, which crowded the house from top to bottom, gave the prima donna no end of applause, and the most tender of adieus. 1t is quite evident that Piccolomini haa ag strong a hold on our public as ever. ‘The company will go to Philadelphia to-day, opening at the Academy there to-night in “La Figlia del Reggi- mento.”” The severely cold weather of the early part of the week had @ bad effect upon all the places of public amusement. The social season, too, is gayer than it has been for several years. There are many public and private balls, soirees, sociables and gay reunions of all kinds and in all ranks of society, from the Fifth avenue down to the Five Points. The managers have not produced anything new lately, and the regular audience is not replaced by strangers, there being very few sojourners in the city at pre- sent. At Burton’s theatre Mr. Joseph Proctor, a tragedian of eminence, from the Boston theatres, has been acting during the week, opening on Mon- day in Virginius. Mr. Proctor has fine natural requisites for the performance of the stern old Roman father. Of commanding stature, with a full and sonorous voice and a perfect knowledge of stage busi- ness, Mr. Proctor gave a vigorous and effective imperso- nation of the réle. Mr. Proctor will shortly play in a new drama. At Laura Keene’s and Wallack’s theatres the entertain- ments baye not been changed recently. We presume that the end of the “American Cousin’’ is not yet, but the “Merchant of Venice” whets his knife for the last time on Saturday. Mr. Lester Wallack’s new military drama is announced to be produced on Monday, 17th. Mr. Eddy has commenced the performance of a scries of equestrian dramas at the Broadway theatre. “Putnam”? has been the attraction for the present week, aud it will be succeeded on Monday by “Rookwood.” Mr. Eddy has a Shakeperian play in preparation, but it will not be ready for some time yet. ‘The Bowery is doing well with dramas and pantomimes. Mrs. Kemble’s readings at Dodworth’s have attracted a8 many auditors as the rooms will hold. As will be seen by an advertisement elsewhere, Mr. and Mrs. George Vandenhoff will shortly commence a series of readings in this city. Mrs. Emily Lesdernier also commences several readings in afew days. Mrs. C, N. Sinclair will commence an engagement at the Howard Athenem, Boston, next Monday, in Mr. Fal- coner’s comedy, “‘Extremes.”’ It was originally produced at the Lyceum, London. Mr. Henry Sedley, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Allen and Mr. W. Reynolds will also appear in tho piece. The theatre is under the management of Mr. Sothern. “Our American Cousin” is to be succeeded at Laura Keene’s by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Mr. Blake will make his renérée as Bottom, the Weaver, and Mr. Jef- ferson will take his congé to play the “Cousin” in the pro- vineial theatres, from several of which offers of engage- ments have been made to him. ‘Mr. Charles Walcot has returned to town from a suc- ‘cessful Southern tour. Sports at Central Park. TEN THOUSAND PERSONS ON THE GROUNDS—iADIES RKATING ON THEIR OWN POND—GENTLEMEN IN- VITED TO KEEP THEIR DISTANCE—GOOD CURL- ING, BTC. ‘It was estimated that not less than ten thousand persons visited the Central Park yesterday. On Wednesday even- ing the pond was completely flooded, so that the uneven- ness of the ice, to which attention had been invited in Wednesday's Herat, had measurably disappeared. What patches of raised ice still remained above the level were cleared away. Twenty-five laborers were employed for that purpose and for sweeping off the surf formed by the cutting of the ice, so that yesterday there was a consider- able improvement in the quality of the ice to that on the pond in the beginning of the week. ‘The main pond is about sixteen acres, and above it there is a pond of three acres, separated by a nanrow ridge of rock. This upper pond can be filled to a height of nine feet above the surface of the main pond. When the ar- rangements are completed, it is intended to draw off water from the upper pond to flood the ice upon the main pond. ‘The upper pond will thus constitute a reserve, by which roughness, or even a moderate fall of snow, may be cover- ed with water in halfan hour. A single cold night will then give a complete new surface of ice. The main pond yesterday had all the appearance of a country fair. The thousands kept moving along in every direction, while here and there a batch of one or two hun- dred persons might be scen close together, evidently en- joying the amusement of their respective localities—some- times there being a particularly good skater showing off, a “rink” of Scotchmen curling, or a piece of nice clear ice on which everybody had to fly along to keep out of some- body’s way close behind them, ready to trip them up. The coup d’qil of the enthusiastic skaters and curlers, from an elevated rock bordering on the pond. was very fino, and so far asthe present season’s operations on the ice may be regarded as an indication of the future patronage of the Central Park, the whole concern may be written down as a success, and an accommodation to the public highly appreciated. There was quite a number of ladies, of every age,on the grounds and on the main pond. The upper pond, alluded to above, was set apart for the fair ones exclusively, ex- cept where they might be accompanied by their lords, a brother or ‘a cousin;”’ and in that case they glided along together. There were two or three ladies very excellent skaters: ao Va pond. They ba od along and alone very prettily, and had quite charming appearance as they Hruck’ out from side to side, backwards and for- wards, with ease and grace. Some of them probably felt a little timid to venture on the skates in the resence of so many of the posite: sex, who took their places on ore end of the embankment, to witness the ladies performing. It isa curiosity which will soon die away—on that the fair ones may calouiato, and not be ‘“blufled”’ away from their smal! share of the pond, Gentlemen thoughtlessly, from the novelty of the Scene only, will be attracted there for a day or two; but curijogity there will soon be branded as impertinence, and no genticman will intrude upon the rights and privileges of the fair; and for the other male class of society Captain Renwick and his force will always be ready to Kindly and persuasively teach them good manners. Health and exercise for the ladies are quite as necessary ‘as for gentlemen, and it is to be expected that they wil have due attention in seeking to obtain them. The Scotchmen of the New York Caledonian Curling Club played from eleven o’clock A. M. till4 P.M. Tt was a game among the members of the club only. They were divided into three “rinks,” and played on different por- tions of the pond. The players were 80 well matched that in summing up the “scores” at four o'clock, the one side was only one score ahead of the other side. From some accidental meddling with a stone by one of the outsiders, which led to a little doubt about that fone score, and that meddled stone being on the side that was beat by one, it was ultimately concluded that the playing was equally good, and the “braw lads” frae the heather hilis left the pond, satisfied that, as tho would all eat their ‘beef and greens,’ they should Pay for them, and nobody lost the ‘‘bawbees.”” Was no rowdyism onthe pond or in the _ throughout the day. ‘Some two or three young fel made themselves ajittle too conspicuous in tripping up eome younger folks, and as they bad numerous acquaint- ances,'for example’s sal the captain his men gave them kind attention and walked them off. Let all behave themselves, respect the instructions of the officers prensa from the ladies’ pond, and the Central Park pond becomes an excelent institution, and ‘one which puts in the shade every skating pond in the world, not even excepting the Royal Serpentine, of Last night, instead of flooding the pond, it was to be all swept, and ifthe weather continues as it’sot in last eve- ning, the ico will be fine for skating to-day. Supreme Court=-tpectal ‘Term. Before Judge Davies. JAN, 13.—MeGriffert vs. McGrifert.—Judgment for the plaintia, John J. Drake al. ve. Wm. W. Hawking.—Jndgment for the plaintiif on demurrer, with liberty to put in a new answer in twenty s. John A. Livingston ef al. v8. James.A. Magee et al.—De- murrer overruled, with costs; the defendant to have twen- Wy days to answer. . John A. Schenck. Judgment for de- John 8. Mason ve fendant op demurrer, with coste, ARRIVAL OF THE NIAGARA, ONE WEEK LATER FROM EUROPE SAFETY OF THE STEAMS P WESER. France Offers to Aid England Against the United States. Spanish Opinions of the Presi- dent’s Message. Threatened Bombardment of Jaffa by the Wabash. Pardon of Montalembert and Others by Mapoleon. STATE OF THE MARKBTS, &e., &., &. The Cunard steamship Niagara, Capt. Laing, from Liver. pool at 8 o'clock on the afternoon of Jan. 1, arrived at Halifax at balf-past ten o’clock yesterday forenoon. The advices by this arrival are one week later than those by the Africa, at New York. Tt was reported that France had officially informed England of her support, if the latter adopts measures to counteract President Buchanan’s policy with regard to Cuba, Mexico and Central America. Napoleon bas again pardoned Montalembert and the editor of the Correspondent, and one bundred and sixty- four other prisoners. ‘The Spanish papers denounce Mr. Buchanan’s Message in a tone of offended pride. ‘There have been insurrectionary movements i Servia. Prince Alexander has been deposed, and Prince Milosch proclaimed in his stead. ‘The screw steamer Weser, from Bremen for New York. put into Queenstown on the 26th of December, with pumps choked and leaking. She had thrown part of her cargo overboard. From the 16th to the 28d she experienced = hurricane, was thrown on her beam ends, sprung a leak, and had seven feet of water in the engine room, putting out fires, &c. The coal bunkers broke adrift and choked the pumps. Temporary pumps were then constructed, and after vigorous exertion on the part of those on board, steam was again got up and the veasel succeeded in reach- ing Queenstown. Baring Brothers report the market for American stocks quiet:— ‘United States 5’s, new loan.. Do. bonds, 1868, » I a4 & g Tennessee 6’8........+ Virginia 5's, 1888, ex. div. Pennsylvania Central RR. New York Central = Do. 8. Erie 7’s, convertibles. ‘Tiinois Central bonds PPP PrePF sseeeegess pitted ry Bell & Co. report:—State stocks have experienced average business, without undergoing any quotable change. In railroad securities but a limited business doing, at prices not materially changed. United States 6’s, 1868 . Do. 5's. he 2 * 06 6 108 2 108 3 ig be a & a 87 a 89 86 88 90 92 9 a 9 80 a 82 . 79 a 81 Tilinois Central RR.. discount. 3 a 32 Michigan Central 8's, 1869. 8 a 8 do. shares. 50 0555 + 8 ao 85 91 a 9% 17 9 16 18 86 88 80 82 70 2 45 48 99 00 = 86 The London Times of Jan. 1 says Ilinois Central shares are slightly higher, and quotes sales at 32 discount; also sales of Pennsylvania Central 6’s, second mortgage, at 98. The steamship Europa, from Boston Dec. 15, via Halifax, arrived at Liverpool on the evening of the 25th. The screw steamship Hammonia, from New York Des, 15, arrived at Cowes Dec. 27, en route to Hamburg. ‘The screw steamship North Briton, from Portland De- cember 18, arrived at Liverpool December 29. The screw steamship City of Washington, from New York December 18, arrived at Liverpool Dec. 30. The screw steamship Bremen, from New York Dec. 18, arrived at Cowes Dec. 80, en route to Bremen. ‘The screw steamer Jura, for New York, sailed on the morning of the Ist ‘The departure of the steamship Circassian from Galway bad been postponed till the 8th of January, The bark Oakland, of Bath, Me., from Charleston for Liverpool, was struck by lightning Dec. 19, and caught fire. The crew ‘eft ber in three boats, about 200 miles from Cape Clear. One boat, containing the chief officer and four of the crew, was picked up and had arrived at Milford Haven. The other boats had not been heard of. ‘The Niagara reports, Jan 7, lat. 51, lon. 33, passed the Danish brigantine Adonis, bound west. ‘The Niagara sailed from Halifax at one o'clock yester- day afternoon for Boston, where she will be due this even- ing about nine P. M. GREAT BRITAIN. Hon, E. M. Erskine is transferred from the Secretary- ship of tho British Legation at Washington to Stockholm, and is succeeded by W. Irvine, late first paid attaché at Vienna. ‘Tho London Times, ina leader on the question of the right of search, thinks the only way out of the difficulty is to declare that the slave trade is piracy. This, how- ever, Americains will not do, and the French will not do. ‘Thus, therefore, we go on wasting the precious lives of English sailors upon that coast of Africa, where one res- cued negro cannot be shown as a set off against ten dead Englishmen, where our impotent force has become a mockery and our blind and useless zeal a jest. ‘The affair of the steamer Washington at Nicaragua bad given rise to editorials in the English press. The London ‘Times, after recounting the features of the cafe, concludes as follows :-— We may remark that this style of communication, in which at every difficulty war is threatened, reilects no credit on American goo sense, and cannot even give them any real reputation for courage. A collision between the armed forces of England and America would be an event fraught with terrible consequences, and perhaps a long and bloody war would be carried on in the most fe- rocioug spirit, with the ruin of a vast trade, and a check to the progegis of ‘both hemispheres would ‘be the result. A struggle tween two such peoples would bring into play animosities which would be all the more bitter for relationship. To be continually talking of war is a proof tbat a nation has not weighed its consequences. We who bi x] of it, and who, as history proves, do not shrink from it when it is necessary, have learned not to take in vain the name of the ‘God of Battles.”” The London Daily News thinks the American govern- ment had better take especial care of Gon. Walker and his followers as the best method of preventing similar occur- rences in future, and suggests that Sir Wm. Ouseley’s pre- sence in the Valorous ought to have assured politicians at Washington that there was no insult or mistake in the case. ‘Tho investigation at Cork of the charges against the ar rested members of the Phaonix Club, had resulted in six prisoners being committed for trial without bail, and nine admitted to bail to appear at the assizes. Tho result of the investigation was not deemed satisfactory by the government, and a government official was specially dele- gated to watch the proceedings of the investigation in Bolfast, which was progressing. The counsel for the prisoners protested against the examination taking plage in the common jail, and withdrew from the case, in conse- quence, leaving the prisoners undefended. ‘The clowe of the year bad occasioned an extremely Wo-