The New York Herald Newspaper, March 2, 1859, Page 1

¢ Course Agreed upon by Mr. Sickles’ Counsel. Atewesting Statements of Mr. Butter- worth and Hon. Robt. J. Walker. HE FUNERAL OF MR. KEY, de, &e. &. Wasmecrox, March 1, 1859. Mr Bickles’ father arrived last night, and had a pain- interview with him. The mother of Mre. Sicklos also feted bim this morning in company with Sarveyor Hart, New York, and was #0 overcome by her feelings as to i. ‘She following has been agreed upon by Mr. Sickles’ ansel:—Mr. Sickles having been committed on Sunday, further hearing before the magistrate will be ed, for the reason that the Criminal Court commences Monday, and, being in confinement, he will be entitied ut delay to an immediate and final trial. A further ination before the committing magistrate would in- © a long investigation of the distressing circumstances, ithont any final result, and might procrastinate the pe- lod of getting the case before a jury. Nuinerous offers of have been pouring in upon Mr. Sickles ever since he committed; but having voluntarily placed himself at im the hands of public justice, he prefers patiently to until his act shall be finally pronounced upon by a ef his country, after full and complete hearing of ecase; and while this may subject him to some incon enience, his own feelings avd the feelings of others in- ved, whom he is willing, ag far as possible, to spare, 1 be saved from the repeated discussion of the un- py circumstances attending this cage. STATEMENT OF MR. BUTTERWORTH, Jn consequence of the erroneous and false statements eh have appeared in the public press in relation to death of P, Barton Koy, Eeq., I feel that it isnecessary T should state the facts, so far as 1am connected with jthe occurrence. On Sunday morning, about twelve o'clock M.,I received, ‘at the house ofa friend, with whom was staying, a note from the Hon. D. E. Sickles, saying: ‘Dear B.—Come to me right away,” which I showed to Hon. Robert J. ‘Walker and Senator Gwin, with whom I was then convers- img. Tasked the bearer of the note who was there, and gaid to my friends, ‘What can Sickles desire?” I imme- @iately went to the house of Mr. 8. On my arrival I found Mr. Sickles in his bedroom, lying on his face on the pillow, overwhelmed with grief. Some time elapsed before Icould @btain from him an account of the cause of his affliction. He kept exclaiming, “Iam a dishonored and ruined man, ‘and cannot look you in the face.” Finally he disclosed to me the following circumstances:—On Friday Mr. Sickles Feosived an anonymous letter, stating that his wife was im the habit of meeting Mr. P. Barton Key at a house on Fifteenth street, ina negro neighborhood. Through an agent Mr. Sickles bad ascertained that Mr. Key bad rented a house in that neighborhood, and was in the habit of meeting a lady there corres. ponding in dress and appeasance to the wife of Mr. Biekles. Being possessed of these facts, he stated them te his wife on Saturday night. She said at once ‘that she Perceived she was discovered,” and thereupon made a fall confession of her guilt in writing, By this con- feesion it appeared that this criminal intercourse bad been going on since April, 1858, sometimes in the absence of Mrs. S., at the house of her husband, and that at the commencement of the present session of Con- grees Mr. Key had hired an untenanted house on Fifteenth street, wherethey were in the habit of mecting fre- quently, After he had apprised me of the foregoing facts, he con Sulted me as to the course he should pursue. I advised him to send his wife to her mother at New York; that a3 %& was now near the close of the session it would excite no remark; that during the time intervening between tho close of this session and the commencement of the next he could go to Europe for a few monthsy and in the mean- imo a Separation could be arranged between himself and his wite; that I presumed the affair. was known only to ‘one or two persons, beyond mere surmise, and that, for the honor of his little daughter, and his wife’s friends this course should be pursued. ‘To this Mr. Sickles replied—“My friend, I would gladly - pursue this course, but #0 abandoned, 80 reckless have Key and my wife been, that all the negroes in that neigh Dorhood, and I dare not say how many other persons, know all about the circumstances.” I then left Mr. S. in his bedroom, and on going down atatre Tfmet in the library Mr. George B, Wooldridge, a Clerk of the House of Representatives. I said to him, “This is a terrible affair.” He then handed me the writ- ten statement made by Mrs. Sickles of her guilt, which was written and signed, as I was thon informed, by Mrs. 8., in the presence of two females and witnessed by them. Tread the statement, laid it down on the table, and said, 44] will go down town for awhile, and return here again,” I requested Mr. Wooldridge to say so to Mr. 8. if he should imquirefor me. I immediately left the house and walked to the Club House, on Sixteenth street, drank a glass of ale with a friend, and slowly returned to the house of Mr. Sickles. On entering the library again Mr. Wooldridge informed me tbat Mr. Key had twice passod the house during the morning, and had a short time since waived his handkerchief three times as a signal. Whilst con- versing with him Mr. Sickles came into the library, and said that he had ‘seen the scoundrel making signals; and he added, ‘“‘My God! this is horrible.” I said, “Mr, Bickles, you must be calm, and look this matter square in the face. If there be a possibility of keeping the @ertain knowledge of this crime from the public you must do nothing to destroy that possibility; * You may be mistaken in your boliof that it is known to ‘the whole city.” He instantly replied, “No, no, my friend, Iam not; it is already the town talk.’ I then said, “If that be 0, there is but one course left for you, asaman of honor—you need no advice.” After afew moments silence, Mr. Sickles said that he was satisiie! ‘that Mr. Key had been in the habit of making his signals from the window of the Club House opposite, and what warprised him very much was that his wife strenuously denied this, though freely confessing her guilt. He then ‘walked into the hall, and said to me, “Come, go over with me to Stewart's room, in the Club Honse, and he may be ‘able to inform mo whether Key has a room there, and for ‘what purpose he uses it.”’ I assented, and walked out into the street, supposing that Mr. Sicklos was following mo, I Jeft the house for this sole purpose, When I left Mr. 8. in the hall Tam satiefed he had no weapons on his person. ‘He was without an overcoat. He eaid nothing to me about ‘weapons, or the probability of encountering Mr. Key. I ‘walked slowly down the avenue, on the south Fide, to the corner, and as I was crossing the street I saw Mr. Key advance a few steps towards me. He saluted mo, saying, “Good morning, Mr. Butterworth; what a fine day we have.” Tresponded and sald, “ Have you come from the Cub?” He said, “Ihave.” Tasked, “ Is Stewart in his room?’ Ho answered, “ Yes; and he is quite unwell.” T then said, “Tam going up to see him—good morning, * amd turned to leavehim. AsI did so I saw Mr. Sickles for tho first time after leaving his house, comin: rapidly down Sixteenth street, on tho sido next fhe equare, and then moar the corner. I had walked about thirty feet on my way to the Club House whon I heard Mr. 8. exclaim, in a loud voice “'Key,‘you scoundrel, you havo dishonored my house— you murt dic.” I turned immediately and saw Mr. Key thrust his hand in his vest or side coat pocket, take a step in the direction of Mr. Sickles, and simultaneously Theard tho discharge of a pistol. Mr. Key then rapidly advanced on Mr. Sickles, seized him with his left hand by the collar of the coat, and seemed to make an effort to strike with something in his right hand, which I then sup- posed to be a weapon. Mr. Sickles backed into the mid- dle of the street, when he succeeded in oxtricating him- self from Mr. Key’s grasp, drow a pistol from bis ovor- coat pocket, and presented it at Mr. Key, who retreated backward up Sixteenth street, towards the Club House, and threw fomething at Mr. Sicklos, Mr. Sickles followed, snd when within ten feet fired. I saw that Mr. Key was wounded. He staggered towards the sidewalk, saying, “Don’t shoot me.”” He leaned'for a moment against a tree, when Mr. Sickles advanced upon him, exploded « eap, and theo fired a third time. As Mr. Key was falling Mr. &. frequently exclaimed, “ You villain, you have dis- honored my house and you mast die.”’ He uttered there MORNING EDITION—WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1 THE NEW YORK HERALD. 859. words sgain, while standing ower Mr, Key with bis pistol im bis band. 1 ok po part in the contest. | believed them both be armed. When I left Mr. Sickles’ house I had nothought of meeting or seeing Mr. Key, my objoct being to visit Mr, Stewart. I bad mo arms with me. I did not know Mr. Sickles intended to take arms with him. He icft the house after me, and, withont avy sug- gestion from me, oame towards the Club House, on the north side of the equare. When Mr. Key ealuted mel did net know Mr. Sickles was approasbing, nor did I see him until I turned to leave Mr. Key. I did notree Mr. 8. shoot Mr. Key after bis fall, nor place his pistol in con- tact with hig head or clothing. Afver the third fire lad- vanced and took Mr. Sickles’ arm, and walked with him up Sixteenth street, and advised bim to go to bis hoage or to the Attorvey General's. He did go. I returned to the acene of the encounter, and picked up an overa glaas from the middle of the street aud gave it to Mr. Bickles. ‘This i¢ the whole of my connection with this unfortunate occurrence. It is not true that I either sought or detaloed Mr. Key. He tirst addressed me, and our interview did not lost one minute, Ibave known the lute Mr. Key ip New York and in Washington during the last ten years, and our reiations have ever been of the most frieadly charact'r, I did not anticipate a collision on the Sab- bath, though I did not doubt but that it would take place at an early day. SAM. F. BUTTERWORTH. STATEMENT OF HON. R. J. WALKER, At the close of last week Icame here from New York. Sunday morning, after breakfast, I visited the Hon. Wil- liam M. Gwin and bis family, at his house, where I met Mr. Samuel F, Butterworth. We were conversing, when a servant came in and handed a note to Mr. Butterworth, who then, after reading the note, remarked, “Sickles wishes to see me immediately ;” adding, ‘ What can this mean?” and left at once. I remained conversing most of the time with Dr. Gwin, when in the course of an hour or two some one—a servant, I think—entered and said, “Mr, Sickles has just shot Mr. Barton Key dead.” I asked, ‘What was the cause?” when some one in- quired of me, “Did you never hear the stories as to Mr. Key and Mrs, Sickles?” I replied “No,” never having beard their names connected in any way. I proposed ina few moments to go to the Club House, where the dead body of Mr. Key was said to be, and ascertain the facts. Dr. Gwin’s carriage being at the door, I drove at once rapidly to the Club House, was in- formed of the death of Mr. Key, and that Mr. Sicklos and Mr. Butterworth had gone to Judge Biack’s, where 1 drove at once, and was told Mr. S. and Mr. B. had gone to the President’ When on the way, meeting the Mon. John Slidell, I stopped the carriage, and on inquiry learned that Mr. Sickles and Mr. Butterworth had juet gone, or were going to Mr. Sickles’ house, to which I procee od at once, and entering the back parlor met Mr. But- terworth there alone. He appeared deeply distressed. This fact, together with my regard and sympathy for Mr. Sickles, my affection for Mr. Butterworth, my long and intimate acquaintance with Mr. Key, and friendship for him, £0 overwhelmed me with grief that I could not speak to Mr. B. for several moments, when at length, with deep emotion, be eaid, “My friend, you showld not grieve 80 deeply ; it is deplorable, but Mr. Key deserved his fate.”” I then aeked Mr. Butterworth to state the facts to me, which he did, narrating the incidents substantially as they are now given in his accompanying statement, 1 then eaid, “The moeting was not advised by you?” Mr. Butterworth replied, ‘No, I did not expect any meeting to-day, although I apprehended a collision as probable at some future period, but when or how I did not know, nor had Mr. Sickles ever stated to me.” At that moment Mr. Sickles entered the room, when, aftersalutirg me warmly, he threw himself on the sofa in an agony of the deepest dis" tress I have ever witnessed. His grief was so appalling, his exclamations 80 constant of the dishonor Mr. Key had brought upon his house and upon his wife and child, that I feared be would become insane,and thought of sending for a physician, I united, however, with Mr. Butterworth in endeavoring to pacify him; but we did not succeed for some time. At length he became calm, and saying he was ready to accompany the magistrate, for whom he had sent, as I understood, Mr. Butterworth, Mr. Sickles, the magistrate, Mr. Goddard, the Mayor, Mr. Berret and myeelf, all proceeded in the carriage to the front room of the prison, where, after a brief statement of the mere fact of the killing and death, Mr. Sickles was committed for farther examination, Mr. Butterworth and myself then drove to the Club room, where the Coroner’s inquest wae being held over the dead body of Mr. Key. At the Olub room we met Dr. Gwin,and drove with bie to his houee. Mr. Butterworth then repeated substantially to Mr. Gwin the came narrative he bad given to me, which narrative Mr. Sickies covtirmed in a subsequent statement to me, in- terrupted by aeep agony about bis daughter and about bis wife, who, be said, was a mere child, addiog that for their sake he might have tried to suffer in silence, withoat home or hope in this world, but after the signals and the diegrace became public he neither asked nor wanted ad- vice a8 to hs course. R. J. WALKER. ‘Wasmixaron Cry, March 1, 1859. STATEMENTS OF MR. WOOLDRIDGE AND DR. GWIN. The States is authorized by Mr. Wooldridge, Clork of the House of Representatives, to say that he was present at the last interview between Mr. Sickles and Mr. Butter- worth, on Sunday, in Mr. Sickles’ library, and that every particular of that interview, as stated by Mr. B. in bis card to-day, is correct. I am also authorized by Senator Gwin, of California, to say that the narrative given by Mr. Butterworth and by the Hon. Robert J. Walker, with which his name is con- nected, 4s truly stated. THE FUNERAL OF MR. KEY. ‘The funeral of Philip Barton Key took place at two o'clock P. M., from the late residence of the deceased, on © street, nearly opposite Colonel Benton’s house, In the parlor the corpse, which bad been placed in the coffin, was exposed to the view of the numerous friends who desired to behold in death him whom they had lovea during life. The coffin was of mn- hogany, covered with black cloth, and heavily silver mounted. In it lay the body in full dress, viz, black cloth coat and p ants, white vest, and white kid gloves. In the hands waa placed a bouquet of fragrant flowers, and inside the coffin were strewed japonicas, geranium leaves and other exotics. On t= coffin lid was a silver plate, bearing the following inscription :-— @serreorrcecnroccsenerorocecoveserewennerere tt tere @ PHIL. BARTON KEY, Diep Fauxvary 27, 1858, Acro Tarery-xive’ Years, eeceeooccoococoeeeet secoorecenoosoeeenenre-& The features of the deceased wore 80 life-like an ox: preegion as to make it difficult for the spectator to realize that that once noble form lay in the stillness of death. At one o'clock P. M. the fmembers of the bar and offi- cers of the Court met at the CityHall, and proceeded in a body to the house cf the deceased, where the last rites were soon to be pronounced over the inanimate form of their friend and companion. At two o’clock P. M. a large crowd of people had assembled in tho street in front of Mr, Key’s house. The doors were thrown open for thead- mniesion of such as could obtain places inside, and shortly af- torwards the funeral service of the Episcopal church for the dead was read over the remains by Rey. Drs. Pinckney and Butler. The coffin was then placed in the hease, and, followed by a large concourse of people, was conveyed to the railroad depot, for transmission to Baltimore, accom- panied by the pall bearers and other intimate friewWs of the deceased The pall bearers were James M. Carlisle, Feq., Charles Lee Jones, Eeq., Richard Wallach, Esq, Jos HL, Bradley, Sen., Feq., P. R, Fendall, Eaq., W.). Davidge, Eeq., A. B. Upsher, Fsq., and Richard H, Weightman, Haq.’ They accompany the corpse to Baltimore. The body was taken to tho cars to go by the three o'clock train to Baltimore, where it is to be placed by the side of his wife and child. INTERMENT OF THE DECEASED. Batriwore, March 1, 1859, ‘The body of Philip Barton Key was brought from Wash. ington this afternoon and buried in the Presbytorian ground in Green stroet, in the gravo with his wife, The funeral was attended by friends from Washington and this city. MRS. SICKLES’ PARENTS IN WASHINGTON. ‘The news of this end occurrence was telegraphed from ‘Washington to this city to Mr. and Mrs, Bagioli, the pa- rents of Mrs. Sickles, on Sunday night, while they were on a visit to a friend’s house, ‘The particulars of the affair did not transpire from the message, and it was supposed to havo originated from some political cause, wlthough the sudden intelligence created considerable anxiety, A sub- juent despatch war received that the affair prev cuore Tumily dimieulty, Ou. recelving this intalll gence Mr. B. became greatly excited, ive that tome mishap might have befallen his daughter. This im. pres to such an extent on the mind of Mrs. B. that she fainted. A third telegraph was received, with instructions for Mr, and Mra, Bagiolt to come immediately to Washingtov. They accordingly left on Monday. Before they proceeded thither they received a letter from a high fanctionary (aa is reported), advising them to como on immediately, They arosaid to have been in a stale of agony as they proceeded on their journey. ACCOUNTS IN OTHER PAPERS, [From the Washington Btar, Feb. 28) ‘The encounter, which took piace about 2 P. M , ocourred im Madison place (recently 20 named), and resulted death of Mr. Key, who received three pistol shots. From ‘the prominence of the pay thes concerned, the greatest ex- Giement was created by the affair, and the ‘Vicinity of the ol.b eh the who were on the ground affair, rome exbibiting their feelings in passionate ox- clamations of grief, apd somé in vebement denuncta:s »s of Bickies. Various statements as to the provocativ ss to the terribie deed were in circulation, to the general effi ct tbat Siekies bad received an anopymous note statiuy ! at bis wife had held criminal intercourge with Mr. Key : tan asi how THE DEAD BODY. In aemall room in the rear portion ot the club house the dead body of Mr. Key lay stretched upon the floor, de- buded of ai! clothing cxvept the shirt and pantaloons, a crowd of friexde gazing upon it in silent horror and with tearful eyes, The face was calm and unruttied, as if in sleep; and, save the unnatural position of the lefyarm and the appearance of blood upon the apparel, the unfortunate deceased might have been supposed to be in a gente slum- TNQUEST-—THE EVIDENCE IN FULL. On the arrival of Corover Woodward at the club house ajury was empannelled, as follows:—Nichoias Callan , Jos. . Nairn, A. H. Pickrell, Geo. W. Stewart, Jobn 8. Berry, Wim. Wilson, Samuel E. Wroe, Geo. A. Perry, James Pil? tring, Samuel E Douglass, Join France, Elias Marsh. The jury baving been sworn, the examination com menced by calling— Dr. Richard H. Cooledge, who, being sworn, testified as follows:—About two o’o:ock to-day I was sitting in my room, 328 H street, corner of Vermont avenue, and heard three pistol shots in succession ; pistol fring being acommon occurrence in this nighborhood, especially on Sunday night, I thought nothing of it until I saw persons running: I then ran to this room, being directed by persons in the street; I found the body of Mr. Barton earns in the position of the body at thistime; he was puiseless, ano his heart ceased to beat, but be breathed partially twice after | saw him; there was nothing surgically nor tmedicaily io be done for him; he was dead; I examined the body externally, and found a pistol or gun shot wound in the upper and front part of the thigh, very near the main artery, and another wound of the same character on the left sido, between the false ribe, the ball having passed through the body, and having made its aj ‘at a correeponding point under the skin on the right side; I made no examination for other wounds; it was twenty minutes ee two o’clock after I ceased from my exami. nation; I would not hike to say that these wounds were the cause of the death until I had a minute examination of the parts travertod; 1 find but the two wounds already described; after an examination, I believe that the shots above referred to were the cause of his death;I think that a post mortem examination should be had in order to give a more minute description of the wounds, [Upon ap examipation of the body of the deceased, a pocketbook containing $14 08, and an empty opera glass case were found upon his person.) Dr. bert K. Stone sworn—When I arrived bere I found Mr. Key still warm, but dead, perfectly pulscless; on examining the body, in con: nection with Dr. Cooledge, I found a gunshot wound on the right thigh, directly over the region of the thermoral artery; also a second wound on the left side of the body or thorax; of course the direct course of the balls could only be described after a post mortem examination, which is not usually done after so short a time; I should think that these wounds were the cause of his death. Joseph L. Dudrow eworn—I was walking on the oppo- site side of the avenue; had got-rather opposite the corner, and heard the report of a pistol; I turned round quick to see where it came from, and saw this gentleman, now lying here, jump aside and say something, but could not hear what it was; after he jumped aside, Mr. Sickles raieed his pistol to fire the second time; they were on this corner and I on the opposite side; after he raised the pistol Mr. Key grabbed him, and after they tussled awhile they got in the street; Mr. Key followed him up a piece appa- rently for the purpose of keeping Sickles from firing the second time at bim, but he (Sickles) got away from him and fired at him the second time; before he fired the second time Mr. Key exciaimed two or three times “Don’t shoot me;” they were about fifteen feet apart when the second tire was given; after he received the second fire, Mr. Key ran to a tree and got behind it, when Mr. Sickles followed him vp and fired the third shot; Mr. Key then fell, when Mr. Bickles stepped on the pavement and put the muzzle of the pistol to hia forehead and soapped the cap; the pis- tol looked like a Colt’s revaiver; Laaw no weapon in the hanes of Mr. Key; did not eee the position of the parties prior to the first shot; after the attempt to fire the fourth lime Mr. Sickles said something to him—what it was I do not know—atter which he was led off by some friend and went to the place where he was subsequently arrested; ne was arrested and taken from Judge Black’s residense, Richard i. Downer sworn—I was standing on Fifteenth street and heard a pistol shot; Tran from Fiitesath to Six- twerth street, and heard another shot; [saw aman run around the corner, and volver in cal dead; this; I saw no pistol in the hande of Mr. Key; I picked a pistol up from the payement; it is a Derringer pisto! (the pistol was here shown); it'was unloaded and the cap was exploded; I picked it upon the corner of Sixteenth strect and Pennsylvania avenue, but do not know to whom it belonged, [Note.—The Derringer pistol referred to had evidently been very recently flred.—Rep.] Samuel F. Butterwerth sworn—I was present when this firing took place: I was standing at Maynard’s corner, talking to Mr. Key, when Mr. Sickles approached and called Mr, Key by name; it was about two o'clock in the day; Mr. Key’ was stanoing faoing Mr. Sickles, when Mr. Sickles said, “You scoundrel, you have dishonored me,” or “my family,” Ido not know precisely which; he was standing about ten feet frem him at the time; I desire not to go into a minute examination vt this time; I state that Mr. Sickles fired and Mr. Key fell; Mr. Key, simultaneous. ly with the first firing, drew eomething which I suppoeed was a pistol, and threw it at Mr. Sickles, which I ufter- wards picked up and found to be an opera glass; Mr. Sickles fired three times; I stood by the side of Mr. Key: Mr. Sickles did not put the pistol to Mr. Key’s forehead, {In answer to a question as to whether he expected an atiack would be made, the witness refused to answer, stating tbat he bad been summond to attend at an exami- nation on ern Edward Delafield, Jr., sworn—I had just left Jadge Car- nd was going to the avenue, and when near the house, I saw Mr. Sickles coming down this street; Ieaw Mr. Key at the corner of Sixteenth street and the avenue; he was alone, when they met I supposed that they were friends; they eppeared so; there was no person with Mr. Sickles at the time; I heard the roport of a pistol; then Mr. Key and Mr. Sickles were in the middle of the street; the first shot appeared to have no effect upon Mr. Key; Mr. "Key throw up his arms and begged that he would not shoot; he also cried ‘You murder me;’’ Mr. Key then got away from Mr. Sickles and got bebind a tree; Mr. Sickles followed bim up, and was aiming the pistol at him when Mr. Key caught his arm, attempting to prevent him from shooting, exclaiming again, “Don’t shoot; Mr. Sickles threw him off and fired the second time, the ball taking effect in the groin; he fell on bis knees and exclaimed, “Iam mur- dered;”’ Mr. Sickles then took the pistol and pointed it at bis heart or in that direction, touching with it his clothing, and fired; Mr. Koy fell as if dead; Mr. Sickles then at. mpted to fire again, but thecap exploded; some one then came from the Club House and caught hold of Mr. Sickles, when heagain attempted to fire; he thrust this gentleman away, and turned to Mr. Key, who was apparently dead, and’ presenting the pistol to his heart fired again, the pis tol touching his clothing; he took the exploded cap off; Mr. looked as if he was then dead; Mr. Sickles then walked off with some one, when several persons ran up and took Mr. Key in the Cob House; I eaw nothing in Mr. Key’s hands; he did nothing but aitompt to Koop Mr. Sickles from bim; he appeared as if taken by surprise, Francis Doyle 'sworn—About two o'clock to-day I war Sitting in the back room of this building with Me. Tibdali end Mr. Upshur; Mr. Martin ran in from the streot, anc said that Dan Sickles was shooting Mr. Key; I heard the report of the pistol as I left the ; when I arrived at the front door T looked over to the avenue, and saw Mr. Sickles standing over Mr. Key, who was lying on the sidewalk of this street, about ten or fifteen feet the avenue; he was then reclining on his elbow; Iran up with several gentlemen; Mr. Sickles was then pomting his pis tol at Mr. Key's head; bis pistol anapped probably twice; Mr. Key was looking up at Mr. Sickies and exclaiming, “Don't shoot; as soon as I reached Mr. Sickles, I piaced my hand on his arm and begged him for God's sake not to shoot; almost simultancously some other person placed bis hand on him; Mr. Sickles turned around, apparently desisting in his efforts to shoot any more and said, ‘He bas dishonored me,” or “dellled my bed: he may have said both; as soon as Mr. Sickles had made this remark, Mr. Butterworth, who was then standing pear, stepprd forward and joined Mr. Sickles, and taking bis arm, the two passed up the street, arm in arm; I knew them both. Dr. Cooledge recalled—In addition to the two wounds already sworn to, there is w slight bruise of the skin in the right sidé of the body near the ninth rib. An exami. nation of the clothing corresponding to that point: maxes it evident that the bruise was from a pistol bail glancing; there is « slight bruigo on the middle fingers of the lak band; there were evidently three shots. The examination here closed, and the jury retired. paad 4 few moments they returned with the following verdict:— That the said Philip Barton Key came to his doath from the effect of pistol balla fired by the hands of Daniel E. hte dato tee y one the left side of the body, passing through tothe: iting point on the corresponding orite ride, lodging under the skin; one trough the rg igh near the artery; the third striking the right side, glancing from the body and inflicting a bruise—gaid causing his death in a few moments, . REMOVAL OF THE BODY. After tho inquest was over, the friends of the deceased about 9 o'clock P. M., caused the body to be removed to his own house on © street, between Third and Four-and-a- half streets, ‘Mortem examination took place on the bor yb] wy hed the United States army, 40d 4 Which lasted several hours, tho result completely corroborating the statements made ‘by those gentlemen before the Coroner yesterday Immediately after “Aring the: third e © third shot Mr. Sickles walked to the house of Junge Black, in Franklin row, | sound PRICE TWO CENTS. ich Berowd s00n collected. See rg thie, off- crim Suitand Daw went there, and, having obtained w/- anise on, they taw Judge Black, and afer a few words with the officers, the Judge went up stairs and sooo re- ‘ped with Mr. Bickles, who surrenvered bimeelf, at the +: me time suggesting that be should be taken before the « bier of Poltoe. Mr. Biekies then requested the officers to permit. him to proceed to bis own Louvre 88 he wished to make some hit- We arrangements be'ore bemg placed in the bands ie authorives. Permision was given him, and a hack was procured in which be was immediately driven to bis resi- devee. By this time the Chief of Police had arrived at the Club House, where he found the Mayor, and seeing that Mr. Key bad been billed, they proceeced to the residence of Mr. Bickles, where they found that gentleman in the par- Jer, surrounded by several friende. As scon as Mr. Sickles observed the Mayor he approached him, and shook bands with him, and then turning to the Chief of Police, he said: “| was just making come little arrangements here prepara- tory to coming to you to surrender myself into your cus tocy,?? Hefore the Chief and Mayor had arrived, Mr. Sickles was mitted by the officers to go up stairs to see his wife, he Pavie pledged bis honor he would do no act of violence, ‘and come down soon, In the meantime the greatest excitement provailed with ‘Out, avd a large crowd of persons collected in front of Mr. Sickles’ house, Sbortly afterward the officers, with Mr. Sickles, came out, entered hacks, the Mayor, Marshal Sel den and Captain Goddard accompanying Mr. Sickles in one carriege, ano officer Suit and Mr. Butterworth foliowing io axotber, and passed down H street in the direction of the City Hall, a large crowd of men and boys following along the sige pavements and shouting. Opposite St. John’s cburch Mr. Sickles put bie bead out of the carriage window and emilingly returned the salutation of a friend who stood on the corner, Mr. 8. apparently being quite self-possessed. . AT THE JAIL. Among others who saw Mr. Sickles after arriving at the Jail wae Deputy Marshal Phillips, who addressed him aud Tegretted the circometances in which he was placed. Mr. 8. replied that no one could regret we occurrence more than himself, but that after learning what he had learned, the couree which he bad taken was the only one which he could take, and that Mr. Key and himself could not both live in the same world. THE PROVOCATIVE. According toaccounts emanating from the friends of Mr. Bick!es, through the exertion of a party on whom he de- volved the duty ol watching, he learned that Mrs. Sickles ‘was in the habit of meeting the deceased at a small two story frame house in Fifteen-and-a-balf street, between K and L, the property of a negro man named John Gray, of whom the deceased is alieged to have rented it, and where he kept a servant women to attend to it; that on Thursday evening last a woman dressed like Mrs. Sickles was seen by the watcher to go to and remain in the house for are or two hours, and on leaving it to go to the reei- dence of Mr, Sickles; and that Saturday bye a parties acting for Mr. Sickles carried Mrs. Sickles’ earth | tothe neighborbood, where the articles were identified by fe- males Hits oil as having been worn by the woman who was in the habit of visiting that house. ‘According to the most reliable accounts we can obtain, @ third party and friend was consulted by Sickles some days ago astothe courde he had best pursue, who ad- vised him to do nothing until obtaining positive proof of the criminal connection of Mrs. Sickles and the deceased; that on the night before last, Mr. Sickles charged the wo- man with the criminality, with such specifications as caused her to faint. ot she an ee a or write & paper purporting to be a 1 nt of her infidelity with the deceased, THE SIGNALS BETWEEN MRS. SICKLES AND MR. KBY. The Washi Star says that Mrs. Sickles acknow- ledged to her husband that the deceased and hersclf had signals by which she could let him know whether ehe could meet him, and explained those signals, Shortly after she explained the signals the deceased came over from about the Club House, where he had been using an ‘opera glass—the same one, no doubt, which he threw at Mr. Sickles—to see whether a signal was out, into Lafay- ettc square; and in sight ef those in the house he waved his handkerchief atthe house. So public were the com- muoications between the deceased (standing or eitting in Lafayette equare when the signal was out) and the woman (from & wincow or the porch of her house), a8 that many persons much about and around the square bad observed them for weeks, if not months. THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED. Mr. Key leaves four interesting children—Lizzie, Mary, James and Alice—whose ages vary from four to twelve years. {Correspondence of the Philadelphia Press.) WasuixuTon, Feb. 28, 1859, There are many rumors in circulation in relation to the Jate melancholy affair between Hon. Daniel E. Sickles and Pbilip Barton Key. Many of these statements are un- founded, and most of the details are exaggerated. I have been able to glean the following as a full and reliable ac- count of the matters connected with this fearful tragedy :— Last Thursday evening Mr. Sickles received a bundle of letters adaressed to himself. Among them was an anony- mous communication, which he either overlooked or did not open till Fricay morning. This letter charged infi- delity to her marriage vow on tho part of Mrs, Sickles, ane ‘stated further that Mr. Key bad hired a house on Fifteenth. oe ore KandL meoeiss ee Mr. Key’s motive in hiri js. dwelling was Purpose of tecting Ma. Sickles, and that Mra, Sickles wag tn the Debit o: visiting Dir, Key atcertain bours ia the dag. Mr. Sickles was, as maturaliy wonld be supposed, at first ficlined to treat the anonymous firebrand as the work of malice. But the circumstances being detailed with euch precision, his euspieions were aroused, and accordingly he requested Mr. George B. Wooldridge, @ mutual friend of himeelf and his indy. to ascertain the truth or falsehood of these aseertions, affecting, as they did, his own honor. and that of his family. Mr. Woolri¢ge undertook the mission, and visited the neighborhood incicated in the auvongmous miseive to see whether such a houge had been let’ last gumumer, and un- der what circomstavees the lease had been gravted. He there learned that Mr. Key had bired euch a dwelling at the time nileged. The landlord was acolored man named Jobn Gray, who stated that he received fifty dollars a month rent for his house, he having furnished it, &. The houge wasa two-story brick; no one elge occupied it. Mr. Key commenced going there with Mrs. Sickles in the month of Jannary last; Key generally entered first; and, going up stairs, would hoist the firet window over the door and hang out @ towel or a white handkerchief as a signal to Mre. Sickles that ail was clear. He thon would leave the door ajar for Mrs, Sickles to enter. Tho last time Mrs. Sickles and Key had been at this house was on Wednesday, the 23d ultimo. On that occa- sion they entered in the back way, through an alley way leading from Sixteenth street. On this Wednesday im thero came along a man close- ly muitied in a shawl. He asked a colored woman stand- ibg on the pavement whether the honse was then occupied or not. ‘Yes, sir,” was the response, “Very well—that’s all I want,” the mysterious gentle- man replied, and turning around, walked away in the di- rection of K’ street. je was observed, however, to hang around the neigh- torhood for agood part of the evening. Eventually Key was geen to leave the welling, and the stranger, muffling his face still closer, spoke a few words to Koy ‘and then burried off. It is supposed by many that he was the au- thor of the aronymous letter. Mr. Sickles knew of an intimacy existing between Mr. Key and his wife. He supposed it simply an tnnooent but incautious flirtation, and, on account of the scandal that it excited in many circles, he romonstrated with her. She did not pay any heed to these entreaties of her husband, but continued upinterruptedly her singular, but—by her husband—unsuspected intercourse. Key was known to ve in the habit of attending the theatre, opera, balls, sol- rées and other places of gaicty and fashion, and was al- most invariably accompanied by Mrs. Sickles. He, in- deed, followed her everywhere. It 1s said that Key was accustomed to boast of his atten- tions in that quarter, and that at the National Ciub House the criminal intercourse between himself and Mrs. Sickles ‘was wel! known, and formed the topic of conversation. Mr. Sickles’ dweiling was opposite the Club House, and Key was accustomed to go up stairs toa window in the laiter building, overlooking Sickles’ house, and bang out fignals to Mrs. Sickles, He would also goin Lafayette square, wave his handkerchief at her, throw out kisses, apd make profuse demonstrations of attachment. Before the fatal denouement of this unhallowed inter- course Key had been time and again warned by his friends that romething dangerous would grow from his criminal attachment. He was accustomed, however, to treat these friendly acmonitions with an air of haughty bravado. He would listen to no remonstrance from any quarter. He had been known to boast of his amours iu society, and it is said that Mr. Buchanan, being informed of Mr. Key’s cha- racter, bad made out his dismissal, and was only waiting to select a successor previous to sending in the document to tbe Senate, when Mr. Key met his death. I vieited Sickles to night in the prison He appeared to bo in good spirite, and had been visited during the day by many of his friends and Congressional colleagues. He eitively refuses another examivation, and declares his de- termination to remain in prison till the day of trial. He aske no favors from the law. A despatch Was received to-day from New York city, from the friends of Mr. Sickles, sy mpathizing with him in his sorrows. Public opinion in that city is eaid to sustain Mr. Sickles in bis conduct, Mr. Sickles’ affection for bis daoghter weighs heavily upen him. He feels that bis hopes are biasted, and that his home is broken up. ‘The mother of Mrs. Sickles (Mrs. Bagioli) and the mo- ther of Mr. Sickles arrived in this city to-night. Mrs, Bagioli will take charge of her daughter, while the mothor of Mr. Sickles will take under her charge his daughter. Public opinion is universally in favor of Mr. Sickles. The counsel retained by him embrace the following named gentlemen:—Mesers. Sianton, Ratcliffe, Chilton and Ma- groder. David Pau! Brown, Raq., of your city, is not re- tained, os has been reported. Tho remains of Mr. Key Will be taken to Baltimore to- morrow afternoon, at past three o'clock, and will be interred from that city. ‘This evening’s train brought many friends of Mr. Sickles from New York. The greatest excitement Still valle. Pike intimacy between Mr. Key and Mrs, Sicklos had been remarked in Washington circles for a year past, and had been the occasion of more than one disagrecment in the families of the parties. During the last Congress notes passed between Mr, of and “Mr. Sickles on this subject, which were followed by a complete reconcilia- tion, aud Mr Key vinted. ag usual, at the house of Mr. Sickles, having with him ata large party not more than ten days ago. iat The last time the writer of this article saw Mr. Sickles and Mr, Key (ogether was some ten or twelve days ago, at the residence of the former, the lady herself beng present, with other company. Mr. Key was connected with some of the most dis guiehed families in this country. One of bis sisters is married to the Hon. George Pendleton, member of Cou gress from the Cincinnati district, and another is the widow of the lamented Lent. Blunt, of the navy. Chief Justice Taney isthe npcle of Mr. Key, and he is connected with the Swanoe and Carrolle, of Maryland, NEWS FROM EUROPE. ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE. FOUR DAYS LATER INTELLIGENCE. Apparent Subsidence of the War Feeling. OUR RIGHTS ON TH Important Debate in the British Par- E OCEAN. The New Austrian and Sardinian Loans in a Bad Way. The ecrew steamehip City of Baltimore, Capt. Leitch, which eailed from Liverpool at about 10:80 on the morn- ing of the 16th of February, arrived bere at # quarter to three o'clock yesterday morning. ‘The war panic appears to be dying out. The Pariscor- respondents of the English press have little that is new upon the subject. The correspondent of Le Nord says that all the efforts made by England to induce France and Austria to agree upon a common ground for negotia- tions on the subject of Italy have failed. A rumor was current in London that the Earl of Ma mesbury had pro- poged the meeting of a congress especially to arrange for the evacuation of the Roman States, ‘The Manchester Guardian, of the 15th ultimo, saye:— It jg a pity that Mr. Cobden did not delay his departure for the United States a week longer. before hig return to execute the part allotted to him io the programme for the regeneration of Europe designed by an eccentric French journalist to whom we referred If—to uso M. Emile de Girardin’s favorite \—a manifesto issued by the Emperor Napoleon TIL. should create in England a movement of opinion tend- ing to carry Messrs. Cobden and Bright into the Ministry, and if this ahould bappen while one of the free trad curi is not at hand to take the place assigned to him, tht great opportunity for humanity may be irretrievably ‘The negotiations between England and Austria relative to the construction of an electric telegraph from Raguga to Alexandria had terminated satisfactorily—aAustria having undertaken to lay a cable containing three electric wires between Ragusa, Corfu, Zante, Candia and Alexandria, Fug- land guarantecing one-half of six per cent interest on the estimated outlay—half @ million sterling. The work is to be completed within eighteen months. ‘The Paris correspondent of the London Timesis assured that negotiations between the Britiah and French govern- ments on the subject of Newfoundiand are about to be resumed, and that the Baron de la Ronciere Le Noury is appointed a commissioner to conduct the negotiations on the part of the French government. ‘The French Minister 6f War had given orders that fur- ther experiments should be made with fulminating cotton, to be used in place of gunpowder, according to an im- The pamphlet of M. de Girardin, entitled “La Guerre,” yppearance in Paris, and attracted conside- rable attention, The writer is opposed to a war upon the question of Italy, and urges that if a war be thought ne- ceseary, it should be undertaken with a view to unity— France and Russia being allies—to secure the partition of Europe into two empires—that of the West and that of the Girardin’s arguments and suppositions were gene- rally ridiculed. The steamship Great Fastern had been formally regis- tered at the Custom House, London, in the name of the Great Ship Company, as owners, free from incumbrances. The first step towards preparing the vessel for sea had ‘been made by hoisting in the main shaft of the paddie engines, by means of Biehop’s derrick. The weight of the shaft is about forty tons. Mr, Disraeli, in reply to Lord C. Paget, stated that gov ernment would not graut unecuditional guarantees either tothe Atlantic telegraph or to any other submariue tele grapb. ° ‘Mr. Richardson asked Lord Stanley whether orders had been sent to India to discontinue in the British service the practice of blowing human beings from guns? Lord Stan ley replied that he hoped the time had arrived when the neceesity for military executions would cease. Mr. Disraeli gave notice that he would bring forward his reform bill on the 28th of February. Mr. S. Fitzgerald stated in reply to an inquiry, that un- der the new treaty the introduction of opium into China would not in future be illegal, but it would be subject to an import duty of five per cent. Lord Stanley, in moving for leave to introduce a bill em- powering government to raise money in England for the service of India, entered at length into a history of the financial position of England. He stated that the revenue and expenditure for 1857 to 1853 stowed a deficit of £9,000,000, and for 1858 to 1859 a deficit of £12,000,000, exclusive of compensation to be given to sufferers by the OUR RIGHTS ON THE SEA. Interesting Debate tn the Eritish Parttae ment—Curivus Confessions of Briush Statee~ men=New Martume Code P.oposed, &e- Iv the Bouse of Lords on the 14th of Febreary Lord Wopsnover asked whether the Secretary ut nuue ior Foreign Affaire would lay on the table copie: of tne cor- ivepondence between her Majesty’s government and that of ‘be United States respecting the rightof search. It would be in the recollecvon of the House that durt.g the Jost tesgion @ discussion took place touching the righ: of ecarch, arising out of certain proceedings of some British crvigers on the coastof Cuba. At that time, which wag towarce the close of the seasion, bis noble friend, the fecretary of Blate for Foreiga ‘Affairs, stated tha the right of rearch bao pom.giewn ap, hag irre fan nl ance was pendip, tween her ‘s govern- ment abd tbat olf the United States with rélerenos ‘o om arrangement for the future. He could not quite unéerriand how the right of seareh could be sbendoved, seeing that such right could only be a belli- gerent rigbl, or one specially conferred by treaty, nether of which was the case in this instapce. As there existed ‘& poud deal of irritation at the time, the noble Karl wag ‘ot preceed for further information then, and so the mat- ur reeted, During the recess # correspondence had been: presented to the American Congress by the Prerident of ihe United States, which bad been reprivted im the English pewepapers. From that correspondence it appeared that the question was still in an uncertain and unsatisfe andition, and he could not help remarking, tt also gave semen hat surprising exomple of the celerity with which hig noble friend (Lord Muimesbury) transacted business, for 18 oypeared that he nut unly changed nis opinion wihin 28 hours, Wut that at the end of that time he had prepared @ complete account of the international law, which he handed w the American Minister as the doctrine acknowledged by her Majesty's government. Tbe noble Karl appeared to have auopted the principle set forth by General Cass, and, as might be expected, General Cass was delighted with the decision of the government; but, as to the question of what was to be done in order to verify the flag of a merchant vessel in time of peace, he was not only unwilling to propose any arrangement, but he ‘Ubought that in no case ald such verification be per- mitted. Every ope must admit the right of search by an armed cruiser was quite a different thing to the right of verifying the title of a merchant veesel to carry the flag of a particular nation. The aifference was important, be- cause if it was to be laid down that in nocasesbould @ visit be made toa merchant vessel to ascertain ber right carry & particular flag, pirates would be allowed to occupy the keas with impunity, as the hoisting of a dif- ferent flag to that under which the cruiser sailed would insure her inviolability. The same would be cage With slaver#, WLo Would boist apy flag thag would be most convenient for the moment. He 1y thoce few remarks in order that their lordships might kuew low the matter stord, and, as be thought it was important that they should bave the correspondence be- fore them, he begged to ask the Secretary of State for Forvign Affairs whether he would lay on the table of the House copies of the recent correspondence between her Majesty's goverpinent and the government of the United States respecting the right of search. ‘The Far! of MaLamenURY—I have not the least objection to lay this correspondence before your lordships. Iam afraid, however, aa my noble friend has read that portion. of it wbich bas been published in America, be will find little of novelty or amusement in the papers which will be produced bere. I think, however, the noble lord ‘would Lave congulted the convenience of the Houre if he hac waited until the correspondence was laid upon the tab. before be indulged in the remarks he bas made, ag Texpect butfew of your lordships bave seen that por- tiov which bas been published. My noble friend bas re* jerred to the account of a visit which was paid to me by the American Minister, and bas expressed that within twevty-four hours I ebovia bave held lan- gusge of a contradictory nature; but tbat is eagily explained. Upon the first day the Minister for the United States called upon me, and asked my opinion upon certain points of international law relat ng to the right of search, I gave him what is common- ly called an evasive answer (a lavgh) as the subject was then under the consideration of the law whose opinions I recewed shortly af terwards. When I that opipion I bad no difficulty the next day ip replying to the United States Mipister when he came again, as was agreed; therefore your lordsbips will see there was no- thing extraordipary in the decision at which, apparently, Thad suddenly arrived. My noble friend seems to think that we bave given up some great British right or privi- lege of vital consequence to this country. If I understand international law at all, which has not changed in our Gays, what is right now mast have been right fifty yearg ago. At the latter period, or rather forty five years ago, circumstances were very different to what they are now. We were then at the cloze of a very long and serious con- test, by which all nations were more or lees exbansted, and. ut the end of which no pation but England posecased anything like a navy. The French navy had almost en- tirely disappeared. The American navy was very smail, having lost many of their shipe, aud the British navy wag Tidipg triumpbadtly over the ocean, being the ouly one in ‘& copaition to preserve the poiice of the sea, and to out these pollute of maritime policy which the circum- stances of the time rendered pecesaary. But it must bo recollected that st that time the feeling in this coumtry respecting the slaye trade was extremely strong, and in fact the English tavy was the ony one capable of exer- cising an effective control over taat odious traffic. We could not then expect assistance from «ther watens, and we treated matiers rather with a high hand. We were masters of the sea, and we claimed that which, although it was fir the benefit of all, must be admitted & hare leen “more than we iad a right to. Your sordehips are aware that the slave trade is a perfectly legal treilic, except where treaties exist providing for it suppression, and there is po law whateeer that yites us or any one eee a right to visit a ship or seize her evn if full of slaves, provided she is sailing under an in- dependent flag, wnless we havea treaty right to that effect As | wuh the nation to which that particular jlag Peace endured and nations flourished, tbose #no bad lost their navies were enabled to reconstruct them, and those who bad had nove began to create them. Feelings grew up among them with respect to their navies similar to those which we entertained in regard to our own, and naturally they begau to cispute a claim which they had never submitted to with any good grace. Such was the case with France. She had a slave trate treaty with us, and she said, “We are aa independent ration, with a navy of our oWD, and We consider it an insult to be thought ana- ble to fuifil our own engagemests, and to maintain the Police of the tea as far as our’ own flag is concerned. We are able to do it,and we do not desire you to meddle Indian mutiny. It was generally believed that the bids in London for the six million Austrian loan were only between £1,000,000 and £1,500,000. We find the following in the Memorial Diplomatique:— The Piedmontese government bas proposed to several houses in Paris to undertake the loan of fitty mil- t requires them only to take ft on commission, in order to issuo it, by opening a public subscription in France. It offers a commission of 244 per cent, which is more than is generally offered on such occasions. to whom these have been Serene, this loan, being convinced that unieas it oe by a great Power they would. not find subscribers to tt, we themselves with The Paris correspondent of the London Globe states as a settled affair that the King of Sardinia will marry Maria, daughter of the Grand Duchess Maria of Russia. ‘The Neapolitan frigate Stromboli, with the amnested political prisoners on board, was at Cadizon the 3d of February, for the purpose of transferring the prisoners to @ Spanish vessel bound to New York. The commander of the English steamer Amazon had offered at Cadiz to con- vey all the exiles to England free of charge, but his offer The Hereditary Grand Duchers of Tuscany, daughter of the King of Tuscany, had died at Naples. The French ratified Chinese treaty is to be couveyed to Pekin by a Secretary of Embassy, who will leave Paris within a month and join Baron Gros. M. Duchesne de Bellecourt is named to be the bearer of the ratifiod Japan The French Journal de Loiret announces that Mr. Henry des Thureaux, the stockbroker Who absconded from Or- Jeans with securities to a large amount belonging to his clients, has been arrested ina house near Marseilles, where he was preparing to leave the country. The London Court Journal of the 12th ult., observes:— Mr. Murphy, the new Mexican Minister, who presented his credentials to her Majesty some weeks back, has been in active communication with the Foreign Office since the Queen delivered the speech from the throne on the open ing of Parliament. The Rey. Mr. Spurgeon has abandoned his contemplated trip to América, certainly for the present year. The steamship Europa arrived at Liverpool at 8:20 P. M. on the 14th ult. ‘The Cunard scrow steamship Jura, which was to have tailed from Liverpool on the 12th of February, simulta- neously with the Canada, only proceeded a short distance down the Mersey, when she came to anchor, owing to the hazy state of the weather. As she was lying in the stream the 12th, she was run into by the Dublin, aud had her bowsprit, carried away, rendering it necessar: . Her cargo was posed she would be again ready or about the 10th of February. - il Arumor prevailed that Russia was concentrating on the frontiers of Moldavia; and it was assert the event of a war in Italy an army of 200,000 Poland. LF The Tontan Islands. Mr. Gladstone had formally presented the reply of Queen Victoria to the Ionian Assembly. Her Majesty tells the Tonians ehe can neither consent to abandon the obligations ene bas undertaken, nor can oon Appiication to any other Power iu fur therance of any similar design, as sho is the sole organ of the Tonian States in the councils of Europe. She will en: force obedience to the laws, but has adopted the measures sho deemed most conducive to the good of the Tontan People; and she awaits the enlightened co operation of their Parliament, Mr. Gladstone endeequently addressed the Assomb\y ab at length, and recommended them to consider sue re ms Which he proposed to them, with our ships, but to leave them to us to look after.’? Such, too, was the language of the United States as their naval power and spirit of independence increased. Tam not fond of expressing opinions upon the acts of my predecestors in office, but I must eay I think they held out too long, cousidering all the circumstances, fur the extreme exercise of the power wo claim, and which in- ternational law, strictly interpreted, could ‘not bear us out in demanding. As my noble friend has stated, this prac- luce of visiting all ships—the slave trade baviog much in- creased in consequence of the Russian war—created a great amount of ill blood in the United States, and I felt that the time was come when, instead of carrying it with a high band ag we had done’ thirty.one years before, it ‘was better—that great country having a powerful navy, and able if they chose to prevent acta which we justly deprecate—tbat we should show our confidence ia them, and rely upon their uniting with us to put astop to the slave trade. The American government, in their lan- guage, went os far into one extreme as we had pe done in the other. They at that time declared that no right of search whatever should be allowed. But on the 10th of April, 1 thik jt was, General Cass forwarded me a note with respect to what f then stated—an opinion by which I am still prepared to abide—that it was written in a fair and candid apirit, and which I believed contained a just interpretation of inter- national law. He did not in that note deprecate the exer- cise of the rigbt of search under all circumstances. Woh: he did state was that although a nation might, upon par- ticular occasions, be justitied in resorting to it, yot that such a course should, in accordance with the principles of international law, be taken at the risk of the officer by whom it was pursusd; adding, that if there were suilicient grounds of suspicion to justify the proceeding, he was of opinion po government would be disposed to find fault with jis adoption. Now, being aware of the spirit by which the American government was animated upon this ect, what I agreed to do was this: That we ahould es- tabiish, ip conjunction with tbat government, for the sake of maintaining the police of the sea, a code of instruc- tious for the commanders of both countries which sbould be identical, and which sbould guarantee any officer acting within their scope ogainst being open to blame, ¥ ‘was, moreover, of opinion, paying regard to the natural feelings of the people of America upon this question, that it would not be unwise to invite the French government to join us in pursuing the same conrse as that whicn I have just mentioned. I may add, that it seemed to me that any code of instructions which should be agreed on by that goverument and our owa shouid be of such a nature as not to give rise to the suspicion upon the part of America that in assenting to it she was surrend one particle of her national honor. It was, however, ni] your lordships must be perfectly well aware, more casy to propose such a acheme than to put it intoexecution. A cosiderable time, therefore, has elapsed, during which the highest autaoritics of the French navy, ae well as our own, have been employed in considering this matter; but the result,lam happy to say, has that the governments of both countries have agreed upon # code of instructions which are identical, and thas that coda has been submitted to the American Cabinet, with am invitation to them to join with us in its adoption. Such, my lorce, ia the course which we have taken, por regret that we have followed it. And although I maj pear at first to have surrendered a right—an exaggerated right—in tavor of which 80 much spoken ag Weil a8 written—yet, I thought, as I that the thao was come when it was better to confidence in the proper ne i than to 1g on 9g! ich, in point tered the He sisponea to aid us in’our down slave trade. (Hear, hear.) The my lords, that policy ts to be found in the spirit which been Svineed by the American government both rare bb ge (Hear, hear.) From that government we received the strongest assurances ut will best efforts to put dowm th ig oan ships. Tt has even ~» but not “ offictall i FE HH 3. H i i : i being enabled to fulfil her part of the by main. taining there two old sailing fregates of 40 gune which are perfectly useless in the suppreesion of the lave trade, the shuld kep up a certain number of steam veuele—10 Seam guntoals mouniing two guns apiece which would comatituie a much more Qertuns Sores Wan Qo salting