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Ww NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. The Affair of Uonor Between Messrs, Potter and Pryor, Contradictory Reports as to the Progress of the Duel. Debates in Congress on the Negro Question. Letter from Gov. Stevens on the Pacific Railroad, THE TESTIMONY BEFORE THE COVODE COMMITTEE, &., &e., &e, Our Special Washington Despatch. Wastiscros, April 12, 1860. HIWREN MESSRS. PRYOR, OF VIRGINIA, POTTER, OF WISCONSIN, MEE.AFPAIR OF HONON AND Te city bas been filled all day with rumors relative to The princi- pas, wi b their (riende, left the city between four aud five e’eloek 1! 58 morning, announcing that they were going to That they were in earnest is somewhat she oucl between Mesers. Potter and Pryor. Mount Vernon. Cvident, from the fact that both parties escaped tbe vigt ‘ence of the police. cearse more or less colored, as ef the partics are exceedingly cautious senversation on the subject. A report reached Wwn about noon that Pryor bad killed Pot. fer, bnt it was soon ageertained that there was no truth e the rpmor. J bave sufficient information on the subject to know that Potter, who if a man of undaunted courage Bnd great self poscession, and never has engaged, since mo has bern a man, in boy’s play, would not violate the Toncamenial iaw and moral sentiment of bis own State wnlers aggravated to do £0 by some extraordinary cir eumstanee. The prevailing opinion here is that Pryor was hasty; tha: Potter's language towards bim was not actionable. ‘he latter asserted hia intention to stand by his language stall hazard juet before going to the field, and his friends ove the utmost confidence in his pluck, morally and physically. As wear as can be agcertained, Mr. Potter, who bas the heiee of weapons, upon reaching the field, immediately ‘at of the District, made a proposition to fight Pryor, ia ‘the District or out of it, either with bowie kuives ina room, with rifles at one hundred paces, or with doub'e Darrelied shot guns, loaded with Duck abot, at forty paces. The report is that Mr. Pryor or bis friends were dissatis fled with the cboice of weapons, aseerting that Southern gentlemen are xot in the babit of using either in settling @uch difficulties. Most of the morning was consumed in trying to arrange tne mstter by compromising upon some ether weapon, but Mr. Potter insisted upon his pro gramme. Mesére, Kei't and Milek, of South Carolina, the supposed friencs of Pryor, wade their appearance in the House ‘about half paet two o'Clock this afternoon, when it was Smmediately reported that the affair was left open to ne. gotiation, and tbe friends of Pryor had come in to consult ¢ With Soutberm gentemen as to what course Pyor should prisne, At the same time, another rumor was in circala ‘tion about the Capitol, that Potter would not consent to ‘any settlorent, but was determined on a fight, and with ¢ of the three weapons he bad choren, and which it is Beneraty conceded he had a right to name. A further ‘Teport was that Potter had announced that Pryor must fight him within a stated time with bowie knile, rifle or Shot gun, or he ebould post him. Such are the reports, and they are mere reports, The police have been out in search of the parties, and cannot fad them. The latest rumor fs, that they were to fight at twilight, with shotguos; bat none of the parties having arrived in town, it is doubted. Pryor bas a wife and five children in this city. Potter ive of Saine. and has a wife at nis quarters, at tho ¢ ig calm, says she wishes to know mothing of tho atiair until it is over, and declares that she knows Mr. Potier to be a brave man. Colonel F. W. Lander is the friend of Potter. ‘There is reason to believe that up to ihree o'clock this afternoon the cerroepondence between Pryor and Potter had not extended beyond the invitation and acceptance go ont of the District, Potter inaicating that be was Willing to fight with bowie knife, rifle, or double barreled shot gun; that Pryor then addressed a note to Potter, to denow if he wonld fight him in the District, and there Bpen Potter, through hie friend, Col. Lander, replied ‘Maat if they micinterpreted his note, with the explana‘ion of Col. Lander, be was reaty to aaswer the inquiry when ® challenge should be received. This indivates that up to the hour named a direct chatlenge had not been sent to Mr. Poiter. It was cousifered time enough for Mr. Pot- fer to auxounce his intention to accept @ challenge when he received one. The matter occupies about this position from the latest accounts. The reports are fo numerous and contradictory, that pothing can be stated with confidence as to accuracy. ‘The affair excites intense interest throughout the city, and ®eme of the rumors are so extravagant in their details os $e warrant the suzpicion of having been invented to satis- fy, in part at lenst, an excestive appetite for the latest in- teliigence. Mr. Hindman has left for home. His friendly offices for Mr. Pryor were confined merely to the initiatory proceed. fogs. THE CAPTURED MEXICAN WAR STEAMERS, The government have decided to hold the Mexican steamers captured off Vera Uruz,end allow the federai courts at New Orleans to deal with them according to the ‘aw of nations and the evidence presented, recognizing at the same time the interests of our naval commanders who were engaged in the capture. In regard to their re. Bpective crews, the government will not hold them for rial, but permit them to depart when and where they shoose. B has been intimated that our government will be call ed upon for explan tions in this affuir, not only by France and Spain, but also by Eogland, as highly eolored state ‘ments of this affair have been laid before their govern menis by their respective commanders in the Gulf, Private advices have been received here from reliable sources at ihe city of Mexic», dated since the capture of the steamers, sialiny that the most intense excitement had been produced there in consequence of those captares. In cage Miramow should again reach the city, it was seared be would perpetrate further outrages upon Ame rican eitizens and their property. They were entirely at Sis morcy, and their only hope of sa/ety was in appealing & the Eoglish and Frevch for protection. ‘TUR HASKIN AND BUTTERWORTH CORRESPONDENCE. ‘The pubjic will recollect that when Mr. Butterworth was before the Invertigating Committee, it was arranged that ‘Poth he and Haskin were to produce to the committee ex Sracts from each other’s mutual corresponience relative to the Kaneas iseue. Soon after the’ correspondent of a New York paper—one of the republican organs—obtained from Mr. Batterworth, in a casual convereation with him, a few points of the correspondence. These points, I am ‘told, were given to the correspondent in the strictest con- fidonce—but they were published. I now learn that Mr, Barkin threatens to send the whole of Mr. Batter worth’s private correspondence to the New York papers for pub lication. TESTIMONY REFORE THR COVOLE COMMITTEE. James C. Van Dyke, United States Dietrict Attorney for tthe Eastern District of Pennxyivania, was before the Co. ‘vode Investigating Committee to-day, under subpona He testified, in answer to the questions pressed upon hit that he had not as yet received any official notice of his removal; but that lis removal had been deter- mined upon by the President, and that he Tearned through the prees that tho Bis successor had been presented before the Seuate. He stated that the cause of his removal was his ‘anqualiticd refural to join the federal officers in Philadel. phia in what he considered to be their improper dictation fm the management of the inier-party politics of that city ‘and the State, although the President placed bis removal spon a different ground, viz.: that it was necessary that the Collector and District Attorney rhould preserve per- sonal relations with each other, in order to properly oon. \ duct the public business. Mr. Van Dyke stated that in « Ntus opinion this was not the cause of bis removal, becanes gn? relations that now exist betwoen the Collector and himself existed atthe time of his appointment, and had existed fo." some time previous; that the discharge of the oties betw. ‘en the Collector and himself had never beon ‘interfered wii.’ by their personal relations; that the in. sercourte betwo WG the Cofleqor and himse}f had entirely « There are various reports about the Preliainaries for the propozed battle, ail of which are of the known frieuds in their of the Committee. Pressed was not determined upon by a of the Committee. was usual ‘an officer in the Custom House out ot the Blie Book; to which he replied that he was not aware that the namo of Mr. Baker bad been left out, but that the act of the 34 of March, 1849, section 6, required that all the officers tn the customs, together with their occupation and salary, should be annually reported to Congress, and h> pre sumed that if the Blue Book was made up from sucha report his name ought to appear in the book. ‘The Chair ingten Territory, May 20. He contends that the Northern route is the one by which the best to coniro! the trade of Asia, for average than the Central route. best and some three hundred miles nearer to Canton and Jeddo than is San Francisco, The vicinity furnishes an abun cant supply of coal fit for steamers’ use, which can be Fuid of no other portion of the Pacific coast, and the esti ern portion of the.Territory, and not the southern half, as desired by the flllibusters. The other bills will be very much like the Senate bills, s0 far as boundaries are con- cerned. ® trom the Northwest and New England now in this city, and the war between the varicus Presidential aspirants for the Charleston nomination, as the time draws nigh, is becoming very animated. tendency to Douglas the eighteen delegates elected from Missouri were for tween Douglas and Breckinridge. has not yet recovered from the blow inflicted by Oon- necticut and Rhode Island. the Reciprecity treaty will probably be transmitted to Covgrets in afew days, and referred to an appropriate committee, the limits of the port of entry for the district of Philadel. phia. Referred to the Committee on Commerce. the S0th of April, wes taken up. that no business could be cone iv that period, and that was better so to adjourn ivatead of adjourning over every three daye. Intlon. He thought that they could do busmess that did not elicit serigus eontroveray. Yen Dy co-verpandence, in order that their successors in office might understand the condition of soy cause peud- wg. He stated that tbe assertion by George W, Baker, Ahat be was appointed to an office in the Custom House for ‘the Parpese of co ducting the basiness between the Col- Jeotor and Distrc’ Attorney, Was Dot true; that he never Ind discharged avy duyy in Connection with his office, ex- eeypt in ome casefwhen be was detailed by the Custom Heuse to pearch out and find testimony for a case pending in the United States Court, and that duty hac been very imperfectly performed by him; that this occurred mavy months after he (Mr. Baker) was appoint. ed to an office in the Custora House; that on a sobaequent oceasion, when he was asked to find testimony in another case, he caid be had not time to do it, as he was too much *pgaged in getting up a steamship line in which he was interesied, He stated that the best proof that Mr. Beker did not perform the duties required of him in searching out testimony was oontaine? in the fact that In his testi ; mony he says that that cause wae one of a seizure and ‘orfeiture ef certain brandies of the Messrs. Boker; that there had never been to his (Mr. Van Dyke’s) knowledge forfeitore ot* any brandies imported into Philadelpbia by the Messrs, Boker, aod that Mr, G, W. Raker could nof have been appointed, on accyuot of the personal relatiove between the District Atlorney and Col. dector, becante the personal relations between G. W Baker and Mr. Van Dyke were no better than they were witb the Collector Mr. Van Dyke also stated that he baa, mince 183°, opposed the combinations of federal otficers for the purpore of controlling the primary management of ihe democrate party, and intended to continue to do 80; that there had been in the Siate » thorough combination, under the clctation of the Collector, and that many persous bad been removed because they would not obey him, and others. = appointed = whom = hhe_~—seuppored would do #0. The committee inquired whether be bad had any intercouree or correspondence with ihe President upon the subject. He said that all the corres. pondence and intercourse with the President (or the last three years upon the subject was of a private and con- fideptial pature, and suggested that he did not think it would be hovorable in bism to reveal it, and he submitied to the committee whether a8 honorable gentlemen they would press such a question. The question was not further prvesed, Mr. Van Dyke said that G. W. Baker was in-error in leading the commitwee to suppose mat be bad been engaged im any causes for the United States in the performance of the duties of tha office vo which he was appointel in the Custom House; that with the exception ef the case ia which he undertook to prepare the testimony for trial, he ever bad done anything in any cause, and in that sase be never appeared in court to the knowledge of the wit- nees; that the only other cases in which he bad ever ap peared were before the United States Commissioner, upon the primary bearing of persons charged with crime, and hat the recollection of the witness is that in these cages he appeared for the defence and against the government. They were cases connected with the Custom House. The Committee inquired whether Mr. Van Dyke, or any one else, to his knowledge, had ever complained to the President of the improper combination of Federal efficers in the management of party politica? He end that he hat complained of it, and he believed other citizens of Phila delphia had done the seme thing. Mr. Van Dyke weg asked to give his profescional opinion, whether the tak ing of an office in the Custom House, and the receiving of pay whilst the officer did not discbarge the duties of his office, was & violation of any criminal statute of the United States. This question was objected to by a member Whether the question should bo jority He was questioned whether it and proper to leave the name of map asked Mr. Va Dyke if it was because he stood with the people, and opposed all Executive interference with city and State po'itics, that he was removod.as United States Dietrict Attorney of Philadelphia? Mr. Van Dyke replied inat in bis opinion that was the cause, although the President attempts to base the removal upon other grounds. ‘ ‘The examination was quite Jong, and the above em bodies the main points of the testimony. Geo, W. Bowman, the editor of the Constitution, war also examined, and stated that he could testify to nothing in regard to the printing that was not embraced in his tes- timony before the Senate committee, which was adopted by the Coyode committee. THE PACIFIC RAILROAD, Hon, Isaac I. Stevens, Delegate from Washington Terri tory, has written an elaborate letter to a Pacific Railroad Convention which is called to meet at Vancouver, Wash. many reasons, ef three hundred It is shorter by an and = sixtecen miler Puget Sound affords the eafest harbors in the world, and is mated cost is as follows:—Breckinridge to Seattle, with long tunnel, fifteen hundred and forty-three miler, $94, 915,380; Breckiaridge to Seattle, with short tunnel, $91, 925,280; Breckinridge to Vancouver, fifteen hundred and twenty-six miles, $94.282,880; branch from Vancouve: toSeattle, one hundred and seventy two miles, $8,750,000 Total cost from Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Seattle, via Vancouver, on the Columbia, $108,032,880. These esti- mates include cost of tunnels, and vary from forty to one hondred thousand dollara per mile, according to the cha racter of the route,and provide, algo, for steamers on the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. SECRETARY OF LEGATION TO FRANCK. M. W. Clusky, late Postmaster of the House of Repre sentatives, has been tendered by the President the post oj Assistant Secretary of the Legation to France, Mr. Wilbur, of New York, having been removed. Mr. Cluskey de clined, and Mr. Clark, of Maine, bas been nominated for the place to the Senate. ORGANIZATION OF NEW TERRITORIES, The House Territorial Committee to-day ordered bills to be prepared for the organization of Dacotah, Pikes Peak Nevada and JArizona—the latter} bill to include the west- ‘TNE PRESIDENTIAL, MOVEMENTS OF THE DEMOCRAT®. There are a large number of delegates to Charleston ‘The news from Missouri and Arkansas to-day has given an upward stock. The “Little Giant” received a despatch informing bim that ten out of him, and eight uncommitted, Arkahsas is divided be. SKWARD'S PRESIDENTIAL PROSPRCTS, Seward’s Presidential stock is quiet. There will be no demand uptil the contest at Charléston is decided. He THE CANADIAN RECIPROCITY TREATY. ‘The report from the Treasury Department adverse to The chief cause of opposition to the treaty is he belief that the present government in Canada has Violated the spirit of the treaty, while no cause of com- plaint exists against the other colonies, parties to the treaty equally with Canada. THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION. Senate. Waamaros, April 12, 1860, Various executive reports were received. Mr. Bicixr, (dem. ) of Pa., introduced a bill to extend TIE RECESS OF CONCRISS, Mr. Mason’s reeo)ntion, to take a recess from the 19th to Mr. Mason, (dem.) of Va., advocated it on the ground Mr. Jonygon, (dem.) of Ark., was opposed to the reso. Mr. Carnie, (rep.) of Mich., moved as an amend Tent to adjourn from the 19th of April to the 224 of May, { 68 t cover all ihe conventions, Mr, Gwin, (dem.) of Cal, thongbt they ought tostay and legislate upon businees of vital interest to the country. ‘Mr. Guan, (dem) of Mo., guid there was no use to de- ceive themselves. No business could be ¢one during the conventions, They might «s# well meet the matier aquarely, Mr, Mason withdrew hie resolution. IKON FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS. Mr, Wirson’s regolution, inetrocting the Miltary Com- mittee to inquire inte the ceutrastws for iron made by the War Department, was taken up. Mr. Yurre, (dem) of Fla, saw no propriety in adopt- ing the retolution. . DISTRICT OF COLUMPIA BUSINESS—THE NIGCER QUESTION AGAIN. ‘The Cnair cailed up the special erder, it being business which related to the District of Columbia, with which the Senate was occupied the remainder of the day. The bill to grant $25,000 for five years to the public echeols wae taken up. Mr. CrarK, (rep.) of N. H., offered an amendment, ther, a portion rhould go to the education of the colored popu: lation. ‘This excited reme debate, Mr. Brown, (dem.) of Miss., was willing the free negroes in the District shonld be educated in their own schools, amd te authorise them to tax themeelves for the purpose, He would go farther, and tay if the Northern people would let th alone be wonld favor the edueation of the rlaves But for the interference of the North this would have been done long ago. They gave their blacks & religious educa tiem, and would give them other instruction, but that Northern fanatics take adventage of their learuing to make them their own worst enemics. Mr. Mason, (dem) of Va, opposed the amendment. He thought it wise policy on the part of the Southern Stetes to withbo'd education from the slaves. Negroes, bond or free, form no part of our political society. The smeocment was forther discussed by Mossrs. Davis and Bayarp and otherg, Mr. Wiison, (rep ) of Mase., said, whenever the repub- Jicans reeisted the expansion of siavery, they bad lect from the ether side on the equality of racee. The North don’t reize Diack men and sell them for fear of their he North was not unwilling to permit black learn to read the Bible. Mr. lvesoy, (dem.) of Ga., said it wag not true that the wee were not allowed to learn to read. They are sot allowed to learn to write, for that would be dangerour. Mr. Witson—I am sorry the Senator don’t understand the Jaws of bis own State. Ihave the Jaws of the South- ern States in my room, proving what I say, and will pro: duce them here, Mr. Davis (dem.) of Migs., inquired whether Mr. Wil f£0n believed in the equality of al) men, black and whi:e? Mr. Wisow replied, £0 far ar natural righis are con- cerned, he did. Jn mental and pbysical characteristics he believed the African race in erior to the white race» Mr. Davis—Does he mean in social and political righte, i political and eocial equality, for which “right” means ia a thing to be determined afterwards? Mr. Wirson—I believe every human being has a right to hie live, liberty, and to act ro aa to secure his own happiness; in other words, I believe the Declaration of Incependence precisely and exactly. Mr. Hakian, (rep ) of Jowa, asked Mr. Davis ifhe be- Keveo in the equality of all white men? Mr. Dayss sald—Yer, in the political equality of every citizen of the United States. He alluded to some of Mr. Whison’s remarke as being offensive, and sald that Senator spoke on hig own responsibility. Mr. Wrson dieclaimed any tutention of giving offence, bot said while he regarded duelling as a barbarous cote, he should not shrink from uttering his sentiments freely, here or elsewhere, and accept the foll responsibility. Mr, Davis sald ag the Senator disclaimed the intention to give offence, that was sufticient. No qnestion was taken. ‘Adjourned. House of Representatives, Wasnixcron, April 12, 1860. The Hovee passed the Senate dill to settle the title to the lands along the boundary of Georgia and Flori ta. NAVIGATION OF HARLEM RIVER, The Sreaker laid before the House an executive com- munication, in compliance with a resolution, transmitting the regult of the Coaet Survey, showing the practicability of making Harlem river navigable. Mr. Grater, (8. opp.) of N. C., from the Committee on Elections, reported the following: — Whereas, It is claimed that that portion of the Territory of Minnesota not included tn thé State of Minnesota, stil! remains an organized Territory, and the residents thereof entitied to have a delegate in Congress; therefore, Reeolved, That the President communicate, if not in. compatible with the public interests, ali euch information ag be may bave in bis poeseesion as to the existence of any euch Territory. ‘The preamble was rejected and the resolution adopted. PRINTING THE PRESIDENT’S PROTESTING MESSAGE AND REPORTS ‘THEREON. ‘Twenty-five thousand copies of the President’s protest, and the reports of the Committee on the Judiciary on the enbject, were ordered to be printed. ‘THE PUBLIC PRINTING AND FRENCH BPOLIATIONS. ‘The consideration of the report of the Committee on Public Expenditures, proposipg a reform in the public printing and French Spoliation bill were postponed, the former tll April 26, and the latter till May 9. THE PACIFIC TRIZGRAPH, The Senate bill for @ telegraph from the Pacific came yy iP. Mr. Courax (rep.) of Indiaba, explained the amend: ments proposed by the Committee on Port Offices and Post Roads, a8 reducing the amount annually to be paid by the government to $40,000. If the messages exceed this amount, the government {8 to the adai- tional words. ‘The price paid for ten words is to be redvced to three dollars. If ibe erntractors refuge to ac- cept th® bill, the Secretary of the Treasuary is to adver- Hee for proposals, and give the contract to the lowest bid- der. He poke of the necessity of such a means of communication, and eepecisily in case of war,and said = ee was the most economical measure yet pro: juced. Mr Srovur, (dem) of Oregon, regretted that the Com- mittee bad thovgbt it necessary to reduce the amouot from that propoted by the Senate, He hoped, however, ‘the bill would be passed, as it was of incalculable impor- tance totbe Pacific, and would facilitate the opening up of the great thorougtare to that coast, Mr. Evxyert (dem.) of Kentucky, oppoeed the bil! There was Lo power under the constiution autborizing the government to engage in bnilding of telegraph lines, It create a monopoly for ten yeas stan expense of $400,060, hesices giving advantages a8 to the lands. The names of the corporators should be stricken out and the contract made with the largest reeponsible bidders. Mr. CoKuNG (rep of Sew York, eaid ho woul! gladly have voted for the bill as it came from the Senate. beliov ing the rates therein were cheaper aud more moderate ‘bau the tarif! exieting on any telegraph line on this or ary other continent. ‘The corporators had all the skill ant character necessary to the enterprige, and opening it to competition would damage, if rot defeat, the object. in view. He expressed surprise at Mr. Burnett’s constitu- tional objectione, copgisering that this bill had received the sanction of a very large majority of the Senate, in which there were sixty Presidential candidates. Mr. AtEN, (rep.) of Mars. ,cid not consider that the bill beatowed cn the corporators an exclusive monopoly, nor did the Committee so intend. If the matter was thrown open to competition, it would defer for another year at least the building ‘of the line, the advantage of which would be incalculable to the American people. No question was taken on the bill. MISCELLANROUS DEBATE, ‘The Houge then went into Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union. ‘The Tariff bill was nomirally under consideration. Mr. HarprMay, (8. opp.) of Ga., made a speech con- tending tbat Congress bas no power to legielate for the Territories, either to establish or probibit si ery; but it can cply legislate for its protection where it legally exists. This was the Georgia doctrine. He, therefore, repudiated squatter sovereignty. Mr. Crawrorn, (01 of Ga., asked him whether he would vote for a candidate for the Presidency who was Bot in favor of protecting slavery in the Territories? Mr, Hanpemax replied \he would not. He then acked Mr. Crawford whether be weuld vote for Mr. Dougias if he were neminated at Charleston? Mr. Crawrorn replied, when that nomination is made nd pha determine what course be should take, and not till then. Mr. Hixpmax was glad be bad converted to his doc- trine his colleague, who would not croee the river till he got to the bricge. (Laughter.) Mr. Dawes, (rep) ot Mass., gave bis views of slavery, which he pronounced a sin and crime before God ana man, a blighting, withering curse to the Jand on whic it rests and thore who walk its surface. Mr. Deru, (rep.) of N. Y., charged the democratic Party with reopening elavery agitation by the repeal of the Miseour! compromise, and proceeded to show how €on and the early fathers as to the rights of man. ‘The committee rose, and the House adjourned. Our Washington Correspondence. Wasnrsctox, April 6, 1860.34 The Covode Committee—Contradiction of the Tribune's Cor- respondence, dc. The telegraphic correspondent of the New York ‘Tribune, in the issve of that delectable journal of Thursday, makes the following statement in substanee:— Mr. Schell was asked by Mr, Covode whether or not be bad seep the President or any member of the Cabinet since hig last examination before the committee, when he said be would produce the list of subscribers to the fund of 1256. Schell replied that he bad seen a great many persona, but upon being preseed, he admitted that he had scen the President and members of the Cabinet, and it was after conference with them that he now declined tp furnish said list. | Tt will be seen that this is the way the administra. tion tampers with witnesses holding official position, while ‘bey are in course of examination! We have authority, and say that the whole of this state- ment, whether upon the information of Covode or any member of his committee, or the fancy of the operator, is ‘meanly, maliciously and altogether false. Mr. Schell dis. tinctly and positively stated to the committee that his re- cord and mind bad been made up not to furnish the “ligt”? before he had scen eitber the President or any member of his Cabinet—that it was a private, extra judicial, extra legilative poper, even if he could find it or com- mand the production of it, and with which, in bis better judgment, this committee had, no right or concern. Thereupon Mr. Schell was let go, but stated that be should remain in Washington until the meeting of the National Committee, on the 5th instant. It is hardly probable that Covode will bring Mr. Schell to the bar of the House for contumacy and contempt, for the resson that the more decent and better class of the rc- publicans are loud in their denunciations of him, and are ashamed and regretful that they ever voted to aocord to “the old fool,’’ aa they eal him, any Levee 6 to make an ase of himself, and to seriously political cud pecuniary interests and mice of President Bocbanan and vieers, widely they have departed from the doctrines of Jeffer- Wosmncron, April 7, 1860. The Republicans Turing from Sewerd to Judge Me Lean— 4 General Onprauion Lev: Feut in Washington Prujeet co—The Mem ew Question in the Howe—Dellector Schall on the Gridéron— Forney owd Fird the Background— The Chartesten Conrention—Prorotiy no Adjournment of Cor gress o Attend it or the Chicago OonventinBie Close of Lent—The Fashionable World, de The republicans are backirg down from Seward. Judge McLean is the rising maa, The Sight in Covneciiout bas been too clore, the result in Rhode Island has been too sic- nifcant, to be disregarded. The bint thus communicated ‘s understood, Mr. Seward will not do. The conserva tuve balance of power in the commercial and manufactur ing States must be respected. The fusion of the demo ‘ats with the Americans and old tine whigs in Rhode Island if very suggestive, It shows that the loose conser- vative elements of the country will be absorbed between the two great parties ef the country, and that the party which takes @ purely sectional po-ition will be cut down to its agitating disupion elements, Northor South. Before long, re told, there will be & love feast of ali the op potion elements bere, to see what they can do in the way of a general coalition, Experience teaches wisdom, The republicans are open- we thor eyes. They are ditcovering (he weekvers of Seward, and the etrength of Judge Mclean. Leaving bum to the initiative adoption of the Chicago Convention, the Baltinere third party Convention will most probably Adopt fome etraw ticket, to be dropped for the Coioago cantidate, should McLane be that man, This progratnme je gaining ground. Succets i# tbe paramount idea with the republicans. It is expected that the Charleston Coa- venudh will result ip barmonzing ‘be democracy, North and South,end thai they will make @tremencows fight. Anticipating this, Seward is waning, like the moon in ite ibird quarter, and Mr. McLane is the ris'vg sun Of (ue re- publcens. An older man now than Mr. Buchspan will be at the close of thie next Preeidential term, Judge Mc- Lenn is sti!) straight, strong 6nd sound, 1b wind and limb, ond looks good at least tor ten years yet to come. But 10 guard sxainet acciden's, sbovid be be nominated for President, great care will be taken by the republicans to avoid a party exploeion vpon another Vice Presidential reek, like that of Captain Tyler or the intr will more. The reeolution of Mr. Branch, of N. C., inquiring of the Presiceut for information touching the alleged coufsca- tion of American property, and expulsion of American citizens trom Mexico by Miramon, meane something. Deere is reason to fear that the report in question ia true, and rbould it be cflictaily proved to the aciministration, the Pre- sident, no doubt, will be giad to have a cail from the Houas which will enabie bim toiay all the facts before it, and the ity for our active intervention to put down the Mirs- ction, and to restore law and order in Mexioo on the basis of the recognized liberal government and its treaty pulatione with ours. Meantime it is hoped that the dis ar epulse of Miramon from Vera Cruz will reeult in ecy overthrow and the complete ascendancy of the Juarez party. In this view, the mosteagacious frieuds of the Juarez treaty in the Senate say that paiicnce is their policy. and arraignment before the The reaolution for the House of Collector Schell, for contempt, in refusing to fur- uirb a let of the New York Hotel democratic club con uibutions for the Pennsylvania October election of 1556 (£80,000) will come up on Monday, and will, it is expect. ed, lead to asharp debate. When the question shall have been disposed of, we are informed that Col. Forney will be called upon by the committee, as the disbursing agent ef that money, to tell what he did with it, aud how much tbe beads of certain Philadelphia American lodges carried out through that ‘side door,” and to gay whether these vitbursements for the democratic caure were or were not sptended to counteract the subsidies advanced to certain Know Nothing journals and captains by Master John Uo- vode and ex-Lieutenant Governor Tom Ford of Ohio, With a general cesire ou the part of the outside rank and file of the democracy to be present at the Charleston Convention, the weil authenticated reports of the skinning charges of ‘the boiels and boarding bouscs there are ope rutipg to reduce day by cay the numbers originally in- tending to go down. There way be a reaction as the day of the Convention approaches; but us an evidence of the dechue of the Charleston fever, we understand that not more than balfa dozen personeges have as yet applied Jor accommodations on board the splendid new sieam. ebip at Baltimore, chartered to make her trial trip. for this expedition, at about half the expenee of the trip by ralicsd, snc of a room and board in Charieston during tue Coryention, At is understood that there jo eas baer nea among the delegates to hurry up the work of the Conventiou—to make short speeches, and to hola night sessions, in order wo clear up their work and clear out within the limits of a week. This isone of the estimates:—The organization will cocupy one day; contested delegations, &c , will oc- cupy one day; the platform, which is the main thig, wili per bape heli Bo least two days, and the balloting for President and Vice President three days. »w cme of the members, on both rides of use, are aoubtful of the yest of losing a week of the session on account of the Convention; for, they say, if we give a ‘week toCharleston, we must give a week to Chicago, the eflect of which will be equal to a month out of the heart of the scktion, and just as the two houses are getting fairly to work. It is possible, therefore, that the orginal icea of adjourning over for each of these converftions wii] be absndoned, and that some agreement in. each bouso will be agreed upon in the wav of pairing off, and am regard to important bills, 80 that members of Congress aticnding eliher Convention will be protected against any detriment to their Jegisiative cornection with, or interest 1p, apy bill pending before cither house, Under tome such arrangement ag this, it is contended that Copgrets may adjourn, 80 as to Jet the members eo bome by the middie of Juse ; whereas, in shutting up shop to run of to these conventions, the session will be protracted to the middle of Jwy. ‘The cul, fasbionable reccse of Lent expires to-day, and the coming week will be a somewhat lively one in the re- Vival of balls and parties. Coxpared with the golden age of Avgustus—that is, of poor Pierce and Fillmore—te Washington fashiovable world this session has been avery slow couch, snd One reason is the very scanty pickings of ibe lobby. ‘these inveetigating committees of the last torce cr 1our years bave made ead havoc among the birds of prey of the lobby; anc, from the glories of the third tstate, they bave been mostly reduced to the condition of at Claimants waiting the passage of some paltry pen B — Wa: BxxGrcx, April 8, 1860. Who Will be the Nominee of the Charleston Convention? — Desgond.ncy of y Most Intimate PFriends—A New, Condi iateHis Claim and Qualifications for the Presidency—His Chance for Endorsement vy the Bal'imore Convention, &c. “Who will be the nomiree of the Charleston Conven- ticnf”’ becomes daily more and more the principui, if not toe absorbing question, as the time for the great cather- ing approaches, Douglas beirg now—in tho opinion of even his most devoted friends, among thoze who know the cetermivations of the Southern delegates—'‘quite out of the question.”” The chances seem to be divided among {sne, Hunter and Breckinridge. But of late a new name has been suggested; and os the Heratn prides itaclf on giving every man a fair show, I take the liberty of direct- ing your attention to James A. Pearce, the worthy Senator from Maryland, recently re elected. Y In cage of insuperable difficnities at Charieston, with regard to the distinguished gentlemen already mentioned, it is deemed, by not a few reflecting and influential men, that Mr. Pearoe would be @ most felicitous choice. since 1866-6 he has zealously and faithfully co-operated with the democratic party, and given a cordial and steady support to the administration of President Buchanan. No portion of the national democracy, South or North, East or West, could take apy exception to him. Of great ele- vation and Grmnees of character, with perronal and politi- cal integrity absolutely unstained, he is, perbaps, among the best specimens ef educated statesmanship america can bosat of. His “record” gives the highert assurance that he would administer the government with eminent purity, ability, skill and success, on broad national grouncer, yet with the mest rigorous adberence to ;Siate rights. Bot there is that in his antecedents which would give him a peculiar, apd; at this crisis, most important elerrent of strength, He was during the old battles a Clay *whig, yet urgoiled by bitler partieanebip, and eminently popular with the bést men of both the conunding partics. It is reasonably ‘‘pomeee that he weula draw off a very large portion of patriotic cational men, who, though opfored to republicanism, bave vot hitherto been able, from pride of opinion or a farcied corsistency, to act with democrats, Indeed, some go £0 far as to assert that the nomination of Pearce at Charleeton would give the finishing blow to the “third party; and not a few even indu'ge the idea that the Convention at Baltimore might, thereupon, adjourn with. out making apy nomination, leaving the constitution and Union mex free to go for Pearce—it, indeed, that Conven- tion should not (mage wisely) resolve to adopt bim as their own best candidate. Under such a conjuncture, re- publicaniem and gectionaliem of every phate would be thorovebly overthrown, and rational poittics would once more be in tho ascendant. I give you there as the exe Jations that are ficating voiselesely among some of the wisest heacs and soundest bearte bere Maxrme Court. Before Hon. Judge McCarthy. ACTION FOR ALLEGED TRESPASS—MERCANTILE DIF- FICULTIES. Apu 12--John Anderson vs. Conkling, Sawt-lle and Merri.—Tho yp laintiff is atmerchant in Broadway, deal- ing in dry goods, and in October Iast he employed a per. gsonnamed MeC:nce!l to sell some fine linens. McConnell offered the goods in market at forty five cents a yara, which, it appeared, was much below the cost price for importing the articles. A person pamed Ward, to whom he offered them for sale, suspectng some wrong, juestioned htm and requested him to call again, and said that everything wae right he woutd purchase. In tho meantime he called on Ciafflin, Mellen & Co., jobbers in thie city, and inquired of them as to the value and identi- ty of the goods, when he was informed that they had sold the same style of goods at sixty-five cents per yard, apd could not afford to rell them less; and furthermore, that the im question bore their private or trade marke. then returned with the defendanté, who are clerks or employ és of Claflin, Mellin & Co., and on for- ther inquiry became satisfied that the goods belonged to and were jn fact owned by the plaintiff in this action. The defendants then, in company with a police officer (not in upiform), called jen the plaintiff at bis piace of busivess, and inquired where be haa bought, and what he paie for the gcoos. He immediately informed them he pad bought them cla house in Dwane street, and gave them acopy ef bis ind recerpt forthe same, where- vpen the oefendants and the officer left. Sometime after- wayoe, wen plaintil was informed who they were, and ibat ibey Were secompsn'en by an cfiicer, be brought ine setion to recover damages fur the tresspars, alleging thay they potoply made the inquiry, but that they, or some one of them had also openca and examined two or NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, APRIL 13,° 1860.—TRIPLE SHEET. three pieces of the linen intyuestion. The plainti(f was fxamibed, and testified to the handling of the goods. ‘The defendants were also examimed and de nied cover touching the —gooes. As there was FO occarion fer coing #0, the marks being plain ty vieitle, and further that be goods had been bold by | them tor €6¢. per yard to whoever bought them. They denied baying tb oy manner interfered with plaintil! or his property, beyond accompanying the oficer who mace the inquires. When the Jusge was about to charge the jury, the counsel for the plainti? withdrew the case. ACTION FOR FALSE IMPRISONMENT. Eduard Meumnell vs, Conkling, Sautele and Ward — ‘This was an action for falés imprisoament, growing out o the trane ubove enumerated. After the defendant Ward bad wade inquiries of Clatilin, Metien & Co, about the goods, the plaintiff called at bis store, and tifere was met by the detendants and offeor King, He accompanied them to defendants’ store, No, 112 Broadway, and from there to the Tombs, and from there to the House of De- tention, in White ttreet, where he was detaioed asa wit- Rees for some twenty-four hor ‘he plait! complained of this treatment, and them references iv this city w Mr. Anderson apd others as to his pharacter and honesty, ‘The oflicer, however, raid it would defeat the ends of jus- tice te take Lim to those people now, but that he would detain bim a8 a witness; that the inquiries as stated io the Above case were made, and the parties became satistiod that the plaintiff was hcbtstly io possession of the goods, he was discharged, the oficer handing him $6 for the trevbie and inconvenience be bad been put to. The pisintif! m thie case bad called for a jury trial, but after the dixposition of the last case, he waived the jury, anc insieted on # trial before the Court. Afler earing the teétimony on the part of the plaintiff, the Judge ordered @ povsuit a8 Lo the defendants Consling avd Sawtelle, whereupoo piaintit’s conse: withdrew the case a8 to the defendant Ward. AYKL 12 —Lemuel Wells vs. The Novltyefron Works, — ‘This suit was brought to recover $158 04 for a quantity of copper, brass and iron fold to defendants by pisiatitt. From the evidence it red that {n March last, plainti me Ftufl to ecli calted on one of the defendants officers about it, who told bim to bring it there, and if it ant wered, & certain price would be paid for it; th e- quently, and in the absence of the officer, the gooca were Jet at the defendant's place; that when the paris wo bad « poken about buying it returned he repudiated ‘n, and insisted the gooda were not as repre- id requested the ming the goods or the value of them, and the plaiatiff, to get rid of bim, gave an order on defendants for $108. ‘The tecretary of the company refused to accept the order or purebare tbe goods, but much solicitation from plaintiff told bim to call again at four o’clock that same’ day, and he would see what he would do about it. In about an hour after this conversation an officer called with an attachment and removed all the goods, as the property cf the plaintiff. Tho piaipuff did not call at the time appointed, but did in a week after, aad demanded hie whole bill, which defendant refused to pay, on the round that no bargain or eale had been made or per. fected; and secondly, that the goo?s were taken from them by process of law to pay plaintif’s debts. The jary, however, found a verdict for the plaintiff for $50 04. United States Circuit Court. Before Hon. Judge Smally. , CRUFLTY TO OUR MERCANTILE MARINE—HOMICIDE ON BOARD THE SH1P DEVONSHIRE— SENTENCE TO THREE YEARS BARD LAB Nov. 12.—The United States vs. George Dawer —The pris-» ‘oner in this case was convicted of the mansiaughter of a geamen named Humphreys, by knocking him from the rigging of the Devoushire, into the sea, whereby he was drowned. ‘The prieorer on being asked what he had tosay why sentence should not be parsed upon him according to law, replied that he had nothing to say—ne was ready for gon tence, but hoped the Court would gcnd nim to Blackwell's Island, where he could evjoy fresh air and exercise. The Jucge replied that be had examined the maiter,and found that by the statute of 1857, the prisoner must be sentenced to hard labor, and pay @ fine. The prisoner taid be bad uo objection to hard labor, for he bad been ured to it, but he wished to be in the open air on Bisckweli's Island. * The Judge then proceeded to sentence Dawer. He said :—You have been indicted by the Grand Jury for the murcer of Jemes Humphreys, on the high seas, in De- cember last. You have bad a ‘air trial, been ably defend- ed by your coupeel, and the jury, after a long aud patient consideration of your esse, bave ound you guilty of man- Siaughter. The evidence ebowed that you, the second officer of the ship, commenced beating the ‘deceased, a common sailor, unskilled in bis duty, in a harsh, tyranni- cal and cruel manner before the vessel had left her an- chorage; that for the most trivial causes or pretended ex- ones you maltreated, kickeo and beat him before you bad leit the harbor, while he was suppliant and obedient; that thie treatment was continued on your part towards the ceceased, and wiihout i ¢ justifiaole or reasonable cause, until within two days of bis death; that the secoad night before he was drowned you ssssulted, best and pounded him in a most brutal and inhuman man ber, and while you were doing so, and he was bergivg that you would ‘not kil him, you ceciayed witb bareh and opprobrious epithets that you would; that this often repeated ill usage on your purt had mace bim fore and Jame, and rendered him unfit fer duty; tbat in this condition, in the night, with a etrong wind blowing and a heavy eca running, while ho was aloft on dvty, you again Struck and kicked him, aud Grove him to attempt to go cown to the deck by the back staye—a mode of descent not usual or ordinarily safe, but at that time, in bis condition and that of the vessel, attended with the most imminent canger to his life. He (decensed) was carried overboard, and that he could not be eeagonably rescued seeme allowes. The jury by their verdict have found that you asted without maiice, and did not intend to take the hife of the deceancd. That fs the most favorable construction for you which cou'd bave been given to the evidenca. ‘That you tyrapnically abused your authority as an officer. and ih a wanton and inhuman manner, cannot be doubt- e6, This abuse and ill treatment of the common sailors by their cflicers bas become a crying evil, and impora. tively calls upon the strong arm of the law. to interpose for their protection, The severest punishment which the jawe of the United States authorize to be inflicted for Toanslaughter ia imprisonment for three years and a fine vot exceeding $1,000, The evidence shows your case to bave been an aggravated one; the sentence of the Coart, therefore, is that you be [confined at hard labor in the State prison at Sing Sing, in the Sonthern district of New York, for the term of three years, to be computed from this cay, psy a fine of $200 and stand committed until thie sentence be complied with The United States vs. Charles Brown, alias Michal Shechan.— ibe prisoner was convicted of an ageault with & Capgerone wespon on Frederick Watkins on the high fe The Court reptenced him to six mouths hard labor ‘at Sing Sing and pay a fine of $1. City Intelligence. Mayor Woop Canxp py tH® DeMocraTs OF HaRTPORD.— About 10 o'clock yesterday morning Mayor Wood received &@ very handsome present from the democratic operatives of Colt’s Armory, Hariford, Conn., in the ahape of # valuable cane, made from the wood of the celebratea Charter Oak, ‘The handie consists of an eagle’s head in front, and a buck’s head on the back, with delicate carved representation of oak leaves twined ali around. Ona little silver ring just below the bandle is the inscription. The present was accompanied by an appropriate letter, im which the donors returned their thanks for Mayor ‘Wood's efforts during the late campaign in Connecticut, ard begged the acceptance of the cane “as a token of the esteem and gratitude of a few of thoee men in Connecticut who desire to stand by the old landmarks.” Toe STRIKE OF THE WORKMEN ON THE New CaTHoc CatuEpRaL. —We have received a long communication from the sionecntiers lately employed on fe new Roman Cath. olic Cathedral now erecting in Filth avenue, the points of which can be summed up in brief. They assort that the reazon why they struck was because the contractor, Mr. Joyce, refused to pay them the standard rate of wages ($2) paid by other boeses; on the contrary, on the new Cathedral they could average but $1 25 per day. The dis. content of the workmen manifested iteelf early in the month of Febrnary last, end they appointed a committeo to wait op the contractor, to express the grievanees under which they were laboring. To thig end # ¢vamities was appointed, and the contractor was vitited and he replic! in the [following leconic worde:—vi tx wy own rate of wages, and thore Bho Co rot like ii may clear ont.” To this abrupt and dictatoria! rep'y, there was no honorable aiternelive left thetn to make an equitable arrangement, and on the 14th of February they ‘‘struck.’’ Since thai time no lets than five deputations have waited upon Mr. Joyce, but be persistently refuses to accede to their terms. ‘The “strikers” deny in toto the statement that they coun- tenance or recommend any but legal and honorabic means to proecre their rights; on the contrary, they con- sider they bave acted with patience and prudence in their endeavors to impress yo the contractor the necessity of a more ‘al epirit in his dealings with poor men, ani bis complisnce with the standard rate of wages paid to New York stonecuttere. ARREST OF AN ALLEGED McRngnen.—The following despatch was received last evening at the Police Hoad quertere,from the Chief of Police of Memphis, Tenn., re- porting the srrest of aman charged with the murder of & New York Sheriff in 1867:— Memrnis, April 12, 1860, FF OR CxreY OF Poticr, New York sted and in jailin the city of Memphis W. C. Loomis, ‘ers, Kirmer, sworn out by James Wilson, for mur- . E, FELTR, Sheriff, Shelby Co. It is presumed that the murder was commitied some- where in the central part of the State. Acting General Superintendent Carpenter will immediately agcertain as to the truth of the repert, and telegraph to the proper au- thorities. Frnr in Nassav Street. —Between one and two o'clock yesterday morning a fire was discovered on the fourth floor of the bundling No 118 Naseau street, in the printing estadiishment of Frank McElroy. From appear- ances, the fire originated underneath the ash pan furnace of a caloric engine. The timely discovery of the fire, no coubt, prevented the destruction ofthe \ises. + Mr. McEiroy’s loss will be trifling. ‘The offices of the Va- nity Fair, op the third floor, and of H Dexter & Co., on the second floor, were damaged anehty by water—in- sured. The building is owned by Wm. Gilhooley. Ii is dameged about $25—ineured. The New York Leader publication cffice, on the third floor, eecaped al! damage, Saxz or Unctamep Goors.—The Adams Express Com- pany will sell on Monday and Tuesday of next week, a large sroount of unclaimed goods that are st present re- maining in their possession. There are upwarde of six bundred different packages to be dispored of, which con- tain all kind of things. gain reekere, the Mrs. Toodles of the fhetropolis, and otbers, will have a fine opportanity here, and we have no doubt the sale will attract a large number, were it only for its novelty, Fines on THR Cengrar PaRk.—The fines for violations of the rules and regulations relating tothe Central Park are being enforced very rigidly. Yesterday mornin Henry Tolker wes fined $3, Ma 5 Ay Brownell, for Tact driving on one of the roads, which is contrary to the Board of Aiderm NOMINATION AND CONFIRMATION OF EX-ALDERMAN MIBYWENS AS PRESIDENT OP TUR CROTON AQUEDUC'| BOARD. The Board of Aldermen met last evening, Presid. Peck tp the chair, The followteg communication was received frem Mayor: GexTieMRN--I Dereby nominate Thomas Stephens a& President of the Croton Aquednet Department, to {ill the yecancy in that office caused by the retirement of Hoa, Myncert Van Schaick, FERNANDO WOOD. Alderman Grrvt moved that the Board consent to the: nemination; and in doing this, be would say thas his asso- ciations with Mr. Stephens, as well as those of’ most of the members of this Board, have been personally fatisfactory and plesrant in every respect. He (Alder- man Genet) conceived that the Mayor bad done an act of 7 Jvetice towards an honorable and good man; he believed ’ thot every member of the Board will congar with hie Honor the Mayor in bis nomication, and he hoped it would: be confirmed, On the question being put, the oomination of Thomas: Stephens was confirmed by a vote of fourteen totwo, Al- Voting in the negative. Al cermen Darragh and Ow cerman Starr was absent, THE ALMSHOUSK INVESTIGATION, ‘The PREFIDENT camed the following members as a com- mittee to investigate the affairs of the alms House Devarte- ment:—Aldermen Corneil, Genet, Bagley, Smith, Braty. Gn motion, the name of President Peck was adaed > the committee, SANITARY CONVENTION AT BOSTON, On motion of Alderman Boour, a joint epecial commit-- tee Of feven members trom each brapeb of the Common Connell, was appointed to represent the city of New York p the San'tary and Quarantine Convention about tobe held in Borton A motion to appropriate $2,500 to defray: the expences of the committee, was laid over, Aloerwan Boors offered @ reeolation that the salary of the Auditor of Accounts in the Finance Department, be Teduced from $5,500 to $2,000, which was iaid over. Alderman Smit, presented ® preambie and teeolution requesting that the Police Commissioners resctad the rui® which forbics the members of the Police Department wo receive rewards which may be offered for the discovery’ of murders. Alderman G exert offered ap amendment that the Police Commissioners be requested to appoint three addijonad policeman for esch member of thw Board, Thie was lost, After some cebate the resolution was Ovally adopted. GENKRAL STATE CF BUSINESB OF THE STREBT COMMISSIONER'S DEPARTMENT. ‘The following commutication was received:— Srasat Derakrmant, StRaet Comssionnn’s OFFICE, New Yors, Aprii 12, 1860, - To Tm Hoxoranik THE ComMoN COUNCIL:— GextiEMEN—I baye the tonor to submit the following tummary of the general state of the buswese of this de~ partment for the quarter ending 3let March, 1860:— During the quarter requisitions have-been drawn upor the Comptrolier to the amount of $287,147 26, of which $239,506 54 Were for objects and purposes provided ter by tex, anc $47,640 72 were on trust account. The city treasury will be reimbursed for the laiter, by assessments upon the property benefitted. For steementshewing the amount of each xppropriation for the year 1860, passed by the Common Council, and amount of requisitims upon the Comptrojler, drawn by the street Commissioner en each appropristion and account, see appendix marked “A.” And for tuil details as to the amount applied to each object and purpose, and for statements ef aenesa~ ment lists delivered to the Collector of Assessments, amounts paid by that officer to the City Chamberlain, and atmounte returned to the Clerk of Arrears, see appendix marked “B.”? In tbe Bureav of Street Improvements there have been expended $55,066 8@. Inthe Bureau of Wharves, $26,- 691 23. In the Bureau of Roads, $¢,342 66 In the Bureau of Lande and Places, $3 505 54. In the Bureau of Lampe and Gar, $75,040 67.” Tn the Burcan of Repairs an Supplies (by the su perintendent), $43,156 74; (by the deputy aiperiatendent). $37,783 42’ In the Bareau of tha Chief Fogineer of the Fire Department, $11,291 40, On the let of January, 1860, there remained in the hance of the Collecter of Asrerements a baiance of $686,- 703 90; and during the quarter there have been trang- mitted to him for collection lists amounting to $112 436 76. During the quarter be has paid to the City Chamberlain $218 398 9; returned to the Bureau of Arrears, $226,- ‘ah 3 leaving, on toe let inst , a balance of uncollected astesements smounting to $179,285 46. For details of the busivers of each bureau of the depart- Ment, your honorable bodies are respectfully referred to the rejorte of superintendents transmitted berewith:— The bulence cn bend, January 1, of appropriation for contingencies of the Street Department, hasbeen devoted, tothe paymeat of expenses incurred during the latter part of the yeer 1859, the specific appropriations for which baa been exhausted, thus obviating the necessity of resorurg to the objectionable custom of calling for am appropriation for “‘errearages.”” ‘The expense of Keeping: ready for use the steam fira eogine in possession of the Exempt Engine Company, is now being paid from the appropriation for ‘con ingen- cies of the Street Department,” po other provision bev- ing been made in the appropriation bill passed by the Commen Counril. You are respectiuliy referred to ap- pencix B for a particular statement of the objects whith tbe expendituré ($6,271 63) on account of this apprepria- tion have been cevoted. It bas heretofore general'y been held that, before appropriations by the Common Council cquid be made jable, it was neo-ssary ‘that authority #bould be givea by the Legislature to rake the money by tax. As op executive officer, responsible for the supplies, &c , of all Corporation cffices, constraction and repairs uf public butidioge, wharves and piers, aad fire apparatus, and otber important iateresta, I ha rally been concerned by the fact that appropria: not made previour to the time during which the expendi- ture ronet be incurred, embarrassirg public business toan ex‘ent that endangers the safety of iife and property, aod even of the city government, [ bave always majatained tbat ap appropriation by the Common Council is authority evfficient for incurring expenditures without awaiting the action of the Legislature Thia year, after the pascage of the appropriation bill by ‘the Common Couneil, and con- ference with the Comptroller, I directed thet expendi- ‘ures for neceteary purpores should be incurred. ould the Legisisture réfore or neglect to pass an act enabling the Supervisors to raise moneys to meet such expendi- tore, preat ¢ fileulties and embarraesment oill arise. The only effectual, punctual remedy for this state of things, 10 my opinion, is to make the a vations and anthoriza the raising of the moneys previous to the time when the expendiwre shall become necessary; in other words, E would recommend that the present Legislatare shenid have before it a tax levy for the future instead of the past, making & change in the fizcal year, without which ig is nimest ‘mpoesible to insure regularity and system. In conclusion, I beg jeave to ea)) your attention to the appended tist of recommendations made by the Street, Commissioner from time to time during the last two years, in various reports to your honorable bodies, not yet acted upon. Many of ibese are important. and unless favorably ccpsidereg, the businers of this department rauet remain in a condition not entirely satisfactory, Respectfully submitted. G. W. SMITH, Street Commissioner. COMMUNICATION FROM TRE CROTON BOARD, A communica jon was received frox the Sroton Board in avewer to a resolution of inquiry. The Commissionera reply tbat the unexpendet amount nominally standing to the credit of the appropriation, under the bead of Belgian pavement, on the Ist of January, 1860, was $160,324 (5; to which add the appropriation of $250,000 for the present year, making $419,824 05, From January 1, 1860, to April 1, there Dave been drawn, in the settlement of sun- dry contracte, $77,729 66. leaving the unexpended valance, April 1, $341.694 49. From this amount mnst be deducted $161,479 06 required for the settlement of éx- isting contracts, leavirg ag the amount available for other Works, after paying for those in progress, $180,116 43. 1é also appears that the estimated cost of those works Qmounts to $684,551, or $504,435 59 in excess of the available appropriation. Ali these works, with few ex- ceptions, were ordered by the Common Council after Oc- tober, 1869. The commanication was ordered to be print- ed on the minutes. ‘The contract for building a new station house in Twen- ty-eecond precinct at $11,000 was confirmed by a vote of. Be 16 to 1. ‘The report of the Committee on Finance concurring witht the Beard of Councimen to donate $1,000 for the New ‘York Megcalen Arylum was laid over. ‘The Committee on Fipance, to whom was referred the communication of the Comptroller reporting a deficit of $1 (44,428 11 ip the asgesement fund tor opening, widen- ing and extending streets and avenues, reported toast, neeording 10 the Comptroller’e statement, ths account » cp December $1, 1858, was to the extent of $655,227 53. ‘the amovnt of expenditures on thie account during tha yeur 1859, principally for the payment of awardy and ex- fensee for widening Whitehall, Ronde and (uane streets, and opering Second avenue, wa $1,500,171 38 making 8 total of $2,155,598 G1. ‘The — received = 1859 ely ete aasess- ments for street openings, confirmed the Supreme Court, wae $1,110,000 20. bd ah Amount due 'e treasury on this account, December, 1869, wes $1,044,498 11. oe ; i, The amount of awarde payable fom tbis fand and re- maining unpaid at the rame time was $47,688 78, making 2 total of $1,092,078 89. ‘The committee tird that the amount of assessments ap- plicable to the relmburzement and payment of the aleve Amount wae 28 follows:— . To the bands of the Clerk of Arrears.........$221,273 97 in the hands of the Collector of Assessments. 455,801 13 Total....68.... eves vecscceees «$677 075 16 Amonrt of apparent absolute deficiency in the mean to provide for the payments above SLMED 0... sever eceerereesscevevesee ++ -GA15,001 7H ‘The committee approve of the form’ of the azsesement bonds recommenced by the Comptroiler to meet the de- sate. ¥eport was adopted, and the Board adjourned to Arrivals and Departures. Rrcrworn, Hemmcca, 11: Nan aes aah” ie Gosriogis Bienen Veter, Mr Bont. CH Belmam and lady, Mes Halsey, A Le ‘Wilron- and 12 in the steerage. Liverooi—Siesmsbip Edinburg—J Ki Dr Quacken- hon sex Miller, I8r Lony WE Piles a vekinck G Champion Juo heat Tea Perren, Me ine), Me Wile bie Renae” kuecberd. re Beeld et eee Atey tar Redman, Mr Mok Hnrrison—ard 420 in the steereRe. Savannan—ftesmabio Bi ern LA Rome, WT Bidtso, W BW Jamer H Lamphele, F Bren, Bosh Livin Lincoin, AO Jno Mire LC Echruth—and 11 in the steerage. Ricnmoxp, ac —fteamebip Rosnoke—B ke Hi Naxon and lady. Mre Adame, John A wife aud tbreechildren: J B Bughesard lady, Mise Pow él) L Clarke. ¢ T Bart and child, © J Ackerman, Miss @ iisn. # F Luekado and lady—and 18 in the steerage, Avorttorter Constr —The reméins of Stevens and Hoziit: (whore real name was Harrison), lie at Eazlo- wood, side by side, between the ves of James G. Rirney, abolition candidete for President of the United Stater, ocd Arnold Boffum, President of the frat Ameri- can Auti-Slayery Society. ‘ 8