The New York Herald Newspaper, September 3, 1861, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. OFFICE N. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS. it by maid will beat the "pitts turrent tn New York TERMS cash in advance. Mone wisk of the sender, None tut Bav THE DAILY HERALD, two cents per copy, $T per annum. THE WEEKLY HERALD, every Saturday, af six cents per (Or 83 per annum; the European Edition every We. newly, ‘Die conta percopy: $4 per annie to any part af Great Britain, Or $612 to any part oF the Continent, both Co inctute postage; the Crafiovati lity on the lls 1th andl lat af each snonthy at via Cente per copy, oF $2 75 per unnun. WINTER GARDEN, Bi —Lvvisiate HUsaanD— ‘Toopixs, NEW BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Bou1, Rox— Ronen Macaiue—Canrestan OF WOUKN, BARNUM’S AMERICAN MUSEUM, Broadway.—Day and Bvoning—Woman’s Love—Stasuv@ AND. ChASME— Hirrororasus, Ska Lik, ANd Otuwn Cuusosirres. BRYANTS’ MINSTRELS, Mechanics’ Mull, 472 Broad- Sway.—Soxas, Dances, MURiEsques, 4¢.—Down 1x OLD WKY. MELODEON CONCERT HALL, No. 589 Broadway.— Gongs, Dances, Bua.esques, &0.—IkeLAND UN 1536, CANTERBURY MUSIC HALL, 585 Broadway.—Somgs, Daxcos, Buarusquus, ac. GASETIES CONCERT. ROOM, 616 Broadway,—Drawina Room Exreerarnments B. #18, PANTONIMES, Faucns, £0, AMERICAN MUSIO FH. ‘Lena, Pantomines, &6.—Mas CRYSTAL PALACE CONCERT HALL, No. 45 Bowery.~ Buncesques, Songs, Dances, &c.—Biack Statux. 444 Broadway.—Sonas, Bate RADE BALL. New York, Tucsday, September 3, 1861, THE SITUATION. Infermation reached Washington yesterday af. ternoon, which, if true, may make a considerable change in the fortunes of the Southern rebellion. News arrived, by way of Louisville, from Rich- mond, that Jefferson Davis was dead. Our latest socounts of him were to the effect that he was very ill, and that the rebel Congress hal ad- fourned to await his recovery. If the report of his death is correct, Mr. Stephens, the Vice President, is now at the head of the rebellious Btates, and, singular enough, recent accounts of Mr. Stephens report him also to be very sick at Ma- nassas. It appears that the rebel flags within sight of the Union lines were observed to be flying at half-mast yesterday, and this would scem -to con- firm the rumor of Mr. Davis’ death. Skirmishes were going on all day yesterday between the rebels and the outposts of the Union @rmy near Bailey's Crosa Roads. Tho rehel ®arthw orks on Munson’s Hill are completed, and {tis momentarily expected that they will open fire upon the camps at Bailey's Cross Roads. In this event it will of course become necessary to silence them, and a general engagement may thus be provoked. ‘The State Department has received informa- ion from Mr. Adams, our Minister at London, that in his opinion the British government does mot contemplate any change of position towards this country so Jong as the blockade is continued. - Mr, Secretary Chase has issued an important appeal to the people (which we publish else- where) in behalf of the popular loan, showing that it is the interest as well as the duty of every one who has money to invest, to placa it, at this crisis, in the hands of the government. He points to the fact that the real and per- fonal values of the loyal States amounts to eleven thousand millions of dollars; that the surplus earnings of the people of those States ‘mount to four hundred millions, whereas the cost of the war, on the calculation of high military au- thorities, if judicially conducted, will not be more than two hundred and fifty millions. The interest on loans at the rate authorized by Congress—name- ly, 73-10 per cent—will be on loans of $50, one cent per day; on $100, two cents; on $500 ten cents; on $1,000, twenty cents, and on $5,000, one dollar. Mr. Chase urges the speedy acceptance of this loan, and announces that books will be opened at once in the several cities and towns in the United Btates to receive subscriptions, We have some further details of the affair at Fort Hatteras. The steamet George Peabody ar- rived at Fortress Monroe yesterday with one of the prizes in tow. She reports that the Harriet Lane was got off the shoals on Saturday afternoon, but not witheut throwing her coal and her guns overboard. Jt is said that the guns will be re- covered. Another United States gunboat—the R. B. Forbes—also went ashore on Smith's Island, near Cape Charles, on Sunday. Three propellers wore at oace despatched from Old Point to her as- sistance. ‘The frigate Minnesota arrived at this port yes- terday, with 674 of the prisoners taken at Fort Hat- teras, including Commander Barron and the other Officers who surrendered. We have intelligence by way of Cincinnati that ® collision took place at Boone Court House, in Weatern Virginia, on Sunday, between the Union and rebel forces, in which the latter were badly beaten, losing thirty killed, forty prisoners, and a large number wounded. The Union troops, it is said, burned the town. We have no information as to the regiments engaged, nor any more minute detaile of the action. By the North American at Father Point we have news from Europe to the i of August. The London Times publishes letters from Mr. Russell to the 5th of that month. The “Special Corre- spoudent” still harps on the “demoralized” and “insubordinate’’ state of the Northern army, bat gives Gen. McClellan credit for manyreforms. He Says that the rebels consider themselves “safe,” if they can hold out to October, and asserts that at the end of the year tho federal government will be “further from its aim than ever.’ The cotton sup. ply and slavery questions engaged the attention of nee Congress sitting in Dublin. ‘The former was treated by Mr. Bascley, who read a paper entitled “ With Cotton, Em. ployment and food; Without it, Famine and Expotriation.” He asserted that cotton is now 4eid down in his warchouse at twelve and a half per cent in excess of the price pail to American planters; whereas, to Ving cottan from Beerar, would cost two hundred per cent on the price paid to the ry#ts of India, owing to the difficulties of tronsportation. Doctor McGowan said that the “siutesmen of America” were delighted at the Prospect of being relieved from a cotton monopo- the great Social ly, Mics Reda nl—a colored lady—reat a paper on “Ay slavery and its Influence in Great Britain hevalier, of France, denounced the Mor ame occasion, NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1861, -_—_-————————————— LL thsttheeinhnnesttes nn by one of our moribund and poverty stricken | = Briiuiawr Revivax or Busuvmss ann Sootas. THE NEWS. The steamship North American, from Liverpool on the 22d and Londonderry on the 23d of August, reached Father Point, on her way to Montreal, on the 2d instant, Her news is two days later than that telegraphed from St, Johns, Newfoundland, after the Arago passed Cape Race. ‘The Liverpool cotton market was buoyant on the 23d ultimo, and an advance of one-eighth of a penny on the pound had been realized within the week. Breadstufls were still looking downward, Consols closed in London, on the 23 of August, at 9134 for money. The Italian government had contracted with Mr. Webb, shipbuildor, of New York, for the fur- nishing of two iron-cased war frigates after the model of the French ship La Guerre. The rupture of friendly relations between Austria and Hun- gary wes complete and another struggle fully anti- cipated. Victor Emanuel’s Governor in Naples declared the policy of the King to be the delive rance of Venice and the possession of Rome as the capital of Italy. Queen Victoria and her family were in Ireland. By the arrival of the overland express we have advices from San Francisco to the 21st ult. The Uncle Sam left for Panama on that day with $1,100,000 in treasure for New York, and $138,000 for England. Commercial affairs exhibited a de- cided improvement. Each of the three political parties has nominated a third candidate for Con- gress,in accordance with the statement of the Secretary of the Interior that California, undewthe census, is entitled to three members instead of two. Relief committees, composed of former resi- dents of New York, and most of the New England States and Michigan, are organized in San Fran- cisco, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions for the aid of the families of volunteers from the States named. The rebel sympathizers in Nevada Territory had held a convention and adopted reso- lutions denouncing the President for his course in endeavoring to suppress the rebellion. Accounts from Oregon state that all the Indian tribes east of the Cascade Mountains were preparing for war upon the white settlers, Our nayal Jetters, published to-day, will be found very interesting, as they show that our blockading fleet are all at their posts, and eagerly watching for such vessels as may attempt to pass them. Several small captures have been made, and the ves- sels sent to Northern ports. The necessity ofemploy- ing vessels of light draught in assisting to enforce the blockade is fully set forth, and we trust that the government will open their eyes to this just want. Definite information has been received of the movements of the pirate Sumter, and steps are being taken to secure her capture. She is at pre- sent supposed to be off the coast of Venezuela, out of provisions and coal, The French steamer Catinat was off Charleston harbor on the 28th and 29th of August, but has made no attempt to pass the blockading fleet. Commander Craven has ordered that no vessels shall be permitted to leave ‘Key West, except the owner and crew shall have taken the oath of alle- giance to the United States, and if that will not suffice to stop comnrunication with the rebels he will close the trale of the port. ‘The sword of Commodore Barron has been pre- sented to the President. The rebel Commodore was captured in full regimentals, and wearing the eagles and the stars of the government he bas so basely deserted. The flagship of the expedition— the Minnesota—was formerly under command of this same Commodore Barron. At New Orleans the rebels are busily engaged in building vessels that are intended to attack and destroy the blockading fleet. Several vessels be- longing to the navy were at Key West at the Inst advices. The “‘aacred soil’’ of Kentucky has been invaded || by the Union men of the State and by rebel troops from Tennessee. The “armed neutrality’’ folks think there is nothing wrong in Ten~essee soldiers coming across the berders, but for Kentuckians to “invade” their own State is absolutely shocking to the tender sensibilities of Breckinridge, Magoffin & Co. The rebel force ia the vicinity of Memphis is es- timated at twenty thousand under Pillow, eight thousand under Thompson, and eight hundred un- der Hunter—all kept together by the hope and promises of ® movement against St. Louis. Sour grapes. The annual State election in Vermont will be held to-day. The republican candidates, and those which will be most likely to prove successful, are— for Governor, Frederick Holbrook; for Lieutenant Governor, Levi Underwood, and for Treasurer, John B. Page. The democrats made a desperate attempt to organize, and succeeded in nominating Paul Dillingham for Governor, Stephen Thomas for Lieutenant Governor, and James 8. Thurston for Treasurer, but these gentlemen had too much sense to allow themselves to be made the catspaw of a batch of secession sympathizers, and they accord- ingly declined to run. The Union or no-party fac- tion then put their heads together and brought out Andrew Tracy for Governor, and endorsed the re- publican candidate for Lieutenant Governor and the democratic nominee for Treasurcr. Edward Bates, United States Attorney General, has given it as his opinion that it is the duty of United States Marshals to execute tlie Fugitive Slave law and return runaway slaves from Missouri, on the ground that that State has not attempted to throw of its allegiance. The secessionists are circulating throngh Mary. land, as a campaign document, the report and re: lutions passed Ung teeiioiare of that State, in regard to the arrest and imprisonment of the Balti. more Police Commissioners, ‘The following are said to be some of the prinei. pal productions of the Dry Tortugas:—Lizards, snakes, scorpions, jiggers, sandflies and large sized mosquitoes, Daniel S, Dickinson will address the citizens of New London, Conu., on Wednesday, the 18th inst. The Turks Island Standard, of August 17, after reporting the wreck of the British war vessel Driver, on Mayaguana reef, s —Lieutenant Church, R. N., of the Driver, arrived here (Grand Turk) on Monday last in the Alma, on his way to Port Royal, Jamaica, for the purpose of procuring a vessel for conveying the men and materials be- * longing to his ship to that place. He left here on Wednesday last in the Clara, The same paper of the 1¥th of August has the following report of the salt crop and prospects of the traders:—For the { last eight days the weather has been exccedingly unfevorable for saltinaking purposes. If the other ports of the colony have suffered as severely as we ave, our salt crop must be a very short one. The quantity of salt on hand atthis island, Salt Cay and | Cockburn Harbor, is considered sufficient for any demand wi e likely to have between this and the énd of the year, Last sales, 4c. nnamed Loveridge, formerly of Texas bet \ newspaper adventurer in the North, is mg le es in Canada to small auiKences in T favor of the Southern rebellion. The first election in the new Territory of Ne- vada wa tucday last, August 31, in cordance with the proclamation of Gov. James W Nye. Miss Jane Thompson, comb’s Corners, Rew been removed, and Ff | Appointed in hor place, ‘Tho ship William Tell, of Boyd & Hincken’s Havre line of packets, while i Postmistress at Edg- slaer count Y. * Y., has ‘a Comstock, republican, | ready for sea, was destroyed ‘The passengers and crew | } With their lives. ‘The loss is estimated at 8150,000, | Full particulors of the disaster are given in anoth- » primary e} ican State Convent | | peace and Union the throughout the city last evening, The convention will meet on the 11th inst, Aregular meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held yesterday, President Stewart in the chair, A communication was received from the Comptroller, stating that a mandamus, issued by the Supreme Court, had been served on him, di- recting him to pay over to the Commissioners of Records the sum of $61,009 04, for services ren- dered by them. Mr, Purdy offered a resolution ap- propriating that sum, which was adopted. The tax fevy was then taken up. Mr. Ely submitted a resolu- tion to the effect that the Committee on Annual Taxes be directed to confer with the Comptroller and heads of departments, with a view to as. certain whether the items cannot be reduced, Mr. Purdy remarked that he was ® mem- ber of the committee alluded to. He had al- ready undergone a good deal of labor, and did not desire any more work to be thrown upon his shoul- ders. Mr. Tweed said that he should not vote for the resolution. This “humbug” of reducing the tax levy is annually mooted, but always ends in “nothing.” After some discussion, » Special Committee was appointed to confer with the Com- mittee on Annual Taxes and the Comptroller, to ascertain what deductions can be made. Several small bills having been ordered to be paid, the Board adjourned to Friday next, at twelve o'clock. The Board of Aldermen did not mect last even- ing, a quorum not being present, in consequence of the members attending the funeral of the late General Lyon. The Board of Councilmen did not meet last even- ing, the members having taken part in the ob- sequies of General Lyon. The Board will meet on Thursday. The September term of the General Sessions commenced yesterday, Recorder Hoffman pre- siding. There were no cases ready for trial, and there not beinga quorum of Grand Jurors present, those who answered to their names were dis- charged till this (Tuesday) morning at ten o'clock. According to the City Inspector's report, there were 454 deaths in the city during the past week— ®@ decrease of 68 as compared with the mortality of the week previous, and 70 less than occurred during the corresponding week last year. The re- capitulation table gives 2 deaths of alcoholism, 1 of disease of the bones, joints, &c.; 91 of the brain and nerves, 3 of the gencrative organs, Il of the heart and blood vessels, 93 of the lungs, throat, &.; 5 of old age, 36 of diseases of the skin and eruptive fevers, 7 premature births, 166 of diseases of the stomach, bowels and other digestive organs; 21 of uncertain seat and general fevers, 16 of vio- lence, &c., and 2 of diseases of the urinary or- gans, There were 326 natives of the United States, 11 of England, 79 of Ireland, 28 of Germany, 3 of Scotland, and the balance of various foreign countries. ‘The excitement in the cotton market continued yester- day, while sales were active and prices wero higher. The transactions embraced about 5,000 bales, on the basis of 2134¢, for middling uplands, while any price under was refused by many holders. Flour, owing to light re- ceipts, was steady, with a fair domestic and export de- mand, while prices were unchanged. Wheat was firmer for good shipping lots, while sales were tolera bly active, chiefly for oxport. Corn was in good do- mand for the East and for export, aud closed 1c. per bushe} higher. Pork was firm, with sales of mess at $15 and prime at $10. Sugars were steady, with sales of 500 hhds. For stocks, &c., we refer to another column: Coffee was firin, with sales reported of 2,000 bags Rio, part within the range of Idec. a Lic. per ib, Grain freights were tolerably active to Liverpool, and to the Continent at unchanged rates, which were firm. Carrying the War into Africa—Cheering Prospects for the Union Cause. The heavy clouds which settled around our political horizon after the disastrous blunder at Manassas are breaking away, and East and West, and North and South, our political skies are brightening. The late brilliant achieve- ment of Commodore Stringham and General Butler on the coast of North Carolina is a heavy blow upon the rebels in their rear. It cannot fail to call their attention and to divert a considerable portion of their military forces to the defences of their extensive seacoast. This is carrying the war into Africa, according to that masterly policy of Scipio which saved the city and empire of Rome. We expect, too, that this policy will be fol- lowed up without delay in the occupation or reduction of various other military and cem- mercial points and places along the seaboard of the Carolinas and Georgia. Unless speedily put in a good defensive position, the numerous commercial towns and villages which line the shores of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds will be henceforward in great danger from our occu- pation of Hatteras Inlet; and the defence of said towns and villages aguinst our gunboats will probably require thes; attention of | some twenty-five or thirty thousand rebel troops. From this estimate the importance of this vic tory and occupation of Hatteras Inlet may be understood. Another snch victory or two on the South Carolina and Georgia seacoast will call for a hundred thousand men from the rebel forces in Virginia. General Fremont, menntime, giving a fr interpretation to the late Confiscation act of | Congress, has proceeded to carry the war into Africa in another form. He has declared Mis- | souri under martial Lu and that within that | State, while the other property of rebels is con- fiseated, their slaves are free. This bold stroke has no doubt created, or will c tense sensation, not only in Missouri, but throughout the slave States; and doubtless the rebel leaders will endeavor to magnify this proclamation as applicable to all the Southern States, and that the success of the government oause mustinevitably be the abolition of slavery throughout the South. We presume that the | insidious and industrious secession conspirators in loyal Kentucky will at once seize upon this | ediot of Fremont to drag their State in the morass of this rebellion. But we have no fear of the result. There will be an end this foolish position of neutradity which Kentucky has occupied, and, upon the simple re = between = the =~ government of Jeff. Davis and the government of the United States, we are quite sure that Kentucky will vindicate the patriotism and the high character of her people for political sagacity and com- mon sense, It has been manifest for some years past a Union or disnnion, slavery must recede fin | our border slave States before the accurutlat- ing, overflowing and irresistible pressure of our free white North, We cannot con- sult the statistics of the census trom 1880 to 1860 without coming to this conclusion, This yar may precipitate the work of the removal of to abor of the 'y from the border slave States, but that is all. Under the best conditions of & reign of ne result, a few y « been simply a ma! not follow that the cotton of Fremont’s proclama- shave inove or less, would of time. But it de States, since thi tion, can save thetr staves only in the establish: | ment of an independent conted: On the | contrary, we hold that the only chance of safety | to the institution of ery in the cotton | Sta a to the Union, and the better 1 to the pu, their lie below the latitudes adapted to free white labor, and free white labor, therefore, will never interfere with them in the Union. We cannot answer, however, for the conse- quences, should this war go on until the line of occupation of our federal armies shalt have been removed from the border slave States into the cotton States. In this event it is very probable that the slave population, from South Carolina to Texas, might become demoralized, worthless and revolutionary. But this danger may be averted by a seasonable return of the cotton States to the Union. But how can this be done? We answer that it can be done by the Union men of the revolted States rising to the rescue of their misguided brethren. We believe that even now a majority of the people of the cotton States are Union men, and we believe that the time has come when a move- ment on their part in favor of the Union would be crowned with the happiest results. To say no more, we think it can be said without hesi- tation, that if this war is continued beyond one season there will be an end of the cotton grow- ing monopoly of the South. If we are desirous of a short and decisive war for the Union, one great reason is that we do not wish to see the South and its peculiar institutions destroyed; and if the slaveholders of the cotton States are wise they will move without delay for their submission to the Union: The Union will save them; but otherwise who can aswer for the consequences? Newspaper Enterprise and Newspaper Progress. Certain of the daily journals of our city are greatly exercised of late, not only about the war, the country and the Cabinet, but also about their own and each other's affairs—seem- ing to know more of the latter than of the former. In fact they have goed reasons for being thus troubled and disturbed; for never have the fanatical abolition, the puritanically pious and the hypocrital secession journals been in such extreme straits as since the pre- sent war opened the eyes and quickened the sensibilities of the American people. Like a thunder storm, this war has rarified the air and has made it much too pure for a great many of our journalists. Political corruption, intrigues, prejudices, passions, malevolence and trickery are dead, and the journals which have lived upon political mire, like literary harpies, are dying with them. Let the dead bury their dead, while we take a glance at the moribund condition of those which have only a leg or so yet in the grave. The Tribune declares that the World is losing fifteen hundred dollars every week. The World returns the compliment by asserting that the Tribune is losing an equal amount ; and, be- coming statistical in its passion, it even investi- gates such microscopic matters as the number of the Tvibune’s advertisements, and declares that the Trine will shortly be compelled to curtail its dimensions, as it has already done its news, in order to reduce its expenses.- This is all very trne of the Tribune, but the World itself is in an equally bad way. Having lost two hundred thousand dollars in good bankable moncy, and about « million in second hand piety, sectarian bigotry, Sabbatarian legislation and advice to General Scott not to fight on Sun- day, it has at last been sold for a mere song to an indian rubber manufacturer, and it will henceforth be the organ of the india rabber merchants, with principles as elastic as the ma- terial which it represents, and which has proved its temporary salvation. From all accounts, the stockholders have been as badly sold as the paper, and the Courier and Enquirer, which was to have regenerated the World, only as- sisted and hastened its damnation, as the blind lead the blind into the nearest pit. The Times’ position is scarcely any better, and it seems to be an open question whether the World will next swallow the Times, in its present reduced The result will be the same in either case, and, as in the celebrated combat between the Kilkeany cats, nothing will be left to remind us of either party but a few scraps of waste paper, a bad pen or two, half a dozen defaced types and a tattered, dog-eared dictionary. Well, if the worst comes to the worst, the World men may turn religious ex- horters again, and the “little villain’’ of the Times may head his running brigade. and emu- late the illustrious General Price, as be did at form, er vice versa. | Solferino and Bull rua. As for the secession journals, avowed or dis- guised, the Day Book: has fuirly given np the ghost, and, as Mantillini threatened, has made a “dem'd, dead, disagreeable body” of itself. Tt will never have 4 resurrection. The Daily | News has lost all the fire and spirit which it possessed before the recent suppression of its issues by the United States police, and now indulges in only long, windy, philosophical upon pense, war, justice, essays merey | human nature, aucieft history and the con- stitution in general, and lottery policies in par- ticular, The Journal of Commerce has reduced its size to one which better represents the small. ness of its influence changed, or pretended to change, its principles, and has sent one of its | leading editors into the quict, tranquil seclusion of the country—for life. Thus reformed and, like the demonine of plure, new clothed and in its right mind, it 8 now kneeling at the fect of the Postmaster General and begging him to allow it to go through the United States mails, This request we suppose the ostmaster Gen- etal will grant, provided that the Journal's | present good conduct continues, and it does not backslide from its state of grace to its old, wicked courses again. Meanwhile the Henaro goes on successfully, and regards these newspaper wrecks as so many proofs of the ignorance, imbecility and want of intellect of those who attempt a profession for which Heaven never intended them. The Henan is the organ of no clique or party—re- ligious, secular or sectional—but of the whole people, and the whole people, therefore, sup- port and encourage it. Its circulation increases daily, and now numbers over one hundred thou- sand, sometimes rising to one hundred ani forty thousand sheets per day—more than that of all the other New York journals put together. Its advertising patronage is larger, in proportion to the times, than ever before, and greater than that of all the other papers in the city combined. To obtaia the earliest, fullest, most reliable and accurate intelligence, ii expends hundreds and thousands of dollars, excelling other journals not less in ifs expenditnres than in its ent Asa single instance of this—-and such instances are of daily occurrence-—we have but to refer to our very fail accounts, during the past few days, of the brilliant victory at rts of which accounts wer amas, Without a word of cotemporaries. Of the ten daily papers in ex- istence in this city when the Henan was started, twenty-six years ago, seven bave col- lapsed, and the remaining three, with those which have been attempted since, are in any- thing but an enviable condition. After forty years’ experience in and connection with jour- nalism, therefore, we find our would-be rivals and opponents dead or dying, while the Haran, greater and more prosperous than ever, goes steadily on to a prosperity even greater and more enduring. McCounn, tux Famovs Covonen.—The news- papers are making forcible use of the sentence of the court martial on Colonel McCunn, and of the withering reprimand administered to him by General McClellan. They all concur in regard- ing his punishment as deserved, and the example made of him as well calculated to pro- duce the best effects among our volunteer officers. Some think the sentence too mild for the offence, but what it is deficient ia is likely to be remedied by the efficers of the regiment. who haye called on him to resign—a request which we perceive he has complied with, All this shows the folly of basing any great national movement or effort on the ser- vices of low politicians. Mr. McCunn was originally 9 carpenter's apprentice, from which occupation he passed as an errand boy into a lawyer's office, where he acquired a smattering of the legal profession. By the force of im- pudence, and of his connection with Tammany Hall, he thrust himself into the important office of City Judge, thereby displacing one of the soundest criminal lawyers and most dignified magistrates that has ever occupied that posi- tion—Judge Russel. It is needless to say to those who have watched Mr. McCunn’s course on the bench, that it has only served to make the public appreciate still more highly the merits of his predecessor. Not content with the position thus gained, he aspired to win distinction in the military line. Through his Tammany connections ho got him- self elected colonel of a regiment, and his conduct in this capacity has been such as to justify the anticipations formed from his antece- dents, and to bring him under the strongly marked censure of his military superiors. Much as it is to be regretted that examples like this should have to be made in face of the enemy, their influence cannot fail to prove in the highest degree beneficial, not only among our volunteer officers, but among those who should control their appointment. The impn- dence and corruption that have _hith- erto given to Tammany a potential voice in such matters can never again exer cise the same sway over thom. With the outbreak of the present struggle the days of that and other similar profligate organizations were numbered. The war has demonstrated not only the mischief they have worked in the past, but the greater damoge they have sought to inflict on the country in the future, by thrusting into important military commands men utterly disqualified for them by their personal habits and training. Fresont’s PRrociamation.—There is a great deal of unnecessary trouble made about Gene- ral Fremont’s proclamation in Missouri, and discrepancies are discovered between the policy which he indicates for that State and what the government has laid down for Virginia. But the difference is only technical, and amounts to very little. Whether Le has acted upon his own discretion, or by the advice of the President and his Cabinet, remains to be seen. If he has acted on his own responsibility he is only carrying out the Confiscation act as far as the slaves are concerned; and as for putting to death those found in arms, that is also the law. Whether he will carry the latter out, or find it impracti- cable to do so, time will tell. As for the manu- mission of the slaves, that question will be set- tled by the constitution when the rebellion is put down. Meantime the government is groping its way in the dark. It has to deal with a formidable rebellion, and each general must be allowed more or less to meet it in hisown way. That man will probably be most successful who is the boldest. The rebellion must be put down by some means or another, else it will put us dewn, and if nothing else will do, even to proclaim the abolition of slavery would be legitimate. All is fair in war. The generals on both sides will do what they think “is most lilly to contrifute to success. A discretion is vested in the federal generals, and for its pru- dent exercise they are responsible to the government and the people. As to the ultimate consequences of the pro- clamation, it is useless to speculate. It mnakes little difference what General Fremont pro- claims or does not proclaim. Whathe does or omits to do is of far more importafiée, The re- bellion can only be put down by the sword, and proclamations can have very little in- fluence upon the result. As to any supposed effect the policy indicated in Genéral Fremont’s proclamation might have upon his own politic: 1 fortunes or aspirations, it is premature to enter upon such considerations at a time when no one knows what is to be the future of the country, General Fremont and the other generals must act according to circumstances and their own judgment, unless where otherwise ordered by the government. In their several districts or departments the civil law is superseded and mattial rule prevails; but when the struggle is over the constitution and the civil law will again resuie their sway, and the army and its generals will have to take thefr place in the background, Waar Wits, Kenrvcxy Do?—The proclama- tion of Fremont will bring the disaffection in Kentucky and all the border slave States to a crisis. It will either force her to take her stand fast in the Uniion, or it will drive her out, and that will be far better for the government than that she should continue in a state of neutrality, by which she is enabled to give aid and comfort to the enemy, and to obstruct the progress of onr arms, It is necessary to put an end to such humbug. General Anderson, himself a Ken. tuckian, is about to proceed from Cincinnati to assume the command of the federal troops in Kentucky, and that will also bring matters to a crists, The Legislature met yesterday, and will have to declare for or against the government- Ut is staied that the secessionists ave making their preparations to give complete resistance to the authority of the United States, and that they will probably force the Legislature to pass an erdinance of secession, after the same fashion as the Virginia secessionists at Richmond. Let them do so, Then we will find out where we stand, and Ker i stands. No 2 be neutral in thi icky will find ont whers she | . Prosrertry.—It is not often that we are able to get hold of any definite proofs of our social prosperity. There are no social trade circulars and bank reports, so we can seldom get at the statistics of the subject, and are generally limit- ed, therefore, to general statements and asser- tions. The number of visiters to our Central Park, on one of the bright days last week, how- ever, is a pretty good exponent and indication of the recent brilliant revival among all classes of society and of the effect of the growing con- fidence which inspires the public mind. Aceord- ing to the returns of the gate keepers, thirty- one thousand pedestrians, three hundred and eighty-cight equestrians, and two thousand and seventy-five earriages entered the Central Park last Saturday, for pleasure, walking, riding or driving. Consider, now, the amount of wealth necessary to support these equi pages and horses, and you can form some idea of the c of ow city. Indeed, remembering that we are in the midst of a great war, every pedestrian who sought pleasure and relaxation there was @ walking proof of the revival in our business and social interests, Indeed, go where you will, the same evi- dences of prosperity may be found. Trade is reviving, and manufactories are resuming wort. Orders are beginning to veach our merchants, and the wheels within wheels of our commer. cial machinery are once more in motion. The people everywhere have confidence in the administration and in its great journaliste- Strangers who come to New York, thinking te see a desolate city or a military garrison, and, like Grantley Berkeley, to find grass growing im our streets, are surprised to see here the usual activity, bustle, energy and hard work, the same hum and burry of business, the same crush of heavily loaded vehicles as of old. New York is itself once more, and will soon be busier than ever. This revival in business of course brightens up our social circles. The number of visiters to the Central Park is a proof of that, and the number of parties, hops, bulls and soirces im contemplation at private residences, at our principal hotels and at our assembly rooms, are other indications of the same fact. Our places of amusement are well attended, and those about to open next week have the very fairest of auspices and will undoubtedly succeed. Where is Ull- man or Muzio? The people want not only their cakes and ale, but also their Opera. If either of these semi-military directors—the Napoleon and Garibaldi of the coulisses— will open the campaign this fall, with the motto “better q full honse at fifty cents than an empty one at five dollars per head,” we will insure his success. Fifty ecnts will pay, and the people will pay it. Why not try the thing” Ullman, Muzio, or any other suanager? ‘Then’ with our theatres and opera houses open, our social festivities to cheer us, our usual country friends to visit us, and daily reports of suck victories as that at Hatteras Inlet. to encourage us, there is no earthly reason why this winter should not be the gayest and most brilliant New York has yet seen. Get yourselves in position, gentlemen. We are not all dead or ruined yet, by a great deal. Prisoners ror Exonance.—Fortunately, by the recent victory at Hatteras Inlet, nearly as many prisoners of the enemy have been cap- tured as were taken of our troops at Bull run: They are now here, and they ought to be ex- changed immediately for those at Richmond» man for man, rank for rank. As the rebels have no officer of ours ranking so high ase Commodore, we will have to keep Barron ; and as we have caught no member of Congress to give in exchange for Ely, we must let him remain where he is. We would not think ef giving Commodore Barron for him, for Ely is only a politician of that school which has brought all the trouble upon us, and he is not worth even a drummer boy. We hope the rebels will hold him fast to the end of the war. He had no business at Bullrun. As for Barron, he deserted his colors, and is as bad as the worst . but he is worth 4 dozen like Ely, and we not give him up. Retaining Barron, therefore, the government ought to exchange all the rest, for they would be gainers by the transaction, The gallant men of the Sixty-ninth and of the other regiments, prisoners .at Richmond, are certainly better soldiers than those captured at Hatteras, whose fighting did not reflect much credit upon the Southern flag. Give us our own again. They areof more value to us than the Southrons. Tu Secessionisr Journacs In THE Nortit.— Among the papers found on the rebel agent Grove, who was arrested on Saturday in Brook- lyn, were letters to parties in the South, en- closing extracts from the Day Book, Daily News, Journal of Commerce and Brooklyn Eagle. This shows, not only how extensive are the ramifica- tions of treason among us, but how necessasy it is for government to promptly suppress sueh sheets as give aid and comfort to the rebels The distoyal sentiments uttered by these jour. nals are made use of at the South to persuade the lukewarm and wavering that the North is divided on the question of prosecuting the war: To permié the circulation of such false and malignant statements would be to destroy the hopes that are entertained of a reaction among the oppressed and deluded populations of the seceded States. It is the duty of the authori- ties, therefore, to lay the strong hand on all publications following so traitorous and wicked @ course, Wuorzsate Conriscation or Rese. Surrree Interests—The Surveyor of the Port has seized some twenty-five vessels now lying here which are partly owned at the South. The fié- teen days grace allowed by the President's pro- clamation were unaccountably suffered to ex~ pire by those interested in them without any steps being taken to secure themselves. Sudéh shares as can be proved to belong to Southern owners will, of course, be confiscaied to the profit of the government. The value of them will amount, when sold, to several hundred thousand dollars. This, with the sums seized in transitu through the North, will make an item in the per contra side of our war expendi- ture. The government has only to continne to exercise the same vigilance and energy as wad exhibited in this case to make the property of the rebels speedily contribute towards the re- imbursement of the immense sums that they have robbed us of. Health of Hon, David Wilmot. PurnsDRLrnta, Sopt. 2, 1862 ‘The report that Fon. David ¥ polessly iat ct. Ale s that he is much etior, nay