The New York Herald Newspaper, December 29, 1861, Page 4

NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, OFFICE N, W. OORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU 873, ‘Volume XXVi... NIBLO'S GARDEN, Broadway.—Pror. Hernwany, WINTER GARDEN, Broadway.-Laxxs or Ki.anney— Pars BLUNDERS—Madic JOKE, WALLACK'S THEATRE, No, 844 Broadway,—Sae Stoops 70 CONQUER, LAURA KEENE’S THEATRE, Broadway.—Lirti: Tox— Rosinson Crusoe. NEW BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Herxx, tax Hun- TAR—MAGIC BARREL —JOHN JON BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Sticeyey's Nationat Cincos. BARNUM’S AMERICAN MUSEUM, Broadway.—Day and Brening —Onpiwa—Hirrororanvs, Wuate, ann Oruen Cu- BRYANTS' MIN{ Biers Mechanics’ Hall, way.—Us Bato * Masci ema " vere 12: OOLEY’S MINSTRELS, Stu: it Institute, No. fway.—Remorian Sowas, Daxcks, a. NO 6 NIBLO'S SALOON, Broadway.—! Rungens—Afternounand evenings; ee PamIEY Bent MELODEON CONCERT ILALE, No, 589 Broadway.— Sonas, Dances, Bumiusaves, keeiticouueea ey CANTERBURY MUSIC HA 585 Broadway.—Som Danors, Burtxsguas, £c.—Mons. ROMALUAEAT, 7 AIRTIES CONCERT ROOM, 616 Broadway,— nou Erventdionae Boone $e Broedray = Daswixo AMERICAN MUSIC HALL, Son Lars, PANTOMINES, £0.—Seaxriets nay SONGS, Bate METROPOLITAN CONCERT HA! 00 Broadway.— ‘Bones, Dances, Fancrs, Buatzsaurs, roa i CRYSTAL PALACE CONCERT H. No, 45 Bor js Bonixsques, Sonas, Muxors, oncue Por Pe, Bits PARISIAN CABINET OF WONDER! Broadway.— Open daily from 10.4. M. til 9 P. M. aoe — NATIONAL MUSIC HALL, Chatham street.—Boatzs- ques, Sonos, Dances, &o. NOVELTY MUSIC il ‘5 eee HALL, 616 Broadway.—Boresqurs, iw York, Sunday, December 29, 1861. THE SITUATION. All prospects of a war with England are brought ‘to an ond by the decision of the Cabinet to surren- or the persons of Messrs. Mason and Slidell to the protection of the British flag, from under which they were taken by Commander Wilkes. Mr. Sew- ard, in the masterly document he has addressed to Lord Lyons, and in the sagacious instructions he transmitted to our Minister in London, an the 30th of November last, upon this subject, has taken Bo clear, comprehensive and unobjectionable 8 view of the entire affair, its legal bearings and the position which this country has always as- eumed upon the question of neutral rights, as to deave no point open for cavil, either at home or with foreign governments. This difficulty being settled, the government now finds itself free and unembarrassed to carry out with energy its cru- sade against the Southern rebellion, which Mr. Boward declares can be crushed out within ninety days after the hopes of recognition by foreign Powers are extinguished. The result is {ooked upon in Washington with the utmost satis- faction, as depriving the rebels of much strength which they would certainly have acquired in case of a war with England and France, and also asa comptete vindication of American policy es- tablished by Madison, and since always resolutely contended for. At the dinner given yesterday by the Secretary of State to the diplomatic corps, the termination of the difficulty was the subject of uni- versal congratulation. There is nothing of importance to report from the army of the Potomac. General McClellan is fully reatored to health. No official information ‘was received of any action in Kentucky; but from other sources we learn that 60,000 men, the ad- ‘vanoe of General Buell’s command, have crossed Green river, and are within five miles of the rebel General Hindman’s advance posts. A battle is therefore looked for in a short time. The British steamer Gladiator, about whose mis- sion we have before informed our readers, was at Nassau, New Providence, on the 16th inst., loaded with arms for the rebels, and was lying beside the United States gunboat Flambeau, who was watch- ing her movements. The government officials there, however, had declined to furnish coal to the Flambeau, while the Gladiator was abundantly supplied. As both vessels were constantly keep- ing steam up, and thus consuming their fuel, it was Consequently a matter of time between them whether the Gladiator would make good her escapo—the odds, of course, being greatly in her favor. Our European files by the Nova Scotian, dated onthe 12th of December—one day later—contain ® continuation of the narrative relating to the progress of the war excitement in England, as well as the general agitation tation produced by the Trent seizure affair, in a series of articles which we publish in the Heratp this morning. The editorial of the London Post— the government organ of Great Britain—in which the hopes of England, regarding the consequences of a war with the United States are portrayed, is very important. The London Army and Navy Gazette of the 7th instant says:—As soon as the fleet [North Ameri- can) under Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, K. C. B., is likely to be employed on active ser- vice, @ junior flag officer will be nominated to serve under Sir Alexander; but, up to last even- ing, nothing in this respect was decided at the Admiralty. The same paper adds:—Various incorrect re- ports have been circulated respecting the regi- ments supposed to be under orders for Canada. The only battalions at present under orders are the First of the Rifle brigade and the First of the Sixteenth. No doubt more will follow as soon as transport can be obtained and the course of the American government is more decidedly apparent. The brigade of Guards next for foreign service Consists of the First battalion Grenadier Guards, now at the Tower; Second battalion Coldstreams, and Second battalion Scots Fusiliers, both at Wel- lington barracks, The result.of the negotiations at Washington on the Trent affair will, however, make a conside rable change in all these movements. MISCELLANEOUS NEWSs, By the arrival of the steamer Karnak at this port yesterday we have advices from Havana to the 2let, and from Nasean, N. P., to the 23d inst, The general news from Havana is unimportant. The city was healthy, and business dull, At Nassau the rebel steamers Isabel and Gordon were in port, SEW YORK HERA nett eta i A n= ta LE Rt A A —_ LD, SUNDAY, DEVEMBIR 35, 507. closely watched by the United States gunboat Flambeau. The British steamship Gladiator was also in port, and would sail soon for England. There was a report at Havana when the Karnak sailed, of an outbreak at the city of St. Domingo against ex-President Santana. It was said to have been quite serious, and that many lives were lost A party from the country endeavored to aid the revolted citizens, but were prevented by a Spanish force sent out against them, ‘The grant to the Great Belt Railroad Company was confirmed by the Board of Aldermen last even- ing. More than two hours were frittered away in most useless conversation and badinage on unim- portant ers in order to pass the time until the paper was acted upon by the Councilmen. When it reached the Aldermen all debate was cut off by @ call for the previous question, and the grant was passed under protest from Aldermen Dayton, Fro- ment, Bagley and Barry. The proceedings in the Board of Councilmen last evening were very important, as will be seen by our report elsewhere, A petition of the Cen- tral Park, North and East River Railroad Com- pany, to which was appended a series of resolu- tions granting them the privilege of constructing and running a railroad through South and West streets and various other streets was sprung upon the Board, and, after an exciting de! , they were adopted by a vote of thirteen to ten. Mr. Orton and other members asserted that the franchise was worth a million of dollars. The resolutions were taken into the other Board before the reporters had time to copy them. An injunction was served upon the Committee on Markets, prohibiting them from taking action upon the Gansevoort property measure, and the opinion of the Corporation Counsel requested as to its validity. A smaller swindling operation was then put through, which ‘was concurrence with the Aldermen in making the Times and World Corporation papers. Some little trouble was expected in Canada— from the fact that part of the militia were French and part British Canadians—relative to the word of command. It was decided, however, that Eng- lish only should be used, to prevent confusion of orders. George A. Crawford, the Governor elect of Kansas, has submitted to Charles Robinson, the present Executive, a proposition to carry their re- spective claims to the office before the Supreme Court, and to abide by ita decision. The party that elected Mr. Crawford contend that under the constitution Mr. Robinson’s term expires on the Ist of January, while the latter gentleman is of opinion that the law empowers him to hold on for another year. The ‘‘downtrodden” people of Maryland appear to elicit the strongest sympathies of the members of the Virginia Legislature. Strange that the citi- zens of that State ‘‘can’t see it.’” Three Wisconsin regiments of infantry and two cavalry companies and 8 battery from Minnesota have been ordered to reinforce Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The smaller class of vessels continue to pass up and down the Potomac, transporting government stores, with very little molestation by the rebel batteries. Powder is scarce, and they cannot afford to waste it on schooners and steam ferryboats. Free and easy concert saloons, on the Broadway plan, have been introduced in Alexandria, Va. The Provost Marshal will give them his attention ina few days. Hugh Adrian, a private of Company F, Sixtieh regiment New York, died on the 22d inst., of typhoid fever, at the United States Army Hospital, Baltimore. His remains reached this city on the 24th inst. A brigade of the New Jersey militia paraded on the 26th inst., in Trenton. The brigade was com- posed of three regiments, numbering over four thousand men. Skating was resumed yesterday onthe ponds around Central Park and in the neighborhood of Harlem. The ice in the park itself was not ina fit condition to allow skating thereon, and may not be for some days yet. : Recorder Hoffman passed a number of sentences yesterday in the General Sessions. Among the prisoners was Thomas Reynolds, who, on being convicted of murder in the second degree, was sen- tenced to imprisonment for life in the State prison. On Friday the North river steamers New World and Isaac Newton had not yet been extricated from their perilous positions, but it was thought that they would be saved in a day or two. The colton market opened dull yesterday forenoon and without animation, but after the receipt of the’ now, from Washington it assumed greater firmnoss. The sales embraced about 400 bales, closing chiefly at 8630. for middling uplands, witb little or nono to be had under 87c. It was reported that a large proportion of the orders not long since sent to Liverpool wore not executed, the parties declining to make the purcbasea and shipmonts to this country without the cash in hand. The flour market was firmer, with rather more doing, while prices were in the main unchanged. Wheat was firm at the full prices of the previous day, while sales wore moderate. Corn was heavy early in the day, but became more active towards the close of ’Change, and at an advance of le. per bushel in prices, with increased sales. Pork was heavy, with moderate sales of old and new mess, at $8 9 $0 50 for old and new. Sugars were firm, and sales of 200 a 300 hhds. Cuba and 150 do. melado were made at full prices. Coffee was quiet and sales unimportant. Freights were quitesteady, with a fair amount of engagements at full prices. The Settlement of the Trent Question— The Admirable Attitude of Our Govern- ment. The important event which, a week ago, we foreshadowed and vindicated to our readers, is now a matter of history. The ultimatum of England upon the Trent affair, involving the restoration of our rebel emissaries—Mason, Sli- dell, MacFarland and Eustis—to the protection of the British flag, has been acceded to, and the clouds of a foreign war which were gathering, flashing and muttering in our eastern horizon have vanished as suddenly as the mimic thun- ders and lightnings of the stage. The official correspondence, facts and argu- ments on both sides are before our readers. The record of our government is clear, consist- ent and satisfactory. Mr. Seward has dis- charged his duty in this matter with eminent ability, sagacity, dignity and decorum. In the very outset, it will be observed, he has antici- pated the requisitions of Earl Russell, recog- nized the irregularity of the act of Captain Wilkes, and opened wide the door to an amica- ble settlement. By a happy and very remarka- ble coincidence, it appears that on the very same day, the 30th of November, while Earl Rusgell, in London, was fulminating his alterna- tive of war, our Secretary of State, in Washing- ton, was engaged in preparing for Mr. Adams an olive branch of peace, Exasperated by the highly colored report of the Trent affair made by Commander Williams, of the Royal Navy, Earl Russell doubtless experienced some difficulty in restraining himself within the bounds of diplomatic equanimity; while Mr. Seward, with the report of the cool, experienced and reliable Captain Wilkes before him, proceeded to his task of conciliation calm as a summer’s morn- ing. Had the Atlantic cable been in success- ful operation on the 0th of November last, Mr. Seward’s despatch to Mr. Adams of that day would have prevented all that unseemly, unsea- sonable and discreditable warlike furor which, from the failure of the Atlantic telegraph, has been running away with the common sense and sobriety of the leading journals and politicians of England. Fortified, however, as Mr. Seward is by that calm and conciliatory despatch of the 30th of November, he stands before our loyal American people free from any reproach of having compromised the national honor or dignity in the surrender of Mason, Slidell and their attaches back to the protection of England. In advance of any demand he recognises the irregularity of their seizure, and the readiness of our government for reparation. Our Se- cretary ofthe Navy, in his annual report to Congress, takes substantially the same ground; and if the President, in his annual Message, is silent upon the subject, he is manifestly so from considerations of prudence and propriety, in view of a peaceable arrangement. In his despatch to Lord Lyons of November 30, Earl Russell denounces the seizure of Mason, Slidell, MacFarland and Eustis, by Captain Wilkes, as “an aet of violence which was an affront to the British flag and a violation of in- ternational law,” and says that the only redress which can satisfy the British nation will be “the liberation of the four gentlemen, and their de- livery to your lordship, in order that they may again be placed under British protection, and a suitable apology for the aggressien which has been committed.” This is the case as presented by Earl Russell. He states the offence commit- ted and the reparation required; and if these terms are not offered by Mr. Seward Lord Lyons is to propose them to him. It is there. fore but simple justice to Earl Russell to say that, while this ultimatum involves the alterna- tive of war, the manner in which it is presented indicates a desire for peace. Mr. Seward, in his elaborate and learned reply, covers all the nice legal distinctions: doubts and difficulties bearing upon the subject. He approves the patriotic and generous mo- tives which governed the conduct of Captain Wilkes, and shows how very difficult it would have been on his part to meet the exact re- quirements of international law, when there is no fixed or generally recognized law in refe- rence to such cases as this of the Trent. Upon the main question—the restitution of the rebel emissaries concerned to British protection—the apology of Mx Seward, which will doubtles§ be satisfactory to England, will surely be ac” ceptable to the loyal people of the United States. He says:—“If I decide this case in favor of my own government, I must disavow its most cherished principles, and reverse and forever abandon its essential policy.” He says that “the country cannot af- ford thie sacrifice. If I maintain those principles and adhere to that policy, I must surrender the case itself.” He cannot, therefore, deny the claim presented, because “we are here asked to do to the British nation just what we have always insisted all nations ought to do to us.” Coulda more comprehen- sive apology than this be demanded by Eng- land, or could a more satisfactory vindication be desired by the American people? If any doubt of the wisdom or propriety of this settlement of the Trent difficulty still lingers in the mind of the intelligent American reader, jealous of the honor and dignity of his country, that doubt will be dissipated with the reading of the despatch of M. Thouvenel, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the French government, to M. Mercier, the French Ambassador at Wash- ington. This despatch comes from a friendly Power, and its object is to dissuade our government from assuming a position on this Trent question which may forfeit the sympathies of France. Thus, in yielding to the demands of England, we not only secure her nev- trality in the matter of this Southern rebellion beyond the reach of quibble or pretext, but in maintaining our old ground we secure the sympa- thy and good will of France, and of all the oth- er continental nations which have heretofore contended with us against England for the rights of neutrals against a belligerent maritime despotism. Returning to Mr. Seward’s despatch of No- vember 30, he says therein to Mr. Adams:— “You spoke the simple fact when you told him (Lord Palmerston) that the life of this insurrec- tion is maintained by its hopes of recognition in England and France,” and that “it would perish in ninety days if these hopes should cease.” That all such hopes must now be relinquished is abundantly manifest. England is henceforth debarred from intervention in behalf of this in- surrection; France has no sympathy for it, and it must now stand or fall upon its own re- sources. They are nearly exhausted, and we have only now to push forward our fleets and armies in order to bring this beleaguered insur- rection to a general dissolution within ninety days. Accordingly, we congratulate our loyal people upon this settlement of the Trent ques- tion, and that it is settled to the credit of our government, and upon its own doctrines ofneu- tral maritime rights. ExrortaTion or Live Oak.—We perceive that rather extensive shipments of ship timber to foreign countries are now going forward. As the principal live oak region is now in the hands of the rebels, it is a matter for the con- sideration of the government whether it will permit any further exports from the North- ern region till we have regained possession of the soil where live oak grows. We trust that may be soon; but the government ought | to be satisfied that it will have a sufficient sup- ply for its own purposes, or elso it ought to atop all shipments for the present. The English Peace Party. We published yesterday an address by the Rey. Newman Hall, a clergyman of some celebri- ty in London, on the affair of the Trent, and the warlike attitude of England towards the United States. Mr. Hall is, be it known, one of the peace party in England, and represents pretty fuirly the general feeling of that section of the community, His argument against Great Bri- tain and the United States going to war because of the alleged affront to the British flag is sen- sible and impartial, and he does not hesitate to rebuke the angry passions of those who clamor for war. Some people, he tells his audience, seem to imagine that Britannia has a right to rule the waves; that the ocean is her freehold; that she may do what she pleases there, and that other nations must not be allowed to act in 9 manner which she considers quite justifiable in herself; and he very properly stigmatizes the sentiment as unjust and monstrous. He also deprecates the idea of England taking advan- tage of the present position of this country, and finds @ parallel in the case of two qnen fighting, one of whom, for some reason, shakes his fist at a third party. Would it be brave, he asked, for the latter at once to fight him? No; bravery would say, “Wait a bit, my fine fellow; you've enough on your hands at present. I’m too much of a man to accept your challenge just now. Finish af fairs with your antagonist first—two at once isn’t fair.” He scouts the idea of fighting under any circumstances, and says that, supposing arbitration to fail, there would be the third alternative of forgiveness; and this last he strenuously advocates, professing himself utter- ly astonished at the widely entertained opinion that England must have either redress or re- taliation. He recommends conciliation, and points to the exultation which the enemies of liberty would feel at seeing the two great champions of human freedom contending with each other, and the British fiag dishonored by floating side by side with that of » confederacy of slaveholders; and he concludes by saying, “We will have no war with America”—a pro- phecy which he will find true, but owing in no respect to his own instrumentality. The efforts of the gentleman in question are well intentioned; but his arguments would have availed as little in preventing a war between this country and England as those of Mr- John Bright and his colleagues with regard to Russia, before the commencement of the Crimean war. It will be remembered that these gentlemen went on a special mis- sion, as delegates of the peace party in England, to the Emperor Nicholas, and urged upon him the avoidance of a war with Great Britain, picturing, of course, al} the hor- rors which inevitably arise from a conflict so gigantic. The Emperor told them he was quite in favor of “peace, but of course the conditions were not to be overlooked. The peace party returned to England without making any im- pression upon the Czar, whose desire for peace and willingness to fight they could hardly re- concile. Yet there are people who think mes- sengers of peace are to be found in such men as Mr. Bright and the disciples of Christianity. They think that a few missionaries sent into the midst of the hostile New Zealanders would pro- cure peace; and they think many other things on the subject which history has abundantly falsified. What did the missionaries do in India before and during the mutiny to bring peace? It has yet to be learned that the only messen- gers of peace are rifled hundred pounders. It is evident that with all our civilization security is only to be purchased by strength, and that the nation whose peace is least endangered is that which is best prepared to defend itself and punish others. Arguments are impotent unless backed by cannon. Tae InpicrMENT QuASHED IN THE AFFAIR oF Mason anp Stmett.—lIn this case the Uni. ted States are in the position of plaintiff and the British government, a neutral Pow- er, defendant. The indictment against the Britigh government is that a vessel bearing it® flag violated the laws of neutrality by carrying four emissaries of the enemy. There is a flaw in the indictment, and it must be quashed ; but the offence remains. The merits of the case are substantially with the American government: The technicality is in favor of the offender. The Trent ought to have been taken to port, and been adjudicated upon by a court of admi- ralty, instead of Captain Wilkes making an adjudication himself, which compromised the case, by foregoing his right to a prize and taking only the “ contrabands,” from a mistaken deli- ea¢y and generosity, which could not be ap- preciated by the obtuse intellect of John Bull. In this Captain wilkes acted irregularly, as was intimated to him by the Secretary of the Navy. He ought to have captured the vessel, and taken her into port, where she would have been con demned. Surely the British government and the owners of the Trent might have forgiven this wrong. As it is technically called in law, it was an “error of procedure,” which does not affect the merits of the case; and, though there- fore Mason and Slidell must be discharged on the ground of the “irregularity” of the circum- stances attending their arrest, the guilt of the Trent remains unchanged, though unfortunate- ly, from the peculiarity of maritime law, she cannot be seized for the offence after the voyage is performed. In cases of contraband the ves- sel committing the offence must be taken in the act, flagrante delicto, and not afterwards. If she commits an offence of the same nature in fu- ture Captain Wilkes, or whatever other officer of the United States Navy may arrest her, will know what to do. Tae Skatixe Season.—Christmas has ushered in the skating carnival, and thousands of those who take delight in the glorious rush of the gliding steel over an icy surface are now to be seen daily in the full enjoyment of what its most devoted admirers call the poetry of motion. The ponds in the Central Park, Wil- liamsburg, Brooklyn and other places present scenes of pleasure, gayety and peal peeps A rar: ation which are positively refreshing to witness. There is a smile on nearly every face, and joy seems universal, unless, perhaps, at certain moments when some unlucky novice loses what is very necessary in skating—his equilibrium. But even accidents of this description, if not serious—and they seldom are—only add to the general mirth. It is pleasant to see young men and women mingled in a gay and swiftly circu- lating crowd, to listen to their laughter, and | watch the skilful movements of the accomplished skater and the timid attempts of unpracticed feet; but it is a luxury to be one of the gliding throng, and to feel the glow of health which the exercise imparts. One feels for the time being more like a bird on the wing than a sedate citizen, accustomed usually to walk, instead of skim. To the juvenile portion of the community, now absent from school during the holidays, the advent of the skating season must be especially welcome, and tend very much to realize their ideas of “a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.” The sleighing time is not far off, and then we shall have another of the pleasures which we find in the lap of winter. Depressing News for the Rebels. The newspapers and public men in the South exulted beyond measure when the news of the seizure of Mason and Slidell reached them, be- cause they saw in it the first step to an ineyi- table war between the United States and Great Britain, with which they connected the raising of the Southern blockade, the application by England of a similar act of war to our own ports, and the assured success of the rebellion. All these very pleasant calculations have, unfortu- nately for the rebels, been spoiled by the sen- sible act of the administration in surrendering Mason, Slidell and their secretaries; and of course the news of that act will produce de- pression in the South corresponding with thelr previous elation. It is something which they did not calculate upon, as will be seen by the few following extracts. The Richmond Examiner of a recent date argues itselfinto blissful hopes in this way:— ‘The United States cau do absolutely nothing but refuse the demands of Great Britain, and abide the consequences will bag be — . ic rupture; . i cae. his ae on ar Mr. Tae will haa are Renae the ports and islands. Tale ane tail be colo From these two events. The reasoning appears pretty good, provided the premises were correct; but therein lies all the difficulty. The government of the United States did not consider itself bound to consult rebel opinions or follow rebel advice on the subject of the Trent difficulty, but acted on its own views of what was best for the national in- terests. And, therefore, we are to have no “diplomatic rupture,” no “ immediate recogni> tion of the Southern confederacy,” and no war to be “ evolved from these two events.” The Richmond Enquirer was equally jubilant with its contemporary over the Trent difficulty, saying :— of ‘the nrinistors bave been in full accordance with tle ie. dignatign of the people, and tho fullest and broadest de- mand has been made for immediate and adequate spony and roparation. We will not disturb the eloquence of suc! facts by words of comment. We will only say, well done, Jobn Bull. Overbearing you sometimes are, but crayen never. France, too, it seems, echoos the British indigna- tion, and will support her action. Vive Napoleon ! The Richmond Dispatch follows suit. Argu- ing upon the likelihood of an immediate battle on a grand scale, it says :— ‘The appearance of England on the field of strife would have @ decided influence on the contest. Th#Yrst effect of the Imbroglio, even if it should not result in war be- tween that country and the North, must bé to precipitate the latter in whatever action it may have been preparing against the South during the last few months of busy activity. The Memphis Appeal also undertakes to de- cide the question for the government, and de- clares its opinion that the action of the federal government will engender such a state of senti- ment in France and England as to secure the speedy recognition of Southern independence. The views taken by the newspapers were also those that found favor with prominent rebels, including Mr. Jefferson Davis himself and Mr. Charles J. Faulkner, recently our representa- tive at Paris. One of our correspondents imputes to Davis the following language on this subject :— ‘You may depend apon it, gentlemen, sland feels this insult more oak than has yet ay . The English lion is onl; gpg ea has not yet begun to roar, There will be no y feither at London or at Washing- ton, when it comes to that. Ihave no idea that Mr. Lin- coln’s government will yield, however, to the demands of Eng. land. The entire Northern press bas aj of Captain Wilkes. Mr. Cushing, Mr. Cass an@ several other eminent Northern statesmen have taken the trouble to write and print letters to prove that Captain Wilkes did right aad that his act is entirely justifiable by the laws nations. So far as we can learn, there is but one senti- ment throughout the infatuated North, and that is that our envoys must be held, and that to yield them up will cover the North with disgrace. I cannot believe that Mr. Seward will be willing to stand the storm of oxecra- tion that will fall [cle head if he releases our ambas- ‘sadors and places t! once more the English flag. War, then, wtth war between the Northern States by ti land, France, the Union armi Mr. Faulkner also took the position, in a pub- lic gpeech made by him in Richmond the other day, that if Mr. Lincoln receded from the pre- gent status in the Mason and Slidell affair the furious abolition sentiment would overwhelm him; and ifhe did not, they would be involved in a war with England. If there were any doubt as to the propriety of the course of the administration in surren- dering Mason, Slidell & Co., these outpourings from rebel sources would be more than suffi- cient to dispel such doubt. Serriement ov THE Trent Drericvty—Fa- VoRABLE Erect oN THE Pusiic Minp.—The de- cision arrived at by the government to restore Mason, Slidell & Co. to the British authorities had a very marked and favorable effect on the public mind in this city yesterday. It removed @ load of care from men’s spirits, and restored a degree of elasticity which was noticeable in every department of trade. The public pulse beat more evenly than it had done for the last five or six weeks. The Stock Exchange felt the influence, and gave evidence of it inan advance in the price of government securities and a general movement in stocks. Even those who held that the action of Commodore Wilkes was legal and justifiable felt gratified that the ad- ministration entertained a somewhat different idea, and that it found a mode of postponing war without subjecting the nation to humiliation and disgrace. Now that this trouble has passed over, let us look forward with confidence to a speedy throttling of the rebellion. , BROOKLYN ACADEMY oF Music.—‘‘ Damon and Pythias was given last night, to another excellent house, Mr. Da venport and Mr. J. W. Wallack in the principal char. acters. The piece was admirably played, and at its close Mr. Davenport was called before the curtain and com- pelled to make a speech, He thanked the audience, in the name of Mr. Jarrett and the company, for the gen- erous favor which they had bestowed from the com- mencement on their humble efforts. It was a source of pride to them that they had been the first to inaugu- tate the drama in that noble building, and they only re- gretted that other engagemonis provented them from continuing relations which had proved so pleasant and profitable, At an early period, however, they hoped to ‘vo able to return and avail themselves of the kind dispo. sition that had been manifested towards them. This brief address was euthusiastically cheered, the audience testifying, by the heartinese of their applause, the ploasure they had derived from Mr. Davenport's per formance. Tobin's fine old comedy of “The Honey moon’ followed, and was excellently played, Movements of General Scott. During the whole of yesterday General Scott remained _ He was secluded in his lodgings at the Brovoort House. visited during the day by several distinguished who wore anxious to pay their devoirs to the 5s fessrs. Hamilton Fish, Wm. tre Oe ae Ws Beccman, charles 3. Baker aud others. It is hot now probable that the Genoral will leave the city before tho latter part of next week. IMPORTANT FROM MISSOURI. GEN. HAILLECK ON THE CONTRABAND QUESTION. Sr. Lous, Mo., Deo. 26, 1861. The logal condition of the nogroos discharged yesterday by order of the Provost Marshal is in no wise changed. ‘They are only freed from confinement and sale on the Presumption that they are slaves. General Halleck says that this order will not debar any one from enforcing his logal rights to the services of these negroes. Such rights, if any exist,can be enforced through the loyal oivil tri- Dunals of the State, whose mandates will always bo duly respected by the military authorities of this department. Military officers cannot decide upon the rights of proper- ty or claims to service, except so far as may be autho- rized by the laws of war or acts of Congress. When notso authorized they will avoid all interference with such questions. NEWS FROM THE SOUTH. Fortress Monror, Dec. 27, 1861. A flag of truce this morning took to Craney Island Rey+ Mr. Brown, a rebel chaplain, anda lady, No passengers wore brought down. General Burnside is expected to arrive here to-morrow, to consult with General Wool and Commodore Golds- borough in relation to his contemplated movements. Considerable excitement prevails at Yorktown, Va., im anticipation of an attack, All the sick were removed om the 21st, by order of General Magruder. The publication of the Norfolk Day Book was suspended yesterday, for the want of a supply of paper. A copy of to-day’s issue was brought down by the flag of truce, from which we extract @ despatch dated ‘Augusta, Ga., De- comber 26, which says that a passenger and freight car collided about one mile from there on that afternoom, ‘Three persons had received broken legs and several horses were killed. 3 . The Norfolk Day Book says that Winans’ steamer came into the Roads on Wednesday, and was still there yester- day. The Keystone State was perhaps mistaken for the Winans. ‘The Norfolk Day Book learns that General Seott had ar rived in New York; that he left England at the reques of the English authorities, and that they were about te declare war against the United States. A despatch dated Nashville, the 25th, says that Tom: Crittenden, with 12,000 men, was within forty miles of Hopkinsville, and would advance upon that place at three poimts. The Southern rights citizens there are sending their families and stock to the South. ‘The banking house, a branch of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, at Glasgow, was taken possession of by the rebels on the 24th. Only $7,000 in Kentucky bills were found. John G. Davis,a member of the Union Congress from. the Seventh district of Indiana, has arrived at Hopkise. ville, on his way to Richmond, but for what purpose it ie Bot stated. Aforce of not less than sixty thousand men, the a@- vance of Gen, Buell’s Union army, has crossed Green river, and is within five miles of General Hindman's advance, Great preparations haye been made for the defence of Bowling Green, which show a terrible conflict to be im- pending. CONDITION OF THE REBELS AT NEW ORLEANS. ‘From the Boston Transcript.} We publish below some extratts from a letter written by & merchant transacting business in New Orleans, whore he resides. ‘The lettor is dated the 12th inst. It Si— Yihree large steamers have run the blockade the pas® week: and have taken full cargoes of cotton. Schooners are leaving for Havana nearly every day. The of Mr. Lincoln came through by express, and Berg lished in an extra, There are over four hundred cannon mounted in the fortifications defending the city. We have over thirty thous: nd (?) troops, and expect twenty id more No. dintrena,cciata among the classes tm fo exists even Ror'by the free the city, as they are well provided market.’ 3 ‘Houses are selling for thirty per cont more than for. merly. Bank and other are also advancing. The banks will declare larger dividends than usual. There are over $20,000,000 on deposit in these institutions. ee sane ne erat cae” $8 bat 000 reas e war 08 ly 80 have been the private contributions, At an exhibition given at the opera, by the ladies, lags week, the sum netted for the iors was $3,876. The St. Louis Hotel bas been converted into a gran@ bazaar to raise money for the troops. Ladies are giv! their diamond pins, bracelets, and other valuables, the object. Instead of making purchases for Ch: presenta, they buy tickets mf give them away. It believed that the fair will be a great success. MILITARY MOVEMENTS IN NEW YORK. MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY. ‘The scond battalion of the First regiment of Massachu” setts cavalry, under command of Colonel Robert Williams arrived in this city from Readville—where they havebeem encamped for nearly three months—yesterday afternoon, and marched to the Park Barracks, where both men and horses were refreshed. The battalion numbers foté hun dred and fifty men, with an equal number of horses. formal reception was given to them, and cmd took thelr departure quietly about four o’clock for Was! per ity Railroad. It is understood that battalion has already been published. The of the regiment is expected to arrive to-day. Just as the dattalion of Massachusetts resins Opti oni City, Colonel Frank Howe received orders , Colonel William A. Nichols, to detain in New York regiment. balance of Colonel Robert Williams’ cavalry ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST BATTALION FIFTH: REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS. The steamer Commonwealth argived at this city yeater day from Providence, R. I., having on board the first bat? talion of the Fifth regiment of volunteers from that State, under the command of Major Job Wright. The which is about four hundred Grey send ah at field rifles, is to be attached to the Burnside expedit: ‘The officers of the battalion ate ‘es follows :-— Chapman; Quartermaster, Monro plain, Rev. Walter B. Noyes (Episcopal); Assistant Surgeon, Al> bert Potter. Line —Company A, Captain, Jonathan Wheslor; first Lieutenant, Daniel & Rerningtons Second Lioutevant, not appointed. Company Wright, First Lieutenant W; W. Hall W. las, 5 Bed | Lieutenant, John E. Snow; Secon: t, 6. @. kins, Company D—Captain, 6. i. Grant; Tite Lionel ant, H. E; Fierce; Second Lieutenant, J. Moran. Opmpany: F—Captain, Job Arnold; First Lieutenant, not appointed: Second Lieutenant, J. Md. Wheaton, DESTRUCTION OF BRIDGES BY THE REBELS, Quiver, I1l., Dec. 28, 1861. ‘The bridges over the Fabius and North rivers, on the Palmyra Railroad, were set on fire by the rebels last night and destroyed. THE CANNONADING NEAR GARDNER'S BAY. Greenport, Dec. 28, 1861. The heavy cannonading near Gardner's Bay was the subject of a despatch from Stonington, and was caused by General Jamos and others of General McClellan’s ota testing the James cannon. The mysterious light waa probably either that from some lighthouse, as seen by landsmen, or an ignis ys WRECK OF THE REVENUE CUTTER HOWELL COBB. Bostom, Dec. 98, 1861. The revenue cutter Howell Cobb, from the Lakes via Quebec, for Boston, went ashore at Lanesville, Cape Anm, last night. The crew were saved, but the vesselisa total loss. Fire at Corning, N.Y. Conmixa, Dec. 98, 1862. This morning at three o'clock @ fire broke out inthe laundry of the Dickinson House, dostroying the laundry, and furniture room of J. Mallory. bere psc ter ie tel, and was occu yy between thi twelve tomalo servant who ell ran ito the wire leaving their clothes i1 One, ily, it ie derstood, on attempting to recover hor lot burned to death. The total loss amounts to $4, insurance is not known. Death of Judge Legrand, of ey era John C. Legrand, ex-Chief Justice of Maryland, died this morning. — Goon News yor THe Lovens or Tim Drawa.—We are happy to know that Mr. Wallack is now prepared to pro. duce a series of the old comedies in bis beautiful new theatre. How anxiously the theatre going portion of the | community have been awaiting this announcement may |e imagined when we remember the uniform suc | cess and crowded auiiences which always attended their | vevival at thoold house, The grandtragic playsof Shak- spoare must always live pre-eminent in the estimation nud affection of the people, and the same may be said of the comedies of Sheridan, Coleman, Morton and Holcroft. They are standard works, and go they will remain while ropresented with the perfection of acting and scenic ac- cossories, which wo seo in thom at Wallack’s, and at Wal- Jack's only. 2 waar The |