The New York Herald Newspaper, December 31, 1861, Page 4

© 4 NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1861.—TRIPLE SHEET. For tho shells a vory simple and effective device has been adopted. It consiats of an iron plungor set into the fuse hole on the end of the sholl, with » shoulder to pra- vont its being forced into the cavity ,und a nipple chargod with an ordinary percussion cap, ‘This plunger on the shell, striking any point or object at which it is aimed, is throwa, forward with froat violauce against a brass loud that is firmly secured into the head or en of the shell, exploding the cap and igniting the charge. A time fuse may be used, by inserting it into the point of the shell, with afew mann improvements. As no portion of the projectile touches the cannon but the canvass strip, it is utterly impossible for The Guns, Balls and Shells Used | the gin to receive any injury’ by friction of two motale, on the Occasion. ARTILLERY PRACTICE. Trial of Gen. James’ Rifled Cannon and Projectiles at Sag Harbor. thus rendering the grooyes uneven, ‘The Military Board referred to, in their report of the trial at Watch Hill, RL, last year, say of the projectile—* that it is ad. mirably adapted to the various calibres of guns now In use, requiring only that they be rifled, which can be done at any fort or place, and supplied with the proper ammu- nition,” and “that in making now rifled cannon for uso with James’ projectile, the weight of the gun to throw tho same weight of metal may, it is believed, be mate- rially decreased.” Aud they further recommend that fifty por cent of the servicoable cannon at our forts and arsenals be rifled at once und supplied with the neces- Sary ammunition, Tho consequence is that Generat James has ag much as he can do to supply the demand made upon him on all sides. ‘The projectile was patented February 26, 1856, and reissued December 11, 1860. ‘THE SPOT SELECTED FOR FIRING. The place on which Gensral James’ battery is mounted 48a piece of open ground on the shore, that rises as it approaches the water, giving a naturalelevation to a gun. when it is lying at rest on the carriage. 1’. completely commands the ship channel, and offers a terrible obstacle to the entrance of a hostile fleet, should such a thing be attempted, Immediately in front of it lies Cedar Island, ata distance of four miles, with its lighthouse, looking like @ comfortable farmhouse. On the right of it is situated a dense woods, into which shot and shell may be thrown with the greatest safety, and the sand banks along the shore afford splendid targets. Stretched behind this eminence, to the right and loft, lies the quiet and beautiful little town of Harbor, with its handsome dwellings and tastefully arranged gardens, tho cotton mill towering above all like a watchful guardian of its smailer and less protentious neighbors. The steam- boat wharf lies about a quarter of a mile to the left of the hill, and commands @ splendid view of the firing when the Generat happens to try his favorites. It is also ‘0 situated as to commund every point of the horizon, and from it a fine view of the harbor isobtained. Should we have trouble with any foreign Powor, the peaco- ful residents of Sag Harbor need not fear intrusive visi- tors while they have a good battery of rifled cannon, properly mounted, upon that hill, and strong and brave hearts to man them. THE FIRING—FIRST DAY. Owing to the exposed situation of the battery and the heavy wind that was blowing, it was found impossible to try the guns with any degree of dependence on Tuesday morning, and it was accordingly doferred until the gale should have somewhat lessened. In the afternoon the guns were loaded und prepared for action, under the per- soual supervision of Colonel Hudson and General James. ‘The first two shots fired wore from the forty-two-pounder, with the intention of showing a straight shot and # rico. chet shot on water, The distance selected for the first shot was one and three-quarter mile, the elevation of the gun being six and one-half degrees. ‘tho word was given to fire, and away sped the iron messonger on its errand, and woil it performed it, striking a point on the bank within a few feet of the spot aimed at. The ricochet was next, and @ splendid shot it was, skimming over the water, making threo or four graceful curves in its course, which was straight as an arrow, notwithstanding the wind was blow- ing rer hard. thirty-two pounder was next tried with a shell, at an elevation of three and a half degrees, The charge was six pounds, and the range one mile. Three of these shots were fired, two of them bursting in the bank aimed at, sinking themselves several feot before exploding. ‘The other fella little short, although perfectly in line. Two or three more shots were fired; but they had to cease on account of the high wind that prevailed, preventing accuracy at a long range. Although but a'small begin- ning of the firing, Colonel Hudson expressed his plea- sure at the result, INTERESTING TABLES OF THE FIRING, &e., &e., &e. Tho present war has probably done more to develope the roal strength of our people than perhaps anything + ¢!so could have accomplished. It has thrown them more upon their own resources, and taught them to fecl that in no way are they behind othor nations. In the time of peace we boldly challenged the world to compete with usin our inventions. Reaping machines, sewing machines, en gines, locks, &c., commanded the wonder and admiration of all, and our mechanics continued to astonish the world by the rapidity with which they produced this great la- Dor saving apparatus, But now that rebellion and the pros- Peotofa vast civil war have darkened our horizon, after & long continued and prosperous peace, the poople of the United States are called upon to test their mventive Powers ina way altogether different from that heretofore exercised. Wo have now rifles, pistols, swords, steam and broech loading cannon, together with an almost in~ finite amount of patent projectiles, intended to sweep our enemies off the face of the oarth. The most Promitent among them are James, Parrott, Hotchkiss, and others, and considerable rivalry exists as to which is the best. Each party, of course, claims the superiority of his invention, and has ‘friends at court” to urgo hig claim, and try and make the government adopt their Pattern. James and some few others have a num- ber of their guns and projectiles already in the ser. vico; but they have their favorites there as well as else- where, and it only makes ‘‘confusion worse confounded”? to hoar and read the various reports that emanate from. our commanding officers, some of which speak in the most positive manner of the utter uselessness of a projec- tile that inn few days more is spoken of in the most flattering torms by some other officer equally experi- enced. Of course a great deal depends on the persons who fire the gun, as many fine and extremely useful inven- tions may be rendered perfectly useless by being operat , @dupon by inexperienced persons, while, on the con- trary, an inferior article may be made to answer tho Purpose, for a sbort time, By being handled by a Person having @ knowledge, both theoretically and Practically , of the true principles of gunnery. Our naval and military officers have had too short an experience of Practical war to condemn, upon a short exmination, a thing that has been entrusted to them for an opinion as to its merits. A thing hurriedly looked at may be de- clared useless, which, upon a closer analysis, might be found to possess many good qualities. For this reason many of the new projectiles alluded to are being subject- ed toa severe test by the proper authorities, that there may be a fair decision rendered and no one wronged. We ‘8e6 no reason why there should be so much jealousy ex- hibited, as two or three inventors may accomplish the end desired by different’ means; and if so, THE SECOND DAY'S FIRING. there ig vlenty of room for both or all. The | Very little improvement was visible in tho weathor on Unite, States is building up an immense navy, | Wednesday morning when the party arrived at the hill to << Gur Soneonst will not be in the future left inthe de. | commence tho day's work. There was a perfect gale viovably helpless condition that it is in at present, and | blowing, and the air was so bitingly cold as to laugh at has been for some time. The government has taken a gloves and overcoats, and render a hasty retreat advi. timely step in the matter, and wo shall want all the good | gable toall but those intimately concerned. The conse. Suns that we can procure for some time. ‘Tho great point | quence was that the audience was vory small, until the to be attained, and to acquire perfection in which all are rae ee Fodeey Pe — — endurable. i y have | afternoon. Several splendid shots were made, and some been vainly trying for years in all countries. Perhaps in bea —, hw 3 irc em ler Prcnsrenas Ped Fy coned * a eloven o'clock, two fine ricoche! s being fire hovlafiaoreeyics nee eminent, and claim her | tne forty-two ‘pounder, both solid shot, welghing eighty. y ventors, both in time of peace | four pounds each. The effect of these ricochet shots on and of war. the water is vory fine, and the spray they throw as they One of the most prominent of those inventors is General | tise from the surface of the water is astonishing in its ©. T. James, the inventor of the projectile and cannon bearing his name. He has already a great number of his effect. At one time the ball will strike the water but once, dashing the spray in all directions, and then it will guns and balls in the government service; but he is anx- Still further to show the excellence of them by re- take an upward flight, and with a graceful curve bury itself in the woods’ miles away. At another time, when fired at a lower elevation, it will, after first touch: ing the water, take six and even ten bounds bofore dis. Peatod tosis and critical examination by the best | appearing in the bank ‘The ‘next shots were timed, the military and naval authorities that can be | cannon being loaded with sholl instead of ball. The fe, found. One of those interesting displays took | lowing Js a table of these shots, showing the length of Place at Sag Harbor, L., I., last week, and the inspecting | Gun. Projectile, | Ra Elevation. Time. officer was no less a personage than Colonel Hudson, of | 42Pdr. Shell. 13 6 deg. 94-5 seca. Gonoral McClellan's staff, who has cargo of the Ordnance | 4a" Shen miles. G4 bredtiig eced Department, and bears the character of being one of the | 42-pdr. Shot. 3 miles. 15 deg. 201 Steca, best artillorists in the United Stats. Agraduate of West | 42-Pdr. Shot. 4 miles, 28 deg. 26 soc: 42pdr. Shot, 64 miles. 28 a Point, he has mado it a study for years, and thus stands | #2 give the sbove ies falrsamploct thbwhne cane, very high as an exporienced artillerist. Colonel Hudson as it does the immense power of the projectile.” Colo- was selected at the time of the commencement of our nel udeos wonde theremmee thasercee cr the shots made tevanees \¢, Saatiaene Gumiar; bub onr readers. arpwell | Now wun any of thee momar cee arvare of the sight that met his cyos when the vessols ar- | made wore for the purpose of testing the accuracy of the = fein pred Ind render assistance to that devoted | firing at long ranges, both with shot and shell. “Instead co Naren sera prego of the usual style of erecting targets at stated distances, en ve en place last Monday; but | and firing at them to determine the accuracy of the pro- Pa thing ang ity, 0% the weather precludod all idea of | jectiles, different objects were selected, such as a clamp Auch a thing, and it had to be postponed for a short time. | of trees, of a spot upon some of the aatd banks at a great ‘The following days proving favorable, the firing was com. distance from the battery. This system reduced the menced on Tuesday afternoon, and continued daily until practice to what would actually occur upon the field pBo afternoon of Thursday, when Colonel Hudson declared | Of battle, and” was the ‘most govero” tore eg Aa neg ae result, and the party left for | to which anything of the kind could be subjected, THE GUNS USED. One of the principal points in artillery practice ‘The guns used by General James in bis interesting ex- is to make what are termed lino shots, and to this Poriments consisted of one forty-two-pounder,, one thirty- | such as one, onpand tiese-s cater ee are cnet, two-pounder (both of iron) and one twelve and one six such as one, one and three-quarters, two, and three miles, and the experiments went very faF_ to prove the supert: net brane plebéat Tia tetty eee ority of James’ projectiles. In many instances the balls ta one (0°: tbe oot tanned Za cadraneey Mag mounted | or hells would falla little short or. fo some distance be. used in the olden time. “It was rather stiff, but taken on | JO¥d the points aimed at, but in almost every caso the the whole worked very well. Tho thirty-two-pounder | SHat would be in a direct line for adh gocitiote een Fy new carriage mane toe eae Ow AEE GntErs:.1\ Sora act itt: SroaAhlanse ase eter neti equonco was that the working of it was asnonr penfer, | Dallor shell, and as they saw it strike or burst in.a line tion as was possible without te aid of practiced artilien, ‘sts, The small guns were both new, never haying been with the object, their admiration knew no bounds, and “y they would gaze at the cannons as if they were some- ree) before. Both of them were brought to the city coy the Steamboat for the express purpose of being thing supernatural. After a recess for dinner the firing was commenced used OR that occasion. They were both mount: carriage, that but it differed very little from the morning’s prac- a> jay old style of © gun ‘appear. te Several excellent shots were’ made—line, ri. sadly nools the Nghitness and jhe finely finished cochet and long range shots—all of which gave the great- ance of the more modem gutiagé®. They are both re- eat satisfaction, everything working toa charm, Atsun- markably handsome pieces, Snevgited the admiration | #¢t the firing was ceased, and matters wore put to rights of all, not only by their performancs®; but also by their for the next day’s practise. perfect finish, THE THIRD DAY’S FIRING. The following table will show at a glance the wetght of | On ‘Thursday the firing was continued. The morning the piece, together with the weight of the shot and shell each carries:— was remarkably fine, scarcely a breoze stirring the sur- Weight or | face of the water, affording a most pleasing contrast with Gun Weight. the two days previous. Quite a number gathered to- 42-poundor, gether on the hill to witness the trial, amopg whom were several ladies, who holped to enliven the scene, although artillery practice was entirely at variance with their ideas of enjoyment. Tuesday and Wednesday having been charge devoted almost entirely to the heavy guns, on Thursday G = i Powder, | thi ‘and six-pounders were principally used. A a poco baficoieg Ci ANE somal tal placed on the beach, about one thousand yards © 6 4-10 inches. and 73 Ibs. froma the gun, at. which shot, shell and caunister were discharged, Some of the shots were splendid; but the target wus soon rendeved useless by the use of shell Bo | of . ery, hing it into such small fragments Both of the large guns have geen service as smooth | and cannister, srnas! tit bore guns, the thirty-two-pounder being one of the gov- | a to be ee only ae jetted < in rand ernment guns of that class that the General had rifled to | were then turned towards such targets as throw his projectiles from. ‘There are at least twelve, | ture afforded, and they were legion. = Tho | guns and probably fifteen hundred, of these guns lying at our were! loaded eh Perea us 7 parte Beowinetis various navy yards and government depois that have | effect upon water, a thing aimo:t impossible, upon land, been declared useless. Take’ those guns and let them be | as it fails to §) t is 0» ed at the | upon the water every shot and its effect is clearly seen. Histor of the’ proper authorities an immense number of | A-secmd or two aftr the discharge of th se the os ° seless, | ter would bubble as if a hail stort I te Bente eat wataiple, eC it wits it, and that at a distance that put any fear as to the in- - in our table above that we give the diameter of the | jury of our own troops entirely out of the question. After toe of the brass six pounder as 3 80-100 inches. ‘This | beimg tired with this practice, line shots wore again tried neods a little explanation. The regulation measurement | with the most signal rt tineae pig tice J mere is 3 67-100 inches; but in riffing them it was found pooh hee Pe yr ited oo — ees Sei awa) ur aaa’ portion: ots tba, matt wae ie went a little short, the second struck directly at its base, Srae Mabove. General James has adopted ‘hat size | the third a little beyond it, and the fourth just grazed the Fe ne aoe picacs of six pounds. The large guns bave | top. Every one of these shots was in a line as direct as Doon for some tine on the ‘hil and present a very for- ible; not one of hop ‘ould cone Bees aa hte od i , mucl @ regiment. ery wou! ppearance with their huge black muzzles look- | large as & horse, much les Riprosuingy due upon the barboxyes if throwing de roi secure {rom such fring unless entirely out of aa a a ey | Tuas Colonel Hudson was desirous reaching Washington certain period, it was deemed advisable to bring omc that might be bestowed upon a thing endowed ard oe ra dive "ia ietiotmiay tbe Oslousl bering ake pressed his entire satisfaction at the result of the p:ac- tice, there being no point at which the slightést objection could be made. Everything was perfect, and there was no unnecessary delay, as is customary upon sucb occasions. ‘As the General was anxious to show the effact at long distance of the guns, it was arranged that as soon as the steamer that contained the party bound for New York had reached a certain distance, three of the guna should be fired—the signal to be a dipping of the flag. As soonas the boat got Jast opposite Cedar Island lighthouse, the flag was dipped, and @ white smoke from the shore -4 62-100 inciiés. and 23; Ibs. 3 80-100 inches. 134 and 134 Ibs. TRE PROJECTILES. It is in these that the invention of General James con- sists, which is the combination with a cylindro-conoidal projectile of an expansible ring or band, so that the ex- pansive force of the cases generated by the explosion of the powder shall be exerted against the inside of the ring, and press it into the rifled grooves, thus giving it its rotary motion on lei the gun. The mode of con- ce if ojectile wi e hortly followed by a rushing struction is to make the projectile with a broad recess or | waa the respouae, . we around it on theeylinirical part, fromiwisich recess | noise, not unlike the passage of a railroad train. Fiots or passages extend through vw the rear hollow end | The shota rushed by the boat, and buried themeclves at a of the ball. To this is fitted @ riog or band of metal, | long distance away in the water. The sound of the re either iead or tin, 0 connected with the recess that | port came some time after booming over the surface of it cannot be turned without communicating its motion to | the bay, long after the flash and stoke of the discharge the projectile. This is covered with canvass satcrated | took plac 7 bs with grouse. The force of the powder forces this Thos ended the trial of James’ projectile, and it will the groove, stopping all escape of the gas, »ad g be hard to find m better or more certain battery than ball its terrille velocity and power. | fled cannon, furnished with the proper pro- It has becn urged as an objection tothts kind or pr P apply. In all one hundred and two shots Mle that the packing separates from it, and sea\. ware fired, not any of them missing fire, wor the slightest that {t might prove disastrous to some of the soidiery | accident occurring. We are at liberty to say that Colonel that \ was not intended for, but the most reliable m:\. | Hudson ja extrerely gratified at the result of t tary arthority states that it is no more dangerous than vonera ‘the ordmury wadding of a cannon, and, from our own ex. | in three nsay that it is perfectly harmiess. The | giiew, b« ‘8 appointed to inapect and report upon the projectile say, in rogard to this:—“The observations of (he Board on this pyint lew them to the conclusion that thore | $8 no more force in this objection than will apply for the and projec orpowen General ( at Jai alos Yonator, the eaue reason Wo the junk wads of heavy cannon og bin name, owner av@ oatentes of the projecti is porson who, although not what may be tormod & Professional artillerist, has studied the thing deeply, and has been many years devoting his loisuro time to the im- provement of projectiles, both of the cannon and the smaller arms, Long before the now famous Minic ball had been publicly endorsed Goneral James used tho identical pattern, and has at the present timo in his pos- session the origina! moulds (hat ho used in their construc- tion, His prosent ball and sholl are not the idea of an hour, brought forth by our prowent troubles; they are the result of many years’ hard study and « persevering in- dustry. He is by profession an enginoer, and used to manafac- turo on a Very large sealo for the ' various mills through- ‘out the States, having at times ax many as nino thousand or ten thousand poopie cmployed by hii, Ho was elocted United States Senator from Rhode Island m 1861, for the long term of six years, and in 1857 ro. turned again to private life. He was Major General of the Rhode Island militia, from whence originated his title of General, one that ho is generally known by by all. Competent judges havo declared him to be one of the best unprofessional artillerists that is to be found in this country, The New York Herald and Its Foreshad- owings of Public Events. THE QUESTION OF THE RECOGNITION OF A DISSOLU- TION OF OUR UNION BY KNGLAND OR ANY OTHER EUROPEAN POWER. {From tho New York Herald of May 22, 1861.) ‘OUR RELATIONS WITH FORKIGN POWERS. Wasmneron, May 21, 1861. Our government, it is quite understood, have docided on their course should any foreign Power display any dis- position to truckle to the rebel States. Any act of inter- vention which affords direct advantage to the insurgent ‘States, and which tends to hamper or obstruct the action of our government will lead to the most decisive measures on the part of the administration. Frequent consulta- tions are taking piace onthe best meansof avenging any interference in this domestic brawl, by England or other Powers, and a complete programme, it is rumored, will shortly bo settled upon. It appears that more than a month ago our government gave notice to the Powers of Europe who took part in the Congress of Paria, in 1856, that they were willing to ac. cept the code they adopted at that period, which declared privateering to be piracy. How, then, will it be possible for England, one of thy Powers in question, to refuse to accept the unqualified offer of our government to adopt their own code? An yw will it be possible for her after this, to treat the rebel States simply as belligerents, however pliant may be the opinions of the legal advisors of the crown? Is England disposed to become the patron and partnor of pirates !—for such her own laws pronounce privateers to be. ‘This timely act of our government places England in a false and untenable position if she persists in regarding the privateers of the South merely as belligerents. ‘This movemeet in the British Parliament is considered by the administration merely as a party moasure, meant chiefly to embarrass Lord Palinerston. ‘they fect sure that the peopie of England are strangers to it. Tt will be gratifying to the country to learn that our government hus received the amplést assurances from Austria that she will have nothing to do with the rebel States whatever; whilst Prussia has not hesitated to manifest in plaia terms her unequivocal sympathy with our country. ‘The Secistary of State has given notice to Mexico an: to other States that the Monroe doctrine will be carried ‘out with all the energy and resources of the govormment, and that nothing in the shape of foreign Intervention will be. tolorated or submitted to for a single hour, Mexico has been assured in the most positive language that she can depend on the active and determined support of this country, should any European Power attampt to violate her soil.’ A warning has been given to Spain that if sho ventures to accept the artful proffer of Dominica she will do so ather peril. This subject is one of too much deli- cacy to treat with freedom; but if I may infer from the droppings of those who are the best informed, I should say that Spain would do well to oxercise the utmost dis- cretion in her foolhardy attempts to extend her dominion in this part of the world. It is certainly remarkable that the three most despotic European governments, those of Prussia, Austria and Russia, have hastened to expross their aympathy with our internal troubles, and intimate their indisposition to give any direct or indirect aid or comfort to the Southern Tobels, while the rulers of England and Franee, whose Doast is a certain liberatity of political sentiment and action, are slow in assuming a position on the side of law, and justice, and humanity, against anarchy, usurpa. tion and barbarism. Russia has evidently weil remem- bered the American sympathies shown to her during the Crimean war. The government regards with absolute certainty the speedy termination of our domestic difficulties should the rebel States receive no aid or comfort from England, and they are quite resolved not to deliberate for # single moment should England manifest any sueh insane: dispo- tion, but to launch against her the thunderbolts of a war that would not cease till every Power in Europe was involved. On this vital matter the President, the Secre- tary of State and all the Cabinet entertain but oneview and are animated by the same sentiments. They feel they can rely to any extent on the cour: nd energy of the nation, which will sustain them at cvery sacrifice against England and all the world, when they soo their dearest Tights assailed and their best intorosta rudely trampled on. It is fortunate for the country, at this momentous crisis, that there should be no division of counsels as to the best and safest policy both at home and abroad. It is equally fortunate that the President and Cabinet put so high an estimate on the sagacity and firmness of the Secretary of State, as well as upon his thorough knowledge of the condition and Interests of Kurope, that they are content at all times to defer to his views and supporthis suggestions. It cannot but fill with surprise all who may have followed the career of this able statesman to see his usual caution and moderation suddenly converted by the force of events into boldness and decision. It is con- soling to think that whilst the portfolio of the State De- partment 1s in his hands there will be no blunders to regret, and certainly no timidity to deplore. IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON—MASON AND SLIDELL TO BE DELIVERED UP IF DEMANDED. ‘From the New York Herald of Dec. 21.] According to our latest advices from Washington, all apprehonsions of a rupture with’ England upon the late affair of the Trent may. be dismissed. Our Cabinet, we are informed, looking to the absorbing and paramount issue—the suppression of this Southern rebellion—will yield to the present demands of England as the conditions of her neutrality, evon if these demands involve the res- toration of Mason and Slidell to the protection of the British flay, and a disavowal of and amapology for their seizure by Captam Wilkes. In adopting this alternative of submission to these per- emptory demands, tho administration runs the hazard of disappoiating the popalar sentiment of four loyal States. But a little reflection will satisfy every intelligent mind of the wisdom of deferring a final setilement with Eng- land unti} wo shall have made an end of thisSouthern rebellion. There havg been some conjectures that arbitration may be resorted to; but it is better gracefully to yield to the exigencies of the crisis, and promptly Telieve England of her convenient pre: text for a quarrel, without the intervention of any third party. Let our government, thon, mect the requi- sitions of Lord Lyons, in the restitution of Mason and Sli+ dell to British protection, and in an acknowledgement that, while Captain Wilkes would have been right in seiz- ing the Trent steamer and in bringing her before a prize court for adjudication, he was wrong in limiting his pro- ceeding to the seizure of his prisoners; and that we re- gret that his controlling considerations of international courtesy and leniency should have resulted in the very offence which it was his particular object to avoid. ‘An explamation of this character, we presume, will be considered amply satisfactory, as an atonement to the insulted flag of England. It "may be painful and hn- miliating to us. But who will reproach the surprised traveller for yielding to the demand of ‘Your ‘money or your life,” with the highwayman’s. pistol at bis head? Our government will be amply justified in this reparation by the public opinion of our loyal States, con- sidering tite rejoicings of our rebeilious States at tho pros- pect of securing the aid of England’s fleets and armies in the enterprise of the occupation of Washington. We are called upon now to exhibit the virtues of patience and modoration towards a domineering foreign Power, and to ‘submit to its arrogant demands and pretensions, in order to grapple-the more effectively withyan insolent domestic my beleaguering our national capital. But as Rome mbered Carthage from the invasion of Hannibal, and ‘ag France remembers St. Helena, so will the people of the United States remember and treasure up for the future this little affair of the Trent. Nor do we suppose that the pacific solution of this dif. cnity, upon the basis of England’s offensive ultimatum, will be without equivalent or compensation, We expect that it will secure a rnore decent regard hereafter for England’s professions of neutrality than she has hereto. fore exhibited; that such scandalous neutral hospitalities as those lately extended to the piratical steamer Nashville, ‘at Southampton, will not be repeated; and that such commercial ventures as that of the steam Bermuda to Savannah will cease to be made by British subjects. froin English ports, under the coanivance of Ber Majesty's, government. Granted that these demands of England in this matter of Mason and Slidell were framed for wa: and not for peace, we have the right to cal) for a faitht adherence to this peace which has been conceded where war was expectéal and designed. But wo. are asked why these humiliating concessions apon a quibble and a pre- text? If Englaad’s purpose is war, will she not tnd some other pretext upon which there can be no conces- sion’ We answer, that by yielding to the arrogant de- mands of England’ upon this pretext of to-day we shall have reduced her to bonds of peace from whictashe can- not escape except as a reckless filibuster, liable to be outlawed by every other Suropean Power, Meantime, with the re-establishment of our peaceable relations with England, we shall be at liberty to bring our whole military power to bear by land and sea upon this domestic rebellion. We hope, too, that, admonished by tho restless impatience of Fbgland and France for cotton, President Lincoln and his Cabinet will vigorously push forward the movements of our fleets and armies, and put an end to all Furopean notions of an inevitable Southern confederacy by the speedy overthrow of the spurious revolutionary league of Davis and his confede- rates. Then, with this rebellion suppressed, with our revolted States restored, with an army of a million of men in tho field, with a powerful navy, including a proportion of iron-plated ships, and with our seacoa and frontier defences upon a war footing, we shal tho power to settle, not only our outstanding ayainst England, but the power to prescribe the and the limitations of European authority on this conti nent. Fire at Hornellsville. Honsuisviite, Dec. 26,1861 A firo this afternoon destroyed the Rose & Turtle Ilock, a three story building, aud two dwellings adjoin. ing. A ii s liquor store, A. Pope's ma factory, 7 Evening Star Lodg and i in the Home, Net York aud Hartford Companions. Loss $6,000 to $10,000. partial one in the British Prov! Island, New. Brunswick, No TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN. The Law of Eclipses—The Eclipse of the Sun this Morning—Diagrams of the Phenomenon at Different Points of the Globe, &e. ‘Tho almanacs of 1861 haye stated that a total cclipse of tho sun was to take place to-day, visible only as a partial ond at Washington. Before ontering upon @ description of the present eclipse, a fow simple words on that portion of tho law of eclipses referring to that of the sun may not be out of Place. An eclipse of the sun is cansed by tho moon in tts transit around the earth passing betwoon tho sun and the earth; and,as both moon and carth receive their light from tho sun, the first in passing obscures from the earth tho light of the last, causing a partial darkness. At thoso places whore the total eclipse is seen in its entiroty ® darkness is thrown upon the earth almost equal to ‘night, 80 much go that birds have even been known to go to roost. An eclipse of the sun can only take place when the moon is at that phase known as new moon. By the lunar tables of Hansen and those of the sun by Lo Vorrier, the path of the centre of tho shadow during the present eclipse will be as follows:— PATH OF THE CENTRE OF THE MOON'S SHADOW OVER : TAF EARTH DECEMBER 31,1861. {Mean time at Greenwich, which is nearly five hours later than at New York.] oe In M.T. Gr. . West, Oo 18 39° + 8 10 18 42. + 83 304 w 0 - 81 04 2 0. 1 63 2 0 » 74 BLS 22 0;. -73 OL 23 0 . TL 25.8 2a 0 +7 48 2% 0. + 68 50.8 26 060«. + 67 41.8 27 0. + 66 38.3 23 0. - 5 304 2 0 ~ OF 44.2 ISLAND OF MARGARITA. 0 BD Orrsensesee 10 S5.1N, .......... 68 52.3 'W, ct ieee ace 0 31 0.4... © WD BRD Me censeesten 63 29W. 0 32 0...... ses 10 21.0N, . + 62 15.8 W. 23 rf °8 3 4 4 2 3 ATLANTIC OVRAN. 51.ON. 3 s = mM 0. 9 41.5 a 0. 9 31. 5.9 36 0. 9 244 25.7 ~ a7 0 9 121 48.9 38 0 9 05 9.3 39 0. 8 49.6 32.9 40 0 8 39.3 51.5 45 0. 7 84.9 12.8 500 7 21.0 47.4 55 0. 6 55.2 33.9 100 6 36.6 30.6 5 0 6 24.0 35.2 10 0. 6 16.7 416.2 * 1 0, 6 144 2.5 2% 0: 6 16.5 22.9 25 0 6 2 46.9° 300600 6 13.8, 35 0 6 43.1 40 0 i 14.0 45 0 1 46.1 50 0 7 19.0 55 0 8 52.3 + 58 40 8 48.6" z 00 8 5 25.6 5 Oo 9 58.0 10 0 20.4 16 0 50.1 20 0 26.5 2 0 50.7 30 0 1.0 23 0 40 0 45 0 50 0 5 0 8 0 0 6 12: 5 0 2 S5.2W. 10 0 1 13.1K. 2 0 3 16.6 0 5 43.6 16 0 8 49.6 Tr @. 10 48.8 3 18 Oo 13 23.6E. 19 17 39.0 9 12. 19 21.2 w 18. 2 7.8 3 1917.7. ° 3.28. ‘Teast north latitude of Central Path. Central on the meridian of the Place. The centre of the shadow first touched the earth ata point in the Caribbean sea about two degree: south of Cape San Antonio, Cuba; it thence passed in a: south. easterly direction, a little south of Jamaica, north of Cu racoa, across the island of Margarita, the northeastern ‘extremity of Vonezueln:and the southwestern extremity. of the Island of Trinidad, to the Atlantic Ocean, where, in longitudo forty-two degrees west, it attains its least north latitud, six and one-fourth degrees; then changing itscourse to the northeast it touched Africa near Cape Verd; thence passed across Sonegambia, the Great Desert, Tripoli, and the Mediterranean to Greoce, where it left tho earth near the ancient city of Corinth, having ocen- pied in its passage across the earth three hours and ‘forty seconds. The width of the moon’s shadow on the earth did not: at any place excved forty miles, and the duration oftotal darkness a minuteand a third; where the moon was low. the width of its shadow «id not exceed ten miles, and the duration of totality Jasted only a few seconds. In the southwest part of Trinidad it was fifty-nine seconds. Nevertheless this-eclipse will be the last total obscuration of the sum which occurs under favorable circumstances for observation nntil that{of April 25,1865, since, althongh the moon’s- shadow will reach the earth on May 5, 1864, it barely\does-so, and only in distant points of the Pacific Ocean The whole of the eclipse has been visible as a 8 of Prince Edward ‘a Scotia and Newfound- land, but at al places im the United States. ex” cept Eastport: the sun did not rise until after the commencement of the obscuration. Throughout the At. lantic-States, however, the sun rose before the greatest: obscuration, and before the end,at all places situated cast ofa line drawn from a southern extremity of Texas to the middle of Lake Superior), west of that line the eclipse ended before the sun rose. The following is the time announced by astronomers: whon the eclipse shall have commenced at the. various. places named :— At. Charlottetown, Prinee.Edward’s Island, the sun's: centre. rosea 7h. 49m. A. Mu (neglecting refraction), and the eclipse began at 8h. 7m. 18.,at a point in the.right side of the aun, 10644 degrees from the vortex, as scen through a telescope, which does not invert, The magni- tude of the obscuration will be three digits. At Halifax, N.S., the sun’s centre rose seventeen mi: nutes to cight o'clock, and the eclipse bogan at twenty four seconds past eight, et.a,point 102 degrees. from, the vortex ta,the right. At Eastport, Maine, the. sun’s centro- rose at gixtown miuutes.to eight o'clock, the eclipse having commeneed thirty-twe seconds previously at a puint 99 deg. from the vertex to the right. At Harvard College Observatory, Cambridge. Latitude 42 deg. 22m. tae long‘sude 71 deg. 7 min. H. M. Sec. A.M. Sun’s centre rises (neglecting refrac- tiom) about 17 min. after beginn’g.7 34 Greatest obscuration. 8 Kolipse onds...... 9 6 Digits eclipsed 4 deg, 21 min., or about a third. At New York the end will take place a fow minutes earher. At Key West, latitude 24 deg. 32 min. 58 sec. north. longitude 81 deg, 48. min. 7 s6c." west, the most southern point of the United States. 40 A.M. 3 64 AM. 59 A.M. He OM. Sec. A.M. Sun's centre rises (neglecting refrac- tion) December 31 6 48 OAM. Greatest obscuration. 56 28 A.M. Eclipse ends........ o> TAM Digits eclipsed, 10 degrees, 2 minutes, or more than five-sixths. At the city of Chicago, Ill., latitude 41 degrees 53 minutes 48 seconds, longitude 87 degrees 37 minutes 45 seconds, the sun’s contre rose at twenty-eight minutes to oight o'clock, and the eclipse ended at eleven minutes ans sixteen seconds to eight’ o'clock, or only sixteon rainutes after sunrise. At the city of Washington (Observatory), sun’s ceatre rises at twenty-four minutes past seven, and the celipse ends at thirty-six minutes cight-fifth secoeds past eight AM At the following cities the end of the eclipse will take place nearly as follows:— Sun ris Hi. New Haven 8 57% A. M. New York. 8 62 ALM. Philadelphia, 8 46 ALM. Baltimore 8° 38% A. M ‘The following diagram will show that portion of the sun darkened at the time of the greatest Obscuration at Now York oity. ‘Time shortly after half-past cigh; A. Mim APPHARANCE OF THY SUN AT KEY 2°51, OOBA, BTO., WHEN MOST OBSCURE, Vv APPEARANCE OF THH SUN AT THM SOUTHWESTERN PARI OF TRINIDAD, NEAR THIPOL!, AND ALL OTHER PLACES WHERE TH! ECLIPSE NAS LEEN TOTAL, A total eclipse of the sun at any particular place is of very rareoccurrence, not happening oftener on the ave- rage than once:in about a century anda quarter, yet as on tho 31st inst. the line of tho central eclipse will, in lati- tude 31 54 north, longitude 10 40 east (near Tripoli) , cross that of the remarkable ono of July 18, 1860, In that point and ite vicinity, two total eclipses will’ be visible in less than eighteen months. ‘The next total eclipse of the: sun visible in the United States oocurs on August 7, 1869, when the shadow of the moon will pass over part of Virginia, &c. ° In the year 1865 there will be two eclipses of the sun, bottiof which will be central on the continent of Americ: The first occurs on April 25,when the moon is so very near tho earth that where contra near noon, the width of the moon’s shadow will be about 175 miles and the duration of total darkness about five minutes. It will be centrala | Little south of the city of Rio Janeiro, Brazil, kc. The second, in 1865, happens on October 19, when the moon is almost at its groatest possible distance from us. the duration and width of tite ring and the extent of the annularappearance will therefore bo very large. Tho central line passes from Olympia, .Wushington Torritory» to Charleston, 8, C., and thence to Cape Verd Islands. Ay Charleston the duration of the ring will be nearly seven minutes, and where longest, nearly nine. Board of Education. Anedjourned meeting of the Board of Education was held last evening—William: E. Ourtis, President, in the chair. After reading the minutes of the previous meot- ing, which were approved, a:lasge amount of routine business was disposed of, The-annual report of the Finance Committee was then read, and ordered to be printed im: pamphjet form, ‘The following is an abstract of the report:— ~ ‘Tho school fund for 1861 iconsisted of the followings Amount received from the Statoy....... 212,768 99 “ “ “county. 212;768 99 One-twentteth of one per cent 'on-valuation of real and personal property inthe city...... 200,753 55 Tax notexceeding four dollars on each scholar 583,708 47 Tho appropriations of 1860 exceeded the fund Leaving available for e: Expended during the yer Balance against the Board. . ‘ Passed to the credit of the general account 3,012 01 * ‘There remains to be provided from fund of 1862, sees see - $1,629 02 Inthe year 1869 the Boand was compelled to provides {Gr deficit of 1858 $147 508 77. In 4960, for a similar deficit of 1859, $31,081 55. In 1861, for a similar deficit of 1860, $20,035 48. The excess of the present yoar,iobde pail fromthe fund of 1862, amoun’e to $1,629 02. The re- maining business of the. Poard for the present your was disposed of in the usual. way. A resolution tendering a voter of thanks to W..E Ourtis, Fsq., for his efli- cienay and courtesy as Chainman of the Board during thovJast year, was passed‘ unanimously, after which Mrs @urtis returned thanks-fow the honor’ conferred on him, and gave the following brief resume of the: labors of the Board during the. last year, He said:—Gentlemen tha close of the year admonioites’ us of the terzaination of ows official duties. Under ordinary cireurwstances it byvomes us to look back and gee how we have adminis tered the great ind sacred: trusts confided to us by the pudlic, and the more especially at this time, when the caergies and resources of the city are to such an extent employed in the struggle.for our national existence. ‘The large increase of the numer of persons taught during the present yearoverthat of she previons year showsthat our system continnes.to gain the popular contidence and fa- vor. The whole number taught in 1861 is 155,004; in 1860 1) was 145,870. The uverago-attendance in 18a is 61,145; in 1860 it was 5: ‘The average cost per seholar in 1861 Js less than in 1860, whiilo-the average cost 1 the city for books, stationary, apparatus, fae! and al:,other supplies furnished in 1381 to eachyscholar is but ‘onty-six cents, while in 1867 it was sixty cents. The costof the evening schools whick.in 1860 oxcoeded $73,000, wiil not this year excoert $46,000. During thixypar there-bas been set aside for a library fund the sum of $9,088.65, which has horatofore been ex- pended for general purposes. ‘Three naw and very valua- ble school editices have been completed, and four othsrs have been rebuilt. and enlarged. The, whole amount. of money availabio in 1861 was $1,279,004 52, The delicit of 1858, of $147,508 77, was reduced im 2859 to $31,032.55, and was again reduoed in 1860 to $20,095 48, and’ in the present year it is reduced to $392 02, It is but just to say that the expenses inenrred in pur- and srecting school buiklings, which the. ra- of attendance in tho schools has rendered Y) are ireality but investments of the public funds in real estate, which will always remain of value, the title to whieh-js in the city In conclusion, gentlemen, it canbns be our hope that Providence wil! continue to preserve us the means of de ing good to the-youth of our great eity,and we cannes forget that there is not @ loyal camp in tho land over which to-night’s cold December wind is breathing, where there.is not some brave young heart beating with the les- sons af intelligence and patriotisin taught in the public schools or the Free Academy, of New York. The Board then,adjourned until Wednesday, the 7th of January. = Personal Intelligence. Prince de Joinville and suite are expectediin town to iny. They will occupy: apartments at the Brevoor! House. Col. G, D. Bayard and W. J. North, of the United States Army; . Caso, of Washington, and H. Jenkins, of Oneida, are stopping at the Metropolitan Hotel. Capt. C, C. Seymoar, her Britannic Majesty’s messen- ger to Washington; Mrs. James Watson Webb, Jr., and son, of New York, and P. M. Messgrove, of Massachusetts, are stopping at the Everett House. Head and wife, of Washington; J. H. Welch and wife, of Boston; HM. Andrews, of Obio; J. W. Smith, of Connecticut, and C, H. Beers, of Chicago, are stopping at the Lafarge House. Judge Parkez, of Aibany; N. Wheeler and H. Sanford, of Bridgeport; ¥. Sutherland, of San Francisco; A. H. St. Germain, of ‘foronto; W. C. Mason and H. H. Eldridge, of Chicago, and Mrs. Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire, are stopping at the St. Nicholas Hotel. Hon, Honry Wilson and wifo, of Massachusetts; James Murray, A. P. Russell, R. W. Taylor and M. Brown, of Ohio; J.C. Pope, of Prince Edward's Island; Dr.F. B.A. Lewis, of the United States Navy; Judge Sherman, of Newburg; 0. B. Matteson, of and G. W. MoCéok, of the United States Army, are stopping at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Genoral G. Lewis, of New Haven; 8. Coats and wife, of Yonkers; G. Mallory , of Connecticut; G. Innis. of Pough keopsie; H. G. Sturtevant and wife, of Bosion; H. B. Northrop, of Sandy Hill; A. J. Williams, of Utica; HT. Higby, of Burlington, and Mr. Hunter and wife, of ‘Phila: deiphia, are stopping at the Astor House Ex: Sneoly W. H. Minitt, H. nd Mrs. Russell, of N MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. Moro Injunctions Against Jobs. BOARD OF ALDERMEN. ‘This Board mot last evening, President Genet in the chair. A communication was received from Mr. A. V. Stout, President of the Shoe and Leathor Bank, the Commis- sioner appointed for carrying out the allotment system, stating that he was unable to report as required by the Board, The paper was ordered to be printed, and a reso- lution was adapted extending the time. Mr. Stout was directed to report to the Board the amount of oxponses likely to bo incurred in carrying out the provisions of the resolution under which he was appointed to the Ist of March, 1862, and authorizing him to act as Commissioner in the mean time. By the Comptroller's statemont it appears that the balance in the hands of tho City Treasurer on the 2ist of December was. 046 IL Receipts... baer a Total... 495 42 Payments . aa cy Balance December 28........+4.04++.+++-$3,885,073 56 ‘TELEGRAPH POLES TEROUGH THROITY. A petition, which had passed the Board of Councilmen, was received from ih» Independent Telegraph Company, who are erecting @ line of wires between Washington, Boston und New York, asking for permission t erect poles throwzh tne streets of this city, asa pensation tor which they offer to transmit city news be- tween those Sen free of charge. The Board concurred with the Councilmen and granted the petition, ‘The Board concurred with tho Councilmen in remitting: an assessment of $800 to Mrs. Mary J. Hall, who was er- roncously taxed for a sewer in 124th street. ‘The Board adjourned to three P. M. (Tuesday) this day. MORK INJUNCTIONS SKRVED ON THE MEMBERS OF THR BOARD, A copy of an order of the Supreme Court at Albany, di- rected from Lyman Tromain, the Attorney General, was served on the members of tho Common Council last even: ing. ‘The order was issued originally by Judge Gould, in tho caso of the Yonkers Railroad, January 31, 1860, perpetually enjoining the Corporation against the’ issue of such grants, as follows:— It is ordered that the defendants, and each and every of thom, be, und thoy are hereby’ perpetually enj and restrained from granting to: the New. York and Yon- kors Railroad Company, mentioned and described ‘in the complaint in this action, tae right to lay or construct the railway described in said complaint, or any partithoreof, in the streets or avenues, or any or either of in the city of Now York, mentioned and particularly setforth im said complaint; of from in any manner consenting there- to, or from taking any further aetion in relation to the ordinance or resolutions giving permission to construct said railway, which is montionod and ieforced to in sald complaint, or from giving or granting the consent or authority of the said defen tants to the said company, or to any other company, association or person or persons, to lay or construct @ railroad in any of the streets or ave- ‘nues of the said city, unless the right or permission shall be disposed of at a public auction, as required by the forty-firat section of the act entitled “An actte amend the charter of the city of New York,” passed April 14, 1357; or from granting, authorizing Or consenting that said company, or any company, association, person or persons, may construct any railway in Broadway, Greon- wich avenuo, Eighth streot, Waverloy place, Greene street, University place, Broadway or Bloomingdale road, im Said city, inany dr either of said streets, avenues, places or roads. Before the members of the Board soparated they were severally served with another injunction respocting the Broadway Railroad, issued from art of the county of Kings, whic ct: Hey Dubois 'rs. Tag Mayor, Aldermen and Common- alty of ‘the City of New York. ¢ Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of thecity of New York, and all their officers and agents are enjoined and restrained from passing, adopting or sanctioning im any mannor any resolution, ordinance or other ot, re- pealing, rescinding, annulling, or impairing, or purport- ing, or tending to repeal, rescind, annul or impair the re- solution referred to in the said complaint, passed on or about the 30th of December, 1352, relative to the com- straction or establishment of a railroad in Broadway, the » Bloomingdale road, Whitehall or State street, in the city of New, York, and trom doing apy other act) impairing, or tending to’ impair, he said resolution, or the effect thereof, or any right or claim arising out of or undor the same; and the said Mayor of the city of- New York and the President of the Board of Aldofnen, are -herebyy sevorally.restrained and enjoined from signing, approv or sanctioning any such resolution, ordinance or act; the Clervof the Common Council and the Olerk of the Board of Counclimen are hereby severally enjoined: and restrained from certifying, or delivering to tho Mayor, or President of the Board of Aldermen, or any ofeor whom. soever any such resolution, or ordinance, on act, or angy regolution, ordinance or act passed, or ‘to bepassed, of the like tenor or effet, er from: parting with the same. Opinion of the Corporation Counsel Rela~- tive. to the Fort Gansevoort Property Another. Injunctio: BOARD OF COUNCILMRN. ‘The Board met last evening, Sorcan Jowns, Exq.,pre™ sidings ‘The-fisst-business in order was the reading of the: min» utes of the previous meeting,: after which a few upim» portant papers were received. ‘The following opinion was received fromthe: Corperas tion Counsel:— Law Derarraar, Orrick Covnset To Corvoration, Dec. 30, 1861." To THe Boaap or Covxct.men:— Thave just received at my house tho copy of «an. injuno- tion order in relation to the Fort Gansevoort property, and resolution of your Board requesting my opinion up- on tho validity of the injunction order. The suggestion in the recital of the resolution is that a complaint haa not been served, and that thero is a consequent irregularity. What may de the fact about serving the complaint J am not inforrsed, and while unfortunately separated: from my books [am unable to say whether the. injunction as served is effectual. ‘To-morrow is the time for showing causo, andy in conse- quence of. my present condition, Judge Dean: will ‘appear for the Mayor and Common Gouncil. As there will be:but little.dolxy in hearing the matter, it is theless importams that I should sean — — regularity of. the.pro- cecdings. Respectfully submitted. Ceara GREENE C: BRONSOM. It appears that last year an injunction was served upon. tho Common Council to prevent them from graatingger” mission the New York. and Yonkers Railroad Company to lay rails in certain streets of the city. As it was.aup- posed that the Commow Council would attompt. toeush this thing through to-right,a copy of the injunction wag servedarpon them. ‘The Board concurresy in the adoptionef, a resolution tout, ‘he Commissioner of.;the, Soliers? Allotiment Fund, to report an estimate of, the .nesessary expenses for the vigorous prosecution of his duties ‘A\communication was received from,,A.V. Stout, to which was appended tite above resolusion, Considerable time was wasted in efforts to prosere the edoption of a resolution granting the clerks andother em- p'oyes of the Board 3250 each for “‘oxora servioas,” which was vigorously opposed by Mr. Ortory who said"that the momber who voted for that measure, to erent the city money to men who did not earn it, would deliberately put itis hand into ‘is neighbor’s pocket. ‘The-nesolution was finally adopted by a vote of 13 $0 11. After the transaction of other business, the Board ad- jouraed till Tuesday, at three o’cloek. Supreme Court—General Term. Ratore Hon. Judges Clerke (P.J.), Ingrabam and Suth. erland. DECISIONS IN, GAUSES HEARD AT TiS. SEPTEMBER. TERM. Fenner vs. Wittiams.—Order -of, the speeial term re- versed, withouscosts, and the demuryex-owerruled, with, lsberty to the defendant to answer, in ten days after em try, and notice-of the order to be enterad.on the decision. Opinion by Olerke, P. J.; dissenting opinion by Ingra- ham, J. . “Brush vs. %eld.—Judgmen> reversed as to defendant, Field, and anew trial ordered costs. to. abide event, un- less ‘the plaintiffs stipulote as. required in opinion. Opinion by ‘eonard, J. DECISIONS: IN CAUSES SBARD AD THE NOVEMDER TERM.. Williams, plaintiff in error, vs. the People, dc.-Judg- ment afore Opinion by. Ingrakama, J. ae. McAride vs. the People, de.—Iudgment reversed and new trial ordered a ihe Court of Genoral Sessions. Opinio by Ingraham, J. PcCotter vs, the Mayor, dic.—Judgment reversed and new trial ordered; costs to abide event. Cpinion by: Allen, J. Moithews vs. the Mayor, déc.—There being no: finding of facts, the case is sent back for correction, leaving it to be keard at the next general term in its proper place, om payment of costs of November term by appallant. Biwards vs, Bostwick.—Judgmont affirmed withoat costs. Opinion by Clerke, P. J. Thompson vs. the Tioga Railroad Ci Judgment reversed and new trial ordered; costs to abide event. Opinions by Clorke, P. J., and Allen, J. Belmont et ai. vs. Lane et al.—Order affrmed, without costs. Inve. las! will, de., of Wm, Merchant, deceased.—De- cree of Surrogate affirmed, with costs. jent affirmed. Vincent vs. the People, dc.—Judgmens reversed, Anderson vs. the People, éc.—Judgment affirmed, ‘The Court adjourn to next Saturday. Before Recorder Hoffman. CASE OF JEFFERDS. At tho opening of the court yesterday, the District At- torney atated that he ad received a lotterfrom Mr. Brady stating that his shroat continued in such a condi- tion as to prevent his eppearing in court, and that he de- od the sentence of Jefferds to lie over for a while longer, Mr. Waterbury confsrred with Mr. Holmes, the other of Jofferds’ counsel, ard then stated that ho would consens that the matter should go over to Saturday noxt. ‘The reasons for this delay were stated by Mr. Holmes when the matter was before the court on Saturday last, who then said tha the defence should contend that w dor the statutes «& they now stand, no punishment what- ever can be infitted on a prisoner on a conviction for murder in the frst degree. Or, if a punishment can be inflicted, it cax amount only to one year’s inoarceration in the State Prison, and that any seritence to death would boontirely woperative and void, for (he reason that the death penaty in all oases hag been abolighod. nS sib