The New York Herald Newspaper, March 3, 1862, Page 2

The Chevalier Wikof and the Hick- man Kitchen Committee. The Chevalier’s Arrest, Im- prisonment and Release. What Was Asked Him, and What He Told. & A Piquamt Inside View of a vongress- ional Committee, Kee Kee ae TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD. Wasmneron, Feb. 20, 1862. S&m—My recent appearance at the bar of the House of Representatives, followed by my imprisonment by a voto of the Hougg,are events so nove! and striking, fat it may interest, perhaps amuse, the public, to give a fuller statement of facts than has yet appeared. Iwill throw my narrative into three short chapters. CHAPTER I. 4 Subpena—A Puzile—A Stately Commuree—A Mistake— ‘The President's Message—New York Herala—An Inquisi- tion—Reflect and Answer. Tarrived in Washington on February 8, and immodiately afterwards received a subpena, signed by the'Speaker of the House, to appear on Monday, the 10th inebs; be!ore the Judiciary Committee. This surprised me. I was aware that this committeo had been recently charged with the special duty of inquiring into the censorship exercised by the government over the telegraphic des- patches of newspaper correspondents, with a view to curb any abuse of authority against the libo:ty af tho press. As I was connected with no fournal, and had sont no dospatches, I failed to perceive what I had to do with this investigation: At the appointed hour on Monday last, I entered an elo- gant room in tho south wing of the Capitol, where I found seated on either side of a long table some eight gentle men of respectable appearance and imposing demeanor, At the head sat the chairman, Mr. Hickman, of Pennsyl- vania, whom I recognizod—an intelligent man, but a well known fanatic in politics. I was desired to seat myself in achair at the lower end of the table. I was then for- mally sworn to tell all I knew of a certain matter, but no mention was made of it. Whether it was my religicn, my politics or my finances that were going to be invosti- gated was to me at that moment a perplexing conjecture. The chairman then questioned me as to my rela- tions with the press, “I had none,” was my reply. ‘Was I not a correspondent or editor?’ “Neither.” ‘Did I not write to or for the New Yorx Henao?’ ‘Very rarely.” This topic exkaust- ed, the chairman took up that of the President's last Message. The committee manifested new symptoms of interest, whilst! was more puzzled thanever. I would have given ® reward to know what it all meant. After afew flourishes Iwas asked if I had not sent a copy of the message per telegraph to the New York HeRity? “No, sir,” was my answer. ‘Did you not send any por- tion of it?” ‘No, sir.” Irepeated. I was amused to see that both the Chairman and the committee now looked as bothered as I had been. They put thoir heads toge- ther, got up in a corner, and then returned to the charge. “Tell us what you had to do with a despatch sent to the New Yore Heratp about the Message the night before its delivery to Congress.” “I will, if I cam recollect so triviala matter.”’ I related that I had accidentally, and without caring for it, got some little knowledge of the Message—that I thought a sentence of it had been re- peated to me; this information, small as it was, I made a Present of to one of the correspondents of the New York Heratp, who,! believe, sent it on to that journal. Glances of surprise and incredulity were exchanged all round the long table. A suspicion, I fear, took possession of the committoe that I was only bamboozling them, which, of course, was not the case. I was requested to retire for a few moments, which I passed walking through the corridors, trying to fathom what these strango interrogations had to do with the cen- sorship of the government over the press, which the Ju- diciary Committee had in charge. When I was recalled, Tremarked--ths” committee sat up very straight, looked grave—] may say, ponderous. The chaiemaa was buried in reflection, and, before he spoke, startlod me by darting his keen, inquisitive eyes at me, and then directing them to some written papers before him. I felt the mystery was going to be solved—that the bomb over my head was about to burst. ‘ Will you inform the committee,”’ said Mr. Hickman, “about your relations with the White Gouse.”” “Sir!” I ejaculated, greatly astonished. ‘‘ Will Jou state how often you go there—whom you see—what you talk about? Do you seo the President? Do you meet ‘any of his family? Do you dine there? Do you break- (ast there? Are politics discussed, or war, or peace? Do you get any information? What do you do with it? Do you gend it to the New York Hxratp.” I give theseas speci- men of the shower of questions t! feli like hail- stone about my ears. It was not the chairman alone I had to contend with, but all the mombers of the committes opened their batteries upon me; and to keep my head clear and my nerves calm under the cross fire of some eight adroit, determined law- yers required no small effort and a good deal of patience. I sought to be respectful and dreaded a collision, but I could not help protesting, at last, against introducing the name of the President, or any one of his family, into an inquiry whcse motive and aim were far from apparent, whilst its nature was becoming more and more inqui sitorial. Upon this one of the committee (I wish I knew bis name), rose in his place, and protested, likewise, against these proceedings:—“ What right has this com- mittee,” ho asked, “to inspect the visiters list at the White House? What claim have we to intrade into the domestic affairs of tho President, any more than in those of the humbiest person in the land? Are we to issue permite to the Presi dent, or tohis family, as to the friendships thoy muy form or the people they see fit to invite to their parties?”’ He was going on in this strain of good sense and tasie to inveigh aga’ t the conduct pursued towarde me, when he was calle to order by another of the committee (a gentleman with sandy hair), who said such a discussion ought not to take place before the witness. I was, in copsequence, once more consigned to the corridors. After @ considerable interval | was summoned back to my chair. The commitice had ch ingod its aspect; some looked agitated, some angry, others a little disgusted. ‘The chairman Seemed unsetiled, and swung round in his chair, which played on a pivot. Had he overshot the mark? Had he missed his game? That was the oxpres- sion of his face. The interrogatories were renewed, and the Message was disiuterred again. After @ short pre- Jude I was required to say who gave tho paragraph from the Message I had passed over to the Heratn cor respondent. I thought the committee had no right to know that, and asi had pledged myself to secresy to my informant, I decided at once not to tell them. When I made known my determination, the chairman and those who supported him seemed pleased. It struck me that they had cornered me. Thoy insisted, and I persisted. It ended by the chairman giving mo forty-eight hours to reflect, when, if I continued obdurate, I must take the consequences. 1 was not alarmed at this monace, for I doubted the crime was Ang dark to make free with a sentence the President's Message, of which I became lawfully possessed, and I had no reason to dread the penalty, as was attached to it. So thin! 5 the com- ‘ittee room, promising te return on Wednesday. CHAPTER It. A Ne riz—smuen Arrest—Bar of the Mouse—cvothing to Say—Condemned—The Prison—Female Sympathy— Jolly Fellows. As the clocks of the Capito. scruce ven on Weanesaay Jast I crossed the throshold of tho Judiciary Committee room, and resumod my witness clair. Mr. Hickman is a model of punctuality, and was in his place, ready for work, The committeo dropped in rapidly ‘Weil, sir,” said the chairman, “yoo remombor how we parted. You refused to answor a quovtion I deemed important. Aro you prepared to give me up the name I demanded, or to be guilty of a contempt of my authority.” ‘Really, gentlemen,’ I re- plied, I cannot see why you should insist on the name of the person who imparted to me a more paragraph of the Message." “We aro the best judges of that, and must have it,’’ was something like the answer made. “Well,Iam sorry to disappoint you; but I pledged my. solf not to mention the name of the individual in ques- tion; and, until released from the oDligation, must de. cline to do s0.’’ I thought the committe was rather pleased than otherwise at my contumacy. “I «do not despair,’ Ladded, “of giving the name you require by permission.” After a few general questions the Chair. man announced he had done with me, Irose quite re- freshed by this pleasant information, and was retreating from the room, when Mr. Hickman asked, in the ordi- nary tone, if I left Washington soon? ‘In afow day: returned ; ‘but are you likely to want me again?” “Por. haps 60; but we'll let you know,” and Mr. Hickman smiled benignantly, the committee bowed graciously, while I did my best to conceal the small regret I had at Parting with oithor. AI wonded my way homowards Imade up my mind that the Judiciary Committee had adopted the funniest mode of arriving at the government consorsbip over the press it was possible to imagine, 1 began to suspect they were after somothing e!se; for what bad the White House, of any of ite inmates, to do with that subject. Such @ tissue of queries on matters purely personal I newer mmderwent) before; and to find a Congreasional committee reviving the days of the Star Chamber was the strangest event of this strange . Twas a nat in my room at Willard’s Hotel, when, about three in the afternoon of the same day, two men threw open the door and said they haa orders to arrest me. ‘What for?’ I demanded. They did not know. ‘By whose authority?” “ The House of Repre- sentatives.” ‘And where am I to go?’ * To the apart. ment of the Sergeant-at-Arms.”” As I drove with my new escort up to the Capitol, I did nothing but wonder what new surprise awaited me. An arrest by the Sergeant- at-Arms was all very well; but to give it due dignity there ought to bo a crime to precede it, and my trouble was not to be able to discover it, I was safely deposited in tho splendid room of the Ser- geant-at-Arms—Mr. Ball, ex: membor of Congress from Chio—who wolcomed me with great cordiajity, and said I was just the man ho wanted. ‘ Well, what are you going to do with mo, Mr. Sergeant?” I asked, for I was getting exceedingly curious 4o know what would happen to next? ‘‘I must take you be- fore the Bar of the said Mr. Ball, “and if you willfollow me round to the main door, we shall descend the middle aisle and ri up at the appoint right opposite to the Speaker?’ I thought Mr. Ball was indulging in a joke, or wanted to indulge in adrink, and that he meant “by the bar of the house” ono of the familiar restaurants of the place. I smiled knowingly and followed him, but sure enough he entered the House by the principal door, and asked mo to wait a moment till Mr. Hickman was notified of the arrival of ‘« the prisoner.” Up to this moment I knew nothing whatever of what hadoccurred. It, that the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I left them, bad obtained from the Speaker an order for my arrest for contempt of his authority, and for this reason I had been laid hold of by the Sergeant-at-Arms, by whose side I was then standing, waiting for my presence to be announced. I looked round the House, rubbed my oyes, and tried hard toconvince myself it was n6t all a dream. Suddenly the Sergeant toki me to follow, and we marched through the centro of the House. I was con- ducted toa chair near the Clerk's desk. Whereon my lato catechist, Mr. Hickman, rose in his place and stated Thad been guilty of a contempt in not answering a quos- tion put tome. I thought this very ungenerous of him after I had answered so many I thought he had no busi- ness to ask. The Sergeant-at-Arms «nen aesired me to step .vrward and stand facing the Speaker. Here I was, then, in the very act of being at the bar of the House. ‘What have you to say, Henry Wiko!f,’”’ demanded the Speaker in a stern tone, “to the complaint made against you?” Not having anticipated this formidable interrogatory in the presence of the whole House, tosay nothing of the re- porters in the gallery, who sat with their eyes fixed and their pens ready to impale me should I makea trip. I decided in an instant to say nothing. I answered the Speaker, therefore, ‘‘ that I had no other reply but this. Thad refused to disclose the name of the person who had imparted the information, such as it was, not from any want of respect to the committee or the House, but from a sense of honor, as I bad pledged myself to strict se- cresy,’’ This was soon said, and I took my seat at the suggestion of Mr. Bull. Mr. Hickman promptly moved my being committed to close custody till I had purged myself of the imputed con- tempt; but several members of the House, such as Mr. Wickliffe, of Kentucky ; Mr. Stevens, of Pounsy!vania; Mr. Cox, of Ohio, and Mr. Richardson, of Illinois, were not in- clined to favor this summary process of disposing of an unlucky witness till he had some chance of patting in a defence. All debate, however, was ru'ed out of order, and my sympathisers were forced to abandon me to my fate. ‘The usual forms were rapidly hurried through, as it had been arranged, and the House not knowing what it was all about thought it best to sustain their committee. Iwas, consequently, ordored into * clobe custody,” and thereupon retired from the House to the room of the it-at-Arms. ‘ What is to become ot me now, Mr. Ball?’’ I asked, not @ little amused at the preposterous turn the affair had taken. * Weil, that puz- zles me,” said the worthy gentleman, rearranging his 3 , ‘* but 1 must store you away somewhere be- yond the reach of the curious.’” ‘After a long consultation with my tormentors, the Judiciary Committee, Sr. Ball once more gave the word ‘mareh,” and, as I had not even a knapsack to shoulder, Iwas enroute in a moment. Wending our way through the noble halls of tne new wing of the Capitol, we passed through the well known rotunda and began descending Staircases, turning right and left, till we arrived ata door that opened with a spring-lock, and wo entered the. room destined for my prison. It was n°! tuworthy the name, forthe ceiling was low and double ie the solitary window useless, as gaslight was necessary in daytime. The furniture consisted of a tableand some wooden chairs. Altogether it was as cheer’ess, dirty and repulsive a den as the Venetian Council of Ten would have thrown one of their victims into who had dared to breathe a word of the President's message—I mean had there been sucha thing in thosedark days of brutal tyranny. ‘Now, this will suit you, I’m sure,” said the facetious -at-Arins, ‘‘and, to make you p2rfectly comfortable,I'll get you an iron bedstead with a straw mattress.” ‘After completing my survey of this dingy hole thought the occasion demanded a pun, so I replied to the Sergeant's jest by saying, “if this was asample,I should vole against Capilol punishment for the rest of wy life.” Mr. Ball said that was not bad, and, recom- mending me to make myself at home, left me to my re- flections. I found my imprisonment was not to be soli- tary, for two of the guard of the Capitol were detailed to waich over me and protect mo against all visitors. I learned from my new companions that our magnifi- cent Capitol was under the constant supervision of a guard of some twenty men, divided into squads for day and night duty—all unter command of Captain Darling, a very gentlemanly person indeed, The room I occu was chiefly used by the guard as a lumber room for their night lamps, keys and what not, and it afforded a plea- sant shelter for a couple of d e of them, Jack { splendid Newfoundland), having passed his whole life in the public service, and brought many a rat to anuntimely ond. The novelty of a State prisoner taking up his quarters in Jack’s favorite kennel brought the various mombers of the guard on duty in ay and, finding me disposed to be agreeab’ strenuous eiforts to make me comfortal intelligent, well behaved men, and hi new regime. They hailed mostly from North, where they had left respectable positi figured as lelegates to the Chicago Convention; of them, with strong oratorical propensities, fa with the repetition of the speech he maile on thet occa- sion. He was an eathnsiastic Seward man, and, to his credit, he was faithfel to his rst love. An unexpected asagroable occurred during the evoving, which I'sce uo reason for not mentioning. A person in authority tapped at my door about eight o’clce which was at once flung wide open, and he ente a lovely gir! of bionning seventeen upon his must beg you to pardon ths visit of curiosity, “but here's a young lady just arrived in Wa: and perfectly rabid in p : She heard of your advent) ago,and, knowing I had access to you, insisted on my giving her a glimpse of the lion of thé our in his cage.’ 1 was not a little diverted by so lively an episode, and beg, romantic visitor, who was introduced under name, and her escort, to be seated. It mnplate the singularly countenance of this beautiful girl, bright, dark eyes wandered curiously ’ aboot tho repulsive plice sho had stambled into. Every ob ect seemed to cast a shale over her fees, till at last a settler expression of lowering disgust overspread it. Well,” she exclaimed, ‘if this is what they call a prison, I have seen enongh of it.” “But let me hope,” I said, smiling, «you will leave with a better impression of the prison- er.” “You deserve,” she replied with spirit, “any- mpathy for betng shut up in such an odious lace as this, and for doing nothing very dreadful either.”? During the vivacious chat which followed I could not help secrectly contrasting this young American girl with the products of European civilization. In France,or any where on the Continent, s0 young a person would not be allowed by the social code to open her mouth at all. The same reserve is oxscted in England till a young lady is introduced into society. Whereas hero was a Miss in her teeos, who had seen nothing of the world, tal vith @ stranger, in a very strange piace,’on tl aceidental topics that rose up, with as mich comporure, or rather nonchalance, as if shy bad beon im her mother's paglor. The Americans, mon and wor boys aud girls, excel avy people in tho world for an uhshakon solf-poseession, or what might be callod an easy assurance. The French come nearest to thom. Tho departure of my fairy quest from the West, with hor long ringlets and cherub face, restored mo to the consciousness of my wher bouts. The ight patrol dropped ia about nine P.M. set to work empty in their pockets and smal! baskets of sandwic! dl bits which Tid reatiy. The. conversation w folly, and T amused myself au: the various tr of my temporary comrades. down about midnight, taking first the precaution of sticking tho leg of a chair through » gap- CHAPTER 11. Quite Decided—A Visiter—ITis AdvicemA Revelation— Watts’ ina Name—Electrifled at Lasi—The Cloven Foot Detected—A Midnight Strott, I waited impatiently next morning for daylight, and began to think the sun had forgotten to rise. And go it shad for me, as it turned out, for at eight A.M. a murky gloom enveloped my new domicile, whieh gaslight alone could dissipate. 1 was surprised to hear it was the brightest day of the season without, 1 managed to get a tolerable breakfast from one of the restanrants of the capitol, and whilst puffing my sogar I bogan to reflect very seriously upon my odd sitvation. It wag very plain, to judge from the extravagant conduct of the com- mitteo in making me 4 prisoner, that I had Lothing to hope from their clemency. It were just possible that an attack of common sense might induce them to restore me to liberty and fresh air, but this was running too great a risk. To lingor for days, perchance wocks, in this dismal place was by no means an alluring prospect, Is was clear that I must givo up tho name of my inform. NEW YOKK HKKALD, MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1862, ang; and, under the ¢lfeumstances, I could seg little ob- Jeotion to it. Thad wisely arranged with the person in question, after my first examination on ‘Monday, that, wore I driven to extremity, his name might bo used; but he entreated, at the same time, that he might be spared, if possible, the publicity, and probable injury of such an exposure. The more I dweit on the mattar the less cause could I see to hesitate. Thad just decided this point when my door opened, and the erect figure of Gen. Sickles stood before mo, My two guards looked up from their newspapers, quite electrified. ‘It is not allowed, General, to speak with the prisoner,” thoy exclaimed, ap- Poaching him. Whoever knows anything of Gen. Sickles must remember his most prominent trait—an intrepid composure, adequate to all emergencies, groat or small. “You are quite right, my men,” returned the General, calmly “‘as to visiters, but I am here as counsel for tho prisoner.’ His mapner, even more than his words, dia- } armed the vigilance of my sentinels, and they Iwas nota little surprised at this sudden ition, which bid such easy defi to bolts and bars. I know Gen. Sickles was in Washington on urgelit business with the War Dopartment—concerning some im- provements in artillery, I believe, but that his stay was limited. I hardly expected his visit, but his advice coincided with my own viows. He urged me not-to pro- Jong this, farco; that rumor, mde free with sgveral did- tinguished names; that mY teaymony would at quo? silence conjecture and cavil. Beyond this our conversa- tion was trivial, and all in presence of the men. He had no sooner withdrawn than I addressed a note to Mr- Hickman, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, an- nouncing that I would cheerfully give the testimony required, as I was no longer under the obligation of secresy that had sealed my lips. An hour later! was summoned before the committee, who were assombled in full force, and rogarded me, 431 centered, with an earnest- ness that attracted myattention. There was an inde- finable something in their manner that betrayed akeon, restless expectation. I took my accustomed placo, when Mr. Hickman said he had received my note, which he proved by reading it over to mo; and then, layigg it down with a satisfied air, he leant back in his chair, aiid desired me to reveal the name I had contumaciously with- held. The committee turned their united, ardent gaze upon me. ‘Gentlemon,” I said, as far as I can recollect, ‘the name you demand with such inflexibility is hardly more important than the meagre information I handed over to the Heratp correspondent- The name in question is that of Major Watt.” Tho effect of this revelation on the chairman and committeo I could hardly describe in truthful but decorous terms. They fell back in their chairs, regarded each other in dumb surprise, and articulated mochanically the name of Watt. “Who is Watt?’ at length exclaimed several at once. “It can’t be Watt, the late gardener at tho White Houge,"’ expostulated one. ‘‘There was aman by the name of Watt who recently received a lieutevancy In the army, but was not confirmed,” remarked another. ‘It is one and the samo person, gentlemen,” I explained, after a few moments. This positive corroboration of their worst suspicions had evidently the most unpleasant effect, to use a mild phrase,on tho chairman and others of the committee. The astonishment and disappointmont was so dcop and manifest that it was clear to mo as noonday that some one else of more importance had been suspected a; the purveyor of tho overrated paragraph of the Mes. sage. Was it, after all, then, a political in- trigue, I conjectured inwardly, that had inspired this frivolous inquiry. Was it only to manufacture a cry against innocent parties that Ihad been so need, lessiy brought before that committeo—been perforated as it were with volleys of questions quite unprecedeated— been the hero of a legis'ative mockery—and, finally, despoiled of my liberty, and forced to submit to all tho rigors of an Austrian dungeon. Politicians will resort to tricks Iknew, and very knavish tricks too, but there was one feature in this transaction impressed meas especially odious, and tha: was the unjustifiable attempt, as it now caine ont, to drag into the mire of publicity a name that every motive of propriety, every sentiment of honor, overy impulse of manhood, should have shielded from even an allusion. ‘These speculations were wandering through my mind whilst I was engaged in replying without thought to another batch of tiresome questions, to this effect. had I known Watt? Where did I meet him on the fatal night. What did he say? What did I say? Why did General Sickles call? What did wo talk about—usque ad nauseum? After a conference in the corner between ths Chairman and severaLof,the commitice, I was remanded to the cus- tody of the Sergeant-at-Arms, who carried me off to his room. This surprised me, as I expected to regainmy liberty, having given up the coveted secret. ‘hile oc- cupying the Sergeant’s quarters, which is constantly thronged by the members of the Honze, I was frequently addressed ina playful manner by these who recognized me, and it was ludicrous to see them called to order every moment by the Sergeant's deputies, who informed then I must not be spoken to, a8 such were the orders of the committee. ‘Why don’t you put up a notice to that effect, then?” remonstrated Colfax, of Indiana, who was one ot the offunders. ‘‘However,’’ he continued, laugh- ing, “it's no matter, Mr. Wikoff, I take it all back.” 1 was beginning to wonder at my prolonged detention, when Mr. Hickman came iting into say it would be necessary to obtaina vote of the House for my discharge, and he would move it the first opportunity. It was pleas- ing news, for Iwas chafing under tho “silent system” which bad beon applied tome. I supposed, aftor tolling ajl I knew, my communication with the outer world Would be restored; but not a bit of it. ‘The House adjourned about four P.M. There I was, still penned up behind the railing of the Sergeant's room. “What can be the matter now,” sald Mr. Ball,and he went off to inquire. I was inclined to think the commit- tec wore so pleased with their new toy, a Siato priaoner, that they were disposed to play with him as long as they could. After a covsiderable time Mr, Ball returned from the committee room, and said he regretted I shoal! be obliged to pass another night in my old quarters, but tho Hovse had adjournol before Mr. Hickman was aware of it. I thought this unjustifiablo, and really amounted to false imprisonment. I could uot help quoting the fami liar phrase:— Man's inhumanity to man countless thousands inourn. antat-Arms escorted me back to my me at parting to make the most of it, for he had very little doubt that tho morrow's #in would seo Mr. Hi ptive restored once more to Pont vania avenue and its tributaries. There was not as much sympathy, [ am bound to admit, displayed on my return to the guardroom as IT had reason to expect, and it was proity evident that the Capitol patrol relished tho joke of carrying out all the coremonies of +*c! upon the tuck’ess victim of the Judiciat would be ungrateful, however, not to acl they displayed the utmost desice, consistent with their ‘unctions, to make me comfortable. They wi est of thé newspapers, which Captain Dar] ,on his own responsibility, to allow me to read, thoy oxpressed the liveliest’ regret at turning away athizing visiters. At ten P. M. the gates of the ‘losed for the night, aud all access, therefore, atanend, Soon after this,on tho night in question, my worthy friends of the patrol held a secret consultation, and came to the conclusion that, in view of my probabie relouse the next day, they thought they might venture to give me a little fresh air before going to bed “A walk in the lofty corridors of the new north wing, which I gladly lied out for my promenade with of the gnard who had been th» most active in effecting this modification of the Draconian code of the committee, and the rear was brought up by the vigilant Jack who patsed the night ha- bitually prowling around the bail ting. It is rarely [have enjoyed anything more than this strange stroll. ‘The escape from close conflnement—the soft temperature, as the furnaces of both wings of the Capitol are kept up night and day—the commanding height and massive architec- tare of these noble halis—the brooding stiliness, disturb- ed only by the echo of our footsteps, inspired sensations a3 pleasing as confnsing. The very fact that the Capitol was converted into @ lodging house for my especial benofit, and that I was pacing up and down its sacred precincts @ prisoner, was such an odd blending of the grotesque and the romantic that it was difficult to be- lieve it real. I set it down as one of the most cidents of my erratic career. I got through pretty well, though my_ slumber tarbed by the sudden illness of o1 was seized with a violent chill home I thought it very inconsiderate of Mr. Commis- sioner French not to provide @ better retreat for the night patrot than the kind of vault they occupy. As the House did not mect till noon next day, I had tomanouvre ettheough the morning as well as 1 eould. My im- pationes was gra My ‘sing to boiling point, when a messenger from Mr. Ball bid me once more ascend to the upper regions, and I was conducted again to tho Ser- geant’s room. ’In the course of an hour Mr. Hickman Appeared, with the joyful futelligence that my bonds were removed, and it seems that this had been effected ja a quiet way between him and the Speaker, without giving the House an opportunity of uttering their second thoughts. I fancy from this that both the Chairman and the Jadiciary Commi wore growi painfully conscious that they had tum! intoa pitta which may bave been dug for other —_ In closing this prolix narration I should like to add my opinion of the whole procoeding, bat for the salutary dreat of gliding again into the clutches of Mr. Hickman, I thought it due to my friends toelucidate the hocus- is by which a miess traveller was trane- formed first into ® newspaper correspondent, then into a villified criminal, and at last turned adrift to repair the new fissure in his reputation as woll as ho might. Finally, to those who doubt the goneral acenracy of my record, let mo suggest their calling on the Judiciary Committee, to publish my three ex- aminations. Mr. McElhone, an accomplished reporter, was present, and took down every word. Questions were put tome and names wore introduced I have forborne to ro. peat, but which somo members of the Judiciary Com. mittee will, doubtless, blush to recall when political viru, ‘ence gives way to honorabie feoling. Your obedient ser. vant, HENRY WIKOFF, The amia dingy don Fir at Sanatoca Sprixas.—The Empire Spring House, situated just above the Empire Spring, and belong’ to Hi. B. Smith, was destroyed by fire on the 24th uit. The house was cl for the winter, with furniture in it, The fire broke out at twelve o'clock, and, as the wind blew a terrible gale, the building was soon consumed. No fire engines were out, it being found impracticable to get them out in time. The fire is supposed to have been the work of an mentee) though it may have occurrei fi he of which iehi few tot Tuoea 4.400, tasured for 3.500. "8 * ve way, | FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. eee Sunpax, March 2, 1862. The imports at this port last week were heavy; they fell but little short of three million dollars, while the exports of produce, merchandise and specie foot up about a similar amount. The prin- cipal items of import were:— 7 Our imports of cotton and tobacco, while the South is suffering from the want of most of the ne- ceasaries and all the luxuries of life, tell the tale of the madness of the rebellion. Adding our exports of specie to those of produce and merchandise, we discover that our foreign trade for the year to date—that is to say, for two months—is about balanced, and that we neither owe anything to the foreign world nor aro its creditors. But as the trade tables contain no ac- count of the movement of public securities, it is not s assume that the exchanges will remain at pat. For six or eight months the capitalists of Europe, influenced to some extent by the preju- diced and probably the corrupt articles in the Lon- don Times, have been selling out their American stocks, and demanding the proceeds in coin or its equivalent. Of Erie shares alone some 20,000 are known to have come over from the other side for eale here, independent of bonds; and large amounts of federal and State securities, and of Ilinois Cen- tral and other railroad bonds and stocks, are known to have been converted into money in thig market for account of foreign holders. Theso re. mittancés of stocks and bonds have the same effect upon the exchange market as imports of dry goods or hardware; they increase the demand for bills and tend to raise their price. It is generally believed among our foreign bankers that the news of the recent triumphs of the Union army will lead to further investments of foreign capital in Ameri- can securities. Money is being freely loaned in London at 2 per cent perannum. Here the Sub- Treasury offers & per cent on call; government stocks pay from 6% per cent to 7.30; and railway stocks and bonds offer from 7 to 10 per cent. As soon as foreigners learn that the diatribes of the British press against American credit.and Ameri- can securities are merely paid advertisements, in- serted by the secessionist envoys, it is supposed that a large amount of British and other foreign capital will come here for investment. If this ex" pectation be confirmed, the natural tendency of our people to import more than they can pay for will not produce the evil effects which would otherwise ensue from it. The following are the official Custom House tables of the trade of the port for the past week and since January 1:— Iurorrs. For the Week. 1860. 1861. 1862. Dry goods. .... $3,778,034 1,837,202 1,097,531 General merchandise. 1,850,606 1,869,087 1,822,218 Total for the week. $5,628,640 Previously reported. 36,444,214 Since January 1....$42,072,854 Exports oF PRODUCE AND 1 1862. 860. 1861. For tho week........ $1,618,781 3,045,668 2,456,112 Previously reported.. 10,023,186 18,375,869 18,199,405 Since January 1...$11,641,006 21,491,637 20,635,617 Exports or SPECIE. 3,206,289 2,919,749 31,215,384 23,765,035 84,421,673 26,684,784 1861. 667, Previously ‘ted... weot'see oat Since January 1....$1,985,920 1,651,013 6,904,137 The banks showed last Monday a specie average of $28,875,992, being an increase of $761,844 from the week previous. To-morrow they will probably show within a quarter of a million of thirty mil- lions of dollars. They have gained since they sus- pended fully seven millions of dollars, Their dis- counts, which last Monday stood at $139,950,958, will probably stand in to-morrow’s average at about $139,000,000. Mercantile paper is becoming so scarce that the large amount of government securities carried by the banks does not swell their discount line much above the usual average in flush times. If the rebellion had not broken out it is probable that our banks would now have had fully one hundred and forty millions under dis- count, and it is doubtful whether their specie reserve would have exceeded thirty millions. The event, and the recent advance in bank stocks, fully confirm the views we expressed some months since with regard to the bank invest. ment in public securities. It was the best opera- tion they ever made. They only need prudence and caution to realize profit enough out of it to re- pay them for all their losses by Southern repudia- tion. We hear that there is some talk at Albany of superaeding the Clearing House institution by a State department, dependent on the Bank Super- intendency. We have not heard the details of the plan; but it is safe to say that the public and the stockholders in New York city banks will feel lit- tle regret at the abolition of the Clearing House. As originally established, for the mere purpose of effecting the daily exchanges, it was a useful ar- rangement. But of late years it has assumed to legislate for the general interests of the banks, and every step it has taken has increased the public contempt for the judgment of the persons who control it. The interests of stockholders in our city banks would be much safer, and the gene- ral bank policy of New York would be conducted on broader principles, if the Clearing House were restricted to its legitimate functions, and some steps were taken by the Legislature to consolidate the association of the banks under the auspices of persons of larger general experience and more ex- tended views than are possessed by the present leaders of the Clearing House Association. The speculation in gold is still an existing fact. The premium on the precious metal fell on Thurs- day to 2 per cent, and closed yesterday at 2% a ¥Y. We notice that the London Zimes de- clares that nothing proves the general igno- rance of the American people more conclusively than the supply of gold at 3% premium. In the opinion of the advisers of that journal it should be worth at least ten percent. Public ignorance has since diminished the premium; and, though the operations of speculators may at any time put the price up to five again, it is well un- derstood that such experiments are dangerous. When gold last rose to 3% per cent the Boston banks very sensibly supplied the market. We have frequently had occasion to remark that the pre- mium on gold is altogether speculative. There is no demand for it, and there is a superabundant supply. Every hoard of a million costs $70,000 a year in loss of interest. The shrewd speculators in this city who are understood to have set aside three or four millions in gold to sell at the im- mense premium which they foresaw in the distance are losing from $4,000 to $5,000 @ week in interest. It needs but little sagacity to determine how long they will be content to submit to this drain. We had quite a flurry in the moncy market last week. Call loans rose to seven per cent, and were in active demand at that rate. Paper did not par- ticipate in the advance. There are still a few names which pass at 5 per cent. The general first class list goes at G a7 per cent, and good mercan. tile at8a10012, But there is a great scarcity of mercantile paper, and even government certificates of indebtedness are not as abundant as was expect- ed. Anactive money market at the beginning of March, when trade is inactive, and little or no busi- ness is being done on credit, is an anomaly which creates some surprise. It is probably mainly due to the disturbance in the currency caused by the passage of the Treasury Note act. Before that act passed banks woald not receive demand notes except as special deposits, to be returned in kind. The day after the passage of the act, qud for @ day o¢ two afterward, thoge same do 1862. 510,774 6,453,363 mand notes rose to a premium Of 4 @ > per cent" Yesterday they fell to par, and were sold in the afternoon af par, on time. These finctuationsin the currency naturally tend to check financial operations. Many banks and bankers are probably indisposed to lend money until they see how mat- ters are going to shape. Meanwhile there is an abundant supply of money throughout the North; and as goon as it becomes known that Wall street will pay seven per cent on call on good security a fair share of this money will seek employment at the brokers’ offices. Taking into consideration the actual demand for money among the merchants and on the Stock Exchange, it is hardly likely that the price can long be maintained at seven per cent. Foreign exchange fell last week, closing at about 112% a 113 for bankera’ bills on London, and 6.00 8 5.05 for francs. The fall was caused partly by the pinch in money, which obliged some speculative holders of bills to sell, and partly by the decline in gold. Our importations show a tendency to in- crease, which, if the new tariff does not check it will ultimately lead to an advance in exchange and to heavy exports of gold. If, as is expected, the duty on British woollens, worsteds,' linens, cottons, silks and hardware is raised to such a point as to reduce materially the consumption of those foreign articles in this country, we shall be able to pay for all the tea, coffee, sugar, hides, spices, wool, drugs, &c., which we need, without drawing too heavily on our specie strength. Otherwise it will be safe to look for very heavy exports of gold this summer. The following table shows tne course of the stock market during the past week and month:— Feb.1. Feb. 8. Feb. 15, Fed. 22. March. 1 1% 44 BKB. Missouri 6's...... 41 415% y 6 Now York Contral 82% exd80. 81% «84 835g Roading.....0.... 40% 40% 41% 43% © 42% Erie.. 83% «8315 B45 «849K BA Michigan Centrai.. 4934 491f 53° 54K South. guaranteed. 4034 41 41% 46 48 Illinois Central.... 60. 56% 69 65 6334 Galona, 65% «68 | 63K BIG aj «3 «116121 108 Hudson 37% «88K 88 BT 8B Pacific Mail. 98 «= 99 exd94yg §=— OB 033K There has not been much change in prices during the past week. It is said that a large quan- tity of stock has changed hands, having been sold by the speculators and bought by the public. This change would account for the pause in the upward movement. The increased demand for money and the increased difficulty of carrying stocks likewise naturally operate against speculation. It is be- lieved, however, by a majority of operators, that the pause in the movement will not be of long du- ration, and that prices will rise again on receipt of satisfattory war news. There is a bear party still in the Board; but it is not as formidable as usual, either in numbers or in influence. The lead-. ing speculators secm satisfied that the bull side is tobe the winning card for some time to come» and the commission houses confirm this opinion by reference to the increase im their orders to buy. It is urged, in certain quarters that stocks are already very high, and that the advance of the past six or eight weeks has been considerable. But it is said, on the other hand, that if speculation once fairly sets in—as it is likely to do under the cheering prospect of a restoration of peace—prices will move without re- gard to intrinsic values. It must be admitted, too, that the increased traffic on the leading lines of railways constitutes a powerful argument for the bulls, The great lines of New York, Michigan, Ohio and Illinois are earning so much more money than they did at this time last year that any road which last year was able to pay interest and expenses will have something over for dividends this season, and the roads which paid three’ per cent last year will be in a position to divide four or five now. The effect of the Treasury Note bill upon values is still a matter of discussion. On the one hand it is said that the legal tender paper will drive out of circulation so much gold and silver and redeem- able bank paper that the volume of the currency will not be increased. Onthe other hand, there is no instance in history in which issues of govern- ment paper, made or accepted asa legal tender: failed to inflate prices to some extent. The cffect of the Bank of England issues in and after 1797 upon the prices of stocks and merchandise, and allkinds of property, was most remarkable; the business of the London Stock Exchange quad. rupled ina short period of time. It is probable that the effects of the new financial policy of go- vernment will not be experienced until the new ‘Treasary notes are actually afloat. The first of the new financial measures of go- vernment—the legal tender Treasury Note bill— is now a law. Much of the credit of this necessary and judicious act is due to the industry and sagaci- ty of the Hon. E. G. Spaulding, of this State, who, as chairman of the Sub-Committee of Ways and Means, drew and reported the bill to the House. It required some firmness on the part o! this gentleman and his colleagues to resist the pressure which was brought to bear on them by speculators from here, who wanted to have an opportunity of buying government bonds at 50 a 60 per cent, and by bankers and others who were afraid of the words ‘‘a legal tender.” We are now enabled to state that the Tax bill will be reported to the House to-morrow, by Mr. Morrill’s sub. committec, and the Tariff bill in the course of ten days. Greatly as the public deplore the unaccount" able slowness of the committee in the prepara- tion of these important acts, complaint will be silenced if the bills reported are thorough and judicious, and no unnecessary delay occurs in their passage through Congress. Some little anxiety is felt with regard to the attitude which the Western members will take on the subject of taxation. In July last the members from the East and Central States allowed the Western members tocoerce them into the adoption of an income tax, which was undoubtedly the worst kind of tax to adopt as a commencement of direct taxation, Specific taxes on property and commercial transactions will evidently yield more revenue and press more evenly upon the pedple than im- posts on objects so variable and uncertain as in- comes. An income tax on incomes exceeding $800 would have the effect of exempting from tax- ation nearly the whole rural population of the West—a class as deeply interested in the preservation of the Union as any other, and as well able to pay as the denizens of citics. On the other hand, real estate should not be made to bear more than a fair proportion of taxes. If an attempt is made to throw the chief burthen of taxa- tion on land, opposition will be encountered at the West, and the hands of such representatives as Mr. Vallandigham will be strengthened. If the financial scheme of Congress be to raise a revenue of $200,000,000 annually, it would probably be fair to raise $25,000,000 of this sum by a land tax, $50,000,000 by a tariff on imports, $50,000,000 by stamp act, and the balance by an excise on whiskey, wine, tobaceo and cotton, and by spe- cific taxes on various kinds of property. The share allotted to cach State should be fairly set down, and property seized in the rebel States to provide their quota. We take the following from a Pittsburg paper:— ‘The bondholders of the old corporation of the Pitts- burg, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad Company mot at the office of the company, Filth street, yesterday morn. ing, to elect @ Board of Directors for tho new corporation of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne and Chicago Ratlroad Com: ny. The election resulted in the choico of the follow. ing gontlomen:—J. F. D. Lanier, Louls H. Meyer, Samuel J. tliden, of Now York; J. Kugar Thompson, @. W. Gass, Springer Harbangh, of Pennsylvania; Kent Jarvis, Willis ferriman, Robert 'McKelly, of Ohio; Samuel Hanna, Jesse L. Williams, Pliny Hoagland, of Indiana; Wm. B. Ogden, of Mino ‘The Board organized by the olection Goo. W. Cass a8 President, and Wm, H. Burnes as Sec- rotary. Tho election of oft Necessary officers was postponed until the purchasing committeo shall be ready vo convey tho railway, &¢., to the mew corporation. We have received a copy of the annual report of the Central Railvond of New Jemey. The receipts of the road for 1861 compare with the previous year as follows :— 1800. ee ‘Total reo’ pts.$1,185,847 86 1,201,895 60 Inc. 16,047 74 Total expenses ate ade 46 rays 80 Inc. 46,995 84 Bal. net earn’gs..$710,391 40 679,443 30 Dec. 30,948 10 The following table shows the receipts, expenses and net earnings from the beginning of the annual reports to the Legislature to the present time:— Receipts. Expenses. Net Earnings, 197,629, or ST p.c, 151,389, or 43 p.6. 197,349, or 52 ‘* 180,796, or 48 «+ 208,856,or 53 “ 184.873, or 47 «¢ 258,308,0r 47 «* ATL, or 53 340,502,0r 49 9812, or 51 “¢ 984 845,614,0r 42 “ 491/820, or 58 «* 885,716,or 39 ‘* 685,986, or61 475,457,0r40 “ 710,891, or 60 «* 622452,0r43 “ —679,448,0r BT peeks sata ia sete Predis veka DES Total. $6,653,064 2,931,883 of 45 p.c. 3,921,181, or 55 p.c. The coal tonnage over road since the trans. portation of coal has co/imented has been as fol- Total ......2,841,750 Decrease. ney CITY COMMERCIAL REPORT. Sarornpay, March 1-6 P. M. Asnes.—The market exhibited no change in prices, while sales of small lots of pots were made at $6 37%, and of pearls at $6 25. The stock was estimated at 81% bbls. pots and 179 do. poarla—total, 491 bb's. Breavsrvrrs.—Flour—The market was heavy and lesa active, while prices fell off about 5c. por bbl., espocial- ly for the common and medium grados. Tho chief de- mand was from the home trade. Common to choice extra Western: Canadian, SAAD AATSH saRsaass ee Cy RERSSERSS of purchasers; the sales embraced about 600 bbis., withim the range of our figures. Southern flour was in light de+ mand, and sales confined to about 800 a 900 bbis., within the rango of the above figures. Rye flour was steady at our quotations, with sales of about 150 bbls. Corn meal ‘was in good request at the above prices, with salos of 600 bbls. Wheat was heavy and inactive, while pricos favored purchasers; the sales reported footed 10,000 to 15,000 bushels, in separate lots, at $130 for common Chicago spring, $140 for red winter Western in store, $144 a $1 45 for amber Jersey and Long Island, and $140 for ambor Pennsylvania. Corn was heavy and lower; the salcs embraced about 25,000 bushels at 59c. a 60c. for Jersey new yellow, 61c. for Southern do., G0c. 61c. for Western mixod, in store, and 62: delivered. Ryo was in fair req 1,500 bushels State at 84c., ley was firm and more activi 20,500 bushels of State at 82c. a 84c.,on the dock and at the railroad depot. Barley malt was firm at $1 058 $110. Oats were cheaper, with sales of Canadian and Western at 88. a 40c., and State at 40c. ee Corres. —' market was firm, while sales wore light. 100 bags of Rio were sold at 195¢c, Cortoy.—The market was firmer, with a better de- mand from the trade, while were in some degree by the firmness of holders, ‘ihe transactions em- braced 600 bales, chiefly to spinners, closing with am upward tendency in prices. We quote at 22340. a 289. for middling up! Pye ‘a anager ee with sales at for. George's, and $3 274 bank: -Mecka. rei were firm and in fair request at $9 75 for No. 1’s and $7 75for No.2’s. Other kinds were firm, with limited a. — and smoked herring were quiet and prices nominal. Fevit.—The market was comparatively quiet, and sales. confined tosome 500 boxes at $3 40 for layers, and as $3 20for bunch. Asmall sale of currants was made at 103¢c., and a few cases Leghorn citron at 26c. cash. Fauicuts.—Engagements were light, while rates were Gunxy Crota was tirm, with sales at 14c. cash. unchanged. To Liverpool 500 bbls. flour were taken at 2s.; some tallow in barrels at 20s. Hay was unchanged, and sales moderate at 85c. a 90c. for shi nd at 90c. @ 96c. for city use. Heur.—The market was firm, but quiet. The stock comprised 33 bales of Manila; 600 do. Jute; and American undressed 350 do.,and dressed do. 460 bales. Hors were quiet, while sales have been mado within two or three days of 250 bales, growth of 1861, chiefly te tqpond at 16c. a 20c., and 100 do. of 1860 do. at 12c. a Inox.—Tho market was without improvement. Within two or three days sales of 200 tons common Scotch pig were made at $22, and 1,000tons extra American do. at , taken at Elizabethport. eer dull, with sales of 50 tons Spanish at $6 65, sixt . Lie. --fockland was in moderate demand, The sales in three days have reached 1,000 bbls. common at 60c., cash. Lump was in light sapply and prices were firm. Navan Stones were quiet, and, in the absence of of monent, prices were nominal. Ons.—Crude sperm was tolerab! ford at $1 40. Linseed was in request at 85e. Crude petroleum was in good demand: sales were making at 13c. a 13%. for export and at 12}<¢c. for refining. Re- fined was in good uest, with sales at 20c. a 23¢., ac- cording to color, with sales of Ardisco’s at 280. q Petroleum naptha was selling at lic. a 12c., the latter figure for shipping, and at usual prices for barrels. ‘Puovisioxs.—Pork—The market was steady, with a fair demand from the trade, while prices were unchanged, ‘The sales embraced about 800 bbis. at $14 3734 a $14 50 for new mess, $13 50 for old mess, and $13 for Western prime mess. Tho stock on the Ist inst. embraced 62,025 ‘bbls. against 47,270 on the Ist February last. Beof was steady, with sales of 160 bbls. at $11 75 a $12 50 for; plain moss, and $14 a $14 26 for extra. Tho stock com- prised $6,865 bbls. against 41,138 bbls. on the Ist Febru- ary last. Beef hams were steady, with sales of 160 bbls. at $16 50 a $17—the latter for oxtra. was a shade firmer, with sales of 400 at 630. for city Cum- berlan1, 63;c. a 63{c. for long ribbed Western, and at 7c. for long clear Western. Lard was steady but not active: sales of 500 bb's, were made at 73¢c. a 834c.—the latter ‘igure for choice quality. Butter was steady for State, with sales at 18¢. a 20c.,"and for choice family dairies, 2lc. a 22c.; Ohio was 13c. a 160, State cheese ri from 53gc. a 73g0., and Ohio from 53¢c. a 6c. Saraperre.—Ihere havo been more doing during the week, with tolerable free sales from and in Boston of crude at 113¢c. a 12c.; refined was held at 17¢. Sreps.—There was more demand for clcver, while salea comprised, within two or three days, 500 bags at 7c. 74c. Timothy was quiet and nominal. Calcutta linseed was held at $2 40; the last sales were at $2 30. SvGans wore firm and closed full 3c. higher on the week's sales. The transactions comprised 700 bhds. Cu- bas within the range of 634c. a 73¢¢.for refining and fair Saf grades, while good to prime of the latter descrip- tion sold at 7%c. a 8c. TaLLow was heavy, sales of 10,000 Ibs. prime city were reported at 9c. a 934c. , and of Western at 83<c. a 84¢c. was steady and firm, with a good demand, and fair sales of greens at full prices; biacks were firm, compara- tively quiot and the market easier. Wirsxey.—The market was firmer, with a speculative movoment: the sales embraced 800 a 1,000 bbls. at 273g. having chang- active at New Bed- ON SATURDAY, MARCH 1, A les, in @ 1 from 81 mayor) IacS4 Spruce atroet, oF at 108 West ; 5 REWARD—LOST. ON FRIDAY, EVENING, IN me HTL Bowery through Mourn, wrest to ye 8 theatre, a pair of gold cs 8. The above be paid On their retura to Henry Rogan, 172 wey reward will Bowery. REWARD.—LOST, IN row street, West Washin; ‘aahingion place, University place, above reward b OING THROUGH BAR. tf Firth avenue and Eleventh street to lar.” ‘The finder will receive the WNo, 63 Barrow street. REWA’ N SATURDAY, MARCH 1, A 1) Pocketboo g {Wo $10, two $5, one $3 an: ‘one $1 bill; the in silver, By leaving the same at No, Broome street, the Gnder will receive the above rewurd. REWARD—WILL BE PAID FOR THE RETURN of & Ledger, together with some Papers, which were lost on Saturday morning, Ist inst, between Fourth and Bleecker streets In Sixth avenue, fhe above roward will be paid on their return to 161 Laurens street, to D. McCormick, I ON SATURDAY EVENIN $5 Fe AR on itu nireet in avenue D, and Now Columbia street, & Pocketboo k, containing notes and sun but the hoever wii papers, of no use to an, eo owner, Wi 70 Columbia street, will receive the revurn the same to No, yo Com ie greet, above reward and no q' —_—_—_—_———— RD.—OPERA GLASS—LOST, ON MARCH 1! $5 REW ANzaving the Academy of Mas oy after the mati feo, an Opera Glass, etamped “Plossl Wien.” By returni the above to the Chahiot nt Harper & Brothers, 329 Pear fiteet, the finder will receive five dollars and the thanks of the owner, REWARD—FOR THE APPREHENSIO 0D Beiter who stole a groen and purple velvet fe eg, treni.o} with gilt lage white, satin pains, dni Feathers, from the business wagon of R, W. Williams, 404 Broome 81 Brooklyn, on Weducsday evening, February 26, or BILLIARDS. “{ LARGE STOCK “OF NEW “SROOND HAND Atti Sacre anae “bes GOLLEND IR, @ ya 60 Qroubr aha. Be