The New York Herald Newspaper, March 26, 1862, Page 10

10 NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. Skirmish with Rebel Cavalry Near Warrenton, Va. Development of Union Senti- ment in Virginia. Debate on the Slavery Question in the Senate. Trivial Discussion on the Tax Bill in the House, &., &e. ae, ‘Wasurnaton, Mareh 25, 1862. SKIRMISH WITH REBEL CAVALRY. On Saturday a scouting party from the New York Six_ ty-first regiment, while passing down the railroad from ‘Manassas toward Warrenton, and about two miles from French’s brigade, were fired upon by a party of cavalry, supposed to belong to Stuart's regiment. Upon making @ demonstration toward the as- sailants, the rebels fied im great haste. It was undoubtedly their intention to pick off a man or two; Dut they were fortunately beyond range, and thus failed 1m their object. The precipitance with which they de- parted gave evidence that they are not inclined to any- thing higher than a deliberate murder. It ig stated that about four thousand rebels are now in the vicinity of Warrenton, apparently waiting for some- thing toturn up. From the reperts it does not seem that they intend to make @ stand at that point. It is ‘thought that the force is a part of the rear guard of the Manassas army waiting for orders. FALSE ALARM. Om Sunday night a report was made to headquarters that a party of rebel cavalry had appeared at Difficult creek. A reconnoissance failed to find any traces of the enemy in that direction. ALLEGED PILLAGE OF THE REBEL STORES LEFT AT MANASSAS. Complaint has been made by General Richardson that parties from Washington and other places, with regular passes to enter within the lines, have availed themselves of the privilege to pillage from the stores left at sas—flour, pork,&c. They come in wagons, and large quantities of provisions have been thus conveyed away. ‘The General thinks the supplies will be useful for our own troops, and an interdiction is to be placed upon such proceedings in future. MEMENTOS OF MANASSAS The rage for mementos from Manassas seems unabated , ‘and a crowd of people may be seen daily searching ‘among the ruins for some token. The ground has been pretty well gone over. DEVELOPEMENT OF LOYAL SENTIMENT IN VIRGINIA. The advent of Union troops into Virginia has already ad a beneficial effect upon the Union sentiment in Fair- fax county. A proposition has been made to organize a Home Guard in the county, for the more rerfect security of the inhabitants. Many of the farmers are to be seen on the Fall’s turnpike, between Alexandria and Manas- eas, busy at work ip erecting their fences, which had Deen destroyed by the rebel troops. They oxpress their confidence in being protected from further invasion, and re determined to goon with the cultivation of their farms, confident that the danger from the war cloud has passed over them. But very little winter grain has been put in, and the wheat crop has been almost wholly neg- fected. GENERAL SUMNER'S ORDER TO THE PEOPLE OF ViR- GINIA. General Sumner has issued an important order pro- Diditing aets of marauding. He assures the people of Virginia that their only safety is the general government, and that it will be his constant endeavor to protect them 4m their persons and property to the extent of his power. ‘Bhe Genera! has also determined to accept no resigna- ions in his corps during the campaign. He is decidedly opposed to gentlemen going through with the incidentals of the campaign, drawing pay and enjoying the distinc tion of their positions, without ineuring any of the dan” gers incident to a state of war. No resignations based upon private affairs will be considered by him. A per- sistence in an offer of resignation will be followed by ar- rest THE WAR DEPARTMENT AND THE NEWSPAPERS. The action of the Secretary of War in reference to newspapers which publish contraband news in spit’ of the order directing the suppression of such intelli gence, has occasioned quite a fluttering among a portion of the correspondents. Some have already left the city in haste, and others are preparing to fol Jow. The order is not intended to be evaded, Dut to be executed, and there is no probability that the 7ribune will be able to bargain for an exemption from the rale on this occasion, as was dove ‘Dy the War Department under the administration of Gen. Cameron. SECRETARY CHASE'S NEW TAX BILL. ‘The tax bill in process of preparation by the Secretary of the Treasury, substitute for that of the Committe of Ways aad Means, is not yet completed. It has bee, ‘well and carefully comsidered, and will find favor with Congress, which has already been bored with the details of the bill pow before it until members can hardly treat the subject with beeoming gravity. THE PROGERDINGS OF THE HOUSE ON THE TAX BILL | ‘The pettifogging upon the tax bill continues in the House. This afternoon a farce was exacted over it which afforded much amusement to the actors, but was not relished by thore in the audience who reflected upon ‘the gravity of the subject in reference to the prersing needs of the country. ‘The levity displayed by mem- Ders during the discussion im Committee of the ‘Whole would have led a stranger to suppose that our country was beset with no difficulties, and that the ship of State was sailing prosperously on a smooth sea, Trivial amendments were introduced, just for the fun of the thing. One of them provided that persons exhibiting feats of jugglery and prestidigitation should pay a license of ten dollars. A member suggested that every man who keeps a jug should be deemed 4 juggler, which wa, laughed a¢ a8 & good joke. It was moved t, wequire a ten dollar license from all public lecturers, including preachers, and all orators who made speeches for mouey. A jolly member moved to strike out “ lecturers,’’ and insert ‘‘ mothers of families.’ Mr. Lovejoy bad the preachers stricken out, and the -whole amendment was lot A gentleman who has heard of the destruction of seventy-five thousand sheep among Bis constituency by dogs, moved that every dog dealer be fequired to pay a license of one dollar, and that every person owning @ dog be deemed a dealer. It was moved, by a facctious gentleman from New Jer- ery, that ao tax of five dollars each be levied upon all speeches upon subjects not directly before the House. This entertaining proposition was no, entertained by the Chairman. It was proposed, , to tax bachelors, school teachers, members of Congress, and congressional candidates, These amendments were suc tessively lost,amid great merriment. Mr.Cox, of Ohio opposed the tax upon circuses, which he regarded ag among the vecessaries of life. Mr. Lovejoy inquired, jo- tosely, if be would not tax persons who turned somersets? Mr. Cox would not tax theatres, for that would be to tax Hamlet and Falstaf end Othelo, which last would be disagreeable to Mr. Lovejoy. A member remarked» pleasantly, that ‘a new way to pay old debts” would be taxed: and Mr. Cox replied, also ‘Tox and Cox, which ‘be wouldn’t like.’ Ail these briliiant rallies were much enjoyed by the fanny men of the Houre The nigger queetion came up, and some earnest talk as bad. The border State men protested against payiog @ heavy tax upon that species of property apon various considerations. They had been loyal, and did not want their States driven into disioyaliy by extreme measures against their institutions. Mr Love- joy sneered at this. He was tired of bearing gentlemen of the border States talk of their loyalty menacingly. Ho intimated that those States had sent their young men to fight im the rebel army, and their old men to Congress to advocate non-interference with sia- Having lawnched a few sarcaeme like that at the border members Mr. Lovejoy sat down with the air of a person who has thrown vitro! into the eyes of @ crowd whom he hated. Two dozen amendments were offered upom the proposition to tax negroes, Mr. Lovejoy stirring the cauldron incessantly; but the House nally voted them all down and adjourned ‘This is @ epecimen of the manner in which the poople’s representatives are attending to their momentous in teresis in this crisis. The men of Lovejoy’s stamp do hot yet appreciate the heroisin manifested by the Union NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1862.-TRIPLE SHEET. men of the border States, which is sneered at by the abolition disunionists, who are yow the chief aiders and abetters of the rebellion. HEAVY DISBURSEMENT OF THE TREASURY. ‘The Treasury Department to-day passed upon and allowed a draft for the benefit of the disbursements of the Quartermaster’s Department, amounting to thirty- five millions of dollars. THE ABOLITION @F SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The abolitionists in the Senate are crowding all sail upon the bill to emancipate the slaves in the District of Columbia. They are determined to wipe out the institu- tion here. The amendment of Senator Saulsbury, pro- viding that the negroes when freed shall be divided among the free States, is very distasteful to the ultra emancipations. The negro question has occupied the attention of the Senate all day. Senator Sumner hag prepared an elabo- rate speech upon the subject. The strongest and most reasonable objection offered by the citizens of the District to this measure is, that if it should be passed the city of Washington would become the rendezvous of all the free negroes from the North and all the runaway negroes from the South, and be thus filled with a population notoriously so unprofitable and unmanageable that nearly all the free States on the borders have been compelled}to pass laws excluding free negroesfrom a residence in them. To pass the act abol- ishing slavery in the District, without passing also acts similar to those adopted in the free States for self protec- tion, would soon make Washington uninhabitable for any except free negroes. ‘The Board of Aldermen of the city, at their session last evening, passed resolutions adverse to the unqualified abo- lition of slavery in the District, and instructing the joint committee of the Councils to urge respectfully upon the members of Congress, as the constitutional guardians of the interests and rights of the people of this District, the expediency ana the justice of so shaping any legislation affecting the African race here as to provide just and proper safeguards against converting this city—located as. itis, between two slaveholding—States, into an asyluin for free negroes—a population undesirable in every American community, and which it has been deemed necessary to exclude altogether from some even of the non-slaveholding States. OFFICIAL REPORT RESPECTING THE CONTRABANDS AT FORTRESS MONROB. ‘The Commission appointed by General Wool to inquire intothe condition of vagrants, or contrabands, say in their official report that they started with the general proposition that the military power has not only the right, but it is among its highest duties, to avail itself of any and all means within its control to perfect its discipline, render its position secure, or make it effective for an advance against an enemy; and for these ends it has the right to compel service or use from anything animate or inamimate which a military necessity may demand. At the same time they con. sider that necessity is the only proper mea sure of the extent to which such power can be exercised. The Commission state that a conside- rable amount of clothing bas been sent by charitable persons, which had been distributed among the contra- bands, while, with the funds derived from their labor, the quartermaster has issued clothing up to March 1 to the amount of $835. For the five months ending with January 1, rations were drawn to thefamount of 383 per day, which were issued to about 250 women and children and old and infirm men. The number of contrabands is given as 1,508, thus distributed:—At Fortress Monroe 091, at Camp Hamilton 143, at Camp Butler.and New. port’s News 74. Some of the contrabands are employed trading and oystering, and about 100 by officers and sut- lers. Some have accompanied, as servants, officers going South, while vthers have unceremoniously disappeared. Little metination is manifeste@ to go North. Compara. tively few contrabands now come te our camps. The navy is decidedly popular with them, as therein they are treated as boys and receive ten dollars per month. The commission, point out va.ious sbuses, and suggest remedies. It further appears from the re- port that General Wool has issued an order that here- after all wages earned by them will be paid to the con- trabands for their own use, and support, under such regulations as may be deemed proper. THE CAPTURE OF BEAUFORT. The opinion is entertained at the Navy Department that the report of the capture of Beaufort, North Caro- lina, by General Burnside’s forces, 1s premature. Ger. Burnside and Flag Officer Goldsborough are doing their work well and thoroughly, but their movements, and the points at which their blows will be struck, will be known only when the act has been consummated. GENERAL BLENKER STILL IN COMMAND. The statement published in the Tribune correspond- ence, a few days ago, that General Blenker was deposed from bis command, is certainly without foundation, He js still in command of his division in the second corps d’armee of the Army of the Potomac. A warfare has been made upon him by some of the radical Germans in high porition, one of whem is said to have left a responsible foreign mission with the expectation of taking a bigh military command. It appears to be essential to the success of his military aspirations that Gen, Blenker should be pushed aside, and to accomplish this design he is moving heaven and earth, as far as it can be done through the columns of the New York Trilune and kindred howling org: STATE PRISONERS DISCHARGED. The following State prisoners were disc! on taking the oath of allegiance:-—Warren Curtis, John ‘T. Debeel and R. H. Grinnel}. Two others, Alfred Nettie- ton and Tench Schley, were released on their written parole. PROMOTION OF COLONEL TOMPKINS. ‘The President to-day nominated for Brigadier General Colonel George B. Tompkins, whore dashing gallantry in the early part of the campaigu on the Pototoac was the theme of all praise. His appointment was strongly urged by the New York delegation in Congress. THE QUARTERMASTER’S DEPARTMENT AT CAIRO. Representative Steele, of New Jersey, one of the mem bers of the Government Contract Investigating Com- mittee, returned today from Cairo and Indianapolis, whither he was accompanied by a colleague of the com- mittee, Mr. Washburne. Their business was to lock into the Quartermaster’s and other departments. The dis- coveries and suggestions of this committee have been the means of saving large amounts of money to the government. SHARPERS FOLLOWING THE ARMY. A large number of sharpers are following in the wake of the army, waiting for pay day. Venders of intexi. cating beverages are also in the train, and several grog. shops have been slily opened at Fairfax Court House. The attention of the Commanding General has been drawn to these evils, and they cannot long exist. A party of the Thirty-fourth New York (Oneida county) regiment behaved im a most digraceful manner at Camp California on Wednesday night last, Some two hundred of the regiment entered the camp of the Fifth New Hampshire regiment and made an unprovoked attack upon Mr. White, the sutier, and nis assistants. The sutler’s tent wes demolished. ‘lhe officers present were unable to suppress the proceedings. The offenders were not dealt with as they should have heen. EPISCOPAL CLERGYMEN KEJECT A PRAYER OF THANKS FOR THE LATE VICTORIES. The following is the prayer prescribed by Joseph Whitte, of Maryland, whore diocese includes the city of Washington, which the clergy of two Episcopal churches her #nid to have declined to use in the service of the eburch — PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR LATR VICTOTTES, O, Almighty God, the tovercign commander of all the world, in whose hand is power and might which none is able to withstand, we bless and maj Rly 4 great and glorions name for the happy successes Thou hast of lat vouchsafed 0 the ar: people, grace to use this great mercy shown toward us to Thy glory, the advancement of Thy fon 1, the honor of our country, and as much as in us lieth, th all markind, Stir up our hearts, O Lord, toa fulness, such as tay appear in our lives, by an humble, holy and obedient walkin, through Jesus CI #0 in particular for these victories, and this deliverance, be all glory and honor, world withoutend. Amen. ‘The clergymen who refused to use this form of prayer excuse themselves by saying that it was only requested by the Bishop, but the commune of the Bishop shows that the direction for its use was peremptory. The omission bas created quite a commotion in the church. POSTAL FACILITIE® FOR THE ARMY. The Post Office Department continues ite preparations for restoring, at the earliest practicable period, the mai sorvice at the points decisively recovered by our troops. THE CALIFORNIA POSTAL SERVICE. ‘The California delegation waited on tho Postmaster General this afternoon to urge upon bim the necessity of famail route from San Francisco to Crencent City, two hundred and fifty milos distant from that plac, Probable that the route wil! be established, the only ob- Jection to it having come from the Post Office Department, on the ground of expense. THE ARMY. ‘The following orders and appointments were made by the Navy Department to-day:— Lieutenant J. B. Creighton, ordered to report to Flag Officer Dupont at Port Royal. Granville Louis, appointed Acting Third Agsistant Engi- neer, ordered to United States steamer Rhode Island. Acting Masters Appointed.—Richard Hustace, United States steamer Monticello, of Baltimore, promoted from Master’s Mate; P. D. McDougal, of New York; A. D. Lit- tlefield, of Edgartown, Mass.; George G, Murray, of New York. PETITIONS FOR A BANKRUPT LAW. Petitions in favor of a general uniform bankrupt law continue to be received. Representative Ward to-day Presented three from New York asking for an enact- mont of the measure. VISITS TO MOUNT VERNON INTERDICTED. ‘Until further orders no boats or vessels will be allowed to visit Mount Vernon. The Provost Marshal will seize and hold any of them which may attempt to leave for that destination. REVIEW OP GENERAL M’DOWBLL’S COR! The whole of the corps d’armee under the command of General McDowell was reviewed by General McClellan to-day. The young commander was reeeived with enthu- siastic cheers by the troops. ‘The several divisions were in splendid order, and the display had more the appear- ance of a review of regulars than of volunteers. RALLYING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. A paper has been circulated and signed by nearly al! the democratic members of Congress, and by Senator Carlile, having in view the rallying of the democratic party, and convention in this city at an early day,to give direction to its futyre movements. ROBBERY OF COM. SMITH’S DWELLING. The house of Com. Jos. Smith, in this city, was en- tered on Sunday morning by some audacious burglar, and robbed of money and valuables. Among the articles stolen was a gold watch which belonged to Lieutenant Smith, son of the Commodore, who lost his life in the bat_ tle with the Merrimac. THE KANSAS INDIANS. Now that the way has been opened the Indian refugees in Kansas are making preparations to return to their homes in the Cherokee country, from which they we! recently driven by the rebels. There are six or eight thousand of them, men women and children. THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. FIRST SESSION. Senate. Wasnincton, March 25, 1862. ‘THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. Mr. Sumer, (rep.) of Mass., from the Committee on Foreign Relations, reported back the bill in relation to administering the oath of allegiance to American citizens in foreign countries. ‘THE CAPITOL SUPERINTREDENCY. On motion of Mr. Foor, (rep.) of Vt., the resolution to transfer the superintendency of the Capitol extension and dome from the War Department to the Department of the Interior was taken up. Mr. Fussznpen, (rep.) of Me., opposed the transfer. Mr. Hazy, (rep.) of N. H. sion was first commenced it was under the superintend- ency of the Interior Department, and remained #0 until the advent of the administration of Pierce and Davis. Before that the plan of the Duilding was a Christian and civilized one, but it was afterwards changed and the present trap made. Many — places in the walls up above have been left to go to pieces, and they are going to pieces, while Italian artists are employed, at extravagant prices, away down in the basement, to decorate a wall two or three stories delow daylight. Mr. Foor said there was am urgent necessity that the work should bo compléted in order to save it. The work never should have been transferred from the civil to the War Departineut, and never would bave been. but to satisfy the ambition of Davis and the rapacity of Fioyd. He ventu ed to assert that such transfer had cost the go. ernment threc or four millions of doliars. The original estimate was two millions, and the bill hag alieady cost #ix millions. ‘Mr. Susnwan, (rep.) of Ohio, offered an amendment that the money appropriated be only expended in proper re- pais. Adopted: The resolution was then adopted by ycas, 34; nays, 3. Nay Messrs. Fessenden, Grimes and Lane or Kansas, THE AROLITION OF SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The bill for the abolition of slavery was tak a Mr. Wiison, (rep.) of Mase., proceeded to speak in fa- vor of the bill. He referred to the controversy in Con- gress in 1789 48 to the permanent seat of government. After a long struggle the Southern men triumphed, and the capital was ‘ou the banks In 1801 Congress enacted that the barbaro: jave laws of Marylond and laws of the Anierican repub- rnment of the capital, aud for two gouera- rhment recon Jn 1827 @ law was en- acted in the District that colored persons at large, without an owner, should be considered as slaves, and committed to Jail. Such legislation brought its own fruit , dishonor and shame, Colored men and wotnen who were taken to jail aud many sold , though free, they could f Thus human beings were sold into bondage im ihe capital of the freest country in the world. Justice 10 the wronged and oppressed demanded that this corrupt and corrupting doctrine 1 be repudi- ated and condemned by the government of the United States The Diack men fought side by side with the white men in the battles of the Revolution, and men of this age onght to hasten to e for the great wrongs perpetrated on the viack race, aud make manhood a pre sumptive evidence of freedom. Iu 1801 Congress con- tinued in foree the black code of Maryland, among the provisions ef which was, that any slave who struck 9 white person should have his ears cropped. In 1896 the Corporation ot Washington enacted that every tree colored person must exhibit to the Mayor satisfactory evi of his title to freedom, and give bonds for his good vavier. That Corporation also passed another act, that no moctings of colored persous should be held after ten o'clock, and made it the duty of the police to disperse such meetings. By another ordinance they legal- j7@1 trafic in slaves for the sum of four hundred dollar This was an inhuman traffic in the capital. If aslay broke & street lamp he was to be whipped on the bare back. If he injured trees or houser, he wis to be whip ped—men and women! human laws on the statute books of any nation? Slavery war the prolific mother of these laws. Drive slavery from the District, and they would disappear. Yet, notwithetand these oppressions, the free negroes had ins crested in the District from 4,000 ty 12,000, and have property, churches and schools. They have twelve churches, costing $75,000, and eight schouls, besides hlping to support schoois for winte children.” If any- body huve the curiosity to look, they will find in the re cord a mortgage, dated 1868, in favor of Alfred Lee, a culored man, of this city, for $12,000, by two United states Senators, to secure ® loan for $12,000. One of these Senators is now in the Senate aud the other sleeps in bis grave in Michigan. This bill deats justly with the master. If Congress snould strike the bonds off the slave in the District without any com pensation, in slight repair of the wrongs and deeds of cruelty perpetrated in the capital, it wonld stand justified in the forum of nations. But the Senator from Ken- tucky raises hie warning voice against the measure, and fay’ if the negroes are liberated they will become erimi- nals and a burden to society. The Senator had no right to speak for the people of the District. The facts here proved are just contrary. The Senator from Kentucky niso talke about the resistance of the South to any mea- sure of emancipation, and Kentucky would become la Vender in defence of her rights. He would tell that Senator that the day for threats and menaces from the cham pions of slavery bad passed by ia the Senate and House ot Representatives. Freemen were not cowardly enough to shrink from the performance of duty by dogmatical avowals of what Southern men and women would do. Mr. Kexxrpy said he wished to enter a most solewn protest, in the name of Marylund, against the measure proposed by this bill. He knew that Maryland was too small, and had woo few white population to attempt any successful resistance against any combined attempt of either powerful section, and it might be that she was hot, by protest or otherwise, to obtain her rights as an eqval wnder the constitution. He contended that the faith of the government was pledged to Maryland and Virgmia not to interfere with siavery in the District. The citizens of the District desire, and have made no ap- plication for any emancipation, and Congress has no more right to interfere with their rights than when they were citizens of Maryland and ‘gible. He quoted at considerable jength from the report of the Committee of the House of Representat: in 1836, against the interference with slavery in the District. It was bis judgment that slavery was a doomed institution in the State of Mary: id it did not need any stimu- lus to accelerate the decrease; and any such empt would be attended by the moet disastrous consequences, Maryland bas to-day 83,718 free colored people. 850 it bad 165,089. Tho total colored population in 1860 was 170,006. Decrease in slaves in tem yeare, 3,178; in crease of free neeroes, 8,907. New York’ and New England, with 111,660 square miles, have 72,090 colored population, and Maryland, with only 10,755 square miles, 83,718 colored population. The war bad already cut off all the resources of Marylaud, aud the passage of this measure would utterly disorganize the agricultural con. dition, cause the gration of the best population and tend tothe utter ruin of the State. That little State had expended upwards of sixty millions in the last thirty ears, aud what good was going to result to the North From asecheme which would resuit in the ruin of a sister ‘State? In the case of emanci zation, or cise scenes of bl yd carnage would follow, for the two races cannot live together. He feared, from the character of the legislation proposed, his last hope for Inion would be destroyed. ‘The peo- ple of Maryland have been loyal to the Union, and trusted ood faith and pledges of the President and Con. to preserve the rights of all the States: bat he a relentiess sectional policy would destroy all faith and trust. Mr. Savrsnery, Copp.) of Del., said he had an amend ment to offer, to relieve the District of what he con silered the groatest curse that could afflict a porple, tion we must have elond- Was ever much degrading, in- | which was the free colored population, The amendment is, that the liberated by the act shall, within wmirty days, removed, at the expense of the federal gover! » to the States of Maine. New Ham| yi Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New ‘w Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Minois, Michigan, lowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Oregon ng Caliente, sod be distributed among the States pro rata according to Mr. Powsu1, (med of Ky., said be thought if the men of the free States liberated the negroes they ought to take eare of them; but he thought the amendment un- constitutional, so he must vote against it. Mr. Savissuxy—If the gentlemen would adopt this amendment they would show a noble philanthropy by taking home these negroes to themselves. He had read in the newspapers that certain gentlemen who went to Port Royal were so glad to see the negroes that they embraced them and called them mothers and sisters. Mr. Haran said he disliked these allusions about em- bracing negroes. It only served to increase the preju- dice against the race already trampled under foot. If the mattor were investigated it would bring the blush to some "of these gentlemen. There was a gentleman from the Senate of hisown State who asked us yes- terday why we did not marr’ the greasy w es. He knew to-day of colored children of a man lately a Senator in the United States from Ohio, being educated. He knew there was a slander published by the newspapers about those who went South to take care of those who were cast off by their masters, and try to educate them. Those who were willing to take the ne- gT0es to embrace, as stated by the Senator from Dela- ware, were found in the South. These negroes now pro- posed to be liberated were servants, &c., here, and the only difference will be they will hereafter have pay for their service. He found white and colored people here to-day laboring side by side. Mr. Kannxxgpy, (opp.) of Md., said there was a great prejudice in Maryland by white men against working ‘with colored people, and bad great difficulty im restrain- ing that feoling. Mr. Harcax, (rep.) of Iowa, thought the prejudice wan not among the laboring men, and could be controlied by such distinguished men as the Senators from Mary- land and Delaware. Mr. Kewnxpy said one of the worst riots in Baltimore for many years was from the employment of free negroes in the ship yard. Mr. HARLan said it appeared to be the doctrine of the ‘Seuator from Maryland that the ple would rise and massacre the whole colored po jon, He could net believe the people of Maryland were so low. If that were the case, they were worse than the Chippewas and Sioux, if they would murder those brought up with them, though not taught in the same churches. Mr. Kennxpy said they had slaves in Maryland who ‘were taught and had churches. He had himself manu- mitted a slave who taught slaves. ’ ‘Mr. Haran asked if the Senator had any disposition to murder him? Mr. Kexyevy said No; not more than white men of the Senator’s section seemed willing to murder the peo- ple of Maryland. Mr. HARLaN thought that the people of Marvland and Delaware had no such disposition to murder as had been imputed to them. No such war of extermination ever took place in any nation of the world, All the great em- pires of antiquity were composed of people of different races, and no such war ever took place exeept among savages. He did not think these happy and contented negroes, now working for nothing, were going to turn roun upon their masters simply because they were paid wages. Mr. Saviseury said the Seuator, it seemed, made a specch at venture. Delaware had a larger free negro Population, in proportion. than any State, and he knew there was no greater curse than the free negro popula- tion. He would have but one spirit in the country, and that the preservation of the Union, with all the rights of the people. That man who makes emancipation para- mount to the constitution and Union ise disloyal man. But we have seen peaceful men dragged from their homes and thrown into loathsome Bastiles, while a man who declares he has been a disupionist for twenty years is permitted to lecture here, and come on the floor of the Senate, and go at large through the country. Adjourned. House of Representatives. Wasuincrox, March 25, 1863. SBYTLEMENT OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE CREWS OF THE CUMBER- LAND AND CONGRESS. ‘The House passed tho Senate Dill providing for the set- tlement of the accounts of the officers and crews of the frigates Congress and Cumberland, the books having been logt or destroyed io the recent naval ongagement at Hampton Roads. THE PACIFIC RAILROAD BILL. On motion of Mr. Camraris, (rop.) of Pa., in view of the pendency of the Tax Bilt, the consideration of the. Pacific Railroad bill was postponed aad made the special order for Tuesday next, ‘ THR TAX WILL. . The House then, in Committee of the Whole, resut the consideration of the Tax bill. Mr. Wanswortn, (Union) of Ky., offered an amendment to the claure defining ‘‘what is a citecs?’’ #0 as to jaclude’ prestidigitation, ring master and clown performances. Mr. Cox, (opp.) of Ohi», eaid that the House last year commenced taxation at the wrong end by operating on tea and coffee. Now, during our troubles, it was pro- posed to tax the luxuries and recreations of life. The gentleman from Pennsylvania must be lost to the i cent days of childhood to tax a circusora theatre, It amounted toa tax on Hamlet and Falstaff. It was taxing “A New Way to Pay Old Debts.” It was “Raising the Wind,” as tad been suggested, by “Box and Cox.” (Laughter.) In this he spoke with feeling. (Renewed laughter.) “Why not tax the performances last night at Cipeinnati, and put a tax on eggs, which, it is reported were freely used therey How could they tax a genti wan who turns three somersets in the air and catches rings as be goes along? . Lavesoy, (rep.) of Ml. the gentleman from Ohio (Mi turn somersets, Mr. Cox. (uj1p.) of Ubio, replied that he was altogether opposed to tixing such persons as the gentieman from Iimois (Mr. Lovejoy), beeause that would be a tax on “ Otueilo,”’ and would place the gentleman in a bad way, and + His thre M wanted to know whether Cox) would tax those who id be gone. Mr. Wade ment was rejected. Mr. Hiexay, (rep.) of Pa , offered an amendment that elers, practisiny nse, Adoptea had proposed to a who owns a jug. Mr. Buaxe, (rep.) of Obio, submitted an amendment imporing a'tux of one doltar on each dog-holder. (laughter.) He said, although his proposition excited Iuerriment, it was important to Ohio, where 7 ually killed by dogs, which are a nuisas ¢. STEVENS, (rep.) of Pa., Suggested a tax on ed rather than op each deg-bolder. Mr. BLake replied that they could get the tax from the dog-holder, but not from the dog. Mr. Stevexs thought a man who holds ten dogs ought to pay a doiiar on each. Hake withdrew bis amendment. the other amendments adopted were the fol- ht of hand, pay twenty dolars er Mr. Seugwick, amid laughter, @ jugglers, by stating every ove lowing Cattle brokers to pay a license of ten dollars, Itinerant venders of newspapers, bibles avd religious tracts are excepted from the definition of peddlers. f Quio, offered an ai iring lawyers and ph elected gr not, to pay member proposed « Qve before making a ret speech Both amendments were re- ceived with shouts of laughter. Mr. Sevens said that if such proceedings were con- tinned the House would become @ laughing stock. Mr. BLaik, (rep.) of Mo., proposed a new clause, to proposes tux Of five dollars cn each slave for life, and three doliars on those held for a term of years. Mr. Cavity, (Union) of Md., protested inst the amendment im the name of the constitution and in the naine of the people of loyal Maryland. Nothing woult exasperate them more than this meesure, and it might goad them into desperation. Mr. Keiioaa, (Fr of Til, proposed to add that all sums to be t od shall be applied to the colonies of emancipated This amendment was ruled out of order. Mr. Lovesoy, (rep.) of lil, replied to Mr. Crisfield, saying he liked not the boast of loyalty to be coupled witha menace. It was #8 much the duty of Maryland to be loyal ax it was that of Illinois. He scouted that kind of loya.ty which would perpetuate the system of concubinage and turn every slave hut into a brothel. slavery was a stench in the nostrils, and slaveholders love this system of oppression more than they love the Union; and, whenever it comes to the pinch, Kentucky will side with secesh. They will go with those who will forever protect their darling institution. Mr. MaLtony, (Union) of Ky.,did not rise to reply to the farrago and fanaticism of the gentlemen, uttered during the five minutes the gentlemen addressed the House, but to give a few reasons why this tax should not be imposed: one of which was the taxes are already bur- densome, He appealed to the great mass of conserva- tive gentlemen here not to sanction the amendment. Mr. AnNoun, (rep.) of Til, argued if it had not been for the four millions of slaves, we would not now be in war, and he urged this bill to defray its expenses. Why on ad not collect the supplies from the source of the evil? Mr. Crrsrretp replied to Mr. Lovejoy, defending the loyalty of Maryland. The war was owing to two classes, eqnally detestable—naruely, those engaged in the rebel lion and the clags of which Mr. Lovejoy was a prominent member. Mir. BLAM, (rep.) of Mo. defending his position, did not see why vortain gentlemen should get into a pa- roxysm of excitement whenever this subject was named, As the North would have to pay the buik of the taxes, he did not sce why the sinves, who are used as property, should not be taxed, There should be equality. Mr. Lovesoy, replying to Mr. Christield and Nr. Mallory, said, i* it had not been for those called fanatics, they could not in peace return to their own States, ‘Thero could be no peace till the public mind reste in seourity that slavery is in progress of ultimate extinction. Mr. Blair's proposkion ‘was amended so as to tax one dollar on es for life, between eight and fifty of age, and striking out that part relating to ser- Vico for aterm of years, Numerous effarte were made to amend this, but finally the whole proposi:ion was Ab amendment was adopted, providing that nothing in the bill shall be construed to prevent any State from imposing taxes upon any articles therein taxed or li- censes required ‘The Committeo rose and the House adjourned. Obituary. Departed this life, on the 34 inat., of typhoid fever and bronchial catarrh, in Jefferson county, Ky., Dr. A. B, Coon, of Allegheny county, New York, aged thirty four nd eix days, The deceased was, up to the time of tion, Assistant Surgeon in Colonel Walter C. Whit. aker's reximent of Kentucky volunteers, NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA. Terrific Storm in Nevada Territory— Another Flood Anticipated—Severe Cold Weather—Fatal Mining Accident. We have files of San Francisco papers to the Ist of March inclusive, but they contain very little news general interest. A terrific hurricane prevailed at Carson City on the 25th of February, during which it snowed and rained alternately, Buildings were unroofed and crushed, and some so badly damaged that it was considered unsafe to remain in them. Heavy rains were experienced at Sacramento. The American and Sacramento rivers were rising slowly, and reports from the mountains indicate another flood. Tuesday night, February 11, says the Mariposa Ga sette, was the coldest ever experienced here by whit, men. The therthometer showed the temperature to be twelve degrees below freezing it. Ice was formed in many places about town to the "hickness of an inch. Van Buren Wilson was accidentally killed in the Man- zanita slope, near Port Wine, on Sunday evening, Febru- ary 9. A loaded car,says the Mountain Me » was started down the incline, when one of the timbers be- came disengaged, and made a ure arrival at the foot of the slope, striking Wileon in the back and causing instant death. Deceased was a nativeof St. Lawrence county, New York. ‘The Legislature was sitting in San Francisco instead of Sacramento, and would probably make San Francisco the permanent capital of the State. The San Francisco hotels were all full. San Francisco, March 17, 1862. Ship Ringleader sailed to-day for Japan, with United States Minister Proyn and suite. ‘The steamer Panama has arrived from Mazatlan 8th, ‘The latest news received there from Arizona represents that the country is almost depopulated on account of the secession sentiment and the hostilities of the Indians. The rebel (Davis’) troops, numbering nine hundred, were awaiting reinforcements at Tubac, with the ayow- ed of taking fort Yuma, in California; but most of the five regiments of California Volunteers were in ‘that portion of the State, and would be glad to meet an invading enemy. Arrived atSan Francisco 17th, ship George Wasbing- ton, Honolulu; barks Mary, New York; Egypt, Bordeaux; Fruiterer, Malaga; Wilhelm Kircher, Rio Janeiro. Sailed ship Elizabeth Cushing, Valparaiso. News from the West Indies. OUR BERMUDA CORRESIONDENCE. Movements of the British Fleet. Huson, Bermuda, March 12, 1862. Her Majesty’s ship Landrail, Commodore Martin, is about to leave for New York, and her Majesty's ship Racer for Charleston. Her Majesty’s ship Medea arrived here on the 10th from New York. Hor Majesty's ship Spiteful, which left here for New York on the 24th ult., returned here on the 7th instant, being unable to accomplish her voyage, having met with terrific weather and sustained much damage. Her Majesty’s ship Diadem left yester..y for Eng- land. Her Uajeaty’s ship ‘Orpheus left here on the 6th inst. the Ge lope. " rt ies with coal for Transport steamer Ajax, frcm Fngland, pcpecmaet arrived at Ireland Island yesterday. General Si; 's Address to His Soldiers After the Battle of Pea Ridge. Camp Pea RIDGE, ARK., HKADQUAKTERS First Np Srconp Divisions, March 15, 1862. To Tak OFFICKRS AND SOLDIERS OP THE First AxD Divimions'— After go many hardships and sufferings of this war in the West, a great and decisive victory has, for the first time, boen uttained,and the army of the enemy over- whelmed and perfectly routed, The rebollious fag of the Confederate States lies in the dust, and the same men who had organized armed rebellion at Camp Jackson, Maysville and Fayetteville; who have forght against us ‘at Boousville, Carthage and Wilson’s creek, at Lexington. and Milford, have paid the-ponalty of their seditious work with their lives, or are seeking refuge behind the Boston Mountains and the shore of the Arkansas river. ‘The last days were hard, buttriumphant. Surrownded and all side: an enterprising, or ret entlg-ty the Miotrt ond artamees,Rewee ngers, the finest regiment of Louisi- ‘jans—almest with: taimers. “oy ana, troops, fed slep or camp fret ou remained firm and unabashed, awaiting the moment when” voukt drive back yoor assailints or break through the iron circle-by which the enemy thought to crusb or capture us all, and plant the rebellious flag on the rocky summit of Pea Ridge. You have defeated all their schemes, When at Me- Kissick’s farm, west of Bentonville, you extricated your- selves frem their grasp by a night’s tuarch, and secured @ train of two hundred wagons before the enemy became aware of the direction you had takon, instead of being cut off, weakened and driven tothe nec:ssity of giving battie under the mest unfavorable circumstances, you joined your friends and comrades at Sugar creek, and thereby saved yourselves and the whole army from being separated and beaten in detail. On the retreat from Bentonville to Sugar creek—a dis- tance of tea miles—you cut your way through an enemy at ieast fire times stronger than yourselves, ‘ihe activity, a-ersion and courage of the little band of six hun- will ever be memorable in the hist: ry of ths war. hen, on the next day, the great battle began wth, you assisted the fourth divisi ness and alucrity of good and faithful soidiers—that division on that day holding the most important position—while Col. Usterhaus, co- operating with the third division, battered cown the hosts of McCulloch on our lett, and Major Paten guarded our rear. Oa the 8th, you came at the right time to the right place. it was the tirst opportuntty you had of showing your full streugth and power. Ja less than three hours you firmed in line of battle, adeanced and. ce ops.at d with our friends cn the right, and routed the enemy so comple'ely that he fed like dust fore a hurrican. Aud soit will ve when traitors, seduced by selfish leaders and persecuted by the pangs of an evil cons soldiers who defend a gvod c plined, obey promptly their officers, and do no when at the proper and You may look with pried during which you have the Ui When you left McKissi eventful afternoon of the you arrived from Keetsviile in the com nent, you marched fifty miler, Sought three battles, took no! onty a batery and a fog from’ the enemy, but more than @hundred and fifty pri- foners—amoug them acting Briga tier Genoral Herbert, commander of the Louisiana fore id his Major, el Stone, Adjutant General of Pri nd Lisutenant Colonel John H. Price, whose life was t spared, and who has now for tie secon! time violated his parole, and was arrested with arms in his hangs. You have done your duty, and you can justly claim your share in the common glory of this victory, But jet us not be partial, unjust or haughty, Let us not forget that alone we were too weak to perform the great work before us. Let acknowledge the great services done by all the brave soldiers of the Third and fourth divi- sions, and always kcop in mind that “united we stand, we fall.” Let us hold out and posh the work through—not by mere words and great clamor, but by good marches, by hardships aud fatigues, by strict disci- pline aud effective battles. . Columbus has fallen—Memphis will follow, and if you do in future ae you have done in these past days of trial, the time will soon come when you wiib pitch your teuts on the beautiful shores of the Arkansas river, and there meet our iron-clad propellers at Little Rock and Fort Smith. Therefore, keep alert my friends,and look for- ward with confidence. F. SIGEL, Brig. Gen. Commanding First.and Second divisions. jefeuded the flag of k on the morning of the 6th, four o'clock on the Personal Intelligence. Major General Fremont leaves this city to-day, to as- sume command of the department to which he was recently assigned by the partiality of the President. James 0. Sargent and Mr Rico and wife, of Boston; Mr. Codman and wife and Miss Bradlee, of Hyde Park; H. 8. Collins and wife, and Miss Perry, of Hartford, are stopping at the Brevoort House. IL J. Noad, of Quebec; James 0. Sheldon, of Geneva; |. W. Pycock, of New York; Miss Blydenburgh, of Long Island, and James Gilmour, of Cincinnati, are stopping at the Clarendon Hotel. PD. Wall, of Baltimore; N. Kingsbury, of Hartford; 8. B. Dana, &, Shaw, W, C. Poor, and C.F. Adams, of Bos- if Vermont; A. C. Horton and wife, of Cincinnati, and N. Peck, of New Haven, are stopping’ at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Captain A. R. Eddy and J. N. Andrews, of the United States Army: 8. $. Webb, of the United States Navy; W: 8. Smith, of lilinois; W. R. Taylor, of China; Charles M- Griffin, of Vancouver's Island; E. 1D, Heatley, of Califor- nia; Peter S. Miller, of Chile; James D. Churchill, of Vie+ toria; Joseph Heco, of Japan, and E. F. Fuller, of Cinein- nati, are stopping at the Metropolitan Hotel. 8. P. Benson and G. A. Benson, of Maine; Hom. ue rank, of Wyoming county; Major W. B. ‘k, of Washington; Capt. Tracey, of the United States Army; John Spires, of St. Louis; Horace Ramedell, of Newburg; L. P. Wright, A. H. Safford and G. B. Uphon, of Boston; D. Thompson and A. L, Hobson, of Portland, are stopping at the Astor House. R. Wheeler, of Bridgeport; D. Garwin and John Gard. ner, of Ohio; L. L. Northrop, of Kansas; 8. Downer, of Boston; W. M. Bennett, of Sichigan; W. Williams) of Buffalo; Henry Sandford, of Bridgeport; G. H. Stewart, of Phiiadeiphia, and F. D. Perry and wife, of Connecti: cut, are stopping at the St. Nicholas Hotel, Major F. M. Clements, of Washington: G. Pritchard and wife and J. D. Frary, of Connesticut; W. P, Downes, of Syracuse; Dr. J. M. Bryder, of Phwiadelphia; A. C. Scranton, of Troy; J.J. Greenough, o1 York, and Captain C. E. Mowry and G. R. Drown, of Providenee, are stopping at the Lafarge Houre. Americans registered at Gun & Co.'s American and General Agency and Reading Room, 10 Steand. London, ‘W.C., Eugiand. for the week ending March §, 1862: Francis Goodridgs, C.J 8, Colchoster, Charles Conlin, John Moviton, W. 1. Smyth, J. Hart and T. L, Nichols’ New York; Rev. W. H. Heu de Bourek, Dyersville, lowe, Charles Storrow, Boston, Mass.; David h, Natches ; Mis. Fine in Fietn Avexce.—Betwoea eight and nine o'clock last night a fire occurred in a two and a half story frame house, located on Fifth avenue and Sixty-third street. It was totally dectroyod. Tt was oconpied by widow Corde- lia Seite, Her lows will be about $60. Insured for $250 in the Hamilton Insuravee Company. The building was owned by Mr, Lohtaan, and was worth about $400; not fosered, INTERESTING FROM FREDERICKSBURG, Negroes Engaged on the Extensive Rebel Fortifications Now Being Built im the Neighborhood of the Town, Statement of the Escaped Contrabands. Sketch of Fredericksburg and the Sur- rounding Locality, MAP OF THE POSITION;,. &e, &e., &o. Wasumaton, March 25, 1862. On Saturday fourteen contrabands came into the camp» of Hooker’s division from the Virginia side. They are from Fauquier and Stafford counties, and state that: they run away to escape being sent to Fredericksburg. towork. Their owners were told that if the negroes’ were sent there the Confederate government would pay their value to the owners in the event of their being killed; and the negroes were told that if the Yankees got - them by any means they would be forced to work hard all day and be locked up at night, and when they had - nothing for them todo they would be sent to Cuba and’ sold to pay the expenses of the war. They are afine,~ healthy lot of darkier, varying in ago from eighteen to: forty years. Nine of them are the property of widow Sallie Cowes, of Stafford, and her four sons, two of whom, are in the rebel army. The camp of the First Massachusetts regiment has: been selected tobe used as a general hospital for all the sick of this division who may not be able to accompany their regiments when they march. This camp has been selected on account of its healthy location, convenience. to water communicaticn, and the permanent and com- fortable manner in which the huts have been cop, structed. Sketch of Fredericksburg and Vicinity.. Fredericksburg is tho chief town of Syottsylvania coun- ty, in Virginia, and js situated on the right bunk of the Rappahannock river, at the head of tide water. It ts be- tween fifty and sixty miles from Richmond by railroad, . and sixty-five miles by the turnpike, in a northerly direction, Turnpike roads connect it with Falmouth and Newport—the former by a ferry across the Rappahan- nock—and another turnpike leads through a wilderness to Orange Court House, where a railroad connects it with- Gordonsville. The town itself is pleasantly situated in @ fertile valley, and has advantages for commerce and manufactures, as will be seen by reference to our map om~- the first page. The railroad from Wasbington, via Aquia.. creck, passed through it, and thereby @ largo trafficand trade was done previous to the rebellion. As the through trains generally stopped at Fredericksburg station for about an hour on each trip, a not inconsiderable chance trade was caused thereby in the immediate locality of” the depot. Itis distant from Aquia ercek by railrea® about fifteen miles, from which point part of the Potomac river traffic used to be carried to Fredericks- ‘burg. A good canal had also been constructed from the town to @ point on the river about forty miles above, by which large quantities of wheat, flour and tobacco were received for exportation. ‘The river afforded oxtensive water power, which, bow, ever, was not much used. The hills in the neighberhood, varying in height from forty to one hundred feet, abound in fine granite and freestone. About thirty yoars since _ the prospect of Fredericksburg being a rapidly rising town was" very great; but it suddenly stop; ed'tn tte” prosperity, and after, as it were, standing still for about. twenty years, it gradually retrozraded in its importance. In 1840 its population numbered nearly fovr thousand souls, and in 1850, ten years after, it had only increase@ eighty-eight persons—lers than nine each ycar, and being” about two per cent ina cecade—a remarkably small in- crease. Before the reveilion it contained five churches,. one orphan asylum, two seminaries, four sowspaper offices and two banks. The county inwhich Frederickeburg issituated hasan area of four hundred square miles, The Rappabannock forms the boundary on the northeast, the North Annariver on the southwest, and the Mattapony rises within its limits. Tho surface is diversitied by hill and dale, The soil is generally fertile in the vicinity of thestreams. Two gold mines were worked within the county in 1860; and, as before stated, freestone and granite are abundant. The canal running northwest carries the river traffic far above the falis, and the country is intersected by the Richmon@ and Potomac Ratlroad. Spottsylvania was orcanized itr 1720, and named in honor of Alexander Spottswood, a that time Governor of Virginia. The capital of the county is Spottsylvania Court House, a post village on the Po river, and situated over sixty miles ncarly due north from Richmond, with which it fs connected by ® turnpike road. The Inst return of the population gave nearly fifteen thousand persons, over one-half of whom were slaves. The adjoining counties of Stafford and King George run along on the opposite side of the Rappahannock, and tegether have an area of four bun- drea and twenty-six miles. The surface of the soil is hilly, partially fertile and partially arid. Their united population at last returns amounted to 13,975, over one half of whom were siaves. Granite, freestone and gol@ have also been found here. the two first in great quanti- ties. The former i# a very oid county, having deem formed in 1675, and named after the English county of the same denomination. ‘ihe water power and drainage of Stafford are very good, and if properly used would have: been sources of wealth to the inbabitants of the neigh- dorhood, The before mentioned railroad also intersects: Staford county. Fauquier county adjoics Stagord county on its western border. The Van Wyck Investigating Committees ‘Tho labors of the Van Wyck Committee in this city are temporarily suspended. Colonel Vane Wyck has been summoned to take command of his regiment, which 1. now under marching or: The Colone: left the St. Nicholas Hotel jast night seat of war. He hes ex- ‘amined many witnesses while bere, and his report, it is said, will give some starting disclosures as to the management of the various departments in the Custom House in this city. A Suit for Heavy Damages Aga City. SUPERIOR COUKT—SPRCIAL TERM. Before Hon. Judge Barbour. Manc 25.—H. Smiler vs..The Mayor, Commenalty ana City of New York.—This action is brought against the city to recover the sum of $157,000 for work done ip Mareh, 1857, under @ contract for cleaning the streets of the city. The care came before the Court on demurrer, the question being whether the contract was invalid, not. having been connimed by any ordinance of the Common Council, Mr, Edwin James argued the case for tho piain- tiff, and contended that, as payments had becn maae om account of the work it must be presumed, as against the Corporation, that an appropriation had been made and that such payments were evidences of confirmation. He jaborate argument to the Court, Messrs. nd Ganun for the plaintiff; Messrs, Aa- derson and Bronson for defendants. ‘The Judge reserved his decision. United States Commissioners’ Court. TRANSHIPMENT OF ALLEGED COMBUSTIBLE GOODS, Refere John A. Osborn, Erq Manco 25.—Conrad Fox, a wholesale druggist, wae charged with shipping oil of vitriol by the Kvergreen City to Lake Erie, without marking the nature of the oords, as required by the statute, in ail cases of com- justible matter. Mr. Gorham, United States Commissioner, of Buffalo, , issued the warrant for th» apprehension of Mr. Fox. which was emiorsed by Commissioner Usborn, and the accused party was bronght up. It appoa's that there is a penalty for the transhipment of oil of vitriol without being pro- perly labelled it credible witnesses for the det Proved that the goods consixted of sulphuric acid, which. ‘was not of a combustible nature. 'y also testified whe none of the goods in the javoico in question would; produce combustion. The Commissioner discharged the accused, United States District Court. Before Hon. Judge Shipman. INDPOTMBNTS FOUND. March 25.—The Grand“Jury came into Court with dille: of indictment in the following cases:\—The United States ve. Joseph Webb, for passing counterfeit coin. The United States ve, Pedro Arterga, for assault with a dan- gerous weapon. The United States ve. Thoms Duffey, for the murder of Joseph Small ,on board the ship Southamp-~ ton. THE PRIZE CASES. Before Hon. Judge Betts. Mancn 25.—The United States v. the Price Schoonera: Venus and Garrone, and the Steamboat Hein y Lewis and. Cargo.—O0n motion of Mr. Stowart B. Woudtord , Uhe teati- mony taken in preja.ation by the Prize Commissioners ‘ve opened, the Court made an order to that effect