The New York Herald Newspaper, May 2, 1862, Page 4

é 4 ———— NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. ° OFFIOBN. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS, Ve EBBMS cash in aance Money sent by mail will be at the wish a/ the sender, None but Bank bills current ta New Yorls THE DAILY HERALD, two conte per copy. $1 per amin, HE WEEKLY UELALD, eve: y by bah cents per ion avery Wednesday, qu taee cee the Ewropean wday, i ais conte por copy: Bi per auniins part of Great Britain, Stony patio the Continent, wth to tmetude postage; ths on the Lat, 11th and Slot af each month, at sw 8 an , or $2 75 pr mae nos 88 executed with neatweas, Theapness and dase AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. MIBLO'S GARDEN, Brosdway.—~Tus Bxousyrasss, WINTER GARDEN, Broadw: wardme Wurreuxad. wane THEATSE, No. 4 Broadway.<Lapr or ONS NEW SOWKRY THEATRE, Bowery,—Micanta—Bsn, Paw BoaTeWaIN—My biec\ous Bary. .OukMrtc THEATRE, 185 Broadway.—Paxncu Srr—Co- BARKUM'S AMERICAN MUSEUM. Broadway. =Cou. or—Line W ‘st al boura itor o MT favao—Masy OF uunsinE “afternoon and evening. WANTS’ MINSTRELS, Mechaniow Hal road way. —Rugaun Fatu. ‘eared NIBLO'S SALOON, Broadway. —Gormenate’s Cox omer MELODEON CONCERT HALL, 539 Brosdway.<Tionr Bo i.e OeNaNCK>, SONGS, Dances, BURLESQUES, 4G, CANTERBURY MUSIO HA! 686 Bi: Sox Dances, BURLESQUKS, 40.—'!» ng ei RSE - FARISIAN CABINET OF WONDS: - Open daily from 10 A.M. Lill? ai er THE SITUATION. We publish to-day the correspondence which occurred between Commodore Farragut and Mr. Moaroe, Mayor of New Orleans, on” the appear- ance of our mortar fleet before that city. The Commodore's letter is a blunt and sailor like de- Mand for the unconditional surrender of the city, for the hoisting of the Union flag over the City Batt, Mint and Custom House, and the removal of all flags emblematic of any other sovereignty than that of the United States. He requests that the Mayor shall restore order, quell disturbance, sad call apon all good citizens to return to their avocations, promising protection to all such, but commanding that no one shall be molested for ex- bressing sentiments of loyalty to the government or axhibiting evidences of pleasure at witnessing “the old flag'’ ouce more flying over the city: Upon this point the words of Commodore Farra- gut are very emphatic. He says:—‘I shall speedily and severely punish any person or per- eons who shall commit such outrages as were wit- @ensed yesterday by armed men firing upon heipiess women and chiliren for giving expeesion to their pleasure ot witness- ing the ‘old flay.’ The Mayor responds in» communication, somewhat bombastic, com- Priing a tittle pluck and a good deal of folly, in which he admits the impossibility of resistance, as the army upon which he depended has deserted him; but he refuses to haul down the secession flags, and declares, in the name of the people, that theie allegiance to the rebe! government remains latact, despite the necessity of yielding to the conquerors, His response is anything but compli- mentary to Gerral Mansfield Lovell, and upon the whole reveals the desperate condition to which the commercial capital of the South has been reduced by the eadden appearance of the Union morter boats before vee, which Mayor Monroe desig- Oates “an overpowering armament.’ A Collector of Customs for New Orleans, in the person of Mr. Charles L. Lathrop, bas already been appointed and confirmed by the Senate. Mr. Lathrop waa formerly a resident of New Orleans, but taft that city on the outbreak of the rebellion, being a aterling Union mon. ‘The forces of Genera! Halleck bad a skirmish with the rebels no ir Purdy on Wednesday morn iag, on whioh occasion a reconnoissauce in force was made from the right wing, onthe Memphis and Ohio rood. Our troops meta force of rebel oavatry, who Hedin great haste and could not be raitied. They were pursued to Purdy. Our forces, n of the on taking posse burnt two i town, bridges aad rau a locomotive into the river. Three Prisoners were taken. Our men then retired, bay fag cus off all rnilroad communteation with the country north of Corinth, which has been @ great goaree of sebel supplies. ‘There is aotning new to report from Fort Wright, ‘The singe progresses steadily, and a apeedy ter- muuation 1 confidently predicted. A rebel gun- boat had arrived from New Orleans and joined the fleet of Captain Hollins. ‘The anrrender of Fort Macon, North Carolina, is sanouncedin the Richmoud Zuquirer of Wednes- ey, a copy of which reached the War Department yesterday. We give in another column a skete) of thy fort and of the rebel garrison ip charge thore at the time of the In addition to this choering news, the President a)so received in- formation that (egeral Beauregard was evacuating hie position o& Corinth and falling back on Mem pais. Genera! Mitohel telegraphs that his forges had a Sprisk skirmish with the rob apture. t Bridgeport, Ala., im which the enemy were completely ro after Attempting to burn a railroed bridge, which Geo Midohel saved by the valor of his troops. ‘ine eobels had five regiments of infantry and | sw cavalry at the bridge. He says that he now holds | Auatavilie securely, and that the campetga in thar | qioinity ie ended, and that no fag but that of Union now floats io Northern Alabama The Secretary of War received a despateh troy General Halleck yesterday stating thed a» mal) foros of the First Missouri Volunteers, numbering 150, under Major Hubbard, had defeated the rene Colonels Coffee aad Stearnweight, with a for 600 Indiaas, at Neosho, on Saturday last, a) ay tured 62 prisoners, 76 horses and & large quanti: of arma. Thua the record of victories reveived in Wasi fingtou yeuterday vives aigurance of @ prosperous and vigorous proseoutic 0 ( the war ip all qoarters The Amorice, at Huiiiax, brings European news to the 20th ultimo, two days inter Phe London journals hod anticipaed the captnre Of New Orleans by instituting an editorial canves. Of the effect of such @ result of the advance of the Vaion armice southward. [t seemed to b+ con. the | ceded that the fall of the city would be very dis- astrous to the rebel cause, the London Zimes aa serting that the ‘ oocupation of that place by the federals would be a tourniquet (or ligature) tight ened near the great artery of secession.” The London Herald—organ of the feudal lords and aristocrate—indulges in sneors at the strength of the United States government, intimating that the protraction of the war shows that it is anable for the task before it, The Herald also advises an in- tervention on the part of the “great Powers!’ should our Executive ‘fail after one more chance." Spain, it is now said, will retain her foothold in Mexico until all her claims, aa advanced at firat, are settled. ‘The Austrian government is to despatch Scien- tific Commissioners to the United States to ex: amine and report oa the Monitor, the Merrimac, and our coast defences. The testing of iron armor plates for war veasela was still carried on in England and Fraace. CONGEESS. In the Senate yesterday, # number of petitions in favor of a bankrupt law were presented and re- ferred. A resolution, offered by Mr. Davis, of Kentucky, declaring that the war now carried on by the United States of America shall be vigorous- ly prosecuted and continued to compel obedience to constitutional laws in the limits of every State and Territory by all the citizens and residents thereof, and for no further end whatever, was, on motion of Mr. Sumner, laid over. The resolution directing the Military Committee to inquire whether ary further legislation is necessary to pre- vent soldiers and officers from returning fugitive slaves to their owners was called up by Mr. Wil- son, and Mr. Sumner declaimed at some length against the action of General Hooker, General McCook, General Buell, General Halleck and the Provost Marshal of Louiavilie, as regards fugitive slaves. At the expiration of the morning hour the consideration of the Confiscation bill was resumed. Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts, offered an amendment to the bill, authorizing the Presigent to issue a proclamation and free the slaves of all those who continue in rebellion against the United States thirty days thereafter. The debate con- tinued; but no action was taken onthe amendment, and after an executive session the Senate adjourned. In the House of Representatives, Mr. Blair ex- plained the provisions of the bill providing fora Board of Fortifications, to provide for seacoast and other defences, and the consideration of the bill was postponed till Tuesday week. Bills for the better organization of the Adjutant General's De- partment, and to render freedom national and slavery sectional, were reported, the latter by Mr. Lovejoy, from the Committee on Territories. The Teimainder of the seasion was spent in Comniittee of the Whole on the Pacific Railroad bill. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The America, from Liverpool on the 19th and Queenstown on the 20th of April, reached Halifax yesterday evening on her voyage to Bostun. Her news is two days later Consols closed in London on the 19th or apra at 93% a 94 for money. American secarities are re- ported dull on the same day. The Liverpool cot- ton market continued closed, on avcount of Easter, on the 10th ultimo; but some three thousand bales changed bands at firm pricea. Flour was tending upward and the provision market likely to decline: The Russian government was taking measures to hasten the emancipation of the serfs. The speeches istely delivered by Lord Palmerston and Mr. Glad- stone in the British Parliament, on the aftuirs of Italy, gave great delight to the liberal party in that couvtry. It was rumored that the French police had arrested twelve hundred workmen ona charge of sedition. ‘fhe rebol General Joan C. Breckiaridge, ia his official report, gives the following as the number lost in his brigade in the bactle of Pittsburg Land- ing:— Killed, Wounded. Missing. Third Kentucky..... a 10 Feurth Kentuck, “a 2 ‘itth Kentuc 34 if Sixth Kentacky.. et} ss Cobb's ight srilleiy.. 5 1 Ulifton’s battery. 5 _ Byrnes’ battery......... 1 3 Total. 127 4l Aggregate lows Gx The official report of General Samuel R. C artis gives the following aa the Union loss at the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas: Killed 20% Wonnded 972 Missing ...........5 176 Total... aula According to General j Moyd’s : explanation of his official report he carried off only ome thousand twe hondred and thirty-six mea from Fort Donel- ton. They belonged to the following regiments, which wore attached to his brigade; — sixth Virginia ‘ Fiftieth Virginia. ifty-first Virginia... . Pifty-sixth Virginia Twentieth Mississippi 2 Total i 236 © General Beauregard. in hi a Sieve despatch to the rebel Secretary of War’announcing his © victory” at Pittsbarg Landing, suid ‘we have taken from eight to ten thousand prisoners.’ In his second despatch he reduces the number “from six to eight thoosand,”’ and his official accoant he makes | the number ‘‘over three thousead.”’ It appears | now that there were only (wo thousand three han dred and eighty-six in all. If General Beauregard hee not lost his life, he has ceriuinly lowt his char- acter for truth There is now no doubt that the battle at Corinth | ison the point of taking place. if, indeed, it has not already been fought se reinforcements om Monday woruing, and | Mitche!, although as Huntsville on the ample time to join his { ot General Heileck before Tues The Lewgisiasture of Maseache sine die at halt past eleven o' wet | General Pope arrived | | ces with those the 29th. vite adjourned | & on Wednesday | n | Miss Philomene Hildebrand, who formerly re- | ded with t ents in Brooklyn, has brought a | vil for breach of promise of marriage and sedne- ou agalmst Mr, William Lill, a wealthy beewe, | t Chiewg The damages are laid at 656,000, and M Hh has been beld to bai in $20,000 1 The Louwyitia De from an « | pricover that bem {mK barbarity attack en army } at Pittsburg * they avtunily ent } the throats of sick soudiers ae they layin thei ope General Fremont left Wheeling on the oth u for the intel Weatern Virginia. The particular + point he w ibe Gomi aband to divy We know where he onglit to go wih » portic { his force. Hin deportwent taken ‘set ‘Ten Unioniste are aufierng to a greater extent than in any other pars of ous | Fremont should catablish hie Knoxville as soon a pyssiuie The Pittsburg (rete, an abolition joaynal, gives she exact number of men, according to the muater rota, in General Bal ‘s army The Union feeling eunennes ie spreading to au “alarming” oxtent. William K, KM patrlok, belougag to Company f, | wdvanced theawe | retiring till be gets the column of NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1882, Third Tennessee regiment, one of the rebel pri- soners in Camp Douglas, has been committed to prison in Chicago ona charge of mardering Thos. M. Golden, belonging to the same company. General McKinstry, the Quartermaster at St- Louis, whose conduct the Congressional Invedti- gating Committee scrutinized ao closely, ia about to publish a vindication of his official acts. The negroes of Boston held a meeting on Mon- day to consider the subject of colonization. They Passed resolutions opposing the idea of being re- moved cither to foreign country or to any part of the United States. The Board of Councilmen met last evening and disposed of a number of routine papers. A num- ber of property owners sent in @ petition for the establishment of @ ferry from the foot of Twenty- third street, North river, to North First street, Jorsey City, which was referred to the Committee on Ferries. In reply te a resolution of inquiry, the Street Commissioner informed the Board that the Independent ‘Telegraph Company had been re- quested tu remove poles that had been erected in various parts of the city without permission of the Common Council. A report of the Committee on National Affairs adverse to applications of various regiments for appropriations for uniforms was adopted. A resolution appropriating $1,600 to enable the trustees of the Five Points House of Industry to pay the assessment on their property was adopted. A large batch of ‘ general orders,”’ being resolutions pertaining to unimportant mat- ters, were adopted, after which the Board ad- journed till Monday. The Hackley contract case was again before Judge Barnard, inthe Supreme Court, yesterday, on a motion to have the order of the Court sett! ed for the appointment of a receiver. Counsel stated various objections; and, after argument, the Court named Mr. Samuel Doualdson, of Fultonville, in this State, as receiver. The farther consideration of the order on the points submitted was post- poned. The examination of Abraham M. Hoyt, Nelson Evans and Ezra H. Spiers was commenced before United States Commissioner Stilwell yesterday. The charge against the accused is, that in New Lebanon, Columbia county, @ store in which the post office was located had been set on fire, for the purpose of recovering the amount of insurance effected, and that, in the conflagration, letters, &c., were destroyed. The defence denies the al- lJeged incendiarism, and charges that the insur- ance companies had employed one of the wit- neases te expend five hundred dol'ars to procure evidence against the accused. Mr. Andrews ap- peared for the government. ‘ie case will be re- sumed. Aa was to have been expected, the stock market reacted yesterday morning, after the sudden rise of the throe previous days, There were large sales of governmenta, ‘apparently for account of parties who had been buyers at jower prices, and the general speculation list declined ‘4%. Dividend paying stocks acd bonds were, low ‘ever, in evon batter demand than theday before, and at the close (he wi arkot rallied, closing firm, Monoy waseasy ad per gont, Exchagge moderately active at 112% a 7g. The slorm had a tendency to check business. ‘The cotton market was irregular yesterday, eapecially jn the forenoon; bus there was more tone visible iv the afternoon, and holders exhibited rather more frinuess. ‘The sales, in small lots, footed (xp about 400 bales, chietly on the basis of 28340, a 29c., incliding random lots at a trifle above or under these figures, According to w telegraphio despatch, via Chicago, received yesterday, the: erphis papers of the 26th Apcil stated that a cenvention ef cotton planters bad Deen Nea at Setms, Alnveua, a0 which ft wes ument mously resolved to restrict the production of cotton to 600 pounds to the hand, aud to tax ali exceeding that amount $25 per bale, ‘tho usual average yield to the hand, on good land, ts from four Le five bales of 450 peund® each, or from 1,800 pounds to potinds lo each hand, with sufficient provisions for eupport. Some bales weigit500 pounds. Tais reduction, if carried out, will reduce the yield enormously, compared to the average cropa of preceding years. Flour was firmer foc low grades, while otter kinds were unchanged, aud sales moderate, Wheat was irreguiar, but firmly bold, while sales were limited, Corn was lesa active, while sales embraced mixed Wesiera at 67¢. a 58¢., im store aud de tivered. Pork was less buoyant and active, owing 10 the Largo siock; sales of megs wore made at $12 60 a $12 and of prime at $10 a $10 25; tho stock of ail kinds oom, prised 88,080 bols. of pork, while the stook of beef au. braced 24,790 bbla, Sugara were steady, with salen of 560 hhds, 100 boxes and 2,000 bags Hracil. Colles was quiat; soine inquiry prevailed for export. Freights wore firm, with moderate oagagement@, The iImpend ing Struggles ia Virginia and the Southwest-The Strategy of the Kuemy. We were enabled to publish yosterday ex- clusivedy eoveral coluinna of highly interesting Southern news, including extracts irom the Confederate press fully coulirming the capture of New Oriewus, and proving that the blow is felt all over the South a3 a most serious dis- aster, only second in its aousequences to the desivuction of Beauregard’s army. Bit a most impoviant piece of intelligence regarding the plans of the rebels iv Visginia was contained in the exiract which we reproduced from the Richmond caleuiate by their strategy to achieve a victory in Virginia which will compensate for their lows of New Orleans. Aware of the numbers, move- meats and destinstion of the force under@iea Books and ihe army of Gen. MeDoweil, the War Depsriment of the vebels hae sent heavy columns lo oppore them aud prevent thelr junction; otherwise * Richmoad would be threat ened from ihe direction of tha Votonme wish sixty Hhousaud meu.” The Bromiver concludes, therelove, that “it is very probeble that a decisive battle way be fongbt north of Richmoud before that oa the peninsula bas transpi ad “Ons Corinth,” the writer continues somewhere iu advange in Caro- line or Lov We should not he s@rprised at hearing withiu a week of a fierce battle on this it mag be.” Ag this wae written wore than a week ago. news of the fight may, Uwrefore. reach us ab auy mo- ment, if the calculations of the Leen iner correct. Jacksog, we are intomnad, i« and ow wherever ouly nhs wod the column of MeDowel) both in bi then he will give them battle being a ¢ The Kavininer boat® that t trout aod fighting man an whip ours suywhere Of the w armies ¢ courses, where We only an And this igned for brivging shout the “decisive battle” in the Siifying the suspicion we re these glumes, that, leaving foree at Yorktown te auld our gunbos's interior. thas lew a compare ty ematl heep MeClelian in to burl the wel maiu ) in order to crueh them tn ould apire is avre strategy, wad it is shrewd wemerals wana circum The Lev rebel troops arn atiempt Against Banks and Me mn before they Met hie te t doubied|y what do me ars that (ue dumbe ; ting on the ample jo withatand amd rey Backes aod McDowell he Clerieston Mey cury aamires ne that “Genera General Jounston and General Randotph, the mecratary of War, concur in the coviident belief that the Contoderates will certainly beat tue invading arwies in Virginin, and ¥ Bhs’ taken.” Tele worth while for the Wae De. with ee viher or will we sible ‘he undee lines north lee the forces of It shows that the leaders | is va (he Chigkahominy, | be | af Richmond is | ‘ Richfiond caguot partment at Washington to inquire wheter any false strategical step has been taken on our side that can justify this apparently atrong con- fidence, and, if eo, that the error be reotified be- fore it ia too late. Is is barely possible that the Richmond Zy- aminer may have published the article we have quoted to mislead our generals, in order that MoClellan may be woakoned by sending rein- forcemeats to McDowell, and thus be made the prey of Johnston, The Richmond Dispatch, in- deed, of @ later date (the 28th of April) pub- lishes an article which rather conflicts with that in the Hvaminer, and places the bulk of the army in Virginia still at Yorktown. It says there is a more powerful force under Johnston, in the peninsula, than that with which Beaure- gard defends the Southwest—a statement cer- tainly inconsistent with the idea of another force sufficient to repel sixty thousand men being conceutrated north of Richmond to meet Banks and McDowell. Ono statement or the other is false; for the whole rebel army in Vir- ginia cannot amount to any such numbers as would make both true. It is important that the War Department and the generals of our army should ascertain where the truth lies, and act accordingly. One of the Southern journals consoles itself for the news of the disastrous capture of New Orleans by the consideration that “the large and fine army which was assigned for the defence of New Orleans can now be united with the army at Corinth in time to assist in the great work of driving the Vandals out of Tennessee and Kentucky, and in @ march across the Ohio.” The writer goes on to urge the invasion of the Northwest by Beauregard with 150,000 men, while, with 150,000 more, Johnston in- vades the North and captures Philadelphia and Now York. This is gasconade of the tallest kind, to break the force of the stuuning blow of the capture of New Orleans. While Halleck takes good care of one, McClellan will dispose of the other, and our Southern coutemporary may rest assured that aeither Beauregard nor Johnston will ever set foot on Northern soil uniess ag a prisoner of war. —_-— The Debate fm the House on the Com- mittee of Inquiry Into Contracts. The debate in the House of Repre- sentatives, on Tuesday last, on the report of the Committee of Inquiry into Govern- ment Contracts, is full of interest and very suggestive. One can hardly peruse the seve- ral speeches of the members engaged in this debate, or reflect upon the spectacle exhibited, without a painful, feeling of comniingled sor- row and indignation; of sorrow at‘discovering that at such a great crisis as the present patsi- otism and the desire to save the Union enter less into the minds of the radical Jacobin re publicans than the love of gain; of indignation at the thought that men who possess such int maculate political purity should be found of the side of peculators, plunderers and con- tracting gamblers, endeavoring to thwart all the efforts of Gungress to search out and unmask the thieves and robbers who have laid their rapacious bands on the ‘Treasury. Such an open and daring onslaught on a committee of investigation was never before seen in-the history of parlia- mentary bodies. In the English Parliament such inquiries by committee are of common oc- currence; but never, we believe, has been seen in the House of Commons such a spectacle as a body of men in the House itself attacking » committee and seeking to save the guilty, It was not until the moral sense of the com- munity had been shocked by the announcement of gros and outrageous frauds commisted npom the goverument; {t was not before the voice of an owlraged people had loudly called for inves- tigation, that this committee was appointed. Ju due time it makes its report, bringing (o light transactions the enormity of whieh is a dis- grace and a shame, and enough to make every honest man shudder, But what dg we witness in consequence? A number of individuals be- longing to the party of Greeley pures--men who, like that general of the black brigade. bave held themselves up to the public as abeo- jute immaculates and incarruptible opponcais of jobbery and frauds- start up instantly on the door of the House to ottack the comuitiee and ita report, and defeud a nymber of the most sbhaupless plunderers of their country. In the debate Mr. Conkling. of New York, opened the ball by protesting against the origi- nal formation of the committee, denounsing it most illogivally as au advisory load to supervise questions of integrity relating .ro every man engaged in the administration of departmental aft But this very point which he assails so flercely is ove of the first and highest duties and privileges of a parlin- mentary body—viz: to inquire, to investigate and search out into frauds affecting the nation. Yhe “extraordinary gentleman frow New York,’ a3 Mv. Washburne ironically called Mr. Conkling~and he is an extraordinary gende- man; a9 are they all—all exiraordinary gen tlemen -who have laboved against the vityl { interests of the country, and sought to uphold snd screen men engaged in plunder. ing and defrauding the people, the army and the government—this extraordivary man was not simply sativfied with attacking the House jteelf in the matter of privilege; bit” he went further disqualifying himself for the litle ironically bestowed upon him sud desvended, in his efforts to produce an impression against the committee, to the meanness of charging (hat | this committee bad, as is nuifornly the praction | with all travelling committers, reveived pay { ment of iis expenses. Other extiracrdipary geatlemen alluched the report, ond labored to throw the wgis of their | patronage over a yang of plunderers and roby here. ‘The debate devad qnile interesting, by the able ve waxed Warm, and was ren ily of Mr Wushburne, who mes the whole plalunx lance \ in hand, end drove them to the wall, including Mr. sierens, of Vennsylyauia, who. ia a former | debste. had taken the mame ground ia mppo yf pe ‘dation and peculators, The conduc! of ai! pereons was set in ite true light by ! thiy gentleman, Altogether it was a apiey and anivoaied debate, and will be pro ductive of much good Lhe insidious op [| ponents of investigat the sustainers of rand and robbery, will now find the try more Actermined than ever in’ in ving upon having all pluoderers and thieves t hunted ap and punished, OCungtess will see the necessity of doing ite duty In the premises anmoved by the attacks and «pecial pleadings * of some of their own hody, who, by aolioite- fiona at loast, ace Little Lotter than partiogs | onfenints % The Philosophy of Taxation. The Old World, after long trial~ and ex- Perience, has made the discovery of a general principle which may be considered as an axiom in the philosophy of taxation. It is, that the smaller the number of objects taxed 80 much the better, both for revenue to the government and ease to the people. There are many advantages gained by acting upon this principle, one of the chief of which is that it Saves great expense in the collection. Another is, that a large revenue may be raised without odious and oppressive interference with indi- vidual and domestic privacy. In conformity with this rule, England has of late years abol- ished an infinite number of ainall and oppress- ive taxes, and confines herself to a few simple objects of direct taxation. Her greatest reve- nue is derived from taxes few in number, such aa the income tax, that on spirituous liquors, tobacco and salt. France follows a similar policy. Our Congress, not heeding the admonitions of experience, has begun at thé wrong end, and has acted upon the plan of @ sinall tax upon an infinite variety of articles. This is radically. wrong. Much the better policy is to tax afew articles heavily, suchas tobacco and whiskey, and to derive tho chief revenue from them, rather than to plague and torment the people with an endless number of small taxes, imposed upon a great number of petty articles, guch as watches, umbrellas, and so forth. Itisadelusion to euppose that such « system would be less onerous to, and better received by the public, than a heavy taxation upon a few articles. Not only will this method of taxation subject every family to a most odious system of espionage and inquisition, but it would turn out to be very unproductive. So large a force of taxgatherers would be required as to swallow up the greater portion of the expected revenue in the expensos of collection- It is the old method, which has been tried in several countries in Europe and found want- ing. Itis also extremely obnoxious and dis- agreeable to the people generally. England is at this day more highly taxed than she was fifty years ago; but, from the im- proved system now adopted, there is not half as much discontent heard in that country as for- merly used to be the case, when hats, watches, window lights and other small matters were made go pay taxes. In many of such small things it was found that the produce of the tax was no More than barely sufficient to pay for the collection. Congress, It seems, has listened tvo easily to the piteous complaints of iudivi- duals interested in special articles of trade, and under the pressure of their reclamations has vesorted to the erroneous philosophy of w vast and multifarious system of taxatiou. | Thus, for example, in the case of tobacco, a commodity which might be made to pay at least a fourth or fifth of the whole sum re- quired -to be raised, Congress has fixed the maximum amount of the tax at about ten cents per pound. Now, according to the true law of the phito- sophy of taxation, shis is all. wrong. fostead of so small an amount on tobacco, with taxes of a atill smaller amount on an infigite variety of other matters, ig would be more profitable to the Treaswry, and less burthensome to the people, te wipe ont one-half or more of all this peity taxation, aud tax tobacco, say forty cents per pound, which would produce at once a re- vouue of sfxty millions of dollars. This is the true policy. Can anything be more absurd than to expect to raise a revenue by taxes upon brooms. wooden pails, churns, straw hats, watches, bon- nets, men’s hats and oaps, hoop skirts, ready made clothes, pins, umbrellas, parasols, wooden clocke, nails, wire, shoe blacking, stockings, shingles, shoe tasts, shovel handles. yachts, pianos, silver spoons, &e., &c., ke.” All this is absued, and if it were not a highly dangerous experiment it would be perfectly ridiculous, Such a system—so petty, so paltry, so meau—would inflame the minds of the ist patriotic, most Union-devoted mea. It would expose our homes and firesides to the most odi- os and vexatious intrusions and iugu - vial examinetions. It would be intoterable; nay, it would be enough to reise another rebellion and anotaer civil war of a formi- dable character. Surely the genivs of folly, madness and stupidity dictated such a system, It is altogether opposed to the true philosophy of laxation, and to the plainest dictates of pru den¢ge snd common sense. Such miyute taxation is easily levied indi- regtly by {Me varigue custoin houses on impor, tations; for then the articles areal! brought to- gether under the eye of the collector, and the public is not tormented, a few importers paying all the daties. But it will never do to create anarmy of internal collectors to bunt up all these tittle articles in the dwellings of the people, and then collect a tax upon each on’. Itis not only absurd, but impracticable. it would seem as ff the bill, ax it thus stands, has been concocted by some custom house officers, according to the customs sysiem. But it will never do for a e@ystem of direct taxation. We repeat, it is opposed to tried experience. and is contrary to every sound principle of the phi- lnsophy of taxation. A GESRRAL Bayxrert Law.—Since the bill reported to the House of Representatives by Mr, Contling wae laid upon the table. thus vir- tually disposing of it for the present session, petitions bave been deily pouring in from all adjourn without legidating upon the subject of a general bankrupt law. We constantly in the vece pt of letters calliog upon irae parts of ¢he courtry, praying the House not to | ree are} | us to press the matter ipou Congvesm We lave just no opportuuity of earnestly enforcing the | vecessity of the immediate pateage of this or | | some other bill affording rellef to be large clase | of Lunest but unfortunsie traders who are dis- ‘bled, by the al | baokcups law would afford them, from resuming won thelr own account If there wasn ange of the protection which # busi May Day.—Yostorday was an anfortubatd day for those whom the inexorable usages of our New York system of house lotting compel- led to move their lares and peyates, Nothing could exhibit more unpleasantly the absurdity of the custom than the piles of costly furniture and bedding that were to be seen everywhere pass ing through the streets under the drenching rain that fell throughout the day, What a pum- ber of careful housewives and particular old maids must have had their hearts wrung and their tempors soured by the damage done by i¢ to their goods and chattels. How many again must have had occasion to curse a usage whiok compelled them to move into a tenement just as ite last occupants were leaving it. There is not the slightest excuse for the in- convenience and annoyance to which house holders are thus exposed. In European coun- tries houses can be rented at any period of the year, there being no particular day for an an- nual “flitting,” aa with us. Here the custom originated in the avarice and tyranny of land lords, who sought by {t to keep up an artifioial value for house property. ‘The war will rectify this, as it is alroady re- forming many other abuses. Landlords are learning that it is better to own moderate sized houses, the value of which cannot be dis- turbed by commercial or political revulsions, than expensive ones, the rents of which are liable to depreciation from every passing crisis. Thus, while mansions which were renting at from one thousand to three thousand a year have sunk from thirty to forty per cent ia value, the rents of small houses have under- gone no reduction, and no difficulty is found ia letting them. In fact, this year it is, aa a gone+ ral thing, found impossible to let large houses, ‘The altered circumstances of the country have deprived people of the means of keeping up heavy establishments, and the prospeotive visits of the taxgatherer render those who pow seas settled incomes more careful than ever * about their expenditure. The-fact that an im- mense number of houses remain unrented at the commencement of the present quarter will in itself go far to abolish the foolish custom of compelling a whole community to move om May day. Many are holding back, from a 00m viction that some weeks hence landlords will be disposed to let their houses at lower rates. Thus the first step is taken towards abolishing this inconvenient usage, and in another year or two we ahall probably witness an entife change in the prosont ayatem of house letting. IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON ae Official Reports of a Day te the President. OOOO. The Capture of Fort Macon, Surrender of New Orleans, and Retreat of Beauregard to Memphis. wan Appointment of a Collector for New Orleans, peers Military Governors for Recovered States. Debate in the Senate on the Oom- fiscation Question. Proposed Emancipation of the Slaves of Rebels by Proclamation, &., aH, ees. _Wamexgros, ay 1, 1060 CartuRs OF FORT MACON—SOURRENDER> OF MEW ORBLE. \ Sirens RETREATING ma PRs. rope ee Tue Provident caceirod conn dggpatoh from te troas SOBroe, stating that s Ricuyaoad Enquirir réceived thore announces that Fort Maoom had eapitulated, New Orleaus (ormally surrendered, and that Beauregard was falling back with bis whole army to Memphis. THR NEW STATR GOVERNMENTS—OPENING TRADS AC NRW OKLBANS, ‘the fon, fdward Stanly is mow on bis way from Call, (orpia, and will be here ina few days. It ia known thas he comes at the request of the President fer the pur- pore of taking ‘she office of Military Governor of Nort® Carolina, his aative diate, Ho formerly reprasonted the “Old North’ ia Congress, and waa a prominent whig politician. It is understood that the admiaisteation bave alroady one 6r two promitent gentlemen in view to ocenpy the same )osition ia Louisiana. The Unionists of that State are opposed tothe appointment of Major Generel Butler \o tha( office, aad ate in hopes that the Presideat wilt select “any other man.'’ 1ne President sent into the Senate to-day the nomina- tion of Charies C. Lathrop ag Oellestor of the port of New Onleana. ow that that port is opened the morchaate whe were anzious (or the arrival of the‘‘Yankess,” ta order (o get better prices for their goods, will baveaa opporiunily of giving the now collector « good reception. APPOINTMANTS OOMFIRMED. Ths Senate to-day, ii executive seagion, coudrmed the following montinatioas:— Charies L. Lathrop, to be Collector of Customs for the Diatriet of New Orleans, La. This geatioman Cormeriy resed in New Orleans, but left there en the breaking out of the rebellion. W. 7, Sherman, Major General. Svmuel P. Carter, of Tennessee, Brigadier General of Volunveers. Avistmas Chapel, of Nebraska, of Massachusetts, Brigade Surgeons, Chaviea M. Provott and Cyrus $, Haldeman, both of Peoosyivauia, and Marcellus ¥. G, Strong, of New York, Ase xtaut Adjutant General, with rank of captain. K. D. Wilinrd, of she District of Columbia, Comutesery of Subsistence, J. Theodore Heard, NAVAL APPOINTMENTS, The Navy Department hae made the following appotas- moute— Charles O'Neil, of Boston, Master's Mate on the Cam. beriand, promoted to Acting Master, ati ordered t the Boston Navy Yard Hollie #. Blanchard, of Boston, appomied Acting Mas. | ordered to Bowtom Navy Yard. guant Ubarios ©. Carpenter, ordered te Unite jeamer Fing to reteve Acting Lieuteaant B. 2, ey, ordered to the and of the Fort Beary, yROROSED VISIT OF THR SBNATH MILITARY COM: MTR 10 TMS ARMY BEFORE YORKTOWN. Cho vist of (he Senate Military Committee to the army ju front of Yorktown Bea been postponed till Tuesday nexs, on account of the Indisponition of Souator Hive and fe lamparary angence of Senator Latham. This vials of | (he Committee (0 the scape of operations of Geasral necessity for iw « very times, there is a double necessity far i} n0W, *wen eo minny bave tiwen vitined by the rebelllon, A mensure which would enable Uiese persons to commence | their commercial e; efresh. and which | would at the same Ume provide severe ponish | ments for fraudulent traders, would be a great hoon to the ¢ Ii would contribute to { the impulse whicn ort will | receive when the war is ended, by heiping to restore confidence and to render commercial | operations more secure We wrist. therefore, | that Congress will not separate without passing \ the present or some other wnactwient which will { meet the requirements of our business commu. | nity, Next to the Tax bill this iv one of the measures most domanded by the necessities of the oonniry niyy business of erery MoUlelian's avrg affords « @tcong proof of the coufideage entortained in bis ability to proseeute to success the enter* prise 0 hand. They evidently eonsider Gop, MeCistiaa’® headquartere a safer piace thag one of the committes thought the sity af Waebington was about ome 7OAr ge. SENATOR BUMMER’ ASATLT ON (HE ONTON GaNE- male, 4 Senator dumagr, in his set speceh upow bis resgivtion iggeeting Curiber legisiption mpd the siiee o A trapands, Wag very phoney MeCook apd Alpileck, ia ve the laurels that a general ans punet tes wiuad withor ¢ be whoulé coatore @ siave “ aia 4 he may wi P snd ay water Row maar viotorien 4 mm 4