The New York Herald Newspaper, February 21, 1863, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD, NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES: GORDON BENNETT, “ OF VICE N. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU 3TS. Mouey sent wy mai will bo Nove but bank bills current iu TERMS cash in advance. Bt the risk of the seuder. New York taken, see SE =". aS Volume XXVIIL,,..c0.s000 AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Irving Pinca. —CrvpeRRita, OR THX GLASS SLIvreR. Al ternoon and Byening NIBLO'S GARDEN, Lroadway.—Leau, Tas Forsanes. WALLACK'S THEATEE, Broadway.—Cartaim or THe Warcn—Maisxs any Faces. WINTER GARDEN, Broadway.—Ricmaro IIL, LAURA KEENE’S THEATRE. Broadway.—Fars One Wits tax Gowven Locks—Brrsy Baxgs, NEW BOWBRY THEATRE, Bowe: —BaN Tux Boatswais—Kiss iN THe —Evceworrs Bess ALK —OBL BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Sxow BirpeJack Cape ed ONOME—OTATE BKOKEES, ’ THEATRE FRANCAIS, Niblo’s Saloon—Part EN LA Dxwuee BARNUM'S AMERICAN MUSEUM, Broadway.—Muentr Warren. Com. Nurt, Living Mirvovotamus, &c., at all hours,—Howa, Swen! {ternoon and Evening. BRYA MINSTRELS, Mechanics’ Hall, 472 Brond- bi ay van Sones, Butxsquas, Dances, &6.—BLacn De. WOOD'S MINSTREL HALL, 614 Broadwav.—Ermrort SoNGs, DANCES, &C.—RUNNING THE BLOCKADE, = i BROADWAY MENAGERIE, Broadway.—Livina Wie ANIMALS—PERFORMING FLEPHANTS—Comie MULES, &0. AMERICAN THEATRE, No. 444 Broadway.—Bau uers, Pantourmes, Buaixsques, 40. Slots PARISIAN CABINET OF WONDERS, roadway.—s Open daily from 10 uo P.M. A emis ROOLEY'S OPERA E Se #3, BuRuusauns, &¢ » Brooklyn.—Braroriuan New Yor ik, Saturday, February 21, 1863 THE TUATION. Our news from the Southwest indicates the ap- proach of stirring events. The Union troops are now in view of the city of Vicksburg, and the mor- tar boats were towed down and ready for action yesterday. A barge containing seven thousand bushels of coal followed the example of the ram Queen of the West, and ran the blockade at Vicks- burg on Saturday night, passing harmlessly through inthe dark. The gunboat Conestoga destroyed Bo- livar Landing, a scattered village fifty miles above Memphis. The river is rapidly overflowing ita banks on the Louisiana side to such an extent that the little town of De Soto, opposite Vicksburg, is now nearly under water, and it is thought that the whole peninsula will ere long be submerged. The Queen of the West has gone up Red river on the hunt for rebel boats supposed to be lying there. There is no news from the Army on the Rappa- hannock to-day. Everything remains quiet in that direction. Our intelligence from'New Orleans, by the steamers General McClellan and George Crom- well, which arrived yesterday, is very interesting. Great fears are expressed of a crevasse, which would inundate the Crescent City and destroy a great amount of lives and property. The Delta newspaper had been suppressed by General ‘Banks, but it was to be issued again by new editors, under the name of the ra. Our corres- pondence, with the General Orders of the Com- mander-in-Chief of the Department, will be found full of interest. The news from Havana and Mexico, brought by the steamship Eagle, which arrived here yester- day, does not represent any improvement in the condition of the French army in Mexico. On the contrary, itseems that the invaders are suffering severely from disease and the continual vigilance of the irregular soldiers of that republic. Our Havana correspondent gives avery impartial re- view of the facts; but from all that can be gather- ed, it seems that until General Forey receives strong reinforcements he will not be able to storm the Mexican intrenched works at Pucbla, On the occasion of the great fight at Tampico, already reported in our columns, several vessels and rifled cannon fell into the hands of the Mexicans. Al- monte had issued a new proclamation. The news from Havana is fall of interest, containing, as it does, some Spanish comments on Southern inde pendence. s Our correspondent in the Bahamas, dating at < Qiassau, N. P., on the 16th of February, informs us that the law officer of the British Crown had prosecuted some local pilots for taking United Btates gunboats over the banks of the Bahamas, and that the parties were convicted and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. The report of the loss of the Oreto had reached Nassau from New York and caused some seusation, as it was known that that vessel had begn lying snugly in port there at the time it was sid she was destroyed by the Union steamers. Captain Maffit, of the Oreto, had waited on the Governor at his official resi- dence and obtained permission to remain off Nas- sau for twenty-four hours, during which time he laid his ship alongside the English war steamers Galatea and Barracouta. The Oreto was thought to be looking out for the American ship Eliza Bon- fall, which had left Nassau the day before for Abaco to take away United States troops lately wrecked there. Her capture by the Oreto was oonsidered as very probable. It was reported a few days ago in the Richmond papers that the “Annie” was sunk by the Florida, and the Rich- mond Dispatch of the 17th states that ‘the Flo- rida has sent the Annie Bonsal, with troops for New Orleans, to the bottom.’’ Steamships from England, with cargoes destined for the use of the rebels, continued to arrive at Nassau. The rit ish bark Severn, from Liverpool, with contra- band cargo, was wrocked outside of Hog Isiand on the 29th of January. We have received our Richmond (Va.) files of the IGE and 17th instant. A despatch from Mobile, dated Pebroary 13, asserts triamphantly that ‘the States of Indiana, Mlinois and Obio have deter- mined to top the war and make peace with the Confedor Me States at al! hazards.’ One of the Richmond jour, 8 states that the parties who thus cry for peace are, Without the power to enforce it, The Dispatch of the, 17th bas an editorial article insiating that “tho con, *tiption law" should be thoroughly executed throw qhout every Btate, 50 that “the coila of the anaconds ‘Will be everywhere broken.” It asserts that thia “fp the most critical ‘me of the war.” The steamer Ra, "7 ® Teported having recently ran the blockade ® — to the 10th instant, ‘ CONGRESS. In the Sonate yesterday, the House bill pro- ernment for the Territory of Arizona “was passed. The bill enabling the people of Ne- vada Territory to take preparatory ateps for being | aamitted into the Union was reported back. Simi- | Jar bills relative to Nebraska and Colorado were reported. The Annual Post Route bill was passed; also the bill providing for the appointment of an | Assistant Treasurer and additional clerks. The | joint resolution directing the payment of troops in hospitals and convalescent camps within sixty days was adopted, and Committees of Conference | on the Indemnity and Finance bills were ordered. In the House of Representatives, the bill to es- tablish a uniform national currency was passed as it came from the Senate, by a vote of 78 against 74. The bill to construct a wagon road from West Point to Cornwall Landing was passed. The Senate Post Office Reform bill was taken up and several amendments adopted, among them one establishing a postal money order system. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. Captain A. DeGroot’s new steamer, Jacob H. Vanderbilt, just completed, has been purchased by the government and renamed the United States steamer General Hunter, and is to be the flagship for General Hunter and staft. She leaves for Hil- ton Head this morning. ‘The Aldermanic Committee on Railroads held’a meeting yesterday, to hear parties for and against | phe proposed route of the railroad through West, South and other streets in the upper part of the city. Several persons opposed its passage through Fifty-ninth street, on the ground that the street | was too narrow for a double track, and that it + would be injurigus to property. Others advocated itas the proper route. The committee adjourned tothe call of the chair. In the Supreme Court yesterday Mr. James T. Brady,made his argument on the motion for a mandamus in the case of the Fort Gansevoort pro- perty. The wills of the following named persons have been admitted to probate:—Phila P. Lovell, John Clarke, W. Smith, C. T. Lewiness, Elisha Peck, William Van Winkle, Thomas Frazer, James Gar- ner, Henrietta Fieches, Catherine Fish and Sophia Druehl. In the Court of General Sessions yesterday, before Recorder Hoffman, Francis Reichert, a serman, thirty-three years of age, was tried for rand larceny, in stealing jewelry and money to the amount of $123, on the 8th of January last, from 123 West Twenty-ninth street. The evidence of defendang’s guilt being very slight, the jury, after a short absence, brought in a verdict of not guilty, and Reichert was accordingly discharged. Some of the copperhead journals are raising a hue and cry over the dispersion of what they call the Democratic State Convention of Kentucky by military authority. The people must not be deceiv- ed by these denunciations. The convention was nota democratic gathering. It was composed en- tirely of secessionists, and as such was denounced beforehand by all the conservative leaders and journals in the State. It was recommend- ed and supported by only one. paper, and thatc was the Frankfort Feomon, the ‘rebel organ of the late rebel Governor, Berifth Ma- goffin. The convention of the ‘democratic par- ty properhas not yet been called; but when the representatives of that organization do assem- ble we are confident the meeting will be peacetul and uninterrupted, and the candidates they may nominate wil! be certain of election. Hon. Martin F. Conway, a member of Congress from Kansas, has been requested by resolutions passed in the Legislature of the State to resign. The stock market was generally better yesterday, though there was still some hesitation m the dealings. Gold rose to 163%, closing at 1033; a 4. Exchange was inactive at 179 a }{, Money was tolerably easy atGa7 per cent. The breadstuffs trade was less active yesterday, and prices were geverally Jower. Provisions were freely pur- chased, and prices were tending upward for pork and beef, thought less buoyant for lard. Sugars and whiskey were in fair demaud. Motals were more active. A good business was reported in hay, hides, hops, oils, fish, tal- tow, wool and tobacco. Spices were more activo. Freights were steady, but engagements wore lighter. The changes in other branches of trade were unimportant. viding a gov The Union or Dissolution—The Issue with Our Fleets and Armies in the Field. The leading organs of the rebellion are vain- ly endeavoring to dv consolation from the elements of discord, mutiny’ and revolution which are beginning to manifest themselves be- tween the abolition fanatics and the so-called copperhead peace democratic faction of the North. Thus the Richmond Examiner, the boldest and ablest of all the journals devoted to the despotism of Jeff. Davis, while it recog- nizes some cause for congratulation in “North- ern divisions,” is still forced to the conclusion that the “danger” to the rebellion “does not consist in anything that the people or the legis- lative bodies of the United States can do,” but that it is the powerful military cordon of our fleets and armies “that endangers the existence of the confederacy.” In following up this substantial idea, this rebel philosopher further says, that “no politi- cal events can stay the blow that is now fall- ing;” that these Union armies “are vast ma- chines, now in full movement, and their career can only be stopped by shattering against our lines;’ that “the destiny of the South will be decided by events, the sue- cession of which is now beyond the control of the will of man;” that if “the Southern regi- ments are full and strong in the next month, and are able to cenvert the coming battles into victories, the life of the nation (the Davis con- federacy) is saved:” but that, “if the federal hosts can take Vicksburg, or gain any other de- cisive success, this confederacy is in greater danger than ever before.” Here we have, in other words, the confession, from & leading rebel organ at Richmond, that the cause of the rebellion is now im a more critical situation than ever before, and that,if we “take Vicksburg, or gain any other decisive success,” the reign of Belshazzar is ended, and his kingdom given over to the Medes and Persians. Nor do we think that the intelligent and dispassionate reader of any section or party, from a careful review of the field, can | arrive atany other conclusion. While, there- | fore, the disorganizing abolition factionists, de- pairing of the success of their visionary scheme of emancipation, are beginning to agitate and intrigue for French mediation and separa- tion, and while the reckless revolution. ary peace and spoils democrats of the loyal States are beginning to show thelr dirty hands in favor of a degrading submission to Jeff. Davis, we, in behalf of the Union and the great masses of our loyal people, have no idea of being frightened by abolition blockheads or democratic copperheads, so long as the powerful land and naval forces of the Union now in front of the strongholds of the rebellion are on the eve of decisive action, and with every prospect of complete success, While, from’ the late extensive, continuous and heavy rains an immediate advance cannot be expected om the part of General Hooker or General Rosecrans, we may expect at any mo- ment to hear that the ball has been gpeued at Charleston, Savannah or Vioksburg. We think it moat probable that General Graat and Ad- miral Porter will lead off im the dance at Vicks- | burg. ‘The rains, which have reduced the soil of Virginia and Tennessee to an impassable quagmire to artillery and ammunition wagons, have flooded the Mississippi to overflowing, thus rendering, as it may now be truly called, that “inland sea” a powerful ally to our mili- tary operations along its banks. Thus the right flank, if not the rear of Vicksburg, may bo reached by water; or the gauntlet of the rebel batteries in front may be run or avoided by our whole squadron of gunboats and transports. The ram Queen of the West and the gunboat Indianola are already below, effectively cutting off the important supplies from Western Loui- siana and Texas destined for the rebel army af Vicksburg. Remembering the fate of those stupendous rebel works at Columbus, Island No. 10, Fort Wright and other places up the river, we can have no doubt of the complete re- opening of the Mississippi during tho present flood. Meantime, Beauregard has ordered all non- combatants to retire from Charleston and Sa- vannah, in anticipation of an early land and naval attack upon one or both of those cities, and he has oalled upon all able-bodied men remaining in South Carolina and Georgia to come to the resoue, and with pikes and scythes if they can find no better weapons. It is appa- rent that he is somewhat alarmed; but that he evill make a terrible resistance cannot be doubt- ed. Our iron-clads, such asthe Montauk, which has been submitted to several bombardments to try her armor, will, however, we predict, be found equal to the work before them, together with the co-operating land forces. Anticipating, then, before the lapse of many days, such news from Vicksburg, Charleston and Savannah as will electrify the whole coun- try, and silence the discordant clamors and noisy treason of abolition disunionists and democratic submissionists to Jeff. Davis, we hold our position by the side of the fleets and armies of the Union, and confidently rely upon them to re-establish the Union, against Southern rebels and Northern incendiaries, and against separation, submission or foreign intervention. Ocr Harsor Derences.—The indifference so generally manifested on the subject of our har- bor defences is one of the strangest features of these critical times. If France or any other of the great maritime Powers were to declare war against us to-morrow they would find us in this respect wholly unprepared. There is nothing to prevent the monster iron-clad frigates on which English and French engineers have been expending so much of their inventive skill from steaming into New York and Boston hargors, capturing our shipping and compelling thig m- mediate surrender of both cities. It is astonish- ing that, with the examples which we have be- fore our eyesof what may be done-in the way of harbor defences by the expenditure of a little money, we have not before this taken steps to guard against these dangers. That which the rebels have accomplished at Savannah and Charleston, and which costs us so much preparation to overcome, might have been effected ‘here at our leisure and on a thoroughly impregnable scale. The natural features of our harbor render it peculiarly adapted to the new style of defences which the adoption of iron-clad vessels of war has made indispensable. If awe delay putting them in execution the dangpr will come suddenly upon us, and find us ‘helpless. Louis Napoleon is concentrating a large force in the Gulf of Mexico; and one of his first steps, in the event of a difficulty with us, will be to despatch several of his monster iron-clads to New York, being well aware that we are not in a condition to resist them. Not a day, not an hour, should therefore be lost in voting the requisite sums for sheathing with iron the forts that defend our harbors, and for constructing others where they may be deemed necessary. A couple of months energetically employed would put us in such a condition of defence as would enable us to bid defiance to the strongest foreign naval force that could be sent to operate against us. TrimvuTe TO THE Bravery or Our Nuw York Sonprers.—The rebels at one time professed to hold in utter contempt the soldierly qualities of the troops taken from New York and other Northern cities. They have dropped this kind of talk, and with good reason. No soldiers in the world have shown more dash and endu- rance than the very men they affected to despise. There is scarcely a battle field since the commencement of the war that has not been whitened with their bones, and there has not been a single official report which has not borne testimony, both individually and collectively, to their splendid fighting qualities. In addition to the numerous evidences of this kind which have appeared in our columns, we publish this morning an extract from a report of General Rosseau after the battle of Mur- freesboro, in which he speaks in glowing terms of the conduct of the brigade of regular troops, for the most part New Yorkers, which formed part of the Third division of the Fourteenth army corps, under his command, on that occasion. Of the Eighteenth infantry, Majors Townsend (formerly Adjutant General of this State) and Caldwell commanding, he says:—“If I could I would promote every officer and several non-commis- sioned officers and privates for gallantry and good conduct in this terrific battle.” Commen- dation like this from so good a soldier as General Rosseau is the highest tribute that can be offered to the brave men from this State who have shed their blood so freely in defence of the Union. A FicuTixc Gexerat.—We have a fighting general out West. After defeating the rebels | at Pea Ridge, Fayetteville and Crawford Prairie, and chasing them over the Boston Moun- tains, he came back to Leavenworth, Kansas, and made a speech, rather justifying the sup- pression of a certain newspaper, and concluding with the remark, “When this rebellion is put down, and when this army returns howe, there will be a day of fearful retribution. There will be the biggest crop of black eyes ever heard of in this country.” Everybody will want to know the name of this general. Itis— Blunt. Ocr Currency Banrometer.—Me teorologists consult their barometers, and predict fair or foul weather as the quicksilver ranges from thirty to twenty-eight. Oiir financial and po- litical quidnuncs consult the Wall street baro- meter, and base their plans upon the record— “Gol4, 163; nickel, 118.” When the weather baromoter falls look out for storms, Inversely, when the financial barometer rises aqualls are y gaing Tau Exrension or run Teicraru.—We andorstand that Professor Hughes, the in- ventor of the superior printing telegraph now used by the American Telegraph Company, is meeting with gratifying sucoess with his in- vention in Europe. The French government has adopted his system, and paid him $40,000 for the patent for France; Italy has done the same, and pays him $20,000; while the United Kingdom Telegraph Company of London, who have just introduced the Hughes machines on their lines, pay $45,000 for the patent for Eng- land. Other European governments, it is said, are thinking of introducing the system in their dominions. It will be recollected that it was only the other day that Professor Morse ro- ceived $70,000 from the continental govern- ments for the use of his system. In this country there is scarcely any business that is proving more profitable than that of telegraphing, the increase of the press business incident to the war having added a very oon- siderable per centage to the previous heavy dividends of tho several companies. We under- stand that new competitors for a share in this exceedingly profitable business are coming for- ward, and the prospeot is that two or three new companies will very soon be organized. The independent line, which is, we believe, owned chiefly by F. O. J. Smith, and which bas been in operation for upwards of a year be- tween New York and Boston, has just opened a line of three wires to Philadelphia, and pro- poses to extend its operations to Washington. This extension, when finished, will give us two through telegraph lines from the Eastern ports to the national capital. Besides these, the funds *for building a third line over the same route have been subscribed, and contracts al- ready executed, as we are assured, for its com- pletion during the coming summer. Further- more, we are told that Mr. Henry O'Reilly, a gentleman formerly well known in the tele- graph business, has, in connection with others, made partial arrangements for the building of a fourth line over the same route. At the Wost also there are new telegraph enterprises in contemplation. Messrs. Morgan and Randall, in connection with several other gentlemen, intend to put up, in the course of the season, a superior line between Chicage, Buffalo, Albany and New York, and, as soon as possible, to extend their wires to all the chief Western cities. Another line, we understand, is to be built from this city to the West, and is under contract, to be finished to Buffalo by the Ist of August. Of the ultimate intentions of the projectors of this line we are not informed. It will be gathered from these statements that, should there be no failure of performance on the part of the projectors, our telegraph fa- cilities before the close of the year will be more than doubled on all the main routes between the commercial cities of the East and West, and South as far as Washington, or as far as the re- bel lines. From the other side of the mountains we hear that the Pacific telegraph is being rapidly ex- tended to Oregon, and that the prospects of its ultimate extension to Russia are growing brighter every day. This line is now working with admirable regularity between the Atiantic and Pacific, as the despatches which appear daily in the columns of the Hxratp abundantly attest. Arrangements are made for extending a branch from this line to Denver City, in the Territory of Colorado. With regard to the Atlantic cable, we learn, through a private letter from London, that the stock in that enterprise is being rapidly taken up, and that the directots are sanguine of its completion during the coming summer. Thus this important and useful element in the business and enterprise of the world is be- ing perfected and extended to all points of the globe. Within a very short period of time the Herarp will contain daily despatches from Melbourne and Montreal, Pekin and Philadel- phia, Warsaw and Washington, St. Petersburg and San Francisco. Tux Fuss Anovr Mencrsr—It has been asserted. that some of our Senators were paying extraor- dinary attentions to Count Mercier, in the hope of averting a war with France, and somebody in Washington takes the unnecessary trouble to contradict this report in our telegraphic news of to-day, and to state that Senator Sumner was not present at Secretary Seward’s recent din- ner, to which Count Mercier was invited, sim- ply because he was unwell. This is all very fine, but of no earthly importance. Neither Mr. Mercier nor Mr. Sumner can make war or avert it. Mr. Louis Napoleon attends to that department of his business in person. Whether Mr. Mercier is indulged in Widow Cliquot. champagne or small beer at dinner will not affect Napoleon's plans. If the French Empe- ror thinks he can gain anything by a war with this country he will make war. If he does not think so he will not make war. In the meantime we advise our Senators to treat Count Mercier as one gentleman treats another, or, as the diplomats phrase it, with most distinguished consideration; and if any of them are afraid of a war with France let them look after our har- bor defences. Distinguished consideration and fifteen-inch Dablgrens will carry us safely through this or any other trouble. A Pexsy ron Poor Grretey.—We have re- cently received subscriptions for the benefit of the poor French family wrecked on the Ella Warley and for the six deserters from Fort Sumter. Now poor Greeley begins to be con- sidered an object of popular compassion; and a sagacious little boy, who listens attentively while bis mother reads the Hera, sends us “a penny for poor Greeley.” The Tribune philo- sopher may obtain the penny by applying at our office, and if he saves it until the premium | on nickel is higher he may find it useful in re- pairing some of the financial damages of his weakly Tribune. me DesPeration or Tue Renets.—We refer those who wish to ascertain the real condition of the rebels to the order of General Beauregard, calling upon the people of Charleston and Sa- vannab to arm themselves with pikes and soythes. Pretty weapons these will be against our Minie rifles at twelve hundred yards, or our Dahlgrens and Parrotts, with a range of three or four miles. Beauregard had better recom- mend his followers to take to the turnpikes whon our armies and Monitors approach, Orenations 1s Rest. Estate.—We notice that three or four of our advertising columns are occupied daily with notices of real estate. The record office is crowded every day with per- sons paying off and cancelling mortgages. Every one’s pockets scem full of monoy, and, as we are all becoming suddenly rich, greonbacks and creen turtle soa” will -oon be synonymous. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1863, Ovnr Raoicas, Conramroranses anv raw News.— Some of our radical contemporaries are felici- tating themselves that they publish more news than the Hera, Why, from the crowded state of our news and advertising columns, wo are compelled to leave out of our papor every day more news than our radical contemporaries ‘publish in e woek, while all the nows we pfint they eagerly seize upon and copy without giving us the least credit for it. We do not ob- Ject to that; but is it according to the rules of the road to slander us after robbing ust Ler Us Have Crean Sresers.—The streets of this city are as dirtyas ever. The wind is the only sweeper. There is hardly a thoroughfare which should not be indicted as a nuisance. Where is Hackley? Is he receiving any money now-a-days? Certainly he is doing no work. Where is our new Sireet Commis- sioner? Where isthe Comptroller? Somebody is being paid for doing nothing, and the uni- versal desire is to know who this somebody is and what official pays him. Let us have clean streets. NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. Wasarncroy, Feb. 20, 1863. PASSAGE OF THE OURRENCY BILL, Tho Bank bil! was passed today with a promptitude and determination thst indicated & disposition to start the financial machinery of the country as quickly as possible. Secretary Chase will proceed at once te place our financial affairs in the best possible relations. ‘The passage of the Bank bili without amendment by the House to day is regarded as significant. Even during the debate predictions were made that it would be loaded down with amendments until it would not be recognized by its authors. It is evident, however, that notwith- standing the opposition offered by the Ways and Means Committee, and hitherto by the House itscif, al! of the financial moa sures of Mr. Chase will finally be adopted. Many of those who have opposed his policy have at last con- cluded that it is just to allow the responsibility to rest intact upon his shoulders, and have agreed that his finan- cial schemes shall be passed by Congress. ‘The Secretary of the Treasury is willing to accept the responaibility. He is confident of the success of the mea sures he has devised, and expresses assurance that with such provisions as he suggests he will be able to carry the government through the uoxt year with leas detri- ment to its credit and finances than bayo been oxpe- rienced during tho last. The House was not more closely wedded to the legal tender clause than to its opposition to the Bank bill, and the passage of tho latter without smcndment is an Indi cation that the former will be abandoned. ‘The opinions of financiers upon this subject have been materially chagged by the proceedings of to-day. OUR RELATIONS WITH FRANCK. Attention has been called to the report in a New York paper, which has been made the subject of pointed comment, that members of the Senate Gommittes on T'o- reign Rolations have been most earnest and domonstrative in expressions of friendship to M. Mercier and to tho government he represents, On inquiry, it appears that M. Mercier’s despatches and the relations with France, as shown by the recent despatches, have not been considered in the committee, nor is it known that any member of the committee bas mado any demonstrations to M. Mercier, Some of the committes attended the recout diplomatic divner of Mr. Seward, given since the publication of the Richmond despatch, whore the French Mivister was an honored guest; but Mr. Sumner, who was at that cime ill, was obliged to decline attending, under the advico of his physician. There is not a member of the committe who does not repel all idea of foreigu mediation or interven: tion, whatever form it may take. THE REPORTED BATTLE AT PORT HUDSON. An exploded story of General Banks laving been de- foated near Port Hudson has been revived. The govern- ment has received uo unfavorable information whatever from that quarter. VICKSBURG AND THE MISSISSIPPI. ‘The secessionists here profess to have information which leads them to anticipate confidently that the siege of Vicksburg will soon be raised, on account of “high water in the vicinity and disease among our troops, It is more probable that the next news from that point will be the capture of Vicksburg. Persons here who are practically acquainted with the region of the lower Mississippi, express the opinion that our Generals in that quarter do not intend to do much in the way of cutting embaakments, lest that vast region be overflowed, and so many new channels formed as thata malo current may not be created again for a long period, It is generally believed by scientific men iu the Southwest that the channel of the Atchafalaya was once the bed of the Father of Waters, aud it is now proposed to reunite tho Mississippi with it by the Tensas river, which runs pavallei to the latter. The current of tho Mississippi has been successfully changed in lower Louisiana, where the soil is sandy; but such is not the nature of the soil at Vicksburg. INVESTIGATION OF THE CHARGES AGAINST ARMY OFFICERS, ‘The ten days allowed officers included in the order of the War Department, creating a military commission to examine and report upon the charges against them, ex pired to-day. Only about a third of the whole number have availed themselves of the opportunity to excuse or rejute the charges against them. ‘Those who have not | dove s0 are to be summarily dismissed from the service, unless the time should be still | further extended. It is probaple that many of them | nave not seen the order, as it has been published only in papers having adimited circulation, and it would appear only simple justice that an extension of the time should be given to enable them to save themselves from the penalty which in many of the cases is doubtiess unde- served, In many of the cases examined it has been | found that the charges against the parties have originated through crror or mistake, or from misapprehension of orders on the part of the accused. The commission will continue its sessipns for some time yet, as new cages have been from time to time referred to it, and some of the acousetl require time to procure evidence to rebut the charges and evidence against them. There are also anum. ber of cases of officers that have already been dismissed from the service who have applied to be reinstated, whose cases come before this commission for examination and report preliminary to final action by the President CONDITION OF GENERAL MAX WEBER. General Max Weber, who was severely wounded at An- tietain, is here. He bas not yet recovered the use of his ara. THE ALLEGED FRAUDS IN THE NEW YORK CUSTOM ‘HOUSE. Secretary Chase communicated to the Senate, in answer $2 a resolution, @ statement of Edward Jordan, Solicitor of the Treasury, relative to frauds in the New York Custom House, showing that (rauds upon the revenue had been committed for at least six years past, effected by making out false invoices, representing different descriptions and lower prices of goods than were actually import- ed, and then securing the passage of such in- voices by various devices through the Custom | House. In some casce a portion of the goods were correctly invoiced, and these particular packages examined, Invoices were someiimes made in fictitious names, and sometimes the goods of one person were en- tered in the name of another. In some instances the im- porter was cognizant of the fraud; in others his broker was responsible'alene, Entries and invoices, when com- | pleted, were in some cases destroyed and obliterated. About $50,000 have been rocovered by seizures of goods belonging w parties implicated. About one bundred fraudulent entries by Junius R. Van Vechten, Marcellus Polis and B. Grigga, have been discovered. The first bas boon dismissed and placed under bonds; the others aro susponded, and the District Attorney has been requested to indict them, Henry Calhoun, tha Deputy Collector, is consured for want of vigilance, Wm. A. Lafiingwell, fand ihe clerks in the Record Buresn, are deemed culpable and carclons, Tie f# confident that frauda in importation are constantly and systematioally practiaed in jowelry, laces and silk and other oostly goods by smuggling In various ways; in other goods Facts show thot money in large 4 have been rece! vreoantvance; and a belief Is stated that nearly all the officers are in the babitual receipt of emolunfente from importers and their agents. One lawyer says he has, in fifieen months, pald $1,800 to one record glerk. Van Vochten admits baving received $2,690 per annum. A ond clerk, on a salary of $1,000, in eight years sccuma- "Sane, frat, the designation of an officer at Washington, charced with the breventien and detection ne nee Of frauds on the reagonue, aocoad, new regulations coa-, corning invoices and &\tries of foreign merchandise, third, the criminal put of the guilty; fourth, the probi- bition ef all emolaments fapm importers; Afth, provision dor securing proof against eurh frauds. . MILITARY TRIAL OF PRISONERS. The military commission to try important cages at the Old Capital Prison, by order of Gener Martindale, Mili- tary Governor, consists of Colonel Clarence Buell, of the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth New York; Lieutenant Colonel Fay, of the Tenth New Jersey ; Major G. F. Ni chols and: Captain E.G. Parker, Assistant Adjutant Goue-- ral, and Judge Advocate and Recorder of the commission. ‘Their labors commenced to-day, It is understood that the Judgo Advocate will bring before them all cases involving serious of/saces. NEW COLORS FOR THE BROOKLYN FOURTRENTH. ‘The most maguiticeut stand of colors ever exhibited hero is now displayed in the rotunda of the Capitol. Ic ‘was prepared by the ladies of Brooklyn \v be presented to the Fourteenth New York (Brooklyn) State Militia regiment, and was forwarded to Hon, Moses F, Odell for Presentation to the gallant regiment, which has wena name in nearly all the battles of Maryland and Virginia; and for its daring at the first Bull run battle was styted by Jeff, Davis “the Red Logged Devils.” SKIZURE OF STEAMERS ON THE MississiPrI. Fleet Captain Pennock, underdate of Cairo, yosterday, informed the Secretary of the Navy that the stoamers Rowena, White Cloud and Knapp, have oon goized a8 prizes by the gunboat New Era at or near island Number 10, for containing contraband gooda, such as quinine, and morpbino in large quantities, arms, rebe! uniforms, army blankets and other goneral merchan‘ise contraband ) of war. ‘The White Gloud had on board alarge rebel mail, con- taining important information. The steamer Home wag seized by Admiral Porter and sent up there from below. THE NAVY. Success of Important Experiments—New Lifeboat Adopted for Our Navy. Yesterday was marked by most important )1 ings at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. They consisted of CWwo ox- periments, which are destined to have great influence on naval warfare in future, and of the departure from this city of a large draft of seamen to open tho Mississippi. At half-past twelvé o'clock in the afternoon Rear Admiral Paulding, of this station; Captain Rowan, of the fron-clad Koanoke; Captain Rodgers, of the iron-clad Cata- kill, and Captain Ronckendorf, of tho steam frivato Saa Jacinto, were conveyed to the latter vessel, with » num- ber of respectable citizens of New York und Hrookiym, to | witness the extubition treat of a new lifo raft which bag | beon introduced into the navy, Admiral Gregory, the superintendent of irou-ciads for this vicinity, having bee perfectly satisfied with its great merits, has ordered one to be sent at once to each of the following versels:—the Weebawken, Nahant, Pataysco, Lehigh and Sangamon, When the officers and others assembled to wiiress the experiment had taken their position the raft was ‘aunched. It is composed of gutta percha cylinders, pointed at the ouds, surrounded by a dange, with eyelet holes to lace them together. The cylinders are made of canvass, coated with gulta percha, doubled and united a) the sides over the flanges. which are doubled and lapped cach way inside of the cylinders, making them three (1 \cknosses and the fianges four. ‘The raft can be prop very fast with oars or sail. Conunauder Walko report: that one of thom would make an excoilont despatch boat ab sea. Three light boards for thwarts, or stretchers, are required for rowing. Captain’ Rodgers conducted tho experiment. Whom alougside the steam frigate San Jacinto a)i hands were catled on that vessel, and as many of them as could bo piled ou the raft were seut dowa. Thoy kept close to each other. Captain Rodgers then packed more wen on, and as an interstice was discovered 8 man was out to fill itup. At first the sailors were uorvous; but thoy gradually became confident, aod finally danced and shout- Ad. ‘The rart was then hauled into the river, and kept ‘ailoat as though only Tom Thumb was on buird. bir cothusinsm of the spectators was 60 Brom "that cheers Tang out on every side. Tliere was not ri for & chit to stand on any part of the little raft duriog the experi- ment, Officers then insisted on crowding on, and even ladies tried to get over, but were rial ou the wharf. Captain Rodgers and Admiral Paulding, after trying boat in a variety of ways, ordered the men oi!, ofliciaily declared the raft successtul in every way miral Paulding seemed delighted with it. The boat, which is inflated while on the water, was pene air, taken apart, and put on board the skill. The What Is Itt This submarine battery, which has been reported a failure, was towed up to the yard yesterday, baving achieved an astonishing success. The rumor of its valio- lessness wis printed for the purpose of keeping curious foreigners from trying to witness the experiments, which wore made in New York harbor. When we state that a shot, discharged a considerable distavce under water, was seut some one hundred and fifty yards in the air, the nature of the results reached by Captain Huot may be imagined. An order bas been received from the authorities to commence at once on 4 large scale a vessel built on the same principle as that tried, and the present one is to day to be hauled into the dry dock. ‘The “What is it’ which has just been go severely teste |, ® nothing more than a huge square box, «) nost twelve feet high and six feet wide, with an internal di- ameter of some twenty feet. A porthole ison one side, covered by a sortofurch. Within, a gun of indescribable make and strange appearance is mouvted on the fioor in such a mauner that the muzzle protrudes through the port. The singular aspect of the cannon, bowever, is eclipsed by the queer construction of the ammunition which consists of @ sugare iron log or ball, about one f wide and two feet long. Fgress and ingress to the bat. tery are effected over the top, by mev.s of a ladder, and in through the befure mentioued port. The mode of workiug the vessel is and will be kept a secret. The pre- seul one is merely a box to test the principle before in- curring the expense of building a largor craft. Tho in- ventor of this machine, Captain Hunt, of the Engineors, is confident of making @ submarine battery that will be universally adopted as the best of its kind. Departure of Sailors for the Mississippt. At three o'clock yesterday afternoon nearly four hun- dred sailors were mustered on board the receiving ship North Carolina, and told off for the Mississippi flotilla, the Navy Department having recently determined to largely reinforee Admiral Porter. A tug came alongside the re- ceiving ship and took the men on board. Yards were manned aud the band ordered on the poop. All hands were piped to “cheer comrades,” the band struck up “Going down to Dixie,’ and the tug shoved of. The sailors loft town last evening for their destination, Naval Board Ordered. ‘Tho Navy Department has ordered the following officers to constitute a bourd for the investigation of the circum. gtences attending the money lending business at the Brooklyn Navy Yard:—Captain Stephen C. Rowan, of the fron-clat Roanoke; Captain Kadiord, of the Navy Yard, and Paymaster Bar: Mr. Gale, the boss laborer, others, reported to have carried on the forbidden bus- ness, will be brought before the board, An eutsiter who lends money was last pay day allowed to collect his casis in the doorway of the pay office. Baooxtyy ATnexaum.—The anniversary of Washing. ton’s Birthday will be celebrated this evening at the above estabiixhment by an oration from Rev. A. A. Wit- letts, to be followed by the delivery of the*Farewell Ad- dress’ by T. Hl. Rodman, Eaq., and tho singing of the national anthem by a quartette club. The Keohuk Constitution Newspaper The office of the Keokuk Constituivon yesterday by the cenvalescents in the bospital. The type was thrown into the street, and the presses broken up and part of them thrown into the river, Feb, 20, 1863. ‘The Post Office in this town was entored last night and all the letters stolen. Arrivais and Departares, ARRIVALS. | Havasta—Steamship Eagie—Max Maretrek, Madame Me. dame Balzer and maid, 1 and mele. Mada ht Hersues nie, ty fAguntin, uM Serva, PATH * WoT todra, Lt B Be b JP Duralo, W Stock nee! F OM L Hass, J Larne, J A Spadone, Dr FM Linguist 8 K_ Gridler Koight, 8 Winot, A” i, G , 8 Romboy, Onterlarick. 0 G Hicks, "A werte M Delgado, J W Gates, & Barta ‘Q Hott are. F Miranin, Ca © Rous’ and ser janet, F Mazzoieni, Mad Q' Brignoll and maid, Hiiott, lady, child and ‘servant: Mre L Apgar, Ms JA Machi tales, JS Perein, 5 soni, Piedier, M Tousen New Onieans-sSteamship Bete ge Alex N Shepley, L gervan| 4; J H Lewis, USN: Dr Leayoory, Wi GES Y tte ar Pulten, Rey Mr Goodrich, Cape Dare {OOTER' Hall, Lieut Geo § Merril Surgeon BM Cum: mange, @ 11 Brady, Quartermaster; biew: Wm Beecher, I Farwell, Win Bradbary. Naw Ouszare—Bteamehip ie Crome ee A Laugh indy 0 : M Mowor, Mre Wis, ee cae Bae THe, O Nolin wee i 2 mo