The New York Herald Newspaper, March 8, 1863, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. @reion X. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS. TERMS cash In advance. Money sont Dy mali will be eiiho risk of tho sender. Noue but banks bitls current ia ‘Now York taken, THE DAILY HERALD, Taras cents per copy 0 Tif WEEKLY HERALD, every Saturday, at five cents peroooy Annual subscription price:— One Copy ..... Three Copies. Five Copies... ‘Don Coples......, i 15 Aay \arger number, addressed to names of subscribers, Bi FO cach An oxtra copy will be sent to every club of Qeu awenty copies, to one uddress, one year, $35, and ‘any iarzar number at same price, An extra copy will be weut to clubs of twoaty. These rates make the Weruiy ek avy ‘ae cheapest publication in the country. | The vaorgay Epinoy, every Wednesday, at Five cents fper oopy $4 per annum to any part of Great Britain, er $6 te avy part of the Continent, both to include poatage. ‘The Cauworsta Eprmox, on the Ist, 11th and 2ist of @ach moath, at Six cents per copy, or $3 per annum. AMUSEMENTS TO. MORROW EVENING. ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Irving Place.—Italian Opera— ‘Un Bai.o In Mascuxra. NiBLO'S GARDEN, Broadway.—Satanes va. WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broadway.—Woxperrut Wo- man—Buck anv Curney. WINTER GARDEN, Broadway.—Love. LAURA KEENE'’S THEATRE, Tcxet—Farm One Wita Tae G is Ld NEW BOWERY THEATRE, My Por) —GRack Huatiey. owery.—Pavi. CtirroRD— BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Aunition—Rosk oF Er- rus Varg. BARNUM’ Wanner. Col hours. —Tove AMERICAN MU |, Broadway.—Minnte Norr, Living Hirrovoramus, &c., wt all uxs ALL—Atternoou and Evening, SRYANTS’ MINSTRELS. Mechanics’ Hall, 472 Broad ‘Wa).—Eratorian Sones, BuRLesquas, Dances, &c.—How Age You, Greensacks! WOOD'S MINSTREL HALL, 514 Broadway.—Etmiorian Boras, Dances, &¢.—Gkinp Dad Jox. BROADWAY MENAGERIE, ‘oadway.—Living Wi.p Axiwats—Prrrorwine ELerMaNts—Comic MULES, co. AMECICAN THEATRE, No. 444 Broadway.—Batuers, Tastoxiars, BURLESQUE. &6. SIAN CABINET OF WONDERS, 56% Broadway.— trom 10 A, M. till 10. P.M. HOOLEY'S OPERA HOUSE, Brooklyn.—Eraioruay Boxes, Daxces, Buruxsqurs. &c New York, Sunday, March 8, 1863. THE SITUATION. ‘The Army of the Potomac has been making a demonstration. An expedition, under Colonel | Phelps, which left Belle Plain in steamers on Tues- day tor Northumberland county, made a most suc- cessful thing of it, and returned to headquarters yesterday. The troops visited Heathsville, which they found deserted by the rebels. Then, throwing out large foraging parties from that base into Lancaster county and in other directions, they succeeded in capturing one thou- sand bushels of corn, fifty horses and mules, a large number of fine beef cattle and quite an amount of medical stores. Two post offices and several stores were visited, and two important rebel mails captured. The cavalry also seized a large number of horses and mules, and are mow on their way overland to Fredericksburg. Some prisoners were also taken, among them Colonei Claybrook, a prominent rebel officer, and two clerks of the departments at Richmond, with a quantity of correspondence for citizens.of Bal- timore, and official papers addressed to parties in Londoa, to the care of Baring Brothers. The country was quite deserted and almost barren of everything. We present our readers this day with a map il- Austrating the important operations now taking place in the Southwest, accompanying it with a full description of the movements as set forth in the rebel newspapere and Western journals. As the region is but little known the map will be very useful, and as the movement is important and és fully unerstood by the rebels, its description will Be exceedingly interesting to our readers. Such ‘a gigantic operation has never before been at- tempted by any army of the Old or New World, and if suecessfal, the “Great Union river’’ will carry down to posterity the history of one of the freatest military operations of the greatest rebel- Jion that has ever shaken the earth. We publish in another column a highly interest- Ang account of the capture of the Indianola from ‘our special correspondent, accompanied by a map of the locality in which we recently lost the two Doata, Queen of the West and Indianola. The story of the fight is most graphically and forcibly given. Another map illustrates the scene of the destruc- @ion of the Nashville on the Ogeechee, with which our readers are already acquainted. The rebel accounts of the attack of our iren- clads on Fort McAllister up to the 4th inst. repre- sent the shelling as having been briskly kept up till daylight that morning, leaving the fort still ‘unhort. The rebel privateers continue their raids upon the sea. The pirate steamer Retribution attacked od sank « whaler in the Caribbean Sea which bhowed fight, and killed one man on board the Pirate. The entire erew of the unfortunate whaler were sunk with her by the heavy fire of the Retribution. She had previously captured a bark, three brigs and a schooner. The captain of the brig Condor, just arrived from Porto Rico on the 20th ult., reports that when about forty miles from that place he saw a thres masted bark rigged steamer—which he be- | lieved to be the Alabama—with her foresail, main- jib set, making all sail in the direction of that port. She was closely followed by another Bieamer of about the same size, which vessel ap- They both had a full ut from the distance—seven or eail and peared to be chasing her. ad of steam on; eight miles—the brig was from the two steamers he Captein could not state which gained the bet- ter of the race. The Captain of the schooner Hanover—captured by the Retribution off the coast of Hayti on the Both of January—has also arrived here, and gives A most interesting account of the mode of his capture and a description of the pirate. The Richmond Dispatch says that General Rose- @raus is cbout (o assail the rebel forces at Tulla- home with sixty thousand mea of the one hendred thowsaad which it saya that Goaoral has ia bis department. Our advices from New Ortoans by the steamer Columbia, give fuil particulars of the recent emigration of secession sympathizers to the barroa lands of the Southera confederaey. The scenes on the occasion of the embarkation of these deluded people were sufficiently extravagant, and have already been doscribed in these columna. Our correspondent, who accompanied the “orowd,"" now gives us all the facts which remained to be knowa. By this arrival we also have some further news concerning the Harriet Laue and Queen of the West, all of which is deserving of careful perusal, CONGR In the Senate yesterday, Mr. Doolittle took the oath of loyalty prescribed by the act of July, 1862, as other newly elected Senators did on the pre- vious day, The resolution to print ten thousand copies of the mechanical part of the Patent Office report and four thousand copies of the acts and joint resolutions of the late session was adopted. The Senate then went into executive session on the Presidential nominations, and, ou the opening of the doors, adjourned. THE LEGISLATURE. In the State Senate yesterday considerable busi- ness of a miscelancous and focal character was transacted, together with some of general interest. A number of bills were reported upon favorably from the committees, among which were those for ascertaining and distributing the proceeds of Indian land sales in this State, for the enlargement of the Champlain Canal locks, to provide for translating and arranging original laws and historical manu- scripts in the office of the Secretary of State, to amend the law for the incorporation of benevolent societies, and to facilitate the construction of the Lake Ontario, Auburn and New York Railroad. Several! bills were introduced and a few passed, principally, however, of a special character. {n the Assembly a “special committee of three wax appointed to inquire into the alleged iltegal detention of certain citizens of this State in Fort McHenry, Baltimore. The bill to amend the Gene- ral Bounty bill, so as to make it applicable to cities, was reported upon favorably, as also that in relation to the Bureau of Military Statistics, and a number of others of lessimportance. The special committee appointed to inquire into the defences of New York harbor was dissolved, and the Com- mittee on Militia and Public Defence was charged with the duty of attending to the matter. The Annual Appropriation bill for the support of the State government was passed. The Senate bill, amending the law regulating pilotage and pilots, and abolishing the offices of Pilot Commissioners, was introduced. Bills were given notice of for the regulation of the rate of interest, to prevent banks NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1863: Tae Adminisigntion and Peretgn Inter- ing over the volcano? Do we dread coming Verne Mr, Senator Sumner's resolutions on foreign intervention, which have passed both houses of Congress by an overwhelming majority in cach, we have already published in full. After » preamble referring to the late peace proposition from France, “promptly declined by the Presi- dent,” and setting forth the object of Congress to be the prevention of any proceedings of mediation or intervention hereafter by foreign governments “tending to embarrass tho friendly relations which now exist between them and the United States, and in order to remove for the future all chance of misunderstanding on this aubject,and to secure to the United States that enjoyment of freedom from foreign intervention which is one of the highest rights of indepondent States,” these resolutions aub- stantially declare:— First—That in regard to our Southera rebellion, con- ceding the friendly and tumane motives by which foreign governmenta may be actuated, ‘Congress cannot hesitate to regard every propdsition of foreign interference 48 50 far unreasonable and inadmiasible that its only ex- planation wil! be found in a misunderstanding of the true State of the question and the real character of the war in which the republic is engaged.”’ Sceond—‘That the United States are now grappling with an unprovoked and wicked rebellion, which is seek- ing the destruction of the republic, that it may build @ few power, whose corner stone, according to the confessions of its chiefs, shall be sia very; and that “while evgaged in this struggle auy proposition from a foreign Power, whatever form it may take, having fur its effect the arrest of these efforts’ (to put down this rebellion) ‘is only calculated to prvlong and embitter the conflict,’ and that therefore, while conceding the good inteut of any such proposition, “Congress will be obliged to look upon any further at tompta in the same direction as an unfriendly act, which it earnestly deprecates, to the end that nothing may oc- cur abroad to strongthen the rebellion or to woxken those relations of good will with foreign Powers which the United States are happy to cultivate.” Third—That the rebellion from the beginning has been aud continues to be sustained vy the hope of foreign intervention; that without this support it would speodily be subdued, and that “the United States regret that fo reiga Powers bave not frankly told the chiefs of the re- Deliion that the work in which they are engaged is hate ful,and that a uew government such as they seck to found, with slivery as its corner stono, aud with no other object of declared separate existeuce, is so far shocking to civilization and the mora! sense of mankind ‘that it must not expect welcome or recoguition in the conumonwealth of nations.’? Fourth—That (he United States, confident in the justice of their cause, which is the cause also of good govern meot and human rights everywhere among mea, and assured of the ultimate and complete triumph of the national arms, “hereby announce as their unalterable Purpose that the war will be vigorously prosecuted, ac- cording to the humaue principles of Christian States, antil tho rebellion shail be suppressed, and they reverentty invoke upon their cause the blessings of Almighty God.” Fifth—That the President be requested to communicate thase resolutions to our ministers abroud, for the informa tion ot the governments to which they are accredited. or individuals depreciating the United States cur- rency, and fora railroad in Pearl, Madison and other streets of this city MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. We publish to-day very important and inte- resting news from Mexico, the principal feature of which is the proclamation of Gen, Forey to the Mexican people, signalizing his intended and im- mediate advance upon the City of the Monte- gumas. The fate of Mexico is therefore in the balance. Although the French General speaks with words of softness to the inhabitants of this invaded land, we must not doubt that he will fight his way furiously to the long coveted capital, The accounts of his movements are so uncertain that we know not whether he intends to storm the heights of Puebla or endeavor to turn that formidable position. As the day for the French advance was fixed for the 21st or 22d of last month, it is evident, unless some svrious ob- stacles interposed, that the coup de grace has al- ready been struck. Gen. Forey does not seem so confident of success as his partisans may be in- clined to believe; but as the die is now cast, Mex- ico must either be lost or won. Each of the com- batants will do their best to secure this result. ‘The translations we give to: , from French and Mexican sources, will be read with great interest, second only to the news which we most now ex- pect of the fate off the invading army, in the midst of a hostile country, upon the sacred capital of the Mexican nation. The state of the weather was 4 source of misery to everybody in this vicinity yesterday. In the morning the snow fell in heavy flakes, which pro- mised to result in another carnival of «leighing for those interested in that pleasant pastime. After- noon brought a change, however; the snow dis- appeared altogether, and rain pattered down in a style that rendered the heaviest apparel of no ser- | vice whatever. The rest of the day was unplea- sant enough to make a desponding Englishman commit suicide. The Democratic Union Association met last evening at headquarters, Broadway. There was a large attendance. Mr. Vallandigham addressed the meeting. A synopsis of his speech will be found elsewhere. In the case of Addington, charged with an as- sault with an intent to kill, the jury yesterday brought in a verdict of assault and battery. Thomas C. Reynolds, who was elected Lieute- nant Governor of Missouri in 1860, and skedaddled from the State capital in 1861, with the brand of | traitor upon him, has issued a proclamation an- nouncing the death of Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson, and assuming the position of Executive of the State. He feels confident that a majority of the people will acknowledge his authority, and upon this assumption he appoints Gen. Sterling Price commander of the militia, and orders the seques- | tration of the property of all those who support | the rebellion in Missouri, headed by Hamilton R. Gamble and fostered by Abraham Lincoln. The proclamation is dated ‘‘ Richmond, Feb. 14, 1863.’ Hon. Andrew Jobnson, Military Governor of Tennessee, and the Hon. Joseph A. Wright, of In- diana, were serenaded on the 27th ult. atthe Bur- net House in Cincinnati, to which they responded in some remarks. The Cincinnati Enquirer (copperhead) wants to “swap Presidents with the rebels."’ We do not wonder that the ladies of Covington, Kentucky, have petitioned the President to suppress that journal. ‘The stock market was inactive yesterday, and in the morning prices were @ fraction lower, though without any stock pressing for sale. In the afternoon the market was a trife better. Gold was quieter. It fluctuated be tween 154 and 1654, closing at about 164%. Exchange closed a1 1704172. Money was abundant at 6 per cent ‘on call. | The flour market was quiet on Saturday, and prices were, in most instances, 10c, a Ibe. per bi. lower, ‘There was more doing in wheat, tut at easter rates, and Joxe in corn and oats, whieb were also cheaper. The pro vision trade was dullf and the tendency of prices down- ward. Thore was a limited business reported in groce ries, Which were depressed Cotton was dull and irregu Jar, at from 83¢. a She, for middlings. Less activity was discernable io oils, metals, hay, hides, leather, tallow and tobacco, which were likewise lese buoyant. Fish was quite dull and rates were lower Tue Exriosion or Duroxt’s Poworn Minis. It is stated that the report of the recent explo- sion of Dupont’s Powder Mills in Delaware was heard a distance of one hundred and twenty- five miles. Admiral Dupont will beat this. The report of the explosion of his powder at Charleston, 8. C., will be beard arovad the world. attracted cousiderable attention The freight market | In other words, these resolutiens may be summed up as a declaration to England and France that any experiments hereafter by them, or either of them, in the way of mediation, ar- bitration or intervention in reference to this Southern rebellion may involve the offending party or parties in the responsibilities of a rup- ture and a war with the United States. But in the third of these resolutions ‘there is still a door left open for foreign mediation. We refer to the declaration that “the United States regret that foreign Powers have not frankly told the chiefs of the rebellion that the work in which they are engaged is hateful, and that a new government such as they seek to found, with slavery as its corner stone,” &c., “must not ex- pect welcome or recognition in the common- wealth of nations.” Now, without entering into a discussion of this “corner stone” of | slavery, it appears to us that if France, for ex- ample, were to act upon this hint, and seriously advise “the chiefs of the rebellion” to return to the Union, in the manner suggested by Mr. Seward to the French government, the proceed- ing would give no offence at Washington, but would be generously acquiesced in. We have reason, also, for the belief that this sort of intervention on the part of France would | be productive of the happiest results to all con- cerned. We speak from a positive knowledge of the material facts when we say that some two months ago, from rebel sources at Rich- mond, an overture was made, throngh an inter- | mediate party in New York, to President Lin- coln, for peace upon the basis of a return to the Congress of the Union of the repre- sentatives due from the rebellious States | | and a general amnesty, and that President Lincoln's answer to this overture was that the time had not yet arrived for the considera- tion of any such propositions. It is evident, however, that this remarkable circumstance made some impression upon the administration, from the fact that subsequently, in the despatch of Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton, at Paris, for the information of the French government, he broadly submits the return of the representa- tives to Congress from the revolted States, as affording them an acceptable and most advan- tageous peace conference, in view of their future protection, security and prosperity within the | Union. In view of Mr. Sumner’s declaration in the Senate that these anti-intervention resolutions were entirely acceptable to Mr. Seward and the President, and in view of Mr. Seward’s peace proposition to the French government, we con- | clude that these resolutions do not absolutely repel foreign mediation or intervention in any | form, but openly invite it, *with the chiefs ef the rebellion,” i in behalf of the return of the re- bellious States to the peace conference of Con- gress. Te Garertes iN Panis.—It is a remarkable fact in the history of the capital of capitals that it is never so gay as just before the occurrence of some horrible, bloody revolution. At the present time the extravagant fetes and traves- ties, masked balls, private theatricals and con- certs given by the Empress of the French and | ber court are astounding the world by their unheard of splendor and expense. While all _ this it going on in Paris, in the provinces the | people are starving. The poor of Paris are already grumbling at the extravagancies of the court; and when they begin to find fault they are near to striking blows. Who can tell how soon the gay revellers in the palaces of Paris | will be fugitives in a foreign land! How many of those beautitul fair heads, now so constantly | decked with jewels, may not be placed under the keen trenchant of the guillotine by an infu- riated, bloodthirsty mob? France is only saved at this very moment from the horrors of a revo- lution by the firm will of one man. Let his grasp upon power be rudely shaken off, and woe would betide the gay revellers we bave re- ferred to. Here a spirit of extravagance seems also let loose. We crowd our places of amusement, we dance and mask with all the zest of dis- turbed, fevered minds, seeking for change of thought, for relief from anxiety. Are we dano- events? Are we seeking to drown care? Time or Marqua—Congress has passed the Dill authorizing the President to issue let- alone must answor. Our safety will exist in | ters of Wusrque. By this measure Mr. Lincola the earnestness with which we éace the evils to come, and the intelligence and good sense which we hope our President will give proots of He must by this time understand that by his action we atand or fall, and will surely ap- preciate the enormous responsibility resting upon him. We do not doubt he will prove equal to the emergency now that he has thrown off the thraldom of the fanatics who have up to the present time so hampered his move- ments, The Late War M eting in the Bmpivre y The Union meeting at the Cooper Lnstitute on Friday evening to austain the government in putting down the rebellion was numerously at- tended and of a very enthusiastic character. It did not consist of men of any particular fao- tion, but of men of various parties, who differed on many points, while they agreed upon the policy of a vigorous prosecution of the war. There were democrats and republicans side by side, and even a small sprinkling of abMition- ists. From the allusions made, and the manner in which they were received by the audience, it is evident that the conservative element largely predominated. All united in a resolute deter- mination to continue the war till the insurrec- tion is subdued, and to postpone the settlement of their differences till after the achievement of this consummation. Mr. Dudley Field, indeed, went astep further, and counselled the post- ponement even of criticism on the conduct of the war. But it is manifest that this would not answer; for it is on the conduct of the war that success or failure depends. This is now the fifth war meetifg held in New York tending in the same direction, and em- bracing all classes except a few copperheads, who have no more power or influence than Jules Favre and his four or five copperhead brethrea in the Corps Legislatif of France, who are con- tinually railing at the policy of the Emperor. These meetings are in fact no longer necessary. ‘The people have spoken enough. The Presi- dent has obtained almost the powers of a dic- tator, and the successful prosecution of the war no longer depends on popular opinion, but upon able men in the Cabinet and able gene- rals in the field. Congress has conferred every- thing upon Mr. Lincoln except brains. It is Mr. Lincoln’s duty to see that he is surrounded with this important article. That element of success it was not in the power of Congress to bestow. Precious little of it was to be found in either house of the natienal legislature; not enough even to devise one financial measure equal to the emergency. The, conferring of plenary power upon the President is tantamount to an admission on the part of Congress that it had no men competent to grasp the Measures necessary for the time. The best thing it could do under the circumstances was to give large discretionary power’ to the Presi- dent. But the wise exercise of this power re- quires intellect and capacity of no mean order— something far above the cunning or trickery of shallow politicians. It is incumbent, therefore, on Mr. Lincoln to see that he is surrounded by men of brains, and if he is not, then to get rid of them in the most summary fashion, and summon to his councils men who are known to possess the qualities of statesmen and great ad- ministrative ability—cool, clear heads to plan, and strong wills and indomitable courage to execute. And. stern necessity demands the same kind of men at the head of our armies in the field. The President has muscle and money at will. All that he needs for success is brains in the Cabinet and brains in the camp. Gexerat McDowet-—Tae Decision or THE Covnr or Lxquiny.—The court of inquiry in the case of General McDowell have rendered their decision, which, as we anticipated, exonerates the General from all the gross charges against him; and the only point as to which they feel it their duty to express any disap- proval is that he went to Manassas in the after- noon or evening of the 28th of August to confer personally with General Pope, whilst his own command was on the march upon Centreville. It appears that General Pope requested McDowell to communicate his views to him as to the situation of affairs; and McDowell proceeded in person to do so in- stéad of sending a despatch. General Pope stated to General McDowell that the enemy w ip force’? on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad on the east side of Bull run. The court say that the evidence shows that the main portion of the enemy were at Centreville and marching on Sudley Springs. On the contrary, the position assigned the enemy by General Pope indicated their march to the south and the cast of him beyond Manassas, It is proved, therefore, that the main force of the enemy was near Groveton, but not that General MeDowell knew or was informed of the fact. He is not accountable for any consequences that may have resulted from his ignorance of the true po- sition of the enemy with whom he had to deal, in a country so thickly covered with woods and so difficult for rapid military operations. Me- Dowell acted on the best knowledge he possess- ed atthe time, and is so far blameless. But the point in which he erred was in leaving bis command to go to General Pope, when he ought to have communicated with him in writing and by courier. For during his absence bis corps was attacked, and, being without its commander, it knew not what to do. The battle was in consequence lost. But in this act of McDowell there was nothing wilful—it was a mere error of judgment. There was a danger in it, however, which he ought not to have risked, There can be no stronger testi- mony in his favor, considering the immense field of inquiry that has been travelled over, than the fact that the court have not been able to fix upon any other actin his conduct deserving of censure, and that it is their opinion that “the interests of the public service do not require any further investigation into the conduct of Major General McDowell.” We are glad to find that so good an officer is on duty again, and that he fs new on his way to the Southwest, to investigate the cotton speculations on the part of army officers, which have done so much injury to the service and caused so much scandal against the cause of the Union. There is one thing the Court have left undone, and that is to saddle the right horse with the blame of preventing the co-operation of the army of McDowell with that of McClellan, and thus defeating the campaign of the peninsula. It is evident, therefore, that after spending so much time the court have only half done, their work. will have\power to cause the ocean te swarm with our “unilitia of the seas” in the event of a foreign war. Let the Powers of Western Bu- rope beware, therefore, of driving us to the wall by any hostile denmpnstrations on thei part. Englaud does not yet forget what our privateers and letters of marque inflicted upon her com- merece in the war of 1812-i4. The damage then done was but a bagatelle compared with what we could now inflict. Nor let the European Powers blame the United States government fer adopting this precaution before the adjournment of Congress. The American republic is not guided by the policy of Kuropean Powers. It. is not bound by the declaration of the Congress of Pavia, for the simple reason that it did not agree to it. At the time, Mr. Marcy, on the part of the United States, offered to agree to the proposi- tion to abolish privateering if the European Powers would agree to abolish all cap- tures on the sea of private property, ex- cept contraband of war-—thus extending to the ocean the rule that prevails in modern times exempting private property from cap- ture on the land. England and France, ob- jected, particutarly Engtand, by whose iaflu- ence the offer was rejected, ‘ Again, since our civil war began Mr. Seward proposed to England and France to adopt the proposition in the declaration of Paris to abolish privateering, provided they would agree to treat it as piracy all over the world, like the African slave trade. But, though no nation could be aggrieved by the establishment of this rule, and although all the minor Powers of Europe had agreed to the proposition of the Paris Confer- ence—even those in the imterior, who had not a single ship on the sea—yet the Western Powers refused the overture of the American govera- ment, on the ground that it was then too late. Neither Power, therefore, will have any right to complain that our government now falls back on its rights in its own defence. The bill is not a threat; but it is a security that Europe will keep the peace to us; and we may congratu- late ourselves that the offers of our two Secre- taries of State were not accepted by the great Powers of Europe. NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. THE BILL FOR THE ISSUANOK OF LETTERS OF MARQUE AND REPRISAL. ‘The bill concerning letters of marque and reprisal re- cites that in all domestic and foreign ware the President ot the United States is authorized to issue to private armed vessels of the United States commissions or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he spall think proper, and under she seal of the United States, and make all needful rules and regulations for the government aud conduct thereof, and for the adjudication and dispo- sal of the prizes and salvages made by such veszels, pro- vided that the authority conferred by this act sbail ter- minate at the cud of three years from its passage. THE COLLEVTION OF PROPERTY IN REBEL STATES. The bill for the collection of cotton, sugar, tobacco, &ec.,in the rebel States empowers the Secrotary of tho ‘Treasury to appoint agents for the purpose. It was stated im debate that: large profits had beeu made by officers who had used returning trains of army wagons aud cars in the transport of cotton, &c. ‘Ihe articles collected are to be transferred to cities in loyal States, and sold at public anction. Agents are to give bonds. Loyal citizens whose property may be tuken are to have restitution in manner provided in the bill. Property taken by other persons than the agents aforesaid is to be con- fiscated, under the act of March 2. 1799. Offenders in this wise are to be heavily fined or imprisoned. Penalties are fixed for officers or soldiers or seamen aud marines who sball not turn over property that they may seize to the Treasury agents. ‘The bill, ax it was originally pre. sented, bad provisions fer purchasiug property, and some republicans favored the feature as x proffer of friendship, &c., to the rebels. Mr. Chandler opposed striking out said provision, It was stated in discussion that the bill was favored by Secretaries Chase and Stanton. It is understood (hat this bill has not been signed by the President. and that both the President and Secretary of the Treasury are dissatisfied with it in the shape in which it wae passed. THE GOLD SPECULATORS DISCONSOLATE. ‘The parties who have been actively employed here tn aiding the Wall street gamblers in gold for severat weeks past are wandering about our streets in a disconsolate mood, GENERAL BURNSIDE ASSIGNED TO A COMMAND. General Burnside having been assigned to a command of which be will assume the duties in a few days, left this city this afternoon for the North. THR NEW EXCISE REGULATIONS. The act of the 3d inst., amending the excise law of July 1, 1862, will not relieve parties from payment of taxes previously assessed, or from liability to assessment in cases where such liability existed at the time of the passage of the first named act FITZ JOHN PORTER'S SUCCESSOR. LieutenanteColouel Oliver L. Shepherd, of the Kigh- teenth United Statee infantry, bas been promoted to the colonelcy of the Fifteenth infantry, vice Fitz Jobn Porter. Colonel Shepherd greatly distinguished himself at the battle of Murfreesboro, and was reported killed. He is a native of New York, and has beep In the service twenty- three years. Major Geueral Butterfield, Lieutenant Colonel of the Twelfth infantry, ts now third on the list for promotion to the full rank of colonel m the regular army. MILITARY NOMINATIONS BY THE PRESIDENT. The following nominationsfhave been sent to the Senate: To be Majo Generals Casey. J. J. Peek, H. W. | Slocum, H. Wright, G. Granger, U. s. Hamilton, L. He Rousseau, A. G. Berry, F. P. Blair, Jr. Butterfield, N. J.T, Dana, A. Doubleday, W. E , W. 8. Hancock, G. L. Hartsuff, F Herren, 0. P. howard, Joan A. Lo gn, P. Hi. Milro B. Mitchell, R. J. Oglesby, BW. Preutiss, J. F ynolds, D. |. Sickles, bs. Stanley, F. Steele . G. Parke, George sykes, ©. C. Washburn To Brigadier Generaix—). Buford, Assistant Inspee- tor General; J.P. Slough, Colorado Territory: H. Haupt, aid de-camp, Thos |. Kane, Peoneylvana, F.C. Barlow, | J. Jackson, Maine: ©. Vratt, New New York M. Brayman, Illinois, N G. K. Warren, Topographical Engineers, ( York: F. B Spinola, New York: J. i York: Sol. Meredith, Indiana, J Granger, Fitt y J. R. West, Cali- fornia. bh. H. St =. Andrews, even. y B. fiek, Missouri, . P. Buckland, Rhode BE. Barton, Ohio; Ey RB Ayres, Fifth United States artillery, J. Ammen, UL. Cutler, 8 G, Chapin, M. M. Crocker, M. T. Cogewell, R. ‘Arnold, J.T, Copeland, H. B Carrington, W. Nwight, &. Dennis; G. W. Deitzler,(. ©. Dodge, 5, A’ Meredith, Pennsylvania; HB ie 4 S. Garrard, C. mn, © A, Heckman, W. Hays, W. B. Hazen, &.'W. Hinks, &. Harland, &. Hobson, W. Hasson, L. ¢. Hont, W. Kryzcanowski, M. Leggett, A. L. Lee, JT. Knipe, W. K. Lawler Lene. J. W. MeMilian, Indiana. J. 1. ©, Morton, peer corps, J. 8. Mason, Obie, J. A. Mower, Missoer| G. P. Me Ginmin, Indiana C. |. Matthias, lowa, Thos. Hl. Neill, Ver of huis confirmation, although Mr. Clay t underetitid (0 be not particularly friendly to the Premier. THB RIOR SILVER AN COPPER MINES OF ARITONS ‘TERRITORY. Artroma, juat orgamized ag a Territory, contains 120,000 mare miles, and ta therefore larger thaa three States of the size Of Ohio. It is said by those wit have spent seve. ral yeara there to contain more and richer silver and Copper mines than any Territory wuder the government. Gold is alao found in many parts of the Territory. Hostile udians have heretofore proveuted extensive operations in (he mines, but with a government such as is about to be eatablished, thoy wilt be fuily developed. It is assorted by persons who have opportunities to form @ , correct judgement, that the richest siiver mines of the world are fuaud im Arizona. There are 1,600 troops now there,and it ia probable that the aumber will be goou largely mereased. THB RBS MALL ROUTE FROM BALTMORK TO BEOM- MOND. About two months ago the Hieatn divected the atter- tion of the government to the convenient mail route from: | Baltimore to secesdia, via the Chesapeake Bay, the Weat- ern Maryland peninsula, aod the St. Marys and Potomae rivers. Colonel Baker, Chief of Gbveroment Detectives hore, bas been keeping @ sharp eye on these points since the appearance of the Hanai.p’s reminder, ard fads te suggestions worthy of consideration. Wore a squadron or ' two of cayairy placed at Colonel Baker's disposal some important captures might be made in the neighborhood of * Great Milla and Millstone, on the Patuxent river. Thoagh our forces bave looked in‘at Leonardtown, a glance at the map will show that a pomt ten miies below is the point to be sorutinized constantly. POE PRROVIAN GOVERNMENT AND FOREIGN FLAGS. Officia! uotice has been given of thé decree of the Pe- ruvian government that « foreign flag may enjoy in Pera all the privileges of the national mercantile marine, re- maining subject to the laws and regulations of the Custom House. 4 THB NORTH OVERLAND EXPEDITION. ‘The report of Captain James L. Fisk's North Overland Expedition was submitted to the House Monday. It was organized for the protection of emigrants over a new route from Fert Beuton, ia Dacotah Territory, part ef which was surveyed by the late lamented Generat Ste- vons. It ia accompanied by a very interesting journal. ‘The expedition was unusually successful, and the route was found to be excvedingly practicable. The Indians ou the route, especially the Assinniboines, were bold and defiant, evidently in anticipation of the Sioux massacres. , A severe chastisement of the latter tribe he deems to be * politic and necessary. He reports that the wagon road of Captain Mullan, from Fort Benton to Waila Walla, ts passable, but gadly needs repairs. At Grasshopper Dig- gings be left a party of emigrants, who gave him reliable information of the great wealth of those gold mines, and statements that thousands of miners were at work there, and many claims were yielding from $50 to $100 por day for each man. Grasshopper river is a tributary of the Jefferson fork of the Missouri river. DECISIONS IN THB SUPREME COURT. It was officially stated in the Supreme Court om Fri- day that the Judges have been engaged for several days past iu consultation upon the important cases recently argued before them, and that their time will be similarig occupied until next Tuesday, when their opinions will be delivered. It will be recollected that the questions of prize and blockade are involved in these judicial proceed ings. NAVAL ORDERS. Commander Sartori has been ordered to the eteam sloop-of.war Portsmouth, Lieutenant Selden to the com- mand of the storeship Falmouth, Paymaster Thornton to the frigate Sabine, Paymaster Denniston to the etéam sloop Ticonderoga, Acting Assistant Surgeons Gifford and ’ Osgood to the Mississippi squadron. A GERMAN CENTRAL CLUB IN WASHINGTON. It ig understood that the German politicat societies of the c untry havea general club here who cogincer all oficial appointments, and keep asharp lookout for the interests of the Germans in tho United States. It is be- lieved that they are potential in the nomination of thelr countrymen to office under the government. ,, COLORED TROOPS. The following onicers have been appointed by the Secretary of War to examine and report upon tactics for our colored troops, which Mr. Stanton instructed General Casey to prepare:— Brigadier General George Gordon, President. Colope! George L. Willard, Twelfth New York Volua- tee ‘ Mae Frederick Townsend, Eighteenth United States nfantry. ” ome MILITARY ROADS IN VIRGINIA. The military roads in Virginia are still im @ horrible condition, in consequence of the frequently recurring storms. THE NEW COURT OF CLAIMS JUDOBS. The appointment of additional Judges of the Court of Claims was opposed by Senator Hale; but be said thas certain lame ducks must be provided for who had fallen under the popular condemnation at the elections. MILITARY REMINISCENCE. It is just a year ago when, in such terrible rains as we how have, Genera) McClellan's army was forced by fana- tical clamors to break up their encampment and start for the peninsula. No mercy was then shown for the soldiers who for days, and even weeks, were exposed to all the suffering arising from @ premature movoment. THE PRESIDENTIAL LEVER. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather to-day, the weekly morning reception of the President an@ Mrs. Lincoln was attended at least as numerously as usual. These receptions are to be continued until the Ist of April. THE MILITARY EXPECTANTS HELD IN SUSPENG Contrary to expectation, no additional military uomina- tions were sent in to the Bemate to-day,and the fever of excitement among expectants is greatly increased. The delay in presenting nominations for the action of the Senate will prolong its session greatly beyond the time which Senators yesterday believed would conclude its labors, THE TERRITORIAL OFFICERS FOR AXIZONA. Hon, Jobn A. Gasby was to-day nominated by the Pre- sident for Goveruor, and Richard C, MoCormick, Esq., for | Secretary ef the new Territory of Arizona, and Hon. Joke | M. Godwin, Chief Justice of the same Territory. | RECOVERY OF SENATOR ALB. | Senator Hale, who bas been suflering two or three | weeks by severe illness, has resumed his duties in the | Senate THE NEW OFFICE OF COMPTROLLER OF THE GURY RENCY. | Thos, W. Olcott, of Albany, has been appointed Comp- | troller of the Currency—an important office, oreated under | the amended Revenue law. THE SMALLPOX IX THE CATHOLIC ORPHAN ASYLUM. More than sixty cnses of smallpox bave occurred te the | Catholic Orpban Asylum ip this city, but ander kind and skilful treatment every patient bas recovered. GENERAL SAXTON AND THE SOLDIERS IX THE DR- PARTMENT OF THE SOUTH. Reliable military information has reached here that the feelMg of the white soldiers is very great against General Saxton, on account of the promineut part he has takea im organizing black regiments. THIRTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS. Senate. Wasmixetox, March 7, 1868. Ip the Senate to day Mr. Doouirrtx, (rep) of Wis. , too the oath of loyalty prescribed by the act of July inst, and subscribed bis name to the same as those bai dose whe took it yesterday. THR PATENT OFFICE REPORT, FTC. Mr. Axtnoxy, (rep.) of R.I., reported the resoiutions Fifth United States infantry . Potter, North Carolina; D. M. Poe, Topographical ingineers, T. G. Pitcher, Eighth United States infantry, A. Ruseell, Massachusetts; T. H. Ruger, Wisconsin. T. F. G. Ransom, Tilinois; W. H. Morris, New York, G Strong, Viret Lieutenant Ord- R. P ecticnt.'H. Tyndale, Peonsylva- ; Vogdes, United ‘States artil jery. F, Wheaton, Fourth United States cavairy; N. G. Wiliams, lowa, J.D. Stevenson, Missouri: A. J. Siem. c fantry: T.C. H, Smith, D. Tilleon, Maine; J. Wistar, Tenveyivania: C. 7 R. KE. Prime, New York. JD. Webst ww York ‘00k, j ry W.P. Curlin, Minove H. MeNeill, Missouri. J. A. King, F infantry, W. M. Orme, J, E. Smith, Minos. ques NOMINATIONS CONFIRMED. ‘The Senate to-day confirmed the following nominations while in executive session — / David Witmot, of Pennsylvania, to be Judge of the Court of Claims. mitbert & White, of Indiana: Eli R. Chase, of Wisconsin, and Cyrus Aldrich, of » te, be under the act of Congress for the relief of persons who have sustained damages by reas of the deprodations eeceer 16, 1863. el ir ' ~ Feiatea G. Hutebin son, of Kavsas,to be it of the Ottawas and Chi an of Swan creek and river ‘and the Christian Indians of Kansas. CASSIUS M. CLAY'S NOMINATION novBTFUL. ‘The confirmation of Major General Cassius M. Clay as Charles L. Flint, Eeq., of Boston, and the Hon. fanie ‘Minister to Russia by the Senate is @ mooted question, as he is opposed by Senator Sumner. Secretary Seward, on the o(ber hand, (3 said to have spoken to Senators in fa, Commissioners | displayed excellent s/n ee, ries by cortain bands of Si0ux Indians, approved | Very great, and bis looks certainly do Dot belie this repu- to print ten thousand copies of the mechanical part of the. Patent Office report and four thousand of the acts and *joint resolutions of the last session of Congress. Adopted. This was the only bus:nees transacted in open session. ‘The Senate, with closed doors, proceeded toact upom the Executive nomi IN TOWN LAST EVENING. The forthcoming prize fight between McCoo! and Co. burn, for one thousand dollars « sido, is creating greag interest in the sporting world of this city. McCool arrived in town for the first time last evening, ippeared ae Harry Hill's, in Houston street. He # & most admirabig specimen of a man, siande six foot one inch in height, amd weighs two hundred poonds. He leaves town to-morrow, dat will go into trawing © & week Orten days. Ata pri- vate exhibition of tie sparring powers last evening he and inspired confidence in his backers. His powers of endurance are stated as being tation, Altogether he © likely to prove a worthy match to hie well Known a versary, and only asks for af show and mo partiality on ether side, TURAL EXHIATT IIL Fammono INTERN aT Needham, of Quincy, Vt., have been appointed to ont their respective Rta agricultural societion at ¢ Great Interuational Kahioiieg 4, Gamburg in July neck