The New York Herald Newspaper, April 23, 1863, Page 8

NEW YORK HERALD. BENNET®, RIELOR. JAMES GORDON EDITOR AND Pi OVFICE N. W. COUNER OF FUL AND NASSAU STS. TERMS cash in advance. yoney seat dy mail will be hthe risk of the sender, None but bauik bilis current io New York taken. THE DAILY HERALD, Tumex cents per copy. Apvanrisesreyrs. to a limited number, will be mserted tn the Wrrazy Hunan, and in the Suropean and Calijor- ala Editions. | cur | earn by the Persia that these men had been turn- | ed off the vessel by the government officials, who had taken full possession of her, previous to a rigid investigation as to her history and destination. It is said that the Cabinet had alse ordered commission in Liverpool to report on all the cir- tances connected with the case of the Ala- bama, The Japan, or Virginia, it is now stated, was built at Dumbarton—not at Greenock—Scotland, and ran out from the Clyde on the 3d of April. The order for her afrest arrived from London on the 4th—the day after her departure. +, The rebel loan had rallied in England, and was again at a premium, with an “enormous business” done in Liverpool on the 10th inst, The loan was _ Coldwater, where they received reinforcements, = regularly dealt in on the Paris Bourse at a pre- Volumes XXVIII, mium, There is nothing new with respect to the fede- ral loan in England. The London Herald hints that the Union agents feared the undertaking would not be successful in Fngland, and that they were consequently disposed to seek to raise the required amount in Holland, Some of the officers of the ship Star of Peace, which was burned by the Florida, give a full state- ment of the operations of the privateer so far as seen by them. She mounted three broadside rifled thirty-two-pounder guns on each side, and two one hundred and ten-pounder pivot guns—one forward and one aft. It was reported in Ireland that the able bodied young men of the island were leaving for the United States, to the number of fifteen hundred a week, and that the emigration was likely to con- tinue, English writers and officials acknowledge, in their anger, that theae men go under the hope of ultimately liberating Ircland from England, with the aid of Americans, The Polish insurrection was still in great vigor and activity. The Czar of Russia had so far yielded as to offer a general amnesty to all the Poles who return to their allegiance by the 13th of May. England, France and Austria had addressed Separate notes to Russia, Jéonveying a friendly “warning” to the Emperor’ on the subject of reforms for Poland. Cronstadt had been placed in a state of defence, and the Russian army was to be increased. It is said that Russia was to direct her attention towards Sweden for some offence taken respecting the Polish question. Serious eventualities were likely to ensue. Napoleon had, it was said, inquired if Italy could take a military part under certain circumstances, and had had an assurance to the effect that the King could furnish sixty thousand men. The Liverpool cotton market was "quict and un- changed on the 11th instant. Breadstuffs were heavy and tending downward. Provisions were dull and declining. Consols closed in London on the Lith instant at 9244 a 925% for money. THE LEGISLATURE. In the Senate yesterday the New York city Me- chanics’ Lien bill was passed; also the Annual Tax bill. The tax levied by the Tax bill is five and five-eighths mills on the doliar. The bill amending the Excise law was lost. The Assgmbly’s amend- ments to tht Militia bill, the New York Pilotage bill, and the bill appropriating the surplus canal revenues, were concurred in. An executive ses- sion was held; but the Governor's nominations of: James A. Farrell for Commissary General and Daniei Young for Captain of the Port of New York were not confirmed. Third readings were ordered on the Staten Island Ferry bill and the bills em- powering railroad companies te employ special police and to incorporate the Hudson and Harlem Rivers Canal Company. The resolutions favoring suc an amendment to the constitution as will per- mit soldiers to vote by proxy were tabled by 8 to el AMUSEMENTS THT ACADEMY OF RUSIC, Irving place.—German Opera.— Oon Giovanna NIBLO'S GARDEN. Broadway.—Avnora PLorn. WALLACK'S THEATER. Prondway.—Fouris oF 4 igi WeeTHRAKTs ANY Wrvns. WINTER GARDEN. broadway.—Frexow Sryr—Rey Baas. - THEATRE, Broadway.—Couxex ers “ LAURA KEY Bawa—Jouiy Ja NEW BOWEXY COURS BasuruL Gant BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery—Jack anp tar Bran- SFALA—TULODUKE—NIOR OF Tuk Woons, THEATRE, Bowery.—Hxsriw's Hyors. BARNUM'S AMERICAN MU. Broadway.—M Inne Wankry. Com. Nurt, Living luvrorotanus, &., at all heurs—Dank CLoup—Love IN ALL CoRNats, Afternoon and Evening. BRYANTS’ MINSTRELS. hanics’ Hall. 472 Brond- wey.—Eruiorian Soncs, Kurcesques. Dances. &C.—Biack Buigape. WOOD'S MINSTREL HALL, 5l¢ Broadway. —Etutorran Sonus, Dances, &0.—K. KG. THY. NEW IDEA, 435 Broadway.~Soxas, Bua.esqurs, Bartets, xc. " HOPE CHAPEL, 729 Broadway—MacEvor's Hipersi- CON; OR, A Tour 1% Tnerann. AMERICAN THEATRE, No. 444 Broadway.—Barrers, Pawtomumns, Bunszsaves, 20. PARISTAN CABINET OF WONDERS. 563 Broadway.— Open daily irom 10 A. M. Hi 19P. Me. _HOOLEY'S OPERA OUSE, Brooklyn.—Ezmrorrax Songs, Dances, Boruxsgurs. &c. BROOKLYN, TABERNACLE.—Dn. Couron's Exmrniniox April 23, 1863. THE SITUATION. The steamer Key West, which arrived at this gort yesterday from Beaufort, S. C., with dates of the 20th inst., reports that the story of the rebels iaving abandoned the siege of Washington, N. C., fully confirmed. We have no later news from ‘hat direction. A despatch from Memphis, dated Tuesday, re- ports some spirited engagements in that quarter. It says that on Saturday evoning last three regi- ments of infantry and one of cavalry left Memphis ona reconnoitering expedition. When near Non- conna the cavalry came upon a detachment of Blythe's rebel cavalry. A fight ensued, resulting in the repulse of the rebels. The next morning the cavalry again attacked the rebels, killing twenty, wounding forty and capturing eighty. The rebels fied in great confusion across the snd our forces fell back to Hernando. The rebels were ao severely handled that they didnot attempt to follow. At Hernando we were reinforced by infantry and wtillery, under Colonel Bryant, who moved to the Coldwater and attacked the rebels on the opposite side of that river. The fight lasted until sundown, and was confined chiefly.to the infantry, as the ar- tillery could not be as successfully used as desired. Dur loss is five killed and fifteen wounded. ‘The particulars of the passage of Admiral Por- ter’s fleet under the batteries of Vicksburg shew the fact that the teanspcrt Henry Clay was so se- verely damaged by shot that she sunt, and that all hands made for a flatboatas the boat was going jown. It is believed that they were lost. The oilot floated down the river nine miles on a plank, and was picked up opposite Warrenton. Thero are eleven gunboats below Vicksburg now, in- studing three under Farragut. The Navy Depart- meat has received an official account of the run- ning of Admiral Farragut’s fleet by the batterics at Warrenton, and his conflict with the batteries at Grand Gulf, the main facts of which we have already published. The enomy continue to cross the Rappahannock in small bodies, and prowl about the lines of Gea, Hooker's army. On Tuesday the commanding offi- cer of the rebel Black Horse cavalry and six men were captured at Waterloo. rapidly, and the condition of the roads is improv. 16. on? The Assembly passed the bill allowing soldiers to vote, by 65 yeas to 59 gays. “The resolutions for an amendment of the constitution so as to en- able them to vote were adopted by 114 yeas to 1 nay. ‘The Assembly also passed the bills estab- lishing a quarantine for this port and defining the duties of our Health Officer, providing additional relief for sick and wounded soldiers, incorporating the American and Mexican Railroad and Telegraph Company, in relation to New York city arfears of taxes and assessments, and the New York city Tax Levy. The amendments of the Senateto the bill authorizing the Mayor and Comptroller of this city to appoint thirty te marshals were concurred in. The grent@sture of the day’s session was the passage of the Broadway Railroad bill. The committee, it in charge reported it to the House.cot ; With an amend- ment repealing the clause of the Aarlem Railroad charter which gives that company the privilege, after obtaining the consent of the Common Coun- cil, to lay a road in Broadway, when the bill was ordered to its third reading, and passed, by 67 in the affirmative to 66 in the negative. Much ex- citement was caused in Albany yesterday by the commencement of an exawination before a police justice, as witnesses, of various persons who are supposed to be cognizant of extensive schemes of legislative corruption. Very little is yet made public as to what the testimony before the magia- trate amounted to, the examination being conduct- ed privately. : MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The official vote on the amendment to the con- stitution of the new State of West Virginia is as follows:— The river is failing For. Against. + 20,622 440 ing. Vote in thirty-ei ‘The question of the disposition of the British | S°!diers’ vote... Re mail found iu the Petorhoff was decided in the | Totl.............seeeseeenseee 572 William L. Goggin, who is announced as the fifth aspirant for the executive chair of Eastern Virginia, was the Know Nothing candidate in 1859, against the present Governor, John Letcher. Governor H. R. Gamble has summoned the State Convention of Missouri to assemble again in the Capitol,at Jefferson City on the 15th.of June, to “consult and act upon the subject of emancipation of slaves and such other matters as may be con- nected with the peace and welfare of the State.’ ‘The Chestertown (Md.) Qonservator and the Leonardtown (Md.) Beacon, two copperhead con- cerns, have been suppressed by order of General Schenck, and the editors—J. L. Barroll and James Downes—have been sent South to air their treason- able propensities. Sportamen should not forget that there is a law on the statute book of this State forbidding the shooting—and punishing by fine and imprisonment an infraction thereof—of @ nightingale, night- hawk, blue bird, yellow bird, oriole, finch, thrush, lark, sparrow, wren, martin, swallow, woodpecker, or any other harmless bird, at any time, and bobo- links and robins between February 1 and Oeto- United States District Court yesterday, Judge Betts delivering the mail bag to the custody of the Taited States Attorney, who immediately trans- ferred it te Mr. Archibald, the British Consul, who was present in court. The proceedings against the vessel and cargo are suspended for the present. The British prize steamer Gertrude, of London, from Nassau, N. P., arrived at this port yesterday. She was captured on the 16th inst., off Harber Island, by the United States gunboat Vanderbilt, She was bound to Charleston, 5. C., and on arriving off that port, and finding it $0 closely blockaded, was on her re- turn to Nassau when captured. Her cargo consists of runpowder and militery stores. More light is thrown upon the late news from Mesico touching the reported defeat of the French army at Puebla, by the arrival of the steamer Eagle from Havana last night. Her dates are to after a chase of several hous. of that regiment for the relief of the Irish suf- ferers, At the meeting of the Commissioners of Emigra- tion yesterday Gulian C. Verplanck, the veteran President of the Board, was re-elected for the en- suing year, and also the Vice President, &. The returns of the emigration to this port for the last week, as furnished to the Board, show that the nuuiber of arrivals in that time was six thousand three hundred and thirty-one, among whom were a large proportion of able-bodied young men. This makes the number since January 1 seven- tecn thousand six hundred and sixty-two, an ex- cess of ten thousand and thirty-one over last year to the same period. The commutation balance at present amounts to $16,203. In the Court of General Sessions yesterday, be- fore RecordeqHoffman, James Soully, who pleaded guilty of an ult with intent to commit s rape, was sentenced to the State Prigon for three years and six months. Michael Fagan, who put in a similar plea, was sentenced to the same place for four years and six months. John H. Harris and Isaiah W. Wormsley, both colored, found guilty of grand larceny, were each sentenced to the State Prison for two years. Owen Farley was allowed to plead guilty of manslaughter in thé fourth de- gree on an indictment charging him with having caused the death of his wife, Bridget Farley, by beating her.on the 2d of March last. Bernard Levy was tried on an indictment for receiving the goods stolen by the two colored men, Harris and Worms- ley. The jury, after a short absence, sendered & verdict of not guilty. Courtney Harrison, a young Englishman, pleaded guilty of assault and battery, and was allowed to enlist in the Merchants’ Bri- ade. . The stock market was more buoyant yesterday, and prices were all better. Harlem rose 16 per cent, closing about 10 per cont higher than last evening. Hudson and Toledo were both 445 per cent bettor. Gold fluctuated between 145 and 1473{, closing at five -P, Af. at about 147%. Exchangd closed at 161 #162. Money was ex- tromely abundant; call loans & per cont, The deposits at the Sub-Treasury were $3,200,000. The business in cotton yesterday was extremely light, and middlings were depressed at 64c. a 65c. There was less doing in flour, which declined slightly, and more in corn, which was le. cheaper. The demand for provisions was restricted, though prices tended strongly downward. ‘Tho inquiry for groceries was moderate at former quota tions. Whiskey was beavy and a shade lewer. Spices were. in better request. The public sales of wool and coal passed off less spiritedly,and lower rates prevailed. ‘There were less extensive freight engagements reported. Important from Europe—Complications Produced by the Polish Question. News from Europe crowds in upon us. The Persia, arrived yesterday, brings two days later intelligence. The news is fraught with the deepest interest. It is announced that France, England and Aus‘ria have each ad- dressed diplomatic notes to the Russian govern- ment demanding due consideration for the Poles. The different governments above named make no threats; but the tone of their demands is of such a nature as to prove that the Polish question is of paramount interest at present in Europe. It is to be remarked that the attitude of Russia towards Poland is conciliatory. The government promises to the insurgents a gene- ral amnesty, provided they lay down theirarms by the 13th of May; also that reforms shall be granted. Will the Poles accept.these offers, or will they continue their spirited and desperate resistance to the rule of the Czar? In the latter case they will undoubtedly have the sympathy of the great Powers of Europe, and will most likely succeed in establishing once more the Kingdom of Polend as an indepegdent nation. He evident that ma contingencies bave brought Europe into acrisis from which a gene- ral war may at any moment arise. ‘The proba- bilities are in favor of Poland, as, undess Russia has wonderfully recuperated since her war with England and France, she is unable te cope with the power which would,be brought to bear against her in the eventuality of her attempt- ing at all risks and hazards to crush the Poles. To add to the difficulties of the position of the Emperor of Russia, the attitude of Sweden, as regards the Polish question, must be taken into consideration, She evidently favors the insur- rectienists, and hence Russia is fortifying Cron- stadt. This step need not be taken as a proof that Russia has decided to discard the admoni- tions of the other great Powers of Europe, but simply as a matter of precaution against events which may occur. It isto be remarked, as a strange complica- tion of affairs in Europe, that, Napoleon IIL. having requested from the Italian government information as to whether it could furnish an army to co-operate with France, in case of eventualities which may possibly take place, Cialdini, the Italian Minister of War, replied that Italy could furnish an army of sixty thou- sand men in cage of need. Of course this will be construed by Russia as a threat against her, and it will doubtless influence her actions. While speaking of Napo- leon, we may here state that we hold it from the highest authority that he lately asserted, apropos of our affairs, that he could see no pre- sent considerations inducing any recognition of the Jeff. Davis government. The Emperor is most likely in this state of mind, from the fact that the troublous aspect of affairs in Europe grants him no leisure for aught save the most active diplomacy at home, and that he knows he may at any moment need all the resources of bis empire for contingencies which may arise near at hand. His policy will be sadly troubied when the news of the recent hard fighting of his forces in Mexico reaches lim. He may be forced to abandon the expedition, or make it assume a scale of magnitude and importance which will give his enemies in France a strong hold against him. The expedition has never been popular in the empire, and, now that disasters threaten it, the discontent of the French people will become still greater. It may easily be deduced from all these facts The Copperheads and Loyal Leagues—A Peep Behiad the Political Ourtain. Politica! intrigues seem to be the order of the day. What with the divisions and sub-divi- sions, the cliques, “rings” and splits of the democratic and republican parties, the or- ganization of, copperhead associations and Loyal Leagues, the uprising of a great popular conservatjve party, aud the independent raids of those free lances, the war democrats, it is difficult to understand what is the real posi- tion of political affairs. A few days ago we found Joba Van Buren abusing Fernando Wood, at a meeting presided over by General Scott, and arranged by the members of a shéddy com- mittee, while the Albany Régency on the one hand and the abolitionists on. looked down upon the contest, and Cassidy, Peter Cagger, old Dean Richmond, and Wetmore, Greeley, Dudley Field and Opdyke, secretly soliloquised, in the words of Iago:— Now, whether he kill Cassio, Or Cassio him, or each do Kill the other, Every way makes our gaint The State elections of Jast October and No- vember came like aclap of thunder from @ cleareky. Since the amalgamation of all par- ties, during the popular enthusiasm for the war after the fall of Fort Sumter, there had been no opportunity of testing the relative strength of the administration and its opponents. When State after State declared itself opposed to the imbecility and incapacity which had distin- guished the conduct of the war, the republicans were astonished at their losses, and the demo- crats were still more surprised at their victory. The younger, more violent and hasty leaders of the democracy straightway imagined that the people were tired of the war, and that the Oc- teber and November elections were the expres- sion of this sentiment, Thus began the copper- head movement, originating in the Legislatures out West, and finally obtaining the endorsement of Mozart Hall. The great body of the demo- bcraoy still remained true to the conservative platform of “the war for the Unien,” lever, and the result wasa split in the democratic party. The copperhead faction ran their tick- ets in the New England States upon a peace platform. The conservative party had no choice but to oppose the copperheads. Consequently we find democrats joining with republicans to secure the success of the administration candi- dates, and copperheadism received its death blow from this combination. Had the issues in New England been the same as the issues in Pennsylvania, New York and the other Central States, the conservatives would have achieved still greater triumphs. In the meantime the abolition party, alarmed by the October and November elections, changed its name and assumed a pretence of loyalty. Hence came,the Loyal Leagues. The abolition leaders had ridden the negro to death. All their hopes had been staked upon the emancipation proclamation, and, when that failed, they dishonored their promises, disavow- ed their predictions, and, like dishonest bank- rupts, attempted to conduct their business under another sign. A scrutiny’ of the names of the originators of the Leyal Leagues will show that they are the same mea who en- ginecred the abolition party. ‘Negro-worship- pers professing. loyalty are like wolves in sheep’s clothing and cannot be trusted. A few good and true men bave undoubtedly been in- veigled into Loyal Leagues, by the pretences of loyalty and professions of no-partyism so abundantly made by Greeley, Opdyke and Company; but day. by day these pretences are more apparent. and these professions weaker, and the real purpose of the Leagues will soon be officially acknowledged, as it has been al- ready unofficially acknowledged by the Che- valier Forney, in his declaration that the Leagues could elect a President in 1864. The few democrats who, like Van Buren and Daly, have spoken at the League meetings, have an object to accomplish— viz: the annihilation of the copperhead faction of their own party. To open fire upon this faction from the regular citadel of the party would occesion an internecine war. The Albany Regency think it more pradent to send out Van Buren, Brady and other flying artillerists to take up a position upon the League platform, and thus outflank the copper- heads. This explains the strange complications to which we have alluded, and when the real battle begins, in 1864, we shall see this flying artillery resuming its place in the democratic line, and opening fire upon the enemy. We have but little sympathy, we confess, with any of these struggles and intrigues for position in the future. Let us be assured of the integrity of the country before we dispute in regard to the next Presidency. The letter of General Sickles, published on Tuesday last, points out the duty of every boyal citizen. It is to aid in filling up our armies and maintain? ing them at their maximum strength. This speech making and President making coimes at least a year too soon. We have no faith what- ever in such machinations. While copperhead societies and Loyal Leagues run their brief course, let us attend to the war, and bring it to a speedy and trinmphant conclusion. When the proper time arrives we shall kill off this Loyal League humbug as easily as we have de- molished the copperhead delusion, and the people will sweep aside all intrigues, as a housewife destroys cobwebs, and elect their own President unanimously. Movements or Genera Bayi ral Foster in North Carolina, Banks in Louisiana has proved himeelf a live general. It is true he is careful, and in that respect he is —Like Gene- that recognition of the rebellions South is now { of the same type as McClellan. But when the quite out of the question. The great Powers of | time comes to strike a blow he does it with Europe have matters of grave and momentous | energy, a8 McClellan did at Antietam. The importance to distract their attention from Jeff, | cautious general, in a war like this, will succeed Davis and his compeers, and will not be likely | best in the end. Banks will win by patience now to prate about intervention, mediation or | and perseverance what other generals would the 18th inst., and, although the intelligence con- tainedvin our correspondence is confined to the rumors extant in Havana, yet it looks in the direc- tion of » defeat of the Mexicans instead of a vic- tory at Puebla, and speaks of the offer of Ortega to capitulate to the French general after boing Fepuleed in aortic. These, however, are merely the floating ramors in Havana, and have yet to be confirmed before they can be accepted as trne. EUROPEAN NEWS. ‘The steamship Persia, from Queenstown on the 12th inst., arrived at this port yesterday morning, Her news is two days later than the advices of the Jara, and is of a» import character, The English government was still engaged in resied against the fitting out of rebel wat vetfela in the porte of the uy Although the Alexandra was seized by the offi. cers of customs at Liverpool, previous to the sailing of the Jura, a number of men still contin. wed at work on her, making her ready for sea, We ber 1. The secession citizens of Fairfax county, Vir. ginia, and vicinity, have petitioned the rebel Gene- ral Lee to remove Mosby and his gang of gneril- las from that district, alleging that their presence and their raids bring down tpon innocent se ceshers the vengeance ef the federals, The Methodist Episcopal Conference went into its seventh day's session yesterday, when an ap- plication was made to receive as & minister Mr. Philip Germood, of the Norfolk and Goshen dis- recognition. They must all prepare for eymts which will change the preseut aspect of Europe and endanger the well being of governments which seem now stable enough. With snob events near at hand no Power in Enrope will be mad enough to court danger on this conti- nent; none wil! be so rash as to commit them- | selves as our open and avowed enemies. The | people of the North are displaying sentiments | of loyalty, and a fixed determination to conquer triats, Connecticut, the candidate having served | the rebellion which will be understood and ap- lose*by headlong rashness. The perfection of genérsi> is to combine boldness with caution, and rapid movements with safety. But generals of this class are rare in the world, and we'must wait patiently till they are de- veloped. McClellan gave fair promise of suo- cess when he was removed from his command. General Banks is doing well. We hope he will not be set aside to make room for a less com- petent man. His moderation and good sense have won golden opinions for him since he the usnal probationary term, A somewhat excit- ing debate arose on this proposition, several of the members assérting that Mr. Germood was dis- Joyal to the government of tho United States, which assertions rey borne out by 9 majority vote of rejection by members of the Conferenec. Afior some Fouline business the Conference ad- Journed at two o'clock. Rey. P. Tissot, 8. J., chaplain of the Thir ty-seventh New York Volunteers, has sent to this city the sain of $903 10, subscribed by the privates preciated in Europe, and which will cause all | landed at New Orleans. His victories will not danger of interference to disappear. The re- | only win the contidence of his army and of the bels will themselves feel the force of the dis- | nation, but soem likely to pave the way for play we refer to, and will understand that | highly important movements agains the lines henceforth they must abandon all hope of | of the enomy. The fruits may not be so ob- foreign aid. When this conviction shall have | vious at the present moment; but the time wil) become general throughout the South we shall | probably soon come when the strategic value be near the ond of the rebellion; and we dare | of General Banks’ present successes will be assert that this consummation is nearer at hand | fully recognized by the ‘whole country. Let than may he supposed. ry him go oa and prosper President Lincoln, it is said, has become ® devotes of the Italian Opera. After attending one or two of the representations of Grau’s troupe at Washington, he thinks, like Oliver, he could take alittle more. No wonder. From the troubles of the war it is natural that he should seek occasional relaxations, His happy faculty as a joker has doubtless done him world of service; but the wear and tear of the mind from the cares of State demand more substantial diversions. No wonder, therefore, that Honest Old Abe bas become a lover of musio and the Opera. Max Maretzek, in this view, may be set down as a@ public benefactor. He opens another operatic campaign at our Academy on the 4th of May. It is well timed. Mr. and Mrs. Presi- dent Lincela, it is understood, will visit New York in May; for, perhaps, in June they may go to Richmond. Who knows? Besides, even the President’s wife, in view of the approach of summer, is called upon to do a little shopping, and New York is the place for dry goods. In May, then, we may expect the Presidential family, and in the height of the Opera season. The gay world of fashion, of beauty and music, will still be in town. The Park will begin to look green and lovely, and its Satur- day music will again attract its thousands, a4 to agrand review. Mrs. Lincoln will enjoy the contrast between such a review anda review of General Hooker’s army in the rain and mud of the dismal Rappahannock. Honest Old Abe will thus realize, too, how beautiful are the bless- ingsof the Union compared with the desola- tions of rebellion; and the singing birds and beauties of the Park will prepare him for the more exquisite singing birds and beauties of the Opera. In this light, how grateful will be the change between Washington and New York. It will be atranslation and transformation as by the magic lamp of Aladdin. [From hospitals of sick and wounded soldiers, camps of contra- bands, corrals of army horses, and hordes of hungry politicians, to the shops of Broad- way, the concerts at the Park, and the fasci- nations of the Opera, could anything be more wonderfal® And the journey of half a day will do it. Surely our distinguished expected visi- tors cannot resist the temptation. We expecta series of victories over the rebellion in the meantime, so that our great father, or great grandfather, as some of the Indians call him, may pack up and pack off from Washington for a’ few days with a light beart and an easy conscience. And let him bring all his Cabinet away, excepting Mr. Seward, unless Lord Lyons shall come with him, aud the gov- ernment will get on till they return. Secre- tary Stanton need not be afraid. We will put him under the wing of General Scott, or in the care of John Van Buren, and John shall accom- pany the Presidential party to the Opera, And what a Union League will bethere! A league of youth and beaaty, experioace and wisdom, fashion and refinement, poetry and music, with our worthy Preaidegy enjoying himself as at a love feast, and with Max Maretzek in all bis glory, drums beating and colors flying. ; We want President Lincoln, as well as Mrg. Lincoln, to come on, during this May campaign of Maretzek. We want the Presi- dent to compare for himself the strategy of Maretzek with the strategy of the War Office; the harmony of the Italians with the discords of the politicians; the music of Mazzoleni with the jargon of the Cabinet; the delicious strains ot the charming Guerrabella with the tedious orders of General Halleck. We wish that Honest Old Abe had been present at the last night of the late Opera season at the Acade- my. It was a fairy scene, a grand constellation of beauty, a spectacle sufficient to quicken the fancy, sharpen the intellect and ‘keep alive the patriotism of poet or politician, statesman or philosopher, for a lifetime. We shall have, however, many such assemblages in our May season of the Opera; and in their lighter fabrics of spring, and in anticipation of the Presidential family, the world of beauty of New York will appear more beautiful than ever. Let our fashionable circles prepare for the great occasion. The negro question is out of the way; West Virginia is admitted into the Union; we are going to have a railroad down Broadway, five cents fare; the war is going on prosperously; and the President, having heard the golden voice of Brignoli, will not rest until he has heard the superb singing of Mazzoleni. Gold is going down; public confidence is going up; and if Jeff. Davis can visit a provincial con- cert at Richmond, where a common illusion spring bonnet costs seventy-five dollars, surely Honest Abe Lincoln and his family, and his Cabinet, and all the ladies thereof, considering New York prices of millinery and thes abun- dance of “greenbacks,” can take a run to New York and the Opera, where they will be as wel- come as the tlowers of May, including Grand- father Welles, with his flowing beard, Secretary Stantqn and all. * Tae Minitary Orrrations mx Norra Caro- Lina.—The news which we published yesterday from North Carolina is of the most cheering character. By the skill and heroism of Gen. Foster the little band at Washington, surround- ed by a large host of rebels, were not only enabled to hold out, but by bis daring in run- ning the gauntlet of the enemy’s batteries, and his energy in organizing a force at Newbern to capture the besieging army, the rebels, discover- ing what was on foot, gave up the siege and fled “with precipitation. In all this bnsiness Foster has shown himself to be a man of sagacity and nerve. It is important te hold Newbern; for it is im the rear of the main army of the rebels, and continually threatens its communications with the ether rebel ar- mies in the South, and may become the entering wedge to gain interior lines, so as to divide the rebel forces and destroy them in detail, When Ganeral Burnside captured Roanoke Island and fellowed up the victory by the capture of Newbern, he planted a thorn in | the side of the Gonfederate Army of Virginia which bas given it trouble ever since, and has compelled the employment of a large force to watch and counteraet movements upon its flank or rear. By a coup de main the rebel generals hoped to capture the force at Washington first, and then to pounce upon Newbern; but they have been effectually hailed and compelled to retreat with loss and humiliation. While this has been accomplished in North Carolina by Burnside and Foster, Hunter and Saxton, in South Carolina, have literally achieved nothing. Instead of advancing upon the enemy before he had time to fortify, they have spent their days nights visi atiompt of tra Soraime tae Atvicen tace into hie men of the Cancasian type. The Broadway Hatiresd Coup d’Etat and the Law of the Case. ‘There was intense excitement yesterday in railroad circles, and among the community gene- rally, growing out of the action of the Com- mon Council on Tuesday evening authorising the Harlem Railroad Company to construct a raflroad in Broadway. The movement was re- garded with universal favor on three grounds— by some as supplying what they believe to be @ great public necessity, by others as annihilet- ing and bringing to nought all the corrupt practices and manceuvres which jobbing politicians have been carrying on in’ Albany on the same subject during this and the last two or three sessions of the Legisla- ture, and by still a third class as pro- tecting so liberally and efficaciously the inte- rests of the city. This excitement culminated in Wall street, where the stock of the Harlem Railroad Company was in great demand at ad- vances of 10, 15 and 20 per cent. Every one will want to know, however, how it happens that the Common Council of New York attempts to exercise this right of permit- ting a railroad to be constructed in Broadway, in face of the notorious fact that that body has been by express law perewptorily prohibited from exercising any such right. The two sec- tions of the laws for and against may enable our readers to understand the matter thorough- ly and to judge how far the action of the Com- mon Council on Tuesday evening is legal, and what probability there is of its being sustained or reversed by the courts. Here is the section of the act of April 6, 1332, under which the authority of the Com- mon Council to authorize the Harlem Railroad Company to lay their rails in Broadway is claimed: — Section 1. The Presidopt and Directors of the New York and Harlem Railroad Company ure Bereby autho- rized and eniowered, with the permission of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New York, to extend their railroad along the Kourth aveoue to four- teenth street, inthe sad city, and through such other streets in the @2id city as the Mayor, Aldermen and Gom- moualty of said city may from time to Ume permy. + © It is on the authority contained in that seo- tion that the grant of the Broadway Railroad te the Harienr company is based. There would be little doubt of its legality if the Legislature had not thought proper on the 30th of January, 1860, to enact the following law:— re Section 1. It shall not be lawful hereafter to Iny cow- struct or operate any radiroad in, upon or along any or esther of the streots or avenues of the city of New York, wherever auch rallroad may commence or end, except under the authority and subject to the regulations and restrictions which the Legislature may hereafter grant and. provide. This section shail not be deemed to aiect the operation, as fur aa laid, of auy railroad now constructed und duly authorized. Nor shall it be held to impair in any manner any valid grant for or relating to any rail in aid city existing on the Ist day of January , 1860. Sec, 2. All acts aud parts of acts with this wot are hereby repealed. It would appear, therefore, that the right claimed by the Common Couacil is annulled in one of two ways. The source of power being transferred fzom the municipality to the Legis- lature, the right to grant extensions either fol lows that transfer, or, if not, then the right would be inconsistent with the provisions of the act of January 30, 1860, and is therefore re pealed. It is bard to see how both these legal dilemmas can’ be avoided, unless it be held that © there is some secret virtue in this last sen- tence :—“ Nor shall it be held to impair in any manner any valid grant for or relating to any railroad in said city existing on the Ist day of January, 1860.” } There is no goubt that the termaof the muni- cipal grant are highly favorable to the interests of the city, while no such consideration enters into the scope of the acts pending at Albany on the same subject ; and if the action of the Com- mon Council possesses a sufficient degree of legality it will be upheld by the courts and sustained by popular sentiment in preference tothe Atbany schemes, which are generally regarded as most barefaced swindles. A Tesr or Excusa Fesuxa Towanps Tax Nonra.—The projected emission of a large amount of federal bonds in the London money market is an excelent idea on the part of our government. We know nothing which is better calculated to test the real feeling of the Kng- lish people in our regard. Its euccess will dispel the false impressions created by the readiness with which the Confederate loan was taken up, and which was due entirely to skilful manage- ment on the part of the shipbuilders, contrac- tors and subsidized journalists for whose benefit it was put on the market. The fuctua- tions to which it has been since subject show that it bas no real hold on the faith of the English public, and when the federal loan is brought into competition’with it it will be soon seen on which side the balance of conlidence lies. The London Times is evidently afraid of the result; for it is endeavoring beforehand te prejudice people against our bonds and to throw difficulties in the way of their negotia- tion, There can be no better evidence of the good effect with which their emission is likely to be attended. It will prove, we beliove, that the ill feeling which has been excited im England against the North in connection with the war is confined to those who have benefited or hope to benefit by the rebellion. Moratiry or Speaker Catticot.—The deme crat« are making @ great fuss over the minority report in the case of the Speaker of the Assem- bly. The less they ventilate the matier the better. What Callicot did they wanted to do themselves. They offered to take the Spoaker- ship and to give the republicans the Clerkship of the House. All that Callicot did was to step in and alter for his own purposes the terms of the bargain. We can see no difference im their motives and conduct. It is six of one and half a dozen of the other. If there was a test wanting of the relative honesty of both demo crats and republicans in the House it would be furnished by their conjoint action in the matter of the Broadway Railroad. A more shameful swindle upon the public has not been attempt. ed in this or any former session. And yet we find the immaculate legislators who are so earn- est in denouncing the conduct of Speaker Callicot amongst those who have voted down every amendment having for object to ren- dor this valuable franchise a means of reduc. ing the burdens of the city. Fime Arts. SALB OF VALUABLE PAINTINGS, A sale of Valuable of! paintings will take place at the Derby Galleries, No. 625 Broadway, this evening. These ‘works are by the most eminent American and other artists, making the collection one of the choicest and most valuable ever offered here. They are the property of @ woll known connoisseur, Who is about to leave for ku rope, Mr. Simaenich, who has charge of the sale of theese works, has inaugurated an illastrated catalogue, which we regard as © most useful ides. It contains photograpna of the choicest paintings in the collection, and enabies the in- Stu knowledge of patallboe many years vensation | to {oral in Hoston, tas sold owt gad retired on « (ork