The New York Herald Newspaper, October 24, 1863, Page 6

NEW YORK HERALD. eee JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. OFFION N. W. CORNER Volume XXVIIT FULTON AND NASSAU 878. AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. AQADEMY OF MUSIC, Irving Place.—Tuz Orsa4— Torn, NIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway.—Ganna. WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broadway.—Rosapace. WINTER GARDEN. Broadway.—Russiaw ApMImAL— ToopiKs—Kias 1x Tu Danx. . OLYMPIC THEATRE, Broadway.—Po-c4-uon-ras—My Paesery ee. NEW ROWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Hawx, tux Hion- Wavwax—Livn Swanks anp' SHA GULLS=TiGkR or THE Ska—Two Buazanos. BOWERY THRATRE, B:wery.—ANcestness—Asrno- pEL—Panpy tux /'1rEn. BARNUM’S MUSEUM, Froadway.—Tux Movina Wax Frovxs, Giant Box, Prion, &¢.. at ail hours. Manixz- ta—Vine Dressens Or Como.’ Atternoon and Bvening. IRVING HALL, Irving piace.—Musican Matinee at Onz o'CLoce. BRYANTS MINSTRELS, Mechanics’ Hall. 472 Broad. een Sones, Dances, Burtusques, &c.—Hica ADDY. WOOD's MINSTREL WALL, 514 Broadway,—Ermiortay fonos, Dances, &e.—Raruxoav Exprosion. GEO. CHRISTY'S MINSTRELS, 5% Broadway.—Bun- usauEs, Boxcs, Danes, &6.—Wno Kinin tn Pouice AMERICAN THEATRE, Pantominxs, BUKLESQUKS, Ac.. NEW YORK THEATRE, 485 Broadway.—Vot-av-Vaxt— Bup Gromx. . BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Brooklyn.—Ricu- anp III, HOOLEY'’S OPERA HOUSE, Brooklyn.—Eraoriax Bones, Dances, Buxiesauns, £0. ite 444 Broa) 7.—BALiets, ‘ne SxCKR! TRIPLE SHEET. New York, Saturday, October 24, 1863. THE SITUATION. General Meade has returned to his command after an apparently satisfactory interview with the President. It is said that the Gencral made a frank statement cencerning the peremptory in- structions lately received by him to compel General Lee to accept a fight, which not having been able to carry out to the letter, he declared himself willing and ready to resign his command. The President declined to entertain any such proposi- tion, and General Meade has accordingly gone back to his post. i It is rumored that General Lee has sent two more divisions to support General Bragg, and that he is withdrawing the rest of his forces behind the fortifications at Fredericksburg. The Orange and Alexandria Railroad has already been repaired one mile beyond Bristoe Station. Forces are en- gaged day and night ‘in repairing the damages one'by the enemy. General Gregg’s cavalry ad- vanced on @ reconnoissance yesterday within two miles of the Rappahannock and returned to camp withont finding the enemy. There are no indications whatever of a general engagement. Our total losses in killed, wounded and prisoners, in the recent desultory campaign, is estimated at about one thousand five hundred. Our news from North Carolina to-day is interest- ing. It was said that Governor Vance was offered the next Presidency of the confederacy at a late meeting of the Southern Governors held at Richmond, if he would undertake to keep the old North State still true to the South and out of the Union. We shall see what Governor Vance can accomplish in this respect. The Raleigh Standard has resumed publication on its old prin- ciples of opposition to Jeff. Davis’ government. The inhabitants of the northeastern counties of North Carolina, who have resisted successfuly the tebel conscription, with the aid of our troops, now almost to a man repudiate the rebel govern- ment and ask for the protection of the Union forces, and the establishment of military posts at Edenton and Elizabeth City. We have files of Richmond papers to the 2lst., containing news from Northern and Southern Vir- ginia, Eastern Tennessee, Chattanooga, Charles- ton and Arkansas. The falling back of the rebel army under Lee is attributed to the failure of sup- plies, that part of the State being reduced to the condition of a desert. The railroad track from Manassas to the Rappahannock is reported to be so badly damaged that our army cannot repair it ina month. The rebels acknowl- edge aloss at Catlett's Station of five pieces of artillery and five hundred killed and woyaded, with three generals—Cook, Posey and Kirldand— wounded. There has been a change of rebel generals at Chattanooga, D. H. Hill being relieved of the command of his corps, which is given to John C. Breckinridge. An address to the army has been issued by Jefferson Davis, which we publish. From Charleston the report is, ‘‘everything very quiet,”". A French war vessel, the Tisiphone, had gone up to the city. Another Monitor had joined the fleet. Another invasion of Missouri, under General Price, is reported to be in contemplation. One of the Richmond papers, in an article en- titled, “The War and the Prospects,” intimates that we can have peace on very caay terms. EUROPEAN NEWS. The steamship Etna, from Queenstown on the 15th of October, passed Cape Race yesterday morning, on her voyage to New York. She has four handred and sixty passengers. Our news agent at Cape Race boarded the Etna and obtained a summary of her news, which is two ays later. It has been telegraphed from St. Johns, Newfoundland, and is published in the Heaatp to-day. . The Laird rebel rams wore guarded by a force of British marines, placed on board by govern- ment order. Tho London Times says there is no- thing “‘ certain’ determined about the rams. They will not, howevor, “ be permitted to slip off” like the Alabama. The Paris correspondent of thg London Post says that Napoleon has no intention of recogniz- ing the’rebel confederacy. Thore is nothing new from Poland. Qaeen Victoria had made her re-entry into pub- Mo life. ‘The drain of gold from the Bank of France con- tinued. 1, A Bassian decree, incorporating the govern- ment of the Angustaroro district of the Longs with the empire, hed been issued, and General Mouravieff was appointed Governor. ‘The government of Spain was well supported at the recent elections. Swoden had decline? to sign a treaty of alliance with Deamark. Tho Groat Easter is to be relieved by the NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1863.-TRIPLK SHEET. er ay mm rence shareholders from her present debts, and employ- ed in the India or Australia trade. Consols closed in London, on the 15th instant at 93 for money. The Liverpool cotton market con- tinued excited, and closed ¢n the lath instent at fan advance of 1d. a 144d. per pound. On the 15th instant prices were still advancing, but the mar- ket ruled quiet. The Hammonia, from Southampton on the 7th, gad the Kangaroo, from Queenstown on the 10th instant, arrived at-this port yesterday. The news and newspaper filea of both vessels have been anticipated. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. A very large Union meeting was held last evening at the Cooper Institute, and was addressed by Senator Lane, of Indiana; Lyman Tremaine, and John W. Forney. A report ia given in our co- lumns, The jhment for violation of the rules of the navy on board the Western gunboats appears to be very severe. A court martial at Cairo has recently sentenced Thomas Cox, for theft and de- sertion, to be confined at hard labor for three years; Richard Cornelius, colored, for mutinous conduct and striking an officer, to be hanged; Richard H. Smith, for scandalous conduct, drunk- enness, &c., to five years confinement at hard labor; William Fordham and Henry Hines,-for mu- tinous conduct, to be imprisoned in a penitentiary for the term of their natural lives. The sentences were approved by Rear Admiral David D. Porter. Two men, named Smith and Connors, were ar- rested in Toronto, Canada, on the 16th instant, who had in their possession six one thousand dol- lar United States Treasyry notes, numbered respectively 38,374, 38,376, 36,333, 36,334, 36,335, 36,336. They had through tickets from Buffalo to Kingston. The democrats of the Fourth district of Oneida county, New York, ‘have nominated W. H. Hal- leck, a brother of Gen. Halleck, for the Assem- bly. Mr. Halleck is a farmer. In another part of to-day’s Henaup our readers will find a communication from Gen, Hiram Wal- bridge, replying to the recent attack of the Lon- don Times upon him. Tn the'United States District Court yesterday Judge Betts entered a decree of condemnation against the prize steamer Emma and cargo, un- der appraisement of $50,000. The total proceeds of sale by the Marshal amounted to $102,674. The Mary Clinton was also condemned. Inthe Surrogate’s Court, yesterday, the argu- ment on the application for the removal of the administrator of Caleb Kirby’s estate, on charges of improvidence, was commenced, but adjourned over to next week. The Christy will case was resumed, and Drs. Barber and Rogers were ex- amined. The final accounts of the estate of John Cavan were settled and distribution made. The will of Dr. Alexander Jonos has been ad- mitted to probate without contest. The testator’s estate is distributed among his family, except forty dollars, which-he bequeathed to aservant. The will of Sophia Usher has been admitted.” Among its bequests is one of two hundred dollars to the Episcopal Church of the Nativity. The money market was decidedly active yesterday, and tho rato for call loans was rather seven than six por cent. Gold fluctuated considerably—opened at 144 a 1443, went up to 14734 during tho day, and fell back to 14544 a 14536 at the close. Exchange was in mode- rate demand at 160}, a 161 for bankers’ bills, but drawers advanced their rates to 162 at the close. The stock market was irregular throughout the day, being rather lower in the morning, but recovering itself in the atternoon. Cotton was Inactive yesterday, at drooping priges. All kinds of breadstuils were more sought after, partly by speculative buyers, and prices were generally higher. Provisions were in fair request. Lard advanced slightly. Transactions in groceries, oils, metals, hemp, candles, spices, soap, whalebone and naval stores were limited. A Moderate demand existed for feathers, hops, leatber, lime, rico, seeds, tallow and whiskey, at uniform quota- tions. Fruit, hay, and tobacco were in fair re- quest. The freight market was dull and er om dor of goverment contracts for provisioas, rico were awarded. ‘ The Rebel Project of a European Coali- tium Against the United states. Our London correspondent, in another letter on the projected European movement for the benefit of Joff. Davis, says that “the French Emperor is determined to fight;” that ‘he has already sent sixty thousand soldiers to Mexico, and is quietly embarking and sending off more soldiers, more cannon and more army supplies every woeek;” that he contemplates material aid to Davis to the extent of an army of one hondred and fifty thousand men in Texas and ‘fa fleet of iron-clads in the Gulf; that this coali- tion will probably involve the dictation of a Southern confederacy by Louis Napoleon, em- bracing Maryland, the District of Columbia, the city of Washington, West Virginia, Kentucky and Missougi; and that the equivalent from the other side will be the “reannexation” to France of Louisiana, including the outlets of the Mis- sissippi, and the great'State of Texas. We are earnestly assured by our correspond- ent in the premises that all this is “down on the books of the French Emperor,” that “it is as inevitably true as that the sun will rise to- morrow;” and, to impress the matter upon us, he further says to us, “woe be to your govern- ment and people if they turn a deaf ear to tiie warning and lull themselves into a sense of false security.” We must be prepared to see a French army in Texas and Louisiana, and to give up all the South or prepare to fight it out. Here, it will ‘be remarked, Louis Napoleon figures as the exclusive master of these cere- monies. But Austria and Prince Maximilian and the Mexican crown are behind bim, and the Pope and his Qhurch, and Spain and Cuba, and, lastly, the inevitable Jobn Bull, with hie deceitful neutrality. The Czar has put bis foot down, and France and England have backed out from Poland. That question may be con- sidered settled. Austria has been humbugged; Prussia and the smaller German States are pre- occupied with their own internal affairs; the Continent, therefore, may be left to take care of itself for some time, while Napoleon and Palmerston are working out their American designs. Neutrality, too, will serve the purposes of England in this business of an active alliance between France and Jeff. Davis better than any other course, Eng- land, under this arrangement, instead of endan- gering ber commerce, will secure the monopoly of the carrying trade between the United States and Europe, and in the event of a Southern confederacy will doubtless be an equal participant in its concessions of free trade to Napoleon. Bul, above all other considerations, England, in the estab- lishment of a Southern confederacy, will secure the destruction of her most dangerous naval and commercial rival, and deal a blow to popular liberty, popular rights and popular institutions, which may save the feudal aristooracy of Great Britain and the confederate kingoraft of the Continent for half a century to come. What Cromwell was in the seventeenth cen- tury, with his Purltanical Commonwealth, ‘among the old monarchies of Europo—what the Frenoh republic of the eighteenth contury aad the empire of tho First Napoloon were to the “Holy Alliance,” #0 now, in this the nineteenth century, this great republic. as tly » propagar of liberal ideas and popular sovereignty, i t special object of the fear, ieslonsy aad hatred dist | sla tion. of the Westera Powers of Hurope, including #rance, under the present Napoleon as the head of a hereditary dynasty. His interests and his policy, as against popular liberty, are thus identified with the interests of the English aristocracy and4he monarchies of the conti- nent, always excepting the overshadowing and still expanding empire of Russia, hostility to which was the especial injunetion of the’ first Napoleon to his family and to France, The yephow, like the unole, finds that the only way to render the French people tractable and zealously submissive under an absolute despot is by amusing them with the glories of the arms of Franco, her spoils and plunder aad her territorial acquisitions from foreign wars. The glory of France is the glittering mirage which has rendered her people apparently a3 passive in the hands of the present Napoleon as under the first or Louis XIV. But the fiddler who, with his fiddle, fell into a pit and found himself in the company of a bear, and who had to keep fiddling to keep the bear dancing, was not ina more perilous situation than Napoleon the Third. Bence his war with Russia, his war with Austria, his exedition to Syria, his war with China and Cochin China and his war with Mexico. In all these things ‘he has been, and still continues, fiddling to that grim and grizzly bear of French democracy which otherwise might spring upon and devour him. The mon- ster gives him no rest, but, constantly watching him, still cries for more. In the case of an ambitious and daring monarch thus situ- ated, who knows his danger and his safety, there can be no limit assigned to his foreign projects of aggrandizement and glory. Thus Napoleon, entangled as he now is in his Mexi- can imbroglio, becomes the fitting instrument | for the purposes of England in reference to the dissolution of the American Union. She may use him as the convenient catspaw with which to draw her chestnuts from the fire, while playing herself the safer and more profit- able role of a virtuous neutrality. Against the active armed Eurepean inter- vention in the matter of this Southern rebellion thus foreshadowed we have no security except that of the fleets and armies of the Union, nor can we promise any positive security even from them, except through aseasonable victory or two over the remaining armies of the rebellion 80 decisive as to break off all negotiations be- tween Napoleon and Slidell, Mason and their colleagues in Paris. President Lincoln evi- dently realizes the dangers and the demands of the crisis. If one of his generals fails, whatever may be his popularity, he is relieved and another takes his place. The people have no objection to this rule in any case where it pro- miges‘good reaults. But we would still ad- monish the President to push on the war, in order to bring it to an end before the great na- tional political campaign of 1864; because, in the event of a failure thus to fulfil the just de- mands of the country, the same rule which he has applied to his incompetent and his unlucky generals will assuredly be applied to his ad- ministration. The News from Mexitco—Prospects of the French Invasion. We published yesterday letters from our correspondent which show that the Mexican people are determined to resist to the last the encroachments of their invaders. Marshal Forey, the commander of the French army, has been forced to the adoption of the most brutal measures, in hopes of stopping thus the assas- sination of his men. He threatens to destroy whole villages should any of his soldiers be killed therein. He is also arresting scores of influential citizens, who are sent away to Cay- enne or Martinique without even the show of trial. These measures but inflame the Mexicans to greater resistance, and will entail upon the country just such a system of guerilla warfare as finally drove the armies of the Great Napo- leon from Spain. His men were shot, stabbed, poisoned, attacked in overwhelming force whea on picket duty or foraging, and at last these small but deadly conflicts decimated the finest army Napoleon possessed, and compelied its retreat from Spain. Thateuch will be the ulti- mate result in Mexico none can doubt. Herein, as in many other cases, the nephew will have to imitate the example of the uncle and withdraw from an untenable position. The resistance which the Mexican govern- ment is so energetically preparing to make against the French isthe best answer that could be given to the ridiculous pretensions of Napo- leon that he is doing all to better the condition of the Mexicans, and that, they sympathize with him. ‘These preparations prove the utter falsity of this assertion, and ad- monish him to beware lest he stand be- fore the world ere long a convicted filibuster. He pretend@ that it is according to the wishes of the people of Mexico he is now endeavoring to change their form of government, and yet we see them ready to sacrifice their lives to prevent this. The perfidy of France is too ap- parent, and were there at the head of her affairs men of principle the invasion of Mexico would at once be abandoned, as it is, beyond doubt, a flagrant violation of the rights of the Mexican people. We hear that Napoleon is seading im- mense reinforcements to Mexice, and that he is determined to conquer the country. In that light he may place his invasion, by} pot under the hypocritical pea of acting according to the desires of those whom he is doing all in his power to enslave, We shall ere long have our word to say about this French invasion of our continent, and shall defeat the machinations of Napoleon by meet- ing them with an overwhelming opposition. The rebellion ended, we shall have a million of veteran troops, men who will be eager to un- dertake the release of Mexico from her foreign invaders. We shall have an imntense fleet of fuch powerful war vessels as the world never saw before, and with this force to back our de- mands we shall be as peremptory as the oase requires. We will prove to the nations of Ku- rope that the Monroe doctrine is one which we fully intend to enforoe, and through France we shall teach them all afesson which will deter any future attempts on the part of European Powers to obtain a foothold on this continent. Tuvetow Weep Ur to Hrs Eves ww Bostess.— Thurlow Weed is a genius. Recently be has been engaged in the arduous task of demoliah- ing Mayor Opdyke and the shoddy and radical factions in this oity. He fs also said to have purchased some extensive grounds opposite to Fort Washington, where he is going to construct & palace like that of Aladdin of the old times. This |s to be the solace of hie latter days. It is rious to note that there are two elements in » life of Thurlow Weed working one against her, ‘These are construction and dostric- it is very however, thut he will fail o victiva to Lue (aie . of it. v Government and the Relieved 4 Generals, If the people are not satisfied with the exer- cise that the government has made of its pre- rogative in the removal of generals, it can hardly be because they have not seen enough of it. Remarkable, enough in other respects, the list of generals who have been “relieved” from positions, of which they were not in all cases weary, has become somewbat remarkable in respect to its size, General Fremont was “relieved” very carly in the war, but not too early. Though it does not appear that he was tired of the position he hold; we must consider that the word “relieved” is acorrect one in his oase, inasmuch as we ought always to assume that every position must be painful to a man who is utterly and completely unfit to occupy it. But Fremont’s removal was less a positive act than the recanta- tion of an error. No greater charlatan than this man over lived, and, like other charlatans, he was famed to be a great genius. Upon that fame he was over hastily given a position, which proved him to be a very common place personage; 60 the President uttered his official peccavi, and dowa went Fremont,, History will excuse his existence, on account of the magnifi- cent joke that the President was enabled to perpetrate in his appointment to the “Moun- tain Department.” Fremont was succeeded by Hunter. Hunter has been relieved twice since then. .He be- lieved in the nigger; but even that could not save him. He issued proclamations, and it is probable that he drew his pay regularly; but if he ever did any more than this we never heard it. From the Army of the Potomac McDowell was first “relieved,” and we forget how many times he has been relieved since. He was known in the old army by a nickname that did not suggest the preponderance of his brains. Perhaps that namo was a true one; but, if Gene- ral McDowell has the ordinary proportion of brains, he is one of the most unlucky then that the world ever saw. General McClellan has been virtually relieved twice—once in the regular way, and once by the addition of his army to another army—with kardly a polite reference to his existence. General Pope suc- ceeded to the command of that army in one in- stance, and General Burnside in the other. Both of these generals have since been re- lieved—-suffering a common fate—though they were remarkable contrasts each to the other. Burnside, bold and large hearted, with a kind of mental breadth of shoulders that gave greatness to many of his acts, resolute even in his errors; Pope, vainglorious, boastful and empty. Fitz John Porter was relieved from the command of a corps in that army on very remarkable charges, If not guilty of them he ought not to have been re- moved. If guilty he ought to have been shot. General Hooker has been relieved from the command of the same army. At the battle of Chancellorsville he bad some difficulty with a post, as to the result of which authorities do not agree. Some declare that the post knock- ed down General Hooker, and others maintain that General Hooker knocked down the post. We suppose the men at Washington had some positive information or opinions on this point; 80 Chancellorsville was Hooker's last battle. “Contraband” Butler has been relieved, and we fancy he rather likes it. Buell, a soldier of unquestioned ability, has suffered the same process, and finally General Rosecrans {s gone. _ With much very poor timber in this list of the more prominent men removed, the country and the world at large will acknowledge that there is also much military ability. Gaines’ Mill, Malvern Hills, South Mountain, Antietam, Murfreesboro and Corinth are but a few of the battles that will answer for the abilities of the men named in it. Yet in all these re- movals the government has given its reasons, has stated its case, in only one instance. Inthe case of Fitz John Porter the government gave reasons elaborately, and the country believes to- day that Gen. Porter was not justly removed. How many plausible reasons the govern- ment might give for many more of these re- movals we cannot say. But we know that the government itself has blundered fearfully at every step of the way. We know that it has caused the fuilure of a dozen campaigns by its disposition to meddle with details that should have been left to others. We know that if the war had been left to the generals in the field the rebellion would have been pounded to pieces a year ago. Besides all this we know that it is the tradition of all governments that disasters must have victims. All countries re- quire that some one should be responsible. Shall the government be responsible for its own awful blunders? That might do very well in Utopia. Such a government may exist in the “Fortunate Isles” of Diodorus, or in the Atlantis of Plato; ‘but we suspect that in all those material countries that we find in the geographies, and especially in this country, no government will be found to bear the re- sponsibility of its blunders, when it can so much more easily sacrifice a general, and need not give its reasons. yi But meanwhile the people look on quietly. They form their own opinions, and every now and then comes their time to perform official acts. Let the government look well to its own record in these matters, or we shall learn some day before a great while that the people have “relieved” the administration, ang bave found a new commander-in-chief for thé” armies and navies of the United States. Present Postrion oF tax Powis Questiox.— England, France and Austria, alarmed at the prospects of an alliance between this country and Russia, are evidently determined to let the Polish question become a matter of secondary importance. It is easy to see that the three Powers above named will not go to war, a8 they threatened, unless Russia aban- don the Poles to their own government. England bas proposed that the right of Russia to Poland be ignored, and in this stupendous revenge she will probably unite with France and Austria, and all three will assert that Rus- sian claims to Poland are not valid. What theat Russia will laugh in her sleeve, and, having subjected the Poles, will go on her way quietly as before. The Western Powers need fear no alliance between us and Russia. We avoid all alliances unless driven into them in self-de- fence. Let England and France but treat us fairly, and there will be no alliance between us and Rossia. It is mot our policy to make alliances. Tum Coevauier Forney Artoat—Forney is perfectly right in coming here to keep himeclf afloat by making apecches “full of sound aod fury, signifying nothing.” Ho is done for. The old Indemitable spirit Of the Blalr family is now engaged in organizing « campaign that will drive Forney back to Pennsylvania with » flea in his car. Chase also will soon follow suit. It will be avery useful occupation to watch the developments of this new campaign. The Russian Ball—To Be or Not To Be? We have had avery varied and a very sad experience in regard to our hospitality to for- eigners. From Mrs. Trollope down to Bull Run Russell, every ‘little scribbler whom we have received with courtesy and treated with attention has gone home and abused or slander- ed us. The great people whom we have enter- tained have acted’in about the same unfor- tunate way. When the Japanese Princes ar- rived we exhausted ourselves to do them -honor, hired the Metropolitan Hotel for their accommodation, and gave them a grand ball, over which Alderman Boolt presided in un- equalled style and his shirt sleeves. As soon as the Japanese returned to their happy land they declared war against all the world and massacred all the Americans they could catch. We gave the Prince of Wales an unparalleled ovation and an equally unparalleled ball. He had hardly’reached England again before the British government began to aid the rebels, and we soon received cannon balis in return from English guns and English pirates. We feted and feasted the Prince Napoleon. The Emperor Napoleon bas reciprocated the com- pliment by hatching all sorts of abominablo schemes against the integrity and even the exist- ence of this government. These specimens of the results of our for@gn hospitalities are cer- tainly not very encouraging. Now we have the Russians among us. They came here unexpectedly and for some good reasons of their own. We welcomed them with open hearts and hands.. Our soldiers and our citizens made a gala day of their reception. Private families have invited them here and there and everywhere, and enteriained them—sometimes agreeably and sometimes as agreeably as possible. Then the mu- nicipal authorities offered them a banquet, whieh took place at the Astor House last Monday evening. This banquet—thanks to Mr. Stetson—surpassed almost all our previous efforts in that line. Three hun- dred people were present, and the feast cost about ten thousand dollars. Every one did his utmost to make the Russians feel at home, with the single exception of an indi vidual who forced himself into the room, to- wards the close of the dinner, and delivered a rather insulting political speech. 0 far, therefore, we have done very well, and the Russians have behaved with similar kindness, courtesy and hospitality. We have just sent them off to see Niagara Falls, the great natural miracle of this continent, and we hope that they will enjoy their trip and their company. While they are away from the city we have an excellent opportunity to ask ourselves a few common sense questions. Have we not gone quite far enough? Is it not about time for us to stop? The Russians are perfectly satisfied, and why should not we be contented also? Why should we not let well enough alone? What necessity is there of giving a ball? These are plain, practical questions, which it is ex- ceedingly easy to answer, and they lead toa conclusion which it will be found exceedingly difficult to escape. ‘ The idea of having a grand Russian ball at the Academy of Music is by no means popular. It is confined to the small brains of the old fogy, pewter- stick aristocracy who originated it. These per- sons have begun in about the same style thas they did with the Prince of Wales’ ball, and they will end with the same fizzle. They have appointed an antiquated committee, and limited the number of tick to so many thousands, and fixed the price at fifteen dollars, and en- tered upon the ancient, ridiculous programme familiar to all New Yorkers. ‘The little knots and cliques of metropolitan society are already beginning to squabble about the ball, as usual The committee men and t'e floor managers are counting their Russian chickens before they are hatched. On the other hand, sensible people are asking themselves to what all this fuss can amount. We can form no national alliance with Russia. The national policy since the time of Washington forbids any such entangling complication. If Russia and France fall out and have a fight on the Atlantic all that we can promise is to see fair play. The Russians are already abundantly satisfied of our senti- ments in this regard, anda ball will not in- crease their convictions. On the contrary, it is by no means certain that we should not incur their contempt by dancing and fiddling at such a period as this. Weare engaged in the most tremendous civil war that ever afflicted the world, and‘ the storms of a great foreign war lower threateningly upon us. Is this the time to shake the fantastic toe? Are we to dance upon the edge of a volcano? If money is so plentiful among our pewter-stick aris- tocracy, let it be used in bounties to fill up our armies. Should we give a ball at this crisis of the national fate we must expect to have the gay music drowned in thé clash of resounding arms, and the light laughter overpowered by the shrieks and groans of our wounded heroes, while the black robes of widows and orphans cast a funereal shade over the festivities. Ameri- can society has supplied sufficient food for satire and invective in the past. Let us not at- tempt to eclipse Nero's reputation by this con- templated ball. Grestey on Eprroniat Countesy.—In the last number of the Independent, Henry Ward Beecher’s model newspaper, Greeley has a long article denouncing editorial indecency, party diatribes, scurrility, vulgarity and Billingsgate in general. Greeley is certainly an old offen- der, and ought to know something about this style of writing. So man has used fouler lan- guage toward his opponents than Greeley has done in the course of his career. And, what is more, he continues the same scurrilous lan- guage to the present day. Every man who dif- fers with him in opinion is instantly put down asa liar,a villain, a rascal, a vagabond or a thief, only fit for the gallows. No one can for- get the savage and indecent epithet which he applied to William Cullen Bryant, his fellow in the same ship :—You lie, villain; you lie!” Greeley ought immediately to get himself cleaned up and go toe prayer meeting to confess his manifold sins. If be is ever to be forgiven in this world or the next he must hurry up his cakes. It ts but a few days since be published a whole colamn of disgraceful libels against the friends of Mr. Garvin, who has been nominated for Judge of this city and county. Greeley fsa bed fellow, and before condemaing other people’a bed manners abould correct his ena, eq of a that we did not co-operate cordially, NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. POCO TESCO Wasumeton, Oot. 23, 1863. GENERAL GILLMORE AND ADMIRAL DAHLGREN; Rear Admiral Dahigren in a communication (o the Navy ‘Department, dated the 20th, says that as the Secretary of tho Navy has alluded to the sjate of the relations between General Gillmore and himself, the following note (rom General Gillmore will satisfy the department upon this subject, at least to its dato—pamely, the 23d of Septem- ber :— Istawp, 23, 1863, Apmrmar—I am mi cbagri at py newspapers it my tendering. my nation in com. uence t between you aud myself, and Tt is mot necessary for me to assure you that 1 am entirely ignorant of the slightest foundation fer such reports, and bad no idea that they existed until they appeared in tho papors. They wore doubtless started by Krew scribbling sensationist im lieu of news. I will see they are Pewee 2 oon. tradicted. Sincerely yours, Q A. GI RE. ‘To Rear Admiral Dantonen, Lighthouse Inlet, Ihave only to add that General Gillmore spent several hours in conference with me yesterday, a8 be did on the 15th, and, as uaual, in the most (1 manner, and came on beard this morning to converse on public business. We spoke on the anbjeot, and the General assured me that he was not aware of apy foundation for the current rumors. our concurrence on the public business betwoem us, and our personal relations, make such rumors absurd. Ihave the honor to be, very sapectfaly, your obedient ‘sorvant, JNO. A. DAHLG! , Rear Admiral, ‘Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, ‘Tho report that Captain Turaer has relieved Admiral Dahlgren is certainly untrue. The report published ina New York paper of to-day, that Admiral Dahlgren has been or was about to be re- lieved from the command of the fleet off Charloston, is positively denied at the Navy Department; and it is fur- thermore authoritafively stated that no such intention is entertained. Very full and late despatches from Admiral Dahlgren wore recoived at the departmeat to day, which, besides the contradiction of the reported di-agreement between the naval and military commanders, are regarded as satisfactory. It is probable that operations will not be immediately resumed; but the delay, which is unavoida- bie, will not it is thought be very long. The Monitors are yet undergoing the repairs and alterations required be- fore the renewal of tho assault. The land forces are still engaged in mounting the hoavy guns and strengthening the fortifications preparatory to the grand attack. The navy will probably take tho lead in the next assault, which will not be mado until everything, both on land and water, is prepared to render succees as certain as it is possible to make it. FIOUT WITH QYERILLAS. Last night a brisk fight was had with Mosby's gueril. Jas, in Fairfax county, in which several wero killed :nd a number taken prisonors, - Among the latter is Jack Barnes, & most notorious scoundrel, who bas been three times in our bands and released upon taking the oath of allegiance. j THS RUSSIAN FLEET EXPECTED. Tho Rugaiaa fleet is expected to arrive here on Tuesday. hext, and will doubtless meet with a warm reception, THE CASE OF SMITHSON, THR BANKER. ‘The proceedings in the case of Smithson, the banker, before the court martial, progress very slowly. To-day his counsé! asked for a postponement of the case uutil next Moniay, in consequence of his inability to obtain the attendance of certain witnesses for tho defence, which ‘was granted, ARRIVAL OF THE SEVENTEENTH NEW YORK. The Seventeenth New York regiment, Col. Gower, nume bering six hundred and fifty mon, which arrived here last night from New York, to-day prooceded to rejoin the Army of the Potomac. DECEASED PRISONERS OF WAR. ‘The commissary general of prisoners has requested the acting surgéon geveral to have reports made on the 15th ‘and last days of each month of deceased prisoners of war, giving rank, regiment, date of decease and placo of inter- ment, and such other information as is necessary to trace their place of burial, An order has accordingly been s- sued to surgeons in charge of hospitals where prisoners of war are held to furvish such reports as requested. TUR NAVY, The Secretary of the Navy has issued a general order, dated October 17, dismissing from the naval service Acting focond Assistant Engineer Joba L. Wilsen, in consequence of gross neglect of duty, whereby one of the boilers of the United States steamer Fort Jackson was nearly destroyed by burping, and the lives of her officers and crew placed in imminent jeopardy, during the recent passage of that vessel from New York to Fortress Moaroe. COPPER CARTRIDGRS. Arrapgementé have been made for euppiying the army with the percussion or copper cartridge, in lieu of the paper cartridge. The carbines are all to be of the came bore—calibre Aity-two. si Theatrical. EDWIN FORREST. Mr. Forrest did not perform at Niblo’s last evening, His sister te very il! at Philadelphia, and he was suddenly sent for at her request. Vestvali kindly consented to) ay last evening, and “Games” was substitated for “ The Gladiator.” If the illness of Mr. Forrest’s sister should result as favorabiy as all must hope he will act again oa Monday evening next. < BROOKLYN ACADEMY, Mr. J. Wilkes Booth and Mrs. Julia Bennett Barrow play “Richard tho Third” at this house to-night. Me, Booth’s last acene in this play is exceedingly effective, and should be especially poi.ced by the audience. The performance will be repeated next Thursday. 5 vesTV Att. “Gamea, the sewish Mother,” will be piayed at Niblo’'s Garden for the last time this eyoning, and for the tare well benefit of Vestvali. Of coure the house will be crowded. Vestvali has made a most successful debut upon the Fagtish stage, and bas renewed and exceeded her former operatic triumphs. Next week sho goes to Philadelphia and begins @ provincial tour. rhe will ply Tagardere, in “The Duke's Motto,” and Romeo, in ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ during this tour, Io the latter character she mado a sensation in oper at Paria a few yearn ago. ‘This season she has shown us how powerfully abe can act ‘a dificult female part. Next season she will doubtless surprise us with her excellence ia male roles. NIBLO'S GARDEN. Matilda Heron begins an engagement here next Tuca- day. She produced wer new play, called “Aspasia,” and written by Mr. Charles Gaylog, at Philadelphia recently, and it seems to have achieved @ magnificent failure, for ft was withdrawn after the scoond night. Still, Phila delphia is only @ village, avd a failure there ts by bo means decisive. Indeed, the principal vbjection urged against Mine Heron's play is that it is “immoral.” That, we should sides thie, -he preparing to produce “Corlolmaus’’ for Mr. Forrest in unequalled style, and will try t surpass hie “Kieg Jobn,” the spleodor of which is a legend of the Bowery theatres. ‘Corio nus’ is promised (or Monday week, and,as Mr. Wheatley will pat it upon the stage with bie osuel disregard of ex- pense, it will be an event of the season. ON DIT. Wallaok is getting s new play ready,of which we 40 not care to tell all we Know at present. ‘“Nosedale,” the’ lever adaptasion of the novel called “‘iady Lee’s Widow. hood,” wilf probably keep the stage for a longer, and then this new play will be duced. Miss’ Avouia Jones will begin « tour, under the management of Mr. De Walden, at Chestnut, Philadelphia, on November 9. ‘They will appear at tbe Winter Garden at the close of Mr. Clarte’s engagement, and will bring ont several new plays. Thia is to be their first winter season in New York, and we hope they will have anything bute eld reception. Mrs. Jobn Wool's new burlesquo is nearly ready, and will be given to the public as soom as they are of “Pocabontas.” It is Byron's capital travestio of “The Duke's Motto.” Oscaxvay’s Lecrcnm.—Mr. Oscanyan will deliver bie lecture upon the * Women of Turkey,”’ at the Cooper in- atitate, this evening. Vory few of us bave any idea how the women of Turkey really live end move and have and the seragtio i Hl i | uy ik it i » aad women of Turkey , let bite b (or. i