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

4 NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1863. NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GOKDUN BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIZTOR - OFFICE N. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU 8TS. Votume XXVIII AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. ACADEMY OF MUSIC, Orena—Faust, Irving Place.—Tax Genman Broadway Aut Hartow Eve— 2N¥, THR Baron. LO’ GARD! WALLACK'S THEA’ Broadway.—RoseD Ata. WINTER GARDEN, aN OLYMPIC THEATRE, Broadway.—Easy Suaving—M¥ PresenveR—Miscunsr Makino, NEW HOWERY THEATRE, Bowery—Naw Youre Pior—AtmiGury Dortak—GoLDeN Fanwxn. ROWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Vaur—Gites Scroc- gins’ Guost—Noxan O'Donyeie, Broadway.—Ticxer or Luave UM'S MUSEUM, Broadway. —Fruvcn Gua bea Giant Bor, Livurottan Kine, &0., at Bours. Ti or Lxavs Man—Tuxant or THe TOMB. Afternoon and Brening. BRYANTS’ MINSTRELS, Mechanica’ Hall. 472 Broad- way.—Eruior1ax SonGs, Daxcxs, Buuiusques, &e.—Jxxaces ‘ux Pox. WOOD'S MINSTREL HALL, 514 Broadway. —Eratorras oxo, Dances, &c.—VoN H bugs Mexacenie, GEO, CHRISTY'S MINSTRELS, 685 Broadway.—Boa- wesques, KonGs, Dances, —ScuxRMmRnoRN’s Boy. AMERICAN THEATRE, No. 444 Broadway.—Batcers, Tantoxnns, Burtxsques, Ac.—Inisn TigEen, BROADWAY AMPHITHEATRE, 485 Broadwav.—Gru- XasTic AND Equestktax PruronMaNcks. Afternoon and Evening. HOPE CHAPEL, 718 Broad: OR Minnon oF THX SEW YORK M Curiosities anv Lecrurks, from 9 A, FHOOLEY'S OPERA HOUSE, Bones, Dances, BUKLESQUIS, —Tue Srenxoscorrican NATOMY, 618 Broadway.< MUN LO P.M. Brooklyn. —Etmorias New York, Monday, December 21, 1863, THE SITUATION. There is no change reported in the Army of the Potomac. n ton. We have nothing later from Charles- The newa from the Southwest is entirely without importance. We have some highly interesting intelligence from New Orleans by the Morning Star, with dates to the 13th. The rebel guerillas on the Mississippi attacked the Von Phul while on her voyage from New Orleans to St. Louis, heavily laden with salt, sugar and other merchandise, in the vicinity of Bayou Sara, killing steamer her captain and wounding others on board. She was taken under convoy by the gunboat Neosho at Magazine Bend, four miles above, and was again met by the same battery of the rebels, which had been run across the peninsula. Here two or three men of her crew and passengers were wounded—among the latter. one of the Hexraup correspondents, Mr. Knox. The boat was completely riddled with shot. The steamer Atlantic, from Natchez, coming along at the time, took the Von Phul in tow and convoyed her up to the mouth of Red river. The rebels made an attack upon our forces at Natchez on the 6th instant, but were repulsed. The Star also brings intelligence of the capture by pirates of the schooner J. L. Gerety, from Matamoros, bound to New York, when only two days out. The crew were seized and sent ashore in small boat to Sisal. The pirates, six in num- ber, passed as passengers—just as the despera- does on the Chesapeake did—and thus effected their purpose. The schooner was loaded with cotton, and belonged to Francis Gerety, of this city. It will be seen by reference to another column that General Burnside arrived in this city yester- day and made ‘‘a sensation.” He declined to see visitors generally, but shook the members of the press ‘cordially by the hands."” We give full details to-day of the proceedings of the Assessors Convention at Cleveland, Ohio. The object of these officials appears to bo to equal ze and arrange the taxes on certain articles which come under their jurisdiction in the collec- tion of the internal revenue, which purpose they conceive can be best achieved by their combined wisdom in general assembly convened. They have made some really important sugges- tions to Congress on the regulation of taxes upon various articles of manufacture. They looked a little into the qnestion of an increase of their own saleries, indulged in a * game dinner’’ at the Hotel D’ Angier, whore they met; passed a vote of thanks to the hospitable landlord, participated in a fervent prayer, offered up by the chaplain, and adjourned sine die; not, however, without accomplishing a good deal to- wards the fair equalization of taxes, and throwing much light upon the system whereby they are to be collected under the Internal Revenue law. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The Morning Star brings important news from Mexico and St. Domingo, with advices from Ha- vana to the 15th of December. From Mexico we learn that Goneral Comonfort was murdered by his own countrymen, and that the new Franco-Maximilian regency was virtually dissolved by the action of the Archbishop of Mexico city. The Archbishop insisted on the restoration of the church property which had been confiscated and distributed by Juarez. This was refused; so his Grace not only retired from the royal council, but excommunicated every person—French and Mexican—who opposed him, from General Bazaine and General Almonte down to the drummer boys of the “ liberating’? army. The cathedral doors being closed against the parties, Goneral Nogre surrounded the building with three thousand French soldiers, and, planting his cannon at the door, demanded admission within a certain time. The Archbishop admitted the pious bellige- Fonts, officiated at mass, and gave them the Episco- pal benediction. General Dobiado, Governor of Guanajuato, had declared for Juarez. Guadala- §ara was besieged by the Mexican imperialist forces. Generals Mojirs, Berthier and Bazaine had @dvenced the Franca Mexican army to importaat positions, Govern r Vidaurri was hostile to Sueren. ‘The latest retorts from St. Domingo, by way of Havana, rspresent the Spanish troops as making @ stee dy advance towards the heart of the dasurrection ‘and likely to subdue it. Havana was agitated by a row at the Tacon theatre. A schooner, laden with cotton, arrived @t Havina from Mobile on the 15th instant, ‘The #Vock market ruled lowo again on Saturday, and the Impresion is popular that tho bears are bringing out their Yatteries to reduce prices. There was vory little doing at Ane gold exchange, and prices were down to 151%. Money again in active demand on Saturday, but lenders do are to put up the rate of intorest for first class paper the face of the prospective increase in the volume of *y by the introduction of the interest bearing notes, mont stocks were firmly held, but tho transactions Wore light, ‘Thoro was very little change tn the markets on Ratur. ay. Tho absence of radical changes in gold rendered the Market quiet for most commodities, but holders were frm: At the Preavee scyonge Were pe 8 mates trade in flour and grain. Provistons were pretty active and higher, particularly pork, the ales of which were rather heavy. Groceries were quiet but firm for every- thing. Cotton wns rather irregular, but on the whole lower. Potroleum was more active for crude, which was rather betier, but dull for refined. Freights continued dull and heavy. Our Presidential Candidates, from Jack- son to Grant. In the Tribune of Friday last poor Grecley made a most conspicuous display of his utter ignorance of the political history of his own country. The subject which he selected for this display was a particularly unfortunate one; for it happens that everybody else, and es- pecially every other politician, is pretty well informed about the facts of which poor Greeley thus confessed himself ignorant. It is there- fore from pity for the Tribune philosopher that we shall now take the trouble to repeat what all the rest of the world knows. Greeley has always been the object of our tenderest inter- est and compassion; and, since the unkind fates have placed bim in an editorial position for which he is utterly incompetent, we will again give him the benefit of our knowledge and ex- perience, so that he may avoid any such stupid blunders in the future. The point upon which we now have to in- struct our unfortanate contemporary ia in re- gard to the Heratp’s Presidential candidates. Poor Greeley asserts that our candidates are always defeated, and ventures to speak of this paper in these words:—“Its embrace hav- ing always been sure destruction to the unfortunate candidates upon whom it forced its favors, one would think any sol- dier or civilian who might venture to aspire to the Presidential chair would, the moment it proffered him its aid, cry out, ia the words of the Spanish proverb, ‘Deliver me from my friends, and I will take care of my enemies.’” The grammatical construction of this sentence is not of the best; for it is not very clear whether the Heranp or “the Presidential chair” proffers its aid to the candidate. The mistakes in fact are much more important, however, than the misiakes in grammar, and the malice and the ignorance of poor Greely are very apparent, even if his meaning is not. A lesson in politi- cal history will do him far more good than a lesson in syntax. We began our political life about forty years ago. In 1826 we nominated Jackson and Cal- houn, with Van Buren for the succession, in a paper published in this oity, and called the National Advocate. Our articles attracted universal attention, and—poor Greeley to the contrary notwithstanding—Jackson and Cal- houn were elected two years afterwards. In 1832 we advocated the renomination of Jackson; and it may surprise poor Greeley to learn that Jackson was re-elected. In 1836 we brought out Van Buren, farin advance of the politicians; and, although poor Greeley knows nothing about it, still it isa historical fact that Van Buren was elected President. In 1840 we excited a tremendous popular enthusiasm for Harrison, and elected him in spite of the politicians, who revenged themselves by boring him to death in a month. This may be strange to poor Greeley; but it is true, nevertheless. In 1844 we supported Polk; and if poor Greeley bas any memory at all he will recollect that Polk was elected. We nomi- nated General Taylor long before the next election came off; and if poor Greeley will consult any standard history of the United States be will learn that General Taylor was elected in 1848. The politicians killed him, as they killed Harrison. In 1852 wo gave our support to Pierce, and perhaps poor Greeley may remember that Pierce was elected by a tremendous majority. We are sorry to add that Pierce was a great failure as a President. He would not have been eo had he taken our advice; but he was very foolish and very un- grateful, and he hath his reward. Thus far, from our first entrance into politics down to the term of poor Pierce, we have had to record a series of successes, All of our candidates were elected, and the most of them were morally certain of an election as soon a8 we brought them before the country. In 1856, however, we came out for Fremont, and he was defeated. Singularly enough, we owe this sole defeat to the treachery of poor Greeley himself; for Fremont would undoubt- edly have been elected had not Greeley played him false. If Fremont had been elected we should have had no rebellion and no civil war; and thus Greeley is responsible for the very inception of our present troubles. However, we foresaw Fre- mont’s defeat some time before the election; and, knowing what we do of James Buchanan and his administration, we are not st all sorry that we supported the Pathfinder who could not find the path to the Presidency. In 1860 we had no candidate. Lincoln was elected; and Greeley may have all the credit of that election, and welcome. We do not claim any of it. It is enough for us that we knew that the abolitionists would gain power unless Provi- dence and the people intervened, and that we warned the country of the terrible calamities which now overshadow the land and deluge it with fratricidal blood. This brings our politi- cal record down to the present day. We ad- vise poor Greeley to study it attentively, and carefully compare it with his own. Upon what one of our candidates has our “embrace” brought “sure destruction?” What one of poor Greeley’s candidates, whether successful or un- successful, has not uttered the prayer of the proverb, “Save me from my Tribune friend?” Now, in 1863, we nominate General Grant, and we intend to elect him in 1864. We nomi- nated General Jackson two years before the election, and the people ratified our nomination. We nominated General Taylor while he was yet upon the banks of the Rio Grande, and the peo- ple did not forget the old hero at the polls. We nominated General Grant while he stood upon the heights of Chattanooga; and does poor Greeley think the people so fickle as to forget this great soldier and his great exploits in the space of a few brief months? Can the dictum of political conventions erase Grant’s name from the popular heart and blot his brilliant victories from the pages of history? Why, even Greeley himself says, “Wo have the high- est appreciation of the services of General Grant;” and again, “We belicve there can be scarcely any limit set to the powers of on- durance of the man who could storm Fort Donelson, vanquish Sidney Johnston at Shiloh, circumvent Pomberton at Vicksburg, and pass unscathed through the tempest of shot and shell at Chattanooga.” Can the bankrupt and dis- banded politicians eclipse that record? We do- sire them to attempt it, with Greeley at their head. Above all, we desire Greeley not to assiat us in electing Grant. We can overcome his opposition, but not his co-operation. He would certainly prove fxencherous s* he did with Fremont, and defeat might possibly ensue. Let the Tribune philosopher support Wendell Phillips; or, as negroes are more to his taste, let him bring out Fred. Dougiass, and strengthen his ticket with Chase’s greenbacks. The whole country is heartily responding to the nomina- tion of General Grant; and mere politicians must have no hand in the business; The Ohesay peake Affair—The Rlot. As our readers doubtless already know, the Chesapeake was captured by the United States gunboat Ella and Annie in Sambro harbor, on the Nova Scotian coast, on Thursday last. Yea- torday we gave a statement of the events that immediately followed her capture, Taken to Halifax by the gunboat that captured her, she was there, on Saturday, given up to the British authorities, as she had been taken within the jurisdiction of British laws. Some of the pirates captured with hor were given up at the same time, and these, while in the custody of the provincial authorities, were rescued by a mob composed, to at least some extent, of “promi- nent citizens” of the place. Ta this matter there are several points that it is worth while for the people of the United States to keep ia remombrance against the day of sct- tlement, when wo shall come to understand what our relations with England are. First, we are to remember that the Chesapeake pira- cy, like every other crime against our com- merce that bas been committed under cover of this war, was arranged on British soil and com- mitted by British subjects. It does not appear that a Southerner was concerned in the seizure of the Chesapeake; but it was wholly done by a party of men of the kind known as Bluc Noses—meon with the cold blood and feeble circulation of reptiles—in other words, na- tives of the British province of Nova Scotia. Next, it is to be remembered that when these blue nosed pirates ran the vessel into British waters, in the same province of Nova Scotia, the blue nosed people of that province pur- chased the cargo at prices which show their complicity in the outrage as the receivers of its fruits—flour at three dollars per barrel and sugar at as many cents per pound as dollars are paid for it in the Southern States. And thirdly, it must not be forgotten that after the pirates had been caught, at great expense to our government, and were in the hands of the officers of justice, they were rescued by “prominent citizens” of the priacipal city of the same province and set at liberty. Above twenty five yoars ago two emigrant ships were wrecked on the coast of New Jer- sey, and a story was started that the emigrants had been robbed by the people who lived near. Upon that slight basis the people of Eng- land bestowed an opprobrious epithet upon the people of that part of New Jersey, and have called them Barnegat pirates ever since. How bad a name, then, to be proportionate, ought we to give to the people of Nova Scotia, who thus exhibit against us their sym- pathy with these wretches, and who make heroes of common murderers and pirates and rescue them from. the hands of their own authorities? We are unable to furnish the name that should do justice to the subject, and perhaps, also, it may be wise to reserve the name until we learn, by way of the English press, whether or no this is not some new avatar of British justice and the British love of fair play. More Bronpews or Secretary Weties—Tox Conprriox or Our Navy.—The loss of the Day- light, though occasioned by a revel sbfll ex- ploding in her magazine, is, in a » at tributable to Mr. Welles’ stupidity. In the Grst place, it is a well known fact that her maga- zine was above the water line and greatly ex- posed; and, in the second place, had the Navy Department been possessed of common sense they would have long ago built vessels fit for such service—vessels of light draft and high speed—and then our blockaders would not have been obliged te run under the fire of batteries to catch the blockade runners. Nearly three hundred millions have been, or will be soon, spent by the Navy Department since the war began ; but we cannot seo as yet any of the good results which might be expected from such a large expenditure. The light draft gunboats are a failure; they Toll on an average twenty-four times per minute in a sea way. The first batch of double- enders are like crabs going sideways—in fact, any way but the right one. The new screw sloops have lesa power than vessels of three hundred tons leas burthen, while the new batch of double-enders, if the performance of the Agawam is a sample, cannot make any head- way in an ordinary gale of wind, and must seek a port under their lee. Had a sensible man, such as General Grant would have selected, been at the head of the Navy Department, and been provided with the same amount of money, we should have bad to day the finest navy in the world. Halifax A Court or Inquiry ror Pregipent Liv- coLx.—In his recent and already famous report General Halleck not only finds fault with all our generals excepting Grant and Gillmore, but he also directly and indirectly accuses the President of military blunders and mismanage- ment. We suppose that each of the generals thus attacked will call for a court of inquiry, and have the whole matter investigated. But, as we have a great liking for President Lin- colo, and believe him to be a very good natured and good bumored personage, we suggest that he be permitted to have the first court of in- quiry upon his own case. This is due, not only to his distinguished position, but also to the fact that he is the object of the gravest charges which General Halleck makes. If the Presi- dent fools innocent, he should certainly be per- mitted to prove his innocence and show who is really to blame; and it would not be a bad idea if Grant and Gillmore, the only generals whom Halleck condescends to praise, should bé allowed to compose the gourt. The diffe- rence in military rank between them and tho President might be waived under the circum- stances. All the other generals, including Mo- Clellan, Fremont and Rosecrans, would Lare to be summoned a& witnesses. We should very much like ¢@ publish the report of euch « trial. Rewors 1 Panis.—It is ramored in the gay capital of France that Napoleon the Third has serious thoughts of annulling his decree of the 24th of December, granting the freedom of dis- cussion to the French Chambers. We place no Teliance In these reports, as we feol assured the Emperor is too wise a man to attempt ao dan- gerous a move. It would be tantamount toa confession of weakness and fear. Those of Na- poleon’s counsellors who urge him to this step show a great lack of wisdom. Their advice will sgaroely prove Tux Poxrrican, Newesis at Worx.—The facts that have been brought to light in the Sickel cutoff case, coupled with the practical demon- stration which we have had in that of the Chesapeake of the worthlessneas of the new gunboats built for the Navy Department, have aroused such @ general feeling of indignation as to lead to a vigorous effort for the removal of Secretary Welles. In this, we understand, not only our most influential merchants, but the leading conservative men of both political parties will join. Superadded to incompetency of the most glaring character, @ case can now be made out in which it will be shown that the mismanagement by which the commerce of the country bas suffered so severely is chargeable to something worse than stupidity and ignorance. The pressure that will be brought to bear on the Executive will be very great, and by any other man would not be disregarded; but we anticipate no result from the movement. The fatuity and imbecility of Mr. Lincoln, where his personal partialities are concerned, pass all beliof. What is to be done with a man who allows such influences to interfere with his duty to country? Had he a spark of tho’ patriotism attributed to him be would long since have dismissed from office the white bearded old fool who nominally presides over the Navy Department, but who is the mere catspaw of such men as Fox, Lenthall and Isherwood, now being pilloried in our courts. We abandon “Honest Old Abe” aa a hopeless case. We have puffed him, we have praised bim, and have helped him in every way, but can get no good out of him. To use one of his own homely similes, he ia a crooked stick, that cannot be bent, and that will have to be broken, Strong as is the evidence that will be laid before him of the corruption and incompetency of his pets of the Navy Department, we repeat that it will bave no effect on Mr. Lincoln. To the $150,000,000 already squandered on bad vessels we shall go on adding $150,000,000 more. It is only the old story repeated of Rome burning while Nero is fiddling. What does it sig- nify that the flames of our captured merchant- men light up the ocean, and that the rebels receive regutarly their foreign supplies, pro- vided that “Honest Old Abe” can crack his jokes and Father Welles stroke his beard undistur}ed? We must go on grinning and enduring until “the coming man” kicks down this pleasant edifice of self-delusion. With the induction of General Grant into the Presidency, however, we may look for a general scattering of the rats who bave been gnawing at and un- dermining the foundations of the country’s prosperity. Tue Frencw Journars Consiper A Genenan War Iumtent.—The semi-official press ef Paris seom laboring under the impression that a general war must ensue in Europe. These journals heap bitter reproaches upon England for her course towards France, and assert that upon ber must fall the blame for all the unfortunate events which seem inevitable. A war in Europe could in no way injure our interests; in fact, we may say that a general struggle in the Old World could but advance our prosperity. All danger of intervention in our affairs would of course coase, and we should become the groat maritime Power. We should have to do the ecommerce of all the world. In view of these important events we shall need a firm and powerful intellect at the head of our government—a man who shall prove equal to the emergenoy; and no-one will be better able to assume the great responsibility of direct- ing the affairs of this country than General Grant. That this is the opinion of the people will be proved by the unanimity with which they will clect the General to the next Presl- dency. Stons or Tax Trurs.—It is commented upon in Europe that at this moment Napoleon the Third is making advances to Prussia. The Em- peror is at the Palace of Compiegne, where, it is remarked, the Prussian Ambassador is kept as @ guest longer than is customary, while Lord Cowley, Queen Victoria’s representative at the French court, has not as yet been invited to Compiegne. This may seer matter of small moment to those who are not aware that in Paris.every movement of the Emperor is scanned for the purpose of discovering some political meaning in it, and that Napoleon, aware of this fact, conveys much to the public in this manner. The French journals assert that, as England is doing all’ in her power to form an alliance with Austria, France must seek elsewhere for friends. All this bodes no good to the general peace in Europe. Tas Last Errorts or Tus Resetiton.—The traitors of the South acknowledge that unless they can accomplish a loan and a conscription by April their cause is lost. The loan must be for one thousand millions of dollars, and the draft of ali males between the ages of fifteen and fifty-five, and not less than half a million will meet the emergency. With a currency worth only seven or eight conts on the dollar and an exhausted population, how can the rebels hope to escape the ruin inpending over them. The handwriting is on the wall. AGrawp Mutant ann Orsraric Concent will be given by the TWenty second regiment at the Academy of Music on the 29th. The members of the regiment and their friends are making every effort to give brilliancy and success to the affair. Madame D’Angri and a number of other distinguished artiste are engaged for the occasion. Andre Froment, for three years Alderman of the Twonty- first ward, took place yesterdsy afternoon from St. James’ Lutheran church, in East Fifteenth street, be- tween Second and Third avenues. The respect in which the deceased geotioman was held was exhibited in the humerous attendance at the religious ceremonies. The ‘Tammany Society,of which he was a valued member, attended asa body. The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Southern New York of the Order of Odd Fellows, of which he was @ past grand mester, also attended to full forces, and the emocratic Genoral Committco were eso present, together with a Numerous representation from the Common Counc!i, After (he religious ceremonies the various societics and friends of the deceased.official form- ed im procession and marchod to the place of burial in follow ing order — Gran! Lodro of Southern New York, 1. 0.0.F., ander ‘Gupervision of Grand Marshal Thomas Walsh. Geeloty of qe Keg eg , under the Clergymes and Physicians. | PALL CRARRRA Pals. PRARERD. Past Grand Sire Joba A. Past Grand Sire Joba ¥, Charles dorset Pani ‘Delavan, Horgan Jones Soke Murrey,” Brandon, MM. T. Brennas, iyab F, Purdy, ‘Win. M. Tweed. News from California. thipa Laurence, for Liverpool, wlth 34,000 sac Rafled, ships Laurence, for Liverpool, of wheat, QC, Grat, for Liverpool, with 80,000 sacks of wheat. San Fraworco, Dec. 20, 1863. a Arrived, steamers Bt. Louis and Moses Taylor, from ‘anama. the arrival at Acapulco of the ships J. @. souygrined wud Piscatagua from Pailadelobia, Fine Arts. EXHIBITION OF MODERN OIL PAITINOS. Ab the ola Dusseldorf Gallery in Broadway there ts at Present on oxhivition @ begutiful coliection of off paint- fogs, the property of John Wolf, Esq. Thore are algo cx- hibited some excellent water color drawings, ‘These, a8 ‘Woll a6 the of} paintings, are by the most colobrated mas- tera of the Freuch, German and American schools. The Owner Of these chefs d'eeuvre has modestiy abstained from aby Cummeat in the catalogue upon the merit of the i ‘erent artista whose works (igure in the collection, H> simply refers to the fact that in the ‘ Nouvelle Biogra- phie Generale,” the ** London Art Journal’ and ‘+ Mon of the Times" (Amertoan oditioa) critical notices of the said artiste may be obtained. We find all the most cole- brated painters of England, France aod Germany admi rably reprosented in this coMection, which Mr. Wolf- certainly displayed great taste and tact in forming Among the most romarkable paintings of tho French school ts * The Smoker,’ by Metasonier, a work pos- sessing that extraordinary merit which has made this artist's reputation world wide. The oxquisite finish of tho figure, the admirable coloring, 80 peculiarly the style Of Motasonior, ali stamp this little werk a chef-d’wuvre, Near this paintiog 48 « most remarkable sketch or study, by Paul .Delarocho— Christ Tempted on the Mount,’’ ‘The figure of Satan ia wonderful for its attitude, 0 ox- pressive, 60 powerfully drawn. An admirable Diaz, “Flours a’ Amour,’ ia also noticeable in this collection. It fe Apished with moro,than the usual care of the artist, but at the eame time possesses that oxtraordinary wealth of coloring which distinguishes bis works. We deem it one of bis most successful efforts. A Delacroix—‘ Ihe ‘Sydvaa Bath"—attracts much attention. It is ia tho ox- aggerated but masterly style of the artist. Tho bold outlines, the vigor of the drawing, tho peculiar coloring, aro allin his happiest vein, The Tryon paintings—two in number—are admirabie. This artist is considered in Paris the rival of Rosa Bouhour ag a painter of domestic animals, and her superior as regards the foish of his paintings. Hits landscapes are remarkablo, The largest painting in this colloction by a Fronch Qrtist is Brion’s ‘ Brittwy Peasants at Prayers.” This work was oxbibited in Parta at the Palais d’industrie, {o 1860, and was univorgally admirod. Tho drawing ta excellent, tho coloring really admirable, Thero are ma- ‘oy othor beautiful works among tho collection by French artists which we lack space to mention tn detail, The works by English masters aro of tho highost or der, No. 31, by T. S. Cooper, A. R. A.—a“« Flock of Wolsh Shoep with Mountain Sceuory’’—is remarkabio for {ts coloring and finish. Every detail is natural—so woil oxecuted, there Is broadth and force in this painting—ite Perspective is porfoct Near this hangs a similar work by R. Ansdei— A Scone in tho Highlands of Scotland.” This Painting ia also most admirably finished. The animals are to a dogree lifo-liko. A beautiful tableau by Turner—‘ Crossing the Brook’? —1a much admired. This was probably a study tor tho celobrated picture in the National Gallery ia London. ‘Thoro aro othor paintings, by Hagho, Brodio, Peolo, aad Heering, Sen , which*are also works of groat merit. Tho German school is admirably roprosonted ta Mr. Wolf's collection. Sobn’s “ Diana Surprised by Acteon’’ is exquisitely colored, aud finished with that olaborate care which Is pecullar to German art. A most boautiful conception, admirably executed, is Steinbruck’s “Kives."? ‘Tho subject is from a German fairy romance, and is troated most successfully, Horo, again, we find wondor- ful attention paid to dotaila, Tho coloring of this work is admirably true to nature. A Gudo—* Early Morning in tho Mountains of Nor- way’ is in this artist's boat stylo. At tho last exhibition {a Paris Gude was the recipient of a first clags modal. * The tableau above mentioned is romarkable for its out- linos and perspoctive—tno mist rising from the vallcys, tho light upon the mountain tops, aro all roadered with a Gdclity to nature truly wonderful, This ts cortainly a remarkablo painting. We lack spaco to netice othor tab- loaux by Gorman mastors. We may, howover, add that thoy are all moritorious works, ‘Thore are in this colloction some remarkable patotings by Duton and Boigisa artists. Verbockhoven's ‘* Sheop- fold” is a chef-d’auvre for nish and color. Tho light and suade are per‘oct. There are sevoral gems in this collection from the same masterly poncil. ‘“ Milton and hia Daughtors”’ ts an admirable painting by De Keysor. ‘There is breadth and boldncas in the drawing ; the color- ing is admiredlo, The face of tho poot, who ia dictating, iegrand, This ls one of tho finest tableaux in the col- lection. ‘Tho American school tg @bly represented. Hlackloy's “Cattle Secking Shelter from an Approaching Storm,” Hay’s “Birds,” Gignoux's“ Wintor Landscape,” and Colo’s “Landscape,” Durand’s ‘Ciassic Italy,” and G. Stuart's edmirable portrait of Gea, Washington are among the most noticeable of these works. Thoy are paintings of meritand worthily Ggure among @ collection of foreign chef d'coweres. Trumbull’s miniature of Goneral Washington, enclosed in 8 gold lockot, and some admirable water color draw- (ngs, which wo havo not space to notice, also form @ part Of the collection which Mr. Wolf is now exhibiting for the bonofit of the ‘ Woman's Hospital and Child's Nursory."’ Nowhere cau an hour or two be passed more agrocably than In visiting these tableaux. The whole of this valuable collection will be disposed Of om Tuesday and Wednesday, Decomber 22 an4 23. Mr. Leeda ws the auctioneer. GOUPIL'S GALLERY—NEW STATUARY. ‘Thore are at presont on exbibition at Goupil’s several now pieces of statuary. Foremost among these is a ‘work by our countryman, Paimer, entitled “ Peace in Bondago.”” It is exquisitely modeliod, and has but one fault—it is not in the round. It would be impossible to convey in marble more of natural feoling than we find in the features of the single figure represented in this re- liero, While the exprossion is that of the deepest men- ta! distress, it is mado to contribute to, and not, as is but too frequently the case, to detract from, tho beauty of the face, which ia of a type of its own, and not borrowed from classical models. In the design and manipulation of the othor parts of the figure the samo grace and delicacy Provail. It isa pity that the sculptor did not bestow on & fall statue the study and labor which this work must have cost him. As it is, it deserves to rank with the most successful of his productions. A‘* Nydia," by Ro- gers, in tho samo collection, will also command admira- tion. It ts a work Of great-boldnosa, the attitude being one of the moat dificult that 9 sculptor can attempt. Io tho management of this, as weil a3 of the drapery, which is bolog blown about in every direction by the breeze, great skill is displayod. Tho whole conception is striking. ly original, and revoals an earnest desire to got rid of the conventionalisms of art. In tho same room are two figures by Rogsotti—* Eamoralda’’ and “ Tho Circassian Slave." They have all the usual characteristics of this sculptor, who ia of the idea! school, and oultivates postic rather than natural effects. To be thoroughly appreciat 04, both works require to be judged by tho objects aimed at, which, though not im accordance with the matorialis Uc notions of the day, are strictly consonant to tho prio- ciples of high art. SORUSSELE'S AMERICAN INVENTORS. A large picture by Schussele, entitled «‘ Men of Pro- gress," is among the othor novelties at Goupil’s. It representa & group of nineteen American inventors who have benofites the world by their discoveries. Those are Dr. W. T. G. Morton, Jamos Bogardus, Samual Volt, Cyrus Hall, McCormick, Joseph Saxton, Charlos Good- yoar, Poter Cooper, Jordan L. Mott, Joseph Henry, Eli phalot Nott, John Ericsson, Frederick KE. Sickles, Samuel F, Morse, Honry Burden, R. M. Hoo, E. B, Bigelow, Isaiah Jonnings, Thomas Bianchard end Elias Howo, Tho figures Gre well composed, and the likenesses in general excel- lent. In tone and atmosphere thore is but little fault to be found, the geggral oifect being as barmonious and natural as can be desired. The work bas been engraved, and tho prints will speedily be ready for dolivery, Personal Intelligence. Fon. J. P. shor and tady, of Washington, Col. J. R. Morgan, of Now Jerecy. W. D, Seweli, of Boston, and J. f, — Of Sap Francisoo, are stopping at the Astor ruse. Hon. D. W. Foorhies, of Indiana; Jadge Dickey, of Mt- rasbington; ©. W. Armetrong, of Peonsyivania, are re jant wy ‘servan' ‘ina, Bonito idan tod Cre) : vt ib rie and lady, ‘and 3 Bal Bulk The Neal, B ree Wk jens, Cant Jausoe Nic Walier Wasumcrom, Dec, 20, 1863. THE OONORESSIONAL HOLIDAY ADJOURNMENT. Both branches of Congress will probably adjourn oa Wednesduy unti tho second week in January. There are now three or four bills to be reported from the com- mittees upon which action cannot be delayed. Tho billa in relation to the revenue taxes, the Eorolment act, and for the punishment of conspiracy, must be paased at the earliest possible moment; alter which Congress will oudtiess devote tts altontion to business in @ more leisurely mauner Vory litte business of importance is expected to be done by Congress before the recess for the holidays, Some bills of importance may be presentod; but few of the committees havo yet gone regularly to work upon the business before them. THE PROPOSED AMENDM {NTS TO 1M: EN KOLMENT AOTs It i understood that tho majority of the Committee om Military Afairs in the House are opposed to repealing the commutation clause in the Enrolment act. aa reported from the Senate Committee. Senator Wilson speaks of bis intention to offer an amendment authorizing entiat- menta in the rebel States to be credited to the quotas of the States the offices from which precure the now re oruita, whether white or black. Mombors o! Congrese are receiving large numbers of letters containing suggea- tions and opinions relative to the proposed changes in the Eprolment act. THE TROPOSED INORKASR OF TAK ON TOBAO LIQUORS, RTO. It (3 understood that the Committee on Ways and Moana will rep rt to the House to-morrow aa important bill increasing the revenue tax upon articles of luxury. This tax, it ia reported, will amount to thirty conts per pound on leaf tobacco, thirty couts por gallon on malt liquors, eighty conts on whiskey, and thirty cents por bushel on malt. An effort will be made to pasa this bill immediately, in order to bave its provisions go into offect on the 1st of January, though it is hardly probable that the bill will be disposed of without important amendimonts after its reaches the House for final action. THE FUNERAL OF GENERAL BUFORD, Tho fonoral of M jor Goneral Buford took place bere to-day, at tho church of Rey. Dr, Gurley. The escort, composed of a regimont offinvalids, two sections of artil- lery and a +quadron of cavairy, moved down Fourteonts Strect and along Peansylvania avenue to the depot, where where tho body was taken in charge by Captaiu Bacon, Assistant Adjutant General Keogh, Captain Wadsworth and Lioutenant Morrow, nides-de-camp of the General, and conveyed to West Point by a special train, The General's favorite horse, “Grey igie,'’ was led behind the hoarse, A large number of officers on borseback joined in the procession, and the sidewalks wore completely obstruct. ed by the dense throng. All the flags wore at balfmaag, and boils tolled as the procession moved through the city. Secretary Stanton and wife and Major General Hal. Tock were prosont at the funcral. There was scarcely @ dry eye in the house when Dr, Gurley recounted the sere vices of the deceased, Chapiain Gracie made a most eloquent prayer, and the whole services wero of the most impressive and ; ffecting character, ‘The last words of General Buford, in a atate of semi- delirium, were highly characteristic of the man and the, eoldior. With the energy of delirtum, be exclaimed, with bis last bresth:—‘Sond for the brigade com- mandors; put guards on all these roads, aud keep those mon trom going to the rear."” Mrs, Buford rose from a sick bed to reach this city On ber way tho sleeping car which sho occupied took fire, and the excitement attending this added to ber nervous excitement. To-day her system was eo utterly prostrated that she was unable to attend the funeral or accomp:ny the remains to their last resting place. Sergeant Moore, bugler of the Second United States cavalry, who entered that rogiment as a boy, and bas been the favorite orderly of the Gonoral ever since he was made brigadier, and Sergeant Tully, of the same regiment, have been detailed to accompany the body to Wost Point, The General had suffered {rom chronic dysentery ever since the famous Utah expedition, in which bo took @ most active part, and experienced the most severe of ite rigors. Many of the old officers of hie regiment are laboring under the same affliction, and of the Weat Point class to which be belonged only six are now alive, Among the mourners wore Brigadior General Wesley Merritt, now commanding Buford’s division; Col. ‘Chapman, of the Third Indians cavalry, commanding the First brigade; Captain M. F. Halo, Chiof of Stall; Lieut. Jerome, Signal Officer; Captain Winsor, Inspector Gea- eral; Surgoon Hard, and others of General Buford’s staff; Hon. Grees Clay Smith, a brother-in-law; Brig. Gen. im galls, Chief Qeprtermaster of the Army of the Potomac; Colonel Wyndham, and nearly all the cavalry officers of the army in town. The funeral was thé! largest and moat imposing of any that has over occurred in this city of avy genoral officer, and it was the spontaneous out. burst of respect to an able, faithful and patriot.c officer. ‘The special train left at twonty minutos past eight A. M. with the remains, It is the purpose of the First cavalry division to crect a splendid monument to the memory of their beloved general. THB EMANCIPATION BILL IN THE VIRGINIA LEGISLA> ‘TOURS. The joint committee of the Senate and Fieise of Dele-* gates of Virginia, at Alexandria, agreed last oighton @ Dill caliing @ convention for aboliehing slavery in that Stato, which will beypassed to-morrow. THE PRESS BANQUET TO SPEAKER COLFAX. Thirty gontlomen were present at the complimentary dinner to Speaker Colfax last night. Thoy were connected with the prominent journais of the country, ana were of various political opinions. It was @ pleasant and harme. nious gathering. Samuel Wilkeson, Fsq., presided, an@ atthe conclusion of bis remarks proposed a sentiment which elicited from Speaker Colfax @ brief, appropriate, cloqnent nnd patriotic speech , in which be eaid the House of Representatives had chosen newspapet men for Speaker, Cierk and Postmaster—a good share for tho profession; and that in the Senate it was nearly the same way, the Vice President, the Secretary and Sergeant-st-Arme coming in for the highest elective honors, Ile concluded by offering the sentiment, “The American Press.’* If inspired by patriotism, morality and humanity, ® cannot fail to develop constantly increasing power Vigor, @fd consequent independence, Representatives Brooks and Paltwin, Senator Anthony, Superintendent of Public Printing Defrees, and Clerk of the House Mci’hers son afforded mach pleasure to the company by their responses to the calls npon them. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF THE DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA. Tho first National Bank of this city will commence to- morrow with the issue of notes recently prepared by the Troagury Department for circulation by such institutions, Coroners’ Inques! A Soto: Kitten at His Post.—An inquest was bold yesterday, by Coroner Ranney, at No. 26 Commeres street, upon the body of Simpson Darragh, a member of Company L, Second New Jersey cavalry, who was kille@ by anon commissioned officer named August L. Schalts, ‘Tho regiment to which deceased belonged was stationed at Bellaire, Obio, at the time of the tragedy. He was doing guard daty thero, it appears, when Schuita camo along and or ‘him on’ some other duty, and be- cause the order was pot complied with ran him through the body with a sabre. The body was forwarded to this city for burial; and, the fac's coming 10 the knowledge of the Coroner, an inquest was beid be ey hd already stated, The jury rendered a verdict of « tb from the effects. of & eabre wound at the hands of August L. Bobultz, Commissary of Company L. Scoond New Jersey oavalry. Further, we find that the injury was infleted upoa #n unarmed private, without just provocation,’* Deceased was about oix! years of ogo, and was@ general favorite in the company. Hits death created cv. sidorable feeling against Schultz, and at ove time it was feared that tho soldiers would sleze the perpetrator ep@ lynch him, © trophe on the Ohio River, ee , Dec. 20, 1863.