The New York Herald Newspaper, February 12, 1864, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. SAMBS GORDUN BENNETR, EDITOR AND PROPRILTOR OF POD NM. W, COKNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS, Volume XXIX ANUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. ACADEMY OF MUSIC.—Tom Orgra—Favsr. NIBL"S GARDBN, Broaqway.—Coyxtx Soooam WALLACK’S THEATRE, dway.—Rosmpare. Pi. tied GARDEN, Broadway.—Ticeer or Lusve an OLYMPIC PARATRE, Rroaaway.—Forires or 4 Nigut—~ Tis Yuxatep Ike Thovatore, NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1864, the Indian Ocean. Atone time she hed twenty- five men sick on board. She left Singapore on the 24th of December, and subsequently, in the Straits of Malacca, burned the American ships Sonors and Highlander and the British ship Martaban. The Florida, Georgia and Rappahannock were ra- pidly completing their fittings and repairs in France. Joho Bright, M. P., had delivered some very strong Union and anti-slavery speeches in England. General Magruder, of the rebel army in Texas, is announced as having arrived st Southampton, England, in the West India mail steamer Atrato, The ship Dreadnought, from Liverpool for New York, which was supposed to have been lout at sea, was at Fayal, disabled. Her captain (Lyttle) was killed during a storm. The opposition members in the French Legisla- ture, including M. Thiers, had denounced the ex- pedition to Mexico and recommended the with- KEW BOWERY THEATRE. Bowery.—Marsrra—Toaxe | drawal of the French troops. Maximilian was Pact SaN—ULocKMasTER 5 Hat, evidently in doubt as to his future action. Some BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Hovse mar Jax | Teports say he was just about to prepare to set Buiet—Apviox To HuseANDs—TRaiL OF Sim. BARNUM'S MUSEUM, Broadway.—Foun Quarts, Two Dw anys, Avrinos, Wuat Is 11, a0, a8 all bows, Hatyi— At3and7y P.M. BRYANTS' MINSTRELS, Mechapion Hall. 472 Broad: wey.—Brmiorian Soxas, Dances, Buatasquas, &¢.—Ma- wenn. WOOD'S MINSTREL WALI, StL Broadway —I sons. Dances, &c.—Amerrican Orees, Om! Huse, ANRRICAN THEATRE, No, 44 Broadway,—Bataxrs, Panromiuns, Buriasgurs. Ac.—Swiss Swaine, BI WAY AMPHITHEATRE, 435 Broadwav.—Gra- nasi ann Egcustiiax PERFORMANCES. Afternoon Evening. NIBLO'S SALOON, Broadway.—Eyousa Orsna—Ma- RITAN A. HOPR CHAPEL, 718 hroadway.—T: }OBCOPTIO co Binns or rim Usreensa 2a Sram ei PBRRAM'S, 585 Rroadway.—Srznroscorricon wp Min- ROR OF THE REBELLION. KEW YORK MUSEUM OF ANA‘ Broadway. (haounins any L3GrUnas. trom 7 0, Me UIE ee HOOLEY'S OPERA HOUSE, Brooktyn.—Eraioriag Foxes, Dances, BURLEsguns, 40. ‘ New York, Friday, Febr: ry 12, 1864. THE SITUATION. The scouts from Goveral Kelley's department are atill picking up deserters from the rebel army, in the mountains. General Crooke, from the Army of the Cumberland, has arrived in General Kelley's department, and will probably be as- signed to the command of Ge2eral Scammon, who was recently capturcd by the rebels. Some let- ters taken from the rebels throw much light upon the operation of the Conscripii nm law, all expres- sive of discontent, ard refer to fr quent collisions between the soldiers who are employed to enforce the law and the citizens who are resisting it. t It would sppear by despatches from St. Louis to Chicago that a powerful fleet is being fitted out on the Mississippi river by Admiral Porter. All the naval depots on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers are actively engaged in fitting out vessels. Advices from Vicksburg to the 6th represent everything going on favorably. Despatches from Newbern, N. C., to the 7th inst. state that the enemy continues to threaten our position there from various points. The iron- clad, which lies thirty-five miles above Newbern, on the Neuse river, at Kinston, is supposed to be prepared for a combination with the land forces threatening Newhern, She is regarded as a very formidable engine of war. The people at New- bera anticipated a long siege. We have some interesting news from East Ten- messee by way of Cincinnati. The communica- tions between Knoxville and Cumberland Gap Were reported to be cut off, and that nearly all of East Tennessee was iu the hands of the enemy. Theac rumors came from some persons who had arrived at Nashville; but we are not in possession of any news corroborative of the story. From the same quarter we learn that the Army of the Cumberland is in splendid condition. The rebels are still in large force at Dalton; but most | of the Kentucky and Teunessee regiments are said | to have been sent further South, lest they should be tempted to desert. out for Mexico; but they were denied by the Vienna correspondent of the London Times. It is asserted that the ‘Court of Miramon”’ has already entered into negotiations with France and England, and “‘indircotly with President Lincoln.” Consols closed in London on the 30th of January at 90% a 905% for money. The bullion in the Banka of England and France was increasing. The Paris Bourse was firm. The Liverpool cot- ton market was firmer, but unchanged on the 30th ult, Breadstuffs were dull, but steady. Pro- visions were steady. CONGRESS. The Senate yesterday passed the House bill ap- propriating $12,000 for rebuilding the President's stables, which were destroyed by fire om Wednes- day night, and, after disposing of several unimpor- tant subjects, took up the House bill reviving the grade of lieutenant general of the army, the ques- tion being on agreeing to the amendments of the Senate Military Committee, atriking out the clause authorizing the lieutenant general to command the armies ofthe United States, and also the clause re- commending General Grant for the position. Measrs. Trumbull, Doolittle, Richardson, Sherman and Howe supported the original House bill, as anact of justice to General Grant. They charac- terized the bestowal of the title without the com- mand incident to it as an empty honor conferred upon one who to-day had the homage of the people. Messrs. Johnson, Anthony, Nesmith, Wilson, Grimes, Lane (Ind.) and others were in favor of the amendments. Mr. Conness proposed to amend the bill by adding, ‘‘who shall be Gene- ral-in-Chief of the United States, under the direc- tion of the President, and who shall remain in chief command during the pleasure of the Presi- dent.’ Without coming to a vote, the Senate ad- journed. In the House of Representatives a bill appro- priating twelve thousand dollars to rebuild the President's stables, which were destroyed by fire on Wednesday night, was passed, and a bill appro- priating twenty thousand dollars to pay taxes on certain government lands was referred to the Com- mittee of the Whole. The select Committee ona Railroad between New York and Washington was instructed to inquire into the expediency of fur- nishing additional railroad facilities for the trans- portation of troops between the two cities. In Committee of the Whole the Enrolment bill was taken up, and a long debate ensued between the border slave Stutes members on the question of drafting slaves and indemnifyivg their owners. Mr. Stevens’ proposition to draft slaves and pay loyal owners three hundred dollars per head was the first point under consideration. Mr. Davis, of Maryland, offered as an amendment that the Secretary of War appoint a commission in each of the slave States represented in Congress charged to award a just compensation, not exceeding three hundred dollars, to each loyal owner of any slave who may volunteer in the service of the United States, payable out of the commutation money when ‘the master frecs the slave. ‘This amend- ment was adopicd after an unimportant verbal al- teration. During the discussion Mr. Fernando Wood made a speech, saying the rebel Congress was now debating propositions of peace, while the federal Congress was legislating in violation of the constitution. Mr. Cox, of Ohio, believed if Mr. Wood were sent on a mission to Richmond peace would be restored in sixty days. Finally the bill was reported to the House complete, and it will probably pasa to-day, when it will be sent to the Senate fur action ou the amendmeats. The tone of the Southern journals are som2- what boastful with re paign. The Richmond Eran Open with the most encouragin South. better armed and better diseiplin fore; that “the enemy is compictely ignorant of oor plan of operations. We have Smith and Magra- der instead of Holmes west of the Missixsi; Polk instead of Pomberton in the Southiwe: Jonhston instead of Bragg in the centre; Long- Gtroet in Tenuessee; Beauregard triumphant on the Southern seaboard, and Lee still invincible in Virginia. We have had no depressing disusters during the winter, and gunboats sud Monitors have alike lost their terrors. Surance that the year 1564 will ‘tunes of the predecessor.” It is also said that General and declares that if the aged to Beptember the greatest crisis will be passed. It is admitted now that the shot and shell from the Union batteries at Charleston are doing much mischief inthe lower portion of that city, which it will take much time and money to re Broad street appears to be the target for the | artillerists. The Daily Mail, of Montgomery, Ala., says that ‘amors of the evacuation of Richmond are gain- dog ground, and hints mysteriously that “there is | @ movement on foot which will create more con- to the spring cam- ys that it will Z auspices for the That the rebel armies will be stronger, ed than ever bee We have every as- ¢ the misfor- Lee war can most hopeful, prot nite | lup in a | Governor's meesag THE LEGISLATURE. In the Senate yesterday the Metropolitan Police , con aining the names of Messrs. Acton, Ber- gen, Purdy and Jones as Commissioners, was taken up in Committce of the Whole, being the special order. Different amendments were orfered, sub- stituting other names; but all these propositions were voted down. A spirited debate between democrats formed part of the proceedings, during which Senator Fields, of thin city, declared his willingness to support the Dill itt its present form. Sabsequently, learning that in the democratic caucus of the pre- previous cvening it had been resolved to oppose the bill, Mr. Fields declared his intention to op- pose it also and stand by his party. The Senate fivally reported progres# on the bill, and made it the special order again for one o'clock to-day. Seve- lls of no rral interest were acted upon. ice was given of a bill for the voluntary con- idation of all the railroads in this city. An evening session was held, which was wholly taken jon of the ciscussion of the conti In the Assembly the sion was ove ipied, aicr part of the day ses- Committee of the Wh over unimportant local bills, ‘The evening session wae spent in considering the Ni-gara 8I bill, Amendment: were agreed to that a majority of the directors shall be residents of this State; that the canal shall have capacity for vessels of oue thousand tons, and that it shall be commenced within two and completed within five years, A motion to strike out the enacting clause was pend- ing when the House adjourned. Another republican legislative cancus was held last night, to consider the question of substituting | @ternstion at Richmond than anything that has @ocurred during the war.’ EUROPEAN NEWS. The steamships City of Washington and C! from Queenstown, reached this port yesterda; with Earopean news dated tothe 3ist of January— @ix days tater. other democratic names in the Metropolitan Polive bill than those of Messrs. Purdy and Jones, the proceedings of the Senate yesterday having made ivest that the democratic members are de- 1 ned Lo oppose those gentlemen. No numes © positively settled upon in the caucus; but it ia understood that before the bill comes up again im the Senate to-day some other gentlemen will be The Gebleswig-Holstein question was still a sub- | 4£Teed upon as substitutes for Messrs. Pordy and fect of excitement and some alarm. The Danish Minister had left Vienne. Denmark had been jonen. Mayor Gunther has sent to Governor Seymour a letter enclosing cfidavits containing charges” @ummeoned to evacuate Schleswig, and her reply | srainst City Inspector Boole. ‘The Mayor calls -‘waa_ fo be given on the 30th ultimo. It was | the Governor's attention te the power possessed Wosght that a refusal would be followed ‘by an | by him for the removal of offivials. It is sid, how: @tvempt on the part of the Germanic allies to | ever, that Governor Seymour does not consider Oron the Eider, and should the attempt bé résist- the charges, a8 now prevented to him, «afficientto Sha war would be commenced. Ten thousand | justify him in ex -rcising :h’s power in the case of i bad passed through Hamburg. France Russia had concluded to unite with Englond the subject, leaving the matter of active ia- E troops, under comnand of the Crown | Mr. Boole. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. In the Maryland Senate, on the 10th inst., a spe- cial commtittee waa appointed in relation to the to England. Sweden, it was said, hed purchase of a portion of the Antietam battle with Denmark. ‘oined ‘The Hoglish magistrates had committed for trial the of machinery in Sheerness dock- |, on a charge of aiding the fitting out of the ground, and the erection of © monument to the memory of those who fell there. Commodore Wm. J. McCluny, United States Navy, died at his residence in Brooklyn yesterday. Rappahannock. The case of the alleged | At the time of his death he had been in the service Pampero was adjourned in the Scotch | fifty-two yearr. He entered the navy in 1812, and Our Bngtish flles contain inter ting re ourte. @orts of was an acting lientenant in the fight between the the Latest movements of the Alabama ia | Wasv and Frolic. He was attached to the Japan p Canal | brought an action expedition under Commodore Perry. From 1858 to 1860 he commanded the Home sqnadron. He had seen over twenty-one years’ ses service, and spent considerable of his time on shore and other duty. He was universally beloved and respected, and his loss will be severely felt among a large circle of friends. ‘The ammual election of the American Institute came off yesterday afternoon at the Cooper Union building. There were two tickets preseuted—oue with the name of Charles P. Daly for President, and the other with the name of William Hall. The latter ticket, however, was the successful one. The Board of Councilmen met at one o'clock. yesterday. The ordinance for the relief of the families of volunteers was amended to read that no relief shall be afforded to any person who was not a resident of this city at the time of the enlist- ment of the person on whose behalf the relief is claimed; nor shall any relief be afforded to any soldier belonging to the Invalid corps who is not credited to the quota of this city. The Mayor sent in a communication vetoing the resolution authorizing a special committee to make prepara- tions for the celebration of Washington's Birth- day, on the ground that the resolution leaves the appropriation blank. Mr. Webster offered » redo- lution to appropriate the sum of $7,000 for the parpose. Laid over. The resolution’ from the other Board authorizing the Comptroller to sell at public auction all expired leases of ferries, wharves, picrs and improved real estate belonging to the city was referred to the Committee on Ferries The ordinance from the Aldermen making the an- nual appropriations for various city purposes, in- cluding the payment of the interest on a portion of the city debt and the redemption of the princi- pal, was concurred in after along debate caused by Messrs. Jaques and Opdyke moving to strike out the sum of $597,570, inserted for the redemption of the bonds of the Union Defence Fund, which Con- gress is to be memorialized to reimburse to the city. The Board adjourned until Monday next, at one o'clock. During the trial of a cause inthe Superior Court yesterday, before Judge Monell, one of the wit- nesses, named Shepperd Plimpton, confessed to having sworn to an affidavit of the contents of which he was ignorant. Upon informing the Court that he was induced to do so by a lawyer named C. Fiske, the Judge remarked that it was evident that perjury had been committed, and that he would call the attention of the District Attorney to the fact,,so that the Grand Jury might indict the guilty party, and bring him to punishment. An action was commenced in the Court of Com- mon Pleas yesterday, before Judge Daly, by Her- man Starsburg and others, of No. 117 Chambers street, for the recovery of two thousand five hun- dred dollars, in consequence of the destruction by water of a lot of dry goods. It appears that the Croton water in one of the upper lofts, occupied by John A. Fisher, was left running after the store had been shut up for the night, and the water, finding its way tothe premises of the plaintiffs, damaged their goods to a large amount. The suit occupied the entire day, and when the honr of adjournment arrived the Court ordered the jury to bring in a sealed verdict this morning. 4 suit wos commenced in the Marine Court, be- fore Judge McCarthy, yesterday, by Letitia Mc- Nickles, of Washington, D. C., against the Union Defence Committee, of this city, for the recovery of four hundred and fifty dollars, alleged to have been due the plaintiff for boarding two companies of the Second regiment New York State Militia during 1861. The War Department, it appears, refused to pay the bill, and the colonel thought the best way to get out of the difficulty was to give the plaintiffan order on the Union Defence Committee. The latter declined to pay the bill, however, and hence the suit. The Court gave judgment for the defendants. The case of Geo. Hotchkiss against Richard M. Everett, for the recovery of $1,5 Heged to have been due the plaintiff on the charter of the schooner W. C. Atwater, engaged the attention of, Judge Peckhum, in the Supreme Court, circuit yesterday. The vessel, it appears, was chartered to go to Porto Rico and back, at the rate of $750 amonth. The trip is usually performed in two months or leas; but in inatance it took the Atwater four months to complete the voyage. The defendant objects to paying more than two months charter money, while the plaintiff, who was also a severe loser by the delay, insists that he shall. The jury were ordered to bringin a sealed verdict this morning. Henry 8. Lesyneki sued John Scudder, in the Court of Common Pieas, before Judge Brady, yes- terday, for a slanderous word, hiying dumages at two thousand dollars. The parties Jived in the one house, the defendant being the owner, and the plaintiff leasing the quarter portion of the prem- ises from him, A difficulty arose in regard to the use of a water closet, to which it appeared both parties bad access through different doors, and which the defendant had put, at the suggestion of the plaintiff. The latter, however, after some time, nailed up the door against defendant, which the latter broke open, and it was at the altefvation that ensued that defendant called the plaintiff! a “thief? or a “rogue.” Which epithet was applicd did not clearly appear. ‘The jury rendered a ver- dict for the defendant. ‘The’ Grand Jnvy of the United States Cirewt Court ceme into Court yesterday and presented indictments against thirty-six liqnor dealers for re- fusing to tuke out internal revenue licenses. Amongst other indictments presented by them were one for manslaughter, owe for enticing a soldier to desert, one for passing counterfeit postal cur- rency, one for passing an altered Treasury note, one tor murder ond some dozen besides tor other offence! Th upreme Court, general term, affirmed the | judgment of the lower court in the ease of William Wirt Deckert oga’nst the Camden and Railroad Company. Amboy The plaintiff, it appears, net the company to recover salary due him as preeident of the road from the 1st of September, 1957, to October, 1858, and got A verdict of $1,464 80. The defendants appealed from this judgment; but after a lengthy argument before Justices Leonard, Olerke and Satherland, , the verdict wes affirmed, “ourt of Genera! Sessions yesterday, be- fore City Judge A. D. Russel, Charles H. Walters ud guilty of murder in the first degree, the at for which is death, Tie prisoner was remanded for sentence, and the Conrt adjourned for the day. Several witnesses were examined yesterday at the court mertial, in Broome street, for the de- fence of Lieuteuaut Cole. The Surrog: yesterday edmitted to probate the wil, of William Flinn, deceased. The estate amounts to vbout foriy thousand dollar will contains a large bequest to the Roy lie Orphan Asylem. The contestants abandoned the oppesition to the will before the Surrogate, but will attack the will io a seit for its construc: Lion in the Suprem» Court. The namber GF inm vteriathe pobtic institutions of the city et present i- 6.4%+—9n increase of twenty-five im a week. The number admitted Inst week was 1,204, Last night the grand masked ball of the Arion Society took place at the Academy of Music. Our account of it is unavoidably crowded ont. ‘Vesre was @ moresctive trade in many erticles. of morchendice, chiefly domestic, yesterdsy, anda general enbancement of prices was the result, Foreign mer- chandise was held with much firmness; but there were lew changes worthy of record. On ‘Change there was but little activity in breadstutts; but a goog business was reported in provisions, which were generally firmer. Cotton was heavy. Groceries wore steady, Petroloum was more active and firmer for both crude and refined. Freigbts were more active, and the engagersents wero at rather better rates. The Rebel Congress and the Rebel Oon- federacy—A Hopeless Job. The most instructive proceedings of the rebel Congress, in regard to the real condition ‘} of the rebel confederacy, are the of its Senate and House behind their closed doors. But some of their debates in open session, and published in the Richmond papers, are very interesting and suggestive. Of this character was the House discussion of the 30th ult. on the bill “amendatory of the act to put an end to the exemption from military ser- vice of those who bave heretofore furnished substitutes.” In the course of this debate Mr. Smith, of North Carolina, said there were four hundred thousand men on the muster rolls of their army, and that less than one-half of this force probably was now in the field; “but it is well known,” said he, “that we are unable to feed this fractional part that is in the field.” If pro- visions were to be seized to feed this army, “where, he would ask, were the means to feed the ten times that number who remained at home!” “Private appeals were daily coming to members of Congress. from, soldiers in the army, speaking of the sufferings at home. How many of their families are wanting the neces- saries of life, when they are unable to send them any part of their scant pay; how many are asking relief from the farming interests; how some, stimulated by the prospects of starvation (a sorry stimulant, we should say, Mr. Smith), and the deficiency of food in the army, are driven to despair and desertion.” With regard to the desertivns indicated, we can partially answer Mr. Smith from an official report from our Army of the Cumberland, which says that seven thousand threo hundred deserters from the rebel service have dropped within our lines in Tennessee since the battles of Chattanooga. We have no doubt that this rapid depletion of his columns has been the main cause of the removal of Joe Jobnston’s army some forty or fifty miles farther down in Georgia than it was two months ago, thus in- creasing the difficulties of desertion to his slippery soldiers by widening the distance be- tween them and the Union lines. This, then, is what starvation is doing for Jeff. Davis in his army, charged with a line of defence more essential to the existence of his confederacy than Richmond or Charleston. Bat in the debate we are considering Mr. Chalmers, of Virginia, said that “manufacto- ries were as necessary as agriculture, and there was as great a deficiency in clothing to-day as there was in food.” He was opposed to ex- emptions. “We must,” he said, “have more than two hundred thousand men in the field next spring. We have all the sup- plies we will have then; for the furmers’ prodacts (Indian corn) won’t be available till next winter.” Mr. Dupre, of Louisiana, thought the great difficulty would be found in the neglect of Congress to provide ways and means of transportation. Mr. Goode, of Vir- ginia, said that his State cou'!d not stand an- other draft, and that their great danger to-day wae not Jeff. Davis, “but the tyrant at Wash- ington.” Mr. Holcombe, of Virginia, advo- cated a Fabian policy. “The weak point of the enemy (the United Stat’s government) was in ils financial condition,” und his idea was that by protracting the war the federal trea- eury would be broken down. This is certainly cool from a rebel Cougressman who has to pay from three to five dollars in Jeff.’s dingy paper for a beggar’s breakfast. Mr. McIae, of Mis- sissippi, contended that their present insufli- ciency of provisions and clothing existed “be- cavee there were go many of the enemy witvin our borders, aud we had not eufficient numbers to drive them out;”’ and Mr. MoRae was more than half right. To sum up these salient points of this debate, we have the testimony of leading members of the rebel Congress that their army and people are suffering dreadfully from lack of provi- sions; that they are as deficient in clothing as they are in food; that their means of trans- portation have become so limited that when they have an abundance of supplies they can- not be reached by their suffering armies; that Virginia cannot stand another draft; and, fiaally, that all their sufferings result from the presence of the Yankeos within theie borders, and that neither Joo J shuston, nor Longstreet, uor Lee, nor all of them together, are strong enough to drive them out. Hence this despe- rate exporiment of sweeping off every white male capable of boaring arms, between filteen aud sixty years of a®, into the army (except- ing one on each farm), end the equally despe- rate expernent of authorizing the seizare of “wt the provisions in the country under their control, for the sub«is:ence of the army, at the risk of universal slarvation. If the coming spring campaign shall fail to bring this dilapidated, diminished, impover- ished, exhausted and demora'ized rebel con- federacy to u speedy collapse, then it may be truly said that in all our denunciations of the imbecility and incompetency of ouc preseat administration we have not told one-half the story. Ove Histone Barter Vietvs.—We perceive that it is designed to consecrate the field of An- tietam in @ similar way to that in which Gettys- burg has been immortalized in the memory of the living and made the sacred rest of the honored It is only right that great national bat- tle grounds like these should become the doubly baptized resting places of those who watered them with their blood. In another part of to- day’s paper will be found an advertisement culling for designs for a monument to be erect- ed to the memory of Major General Reynolds, killed in battle. This “stone of remembrance” is to be erected in one of our national military cemeteries, and will mark the spot where re- poze in solemn silence the ashes of General R., who fell gloriously at Gettysburg when that great fight was fought. The conditions, as set forth in the advertisement, are plain. Let the artistic competitors then strive with each other to produce a design worthy of art, of patrivt- ism, and of the never-to-be-forgotten heroes whose deeds are thus “kept green forever.” Soieenpauliicemeiienmeiiaiameand Tae Wisner Tax tx Conaness—Tue House @»mmittee of Ways and Meuus lave reported tm favor of the Senate amendinent exempting whiskey on band froin the proposed increase of the tax on that article. If adopted, this amend- iment will substantially amount to a bill for the benefit of whiskey speculators to the extent of: millions of dollars, at the expense of the Trea- sury and the people at large. It is to be hoped that a majority will be found in the House who have a larger interest io the claims of the peo- ple and the Treasury than in the prospective profits of these whiskey Let every man be marked and held to his responsibility before the people who votes for this exemption. Narotzon’s Mexioan Pians.—We hear from reliable sources that large numbers of French officers, both civil and military, still continue to arrive in Mexico. Experienced members of the departments of Finance, of the Navy, of War, of Telegraphs, &c., have been sent to that country, with the evident purpose of forming a evernment and rendering Mexico, a Freneh Province the moment it should have been con- quered. These plans were doubtless in full force until the members of the opposition in the French Chambers attacked the Mexican ex- Pedition so resolutely. It is evident, from the facts above mentioned, that Napoleon cared but little whether Prince Maximilian did or did not accept the new throne proffered him, as France was to keep posseasion of the invaded country and Maximilian was to be a mere cats- paw in the matter. We believe that lute events in France have caused the Emperor to change his plans as regards Mexico, or at any rate that ; he will allow them to remain in abeyance until i! NEWS FROM WASHINGTOM Debate in the Senate on tho Iieutenaat General Question. GEN. GRANT'S PROSPECTS BRIGHT. Interesting Discussion Between the Border Slave State Members. Slaves to be Subject to the Draft. he can sec his way more olearly than at pre- Fernando Wood and the Rebel sent. Jt must be noticed, however, that large reinforcemeate are still reaching Mexico. Shoutd the danger of a European war become leas evident, Napoleon may. prosecute still fur- ther his pet acheme of a province on this conti- nent. General Uncle Sam Grant may have a word or two to say in this matter much sooner Peace Propositions, x : THE GRADR OF LIRVISNANT. GENERAL, ‘The. Benate was occupied for several hours today tm the discussioi of the bill to revive tbo grade of teutensat than Napoleon anticipates, in which case the | gonerat. The debate eras not concluded at the latter will wish that be had loug ago taken our | meat of the Senate; but the impression was general advice and retired from Mexico. Tas Imrenpinc Rener Evacuation or Ricu- mMoxD.—The Montgomery (Ala.) Mail says that “rumors of an evacuation of Richmond are gaining credit,” and that “there is a movement on foot which will create more consternation at Richmond than anything that has occurred during the war.”” This probably means not only the evacuation of Richmond, but that the recommendation of the Senate Military Commis tee to strike the clause recummending General Grant for the appoiatment will be rojected by the Senate, The announcement by Senator Nesmith, of Oregon, thet he ‘would vote tor General Grant for President, produced « marked sensation. ‘THE ENROLMENT BILT. The African oltivens of Amorican descent, generally” tormed here unbleached Americans, occupied the atten- tion of the House nearly ali the afternoon in connection: with the Enrolment aot, A portion of the mombere frear the border States are apparently unaware that the world the abandonment of Virginia by all the rebel | bas progressod during the last three years, Tey talk army excepting the ‘Virginia troops therein, | 8n@ actas though the peculiar institution coupled the The gradual removal of our soldiers held at Richmond as prisoners of war to Salisbury, N. C., and other places further South, has been going on for some time, arsenal was removed several weeks ago from Richuond to Columbia, S.C.; and we have had | me Te same position that it did bofore the rebellion, and thes the demoralization and depreciation of that species of pre perty in their States is attributable mot to the rebeltion, © but to the efforts of the government for its suppression, The rebel | consoquently they believe they are entitled to especial favor for the sacrifices they have been compelled to amendmonts as perfocted in Committee ef the Whole, provide for security of such negroes as mage various other indications since foreshadowing | 49 drafted, while somo compensation is provided (er Joyal a deliberate evacuation of Richmond by Jeff. ownorsof such of them as may have beon In servitude, Davis for some safer locality. Perhaps the late | previously. The bill will pass the House to-m0frow. “Yankee raid” to Bottom’'s Bridge will hurry up the work. At all events, we shall not be surprised if next we hear that Jeff. Davis, with his Cabinet and Congress, bag and baggage, THE BANKRUPT BIL!.. Tho House eolect committee on the Bankrupt {iaw have propared @ bill providing for a general bankrapt system, and wilt roport it to the Houze to-morrow, or #8 go0m a an opportunity is uforded. The Jaw Las been very care- scrip and scrippage, have been starved and | fully prepared by the committee, and will, it is thought, turned out of Richmond, and have gone down | meet tho necessities of tho busiuess community. to Columbia. 8. C., or to Montgomery, Ala., where they started, there, for a brief season, MAILS FOR PORTO RICO. In future, mails for Porto Rico will be made up at New York for the Post Office of the British packet agent a8 Bam to continue the farce of the government of the | juan, to be despatohed by American steamer to Havana, so-called “Confederate States.” Thus old Vir- ginia, we dare say, will soon be brought to the confession that in becoming the jackass o! South Carolina her back has been broken by the weight of the burden she has had to carry. Surcutty Hiperstax.—Hon. Jobn Sherman, of Obio, has introduced into the United States Senate a bill making it a crime to speculate in gold. This bill proposes to annihilate the whole class of money gamblers, and may do it; but it closes with a clause authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to sell all the gold in the Treasury ‘‘not necessary for the payment ot the interest on the public debt.” Mr. Sher- man has either made a bad bull or he proposes to put the United States out of existence. He does what he can to destroy the gold market, and then Tets the United States enter it. He provides for the annihilation of class of slip- and theace by the West India line British mail packet, t their destination. The wingle rate-of postage, United f | States and British, for letters addroased to Porto Rice by this route, is thirty-four cents, prepayment of which ia to be compulsory. GUERILUAS AT POLUOK BAY. A party of four or five Gshormen werd ploked ep om Tuesday by guerillus whileengaged io fishing in Potuct Bay, Va., below Mount Veruon. It is said that they were released; but nothing b1s been heard of thom. THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON MANUFACTURES. Senators Sprague, of Khodo Island; Morgan, of New York; Riddlo, of Delaware; Williamson, of Minnesote, an@. Hendricks, of Indiana, constitute the Committes en Mama- factures as recently revived, TRIRTY-EIGHTH OONGRESS. FIRST SE3S10N. Senate. ‘Wasncrox, Fe, 11, 1866. On motion of Mr. Hare, the Committee on Naval adhirs was authorized to ait during the session of Congregs. GRADE OF WARRANT OFFICERS OF THE NAVY. pery fellows, and then makes the United States | te, awruoxy, (rep.) of R. L, presented a memorial one of that class. New York Crry.—This place, as we bave once or twice intimated, is the centre, the very pivot upon which revolves the whole circle of American life. All that is of any conse- quenee on this side of the water, that is sturt ling, fine, or of interest in any way, begins or ends here. have this for their capital. from the boatswains, carpenters and sailmakers of the navy, asking assimilated rank with the line of offeers, which was referred to the Committee oh Naval Aflairs, WISOONBIN JUDICIARY MATTERS, Mr, Tacanvis, (rep.) of Il., from the Judiolery Com- mittee, reported a bill in relation to district comrts of Wisconsin, GIVING A HOMICIDE'S LAND TO HIS VICTIM’S FAMILY. Mr. Wuson, (rep.) of BMags., presented the petition of Fashion, business, progress, all | 0. s. Stearns, praying that a portion of the property ef We support the | Sotheron, im Maryland, may be set apart for the (amily Opera and possess Wall street; and, the Direc- | % the officer who was killed while engaged fa recruiting tory notwithstanding, this city is the army headquarters. Two special expeditions of fifty thousand men are in pri gress of formation under Generals Hancock and Burnside. York is the headquarters of both. The Gene- rals got the paper part of the expedition in Washington; but when they want the men they bd come to New York city. aL aE Ts ae aw Mr. Gaxtr axp tus Revorrsns.—Mr. Gantt, | pMrj,Cotamsr, Ccom she the late rebel general, lectured the New York reporters on Wednesday everting last for not | rer -giving him reporis of his speeches just as he wantethem. im the same connection he. com- pliments two Boston reporters for the accuracy with which they published one of his addresses, The difference is easily seen. The Boston re-. ; Teruned to refer the bill to porters write Mr. Gantt's speeches for him | "inte The New York reporters, on the other hand, give the public exactly what he says, without any ornaments, This finishes up Mr. Gantt. Costrananp Trape.—Mr. McCutchen has in- lution against the contraband trade. He says:— Whereas, the ruoming of the blockade, ant thereby bringing the currency of the Confed States iu com- : currency of out enemy, thereby causing ‘of oar currency; and whereas, the bring- ees, ave doing ser vus injury to ctr currency; U ved, Thai the Committee ou Finance jency of reporting a bill prohibiting all farther trailic in foreign morchandise or wares withia the State, McCutchen is evidently disposed to be severe maapaing! tee » appoint on the rebel currency. The Upera. THE ITALIAN OPERA. The Maretvok tronpe gave Norma last night at the Brooklyn Academy of Music to the largest audience that (he Opora has assembled there for tho Inst eighteen months. Mada:ne Medori was superb in the Casta Diva, Aud was ciliciontly aup,orted by Mazzolent and the other Artiots of the troupe. The receipts of the house netted a | to lieutenant considerabie sum. To-night Faust will bo sung at our Academy of Masic. | tho The immense popularity of this beautiful opera will Insure & brilliant reprosentation. THA RNOLISM OFERA. Maritana was givon last bight at the Park theatre, Brooklyn, tor the benefit of Mr. 8. 0. Campbell. The house was not as ful as wecould have wished to see for tbo sake of this excellont artist; but tt was to be ao. Marotzek at st Se ere peossion wenromine uu Batr AND OANGO.TO nan Hativax, Fob. 11, 1664. slaves on his (Sotheron’s) plantation iu Maryland. CIRCUIT COURTS POR CALIFORNIA AND OREGON, Mr. Connnss, (rep ) of Cal., called up a bill amending the act to provide Circuit courts for Califoreia aad Ore New | sm, which, after amendment, was passed, NEGRO MAIL CARRIKNS AND NRGRO Mr. Coutamen, fc of Vt.,from the Committee em Offices and Post Roads, reported back the bulte Tomove the disqualification «nm account of color is the mail-. with an amendment declaring there ue exclusion of any w tresses for the courts of the United States on UF color, : JEReeY KALLOADA. 5 Committee on Rey Dack the bill (a relation rattroade- in Now ee ame > to the J Oommitter. Mr, Tauxputs i chartered t Mr, PowE., (opp.) of Ky., thought the bill wae alrentigy before the proper commitioe. Other Seuators het rrsi and the esate: debate, on motion of Mr. s Herr vai SUSTAINED BY LOYAL MBN RY THE WAR, ee ep 086 “8 during the war, and ined by the especially citizens of Kentucky. Referred to tho Committee op ‘Clauns, i fr Me, Coxnwes: pate sae ire of the Prenient,"” hout coming to a vote, the Senate adjourned. House of Representatives. Wassuxoros, Feb. 11, 1668 ‘The Seranen laid before the House a letter (rom Ragem sentative Littlejobo aeking to be excased from serving am & member of the Commitice om Rules, owing to Map ‘rojonged abuence from the House, The request .wam Ce seonere s9s wasts:cven sett '/ Mr. Rich, (rep.) of Me., iatroduced a Bill 912,000 to rebuild the Prosident's stables ! i Me, Sravans, ( ot ‘Ways and Means, the floel decree to hie effect will be delivered. ‘The | Driazeiphie, as notoriously Inconvenient, and HH A wo into the Gon Settee nunaas cr ciracceats | Gi. tae ts wre by 8 ortee Seaemed his Vrevious views. aa veer Copp ot N. Ws tala Be rv Dot. ohieek