The New York Herald Newspaper, April 8, 1864, Page 4

NEW YORK HERALD. OPFION UM. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND MASSAU STS. Velame XXIX AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING a0, =) = pe ftaneur OF MUSIO, Irving Place. —Irauias Ormna- NIBLO’B GABDEN. Broadway. —Foo.'s Ruvanas. WALLAOK'S THEATRE, Breadway.—Sax S8roors 10 Conguza. WINTER GARDEN, Broadway.—Jvpira. OLYMPIO THEATRE, Brosdway.—Icisa Bwtonast— Laveminc Brana. NEW BOWERY TH RE. Purine Durdumaw—Jac Inox Cusst— ipeaniax M.D, BOWERY THBATRE. Bowery—Lape Avover's Sa Oaxt—CoLvean baws—Ragwowan—Bu HDs BARNOM'S MUSBOM. Breadway.—Your Gums, Two Dwanrrs. Avouos, Wuart Is lt. 20. os ali ArERO Ga, om Srimat or Beavtr—At 3and 7% P, My % BRYANT® MINSTRELS, Mechantes' Hall, ¢72 Broad. wey —brsiorian Sonos, Danna, Bunuusqves, ‘bere’, WING THe BLOOmADR. WOOD'S MINSTREL HALL, 54 Broad: Goren Danten Boarnioas Canine eM: —RemOrIAE AMERICAN THEATRE. No. Broad alan, Panromumns, Burtzsques. PvP Gnaxer'G arr, v AMPH: TRE. HIPPOTHEATRON, Fourtecat street. — Doos axe Mowuars. ' Affornoon and Breage omens HOPS OHAPEL. 718 Brosdway.—Sreazoscorros on Mannose or Univanss, axp Twamrr-savanra Stauet Guos?. MEW YORK MUSEUM OF ANATOMY, 618 Bi — Cumoorras axp Leoronas, from 9A M. ule” eee: ane MOEA Brooklyn.—Ermior1an WITH SUPPLEMENT. Bew York, Friday, April 8. 1864. ©fHE SITUATION. Nothiog stirring in the Army of the Potomac. Our news from Louisiana today via Cairo i¢ very {oteresting, The rebel ram Tennessee was struck by a Gzuall on the Ist instant, while lying near Grant’s Pass, causing ber to keel over and sink. Hor armament will Prove @ heavy loss to the rebels. It consists of six One hundred.poundor rified Parrotts and nearly as many ‘mali pieces. Governor Yates, of Illinois, reviewed the troops frem that State at New Orleans, and delivered an encouraging address to them, in which effort be was seconded by Goveroor Haba, of Lousiana. The steamer J. H, Raseol, while on her way from Vicksburg to Now Orleans, was burned near Plaquemine. She had on board the despatches from General Lee to.the headquarters of the Department of the Gulf, all of Alexandria and seven bundreg bales of aotton. Our-awn correspondent at Cairo roports that General forrest, with his rebel forces, ts near Mayfield. Major Mulford, im charge of his flag of truce boat New York and the steamer Express, left Fortress Monroe on the 6th inst. for City Point, to bring down a large number Ofour sick and disabled prisoners from Richmond. He {ts accompanied by a competent medical staff in charge of Dr. Thomas Elijott, and provided with stores, beds, &c., te make our men comfortable. It thus appears that the (aterview between Colonel Ould and Genoral Butler is Slready bearing goed fruits. r We bave news irom Port Royal to the 34 instant. Gea. Sonn P. Gatch has taken formal command of the depart- moat of Florida, in piace of General Seymour, removed. Gur batteries continue to shell the rebel rams at Charleston. The bombardment of the city goes on at tutervais. CONGRESS. Tn the Sonate yesterday the Naval Committee reported tonck the resolution to rescind the joint resolution author izing the transter of mon from the army to the navy, together with » report, which was ordered to be printed. ‘The same committee reported in favor of the bill to ‘Mavy, and also im favor of the resolation of thanks to Admiral Porter, and the resolution to compensate the crew of the gunboat Baron DeKalb for losses, and ad. @avy. Several unimportant matters were disposed of, lebate upon the joint resolution to amend the constitu- tion #0 as to pronibit slavery, Mr. Hendricks, of Indiana, (te favor. An executive session was then held, in which Grmod, after which the Senate adjourned. In the House of Representatives the Secretary of War ¢ Was directed to report the number, names and rank of * Commissioned officers dismissed from the army by direc. } Mon of the President without trial by court martial, also {how many suck diamissels have been revoked, since the } Ooginning ofthe present war. The bill making tbe Kari- | €an an4 Delaware Bay Railroad a military and post road \ was taken up, and Mr, Woodbridge, of Vermont, made a Nepecch in its-favor, The remainder of the session was ‘devoted to Disirict of Columbia business. Severs] measures passed, awd ope appropriating $250,000 for anew (penitentiary, jail and Rouse of correction was discussed. ‘Pending » motion to lay the bill on the table, the House edjourned THE LEGISLATURE. In the State Senate yesterday tho bill authorizing the Construction of a pew Croton reservoir on the upper end of New York island was passed. Bilis were introduced to increase the amount of our city riot, bounty, military ‘and damage fund, created by the act of the Sth of last February, from $200,000 to $900,000, and to authorize the Harlem Railroad Compaoy to increase its capital Stock by throe millions of dotlars, to complete its double (rack to Albany, and authorizing the holders of the mort. gage bonds of the company to convert them into stock: Bundry petitions for @ tunnel railroad under Broadway wore proseoted. The Dill to change the location of the Huason river bridge at Albany was discussed {or some time; but no vote was taken on it. During the debate over this measure some very strong per- gonalities wore indulged in by Senators Hastings and # folds. The former, in the course of his remarks, inti. mated that the latter was drunk, to which Mr, Fields re. torted that Mr. Hastings wasa liar. A large amount of other busive-s not of geveral interest was transacted. In the Assembly @ large portion of the day was occu: pied in con idering the bill making appropriations to the charitable institutions of the State. it appropriates to hospitals, excepting shove ta this city, but including the Women’s Hospital, $25,000, pro rata; to asylums, $40,000; to dispensaries, $10,000; to the Blind Mechanics’ Asso ciation $10,000; tothe Home for the education of the children of volunteers, $3,000, and to the Ladies’ Educa. ¢onal Union, $3,000. No final disposition wae made of ‘he bill. Several other unimportant subjects were under ‘Tho steamship Kedar, from Liverpool 26th and Queens. town mtorving of the 28th alt., arrived at Halifax yoater- day Hor advices are but atow hours later than those cecsived by the Persm, aod coutain no sews of import- ence ‘Tho Board of Counctimen did not organize yesterday Cor want of a quorum. A Geclal messing of the Board of Aldermen was held yesterday afternoos, President Henry in the chair. A fmessage was received from the Mayor asking for addi- onal office room, which was referred to the Committee om Repairs and Supplies. The report of the Auditor of Acoounte for the quarter ending March 31 was received, ‘The Board then procecded to pase upop documents from the Board of Councilmen, and matiors were going on switomingly, When Alderman Jones moved for a call of the bouse, and the Board was obliged to adjourn for want of # quorum. all the States and Territories of the Union, tion. amendment will require the concurrence of the House by a two-thirds vote before it can. be submitted to the States. The next thing re- -| quired will be a ratification by three-fourths of stitution, the supreme law of the land. some time ago first broadly advocated this pro- posed abolition of slavery, as provided for in the constitution, the idea was “a sew thing un- emend the act regulating the grade of line oficors of the | der the sun.” The possibility of such a thing as two-thirds of both houses ef Congress and three-fourths of the States being in favor of vorsely upon the petition of the warrant officers of the | universal emancipation within the limits of the Union bad never been dreamed of before. and tho remainder of the session was occupied with | Now, however, from the mighty political changes resulting from the upbeavals of this arguing against it,and Mr. Henderson, of Missouri, in | gigantic civil war, we have ceased to be aston- ished at anything. It was but the other day @ number of military and civil appointments were con- | that a man in boldly advocating the abolition of slavery in Maryland, whether as @ stranger NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, APKIL 8, 1864.—WITH SUPPLEMENT. tions of gtubs and organizations greatly attractive. The mecting was addressed by numerous speakers, end ap- propriate resolutions were passed. ‘The Citizens’ Association of the Fourtesath ward held @ meeting last evening at Brookes’ Assembly Rooms, Broome street, The delegation to Albany reported that they had submitted their protest to the Legislature and the Governor, aad that the Comptrolier agrees te bave to the committee. ‘There are now six thousand three hundred and forty- five inmates in the public institutions of the city. The number admitted to them last week was one thousatd ‘two hundred and seventy-three, and the number dis- cbarged, transferre4 or who died, was one thousand two hundred and forty-three. Judge Barnard, in charging the Grand Jury, in the Court of Oyer and Terminer yesterday , took occasion to refer to the Common Couneil *‘ring” and shoddy contractors The Judge also dwelt with considerable force upon the Practice indulged in by some mewspapers in etigmatizing many honest and loyal men as secessioniets and traitors, simply..because there was a difference of opftiion es te the way tn which the war should be ponducied. The case of Nixon, who shot Brown, of the. ‘Pewter Mug,” some months ago, was adjourned until Tuesday next, ® Copseguenge-of the jury panel being exhausted. ‘The case of the Oulted.Staceg againat John Wi Hunter, charged with forgery jn the Sub-Treasury department, was resumed day in Waited Staves Commissioner White's office. @nly two witnesses were examined, and the casd stand adjourned till to-day. One bfanch of the famous ‘Senator’ case came up on Weaneeday bel genera! term.of the Supertor Court, Mesers. Scudder’ and Booth appearing for the Under. writers, and Messrs, Gerry and Neges for the insared. ‘The principal question considered was whetber the ship bad been shown to be seaworthy—the Underwriters Claiming that ber loss so soon after leaving port, and without any stress of weather, was evidence of the weak- Bess of the ship. After full argument the Court reserved the case for consideration. ‘The United States gunboat Proteus left the Navy Yard yesterday and proceeded down the bay on a trial trip. ‘She returned in the evening and anchered off the Battery. The Amewican Telegraph Company have opened an office for general business at the Westchester House, corner of Bowery and Broome street. The stock market was strong yesterday, and a general advance in prices took place. The official price of gold Bas been fixed for nine days, or until the clone of business oa the 16th of April, at165. The opening price yester- day was 17135, but 1 sold down to 160%. Money was more easy than for some days past, aud loans were made on easier terms than the legal rate of interest. Govera- ment eecurities continued firm. ‘There was quite a stir in some-d-anches of business down town yesterd:y, while others wore dull, the advice in gold ‘and the big difference between tbe government rate and the street price unsettling the views of buyers and sell. ers, who evinced little inclination to operate in the pre sent anomalous condition of affairs, The movement in Petroleum was summarily arrested. Cotton was firmer. Groceries were very buoyant and moderately active. On ’Change, speculation in the leading staples was ram- pant. Flour was 10c. dearer, with large sales. Wheat Scaree and 2c. better. Corn and oats lc. higher. Pork and tallow active and upward. Whiskey touched $1 10— the Bighest figure yet realized. Freights dull and de- Pressed, with plenty of ships and but little freight offer- ing. ry—The First Step in the Senate. The Senate of the United States bave or- dered toa third reading, and will doubtless pass by the required two-thirds majority, the bill providing fer the abolition of slavery in through an amendment of the federal constitu- After passing the Senate the proposed all the States of the Union, through,a majority in the Legislature of each, or through a system of State conventions, as Congress may finally appoint. We presume, however, that the Le- gislative alternative of ratification will be cho- sen. In either event a ratification of three- fourths of the States will make the proposed amendment part and parcel ef the federal con- “What js the prospect? When the Heracp or as a citizen among that people, did so at the peril of his life; and now we find an over- whelming majority of the popular vote of the State cast for the immediate abolition of slavery therein, and without compensation to the slaveowners. For thirty years that learned and experienced conservative Senator from Maryland, Reverdy Jobnson, has been a tower of strength to the pro-slavery party and interests of the State; but to-day he stands among the most radical on the record for the immediate, universal and unconditional abolition of slavery, through the constitution. These changes are among the numerous things afloat on the political waves which show the drift of a tremendous reacting tide of pub- lic opinion. We think it, therefore, highly probable that before the adjournment of the present session of Congress a majority of two- thirds will be gained in the House, if that majority does not mow exist, in favor of the constitutional abolition of slavery. And what then? A ratification by three-fourths of the States, including in the count the rebellious States. This would give us thirty-five States in all, and, with the admission of Nebraska, Colora- do and Nevada, thirty-eight. Three-fourths of this number would be twenty-nine. There are twenty-five States now represented in Con- gress, and three more ready to come in—Ar- kansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. These will make the number represented twenty-eight. Add Nebraska, Colorado and Nevada, and we shall have thirty-one. All these—excepting, perhaps, Kentucky—if put to the test, will ra- tify this great constitutional amendment; but, as twenty-nine will do the work, Kentucky may be spared. The amendment thus adopted will be precisely the same in its binding effect upon all the States hereafter as if the ontside nine had voted unanimously against it. See the consti- tution. ¥ : If the administration, then, will give to this important movement an honest, helping hand, we can see no obstacle to prevent the constitu- tional abolition of slavery throughout the United States before this day in April next. We fear, however, that Honest Old Abe is too much attached to his peculiar ‘and preposterous echemes of emancipation and reconstruction to abandon them. We should like to know the ground he occupies upen this question; for his position here will go far to determine the issue of the Presidential election. Tne workingmen's great mass mecting 0 protest | If be and his party stick to Lincoln in prefer- fagninat the bill for the suppression of strikes, now betore Sade eon of slavery, they will surely go by the board. the Lagisiature, took piace yesterday King square, in this city. All the (rade societies {i the domousiration. The day was fine and the proves: ence to the eonstitution touching the abolition We oan tell nothing of Lincoln’s position from been painfully familiar, two and a half years, with sentences of arbitrary dismissal pronounced in one general order of the War Department, only to be re- voked in the next with a reinstatement of the dismissed officer in his grade, anda sort of sulky apology for the “misinformation” which the original order was issued. Let us have done with all this. Let us give to the the-proceedings of Congress, because, is point of fact, he has been Tylerized in b~') bouses, and is without « party beyond « corporal’s guard in either. We infer from the wet blanket thrown over this constitutional prepesition by our Lincoln contemporary, the New York Times, that Old Abe prefers his own instruc- tions to those of the constitution, Is it eo, or has the oracle of the Times ia this matter per- mitted his zeal to outrun his disoretiont We should like to know. Arsrrrany Dismssats ov Orricens.—Col. Holt, Judge Advocate General of the army, bas sent to the Military Committee of the Sen- ate an opinion strongly adverse to depriving the President of his power to dismiss officers of thearmy by a simple order and without any form of trial. Col. Holt rests bis argument chiefly on the “inconvenience” that would arise from the delays necessary to comply with the forme of military justice, and on the difficulty there might be at times in sparing a sufficient detail of officers to form a regular court mar- tia If "this ‘argument be good for anything, why not apply it to civil-as well as military offences? The priaciples of justice are immuta- |, ble and the same under all variations of eir- cumatance. . If the mere “Inéonveniesce”’ of trying an efficer can be held to justify his eum- mary dismissal. and disgrace; why go to the formality of trying pirates, murderers, burglars, or any other of the dangerous classes? Are our offieers, by the mere fact of holding com- missions, degraded to # lower rank than the common felon thrice before convicted, yet still entitled to a fair and full trial before punish- ment for any alleged offence? It is urged that the Crown of England aud the Emperors of Austria, Prussia aad France are endowed with the power of summarily dis- missing any one or more of their military ser- vants; but has it yet come to such a pass with us that this ean be held a valid precedent for endowing Emperor Lincoln with similar power? Does not the country see that this power of dis- missing army officers at pleasure is in itself a despotism, whenever the person endowed there- with may ehoose to exert his prerogative? An ambitious President, plotting against the liberties of the country, could turn out of the army every officer who was not willing to be- eome an accomplice im the crime; and, while few may suspect Mr. Lincoln of any such in- tention, all will admit—even Mr. Lincoln him- self—that there might be a President in whose hands this power both could and would be used with fatal effect against our continued existence as a free people. It is understood, moreover, that the new Rules and Articles of War now before the Mili- | tary Committee of the Senate, and soon to be- come a law, greatly simplify and abbreviate the forms of military jurisprudence, and greatly reduce .the number of officers required to form s court martial. We have all, too, during the last on men who bear the commissions of the nation at least not less protection than is afferded by the common law of all States to the veriest wretch ever arrested on charge of picking a pocket. Let our officers no longer be the mere creatures of the President’s will, dependent upon him for existence as well as for promotion; but let each of them be given—and more especially before they are called upon to supervise the vote of our soldiers in the field next election—the as- surance that only by a verdict of their peers in court martial assembled, and on charges of a military nature duly preferred and tried, can they be deprived of the commissions which they have sacrificed home and perilled their very lives to obtain. Colonel Holt’s opinion on this matter is not sound. Let the Military Com- mittee of the Senate consult a board of officers who are not, like Judge Holt, the special ap- pointees of the President, and a different opin- ion will be given to them. In the early days of the war, when everything was higgledy-pig- gledy in the army, there might have been some colorable excuse for these arbitrary dismissals; but with the present high state of discipline, efficiency and intelligence throughout our forces this despotic practice of turning ap officer out of the service and disgracing him for life, without any form of trial or even charges preferred, should be abandoned as a power with which it is not safe to trust any President, and certainly not a President who is a candi- date for re-election. Such men as Senators Wilson and Conness should have the courage to set their faces against this undue stretch of the President’s prerogative. A Sorprer’s Home.—In another column we give a communication from Major Halpine containing some suggestions for the in- stitution of a home for soldiers crippled by the war, similar in character to the Chelsea Hospital, near London, and to the Hotel des Invalides, in Paris. Already the need for such an establishment is painfally ap- parent in all our cities. Soldiers, disabled for almost any employment, stand as objects of charity in our streets, and excite pity and ex- tort a few coppers by the exhibition of scars that ought to be too honorable for such uses. But when the war is over and our armies are disbanded, and the hospitals send out all their occupants, then we may expect to see an army of these peor fellows— With half their limbs in battle lopped away, Bog ditter bread through realms their valor saved. It would be inconsistent with our national character not to make some noble provision for the permanent comfort of our crippled soldiers, and we think the suggestien of our correspond ent an opportune one, and worthy the consider ation of the Sanitary Commission. We certainly believe that there isa limit to the good that the Sanitary Commission can do by its distri- bution of delicacies, &c. Beyond that limitits distributions will cither be perverted, and so lost, or they will do harm; and, as im its present immense collections the Commission is likely to accumulate funds enough to go far beyond that limit, we hope it may consider whether the money would not be bettes applied in the foundation of a Soldier’s Home. ‘That exuberant patriot, private Miles O’Reil- ly, is, we hear, about to add to the next edition of his book a chapter on this subject. Miles is himself disabled, and would be candidate for admission into such an establishment as the poet laureate, entitled to a yearly pipe of Canary. 8o, of course, he is in favor of the plan We expect his arguments on the subject will be cogent ones, and we hope they will come soon. Jovon Bannanp’s Caance ro van Gaus Jony.—In another portion of this journal we publish the charge made by Judge Barnard to the Grand Jury. The partioular attention of the public should be given to the warnings uttered by the Judge. We notice his expose of the fact that a number of men have banded together for the purpose of controlling the gov- ernment of the city. The Judge asserts that any scheme, however corrupt or wicked, may sucoeed through the influence of the body known as the “Ring,” provided a sufficient pe- cuniary inducement is offered them. The fear- ful picture drawn by the Judge of the present state of our taxation, and what it threatens to become, sbould also cause the people to coun- teract the evil by all means in their power. Bat the important point of the charge is in rela- tion to the political rights of our citizens. For some time past the republican, negro- worshipping journals in this oity—the Tribune, Times and Post—have made.it.a constant prac- tice to attack all persons differing with their peculiar views as traitere. \We are gratified to learn through the Judge that this wholesale aystem of slander is: one rendering those who indulge in it liable tothe law. The journals above mentioned may be sued for libel when they-so gratuitously apply the term traitor to those whom they fear or. dislike, It.is a memorable fact that in 1861 the Tribune, by such attacks and false accusations against more popular and flourishing journals, endea- vored to create riots, inciting the masses to destroy the more fortunate papers in question, that it might profit thereby. We are pleased to find Judge Barnard stigmatizing such un- lawful proceedings as they merit, and also that hia Honor clearly indicates a remedy for such disorders. It is the duty of the bench to protect the citizens; and in this view this charge is a most important one. Sworp Pray at Tax Fair.—The contest be- tween the friends of Generals Grant and Mc- Clellan, as to which ef these two great captains shall be presented with Tiffany’s splendid sword, is more exciting than ever. The ladies are especially interested in it. This is the first time they have had a chance to vote, and they take advantage of it eagerly. But we are somewhat surprised that the naval sword is comparatively neglected. During the last war with England our naval heroes were the great favorites. Rip Van Winkle Welles has not allowed them much opportunity in this war; but still, Farragut, Du- pont, Rowan, Worden and Porter have dis- tinguished themselves. Which of them sball shave the sword? The arrangements for de- ciding this question, as well as that betwoen the generals, are admirable. The swords are on exhibition, and a book is provided in which every visitor may register his vote. The poll tax is only one dollar. Everybody—young or old, man or woman—has the right to vote after paying the poll tax. This is the only in- |” stance of universal suffrage on record, and will supply the woman’s rights. party with a fine illustration of their doctrines. Vote early and vote often. . Ovr Puntic Scnoors.—There isa bill before the Legislature which proposes to make cer- tain changes in our public achool system. We regard that bill as rather a sop to Cerberus than as a measure really calculated to improve the condition of the schools. If the corrupt men who at present have the schools in their power had, in the fear of losing their hold over those schools, suggested a bill for the action of the Legislature, they would have suggested just such a bill as this, which; pretending to make great changes in our school system, really makes no change in the all important point of that system. Just now the public mind is pre- pared to receive and accept even the greatest changes in the administration of the schools, and he is not the real friend of improvement in this matter who will suffer thie opportunity to be lost, and make only an unimportant and in- considerable change where he might as casily make a good and complete one. There is but one object to be kept in view in this proposed improvement—that is, to take the schools out of the hands of that class of men whose head- quarters are the groggeries. No change that does not do this is of any use. Some time ago it was found that our police was corrupt and worthless, for the same reason that our schools.are now corruptly managed— it was controlled by the groggeries. Then the power of appointment to the police was taken out of the hands of our corrupt city authorities and vested in a board appointed by the State authorities, and eur present Metropolitan po- lice is the excellent result. And we believe that the only way to purify our schools is to put them in the hands of a board appointed in the same way. But we are told that there isa constitutional objection to this. So there was to the appointment of the Metropolitan Police Commissioners. The constitutional difficulty is that city or county officers cannot be appoint ed, but must be chosen by the people. This difficulty was easily gotten over by the erec- tion of two or three counties into a police dis- trict. The administrators of the district were then of course neither city nor county officers. And it is os easy for the Legislature to make im the same way a metropolitan school district of New York, Kings and Richmond counties as it was to make a Metropolitan Police district. Tox Hiox Price or Borrer—A Remepr For Hion Prices.—Butter is now sixty cents per pound. Every one is complaining of the unnecessarily high price of this useful family commodity, although the remedy is in their own hands. Let every person in the city— man, woman and child—stop eating butter for a week, and there will be such a surplus on hand that prices will soon become reasonable. + Dovations to THs Merrorouiran Fair.— Thousands of our opulent citizens have made handsome individual donations to the Metro- politan Fair. Two of the large hotels—the Fifth Aveaue ond the St. Nicholas—we under- stand, have presented one thousand dollars each to the grand charity. But what have the karge cerporations, the public ferries, the railroad and omnibus concerns, all of which are largely benefited by the Fair, done towards helping to swell its exchequer? We would Itke to know. Ovr New Bricanizes.—While the President and the Senate are turning out their new batch of brigadiers, it is to be hoped that those brave colonels who, by their pluck and heroism, have earned the right to promotion, will not be overlooked, although their modesty may keep them in the background. Colonel Hicks, for example, the hero of Paducah, is entitled to the shoulderstraps of a brigadier, and we think his olaims should not be noglected. A prompt reward for meritorious deeds is the Napoleonic method for making an invincible army. A Vary Greaves Ommston.—Are the Loyal Leaguers backing out of their professions of love and admiration of the colered race? Wore their misoegenating professions upon the oc- casion of the presentation ef a flag to the Twentieth regiment United States Colored Vol- unteers, in Union square, on the 5th of last month, all hollow? One would be inclined to think so while reading the speech of the Hon. 8. B. Ruggles, delivered at the epening of the Union Square Fair buildings on Wednesday evening last, and noticing the strange omission of the eloquent speaker, in giving a history of the equare, and reciting many less important faci- dents, to make any mention whatever of the re- markable ocourrence we have alluded to. The venerable President of Columbia College, Charles King, Esq., the orator on that special oo- casion, was at the elbow of the eloquent Ruggles as he delivered bis address, but, with bis acous- tomed politeness, failed to remind Mr. Ruggles of the omission. There. were many Loyal Leaguers all around the speaker, and the whole affair was conducted ‘under: the windows-ef thé Lesgue Club Rooms; yet no.ellusion was made to the peor negro from the beginning to the end of the speech. Surely Mr. Ruggles must have missed asheet of his manuscript, or Pompey would have been introduced in some shape or other. Bat the speech itself was not recoived with much favor, owing, perhaps, te the extraordi- nary omission of the negro. IMPORTANT FROM ALBANY, Atnant, April 6, 1864, EADS OF DEPARTMENTS, ‘The bill that bas for some time been in the hands of the committee, in regard to taking the power of remov- ing the beads of departments from the Governor and placing it in the bands of the Mayor, was reported ad- worsely unanimously by the committee this morning, and the report agr:ed to by the House, The same action was taken on the bill relative to taxpayers commencing suist against officeholders. ‘hus these questions are dis- posed of for this session. CORRROTION. In my notice of the candidate for Governor In to-day’s Hrratp I mentioned the namo of A. H. Bailey. His name bas boen used in connection with that office by differeat parties, but unknown to Mr Batley. He ts not an aspi- rant or candidate for that position, nor is heone of those whom I classed as the weak-kneed candidate. ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION POR THE NEW YORK COURT MOUSE, ‘There wasa lively time in the Senate this eventug oo the bill providing for an additional issue of stock for the completion of the Court House in the City Hall Park te the amount of $800,000. The bill was gone through with, and the Committes of the Whole rose rose on @ motion or. dering it toa tbird reading. When in the Senate @ mo. tion was made te lay the question of ordering it to a third Teading on the table, on account of the absence of two of the New York Seators, which was carried. COURTER REPORT ON BANKS, Mr. Brandreth, a member of the Bank Committee of the Assembly, presented this morning a minority report in favor of the bill authorizing the State banks to organize under the National Banking law. He presented a written roport, in reply to that of the majority of the committee. Mr. White, whose name was appended to the report of the majority by a misundorstanding, refused to sign the minority report, and in doing se hestated that he concurred in full with the facts and arguments of the majority, with the exception of the attack upon Secre- tary Chage and the administration, Tho position taken by them in regard to taxing National Baoks he fully ap- proved. i Atnaxr, Aprit 7, 1864. A great deal has been said about the enormous tn- crease of the taxes tn the city of New York this year. All manner of -statements have been made befere the Committee on Cities in regard to the extravagant expen- ditute of public monsys, This has been carried (o auch ‘an extent that an analysis of the Comptroller's budget ‘became necessary to ascertain how mueh truth there is fo these charges, It has been the practice of those who are here for a reform to make the moat wild charges; but facts and figures only test the truth of these statements, and to such test let the ap- peal be made, These facts will prove that thers is @ great deal of humbug in these wholesale accusations, and that those who are making them are striking st the war,expenditures. The Comptroller's budgot is the basie that the committee have taken in fe: gard to the tax levy. The entire amount called for in that document, including State tax, is... ..$13,061,753 50 Tax levy of last year.. 12,001,905 14 Increase over last year. ., $960,848 36 The items for war expenses, interest on voluntoor bonds, rint bonds. bounty bonas, family ald bonds and redempti n of Union Defe ns to. Of the State tax to be collected in New York city, which is included in the thirteen million in the Comptrolier’s bi nere is for bounties and war purposes ‘Total war expenditures in the levy. ‘The war items in the tax levy last year for faterest on bonds and redem) jon porti in the city of New York for war puposes, ‘a round numbers, was _ Total last year.. yoar For the same purpose last y Increase + $646,316 24 ‘To thie increase there must be added the ex- penditure fer the reception of returned and re-enlisted regiments, military fune- vals, &6., fUllY.........cseeeees oowtedele 100,000:00 Total on war oxpenditure...........+00. » $746,314 24 Take that amount from the increase of the fens he aad im tax levy of this year over @ last... tose —and we have the total increase not ac- ‘oounted tor in war expenditures of....... $223,584 22 If we add to the war items the increase of interest on the Court House bonds, on account of additional issues of some three millions, interest onthe Park improve ment and ostension bonds, reservoir bonds, and the increase of salaries in varieus departments (judicial, edu- cational, executive, financial and others), we have enough to more’ than make up for the $223,534 22 not accounted for, in war expenditures. If, then,'the increase caused by the war and its results upon inflation of the cur- rency, high prices, &c.,is all deducted, we have the re. sult that the expense of carrying on the or opera. tions of the city government is actually less than Inet year;and,had not the amount asked for in the county budget been increased over last year, there would have been® marked decrease in the items for the ordinary expenses of the city and county government, ¢ increase on salaries amounts’to/no small item, and it has beon claimed here by the reformers and lawyers before the Assembly Committee that the salaries for city officials should all be decreased twenty-five per cent, and that the officials should be patriotic, and work for less. This eounds very well on paper; but nine-tonths of these ™men are poor, and rely upon their salaries to support their families, which costa them now much more than formerly, on accountof the inflation in prices. But do these lawyére arguing before the committee practice what they preach, and reduce their fees in these times iwenty.five = per | cent for Do the dry goods morchants standing ind their counters sell their goods at reduced prices, 80 ag to be patriotic? Does the landlord reduce his rente, 90 aa to be patriotic and to the poor man? Not by any means; but, on the ether hand, t! wealthy merchants who are trying to obtain this reduo- tion are constantly increasing the ee, vp] ‘and the landlords are adding to ir rents. All this and receive an increase in bis salary,to meet the increased expenses of bis family. So much = the humbug raised here in favor of en. 960,843 46 the actual secondly, in the increase §=6of 5 is caused =—ofy the inflation of prices, as one of the results of the war, Those, therefore, who are raising this clamor in regard wo the increase in taxes im the city are howling against the war. The Common thie year have been in Peled a than beretofore, and, as far as they are con- cerned, there is a deerease in the ordinary expenses. There is, on the other band, an increase on the part of the Board of Supervisors’ expenditures. Let those who are raising such a hue end cry it the increase of texation bear these facta in mind, and remember that they are in the main howling agatust the expenses of the war, aud that im the ordinary ox itis the . visors, aad not the Common Council. as far as th Presented be. @ shows, who have caused the Inorease, ss THE CHARITY WILL. Asseto' + the morning seasion'over aren petted tations to pamerinse dey religions inatitutions—' ly & part and parcel of the Supply bili, but reported this year In a separate bill. Conay He cont vane Core ne Sy bil was gone When the Asser thoy were quarreling over THR ALBANY BRIDGE—PERSONALITION WETWHEN SENATORS HASTINGS “AND FIRLDB, ‘The bill to change the location of tho Hudson rivor bridge at Albany was im under consideration in the Benate this afternoon. [t is strongly contested on both sides, During the debate in the morning seasion there was quite @ belligerent demonstration, Souator Hastings inti- Inter. cherged him with ying. We" al ‘expected that latter cl with lying. ‘e all ox bolligerent notes would be exch: and that coffee and pistols would be ordered, but thus far noth ng has trans. pired. The two Senators are, from this demonstration, entitied to be placed on the list of candidates for Gover. $e ‘Dor, and we rn t ve, may theretore trot them out as the war com? ‘The test vote was nol reached on the Bridge bill. will THE HARLEM A Dill was introduced in the izing the New York and Hariem crease {ts capital atock im lars, for the of F i g' & i : F t z 8 H et 57 ae sae for New York matters, no particular note. St Mpwoat rrorzorfra ‘won. ‘The bill incorporating the Mi she city of New York was ordered to'a N|E2W YORK LEGISLATURE. Senate. Ausanr, April 7, 1866 Mar, Hagring: took the floor im epposition to the Bill, After talking.a few minates, he sald:—I request that the Senator from the Seventh district (Mr. Fields, who was Stending at the back of Mr. Shafer, whispering to bias} be instructed to take his seat. I donot wish to indulge ia personal remarks. Mr. Fimps—I don’t object if it pleases the Senater te indulge in such remarks Mr. Hastivas—i know my rights. Mr. Fraups—And I know mine. eer oar he right of any Senetor to get and interrup' gs. Mr Frevos—{f the Senator says thet I am druakhe that which ts false. . Hasrinoe—it it were a matter kuown only to my- self T might feel very bad. Pe sappmeapenan end the Senator (Mr. Hastings} s Hasenas—Very well, alr. The al rar hore ceased, and Mr. Hastings Mr. Anes followed ix support of the bill, Recess. Tho Election for Delegates to the Constitutional Convention. TRIUMPH OF THE FREE STATE PARTY, Condition of the Unien Fleet Near Grant's Pass. L088 OF THE REBEL RAM TENNESSER Review of the Minois Troops at New Orleaas by Governor Yates, Kees ae Garro, April 6, 1864. The steamer Atlantic, with New Orleans dates of the 20th of March, bas arrived here. ‘The election in Louisiana on the 28th for delegates to the Covatitutionsl Conveation resulted ia the complete triumph of the free State party. ‘The stoamor J. H. Russell, with seven hundred bales af cotton anda number of cattle and hogs, was consumed by fire at night at Plequomine, ‘The steamer was on her passage from Vioksburg to New Orleans, and took are from the aparks of ber torches, ‘The metis from Alexandria, together with the ée- spatchos of General Lee to the headquarters pf the De partment of the Gulf, were also burned. A passenger on the steamer, by the name of Thomas, te missing. ‘The boat was valued at eighty thousand dollars, an@ was not insured. ‘The brig Mary Felicite was wrecked near Pass a-l’Outre on the 24th of March. The passengers and crew were saved. ‘The rede! ram Teunesese was struck by @ squall on the 1st instant, while lying near Grant’s Pass, causing ber te keel over and sink, But two feet of her etmokestack now remain visible. Her armament will prove a heavy kes to the revels, It consisted of six one-hundred pouné- or rifled Parrotts and nearly as many small pieces. All is well with our fleet, though we have had some very bad weather. At Alexandria, on the 27th ult., it was reported that ald was quiet, with the exception of occasional skirmishing. ‘The rebel force near there was reported to be twenty thousand strong. It was supposed that it was their ia- tention to fall back about fifty miles, and there await am Attack from our forces. Our gunboats, bound for Shreveport, had succeeded im getting over the shoals, A land force left Alexandria on the 27th, destined fee Ren Shreveport. The force was under the command of Gene — ral Smith. , One hundred and fifty refugees arrived from Texas at New Orleans on the 29th. The steamship Morning Star, from New York, had ar. rived with many passengers and $350,000 In specie. Governor Yates came upon the Atlantic. Before leaving New Orleana the Illinois troops gave hima reception, After reviewing the troops his State was formally aa- nounced. Governor Yates then proceeded te address the soldiers, congratulating them on their appearance, an@ eulogizing them for their noble conduct in the many bat- tles they bad passed through. Other speeches were made by General Benton and Governor Hahp, o Lonisiana, ‘There was but !!ttle business doing in New Orleans. The cotton market was at a stand off between buyers and sellers, who were unable to agree on prices. Low middling was quoted at 64c, and middling at 680. per pound. Molasses, choice old, was solling at 68¢., an@ common, new crop, was held at 70c, Sugar was at 12\e. @13Xc. for common to good, 13%. a 143<¢. for fair, an@ 14Xe. a 150. for prime to choice. IMPORTANT FROM ARKANSAS. Sr. Louis, April 7, 1866. A Fort Smith, Ark., despatch , dated 6th, says:— General Steclo’s army has driven the rebels from Arkadelphia, and is now advancing on Price in the airee tion of Camden anid Washington. Several hundred rebels, under Cadell and other com manders, have come in bebind our advancing forces om aiding expeditions, Clarksville, sixty-five milss from here, was attacked day before yesterday. The enemy was repulsed with @ Joss of three killed, ten prisoners, twenty horses and al their camp equipage. A force of 450 Texans, under General Gano, attacke@ Rossville, forty-five miles south of here, and burned three hundred bales of government cotton. Our troops afterwards drove the rebels from the town, killing an@ capturing several of them. The remainder of the cotton at tht place is being brought bere, which wiil relieve the cavalry heretofore guarding it, and enable them te drive the guerillas from the country. GOVERNOR MURPHY'S ADDRESS TO THE FEOrLE— GENBRAL KIMBALL, ETC, Sr. Louis, April 6, 1866. Governor Murphy, of Arkansas, issued an address te the,people of the counties of that State in which no elec. tions have been held, and sent it out Yor disteibution wb General Stosie’s command. The address reviews the condition of the State during the war, recites the he Inte State Con closes with & iitring tppeal to the of thoes counttas. whiod loottona gould wot be 14 in consequence of their alle- the Union. Brigadior Gonoral Matthias Kimball in asnigno@ to the command of all the troops the North Arkansas river, with bexdquarters in Little i hey AI i the citizens of bia district he says the joy! =, Protected, and sympethieers with the rere thongh they may have taken the oath of allegiance to the [ppt will be treated as rebels unless they com form in word aud act to the spirit of tbat gatb. A