The New York Herald Newspaper, May 27, 1864, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETR, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR OrFiC® N, W, CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS, TERMS cash tmadvance, Mouey sent by mal! will be ot the ristt of the sender. None but bank bills current ia New York taken. THE DAILY HERALD, Tass cents per copy. THE WEEKLY HERALD, every Saturday, at Five conta percopy, Annual subscription price — s2 Ove Copy... Five Copies f.. Ten Copies. Postage five cents per copy for three mouths Any larger number, addrossed to names of subscribers, $1 GO each. An oxtra copy will be sont to every club of ten, Twenty copies, to one address, one year, $25, and any larger number a! same price, An extra copy will be etet to clubs of twenty. These rales make de Waxrtr Beran the cheapest publication in the country, ‘The Ecrorzax Eoruos, every Wednesday, at Five cents percopy, @4 per annum to any part of Great Britain, or 46 bo any part of the Continent, both to include postage. The Caurorma Eprnom, on the 34,"18th and 28a gt each month, at Stx cents per copy, or $3 per annum, ADVERTISEMENTS, to 4 limited sumber, will be inserted te the Wams.y Haracn, and tp tbe European aad California Editions. VOLUNTARY CORRESPONDENCE, contatoiog import- pt pews, solicited from any quarter of the world; if used, will be Mberally paid for, seg-Ovr Forriax Conrss- YOMOENTS ARE PARTICULARLY REQUESTED TO SEAL ALL UT TERS AND PACKAGES SENT US. NO NOTICE taken of anonymous correspondence. We do not return rejected communications. ooo, 147 Volume XXIX. AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. WIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway.—Beu Dauonio. WALLACK’'S THEATRE, Broadway.—Rosepacs. Pa TER GARDEN, Broadway.—Fra Diavolo—Turice ane. OLYMPIC THEATRE, Broadway.—Pacu's Returx— Basy Suavine. NEW BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Fawn's Lear— Reeser Macatnu—Nax, THe Goop rok Not#ixc—Txppy ue Tu.KR, BOWERY THEATRE. Bowery—Orp Apaw—Oawitire Poor Sorpier—Goipen Ack BARNUM'S MUSEUM, Broadway.—Two WARTS, ALBINOS, Wuat Is It, &¢., RIDE—AL Band 73g P.M BRYANTS' MINSTRELS, Mechanics’ Hall, wey.—Erniorian BSoxcs, Dances, Jeiwes THE Pout. WOOD'S MINSTREL HALL, 514 Broadway.—Ermuiort. orca, Dancts, &e—Davi axd Spout Brovumae BROADWAY THEATRE, 45% oan Ooustn. AMERICAN THEATRE, No. 444 Broadway.—Bat. Pantomiars, Buxisaces, &—Teomtes ee SALON DIABOLIQUE, 685 Broadway.—Rossrt Hxiurr, IRVING HALL, Irving place.—Stexzorticon. MEW YORE MUSEUM OF ANATO road way. (ouiosirina AND Lucrenes. from Oa. Me Wnt Teae e OOLEY'3 OPERA HOUSB, Brovkiyn.—! 108, Dances, Buniasauis, &c. bie wines Giants, Two at all hours, Jassr 472 Broad Buximsques, &0,— Broadway.—Ovr Awert- ee Friday, May 27. 1664. THE SITUATION The rtval armies in Virginia are not likely to come to &@ decisive struggle for tome days. General Grant states fn his official despatches yesterday that Lee is in posses- sion of a strong position between the North and South Anoa rivers, and that it will require a few days to de- wolop his operations. Lee has probably been compelled by the close pursuit of General Grant's army to make @ stand at this point, in order to eusure his further re treat towards Ricbmond. Our wounded are arrtying in large numbers from Fredericksburg. The stores. cx also Boarly all carried away (rom that polut There is no oficial news fro'us other leading points where our armios are engaged, Nothing ‘ier from General Dutler ia reported. Our cor- syspondents’ accounts of the particulars of his Jate cum paign will be found interesting. It appears that the cap- are of Fort Darling was no part of he programme The Febol batteries on the Jawes river keep up a constant fire upon our transporte, Everything was quiet at tbe front, bear Bermuda Landing, on Wednesday, our latest dates. ‘The latest news we have of General Sherman's opera- tions fa the statement in the Nashville Union of the 25tb, that be bas Manked General Jobnston on the west of Atlanta, taking the roads (0 Dallas and Paulding. No The nows reaches We give a map of the Getaiis of the movement are given. as by telegraph from Loulaville. vicivity to day A confirmation of the report of the capture of the Usited States guuboate Granite City and Wave by the febdeis, near Sabine Pass, reaches us through Mobile, from which point a telegram was sevt tothe Richmoud Papers op the 14(h inet., detailing the tacts CONGRESS. Th the Senate yesterday Mr. Johnson, of Maryland offered # resotution, which was ordered to be printe’, calling op the President for information in reference t» the recent extradition of Senor Arguclles. Mr. Powell, of Kentucky, introduced @ resolution condemning the late suspension of publication of the World and Jowrnat of Commerce, which was also or. dered to be- printed. Tho Executive, Legislative fod Judicial Approjriation bill was reported from the Finance Conmitice, with the disagreements sbereto of the House, when (he Senate resolved to adhere to its position and ordered a uew conference commitiee on the subject. Tue Interna! Tax bill was thed taken up, @nd (be amendments of the Senate Finance Committee, fo far as the reading of the bil! bad progressed, were @rveraily c ncurred in, in Committee of the Whole. This @coupted the Senate up to nice o'clock at night, when it Adjourned, without baying reached a conclusion of the Feading of the bill. Io the House of Represeutstives, the Commitiee on Commerce asked leave to report a bill appropriating $360,000 for tbe preservation and ropair of the puvlic works on the Inkes and reacogst, but objection was made, fod Mr Weshburne gare notice that le would movea suspension of the rules on Monday next tn order to intro: duce it. The consideration of the Canadian Reciprocity treaty was resumed, After debate the amendment of Mr. Aroold, providing for the a)pointment of commis. Bionore to negotiate a new treaty, was rejected—fifty four to oinety-seven. Mr. Morrill’s substitute, requesting the President to give the stipulated notice to the British gov, @rament for the termivation of the treaty was also re- Jected—seventy-four to eighty two. ‘The subject was theo, on motion of Mr, Stevens, postponed till the second Tuesday io December next by a vote of seventy-cight PeRiOM seventy-two. The Military Committee asked Hoare to report « bill providigg for tbe summary puniab- MHeat of gueriliag, but it was objected to by the oppo. ‘The Senate bill for the payment of claims of citi he New Orleans Picayune of the 11th inst, comtains e Dertios ip the Spanteh Cortes a cetormination to retain dollars are to be sent out at oves, and thirty thousand Of Tetuan (O'Donnell), the Duke do ia Tour, General te be the ebief enemy with which to contend. (wiheut the express consent of the Corthe. thon - Of Pera was parsed, and the House adjourned. 4 MIECELLANEOUS NEWB. Bites intores\ing items: —The Spanish papers ved in Agvane anoounced that thore existe among Domingo and complete its subjugation. A further of Ofteen thousand men and one hundred miitions fee will follow in the fail If needed. Among the gene. whe bad offered their services, If nested, were the , ate Captain General of Cubs; Genera! Lersund|, Minister of War, and many others. The climate Jean de Bourbon ie now te receipt of @ pension from Queen's privy purse, He canset retura to Spats (i Paced of Crunaitmes wi reterter aeregm. President Hayes in the chair, After the presentation of ‘a nomber of waimportaat resoluticus and reports; Whjow wore referred, resoluilons presopted by the Cummitice ‘ov Salaries and OMices, tu favor of increasing the poy ot the Inspectors in the Croton Aquedust Department and the inspectors of iampe iu the Street Department to $260 per day, were adopted. The Board passed upon « large umber of general orders of @ routive character, and ad- Journed til! Monday, The additional panel of jarors summoned yesterday to the General Sessions to try the indictment against Edward Hunter, cbarged with tho murder of bis wile, in Seventh avenue, was exhausted before a jury was obtained, Eleven jurors were sworn, after which the Reoorder or- dered the abseat jurors to be floed twenty-five dollars each, and directed Afty jurors to be ealled, out of which nomber it is expected the twelfth juror will be selecied Tue fifth annual reception of the puptis of the Male Art Department of the C oper Union took place last evening, and, notwithstanding the unfavorable state of the weather, was largely attended. The filth story of the building ts set apart for the exhibition of the art produo- tions of the male depariment, (be floor below being voted to the female departmont. The architectural drawings on exhibition in this department are of the finest description, many of them being equal to some of the Dest productions of the foremost architects of the city. Some free hand drawings, taken from plaster casts, reflect Agreat deal of credit om tho pupils, the copies being perfect fac similes of the originals. Every department of pature has its counterpart faithfully represented in the numerous and varied epecimens of drawing in wator and oil colors; and the collection, taken as a whole, ts highly creditable to the Institution which affords the youvg men of the city such an opportunity to acquire such proficiency 1n this important branch of art, This evening the closing exercises, which will consiat of singing aud addresses, and the reading of the annual report of the trustees, will take place iu the ball of the Institute. The storm yesterday contributed to restrict operatious ‘aud to pull down prices of ratiroad shares. Goid was inac- tive during the day, and sold on the fractions between 183 aod 184. Government securities continued firm, anda strong foreign demand for the five-twenties raised tho quotations to 107 a 107. The fall io gold and the severe rain storm combined to render the business transactions even lighter than usual yesterday, when thore was scarcely anything done except in a fewarticles. Imported goods were decidedly dull, and prices were entirely nominal. We may remark, however, that holaers were very gélerally firm in their views. Petroleum continued in good demand; but prices were a shade easier, Cotton was still higher. On ‘Change breadstuffs were dall and drooping, though prices show no decided change. Pork was again dearer and fairly active. Lard closed dull. Other provisions un- changed. Whiskey Grmer. Freights frm, ‘The Operations of Generals Grant and Sherman. From the Army of the Potomac we have the good news that General Lee has been once more brought to bay. He is reported by General Grant to be in a strong position be- tween the North and South Anna rivers. It was probably no part of General Lee’s plan to make a stand at this point when he left the neighborhood of Spottsylvania Court House. Except that his line of communication is some- what shorter, his new position has apparently no advantage over the one he left, and it is not likely that, merely to shorten his line, he would further injure the morale of his army, already poor, by such a run as he has just made. General Lee certainly left Spottsylvania to go to Richmond; but he has either vacillated and changed his plan or Grant followed so fast that Lee found it impossible to get across the South Anna in time to get away safely, and so took up a new position. We think the latter the more probable, as the pursuit had been pushed to the * extreme limit af what our men could er. Secretary Stan- ton’s despetczh indicates that we need not expect news of importance from this quarter for two or three days. We do not apprehend that the next news will, when it comes, be the news of the decisive battle, but only of some minor assaulé made by Lee to cover another attempt to run away, or perhaps the news of another retreat in the night, even without the poor ruse of an assault to cover it. General Sherman evidently does not intend to'goto Atlanta by the roads that Jounston has picked out and fixed for him. Though the Charleston Merewry informs its readers that Johnston bolds all the roads leading to that place, Sherman appears by our news to-day to have flanked both Jobnston and his roads, by an advance througl Paulding county to the northwest of Atlanta, and to be as near to that city as its defenders were. Johnston’s army is reported to be willing to “follow him any- where,” aud we have no doubt that that excel- lent disposition bas carried them beyond Atlanta by this time. The Apyance or THe Rerorm Movement ix ExeLann.—The enthusiastic greeting of Gar § baldi by the working classes in England gave great concern to the British government, be- cause it well knows (hat a desire for reform bas taken possession of the masses ef the people, and it feared that the advent of the illustrions patriot would unduly excite and encourage this feeling. That there was ground for the alarm betrayed by the Queen’s ministers bas been proved by subsequent events. Mr. Gladstone, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, seeing that reform must win, boldly adopted this cause, and made in Parliament a magnificent “reform | speech,” which, at last advices, continued to be tue uvivereal sensation in England. It is pre- dicted by the liberal journals of London that | Mr. Gladstone will Lo the next Premier, as the government will have to favor the reform movement in order to keep its hold upon the people: and as Mr. Gladstone is now the lead- ing spirit he will have to be conoiliated. It is easy to conceive that this is but the commence- ment of that movement which shall firmly establish the supremacy of the people of Eng- Jand and tbe consequent downfall of the aristocracy. In another portion of this jouranl will be found extracts from Mr. Gladstone's speech. A Barca or Stare Conventions—Tue Saoppr Repvsricans Watering Over Tae Course.—With- in the last few days State conventions of the republican faith, for the appointment of dele- gates to Baltimore, &., have been held in New York, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky, and io all of them the shoddy republicans, standing firm for President Lincoln, have earried the day. The only State left in doubt is Missouri, in which there is a regular split between the im- piacable abolition radicals and the shoddyites, each faction moving independently of the other. It matters very little, however, whetber Sambo or Shoddy comes up winner in Missouri. The nomination of Abrakam Liacoln by the Baltimore Convention |g out aad dried, and all these litte side conventions of the radicals are, we ouspect, ia the market, aad will be bought , ward had disavowed and &n- Series la cheddar. Lat us walk and ges. | Havana geaars. and the vecteng edbes The OMctal statement tn~the-Paris Moniteur that lution passed by Congress in regard to the occupation of Mexico by the French has ex: cited considerable comment both at home and abroad. In the diplomatic correspondence published yesterday the whole matter {s very. clearly and satisfactorily explained. Both Secretary Seward and Minister Dayton deserve 8 great deal of credit for the ability with which they have avoided any embarrassments in our present relations with France, while giving no guarantees that we will not interfere to settle the Mexican imbroglio hereafter. Tt appears from this correspondence that Napoleon was very much troubled at the umavimous adoption of the resolution of Con- gress in opposition to the recognition of a monarehy in Mexico. When Mr. Dayton called upon M, Drouyn de Lhuys he was met by the curt and emphatic inquiry, “Do you bring us peace or bring us wart” This inginuation that France would consider any interference with her plans in Mexico as tantamount to a decla- ration of war was very promptly anéwered by Mr. Dayton, who explained that the resolution merely embodied the unanimous sentiments of the American people; that these sentiments had already been made known to the French government, and that this reassertion of them by. Congress was no proof of any immediate intention upon the part of the United States to engage in a war with France. The French Minister listened attentively to these remarks, but “ob- viously received the resolution as a serious step” taken by the American goveroment. The secessioniats abroad were highly delighted at the prospect of a foreign war, and Mr. Mason posted to Brussels and Mr. Slidell made ready to go to Austria, to foment the intrigue. In the meantime Secretary Seward sent a despatch to Minister Dayton, in which he de- clared that, while the resolution in question was @ correct interpretation of the feeling of our people, and while the President received the declaration of Congress with profound respect, yet the putting of that resolution into practice was an act of the Exeoutive, and not of Con- gress, and that the Executive “does not at pre- sent contemplate any departure from the policy which this government has hitherto pursued in regard to the war «which exists between France and Mexico,” and that “the French would be seasonably apprised of any change upon this subject.” Upon hearing this despatch read M. Drouyn de Lhuys “expressed his gratifica- tion;’’ and Mr. Dayten adds that “the extreme sensitiveness which was manifested by this gov- ernment when the resolution of the House of Representatives was first brought to its know- ledge has, to a considerable extent, subsided.” This ends the correspondence, and leaves the whole question exactly where {t was before. The force of the explanations offered to the French government evidently lies entirely in the words “at present.” To undertake to drive France from Mexico “at present” would be worse than folly. We must be satisfied ‘to do one thing at q time. When the rebellion is subdued, as it soon must be, then we shall be- gin to settle our accounts with France.- The | % resolution passed by Congress was simply a notice of ur future intentions. So the French regarded it after the first sensitiveness aud alarm bad subsided, and so long as no immedi ate hostilities are commenced Napoleon is con- tent. He is already withdrawing his soldiers from Mexico. The letter of our Havane cor- respondent informs us that a shipload of them, en route for France, stopped there recently. Shrewdly calculating upon our neutrality “at present,” the French Emperor intends to let Maximilian take care of himself when our civil war isover. We are very glad that be has followed our advice upon this point; but uniess he hurries off his troops more quickly he will yet be caught iu the Mexican trap. His obvious alarm at the resolution’ of Con- grees justifies us in believing that he will re- double bis exertions to escape from this dilemma. Napoleon knows as well as we do that, whatever may be the policy of the United States “at present,” the triumphant vindication of the Monroe docirine is one of the inevitable certainties of the future. Geverat Grant anp Tae Trisuxe.—In yeater- day’s Tribune there is a singularly coucected article insinuating that, allhough Grant may have done a little fighting, what he has done does not amount to much. It critically and maliciously declares that Graat “has made no flank moveiwment;” that Grant was “in doubt” and “cautious” about Lee's movements; that he was “not in possession of complete inuforma- tion” about the rebel army; that Hancock was “too late to intercept, or to overtake even, the rear guard of the rebels;” that Lee “had been for days withdrawing his forces;” that he “got away unexpectedly” and “covered bis retreat 80 adroitly that it was not known till two or three days later,” and that he is now running for Richmond and General Graat is cunning after him. These statements are very carefully covered up; but their malice is apparent. They are in strict accordance with the Tribune's plan of attacking popular men, although they ate altogether at variance with the facts, and with Secretary Stanton’s bulletin published yesterday morning. The radicals begin to fear that Grant is getting too strong a hold upon the hearts of the people, and have at length taken courage to begin to underrate bis ability and his general- ship. This isa game that has been played be- fore, and it is net unexpected, and will aot be successful. But we may look for more of such articles in the Tribune, and shall see them fol- lowed up, before long, by other radical papers. Let them commence their dirty work. The peo- ple will settle all these things in November. Tue Anti-Extravacaxcy Movemmvr—The movement set on foot for the discouragement of the use of imported articles does nét originate 00 exclusively with tho ladies safe generally supposed. Wo believe that the male sex have had a good deal to do with it, at least in the way ef prompting—certain rich fathers and husbands being desirous of imposing restealnts on the expenditures, whether regsonable or unreasonable, of the members of their house- holds. In any case the ladies deserve credit for the readiness. with which they make these sacrifices on the altar of patriotiem: But, if it ts dosirable that the Ladies should impose privations on themselves in order to ald the cause, we see no reason why thelr lords and masters should not do likewise. The movement should oortataly them. Let them ley aside thelr broadoloths, thetr oostly foreign wines, i é i this-it-will-be-time-enough for them tow ge their wives -an@daugttérs to abandon the foreign fabrics’ which, by long habit, have become indispensable to them. Aa a ele Tas ES The Sham Patrictism of the Wemen’s Dress Reform Movement, The pure patriotism and self-abnegation of the Northern people in all the essential ele- ments tending to strengthen their armies and aid In the suppression of the rebellion are be- yond all praise. They have witnessed almost with tearlees eyes entire households swept away, and fathers, sons and brothers fallen victims in a most savage and sanguinary war. Nearly a million of men have been called to the field within a little more than three years, millions of treasure have been voluntarily given by private individuals in a hundred different ways in aid of the cause, sacrifices of the most noble description have been submitted to. In short, everything that an enlightened people could do to sustain a national name and exiat- ence has been already done to that end, and the fountain of patriotism is still far from being exhausted. But, while we rejoice in these evi- donces of a sound national vitality and a pure and unselfish patriotism, we arte pained to wit- ness a movement started by American women which is calculated to deprive themselves of auxiliaries which lend a charm and elegance to their natural graces, and which will accomplish nothing of good, but inflict a positive injury upon the country. We refer to the dress re- form movement. Let our readers read the fol- lowing:— WOMEN’S PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATION FOR DIMINISHING IMPORTED LUXURIES. JOOVER, CHAIRMAN COMMITTER OF OF RKIRESMNIATIVES, AND MR. Hovss or Rxrmesastatives, } Wasmncrow Crry, May 2, 1866 Lapims—We have received the note with which you honored us respectively uoder date of the 18th ult., ia- forming us that a meeting of ladies had been heid to con- sider the expediency of giving up, for the present, the use of some of the most expensive articles of luxury, such a8 silks, eating, velvets, that the States revenue, from this movement, would be too incou- siderable to be of much moment. pleased to ask us to give you our opiuion of the expediency of your uniting to carry the laces, French millinery, ing our opinion respecting the advisabili re, stating also that you had been intorm iminution of the foreign debt, or of the United You are also measure into effect, and we cheerfully comply with your request. As every dollar added to the revenue by the duty on importations involves an expenditure of more than two doilars for the cost of the article abroad, the ational wealth will be increased by auy reduction of revenucfrom that source, Whether the effect on the foreign debt wouid be intonsiderabie or not would, of conrse, depend on the extent to which the movement would be garricd. to the production of some articles, arisin, Almost every country has special advantages in regard {rom peculiar causes, such as climate, soil, or the skill derived from the pursuit of an employment. As a general priaci- ple, it may be aid that our forcign commerce is venefi- ela! to the nation only so far as it exchanges products which we can furnish cheaper and better for the. pro- ducts,other countries can furnish cheaper and better to us. So fer, therefore, ag the imported articles are neces. sary and useful to us, the foreign commerce which sup- plies them in exchange for articles of our own production 18 useful to the country. On examining statements of the imports of Of laces... Of embroiderios. vious years we find the anaual value in Tnenufactares of silks to bave been about... $27,600,000 1,600,000 4,500,000 Total... wére neither secesaary nor useful, and the weaith of the country, As gold wi tration of the extravagance of our people. Far better would it be for the industry of the country if that gold wero thrown into the sea (ham to send it abroad, as wo are now dotog, to poy for useless luxuries. The ladies would then drees in the beautiful (abrics of our own manufactorics and the lemen dispense with the use and sezurs. e have no hesitation in say- jhe ladies abstain from the use of velvets, laces and French milii- gentlemen abstain from the use of imported wines, brandies and segars, they are discourazing habits of extravagance in dress and living, stimulating Ameri can industry aud skill io many de ts, diminishing the foreign debt and increasing the ability of the country to meet the expenditures of war. We are, Indics, with great respect, very truly yours, S. HOOPE%, ALEX. 8. RICE. Mrs. Copwatia Loriva, Mre. Aywa P.M. Rogers, Mre. Mary J. Quincy, Miss Assy W. May, Poston. Mr. Hooper Is chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, and Mr. Rice is ebairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs, in the House of Representatives. They both represent the city of Boston —one coming from the north and the other from the sonth end, with slices of Chelsea, Cambridge and Roxbury thrown in as sort of spokes to make a respectable wheel for “the Hub.” Mr. Hooper's official business is to provide means for the support of the gov- erument. We see how he does it, or rather does not do it. He encourages a movement which proposes to abolish a fraitful source of revenue to the government, and suggests no substitute. His official position requires him to supply—he uses it to drain or destroy—the resources of the public treasury. He lends the aid of his gray hairs and large mercantile expe- rience to help a number of highly respectable elderly ladies and a number ef equally respec- table young ladies to make themselves ridicu- lous. Hooper is old, but not very ugly. Why should he, then, strive to induce the fair daugh- ters of the North to ape the fashions of their unfortunate sisters of the South, and wear linsey-woolsey and homespun? In one case necessity is the excuse; and, although necessity is the mother of invention, and the Southern ladies have been obliged to resort to all sorts of contrivances to make a presentable appear- ance, who ever knew a pretty woman to adopt a rade homespun habit when she could as readily procure one of silky softncas and beauty? In the case of the Northern tadies there exists no such neocesity. The fabrics of the world are offered to them, and the salls of commerce are filled with breezes which & prosperous people and ready cash can always raise when required. The more marketable goods we import the better it is for commerce, for the publie treasury, for poor people and for the country at large. Mr. Hooper knows this; but bis ideas are probably not yet di- vorced from the notions of that period when New England maaufacturers were as potent an oligarchy and as unsorupulous tyrants as was over King Cotton. He therefore, on the plea of abolishing the we of foreign luxuries ia the way of ladies’ dresses, and under the cloak of # sanctimonious and hypocritioal patriotism, would re-establish the reign of the calico princes of the Bast, aad humiliste Ame- rican Indies before the alvilized world. Mr. Rice, the coadjutor of Mr. Hooper in ab- surd business, is a yor and not a worthier, representative of “the Hub.” He is a dapper tittle man, ts in the printing paper trade, and very abstemious. He could dispense with foreign luxurios in the way of wines with- out being incommoded in the least, and the Importation of foreign laces, silks and satins Det him mach, provided and support of dist secure the calico city he would dering operations going on fn she department of the government over he fs presumed to exercise an. ; nal aayer- vision than in thia silly effort to prescribe the style and texture of the skirts to be worn by loyal women. Let him think of it. But, in point of fact, how does this whole matter stand? The question is whether we shall hold on to our gold or send it abroad for luxuries, such as laces, silks, satins, &. Now, we area gold producing country; gold grows bere; it is the product of our soil, and the crop. is reaped by the industry of our citizens, France is a lace producing country. We'raise more gold from our soil in s twelve- month than France can raise from hers in a century, France produces more laces and other luxuries than ourselves, and we find it cheaper and better to purchase them of her than to endeavor to produce them ourselves. We give France our gold, and she supplies us with luxuries. “It is a good thing for France that she has them to furnish, and it is a good thing for us that we have gold to pay her with. It {s a happy thing all around, and only croakers and whining hypocrites can see the subject in a different light. This entire dress reform movement is a humbug. It is the offspring of a sham patriotism, and is fostered by secessionists, who, because their own ladies cannot at- tire themselves in rich and becoming robes, aim to humiliate our loyal ladies in the eyes of civilized society by bringing them down to their own humble standard of refinement in dress. Another aim of the secessionists is to reduce our revenue; and anything calculated to pro- duce that result is, of course, most assiduously encouraged by them. Hence their support of this reform clothes movement. We say let the American women deck themselves with the richest fabrics of the East. None can be too precious or too costly for the adornm at of their persons, and none so rare as to impart a charm which they do not themselves reflect, Let the gold How as from the horn of cornuco- pia, and let all the world know that, although we are in the midst of a most terrible war, American ladies have not lost their good sense, their refinement, their appreciation of the de- mands of polite society, nor their husbands their ability to pay their tax bills and other luxuries in solid gold. Tae Sovra Caroniwwa Free State Presiven- viaL Conventiox—A Mopst, Concern.—In the Palmetto Herald of the 19th instant, a seven- by-nine journal published at Port Royal, 3. 0., we have a report of the proceedings of a “Mass State Convention” held at Beaufort .on the 17th, for the purpose ef appointing dele- gates to the Baltimore Republican National Convention of the 7th of June. This offictal report, however, is a mere outline of the pro- ceedings of this Beaufort gathering, with the radical white and black equality resolutions adopted, and the list of white and black dele- gates. But we have before us a private letter which explains the true character of the con- cern, and the facts thus communicated we cannot withhold from the government. We dare say that, after reading them, Old Abe will confess that this Beaufort Free State Con- vention beats bis best experiments in the same line al} hollow, and that he will be somewhat taken aback at the scurvy treatment he has re- ceived. Firat, the State of South Carolina repre- sented in the convention gonsists of a few little sea islands around Hilton Head, held under the “old flag” by a considerable land force and a fleet of gunboats—not a foot of the mainiand of South Carolina being yet recov- ered. Secondly, the people represented by said convention are United States soldiers and sail- ors, black and white, and camp followers: and contrabands. Thirdly, ‘the convention,” in the language of our informant, “was composed mostly of negroes.” Fourthly, the delegates they selected to go to Baltimore were General Saxton, Military Governor; A. D. Smith, Tax Collector; Major Parker, Paymaster, United States Army, followed next in order by E. S. Dudley, Robert Small, Prince Rivers, Henry Haynes, King Thomas, Sergeant Williams—all contrabands, or “gemmen of color;” next Mesers. Cooley, Dunbar and Robbins, army utlers, and next H. G. Judd, chief Mogul among the centrabands, and a lot of other civil dignitaries, teachers of negro schdols, plantation managers from “down East,” &c. HI. G. Judd called the assemblage to order, and on bis motion the officers of the convention were appointed. In fact, Judd, chief of the contraband camps, was the master of ceremo- nies, and the “colored delegates,” according to the Palmetto Herald’s authentic report of the meeting, “occupied scats on the left of the hall, while the whites were left standing on the other side.” The resolutions adopted abolish all distinc- tions of creed, party, race or color,-and go in for a division of ‘the lands of the rebel Btates after the fashion of William the Conqueror. But they make 0 declaration as to their first choice for the Presidency. This is a very re- markable omission, when we consider that every man of this convention is fed, clothed and fattened by Honest Old Abe: They owe everything to him, and yet they give him the cold shoulder. We guess they have taken their cue from Wendell Phillips, and consider Old Abe a little fishy on the great fuadamental miscegenation doctrine of human cquality. What business, then, bas this mixed commis- sion, white and black, atthe Baltimore Conven- tion ? “Noue in the world. Let Thurlow Weed, however, see to it that no revenue outter is furnished from the Treasury Department for the transportation of these South Carolina radi- cals, sutlers aod contrabands, or they may push their way into the Baltimore Tabernacle, oud raise a row among the shoddy men. Tue Vino Oamratox—Tae Late Ratxs.— From the late rains it is probable that active military operations will be suspended in Vir- ginia for several days to come. The mud, however, which will embarrass the movements of General Gran will also bother thy engmy. This would not fee sab Lashed censboa tha Aofences of Riohmond, Wo have, therefore, no regreig t9 learn that he has come to a stand and is prepariag for a fight between the North end South Anna rivers, seme twenty-five miles north of Richmond. He cannot well afford to abandon, withont a fight, ihe junction of the Gordonsville Rafiroad, and in endeavoring to hold it by fortifying himself for its defence ho time to General Grant to bring up his re- and his provisions nad to make the no- arrangements for » movement upon the works, Thus these rains will give advantages os well as theic dleadvaatages: (qenered Great. TT ‘The Arrest of General J, fl. Hobart Ward, MESTING OF HIS FRIENDS AF TRY ASTOR HOUSE. Brigndter General J.-H. Robart Ward,o this Staie, bas deen placed:under arrest by order of Gesural Birney, bis Commander. The precise causs Of bis arrest — does not yet appear. Bome of the Troy, Chicago oad Boston papers, however, have published thas the prince. 4 pal charges against him are cowardice on the field of Dattle fo the face of the enemy; that in the momorabie charge of Hancock's corps on the revel works, durtog the recent battles, General Ward mounted @ caisson and escaped to the rear, In one of the New Yark daily papers @ correspondent recites this fact a8 @ valoreus incident in connection with the baitie, as, the Generai's horse bemg killed, be took this opportunity of going to the rear, thereby rallying some three thousand soldier and bringing them up to the front, In view Of the above facts, a moeting of the friends ar General Ward was held at the Astor House yesterday afternoon, to take into consideration the ciroumetances of the event and make inquiries relative to the same, as well as to express their unbounded confidence tn the preg. General Ward. pre, Hare resent were Lieut. Col. J. D. Potter, Lieut. Col. R, F. Al hs F. Britton, Captain RF. Watson, . BK Miller, W. Banks and Surgeon A. J. Berry, all late of the Thirty- eighth New York State Volunteers. There were also precent Mr. W. Bunce, Mr. G. Boniface, Mr. J. Bryce and others, The meeting was called to Heute Carke and Beaks ssoreuries. enn an er Bunce stated the frcts relative to the call of There was no dofinite intelligence recety the arrest of General Ward. On the ia question, however, General Ward rode up to Ge i . after being wounded on the field when the latter remarked, *‘ You are very much exci and had better go to the rear.” This he did not de the time, but rode along the line, when he was astically cheered by the soldiers. Shortly aft was placed under arrest. Mr. Bunce then read tract from a letter which he had received from a f! of his in Philadelphia, and whioh alluded to the arrest as follows:—Colovel KE, T. Biles, of the Ninety-viath Pennsylvania, which regiment is in General Ward’s'brt- gade, was home here wounded. He says the Generale staff was Cpe Alga hedlag hy hid Seapets A : The General is arrest; but Biles does nes know what for. The General is much burt and mortified 2 a8 lite kes of it The have seen with astonishment serious charge of cowardics preferred General Ward, which has publixhed fu several papers, and that we denounce ia the most emphatic language Std Tus authors at fate mallensrs ‘de'ban proved hr soe: to permit the towhom bis fullest and tation ie ry. COMMANDER EDWARD A. BARNST, U. &, N. Commander Edward A. Barnet, United States Navy, died in this city yeaterday, after a long and painful i ness. He entered the naval servico as @ midshipman on the 24th of June, 1837. He was born in Pennsy} vania, and was appointed from that State, His ret orders were to the sloop-of-war Ontario, 18,0 the West India station. In 1840 he was transferred to the schooner Grampus, ané the following year to the sloop-of-war Levant. In 1842 he was attacbed to the schooner Wave, ‘and during the following year he was detached and on dered to the naval schoo! at Philadelphia. ‘On the 29th of June, 1843, he was warranted @ passed midshipman and ordered to the steamer Princeton, where tion in 1847, and was ordered to the sloop-of-war Dale. He remained in tha Dele until Jenuery., AR, eHian be ‘was ordered to the receiving ship at Boston. On the 4th of August, 1860, he was commissioned as a lieutenant and ordered to duty on thescoast survey, where he remained until October, 1851, He was next ordered to the stenan frigate San Jaciato,on the Mediterranean station. He . ordered to the receivit seater Met meee et <r inmanene, ee oe ae wae re be attached to the steam Ws tees oot 1 Commodore gained the esteem of all i on Tuesday last, at his father’s residence, Brooklyo, from sickvess engendered in the field. Be was the son of ex-Mayo? Goorge Hall, of Brooklya, and was born in New York. He entered the United Siates teers, under Col. Ward Burnett. quartermaster, retaioing that raok until October, 184¥, when he was promoted to the captaincy of Company 4. During the Nicaraguan expedition of Gon. Walker, the deceased held the position of chief commissary, and per- country. His funeral will take peer AG No. 87 Livingstom street, afternoon uext. Arrival of 5 Asia at Boston. Boston, May 26, ine. The ateamship Asia, from Liverpool via Halifax, ar rived at her dook at bal(.past five P. M. day, Ber mails and the newspaper bag of the press were for- warded to New York by the night train, due there at five o'clock A. M. to-niorrow. The American Tract Society Anniversary Bowron, May 26, 1864. The eemi.contennial anniversary of the Americas Tract Society was held in Tremont Temple last evening, end gathored an immense audience, The annual reper shows (be cash receipts for the last year to be $124,108, being $17,600 1a excess of che previous year, The entire amount expended for thearmy since the commencomens of the war is $76,803. Henry Ward Beecher, the Rew Mr. Savage, of Chicago, apd other clergymen, addressed _Vhe mesting. Notwithstanding the weather, which le decidedly eam versary weather, all the meetings bave been well atten® ed, and the interest appears to be gréater than in eng previous yeer, fal of New York City. hash -") rue DITOR OF THE MERALD. Dunlap, in his ‘‘History of Now York,” says on the sd of Reptember, 1664, an English squadron, consisting of twe vessels of fifty guns each and one of forty, with six ham dred soldiers, took New Amsterdam from the Dutoh, and . Of the 24th of the samo pany iol a cerpehe A tome une ame of aeap, If the historian is correct, Now York will bave name two hundred years os the 8d of September 3 Qity Aasel!tgepeo, Fownaat. or Cartas Geonom La Fort—The funeral Captain George Le Fort, formerly of Compasy A, Seventt fegiment New York State National Guard, took place yeatorday afternoon, anc was aivended by @ large GoaFed of nis Erlonds and former companions. Le Fort was a gallant officer, and mot his death like every ottoer should, on the Seid of battle, while of the lamented —— " ond followed tne remains Gresawood Come- tery. tle Conroe Cuntor.—The feast of Corpus Christi, one of the moat solema ia the Catholic Church, was eo terday. 1m all the Catholic churches colema high masses wore offered up og. 0n Banday, and the choire new and appropriate music. At the Cathedral, Gauss \q