The New York Herald Newspaper, December 26, 1864, Page 5

the case might be insane and yet write for Beecher’s paper, tho Independent. Every one who bas read some of the city papers recently must have observed that there was an unsound mind at work on them; but the public was not aware. before that the editors were within tho walis of a lunatic asylum. “* Aanttary Fairs and the U: Seaitary Commtssion—What They Accomplished? It appears from a recent official report of the financial committee that the aggregate of dona- ‘tion, including money and appraised value of goods received by the United States Sanitary Commission as contributions for the soldiers, from June, 1861, to October 1, 1864, amounts 4o thirteen millions and a half of dollars, and ‘that of this vast sum there rematved ia the hands of the treasurer, on the Ist of Decem- ‘ber, 1864, the meagre amount of about threo hundred and fifty thousand dollars, with some sixty thousand dollars appraised value of Property on hand. The sum of three millions, and a little over, {s all that is reported as having been received in money during the three years and a half embraced in this financial exhibit. Now it is known that some two millions in cash were raised at the sanitary fairs in New York ond Brooklyn alone, while the amount realized in other cities—Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, ‘Bt. Louis, Albany, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, ‘and throughout the whole Joyal portion of the sountry—will swell the aggregate to a sum that would astonish the public, and probably none more than the contributors themselves. We have no doubt that at least tweaty mil- Hons of dollars in money have been raised by Sanitary fairs and by private contributions to aid our suffering soldiers, and placed ia the hands of the United States Sanitary Commis- sion or their agents within the period named. The real destination of the bulk of this vast amount of money will probably never be kaown; but sufficient is divulged to establish the fact that much of it has been squandered by speculators iu a manver entirely foreign to the designs of the donators. One of the Pittsburg papers lately con- tained a paragraph calling: the attention of the Sanitary Commission to the fact that it was understood and stipniated at the time of the Sanitary Fair in that city, that a portion of the proceeds should be devoted to founding a hospital for sick and disabled soldiers. A great display was made anda large amount of funds realized; but what has become of the money no one ap- pears to know. It is certain, howaver, that no hospital for sick and wounded soldiers, one of its prime and ostensible objects, has been established in Pittsburg. We believe, too, that the managers of the Metropolitan Fair were te have appropriated a quarter of a millien of @ollars toward: a soldiers’ hospital in New York; but we do not aow hear of such an {nstitution. These are a couple of incidents @mong the many already presented to the pub- lic, showing that so far from being a benefit to our soldiers, commensureie with the amount of money and supplies contributed, these sanitary fairs all over the country, through their legion ef managers and employes, have proved fail- ures and bumbugs. racy have resuited in filling the pockets of some of the gready shoddy contractors and partisan favorites at home, who have thi been enabled to supply substi- tutes for themselves and reigtives whenever a draft occurs, without actual expense to them- selves. While there can be no question about the integrity and honor of the chief members of the United States Sanitary Commission—such distinguished gentlemen, for instance, as Dr. Bellows, Dr. Agnew and Mr. Strong, of this ¢'ty—there is much reason to believe that the humane intentions of those who have contr’- buted to the munificent fund of money and goods raised for the use of the Commission have beea, in many instances, grossly perverted, and the donations used for the benefit of an army of speculators, styled the agents and employes of the Commission. There is reason to believe that a part of the proceeds of one of the Fairs went toward defraying the expenses of the pro- duction of a certain opera and supplyiag mem- bers of the Committee of Arrangements with lorgnettes and kid glov's. Aad anamusing case is reported of the lady chairman of one of the sanitary concerns out W's', who, in response toa call for two thousand pairs of soldiers’ drawers, sent that number of the article of the feminine gender. The truth is the government supplies the Med- ical Department of our armies and our hospitals with abuadance of material for the use of the sick and wounded. Taking the admirably conducted De Camp military hospital on David’s Island, at the mouth of Long Island Sound, as an example, we there find medicines of every kind, lint, bandages, instruments, &c., in such quantities and in such excellent con- dition as to render any further supply an entire superfluity, a waste, and their purchase entail- ing an unnecessary and a useless tax upon bur already heavily taxed citizens. Oa David's Island there are accommodations for four thousand patients, aud in other military hospitals in this vicinity, with capacity to ac- commodate a large number of patients, there is the same abundance of everything calculated to cure the sick, mitigate the sufferings of the wounded, and, by wholesome, strengthening and well cooked food, restore the convales- cents to perfect health and efficient duty. It is a mistake to suppose that the government is chary of its money in supplying the Military Medical Department with ample material wherever such material may be needed or can de sent. If the government cannot reach a givon point te replenish an exhausted medical dcpartment in an army, it is certain no private Partice can. We repeat, the vast sums of money raised by sauitary fairs all over the country ‘have, in many cases, been eithor turned into the pockets of speculators or improvidently squan- dered. At any rate, not too much of the cash has contributed to the comfort or relief of our suffering soldiers, What should have beea dono with the funds amassed by these fairs was, by offering handsome bounties, to assist in raising troops and thereby reinforcing our gallant armics. In this way they might have done great good. Asitis they have failed to meet ie expectations of the public, but, fortunately, not in impugning the high character for pro- bity enjoyed by a number of the leading and highly respectable members of tho Sanitary Commission. “Cnowner’s Quest Law.”—Since the time of Shakepere the edecisions of coroners’ and orowners’ juries have been a fair butt for ridi- cule. Notwithstanding the shafts levelled at them they seem to get worse every day. Among the latest absurdities got of in the way of coroners’ “findings” is the verdict returned in tho case of the recent acci dent on the New Haven Railroad. The jury impannelled oa that investigation recommend the passage of a law restricting the speed of railroad traing to twenty-five miles an hour, as if the causes that led to the accident would not have occurred as well with a train driven at that speed as at a higher rate. In England and France the trains most exempt from casualties are those which average from fifty to sixty miles an hour. The reason of this is plain. The stoppages are fewer, and greater attention is paid to the time tables. If a man should chance to break_his neck over a telegraph wire, we should expect from the above decision that a coroner’s jury would ask for a law restricting the rapidity of telegraph messages to twenty-five miles an hour. But the feature which is most reprehen- sible in this New Haven Railroad caso is the fulsomeness of the coroner’s tone towards the directors of the offending line. We should like to kuow why he felt it necessary to go out of his way to pay them a compliment. Thé facts disc!osed on the investigation certainly did not warrant it. The Abolition of Slavery by Constitu- tional Amendmont. A gentleman, meeting Thad. Stevens, the republican leader in Congress, at Washington, tte other day, inquired if the amendment to the constitution for the abolition of slavery would paas this session. “Well,” replied Stevens, “it ought to pass, and I find many democrats in favor of it; but somehow or other, some of my people object toit. They say it will take away all their thunder and leave them nothing to agitate about. Still, it ought to pass, and perhaps it will.’’ These remarks of Thad. Stevens show very plainly why the amendment to which they refer hangs fire in Congress. By a sudden change of front some of the republicans are opposing it, while the democrats are willing to vote for it. The republicans are afraid of losing their political capital. Rather than do this they are, willing to sacrifice their consis- teacy and to betray the principle for which they have always professed to contend. This proves, as we have constantly asserted, that the republicans have used the slavery question az a mere catch to get themselves into power. They care nothing for the freedom of the negro; but they want to ride upon bim so long as he will carry them into the White House and the halls of Congress, Now that they have a chance to abolish slavery, they refuse to avail themselves of it, lest it should injure their political prospects. They had rather re-rivet the chains of the slave than run the risk of defeat at the next election. They want to keep the negro upon the auction block, and they want to have bim whipped o-ce in awhile, s0 that they can indulge in oratorical sympathy for him and rhetorical flourishes about the riguts of man. Sambo has bad a pretty hard time with bis fire-eating masters; but he will have a much harder timo with his hypocritical deliverers, When the republican party was first organ- ized and began to sound the war-cry of free- aon oid the eek Po faite Bectoneiane ant the country. The Southern fire-eaters and the Northern abolitionists played into each other’s hands so ably, however, that we found it im- possiblo to prevent this war. In the course of the war slavery suffered, like all the other institutions of the rebel States. But few demo- crate at the North regretted this. Indeed, the most of them heartily rejoiced at it. The re publicans, also, were loud in their shouts of glory hallelujah at the deliverance of the colored race. There seemed to bea general teeling that it would be a good thing to got rid of slavery forever, and so remove all cause of further trouble between the two sections. President Lincoln’s ‘fale proclamations were ridiculed because they were ridiculous; but there was no effort made in or out of the army to prevent that military emancipation which has s'nce almost entirely abolished the very name of slave. Perceiving this drift of public sentiment, we took advantage of it to propose at slavery, which was already abolished prac- tically by our armies, should now be abolished legally by the necessary amendment to the constitution. This proposition, the ecope of which was not at first comprehended, was eagerly taken up by the republicans and introduced into Con gress at the last session. There it failed, through the folly of the democrats, who could not then understand how it would benefit them to vote with their opponents in favor of it. One good result was, focvertheless, socured. We bad convinced the politicians of both sides that the slavery question was a military not a politieal issue, aud, consequently, wo heard less about it during the last canvass than at an election for years past. As soon as the election was decided upon the simple issue of peace on rebel terms or war for our terms, we recalled attention to the dead body of slavery, and called upon somebody to bury it. President Liccoln responded by urging Congress, in his Message, to pass eur constitutional amendment. The democrats have learned, since the last session, that they may gain @ great deal and can luse nothing by putting pro-slavery prejudices aside and joining the republicans in the fune- ral of the institution. But now, it seems that the republicans themselves object. They admit that slavery is dead; but they are anx- ious to galvanize its corpse for electioneering purposes and to have a grand wake in 1868. We warn them that this scheme will not suc- cced. It is quite time that the party lines were drawn upon some other questions than that of slavery.” The people’ are tired of it, and if the republicans refuse to get rid of dt, now that they have tho opportunity, they can gain no credit for abolishing it at some future time, and its ghost will haunt and affright them for many campaigns to come. The Rebel General Preston's Family. Bostow, Deo. 25, 1864. Tho wife, eon and daughter of the rebel General Pros- ton, of Keutucky, came as passengers in the Africa, Orders from the War Department refused them permis- sion to land, and also declined their request to leave by rail for Canada, They therefore remain ov the atermer, to bo carried back whence they came, Gaialidimaaeasiniteecis Sei of the Hibernian, Porttanp, M6., Deo, 25, 1864, ‘The steamship Hibernian sailed at half-paet vine last evening for Londonderry and Liverpool. The Taunton Ratiroad Depot Destroyed by Fire. Tavwron, Mass., Doo. 25, 1864. ‘Tho passenger dopot of the Taunton Branch Railroad was burned on Saturday night. Loss, $10,000, insurance, $3,500, NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. Wasmactox, Deo, 26, 1864, THE BATTLE DETWEEN THE INDIANS AND COLONEL CHIVINGTON NHAK FORT LYON, COLOGADO TERRI- TORY. The following extract from a letter written from Coto rado Territory, under date of December 9, puts a diflor- ent aspect upon tbe reported achlevement of Colonel Chivington and his command near Fort Lyon, in that Territory, whero five hundred Indians were reported Killed, The writer oceupics a highly responsible position in the Torritory,and bis statements may be reliod upon. He says:— You have beard, or will hear long before this reaches you, of tho great Indian battle near Fort Lyon betwoen the ecattored bands of Iodians in and about there aod the command under Colonel Chivingtou, It is said that five buadred Indians were killed and some nine of our troops, It may be of interest to you to know somothing more about this matter. ‘Toe truth will doubtiess show that this attack on the defencoless envages was onc of the most cruel in history. ‘Tho Indians claiwed to be quiet aud at poroe, yet the cowmaud pitcbed toto a villago of lodges, and the most of these victims were women and papoores. None were apared, All were killed who could not escape. These Indians, T am assured, molested no travellors who pasyed among thom, The most ot them bad given up their fire- arma Sofore the attack was made, If such is military glory, God deliver mo from alleuch, Yet this man, Col. Chiviogton, will attempt to make reputation as a military commander out of this massacre, which ehould oatse a shndder of horror through the whole country, if tt shall Prove truce, as J have no doubt will appear in gocd time. SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT LOAN, The subsoriptions tothe ten-forty loan for the week endivg with Saturday amounted to $29,668,500, and to the soven-thirty loan, $5 334,000. CASES OF CONSCIENCE. Three cases of conscience have recently been brought to the notice of the Treasury Departmont, An oMoor of the United States being in doubt as to the propricty of having drawn n requisition for $125, has returned tie money, with the request that one-half of It be considered a8 tho property of the government aud the other as bis individual contribution to the caugo of ‘Uncle Sam.’ Another anonymous correspondent returns $152 60, but desires no publication of the fact; while the third, trans Mmitting $23 7h, requests its receipt to bo acknowledged througt a New York newspaper. Uttted States Supcéme Court. Dro. 23,—No 348. The tark Giifin, her tackle, dc., appellan:, w. The Compagnie Anonyme d’ Assurances Maritimes du Havre. Appeat from the Cirentt Court of the United States for the Southern district of Now York. On motion of Mr. Carlisle this appeal wae docketed, and dismissed with costs, INTERESTING FROM MISSOURI. Our St. Louis Currespondense Sr. Louis, Doc. 21, 1864. The Rebel Force Tareatening Fort Giton—One of the Sup- ply Trains Menaced and Keieved—Kirby Smith and the Rebte— Hts C. O. B. Disorders, bo, Several days ago ae alarming piece of fatelligonce was received from the Southwest to the effect that arebol army, four thousaod strong, vader Genoral Gano, was ad- vanciog in the direction of Fort Gibson, ia the Indian Torritory, which post is garrisoned by about one thousand Indians, commanded by Col. Wm. A. Phillips, of the First Indian Volunteers, Guno was, when beard from, threatea jog 8 supgly train bound from Fort Scott to Fort Gibson, ‘This traiu was compoced of one hundred and twenty-nine wagove, with six times that number of mules, and guarded by onty four huodrod men, Gano's movements compelled the escort in charge of the traiu to helt on the Neosho river and introoch a position for defence until reinforce ments for the guard could he ent for to Fort Scott. It was the arrival of a coarier at Fort Scott aking (or these reloforeements that gave us the first really reliable intel. Migence of the alarming citeation for the safety of Fort Gibson and the peigbtoring military poate, No time was lost by Coloacl Moonlight, who command. ed & regiment of Kansas cavalry, in going to the relief of the menaced escort aod supply trato, se that, ia twenty. four hoars, aloe hundred horsemen were en route to the Neoeho river to succor the party loft there by tho court- er’s detachment. A report was received day before yes. terday' via Springfield that the traia tad proceeded ov {ta journey with additional guards, thus in 'i- gating, thet, Sood ,gMOOEIM Ah ca coftttna game report stated that Gano's rebel forces hid been heard fcom a few miles south of tho Missouri line, ia the angio formed by tne union of the boundary lines of Ar aneas, Missouri and Kaoses, Tho rebels were livieg Dy ‘s upon the Iadiane in the territory all around Fort Gibson, and bad plundered their own frieods most suc. cessfully, thereby iucreasing the respect of the secosh Indiaus for the rebel government. Your readers have doubtices soticed the complaints of the Richmond papers as to the imbecility of thelr Lieutenant General F. Kirby Smith west of the Missis sippt river, and their remarks urging a resumption of the cffepsive on his part Tho rebets nave probably aever heard the truth of affairs on this side of the river. They have been doceived by the reported enccess of the invasion Of Missourt by Price, though they cannot diego the fact that Price skedaddied irom this State 1a laste. They have an ermy to Arka! and West Louisiana and Texan of about thirty thougand men; but they are so ecattared an to be usoless. The real trouble of the rebels about Kirby smith is. if they nly knew it, tbat he is affected by what i4 known io this section as ©, 0 1, or, In plain English; ‘cotton on tho braie,”” He bas scoumalatd fresh lots of cotton oa the Wasbita aod Tensaa rive in Arkansas, and it ig well understood among cote brokers that be is periectly williog to admit tradors aide his lines and exchangs cotton for geld or for mer- chandise, if tho parties crn elude the vigilance of the Union officers, It is aot in the programme of Kirby Smith to upset all these nicely laid schemes by fehting- He expects to make a good thing of it for bimself during the winter avd spring. The prospect of getting out Kirby Smit! tion is regarded by the cotton spocu- lators in chia city and further South with intense de- High “the new State government "WC Missouri will go into operation @ext week. The special point of interest in this connection Is the prospective decapitation of several ca belorging to the or M.S M. The United States weil known, but allows the Gov- dozen copperhead militia cille ganization known Pays this force, u cials worked hard against tho radical ig tho Inte enmpaign, and of some of 1 to be it secret sympothy with the re ate @ Fletcher takos his exe erfect ecram ing on for the vacancies as weil ns for the oth in the gift of the Governor, Bushwhacking for the present year ts about cloecd. The rebels who bave born engaged in this land p' gone into winter’ quarters. Many of them safely housed in Hlinols end Iow:, and mavy others doubtless at large in St. Louis; but they have plenty of stolen funds, und can do xe thoy please until ientified. The woylelding sevority o the Union men of North souri who remained jn that section after Price's retr had the effect of puiting out of existence at least five han dred professed cuorillas. Upwards of tweive buodrod rebols who surrendered themeely manders to escnpe a worre fate than imprisonment are now in Gratiot street prison. The prisoners taken from Price have mostly been removed to Rock jalaud, Ill. The order of the War Department announcing the ex- change of all paroled prisoners captured by the evemy up to November 25 releases about twelve bundred soldiers rod during Price’s invasion. Of these sevea buu- belonging to the Forty fourth Missouri. have com to assemble at St. Joseph and hayo beea ordered ville ‘The printers’ strike in this cty continues, The prict- ore and proprictors are wider apart jn their views then nd neither seem inclined to back down, The ofices: dually receiving assistance from abroad to help weather the storm, Police Intelligence: ARREST OF ALLRGED BURG About three weeks ago the bounded warehouse, No. 5 Whitehall street, was enterod by burglars who forced open the scuttle and descended to the lower floor, where they stole silk lace, vated at one thousard dollars, with which they eacaped. MBarch was made for the criminals, but the police could learn nothing concerning thom, On the night of the 2let inet, the same warehoure was entered in a similar moanwer and robbed of fiity. three b oxes of cigars, On Saturdey evening ofcers Noy e aud Keine, of the First precinct, received tnformaticn which led thom to suepect two young men ed Patrick McCarthy and Thomas Ryaa as betog the persons who broke into and robbed the bonded warehouse. Tho officers ab once started in pursuit of the suspected partios, and soon arrested Ryan. At @ later hour of the night McCarthy waa fo houee, corner of Rector a Wi to the station Keirns learned sold to Martin Butta, streets, acum far below their roal value. cigars were recovered, and the officers have hopes of re. covering the balance of them. The stolen Ince has not yet been found, Justice Dowling committed McCarthy aud Ryan to the Tombs for examivation. ALLEGRD THEFT OF A BANK BOOK. Patrick Connors, a youth 17 years of ago, was arrested by officer O'firien, of the Bixth precinct, on # charge of Davisg stolen a bank book from the apartments of Mary Koily, No. 14 Mulborry street, showing @ deposit of dollars in her favor in the Bowory Savings ‘The room of Mrs. Kelly was broken C—} dariog ad fon her absence and the book at On arrost he ac cused the stolen book was found to bis Come ners was locked up by Justice Dowling to await an ex. amination. CHARGA OF NIGHWAY ROBBERY. Two young mon named James Galtaghor and George Gillia were arrested by officers Gambiing and O’Oonaor, / Precinct, charged with robbery on the complains of Charles McMichael, residing at No. 16 HafMtiton avenue, Brookiye, Tae mer, us is alleged, It treet of the vrommen” ts tee Wee mee Ove of la id GOV. ‘ifled his pockets of Ailver watch valved al ‘Avor "seourleg the time: piece the high «iymon renowed the assault on MoMichaol, and struck ani kicked bim repeatedly vefore the officers reached the spot, ‘The other robbers esc ped, but they are known and wil! be arrested, Magher and Gulis = ee ne es Ledwith, and committed for : what of $2,600 batt each, TI was ubsequestiy rostored to the owner. et THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL. Evorything favored a goneral and hearty celebration of the Christinas festival yesterday. The woathor was most delight(u!, (he sky boing clear and bright, and the temperature of » moderato degree, affording full scope for outdoor exercise and interposing mo obstacle to the full enjoyment Of tho social festivities withia doors. Seldom, todeed, has the naniversary of the Saviour's nativity fallen on & Mure agreouble day, and the community of Now York took full advantage of the favoring olroum- Bianoes, The churches, the parks and the streets were crowded with people. Those foving the pastime of skating wont to the Park or the Filth ayouue pond, and enjoyed themselves to thoir hearts’ content, Those who proferred to promonade, or to ride, or to sleigh, wero to be geen on the aycnuos in their gayest attire; while those whose minds were of a religious turn found ampte oppor- tunity to Batiely thoir taste at the various churobes, in which services appropriate to tho occasion were per- formed. The secular obeervance of Christmas will take place + Most of tho stores of tho city are to bo closed, and joyful oxorcises are to ocour at all the charitable loglitulionsy which were eoumeraled in yesterday's issue. TH NOWARD StReuT BOLDIRRS' HOME. A five Christmas entortsinmont will be provided to- day at this institution, for all soldiers and saliors who may bo iu the city, and it is expected that cight to ten hundred men will partake of the dinver, which will be served ut ous o'clock. The building aas boon very taste- fully decorated; the reading hall and dicing room pro- senting aeplondid appesrance. In the former, at ono ond, Is a handsomo ship, guns, figs, &., represonting tho navy ;ond at the other, cannon, dram, muskets, ko., representing tho army. ‘The hails are pievtifully firaped with flags and overgreons, displayiag oxcolient taste in the arrangements. Vieo Admiral Farragut, Ad- tolral Pauldiog, Gen. Dix, and other eminent officers will attoad, end thore will be a large aumber of visitors during tho efternoon and oveving. NEW ENGLAND £0LDIEKS' RELIEF ASSOCIATION. The Bick aod wounded soldiers e& the rooms of the the New Engivnd Soldiers’ Reliet Association, No. 104 Broadway, w tl be regaled with a epiendid dinnor at ono o'clock this afternoon. KEW -BOYS' LODGING HOUSE. The boys of the newsboys’ lodging house, No. 128 Tulton gtreot, will likewiso celebrate tho oocrsion by a finver to-day, for which alt are invited to contribute. Tre Groat Works of the Age. PROGRESS OF THE MOUNT CFNI8 TUNNEL. Jo a higity sntereatiog the Revue Cont-mno- rvine we find some curio \doaeohe:— It is well kuown (nat tue whole jength of the tunnel, when completed, wH! be 12,220 metres. michine used for the purpose is M. Sommetier’s forator, set to motion by comproseed air, It coasists of a piston work- ing borigoutally in a cyliader, and carcying a chisel fixed upon it Like a boyewet, which at cack stroke dishes with violence agrinst the rock to be pierced. Kach time the ehiset reooltx it turvs round in the hole, aod as the fatter ie sunk deorer and deeyer tho frame or eld, which cerries mot ono, but alae perforatore, vances in proportion, While tho cbisol ts dolug its wo-k with oxiraordinary rapidity, a copper tubo, of a small diameter, keeps aquirting water toto the hole, by which meaus ail the rubbish ie weebed out Behind the shietd there inn teader, which, by the aid of a pump set iw motion by Corpreased air, fecds alt these tubes with” water, The noise caused by tho simultancons striking 01 the objsels against the rock in abso bapoed as it in. by the echo of the tunnel, All at. once the noine conser eo shied recedes behind ‘and the sirfico of the ro perceived ridaied with whty holes, varying in depth betwean sighty and oluery otimetres, Thoso holes are now charged with car tridger, slow matches burning at the rato of sixty ceati- motres per MINAP.SRIPLORIRG.s60 sO workmow retire ts roots; when alt is over tho ground ts found covered with fragments of the rook, and an advance equal to the depth of the hoter hes been obtained. On the Rardonecbe side this year the average advance metres; ou the Modune aide it ight motres jer mouth, owiog to the groster hardness of the rock on tht ate; there sul! remains a length of about 8,250 in tres to bo got through. When completed the tunnel wilt have required the pleroing of 1 220.000 holes, 650,000 Kilogrammes of gunpowder, 1,659,000 metres of slow match; tbe number of bayonets rendered unserviceatle will amount to 2,450,000. THE CLIFTON (FNG.) KOREN AION BYLDOE. {From the Manches‘er Guardian, Dec. 10.) ‘The magnilicent suspension bridge vcr as the Avon at Clifton, by wbion the coumtice of Gloncester and Somer gotshire are joined, was oponed on Thuraday last with gest ceremony. More than one huvdred years ago Mr. Aiderman Viok bequeated (in trust) to the Merchant Venturers £1,009, to accumulate at Interost, for the purpese of buiding a bridge over the Avon. at Ciifton, The bequest baving, im 1820, swollen to £5,060, It was dotormined (9 take ale 6 to commence the construction of tbe bridge. £8,000 was, Of caurae, toadoquate for the construction of @ bridge avd it was, therefore, necessary to provide for the re maiodor by mena of toll ou those paging over it Tho worthy Alderman, in makiog bis bequest, however, con tompinted a free bridxe, and one of atone. Experience haviog shown that an iron suspension bridge would be Dreverablo in such a locality, applicrtion was madojto Parliament, and the necessary powers obtiinod ia May, 1930, to Datid a toll tron brides, Numorous designs were euppiied for the bridge, and that of Beonel was rocepted, bis object being to make the clifls carry the bridge, and be estimited the cost of his scheme at £57,000, In 1831 the underieking was ¢ menced by the excavation of the first atore; then cw the Bristol riots, which impoded this as every otner dertaking ip and about Heigtol. In 1833 # un’ veceseful effort was made to proceed; meeting of the British on wos held at Brinto! tbe President, the dation of the Somersetehire or viousiy en fron rod op which a cradia was drawn to apd {ro having bees erected, the work [i ‘Tho contrrctora then carried epirit, but clronmstances r 0 trusives in 1837 to t ko it Somerset pier was com. @rtop to the work. it ing fund that £20 | required to complete In 1853, the limit fixed by the act of Parliament for completion, the works were abandoved, and the pros- peet of the consiruct’on of the bridge seemed as far off 46 over. In 1860, Mr. J. Hawkebaw and Mr. W. H. Barlow oxoressed an opicion, that asf to be pulled down, tte materi construction of Clifton brida ¢ opportunlly rectned ae favorable that a new company was organized, with @ capital of £36,000. The chains and materials of Huoger- tord bridge, arert from the pore, were purchased for £5,000. In 1861 the new company obtained is act aud tock to the plets and land, One of the arrangements of the company ig to (in the course of time) render the bridge free The bridge tg ruspended from the the three high chaine on ench side passing over th piers, the ends being an- chored in a chamber revonty fect below tho level of tho bridge in the eolid rock, From the anoborage to the pier on the Cli:ton side the distance is two bundred and twenty feet, across the chasm geven buadred end three fect, and from the pier on the Le'ga side the chaing o rrespond with those on tbe Clifton side, The weight of iron used io tbe bridge is no less than one thourand five bucd ed tone tae chains alone weighing ove thousand one buodred tons, and the perpandioular enspension rode twenty tons. Tho links of the chain are seven inches broad and twenty- tour feet long, and each link ts comp: #ed of a series of bare bolted together at the ends, Four hurdred bolt of pearly two inches in diameter are used for this purpove. hi scrow ends, by which they are fixed with a put, The bridgeis vsinted @ kind of dark rod coming very genorally used for such works, aud tho best possibio taste haa beeo shown in not over decorating it the nuts and ends of the bolts connecting the links 0! the chain are alone gilt, and form ao uniform and neat tothe whole structure. From the chain tbe bridg undred and sixty-two wrought } ixty five ‘eet to three feet If in diameter, give the nd pretty choracter, Thor vine and three bund girders employed above (he quantity used ford bridge, The roadwey of the bridge is sleepers of Baltic timber, with traneverse plavks Iatd upon them Thore can be no doubt of the stability of tho bridge, it, by means of @ tram. atime wil ° bo ured in tho Mr. Airey having carried over way, five hundred tons of stone pistes News from South America. THR WAR BRTWREN BRAVIL AND URUGUAY—TOSI- TION OF FRANCE IN JHB BLOCKADE OF MONTR~ VIDEO. following ts a copy of the note rent by the French Charge d’Affaira in Montevideo, in reply (0 o0@ of the communications of the Commande wiet of the Bra- zilian naval forces, who proposed certain reprials against ent of Uraguay — beedetner nr ihe BUNY Towrevingo, Oot. 19, 1864 Mowsieor 1m Baron—1 hasten to reply to the circular note which your Excellency bes done mo the bonor of e the 11th fostant, bar which I only received yesterday. Without discussing the facts or remarks On them comporing the first part of this and cooftning myself to the principles which the matter, begin by demanding by @ your Excellency proposes to the represen- of antrios to Associate themscl¥os measures which it is decided te porsve under tho name of repr: Hae war been de- clared botweeo the Imperial thy ora and the Eastern republic of Uraguay? Has there been at least a notifiea. tion of blockade with the formalities required by the Inw of nations avd the practice of every civtized pier Toe quired by his government, eftor baving informed th dtvlomat! 0 agents of the aaeel and mailhery ‘operations ‘ ut (otake place ta consequence, desires to conclude ¥ demanding their cononrresce, in ordering the shipe of Sbelr Gations to submit to his exigencies; and, what is more important, ho adds that he will be th Charged of the hard but unavoidable duty of e: + vigtlance and setzing of these ships taay have on board. In our turn we fulfil duty of declaring to his Excellency that it is impossible ua to admit, o0 the part of the ships placod under his Ordors. the liberty of arresting, visiting or searchin Line of peace, ships of commorce navig of solema treaties, in Brazil docs not even border upon, and wher might bring on complications even with t Repudite, also diplomatically bound to guarantee the 1 trality of the river. T will pot couclude without adding that io the oase where the warlike operations announced under the name of reprisals against commercial places situitod on the north of the Rio Negro should occasion dam ge to the subjects of the Emperor, my august sove- reigo, it will belong to the government of his Majeaty to determine to what point responsibil ty for those damages will fai! on the Brazilian government. I profit, &e. Le Charge &' Affaires de 8. M, L* Kmpereur des Francais, M. MAILLEFER. Argentine Marine Disneter. Pamapsuenia, Dee 26, 1864, Tho British gohooner Isabel, from Coracoa for Boston, with salt, sunk Thursday night off Foowiok Island, Arrivals and Departuros, ARKIVATS. Liven: 00L—Steamahip Erin—T Alive Capt Lawyer, lady and child; Mrs Reed M Hawking, Indy and child; W Reunie, J Hoyl E Mouchel and lady, r Roya! Havana Lottery.—P izes Cashed in gold. Information furatshed, Highest rates pald for Doubloons aud ali kinds of Gold and Bilver. TAYLOR & CO., Bankers, 16 Wall otreet, A Suportor Assortment of Wines, Bran- dies, Irish, Scotch and Bourbon Whiakies, JOUN J, STARK & SON, 86 Franklin street, Arctic Oversho Winter Bog both warm and waterproof, at LORIN BROOKS & BON'S, 434 Broadway, corner of Howard street. A Presont.—The most suttable Present for amokers is undonbtedly a MEEKSCHAUM PITRE, which can be got genuine at POLLAK & BON'S manufac «G2 Heondway, near Fourth street. Pipes out to order A.—Holiday Salts and Overconts. BOYS’. from $10 to $29. MENS’, from §20 to $45. A.—“Whito’s Patent Poultively cure rupture, | Pampiiters f ‘GREGORY & for a stamp, CO., 609 Broadway, A—Why is Phatons Night Blooming OERGUS universally po; ; lightfully with the most pala ne prominent feature of humanity, Arnica Linitment—An In- failinte cure bi ‘alds, xpraina, rbeu shot wounds, &o e application allaye the pain from a dura the instant ib ts applied. No family should be with- out it. Bate! Hair Dyce ' he B world. Harmless, reliable, inatautaneows. The only per- fect Dye. Factory #1 Barclay atreet, Rardan Cristadoro. Hate Dye, Preservative and Wig Depot, wholesalé and retad, No, 6 Astor House. The dye applied by #kiifui artists, Chenpost Bovk Store in the Wor 600,000 ren’s Pooks, Magnificent Photographic Albuma, beautiiul Famiiy Bibles, illustrated; gorgeous Toy Books, Ae,, at half price. LEGGAT BROTHERS, 119 Nassau street, Cheapest Books ore 560,000 gorgeous Photographic Album: Bibles. “Prayer Kooxs, Children's i BROTH bits, 119 Nassau street, next below Bockman, Diamond Kings of All Descriptions— ty-five, one. two, thres, dollars each—for sa'e b ond way, one door beiow Cana alreok, No. 415 sireci, formerty No. 11 Wall Barrings and Pius—New Style received—Three, Five. Seven, Ten, Twelve, Fiftee: TK) 9 Une Hundred Dollars a sot IN, 415 Broadway, one door below Holiday Presents of AVFECTION AND CHARITY. WHERLER & WILSON'S tigheat Premium es BEWING MACHINES, No. 625 Hroadway, New Vort. Seo Wheditr & Wileon 6 Button tivle Machine. It You Want to Kaovw MEDIOAL COMMON A ourious book for curious people, every ove. Price $150. To be Ih Contents tables tnatled free. De. &. B. FOOT: Barter Bo S Arse aee Svereee, na mate PF ih aud twenty dol. a Ri wenty dol. 7 GO" C. ALLBN, Nu. 415 Beoadway, The Christnes Snow ond ice Carnival han been the jollinst alfatc we have had in many winte but it te well in the midst of a species of enjoyment, which ver that the aiden involves 60 meh bem way to nec chille, ta to tou ex: mUre tO cold. to remen the ayatem against the cite theroughly with HOSTETTE BKATKD STOMACH BITTER Warm'y without and sustained ani braced by this Matchless Vegetable Tonic in. tach Weather. In frost or wading in snow booth, this, Sold everywhere, New Saaw —On Sunday, December ‘2, Francs J. Saaw, youngest son of Kinily A. and Petor Shaw, aged 3 years and 20 daya His fanoral will take place on Tueeday afterncon, at two o'clock, from the reaidence of lis pareats, No. 122 ,Frankiyo avenue, Brooklyn, Tho friends of tho family “are respectfully tavited to attend, withoat (For other Deaths se Third Page.) Germania 2 Ausiealanen <Aavarwool New Vork..........-New York ramen Clty of London New York. Liverpool ron oar North Stai n -Aapin wal! Gor ta he te wall olden Ru 2 Sac Juan Ocran jucen 23.. Asin wal HAVANA, NASSAU, N. P., KINGSTON, JA., AND NEW ANA, toamsttp Corstea, (rom New GStOM, J—~Steamshio Montezuma, from Now York 2 on New Onteans—Steamship Evening Star. from New Jon ) ship George Cromwell, from Mew York Dee 31. mahip Suwa Sada. from Now York Dee 31. wehin Yarao from New York Jan 5. at $ PM For Mwana—Steamship Columbia, from New York, Dee 23,8 PM atl Sivamehip Matanzas, from New York St. SPRCIAL NOTION. nud packages intewted for the New Yore Memato sealed Anh ould 0 FOR xeW YORY—TMI8 D: 7 T | oon mises S49) mem waren morn 4.35 eve 665 Port of New York, December 25, 136%. OLFAREN were cleared on Saturday im adét to those reporte: roay Wah'p Christel | Predorich, Bremen—Rover Pros Hark New Brovawick (Pr), Hopgood, Bristol~Goorge F PONE Kenaeth (Bry, Stanley, Rio Gaande—Brett, fon & . Trig Cycione (Br), McDonald, 81 Thomar—( H Tram, q i) Deig Mastming Bird (Be), Stephens, He iP Whit ney & Co, “ Brig Moses Rogers, Jones, New Orieant=T & Meat 0 - Gone Maggie Loria (Br), Smith, l—Rrett Son & Co. DR hewoit, eee), Strim, Mayage Rr Lae 4 bor Grace—Greene & | Behr St Kidde (Br), Parsons, ti Schr D Davidson, Ketchum, Fortress Monroe=F J Camp. bg OH Booth, Longstreet, Fortress Monroe—F J Camp be’! “ache R Mason, Marling. Fortres Bohr Lamarting, Johnson, Fortr Fe rJ Uinckiey Jones, Forte Bohr Wave, O'Brien, York B Behr FJ Commings, Lunt Bebe I Schr Bitra Bioop Alm n Fs Campbell ston—H W Loud & Co. ri=It S Rackett & Son, Monroe—F J Camptell nd Ourens Willame & 3 the passage; Deo 8. of bark Susan M Podman; ecO, lat 51 ‘anged si,nals with steamship Aus Bieamshin Erin (Br), 6. with mdse a tian, bound east Star of the South (1 8 transport), Woedhull Bteamenip @ Mopros, 26 hours, (o US Quartermaster, ‘Sips P Whecier, Gadd, Cow Bay, Dec 7, with coal. to Wm & Alfred Noiaon. agen Bark Thames (of Scarboro, Rng), Fraser, Colombo, Sep 2, with coffee and ptumbs ier. , paced jon 75 2 A pieces of small boxes; aleo (apparentiy) powder ke, pinbke with spikes in them. ark Atlanta, Phillipe, Aspinwall, 22 vor Hikahtand Haeean), Anderson, Matamoren, atte of things im which (here extsts neither rents nor neutrals, how would the rules relating to the of wut ind contraband of war be appiicab’e by (he simple title of 8 And, nevertheless, bis Excellency the Baron de famandare, copaidering ali these righte 08 a: phew. solute: win cotton io @ 3 eh See oie tot Nnssau), Keith, Matamoros, Dec I, wit Gites, teers ® Dunniig. Dec 16, Samuel Foulk, cook died after 3 months illness. ; Bebe Umion, Sgaith, Long Ueland, days, with note, ae, | Bahamas, 1) days wiih | falt, (o Thos A R Webster & Co. Tat hoovy weather; toa® Jib and anal anchor, aplit malosas, &o. Sobr Wale oe). Lake, Coruwalis, NS, 10 deya, wit oD 5 Schr Hannah dtatida, Thorn. Oharieston Bar, 6 daye. Schr J W Rumsey, Cranmer, O:ty Point, 2 hours, Schr Herachell, ——, Foxgross Monroe, 2 days. Bohr Const Filo “Vortrene Moucos, 7 dare. Behr Mode: Decker, ay Khowdes, V leg Sepr Mary A Lvine. Walton. Virgtole. DB Warner, Smith, Georgetown, 6 dae Behr ale of Pines. Lake, Georgato Bebr E D Kndioott, Kudicott. Georgetown, Bebr KA Anderson, Craniner, Georgetown. Ir Secor H Crosk: Georgetown. Baltimore for Fall River. Miers, Sohr Thos Borden, Wrightington, Schr Maria Hail, Searfield, Baltimore for New Londom. timore, 4 daye, Schr (da Della Torre. Ficketes, Bi * iooke River for Mew Solr Alice Hallett, Baitimors, 4 Sohr Kliza Williams, Swelman, Na Haven Bebr Nalad Queen, Daniels, Philadelphia for Reston, eth port tor Some) Schr Argus, Orowley, Sche MH Kea, N Behr EA Stevens, Rentlor. beth cbr Avail. Carter, Kilzabévlport for Provide Rebr Tht. Prosoott, Eastport & days, — Bol le. ‘Onluis for Philadelphia, Bieamer Meteor, Drew, Boston via Newport. BELOW, Ship Trimountaio, LED, Steamship Fountain, for Hilton Head, Wind at eunsot BW. Ame Shipmasters” Acsselation, No dl Wact Stuxer—Roous 2, 25 anv 2. The fellewing approved Mastors and Olficers have raeelved commissions frem this Association: Captaine Gustap Barnt; Coarles Huxford, bark Suse Jane; 1 orto, bark Ke} : Clarenco I} Haywards James Hill; Jobo Coalieet, ache Coinam: John F Gregory. sehr Robert KB tchr Bupero; sehr Alcorn; Bonjamnia Ds ridge, sehr Dacotah; George Venton; Charien A Gunn, brig bark Commodore. All commiasions outstanding over one year require tebe presented to the olfice for rene L Aon Lovitt; Joann Andersom, Brera Generac Warp, an American versel, blew opas Bhanghae on the 2ist of Octover. except one, Brnaxenre Perovian. at Liverpool from Portland, passe@ 4 nizem GN. low All the crow were killed & derelict and waterloiged vessel, with mato maats und bulwarks gous end storo broken, 1a 62 W. She had # bilet Sprit, white lower masta, the foremaat. Sreamsmir Monrron—Amoy, Sept 30—The M from Khanghae for Nagasaki, bas put wit! crew disabled aud chief mats washed overboard, She ie now on ch for examination, Suir Nuw York, from Sunderland for New York, fou- dored off Dagger (aland. Crew saved. Sure Agra, f means ‘rom New York Sept 30 for the Clyao, lost KAMER Astonr—Steamer Adelal ; vent ag le, Gt Baltimore 234 ing @ large transport steam- er ashore on Poplar Isiand. epee eier Bann Asnonx—-Wood's Hole, went ashore on 34—An unknowe bark iddie Ground this morning, during e remat ‘rom Manila and Anjier leaving Anjicr, and pat rutug cargo Nov 7. sw ork fo Mauritiy Seu fore rep die, bad @ cargo of 100,000 staves, Bonu Kure, from St George, NB, struck oo Beumire Ledge on Tuenit Crow waved, The toliowing table giver. a wimmary of the veascls ta the harbors of New York. Boston, Philadelphia, Baltlmore and Now Orleans, at the latest aceounts from each of these ports ith lumber, for Bostou, night Inat and Glied, Stoamah|, Bhipesssees berks Toi Netice te Mariners. MRDITRRRANGAN—6OUTH COST OF BPAINSFIXED LIGHT a® LONDON. Bt Tho Minister of Marine at Madrid haa given nouice that em and after the Ist day of December, 1861. o Light wilt be Oxhibited from the ilghthou-e recently erected om Torres, tn tho province of Maaga, ry On the aouth conat of 8; ‘The light will be ite Uy 9% teet above {15 mile paratus in dlopteto or by lenses, of the slightly conical, of gray stone, 77 feet bi d by & lantern with ie eupola paint ‘Torres, ‘on the ‘point of the a ‘orroz, Om ihe poi! ‘coutre Of the’ Keepst's dwelling at 5 45,10 ON. 3 69 26 W of Greenwich. COAST OF KAKAMTA—ISSAN FL KAUBEM LIGHTS. Information has been received at the Admiralty, thas Lissan ki Kahbeh, or ‘oink, nase on the coast of Karamanta, By. command of thar GEO. HENRY ZF at Ric Spoker, &e Bhip 5M Sloman, from Mauritive Tor Cork, Oot 7, tat a Foretgn Porte. Axtwrre, Dec 7—Arr Mg, #, Kioadel, NYork. Big from, ushing Roads Nov W, Ocenm Travetier, Dat- Y 4 Oct 27- Are Bduard, Halbrastadt, New York for , PI). Tec'R—Arr Moot Blanc, Donnel!, Cube (and passed up to Pristoly Brien, Doc 3- Arr Josephus, Green, Rassetn; Amertee (a), Wenasin, NYork; tb, Orpeus, Weeatts, do; 5th, Magda lene, Henke, do. BANJOuWANJIF, Sept 26-—Arr Baltimore, Maver, NYork. Baravta, Oct 23—Arr Javara, Zweede, NYork (and 2th for Meiland); 2h, Cepells, Timm, do. 8d Union, Thayer Rangoon. 8, lon 49 os long x bs , Ot 2-—Arr Bureka, Hall, Caleatta; Nev Be Longwood, Peterson, do, "4, ughton. Brown, de; 6th, KE on Biuart, Lyons, do, Sila Oct 29, Benares, Noyes, Oal- enti. To port Nov 11, Ffien Stuart, Lyona, for Liverpool; oor, for Calcutta: it T Arr Ceres, NYork. Tenaro, Kelley, Pomaron s80th, Mary 20, 3 —Arr Saxonia (#), NYork; 6th, Othello, Callao, CAL irs, Oct 20—Art Lalla Tookh, Swinson, Bombays erwin, Sharp, h, Aberdeen, Cole, Maw- © Boat in; 3h. Good Th Norris, Madras. Sid Bombay. eh Aer Com Dupont, Clifford, London for Car aif (and 7th); 7th, Coataworth, Tucker, do for Mele bourne (and eld), ator, Doc 0—Arr Danube, Whidden, Baker's Isian@ for Hamburg, » Ferrier, NYor Arr Wilhel 0, ‘Gorrensune, Nov 30—Arr vane D Cooper, Cooper, Bee men, Harney. Dee 6—Are Flora MeDowald, Miskelly, Baltimore, Md Ci Haghes, Valparaiso, an 9 om on; Cit of London jade. Winslow, Portiand. |. Corwen, Melbourne; Blomidon, Carry, lie, Gutiins. Heaton: n Ranfeld. Boetian, San Francisco; Hoogly, Iparaisoand Ci Hevvort, Dee h, King Bird, ot Ubiindelphins fth, Wom i} ‘th. Josephine, Congdoo, Hae (a). Bynon, NYork: City of Sth, Gipsy Queen, Austin, Bat (a), Rallantive, Portland ‘(am Dyer, Rangoon; Sham Liecis South= w York: Ath, BW Stetsom, “haderson, . for NYork; Corneline Pmpire, Taylor, NY to pnt sche. Volagk, ee York. Caicutta, York. -CM Axel, Lan: *, Dowdy, NYork, iray. for N¥ork. Pom, r jchhibert, New Yorks . 40. ‘Arr Andrew Jackson, MoCallamy a. kexevowy, Dec 7—A Hon: Scotland, Ro! fn (8). Liv (et id for § York); Sasnn Owen, Norton, Callao: angaroo (s), Bridguaa, Liverpool for NYork (and ‘Are Robert Mowe, Je, Day, Boston. St The ni, Boston. joury, Gotiendurg for & Bay, CGH, Sept 27—-81d Urania, Cooper, Algow Are Apollo, Hodge, o Roges, Diner. Foochow. S84 stow: Orlow, ‘ooebo' lith, Kate Hastings, /fae tow «Ot Welton, Foosiows Dom Pedra (1, Siuagare Hong Koa. Yaundrrm, Dee [=O1, President, from 5 | € 4 Pen Seal r ove Cape Race} Are from NYork 1 Woos Rios, and t jm, nm Lith, Elizabeth Jenkin 2 pools Lith, John Brigdty wate, ‘Ate from Poston SP shing: 12h, llth, Rwateron, ‘at Broad *7, Lady Dufferin, at Melbourne; at Queenstown. w,' Colawood, at Mate ae teamanip Atria, Ander fore. Cid steamahip Bava, bare Parana, Thompson, Haz Hardy. Cape, Maytin; imme | boldt, Coombs, Fortress Monroe; sent & Hi Atweod, Rich. x Yo nt Os Lanrilita, SM UTEIMORS, Deo. 23—Are brig Bcho, Benson. Ponce s whee Georgie (Br), Foster, Nassaa: Ueto OF Abrama, N Yor ‘Cid Br bere Jo! Chisholm, Saverpgoot sere James House, Baker, Boston; Grapeshot, Snow, York. " SW ORLEANS, Deo I6—Arr fhark Rambler, Pad andy Kew York (and cld for do); sche Cyclone, Babbidge, Phila~ BURTON, Deo 3. A | cB OFiverpont via. Guee Matthews, Potiadelphia: Br vaca: brign Example (Be), FS deiphia “ Ar Fr bark Turonne, Rernierd, Rordeans; Qen Fawsgre. Shkaott"Rinian bs Pa Taret tite Riraba'l, Clark, from ee, kel Seeded Pry, (rom Philadelphia, re oFowed t gem 1th, bars om . PORTLAND, Deo B—Clq Aovas, LE a ose, Cag.