The New York Herald Newspaper, February 12, 1865, Page 4

‘ NEW YORK HERALD. | JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. OFFICE M. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU sts. ——————————— AMUSEMENTS TO-MORROW EVENING. iY OF MUSI Iranian Orena— AQADENY OF wom, Ire nm wenn THEATRE, Broadway.—Taw Staxets or New whteu SSrsoras NIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway.—ADsinsys. eenngew ay THEATRE, Broadway.—Tas Lava Is- ‘aut Par. THEATRE, Bowery.—Daus Tror—Mipmany |RIDEGROOM. WINTER GARDEN, Brosdwey—Hauuee, NEW BOWERY THEATRE. Rowory.—Opcsx Guixpes— goa Moves Suane Teo WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broadway.—Sacasts Wi way. ourn ees MUSEUM. Broadw Procter: pale Mechanics’ Hail, 673 Broad- ‘Bomas, buatesquas, &0.—Live .—Two Mauuorn Fat tant Bor—ABUCENs— WOOD'S MINSTREL HALL, 516 Brosdway.—Srasers oF Maw Yous—Tas Par But—Enuorian Soxcs, Dances, 20. Eee grmeenrere MAMMOTH aetna (0 and 41 Broadway.—Open from 10 A. M. to 10 P. POTHBATRON, Gr anal SURATER, 7 No. 444 Broadway.—Bautars, Bumizsquss. &c.—Rosust axp Benrnan. BOOLNE & 2° CAE LS MINSTRELS, 199 and 201 Bowery.—Son. ‘BUaLeouues, £0.—BLa0n Baiaape “Fourteenth street, —Equasrman, “Ackosaric EN tReTALsMENTs—MoTUKE GOO NEW YORK MUSBUM 4 os MY, 618 Breadway.— OMe a UO Me ONT 2 VANNUCHI’S MUSEUM, 600 Broadway.—Moving Wax Fiauass. aa New York, ‘anna THE SITUATION. ‘We have this morning confirmation through rebel Qources of the previous reports that Branchville, 8. C., has becom occupied by General Sherman, and also ® reiteration of the rumors that Charleston has been evacuated by the rebels Thets is every reason to believe the latter announcemont, as the rebels themselves have admitted that this im- Portant event must follow the capture by the national forces of Branchville. We give in th's morning's Herat & succinct sketch of the init atory movom: nts of General Shorman’s South Carolina campaign and a map showing the Mino of his march and the country in which he is at Present operating. The Army of the Potomac remains in secure possession of ite newly acquired ground on Hatcher's run, so gal- Jantly wrested from the enemy on last Sunday and Mon- day. By the acquiroment of this new position General Grant bas extonded the Jo‘t of his lines four or five miles, which will have = most important bearing on Lee's operations in that direction, compelling him f ettenusc his lines at other points in order ‘30 present a front hore, and -materially interfering ‘with his transportation of supplies and any demgns ‘the may have cuteriained of despatching troops @outhward to assist in opposing Sherman. It is evi- dently General Grant's intention to hold this new posi- ‘tion, as strong dfensive works Lave already been con- structed and camps. laid out upon it, aud the military railroad is being pushed forward to it from the Appo- mattox. Up to Thursday night there had been no fight- ing since Tuesday, the enemy being apparently convinced of the futility of attempting to repossess the ground. Major General Gregg tus resigned the command of the | cavalry in the Army of the Potomac, and has been sue- ceeded by Brigadier General Gregg. The Richmond | papers say thet this movement of the Army of the Poto- mac is a formidable flank one for the extension of Grant's | Ninos in the great plan of invosiing that o:ty. One of our Washington correspondents states that dur- ing the recent peace confereuce in Hampton Roads direct propositions were made to President Lincoln by the rebel | commissioners for a union of the rebel and national armies for the exuforcement of the Monrve doctrine, leay- ay, February 12, 1865. ing the question of reanion for the prosent in abeyance, to be decided by the course of events, AS explanatory ‘and corroborative of bis statement, our correspondent in tho President's report where ho says Henter and Campbell | seemed to desire a postponement of the question of a . Stephens, return to the Union, “and the adoption of tome other | course first, which, as some of them scemed to argue, might or mi.bt not lead to reunion.” He also quotes | Mr. Sewafd’s language in bis note to Mr, Adams, as follows:—“‘What the insurgent party seomed chiefly to favor was a postponement of the question of separation, upon which the war is waged, and a routual di ection of the efforts of the government as well as those of the insurgents to some extrinsic puliey or scheme for a season.” That unanimity of all classes within the rebel lines, which the Kich:nond newspapers so enthusiastically in- formed us was the immediate result of the failur: of the peace conforence in Hainpton Roads appears to have had am existences of only a few days; for these same journals and Jeff. Davis’ opponcats in the rebel Congress are agnin denouncing him as vehemently as before, charging him with stubborn opposition to the will of ths people in retaining tn bis Cabinot un- popular men, and in refusing to reinstate Gene- ral Joe Juhnston. The strongest accusations against him are mute both im Congress and in the press, and it is insisted also that he is responsible for all the military biundors of both Johnston and Brogg The Baquirer enieayors to muke a strong polot against Jeff {in the fact of his having for lis chicf minister @ man who “in no proclamation signed by him as Sceretary of Btate has ever adinitted the existence of a trivne God,” fend eays that “the people do not like to be made to Choose between J-wus Lhrist and Judah P. Benjamin.”’ The Richmond Bzamin y of the Oth inst, ins labored Bttompt to prove that the fruitlessness of the late peace Begotlations has had (he most beneficial effects on the rebel cause, poople and tannces, informa us, towards the Close of the art cle, that © amazing, fabuious, miraculous | programme, and was a splenilid affair. blunders’ in the rebel Trowury Department, involving “an orror of four or five hundred millions or so in the Uabilitios of the yoverument,” Lavo recently been Drought to light The very mdefinito “or Fo” in the sontonce is rather suggestive; for it can as casily mean that the deficiency ts four of five thousand mililons as four or five bundred; and It mattors Little to the world at large, or even the people of the confederacy itself, whether the larger or the smaller sim is the correct one, in consideration of the worthicssness of rebol liabilities, bonds and cur- foncy. Our Consul in London, Mr. Dudley, has communicated to the goverainont © report, (hich he is disposed to Delieve true, that a naval ram has been sold to the American rebels by the Dunish government, at the {sland of Houst, and that she would sail immediately. Ho also etates that rome Afty nelors who were shipped} there, and had gone to France, were believed to be in- Gendet for this vessel. Eee case of the BL divans raldequ Wye egaia beteon tbe NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1865. court in Montreal oo Friday and yesterday. Their counsel asked for » further delay for the purpose of obtaining testimony from Richmond, on the ground that the four messengers who bad already been despatched for that puspose had bees unable to reach that city. Oue of these messengers was a man named Davis, formerly superintendent of the rebel prison for Union soldiers & Andersonville, Ga, who was tecognized om @ ra'lroad train im Oblo « fow weeks age, by a cavalryman, who had been for some ime confined im the Georgia prison pen. Davis was at the time endeavoring to make his way from Canada to Rich- mond. He has since been tried by court martial as a spy, and is now under sentence of death. A further’ post- ponement till to-morrow was granted the raiders by the Montreal court, It is now said that if given up they will not be brought to this city, but will have their trial in the Btate of Vermont, where their outrages were committed. ‘Thirty vessels laden with the captured Savannah cotton wore to have left Port Royal, S. C., on last Wednesday, in convoy of goverament gunboats. We publish this merning a large amount of tnteresting ‘extracte from rebel newspapers. The Wilmington Jour- fal says that Fort Anderson, on Cape Fear river, was shelled on the 84 inst. by two Yankee qanboats, with- out doing any injury except wounding a few men. ‘The Wostern rebel cavalry officer, General Forrest, says he is tired of scenes of blood, and desires peace. Hean- ating for revenge, and that), eo “gubjugation.”” Any Union soldier who has ever en- dured the horrors of the Libby or Belle Isle will experi- ence little sorrow on learning that General John H. Winder, rebel Commissary General of Prisoners, is dead} ‘His death occurred recently at Floreace, 8. 0. CONGRESS. _ Lioutenant General Grant appeared before the Com- mittee on the Conduct of the War yesterday, and test!- fied with referonce to tho first expedition against Fort Fisher. He also stated that arrangements for an ex- change of prison’rs of war bad been concluded, and that all our soldiers who have #o long languished in captivity will goon be released. Tho General afterwards visited the Honse of Representatives and Senate Chamber, where ho was greeted heartily by both Congressmen and specta- tors. Senator Saulsbury good humoredly remarked that there was not # lieutenant In the service who could not ‘cut a better swell” thay the cominander of thé armies of the United States. But little business was transacted In the Sonate yester- day. The consideration of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Appropriation bill was resumed, several amendments adopted, and the bill passed. In executive session a number of army, navy and diplomatic appoint- ments were confirmed. In the House of Represontatives Mr. Rice, of Massa- chus'tts, defended himself against the charges published In the New York Hv-ning Post and Springfield Republican that he voted against repealing the duty on paper in order to put money in his pocket, being a paper manu- facturer. General Delafield was chosen a Regent of the Emithsonian Institution. In Committee of the Whole the Tot rnal Revenue bill was taken up. An amendment to day-an addtional tax on beer, porter, ale, &0., was Te- Jectad, A license of ten dollars on ali miners was adopted. Other parts of the bill ‘ware considered, and the House adjourned. THE LEGISLATURE. ‘The State Senate was not in session yesterday, having previously adjourned over until Monday evening. In the Assembly bills were noticed for a railroad in Brooklyn and Queens county; also conferring legal pew- exsupon the Arbitration Committee of the New York Chamber of Commerce. A bill was introduced authoriz- ing the Jersey Forry anid First Avenue Railroad Company to lay a track in certain streets in New York. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The ice was in fine condition on all the ponds yeastor- day, and the attendance was vory large. Tho carnival on the Fifth avenue pond teok place, according to the Two bands were in attendance, and in the evening there was a brilliant Mlumination, The supervisors’ Volunteering Comimittee met yoster day and agreed to pay the Stato bounties to rcoruits, namely: three bundred dollars to one ycar men, four hundred dollars to two years men and six hundred dollars) | to throe years men. They also agreed to pay fifty dollars hand money for one year recruits, seventy-five dollars hand money for two years men and one hundred dollars for three years men. Two hundred and twenty thousand dollars of additional subscriptions have been received to ‘tho one million dollar loan forthe payment of bounties approved last June by the Mayor, and last week legal.zed by the Legislature. No arrests of bounty brokers wero made yesterday by Colonel Baker, the arrangements for them not being ripe yet. The naval rndezvous in Brooklyn has b en re- opened, and the busincss of recruiting resumed legiti- mately. The enlistments are now made in such a way as tw allow of no frauds by means of false papers, such re- strictions and requirements boing placed vpou the brokers as to prevent a recurrence of the past infamous trans- } actions In the United States Circuit Court yesterday, Judge | Sh'pman presiding, James D. Reymert, late Receiver of | Public Moneys in the United States Treasury Depository, had a verdict rendered against him for six thousand dol- lars, which amount he alleged in bis defence was stolen from his office saie at Hudson, Wis. The Judge directed | the jury to find for the government, in consequence of | the defondant fuiling to show that ho had reported the Joss to any accounting offiser of the Treasury, and that he | was not at tho time of tho trial in possession of vouchers or proof before that time beyond his power to procure. About twelve o'clock last night Mr. J. G, Barnum, Jr., of 63 Weat Fourteenth street, while passing through Washington Parade Ground, was attacked by three high- waymon, knocked down and severely beaten, and robbed | of his pocketbook and cane. A fire in the four story building 60 John street, be- tween three aud four o'clock yesterday morning, de- stroyed and damaged stocks of goods to the value of about eighty-five thousand dollars, om the greater portion of which there were jusurances. The building was dam- aged to the extent of ten thousand dollars, It was fully ineured. A very important arrest of an alleged counterfelter was made by one of the United States detectives on Friday night, It is charged that the prisoner, John Camp, alias John A. Camper, was extensively engaged in the manu- faciure of counterfeit goverameat ‘rational currency, ton doliar bilison the Mechanics’ Bank of New Haven, and five doilar bills on the Bank of Northfleld, Vermont. Through an arrangement with » man who pretended he wished to buy a large lot of this bogus stuff, and whom Camp, according to agreement, met at a porter bouse near the corner of Eighth avenue and Fifty-fourth street, on Friday evening, {or the purpose of delivering it, the officer was enabled to arrest him. On seareling the premises occupied by Camp, in Fifty-fourth street, prosses, plates, dies, paper, ink and all the necessary material for printing the base currency were found, to- gother with large quautitics of the bills, signed and ready for issue. The prisoace was yesterday arraigned in the Jefferson Market Police Court, and ulterwards locked up for further examination. The two men who were the tecans of cnirapping bim were ocommivied to the House of Detention, as witnesses. A German named Charles Straub was yesterday com- mitted for trial on suspicion of having picked from the poock:t of Thomas Hefiner, frem Minuosota, in a base- ment drinking place at 65 Clfystie street, a pocketbook contaiuimg over five hundred dollars All the money was recovered. Edward Morris was yesterday committod for oxamina- tion on charye of being the per-on who, on the Sdult, entered the apartm nia of Mra, Henneh Newman, No. 22 Eldridge street, and solo therefrom mun y, jowelry and other atticles valued at nearly threo hundred dollars, hone of which bax yet beew recovered. Ann Ray and Jane Graham were yonterday detained Sor examivation on the charges uf attempting to pass, at Brefrerhment saloon in Rowery, ® worthless two dollar bili op the bank of Ci fton, Canada, and of having {a their posersion valuciows ome and three dollar b tls of th Bullion Bank of Washington. Matilda Hadden was yesterday locked up to answer to the complaint of baving tebbed a soldier named Emory F, Piackard, in the bouse 128 Chrynic stroot, of five tun. Gxed dollars ia money and Hi er watch. 4 comvention of leks abipy nacre uns boon 1 sescive at Detroit for some days It adjourned yesterday, after the formation by the mombers ef an organiza vn te be Known as as the Shipowners’ Assovciative uf the Western Lakes. Stocks were dull but steady yesterday. Government seourities were steady. Gold opencd weak at 209, aud closed at 20414. There was no visible change im commercia! matiers on Saturday, save that the habitual duiness of Saturdey was @ promineat foature. In prices of merchandise (b+ alterations wore unimportant. Im imported merchaniis¢ but Little business was done, and even im domestic pio duce the sales wore small, and generally at uachanged prices, On (bange the four market was a shade firmer and more active, despite the deciine in gold. Wheat and corn were quiet, but firm. Oats were j<e, higher, but the demand.was moderate. The pork market was more active and Armer, closing rether heavy for new mess, and firm for old do, Beef was in active demand and orm. Lard was a shade easier and less active, Whiskey was trifle Ormer, with only moderate demand, Freights ‘wore steady. The Important News from South Caro- line. The first result of General Sherman’s advance into South Carolina is announced this morning in the report from rebel sources. of the ocoups- tion of Branchville and the evacuation of Charleston. The first named event was a fore- gone conclusion from the moment the armies under Sherman degad to move; and the second for the tone of the rebel papers, was contingent on the firs. The rumor of the gupiure of Branch- ville which wae provel~at at Richmond en the Sch inst, was confirmed on the 10th, and accom- panuying the confirmation was rumor of the evacuation of Charleston. We trust and believo that the rumor of the 10th will be confirmed by the rebel reports of the 11th instant. At any rate we may congratulate the country on the fall of Charleston as @ natural result, sooner or later, of the admitted full of Branchville. — Jef. Davis and the Southern People— What Will They Do With Him? Tho real designs of Jeff. Davis in the late peace conference we at length fully exposed. He did not expect peace, he did not intend peace, his object was a distinct issue on the peace question, upon which he might silence the peace clamors around him, and stir up an- other revival of the original Southern war fever. He has tried his experiment, he has apparently succeeded in Richmond in raising a universal clamor for war to “the last ditch;” but it is a vio- lent effervescence, which will speedily subside, and be followed by a decisive Southern reaction for peace. The most radical of the Richmond fre-eaters have alrosdy betgayed their fears of a collapse. The Zvamincr of that city, fgr example, says:—“There is a profound and powerful spring of revivified passion, wrath, and resolve in our Confederate. people;” but “it will be of no use, will lead to mo good, will subside againinto deeper apathy and de- spendency, unless strong and decisive measures be at once taken to render it available,” and that the present excitement “must not be al- lowed to evaporate and pass away in the rhe- toric and cheers of two or three public meet- ings.” Here the danger of evaporation is flatly confessed, and the fear of “deeper apathy and despondency.” It must be so, for the in- evitable consequences of ull violent stimulants are apathy and exhaustion. The public mind of Richmond has been inflamed into a state of moral drunkenness by the fiery war concoctions of Jeff. Davis and his satellites; but this un- natural excitement cannot long be kept up. Hence, while the fit is on, advantage must be taken of it, or, with returning soberness, the “Confederate people” may turn upon theirrebel masters and send them adrift. This is the special danger which threatens Jett. Davis. He has boldly reaffirmed his posi- tion. He will consent to nothing in the shape of reconsiruction. He will not be a party to a restoration of tho rebellious Stuies to the Union on any terms. He will have his con- federacy or he will have the people thereof ex- terminated. He will fight it out. But will tho people concerned thus consent to their own de- struction? We ‘are cure they will not. They | have been deluded all along with the absurd | idea that the North is so anxious for peace, 60 | nearly exhausied by the war, that if brought to | the diplomatic test of peacc, on the basis of separation or a continuance of the war, they | would come to a compromise that would open } the way to Southern independence. Now that | delusion is dispelled, ond the rebellious South- | ern people have the issue distinctly presented them of peace by a return to the Union, or war | to the extremity of subjugation. What eourse will they take? Their rebel leaders have nothing more to lose, and nothing to hope for in o return to tho Union. If freely pardoned for their great crimes they cannot hope to remain among their people if restored to the Union. They will be driven by thetoree of public opinion into exile, and they kiow it, Hence their purpose to fight it out to “the last man and the last dollar.” This is the position of Jeff. Davis. He must have his confederacy or die, or go into an ignominious exile. But the masses of the people of the rebellious States are not in this position. With their submission to the Union, excepting their institution of slavery, they stand as they stood before the war, with their rights, lives and property ander the protection of the constitution of the United States. We are figh\ing for their righis against Jeff. Davis, and he is the usurper who is fight ing to overthrow them. But stil! the vision of -@ Southern confederacy might tempt them to further sacrifices of life, righte and property wero there any hope for Davis. But there is none. Not one thinking Southern man in @ thousand can longer entertain any such hope. On the other hand, the Southern planter, whose estates remain untouobod by tho war, mast sce from fis continuance that his houses, lands, ne- grovs, cattle, cotton, corn, evorything, will probably be swept away Ly fire“or sword, and all for nothing but submission at last. And 80 of every man ‘from Richmond tothe Mexican border who has anything to lose or to save. The issue, therefore, botween Jeff, Davis and the Souchern people still under his control, is whetber he or they shall be sacrificed to secure peace. This quostion will be soon detormined. General Lee been promoted to the com- mand of all the armies of the rebellion, The military combinations converging upon Rieh- mond will inevitably compel Iavis to leave, and reduce General Lee to a capitulation or a hasty roirest. In this event Davis will become a mero automaton, and Lee will possess the power over the question of peace or war. Nor oun we doubt tak aa a ovel. rodeeting eoldiet. he will declare for submission and peace when | Tus Reset “Pxnsowars” om rus New Your he shall have played his last card and lost the game. In this view, contrary to his supposed expec- tations, ihe game of Louis Napoleon in Mexico is operating in the South to the advantage of the Uvion cause. It is evident, we think, from Mr. Seward’s letter on the late peace conference, that the rebel commissioners were disposed to enter into some sort of a compromise, North and South, for the joint expulsion of the French from Mexico. The Richmond Enguirer had pre- viously hinted at something of the kind. Inany event, Louis Napoleon and his Mexican protec- torate stand in the way of our Southern States. The readiest way to dislodge him lies in the return of those States to the Union. Thus, with the restoration of the Union, there will yet be “scope and verge enough” for a Southern con- federacy in the extension of the Monroe doo- trine over Mexico, The only difficulty im the way of peace and this programme is Joff. Davis; but his power will vanish with his expulsion from Richmond, and Peace will come from an- other quarter. * The Almighty Nigger Again=-The Reat- cals Defeating es Constitutional Amendment, chew When we | the ammeniiment to the constlttion abollahing slavery, we supposed fhat saoh*s meastre wonld:at once end the antislavery agitation. We regret to state that it bas not achieved this result. The amend- ment has pasied both houses of Congress and is now in process of ratification by the Legis- latures of the several States; but the radical republicans are agitating the negro question as violently and absurdly as ever. Senator Sumner has recently introduced a resolution declaring that three-fourths of the States are not three- fourths, and bhé supports that ridiculous asser- tion by the most puerile of arguments. Not satisfied with this, wo find him stalking into the Supreme Court and applying for the admission of abig buck nigger to the bar. Afraid that Sumner will get ahead of him in devotion to the black race, Senator Wilson has moved that niggers be treated like white men in all the public conveyances in the United States, and he asks Congress to enact a law to that effect. We regard both Sumner and Wilson as mono- maniacs upon the negro question. They are men of but two ideas: one idea being the almighty nigger and the other referring to the best mode of riding into office on the almighty nigger’s back. In his resolution that three- fourths of the States are not three-fourths, Senator Sumner shows an ignorance of arith- metic worthy .of Provost Marshal General Fry and a contempt for the plain provisions of the constitution which would diagrace even a rebel. If he may thns.amend the constitation by reso- lation, what is to prevent, him from amending it upon any other pointwhich may suit his fanatical feney? Tf .be.can put Congress abeve the con-- stitution, he will be able, upon that precedent, to do pretty much ashe likes, and can change our form of government, by resolution, at his sweet will. Ho has just mado a nigger a Su- preme Court lawyer, and what is to prevent his making a nigger Chief Justice, or even Presi- dent, by joint résolution, if his present motion prevails and he can secure a majority of both houses to endorse his wild schemes? Tho con- stitution expressly declares what it means by three-fourths of tho States, and Senator Sam- ner’s resolution is, therefore, a practical amend- ment of the constitution. But if he can amend the constitution by a simple resolution of Con- gress, why need the States vote upon the amendment abolishing slavery? Why not con- sider that a law, because Congress has passed it? Surely an amendment abolishing slavery is not of half so much importance as an amendment declaring that three-fourths are not threo- fourths, and that less than three-fourths are equivalent to three-fourths. The first amend- meat only abolishes a domestic institution; the second revolutionizes the arithmetic of the world. Senator Sumner may be as right in his mathematical theories as he is wrong in his negromania; but, if he be right, all the rest of the world is wrong, and we hope that the Sec- retary of the Treasury will not hesitate to apply Senator Sumner’s own rule to Senator Sumner’s salary. For if lesa than three-fourths are equal to three-fourths, then less than the whole is equivalent to the whole, and the Treasury will save something by paying Sumner off upon this new principle. Senator Wilson is just as decided a fanatic as Sumner; but he is craftier, not so well edu- cated and not quite so oratorical. His resolution in regard to the conveyance .of niggers over railroad and stage lines upon a complete equality with white persons does him no c whatever, and will make him no political « tal. Car and stage companies are goverued entirely by public opinion concerning this negro question. la some localities the people delight to inhale the “bouquet d’ Afrique; in others thoy object to it and will not have it at any price. We hold that it is utterly contemptible for Con- gress to interfere in these local matters. The honorable gentlemen have just as much right ‘and it fixes upon the “Help” column of the to pass a law declaring that white men shall be treated like niggers as they have to enact that niggers shull be treated like white persons. If this sort of legislation is to be the order of the day, we shall have a revival of the pleasantries of the sauffling Puritans of England, when their Parlisment ruled the roast as our Con- grees secks to do now. Then every man who had plain John or Henry for his nemo was looked upon as ao heathen, and Praise-God Barebones and Smite-’em-hip- and-thigh Smith were the cognomens in vogue. The millennium of Sumner and Wilson will arrive whon white men are considered outcasts and pariabs, and when one must be a nigger to be respectable. Then, as in ancient times, Pompey, Cesar, Scipio and Brudder Bones will be titles of honor end distinction, Then con- veyances, will run up and down our streets with the sign “White people allowed in this cer,” conspicuously displayed. But consider able time must ensue before this happy state of things can arrive, and we advise Sumner and Wilson to close their cyes for a moment to the futare and open them to the present. We tell the Senators that by their silly and unnecessary agitation they are damaging the prospects of the constitutional amendment now before the State Legislatures. Wo ‘nsgure them that if they continue to disgust the people by their cragy resolutions the constitutional amendment will be rejected. And finally, wo warh them that if such a disaster docs occur they will be held respousible for the consequences, not only by all the intelligent citizens of this country, bat by every sensible person in the civilized world. Now lot them beware how they assume | goa, & Tegnomebilis. Paruza.—We published an article yesterday from the Richmond Enguirer, in which that journal states that the “Help” advertising columns of the New Yorx Huratp were used by rebel agents to plan, organize and arrange the escape of the prisoners on Johnson’s Island; to capture the steamer Chesapeake, and render other “eminent services” to the rebellion. This, it appears, es claimed by the Enquirer, was done by cipher, known only to the parties for whom the advertisements were intended. The |' rebel journal makes this curious statement with regard to the Hunatp because the government has seen fit to put @ stop to the publication of its treasonable “Personals” in the Daily News; Henatp, ne doubt, because it supposes that it is the most profitable advertising portion of this paper. Bu} it would be curious to know how the rebels in Richmond could get advertise- ments in the Hxnatp, when we never copied anything of the sort from their journals, and it is very clear that ne letters of this character ever passed through our military lines: If the columns of gdvertising ‘real estate, or carriages, or pis, Sfortes extended to three or four columns, as the “Help” department does, of course they would have said that it was these columns which were employed by pre a es aid and comfort to the wieay of ‘vy t "| Henat’s) country.” The chet ot canner. tion seems to be to draw the attention of the government to the advertising pages of the Herat, in a somewhat spiteful mood, because of the suppression of the rebel organ’s prac- tices here in advertising treason under the cloak of “humanity.” The Enquirer stultifies itself slightly when it says that no cipher per sonals ever appeared in iis own columns. It is not at all likely that the rebels would resort to the “Help” column of the Henaup, when they had a surer means in the regularly recognized “Personal” column of their organ in this city. However, we are very much obliged to the Richmond paper for the statement. It will be invaluable as @ hint to the government detectives; for nothing can be easier than to discover the par ties who insert these advertisements, teeming with “treasons, stratagems and spoils,” under the innocent heading of “Help Wanted.” ‘The information can be obtained at the newspaper offices very readily. We recommend the detec- tive force to scan closely the advertising columns of every newspaper tm the city in future, and they may accomplish a good deal out of the curious intelligence furnished by the Richmond Enquirer. ‘Help wanted” is ocr tainly the Southern need just now. Jusricz to Our Soupus.cs Tun Frei.+-A bill was reported in the Senate pn Monday by the Gommittee on Military Affairs, increasing the commutation price of officers’ rations, re- Heving them from the payment of income tax, and giving them three months pay on being mustered ont of the service. This is but a measure of justice, and is especially due to those officers who are doing active service in the field. Those officers who ere on detailed duty, in bureaus and elsewhere, enjoy consider- able advantage over those who are exposed to danger and hardship in the field. Detailed officers at posts and bureaus, for instance, have all the comforts of a home, instead of the mis- erable sheltcr tent, with seanty firing of green wood. They aro allowed also from fifty to two hundred dollars a month, seccording to rank, for fuel and quarters, Civilians are pormitted to deduct their house rent frem the income tax on the excess of six hundred dollars, which the officers are not. An officer in the field to-day is taxed thirteen per cent on the exceas of his pay over six hundred dollars—eight per cent for the year 1263, and five per cent for 1864; but of course the whole amount comes out of his present pay, for that of 1863 is dissipated long ago. Then he is allowed only thirty cents for each ration, while, at the present advanced rate of everything, he has to pay to the govern- ment, through the commissary, for the same fifty or sixty cents. It was probably the consideration of these facts which induced the Commitice on Military Affairs to frame this bill; but, while justice should be done to the officers, the privaics and non-commissioned officers should nos be neg- lected. The pay of both officers and soldiers should be raised in proportion to the increased prico of the necessaries of life. If tho atlachés of public departments are entitled to an ad- vance of salary, why not the brave fellows who are fighting the batiles of ihe country? It is proposed to give officers three months pay on being mustered out. This is very well; but we think it would be better to present thom with @ grant of land in our gold and silver ter | ritory. This plan would effect a double pur pose. It would be rewarding the services of valiant soldiers, and installing upon our new territory the most valuable class of mon we could send thore. The rank and file should also bo included in this gift. Tus Bounanowryt or Parsanpo—The recent fight of the Uruguayans and Paraguayans at the seaport town of Paysandu was a very spir- ited affair. Tho attack by the Brazilian naval forces and the soldiers of Flores was vigorous and resolute in the extreme, The Brazilians did not apare their shells. In a few hours they threw over seven hundred of these deadly mis- siles into the town, while Flores kept battering away at it with his artillery, the infantry mak- ing occasional assaults in a furious manner, which were as desperately repulsed. The garri- son of Paysandd, however, deserve the highest praise for the stabborn courage with which they resisted. Every amoult on their works was gallantly repelled, and, though the town ‘was reduced to » mass of ruins, thoy still nobly hurled defiance at the enemy. At last accounts they were still holding their own, while a large Paraguayan army was coming up to join them. The commander of this South American town is the right sort of man. Ho has evidently been reading the records of Grant’s campaigns, and has taken an idea out of them. This only shows that if the Soath American communities would only lay aside their potty differences they would need have no fear of European encmics, jropeam Steamers. GT. DAVID AT PORTLAND. "P, Me., Feb. 11, 1666. The steamship St. David, from Liverpool on the 26ih, the ait of January, carve mare th Sorning. owveatiogaica 3 GAILING OF THR PAMasCYS. THE BAILING Gonrtasy, We. FOO 11, 188, ‘The steamship Damasces at bne o'clock thie afternoon for Liverpool. The Overland Tele abe arrcs ert Aes, wil ay eet) a eee tit ah oa GRANT. The Lieutenant General Before (re War Committee, Statement Relative to Exchange img Prisoners. All Soldiers in Captivity Soon to be Released. CENERAL GRANT AMONG THE CONGRESSMEN, a, &., bo. Our Special Weiningion Despatch. . Wasumaron, Feb. 11, 1868, General Grant to-day appeared befure the Committes en the Conduct of the War, and testifed.in referense to the frst Fort Fisher expedition. The commities will Qnish the investigation as socom as Admiral Porter's o> timony can be taken. ‘The enthusiastic reception which greeted General Grant te-day en his appearance upon the floor of the House of Representatives secmed to embarrags Aim nore them the fercest annnults of the egemr, The Representatives Around him, ez en motion of Mr. Mallory, of Kentucky, ® re0%as of; five minutes was taken, to enable them to take him by the hand, Loud applause greeted the Lieutenant General from the floor and galleries, and upon the Speaker again calling the House to order, with considerable reluctance, and im response to the general desire, General Grant mounted the platform and stood beside the Spoaker, who intes Ciiced him i¢ the audience, Continued and suinaegeue applause again broke forth. Afterwards the General remained for some time in the hall, and responded te the numerous requests for his autograph. He was also cordially received in the Senate, whieh he subsequently visited. The Press Despatch. Wasiixotox, Feb. 11, 1868, General Grant was beforo the Committes on the Com duct of the War this morning. The following questions wore asked him:— Question—It is stated, upon what authority I do net know, that you aré charged entirely with the exchange of prisoners? Auswor—That is correct; and, what is more, I have — effected an arrangement for the exchange of prisoners, man for man and officer for officer, or his equivalent, according to the old cartels, until one or the other party has exhausted the number they now hold. I get a greaé many letters daily from friends of prisoners in the South, evory one of which I cause to be answered, telling thems that the arrangement liad been made, and that I suppose exchanges will be made at the rate of three thousand @ week ; and just as fast 9s they can deliver prisoners tows 3 will receive them and doliver the'r prisoners to them, and the £alisbury prisoners will be coming righton, & mayself, saw Colonel Hatch, the assistant commissioner of exchang?on the part of the South, and he told me thet the Salisbury and Danville prisoners would becoming _ ctght en stencd. Hesald that he<couldbring them on ad the rate of five thousand or six thousand a week. ‘Question—There is no impediment in the way? ~ Answor—Thero is no impediment ober side: Tose Goliverand teosive every one of ttm th -avety abesd Mage if they will deliver those they fo have Jes somo two weeks talsly on account of the ico in the river. Foon after the reading of this part of the testimeny be fore tho Commitiee.on the Conduct of the War, Lies. tenant General Grant camo into the hall, accompanied ty several friends, As soon as he was noticed crowds gathered around him to such an extent as to interferp with the order of business, Mr. Mallory moved that the House take recess fer five minutes to pay their respects to General Grant ‘This was unan mously agreed (6, and members gene rally them thronged around him, and he then came @> the arca in fromt of the Clerk's desk, cscortod by Repse- wentative Odell. Hore members were formally iatze duced to him, the Speaker of the House performing the ceremony. ‘There wore frequent outburste of applause from the floor and from the gallories, the occupants of the latter leaning over to get a good look at the honored soldier, Representative Schenck, in order that the Licutenaa® Goneral might be oificially introduced to the represest tives of the people, moved that he be invitedand ep corted to the Speaker's stand. This was unanimously soquiesced in. Goncral Grant was escorted by the Speaker to the stand, when the latter eald:— Gusti ewey—tI have the honor to Prontemrre one bon ye § heroic defender ta the fleld—the Licutenunt General the armies of the United States, Ulysses 8. Grant. This introduction was succeeded Ly another outbusst ef applause from the floor and the galleries, Genera! Grant bowed in acknowledgement of the com pliment, and after a slight pause retired from the stam@, the audience again applauding as he withdrew. The Skating Excitement Unabated. GRAND GALA DAY ON THE FIFTH AVENUS FORD, ‘The skating community enjoyed another magnificems day yesterday. Tho ico was in fine trim on all the ponda, both im and out of the city, notwithstanding the unfavon ablo weather on Friday. All the Park ponds were crowded. The little creeks about Harlem and Morrh public and private ponds about Brooklyn, Hobokca end the 2 el boring cities. ifth avenue which has become the resort atthe & éme de la créme of the ska‘ing community, seated an unusually brilliant spectacie. ‘Thre ghovt day a large assemblage held porsees‘on of the ¥. {a almost vulgar, or quite as bed, at ail events, as not te be at the opera on ing ni or to be without the a@airée w our receptions, ke. In the eveniig the pond was ly leminated, aad we attendance was extremely and fashi pty BE meoalght sight whe spectacle on the was trul The ton to the Arions to up a skating dreve om this pond was talked of and seemed to take splendidly. Artons would well to carry out the idea aa the season is ander the eminent masters Brant aad Fer carly age is maid to have beome an extracriina' ficient on the violoncello. Her artistic career in rope was very remarkable and played Ore = 168, at the Hotel de Ville in the Soca dap; » and subsequently at rlin before the 4 of Prussia She has been the rec } OF course, as 5 >;