The New York Herald Newspaper, March 23, 1866, Page 4

4) NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR OFFICE N. W. CORNER UF FULTON AND NaSSAU STS, TERMS cash inadvance, Money sent by mail will be sithe risk of the sender, None but bank bills current im New York taken. LY HERALD, published every day im the year, copy. Annual subscription price, $14. SKLY HERALD, every Saturday, at Five Annual subscription price:— Ten Copies. VPoutage Ave cents per copy for three months. Any jarger number addressed to names of subscribers 81 50 cach. An extra copy will be sent to every club often Twenty copies to one address, one year, $35, aud any larger number at same price, An extra copy will ba sent to clubs of twenty. These rates make the Wewsir He aLp the cheapest publication in the country. Th w8aN Eprnox, every Wednesday, at Sux cents per copy, $4 per annum to any part of Great Britain, or $6 to any part of the Continent, both to include postage. VOLUNTARY CORRESPONDENCE, containing im- portant nows, solfeited from any quarter of the world; if par OoR Fortin Con 14 ARE PARTICULARLY REQUESTED TO SEAL ALL will be Liberally paid for. ven LAPTKRA AND PACKAGES SENT US, NO NOTICE taken of anonymous correspondence. We do not rotura rejected communications, areeeeees ee NOs 82 Volume XXXII. AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway, near Broome street. —Tug Victias—Forre Wrvas. Lucy Rk and TH) Broa: POINTMENT, K THEATRE Nos, 723 ux, THe DeserTre—Tae Ar- WOOD'S THEATRE, Broadway, opposite the St. Nicholas Hotel. —East Lyyxe. cHoot oF MinsrRetsy, ifth Avenue Opera House, rth sireet.—Stace Stuck LS, 585 Broadway, opposite Metrapo! tan SN BENGING, DANS &o.— Tux New Cai TONY PASTOR'S OPERA HOUSE, 201 Bowery —Siva- ise DaserG, Burtesques, &C,—IRkLaND IN 1836, On, THE Daas ttoue Bxrork Daw. MINSTRELS, Mechanicy’ Hall, Broad- Comtcatitivs, Burirsquas, &€.— Lavy ASO PLACE OPERA HOUSE (Clinton Hall).—Era- ovis Minstkensy, Sinema, Dancine, &c. HOOLEY'S OPERA HOUSE, Brooklyn.—Eratorian Mix. Btavist—Baitans, BUPLESQUES AND Pantomimes. CLINTON HALL, Astor Place.—Saaxsrerean Reapines wr Miss Azite STARR. NBW YORK MUSEUM O¢ ANATOMY, 618 Broadway.— @pevivow 0A M. tilll0 P.M BRADY'S GALLERY, 785 Broadway, corner of Tenth airei—-Open every morniig and afternoon,—Nxw Cou Lecrion or Wau Views axp-Flistonto Powrnarts. Free to ie public. DERBY FINE ARTS GALLERY, 62 Broadway.—Ex- muntrions oF Vainrinas, &e. LUFERARY AND MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT, at West Theriy-fourth street, for the Benefit of the Hospital for Woaen aud Children, WITH SUPPLEMENT. New York, Friday, March 23, 1866. THE NEWS. CONGRESS. Sorveral unimportant matters occupied the chief at- toation of the Senate during yesterday. A resolution was adopted looking to the granting disabled Union soldiers ihe privilege of peddling without license. A bill making California and Louisiana one judicial district passed tho Senate, The New Jersey contested election case came up on the report of the committee recom- mending that John P, Stockton is entitled to the sea!, ‘but no conciusion was arrived at, the Senate going into executive session and soon after adjourning. In the House the memorial of the Iowa Legislature asking government aid for the Towa branch of tho Pacific Railroad was referred to the appropriate committee, ‘The joint resolutions and amendments to tho Agricul- tural Cotloge bill were, after some discussion showing that its provisions were not generally understood, recom- mitted to the Committee on Agriculture. The Senate amendmenis to the act authorizing the sale of marine hospitals and revenue cvtters used during the war were not conc: rred in. The Senate amendments to the Naval Approp: vation bill were roferred to the proper committee by the House. The bill regarding the New York and West Iadia telegraph created considerable discussion, and was fGnally referred to the Committee on Commerce. A lengthy message from the Prest- dent regarding relations with Moxico and the in- terval condition of that country was ordered to be printed. The Senate amendments to the Deficiency bill came vp in the House yesterday, The tenth Senate amondinen! providing for the pay of the commissioners necesuary to the survey of the fishing coasts and final closing up of the Reciprocity treaty was concurred in. When the amendment forbidding in the future the print- ing of the featares of any living person on the public money came vi) severe! members humorously discussed it, Mr. Brooks, of New York, indulging in personalities rox tug pablic printer, All the Senate amendments: worsdna‘ty conenrred in, The Committee on Invalid as been Insiructed to inquire into the expedi- army rotired lit, ‘The message of the President conveying informa- tion to the House regarding the internal condition of Moxico covers a letter from the Mexican Min Seward of singular and in- teroat og Tho Mexican Minister, M. Ro mero, #ates, under date of the Oth inst., that in- forw derived from a highly reliable source indi. cat Napoleon had dvcided apon another policy in Me vec A that We now proposes to abandon th» un- Popeive and imbectl¢ Maximiliso and to make Marshal Bacciue ‘ho President ad interim of Mexico, M, Romero expresses the opty'G@m that there is no doubt that this Aprrren'ly absurd project is seriously meditated by the Freuct Emperor. THE LEGISLATURE. In the Sonate yesterday the petition of Hugh B. Wil- istor tu Soeroiney import, soa, claiming an interest in the Caderground aitroad grin, was submitted. Bills were introd amend. ing the Now York city sewerage act, gra the Cr toa Connisstoners additional —powe horis. ing tho Pacific Steamship Company to increas ther capital to Often millions, ana providing for (he pay y Now York city of cortain anuual sums for the orphan and indigent children. In the Assembly the Niagara Frontier bill was dis cu. od, and made the special onder for today. The New bill is set down for the special order for this The bil extending the term of the Justice Le Eighth Judicial distriet of thie erty to The ro Reta Frei toon al, 1809, was pawed. Uli was advonced to a third reading. EUROPE. Tho Cunard steamelip Australasian, from Liverpool March 10, vin Queenstown Marsh 11, arrived atthie port yoatoriay morning, and a summary of her ows was published in oor early editions of yesterday. Reports from Washington express the belief that the President will veto the Civil Rights bill lavcly passed by Congress Fait details of the news are now given in our Supple meat sheet The German complication was still a matter of ble words and little deeds, but both Ausiria and Pruss a were making moves Which seemed to Indicate a set purpose o° resorting to extremes, The London Sunday Ge newly estabtished sem! official paper, deciares that & Jal) mediation ia the quarrel has been asked and refused, Our Paris correspoudence among other interesting news mentions a project for bring ng the Seventh regi iment toParia during the approaching exhibil oo, jnst to olor We Varisians and tay bowls Folumtegrs wiko may He, a NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 1866.—-WITH SUpPy:‘LEMENT. teering. The two Peruvian ironclads so long detained in Eu- rope were said to have sailed for the Pacific to take part in the war of Chile and Peru against Spain. The Fenian situation was unchanged. There was & report, generally regarded ag not authentic, that Head Centre Stephons had escaped to France. A pleasant and cordiat reception had been given to the commander and officers of the United States war ship Canandaigua by the Irish at Belfast. In the London money market, on the 10th, United States five-twenties closed at 70%; and British consols at 86% a 87, . MISCELLANEOUS. Orders have been issued for the fitting out of a special squadron to look after the interest of the government off the British North American coast; and we shall goon havea fleet im the eastern waters fully equal to that of the British in strength. Yesterday was the spring opening of the milliners, and the beautiful weather and elegant and novel displays of the modistes attracted large crowds of admiring ladies to Broadway and the other principal establishments of the city. While there has been no great change in the shape and style of the bonnets of the ladies, new and peculiar trimmings give them a novel appearance and conceal their origin. The gypsey bonnet which failed to become popu- lar last winter is evidently to be forced on the ladies for the spring and summer, Numbers of them were visible on the streets yesterday, and attracted much ob- servation by their novel appearance. Our fashion arti- cle in another column describes ina b ghly interesting manner the various novelties displayed by the principal metropolitan establishments yesterday. At the Fenian headquarters, Uhion square, matters re- main unchanged. The alleged escape of Stephens from Treland is not generally believed by the Brotherhood in the city. ‘the officers at and around the General Sweeny head- quarters appear to act as if a crisis were on. Enormous amounts of money and “other valuables” are received, ‘The military organization of Sweeny permeates Manhat- tan Island as well as New Jersey and the entire country. ‘A large and enthusiastic meeting of Fenians was held in Williamsburg last night, which was addressed by General Sweeny and other prominent leaders of the organization. John H. Lockwood brought an action yesterday against Albert P. Luch, in the Supreme Court, circuit, Part 1, before Judge Sutherland, for the recovery of $3,709, allezed to have been advanced to the defendant for stock of the Silver Creek Copper and Lead Mimng Company, which stock afterwards proved to be valuoless. Fraudulent representations on the part of defendant to plaintiff were asserted. The jury brought in a verdict for plaintiff for the full amount claimed. A verdict for $1,500 was rendered yesterday in Part 1 of the Supreme Court, circuit, before Judge James, against Robert Jardine and another, street contractors, in favor of Lyman F, Spaulding, for injuries received in being thrown from his wagon in July last, while riding down Third avenue, near Eighty-sixth street. The wagon in which plaintiff was seated was upset by coming in contact with a flag left in the street by laborers employed by defendants, who were excavating in the vicinity. Tn an action brought by a young lad against the Ninth Avenue Railroad Company, in the Superior Court, yes- terday, Judge Monell decided that the law was that pas- sengers had no right to get off our .city cars while in motion between the upper and lower crossings, in con- sequence of the ordinance recently adopted by the Com- mon Council. He added further that passengers, after notifying conductors that they desire to get off, can leave the car unless it is stopped at the proper place, and that the companies are responsible for resulting acoi- dents. ‘ The trial of Thoodore Yates for the murder of police- man Curran, in October, 1864, which has been going on before the Kings County Court of Oyer and Terminer for the last four days, terminated yesterday, when a ver- dict was rendered of murder in the second degree, the penalty for which is imprisonment from ten years to lifetime in the State Prison. The prisoner will be sen- tonced one week from to-day. ASan Salvador merchant named Jose Antonio Gon- zalez has applied to Secretary Seward for payment by the United States for goods shipped from this port in the bark Goldén Rule and destroyed by ‘the Anglo-rebel pirate Alabama, Mr. Seward has replied to tho party making the that the United States cannot assume any Tes ity for injury suffered at the hands of British subjects or the rebels whom they aided. Coa! has suffered another heavy decline. In sales made yesterday of Scranton coal a decline was shown of T5c. a $1 27 per ton for lump; $1 65 a $1 88 for stove; 70c. a 720 for ege, and comparative rates in other qualitics and sizes, This ought to reduce the retail price to about $7 50 to $8 per ton. ‘The Sanitary police seized iu Washington Market on no Joss than thirty-throe diseased and unwholesome calves and one sheep and one hog. ‘The splendid Opera House of Mr. 8. N. Pike, at Cincin- nati, caught fire last night from an explosion of gas, and at an early hour this morning was fast approaching com- plote destruction. It was probably the finest music hall in the country. The loss is estimated at five hundred thousand dollars, but will doubtless reach much more, as the building originally cost four-fifths of that sam. Another great fre in the Pennsylvania oil re- gion has nearly destroyed all the machinery of the wells at Petroleum Centre. The fire, begin- ning at the Occan well, extended down the fun for a mile, communicating the flames to other wells and various buildings, and presenting one of the most fearful scenes of conflagration ever witness-d. The tanks, machinery and houses of the Ocean, Philadel- phia, Arctic, Patterson and Decker, Nos. 19 and 20, and the wells of Breeden & Myors and Breeden & Tennent were destroyed. Tho damage is roughly estimated. at $150,000, The Bennehof and Oi) Creek Railroad sus- tained some damage. Ono man named McKenzie had died of his burns, while three others are reported badly burned. P ‘The eecond floor of Nos, 18% and 185 Sevonth street were badly damaged by fire yest rday morning. The house No. 1 Benson streot was similarly damaged to the extent of about $900 ‘The residence of Dr. J. W. Szott, at Astoria, was en- tirely desttoyed yesterday morning by fire, The repair, machine and car shops and engine house of the Pas. sumpeic Railroad Company, at St. Johnsburg, Vt, were destroyed on the 2ist inst., with a loss of one hundred thousand dollars. The office of the Halifax Sun was burned to the ground the same day. Kate Krause, a little child of five years, was acci- dentally burned to death yesterday in 161 West Forty- sixth street. A storm which raged on Tuesday night in Ohio, Indi- ana and Kentucky destroyed reveral buildings in Cou- nelisville, Indiana, and blew down a pier of the Cincin- nat: and Indianapolis Ratiroad bridge near that place. A freight train ran off the broken bridge, severely injuring tho engineer and firemav. * The master mechanics of Brooklyn beld an adjourned meeting on last Wednesday evening, when a permanent organization was effected and resolutions adopted against the increased rates of wages about to be asked by organ- ized bodies of journeymen. An auction sale of government transports was heli yesterday morning at the Erie basin, South Brooklyn; but out of five vessels that were offered bat one was sold The bidding was very low and dall, and as the price offered was not half that at which the steamers were calued it was thought bost to withdraw them. The ma. chinery of the steamer Tilinois was sold separately, and it ts understood that when the machinery is removed the vessel will be converted into a quarantine ship for this port Southern despatches and newspaperextracts which we give this morning allude to the recent stagnation which bas fallen apon the cotton market fa the principal ship ping comtras of the siaplyat the South. Dulness, with a downward tendency, is the prevailing feature, The receipts of egtton at all the Southern ports from the close of the War up to the 13th inst, are piven ae one million eight hundred and sixty thousand bales, With regard to the coming crop of the present year thera are numerons and widely varying prognostications, some estimates patting it as low, ow!ng to the poverty of the planters and the scarcity of labor, as one milliom. bales. ‘The stock market was rather sluggish yesterday, bat closed firm, Gold clovod at 128, There wae no improvement in business vesterday ag compared with the previous days of the week, Nearly all kinds 6f merchandise area drug in the market and can be sold only at low prices. In some departments, however, there was @ father better feeling, Cotton was somowhat Ormer, with ® good demi Sugar was in moderate request and prices raled firm Petroleum more steady, with @falt demand, On Change dour w dull and drooping. Wheat and Corn were a #hade tower, Oaws were dnehanged. Pore lower, Bool steady, Lard jower, Whiskey dui and godiimaly be there what New York can do in the way of volun- | © and Finaftce—The Financial Centre of the Worlé—Baron Roths- child's Evidence. We published a few days ago the higis!y in- teresting examination of Baron J. de Ro ‘bs- child by the Superior Council of Com- merce at Paris, on “the principles and general facts which regulate monetary and paper circulation.” The well known character and position of this great financier give much weight to his testimony, The President of that important body before which he testified, M. Rouher, seemed to fully appreciate this when he said to M. Rothschild, “On account of the extreme importance of your opinions, and of your great experience, I think it useful to refer to certain points.” And again, “It is, there- fore, not for us that you speak, but for the pub- Uc, who will read the documents we shall pub- lish. You must understand the importance we ascribe to opinions expressed by such an im- posing authority as you are on such matters.” The subject that chiefly engaged the atten- tion of the Council, and about which they inquired of M. Rothschild, was as to the posi- tion and principles of management of the Banks of France and England and their power ever the trade and financial affairs of the world. The object appears to have been to ascertain how far the Bank of France could extend its power and usefulness, both in the empire and throughout the world, by any modification of its present system. The Council seemed particu- larly desirous of knowing to what extent it could be made to rival the influence or take the place of the Bank of England. This led to & comparison of the two great national institu- tions, their systems and their influence, and elicited much valuable information, not only for the people of Europe, but for the whole world. We especiully may learn a good deal that is useful just at this time, when we are passing through a mighty financial revolution, and when men’s ideas here are so vague and unsettled upon the subject, ‘That which should attract our attention most is the controlling power of these great national | banking institutions, and particularly of the Bank of England, over the trade, commerce and financial conditions and operations of the world. By studying this we may adopt prin- ciples that are applicable to our own situation, so as to give us that high standing in monetary affairs to which our wealth, resources, geo- graphical position and the greatness of the country entitle us, Baron Rothschild does not hesitate to say to the French Superior Council of Commerce that “the Bank of England leads all the other banks of Furope. When money is seen to be rare in England people open their eyes, not only at Paris, but at St. Petersburg, and every- where. The situation is quite different from ours. The measures taken by the Bank of France do not produce the same effect abroad as those taken by the Bank of England.” In another part of his evidence he says:—* A veni- table bank is the Bank of England ; it is from it that emanate, so to speak, all little banks.” Contemplating the immonse power of this institution, which makes London the money centre of the world, we are naturally led to in- quire the cause. How has this state of things arisen, and how is it maintained? It does not come within the scope of this article to investigate the history of the Bank of England, or all the causes that have led successively to Its present powerful position } nor is it necessary. We refer, however, in another part of the paper, to some of its struggles in those trying periods when efforta were made to return to specie payments, There are a few general principles that have operated to produce the result, and which must govern in all ench cases, These we shall notice. The strength of this institution lies primarily in its connection with the government. Strictly speaking it is a private corporation, or 9 corporation of indi- viduals ; but the government has always been identified with it and exercised a control over its affairs, particularly in critical times. The bank, at the same time, has paid attention to the wishes and neceasities of the government. They have mutually aided and sustained each other for the public good. This, however, has been less through positive or express laws, or through provisions in the charter, than from mutual interest and self-preservation. The relations of the bank to the government are based upon the principles of necessity and convenience more than upon an express formal compact, or any direct right to claim sup- port onone hand or control on the other. Like the binding force of the British constita- tion upon the people, these obligations be- tween the bank and the government are based upon fundamental principles of what is just and proper more than upon any written com- pact. Both form a beautiful system of checks and balances which are tacilly acknowledged and submitted to for the welfare of the country. But though the bank has this connection with and support from the government, it is not, like the old United States Bank, or what our present national banks may be—a dangerous political machine, It comes to the rescue of the government in times of war or of any great crisis, but it does not exercise power in the po- litical affairs of the country, nor is it dangerous to the liberties of the people. Like a child from its birth, it has grown up through a long period of years and a succession of encoun- ters with the storms of life to be a giant in strength. It has profited by experience, and the statesmen of England have assisted in ma- turing its growth. It has passed through many severe ordeals, especially during and after the wars with Napoleon, and wien spasmodic efforts were made to force specie payments; but since the act of Sir Robert Peel, in 1844, it has stood upon a more impregnable foundation. It regulates the currency of Great Britain, pub« lic credit, the exchanges of the world, and, in a great measure, the operations of commerce. When speculation fs rife and danger is coming it “pute down the brakes,” as was said in the Superior Council of Commerce, ond when it is sate fo go on again it lifts them up; that is, in other words, it contracts and expands and raises and lowers the rate of discount accord. ing to circumstances. Such is the great, safe and politically harmless power of the Dank of England—a power which is felt throughout the ¢ivitized world. Now, what is ihe instruction we may draw from this? To regulate our financial system, out banks and ‘he currency upon equally sound principles. The same system may not suit our condition precisely, but the general principles are quite as applicable, Let us have some great and similar controlling insti- tution in the United States, and at the comme: cial metropolis, It does not matter what it may be called—a Board of Control of the Cur- reney, @ Commission, a Bureau or anything else. We do not mean an establishment like the old United States Bank, nor the so-called national banks—nothing that can be used as a political machine or a great private monopoly— but something over which the government will have control for the benefit of the public. The government, and, therefore, the people, should have the sole benefit of the circulating medium; not private corporations, as the national banks now have. Greenbacks should be the only currency, and this should be regulated by @ board of control according to exchanges and the necessities of the times. The government, acting with this board, could always keep a proper reserve of specie on hand as. well as currency to put down the brakes or let them up, according to the neces- sity of the case. We cannot return to the old shinplaster system of private banks; the revo- lution in our circumstances forbids this, and we suppose there are few who desire it. There is no other safe and sound system than such as we suggest, What is to hinder this country becoming what England is in controlling the finances and exchanges of the world? We have greater wealth and infinitely greater resources. We produce the greatest amount of precious metals and cotton, which are the principal regulators of commerce and exchange. Why should we permit others to use them for that purpose? Why should we not use them so our- selves? No country is placed geographically in such a favorable position. We have Europe on one hand and Asia on the other, and all the woalth and trade of the rest of the Americas at our door. We have grown up to the point when we can lay solidly the foundation for such pre-eminence. Wecan avail ourselves of the experience of England and other na- tions. All we need is sound legislation, not to tamper with our healthy legal tender cur- rency, and « uniform and permanent system of management. That will bring specie pay- ments and make this country the financial cen- tre of the world. Tue Dissentina Casiver Mempers, Haran anp Sprep.—It is generally understood that while all the other members of the Cabinet, either actively or pass:vely, concur in the Pre- sident’s policy of Southern reconstruction and restoration, the Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Harlan, and the Attorney General, Mr. Speed, are unreserved in their advocacy of the policy of Thaddeus Stevens and his Reconstruction Committee. These two Cabinet members hold that the lately rebellious States are wisely ex- cluded from Congress, and onght to be ex- cluded nntil they shall have given more ample securities for the fature than the guarantees of loyalty and good faith exacted by the Presi- dent. Messrs, Harlan and Speed, therefore, are not calculated to promote the ends of unity and harmony in the councils of the ad- ministration; and it is a maxim as old as the doctrines of Christianity that “a house divided against itself cannot etand.” The President is well known as a man dis- posed to exercise and allow a liberal margin in behalf of the freedom of speech and indi- vidual opinions. He is naturally disinclined to interfere with the exercise of this great right fn any way, unless where interference may be urgently demanded, in view of his duties to the country and the people at large. Hence his indulgence to the members of his Cabinet. While they faithfully administer the busi- ness affairs of their respective offices he recoils from the idea of their removal upon differences of opinion. But when their discordant views are calculated to embarrass his efforts to carry out the leading ideas and measures of bis administration, surely if his dissenting subordinates canaot be brought to recognize the propriety of their voluntary retirement they ought to be removed. Messrs. Harlan and Speed are in this category. They are in a false position, and their adverse opin- ions are enloulaied to place the administration in a false position. Having taken their stand against the President's policy, every considera- tion of dignity and delicacy onght to suggest to them the propriety of retiring, or at least of giving their official chief the opportunity of ac- cepting or declining their resignations. It is not only the right but the duty of the President to have a Cabinet that is & unit in support of the leading measures of his administration. He must be the mas- ter of his Cabinet, like Jackson, or he will be- come their servant, like poor Pierce and Buchanan. Mr. Johnson, for the present, may be satisfied that he is strong enough to bear the pressure of two or three dissenting mem- bers; but the experiment must eventually bring him to the alternative of a change. A timely and graceful resignation of all the mem- bers of the existing Cabinet would be a good movement on their part; but im reference to Messrs. Harlan and Speed they ceriainly ought to place themselves right before the country, either by proclaiming their cordial adbesion to the restoration measures and views of the President, or by retiring from the service of an administration which they cannot cordially support. Contoos Stare or Arrams oy Ovn Fron- tizrs.—The condition of things on our North- ern and Southern frontiers at the present moment presents a very extraordinary appear- ance, and not altogether explicable. When the United States was a small Power of about three or four millions of inhabitants, and great only in its moral attitude, we had no trouble with our neighbors on either side of the border. Canada, indeed, was not only friendly, but evinced a growing desire toward annexation, while in Mexico we might count upon an ally and a friend. But now British guns are pointed at an American city across the St. Lawrence, and on the Southern frontier the bayonets of a foreign army, whose uniforms were never seen on this continent before ex- cept as friends, ean be seen glistening in the sun on the otWer side of the Rio Grande, within view of our troops; the tattoo of their drums can be heard in the streets of our cities, and our vessels are seized by the authorities of foreign prince. From the foundation of this government the priueiple bas been maintained that no Euro- pean Power should establish itself on this con- tinent. We are the natural protectors of the small republics around as, and the proper arbiter, if any arbiter be required. This prin- ciple was respected while we were # very small nation; yet, singular to say, now that we have become the leading Power of ihe world— and poli, ‘eal power by the suppression of the greatest ro, ellion known to history, and are able to protec all the neighboring republica of South America—,¥¢ are menaced on both fron- tiers by fo: s and batteries. If Canada was Na ae jtime to cast ber fortunes with this country, she is net so now; and who can blame her? Can wre ak her to share the responsibility and the de bt of a possible foreign war? Affairs upon the St; Lawrence and the Rio Grande have come to a pretty pass. Can any one explain the rea‘ont Can Mr. Seward? Tax Sratve Seasox.—The sprin,” of nature is just opening, and the spring of fa:‘bion made its bow to the public of the 1 ¢tropolis yesterday. See report in another column. The almanac is not always authority on ‘be be- ginning of spring, neither is the weather; but the modistes regulate the spring opening ¢* cathedra, There is an old proverb that 0.2¢ swalfow does not make a sammer; but the advertisements of the milliners and dress- makers always make a spring. Nature is ca- pricious, but the modistes are inflexible. This class appear to have the seasons under their control, and no one disputes their dicta. This year they have happily hit upon the right time, for the weather is most propitions. We can see the hyacinths blooming, and almost fancy that the woodland flowers sre beginning to peep up from their late bed of snow. The flowers which owe their birth to art, and not to nature, are now abundantly distributed in the windows and showrooms of the millinery establishments. Like the Secretyry of the ‘Treasury, bonnets are decidedly going on the principle of contraction rather thanexpansion ; but this does not affect floral ornamentation. Everything rich, rare and beautiful recom- mends itself to the taste of the ladies and the pockets of the gentlemen. 'To the latter tucre is something more refresh- ing in the anticiprtions of what is to follow the “opening day” of spring. We will soon have our Derby Day on the Paterson race course, and fast horses, with: shining coats, will soon be trying to outdistance time on the popular trot- ting grounds, The yachts will be unlocked from their icy moorings and bey afloat again, with their white sails spread upon the bine waters, The verdure of our glorious Park will begin modestly to peep out from the gray and russet mantle that has so long enveloped it. “The green” will soon assert its supremacy there, no doubt to the immense delight of the Fenians, as well as to a great many much more sensible people. When folks get over their perennial tronble with the landlords, and are quictly settled: down to the contemplation of at least one year’s peace, they can begin to look forward to the pleasures of the coming season at the. watering places or in the mountains Released from the frozen bonds of a long and dceary winter, every one begins to look for- ward to some enjoyment in the approaching genial season to compensate for the almost hermetical seclusion to which we have been condemned for the past four months. ‘Tue Leorstarore anp THE Gas Monovoites.— A bill has passed the State Senate incorporat- ing a new gaslight company in the city of Brooklyn. This measure has been brought about by the gross oxtortions of the gas monopolies in that city. These grievances have been long borne, but at length hage aroused practical opposition in the organization of a rival company by the consumers themselves. What is @ necessity at this time in Brooklyn has long been a most decided one in this city, and petitions, numerously signed by citizens of the highest respectability, have been pouring into the Legislature praying for gas reform. This prayer has been so far heard as to cause a reso- lution to be introduced into the House requit- ing the gas companies of this city to furnish the Legislature with specific information in re- gard to the manner in which their business is conducted, their mode of computing the amount of gas consumed, their rates of charges, dc. It Is full time that these gas monopolies were hauled over the coals. They have waxed fat and insolent by their extortions upon the com- munity. Their corporations are rigidly sealed against outside people, and their stocks com- mand a very high premium. Seldom one hears of gas stock for sale unless to close up an estate. They forget their histories when they conduct themselves as they do now. Their char- ter privileges were granted when New York was comparatively a small city and had a meagre population, It was not then easy to foresee the immense and rapid expansion of the city, either in business, wealth or people ; and ex- clusive privileges were conceded them under a mistaken idea of the future growth of the city and of the future uses to be made of these privileges by the monopolies. Not content with these special grants, they have from year to year imposed upon consumers new extortions and more arbilrary and vexatious regulations. They increase their rates at will, and adopt just such meters and take such men as col- lectors as will best suit their avarice and greed. There must be some means of protect- ing the public, notwithstanding these special privileges, against these gas extortionista. It has been proposed to incorporate companies with power to introduce a new and better atyle of gas, charging forty or fifty per cent less than the rates exacted by the present monopolies, This is a good plan if honest and capable men conduct the new componies; a poor one if speculators or dishonest persons control them, The Legislature should closely scrutinize this material point when the matter comes under their consideration. In order to reach gas re- form in other communities it has been pro- posed, as in Ohio, to constitute the office of a general gas inspector for the State. We do not | believe that a plan like this will work well on a large scale, It might, however, in the ab- sence of other more effective remedies, operate Deneficially in a compact community like the | city of New York. At any rate the present Legislature, if it pretend to take any cogni- zanee of the complaints and burdens of the people, cannot adjourn without providing remedies against the extortions of the gas monopolists of the cities of New York and Brooklyn. Somernive Wroxa with ik Forrtan Mants.—For some time past we have bad to complain of the loss of several of our foreign exchanges, and we have heard also from our correspondents, agents and subscribers in Europe and the Weat Indies that) the Herato ireqnently fails to teach tts destina- tion. We have made every effort to agcer+ baye fust given evidence of inunense militory | tin where the fyuli lies, and w@ can only ~—— ——ne conclude that these papers are abstracted from the bundles on board the steamers. They are allowed, no doubt, to lie very loosely about the vessels, and probably the passengers occasion- ally help themselves to a little information on the news of the day, and then consider that the Paper has done its duty, without any regard to the inconvenience which we or our correspond- ents and subscribers have to suffer, We therefore Lopo that the officers of the steamers will pay some attention to this matter, and keep the newspaper bundles in a secure place. = Ramxoap MonoPomes—Fisr ann SLOW Trains.—There is considerable noise made, both at Albany and Washington, about railroad legislation, but all the efforts in that direction do not appear to accomplish anything prac- tical. The greater proportion of this no doubt grows out of the annoyance of the public at the present regulations of the companies, We would suggest that the railroad eompanies can obviate all thiv difficulty by a better arrange- ment of their trains, whick will not only prove sdvantageous to themselves but to the public generally. That isby runoing certain trains at an advanced speed and at an increased rate of fare. There is no reason why a train cannot be ratr between New York and Washington in seven Hours. This, of course, would be more expensive than at the present rate of speed; but let them charge from one-quamer to ene third more. They will find plenty of men ready to patronize it at even thatrate offare: Time ts valuable to-our bus) + men, and they will be’ willing to pry more Lo be taken to Washingtow in six or seven hours than they will ia'ten or twelve, as now required. Oe train each way every day at this speed and price would greatly relieve the other trains, and make the journey more comfortatile to those whovprefer to take more time in the journey and pay less money. The system is already in practiee on many of the roads whichshave their express; way and emigr@nt trains. All that is necessary is to ex- tend this principle and add one-more to the class of trains. It will not be necessary to change the cluracter or speed of the present trains—let them remain as they are— unless it is to taite off one and substitute another of increased speed in its place.. It may be said that the railroad companies will not do this, for the reason that it will not pay; but let them try the experiment for a month. We be- lieve that it will prove remunerative. The sya- tem has proved a success in England, and there is no reason why it stiould not here. At all events let the experiment be tried; that is the only way to teat it. Twe Heratp anp tae Canapian Press.—The papers of Canada are abusing the Heraup for reporting the Fenian movement. The English language is ransacked and exhausted to:fin® epithets and adjectives to fling at us: “Vil- lain,” “scoundrel,” “blackguardism” and such choice terms decorate the congenial columas of these Canadian chaps. We advise them to keep cool, take the-matter more easily and display less intemperance. If they differ from the Heratp in opinion let them-exprem their views courteously, put their arguments before us calmly and strongly, and use decent and moderate language. At present they only render themselves ridiculous. They remind us very forcibly of what the press of this coun- try was twenty or thirty years ago, before the Hgraup had caused the great reform im journalism. Then the papers were owned and conducted by politicians, whose only object was to get office, and who had no independence of character, very little education and no. lite tary ability. These editors abused edoh other roundly upon every possible occasion, and ia- dulged in all sorts of vituperation against any- ‘body who was opposed to them in polities or upon a point of principle. But day has fol- lowed night, the world of newspapers hes kept moving, journalism has become a regatar pro- fession, and now, with very few exceptions, the press of the United States is reformed. In course of time—perhaps in a few years after Canada is annexed—the Canadian editors wilt learn to write very differently and much more like gentlemen, statesmen and scholars, We certainly indulge this hope, notwithstanding the fact that the present performances of theso chaps would lead any but the most sanguine of philosophers to despair of their improvement. Tae Conrest por Governor ix Ruope Istaxp.—The republicans have put up a cap- didate without a platform, and the democrats have put up a platform witbout a candidate, Amasements. PIAKSPERIAN READINGS. Mis Azile Starr, a young lady of this State, the dangh- ter of wealthy parents, now residing near Rochester, who has a penchant for the stage, and who has received acourse of tuition in elocution from some of the best mestors, is to make ber débul as a Shaksperian reader at Clinton Hall this evening. She will give passages from Hamict and Julius Cwear, as well as from the pattwenic | and humorous American poets, \ FRANK DREW IN BROOKLYN. Frank Drew, the celebrated Irish comedian, hag ar. ringed @ splendid dramatic entertainment to be gives: the Brooklyn Academy of Music to-morrow (Saturday) evening, when the Colleen Bawn, or the Brides of Gar ryowen, will be performed witha fine cast. Frank Drer ¢ will appear as Miles na Coppaleen. Mr J. M. Wardew! it recite Shamus O'Brien. Groat anxiety is manifested to witness these fine impersonation Passage ov tae Jersey Cire Pour Bre.—Tb @ Jor. sey City Police bill, providing for the appoints jent of commissioners by the Governor, was presente? , to the Assembly yesterday afternoon, when the amendments made by the Senate were concurred in, Thr » bill was immediately forwarded to the Governor and gow only awaits his signature to become a law, Anvit oF SovTHres Trorovonneme Ry cenonem — Colonei Mc Daniels, of Richmond, Va, #ho Cap ieased the Hoboken Course at Seacauour, arrived fF om the South yesterday with fourieon thoroughbred & cehorses, with whiel he proceeded to Reacaucns. The Colonel wax ac companied by over twenty of his forme + slaves, old aud young, of both sexes. Severe Storm nm Weat. Crsets) 1, March 22, 1906 The storm of Tuesday night wae yory severe a4 Mam. aging to property im the neighbor jood of Connersril ie, Indiana, Several buildings were yjown down, and one of the piers of the bridge of UV Je Cincinnat) and Indian apolia Junction Railroad was f destroyed A feougtt train ran into the charm, and the engineer and freman were The stor my was felt at Indianapo'i« ville and orner paints weet At Hyde Park and Evanston, Tline j¢, there wore bailstones of inn menge sizo, breaking cw os and destroying the contents of greenhouses. The M Moerderer. aiden Matis, Morch 22. 1460 ‘The follow!nt are ihe reacons owigned by Pawara W. Green, the Matdew murderer, in bia petition fo the tu. preme Coart, wa’ og fora iy nee od Pie a the eourt had no por ser to enter judgmen! award sen- tence of deav, st the ‘defend. , @pen his ples, withoat the ¥ tervention of a jury. Second, that tho plea af the @ efandant in legal eMfeet i# not such ap od niemon of Ff (it as will support the sentences passed by the court. ‘Third, it nowhere ifs in the Fecord that the crime for ‘which the ofeedany. has been sentenced he first dea’ | Reet. 'Ss cenued baroe bq tiene Goer,