The New York Herald Newspaper, January 3, 1867, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD. O@PFTICE NW. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS. THE DAILY HERALD, published cvery day in the year, Fowgcents per copy, Annual subscription price, $14. ~ JOB PRINTING of every description, also Stereotyp- ing and Engraving, neatly and promptly executed at the west rater, Volume XXXIE AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING, BROADWAY THEATRE. Broadway, near Broome rest. —CaLororonm, OR Naw Yora-w 1967—Tas Victims. NEW YORK THEATRE, Broadway, opposite New York Hotel. Cxconit ton. A BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC,—Mary Sroaat. DODWORTH'S HALL. 806 Broadway. —Prorasson Haars wit, Perron wis Mimactus.—Tue Heap ix ras Ain— Moctos m Panvo. SAN FRANCISCO MINSTRELS. 535 Broadway, opposite the Metropolitan Hotel—In rusia Eruioriay Exreatatne gears, Binuixa, Dancine asp Bunissquss~Fattine Curips om Love's Ramuizs. FIFTH AVENUE OPERA HOUSE, Nos. 2 and é West Pwanty-foirth street.—Bcpworrs's Mivsteats, —| ax Buncesques, 40.—New Yeaa's Minetustsy. Cars. KELLY & N'S MINSTRELS. 73) Broadway, site the New ¥. — soxas, Dawns. aN ‘Tavet:23, Bus art wits 4 ¥—Cuir or —Scr Tee Gam Buateeaed Pein's Casts, TONY PASTOR'S OPRRA HOUSE, 2% Bowery. —Cowro Vocatmu—Neoro Minerastsy, Bauer Diveerisssuexs, ac.—Lirtix Tom Tocca. CHARLZY WHITE'S Re py TROUPE, at Mechinies’ Ha'l, 472 Broadway—iy 4 Vant or Liane anp Lavauarts Entestainassts, Corrs a La Sratce Cowraur, ‘MRS. F. B. CONWAY'S PARK THEATRE, Brooklyx.— ‘Tae Forty Tuinves. HOOLEY’s OPERA HOUSR, Broozien —Eratoriaw Mine erneisy, Battaps, BuRieseos anp Paxtomutwes. BROOKLYN ATHANEUM.—Avans & Co.'s Garat Pax- THONA-TAFC-A OF TRAVELS IN BUKOPE AND AMERICA, AND VoraGe AciOss THE ATLANTIO. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCA, corner of Grand and Crosby strocts.~Gnzat Masosic Fain ix Alp or tam HAUL AND Asricm Fuxp, NEW YORK MUSEUM OF ANATOMY, 618 Brondway.— LECTORES WIth Tae -HrpRoaem MioRoscora twice L daly. Heap 4 yt TE woe A? ee Ae oF ‘ork, Thureday, January 3, 1867. EUROPE. ‘The steam -hip China arrived at Boston from Halifax yesterday evening. The European maiis of the 22d of December wero forwarded to this city. By the cable wo have @ news report dated on Wednes- day, January 2. Napoleon's New Year address to the diplomatic body was of conciliatory, peacoful character, King Victor Emanuel “predicts’’ a year of peace, The address of the National (Maxzini) Committee to the Romas peop!- is published. American five-tweaties were at 733¢ in Londea at noon Tho Liverpool cotton market opened firm. THE LEGISLATURE. Tn the Senale yesterday the Governor's Mesage was received, read and one thousand extra copies ordered to be printed. A memorial from Senator Cornell, asking an favestization of the charges against him as Street Commissioner of New York, was referred to the Ju- diciary Committos, "Notice was given that a bill to erect @ permanent bridge across the Ea:t river, connecting New York and Rrookiyn, would be intruduced, and the Sepate soon after adjourned. In the Ax y the message and the amendments to the consti proposed by Congress were received from the Gov The amondne: nd a bill provid. tng for the ratuication of the sams were referred to the Committce of Federal Relations, Notices were given of jutention to Introdace bills to amend the Excise law in tho Metropolitan district; in rotetion to public sehcole and public markets in New York city; to reduce fares on city railroads and to reguiate the use of “eam by railroads in Now York clty; for the better protection of ‘orking Wom n in New York, and for aa appropriation for the erection of a new Capitol. THE CITY. Amcoting of the Board of Aldermen took place yea- tertar afternoon, Alterman Brice presiding. The session was shor! aud the busness transacted mortly of rontize nature. fhe Board adjourned ull to day at two o clock. ‘The Boart of Counciimen met yesterday. An ortli- ance requiring hack and omnibus drivers, expressmen and porters i> have livenses before they can exercise thew calling wns adopted, The Board then adjourned until Thursday. Tho fuard of Supervisors did not organize yesterday for want of a qioram, and will meet again on Monday Boxt. The onnual report of the Board of Metropolitan Polico Commissioners iss been handed to the Governor. They refer, among other things, to the necoasity for providing for some mous of oseape from tenement houres on fire, and the report concludes with a recoramendauion that the foree be increased. The fuurih anuiversary of freedom in the District of Cot as celobrated last evening in the Bridge Drookiyn. Appropriate religious services wee by George B. Lincoln, Colonel Strow- bridge, Rev. H. M. Gallagher aud others comprised the exercises. ‘The wri! of the late Sefior Angnetin do Iturbide (who died reccnily at the Clarendon Hotel in this c ty, on his ara Kavopa) was presented for probate yesterday, befor? Surrogate Tacker, It bequeathes all the prop: of the dwelent to his gon, the Prince Im- periat Av who haz beon adopted, it will be re- membered, by the Emperor Maxiutlian as bis helt, On account of tt the will cannot vettisad. ¢ of the young prince in Europe, mmediately proved, as the citations me Court, Chambers, ye:tortay, a motion was ainde to vacate the order of arrest aud reduce the amount of dail fn the ease of James C. Byrne, who was committed to the Lartlow street jail some time since on a complaint of Miss Jennie ©, Pullman, charging him with seduction and breach of promise of marriage, De- cision 5 Sate a the Saprome Court, Brooklyn, yas- tenlay corning, rendered a dh mut nm of Marriot jon ortocing a manda Wolker va. the Comptroller of the f Brooklya, Toe motion was recontly ve plaintuf for @ tmandamas compelling the oller to pay her interest on the amount awarded her by the Prospect Park Commise oners from the date of the confirmation of tie awards by tho Supreme Courts, the 26un July, 1804, Mra, Walker being the owner of ceria proporty seized for the park. A Regro was Committed by Justice Ledwith yesterday for having bitten off and eaten a white woman's nose on Now Year's day. The stock markot was dull but steady yesterday. Gold closed at 152% a i. The beliday business in commercial circles was ex- eoedingly light yesterday, os it wason Monday, but values for ail commodities wore not essentially changed, save ina few instances, whore an advance was estab. lished. Cotton wntactive and firm. Coffee was dail and nominal. On ‘Chango flour was in moderate re- quest and Se, a 10c. higher, Wheat advanced fully 20,, though quict. Corn was also firmer, with more doing. Onts were stoady. Pork was a trifle more activa, though somewhat unsettled. Baof was active and stealy Lard wasa shade firmer, Whiskoy was duli and nominal. Freights were firmer. MISCELLANEOUS. Our Mexican correspondence is daied Vera Craz, De- @ember 22. Maximilian has issued two decrees, one dividing the imperial army into three corps, to be com- @andod respectively by Mejia, Miramon aod Marquet; and the ower arranging for the payment of the Aus- trian and Belgian troops, and their transportation to Europe. The appointment of Miramon and Marquez is believed by both partios to portend active operations ‘The gueritias had made an effort to capiure Maximilian, but without success, Mr. Morehead, an American citi- ron in San Luis Potosi, was sent to prison for refusing © pay bis quota of @ foresa ioan by Mojia. General Cas tleneaa was dangerously Hl with fever, Our correspondence from Havana of the 20th ullimo Peverts that (be Huancia) pagic bad somewhat abaiod, NEW. YORK HERALD, -THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1867, the partial resumption of specie payment by the Banco Expanol bad inspired vonfideuce, General Ortega, of Mexico, bad arrived at Havana, Tho Custom House re- turns for November last, showed an increase of shipping, The sugar market continued inactive, the quotations being 8c. and Sic. for No, 12. Exchange was very limited, at 17 and 18 per com premium on Londom, and 24 discount for sixty days, currency, Om the United States. Business in gencra! was dull, but am tmprove- ment was looked for. ‘We baye news from St. Thomas, W. L., dated 19th of December. The severe cholera morbus, which has been epidemic in the isiand, bad reappeared. To the morn- tug of the 15:h ult. she pumber of deaths were 364, end from the 15th to the 18th, at eight A, M., 107 in@vi- duals—all poor people—had died, 90 that the tota: num- ber of victims was 471, Cattle wore being shipped from the east side of Porto Rico to St Thomas, and public food kitchens had been opened in the town. From Porto Rico we have advices dated at Ponce on the 16th of December. The total receipts of revenue of the colony during the month of November were:—For inland imposts, $148,554; foreign duties, $149,074; total, $298,528 —which, compared with 1865, shows a de- crease of $138; the increase in foreign duties alone, however, amounts to $22,843, News from St, Domingo to the 15th ult. has been re- ceived. Several vessels had been attacked by one Choll, @ boatman, who was captured and executed, Many more mines had beea discovered on the island. Presi- dent Cabral had been everywhere received with favor. Intelligence from Venesuela states that an attempt of General Pulgar'to get up & revolution in the State of Zulia had signally fatled, he being wounded and taken prisoner. M Our correspondence from Mendoza, Argentine Confede- ration, dated November 20, gives the full particulars of the recent popular ontbreak there, Another revolution ‘was, it was reported, also going on af’ San Luis and San Juan. ll these insurrections have for their object the Cessation of the war against Paraguay and the overthrow of the Argentine confederation. i The Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Obio Legislatures opened yesterday, and the Massachu- setts and Delaware Legislatures on New Year's, Gov- ernor Curtin sent in bis farewell address to the Pennsy!l- vanla Legislature and strongly recommended the ratif- cation of the constitutional amendment. The colored members were present in their seats in the Massachu- setts Legislature, Governor Bullock's message willnot be sent in until Friday, In the Delaware Legislature the democratic nominees were elected to the Speakership, The correspondence between Governor Wells and Gen- oral Sheridan relative to the punishment of the convea- tion rioters in New Orleans on the 30th of July last is published in our columns this morning as well as other documents relating to the same affair, Governor Wells, it seems, requested General Sheridan to enforce General Grant’s order No. 44, and punish the rioters by military commission, but General Sheridan answered that he would do so whenever he thought it necessary. The mysterious expedition from Annapolis is still shrouded in mystery; but reasonable solution is now given, to tho effect that it is for the purpose of pur- chasing the island of 8t. Thomas from Denmark. A freight train of twenty-eight cars on the Peoria and ‘Wabash Railroad were precipitated fifty fost to the. bot- tom of Panther creek yesterday by the breaking of the bridge. Nearly every one on board was injured but no one was killed. The steamer Cortez, from New York for Havana, struck on the breakwater at tho mouth of Delaware bay on Saturday night and went to piecos, Ali her crew were saved. ‘The government securities stolen from the Mechanics’ Insurance Company of Newark, some wecks ago, amounting to sixty thousand dollars, bave beea recov: ered by negotiation with the burgiare at Montreal. An alarm was occasioned at the Sweetsburg, Canada, jail on Tuesday night bya ramor that an attempt was to be made to berate the Fenians confined there, Sev- eral suspicious characters were seen lurking about, and the guard was doubled. The prisoners will now proba- bly be removed to Montreal, A special court is to be heid in Toronto for the trial of thirty-two Fenians con- fined at that place. It is now stated that three hundred people perished by the burning of the steamer Fashion on the Lower Mis- sissippi, They wore mainly freedmen who were abroad on a holiday excursiva. ‘The Oswego and Rome Railroad, which has been blockaded by snow for several days, is now reopened, The Governer’s Message. The annual message of Governor Fenton, presented to the Legislature yesterday, is a fair business document, containing in the maiu sensible views and affording a tolerably clear outline of the condition of the State. After the usual words of welcome and the customary opening rhetorical display in which govern- ors of every State are prone to indulge, in re- lation to the greatness, the glory and the pros- pegity of the country, the Governor goes prac- ticdlly to work and informs the legislators that they have been elected on the distinct issue of the constitutional amondment as the terms on which the ex-rebel States are to be restored to their proper position in the Union, and that it is their duty, promptly and without any delay, to ratify that amendment, which he transmits to them upon the opening day of the session. He expresses his own opinion of the liberality and justice of the terms offered to the excluded States, and asserts his belief that their non-acceptance by the South has been muinly owing to the illusory hope held out to thom of a resioraiion upon conditions more acceptable to them but less tavorable to the future secur‘ty and repose of the govera- ment. The Governor thus clearly and wisely recognizes the real sentiment of the people of the State to which he owés his re-election and sets an example to the Legislature which should be emulated by them, not alone in the formal adoptioa of the constitutional amend- ment, but in the selection of a United States Senator whose position upon that important question is neither doubtful nox equivocal. By this measure the country is resolved to stand until it is definitely rejected by the excluded States, when, as the Governor says, “it will be the duty of Congress, by more strin- gent measures, to give effect to the popular will” He utters a truism when be de- clares that “there can be no reaction— the nation has no purpose of tusning back ;” and he evinces a proper apprecia- tion of the progreas of ideas when he affirms that the powers of Congress are ample under the constitution to hold the government to- gether in the manner best calculated to ensure permanency and peace. If the Southern States have been induced to look to New York for aid or sympathy in their attempt to defeat the will of the loyal people of the Union, the em- phatic language of the Governor, representing the dominant party in the State, should be sufficient to undeceive them. The message pays no attention to the silly twaddle of the copperhead journals in relation to the vote on the Constitutional Convention, bat alludes to the large majority by which the Convention was ordered as aa indication of the public judgment that a review of the organic law is deemed essential. The Governor favors the election of thirty-two delegates at large in addition to the usual number from the Assem- bly districts, the former to be voted for in each ® manner as to secure sixteen to each of the politieal partics in the State, The Logislature at its present session provides by law for the election of delegates to the Convention, and has the power to fix the repre- sentation. The inadequacy of the present sala- ries poid to State officials is revarded by the Governor os ono of the evils which ought to be remedied in the revised constitution, it being the policy of tho State “to secure faith- ful and able service by providing adequate for the performance of public duties.” In this every peraon will conour. The boggarly salaries now paid to State offi- cers are a disgrace to such a State as New York, where the Governor receives less than is paid to a competent bookkeeper by any respectable firm in this city, The judiciary system is regarded as needing thorough revision; but the Governor leaves untouched the most serious evil of the existing system—the election of judges by the people. He alludes to the crowded condition of the calendar of the Court of Appeals as a serious evil to the country, and declares that all measures of relief have failed in the Legisla- ture from the conviction that the only effective remedy would be found in a complete reform of the system through a constitutional conven- tion. The financial statement exbibits « deficiency in the general fund revenue on September 30, 1866, of over two million six hundred thou- sand dollars, against a deficioncy last yoar of only 8 little ever's million. The other funds show an overdraft at the same date of over lose of the session and sanction reckless party legislation. Some sensible remarks are made in the mes- sage in reference to national Gnances and tax- ation. The Governor takes the ground already occupied by the Herat, that the general gov- ernment should avail itself of increasing revenues to reduce taxation. Upon this sub- ject we have commented at length, and the wisdom of such « policy is self-evident, The people of the present day have borne heavy burdens to secure benefits to future genera- tions, and they are still suffering under the effecia of the war in high prices and a reduced currenoy. It is proper that they should be re- lieved to the full extent of the ability of the general government, and that relief should come at onee in the shape of reduced tariff and diminished taxes. In reference to the contemplated legislation for the city ot New York the message is con- cise. The duty of providing for the adorn- ment, improvement and protection of the me- tropolis is urged upon the attention of the Legislature; and the method by which desira- ble regults are to be reached is left to the intel- ligent judgment ofthe members. But the Gov- ernor comments very fully upon the legis D of lest yoar the subject of the public , Std claims that the measures passed by the last Legislature have been en- tirely successful and productive of important benefite. In this he wiJl be upheld by public sentiment in the city. He calls for such fur- ther action as may be necessary to continue the protection against the spread of disease which was enjoyed during the past summer. A summary of the condition of the military departments and agencies of the State, and state- | ments in reference to population, education, agriculture and manufactures occupy some space in the document and will be subjects for future examination. The caial question is re- viewed elaborately, and the necessity of in- creased facilities for the transportation of the trade of the growing West is urged with conside- rable energy. This important topic is dwelt upon at some length, and the ides of an enlarge- ment ot the Erie and Oswego canals to their fullest capacity Is favored by the Governor. The canal revenue figures make a good exhibit. The gross receipts during the year show an increase of nearly two million dollars over 1865. The revenue from tolls for 1866 is eight hundred thousand dollars more than last year. The expenditures are nearly five hundred thou- sand dollars less, The surplus revenue is one million and a quarter in advance of last year. The message, which is upon the whole a good, substantial State paper, winds up some- what abruptly and without any pyrotechnic display. The Governor closes with the public works, only adding a brief paragraph of half a dozen lines, in which he proposes to the Legislature that be and they siall mutually accept every responsibility which their re- spective positions impose. Utterances—Prospects ef Another European War. The New Year addresses of Napoleon and Victor Emanuel to the diplomatic repre- sentatives at their respective courts are of the rose color order. They express them- selves hopeful of a peaceful future for Europe; but in contrast with these pleasing anticipa- tions we have facts in the conduct of both monarchs which do not look a3 if they them- selves entertained any very strong belief in thom. In the first place, the French and Italian armies aro being reorganized and put on a footing which indicates the probability of anothor great struggle involving the whole of the Continental Powers. Then we have the significant omission of all allasion to Prussia in the recent speech of Victor Emanuel on the opening of the Italian Chambers. That we regard as a very ominous circum- stance. At the close of a conflict which bas won for Italy her Venetian provinces, and which she never could have sustained without the aid of Prassia, the world naturally looked for some strong expression of gratitude towards that government in the King’s speech. The motives must be poworful indeed which induced his Majesty to forego all allusion to it. The fact, it must be admitted, is in itself sufficient to create the most disquieting apprehensions, Napoleon and Victor Emanuel may give expression to as many platitudes as they please about peace; but they will deceive no one. We were once told by Napoleon that the empire meant peace; but the world very soon found out that it meant directly the opposite. So It is with these New Year's felicitations. They are as insincere as they can be; for those who utter them well know that the presext condition of things is only tem- porary. If we hu’ any doubt that the talked of alliance bet woen France, Austria and Italy had vetually Lcen completed, the silence of Victor manuel in regard tc Prussia would havo re- unmoved it, Brigland is not as yet a party to ity but, in spite of her oxpressed ‘termination to steer clear of Continental complications, she will eventually be forced to take part in them, Within the next three years th whole of the European Powers will be arrayed ogainst car Royal other in two great hostile camps. The Eastern question is assuming an aspeet which may pre- cipitate a collision within even a shorter period. These probabilities are anything but tranquil- lizing to financial and commeroial interbsts, whatever assurances they may receive to the gontrary from royal lips. pos ie eRe The Now Year Festival, The festival of New Year for 1867 has come and gone, but the pleasant memories it has left behind of restored friend- ' ghips, uncharitable weaknesses buried out of sight, and new acquaintances made which are destined perhaps to ripen into a more enduring shape, will remain and keep us company on our journey through the pre- sent year, whether the path be rough or smooth—whether the roses or the thorns pre- ponderate by the wayside, New Year was kept this time with a lively observance that many did not anticipate; for it has been for some time past becoming “honored in the breach.” It is true that in what are called the aristocratio circles fewer families were “at home” to indiscrimidate visitors, and the com- plimente of the season were to a greater ox- tent than heretofore exchanged in domestic privacy. Still the people swung round the circle of hearty enjoyment as they have not done since before the war. The livery men and the florists, the pastry cooks and the con- fseurs, realized moderate fortunes on New Year eve and New Year day, as their bank accounts no doubt can verify. There seemed to bea general assurance that we had fallen upon good times; gold down to 133; prices falling; currency plentifully distributed; « mild winter for the poor; @ healthy city; the certainty of enduring peace for the country — all these agencies contributed to make the New Year carnival right merry and genial, despite the gloomy sky which ushered it in and endeavored to smother it out witha wet blanket of snow. Then there were plenty of pleasant things to talk about. Young America had just accom- plished a daring feat which renders apochry- phal the dictum that Britannia rules the waves, and Young England, in the person of its sover- eign’s second son, one of the famous blue jack- ets, had consented to give “ the mistress of the seas” another chance for her laurels. There is a prospect, too, that Congress will give its at- tention to a more speedy reconstruction of the absent States upon Thad Stevens’ North Caro- lina plan, so that the rebellion will leave us no testamentary disunion and will put our finan- cial policy upon sucha basis that commercial disaster and bankraptcy may be rendered im- possible for many and many a New Year to come. These cheerful reflections gavo zest to the enjoyment of the birthday of 1867, not only im thie metropolis, where the birthright of the Knickerbockers has not yet been bartered for a mess of pottage, but all thrangh the North as well. In the South, althongh there may not exist the same causes for hilarity, still there ix the consolation at least that desolating war is at an end, we may trust forever, and a brighter oun is breaking through the clouds with which error had obscured it for four long dreary years. If the Southern people only accept the opportunity offered them—though it may not be all they would desire—and fill up the vacant chairs in the Senate and Houso of Represcata- tives, they may have a happier New Year to celebrate in 1868, and we can all make it a true fraternal national festival. The African Anniversary of Emaacipation. The lamented Abraham Lincoln is canon- ized in the hearts of the African race. His memorable proclamation of January 1, 1868, is their charter of emancipation. His name among them henceforward for genera- tions to come will be revived as their great liberator, and his memory will be the leading inspiration in their New Year réjoicings, He has given to New Year day an enduring blaze of glory to them, in making it the day and the anniversary of their emancipation— the day on which Yhe backbone of the rebellion was broken by his thunder- bolt against slavery. The first of Jan- uary in this country has thus become the African Fourth of July; and from Maine to Texas it has been celebrated by the race this year, in various places, with remarkable en- thusiasm. Fred Donglass was one of the lions of the day at their Boston celebration, and the venerable English abolitionist, George Thompson, somewhat sofiened by time, was another. Turning southward, at Richmond, Va., “the celebration of the emancipation proclamation by the rejoicing negroes occupied the atten- tion of everybody.” The freedmen turned oui in a grand procession, sabres shining, drums beating and colors flying, and marched to the Capitol square, where they were haranguod in a violent speech by a white fanatic of the name of Hunnicutt; but all passed off quietly. What @ revolution for Richmond! We havo reports of similar celebrations at Norfolk, Va., Wilmington, N. C., Charleston, 8, C,, Nashville, Tenn., Augusta, Ga., and elsewhere, and in no case reported does there appear to have been any disturbance with “the poor whites.” This is good sign. It indicates that the two races South have reached at least the first essential step toe friendly understanding—“you let us alone and we'll let you dlone;” from which we hope there will be a steady progress to fixed relations of harmony. A Wrxpratt ror tax Cirr Treasury, Par- nars—In the gathering up of unliconsed liquor- ing places, under the trenchant decision of the Court of Appeuls, ——_———____ Oxty One.—Woe perceive in our Washington reporter’s interesting report of the President’s New Year reception, published in yesterday's Henatp, that “one remarkable feature of the day was that but one colored citizen oppeared among the ghests,” and that “he was as cor- dially greeted as any other person in the line.” But why only onc? We guess that the ques. tion of negro suffrage in the District of Colam- bia will expiain the mystery. Who, then, was this solitary but courteous Ethiopian? Was he @ copperhead ? Tae Excise Decision wy THe Svpvrns.—A tremendous haul of choice liquors was made by the local authorities at Brighton, Mass., on New Year day, Brighton being the grand terminus of slcighing parties from Bos- ton, The decision of our Court of Appeals on the Excise Inw of this motropolitan district piec%s onr road and half-way houses and vying porties thereto under a similar dan- He ye, therefore, ready; for tho excise. yunds no trumpet on bls approach, Tho Reassembling of Congress. pointment and look to him for a wholesome After a fostnight’s recess, covering the | reform in the management of the department. Christmas and New Year holidays, the | He has the opportunity to do well and to o# two houses of Congress reassemble for} tablish a good reputation in the office he sow business to-day. As most of the thémber | bolas, and it is not likely he will neglect it or have ayailed themselves of the opportunity for a pleasant Chrigimas and New Year at home, it is probable that there will not be tauch over, if enough to make up, 8 quoram in either house this morning. We presume that if they have a quorum it will be a day of mis- cellancous odds and ends in the way of resolu- tions, motions of inquiry, &c., in both branches, and especially in the House. We should not be surprised if, among other things, there should be a scattering shot or two at the late decision of the Supreme Court and some break- ing of ground on the Mexican question. The Southern excursionists, it is reported, will be back in Washington this evening from their Southern intefior railroad trip to New Orleans, | They have hardly had time to learn » great deal of the Southern political situation; but they have doubtless learned something that will prove valuable in the future discussions of Southern affaira. We guess, however, that if the influence of these excursionists shall be brought to bear in favor of a liberal policy to the railroads concerned touching the claims of the government against-them arising from the war, the main object of the companies’ interest will be gained. Meantime the committee of in- vestigation into the facts of the New Orleans massacre of last summer are closing up their work, and the results of their report, when made, will probably embrace a radical recon- struction of Louisiana. The two houses will hardly proceed to the regular business mea- sures of the session till next week. The Latest French Canard—Maximilian’s Ab- dication, The French government appear to be singu- larly anxious that the world should believe that they earnestly desire the abdication of Maxi- milian, and consequently instruct their organ» the Moniteur, to get up little canards from time to time. The latest one has the merit of boing very straight to the point, and appears not only in the Monifeur but in Le Temps, by way of giving it additional strength. It is to the effect that Maximilian’s act of abdication has arrived in Paris and been placed in the hands of the Emperor Napoleon. But this canard has not been ingeniously managed or contrived, for it must be apparent that the proper parties to an act of the kind are the Mexican people and no one else. Max must abdicate to those whom he pretends have invested him with imperial autho- tity by a majority of voices, and not to the French Emperor, who simply named him for the posi- tion. When Maximilian does abdicate he will do it, no doubt, in the usual way and conform- abiy to iong establisned usage. Nipoicca ca. he have now nothing to do with each other, ‘The former plainly told his protégé that he must rely on himself alone and paddie his own canoe, and from the moment the determination was expressed. to withdraw the French expe- ditionary army all French intervention must be considered to have ended. But if Max is desirous of making a secret act of abdication, lest an open announcement to the Mexicans should increase the perils of his situation, he need not be afraid to inform us first. We will help, with pleasure, to relieve him of his burden. The Street Commissioncr [mbroglic. The Street Commissioner imbroglio which so long occupied public attention and which seemed to have been set at rest a short time ago by the unexpected confirmation of Mr. George W. McLean, has suddenly promised a revival through the announcement of the appointment of the new head of the department to the office of Agent of Internal Revenue. A brief his- tory of the facts bearing upon this new phase of the affair will probably easo the minds of those who at present seem bewildered by the complications which it presents. Upon the resignation of Cornell it was deter- mined by the “ring” that Brennan should be his sucvessor in the Street Depariment. It was well known that he could not be re-elected to the Comptrollership, and the complimentary card requesting him to be » candidate was con- cocted only for the purpos of affordlug Mayor Hoffman a justification for nominating him as Street Commissioner. In th: meantime a num- ber of ornamental nominations were to be made, all of which wera to be rejected by the Board of Aldermen. A certain set of Alder- men were associated with Hoffinan, Brennan and Sweeny in this arrangement, but in order to secure the rejection of the several nominees by the remainder of the Board each candidate was required by the Mayor to plodge himself in advance not to enter into any arrangement with the Aldermen in relation to the patronage of the office. When the list of fancy nomi- nations reached sit. McLean’s name he -was sent for by the Mayor and the usual pledge required of him. The singular conii- tions imposed upon him disclosed at once the fact that the nomination was a fraud and a cheat, and was to be made only for the purpose of carrying on the deception until the time ar rived for the nomination of Brennan. Mr. Mc- Lean, we understand, required time to make up his mind as to his acoeptance, and left the Mayor's office. Some few hours afterwards he returned and agreed to allow his name to be used, and gave the required pledge. The nomi- ] gation was thereupon sent in, when, bed the fT tonishment and chagrin of the ding, it was confirmed by the Board of Aldermen. This was a terrible blow to Hoffman, Bren- nan, Sweeny and the “ring” Aldermen, and they were thrown inté confusion and consternation. How the result was brought about they were at a loss to conjecture; but a way to remedy the evil occurred to them. Some four or five months previously the name of Mr. McLean had been pressod at Washington for Agent of Inter- nal Revenue; but he was opposed by Hoff. man, Brennan, Sweeny and all the Tammany “ting” and Manhattan Club influence. A sud- den change now came over the sentiments of these gentlemen, and some of them proceeded at once to Washington, withdrew their opposi- tion to Mr. McLean’s appoiniment and urged favorable action upon his application. The re- sult was the announcement that the oMice of Agent of Internal Revenue was open to Mr. MeLean’s acceptance. ‘This is tbe whole history of the affair. The bargain between Mayor Hoffinan and the “ring” is the appointment of Brennan as Street Com- missioner, But that cannot be carried ont so long as Mr. McLean ocoupies the office. Ho has not yet resigned it, and it is not probable that accept any other position. Besides, be owes tt to the taxpayers and respectable citizens of New York, who repose confidence in him, te dono act that can aid the efforts of the cor rupt “ring” to perpetuate their power in am important department of the city government. -Gneat Excrremmyt—In the grog shops and corner groceries over the late terrible decision of the Court of on the Excise law. The law is constitutional; but will it be wise to enforce it, as it now may be enforoed—Satar day night shutting up and Sunday total prohi- bition, lager bier and ale? That is the ques- tion. . LADIES’ NEW YEAR. Hew it Was Observed in the City ¥« The most ardent admirer of the old Dutch « becker charactertics tn their entirety—for there qany ofinom shat are indefensible—but the diced of ant!-Knickerbookers fail not to orcdst.-thoee here, have founds fruitful soil, and adherents scrupe- Jously exact {a their observance among the descendants of those worthy old burghers, who now constitute large & proportion of our influential and well-to-do fellow citizens, The English ocoepancy under Governor Mi- colls and his British successors, one would naturally sap- pose, would have had a tendency ( considering ek ek ot their social workings, other things which have descended to us coming through an cra of lo-Saxon manners, custom of making New. Year’acalls, now s0 uni! adopted in this city. But among the old Knickerbool= ers (as to a very great extent Cg the ladies share@ this visiting custom equally withthe men, New Year’ pee Perey saioes t 6: Capa reb de thee Bex, ile the sul juent day mono) fonmale relatives in returning tie visite with wniek “they had been honored. heartily glad that — ing of afforded them so fine an opportunity rset up an excelient suc'al custom—one which will doubtless grow more and more into favor as the brn roll on. Its observance would work to Stowe profit, by softening the asperities and dissipating lousies tbat, In this age, too often characterize fami- jos, especially in the upper circles. Schiller says:— By gently ent: ani swee! paid wonke relgns walle fie Graces cround het are emiling, Calming down the flerce discord of Hatred and Pride; Teaching all whom the atrife of wild passions would sever To unite in one bond, and with her, and forever, hopes, each emotion, they else had denied. Ia Brooklyo prvengeein: r tp ro a a) wes aleo very gonsrally observed yosterday. gicicume ; SSeS Scenes ta the City and on the formed in the warm spell, were hardened and spark ueg with prismatic lighta, the roads bad lost thetr soled ap poarance, the mud had disappeared and a bard the heart of the city to the frozen groves where untrammolied natare gives our scope, Young America, eager wher= parade. Cutters of modest pretensions and turnouts of state, containing family parties, hamble al shone dorned, whose burly galiauta handled the rivboas with professional grace; queenly patrictan belles, with butior- - fly cavaliors, attired in the tightest of costumes, and of the most excrac:atingly telling “make up,’ through Fifth avonue and the w fares open ing near (he Park entrance, and there minging in & queer confusion of divers elcments—pride youth and old age, benuty and deformity, rowdyism—moved on through the drive git, the fancy man before tho millionaire, and the tcher boy side by side with his employer's wealthiest customer. Good aleigh!ng was onjoyad on the outskirts of Brook- tya yesterday, atd a number of remarkably fluc lwavute Were seen on several of the principal avenues, ANNUAL REPOXT OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE COMMIS- SHONERS, The Board of Metropolitan Police, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 408 of the Laws of 1964, have submitted their annual report to the Governor. The Orst part of this document refers to appropriations made and required for providing better station house and prison accommodations in some of the precinots aad mrcl nooded repairs in others. It says the system of Providing station houses and prisons for tho use of the Metropolitan polica, through tho action of the municipa authorities, 13 weither safe nor economical, experience having shown that tho Board of Commissioners ought to be charged with that duty. During the last year twenty- four deaths occurred, and tho amount of time logt by sickness and {ojuries oxceeds tho amount of the previous yoar by these hundred and eleven dayg, Tho number ponsioners has been inc! , Regis'rz faw 1865 and the amonament 4? 1866 have im onerous, and dolicate dui upon the police; but it is believed these hav$ been performed acceptably and have ha@ the elfoct-of dimin'shing the expenses of elections, Attention is called to the want of provision for the equitable distributton of the expense of supporting the House of Detention for witnesses, and mcommends i and gentility a4 ‘at a decorous an amendmont requiring each city, county and towa of tho district to contribute in pro} te ‘Whe exponses incurred on account of such. reports contains a reference to the necessity for providing of Me In case of fro, from tenement houses in this city, tho present being “ deficient to a agen he The number of arrests for offences in the citios of New York and Brooklyn for the year 1866 was 97,587. Dur. ing the last seven years has been an increase of twenty per cont in the number of arrosts, The report Speaks favorably of the officiency of the pol.ce in the rural districts, jogged are made of certain amend- Png bene Py #0 as to render I a eoficiont nit leas restrictive “ons ine leet tn: business, Tn toferring tv the subject ~ haste and ed mep, the practices of mauy of the Intter are ae as ‘an open and apparent shamo;”’ and arrests of hack- mon are frequent, bit punishments rare. It recom- monds that the power to nt Hoenses to junk fam | keopanm Junk boatmen aiid purchasers of second articles bo granted to the commissioners, for the purpose of fru: log the facilities now afforded thieves to dis pose readily of the proceests of their robberios, 4 cvurid- erable portion of tho report ts devoted ty the ariiou of the Board of Excise, many of the fnots stated ty whiod have already boen published, and the sowmewnat ioug’ document concludes with a recommendation tal the force be largely increasod, more espevially su #reattys, cnennstiiietlanlibdtachistiebiins CITY POLITICS. Maerina or tum Tammany Gevanat, Conaniree—.nson Row ar ta ApyovrwaeyT.—A meeting of the General Committee of Tammany Hail, etected for the ensuing year, was hold Inst evening at Tammany Hall, Wiliam M. Tweed in the chair. On calling the list of credentials it appeared thas thore were contesting dolegations from the Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Tenth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Eightoonth, Twonty first and Twenty eecond wards, ane upon motion the Learing of the claims of the contesting dologations were adjowsned until a suberquont evemmg, After the adjourumont of tho committoo A fracas occurred! ia the barroom of tho Hall, in which an ox, Mombor of Assembly was knocked down, aad for a short tine n general row seomed imminent, ¥ was only quetied by the prompt intes/erence of the police, Mentixa ov res Mozart Batt Grverat Comourten = Tlie Commmitteo mot last ovening at S14 Broadway for the purpose of appointing offlcors for the onsuing youn Tho following appointmonta wero made:—Wiiltam P, Las, Chairmay; Boujamin Wood, Vice Chairm: MoCarthy and John Mitebatl, Of (ho Sixtoowih ward, Freasy fi ALArms. A committee of one from each ward was Ap. nied to draw up by-laws for the government of the Semeres Commitee aad report at the ay meotia + by4aws of the past Fear to romain ia fovoo wart new ones wore printod. The Commitioa adjourned ‘i he will, The neoule are eatiafod with his ap- | tne dret Thuredaw in February, e ¢ 2