The New York Herald Newspaper, February 18, 1867, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1867. NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR OFFiG£ N. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU STS, Volume XXXII. Ne. 49 THRATRE, Broadway, near Broome x, Tue WONDERFUL SCAMP—CINDERELLA. BROADWAY NEW {Kk THEATRE, Broadway, opposite New York Howl —I'xocy Gaeex—Kxninwonts, FATRE FRANCAIS, Fourteenth street. near Sixth ~irauian Orera—Lovoia pt LawMgruoon. ay OLYMPIC THEATRE, Broadway.—Srazers or Nxw Yous. DODWORTH'S HALL, 806 Broadway.—Paorgsson Hants wit Perrora His Mikacies—Tas Heap ix THE AiR Tux inptaN Basket Tuick—Prorevs. STRINWAY ROOMS, Fourteenth atreet.—Pease AND Sxyeutmt’s Moning Concent, at Three o’Clock. SAN FRANCISCO MINSTRELS. 535 Broadway, opposite he Metropolitan Hotel—[x raciag Eruoran EN TERTAtye rs Singme, Daxcine ap Burizsquss.—Tur Ocean acuT KELLY & LEON'S MINSTRELS, 720 Broadway, oppo- site the New York Hotel. Ix razin Soxas, Daxces. Eoorn. Downas—Cin- taicrrrks, Buatesques, &c.—Tue Two Pama pre-Leon—Mapagascar Batter Trours. FIFTH AVENUE OPERA HOUSE, Nos. 2.and 4 West Twenty-fourth street.—Guirrin & Camisry’s MInsTRELs.— Ermiorian MINstRELSY, BaLlans, BURLESQUES, £0.—TaE Goran Yacut Racz, TONY PASTOR'S OPERA HOUSE, 901 Bowery.—Comic Vocatism, Nucro Muinsraxtsy, Batter Diveatiseaxyt, &0.—Taz New Yore VoLuwresns. CHARLEY WHITE'S COMBINATION TROUPE, at Mechanics’ Hall, 472 Broadway—In 4 Vantery or Ligut anp Lavguaste Exteetainuents, Corrs pe Bauier, &c. Puss wy Boots. BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC.—Concert sy raz Harnison Orgra TRourE. HOOLEY'S OPERA HOUSE, Brooklyn.—Erniortan MiN- ernersy, BaLtaps aND BuRuesquxs.—Tue Biack Crook. COOPER INSTITUTE. Eighth street.—Da. Hesnanp's Pscuuiar Lucrurxs on ‘Paoveian Tuzaes. THE BUNYAN TABLEAUX, Union Hall, corner of ‘Twenty-third street and Broadway.—Moving MiRnok OF Tux PiGuim’s ProcRess—Sixty MaGwiricent Scans. NEW YORK MUSEUM OF ANATOMY. 618 Broadway.— Fixap ano Ricut ARM or Prosst—Tuz WAsmINcTON ‘Twins—Wowners 1 Natorat History, SCIsxce axD ABT. Lxctures Datty, Open from 8 A.M. till UP. M. DERPY'S NEW ART ROOMS, 85 Broadway.—Grann Exuuition ov Paurtings.—Rosa Bonaxon’s Horse Fair, New York, Monday, February 18, 1807. EUROPE. By the Atlantic cable under date of Dublin, February 17, we are informed that the Fenian outbreak at Killar- ney, Kerry, is at an end, the ‘bands of insurgents’? having “disappeared.”” One hundred and forty Fenians were arrested in Dublin yesterday. The report of the French Treasury is said to be very favorable as to the condition of the finances of the em- pire. The Christians of Candia are likely to gain their independence, Prince Frederic Charles, of Prussia, has been returned to the North German Parliament. Baron Ricasoli is again Premier of Italy. Spain is to reinforce her squadron off the Antilles, The French yacht clubs have again complimented the American yachtmen. CONGRESS. The Saturday session of the venate was continued until after six o'clock Sunday morpirig. The debate upon the House Reconstruction bill, establishing military governments in the South, was continued, and Mr, Sherman’s{substitute was adopted, by 32 yeas to 3 nays, Mcears, Buckalew, Davis and Sauisbury voling in the negative. An amendment offered by Mr. Doolittle that no sentence of death under the act shall be carried into execution without the approval of the President was adopted by yeas 21, nays 16, The bill introduced by Mr. Sherman was then passed by & vote of 29 to 10. MISCELLANEOUS. Our Mexican advices came by way of Havana from Vera Cruz 0a the Sth and Mexico city on the 3d, The main portion of the news is confirmatory of movements immediately precgding the reported great battle near Aguas Calientes, although there is nothing received Positively confirming the account of the fight published heretofore.. Maximilian’s government was to be re- moved to Puebla, The rear guard of the French army was to have departed from the capital on the 8th. Porfirio Diaz had a command of twenty thousand men fifty-four miles trom the capital, Miramon is reported to bo treating with the liberals for his submission to that party. Tne troops under Castillo, who succeeded Mejia, are reported to have been defeated by Kscobedo. ‘The exchange of prisoners was going on very amicably. The Fenian excitement in this and the adjacent cities throughout yesterday was of the most intense character, Tho full account which appeared in yesterday’s Henauy of (he ecene of op2rations, and the manuer in which the nows from Ireland was received here, bad the eilect of causing general migration of Irishmen from the upper Part of the city down about tho newspaper offices and tho headquarters of the Fenian Brotherhood in Chatham street. The announcements of meetings, opon air de- monstrations, military conventions, &c., which we notice to-day indicates an earnestness of feeling and a determina- tion to begin a plan of action to co-operate with the revo- futionary party m Ireland, on the part of Irishmen. It is supposed that Stevens is in some part of England, about to inaugurate a co-operative movement in that country on a very exten- sive scalp, A congress will be held here soon to form a new government for the organization. A call for Yolunteers to go to Ireland has beon made and promptly responded to, Money to a very large amount has been subscribed, and liberal promises of aid made to the loaders, in the shape of arnfs, men and money. Our Havana correspondence is dated Feb. 13. Senors Lara and Gonzales had been tried for external conspiracy against tho secufity of the State. A heavy gale pre- vailed on the 9th inst., and several houses along the sea shore wore damaged, A description of the Spanish fron clad Tetuan is furnished by our correspondent A young man named William G. Bradford, a native ot Maine, and a merchant of Prescott, Minn., mysteriously disappeared on the 3d instant, and has not since boen beard from. The Winooski was coaling at Trinidad ‘The sugar market was frregular. Exchange in currency on Now York was at 243 per cent discount. ‘The sixth Sunday under the new Excise régime passed off quietiy yesterday. Few arrests were made inthe city. An enthusiastic meeting of Germans who are in favor of the enforcement of the law was held in Wil- iamabury, at which addressss wore made in English and German. The Rev. J. Hyatt Smith delivered the first of a series of sermons yesterday to the young men at Lee avenue eburch, Brooklyn, om the “Theatre.” A series of daily services has been in progress at the Fifty-third street Baptist charoh during the last three weeks, Right Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Clark, Bishop of Rhode Island, de- Livered an elegant discourse ast evening im Calvary church, Fourth avenue, cofner of Twenty first street, before a large congregation, on ‘The Lack of Religious Culture Fatal to our Pabiic and Social Systems.” The Congressional Temperance Society held their first Mocting in Washington yesterday. It was largely at- tended, and several of tie members gave their expe- Fience both before and after taking the pledge, A dele- gation of little girls from the Little Wanderers’ Home in New York sang during the progross of the exercises. George Ellsworth, » rebel gucrilla under Morgan @uring the war, shot and killed a man named Smathers nt Paris, Ky., yesterday. The murderer escaped, and a yoward of $1,000 is offered for his apprehension, The Ohio river is overflowing ite banks and is stil Yising rapidly, A great freshet is expected by the in. ‘habitants along its shores. ‘The United States steamer Swatara, the vesse! convey- ing John H. Surratt to this country, was signaiicd at daylight yesterday off Fortress Monroe, She passed in- side the capes and headed up the Chesapeake, probably Sor Washington direct. A miob at Poughkeepsie afew days ago attempted to Yrnchs bartender named Bull for alleged improper in- ‘macy with his employer's wife and being implicated Jin a conspiracy which succeeded In having sald employer Jmprisoned in a lunatic asylum. The mob could not find however, and nine men, supposed to be the ring- wore arrested on Saturday, ‘The injury done to the wharves and piers of the city * Dy the floating ice daring the recent severe wonther Is ‘plenated at $15,000, Highly Important Acti the Southern Question. Congreas is at last bringing the question of Southern reconsiruction and restoration into a definite, positive and decided shape. After sitting all day Saturday, from the regular hour of meeting, and through the whole of Saturday night, the Senate yesterday (Sunday) morning, ata quarter past six o’clock, adopted—yeas 29, nays 10—Senator Sherman’s substitute for the Stevens military bill of the House, “for the more efficient’ government of the rebel States ;” and baving thus accomplished the great object in view, the majority at half- past six o’clock yielded toa motion of ad- journment, and the Senate adjourned. The first question suggested to the uninitiated reader, from these facts, will probably be why this all-night session, ranning into the broad daylight of Sunday morning? The answer is at hand. If this bill does not get to the Presi- dent within a day or two the constitutional ten days allowed him for its consideration will enable him to kill the bill by simply putting it in his pocket. The object, therefore, of the Senate majority on Saturday was to get this bill through in season to return it for the action of the House this (Monday) morning. The object of the minority was simply to delay action, so as to gain time for the President and, if possible, a pocket veto. As they have no previous question in the Senate, the contest, as usual in that body in such cases, was reduced to one of endurance, Our old political readers will remember that under the ancient régime there was an all night session or two in the Senate on the Oregon bill (excluding slavery), on the Texas annexation bill, and on the great compromise measures (1850) of Henry Clay. The Sherman bill will doubtless be taken up as soon as possible in the House to-day, and as in this body they have a previous question, its application will cut off all amendments and bring the minority at once to the main issue of the passage of the bill. But as motions to ad- journ, to lay on the table, to have a call of the House, &c., will still be in order, and as one-fifth of the members can demand the yeas and nays, the minority, with this sort of filibustering, often reduce the majority to a fight of endurance. Thus it is pos- sible that this day’s sitting of the House may be prolonged till to-morrow morning. We dare say, however, that the bill is an under- stood thing among the republicans, and will be pushed throngh in season to leave the Pre- sident no other alternative for its defeat than a veto, upon which test the impeachment ques- tion will depend. A voto will be regarded as a defiance of Congress and asa challenge for impeachment, and Mr. Johnson wiil be im- peached ; but by signing the bill, or, if he gets itin time, by permitting it to pass intoa law by simply pocketing it, as in the case of the Territorial Negro Suffrage bill, he may escape, Otherwise he is gone. What, then, is this bill to which we attach so much importance? It comprehends, first, sub- stantially, though softened down, the bill of Mr. Stevens for the division of the ten rebel States, temporarily, into five military districts, each to be placed under the control of a gen- eral of the army, to be appointed by the Presi- dent, for the maintenance of order under martial law. Military tribunals are to take charge of disturbers of the public peace, “and all interierence, under color of State authority, with the exercise of military. authority under this act shall be null and void.” Sentences of death by these military commissions shall be subject to the President’s approval. This pretty thoroughly sweeps away Mr. Johnson’s State establishments and all his legislative acts concerning them. To this complexion the conflict between him and Congress comes at last. In the next place, section five, the bill pro- vides “that when the people of any one of said rebel States shall have formed a constitution and government in conformity with the consti- tution of the United States in all respects, framed by a convention of delegates elected by the male citizens of said State twenty-one years. old and upward, of whatever race, color or previous condition, who have been resi- dent in said State for one year previous to the day of such election, except such as may be disfranchised for participation in the rebellion, or for felony at com- mon law; and when such constitution shall provide that the elective franchise shall be en- joyed by all such persons as have the qualifica- tions herein stated for electors of delegates; and when such constitution saall be ratified by a majority of the persons voting on the ques- tion of ratification who are qualified as electors for delegates; and when such constitution shall have been submitted to Congress for examina- tion and approval, and Congress shall have approved the same; and when said State, by a vote of its Legislature, elected under said constitution, shall have adopted the amend- ment to the constitution of the United States proposed by the Thirty-ninth Congress, and known as article 14; and when said article shall have become part of the constitution of the United States, said State shall be declared en- titled to representation in Congress, and Sen- ators and Representatives shall be admitted therefrom on their taking the oath prescribed by law; end then and thereafter the preceding sections of this act shall be inoperative in said State.” Briefly, the bill provides, first, for the abso- Inte repudiation of the reconstruction labors of Mr. Johnson; secondly, for the re-establish- ment, for the time being, of martial law over the ten outside rebel States; thirdly, for universal male suffrage, negroes and all, wiib- out restrictions except for crime, and except “gach persons as may be disfranohised for par- ticipating in the rebellion;” fourthly, for State organizations upon this basis; and, lastly, for the adoption of the pending constitutional amendment. Thus in this Senate bill the Stevens bill, the Louisiana House bill and the Blaine proposition are combined, and all together it is a test which will settle the ques- tion of Mr. Johnson’s surrender or removal from office. A General Reconstruction Bill-The Conetita- Senator Wilson on Friday night introduced an important bill in the United States Senate, declaring “ihat the constitutional amendment, having been ratified by the Legislatures of the Tequisite numbor of States, is duly ratified and part of the constitution of the United States, and valid to all intents and purposes as part of the constitution.” The bill then proceeds sub- of the Senate on | amendment offered to the bill to provide for | military governments at the South, declaring that when the provisions of the constilution thus duly ratified shall have been fully complied with by the excluded States, and when their State constitutions, framed in conformity therewith, and granting impar- tial suffrage without distinction of color, shull have been duly adopted and accepted by Con- gress, then such States shall be entitled to restoration and representation in Congress. The bill was ordered to be printed. This com- prebensive measure appears to cover the whole ground. The constitutional amendment being declared duly ratified and a part of the consti- tution, every State constitution must of neces- sity be made to conform to its provisions. Like the Louisiana reconstruction bill, it goes to the marrow of the subject, and disposes of all further controversy on the vexed question of reconstruction. It will properly follow the Louisiana bill and will be a happy closing up of the business of the present Congress. Napeleon’s Speech at the Opening of tho French Legislatere. We published yesterday s full synopsis, trans- mitted by the Atlantic cable, of the Emperor Napoleon’s speech at the opening session of the Corps Législatif on the 14th instant, But this speech so ingeniously defines the position of the Emperor, it so finely illustrates his amazing dexterity in adapting himself to the most “in- auspicious concurrence of circumstances,” in seizing and presenting the issues out of the most perplexing complications, and it is, more- over, of such significant importance in refer- ence to the domestic and foreign policy of France and to her past and future relations with Europe and the United States, that it demands some special examination. How adroitly does Napoleon escape from his recent discomfitures in Europe by taking refuge under the shadow of bis uncle’s mighty name! He does not hesitate to cluim that German and Italian events have lately “almost fulfilled the great Napoleon’s idea to unite all the great homogeneous nations hitherto separ- ated, and which is the only possible balance of power in Europe.” He thus makes “the great Napoleon” responsible for what we have not forgotten was his own programme as set forth in the famous de Lavalette circular. Of course he makes no allusion to the first Napo- leon’s habit of absorbing nationalities to the advantage of imperial France instead of uniting them. “The success of Germany and Italy, according to the Emperor, “cannot dis- turb France.” He adds, “I stood aloof and helped the peace which Brussia and Italy made without dismembering Austria.” But he does not intimate that he was at all influenced in standing aloof by the gigantic proportions which the war speedily assumed, with Russia looming up inthe background. Nor does he tefer to his. correspondence with Bismarck by which we learned that he arranged himself the coalition between Prussia and Italy with an eye to certain Rhenish provinces on the one hand and, perhaps, Sardinia on the other, by way of compensations for connivance in wresting Venetia from Austria and extending the power of Prussia. If the marvellous and unexpected growth of Prussian power enabled Bismarck to snub his imperial ally and disap- point him of his anticipated compensations, France might well make a virtue of necessity and be “just and neutral.” Turning to “another part of the globe,” the Emperor admits that the “happy results at first obtained” in his “endeavors to redress legitimate grievances and to raise an ancient empire” were “compromised by an inaus- picious concurrence of circumstances.” He expatiates on the elevated character of “the guiding idea of the Mexican expedition.” It was “to regulate a people and implant among them ideas‘of order and progress; to open vast outlets to our commerce and leave the recog- nition of services rendered to civilization to mark our path.” He does not deem it worth while to allude to the instructions which Forey received to develop the Emperor’s grand idea of pitting the influence of the Latin races agains( that of the Anglo-Saxon race in the Western hemisphere; ‘nor does be mention that both he and Lord Palmerston agreed in thinking that it would be an auspi- cious moment for establishing a commercial and political—particulariy an anti-repubil- can—balance of power in America while the United States were engaged in the midst of a civil war. Nothing is said of any idea having ever been entertained of absorbing Texas and Louisiana and securing the mouths of the Mis- sissippi, as well as converting Mexico into a French protectorate. Napoleon declares, how- ever, that as soon as it appeared to him that the sacrifiées of France were greater than her gains in the disinterested Mexican project which he had inaugurated, he “ spontaneouslg”’ determined upon the return of the French troops “in order that the United States might comprehend that it was only the absence of conciliation in policy which had embittered relations which, for the welfare of both coun- tries, should remain friendly.” We heartily appreciate the friendly disposition towards the United States which the Emperor manifests in this paragraph. But we cannot jrefrain from saying that the word “spontancowly” suggests by ® not unnatural association, of rather con- trast of ideas, the persistent efforts of Mr. Seward during nearly two years, and backed by the unanimous segtiment of fe American wr ad fepMceae Ts Cospion Te te press, in public meetings and in >rivate con- versation, to urge upon his Impeial Majesty the conviction that the Monroe (octrine was an insuperable obstacle to the carying out of his Mexican plans. We had presuned that this pressure of universal opinion in the United States might have had some slightinfluence in convincing Napoleon that at lat he must “spontaneously” withdraw his troops and abandon his scheme. At all evens it must be admitted that as soon as the was convinced that this must be dae he did it very gracefully and in true Napoeonic style The opinion expressed by the ‘mperor that “the great Powers ought to actn concert to satisfy the Christians in the Eag protect the rights of the Porte and prevent complications,” probably decides the Eastern quetion, at least for the present. His views wil it is likely, prevail, and the Western Powerwill unite in sustaining the Porte a while Inger as a bul- wark against Russian encroachnnts, The Emperor states that the epoution of the treaty of Rome has placed the overnment of the Pope in a new phase, ThePope “is sus- tained by his own strength andhe veneration stantially in the language of the Blaine | of the great Powers for the Hoaef the Church, and Europe will sustain his temporal power against demagogues.” We are by no means so certain on this last point The inquiry is pertinent who are “the demagogues?” Have none of those thus stigmatized had anything to do with the liberation of Italy? Is it not likely that they will have something to say, at least, on the point in question? We must still ad- here to our own opinion that no definite settle- meat can be made with the Pope until his Holiness is relieved of the burden of temporal sovereignty. So long as this is not settled we shall look for still further complications. The relations of France with England are” declared “to be intimate, and both Powers agree on the great questions.” So the old entente cordiale of which Lord Clarendon boasted during the Crimean war as existing in both hemispheres, and which we had the mis- fortune of seeing extended to this hemisphere during our own recent war, continues to exist. Doubtless the Emperor mainly relics upon this agreement for a pacific solution of the Eastern question, The Emperor asserts that “the perpetuation of Austria is necessary to the balance of power.” This means that with Austria, not- withstanding her unlucky share in the Mexican scheme, he purposes an alliance as well as with Italy. Both will help in keeping the Rus- sian Bear at a safe distance, Napoleon is sanguine as to the success of both his foreign and his domestio policy. He» “ig certain that the peace of the world is not to be disturbed.” He adds :—“Sure of the pre- sent and confident of the future, I have ful- filled your wishes in regard to the development of our institutions upon a liberal scale.” He does not forget, however, that “the conditions of war being changed” (alluding to the needle gun and other formidable improvements ia the machinery of war), “France must increase her defences.’ The army bill has been so drawn, he says, as to lighten the burden in times of peace and to increase the resources in times of war. He reminds his subjects that their neigh- bors assume far heavier burdens. He ex- claims, “Let us keep our flag bigh, as the best means of preserving peace!” And he con- cludes with his usual pean in praise of the empire, i's advancing prosperity and its pros- pective splendor. This time he not only announces an increase of the indirect revenue, and promises “soon to be able to satisfy all interests, reduce the land tax and make public Improvements whereby the working classes will be benefited,” but he points proudly to the “liberty, solid, lasting and glorious,” with which he is to crown the arch of empire. The Emperor of the French is entitled to exult in the unparalleled degree of material prosperity to which peace has carried France beneath his‘sway. If he deems ft unnecessary to remind her disagreeably of the failure of the French faval ‘expedition to Cochin China, he certainly takes great pains to soothe any mortification she might suffer from apparent tempprary loss of her splendid military pres- tige on account of the Mexican imbroglio’ and the results of the recent European war. It must be conceded that with a frankness scarcely to have been expected he recognises the Mexican failure and the necessities of peace with the United States. His speech to the French Legislature discloses so clearly his internal policy and his diplomatic programme with regard to Europe, and makes them appear so consistent with the interests of France, of his dynasty and of the entire continent, that we cannot deny the admirable skill and address which it exhibits, Alleged Canal Corruptions—A Hubbub in the Legislature. Considerable noise is being made in the State Legislature over alleged corruptions in the management of the canals, and a commit- tee of the Senate and -Assembly has been appointed to investigate the matter. These investigating committees are very innocent, harmless affairs and seldom hurt anybody. The one in question will no doubt have a good time with the Canal Commissioners and contractors, drink a few bottles of poor champagne, get well filled with abominable Albany whiskey and tnake a report extolling the virtues and honesty of all who have anything to do with managing, repairing or running the State canals, The present breeze appears to have arisen from a quarrel among the canal contractors’ “ving.” It is a storm that is sure to arise every winter, and is generally allayed by com- promises before it assumes any alarming pro- Portions. But it is unquestionably true that the canals have for years been a rich source of plunder and political intrigue. The party in power always has.used and probably always will use them for other than legitimate purposes. So notorious has this been that many honest State officials, shocked at the corruption they have witnessed, have proposed that the Siate should sell or lease those works and get them out of her hands. If the Legislature should really desire to economize the canal management and to puta stop to malpractices on the part of State officials and contractors, it would find it very easy to do eo. The case lies ina nutshell. Under the old superintendent system, when those officers, with the division engineers, did all the repairs of the canals, there was no limit to the expenditure. The Canal Com- missioners would order any amount of labor they saw fit whenever an election or a town meeting was approaching, and hundreds of thousands of dollars were corruptly squan- dered on repairs. The contract system was a decided improvement upon the superintendent system; but the law was loosely drawn and is open to a gtent deal of imposition and fraud. The contractor makes a bid and receives an award of work, but when itis cencluded he brings in s claim for extra pay and readily paases it through the Legislature and the Canal Board. The present law should be so amended as to stop all this leakage in the shape of claims and damages, by requiring that every contract should be made with distinct specif- cations of the prices to be paid for every kind of work. A return to the old superintendent system wonld be going from bad to worse. ‘The Canal Auditor has it in his power to frame amendments to the present contract law which would effectually put a stop to the existing castom of paying heavy sums to contractors in the shape of damages, and the Legislature, if really desirous of reform, should pass such & bill at once. There is no nevessity for investi- gation to prove that the canals have boen grossly mismanaged. Instead of wasting time over that the Legislature had better so amend the contract law as to guard against corraption in the future, Sa ee ee anette = 2 ER ONE ae EE NS Cee ee Bill Providing for President in Case of Va- cancy. The bill declaring who shall act as President in cage of vacancy passell the House of Repre- sentatives on Saturday Without a division. It will no doubt pass the Senate and become a law in its present form or with little modifi- cation. The ‘action on this bill, like much more of the legislation of the present Congress, was induced by the conflict between that body and President Johnson. After stating who shall act as President when a vacancy occurs in almost every possible contingency Con- gress invests itself with more power over the matter than it ever exercised before. The bill declares that “in case of the removal, death, resignation or inability of both the President and Vice President of the United States, the President of the Senate pro tempore, and in case there shall be no Presi- dent of the Senate, then the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the time being; and in case there shall be no Speaker, then the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and in case there shall be no Chief Justice, then the Justice of the Supreme Court who shall have been longest commissioned shall act as President until the disability shall be removed or a President shall be elected and qualified.” Heretofore the Secretary of State was author- ized and empowered to eall a new election for President in case of a vacancy when there should be no Vice President to fill it; but he can only do so under this bill when the Senate and House of Representatives, by concurrent resolution, shall request and direct him. And if Congress should not be in session at the time when a vacancy occurs it is made the duty of the officer discharging the duties of President for the time being to issue a procla- mation convening both kouses of Congress within sixty days after he assumes the duties of President. It will rest with Congress to say when it shall meet whether a new election shall be ordered or not, and the Secretary of State will be diratted accordingly what to do. It is evident Congress is resolved to hold the political as well as the legislative power here- after, and this is one of the measufes brought forward for that purpose. larger provinces, will become equally exacting in their demands. The old Bulgarian spirit will revive and will be satisfied only with the re-establishment of the ancient kingdom. Thus the Turkish empire in Europe, unless pre- viously demolished by a blow from without, will crumble to pieces of its own accord. The State Constitutional Convention. The Senate and Assembly both had the bilis Providing for the State Constitutional Conven- tion under discussion prior to the recess, and the debate indicated some diversity of opin- ion among the republicans upon the question of representation. In the Assembly a motion was made by Mr. Littlejohn to amend the bill by allowing the election of thirty-two delegates at large in addition to the one hundred and twenty-eight required by the bill, sixteen of whom shall be voted for by each political party. This amendment is in accordance with the recommendation of Governor Fenton in his annual message, and is calculated to insure the election of the ablest men on both sides, independent of local and party considerations, It met with a fierce opposition from a portion of the republicans; but as some of thé best men on that side of the House declared in its favor & will-probably be, embodied in the law by the aid of democratic votes. It appears te be a@ desirable provision. The republicans have some very, able lawyers and practical business men in this city. who can become members of the convention by no other means, and whose experience and judgment would be of much advantage iii that body. There should be no opposition to the amendment, especially when the close vote of the State is considered, and the consequent danger of the eventual defeat of the revised constitution should the convention be run on strong party lines. It ig to be regretted that the bill was not perfected before the long recess, so that the election of delegates might have been held at as early a day as possible. Asit has been suffered to ge over, the constituents of the different distriets should instruct their representatives to pras it without any unnecessary delay as soon as the Legislature reconvenes, CITY INTELLIGENCE. Tax Weataer.— Although the ‘‘season of enows,"” eo. -cording to the calendar makers, has not quite departed yet, the weather of yesterday was such asto give noties that Spring— ———the inconstant elf, who knows not himses Nor his changing mind an hour, is near at hand and may now be looked for, During the day of Saturday last the weather was such as to give but little hope for a fine day to follow; but te- wards evening the murky clouds, from which a chilling, disagrosable dribble had been falling during the day, be- came sensibly thinner and finally disappeared, leaving the moon, ht ant eeetel by myriads of stars, ing cheerfully and kindly eiving Promise at last really ‘omat Sunday, Thi niggers hereon ny re ay rose, apparent Tmuch refreshed, ym - ental pre titi shot his rays through the ere in doors and shutters, as if to light the way for the clear, balmy air which took the hint, made ita pres- ence known to the slumbering multitude and was hailed with emiles and thanks; doors and windows were throwa. wide open for it, and an uamistal invitation aiven The Later Aspects of the Eastern Question, By the Atlantic cable we have two highly interesting items of intelligence relating to the affairs of the East. One is, that the Sultan has resolved to emancipate his Christian sub- jects from their political disabilities and to convene a Turkish Parliament. The other is that Ismail Pacha demands the recog- nition of the entire independence of Egypt of the sovereignty of the Sultan. The, latter especially is deeply significant. There is no man living more keenly alive to his own Individual interests than the present ruler of the land of the Pharaohs. It is not to | be doubted that as he is an interested, so is he a diligent student of the changing phases of the Eastern question. Ht is not long since he made a visit to Constantinople, when the pro- te stay gaat eee he ing ee ae fusion with which he poured forth his golden | 924 the adjoining cities were alive with aged favors was such as to cast all previous visits of | residents of many of the overcrowded localities, and all the subject sovereigns of the Sultan, splendid | foomed eager to enjoy to the the realty, as some of them had been, entirely into the shade. About the same time, on the occasion of an ex- tensive and disastrous fire in that city, his con- tributions in aid of the suffering poor were on ascale of almost unprecedented magnitude. Coasr Waxcxiva Orenarioxa,—Consequent on the re- cent storms and the numerous disasters among the shtp- ping, the wrecking operators have been busily engaged on the breaking up of the ice and the setting in of favorable weather. They are now raising the ship Dash- ing Wave, of Boston, sunk of the Southwest Spit, an@ His gifts were measuréd not by thousands, endeat to recover her of wheat and copper nor by hundreds of thousands, but by pteen ns Macetnard ag ‘hana to mestegion wih © millions of dollars. His reward appeared | Wile speuned cargo, if also in hand. | Divers are stil o& in the shape of a firman, securing to him pre AR dep ca: Fe erred oo ee BN and his heirs in the direct line the perpetual | go whlon shared wil be atta Toe; phd though subordinate sovereignty of Egypt. | te fingh Grotics, Sea Breeze and Sersphine ete Tt was difficult to believe at the time that he yielded to his generous impulses for any other purpose. The present move of the Viceroy is characteristic and perfectly in harmony with the previous character of the man. His affec- tion for the Sultan, proved at so great a cost, does not hinder him now, in the altered circum- stances of the case, from looking after his own interests, even at the expense of his sovereign lord. The breaking up of the Turkish empire he sees is certain. With characteristic wisdom and toresight—we shall not say selfishness—he Fata Casvaury.—Coroner Wildey held an inquest at 101 Cherry street, on the body of Mrs, Mary Koster, ‘whose death was the result of injuries received by fall- ing from an elevated platform in the rear of the prem isos while engaged in out clothes. The ococar- rence being accidental the rendered a verdict te that effect. Deceased was twenty-nine years of age, and said to have been born in Irelans Burotarme.—Between the hours of nine o'clock, on Saturday evening, the premises of Mr. Lane, No. 87 Cannon street, were burglariously daring the temporary absence of the family and robbe@ of about eng teller a of the lower floor of ine bo ‘tas free access to the building. The house No, #17 is setting his house in order. We have little | S¥eriny wnite the ocoupente, Mo ait gine, ame dpubt that sooner or later his wishes in iy, were, er ocoeded in comping wens il were at su! . He sou $100 worth of lpthing. $ AMUSEMENTS. regard to entire independence of the Sublime Porte will be realized. : In the event of anything like a curtall- ment of the territories of the Sultan taking place, the independence of Egypt may be considered certain. There are only two of the European Powers who can be said to be really interested in that country; but their interests are so nearly balanced that there is no chance of elther the one or the other being allowed to exercise supreme control. The interests of England are paramount. She needs Egypt and must have it as the great highway to India, There is nothing, indeed, which would more effectually arouse the old war spirit in England than any attempt that might be made to deprive her of that privilege. It is to England that Egypt is indebted for that magnificent railway that crosses the Isthmus and connects the two sens. It was originally the product of English enterprise and skill ; and though now the property of the Egyptian government it exists chiefly for English pur poses and is managed all but entirely by Eng- lish hands, But France, too, has interests in Egypt. In Alexandria and in Cairo her traders are numerous. In that gigantic undertaking, the Sues canal, her funds are largely invested. French influence is and has long been powerful at the Viceregal court, The occupation of the country by France would not be tolerated by England. The occupation of the country by England would be as little SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE HERALD, Ristori’s Triumph In the Cregcent City. Ontzana, Feb. 16—Vidnight. ‘This second night of Madame Adelaide Ristori’s brief season at the Thédtre Francais in this city has boom @ brilliant success, The enthusiasm of the audience was applause, The desire to witness her matchless impey sonations of the tragic muse is on the increase, every seat is taken fora week to come, ‘At tole hour 4 serenade is beine given to her,a well nickerbocker being the of the sumptuous collation at Musical. Mr. Harrison’s twenty-fifth grand Sunday concert took: Place at Stemway Hall, last night, before an immense audience, The programme consisted of the Freischats and Lodowiska overtures, Don Giovanni fantasia, “The Standard Bearer,” and a march by Gungl, all for the ed & flute solo by Heindl, the Rakocsy march and “ Recollectio: ” Sohubert’s Ave ‘ware, Gorechel Pe Ornate Song, and ee sung by Miss Kate McDonald, tolerated by France. No one is more alive | society, under Mr. Harmon's management to thie difficulty than the Viceroy himself, | p,rhe,hureh of St Mary's towing, lsat evening: wee ‘The recognition of his independence he knows | occasion being a grand sacred on which was hel@ is at once the simplest and safest solution, and fous Sarpeon ot cbiatning int prande” ee the rellet (of tne in the mutual jealousy of France and England | Poor of that district, Tho concert was under the direg he finds the best encouragement to his hopes, | « corps Nor could any of the other Powers take sorious | Mghly creditable Tit Youn, aeatitying aud ediiying te exooption tothe eange for, twugh it woud | te epee fal nae eee lessen by 80 much the territory of the Sultan, | This being the 9 diatrog in which the nan raged wa wido' it would not increase the territory of any of | {4% fuen ‘added on the rolls of the above society tes their rivals, We do not, therefore, consider it | relief, and the d tion of thelr finances far nishes a fine field the exercins of the highest of all at all improbable that at an early day the inde- pendence of Egypt will be an accomplished fact, and that in the person of Ismail Pacha the title of Sultan, once qoyea by her rulers, will be revived. If the Viceroy have his way his example will certainly prove contagious. Disintegra- tion will have commenced, and no Turkish Parliament which it will be possible to con- vene will be able to check its progress, The _ SHOOTING AFFRAY AT PARIS, KY, Cimomnatt, Feb. 17, 1867, A man named Smathers was shot and killed to. perator W. Ells. Omantsston, Feb. 17, 1 independence of Egypt once recognised, ae ee war given ed niga the Charleston Roumania, Servis, Montenegro, aad the other | fuuore who ary ne risking wie ape EO ee ERE