The New York Herald Newspaper, September 11, 1867, Page 6

6 NEW YORK JAMES CORDON BENNETT, PROPRIETOR. HERALD. JAMES CORDON BENNETT, JR, MANAGER, BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. All business or news letters and telegraphic despatches must be addressed New Yorx Haraso, Letters and packages should be properly sealed, Rejected communications will not be returned, Volume XXXII AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway, coruer of Broome street,—Ricuarp IIL, FRENCH TARATRE, Fourteenth sictes and Sixth ave: we. ~ELigasgri, QUEEN oF Engiano. OLYMPIC THEATRE, Broadway.—Rie Vax Wineue, WORRELL SISTERS’ NEW YORK THEATRE, oppo mie New York Hotel —Usvxr tae Gasuiant, FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE, Nos. 2 and 4 West Twenty. fourth street.—Fra Diavoro—Too Muca ror Goop Nature, BOWERY THEATRE. Bowery, near Caual sireet.—Tome anp Tive—My Fetiow CLERK, GERMAN STADT THEATRE, 45 and 47 Bowery.—Panis un Pomwzex—Wee Isst Mit—Im Wantssaton—Ensrer Ki Asse, TERRACE GARDEN, Third Avenue, ifty-ninth streets.—Tuxopone Tuomas! JoNoERTS, commencing at 3 o'c Fifty-olghth and Poru.aR Garvan TRYING HALL, Irving Place,—Ma. Harrison's Grayp Concexr, THEATRE COMIQUE, 514 Brondway, opposite St. Nicholas Hotel.—Wutte, Corrow AxD SUARPLRY's MINSTREL axp Vaniery Commination IN A Ligut axD PLEasixg ereerauvuent—RicwaxD No, If GRIFFIN & CHRISTY’S MINSTRELS, corner of Broad- way and Twenty third street.—Ermioriay 30x Bacraps, 10 Dascuna, BunLesques, &0.—Mozantical Con: SAN FRANCISCO MINSTRELS, 585 Broadway, opposite the Metropolitan Hotel—In. ruxie Ermiorux EWTERTAIN. MENTS, SINGING, DaNcina xd BURLESQUER ITALIAN Orgad wirn Tax GERMAN ACCENT. KELLY 4 LEON’S MINSTRE 72 Broadway, oppo- its the New York Hotel.—Ix uzia Songs, Dances, OceNTRICITING, BURLESQUES, AC.—SOUTHERN FLIRTATIONS— Kitt Trovatons. TONY PASTOR'S OPERA HOUSE, 2 Bowery.—Comrce Vocatisu. Necro Minstugisy, Buacesquas, Baiier Diver. TISSEMENT, &C—JUARRZ, OR, Mexico iN THE DaYs OF MaximitiaN, Matinee at 24; 0'Clock. EIGHTH AVENUE OPERA HOUSE, corner Thirty-fourth street and Eighth & Kerxs’ Combination Zronge.—-Snctxe, Da RSQUE AND PANTOMIME, Tax Miser or Cuatu, BUTLER'S AMERICAN THEATR' Batter, Farce, Pantomime, Bor. Comic AND SeNtiIMENTAL VOCALISMS, per, 472 Broadway. — sques, Ermorian, COUSIN SCUNE!. BROADWAY OPERA HOU Oniginat Guoncia Minareets, 60) Broadway.—Tar inkar Stave Trovre, HOOLFY'S_OPERA HOUSE, Minstreisy, Battaps axp Burvxsques.—ILi Racio Arnt- CANO. Brooklya.—Fraiorian NEW YORK MUSEUM OF ANATOMY, Sctexce ano Arr, Casiner or Narvnat Histoxy ano Pouyrecusic_IN- anrore. 618 Broadway.—Lxcrvxxs Daity, Open from 8 A. . o'cloct New York, Wednesday, September 11, 1867. EUROPE. ‘The news report by the Atlantic cable is dated yes- terday evening, September 10. Tho second session of the North German Parliament, the dirst assembiage under the new constitution, was opened by the King of Prussia in Berlia, King Wil- liam delivered a speech cordial in tone and comprehen- sive in promises of measures of solid reform and public utility, He concluded by assuring the members that ‘their ‘work will be a work of peace.’ Garibaldi was not entertained at dinner by the Prus- sian Minister in Florence, The Shah of Prussia is to visit the Emperor of Russia, ‘Tho Doncaster, England, races commenced yeaterday, Many prominent events came off before a large at- tendance of people. Consols closed at 4 916, for money, in London, Five-twentios were at 733; in London, and 76s, in Frankfort. The Liverpool cotton market closed heavy at a de- cline of one-cighth of a penny, middling uplands rating at 9d. Bread-toffs and provisions frm. Our European files, by way of Quebec, Qh of A it, report intorestiug mall cable despatches to that day THE CITY. Tho Board of Health met yesterday. A roquest from & sexton was received requesting permission to bury two of the victims of the boiler explosion yesterday without waiting for an inquest, as the bodies would not keep much l6nger; and, according to the request, vo coroners could be obtained, some of them being out of town or unwell, and one of them being drank. The eub- ject, after debate, was dropped, os being outside the Jarisdiction of the Board, The regular weekly state- ment of Dr. Harris was read, aud the Board adjourned. Acommittes of the Republican General Union Com- mittee waited upon General Sickles yesterday and in- vVited bim to speak before them at the Cooper Inatitute in Vindication of his policy as a soldier citizen, The General thanked them for the courtesy, but declined the invitation for the present on grounds of military etiquette, ‘The body of Shaughnessy, the engineer, was found among the rutos at the scene of the recent boiler ex- plosion on Twenty-eighth street yesterday: The bodies of the other dead are still lying in the neighborhood awaiting the coroner's investigation. The fifteenth annual moeting of the American Phar. maceutical Society was held yesterday iu the small chapel of the Now York University. In the absence of the President the chair was occupied by Professor Ed. Parrish of Philadelphia. The bi ess was chiefly con- fined to organization and the admission of new members, The engineer of the projected bridge over Rast river bas made bis report, He states that the bridge will ter. minate at Chatbam square, in New York, avd near Fu! ton ferry, in Brooklyn. lie total length will be 5,862 feet, and the centre span will be 160 feet al water mark. Tho total cost of the structure is estimated in minute figures at $9,6' oT, and it will permit of the transportation of five hundred th "i persons over it daily. A clue has finally been obtained to the robhers of the dated to the details of our stolen bonds in the poseeseion of Leonard W. Jerome in February last. Some of the coupons have been re- ceived in Washington, and the bonds nave been traced to some Boston brokers. The clue wil! probably lead to the recovery of ali the bonds and the capture of the robbers. The excitement in Brookiyn is considerable over the alleged fraudulent operations among the Bigh rovenue officials, Deputy Collector Alien bas published a card eciaring the whole charge to be matic at holding further developm controveray unt! bis principal, Mr. from Washiugtow, Despatches from Washington state that the Secretary of the Treasury does not feel autho rized to suspend Collector Callic on the report of the Moetrops tan Board. He has directed tha: all the papers in reforence to the matier in possession of the Board be sent to iw. The steamship Bina, Captoin Bridgeman, of the In- Mab line, will salt from pier 45 North river at noon to-day for Livorpool, touching at Queenstown, ‘The stock market was dui! yeoterday m . but afterwards became od closed withan | upward tendency. ritios were steady. Gold closed at 1497). MISCELLANEOUS Ja the Constitutionat Convention ye of the Standigg Committee on Ei Greeley, in @ speech om the artic eos aad Canals, referred to the 10th of Sepiemier asthe day of final adjournment, and then paoking hie traps loft the foom as if ne did not istend to revern, but durieg the evening seasion he again made his appearance. A roa. lution directing the Canal Boart to examioe into the capacity of certain canal looks was adopied. A division rday the report ead, Mr being called on the motion to report progrese in the | consideration of the canals and finances, it was disoyr. — ered (hats qaorum was not preseat. NEW ‘YORK HERALD, WEDNMSDAY SKPTEMBER Ul, 1867.- day. A declaration of principles was adopted and made public, The rest of the proceedings were tatended to be kept profoundly secret, The mombers wore strictly aworn tosecrecy, and a proposition to admit women to the ciroles was voted down, because it was proverbial that they could not keep @ secret, Nevertheless, through some mysterious ageney the whole proceed ingsare published this morning. Mr, Roberts read a private account of his mission to Europe and his confer- ‘ence with the revolutionary leaders there who were busily engaged in spending all the money contributed to them in pleasure, The roport of the Secretary of War, showing the army to number nine thousand three hundred men, with about twenty thousand rifles on hand and a vessel in New York harbor, was also read, A union with the Stevens party was perfected, and Roberts was re-elected President. He only accepted, however, atter $250,000 was pledged for the furtherance of the canse, The Irish bonds were stated to be worth twenty cents on the doliar, The plan of the next campaign and all the minuti« attending a grand movement were left for the consideration of the military office Another batch of the correspondence concerning the Alabama claims has been published, Lord Stanley, in his despatch dated May 24, which was handed Mr. Sew- ard by Sir Frederick Bruce, while the two were dishing at Auburn during the summer, consents to arbitration, Provided two distinct tribunals are established—one to decide the responsibility incurred by the British govern- ment in the depredations committed by the rebel pri- vateers, and the other to adjudicate the general claims on both sides, To this, Mr. Seward, in a despatch dated August 12, objects as unnecessary, claiming that if there should be two tribunals, they should be clothed with the game powers, The elections in Montana yesterday resulted in the re- turn of Kavanaugh (democrat) to Congress by fifteen hundred majority, and an almost unanimousiy demo- cratic Legislature, “ . General Canby yesterday issued an order requiring aly returned rebels in his district who voluntarily exiled themselves after the war to render up their paroles within thirty daya, Ben Wade made a speech at Cleveland, Obio, yester- day. There was not much enthusiasm manifested among his audience, which was composed of only about five hundred persons, He expressed his conviction that the country was ine perilous crisis aud that the Presi- dent intended to enforce his policy at the point of the bayonet. In private conversation he afterwards re- Marked that the late Amnesty proclamation was a war upon the Union, and that impeachment ought to be ex- pected. Ademooratic mass meeting was held in Baltimore last night to ratify the new constitution of Maryland. From fifteen to twenty thousand persons were in attendance, Speeches were made by Governor Swann and others, and resolutions were adopted expressive of a devotion to the republiean form of government, denunciatory of the constitution of 1864, and congratulating California and Kentucky on the recent democratic victories within their borders. Tho Massachusetts Ropublican State Convention meets to-day in Worcester, Strong efforts are boing made by the party leaders to get rid of the local questions of liquor license and prohibition, which are threatening to divide and weaken the party. Ata meeting in Worces- ter last night speeches wero made by Messrs, Boutwell, R. A. Dana, James M. Stone and others, who favored the abandonment of local issues for affaira more directly affecting the nation. Our letters from the South this morning contain mat- ters of interest from Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama and Texas. Despatches from Superintendent Denman, at Omaha, state that the Sioux and Cheyenues had expressed a desire to be peaceful, and had voluntarily agceed to sur- render up some women and children whom they had taken prieoners. The fever is reported as very bad at Key West, Fiorida. Two more of the Gulf cable hands had died in the hos- pitals, and the third assistant engineer of tne Lenapee had also died. His body was refused burialon shore, and was necessarily buried at sea. There were forty-two deaths in New Orleans yesterday. A bank teller iu Savannah attempted to abscond on Saturday nights with $9,000 belonging to the bauk. He sbipped on a schooner for Havana, but she sprung a leak and was compelled to put back, when he was arrested, The Maine Election—A Response to Calle fornia. Maine responds to California. The popular voice from the Pacific is echoed back across the continent from the Attantio coast, Per- sonal equabbles among the party leaders and dissensions among the rank and file on the spoils were, according to the bewildered radicals, the causes of the republican defeat in California, while Puritanical whiskey, ale and cider laws are the solution of the fearful failing off in the party vote in Maine as com- pared with Jast year’s elections, But these personal quarrels among the party managers on the Pacific coast, and these distarbing liquor laws on the Atlantic coast, are only the straws borne along on the current of public opinion. In the elections of last autumn the republican party reached its culminating point in the ascending scale. It has passed the sum- mit of the mountain of victory, and is descend- ing on the other side. So it was with the old whig party, after its sweeping triamph in 1840, with Old Tippecance, And Tyier (oo. And so it was with the late great national pro- slavery democratic party, after its overwhelm- ing election of poor Pierce in 1852, The election of Harrison was carried as by a whirlwind on the financial blunders, corrup- tions and disasters of Van Buren’s administra- tion. In the contest the whigs pleaded that a United States Bank had become “an obsolete idea.” As soon, however, as the whigs were established in power they set about the re- establishment of a national “fiscal agent,” or “fiscal corporation,” under the lead of Henry Clay in the Senate; but, defeated in this scheme by the vetoes of President Tyler, the disintegration of the party commenced and rapidly brought about its dissolution. Poor Pierce was elected as by popular acclamation, North aud South, on the platform of Clay's great compromise measures of 1850 on the slavery question, on the basis of the old Mis- souri compromise; but iwo years after their grand succes* poor Pierce and the democratic leaders In Congress fell from grace, in their re- peal of the Missouri compromise—a repeal which broaght out in the Kansas border raf fian imbroglio the opening overture of the late bloody Southern pro-slavery rebellion. | Now, in hoth these examples, in which the * | greatest party victories resulted in the greatest | party disasters, there is a fearful warning to the republican party touching the,violation of | their pledges and promises to the country. | The whig party, after its sweeping triumph of | 1840, forgot its pledges in attempting the re- | establishment of a national bank, and it was abandoned by the people. The democratic party under poor Pierce turned its back upon ite pledges ou the slavery question, and opened that Paodora’s box of troubles which resulted j in the formation and elevation to power of the } present republican party, Thie great party, sustained through all th® war, and sustained in its Congressional scheme of Southern recon- Gpenenptei as embodied in the constitutional amendment, made the isane of last year's State | elections--this great party, We say, s0 splen- | didly supported by the people from 1860 to ite | overwhelming success of 1866, is vow, from tho violation of its pledges and its disorgauie- | ing policy, on the road to rain. Tie overthrow and dissolution of the late insolvent and dominecring slavebolding South- glorious results, and all measures of recon- struction legitimately upon this idea were epproved by the loyal States, Hence thelr powerful endorsement of the constitu- tional amendment submitted to the States from Congress as the basis of Southern restoration. But while the obliteration of the old Southera oligarchy is one thing, the transfer of the Southern political balance of power in our national affairs to the emancipated Southera blacks is quite another thing, It is against this new and dangerous experiment of Soutbern negro supremacy that @ spontaneous revolt in the Northern public mind has set in, from Maine to California, as developed in these late elections. What is to follow in Pennsylvania and New York may now almost be demonstrated from the republican losses in Maine. A propor- tionate falling off in the party vote in Penn- sylvania and New York will revolutionize both these States by heavy majorities. And majori- ties may now be confidently expected; not because President Johnson’s blundering policy is approved ; not because the people aro turn- ing at last for relief to the seven times rejected copperhead democracy; but because the republican party has proved faithless to its promises and pledges, and because an inde- pendent and intelligent people are casting about for a new organization under new leaders and new measures adapted to the new order of things. The War Fever in Europe Not Yet Abated. Whatever the cause, the fact is undeniable and patent to all the- world that Europe is unwilling, almost beyond precedent, to settle down into a condition of trustful contentment and repose. The certainty, if not the neces- sity, of a great and general conflict, has taken a firm hold of the public mind. Business men, as a natural consequence, are filled with fear ; trade is paralyzed, and money lies uscless in the vaults of the banks in the different com- mercial centres. It is in yain that peace speeches are delivered and peace manifestoes issued by those who are supposed to hold the key of the position. Still the distrust con- tinues, and the most trifling cause is sufficient to renew or increase the excitement, For some days past better state of feeling was man'festing itself. The peaceful assur- ances of France and Austria, and the apparent willingness of Prussia to accept them, were not without a certain quieting influence on the public mind. Uneasiness, we learn from Mon- day’s telegram, is again making itself visible, Tt will not in the least surprise us if the recent and perhaps unguarded utterances of the Grand Duke at Baden sbould have the effect of begetting new and even serious complications, Occurring so soon after the Salzburg meeting, und on the very heels of the Emperor’s peace proclamations, the Grand Duke’s words cannot be particularly agreeable either to the Em- peror bimself or to the French people. When it is borne in mind that at an interview between the two rulers, not many weeks since, Napoleon distinctly stated to the Grand Duke that “closer relations on the part of the Cabinet of Carls- ruhe and the Cabinet of Berlin than those which now subsisted would be viewed by bim with disp!easure”—when this is borne in mind, the words of the Grand Duke read like words of defiance. What will Napoleon do? is the question which many are naturally asking. Indifferent Napoleon cannot be. The policy recommended by the Grand Duke is large and sweeping beyond what it was natural to ex- pect. He advocates not merely the cultivation of closer relations with the North German Confederation, but alliance; and alliance, as the Grand Duke well knows, means virtual in- corporation with Prussia. Prassia ls supreme in the North German Parliament, and Prussia, unchecked, controls its entire military strength. Tf Baden takes this step the presumption is that Hesse, Wiirtemburg and Bavaria will fol- low. The governments of these States may not precisely agree in opinion with the Grand Duke of Baden, but among ihe people the feeling is deep and the cry is loud for national union. It may be impossible for the govern- ments to resist, even though so disposed. As the example of the Grand Duchy of Baden may prove contagious, much will depend on the course which she will now follow. If she seeks incorporation with North Germany, will Napoleon be daring enough to attempt to pre- vent it? If the government and people of the Duchy are of one mind there is but one way in which Napoleon can make such an attempt, and that is by marching his troops into the Duchy. What, then, will follow? Prussia will pour her legions down upon the invader, and the united German people will arise as one man and stand by the champion of their rights. Is Napoleon daring enough to take such a step? Everything foretokens the rapid consolidation of Germany under Prussian supremacy. If Napoleon can calmly endure it we see no cause for alarm, If he cannot, or will not endure it, the crisis is near at hand. While ancertainty reigns in the West mat tere are no better in the East. The Grand Tark, made wiser and more liberal by his re- cent tour, has promised to grant reforms and to remove all disabilities from his Christian subjects. It remains, however, to he seen whether anything which he can now do will reconcile them to the continuance of his rule. The Christian subjects of the Sultan object less to the laws under which they live than to the fact that they live under Mohammedan rule. Their desire, therefore, is not for reform, but to be placed under a Christian govern- ment. Russia alone of all the European Powers openly «cknowledges thie fact; although of Russia it must also be said she acknowledges and makes use of the fact to her own advantage. Reformation the Sultan may find somewhat difficult to accomplish ; but we are desirous at least that he have te op- portinity of making the experimeat. Thus much also it is safe to say: So soon as war breaks out in the West war will break out in the East, and «0 soen as war breaks out in cither direction Italy will take advantage of the opportunity and march apon Rome. Look- ing at the political horizon of Enrope, we cans not say it is promising, but we should oon- sider ourselves gnilly of rashness if we said that war was inevitable. The Disturbance in Porto Rice. Tt appears that the discontented inhabitauts of Porto Rico are at length determined to follow in the wake of the other colonies of Old Spain. They are thoroughly disgusted with the bleed- ing process which the mother country has | roe to them for $0 many contarles, and we Tad Kopin Conareas at Vievoland ediourmed vovtcrs , €rU oligarchy were gogevbod by tho Novi& as | shall aot be asfonishod to boar at nat moment that they have thrown off the yoke which so oppresses them. At first, however, the revola- tion takes the direction, very singularly, of the revolution in Spain itself, It may even be caused by the emissaries of the revolutionists on the Peninsula, A diversion of Spanish troops to the West India possessions would be of great advantage to General Prim in his war- like movements on the southern slope of the Pyrenees, Be it what it may, it shows a dis- content on the part of the Spanish West Indies which must soon result in the independence of the islands, and their fatural gravitation toward the United States, to which country they really belong. Congress and the People. The very serious and critical aspect of our national affairs is beginning to fill the public mind with gad forebodings. It is doubtful whether in the darkest days of the late civil war the public pulse ever indicated @ worse condition of things than it now does. Men ask each other when they meet how the political problem is to be solved, and all confess their inability to supply a satisfactory answer. In the meantime commerce languishes, the reve- nues diminish, the credit of the government— as expressed in the relations of gold to cur- rency—wanes, and the Southern section of the country, which formerly, through its staple products, added so largely to the wealth of the whole nation, is no longer @ source of pros perity, but of expense and trouble; and all because, after having made every sacrifice to “put down the rebellion, we were not willing, after it was put down, to sacrifice party preju- dices in order to sanctify and make lasting the work which our armies had accomplished. Every one knows that it is in the interest of party alone that the reconstruction of the South has been delayed and prevénted. No matter how men may attempt to explain and defend the action of Congress in the matter, the plain, simple truth forces itself on the mind at the last, that the object of all legisla- tion on the subject has been to render impos- sible the readmission of the Southern States into the Union, That object has been thus far attained; and from present appearances it would be perfectly safe to say that, should the republican party retain its present ascend- ancy, the present generation will not see the Southern States restored to the Union on the same footing as the other States. It may be that some or all of them will, in the course of a few years, go through the form of reinstate- ment, but it will only be a mere sham and de- lusion—a gross mockery. The right of self- government will have been denied to the men of our own race in those States, and political power will havo been handed over to the de- scendants of Congo savages. That is the only sort of restoration which is contemplated by Congress; and improbable as tbat may seem, there is an evident intent on the part of Con- gress to carry out that programme. But will the people of the United States consent to such a degradation of their great republic? Even if the inhabitants of the Northern States entertained no feeling to- wards the white men and women and children of the South but that of hate (which, we thank God, is far from being the cass), would they, on their own account, agree for one moment to the proposition that the former slaves of the cotton and rice plantations should have an equal voice in the national councils with the representatives of New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Ohio? To that plain issue must it come ; to that plain issue it has already come, Congress, through its legislation and through its instruments in the South, has shown its determination that all political power there shall be transferred from the white race to the black; and Congress assumes that in this policy it has the support of the people of the North. Is there good ground for any such assumption ? We do not believe there is. We know that the unpopularity of President Johnson has tended to creat: the idéa that the people approve the destractive policy of Congress ; but there is no real foundation for that idea. The people may have thought, and did think, that Congress was sincerely intent on its desire to reconsti- tute the Union on a basis of perfect equality between all the States, and that Mr. Jobnson was unwisely thwarting Congress-in the exe- cation of that design. Such a delusion cannot exist to-day. Congress has shown either that it designs to perpetuate the exclusion of the Southern States, or that if they are to be re- admitted itisio be only after their political status has been thoroughly Africanized. Let the people ask themselves whether. they are prepared for either of these alternatives, and if they are not, then let measures be taken, through public meetings, through the ballot and otherwise, to give expression to the public sentiment. We care not for President Jobn- tou or for Congress, for the democratic party or for the republican party; but we do care for the glory and greatness and prosperity of the American republic, which are being cruelly and ruthlessly sacrificed for petty partisan purposes. Again we appeal to the people to take such steps in the elections for Congress, in public sasemblages and in private confer- ences, as will convince their represensetives that Congress must not persist in the policy it hos insugurated, and which is as abborrent to sound judgment as it is in utter repudiation— according to Mr. Thad Stevens’ boast—of the covetitution, ander which alone Congress has any power to legislate at all. Our Reports of the Spiritualist Convention. We have faitbfally laid betore the readers of the Heranp, day by day, the proceedings, say- ings and doings of that very curious con- vention of Spiritualists at Cleveland, and yesterday we published a highly interesting and grapbic account of the closing scenes, No one who has a relish for what is fanny and ridiculous, or who wants to keep up with the extraordinary movements of the time, should fail to read the correspondence, The “Ara- bian Nights’ Entertainments,” “Jack, the Giant Killer,” “Baron Munchausen,” or “Gulliver's Travels” are not more amusing or extravagant than the doings and expressed ideas and ex- perience of these Spiritualists, Dreams of the wildest imagination—of poets run mad—could not exceed their absurdities, mixed up with religion, ethics, philosophy, infidelity and sensualiam, But, however much we may con- demn the charlatans who use this so-called Spiritualism for their own purposes, or laugh at the silly dupes, we should not forget that they are not the only charlatans or dupes in the world. What else than charlatans are Beecher and the other preachers of his New England wbool, who delade thelr hearery and the pub- ir=® SHEET, . eee renee nnn lic by pretending to preach Christianity, when | cently for once, and suffer the illustrious Chev- they have no more faith io Christ isn Renan | alicr to be landed on.the other aizs in the full or Voltaire? What greater dupes are the | possession of his many faculties and virtuos ! weak-minded old women, with and without breeches, who listen to these apostles of modern nonsense called Spiritualism, than the congre- gation of Plymouth church, who pretend to be following or believe they are following s religion which the “pastor” has no faith in? All alike is humbug or charlatanism, and one has about as much moral influence as the other, What is the meaning of this strange movement of Spiritualism combined with infidelity on one hand, and of infidelity mixed with and covered up by religious pretences on the other? Do we needa new religion? Is the world going through @ process of preparation for another teligious advent? An Important Mission to Europe-The Chevaller Wikof Departs Suddenly. Great diplomatico-financial enterprises are on foot; for that acute, wise, witty, philo- sophical, much known but not altogether un- derstood mortal, the Chevaller Wikoff, has gone to Europe—on a mission, of course; on a mission worthy a philosopher and a friend of humanity, having in view a noble object. He went away in the Scotia, quietly, suddenly, mysteriously even; ao that we might almost describe his exit by allusion to the familiar Arabs, who have so often folded their tents— in current literature—and stolen away.. We might use this tllustration, except, indeed, that the tents of our city life, our brown stone fronts, are inconvenient for folding, and that no well dressed gentleman can consider himself com- plimented in being compared with the scantily clothed sons of the desert. Wikoff, indeed, kept his plans and purposes close ; went away mum as & mummy, not even exciting suspi- cion by pretending to be communicative ; and all this, of course, was conduct quite becoming & diplomat of the first—vintage. But while he is tossing on the Atlantic, happy in the notion that he has kept bis own counsel so well, we will just whisper his secret in the public ear, keeping to ourselves how we found it out. He goes in the interest of the new Atlantic cable enterprise, promising to put,i.zo continents on intimate terms by securing igma&diate magnetic connection between New York abd Brest. Much of ihe details of this enterprise, it is supposed, has to be arranged with that man of practical sagacity, the Emperor of France; hence the necessity for a first class diplomat, and the connection of our Chevalier with such a mate- rial fact as a telegraph; for perhaps Wikoff has easy access to his Majesty. It is quite safe to say that he ought to have; since, not to mention the days when they were fellow prison- ers in the same stone walls, it isa truth that Napoleon is indebted not a little to this diplo- mat for the very security and ease in which he holds his throne to-day. Wikoff was peculiarly active in bringing to a happy solution troubles that threatened to end in a war between France and the United States—n war that might have left but little of the Napo- leonic dynasty. This, indeed, was a delicate and gracefal bringing of the continents to un- derstand one another—an anticipation of the purpose of the cable. It was just at the close of our great war, when the sudden coming of peace surprised France in flagrante delicto—with her hands on prostrate Mexico. We had an immense and fine army, and the generals clamored for the order to cross the Rio Grande. The whole press roared that the Mexican expe- dition had been founded on the assumption of our ruin, and that we had now an opportunity to give practical evidence to Europe of our vitality. What would the government do? It was a critical moment. War with France would have been popularys it was even argued that it would bridge over our national troubles. France stood like a guilty culprit helpless be- fore us. Should she fight us we had the power to bend her like s wisp of straw; Jet shame prevented her precipitate retreat. At this moment the Roving Diplomat came ou the scene. He saw Presideat Johnson and drew from him amiable expressions as to France; that it was far from our policy to push her to the wall—only that she ought to lose no time in getting out of Mexico while she might do it gracofully ; sentiments that it would have been impossible for formal official intercourse to use or hear, but which, once conveyed, were just the ones calculated to put France at her ease and facilitate her escape from an awkward position. Our diplomat next turned up in Paris, where he and Napo- leon sat on softer cushions and ate better break- fasts than they used to get in their hotel at Ham. Napoleon was just then fresh from Biarritz and his conferences with another distinguished diplomat; and probably if any one had played “twenty questions ” with him he could have guessed there would soon be war in Germany. War in Germany would make it necessary that France should have her hands free; and who more welcome than the man who could give an exact account of the posi- tion of the United States and of the one way in which the Mexican busines should be closed up? There came at about this time mutual messages to the public from Johnson and Napoleon as to the withdrawal of the French from the territory of our neighbor, and the-cloud that threatened war (setween France and the United States was blown away—thanks to the happy facility of our Chevalier in helping awkward mortality over delicate ground. And now comes the necessity for a new At- lantic cable. The cable now in operation has shown the great practical value of euch a means of communication; but as it is in the hands of the English—as it has British soil at either end—it is obvious that the insular littleness of British pol'tics may at any moment eet the continents wide asunder as ever. That will not do in this age of progress. France, conti- nental Europe, must have its own independent connection with this seat of future empire; this halfway honse to the Indies; this depot of the world’s wealth ; and we believe wo do not go too farin saying that immediate tele- atapbio connection betweom Brest and New York is already a favorite idea with the Em- peror. Our laws for landing marine cables, as well as for establishing the connections in every way, are very liberal. We have only to get over the difficulties of detail that always couut for mach in matters like this; but with such an accomplished manipulator of nice poivts in the fleld as Wikoff there is little to fear io this respect, and therefore it is with eminent satis- faction, and anticipating the greatest of all his triumphs, that we chronicle the important de- Partute of the groat diplomat, May Neptune, proverbisliy sore-hended, behave himsolf de- Whe Owns Callicott? A few years ago, when Theophilus C. Cal- licott, of Brooklyn, was elected Speaker of the State Assembly, Greeley and Weed became rivals for his ownership. With aneye to fuiure lobby transactions, Weed endorsed « twelve hundred dollar draft, the proceeds of which were supposed to have found their way into Callicott’s pocket, pending the bargain by which he was made Speaker, and at the close of his brief career in the Assembly Greeley stumped his district for his re-election, and he was badly beaten. But a change has come over the spiritof the dream. Callicott is under charges for fraud as a United States revenug collector, and nelther the political broker nor, the philosopher is willing to own him. Greeley attempts to fasten the responatbility of Callicott’s appointment upon Weed, while Weed repadiates the charge, and declares that Greeley is the true Mecenas of the question- able collector. Let us have further light upon this Important question. Who owns Callicott? The Terrible Boiler Explosion. The frightful boiler explosion in Twentyé eighth street, of which we published a full ac- count yesterday, should be fully investigated and the facts made known. Weare too much ip ths babit of calling such catasteophss acoldaata, and pass them over as if they were inevitabic; as matters of course, If these explosions ond other so-called similar accidents were rare, we might endeavor to palliate the consequences in this way ; but the truth is, the cause in most cases is downright carelessness and reckless¢ ness. ‘here is no fatality about them, but gross and criminal neglect pf duty somewhere. There are paid inspectors everywhere in the State, whose duty it-is to see that all steam boilers and machinery are kept in # safe ‘and sound working condition. Was the boiler af No. 258 Twenty-eighth street in that condition t Employers are too ready to employ men aa engineers and managers of machinery who know nothing about the business because they can get them for low wages. Was this the case here? Letus havea thorough investigation of the catastrophe. Let us know who is ta blame, and how to avoid a recurrence of su: a dreadful explosion. ° RISTORI. wee Preparations at the Thentre Francais=-The Great Tragedienne Expected To-day. t The expectation of the habituds of the Thiitre Frage gais, in Fourteenth street, begins to wax impatient, Ristori not arriving yesterday, as was by some expected, The Europe, of the Havre and Brest line, did not, how4 ever, put in an appearance at pier No. 50 North riverg having sailed from Brest on the 3ist ultimo, and conse- quently baving as yot boen but eleven days on tid passage. There is some probability that the steamer may arrive in the course of to-day, though the arrival is not anticipated at an earlier date than to-morrow. Meantime, at the theatre in Fourteenth street oxteny sive preparations are being made for the début of the queen of tragedy in a repertory of new réles, which,’ with a just perception of the vatue of American aj ation, she has selected expressly for her second visit ta the metropolis of the west, and no pains aud expense, are being spared on the pert of lessee manager to render Kistori’s second appearance on the New York boards one of greater brilliancy and éclat than was the former one, The theatre has beep thoroughly renovated, refitted and Lb eer and new seats of more comfortable and loxurious tern those they replace have been introduced. has been lowered a little, with a view to improve the yentilation of that section, and the eral plan of illummation bas been so altered improved as to afford a more equable and uniform light in all parts of the building. The scenery has all been repainted aud renovated, and wardrobes and draperies have been over hauled and put in the best condition. ‘The new curtain is from the hand, in poiat of peat, Ing, of the famous scene painter to the new opera house: io Paris, M. Cierie, and fs said to be in the artist's best manner. The conception is certainly fe! by no means peculiar, and represents the sitting in Judgment on Music and the Drama, both pore wonified by their appropriate classical goddesses, In foreground sits History—Clio the representation must called, by way of retaining an odor of the classical—wi phonographs the decision upon a ponderous folto.. Thi paint is bordered at the foot and on the sides with a of velvet of garnet coior, fringed with ie and with this is completed the renovation of tho hiss trionic temple for the advent of the great Tmportant additions have also been made to tho dras matic troupe engaged to support Ristori in her new roles, among whom are the following names: ore Santina Peccioh, Marietta Bergonyonl, Adelaide Buti, Aonina Bati and Argia Santici, Also Signors Luigi Santici, Beniancino Marino and Napoléone Mazais dolf. The new play, Marie Antoinette, or, in Italian,’ Maria Antoneta, 18 ove written at the special instance Madame Ristori, by Signor Paolo Giacometti, and hi been produced in America. No patns will be spared to make the general presentation of the play worthy of the occasion. Dreases and costumes are being im at a heavy cost from Europe. point of Fogg the famous tragédienne hag made several additions of plays never yet produced in this country, Am others are inclade@d the Teresa, of Luigi Comoletti, Francesca di Rimint or | Norma, both by the unforiunate Silvio Pellico, Giovanna @’ Arco, adapted and transiaied from the Wer man of Schilier, by Matto, ‘ Tn addition to Ri i and troupe, are expected by the Europe, Madame La Grange and Batéman’s comic troupe,’ making in all a galaxy of foreign talent thrown together in the cabin of a single ocean steamer. AMUSEMENTS. Annannannnnbone ‘The Bowery Theatre. “Time and Tide,” a new sensation play iu three Bois, whieb has had asuccessful run in London, wae produced on Monday evening on the ooards of the Old Bowery, and promises to be no less successful here, The cast ig good, the principal characters being well supported, ang the piece has been put upon the stage with all the advans tages which scenic effect cam produce, The story of (hd play is that of the usual popular novei, and contains the customary villain, the stolen money, the trial scen the Partings, despair, meetings and joy of the lov who are, of course, the heroine and the hero. Mildres’ the principal character of the play, is admirably reny dered by Mra. W. G. Jones, who ~ ge to improve every fresh part she enacts, while Mr. Stadley pia Clement Morris, the good son and infleribly honorabl lover, up to the proper pitch of the novel from whence the play bas been dramatized. Mr. Ingledon does ibe sharp, practised attorney very ably, and Mr. Marsten the comical Toby Mapletop, father of ina pairs of (wins, provoked roars of laughter from the patroog of the Bowory. Miss Nellie Taylor, with a little more practico, will represent ihe haughty, would-be aristocrat, Lady Fuphemia, to the life, and the min characters ali act up to the stars that shine above th oribit. One of the best scenes of the play is that of the trial, where Mildred staads at robbery, acrime of which she is i afraid io disclose the real perp because she would criminate oid Job M of Clement, et lover, At the close of th the scone the and is part of ones becomes most bend genuine @ ce of acting as has Soe coe eee time. The plot al! hinges ona vow, and the villain the piece, John Barjon, whose eccentricities and utterly alfiah natare are sdmirabt the out by Mr, Winters. The last scene of ipted murder of Mildred by her putative father, John banks of the Thashes i@ about the most setisational im the piece, ae Clement very wrclt of timo, saves Mildred, universal hap; red fire, and grand tablesa, Time and Tide will havi long run, judging hy the reception already accorded jt, German Stadt Thenire. ‘The reappearauee of Mr. Theodore |, Arronge and the eugagement of Madame L’Arronge, who makes bor first début on the Amerienn stage, will doubtless prove asuccessfal hit om tbe part of the maaagors of the Stadt theatre, while the production of Monrich’s comie operetia, with music by Fran Suppée (the componer of Tow Maidens aud No lover). to ually fa- vorably received by the large audiences he Re ait the house. The music the * ful e shows considerabi is@ and power, there fan Httle sameness throvchouts hich iy rad remedied by the imtroduction sf shother Ue song for Mr. L’ Arronge and the ‘ion of tua of the port pieces, The overture opens with « ar pesgio movement, wh: 0 ee tos measure, which introduces the f the operetta. The solo of Geaymaode in ihe econo ia tila teee of el at ot ed Medame is the nO other title to describe it—in the Inst a Gite tees oe ees obesiral pavement |e everribing be dered oe