The New York Herald Newspaper, December 31, 1868, Page 3

PROGRESS OF THE REVOLUTION. The Slavery Question Among the : Insurgents. Movements Against Pw- erto Principe. By the steamship Eagle, Captain Greene, from Havana, we have received our correspondence from that city to the 26th instant. Purser iluertas nas our thanks for valued favors, —— ‘The Revolution in Cuba—he Insurgents Cone template Liberating the Sinves—Operatious in the Centrai Department—Local News in Havana. Havana, Dec. 26, 1868, ‘The steamship Mocteguma arrived here from Nue- vitas at an early houron the morning of the 2ist, having left on the afvernoon of the 79th. She brings the Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment “Espana,” with the officers, sergeants and corporals, in order to form new battalion with the reinforcements ar- niving from Spain. Vaimaseda arrived there on, his return from his visit to Havana on the 17th, and immediately set about measures for a vigorous campaign, A letter ‘Of the 19th says:—“There are many troops here, and ‘they are beginning to move. One column proceeds against Sipanecoi, where the insurgents of this dis- trict are concentrated. Another, by a different route, will join this, and the united force of over 4,000 men, with ten pieces of artillery, will proceed against Bayamo.” Your correspondent writing under the same date, saya:—“On Valmaseda’s arrival movements begun which show his intention to make a vigorous cam- paign.” My last was dated the 11th. On the 12th I learned that a meeting of the principal insurgents was taking place at Sibanecon to take into consideration ‘the question of the slaves, The authorities here are Proceeding in such a way that all order on the estates is fast slipping away, and for this reason the insurgents think they had better “take the bull by the horns” at once. I have not heard the result of ‘the junta, but it is whispered that emancipation will be decreed. Something must be done, as a com- plete demoralization exists among the negroes on the sugar estates near here, and among the Chinese laborers also. Many of both classes are copiitiually Presenting themselves to the authorities, and if something is not,done shortly the estates will be left ‘without labor. On the last mentioned date the steamer Barcelona ‘arrived here from Matanzas with a battalion of 700 men called “Volunteers of Order,” but it was deci- dedly 2 misnomer, for I never saw a more drunken, disorderly set. Two hundred had been released from the military prison on condition of volunteering; forty of them were made up of Austrians, Germans, French, English, Greek, and one American. Others ‘were of the clerks and shopkeepers of Matanzas, Who staté that they were misied and deceived by “stories told them of brigandage and other disorders, which they could easily put down. On the evening Of the 15th an Englishman named William Nelson, of St. John, N.B., who had enlisted among these volunteers, was shot by the guard at the bospital, he not understanding Spanish, and so not re- sponding to the challenge. He was struck above the knee, causing an ugly flesh wound and fracturing the bone. He was a sailor, had gone ashore from his vessel at Matanzas, got drank, was placed in jail and was induced to Volunteer to obtain his release, and with no idea of whither he was going. He will lose hts leg and per- haps his life. Yeaterday a disturbance took p! between an officer and se! nt, resulting in the Serious wounding of both; y are in the hospital and will probably die. Last evening a portion of this battalion of order’? were sent. aboard the war steamer Blasco de Garay, which sailed this morn- one es Penis been sent off in coasting ier sila not know, Seat ad quiet, surrounded and hard pushed by tie insurgents Tike oo Africa was immediately despatc! to that By parties who recently reached here from Puerto pecs coming throngh cue insurgents’ lines, 1 Jearn that there are very (ew insurgents near here, they seem to be all gathering at Sibanecou to organize into some military suape, Which from all accounts is badly needed, as there is at present no organization or regulation, each one fighting on his own hook. Certain statements in some New York papers in reference to matters here cause much surprise. I am authorized py Mr. Gibbg, the United States Con- sul, to say thathe has not made auy arrangement with tbe contending parties for the safety of his ‘as has been stated, knowing well that hia fag rd the necessary protection to all who may come when the hour arrives. During several alarms hy; storehouse was filied with valuables belonging to both Spaniards and Cubans. Gascon Machin, a Spanish cavalry leader, reported killed, was alive and well three daysago. The Au- aiencia or Supr.me Court is quietiy at Puerto Prin- cipe and has never thought of coming here. An American war vessel is sadly needed here, and much complaint is made that that government does not afford the requisite protection to the persons and property of its citizens. There is still no communi- cation with Puerto Principe, the insurgents holding the line of railway. One of the parties referred to in the foregoing communication of your correspondent at Nuevitas has arrived here, en rowe to the United States. He states that he jeft Puerto Principe on the 14th inst.; that Governor Mena remained there with not over 600 troops and 400 volunteers. The va- rious public buildings and churches — were fortified and every requisite preparation had been made to resist an attack, On the road to Nuevitas he met several smail parties of insurgents, who treated him with great courtesy. They expressed their determination to achieve their independence at any cost, and asked him to represent them as they were in the United States, from whom they expect- ed *ympathy and support. They were armed with every variety of weapon and were generally weil mounted. ‘They destroy no property nor in any interfere with the people, save in taking horses, for which they give receipts. From other sources I learn that immediately on bis arrival, on the i7th, Valmaseda began to con- centrate his forces at San Miguel, preparatory to active operations, A letter dated Gibara, the 9th, appears in the local rs here, which states that @ party of fugitives arrived there bringing information that a body of insurgents 2,000 strong had been encountered b; the troops between that place and Holguin an routed; that it was alterwards expec! to mect them in the vicinity of the latter place, but on the arrival of the troops they were nowhere to be seen. No oficial report of the engagement there has been made public, The Moctezuma did not touch at Manat or Gibara, 80 no news has been received. ‘oe brig Jenny Clark, detained at Nuevitas, as hotiewt in the HERALD, has been released, oniy the five casks of rice containing arms and discovered on pay ll being seized. She salied for New York on the sth. ‘The Moctezuma brought thirteen insurgent priso- mers, among whom was the chief, D. Gaspar Aguero betancourt, who was capturea in the encounter on the 2th ult. as heretofore reported. On the 19th arrived h ce the Cadiz mail steamer Antonio Lopez. She brought General Ginoves y Eepinar, the newly appoint “Segundo Cabo,” or tain General, and General Simon Latorre, uy Military Commandant of the Eastern Department, who relieve Munoz , with 360 men, having left 160 in Porto Kico. Ona the evening of the 22d the steamer Cienfuegos, from Santiago de Cuba and intermediate ports, ar- rived at Batabano. She brings dates from that place to the Isth, and from Mansanillo to the 20th, Through private sources I learn that Santiago is stil besieged by the insurgents, numbering 10,000 men. There were in the city from 250 to 300 troops and about 1,500 volunteers. Of the latter not more than 1,000 can be depended upon; tie balance will jom the imsurgents whenever an opportunity is afforded them to do so, with their arms, The rebels are in very close proximity, and nothing is allowed tw come in or go out. There is an abundance of pro- visions inthe city except country produce, but there is no work for the laboring class aud much suffering results and the men are ali secretly leaving the place and joiping the insurgents, No goods are coming in through the Custom House and the government oM- cials have consequently no money to meet the ordi- nary expenses. The professors in the schools and others who receive pay from the government are in arrears (or more than a year. There is no trade, no circulation of money, and great gloom and distress revall. i Manganillo is also closely besieged by a large force, It owever, adwirably fortified, and the m- surgents can do nothing more than ty’ shut it owt from communication with the interior. There are here about 190 troops and 400 volunteers. The latter are ali Catalans and can be depended on to fight for the government, Foraging parties are occasionally sent eut:to obtain a supply of green cane for horses, and a skirraish with the rebels aya ens sulla of importance. re was ly small steame and prevent the source, Iron guards fo protect (he crew from e wien the Cleniuegos leit a ved to piy on the Cauto river Iuetion of arms thre that placed op her sides ry, ‘The maurgenis 4 NEW Y state that it will be ay eazy ‘matter for her to 4, te Cauto rivex, bg tid another thing Mo." Shatraeted.* M4 fe ehannel Wy DALE, and easily ‘The vest families in both aiieShave left. At Man- saulilo the change in dig* jecessitated among the lower orders has prody’ced a disease similar to the cholera. It ts not a> epidemic, however, as those Raving pro} Looks do not take it. Of the shree died in ane day gang there twenty-seven have In the bos"ital there lay an. insurgent who had seventeen */ounds in his body, including a rifle ball and @ DGyonet thrust, which passed through him, After Ye was shot down the troops marched by Where he lay, and a number of the meu ainused Ymselves by giving ium a thrust, No vital ‘as touched, however, and he was finally taken up and brought to the hospital, where he is in a fair way to recover. He will then be tried by court martial and shot, a8 was another insurgent captured at the same tme, also severely wounded, In the marches made by the troops since the breaking out of the insurrection they have suffered far more from the climate than from the weapons of their adversaries. Even those who have been on the island for a considerable ume and are considered acclimated are found to be unable to endure the effects Of sun at this, the coldest season, As an eX- ample of this is mentioned tne column of Quiros, which left Santiago in October 600 strong. It re- turned, after a vampaign of five weeks, with 300 men, but fifty of whom!were able to walk; the others were brought in wagons. Similar results are ob- served elsewhere, and it ts calculated upon by the insurgents that the warm weather of spring will kill off the new troops almost to a man. The Jnsnraents who have presented themselves to the authorities for pardon, in answer to “he many proclamations issued, generaily return after a little time. They are received kindly by the government, and fed for a day or two, after which they are left to shift for themselves, and, being in destitute circuim- stances, they are compelied to return. ‘The local papers here announce the arrival of two prisoners, arrested in consequence of the capture of certain correspondence from the insurgents. They state that nothing of importance has taken place in the Eastern Department. A rumor has been very extensively cirenlated here during the pat tew days that the English schooner Sir Robert Peel, formerly a trader between New Or- Jeans and this port, and a very fast sailer, recently landed a party of armed men at Cochinos bay, on the south side, headed by Cisneros, late editor of El Pais, and that they immediately started towards the interior, in direct line for Las Bermejas. ‘The negro volunteers are to be sent to the seat of war. There are m: who doubt their fealty to the government, ana claim that when opportunity of- Jers they will go over in a body to the insurgents. Lersundi has given ission for the organiza- tion of a corps of mobilized volunteers, to serve as contra guert On the 19th the steamer Antonio Lopez, from Cadiz, arrived here with 500 men, and on the the Isla de Cuba, from the same place, with 816 troops, having landed 174 at Porto Rico, ‘There has been a rumor afloat that a revolutionary demonstration would take place on Christmas Eve. It, however, passed with the usual degree of frolic and revelry and nothing more, General Lersundi entertained General A. J. Smith, President of the I, 0. T. Co., at a dinner in the peace on the evening of the 23d. There were present tain arin. of United States ship Gettysvurg, a number of the foreign consuls and of Spanish offi- cials, Speeches were made and toasts offered, but all political allusions were carefully avoided. course of the evening the Acting American Consul General thanked the Captain General for his uniform courtesy to the consul boar. and expressed feel- mgs of regret at his intended departure. ‘he weather in this locality nas been very stormy during the past week, and a number of the steamers have been behindhand in their arrivals. The French steamer Washington was detained at Very Cruz several days await the “conducta” from the capital. She brings one and half millions. ‘The balance will be brought by the English steamer. General Espinar, who recently arrived here to take the place of Valmaseda as “Segundo Capo,” does not intend to take the field, but will leave the latter in charge of operations, ‘This has caused _much un- favorable comment, as it is known that Valmaseda is anxious to be relieved. General Stmon de la Torre, who also recently arrived to take command of the Kastern department, intended to proceed to his post at once; but as he is not acquainted with the country he has’ been advised not to go, and is at present acting on the advice. The Gazette of last evening publishes an official statement that among the effects captured from the presi Ste on the 5th, near Moron were some pots of strychnine, which were intneded, as was afterwards ascertained to poison, the volunteers at that point. This statement, given in the most prominent part of ae. journal, has caused much merriment among the Cubans. A rumor has been current here for the few days that General Dulce had died when two out from Cadiz, and that the fleet had returned to Spain. It created much excitement and was denied upon authority by theDiario de la Marina, El is, the ae paper published here in the imterest of Caba and bene suspended the publication on the 224. The reasons e are embodied in the following address to the ublic contained in its last issue:—“Circumstances mown to all, causes entirely beyond our control, place us under the necessity of suspending for the It not being those ques- important and vital to itive cap present the publication of this journal. ermitted us to discuss with full libert; ions which we consider most tne country, as, to the which we have received by the last ce unsettled as to when we ik be we as whenever we are at “at een les mutilated and ren isconnected yy a strange hand and one hostile to our principles, ai- though they are the same as are now held in the peninsula, it has become jimpossible to sustain our position. For this reason, awaiting better times, we now terminate our task, thanking our constant patrons for their valuable and heartfeit support, without which we should have long since thrown down the pen—a useless arm in circumstances like ours—for at present it can, consistently with our dig. nity and our convictions, only be ueed when un- fettered. Rather than vegetate in the impotency to which we have been reduced we prefer to observe the strictest possible silence.”’ In the same column is the following, under the heading “It is impossible to write:”—-‘According to the last accounts it 1s so cold at the Poles that it is necessary to be incessantly mufiied up, and it is impossibie to take out the hands even to write. The natives are desirous to see themselves free from so much cold and hope that the day of fire may arrive.’” El Pais has been gceaig mw A suppressed, as with ite [pre ate it could not longer continue under the rigid censorship to which it was subject. Its termi- nation is a striking commentary on the policy of Spain toward Cuba. Its closing words are received and adopted by the Cubans as a declaration of war, that this is no time for the pen, which must be laid down for the sword. HAYTI. Demand for the Schooner De Hart—Imprison- ment of the French Consul=Military Moye- ments. Port Av Prince, Dec. 5, 1868, The details of the release of the American schoon- er E. H. ve Hart reached us a few days since, They are as follows:—When the news of the affair reached here it caused considerable sensation, and the British War steamers Niobe and Dart andthe French Des- trees and Surcouf immediately left to demand the restoration of the vessels. It is proper to mention here that the cargo of the Hart belonged to a French merchant in St. Marc, and the Freneh commanders were devermined not to allow it to be sold asa prize, aa the blockade was not regarded as effective. On their arrival at Gonaives the commanders tmme- diately demanded the release of the American captain (Low), the restoration of the vessel and pay- ment for the cargo sold, with damages and an apology for the insult. The Generai refused com- pliance and asserted publicly that he would prefer to sacrifice all foreigners rather than yield to these peremptory demands. The commanders hereupon invited the consuls and the foreign sudjects on board their ships and gave General Chevalier twelve houre to accede to their demands on pensity of seeing the town laid in ashes. Captain Marcus Lowther, of her Britannic Majesty’s steamer Dart, being the senior officer, was to take command oi the combined feet in case of bombardment, and the vessels were prepared for action. General Chevalier became ter- rifled at these preparations and secretly began mak- sng arrangements to jeave the town and flee to Port au Prince in an open boat. The populace, getting knowledge of this, surrounded his house ‘and de- manded that he should accede to the request of the commanders, which he finally did. Captain Lowther then went on board of the schooner Hart and had the American flag raised amid the htarty cheers of the British seamen. Captain Low came here on th¢ French war steamer Surcouf and demanded $7.00 damages for his illegal Sebrisonment through the jnited States Minister, who informed him that tothing would come of it, as he considered him a blo:kade runner, and the seizure and his arrest as legal; but the at: Utude of the British and French offbers finally in- duced him to act. The French Consul at St. Mare was imprisoned a few days since for shipping $260,000, Hiaytien cur- rency, of the old issue, for the purpost of purchas- ing produce. The amount of money was seized, and several letters were found in lis possession compromising & number of persons and causiag their arrest. The Consul was released after a few hours’ detention. As you have been informed che govern- ment troops now occupy Miragoam, The re- volutionists are reported to be in clo proximity to the town and to keep ap anincessay firing. It is said that the troops refuse to hold tie town un- less the war vessel remains to protect them, During the recent bombardment of that place 10 men were landed from one of the ships to make angttack. They have uot since been heard from, and it is presumed they were killed or surrendered thempe'ves to the revolutionis’s, Several boats were found in the bar- bor laden with logwood, which were jiven to Ad: miral Neckels by Sainave, He has sold the logwood ant Will no doubt do the same with the boats, The President leaves tion, snight on che Awxandre Pe ieetination unknown, Pho following are in port:—American gunboat | ) Nipsie, her Britannic Majesty’s steamer Eclipse, and the French war vessel Destrees, News from the South Const—Course of Gene eral Domingue’s Government—A New War Steamber to be Purchased. Havana, Dec, 26, 1868, By way of Jamaica we have news from Aux CAyea to the 26th ult. Your correspondent, writing on that date, says:—‘The new President, Domingue, has just returned from an official visit through the South, He has been everywhere received with popular re- joicing, and the peasantry have listened with earnest- ness to his proposals of peace. Everything was in his favor, and even the ‘‘Picos’’ in many places were disposed to rally round nis standard and join in the new movement. The love of plunder is very strong among these, and they will join any side that would afford them protection in foraging upon the stores and dwelling houses of the wealthy. The highway between Jeremie and Aux Cayes is free from depredating gangs, and oflicers of the revolutionary army pass freely and without meeting a single enemy on the way. It would therefore appear that in the interior of te country the peasantry have returned to agricultural pursuits. General Domingue has called to his Council of State Mons. Bameau, Mons. Pradine, Mons, Listant, General Monplaisier Pierre and General Normiel, all of whom are men of acknowledged ability and ew sess the confidence of the Haytien people. he gentlemen have resolved upon obtaining another vessel of war, in order to challenge the Galatea, which is now attacking the various towns on the coast that refuse to acknowledge the authority of Sainave. In order that all might feel an interest in this work a subscription list has been opened for the Spo money, and $12,000, gold, Was subscribed in a few hours. A commission has since proceeded to the United States to make (he necessary purchase and select an American crew. President Domingue is doing much to repair the injury which the country has sustained by the con- tinuaince of the civil war which is now devastating Hayti, The peasantry are now returning to their settlements to prosecute their agricultural opera- tions. The President's counsels are belng listened to by the people, and there 1s every probability that his Srarabie of patience and forbearance wil do much for Hayt. At St. Mare General Nessage is making gigantic preparations for the attack which the government party are threatening to make on that place by land and sea. The Army of the North will, during this attack, make a dash on Port au Prince. At Jacmel all is quiet. The “Picos” still threaten the town, in expectation of carrying off spoil; but they make no attack. The army are prepared for them, and so matters remain. From other sources | learn that an amnesty pro- clamation has been issued by Salnave. MEXICO. Arrival of General Rosecrans—Great Excite- ment About Cuba—Vera Cruz Railway and Tehuantepec Grante—Condition of the ‘Treasury—General News. MEXICO, Dec. 10, 1868. An important event, which has occurred since the last steamer, 18 the arrival of the American Minister, General Rosecrans. He forwarded his letter to this government as United States Minister yesterday, and will be received formally by President Juarez to-day at eleven o'clock. Mr. Plumb ts expected to leave here for the United States by the English steamer for Havana, and thence to New York or Philadelphia. Great excitement haa prevailed here of late in re- gard to the present revolutionized condition of Cuba. One of the principal papers of the capital considers Cuba as the key to the Guif of Mexico, and views the demonstrations there with suspicion, and imagines it sees a large Yankee “nigger in the fence;” fears that it may all result in annexation to the United States; that such an issue would be a misfortune for Mexico, and even hints that, with a view to annex- ing Cuba to Mexico, material aid from here would be advisable, even though that aid came from the gov- ernment itself. On the evening of the 5th there took place in the theatre of Hidalgo a most enthusfastic manifestation in favor of the independence of the isleof Cuba. The crowd was great and nota single seat was left unoccupied. “Uncle Tom's Cabin” was put upon the stage and received re- peated applause. {In one of the entre actes Mr. Villa- lobos read a beautiful peem, and Mr. Prieto, being called for by the people, improvised in afew mo- ments a most beautiful sentiment, full of fire and enthusiasm for liberty. The Alcalde, Mr. Mendlo- lea, and also Mr. Santacilia, son-in-law of President Juarez and a Cuban by birth, spoke, eulogizing the great efforts being made by patriotic Cubans to make an independent nation or the people of that island, ovwuet Bovadiue, « Cuban by birth, thirty years a resident Of Mexico, who had served in the Mexican army against the United States in 1847-3 and against the French more recently, prayed for the liberty of Cuba and gave thanks to the Mexicans for the aym- pathy which they ha@ shown for Cuba. Miss Cal- deron recited @ poem upon the subject, and great enthusiam prevailed and “vivas” for “Ouba and Céspedes.”” Among the concourse were many mili- tary men, Members of Congress and other public functionaries. The Siglo XLX. says:—When Cuba shail no longer be a part of Spain and shall become @ sovereign nation, then will cease threatenings to the Spanish-American nationalities; for, there being no longer an enemy in Cuba, there will be found a brotherly people, identified m fortune and interest with all America.” The Monitor of the 4th, referring to the matter, quotes the Opinion Nacionat as follows:—“Without fear of exaggerating we assert that there never has been presented a question so important for Mexico as the revolution in Cuba, for the reason that its result will be favorable or adverse in the end. It is stated that another meeting wiil be held on Sun- day next, in Chiarini’s Circus, for the purpose of further demonstrations by way of encouraging the revolutionists in Cuba. It is not certain that it 18 yet proposed to raise money for their aid, but to simply make further expressions of sympathy. ‘The case of impeachment of Mr. Komero has fallen to the ground, Mr. Zambrano having whoily failed to sustain his chai Rumor is silent for the present in regard to Mr. Romero being ip sent to the United States as Mexican Minister. That sab- ject and the Sevard-Komero treaties yet sleep. Yesterday Congress passed the bill reported by the committee on the 261 of October, Dw remearny the American and Mexican Railway and Telegraph Com- pany, upon its third and final reading, it goes now to the President; and as the report is rather severe upon the action of the President and Cabinet when they annulled the original grant in Chihuahua it is feared by some that be will put some obstaclés in ite way. Such a result will hardly follow, as the vote by Which it passed is very large, and strongly en- dorses the report of the committee. The modifications requested by Mr. Lasere to the concession granted for the Tehuantepec route, in which Marshall ©, Roberts’ name figures promi- nently, have been under discussion during the last three or four days. The member of Congress (Mr. Mendevlea) who months since, in the previous ses- sion, declared thate he disliked those people, or that race which had bine eyes and light hair, as ex- pected, made an exhibition of his taient by op- posing the bili making use of the element of fear. je depicted tae possible flibustering result which might follow from having 5,000 armed men (work- men) of another nationality actually breathing the air in Tehuantepec. It may said, to the honor of —_—, of the members, that he was laughed at. Sufficient opposition was made ET ape a] final action on the bill, althougn itis highly probable that the majority of Congress ‘will act favorably on it soon. Work has cominenced on the Puebla branch of the Mexico and Vera Cruz Railroad, and Mr. Crawley, the contractor, 18 expected from England by the coming French or English steamer, These three railroad projects, by Con; and the Executive, will entitle this Congress to the credit of having started upon a career which, if followed up, = result in @ happy future for Mexico, ¢ disposition has been further shown of late to aid and promote the material interests of the coun- try by a subvention of $60,000 which bas been voted to assist in the immediate completion of the railroad to Tlalpan, which is now running to Coahuacan. Modifications are also being asked to the concession granted to the Tuspan jroad Company and are now before the committee. The state of the treasury is such that the fifteen day payments to the military and civil list have been met, and the last “conducta” of $3,000,000 or there- abouts will probabiy reach Vera Cruz, as it is well guarded, it is a lamentable fact that a large portion of it is actual capital seeking investments abroad, With the exception of the Indian disturbances on the northern frontier and in Yucatan, there is no considerable party now in arms against the govern- ment, if we except that in the State of Tamaulipas. On the 23d of November General Escobedo was at Villagran, with two battalions of his division, dic. tating the necessary dispositions for a speedy and successful caropaign. It is stated that Branito Var- gas had made propositions tu General Escobedo to surrender, asking guarantees, 4c, General Escovedo is said to have replied that he tad no instruc treat with him and no conditions to concede. It is hot known here for certain that Quiroga is on (his side of the Rio Grande. ‘The elections in the State of Yucatan have passed off tolerabiy quiet, although some will be contested, Ab effort is being Made by residents of that State to induce the general govertunent to send more Lroops to drive the Indians southward, The week ending Noveinber 28 the mint of Guana- Juato coined 2,875 doubloons and $77,000 hard money; total, $129,000. During the same week the mines sold § Gold and have been discovered in the a) trict of Tampico. On the 2d the telegraph line t tiveen Sau Lui was Completed, so thy Mexico city Is 0 » communication with both the above ‘plaves. Work is wbout to be renewed in | the mines in the district of Xich andoned since The principal revenue ofic ¢ eo produced in Novewber $201, iva \ 1510, ORK, HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1868.—TRIPLE SHEET. WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, Dec. 30, 1868, General Grant Misrepresented by His Radical Friends, From a source entitled to the highest credit and which I am not at liberty to divulge I derive infor- mation to-night that leaves no doubt of the fact that all the recent publications pretending to give Gene- ral Grant’s views on important political subjects were simply misrepresentations, My informant is an oficial conceded to be on the most intimate terms with the President elect and possessing in a high degree the confidence of the latter. The gentleman to whom I allude spent some hours with General Grant yesterday at his headquarters, subsequently dined with him and had a full and free conversation on public matters. Ido not violate any confidence in stating that when this gentleman called Gene- ral Grant’s attention to the recent quasi official publications and asked him if it was true he had authorized or even acknowledged them as correct expositions of his views he replied in the negative, declaring that, though he had many con- versations with public men recently, he had never given utterances to the views attributed to him. Vist- tors were constantly calling upon him and peppering him with all sorts of questions on ticklish points, such as his policy, &c, He could not always bluntly refuse an answer, but he invariably got away with some evasive remarks, which he found afterwards twisted and tortured in the newspapers, owing to the anxiety of his curious political friends to fasten him to views favored by themselves. As to expressing himself one way or the other on subjects coming under the exclu- sive jurisdiction of Congress, he had too much dis- cretion to do anything of the kind, After his inaugu- ration his views would be known as circumstances called for their disclosure. My informant states that there is no doubt that all the recently published statements about the General’s views in regard to the Pacific Railroads, the Civil Tenure bill and the distribution of federal patronage originated in tbe unreliable manner described above. The Tribune expositions on some of these points has excited the indignation of Grant and his, frienas, and a promi- nent republican has already written to Greeley to learn whether nis paper is still radical or not, The New York Senatorship. Several prominent New York politicians here at present speak confidently of the re-election of Mor- gan for Senator, Fenton’s chances are disparaged, and the supposition of his friends that the ballots likely to be cast for Noah Davis will be finally thrown for Fenton is ridiculed. Morgan is repre- sented as being prepared to spend a million dollars to secure his election for another term, and that his plans are already 80 well laid, his organization 80 complete and effective that there is no likelihood of his defeat, Reform in the Legislative Appropriation Bill. The House Appropriation Committee spent another session to-day on the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropriation bill, As this is one of the largest and most important of the Appropriation ~bills the committee are giving it particular attention, with a view of making some important reforms in the interests of economy. They have ascertained that a large number of clerks in the several execu- tive departments can be dispensed with without the slightest detriment to the public service, The salaries of these clerks will amount in the aggregate to be tween two and three hundred thousand dollars per annum, and the committee propose to save this to the government by cutting down the appropriation to that extent. A curious fact has been discovered by the committee, which illustrates the force of habit In passing appropria- tion bills without too much scrutiny, It appears that when the proposition was made many years ago to deposit the remains of General Washington in the Capitol, under the dome, a man was ap- pointed to take charge of the place where they were to be laid. Of course they were never placed there; but it seems that each successive Congress since that time has regularly made an appropriation to pay the man whose services were never called into requisition. The present Committee on Appropria- Uon will leave that item out of the bil! this year. Another Leak in the Treasury Stopped. At the last session of Congress, Mr. Ela, of New Mamypehire, from the Committee on Printing, offered and had passed a resolution turning the printing of specifications for the Patent Ofice over to the Con- gressional printer. Before that it had been given out to contractors, who made handsonie sums out of it at the expense of the government. To show the effect of the resolution, Mr. Ela has obtained from the Commissioner of Patents a statement showing the cost of printing these specifications under the two systems. In November, 1867, when the matter was given out by contract, it cost the Patent Office over $9,500. During the same month this year, when the work ts done at the government printing omice, it cost $5,422. The Commissioner of Patents estimates that it will be an average saving of about $75,000 a year to the government, which would otherwise have gone into the pockets of contractors, The Charges Against Judge Busteed. The Sub-Committee of the House Judiciary Com- mittee heid @ meeting to-day to invesugate the al- leged charges against Judge Busteed, of Alabama. F. E. Woodbridge, of Vermont, Chairman, and Charles Eldridge, of Wisconsin, were present. James F. Wilson, of lowa, Chairman of the Judi- ciary Committee, also attended. Robert H. Smith, of Mobile, and H.C, Semple, of Montgomery, Ala., are the prosecuting party. Mr. Smith made no ap- pearance, but sent @ letter stating he was ill, Mr. Senple and two witnesses, Josiah Morris and James R. Powell, were present, The charges advanced against Judge Busteed by Smith and Semple may be condensed under the head of gross ignorance and gross corruption in office. The witnesses men- tioned were placed under an Injunction sey- erally not to divulge the character of the testimony they presented. The committee and principais in the case were similarly enjoined. Mr. K,'T. Mer- rick, it is understood, declined acting, though previously retained, as counsel for the prosecution. W. E. Chandler, ex-Assistant Secretary of the Trea- sury, Was associated witn Judge Busteed for the de- fence. The tenor of the evidence offered to-day is said by Busteed’s friends to be inadequate to sup- port the charges against him. The prosecution, however, are confident he will be impeached. Expose of Revenue Frauds in Virginian. Jobn Gilmer, of Fichmond, is preparing a pamph- let giving a full exposé of alleged whiskey, tobacco and other revenue ‘rauds in that part of the coun- try. Disclosures are said to be made in the pamphiet which are calculated to excite a muss in the Cabinet, as well as to provoke an acrimonious controversy between McCulloch, Rollins and the President. The publication will be ready by Monday next, and t is said Mr. Gilmer intends to send a copy to evé¢y Senator and Member of Con- gress, Shouid thepamphiet come anywhe near tore what is promised i) will contain rich developments, compromising hig! officials whose names have not yet been connectedwith the revenue frauds, Meeting of tle Army of the Potomac. A number of offers in this city received by mail to-day from Generds Butterfield and Ingalls, in New York, circulars inbrming them that they had taken the liberty to appest the names of ‘h officers to a call for & meeting if the oMcers of the Army of the Potomac, at Washiigton, on the 22d day of February next, for the purpde of organizing an association of the officers of that jrmy. The call will be issued on the Ist of Januargnext, and it is believed that the project will be fvorably received and the call promptly respond@ to. The committec adopted by the Third Corp#Reunion to initiate a meeting of oificers of the Armor the Potomac have resolved to co-operate with Ge@rals Butterfield and Ing: slanted Soldiers’ Asylum, General B. F. Hitler, President of the Board of Managers of the Vauntcer Soldiers’ Asyluma, drew from the Treasuryin the latter part of last week $167,000, being the balance of the fund for the sup. port of those insitutions left deposited in the ‘Treasury. The Taxon Distilled Spirits, } Acting Commissiqer of internal Revenue Harlan | has issued sappleminial regulations concerning tie | tax on distilled “pits, ‘They are intended to eeoure | nees and unibrmity in the monthly re of rs, It iW privided among other things that | y found the qumncity Of material used they will then deterinine the amantitv of apirite which auouid be accounted for from this quantity of material; and if they have no More definite means of determining this they will determine from the character of the material used what quantity of spints a bushel of such material should yield and calculate the product to be accounted for or the required production ac- cordingly. The number of days upon which the per diem capacity tax is to be assessed is the whole number since the date of the commencement in the month inclusive, less Sundays and the days upon which operations have been legally suspended, of Manufactured Tobacco, ‘The Commissioner of Internal Revenue has issued special circular concerning the repacking and re- inspection of certain kinds of tobacco now in bulk¢ packages. Section seventy-eight of the act of July 20, 1868, a8 amended by joint resolution December 22, 1868, provides that after the 15th of February. 1869, no smoking or fine cut chewing tobacco or snuff shall be sold or offered for sale unless put up in packages and stamped as required by said act, It is represented that notwithstanding the extension of time many dealers will be put to great inconve- nience and expense, unless they can be permitted to repack the stocks on hand now in bulk packages into packages as required by law, under the super- vision of the proper officers of the Interna! revenue, In order to furnish the relief desired it is directed that the repacking and reinspection of such stocks may be made under the following regulations, viz.:— Any dealer in manufacturing tobacco who has made a true and correct inventory of the same to the assessor, as juired by law, nar Spply to such as- sessor, and in the submission to him of satistactory proof that the tobacco which the dealer desires to repack and have reinspected was properly inspected under the former law, said] assessor may direct an imspector of tobacco for the district to aupervise the repacking, The inspector shall personally supervise the repacking, and when the work is done he will transcribe upon such case on enclosure the inspec- tion marks and brands upon the original package, and also mark *“‘Repacked unaer my supervision,” together with the date, State and district and his own name and official ttle, and immediately make a detailed report to the assessor, showing the number of packages branded, kind and quantity in each, the name of the person or firm for whom the reinspec- tion was made, the number of original packages and the original inspection marks on each package. ‘The inspector's fee will be paid by the dealer for whom the work is done, Order from the Ordnance Bureaw.____ ‘Tho following order has been issued by the com- mand of General Grant:— Mammoth powder only will be issued in firing the fifteen-inch guns; the use of any other is expressly forbidden until means for checking the recoil are applied to all carriages. No charge greater than fifty pounds of mammoth powder will be used with- out instructions from the Ordnance office. In all firing the chassis rails should be well sanded. Personal. Colonel Wynkoop, the Indian agent, whose state- ments and letters have recently altracted 80 much attention, arrived here yesterday. Senator Dixon, of Connecticut, is in town with his family. THE WHITE HOUSE. A New Event—A Children’s Party—Calm and Happy Days at Last—Youth and Age in Fes- tive Mingling—An Inuocent Phase of Wash- ington Society. WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 1868. Tn the half century or so of the existence of the White House there have been many very brilliant gatherings of beauty, worth and intellect at parties and receptions, at State dinners and on casual oc- casions of public rejoicing. The wise and the witty, the grave and the lively, the amorphous and the fashionable, have come together many a time under the hospitable shelter of the Executive Mansion, have promenaded ior hours in the ample space of the airy blue room, have heard the marine band play its choicest morceau of melody and have talked a thousand things beneath the gilded chande- liers or on the damask lounges of bine in this room and of red in that, A stately dignity might not be theexact characteristic of all these festive gather- ings of the past, but yet the alm was always in that direction. Gravity and decorum were presumed to be the prevailing features of Executive entertain- ments, but this very presumption too often led the unsophisticated Into such ludicrous ideas of etiquette that there was never wanting something at which to laugh and make merry. People of very numerous climatesy attend White House receptions. ‘The stranger, come from wheresoever he may, is It forms an era in ve them his existence, and untess he is decidedly unassuming | fueion ‘which it might be supposed, only bound to procure an invitation. or unambitious he can hardly quit Washington with- out enjoying the reflection that he has trod the car- pets of our republican palace, admired himself in the gilded mirrors, looked everybody in the face and shaken bands with the President. For fifty yeara I was saying this kind of thing has been gong on, With the advent of each New ear comes the great reception by the Executive servant of all his sovereign masters, The world and his wife went, and made as free with the White House as with the waiting room of aferry slip. Through the subsequent months of winter the evening receptions were interspersed, which were seldom more than a walk round the east room and the indulgence of the sentiment of mutual admiration, Then there were State dinners for the heavy guns in public and political life; but as a gen- eral thing there was litue liveliness and less fun than dull frivolity. Andrew Johnson, be his fauits what they may, and, by comparison, they don’t seem very lieinous, must be given the credit of having introduced into the social existence of the White House a feaiure hitherto unknown, but none the less delightful trom its very novelty. The children’s party last ning at the Executive mansion was, without exception, one of the happlest events that has ever taken place within its limits. The grandchildren of Presi- dent Johnson—an interesting group of fair-hatre little girls and bright eyed boys—invited over 400 of their own juvenile class to a party, in which was embraced a reception dance, supper and general merriment, The invitations were sent out several weeks previously and included the children of the high and the lowly, the only precaution it was thougut prudent to adopt being the prevention of too many from attending. It was a happy thought this children’s party, at this particular season of the year, in these peculiar times, when so littie senti- ment is left and so little charity is shown in public life. Every invitation was gladiy accepted, with but one solitary exception, which it would be inhar- monious to recall. The chiidren cai in troo and with their merry laughter raised a foreign echo in the dull walls of the White House, It was odd, but it was very delightful to see these litie ones in such a place, decked = in rainbow colors, dancing, around the Hast room where we have m so long accustomed to find none but the adult creation in solemn promenade, They came and saw and were overjoyed. ‘They shook hands with the President, blushed at hia kindly questions, looked awkward for a moment pause rau away gayly, with innocent laugh and ie The Fast Room. where the dancing took place, was very brilliant from the glare of gas. All its color and ing weree brought oat ied into = bold sreu nal with the many iifrors and marble mantel-pieces, presented an exceedingly bright and luxurious picture to the eye. There Was no additional ornamentation except @ few large baskets of natural flowers at either end of the music stand, a few small flags and a festoon and, of evergreens in front. The children com- menced arriving at six o'clock and con- tinued pouring in until near, eight. They were driven up under the hij Dorte portico and after alight were escorted to a reception room where, after leaving cloaks, &c., they issued on the broad corridor im the middie of the man- sion in groups of half a dozen or 80, looking like living bouquets of flowers, so petite they seemed in appearance and pretty in contrast. Grown folks came also, some to see how their offspring would acquit” themselves and others to witness the latest novelty of the reason. Indeed, there were people beyond the term of minority who came to trip the light fantastic toe, forgetting with the happy obliviousness of elderly maiden or bachelor- hood that they had passed the meridian of youth. Of this class, however, there were but very few. The anxiety bed oo invitations to this party afforded a topic of much amusement to those in the secret. One fond parent ts reported as having written a request to be supplied with an invitation for his boy on the score that he was a youth of such brilliance and cellent parts that he would lend lustre to any festive assemblage. Others wrote on the score of personal acquaintance derived from @ New Year's introduction. The secretaries of the Executive OMce were besieged from morning | till night by ladies of very winning ways, and the coveted cardboard besought with as much solicitude as though it were the sesame to the gardens of Paradise. The ladies were well aware that the display would be something more than ordinary and the fondness of the female heart, especially the maternal heart, for admiring Well dressed children in a grand exhibition of 300 or 400, in a large, bright, palatial apartment, with music thrown in, gave rise to the irresistible desire to be numbered among the favored ones to whom myttations were extended. Had every one who wished | to be present been — gratified in the innocent desire the limite of the | White House would bave been much too con- | to accommodate one-t As it was there waa | ly freely aro’ Room. for th ircumseribed &| the form of invitation ¥ f the worded as fol lows: of the Presiv “a family request May Mies ——'s company on Tuesday | evening, the 2/th mst, at six P. Dancing. RS | These mystic letters at t 1 pnzmied a fow, and | in consequence several iDVitations were int nan. | | of the commissioner should be required, 3 swered; but those invited came. The entire house- hold of the President, waite and sable, were abroad, through room and hallway, lo! before six o'clock. A force « spolice was stationed outside to preserve order among the drivers and curiosity seek- ers. Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Stover, the ents daughters, accompanied by General Michier, wok up a position in the Red Room, where the children swarmed around them like so many butterfiles, Both ladies were dressed in long heavy black silk trains and looked vastly more happy am the little ones than ever they seemed in the stately bustle of an omicial reception. The very small clustered. around the tall form of General Michler like so many natives of Lilliput admiring the dimenstons of the re- nowned Gulliver. The General was supremelyhappy, but none the less so than the ladies by his side. In the Green and Red rooms the precenae of natural low- ers in great abundance and of exotic richness lent a charm of sweetness to the Th boys came in, rather coyly in a very short time their bashfulness disappeared and they were soon sue atease bythe tact and su- perior confidence of the girls. Senator Patterson Strolled from room to room, contemplating the scene with an expression of unmingled satisfaction. He was the first of the male folks that made his ap- pearance, pane after him came other grown Peopte. Colonel Reeves and his lady sauntered into the East Room, followed by Postmaster General Randall and lady, General Ricketts leading one of his tiniest children, General Vincent similarly en- gaged with one of his; Colonel Moore between two ine looking ladies; Fred Seward, wearing an Otto- man fez cap, ex-Mayor Wallach and Admiral Rad- ford, About this time the President made his appear- ance, looking the very picture of benevolence. He worked his way across the East Room, through a labyrinth of little people, patting one on the head, shaking han with another, lifting up a third—a tiny toddier of a few years that has just be aa and fallen on the canvas-cov- ered carpet—bestowing & kiss on the blushing cheeks of a fourth, a lovely girl of seven or eight years, who stops and looks earnestly up in his face, Having reached the other side of the room, the elderly folks pay their respects, the dear mammas introduce the juveniles, and Andrew Jonson, shuttling off the cares of State, enters with a full soul of sym- pathy into the joys of the little. world of hu- Panity around him. More grown people arrive. Here comes Secretary Welles and his sons—Edgar, John and Thomas—ex-Attorney General Stanbery, straight asa lance and beaming with an expression of kindly gratification; Secretary Schofield, eet unassuming and easliy rendered happy; cre- tary Browning, bustling through the roup of ladies and threading his way cautiously among the children; then follow in a sort of procession Lieutenant Commander Roland and lady, Dr. Maxwell and the Misses Eastman, General Shriver, Assistant Secretary Faxon, Judge Jeffries, Colonel Morrow, W. W. Worden, General Milligan, General Tom Ewing, J. P. C. Kennedy, Mrs, Secretary McCulloch, Miss Emma Etheridge,’ Mrs. Zelan, daughter of General Zelan, commander of marine corps; Miss Mildred Wendel, Miss Stevenson, Dr. Du Hammel, Senator Fowler, the Swiss Consul General Hitz, Francis Dehaas Janvier, poet, and Mrs. Ann Stephens, authoress. Around by the mirrors and mantel J igi the space is being gradually filled up, and now the marine band strikes up that excellent air fora promenade, ‘Champagne Char- lle.” The children crowd in from the outer rooms and corridors, rushing with exuberant glee at the sound of the lively music. The spectators make ready way for them as they shoot eagerly into the centre of the room and whirl themselves around in anticipation of the waltz The conning is inaugurated by ia pecmeneee and, conduct under the direction of Messrs. L. G. Marini and H. Bates, is arranged in the following orde: 1, Promenade. 2, Quadrille, 3. Polka... . 4. Schottische... 6. Lanciers . 6. Galop. y John Strauss INTERMISSION. 7. Waltz—Villaze Swallows. .. Strauss wadrille, Bas! Leimbrecht wsmeralda . Newcomb 1 ‘arsovienne Dodworth 1), Lanciers. Weingarten 12. Polka Re Helmsmuelier it lop. .Strauss 1 adr! Strauss in the promenade al 1 boys and girls—but all not quite; there are some not exactly little, the fat boy,'for instance, here at the side, and that preco- clously developed girl right behind him—pass under the inspection of many fond and all admiring eyes. Master Eastinan, a straight, graceful, self-possessed youth, leads off in the promenade with Miss Lillie Stover, granddaughter of the President, a fair, mild eyed little girl with a shower of auburn hair streaming over her shoulders. The first couple are necessarily the most closel Eset hag) but they stand the concentrated gaze of all aroun the room and keep time to the music with excel- The children of largest lent harmot of step. rt in ¢ of each couple wth are in the front rank, the ring down from the boys and girls of sixteen to the little paddlers of a few years. ‘The cplors that strike the eye in the juvenile collection are red, white and ‘blue. There is @ great display of the light vapory fabric called tarletan, and also of sheeny silk of a@ thin and airy texture, The dresses are short; and exceedingly pretty. White and yellow shoes tipped with satin rosettes patter over the carpet, kvery little girl with an abundant head of hair throws it floating behind her, Those with Jess ailluent tresses frizzed and curled to the per- ose of wore mature experience could attain. The little beauties that attract attention are Miss Relle Stover, another of the President’s granddaughters, She has a wonderful mass of soft and silky curls and a clear, bright complexion rivaling the rose. A little bouquet of charms 1s Mias jern; 80 the daughter of General Zieien; and there is a small specimen, with tiny feet and curis, who just lisps her name as Clara Sutton Stephens. The grandchildren of Commander Row- land look very sprightly. Misses Zilla and Aline Solomon are attired alike, in dresses looped up with natural flowers. Elia, daughter of Gencral Sturgis, has a fresh and charming color. The daughters of Mrs, Patterson are very pretty, and with natural and easy manners, that well become them. Misses Julia Page, Annie Dyer, Lulu and Ernest May, Lena Miller and Emma Etheridge are handsome lively children. Miss Jeffries draws a good deal of attention towards her, so full and chubby and cheerful is her face with almost re expression of mature womanh about it. But now comes the dancing in quadrille. This makes 4 strikingly beautiful picture. The moving to and fro of the many little, gaily dressed dancers — somewhat — resembles’ the | weaving brilliant tapestry, The polka follows with much liveliness, but the ytrls find that partners are not nuinerous enough for all their wants, The boys are not all acquainted with the PoUka step, and, to neue extreme mortification, some have to become apéd= tators while the girls dance by twemselves. Then come the fancy dances, the grout event of the evening, wiih the exception of * A double fling ts nuanced by Marini, at Misses Belle Patterson and Lillie Stover step ‘ligi'ly out into the centre of the room, while the remaindey of the children fall bac i form a circle, the one ring of which is posed of adult spectar tors. The music plays rapidly and dancing becomes very vivacious, Hoth lit tle beantles dance with a zest and zeal that draws forth repeated applause, Two more take their places—Misses Hattie Keen and Annie Ga- burri—and dance the Smolenski. Then follows @ Highland Fling from Miss Lillie McCollum, amid renewed plandiis, all the very little children clap- ping their hands for dear iife. L'Ariel, by Misa Flora Cook, was a lively performance. |The end of the fancy dances was El Bolero, by Miss Annie Gaburri and Strathspy by | Miss Fiora Cook an Miss Hattie Keen. Towards the close the spectators seemed to grow so deeply interested that little or no room was left for the dancers, Supper was a great affair. It filled the inter- mission. The table was spread in the state dining room, and huge bouquets of natural flowers were placed at either end, while a vast quantity of ornamental confectionery waa distributed all around. A grand cake stood in the middie, inscribed “An- drew Johnson, President of the United States, De- cember 29, 1863," which was presented to him as a birthday present, yesterday being the day he com- pleted his sixtieth ‘year. ‘The children thronged around this cake in great numbers, each one seeking to carry off a memento of the PréSident’s present. ‘The merry Babel of noise Was sweet music to the delighted crowd of persons that watched the innocent revellers from the door- Ways. Sapper over, dancing was resumed and car- ried on till near midnight, when the happy little ones went home rejoicing. s the THE ALABAMA CLAIMS. (Washington (ec. 29) correspondence of the Boston i Advertiser.) The Alabama negotiations have suffered no serious delay, notwithstanding the change in the British Cabinet. The answer to Mr. Seward’s amend- ments to the protocol, which amendments were printed in brief in the London Times of December 1, was received from Mr. Reveray Johnson by telegraph on the 19th inst. The Britisir government accepts all of Mr. Seward’s amend. u ts, tow Itagrees to abolish the distinctio tween the Alabama claims and other ois contained in the original draft of the pro- tocol which eliminates” from the treaty the fifth and sixth articies, which articles as they orptinaliy stood also required that in the pecaitar class of the Alabama claims @ unanimous decision ut the di finction between the claims being abolished this tec quirement falls with it, and Mr, Seward’s amena- inent that a majority be sutctent to decide any caso is ceded to, Great Britain also amendment that the commission ‘a all” at 3 Washington, “and that the umpire selected shall be subject to the fication of the Senate. Ou the oth inst. Mr. Seward replied to Mr. Johnson's despateh, Proposing several additional moditications, none of them, however, of a very impo charac He desires that’ the aty stall Oo styled eee tocol instead of » bub Lil is not in dispensable, Hef ives that the pre= tocol be signed r 1 of in Londra, so that i May be immediitely transmitted to (he | Senate, together with tue naturalization and San Al bouglary (Feniies now ready to be sett in, gh this is not indepensat He furtier pros poses 4 change in the mode of selecting He HINpire, to wit:—-Tha: when the commission cannot deckic & case they shail report their disagreement to tueir respective goveruments, and if an ampire be not fgreed on by the said yoveraments within six months then the comtnieston ia 1) aeect each stde & ame for Lgelt aud (ue Wusite iB W Ve GSE LAIOle