The New York Herald Newspaper, April 25, 1869, Page 5

WASHINGTON THE SENATORIAL BELLIGERENTS Abbott's Friends Preparing the Way for an Amicable Arrangement, A TRUCE ‘SOUNDED UNTIL MONDAY. @prague Taking Lessons in the Manly Art of Self-Defence. THE CUBAN IMBROGLIO. Release of the Prisoners Taken from the Lizzie Major. No Complications Apprehended with England or France. President Grant About to Visit Cuba. General Sickles Up Again for the Spanish Mission. WASHINGTON, April 24, 1869. Whe Sprague-Abbott Quarrel—Armistice Pro- claimed Until Monday—Friends Endeavoring to Adjust the Affair—Sprague Must Retract or Fight. ‘The Abbott-Sprague diMculty was again the theme of gossip all over the city to-day. Rumors of the wildest sort ana stories as improbable as they were untrue were set in circulrtion at an early hour. It having been understood that Senator Abbott would send some sort of a message to Sprague to-day, the supposition was that arrangements would be made for p mecting between the parties. So far as Mr. Abbott is eoncerned the matter has made little or no progress. He, feeling himself the aggrieved party, must of course take the initiative in whatever isdone. This morning he started out with the intertion of finding Sprague, and, ashe says, bringing the thing toa head. He met some friends on the way, however, who advised him to proceed prudently, both for his own reputation and for the dignity of the Senate. These gentlemen suggested that Mr. Abbott let the matter rest a3 it now stands until Monday. In the meantime an effort will be made by the friends of both parties to effect an amicable settlement. Among those who have advised Mr. Abbott to this course are his colleagues, Senator Pool and Senator Morton, of Indiana. These gentlemen will endeavor to see some of Senator Sprague’s inti- mate friends and get them to persuade him to make a retraction or explanation of what he said in reference to Abbott. Mr. Abbott says he has not abated or turned aside from his purpose, either to make Sprague retract what he said or else he will chas- tise him in some way. He says there is nothing else left for him, because he cannot go back to his State without wiping out the stigma which he considers Sprague put upon him in his application of the “puppy dog” story. If his friends can get @ retraction out of Sprague in the shape of a letter togo to the public press he will yield to their ad- vice, but if they fail in this he says he must follow the original course which he marked out for himself. ‘There is an armistice proclaimed until Monday, both parties being Puritans and averse to a desecration of Sunday. Abbott is still satisfied that Sprague re- ferred to him when he related the dog story. He says both he and his friends have read the language used by Sprague on the oc- casion very carefully, and no other construction can be placed upon it. Abbott had a long conference to- @ay with his friends, who have undertaken to ar- range the difficulty, at which he informed them just what would be satisfactory to him. He will accept of nothing else, and if by Monday a letter of retraction is not forthcoming from Sprague he proposes to move at once upon little jody’s works. During the day and evening the rooms of Senator Abbott were constantly filled with his friends from North Carolina and New England, anxious to ascertain the progregs of the fight. Little Sprague, undaunted at’ the bold front as- sumed by the North Carolina Senator, Mr. Abbott, has passed the day in deep reflection upon the science of pugilistic attacks in the vicinity of the caudal regions and the maniy art of self-defence generally. The redoubtable Senator from Rhode Island has indeed been very anxious to receive a certain document which it was intimated Would come to him in due time, Up to the latest moment no significant envelopes had been received, and the world is allowed to suffer another day of suspense over the failure of the Senatorial luminary and the dog star to effect a conjunction. When your correspondent visited the redoubtable son of Little Rhody he was informed that the gentleman was at dinner, but was requested to be seated in the study. The tables were laden with formidable piles of reports of labor conventions irom all parts of the country. In ano- ther part of the room a huge mass of unopened letters suggested the interest the public were taking in the national controversy now going on between the diminutive Senator from the diminutive State of Rhode Island and the hage “puppy” of the big State of North Carolina. After a delay of about fifteen minues the General made nis appearance. He wore an air of unusual ferocity. and with clenched fists struck several pow- erful hiows out from the shoulder, which added greatly to his dangerous demeanor. Whether these right and left handers were designed, according to the rules of hygiene, as after-dinner ex- ercises to settle digestion, or as settlers directed in imagination against the giant frame of Abbott, of course only Sprague can tell. The demon- strations, however, displayed a remarkable devei- opment of muscle, and the skill and rapidity shown in putting forth so One an array of knuckles indi- cated that the General was no novice tn the art of shoulder hitting, Notwithstanding his physical exhibitions, the General seemed to be perfectly caim, and threw himself upon a lounge near by. Fora moment forgetting the cares and responsibilities of his exalted position he surrendered himself to the relaxation of conversation, The Senator, for now he bad assumed this character, proceeded to give an elacidation of the puppy dog story and its applica- tion, He observed that what he meant by his aile- gorical drawing was that the Senate was the mas- tit? while the monopolists in that body were the puppies; that the latter made frequently some boisterous demonstrations, but when they were cornered they took the first means of escape to place themselves under the protection of the Senate, which was a huge mastiff. He was surprised that Mr. Abbott coula single himself out as the target of his remarks, and if he had an opportunity he Proposed to inquire what sort of puppies they raised in the pineries of North Carolina. The Sena- tor from Rhode Island has grown quite belligerent since his course has invited hostile movements, and dectares that he is prepared for every emergency. ‘The Senator proposes to furnish two more instal- ments of his voluminous correspondence, This, he proposes, shali complete the first series of his epis- tolary contributions, Another Instance of Senatorial Dignity=Ren- contre Between Chandler and Fowler, Judging from the accounts given of the proceed- ings in executive session, the Senate extraordinary was in @ somewhat belligerent mood. It appears that Senator Fowler, of Tennessee, was making a speech on some nomination before the Senate, wherein he stated some damaging things about the verson under consideration, The NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 1869—QUADRUPLE SHEET. man im question was s friend of old Zach Chandler, and when he heard the remarks of Fowler he jumped to his feet, and shaxing his fist at poor Fowler, exclaimed in an excited manner, “Now I want you to take that back, you damned scoun- drei.” Fowler 1s not a fighting man, nor is he as large a man as old Zach, and so, without furtner ceremony, he backed down. ‘The Course of Secretary Fish Upon the Cuban Question Sustained by the English and French Ambassadore—Spain Promises Full and Immediate Satisfaction. Among persons high in the confidence of the ad- ministration no importance whatever is attached to late cable telegrams containing accounts of sup- posed secret conferences between the Engiish and French governments. The administration has reason to believe that the subject of these conferences was not Cuba atall, but something of anentirely different character. Little doubt is entertained here but that the French and Engtish governments are arranging an alliance on the Eastern question, and that they will find their hands full enough with troubles at home without interfering about Cuban matters. Another fact, which tends to confirm this view of itis that in his recent course upon the Cuban question Secretary Fish has been fully sustained by the English and French Ministers in this city. Messrs. Thornton and Berthe my have been privy to all the steps taken by Mr. Fish, and have expressea their full and com- plete approbation. Yesterday Sefior Roberts, the Spanish Minister, called upon Secretary Fish and informed him that the passengers taken from the Lizzie Major had een released, in compliance with -the demand of our gov- ernment, and that full indemnity would be awarded for the losses apd violence occasioned by the indiscreet conduct of the Spanish naval officers. Secretary Fish expressed satisiaction at this prompt compliance, and again urged speedy settiement of the question of indemnity. Sefor Roberts declared that full satisfaction would be given as speedily as the circumstances of the case would admit, ‘The interview termiuated by the Sec- retary presenting Sefor Roberts with another written demand for indemnity. According to present ap- pearances there seems little likellhood of Spain al- lowing any cause for direct interference in behalf of Cuba by our government. She appears to be in a hurry to grant each and every demand, so that not the slightest pretext for interposition may be left. Among the rumors that pre- vail here now on this Cuban question is one to the effect that Grant himself is about to make atrip to the “ever faithful isle’? to obtain true information regarding the condition of things thereabouts. On dit, that a steam yacht is in readiness at the Navy Yard here to take the Presi- dent on board and carry him off some fine night Cubaward. If this story pe true, President Grant is evidently determined to be his own commissioner. The Spanish Mission to be Given to General Sickles. The rejection of Mr. Sanford as Minister to Spain leaves that important position open to competition on the part of candidates for diplomatic honors, Seve- ral prominent aspirants have made their appear- ance already and are moving heaven and earth to work into the good graces of the powers that be. Of all competitors Sickles is head and shoulders in ad- vance. It is understood that his name has been mentioned very favorably in Cabinet meeting, and unless some very extraordinary occurrence inter- venes Daniel E. Sickles will be the man. No appoint- ment, however, will be made within a week or ten days. In event of his getting the nomination, which is settled, so far as the President 1s concerned, it 1s not certain that Sickles will get his instructions so asto be off under several months. There are a number of important questions between the United States government and Spain, and an inclination is felt on the part of our own government to give Mr. Hale an opportunity tocloseor make some other disposition of them, Arrival of Paraguayan Diplomats. Gregorio Benitz and G. Perez, of the Paraguayan Legation in Paris, arrived here thisevenming. Their object 1s unknown, but It is probably a last effort of President Lopez to save himself from the impending crisis arising from the situation of the allies and the threatened vengeance of civilized Powers. Disappointed Visitors at the White House. A large number of persons called at the Executive Mansion tlus morning, but did not see the Previ- dent, he having gone to the country to spend tie day iy recreation, Nominations Rejected by the Senate. The following nominations were rejected by the Senate on the last aight of the session, in addition to those heretolore made public:— Patrick M, Blair, to be Collector of Internal Reve- nue for the Third district of Miasissippl; C. B. Youny, to be Postmaster at Fredericksburg, Va.; Thomas H. Stanley, to be Agent for the Pottawatomie Indians; Howard White, to be Agent for the Indians of the Omaha Agency; Joseph New. on, to be Agent for the Indians of the Kansas Agency. Nominations Laid on the Table. The following nominations were laid on the table:— D. W. Cheeseman, to be Treasurer of the Branch Mint at San Francisco; E. W. Roberis, to be Regis- ter of the Land Office at Marysville, Cal.; C. Patterson, to be Receiver of Public Moneys at Mary: ville, Cal, Also the following, which have been er- roneousiy published as rejected:—H. §. Sanford, to be Minister to Spain; J. R. Jones, to be Minister to Belgium; William A. Pile, to be Minister to Brazil. The effect of tabling differs from that of rejection, in allowing the nominations to be sent in again at the next session. The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. William A. Richardson, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, is to-day acting as Secretary, Mr. Bout- well being absent, Itis not yet known wither Mr. Richardson will or will not accept the appointment of Justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, yesterday conferred upon him by the Governor of that State, A Colored Clerk Appointed in the Third’ Au- ditors Office, William 8. Baseman (colored), of Troy, N. Y., wae to-day appointed to @ first class clerkship in tue Third Avditor’s office, He was recommended for appointment by Senator Fenton, Hon. F. A. Sawyer and Hon. T. J. Robertson, of South Carolina. Tne Odd Fellow# Celebration in Philadciphin. ‘The Odd Fellows’ delegation from the District of Columbia vo participate in the semi-centennial cele- bration of the order in Philadelphia Monday will number from 500 to 700 members. A Snug Little Indian Job Spoiled—A Specula- tive Commissiener Comes to Grief. Mr. Taylor, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs tn esse, Was unexpectelly curtailed of a few days of his tenure of office by reason of the happening of the following event:—It was suggested by him to the Secretary of the Interior that in view of his approaching oficial dissolution the interests of the department and of the affectionately guarded In- dians would be promoted by Mr. Taylor’s making a visit to New York and making small purchases of beads, calico and cast iron shot guns that were due some of the forest children, whose bless- ings upon his administration of their affairs he there- by sought to secure. Secretary Cox, wishing to be magnanimous to the ontgoing official, assented to the proposition, but fumished at the same time an escort, of Whose compénionship the Commissioner was not made aware. Upon arriving at New York the escort ascertained that the amount of goods that the Commissioner was purchasing would exhaust the appropriation made for the purpose of purchasing Indian supplies, and 80 telegraphed the department here. As the commission—ven per cent—on these purchases belonged to the powers dispensing them, Mr. Taylor was immedately cut short in his nevolent operations, and ordered to return to Wash- ington forthwith. Mr. Parker, the new incumbent, was then informed that he would be required to assume the duties of his oMfce on Monday next, in- stead of on the first of May, as it was arranged that he should, A new style of garments, of a shadbelly cut, are to be supplied our hitherto belligerent wards, to try the moral effect of robes of peace on their warrior forms. Weekly Currency Statement, Un account of the stoppage of work in the Printing Bureau of the Treasury, with the view to a reorganization, no fractional currency was received by Treasurer Spinner during the past week. The shipments were as follows:—To the Assistant Treas- urer at New York, $200,000; to the depositary at Baltimore, $100,000; to Cincinnati, $60,000; to national banks, $221,800, The Treasurer holds as security for circulating bank notes, $342,603,800, and for public deposits, $90,465,350, The amount of national bank currency issued during the week was $157,490; votal to date, $314,260,176; mutilated bills returned, $13,439, 653; insolvent bank notes redeemed $1,058,398; actual circulation, $299, 762,125; fractional currency redeemed and destroyed during the week, $607,000. National Bank Securities—Issue of United States Notes. Treasurer Spinner has issued a circular informing all national banks that have depostted in the Trea- surer’s office, in trust to assure public moneys in their hands, that all future applications for exchange of such securities will be acclined, under instruc- tions of the Secretary of the Treasury. The follow- ing also has been issued:— TREASURY DEPARTMENT, TREASURER’S OFFICE, WasuHinaron, D. C, Hereafter new United States notes wiil be fur- rc from this office only on the following terms, vin:— First—In return for defaced and mutilated United States notes and fractional currency, and ‘con- vertibie issue” United States notes, forwarded 10 tus office for redemtion, Second—On the receipt of certificates of deposit of the Assistant Treasurers of the United States and United States de; taries, designated under the acs of August 6, 11 ‘ Third—On the receipt of collectton of checks on banks and bankers in the citics of New York, Boston, Philadeiphia and Washington. In the best care the new notes will be forwarded by express, under the government contract, at the expense of the department, prozided the amount is $26,000 or more, or @ multiple thefeof by tess than In the two other cases she notes will be forwarded under the contract at government rates at the ex- pense of the consignee, the amount of charges being deducted trom the reinittance at this ofiice. F, £, SPINNER, Treasurer of the United States. Government Sales of Gold. It is stated at the Treasury Department that the sales of goid, in pursuance of the order of Thursday last, will be, until otherwise ordered, not less than $500,000 nor more than $1,000,000, ARMY INTELLIGENCE. The following is an extract from the order reuring Genera! Daniel E. Sickles at bis own request:— SPECIAL ORDERS—NO. 87. ADJUTANT GENERALS OFFICE, WASHINGTON, April 14, 1869, i [Extract.] 9, srevet Major General Daniel £. Sickles. colonel Forty-sevund United States infantry (Veteran Re- serve Corps), having, at his own request, been or- dered beicre @ board of examination, and having been fvuund by the board to be _ physically incompetent to discharge the duties of his office on account of wounds received in the battle of Gettysburg, and the finding having been approved ay President, his name will be laced upon the of retired officers of that class in which the disability results from long and faithful service or some injury mcident thereto. In accord- ance with section thirty-two of the act approved July 28, 1866, General Sickels is, by direction of the Presi- dent, retired with tne full rank of major general. By command of General SHERMAN, E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General. WASHINGTON, April 24, 1869, The following special order has been issued:— HEADQUARTE! OF THE AEMY,, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFIOF, WASHINGTON, April 23, 1469, Pirt—The following assignment to duty of the officers of the Adjutant General's Department {s hereby made, and the ouicers whose posts are changed will be relieved from thelr resent duties as early as practicable and will proceed to the eadquarters to which they are assigned and report for duty :—Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General R. C. Drumm to the headquarters of the Military Division of the Atlantic; Lieutenant Colonel and Brevet Major General James B. Fry to the headquarters. of the Malitary Division of the South; Lieutenant Colonel and Brevet Major General George L, Hartauff to the headquarters of the Miltary Division of the Missouri; Lieutenant Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General John C. Kelton to the headquarters of the army: Lieutenant Colonel and Brevet Brigadier General Robert Williams to the headquarters of the army; Majorand Brevet Major General Wiillam D. Whipple to the headquarters of the Military Division of the Pacific; Major and Brevet Briza- dier General Chauncey’ McKeever to the head. quarters of the Department the East; and Brevet Brigadier General George D. Ruggles to the headquarters of the Mi george of the Platte; Major and Hrevet Brigadier General Thomas M. Vincent to the head- ; Major and Brevet Brigadier General he headquarters of the nt of Dacotah; Major and Brevet Brigadier General Samuel Breck to the headquarters of the army; Major and Brevet Colonel John P. Sherburne to headquarters of the D ent of California; Major and Brevet Colonel Samuel F. Chaitin to the headquarters of the Department of Missouri; Major and Brevet Brigadier General Louis H. Pelouze to the head- quarters of the Department of the Lakes; Major and Brevet Colonel Henry C. Wood to the headquarters of the Fifth Miltary District ; Major and Brevet Colonel Joseph H. Tay- Jor to the headauarters of the Department of the South; Major and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel J. O. Martin to the headquarters of the Department of the Cumberland. ‘The commanding oflicer of each army department oF die trict, not included in the foregoing order, will appoint an act- ing aselat adjutant general from his own comman¢ or from the list of oficers awaiting orders. By command of General SHERMAN, E, D. TOWNSEND, Adjutant General, HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, | : NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. The United States steamer Ticonderoga was at Bermuda April 20, boand to New York. Commander George E. Belknap is ordered to daty as Navigation Officer at the Boston Navy Yard. Lieutenant Commander John N. Quackenbush ordered to the Naval tation at League Island, Pa. Paymaster Edward Pitman ordered to duty as Paymaster of the Portsmouth (N. H.) Navy Yard on the ist of May next. Lieutenant Com- inander Ajlan D. Brown detached from the Pigcatagaa on leave of absence, Pay- master J. N, Carpenter is detached from duty at the Portsmouth (N. H.) Navy Yard and ordered to settle his accounts. Naval Constructor Edward Hartt is detached from the Boston Nav; Yard and ordered to the navy yard at Mare Isiand, Caiifornia. Third Assisiant Eogimeers W. A. Russell aud Jas. Quinn are detached from the Pawnee and granted leave of absence prior to honorable dis- charge. The orders assigning Naval Constructor — Hanscom to the Mare Isiand Navy Yard are re- ve 5 The Brooklyn Navy Yard. Nothing can be more conducive to the efficiency of a navy than a weil organized system for the manufacture and distribution of war material, through the mediam of an efMicient ordnance bureau. With respect, then, to this important branch of the government departments at the Brooklyn Navy Yard a few general remarks may not prove uninter- esting to such persons as are not acquainted with the management and workings of the ordnance es- tablishment on this station—which, it is not out of place to here preface with the comment, is more exteusive and admirable m detail than any other naval depot. From this station it is that the greater number of our vesseis of war are supplied with guns and ammu- nition upon requisition of the Dureau at Washington. Oranance stores have recently been sent on from here to the tron-ciads Saugus and Miantonomoh, and other vessels about to take their departure for Cuba, Stores are also frequently sent to vessels on foreign stations (rom this depot, so at all times there is more or jess active employment in getting out requisitions. Yet this branch has been closely cropped by the unrelentingaxe of retrench- ment, as is plainly evinced by the fact tiat the entire expenses of this department at the Navy Yard does not at present exceed $4,200 per month. The chief inspector of ordnance in charge is Captain John J. Almy, and the assistant inspector is Commander Daniel L. Brain. Both of these oftl- cers are gentlemen of muci experience in ordnance atters, The building devoted to ordnance purposes, which is located on the right of the main avenue leading from York street entrance and a short uis- tance in rear of the receiving stores, is a large three story and attic structure, and, like most of the other buildings, is bnilt of brick, with gray stone trimmings. The first floor is devoted to the manufacture of wooden gun carriages and all descriptions of wood work ap- pertaining thereto. On the second story are located the offices and other important rooms. The most Ss of these is, | ste ad that apartment designated the Standard Pattern Room—a perfect Museum of curiosities to such as are not acquainted with the paraphernalia of the days of war. Here is kept an Cxact counterpart or pattern of each and every minute article in the ordnance line, ranged in order, from the iron gun Carriage to the smallest es bolt or screw. From these patterns and draw- ings thereof the exact thing required on requisition from the government burean can be speedily and without difficulty made. There is to be seen samples of the intertor of the sectional, shrapnel and other (shells; the cylindrical guage for measuring the size of shell: handspikes of every make in use; magazine flood box; watertight pow: der keys; gun tackle of every: description; powder bag, cartridges, and an tron gun-carrt: the in- vention of @ naval officer, which is claimed to be very superior, The sample in question, made at tie Architectural Iron Works, is for a 32-pounder, and Lhd 286 pounds. These iron carriages are — ured also for guns ranging as Iigh as 100 poun ‘The armory, in which are stacked upon racks in the centre and along the sides of the room about 4,000 stand of arms—muskets and pistols, &¢. he next object of interest in range of observation this floor. There are noticeable, uniquely ranged, old fashioned navy pistol, with their heavy stocks and brass mountings, so peculiarly suggestive of early impressions of the blunderbusses of the Dick Turpin highwayman school, contrasting | so unfavorably with the handsome, light breech- | oading pistol of the Remington patent, that are stacked beside them, ‘There ‘are quantities of bright bladed cutiasses and hand pikes “to repel boarders” Piaced uniformly on the shelves, all of which tend to give that air of order and care, 80 essential to ais. cipline, Which pervade the entire building. Next im order is the joiners’ shop. On the third floor is the riggers’ where the gun tackle is made up; makere, 4c, On the ‘cr ‘hich rg iC, wi runs en- pay es ding, are stored, in quantities, all the various products of ‘the ingemuity and handi- craft of the industrious workmen who bh the ordnance equipments for the seagoing vessels of receiving stores. When the buildings were com- menced the cannon were permitted to “lay around loose,” 80 to speak, and were tiered in the streets throughout the yard. This was while the present pening ground on the Cob Dock was being made for ir reception, For some time previous to this lat- ter ‘accession Wo the ordnance accommodations here & dispute was going on between the Admiral of the Bureau of Navy Yards and Docks and the Chief of the Bureau of Equipments and Supplies in relation to selection of favorable sites for the re- spective purposes or wants of their depart- ments at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Finally @ compromise was effected by which the old near the Lyceum was removed and the work of re- claiming thirteen acres of soft mud on the river section of the old Cob dock was commenced in 1864. This great undertaking, which was performed by contract under the personal supervision of Carpen- ter Ratnboro, & man of superior qualifications and rare abilities a8 a builder (since deceased), and un- der direction of Captain J. R. Mulloney and Com- mander D. L. Brain, ordnance officers. The cost of Unis Was less than ,000, and it is claimed that no finer or firmer ground can be found than that which at present forms the dock and gun park. It is trian- gular in form and 1s 780 feet long at the base. The 1oundation was had by driving immense spiles, sixteen inches at the buts, down deep into the soft moud and then sinking on top thereof cribs of stone thirty-six and forty feet square and filling ia with the firmest description of earth, ‘The test to whicn the solidity of this dock and re- claimed land has since been subjected Is fairly demonsirated in the fact that the weight of many of the twenty-inch guns—weighing 96,000 jbs. each—have not been suficient to bear down these well laid crates. ‘There are at present about, in the aggregate, 800 guos—principally Parrots, ranging in sizes of twenty, tifteen, thirteen, eleven, and eight inch—parked at this place. These are resting on stone skids with iron caps, the vent being down go as to prevent the rain from corroding them. ‘The original inteation was to bave & rail track jaid in between the different sections, so that the derrick could be run up to the tier, the piece re- quire be taken out and run off to the edge of the jock With & much greater saving of time and labor than is now required, Yet, as it is, the expedition with which a ship’s battery can be placed on board of her by the Ord- nance Department of this station ts astonishing. A ship-of-war not long since left the yard at seven o'clock in the morning, ran over under the steam derrick on the Ordnance Dock, received her bat- tery on board, and was back at the yard by noon. The battery of the Spanish frigate Tecbuan, con- sisting of forty-two heavy guns, were hoisted out of her by this derrick in the short space of seven hours. Tne river face of the Cob or Ordnance Dock is ver: fine, and the well kept pyramids of shot and shell and the mounted cannon lining the whole are both formidable and oraate in appearance. There isa depth of twenty-two feet of water on this front— suificient to float ships of the largest size, The gunpowder stored in the magazines on Ellis’ Isiand, where the shells and cartridges are tilled when called for by requisition. There are no loaded shells stored in the Navy Yard. NEW YORK LEGISLATURE. SENATE. ALBANY, April 24, 1869. BILLS PASSED. Relative to the Mount Olivet Baptist charch at Yonkers; relating to the Middletown Savings Bank; to establish an asylum for orphan illegitimate chil- dren of German origin; to incorporate the Franklin Literary Society of Brooklyn; to incorporate the Stuyvesant Savings Bank of New York; to incorpo- rate the villages of McGrawville and Tottenville; to amend the charters of Elmira and Poughkeepsie; to encourage the planting of shade trees along ihe highway; fixing the term of olfice of the keeper of the Kings County Court House; relative to fire limits and for the more effectual prevention of fires in Brooklyn; to incorporate the Citizens’ Mutual Gas Company of Aubura; to authorize the Superinten- dent of the Poor of Kings county to prosecute all bastardy bonds. MISCELLANEOUS, ‘The Senate considered the special order authoriz- ing a tax of $1,500,000 forthe extraordinary repair of canais. The Canal Repair bill was ordered to @ third ing, The Niagara Snip Canal and the Governor’s Mes- Sage were made the special order tor Monday evening. BILLS REPORTED. To authorize the loan of $40,000 to Schoharie; to amend che act ascertaining the proper proofs of cit- 1zeis entitled vo sulfrage, and to prevent fraudulent voting; renewing the appropriation of $116,000 made two years since to the Whitehall and Plattsburg Rati- road, Passed by a vote of 21 to6. Extending the boundaries of the city of New York; for the relief of the South Brooklyn Savings Institution; to iacorpor- ate the Real Estate Assurance Company. RESOLUTION. Mr. FouGer called up the resolution relative to the election of Police Commissiouers and regents of the University. Amended by making the time of elec- tion Thu noon next and passed, The Governor’s veto message was made the specia) order for Tuesday ufternoon next. ORDERED TO A THIRD READING. To amend the State Excise law; to amend the charter of Syracuse; to incorporate the Equitabie Savings Institution; to amend we Poughkeepsie water works; to incorporate the Oriental Savings Bank of New York. At half-past three o'clock the Senate adjourned till Monday at ten A. M. ASSEMBLY. ALBANY, April 24, 1869, BILLS PASSED, In reiation to supplies for the Kings county poor; to amend the charter of Astoria; concerning the daties of assessors and collectors of taxes; to annex part of the town of Dix, Chemung county, to Mon- tour, Schuyler county; to incorporate the York- ville Savings Bank; regulating the fare on the Troy and Boston Railroad ; to incorporate the People’s Saving Bank of Buffalo; for the construc- tion of an iron foot bridge across Broadway, Utica; for the construction of a railroad from Onon to New Brighton; extending the time for the expira- tion of licenses ta the Metropolitan district to the 10th of May; to incorporate ine Washington Market Savings Bank of New York; authorizing the construc- tion of @ railroad in Syracuse; for the better rotection of railroad travellers; to repair the State Arsenal and for the construction of a magazine in New York; to supply water to the village of Rome; to enlarge the powers of the Mutual Insurance Com- pany of Buffalo; in relation to tenants, joint and in cominon; to facilitate the sion of land after a judgment in actions for donier; for a public high- way from Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, towards Concy Isiand; to amend the charter of ville, BILLS REPORTED. Supplementary to the act relative to ‘ing let- ters, packages and merchandise by pneumatic tubes in New York and Brookiyn; incorporating the Met- ropolitan Dock and Warehouse Company; to re- store the channel in Oswego river; to reimburse the Second Regiment for certain expenses; also tne Futy-fiftn Regiment. BILLS INTRODUCED. By Mr. HitcHmMsN—Relative to the mode of assess- ing property for local improvements in New York. It prohibits all commissioners appointed by the Supreme Court in the First Judicial district, in con- formity with any act, legislation or ordinance of the Common Council, from unposing any assessment upon property located more than one haif a block distant from the line of such improvement, and de- clares all awards’ or reports of commissioners now awaiting confirmation, made in violation of the pro- visioas of this act, nu!l and void, and authorizes commissioners to be appointed to make new awards in coniormity With the foregoing provision. Refer- red to the Committee of the Whole. BILLS ORDERED TO A THIRD READING. Empowering the New York and Highland Susi sion Bridge Railway Company to build a bi Harlem river; incorporating the Port yator Company; revising the charter of the Brooklyn and Mott H: Ferry Company; in- curporaung the Fifth Avenue aud Central Savings Bauks of New York Incorporating the First National Savings Bank of Lowviile and the Clinton County Savings Bank; for te extension of the charters of certain in- surance companies; incorporating the United States Railroad Condactors’ Life Insurance Com- pany; to amend the School law of Ulmira; prog viding @ boanty for killing wolves, &c.; incor; rating the Morrisania Water Works; incorporating the Elmira Water Works; grading kighth avenue in New York; strightening Central avenue in Weet- chester county. PETITION. Mr. KIBRNAN presented the petition of members of the New York Produce Exchange for the Improve- ment of canals to the maximum capacity, Adjourned until Monday evening. Tue SovtHERN Frurr Cror.—The frait crop on the Guif coast and in the country bordering on the Juckson Railroad will be large enough to not only supply New Orieans, but to allow the shipment North and West of many thousand packages. The berry crop is now coming in py fl and selling for good prices. In previous years the fruit baskets and crates in which this crop was sent to market were all supplied from the North. Now they are made in New Orleans and sold at cheaper prices than ever before. When the young orchards of pear, apple, peach and other fruit trees now in growth in Mississippt and Bast Louisiana are in bearing con- dition, the suppl will be immense and hundreds of thousands of dollars will be brought South by this means alone,—Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate, April 16. Firys IN MASSACHUSETTS Woops.—Destructive fires are raging in the woods around West Barn- stable and Hyannis, Hundreds of acres of woodiand have already been destroyed and the fire still rages. Bulldings belonging to the Cape Cod Railroad Com- pany and Fh Bh ouses Adjacent thereto narrow y byl destruction op Thureday.—Hoston Heralé. ‘ AMUSEMENTS FirrH AVENUE THBATRE.—This elegant theatre ‘Was well filled last evening, the assemblage present. being of the most select and appreciative character ‘The attractions were unusual; two new one act op- eras being upon the bills, and the advertisements Speaking of the evening as set apart fora gala pro- gramme. Those who were attracted by the novel- ties could but be fully satisfied, while those who are Tegular havitués of the theatre found them- selves greeted with @ genuine treat. ‘he fret piece on the programme was & one act operetta by J. Duprato. The music in this piece is lively in the extreme and in some re- ‘spects 1s far in advance of the styie of the now favor- ite Offenbach. Mile. Tostée appeared as Mme. Par- fait, and it ts only necessary to say that in the character she fuily maintained her already high reputation. Although the part did not afford oer quite as much scope for naiveié as some of the roles with which her name 14 associated she infused into her rendition #0 much life aad humor that she fairly won the plaudits of the select audience who filled the house. in “La Foire de Bagneux,” one of the lively portions of the operetta, a duet between Mme. Parfait (Mile. Tostee) and Landry (M. Dardignac), both artists did their best, and the music and the dance which accompanied it were so favorably received that a repetition and yet another were vociferousiy reqi M. Duchesne sang and acted well as M. Parfai id Mile, Rose le the most of the somewhat small part of Suzanne. The perforurance closed with “Le Maitre de Chapelle,” a one act opera comique by F. Paer. This piece has a very simple plot, and seems only to be com| for the purpose of providing some fine trios, However this may be, the music is good, much better shan in some of the better known operas. It abounds in good orches- trations and taking airs. Only three characters are introduced, namely, Gertrude (Mile. Duclos), Benetto (M. Deere), Barnabe (M. Tholer); but the opera, notwithstanding, is full of good business for each performer, and fine music for each singer. Mile. Duclos acquitted herself nobly. Although a little nervous at the commencement, ail temerity wore off ag the opera progressed, and she sang the music which came to her share in really fine style. Both the gentlemen in the cast did well. The performance as a whole was a very enjoyable one, and the management wi! do well to repeat the bi. It is announced that Mile, Lucille Tostée will take a benefit at the Academy of Music on Saturday pig, ne Peden Birgfeld announces a new ue lor londay evening week, ‘*Les Dragons de BROADWAY THEATRE—BENEFIT OF Mr. J. C. WIL- LIAMSON,—A generous dramatic bill of fare at this establishment last evening was reciprocated by the attendance of a generous audience, complimentary to Mr. J. C. Williamson, who appeared as Cousin Joe in the “Rough Diamond,” assisted by Mrs. Bar- ney Williams, and as Dick Swiveller in the “Old Curiosity Snop,” assisted by a corps from Wallack’s and the Waverley. The beneficiary was called be- fore the curtain between the pieces and expressed his thanks and gratitude. The old Broadway theatre will soon be among the things of the past, and meantime the remaining evenings of its existence are devoted to the benefits of the artists behind and before the curtain, who have so ably seconded Mr. Barney Williams in rendering his theatre so success- ful a place of amasement. STEINWAY HALL—LIEDERKRANZ CONCERT.—One of the largest ana we might add most appreciative (considering that the majority were Germans) audi- ences of the season attended the benefit concert given at this hall last night by the Liederkranz Society for the German hospital. The concert, in a musical point of view, was the best of the season, on account of the faultless rendering of one work which oversnadowed everything attempted for some time in concert, This was the grand musical struc- ture which Mendelssonn has built around the wierdest and most startling of all German legends, the ‘Walpurgisnacht’ of Goethe. In this work Mendelssohn has flung aside the mantie of beauty and delicate texture which invests him when he takes the conduc- tor’s wand hand, and in its piace he in has clothed himself with all the terrors and char- acteristics of a spirit of the Hartz Mountains. His orchestration here more nearly approaches the giant AY oared of Beethoven than in any other work, and we think that nothing grander for the human voice has ever been written than the choruses, especially the Gnale of the “Walpurgis- nacht.’ While the voices peal forth in massive and thrilling harmony the orchestra seems to be possessed by the Jost spirits which revisit earth on this omiaous night. And yet, although the orchestration is wilder and more intensely dramatic than anything ever Liszt or Wagner dreamed of, there is # purpose, an idea in every measure, unlike the crazy, aimless vagaries of these two gentlemen. The chorus was unexceptionabie, the voices being evenly balanced and every measure being given with a ie unanimity and precision such as we have looked for in vain with other socteties during the season. Mr, A. Paur was the conductor, aud he carried both voices and instruments through this extremely diMcult work with signal success! The other pieces on the programme were rendered Madame Frederici, Fred. Steins, Herr Von Inten anu Wenzel Kopta. Steins sang the bass solos in Men- deissolin’s work with rare eect, TREAIRACA'. Fdwin Booth has again submitted his towering reputation, won by a protracted series,of brillant provincial engagements and a tangled combination of romantic incidents, to the severe test of coidi; critical, but discriminating and impartial audiences. Upon this occasion Mr. Booth, with the undaunted courage and soaring ambition characteristic of his fiery race, selected Othello to try the full temper of his histrionic powers. With the frankest feeling of kindness towards Mr. Kooth, and an earnest desire to aid him in his splendid Shakspearian crusade, candor and the inflexible duty of a journalist forces us to write that as brilliant and deserving as Mr, Booth’s managerial services have been to the stage, which he so tenderly cultivates and brilliantly adorns, a8 an actor he falls thus far sadly below his illustrious predecessors, Forrest, the elder Booth, Macready and Edmund Kean. This comparison would be scarceiy just, except that Mr. Booth’s partisans and friends injudiciously claim so much for their ido! tuat he can only be accepted at their vajuation and assayed accord- ingly. ‘The audience which Mr. Booth found awaiting him when the grand curtain rose majesucally in the proscenium arch was @ massed compliment to his popularity, and, would have gladdened the heart of the most famous of earth’s children who hunger for public recoguition. There were editors, who snatched an hour from their desks for a Sihaks- pearian revel; grave judges, odorous of parchment and propriety, and actors who had seen the noble Moor stalk and rant on many stages for nearly halt acentary, and wild-eyea Bohemians, whose faces were sicklied over with the pale cast of thougut, bock beer and strong tobacco. There were also a large sprinkling of amateur Shakspearians, spectacu- lar and burlesque managers, and the rest of theshouse was packed with the more refined and cultivated dwellers in the gardens of Japonicadom, most of whom confess to @ languid interest in Shakspeare and a mad idolatry for Edwin Booth. In the face of this dilettanti and fashionable assem- blage Mr. Booth gave the worst Othello we have ever seen outside of an amateur performance. Even the lamented McKean Buchanan, who has been driven by metropolitan scorn to wander over the sterile face of New Engiand in gloomy quest of precarious au- diences, is a king compared to Mr. Booth as Othello, The lamented McKean has at least dignity, passion, statere and force, and without these fundamental requisites it is hopeless to attempt Othello, one of the most exacting characters which has entanated from the subtle brain of Shakspeare. In all the gor- geous cluster of Italian novelists who gave light and radiance to the sixteenth century one shone forth first and auequatied for weaith of imagination and richness of fancy—Giraldi Cintio— whose Wonderful delineation of the big, unbridied nature of the Moor when brought into contact with the quick, subtle, electric character of the Italian gave to Shi are thought for the wondrous tra- of “Othello,” which for its worldly knowledge, its human sympathy, its nicety of art and its exact portraiture of character—so universally true, yet so exqmisttely individualized and modified by custom— holds the highest place among his immortal crea- tions. In Ovhello he gives us the picture of a brave, generous man, to whom the sun in darkenin, has brought Gerce passions and affections, but roun¢ whom, to compensate for her she has thrown a soldierly grace and ease and air of gentle dignity. While still uastung he revels and gambols in the light of his affections; but when the potsoned arrow cleaves the air not the tiger when it feels its agoniz- ing touch springs into @ more terrible attitude of flerceness than Othello when wounded in that great love which swallows up his heart. To fitly repre- sent the savage chivalry and noble attributes of such a character requires a noble mien, strong ply- sical power and certainly a warm nature, which Mr. Booth does not 5 hough he has s Loy nm} ce and even quiet dignity, at times, wit Tiel sotmetimes tvakes thie forgotten, No tfort of art, however, can picture a big child of nature like the Moor if’the natural power is limited, A character hike Iago, for instance, whicn draws its power al- most purely from the brain, cam be rl ap by art, but one like Othello, which’ gathers Its life froin the be mastered by power of feel- the divine fire may _per- gine A evil Ls nd weal but they fail When they venture to per- Sots novie and faulty a child of nature as Othello, Whose weakness lies in his unconsciousness of evil, When Mr. Booth appears his incapacity te i a of sympathy But Mr. Booth enters with sured pace and precisely with the airof @ Jesuit student, caim, cultivated, even subd His 1s rich aod picturesque; Mr. Booth’ 1g elocution 18 pleasing and effective always is. But the marvellous just, represent the: tawny richness of the Moor's complaxioe, Would have been ludicrous if it had no! alled Tepulsive. He looked, indeed, with his dishev- hair, long, priestly gown and soiled counte- nance, like one of those dancing dervishes of the fantaatio East, whose self-abasement and curious be- Vilment of lorm aud feature excite at ouce our curiosity and amusement. Look at Mr, Booth in the finer scenes of tue piay. “There is not the slightest reflection of the lava which uw buraing in the crater of that V reanvie, nasace, wish which ed vein is ew piel may y ursting, and which ina fire, Othello’s modesty degenerates with mim into homility, His manner wears no spirit and little ceenee the proud, noble head of the Venetian soldiery, His Cer oige fires no admiration; the wild chivairy of his nature fires no pulse.’ Mr. th, to excite our AY DpOAE, assuinés a mouro- ful tone aud an air of sad solemnity, as if, instead of being elated with his fair conquest, he were bearing up against some heavy calamity; he does not even condescend to be and loo! cheerful when in possession of his bride, orto show any surprise at unexpecvedly meeting his wife at Oyprus; enough tor him to say, “It gives me wonder great as my coatent,’’ without manifesting either content or wonder. This lachrymal tone made the address to the Senate sound like tue well delivered appeal of an elderly schoolboy of a flog- ging, only it 1s less gulimaved, Ip the second acs Mr. Booth wears an air of terrible ferocity when simply oue of scern anger and authority should be exlibited. In ive scene where lago awakens the Jealousy of Othello Mr. Booth makes his suspicions ii appear inflamed before Shaxspeare intends them to be kindled; for besides that Othello is of @ constant, loving, nob! a le nature, an therefore unsuspecing, his pride will not allow him to recognize anything eagerly which can compro- muse his self importance. At the first word of lago, “An! 1 like not that,’ Mr. Booth appears to suspect something Wrong, though the main purpose of the interview is to suow tue gradual approach of Iago’s insinuations and the wilful obtuseness of Othello, The word jeaiousy being the spark that fires the train, then you should see, as is writ of Edmund Kean, the arrow steal through the air and rest and rankle in tae rich Arab nature of the Moor. As the green-eyed monster seizes on his heart first comes doubi, then a shudder, and then the whole frame shakes with the tumult of passion which surges within, still, amid the black cloud of gioom which haugs around him, ,there are ever visible some solt streaks’ of sorrow which tell of a heart robved of its holiest atfections. At one moment he biazes with a flerce unre, then softened with a tender sadness. When Desdemona comes on, for stance —tue looking on a Woman one loves 1s always dangerous—Othello should be touched with her geutieness aud convincing look of perfect purity. For the moment doubts fly and coldness wives way before ter sunny presence. Even the vrouzed face beams with radiance and conndence, and this startling transition from reientless jealousy to tender contidence in the weak, novle maa is sur- rounded with much of poesy. But all these delicate Unted phases, the beautiful and natural growth of such @ nature as Othelio’s, are lost in Kdwin Booth’s conception. His sallow cheeks may inspire a tender weutimeat in the little souls of little misses, But he can neither conceive nor feel passion =o! __—ilove, his efforts to express It, as in Romeo, toucit the ridicuious, He de- serves credit lor endeavoring to compensate for the absence of emotional power by infusing spirit into action and gesture, and by the magniticence of scenery and singularly fine appowtments atone for his chilling and discouraging lack of dramatic power. Buta peculiar night rove, or a curiously wrought turban, or tue transposition of a bed or any other mechanical whirligig cannot supply the place vi genuine acting, Which moves the souls and melts the hearts of men. Edmund Kean, standing on the bare boards of an unfurnished stage, with neither lime lights nor the magical brash of the moderp scene paincer to aid him, irresistibiy compelled the wondering plaudits of bis audience by we simple majesty Of his exaited genius. We trust the day may not be far distaut wieu some real actor will arise aud scourge these carpeuters and painters from the temple of Shakspearian genius. In the meantime, while await: ing that muileunium, it would be wise in Mr. Booty, as mauager anu actor, to exchange Darts with Mr. Edwin Adams, wo assumes the role of lago. It would be aiso ap act of irieudship to that reaily tal- ented young actor (Mr. Adatms) to tave him out of a character for wiicu he is entirely uasuited and for which he has no sympathy. Mr. Adams is a frank, manly, Oulspoxen, natural style of actor, and can- not depict the subtle villany of that arca villain Iago, As Othello he will be far more acceptabie, and, on the other hana, as Iago Mr. Boova has no rivai on our stage, Toe gentie Vesdemona, with Miranda—the two loveliest women im all the range of Shaks- peartan characters—finds uo expression in Miss McVickar. ‘the young lady has been allowed the widest latitude by a courteous public and indulgent preas, bat it 1s unjust to other deserving aud touing workers in the dramatic fleid to further disguise or ignore the truth. McVickar is (uti of bright intelitgence and é/an ; but ner natural gifts do not find ait feild in the réles which she 1s now straggling to enact. The white- souled purity, geutie mmaoceace and divine meek- ness which cause Desdemona to kiss the hand wiich leads her on to death are bright pages ina sealed book to Miss McVickar, whose talent is of a fac different order, Of the rest of tue cast, with one or two exceptions, but little can be said. In fact, the preseat con- dition .of the stage, as regards its acting ability, is distressing. and conciusively exhibits tue dictator- ship of the sceue painter over the merely inteliectuat brancn of the profession. A first class sceue painter, who was formeriy a privileged whitewasher, now fits in oflicia! robes amoag the peers of the dramauc realm, aud cictaics ters with the sell-appreciation and grasping arrograuce of an old Ume star. Our eyes ache Wik (he gilltering gauds, fantastic toys and painted trifes of Lie present stage, unal now, Mf @ critic Wants a pleasaat evening of quiet eujoy- inenthe stays away frou the theatre. And yet It was r, David Garrick, when he died, the gayety of natioas and im. poverisied tie puoiic stoce of Marmiess pieasure.”” Could hwifas muca be said of way actor, male or female, on the New ork stage? Pending the an- swer to which query We close, Content ii heace th’ uniearaed their wants may view, Tue warned redecs ou Waas before they knew. Musical and Theatrical Notes, The Paris ju 4.3 anuouuce the approaching mar- Curistine Ophelia Marguerite Nilsson Dake of Mussa, who is said to be very wealthy, and. moreover, 00 mean musical composer, So, then, this 1s the “engagement” chat so m. eh fuse was made avoul. Aud she wasn't really engaged” to Fisk, Jr.—‘the Count of Erie’—after ail. Well, well! This “engazemen,” in the long run, may eventually prove more substantial than either “mue sical noves” or “Erie bonds.” Lt is too bad, though, that atter all the preparations whica we Lave made we are not y to emoy tue rapturous plea- sure of hearing Mile. Chascine Opheva Marguerite Nilsson sing. We'll not care to hear Madame the Dachesa of Massa attempt to imitate Mile. Nilsson. Wood’s Museum wilt ciose its dramatic depart. ment With the preseat week, it having been found absolutely necessary to ao 80 from the great me- chanical preparations for the burlesque, pantomunic and spectacular production of “Robison Crusoe,” Which Colville assures ts will be positively brought out on the evening of Monday, May 3% The maseam deparument, however, Will ve open throughout the day aud eveniag as usaal. Mr. William Harris, leading actor at the Park theatre, BrooXiya, takes a benetit on Monday even- ing next at tuat establishmenG upon which occasion te beauciiul play of “fae Marble Heart’ will be preseuted, with ur. tiarris as Marco aad Mrs. F, B, Conway a8 Rapave! Duchatiet. Mr. Harris is one of the most popular of y ~ American actors ta the country, and it is more taaa probable that bis friends will turn ous i force oa the Occasion o1 his benelit. Miss Ada Webo ts doug the “Forty ‘Thieves’ with much success in Ludiauapolis, She is a great favor- ite in the West an always draws large audiences. New Orleans last Suaday found soiace in the Tol- lowing Varied atusements:—'‘La Vie Parisienne,” by a company of opcra boulters; “Chaderella,” by’ Lef- fogweu; a minstrel performance and eeveral ser: mons, Whatcan be said of & peopie who are so hard to please? Verily, they do indeed stand sadly to need of “reconstraciioa." ‘Miss Marriott is meeting with great success at the Park theatre, Brooklyn. “Robinson Crusoe and His Man Friday” was the at traction in ‘Trenton Chursday night, How these coun- try cousins of ours beat us in affairs of this kind! ‘The indefatigabie Colville and the natty Grover have both been imering away at this same piece for months and have not as yet succeeded in getting it resentavle shape. inves Rose Massey’ hias made A @ hit in Cin- ‘cinnati in the “Forty Tieves.” Rachel Johnson is playing “School” int he same city with much suc cess. “low for Blow” ts being knocked to pieces in Cleveland by a company of igre t) ‘Thesphans, It Will be followed by “A Flash of Lightning. ‘Miss Susan Galton, the young and popular prima donna of English comic opera, has returned to Philadelphia, fresh and blooming from her recent Western tour, loaded down with deserved honors and ready to achieve new lyrical conquests. She re- ap atthe Chestnut theatre on Tuesday even- ing in two of her sparkling adaptations from Offen- bach, and was ted by a large and enthusiastic audience, and was afterwards serenaded by the orchestra of the theatre at her residence, Galton is @ great favorite in Phila deiphia and would have been here, were tt not for the dead weights which were attached to her troupe while in this city, and which always prevented the charming little Susan from rising to the surface oj public favor and floating by easy stages towards the to. of success, which most assuredly has always n within her reach. Miss Lucille Western has forsaken the goodly “Saints” of Salt Lake City and will appear on Mon ening next at McVicker's theatre, Chicago, ata that fabied “one step’’ all hollow, whict to separate the “sablime’’ the “ridicaious.”” Itis a jump direct from @ peacefu and harmonious Eien to & pandemonium. wher women wear the breeches an accouuk whore men are of nt