The New York Herald Newspaper, January 13, 1871, Page 5

ry ‘ WEST POINT. What a High Military Authority Has to Say About the Academy. The Charges of Bad Discipline—The Exploits of the First Class and the Failings of the Col- ored Cadet—Wost Pcint the Most Demo- cratic Institution in the World— The Miltary Value of Veracity. West Pornt, Jan, 12, 1871. “Very glad, sir, to give you any information I can, and (71) tell you just exactly what I think about things in general. But mind—you mustn’t mention my name.” “But—” “That's the only con dit’on upon which my lips are going toopen. You can uso what! tell you iu any way you like, so long as you don’t drag me into the columns of the HERALD. Idon’t want to be praised, and ’d rather not be abused. Not that I care about the public knowing me by reputation; but if a man’s name once gets Into THE NEWSPAPERS it’s a}l up with bim in Washington.” ‘This is the formula with which all interviews with any of the West Point authorities naturally begin. From the highest in rank down throuvh every gra- dation until you reach Colored Cadet Smith it ts the same unvarying story. Everybody is delighted to spread out defore you the treasures of their experi- ence and to untold ail they know in regard to what- ever you care to inquire. But they always couple the disclosure with an exacted pledge to allow their names to remain in their present iMlustrious ob- scurity, What words of sadder and more doleful meaning could fall upon the ears of a professional inter- viewer? As 1 have listened te them I have burned to tell the world how soldieriy was the figure, how intelligent and genial the features, how noble the record, of some of the men who thus repelled the overtures of journalistic fame. The information and opinions that I have gathered under these anpromising conditions shall not, how- ever, be lost tothe American public. And I have ‘Dit upon a plan of still preserving the popular form of an interview. Ishall throw half a dozen con- versations Into one, and stain these shects of paper ‘With a conversation with the COLLECTIVE OFFICIAL WORLD of West Pont, which { shail forthwith incarnate under the title of a HIGH MILITARY AUTHORITY. “You're having a goo deal of trouble up here qust eas General. What's the matter with the “Well, not much that Tcan see out of the usnal routine. We’re pretty much all the time in troub'e about something or other. There's a strong party in the country who think that West Point costs too munch money and spoils a great many good citizens by making them exclu- sive aristocrats, and docs not properly do its work of affording sound military education fo the cadets. And no man thal tever heard of blindly haied an institution long who did not at tast find some very good cause for his hatred—some tangible basis ot HONEST ARUSE AND INVECTIVR. That’s the way with West Point. It is easy to fina defects In our system, and after properly exag- gerating them to drag them before the pub. he eve and ray, How long shall snch @ nuisance be allowed to exist? This Institution is not perfect; nothing human ever can be. But when [hea yeople asking that it shall be swept away among the things of the rast I remem- ber how many of the historic names in our Ameri- e2n roll of honor have heen entered on the West Point books, and I give way to a very strong leeling of honest American indignation. No otner ednca- tional institution in the country can show a more glorious record. Notin the army alone have our juates repaid their conntry for the cost of their action. Many of our greatest engineers, and Jawvers and professors, and even clergymen, have Deen West Point cadets.’? “Bat these cases of, ‘BAD DISCIPLINE that have founda their way into the newspapers—the pei Cadet and that last exploit of the First Class?” «Well, they are not very extraordinary. The last, nodonbt, has some excepticnal features. But, in itself, ‘t is in mv opiaton a sign of the healthy state of feling among the cadets.”” “How is thar?” ‘Well, because it shows that their love of truth is sincere, Tb'ame the First Class for what they have done, and I am very giad that thev have been severely punished. Such a thing will probabiv never happen again. But there might have been breaches of disciptine that would have been ais- graceful to the anthorities, 13 weil as lo the cadets, and! don’t think this has been. A civilian haa, naturally, very vague uleis about the way in which an efictent and well trained army is gov- erned. Now our whole system of discipline is based upon the INVIOLABLE VERACITY of both oMicersand men. A soldier may be guilty of almost any other vice except fa'sehood without ceasing wholly to be emicient. But if be be a Har the sooner he 1s drummed out of the bine coat of the United States the better. That ought to be the case with the men; it must be so with the oficers or the morale of the entire army would be de- Btroyed.”” “Yea, truth is, of course, the great martial virtne.” “1 see you don’t understand its tll value—in milt- tary matters, 1 mean. Now, for instance, a cadet is reported for doing or not doing something. If he gays the complaint is not true we believe him, and he Is reileved from the usual penalty. But if it should be proved subsequently that he had screened himself from punishment by telling a falsehood, he ‘won'd be tried by court martial and dismissed from the Academy. In consequence of that severity it is but in very exceptional cases that a cadet tells a lie, If he gets into some scrape, and 1's qnestioned, he owns up. If he is under arrest, ‘and thereicre confined to his quarters, we take his parole and leave tim there without a sentinel. I Shona as soon expect to hear of a cadet breaking his parole under those circumstances as that he had COMMITTED SUTCIDR, By doing so he would commit the worst form of Fuicide—moral enicile. White tnis high tone of Ihiulness 1s maintatned, therefore, there 1s but a le trouble in governing a regiment or % ‘army. But if once the vice of lying Raa‘ grown so common as to cease to be disgraceful, there is an end of everything like dis- cipline. One man tells a lie and another lies to ferecn him, and so on to the end of the chapter. ‘We should then have to keep spies in every regi- ment on the lookout for subordination. “As the case stands now, each cadet, if he knows thata comrade has been guilty of a lie, reports him, and he is dismissed.”” “But this case of the First Class seems to have other features in it—didn’t it show something like INHUMANITY, to send the three poor wretches away in their sum- mer clothing at the dead of a winter night?” “Ah, now you ure quoting from acertain news- paner—not yourown. That part of the case ts alto- gether 1maginative—a mere sensation, gotten up bv Bome over-eager gentleman of the press, That account says the three cadets were taken up the river to Fort Putnam. Nothing of the kind. They had been proved guiity of lymg. and the First Class were afraid they would be let of by the Fourth Class giving a pledge to abstain from sptritu- ous liquors. So they had a meeting, and decided to rm them ont, as they were no longer worthy to mingle with honorable, truthful men, Tuesday night a week ago, there- fore, they visited the rooms of the culprits; forced them to dress in eitizens’ clothes; took them, not to Fort Putnam, but to Hiram Falls Ferry, and dis- Missed them with money enough to pay their fare. There's nothing very CRUEL OR HEARTRENDING in that, that lean see. It was an outrage on good order, no doubt; but we ought to remember how acred @ virtue dictated it—a love of truth anda de- testation of disuonor.”” “That neconnt seems to show that the son of the President took @ conspicuous part in the affair; that he gave the cadets money out of his own pocket,” Cos ACs “On, that’s all nonsens*. He was just the same asthe rest. The cadets gave all that they were COLLECTIVELY Worra at the time to speed the parting guests, and they made Cadet Grant the treasurer. I suppose he only ERED he had—the same as the rest of them. oe Sr pretiwaiien dollars, I think,’ “This colored cadet, too, has got into troubl about the same thing—lving.” x : “Yes, and if he is # ilar—proved so, Tmean—he ought not to We allowed to stay here, whether he is @ colored boy or not and whether he has a two- thirds vote in Congress ur not. Polltics and color have got nothing to do with the qnestion, Ishea A ‘That's what has got to be decided, and that is “Well. he is sure to have plenty of friends at Waahiugton.” (With a dolefal shake of the head.) “Yea, sir. But be akt ine raf ere ne kine in why there shoulda y 88 about him. I asstre you, on m honor, that he has had exactly the same treatment in every way from the authorittes that any white boy has had. We had nothing to do with his coming here, I don't say whether it was kind to the boy. or hiss one i, but fn Bar me rt that he was led to every enjoy any other cadet of his class. The dees WORST PART OF THR MATTER is that he hasn't accepted his position. If he had done so there would have been no trouble. He can come here and he educated and become an oMicer of the United States, it he shows ordinary er and diligence. If he remains Thave no doubt he will graduate. Batone thing is tmpossible—we can’t issue =a order to compel the other cadets hearts and love him after odel Damon and = Pythias, ia that if he would show @ little good sense the boys would soon like him and associate with him. If he is suspicious and envious and uusociabie, however, he must share the fate of all other people who have the same weaknesses—he must be iriendiess. He has the greatest faculty for GETTING INTO SCRAPES of all the boys Ihave known. He was in trouble, { believe, at Hartford before he came here, and God knows he has never been long out of itsince. He has been under arrest for one thing or another three-fourths of the time he has been on the Point,’” “What abont these other complaints against you— that the discipline is that of a martinet rather than that of a practical oimMcer—that the boys are spoiled by over attention to methodical trifles 7? “There, again, & Civilian takes altogether an er- roveous view of our system. Those tritles mvolve the very life and soul of all discipline. A cadet, for example, is allowed to come on parade with a hole or so of his coat unbuttoned. If that were un- barges he would come the next day with every ole unbuttoned, and tle day after that probably IN HIS SHIRT SLEEVES, A pretty state of things we should have then! No, sir; we musi look after these trivial faults, and the graver ones Will look out for themseives, And te prove to you how sound our system 1s in this re- spect tho British House of Parliament sent acom- mission over bere to inquire into its workings, and they have reported favorably in regard to it, and it 1s going to be adopted in all the English multary schoo 3.” “Weil, you wiilown up, at least, to making the boys aristocratic and exclusive :?” “Indeed, J shall do nothing of the kind. Aristo- cratic! Why, West Point is the “MOST DEMOCKATIC INSTITUTION In existence the wide world over, With ustthe poor man’s son has exactly the same chance as the rich mau’s. Merit is the only metnoa adopted in placing the cadets, Why, President Grant’s son is right away down at the tan end of his class—almost the lowest boy. Among the cadots themselves, too, the principles of equality are heartily embraced. ‘There are no litle ciiques here of rich men’s sons, like what you wiil find in mest colleges, The boys have to live in exactly the same way. This one is not al- lowed wo Keep a horse, while the others allowance scarcely pays bis board and never permits him to shake hands with a tailor. No, sir! All the cadets have exactly the same priviieges in every respect while they are at the Academy. Rich and poor are all on the same footing.” “But it is said that NO POOR BOYB ever come here.”? “Well, just notice at the next inspection the faces of the Lam on You will fad @ good many that are not very aristocratic. Names, too, are a good test, and you will see many in the list that were never heard ot before in any way that I know of.”” “Yo you think selection by competition would be better than the present system of nomination by Congressmen ?!? “Ido, There can be no doubt of it. At present we have a great many stupid boys, upon whom the money of the United States 1s simply wasted. They will never be good oficers; they hav‘ n’t got capacity enough to be so. It entrance were obtained ouly by competitivn ail the boys who come here would be intellizent and promising. We could then raise the standard of examination, and even then, propably, should never have to reject any one who entered. Ali upon whom the pubiic money had been spent would repay the country for ‘the expense of their education. That would be a great improvement, and would remove the last ex- cuse for that charge of aristocracy aud exclusive- ness that you referred to.” “And boys, like colored cadet Smitn, who can scarcely write @ sentence of intelligible Enghsh, would never come here ??” “You ought not to ask me such a question as that. I cannot answer you, of course.” “30, on the whole, Mr. High Military Authority, you think West Point {s NOT YET DEMORALIZED {”? “No, sir: except by the presence of the three or four newspaper men who have been up here tne at four or live days about this everlasting colored cadet, NEW YORK CITY. The following record will show the changes in the temperature for the past twenty-four hours in com- parison with the corresponding day of last year, as imdicated by the thermometer at Hudnut’s Phar- macy, HERALD Building, corner of Ann street:— 1870. 1871. oe 1871. ie 4 34.M. sees 48 38 «SP. 6A. M.. 4 37 6PM. - 50 46 9A. M. 48 41 OPM. + 50 46 12M. sees OL 48 12P.M ~ 49 44 Average temperature yesterday. or ase AY Average temperature for correspondin: te Tast year... + 4834 The Board of Police yesterday ordered Rounds- me Plat and Mead, of the Fourth precinct, on post uty. Charles Uhlendorf, a refractory youth of twelve years, was sent to the Juvenile Asylum yesterday by Justice Ledwith, at the Essex Market Police Court, on a charge preferred by Maggie Boyie, a school teacher, of striking her on the head with a slung- shot and pelting her with stones, Joseph Gormitz, of 62 Market street, was held to answer, at she Essex Market Police Court, yester- terday, by Justice Ledwith, on complaint of his wife, who charged that on Wednesday night the accused came home drunk, and after abusing her roundly in every mood and tense commenced beating her on the bead with a china cup, cutttag her severely and Dlacking both her eyes, ‘The ball of the Caledontan Club will come off this evening at Irving Hatl, The clab wili be in full uni- form and in all the glory of kilt and sporran and plaided shawl, witn blazing claymores girt to their thigus., Scotch lassies and Highland laddies will “foot it”? until early dawn, and between the mus the supper and the dancing, ali will “gang aws no doubt weil satisfied with their night's sport, The Board of Supervisors met at half-past two o'clock yesterday afternoon, the President, Mayor Hall, in the chair. A resoiution in favor of paying Professor Doremus $1,009 for toxicological analyses in the cases of Captain Alexander and Michael Gal- Jey was adopted. A resolution was aiso adopted to pay twenty attendants of the Court of Oyer and ‘er- mnner $229 for their services, The Board then ad- Journed till the 24th inst. Assistant District Attorney A. S, Sullivan spoke last cvening before the Wiliam M. Tweed Asgocia- tion of the Fifteenth ward on the subject of the charities of the city of New York. Having lectured on the same subject before the association but 4 short tme ago, he had but litile to say that was new, although his remarks were nevertheless of a bighly interesting character and repeatedly called torti hearty rounds of applause from his hearers, Coroner Keenan yesterday held an inquest at the City Hall, in the case of Thomas O’Connor, the man who was crushed to death on Tuesday evening, cor- ner of Fourteenth street and Univevsity place, by being run over by car No. 9 of the Broadway Raii- road. Tie eet showed that deceased jumped backwards froin the front platform, and, failung on the track, the witeel passed over both his legs. The jury, om hearing ail the testimony, rendered a ver- dict of accidental death, Deceased was thirty years of age and a native of Ireland, Mr. David Adama, a man seventy years of age, died on Wednesday evening at his residence, 493 Eust Houston street. About a week ago Mr. Adams was passing through Lewis street, near Houston, when he was run against by one of the cars of the avenue D line, and being knocked partially under the car received injuries of @ atal character. It was stated yesterday by an ageut of the company that the car did not pass over deceased; but the real facts of tne case will be developed to-day before Coroner Schirmer, who has the matter in charge. Mary Anne Dansercan, a well dressed young woman, Was arraigned at the Essex Market Police Court yesterday, before Justice Leawith, on com- plaint of Mary Jane Capper, of 420 East Eleventh street, who complained that she left the accused in charge of her premises, and upon returning home found that a quantity of gold rings and silk dresses had been stolen and carried away. ‘The property was not recovered, The prisoner was also charged with the larceny ef a cloak, found in her possession, by another, and was held to answer on both charges. St. Bernara’s Literary Association, a society com- posed of young men connected with St. Bernard's Koman Catholic church, in West Thirteenth street, gave a charming entertainment in the basement of the chureh last evening, The place wus crowded py a@large and enthusiastic audience, and the enter- tanment did great credit to the young men en- aged. The volunteer choir, composeu of tweive young ladies belonging to the prominent famtites of the parish, assisted and added grace and beauty to the scene, ‘The oficers of the association are as fol- lows:—President, Rev. P. J. Healy; Vice President, Francis J. Early; Secretary. Jolin 8, McGoldrick; Treasurer, Patrick J. McCluskey, The monthly meeting of the Medico-Legal Society of this city was held Jast evening at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, corner of Fourth avenue and Twenty-third street, Stephen Rogers, M. D., President, in the chair. After the transaction of the usual society business the paper of the event “The Medico-Legal Value of Confession,” was reat by W. 4. Hammond, M.D. Dr. Hammond having Spoken at some length of the great of judicial cases, in Which the decision must be based on medical testimony, showed .that the value to be don confession of crime must be deter- mined by the temperament, tdi cracies, &c., of the person who makes it, The rs Sdn on which the eaniecs were listened to with the reg; his hi Abilities entitied them to. At the conclu- sion of the address the President announced that Charles A. Lee, M. D., would deliver the paper for Fepruary, on “tho Mgdico-legal Sugmestions on In- sanity, RUSSIA. Tnterview with the Russian Military Agent—Rus- sia is Not Preparing for War—Her Army is on a Peace Footing—Expected Arrival of a Russian Prince Imperial. The followmg information derived from Major General Gorloff, of the Russian army and of the suite of the Emperor of Russia, who is the accredited military agent to this country, has a deep signil- cance at this time, when the air is laden with rumors of heavy armiug on the partof Russia and the mo- mentous question whether there is to be peace or war Will shortly be decided by the London confer- ence of European Powers, A HERALD reporter called upon General Gorioff, who 1s at present at the Hoffman House, and, upon making himseif Known, was received with marked courtesy by the General, who, in appearance, Is the beau ideal of a military officer, After a few intro- ductory remarks the following conversation took place:— RePORTER—Is it true that Russia is arming on @ gigantic scale and 13 raising her forces to a war fovting? General GorLorr—As I only left Russia about three weeks ago I can givo you some information on the subject, The reports circulated by several American papers about Russia’s arming are nothing butidle rumors, RUSSIA I8 NOT PREPARING FOR WAR. Our armies are at present on a peace footing, and their effective strength is below 300,000 men, of which the bulk is concentrated 1n Poland and along the western frontier of the empire, REPORTER—It is said that you have very large orders for Remington rifes and other arms in this country. General GoRLOFr—You may contradict these Tumors, as they are totally unfounde*, We have not ordered any Remington rifes at all. What orders we have given are to @ very limited extent, and mostly for experimental purposes, Of course I am not at liberty to g've you any further particulars as to the nature of these orders. REPORTER—Have you not purehased any arms, General? General GoRLorr—We never purchase any. They are ordered according to a given system, which has previously been tested by a commission ol military ofiicers, KEPOKTER—What are your opinions, General, about tne Eastern question? General GorLorr—I do not think there will be War. All THE DIFFICULTIES COME FROM ENGLAND. Turkey does net oppose, but, on the contrary, sees the justice of the demands of Russia. We want nothing wore than to fortify our frontiers along the Black Sea. Atpresent a ‘Turkish fleet from the Bos- phorus might with impunity attack us ana land troops on those shores, which are at present THE MOS? VULNERABLE PARL OF THE EMPIRE. We are there‘ore justified in building a cordon of fortifications along that frontier in order to secure ourselves from attacks by hostile fleets. Russia does not desire war; of course we are introducing the latest inventions of science for the improvement of our arms, in the same manner as the United States ‘have been converting their muzzle loaders into breach-loaders. REPORTER—What Is the present state of the Rus- sian empire? General GoRLOFF--Russia 13 still in a state of transition, and has not yet got over the social revo- Juiton brought about by the emancipation of the seris, The nobles have had to make heavy sacri- fices and the serfs are called upon to form new local governments, which necessitates heavy taxation, The General tnen informed the Keporter that Alexis Alexandrovich, A REAL LIVE PRINCE IMPERIAL, of Russia, third gon of the Czar, will come to this country next spring. He is twenty-one years of age (born 14th January, 1859) aud has the rank of captain ofthe fleet and aide-de-camp to the Em- peror. He will be accompanied by Admirai Possiette, whosuperintends his studies. Prince Alexis has alre: been on # tour through Europe and Asia, and will travel throughout the United States. He will take a trip down the Mississippt, and, perhaps, visit Galfornia, While in this city the Prince will probably be a guest or A. T. Stewart, THE IRISH EXILES. The Probable Programme of Their Recep- tion—Meetiog of the Knights of St. Patrick. The greatest activity continues in Irish circles in view of the arrival of the exiles lately released by the British government, and there is now no room for doubting that the reception that 1s being pre- pared for them will be of the most imposing charac- ter. Colonel William R. Roberts, M. C., 18 in receipt, daily, of communications from Irish societies in this and neighboring cities asking for a place m the procession, The Colonel’s oflice 18 at No. 87 Cedar street, where he attends dally for the purpose of organizing and ARRANGING FOR THE RECEPTION. An interesting feature of the occasion will be the appearance in one body of the Irish refugees, 500 in number, who will carry @ flag with the inscrip- tion, ‘‘The Felons’ Phajanx.”” ‘They will have a fine band of music, the American and Irish colors, and will have an appropriate place in the procession. Another body of refugees, recently formed and known as the United Irishmen, wiil also parade with compatriots. They have signified their intention of subscribimg $1,000 to the fund for the relief of the exiles. Colonel Kavanagh has notified Colonel Roberts that the Sixty-ninth regiment will parade its full streggth, Co.upany F, First cavalry, will turn out, as also the Emmet Guard, Captain O’Rorke; several military organizations from Brooklyn, New Jersey, Newark and other cities, and, of course, all the Irish socteties*tn New York and the sister city. THE PROGRAMME of the reception has not been finally determined upon, but it is probable that it will comprise a for- mal reception at the Battery; @ procession to the City Hall; reception by the Mayor and Corporation; @ march up Broadway to Tammany Hall und ad- dresses there by distinguished citizens, The Knights of St. Patrick held a meeting at 724 Broadway last night for the purpose of taking action im reference to the reception.of the brave exiles. Colonel Koberts and a number of the knights were named as a committee to represent the society at the reception, and it was resolved to contribute largely toward the Tammany Hail fund, METHODIST:CAL MALFEASANCE. The Trial ot Rev. Dr. Lanaban, of the Metho- dist Book Concern—The Cuarges Against Him, - Thé Court for the investigation of the charges against Rev. Dr. Lanahan, Jr., agent of the Book Concern of the Methodist Episcopal (/nurch, assem- bled yesterday morning at the publishing house, corner of Broadway and Eleventh street, but the proceedings were strictly private, every one be- ing excluded except the members of the court, The latter consists of Bishops Janes, Ames, Scott and Simpson, and the pe ae | committee:— Rev. James Fike, N. H. 0.; GW. Woodruil, N.Y. E. C.; C. 8 Vancleve, Newark C.; H. Slicer, Baitt- more C,; J. 8. Bingham, Biack River ©.; I. Irwin, Central New York C. a. W. Maltby, Erie 0.; J. F. Kenneay, N. Ohio C.; F. A. Blades, Detroit C.; C. H. Bannister, Wis. C.; C. Brooks, Minn. C.; L. M. Ver- non, St. Louis 6. Moore, Ill. C., ana L. Roth- weiler, Cen. German. The followjng charges are now to be investi- ted :— 1. Oficial misconduct and malfeasance, 2. Neglect of oifictal duty. 3. Untruthfalness, irascibility, slanderous dispost- tion and other objectionabie personal characteris- tics, which unfit him for tie position of assistant book agent. 4. insubordination to his oficial superiors, the Book Committee, and violation of his pledges to them. 5. Want of business qualifications and capacity for the discharge of his Oficial duties as such as- sistant book agent. FATAL ACCIDENT TO A BROOKLYN LAWYER, About half-past six o’clock last evening a well known lawyer of Kings, county, Mr. Augustus H. Sidell, was endeavoring to get into his private office froman adjoining apartment, at 365 Fulton street, by stepping along the cornice over the liquor store of Jarvis, and missing his footing fell to the sidewalk, Striking upon the back of his head he was knocked insensible, and when picked up it was found that the base of his skull was {ractured. He was taken to the Washington street station house, where he was atrended Ls a number of physicians and every- thing possible Was done to resuscitate him, but without effect, His recovery is despaired.of. De- ceased, Who was about fifty years of age, resided in Englewood, N. J., and was unmarried. BRICKLAYERS’ NATIONAL CONVENTION, PiTTsBURG, Jan. 12, 1871. At the Bricklayers’ Nativnal Convention to-day the fellowing officers were clected:— President, Meredith Moore, of Lodge No, York; Vice President, Alfred Martin, of Lodge No. 2, Kentucky; Delegate at Large, Charles H. Rihl, of No. 1, Indiana; Secretary, S. A. Steel, of Lodge No. 2, Pittsburg; Treasurer, W. B. Dobson, of Loage No. 1, District af Columbia. The Pittsburg Union gives the delegates a recep- don, ball and banguct to-night New MEXICO. Adjournment of Congress—Address of the Executive and Response of the Speaker= Recapitulation of Its Acts—The Common Council Dificulties—Kesignation of Iglesias and Pedro Velez—That of Lerdo Expected Juarez to be a CandidateHis Election | Considered Certain— try. dition of the Coun- HAVANA, Jan. 7, 1871, By the arrival of the Engiish steamer Corsica at this port, from Vera Cruz, we have dates from the Mexican capital to the 30th ult, Congress had ad- Journed, President Juarez, in nis speech prior to the close, stated that the result ot the session of the Fitth Congress, in its third period, showed a quiet, yet earnest and honorable debate on many subjects | of grave iierest to Executive had just negotial and = sub- mitted a treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation with Italy, which will serve as an evi- dence that the republic is disposed to renew lis re- lations with the Powers who desire to estabiisn treaties on a just and conventout basis; that the diftl- culties which have occurred in some of the States, caused by legal questions affecting Interior matters, have terminated, and le others are not of a danger+ ous character; that the action of this Congress, in its discussion of constitutional reforms, gives hope that the following one wiil bring these to a happy termimation; that among the matters of social and adrainistrative interest with which Congress has ov. cupied itself is worthy of mention the approval of the civil code; that with the most laudable spirit Congress has turned its attention to important public works; that the concession of @ canal in Tehuantepec oifers (o the commerce of Mexico and the world hopes of incalculable wealth in the furure. The following concessions were also thought worthy of mention:—For the tmprovement of the navigation of the river Queotepec; for the railroads trom Mexico to Toluca and Cuantillan; from Mexico te Tacubaya and Popotia; from Vi Cruz to Tehuan- tepec, and from Tuxpan to the Pacific. Also for the laying of a submarme cabie between Vera Cruz and some point on the coast of the United States of America, nd telegraphic lines from Vera Cruz to Matameros and from Durango to Mazatlan. In con- clusion, his Excellency said:—"We have reason vo congratulate ourselves that througheut the whole republic @ peace exists founded on the solid base of public opinion,” and congratuiated the members on the good results of their labors. The President o1 Congress answered, touching the same points as the President, and among other things stated that “Congress agrees with the Executive that the general interests of the republic demand that the rejations with foreign Powers, tn- Verrupted by the war brought to our shores by the French, should be renewed.’ In the recent el. ction for City Council in the capt- talthe Lezdo party, in opposition tothe Juarez party, had an Syeee majority. It was claimed, however, that this was the result of fraud, and grave complications were likely 10 arise and very general fears were entertained. “The possession of the city authority or control of it is always of momentous importance in a Presidential election im Mexico, which — will explain the great interest felt in the matter as such election 1s now about to take place. Juarez has temporarily settled the matter by decreeing that the old Council shat hold over until the question in controversy snail be settled by Congre: which practically places the city in the hands of his parti- sans for the purposes of ihe election, Owig to the aiMculties pending the Minister of Justice, Igiesias, resigned, as did Pedro Veles, Governor o! district. The resignation of Lerdo Is daily e: It ts now definitely settled that Juarez 1s a candl- date for re election, and his success is considered certain, The wife of the President was im a dying condition when the mail left. a Generai Diaz had gone to Oaxaca on a visit to his ome. ‘The disturoances in Guerrero are at an end. The pronunciados were compietely routed in the vicinity of Chilapa anda Mochitlan by the government for: under Ignacio Figueroa, dnd the tew remaining to the mountains. Don Trinidad Garcia de la Cadena, chef of the revolution in Zacatecas and San | uis has presented himself to the authorities, accepting the amnesty. It is stated that a terrible earthquake took place in Oaxaca on the 15th inst., lasting but ten seconds, yet causing great damage. CUBA. The General Amnesty—Return of Cubans to be Permitted—Valmaseda’s Desire of Re- lieving kis Name from Udium—The Election of King—Other Items. HAVANA, Jan, 7, 1871, The question of universal amnesty, recently re- ferred to in your correspondence from this city, forms at present an undercurrent of interest and excitement here, As reported, so sweeping and general in its character is this amnesty to be, that all Cubans now in foreign countries will be per- mitted to return, and their property restored to them on giving in their allegiance to the govern- ment; while those in the ficld will be pardoned without exception upon laying down their arms. As unlikely a3 this may seem, there is much reason to believe that this is the intention. It is certain that Valmaseaa ts the oniy man living who can do" this; but so great is his popularity among the Span iards and confidence in his patriotism they will quietly submit to anything he may determine, At the same time he is especially anxlous to rid him- self of the charges of cruelty preferred against him, and no better way to accomplish this could be un- dertaken, On the Sth a meeting of the more promi- nent Spaniards was called at the Palace, and rumor was at once rife that it relerred to the amnesty question, It turned out, however, to be for the pur- pose of discussing the stamp tax recently imposed, and which falls in the inmost imeonvenient and oner- ous manner upon the’ merehants, and which at the same time imposes duties on ‘officials which 1t is utterly impracticable for them to perform, Vaimaseda has forwarded the following despatch to the Colonial Minister, under date oi the 3d:— In the name of the royal people of the island, of all its corporations, of the army, navy and volunteers, I request your bxcellency to felicitate his Serene Highness the King, and tender him our respectful homage. Three days of holiday were decreed here on ac- count of the arrival in Madrid oi the King, com- meucing on the 4th. Salutes were fired, and the houses and streets bedecked with bunting, ‘The Spanish Club of this city has addressed a com- munication to the President of the Council of Minis- ters in Madrid, expressive of the indignation of its members at the great crime which brought death to the distinguished patriot, General Prim. A letter from Cienfuegos states that a deposit of arms and munitions of war has been found on an estate in that jurisdiction, and that the overseer of the place committed suicide mn consequence. The owner, General Garcevan, is imprisoned, to answer the public; that the to the charge of treason. JAMAICA. go Negotiation for Subsidy for Steamship Line between Kiugston and Now York. KINGsTon, Ja., Dec. 23, 1870, Mr. Gonsalvo de Cordova has arrived trom New York with the object of arranging with the govern- ment for a monthly steamer to run between Kingston and New York. He asks a subsidy, but the govern- ment seems much more disposed to grant a subsidy to the line of steamships now running between New York and Aspinwall, The subsidy granted for a similar service by the Jamaica government a few year’s ago Was £4,500 per annum. It is believed that if the Aspinwall steamers were to call in at this port an immense fruit and carrying trade would spring up to and from the three ports. The Governor will open the new seSsion of the Legisiature to-morrow, when the Colonial Secretary will present his flnancial statement. ‘The surplus is xpected to exceed £32,000, and it 1s not improbable that there will be @ reduction tn the taxation of the country. ST. THOMAS. The West Indin Cable Ships—Markets. Sr. Tuomas, Dec, 31, 1870, The teleeraph ships are still here and the cable is being transferred from the Titian to the Dacia, They will Jeave in about two weeks to connect Jamaica with Porto Rico. St, Thomas markets are very dull. Freighting is very brisk owing to the arrival of several vessels seeking. Provisions very dull. ‘dhe cable between this place and Porto Rico 1s ay in perfect working order, and messages pass daily. BRITISH HONDURAS. Balize a Crown Colony—The Honduras In- teroceanic Railroad—Iudiany’ Mahogany ‘Trade. a Baizg, BRITISH HONDURAS, Dec, 26, 1870, Since my last the bill passed by our local Legisla- tive Assembly to make this a crown colony has been returned by the cro./n officials to be altered and amended. Our Lieutenant Governor has again called our Assembly together, and the bill was amerided so as to please her Majesty's law ofticlals, and I believe this colony will now be in all time to come acrown colony, in spite of the Monroe doc- trine or any other doctrine by the United States or any other nation, ‘Thus has now passed the power which this colony bas always vossessed to make its own laws and legislate for itself, and hereafter we shall be taxed drafted into armies for the defence of Great Britain or her colonies, without one werd from ourselves, Thus has the Legislature elected by the people to make laws under @ liberal constitution freeiy and fully given up ail power aud authority to make laws Jor themselves, ‘The Honduras Interoceante Railroad 1s still pro- err and tts friends declare it will quickly be built, This may be true; but when itis buili, what will support it or make it pay? Already has'nearly $20,000,000 in cash been spent, and only @ very small proportion of one section has been tnished, and al with only a three foot six inch track; and some persons, Who ought to know, assert that what is called done 1s only half done; or, in other words, is only badly done, and nearly tseless, But all tuese rts may be from Indians On our north aad west boundan have been very quiet for the lagt jour to six mouths, and we begin to Link they will now remain perma: nently quiet, Dirng the past few years much attention has been directed to sugar culture. rops of that article have steadily mereases sha % from 1,000 to i, this colon, 1 nigration from the Southern States hs entirely ceased; and 1 ought aiso to say that nin tenths of all who came down he turned io the United States, wiser, If not bette they were when thoy lanaed here. Our laborers are all ip town, but as yet very fe’ have engaged for the coming ‘year, as they du not like the Wages offered by the planters or to work on @ plantation, ‘There will be but Httle wood entting done here this Year, as the prices now oiferea ‘th England (our prin cipal market) ave not remunerative to the catters. Bei the late war in the United States the Brit- ish government used to take from 7,000,000 to 11,000,- 000 thousand feet of our mahogany each yer for shipbuilding: Bad ed, Now she uses iron and no mahogany. Thus our man source of industry 18 dried up, and up to this moment no other work has been found for cur wood-cuting laborers, and this has led thousands of good workmen to go down to Ute railroad. VENEZUELA. Capture of Rebel Men-9!-Wir—Success of Guzman Blanco. Sr. Thomas, Dec. 31, 1870, Advices from Maracaibo, via Curacoa, report a quiet conditton of affairs, The rebel men-of-war Maripesa and Bolivar have been captured and the fort and town of Maracaibo taken. Guzman Blaoco 18 OW In possession of the whole country, Around Maturin there is still some disturbance, but a force of 2,500 men has been despatclied to quell 1t. NEW MEXICO. The “Free Zone”? Measure—Its Injury to Americans tn Business—The Effect It Will Have on the Border, Los Cruses, N. M., Dec. 23, 1870. The merchants and public generally living on the frontier of New Mexico have been looking forward with great anxiety to the action of the Mexican government in refe ice to the “free zone” terri- tory; and the news has come to us that instead of repeating the odious and unjust measure they have again confirmed it by @ vote of 87 to 33 against It, Not only has the Mexican Congress given this great wrong a new existence, but in the discussion of the bill indulged in defiant and insulting language toward the United States. Indeed, since the expul- sion of the French from Mexico the people believe themselves invincible, and are not backward In as- serting their ability to wipe out the disgrace of defeat of 1846-7, os ties ‘The ‘free zane” ts & narrow strip of land, set apart by Mexican law, on the western bank of the Kio Grande, where goeds of all kinds can be enterea without paying duty, and in very many instances large invoices have been smuggled across without the knowledge of the United states authorities. Not only does this “free zoue” deleat the revenue laws inthis manner, but the Mexican merchants can in- troduce their’ goods bought m Europe or the United States, in bond, free, while the American merchant has to pay a daty of from forty to seventy- five per cent op ail foreign goods brought into Mexico. The consequence wiil naturally be that the American deing business in Mexico wil be forced to abandon the trade; and, as this ‘free zone’ busl- ness was iMaugurated for the Wd of driving foreigners out of the country, it will accomplish it, as weil as do great injury to the United States terri- tory adjoining. . This Mexican law, so manifestly unjust and op- pressive, will compe] American merchants domg business on the American side of the river to pur- chase their goods In bond, ship them to Mexico—as bonded goods pay no duty—and then resort to dis- honorable means to get them back again. That is the alternative; either relinqnisn trade or give your Leg protection which te United States’ falls to do, ‘The merchants on the frontier can truly be called the advance guard of civilization; and blot them from lawful competition with our Mexican neighbors the country would relapse into sem!-barbarism. With the richest and most extensive mines on the Con- tinent, this country ought to flourish and prosper, and, with the ald of Congress, this ‘ree zone” out: rage aboushed, New Mexico wiil soon stand before the world without an Here fhe acquisition of Chihuahua and Sonora to the territory of the United States would ve of more im- mediate and lasting benefit to the United States than twenty St. Domingos, and if we are to extend our borders under the inspiration of the Monroe doc- tine let us hope that it will include iand contigu- ous and a people Whose most intelligent citizens desire annexation. JEFFERSON MARKET POLICE COURT, Justice Shandley ad but little todo at Jefferson Market yesterday, but that “little was done with his usual quickness and precision. whe self-styled “Scion of British Aristocracy,” William Walker, charged with obtaining money under false pretences, was committed in default of $500 bail. The young nobleman (?)—who looks some- thing like a well-to-do Engilsh mechanic—confessed to having “borrowed” the money. Lizzie Allen, a young lady as black as the ace of spades, and not half so good-looking, was charged by Wilitam H. Westerveit, of No, 292 Bleecker street, with stealing from his shop. Muss Lizzie had been effecting a few purchases there, and thinking, probably, that she had not quite the worth of her money, took with her on leaving a parcel containing forty-four yards of poplin—by the merest chan forgetting to pay for it. The sable damsel was coi. mitted. Jon Quigley, seeing 2 horse and wagon, the pro- perty of Jevbin Ayers, standing without a driver at the corner of Seventh avenue and Thirty-third strect, evinced his predilection for horseflesh by starting off with the “turnout” at arapid gait up the avenue, to the intense disgust of officer Gillen, of the Twenty-sixth precinct, who gave chase, caught the “horsey gent,” and brought him before Justice Shandley, who held him for examination. Take of il-treated or deserted wives not a few, fightists, “soiled doves,” throw in a very stroug dash of drunkards, mix well together, and the above forms the “nodge-podge” served up yesterday at “the Market." STATEN ISLAND. Meeting of the Improvement Commission. A meeting of the above commission was held yes- terday afternoon at the ofice of Duncan, Sherman & Co., in Nassau street, and a number of gentlemen were present who are interested in the contemplated improvements on the island. Mr. Erastus Brooks, President, occuplea the chair. A Committee on Bills for Legislative Action was announced, to consist of J. M. Martin, of Middle- ton; A, Printser, Castleton; G. Bowman, Northfield; Robert E. Christie, Southtield, and W. S. Hornfayer, Westfield. A very elaborate report was submitted dy Messrs. Olmsted, Harris and Trowbridge on the subject ot @ general plan of improvement of the island. It re- ferred to the situation of the soil and suggested the best means of drainage. The sources of malaria were pointed ont and the remedy described, ana showed what the public should be compelied to do to remove those sources and inducements offered to accomplish this. This 18 the most important improvement and must enhance the value of real estate. Providing water for private use i8 another improvement suggested. Most of the water in use was believed to be un wholesome; but a large supply of excellent water could be obtained, the sources pointed out and the means of obtaiming the same, | ‘The result of analysis of the water now 1n use, made by Professor Chandler, Was read by Dr. Harris and its impurities described. The water in the brooks ts salt—that of Brook Valley absolutely #allL—put some extremely excellent water was found in different parts of the island. The report proceeded to consider the subject of public communtl- cation, and the radical detects of communication with New York descrived, but which, it was believed, would be remedied in the course of me, A new plan of ferry communication was suggested more direct than the presentone and shortening the distance. Highway communication was next considered, Kail- Ways mast be constructed to every part of the island apd connecting by railway bridges with joints in New Jersey aud elsewhere. A system of igh ways was also suggested—high roads instead of boulevards and avenues, THE LAST OF NEWARK’S DEAD ALDERMAN. All that remained of the late Alderman Volney A. Bilis, of Newark, was consigned to the grave in Pairmount vemetery yesterday in presence of the Common Council and a large conconrse of people, including the oMicers or the New Jersey Rajlroad, Services had previously been held tn the Beéllevil! avenue Congregational caurch by Rev. Mr. Hurlbul aldermen el, Lynch, Malone, Stainsby, Malus and Starr acted as pall-bearera. BROOKLYN'S BOTHERSOME BOURBON. Another Raid on the Dis« tilleries. Twelve Hundred United States Troops March ing Against the Mash Tubs—Three Stills Found—-$100,000 Worth of Property Destroyed—The Victorious Army in Command of the Situation. The United States author!ties made another raid on the Hiiclt distillery establushments in the Fifth ward yesterday, The plan for the present raid haa been under consideration for some thine past, and c 'y precaution was taken by the authorities to prevent the seeret trom getting out before the rald Was made, When the raid was made on the 2d of November last it was foand that the majority of the distillers had been apprised of the movements of the assessors and military, and the large stills, vaina’ pparatus and whiskey had uearly all vanished before the officers arrived. Notwithstanding the unusual precaution the confle dential messenger of tis whivksy men apprised them of what was comng, and the result was that ONLY THREE STILLS WEtH FOUND, all the others having been remo’ by the owners beyond the reach of the Would-be seizera. There Were mash tups and mash in abundance, but the suils and whiskey were gone. In order to throw the wulskey men ot vuard the autsoritics had given several false alarins la regard to the rald, bat they could not be fooled. General Jourdan, accompanied by Marshal Dallon, Assessors Parkinson, Juuy, McLecr, Oaptatns Moss Wass and several officers from the nm hand and Watched tae demoll- thon of the property, THE MILITARY ESCORT consisted of the following regular troops, under command of General Isract Voudes:— First ardliery—400 men, under General Vogdes. 43 ghth infantry—0o0 men, under Colonel Bouford, Marines—1v0 strong, uu colonel Broome, Kugineer decachtment—100 men, Permanent party irom Governor's Island — 40 men, under Lieutenant Doughercy, of the First infantry. ‘Tne Kighth iniantry eit Davia’s island, where they are now station:d, al about six o'clock yesterday morning, and were conveyed by steamer to the Navy \ard, where they will be quartered as loug as their services are lequired im that troublesomd secuon, ‘This body was sufficient to repel any attack which might be male upon the men who were employed by the assessors to destroy the property. There was, however, AN EXCITED THRONG following the troops bout through the different streets Where they were at work, and, from the ine dignation manitested by some, IV was evident thi the assessors would . have been pretty rough handled if they had visited the locality without tu military escort. AS Soon as any coltraband pro perty Was seized it Was either placed upon track: and carted directly to the Navy Yard ora guar placed over it. THE DISTILLERIES SEIZED were severaily placed under charge of assistant assessors as [ollovw: orman, Dixou's alley, Assis tant Assessor Rowan; Duny’s, Plymouth street, As- sistant Assessor FE. Daly; Granam’s, Dixon’s alley, Assistant Assessor Wild; MeLane’s, Hudson avenu Assistant Assessor Parkinson; Osborn & Mulady, Waier street, Assistant Assessor Schmeickert; Cassidy, Little street, Assistaut Assessor Davis McMann Brothers, United States street, Assistan' Assessor Mullaville; Dargin’s, Join street, Assistant As: ‘or FZ, Tucker; Whiielord’s, Jonna street, As- sistant Assessor Lancaster; Whiting, John street, Assistant Assessor Carroll; Gauney’s, Plymoutla street, Assistant Assessor Dodge; brennan & Cou. Gold street, Assistant Assessor Irish; large still im rear of Dubby’s, Assistant Assessor Hanley; Dough- ety & Co, Little street, Assistant Assesson McKellar. lt 1s estimated that about $100,000 worth of pro« perty Was seized. CANAL TRAYSPORTAT.ON, ’ Canada Bidding for the Western Carrying Trade—Proposed Enlargement of the Wel« land and Lachine Canals, ‘TORONTO, Jan. 12, 1871, In reply to queries put by the newly appointed canal commissioners, the Hamilton Board of Trade made the following suggestions:— i ‘That the depth of water be Increased to twelve feet; that the locks should be enlarged, so as :d permit vessels to pass of from 230 ta 850 feet in length and from 8 ta 40 feet across the beam, with a draft of water of twelve feet, and carrying to the capacity of 30,000 bushels of wheat. By this enlargement @ reduction on the rates of freight between Chicaga and Kingston and Oswego of about twelve and a half per cegt could be effected. Tne improvement of the canals should commence at Montreal with tha Lachine Canal and proceed westward, with a view of drawing the traflic of the great West by the St. Lawren routs, A canal on the Canada side of Lake Sauit Ste. Marte is strongly recommended. The impolicy of allowing the trada, ‘on the north shore of Superior to be depend-! ent on the use of the United States canals is strongly dwelt upon. ‘The report concludes by saying the people of tha Dominion owe to the 3, a8 the guarantee of w nobie heritage, to see that the American people on the shores of the great lakes have every facuity give them treeiy to use the Weliaud, >t. Lawrence and le canals, on the ‘same terms ag r own people, with a view to assist in developin; produce trac that annually rolls its ine ned und inereasing volume from the West to the AUany tc. No unwise legisiation should, in imitation of the ernde policy of our neighbors, be permite to check the growth of commerce that 18 destined ta eclipse in magnitude and, grandeur all the realiza+ tions of the paste “WE ARE NOT THE LAST OF Ua RACE.” Lectare by Dr. Doremus. According to Dr. Doremus we are not the last of our race, but the world is to go on Improving in=- definitely. In proof of this agreeabie theory the Doctor in his lecture last night, in Twenty. second street, first called the science of astronomy to witness, remarking by the way that he considered it disgraceful to New York that there was no observatory connected with any of its scten- tifle institutiorfs. The lecturer next spoke of the geological changes of the Earth, showing that there had been a gradual growth, taking many millions of years, He rem ed that THE CARBONIFEROUS PERIOD there were no plauts tat were sweet-smelling or fruit-bearing; but vegetation existed merely to pro« vide coal for future age Of the geography of thet Karth much is yet unknown. With regard to light some wonderful discoveries have’ lately been made, — showly that, after, aray has been separated Inro its elementary hue: the red has most heat, the yellow most light, and the blue most phosphor In this eentury the gale vanic battery has been produced, steam utilizea, tha telegraph given to the world, and heat, light and electricity are matters of modern revelation. As yet we know very little of medicine. With all the pathies no man can tell bow A PIECE OF BREAD AND BUTTER e is transmuted lato blood and bone. We are only, beginning to learn the beautiful story of sciences No one can tell what a few centuries ‘will develop. From the great results of modern sotence, and th higher spiritual growth to which man attains as the world gets older, the lecturer deduced the co: clut sion that the race is but veginning @ course that to culminate in triamph. But as millions of year have been occupied in bringing our planet and ite inhabitants to its PRESENT DEGREE OF PERFECTION, so it is fair to conclude that ages of development will yet elapse before the flual consummation. The present war 1a Europe was referred to as a proot that there is room for improvement in the race, al the disposition of scholars to dig into the graves u! the ancients instead of studying God's laws fi nature and in their owf bodies was considered be a proof of depravity, or at least a grave error id judgmeut. THE LATE DAVID A. FLOYD JONES. The Fancral Yesterday—An Imposing Displa: Yesterday afternoon, at two ‘ock, the rematai of the late David R. Floyd Jones, ex-Lieutenant Governor of this State, were conveyed to their om Testing place in the cemetery in the village of Sout Oyster Bay, Long Island. The remains were en4 closed in a handsome rosewood casket, mounted a silver, the plate bearing the following anscripy jon:— OOOO DAE NELE IDLE REOODELE HERE: DAVID R. FLOYD JONES, BORN APRIL 6, 1813. Died January 8, 1871. ONOEIOE LENE =P EE ETD PEOO EEN LED LESE RODEO LE ‘The funeral services were conducted by sisi: Littiejohn, assisted by’Rev. S. 8, Stockton. The i lowing persons acted as pall-bearers:—C. B. Moot Treadwell Ketcham, New E Brooklyn; J. C. Jackson, Tuomas F. Young, F. Carman, ‘Queens; William H. Nicol, J. Lawren Snuto, Sufoik. During the morning the were visited by more than five hundrea people. namber of promixent politicians and business of New York, Brooklyn and Long Island follow: the remalns to the grave. COURT OF APPEALS GALINDAR, . ALBANY, Jan. 12, 1871, The following ts the calendar of the Commissiog, of Appeals for Friday, January 13, 1871:—Nos. 1, 4 49, 50, 55, 68, 67, 85, 88, 87, D1, U2, 95, Oh 9% ener.