The New York Herald Newspaper, February 14, 1871, Page 3

, WASHINGTON. Senatorial Breeze Over the Test Oath Bill. Made to pase tRe bill at this session. The Western members are strongly in favor of it, for the reason ‘that 1t will largely increase their representation in ‘the House. It will be opposed by the members from. the New England States, which will suffer from tts effects by @ reduction of their representation. ‘The Russian Adventurer Mitkiewitz—A Grand Fraud Exposed. With reference to the romantic story of the courtship of the so-called Russian Count Eu- Congressman Brown on Trial | gene Mitkewitz, ana “now he loved, wooed for Bigamy. Spanish-American Commission to Settle the Cuban Claims, The Russian Adventurer Miikie- witz Exposed. Washington Welcomes the Fe- nian Exiles. WASHINGTON, Feb, 13, 1870, Lively Debate in the Senate Over the Georgia Senator—Another Veto Expected. ‘There was a lively debate in the Senate to-day on the udmission to his seat of Mr. Miller, Senator elect from Georgia. During the discussion the bill to repeal the test oath was incidentally referred to, whereupon Senator Morton denounced it as an un- wise measure, and charged that it passed the Senate without Senators knowing or thinking much about it; in other words, it went through by fraud. He hoped the Prest+ @ent would veto it, Several Senators said that the bill in question was passed without attracting their attention, Morton further charged that the bill haa not been properly considered by tne Judi- clary Committee. Trumbull and Thurman de- mounced Morton, and stated that what he said was mot correct. Thurman sald that if he knew the member of the Judictary Committee who divulged its proceedings to Morton he would move to censure him. Edmunds attacked thurman and Nye, turned ‘Upon Trumbull, and for some time there was a gene- Fal fire all along the line, It is not tmpro- Dable that the President may veto the Dill to repeal the test oath, especially after the debate in the Senate to-day, which developed the fact that ‘the strongest friends of the President are against it and desire to have 11 vetoed. The statement of sev- eral Senators, to the effect that the bill passed the Benate by mistake, will also have some effect upon his action. Should he veto the bill it will undoubt- edly fail, as it cannot secure the necessary two- thirds in either House, The Indien Frauds InvestigationsA White- washing Report. The Committee of the House which nas been en- gaged in investigating the charges preferred by WIl- Mam Welsh, of Philadelphia, against the manage- Ment of the Indian Bureau, had the testimony printed to-day for the use of the committee. They ‘Will now proceed to make out their report to be sub- Titted to the House. It ts understeod that the ma- jority report will show that while there is nothing in the evidence to prove dishonesty or corrup- tion en the part of Commissioner Parker, it is clearly shown that the affairs of the bureau have been joosely managed, by reason of which parties outside have been allowed make large sums of money by exorbitant charges for merchandise purchased and transported for the bureau. There will probably be a minority report implicating Commissioner Parker in the outside ir- Begularities. The Cuban Claims Commission. General Sickles telegraphs to the State Depart- ment that the negovations for a mixed commission to consider the claims for injuries to the persons and properties of American citizens by Spanish @uthorities during the insurrection in Cuba haye been concluded, and that the messenger 13 on his ‘Way to this city with the correspondence. Rights of Foreign Verseis American Ports. ‘The Treasury Department has received advices that the owner of the cargo of the British schooner Emery, which arrived at Erie, Pa., on the Ist of December last, has complied with the requirements Of the law in giving a bond for the delivery of his cargo at Cleveland and paying whe expenses ac- crued for the employment on board of an inspection force. As the case has already attracted much at- tention on the northern frontier it may be well to State the fact that when the Emery arrived at Erie with her dutiable cargo the department was In- formed that the master claimed that he entered port in distress and could not with safety proceed to hfs destination, As it is usual @ degree of hospitality im such cases, the Collector was directed to ascertain whether the revenue would be protected by closing and sealing the hatches of the vessel. It was stated in reply ‘that the Emery did not appear to be in distress, but that the master was testing his rights in American Waters, and had decided to make an entry of his cargo, the manifest showing that the vessel was destined for Cleveland. Tbe Collector was then in- structed to place an inspector on board, at the mas- ter’s expense, which was done. Subsequentiy, however, the Collector stated that the revenue cut- ter Perry hud taken up winter quarters alongside the Emery, with instractions to hold the vessel under observation, aud that the presence of the inspector on board might not be necessary. The Collector was ‘therefore instructed to take a satisfactory bond for the delivery of the cargo at Cleveland, and to qgiscontinne the employment of inspectors, first collecting from the master a sum equal to the ex- ‘penses incurred to the government by reason of the Presence of the Emery in that port. As some doubts existed as to how far the practice has been uniform in régard vo cargoes of vessels detained at ports other than those of weir destination, by reason of the sutiden and unexpected closing of navigation, an examination into the question was had, and, as the case of the Emery was the first imstance in ‘which #ie customs anthorities on the frontier re- ported to the department, in the absence of a gen- erai rule the Secretary directed that on the execu- tion of a bond for the delivery of the cargo within six months at Cleveland and the payment of the expense of the inspection force, the fines and penal- ‘ties that might accrue would not be enforced. The ‘action of the department in unis case has established tue principle that when a foreign cargo arrives ‘within a port of the United States it 1s subject to the revenue laws, no matter whether such port ts the @estination or not, and if a vessel cheoses to loiter in a port she can only be indulged at her own ex- pense and not at the expense of the government. The action of tho Collector at Erie was accordingly sustained throughout by we department. @he West Point Outrage—The Case of the Colored Cadet. It 1s expected that the House will to-morrow take mp for action the report of the Military Committee sapon the late disturbances at West Point, and vote Bpon the proposed resolutions recommending the Becretary of War to restore to the Academy the three expelied cadets, all of whom are now legally separated from it by resignation or discharge, and to.appoint a court martial to alscover and dismiss ‘he ringleadors in the “‘ontrage” and to muiltably punish all others concerned. It 1s wom that Generai Butler will champion the ase of the first class, of which the President’s son . a. member, and that much stress will be 1aid on , We gallant conduct of the cadets on the occasion of th SDurning of the barracks,.on the morning of tne Sth t., in extenuation of the charges that they wer ity of any gross breach of the academic rules ‘f discipline. The ‘Wapers in the case of the colored cadet, Smith, who w. &8 court martiaied on several charges, are now in. Se hands of tue Secretary of War, whe has not as ye 8 Dad time to examine the voluminous re- port of th ¥sestimony taken. The New ‘Apportionment of Representatives, ‘The bill f ¥ the apportionment of Representatives 1m Congress Won the basis of the new census will probably be r. Worted from the House Judiciary Com- mittee this wee *- The delay in reporting it is un- derstood to have \,been caused by the absence of full census returns f,.0m the several States. Ths com. mittee cannot .wake @ proper apportionment until they aro f,Wnished with complete and to extend | and won an heiress,” published in last Sunday’s HERALD, the Russian Legation here authorizes @ Contradiction of the statement that any such Person was ever attached to the Legation, If, to | quote again Artemus Ward, “sometimes a count isn’t @f much ’count after ail,” it would seem that the Gay Lothario Mitkiewits is no count at all. It is stated that there 1s no family of that name in Russia any member of which bears the title of count, The legation here does not recognize Mit- kiewitz as a Russian subject. It appears that some 8iX months ago Miss Lester’s family applied to the Russian Minister for information about Mitktewltz, and in reply Mr. Catacazy exposed his pretensions and warned them against him as a worthless and dangerous adventurer, A Congressman on Trial for Bisamy. The case of Representative Bowen, charged with bigamy, was up in the Criminal Court fer this dis- trict to-day. ‘the principal witness for the prosecu- tion was the clerk of the Circuit Court of Florida, who testified that he married Mr. Bowen and Mrs, Parke In Tallahassee under a State law passed in 1848, giving the right to judges of probate to solemuize marriages, he Brazilian Mail Service. Sam Cox introduced a bill to-day to provide ad- ditional mail service between New York and Brazil. It provides that the Postmaster General shall arrange for additional mail service with Brazil, so that the deliveries at New York and Rio Janelro shall be semf*monthly during the unexpired term of the existing contract, | provided the contractors on said route, in leu of all additional compensation from tne United States for carrying the mails, will contract to receive a return of one cent per pound out of the duty on coffee ac- tually imported on the steamers in excess of the importation thereof by sald steamers during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1870, The steamers are to be of not less than two thousand tons register, and the exact quantity of importations of coffee thereby to be ascertained in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe; pro- vided, also, that in the event of the abolition of the duties on coffee during the said contract there shall be paid in Iteu of the return provided for an amount egual tothe sum of such returns during the fiscal year immediately preceding such apolition. ‘The total annual exports of coilee from brazil are 220,000 bags, of about 160 pounds each, The parties inte- rested in the bill olaim that the duties paid on coffee imported by the Brazilian in five years have been three and a half millions in gold, while the amount paid for carrying the maiis im the same time was $750,000 in currency. Increas- ing the service to a semi-monthly one will, it is held, increase the importation of coffee, and give the gov- ernment and the mail contractors under this bill additional revenue. Monument to Admiral Dahlgren. A letter, addressed to Mra. Dahlgren from the managers of West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadel- phia, states:— The Board of Managers, considering that Colonel Uirie Dahigren tell in the service of his country, under circumstances of chivairic and distinguisied heroism; and that Admurai Dahlgren, alter a long and honorable career in his protession, has left a reputation of which she is justly proud; and feciing it at once a duty and a privilege to do what in them les towards honoring such illustrious memories, have unanimously resolved to ofer for your accept- ance alot anywhere in the cemetery that you may select, and of any size that may be necessary to give eifect to the proposed staiues. Admiral Dahigren never asxed, nor received of his country one dollar for the patented Inventions which armed the navy. He died leaving an estate of $15,000, The widow intends to devote ali of her widow's dower, and her son Paul all of his inhertt- ance to the use of placing monuments over the graves of the deceased. Nominations by the President. The following nominations were sent to the Senate to-day:— Horace Lawson, Collector of Customs, Eastern district of Maryland. Posimascers,— Moses eae at Syracuse, N. Y.; Frank Ix 50u +» Owego, N. Y.; Willian H, Sireeter, Houghton, Mlch.; J- H. Shattieworth, Clarksbarg, Va N. W. Read, Rouseville, Pa.; H. McGuigan, Tamaqua, Pa,; Amela J. Hannam, Schayikill Haven, Pa.; J. Leib, Ashland, Pa.; S. H. Evans, Tideoute,’Pa.; Edward Sozin, Notre | Dame, ind.; James H. Fetter, Peru, Ind.; Edward eee Keokomo, Ind.; Jonn H. Mills, Gold HIN, Nev. Soldiers’? Homesteads. The Senate Committee on Public Lands to-day had under consideration the House bill to enable hon- orably discharged soldiers and sallors, their widows and orphan children, to acguire homesteads on the public lands of the United States, and agreed to | amend it by striking out the provision allowing as- signment of homestead certificates, and by omitting the section allowing the entry of the land by an agent or attorney. The committee will also recom- mend that the Commissioner of the General Land Onice have authority to make all the needful reguia- tions to carry the act into effect, especially regard- ing the declarations and proofs required, Heospitalities to Irelund’s Exiles. Both branches of the City Council to-night ap- | propriated one thousand dollars for the purpose of extending the hospitatities of the capital of the na- tion to the Fenian exiles, recently released from the British prisons. There was only one dissenting voice in either board. Railroad Gridges to be Used in Common, The House Committee on Kallways and Canals have agreed upon general provisions of a bill allow- ing all raiiroad companies through the Southern country to run their tracks over any bridge now or hereafter constructed, upon paying a reasonable compensation therefor, the difference to be adjusied | by arbitration, Enorcing the Right of Franchise. The House Judiciary Committee succeeded to-day in having Wednesday set apart for their bill to enforce the right of citizens to vote un- der the provisions of the amendments to the constitution. It was agreed that the vote should be taker on the bill at four o’ciock on Wednesday. The provisions of the bill have already been given in the HERALD. Its object is to place in the hands of the national government the whole machinery ot the election in the several States. The democrats will oppose It with all thelr power, but as itis a party measure there 1s no doubt of its passage as soon as a vote is reached. It is a sort of supplement to the Enforcement bill passed at the last session, and takes the control and decision of local as Well a8 Congressional elections completely out of the imads of State and municipal authorities ‘nd places it inte hands of United States officials appointed by the United States district judges. It will create a lively debate, but there seems to be @ determination in both houses to push it through at this session. Judge Bingham wih have charge of the bill. The Weather Reports. General Myers, chief of the Stgnal Co: 3 dle- -Clded to postpone for a few days the Rpiopue oe reports of weather and the probabilities concern- 1g 1 Tho Territorializi of the District, {Correspondence of the Evening Post. WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 1871. ‘The conference report on the bill providing a ter ritorial form of governmeat for the District of Columbia has been agreed upon, and, ifa favorable opportunity offers, will be reported to both branches or Col s to-morrow. The bill is very Popular bere with all classes, excepting, perhaps, a few ward politicians who will be compelled, if the bill becomes a !aw, to make ja living otherwise than at the expense of the taxpayers of the city. NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE. Protracted Session of Both Houses—The Fif= teenth Amendment Before the Senate—An- other Erie Fight. TRENTON, Feb, 13, 1871. ‘The Senate and House were in session until near midnight. In the Senate a joint resolution, assent- ing to the fliteenth amendment, was under discus- sion. In the Assembly, among many minor matters considered, was a stpplement to the Newark char- ter, which defines the Fourteenth and Fifteenth wards, An act was introduced to incorporate the Scheoley’s Mountain Mineral Railroad Company, capital .$300,000: for @ railroad in Morris county to @ poime’ at or near the Heath House, Schooley’s Mountaip, witn privilege of forming connection with thé Morris and Railroad and Morris ant A great number of bills were introduced. A numbor of lobbyists are here frem tb official roturpa frem AYery State, Anedort will be | opre tke reppal w We Silo lexislapan of 1879p line | THE HUDSON HOLOCAUST. The Locomotive Baised—The Bodies of the Engi- neer and the Stranger Not Recovered—Mrs, Bennett Identifies Some Clothing as That of Her Husband. New Hamburg, Feb, 13, 1871, The great railway disaster is still the chief topic of conversation, and the talk includes the history of Doc Simmons, the express train engineer. I knew him well and can vouch for the stories of his bravery in times gone by. In all his conversations with rail- road men he would never advucate jumping from an engine inatime of danger, ‘‘No,’”’ said he on one occasion, “I would squat.” He meant he would “squav’ behind the boiler and trast to going through Whatever might obstruct the wack. That was un- doubtedly the course he took on that fatal Monday night, Nearly all of his comrades on the Hudson River Railroad think he was FOOLISHLY BRAVE. They argue that alter the patents were pulled and his engine reversed and throttle opened, he had per- formed ail the duty in his power vo save the train, and then he should have jumped to save himself. He leaves a little child behind in Poughkeepsie, She was his daughter by his first wife, and he visited her every Sabbath regularly, Upon the Salbath previous to the accident he cailed to see her, and when they parted, as was his custom, he kissed her fondly and bade her goodby, Having gone a little ways he returned, and again and again bid her by-by. Could he have tad a premonition that that was the last time he would see her? All the locomotives on the road are draved in mourning out of respect to his memory, To-day crowds of Heoule are gath- ered about the fatal drawbridge, watchlag the work of raising the locometive, whicn is conducted by Mr. Otis, Master Mechanic Buchanan, James Wheeler and subordinaies. ‘rhis atternooa all the arrange- ments were fully Completed ior rapid business, and by means of screw levers THE LOCOMOTIVE COMMENCED TO RISE gradually, but surely and safely; and as the drivers came to View ali eyes Were centered upon that por- lion ef them next to where the engincer’s house should stand. It was there the pody of the engineer and the {rend who was with him were expected to be tound. Finaliy, those who stood directly over the engine upon the scatfold thought they could see the foot-board of the engine, and then anxious eyes peered down through the darkened waters, Dutynothing could be seen. Next the grapplers were put at work, but they grappled in vain, ‘This was A DISAPPOINTMENT. Every one expected that the dead engineer woula be jound ath the foot board, but as the engine was Taised still higher all doubts were removed—the Toot board was clear, This fact was at once com- municated by telegraph to Supertniendent Toucey, who was at Thiruieth street, and he replied, “Search one hour more; then, if you do not find any bodies, send the diver down again.”’ Again the search was renewed, and a special engine was despatched to Poughkeepsie, with a messenger from Mr. Polk, the diver, on board, vo get the latter’s armor. In the meantime ail sorts of speculations Were indulged in by the crowd as to tae whereabouts of the bodies, some arguing that they were burned up entirely, and others that they had floated away with the cur- rent, not to be found till the river breaks ap, During to-day there have been SEVERAL NARROW ESCAPES from drowning about the wreck, those who broke througn having, in their great anxiety to see every- ad ventured out of their depth and on the brittle ice. Mrs. Sarah Bennett, who has been stopping here to ascertain if her husband was on the ul-fated train, has just returned from Pougnkeepsie, where she has been to see if she could identify any of the loose clothing which the undertaker cook charge of, and she was SORROWFULLY SUCCESSFUL, She identified his hat and two pocket handkerchiefs and then fainted away. Recovering soon after she was removed from the room, and when she was suiiciently rested was sent back to this place. I understand that the citizens of Poughkeepsie will start atund in her aid. Ste should be assisted im- mediately, as she is entirely destitute and has with her a child three years of age. She says her husband had with him « gold watch and hair chain, a locket, with the baby’s picture in, aud & photo- graph of himself and ner on one card, She seems to ve almost heartbroken, and now thinks that ne Was the man on the engi:e with the engineer, and that he secured a ride there to save expense. case is, Indeed, a depiorable one, and should com- mand instant attention. The engine which was sent after the diver’s armor returned at four o'clock in the afternoon with only a portion of tt, when it was sent back again after the rest, This delay greatly interfered with the work, and the diver expressed a desire to postpone his descent till morning. He says there 1s a vast heap of rubbish or debris near where the engine lay and thinks that in that rubbish bodies may be lound. He therefore proposes to grapple the whole heap with chains, and hoist it in the same manner as the locomotive was litted, Aiter consultation 1t was concluced to postpone the exploration below the suriace of the water till halfpast seven o'clock to- morrow morning. -Pieces of gold chain’, @ portion of a bracelet and a brass chain were taken from the top of the boiler of tue locomotive this afternoon, having probably fallen there from broken trunks, State Surveyors are here to-day from the Senate Committee, making surveys for the information of the Legisiative Conunitre the Locometive—No Bedies Yound. POUGHKEEPSIE, Feb, 18—P. M. The locomotive was raised to-night even with the abutment of the bridge, and will be landed apon the track to-morrow. All the gearings show that she was reversed. No bodies have been found. Polk, the diver, will make another descent to-morrow in search of the engineer. Recovery of More Personal Intelligence. Three °x-Governors of Massachusetts—viz., Win- throp, Clifford and Bullock—are now sojourning at the Fitth Avenue Hotel. Mr. Henry S. sanford, formerly United States Min- ister to Brussels, has arrived at ihe Brevoort House. He wiil sail for Europe nex* Saturday. Mr. R. G. Walsh, irom Japan, who 1s travelling in company with the party of Japanese noblemen, is staying at the Metropolitan Hotel, General V. D. Gowan, of Chicago, is among the latest arrivals at the St. Dents Hotel, Mr. John E. Owens, who has not yet found hts bar- rel of “apple sass,”’ has turned up at the Grana Cen- tral Hotel. Mr. C. Koopmanschap, the future Postmaster Gen- eral, at present wholesale importer of “heathen Chinee,”’ has returned from his Southern tour of in- spection;and is to be found at the Hofman Hous Mr. A. S. Washburn, member of Congress from Maine, ts registered at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Mr. F. L. Latin, State Prison Inspector, of Sauger- ues, is temporarily at the Metropolitan Hotel. Mr. Francis 8. Hayes, Preaident of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, has returned to the Brevoort House. General T. L. Clingman, from North Carolina, ts quariered at the Grand Central Hotel. Judge Homer A. Nelson, Secretary of State, is among the arrivals at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Colonel James M. Lewis, President of the New Oricans and Little Rock Railroad; N. P. Lang, of Montana, and General George L. Becket, of St. Paul, are among the latest arrivals at the St. Nicholas, THE COAL MiiERS? STR IKE. Operators Not Anxious to Resume Opern- tions—The Coal Market Overstocked—Meet- ing to be Held in New York—Suffering Among Miners. POTTSVILLE, Pa., Feb. 18, 1871. A large number of coal operators were present at the mecting to-day. The meeting was held with closed doors. The utmost anxiety prevails in busi- ness circles as te wnat the result will be. The ope- rators are not anxious to resuime work, the market being overstocked, It 1s generally conceded that the men cannot hold out much longer. It is under- stood that but a few mines will resume work on February 16, and those only to keep the furnaces oing. The operators are unwilling to pay rates on ite basis of last fail. Much suffering exists among the miners’ families. The community is sympathizing with them. They are willing to work, but are prevented from doing go by the so-called Workingmen’s Benevolent Ass0- ciation. The Miners’ Journal of to-morrow will contain the fellowing editorial in relation to the meeting of operators held to-lay:— The meeting was organized about two o’elock anc contin- wed in session unt!l about seven, when ft was adjourned to meet in New York city tomorrow. Although the proceed- ings were, by resolution, directed to be kept learn that a decided poilcy was determined up. lieved, when fu fected, will enable to resume and to coutinue work duriy, bi ‘the season, with no reasonable fears of serious intermption. ‘We aincerely hope this anticipation may be more thad real- {zed, and that the regton may not be in the unfortu- nate position of last year. A telegram received this afternoon from Shamo- xin tates that ihe operators aad workin en of Northumberland dounty, at a meeting held to-day, ‘Aagreed to resume work on the 16th of the present month on the terms of the basis of 1860, with a sliding scale of thirty-three per cent. Operators are Dey $a basis for the first month after @9al goes ITALY AND TUNIS. The Difficulty Between King Vietor Emmanuel and His Highness the Bey. Piracies of the Riff—Their History and Present Consequences. Italy’s Threat of War for the Protection of the Trade of the Mediterranean. The Bey of Tunis, His Sovereignty, Cabinet and People. During the past few days we have reported by a series of cable telegrams from Europe, dated in Fiorence and London, the fact that an international executive dificuity had arisen between his Majesty King Victor Emmanuel, of italy, and that of tus Highness Mohamed-Sadok-Tacha, Bey of Tunis, in the Barbary States, and that the dipiomatie corre- spondence of the two potentates was broken off and war likely to cnsue between their peoples in conse- quence, HISTORY. A HERALD correspondent, dating his despatch in London on the 9th inst., supplied the following tn- formation on the subject:—A very serlous dificulty is likely to arise between the government of his Majesty King Victor Emmanuel and the Bey of Tunis | on the subject of the piracies of the Riff and their abatement, During the session of the Italian Legis- lative Chambers yesterday the Minister Signor Ve- nosta made the announcement “that the difficulty with the government of Tunis was not yet adjusted.” He (the Minister) added “that the Italian govern- ment Was disposed to press the subject to an early issue.” Speeches were subsequently made by several members of the Italian parliamentary opposition, who urged in the strongest terms the sending of a fleet to Tunis, in order to repress the outrages which were said to have been committed by the naval marauders who nestie on the African coast near the Mediterranean shore, and are, a3 has been alleged, sheitered by the Bey and his officers. NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1871.—TRIPLE SHEET. British Protector, Oliver Cromwell, who chastised them severely by the hands of Admiral Blake. Frdiceand Holland followed up tho work of the English Lord Protector, and commerce became free on the African coast for years. In the year 1816 Lord Exmouth, with his British sailors, threatened to treat the Tunisians just as the Algerines had been treated on account of their piractes, ‘The consequence was that the government of the Bey agreed to renounce acts of outrage and to give up the enslavement of Christian prisoners captured by the men of the Ruff, ‘The spirit of this promise was observed by his sac- cessors—Achmet Bey, in 1837; Mohammed Bey, in 1855, and Mohammed Sadyk Bey, m 1859, having initiated various reforms, including the suppression: of the slave trade, declaring the children of slave parents free and for the extinction of piracy. ‘The love of spoil and greed for gain, however, pre- vailed, and the pirates of the Ruff have “nestled”? in their holds on the promontory more or less closely ever since, notwithstanding the fact that the French “smoked” a great many of their coun- trymen to death im their native caverns during the Algerian campaign under Marshal Bugeaud, ond pressed “right on” thence to suljugate— ‘The Berber in old Atlas’ glens, The Moor in Titterl. This violence of tie French brought forth the famous native warrior of the Moors, the gallant Abd-El-Kader. TOPOGRAPHY. Tunis is a country of North Africa, one of the Bar- the Mediterranean, southeast by Tripoli, south by the Desert of Sahara and west by Algeria. It ls situate between latitude 31 degrees and 37 degrees north, and longitude 8 degrees aud 11 degrees east. ‘The promontory and land of the Ri fringes tt. ‘The | extreme length of the Tunisian territory 18 about 440 miles; its average breadth 160 miles. Tunis had, a@ few years since, a population num- bering two millions five hundred thousand people, The climate is, generally speaking, healthy. Silver, lead and copper are found in the mountains, and at some ‘ew points of the country there are manufactures of woollen fabrics, Ancient runs present in many parts of the country. The course of the great aqueduce which conveyed water from the Mountain of Zagwam to Carthage (fifty-two miles) can yet be traced along the line, portions of | it, which are still standing, rising to a helght of ninety-eight feet in some places. ‘The city of Tunis—the capital—stands on the west side of a lagoon, at the mouth of the river Mejerda, Following this report next day we had a telegram from London which announced:—The government of Queen Victoria has been notified thatan envoy from the Bey of Tunis is on the way to Florence with instructions to settle the questions in dispute, and that his Excellency, Hussien Bey, has left Tunis for Florence, charged with pewer “to settle the questions at issue between Tunis and Italy.” On the 12th of February the HERALD correspondent in Florence telegraphed to London, and thence to New York by the cable, the following important intelligence:—I am enabled to report the fact that, in consequence of the interruption of diplomatic re- lations between Italy and Tunis, the Italian Consul at Tunis has confided the subjects of Italy to the protection of ihe Austrian Consul serving there.” ‘This statement indicated that the negotiations, whatever they may have been, had failed, and that the United Kingdom of Italy was likely to undertake the work which England promised at different periods of late years to accomplish—the clearing of & goodly portion of the coast of Africa and the line of the Mediterranean of the presence of an organized band of hereditary pirates, who live on the spoils which are drawn from the profits of peace- ful traders by the exercise of armed violence. ‘The great Powers of Europe have been convinced during many years past—as it was, indeed, charged openly by the lgte Lord Patmersion—that the Bey of ‘Tunis winked at the operations of the Rift pirates, and that, too, for the matter of a cash considera- tion, just as it bas been alleged that government om- cials in Greece hitherto connived at the robberies, money levies—aye, murders—which were perpe- trated by the Greek brigands on tourists and casual visitors in the mountain districts of the Archipe- lago. The execution of justice on the Riff pirates was delayed, however, from time to time and postponed trom year to year, as no single one of the Christian } governments was anxious to go to actual war with tae Tunistans, more particularly since 1t became known that the Bey had organized a respectable army and was backed by a force of desperate men, and that the Sultan of Turkey would be very likely to take part in the struggte in behalf of nis suzerain 4n Africa, No single European Power was exactly prepared to hazard a campaign such as that undertaken by Great Britain lately m Abyssinia against Theo- dorus, and England, it may be, did not careto police the African coast gratuitously and at considerable cost for the beneflt of Christendom, So the piracies of the Riff have been continued, AMERICAN LOSSES AND A WARNING. American commerce on the Barbary coast has suflered at different times in our national history very serious losses in consequence of outrages per- petrated on our trading ships by the swiit vessels of the Ruf pirates, displaying at times the Tunisian flag. With respect to the adjustment of the diplo- matic differences which ensued between the United States and the government of the Bey tn conse- quence Commodore (now Admiral) Porter 1s a very excellent authority, his name being known from Tangier to Tunis as a bold and very efficient civilizer and for the redress of wrongs. THE GOVERNMENT OF TUNIS—THE POWER ANSWER- ABLE. For the present outrages ana their consequences the Tunisian government, a pecullar Institution, is answerable. Let us see what the government of Tunis ts, Is tt constituted ? ‘The regency of government of Tunis has, since the year 1575, been under the snzerainty of Turkey. The famlly that has occupied the throne since 1691 is lineally descended from Ben-Ali-Tourk!, a native of tue Island of Candia. The executive government of Tunis ts peculiar in its local administration, although in its general features conforming to Turkish Jaw. The succession to the throne is entirely according to the forms of the Ottoman Porte, from which the Beys of Tunis receive their charter of authority, and almost the only token of independence left to the latter, if even’that may be so termed, is the privi- lege that allows them to coin money. Even that, however, is done in the Sultan’s name. The regency is divided into twenty-four districts, How administered by cadis, who are appointed by the Bey of Tunis, The subdivisions of these aistricts are administered by khalifas (caliphs) and scheiks, who pay annual tribute to the Bey. dustice 1s meted out by the Bey in person, and law courts are, therefore, unknown. The ruler of Tunts helds a public audience or divan twice in every week, and there and then hears all complaints, renders his decisions and punishes offenders, THE BEY. The present Bey is Mohamed-el-Sadok-Tacha- bey, born in 1813, and son of the Bey Sidy-Ahoin. He succeeded nis brother Mohamed-Bey to power on the 23d of September, 1859, AIS HEIR. The heir presumptive tu the throne ts Sidy-All, born in 1817, elder brother of the reigning sovereign. HIS CABINET. The Tunisian Cabinet consists of the following officials :— Mustapha-Khasnadar, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign atte . tea ie War. lohamed-Knasnadar, ister of Ata and Governor of Goulette, trie ve Aziz-Bu-Attur, Minister of Finance. General Rustem, Minister of the Interior. The power of the Bey ts absolute, BBLIGION, The Mohammedan religion is the religion of the gevernment, but the Roman Catholics have a bishop (the Right Rev. J. Sutter) at Tunis, who is wlerated in bis functions by the Executive. CONQUEST AND ITS AVBNGEMENTS. In the year 1574 the Turks conquered the Moors in the neighborhood of Tunis, but the people subse- quently aseerted the rignt of electing their own Bey, still, however, paying tribute to the Sultan. From that date downward came the piracies of the Rit. ‘The Big pirates of the day offended even the great 400 miles east from Algiers, Its population numbers about two hundred thousand persons. THE DARIEN EXPEDITION. The First Official News from the Expedition. WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 1871. The first intelligence of the Darien expedition by mail reached here to-day. A letter from Panama states that the six midshipmen sent to San Francisco to join the Saginaw, which had been ordered to co- operate with the expedition, but was wrecked, had been ordered to Panama, where they arrived In the latter part of January and were, at last advices, awaiting orders from Commander Selfriage. ‘The United States steamship Resaca, which has been ordered to take the place of the Saginaw in the expedition, arrived at Panama on the 20th of Janu- ary, seven days from Callao. It was expected that a8 soon as Commander Selfridge arrived at Panama the expedition to operate on the Pacitic side of the { Isthmus would proceed to Guif San Miguel and com- mence the survey of the Tucyra river. ‘The Resaca reports the Mohican at Guayaquil; all well on board. The Nipsic arrived at Aspmwall on the 26th of January, and, receiving urgent orders from Commander Selfridge, sailed for the mouth of the Atrato river on the 28th of January. On the 25th of January the Severn, flagship of the North Atlantic squadron, was at Kingston, Jamaica; all well on board. Commander Selfridge was expected at Panama on the 5th of Febrnary. On the 22d of January some Indians came up from Paya, bringing a sick sailor from the surveying ex- annouucing that he had discovered an Interoceantc canal route, with a short intervening ridge of only 300 feet elevation, and that the expedition was a complete success, Another letter, dated on board the Guard, off Curthagena, December 20, 1870, saya: “We had a very prosperous passage, experiencing no real heavy weather, and made the run trom New York to Carthagena tn fourteen days, which 1s re- garded as a remarkably quick passage. One of the objects in coming to Carthagena was to cutting a line for the surveyors. The expedition will leave here on the 234 of December, and com- mence the survey on the 26th of December. The general heaith of the expeditien ts excellent, although the weather is very warm, the thermometer being 115 degrees in the sun. From information received since our arrival nere Commander Seliridge is led to the belief that the expedition will be entirely suc- cessful.’ On the arrival of the Guard at Carthagena the officers of the vessel gave a grand ball, which was attended by ail the élite of society at that place, the citizens of Carthagena returning the compliment by an ovation on shore. ‘The following is a correct list of the officers of the expedition: commander—, 0, Seliridge, commanding expedl- 10n. commander—| States stip Guard. Lieutenant Commander—G. C. Schultz. Masters—John §. Merrill, A. R, Conden, J. Sul- liven, Aifred Elliott and J. M. Hawley. Passed Assistant Paymast-r—Frank Bissell, P. Lull, commanding United Passed Assistant Surgeon—H. ©. Eckstein, “ Acting Passed Assistant Surgeon—Linachus Fussel. Second Asststant Engineer—J, W. Hollihan, Midshipmen—RK. G. Peck, J. J. Hunker, J. G. L. Saltes, ©. P. Cunhard and J. H. Bull. Acting Boatswain—J. W. Simmons. Commander's Clerk—B. 'T, Stokes. Captaw’s Clerk—Charles V, Tucker. Paymaster's Clerk—Theodore Berry. ‘The ctvil orficers are—D. J. A. Maack, naturalist; A. Rohiess, draughtsman; T. Biake, astronomer; A. L. Duval, assistant civil engimeer; A. D. Beech, as- sistant civil engineer, and John Moran, photo- grapher. G@BITVUARY. William B. Taylor. This gentleman, well known as the Assistant Postmaster of this city, died suddenly on Sunday evening at his residence, in West Thirty-eignth street, in the seventy-first year of his age. He was mM apparent good health on Saturday evening, attending te his business as usual, but for years had been subject to disease of the heart, which finally, as he expected it would, carried him off suddenly. Mr. Taylor was born in New Brunswick, N. J., in 1800, At an early age he entered the Post Office of that town and remained there till 1822, when he came to New York and soon after became chief clerk im the Post Omice. This posi- tion he held under several administrations, until 1837, in which year he withdrew and entered into business as a broker in Wall street, His expec- tations in his new calling were not realized, and he abandoned it to accept the position of Assistant Postmaster, to which he was appointed by J. [. Coddifgton, then Postmaster of the city. From that time till his death he retained the office, acting ‘as Postmaster during the interval between the re- urement of General Dix and the appointment of his successor. Mr. Taylor was @ man of integrity and upright. ness. He was always ready to assist in works of benevolence and charity, and was noted among his numerous friends and acquaintances for his exem- plary Christian life, Antouto Bagioli. On Saturday last Signor Bagioli, the well known professor of music, died at bis residence in this city in the seventy-sixth year of his age. He was born A incorpora at Bologna, Italy, in 1795, and studied music with toa third read Bellini, Mercadante and other artists who supse- | ine; quently became eminent, at the Naples Conserva- tory, where he graduated with credit. Signor Bagioli came to the United States as musical direc- he soon became one of she cessful of professors o! his pupils were many who afterwards won distinc. won a8 professional musicians and singers. Per- sonally the deceased was a very amiable, pleasant pedition and a leiter from Commander Selfridge | | secure a party of Macneta men, who will be used in | | i | of Yonkers held a meeting in Pine street d tor for the Montressor Opera Troupe, and the induce- afternoon, to consider the proposed annexation ments offered nim were such that he decided to Yonkers to New York city. Richard OC, Kimball remain here. Taking up bis residence in this city chosen chairman, and James 0. Oo ret OW and most suc- | George A. ic in America, Among | Archer, J tow! tl va and was cinch esteemed by all who j of a to tap cal | 1869, furnished tarnishec Tepresentative recruits, 68. 5 THE STATE CAPITAL, A New Phaso of the Broadway Widening Job. Legislative Investigation of the Hudson River Railroad Disaster, Another Metropolitan Undere ground Railway. ALBANY, Feb, 13, 1871, In a previous letter I predicted that the BROADWAY WIDENING JOB would show its head again in a short time In the Legisiature, and that the original act to repeal it was oniy a cover for a new plan of battle, ‘The pre diction was vertfled by the Committee on Municipal Affairs this evening reporting formally upon the bill, bat with amendments. These amendments make up the bone and muscle of the future giant. Aa amended, the bill reopens the whole question and gives ® new deal all round, so that the folks who got badly sold by the original way of doing the thing will now a show to get out of thelz scrape. It provides that an appeal from the order bary States, It 1s bounded on the north and east bY | Gr tne Special Term of the court, heretofore made and entered, confirming the report of the Commis sloners of Estimate and Assessment, may be takea by the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty to the General Term of the First Judicial Department at any time before the expiration of four months frony the date of said order of confirmation, the appeal ta be heara as an appeal from a non-enumerated motion, and may be brought on at General Term and take precedence over other business on the calendar, The appeal shall be heard upon the merits thereof as if it were an origmal one. Jt shail be taken by service in the name or on benalf of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, on notice of appeal from said erder upon attorneys or counsel | named in the order so appealed from, by publiea. tion of such notice in two dally papers in New York, and such appeal shall operate as a stay of all suite, actions or proceedings against the corporation for collection of awards for damage made by the cem- missioners. ‘The appeal may be brought te a@ hearing upon the usual notice of argument, The Mayor, &c., may at their option move before @ justice of the Supreme Court in the First depart ment, at Special Terms or Chambers, to vacate the said order heretofore made, and the said justine Shall hear the same, and if there was an error , mise take, irregularity or illegal action in the said proe ceedings for the widening of Breadwa y, or it shaft appear that the assessments er awards have beem uniair as respects the corporation or individuals, the justice shall vacate the order of cone which shall be null and void, and he shall refer ti matter pack to the commissioners, @ majority of whom shall be other than the present comm! who shall amend anu correct the report, or make new report, as the Justice may order, and rey to the court the proceedings under the said act men- toned and for the contirmatton of the y or other report of the Commissioners; and the feeq and expenses shall be regulated by and accord- ing to the laws now existing relative ta opening streets and avenues in New York. report shall be made within six months after th order relerring the matter to the Commissioners an shall be presented to tue court for confirmation upot At least twenty days’ notice in ihe newspapers, ant acopy shall be filed in the Department of Publio Works, where it shall remain for vpuetie inspection, The Commissioners are authorized to assess all pro perty, deemed benefited by the improvement, Whether the game be or not contained within the piri) or spheres exempted om assess m for beneiit by the act of May 17, and sv much of the act as exempts tf is repealed; and the fact that the justice or his rela- tives are interested im the property shall not debar him from acting in the premises. THE RIGHTS OF ALIENS, was quite a lively debate in the Committe@ of the Whole of the lower house this evening ever the act to confirm the title of certain persons wo | estate questioned by reason of allenage of fort owners. That portion of the act which reads, “The title of any citizen or citizens of this State to any lands witiin this State and now in the acti geo of such citizeu or citizens shall m questioned or iinpeachet by reason | the allenage of any person or persons irom oF through whom such title may have been derived,’ Was the exciting cause of the debate. Alvord ad, vocated the measure with ull his might’ and main- as did Goodrich, but Denny Burns pitehed into if in the most lively style, and succeeded im creating quite @ breeze before the debure Denny contended that if the bil becawe a law the Rovaschtids and other ioreign bloated aristocrate cowd bay up lands in this couutry right and left | and do irreparable iujury to nattves to the manor born. fn his opinion no foreigner, who did not be+ foreliand express his iatention of becoming a citl- zen had any right to Lotd property here the way the bill provides, The debate inally closed by thé committee reportmg progress upon the bill, THE RAILROAD DISASTER INVESTIGATION. The Senate and Assembly Railroad committees ithe tend to-morrow to sit together during their mvestl- ation Into the late disaster at New Hamburg. So far the oniy parties ave deed summoned to appear as Witnesses are those who have already been examined by the Coroner. ‘the Jatter, It 19 art in aw way that left much ay be that the legisianve in- vestigators may make up for his shortcomings. Several passengers who were on board the fatal truin have sent word that they will be on hand to testify in relation to the accldent Uo they are called upon. NEW YO2K LesisLATURE. Senzte. ALUANY, Feb. 13, 1871, BILLS INTRODUCED. By Mr. PARKER—Amenaing the act extending the powers of boards of supervisors, making provisions aa for town electors to vote appropriations of mouey, By Mr. TwRED—Incorporating the East Side Narrow Gauge Railway Company, New York, incorporating 100 years, costing ten millions; the road to run from the hortneast corner of Centre ani Canal streets, or from the east side of Cenire street, bevween Canal and Hester streets; thence oasterly between Cana! and Hester streets, crossing Baxter street, Mulberry and « stieets to the Harlei n and through the cov as may be mout pra to Yonkers. By Mr. HarrenpixG—Incorporating the National Book! Exchange, capital $9000, with power to Increase 1 to $85,000,000. Mr. Twrrp reported a bili to repeal the act providing for. the widening of Broadway, New York, with an amendment, which provides for returning the matter to the court :or the. appointment of new cominissioners. LB PASSED. Authorizing the Troy Cemetery Association to enlarge thefe cemetery; authorizing the cotisiruction of a street railroad in the ny f Auburn to Owasco Lake; providing pay for the erler of # i 1e Court of Apo 3 The following bills Whole as noted: Amending the act to protect persona travelling on the: Fourth avenue, New York. Ordered to a third reading. Incorporating the National Lelectic Medical Association: Ordered to a third ready Amending the act in reference to the Cannon street Baptist church of Brooklyn, Ordered to a wird reading., ‘Adjourned. Assembly. ALBANY, Feb, 13, 1871. Mr. Goopricu presented the petition of thirty-three Amere foan, English and Canadian stockbolders of the Erie Ratle way, representing $13,500,35, asking the passage of a bill to repeal the act commouly known as “Erie Directors Classifi- cation Act!” BILLS INTRODUCED. By Mr. WRED—To establish the soutuerly bounds of the State property of Clinton Prison ; also to regulate the admig- sion ‘of paseety re into cars and depots. By Mr. Loxb—Incorporating St, Patrick's Literary and Benevolent Society at Rochester. ‘By Mr. InvixG—Amending the Pneamatic Tube Com- pany's charter by granting the privilege to, consuruct au uns derground ratitoad in the city of New York. ‘By Mr. F1gLD8—For the relict of the Society of St. Pauly york. Noy Mr OAKLRY--To abolish tolls on certain roads and bridges fn Queens county aud provide compensation theres or. THE DRAFLED MEN'S STATISTIOS, ‘The Adjutant General, iu response to @ resolution of House asking information as to the nambers of men and who furnished substitutes, reported that during 1868 held to service drafted stitutes, 13,872; dracted and © inmited, ‘ead furnl GENERAL ORDERS. The tollowing bills were disposed of in Committee of the Whole, as noted the county of Westchester from the general inage Ordered to a third ae Incorporating the East New York and Jamaica Railrosdl Company and bringing it under the general Railroad laws Exe Ordered to a third in; a the Troy Stasonle Bal! Association. Ordered t ‘to be observed as holidays in meeting comm; jons. Ordered to a third reading. xing the di real obl fy Adjourned. A number of persons owatng property in the to Edward De Witt, A, Bulla ike fm favor of she tothe cy. A petition and