The New York Herald Newspaper, February 23, 1873, Page 8

8 NEW YORK HERALD BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, PROPRIETOR. Volume XXXVIII . No. 54 AMUSEMENTS TO-MORROW EVENING. GRAND OPERA HOUSE, Twenty-third st. and Eighth av.—Rovauine It. NEW FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE, 728 and 730 Broad- way.—ALIXE, WooD's MUSEUM, Broadway, corner Thirtleth st— Across Tus Continent. Afternoon and Evening. ATHENEUM, No. 585 Broadway,—Granp Varisty En ‘TERTAINMENT. NIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway, between Prince and Houston streets.—Lxo anp Loros, OLYMPIC THEATRE, Broadway, between Mouston and Bleecker streets.—Humrry Duarry. UNION SQUARE THEATRE, Broadway aad Fourth av.—Ow: WALLACK’S THEATRE, Broadway and Thirteenth street.—Davip Gapricx. BOOTH'S THEATRE, Twenty-third street, corner Sixth avenue.—Ticket or Leave Man. THEATRE COMIQVE, No. 5i4¢ Broadway.—Pretry Dic Turpin. STADT THEATRE, Nos. 4 and 47 Bowery.—Urtgiia anp Satanas. BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.—Jumso Jum anp Witt o’ tax Wisr. BRYANT’S OPERA HOUSE, Twenty-third st.. corner 6th av.—Nucro Minsraetsy, 4c. n square, between RED YEARS OLD, TONY PASTOR'S OPERA HOUSE, No. 201 Bowery.— Vaninty ENTERTAINMENT. FAN FRANCISCO MINSTRELS, corner 28th st. and roadway.—Erniorian Minstrexsy, £c. NEW YORK MUSEUM OF ANATOMY, 618 Broadway.— Sctmnce AND Art. QUADRUPLE SHEET. New York, Sunday, Feb. 23, 1873. THE NEWS OF YESTERDAY. To-Day’s Contents of the Herald. ‘ “THE CUBAN QUESTION! SPAIN, ECUADOR AND THE OTHER SPANISH-AMERICAN REPUB- LICS"—EDITORIAL LEADER—EIGHTH PaGE. “FIRST IN THE HEARTS OF HIS COUNTRY- MEN!” GRAND HONORS BY ALL PARTIES AND ALL SECTS TO THE MEMORY OF GEORGE WASHINGTON—FirTH Pages. EUROPEAN NEWS PER CABLE! CELEBRATING | WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY IN THE FRENCH CAPITAL! PRUSSIAN CORRUP- TIONS! PARIS WELCOMES BISHOP MER- MILLOD—NInTH PAGE, INTERVIEWING CAPTAIN JACK! MRS. WHITTLE, THE SQUAW AMBASSADRESS, OFF ON HER MISSION FOR PEACE! ANOTHER ADVISER DESIRED BY THE COMMISSION— NintH PaGE. AN EXTRA SESSION OF TEE NATIONAL SEN- ATE CONVENED! AMES PREPARING HIS ELABORATE DEFENCE! A PACIFIC MAIL SUBSIDY SENSATION! THE COLFAX COR- , NER—TWELFTH PaGE. GRAND CATHOLIC CEREMONIES! THE FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER! PAPAL PREROGATIVES! PUSHING ON THE CAR OF PROGRESS! THE CHURCH MILITANT— SIxTH Page. THE SPANIARDS IN NEW YORK CELEBRATE THE NEW REPUBLICAN REGIME—WHAT WAS DONE IN THE APOLLO HALL SECRET CAUCUS—FirTH Pace. ‘TELEGRAPHIC NEWS OWNERSHIP! AN IM- PORTANT SUIT IN A LONDON COURT— MISCELLANEOUS TELEGRAMS — Ninto PaGE. A WHISKEY-DRINKING ROW IN A TEMPERANCE MEETING—NINTHA PAGE. NEW YORK REAL ESTATE! HEAVY TRANSAC- TIONS PROBABLE! CENTRAL PARK AVE- NUE! PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS UP TOWN AND ON THE ISLANDS—ELEVENTH Pace. WALL STREET ABROAD! A GRAND BATTLE OF GAMECOCKS “OVER THE RIVER!” THE BANKERS AND BROKERS VS. NEW JERSEY—MARINE NEWS—TWELFTE Pace. 4 FEW FACTS ABOUT THE SAMANA CESSION! ROUNDABOUT ANNEXATION—INTEREST- ING PROCEEDINGS IN CONGRESS—SgvENTH Pace. GLEANINGS FROM THE RELIGIOUS FIELD! THE SERVICE PROGRAMME! WHAT CORRE- SPONDENTS FIND TO WRITE ABOUT! CLERICAL NEWS—TnirtTEENTH PAGE. MURDER MADNESS IN MISSOURI! A MIDNIGHT TRAGEDY—MACBETH ILLUSTRATED IN OHIO—FOUR BROTHERS, NEGROES, AR- RESTED IN THE OLD NORTH STATE, CHARGED WITH A REVOLTING CRIME— TENTH PaGE. WHAT IRISHMEN HAVE DONE FOR AMERICA— A EEART-WARM GOOODBY AND GODSPEED TO FATHER TOM BURKE—SixTH Pace. DEPOPULATING GERMANY! THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HOUSE OF DEPUTIES EXER- CISED ABOUT THE MIGRATION OF THE “BONE AND SINEW” OF THE EMPIRE— FOURTEENTH PAGE. COAL AND LABOR AGITATIONS IN ENGLAND! THE CENTRAL ASIAN TROUBLE—A CHI- CAGO BRUTE TRAMPLES HIS SICK WIFE TO DEATH—FovrtgentH Page. ‘WALL STREET OBSER’ THE HOLIDAY! IM- PORTS OF THE WEEK! RAILROAD OPER- ATIONS—ELEVENTH PAGE. FREE, LANCE HAS A TILT AT PRIVATE THEAT- RICALS—LITERARY AND ART GLINT. INGS—GOSSIP ABOUT SINGERS AND AC TORS—SIxTH Pace. ANOTHER EFFORT MADE TO RELEASE ROSEN- ZWEIG FROM JUST PUNISHMENT—THE TRIAL OF THE MOBILIERIZED SENATORS, HARLAN AND PATTERSON—SEvENTH Pace. GENERAL M’CLELLAN’S REPORT ON THE PROG- RESS OF WORK ON THE NEW DOCKS— THE GRAND RAILWAY FETE IN MEXICO— TenTH Pace. Tae Present, it appears, as the result of | a Cabinet council on the subject, has deemed it expedient to give up for the present his con- templated tour with a portion of his Cabinet through the reconstructed Southern States. He will have public matters to look after in connection with an extra session of the Senate which cannot be postponed, and there are doubts still entertained as to the probabilities | of the two houses of this expiring Congress getting through with the needful appropria- tion bills in the brief interval remaining to the 4th of March, In any event Gen. Grant’s projected Southern official tour of Observation is deferred to a more convenient eeason. We hope, hoyever, that a few weeks hence the books will be posted and the coast will be clear for this Southern expedition, and | that the President will seize the opportunity for the enterprise, because we are satisfied that the excursion will be accepted by the people of the Southern States as the olive branch of and good will trom the administration, and that in the reconciliation of the South to the “fixed facts” of the fifteenth amendment the trip, if carried into execution, will be productive of a bountiful crop of good NEW YORK HEKALD, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1873—QUADRUPLE SHEET. wne Cuban Question—Spain, Ecuador and the Other Spanish-American Re- publics. The Cuban question is a live one, and as- sumes more importance every day, notwith- standing the repressive influences that are at work in Madrid and Washington to keep it down and to cover up the facts and real issue. The poetic buncombe of Castelar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the newly born Spanish Republic, and of Figueras, the President of the Council, as well as the diplomatic fustian of Mr. Secretary Fish and the representative of the United States at Madrid about republican Spain and its liberal tendencies, amounts to nothing. Whatever change of governnrent takes place in Spain the Cubans can expect no recognition of their independence, of ‘local self-government without independence or the abolition of slavery. King Amadeus was afraid to touch the Cuban question, and the rulers that have succeeded him are in the same dilemma. The Spaniards are as proud and Quixotic to-day as they were when Cervantes wrote. ‘The beautiful flourishes of rhetoric of Castelar and Figueras about liberty, equality, democ- racy and republicanism, about ‘‘the robust voice of the American people in blessing and acclaiming the advent of the Spanish Repub- lic,’ and all the rest of their oratorical fan- faronade, have no other meaning for Cuba than war, repression and the same tyranny that has ever been exercised over that island. Spain has never voluntarily given up any of her possessions, and never will, nor will she ever rule them but with a view to plunder them. We have seen by the speeches of Castelar that he dreams of extending the colonial empire of Spain, of bringing the Spanish American republics even under the influence of the mother country again, and is absurd enough to call upon these republics to withhold their sympathy from the patriotic Cubans. What can be expected from such visionary men? They havé not the least com- prehension either of the stern facts of history or of those which confront them with regard to the sentiment and movement in Cuba. And, if even they did comprehend them, they dare not shock the prejudices of the ignorant Spaniards so far as to propose the necessary remedy for the evils that afflict Cuba. The significant response to the flourishes of the republican leaders of Spain is seen in the renewed activity of the insurgent Cubans and the action of the Spanish American republics, to say nothing of the generous speech of Gen- eral Banks in Congress, the movement of the colored people and others in the United States in favor of Cuban freedom and independence. We noticed a short time ago the action of the Colombian government for a joint movement of the South American republics to recognize and sustain tho Cubans. Favorable replies were returned by some of these republics, and now we learn from our Washington despatches that Ecuador has replied to the circular note of Colombia, accepting the proposition and expressing willingness to co-operate with Co- lombia for that object. Previous to this the Republic of Honduras had responded to Colombia in the following language:— “The proposition lately made by the United States of Colombia, that the respective gov- ernments of South America should interfere in the existing insurrection of Cuba against Spain, has excited the liveliest interest in the government of Honduras, which feels that the only possible solution of the matter is the emancipation of Cuba, and that Spain should be indemnified for her war expenses incurred during the long and sanguinary struggle. Should the Spanish government refuse to leave the island it will then be the duty of the South American republics to throw aside their neutrality and come to the rescue of the Cuban patriots, and help to bring about the liberty of Cuba and the abolition of slavery.’ The Minister who communicated this response represents the sympathy of thé people of Honduras as very strong with the oppressed Cubans, and that both they and the government are in favor of a republican and independent government for Cuba. The Honduras Minister at Washington had been instructed to co-operate with other diplomatic representatives for the attainment of that object. It is known that Peru, Chile and other republics have either recognized the Cubans as belligerents or as independent. Thus, while our own government has been hereto- fore too indifferent to the struggling Cubans, and, we might say, perhaps, too hostile, the republics of South America have been moving to aid, morally, at least, the cause of independence in Cuba. They have gone through a like experience, and know both the curse of Spanish rule and the value of freedom. Still, with all the hostility and visionary theories of the rulers of Spain, cir- cumstances seem to combine just now in a remarkable and an encouraging manner to favor the cause of Cuban independence, and, as a consequence, the extinction of slavery in Cubs. First there are the revolution and proclamation of a Republic in Spain. Not that we think, as was said, the re- publican government of Spain will be disposed to recognize the independence of Cuba. The logical argument of their own revolutions to establish freedom and republican institutions will hardly teach the Spaniards to concede the same rights to the Cubans they claim for themselves. The ab- surdity and injustice of refusing the same privileges will not proBably have much weight. | There are in Spain other leading men besides Castelar who dream of re-establishing and | perpetuating, the Spanish colonial empire. Castelar, who is now the Minister for Foreign Affairs and a very influential member of the Spanish government, has never, when discours- ing of liberty, republicanism and the abolition of slavery in the most thrilling language, said a word favorable to the independence of Cuba. It is scarcely to be expected, now that he is in power, that he or the other members of the gov- ernment who may have been more liberal on this question, will willingly consent to part with Cuba. Then, whatever might be the dis- position or views of some of the members of the new government, the first thought will be toestablish the Republic of Spain, and, conse- quently, to do nothing that would shock the sen- timent or prejudices of Spaniards, The people of Spain are very proud, and generally as ignorant of the Cuban difficulty as they are proud, The sentiment of maintaining the integrity of Spanish territory and the colonial possessions is cherished as much by tho ignorant masses as by the brilliant and poetic Castelar. Wo do not seo, thon. how the pres- ent republican government, looking to estab- lishing its power through popular favor, can entertain the question of Cuban independence unless it should be forced to do so by uncon- trollable circumstances. Yet the revolution in Spain must help the Cubans. The moral effect of being in the same revolutionary boat will do that to some extent. The crippled resources of Spain in consequence of the revolution and the vigilance that will be required to keep down the factions at home must necessarily prevent any large force being sent to suppress the in- surrection in the colony. Spain, in all probability, will have her hands fully employed at home. Then there is the embarrassing question of slavery. The new republican government will be ex- pected to abolish that infamous institution forthwith. To decline to do that would be to stultify itself and to make all the ‘liberal pro- fossions of its several members utterly false. The abolishment of slavery in Cuba would tend to make the Spaniards and volunteers in that island as hostile to Spain as aro tho Cuban patriots. Many, probably, would go over to the Cuban ranks. At any rate it would com- plicate affairs in the island and give the Cubans a better chance, Besides, there is little doubt that the liberated slaves for the most part would become supporters of the patriots. Their interests are identical with the native population, and they certainly can have no love for Spain or Spaniards, The Cubans, too, upon the principle of having an equal right to strike for freedom and republican self- government with the Spaniards, will obtain the sympathy of the American people and of liberal people everywhere. They will have this from all, in fact, except from those narrow-minded individuals, who, while they throw up their hats for a Spanish re- public, have no objection to see an American people under the heel of European des- potism. We make this remark because a resolution was offered in Congress, and its unanimous passage asked, expressing satisfac- tion at the inauguration of the Spanish Re- public, and nota word said aboat Cuba. It was proper enough to make such an expression toward Spain; but why not mention Cuba ? Tho resolution was passed over because Gene- tal Butler objected. We hope he did so with a view of making the resolution more compre- hensive. Is there hope that the President will say anything to the point and. encouraging on this Cuban question in his Inaugural Message on the 4th of March, if even Congress should take no action before that time? That re- mains to be seen. Should nothing be done at present Cuban independence is only a question of time, and the American govern- ment cannot long ignore the patriotic efforts to secure that. But what ought the new republican government of Spain to do? To be consistent it ought cer- tainly to give the Cubans an opportunity to express their sentiments as to whether they wish to be independent or to remain attached to the Spanish Republic. That is the least that should be conceded. But to do that honestly and fairly hostilities should cease, emancipation of the slaves should be declared, disabilities be removed from tho Cuban exiles, so that they may vote and a plébiscite be taken, uninfluenced by the civil or military authorities of the island. The plé- biscite is the recognized right of people in these times in determining the form of government they wish to live under. Will Spain grant this? The Cubans could not object to it if the vote were to be a fair one. Should Spain refuse the Cubans will have no alternative but to fight to the bitter end for their indepen- dence. In the uncertainty that hangs over Spain in the future, and considering that in all the changes of government in that country no relief or improvement has been accorded to Cuba, the patriots are not likely to trust to promises merely. These area rope of sand that cannot be depended on. A crisis is ap- proaching, evidently, and the Spanish govern- ment can no longer hold Cuba by the sword or gilded promises. If independence ora plébiscite be not conceded to the Cubans at once the war will become intensified, the patriots will receive a greater amount of moral aid, and possibly material aid, and the Gem of the Antilles will be wrested from Spanish rule. Christ in the Constitution, There are a number of amiable people, prin- cipally sectarian school principals, who from time to time make a little stir among them- selves about the advisability of putting God in the constitution through an amendment. They hold conventions now and then having this object dimly in view, and they send around circulars with a few names of State Governors and others upon them. Of late the plan has grown in their imaginations, and the name of Jesus Christ is freely bandied about among them as one desirable to be added to the Divinity in the amendment. Not satisfied with this the Bible is advocated as a good thing to be included, and we are to have one of their conventions soon to elucidate this plan. We know very well how easily cant grows by feeding on itself. We know also that the principals of sectarian schools are particularly liable to virulent attacks of vigor- ous cant, and where the conspiracy to cant is well kept up the eyes soon become blinded to its absurdity. They mount their hobby and gallop it onward careless and ignorant of where it may lead. - A constitutional amendment having such an object, like all the offsprings of cant, has a vein of blasphemy in it which might startle its pious projectors could they view it with some of the scales off their eyes. Mon having the reverence they profess for the Maker of all things, for Christ and for the Bible, should see the irreverence which dragging these sacred things into the channels of mundane politics implies. To see God, Christ and the Bible put forward as the sixteenth, seventeenth or eighteenth amendment to the constitution should be revolting to the Christian mind, of which these people believe they hold the strings. This, however, is but the smallest argument against the pretentious tampering with the civil document which guards the rights of the nation. When the framers of the constitution achieved their work it was neither in a spirit of defiance nor neglect that all reference to religion or to the Supreme Being was omitted. It was done s0 that to those born on the soil the fullest latitude of conscience should be given; that he or she who came to this land from the king-riddon, priest-ridden or parson- ridden nations of Europe should find a coun- try where the soul could adore its Maker with- out the absurdity of a human edict, To the Jew as to the Gentile it said, here all are free, obey the civil law and adore God under what form or name you please. To the atheist, even, it wished to say, here is a land where you will not be persecuted for an opinion about how you came into existence or on what you depend for a continuance of life.. We are fully aware that this would not have been the course of the bigot of any creed. The fanatic religionist would have declared that no one outside of a certain sect should have rights that any one of the faithful would be bound to respect. The violent atheist would have declared that there was no God, church. build- ing would be high treason and a clergyman would be declared an outlaw. The supreme wisdom which laid the basis of our liberties on a tolerance wide as charity could make it belonged to a high class of mind which it was fortunate for our new-born Republic to pos- sess—a class sufficiently rare to be almost in- comprehensible to the bigot of any belief or disbelief. However we may acquit the projectors of the amendment of an intentional irreverence on account of purblindness, we do not hold them guiltless of a deliberate intention to abridge the liberty of conscience in America. Their pretensions once acknowledged, a Jew or an infidel would be outside the constitution. By this means the first limitation of conscience would be achieved. The elimination of ob- jectionables would pave the way for further aggressions, and the first steps would be taken to the formation of a State Church. Herein lies the magnitude of the danger from per- mitting religious meddling with the constitu- tion. It would make no mana better Christian that his God was in the constitution; it would, if accomplished, be the precursor of what we have most reason to dread—a union between Church and State. Congress. In the Senate yesterday, Mr. Scott, of Penn- sylvania, presented a report of the Centennial Commission in reference to the grand uni- versal exposition and national célebration in 1876, of the one hundredth year of the United States of America, to be held in Philadelphia, the city of the great Declaration; and, in sub- mitting his report, Mr. Scott stated that the subscriptions, public and private, in Pennsyl- vania alone, would amount to four millious of dollars. This start, he thought, would insure tle success of the exposition, and would justify an appeal to the other portions of the country to subscribe liberally. We are glad to hear that the Pennsylvanians, who will “realize handsomely from this patriotic en- terprise, are putting their shoulders to the wheel right earnestly, and in producing the vouchers of their contributions, and some fixed limitation of the general fund required, and they may depend upon a cheerful co-op- eration by the country at large. It is an im- portant question for the country to know, meantime, how much money the Commission estimate will be the sum required to carry out their plans—whether ten, twenty, fifty or a hundred millions. Mr. Edmunds, from the Committee on the Judiciary, reported adversely on the House bill for the distribution of the Geneva award of fifteen millions. This disagreement will probably lead to a new bill, and while they are about it they would be killing two birds with one stone if, while providing for the distribu- tion of this British gold, they were to provide for that little bill which we shall have to pay for the equal rights to our people with British subjects in those Northeastern British fisheries. It would serve as a little sugar-coating to the bitter pill to our friend John Bull of that Ge- neva award. In the House, Mr. Myers, of Pennsylvania, presented the petition of the Philadelphia Board of Trade, declaring~that in their judg- ment the underwriters who paid the losses upon property captured or destroyed by the Alabama, &c., are entitled to share and share about in the Geneva award. We suspect, however, that as the insurance men took their risks upon this aforesaid property without any expectation of a government compensation, they will be held to that bargain. Mr. Roberts, of New York, from the Com- mittee of Ways and Means, reported the evi- dence in matters of investigation pending be- fore it (outside the Crédit Mobilier), from which it appears that no member of cither House is guilty; but that the corruption argo brought against Charles T, Sherman, a United States Judge in Ohio, is a matter demanding further investigation in view of his impeachment. The resolution to this effect was adopted. What a mine of official and lobby corruptions has been opened in this expiring Congress! and the “bed rock’’ has not yet been reached. The regular order of the day—the Miscella- neous Appropriation bill—brought about a lively debate on civil service reform and free books to the people from Congress, for which and other proceedings we refer the reader to our Congressional reports. Having wasted in doing little or nothing the first two months of the ses- sion, excepting the heavy and disagreeable work of these corruption investigating com- mittees, the two houses are so pushed for time that they could not afford to shut up shop on Washington’s Birthday; but with all their spasmodic industry at the tail end of this Con- gress they may fail to escape the alternative of an extra session of the incoming in order to finish up the unfinished work of this outgoing Congress. Our Envoy to Mopocpom.—The diplomatic corps will be greatly shocked and the woman's rights females as greatly delighted on reading the special despatch from our correspondent in Modocdom, published in the Heraxp to-day. A certain Mrs. Whittle, a squaw of the Kla- math dynasty, has, it seems, been sent as Envoy Extraordinary and Big Heapee Pleni- potentiary from the Peaco Commissioners to His Excellency Captain Jack, the Modoc Min- ister of War. The result of Mrs. Whittles mission will be anxiously looked for. There is no knowing what the illustrious Captain’s views on woman's rights in diplomacy may be, and it would not be surprising if he scalped her and put her in his little lava bed. We trust, however, she may succeed in her mis- sion of peace; but, should she, unfortunately, fail, we will have the consolation of knowing that Susan B, Anthony still lives and is avail- able. Indeed, it would not be a bad idea to start Susan after Captain Jack now, without The News from Spain. The news despatches relative to the progress of public events in Spain, and of the conse- quences thereof, which we publish in the Herzaxp to-day, are of an important character. The telegrams come from Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Versailles and London. Their com- bined contents goes to show that the rulers of the new-born Spanish Republic are perplexed in council, rather undecided as to future action and wanting in a central point of unity for deliberation as to projects of legislation. The republican Cabinet entertains grand re- solves of national Policy, but the official stom- ach is slightly dyspeptic and unable for the work of a healthy digestion of the measures. We are told, indeed, that Ministers have turned away from their duty, to some extent, and sought a temporary refuge from their ad- ministrative anxieties by the induction of that old time remedy—a Ministerial crisis. Gen- eral de Cordoba, Minister of War, is likely to resign, and, it is alleged, that all the Cabinet officers who adhere to the radical party in politics will also vacate their portfolios. The idea of a federal republic, conservative in its general policy, is gaining ground rapidly in all parts of Spain. That is the idea. In practice they have Carlism and the monarchists on one side, the radical reds and the red flag of complete equality in society and property at the other. The Catalonian authorities, as well as officials in many other sections, avow their fidelity to the ex- isting order of rule. Barcelona is excited towards reaction, and the people on the border line of the Tagus are moving towards a change which may extend all over the Iberian Penin- sula, The Minister of War in Madrid contem- plates purchasing a supply of small arms. They aim at vindication bya forcible repression of dissent. The Portuguese government is arming, on account of ‘the present complexion of affairs in Spain. Tho Carlists are operating spasmodically against life and property; but notwithstanding all this—perhaps owing to the particular attraction of their system of warfare—numbers of Spaniards are flocking to the standard of the Bourbon Prince. The Porto Rico Reform bill has been again taken up for debate in the National Assembly, but there was no report of progress when-our tele- grams were forwarded. The reports are slightly contradictory in statement here and there, but the positive intelligence is quite sufficient to assure us that Spain remains seriously agitated, with, it may , the cause of the federalistg slightly in the aséondant, Yesterday’s Celebration. An unusual display of public interest com- memorating the birthday of the man “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen,’’ marked yesterday’s celebration in this city. By common consent the princi- pal branches of business suspended operations. What our State law has made a legal holiday in regard-to payment of notes and bills, our citizens made a gala day by closing their ware- houses and decorating all public and many private edifices with the bright Stars- and Stripes of the national banner. Sunrise saw the emblem of American Independence raised by the Veterans of 1812 on the old fort in Central Park, and as the morning advanced all the shipping at the wharves hoisted full suits of flags, signals and streamers, girting the city with a line of brightest hues. Every- where the Red, White and Blue fluttered to the breeze, and the city wore the inspiriting appear- ance which a few years ago marked the march of some favorite corps to the defence of the Union or its return after deeds of heroism and devotion. Courts and public offices were generally closed. Artillery salutes were fired from the forts. Trinity chimes pealed a selection of patriotic airs. A general recognition marked the day as one dear to the American people. Two civic asso- ciations had parades with attractive displays of music and banners. The Order of United American Mechanics formed in Broadway, near the Astor House, marched past the Henatp office and through the City Hall Park, where they were reviewed by the Mayor and Common Council. The appearance of the organization, turning out in large force, decorated with the national colors and carry- ing a profusion of the national flags, was such as to elicit hearty applause from the dense crowds filling the sidewalks and win- dows all along the line of march, and accom- panying the column till it disbanded at Wash- ington’s monument in Unionsquare. Gather- ing in Washington square the American Protestant Association marched through seve- ral streets and was dismissed at Lincoln’s monument, Union square. Besides these parades there were gatherings of many mili- tary and civic bodies. The Veterans of 1812. with their ladies, were entertained by the Sixth regiment, the Boulevard Club had appropriate exercises, the Seventh, Eighth and Seventy-first regiments had social receptions, the French residents gave a select invitation ball at Germania Assembly Rooms, orations essays'and poems were recited by the pupils in Cooper Institute, and the New York State Society of the Cincinnati held a grand banquet in honor of the illustrious “Savior of his Country,’’ who was one of the earliest members of the Order. Fine weather favored the celebration. The streets were thronged during the whole day with well-dressed pleasure seekers. New York and the adjoin- ing cities presented all the pleasant features of a Fourth of July, without its explosive drawbacks. Similar celebrations are reported in most of the cities and large towns of the Republic. We note with gratification the un- wonted honor thus accorded to Washington's Birthday by the common and spontaneous action of the people. It shows that in spite of monstrous fraud and corruption in high places the great mass of the nation reveres the ' purity, of character and inflexibility of patriot ism which were embodied in our great Gen- eral and model Civic Executive. The heart of the people is sound. It appreciates worth in authority, and will judge its trusted ser- vants by the high standard of the leaders who, tried in the struggles of the Revolution, brought to the early councils of the confederacy absolute honesty and unstained honor. America to-day requires of her public men the virtues of Washington. She will punish those who have brought disgrace upon her and dishonor to the memory of the pure founders of our government, Tae Brackweut’s Istanp Scuzme.—There is a disposition to renew the proposition for the removal of the prison and hospital build- ings from Blackwell's, Ward's and Bandall's islands to the islands further up the rivers0 - as to make the former available for residences and to enhance the value of east side property generally. No doubt this scheme will eventa- ally be carried out and the river be spanned by a bridge in that locality, but whether tho time has yet arrived to incur the expense of the removal of the buildings is another ques- tion. Atall events the discussion of the im- provements which are certain, sooner or later, to be made in the metropolis, is at all times of interest and benefit. Spirit of the Religious Press on the New Republic in Spain end Other Current Topics. Our religious contemporaries devote cone siderable space this week to the consideration of the new Republic in Spain. This event is regarded as equally important both in a re- ligious and in a political sense. The Christian Union says it shall not attempt to cast the horoscope of what it calls the re- generated nation. It regards it as starting out upon a pathway hedged in with difficulties and full of stumbling blocks. But, it avers, there is nothing the Republic has to fear which the monarchy could better deal with. The best men in Spain are enlisted in its active de- fence. They are striving for a great end—the perfect civil and religious enfranchisement of Spain. If they gain it they will accomplish what no one could hope from the Monarchy. If they do not succeed they will fail with more dignity and honor than the House of Bourbon or the House of Savoy. And so, con- cludes the Union, we wish them Godspeed ! The Golden Age, discussing the Spanish republican question, affirms that three things are clear: first, Spain ought to be a Republic ; second, Cuba out to be independent; and, third, the slaves ought to be freed. But the Age thinks it does not follow that the Spanish Republic will arise and be great enough to adhere to these three great courses of national policy. The readers of the Age are reminded that America was eighty years in coming to the conclusiou that slavery and liberty were like acid and alkali, and that any government which attempted to amalgamate them would be left in a seething and angry foam. So, although the new structure of government built at Madrid—called into existence as Aladdin’s palace in a night—deserves from us all the salutation, ‘Peace be within thy walls!'’ yet we warn ourselves not too hastily ‘‘to build upon the event in marble,’ and we have no small suspicion of ‘onstles jg Spain,” “in regard rope Voie te ter the Age says if ‘‘the republican party does not demand the instant expulsion of every Con- gressman who has been mixed up in this iniquitous transaction it criminates itself, and becomes an accomplice after the act. To expel two members from the House is a mockery of justice if the work of purgation ends there. All or none.”’ The Independent is disposed to be enthusi- astic over the Spanish Republic, and ejacu- lates :— Weleome to a new sister adopted into the ey of republics! Room in the limbo of aiscarde things for another vacant throne! Freedom is crowding prescriptive right in poth hemispheres, and the prophecy of Napoleon that all Euro) would become republican, if not Cossack, may fulfilled sooner than we think. The Independent is glad that the Crédit Mo. bilier investigation has been had, much as it regrets the things disclosed, since it will serve to teach public men that the strictest integrity, in both actions and words, is always the best policy. The Observer, referring to the Spanish Re- public, asserts that the people of the United States will heartily sympathize with this re- newed “effort on the part of the leading men of Spain to establish a republic, and will fer- vently pray that it may be successful and instrumental in promoting the elevation of the people who for long ages have been kept in gross ignorance and imbecility by the religious tyranny which has been far more oppressive and injurious than the political.”” The Observer comments, with considerable severity, upon the “terrible responsibility as- sumed by distinguished and worthy ministers of religion who have interposed between the ministers of justice and a fierce murderer in their hands’’—referring to the case of Foster, the car-hook murderer—and adds :— We do not argue the question as to this man’s nilt of murder. It would be impertinent in us to io 80. It has been passed upon by the wisest and best men in the State, and it is not pretended that any new light has been opened on the subject. The assassin took time for reflection ; he selected an ap- propriate weapon; he stood in the dark, where his unarmed and unsuspecting victim was to pass; he struck him on the head with an iron bar and slew him, A clearer case of murder was never known in the annals ofcrime. There is not one solitary extenuating circumstance. If Foster receives the clemency of the Governor there is no good reason why every murderer in the State should not re- ceive it and a Tetzelera of indulgence be inaugu- rated at once. The Christian Leader thinks it is about time to protest, in the sacred name of gratitude and humanity, against the bitter abundance of contumely which is now heaped on Mr. Oakes Ames by the persons who lately honored him, not only with their confidence, but, as the event proves, with the keeping of their consciences. Says the Leader:— rs tobe taken for granted all around ink ee tAmes) stomach, like Cardinal Woolsey’ is unbounded, and that for purposes of the bases' greed he drew in the unwary gentlemen whose paltry speculations are now the theme of universal mot quisition. But it is among the most ob- scure of the puzzles by which this business is beset how such a monster of depravity as Mr. Ames is now represented to be could have enjoyed so long the intimate friendship of so many spotiess men, and wrought upon their affections te such a de- gree that they freely committed their money, their reputations and their political destiny to his dis- cretion. Ames must have some points of attrac- tion. He cannot be utterly bad, else why did not those guileless Senators and Representatives, whose characters are so clean that the lightest breath of suspicion tarnishes them, sooner {eel the infection of his presence? The Baptist Weekly is of opinion that if Figueras and his associates shall prove them- selves equal to the task of firmly and wisely administering the new Republic of the Pe- ninsula a grand result will certainly be achieved for liberation on the Continent, and “all Europe will feel the force of the last ex- periment of a free government inaugurated under circumstances so auspicious.’’ The Tablet (Catholic), referring to the Span. ish Republic, says: — As for the ba! insted whose vig with such vociferous applause by aoa) ration is hailed the friends of universal democracy we are slow to believe in ita stability. Spantards are not, and, we are inclined to think, never will be, @ republican people, Monarchical institutions are so closely interwoven with their mational life, so identified with all their proudest and most cherished memories, that they are little likely to cast it from them asa worn-out garment and take up republicanism at the bidding Of revolutionary propagandists. The Tublet believes that ‘‘the sympathies of the majority of the Spaniards sre with the brave and chivalrous Princes who have been fighting under the hardest difficulties for many @ weary month the hired soldiers of Amadeus of Savoy. and maintaining against all odds I \