The New York Herald Newspaper, December 6, 1873, Page 5

“4 direct for candidates. By his plan of repre- sentation by districts each State will be heard, ‘but none will hold a balance of power to con- trol the result. We shall, however, be able to judge of the matter when the details of the bill are published. At all events we are almost satisfied in advance that any system in the ight of the one proposed by Senator Morton will be better than the present cumbersome, intricate and roundabout way of electing our Chief Magistrate. Conoress naturally has a disinclination to ‘touch Cuban Matters. The initials are omi- nous—C. M. ‘The President’s Proposed Exploration of the Amazon Valley. Among the recommendations submitted to ‘Congress by the President in his annual Mes- sage one of the most practical is a scheme for opening up the Amazon to commerce. Asa ‘measure for retrieving our lost commerce he proposes the exploration of the great Madeira River from its mouth, on the Amazon, to its ‘Bolivian headwaters. The Madeira River, with its vast serpentine volume, penetrates a country of surpassing natural fertility and wooded wealth, and is evidently the commercial artery for North American and European trade from La Paz, the Bolivian emporium. This continental highway is by far the most majestic tributary of the Amazon, and drains a surface of over one hundred and thirty thousand square miles. About five hundred miles from its durbid confluence with the Amazon its navi- gation is interrupted by cascades and rapids ; ‘but these are not entirely impassable by boat, and, in the opinion of old explorers, can be economically overcome by a mule road running around them to the upper falls.. For a vessel drawing six feet of water the Madeira is navi- gable five hundred miles trom its mouth to San Antonio Falls, which latter can be reached by an ordinary sailer in thirty days from New York. Lieutenant Gibbon, who explored and descended the rapids of the Madeira, unhesi- tatingly asserts that from San Antonio Falls, goods and merchandise can be transported in seven days beyond the highest rapids which lie on the Mamore (a tributary of the Madeira), and thence by steamboat on that bold, navi- gable stream and the Chapari to Bolivia, taking not more than fifty-five days from New York to Cochabamba, and sixty days to La Paz, the great trade centre of Bolivia. It now takes a ship from New York about one hundred and eighteen days to get her cargo to La Paz, because she must make the stormy and perilous passage of Cape Horn and meet with inland transportation difficulties after reaching the Peruvian seaport, Arica. Goods sent by the Madeira route might even now get to their destinaticn at La Paz at less risk and Jess expense at least a month sooner than by the present transit via Cape Horn. If further exploration of the banks of the Madeira (along its rapids to the smooth water of its Bolivian fork the Rio Mamore) demon- strates the feasibility of railroad connection, then a great point will be gained. An iron road of one hundred and eighty miles would solve all the difficulties and bring New York within forty days by steam of the. heart of South Peruvian and Bolivian commerce. The enormous wealth treasured up in -the evergreen forest ot India rubber, magnolia, cinchona and live oak; the rich stores of vicuna wool, llama and apaca cloths, and the exhaustless silver and other metallic wealth of the country, present the strongest inducement for exploration and early opening up to com- merce of this whole favored region. Tae Speaker's committee making is a good definition of his name—it is a blain, a botch. PERSONAL INTELLIGENCE. Sir Charles Hartley, of England, is staying at the ‘Hotel Brunswick. State Senator A. W. Palmer, of Amenia, N. Y., is fegistered at the Gilsey House, Congressman W. H. Barnum, of Connecticut, ‘has returned to the Windsor Hotel. Professor A. McCandless, of Vorneli University, is staying at the St. Nicholas Hotel. g Chancellor John V. L. Pruyn arrived at the Brevoort House yesterday from Albany. Congressman William K. Roberts arrived at the Metropolitan Hotel yesterday irom Washington. Samuel Bow-es, o! the Springfela Republican, is @mong the recent arrivals at the Brevoort House. M, Von Westenberg, Minister of the Netherlands ‘at Washington, has apartments at the Westminster Hotel. The New Orleans Picayune is offered at Sheriffs sale. Alas! tor the good old days of George Wil- Agins Kendall, “To be or Knott to be’—J. Proctor Knott, Gov- .a@nor of Kentucxy, or J. Proctor Knott United ‘States Senator. . The late Jesse R. Grant’s personal property amounts to between $7,000 and $8,000. Not much _for the 1ather o1 a President, Think of it! Massachusetts indebted vo a Black- -well’s Island convict for t..e completion of her great Hoosac tunnel, A great bore, indeed! Dan Voorhees has just delivered a five hours’ ‘argument in an insurance case in Mississippi and Teturned to Terre Haute in good condition. Lieutenants J. M. Marshall, 8. D. Dennison, D. ‘MM. Palfrey, of the artillery service, United States Army, are quartered at the Union Square Hotel. Peol Tomah has been chosen Lieutenant Gov- ernor of the Passammoquoddy Indians. He is a peace Indian and not at all inclined to brandish the Tomah-hawk. George W. Childs, of the Philadélphia Ledger, ‘with his travelling companion, A. J. Drexel, the Philadelphia banker, yesterday arrived at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Robert McLane, of Baltimore, United sthtes ‘Minister to China under President Pierce’s admin- istration, and afterwards appointed Minister to Mexico bv President Buchanan, nas arrived at the AMotfman House. Rev. B. ©. Flower, of Bowling Green, Ky., having ‘Deen accused of something naughty during a tem- ‘porary absence, comes back, defies the maligners, and threatens to prosecute to the extent of the Jaw all who repeat the slanders. Brother Flower does not wish to be considered a “little faded Hower," whatever he may be as a poppy. Mrs. Anna M. Cabeil, whe died in St. Louis a few ‘days since, was the wife of Hon. E. C. Cabell, for merly United States Senator from Florida, and daughter of Mrs. General Ashiey (afterwards Mrs. John J. Crittenden), who died in St, Louts about a year since, She leaves three children, who will inherit their mothor’s handsome estate. General Von José Lopez Uraga, who was formerly Generat-in-Chief of the Armies of Mexico, saila to- day on the steamer Colon, en route to Guatemala, where he goes for the benefit of his health. This distingnished oMicer, upon recognizing the Empire of Maximilian, became Councillor of State and Grand Ohamberlain of the Imperial Household, By order of the Emperor he accompanied poor Car- jotta on her trip to Yucatan. He also went to bring her back from France, but found her a rav- ing junatto, unable to recognize him spon his ar. , Fival at Miramar, Navigation on the Hudson 18 again open to Troy, Steamboats on one line are to resume their regular boos on Saturday, starua (rom New York | OUR NEW COMPLICATION. The State Department- Beginning to Think It Must Do Something. If the Havanese Still Rebel, and if Castelar Fall, a Fleet Will Be Sent to Havana. AMERICAN CITIZENS MUST BE PROTECTED In Case of War the Navy Will-Be Increased and the Army Raised to War Standard. Wasuinaton, Dec. 5, 1873. The orders lately issued by the War Department for placing our sea coast defences in readiness for action have been repeated, and in terms of greater urgency than before. Within a few days the Engineer Bureau will know the exact condition and capabilities of the works at each port, as a basis for such additional strengthening as may be possi- ble within the time left for further improvement in the means of defence, A RUSH OF DESPATOHES. the State Department there has been great ac- tivity. The correspondence has required clerical labor reaching late into the night. Voluminous despatches to and from the Secretary preceded ‘the arrival of Admiral Polo, with whom Mr. Fish held a long conference to-day after the breaking up of the Cabinet session, and more despatches followed the Minister's departure. THE QUESTION PRESENTED TO THE CABINET BY SECRETARY FISH. The Cabinet meeting was almost wholly occupied with the Cuban question, the present aspects of which were presented in a paper read by the Secretary of State and followed by further ex- planatory remarks. DIRECT INTERVENTION NOW NECESSARY. The situation is now said to be graver and more complicated than ever anda resort to direct in- tervention in Cuban affairs by this govern- ment more necessary and imminent than at any previous stage of the double insurrection in the island. The stability of the Castelar government is declared to be highly questionable from the tenor of the despatches from Madrid, and, as a consequence, the Prospect of a brief and isolated contest with the Havanese is at this moment lessened. Yet, even if it withstands the shock to which it will be exposed from the reaction of the popular tumult of Havana at Madrid, there are serious apprehensions that the in- ability of the Spanish authorities at Havana to control the popuiace there will result in their Speedy abdication or deposition. and the island Will be thus left without any responsible govern- ment whatever. A NAVAL FORCE NECESSARY FOR HAVANA, But whether the Spanish authority stands or falls, it is seen that unless there be a speedy sub- sidence of the passions of the Havanese, Ameri- can lives and property at Havana will be in great danger of lawless outrage, which can only be held in check or suppressed by the presence of an adequate American naval force in the harbor, Every effort is to be made to con- centrate such a force at the earliest moment. Such is understood to have oeen among the chief determinations of the Cabinet to-day. Unless there should be a material increase of the dangerous symptoms reported by the press de- spatches and by Consul General Hall, itis thought that the vessels and the strong marine guards on board of them will constitute @ suMicient force for present purposes; but otherwise it will become necessary to charter transports and send over a military force as an auxiliary to the navy. NO NEED OF VOLUNTEERS YET. If our government succeeds in its efforts to fimit whatever conflict may ensue to the in- surgent Spaniards, afloat or ashore, there are hopes that the affair may be carried through by the employment of the regular forces, and without resort to the calling out of volunteers. Bnt if unsuccessful in thus confining its operations, and the govern- ment is forced to meet the whole power of Spain, the use of volunteers be- comes highly probable, although General Sherman is understood to adhere to his recent | Preference for carrying up the strength of the companies of the regular army to a war standard, as the best, cheapest and most expeditious moae of organizing an army of occupation for Cuba. FUTURE OF THR ISLAND. Beyond all these questions of the moment lies the important question of the future of Cuba itself; and this, as already reported in these despatches, has been virtually settled, so far at least a8 concerns its general features. The determination of the administration is, that as we have to enter into and take possession of the island, we are not to leave it till every question now outstanding has been settled in a manner satisfactory to our honor and our interests. PROTECTION TO A CUBAN GOVERNMENT. If the present liberal government at Madrid survives our intervention in Cuba and remains ef- fective for the work of immediate pacification and reform by humane and peaceful methods, the po- litical sovereignty of Spain will be respected by the United States; but tf the contrary prove to be the case, as seems to be the official belief here, it will be our duty and policy to recognize and indefinitely protect such a govern- ment as the Oubans can form for themselves, CUBAN INDEPENDENCE AND ABOLITION OF SLAVERY. The most satisfactory assurances arising out of the present situation are, that the crisis forced upon our government oy the Havanese insures the certain and speedy end of the insurrection ina manner favorable to the Cuban patriots, and the equally certain and speedy ireeing of the slaves. No at- tempts are made by the highest officials of the government to conceal, either thelr determina- tion or their sutisiaction that bloodshed and slavery are to cease through our own justifiable acts. THE WAR NEWS AND PUBLIC OPINION. Went Is Thought by New York's Cos- mopolites=Reported Departure of a Crueltics. ‘The news from Havana fn relation to the resig- Nation of Vaptain General Joveliar, Sefor Soler, Colonial Miatster of Spata, and the political Gov / ernor of Havana, published yesterday, created @ very decided sensation in the metropolis, and renewed in a large measure the war feel- ing which was so ripe a week or two ago. It was generally looked upon as a series of circumstances Which could not do other than lead to war between the United States and Spain, and, really so far as the present republican administration of Spain is concerned, it created @ good deal of sympathy for them in their embarrassment. With a re- bellion in the southern part of Spain, @ revolution in the North, an insurrection in Cuba among the natives, and now a threatened revolt of the power in Cuba which has sustained— 80 far as it has beem sustained—the mother coun- try in the Antilles, it was gencrally conceded that the country was a subject of misfortune an 1 an ob- ject of pity. It evidently presages, if true, tuat a severe conflict is umminent either between the Spanish government and her pseudo subjects in Cuba or between the latter and the United States, though of course no warlike act could be perpe- . trated against the Spanish Cuvans without a formal declaration of war against the government of Spain, It is generally telieved that the United States will be, in fact, merely co-operating with the Spanish government to secure from rebellious subjects the conditions accorded by the legitimate powers, The Cubans in New York were highly elated over the news, as they saw in it a chance for the de- liverance of their country through the possible war with this country. It is believed that the schooner Albert W. Smith, »Which sailed with a cargo of coal ostensivly for Key West, is in fact carrying suppiies to a filibus- tering vessel. The vessel alluded to 18 known to be the swiitest sailing schooner that plies Staten Island Sound. She may possibly carry coal to Key West, but there is every reason to believe that she has gone to sea to Supply a Cuban privateer with coaland arms. She has been lying at the above named port fully three weeks, and nm visited by several well-known members of th ban Junta in. New York. Besides the coal she v loaded with she carried 19 heavy cases marked “Linseed Oil,’ consigned to parties in Fernandina, Fla., and eight iong and peculiar looking boxes, which required eight men each to get them in the hold, besides other articles, Her commander is an old skipper formerly in the West india trade. every prevailed yesterday to the effect that Seflor De Conto, editor 0! the spanish paper pub- lished in this city, expected to be arrested by order of the President, for ms violent ultra Spanish course in his journal; but the statement was un- founded, When asked, in relation to the subject, Mr. De Conto said he had been informed by reiiable authority that the President had asked Attorney General Williams whether there was nov some law under which he might be proneanted for the pub- lication of such articies, That is all there is in the story, and even that is most likely unfounded. It 18 undoubted that no American could publish in Havana articies equally abusive of the Spanish government, either ait the present or any other time, but that is no reason why that jorm of Spanish law should prevail here. In conversation with a HERALD reporter Mr. Rodriguez, an old resident of Havana, spoke as follows on the Cuban question :— “The Havanese are too proud to consent to de- liver up the Virginius, which they jook upon as a legitimate prize, and which they intend incorpo- rating into their navy for watching the coast and guarding against the landing of our liberating ex- ditions, The Spaniards in Cuba are unanimous in their belief that this country can’t be made to fight, They toink that the only redress the United States ever want is of a diplomatic nature. My own impression is that when a goodiy number of American war vessels are to be seen cruising off Havana the ‘Casino Espatiol’—which, with the great slave dealer Zulueta at its head, virtually rules that city—then the Virgimius, _pro- vided she be not sunk, will be deliy- erered to this country, by order of the same Casino, The American people must not ior- get that the great question of slavery is at stake at the present moment, and hanging likewise in the balance. Should it be abolished the whole social system of the island will be upset. ‘The Don Quix- ote element still reigns with great force in Cuba, The open defiance of the government of t country has been brought about by Secretary State Fish’s ‘peace at any price’ policy aud the Spanish reliance on its continuance. ‘he volun- teers are now crowing at Havana, like a cock on its dunghili, because no other bird ventures to say itnay. We Cubans want this country to give us belligerent rights, and then we will work out our own salvation without any further recognition from Washington.’’ A meeting of citizens, interested in the cause of humanity, assembled on Thursday evening at the Hoffman House tor the purpose of devising means 1or securing a muss meeting during ihe conung week in order to give expression to the jeelings raised by the recent accounts of barbarities in tue Island oi Cuoa. Mr. Albert B. Herrick presided aud Henry Clay Hreston acted as Secretary. Mr. Daniel Sickles explained that the meeting had taken place in obedience to a call w: i been numerously signed by men well known community, He than read the cail, which was worded as follows :— Dear Sin—You are invited to attend a me citizens at the Hoffman House, on Thursda: eight o'clock, to consult as to the a public meeting with a view to give feelings of horror at the brutal indignities committed on American citizens, women and childr n, by te spun- jards in Cuba. Mr. Sickles said meetings had already been heid. but none for the purpose vf humanity only, apar from political or national feeiings. The agyres sions of the Spaniards had been and still wer contrary to the civilization of the whole world, and, thereiore, it Was not merely an American question. | If a mass meeting could be held to allow citizens to ef: free expression on the single question of bar- | arity aud inhuman conduct ot the war, he thought it would do good. He therefore proposed a coin- mittee of three, consisting of John W. Simon Ellwood E. Thorne and W. T. Woodruff, to dra resolutions to lay before the meeting for their ac tion, Carried. ‘The committee then retired, and after tneir re- turn the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :— Resolved, That a committee be appointed to dravy up a memorial to the Congress of the United States relating | to the terrible cruelties practised on women and children. in the Island of Cuba, and praying the intervention of this government to cause the war in the said Island of Cuba to be so conducted as to have a resemblance to the practices of civilized nations. Resolyed, That the said memorial, when completed, he published in the journals ot the city aud subinitted to a ubHe meeting, to be held next week, preparatory to eing sent to Congress tor action. Several gentlemen present spoke at length on the subject of the resolution, showing plainly that, as the Executive had entered into a protocol with the Spaniards, it would be useless to send the memorial to the Chief Magistrate, whereas Con- gress could take up the matter and even overtop the protocol, It was shown that when the Caris- | tians were being murdered in Greece a foreign nation interfered in the cause of humanity aud ined the applause of the civilized world. Had fhe United States done the same in Cuba the whole world would have applauded the action. The tollowing committees were then unani- fee chosen to carry out the objects of the mect- ing :— Committee on Memorial—John W. Simons, Jolin C. Boak, William T. Woodruff, Charles hoome and Daniel Sickles. Executive Committee—FEdward H. Kent, Felix Fuentes, John J. Gorman, H. Clay Preston and J. K. Larke. NAVAL PREPARATIONS. The Colorado to Sail To-Morrew— Other Vessels Getting Ready—The Spanish Iron-Clad Remains in Dry Dock. Yesterday forenoon Mr. Isaiah Hanscom, Chief of the Bureau of Construction and Repairs of the United States Navy, visited the Brooklyn Navy Yard on his weekly tour of inspection. In company with Admiral Rowan he inspectea the Colorado, | Dictator, Roanoke, Florida, Minnesota and several of the ships, satisfying himself that the work in hand was being pushed forward with commendable despatch. Three weeks ago Mr. Hanscom, who is | evidently a man of few words, informed th writer that “the government meant business.’ So far as the continuance of the work of preparation confided to the care of the Chiet of the Bureau in question is concerned, personal observation has verified the correctness of the assertion of that gentleman, Yesterday he expressed himsels as well satisfied with what had been already ac- complished on this station and uiged gre activity if possible. if The Colorado, Captain Ransom, will drop down to the Battery to-day and take her powder oa board, She will probably sail to-morrow for Key or We By next Monday week it is expected that we will have 20 men-ol-war in Cuban waters. Ter tackle embraces no less than 1,100 blocks of every description. ‘The Florida, which carries 23 nine-inch guns, will be taken to the dock vacated by the Colorado, and the Swatara, which now lies moored across tie mouth of the dry dock, will occupy the place now held by the Florida above the dock, The Florida is to be rigged out and ready for commission Decem- ber 21. The Minnesota, 45 guns, 5,000 tons burden, ts being pushed forward with all rapidity, the force of workmen having been increased within tne past two days, She isto be turned over to the con. struction department for cominission on the isth | inst. Being a favorite ship and very comfortable for officers, the detail office at Washingtou is be- Steged by applicants (or assignment to duty on her, esterday First Assistant Engineer Rickers re- rted for duty on the friple-turreted monitor Oanoke, being the first in the fleid tor that vessel. sion belore the will be ready in will doubtiess be ‘23d inst, two weeks’ time. assigned to harbor detence duty. The Arapiles, that most formidable of Spanish iron-clads, continues to occupy a position of mas- terly taactivily, aud at the same me display her | be ready to suii again as soon as precautions are | cloudy weather, followed by less pressure and in- | Arrival of the Swaliow at Halifax—A NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, DECEMBEK 6, 1873—WITH SUPPLEMENT noble proportions of strength to pavantary ty dry dock at the Brooklyn yee Yard. Her oe ment consists of 17 guns, 10 of which are 65- pounders, four 300-pounders and three 240- pounders, The guns are tiered on the saluting dock in the yard and command much attention and admiration among naval officers. The heavy guns are Of the Armstrong pattern, being made of steel. They carry conical balls, which are capable Of doing terrible execution upon the hulls of our wooden ships at either tong or short range. Although a shot irom our Li-inech guns can penetrate One side of the plating of the Arapiles and a 15-inch shot can go through both sides it is admitted that she would be a foe worthy our best steel in the event of an engagement with her. As soon as the requisite repairs shall have been effected On the dock she will be floated out aud will sail for Onba direct. Her officers are very anxious to get away, feeling naturally far from being at home “in these parts’? just now. The Powhatan Off For Key West and the Manhattan to Sail To-Morrow. WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 5, 1873. The Powhatan sailed to-day for Key West and the Manhattan will leavé to-morrow. The Monitor Manhattan. PHILADELPHIA, Dec, 5, 1873, The Press says that the leakage of the monitor Manhattan was caused by her going to sea with her turret elevated in fighting trim, leaving an opening of two inches all round the turret. She also haa her ventilators on, which are intended vo be used only in harbor. On these being carried away by the waves openings of 10 inches each were left for floods of water, She was also in bad trim, her bow being eignt tnches lower than her stern. ‘here are no leaks in her hall, and she will taken usual on sending 2 monitor to sea. Naval Orders. Wasuinaton, Dec. 5, 1873. Master Alexander McUracken is ordered to the Franklin, Paymaster W. W. Woodhull and First Assistant Engineer George W. Senser is ordered to the Boston Navy Yard, Lieutenant William Lettle is detached from the Benecia and is waiting orders, A SPANISH COMMISSION MEXICO. IN Mexico ny, Dee. 4, Via MaTamoras, Dec. 5, 1873. The Za Prensa says that a commission from the Captain General of Cuba has arrived in the city to buy provisions, mules, &c., for the Spaaish forces im Cuba. ANTILLES AFFAIRS IN ENGLAND. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. The Cuban Policy Affecting the London *Change—American Securities Dull. Lonpon, Dec, 5—12:30 P. M. A despatch from America reporting that the Cap- tain General of Cuba says it* is impossible to exe- cute the orders for the immediate surrender of the Virginins causes dulness in the market for Amer- ican securities. WEATHER REPORT. a WAR DEPARTMENT, } OFFICE OF THE CHIRP SIGNAL OFFICER, Wash oN, Dec, 6B—1 A. M. Probapilities. For New England, increasing pressure, lower temperature, light northerly to westerly winds and threatening weather, For the northern portion of the Middle States and the lower lake region cold and partly cloudy weather, with increased pressure and light winds, For SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE MIDPLE STATES 1 T SNOW OR R FOLLOWED BY CLEAR- | ING WEATHE For the South Atlantic and Gulf States light northerly and easterly winds, with cloudy weather and rain, the temperatura remaining low on the Atlantic coast and rising in the M ppi Valley. For the upper lake region and thence southward to the Ohio Valley continued cold and partly creased cloudiness, with winds shifting to easterly | and southerly during Saturday. | For the northwest slightly rising tempersture and light and fresh easterly to southerly wi.ds, and possibly light snow. For the Northern California and Oregon coasts brisk and high westerly winds will probably pre- vail. After the 10th inst. the display of cautionary | signals will be suspended at the lake ports for the | winter. The Weather in This City Yesterday. The following record will show the changes in the temperature for the past twenty-lour hours in comparison with the corresponding day of last year, as indicated by the thermometer at Hudaut's | Pharmacy, HeEkALD Building :— 1872. 1873. 18 1873. 8A. M... 81 42 38 6A. M. » 40 38 9A. M. 2 40 33 123 +. 85 39 12 P.M, Br 34 Average temperature yesterday... ese Average temperature for corresponding date last year..... eee 883 DOMINION OF CANADA. wig Effects of the Storm—The Quebcee Legis- lat —Arrival of the War Steamer Swaliow at Halifax—Parllamentary Eljection—Confession of a Murderer. ToRONTO, Dee. 5, 1 The gale has subsided, and its devastations in this city and the surrounding country were un- precedentedly extensive and severe. Amoag the buildings here, other than those already named, that sustained serious damage were the gas works, neral Hospital, Normai School, & ‘The total loss will probably reach $100,000, Re- ports irom various poinis—east, west, nortn and | northwest—indicate that the storm was of a most violent and destructive chat Tr. The telegraph wires damaged by the storm are being rapidly repaired and’ communication re- | sumed, Vessels Driven Ashore on Lake Ontario. HamiLton, Dec. 5, 1873. ‘The steamer Acadia, lying near Beckett's wharf; the pleasure steamer Transit and the schooner Florence were driven ashore during the recent siorai. Ail bustained mo less damage. The Storm at Montreal. MONTREAL, De: 5, 1873. A squall passed over this city to-day, carrying away doubie windows, boards, panes of glass and ripping tin from roofs. A number of casualties to pedestrians are reported. ‘he telegraph lines were blown down, end communication with the States and Canada was seriously interrupted. The Parliament House of Pembina Burned. Four Garry, Dee. 5, 1873. A destructive fire occurred here last night, by which the Parliament buildings were totally con- ee Ail the books and official documents were saved. Murderer’s Confession. Hauirax, N. S., Dec, 5, 1873. The English war vessel Swallow arrived at this port on Thursday. She reports having experienced a heavy gale on the outward passage in which she lost a foreyard and had one of her quarter boats stove. She also experienced heavy weather on her | return trip. the machinery of the gold mine at Goldenvilie was destroyed by fre on Sunday night. The loss is heavy aud 60 men are turown out of employ- ment. Mr. Laird, Minister of the Interior, has been re- elected for the Beilast district of Prince Edward's isiand, ©, K, Falions was his opponent. Pictou Harbor is again clear of ice, Peter Martman, in jail at Lunenburg under sen- tence of death, contessed to Rev, H. L. Owen yes- terday that he murdered Ms wile, but does not repent, He will not eat anything, and is so sick that he is not expected to live. The man appears to be perfectly s: THE PITTSBURG DEFALOATION, Prirrspure, Dec. 5, 1873, A petition was filed in the United States District Court to-day by the President and trustees of the National Trust Company, asking that Robert J, Grier, their late cashier, be adjudged bankrupt. ‘The petition sets forth that Grier converted to his own use ‘ge sums of money, valuable bills re- ceivable d notes to the amount of many thou- sand dollars, which betong to the said banking company, the exact amouat of which cannot be given, and that he has leit the State, with the in- vention Of deirauding bis greditorme | ure of the Ozar.” | such ahold on the American pubite, SPAIN. - Personalities in the Ministry—A Cabinet Crisis Probable, TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Maprip, Dec, 5, 1873, It is reported that a disagreement has occurred between Castelar and Salmeron, The Correspondencia sa;s, in the event of a crisis on the reassembling of the Cortes, the Lett will op- pose Salmeron and support Piy Margall for the Presidency. Cartagena Still in Danger from Gov- ernment Fire. MapriD, Dec, 5, 1873, The government intends to push the bombard- ment of Cartagena. The Insurgents Receiving Material Aid, Lonvon, Dec. 6—6 A. M. The government squadron has not been seen in the vicinity of Cartagena for a week. The tnsur- gents, in its absence, have been able to procure iresh supplies daily and have captured several provistoh boats. "ENGLAND. The Minisiry Endorsed by an Influential Con- stituency—Discount on 'Change and at the Bank—Movement of Bullion— Fire and Los of Life. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Lonpon, Dec. 5, 1873, Mr. Vernon Harcourt was to-day re-elected to Parliament from Oxiord without opposition. DISCOUNT ON ‘CHANGE AND AT THE BANE. The rate of discount in the open market for three months’ bills is 444 percent, or 3g per cent below the Bank of England rate. BULLION T0 THE BANK. The amount of bullion gone into the Bank of England on balance to-day is £91,000. FIRE AND LOSS OF LIFE, A factory at Halifax was destroyed by fire this morning. The loss is estimated at $150,000, ‘Three persons were killed by falling walls. " GERMANY. Imperialist Denial of the Mantenffel Duel News. TELEGRAM 10 THE NEW YORK HERALD, BERLIN, Dec. 5, 1873. The North German Gazette, by royal command, gives a positive denial to the report that General Manteuffel had fought a duel. CENTRAL ASIA. Russia Preparing Ancther Expedition for Conquest. TELEGRAM TO THE KEW YORK HERALD, Lonpon, Dec. 5, 1873, The Pav! Mall Gazette, in tts issue this aiternoon, says, Russia is preparing a fresh expedition to be sent agaiust the Turcomans. British Report of Kaufmann’s Adminis- tration—Serious Charges Against the Russian Commander. Lonpon, Dec. 6, 1873. A special despatch tothe Daily Telegraph from its Central Asia correspondent says General Kaufmann, “by his wasteful aud corrupt adminis- tration in Turkestan and his conduct in the late campaign against Khiva, has incurred the displeas- TRE Last NiGHT OF THE OPERA. wcities ete te Addio! the saddest word in the tuneiul language of suuny italy! Last night was the final represen- tation of Verdi's glorious work, which has taken The house was crowded to suffocation, and rarely has such euthusiasm been manifested in any place of amuse- ment in thiscity. From the exquisite “Celeste Aida” of the love-stricken Radames in the first act to the rapturous duet to the dying lovers in the last, each artist vied with chorus and orchestra to gain tue rarely won laurels that are wreathed ito the word, “perfec- tion.” Mlle. Torriani, Miss Cary and Messrs. Cam- panini, Nannetti, Maurel and Scolara were all greeted with that genuine applause that is so dear tothe heartof every artist, and on no Nilsson evening was there a more hearty and significant outburst of public commendation, A matinée of “Mignon” will complete, eaey, the best operatic season ever witnessed in New York for a decade or two. In connection with the performance last evening at the Academy of Music, the police authorities figure in a very unpleasant manner. We have been assured by the direc- tor of the Opera and the principal representa- tives of the stockholders o1 the recognized home of opera in the metropolis that jast evening, by order of the Police Commissioners, the usuel and necessary guard of policemen—necessary from the fact that 3,000 or 4,000 ladies and gentiewen, mostly of the higher classes of society, Were assem- bled together and presented a rich harvest tor tne dangerous classes oi the city—was withdrawn. The reason alleged is, that the Police Commissioners applied yesterday, by deputies, at the pox oMice jor a large number of iree tickets, and were refused by Mr. Strakosch on the ground that the demand jor seats by persons willing to pay for them was so great that nothing was left for police dead- heads. Mr. Strakosch has bravely fonght through @ season of unexampled nancial troubies, and has | shown, In every sense of the word, the spirit of a man willing to and capable, under ali cireum- stances, of carrying out his engagements to the public. If the representations made to us jast night be true, and they have some of the leading men of New York as vouchers, the chiefs oi the Police Department of the me- tropolls occupy very undesiravie positions. Mr. Strakoscn was distinctly threatened with the en- tire withdrawal of police protection because he remsed tree tickets to the magnates of Mulberry street We only speak from hearsay, but our in- formants occupy the most prominent positions in society and weaith in New York. Heavy Snow and Rain Storm—Safety of | Vessels. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 5, 1873. Ruins have been very. geueral throughout the State recently, and have been of great benedt to the farmers everywhere. A snow storm las prevailed throughout Califor nia, There has not been such @ severe one here tor 10 years. The weather is still stormy and un- settled, Many vessels, unable to make this harbor last night on account of strong southeast gales, came in to-day. The following are the latest mining stock quota- tlons:—Ophir, 81; Savage, 70; Choliar, 55; and Norcross, Consolidated Virginia, 67; Yellow Jacket, 62; Crown Point, 96; Overmun, 43; Belcher, 87}:, and Segregated Belcher, 77, A RAILROAD CONVENTION. CHARLESTON, 8. C., Dec. 5, 1873, Extensive preparations are making for the re- ception of the Ratiroad Convention, whicn meets here next week, inthe interest of direct railway connection between Chicago and Charleston. Strong delegations are expected from Chicago and Various other points along the proposed route, and the South Carolina Railroad and New York and Charleston Steawsiip Line Wili pass delegates free. Phalon’s Vita the Best and Most agreeable HAIR CULORER tn the world, A.—Gentlemen’s Hats—Winter Fashton for 1873-4. The established excellence and style ot HATS manuiactured by Ko? ENSCHELY, tor gentlemen's wear, renders it needful tor him only to anuounce that his WINTER FATS are ready for faspection and sale at 113 Nassau street Ask for Goodall’s=The Finest Importet and cheapest Domestic PLAYING CARDS, Beauiltul new patterns. Sold everywhere. A.—Brighw’s Disease, Gravel, Dianetes, Gout and Nervous Debility cured by KEARNECS BUCHU. Take no other if you desire a speedy and pers manent cure, Depot 14 Duane street. uba, While Wolcott's A. rt CAT) War Against. on aubdues Catareh;s six pints, $5. Depot 181 Ohatham square, New ting ig Will Care the Worst Cases of pine said A all druggiyts. Dayot 4 Waiter stro Hale | A Positive Cure for Di rp and Sciablushod 30 yoara, Uover iil As dsay strane ° John street. - ci soee Your Fars At Knox’s.—Ladies, remember t ig iso specie) ett Eile mock is dashingly Clezant, and i more a Non iid Broadway, in the Prescott Houso ‘aad’ Fitk Avenue Hotel, A.—A,—Soiled Boots and Shoes, Less— than half price, at BROOKS’, 4,199 Broadway, corner Twenty-uinth street. A.—A.—10,000 Pairs Self-Acting Over SHOES; put on and off without | the hands 1,196 Broadway, corner twenty-ninth sireet. A.—Hernia Is Permanently Cured by Me ELASTIC TROSS COMP ANY, 683 Brondway. Branch. offices, 1,202 Chestnut street, Philadelphia, 129 Tremous Boston, ant 24 other branches in the principe As a Standard Remedy for Co and Colds PORTER'S COUGH BALSAM is acknowledged by all who have given it @ trial as the most reliable. It particuiurly adapted to affections of the throat and luag. diseases. Price 25c., 50e, and 75c. a bottle, A Neglected Cough, Cold or Sore Throat, might be checked by a sunple remedy like’ IWN'S BEONCHIAL BROCHES, if alowed to pre gress may terminate seriously. _A.—F. A. O. Schwarz’s Toy and Fancy G Emporium, 785 Broadway, near Ninth street, is ac- ledged ag the largest am selection in the city: ‘sto suit the mes. Please call and examine.” Are You Disturbed at Night t and broken of rest by a child suffering and crying with’ the pain of cutting teeth? If 80,40 at once ahd get», boltle of Mrs. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP. Ie wilt relieve the litte sufferer immediately. It curds” wind. colic, regulates the bowels, and is perfectly sate in all” cases. Baker's Chocolate.—If You Wish, the best VANILLA CHOCOLATE get BAKER'S, Baker’s Chocolate.—A Good Cup of Cos coniseasily had f you wilt insist on your grocer {urn fog Wo BAKER & CO.'S HOMBOPATIIG COCOA es Comfort for Tender Feet, Winter Boots and Overshoes in great varioty. EUGENE FERRIS, 15) Fulton street, near Broadway: Fancy Groceries, Table Luxuries, Eng- LISH PICKLES and SAUCKS, CANNED GOODS, &c., at very close figures, HB, KIRIE & CO., 69 Fulton street. Havana_Lottery=—Extraordt 200,000 distributed (prize in every seven ticketw; filled; information furnisued; Spanish bank bills and governments purchased. TAYLOR & CO., Bankers, LL Wall street, New York. Wigs, To es, &e—G. Kauchfass, practical Wig and Toupee maker, 4 East Twelfth atrect, near Broadway. Youmans’ New Opera Turban for Even<« ing wear. Price $5 50, best quality. -YOUMANS, latter, 719 and 1,103 Broadway. Holiday hate re: NEW PUBLICATIONS, PaEnit NOVELS BRILLIANT” WEITERS, L BY MRS, ANNIE ED’ “Mrs. Bd wards is one of the bri the uovel writer: di WARDS. htest and freshest ov 1, Boston. Mixs Forrester $1 00 Ought We to Visi 10 The Ordeal for Wives, 1 Archie Lovell i 100 Steven Lawrence, Yeoman. bw Philip Earnseiitfe 2 100 A Vagabond Heroi 1% BY JUSTIN McCARTHY, A Fair Saxon. $10 Lady Judith 125 Overland. 1 00 A Charmi man Writers. THE ROSE OF DISENTIS, translated from the GERMAN OF ZSCHOKKE, The first of a Series. Any of the above sent by mail, postpaid, ‘on receipt of the price. Address SHELDON & CO., New York. (pHEAPEST BOOK STORE IN THE WORLD, 18,672 Holiday Books, just reeeived, atyour pnice. 10,672 Bibles and Prayer Books, at our price, 67,482 Juveniles, for the holidays, at any price. 68,432 Stereoscopic Views, 75 cents per dozen. Catalogue No. 35, free. Send stamp. LEGGAT BROTHERS, No. 3 Beekman sireet, corner of Park row.» D APPLETON & CO. ° 549 and 551 Broadway, New York, Dublish this day, IZ TWO ADMIRALS, A TALE. _ByJ. Fennimore Cooper. 1 vol., 8vo, paper covers, 75c.; cloth, $1 25. With eight illustrations by ¥. 0. 8. Darley. This volume completes the ‘Sea Tal Published ina uniform 8vo form, with illustracions . 0. ©, Darley, The series comprises “The Pilot.” “The Red Rover,” “The Water Witch,” “Wing-and-Wing” and “The Two Admirals.” It. RELIGION AND SCIENCE. A Series of eee Lectures on the Relation of Natural and Revealed Religion; or, the Truths Reveaied in Nature and Scripture. By Joseph Le Conte; Protes- sor of Geology and Natural History in the University ot California, "1 vol., 12mo, cloth, price $1 50. “rhe series of lectures contained in this little volume ia the result of an earnest attempt vo reconcile the truths ealed in Scripture with those revealed in Nature, by who has, ail his active lire, been a reverent student of both."—Extract trom preface. THE PROSTRATE STATE: AROLINA UNDER NEGRO GOVERNMENT. S. Pike, jate Minister of the United States at 1 vol., 12mo, cloth, price $1, e wig pages were written In South Caroling during the session or the Legislature, in the months of February and March, 1873. ‘they take their soloring trom the scenes by which the writer was surround This explanation ix necessary to account for the form in which a portion of its contents is presented.”—Extract irom preiace. Either of the above, when not to be had in book stores, sent, post paid, by mail to any part of the United States, on receipt of thie price. PANNY FERN MEMORIAL. ‘One ot the most appropriate gitts for Christmas is Mr. James Parton's new book “A Memorial ot Fanny Peru,” containing her blography'and select writings, with illds- Price $2. *s* Pub! trations, Pric At CARLETON! lishing: House, Madison square. the choicest selection of Holiday Books in New Yo! * * * FLEMING. nd most popular novels of the season. 7, by Marion Harland, author gf ‘True $ Steel,” and “A Wonderiul Woman,” by Mrs. Fleming, author of “Guy Earlscourt’s Wife.” 4*At CARLETON'S Publishing House. Madison square, the choicest selee- tion of Holiday Books in ITTLE WANDERERS, 4 a charming new book of Sunday Stories for ehildren, ‘The best book ever published. “tour thousand al- ready sold. Beautifully illustrated. CARLETON'S Publishing House, Madison square, choicest selection of Holiday Books In New York. NEw CHRISTMAS BOOKS. D. APPLETON & 949 and 561 Broadway, have now ready :— MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. By WILLIAM SHAKESP! with illustrations by Alired Fred extra gilt, price $7 50; mor ‘The artist who executed the desig: fully eniered into the spirit ot the autbor’s text, each page presenting some surprising flight of fancy. ‘The en- kravings are done by the best engravers on wood, and Printed with a tint, in a style which fairly enutled the work to pre-eminence as a gift book. im MANNERS, custoxe AND, DABSS DURING THE AND DURING THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD. ty PAUL LACROIX. Illustrated with fitteen Chromoll hog he Prints by F. | Kellerhoven, and upward of four hundred Engravings . ‘on wood. 1 vol, royal 8vo. Half moroaco, price $12; Fic oot cab bee ce peat ee “This work, devot ha escrips, tion of the manners and customs of the Mudie Axes and Renaissance, answers to the requirements of con- temporary times, We are, In tact, no longer content with , the chronological narratives and sim Bomenciatures which formerly were considered sufficient for education. We no longer imagine that the history ot our it iow: has less interest than that of our Wars, nor that the annals of the humbler cl ry irrelevant to those of the privileged orders. We go further still. What is above all sought for in ae era nowadays is racter ot ew York. We 1m por oir foliow them in puolic and private is aa we Koee, to. home litet know their manner of lying hour! own.”’—Extract trom pre! E JAPANESE, JAPAN AND 1 bs Extraordinary of the Swiss Confederation nyoy Extraordinar: ‘onfederation- | From the Frenel, by Mes. Cashel’ Hoe y._ {ilustraued, by 207 Drawings by Italian and French Artiste Sketches trom Photographs. I vol., royal sto. Prt ON WHIST—NEW EDITION, . a. C. as we knew out: ed, NANCY, by RHODA BROUGHTON, autlior of “Red as & Rose ig3! Good By Sweetheart,” &c, ‘One volume, octavo, paper covers, 75 centa; oe, 2 c! 1 0. voluume, Ham0, Cl0fs PPL BTON & 6 Eubllabors S43 and Sol Broakway, W ILLIAM BH. 5K WARD'S | TRAVELS AROUND THE WORLD, Copies in fine bindings, for tne Holiday, now ready. Bt th blashers, For prices address the pul NL eURTON, & __ 549 andl S31 Broad way," $10 TN nek nee comm peace #0 000 FOR FIRST MORTGA IN 8UMa to sult.—lmmed food MEM ATE ADTE I PUALON & SLOAN, it Rust Seventeoath street. $ 00,000 aolaas Borithaneteen t oat ‘Fis. ac Hew road Gonds origage Bonds and SMW wa Northers tent Lenina iscaly Uy PEE ARCOM mw mise CULE MEDS i