tte Vress. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1861. EXTRACT FROM THE LAST SPEECH OF STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS.—•• The conspiracy to break up the Union is a fact now known to all. Armies are being raised, and war levied to accomplish it. There can be but two sides to ike comiroversy. Eyery moo mo st be VII the side (.1 the United States or against it. There can be no neutrals in this war. There can be none but patriots and traitors.'• FOR SALF.—The double-cylinder T4.11.01t" PRESS en which this paper has been printed for the lost nine months. It is in excellent condition, having been made to Order a year ago, Add will He sold at a bargift, For terms apply at Illiaorneo, or Wren JOHN W. Foonv, 417 Chestaint street, Philadelphia. THE LATEST WAR DIEWS. Jly the arrival of the steamship Jura, at Port land, yesterday morning, and of the mails of the Europa, further information in regard to the temper of the English people, and the disposition of the English Government, has been received. The reception of the news of the cap ture of Mason and Slidell produced a feel ing very similar to that caused in the loyal States by the news of the fall of Sumpter, because it was popularly considered a flagrant outrage upon the British flag. There were not wanting many to remonstrate against the injustice of this in- digrattion—to show that the act of Captain Wilkes was in accordance with the international law that Great Britain had herself established that if the etoppeKe of the Trrur was, in TicW of the cir cumstances under which it occurred, an "outrage," infinitely worse " outrages" hat. repeatedly been committed by British utmat effacers, and sanctioned by the British Government—and that if the strictly proper course of procedure for Capt. Wilkes was to Koko the runt and take hee fete a port for con- demnation, he evinced generosity and magnanimity by suffering her to escape and merely arresting the rebel mop, But all these remonstrances have proved insuffi cient to curb the belligerent tendencies of Great Britnip. The violent pinions of the people have reacted upon the Government, and it has de spatched a special messenger to Lord Lyons, with orders ishich it is supposed direct him to demand an ample apology, and probably the surrender of the rebel commissioners. Meanwhile, such preparations have been made that England is undoubtedly preparing to commence a war the moment that diplomatic negotiations are broken off and all hope of a peaceful adjust meta of the existing diEseulty is destroyed. A Paris paper pretends to disclose the plan of action she has decided upon. It alleges that, if the English demands are not substantially complied with, Lord Lyons will be withdrawn from Wash ington, the Southern Confederacy recognized; and the blockade of the Southern ports nisei. The activity of the sympathizers with the Southern re bels; the influence of the commercial and manufac turing iuteruta, which depend, in a great measure, for their prosperity upon obtaining supplies of cotton, and the enmity of the foes of republican ism. who hope by the destruction Qt . Avg ipati tutions in our country, to check the growing feel ing against an aristocratic Government in England, have told strongly upon British sentiment. Instead of finding that sympathy which many expected on account of the strong anti-slavery feelings of her peo ple, and cur intimate commercial and social relit ioi" evident hot Ler statesmen are ready to t , cavil upon the ninth part of a hair," on all di plomatie questions between the two nations, and much more disposed to aid the rebels than to sus tain the Union men of America. A despatch from Frederick, Md., states that there ars strong indications the! the rebels, under general Jackson, axe about to cross the Potomac, near Williamsport. Further details of the late eetaiesallou Charleston will be found on our first page. The origin of the fire is still attributable to the Mean dint= or carelessness of a band of negroes, who lived in a shed adjoining the building where it first broke out. The Charleston Courier says that the entire male and fcnlnle portion of the eliaeS worked most earnestly to subdue the flames. The statement published yesterday. that rebel troops bad been sent fro l l colunibue, liy„ to Mine point near New Orleans, is confirmed by news From Memphis, via Fortress Monroe. Craa of the latest English papers, speaking of the capture of SLIDELL and MASON, says 6; this news has caused a general feeling of it±lt6.ll. in London. At thG biIIIID time, much discussion arose whether a neutral flag could legally carry persons taking an active part in hostilities." Lord Smownt.t. halfago, declared that ;. not, and subsequent Juhsts - and judges hare adopted his ruling of the law. At the time of the ralmerstonian demon stration against this country, on account of the Trent affair, it was not known in England that Mr_ Jet , prresom DAVis had fat blicly proclaimed, to his Confederate constituents, that SLIDELL and MASON were his Ambassadors to France and England, duly commissioned by order of the et so-called" Confederate Congress. The Irish Brigade o.sloaa _Robert Emmett Patterson ] of this city, son of General Patterson, is now rais ing an infantry corps, to be composed wholly of Irish by birth or descent, to constitute the second regiment of the Irish Brigade. Ile will accept none but first-class men. The regiment will consist cf ten companies, and the second in coin. Mend will be Lieutenant Colonel Robert Thomp son. The principal recruiting office is at 207 South Fourth steed. Each recruit, from the time of his enlistment, will be entitled to pay, rations, and elethine, and also to the Geeeraraent 'minty - of MO, at the expiration of his service. In case of a brush with England, which no one can desire, the Irish Brigade. no doubt, will try to pay off a little of its score with John Bull, who has BO beau tifully managed matters in the Green Isle, that not one Irishman out of every twenty thousand in this country, would draw a. sword or breathe a prayer fee England's success. Colonel Patterson was educated at the United States Military Academy, West Point, where he graduated in 1851. He served six years on the Plains, (in the Indian country). and Was division insprotor during the three months of his father's service. Colonel Patterson, himself a well-taught and experienced effacer, will be exactly "the right MD in the right place," at the head of an Irish regiment. A MAIL FOR &ROM to go by the AtaitmAr Af ,Tcw, will be made up at the Philadelphia Post Office to-day at 1 o'clock. A Nmv.- An-rzcz.. - rv. zrrn 0471 r —We were yes• terday shown a new article of camp stove, express ly adapted for warming soldiers' tents (invented by 'Mr, James Spear, of this city), which we math as the revs+ desirable arrangement of the kind yet produced. Its peculiarity is, that it can be taken apart with ease and compressed within the bulk of en Ordinary - sined washbowl. We understand that a sample of this stove has been forwarded for the inspection of the proper authorities at Washington, where we have no doubt it will be oxtotaively adopted. HOLIDAY PRESEXTS.—J. E. GoULD 7 Seventh and Chestnut streets. is selling his elegt}ut Moos and 'Melodeons at greatly reduced prices. Such inducements were never before offered to pur chasers. LARGE SALE OF DRY GOODS, HOSIERY, READY-)LADE CLOTHING, FURS, 803.—The attention of purchasers is requested to the large and varied assortment of Brutish_ French_ Gemilyi, dirt, and domestic dry goods, bother}, furs, car riage robes, /cm; a line of superb broeho long shawls, for city trade, colored centres only. and a favorite make ; also, earpetings and druggets, be sides an invoice of ready-made clothing, embracing about 850 lots of staple and fancy goods ; to be pa rupptorily sold by catalogue, for cash, commencing this morning at ten o'clock, with the earpotings, to be continued, without intermission, all day and part of the evening, ending with the clothing and furs, I *- 111 7 6 . ,4 1 ell'ahor. , Jr 09. 1 auctioneers, Nos, 232 and reil Market street. BALE OF ELEGANT CARPETINGS.—diesars. Birch ,gee sell ale zeweles, et 14 o'clock, the balance' of the stock of elegant carpeting of the late firm of Baily lc Brother. No. 920 Chestnut street. fiALE or Sl - 111;NRID MARBLE MANSION, ELEGANT FURNITURE, STATUARY, PAINTINGS, PAINTED CHINA, ETC.—Jameg A. Freeman, auctioneer, ad• rertisee in our Paper the aplandid marble mansion house, southwest corner of Thirteenth and Arch streets, with all the elegant furniture therein, to be sold next Tuesday, on the premises. The lue t.leee ran be open for buspostlon, end the furniture may be examined, with catalogues, on Monday next. AVUTIV6 NOTICZ - SALE OF BOOTS AM/ Snon,. The early attention of buyers is invited to the large sale of 1,000 cases boots, shoes, and brogans, to be sold his morning, at 10 o'clock precisely, by Philip Ford & Co., auctioneers, at their store, No. 525 Market street, and 522 Commerce street. The above sale con3'sts of a large and deferable assort ment of fresh goal, from ftrit..elam city and East ern manufacturers. LETTER PROM OCCASIONAL." WisutmeToN, December 18, 1861 Colonel Thomas Francis Meagher, with several of his field officers, the avant couriers of the New York Irish Brigade, arrived hero yesterday morning. Should the British Go vernment attempt to precipitate a war with th e - United States, by insisting upon such a de mand growing out of the seizure of Slidell and Mason as we could not submit to, their first danger will grow out of the unity of the Irish race all over this continent and in the United Kingdom against her gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. it is a curious but not less truthful incident of the present struggle that some of the bravest defenders of the rebel flag are :alma &mons- Irishmen. Set, array England against the Federal Government, and there is not an Irish heart South that will not palpi tate on the side of the old flag, and beat wildly to take sides against the old oppressor of Ireland. The Irish voters have, in most cases, belonged t,ta the Democratic party, and have believed that the present struggle was the result of "Black Republican" or Abo lition intrigues and doctrines. Even Meagher was a iiikSatiilrirlse man. rer this reason, many efforts were made to prevent this loyal portion of the adopted citizens from enlist ing in the present war on account of the false political aspect given to it by our secret enemies in the free States. The Irishmen in the South justified thernselvea in support of Secession on the ground that this was a mere "Black Republican war." This delusion has, however, long ago been dispelled, and now the myriads of Irishmen in the loyal army may happily be contrasted with the great body of disaffected Irishmen who reluctantly serve in the ranks of the rebels. They are greatly sus pected by the rebel leaders in the South, vide the message of Governor Rector, of Arkansas, while their brothers are honored and confided in by the loyal leaders of the North. Add to this the exciting element of British aid and c.mnfort to the rebellion, and the effect will be electrical. There is not an Irishman in any part of the country that will not long to par ticipate in this great struggle. Unless Great Britain is stricken with madness, and resolved to overwhelm herself in one vast ruin, she will pause before fulfilling the expectation of the traitors in the Seceded states, who, while being crushed out by the aroused power of the Federal Government, look to ber at the same time to rescue them and crush human liberty on these shores. Can she suppose that when the millions of Irishmen in the United States are rallied around the American flag, and mainly because she has scandalously and un provekedly interfered in our quarrel, that the millions of Irishmen in Ireland itself will re main quiet with starvation at their doors ? Will not the old longing for political equality, for a Parliament on College Green—will not the old hatred of England be revived under such eircumstanees ? British armies have been filled with and fired by Irish bravery and Irish enthusiasm. She has been compelled to buy recruits from other countries: What will she do when she loses Ireland, and when the ether nations of the earth upon whom she has heretofore relied refuse to join with her in a cruel crusade against the only free nation in the world ? Accepting every rumor as to her hostile inclinations at the worst, she, must staid beflo - re taafikind as eager to strike at tills free Government at the moment of its greatest travail ; and unless the reports of her anxiety to interfere arc speedily corrected, no settle ment, to reconciliation, no arbitrament, still prevent the .Bmerican people from swearing be fore high Heaven never to forgive the British Government for the course it has taken in this crisis, the grandest and most impressive that has ever occurred in the history of the world. But if the Irish people will everywhme unite to defend the Government against British ag gression and British arrogance, those native and to the ilialitlSE barn, the men who have been divided upon political questions, will come together as one man. We shall hear no more, sympathy for the South in the free States when Great Britain takes up the stan dard of slavery against the flag of the Union. All who have heretofore insisted that the Bouthern people have had rights which the Republicans have ignored, will be found ral lied in support of the common cause, and as in the case or Mr. Vallaraligham, of Ohio, in the Rouse, (himself one of the extremest and most unreasonable echoes .of Secession,) they will try to excel others in an ardent and en_ thusiastie advocacy of the war policy of the Administration. Occa.stortaa,. Letter from " Occasional." IYASi.nzvcrmox, Dec. 18, 1861. The English complication comes upon us in this our hour of sore tribulation, while we are engaged in a contest, the magnificence of which no ehroniele reeorda_ We are in a struggle which involves our life and our li berty—our happiness as a people, and our ex istence as a Government. We have thrown every dollar we possess—our own lives, and the lives of those we love—into this struggle. And now, when on the point of crushing this infamous serpent of Secession, Great Britain appears upon the scene, - and menaces us with destruction. It is as though a strong man, en s-used in a cle-stb=strumic with his foe, finds hinise'f stabbed in the back by an insidious friend, who takes advantage of his misfortune to consummate his assassination. While other nations gaze with awe, and most of them with earnest sympathy, upon the conflict of our people with a gang of robbers, England helps the robbers, and draws the dagger upon otir country ! England knows she is strong. This is our 14911 V of weakness ) and she ratty make it her opportunity to strike. -She can now be arro gant and insulting, for now her arrogance and insult cannot be resented_ The Northern coast is exposed to her large and powerful navy ; our towns are not fortified, and she may bring desolation upon our people and our manufacturing interests. Ad this she knows. Her armaments are large and well appointed ; her army has been increased almost to a war footing -; she is prepared to throw large bodies of troops into the Eastern and Northern por tions of our Republic ; Canada is filled with nrincit men, end the frontiers of Canada are simply so many garrisons. Our commerce is at her mercy. In the Mexican gulf there is a large British fleet, which could render our newly-gained strongholds on the Southern coast untenable, and accomplish the destruc tion of the braYe men at Port Royal, Hatteras, mud Santa Rosa Island. She may break our blockade, and entirely nullify our expedi tionary operations. With the Potomac vir tually blockaded, and an immense army under Beauregard in our rear, Washington would probably fall. With the Chesapeake Bay open to any navy that may choose to enter; with a disloyal population in Maryland ; with enemies along the Virginia and Atlantic coasts, England could precipitate a. fearful series of disasters, and, perhaps, with the aid of the Southern armies, turn the bloody tide of war upon the Northern States. It may be in view of all these grave consi derations, and the sad necessities of the case, that, in order to avoid a war which could only end in our discomfiture, the Administration may be compelled to concede the demands of England, and ? perhaps, release Messrs. Mason and Slidell. God forbid !-but in a crisis like this we must adapt ourselves to stern circum stances, and yield every feeling of pride to maintain our cxlatence. If this contingency should ever arrive—and I am only speculating upon a disagreeable possibility—then let us swear-net only to ournelvea, but our children who come after us—to repay this greedy, in solent, and cowardly Power with the retribu tion of a just and fearful vengeance_ If Eng,. land,-- in our time of- distress, makes herself our foe, and offers to be our assassin, we will treat her as a foe when we can do so warm rneled and unmenaced by another enemy. There are several methods by which to b.allie England if she is disposed to take part against the Galin of Olyiliztal Freedom on this continent. If Captain Wilkes has erred, it was only by following British autho rity_ We can tile;- to , replace r v bcl ca- Toys on board the Trent, and then have that vessel conveyed, with its as contraband" car go, to a neutral port ; and tried according to the British construction of international law. Or we can say that no offence was intended to England (as none was intended) in the deten, tion of the Trent, but that, in arresting two notorious traitors bent upon destroying our glorious Government, we felt that what we did was pa:clot - 1y - what England would have done under the same - circumstances. Or, - with these propositions and protestations,- we can offer to submit the whole ense to the. arbitra i tion of Rus6la or France, or both together. Should the British Government accept any one of these suggestions or explanations, the case can readily be adjusted. Should she re fuse, there can be but one jodsment pro nounced. She will forfeit the respect of every civilized Government on earth. But whether she accepts or rejects them, this much is written in the Book of Fate—that . if she has attempted to embarrass or to assail the United Stales in their present mighty trouble, she has mode eternal foes of all the lord mil lions of America and their posterity forever. If we do concede the demands of Eng land, however, it will only be because we c - sire to crush this rebellion—as a duty we owe to mankind. It will be because we prefer to master the greater evil, and do not wish to be alien pied from our duty by an international and comparatively unimportant quarrel; it will be because we prefer national salvation to the gratification of any feeling or national - ruble. It will be a great act of self-denial. But when we come from this rebellion, it will be with a magnificent army, educated and organized, and with the sense of this wrong weighing upon them. It will be with a navy competent to meet any navy upon the globe. It will be for us, then, to remember how England was our enemy in the day of our misfortune, and to make that remembrance a dark and fearful page of her history, and as eternal memory to our own. OCCASIONAL. .1,4.1 e !Ind Interesting News from the Gulf [Speelni Correspondence - of Ifho Press.] We have lately had a busy time here. On Fri day, November 22d, all arrangements having been previously made between Colonel Crown, inns- mending Fort Pickens, and Flag Officer McKean, the fleet and the fort opened on the enemy on the Pensacola side of the harbor. The first gun from Fort 1149110 clamed at half past nine o'clock A. M., when the Niagara and Richmond ran in and anchored, as near to the forts of the enemy as the water would allow, and opened with their batteries of B•inch and 11.ineh Dahlgren eau, throwing shells, and three rifled guns. The shot and shells from Fort Pickens and the fleet fell upon Fort Mcßae and the water batteries at right angles, and did toirildo oxecotlea. At hair past one o'clock the flag on Fort Mcßae was at "r half mast ;" at three o'clock it was down, and the fort was on fire, the water batteries nowering feebly, The shower of shot and shell upon Port Pickens was tremendous, as the enemy's forts and batteries form a semicircle of about three miles in extent, a little over a mile from Fort Pleating, which thus was the central target. But they did not, and can not, hurt Fort Pickens. At dark the ships hauled off, and all firing Ceased. Loss of the day—two killed, eight wound ed. The _Niagara and Richmond both hulled; the Richmond leaking badly from a shot below the water line. gthirday, 211 of NoVetkibii, Port Pichens opened again at half past nine o'clock A. M., with all her guns. Fort Barrancas, and three miles of batteries replied. The Niagara, ran in and played " bass " tv the music, with her 11-inch guns. The RI eli• mond leaks too much to go in to-day. Fort Mc- Rae is silent after yesterday's work. Fort Pickens is firing " rod - hot shot " to , day, At 11 ()Wok M_ the village of Warrington, adjoining the navy yard, is on fire. At 2 o'clock, the town is in flames. At 3 o'clock the Marine Barrack and navy yard is on fire ; st tWe o'olodh: the extensive barracks near Fort Barrancas takes fire, the "Thugs " running in all directions. These fires continued to burn nearly all night. At dark stopped firing. If, at this mo ,nent, we had had five good gunboats, and ono thousand men, we could easily have run into the harbor and seized and held Pensacola. Our com bined force, army 40. !MTh was 2,800 MOIL The enemy had 12,000 men. On Monday, seven men were killed in Fort Pickens by the accidental ex plosion of a shell. Our total loss, including this disaster, was, killed 9, wounded 15. By this bombardment the "Thugs" loss the use of the navy yard, shops, buildings, and barracks; the use of the buildings in Warrington, which were tilled with troops; the barracks at Fort Bareness, and the U. S. naval hospital, which has heretofore been crowded with hundreds of their sick; and also Fort Meßae. Since the attack troops have. arrived from Montgomery, Alabama, and they are engaged throwing up batteries as far as Pensacola. We have been looking for the movement of the large army on the Mississippi, and Corn. Foot's Got of gunboats, and we hope they will soon have Mem phis ; after which, it will be an easy matter to drown out New Orleans. LATEST NEWS BY TELEGRAPH. PROM WASEINOTON. Special Despatches to 64 The Press." —Postscript individual, named Capt. Thous HEWITT, who runs a ducking boat from Alexandria up and down the riser, was to-day seised, with his boat, by Lieut. J. C. WILLIAMS, of the U. S. navy, who commands the brig Perry, of the Potomac flotilla. On the boat was f. 91,114 4 rebel 11/Etil containing gpy communications. Our pickets report that Secession tracks were diocuTerwl near the residence of the MMUS Mrs. JACKSON, the mother of the murderer of the gallant ELLSWORTH. At a road point, one of our pickets Anil with hit carbine at a rebel, but without effeet. The enemy are on the alert in regard to our move ments. The Fi e hti. o Li uten.nt Coloacl of the backtail Regiment, THOMAS L. KANE, is a candidate for Colonel in the place of CHARLES J. DIDDLE, whose resignation has been accepted. Colonel Masa is really the founder of this celebrated regiment. He organized it in the upper counties of Pennsylvania, and has been attached to the organization since it was established, Colonel KANE is one of the bravest sad niost intelligent of f icers in the service—and as a scout is celebrated over the country. There is no doubt that he will take the place of Colonel BID 35LE- Tadii.is L- R.A." . 1 4 thvrveghly loyal man. He has the conscience of the fight, and is filled with the faith of our cause. If the English complications assume the grave aspect they threaten, there will he a new cry among the American people. Besides being "On to Rich mond!" it will L. !trio ! 4' o r eaxl44% !,, Much surprise has been expressed at the procla mation of General P11.P.3.1,4, on ‘lcirspoesonelva 9C Ship Island, in lower Mississippi. It has given pain in high quarters. The sentiments expressed are extremely radical—the course of policy indi cated In opp9siticu 40 the policy of the Administra tion. The Government will most certainly disa vow it. Successful Foraging Expedition_ The Twentieth and Twenty-first New York Regi ments went out from their encampment, near Falls Church, and returned yesterday with eighty loads or forage, They drove their teams within a mile of Fairfax Court House, and a scouting party went into the Tillage, where they found everything quiet, and no rebel troops in the viainity. The Levee Last Night. The first regular evening levee at the White Muse was fully attended by heads of Depart. merits, military officers, and prominent civilians. The President was in excellent spirits, and Mrs. LINCOLN, in white silk, heavily flounced, dispensed the honors of her position with grace aw.l Secretary CA:4IEIION was unusually social, espe cially with the ladies. The levee was guile a success. Sonitary Condition of the Pennsylvania No attempt has been made to mts-repreeent the true condition of this AIM corps. Sat it is illlO that a good deal of sickness exists in some regi ments. The mortality lists show a larger number of deaths among the PennsylTania troops than among those of any other State. It is also a fact that their tents are smaller than those of other re giments; and in some regiments, at least in the r eserve, they arc Ices careful in the preparation of their food than is necessary for health and comfort. Gen. Lane, of Kansas. Gorr JAMaa IL LAsa, of Krum*, hag ham!, ten dered the position of brigadier general by the Presi• dent. He will accept it as soon as he can ley before the Judiciary Committee of the Senate additional vridence - indicating his right to a mat 11l that body, now contested. His command will embraso all the troops in Kansas. ('ol. Taggart. Col TArie/mr, of the Twelfth Regiment Penn sylvania Reserves, has been honorably restored to his command, with the remarks in the decision of the thatth_ etthe alaar6e. were. both frly.c, lous and vexatious. The men under his command, on being apprised of the fact, made the welkin ring with 4103 Pill ttountio reverberating through the hills and yeller et the ti sacred soil" of Virginia. The Contract Investigating Committee. The Government-contraot Investigating Com mittee will to-morrow commence their inquiries into the alleged Owen connected with the sutler. shire of the army. The lion. Me. VAN WI TN, who returned yester day from a visit home, on account of sickness in his family, has again left the city by reason of the continued illness of his father. Colonel Ilat.sTano, of New Jersey, was tried to day, before it eourt-murtial, on the charge of nmt feasance, which he denied. Ills error was signing Vt‘1 46111 ...0n iLIV quartcreanitter's Department without reading them, in tho hurry of business. THE PRESS.-PTITLADELPHIA, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1861. UNITED STATES FLAG SHIP NIA.GARA,I OFF FORT PICKENS, DeAtatiLea , Nat ) A Spy a.ptnred Secession Tracks Thomas L. Kane 119 f 9 Canada: General Phelps. Reserve Despatches from Gen. Buell. Oen. BIM r. b has telegraphed to headquarters the fvilcming • LOU/fSY/414E, POO. 15. To Major General McClellan: Oen. McCook's division is nt Mutnfordsville, and Oen• Mitchel/ at Bacon's Creek. Zoltiooffer is either retiring across the Cumberland river, or proposing to do so at Ida approach of any superior force. McCook reported that the rebels attacked my pickets in front of the railroad bridge, at 2 o'clock P. M. to-day. The , pickets consisted of four eom• panics of the Thirtpaecond Indiana, Col. Willich, under Lieut. Col. Von Intboa. Their force con sisted of one regiment of Texas Rangers, two regi ments of infantry, and one battery of six guns. Our Imo 1Y11.9 Lieut. Sue, and eight enlisted Inert killed and ten wounded. The robe! loss was thirty three killed, including the colonel of the Texas regiment, and about fifty wounded. D. C. Bunr.r., Brig. Gen. Commanding, Serenade to Hendrick B. Wright. The friends of HENDRICK B. WRIDIIT, member of Congress from the Luzern (Pennsylvania) dis tilot, With the Lana a the Pity-second Pennsylva nia regiment, repaired to his residence this eve ning and gave him a serenade. Mr. WRIGHT made a lengthy address, endorsing the President in his proelamationa and in his va rious acts. Ile did not vote for him nor did he support him in his election, but while the President was defending the Union and the Constitution ho (Mr. W.) would give him all the support at his command. Ile reviewed and fully sustained Mr. LINCOLN'S past course. lie referred to the arrest Of MASON and SLIDom., and fully sustained tho.ot of Captain WILKES. If England desired to try our mettle, she would find it to be steel; if she wished to bring her French ally along with her, wo can receive them both, lie did not believe, however, we have any cause to apprehend any difficulty from that quarter. Mr. WRIGHT urged a vigorous prosecution of the war until tho Union is re• stored. lie repudiated the idea of making a war upon slavery ; that was not our object ; that insti tution must take care of itself. lle urged the eon- EMAIL% of v 41561 psaf.ecti. 01' every a...4010m anti the preservation of the property of every Union man in the South. The remarks of Mr. WRIGHT were received with rapturous applause. A Grand Entertainment A grand social entertainment came off this eve ning at Camp Marcy, between Port Corcoran and Ball's Cress Reeds. Colonel Avknits., of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, commanding the brigade including the Third and Eighth Pennsyl vania Cavalry, has kept his brigade under close drill practice And iv-Minx- 7 41.1 7 shwa tato appoint-, ment until to-day, when he notified thorn that they would be relieved for the day, and be permitted to participate in an entertainment in the evening. They immediately commenced decorating the encampment with evergreens and other flowers, and to-night it afforded a magnifieent display; the evergreens being arranged in arches, octagon canopies, and other ingenious devices, and brilliantly illuminated by two or three hundred Chinese lanterns. The effect among the trees and evergreens was grand, while the large bonfires around the outside of the camp completed the magnificence of the scene• Three bands from Gen. BUTTERFIELD'S brigade added to the eveellerkee of the The boys, In every conceivable style of dress, marched, danced, and caroused in a perfect abandon. Generals Pon- TER, MARTINDALE, and EurrertrieLD, with other prominent [emora, were present, and were enter tained at a sumptuous champagne collation. Pa triotic speeches were made, and the party, at, a Tmin/ 019 War, separated, after a unique and most agreeable entertainment. Important from Gen. Banks' Column. THE Dvilvsg, UNDER JACKSON, ABOUT TO CROSS THE POTOMAC. Fifty Boats Brought to the River on Wagons. SUPPOSED DESIGN ON WILLIAMSPORT. MOVEMENT OF TROOPS FIRING HEARD AT FALLING WATERS, PROOTIE.SS Or GIN, Itilwr FAUX BON NEY TOWARDS WINCHESTER Indications of Activo Oparatiorko. FREDERICK., Md., Dec. 17.—Advises from Wil iianopQrt Int night show that considerable disquiet exists along the rivet line. Shots are continually parsing between the enemy and Col. Leonard's men. The reports as to the enemy's numbers and inten tions era 86D11 , .4123.61.6Py /Vila cznrellutio. Ope state ment is that Gen. Jackson, with his brigade largely reinforced, is at Falling Waters, but other intelli gence does not appear to corroborate it. It is evi dent that Gen. Kelly's advance from Romney to wards Winchester, and the approaching opening of the railroadfroca Cumberland to Hancock, together with the rebuilt movements of lien. affume., lies caused great consternation on the other side. Gen. Kelly has daily skirmishes with the rebel ad vanced guard, but he progressed slowly and steadily towards Winchester. If it be true that the Straus burg and Winchester railway connection has been oompleted, the enemy will undoubtedly receive heavy reinforcements immediately, Rd a lard fought battle of considerable magnitude be the result. FREDERICK, (Md.,) Dec. 18.—A gentleman, ar rived from Williamsport late last rkijett, rormta that Gen. Jackson's brigade, largely reinforced, and supposed to amount to 9,000 men, was at Falling Waters. At nine o'clock last evening Sill -one wagons, belonging to the rebels, were backed down to the shore, and a boat from each was quietly launched into the river. Two of the boats were of large size, for the transportation of Jackson's are tillery. At this jtineture, our informant left for Gen. Banks' headquarters. He thinks that Jack son's object is to cross over and make a thah on Williamsport, and genre the stores and arnaothare_ Be informed Col. Leonard of all that was transpi ring, and thinks that the latter has taken full pre cautions to prevent it, by moving the stores, etc., to a 1.91 - 9 secure AWN, and that he also took steps to concentrate all his available force to prevent the passage of the river. Our informant passed the Fifth Cennectieut Regiment en routs for Williams• pert, two miles northwest of Boonsboro, and sixteen miles from Williamsport, and Best's battery less than a mile in the rear. Later intelligence states Get Deals baltory reached Williamsport at 6 o'clock A. M., having palmed the Connecticut regiment on the route. Our informant met at Dag Zi9, 4, yesterday, a deserter from Jackson's brigade, a resident Nen Rappahannock county, Va., who *aid Jackson had not lees than 15,000 men, but this is considered an eaaggeeetlou by our Informant ; who had for Ara hour a good view of Jackson's whole oommmd. The deserter stated that Jackson's regulars, in cluding a Georgia regiment which had just joined /.6. ; w cr. actermiaca, to go to the doyil wish thsir commander, but the militia were equally obstinate in refusing to cross the river. This moping, ell the receipt Of this intelligeme by General Banks, orders were issued to the TWA Brigade, under General Williams, to be prepared to perform a forced march to Williamsport, ate moments 'Wise, hut nr. to 10 &gook tliiJ the brigade bad not moved, but was in readiness to leave at any time. LArEn.—lt is reported on the street that (40 regiment only is about to move, which indleatis that Jackson has not sufficient strength to execute his threat, but has probably tried the experiment and, met with a cheek_ Firing was heard at 6 o'clock, the hour at which Best's Battery had probably reached the river op. posits Falling Waters. Passengers by the Hager& iV)Tia stage, - which left at o o'clock, heard TIMM of firing at Falling Waters, and a thousand other reports are afloat, but nothing authentic. • To protect the operations of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, as well as to be prepared to repel Jackson, should ho make a general demonstration against Col. Leonard, Capt. Best's battery and the Fifth abi&Sieeti6iit 7 Cot Perry, acre thin ruurniug despatched to Williamsport, and will reach there early to-morrow. Other regiments are prepared to follow if their presence shomiti ITeGatile The review of the First Brigade, General Aber crombie, yesterday, was highly creditable. It may be admissible to particularize the Massachusetts Coloitel eza the Twelfth, Colonel Webster, as having received great credit from the staff. The Indiana Sixteenth has greatly improved shies the last review. The Pennsylvania Thirtieth, although a small regiment, performed all its move ments in a manner creditable to the officers and men. The First Maryland, Col. Kenly, of General Cooper's brigade, will be reviewed today near the village of Fairview. The division hospital has now become fully or ganized by Surgeon King, medical director of the division. Tin medical report of las‘ week shows a decrease of cases, and almost a total absence of new cases. The regiments along the river, from the POP! , of &CM to Jig4o94. Aft, the heelthiedt of the division. Almost every regiment are building basements to their tents of split logs, the tents themselves fuming ths vssf_ This 'Ras kA.4 Las i recorqwnid ed by the Sanitary Commission as superior to all others in point of warmth and ventilation. The of ficers' quarters are generally floored and heated with small stoves. A report was current yesterday that Gem Stone was - victorious yesterday in an engagement near Edwards' Ferry, but has not been confirmed_ The general court martial tried several deserters yesterday, and others under the same charge are before It to-day. It is believed that they will be oonytot e d and executed, The Queen's Special Messenger BA I.TIM OR Dec. IB.—Captain Seymour, the Quern's special messenger, arrived here this even= ing, by the express train, at 7 o'clock, and left for il'aabingtort on a special train at half past 7. HIGHLY IMPORTANT FROM THE SOUTH. TWO REBEL STEAMERS CAPTURED NEAR MOBILE CONDITION or TEUTIOS IN NEW ORLEANS The Federal Troops Near Little Rock, Arkansas. [Special Despatch to d 4 The Press."j LOUISVILLE, Dec. 18.-- - -Tho steam gunboat New London has just come in, having captured two steamers and two schooners near Mobile. Lieut. Reed commands the New London. Well done for 1101: The New Orleans Delta of 25th November says: 1.800 families wore supplied at the free market yesterday—an increase of one hundred families during last week. The Delia also says : Tho Federal troops are near to Little hock, whore they oat/ fit out an ex pedition, and, descending the Arkansas river, will capture New Orleans, leaving Generals PILLOW and POLE behind them. FROM MISSOURI. ADVANCE OF GENERAL POPE'S DIVISION Expected Surprise cI Rebel* at Clinton. JEFFERSON CITY, Dee. 18.—Gentlemen who left Henri county on Sunday, say that canton, the county seat of that county, was in possession of from 8,000 to 8,000 rebels, most of whom were front Price'a rebel camp at Osceola, and the balance recruits from the northwestern counties. They wore persecuting Union men and plundering pri vate property. These informants also say that late on Sunday evening they met the advance guard of General Pope's division, three miles from Clinton. They think that the rebels were entirely ignorant of the approach of our troops, and =pram the be lief that they have been nurptieed end 6,.k. Osceola is about twenty-five miles south of Clinton, and if our informants' statements be correct, a very rapid advance of Generals Pope's and Stecle's di gielons doubtless been made upon Price's head. quarters. Advices from Lexington are to the &net that since General Prentiss threw a few shells into that town the rebels have been very severe towards the Union men, searching and plundering their houses, and threatening to burn them. THE WAR IN KENTUCKY. MOST BRELLIANT ACEIEVEZErft THE FIGHT AT MUMFORSDVILLE. 3,000 Bzwiris NM= by soo iziniltArs Loursvim.r, Dec. 19.—The recent engagement at Mumfordsvillo, briefly reported Ia the &vetches of yesterday, proves, when the disproportion of numbers is considered, to have been the most brilliant victory yet achieved. Four companies, of about WOO men, of Col. Wit hal's regiment, led by Lieut. Col. Van Weber, drovo back over 3,000 rebel cavalry, artillery, and infantry, They were first attacked by a regiment of Texas cavalry, whom they repulsed and followed, when they were drawn into an ambush and Prod at front all sides by the !she infantry. The Federals returned the fire vigorously, and stood their ground until the rebelsfell back, leaving all their dead and most of their wounded on the field. No reinforcements reached Colonel Van Weber's command, as reported yesterday, until after the engagement was over. Captain Stone's Louisville battery supported the Federals from the north side of Green river. The firing was at very long range, from rifled .. 41b1.1.611. Four other comptealea were en the south side of the river, but engaged as pickets a mile and a quarter distant from the scone of action. Aul9Pg the rederale killed were Lieutenant Sachs; of Cincinnati, who, himself had killed eight men with two revolvers, but finally received nine bullets from the rebels. Among the killed were also Henry Jager, Riehard Whey, Prod. Shoemaker, John Slaambrose, and Peter Smith, all of Cincinnati. The remains of the last-named will be sent to Cincinnati to-morrow. OP the Teems hangers ttairtriTQ were killed, be. sides Col. Perry. The number of the wounded is unknown, but it is supposed to have been large. The Federal PM?* blitied their death Fourteen rebel horses were found dead on the field, and three rebels taken prisonors. Parties who have just arrived from the scene of the fight report that, yaatarday and to-day, nine dead and wounded rebels were found in the bushes. The Federal loss was MI killed on the spot, 7 mortally wounded, and thirteen i.ouhcl ed, Of thOSB mortally wounded four have since died. The rebels lost a colonel, a captain, and a lieu tenant. The Federal forces on the south side of the Green river have been considerably augmented, but the report of a general crossing of Federals to the south ward, which was current yesterday, is denied. This movement will nut probably Weis plass till iho Great river bridge, on which a large force is /KM engaged in reconstructing, is finished. The rebels sent a flag of truce to-day, asking per mission to inter their dead, The postmaster at Somerset writes on his way bill of the 17th that Zollicoffer, with seven thousand men, had crossed the Cumberland river, and was entrenching himself. The Thirty_firat Ohl. and two East Teilliedddo Tc giments had arrived at Somerset, making the Fe deral force about equal to that under Zollicoffer. ONE DAY LATER FROM EUROPE. ARRIVAL OF THE TUBA AT PORTLAND. Continued Agitation of the Trent Question. MR. ADAMS REGARDS ELIS RECALL INEVITABLE A LETTER, FROM GEN. scoTr. kis. OWEN - ON THE AFFAIR. THE PURPOSES OF NAPOLEON, THE QUEEN'S PROCLAMATION More Troops to be Sent to Canada. ALL SEAMEN ORDERED TO JOIN THEIR SHIPS. BRITISH SPECULATION ON THE ASIERICAN PoItTLANb, Dec. 18.—The stesuler Jura arrivedhere this moruing horn Liverpool, with dates to the sth, and Londonderry dates to the 6th.. Warlike preparationo continue in England. and a con- Adorable imam , of troona urn undue arELIPP. The —Oh-on — ll t iy 11ie1 S thi nks that iC the American Government will treat the difficulty in the saute spirit ae GI n. Scott, war may be avoided. The seamen on leave are ordered to join their ships. It is reported . that Ate_ tt,e Aram-kap kil u i n t e r, re g ards h 3.3 recall inevitable. The American shipping interest was already disastrous ly affected. 71 a steamships Edinburgh and Nava Scotian arrived alit hE GREAT BRITAIN. The excitement rel Alva to th 9 Trent affair continnea unabated. The stork market, on the 9th, was more heavy and unsettled than q, stated consul at Paris bad communicated to the French papers a letter from General Scott, in which be declares that there is no truth in the report that the 'Washington Cabinet had oreered the seizure of the SMINTiI 01'011 under the protection or a neutral nag, Ile is unite ignorant of what Will be the decision of his Government, but says that it is necessary to preserve the good re:aloes between Eng land and America. Be hopes that the Governments will agree on a VONtiQll of the question whether the Dd• mien were contraband or 1101, If they were the igonts of the rebels, he says it will be difficult to convince even impartial mines that they were less contraband of war than rebel soldiers or cannon. In conelusien, General Scott expressce hje COnYirtien that war between England and America cannot take place witnout a more serious provocation than is at present given. The London Star thinks that General Scott's letter will receive a hearty response iu England as a message of peace, The London Times says that General Scott, liko his countrymen, ie rather inclined to disavow the conception of the outrage, than to repudiate it now that it has been done. It is repot* that rebel mid United Statoa ariyateora aro cruising at the entrance of thn English channel. It 18 said that the Admiralty has ordered two Ahlps to pro reed immediately to the West Indies to act as a convoy to the West India mail steamer. . . The strength Of the American Ilan it being eanTitsted in Sngland, The - finnan Times says mat, although the whole united States navy scarcely Presents a dozen worthy antagonists, yet it would be imprudent in the extreme to despise the power of the Americans at sea. We have Minot:lAP PIM MA MO flit WM of elir thought( immure, The Americans will do mile, but that little will De done well. They will give our heavy squadrons a wide berth and concentrate their efforts on single 'vessels. The Paris Temps is also informed that, in RN th e American Government terutet to give liatidiaGtit)ol the English Cabinet has resolved to recall Lord Lyons from Washington, recognize the Southern Confederacy, and raise the blockade of the Southern ports. England would not thep declare Wert but leave it tp the Vnlltd blatot to do no they please, A Pt in Council was held at Windsor ou the 4th in stant, and a royal proclamation was immediately issued, prohibiting the export of arms, ammunition, and military stores, and also lead. The proclamation was in time to stop large quantities of erne in course of shipment to the United Statue. It was rumored that the export of saltpetre to certain Porte will be Petluitted under bungs that it is nut for transhipment. The Paris correspondent of the Daily News learns that when Mr. Slidell was taking leave of hie wife, on board the Trent, he placed his despatches in her hand; told her to go to her cabin, sit at the porthole, and that if en attempt WKS Made to take the box from her, to drop it into the BM Dire, Slidell obeyed his orders, was not molested, imd took the despatches safely to England. At a banquet given to Mr. Bright, at Rochdale, a letter was read from Mr. Cobden, in which he urged a eugeen- Edon of judgment in the Slidell and Mason affair until it wan known - yaii.l." *4 , 9 Aoweivel, noveramcat outno rized the art, and if so, on what grounds they Justified it. The letter adds, the matter in dispute must be tied ded now by British international law. If the American Government should assume the responsibility of the act, we should claim fur the reasoning of their legal advisers, Rome coneidtwations which they are bound to give to the arginnente of the British law oflicere. Hostile demonstrations are being made in various parts of England towards the United States. One was mace at Bristol on the occasion of the departure of en Armstrong battery for Canada. IMMED The Paris Patric learns that in November the San Jacinto searched a French, a Danish, and a Portuguese vessel. These farts, nays the Patric, are important, as proving that the Washington Cabinet fancies that it has the Dower to 4kokelso the right of ...arch h., the full extent. Speculations from France represent the predominant tone of feeling favorable to the reconciliation of England and America. It Is reported that Olt Frond' alligator at Walltington 1..» bin ti , rvertuneut a rental on tilo part or the Washington Cabinet to deliver up despatches ad dressed from Paris to the French consuls at New Orleans and Charleston. The Continental news is of Slight importance, T 6, Roars. is Orin. The Patric says that the arrest or the l'intronito agent of France, in Lebanon, it an assault which the Govern• ment must resent. AIXVIITII CONGRESS--FIRST SESSION, WAgnnwrost, Doc. I,S, imta SENATE. Mr. TEN EYCK, of New Jersey, presented a petition for the establibhment of an armory on Burlington New Jersey. IiIP.TILUIVIEWLL, of rhino premented the petition or several Lundred citizons of St. Louie, laborers on 1110 public works, asking that the several amounts tine than 10, paid. Mr. POOLITILE, of 'Maranon], presented several piviltionsa far the stnat6ip,4l6h iltr. SUMNER, of M _.sosseillistitts. presented the peti tion of citizens of Vermont for the repeal of the fugitive slave law. Mr SAULSBURY, of Delaware, offored a resolution, askine the SAMIIIIT of Wai , to foroLd. the Geo.to copy of the proclamation of Creneral Phelps to the loyal citizens of the Southwest, and by what authority it was md. - Laid over. Mr. TEN EYCK introdu ed a bill for the establish ment of an armory on But linoton island, Neva Jer-e, Mr. DOOLITTLE introduced a bill for the collection Of cheer tuxes in insurrectionary districts. Jt provides for taking land in such districts to pay the direct tax, mid that the President shall, before the 224 of February trait; make uraelanattiat, tai.48G4.4 in such iueurreetion, the owners to bare the power of re demption. Mr. SUMNER otiored a resolution that Trustee Polk is now a traitor to the United States, and that he lie pelted frgiu the senate. Holumd to flea Committee en she Jridiciary. Mr. WILSON offered a resolution that the Military Committee he instructed to inquire if any legislation was neceesary to correct evils which now exist in the condi tion and management of the military hospitalsUrpixt to, Mr_ liOgTP.ll, of timmootiont, morel to Salo lip the case of the contested neat of the Senator from Kansas. The report of the Judiciary Committee is that Mr. Stan top is entitled to the seat. Mr. LANE, of Kansan, asked that a memorial be road ; alga. an 2,10 AP (kohl [he seii . 4 tho committee did not have before them a correct copy or the paper called an appointment. Mr. SUMNER, of Massachusetts, thought the case should be recommitted to the committee. Mr COLLMRRR, of Vermont., moved timt the =lnject be recommitted k the Committee on the RePciary. Mr. FOSTER thought there were no new facts in the memorial sufficient to refer the ease again to the com mittee. Aftor POMA dhieWiidon, sobject was recommitteit. A communication was received from the War Depart ment, transmitting the ord. re of General Halleek. The resolution offered by . Mr. Sunnier, that the army shall not be used to surrender fugitive slaves, was taken up. At! Si s. hi be ipal received lettcre complaining of abuses of this kind in the army. He said Brigadier General Stone wee adding to his achievement at Ball's Bluff by busying himself in surrendering slaves. He hat made Massachusetts soldiers do this vile duty. The Go viwuor of Miiiii:achnseqa baaairemiy compietned or Ulla outrage, and if must be stopped. Mr. COWAN, of Pennsylvania, thought one great trouble was, that every general thought he must make declarations as to WI at he will do in a contingency which never itriceu_ lie thought the hot no ni g ht to settle the question who was the owner of a stave, anti the whole matter should he left to the authority of the Ex ecutivr, and need net be put on the statute-book. The fact that the army was in the rebel States was oullicient l and we Data take Ilia natusfil from Midi fact without Raeelal legislation for emancipation and confiscation. Ho thought we had nothing todo with these questions in the Senate. We are only keeping tip an angry agitation. The rogniutian WOO natwni he rc , solution offered by afr. Latham, of (o the Secretary of State why passports were required of easseugers from New York treSan Francisco, was taken um Adr LATHAM contended that Dasannrta ehould not be required from passengere going to a loyal State like California. The paesengers were obliged to pay enor mous tax for the passports, which goes into private hands. The resolution was tulopted. Aft e r executiry :?I,oi/i9ll illtl iv -3,011=a, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. DAWES, of Massachusetts, from the Committee on Electione, reported a resolution that Charles Henry roster is not entitled to a seat in this Congress, either from the First or Second district of North Carolina. Mr. DA WES said that the committee had pursued the investigation so far as to be entirely, satisfied that t to Claim was foundoll tun imposition, ane so well Aatisli.d of this fact was Mr. Foster himself that he had voluntarily abandoned the claim. The resolution was adopted Mr. WALTON, of Vermont, from the Committee on Printing, repotted a resolution, which was adopted, to mint five thousand eerie.; of the P.,11,f of the soeelsd committee to inquire into contracts. with the evidence, and ton thousand c ogles without the evidence. The 'Douse resumed the ronslderat'on of the bill to se cure homesteads for actual settlers, to heads of families, or MOP° Wilt) lisle ntleinvi twonty,one years of aao4 and are citizens of tho United States, or hare hied their in tention to become such. 'The provisions are extended to all who have performed service in suppressing the rebel lion. In. lieu of bounty land, the three-months Tobin teerPi or their- legal beim are to receive SA in addition to no right LC hoineetead i and all who have served slit months 6100. Mr. HOLMAN, of Indiana, proposed an amendment, extending the . bounty-land act of March, Itiss, to those craned in the PriiPtit wan Kr. cf Ohio, opoived it, con tending that it would strike a death-blow at the entire homestead policy, consume every Ilerfl already surveyed, and benefit the soldiers only to the extent of what they can receive froM gig NW of their warrontth wits. sated the original blll. COVODE, of Pennsylvania, offered a modification of far. Holman's amendment, which the latter accepted that the provisions of the bill shall not take effect until uw ytar fittrr its passage. mr, T,PWAIMI, or New Hampshire, advocated the amendment, and asked whether we should not extend to those now engaged as ranch liberality as we have to the soldiers who fought in previous ware. - . lltr• V-ViPlinal, of lowa, WWI for confining the temat, to eetum 'lenient. Ll ommeing the amendment, he 'aid the bounties would inure to speculating Shylocks, and not to the aottl7er, who would become their prey. Mr. MORPI7.,L, of Vermont, said that in ordinary times he would vote for a lunuesteß 4 l hIU, init it 16'01114 he w vow far ouch a weeping MOttalire like this. Idr. POTTER, of Wisconsin, who reported the bill, spoke in its support. If the homestead policy was wise hereto fore, it Pas asi tiredly so now. It eheald have been sdopteA yvers age, and ',maid have tl/111!fl tors from the imposition of large capitalists who have nu nopolized the lands. The debate .me continued by Messrs. Julian (N. Y.), Fessenden (tie), Roscoe Conklin& ( N. Y.), 4reohl (DO, tatter saying that the tollnttf is now in a flurry about a foreign war, but on this Subject his soul was tranquil. He believed there would be none. Mr. CRITTENDEN, of Kentucky, doubted whether it was prudent to pass this bill. It was by credit alone that we oaaial h the mi t ihry struggle in which WO are engaged, and it was the part of wisdom to take care of the means to sustain our credit. Throughout the world lauded security is considered the best lie re pealed that it would be when we are engaged in the erefttpat war the world Aare ant., Wit, By doing eo *e would he acting generously, when it is as much as we can do to act justly. "Pay your debts before yen give." This was a maxim on welch we should prac tise. Before adopting such a measure, let us make sure s , of the salvation of our °Aunt'. LA lid hi.i , tlick sit oxlr energies to that object ih men, money, and means. Mr. LOVEJOY, of Illinois, supposed that it was un derstood that the motion which had been made to post pone the bill would result in its flood defeat. (Cries of it No I no! no rTh. Ile had no doubt such war the of the motion. Mr. BINGHAM, of Ohio, while always disposed to re gard with respect the utterance of the gentleman from Kentucky (itt.. Crittenden), felt constrained to differ from him in hie conclusions—namely, that the aired of toe passage of the homestead bill would transfer from the Government its property as a basis of credit. Mr. ROSCOE CONKLING entered his protest against Mr. Lovejoy'e imputation that firma who favored a past row:runt desired the defeat of the bill. GOLTAX, of Indiana, said that, aletinvor it would be in order, he would move to amend the bill, by providing the granting of bounty lands to soldiers, or their widows, of 180 acres, on any public lands open to preemption or entry at ant& or less per asre to pro vide hotnetteede of eighty acres to actual settlers on the lands reserved from railroad grants, and now open to entry at 82.50 per acre. The further consideration of this bill was postponed till the first Monday in February[ by a vote of 88 against 0 naytk Idr. STEELE,. of New Jersey, presented a memorial from Lieut. Craven, asking indemnity for the toes lie sustained while surveying the isthmus of Darien. Mr. STEVQ N renoryiyania, from the Committee On Wayo anti means * repotted the Civil appropriation bill. Also, a bill appropriating a million of dollars for gun boats in the Western waters, In addition to former sums appropriated. The NUT Fill lii PRIM, Tim Muse ticiat into committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, Mr. Washborne, of Illinois, in the chair, and took up the bill for the payment of invalid and other pensions. Tim bpi Woo amended, on motion of Itfr, BL AIL of Mit bourn NO that no pension Atoll he paid under Mfg net to any person engaged in the present rebellion against the United States, or who in any way has given aid and c rnfort to those engaged in the rebellion. The bill was robed The nom patted it OM anthoriaing and remitting the Secretary of War to pal to the officers and men hereto fore actually employed or mustered into service iu the Western or Missouri Military Department the pay and bounty as in regular enlistments. Thin fOftla the NUB -order Osr, Fremont and other commanring generals. Mr STEELE, of New Jersey, offered a resolution, which was passed, that the select committee on the al leged contract abuses he requested to inquire as to the policy of abolishing siglertillir, or regulating the System in accordance Uillt the requirements and protection or the eoldiers. Mr. COLFAX, of Indiana, called attention to a com munication from the Post Office Department, stating that it has been ascertained that members of cosmos fro: gurutbr EiTs evil-vicuna to coverrnattrr unknown to them, and that tranked•letter envelopes, without any address, are being circulated among the camps and sold by sutlers at from one to two cents a.piece; that franked envelopes are sent to merchants in various parts of th e c oun t r y to 9VI - cr their 1711 - 14 corrvepuntletme in return, Ana flint franks are forged. Mr. COLFAX hoped that this simple statement of facts would correct the abuses. lvithcitt further legirlation the House adiourued England Asks an Explanation, but makes no Demand for the Surrender of the Prisoners. Ilnw Vona, Dec, Erarting roof learns from commercial letters of the highest character, from Lou• dun, that the British Government proposes to seek ex planations of the Trent affair, and perhaps an apology will be tusked for an "irregular proceeding," but tio made tor she MV - 11:11 , iCT of tho rebel prisoners. The English writers of these letters hope that the subject will be treated by us with patience and in a kindly spirit. From Sun Francisco. .Flll3 FLOOD SUDOIDING. SAN Fes:mac°, Dec. 17.—Sacramento is now mostly out of water. Influential parties of that city have advocated that the money already appropriated to pay toe interest on the city debt he used for meeting the expense of building an embankment to prove• t another inundation. The proposition was defeated through tho action of a puhlie muting_ , ivisen the letwilsa eitLa.6a $40,000. The January interest on the Sacramento bowls will be paid. T 3e people of San Francisco will send $50,000 towards relieving the Sacramento sufferers. he DOM:ON OD excited on aetottitt of possiblo WIC with Ragland. There have been large sales of rice, candles, whisky, and coffee, to arrive. Rutter is dull at 2.8a30e. Drills have advanced; make at 12i e. Soilnel, ship Contest, for ilong Kong. From Fortress Monroe. Fourier:Bs Itiognoe, Doc. 17, via Banintnre.—The ateatualtiu Constitution. Captain A. T. Fletcher, taitel for Bretton et 12 o'clock In. night. It is nuppoael that else will there take on board three. othor regiments for, same nOint on the Southern coast. 'no Baltimore boat brought down this morning 101 men, tie greater nurnia.r lo‘longing to ',lto snoutty. n i u ti t new Tutu. Reglmcnti vlon hove bum Ilinririrgotlyront the lu*pita/e, and are abinit to rejoin rogheeut at Port lo) al on the first opportunity. THE CITY. AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING AMERICAN ACADEMY or MOSlO—Broad and Loeust streets—" Grand Cuban Matinee." WHILLTLIIVEI CONTINENTAL TEINATRII—WEInot divot abovo tigixtb,-6 , The Sontilern 110,n1liou by Yroa and Land"—" The Cataract of the Ganges." AEON-BTRIEET TIIIATRI—ArCh street, above Sixth.— "The Lore Clialb"—"One-liundred-Pound Note." WALNUT-STREIT 'UNRATEN--NUAS and Wshiw Pour NUMMIr — " Frusump• JIVE, Evidence." TRUPLE OF WONDRRS—N. E. corner Tenth and Chest. nut etreete.—Signor Blitz's Entertainment. Tztr: Haar OGnoOD DIFFICULTY.—The lll voluntary resignation of Dr. lifehturtrie and Professor Gerard, of the High-School faculty, to creating con siderable excitement among the Alumni of the inetitu• lion, 11iiylng convened with a nntritior of than, we aea at liberty to state that 801110 decisive adieu will be taken on the matter sub) meeting in February next. We also learn that resolutions will be offered at the !text meetin g of the Board of Control and High-School Faculty, impronming appretintion of the oast high services of the two meta_ mem and thanking them for their unwavering devotion to the interests of the school during the long period of their connection with it. Dr. fficliturtrie has bean identified with the High Scho4l far upwarile of teenty years, During that time lie lied collected far the profit of the pupils, and at his own expense, a cabinet of rare and valuable mineralo gical, physiological, and botanical specimens. It has been appraised - at 512,500, yet we are reliably informed that it has been offered to the city for $5,1i110, or for a Vinuly tiktitili or Mt Thor° are twor aenUeme,, in the land se skilled In natural science, and in the art of in/- parting its 1C99013 to the mind of youth, us Dr. Alc:lfitr trio. With his literary attainments the public is well ac quainted.. Die it Scientific Lexicon" is now a standard work, hiving been in unto to I L..seheel fey many while the trnnilation of ti thiviee's itegne Animal" was pronounced at the time of its publication to be one of the most valtm - le acquisitions to the American student. Ilia worth has thus conic to be appreciated as well by parent ae by p u pil, and we have Peery whites heard re gr et that the cervices of so many oars should at length west ouch unseemly recognition at the hands of the Board. Prof. Gerard hail been rollnecks' with the school about four years, and hail not les. endeared himself to pupils ai it fidiOW , Priffeeseriii Ha is a native of France. hat in early manhood emigrated to this country for political reasons. He is still in the prints or hie years, and has few equals as a preceptor or polished gentleman. Prof. Youdes Juts refused to resign his position until the )heard shall bring some epeeific /Maw against him, accompanied with substantiating testimony. In this position he is sustained by the unanimous verdict of tho Alumni Aasociation. Mr. Irogdes he the author of several standard mathematical works, which lisve boon introduced into the Itigll and (if Mugu Schmid, He has maintained, for a aeries of years, an naffed reputation for legal ability, and is still in the enjoyment of quite an extensive practice. It is not improbable that the Board of Control may re fuse to sanction the action of its committee in this mat ter, mid Witt a fa iluicept the, r.sign.uorla 'Atli* bare been tendered. Thts would be no more than justice to the aggrieved professors, although we doubt whether they could be now induced, under any circumstances, to return to their respective positions. The note inviting them to easiest; siwa.r.t the Ilrst. of January, 1162, as the day neon which their resignations should take effect. They decided, however, not to avail themselves of this merciful concession to their feelings, and at once vacated their offices. The COMINUOIICOII are, that the studies of mathematics, atiatooly, and physio logy, and the Frontal Isnenage, have been suspended in the Nigh School, and it is doubtful whetheregaminations in those departments can be held until new professors are elected. The thirts'•ninth Onduntino. al n nn Foittei exesealogty that the namea of the throe itentleineti will not lie at tached to their diplomas. THE CHESTNUT-sTREET BRlDGE.—Yesterday in the Court of NiFi P/1119 1 ,-.lnltice Bend, the Ohio Of the no.ra of tort w.rd ,, e. ye, Thu iiity of Philadelphia, and Flanigan TO. Same, was brought up In equity. TWO bills praying an injunction to prevent the construction of the Chestnut-street Bridge upon the plan proposed, on the ground that it would prove an n n : .titt.tt.. C. +to fr o moriewcion of Me river The answer filed by the city in the form of an affidavit by Strickland ErMites, after setting forth the varioui acts of Assembly passed authorizing the construction of a bridge over the Schuylkill river at Chestnut street, SOO! • And deponent is advised that the city of Philadelphia, and those acting under her, have the lawful power to construct the bridge over the river Schuylkill at Chest nut. street without the consent of the complainants ? and that raid eemplalt.abt„.l,..., o pownr prevent the erection of a bridge authorized by the tlommortwealth, or to license the erection of a bridge, in pursuance of their general statutory power conferred upon thorn by the Commonwealth, but that their jurisdiction hi confined to tha 01:101.410.11 of aettacOPa foto tiro navlgnAyto -remora in the county a Phibillelphin, whnn the canine i s sought to be done by those who are riparian owners. Tire auswtr to the bill tiled by Mr. Flanigan, com plaining of the proposed bridge an an interruption of the lfyt Haliglllloll or the ther Schuylkill; relt tee the art of ,A;•senonly as in the other hill. It thou asserts that the plan adopted atiords at all times a clear and ;minter rupttd passage for the water of the river, greater than that existing at the bridge at Market street." And deponent further seitli that, so far its thi: of steamoate tor 11w lowing of barges loaded with coal may exitt on said river, that the erection of said bridge will not in tile least interfere with the amount of the navigation, though it may in a slight .le gree change the mode ; that deponent is swam of no reagOt. SOAch 'would prevent a atcaniboat towing ten barges after the erection of said bridge at one time, it' the same is so done now, for the reason that three tiers of barges, three abreast, with one alongside of the pro pelting lmat would cover an area fittY•felir feet Wide by- four honoree feet in length, Whitt could easily pass under said britige, and that deponent tudiavet that the course of the river Schuylkill, at or ahout Chest nut street, will allow an arrangement of this kind to be as easy for navigation SFIIpII Rid bridge shall be arested as it now is through the bridges at tiray's Ferry and Penises Ferry, and that, in the course of cm:- tion under the direction of the Pennsylvania Railroad, as tile widest opening at Gray's Ferry, through which tow boats can pass, is one hundred and one feet, and the draw of the cane ntreeds zthlk flay-fee! throe 1..- tween lioAting guards, and the widest opening at the Pennsylvania Railrotul bridge is one hundred and fifty feet at low water, and between the draw piers the width is seventy-five feet. There wag some dissuasion judge ih regard to the probability of carrying the case to the Supreme Pourt. Mr. Campbell, for the complain ants, said that the case would go up. Judge Read then suggested that 'there was no necessity- to argue the case now, Mid get an wkee4uslati.f.-4,610. i bat that the bilis should be dismissed, and the case pot In a position to he heard before the Supreme Court, at the session in Janu ary next. This was agreed to, ant in order to allow counsel to prepare the ease in shape, the court adjourned the ease until to-day_ CONFEDERATE MACKEREL THIEVES.— Ser geant Alexander, of the First-ward police, on Tuesday captured four youths 1111.110 a James George rittcher, Winfield Cade, and 1ta,41.1,, Lewis, who have heed extensively engaged in petty thieving in that district. One of the youngsters gave a little history of their transactionsuron his arrival at the station-house. It OPPCitts that there are ten in the Puts% and their ages range nom twelve to fifteen years. They have been re gularly organized into a band for thieving purposes far upwards of a year. Their leaner was dismissed some time since for not sharing the plunder properly. The operations wcre carrier] on (coin store to store, and front nenee to lamer, whenever all opportunity awed. Mom. rut seemed to have been a favorite article with the young rascals. In the crowd were two colored boys, one of whom was considerable of a wag. He would go into a grocery store and amuse the attentlitats while a COnv kr.iorinc would nil a basket with Mill from the barrel upon the omelet , . When arrested, the four were prowling about suspiciously in the neighborhood of Fourth and Borden streets. Tlwy had previously 'been amusing themselves by robbing pigs Of their Mild, and several of 55,, iauer were retina to the pickets of one of the noys. Two of Them were in their stocking feet, their boots being concealed in the bosoms of their companions. The Pri soners were held for a further hearing by Alderman Lentz. Cade tea eon of Ezekiti Me t recently convicted of ramie's esmocerreis trim DEATH OF A WELL-KNOWN CITIZEN.—Aaron Clent-nt, Esq., an old and respected citizen, died at his feeiticnee it this city yesterday_ Mr. Clement was rs markably genial and urbane in his hilithera, and took a deep interest in the improvement of breeds of cattle, OR which subject he was regarded as excellent authority. Bewas, for nearly half a century, an active meaner of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Amieulture, served on the exhibition committees, largely contributed to make the exhibitions successful, and filled, for two years, the office of president. The Society, at a meeting held yesterday, passed the following appropriate resolu- Win?: On the occasion PI his decease; Arse/era, That this Society lute learned with deep re gret of the death of their late president, Aaron Clement, Esq., an old and esteemed friend of agriculture, and the o.deet member of their body. Rem Fred, That this SoriPtY will attend at the late rest, dente or the iseceseeM arm participate in the funeral ceremonies. THE NEW OrrlcEK—The office of Commis sioner of Highways has been removed to the bedding at the iouthwegt corner of Fifth and Walnut rtreMa. Work men are now engaged in fitting up the room just vacated by the Highway Department, for the use of the Police and Fire-alarm Telegraph. Very little alteration will be meow. A hone pole, to &Peet the wltee li,h, the window on Chestnut street, has been put up on the corner. MISSION CHAPEL OF ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH. —Tits ladies of Mt_ Am. Reeds hove or, ottroollvo foie -.ow open in the Sunclay-echvol room In the rear of St. An drew's Church, Eighth Street, near Spruce, and have met with such success that they nave resolved to con tinue it until to-morrow evening at teu o'clock. The erseeeds ore 'for 4114 Daeaai azeTety- of tho oasstou, to provide clothing for the poor of the neighborhood. In these hard times there is no lack of applications for relief. The chapel is under the care of Rev. Richardson Gra ham, and is located in Thirteenth street, near Prime. HELD TO AnwEn.—Before Alderman Beit lor, on Tuesday afternoon, P. H. Williams hod a hearing upon the charge of attempted robbery at the Illerehante flotel_ It wag Notified that he was NAM keying tha doors of several rooms, about four o'clock on Monday morning. V. illiams is also alleged to hare committed a rubbery at the same place in May last. He w•as hula to answer both charges. FUNERAL OF MALCOLM 3IACNEILLE.—The fl.l, neral of Malcolm Mac Neille, Jr., took place from his pumas' residence, South Fifth street, yesterday after mont between two Mat thrv9 n'clott It vino attended by tho fitrvety of the High moot. members of the Alain. vii Association, members of the Young, Bachelor's Club, and a large number of the friends and former schoolmates of the lamented deceased. COLONEL SMALL'S REcistuNT„--Lieutenant William T Baum, of Colonel Small's Regiment, has re ceived instructions to return to camp to attend a general court- martial, of which he will he the Judge Advocate. Limitantint B. will start for Washington thin ovouinm lla Mg been in the city for tidily Weeks pasi on recruiting aervice, and in that capacity hoe rendered efficient aid to the Coven:meta, and is certainly deserving of promotion. He will return to the city alter tho adjournment of the cow tanartial: THE THIRTY-NINTH . GRADCATING ChASS OF THE HIGH I , CHOOL.—Divislon A of the High School, which graduates in Ftdiranry Watt will MVO itself on commencement to he one of the ablest that ever left the institution. The lumbers, twenty-five in number, have been photographed in group by Mr. lidwani P. hippie—himself a graduate of Hid High School, and one OOP tlfFl Ilailto in Pv MT, GIRARD COLLEGE.—The income from rents, etc , devoted to the maintenance of this institution has been dintiniehed during the year by 870,000, it haring bum found impassible in MARY instances to rent tile pro. tellies, or collect the indebtedness or tenants. A more rigid economy in the administration of the institution has therefore been rendered necessary. A retrouclunent of 810.000 during the year has already - been effected by the Committee on Girard Trim% hut this insufficient to. Preclude the possibility et embarrassment in the future. A RARE COLLECTION aF BlRDS.—Captain George Taylor, cote -keeper at the Pennsylvania Hospi tal, Eighth idreoh Rtiova Nita, haa un hand a 1.11.41-‘ll.l46Pt tnea of cattiiry birds, nuteltiug birds, goldfinches, aid fancy cages, which he will dispose or on the most rettami aide terms. Thcaic who have Christmas neeseuts to, select should pay the Captain a visit, as they will most certain lir, be suited_ ..A.ccintyr.—Yestertlay, a man, named: Jon McQuade, aged twenty-two years, had his lolling frac tured by falling off a scaffold, nt tha Montsosuary Daum, Nikki ilia ve l / 4 1 / 4 .4tv. 118 Hospital. Boy DROWNElL—Yesterday 4:term . ..ion, an unknown boy, aged about six 3 ears. fell into the Dela u.d Fr coverra. in a ,Iwrt tine, Silo was extitort. Ooroner Con rad held an inquest, and had the body conveyed to tho colaer of Swanson and Q110)11 t-trt*tp for rrcogoition. FUGITIVE FROM JUNTI(T.I. - C4lfelrlidy 1110r11. /lig, Detective Bird arrested a man name I John iIoWQ4, who is charged with being a fogitivo from justice front Massaansetts. It apywra6 that - be was arreatml fur a rOlTry stommitttd al FairhaTon, Ittmanclinsetto4 and Wei held In answer the rharan at New Bedford lie fled from his bail, and came In this edy, where be , war arrested. /ID was held by Atderman iteittor to await a rotoisition. NAVAL MATTENR.---The vessels now lying at the navy yard are the &iota, Union, Powhalan, Brookliin, rahomn, and itfin»ii. Noerly all of are ready for era and will lefts in a short time. 'lhe cargo of the prize bark Meat°, consisting of 3,000 bags of coffee, has been sold at public site br ISleeers. butilh, Cook, & Co, the agents of the Govern ment. 91he attendance was an unrirnnily largo Ono, and 11,0 biddhat epiritta. The choice MU sold for 18%c a pound, while the others brought 17d a pound. The price obtained per pound was considered to be an excel lent one. The same kind of coffee sold a week ago, at 13 and 14 cents a pound ; the price has been hierettsit.g un til If hag reached as high 10110 Mhhi a pouod. The rise Is partly owing to the scarcity of coffee In the market, as it rosel laden with the article has not undyed at tide port for at least three months. The news from Europe has also had a corresponding effect upon the prices, It remembered that the bath Afertg9 Wall raptured by Ptnlrq Pluvy-of-wrbr iireohlyn, while nee. voting to run the blockade, A number of other sales are announced to take place by the United States Marshal. There are now being conetructed, at the works of Needle and Levy, in Kensington, two iron litf+nrnerli, Dila fur the iiricoon line of pockets, and the other to run between this city and New York. Each vessel will be 100 feet long, 24 feet beam, 9 feet hold, and about 400 tone burthen. One of them will be impelled with a lows Preo , lll , IntgiPet cylinders ?,) by 25 lachne, The other will have a high pressure engine, and cylinders incite. This firm is also building three Iron lighters for the Panama Railroad Company, cm .1i of which will carry about l'.oo tone of coal In 11W IMMO latOP d euldnarine liearly cOulfdrtutb IL is Of MAIM' Inl2ll, 15 feet long, 56 inches acres, ' and tIU inches deep. It la shaptA like an egg, and is designed to operate under water, the interior containing machinery fur sinking It, and also to propel it. A large OliRili0; intended f.A. a ii4ot wienare., now battl ing at the ship-yard, for the Pliitadelptiia and Boston Steamship Company, will soon be completed The cylin der will be 60 by 44 tactics and the prorsller 13 feet in diameter. The ship will hoof the 811111(161i7.0 ae the Saxon, now feftiTiflif her mines at Nanßlo & hevyte. AMOUR ale other works going oa are font engines for boats belonging to Captain Loper, and a oteain gine for California. At Ilyerly`a yard two iron propellers are being coverts" with planking, and their hills strengthened_ A numliee of meows for the Government are also to h heilt at this yard. AREETT OP .A FEMALE PliCE:POCKET.—Yester day morning a WOUlan; named Julia Dailey. Mimi Nary ithikl'Yi alias Delia Dunlap, wail arrested by Oille*r Ile Haven upon the charge of picking pockets. The com plement, !dm Austin, of Germantown, came to the city on hueiueev , and, bluortly after leering the pe....t minted her Ducket.twok, ennininitur a AMU Ala of a:..:..•,_ Mrs, Austin saw Julia near her, and acetified her of the theft. The butter denied the charge, but the pocket-hook fell from under her arm, where it wee concealed. The money aloe was found on tier preson. The awciieeit taken before Aldertne» 'HOU, and committed to aniatr, FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. THE MONEY MARKET. rniLingtPritA, Decembor 18, 1881 Further examination of the retuning of the English ne"PaPers ehowa many indicAtigllS ti the DOUG mind - Moro In becoming calm again, under the reactrettary in fluence of the lA. sober second thought." It would really seem as if the people were disposal to tate the advice of John Bright in his Busby speech or Zintainhar 28th. Then he Rua; t Wait till it Is quite cleat that it was the purpose of the Northern States to offend yonr dignity and insult your nag i but if such was the purpose, he trusted that the whole spirit of England would break alit, /ma tha that effect would begiven to it necessary l'ar the vindica tion of our power, which alone was 130h:fent to secure the permanent safety of our wide-extended empire --ex tended and honored as the result of our free institutions_ It appeared to him that the position of England was this; na have stand by as a sMr,ll while tiwz,e cunkerviinw parties have teen etittaged in active strife; and it a maa Stands by while tso fellows are having a match Ito must not take it ha , d if begets a black eye, unless he it turn that the blow was given with the inten ion of insulting him. He trusted they wink! be 1111.8 of that la‘fot.i. the piiwer of England was used against a ppanla of the seine blood and origin as ourselves." Thus the London Times itself, while asserting in one column that "there would seem to its Nit 9110 reparation which is adeonfro to the affront. They must be restoml with a sufficient apology"--says in its money article of the very same paper: r" The excitement in the city rag c9PUidefilitir ulliyutl te-day .0 ie.- a. regnros the apprehension that the Amer rican news might he held to necessitate an twit Intatiouns resort to hostile measures; tint, In proportion its the na tural feeling of n ere irritation subsides, the moral in dignation which resulta from a taint review yr aij the iii t, c. tv..l.llrizl3 o 4 ti uce a 1.t1 . 0111,1 more strong, Tito univcr.ai impression, however, seems to be that in their present unhappy position in the eyes of the world the United States Government can scarcely command them. relves so as to regulate their course by the light of law, n 11.91111: fir Colistosy, awl that although 41,14 opens a wide field of dancer, it should aim stimulate all other nations to the exerehe of the utmost forbearance. While, therefore, it is plain from every symptom of public feeling that no British Cabinet could now sustain itself that would allow, goy point whatitYcri a diractly illegal insult to he offered to the nationt the desire is unanimous that— with this exception—the Washington statesmen shout even to the most extreme verge of technicality, be al. lowed free scope. and that even on points where there is hut a small doubt in their favor that doteit should Ge concvdcli to them, 1110, or course, seen that if they hare determined to endeavor to hide the spectacle of their In ternal condition by a foreign war, no caution on our part can prevent that consummation; but the dirty trhlsli rtierY Englishman owes for tho honor of hie coon. try to taila rare that the history of the calamity shall show no contusion as to its origin to already universally recognized, and this duty is rendered less trying by the distress of the United States being such as to enable iP AMNIA in much without the fear of our Rind re hue mg misinterpreted, At the Same time, although themes. minute community are prepared in every way to defer to the opinions of the law officers of the Crown, whenever theta shall be made public, they remain at present totally linable to conceive that peaceable foreign passengers slit -h:t,e.:l conirni,an.l i ' aria removed by force fp:lntel - 1r 'vessels without any judgment of a rrizo Court, and that the mode of this procedure may consist in the tiring of round shot nod strolls." A Manchester letter in the Bally NelU3, dated Noy. Path, n there, are a veat ,navy rcciilviip men Wtnliti at once urge on a war to redress the alleged insult to the British flag, but this it by no means the genera/ feeling. and amongst some of the leading mer chants the first ebullition of anger is giving place If afiEtittr, levk k4,e Covvrouo.int - shouid tun precipitately be Micros. d in favor of a resort to arms." The money article of the London Daily News says: fi The opinion of the law officers of the Crown is look rd ter With extreme interest; and an impression has gained ground to-any that, apart from tile eattietnelr offensive manlier in which the American war-vessel has acted, the verdict of international jurists will not be entirely condemnatory of the course pursued by it. There are; then. many anxious digellgattill at to how fee the American Gotiernuicht will de In the endeavor to allay, by conciliatory and apologetic language, the deep feeling of irritation ins!ly roused Mall classes of society in this country. Beneath everything there exists an 'ln dere 111Teht of apprehensions list the American Gtvern_ anent really contemplate the ackaperate policy of teetting to fasten a quarrel upon Great Britain, in order to gain a standing ground for abandoning the design of subju gating the South." The London Sloe is quite reasonable an the satiiert it There is enough of tecessionist and conservative in fluence at work upon our press to account for mote than the two or three violent tirades by which it was yesterday morning attempted to inflame an excitement already on the decline. itsmele to isatiktie j..dr popular—lost the rabid. outcries of factious, reckless, or mercenary - writers fail of even a momentary effect upon an intelligent public. Journalists the least friendly to the North, but well informed and reflective, could got honestly deny that the set of the Vedeisa - eontsromEler , ....4 stitieeptible or legal apology. So much, at any rate, is granted by every journal that pretends to respect the un derstanding of its readers and the responsibilities of na tional action. tt Within twants-four hawse airs the mask li Lass_ dolt of the tidings brought by the La Pala the poMic mind had been calmed by the recollection of these two or three facts: First, that the British flag, however digni fied and powerful, has no special privilege exempting if PPM flit ontinary °Nitration: of international lam I accondlyi that the Brim riorer»ment has tnuariatity maintained the ?tight of searching for and seising, on board neutral vessels, deserters from its service or abet tors of its enemies; and thirdly, that the American com mander hes Wen only bush pasiengers by the Trent ait WPTV notoriously in the employ at the Unnteilernte Mama. The remembrance of these points compels the subsidence of anger, shuts out the imputation of lawless violence, fete aside considerations of the wisdom or courtesy of the act, and bindq t 19 Mgt tile Authoritative jet:merit Of our Crown lawyers upon an event as strictly within their province as that of any question ever submitted to the Court of Chancery or the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. 44 We have no doubt that the opinion of the highest SPExI cilonarica In the realm il more then wassa" the lawfulness of what has been done by the Federal commander- Looking at the history of modern mari time warfare, the dicta of the latest writers on inter national law, and the terms of the queen's proclamation s StICIS tire Trent was billets so for more then the indignity suffered. The United States has too much reason to know that the neutral flag does not cover all thet . • • * * * "Thy ccrintnimder Di the San Jacinto bas nvglected but in one point to manly with the law of nations. He has not captured the Trent and carried ber as a prize into an American harbor. If Le had don. so, the usages of nations a: war, and especially of Greet would have covered him from all complaint. Auk Its sonth. - ed himeelf„ iLs a..., resistance was not made, to carrying off the particular article of contraband which exposed the ship to con demnation. Are we to believe that this was either an oversight or a wilful aggravation of the &- fennel' May we net satiate:4Se tic a•Anam..l,4o,6ht. by the rutted States President of unwillingness to revive an ancient grudge, and of desire to spare na loss or mortification Is it not the natural and friendly in terpretation of the whole affair that Commander Wilkes toted (Iran inctruntions iu 1111111111119 with wallasatabliabad nclitclble:l. and that those lasttuctioaa WON MAW to the arrest of contraband persons i It seems an unaccount able remissnesa that I.e dal not insist on the surrender of the despatches; but he has thereby put it in the power of Meagre. Yams!! end Mann to VAWII4, tl,sts paldlea floe, that the captain ut the Treat was not conveying part ra forbidden by the proclamation of his own sove reign." The news he the Jura, at Portland, from Liverpool, traded rather to increase the noorellonsiong of trouble frith England previously raised, and the stock market this morning was further depressed. Reading Railroad stock sold down to 16 at the first board, and afterwards t? I\llNnitiiinii4 Rnilroaa Pivvista ilvsliord to 3l*, at which a few shares were sold. The holders of investment securities, however, were undiaposed to yield to the new deCline, And the amount of sales made was In the money market nothing was done The Westmoreland Coal Company have declared a dividend of c:ght per cent., payable en and after January Igtql. We are in receipt of the lust number of Peterson's Counts',left Detector for the year 1562, and the occasion is a fitting one for reminding our readers of the Import azis r uLikalieu as 41.71 Ira 0rP11,44 cvmptmion to the countlag-house and the store counter. Even to the man whose money transactions are of the smallest character, the coat of a good counterfeit detector is st rove' n9 ,, P5 by ea vvn in tin? MITIK? tat o year bY prDlrG timt from loss through some one or other of the thoustud frauds that the ingenuity of .villajny is constantly de vising. Besides the solid value of the information fur :Maud lit ss4a.irs cor.cer.iu g sod tvaseas iu bank-neter, the subscribers to Peterson's Counterfeit Detector receive full returns for their subscription, lathe carefully-compiled tables of stock sales, prices currant, ami u eiwrat La.inesi listattdev,e,, taraiskel tan. every The New York Evening Psist of to-day says: Stocks opened with renewed heaviness, and the fright seethed a.q..iaa totion c.mriAt• Biol. of the market. 'the speculative shares tumbled 2to 4 per cent., with great pressure to sell early na the day. The transactions of the first call show very plainly that the stocks of weak holders were neeking.a market, and WAVOY!Li of the henteie 'ALA. that could be obtained. The immediate cause of this fresh presto-re to sell is the diatopointment felt in regard to the refuent of the hook presidents lust ereng to suspend speolo• payments, This the .;I.`,Ett au the harps mieJority ttplig'lN4 the atop, Wit many PS forty-ono banksout of tho fifty-five 00 vutlult oat the question. TSip private letters. hoc the Europa als.iefatiled. to &To till)" •n,- couragement„ mat this, together with the unlatoroldia n<itilhAt by th..s anneal:rasa Towards the demo of the inortlia' be beard there leer.e some sigraof a rally, Now liork Central advancing to 7.5 X er7574, but this was immediately followed by a dioaim' to veil for cash, and the mita dropped to 75X whitoh is the stamina wino no we fzt-sa_ Thx Letecteat fall was ka, Tle common an 4 'Erie pre ferred, Theee etoeka were. 2,4 to 3 per cent, lower, un der, it le anppoaed, a (*vett inappty of Mock laa Otte Europa front London holders, A broker who go.neredip demo in ilia 'Awl an fmniga ateaunt_ aold. tai- g e4 %Ica vtvilde at any tino in thirty days. • The weakest of the Wcatern stGrke was blichigem Central, which dropped to,/, a derNne of 4 per mitt, on joatertlay'a price, and 834 on the v i notatton of Saterday. The molten of [lda atoek hare to view. porltawi, the faet that the eattihattO lealltrity obatteeklon 0,111,1,1ka aaahaard rung through Canada. Tit ?rico Notts ratlrt Wier at thtt - qdoe et 41'..
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers