CD' H A VOL. XV. NO. 39. PHILADELPHIA, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1G, 1871. DOUBLE SHEET THREE CENTS. 1 FIRST EDITION THE FAXL OF BELFOUT UNHAPPY PRANCE Eeceives Another Blow. The Town and its Defenses.! Progress of the Siege. Alsace and Lorraine, The Germans in Pull Possession Cite.. Etc.. Etc. Etc., Etc. In the convention for an armistice, agreed upon between M. Jules Favre and Count Bis marck on January 28, was included the follow Ing provision: "Ullltary operations In the territory of the De partments of Doubs, Jura, and Cote d'Or, as well as the siege of Belfort, shall continue Independently of this armistice, until an agreement is arrived at regarding the lines of demarcation, the tracing of whlcn through the departments mentioned la re served for an ulterior understanding." An offer was made by Bismarck, daring, the negotiations, to extend the armistice to this ection of France, but M. Favre refused to agree to it, as the surrender of Belfort was de manded as one of the conditions. So, while military operations have been suspended alto gether throughout the rest of France, the struggle has still gone on in the district sur rounding Belfort, to culminate, as might have been expected, in the final surrender of that fortress. The Fortress of Belfort. Belfort or Befort is a strongly fortified town of about 8000 inhabitants, in the Department of Ilaut-Rhin. on the Savoureuse, about 35 miles west of Basle, in Switzerland, and 75 miles south of Strasbnrg. It has a fine church, a college, a public library with 20,000 volumes, and several Important iron foundries and wine factories. It has always been regarded as a highly impor tant point in the military system, and for six hundred years saw many changes in ownership. Finally, in 1648, it was ceded to France by Aus tria, under the treaty of Westphalia, and from that time to the present remained in undisturbed possession of that country. Yauban then took the defense in hand and enclosed the town and citadel within a bastloned enceinte by which the former was completely hidden from view. But the defensive works, as they stood at the outbreak of the war, were only completed about forty years ago, when General de Bellonet added two additional lines or circles of defensive works, by means of which Belfort was supposed to have become almost as strongly fortified as Strasburg and Metz. Nature, indeed, had done as much as art for the defete of the place. The citadel stood upon a steep reck, and in addition there was the Eoche de Belfort, or Rock of Belfort, which rises at its highest point to an elevation of two hundred feet above the river Savoureuse. The town was furthermore de fended by a permanent fortified camp, capable of containing twenty thousand men. Its rail way communications were also of the most im portant character, the town being the Junction of three lines, those leading to Paris, South eastern France, and Switzerland. Hi Position la the Military System of France The declaration of war against Prussia at once rendered Belfort one of the most import ant military points in France. Situated at the southern extremity of the Vosges Mountains, it defended the passes between Southern Alsace and the valley of the Doubs, especially the road called the France de Belfort, which is the key to the passes between the Vosges and the Jena. The passes are rendered very narrow by a pro jection in the Swiss frontier just to the south east of Belfort, bringing it within fifteen miles of the border. But they presented one of the most practicable paths for an advancing upon the capital, and once penetrated, the enemy would have entered upon a flat and open country, with but one important ob stacle in the way of a direct march upon Paris the fortified town of Langres, situated near the source of the Marne, about 65 miles W.N W. of Belfort. The defense of Belfort was therefore a matter of vital importance, and the fortress became the extreme southern point of the French line at the outbreak of the war, General Felix Douay, com mander of the 7th Corps, making it his head quarters. The Hlexe of Belfort. There were some unimportant military move ments in the neighborhood, of Belfort during the earlier weeks of the war, but it was not until about the 1st of November that the Germans , laid formal siege to the place. There was an i engagement in the vicinity on November 2, and on the 3d the place was regularly invested. General Treskow was in command at the time, but he was subsequently superseded by General von Werder, who rein forced the besieging army with a large portion of the forces which had been in the siege of Strasburg, consisting principally of South German troops. A regular approach by earth works was necessary, by reason of the formlda Lie character of the fortifications. On the 16th of November, and again on the 23d, the garrison made sorties which were un successful. About the first of December the German lines were so far advanced that the bombardment began, but the garrison mide a determined and heroic resistance, and the be siegers suffered great loss. Soon after the bom bardment began, the Germans attempted to carry the works by storm, but were beaten off. The neighboring heights, however, were captured by the besiegers, with consider lie loss. About the middle of December, rein forcements of heavy artillery arrived from Ba varia, and towards the close of the month two more attempts at carrying the place by storm were made, both of which were unsuccessful. These were followed by an unsuccessful sortie on the pari I the garrison, these operations ail entailing terlous loss upon the Germans, whose wounded suffered rreatly from the Intense cold. About the middle of December a formidable army under General Bourbakl was despatched to the Vosges, to confront Von Werder and raise the siege of Belfort. Dijon, which had been occupied the second time by the Germms on the 30th of October, was evacuated on the approach of the French, and occupied by Gari baldi's forces on December 29. On January 9 Bourbakl was defeated at Villersexel, 20 miles W. 8. W. of Belfort, and on the 15th Von Werder successfully resisted a fierce assault on his position south of Belfort. Bourbiki re newed the atUck on the 16th and 17th, bnt sustained a damaging defeat on both occasions, with heavy loss. He then withdrew his baffled army from the immediate vicinity of the Ger man forces, and contented himself for some time with outpost skermishlng. But, disheart ened by his failure in raising the siege, Bour bakl attempted to commit suicide, and was re lieved of his command by General Clinchart, who arrived too late to turn the tide, and, when a (formidable army under General Manteuffel arrived on the scene to succor Von Werder and Treskow, found himself hemmed in between the two opposing forces, with co chance of escape. A scries of engagements ensued during the three closing days of January, In which the French loss In prisoners reached 15,000. About 8000 men, unler Garibaldi, escaped to the south, and the remainder of the French army, numbering about 65,000, in a completely demoralized and disorganized con dition, crossed the border into Switzerland on the 1st of February, and laid down their arms. The armistice not being extended to the country around Belfort, the destruction of Bourbakl's army sealed the fate of the heroic town. The second parallel of the besiegers was opened on the 2d of February, the bom bardment was still kept up with great vigor, andthere being no hope or prospect of relief from without, and further resistance being im possible, the fortress capitulated on the 14th, the garrison being permitted to march out with all the honors of war. And dot Belfort fol lows in the path of Strasburg and Metz, passing again under German dominion, where it is likely to remain for years to come. Its fall Is secondary in Importance only to that of Stras burg and Metz, and the Germans have now undisputed possession of Alsace and Lorraine. FUVAivfjE Art i conneucB. Etsniho Teuequaph Orrio,l Thursday, eb. lti, l7l, ( The movement of currency in this market continues slow, and with a good supply no dlfliculty is experienced in obtaining loans at rates current for the week past. The legitimate wants of trade are unusually small, owing in a measure to the unfavorable weather, but the demand for call loans is moderately active. We quote on call at 5(5)6 per cent, according to the collaterals offered, and prime discounts at 73 per cent in the outside market. Both the banks and private lenders are extremely cautious in negotiating paper for speculative purposes. Gold is quiet and steady at a slight advanee. Sales up to noon fluctuated between 111) and 111. Government bonds are moderatively active, but a few of the issues show a slight decline in price. The stock market was active, and prices are not materially changed. Pennsylvania 6s sold at 105 for the second series, and city 6s, new, do. at 101 9f. Reading Railroad was dull, with sales at 49-55 4'J; rcnnsylvanla at 09, o. o.; Camden and Ambov at 117; Oil Creek and Allegheny at 47; and Mineblll at 51. 39 was bid for Cata wisga preferred, and 26 for Philadelphia and Erie. Cabal stocks were quiet, with sales of Schuyl kill at 8 and Lehigh at 35, b. o. in miscellaneous shares we notice sales ot HestODvllle Railroad at 16; Central Trans portation at 49; and New York and Middle Coal at 5. PHILADELPHIA STOCK EXCHANGE SALES. Reported by De Haven & Bro No. 40 S.Thlrd street. FIRST HOARD. tUlOOCIty 6s, New.lOl'i 41 shPenna R.. 60 110000 Pa s. 2se....l05H fioooo Pa A N Y C7s 9i 9 do 800 do 69 69 '4 1 1000 UU(A alt.. Sift 800ScN 69 I2... 76 lahUam A Am..llT soo do 117 lOshOO A AR... 47 SOOshLeh N...bC0 85 820 do 85 803 do.. 80 do.. 69 4 69 V 700 sh Sch Nv 100 sh Cent Trans... lOOghN VAM.bOO. 25 sh Hestinvllle.. 20 sh Mlnetull R... BOARDS. 49 a 6 iok 61 BETWB8N f2000 Sch N 69, 76. 75 aoshPenna H 69 s; 100 do SCO. 69 x 800 shU Am..b39 117 800 do 116)4 SECOND BOARD. f4noo City 6a. New. .V) 80 sh Corn Ex Bk. soo sn ben ix . ss Sdays.... 70 I 60 sh Lit Sch KR.. 44 80S sh Read R..b5. 4 4U sn ien vai a..... cu s MBS8H8. Dl HAVKN Si Broths a. No. 40 8. Third street. Philadelphia, report the following quotations: U. 8. 68 Of 1881, 114 4114 V: do. 186'i, 111(4111; do. 1864, llo;.'(4ilox; do. i860, no (4U1; do. 186a, new, ioi(4iov; ; ao. ibgt, ao. vwi iu; ao. isos, do. 110Ji(110X; 10-408, 110(41 10S. D. 8. 80 Yeai 6 per cent. Currency, 112m; Gold, Ult'9 ill.: Bllver. 106(4108: Union t'aoino Railroad lstMort. Bonds, 610,4820; Central Paclflo Railroad, guuiiKo; union raoioo lauq urant tkiaaa, imvia. Philadelphia Trade Hepori, Thursday, Feb. 16. Bark In the absence of sales we quote No. 1 Quercitron at $30 per ton. Seeds Cloverseed la scarce and ranges from 11 1i;;c. V pound. Timothy sells at 10-23, and Flaxseed sold at 12-10. The Flour market is without essential change. there being very little demand except from the home consumers, whose purchases foot np 1100 bar rels, Including supernne at 5-V)(5-75 ; extras at 16 4 6 60; Northwestern extra family at 10-76(47-76; Pen a svlvania do do. at td-2S47; Indiana and Ohio do. do. at 16 75(47-75; and fancy brands at39 50. itye Flour may be quoted at la. The Wheat market la quiet at former rates. Bales of 2000 bushels Indiana red at ii-60;4'M bmheii Western at fl'M; 400 bushels choice amber at f 1-70; and 400 choice Western white at 3. Kre ma? on quoted at 1 1(3,1 -03 for Western. Corn Is steady but eulet: 8hio buttneis aoia at o. loryeuow, and 78c tor Western mixed. Oats are unchanged; 1000 bushels Pennsylvania soia at 620. In Harlev and Malt no sales. Whisky is dull at 93c94c for Western Iron-boond. LATEST SHirriS O INTELLIGENCE. PORT OF PHILADELPHIA FEBRUARY 16 STATS OF THiauOM BTBB AT TBS IVININO TaXI ORAPB offiob. 8 A.M. 88U1A.M. 44 1P. M. 61 SClf RI8B8 6f,9 MOOM Bit..... 43 Sum Bbts bbi hioh Watbb- 11-21 (Bu TeUmrankS Niw York, Feb. 16. Arrived, steamship Peretre, Also, steamship Missouri, from Havana. ARRIVED THIS MORNINU. Steamship Hunter, Banltug, from Providence, with mdse. to 1). K Stetson A Co. Steamer William Woodward, Young, 18 hours from Baltimore, wun raose. to a. uroves, jr Steamer Octorara, Reynolds, n hours from Balti more, with mdse. to A. Groves, Jr. steamer Regulator, Brooks, from New York, with mie. to jonn f. uni. Schr David Nichols, Wyman, from Florida, with lumber to W. A. Levering. Scbr David S. Slonr, Huntley. 8 davs from St. Mirvs. ;.. with lumber to 8oudeT A Adams. jr-Kr.hr inn bl valentine, arrived yesterday from Jacksonville, is consigned (vessel) to Leouox jj urges not as before reportea. SECOND EDITION TO-DAY'S CABLE HEWS. Results of tHe French Election. Tho LTonarchical Reaction. Favre on .the (Situation. The Emperor's Entrance into Paris. Doubts of its Advisability. British Army Reorganization. Abolition of the Purchase System. DOMESTIC AFFAIRS. Pacific Coast Advices. rio news of tho Tennessee. FROM EUROPE. Jolts Favre an the PituntUa. Paris, Feb. 15. The following are the results of an interview of a newspaper correspondent with M. Favre. He said that the elections evinced are unexpected Reaction Acainat the Republic. The country was alarmed at the action of the radicals, who played into the bands of the Monarchists. It is not probable that the Or. leanists wil! be successful. The princes are too wise and patriotic to Involve the country in a civil war. The Repnblle Will Unavoidably be Adopted. I am a sound Federalist. The republican system of Switzerland is the 4ly Htable Uoverniaent for France. M. Grevy's plan should not be adopted, that the President should continue in office only so long as he Is supported by the majority. The Legislature will never do for France. The Executive ffluat Peaoeaa Strength for the great work, after the Assembly has de cided for peace or war, of restoring the wasted energies ot the country. I have a perfect hatred of war. Reorganization of the British Army. London, Feb. 15. The following are the principal points of Mr. Card well's bill on the re organization of the army, which will be brought forward to-morrow as the great event of the session. The Pnrcbaie Nvstem Will be Abolished, and promotions will be made by a fair system of senority and selection. The Horse Guards will be removed to the War Office, thereby Abolishing the Dual Government so long denounced. f be A PDoinimeDt of Commander-la-Chlef will be in future limited to the term of five years, and that officer will be the head of disci pline and patronage only. This Is not directed against the Duke of Cambridge especially, bnt Is in the interest of future discipline. The (de partment will have a force always ready, which will be fixed at 100.OUO Men, With a Sirens: Reserve of militia, newly organized, to work with the regular army. Volunteers will be left as they are, but be required to give the War Office guarantees of their efficiency. This measure is shrewdly designed to head off the anticipated conservative attack on the War Office management, and Is intended to win over the radicals to support the administration on that dangerous Issue. Paris Osllvorv or Arm Complete Versailles, Feb. 14 The delivery of arms by the garrison of Paris is completed. Yester day 200,000 muskets and 1400 brass pieces were amorg the surrendered weapons. The number of Iron guns on the walls is not yet ascertained. The Rsaperer's tJrand Entree. Among prndsnt people, both German and French, the entrance of the Emperor luto Paris is Regarded with Apprehension. A single pistol shot by an insane fanatic rcigot ... Kesoma reariui uooseqnencea. It was intended at one time to invite the reigning sovereigns of Germany to accompany the Emperor and army in triumphal march. But this plan has been abandoned, and the sove reigns are invited to attend his Majesty in his grand entrance into bis own capital. the Programme for the Kinperer'e Retarn te 4oraaoy . It Is still undecided at what time the Emperor will return to Germany; bnt it is thought he will leave Vertalllea on the 23d, travelling through Strasburg, Carlsruhe, 8tuttgard, and Munich, and vliting on the way the sovereigns who electei him Emperor, and who will fall into his train to grace his triumphal entry into Berlin If ad.. Irs are unpropltlous he may remain here until the beginning of March, and then proceed direct to Berlin. In any event the Emperor will be in Berlin on March 8, when the first Diet of United Germany meets. The Urrsiss Princes Returning Home. The princes who have been attached to head quarters throughout the war are returning home. Prussian Persistency. There are no signs of the slightest relaxation In the German army, no indications that they consider their work finished. On the contrary, everything here is suggestive of the beginning instead of the close 01 the campaign. I he Germaus are taking every precaution in case of the renewal of the war, and will be ready to proecute It with unusual vigor if the necessity unhappily should arise. rweati-iwe Wlvlnloao of Infantry which have been at Meudon since the beginning of the siege returnsd yesterday to Rouen to join the remainder of their corps. 1 kuu ana Kalahnrbo. Dissatisfaction is felt at the presence of Gene rals Chanzy and Faidherbe in Paris. It is thought it was an oversight In framing the ar miUc to permit these generals, under the pretetreof voting, to communicate with the authorities in Paris. The Result of the Elections at Bordeaux are highly satisfactory and reassut Ing. An unfavorable Impression Is produced hereby Napoleon's Proclamation. It is asked, "What right has a prisoner of war to put forth a proclamation or manifesto of any kind?" "Aliens, Enfanta do la Patrlo!" A thousand pregnant women came to Ver sailles yesterday, to make arrangements for a supply of milk, and to obtain permission to re main in Versailles in case of the renewal of the bombardment. Const Bismarck's moderation. Lokbos, Feb. 16. A special correspondent of the London Timet at Berlin telegraphs that the terms of peace proposed by Bismarck are com paratively moderate. uambetta's Exaggeration. The Paris Cloche newspaper says communica tions made to Government by General Chanzy prove that the victory bulletins of Gambetta were exaggerated accounts of the successes of the Army of the Loire, madejfor the purpose of Fostering Hopes Among the People which were unjustified by the truth. General Trochu has made Home Painful Disclosures as to the condition of the army, and advises trance to postpone ber revenge. Hostages for War Contributions. The Prussians have exacted a contribution of nineteen thousand francs from the Commune of Jewaique, and, the money not being forthcom ing,carried off the Mayor and Csuntess of Mont gomery as hostages. Paris Disarmed. A special despatch from Versailles to the London Telegraph says: All the arms of the garrison of Paris have now been delivered up to the Germans. The Rfanlfeate of Napoleon to the French people has been published at Ver sailles and excites much comment, generally of a nature unfavorable to the pretensions of the ex-Emperor. ftfere Released Fenlxns. London, Feb. 16 Captain McKay and three other released Fenians left Queenstown last night for America. There was no demonstration at either Cork or Queenstown. The Odlclal Vote of Paris- Berlin Estimate of tne i.eaerai tccauit. London. Feb. 15. The folio wins: is tho offi cial report otthe vole of Paris on the 8th for Deputies to the Assembly. Louis Blanc 216,000 DufraUse 101,000 Victor Hugo 214 000 Greppo 101,000 Gen. Garibaldi.. .200,000 Langlols 95,000 gurnet iy.,nu(i f erbauit U",000 Gambetta 191.000 Cleinenceau. . .. 95,000 Rochefort 163,000 Vachrot.... t... 91.000 Soisset 154.000 Brunet 93,000 Delescluze 153.000 Floquet.. 93,000 Joigneaux 153,000 Cournet 91,000 Vict. 8choelcberl49,000 Totein 89.000 Felix Pyat 141,000 Littre 87.000 Martin 139 000 Vavre 81.000 Potbuan 138,000 Arnaud 79.000 Lecroy 134.000 Ledrn Rollin. . . . 76 000 Gambon 129,000 Say 75.000 Dorian 128.000 Tiraud 75,000 Rarie 126,000 Rayoua 74.000 Malon 117,OOOAdam. 73.000 Brisson 115.000 Mllliere '73 000 Thiers 102 000Peyrot 72,000 Sauvage 102.000,Tarcy 69,000 VtArnar1 109 (Wll Tbe Kreuz Zeilu.no of Berlin estimates that the French elections have resulted in at least a two-thirds vote in avorof monarchical insti tutions, and says that scarcely one-third of the members chosen to the Assembly are Republi cans. The Imperialists are also badly beaten, and tbe future of France seems to lie between tbe Bourbons and the Orleanlsta. FROM WdijtfWGTOJr. No News of tbe Tennessee admiral Lee Confi dent mf Her Halely. Despatch to the Associated Press. Washington, Feb. 16. Admiral Lee arrived at Key West night before last, and the Secretary of the Navy yesterday, when telegraphing him on other subjects, asked if he bad any news of the Tennessee, and received the following re ply: "No news of the Tennessee, and none is ex pected until the Tybee returns from San Domingo, the last of the month, to New Tork. I believe she is all right. 8. P. Lee, "Rear-Admiral Commanding N. A. Fleet. Naval Orders. Lieutenant-Commander George Dewev Is de tached from command of the Narragansett and ordered to command the store-ship 8upply. Commander R. W. Meado Is ordered to com mand the Narragansett. Passed-Asslstant Pay master II. T. B. Harris is ordered to the Supply. Boatswain J. K. Bartlett Is detached from the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, N. II , and granted six months leave. Boatswain John McCaffery is detached from the New York and ordered to the Navy Yark at Portsmouth, N. H. FROM THE PA CIFIC COAST. Convicted of Firing a Vessel. San Fkancisco, Feb. 16. Honry Drill, sailor, was convicted yesterday of setting fire to the whale ship Massachusetts, when In the harbor of Lahlina, Hawaii The Frenchmen of this city raised $ 12,000 for the French Relief Fond on Tuesday, making a total ot $192 000 since the war commenced. The Americans are also subscribing liberally. ftlazallan Advices. Advices by steamer from Guaymas and Ma- zatlan say that the election for President will be sharply contested in Sinaloa and 8onora, between Munez and Lerdo de Tejada, while the partisans of Porflrio Diaz are numerous and active. Tho Marriage otthe Prlaeoss f.oolse will be celebrated, under the auspices ot the leading British and Scottish societies of this city, by a ball and supper. Arrived, bark Oneco, from Newcastle, New South Wales, FROM TIESO UTI2. Railway President Elected. Memphis, Feb. 16 Samuel Tate was elected President of the Memphis and UtUe Kocic Rail road yesterday. :.r.. Aic.ro of Allsslsslppl to Resign. A Jackson special to the Aoalanohe says .that It is stated on good authority that Governor Alcorn will shortly resign and retire into private life. He absolutely refuses to go into the United States Senate, though bis term commences on the fourth of March next. FROM TllR WEST. u i.i.l J . la Cincinnati. riv,'TiTi. Feb. 16. George F. 8chaffer. formerly proprietor of the Globe llotel, shot himself last night. THIRD EDITION TO-DAYS WASHINGTON NEWS. Fears for tho Tennessee. Important Railway Quit. The Bowen ZSigamy Case. Jury Disagrees and is Discharged. aswanannannnnnnnnannnnnnnnnnannnjnnnnaBssB A ppropriatlons for Public Buildings Etc., Gtc.s Etc.. Etc., Etc. FROM WASHIJrOTOJV. The Bowen Steamy Case. Despatch to the Associated Press. Washington, Feb. 16. The jury failed to agree in the Bowen bigamy case, after being ontall night, and were this morning discharged. They stood eleven for conviction and one for acquittal. When the jury came in, not having agreed npon a verdict, some one suggested that they be sent back. Jndge Wiley replied that If it should be that In any case a juror should be got npon a case, with an improper motive, such a juror would be more than a match for the eleven others. He did not. however, desire to be understood as making any imputation on this jury. The foreman said that one juror for acquittal had stood out against all the others. The jury were discharged and the court ad journed till March, when another trial of Repre sentative Bowen will take place. Important Hallway Suit. The question involving tbe payment ot 11,151,000, by the New York Central Railroad Company, as a tax on scrip dividends, came before the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, with the solicitor of the bureau present, this morning, for hearing, according to prior arrangement. Mr. Elmore opened the argu ment for the company, which he insisted is not liable for the tax, because there are no scrip dividends, but interest certificates, which are not binding on the company, and which it is optional with the company to pay. Therefore, it was not such an obligation as is subject to taxation; and, further, that these certificates merely represent tbe earnings of the company which occurred prior to the passage of the In ternal Revcnnelaw. He presented various papers in support of these and other incidental points. The case was postponed until next Thursday, when Horace F. Clark will make the closing argument. Fears for the Tennessee. The Chronicle newspaper, which receives its information direct from the White House, states concerning the Tennessee that advices from Havana np to last evening gives no tidings of the vessel, and there seems to be very little hope of her safety. It Is feared she is lost. Notwithstanding this, naval officers assure the President and others that there is nothing to fear, and that the ship will yet turn up all right. Tte House Foreign Affairs Committee to-day decided to postpone all matters relating to Ike Alabasaa Claims until the High Commission has taken action. The committee considered tbe Senate amend ment to The Telegraph BUI which gives the Postmaster-General authority 10 consolidate lines, and decided to amend it by leaving the power in the hands of Congress.. The Reconstruction Committee agreed to a bill for Suppression; the Ka-Klns, which gives tbe United States Circuit Judges power to appoint commissioners In every county where there are any disturbances, with Power to Investigate and try persons charged with any crime. The House Appropriation Committee to-day heard a large number of parties favorable to the erection of New Public Balldtncs in different parts of the country. No conclusion was reached on this subject, but the committee decided to make Additional Appropriations for completing those already commenced. Mr. Hooper inquired of the Speaker this morning If there would be any opportunity for him to call up the bill for . The Kepeal of the Income Tax. ' The Speaker Informed him that he did not see any chance this week, but that possibly he might do so next week. It would depend, how ever, on the pressure of business. Mr. Wheeler, chairman of the Pacific Rail read Committee, notified the House to-day that he would report The Southern Paclflo Railroad Bill on Tuesday next, and put it on its passage. . FROM THE SOUTH. Iul.laaa leaislature. NewOrlbans, Feb. 16. In the House the SDecIal committee to Investigate tbe affairs of the Slaughter House Company has reported that the company has forfeited their charter, and reported a bill to that effect, which passed by a vote of 90 to 4. This bill authorizes any one to slaughter animals at or below the slaughter house, on either side of the river, for the city markets. FROM NEW YORK. Erie Directors Classification Act. Albant. Feb. 16. A further postponement has been had in the hearing of the House Rail road Committee of the proposition to repeal the Erie Directors Classification act, and the first of March fixed as the time for taking np the case. The Broadway.wtdealna- Repeal Bill passed the Houie as amended by the Senate, and goes to the Governor. FROM JVEW EJOLAJVP. Eseape and Keeapture of Convicts. HAiTroaD, Feb. 16 Two convicts named Willis and Warner made an unsuccessful at tempt to escape from the State Prison at Wetbersfleld. They got a mile away before being recaptured. FROM TJTE STATE. Resumption In the Tarnation District. Tamaqua, Feb. 16. Tbe Philadelphia Coal Company is preparing to resume work at three collieries at once. rESSSYLVASU LEGISLATURE. "eoate. Harrisburo, Feb 1ft. A large nnraher of peti tions were prevented, anion them the following: ltj Net-srs. Henszey, Count!!, DavU, and others, In favor of the repeal of the collateral Inheritance tax on public beqnents. Uv Messrs. Kvans, Olmstead, an1 others, memo rials from the Friends of thu and adjoining States ask nsr exemption from military tax. by Mr. ConneH, one in favor of lioasa bill allow In citizens of the Twenty second ward, Philadel phia, to vote on the question of license or no license. By Mr. Brooke, one In favor of a supplement to the act regulating turnpike companies approved January SA, 1849. By Mr. Knight, several In favor or sbarteruac: the Newtown Banking Company and several against. By Mr. Mamma, from citizens of Lock Haven and Daaphin county in favor of the extension of the Capitol Grounds. By Messrs. Mumma, Dill, Delsmater, White and others. In favor ot a local option law. The House resolution providing for an adjourn ment over from to-morrow until Thursday after noon came np forcoaHlderatlon. Mr. Buckalew moved that It be so amended as to apply to the Senate as well as the House Mr. Davis hoped tbe amendment would not pass, as this was the last week In February, and an ad journment now would only prolong the session. The House passed tbe resolution because one of Its com mittees desired to visit Erie on official business, but the Senate has no snch excuse. Mr. Butan opposed the amendment because the Leglslstnre would be in session at any rate until tua first of May, and this resolution would only prolong the session. Mr. Biilintrfelt said Wednesday was a legal holl dav, ard nothing could be done on that day. Mr. Graham said practically only one legislative sy wonld be lost. Mr. Buckalew's amendment was then adopted by a vote of IT to 16, and the resolution was then adopted. Mr. Ormstead had a bill passed authorizing the ad justment or the account of Piatt Hitchcock, for merly Treasurer of Luzerne connty. who is charged with owing the State $1051, which he paid twenty, five years ago. Mr. Wartel had a bill passed supplementary to act of 1650 relative to the Lancaster County Prison. The Committee on Publio Buildings reported t resolution authorising the clerk to appoint a watch man for the Senate to perform duty at night at 1 75 a month. Mr. White opposed the resolution on the ground that It as contraiy to law, and the Senate had all the employes under the law that were required. The resolution pass d by a vote of 23 to 6. Messrs. Bllllngrelt, Evans, Henszey, Knight, War fel, and White voting no. Messrs. Brooke, Uonnell, Kerr, and Ounstead not voting. . House. Mr. Smith, of Philadelphia, Introduced an act ex tending the power of the Park Commissioners so as ' to authorize tbem to take charge of Hunting Park and also of the bequest of Elliot Cresson. This bill -had been handed him by the Park Commissioners. A supplement to the Cruelty to Animals bill was considered. The first section prohibited any street passenger car from carrying more than twenty pas- songers, and required them all to be provided with seats. The second section prohibited the cars from stopping at any point except at street crossings. Messrs. Quigley, Josephs, Lamon, Hagar, and . Cloud were opposed to the entire bill. Messrs. Dunibell and Smith (Dauphin) favored the entire bill. Messrs. Smith (Philadelphia) and Marshall were) opposed to the first section limiting the number, but favored the section which allowed the cars only to stop at the crossings. Mr. Humphries (Allegheny) wished to offer an amendment, imposing a line of $500 npon managers or directors who required their men to work more than ten hours a day, and requiring conductors to be paid tvia and drivers 12. The Speaker pro tew. ruled that the amendment was out of order, not being pertinent to tbe subject. In the course of the debate Mr. Qulgley said that tte city was tilled with spies who acted nnder the laws to prevent crueltv to animals, and who. when ever they saw a sore or a scratch on a borse, made a complaint and divided the fines wtth the aldermen. The cases never got Into court. The society was a gooa one. dui tnese people perverted its objects. Various amendments were offered In the Com mittee of the Whole, among them the following, which were all. lost:- Mr. Dumbeli moved to amend by allowing thirty passengers Instead of twenty. FROM NORFOLK. ; The Pennsylvania Central Railroad and Its Propooed Honthern Connections Pears and Protesta el Honthern Cities. Correspondence of the Associated Press. Fortress Monroe, Va.. Feb. 14. The mer chants and business men of Norfolk and Ports mouth are very much exercised over a bill which has been introduced by the Pennsylvania Cen tral Railroad Company, and is now pending before the Legislature of Virginia, granting that corporation tbe right of way for an air-lino road from Washington to Richmond. It seems that the Central has already obtained control of a number of roads south of Richmond, and It now only wants the line from Washington to Richmond - to make its connections from the cotton fields of tbe South to Philadelphia. This scheme Is being warmly advocated by the agents of the Central, and as strenuously opposed by the people In this vlclulty, as well as the Old Do minion Steamship Company and the Baltimore Steam Packet Company. Whether the bill pass the Legislature or not is a matter of doubt; but certain It ts that the Central men will leave no stone unturned to accomplish their object. At present there Is a large amount of cotton and naval stores received at Norfolk from the South and Southwest for resblpment to Northern and European ports. This trade furnishes a large revenue to the lines of railroads leading into Norfolk and their steamship connections. If the Central succeed in getting the bill through, it is claimed that this trade will be carried north by rail to Philadelphia, and Forfolk will lose more than half of her entire trade. It is not strange, therefore, that her business men should protest against tbd passage of the bill and do all in their power to defeat it. It is claimed by the friends of the bill that these lines leading into Norfolk are behind the age, and that a faster and more direct means of communication be tween tbe North and the vast cotton fields of the South is needed. Representatives of the Seaboard and Roanoke and Norfolk and Petersburg Roads, and of the Old Dominion and Old Bay Lines of steamers, are now in Richmond using all their endeavors against the bill, while the Pennsyl vania Central is equally well represented, and between them there Is a lively time. A meeting of the citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth was held in the Opera House last evening, in opposition to the Pennsylvania Cen tral road and its encroachments, which was largely attended by tbe substantial business men of those places. Speeches were made by Colonel William Lamb, President of the Board of Trade, Colonel J. W. Hinton, John H. Gajle, Esq , and others, in which tbe Central was roundly de nounced. Tbey set forth Us present vast con nections, and represented what the commerce of Norfolk would be did it but gain its end. A committee of twenty-four was appointed, representing Norfolk and Portsmoutn, to ex press tbe sense of the meeting, who presented a long preamble and series of resolutions, setting forth the advantages of the "City by the Sea' in a commercial point of view, and the great disadvantage she would labor under were the bill passed. Row Tork Money aid Htoek Mar hot. Niw Toss, Feb. 18. stocks heavy. Money easy at B per cent. Uold, 111'. 0-900, lBoa, coupon, 111 H i do. IS44, do,, no ; do, 185, da lie? j da lseo, new, lo; da 18T, no: da lssa, 110; 10-408, HOXi Virginia Ss, new, 61; Missouri 6s, ou; Canton Co., Itt Cumberland preferred, S8; New York Central and Hudson Klver, 4S; trie, ; Reading. r; Adams Express, 67 ; hiloul- Jan Central, lllf: Michigan Southern, 3tS Ulncls Central, 138: Cleveland and PltUburg,' 10x; Chicago and Rock Island, loss ; Pltt-iur anT Fort Wayne, W; Western Union Tei
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers