The press. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1857-1880, December 18, 1861, Image 2

114 t Vrtss.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18,1861.
EXTRACT FROM THE LAST SPEECH OF
STEPHEN A. DOLIGILAS.—II The eon/tole/tee
to break up the 'Union is a tact now known to
all. Armies are being raised, and war levied
is accomplish it. There can be but two sides
to the controversy, Every man must be on the
side of the United States or a g ainst it. There
can be no neutrals in this war. There can be
moue but patriots and traitors.”
THE LATEST WAIL NEWS
the late news from England continues to be the
principal topic of interest. While it must be ad
mitted that there is some danger that the peaceful
relations which have so long been maintained be.
Otatc* end Groat Britain may be
disturbed, the conclusion should not be hhstily
reached that a diplomatic difficulty will necessarily
lead to ,war. Them Is no just reason whatever for
hostilities in the net of Captain Wilkes in seizing
the rebel envoys, Slidell and Mason; nor is there
probability of a war breaking out unless for other
causes England has determined to ungenerously as
sail us in the hour of our national difficulties, and
to throw the weight of her intinvoco in fa T or the
conspirators, whose avowed aim is the establish
ment of a Government of which slavery is to be the
corner-stone_
The rumor telegraphed from Cincinnati, that four
regiments of rebel infantry and three gunboats have
been arra 0,m1.6 from Co to Now
Orleans, is. perhaps, correct, but it is by no means
probable that the statement that a battle was being
fought in the Cre.s.e.nt City is true. An mite
ment has no donbt been created there, by the re
cent landing of reinforcements under command of
General Phelps ! on Ship Island, and the people are
probably awakening to a consciousness of the dan
gers which menace them, not only from the fleets
and armlet about to concentrate near the mouth of
the Mississippi, but from the Union flotilla and
gunboats preparing to descend that river.
Further particulars have been revolved of tho
great fire at Charleston, which show that the ex
tent of the damage was but little exaggerated.
The loss is_ estimated at from $5,000 ; 000 to
$7,008,000. The dames swept over nearly all por
tions of the city lying between East Bay and
TiAg erd Hazo and Prve4 siT9qIPT
The reports of an advance movement in Kentucky
are confirmed by a despatch from Indianapolis,
WbiCh mserls that Green River Bridge is now in
the possesAon of our forces, and that Buckner will
soon be attacked.
The proclamation of Gen. Phelps, after he landed
at Ship Islam!, is reported to have created much
dissatisfaction among the officers and soldiers under
his commend. It differs so much from all the pro
clamations formerly issued by Union commanders
that it is scarcely probable it was authorized by the
Adminiitration,
Tybee Island is being, strongly fortified by our
troops. The report that Fort Pulaski has been
abandoned i„ ro klput,t, untrue, but it will probably
soon be attacked.
The news from Missouri is of an exciting charac•
ter. It sppears that Federal scouts having brought
intelligence that Gen. Price was making forced
marches to form a junction with the rebel Generals
Hams and Stein, who are now in Lexington, Gen.
Pope placed himself at the head of all the Union
troops in central Missouri, and marched forward to
out off Price. An important engagement is ex
pected, in which it is hoped our troops will be vic
torious, as great confidence is felt in Gen. Pope' and
kis army,
An encounter is reported to have already oc
curred between the opposing armies on the south
bank of (hem river, opposite Mumfordsirille, Ken
tucky, in which a rebel colonel and thirty-three of
his men were kilted by the Union forces.
No Surrender
An old proverb truly tells us that " A mis
doing owned is a misdoing atoned." Only
viwinate and ft,011,1/ people persist in Re
clining to acknowledge that they did wrong, in
the face of proof against them. There is
something noble and frank in freely admit.
ting an error ofjudgment or of action. Hence,
if; as a nation, we had done wrong to England,
it would not be below our dignity to acknow.
ledge it, and, if necessary, to make all reasona
ble reparation for it. The fact that the de
mand for such acknowlAgment and reparation
bad been offensively inatle, with a mixture of
bluster and threat, would not nullify the jus
tice and propri , ty of giving both.
Hence, waiving the impaious and (se flu ,
as we can yet judge) insulting manner in which
England has taken up the capture of JEFF
PAY rebel Ambassadors, were that cap
ture unjust or illegal, it would be proper
to acknowledge the fault. But, when the
very highest jurists in England have ruled,
in like cases, that such action was en
tirely lawful, it is clear that Captain WILKE3
has merited well of his country—has deserved
the thanks given to him by the Seeretary of
the Navy, by Congress, and surely we may
add, by the mass of his countrymen.
It is wholly impossible, therefore, that
Messrs. MasoN and SLIDELL can be replaced un
der the protection of the British flag. They
were lawfully arrested, and are legitimate pri
soners of war. Rather than give them up,
which would involve, to a large degree, the
surrender of the national honor, we are
bound to accept the alternative of contest
'with England. Let it be remembered that
PALMERSTON and RUSSELL (Queen VICTORIA,
poor woman, is a nobody here, though her
name is used,) force upon us this resort to the
argument of force—rarely used save when, as
now, the force of argument is against those
who, like England, take the offensiveposition.
HOLIDAY PRESENTS.—For some months past, as
we Butted severe[ weeks ago, the welt-known home
of William Wilson and Son has been busily engaged
in manufacturing varieties of plain and fancy sil
ver-ware, • calculating on a great demand at the
present season, when every person is presenting a
holiday gift to every other person. They are now
much occupied in selling, and certainly the beauti
ful show of plate in their store would make even a
miser open his heart and purse. Their store is at
the corner of Fifth and Cherry streets.
NBC. NSOr'r.WO.T. 4 I.7=w - NOVAL*—rn a ivw
days, we understand, Peterson and Brothers will
publish a new work of fiction by many-initialed
Mrs. Bouthworth. We cannot criticise a book
without having seen it, but believe that the scene of
"Hickory /tall; or, the Outcast," is in the moon
+aim of T irgil ia, a looslity now well known, be
cause of the war in its vicinity.
THE EUROPEAN MAIL.—The steamship Africa
will not tail until Thursday afternoon. Her mail
will close in this city at 9 o'clock this evening. It
is probable that the Europa's mail will reach the
city this mornittg by the 11 o'clock train from New
York Her correspondence can be answered in
time to be forwarded by the Africa.
PUBLICATIONS lII2EI VEIL —From W. B. Zieber,
Eclecticii ; and No. 23 of The Pulpit
and Rostrum, From T. B. Peterson, War and
E2nancipanow, a Thanksgiving Sermon by Rev.
Henry Ward Beecher, and Authentic Exposi
tion of the K. G. G., (Knights of the Golden
Circle,) a hiscoy of Bcocesion, From 1884 to 1861,
by a Member of the Order. From J. B. Lippin
cott dr Co., The Army O jfl eer's Pocket Companion
and Manual for ;•;tufr qfficers in, the Field. It
contains much of Col. de Rouvre's French book,
adapted to our Fervice, and is admirably indexed.
THOMAS a 1./Zib' SALES THIS WEEK.—Buoks,
this (Wednesday) afternoon—the valuable private
library of the late William Smith, Esq. Furniture,
Thurucitty, at the auction store. Elegant furniture,
on Friday, at tierwantown. Ladies' superior
Cloaks, on Saturday—the extensive stock of Messrs.
Carl Peters A: Co., Tenth and Chestnut streets—sale
itbriOltle• See catalogues anti adYCrtisePlOAte Of 419
four sales.
BALE or FANCY (lOW'S, &c.—The sale of fine
grench bronzes, lfirquet figures and vases, Moo
ring) ornainenP, &e., takes plates this Wednesday
morning at loi o'clock, at the store, 1307 Chestnut
aline{, The WT 00 i 4 of Messrs. vig Jt , sons' im
portation and well adapted to the present season.
LARGE SALE OF FINE FURS.—Particular atten
tion is invited to the very attractive assortmont of
Tine mink, dottrel, sable, and Mai fure, to be sold.
at auction, by N. F. Pancoast, at sales room, 431
Chestnut street, on Thursday morning, Deo. 19,
atlo o'clock. lure will be arranged for examina
tion early on the morning of sale.
WALrmr-StILISET TBRATfik.—Mies Alice Pltioide
,Mann—a niece, by the way, of our District Attor
ney—appears at the Walnut this evening, and takes
a benefit- She has evinced unusual merit, and
will doubtless rise to considerable eminence in her
profession. With youth, merit, and ambition, Miss
Mama ciumpt frail Qf success, AO bill for this eve
ning in a good one.
New Government Transport
NEW ions, Dec. 17.—The Belgium steamer
aus4wu Pa,for bus been ehertered by the (40•
vernment for three months. She goes to Boston
to take aboard troeps.
LETTER FROM " OCCASIONAL."
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 1861.
It is well, in this hour of national gloom and
peril, to recall to the people and all their pub•
lie servants the great objects of the pre
sent struggle for the preservation of our Go
vernment and the maintenance of our Consti
tution. To this end, the republication of the
two immrtant and solemn resolutions of the
louses of Congress, in July last, is deemed
opportune_ It will be bniiie in inin-1 that
the whole action of the President, and of
every member of his Cabinet, has cinitnrm
ed to these comprehensive and explicit
pledges ; and until they are repealed by the
high authorities that proclaimed them, and
the public agents that have carried them cut
in good faith, they must stand as the platform
of the Administration and the army in the
managemeut and prosecution of the war :
IN TILL IIML•RP. OP IMPREPRNTATIVIN OF THE
ITNITND STATES.
[Submitted July 22,1861.]
Mr% Crittenden eubmittod tho following rooolu
lion. viz :
Resolved by the House of Representatives of the
Con °ess of theUn iced Slates, That the present de
plora T
le civil war has been l'orced upon the country
by the dianulopia. or -the Southern now In
armiligainst the Constitutional Uovernuaent, and in
arms around the capital ; that in this na
tional emergency, Congress, banishing all feel
ings of mere mission or resentment, will
recollect only its duty to the whole 00110-
try ; that this war is not waged on their
part in any spirit of oppression, or for any purpose
of conquest or subjugation, or purpose of over
throw-195 or interfering with the r. g hts or estALl6li
ed institutions of those States, but to defend and
maintain the supremary of the Constitution, and
to preserve the Union with all the dignity, actuality,
and rl a hta or th.,, vocal Styles ltillairalFai 41.1111
that us soon as these objects are accomplished the
war ought to cease.
On the first branch of the resolution the vote
WAY--
YEAS—Messrs. Aldrich, Allen, Alloy, Ashley,
Babbitt, Bailey, Bally, Baker, Baxter, Beaman,
Bingham, Blair (Mo.), Blair (Penns.), Blake, But
finton, Calvert, Campbell, Chamberlin, Clark,
Cobb, Colfax Conkling F. A., Conkling It.,
Conway, Cox, Crittenden, Curtis, Cutler, Davis,
Dawes. Delano, Delaplaine, Divan, Duel!, Dun
lap, Dunn, Edgerton, Edwards, English, Fen
ton, ressenden, Tronchet, Fronk, Gooch, Gran
ger, °rider, Gurley, Haight, Halo, Harding,
Harrison, Holman, Horton, Hutchins, Jackson, Jo
lien, Kelley, Kellogg_ (III.), Killingor, Lansing, Law,
LAArv_ Lehman. Loomis. Lovejoy, MeClornand,
MeKTo . an, Mallory, Menzies, Moorhead, Morrill
(Me.), Morrill (Vt.), Morris, Nixon, Noble, Nugen,
Odell, Olin, Patton, Pendleton, Perry, Pike, Pome
roy, Porter, Potter, Rice (Mass.), Rice (Me.), Rid
ale, Rollins (N. 114, Rollins (MO, Onollititl,
Shellabarger, Sherman, Sloan, Smith, Spaulding,
Steele (N. V.). Steele (N. J.), Stratton, Thomas
(Md.), Train, Trowbridge, Upton, Vandevor, Van
Valkeolkovs, t an Wyok, Vorroo ' Vad.o.v.l. WA--
worth. Walton (Me.), Walton (art.), Ward, Webster,
Wheeler, Whaley, White (Ind.), White (Ohio),
Wickliffe, Windom, Woodruff, Worcester, Wright
IAVs-2 , lessrs. Burnett and Reid-2.
On the second branch of the resolution the vote
vas—
Yr:As—Messrs. Mathla, Allen, Alley, Babb-lit,
Bailey, Bally. - .Baxter, Beaman, Blair (Mid
souri), Blair (Pennsylvania), Blake, Browne, Be
finton, Calvert, Campbell, Chamberlin, Clark,
Cobb. Colfax, Conkling, F. Conkling, Roscoe,
Cooper, Corning, Cox, Crittenden, Curti;, Cutler,
Dawes, Delano, Diven, Duell, Dunlap, Dunn. El
wards, English, Fenton, Fessontlen, Foukc, Fran
dip!, Fton4, Gooch, Granger, Wider, Gurley,
Haight, Hale, Ilertlieg, Harrison, llolman. Horton,
Jackson, Johnson, Kelley, Kellogg, Killinger,
Law, Lazear, Leary, Lehman, Logan. Loomis,
Meelernand, Mallory, Menzies Mitchell, Moor-
Lead, Morrill (Me ), (N 4.), Morris., Nixon,
Noble, Nugen, Odell, Olin, Patton, Pendleton,
Perry. Pike, Pomeroy, Porter, Reid, Rice (Mass.),
Rice (Me.), Richardson, Robinson, Rollins (N. H.),
Rollins.(No,), Sheffield,, Shvillibargcr, Shcralio,
ninth, Spaulding, bteele (N. I.), Steele (N. J.),
Stratton. Thomas (Md.), Train, Trowbridge, Up
ton, Vallandigham, Van Horn, Van Valkenburgh,
Van Wyck. Verree, Vibbard, Wadsworth, Wal
t.", W;clion (VW, Wor4 ) W4Acr, WhvAvv i
Whaley, White (Ind.), White (Ohio), Wickliffe,
Wimk-m, Woodruff, Worcester. Wright-119.
NAYS—Messrs. Potter and Riddle-2.
IN TEE SENATE O 1 CBE UNITED STATES.
JULY 24, 1261 —Mr. Johnson, of Tennessee,
submitted the following resolution :
Resolved, That the present deplorable civil war
bee been forced upon the eonntry by the DiAltiii6ll
- of the Southern States now in revolt against
constitutional government and in arms around the
capital ; that in this national emergency, Congress,
banishing all feeling of mere passion or resentment,
will roeolleot only its duty to the whole country ;
that this war is not prosecuted upon our part in any
spirit of oppression, nor for any purpose of con
quest or subjugation, nor purpose of overthrowing
or interfering with the rights or established testi
tlitieUS of those States, but to defend and maintain
the supremacy of the Constitution and all laws
made In pursuance thereof, and to preserve the
Union. with all the dignity, equality, and rightsof
the several States unimpaired ; that as soon as
these objects are accomplished the war ought to
cease.
Adopted bq the fallowing Tote :
Yuna—ketas. Anthony, Drowning, Chandler,
Clark, Cowan, Dixon, Doolittle, Fessenden, Foote,
Fester, Grimes, Harlan, Harris, Bowe, Johnson
(Tennessee), Kennedy, King, Lane (Indiana),
Lane (Ken Ass), Latham, Morelli, Nesmith, Pome
roy, Saulsbury, Sherman, Ten Eyck, Wade, Wil
kinson, Willey, and Wilson-30.
Nays—Messrs. Breekinridge, Johnson (Missouri),
Polk, Powell, and 2 . 1 . 14111b1M-5.
You will observe that but one Republican
vote in the Senate, and but two votes in all the
House, were thrown against these resolutions.
need not enlarge upon the thoughts they
suggest and,.the duties they impose upon all
true friends of the Union and the Constitu
tion. OCCASIONAL.
The Defences of Philadelphia.
HARRISBURG, Dec. 17.—The news by the last
arrival from Europe created a sensation here, but
the universal sentiment is to let the Government
do exact justice, and nothing more nor less, and, if
war comes, the President will be enthusiastically
sustained.
The subject of the defences of Philadelphia is
being urged upon the National Government by
Governor Curtin. lie ie also actively engaged in
preparing arms for the State defence. The subject
is occupying the attention of the authorities, and
all proper steps will be taken to insure the safety of
the State.
The subject will be presented to the Legislature
immediately upon its convening, and no alarm need
be felt for the safety of Philadelphia and the lake
shore, as Uovernor Curtin is prepared for every
emergency.
Colonel Wynkoop's Cavalry, over 1,000 Strong,
will leave for Kentucky ttencorrow.
Prof. McCoy will repeat his lecture on the Lon
don Times and the war for the Constitution to
morrow evening.
From New Mexico.
AN INDIAN MASSACRE.
- KANSAS CITY, Dec. 17.—The Santa Fe and Ca
non City mail, with dates to the 21 inst. ) arrived
here on Sunday morning.
One hundred and fifty militia called for by Gov.
Connelly from the second division, Major eleneral
Hovey, have been organized and one company
mustered into service.
This mail brings intelligence of a horrible mas
sacre at Fort Stanton. On the approach of the
Texans to that poet in the summer, all the citizens
in the vicinity fled to settlements, leaving their
homes, their crops, and everything else behind. Af
ter the Texans abandoned the place, the Apache
Indians took possession, and had command of all
the country around.
In the fall a party, numbering twenty men, de
termined to revisit the neighborhood and obtain what
they could of their remaining crops, when the whole
number fell into the bands of the savages and were
brutally murdered.
i AU is quiet at this place
Colonel Weir, of the Fourth Kansas Regiment, is
itt command. Colonel Jennison's Arkansas Cavalry,
{ with a part of the Seventh and lowa Twelfth, and
also a section of Totten's battery, encamped within
a few miles of this place last night, and will move
towards West Point this morning,
From the Upper Potomac.
FREDERICK, Md., Dec. 17 —Advices from the
upper ccrnmands on the river line report all quiet
lust night. A rumor existed at Williamsport that
Jackson was about to march his force to the river
at some point between Harper's Ferry and Han
cock, but it could not be traced to any authentic
source, and consequently was entitled to little or
no credence.
Fatal Accident at Trenton.
TURNTON ' Dec. 17.—The midnight train from
Now York last night brought on a number of com
panies attached to Oeneral Meagber's brigade.
While at the Trenton depot a number got out to fill
their canteens, and when the train started there
was a rush to get on board. Martin Collins, of
Company D, Fourth Regiment, fell between the
curs ; and bad both legs crushed, rendering amp*
tation necessary. lie has since died. Michael
O'Neal, of Company E, Fourth Regiment, was badly
jammed and internally injured. Both were left
here. Two others were slightly hurt, but taken on.
Hatteras Prisoners tobeßelensed.
BOSTON, Dec. 17.—The bark Island City sailed
to-day, with 250 of the Hatterasprisoners, for Fort
, fele ikigi:Vel to be emiuniggct for Fedora' prisonore
• now in prison at Richmond.
The Gunboat Monticello Spoken
NKR . " YORK, Dec. 17.-4okon, on the 41k 'not,
a miles Eolith of Hatteras, the gunboat Monti.
cello. Nov. 20th, lat. 22 deg., long. 53 15, gun
boat Shepherd Knapp.
Wreck of the Schooner Wave, of Phila
delphia.
lIALwAx, Deo. IG.—The schooner Wave, from
Philadelphia for Newfoundland, has been wreaked,
under auspicious circumstances, and a part of her
cargo brought here in a damaged condition. The
remainder of the cargo, it is expected, will be
brought here.
The Kentucky Legislature
FRANKFORT, Dee. 17. rho Select Committee
bag rapnrted a resolution to expel Representatives
Elliott., Mattherson, Merrett, Ewing, Silverworth,
Gilbert, Boone, and King, for aiding is the rebel
lion.
Bank Meeting in New York..
RESOLUTION NOT TO SUSPEND SPECIE PAYMENT.
NRW YORK, Dee. 17.—At the meeting of the
bank presidents, today, the propriety of a &upon
: Sion of specie payment was debated, and a resolu-
I lien was adopted not to suspend.
THE PRESS.-PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1861.
LATEST NEWS
BY TELEGRAPH.
FROM WASHINGTON,
THE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
TIM VAN WYE . COMMITTEE MICE THEIR
REPORT,
A Reconnoissance from General
Heintzelman's Division.
AN IMPRUDENT LIEUTENANT
MORE BATTERIES DISCOVERED ON THE POTOMAC
THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE SUMPTER
CONTRABANDS CONING INTO GENERAL
McCALL'S CAMP
IMPORTANT FROM MISSOURI.
GENERAL PRICE REPORTED TO BE
MARCHING ON LEXINGTON.
GEN. POPE ON THE MARCH TO CUT HUE OFF
LATEST FROM KENTUCKY,
POSITION OF THE 'UNION FORCES
Whereabouts of Zolhooffer
FIGHT OPPOSITE MUMFORDVILLE.
REBELS DEFEATED, WITH HEAVY LOSS
Nectal Despatches to “The rfeSS,"
WASHINGTON, Dee. 17,1861.
From General Heintzlemon's Command—
lievonnononnce—An Indiscreet Lien.
tenant Dangerously Wounded
A reconnoissance was made to-day by a squadron
of ate PlialloW Jersey cavair i , belonging " W (ion,
IlEirrzLEArAN's division, under command of Cap
tain SHELLMINE.
A portion of the squadron commanded by Lieu,
tenant JANEVILLE, of Company L, of Jersey City,
was ordered to proceed to the Bone Mills to the
left of Springfield Station on the Orange and Alex
andria railroad, seven miles front the headquarter. ,
of General HIEINTZLEPIAN. The company there
halted, when the Lieutenant, accompanied by an
orderly, proceeded two miles beyond. On attempt
ing to return, they found themselves surrounded
by a body of rebel infantry. The Lieutenant was
shut in six places, and tho horse of the orderly was
killed_ The orderly made his 828.9.110_
The company in reserve, hearing the firing, pro
ceeded to render assistance, and on its approach
the enemy fled, leaving the lieutenant behind after
robbing him of his small arms and nearly all hiS
clothing. He was brought into camp, and was still
alive at eight o'clock to-night.
A man eagle Within ClCheral ILUINTZLEMAN'S
lines today who loft Alexandria in July for more
distant Southern quarters. He stated that he had
been living at Charlottesville for some time ; that no
rebel Moor had rascally Belia South free. the army
of the Potomac, but during the last three weeks
two Georgian regiments had been added to it ; that
the sickness in the army i 4 great, the average from
Manassas and Centreville being a car-load of in
valids a day conveyed to the hospitals at Charlottes
ville ; that he made three attempts to pass the rebel
lines before he aucceedect in rnakhag hitu escape,
being obliged to take to the woods in order to avoid
skirmishing parties.
Contrabands.
This morning the cavalry pickets from General
McCALL's division brought in ten colored persons,
who placed themselves in their hands for protec
tion, The party consisted of four able-bodied men,
three women, and several small children, one of
them being carried on the back of a stalwart Ethi
opian, They attracted much attention as they
pasied through the damp grounds to General 1110-
CALL'S headquarters, where they were delivered
up to ho properly disposed of.
A. Sham right.
A very successful and effective sham fight took
place to-day on Turner's 11W, Virginia. General
MORRLL I N brigade, with artillery and cavalry,
marched out to a largo field, whore they went
through the details of a sham fight and the manoeu
vring of a battle. The charge of the cavalry, the
roal of artillery, and the sharp roporta of the In
fantry, altogether made quite a splendid and ex
citing scene. There were quite a large number of
spectittere prceent r ivhe watched with interest the
different evolatione.
The Pirate Sumpter.
Intelligence has been received at the Navy De-
Furtment In relation to the overhauling or the sbtp
monmorencie, of Bath, Maine, on the 28th nit.,
by the pirate Sumpter, in lat. 80.30 north, long.
58.40 west. She was last from Wales, loaded with
coal for the British Mail Steam Company at St.
Thomas. The ship was ransomed by the payment
of $20,000, and allowed to proceed, after taking a
quantity of paints and other ship stores from her.
Affairs on the Lower Potomac
The steamer Reliance came up from the Poto
mac flotilla yoltorday, and reports that two now
rebel batteries have been crested above those here
tofore reported. One of them is nearly opposite
the station of the flotilla, at Indian Head, and the
other nearly eilSoelte the mouth of the Matawoman
creek. At both, heavy guns are evidently mounted,
as they throw shot over upon the Maryland shore.
Tho tug Pusey left Indian Head last night, fiHd
reached the navy yard early this morning. When
she left, the Harriet Lane and Yankee were near
Indian Head, the Anacosta, Resolute, Relittnee,
Jacob Bell, Stepping ADEtTeIIY, sad 116--
bert, were between the new batteries above men
tioned and the station of the steamer Page, in
Quantico creek. The Union, Freeborn, and Satel
lite, are below Quantico creek. The Pkollance was
to have run the blockade last night.
Much activity prevails at the navy yard, and du
ring laat week, four steamers, the Yankee, Caur de
Leon, Stepping Stones, and Leslie, were sent out
thoroughly refitted. The repairs upon the Tiryan
dank will be completed to-day.
Projectiles are being manufactured rapidly. A
monster gun, just finished, weighing,ls,o99 pounds,
has been mounted in the practice battery, and was
fired for the first time this morning. The projectile
used was the Dahlgren conleal pereaseion shell,
weighing about one hundred and thirty pounds; and
the first shot, with a moderate charge of powder,
was en osoollont ramie shot., and hit a little out of
line of the target. The nominal weight of the pro
jectile for this gun is one hundred and fifty pounds.
Secretary Seward's Foresight,
The present aspect of our relations with England
recalls the admirable letter of Secretary SEWARD
to the (lawman of tha differ-ant ,States, advising
them of the importance of making immediate pre
parations for the fortification of their respective
coasts and harbors. This letter appeared more
than two months ago, and wherever acted upon, as
in the case of Maine, proved to be a most timely
and valuable admonition. Whatever may be the
issue of the new complication with England, imme
diate steps should be taken by the antiloritinv QF
Pennsylvania and the authorities of Philadelphia
to look carefully to the protection of all the ap
proaches to your great city, and to other salient
points along your borders. I understand that a re
solution or bin will pass the House at an early day,
appealing to the Governors of the different States
in the spirit of Mr. SEWARD'S circular letter.
Col. Baxter's Fire Zouitvee.
This regiment is composed of a splendid body of
men, the pick of the firemen of Philadelphia.
They are the most generally educated men in the
field, and their gifted colonel may well feel proud
of his regiment. Wherever they go all are struck
with their soldierly bearing. Those who have wit
nessed their battalion drills and heard the music of
Prosser's band, will remember with pleasure the
exactness and perfection of the men's movements,
nor fail to notice the importance of a good band in
perfecting the men in marching. Col. Baxter bad
much experience as a drill officer. The colonel
himself is an old soldier, having seen service in
Mexico. A company of Sappers and Miners at.
tached to this regiment have been very useful to
the brigade, in constructing hospitals and other
buildings for the brigade.
Colonel Owen's "Irish Regulars."
Colonel OwErt's has had the hardest work of all
the colonels. The Untferlifil Welltlar is how ho
rnamiges to control his Irish Regulars," as they
are generally and very properly called, so well.
The discipline of his camp is good and the men
move well, They go through the evolutions of the
battalion and of the line as well as any of the re
giments except BAXTER'S. But when it comes to
hard fighting this regiment will rank among the
very best.
Colonel Kerrigan's Regiment.
Colonel KERRIGAN had command of one of the
finest regiments in the army of the Potomac. They
are in General Penman's division, and are en
camped smile beyond Ball's Cross Roads, in the
vicinity of nail's 11111. They were out yesterday
in the full brigade, and it was remarked by °Moors
and (Athens that the precision of their movements
WAS unsurpassed by any regiment in the division.
The evolutions of the whole brigade were of a su
perior order, but KERRIGAN'S Regiment carried
elf the palm. They are individually a fine eat of
fellows, and are worthy of a colonel whose eympa
thies are above suspicion.
General Burns' Brigade—From the Upper
Pataina
The Third Brigade Corps of Observation, com
manded by General WILLIAM W. BURNS, and com
posed of rcgitnenta moony recruited in Philadel
phia, and lately commanded by Colonel EDWARD
D. BAKER, deceased, is rapidly improving in efft•
cioncy. There is not in the service a finer body of
men, robust, intelligent, and full of ardor, and the
officers are all desirous and capable of acquiring
military knowledge. The regiment was fast im
proving under Colonel BAKER, and since his la
mented death, having been fortunate moue]. to
hare placed over them a regular army officer, they
have continued to improve, and .are now ready to
march wherever they may be needed.
The California Regiment.
The California Regiment, or more properly the
71st Pennsylvania Volunteers, is gradually reco
vering from the taunts of the Bell's Bluff disaster.
The wonder is that it did not become completely
demoralized. As soon as Col. WISTAR, the present
colonel of the regiment, recovers from hie severe
wounds, and we understand that be is fast reco
vering, the regiment will resume its former rank
us one of the best in the field.
Gol. Morehead's Regiment.
This regiment is not quito so large as some of
the others, but it is fast becoming quite export in
diseirdina. Tka man Al% all of the rl o ht .temp le
make good soldiers.
lion. Win. A. Richardson, of Illinois.
It is understand that tha Hen. Wm. A_
SON will accept the poet of brigadier general, con-
ferred upon him by the President, and enter upon
its duties the moment his active services may be
recptirc4 in the Avid.
Arms for the Army and Navy.
In order to set at feet the apprehensions of those
who opcouluie upon the damago that will be done
to the good cause on Recount of the prohibition of
all exports of arms from Great Britain, it is only
necessary to say that few or no orders have been
sent for British muskets, rues, eennon, or military
munitions. The Government a long time ago avail
ed itself of supplies from other and more friendly
mune&
Our Consul to Bayonne.
WILLIAM MORAN, Esq., of Philadelphia, lately
appointed VPirea Pcgcti censill re DaPune, re
ceived his final instructions to.day, from the State
Department, and will soon leave for Europe.
Reception at s the White House.
The President's public reneption tonight was
largely attended, and many distinguished gentle
men were present.
The Kernlan Court Martial
In the Kerrigan eourt-martial ease to-day, the
examination was principally with regard to the rein
stating of a deserter without a trial and the alleged
druukeunces et the Colonel on the wa rd} tem Dail 4 e
Cross Roads to Upton's Rill. Further proceedings
were postponed till Thursday.
The ease 9f C 910491 lIA4sTEDI 9f the First NOW
Jersey Cavalry, for alleged malfeasance in office,
will be brought before the same court to-morrow.
THE EUROPA AT BOSTON.
DESPATCH OF A BRITISH WAR STEAMER
FROM HALIFAX,
The Queen's Messenger on his Route to
Wabhington.
DESPATCHES FROM THE AMERICAN MINISTER,
BOSTON, Dec. 17.—The Europa arrived here at
four o'clock this aftcruoon,
'Within thirty minutes after the Europa touched
at Halifax, the British steam sloop-of-war Einahlo
got up steam and left, it is supposed, in pursuance
of orders from the Queen's messenger, to commu
nicate with the admiral of the British North Ameri
can squadron.
The Sixty-second and Sixty-third British roe.
merits are under orders for Canada.
Capt. Seymour, the Queen's messenger, and also
a special messenger from Mr. Adams, the Amerioan
Minister, left Boston, this afternoon, direct for
Washington.
The European mails and papers will reach Phila
delphia tomorrow afternoon.
FURTHER FROM BEAUFORT.
THE STONE FLEET IN CHARLESTON
HARBOR
EXPEDITION TO FERNANDINA, FLORIDA
rsw Vottif, Dec. 1.7.—A private letter fah"
Beaufort says the stone fleet had sailed from Sa
vannah for Charleston, in company with a man-of
war,
The ships were to be sunk in Charleston harbor
on Saturday lot. •
Tybee Island.is occupied by 1,000 Federal troops,
who are to throw up batteries for use against Fort
Pulaski if necessary.
The sloop•of war Savannah, and three or four
gunboats were off Tybee
the ateemer Baltic, with 1,600 hoops, bad left
Port Royal for Fernandina, accompanied by the
Bienville and another gunboat. The rebel fortifi
cation there consisted of five guns, manned by
from zoo to 300 meu. It was hollored that it would
fall into our hands after a brief struggle.
PROM MISSOURI,
GEN. POPE IN PURSUIT OF THE
REBEL ARMY.
TIPTON, Mo., December 16—[Correspondence of
the Se. Louis Ds-mac-mi. j—Vesterilan orders Trove
received here for all the forces at this post to hold
themselves in readiness to march at a moment's
;MUM At the same time, General Pope, command
ing the Department of Central Missouri, at the
bead of nearly all the troops in winter quarters at
Otter: isle, marched westward towards Warrensburg,
for the purpose, LA inixeL defieNilly bellevsd of
cutting off General Price, who, our scouts re
ported, was making forced marches to reach the
rebel force under Generals Rains and Stein now in
the entrenchments at Lexington. Every one is on
the qui vive for startling and good news, as uni
versal confidence is felt in the ability and bravery
of General Pope and his army,
LEAvanwortmt, December 17.—Advices from
Mound City to the 14th mention that a foray had
been made by a party of two hundred rebels near
Potosi, Lynn county. Twenty houses wore pil
laged and one man killed. Colonel Montgomery
had gone in pursuit of the marauders.
It was believed at Mound City that none of
General Price's forces had crossed the Osage river.
THE WAR IN KENTUCKY.
A FIGHT OPPOSITE MUMFORDVILLE.
UNION FORCES VICTORIOUS.
0:6694•60:1:4AD0:45i:15i,3:iii11faii..14t):410441
WOUNDED
MMIr.rM=WMrri'MiTM'..IWRM
CINCINNATI, Dee, 17.—A special despatch from
Frankfort says:
Five rebel officers and soldiers, captured some
days ago in Tennessee by a party of Unionists from
Whitely county, Kentucky, passed through this
city to-day, en route for Louisville.
A letter from a prominent officer at Mumfordsville
says Generals McCook, Johnson, Wood, and Rous
seau's commands rested on the northern bank of
Green river on Sunday.
A letter from Lebanon says General Thomas'
division is making rapid preparations and will
lean in a few days.
There are many rumors about the movement of
the enemy below, but there is nothing reliable.
General Nelson's division was encamped on Mul
draugh's Hill, on the old Nashville turnpike, on
Sunday, in fine order and spirits.
A private letter, dated Somerset, Sunday night,
reports the capture of the negro servant of a rebel
officer as ho was about taking provisions to the
rebel pickets. He says Zollicoffer has 6,000 men
on this aide of the river, and 2,000 on the other
bide. no Is fortifying both Bides with a purpose of
wintering on its banks.
It is rumored at Somerset that a hundred rebol
cavalry has surprised a portion of Colonel Hazzard's
regiment, killing a fair, and capturing several of
our troops. Hazzard's camp is fifteen miles from
Columbia.
If Frankfort is a fair index of Kentacky senti
ment, this elate will give a prompt and oordial
support to the tiorernment in refusing to surrender
MUM niv/ PPen.
Fight Opposite Munifordsville.
LEWISVILLE, Dooomber 17.—Four companies of
Colonel Williah's German Regiment, were attacked
this afternoon on the south bank of the Groan
river, opposite Muinfordsville, by Colonel Torry's
Regiment of Texas Rangers, two regiments of in
fantry, and six pieces of artillery.
Colonel Willi:1 was remforeed, and drove the
rebels back, with a loss. of thirty-three killed, in
cluding Colonel Terry, and fifty wounded.
The Federal loss was eight privates and a lieu
tenant killed, and sixteen wounded.
The Democrat has advices that the Federal
troops were crossing Green river, southward, all
day, with great rapidity.
The Democrat has also a business letter, dated
Somerset on Monday, which mentions no engage
ment in that vicinity. •
The Twelfth Kentucky Regiment, Col. Hoskins,
is entrenched two miles south of Somerset.
Ail was quiet in the vicinity of Caaapirelisvillo
up to the 16th.
XXXVIITH CONGRESS-FIRST SESSION,
WASHINGTON, Decombor 17, 1861
Blikiling.
A bill from the !louse was received to authorize the
raising of a volunteer force for the defence of Kentucky.
On motion of Mr. POW E of Kentucky, it was re
ferred to the Military Committee.
Me. SUMNEIL of Massachusetts, presented mutual
petitions ler the emitacipation of the Waves Of retails.
Mr. WILSON reported a bill to increnec the number of
cadets at Wei,t Point.
Mr rooT, of Vermont, offered a resolution that the
ConiMiatiOntif of Publie
gs inform the Senate by
what authority a portion of Um riationat unplug hat
been converted into a bakery. Agreed to.
Mr. SUMNER offered a resolution that the Commit
tee on Military Alfitint be Instructed to inquire into too
expediency of providing by logislation that the army
shall notbe employed to surrender fugitive slaves. Lau
over.
Mr. LATHAM, of California, offered a resolution
that the Secretary of War be requested to inform tlie
Senate lay virtue of what law, and for what reasons VMS.
VAN are required front pag.ieugers going from Now York
to San Francisco. Agreed to.
Mr. SHERMAN, of Ohio, offered a resolution that the
Secretary of War be requested to furnish the Sonata with
a sem. Of all earrOilranlitineti between Oenorul Seott end
General Patterson. Agreed to.
Mr. SUMNEIt. introduced a bill in relation to claim
for French spoliation&
Mr. LANE, of Kansas, called up the resolution that
0.6 Pbetisfavy of Was be requested to furnish the Sonata
a copy of the orders for the erection of barracks for the
Kansas troops.
Mr. LANE said lie had. a right to criticise fairly the
acts of the Government, and should exercise the right.
It fla tenth wee told in the halls of Cionmee.ia.
Ile laid confidence In the Administration. But that great
and glorious army now assembled to battle for the Union
should not be buffeted to go to an inglorious burial in
winter Iluvrters without ono blow being struck. If it le,
{lads public MlifilLllB6 is nhisrineed, and such a feet
would be like a fire-hull at midnigut. Why le the army
kept hi inactivity I The army lecomposed of voiuntoors,
and inaction is it bane to volunteers. The troops who
won the battle of Buena Vista were not so well drilled as
the troops on the Potomac, Our troupe tire superior to
the rebels in the open 110111, and worn sudielentY
efficient. Why then do we tarry I If Waehingtlon
could march troops with bleeding feet over the frozen
hills of Now Jersey, could not the presthit army
march South 1 The occupation of the rebel Staten by the
army Is a military hece , sity. If we Walt tilt the rebels
are exhausted, the people of the country will lose confi
dence in their tenders long before the time of exhaustion
comes. We cannot expect the loyal people in the South
to show their loyalty till they have our protoetion. We
must advance the army into the rebel Staten and whip
somebody ; then they will come out by thousands. lie
contended that the Government should take possession of
the slaves, and the masters, in their desire to recover
them, would bow down in entunitioion cyan to Abraham
Lincoln. The cause demands an advance. Let the
future lessmis to the army be taught in the held. Then
the Government Rill he safe and freedom triumphant.
Mr. CARLILE, of Virginia, said he was convinced
that the people of the country nod the Prenident had
=den great mistalopu!notibaring °upended tile %deflator
from Kansas commander-in-chief to load their armies.
It was very easy to criticise military movements on the
floor of Congress. Ile was surprised to hear the Senator
fillY thllt twenty elAlia Pee of 1, 40 people Ur Ilnt able , 44
ns
contend wittie rebels winiont the aid of 4,000,000 or
slaves. Mr. Outdo continue.) at some length, and said
that this was a war for constitutional liberty, and not to
trample on the constitutional rights 01 the people of any
Plate, The Tr eliiae had its origin onrsido or s livery,
and this war is not an inhuman crusade against nuerby,
ligthe army isturned Onto negro-catchers, it would dis
solve like snow. He would not violate the guarantees of
the Constitution. Bewail 'silting to trust the President.
He supposed he had come here to take coreditutional
measures to restore the Union, yet he was obliged to
listen to the anti-slavery speeches of men working sim
ply for pa ty. If the Senators from the free States do as
much as the loyal citizens in the rebel State to correct
the crazy nations which have produced this rebellion,
and bring about a gran reeling, then pears would come
back to every part of this distracted country.
Mr. FOSTER, of Connecticut, asked, as a question of
privilege, that the contested seat of the Senator from
Manses be lam up. Be claimed that this was a Kiri.
legal question, and moved that the other subject be post.:
paned. Disagreed .0.
Mr. LANE, of Kansas, said if we aro deterred front
fighting a battle simply for fear of defeat, then the Go
vernment will tail. We mutt light to gain victory before
Englat.d sends her navy or army upon us. Yietory is
what we want. Be wits astonished to hear a lord Sena
tor charge that the cause of rebellion was the slavery
egitat:on. This rear was instituted because the el sve
it , APLAW MUM eat steal territory for it, exr.ausiou. - No
one had urged that the war wee to be waged azainst
slavery. It was a war against the rebellion, and let
slavery Wile care of itsodf. If die war was to ne waged
without any idea r f freedom, be feared for the result.
The., would i.e nothing 10 c , .;e11.6 6htititsitteiri.
Mr. CARLILLE asked if the question of the preserva
tion of the 'Union H as less calculated to excite enthu
siasm than a crusade against slavery 1
Dlr. LANE said he could never have a proper enthu
siasm en long as the war wan without a 131111)080. Ha
would wage the war to crush out the rebellion, and let
such an emanation from hell as the institution of slavery
take care of itself, and if it perish, let it perish, and
freedom smile.
318TIOUCIALL, of Colifornio, ollboodiTho yowls ,
Con. Ile protested against bringing into Congress sub
jects not calculated to further the great Interests of the
country.
Mr GRIMES, of lowa, noved. to lay the resolution on
tht• *ALIA A orttql to_
Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, reported back from
the Military Committee a bill to provide for allotments
among the volunteer forces, with a substitute, which
was passed.
ieoextti, of , donnectir - nr, moved to ink. Up the
case of the contested seat of the Senator from Kansas.
Agreed to.
The subject was postponed till to-morrow, and the
chalr apnounced as a committee on the part of the
Ornate, to investigete into the Fi'..r,".nduct of the war,
Messrs. Wade, Chandler, and Johnson (Tenn).
The reso.ution from the House in regard to the--ad
journment over the holidays was laid on the table.
The Senate then went into executive session, and sub
sequently aeljearned.
liOI7SE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. BINGHADf ! of Ohio, from the Judiciary Com
mittee, reputed tuck the joint readution directing and
reuniting the rloll.lht Court, at tituxuatria s Yu., to ro•
tail) and safely keep in its rust. tly any property taken as
that of persona engaged in or aiding the rebellion against
the 'United States until the further action of Congress
teliehing the Patel The conlittion vfm pow 4,
• • - -
The 'louse resnincd the consideration of the special
order,
being Mr. Eliot's, of Massachusetts, resolutions
proposing the emancipation of the slaves of rebels, etc.
Mr. B AIMING, of Kentucky, invokes a calm and
patriotic conankration of the alibied now before the
noose. It wag with the deepest pain that he witnessed
tbe introduction of the proposition at so early a period in
the session, and the attempt to pass it under the operation
of the previous question. H, thought there was a dispo-
SitiOn to exclude all reflection and a refusal to Muse in
the apparently awl career. But when a disposition was
afterward shown to act with deliberation, his hopes re
vived. Be proceeded to elaborate the following points of
his oppositton to the pending resolutions:
First. We have no constitutional power to pass them,
or any bills or rtsolutions on the unbject.
Second. That Congress, the President, and the Admi
nistration stand pledged in the most public and solemn
manner against all interference with slavery, as he pro
ceeded to show from copious extracts; therefore to sanc
tion such a policy 'Nola be a culpable %dainties, of the
plighted faith of this flovernment.
Third. He opposed the resolutions, because legislation
on the subject is forbidden by every principle of sound
policy.
Fourth. He opposed them and allkindred measures lin.
Cause they would inaugurate a war which would involve
in its horrors the loyal and disloyal, the innocent and the
guilty ; a warfare disgraceful to any civilized .aed
Christian nation. In the course of his remarks he said
that this slur has nothing more to do with slavery than
with any other institution. Let slavery alone, it will
take care of itself. He showed the injustice of diverting
the war from its original design—namely, the restoration
of obedience to the Constitution and law, and the pre
usivution of the Union.
. - . .
Mr.KELLUGG, of Illinois, moved that the resolutions
now under consideration, and all those relating to the
subject, included in the sane• special order, be referred to
the Committee an the Judiciary. Agreed to—yeas 77,
nays FL
. _
kr. WASHBURN, of Illinois, from the special com
mittee to inquire into the Goveroment contracts, made a
report. He stated that the committee had given the re
port their unanimous concurrence, with the exception of
Mr_ Jackson, of Kentucky, who met u ith the committee
for a'ew days, but was called to Kentucky by a tele
graphic despatch, which requested his immediate pre
sence to aid in putting down the rebellion. Mr. Wash
burn submitted a resolution that five thousand copies of
the report, together with the evidence, be printed; alto,
that ten thousand copies of the report be printed without
the evidence, for the use of the House. The resolution
was referred to the Committee on Printing.
The following rest-lotions were submitted by Mr. VAN
WYCK, of New York, chairman of the committee'.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be re.
quested to decline making auy further payment to par
ties interested in the steamboat Catiline on account of
the charter of that vessel by the United States on the 25th
day of April, 1861.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be re
quested to adjust the claim against the Government for
the 5,000 Hall carbines purchased through Simon Ste
vens, Esq., by Gen. J. C. Fremont on the oth day of Au
gust, 1861, and afterwards delivered at the United States
Arsenal, at the city of St. Louis, on the basis of a sale of
the said arms to the Government for $15.50 each, reject—
ing all other demands against the Government on account
of the purehese of said arms.
liceotreci, That the practice of employing irresponsible
parties, Wing no official connection with the Govern.
inept, in the performance of public duties which may be
properly performed by the regular officers of the Govern.
ment, and of purchasing, by private contract, supplies
for the different departments, where open and fair emu.
petition might properly be invited by a Reasonable adver•
tisement for proposals, is injurious to the public service,
and meets the unqualified disapprobation of this House.
The consideradon of the report was postponed till
Tuesday.
Mr. itENTON, of New York, said he had signed the
report, and concurred in what was said, except some of
the deductions from the testimony taken in the Western
Military bupprtment of gt_ Louis.
Mr. MORRILL, of Vermont, introduced a bill, which
was passed, to suspend the appointment of assessors and
collection of the income tax until the let of April next.
Mr. STEVENS, from the Conunittee of Ways and
Means, reported a bill making an appropriation for in
valid and other pensions, and a bill providing for the pay
ment of consular and diplomatic expenses for the year
ending June 30,1303.
Mr. BLAIR, of Missouri, reported, from the Military
Committee, a bill providing for the allotment of pav-cer-
Uncoil% among the volunteer forces. The bill was
passed.
Mr. COX, of Ohio, from the Committee on Foreign Af
fairs, reported a bill appropriating, $l,OOO as full com
pensation to the owners of the British ship Perthshire, in
consequence of her detention by the steamer Ma asaehn
setts, in June !apt, for a supposed breach of the blockade at
Mobile. Mr. Cox referred to the tact that the President,
in his message, had recommended this satisfaction. Be
sides, thespapers in the case show it to be a jest one. He
said the till Wall reported in accordance with. I recent-
IlltlidatMlat in the !.'resident's message, and a r from
N e,
Secretary Seward, which ke had read, stating t lie . had
examined the fume, end believed that the rath shire
was ',saintly engaged in commerce on the high seas
11 hell fiViZtill i4llll geteitted by tho United §tittes St , Mil
er Massachusetts. She left Mobile for Liverpool,
with cotton, on the 31st of May. The blockade
began on the 2eth of May, but the ship left
within the time allowed by the PrEsident's proclamation.
She was taken back, a distance of two hundred miles, to
Pensacola, and there released by the captain of our
squadron. Ihe bill reports the damage at $l,OOO. The
amount is inconsiderable, but the prompt action of Con
gress in awarding it is an earnest to Great Britain that
this Government will be as ready to indemnify for a
wrong am to defend a eight. 0011 iolNal 0103555 tsaYB OA
clearly in the wrong in seining this ship, as they were
right in overhauling the Trent. In the jealous defence
of our maritime rights, our oillcete may exceed their
duty, but the m-ment it is ascertained, as In this case,
tilt f r overnment Mimi pride in according satisfaction. It
is to be hoped that the action of this House, at least,
toward foreign Femora will show a wise, li just con
ciliation, without any timid or time-serving submis
sion. While we would not yield an inch to any scr
im, I' m or lotr pepons compulsion, such as the
news threatens us with, it is becoming tho dignity of
the Republic promptly to remedy wrongs. Thus are wo
triply armed to demand the prerogatives belonging to our
rigiloymilty l it home and abroad. Great dEiritain should
Meet us in this spirit When we dominant or her Why rhe
steamer Nash vii to has an asylum In her ports without
any nationality, and without even the pretence of tho
barbarous privateering commission ; and when within a
short distance of her own shores, and bearing an envoy
frank the rebellious States, Colonel Peyton, she overlutuls
the Ilarsey Birch, lowers her atm s and stripes, irons her
crew, and with the tail hand of the hummer, burns her
to the water's edge, and then finds a hospitable haven iu
Southampton, to be refitted for another outrage with
warlike armaments front F,nglish storehouses ! We
should demand to know how it is consistent whit Eng
land's ill-disguised neutrality to allow such wan
ton piracy to go without Olen the forms of
a dj u dication hr even a mockery of punishment.
Surely, if in this case of the Nitshville, England
should act as the accessory to such an atrocity, she can
not complain that, in the midst of our great national
perils, and while the public nerve is acutely sensitive to
indignities are) ed in the time of our trial, we pursued to
the letter, as in the case of the Trent, the international
cede he has herself prescribed. Our just.fication in
that case is that her act was one of hostility, whether it
consists in carrying despatches and envoys, or other and
worse than comtraband on board a neutral ship. It will
not do to answer that no case like this has been adjudi
cated ; that no case like this Is to be found in the Lee
pentium. Can. Cushing, in hie recent letter, gives the
reason why precedents are not to be found in the get),
graphical relations of European nations. But the prin
ciple covering the case is niost cogently stated by Phil's
more, and other writers, and the English jurisprudent,
nukes determined to he warped in hie judgment hi ,
Lis pride or prejir ice, cannot deny the doctrine of
Stowell, Ittich would stop, in time of war, on neutral
ship, the antheasadere of an enemy, whose Government is
not yet an accomplished and recognized fact. It se-ms
to he conceded that Mix principle would apply to the cage
of despatchea. If Ap, In a forum of purer reason ant en..
lightened connrience, which make lip the code interna
tional, for a stranger reason, It will apply to ainbateuidlorn
publicly declared, and whom, mission in of more
impur
niece than battaliong of armed men, and whole chrgmin
of Om, ntion, glum, and nanres, tin a miranna - oe ii. llto
creeks Unit provider of these. By hie alliance he may
*hi baffler' and helve revolotimo. To give him the
protection of the mutt ad INK In a public rennet in
it castes half. Ti. give him the protection of the
iifte, I, v•-e..e,1 le .x. L.etilliy,
aid ef the public enemy, and a noigure and conti4cation
blimild follow. The more this uninition in pondered and
examined, the more impreinest.le Is our ponitlon. Nor in
there anything lu oar previous diplomacy to weaken
thin position i which, heal f the thee, I could do IMO
etritte. It in enough now for int that on 1,1i15 ground we
may safely nay to England, Fulfil your neutral
ololigotione—yon hare MOM voluntarily, and
ogolunt our protobt, Until yllll 110 nn, you CRIIIII4 'marry'
with tin for the rxercino of our mont indubitable rights,
If you Midst on belligerent rink n Ind Weeil North and
SOllll4 do not, an a neutral, limp Ike DWI bellig.rout to
the detriment of the other. Thin Is fraud. In HMI spirit
010111 01111 our relatluna tOWIII4II Nlll(ltitid actuante' and.
cable.
Wo will readily yield her rightful dementia, as in this
case of the Perthshire. We could yield nothing to her
arrogance, passion, or pride, when we are clearly in the
right, The letter of General Jackson to Mr, Id rhigdon,
rho original of whirl, Vas read by the !Mandan, Ban.
croft, et a meeting nt New York, and sophist by him I.
U e Disunionhits here, may be as appropriately applied to
their sympathizers abroad. "The Union intuit tie pre.
served, without blood, if NO bo ootailldo ; hut it most he
Preserved at all hazards, and at any price." &r with
our honor among the nations. For it is thug In the gi
gantic conflict of our national existence, that we should
avoid the entanglements of a foreign conflict with no.
tines whose material interests, lit they think, dolma
upon our discenifiture, fuel whose chronic jealousies or
our Republic's Humus have led their rulers to hail WWII
discomfiture with ill-concealed delight. Wu are too sen
sitive of foreign opinion.
Wf naturally dislike to have our Government and lo
athing-MTh misrepresented, We Lwr tnc ivirit of thy
Spanish motto: "Do plc Rei solo yo;" no one shell
spoilt of our king butt ourselves. But we can afford to
be indifferent to the malignity of foreigners whose moral
standard is incronsod by their commercial loss and gain,
and whose compliant neutrality min view a great
Christian and kindred nation humiliated without a re
gret or sympathy, because of its splendid illustration of
commercial grandeur and Democratic “overnment Let
us nuraut our duty to our ago and country With nnrNTicd
composure Heaven will not (Insert the undismayed, To
despair is t) diet Flinging aside the burden of our na.
tional woe; lamenting nothing of the past; daring all
that is just mot constitutional; making no cruel and
disastrous diversions front the great object of reactiing
Our nationality cretimeg aa , pc would ** ;Writ of naktma,
those N 4 ho wmild divert us from that object to other and
ignoble objects, involving fresh diversions, cruel decep
tions, social revolutions, servile insurrections, perpetual
penalties, and eternal bates moving one and ell, heart,
body, men, meatm, Munitions, and pa
triotism, to the one grand object, the restoration of the
dismantled rnion as it was and ought to be: we may
emerge from this strife, and arise like the fabled demi
god, from our prostra ieu, more grateful and strong, in
spired A larger meacare or paaa- ' and a. elearvr and
lets ostentatious consciounress of our destiny.
During the debate a colloquy occurred between Mr.
Colfax and Mr. Vallandigham. Mr. Colfax, in replying to
remark of Mr. Cox, said he yesterday voted to refer Mr.
Volinmil6Lam'a ranloilon smaltrlna- Com. Wllkon ,
duct because he preferred that whatever was sent out on
the subject should emanate from a standing committee
of the Bettor, after grave consideration, instead of being
inipublycly ;WM illMll by the House.
. .. .
hi:AN - Mon a tr. 5i4i1:1 that Dlr. 'Colfax WM not
so circumspect and explicit en the first day of the soft•
sion, when he offered a resolution propoiing to closely
imprison Mr. Motion in retaliation for the treatment of
CM. rcorno, The gentleman hal not then heard front
31r. COLFAX further explained the reason why he
offered his resolution on the first day of the session ' wee
'because Mason had, as a Senator, taken an oath to
F.opport the Constitution and bad violated it. Ile was
not only a traitor' but had - perjured linneelf, When wi
deul with nations it is a different thing.
Ni. YALLANDIGHAM could not perceive Why the
gentleman was so ready to Mstit y the not of Commodore
Vilhea 911 the JIM till 7 4Mb:di' hut not now.
Thew were no fewer !ratters now than at that'
What made the difference'?
Mr. COLFAX replied that ho was still in favor of
meting punishment to traitors.
Mr. YALLANDIGIIAM predicted that in leas than
thrPolllollthg M4lBOll and Slidell will be returned.
Mr. COX hoped the prediction would pr , ve untrue.
Mr. DINES, of New York, was for leaving the rine+.
Von with England in the hands of those, on our part, who
will ennduet the negotiations. It would he conducted
with dt.nity, and a due regard to its honor and interest.
Under these cirennistancea he was willing to risk the
chances of war. Two classes would he di4app.Anted by
the preservation of peace—namely, those who want a
war to give strength to the rebels, and enable them to
succeed, and those who have been revelling in tlin spirit
of bravado.
The bill was then passed.
Mr. SEDGWICK, of New York, from the Committee
on Naval Minim renurted a bill which 11118 paiatxl, fur,
net to promote the efficiency of the navy by retiring ollt_•
cers, etc.
He also reported a bill authorizing . the Secretary of the
Navy to construct twenty iron-chid steam gunboats, by
contract or otherwiaa, lie stated that each would coat
from $500,000 to $.580,000.
After a brief debate, the further consideration of the
bin was postponed, and the House adjourned.
TER CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY INTO GO.
VERNMENT CONTRACTS.
REPORT OF THE VAN WYCK COMMITTEE
WAiiIIINGTON,Dec.I7.—Van Wyck' Select Committee,
to inquire, into Gorernmoot corrtrnots, matte a report to
the house of Representatives, to-day, of their progress:
It was presented by 2/r. Washburne, uflllinois. The re
solutions submitted by the chairman will be found in the
ConB:ereimaarproceeciinv.
The committee report that they held [their sittings in
Washington, New York, Boston, New Bedfbrd, St.
Cairo, Chicago, and Harrisburg, and the msmbers have
trio. Med fram six to seven thousand miles in the Perfprt{t
flr of their duties. They have examined two - hundred
and sixty -five witnesses, and the testimony embraced in
the present report will cover eleven hundred pages.
The labors of the committee aro far Pout being closed.
A large number of transactions at Washington anti else
where seem to deserve their attentions and, with the alp.
probation of the House, the committee propose to vigor
ously prosecute their investigations, so long as it may ap
pear that they are demanded by tha public interests:-
TR.E. STEAMER OA TILINE OISE
Among the first subjects investigated was the charter
of the steamer Cali line. tshe was chartered oy
I) Tompkins, assistant quartermaster general of New
York, under an order from General Wool. No doubt can
that Col_ Tatnettititt acted to > miss fiastt
faith, so far as he was conmeted with the transaction.
M. M. Freeman & Co. held as security for the money
they bad advanced the insurance of $20,0e0 on the ves
sel, the notes of several other parties, and the contract
with the Government The contract with tiro Govern.
meet it not remarkable for disinterestedness in promoting
the national welfare, yet the Government mill certainly
he satisfied with ordinary fairness and integrity in con
tracts made on its behalf, even if a willingness to seize
111)01] the public mitifortulive for Pereonill likgrentThatrint
is Inanifert in the tranaaction, While the nepenthe hal
right to expect it, it cannot compel the unselfish devotion
of its citizens.
The provision that the Government should pay $50,000
for a vend met purchased for 614,000 in the event of her
lose by a peril not covered by the inanrilllGO is totally in.
defensible. But the main provision of the contract,
while undoubtedly exorbitant, is less to be condemned.
The Government was to pay 510,000 per month for the
vessel, and that, ton, for a period of not less than three
months. Colonel Tompkins seems to have paid no at
tention to the time for which the vessel was chartered.
The order of General Wool is silent or, the subject. The
presence of Captain Comstock at the time the proposition
was drawn up would Justify the inference that the time,
which was a very material feature in the contract, was
adjusted between himself and Develin t Freemamithe
otl er parties then present.
There is some conflict in the evidence as to what would
be a fair price for the charter of the vessel, and eepeci.
ally as to the cost of runninglier. The latter inquiry is
manifestly the most important in its practical results.
The committee especially caul attention to the arrange
ment between the Secretary of the Navy and Mr. Mor
gan, for purchasing vessels for the Government, !Ming
that it is of such a character, whether it be in the stipu
lated amount received, or in the mode of payment, alike
indefensible and reprehensible. That arrangement is a
system of commission, usually 2g per cent. of the pur
chase money paid for each vessel, and one under which
Dlorgan received as compensation during the period of
seven weeks previous to t; e oth day of ;September,
(when this testimony was taken,) the enormous sum of
$51,5n4, as admitted by himself before the committee.
If he has received the Mlle rate of compensation since
as Wore that date, there meat ha added to this sum paid
him before that date the further commission of 5;43,424
for services rendered since, making in all the sum of
$05,000 paid to a single individual for his services as
agent of the Gorernment since the 15th of July, a pc,
riot)of four months and a half,
THE PURCHASE OF ARKS
The committee next devoted themselves to the subject
of the purchase of arms. Tho extraordinary demand for
them, :vaulting franc the MtArIIWY to overthrew the
Union, has resulted in extraordinary expenditures, and,
exciting the cupidity of large numbers of persons both
in 'Europe and America, has opened up a system of un
precedented speculation. The Government has bean the
4tcttss nlore than one conspiracy-, and reread:Eu.l.'le
combinatiOns bare been formed to rob the To easury.
The profits from the sale of arms to the Government
have been enormous, and realized, too, in many in
atances, by cur own citizens, through a system of bro
kerage as unprincipled and dishonest, and as unfriendly
to the success and welfare of the nation, us the plottinge
of actual treason.
The system adopted at an Ma Moment for the par.!
chase of arms naturally encourages this result. The
Government and the several States entering the market
in active and direct competition, stimulated, it is true to
sonic slight extent and but temporarily, the importation
and manufacture of arms, but scarcely comJensated for
general profligacy in the expenditure of the public trea
sure nud the corruption of the public morals.
Since the adjournment of the extra session of Con
geese, the War Department is understood to have-au
thorized the several States, and to have recognized the
right in the generals commanding the several divisions
of the army; to purchase anus to be paid for by the
General Government, creating mum unwise and ruinous
competition against itself without increasing the num
ber of OTITIS in the market.
The committee, after examining into the effect of this
system of competition last September, called the at
tention of the War Department to the subject, and tug.
Bested so the only effective remedy that the purchase of
arms should he confined to a single hereon, and the
several States notified that the General Government
would not pit 3 for arms pnrchneed in competition with
Hula. no entnntillan are informed that this policy has
beim adopted—a most desirable result—although its
earlier adoption would have saved millions to the trea
sury, and, at the name time, by placing the amt pur
altnead under the control of te Government, would have
secured their use at points where the public safety was
the most in peril. -
Maj.r Ifagner, an ordnance, officer, who was engaged
in the purehaee and inspection of arms, testified as fol
lowa
" The agents of Fremont, et the tiovernors of States,
of cities, of Union Defence Committees, of colonels of
regiments, and of generals of our army, are nil here in
New York. I may bo in treaty for arms, and the first
thiag i hear, Ws+ ono ors . seal [o some agent. Some of
the men who hold the arms, I sometimes think, are
disposed not to have a honnfide Buie, They like to keep
the arms in market in order to advance the price. I think
they have been gambling in arms just as they do in
etocke, etc."
The eammittss remark that In amorous cases which
have come tinder their observation, the prim paid for
acme was inexcusably exorbitant. In some instances the
arms were worthless, and in others exorbitance in price
wan coupled, with other ovidonco of a purpooo to defraud
the OAVEIIIIIOIIt.
The abuses in the purchase of Austrian and other fire
arms are noticed, and the testimony appended.
Next the roinmittro oniunined into the Moir supplies.
They say, among other things, that either through cor
rupt motives, or from a went of reasonable prudence, the
act of Congress only permitting contracts to be made
without novertining for proposals in cases where imme
diate delivery to required by the public oxignnoy, line
been almost a dead letter even In that large elms of cases
whore it might have been properly applied. Immense
supplies, both in the Navy. cc well sti the War Depart
ment, the nocesssits for whieli, in the Minna Miro
of things, 11718 easily forenoon, have been purchased
privately under contracts. express or with
out any competition being invited. In one importalt
division of the arm', the Westerol the law
has been
almost totally disregarded, and even the responsibility of
public officers has, In many cases, been unnecessarily re
moved, by the employment of irresponsible agents in
purchases of large quantities of supplies, even where re
nt/314We Bud experienced and upright pat+lic officers
were in a position to perrorm the requited duty. A vast
amount of supplies Wive been made on what is eallvd a
requisition. In the Western Department, especially,
requibitippe loom tam, the place of connects.
TIIE PURCHASE, OF HORSES. AND CATTIA.
The committee say that in the purchase of cattle there
is much evidence of gross mismanagement, and in the
purchase of horses and wagons in New York they find
groat irregularities.
OFFICIAL FRAUD.
The committee call attention to a case of the officia
rortitution of official position to the base purpose of ii.
Iran) gains an set forth in the evidence of tianiu.d A.
and in this co .neetion the cornuilttee say theta
111/111 by the name of Wood, enjoying the confidence °Cu,.
President, was appointed commissioner of public build
ings, a place not only requiring great Inisiness capacity,
but unflinching integrity. mid that M.....
declaration, made himself tin instrument for plundering
the Government. The committee, in discharge of their
duty, mud a representation of the facts to the. Execu
tive, hut before any action was taken the Govern
!mit eat mintier' front the prononco of an unworthy
racial by hit resignation.
TILE FORTIFICATIONS AT ST. LOITIS.
The rommittee next approach the subject of the fortiti
rationa at St. Louie. The rircnrmtanres nurrreneling
Ham work being of the mug! aktratirdinury Attritat4, and
Mal kol Lv exiravam.nce, recklessuesa, iusuhordittation,
anti fraud. they ex proem the hope that mein means may
he found to make the, parties G. the atrecieue e...ntreet
ilirtiorge the enm out of 10 blob the Government has been
defrauded, tied that the lal.ororn who how, .lone he work
on the faith of the ill..vornment will net longer be de
layed in receiving their jug tines.
THE PURCHASE OF HORSES AND MULES
Thr conimitten found that Hal moat astounding and an.
blaolaatt finials hail lief n perpetrated in the Doti:lime of
hurtles and mules, and matter% were MO arranged that it
wax impossible for the original owners to tall either
heroes or moles directly to the Government, but all such
mica were nuttin In car alit middle men and am tietweena_
who, It somata, alone venni flat Any heeling or nudes
taken by the quartermaster's department.
The abuses in the Western Military Department are
prominently eliminated, Including those relating to the
shipment of lee. the tliveralon of minium fermi the Pay_
minder's Department, far which they were appropriated,
the retten and condemned blankets, the rooting of the
Denton barrackm, transportation, &c.
In the shave notice the language of the committee halt
been minted ihreinitient.
The remit in (4101041 by Ilfetaot. Van Wyek, of New
York, Wunltlitiroe, of Illinois, Holman, of Indiana, Fen_
feu, of New York, Dawes, of Massachusetts, and Steele,
of New Jersey. The whet. member, Mr. Jackson, Is alt.
tent in Kt nt w
THE CITY.
AMUSEMENTS THIS ZVENING.
ABIRRIOAN AOADRMY or 74 , 7810—8r0ad and Locust
streets- 4, Jack Cade."
Wiiii*Lntos CoWrilitt9+2ll..
&hove Eighth. tTLo it.,nthern Jlrhrllion i)y ses and
Land"—" The Cataract of the Ganges."
WALNUT-STREET 'LIIZATRN—North and Walnut eta.—
..Lady of T. yons"— ,, French Spy."
anon-nramiT TwasTaa--Arcn, tan aDOTO BUM,.
Tiolot - '— , ‘ .1 ack Shenpiril,"
TEMPLE OF WONDERS—N. E. corner Tenth and Ohent
nut streets.—Signor Blitz's Entertainment,
CHARGED wrrn Lmin..—Yesterday morning,
in the Court of Quarter S.-salons, before Judge Allison,
Lane Schofield was un trial, charged with libel. The bill
of indictment chart es that the defendant caused to lee
la the Preal,l ff Argus, a east attacking James
M. Gibson, formerly connected with the Highway De
partment, asking hint to explain why, while chairman of
the Committee on Highways, be drew out of the City
Treasury $1,00.62; why, while he '' loges the na.
tuxxlls.t.d MiZei. ao thc- 13.4 xml t at the
same time takes John Rano, with many others of the
Fame kidney, to his warm and kind embrace ;" why vet.
Eels were "ballasted with new paving atones that cost
near per load, and the captain of the vessel pays 90
, 6 . ei d N i n to V.I.Y dlajhttln, ihxl pro
posed to clean the Virg. district for $2OO less to draw
down, and give it to Mr. Thompson at SAO higher l"
There are other charges in the card, implying miscon
duct. The Commonwealth proved the pithlici.iticip pf the
urttoto whited be. 174 1 ,130 '&11 , 7110 , VB IMMO aitath U j that it
referred to Mr. Gibson, the prosecutor,
The defence, represented by L. C. Cassidy,
procpecikd to prove the truth of the chnrgen in the
article.
Mr. gimifer, from the rip - TrerssllTVT . s Officr) lefltin7,ll
that a warrant was drawn in 1858 in favor of Mr. Gibson
for $1,00.52.
John Loop testified that he remembered the static de
posited on the lot, at Sixth and Carpenter streets, in 1855 j
tbere , - were e Rood WMII iVilolj paying acme - worn] thmll
from 2 to SL2S per load; the gone on the city lot worth
more than S 2; saw them loading front that lot in the sum
mer of ISSS, in some of Shaffer's carts.
John Shaffer testified that he recollected the lot Sixth
PTA and in 1850 some of hi 3 ,seta 500 1 1 'A ,"
from that lot did nut remember the number of loads;
might hare beEll a dozen or twenty-fire; they were h tined
to a wharf on the Delaware and deposited there: they
)Irre for a elevedore named Joseph BtoYenson ; it might
have been tilliplign-street wharf; Mr. Gibson oulergil
him to take it there; did tint got any money for it: Jo
seph Stevenson was to pay serenti -live cents a load, awl
he said alien the vessel was ballasted he would pay ; paid
the city for these stones.
Cross•examineo.—Gave Mr. Gibson fifty cents nor lo
and sold it for seventy-live cent; the stone was not fit
for anything except ballast ;' they were old stone which
had been u5,..1 probably fifty years before; tie.y were not
worth a load j the stone he took was not wort I more
than middy-nye or thirty- seven and a half cents per mad;
paid Mr. Gibson fifty cents for them.
Robert Luther testified that he went to Shippen-street
wharf in Anginit, 1858, and saw - the paring stones on
ioere the ITFSei CgreMil; vent e 4 the repieit
or Mr. 6cludiulo the gone in the IMO ho presumed was
used for ballast; some of it was gold and sores bad.
Cross-examined.—Think some of the stone might hare
been used by the city for paving; did not know the value
of - the stone,
air. Dutton testified that in TM paving stone was
worth from $ to $2.25 per team load (two carte).
Wm. Long testified that he was a carter; did not work
for the city in June 1859, nor any other time in ISIS or
DU; William Riding was the supervisor of the That
ward; western division.
Mr. fluffy, city controller, produced pay-rolls for
1958 and 1859, and, at the instance of Air. Cassidy, read
from Mr. Riding's pay-rolls, for these years, charges in
ass t as o of William Lase foe a nelnhaf of days.
A REITAII OF IRI3II VOLUNTEERS i—Yester
day morning. about 7 o'clock, the Fourth awl Fifth Re
giments of the Irish Brigade ptisaeil through the city,
The Fourth Regiment, or - Eighty-eighth N.
Lumber: , 1,000 men, the greater part of whom were re
cruited in New Jersey by Col. Baker, who was Collnel
of the New Jersey Second Regiment of three-months vo
lunteers.
'Re- c - iin,rat in lii incomplete,len the oi - -
pinizntien is finielied, it will be known 11l the Second
Battnlion of N. Y. Y. A. Four batteries passed through
yesterday morning.
THE MOUNT YERNON 6CIIOOL. , —At a 1110 Ct.
ing of the school directors of the Third section, a resolu
tion was passed declaring it inexpedient tor the teachers
of ibis section to comply with the resolution of the Board
of Controllers wiling them h report to the Controllers
the monies end residences of the pupils in their schools,
the usual course of official communication being through
the representative of the section in the Board of Con
trollers. The resolution of the Controllers was in refe
rence ton number of pupils of the Mount Vernon School
who reside In another section.
PASSING COUNTERFEIT COlN.—John Maher
was arrested on Monday night on the charge of passing
muntafait 4utti tat , &lbws at vavialta Itigse-hear salamis,
in the Second police district. About twenty dollars in
the bogus coin were found upon the person of the ac
cused. Maher was committed to await a hearing-before
the rutted States Commissioner. Yesterday. .afternoon,
Aaron Briggs was held for a further hearing by Abler,
man Beitler upon the chargo of passing counterfeit Os
on the Phillipsburg Bank of New Jersey.
ATTEMPTED BURGLARY.—Yesterday MOM. ,
about Conr aislosli., a %Ml Wag diAMMPLd in the
sleeping apartments of Mr. Daniel McDowen, who keeps
a public house at the corner of Swanson and Bashing
ton streets. The fellow escaped from the house, but tho
alarm was given, and Officer Stevenson, of the Harbor
Police, gave alas, After a :Ikea of keVelqii gaillt.Heil he
captured the Individual. The latter gave the nvne of
Andrew McKeown. He had a hearing before Alderman
Dallas, and was hold in 81,000 bail to answer at court.
DONATIONS Fox: 11w.. P.U.ISONE 'le.—Yes
terday thirty-three blankets were obtained for the mem
bers of Company A. First California Regiment, now pri
soners at Richmond. Donations conaioting of woollen
drmrp t rhino, and blankets, for the privates of
the nboTe company may be PoPt to the dwelling of Wm.
N. Conrad, No. 1305 Locust street, or to .the oflico of
Cash & Reduer, fie. 150 South Fourth street.
REPAIRING DAMAGESomahe breach in the
advert at Simteentli and Glum streets is mach more aa•
rious Ilan was at first supposed. Workmen are now
engaged in repairing damages, and will probably be en
gaged several days in their work.
DEATIt OF A WELL-KNOWN CITIZES.—Joseph
M. Thomas, Esq., a well-known citizen, died at his resi
dence on Filbert street a day or two since. The deceased
was a prominent, active member of the old Whig party,
end occupied, at differeui +lmes, sects Ih Loth biquiasa of
Councils.
SPIRITUAL.—An enterprising daily yester
tivy annoonsei that the Vatted States frigate _ Roanoke
had arrived at the navy yard on am previous ant:moon.
Captain Turner asseverates on his honor that he didn't
see it." Ali the enterprising reporter wouldn't describe
anything that he did not see, it is fair to presume that
the arrival of the Roanoke wan " spiritual."
ADMITTED TO BAIL.—A youth named William
Sharkey, who wts found among the crew of the pri
vateer retrel, and has been confined in the debtora ,
wrianont of Mr county I'rlo9lll 911 499990 iir d_eljeffte
henlUp bon been admitted to boil in the Hunt of We*,
His uncle lies become security for his appearance when
required.
IN NEED 01? FriNaa.—Tho daily infant 8011001
for colored children, located in Clifton street, between
South and Shippers, and Tenth and Eleventh streets, is
greatly in need of funds.
FINALLY • a.ftertmn
James Allen was Slushy committed by Alderman Beltlor
to ACIOW.r the charge of stealing 1 , 200 from a boarder at
the Continental fold NBMllillt DiBM
CORRECTION.—The memorial alluded to in a
local paragraph, on Notriay, RR emanating from the
Board of Trade, has no connection whatever with that
body. L. nr.onnar, Secretary.
FlRE.—Last evening an alarm of fire was
occasioned, about eight o'cl: ck, by the burning of a bed
in the house of Patrick Mcßride, in Fiihnore street
(above Arch), near Fifteenth. It was speedily extin
guished without any damage being, occasioned to the
FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL
THE MONEY MARKET.
PIIILADEL£IIII, December 17, 1881
The stock market continued feverish to-day, with a
more marked effect urea the better class of Securities,
Reading Railroad stock closed at 16,V 16k. In stock
circles the principal topics of discussion are the effect
open the Nal SIN their tAhtti' of the th'vernin"
loan so largoly will produce, and the benefita to
be secured to the amsernment by a suspension of
specie payments on their part ; the reported stop .
page of specie ahipments by the 'Africa, and the
postronement of her sailing until Friday awl the pro
priety of an embargo by our Government upon grain
shipments to England. coo all those questions there is
great diversity of opinion. The action of the New York
bank presidents, this evening, in deciding . hat ie. attg pond,
is what might have berm expected from the known di
versity of opinion among them as to the measure, and
the fact that it was proposed, not because of the needs of
the banks, but with sf Flew to promote no public good.
Had it been necessary, for the preservation of the banks,
the suspension would have been decided upon per force,
but as many able financiers doubt whether a suspension
pt this time Would afford the advantages claimed ter it,
and the Minim nuturnny loyo to maintain a good stand
ing, the decision not to suspend comes almost as a mat
ter of course.
Thns vamxiiterl state or the stock market. is 1. part
owing to the calling in of tlentend loans mule to brokers..
The money market is quiet and dull, and the pertarbed.
feeling of 1 esterasy is succeeded. in business circles bit
mere Meal dams
The New York F.t.eni»a Pngt, of to-day, saw
A calmer feeling pervades Wall street to-day. 'lll.*.
tone of the stock market is decidedly better, and tin: ladat
affalcs ing,t ha.V . It BIM Witit.ti and Mir -MAIM
Stocks opened at an advance or 34
.3; per cent, on the
lowest prices torched yesterday, with is better• demand
throughout the list: An intmovontont of Kelt lumeont ,
In Government securities at once gavatoue kt,the mar
ket, greatly aesietleg the recovery in the speculative
stocks, which, in some cases, are leax percent. bettor
than at the scorning board of yesterday.
New York Central opened at 7§% and gradnolls rOtie . t9
Ti X, linally closing at 77.
Galena and Chicago jumped to 70 today, abbr. selling
"low as 67 . 1 4 Yet‘lerday morning. Th. oagh stock WNB
wanted today for delivery, at the tranfifccsheeht 09e4)
to. morrow, for the paynont of the five par cent. declared
some time since. This makes tho stook stand 6b in the
market.
There is Fome talk of a dividend by the Michigan (fen.
tral Company, and. previous to the receipt of the blnglish
.tta, cce untl6rutithd, partially &Mod num, but
the indications are that the subject wilt be pa,smal cmkr
for the present, ut /east till much that' as the directors
fn. I MM. that tht.lP „..e'.-r,, latea-raptlaa
on account of lig esenetilon with the seaboard running
through Canada.
Erie was very fluctuating. The first sales wore at 2e.4,
then at 27 and 203, and finally at 27m27. Thls stock
Se 10110e0r...1 by the tear of a supply- L Y the ne xt ',framer.
from Europe, from parties who find no market far it in
London ' and who may be forced I'o Fir 11.
Erie preferred Kohl at 48, which in Xal per cent. bet
tor lime yesterday. Three of the five thousand ,horse
liald by a leadlna director of the mammy came due 40
Flaterday, awl wits Mild for by the buyer. Thi, eel°, It
will be remembered, wag mode the middle of October, ag
follioce 3,000 shares at 00 buyer sixty dam and 2,000
chores at ninety dart'.
Pacific Mail Ind/rood 1J per cent., Killing at
Rolm Fiz lawt arming. Panama waN also In demaiiil at
an advance of 1,;,i per cent.
The railroad bonds are not movably affected by the
panic In ninny stocks, and prices 01 the first-clime inqrt-
Miura ern ennitinrativele well maintained. Thie claim of
imeuritiea within a few years has Immune a great favorite
with investors, and every breath of war does not fright
en them out of their bonds.
The Hat of State atocko how no aperial change. Mia
;markt and Tannmauwa ruled at atsut prl.zoo of loot
evetaha. Georglam are scarce-65 to i4l
The foreign exchange market ham a meta settled ap
pearance to-day, lint atili Irregular. Tim ratan on Lou
don fur first-clams bankers' Milo rank., from 110.4 etlll,
at Which 11 AMIII iStiAil5l4A t.aiy
v , wirin.i.v2nt of the departure of the Afrka tilirriday
cheekm traneactlone, and the salon are now only of a ra
tan eltaractor.
Philitdelplun Steele Erehmiga Sales,
Prcember 170861.
811 PORTED Br S. E. BLATIILKEI, Phlleulelpttla Kimlmage
irdßsT HDABD.
10 Ilerthddirg B. 02 100 Reading R 18
1000 City Oe Nw . 07)4 50 ...... 163(
100 Lehigh Nay 48 50 do 1610
30 do 48 2 Corn Exeli 11k... 20
700 City .... 70 11000 Nona OH Tit
I Mena R 1T 2050 do
1000 do 2dm.. 83X 10 Gr S Comm' It— lag
1,0 Moonily. moth... 10 50 do
100 d 0.... cash... 16 3050 Penns It letm 14. OS
00 "um?" rro 14 1 2 900 tic), "IetIOA, 85
211 do 10 12000 do, ,lounumb. 00
BETWEEN BOARDS.
1277 fa Poona be "3
UNINND
4 2(.6. & Tliltd R... 47, 1 4
10 do 145.... 47,v l i
(I do . 47,4
300 City Lis Nu'
1000 Poittla Coup (i 5
10 N Liberty ICI .p 5 .. 30
AFTER I
BOAST'.
IP. Heaver fifes& , „. 66,1 1 ;
3 Morris CIII Prf.
I do „logy(
(19 Poona It
0 de_.........
1000 do...idink.sr... or,
lOARDS.
100 Reading P.
CLOSING PRI
Mfg, AR,
PbHaan . ..... . 83 84
Phila 6a 83 84
Phila Oa new._ 87g 88
Penns 50., 78 784
itemling76g 7th
Beading .13d'70 81 82
Bead Id 6a'88.. 72X 73X
Penns R 37g fax
Penna It 2d m 00 83. 84
5t..40 CI bpu t , !!
Morrie CI Prof,luag 108,g
Bch Nam 6a12.. 60 03
Scb Nav Imp fia .. 73
Bch Nay Stock. 3 5
Pref, „
Elmira It Prof, ~ 9N
Elmira 70'73... .. 66
Lung Nand B. 9.4 f 103€
Leh Ct & Nev,. 48 48yg
keb. CI ti brio 62
ri Penns 80.. 43 81[
N Penns 11 6e.. Mg
N Penne 10e ... 70 90
OfttAWiNES Pref. 4 44 ,
lerkid &Sung' it ! 37
,^ei ouetell.9. 47 yi 91'
Race '.l; Vine B .. 3
W Phila 80 ..
Spruco & Pine.. 5
Groen & Coattail 16k" IT
•
chco 11 alum II 32
Philadelphia Markets.
There is Tory little inquiry for Fleur, either for ship
ment or home use; sales comprise 300 bbla fine Flour at
$5.25; 250 bide superfine at $5.50; 400 lib's Jenny Lind
family at e 7 i a. 114. t:66 1,61. Weekern cto 056.8.4.5 per
bid, the latter for f elected branili; the anlea to the Nile
range from our lowest figures up to $0.50e7 per !MI for
fancy hits, as to quality. Rye Flour is steady, with sales
100 htto Is. lots 5.5 es. (torl, ac.rcv j
000 hat Pennsylvania Meal sold at 33 per bbl.
WHEAT.—TIie demand has fallen ofT, but prices are
well maintained; 6,000 bus sold at 1-Me for prime Penn-
IYJlilnill retie 11l More, 141 c for Southern do afloat, iiind
145ci50c for white. Rya is dull, with mond 515108 of
Penis) Muhl. at 76e. Coro eumei iu slowly, auil Mad
ready sale ut Mc for old, and 554rb6c for new yellw.v.
Oats are unelimigeil ; sales of 5,000 bus at 40c for South
all; and 4034 mile fur PoologliClllll..
BAoK.—Q«Rlcitrett Iv:quint tit 830 per toil for lot No. 1.
CorroN.—There is not mach doing. owing to the firm
ness of holders, who are asking an advance on previous
quotations.
CILOOP.IttFR Yon. !Rik
doliig Iti tabor I a cargo (..£ Rio Cotl'oa (.3,(100 hags) w.)14
by auction to-day. ranging at.. 17% nIS%o cash.
SEEL/S.—There iz yyry Mtge doing in Clcyar; small
sales ale making at ..4.62301 , 4.75 por ha. Fiat:soda
tondo upwards; FIDIIIi hiliOS fit a31i0r2.10 prr Into
WHISKY is timer, and NO bids sold at 20X 621 c, and
drudge at 1934 st2Oc per gallon.
New York Stock
635 Eris Railway..... Fr
50 do .8 10 27
100 do b3O 27 • L;
100 do blO 27
100 do 20'7
200 do ..... ....WO 281(
60 do 2.0,‘
550 do 26N
50 Erie 11 Pref...blo 48
1 140 do 10
1 100 nartem It 10,X
225 do 11
1 15 Mee & Pinta It.. . 13,x
1100 Mich Cent 11... 44,1
100 40 4-I,t
10000 t S 66 '67 68
2000 111 Canal 13 'GO.. 79
3000 Term St 63'00.. 40%
0000 d0..........40)4
1000 Migoouri 116 M
6COO Cal St 76 80
1000 Iht.l Itiv ht m.. 104
1000 do 104
4000 Mich C 83 lbt nt 90„t5
tutB t 3 p.. - Q 9 p c.. t .. !14
1000 Mich S I'd... • •
2000 Chi & NMI S F. 81
6000 Ciev k Tol S I'd
5 Mnn Exchange Bk. 80
Ited
lur; , cific NPit
M 5 do 82,14
100 Hudson Rig - R.... p.r . m .
600 do LSN
00 ..... ....b3O 30
20 do 30
2001\ Y Cent R... sl.O 76 5 do 10934
150 do 70% 575 111 Coot Scrip 513 X
Ocl, do dk , S .10 an
106 do ldo 1 '
old 414 Ctal. & (Ault 09
150 do s3O 7634 69 do 89
100 do blO 7674 50 do ....blO 70
500 do 707,,i 220 do 70
000 do. .... _._ 010 784 , 50 do LgO 70i;
20 do 100 77 160 CM Ac 11 I 1t...1.10 49
39 do b3O 77 25 do 45,
760 Cloy J. Tol It 30.4'1250 do opg 40i(
125 do 30%1100 do s3O 481(
7 e 0 & Clo P. 100 50 do .....610 4.11%
75 Mil 4- P Do Nolen. 17
CITY ITEMS.
ANOTIERR LECTURE BY REV. HENRY WARD
BERGIIMI,—The next lecture of the People's Literary In.
dilute course will be delivered at Concert Hall, to.ntor.
row (Thursday) evening, by the Bev. Henry Ward
Beecher. He has not yet announced his subject, pro.
ferring, as we are informed, to speak upon topics that
may be suggested by current mute now accumulating.
Mr. Beecher, we may state, is engaged also to lecture at
Wilmington and Washington, and it may be preatuned,
therefore, that what he will have to any on Thursday,
Loueler impromptu it may - to:Cf11, wiU 09 wottur or Ida
name and fame. As this is to be his last appearance in
khiladelphia this season, we anticipate for him a tremen
dous house.
ADTICE TO THE LADIES.—AS a considerable
portion of time between this and Christmas will be spent
by the ladies in shopping for presents for their gentlemen
friends, we rrcommend as imitable article) in this line s ,
Imminomo Droning COMM Smoking Cape, an elegant
Scarf, a Muffler; or, if they wish to be still more practi
cal, good Flannel Overshirts, bravy Underclothing, or •
set of fine Shirts, all of which they will And in greatest
ratfory end at the Wareaprices, at Mr. W, W. naignre.
006 Arch street.
DELICIOUS FRUITS AND FRENCH. CONFECTIONS.
relebreted Foreign Fruit and Confeetionory Em
porium of Mr. A. L. Vansant, Chestnut street, Bacon&
door below Ninth, we venture to any, Is attracting more
attention just now than any other single holiday establish
input iii tho country. Hie stock looks more like a mime
thous banquet prepared for the gods than for the gusta
tory enjoyment of the mortals who are now flocking to his
store by hundreds daily, to secure his elegant proparu.
Eons for the holiclaye.
LADIES.' FANCY Flais, ET CETERA.—Messrs.
CliarleS Oakford and Sons, under the Continental Hotel.
are closing out the balance of their elegant stock of La.
l'orß at astorAßLlngly low price.. 5f.3.18..
cent sets, splendidly Bulled for Christmas presents, they
are now positively selling at little more than half the
usual rates. They are also giving their customers bar
gains in Grisly' Purni.lting floods, Shore, Hats
for Children and Mimes, and a variety of other articles.
Everybody should give them a call.
CH RISTMA:ti BEGUN AT E. G. WHITMAN &
ciego,)lttitus4 et sine Vt...rto,nne denteetlenerr,
at Messrs. E. G. Whitman & Co.'s, Second street, below
Chestnut—the choicest, we think, over offered in this
city—has set the Christmas column in the direction of
their store in motion early. ()Nude ore alrisery ditching
there daily to select front the various dainty and artistic
propmotions with which their counters ore now loaded,
1404-eynyhpil y Egv my*y 401611teil and determined to re.
commend their friends.
Es/fix:Ka:Os Tn;s tasteful new
attiohia fee lie Nook, Coo Golitg..at Mr. J. A. Eahlominfa„
Northwest corner of Seventh and Chestnut —known aa
the McClellan Scarfs and Ties," are exciting universal
admiration. What a neat way for ladles to remember
their friends of the other era by, thew Chriiirooe times,
it - would be for them to drop in at Seventh and Ohestnot r
and make a few eeleetions from these beautiful now
gocds!
run.: OLD JAvA.—MT. C. 11. MATTSON,
(balm in film grocorindu at Arch mud Torah atm% had
now nn hand a very superior and pare article of old Go
vernment JIM% Col Tee. Thoso who enjoy good coffee
idwiiys find tho juice of this celebrated colter a
moot tfrliciuus luvverage.
LOW PRICES7-WAn on NO 4 1rAn.—PATTEN
always sells cheap. Whale•• Shades, Maiming, Damask,
Lace, and Satin Do Laine Curtains, Furniture Cover
ingp. Alen, Hair Eprines and flusk Mattresses, made to
order. rdaterittla warranted pure. tpholatering done
at a moment's notice, by earcrui and competent work-
Ham, at W. floury Patton's Now West End Curtain
Stilre,l4osMittint Street.
Tun ENnLisir JOURN.II.S.—We do not expect
that a war Will grow out Of our present difficulty with
England, ME We Imo nothing to this Street except the
blundering and blustering of the English journals, Them
papers, however, are not altogether lost to reason and
justice, notwithstanding their prejudices to this country,
as we notice in them oremionally first-class notices of
the eplerttil stplevi of winter garments manufactured at
the palatial Clothing Et ipothint of Granville Stokes, 009
Chestnut street. These came papers also speak of the
superior manner in which clothing la manufactured at
this estuldßliment; and of the Vett , laser prices at which.
it i5.,14epe,, , 1.
THE WAR WITH ENGLAND—IMPORTANT FROM
WaatittntiON.—Lord Lyons has written a private note
to the Secretary of Stale, reapeeting tlw Mason and
Slidell complication. Ills turth,hip draws it mild, and
says nothing about demandimplits passports. After ra
nt:ring Mr. &ward or ht.....H.ttioiA,hod
be remarks that, let what may result from the Trent
affair, he shall adhere firmly to tho opinion, long since
formed, that the moat elegant and durable garments for
wailers or Gilliland id he fonnsl in t h e United &Mee tiro
those made at. the grown Stone Clothing Hatt of Rock
lin! & Wileon, Nos. 603. and 606 Chestnut street, allure
Sixth. Lord Lyons is not quite lost to reason, it seams.
REIIELLION AND RF,TItIBUTION—CIIARLESTON.
TN 11 &THEN !—Should the details of thu groat conflagration
prove true, hi the city of Charleston, it will show how
Diem:are is itte anti property in that hot-bed of tretvon-
Now these who hays long been the oppressed will be
come the oppressors, and, Imo ever much we would die-.
like to see a sinus Insurrection, our sympathies WV
'blunted when we think of the valuable and Is) el men
that have been shot down in the present war, for which
South Carolina is largely responsible. how different flits
aspect of tiltuge in the loyal elites! Our people roilro to,
their beds with a perfect settee of security; trade gym
riches; the advertising columns of the newspapeta are a
good index. of our prospetitv, anti conspirue,ne amoruv
them is the mil vectitemout of Charles Stokes' 4 ; Wm-
Clothing stet* mules the " Citatinental."
'.4-•t)TAtIPL
Bid. AO.
ZsOszetlan it—ityenjulf,
xchange—Dec. 17
GQ
dv ~,,, ~..010 44
100 do 45
200 do ........boo 10
200 37; 1 1
0 do 930 37x
105 Panama R. 110