Ely Vrrss.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1862.
EXTRACT FROM THE LAST SPEECH OF
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS.—" The conspiracy
to break up the Union is a fact now known to
all. Armies are being raised, and war levied
to accomplish it. There can be but two sides
to the controversy. Every man must be on the
side of the United States or against it. There
can be no neutrals in this war. There can be
none but patriots and traitors."
TAE LATEST WAR NEWS.
'Our gallant navy bas added another to HA
already brilliant list of victories. Fort Henry,
situated on the eastern branch of the Tennessee
river : just on the State line of Kentucky and Ten
neasee, lies been reduced by out gallant West
ern navy, and the rebel flag which lately
taunted from its entrenchments has been
replaced by the glorious stars and stripes.
The official rep*, which we publish in another
column, states that the gunboats Essex, Carondo
let, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Conestoga, Taylor,
and Lexington, under the command of Commo
dore Foote, after an hour and a quarter's bombard
ment of Fort Henry, forced the rebels to surrender
unconditionally that fortification. The fort con
tained twenty guns and seventeen mortars, and
was gallantly defended by Gen. Tilghman, who,
with his staff, and sixty prisoners, surrendered to
th Federal forces. The Federal loss, so far as
known, is put down at nine killed, twenty-five
wounded, and five missing, while the rebels state
that their loss was 5 killed and 10 wounded. About
4,000 rebel soldiers were encamped outside of the
entrenchments, but when the bombardment began
they ran and left the fort and its defenders to oppose
our gunboats. The soldiers must have been panic
stricken, for they abandoned everything in their
flight. A vast deal of plunder fell into the hands
of the Federal troops, including a large amount of
ordnance stores. As a strategic point, the Fede
ral possession of Fort Henry cannot be underrated.
A few miles up the Tennessee river is the Memphis
and Ohio Railroad, Which connects Bowling Green
and Columbus. The possession of this railroad by
the Federal troops will cut off all communication
between Gen. Johnston, at Bowling Green, and
Gen. Beauregard, at Columbus, and at the same
time seriously Ilarealen the rear of the latter glade.
The flag of the Union is again re-established on
the soil of Tennessee, and we hope never, in the
words of General Halleck, to be removed.
The Richmond Examiner of February 4 comes
to us with a leading editorial on the alleged "in
sult of the London Times on Mason and Slidell."
The Examiner breaks forth in a torrent of abuse
on the Tzme.c for daring to call Jeff Davis' commis
sioners "those fellows," and states that, instead of
the said commissioners being "suppliants" at the
English Throne, they are there but to simply de
mand "our rights under the rules which Eagland
herself has acknowledged to be just and binding."
The editor then tries to prove that England cannot
wrong the rebel Government without injuring her
self, and concludes his article thus : " We, there
fore, confidently expect of England an early corn
-pilgrico with our application; while, at the same
time, we shall feel that we shall not in the least
have compromised our independence. - We shall
owe her no homage and no gratitude. If she
perform to ns this act of justice gracefully, what
ever the ruling motive, we should owe her good
will, and the disposition to cultivate friendly and
intimate relations; but such speeches as the Lon
de:: Times is reported to have uttered, would
neutralize all 141 A. sentiments. John Bull is a
surly animal, we know; but ~ .ou ~-.6„tim ia rude
ness shows a want of practical sense, as Well a.,
good manners."
By rebel sources, we have received late intelli
genee front the Choctaw nation. A rebel colonel
has gone there for the purpose of enlisting a regi
ment of Indians for the rebel service. One com
pany has been enrolled already, and several others
MB in course of formation, The chief of the
had resolved to call the National Council on the
first Wednesday in February, and urge the imme
diate concurrence of the nation in trestles made
with the rebel Government persons have
.s it Lincoln Hirelings "
raised such a cry
ederal troops—for their alleged
as they c j all n
a d inhumanity," as the very persons
re
ba a l 4 '
now enlisting the hostile savage to butcher
and destroy everything that lies in his path, with
out regard to age or sex. Surely, such a cause as
that of the rebels cannot succeed, and its failure
will send a thrill of joy throughout the civilized
world, and bring down Itpea its alders and abettors
the just execration of all coming generations.
General Butler is rapidly pushing forward the
preparations for his expedition to some point on
the Southern coast. Large quantities of quarter
-muster and eommiquary stereo have already gene
forward, and three more New England regiments
are only waiting means of transportation to their
place of rendezvous. General Butler's force will
consist 9f abottk test thettlend troops and several
batteries of artillery. It is surmised by some, from
the number of batteries going forward, that some
point in Texas will be visited by the expedition, and
that Ship /timid, where the troops are to sail for,
will be only the place of rendezvous preparatory to
stalking an effective blow.
The rebel t-fficial report of the battle of Ball's
Bluff bee just been published. Geri. Wane states
that to .oppose the Federal troops be had only
seventeen hundred and nine men, of whom thirty
aix were killed and eighty-six wounded. He says
be captured seven hundred and tea prisoners, fif
teen hundred stand of arms, three pieces of cannon,
and one stand of colors, together with ammunition,
cartridges, do. He states the Federal loss to be
000 killed,
Further intelligence from the Burnside Expedi
tion will be found on our first page this morning.
The forces are still at Hatteras, but active prepa
rations are being made to attack the rebels.
Public Amusements.
All the theatres were crowded last night. At the
Continental Theatre temporary-seats had to be pro
vided, in the aisles and lobbies, to accommodate the
press of people. Mr. and Mrs. Williams had a full
house at the Walnut. They leave the city to-night,
at 11 o'clock, to undertake short seasons in Balti
more and in Washington. Mr. Williams is one of
the best business men in his Kerwin, and hid
energy has been proportionate to hie thrift and inte
grity. The engagement closing has been the most
aucceasful that he has conducted in Philadelphia.
Some years ago he was a subordinate actor at the
Walnitt-stroot Theatre, with a salary of eight dub
Lars a week. He has taken away as many hun
dreds during the past five weeks, and could pro
bably do well for another month. We do not re
gard Mr. Williams as a good actor. Ho lacks im
prestivenose he dots not improve; he hasnot those
individualities so inseparable from genius; and
he has professionally effected little for the
elevation of either the Irish character or the
Irish drama. At the same time he is
pleasing in many parts, and precise in all. His
pieces have been, in general, cleverly contrived,
and he has been indefatigable in the business de
tails of his engagement. Mrs. Williams is a hand
some and spirited woman, but her pieces are flat,
and itch probability, Oho is a caricaturist, not a
delineator, and the ideas of American life that she
has conveyed to Europeans are by no means con
ducive to a high estimate of our mind or our man
ners.
Job*. Drew's benefit was fairly patronized last
tuning. With the tact and thrift of Mr. Williams,
Mr. Drew would be one of the most successful
actors on this continent, of not less repute than
wealth. The style is inimitable in its naturalness
and in its fervid humor and earnestness. His ec
centricities are not exaggerations, and although a
comedian, his pathos sometimes approaches a tragic
intensity. With his amiable and gifted lady, we
hope to enjoy Mr. Drew's representations fur many
moans to come_
It affords us pleasure, in this connection, to bear
testimony to the merits of Mr. L. R. Shewell, who
will leave Philadelphia, for Niblo's Garden The
atre tonight. Ile opens on Monday in the ‘‘ Col
leen Bawn," supported by Mrs. John Wood, Miss
Wells, Miss Emma Taylor, and others. Mr. Showell
- is an ambitious and careful gentleman, who has en
deared iiimaelf to Philadelphians, having been
attached to stock companies here for several
years. Ws career has known no retroves
mien, and he has voittured into a variety of fields,
often remote and difficult, but be has never
failed to please and impress. Miss Emma Taylor,
in no wise remarkable, is, nevertheless, an amiable
and careful lady, whose face we shall miss. Mr.
Edwin Adams will take a complimentary benefit at
an early day. He has resumed his place at the
Walnut-street Theatre. Mr. Wayne ()twine, favor
ably known as an actor, a dramatis author, and a
manager, is in town. Mr. E. A. Marshall will take
a complimentary benefit, at the Academy of Music,
next week. The Arch-street Theatre will have no
performance on that night. The Germania rehearsal
comes off this afternoon. Blitz's benefit will take
place at the iteademy nett week_ Mr_ F.dwirt
Forrest and Mr. John McCullough leave for New
York to-night. J. M. Nixon, Esq , went away yes
terday.
Cotton and the Blockade.
The Annual Trade Circular of Messrs. LIT
TLEDALE, of Liverpool, usually sums up . the
commercial history of England during the pre
ceding twelvemonth, and speculates upon the
prospects of the future. Their Circular for
1861, issued a few weeks ago, notices the
falling-off in British trade, commerce, and
manufactures, which we have already noticed
—a falling-off which will render it necessary to
impose additional taxes, as soon as practica
ble after Parliament meets—and is especially
significant on the Cotton trade.
In England, at present, money, which usu
ally gives life and impulse to commerce, is
abundant, and may raise the value of stocks
and shares, and of some descriptions of pro
duce—so abundant that the Bank of England's
rate of discount has been reduced to 21 per
cent., and the joint stock and private banks
and brokers have their rate lower still. Were
there full demand for &MO tPanuf4ctitres
and produce, there would be abundant em
ployment for capital. But, owing to our re
cent tariffs, British exports to this country
have considerably declined, and there has
been additional gloom east upon the various
manufactures of which Cotton is the staple,
not only by our tariffs; but by the total depri
vation of all American Cotton, amounting to
three-fourths of the whole consumption.
The Manchester Guardian, which is the
mouth-piece of the cotton-spiAners and cot
ton-printers of Lancashire, admits that, from
the general cessation in factory-work, there is
great distress in the cotton-districts, but says
that " it is a question whether this was caused
by dearth of cotton or by over-production."
In fact, it cannot be denied that the cotton
lords had more cotton-manufactures on hand
than there was any chance of selling. Their
supply was greater than the public demand.
The Littledale Circular, estimating the pro
babilities of -the cotton supply, says : " Thus
far, Lancashire has suffered nothing ; the brunt
of the evil has yet to be felt, for what is a
stock of 250,000 bales of American cotton to
supply the world's wants for the next four or
six months, during which time America, in
stead of giving to Europe a couple of million
bales, as she did last year, will herself take
from us a large slice of our remaining pit
tance." In truth, anomalous as it may seem,
there have been considerable exports of Ame
rican cotton from London and Liverpool of
late, which reminds one of the familiar ex
pression of sending coals to Newcastle.
now is the required cotton to be supplied?
The Littledale Circular asks whether India can
supply the deficiency—which it cannot—and
then cautiously inquires whether France and
England will join in breaking the blockade )
adding " This seems to be the turning point,
for we see no prospect of its termination 17
the belligerents themselves. That the Empe
ror would gladly join us in the act there is
little doubt ; but after the giving up of the
commissioners to us on our peremptory de
mand as neutrals, it would scarcely be cour
teous in us at once to join France in a step so
deadly opposed to the Federalists, and we
scarcely think France will do it without our
concurrence."
There is considerable significance in the •
words "at once," which we have here itali
cized. LITTLER/I,Y ; it appears, takes for
granted that to obtain cotton from the South,
England must break the blockade, but, for
appearances' sake, must not attempt it at
once—as that would be too soon after the
Federal concession of giving up Mr. JEFFER
SON DAY/S' worthless emissaries. hence, to
the Lancashire mind, breaking the blockade is
only a matter of time. To be sure, there is
here an assertion that France has this purpose,
but this is supplemented by a suspicion that
France would scarcely go to that length with
:refl/R-toctirrence of England. Perhaps,
' is father to the thought."
There are no appareu. „
the belief that France, which .et, for
been loyal in its friendship, meditates such an
act of hostility as breaking the blockade.
Moreover, it happens that the dearth of cotton
r.at Infinitely morn in England than in
F ra b c o. Ls It probable that Fl'atied w,j u ld
permit England to use her as a cat's-paw ?
We shall not beli&e so until we see it.
The Littledale Circular says, sensibly
enough, in conclusion : cc Under all circum
stances, therefore, we fear that the difficulties
which last year threatened, may be more
fully realized during the present, and we can
only hope that out of them may arise a more
than equivalent good, should the blockade
continue long enough to stimulate the growth
of cotton throughout the tropics." Precisely
so. The South, which used to supply the
world with cotton, has committed suicide on
its own produce, and Europe will become in
dependent of American cotton by stimulating
its production In other parts of the world. In
1862 the dearth may continue to operate, but,
year after year after that supplies will pour in
from various quarters. In the South, King
Cotton has been self-deposed.
Congress and the Treasury Notes.
The passage by the Muse of Representa
tires yesterday of the bill which provides that
the Treasury notes issued by the Government
shall be received as a legal tender, has grati_
fled all loyal citizens.
The credit of the nation must and will bo
sustained, at every hazard. For the Trea
sury notes issued, the faith of the whole
American people is pledged, and, no mat_
ter what may be our present difficulties,
there cannot possibly exist among us a more
solid and unquestionable security than that
which is eased upon the aggregate wealth of
the nation. That they will all be eventually
redeemed none can doubt; and the efforts to
discredit them now should be rendered inef
fectual.
We trust that while they will hereafter be
receivable-in the payment of all debts, public
and private, such financial arrangements will
be made for their redemption as will place
their available value beyond cavil.
In business circles, yesterday, we under
stand that the action of the House was uni
versally commended. The patriotic feeling,
and the financial interests of the land, unite in
a cordial endorsement of the wisdom and ne
cessity of the new treasury-note bill.
City Itaitwayism
Taking into account the dilatory mode of
the solting.the•streets investigation, it will
probably be concluded somewhere about mid
summer—three months after the snow has
vanished from the face of the earth. Mean
while, we would suggeg , that the City Pamir,
ger Railroad Companies make one concession
to public opinion. Let them keep the cross
ings of the streets cleanly swept, so that peo
ple may walk across without getting their
shoes or boots saturated with the slush which
is augmented by the salt-sprinkling system.
The city, in granting them immense privileges,
has done a great deal for the railroad compa
nies. Is it not time for the companies to begin
to return the obligation ? We are informed,
on authority, that nothing but the careless
ness of conductors prevents a full supply to
the public of exchange-tickets.
Illasko's Philadelphia Cadets
Mr. Mask° has published the roll of his Phila
delphia Cadets, 122 in all, regularly officered, him
self being Adjutant. To this roll he has appended
an Address to his patrons, pupils, and the public.
He enlarges, with no small force of argument, on
the necessity of physical culture for all young peo
ple in every rank of life, thinking, with the most
eminent physicians of all times, that "to give a
healthy tone to the mind, the physique of the body,
most especially in youth, must be carefully attended
to." He has added an Institute for physical cul
ture and military training to his well-known
Dancing Academy,—and his qualifications may be
estimated from the fact that for six successive sea
sons he instructed the United States cadets at West
Point. His intention is continuously to have a
cadet-battedion, in a regular military school, under
competent instructors, at a low charge, and to an
nex an armory thereto, capable of aceonunodatiner
500 cadets, with ample room, seats reserved apart
from the students, for a great number of spectators.
For our own part, we wish that every school boy
and school girl in the Union had one hour's such
drilling, every dey, 110 we hiNii Mr. Masao gives
hie cadets. The Address closes with " The Union
Battle Cantata," dedicated to the Cadets, words
and music by G. Gumpert, arranged by F. Loose.
It is spirited and patriotic.
111011-SCHOOL COQ MENCEBENT.—ThO SOMi,
annual commencement of the Central High Behool will
take place on Thursday next, February 13, at the Aca
demy of Music. The occasion will be one of more than
ordinary intermit. On behalf of the Committee on the
High School, Mr. Thomas Fitzgerald will deliver the
opening address. The Germania Band is engaged for the
occasion. The number of four-year graduates is 21; of
partial courses, about 50.
The special committee of the Board of Controllers op.
-pointed to inve•ti g ate cortak chorgeo sourir osnlnei Prof.
Maguire, are still In tension at the High-School Building,
corner of Broad and. Green streets. They will hardly
submit their report to the Board until the meeting after
next.
LETTER FROM " OCCASIONAL."
WASHINOTON, RAUllary 7, 1802
The British Parliament is now probably in
session. American affairs will undoubtedly
absorb most of its time, and enter into most
of its discussions. The friends of America
in the tseo Houses will start with tilEthy advan
tages. They write here full of ardor and hope
since the release of Mason and Slidell; but,
while expressing the utmost confidence in their
ability to contend against the aristocracy, plead
most earnestly for continued prudence, pa
tience, and magnanimity on the part of the
Administration of Mr. Lincoln and his sup
porters. It is astonishing with what accuracy
the champions of American institutions in
Great Britain understand the issues at stake in
this war. Nor are these men the mere repre
sentatives of a class. Among the list I could
name many of the most opulent and in
fluential of the British nobility, many
prominent commoners, and, of course,
all the genuine philanthropists who realize
the magnitude of our struggle, after years of
reading and reflection upon our system of
government. All these statesmen, all these
organs of opinion, concur in the warmest tri
butes to the moderation, courage, and ability
which have distinguished the management of
our relations with foreign Powers since the
commencement of the war. Without ex
ception, they recommend that every pretext
for interference in this war, on the part of
England and France, should be removed.
They place considerable stress upon the de
nunciation of the obliteration of Charleston
harbor, and urge, with much ability, the ne
cessity of immediate and vigorous action, so
that our arm's may successfully seize, and
triumphantly hold, all the other great cotton
ports of the South. Nothing, in truth, does us
so much good in Great Britain as constantly
renewed exhibitions of the increasing military
power and natura l resources ,of the loyal States.
There is a sentence in one of the letters, of one
of the most fearless and popular of the British
statesmen, which I commend, with due re
spect, to the consideration of General Mc-
Clellan : cc Everything done with you which
shows power by land or sea ; every new point
occupied; every move in the direction of
freedom to the slave, upon the basis of com
pensation to the loyal owners, tells here
powerfully—makes it less possible for our
Government to deal treacherously with you,
and to inflict any blow upon you."
There now remain three cotton ports of great
importance—Savannah, Mobile, and New Or
leans—the speedy opening of which by our
land and naval forces would forever dissipate,
alike the idea of the recognition of the South
ern Confederacy or the breaking of the block
ade. It is alleged, I know, by incendiaries
like Cobb and Toombs, that cotton-growers
and factors would never be permitted to trade
'with the authorities of the United States. Bat
this prediction is as unlikely of fulfilment as
the call of Cobb and Toombs upon the people
of Georgia is of meeting a favorable response.
Nothing is required in the premises but reso
lute action, and such treatment of the loyal
and deceived people of the South as will con
vince them that our armies come to deliver
them from their betrayers, and to restore them
to their prosperous condition before they were
compelled to raise their hands against their
most effective protector and most earnest
friend.
We ought to recollect that we cannot stand
up against a commercial pressure and panic
unless we show unwonted energy in the ma
nagement of the war. You will do me the
justice to say that I have never aided those who
have attempted to embarrass military opera
tions by insisting upon unprepared forward
movements. But the fact that all our tried
friends in Europe rest their hopes upon the
success of our arms is so patent and public
that it would be crime to conceal it. If wo
ca l,4 ..r ompy the ports of New Orleans and
• the blockade,
receive imports, feriae-WM
toms receipts would go into our coffers. "Elie
demand for cotton in France and England is
already considerable, and may become formi
dable. The price has doubled, and, as the
price of yarns and cloth does not follow in
any proportion, trade is greatly embarrassed,
and many mills are not in operation. To the
working people the opening of the ports of
New Orleans, Mobile, and Savannah, by the
Federal arms, is of great moment. We must
deprive the aristocracy of France and England
of ail pretext for throwing themselves upon
the sympathy of their laboring masses, and of
recognizing the Southern.rebellion.
The action of the House of Representatives,
yesterday afternoon, in passing the Treasury
United States Note bill, and the bill for the
funding of these notes and for the funding of
the floating debt of the United States, has
given general satisfaction. The propositions
include the "legal tender," and I was
larly rejoiced to see that but five of the Repre
sentatives from Pennsylvania voted against
this wholesome and necessary legislation.
The debate was mast interesting and ex
haustive, and, while I respect the opinions of
those who did not see proper to support the
bill, I am confident that the - anticipations of its
friends, including experienced statesmen of
all parties, and the hopeful calculations of the
Secretary of the Treasury, will soon be real
ized in the maintenance of the public credit,
and in the provision of such a currency as will
be gratefully accepted by the people in all
transactions between themselves and the Go
vernment of the United States. The over
riding necessity will undoubtedly lead to its
-- prompt passage through the Senate.
It is to be regretted that the majority of the
Democrats in the House, undermost, malign
counsels, should have opposed a measure
which is certain to affect the direct interests
of all their constituents. This imperatively
necessary bill not only relieves the Govern
ment, but will increase the value of the pro
perty, personal and real, of every citizen of
the loyal States. The day this bill becomes
a law real estate will advance to the value
it commanded before the war. But, above all,
the poor man, and the soldier and seaman, will
be protected from the money-sharks and
brokers. In making this currency a legal
tender •we secure for it a universal circu
lation ; and although some corporations
may suffer and growl, the great body of
the people will thrive. We can better
realize this when we recollect that the bank
notes of our State are always below par, and
received with distrust in another. We are not
only making History, but we are making pre
cedents. In our just hostility to the per
verted doctrine of State rights, by which
one State has been enabled to dislocate our
entire political system, may we not at
one blow extinguish this dangerous he
resy, by defeating the Schemes of
the advocates of State sovereignty, alike
as to political control and pecuniary in
dependence? In other words, if the honest
friends of a strong Central Government, which
is foliver to put down Secession and Rebellion,
are to succeed against Treason, may it not
be necessary to complete their triumph by
now establishing such a national currency as
will foreshadow the necessity of a permanent
circulating medium? Nor can the boastful
advocates of State rights, North and South, ob
ject, because they have inflicted alike political
and pecuniary ruin upon their own people by
adhering to their own contracted ideas. We
are in an era when, in order to save a
great Government from destruction, we may
have to yield up many prejudices and opinions.
A man who is ready to yield his life to his
country may readily yield his old notions that
she may be saved. OCCASIONAL.
THE WAR INSKANSAS.
GENERAL LADE SUPPORTED BY THE LE
GRILATIIRE.
LEAVENWORTH, Jan. 7.—The lower Rouse of
the Kansas Legislature, by a vote of 60 yeas to 7
nays, to-day passed a resolution requesting the
President to appoint Lane a Major General, §O4
give him the command of the Southern expedi
tion.
•
The Conservattve of this city has made an ex
posure of the recent bill for the transfer of the
Kaillo4 bcnc t 0 1414 Department of the Interior,
by which the State, it is alleged, has been swine
dled to a large amount, probably $50,000.
Tim United States Steamer Owen° went to
bes a honk Staten /stanza. on the afternoon of Irabruari 5.
The following h a list of her officers :
John Guest, lieutenant commanding; Chester Hat
field, lieutenant and ex-officer; Henry Babcock, Daniel
P. Heath, acting masters; W. W. Leavitt, assistant
surgeon; Itchrl tacit WIDE hilietast naimenter W.
S. . Puree, second assistant engineer, acting chief;
John A Scot, Charles H. Greenleaf, Daniel M. Bgbert,
third assistant engineers; John Utter, T. D. Babb, J. G.
Arbona, William P. Tomlinson, master's mates; A. D.
B. Crawford, captain's clerk.
THE PRESS.-PHILADELPHIA, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1862.
" sie for the few civil posts in my gift, I shall dis
tribute them among the poor and meritorious sol
diers who have been crippled in defence of their
country's rights." The summary manner in which
the new Secretary despatches business is not very
pleasing to greedy contractors, but it meets the
hearty approbation of every honest and piratical
business man. Several members of Congress com
plain that the Secretary treats them very cavalierly.
They will get used to hie mode of doing business
in time.
The Slave Pen at Alexandria.
Last Tuesday night a drunken soldier, Rho had
been committed to that abominable p9i;3e, the
slave pen: at Alexandria, was frozen 14... death.
This plaoe is not fit to confine cattle in, iluch less
human beings. Gen. MONTGOMERY is much cen
sured for retaining it as a guard-house when there
are so many vacant buildings that could be used
for the purpose.
There is no news of interest from the Lower Po
tomac. The rebel steamer Page has not been seen
for several days. The Cock Pit battery is almost
cesitinually at work. The rebels Are at every pawing
vessel they see, but without any serious • effect.
Some eight or ten small vessels, loaded with wood
and oysters, passed the rebel batteries last night,
and have-arrived safely at Alexandria.
Military Opthalmie Institution.
This morning Dr. F. A. MoscunsicEn, tbe oculist
and aurist, was before the Military Committee of
the Senate, with a plan showing the necessity
of appropriating a separate building, to be ar
ranged and used as a Iniiitlicy 9pikelnai9 inti
tution. He showed the committee,. from the
reports of European military surgeons, the ra
vages of what is called Egyptian or military
opthalmia ; that such institutions have always been
found necessary in England i France, Austria i Prop
sia, Russia, and Belgium The Doctor showed the
committee that, if the disease once breaks out, it is
of a contagious character, and any soldier whoshows
the least symptoms of epthalmia, should at onoe be
put under treatment in a hospital appropriated for
that purpose. Senator WILSON takes a lively in
terest in the matter.
The Doctor offers his services free to the Go
vernment to superintend such an institute, and de
sires the committee to appoint several young ear
geons to be under his guidance and direction.
The necessity of an institution of the kind will
strike every one as an important measure.
LATEST NEWS
BY TELEGRAPH.
FROM WASHINGTON.
THE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.
AN IMPORTANT RECONNOISSANCE BEYOND
FAIRFAX COURT NOUSE.
A NUMBER OF REBEL SOLDIERS CAPTURED.
MORE TREACHERY OF THE REBELS
O 1 THE UPPER POTOMAC.
A FLAG OF TRUCE DISGRACED BY TREK
A PORTION OF HARPER'S FERRY BURNED
&c., &c., &c.
Special Despatches to " The Frew"
WASHINGTON, February 7, 1862.
Engagement with the Enemy near Fair-
tax Court House.
Gen. Wm. F. &diva telegraphs that thie morning
a party of his scouts returned with five prisoners
belonging to the First Cavalry, and one citizen.
The remairder of his regiment engaged the enemy
near Flint Hill, in the vicinity of Fairfax Court
House.
Capt. CURRY reported that he needed no assist
ance.
The cavalry dismounted and assaulted a house,
and took the prisoners. One of our captains and a
private were wounded. Another detachment sub
sequently returned with four prisoners belonging to
the First North Carolina Regiment. Three of them
are non-commissioned officers. Six horses and eight
Colt's rifles were also captured. The prisoners will
be sent to Washington.
Further Particulars—Scouting Expedition
of the Cameron Dragoons .
The following particulars have been received :
It appears that, at four o'clock this morning, Col.
FRIEDMAN'S cavalry, the Cameron Dragoons, num
bering eight hundred men, went out in the direc
tion of Fairfax Court House, for the purposo of
capturing the Secession . pickets. They swept the
country from Fairfax Court House to Hunter's Mills,
a distance of perhaps five miles, going within half a
mile of Germantown, which is several miles beyond
the Court House, and seven miles this side of- Cen
treville. They drove is all the 5664304613 pickets,
excepting thirteen, who belonged to the First North
Carolina and STEWART'S Virginia Cavalry. These
they captured, and this evening they were brOught
to Washington. They were found in a log-house,
and, on being surprised, fired upon our scouts. One
rebel was killed in this fight. Capt. WlLsoar, of
the Cameron Dragoons, was wounded in the neck,
and a sergeant also was wounded.
The command was under Major Mess, of the
Cameron Dragoons.
A transportation wagon, belonging to the rebels,
was captured, together with the horses and rifles
mentioned in the preceding despatch.
The Senate's Ten-million Note Bill.
The tep.million note bill which originated in and
passed the Senate to-day is intended as a tempo
rary relief, until the bill from the House, passed
yesterday, can receive the consideration of the
Senate. The latter will be reported by the Fi
nance Committee on Monday.
The Capture of Fort Henry.
The MOWS from Fort Henry has diffused general
joy, and stimulated the openly-expressed desire for
additional victories.
Occupation of Romney, Va.
The War Department has reeeived a despateh
that Gen. LANDER now occupies Romney, the
rebels having retreated.
A Court-Martial
The court-martial in the ease of Colonel BETZ&
wan concluded to-day. The verdict is not known.
Cotton Seed.
In a few days the Interior Department will de
liver cotton seeds to those in the Middle States
who dooiro to mho the oFposimotit of raioiag
cotton.
Charged with Disloyalty.
n it charge of dis-
bee
• n -.son by the name of HENRY JENXINS has
ria arresteu _
o
loyalty, and committed to pria,4 hero, HO-Oamo
here from Norfolk, under a flag of truce, for the
purpose of visiting his children, who were repre
sented as sufferinv for the necessaries of life. The
charges against him are not stated.
Last night a young man named Flow,. m
WHEATLEY, a native of this city, was arrested by
the police for uttering disloyal sentiments, by
using strong language in favor of the Secessionists.
The evidence against him is said to be very strong.
ile was committed, subject to military orders.
The civil and military authorities are now arrest
ing every one found uttering disloyal sentiments.
A careful watch is also kept over suspected
persons.
Suffocated to Death.
Jontt SCOTT, attached to the Thirty-eighigh New
York Regiment, was suffocated to death in`his tont
by taking a pan of coals into it and closing up all
the crevices. His companion, Jowl McNana.,
came near sharing the same fate.
lion, Jesse b. Bright.
The Intelligencer, this morning, expresses . the
opinion that the expulsion of Senator Baton. wee
decided, by the Senate, with an extremity of rigor
not justified by the historical aireuaistan99o uud or
which the letter, that forms the ground of the in
dictment against him, was written.
Secretary Seward
Secretary SEWARD, who is now on a visit st,
sick daughter, in Philadelphia, is expected to re
turn here to-morrow.
The Gunboat Quaker City
Nam' Yong., Feb. 7.- 1- The gunboat Qggifer City
has arrived, from St. Thomas on the 2let.
The Iroquois sailed on a cruise on the 16th froti
St. Thomas.
Personal Matters
Secretary CHASE gave a brilliant party last night.
The Hutchinson Family were present, and gave
some of their beautiful songs. The song for which
the singers were expelled from the camps wis
warmly applauded and encored. Among the pet-
BMWS present Were CARL SCaltltz, Senator Hoteg
and lady, ex-Governor DOIITWELL, Mrs. Genera.
MCDOWELL, and Mrs.GOVOEROE ANDREW.
A committee has been here from Philadelphis,
and waited upon the Postmaster General in regard
to some illette.re connected with the Philadelphia
post o ffi ce. It understood that the removal of
Postmaster Walborn is demanded.
Gen. SHIELDS is still in the pity, but has not yet
been assigned to a command.
Col. Simmons, of the Fifth PelMaylvania, fs
warmly urged fora brigadier generalship. no /Mir
longs to the regular army, and has seen much hart
service. He is from Harrisburg.
The Ultimatum of Secretary_ Stanton.
Yesterday, while a member of a:44ms was
urging the appointment of one of his friends, Seem
tart' . STANTON very kindly replied: " I can make
no more appointments from political influence or
personal appeals. The appointments in the army
must come from the rank& I have the oases of a
Dumber of widows, who have lost their husbands
in the army, to attend to, and, as they are most
needy, and their wants pressing, they will receive
my earliest attention.
From the Lower Potomac
THE VICTORY IN TENNESSEE.
Official Report of Corn. Foote.
BRIGADIER GEN. LLOYD TILGHMAN AND
STAFF TAKEN PRISONERS.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.
Secretary Welles has received the following
despatch :
UNITED STATES FLAO•SIIIP CINCINNATI,
OFF FORT HENRY, TENNIISBEE RIVER,
February 6, 1862.
The gunboats under my command, the Essex,
Commander Porter; the Carondolet, Commander
Walker; the Cincinnati, Commander Stembel ;
the St. Louts, Lieutenant Commanding Paulding;
the Conestoga, Lieutenant Commanding Phelps ;
the Taylor, Lieutenant Commanding Gwinn ; and
the Lexington, Lieutenant Commanding Shirk,
after a severe and rapid fire of one hour and a
quarter, have captured Fort Henry, and have taken
General Lloyd Tilghman and his staff, with sixty
men, as prisoners.
The surrender to the gunboats was unconditional,
as we kept an open fire upon them until their flag
was struck.
In half an hour after the surrender I handed the
fort and prisoners over to Gen. Grant, commanding
the army, on hit arrival at the fort in force.
The gunboat Essex had a. shot in her boilers,
and, after fighting most effectually for two-thirds of
the action, was obliged to drop down the river, as I
hear several of her men were scalded to death, in
cluding the two pilots, She, with the other gun
boats, officers, and men, fought with the greatest
gallantry.
The Cincinnati received thirty-one shots, and
had one man killed and eight wounded, including
two seriously.
The fort, with twenty guns and seventeen mor
tars, was defended by General Tilghman with the
most determined gallantry.
I will write as soon as possible.
I have sent Lieutenant Commanding Phelps and
three gunboats after the rebel gunboats.
A. H. FOOTE, Flag Officer.
Full Newspaper Particulars
CINCINNATI, Feb, 7,—The Cairo correspondence
of the Gazette and Commercial, of this city, gives
the following account of the bombardment and
capture of Fort Henry :
Yesterday, at MO P M., the gunboats C mein
nati, St, Louis, Carondolet, and Essex—the
Tyler, Conestoga, and Lexington bringing up the
rear. Advancing boldly against the rebel works,
going to the right of Painter Creek Island, imme
diately above which, on the east shore of the river,
stand the fortifications, keeping out of range till at
the head of the island and within a mile of the
enemy, and passing the island in full view of the
rebel guns, we steadily advanced. Every man was
at his quarters, and every ear was strained to watch
the flag Officer's signal•gun for the commencement
of the action,
Our line of battle was on the left, St. Louis,
next the Carondotet, next the Cincinnati, (for
the time being the flag-ship, and having on board
Flag-officer A. EL Foote,) and next the Essex.
We advanced in line, the Cincinnati a boat's
length ahead, when at 12.30 the Cincinnati opened
the ball, and immediately the three accompanying
boats followed suit.
The enemy were not backward, but gave an ad
mirable response.
The fight raged fiercely for a half hour. We
steadily advanced, receiving and returning storms
of shot and shell, when, getting within three hun
dred yards of the enemy's works, we came to a
stand, and poured into them right and left.
In the meantime, the Essex had been disabled,
and drifted away from the scene of action, leaving
the Cincinnati, Garold°let, and St. Louis alone
engaged.
At precisely forty minutes past one o'clock the
enemy struck his colors, and such cheering—such
wild excitement as seized the throats, arms, and
caps of the four or five hundred sailers of the gun
boats can be imagined.
After the surrender, which was made to Flag
officer Foote, by Gen. Lloyd Til i gtalan, who de
fended his fort in the most determined manner, we
found that the rebel infantry, who were encamped
outside the fort, and numbered 4,000 or 5,000, had
cut and run, leaving the rebel artillery company in
command of the fort.
The fort mounted seventeen guns, mostly thirty.
two and thirty-four-pounders, including a magnifi
cent ten-inch columbiad.
Our shots dismounted two of their guns, driving
the otrtml , into the ombrasures.
one of their rifle tbirty•two pounders burst during
tlie engagement, wounding one of their gunners.
The rebels claim to have had but eleven effective
guns, WorKeu b o fif rv_f _
ber, all told, of our prisoners. They lost five killei
and ten badly wounded.
The infantry left everything in their flight, and
a vast deal of plunder has fallen into our hands,
including a large and valuable quantity of ordnance
stores.
Gen. Tilghman ie disheartened. He thinks the
disaster is ono of the moot damaging blows of the
war. In surrendering to Flag Of f icer Foote, the
rebel general remarked : "I am glad to surrender
to so gallant an officer."
Flag Officer Foote replied ; " You do perfoetly
right, air, in surrendering; but you should have
blown my boats out of water before I would have
surrendered . to you."
In the engagement the Cinetnnati was in the
lead, and the flag officer's flying pennant was the
chief mark. - Flag Officer Foote and Capt. Stem
ble crowded her defiantly into the teeth of the ene
my's guns. She received thirty-one shots, some of
them going completely through her.
The Essen was badly crippled. When about
half through the fight and while crowding steadily
against the enemy, a ball went into her port side
on the forward port, passing through the heavy
bulkhead, and squarely through one of her boilers.
The escaping steam scalded and killed several of
the crew.
Captain Porter, his aid, S. P. Britton, Jr., and
Paymaster Lewis, were standing in the direct line
of the Mtn pump, Britton being iu the centre
of the group. The shot struck Britton on the top
of his head, scattering his brains in every direc
tion. The escaping steam poured into the pilot
house, and instantly killed Messrs Ford and Bride,
the pilots. Many of the soldiera, at the rush of
the steam, jumped overboard, and were drowned.
The Essex. did good service before she was dis
abled, her guns being skilfully handled by her
gunner, Matt. Snyder, of Philadelphia. She had
six seamen killed, two officers, and seventeen men,
and five missing.
The Cincinnati bad one killed and six wounded.
There were no casualties on the St. Louis or Ca
rondolet, though the shot and shell fell upon them
like rain,
The St. Lends was commanded by Capt. Leon
ard Paulding, who stood upon the gunboat and
fought the guns to the last. Not a man flinched,
and with cheer upon cheer they sent shot and shell
illl l 9ng On , enemy.
Hot Pursuit of the Flying Rebels... R
eported Treachery Among Them.
PADUCAH, Ky., Feb. T.--General Smith on the
west and General Grant on the east side of the
Ayer, are pursuing the retreating rebels.
It is reported, and credited by some of our offi
cers, that the rebel troops from Fort Henry were
not true to the rebel cause, but took advantage of
the opportunity offered by the attack to run away
from a fight that was distasteful to them.
FROM THE UPPER POTOMAC-
REBEL TREACHERY REVENGED
A FLAG OF TRUCE DISGRACED
THE TORCH AGAIN APPLIED TO HARPER'S FERRY,
SANDY HooK, Md., Feb. 7.—This morning, Capt.
Baylor and three of his man (rebels) Concealed
themselves behind a stone wan just above Harper's
Ferry bridge, while a black man, (or a white man
painted to represent a negro,) by displaying a flag
of trace, induced a loyal Virginian to go over.
When neatly across, Baylor and two others fired at
and killed the ferryman. Our batteries on the
Heights then shelled the buildings, and subse
quently a party of Federal troops crossed and set
fire to twelve houses, including the Wager House
and another hotel, the railroad buildings, etc. The
whole lower part of the town is now in ashes.
A necessity existed for burning these buildings,
as they have afforded a hiding-place to rebel rifle
men, who have been annoying our troops for weeks.
The number of the rebels was not ascertained,
but many were seen to mount their horses and
leave for the outskirts of the town by the Charles
town road.
This afternoon a rebel flag of truce, in the hands
'of three of Baylor'a men, came to_ the ferry, but
they, were warned off by Col. hoary.
A large rebel mounted pieket was stationed all
the afternoon near Bolivar.
11/011 FORT ROYAL,
DEPARTTIRE OF ANOTHER EXPEDITION FOR
THE SOUTH.
Nww Yonx, Feb. 7.—The sloop•of-war2avannait
arrived at this port to-night from Port Royal.
She brings no news of importance, except the
sailing of an expedition of the South, on the 28th.
I na expedition was to Includo all tho light
draught steamers and several gunboats, with
several thousand troops.
Everything was quiet at Port Royal.
XXXVIITE CONGRESS-FIRST SESSION.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 1562.
SENATE.
Petitions Presented.
Mr. ANTHONY (Rep.), of Rhode Island, presented a
resolution from the General Assembly of Rhode Island,
in regard to the permanent location of the Naval Aces
decoy at . Newport. The said Slate had tendered exclu
sive jurisdiction to the United States of the necessary
lauds, &c. He referred briefly to the loyalty of the State,
and the fact that Newport had suffered greatly by the re
bellion, and was one of the finest harbors in the country.
Mr. WILSON (Rep.), of Massachusetts, presented the
memorial of a number of mercantile flutes of New York,
against MU rem!! 9f thy present warehousing system
Mr. WILMOT (Rep.), of Pennsylvania, presented
Never/Al petitions in tavor of emancipation ; also, in favor
of homceupathic surgeons.
Mr. DOOLITTLE (Rep.), of Wisconsin, presented the
resolutions of the Legislature of Wisconsin, requesting
that the Senators and members of Congress from that
btete vote for the abolishment of the franking privilege.
Mr. nklatlg (&op.), of Now York, from tke a... A
- on the Judiciary, to whom were referred the creden
tials of Benjamin Starke and other papers. without ex
preming an opinion as to the effect of the papers, or any
action of the Senate ' reported a resolution that Mr.
Starke was entitled to take the constitutional oath as a
geustor.
Mr. TRUMBULL (Rep.), of Illinois, asked leave to flle
the minority report. The committee had not seen lit to
report on the testimony, and could nut agree with the
majority of the committee.
Mr. BARRIS (Rep.), of Now York, said the commit
tee tlid not express an opinion as to the effeot of the pa
pers on any subsequent action of the Sonato.
The papers v.ere ordered te be printed.
Mr. RA RL AN (Itep.), of lowa, from the Committee on
Public Lands, reported a bill to reduce the expenses
of the Government in the survey and sale of public
lands.
Mr. HALE (Rep.), of New Hampshire, from the Naval
Committee, reported al joint resolution tendering the
thanks of Congress to Capt. S. le.:Ympont, and the Orri3Org
end MUM ender his command, for the victory at Port
Royal. Adopted.
Mr. HALE, from the Naval Committee, reported back
the bill providing for the construction of twenty iron—
clad steam gunboats, with an amendment.
The United States note bill wag received from the
House and referral to the Conunittee on Finance.
Mr. WILSON (Rep.), of Massachusetts, introduced a
bill to increase the efficiency of the Medical Department
of the army. itetbrroci.
Mr. LATHAM (Dern.), cf California, introduced a bill
relative to the warehouse system in the Pacific ports of
the United States.
Mr. GRIMES (Rep.), of lowa, moved to take up the
gunboat bill. Ile said that if the intelligence which
came to the city this morning of the capture of Fort
Henry by our gunboats in the Western waters was true,
then no bill wee more important.
The bill was taken up. The amendment of thel com
mittee appropriates $10,000,000 for the purposes of the
act.
Mr. HALE (Rep.), of New Hampshire, read a lotter
from the Secretary of the Navy, saying that the Depart
ment could probably build tan or twelve boats in six
months, and double that titiMbet , In a yea* that the De
partment do not intend to conform to any particular
plan, but intend to avail themselves of the experience
gained in the progress of the work that the cost ranges
from $360,000 to $680,000 i but that Capt. Ericsson
proposed to build four iu six months, at $225,000 ; that
the purposesof the boats are to reduce the harbors of
the enemy and open them to the Union army. The fle
eretaty bah:teeny recommends the appropriation of tea
millions.
Mr. HALE said that the vessel already built by
Captain — Ericason was built by contract, and was com
pleted within a day of the time specified.
The bill, was amended so as to limit the number to
twenty, and passed.
The report of the Naval Committee on the Secretary
of the Igavy'e letter, in regard to Mr. Morgan'e pur
chaser, wan taken up.
Mr. HALE said be considered the subject of much
importance to the Senate and to the country. What he
was about to say was t, be said not as a Republican, or
a member of any party. He stood here to-day to plead
for the country. He had been accused of being an.
Opponent of the Administration, but he wanted it die.
tinctly understood that on this subject ho had nothing
to buy and nothing to sell. The Administration had
not a gift that he desired, and he had nothing they
wanted except a faithful interest in the country. He
would say to the Administrition, as the Hebrew
prophet said to the King of Babylon, "Let thy
gifts be to thyself; and give thy rewards to another
but I will read to thee, 0, king, the writing declared unto
me, and interpret It." That was exactly where he stood.
He would give to the Administration a zealous support,
and they could help themselves. He would say to them
as Pecksniff said to Martin Chuzzlewit, 1 Chuzzlewit,
I forgive you. You cannot help yourself." No earthly
c9IIPi4NIII9II 4an make hip 3l'ilvo 09 Place ho °MI'
pied here. But this matter cannot be winked out of
sight; it unmet be cancelled or covered up; no sophistry
can make anything else of it but what it is. There
have been some objections made against this resolu
tion. The Senator from Maine (Hr. Fessenden)
thought it wss not dignified on the_ part of the Senate to
act on the evidence that we had. That objection was re
moved now. The evidence id , that the gneeeteey of the
Navy, having occasion to purchase some vessels, em
ployed bin brother-in-law and for lees than five months'
service paid him $70,001). He laid aside the question
whether this sum was paid out of the public funds, but
returned to the aesertinn that, directly, the purchase of
these vessels coat the Government twice that sum, and
indirectly cost 'millions. If you should tell a man that
be must pay you one hundred dollars commission on a
sale, then, if be be of human nature, he would put twice
that sum in his charge. This transaction had gone
through the land ; the people know that when they wore
pouring fotth blood and treasure Tor the support of the
Government, the Secretary of the Navy was paying Hr.
Morgan about $12,000 per month from these hard earn
ings.
But Mr. Morgan declares, on his reputation as a men
chant, and the secretary of the Navy also agrees with
him that he regards this as a wise system, which, if
faithfully carried out at this time, would be highly con
ducive to the public iniereSt, And the Secretary of the
Navy refers to the reputation of Mr. Morgan as an honeet
man. Be (Mr. Hale) did not propose to ewe on the in.
tegrity of the Secretary of the Navy or Mr. Morgan. Ho
would only make the single remark, that he had had a
large experience in criminal trials, and according to
his experience a criminal would only resort to the
testimony of his previous good character, as a last
and desperate defence, to be used when there was
iio other left: He bad received Inbenuerable let
ters on this subject, many of which were anonymous. He
never read an anonymous letter, end had not done so for
seventeen years. He would ask, what would have been
the conduct of the Republican Senators if there had been
such a misapplication of the public funds by a Demo
cratic Secretary 'I The whole vocabulary of Grecian and
Roman classical invective would have been exhausted by
the Senator from Massachusetts to overwhelm such anion,
and the impulsive Senator from Michigan (Mr. Chandler)
would have stood up like the last of the tri ounces, and in
veleed death on such an offender ; and he knew at a glance
that the chairman of the Committee on Finance. (&tr.
eased - would have seen through all the gossamer ex,
a reeolutimaintiikt, He referred to and read
n reseed by the
House on a former Secretary
time there was not even a Republican that____,,,,,, t
House. He did not ask for a censure of the Secretary.
He only asked for a rebuke of the system which the Se
cretary says he has harnessed into the service of the
Government, It was not harnessed into the service of
the Govervunt, but into the service of G. B. Morgan,
and ho drove that team very profitably.
Mr. Hale then read the letters of Robert B. Min
turn, and Cyrus W. Field, that the commission for the
purchase of ships was 2,t per cent. at the highest; but
on a large purchase an arrangement was generally made,
by which the commission of flirty 1 and per cont. was
allow-ed. He contended that the Secretary had confined
the large purchase of vessels to one agent, and to one
city, that of New Yerk, at the highest rate of commis
sion, and the whole country was discouraged when they
sass the money of the Government thus wasted. He be.
lieved the liberties of the country were in greater
danger to-daf, front frauds and profligacy, than
froni the rebels. If We want victories . Ire must
commence on the floor of Congress. The people are
willing to be taxed any amount fpr the suppression of the
rebellion, but not for pampering political favorites-
How can we lay taxes on the people if wo permit such
a system as this? Ho contended, further, that this sys
tem was wholly without authority of law, Be solemnly
declared that ho had no sinister or °elfish purpose in
bringing this matter before the Senate, but only the
purest motives, and for the best interests of the country.
He would say oh, Christ! who with small cords drove out
the money-changers from the Temple of Jerusalem, is
there no scourge of Moralism for those who turn the
temple of our liberties into a den of thieves'!.
Mr. DIXON (Rep ), of Connecticut, said he did not
wish in any way to palliate fraud. No man was more
opposed to fraud. He was entirely independent of the
Secretary of the Navy. He had asked no favors of the
Secretary, and had had no consultation with him or any
of his friends hi regard to this author_ The gmvAtAvy
bad sent the whole information to Congress. The fact
was that a large amount of money had been saved
to the Government. A large number of vessels had
been purchased, every one of which was seaworthy,
and worth more in the market to-day than when
they were bought. This was an unusual purchase,
and the Secretary was obliged to logo no time. Ac=
tion must be had immediately The Secretary was
admitted, everywhere, to be a man of the purest in
tegrity, and this was the only complaint that can be mado
against him, even of mistake in judgment. He then
read from the letter of the Secretary, showing that the
prices paid for various vessels were very low. He thought
the report of the Naval Committee was written rather In
a spirit cf accusation. It seemed as if they were hunting
for some public officer to find fault with. He contended
that the Secretary had done the very beat he could do,
under the circumstances, and that Mr. Morgan was the
very best agent that could have been selected. The
evidence before the committee shows this. He referred
to the unseaworthy vessels that had been purchased by
naval officers and were refaced by Mr. Morgan, while
all the vessels purchased by Mr. Morgan were seaworthy
and purchased at less prices. Yet we were called
on now to censure the Secretary of the Navy because he
stinted the best agent he could find, and that agent had
made the best possible purchases for the Government
and saved a great amount of moms simply because this
agent has in 1r)1110 way made a large amount himself by
commission. We havehad no reverses in the navy. He
believed this was due to the true, honest, and peerless
mind at the head of That department.
Mr. WILSON moved as a substitute for the resolution
reported by the committee, that the employment of an
ago %t t 6 Waite pIIPAMEINI fop the Glewernment whose eom.:
penration depends on his commission on the purchase is
unwise. inexpedient, and never to be resorted to except
in cases of imperious emergency.
On motion of Mr. FES:SENDER (Rep.), of Maine,
the further consideration of the subject was postponed
till to-morrow.
TM civil appropriation bill wn 111611 !dem up
The ftmendwent in regard to the panting of the trea
sury notes by the American Bank-Note Company being
under consideration,
Mr. PEARCE (Dem.), of Maryland, road the corre
spondence between the department here and the assistant
treasurer at New York, and said it showed that the de
partment had acted %en the utmost ease and lutegeity to
the whole matter. Ile thought it was but due to the
parties concerned to make this explanation in order to
refute the various charges which have been made in
regard to this case without the least foundation in fact.
Thefurther consideration of the bill was then post-
Deed temporarily.
The bill to authorial lha additional haus of Unitad
States notes was then taken np and passed.
The bill to authorize the Issue of ten millions of de
mand notes was taken up.
On motion of Mr. ANTHONY (Rep.), a part of the ap-
propriation for ',cede, k tc., was ordered to be applied to
the preparation of flax ae a substitute for Cotton.
The bill wee passed.
Kr. JOHNSON (Dem.), of Tennessee, tousled to the
clerk the despatch of Flag Officer Foote announcing the
Capture of Fort Henry, which was read to the Senate.
Mr. SHERMAN (Rop.), of Ohio, roported a joint reso
lution for the payment of the expenses of the commission
appointed to investigate the military claims in the De.
partment of the West. It was passed.
On motion of Mr. WILSON, of Messachusetts, the bill
to define the pay and emoluments of officers in He army
was taken up.
The Senate then adjourned till Monday.
/1101.!E REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. STEVENS (Rep ), of Pennsylvania, said that the
United States note bill, passed yesterday, Provided for
the payment of the interest on the bonds semi-annually,
in coin. This, he said, was inadvertently inserted, and
(by the unanimous consent of the House) he, to-day,
amended the bill by striking out these words, leaving it
to the CODYEDifIIIO or option of the Treasury Doportinont
to pay the interest in coin or paper.
Mr. HOLMAN (Dem ), of Indiana, front the Commit
tee on Government Contracts, reported & joint resolution
declaring that certain lauds were granted to Missouri, on
condition that Government troops and military supplies
be trausporttsl over such railroads es might be construct
ed from the proceeds of the sales thereof, free of charge ;
but, in consideration of tin, faet that the ability of the
liatininal and St. Joseph and the Pacific Railroads !MS
been greatly impaired by the public enemy, the Secreta
ry of War is authorized to make such an arrangement
with three roads for transportation as may be just and
reasonable, during the existence of the rebellion ; pro
vided that the charges do not exceed those fixed by the
War Department.
Mr. DOLMAN showed the necessity for the adoption
of the resolution, and maintained that the Government
could not transport troops, munitions, and supplies as
economically, were it to take possession of the roads, as
private parties.
After a debate, the resolution was reoommitted Gig
Committee on Government Contracts.
Mr. HOLMAN, from that committee, reported *reso
lution requesting the Secretary of War to intom tho
House the an omits paid to each of the several railroad
companies for the transportation of troops and supplies,
Mime the commencement of the present difficulties, to
gether with ether inferninilen on the ent4 e ....t.
Mr. rAt . t WICK (Rep ). of New - Work, moved that
the Douse proceed to the consideration of the report of
the Committee on Government Contracts. Referring to
the tragedy at Baltimore, on the 111th day or April,lll,
when the pulse of the nation for a moment stood still, he
said that advantage was taken of its trembling necessi
ties by epeculatera He spoke of the cattle contract
made in this city, whereby 3150,000 wag realized on 2,000
head; of the agency of Alexander Cummings, of New
York ; of the immense amount of money paid out to him
without any vouchers; of his purchase of linen pate
loons, London porter, Scotch ale, and Dutch herrings, for
the use of the army. He next spoke of the charter of the
steamer Caliline, whereby a vessel worth $lB,OOO was
chartered to Government for 11 0,000 a month, and 850,000
to be paid in the event of her logs by war risk's, Intimating
also that she was loaded for private speculation, to be
run at the expense of the Government. Fie showed that
her purchase was secured by tour separate notes, signed
respectively by John N. Devlin ' Thurlow Weed, G. C.
Davison, and 0. B. Mattison. ru e next alluded to the
horse contracts made at Huntingdon, Pa., where, on the
purchase of L6OO hormes i. the Treasury Wal robind of our
$00,000; that horses of all ages, from two to thirty years,
and of all diseases, open and secret, were fraudulently
passed and branded ; that allege contract brokerage system
at the commencement of the difficulties was sought to be
established whereby 0 per cent. was to be paid en contracts.
Asa friend of the Adminletration which he aided to elect,
he claimed the right, la the name of a commerce crippled,
labor paralysed, finances disturbed, ands treasury empty
—in the name of that gallant army of five hundred thou.
rand men, who Chit day, on the tented field, are waiting
to rescue a lovt tl country, through fire and blood—ln the
name of five hundred thousand hearthetnnee made dreary
for the loved ones away—the thrice five hundred thou
sand friends auxlonsly looking, fearfttily expecting,
irtauldingly hoping—to insist that this Administration
St all drive corruption from the land, and treason from
the capital.
De then spoke of Mr. Morgan's agency, allowing that,
although he bad paid lees than the owners asked, he had
also paid more than the vessels cost; that in some cases
veesele were charged to the Government at a higher price
than the mum ret6leed that the arrangernea of Se
cretary Wellee, allowing Mr. Morgan to take two and a
half per cent. from the teller, was placing him in antago•
nism to the Government which employed him; that the
per centage was in fact taken from the Government, and
the $70,000 which Mr. Morgan had received in five
menthe really belonged to the treasury ; and although the
Secretary claimed that none of the sellers censured hint,
Mr. Van Wick referred to the case of the ifilYCI44/14q,
where the owners claimed to have been wronged by this
system of purchase, and they had notified the Secretary
in thie case that Mr. Morgan claimed and obtained $2 500
as cernm'ssions, when he did nothing toward negotiating
the sale. Mr. Morgan claimed to have been asked for
this vessel $130,000, and the owners testified that they
bad allowed the Department to fig the price. The sale
of 5 000 Haire carbines, by Simon Stevens, to General
iNeinoitt, Nveti, an inexcusable bargain, by which, without
any risk or investment of capital, Mr. Stevens in one
day was to realize $50.000 ; that in the Department of the
West, through the agency of Quartermaster McKiustry
and his inspectors, the Government was plundered of
many thousands; that although the generals and Cabinet
ministers were bowed beneath the weight of increasing re•
aponsibilitieri, this reckless horde were undssinli,ing the
very ground on which they stood. Ife commented on the
subject of army transportation, saying that, by an order
of the late Secretary of War, the railroads were allowed
two cents per mile for soldiers, and local rates for freight,
and, so great were the profit., that the Western roads
had paid a bonus of from $1,500 to $2,500 for the pri
vilege of transporting single regiments. The pirated
who infest the ocean are not more to be domnieed than the
plunderers on laud. 11e referred to the traitors who
were suffered to remain in the capital, and denounced
the policy whereby slaves, who ferried our wounded sol
diem over the Potomac., at hall's Bluff, were returned to
chains and stripes, while the traitor masters who wounded
them were protected in their constitutional rights. lie
concluded by declaring that wo should never surrender
to the rehela in arm e; that WA should stand in defence of
the Union and the flag
"Until the last red blade was broken,
And the last arrow in the Quiver."
Mr. DAVIS (Rep.), of Pennsylvania, said no man was
more earnestly desirous than himself of bringing to jus
tice evtry man charged with fraud on the Government.
He was particularly intareeted in bringing one man to
justice—namely, his own brother. He asked the coln.
mince and the House to unite with him in his efforts
to have Captain Davis, assistant Quartermaster, who
is charged with crime, arrested, conrt.martialed,
and, if found guilty, and the penalty is death,
have him shot. Ills brother knew nothing of
the charge of defrauding the Government and soldiers
lMtil it Wail PUbilahell to the world filrettgil the rtnerk tf
the Investigating Committee. He (Mr. Davis) had in
vain sought to have his brother's transactions inquired
into, and had been before the committee with that view,
but he wee told that it would cost $3OO to bring Captain
Davis to vindicate his reputation. All these investiga
tions will amount to nothing unless insane are taken to
punish the wrong-doers. His brother's reputation was
worth more to him than that of any other man living,
All that he asked was that if his brother is guilty, punish
him ; and if be is innocent, let the fact be declared.
Mr. DAWES (Rep.), of Massachusetts, said he could
appreciate the sensitiveness of the gentleman torching
the representation of his brother, Capt. Davis. He says
that the first knowledge he had of the charge against him
wee in the ....peeler the coi..iielkles. New, the tenth Id,
he came before the committee and furnished them with
certified copies of the papers himself. If Capt. Davis
led the committee into error by giving, as true copies,
these which prnved not to be so, the committee aro not to
be blamed. If the Captain would come before the com
mittee he would have a chance to correct his own mis
take; but to enable him to do this, it could hardly be ex.
petted that they should send for him. His friend (Mr.
Davis) bad done all he could to have his brOther court
mattialol. Ha honored him for it; but the gentleman
should not find fault with the committee that he had not
been successful
Mr. DAVIS replied, that he bad simply intimated that
his brother knew nothing of the charges of fraud against
him till it was published. The committee had interro
gated him as to Hem Tremont's hotly guard, whether
they rode on bay horses, with drawn swords—how they
were dressed, dc. His brother etood before the country
as a felon. Ito repeated, that be only asked that ho be
punished if guilty, and righted, if innocent.
Mr. CAMPBELL (Rep.), of Pennsylvania, said that
Capt. Davis was examined as to the affairs of the Quer
ternimter's Department, but was not at MD' Um in
formed that Me own character was implicated. From
that time he had labored, through his brother, to have a
fair inquiry into his conduct.
Mr. DAWES read from the testimony to show that
Capt. Davis purchased from his son in Philadelphia cer
tain I.lonhttr, Itng rf.rmtcli MO_ Capt , Davis could ap
pear before the committee to Bat himself right.
Mr. VAN WICK made some explanation on the
subject to set himself and the committee right.
Mr. HOLMAN (Dem ), of Indiana, also said that
Capt. Davis had had facilities of being heard before
them. Ile submittert the following resolution;
Resolved, That &ureters , Cameron in employing Alex.
ander Cummings. without legal guarantee, to Mike pur
chases, without restriction, of large amounts of military
supplies, and Secretary \Voiles, in employing. Mr. Mor
gan, without requiring guarantees, for the purchase of
a large number of vessels, the compensation depending
on the prices paid instead of employing responsible
offieers, have adopted a policy highly injurious and de.
eructiTe to the public service and interest, and desert.
ing of the censure of this House.
At this point, Mr. SRPGWICK (Rep.), of New York,
sent up the despatch received from Flag Captain Foote,
by the Secretary of the Navy, informing the latter of the
capture of Fort Henry. Applause, both on the floor
and in the guiteriea s mot-ceded the reading vin the dee
patch.
The motion, at the earlier stage of the proceedings,
".^+ theconsideration of the report be postponed till
"
Tugs ay n". -r.ss , hen agreed to.
Mr. BLAIR (Rep ), ot
omnalttee of
conference on the climagreement of tho t liouces on
amentimento to the bill making the appropriation for the ee.
fences of Washington, made a report ,Which was weed to.
It provides that no vain:deers or militia, in any State or
Territory, Ethan be mustered on any terms or conditions, to
continue in service therein, beyond 10,000 in Missouri,
and 4,500 in Maryland, according to the former authori
zation.
Mr. BLAIR explained that the committee did nothing
with regard to home troupe in Kathielty, far the raltStta
that the bill on which the raising of them depended was
pending in the Senate.
Several private bills were then passed, when the Rouse
adjourned till Monday.
THE CITY.
AMUSEMENTS THIS ETENING
ARCH•RTREET THEATRE-ArCh street, above Si th—
" Aline ; or, The Roee of Hillarney"—. 6 The Irieli Elul.
WALNUT-STREET THEATRE—Ninth sad Wahmt
Willie Riley"—" Latest from Now York"- 6 . Virginia
One hnndred Years Ago."
CONTINENTAL THEATRE—WaInut street, above Eighth.
—" Uncle T9M ' t POlnr"
TBMPLIt OF WONDNRS—ii corner Tenth and Cheat
nut etreete.—Signor Blitz's Entertainment.
ASSEMBLY BUILDING—Tenth street, below Chestnut.—
Panorama of America and the Great Rebellion."
SKETCH OF IRON-CLAD VESSELS.
OUR NEW FRIGATE.
Zha eondruetion of tha mammoth iron-elod war
steamer, by Messrs Cramp and Son, of Kensington, has
suggested the publication of a brief historical sketch of
iron-clad vessels in general, together with some few re
marks as to the progress thus far made with our iron-clad
ship in particular.
T 4,, wet. 4114 of the tr9a-44 *hip 99TAth .1414
being able to stand any length of time before a fortress
and to sustain its flre, which, since the discovery of the
explosive cannon bull and shells tilled with liquid iron, to
say nothing of red-hot shot, was looked upon by all naval
officers as the most hazardous of undertakings. There
was a time (and that not long knee) when tho wooden
walie of a man-of war would stand without much injury.
the ',fire of the strongest fortifications. This was before
science had endowed the cannon ball with the faculty of
blowing up and setting lire to any quantity of indanuna-
No matter. Ent these days are over. Instead of the
comparatively harmless globular ball—the hole of which
nearly closes itself—we have now the conical and explo
sive missile, which leaves behind it a gap through which
a horse and cart might be driven Who does not recol
lect the terrible effect they produced at the time of the
Crimean war, when the Russian fleet, armed with Pali
ban guns, sunk and burned, in a few hours, the whole
Turkish fleet anchored in the harbor of Sinopel
ORIGIN OF IRON-CLAD VESSELS.
And it was just this Sinoyian disaster that was destined
to be a turning point in the art or modern military war,
fare—thanks to the keen sagacity of Louis Napoleon,
who from defeat could evoke an instrument of victory.
Struck with the perilous condition in which the ?Mahan
gun had placed his "wooden walls," he sought a means
of obviating this danger. Iron-cased ships lied been used
by the French at the siege of Gibraltar ; but as steam had
not yot boon applied to narigation, and OS they were too
clumsy to obey the wind, they proved to he of very little.
use, and were finally abandoned. But the difficulty which
existed fifty years before, having been removed by the
introduction of the modern motive power, there were no
rearm for not renewing the attempt, this time with com
plete success.
Ace9rAinslTl ffly .Ipyff after tho na va l battle of gl
nope, he leaned a decree ordering the construction of
three iron-clad steamers, which were called La Del,aSta
lion, La Lave, and La Tonnante. They were of light
draught, with bombproof decks, and cased with iron an
over, except in the neighborhood of the prow. They had
a single range of CWIIIOII9, placed a little above the water
edge, with a very lo** peelltele. They WAPA Sent to the
Crimes, and co-operated with the Anglo-French fleet, in
front of which they stood on the 14th of October, 1855,
at the bombardment of Rinburn, then occupiedr by the
Russians. such was the effect of their fire that in twenty
five minutes the enemy was silenced, his gunners nearly
all killed, his pieces dismounted, and the ramparts them
selves partly demolished, This was flue to the advanced
position they occupied in front of all other vessels—a
Position which enabled them to aim wills more accuracy
and to mule gre ater damage ; but, before all, it was duo
to the impunity with which they stood the fire of the
Russians, whose shots, felting powerless against their
iron armor, allowed the othcers and gunners on board to
act with wsefset ea ,epnsura:
THE APPLICATION OF STEAM. TO THEM;
The fact of iron plates resisting thelargest balls having
been satisfactorily tested, another problem remainea to
be solved. La Devastation, La Lace, and La Tonms.n.te,
having a special object—that of et ming as floating bat
teries—had net been built in view of going to sea; 'glair
notohluery was in entiserpootPce mush, and of vorphttle
power, and their shape rough and heavy. The idea of a
fast-sailing iron-plated vessel haul tint yet boon runtizei
against it was arrayed the majority of the officers of the
navy, who (lid not think it possible for au from ateinner
to possess the- same speed as wooden ones. Tho iron
frigate La Mc ire, built a vow liter the Crimean wen
showrd how groue•dless was their belief. 1,44 Gloire,
entirely dual wtilt iron, proved to lie ns swift is Teasel as
any other vessel or the same burden. and was, besides,
proof against tvd-lint bullets. round and conical cannon
balls—in fact, against alt kinds of projoctilas.
OONSTAXCITION OF IRON-CLAP. SHIPS BY
ENGLASD
It Ras not long before Ite e deini, following the egeniele.
of Franco, built the Warrior, an. iron-plated vessel of a,
larger size, and said to be ElliplikiOr to .t Clare. Thou.
the Defence, the Reaislance, and the Black Prince, fuls
lowed the Warrior; and six, now ships of the temp
description wore afterwards ordered, and are now ap
pfegebing eintnpletinth In the louden Tiateds Q. Os.
tuber last, we have the following brief de0ck , 11,01.04 the
plan of plating to be pursued iu the case of the, frigate
Royal Oak, building at Chatham
The planking os‘ which her iron plates wigibe.placed
will be or teak, twelve inches. in thickness, tapering down
to it 111111111111111 thickness of tire inches, at *Lindh of five
feet 1,,e10w The Ca4eCk of buWhg Use l t el i
plates on teak instead Of oak planking is that the Pe
culiar oil from the flamer wood is expect‘al to act PS a
preservative to the iron, while the acids frien eat 'Wank.
ing are fund to he exceedinglT initiriens to iron, en
which they have a singularly destructive effect. The
energy with which the building of the /toyed Oak is now
carried on leaves little room to doubt that she will be
completed and afloat in very little more than twelve
mouths."
PROBLEMS FOR MEN OF SCIENCE.
Successful as iron-clad vessels have proven themselves,
however, it would be wrong to presume that they are not
still capable of yard Improvement. Their immense weight
and consequent draught of water has been made a vital
objection to them in genera!, The Ihntther 111 which this
difficulty is avoided, in the case of our Philadelphia float•
ing battery, is well known to the public i but we shall,
perhaps, refer to it again.
Another problem which scientific men have failed to
satisfactorily solve is as to the mast advantageous method
of affixing the armor•plates to the vessel, and the beet
relative position for them to occupy with regard to each
other fur, upon these two points, experience has de
mouseraied that the resistance or the iron to the shots
very greatly depends. Furthermore, the thickness of
the plates, and the quality of timber to bo used in the
vessel's frame, are subjects which yet remain to bo deffi.
tied—and which can only he decided by a thorough aeries
of experiments, conducted by persons of experience and
aciontific acriiiiremunto,
THE KENSINGTON FRIGATE.
By the terms of the contract entered Into with the
Navy Department, by blessrs. Merrick and Son of South
watk, our Philadelphia frigate is to be completed by the
10th of next July. It. Is not probable that the =favora
ble weather of the pant month will delay her beyond that
term; although when we visited Messrs. Urittnp's ship
yard yesterday, a desolate stretch of into., covering tim
ber, vessel, workshops—everything—was pointed to,
with the accompanying remark, that it . 4 would cost two
hundred dollars to clear that away, before the ship.
wrighte could resume their work.
Even in the tinow•etorm. however, the vessel had
netd e , massive ioo4, that drew many apectatera ahOut
her. There was something wonderfully impressive in her
vast size, that made the nun who climbed up giddy lad
dery to her bulwarks look times like Lilliputians than the
world-famed Philadelphia mechanics that they wet*
There was, likewise, something wonderfully Ito oresslve
in her vast weight. so that many visitors wondered that
she had not driven her props into the ground through tie
snow, like eo many tent , pinn, and many others wondered
hero many men would be killed the day she was
launched—as though It were merely a question of num
bers.
THE MYSTIC FRIGATE AND THE PHILADEL
PHIA FRIGATE.
Much having been written of the new iron-armed fri
gate building at Mystic, Connecticut, we annex the fol
lowing Mello roweling her ; fiho le to be thoroughly
iron clad, and will have a now pattern of port-holes
which bave given rise to great expectstions. She will
draw not lam than ton nor more than sixteen feet of wa
ter. She will have uo beak projecting under water in
front of her prow, and is, therefore, not intended as a
raw, to run down vessels at sea. She will be armed
with a small bowsprit, made of Iron, to project forwa . r4,
and her bow will be caned and inutle extremely strong
and, in whatever position placed, she will pros.nt, no
thing but curved lines. As to her armament, it has not
yet been decided upon; but, in all probability, she will
carry two pivot rifled guns of the largest calibre—say
eight).pounders—aud twelve thirty-te o pounders, also
rifled. These pieces will be so disposed that no one will
be obliged to stand on the upper dock when the action
will +saw -rioco. 141 w ie to be of 1,000 tone burden, and
will weigh three thousand tone,
Our Kensington frigate is to be 8,500 tone burden.
Her armament, we believe, has not yet been fully deter•
mined, but elle will carry at least 10 guns of eleven•iuch
bore, and will, doubtless, have several deck pivot guns.
Notwithstanding her immense weight, she 1138 been so
modelled as to draw but fifteen feet ot water, besides
having the additional advantage of greater eteadinees in
a heavy sea. She is two hundred and thirty feet long,
sixty feet beam, twenty-live feet hold, and will hays
three full decks.
Till NEW FRIGATE'S ARMOR PLATES.
When the construction of the frigate was broached, a
doubt Wall expreseed as to the ability of our iron menu.
facturers to turn out plates of sufficient size for the pur.
pots. It is a legitimate cause of State pride that Ibis
doubt has been most successfully confuted. We are in
formed that in a short time Pennsylvania forges could
turn out a sufficient number of these plates to fortify
very vessel in the navy.
JThe plates have been designed by Messrs. I. P. Morris
Ai Ce,, and are being. made by the Orlatel Forge Comm?
ny, and by Messrs. Baileys Brown, and CORI:M[IY, of
Pittsburg,. They are fifteen feet long, twenty-eight and
a half, and thirty and a half inches wide, and four inches
in thickness. A hammer, weighing two and a half tons,
Is employed in their manufacture.
No fears need be entertained as to the sufficiency of
their thickness. By experiment it has been ascertained
Chet plates but one loch thick hew revlsted cannon bathe
of two hundred pounds weight from an Armstrong rifled
aun. The only effect of this tremendous missile has
been to loosen the plates, but in no case to penetrate
them.
Front the forge the plates are transferred to the foun
dry, where they are separarely planed by the most
nettetful destrlption of untehlnery_ In this manner
their eurracee end suds are mate smooth, straight, and
of the exact dimensions—the latter, at the same time,
being grooved with a mortice and Lennon joint, as in the
ease of an ordinary flooring-board. This groove is one
inch in width, and half an inch in depth. The entire
easing of the vessel will thus be fitted together, and there
will be no bolts, tints, nor crerlces upon Its oxterlOY
face to be battered or broken by an enemy's projectiles.
Interiorly the plates are attached to the wooden frame by
means of screws.
ARRANGEMENT OF THE PLATES-THEIN
WEIGHT, En.
They will extend four feet below the water-line, and
eighty-five feet fore and eft of the centre-line, making
one hundred and seventy feet of Dlankim wThe iron is
to tome OD to A line with the enar-deck, above Whielt
there will be a light rail. Tho sides of the ship, with a
view to cause the shota to glance, have an angle of thirty
degrees, from three feet above the load-]lnes.
Tho weield of the frigate, with such a coat of mail aB
tide encasing her, will, of course, be something enormous.
We are assured, however, that it will im lees than that of
the English steeLplitted frioate Worrier, the sides of
which are two feet three inches in thicitnes4 Of this the
steel-plates are five inches thick: the wooden framework,
of course, occupies the remaining twenty-two inches.
HER MACHINERY, SPEED, ETC.
7119 =china will kt 4f the came gin Oral deacription
as that or a iirst.class sloop•of , wer ; the main exception
being that she will have four boilers and a e+ blower."
The latter is a mechanical contrivance which is intro
duced for the purpos of making the boiler steam, in case
the emoke•stack shou el be shot away or damaged by any
accident. It weetlis upon the prinipie of prodiniing
dritholit by the compeeselon of air; and will be found an ins
valuable adjunct of the machinery. The entire Vessel is
being constructed under the careful supervision of Mr.
Henry
Hoover, Naval Constructor. The construction of
her machinery has been entrusted to Mr C. E. Wood,
Chief Engineer, than whom there is none more capable
for the responsible duty. She will have two very pow—
tend stigineg, and one largo braes propellor wheel
In the matter of speed, it is calculated that she will be
able to " bold her own" with any craft with which she
may have occasion to measure lengths. She is to be pro-
Dell+ d at the rate of ten knots an hour, so that it would
seem the advantages of her enormous size have not been
obtained by any alarming eaeritice of [hat most important
e&
consideration—epe lierertlivices, it is trite, in gene
ral, that the fact of a anip-of•war being no longer rated
according to the number of guns she carries, would seem
to settle the question of speed in favor of small vessels.
The crew of the frigate will consist of one hundred and
fifty men. her launch will certainly take place (unless
o v ~ ..t- r rpmeen circumstance should WWI to deter it)
before the dose of duty. make has all in all, alit la tho
moat creditable avant% of naval architectut, that our
shipwrigt.ts have ever placed together, and a moat gin.
rim career awaits her.
A correspondent, versed in maritime matters, sends us:
the following suggestive communication :
AN ABLE COMMUNICATION OE TIIE SUBJECT
Every one has rind; says he; for the hurt few years, of
the progress of experhnents in steel-p!ated men-of-war,
and we have had detailed accounts of Nlnglish French
ships ' and elaborate discussions 0-1 tin it comparative
merits. The testimony seems to be cohe'usive, that this
plating is to change the character of all ntvies; in fact.
that a navy of wooden ships is no lotto- a navy worth
having, if they are to be opposed to steidaelad shies. It ,
seems to be a eettkd thing, that steel plates of 4 inches
in thickness, and properly backed, will withstand the
100-pounder Armstrong gnn at point-blank range, The
vessels, plated on their sides,are generally proteeled on
decks by a covering, which a intended to shed any suet
which mar strthe. Resides these desirable eneltle .1, the
ships have protection for riflemen, ill the great Stevens
battery the men serving the guns are to accomplish their
duty by the aid of mechanism, which allows them to re
main in a place of perfect security. Assuming all this to
be true, and we believe it to be true, it fellows that,
unless gulls can he go Improved as to advance In care-
Ulu of destructiveness iii proportion as material In com
bined to resist their oower, all firing at a Ship provided
with the west approved armor would be a mere waste of
ammuuition. A ship no protecttd, and armed, as in
tended, with the heaviest cannon, Is not only a fortidca.
tion, but it is a line of forts' it is wore—it is a perfect line
of oreumvallation. If such it shin; In action, should
Ill'egtrallt two miles, it would he equal. if not to a fOrtifiCa
ton of that length, at any rate it would be equal to a
fortification not much less, and might be equal to much
more, from capability of locomotion. Such a ship could
destroy any number of wooden ships which might be op
posed.
REGA.GRAIRNT BETWEEN TWO IRON-CLAD
Another reflection is suggested by the adsption of
armor for ships. How is a steel-plated ship to engage
a steel.pluted ship?. Their guns can do no execution on
each other, and sailors, marines, and everything de
structible are under cover. What is to be done when
Pass ships, If 4014. 1 Pil , 4 Aff , 0.4) , Lc> ii 4444 444
ca
tire in search of somber frylor are they to fight If they
fight, it would be the combat of two Achilles, without
even vulnerable heels. If these ships are all that is
claimed for thew, there are but two ways for them to
engage each other—either to sheer oft, and, like two
knights at tournament, charge each other.whru the pro-
WAIN? IP that both would pa down or the to close and
when victory would 'depend., not mint the lurid
nerability of the ships, nor upon the enlibre of their
grins; and yet that is what these ships are built for. It
follows that !I:steel-clad ship could nob protest a convoy
of ordinary transports against the attack of another
steel-clad ship. The protector could do nothing but
ennui-P. the &Moen= of his tonvny. It mutts, then,
that a titerhand ship le useful only us opposed to wooden
ones or fortifications.
IRON-CLAD. SHIPS TO PROTECT BARBOR3.
It seems to me that the peculiar provinceof steel-clad
ships le the protection or harbors. The enemy could
never make a imbue in their ermines. unless amen aeon
the whole of hie forces to be embarked on similar vessels,
which is impossible with the most wealthy nation, or
unless we suppose the force-to be a-very email one. A
single steel. chui ship issuing front a harbor,. wed encoun
tering a 'fleet of transports, however ttwll protected, could
destroy them. For the defence. of a harbor, if it steel.
dud ship tmeettetere a similar mie. the eembetantt who.
poeseers the fill Ore would hive an linutemarialvontage, in
the ability which they would have to put such masses
of men on their ships as to overpower all resistance luau
attempt to board the other. It is easily seen, then, that
the protection of herb me and coasts lathe true sphere for
theuction of steel-clad ships, We catmotbe too eager to
previde title protection. Government has so far had its
attention entirely taken up with a pressing need fur gun
boats. It has done well—it- hae.done• wonders ; but ano
ther need as pressing has arisen for steel-plated ships for
our harbors. Let us have forte,.but neheve floating
steel forte, too. They are forte that ¬ require work
men to be sent to a•rertetin point to erect them, lent torts
built wherever men turd material mat hant4 and to be
stationed where Ter needed. Such forts might call noon
enough to hold a:Southern harbor, when there would not
have been time to gain a foothold to throw up more than
a single breastwork. With such forts the harbor of
Charle.lon can be taken, and-only by suclt.P.,rts.
BTEAIII AB• A DINANB ON DEINENCIE.
It hex occurred to us frequently, that an arrangement
In war steamers might be made, by wllic hose playing
boiling water might:be directed en an enemy in an at
tempt to boar I hint, or to repel a boarding attack. I
think the same thing applicable to regularly con
structed fortifications of masonry, wherever the ground
.4mits of an attempt-to byeai-.h. or to teottledo,
It would be loommoh to expoctof IntillaW nature, that it
would board a ship or mount a , breach under a
stream of boiling•wntur throwmfrom an engine.
Need it be said that if our views are correct, Delaware
bay and river could be. well protected by n steel-clad
ship—a fort ono hundred miles long, counting from the
mouth of the bay to the city of Philasielphial
VIOLATING. A STATE LAW,---Williarn H. Nl
chols, who keeps nn employment office, at No. 106 north
Front Myra§ was arrested , yesterday ti.tertmon. upon a
wars tint Ward by the Mayor. fora violation of the State
law prohibiting the onliatmant of 'mon for military orga.
nivations outride tho•llinits ot , the Commonwealth. He
avAs also chat.4o ;Atli Mating ; !a
the eoeseet of them parenbe. Niclude haul Iniudbiltit
famed desiring flue hundred men for the Maryland Home.
Guard, and offering $lOO bounty. The case was hawk
by Mayor Heurr.. The evidence showed that the sons of
Me. George Ettockhook awl Bauntrl Sabin, both motor.
ei3htren y. nrs of - age had. been sent oft' by Sieb..l7.
li•oog Sgin Wig, hit lallrr that hp woo awing whi tit
get work. The accused wee held in 06,000 bail to nnswert
at court, and in e Anti+ wee committed,
COLLECTION Or STATE ARMS.—Captain,
Rally is in the city engaged in collecting the sous be.
longing to the State. He is acting under it:Lewdest; of
the Adjutant General of the State. Cleptain Hely
remain in the city about two weeks, end, during hie stay.
wit be located at No, ins Callowhill street. He hag
been engaged for some time, In different parts or the
State, in gathering the muskets owned by ltengsylranim
TuErT,-Tilt= sinviiing,QPigth /19nry
Cum, at Mill and Cumberland strouta t tn.Gormin,ntowib,
was entered, on Thursday afternoon,,and robbed of two
allow's and other wearing apparel, The Wet entered
through the front door, which hcAticcidenjAly bean loft
unfastened. Mrs. Cox heard stun° movanierits la the
Longo, as she supposed, but the doors wore locked.
DEYENcEs OS
petaled by the Conowitteft ou the I et , uco and Pretectlov,
of the City, during Wawa week, wee 8a02.40. A took ,
lion of this sum wag for the totrohast of howitzers.