Vrtss, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1863 Air We can take no notice of anonymous commit rdeations. We (la nut return rejected manuscripts. yohlotary correspondence solicited from all parts of the world, and especially from our different military and naval departments. When need, it Will be paid for. Out. Ocean Militia. SEMMES, the pirate, flushed with his re ception at Kingston, Jamaica, where mer chants and others exhibited British "neu trality," by making lions of himself and as :sociates welcoming them with compli :nentary harangues, and cheering his bra :gadoeia reply—has again been heard of, on - the 26th ult., off Cape Tiburon, on the south -west coast of Hayti. The Alabama captured, Tlundered, and burned the bark Golden Mule,' from New York to Aspinwall, and, on the 28th, captured and burned the brig Chastelain, in the same vicinity. When SEMMES captured the Golden Rule, he was told that her. cargo belonged to Spanish, French, and English owners. Unfortu nately, her commander could show neither bills of lading nor consular certificates showing that part of the property belonged to neutrals. Hence, with an amiable affec tion of regret, SEmMEs proceeded to rob and burn the vessel. When he captured the Tonawanda, from this port to LiverpOol, SmotrEs made no show of respect for the seal and signature of the British consul at Philadelphia, but seized the cargo, (after wards ransomed on a bond,) though there was official proof of neutral ownership. No doubt, SEMMES, however roughly, is executing, if not a duty, at least a certain right, if he sails and acts under Confederate letters of marque. The law of nations de clares that no citizen of one " belligerent" State can complain of the hostile acts of any citizen of another. If a State does not pos sess, or is disinclined to employ its own ships, it may commission private vessels to seize its enemy's merchant ships. It is usu ally declared in' letters of marque that the rights of neutrals shall be observed. We cannot *say, of course, on what terms Mr. JEFFERSON' DAYrS authorized SENDIES to act as a privateer. During both of our wars with England we freely exercised the right of privateering, which was an act of neces sity, indeed, seeing that our national marine was Mitch smaller than that of the enemy. Yet, soon after we became an acknowledged nation, we endeavored, through Dr. FRANK LIN, to obtain a general agreement that in future wars privateering should not be allowed. In. 1824, when the proposition was brought before the British Cabinet, by the late Mr. Rum, then United States Min ister at St. James's ' the reply was very de cided—that Great Britain . was unwilling, under any circumstances, to accede to the abolition of private war upon the ocean. , Thirty years later, when the Russian war commenced, in 1854, the British Ministry suggested that privateering be abolished, and the United States Government replied that we could not agree not to resort to our merchantmen in case . of war. In this view, w•e did not accede to the declaration signed at Paris, in 1856, whereby the leading Euiopean and some secondary American States • agreed to dispense with priva teoring. In other words, the United States declined to give up that ocean militia which Lad achieved so many and such :important victories in other days. Yet, during the present war, while the rebels have inflicted great injury to our commerce by such privateers as the Sumpter, the Nash ville, the - . Alabama, the Florida, ktc., we have not yet had recourse to the effective re taliation which it has all along been in our power to inflict. On . Tuesday the Senate of the United States passed a bill, which we hope will be come law in a few clays, whereby the system of privateering, so well suited to the gal lantry, loyalty, and enterprise of our noble commercial marine, will be established as au arm of national defence and offence, during the present rebellion, and in all future wars. Once that this is the law, a new era will commence in our present naval warfare. Every port will commission its crack ves-, sole, and, the Alabama and her associates will hatie to look to their own safety. Where zabeldom has sent out one privateer we can supply . , fifty. We know not what may be the next phase in this war. Fo :reign interference, under the guise of friendship, may array itself against us, and then, with our volunteer vessels on every sea, we shall be able to inflict the heaviest blows upon these false intermeddlers. With our privateers abroad, manned by the best and bravest. seamen in the world, we can defy the world at arms against us—really against Humanity and Freedom. Let the Government issue its letters of marque, and we shall soon check the career of Captain Saxraus and his co-mates. Nor this alone : we can make the blockade so effectual that if a pound of cotton get across to Liverpool or Havre, it must be conveyed, not in a ship, but in a balloon. Altogether, the re establiahment of our powerful ocean-militia will be accepted by the country with joyful satisfaction. It might properly have been authorized two years ago. Cotton. The French Corps Legialatif, acting in compliance with a demand by the Emperor NAPOLEON, in his speech at the opening of the . Session, has voted five million francs ($1,000,000) to the distressed workmen in cotton. The report on the bill granting this sum states some very curious facts. First, cotton in France has reached a famine price, and its value is greater than it. has ever been. Two years ago the value of American cotton was from seventy to. eighty francs the hundred pounds. Last September it had reached 850, and even 360 francs. In November, it fell down to 275 francs, but was up to 300 francs in December. The 'result, is, that the manu facturer 'who formerly carried on his trade with. 100,000 francs must now have five times \ that amount to effect the same operations. The - whole consumption of cotton, in Eu rope, was 00,000 bales a week, and it was calculated that this would be increased to 100,000 bales in 1861. But thelrebellion broke out, and cut off the supply. The esti- mated stock of cotton held in Europe at the close of 1862 was as follows : In Eng land, 4.84,000 bales; in France, 00,000; upon the rest of the continent, 100,000. Total, 694,000 bales, Of which four-fifths( was from India. This cotton is much infe rior in. quality to the American. It greatly. loges 'weight (from 20 to 25 per cent.) in working. The bales are also 12 per cent. lighter; Allowing that 100,000 bales be im ported from India and elsewhere, between the Ist of January and the 81st of March, the stock would be only sufficient for five weeks' work. Besides,' the stocks of manu factured cotton goods, which were immense-' ly in excess of demand when the war broke out, are now nearly sold off, at very remu nerative prices. This must tend to keep up the price of the raw material. The Prize Cases. We arc requested by Mr. District Attor- . Eby rinlim In Any that the ntatnihnnt flitc nialind by (1I afiefil oP the Associated Press fok . publlcation yesterday, concerning the prize cases ECIlt to this port for adjudi cation, is grossly false in all essential points. None of the figures given in connection -with the Philadelphia cases .are nearly correct. Decrees for distri bution have been given in more cases than 'has been represented in the Washington despatch alluded to: The costs for expenses twenty-nine Cases disposed of will not :amount to over $21,000, instead of $50,000, .:as given by telegraph yesterday. The costs for expenses thus far do not exceed 5 per , centum of the proceeds, and this will be the probable average • for • the nine ty cases in hand here. This.' per centage is even less here than • at the port of •Boston. The District Attorney thinki that the average of costs for ex penses will: not probably reach five per centum of:Abe - proceeds. Whoever made up the statement published in yesterday's PnEss, whether a news agent or a depart mental clerk, must either have been grossly ignorant of the facts of the matter treated of, or maliciously bent upon injuring the reputation of the United States officials in charge of prize matters at this port. LETTER FROM "OCCASIONAL." WASHINGTON, Feb. 20,18G3 The Baltimore ovation to Benjamin F. Butler, originating with and completed by Southern patriots, and blessed by the smiles and patronage of the beautiful women of the Monumental City, is a terrible rebuke of those Northern Pharisees who so love the rebellion that they want it to be treated with the tenderest and most loving care. These qualified patriots regard all instruments of warfare with a shudder, unless they 'are for the use or are wielded for ' the advantage of Treason. The saints whom they ca nonize arc those weak and gentle butchers, Stonewall Jackson, John Morgan, T. R. Hindman, and Captain Semmes, of the Alabama. As these pious and humane phi lanthropists take life and property as they devastate, plunder, and lie, their operations are witnessed with emotions of mingled sur prise and delight by the horror-stricken observers of such " wretches " as Butler. There is, indeed, no accounting for tastes. The Baltimore Unionists are probably not so refined and polished as the elegant apos tles of the new Democracy, who have slavery for the base of their pyramid, and treason for their banner ; but they know whereof they speak. It' they are rowdies and ca naille, they are grateful rowdies and canaille. Butler saved their city from destruction, their wives and children from the excesses of civil war, and their trade from utter annihilation. It might be said that he also rescued some of the men who now hunt him as if he were a common felon, and howl at him from their cosy symposia in Philadelphia and New York ;'but this 'would be straining a point. There is no salvation for him in their eyes. He is doomed to certain and to lasting ignominy. The General's great crime, after his deterthined opposition to slavery and the rebellion, is the fact that when he does find fault, it is not with his Govern ment, btit with the traitors. He is an ex cessive critic, but always of the enemies of the Republic. If he has any errors to point otn, it is those whith disfigure and disgrace the so-called Confederacy. There is a prac tical philosophy in this common-sense ekam plc. General Butler knows that it is the one great object of the President to do his best to check and crush the rebellion, and that he 'should be sustained, not weakly or doubtfully; not by half-hearted. 'support, but vigorously and confidingly; and that, while bad men conspire and caluniniate, good men should unite and move on to the end of these ter rible troubles. When he was recalled from Louisiana, the utmost chagrin was felt by the decided friends of the Government, and delegation after delegation called upon the President, insisting upon his restora tion. During all this period,' no one heard a word from General Butler that was not complimentary to General Banks. He came here in obedience to orders. When ovations were tendered him, they came from undoubted loyalists ; no Secession sympathizers shouted in his train ; no " conservative" journals Sang his praises. When he spoke he was not afraid to utter That was in his heart. He appealed to the people in no half-way expressions. He aimed directly at the great . cardinal sin of the war. He had no h-juries to complain of, and invoked no commiseration ffoin men who bad none for the country. Like RoseCrans, Burnside, Hooker, Hovey, Hun . - I ter, Curtis, Hurlburt, and Dix; when he met his fellow-citizens, 'he sought to raise, not to depress, their spirits. • He had no cabalistic words, and, above all, he did not look to the outside discontents for simlause. He has thus bided his time, and will soon go forth on another mission which will be as success ful as his were his administration in Balti more and his fearless rule in Louisiana. A *soldier who trusts his Government and his country need not wait for orders, for honor and glory seek him wherever he goes. NEW YORK CITY. ntly YORR, Feb. 20, 1663 SIMILIBUS OURANTUR is excellent doctrine to be followed in the cure of those kipperhead . journals of ours* which seek to frightenithe Administration into a change . of front, and retration of a " Young Napoleon," by making a stupe dons flourish over General 14IcClellan every time he leaves his room in the Fifth-avenue Hotel, and publishing semi-weekly statements about: his being summoned to Washington in hot haste and a special train to take Richmond for supper. Know ing, as all loyal men do, the malignant and treason able motive which actuates all this absurd lionizing of the great military failure of the age, it is but wise in the friends of the Administration to put it down by opposing !' like to like." Oen. Butler is the man to be proportionately lionized on our side, and loyal journalists have but to make a point of celebra ting his progress from city to city—just as the Cop perheads have done with McClellan—to slay the dictator-Ites with their own weapons. There's no- thing like a Roland for an Oliver in a case like this, and your correspondent must confess to feeling se cretly delighted when he finds in the Tribune, or the Times, or the PO3l, or the Philadelphia Press, or any other patriotic leader of the press, a well-ells played account of howthe glorious old hero of New Orleans—the second • Jackson—has been feted and cheered at one point and another. There is no man now in this war whose popularity could so gall and madden the Demo cratic Intriguers as does General Butler's. They hate him with an especial hatred, because he was once heart and soul with them, before the warcalled every true patriot to sacrifice politics for country, and they know that he is perfectly familiar with every spring, lever, and screw, in their infernal "machine," and is a dangerous man to run against. On behalf of loyal New York, I say, let the loyal press throughout the country keep the star of " Old Hair-trigger in the ascendant, and there wilt be witnessed a speedy eclipse of that Democratic comet which is all tail. EX.GEN. FITZ JOHN PORTER is still in the enjoyment of as ranch good health as the present shocking weather will permit. You will be surprised to hear this, when you come to ro. fleet upon the fact that there wag administered to Fitz John yesterday afternoon a large dose of condo lence from the Common Council of this city, on his recent lamentable dismissal from the service. It was enough to sicken most men, but the cashiered general survives, with a constitution as unim-. paired as that of Uncle Sam. And yet, these poor Common Councilmen meant well enough. It is not their fault if, with all their effbrts to increase the I value of Porter, they only succeed in causing a 1 greater demand for whisky. THE DESIGNS OF FRANCE continue to inapire our editors for entertaining arti cles on future large•sized combats with foreign despots, and all the solvent newspapers in town, except the Sun, are out to-day wirh profound lam brations concerning the advisability of spending a few afternoons in the construction of immensurable iron -clads, and drilling a new army of a few millions of troops. The "designs" of France, it seems, are to proceed from Mexico to Texas, and from Texas to Louisiana, reconquering the French colony on the 11Iississlppl. This little arrangement is to come off as soon as the French veterans 'before Puebla ceased getting whipped by the Mexicans, and die cover who it is that keeps taking all "them mules" which are purchased for them In this country and never get nearer to their rear than where the first half-doten Mexican dragoons are watching for them. STIRRING NEWS from the Mississippi and South Atlantic squadrons is expected between this and Monday, by those who pretend to be especially posted in the naval designs of the day. This (the 20th) to understood to be the day designated for a aimultaneous attack on Charleston, Savannah, and Port Hudson, and the newspaper correspondents with the army in Vir ginia will eagerly pay round prices to the pickets for the Richmond papers of to-morrow. From them, of course, if the attacks take place, we shall get our first intelligence of general results. Beauregard's proclamation to the chivalrous Charlestonians is regarded here as an evidence that the plentiful pos session of "mortar, paixhan, and petard" , d oes not Inspire the wonted overweening confidence in the • 'bosom of that knave of spades, THE NATIONAL. FREEDMAN'S ASSOCIA- PION 31111.1A10, nt the Muer Institute last evonine, by the Reverends Tyng and Benner, and oilier speakers. It was shown that the operations of the association for its first year had been satisfactory; 90,000 garments, 35,000 books, and an immense amount of provisions, bad been sent to the freed men of the South, whose labors, thus sustained and encouraged, had yielded the Government over four hundred thousand dollars in cotton. A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE, recently adopted by General Wool, and being car ried out by the pollee, is to ascertain what amount of ammunition, and what number of arms, there are in the stores for the sale of such things about the city. WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY is to be publicly celebrated in New York, at the expense of five thousand dollars, that amount ha ving been patriotically voted for the purpose by the City Fathers. The Republican Central taking time by the forelock, will celebrate the anniver sary with a social entertainment to-morrow evening.. The money spent in empty honors to the Illustri ous dead may be sanctified in the consciences of many by a knowledge of the fact that, while the al dermen were flippantly voting the five thousand, there ,was expiring, of neglect and want, within pistol shot of the City Hall, one Nicholas rutile, an old man of seventy and a veteran of the war of 18t2. lie has been tumbled into en old box and buried in Potter's Field—" the, field for strangers. , STUYVV3ADTT. Special liespatchak to t 4 The Prowl:0 WASKINOTON, Februr D!), 1863. The Frauds in the New York Custom House. Secretary CHASE communicates to the Senate, in Rumor to a resolution, a statement of EnIVAUD Solt, 'DON, Solicitor of the Treasury, relative to frauds in the New 'York Custom Douse, showing that frauds upon the revenue had been committed for at least six years past, effected by making out false invoices, representing different descriptions anti lower prices of podia than Were actually Imported, and then se curing the passage of such invoices, by various de vices, through the custom house. In sonic cases a portion of•the goods were correctly invoiced, and these particular packages examined. Invoices were sometimes made in fictitious names, and some times the goods of one person were entered in the name of another. In some instances the importer was cognizant of the fraud, in others his broker was responsible alone. Entries and invoices, when com pleted, were in some cases destroyed, to obliterate the evidence of the fraud. About fifty thousand dot. Lars have been recovered by seizures of goods be longing to the parties implicated. About one hun dred.frandulent entries by , Junius It. VAN VUCR TEN, MARCUM'S 13. ELLIS, and 11. CrRICIOS have been discovered. The first has been dismissed, and placed under bonds. The others are suspended, and the District Attorney has been requested to indict them. HENRY CALHouN, the Deputy Collector, is cen sured for want of vigilance. Wei. A. LEIPPI NOWELL andelerks, in the Record Bureau, are deemed culpa bly careless. The Solicitor fs confident that the frauds in importation are constantly and systemati cally practised in jewelry,lacea, and silks, and other costly goods, by smuggling in various ways, in other goods, through false invoices. The facts show that money, in large sums, has been received by officiate for fraudulent acts or connivance, and a belief is stated that nearly all the officers are in the habitual receipt of emoluments from importers and their agents. One lawyer says he has, in fifteen months, paid eighteen hundred dollars to one record clerk. VAN VICTON admits having received twenty five hundred dollars per annum. A bond clerk, on a salary of one thousand dollars, in eight years accu mulated thirty thousand dollars. The Solicitor recommends: First. The designation of an officer at Washing ton, charged with the prevention and detection o frauds on the revenue. Second. New regulations concerning invoices and entries of foreign merchandise. Third. The criminal punishment of the guilty. Fourth. The prohibition of all emolument from importers. Fifth. Provision for Resoling proof against such frauds. The French Minister and the Committee on Foreign Relations. Attention has been called to the report in a New York paper, and made the subject of pointed com ment, that members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations have been most earnest in their demonstrations of friendship to EL MERCIER and to the Government he repreaents. On inquiry, it appears that M. DIERCINII I .4 de spatches and the relations with France, as shown by the recently published despatches, have not been considered in the committee, nor is it known that any, member of the committee has made any demon stration to M. MERCIER. orne of the committee attended the recent diplo matic dinner of Mr. SEWARD, given since the publica tion of the despatches, at which the French Minister was an honorary guest. Mr. Sunman, who was at that time ill, was obliged to 'decline, under the advice of his Id:Graben. There is not a member of thec ommittec who does not recoil from the idea of foreign mediation, what ever form it may take. The Value er Negro Labor. Mr. Secretary CHASE has sent the following let ter to Congress in answer to a resolution of in quiry concerning the profits accruing to the Govern ment from the labor of contrabands: TREASURY DEPARTMENT, Feb. 18, 1863. Sir.: I hate the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a resolution of the House of Representatives, dated January 12, 1663, in the following words: &solrocd, That the Secretary of the Treasury be directed to report to this Nouse, so far as in his power, the amount expended since the 'commence ment of the rebellion in the employment and gusto. nance of slaves in the disloyal States; and, also, as to what extent will expenses have been compen sated for by the services of such slaves, In response, I beg leave to submit the following statement : Soon after the taking of Port Royal and the occu pation of the adjacent islands by the United States forces, acting under the provisions of the act of July 13, 1861, atithorizing commercial intercourse with States in insurrection, and on consultation with the Quartermaster General, I appointed Lieutenant Colonel Wm. B. RNYNOLDS, of Rhode Ishuni Vo lunteers, detached for the duty as special agent for the collection of property abandoned by the rebel owners, without compensation other than his pay as Lieutenant Colonel. Under regulations and instructions issued by me, it was made his duty to superintend the receiving and col lecting the products of the soil and other property found or brought within the districts occupied by our forces. These instructions and regulations were framed with a view to the protection of the rights of loyal citizens whose propdrty should fall into the hands of the Government; to insure econo my in gathering, preparing, and transporting to market the cotton and other property found on the' abandoned plantations ; and to . protect not only the interests of the United States, but the interest of all parties concerned, by securing from sales The largest_ possible 'proceeds. Under these instructions all property was shipped to New York, consigned to litnxit.Bartwav, the Collector of the Port, who was directed to prepare and sell at public auction, after advertisement, whatever was so con signed to. him. All expenses of collection, trans portation, and sale, were to be paid front the pro ceeds of sales, and the balance was to be held for the benefit of whatever persons might be found entitled to the same. OCCASIONAL The act of July 13, 1861, already referred to, au thorized the President to permit commercial inter-_ course with any parts of the insurgent States, under such regulations as the Secretary of the Treasury should adopt. Regarding it as in the highest degree essential to commercial intercourse with that portion of the country that the abandoned es tates should be properly cultivated, I appointed - EDWAr.D L.' FIBIICE, Esq., a special agent, - and made it his duty to superintend the culture of the plantations, and the employment of the laborers en gaged thereon. Copies of the regulations made and instructions issued are herewith transmitted. Acting under them, the special agents named performed the duties as signed them until the 18th day of June, 1862, when the whole subject of the cultivation of the soil and the collection of property was transferred to the con trol of the War Department. In obedience to the direction of the House, I transmit a statement of the receipts and expendiL tures on account of the agencies referred to. Ily this statement it will be seen that there has been paid. For agricultural implements, baggage, ItcAT7,O3l 32 Siemer Flora 31,319 11 White labor 82,747 70 Colored labor 434,527 21 The receipte have been Leaving on hand from this fund $501,278 '76 Against this fund, or against the treasury account of the agencies referred to, there are no outstanding claims except such as loyal owners of property sold may present and substantiate. Among the items of expenditure will be found one for the purchase, refitting, and running of 'the' steamer "Flora." In the prosecution of their work by the speelal agents, a steamer of light draft end of large carrying capacity was found neces sary for the purpose of conveying property from the several plantations to the transports.. Ac cordingly, the Flora was purchased for this , put.- pose from the proceeds of the sales, and it is proper to add that she is reported to have rendered im portant service in military operations, both while under the charge of the agents of this Department and since her transfer to the department of War, and' can now be sold for a very considerable ad vance on her coat. For the information of the House, I transmit a detailed account, prepared in answer to a resolution of the Sehite of the Bales of cotton in New York, the time of sale, the persons by and to whom sold, with the amount paid for commissions and storage. No Information is in my possession as to expendi tures on the plantations, since the transfer already mentioned, to the War Department in June Int. From this statement it will be seen that no ex penditure whatever has been made from the trea sury on account of the collection .of cotton, or for its preparation for sale; or for the cultivation of the plantations; or for the hire or subsistence of labor ers; or for , any educational or benevolent care be stowed upon them. The only qualification of this general representation, required by the exact facts, is that some transportation and some rations were furnished by the War Department for agents, super intendents, and laborers engaged 011. the plantations, which advances were partially, if not wholly, com pensated by benefits to the military service front the use of the Flora, and from the services of agents and employees under this department. I embrace with pleasure this opportunity of recti fying false impressions industriously propagated, that the collection of cotton and the care of planta tions and laborers on the Sea Islands of South Caro lina has been attended with great cost to the Go vernment. So far from the truth is this statement, that there is now in the hands of the Assistant Trea surer at New York a half million of dollars saved through- these operations, which at this moment belongs more rightfully to the laborers who planted, cultivated, and gathered the cotton, than to any other roaciblc claimant, . 'Watt. cram.- — r a n 913A10 1 • Aeorainry of th e:Treasury ROIL GAI.IIBII.A. A. Clam, Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Currency Bill Passed. The Senate Currency bill passed the House to-day, in the precise form that it came from that body. The Territory of Arizona. The Senate to-day passed the bill organizing . the Territory of Arizboa. It only awaits the signature of the President to become a law. This Territory contains 130,000 square miles, and' is, therefore, larger than three States of the size of Ohio. It is said, by those who have spent several years there, to contain more and richer silver and copper mines than any other Territory under the Government. Gold is also found in many parts of the Territory. Hostile Indians have heretofore prevented extensive operations in the mines, but, with a•government such ati is about to be established, they will be fully developed. It is asserted, by persons who have had opportunities to form a judgment, that the richest silver mines of the world are to be found in Arizona. There are 1,600 troops now there, and it is probable that the number will soon be largely increased. Seizure of Three Steamboats—Coutrabaud Fleet Captain PENNOCIC has, under date of Cairo, yesterday, informed the Secretary of the Navy that the steamers Rowena, White Cloud, and Knapp have been seized as prizes by the gunboat New Era, at or near Island No. 10, for containing contraband TH.E , PRESS.-PHILA_DELPIIIIA. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21. 1863: WASHINGTON. Goode Captured. goods, sue.) as quinine and morphine, in large quan tities, arms, (oefederare uniforms, army blankets, nod other general merchandise, contraband of war. The steamer White Cloud had on board a large rebel mall containing important information. The ateatner Home was also seized by Admiral POUTER, and sent up from below. No Unfavorable News from Gen. Banks. An exploded story of General BANKS being de feated, near Port Hudson, has been Itg4ll revived here. The Government has received no unfavor able information whatever from that quarter. DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA. Exchange of Prisoners —The Retaliatory Proclamations of Davis and Letcher Not Sitstsiintil—Bloccinents of General Poster— The Storm, et.c. FoirrnasS Dlormox; Feb. 18.—The United States steam gunboat Saaramento, Captain How, arrived in Hampton Roads this forenoon, from Ports mouth, N. H. Major General Foster arrived here this morning from Washington, D. 0., on the steamship S. 11. Spaulding, and will proceed South as soon as the Spaulding receives her cargo. A storm of rain and wind continues from the northeast. FORTIMSB Morios, Feb. 19.—001. Wm, IL Lud low has just returned from City Point, from a confe rence with Mr. Ould, the rebel commissioner. The Virginia Legislature will overrule Gov. Letcher in he late attempt at retaliation in imprisoning United States officers, and will transfer to the rebel autho rities, where it properly belongs under the cartel, all matters connected with the exchange of priso ners. It is now quite certain that the rebel Congress will overrule Jeff Davis in his retaliatory proelams& tion and message, and exchanges will go on as here tofore, under the cartel. Arrangements for the exchange of civilians have been perfected. General Foster left Fortress Monroe to-day for the South, on the eteamehip Spaulding. ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI. MM2E!MSILIM!!!!I boats in Position—The "Queen of the West" Gone Up the Red Raver—Great Rise In the Missitudpid River a &c: CHICAGO, Feb. 20.—A special Cairo despatch says that the sickness in the army'at Vicksburg is in creasing. A barge containing '7,000 bushels of coal' ran the blockade on Saturday night, Without accident or dis covery. The Vicksburg glig of the 9th inst. says the river is overflowing the banks on the Louisiana side, and the town of De Soto, opposite Vicksblirg, is nearly submerged. It was expected that the whole penin sula would soon be under water. The tippeaPs correspondence of the 9th says : There is now no longer a doubt that the whole force of the enemy is concentrated within seeing -distance of the city. The rnortar-boats were towed down yesterday, to a point near the rendezvous of the fleet. Every mo ment we may expect to announce the commence• meat of the attack. , The town of Bolivar Landing, fifty miles above Memphis, has been destroyed by the gunboat Cone stoga, in retaliation for the guerillas firing on the steamer jenny Lind. A Cairo despatch says that the ram Queen of the West has been up the Red river for the purpose of destroying the rebel vessels there. If this be true, one chief 'source of the rebel supplies will be cut off. CAIRO, Feb. l9.—The steamer Rowena has just' arrived at. the naval depot, from Memphis, as a prize. From passengers we learn that the ram Queen of the West is having her steam-pipe repaired previous to going below. It ie thought an eftbrt to run Port Hudson- batte ries will be made. The trial of the New York Herald's correspondent is progressing. E.No newspapers, it is reported, are allowed to cir culate among the troop" in the viCinity of, Vicks burg. Occasionally a Memphis Build in is smuggled in, and brings twenty-eve cents. The health of the army has not improved. One hundred arc dying daily, and hospital accommoda tions are limited. The mortality among the rebels ie said to be equally heavy. On Friday some warm skirmishing took place on the Fernando plank-road, ten miles from Memphis, between a scouting party of Federal" and some of Blythe's guerillas. k A RUMORED REBEL ADVANCE. CAIRO, Feb. 20.—Jt is reported at Memphis that 4,000 rebels are within six miles of the Charleston railroad. The tow boat Hercules was burned by the gue rillas, on Tuesday, just above Memphis. - DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF. No News of Importance—Suppression of the New Orleans " Daily Delta"—Rebel Ru- more,, &e, Nzw YORK, Feb. 20.—The steamer McClellan has arrived from New Orleans, with dates to the loth. She passed the United States frigate Hartford and steamer Illinois, hound up the river. . The Secession ministers, the - Rev. Drs. Leaenek, Fulton. and Goodrich, are passengers; also Colonel A. N. Shepley. The Della has been suppressed by General Banks, but the workmen waited upon him, representing that their Pewee of subsistence was in its continu ance. The General directedithat it be continued, under the management of the bookkeeper, 'Henry Green. It was thought the editors were unseated in consequence of the' article on.the impolicy ofeor; eluding the'captured portions of the South frOm the privileges of the President's proclaination. Others thought that the French consul and Reverdy John son had induced Gen. Banks to take the step. Nothing of moment in military affairs had trans pired. There were rumors afloat that the rebels bad attacked the blockade at Mobile, but nothing deft . mite was known. The Brooklyn and Scioto were blocicading Galves ton. [The rumor of the attack on our blockaders off Mobile, contained in the above despatch, cannot be true. If It occurred, it must have been before the 10th Instant, and it would have been known imme diately in Richmond. But Richmond papers of as late as the 18th instant say nothing about it. Nor do they say anything about the rumor of a defeat of our forces at Port Hudson, which was sent from Washington some days ago. It was, doubtless, also false.) Advice,' from New Orleans state that Gan. Weit zel's expedition to Bayou Teche had not started on the 10th, owing to a withdrawal of a part of his forces for another purpose, up the river. There were rumors of a repulse at Port Hudson, but they could not be traced to a reliable source. -There was a talk of another expedition under Gen. Sherman being fitted out. .Also, a report that another armed vessel had slipped out of Mobile harbor. STATES IN REBELLION. Great Bounty Offered—What the " Maim: ma , ' and " Florida l ?llld—Richmond Mar ket Revert,— Where ,;<h Army is Going—Strange. Nevis i iifroni Vicksburg, &c. BIG BOUNTY. ' The Richmond Dispatch, Feb. 17th, Contains an ad. vertisement for service in the rebel army, offering a bounty of two thousand dollars apiece. WHO DID IT 1 It was the Alabama that sunk the Hatteras. The Florida has also - sent the Annie Boniall, with hoops for New Orleans, to the bottom. THE MARKETS. In the same paper gunpowder is.-qUoted in Rich mond market as selling .for eight dollars perimund ; tea, $6.50 to 7ff h ; chloroform, $16.50 0, ; black broadc/oth, $16.60 to 22.60 ril yard ; grny cloth'sl6 yard. $925,705 34 7A9.91 10 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC "The whole Of the Yankee army is leaving Aeon's creek, the greater.nortion bound to Washington, and the remainder to Old Point. The object of this move is to recruit ant reorganize. "The enemy are engaged in thiOwing up batteries t,itin the Louisiana shore, to protect their men when they commence throwing pontoon bridges across the river. Our authorities anticipate an early attack, and our forces are preparing for the eiltemy t day and night. All quiet now." LATER FROM VICKSBURG. " FFn. 14.40ne of the' United States gunboats passed our batteries last night under cover of derk nese. Several shots were fired at her without taking effect. All quiet this morning." A FIGHT NEAR LANE .PROVIDENC Quito, Feb. 20.—A. skirmish occurred oa the 10th, near Lake Providence, between a small party of Federals and three hundred of the Ist Louisiana Cavalry, resulting in the rout of the latter. Their loss is unknown, but twentylivo prisoners were taken. Our loss was one killed and twelve wounded. FRO.III NASSAU, Arrival and - Departure of Blockade Bun NEW Yonx, Feb. 20.—The steamer British Queen, with Nassau dates to the 16th instant, arrived this evening. The steamer Leopard arrived at 'Nassau January 19th, from Charleston, with, a full cargo of cotton, and sailed on the evening of the 7th inst., on her re turn trip. A sloop, 'with turpentine, also arrived from vn the f SWIM on the MUIR. Alf St. John ' Mr. a., but probably to run the bit:duel& Major Miller and Captain Wheeler, of the 23d Connecticut Regiment, had reached Nassau to pro cure assistance in getting wrecked stuff from the steamer Planter. Thr steamers Douglass and Nina cleared ; for St Johns, New Brunswick, on the 23d. Both are n tral blockade runners. The pirate Florida sailed from Nassau On the morning of the 27th ult., after recruiting for a day. ' The steamer Glraffb arrived at Nassau on the 26th, and the steamer Antontea, from §avannah, on the 31st, both with cotton. The steamer Thistle cleared on the 26th to run the blockade. The steamer Giraffe sailed again on the ith, and also the steamer Annie Childs, to run the blockade. The Antontea has gone to St. Thomas. The steamer Calypso, from Charleston, arrived at Nassau on the 9th. The steamers Eagle and May Queen, from St. Thomas, and the Emma and Granite City from Greenock. arrived on the 9th, to be added to the Dentin' fleet of blockade runners. The steamers Ruby sailed on the 9th, the Rich°la :the 'Filet on the 10th, and the Eagle on the t4th, all to run the blockade. . A few schooners had also arrived from Southern ports with cotton. • All the abevementioned.hlookaderturmene were 'consigned and' cleated by, the notorious: firm of • Ad- FROM VICKSBURG THE FRENCH IN MEXICO. Sad Condition of the Imperial A;lay—Loss or a French War Steamer -Three Store ships abandoned at. Tauspieo—fte-oeoupsi 'Mho( Jalapa by the Mexicans, dsc. Maw YORE, Feb. 2°.—The steamer Eagle has ar• rived from Havana, with dates to the 15th. Mexican advicea represent the Preach army in a sad condition. The small-pox and dysentery are making sad havoc among the troops. The French war•ateamer Lance was burned at the abandonment • of . Tampico. Some accounts say it was fired by the crew, and others by shot from the Mexican batteries. Three Wessels, one laden with ammunition, and the others with provisions and coal, werealso abaci. (toned. . The Mexicans claim to have captured three, large lots of, French mules; also to have beaten 1,300 Frenchat El Organ°, causing them to retire with the loesof 26 killed, and 30 or 40 wounded ; also to have ofoupled Jalapa. The French have established hospitals at Parote and Qdelcholac. In the latter there are 2,000 sick attend). Sir ;Charles Lenox Wyke, British minister to Idexip, had arrived at Havana on the British war efeamer Medea, and *left for St. Thomas and Eng land ih the British mail steamer. A. Mexican, named Bernardi, who served as an escort to several American' eousuls, los been cap tured by the French and shot. Thesteamer 1110 Ili° left Havana on the 14th for New York. The steamer Pacific was to sail on the 17th. The Shelidrake, from New York, arrived on the 15th. ' The rebel steamer Antonio'', from Charleston 29th ult., via Nassau 01st, had arrived at Havana. The rebel schooners William and Mary, Joe Plan ner, and Neverel had also arrived ; the two latter from Mobile. . Maretzek'a opera troupe are passengers on the Eagle. Still Later from New Orleans. Nnw Yonx, Feb. 20.—The steamer George Crom well, from New Orleans with dates to the 12th, has arrived. . • , There was considerable excitement among the troops; groWing out of the unwillingness of the white soldiers to beplaced on a common footing with the negroes. Rumors were current at New Orleans that the fri gate Brooklyn was aground in 11 feet of water. The Della has been placed in charge of the repor. tern of the Boston Journal and the New York Herald The papers contain no news whatever. The Express of this evening states that rumors had reached here to-day that, owing to the result of some movement at Port Hudson, General Banks had stopped the Techc expedition, and sent the troops to reinforce those at Port Hudson. XXXVIIth CONGRESS—Second Session, WAsamoTox, February 20, ten SENATE. Committee of Conference: A committee of conference was appointed on the in demnification net. New York Custoui House Frauds. A communication Tra4 receieed from the Secretary of the Treasury in answAr to the resolution of the Senate asking what stem bad been taken with regard .to Ate frauds in the New York Custom House, and whether any report had been made. ' New Stitcs. Kr. WADE (Rep. ), of Ohio, from the Committee on Territories, reported back the bill to allow the people of Nevada Territory to take preparatory steps for being ad mitted Into the Union, and salted to be discharged from the further cot sideration of the resolution inquiring into the exp. Money of admitting New Mexico se a State. Payment of Siek and Wounded Soldiers. Mr. WILSON (Rep.), of Massachusetts, from the Mili tary Committee, reported back the ioint resolution to facilitate the payment of the sick and wounded soldiers is tile bospitals and convalescent camps, directing them *be paid in thirty days. Mr. FESSENDEN (Rop.), of Maine, said that he was in favor of the project; but he understood there was come difficulty in•the way, and that many soldiers were paid twice. • . • . Dlr. WILSON (Rep.), of Massachusetts. Bald the diffi culty arose from a want of system and the loose manner in which the paymaster's 'department was managed. That department is managed in the most wretched manner, and unless it is rofonued, the country will find enormous defalcations to a great extent. Many of these men in regimentals base not been paid for months, audit ought to be done, and could be done with proper management. On motion of Mr. GRIMES (Rep. ). of lowa, the time for the payment was extended sixty days, and the reso lution was then passed. Nebraska and Colorado. Mr. WILKINSON ( ReP. ), of Minnesota. from the Com mittee on Territories, reported a bill to enable tho people of Nebraska to take preparatory atepe to be admitted into the Union as it State. Mr. LANE (Rep.) of Kansas, reported &similar bill in relation to the Territory of Colorado.' Itir-TittalßULL (Ito.), of illinots, from the Commit tee on `the Judiciary reported adversely writhe bill to amend the act admitting the Stale of West Virginia. Post Routes. 'dr. gOLIANEE (Rep.), of Vermont, from the Post Office Committee, reported a bill rel.ting to post routes.. providing for a bridge across the Ohio. Mr. COLLAMER called np the annual post-route bill. Several amendments were adopted, and the bill wow then passed. Circuit. Courts of California. • Mr. LATHAM (Dein ), of California, introduced a bill ,Iroviding Circuit Courte for California. Referred to the "ozornittte on the. Judiciary. Assistant Treastirer. Mr. COWAN (Rep. ), of Pennsylvania, willed up the bill to appoint an Aledstant Treasurer, at a salary of three thousand dollars, and additional. clerks, and increasing the compensation of the Treasurer to six thousand dol lars. Idr. FOOT (Rep.), of Vermont, offered an amendment to Increase the salary of the Register of the Treasury to ISCNX)per annum. Rejected.. 11r. FisSSENDEN (Rep) raid he was willing to give the treasurer $5,050, and moved so to emend the bill. After a discussion, the amendment was withdrawn. Mr. SHERMAN (Rep.) moved to amend so as to make the salary of the Assistant Treaiturer 82,500, and leave the salary of the Treasurer at /KM as at present. Iteeeted—yeas 14, nays 24. Mr. ORIAMS(Rep.) renewed the amendment to make the salary of the•Treamtrer $5,000, instead of $6,000. Adopted—yeas 24, nays 12. Mr: GRIMES moved to make the-salary of the As sistant Treasurer $2,500, instead, of $3,000. Adopted— yeas ?a, nays 7. The bill was then passed. Arizona. The bill to ; provide a temporary Government for the Territory of. Arizona was taken up. e . vaftt.r a . debate, Mr. TRIJMBULL (Rep.) moved to in definitely postpone its consideration, on the ground that in the present condition of the country, with an OXPOU sivb war on band, it was not good to provide for new Tet7tt.irtea. - . , 11r. WADE (Rep.), of Ohio,. claimed that it preient the E... 11.11 had .110 L felt any othe serious cOnsequenoes the war „and there was nb reasonswbr title Territory Amid noebeerganized. Mr. DOOLITTLE (Rep.). of Wisconsin, was in "favor of. the *H. He wanted to prevent the rebels ft omgain. hie a "foothold there. • . IiIatOWELL (Dem. ),of Rentiwity, was willing to vot6fotthablitif the section prohibiting slavery was stricken nut. . Ms. TRUMBULL'S motion was rejected—yeas 11. nays 28; and the bill passed—yeas Zi, nays 12.. Courts of the District of voitnbia. Mr. HARRIS (Rep.), of New York, called up the bill reorganizing the courts of the District of Columbia; and, on moron; the vote adopting the amendment to abolish the Court of Claims was considered and the amendment " Alr. ette lloWlLL and Mr. DANIS opposed the bill at some length. Mr. WILSON moved to go into executive session. Re jected. Mr. FESSENDRN moved that the Senate take a recess till levee o'clock. it being nearly half past four. Adopt ed—yeas 2S, nays 12. EVENING SESSION. :Pioneer BFlgadle. Mr. WILSON (Rep.), of Massachusetts, introduced a. bill to authorize the organization an pioneer brigade. • • New NWglautl Aid Society. • Mr. POMEROY (Rep. ) of RIMERS, presented the me mortal of the New England Aid Society asking coni pensation for losses sustained in Kansas. Political Prisoners. • Mr,.POWELL (Dem.) called up a resolution fet print ing extra copies of the letters of the Secretary of War and judge advocate relative to the arrest and discharge of certain State and political prisoners. Ho submitted letters from D. a. Mahony and others, stating that the statements made in the letter of the judge advocate were untrue. Mr. Powell thought the matter ought to be in quired unto, and he should offer a resolution to that effect. .Mr. HARLAN (Rep.), of lowa, said with regard to one of the persons, tile. Multouy, he had discouraged enlistments openly lu Dubuque, and he had heard nn complaints [rein lowa of his arrest. He inquired whether it was customary to print in an official report letters of this character; if not., Ito should object. Mr. POWELL (Derii.) said he considered them read as a- part of his speech. The Senator's colleague (Mr. Grimes) had slated that this was a man of character. Mr. GRIIIInS sale ho only spoke of his 'personal cha racter.• Ile never heard auythikg against hint per sonally uutil the breaking out of the rebellion. Mr. RICHARDSON (Dem. ).of Illinois, said that if any ono knew- of another committing treason, and Slid , not hasp hint arrested. •lie himself was criminaL . Mr. GRL/U/sS. - said he knew nothing of Mr. Mahonyis arrest. Be read some extracts from his newspapers—. one of August, 1661. Rating that it was generally ad mitted that there wits no constitutional Government at Washington, and that the President had,. by violating the Constitution, ceased to be the constitutional head of the Government, and- inquiring how long the people would submit to constitutional Government; and another article of Nay, 1562, stating that the President and Con.' gresg had become an odious, insupportable despotism, end the Government ender,. which wo lived had been subverted, and charging the ruling powers with hav ing comutitted treason. Mr. POWELL said fir. Mahoney was a stranger to him. He had only done what he would do for any man who complained of injustice . • Mr. WILIIIDN (Rep.), of Massachusetts. I think the Senate had better be legislating upon measures calcu lated to put down the rebellion• than spending time in talking about a man who lute shown within a week, in Nev York, that lie sympathizes with the traitors. 'The other day, in New York, John Van Buren swallowed himself, as he is in the habit of doing. John Van Buren is a capital barometer to show which way the popular current runs. . . .at the commencement of the war he made speeches against it, but now he is beginning to show which way the current runs, and showing that the people do not sympathize with traitors, whether in or out of Congress. John Yen Buren made a speech the other day, not that one erring sisters .might depart in peace, but that lie never would consent to recognize this traitor Confede racy, and this Idahony his taken special pains to have it understood that he rebukes John Van Buren, and he is writing to the New York press to prove of himself what we all know, that his heart is black with treason, and the Senate of the United Stater, having the cause of the country on its hands, and having is duty to perform to carry this mut try through it bloody rebellion, inaugurated by traitors, has its time taken np by discussing the character of title rebel sympathizer.. I think we had better occupy the time of the Some in making and passing those measures thatahall carry this nation in triumph through the con test and put down the. rebellion In arms When that goes down those men whose hearts are that the with it will go down also. Be moved that the resolu tion be laid on the table,- Agreed to. The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the bill reorganizing the courts of the District of Columbia. • Air. DAVIS resumed his remarks - and spoke at length against the bill. He - contended that the courts of the District . were established nnder the Constitution, and that thejudges held their offices for life in the tenure of good behavior, and could only be removed by impeach ment.. Mr. HARRIS (Rep) said the judicial system of the district had been established over sixty years, and was a masa of patchwork:. The Constitution gives Congress the power to create inferior courts- from • time to time, These courts were created byact of Congress, and the power that creates can abolish He moved to strike out the first section, which provides for the removal of judges. The discussion was continued by Messrs,-McDougall, Saulsbury, and Powell. Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, moved to amend the emeedment of the Senator from Kentucky, so as to add two judges. He said he. was willing to vote for the bill as St stood. but he found , ti at imputations were to be made that this was an attempt to legislate these judges out of office. lie had not a great deal of conlidsnee in these judges. lie believed in his heart that one of those vixen W.l sweltering with treason, and thatlm ho Ita,l I need Naas 111318 )(Vial , tdr..I.OWELL (Dem.) accepted the amendment: , Mr. CLARK (lisp.), of New ibtlepshire,. said It was conceded that four judges were enough. He would not vote $3,000 for any Judge to supply the place for a Sates sionist wo dare not turn eut: The amendment was rejected—yeas lA. nays 13, Mr. GRIMES offered an amendment, authorizing the President to appoint a warden fur thojail of the Dis trict. Reacted. Mr. SAULSBURY (Dom.) of Delaivare, moved to amend so as to have the jndges elected by the people. Itsjected, • • . Mi. TRUMBULL ofered an amendment providing for a revision and codification of the laws of the District. Adopted. The hill was then poked—vests 19, nays 16. On motion of Mr. ' , ESSEN DEN, a committee of con ference Was appointed on the bill to provide ways ad means to support tiro Government. • At a quarter after ten the donate adjourned: . • HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Pay of YOlunteera. • Mr. SIEIELIABAUGRIt. (Ito.), of Ohio, presented a revolutiou, which was adopted, netting forth that diffi culties have origin regarding the Pay of volunteers from Ohio and other Utates, and instructing the Committee on Military Affairs to inquire and report whether addi tional legisintien in necessary for an explanatory net to .secure the payment ef said nuldlerB from the dine they entered the service, instead of from the "period their cempinies were filled and mustered: Tlie Currency 13111. The National currency. 1)111 wits then tekon np. Mr. pIIbTON (Nett.). of New York, concluded his re xuarke from last mast in - favor of the measure. Mr. BA NEN (Nem New York, said the bill would fail to leach the object for which It was proposed. No one had the bold CIO:. or hardihood to doolaro that this 'measure would he of any service for two or three years . tncemo. •lt Kochi eidfor anitudelluite ettopenaion of specie Pa) !nods, and will Hood the cottntry with an incouvertl hie and itivareniablO currency; ledemanded the total ancimtatinn of the.banking institutions of the country, Tine bill utoold be of no value Unload those inStltutiona aredriven nnt of existence—institutions which are sue y carrying on the business of the people. The same spirit of overbearing will now be used to endeavor to force this hill through. Congnass will hereafter attempt to bring about this result. Among other ohiections to the I>lll, ho eel.' it would plueo in the handle of one man the easterly end control of all the backing capital of the country, affecting Ml the bit -runts relations. A breath might mac or destroy us all. He thought oturfluaneial managemenl grovily and radically wrong. He had an abiding confidence in the success of our arms. whirls would overcome our financial and e.om meicial distress, and fully restore the credit of the Go vernment. Mr. NOELL (Rep.), of Missouri , did not feel at liberty to vole against the hill, but appealed to tho F.ntleznen to refer It to tho Judiciary Committee, to inquire how far it deprives the States of the right to regulate their own financial em-cerns under a valid law. Mr. ALLEY (Rep.). of Massachusetts, advocated an Amendment. He preen-cd to offer one reed ncing the tax • on the circulation of the notex to ono per centem per an num, in order t induce the hanks to muter.° the system and place themselves io co-operation with the Govern ment to supply, a tinilnrm currency, and to prevent en due expansion. The bill gives to the barks a. better eir euhition than under the present system, and protects all their interests. Mr. HOOTER (Rep.), of Maseachnitetts, had no desire to continue the dehate, and moved too previous ques tion. Mr. ROSCOE CONKLING (Mop.), of Now York. re markeo that the reeding of the bill wan not concluded until nearly nine o'clock last night, when it was di-4- 1 inetly agreed that a fair opportunity should be allowed for (Ramekin. To take the veto new would be in viola. lion of this agreement. two hours only to-day having been spent in debate. The SPEAKER said .no such propoeition had been stated by the chair. If the House ehould vote down the demand for the previous question, the bill would be open for amendment. Mr. STY.VENS (Rep.) of Pennsylvania, remarked that be did fay last night that, after the close of the debate, so far as he was concerned, be wrothd remelt amend ments to be offered before demanding the previous ques tion. Mr. HOOTER wished tr. withdraw his motion In order to enable amendments to be offered. Lr.WASIIUitNE(Re ).oflllinolsolicctodtoth is, un.mr.oorersield a thefiooruuionditionali, The lion. e, then, by a vote of 70 yeas against 70 nays, agreed le order the main question to be Put The House refused to table the bill—yeas 17, nays 81 The third reading of the bank bill was then ordered by a vote el — yeas 63, tiny.. 67.. Mr. ROSCOE CONKLING called for the reading of the entire bill. Mr. WASBBURNE raised a point that as the bill had once been read through, the House could dispense with a wend reading. The SPEAKER overruled -Mr. W ishburne's quoting the rule that it is the undoubted right of any member to have obit( read through at each of tie stages. Mr. COLFAX (Rep.), of Indiana, in the course of hie remarks, elated that he himself was. as he always had been in favor of abolishing the franking privilege. but Omit the Senate was known to be hostile to it, and had so rots d this COngreßS, and, as the abolition could not therefore he carried, lie was in favor of curtailing it. Mr. ALLEY'S amendment was adopted; restricting the franking privilege by officers of the departments, and by postmasters to official blueness. and requiring all letters sent to all franking officers to be prepaid. . Mr. BLARE (Rep.) offered en amendment...which was adopted, to establish a money-order systeni—for,Bl and not exceeding 810, five ceuts; over $lO and hot exceed ing S2O. ten cents; and for every additional sum of MO or lass, flee cents. The Clerk reed the bill, that occupying an hour. Mr. HOLMAN (Dem. ), of Indiana, moved to lay the bill on the table. Disagreed to: bill was then passed—yeas 78. nays 61. • • YEAS. Feisenden T. A. D. CR.) '. Fi ( s ße her (Ft.) Prank (R.) Goodwin (R.) C Granger (R ) Halm (U.) Hickman (R.) .1 HutchinsH oo p er n cl . ) , .Kelley (R.) Kellogg (R.) Mich. ,Kellogg ( R.) Ills %aniline (D.) Leary `II. Lovemy (R,) Low (R. ) Melndoe (R.) McKean (R-) McPherson (R.) Martian (R ) Maynard (U.) Moorhead (Ft.) Morrill (R.') Me. Neell (Ft.) NAYS. Allen (D.) Ohio Holman (D.). Pomeroy (R.) Ancona (D.) Horton (R.) Porter (R, Bally (D.) Johnson (D.) Price (D.) Bauer (It.) Kerrigan (D.) Robinson (D.) Baxter (R.) Knapp (D.) Rollins (U.) Mo, Biddle (D.) Law (D) Sheffield (U.) Cobb (D, ) Larear (D.) Shiel (D.) ConklingF.A. (R.) Loomis (R.) Steel (D.) N. J. Coaling R. (IL), Mallory (U.) Steele (1) N.Y. Cox (D. ) Ma (D.) ether; (D.) Cravens (D.) Alen zlet (U.) Stratton (R. ) Crittenden (U.) Morrill (R )Vt. Thomas (U.)Mass Dawes (R.) Morris (D.) Thomas (U.) Ald • Edwards (IL) Nixon (It.). Vallitne igharn, D. English, (D.) . Noble (D.) Wadsworth (D.) Ocloch (R.) Norton (D.) Wheeler (D.) Glider (U.) Hain n (D.) Whaley (V. Gurley ( It.) Odell (D.) White (D.) Ohio, Hall (D) Pendleton (D.) Wilson (R.) Harding (D.) Terry (D.) Woodruff (R.) Harrison ((I.) tPike (R.) tWright (D.) The House took a recess till seven o'clock .Aldrich (R ). Alley (R.•) Ashley (li.) Babbitt (R.) Beanian (B.) Bingham (R.) Blair (U) Va. Blake (R.) 13udinton (R..) Calvert (U.) Campbell(E.) Ca...ey (U.) Chamberlain (R.) Clemente (B.) Colfax (R.) Conway (It-) Covode (N.) Cutler (R.) Davis (R.) Delano (R.) Dunn (R. ) Edgerton (R.) Eliot (R. ) Ely (R) Fenton (R.) Fessenden.B.C.(R) EVENING SESSION. Mr. MALLORY (11.), of Kentucky. from tho Commit tee on Roads and Canals, reported a bill. which was passed, to construct a Wagon road front West Point to Cornwell landing, New York. The House took up the Senate's Post °dice Reform bill. Mr. COLFAX, explaining Sts provisions, corrected a misapprehension iu the publ ic mind as to the registra tion of money letters, which is to be left optional. It is now proposed to have a uniform letter postage of three cents, and to 'reduce the b or more different rates for printed matters to 12 or lb rates, and to establish other important reforms, including the reduction of incidental. expenses. A moog the amendments now made was one striking out the clause requiring publishers of MILO; slues to prepay the postage, and adding a clause charg ing an additional rate for vomited letters;, and providing a charge of tvrenty-ftve cents-for a letter for special de livery, so marked and delivered, day or night. Maila ble matter is divided into three classes: First, letters second, printed matter; third, miscellaneous matter. Mr. COX replied, that by this remark his colleague (Mr. Blake) was carrying out the idea of a member from Pennsylvania (Mr. Covode Rep.), expressed recently during a debate on the nefro-soldier bill, a member who might be termed the err - 9 Sneak of this Reuse, intimating that he (Mr: Cox) was influenced In his con duct because a brother of his was a clerk in one of the Departments.. That gentleman never inquired about his brother in the army. - Mr. BLASE said he had no allusion to his colleagne's brother. , Mr. COX (Dem. ), of .ohio, offered an amendment pro viding that the people, by an election, shall designate their postmasters. Mr. BLAKE asked, why not include the clerks of the Departments? Mr. COX _replied that. he Was glad his colleague had afforded him an opportunity to .say,what he did. Hie object in offering the amendment was to relieve the President, in these times of pressure, from his embar rassments in appointing postmasters. Mr. COLFAX had hoped that the negro question would not be brOught into this matter, and regretted the personalities indulged in. He saw objections in that mode-of selecting postmasters, but he would give the proposition his support if the gentleman snowed that the system could be constitutionally carried into effect, and at.the same lime secure that oversight which would guard the-poetal affairs from fraud and misdirection. Air. Neff MOUT ( ftep. ) suggested that the subjextbe re ferred to a select committee of Messrs. Cox, Colfax, sod Covodo. Mr. COX said he would not serve with the last-named member. Theamendrnent was rejected. No quorum being in attendance, the House, at ten o'clock, adjourned; FENNSYLVARt LEGISL&TIIRE, /34.narsnuite, February 20,1668. SENATE. Tlie Senate met at 11 o'clock and was called to order by the Speaker. Petitions. Mr. CONNELL presented theDnemorial of Jay Cooke & Co.,Dxel & Co., and 125 banker,' and busluess men of Philadelphia, re for the passage of an act which shall pro vide for the funding of the accrued interest on the rail road bonds issued by tho'county of Allegheny. Mr. NICHOLS presented the memorial of the Board of Port Wardens for power to sell certain real estate for merly need as a wharf, near Greenwich Point. ' Mr. SERRILL presentedd• tho memorial of the Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends, asking to be relieved from tines and penalties for the non-performance of mili tary service. The SPE ARTA laid before the Senate the memorial of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society, smiting the Legislature to print their reports and proceedings.. Mr. SMITH, the' remonstrance of 161 citizens of Mont gomery county against legalizing the act of the commbs smears ape , opriating 525 ,W0 for bounty purposes. Mr. K INSET, a petition for the rechartor of the Farm ers' Bank of Bucks County. Messrs. STARK and WALLACE presented petitions in falter of a National Convention. Mr. HAMILTON, a petition from Lancaster city, for a law to prohibit the sale and manufacture of spirituous liquors. Reports of Committees. The committees reported a number of bills; among the number tho bill to incorporate the Union Telegmph Com pany, and the bill relative to the Union Canal Company: Bale Introduced: • Mr. NICHOLS, a bill to empower the Board of Port Wardens of Philadelphia to cell certain real estate near Greenwich Point, 'now the property of the Comnion wealth, and to apply the proceeds-to the use of said board. Br. PENNEY, a bill 'to extend the charter of the Ex change Bank of Pittsburg. Lehigh Navigation. The Senate concurred in the amendment of the House to the bill empowering the Lehigh Navigation Company to construct n railroad from White Flavert to lamp Chunk, striking out the clause authorizing the company to purchase and hold coal lauds, not exceeding 5,000 acres in addition to those they now own. Bills Considered. • The joint resolntiou to 'pay George Baibb, a retiring Officer of the Senate, came up In order on third readilig. and passed finally—yeas 17, nays 11. Mr. N feta OLS called us the bill empowering the tree tees of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia to sell certain real estate, which passed finally, . - • Mr. RIDGWAY called up U. e bill to incorporate the Butchers' and Farmers' Market Confpany of Philadel phia, which palmed finally. Mr. t;OliliBLL called np the bill relative to the Odd Fellows' Hall Association of Alanayunk, which pti men finally: Mr. SBIlltiLL called up the bill legaliriug the degrees conferred and the diplemas issued by the rhiledelphia College of Dentistry, which mead finally. The Senate then adjourned until Monday evening, at 7 o'clock. ROUSE The Rouse convened at 1011 o'clock, Speaker CessnA In the chair. . . . This being public-bill day, Mr. MCCLELLAN, of Cites- . ter, moved that the rules be suspended, and that the House take up bill 210, being a supplement to an act in emporating the Baltimore Central Railroad. Agreed to. [The leading provisions of this supplement are, that live Tears longer be given the company to complete their road, after the passage of th s act, the time for which the charter was first obtained having about explred. Also.' that further stock to the amount of 6350,000 be issued,' under certain contingencies.] Passed. . The Mifflin County Bonk. Mr. BENEDICT. of Rantingdon, called up the bill re lating to the Mifflin County Bank. A great deal of dis cussion occurred on this bill, 'which was, however, of a local character. The charter of this bank differed from that of mast other br.nke in the Commonwealth. It in sought to place it' ou the freo-banking system, making itt securities of a. State and National character. The bank has a large circulation In notes, and stands high. The bill passed. • The Volunteer Reserve Corps. Mr. SHANNON, of Allegheny, called up Senate Lilt 366. (This hill provides for the election of officers in the Volunteer Reserve Corps.) Passed. The Pennsylvania Central Railroad. Mr.' THOMPSON, of Phtladelphin, Chairman of Com mittee on Sail rofids, reported with an ailirutative recom mendation an act incorporating the Pennsylvania tail road Company. It was read, and put on ita dual pas sage. Vfe have before published this :bill in fulL Lengthy arguments were offered egniest its passage by Mont ins; of Washington; Shannon, of Allegheny ;keine, of Fayette; and Vincent, of Erie; Smith, of Philadel phia; Barger, of Philadelphia; Pershing, of Cambria, in favor of Its passage. Mr.MEHEDICT, of Huntingdon, said he was a4minst suakili,' and au he proceeded to an auaiytical (Wats- Mon of the sultie”t: He 'mid ho believed that the Pentisylvinia 'Railroad would want him as soon an he would want them ; but that corporation hail done a great deal towarde the de veleimecer, this Stare. fie sippil trot 11Q ditolfeg bad 011 IV minlvolLiltl 01111111111101111 y nivorluit Daggßa. lioPulAst, of WaOlingtols, offArfal the fallOWlng 'amend meta to Radian , sa Protido.d,'holDetfer That this t.ectiou shell trot be so construed as to lettaiize, either directly or Indirectly, the net approved the 7rh day of March, A. 11. 1561, entitled an act to commute tonnage duties on the Pennsylvania Itallroad. The amendment was accepted and the hill passed finally. Conscientious ScrUples. ' Tho following. la a statement of the number of men in each county exempted. from military service on the ground of conecientious scruples: . Ada nm 131•Juniata . 17 -.8 I IcithenY " 1 Lancaster not received. At imq.rong 19 Lawrence 18 Beaver 9 Lebanon 99 Bedford' • • • • • • ••••115 Lehigh - 13 Berks D 3 LII2C13•••••• Blair • ••• • 73 Lycoming ' 76 Bradford.— 2 Mercer ' 15 Buck 369 Mifflin 117 Butler 10 Monroe ............ 8 Cambria I); McKean Cameron no draft. Montgomery 1.23 C. i bon 1 lilontour none. Chester • • "....208 Northamuton . 3 Centr. 12 Northumberland none. Clarion not received. l'err.. .... .. ... .... 4 Clearfield 20 Philadelphia 7:17 Clinton 3 Pike nut received. " Columbia " 24 Potter ..not received. Ciawford •• 1 Schuylkill . ........ 1 Cumberland ' 11:3 Snyder 8 Dauphin 102 Somerset . 118 1/elaware '4B Sulfiven 10 ...tc 10 Susquehanna 4 Elk .. 2 TiOglt • 3 'Fayette.— .... :.. : ... .. 2 t Helen ' • 90 Tercet • none. Venango..••• • 5 Franklin ....". 188 Warren 7 Fulton 3 Washington, • 11 a/ eeno." • •••• ' ' ' '.... 30 Wayne not receiVed. Huntingdon 31 3 1liestmoraland •••• ...... 4 luil hula • .10 Wyoming pet received. ,Jefferpon."... .1 York ..i ... • Then HOD.W.then adjourned u.ntil 7,;a" olcock on Mon day evening. Destruction of an Illinois Newspaper CnICAUC, Feb. 20.—The office of the Keokuk (I 11.) Conslitutton wee destroyed yesterday afternoon by a party of convalescent soldiers from the hospitaL The types were thrown into the street, and the presses broken up and a part thrown into the river. inspection of leortifications. NM Yong. Feb. 20.—Major General Wool is preparing to make a tour of inspection of the forti fications, arsenals, and military depots in Connecti cut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire , . and Maine. His tour will commence next week, and he will visit New Haven, Newport, Fall River, providence, Springfield, Worcester, Boston, Ports mouth, and Portland, at each of which cities he will undoubtedly meet with that hearty reception his Wein guished military services so well merit. It is underetcod that the fortifications on the Atlantic coast will receive especial attention, and the degree of activity which Lc has infused into the operations upon the fortifications of New York harbor will eoon be observed in other portions of his De partment. Sax Fnmvorsco, Feb. 20.—Arrived, ships Karma duke a/Ml . :astern Star, from New York. There is a better feeling in the trade generally ; sales of 390 bales drills at 19 ; pure Spirits anti Whisky 43 ; Cordage 13. The case of the United States vs. R. 1.. Halmond, collector at San Francisco under. President Pierce, is on trial before the Circuit Court. The action is to hold the bondsmen responsible fop' the alleged heavy defalcation. Arrest of a Rebel Detective in New York., • NEW Yonx, Feb. 20.—Colonel Charles Carroll Hicks, of the rebel army, and lately a detective offi cer for the rebels at Richmond, was arrested at the St.. Nicholas Hotel this afternoon. Postponement of Mr. Vallandigham's BALTIMORE, Feb. 20.--The lecture announced for this evening at the Maryland Institute, by Mr. Vallandigham, did not come off, the unmistalcable evidence that the loyal sentiment of Baltimore would not tolerate his presence having induced the abandonment of the lecture. The American Steamship Company. BOSTOX, Feb. 20.—Edward S.. Tobey, A. A. Law rence, and James M. Beebe, have petitioned the Legislature to be incorporated as the American Steamship Company, to run vessels between Bos ton and Europe, with a capital of $2,000,000. AUGUSTA, Feb. 20.—The State loan of $525,000 was taken 10-day at an average premium of 14 per cent. Over $4,000,000 were bid. Non-Arrival of the Nova Scotian. PORTLAND, Nov. 20, Kidnight.—There are no signs of the steamer Nova Scotian. Olin (R.): Patton (R.) Phelps (D.) Cu.t ' I Potter (R.) Rice.(ll:) 3fasa• , Iftlee (R.) Ma. • Sargeant (It) Sedgwick: (R.) Segal' (U. ) Shanks (R.) Sh ellabaraer (R.) Sherman (R.) • Sloan (R.) • SPanidina CR.) Stevens (R.) Trimble (U.) Trovehnidge (R.) Van Horn (R.) Van Wvck (h.) Verree ) Wall (R. ) Wallace (12-) Washburn° (R) White (R.), Ind. Windom (R.) Worcester (R.) Saco, Maine, Feb. 20.—The Poet Office; was en tered, last, night, and robbed of all the letters it con tained.' CINCINICATI Feb. 20. —Flour dull but offered freely at $6. Wheat firm at 130@t40c. Whisky 61e. Pork quiet. Gold 60Q61. Demand notes 60. BALTIMORE, Feb. 20.—Flour dull ; Ohio extra, $7.8734@8. Wheat steady. Corn acive, at 950)60 for White, and 88@87c for Yellow. Whisky dull at 606616. Coffee buoyant; sales at ssc. PROFESSOR SCHANFFER's LEOTURES.—OR Mon day evening next, Prof. C. C. Schaeffer, the eminent linguist, and professor of the German language in the University of Pennsylvania, will commence a double course of lectures, (twelve or fifteen,) one lecture per week, delivered twice, on an afternoon and evening, so as to give such as may be pleased to attend a choice of time for hearing the addresses. These lectures will embrace a complete series of il lustrations and definitive expressions of the organic or theoretical character of the German language, , with a vast amount of other useful and important information. Prof. Schaeffer's new method of im parting philological instruction, and his new and original system of obtaining., in an easy and econo mical way, a knowledge of different languages, .is creating a lively interest among all clasaes of scho lars, many of whom have spent months in acquiring what Prof. Schaeffer imparts in as many days. UNITED STATES SANITARY COMILISSION.—The eloquent and distinguished president of the United States Sanitary Commission, Bev. Dr. Bellows, is to deliver an address at the Academy of 21usic, on Tuesday evening next, giving the history and ob jects of the Sanitary Commission and its mode of administering relief. This valuable organization bas contributed ten-fold more to the comfort of the sick and wounded of the army than all other or= ganizations. General Roseomns, in a recent letter, speaks in the highest terms of the operations of the Commission in the West. Those who are so fortunate as to hear Dr. Bellows Will be gratified by the interesting detail he gives of the sanitary management of the army. The advertisement of the committee of arrangements will be found in another column. CONCERT FOR THE` BENEFIT OP THIS POOR.—Be. nevolence, when .it takes the form of popular amusement,. has genendly been very successttil in this city. A party of fifteen, chiefly amateurs, give a concert at the Handel and Haydn Hall; on Tues• day evening, for the benefit of the poor, and it pro. mises to be one of the decided successes of the season. CRITTENDEN'S PHILADELPHIA COMMERCIAL COLLEGE.--This Institution, of great advantage to businessmen, is in avery flourishing condition. Over three hundred and sixty students have registered their names since the issue of its catalogue, last April. Among those in attendance are the sone of many of the leading merchants and business men of our own city and State, besides a large number from other States. For the communication of business knowledge, this College has no superior.' It occupies the whole upper portion of the large double building at the northeast corner of Seventh and Chesnut streets, which is well lighted, and fitted up in the beat man ner. The course of study is thorough, and emi nently practical, just what is needed to qualify one for the intricacies and routine of business life. Every young man, no matter what profession he may select, should have a knowledge of mercantile affairs, and we recommend this institution to all who 'Wish to acquire a thorough preparation for commercial pursuits. (Mt ADDITIONAL CM FrAWS BEB SODIITS PAWL] Sr./atm.:co TOURNAKEHT.—Lost evening, "Joe Coburn," who is, matched to fight "Torn Mc- Cool," of St. Louis, Mo., gave a sparring entertain ment at Franklin Hall, in conjunction with "Con Orem," the champion of Colorado. Mr. Coburn is a "splendidly built man," an acknowledged adept in sparring, and weighs about one hundred and ninety pounds. He has whipped several "knights of the gloves;" among whom is' "Ned Price." His fight with McCool will take place on the fifth of May, at some place in Canada hereafter to be designated. McCool is "a great favorite" in The West. " He weighs about two hun dred and fifty pounds, and will light at "catch weight." The stakes in this contest are two thou sand dollars, and the approaching "encounter" agitates to no small degree , the "sporting fraterni ty." Mr. Chem, Coburn 's training companion, was present last, evening, and exhibited his prize belt of gold and silver, worth six hun dred dollars, which he won at Denver City, Colorado Territory, in a contest Wirth the celebrated Enoch Davis. Mr. Orem in this contest had the pleasure of breaking,four of the said .Davis' , ribs, and, by thus depriving his antagonist of "wind," winning the fight. • He is a man of compact frame . and strikes a powerful blow, which it is much better to give than to receive. The first " siet-to" of the evening NV:II3 bet Ween him and Coburn. Dressed in appropriate costume, they appeared upon the stage and proceeded to en tertain and enlighten their audience, which, by the way, was a large and respectable one, on the subject of "feelers," "passes," "dodges," "counters,' "stealers," "wards," "clinchers," and "falls." Cobuin's "hits" at the "nob" of his respected friend were courteously returned by several "counters" on his "peepers" and "smeller." The entire "set-to" was an admirable exposition of the "art of sell:defence," and brought out theiwomi nent "points" of the combatants. While Coburn excels in quickness of movement and the rapidity with which he "gets away" after delivering a "stun ner," Orem is equally happy in "dodging" and "stealing a blow" upon his unsuspecting antagonist. Several "set.tos" then followed' between "novices , ' and "experts." Of these, the one which elicited the most applause was between "Young Porter" and , both Philadelphians. and the former well known as en "habitue" of the "ring." In this contest the " mug," "nob," "gob," "peepers," " smeller,"` breatLbasket," and other portions of the pugilistic anatomy,'all received especial atten tion. We must also mention the "science" dis played by John Stanton, who, although without a knowledge of the art, "put on the gloves"' and ably. defied "the champion of Colorado." The them pion at filet . was surprised at, such "treatment" from a " green un," but he finally settled the new candidate for "fistic honors" by knock ing him "flat." Stanton .retired, not dismayed, but satisfied. The " wind-up" of the evening was between "Charley Parkinson" and "Joe Coburn." It was a creditable display, but Parkinson, although eliciting much applause, found himself "one too few" for the "boy Joe." "Joe," after "playfully tapping" the "nasal organ" of Charles, closed the exercises by drawing a little claret from the said organ of his amiable companion. Thus ended the "sparring tournament," which was conduct in a manner creditable to the parties engaged; atilt o Mr. Smith, the "Master .of cere monies." Messrs. Coburn and Orem intend to visit Washington and Alexandria, and affbni our soldiers some "fistic" amusement, after which Coburn "goes into training" for hie coming fight with bleCool. FUNERAL OBSEQUIES .OF TIM. LATE HENnr C. Jo sox.—The funeral obsequies of the late Henry C. Johnson, whose death we have al ready noticed, took place in St. Matthew's Lu theran Church, New street, yesterday afternoon. The services were deeply impressive, and were listened to with profound attention by a,crowded auditory. The altar was beautifully draped with the national colors, as was also a raised dais within the chancel, upon which reposed the coffin. At the con elusion of the services, a magnificent wreath of ins mortelles was placed over the breast of ,the deceasiN, by tha aaalmila wal4h9 laiarral Hi ilia family 1 V 160 0 , - awry county ) to-day. . , FIRE LAsT EVENII , IO.—The workshop at-• taehed to the rear of Messrs. Kite /r. Walton's cable net wareroornis wee discovered to be on Are. It originated accidentally, and was first discovered be tween the ceiling and second-eery floor. Moat of the damage was done by water. The fire being, what le called a stubborn one, was hard to get at, the companies being M service nearly three-quarters of an hour. The entire loss will probably reach $5OO. ACCTDENT.—WiIIiam McFarland, aged 15 years, was admitted into the Penn Hospital last evening, having had his left thigh mangled and the bone fractured by some of the machinery in a screw bolt manufactory, on Arch street, between Twen tieth and Twenty. first, yesterday afternoon. We learn that the unfortunate lad was employed at the works, and wee accidentally caught in the machi nery. IN TUB CITS.-11 C. Macksell, Esq., of Pittsburg, one of the counsel for Miss Beattie, the young lady in prison In Allegheny county for shoot. tag her seducer, is now in the city, on business for Battery C. Heavy Artillery, stationed for some time In Camden, New Jersey, but now in St. Louis, Missouri. LACE CM:TAU:S.—Rich Embroidered Lace and Jacquard Curtaina, from $2 to $65 a win dow. Masonic Han, 119 Crheatnut street. W. CittRYL Establishment. From San Francisco. Lecture. Diable State Loan. POst Office Robbery. Markets by Telegraph. THE CITY. CITY ITEMS. CAPTAIN COURTLAND SAIINDERS.—TO night, the Courtland Saunders Cadets will bring their lamented founder to the recollection of thou sands assembled to witness their delightful perform ances at the Academy of Music. This very week, another eity.New York, in as editorial of one of its leading journals, does honor to his memory in the following paragraph: "Among the most worthy who have fallen in this war was Courtland Saunders, a captain In the Philadelphia Corn Exchange regiment, who was killed in the battle of Shepherdetown. In hint were conspicuously united the highest characteristics of the soldier, the echolar, and the Christian. As a soldier, he conducted himself with great gallantry/ land strongly endeared him self to his men. As a scholar, he had, at a very early period of his lite, shown remarkable pro ficiency. At the age of six years he had acquired a knowledge of iLatui, and at twelve had read the en tire Bible in Greek. A few years later he published an educational work of acknowledged merit. In his Christian life he was a bright and shining ornament in the church, nor were the excitements and tempts- Bone of military life able to abate the ardor of his devotion • but in the camp, even, he made his light shine before men, and amid its multifarious duties he found time to select from the Bible such passages as are best suited to the soldier in the vari ous trying situations in which he is likely to be placed. These passages have been printed in tract form, and are now being extensively circulated IR all the camps." LATEST CARTES DE VISITE OF A PUBLIC OVAllAtrrert., ny GCTEETTISST.—The public have been placed under lasting obligations to our artist townsman, Mr. F. Gutekunat, by his prompt and numerous contributions of cartes de virile of distin guished personages. We need hardly add that the pictures taken by Mr. Gutekunat have a double value, from the fact that they are uniformly taken from life, with the most skilful regard to attitude, and finished with a degree of softness and perfect resemblance to life unattained :hitherto by the best European ,photographers. His latest pictures are splendid cartes' of General McClellan and lady, on the same card and separate ; also, of Brigadier Ge neral Sully ; the late Rev. Dr. McDowell, of this city ; the Rev. Dr. Plumer, of the Arch-street Pres byterian Church; General Tom Thumb, his beauti ful little wife, and the no lees celebrated Commodore Nutt. , FINE CONFECTIONS AT MODERATE PRICES. —We are glad to be able to state that, notwithstand ing the great advance In the prices of all kinds of consumeable commodities, the popular old firm of Messrs. E. G.Whitrnan dr. Co., Chestnut street, below l'ourthi next door to Adams Sc Co.'s Express, are selling their delicious fresh confections, all made from the purest and choicest materials, at very mod erate prices. Their various Chocolate and Cream preparations, fine Sugar Plums, Bonbons, fine Roasted Almonds, and a thousand other delicious things, have become matters of necessity to the pineal; and comfort of every household. EXTENSPVE PREPARATIeIi6 FOR SPII.I2fG TRAWL—Messrs. C. Somers & :Son, No. 625 Chestnut street, under Jayne's Hall, are now daily receiving, and opening their spring importations of Cloths and Cassimeres for spring, and already orders for suite are pouring In upon them. The facilities of this firm, for getting up elegant garments at moiler. ate prices, are equalled by but few concerns in this country. Give them , a trial, by .all means, before purchasing elsewhere. Their ready-made stock is Wee A No. 1. - • TEE CALM =FORE TIIE STOBAL—The comparative dearth of news which now prevails in all our militiry departments is thought by some to be the calm that precedes the storm. This may be true, but what a contrast the war affords in this respect •to the business of Mr. W. W. Alter, the large Coal merchant, Ninth street, above Poplar, which exhibits a perfect hurricane of activity from one year's end to the other! This is attributable, no doubt, to the fact that he gives his customers urinal advantagea in price, weight, quality, et cetera. MESSRS. CHARLES OAKFORD & SON, under the Continental Hotel, are giving their cus tomers great bargains iii. Ladie s, Furs. FOR ELEGANT MuATAnY Furnishing Goode, for Army and Navy officers, go to Oharlea Oakford & Son, under the Continental Hotel. SOrETHOB ARTIOLF. OF SCOTCH AT.E AND LONDON Bnowtv Svonr.—Mr. 0. H. Mattson, dealer in fine family groceries, Arch and Tenth streets, has now in store a supply of Scotch ales of very superior brands, recommended with special reference to their purity; also the best article of London Brown Stout, to which we invite the attention of consumers. Wonow SnADES-.-- Gold-bordered, fres. eoed,Gotbic, and landscape Sh age e,colored in brown, buff, blue, green, pearl, and drab, with durable fix tures. Maisonic.llall, 719 Chestnut street UNION DA3LASES, WORSTED REPS, IV PEIIIAL WORSTED TERRY, Plain and Striped Union Reps, Satin de Lathe, French Brocatelle, Wide Mo quette, Green and Crimson Plush, Silk Terry, Fut , nature Coverings of every description. Masonic Hall, 719 Chestnut street. W. H. CARRYL, CLomirmoEir FOR CASH, at No. 704 Market street. Clothing for Mechanics. Clothing for Apprentices. Clothing for Laborers. Clothing for Doctors. Clothing for Business Men. Clothing for Farmers. Clothing for Clerks. Clothing for all Men. Cheap for Cash, at GRIGG S VAN GTINTEN, No. 104 Market street. TTTE EMPRESS JOSEPHDTE had quite 8 passion for shawls, and it is questionable whether any collection of them was ever so valuable as hers. At Navarre she had one .hundred and fifty, all ex tremely beautiful and high-priced. She sent designs to Constantinople, and the shawls made after these patterns were beautiful as they were valuable. Every week Id. Lernormant came to Navarre, and sold her whatever he could obtain that was curious in this way. We haVe. no doubt if he could visit Philadelphia he would procure for her a pair of breeches, from the fashionable ‘nd one-price Clothing Establishment of Granville Stokes, No. 609 Chest nut street. - U. S. FLAGS on hand and made to order, all ens. Idesonie Han, 719 Chestnut street BROWN'S BROXCIHAL TROCHES are of fered with the fullest confidence in their efficacy; they have been thoroughly tested, and maintain the good reputation they have justly acquired. For Military Officers and those who often over-tax the voice, they are useful in relieving an Irritated Throat, and will render articulation easy. To the Soldier exposed to sudden changes in the weather they will give prompt relief in Coughs and Colds, and can be carried in the pocket, to be taken as occa sion requires. "The 'Troches are a staff of liZe to me." Prof. DWARD NORTH, Pree. Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y. "For Throat Troubles they are a spectitc." N. P. WILLIE. "Too favorably blown to need commendation." Ron. CHAS. A. PuEvrS, Pres. Mass. Senate. • "Contain no Opium nor anything injurious." Dr. A. A. PLkyns, Chemist, Boston. "An elegant combination for Coughs." Dr. G. F. Thor -Low, Boston. "I recommend their use to Public speakers." Rev. E. 11. CHAPIN. "Most salutary relief in Bronchitis." Rev. S. SEIGYRIED, Morristown, Ohio. "Very beneficial when suffering from Colds." ' Rev. S. J. Y. ANDSMSON, St. Louis. "Almost instant relief in the distressing labor of breath ing peculiar to Asthma." Rev. A. C. EGOLESTON, New York. "They have suited my ease exactly, relieving my throat so that I could sing wills case." T. Duorrmum, Chorister French Parish Church, Montreal. As there are imitations, be sip' OBTAIN the genuine. To RAILROAD COMPANIES AND CAR BUILDERS.—Just received, a large invoice of Crim son French Mohair Flushes, per steamer Austra lasian, for sale low. Masonic Hall, 719 Chestnut street. TIER, FIRST UPRIGHT OR CABINET PJAICOS of STSUCWAY SZ.SONB have arrived at the undersigned, and are the badmiration of all who see them. In construction, touch, and volume of tone, they are full Grand Pianos, standing upright. Thus Steinway has again succeeded to remedy the coin• mon defects of this, in Europe, so popular form of a piano, and combines in them all the well-known and universally admired qualities . of his Square and Grand Pianos. A•large assortment of those splendid unequalled Square and Grand Pianos, which re ceived last summer the first prize medal at the In ternational Exhibition in London, over 269 Pianos from all parts of the world, are always on hand at Blasius Brothers,loo6 Chestnut streets. fef4sw3t TEE Srrunv orr. = ." All is quiet on the Rappahannock 1" Murfreesboro answers the call— . Vicksburg repeats it—Texas takes up the word—and North Carolina joins the chorus. From camp to camp nothing is heard but the gentle bustle of mili tary life.. In the Army of the Potomac, the Provost Marshal is' prying into Rile sutler's contraband stores, and the hard•presscd reporter, despairing of a skirmish, a raid, or even a flag presentation, tells us that the 06106111 and men who present the neatest and most comfortable appearance, are those who wear uniforms that were made at the Brown Stone , Clothing Ran of Rocklin' & 'Wilson, Nos. 603 and 60b Chestnut street, above Sixth. A.NOTRira gDOCESSFUL BLOCKADE. BUN- der.p.x.s. plains ilaelt To tate ixoellenoy Prcaideat t...thave to report to you the secceesful running of the blockade last Tuesday, by one of your rams, left on mrplace at Springfield for pasture by you, about two years ago. I had contemplated his capture in order to fleece him (as everything con-* nected with the Government should be), when I no ticed a disposition on his part to evade the draft, which was very strong in the old pen in which be was kept, so 1 determined in a few days to put him through the operation above alluded to ; but about five o'clock, on Tuesday morning, our sentinel, the old Cochin-China, sounded the alarm, and as Ijumped out of bed I saw the fleet ram passing my window with a full head of steam on, evidently bound for the lane.gate. I immediately opened my batteries on him, consisting of a few potatoes, a pair of.boote, and a half.peck measure, which latter exploded as it struck a tree, doing considerable damage to the mea sure ; but before I could train on him the bootjack, he was completely out of range and on the main road, going at the rate of about twelve knots an hour. I was going to have the wool manufactured into cloth, and Charles Stokes & Co., the eminent Clothiers, under the Continental Hotel, Philadel phia, had engaged the whole carmi; but I regret to report the whole speculation a total failure. • • Yours, respecttully, . Brigadier General DOOLITTLE, Commanding. PILLOW, PICTURE, AIM CURTAIN TAB . - alms AND COAD44iit Cornices and Bands: ST.emonie Hali E lifiptie4aut street. W. H. auutyr. w. H. Csmirr.. W. R (DAILEY W. H. CAnnyr.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers