J) ÜBS. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1864. 4*“ We can take no notice ol anonymous cominu alcation*. Wo do cot return rqjeatsd maniuorlpt*. Voluntary correspondence solicited from all parts of the wfirld, and especially from our different military and naval departments, wuen used, it will ha paid Ton Tire Presidential Question. The circular signed “S. C. Pomeroy, Chairman of the Executive National Com mittee,” is said to he the Herald's latest hoax or the World's latest triumph over truth! ‘‘We arc authorized,” says the Washington J?ej mblican, “by a distinguish-, iij) friend of Mr. CitASK, to state that the Secretary of the Treasury denies having any knowledge of the ‘ Circular ’ published in onr first edition, and signed ‘ S. C. Pome roy, Chairman of the Executive National Committee. ’ We doubted the genuineness of the document when we first saw it, and now we arc glad to be able to state that the -whole thing is a hoax. The Copperhead papers that appear to rejoice over it have had a joke practised upon them.” The authenticity of the document was generally doubted, even by those who are opposed to ihe re-election of Mi. Ltncout, for its spirit and tone are far more likely to increase than to diminish his popularity. It is perfectly fair for the gentlemen who prefer Mr. Chase, or Generals Butler, Fremont, or Grant, for the Presidency, to urge their fitness with all zeal; but it is manifestly absurd to suppose that'the warm est admirers of Mr. Chase, a statesman of. distinguished ability, and a member of the Cabinet, would attempt the superfluous task of elevating him in public estimation, by bitterly depreciating Mr. Lincoln. We infer, from a leader in the New York Tri bune, that that journal prefers to see Mi. Chase the next President, yet, ■while it insists upon the value of the one term principle, it honestly declares itself satisfied with Mr. Lincoln’s Administra tion. The truest supporters of Abraham Lincoln arc the last men to oppose the fullest discussion of the Presidential ques tion. We cntirely.agree with the Tribane in urging that, ‘ • while each has a perfect and undoubted right to his preference, and its free and full expression, great care muss he used that our discussions do not become heated and exasperating, and so divide us into factions so alienated and embittered as to prevent our cordial, efficient co-operation in the great rtniggle before us.” This is all-important; we do not hesitate to say that it is more important than the actual choice between the four or five prominent men whose names are likely to be presented to the Baltimore Convention in June. We Should be sorry to see an attempt made to elevate Grant by pushing down Fremont, ■or the fritnds of a Cabinet officer dispa raging the Cliie! Magistrate of the Republic. We have begun the greatest political cam paign of the age, and it would be pitiful, in deed, if onr ■first action should be a domes tic quarrel. The Alexandra Case. The English Court of Exchequer having decided not to grant a new trial in the case of the Alexandra, the law officers of the Crown appealed to the Court of Exchequer Chamber. This really is a Court of Error, and consists of eight out of the ten Judges of tbe Courts of Queen’s Bench and Com mon Pleas. The respective Chief Justices of these Courts are very able men. Sir Alexander Cocehurn, one of the soundest as well as most brilliant of English lawyers, was Chief Justice of the Common Pleas from November, 1850, to June, 1850, when, on the promotion of Lord Campbell to the Woolsack, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Queen’s Bench. . Sir Charles Crompton, better on the bench than at the bar, was appointed puisne Justice of the Queen’s Bench in 1852. Sir Colin Blackburn was made a Jus tice of the Queen's Bench, in 1859, solely through the favor of Lord Chancellor Campbell— apparently for no other reason than that he was ‘‘a blither Scot.”. His position, in practice on the Northern Cir cuit, was neither high nor lucrative, and his career on the bench has been one of plod ding mediocrity. Sir J. Mellob, also a puisne judge of the Queen’s Bench, has been too recently appointed for a fair estimate of his judicial ability to be made here. From the Court of Common Pleas, the judges who were to sit on the appeal are all of high professional repute. Sir William Eule was made a puisne Judge of the Common Pleaß in 1845, transferred to the Queen’s Bench in 1840, and was made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in 1859—with the ge neral opinion of the whole bar that no man was better qualified for that high office. Sir Edward V. Williams, Sir James Shaw Willes, and Sir John Barnard Biles, (respectively made puisne judges of the Common Fleas in 1847, 1855, and 18o$j, are lawyers of great ability, learning, and honor. Theec eight Judges were to have decided, on *he Gih inst., on the appeal from the refusal ot tbe Court of Exchequer to grant a new trial in the Alexandra case. It is said, however, that, whatever their de cision, it wifi not be final; for all parties Wish the law to be definitely fixed. Should it be carried before the House of Lords, the final decision there, according to custom, will be made, not by the House at large, but by the few among them who are designated Law Lords. At present, this class consists of Lord West bury, Chancellor of Eng land ; of ex- Chancellors St. Leonards, Colchester, Cranworth, and Brough am ; of Loid Wrnleidale, who was a judge from IS2B to 1856; and of Lord Kingsdown, foimerly Mr. T. Pemberton Leigh, and a well-known Chancery lawyer of eminent learning and skill. Every Peer is entitled to speak and vote on appeals before the House of Loids, but, for a long time past, such causes have been left to tbe Law Lords. The decision ot the House of* Lords, as the ultimate Court of Appeal, is final. Bow Old is W asliington 1 Some of our cotemporaries seem to have ignored Worcester’s Unabridged, and to have totally forgotten that Washington •was born in 1782, and not in 1733. Wor cester gives us the following definitions: “ Anniversary. —A stated day, celebrated as it returns in the course of the year.” “Ybabbt. —Annual 5 occurring once every year.” “Yearly” and “anniversary” are used as synonymes. If Washington had lived until the twenty-second of Febru ary, 1864, he would have been one hundred and thirty-two years old. According to our cotemporaries, he "would have been only one hundred and thirty-one years old. Ac cording to them, when a child is one year old, he has no anniversary at all. Charles Augustus, for instance, is bom January Ist, 1863. On January Ist, 1865, when he is two years old, his first an niversary (still according to our cotempo raries} will be celebrated. Still proceeding by the same authority, all the world are mistaken in regard to the ter-centenary Shakspearean jubilee. The twenty-third Of April, 1864, is the two hundred and nine ty-ninth anniversary of Shakspeakk’s When a young man is twenty-one years old he celebrates his twentieth anniversary and not his twenty-first. Celebraters of golden ■weddings-will please remember that the forty-ninth anniversary of the marriage day, And by no manner of means the fiftieth, must be observed. A stand should certainly be observed on this point. An anniversary is “ a stated day, celebrated as it re turns in the course of the year.” A child, or a nation, is bom on a certain day. The first anniversary of its birth occurs one year after that day. Washington was born February 22d, 1732, and, had he lived until the present time, would have been one hun dred and thirty-two years old. To comply with a notion ot accuracy, the names of the years in use are those of the completed and nut of the current years. The Christian era 3s not yet'one hundred and sixty-five years old, and, until it is, we shall continue to speak of the present year sb eighteen hun dred and sixty-fpur, although we are in our one hundred and sixty-fifth year, just as much as we are in the nineteenth century. ■The next anniversary of the Declaration of Independence wifi, as wo understand it, be the eighty-eighth anniversary of that decla ration. Our country is not 30 very old that it need wish to lose a year. We shall be eighty-eight years old as a nation next 4th of July, and President Lincoln sets his hand and seal to this in all his proclama tions. Tlie Southwest. We have at last come new* or General Smith’s cavalry expedition, which lately roile into Misbls eippi as a co-operative force following General Sher man’s army. The pa-sage of the Tallahatchie was opposed by the rebel! under Forrest and Chalmers, bnt, deceiving them with an infantry force, General Smith crossed at another plaee with perfect suooess, and on the nth arrived at Pontotoo. This expedi tion is necessarily behindhand, but, under its enter piising commander, it will yet render greater assist ance in harassiDg the enemy, destroying communi cation, cutting off supplies, Sw. mobile in our pos- BCitiOP) the rivers of Alabama open to our fleet, and a strong mounted force ready to operate from Flori da on Georgia, with Sherman and Grant from other direetiote, the enemy in the Southwest will be in volved in a fatal strategy. General Polk must either follow Sherman to Mo. bile, with the certain chance of being demolished if he is encountered, or maroh to Selma to hold the road between Sherman’s army and Johnston’s, A. refugee who has arrived in Nashville from Montgo mery, which place he left to escape the conscription, repeats the story of discontent among the rebel population, and avere that there exists throughout Central Alabama, and he believes throughout the South, seoret Union organizations, which will be beard from at the proper time, and the votes raised will be no feeble one. He represents that the utmost consternation prevails among leading Secessionist!; they are between aeveral fire*; they dread the ad vance of the Union armies, being almost frantic on ihe subject; yet they distrust the masses of the people, and are unwilling to rely upon them. WASHINGTON [Special Despatches to The Prcui.] Washington. Ds Os. Feb. 22 A Speech' by the President. At the opening of the Patent Office Fair last night, alter Mr. Ohittkhdbn had delivered his speech, Major B. B. Frbkch read a pstiiotic poem, which was loudly applauded. Loud calla then beiog made for President L.urcoi.N, he stepped forward and said that he appeared before the audience to apologize for not speaking, rather than to speak. He thought that the committee had practised a little fraud on Mm, for they did not intimate when they came to see him in the morning that they expected him to speak; therefore, he had come before the audience totally ui.ptepared to say anything. That was taking one at a giest disadvantage after the eloquent speech of Iffr. CHtTTia-DKt and the poem of Mr. FftHXOH. There was great objection to his saying anything, for necessarily, in consequence' of his position, everything went into print. [Laughter and ap plause, j If he made any mistakes, it might do both himself and the nation harm. [Applause] It was very difficult to say sensible things. [Laughter.] He therefore hoped that the audience would excuse him, after expressing hie desire that the charitable citcipiisc in which they were engaged might be abundantly successful, [Applause.] Interference with Elections. The report recently made by Senator SowAnj, liom the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom wns referred the bill to prevent officers of the army and navy, and other persons engaged in the military or naval service of the United States from interfering -in State elections, has just been printed. This is pro posed to be prevented by flue and imprisonment. The ieport says that long anterior to the passage of the secession ordinances there was a atoug party in many of the Northern slave States which joined in the thieat to break up the Union in the event of the election of a Republican President. That there have been all along, and still are, great numbers of sueh persons in the several Border States admits of no doubt. It is perfectly notorious that when the rebellion broke out there were large and Influential portiona of the people of Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland, and Delaware, who were open supporters and advocates of the rebellion. It could not be doubted that but for the presence ol the loyal troops who hastened from the North to bold those States to their allegiance by the iron grip of war, that they, too, would have proved false to the Union and the Constituting and would to-day have been, as communities, either in arms against the Government of the United States or in its military occupation. That they me still In the Union and in the enjoyment of their rights and' high privileges under it, is due to ihe Union bayonets and to the spotless faith an 1 ! heroic courage of the true Unionists they contain, far less numerous than has generally been supposed. The Committee on Military Affairs say that so far as they have been able to ascertain, the evil which the bill is intended to remedy is almost wholly ima gic&ry, and the faot thatthere is so little real ground for complaint against the military, considering the scenes of excitement and disorder In which they have been compelled to interfere, speaks loudly in praise of their justice and forbearance, and is high < videt.ee of the impropriety of passing the bill. The New Whisky Conference Committee. The Speaker has appointed, as the new conferees on the part of the House on the whisky hill, Repre sentatives WASHttDBNB, of Illinois; Kasson, of lowa, and Dawson, of Pennsylvania. A large number of persons from abroad are here looking after the whisky interest. Aa soon as the vote in the House on disagreeing to the report or the con ference committee on that subject was announced, they thronged the telegisph office at the Capitol, sending messages to their respective friends. The Quicksilver Mining- Case. The California quicksilver cate has attracted to the Supreme Court many interested parties. Judge Black and Caleb Cushing are counsel for the company. The former made a motion to-day to ex clude the United States from the controversy on tbe ground that the Government was not a party in the court below, having filed no exceptions, and having taken no appeal. The court refused to de cide on this motion until they hear the whole case. Mr. Carlisle, of Washington, and Williams, of California, appear for the claimant Bbbyesa, Se nator Rbybrdt Johnson represents the New Al in aden Company, and seeks to withdraw his appeal. Robbery ot a Paymaster. Some time last night Major Malone, a paymaster in the United States army, was robbed of $70,000, which he had drawn from the treasury for the pur pose of carrying to the front in order to pay certain regiments there. It appears that after drawing the money he took it to his home, and put it in a trunk under his bed. During the night the trunk was taken from his room, and this morning a servant in the house found tbe trunk in the stable, broken open, and an amount of postage'currency scattered about. A number of arrests have been made, and, atnox-g them, that of Mr. Briggs, the paymaster’s cleik, by Detectives Dugan and Kelly, but aa yet no money has been found. The detectives are, how ever, actively at work endeavoiing to ferret out the robbtrs« It is rather a suspicious looking case. The U. S. Supreme Court. In the Supreme Court, Mr. Justice Nelson de livered the opinion of the Supreme Court, to-day, in the cause number one hundred and thirty-two, Greene C. B. Bronson, et al., appellants, vs. The Lacrosse and Milwaukee Railroad Company et a:., it being an appeal from the Diatriot Court of the United States for the District of Wisconsin. The opinion reverses the decree of the District Court with coats, and remands the cause for further pro ceedings in conformity to the opinion of the Su preme Coust. The Quicksilver Mining case was taken up this morning in the Supreme Court. Rebel Letters." Cspt. Bcbebtz’s detectives have lately ferreted out several lota of rebel letters. The vigilance of this corps has made eplstolatory communication with rebeldom quite perilous. By their activity they have also captured quite a quantity of eontraband goods m several different places. We understand they have found that a member of the Maryland Legisla lure, who lives in Southern Maryland) has secreted a quantity of arms, ammunition, rebel flags, &c. Contingent Expenses of the War Depart* The Secretary of War communicated to Congress to-day an account of the contingent expenses of the War Department. Personal. I*;. A. Soudbr & CO., of Philadelphia, offer to charter the steamer W. B. Seward to the Govern* ment. Cbarlzs Knapp* of Pittsburg, continueohis offer of eight and ten-inch Columbians to the Ordnance Bureau. Ail the stories that the President intends soon to make a fresh call for troops are* believed here to be false. Such stories have been in circulation. Confirmations by the Senate. The Senate, in executive session to-day, confirmed tbe following nominations: ...... George F. Seward, New York, consul general at Shanghae. Franklin Chase, Maine, consul general at Tampico. Joseph C. A. Wingate, New Hampshire, consul at Swatow. Henry .T, Cuniff, New Mexico, consul at Paso del Nolle. George P. Hansen, Illinois, consul at Elsinore. Aaion-Young, Jr., Maine, consul at Kio Grande, Brazil Bichard B. Morse, consul at Curacoa, Benj. P. Hall, Colorado Territory, consul at Val paiaiio. ' • Jay T. Howard, Pennsylvania, consul at Naples. B.Tj, Hill, Michigan, consul at San Juan del Sur. v,’. n. Slake, Indianajconsul at Manzauilla. Joseph e. Marx, Ohio, consul at Amsterdam. Winston J. Trowbridge, of Connecticut, consul at Baxbadoes. James Boutwell, consul at Dublin. Albeit Rhodes, of Pennsylvania, consul at Jeru salem. Lewis N. Tappan, Jr., of Massachusetts, consul at Batavia. Albeit G. Riddle, consul at Matauzas. George V. Tefft, of Maine, consul at Stockholm. John s. Smith, of Pennsylvania, consul at Gan* dia. til)wien p. Hanna, of New Jertey, comul at Da intrant. TO KB CMXBCTOns OP INTBBNAL BEVBNDB, Edward 1,. Penoe, Third diitrlct of Maiaachusett*. 3 ohn H-Morris, Tenth district of New York, x.ouls Ulephane, District of Columbia. Redrew S-Care, Second district of Virginia. Philip D. Moore, Washington Territory. TO 358 AS&EBSOBS Of Mtehhal BEVEKUE. F. H. Piper, 12th district of Illinoii Andrew Hyatt, 10th diitrlct of New" York B steal] Banrford, 19th district of New Vn'pir John W. Killinger, loth district of Pennsvlvania Wm. H. Jessup, 12th district of Pennsylvania Josiah Milliard, 3d district of Virginia. Peter Page, lat diitrlct of Illinois. Luke A. Taylor, 6th district of Wisconsin. tnecßra-Arncous. JameiWi SlMßkliai of Oaliforoi*. to be receiver of DUbliO moneys for the district of ban Francisco. JollD F. Swift, of California, to be register of the Hand Office at San Francisco Paired Assistant Surgeon Joseph W. Shiveley to be Surgeon in the Navy, vise Surgeon W. D. Harri son, dlimiwed. Paired Auiftant Surgeon Henry F. Mcbherry to be inrgeon in the navy, vise Surgeon B. E. Black, transferred to the retired list. Faiitd Awistant Surgeon Samuel J« Jones lo be surgeon in the navy, rut S. A< Engle*, tranaferred to the retired lift. „ . , . t Paired hirktut Surgeon O, J. Coleberoe to be surgeon lo the oavr> viee F, L- Weber, transferred to theietircd II et, Josiah H. Calver, of New York, to be assistant surgeon in the navy, vice C. O. Carpenter, resigned. Join Mel) Kioe, of Penna, vice Assistant Sur geon C. Carter. Samuel J. Draper, of Delaware, to be assistant nmgeon in the navy, vice K. E. Van Uresoa, re flipped. Robert Willard, of Massachusetts, to be assistant surgeon in the navy, vice E- E- PieMdn, deceased. John W. Coles, of Pennsylvania, to be assistant au'geon in the navy, vice A. Hutchins, resigned. wa. H. .Tones, of Pennsylvania, to be assistant surgeon in the navy, vice J. H. Wears, resigned. Win, T. Kemp, of Maryland, to be assistant sur geon in tbe navy, vice J. J. McGee, transferred to tbe retired list. David V. Whitney, of Illinois, to bo assistant sur geon in the aavy r vice J. W. Shively, nominated for promotion. Charles H Page, of New Hampshire, to be as sistant surgeon in tbe navy, vioe H. F, MoSherry. nomic ated tor promotion. «• Wm, M. Bober* of Pennsylvania, to be assistant surgeon in the navy, vioe J, J. Gibson* nominated for promotion. James K.Tryon, to be assistant surgeon in the .J. Jones, nominated for promotion. I>avia Mack, Jr., of Massachusetts, to be assistant surgeoD in the navy, vice W. W. Leavitt, resided. James N. Hyde, of Connecticut, to be assistant Burgeon in the navy, vice D. W. Ballentine, de ceased. James M. Flint, of New Hampshite, to be assist ant surgeon in the navy, vice H. L. Plympton, de ceased. Wm. Commons, of Indiana, to be assistant Bur geon in the navy, vice w. ft. Terry, resigned. Charles M. Soammon, to be first lieutenant in revenue cutter service. My lick Snow, to be second lieutenant in revenue cutter service. 4 John G. Mclntyre, to be third lieutenant in reve nue- cutter service. Wm. Walkin, to be third lieutenant in revenue cutter service. The following were confirmed as ohief engineers In the nfcvy: „ , , First Asistant Engineers Wm. Roberts, Jackson. Mi'Elwfll, Alexander Greer, and John H. Long. Charles Upson, of California, to be surgeon general of California. Horatio N. Marsh, to be deputy postmaster at Joliet, 111. ADDITIONAL PAYMASTERS IS VOLUNTEER FORCES, Dudley W. Rhodes, Ohio; Wellington Vrooman, West Virginias C. i*. Chase, Wisconsin ; George B. Congdon, Wisconsin ; Josiah Tilden, Illinois; Mar shall Grover, Indiana; N- O. Sawyer, Vermont; Henry S. Grant, Michigan ; Barnaba* B. Hammond, Rhode Island; Georee P. Lawrence, Massachusetts; John S. Herrick, Ohio: Josiah Miller, Kansas; Wm. C. Lupton, Indiana; George Truesdale, New York; James S. Thurston, New York; EdwardG. Fahnestock, Pennsylvania ; Robert D. Clark. Penn sylvania ; John H. Dolman. Ohio; B. T. Tennly, Ohio; Chambers Baird, Ohio; John W. Wallace, Pennsylvania; Selden E. Marvin, New York; Nicholas St. John Green, Massachusetts; Oharles K. Littlefield, New York; Ethan S. Reynolds, In diana; Benjamin L. Martin, Indiana; Benjamin Gregory, New Jersey f George W. Hands, Ohio ; William H, H> Allen, New Hampshire; 13 a via T. Dickson, Illinois *, Edward Wolcott, Massa chusetts ; Peicr K. G. Hall, Pennsylvania; George Putnam, California; Elias Cooper, Illioois ; Joseph W. Moore, Pennsylvania; George B. Dudley, New York; W. T. Davidson, New York; D. B. Forrest, New York; M. S. Gunokle, Ohio: H H. Hutm, Wisconsin ; K. B. Haythom, New Jersey; M. G. Hart, New York ; Rufus Heywood, New York; S. V. Halliday, Pennsylvania; R. M. Dee. Jr., Pennsylvania; S. Lountberry, Connecticut; Henry LIDCB, Wisconsin; G. W. Hopping, Indiana; W. S. Lamb, Indiana; Allen McKane, Pennsylvania; Geoige Morton, Ohio; James G. McKenney, Mas sachusetts; F. M. Northrop, Connecticut; J. H. Nelson, Michigan; Wm. V. Porter, New York; G. D; Rosser, Massachusetts; Walter K. Soott, Indi ana; D. C. Smith, Minnesota; Wm. M. Smith, Indiana; M. H. Dickerson, Pennsylvania; Nelson H. Van yorhies, Ohio; George W. Candle, Illioois; F. B. Dixon, Virginia; Egbert T. South, Ohio ; Guy H. Wakins. Pennsylvania; J. D. Pulsifer, Maine; Zachariah Voorhies. New York; George a. Hamil ton, Illinois ; Jas. Whitehall, Pennsylvania; David Wyman, New York; James H. Lea, Illinois; Thot. A. Haviland, Massachusetts; John N. Scott, In diana; George B. Hagin, Iowa; John W. King, Ohio; Maik Hollingshead, Ohio; Wm. H. Biair, Pennsylvania; Joseph Harris, Wisconsin; War ren C. Emerson. Ohio: Thos. T* Saunders, Iowa; George Cunningham, Maryland; Chas. Crawford, Minnesota; Albert R. Shteve, Ohio; H. W. Snyder, Pennsylvania; F. C. Tarr, Maryland; William D. Thompson, Pennsylvania; Thomas E. Williams, Missouri; Chas. A. Warner. Minnesota. PAYMASTERS IN THE REGULAR ARMY. Edward Wright, Illinois; Rodney Smith, Ken tucky ; Additional Paymaster John P. Brua, of the regular army. PAYMASTERS IN THE NAVY. Assistant Paymaster Ambrose J- Clark, do. Geo. Cochran, do. Thos. F. Caswell, do. George A. Saw yer. TO SB HOSPITAL CHAPLATNB, James Guffey, of New Jersey; Henry Stavens, West Virginia; S. M. Beatty, Ohio; John M. Green, Maryland: Rodney Gage, Massachusetts; John A. Spooner, Maryland; S. P. Ives, Illinois; James B. Crane, Pennsylvania; Thomas H. W. Monroe, Dietiictof Columbia; Jacob Fronkel, Penn sylvania; Peter McGrone,Pennsylvania; Elward McGlynn, New York ; Griffeth Piven, Maryland ; D. C. Ormeby, New York ; D. D. McKee, Indiana; John W. Arthur, Delaware; William Smith, Alabama: William K. Talbot,Kentucky ; Almon Gregory, Indiana; William L. Mather, Mas sachusetts;* William Eamshaw, Pennsylvania; Franklin w. Oimstead, Vermont; Jos. A. Stevens, Indiana: Thos. Willett, New York; Norman W. Camp, New Jersey; Wm H. Paddock, Pennsylva nia ; Chas. H. Helslcy, New Jersey ; J. A. Craw ford, Pennsylvania; Robert Day, New York ; Wm. J. Potter, Massachusetts; Patrick F. McCarthy, District of Columbia; J. A. Heiden, Tennessee; Manuel J. Gonsalves, Pennsylvania; Alex Shiras, Pennsylvania; Philip McKim. Missouri; James Schofield, Iowa; Cfaauncey W. Fitch, Indiana; lllinois; D; D-Von Antwerp, North Carolina; James H. Brown, Pennsylvania; Alfred Nevin, Pennsylvania; Herman Ejseso, Tennessee; Chas* Gartner, Pennsylvania - Christopher CrovVn, Pennsylvania. In addition to the above, tbe Senate confirmed the nominations of shout 115 assistant quarter masters and commissaries of subsistence. THE WAJ* IN VIRGINIA. A. REBEL AMBUSCADE. Attack on the id Massachusetts Cavalry. WASHINGTON, February 33.—Yesterday morning, about II o’clock, as a detachment of the 3d Massa chusetts Cavalry, under Captain J. L. Reed, who had been out on a scouting expedition, were return ing towaxds'Drainsville, on tho way to Vienna, they were attacked on the Drainaville Pike, about two miles from the latter place, by a gang of rebel guerillas, supposed to be under the command of the notorious Nloseby, concealed in the pines. The de tatchment of the 2d Maßsachusets Cavalry con. sis ted of about 150 men, while Moseby had, it is sup posed, at least between 300 and 300. The cavalry were fired upon from the dense pine woods, near Drainaville, and retreated. Afterwards, eight of our men were found dead and seven wound ed, while it is supposed that at least fifty or seventy five were taken prisoners. At least, so many are missing, though, as scattering ones are coming in from time to time, the number will doubtless he considerably reduced. Among the prisoners is Cap tain Manning, of! Maine. Captain J. S. Reid, the commander of the detachment, was shot through the lungs, and died a few moments after being wounded. His body has been brought to this city, and will be embalmed by Drs. Blown and Alexan der, and thence will be sent North to his wife, who lives In Dorchester, Maes. Moseby beat & precipi tate retreat. Troops were at once sent in pursuit of the guerillas, but the pursuing party had not been heard from. FOKTRtSS MONROE. Fortress Monroe, Feb. 22.—The birthday anni versary of Washington has been duly celebrated to-day in this district of the Department by the fir ing of a salute from the water battery, the frigate Minnesota, and the two frigates lying in Hampton Roads, one Englishman and one Russian. Also, a review of troops took place inside the Fortress. General Butler returned this morning from Point Lookout, where be has been, ofltuiinesi for the last two days. ' Ebenezer Paine, a citizen of Norfolk, was commit ted to jail yesterday for attempting to run the block ade. Michael Heely and William Kennedy, charged with desertion, escaped from Norfolk jail on Satur. day night. Also, Jones, a rebel prisoner of war, es caped from Fort Norfolk. The flag-of-tiuce steamer New York returned thisP. M. from City Point, in charge of Miyur Mulford. The ice is troublesome in the James river, and detained the New York some time. SAIT LAKE. : . Artemi), Ward Captured liy Indiana. St. Louis, Feb. 22.—The Democrat's Salt Lake City correspondence, dated the 6th inst.. Bays a desperate band ol highwaymen-exists along the road flora Sait Lake to the Bannock Mines, to rob and murdering the returning miners. Some time since the citizens of Bannock formed a vigi lance committee, who have hung thirteen robbers, including Henry Plummer, the captAin and sheriff of Bannock and Stinking Water Mines; Buok Stin son, deputy sheriff ; and George Lane, deputy sheriff of Virginia City. Seventy.two names are still on the list in the .hands of the vigilance committee, who will be treated in the same manner am the others when caught. Artemus Ward and Dr. Kingston, his agent, were captured by a band of Indians while on an excursion to Salt Lake, but were released through the efforts ot Governor Heed and Brigham Young. Caiko, Feb, 22.—The steamer Graham, from Mem phis, with dates of yesterday, has arrived. She brings ninety bales of cotton for St. Louis. Twelve barges, containing 12,000 bales of hay, were burned at Memphis on the evening of the 20th. The hay was valued at $200,000, and belonged to Goff, Cochran, it Co. Another account says it had been delivered to the Government. The gunboat Conestoga, ten miles' below the mouth of Bed river, recently captured four rebel officers, two of them colonels, while attempting to cross the river with a large rebel mail, $200,000 in New Or leans money, thirty bales of cotton, and a number of mules, horses, and wagon*. The property was delivered to the quartermaster at Natchez. The prisoners were retained on board the gunboat. Nearly 300 rebels have been captured in the neigh borhood of Helena, and sent to Nashville, by Gen. Buford, during the past month. The ateamer Olivo Branoh, from New Orleans, with dates to the 16th, has arrived. She brings ninety-one bales of cotton and a large lot of sugar and molasses for St. Louis. She also hss the 2d Illinois Cavalry, Colonel Ward, Who have r& enlist ed as veterans. Arrival of the Louisiana. Nbw Yokk, Feb. 23.—The steamer Louisiana has arrived from Liverpool. Her advices are anti cipated. Fire at Canton, Missouri. St. Louis, Feb. 22.—Sixteen stores end dwellings at Canton, Missouri, were burned on the 13th inst. Loss $66,000; insurance about $6,000. Fire at Freemansburg, ST. Y. Ithaoa, Feb. 23.—A large parrot the business por tion of Freemanaburg. New York, was burned last night. Thirty five buildings were destroyed, in cluding a bank, hotel, and other buildings. The loss is not ascertained. General Burnside at Augusta. Portland, Feb. S3.—General Burnside went to Augusta this morning, where he received his friends In the Governor's room, at the State House, this evening. He takes a special train (hr Boston to morrow. THE PRESB.-PHILADELPHIA; WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 24,1864.’ TBE WAR IS TIIE SOUTHWEST. General Smith’s Cavalry at Pontotoc, Mississippi, on the lith. Passage of the Tallahatohle. ADVANCE OF GRANT’S ARMY. THE BETREAT OF LONGSTREET. Memphis, Feb. 20.—General Smith’s cavalry ex« peditionwas followed and harassed by Forrest's and Chalmers' forces. A detachment ot the 19th Penn sylvania Cavalry has arrived from the Tallahatchie river, where they left General Smith's command and returned with despatches. The courier reports that the Tallahatchie river was guarded for fifteen miles in front of Holly Springs, as Forrest expected that the expedition would cross neat that place. General Smith 1 * advanced brigade of infantry occu pied the enemy from this side while he moved east to New Albany, Mississippi, with his cavalry, where he expected to make a crossing on the lGth, but was delayed for twenty-four hours by the slow move ments of Waring's brigade. The enemy was taken completely by surprise by this movement, and Ge neral Smith entered Pontotoc on the 17 th, where skirmishing wag going on when the courier left. All were in fine spirits, and confident of penetrating tbe vitals of tbe Confederacy and ooming out safely. Twenty-four prisoners were taken on the Tallo ba'chie. Cairo, Feb. 23 —Advices from Vicksburg to the 16th report nothing new from General Sherman's expedition. ADVANCE OF GEN. GRANT. RINOQOLP, Go.| Feb. 23.—Gen. Palmer's forces occupied Ringgold this afternoon. Our mounted infantry in advance drove out a small rebel patrol found at Colorado, two miles from here. This town is perfectly deserted. Only seven fami lies are left in the place, which formerly had 3,000 inhabitants. RETREAT OFLONGSTREET—STRENGTH OF THE REBEL ARMIES—DESERTERS AR- RIVED. Chattanooga, Feb.23.—Despatches repeat, with* out confirming, Longstreet's retreat across French Bi o&d liver. It is thought here, that, having failed to accumulate a force sufficient for prompt, energetic operations on our communications, he has grown fearful of concentrations against him or Johns ton, and ii now endeavoring to form a junc tion with the latter, at Dalton, before 'the spring campaign can open. The largest estimates give him twenty thousand infantry and fifty field pieces. Johnston is known to have at Dalton six divisions of infantry, about thirty thousand. The two armies concentrated will probably muster sixty thousand men, and might prove dangerous. Great dissatisfaction still exists, and evidences of the demoralization of the rebels are numerous. Provost Marshal General Parkhurst’s reports for January and half of February will show a total of three thousand two hundred and seventy-six desert ers from Johnston’s army alone. General Palmer has remained in peaceful posses sion of Ringgold, fts., and the gap covering Chat tanooga. The enemy may yet accept his invitation and fight. Humor bad it yesterday that Hardee was west of Lafayette, Ga., trying to cross Lookout Mountain, and make a descent to Bridgeport, but this is false. Gen. Palmer pushed a detachment into Lafayette today, driving the enemy out. The enemy suppose that Grant has been concen trating at Knoxville to drive Longstreet, thus weakening Chattanooga, and may be foolish enough to attack us here. Look out for active operations before April. Adjutant John Shepherd, of the 9th Kentucky, has been exchanged. DEATH OF GEN. CROCKER. Cairo, Feb. 23.— Apparently authentic informa tion received at the headquarters of this department state that Brigadier General Crocker, of lowa, died at Jackson, Mississippi, of wounds received in a ekiimish with the rebels, in the advance of Gen. Sherman’s army. Two thousand people attended a Union meeting at Jonesboro, Illinois, yesterday. The Western Freedom Convention. Louj&villb, Feb. 22.— An adjourned meeting of tbe Freedom Convention was held this morning id tbe .saloon of Bier's Hall. Fending the report of the Committee on Resolutions, the Convention was ad dieued by Hon. .T. Caspar Butz, of Chicago. He m&tie a radical speech as the representative of the German ConventiOß which met at Cleveland last fall. He Bald some of the Germans had gone over to the Copperheads, but they had 400.000 votes left, and should attain universal freedom throughout the United States. He asked, where can we find a bet ter territory for furnishing to the slaves than that we are now conquering? Mr. Anderson, of Ohio, said tbe spirit of John J. Ciittenden hangs like a nightmare over Ken tucky, and prevents her from uttering her true principles. The Convention wai addressed by Messrs. Dunham, Baird, Preston, and Needham, of Kentucky; and Gen. McNeil, Mata, Kinkel. and Piestoriouz, of Missouri. At tbe afternoon session, the following resolu tions were presented'by the committee, excepting tbe seventh, which was offered by Mr. Kinkel. They were acted upon singly, and afterwards unanimous ly adopted: Resolved, Ist. That tbe unity of this country, with the present republican form of government, state anr national, must be preserved, and the rebellion suppressed. 2d. That slavery was the cause of the rebellion, and that peace cacEOt be obtained until the principles of frceeom announced in ths Declaration of Inde pendence and tbe Federal Constitution are carried into practice. The question whether slavery is to be perpetuated or not is no longer exclusively a State, but a national one. It is therefore proper that the Constitution of tbe United States should be amend ed so as to stcure freedom to every human being within its jurisdiction. Such a guarantee of indi vidual freedom is as necessary in the Constitution ot the United States, as that of a republican form of government to each State. a 3d. The Government has tbe constitutional right to demand the services of every male, no matter what may be his color or condition, whether bond or nee, and the master cannot interpose his right between the man and the. Government, and that we are in favor of enlisting and enrolling all alike. 4th. That durieg a rebellion the President, in the exercise of the war power, has full and ample au thority to free all the slaves in the rebellious dis tricts, and they are thereby invested Irrevocably with all the rights of freemen, and that In the pre sent rebellion he ought to exercise this power to its fullest extent. 6th. That, with the effect of the President’s am nesty proclamation before ui, we declare that, iu our opinion, the same has been injurious to the Union cause and its operations within the district to which it especially applies; humiliating and un just to loyal men by placing them upon the same tooting with rebels, and we would urge its recall or suspension until the rebellion is wholly orushed. 6th. That the Slave State Freedom Convention be made a permanent organization by the formation of an executive committee, of one member and one alternate from each of the slave States, for the pur pose of carrying out its principles; ana that delega tions from each State represented in this Conven tion appoint the members. We declare ourselves favorable to such an amendment of the Constitu tion of the United States as shall make the Presi dent’s election for one term only. A resolution was offered and lost, after consider able discussion, providing for a national radioal convention, to meet at St. Louis on the 101 b of May. The vote stood 63 ayes to 64 nays, the majority pie* ferring to act with the Republican party in their national convention. The proceedings of the Convention were generally harmonious, but toward the close of the afternoon session considerable confusion prevailed, princi pally upon minor points, and the Convention ad journed sine die. The lay delegation to the Freedom Convention called a State Convention, to meet at Louisville, on the 9th of May, to appoint delegates to the Balti more Convention. They appointed the following State committee: Jaß. Speed, John Tompkins, L. N. Dembitz, Somerville; O. A. Preston, of Coving ton ; O. F. Be) land and Hall Cummings, of New port ; George D. Blakey, of Russellvilie; T. D. Culvert, B. Gieen, and D. Layton,-of Louis county. The Kentucky Freedom Convention* li-k, Feb. 22.—The Freedom Convention auembkd at noon in the United State, Court room. About one hundred delegates were present from Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas. The Convention was organized by the eleotlon of the Hon. Wm. P. Thomason, of Kentucky, as presi dent. Vloe Presidents—M. M. Bruen, of Tennes see; F. W. Wolf, Aiktnta,; J. S. Nixon, Ken tucky, and Gen. John McNeil. Secretaries—J. S. Fouler, Tennessee; Jas. Taussig, Missouri; J. \V, Campbell, Kentucky; Msj. J. Barnes, Arkansas. A communication was read inviting the Conven tion to attend en masse the laying of the corner-stone of the Union soldiers’ monument at Cape Hill Cemetery. A committee of three from eaoh State represented was appointed to draft reaolutionii viz: Arkansas— H. H. ‘Wolff, S. T. Buroes, George G. Shumwaok. Tennessee—Robert Farquharson, A. Weens, J. F. Fowler; Kentucky—James Sheed, Geo. G. Blakely, D. F. Sanford. Missouri—Col. Arnold, Knickel, J, J. Hume. The Convention adjourned at 3 P- M., to meet at seven in the evening, to hear an address from Chat. I). Drake, Esq , of Missouri, Which was brief but elcquent. Subsequent to which, the committee ou resolutions not having reported, the Convention adjourned till to-morrow at ten A. M. Senator Pomeroy’s Chase ciroolar was distributed to the members during the evening session. Indiana Union State Convention. Indianapolis, Feb. 23.—The Union State Con vention, which met to-day, lathe largest ever held In the State of Indiana. Governor Morton will be renolninated by acclamation. Colonel Hudson, of Terre Haute, will probably be nominated for Lieu tenant Governor. It ie doubtful whether the Con vention will instruct in favor of Lincoln. A delegation is here from Washington, working for both him and for Secretary Chase. Several Con gressional district canvassers have voted for in structions in Lincoln’s favor; but seme have gone against him. The struggle will be on those points- The platform of the Convention will be moderate, making the proseoution of the war and the preser vation of the Union the great issue. Indianapolis, Feb. 23.—The Union State Con vention organized at 10 A, M. Gov. J. A. Wright presided. A resolution endorsing the Adminiatratldn, and recommending the renominatioa of President Lin coln for re-election, was passed unanimously. Gov. Morton wss nominated for re-election, by acclamation. A full ticket will be nominated this afternoon, and a platform adopted. The Convention is very large, and ever; portion of the State is fully represented. Indianapolis, Feb. 23.—The Union Convention nominated a full Statetlcket, with General Nathan Kimball for Lieutenant Governor. The resolutions adopted demand the sacrifice of every partisan feeling to the -cause of the Union, and the action of the Government, whether In ac cordance with our views of oorrect polioy or not, cannot absolve any from rendering all possible aid to eruah the rebellion by furnishing the Government with men and means, counsel and encouragement. They hail with joy the indication! of returning peace by complete aubjugation in accordance 'with the law* and Constitution. The resolutions favor the destzußUon of everything that stands in the way of permanent and perpetual peace amODgit the people of all the States, and the full aud complete restoration of the just authority or theUfllted States under the Constitution. The resolutions denounce those who oppose the Government and refuse to contribute men and money to support the Govern mrnt. The Convention presents the name of Andy John son as its choice for Vice President. A grand ratification meeting is held to night. DISASTER REAR PORTLAND. Total Wreck of the Steamer Bohemian. PROBABLE LOSS OF LIFS. Portland, Feb. 23.— The steamship Bohemian, Captain Borland, from Liverpool, struck on Alden’s Bock, four miles outside of Cape Elizabeth; about 9 o'clock last evening. She beat over the rook, turned her head toward the shore, and sunk in an hour and a half, about two miles from the shore of Richmond's Island, having stove a hole In her en gine compartment. Fart of the steerage passengers a: c supposed to be lost. Her bridge is covered at high water and the seas are breaking over.’ The night was clear, and the cape light in full view. The Bohemian had nineteen cabin passengers, all of whom are supposed to be saved, and one hundred «od ninety-nine steerage passengers. It caunot be ascertained how many of the latter are lost. Boat No, 2 was swamped alongside, owing to thej>eopie crowding into it, and it came ashore on the cape with a man and child iu it, both dead. The people at the Ocean House, and in the Fishing House on the cape, seat teams for the sufferers. The following passengers are saved : Mr. and Mrs. Gordon, A, G. Gilman, Alexander Erupy, Mr. Fill fOW, J» G. Miller, Mr. Welch, Mr. Woodruff, Rev. Mr, Richardson, Wm, B. Smith, Captain Welles, Captain Stone, John Jobneon, James Hickston, John Robertson, Purser Smith, Mr. Sellant, James Scatchard. Supposed to be saved, Mr. Stewart. The crew was saved, with the oaptaln, purser, mail-officer, stewards, ohief clerk, ohief steward, en gineers, and others. The mails were lost. Thethtelligence reached the city at 1 o’clook this morning, and a tug-boat was[sent off at once. She has not jet returned. Additional intelligence and the names will be sent as soon as, received. The Bohemian had a cargo of silks and other goods mostly on Canadian and Provincial account, valued at $1,C00,000. The ship was going at half speed. [BKCOKD I>HSI»ATCH.J All the cabin passengers are saved. Among the steerage passengers aboard were Hannah Jackson, and three childien, of Pittsburg; Henry Hay,of Philadelphia; Mis. Hempsly and two children, of Philadelphia. [THIRD DJfSPATCJH.] Portland, Me., Feb. 23.— Captain Borland, Of the Bohemian, arrived by a tug*boat at 10'o'clock this morning, and reports the ship to bfl in four fathoms of water, off Broad Cone, and slightly heeled off'. * The main deck, at low water, is two feet under on one side, and at high water it is seven feet under. He thinks she will hold together if the weather is fair. The only way to get the cargo out is by divers and tailing her into sboaler water by lifting her. The weather is thick and foggy. Three mail bags were saved. It is thought that but few passengers are lost besides those who were in the swamped boat. Some of the firemen probably perished. Tbe steamer Bohemian was built in 1859, and was 2.190, gross, :tons burden. On the British register she is classed A No. 1. From a passenger, who oame up in boat No. 5,1 learn that he was standing on deck at the time the Accident occurred. They had passed the buoy, and the passengers were just remarking that it wai a pilot boat coming out, when the ship struok. The boats were got out safely, with the exception of No. 2, which was swamped. No. 5 took aboard all she could hold, ineluding several who hod jumped into the water. Being unable to find a landing place, she was rowed up the harbor* She contained mostly cabin passengers and some steerage passengers, whose names I did not* learn, with the exception of a Mr. Brown. STATEMENT OV THE SECOND OFFICER, From James Scott, the second officer, I learn that all the officers were on deck when the steamerstruck. It was five minutes past eight o'clock, and the watoh was being changed, when the ship struck on a rock and went over. Orders were immediately given to clear away the boats, and soon the ship was headed for the shore, but shortly afterwards she sunk in four fathoms of water. Boat No. l, under the call of the boatswain’s mate, made'two trips to shore, saving on the first trip abcut 80 persons, and on the second about 70, Boat No. 2 was swamped. No. 3, under charge of the second officer, landed about 94 persons in Broad Cove. Boat No. 4, under the charge of the first and third officers, landed 25 persons. Boat No. 5, in charge of the fourth officer, brought 29 into Portland harbor. These numbers include the officers and crew of the Bohemian. The whole cumber of passengers was 218, and the number of the ciew 99. The number of saved was 298, leaving 19 to be ac counted for. The lamp-trimmer, Peter Hart, and engineer's storekeeper, whose name is unknown, are supposed to have been drowned. All the remaining officers and crew were saved. Captain Borland supposed himself four miles from his real position. ‘ The haze probably misled him as to the true position of the lights. He had been look ing for a pilot, and burning rockets and blue lights for half an hour, and was going at the rate of a mile and a half an hour when the vessel struck. Half an hour before he had got soundings in forty fathoms of water, with soft bottom. Our citizens and city authorities are taking measures for the relief of the passengers as they come in. All the assistance pocr sible was rendered by the people at. the Ocean House and residents of that vicinity. Portland, Feb. 23—Evening,—Nothing relative to the passengers can yet be obtained. Many of the saved have not yet come forward. From the re ports of passengers I gather the following list of lost: Eilen O’Conner, aged 23, of Portland; Pat Furceil, aged 26, his wife, aged 25, his child, Eliza B j and an infant, of New York; Patrick Cassidy, aged 25 : and James Cassidy, aged 17, of Brooklyn, New Yolk; Barbara Canovan, 4 years, of Portland; Gilbert Manley, 3 years, John Manley, aged io, and Richard Owen»j aged 18, all ol New York; Benja min HaUeckeesoh, aged 23, of New York; John Ksne, aged 32, of Boston; John Martin, aged 2, of Boston; Honor* 'Walton, of Boston. This makes 17 in all. Mary Hoy, aged 29, of Philadelphia, is also reported lost. ■ Twenty one have not reported, and five are saved whose names are not on the list, probably being misspelled, and constituting part or the above thirty-one, thus leaving twenty-six to report. Some may be at the Cape, too ill to come to the city, and some may be distributed about the city, in charita ble hands. A force of men have been engaged this afternoon in stripping the wreck. They recovered 33 mail bags. The mails were all on deck, ready for do* livery, and were washed about and overboard* The steamer lies in the same position* ' Our citizens have raised for the sufferers $6OO, and supplied them with all the necessary clothing. The steamship company have fed and housed the passen gers, and will forward them to their destinations. The Pirate Tuscaloosa Seized by the Bri- tish Authorities* Boston, Feb. 23.— The bark John Gilpin, which arrived at this poit today, brings dates from Cape Town to December 3lst. She reports that the rebel pirate Tuscaloosa had been seized by the British authorities at the Gape for violation of neutrality laws, iu landing a portion of her captured cargo on that coast. The Tuscaloosa put into Simon’s Bay on Decem ber 26th, to obtain supplies and repairs. Shortly after diopping her anchor, SirSßaldwin Walter de spatched a boarding party, who seized the vessel under the authority of the British Government. The Tusesloosa was in command of Lieutenant Lowe, who had returned to Simon’s Bay after a three-months cruise, during which, out of nearly one hundred vessels, she met only one United States Ship. In the meantime she had been ordered away from a Brazilian port, in consequence of-which her mew were placed upon short allowance. Alter the seizure of the vessel, Lieutenant Lowe lodged a formal protest against the proceeding, and went to Cape Town to consult with legal advisers. Mr. Graham, the U. S. consul, had also lodged a claim against the vessel in behalf of her former owners, and it was thought that the question raised as to the legality of her condemnation by Captain Semmei, who claims to constitute a prize court by authority from the rebel Government, will have to be argued before and decided by Sir William Hodges, in the Admiralty Court. [The pirate Tusealoosa was formerly the bark Conrad, of Philadelphia ] The Cape Town Advei liner states that in making the seizure of the Tuscaloosa, Admiral walker acted in accordance with special instructions sent out by the Home Government, and that the prize will be detained until claimed by her legal owners. The grounds of the seizure are, that the Tuscaloosa la a vessel belonging to the Federal States of Ame lina, and that, not having been adjudicated before a prize court, is still an uncondemned prize, which, having been brought into an English port in viola tion of the neutrality laws, must accordingly be detained. The Federal vessel referred to as captured by the Tuscaloosa was the Living Age, before reported. St* Louis. st. Louis, Feb. 22.—General Rosecrans and staff went to Alton yesterday to inaugurate the Alton Sanitary Fair, which opens to-night. He will also inspeot the military prison at that place, where tome two thousand prisoners are now confined. Reception of George Thompson. Boston, Feb. 23 —George Thompson, of England, waa publicly received at the Music Hail to-night. Governor Andrew delivered tbe welcoming speech, to which Mr. Thompson replied. Major General Burnside at Portland, Me. Foutland, Me., Feb. 23—Major General Burn aide was enthusiastically received by a tremendous audience, auembled last night, at the City Hall. The Alabama Near Calcutta. Boston, Feb. 23.—A Calcutta letter of January etb says that the British ship Pearl, at that port, bad spoken tbe pirate Alabama, on the 3d lost., thlity miles south of Sand Heads. The New York Bounty Fund. NewY oek, Feb. 23 —Bid* lot the soldiers’ bounty fund loan of $2,000,000.. authorized by the Super visors, for ihe purpose of filling the quota of New York city, have reached $3 000,100 at par to seven per cent, premium. Burning of a Vessel. New Haven, Feb. 23 —The schooner William Becnett, laden with ha; and potatoes from Madison to Alexandria, waa burned this morning in this harbor. The crew emaped, Loi». $14,000, mVlilth CONGRESS—Ist SESSION* WiaaiNUTuN. Feb. 23,1964. 6EWATB * vn, (.resented to the B.)Date from the Vice Pre etdent hewonlabc absent from the Benue for ft thort lime. _ was elected President pro tern. fn* Ze -torrcrto the Committee on I'reedmoss find Slavery. a*>*%i*f New PropoeJtton for a StaT>dl« n Arnty. Mr. SUMNER presented the petition of Joel i B htoo ton. of Arkansas, which states th«t he believes that tne African material ietbs best material for a soldier ana asking that Ccnaress sball establish, after the close oi the present war. a regular army of two hnndred tnon hi mi men. composed entirely o fnegroes, and to be omcerea by white men. Referred to the Committee on Military presented a petition from women of Ohio prajing that something DO done to ameliorate “« condition of those parsons who have been freed from slavery by the present war. Also, petitions from citi zens of New York in favor of placing all •oidiers oa a similar footing. Referred to the Committee on Military Mr SUMMER also presented petitions, signed by Jo eiah Qalncy, Governor Andrew, and the mourners |of both brfcnohes of the Massachusetts Legislature, aakiug such amendments to the Constitution as may abolish slavery, which was laid on the table Mr MORGAN presented she memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of the city of New York, praying for legis lation on the part of Congress to foster and zapport the commerce of the United States Referred to the Com mittee on Commerce. Reconstruction, etc Mr. CARLILE, of Western Virginia, offered the follow icgjaim resolution: . si«t. That ihe inlUary power of the Government can only be rightfully exerted against individuals in a>-tn* opposing its buthcrity; that the prosecat on of hostilities against the citizens or the Staes in rebellion ougot to be purpneo cf maintaining the Constitu ionai Union, and or the restoration of the Union upon the basis of the OOittimtlOD, living to each the regulation or its iwn domestic policy, and protecting each and all in the enjoyment of the right of self government, ae recog nized by the Constitution of the United States. &’tc ona, That the President be reqaested to declare by proclamation that whenever the people of any of the States now resisting the authority of the United States shall reorganize their State government by repudiating the ordinances of secession adopted in their name, and shall recognize their obligations to the Union under the Constitution, full pardon, and amnesty to the people.of Bucb State, assuring; the cieizens thereof that all their lights Of person ana of property under the Constitution shall be restored to and enjoyed, by them: excepting, however, from smh pardon and amnesty such pen-ons as shall be de*i*nated by the Legislatures of the States as fit persons to be held for trial before the jadiciat tribu nals of the Ujilted States uader the laws thereof. Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. On motion of Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts l the Committee oh Military Affairs was instructed to inquire into tie expedites of increasing the number of cadets in the military academy to the number of foar hundred. Rid rcquiriig the age of candidates to be not Leas than seventeen year*; also, for raising the standard of qua lification, ard for changing the manner of their appoint ment so ah to provide that the examination for admission shall be based upon tbe merits of the candidates. On moiion of Mr. WILSON, the Senate proceeded to the consideration of the joint resolution equalizing the pay of United Mates soldiers. Mr. WILfcOK presented a modification of his amend ment lierttofore tffered. which makes it discretionary with the President to allow negro troops a bounty pre vious to tbep. stage of ihe aet. The amendment as modi fied was rejected.- • Tne OTOtIOD to Pliam Colored Troops. Mr. DAVIS, of Kentuck7» called up the&mei dment to disarm the colored troopa, and to provide for their en listment as teamsters and laborers. The amendment wa&iejected. TEAS. Howell, | Kiddle, Bacfefllew, Cariile, Davis. NATS. Harding, Morrill. Harlan. Nesmith, Harris. Ramsay, Henderson, Sherman, Howard, Sumner, Howe, Ten Eyck, .fob neon, Van Winkle. Lane (Indiana) Wade, Lane (Kansas), Willey, Morgan, Wilson. Chandler. (Hark. foltamer. Goziness. Dixon. PeßKonden. Foot. FoKter. Grimes, Hale, Ur. FESSENDEN prevented the report of the Commit* tee of Conference on the disagteeing votes of the two Bonees on the revenue hill. The Senate agreed to the report of the .Committee of Conference. Knlistmentfe. The Senate resumed the consideration of'the pending question; ihe joint resolution to promote enlistment?. Ur CLARK would like to know why black non should not he armed and put into the service? Ur. PAYlSsiidhehad answered that question forty time in the Senate. Ur. CLAEK taid this was not merely a question about the psy mint of colored troops, but a question whether weshalL put black men into the flelo to save our white men It was a matter of-interest to the country that black men should be employed, because it saved the blood of the white men. When we put arms into the hands of the black'man, and he uses them in the service of our country to Its advantage he should not therefore be etfilaved. Tbemeie fact of hi* having been in the service should be a protection from bondage. Ur. COLLAUER ottered an amandment, which pro vide« tbs tall persons enlisted Into the service, under the cell of 1563 for three hundred thousand volunteers, shall receive the same pay and bounty. On motion of Mr. WiLSON, the further consideration of the subiect was postponed On motion of Ur. BTJMNEB. the 6enate, at I 30 P. M., proceeded to the consideration of executive business, and at four o'clock adjourned. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES The House resumed the consideration of the hill to establish a buieau for freeumen’s attain. FreedLmen's Affaire—Remarks of Mr. Kelley. Ml. KELLEY, of Pennsylvania-inspeakingoftbe past, said B)ayeiy was.exciuded from the northwest territory; and, from the wording of the Constitution, as a recog nized Institution, denyiEg that it had suen an existence. Bad the counsels of the patriots of other days prevailed, cud the i tafcennen who succeeded them followed ills: and humane te&bhisge. slavery would long since have been abolish* d, and other questions than that which now dis tracts the country would be in the course of solution by a peaceful and prosperous people. But the Government was entrusted to the bands of wicked demagogues, who. de parting from justice, had involved us in rebellion It was the part ofwiie legislators to accept the facts as they are, and as they stand to day, and apply to them the proper principles, and so evolve from the horrors which sur round us asy&tem which sliail be in accordance with the spirit of the age and of Christian civilization. This bill was well calculated to produce these high results. Its immediate passage was demanded from the fact that the ancient order of things had been destroyed over a terri tory larger ihan was that of the thirteen original States. Hot only the Worth, but the world at large, demand the well-directed cultivation of the lards now and soon to be within our control. In the course of his reply to Mr. CcxwWho charged that amalgamation was becoming a principle at the North, be said northern wnite men sever selected their companions from the African race, ani > efeired to the fact that amalgamation was practiced 5.1 the South, there being more than half a million of such kindred to the whites in that portion of the country, and some of whom bad attended colleges at the north. The South had sent us what we have of the stock. Slavery is dead i let ns give it decent burial and erect a monument it the month of the sepulchre so heavy that it cannot be removed. Let there be appended ton the Constitution of the United States, written therein ‘ slavery or invo luntary servitude except for crime, shall be forever pro hibited within the United States and the Territories there of • ” When this la done slavery will be dead beyond re surrection. and the. United States will be freedom’s star of welcome to the oppressed of the world. W ill y >u. be asked the opposition members, give your vote for the bill as a test of your sincerity ? But slavery is not qaite dead, but is in the act Of death, and we ma) therefore p&bb on to the next duty. Having eradicated slavery, letnseeeuie freedom to the people who have been the victims of slavery. By the destruction of slavery we will rise to a new and higher jreeiom; and out of this insurrection will grow a re&uirection which will leal us to a glorious immortality. Tile Liquor Bill. A. message was received from the Senate announcing their concurrence in tbe leport of tbe committee of con* fcrrence on, the disagreeing amendments to the whisky Mr. STEVENS, of Pennsylvania, briefly - explained tbe report of tbe committee, and moved that the Mouse con cur in therefore, which provides that spirits distilled and sold, or distilled ana removed for conmmplion or salevrevious to the first of July next of first proof, shall p*y, in addition to duties payable on-licenses, a duty of sixty cents per gallon, and upon all liquors which may be distilled alter the passage of this act and sold or re moved for consumption or sa:e on and after the fl fst day of July next, and previous to the first day of Jauuary next, sixty-five cents per gallon; and all Uqaors which may be distilled after the passage of this act, and sold or removeo for consumption or sale on and after the first of January next, sev» nty-five cents per gallon; on distilled spirits. Imported from foreign countries previous to the first of July next, cf first proof, forty cents additional per gallon; on all such spirits imported from foreign countries cn and after the first of July next and previous to the first of January. dut3' forty-five instead of fifty centß per gallon, and on all such spirits imported on ana after the hist of Janaan next, fifty instead of sixty cents per gallon. * Mr. WASHBURN 3, of Illinois, stated some of the rea sons which induced him 10 withhold his assent 10 the report of the committee of conference. He believed not only in the principle bat in the justice ana policy of taxing the stock of liquors on hand, and he had con sistently voted for that preposition in every stage of the bill. Two-thirds of the House, upon fall discussion, had shared with himfin the convictions he entertained on that subject By imposing an additional tax on whhky.the price of the article had been proportionately enhanced, and the consumer had to pay the enhanced price, and the question was whether the amount should go into the hands of the speculator, or into the treasury, Wiichwas DOW reeling to tottering under the present vart and unheard-of expenditures. He scouted the idea that there was any plighted faith of the Government to whisky speculators that no additional tax should be leviec, and conttnded that there was no more obliga tion to protect the holders of liquors than there wie to protect the con»nmer against having the price raised on him. .... . . The speculator b in whisky had no special claims on Congress, but, on the other hand, Congress should re press the pretent curse of speculation, which is the hand maid cf venality, extravagance, and corrnption. The House had changed front on the question in the House bill the t&x on liquors on hand had been put In by a vote of nearly two-thirds That alarmed the whisky deal ers, who swarmed to Washington, and who said, let there be light, and there wnsSlight The Senate refused to concur la the House proposition to tax spirits on hand, and then the Houre exhibited a wonderful change of opinion by concurring with the Senate in strikingit out of the Rouge bill. The bill a» it now stood not only ex cluded all tax on liquors on hand, bnt it had lowered the sliding scale fiked by the Senate from 70 to 65 and from 80 to 70 tents per gallon. As a compromise he might have agreed to tax liquor on hand to twenty cents additional on a gallon, and an advance Of the sliding scale to eighty cents and one dollar; as that was not in the bill, he appealed to the House to vote down the report* and have another com mittee appointed, in the hope that something might be done to secure to the Treasury a portion of the im mente bu&i to be paid by the people, which woaid otherwise go into the packets of speculators. He wigrced tbe House if something of the kind were not done in this bill, the controversy on the question had but jufctopened, and that the question would be tried over again in the next revenue bill, and after the re* present ailves of the people had been Instructed by an enlightened public sentiment He feared that the ac tion of Congress on this subject would indicate to the people that the interests of the combinations ofiudt v.dua's, of monopolizers, speculators, and corpora tions, would be comparatively exempted from.taxa tion- while the great burden would fall on the mass9s of the people who were Hast able to bear its wfeighc. In conclusion, Mr. Washburne. of Illinois, moved tnat the >eport be disagreed to and that the House ask for anctht r committee on conference. Mr. FEKNaNuO WOOD, of flew York, felt it to be his duty to give the reason why, as a member of the com mittee of conference, he had agreed to the report. He JulJy agreed with Mr. Washbarne in all that gentle man had «ald ih. suppirfc of the principle of his (Mr Wood’s) amendment taxing spirits on hand, which ha had tbe honor to offer, and which was adorned by so large a vote. He believed it right policy to lax whisky on hand, and regretted exceedingly that so many gen tlemen, no doubt from proper motives, hnd changed their position in this House The principle of tnat amendment was ably discussed, and all the arguments which could tie commanued were expressed for and against it, He was ready to co-operate with the gen ihman to eoetaia that principle and incorporate it. which he could, in another bill; but as he understood the power of conference committees, they are excluded from considering points about which there are no dif ferences, and that their jurisdiction can extend only to those points which are in controversy, the two Boases having finally snd previously agreed on the disputed features ot the bill There were on the committee of conference gentlemen whose long experience in legis lation entitled their opinions to respect. He had no opinion own i© the powers of such committees It was sufficient, to say that gentlemen who had been for sixteen years continuously in Congress were of opinion that tber had no jurisdiction over questions about which the two Housea were agreed, and to this opinion he had yielded- _ Mr, of Illinois, briefly expressel his reasons for aitfeiing irom such construction eh to the power or conference committees, and appealed to the Breaker as to his view of the matter. The SWSAKhR, by unanimous consent, stated, in re- Bponte to Mr. washburne’s Inquiry of nlm, tnat the COBfcreace report, roled out by the Vice -President at the last Uongieee.wae properly ruled cut,in his opinion, be«ause, niter Bottling the diiagreements, they reported a recommendation to ch&nite tbe original text; but of the power on concurrence by proposing amendments to the pending amendments, there coaid he no doubt, pro vided that they did-not report auy amendment in the same language and ettect as both Houses had rejected. Mr. ELIJAH WARD, of Aew York, said that while his colleague (Mr. Fernando Wood) had moved an amendment that i he increased tax should apply to ail wbltky on hand, with a view, as alleged, to reach. t-ppcoiatois. without reference to the injury it would inntet upon ditiiljers, legitimate traders, and consignees Who had mad© advances oa spirits at the present rate of taxation, be bed deemed it his duty tohis constituents to vote against the whole bill in that objec.ionable thane, though disposed io ffivor a liberal system of taxation in a proper fotin. - His colleague (Mr. Wood), having uraeil his amenoment a revenue measure necessary to sup port the Government, had voted aiainstit wheumadein conformity with his views. H* urged that the bill, an reported, wsb prospective in its operation, except as m spirits on shipboard bound to ihe united States, and iu bonded warehouses and publiejstores. He condemned the ipjUktice of retroactive lesiala-lon r^coaamead©d,*n.. said the earn© principle already sanctioned in regard to domestic spit s* should ha applied to those imported. He regarded thU coarse as essential to the coc eisteccy of the House. At present,if a vessel arrives the day after ihe act » passed, the Importer, who sent hie orders &br< ad without anticipating the proposed increase mast pay the additional tax—a species of legislation without parallel In this country. Be showed that hv the various acts of March 3, 1801, August 6, 1581, and Jaiyl4.l£62. rai&eU&t Umft Kftd boon given *o allow moat of the goods, bona fidA ordered and shiw ed without anticipation of increased duty, to ar.iva before the law was enforced, and urged that the proposed law wa» an unwarrantable Interference with the ordi nary lawß and security of commerce; that merchandize on shipboard bound to the United States had always bean exempted from Increased duty, or a reasonable tuna for Us arrival had been given. Mr. KASBON. of lowa, in refen log to the remarks of Mr. Fernando Wood, raid the gentlemen, in urging a re auction of tbe Bltdtnß scale, did not represent tbeonin ioa cf lha Rons© ifHoaso voted anything. lh*y I voted eg’iußt tha tUding tealer 8a e&ruMfcly hopai ill accordance with tie opinions of the Boom. g ons9 Mr. NTO.YEEB O'Penni-ylvania. hoped tnar rue “OU wanld not stultify themselves. The tie commute* was the only one which, by the PJJ Jismcntaiy law. they could adopt. The. Honee aaorneu the clause for taxlna spirits on hand. The benats Biruca it out, an din thla the House concurred. Ihe committee were, therefore, bound to put no tax upon w band. There was no principle in parlUraenUry law which authorized them to depart from it In the co ** r ,f ol his remarks, he said that men on tbe.temperance side of this question become as intoxicated as if they natt been drinking liquor fora month, and they become eo giddy that they lose their reufin and forgQt th 6 par liementary law. (Laughter.; Be denied that the Bouse were throwing away reve nue by agreeing tj the Senate's amendments, ft* modi fied The Senate bMI would have prodnoed fourteen mili’ons more, but this bill, as it now eta ads, would nrodnceslse-and a-half million* more from year toyear. it was time they were done with this deleterious agita no» The gentleman from Illinoia bad been talking abcuit speculators coming hither. but he (Mr. Steven*) thorahtthe tsntleman (Mr. Washburns) would hold *°? B ah o«nr nf iJBBIBWT*. None appeared before one of whom had apl pCTrhf,ueatfon wa^lSeS^anJ|{ o »Port was nou-con cutredln-yeas«7, nays 86 as follows. IEAB Allen Jas. C, Ancona, Bailey, Blow. jCobbt Cole. Orareoa. Davis (Md ), Dawson, Dennison. EJdr)d*e. EcrliPh. Fenton. Efeck, Griswold, Harrington, BoJruAtt. Hooper. Ring. Anderson. Arnold. Asbiey, Baldwin (Mich). Ba. a win (Maas). Baxter, Denman. Blair <W. Va). Bootwell, Boyd, Brandagee, Biooka, Brown'(Wia), Chandler- Clark, aW Ci ey. Coy, " Cre&well, Dawes. Pf'luiCK, I'ixon, DriKKB. Bcliley. Eden* Ed Key ton, Eliot, Farnesworth, Cm motion of ordered that a ne\ lleSsiate. 'Xiao Houfc the btatA of th« Uni Mr. Blov Mr Bi.ow, of s Fiiday, in reply l fHfcdtd Secretary < Saulsbary, i Wright bren attficfced, and also commented upon a public ad* drefsof MoDtgrmery Blair. He said lie coaid tell the I'otticßsfer General that if the rebellion be crashed And the I ederal authority* restored, it would be effected by the Abolition party, and the black rare protected In the freedom which is nowes'ablifclied from violence,outrage, and yrx&ng. His prayer was that we *nl«ct have the courage and ability to act eo justly that the God of na tions will not abandon us. Mr McDOWELL. of Indiana, arraigned the President and Republican party as fanatical kypocrittß, and of having changed the declared policy of the war and made it one for the abolition of slavery. With tbe Pro sident'* proclamation hade, medusensiong aaddividons at the Noith; the destrnction of freedom of speech and the press; the suspension of the habeas corpus, and the denial of the right of trUl hy jury; the invasion of peaceful homes, and arbitrary arrests, and mock trial o , and exile; and now the dominant party had borrowed from Europe a conscription law to compel our people to «*»sy an , 4, b , olitl( L u wsr. Ho denied any sympathy with the rebellion, bat said we matt accompany the sword with the olive branch of peace, and build up a Union sentiment to protect the bouth after oar armies sha'l leave it, Tbe committee rise, and the House, at half past four o'clock, adjourned. PBMSILVAMA LEGISLATURE. The House assembled at 7 o'clock this evening, and proceeded to consider tfb© resolution requiring proof of loyalty under oath, from all persons In the southern, counties of this State, who claim damages from the rebel raid in 2562 Speeches were uelivertd by Mr Hover, against the resolution, and by Mr. Alleman, in their favor. The discussion was continued hy these gentlemen and ethers until a late hour. Senate not in session to day. Discrimination Against Philadelphia To the Editor of The Press: . Sir :Is it known to our merchants that the lucra tive business now dally being opened up with reco vered portions of the State of Tennessee is being largely appropriated by the merchants of Cincinnati, UDoer a.custom-house regulation which subjects all packages for Tennessee from points east and north of that city to stoppage, examination, and compari son with invoice!} at a charge or Jive per ccnr, upon the amount of invoice ? If the same rule were applied to all goods pur chased in Cincinnati, no objection need be made, but the practical exaction of a tax of five per cent, ad valorem upon every package of merchandise from points east of Cincinnati, is a discrimination against the trade with our Eastern cities claiming redress, and should be made a matter of earnest representation at Washington, Whatever restrictions upon trade may be necessa ry to assure the loyalty of people buying goods for the South, and to hold ail eeliera of goods to strict accountability for the truthfulness of their luvoioes, ought To be and will be cheerfully submitted to while the war shall last; but it ia due to our merchants that nounjust discrimination shall be made against treru, and that the business of the country may ba suffered to resume its old channels, unhedged and unrestricted by regulations which can serve no loyal end more effectually by favoring one city above another. *** Tile Great Railroad Across the Continent— Completion or .tne “ first JLiuk” in California* The 14 first link of the Great Central Railway” has been finished in California. Sau Francisco papers of the 17th uit. notice, with much exultation, the ceremonies attending the opening for business, on the previous day, oi the railroad to San Jose, fifty miles in length, which has j st been completed at a cost of $3,000,000, forming the first section on the Pacific slope of the great contemplated railway across the continent. The prospects are regarded as extremely flattering. The Alta California says: “The central Pacific Railroad Company are pushing their work on from Sacramento to the State line, and already several miles of rails are laid. The Eutvej aon the Western Pacific Railroad, fiom this point to Sacramento, are now about com pleted, ana the work of actual construction will commence with the opening or spring.” Among those who delivered addtesses on the occa sion referred to was the Hon. I. G. Phelps. His al lusion to the effects of a continental railroad, and Ihe probable future of the States on the Pacific, was quite eloquent, as follows: “This important work will accomplish greater results than any other work ever undertaken since time began, as it will work a revolution of the world’s commerce, and change her money marts. With one end of this road dipping into the crystal waters of the Pacific, it will receive the wealth of the Indies, and transporting it across the continent, will land it on the turbulent billows of the Atlantic, for the Old World’s consumption. The balance of trade against the United States, and in favor of China and the Hast Indies, is about twenty millions of dollars per annum. This is now paid mostly through English houses, at a cost to us of about 18 per cent, in exchanges, while the money with which to meet this indebtetmee*, the product of this coast, is shipped from here to England, and thence to China, thus traversing Three fourth* of the circum ference of the globe, and requiring more than sixty days in its passage. “This mighty work, once completed, would give us regular communication with China, and place ua in such rapid communication with the eastern side of the continent, and Europe, as to give us the bene* tit of the exchange now paid to England, not only by America, but by Europe, as a very large portion. of all the precious metals yearly added to the wealth of the world is the produot of our own mines. San Francisco, instead of London, would become the world’s money market for purposes of exchange. By this charge, to the extent it would be effected, we would gain at least $10, 000,000 per annual—a sum sufficient to meet one* fifth of the interest of the national debt. “The Great Salt Lake Basin, which we have, until recently, believed to be an almost worthless waste, abounding only in alkali, poisonons streams, and BAge brush, is ascertained to be rich in precious metals—that these apparently barren mountains have literally crests of gold, and bases of silver, containing more wealth than was ever possessed by any other nation. The present condition of the United States makes it necessary that this wealth should be speedily developed, and we cannot - , there fore, delay. Thirty thousand miners are already at woik in Nevada Territory, and, within a year, thir ty thousand more will be added to their number. A Sword for Genbrad Grant.—A regulation sword of the most costly style has just been finished at theworkaof the Ames Company, in Ohicopee, Massachusetts. The grasp and guard are orna mented with classical designs, representing highly finished heads of Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Mi nerva. The grasp is also inlaid with tortoise-shell, held in place by gold studs, giving that part of the sword a beautiful appearance. The pommel is ela borately finished, and is encircled by a ring of dia monds, fourteen in number, and costing $4OO, which ate set in pure gold. Jun under the oirolet of dia monds is a shield, with the motto 41 Sic Floret Repub lican On the cross gxard surrounding Gen. Grant’s monogram is the folio winginscription: “Jo Daviess co., 111., to Major General Ulysses S. Grant, the ! hero of the Mississippi,” The scabbard is profusely ornamented. Tbe spaoe between the upper and mid dle bands is filled with tablets surrounded with ap propriate devices, on which is engraved a record of the various battles In which General Grant took part in Mexico; then the Illinois- coat -q£.*ra», and below, njsaipg'nearly to the tip ofihe eoabb-tt-d, is a file, on which are recorded the battles and sieges in the Mississippi valley, making in all twenty-se ven battles and sieges in which General-Grant has been esgaged. The scabbard is heavily plated with gold, and some of tbe devices and ornaments are of solid gold. The cost Is one thousand dollars. The German Opera.— To night “Bar Frel* schutz ” will be sung—an opera which never fails to delight an intelligent audience, and generally crowds our Academy of Music. Owing to Madame Johann.- sen’s unfortunate illness, Agatha will be entrusted to Madame Frederick who very charmingly in terprets that charming role. Habelmann’s Max we need not oompliment. This is positively tbe last week of the German opera, and the season will close on Friday night with “Faust.” To-morrow night “A Night iu Grenada” will be produced for the benefit of Carl Anschutz* and Madame Rotter’s reappearance will do much - to make the occasion a success. ICreutzer’a music is very popular, very plea-ins, and in no opera 1* Madame Eotter more satisfactory. We hopo-Mr. Anschutz will have a grand audience. Conoebt Hall.— The Morria Minstrels witt sing this evening anew song, called “Erin' Farewell,” written by Mr.: Thomas M. Coleman, and let to musie by George Felix Benkert. With several of the tonga of Mrs. Coleman we are familiar, ami know their beauty and .implicit?. OI Mr. Benkert we .hall .imply say that he stands in the very first rank of American composers, being, In fast, ao gifted with true genius that his full merit is not yet known, Mr. Benkert has written music whloh Is of permanent value, but ha. cared too little, perhaps, for popularity. We shall be glad, however, if In the future our song-world la to gain higher value from the genius of a man who 1. fully able to write melo dic. fas superior to even the best of thote which we are now obliged to acoept as the highest fruit, of American musical ability. National discus.— The twenty-ninth regular matinde will take plsee this afternoon; the last matin de on Saturday afternoon. The Olreut will dose on Saturday evening. The National Troupe will perform two week, in Alexandria, two weeks in Washington, and several week, iu Baltimore, ptevloue to going on their regular summer tour The first performance will be given in oa tbe 14th of the coming mouthe Push Widows’ Asylum Cone vwr._To-morrow evening tbe first annual eonoert for the benefit of the Penn Widows’ Asylum will be gtvea at the American Mechanics’ Hall. The programme u va. rtf Hi »d tbe oboiui u Pomeroy* Riee(H'Va)* RobioßOU* wchenclc, Scott. Sbanooa. Smiths. Stevens. Stiles. Siroa*d*. Van Valkenborffn Voorhees. Whaley. Wheeler* White C A. WiZrfer, Wi&fleld, Wood.FeroaariLo Woodbridge. Law, Lazear, Long* Marvin. McAllister, Mcßride, Mclsdoe, Middleton Miller (Pa), Morris (0), My ere L. Nelson, Noble, O'Neill (Fenna). O'Neill (0), Or<b, Patterson* FwudieioUi [Perry, NATS. Morrison. My erw A. Norton. Ooell, Parham. Pike, Price. Randall (K>f, .Rollins (N H). ROiH. Schofield. SJo'tn, fcpauidlnff, Starr. Stebbins. Steele (N 7). Tracy. Uprton. Wadsworth. Ward. Washburns (III). Wasbbnm (Mass) Webster. White, Joseph W Williams. Wilson. Windom. | Grider, Grhmell, sHale. Harding. Harris (wd), Herrick, Hi«by. Hubbard (Iowa), Hubbard (Conn), Huiburd. Hutchins, Johnson (Ohio>, Julian,. Ralbfliisch, KasHon, Kellogg (Mich), Ke)l<j W (K T>. Leblond* Loac« Loceyear. Mallory. HcCHurg. McDowell. Miller (NY). Morebead, Morris (NY). | Jr "WASHBURNS, of Illino's, It waß rr committee of conference be abfced of weaiiatoCommittee of ike Whole on lion. vv ' in Reply to Mr. Blair. Uiutouri, resumed his remarks from to his colleague, Mr. B air. £d de* LhaB6 : s trade regulations which, had HißßjaiiiriM, Feb. 23, 1854. HOUSE OF REPREsiE N TATI V. 28. Trade wlin Tennessee. Public Entertainments. CRITTENDEN’S COMMERCIAL COLLEGE. — Thl. ÜB. rivaled institution waa never in to prosperous condition aa at pretent. The lama number of p„ students from year to year, and tne readiness will, which its graduates obtain lucrative situations, ay teat the appreciation in which it is held Dy the Dun., nets oommuDity. Its course of Instruction la of tba most thorough and business-like character, it, reputation for auperior instruction extends over tba whole countiy, and the knowledge gained here ha, already proved a fortune to many a young maa. Its graduates are among the moat accomplished and successful business men, and fill m»ny of the meat responsible positions In this and other cities. The college ocouples three stories of the large dou. ble building at the N. E, comer of Seventh ana Chestnut streets, which is well lighted and fitted up In a superior manner. It Is now in the twentieth year of its existence. East year four hundred am twenty six students were in attendance, and thl. year they will exceed that number. The while time and attention of ite principal! and teaohor. i, devoted to the intereele of ito students, and every year Increases its facilities and advantages for com, municatlng eommeroial instruction of the highest order. There are o classes; each student is taught seps. rately, thus receiving the full benefit of private tuition. In the book keeping dapartment he u practiced in opening, writiDg out, and olosing up several seta of books, Including a variety of 10b5,.. saving forms, adapted especially for the various de partments ot trade. He la also exercised in making outin proper form the account currents, aooounl sales, bills of exchange, Invoices, promissory notes, S.O , necessary in business. Special attention Is given to writing, Which l t taught by T. W. Moore, who has few, If any, equals as a penman. Commercial calculations inoluda equations or averaging accounts,lnterest, discounts, exchanges, &c. The time usually required to com plete the course varies from eight to twelve weeks. One of the advantages of this institution is that it gives, in a short time, and ot a comparatively annaU expense, a knowledge of business affairs, whioh years of toll only could otherwise gain. Students seoeived at any time. Catalogues fur nished on application. * Lecture dy Mrs. Cora L.Y. Hatch—Theou rious and critical, the learned and professional, are to have an opportunity of hearing thia temsrkable speaker, and to test and criticise her powers l» lo* 1 ® by discussion. It is not often that a lecturer Is wU ling to be met in this manner, and we predict a full house. - Desirable Property. —ln another psrt of our psper to-day Messrs. J. M. Gummey A Sons offer for sale, or exchange for city property, a oountry seat and well- improved larm of ninety acres, the lo cality and character of which we know to be emi nently desirable, either for a retired gentleman « a practical farmer. We commend it to the attention of any one of our readers wishing to purchase a first class property of this description. Mr. M. F. Maury, late ot the United States Navy, and now one of the rebel agents resident and operating in London, wrote a letter. name in full, to the Loudon Herdld % on the 2.9 th ult i in which he states esplioltly, anti M a fact within hie own personal knowledge, that the document published kb the reporter Mr, Mallory, Confederate becretary 01 the Nsvi to the Confederate Congress, is “spurious,-* “a take-in,” “a hoax,” and that “no mob do< ument haa ever been "“?red ’'by ihe official alluded to. He aocuses “the Yankeea” of having got up facsimile* of the Richmond papers, and inserting therein thl. document, In order to impote upon the world a falie and Injurious asper eion upon the rebel cauac. CITY ITEMS. HEMMING, BRAIDING, AND EMBROIDERING ALL AT one Operation. —The fact that the celebrated Grover & Baker Sewing Machines, .01dat739 Uhest nut .treet, perform the triple operation of aimulta neouely hemming, braiding, and embroidering, and each in a degree of perfection unattained by any other machine inuee, ape aka volume* in favor of their superiority. Among the thousands of then sterling machine« now In operation in thl. oity alone, we have yet to hear the flr.% complaint brought agalnat them, while multitude! arelavish In their praieea, and not a few have expressed to u. their preference for them by aeaerting that they would not be without one for five time. Ha coat, even though they might be presented with the beat other machine out inatead. “ Courtship and Marriage.” —Thll will b» the subject of the firat of the oouraeof humor oua lecture* to be delivered at Concert Hall by the popular wit, De Cordova, of New York, which will be Inaugurated to-morrow (Thura day) evening. Our eitlzeni will have a rich treat in these lecturea, and we adviae all who wlah to indulge in a diah of intellectual fun, served up ID classic etyle, to procure their ticket, to-day, a. almost enough to fill the hall have already been sold. For particulars of the course, see advertisement la the “Amuaement ” column. The Sewing Machine Trade.— The agent of the Florence Sewing Machine Company, 630 Cheat nut street, haa given us atatiatica proving that the ealca of this splendid Sewing Maohine alone now amount to a larger weekly average than was real ized two years ago by all the sewing machines com bined. The auperior excellence of the “ Florence” article la In a measure the secret or the enormous sale It la now having; at any rate, no one should purchase a machine without giving this a trial, as it accomplishes what no other machine attempts, and 1* sold at a price equally reasonable. The Presidential Election, the Fourth ov July, and the End of the War are Coming.-. The exact time of the first two is already fixed; usq last cannot long be delayed, being more or less un certain. Not so, however, the fixed faot that Alter, 936 North Ninth street, sells the best and cheapest coal. That is as unalterably certain as the laws ol the Modes and Persians. Bargains in Clothing.— Messrs. C. Somers 3c Son fue Belling off their entire atook of magnificent olothing at an immense reduction, Affording a rare opportunity to purchasers for obtaining real bar* gains in the matter of replenishing their wardrobes. We advise our readers to give them a call without delay. They are now making preparations for spring trade on the largest scale. Xattbbb. Flags,—Among the most interesting feature, of the great parade on the 22d were the flags which hsd borne the brunt in msny a hard fight, and come out the worse for wear. Baggedness is becoming in a battle, flag, but in respeot to wear ing apparel tatters should be tabooed where it is possible; and this can be best accomplished by pa tronizing the Brown Stone Clothing Hall of Book hill & Wilson, Nos. 603 and 60S Chestnut stseet, above Sixth, New Photoobaphb fob the Album, bt guts kukst.—Mr. F. Gutekunst, No. 704 Arch street, hss just issued, In his usual superior etyle of art, various sized Photographs (from cards to life-size) of Generals Hancock, Couch, Meade, Tyndale, and Owen; also, of Miss Annie Dickinson, Hon. Ed ward Everett, and the late William Makepeaoe Thackeray. Air Elegant Stock of Gentlemen's Fub nibbing Goods, embracing everything neseseary in that line for a man of taste to wear, will be found at George Grant’s, 610 Chestnut street. His “Prize- Medal” shirt, invented by J. F. Taggart, la the Shirt of the age. Gbkat Rbdbotion in Pbiobs. Great Beduoiion in Prices. Badiea’ and Misses’ Fine Cloaks. Xjadiea’ and Misses’ Fine Cloaks* Also, Bioh Fun of all kinds. liioh Furs of all kinds. In anticipation of the close of the season, we ale now prepared to make a large concession bom for mer priees on all our stock. J, w. Pboctob a Co., The Fails Cloak and Fur Emporium, 920 Chestnut street. Splendid Confections. —Mr. A. I*. Vansant haa really elevated the Gonfeotionery business into an art*. His goods are not only the finest, richest, and purest made, but they are the most beautiful and tempting In every particular. Hlsohoice domestic and foreign fiuits are also very popular. We will walk throughlife together, In the strength of love and hope; Through the storm and through the sunshine, Together we will grope Pressing forwsrd still, and onward, We will blithely eraek our jokes; Whilst together we are trudging To the store of Gbanvjllb Stokbs, at No. 609 Chestnut street, where Is being sold the largest, best, cheapen, and most fashionable Clothing, civic, naval, and military, to be found in this or any other city on the Continent. Winteb Clothing one week longeb, Winter Clothing one week longer, At the reduced prices, At the reduced prices, e Which may possibly close out the stock, Which may possibly close out the stock, At Chas. Stokes a Goi’s, AtCHAS. Stokes A Co.’s, “ One Price,” under the Continental. The UrimßfiAl Wbingeb. The “Cog-wheel” Wringer. The only “Cog wheel ” Wringer, is the only retiabl» eiolhe» Wringer. Send for descriptive oiroular to E. E. Barnham, 27 south Sixth street. fe23-3t* The Eab. its Diseases and,their Tbeatkbnt. by Dr. Von Moscfczlker, one of the ablest living au tists, Messrs. Martin A Randall, publishers, 29 South Sixth street, announce that this great popular me dical work Is now ready for sale. Those who suffer from any malady of the ear, or who value hearing, should not fall to peruse it. The publishers Mi vita physicians and the public to oaU and examine this valuable work. - fe22-3t Family Co Ah.—The Hiohory and Flak coal; *l*o Spring Mountain liehlgb, prepared with oarei and offered at reduced prices. Offloe and sard Ninth and Willow. [feS-awtq Kmowuis. Dn. Von Moschziskbr, Ooull.t and Aurlat.enn be eonaulted on Deafneaa, Eye, Ear, Throat Dlaeaaea, and Catarrh. Office, 1037 Walnut atreet. • 1e23-.lt Dbambss, Eye, Ear, Throat Dlaeaaea, Catarrh. T on Mo *®h*laker, Ocullat and Anriat. Offiah, 1087 Walnut atreet. (322-31 Cl IORIIB, Bunions, IKVBBTBD NAILS, EHSAP.BB^ Joimts, ud all dlieai e « of the feet, oared wltbMi pain or lneonvenienee to the patient, by Er. Zrnh* - tie, Surgeon OhlropodUt, 921 Oheetnut itroet, Ba&n »o pbyiieianx and aurgeona of the eity. JasiMf A Gbanxx Gymkabtio Exhibition at ikeAm®* tioan Academy of Muilq, will take place on Tus*“ day evening, March Bth. Seats oaabe seeatti&tf Hillebrandfit lewis’ Gymnasium. c£&nor " ob * * joa^tuthist STEOK & CO.’S STEOK k OCX’S STEOK k OO.’S STEOK k OO 'S STEOK fc OO.’S STEOK k OO.’S STEOK k OO.’S STEOK k OO.’S STEOK fc OO.’S STEOK k OO ’S STEOK k OO.'B STEOK k OO.’S mason : ggggg. * ?&SB| PIANOS, HAMWW ’ B liffi PIANOS, pianos. pianos, PIANOS. PIANOS. 3. E. OOCLD, Meventti ml OJisiWU 1 CABINET ORCtftJSfS.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers