THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1865. Mr* We oiui take no notice of anonymous commu ftSoatkms. We do not return rejected manuscripts. 4W Voluntary correspondence is solicited from all parts of the world, and especially from our different military and natal departments. Wben used, it will be paid for. Tile JLaw of Evidence. The state of the . law of evidence in Pennsylvania in relation to the admission, of a large class of persons as witnesses in civil actions has long been the subject of complaint, and occasional partial attempts at iegislation have been made to put us on a footing with England and with many of our most enlightened sister States. Our law excludes, as a general rule, all parties to the record, and also all persons who have any interest in the issue, no matter how small, even to the value of a single cent. This rule has been defended upon the ground of public policy, which is shi vered to atoms by the practice of twenty millions of people in England and up wards of eight millions in nearly adjoining States, comprising a large part of the com merce, agriculture, manufactures, wealth and industry of the Union. The other argument, the temptation to perjury, which pre-supposes every man to be a rogue in his own case, has been practically proved to be equally futile and groundless. We admit, as' a competent witness, a father, mother, brother, sister, daughter, and son; we allow affidavits to be made bf parties and persons interested, and often decide applications for injunctions .upon such tes timony. By bills of discovery we practi cally put the defendant on the stand, and in proceedings in equity the answer of the defendant is on oath, and on hearing on bill and answer it often becomes conclusive. On motions to open judgment issues are often granted upon express stipulation that the parties and all interested persons shall be competent witnesses for or against themselves. These examples in the law prove clearly that the general rule has been-found unwise and impolitic. In Pennsylvania we have had a mixed system of law and equity, which has made a distinct - court of equity useless. Chief Justice Tilghmas had much to do in lay ing its foundations upon a sure and stable basis, and disregarding the technical rule that a chose in action cannot be legally as signed so as to permit the action to be brought in the name of the assignee, he allowed the assignor in Steele vs. The Phoenix Insurance Company to be a com petent witness for his assignee, but like Lord Mansfield, who was succeeded by Lord Kenyon, he was succeeded by judges who did not emulate his courageous wisdom. Under their ruling, this subject of parties and persons interested being considered as entirely incompetent, has produced a series of decisions which are an indelible disgrace to the judicial re cords of a civilized community. No man can read the liberal and advanced language of the Chief Justice in Steele vs. The Phoenix without feeling its justice and sound philosophy; and # yet we find the same court, with different judges, thirty- . five yearß afterwards, ÜBing the following absurd language in Wolf vs. Pink: “It must be admitted that the witness had not a particle of interest in the event of the suit. But he may probably have had; but the exclusion of a witness -cannot be rested on that ground. The only tenable objection is, that at the time of the impe tration of the writ, and the award, he was a party to the suit. Is this a valid objection to Ms competency f We -are of opinion it is.” “It arises from considerations of po licy.” They had excluded plaintiffs, and therefore they excluded defendants. It is a somewhat singular fact that all the cases cited as supporting this decision, from New York, the Supreme Court of the United States, and England, would now he decided in those tribunals differently, and ••* •-» —l—l- >LCC> 3 -3 -d-- 3 + M ... rr-,1 J admitted as witnesses, leaving their credi bility to the jury. That Wolf ys. Pink is still the law of Pennsylvania is evidenced by an opinion of the Supreme Court, deli vered a few days ago, where a decision of the court below was obliged to be, reversed for such an error, which, if tried before Judge Gbieb or Judge’ Cadwaladbb, would have been no error at all. There was a strong tendency in England to extend the practice of special pleading by additional rules of court, which were adopted by the District Court here, but soon abandoned in disgust, and which in England were swept away with the objec tions to witnesses by the common-law-pro cedure acts, and by the evidence-amend ment acts. The first act in 1833 rendered witnesses competent, for or against whom the verdict or judgment would be admissible in evi dence, but it was provided that such verdict or judgment should not be admitted in evi dence for or against them. By Lord Djsn man’s act, in 1843, no person” offered as a witness shall be thereafter excluded by reason of incapacity from crime or interest, and by the county-court act of 1846 the Parliament had the courage to enact that, “on the hearing or trial of any action, or on any other proceeding under this act, the parties thereto, their wives, and all other persons, may be examined, either on behalf of the plaintiff or defendant, upon oath or solemn affirmation.” By the acts of 1831 and 1833 this rule, with a few immaterial - exceptions, has been extended to all tbe courts in England. “It is believed, ” says Mr. Taylob, “ that at present every emi nent lawyer in Westminster Hall will most readily admit that this change in the law has been productive of highly bene ficial results.” The common-law com missioners have expressed an opinion most favorable to the measure, and in their second report have observed that, “ accord ing to the concurrent testimony of the bench, the profession, and the public, the new law is found to work admirably, and to in an eminent degree, to the administration of justice.” The county courts have a jurisdiction up to £5O or $260, and are presided over by sixty judges, sitting singly, each of whom receives a salary of £1,200 or $6,000, equal to a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. ' In 1863 there were 800,000 plaints in these courts, and 100,000 suits in the three superior courts of law, presided over by fifteen judges, each of whom (the puisne judges) receives a salary of £5,000 or $25,000, equal to that of the President Of the United States, whilst the Lord Chief Justice receives £B,OOO or $40,000, and yet, in all this extended litigation, continuing year after year, not a voice is raised against this enligbtpned and liberal policy which allows the truth to be gathered from all Sources of testimony. We are aware that old practitioners who have gained causes by the exclusion of the "truth, and judges who are wedded to old notions of exploded policy, are opposed to these terrible innovations upon the common law rules of evidence, and cling to the an cient prejudices of the profession; but when they look around and see thisnew po licy of not excluding the truth prevailing to a great extent in our sister and adjoining States, it is certainly time to rise up from their slumbers and awaken to the necessities of the present generation. Maine, Mew Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Mew York, and Ohio have followed in the wake of England, and the statute of Con necticut, passed in 1848, is, probably the simplest and most comprehensive. On tite 2d of July the Congress of the United States made this the governing prin ciple of the District of Columbia, and on the same day, by the proviso to the third section of another act, enacted “ That in the courts of United States there shall he no exclusion of any witness on account of colot, nor in civil actions, because be is a party to or interested in the issue tried.” So that in those courts held in this State by Judges Grass, Cadwalabbe, and Mo- Candle settle rule of 'exclusion from , inte rest or being a party to the record is abo lished, and no longer exists. Is it possible, then, that the rule of exclusion can be longer permitted to exist in the courts of the State of Pennsylvania ? The Circulation of The Inquirer* We print this .morning a receipt of Jambs U* Claghorn, treasurer of the Union League. We do this for the satis faction of the Inquire?', which did not seem satisfied because the money was not actual ly deposited, although we stated on Tues day that the sum awaited the order of the gentlemen named. Mr. Claghorn is se lected, as our cashier learned that Mr. Binney was out of town, and not expected to return for several days, and Mr, Stuart could not conveniently be found : RxCBIVBD, Jan, 11, 1865, of J. G-. Is. Brown, cashier of The Press, the check of John W, Forney, Esq., proprietor of The Press, in favor of George H. Stuart, of the Christian Commission, and Horacrßinnry, Jr., of the Sanitary Commission, for ten thousand dollars, the same being made and delivered in pursuance of the offer made In the edi torial article in The Press of 10th instant to the Philadelphia Inquirer, to prove'its circulation as therein stated, and to be held to abide the determi nation of the inquiry called on in that article as therein proposed. Jambs L. Claghorn. In this connection it may, perhaps, be not out of place for us to notice the sugges tion of a person calling himself the 11 cashier of Inquirer office,” that the gentlemen who decide this question should “commence with the books and clerks of The Press office.” On this question, let us say that when The Press makes such pretensions that the Inquirer, in the interest-of all honest men, finds it necessary to challenge their truth, we shall gladly give any in formation that may be asked. According to this “ cashier,” it is the Inquirer de manding the investigation, and the money of the Inquirer —not the money of The Press —at issue. We have made this challenge, we have backed it with our money, and we are disposed to see that the investigation is thorough. To this end we might as well state, for the information of the Inquirer, that in this matter the cashier of The Press shall, as the representative of our interest, take a prominent part; that the statements of paper-makers, agents, clerks, and pressmen, and such other per sons as may be necessary in the further ance of truth, shall be under oath and sub ject to cross-examination; that the books of original entry shall be subjects of verifica tion, and that there shall be a discrimina tion between copies actually sold and those given away for the purpose of manufactur ing circulation. We have advanced our money, and pro pose to manage our part of this investiga tion in our own way. We need hardly say that when the Inquirer has got through with this subject it will be time for it to' begin a new one with The Press. The “cashier of Inquirer office” might as well address himself to the merits of the proposition that journal has accepted, and not interfere in matters that form no part of the present controversy. WASHINGTON- Gift. sms OH THE LOUISIiHI BLECHOH. THE NATION’S THANKS TO SHER- MAN AND HIS ARMY. SECBETARI STANTON NOT ON A PEACE MISSION* The Debate on the Constitutional Amendment. THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. DENIAL OP A PEACE RUMOR. Many newspapers have copied a telegram from Washington, erroneously attributed to the Asso ciated Press, giving a rumor that “ General Shrr man had communicated to the President that the Georgia State authorities had applied to come back Into the Union, and that. Secretary Stanton’s vi sit to Savannah had,' doubtless, some conneetlon with this subject.” The Washington agent of the Associated Press has merely to say he never .circu lated Buch a that there is n* truth in It whatever. [The telegram referred to was not published by The Press, Wo considered it unreliable.—Ed.] THE LOUISIANA ELECTIONS —STATEMENT OP GEN. BANKS TO THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY— PROBABLE INTEN TIONS OP NAPOLEON in. tlons relative to the recent elections in Louisiana, He fays he.did not assumo In his proclamation of January 11, 1864, inviting the people of that State to participate in an election, to say whether slavery was or was not an Institution recognized , by law, as the condition of the State was such that no laws for the enforcement of the rights of the master could be executed without disturbance of the public peace; and they oonid not be enforced by the army or navy, such intervention being forbidden by Con gress. TWb declaration-was generally acceptable to tie people. There were three candidates; the eanvasi was spirited, and 11,400 votes were east out 0f16,000 to 18,000 jormerly polled as an average In the parishes voting, the highest vote ever given being 21,009. He expresses the belief that 500 persons voted at that election who were not citizens of the State prior to the rebellion, and every candidate had been from fifteen to twenty yeara Identified with the Interests of the State, and he also de clares unhesitatingly that two-thirds, If not three fourths, of the voting population of the State part tidlpated In the election. There were In the State from is,GOO to 18,000 persons duly registered as qua lified by the Constitution and laws pf Louisiana as voters. He holds that any criticism on this election suggesting a departure from the sta tute provisions rests upon the Impossibili ty of exact compliance therewith. Of the diminished vote on the ratification of the new Constitution, he says there was no mate rial opposition to it, public or private, and that some failed to participate from apprehensions that Congresß would not ratify the form of government. The majority, he asserts, had a contest been made by the ol emancipation, would have been 15,000 ; and he deolares that the lnfiuenoe of the oS eers of Government, civil and military, was Indif ferent if not hostile. The register of votes has stated that in one department of the Treasury office only twenty-five out of two hundred persons voted either for or against the abolition of slavery. He disclaims In unqualified terms the imputation of attempts to Influence the election by the military authorities. The actual vote polled Is claimed to have been more than one-, third of the average vote of the entire State for tea years previous to the rebellion. It is claimed that the population of the State has been reduced by enlistments In the rebel army, by removal to the North and to Europe, .And by tbe appal ling mortality of the blacks from 708,00* to 460,000. Of 40,000 enlisted In the rebel army, it Is reekoned that not more than 1,500 are now liv ing. Probably three-fourths of the population of the State are now In the lines of our army. He as serts that he haß never been governed in the admi nistration of affairs In Louisiana by the fact that a person haa taken the oath of allegiance, and never accorded any privilege, on the ground that pnblla opinion there haa a more substantial and permanent basis. General Banks refers to the significant BTextoan movement of NAroutoir, and olaims that he would, upon a convenient pretext, plant the French flag upon the west bank of the Mississippi, and hence the great Importance of supporting the United States Government In Louisiana by every possible means, not only by force of arms, but by the sympathy of the people; and that all sections and Interests of the oountry, political and commercial, have an equal Interest In maintaining the power of the Government In this central and Important point of the.oontinent. THE RESOLUTION OF THANKS TO GBMIgRAT. SHEBMAN. The President has approved the joint resolution tendering the thanks of the people and of Congress to Major General, William T. Shesman and the officers and soldfdrs of his command, for their gal lant conduct In the late brilliant movement through Georgia, butler’s farewell address. Various members of Congress to-day received from General Butleb bimself, through the mall, printed cpples of his farewell to the Army of the James. XXnUltli CONGRESS-—Second Session. SENATE. Vice President HAMLIH in the chair. POSTAL LAWS. Mr. COLLAMER, of Vermont, introduced a bill re lating to postal laws, which was retried to the Com* mittce on Post Offices and Post Koada It provides for the payment of postages, registration Zees, and box rents exclusively in postage stamps; requires the return to writers of all unpaid or partly-paid letters, if the de ficit is more than one postage, and demands the prepay ment alter January next of publications sent by pub lishers to subscribers. It extends relief to postmasters who have met with losses by rebel incarrions. It allows compensation for advertising letters uncalled for at tbe rale of two cents each; gives the special agent lor the Pacific States two thousand dollars per annum salary, and not exceeding five dollars per diem for expenses; and authorizes the ap&oiptfnent of one addi tional and two special agents for railwa> service at tte came rate. It appropriates ten thousand dollars for Mep*ffingand publishing put route maps with statis tics, and one hundred thousand dollars to meet any de ficiencies in the money order system. POST* OFFICE CLERKSHIPS, Mr. COLLAHIR also introduced a bill relating to clerkships in tbe Post Office, which proposes the ap pointment of a chief clerk for each of the-three Asstet ant Postmaster Generals, and nine clerks fn lieu of the temporary clerks now employed, appropriating eigh teen thousand dollars for payment of such salaries. Referred to the Committee on Post Offices and Post Beads. Petitions for an increase of the par of army officers were presented by Senators WILSON, TRUMBULL, and HABRIB. and weie referred to the Committee on Mili tary Affairs. PAY OP DEPARTMENT CLERKS. Mr. HABBIS, of New York, presented the petition of a number ol th ©Depart caent clerks, asking for an in crease of pay. Referred to the Committee of finance. CANAL ABOUND NIAGARA.FALLS. Mr. DOOLirTLE, of Wisconsin, presented a memo rial from the Chamber of Commerce of Milwaukee, on tbe subject of canal navigation around the Falls of Ni agara. Referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT FOR. VIRGINIA* Mr, CLARK* of New Hampshire* presented the pe- positive outbreak. The treaty was followed by entire tranquillity, which has not moment bean die turbed. This is a plain advantage which cannot be ’denied. But so far as 1 have been able to examine the official returns, I do not find any further evidence showing the value of the Iriafcy. In this connection, while opinions, even among thoie most interested in the fisheries, are divided, there are partisans for it l&- Gloucester, Mass , and partisans again?* It in Maine. If the treaty related exclusively to fisheries I should not re willing to touch it, but the practical question is, whether the seeming advantage in this respect is suffi cient to counterbalance the advantages in other re i specie. Next comes the navigation of the St. Lawrence, hat this plausible concession has proved to be little more than a name. It appears that during the first six years of the treaty only forty American vessels, containing 12,560 tons, passed seaward through the St. Lawrence, and dnrinjrthe same lime only nineteen vessels, ooa taining 6,416 tons, returned by the same open highway. These are very petty amounts when wo consider the value of commerce on the lakes, which, in 1856, was $58,75?, Cff, or when we consider-the carrying trade be tween the Unltrd States and the British Provinces. Take the yea*s 1857 to 1862, and we shall find that du ring that period the shipping of the;Unit*d 8-ates which' cleared for the British Provinces was 10,707 329 tons, and the foreign shipping which cleared during the same pe riod was 7,881,399 tons, while the shipping of the United States which entered at our custom houses from the Bri tish Provinces was 100,058,383 tons, and the foreign ship ping which entered wa56.453,520 tons. 1 mention these things by way of contrast. In com parison with these grand movements thp business which we have been able to do on the St Lawrence seems to be trivial. It need not be considered as an element in the present discussion. The treaty may be seen next in its bearings in the commerce between the two countries. This has immensely, but it is difficult to see how much of this increase is due to the treaty and how much is due to the natural growth of population and the facilities of transportation in both countries. II it could be traced exclusively or in any large measure to the treaty, it would be an elemeninot to.be disregarded, but It does not follow from the occur rence of tbis increase after the treaty, that it was on ae coiujt of the treaty. The census of the United States and - of POi?n the origin of the increase cf commerce. There are also “ railroads fmnhhing prompt and constant means of 4»ter-communication which have gone into successful operationonly since the treaty. It would be difficult to exaggerate the iufiaenc? these nave exercised in quickening and extending commerce. I cannot doubt that the railroad system ol the two countries has been in itself a reciprocity treaty more comprehensive and equal than any written on parch ment. The extent of trade before and after the treaty - may be seen in a few figures. Xu the three years'im mtdiateiy preceding the treaty the total exports to Ca nada and the other British Provinces were $48,216,618, and the total imports were $22 568.577, being of exports to imports in the p’oportionof 10t> to 46. In the ten years of the treaty the 1 otal exports to C&aada and the British Provinces were $266,360,931; the total imports were $-200,399,7*6. According to these amounts, the exports were in the proportion of one hundred to seventy-eight. If we take Canada alone, we shall find the change in their pro portion greater eiili. The tolal sxporfca to Canada in the three years immediately preceding the treaty were *31,846. E 66. and the total importa were $5,637,674, being in the proportion of one hundred to fifty-two; while the whole exports to Canada alone, during the ton yeais of the treaty, were $176,871,919, and the total imports were $161,474,347, being in the proportion of one nun-. dred to ninety-ftur. I present these tables simply to lay before you the extent and nature of the change in the commerce between the two countries But I for bear embarking on the much debated inquiry as to the' effect of a difference between the amount of exports and of imports, involving, as it does, the whole perilous question ox the balance of trade. In the view which I take on the present occasion, It is not necessary to con. aider it The reciprocity treaty cannot be maintained or overturned on any contested principle of politic*! economy. » Washington, Jan. 11. Here is another illustration, derived from the tables: Dunrg the ten years of the treaty the United States have’actually paid in duties to Canada #l6 802,953, while during the same period Canada has paid in duties to the Untied fctates the very moderate sum of #930,444, Hire again is a vast disproportion, to the detriment of tbe United States. Tb e same inequality may be ee?u in another way During the ten years of the treaty duti able products of the United Spates have entered Canada and the other provinces to the amount of $83,347,019, while during the same period dutiable products of Canada and the other provinces have entered the United States only to the amount of $7,760,482 During this same period, free products of the United States have enter* d Canada and the other provinces so the 6mount of $llB 853.972. while the of Canada and the other provisoes have entered the United States to the amount of $178,600-185. Here ag»in is a va»t disproportion lothe detriment of the Unttea State*. ; Mr. Sumner then quoted from the report of the Secre tary of the Treasury, showing that the treaty had re leased from duty a total Bum of $42,333,25? in value of goods of Canada more than of goods the product of-the united Sratts. From these various considerations. It was clear t* Mr. Sumner that the revenues of the United States have suffered by this treaty, and that in this im port ant partticnl&r its advantages had not been shared equally by the two countries. Messrs RAMfcAY and,HOWE spoke against the repeat of tbe treaty, and Messrs. SHERMAN and COLLAMEB spoke in favor of It Fending the consideration of the resolution the Senate adjourned. Hr. WILSON of lowa, reported from the Committee on the Judiciary, a hill amendatory of the civil appro priation act, by adding a proviso that in any action by or against any executors, administrators or guardians, in which Judgment may have been rendered for or against them, neilner party »hall he allowed to testify sgainst the other as to any transaction, unless called to testify hy the opposite party, or by the court. The bill was passed. * Mr. COFFBOTH, of Pennsylvante r offered a resolu tion, which was passed, requesting the Committee of Ways and Meansfo inqtire into the expediency of re* gorting a bIU for the relief of the people of Chambers- Hr STEVENS, of Pennsylvania, from the Committee of Way sand Means, reported a bill making appropria tions for the service of ihe Post Office Department for the year ending wbh June, 1566, which was made the spe cial order lor Wednesday next - The House returned the consideration of the proposed anti slavery amendment to the Constitution. Mr. CHILTON A WHITE, of Ohio, believed in the unqualified sovereignty of the States, and argued there was no power rathe Constitution to affect the Btatus of slavery, as its regulation anl management are within .the province cflF the.Hites themselves where toe Conui tution exists. No legislativeaction can exceed the dele gated powers and interfere with the reserved rights. Mr. bMITHERS. of Delaware, was satisfied the pend ing measure wa« both constitutional and beneficial, and the mode of amendment so diettnstly designated as to preclude all cavil. Be showed that nowhere does slavery exist in a milder foi m than in Delaware, and said the people of t&at State would hail with joy the passage of this great measure of justice and humanity. Hr.- TOWNSEND, of New York, purposed to vote against the amendment, and contended that the deduc tion from the argument of the last tew days was that those who did not vote for the amendment to the Con stitution were enemies of the Union and supporters of slav«it. On-tbe part of bis constituents and himself he denied any such conclusion. The Clerk read the Crittenden resolutions at his re quest. fie proceeded to say that oh the basis of that resolu tion his canstttu* nts were at the beginning of the war, and they are there to-day. In the tumult of civil dis cord tbe tew* of slavery lose their fores, and are seldom supplied by th»ie of humanity; the ardor ef contention, theprjd** of victory, the memory of past Id juries, the feat of future dangers, all contribute to influence the Find, and render it incapable of forming, much less of changing the organic form of a constitution which all mankind unite in proclaiming the greatest monument of human wisd Jm Be would therefore record his vote against the amendment Mr HOLMaN, oMndisna, said this amendment could not be adopted without being followed by more radical measures. If, in tbe judgment of cur fathers, slavery was incomistent with a republican form of government they would have abolished it. The Democratic party were opposed to the amendment, because they want the Coustitut:oß preserved as it is. He denied that because of slavery our country had become a hisslng’and re* prosch. In of slavery, on the contrary, it had grown in population and wealth, and commanded the respect «aid let gentlemen beware hoW they path their doctrine, lest it would be feund that the compact of con federation had first ifeen broken elsewhere than in the B'uth. In conclusion, he declared that he was uot in fluenced by any sectional or partisan feeltn*, but solely by a regard for the character and perpetuity of our free institutions. Mr JENCKES, of Rhode Island; expressed his asto nishment that Hr. Pendleton called this a compact of confederation, and asked, If we are not one nation, what are we? He called upon the gentleman and all of his school to frame an indictment on the charge that bad been made that Northern men had infracted the Consti tution. Mr. Jen ekes maintained that slavery has made the battle and fallen on its own battle field. Now that slavery is about to die, let us bui y it quickly, and with' as little ceremony as U due the occasion- ~ The House then adjourned. ’ • • Harkisbvro, January 12,1865. / {SENATE, , - A number of petitions were presented, among them the following: Hr. BOYER, from officers of turnpike and pl&nkroad companies in Bucks and Montgomery counties, for au increase of toll. Mr. HOGB, for the erection of a ferry or foot bridge over Oil Greek, near the Noble Farm. Hr. CONNELL, .supplement to the Weßtern People’s Telegraph. * Mr. WORTHINGTON, relative to the Bank of Dela ware Corn ty. : ’» Mr. LOWRY, a supplement to the acts regulating the militia Mr. HOGE, giving authority to Samuel Slock to con struct a ferry over oil Greek, at the Noble Weil. . Mr. BIGBaM, taxing the dividends of all banks organized under the National banking law- Mr. LOWRY offered aresoiutioninsteuctiagthe Judi cial y Committee to present a bill prohibiting any street-railway company from making any rule or regu lation to exclude any race of people' from their ears. ’ Mr. LOWRY said that his resolution had been prompt ed by Mb indignation at witnessing, a few days since, in Philadelphia, a colored soldier who had given one leg to his country excluded from the' city-passenger cars. ' . The yeas aud navß being called, resulted in yeas 16, nays IS. Connell and Nichols voted yea, and Do novan and Ridgway nay. Hr. LaTTAcalledupanaettoextend the provisions of the general mining law of 1863 to. Westmoreland aud Armstrong counties, which pasted The henatois then proceeded to the hall of the House, when an election was held for State Treasurer, Wm. H. Kemble receivii g 79 votes, ana Wm. Y- McGrath 47 votes. Mr Eemble was declared duly elected. Adjourned. Mr. WILSON presented petitiona..eontestiuK the right of Samuel Alleman, of Baj dor county, to a Thurs day next was fixed for the appointment of a committee. (a case under the soldiers 1 vote.) Mr. ALLEMAN, of Dauphin, presented a preamble mid resolution setting forth that Governor Curtin, inhifi last mtsaage.had alluded to frauds c'ommittedby bounty and substitute brokers, in Harrisburg, and had cited a particular easewhich had been before the Court of Quar» ter Sessions of Dauphin county, in such a manner as to reflect upon that court; therefore* Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to investigate the facts and report upon the case referred to in the meeaage of the Governor, The resolution was adopted. Hr. GLASS, a supplement to the Aladdin Oil Com pany. Mr. NEGIiEY, repealing the act which prohibits the circulation of smati notes of other States. Hr. PERSHING, an act for the better assessment and collection of taxes, (revising the entire system.) Hr. BICE, Increasing fees of justices of peace and clerks of Orphans’Courts. Hr. KtJDLIMAN, giving power to surviving or suc ceeding trustees. Hr. HILL, incorporating Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Railroad; of Crawfoid and Erie counties. Hr. COCHRAN, of Phi adelphia, regulating the $3OO exemption of property of widows of decedents. Hr. SHArPIESS, supplement to the free banking law (enabling banks to wind up and Adjust their affairs.) Mr. JACOBI, relative to widowß’ appraiiements (re quiring executors to file such appraisements in regis ters’offices.) _ Hr. HcCLUBE, joint resolutions relative to credits for enlistments in the military and marine service of' the United States, as follows: * Whereas* The system of military and naval enlist ments now sanctioned by toe Government, by which recruits are credited to tle locality in which they accept local bounties, regardless of'fcheir bsnaj&e residences, has induced most ruinous compstitio a for men, and im posed wanton and grievous burdens upon the people, without corresponding benefit to either the Government or the soldiers; and Whereas. It has created and fostered a system of bounty-brokerage at once demoralizing to the people, the recruits, and the officers of the Government* and exhausted the pecuniary resources of the States while it defrauded the army of..many thousands of men; therefore, Resolved, That it is due to the faithful paople of Pennsylvania, who have responded to every demand made upon them for the Support of our common nation ality with patriotic pride, that each sub-district shall henceforth be required to, fill its quota from its own bona-fide residents, aud thus anestthe present oppres sive discrimination sg&ibbt the rural districts gene rally, and especially the less ..wealthy sections of the Commonwea tb. protect th'e people against needles# taxation and debt, and enforce fidelity upon ail, in fill ing: up the ranks of our brave armies. -- . Resolved, That the Governor of. Pennsylvania be requested to transmits copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States;, to the of War, ~-- *V jtfa of the road* MAN shot. About eight o’clock, last evening, a man named James Ward was shot, in the vicinity of Front and pock streets, by a man named Joslah France. The latter la a soldier, hailing from Camp Cadwalader, and his statement Is that he had a deserter in “barge, and was taking him around to see some of his friends. .An attempt was made, he alleges, to take the man from his custody, and a pistol thrown upon him, whereupon he drew his revolver sod .fired two shots. One of the balls took effect In the left should® of Ward, pass- Itg around to the shoulder-blade. Both of the parties were arrested and taken to the Central Sta tion. Ward denies the statement of the soldier la toto. He was taken to the office of Dr. J. E, Chad, who was engaged In extracting the ball as we penned this article. Both parties were detained until this morning, when a hearing will probably frdlv untangle the stories of the men. The third man was not arrested;' , ETJlfcOl.^ THE STEAMER MORAVIAN M Effect of the Sews from Skrman and TBK ENGLISH I'HKSS OH CAJiABUx „ — A. 2.ETTJEK FROM I.ORn W»A Rjf PoBTiABD, Me. , Jab. 11— t0,.« &« B 8““ w > -’JSSRTa^si The dates per tie MoriTian arr . «» ‘ Sll Vu! thosealreadyrecoined. *' 6 ® T « dan, Purser McDonaldreports: Fim , “‘'lim January Ist a steamer, ennooßes, , fta ihe " lat 6465, long. 2206, bournSt^* 181!:5 Hite** The steamship Hansa, fromffew v . Eoathampton oa the 28th of l“c?™?L Tl »'k, . The Steamship Bor aria. from IS"-?- . r : »i a at Southampton oa December am fori, GREAT BEITaW Jhe aews from America, of the Ehermaa aad Thomas. caused mar? "***"’* of o, thefrieadsof the Eortb, aad ts“oafe?*'*«'»i declined three ner cent. .While there proremeni in Federal securities 6 **•» e;«Y, s >l The item of news, however, whvi, > * as H. tentlon, was the order of General a* , raWers into Canada if necessary ** 10 it. The London' Times remarks that it n r% H Government is so ill- advised as to 2L?« the Canadian frontier, a very sert- J? lag betweea the two conntrim mafft ,?' ,o oi=:'s*o The London Bail » Kevm hones tiS!®! l *!!?*- General Gin to pursue th« 1 to* r 4 frontier •will be disavowed by 3. a " oss >< thoritiee of the Washington Goto?!?'*® “The plea which coald Bone wl™ ® s «- I;‘ ,*'• the refusal of the Canadians to ... ‘‘'v aUtes, hat jjulfe fared la the-Ronee^T“SSh I ;t* U ; ? Canada, as tending to complicate * «-' 4 * n flciently emlmrawaniT C a 'a The London Morning Pobt thicks *v«a.. J r, ‘* tube of the Canadian G’>v*»rninsati'' oh &**« »**•*«*• ssbstantial i;?t «3sfiiflS«3BS^^>C its intention to increase its Jr!.*,* it will therefore he able, too, ■«- H nut igatioa in the St. Lawrenoj, to h-.-. ' «*v-M ships on the lakes as it can bu~ t c.ia.tAi-r 4 ' » ; In the interior; and that the Brinrh lees it should have material for hnil liaL r V ing and eqn:pph>g them on the o4a The following Is & summary of the v The Daily I>iwg publishes a k«-» r ' r -. ■ > Gold win fcmith, asserting Ms convict,; • * ingof the Florida was entirely eccid- n.‘l ' Die language of the Americas prst* na *». t finally asserts thathe left America i * ' fcy of the people to their institution*. c-r- ; "*■ power and determination to achieve th» r ~.? r taking, and hopeful of their des:iui ' » / The Times publishes a letter from in response to Mr. Seward's re'ueaU.-- pool Bazaar fund to be distributed t-. y «ra. Wharncliffe quotes Northern pipe , Mr Seward s statement that the dh-v ." v suffering unusual privations. . ,;r were mainly contributed by tlio c e fc H South, saying the movemen; wa- . • * can led out by Southern iadlea is , n :~ , refusal will not practically aiT-ct thy *• - • ,'' -* fund. The letter of Mr. Adams, cntirsv . ' Mr. Seward's refusal, is published jj ' -v* ■ ‘-r regietthat hehae ioclo?st?.c'c " { The Times has an editorial complijJr. u V.. ‘ •••«. Wbarscliffeand Adams, and, by infereac to Mr. Seward. ' ■ - 5 The Daily News justifies Mr. Bew?rds showff that Wharx chffe deserved "Hi La France points to General Framost a- % ‘ <, Deyror's successor. ’ The Russian Ambassador had returned to » - Calcutta, Dec. 8. —Exchange 2e. H •»« - ' proving. Bomb at, Bee, B—‘Exchange 2a. i; e .i r . vancing. - - Canton. Nov. 26 —Exchange 4s. M. T-t r-. Shanghai. For. 27.—Tea dull. Shkadvi-”' change 6s. fid. " LATEST VIA GREENCifcTLE London, Dec. 3a—The Time* con*ri-« • . > temperate language of President I.iDc io - * message, with the proclamation of ih-z. ri D ’ resolutions offered in the Federal Seiiai* r : v - •*•’ 5 ler. It says: * “In Congress we are charged with r~ assassination and pillage, while a miikart *. . threatens onr territories with W of the Republic does-jasttce to both » land, and we gladly receive his views a«s ■— :.\ time and reason will commend to the Am-r-v ■ - War between Amirica and England won ] _ the most formidable intervention in bshilr .f - : Which Mr. Da via could desire. 7 ' The Ton- : recommends this point to the consideration n? r- > -/ ricans It adds: “It has been longstmaised - federate agents in thntr various operation • ? ’ rather allured than deterred byth* pro«r.--» national embroilment arising out of their BC h „i besides escaping with a cruiser and pluaieriav * * > they could bring a powerful enemy on ihe bac- ' * foe, it would be an enormous gain to ib&in p-- . some of jthem. now looking to the St. Aibaa/ra i - hv ? •< much as a rupture with this country, wh ; Northern politicians are incessantly advUiujc The Lot don Post says that neither the S n the Federals will allow themselves to bs unfriendly reUtione bv the * A \ c t third party, whose object is sufficiently h Will no doubt he found necesnary to the iat rt» , 1 nation! to maintain an effectual military p ■:», t the shores and lakes, with the view of press*::.:* i enrrence of recent depredations The Times city article says the fund* were raiser less firin yesterday, consequent upon the deound tx money at the close of the year; also is connecc::* Wiih theforeign and share settlement now in pro*r«". Ameruannews caused some liul« depra*>^H: a i, s . d’an secnjities, altlonah tfi, oily J to the exampp. of national 1 •• by the last New York inte licence, id that t - : of General Dixand wildn«Bg of the poiit cai nre-« 1 Uad soce irresponsible persons to vio atr f ■ tenitory. andthne the Washington against theur anxious in apos hica as disarm hie, both to the ptopi^-of Eaglaud and th* re !;:=•••: 1 generally film, but without any craasictUn. ■ portance, in consequence of the ceiebiciioa of v days LIVERPOOL PRODUCE • • steady. Coffee steady. Bice quiet but l firmer at 59s 9d@Sos for both pots aad p S a.:;=. ; Oil steady. Eoein inactive. Spirits ; . at €< @si*. Petroleum firm. LONDON MARKETS.—Breadfituffs r, • = firm, but inactive, owingto ho-icayr. Tau<'v Spirits Turpentine quiet at e2s6d. London, Dec. 29.—Consols S9%#S9& for * r * rlcanstock*—lllinois Central Railroad i latest per Moravian, via ... LivxnPoon, Dec. 30. —Cotton.— Sales for f n 44,Gi0 bales, including 12.iG0 bales to ■,* i 7, CIO bales to exporters. The market ■ : upward tendency, and cio*.ed easier, wiih - - advance of in American. Quotations &r=: Fair. M: : - Orleftns...,, Mobile : Urfands : ;i The actual stock in port on the ijoth £:■ :*"> 4f6,0G0 bales, being 115,000 bales in erce=s of** r - The stock 01 American is 23,000 bales, being I-,' ■ above the estimates. The solve of cotton to.day (Priday) ' ■' the ma’ket closing doll, at a decline pf pound, owing to the exc-es in stock. market Is quiet and ste.v'. Provisions.—The market is quiet. Laol ip waTd tendency. London. Pec; 30.—OoneolR clowa at ney. The bullion in the Bank of England ha. i £207,060. axbkican Securities.— lllinois Central Kail: diecount; Erie Railroad, 37@30. CITY ITEMS. CrEKBBAt SHERMAN’S MOVEMENTS —Tic ’ was taken by surprise yesterday morning I>y - '' port that General Sherma* had arrive! ,T Orleans. “What does he In the West v: * Should be to the Southeast 1” was toe ; query. We have telegraphed to Secret :ry t for toformatlon,and he states thatShernnii' : ‘ ly making a flank movement, so as to come • " 1 to Philadelphia, where he will procure l;! : 1 ' new outfit at the Brown-Stone Cloth;-? fit’.! >'■ Bcckhlll & Wilson, Nos. SOS and 6(5 OtesfGiil rr*«. above Sixth, and then return to Siv-na-ii v ;i Fortress Monroe. Mb. Chablbs Stokes & Co., Clothiers. ut-‘ sf ’the Continental: Gents: I see in your chtUecee I® yesterday’s paper that yon offer to forf.-'t that we keep a cigar store, and can’t eu’ - 1 P' ir - pantaloons at all. How, our busineu is to l” ! _ cigars {no pun Intended), and not clotbing “tores, but since you have impertinently latermeduled & our business, and call upon us to show our naty!=, we accept the offer, and will take *lO,OOO and cat ne leg, when. If the other leg is to be cut, anothe" a stalment of $lO,OOO Is necessary. The affidavit our “stripper” hoy that the pantaloons fit ' than any we ever bought of you must determine !>• P. S-—As we never bought any pantaloons of r ■«; we think we’ve got you. Kesp., The “nest Ear, that keeps the cigar store under the Continents!- ■Skating by Moonlight on the Park, at l c.l? first and Walnut streets. Open until ten o'tk» to-night. A toll and superior brass band aftern’W and evening. K ’ High Approval.—Mrs. S. A. Allen late!? celved a letter from a lady, stating that, at the - : W‘ gertion of numerous friends, she.purchased a ll ’- of Mrs. S. A. Allen’s World’s Hair Restorer sa l M lobalsamum, or Hair Dressing, and after uda, few times, her hair, which was quite gray, lV l -'‘ e * stored to its youthful color, and new hair was -Sr appearing. No lady’s toilet Is complete '^'i' l '" these preparations. Every Druggist sells them. Notice.—Persons wishing to secure Sul will do well by calling at our offlca, as we cm Blab, them without the principals being presen: . ' •- sequontly they will lose no tine. Also codie.- supplied with Volunteers to fill quotas. Mybbs k H'-O' jalo-3t* Office 70S Green Str«.- Thu St. I