The Sun. — London, England, 1870-01-12 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. The Times observes that Paris will forget for a few days the peaceful revolution which has been accomplished by the accession of M. 011ivier to power; it will, perhaps cease to talk even of the murders of Troppmann. A Prince of the Imperial blood has shot a journalist, has been sent to the Conciergerie, and awaits his trial for homicide. The circumstances are in the highest degree dramatic, and in any other country would throw the public into a fever of curiosity and excitement. The present affair is taken out of the ordinary class by its tragical result, and by the mystery in which it is at present involved. It has arisen, like so many others, in the in dignation which is evoked by a scurrilous press. The attacks on the Emperor and his family have gone beyond anything that ought to be tolerated in a civilised com munity. We do not expect all Frenchmen to be Impe rialists, nor even that they should refrain from carrying on the anti-dynastic opposition in all its inevitable bitter ness ; but a true French gentleman, if he were the deadly enemy of a street sweeper, would hardly sail against him as these rhetoricians of liberty have attacked the Bonapartes. We need hardly say that we are not yet i n a position to give an opinion on the tragic affair. The degree of culpability which belongs to the homicide remains to be ascertained. Yet there are some strange circumstances which stand out conspicuously. It is almost incredible that M. Victor Noir, coming in the formal, the very formal, character of a French second, should slap the Prince's face ; it is equally incredible that the Prince should slap the face of a gentleman who, according to the laws of duelling, was invested with the sanctity which has attached to the herald of every age. Then it would appear that pistols were at hand and ready loaded. Whether Prince Pierre Bonaparte drew his from his pocket, according to one account, or took it from " a panoply decorating the saloon," according to another;we are as yet uncer tain ; but it is evident that a pistol was ready somewhere, and was only too near at hand when the dispute began. It further appears that when M. Noir was shot, his friend, N. Fonvielle, also "took from his pocket a pistol to defend himself." That seconds should wait armed upon a prin cipal, and he should receive them equally prepared, is a novelty in the history of European honour. We have heard of such things in Missouri and Texas, but it startles us to find such a degeneracy here. A catastrophe like this may have its good effect if it gives a check to the revived practice of settling every difference, even of opinion, by the sword or the pistol. In the present instance, says the Post, the act of a Prince and a Bonaparte, which would have passed little cared for as among French brother journalists if one of themselves had been the perpetrator, and which would only furnish matter for a small paragraph in the United States papers if it had occurred at some liquor bar of New Orleans or New York, assumes dimensions of an other character, and has all the gravity of a political event. Where all this is to end, and how it is to be cured, it is difficult to say. • What is certain, how ever, is that the duels between comparative no bodies which have been lightly passed over in France, the insults of the press and their vindication or punishment at the point of the sword, which have hitherto been care lessly attended to AS the subjeet9 of s ena a tiomi pArnfrr,rbs, now receive a deep and national attention when so great a name is dragged before the tribunals in so mean a squabble. The corpse of M. Victor Noir will be attended to the grave by every Red Republican in Paris, whilst Prince Pierre Bonaparte lies in the prison of the Conciergerie. These unpleasant facts will be apprehended in their most offensive sense by thousands of the common people, and in this acute proneness to judge ill of the powers that be lies the most serious danger of the melancholy mishap which has cast a gloom over Paris. We can hardly bring ourselves to doubt that the Prince will be able to vindicate himself, if not according to English ideas, at any rate to the satisfac tion of the French code of honour. But his escape from the consequences of his deplorable act will never free him or those connected with him from the shafts and stings of the brothers of the pen of M. Noir. His homicidal shot, which deprived a mere small journalist of life, may have cc,nbcquences of the greatest moment to his family and his country. The Standard declares that ministers still continue to think that this is the time for an economical policy equi valent to the pauperising of entire neighbourhoods. The discharge- of workmen goes on at Sheerness and Chatham; numbers of hired labourers, who are not entitled to pen sions, strictly speaking, but who have been so long on tho establishments that they had acquired a moral right to at least some consideration, are constantly dismissed from our dockyards ; the Imperial steam machinery is being brought to a comparative standstill ; the shipwrights, fitters, and ironworkers will have to leave until several hundreds have been thrown out of employ ment, and this pitiless process is going on precisely when their prospects must be most dreary. The policy of Ministers is to play a parsimonious budget in the eyes of the people. In this again we hardly think they will succeed. It is rather too much of an inconsistency to collect more taxes than are due, and simultaneously to cry out for a reduction of expenditure. Meanwhile, what is to become of the hard-working mechanics who are thus suddenly deprived of a livelihood ? Their abilities, no doubt, will make them welcome to such firms as have employment to give; but an aggregate discharge o f 500 or 600 men is a serious affair to a trade so special as the shipbuilders. It might have been otherwise had the country demanded those measures. We heard nothing of their necessity, however, until they were bragged about by the Liberal press. And in the result it may safely be affirmed that while taxation has been ren dered more offensive and intolerable than ever to the community, the total of all this vaunted economy will be a ridiculous disappointment. The Telegraph thinks Mr. Bright seldom spoke with more combined skill and force than at Birmingham on Tuesday. He was naturally reticent in alluding to the intentions of the Government. The Irish land question, he said, seemed more difficult the more closely it was scrutinised; and he frankly confessed that, although he had studied the subject for twenty years, he still found it full of perplexities. That he should state how the Government intended to deal with the question, his hearers could not have anticipated, and, of course, Mr. Bright had discreetly to content himself with an enumeration of general principles. He said that in the course of next month the provisions of the bill would be stated by Mr. Gladstone in the House of Commons. One impor tant word of warning, however, he gave to agitators. Nature and the course of history had, he pointed out, indicated that England should be the best customer of Ireland. England could pay more for the produce of Ire land than any other country. England could sell to Ireland the appliances of industry more freely than any other State. When he added that the Government meant to effect another conquest of Ireland— a conquest which should be bloodless, and should employ the holy weapon of a frank and generous justice—the entire mass of his listeners responded in a vociferous and long-sus tained shout of approval, which was full of political mean ing. No passage of his speech was more rapturously cheered than the sentences in which he eulogised Free Trade as the herald of international peace. Mr. Bright has learned that Governments cannot do everything for a people, and that the wisest laws are comparatively power less in a nation which is destitute of economy, fru gality, and the practice of virtue. These words were on Tuesday night spoken with a sadness which implied that in past years the great Reformer may have been lured on by visions too brilliant when he predicted the results that would flow from household suffrage. Naturally, therefore, he concluded by eloquently beseeching the working men of England to assist the labours of political justice through the potent agency of personal virtue. The response given by this great meeting undoubtedly signified the highets resolve to assist our leading statesmen in the grand work .not only of doing justice to Ireland, but of developing a higher political and social life throughout all classes and c onditions of the British people. Th e Daily News remarks that a gallant English, or rather Irish soldier, of the true chivalrous type has passed awa y in the late Sir de Lacy Evans. He was the Murat of our English army, the prince of sabreurs. But he was something more than this. He was a good strategist and tactician. There are generals in our army who have never seen a shot fired in anger. For nearly fifty y ears , from the campaign against the Pindaroes in 1807, to the Crimean War in 1354, Sir De Lacy Evans, found means of being present wherever fi g hti ng was going forward. In India, in the Peninsular war, under Wellington; in America, during the war of 1812 with the United States ; soon afterwards, at Quatre Bras and at Waterloo; at the head of the British Legion in Spain; at the battles of Alma and Inkermann, Sir Do Lacy Evans shewed himself among the most daring and skilful of soldiers. Unlike many military men, he did not allow his professional interests and pursuits to deaden or narrow his political con victions and feelings. He was a gallant and c hivalrous politician. Westminster was never represented by a stronger Radical. He assaulted abuses as he attacked the enemies' lines or strongholds, with British pluck and French élan. A better type of the patriot-soldier could not be found. His death at 82 years of age, after an active military and political life, from which it is scarcely five ''nears since he sought retirement, is an event _t9 b e li onour . a rathor ci* rocoi o than eP ore LAW AND POLICE. TEE BRIDGWATER ELECTION COMMISSION.—An important point was discussed on Tuesday in the Court of Queen's Bench. It was raised by the Lord Chief Justice mention ing the case of Mr. Lovibond, who, by counsel, called upon the Commissioners of the Bridgwater Election to show cause why they should not indemnify him by certificate for the evidence given before them. His lordship said they had heard the argument as to :whether Mr. Lovibond had answered the questions satisfactorily or not; but there appeared to the court another question, whether, assuming Mr. Lovibond had answered satisfactorily, it was competent for the court to decide or take a different view from that which the com mission had takenas to whether Mr. Lovibond was entitled to his certificate. If their lordships had been clearly of opinion that the answers were unsatisfactory, it would have been unnecessary to discuss the second question, and, therefore, they took time to consider the first branch of the question ; and having considered it, they thought it was necessary to hear further argument on the legal point as to how far this court has jurisdiction over the Com missioners.—The Solicitor-General: The Commissioners have sent in their report, and they now cease to exist ; and that may affect the argument. The Lord Chief Justice: I think the commissioners ought not to have put an end to their existence.—The Solicitor-General said they could not help themselves, as the Act of Parliament obliged them to report. Until the whole of the particulars were sent to the Home Office perhaps they should not be able to get what they wanted. On the part of the Crown he would say, however, that no unreasonable objection should be made to having what they wanted.—The matter then dropped. MR. PEABODY'S WILL.—In the Court of Probate, on Tues day, an application was made by Dr. Deane, Q.C., arising from proceedings that took place before the Registrar in reference to the will of the late George Peabody. The con ditions of the will were that there should be two sets of executors. The executors were authorised to act indepen dently of each other, but the testator hoped they would work harmoniously together for the interests of the estate. The English executors were, after paying certain properties, to hand over the residue to the American trustees, and this was to be done in or before May 1873. When this was done the American executors were to pay, half-yearly, certain legacies to certain parties named in a family trust. The difficulty which arose was in the practice of the registry with refer ence to trustees acting in a foreign country. According to a case decided by Dr. Lushington, the executors were to be incorporated in the will ; but considerable difficulties arose therefrom. Lord Penzance said the executors might be allowed to take probate on bringing an affidavit to identify the deed, with the names of the executors. The affidavit should state that it related to the will of an American citizen whohad a domicile here. THE " SAURIN v. STARR " CASE.—In the Court of Queen's Bench, on Tuesday, the re-hearing upon points of law of the convent scandal case should have come on. The Solicitor-General applied for its postponement. Mr. Mel lish, Q.C. (he said) who represented the convent authori ties, was too ill to appear; some of the superiors were out of the country ; and the time was in every respect incon venient. " I may add," remarked Sir John Coleridge, "that there is every chance of the case going off if it were allowed to stand over." The court granted the application as requested. A RAILWAY CASE.—A motion has been made in the Rolls Court, on behalf of Mr. Healey, who hail obtained an order for payment of £23,516 2s. Bd., against the Chichester and Midhurat Line. The motion was that execu tion might issue against the London rnd Brighton Rail way, who hold 9,000 shares in the Chichester line for the balance of the debt. The Master of the Rolls said the Brighton Company must have an opportunity of defending themselves, but that he must order the execution to issue to the extent cf the unpaid up capital on the 9,000 shares, unless cause were shewn to the contrary, on the second seal day after term. A PATENT ACTION.—A Manchester manufacturer, named Wight, has brought an action against Messrs. Hitchcock and Co., the drapers in St. Paul's Churchyard, for the infringement of a patent for the manufacture of frills or ruffles. The trial took place before the Lord Chief Baron, in Middlesex, when the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff. A rule was obtained for a new trial which has been argued in the Court of Exchequer. The question was whether the sale of articles made by a patented machine amounted to the infringe ment of the patentee's right. Mr. Baron Martin thought that the Patent Laws protected not merely machinery but the articles made by it, and that consequently the defen dants had rendered themselves responsible to plaintiff by the sale of the articles in question. The rule for a new trial was therefore discharged. MR. BRADLAITGII AS PLAINTIFF.—The case of Bradlaugh v. De Kin has been brought before the Court of Common Pleas. Mr. Bradlaugh brought an action on some bills which had circulated in France. It was tried more than two years ago, and the verdict was entered for the plaintiff subject to a point reserved connected with Frenchlaw. The case afterwards came before the Exchequer Chamber, when the defendant's counsel objected to the oath being adminis tered to Mr. Bradlaugh, on the ground that he was incom petent to take it. It was replied that the Evidence Act provided an exemption, but the counsel objected that Mr. Prentice, Q.C., the referee, was not a presiding judge, within the meaning of the statute. The plaintiff in per son, therefore, moved the Court of Common Pleas for a rule, directing Mr. Prentice to take the evidence. The Lord Chief Justice said, as that court had made no order of reference, he could have no juris diction in the matter. The plaintiff suggested that an order to refer should be made, but the Lord Chief Justice objecting that some affidavits were wanting, the plaintiff said he must trouble their lordships again, and left the court, followed by a large crowd who had attended him all the morning. BENEFIT SOCIETIES.—TWO labouring men applied to the magistrate at the Thames Police Court for advice. Their mother had been a regular subscriber to the Integrity Life Assurance and Sick Benefit Society, but on her death they were unable to obtain the burial money. Mr. Lushington, after asking many questions on the subject, advised the applicants to give notice to call the arbitrators, and if that produced no satis factory results, to sue in the county court. ACTION BY MADAME CELESTE.—Madame Celeste, the well-known actress, has brought an action against Mr. Smith, manager of the Bradford Theatre, for £7los. She was playing for a week at his theatre on an arrangement to take one-third of the receipts for every night but Friday. As the receipts were very small, however, a change in the arrangement was made; but some dispute arose, and Madame Celeste threatened to stop the performance, upon which the defendant gave an lOU, which he now held was not binding. Verdict for the plaintiff. MURDER BY A Mon.—Seven men have been tri..f. at the High Court of Justiciary, Scotland, for murder. The deceased lost his life in a riot between Orangemen and Catholics, but as there had been a regular melee in which all parties were to blame, the prisoners were dismissed, the charges being " not proven." The public health returns from twenty of the more important cities and boroughs in the United kingdom are now included in the Registrar General's weekly publica cation. Last week the aggregate mortality was at the rate of 30 per 1,000. In London 2,431 births and 1,697 deaths were registered, the former having been 101 above, and the latter 2 below the estimated number. The moan tem perature was 45*2, or 8 . 9 above the average. THE DUNDONNACIHE ARRESTED. A telegram from a correspondent at Dundee reads as follows : " Alexander Robertson Dundonnachie, made famous by the Dunkeld Bridge postage agitation, was apprehended to-day and lodged. in prison, charged with slandering Sheriff Barclay, of Perth. The apprehension` is at the 'instance of the Lord Advocate. Dundonnachie accused Sheriff Barclay of being a corrupt judge in connection with certain THE SPEECH or FlGUltES.—Figures of speech are common in all languages, but in Persian there appears to be a usage which may bo more properly called the "speech of figures." In the last number of the Journal of Philology, Mr. E. Palmer, the well-known Orientalist who accompanied the Sinaitic expedition, has written a short paper in which he has solved a riddle which had completely baffled all preceding scholars. It occurs in a satirical poem by Firclausi, and is expressed in the fol lowipg mysterious language :—" The hand of Sh(th Mahnnid, of noble origin, is nine times nine and three times four." Performing the arithmetical operation indi cated we find that the hand of ShAh Mahmild, of noble origin, is 93, and are as wise asbefore. M. Mohl conjectured that the allusion was to some game, but Mr. Palmer conclusively *thews that this is not the expla nation. " The allusion," he says, "is not to any game, but to a particular method of counting with the lingers This notation is much used in the East, especially by Persian horsedcalcrs as a means of conducting a business transaction privately be tween two parties, the price being named and agreed upon w hile apparently merely shaking hands." According to this notation, which - Mr. Palmer fully explains, "to ex press 93 the hand must be entirely closed, and a 'close fist' in Persian is synonymous with niggardliness, just as an g o pen haud' is the symbol of liberality. To say, then, that the Shah Triahmud's hand is 93, is merely equivalent to caning him 'close-fisted or miserly." And a very deli do= it.—Tagi Owt , ITU it ill) thialc) of g THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 12, 1870 ANOTIIER DUELLING TRAGEDY IN PARIS. PARIS, MONDAY. The late edition of the evening papers announce a strange tragedy which has just taken place at the house of Prince Pierre Bonaparte. This relative of the second Caesar has shot at and killed M. Victor Noir, a journalist. Prince Pierre is the fourth son of Lucien Bonaparte, the brother of the first Napoleon. He was born in 1815, and has gained some reputation as an energetic character, pass ing through many phases of life in America, Italy, and Belgium, and finally settling in France, after the expul sion of Louis Philippe. The pen of Rochefort, which never yet spared a Napoleon,-has at length reached Pierre. An insulting article in the new journal of the Paris deputy—the Marseillaise—drew forth a challenge from the Prince. The letter in which this defiance was conveyed is a smart specitnen in its way. It is quite natural, says the Prince, that after insulting every other member of the Bonaparte family, Rochefort should give the remaining one a turn. " But I have this advantage over most of those who bear my name. I am a private individual, though a Bonaparte. I proceed to enquire, then, if you are prepared to defend with your breast the effusions of your pen ; though I confess that I have little confidence in the result of my request. In fact, I learn from the newspapers that your electors have given you the imperative mandate to refuse all honourable satisfaction, and to preserve your precious existence. Nevertheless I venture to make the experiment, in the hope that some feeble vestige of French sentiment will induce you to make one exception in my favour from those measures of prudence and precaution in which you have taken refuge. If, peradventure, you consent to relax the conditions which render your honourable person doubly inviolable, you will find me neither in palace nor chateau, but simply at 59, Rue d'Auteuil; and I promise that if you present yourself, you will not be con fronted by a `Not at home.' " What happened after Rochefort received this epistle is somewhat uncertain. Anyhow, M. Victor Noir was killed. Some say that he went to the Rue d'Auteuil as Rochefort's second to arrange matters. Whilst with Prince Pierre, M. Noir avowed himself the author of the article in the 21farseillaise, and offered to fight his Imperial Highness. The latter refusing, the journalist proceeded to assault the Prince, and was forthwith shot dead with a pistol. Another version is that two duelling affairs have been mixed up. The Prince had a quarrel with Rochefort, and also with M. Paschal Grousset, who wrote the article in the Marseillaise. It was as the second of M. Grousset, and not of M. Roche fort, that M. Victor Noir met his fate. At least such is the version given by the Temps, which publishes a telegram from M. Grousset himself, announcing the fact of his second's death. Of course, this news, which has just been received, is the one topic of the day. If an " Imperial Highness" is constrained to fight every newspaper writer who insults him, verily, the reductio ad absurdum of duelling is complete. (A telegram announces the arrest of Prince Pierre Bonaparte, with the full approval of the Emperor). However liberal his purely political intentions may be, M. 011ivier does not give us much reason to hope that, so far as ecclesiastical matters are concerned, he will prove a very energetic reformer. The Count of Boigne, deputy of Savoy, has written a letter to his electors, in which he quotes some important statements made by M. 011ivier respecting his views on the Roman question. "M. 011ivier has declared—First, that he will take the Convention of the 15th of September as the basis of his policy; second, that the French troops will remain at Rome so long as Italy has not proved that she can and will execute that convention; 3rd, that the withdrawal of the troops will only take place with the consent of the Chamber ; and, 4th, that no communications on this subject shall be held with Italy during the Council." A good deal of regret has been expressed on account of these declarations, but after all, it is observed, they will make little difference in the actual position of affairs, for so long as the Emperor and Empress live we cannot expect that the Roman people will be masters of their own destiny. Just at present there is quite enough for our statesmen to do in the way of internal reforms. The Debate tells an absurb story, which shews what a thorough reorganisation is needed at the prefectures. A sub-prefect of the third Circumscription of the Seine-et-Marne sent a printed circular a few days since to the mayors of his district, accompanied by an immense placard which he begged them to stick up in their respective communes. This placard informed the electors that all he new Liberal measures which had excited such,enthu- siasm throughout France were due to their deputy, M. Josseau, and that it was from his house that M. 011ivicr went forth when summoned by the Emperor to form a Cabinet. The Debats, while ridiculing the absurdity of the proceeding, justly remarks that in thus bestirringhim self in the cause of the official candidate, the sub-prefect spews pretty plainly that he puts no practical faith in the promised reforms. M. Buffet's words to the heads of the great credit esta blishments on New Year's Day have been much commented on. The new Finance MiLister said that he should be glad to see these great establishments keep themselves more within the limits of their statutes so as to avoid as much as possible financial catastrophes such as those of the Credit Mobilier. M. Buffet further said that in his opinion the Government should abandon the surveillance which it has hitherto exercised over the greater number of financial companies. This superintendence has too often involved the responsibility and the reputation of the Government. He was, for his own part in favour of absolute liberty, and there fore the office of Governor of the Credit Foncier and other posts of the kind nominated by the Government would be shortly abolished. M. Buffet, it seems, added that he should not maintain the relations which M. Fould established between the chiefs of the financial world of Paris and the Minister of Finance. The order which has been made with respect to the delivery of the foreign journals will most likely induce the Government to examine these papers at the Foreign Office instead of at the office of the Minister of the Interior, for it is important that they should bo well acquainted, and as speedily as possible, with the opinion which prevails abroad. Troppmann has written to two photographers, one of whom is Pierre Petit. He said to the latter that he wished to serve his family, and therefore proposed to sell the right to his photograph. Ho mentioned, beforehand, however, that he could not make terms at all if the sum named was under £BO. M. Bozerain has made his statement at the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation in the Troppmann affair. Ho has mentioned the various modes by which the appeal can be carried out. It is still thought that the case will be considered this week. Troppmann has written again to-day to M. Lachaud, to beg him to come to La Roquette. M. Emile de Girardin states in the LiberM that the plan by which Mr. John Bright proposes to remedy the grievances of the land question in Ireland is essentially the same as the one which he himself mentioned in the Presse in 1852. He refers to it to shew that his least practical suggestions aro always carried out in the long run. [ICY TELEOI AP11.3 The later details show that both the above accounts of the Imperial homicide are partially correct and partially erroneous. M. Grousset wrote the article in the 21farseillaise, for which Prince Pierre sent the challenge to M. Rochefort. Taking the challenge upon himself, M. Grousset sent two seconds, M. Victor Noir and 31. Ulric Fonvielle, to wait on the Prince. When they were ushered into the drawing-room the Prince asked them whether they were the journalists sent by M. Rochefort. At this moment 31. Victor Noir struck the Prince violently in the face, and M. Fonvielle, doubtless expecting a blow, drew a revolver from his paletot. On seeing so violent an assault, the Prince snatched a pistol from a panoply decorating the saloon, and fired at M. Noir, whom he wounded. M. Noir, after reaching the bottom of the stairs, dropped down dead. Different versions of the tragic event at Auteuil, appear in the papers of this morning. The one written by Prince Pierre Bonaparte is in conformity with the account of the affair which appears in the Constitutionnel, excepting that the Prince says he took the revolver out of his pocket. The version given by the Marseillaise is that M. Fonvielle and M. Noir called yesterday at one o'clock on Prince Bonaparte, as the seconds of M. Paschal Grousset, to demand an explanation in reference to certain articles which had appeared is the morning papers. The Prince asked whether they came from M. Rochefort, and the seconds replied that they called about another matter. Prince Bonaparte inquired whether the gentlemen acting as seconds undertook the re srensibility of M. Rochefort's acts, in reply to which they said, "We are responsible for our friends." Thereupon Prince Pierre Bonaparte came forward, and, without any provocation, gave M• Noir a blow in the face with his left hand, and at the same time drawing from his pocket a ten chambered revolver, discharged it at that gen tleman within arms length off where be was standing. M. Noir immediately fell, and the Prince then made a dash at M. Fonvielle and fired at him. M. Fonvielle took from his pocket a pistol to defend himself, and the Prince, seeing M. Fon vielle armed, retired a few paces and placed him self before the door, aiming ikt M. FonvjeUe. FOREIGN NOTES. TIIE DISARMAMENT QUESTION. Accounts from Dresden state that the disarmament question has been the subject of recent negotiations be tween the several Governments which constitute the Northern Confederation. These were all favourable to the measure, and they met with no opposi tion, save from Prussia. This fact is looked upon as im portant, because, whenever this question has been dis cussed by friendly powers, the authorities at Berlin have always made out that the Prussian Government itself was not unfavourable to the proposition, but that it met with opposition from its confederate States. AMERICAN AFFAIRS. (From the Anglo-American Times.) NEW YORK, Dec. 24. The Richardson-M'Farland case will give some employment to the courts, as the friends of Richard son are bringing a suit in the Surrogate's Court on the disposal of his property, the legality of the deathbed marriage being contested, as it is affirmed that Richardson was at the time of the marriage so strongly under the influence of opiates that he did not know what he was about. His brother was denied letters of administration by the Surrogate, on the ground that the administration to the estate belonged to the widow or children of the deceased. He urged that they are in Massachusetts, and that the bulk of the property is in New Jersey. In the Court of Sessions, on the 21st December, MbFar land was formally arraigned for the murder. He looked pale and careworn, and the court was crowded with eager spectators anxious to catch a glimpse of him. While the indictment was being read he remained impassive, and pleaded, through his counsel, not guilty. His dress was a plain suit of black, but not many who thronged the court could gain a view of him. Ole Bull arrived in the I?itssia on Thursday. He performed at the request of the passengers, the proceeds being added to the fund to erect a beacon on the Norwegi :n coast as a monument in commemoration of the 1000th anni versary of Norwegian independence, to be cele brated in 1872. The concerts he is about to give on this continent are intended, in a measure, to further this object. There was an Opera Ball last night at the French Theatre, which is not spoken of as a correct and moral affair; but, of course, your correspondent was not there to see, thotigh James Fisk, jun., was. The fun grew fast and furious; fast in intoxication, furious in love and war, till the scene closed in darkness by the gas being turned off to wards 3 a.m., for there was no other way of getting rid of the debauchees, who were dropping love arid going in fiercely for war. But these are Christmas tames,though why should unbridled license be allowed during a sacred period? Talking of Fisk, Mr. Ram say has been examined on the subject of his com plaint against the Erie directors. He alleges that, in conjunction with some foreign stockholders, the action was intended to be brought, that grave in jury had accrued not only to the Erie, but to all railway property of every State through the course of the Erie Directors, that it was incumbent ou some one to pull these men up, and these were his motives. From a cursory glance at what Mr. Ramsay said, I conjecture that he is in communi cation with London stockholders, and that more vigorous action will hereafter be taken to oust that pernicious gang. Judge Cordozo last Monday gave his decision against Senator Mattoon in the suit brought against him by a Wall-street stock broker for half of the loss in an Erie speculation en tered into conjointly with him. This decision has ex cited some comment, but the effect may be to re strain legislators from attempting to make any ca pital in Wall-street out of the knowledge they acquire as members. Real's case has again been brought up on a motion to re-argue it, but this was refused, though eventually it was decided that the prisoner was to be brought into court to say why the sentence for the murder of the policeman, Smedick, of which he has been convicted, should not be passed. Real's friends, a numerous and in fluential party of roughs, declare that he shall not be executed, and even the judges are threatened, but citizens are becoming aroused to the necessity of insisting that brutal and deliberate murder shall not go unpunished after a fair trial arid con viction. Florence Scannell, who was shot and dangerously injured a short time ago, has been elected alderman of the Eighteenth District, after a close contest with John Nesbit. Judge M'Cutin went to Bellevue Hospital yesterday to administer the oath, and found the newly made Alderman reco vering. The Spanish gunboats left their moorings at the foot of Thirteenth street, at 10 a.m. on Sunday, and steamed down the bay, some to Bedloe's Island and others to the Lower Bay. There was a howling gale all last Saturday, but Sunday broke fine and calm. In consequence the harbour was full of ves,els, which had been detained. The strongest feeling exists against the Spanish gunboats, and a se rious fight was on the point of breaking out between a mob and one which when starting got drifted close to the wharf, when stones were thrown and lots of the new paint knocked off. Members of the Junta are outspoken in their indignation against our country as well as Spain, and rumours were afloat that armed steamers had been fitted out in Southern ports to inter cept and destroy the Motsquito fleet. Against the argument that they were well armed and a powerful squadron, two strong frigates accompany_ tug them, it was urged that many of the crews sympathized with the insurgents. If, however, the Junta can do anything well, it is in getting up and giving currency to a false rumour. There are people who say there has been no war in Cuba, that the accounts have emanated from the fertile brains of the Junta, and it really does appear probable that there never has been an insur gent army in the field or a government ruling any portion of the island. The new Post-office does not progress as well as the early energy prog nosticated. Some of the excavations have been so injured by recent storms that the foundations must be relaid, but the funds are exhausted, and the work in consequence hangs fire. Wednesday was the anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims of the Mayflower at Plymouth, Massachusetts, for on the 22d December, 1620, that interesting event occurred, and the day is kept by New Englanders throughout the Union. At lielmonico's there was a grand banquet, Attorney-General Hoar being the orator of the evening, although there were many other good speakers. Miss Ida M. Ogilvie, 273, Fifth Avenue, was married last Tuesday to Mr. James Ingersoll, of the 7th Regiment, at St. Paul's Church. There was a brilliant reception at the residence of the bride, the 7th mustering strong, and among the distinguished guests were Governor Hoffman, Mayor Hall, Wm. M. Tweed, Peter B. Sweeny, Gen. Slimier and Staff. Secretary Bow:- well passed through the city this day for Massa chusetts, and General Butler also left for Boston. Speaker Blaine passed through to Maine yesterday. The Gray swindle keeps up its interest, and young Gray's antecedents having been inquired into, he has turned out a pretty boy ! who took upon him self the dignity of paterfamilias at the age of 15; at least so a girl, living in the family, has sworn. '•Dear Birdie," who proves to be his mis tress, has been ar rested ; she is about 25 ; a good musician and lin guist; dressed in black alpaca, black , fur sacque, white fur turban, and blue veil. Ihe chief !me rest in ca Birdie" is the packet of securities said to have been lodged in her hands; and her antecedents also have been looked up, bu t I will refrain from details in consideration of the hands into which your paper goes. The marvel is that Gray could have run his career of dissipation, and yet hat e so thoroughly deceived the friends of his family. It appears that one of them lent him $2,00 to make his way into the Stock Exchange, but Gray squan dered the money on his " Birdies" and wine, and though the gentleman discovered this, and informed the Rev. Dr. Gray, he only brought on his own head the incredulity and wrath of the father which terminated their intercourse. WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 The death of Edwin M. Stanton, last niulit, took Washington by surprise, although he has long been very weak. The event was announced to thou Pre sident by Senator Williams, whom he met on Penn sylvania-avenue, and when known, official orders were issued by him announcing the fact, and order ing the Executive and other buildings to be draped in black, and business to be suspended on the day of the funeral. The Secretary of War and the act ing Attorney-General in their announcements al luded to the fact that Stanton bad once been at the head of these departments. A meeting is to be held to-morrow of the U. S. Senators, as well as of the City Councils, to make arrangements about the funeral. The Justices of the Supreme Court have already had a conference, Chief Justice Chase being present, but it was eventually concluded that the ceremonies should be conducted by the Department of War. He is to be buried at Oak- Hill Cemetery, Georgetown, next Monday ; and the Cabinet, the Senate, and the Supreme Bench, as well as two members of the Representatives, will furnish the pall-bearers. Mr. Stanton never reco vered the arduous and responsible work of the war, but though his health was bad, the weakness increas ing, no immediate danger was apprehended. He had been at the seaside during the summer, and it was not till the fall that he returned very feeble, attending little to business, remaining nearly always in doors, though sometimes moving out in a closed carriage. About twelve days agp he drove to the Executive Mansion, and a week after, on his 54th birthday, the President, accompanied by the Vice-President, called and tendered the appoint ment, as a birthday gift, of Associate Justice, in suc cession to Judge Grier. It was then supposed that Mr. Stanton was improving in health; his asthma having abated, allowing him to rest better at night. He was attended by Surgeon-General Barnes, who two days ago marked an unfavourable change, and closely watched his patient. Last night the action of the heart became irregular, congestion ' followed ; soon he became insensible, and died at 3 a.m. The members of his family, Mrs. Stan ton, Edwin L. Stanton, Ella, Lewis , and Bessie, his children, were around his deathbed, but were not aware he was dying till half an hour before the end, which was peaceful and painless. Edwin, the eldest, about 25, a practising lawyer, was his father's priyate secretary in the War-office, and since, it is now known that Mr. Stanton died poor, although few exercised greater power or disposed of wealth more vast. During Lincoln's time the late Secretary waslittle less than a despot, by a movement of whose finger men were locked up, and who swayed assem blies in which he had no seat. A man of his extra ordinary energy, courage, and determination mad.' as bitter enemies as good friends, and, with the ex ception of General Butler, the late Thaddeus Stevens, and such persons, no one has been more fiercely assailed, or strenuously upheld. They were the standard-bearers, the rallying point for the friends of the Union cause, the aim for its enemies. He was born at Steubenville, Ohio, his father being a respected physician there. It is worthy of remark that he, though the direct descendant on both sides of Quakers, was a central figure in the bloodies war on record. He was educated a Can lege, studied law under Daniel L. Collier, and commenced practice in Ohio. Gradually he rose in his profession, and it was through it that he became acquainted with Mr. Lincoln, with a jam.. he was associated in some cases. In December, 1860, President Buchanan asked him at a critical moment to become Attorney-General, and it was then in the very stronghold of the enemy thtt he showed his zeal for the Union. In 186 9 Lincoln tendered him the Secretaryship of War, and it was in that post he made his none historical. It may also be remarked as strange that Air Stan ton commenced and ended his official career, at war with the Cabinet Ministers around him. No man could have been less qualified to get on at such times in Buchanan's Cabinet, and he was as little qualified later in life to work with President John son and his Cabinet. His death will call forth a strong expression of esteem from the greater num ber of our citizens, for whether he was liked or not, and he was unpopular in the army, still he was an honest, industrious, highly-gifted public servant. H. S. Benson, proprietor of the National Hotel, Washington, died on IN ednesday night. lie was formerly proprietor of the Ashland House, in Phila delphia, and of the Surf House, at Atlantic City. Governor Bullock, of Georgia, gave a dinner party on Wednesday to a number of Congressmen. He has been actively working in the Republican interest of his State. The Haytian Minister returned from Philadelphia yesterday, having started the Triumph, an ironclad, formerly the ram A tlanta, for Port au-Prince, and General Tate is negotiating for the purchase of two monitors, whereby he hopes to save his friend and chief, Salnave, from his danger ous position. Sixteen of the Spanish gunboats are reported as having arrived inside the Capes and anchored in Lynn, Haven Bay. AU. S. war ves sel is looking after those near the Battery still fitting out to prevent such attacks as was re cently made on a gunboat. Commodore Rogers is here consulting with General Porter and Mr. Robeson before he sails in the Colorado to take command of the Asiatic fleet. He is to meet Admiral Rowan at Singapore. The New Eng land's Society held its regular Forefather's Dinner on the 22d at the Masonic Temple ; 300 being pre sent at the banquet, and many more young men and women having a dance in anotner hall. Con gress has adjourned to the 10th Jan., and the Supreme Court until the 20th, and a stamped', has commenced, the rush home being as great as it was toward , Washington at the beginning of the month. Secretary Boutwell is to lecture in Boston, Secretary Robeson proceeds to New Jersey. lite President, although he does not leave Washington during the recess, is not going to be bored with receptions, and will only see officials on important business. l'he Vice-President, whose wife and mother are ill, will not hold the usual lever's dur ing the winter. The Senate Military Committee• has, it is said, decided on a bill by which some army officers who cannot be tried by court martial, will be dismissed. It is here reported that General Banks, whose absence from his place in the Representatives is noticed, has had several inter views with the Emperor Napoleon, who expressed regret at the action of his Ministers on the postal treaty, the telegraph cable, and other matters re lating to America. The agents of the cable are becoming alarmed at the clear indications in Con gres-, that unless the American terms are complied with the office at Dux bury will be closed. Governor Ashley has replied from Montana to the charge that he was in collusion with the Democrats. He never denounced the, President's appointwencs nor spoke against the negro; on the contrary, he recommended the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment; a public man ought to be judged by his official acts and his record, negro and Republican, has no blot. Never theless when Gen. Potts can take his place he will have to go, for people persist in bringing up his private record notwithstanding his appeal to his official acts. Mr. Mullett, architect, s rid before the House Postal Committee that $402,000 had been remitted for the New York Post-office of the $480,000 appro priated, leaving a balance of $78,000. Of the $200,000 for the Boston office, $167,000 had been disburstal, leaving $33,000 in the Treasury. It ap pears that it is proposed to change the site of the New York office to Chatham-street, and to the question, what would be the loss? Mr. Mullett answered, all the labour and some of the material. The committee is to go to New York and Boston to take evidence. Governor Bullock left for Atlanta yesterday after issuing a proclamation convening the Legislature of Georgia on the 10th Jan., as proclaimed elected by Gen. Meade. There were 28 coloured members expelled, but 12 or 15 are missing, though most of them are known to have been assassinated. Twenty-five are disqualified by the Fourteenth Amendment, 10 have been re lieved by Act of Congress, but the remainder will find a difficulty in the new oath, to the effect that he never, after having held any public office, aided the rebellion except through direct physical force, and the U. S. Circuit Court for the District of Georgia has exclusive jurisdiction of perjury and of attempting to prevent the taking of the oath, or inacting as member in either house after the oath. It is illegal and revolutionary to exclude for race, colour, or a former condition of servitude, and the milit kry or the naval forces are to be employed by the President to enforce the Act,ou the application of the Governor. NATIONAL EDUCATION IN RUSSIA. Popular education seems to be making good progress in Russia, and the press records with satisfaction the efforts mado to develope it by the provincial assemblies. The Provincial Assembly of St. Petersburg, according to the Moscow Gazette, formerly granted a sum of 4,000 roubles for the maintenance of twenty exhibitions for scholars in the schools of Andreiwshafa, who are studying for professor ships. This year the same assembly has granted a further sum of 2,000 roubles for the formation of a course of pro fessional lectures, for the use of primary instructors. These arc to take place during the summer vacation, so that the teachers attached to the rural schools may profit by them. The provincial assembly of Viatlea is about to vote 25,000 roubles for the foundation of an agricultural school where special sciences will be taught. The editors of the Moscow papers are strongly in favour of all these measures, but the Polish press shows some indifference in the matter. AN EXHIBITION AT ST. PETEESBITRG. A grand industrial exhibition is to be held in St. Peter burg next May. Great expectations are formed of it, and it is thought likely to be successful. The exhibition is to include the products of the most distant provinces, such as the Caucasus, Siberia, and Turke stan, the Ministers of the Interior and of the Finances having done all they could to forward it. The inhabitants of the capital are quite excited at the prospect of an influx of foreign visitors, and the several railway companies are reducing their charges by anticipation. THE RUSSIAN ARMY. The Russian Minister of War has just decided that the regulations as to military bounty now in force shall be continued during the current year. Two hundred roubles are granted for every five years of active service, and one hundred for each year in the reserve. GENERAL TITRE ON PANSLAYISM. The Hungarian General Turr has made a speech oa Panslavism at Arad. He addressed the people in an impressive style, and alluded to an article in a Russian paper, signed by General Fadejeff. It set forth that Russia must exert herself to destroy the Austro- Hungarian Empire. General Turr declared that not to see the dange r. was blindness, but not wanting to see it was sinful deception. "We must combat against these agita tions imported from abroad. In our internal relations we have always done justice to the legal rights of the nationalities. We do not, and never did, wish to absorb them ; proof of which is the existence of our kingdom for a thousand years. Believe me, Poland would be the best bulwark against Russia." TURKEY AND EGYPT• The Constitutionnel refers to the unfavourable reports which the North-East Correspondence has persistently put forth respecting the relations between the Sultan and the Khedive. Not only have these reports remained uncon firmed,but the North-East Correspondence itself has published a despatch from Vienna, which declares that in the official circles these rumours of the renewal of the Turkish diffi culty are regarded as exaggerated. Great uncertainty seems to prevail as to the surrender by the Khedive of the armour-clad ships and the arms. It is said that the Viceroy has a right to uphold a fleet and an army to protect the frontiers of Egypt, and to main tain order and tranquillity in the vast regions subject to his authority. This privilege was accorded in the days of Mehemet Ali, and has never been disputed. The Sultan itself has profited from this state of things to avail it self of the maritime forces and the troops of Egypt atthe time of the Cretan insurrection. THE CENTRAL ASIAN QUESTION. The Bombay Gazette observes that we are bound to keep a close watch upon the extension of Muscovite power in Central Asia, because no one can say how far Russia may be forced to go, having once entered on a career of conquest. She is the only European Power capable of doing us an injury in Asia, and the nearer she approaches the greater will boiler means and opportunities of trenching upon us. She has enough on her hands at present to prevent her from attempting an invasion, or even from stirring up discontent on our own bor ders. It is not a sudden rush we have to look for, but a gradual, steady progress. At this moment there are only Persia and Affghanistan between India and Russia; the first a squeezable ally, the second as yet untouched, but not untroubled. So far as the native army is concerned, we are worse off than at the period of the Crimean war, but as a set-off we have railways,thoughwe have neglected the great route from Bombay to Delhi. We have, too, more European soldiers and a better armament. On the whole we hold the advantage, though Russia is aggressive and we are on the defensive, which is to a certain extent a disadvantage. The writer considers that we should aim first at preserving a strong government in Affghanistan, and at counteracting Russian influence in Persia ; and, secondly, at cultivating the alliance of Germany among the European Powers, as the one best calculated to assist England in curbing Russian and French ambition. BOKIIABA. According to the Calcutta Englishman, the Emir of Bokhara has sent an ambassador to Turkey to solicit the Sultan's intervention with Russia. The envoy is the same who visited Calcutta in Lord Lawrence's time, and tried to entangle the Indian Government in border quarrels. Lord Mayo's Government has been said to have encouraged the present mission, but this i 3 contradicted. AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENTS. Mr. Mechi,:the well-known authority in agricultural matters, wonders why so little of the plethora of capital is employed in field improvements. There are several land drainage and land improvement com panies ready and willing to invest capital in necessary agriculturalimprovements, but there is little demand for it, although at least £100,000,000 could be very profitably employed in drainage alone. In Mr. Mechi's neighbourhood a good deal of permanent drainage has been effected by these companies, at an annual cost of 7s. 6d. an acre—including both principal and interest. The crops on such land- have been increased in value from 20s. to 40s. an acre, even at present low prices, and all through this one outlay of 7s. 6d. Yet people do not see it. Some think it is of no use to drain the heavy clays or tena cious tile earths, because the water cannot pass through them. " This is a great mistake ; for even at forty feet and fifty feet apart and five feet deep, my drains on such soils are discharging abundantly, although made a quarter of a century ago." " GECI7MENICAL." Mr. Gilbert Scott thinks it a serious error to apply the term " (Ecumenical " to the Council now sitting at Rome. By giving this title to the conference of bishops presided over by the Pope, we grant her the very status against which we protest. " Our treat objection to the Council now sitting is that it is not oecumenical, being nothing more nor less than a Council of the Roman Church, in which no other community is represented." Mr. Scott's proposal is that the word " ff,cumenical" should always be printed in inverted commas. To which it may be replied that Protestant journals, in giving the Council the title which it has assumed, in no way admit the pre tensions which are set up. If the welfare of the Protestant Church depends upon two pair of inverted commas, the prospect looks rather gloomy. THE POPE AND VICTOR E3IMANUEL. The Nazione confirms the statement made by our Rome correspondent, that the Pope, in his New Year's-day speech to the officers of the Pontifical army, hinted that Victor Emmanuel had made a sort of repentance and submission. Here is the passage :—"I can tell you something. A personage has humbly besought pardon, alleging, as the cause of his sins, that he had submitted to the violence of his Government, which desired to place him at the head of the bands which have assailed and plundered us. We have known this fact for long, but we have had the gratification of receiving the irrefragable proof of it from that t per sonage himself." Of course the personage 28 the King of Italy. What do the Italians say to this speech ? THE NEW CHINESE TREATY. The most important change effected by_ the new Chinese treaty ref ers t o th e t r ansit dues. Under the old system it was arranged that imports should pay a tax of 5 per cent. ad valorem at the port of entry, and that any British subject desiring to convey his goods from a port to an inland mart should be allowed to do so under protection of a transit pass on payment of a further tax of 21 per cent. in commutation of barrier charges. By bar rier charges is meant the inland customs duties payable in China, barriers being erected_ at intervals and dues levied on goods in transit. It was found, however, that the transit tax of 21 cent. did not relieve the trader from the barrier due s, which were levied in spite of the treaty. It is now proposed that the transit dues in futu re be added to the import due, and payment of 71 per cent, ad valorem to be made compulsory on. ',all ibreign imports, whethe " r intoilcelisTVallaimsia tg_thicultonaur,not.)lt CONGRESS. THE SENATE. Dec. 14.—The joint resolutions of the Ohio Legislature, rescinding the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment, were presented. On the inotiasn of Mr. Trumbull the Public Lands Com mittee were direct, d to inquire whether I , ,nd offick s may not be iispenstd with In Slates where no puolic hinds are for sale. Mr. Cole introduced a bill for semi-monthly mail service to China and Japan. On the inoiion of Mr. iloaard, the Finance Corn - mittee were in•trucred to irmire into the advisa bility of reduein v ; inflitited by the Inter ,al Rea euire Act of July, 1868. Mr. Cole offered a re,olution looking to the levying of a tax of $1 per gallon on distilled spirits, and the collection of a tax according to the capacity of the stills. The resolution ‘c as laid upon the table at his re quest. Mr. Morrill, of Maine, announced the death of Senator Fessenden, and offered the cus tomary resolutions of respect. After the usual eulogies and the adoption of the resolutions, the Senate adjourned. Dt.c. 15.—0 n motion of Mr. Kellogg, the Com merce Committee were directed to inquire into the expediency of repealing the laws relating to the dial ribution of customs. penalties, and forfeitures. rite house resolution for a recess from December 22 to January 5 was agreed to. Mr. Osborn in troduced a resolution, which was referred, autho rising the Internal Revenue Commissioner to give rewards for the detection of persons trying to mur der revenue officers. On the motion of Mr. Car penter, of Wisconsin, his resolution declaring that in the opinion of the Senate the Spanish gunboats should not be allowed to leave the country, was taken up. It was advocated by Mr. Carpenter. Mr. Sumner opposed it, and it was laid over. The resolutim regulating the hours of labour of Go vernment employ6s, and the bill limiting the ap pellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, were considered. After an Executive session, the Senate adjourned. Dec. 16.—The bill authorising the erection of a bridge across the Delaware at Philadelphia was reported favourably. Mr. Sherman offered a reso lntion inquiring whether any arrangement has been made to turn the case of Yerger over to the civil authorities in Mississippi should Congress restrict the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, and if any arrangement exists for delaying the proceedings on the habeas corpus in that case. Mr. Sumner ob jected, and the resolution laid over. The Georgia bill and the bill restricting appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court were considered. Mr. Sherman introduced a bill creating a Bureau of Customs Revenue, and Mr. Sumner a bill declaring that " the acts of the several departments shall not be called in question by other departments," and de fining the limits of the judicial power. Bills relat ing to steamship lines to Europe were introduced by Messrs. Rice and Ramsey.—Adjourned. Dec. 17.—Bills were introduced to abolish the office of Naval Officer, to reduce the number of army officers, and to abolish franking, su l m titutinc , a distribution of postage stamps therefor. Th e' Georgia bill was considered, the discussion being continued at a night session, and was finally passed ; yeas 45, nays 9, being amended to allow persons who were forced into the rebel service by direct physical force to bold seats in the Legislature. Dec. 20.—The bill repealing the duties on r anned and preserve.' fish was rep , rte.! lavoorably. Mr. Schurz introduct d to reform be civil se v , which was referred. Mr. Trumbull, from the Judi ciary Cmaaittce, reported a Pia resolution, de daring Virginia entitled to representation in Con gress. On motion of Mr. Sumner, the Pr,sident was requested to communicate copies of corre,p,;n deuce between the United States and Great. lira : , in concerning pending questions since the rejection of the Alabama Claims treaty. After an Executive session the Senate adjourned. Dec. 21. —The bill to execute the laws against polygamy in Utah was reported favourably. Mr. \Varner introduced a bill for the redistribution of the National Banking Capital. The Home Census Bill was reported favourably, but, after an expla nation by Mr. Conkling, was recommitted, and a resolution suspending until February 1 all existing census laws was adopted. The bill relating to tele . L ;rap ,- te communication with foreign countries Was r recommitted. A bill passed by , he at the lasi session to rennburNe owners of v,,,ss,ts in loyal States for vessels taken by the Go vernment during the war was concurred in.—Ad journed. 22.—The House resolution extending the recess to January 10th was concurred in. Mr. Morton introduced a bill to allow the organization of the Georgia militia, and Mr. Sumner a bill to perfect the reconstruction of Virginia. Mr. Sum ner's bill impost s the test oath upon members of the Legislatufe, and exacts certain fundamental conditions previous to admission. Mr. Wilson offered a resolution, which was adopted, dir.cting the Military Committee to consider the expdiency of creating two additional Lieutenant-Generals. He explained that his resolution . was intended to do justice to the eminent Generals, Meade and Thomas. The House resolution relative to the death of Mr. Peabody was concurred in. Corre spondence relating to the Alabama claims was pre sented. After an executive session the Senate ad journed for the Christmas holidays. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Dec. 11.—Resolutionswere offered by Mr. Gentry, looking to the abolition of the present system of tax collectors, and the apportionment of the internal tax among the States ; and by Mr. Cox, urging inter vention on behalf of American citizens held as poli tical prisoners by the British Government. Both were referred. Various memorials and bills were introduced. Among the bills was one to provide for meteorological observation at the military sta tions in the interior of the continent, with a view of lessening marine disasters on the Northern Lakes, by timely notice of approaching storms. Mr. Ward obtained leave to have printed and recommitted a bill pending in the Reconstruction Committee, im posing, as a fundamental condition to the admis sion of Virginia, that she shall never deprive ne groes of the right to vote, sit on juries, or enjoy equal privileges in the schools. A message from the President was received, announcing that he had signed the bill to remove political disabilities from a large number of persons. The Census Bill was considered. After eulogies of the late Senator Fes senden, the House adjourned. Dec. 15—Mr. Jones, of Kentucky, offered a re solution authorising the President to detail war vessels to receive the fleet conveying the remains of George Peabody, and make other preparations for the reception of the body. Bills were intro duced by Mr. Prosser to provide for specie pay ments, and Mr. Dyer to increase the tax on Na tional banks. On motion of Mr. Hay, tho Mining Committee were directed to investigate the Avon dale Mine disaster, and report a bill to prevent such occurrences, and also to consider the propriety of the creation by the [louse of a new Committee, to be called of • Public Safety," to investigate all accidents fatal to or ehdangering human life. The Census Bill was condiered in Corumitte, of the W hole and reported to the House, which adjourned pending its consideration. Dec. 16.—Bills were introduced by Mr Judd and Mr. Allison to apportion Representatives for the Forty-second Congress ; by Mr: Schenck to esta blish a Bureau of Customs Revenue ; by Mr. Scott to amend the law in relation to the assessment and collection of revenue ; by Mr. Stone to repeal the ten per cent. tax on State bonds. On motion the Judiciary Committee were directed to inquire if hOslation is necessary to decide any election con test that may arise in the Electoral College. A letter was presented from the Secretary of the Navy, asking authority to enlist 1,500 men for the Navy, iu addition to the 8,500 now allowed by law. Ihe remaining amendments to the Census Bill were disposed of, and the bill passed and was sent to the Senate. A message was received from the Presi dent, stating in reply to a resolution of the House, that it is not deemed d advisable to furnish the corres pondence with our illinister to Spain in relation to Cuba. The House went into Committee of the Whole, and Mr. Mungen of Ohio read a speech ad vocating the repudiation of the national debt. When he had concluded, lie was replied to and his position denounced, by Messrs. Brooks, Cox, and Slocum of N ewYork, Randall and Woodward of Pen sylvania, and Kerr of Indiana, who declared that for themselves and the Democratic party of the country they utterly disclaimed and opposed repudiation in any form. Their remarks were liatencd to with great interest by the Republican members, and Mr. Garfield moved that the Committee report to the House a resolution, declaring the House, without distinction of party, condemned all proposition, direct or indirect, to repudiate any portion of the debt of the United States. The resolution was re ported to the House, when Mr. Jones, of Kentucky, moved to lay it upon the table. On this motion the only affirmative vote was Mr. Jones, and the reso lution was adopted by 123 yeas to 1 nay, Mr. Jones being the negative.—Adjourned to the 20th. Dec. 20.—A memorial was presented from the Tennessee Senators and Representatives, asking Congress to interpose " for the relief of the loyal citizens of that State." A number of bills were introduced, among them one for a free banking sys tem, and others to suspend the operation of the Pub lic Credit Act of March 18 last, abolishing frank ing, to regulate labour contracts with immigrants, and regulate the taking of bail in civil and crimi nal cases. Mr. Cox offered a resolution declaring for early resumption of specie payments, which was referred. On motion of Mr. Woodward, the President was asked informal ion in regard to citizens in military custody. On motion of Mr. Poland, the Coinmittee on Revision of LAWS was itistruct ed to con sider the expediency of providing that bankruptcy proceedings pending in one district may be trans ferred to another. Mr. Butler having stated that the Reconstruction Committee had postponed the consideration of the Virginia resolution until after the recess, Mr. Farnsworth moved to suspend the rules that he might introduce a resolution for the admission of Virginia. The House, by a vote of 105 against 63, refused to suspend the rules. Se veral Republicans, among them Bingham, Farns worth, and Poland, voted for suspension. The Georgia Bill, as passed by the Semite, was taken up and discussed, the debate being continued at a night session, until 11.30 p.m., when the House adjourned. Dec. 21.—Debate on the Georgia Bill was con tinued, and it was opposed by Mr. Bingham (Re publican) of Ohio, who said it conflicted with the past reconstruction legislation of Congress ; with the order of the President, when he was General of the army in 1868, and acting under the Recon struction law in relation to Georgia ; and with the opinion of the Attorney-General in reference to Virginia under the Reconstruction Acts. lie moved to postpone the bill until the third Wednesday in January. Mr. Farnsworth, of Illinois, also op posed the bill. Mr. Butler closed the debate in advocacy of the measure, and the bill was passed —yeas 121, nays 51. Messrs. Bingham and Farns worth voted with the Democrats against the bill. The Senate bill suspending the operations of exist ing census laws until February 1 was concurred in. On motion of Mr. N iblack, a joint resolution was adopted extending the recess until January 10. The House at 5 p.m. adjourned, with the under standing that next day's session should be for de bate only. Dec. 22.—Some bills were presented, and speeches were made by several of the members, the time , eing mainly occupied in speech-making. Mr. Ste venson introduced a bill repealing the clause of the Internal Revenue Laws which allows passenger rail way and gas companies to charge passengers and consumers with the amount of Government tax. Adjourned for the Christmas holidays. LIVERPOOL COTTON MARKET.-(THIS DAY) Sales probably 10,000 bales. The market wag quiet. BIRTHS. BAKER--On the 9th Jan., at Ashford Lodge, Cadogan road, Surbiton, the wife of Mr. Samuel Baker, of a daughter. SELWYN— On the 9th Jan., at Richmond, the wife of the late Right Roy. Lord Justice Selwyn, of a son. MANUA GES. L EN vis—PHILLIPs—On the 6th Jan., at Emanuel Church, West Hain, Essex, John Vaughan, son of Thomas Lewis, Esq., of Bath, to Julia Matilda, eldest daughter o f John W. Phillips, Esq., of Hampstead, solicitor. MoRGAN—IIEADFORD—On the Bth Jan., at Holy Trinity Church, Maidstone, Edward Charles Morgan, of Maid stone, son of IGeorge Jamcs Morgan, Esq., of Canter bury, to Clara Elizabeth, second daughter of Mr. W• Headford, Maidstone. DEATHS. DETMAIt -On the Bth Jan., at. Springfield, Upper Clapton William B. Detmar, aged 50. Honwoon—On the 7th Jan., Charles Norwood, of do Manor House, Broadwater, Sussex, in his 31st year. London : Printe 1 and Published by WILLIAM ANDREWS* of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at THE SUN Office, i. 0. 112, Strand , in the Precinct of the SaToy, IA hQ CQvuity of 711.1dd100e1 .-•! Wetalicloy, Jimmy 12,1879. K IT 1) 1 7e 11,1 '`ol4 .1 A iige Connie eelehrt Pordeq Whisk also tx numhe of °the bsex L 7 NVA )!ci o 0 WI ma Pis' Th( fessiei Week] bind estab' Tli Wised and i Lady Carol All ten ci Sul Tretu ~r recei and Pupil TI mani when nesse Ay other T Ti Fire The Boni vale rends leave thirt T 13 this enah DUrn help' Bo itre( N 1 so] ex at