The Sun. — London, England, 1868-02-03 00:00:00

PUBLIC JOURNALS, Should any goo!Tirfsilroili the present asCuisjori in the French Legislative Body on the Press Bill, Fra n ce will in sib . degree, observes the Times, be indebted to M. Thiers. AV2 have before us the long speech by which the lively statesman of the July Monarchy by turns thrilled and edified, exalted and amused his colleagues on Thurs day, malt is wonderful to see what amount of sound argument ho contrived to muster under a vast • mass of commonplaCe 'and irrelevant illustration. From his quotation of Pliny the Elder as to the physical helplessness of man in contrast with the brute crea tion over which he is. by his intellect destined to exercise sovereign sway, from the wonders achieved by steam and electricity in everything connected with locomotion and the transmission of intelligence, creating a craving for information proportionate to our means of gratifying it, M. Thiers is led to the establishment of his truism—that man thinks : hence thought and its utterance, speech and the press, must be free. He examines the causes which for the last three-quarters of a century have opposed the application of this obvious maxim to France, and, what is more to the purpose, he urges the reasons why the application should no longer be delayed. Self-government, he is convinced, has become a necessity for all nations, and it must be &Founded on individual liberty, electoral liberty, Parlia. ineutary liberty, and Ministerial responsibity ; in the front of all which liberties, he, of course, places a free press. Against this freedom he sees very serious obstacles in tha bill, inasmuch as it does not satisfactorily define the offences punishable by law, and refers them to a tribunal which is under the hand of the Government, the judgments of which are beyond the corrective influence of public opinion. M. Thiers thinks that in cases in which discussion is allowed it should be unlimited. His exceptions are the great prin ciples of social morality, the private life and character of individuals, and the person of the chief of the State where there is a responsible Ministry. For what concerns the public acts - of public men there ought to be no restriction or hindrance whatever, and he refers to his own words during the discussions of the law of September, 1835, when as a Minister he allowed anyone the most unreserved freedom, not only " to discuss the acts of the Ministers, but also to allege any facts, true or false, against them, to excite against them hatred, contempt, and all other unjust feelings." M. Thiers shews himself aware of tho necessities pressing on the Imperial Government. " Two or three years ago," he said, addressing M. Rouher and his colleagues, " you looked down upon us from the height of your infallibility, but the Crimean and Italian wars, the events in Germany, and the Mexican catastrophe have done away with that infallibility, and those liberties the bare mention of which called down upon us the charge of insanity, have become a necessity for you no less than for ourselves. Let them, then, be real, full, ungrudged liberties, for it is only by the freest gifts that true gratitude can he secured. It would be difficult fox the Emperor's Government to resist the force of this benevolent advice ; for the events enumerated by M. Thiers have rendered personal government in France a difficult task, and it would be vain to deny the existence of . dissatisfaction and misgiving. The French are an imaginative people. They must be governed by prestige, and moral ascendancy can only be grounded on uninter rupted success. These are no longer the times in which public opinion can be carried by mere self-assertion. There may not be much change in the political situation. France may be as prosperous at home and as much respected abroad as she has been at any time within the last fifteen years ; but her moral uneasiness is undeniable. Faith is shaken. The word " impossible " has found its way back into the French dictionary. The Post has an article on the subject of the injunction ..ssued by Vice-Chancellor Wood restraining the Metropo litan Railway from declaring or paying a dividend except out of the profits. In the opinion of our contemporary it is the most influential movement that has been ini tiated, and the most important decision that has yet been given, in railway matters. It is the first instance of a board being pounced upon before the fact, and actually brought to a stand-still, and forced to justify what they propose to do, instead of only having to defend what they had done ; and it is the first occasion on which it has been discovered by actual experiment that a shareholder has a stand-point from which he can exercise a real and opera tive control over the oligarchy which administers his pro perty-. hitherto, as we all know, shareholders, when deluded, robbed, and impoverished, have been content with doing little more than appealing to the public by ex hibiting -themselves in the very common but not very satisfactory position of crying over spilled milk. Now they have acted on the .proverb, " Prevention is better than cure." The decision given in the Common Pleas in the case of Grissel v. Bristowe and another does not give perfect satis faction to the Daily :Yews. If upheld, our contemporary is afraid it will deal a heavy blow to usage altogether. The plaintiff, Mr. Grissel, was a holder of shares in Overend, Gurney, and Co. at the time of the stoppage of that Corn. wising to get quit of the liability (f'3s upon each 1:39 share), sold them in the market at a heavy loss. In accordance with the ordinary course of business, they pa:s3Ll through the hands of a dealer or jobber, who • practically - acts as middleman between buyer and seller. At the time of the settling day the dealer (Mr. Bristowe, in this case) gave the names of the transferees who had agi•ced to purchase the shares. The transfers were regularly executed by Mr. Grissel, but the books being closed the transaction could not be completed. The plaintiff being thus retained on the register of share holders, had to pay a heavy call, and sought his remedy against the dealer through whom his shares were sold. The court decided in the plaintiff's favour. Should the decision be confirmed, the effect will simply be to prevent all dealings in shares not fully paid up, save by private contract, through a deed signed by each party in addition to the usual form of transfer. It is unneces sary to enlarge upon the delay and expense that will be incurred by this system. Practically, it will result in the entire exclusion of many classes of shares from themarket. No dealer will care to transact business in a property by which, from no want of prudence on his part, he may be unwittingly involved in a heavy liability. Hence, when any purchase or sale may be effected, it will be hampered by nearly as many diffic:dties as the transfer of real pro perty. Until very recently investors have often preferred to buy shares, since in time of need they could easily be realised in the market. The recent decision will take this advantage away. The dealer in shares will not incur the risks to which he is now exposed according to the Court of Common Pleas, nor will the broker be inclined to do busi ness without adequate security. What, asks the Herald, is the first and cardinal propo sition of our extreme educational, reformers ? Compulsory local rating where required, and locally administered. Yesterday this was to be permissive, to-day it is to be compulsory. Who is to decide upon the necessity? In the first instance the local board. In the case of their neglect, some central authority—the Home Minister, the Minister of Education—is to bring them to task for their inactivity. Anyhow, the school is to be founded and sup ported, and people on the spot must pay for it. But people on the spot are members of the Church of England, Roman Catholics, Independents, Wesleyans, Baptists, everything. What, then, is to be the colour of the reli- - gious teaching ? An invisible green, is the reply of the Radicals. There is to be no tangible religious teaching at all. The answer is not only logical but inevitable. Either the denominational school would soon cease to be such, in which case it would also soon cease to receive voluntary support; or it would require to be supplemented by another, which would in time, as we have shown, over shadow and probably destroy it. Let there be no miscon ception. We are asked to abolish what we have got, and substitute in its place compulsory rates and seen, laristn. The Standard much regrets that there should be any dehly in the consecration of a new bishop for Natal. As a matter of common sense there need be no difficulty what ever about it. It is as competent for Bishop Gray and his suffragans to consecrate a new bishop as for the Wesleyans to elect a president of their Conference, or for the Presby terians to appoint their moderator. It is a purely spiritual act, and in no one respect trenches upon the prerogatives of the Crown. The South African Church is as much a :voluntary body as any dissenting community in the empire. It acquires no status whatever from the Crown, and is Lee from all the restrictions which such recognition would otherwise impose upon it. It is a mere trillin g w ith th e question to interpose the statute of Georg e 111 ., w hi c h never contemplated the state of things established by the Privy Council judgment and recognised by the action of the Crown consequent thereupon. It obviously relates s,,le!y to the consecration of bishops under the license of the Crown to sees erected by the Crown. It becomes obsolete when applied to cases in which the Crow n tleclaros that it has no power to grant a see, and no dispo. sit on to grant its license, or to take any action in tie matter whatever. ._n.!i,!ro [tg with the Lord Chief Justice and the general t', re ' egi'fliih marvels that such a story as that i-te. could be told in court without ction. Tile counsel seemed to recite his . s'c wili !e rm en tat its character, it, j,, t; f.;.1 the evident air of one puzzled t riak, ~;it ..;I,y, if there was an answer, the case had not en ; and, if there was no answer, why, for (•:!'y tilnc..4 wore urgent reasons, the case had not been settl.d. The tone of the court positively forced the 4lnsel to adjourn for a new attempt at compromising a ilnftrrel of 311C11 pitiable family and individual dishonour. ..fight or wrong, regular or irregular, technical or equi table, c,u1,1 a lady who had for fifteen years lived faithfully Nvith one who has fallen heir to a vast fortune, be turned out with abrupt harshness into the world, and no explana tion be forthcoming:, except the difference of the French law and the English law? If ever woman thought that she could dare to dispense with that contract which is demanded by re li g i on as we ll as by earthly laws, let her her l error in the romance of the Queen's Bench on Saturday. CHILD MURDER A 7 BADMINTON HOUSE. _ nie - nousehold of his Grace the Duke of Beaufort, at; Badminton House, has received a very great shock in con sequence of its having been _discovered that one of the tmder-kitchenmaids, ayatmg womannamed Mary Smeaton, had given birth to and then cruelly murdered an illegiti- Mate child. It would seem from the facts deposed to before the coroner, Mr. W. Garsford, that on Saturday morning the mother was observed by some of the other domestics to be unusually quiet. She appeared to get alter. nately blushed and pale, and some of the girls noticed to her that she seemed to be unwell. She was told that she had better take a little rest, but she showed a disinclination to leave the back kitchen, and she was observed to take a black-handled knife and commence doing something to some vegetables. All of a sudden she was missed, and as her manner had excited some apprehension, and she did not reply to the calls made to her, a servant was sent to look after her. As she could not be found in either of the kitchens, the fellow-servants who sought her proceeded to her bedroom, and there saw her standing at the foot of the bed in a le. .ing position over a box. The fellow-servant was horrified at seeing her hands much stained with blood, and she at once screamed with terror. The cries brought another of the female domestics to the spot, and that person was satisfied that she heard a sort of stifled breathing as of an infant. The girls demanded what had happened, but the mother gave them no explanation. As the sound which the second domestic had heard appeared to come from the box over which Smeaton was leaning, the young woman went to it and took out tho body of a newly-born infant. It was covered with a cloth, but she felt that the child was alive, and on taking it out elf the cloth she saw that its throat had been cut in a very horrible manner. The young woman fainted at the sight and fell to the ground, and, other assistance being at hand, messengers were despatched for the attendance of a medical man. One arrived speedily, but before he could reach it the poor infant, whose throa had been cut in two places, had breathed its last, having, in fact, bled to death. The wretched mother during these discoveries sat on the bed, and being asked with what weapon she had destroyed her offspring, she replied that if they looked under the bed they would there find it. A search was accordingly made, and the black-handled knife which had been seen in her hand was there found, with the marks of fresh blood upon it. The facts, as disclosed by the witnesses, left no doubt of the guilt of the mother, and the jury returned a verdict of " Wilful murder against Mary Smeaton." The corcner immediate -y issued his warrant for her committal to Gloucester to take her trial at the approaching assizes on the capital charge. ~~;""! FLOOD AND LOSS OF LIFE Al LELDS. The heavy storms of rain which have .been almost intermittent since Thursday morning in the above dis trict have led to disastrous floods and loss of life. The valley of the Nidd lies to the north of the valley of the Wharfs, and it drains the extensive moorlands extend ing from Harrogate to the Great Whernside on the north-west slopes and ranges of . that mountainous dis trict, and from Dallowgill Down to Pateley Bridge, Brimham Rocks, and IlipleY on the other. The valley in the bed of which runs the romantic stream of the Nidd is one of the most picturesque in Yorkshire. It is narrow and tortuous, and several small villages and farmsteads and mills dot at intervals the banks of this river. The rains during the winter have kept the springs and becks constantly full, and these, flowing down the slopes of the valley, and considerably increased in volume and force by the recent downfall of rain, have brought a largely accelerated body of water into the main current. The Nidd immediately overflowed its banks, and placed hundredS of acres under water. Its progress being to some extent impeded by the narrow and tortuous character of the valley, the flood swept on with terrific fury, destroyed a number of farms and other houses, devastated farm produce to a considerable extent, and, saddest circum stance of all to relate, a number of lives have been sacri feed. The full extent of the disaster has not yet been ascertained, as the waters still cover the valley, and as the railway has been laid under water in the Pateley district, the traffic being thus materially interrupted, but the mischief done must be very considerable. The River Akre has also overflowed its banks, particularly in this locality, and much damage has been done to pro perty. At Leeds Bridge several barges were driven from their mcorings, and dashed with great force against ti.a buttresses of the structure. Seven persons were on board at the time, and fears were for the moment entertained for their safety, but they were soon rescued by means of a lad ler. The C.istnrbed current also brought to light some of the hitherto concealed secrets of the bed .)f the stream. Two dead bodies were taken out of the water near Wilkinson's flax-spinning mill, Hunslet. One was that of a man a', parently about 34 years of age, and aft. Tin. in height, with black hair and a black tuft on his chin. He wore a corded jacket, black waiAcoat, corded trousers, and a blue and white striped shirt, over which was a plaid woollen shii-t, grey socks, and laced.up boots, the latter nearly new. lie had evideutly been in the water nearly six weeks. The other was that of 3 newlyborn child, which had also apparently been immersed for about six or s:ven days. Subsequently a portion of another body was discovered in the water near Knostrop. 7 .).‘ , 1 IL I l'A Y CCIDEN T Early on Saturday morning a snot:lung accident hap r.med near Caersws, a small stating on the Cambrian Railway. After passing Newtown this railway, making straight for' Llanidloes, crosses the devious course of the Severn at three points. For some days past the floods have been gathering from the hilly country west of this portion of the line, where the Severn takes its rise, and on Friday the river was full to overflowing, many of the low lying fields in the vicinity being under water. About sit o'clock in the morning the mail train from Shrewsbury left Weshpool on its journey south. The train consisted of half.a dozen cattle trucks, a couple of luggage vane, two passenger carriages, and two guards' vans. It forten.itely happened that, from the early hour of the morning at which this train runs, there were no passengers in the carriages, the only persons in the train being the engine-driver, the stoker, a goods' guard, a passenger guard, and the cattle drover-. When a few minutes after seven o'clock the train reached Caersws, it was still darn and raining in torrents, with the wind blowing very high. On approaching the river the driver slackened speed and proceeded at a cautious pace ; but no sooner had the full weight of the engine rested on the bridge than the structure swayed to and fro and finally fell in with a loud crash, the, engine and tender clisappearitg beneath the water. Two cattle trucks which led the train followed the tender, and next came a van loaded with flour ; but, in falling over, the rear coupling-chain of the van broke, and the van, i . standing for a moment upright on the immersed trucks, proved an obstacle sufficient to stop the slowly advancing train, which stood still with a truck partly hanging over the brink of the river. As soon as they ha.; recovered from the shock occasioned by the sudden stoppage of the train, the guards and drivers who were in the rear ran up to the broken bridge to ascertain the fate of the driver and stoker. At first they could see nothing of them, but as daylight came on they were able, to distinguish the form of the driver, apparently standing. upright in the water, with his head so near the top that the current occasionally left portions of the face visible above the surface. On further investigation it appeared that in falling through the gap in the bridge the engine had rolled over on its side, crushing the stoker into the, bed of the river, while the t en d er , f a lli ng upon the ; engine. had fixed the driver in the peculiar position de scribed, just as he was in the act of jumping. The four men left unhurt were of course helpless in the face' of such a disaster ; and while the passenger guard re- . mained in charge of the mails, the other guard volun teered to run back to Moat-lane Junction to telegraph to Oswestry for assistance. This he did, but it was ten o'clock before an engine arrived on the scene of the acci- i dent, and the two poor fellows in the river being long past all human aid, the attention of the officials was dirveted towards forwarding the mails. A conveyance having been obtained, the bags were sent round by the highway to Poet dolgoch Station, but here another calamity made itself known. The break-down of the bridge at Caersws having suggested to the officials of the railway the possibility of the other bridges being insecure, the Pontdolgoch bridge, which, unlike those at Caersws and Scafel, is constructed of iron girders, was examined, and it was discovered that its massive stone foundations had already yielded to the force of the water. The mails were accordingly carried further clown the line, where they were met by a special engine, and forwarded to their destination. To complete the misfortunes of the day, it shortly afterwards transpired that the first of the three bridges—Scafel—was also being gradually swept away, and it became necessary to stop at Seafel all trains proceeding south, and at Pontdolgoch all_ trains proceeding north, thus isolating that portion of the lin e where the accident had occurred, and greatly adding to the difficulty of raising Cie engine, tender, and trucks from the bed of the river. DEATH OF MR. WILLIAII RATIIBONE, OV LIVER, rooL.—Mr. William Rathbone, whose name has for more than half a century been intimately associated with the commercial and political history of Liverpool, died at Greenbank, near Liverpool, at eight a.m. on Saturday last, at the ripe age of 81. Mr. Rathbone was one of the genuine " merchant princes" of Liverpool, and in politics he was for upwards of fifty years one of the most ener getic members of the Liberal party. He was mayor in 1836, and for many years he took a prominent position in the government of the town. He was descended from a Quaker family, but in early life he joined the Unitarian body. Mr. Rathbone leaves three sons, all of whom follow in his footsteps, both in business and politics. THE S UN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 3, 1868. CONGRESS. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Jan. 9.—The House resumed the consideration of the resolution reported yesterday from the Commit tee on Foreign Affairs, requesting the President to intercede for the release of the Rev. John M'Mahon, who is now imprisoned in Kingston, Canada West. Mr. Wood, of New York, while advocating the adoption of the resolution, thought it should be broad enough to embrace other cases. Mr. Shanks, of Indiana, also advocated the passage of the resolution, and said it was true the American Go vernment was fully waked up to this subject, and insisted upon a recognition of the rights of our citizens. Mr. Brooks, of New York, suggested that the language of the resolution be changed in some particulars. Ile would not use the words "convicted as a Fenian raider," for he would not admit that Mr. M'Mahon was ever legally con victed ; nor would he use the word " raider," espe cially as there was no such word. Mr. Banks, of Massachusetts, said it was necessary to describe the charge upon which M'Mahon had been arrested and convicted, and the committee had therefore adopted the language used. After further discussion the resolution was altered to make it read " arrested for alleged treason and felony," and the resolution was then passed as verbally amended. A similar resolution in relation to John Lynch, who is also in Kingston Gaol, was passed, on the motion of Mr. Paine, of Wisconsin. Mr. Ward then offered a joint resolation to make a' similar effort to secure the release of Colonel Warren and Colonel Nagle and others, who were arrested in Ireland, and it was also adopted. A bill was passed for the relief of the United States Consul at Norway, appropri ating a certain amount of money as salary for the time that he was detained in Norway after he had received notification that his salary would cease.— The •bill was then passed. Mr. Schenck, of Ohio, from the Committee of Ways and Means, reported a bill authorising the appointment of a commission of five persons by , the Secretary of the Treasury, and who shall make an examination of all meters submitted for use in the distilleries, and who shall report upon said meters and recommend one for adoption before January next. Pending the action of the commission, and until a meter has been adopted, all further Government work in the manufacture of meters shall be suspended. Pend ing further consideration of the above, the Senate amendment to the House bill abolishing the bonded warehouse system was received, and by unanimous consent it was immediately taken up and the amend ment was agreed to. The bill reported from the Ways and Means Committee, in relation to meters, was then taken up. Mr. Schenck, of Ohio, pro ceeded to explain the reasons which induced the committee to recommend this commission. They believed that better satisfaction would thus be given, and he was satisfied that the result arrived at would sooner be secured. After a protracted debate, Mr. Schenck obtained the floor, and moved the previous question on his bill, which was se conded, but without coining to a vote, the House, at 4.30, adjourned. Jan. 10.—After a debate relating to the whisky meters, which assumed a political tone, the Speaker laid before the House a communication from the President of the United States, transmitting one from the Secretary of State, announcing that the following States had given official notice of the ratification of the 14th amendment to the Consti tution, viz. :—Connecticut, New Hampshire, Ne braska, Massachusetts, Tennessee, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Nevada, Indiana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New York, Ohio, Illinois, West Virginia, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, and Minnesota.--Referred to Committee on Judi ciary. Also a communication from the President, asking an appropriation of $28,000, to pay for the purchase of the Spanish vessel Servinta, which was captured off Port Royal in December, 1861, on a charge of being engaged in a contraband trade.—Referred to Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also a communication from the Secretary of War, transmitting a draft of a resolution for the sale of the site of Fort Caroll, in Baltimore.—Referred to Committee on Military Affairs. Jan. 11.—The Speaker laid before the Ibuse the acts passed at the last session of the Le4islature of the Territory of Arizona.—Referred to the Commit ' tee on Territories. In accordance with the order of the llouse yesterday no business could be transacted to-day, and immediately after the reading of yester day's journal, the House resolved itself into Com mittee of the Whole; Mr. Dawes of Massachusetts, iu the chair. Mr. Baldwin, of Massachusetts, pro ceeded to address the House upon the subject of according equality under the law to all classes and o arguments New York, rk,oyeaawl submitted neldrnwuoaihdedutrwsheeioi conditions of people. He replied at length to the denied some timethe a ssaguombpyt Mr.ion t h ßrooks, at th e negro had never exercised an influence upon the world. Mr. Barnes, of New York, next addressed the House upon the causes that led to the pre.zent depression in the financial condition of the country, its effect upon labour, and then proceeded to pre sent the remedies which in his opinion were de manded to secure a return to a basis of specie pay ments, and a consequent return of prosperity to the whole country. Air. Barnes contended that the re turn to specie payments could not, and should not, qtdfihuureseetssftpooi interests oper cnmp opportunity fst t n in hni i tfsdds t be done hastily. He was for the present in favour of leaving the currency where it was, without either co n iu o ut d d o eaci u b gh t oiso but d s speech e i n a ede t h properb naturaly gi giving g s u e l s t . w o speedily ßarn e s further contraction or further expansion, and he had wcoonrk ernftenanaahgtbsdehl veeeeo: resolutionnlawtmmeaecould amount as would she c o: eoe a feau, l atrp l , chlndrlyue t vi nrb h aprhc e eerrie pen: sol followingeseuyannrsvipreviousutonn thriwionr: first,en retardingtly done; instabilityan nishel the people ; second, the low price of United States Bonds, affecting a certain portion of the cur rency; and, third, the inadequate security fur nished by the National Banks : Therefore—Re solved, That the Committee on Banking and Cur rency be and is hereby directed to inquire into the expediency of fixing the currency at its present nominal amount for a period of years, and also how the franchises of the national banks can be so changed as to furnish the billholders ample security when the resumption of specie payment shall occur ; or how the bills of the said national banks may be converted into legal tenders, with other recommen dations thereto pertaining, and to report by bill or otherwise." Mr. Wood, of New York, condemned the practice of rushing measures through the House, under the operation of the previous question without debate. Mr. Ward followed, and delivered a long speech, when the House adjourned. Jan. 13.—Under the call of States for bi ll s and resolutions for reference only, the following were joint introduced and referred to appropriate committees. By Mr. Blaine, of Maine; bill in relation to taxing Sylvania, bill requiring the concurrence of shares of national banks. By Mr . Miller, of Fenn two thirds of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States to pronounce a law of Cong r e s s un constitutional. Also a bill in relation to the pas sageßy Mr. Hunter, of India ,til , bill to fund the national of a tariff bill with as little delay as po s s i b l e. debt. Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, offered a resolution to suspend the rules, and to authorize the Committee on Reconstruction to report at once; and that the consideration of the bill shall be postponed until to morrow after the morning hour, and that the debate shall further be exten led until Wednesday, when, after debate, the previous question shall be called and the vote taken. The resolution Mr. Bingham then reported, from the Recoustruc was agreed to by a vote of 1 16 yeas to 14 nays. acts, and it was tion Committee, a bill supplemental to the recon structionrecommitted and made the special order for to-morrow, after the morning hour.* Mr. Bingham said he had no disposition to cut off debate upon the bill, and by an unani mous consent the first resolution was so modified bill is disposed of. His object in offering the as to permit debate from day to day until the resolutions was to prevent dilatory motions Mr. Wilson, of lowa, under a suspension of the rules—yeas 113, nay 37--reported from the com- • mittee on the Judiciary, the Senate Bill, making five judges a quorum of the Supreme Court, with an amendment declaring that no act of Congress shall be declared unconstitutional except by a concur rence of two-thirds of the members of the Court. Mr. Williams, of Pennsylvania, offered an amend ment, providing that in all cases where the validity of an act of Congress is brought into question the case shall be heard before a full bench of the Su preme Court, and no judgment of the unconstitu tionality of the act of Congress shall be made ex cept by a concurrence of all the judges. Mr. Wil liams said he was not prepared to speak upon his amendment to-day, but he submitted it for the action of the House, and would ask permission to print such remarks as he proposed to make upon the subject. Mr. Lawrence, of Ohio, said the amendment did not seem to be al strong as a bill that had been some time ago passed. Mr. Williams said that was the very reason why the whole subject should be I very carefully considered. Mr. Pruyn, of New 1 York, deprecated hasty action upon so momentous a subject as this. It seemed to him sometimes that he was in the midst of a revolutionary body, be cause, not satisfied with relieving the President of power, it was now proposed to encroach upon the powers of the Supreme Court. Mr. Marshall, of Illinois, also deprecated the hasty legislation that bad too often prevailed here. It was this system of hasty action that placed the House in a bad condition before the country. Mr. Spaulding, of Ohio, said lie had great respect for the law and for those who adminis tered it, and as he was classed among the moderate men of the House he hoped that some respect would be paid to his opinion upon this subject. Some twelve months ago he became cognizant of the fact that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Williams) had a bill prepared like the ono intro duced to-day. The bill in its inception struck him , I (Mr. Spaulding) as one that would be beneficial to the country at large, but he objected then, and he objected now, to a law which would require all the members of the Supreme Court to unite in a judg ment calculated to impair an act of Congress. He recommended that two-thirds of the bench should be made the number of judges necessary. He was there ; fore prepared to vote for the bill as reported by the Committee on the Judiciary, and he came to the con- I elusion to vote for it after a full analysis of the Con ; I stitution itself. Mr. Wilson, of lowa, here offered another amendment, providing that if the Circuit or District Courts of the United States should ad . judge an act of Congress to be unconstitutional, and it should be carried to the Supreme Court for re view, and two-thirds of the Supreme Court should not ratify the action of the court below, then such decision of the lower court should be declared re versed. Mr. Wilson, of lowa, at this point de manded the previous question upon the bill and amendment, and it was seconded. Mr. Woodward, of Pennsylvania, argued against the bill. Mr. Wilson closed debate by speaking in favour of the Ibill ; after which the question was taken, and Mr. I Williams' amend men t was re j e cted by yeas 25, nays 124. Mr. Wilson's amendments were then agreed to, and the bill passed by a vote of 116 yeas to 39 nays. Mr. Garfield, of Ohio, introduced a bill to reduce the military peace establishment by dropping one of the major -generals—the one to be dropped to be the one last commissioned prior to Jan. 1, 1868. Mr. Garfield moved a suspension of the rules to have the bill considered at this time, but as it was evident that this would be prevented by debating motions, the bill was withdrawn, Mr. Garfield giving notice that he would call it up next Monday. The House then adjourned at 6.30 p.m. Jan. 14.—Mr. M'Cartby, of New York, offered a resolution declaring that the right of expatriation bad always been the doctrine of the people and Go vernment of the United States ; that all citizens are I entitled to protection by the Government ; that the , failure to protect our citizens is due to the want of I energetic action on the part of the executive branch of the Government, and that Congress I will sustain the E xec utive in all efforts to pro ! teet citizens abroad, &c. Mr. Dawes—" I ob- I jeet. We have bad enough of these resolu tions." Mr. Schenck, of Ohio, from Committee of Ways and Means, reported back the Senate amendments to the House Bill repealing the tax on cotton, with a r. commendation that the House non concur in the Senate amendments, and ask a com mittee(The Senate am en d in fits of conference. propose to suspend the tax only for the year 1868 ) The amen linents of the Senate were non-coneerrod in. Alr. es Phelps, oltiou , n of Maryland, introduced th e fal lowing w hich was referred t o the Corn llino. r mittee of Ways and Means :—" Resolved—That the Committee of Ways and Means be instructed to inquire into the expediency of so amending the revenue laws as to authorize a drawback for expor tation upon copper smelted by the infusion of foreign ores, to the extent of the duties naid by such imported ores." Mr. Eggleston, Ohio, offered a resolu tion, which was referred , dir ecting the Committee of Ways and Means to in q uire into the expediency privi lege to eliingtothe highest bidder th e exclusive manufacture distilled spirits in the United States and Territories for the term of ten years for the sum of 75 million dollars per annum. Mr. Stevens asked consent to offer certain amendments to the District of Columbia School Bill, and have them printed. Mr. Wood, of New York, asked Mr. Stevens if he proposed to urge this bill to its pas sage at this session ? Mr. Stevens said he should like to have the bill discussed and considered at this session. The amendments were then offered and ordered to be printed. Mr. Washburne, of Illinois, from the Committee on Appropriations, reported a bill to prevent the payment of the following classes of claims until after further action by Congress, "viz.:—Claims on account of seizures or damages to vessels, cars, &c., used for the transportation of troops in the Southern States during the war ; Waggon, &e., in the Southern2d for other States ng it by a r ; and 3d, for theh e .w occupation of land in the Southern States for erec tion of fortifications, Sic. Laid over for future consideration. The House pr ocee d ed to the con sideration yesterday from the the Comm itteeof the of bal reported Reconstruction. Mr. Brooks, of New York, submitted a minority report, signed by Kentucky. himself, and Mr. Beck, of After the report had been read Mr. Boutwell, of Massachu setts, asked if the paper just read was a minority . report ? Mr. Brooks replied affirmatively. Mr. Brooks, of New York, addressed the House very briefly, and said this whole bill was got up as a po litical measure, for it was intended to give up the whole power to the General of the army. He asserted that it Was but an effort to make fair weather for the General of the army for the Presidency as against the Chief Justice of the United States. He concluded by con tending that the whole bill was -unconstitutional. Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, then proceeded to address the House in support of the bill. Mr. Logan, of Missouri, addressed the House in advocacy of the bill, and said its introduction was a clear indication that all previous I avfs upon this subject had been inoperative and • void. The passage of this bill would, however, redeem the country and restore the Union. Mr. wood, of New York, claimed the floor, but yi e ld e d to a number of gentlemen to offer bills, &e. The Speake r laid before the House a communication from the General of the army, en closing the following telegram from General Meade, commander of the third military district. The communication of General Grant is as follows: Ifeadquartem Armies of the United States, Washington, Jan. 14, 18G8. lion. S. Colfax, Speaker of tho House of Representatives— Sir, —I have tho honour to inclose herewith copy of a telegram received from Major-General George G. Meade, commanding third military district. —Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, General, &c. Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 12 , 186 3. General U. S. Grant Unless the pending ' bill in Congress, directing military commanders to fill all the offices in the States under their Tut -nand rescinds the test oath, and provides for the selec tion from th e qua li f i ed voters, I am in f orme .l it s execu ti on In this district will be entirely impracticable. GEORGE G. MEADE, MajfflGen. Mr. Brooks, of New York, asked where that de spatch came from ? The Speaker said it was from the General of the army. Mr. Brooks—What, a despatch sent here from a military commander to influence legislation in this House ? Mr. Eldridge asked whether the despatch came through the War Department or direct from the General of the army. The Speaker replied that it came from the General of the army. Mr. Brooks thought it . a strange proceeding that the General should thus communicate with the House. The letter should have come through the proper channel, which was the War Department. The communication was re ferred to the Committee on Reconstruction, and ordered to be printed. Mr. Ashley of Ohio, read an amendment which be proposed to offer to the pending Reconstruction Bill, and which authorised the several Conventions now in session in the South ern States, to enfranchise such citizens of the United States as were disfranchised on account of treason, who may co-operate with loyal men in said States to restore them to the authority of the United States. Ordered to be printed. The House then adjourned, January 15.—The House resumed the considera tion of the Reconstruction Bill, upon which Mr. Wood, of New York, was entitled to the floor. Mr. Wood, of New York, then proceeded tr address the House, and was referring to the acts that had passed Congress since Monday last, among which he enumerated the Supreme Court Bill, and the bill that he said had been proposed, and which was cal culated to disgrace one of the most honourable offi cers of the army by striking his name from the roll of major-generals, because he was not in accord with the majority in Congress. After referring to the action of the Senate in the Stanton matter, Mr. Wood proceeded to speak to the bill under conside ration, and characterized it as a bill without a name, a child without a parent, a production with out an author, a monstrosity, and the most infamous of all the infamous acts of this infamous Congress. Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, called the gentleman to order, and demanded that the words just spoken be taken down at the clerk's desk as required by the rules. The rule applicable in din case of words objected to was read. Mr. Ross, of Illinois—l sug gest that the gentleman modify his language by saying the " so-called" infamous Congress. (Laugh ter.) The words objected to, " a monstrosity and the most infamous act of all the infamous acts of this infamous Congress" were then read from the clerk's desk. The Speaker declared the language out of order, and said under the rules the gentle man could not proceed except by unanimous con sent. Mr. Bingham—l object to the gentleman speaking at all unless he takes back those words. Mr. Kerr, of Indiana, asked if all the words read were objected to, or only that por tion relating immediately to the House. The Speaker said all, as a member could except to any words. The gentleman from New York can have an opportunity to explain if he desires it. Mr. Wood—Mr. Speaker, I have no explanation to make. The Speaker—Then the gentleman can only proceed by consent of the House. The ques tion was then put upon allowing Mr. Wood to pro ceed, and consent was refused by a viva voce vote. Mr. Oldridge demanded the yeas and nays. The House refused its consent by a strict party vote-- yeas 39, nays 108. Messrs. Pruyn, of New York, and Phelps, of Maryland, who voted yea, asked leave to explain their votes, but consent n as refused. As soon as the vote was announced, the Speaker recognise] a member from Kentucky (Mr. Beck), and at the same time recognized Mr. Dawes, of Massa chusetts, who said he rose to a question of privilege. Mr. Dawes then offered a resolution that Fernando Wood, a member of this house from the State of New York, had this day used in debate on the floor of the House the following language—(here the language given above is recited) —and that he de serves the censure of this House ; and the Speaker Is required forthwith to censure him at the bar of the House. Mr. Holman, of Indiana, made the point of order that under the rule the resolution was not in order, as other business had intervened since the obnoxious words were spoken, the Speaker hay ing recognized Mr. Beck, of Kentucky. The Speaker decided the point not well taken. He had ; recognized the gentleman from Kentucky upon the reconstruction question, but the gentleman from Massachusetts had at the same time risen to a point of order upon this question. Mr. Kerr, of Indiana, moved to lay the resolution of censure upon the table. —Not agreed toby a strict party vote—yeas 38, nays 115. Theresolution was then adopted, also by a strict party vote—yeas 114, nays 38. The Speaker then, in pursuance of the order of the House, called Mr. Wood to the bar and -addressed him as follows : Mr. Fernando Wood,--May's treatise on laws, privileges, and wages of Parliament, from which we derive the fundamental principle of our Parliamen tary law, in speaking of occurrences like that which has caused the vote the result of which has just been announced, thus speaks—"lt is obviously unbe coming to permit offensive.. expressions against the character and conduct of Parliament to be used without rebuke, for it is not only a contempt of the high court, but is calculated to degrade the Legis lature in the estimation of the people. If directed against the other House, and passed over without censure, they would appear to implicate one House in discourtesy to the other. If against the House in which the words are spoken, it would be impossible to overlook the disrespect of one of its own members. Words of this objectionable character are never spoken but in anger, and when called to order the member must see the error into which he has been misled, and retract or explain his words and make a satisfactory apology. Should he fail to satisfy the House in this manner, he will be punished by reprimand or commitment." Hav ing this recognized rule of Parliamentary law, the House has ordered a censure to be pronounced upon you by its presiding officer. This duty having been performed, you will resume your seat. Mr. Wood then returned to his seat. Mr. Ross, of Illinois, asked if Mr. Wood could not now proceed with his remarks, the censure having purged him of his offence. (Voices on the Republihan side—"Oh, no," and laughter.) The Speaker said the House had determined that he could not proceed, and the only thing now would be to reconsider the vote. Mr. Eldridge, of Wisconsin, said he had been pro mised one-half of Mr. Wood's time, and he was now deprived of the opportunity to speak. The Speaker asked if there was objection to Mr. Eldridge having half-an-hour of what would have been Mr. Wood's time. Mr. Garfield objected to giving any part of a time that had been taken away from a member. Mr. Boyer, of Pennsylvania, asked if Mr. Wood could have leave to print the remarks ha had intended to make ? (Republican side generally—" Oh, no ! that won't do.") Mr. Beck, Kentucky, then proceeded to address the House-in opposition to the bill. Mr. Farnsworth, of Illinois, next obtained the floor, and said the bill was calculated to secure personal liberty and freedom of the press and of the jury. He remarked that he understood why General Han cock was so much admired on the other side of this House, for when he commends himself to the affec tions of the rebels down South, he commended him self equally to the affections of their rebel brethren upon this floor. Mr. Mungen, of Ohio, rising to a question of order, objected to the last remark, and demanded that the words be taken down at the clerk's desk. While this was being done 111 r. Farnsworth remained standing, and Mr. Ross insisted upon his taking his seat. After the words had been repeated by the clerk, the Chair decided them out of order, and said the gentleman could not proceed with his remarks if there was objection. Mr. Mungen objected, and moved a resolution of censure. Mr. Farnsworth desired to make an explanation of the language used. Mr. Mungen —I don't want to bear any ex planation. By a vote of the house, Mr. Farns worth was granted leave to explain. Mr. Farns worth said he did not intend any personal applica tion to any member on the other side of the House in the remarks madebv him ; and if they were objection able lie would strike out the words " on this floor." Mr. Ross, of Illinois—lf the gentleman applied his , language to the other side of the House, I have no objection. (Ip.ughter.) Mr. Randall, of Penn sylvania, desired to know whether the words " Rebel brethren on this floor" were withdrawn. The Speaker—The gentleman strikes out the , words " on this floor," leaving the " rebel brethren." (Laughter.) The words objected to were again read. Mr. Mungen insisted upon offering his reso lution of censure, as he deemed the apology worse than the insult. Mr. Boutwell moved that Mr. Farnsworth be allowed to proceed in order. Mr. Mungen here ordered a resolution that Mr. Farns worth be reprimanded by the Speaker for the words last used by him, as reported by the clerk. Mr. Washburne, of Illinois, desired to know what were the words last used, and asked if they were the words in which he withdrew a portion of what he bad just said ? Mr. Mungen said the words he meant Were " rebel brethren on this floor." The resolution was finally put in proper shape, when, on motion of Mr. Dawes, it was tabled without a division, and Mr. Farnsworth was allowed to proceed in order. Mr. Butler, of Massachusetts, offered an amend ment to the bill, • and it was ordered to be printed. The House then adjourned. Jan. 16.—After transacting some business, the House resumed the consideration of the Reconstruc tion Bill. Mr. Paine was entitled to the floor, bid he yielded to Mr. Eliot, of Massachusetts, who said he had not a doubt of the right of Congress to pass the bill as it came from the committee, and he proceeded to argue i❑ favour of the position thus assumed. On the motion of Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, it was ordered that the House take a recess at 4.30 until seven o'clock, and that the night session should be devoted to debate only upon the subject of re construction. Mr. Bingham indicated his purpose of calling the previous question upon this bill to morrow, after the morning hour. Mr. Loughridge, of lowa, then addressed the House upon the pend ing bill, and said there were but two questions to be considered. If the Southern States had Republican Civil Governments then Congress had no right to pass this bill, but if there were no such Govern ments, then Congress had a clear right, and he pro ceeded to argue in favour of the latter proposition. Mr. Kerr, of Indiana, addressed the House in op position to the bill, and said he opposed it be cause he believed it was inimical to the best inte rests of the country. Mr. Farnsworth, of Illinois, asked, but failed to obtain, leave to offer a resolution directing the committee on post-offices and post roads to inquire into the expediency of adopting a postal telegraph system in connection with the post office department, and that the committee inquire also into the expediency of modifying or repealing altogether the franking privilege. The House at 4.30 took a recess till 7 p.m. Evening Session.-- The House resumed its session at 7 o'clock, and Mr. Dawes, of Massachusetts, proceeded to address the House in favour of the Reconstruction Bill.* Mr. Burr, of Illinois, spoke in opposition to the bill. Mr. Wood, of New York, argued that the bill un der consideration was in perfect accordance with the Constitution. Speeches were made by Messrs. Higby, of California, and Niblack, of Indiana, after which the House adjourned at ten minutes after ten o'clock. *THE NEW RECONSTRUCTION BILL. The bill alluded to is of so important a nature that we give its provisions in full : The House Reconstruction Committee held a long meet ing on Saturday morning, and after some discussion it was agreed to report the following bill, which will probably. be laid before the House to-day:— Be it enacted, &c., That in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, 'Texas, Florida, and Arkansas, that the civil State Go vernments, in said States respectively, shall not be reco,g nis3d as valid or legal State Governments either by Executive or judicial power or authority of the United States. Sec. 2. BO it further enacted, That for speedy enforce ment of the act entitled "An act to provide for more effi cient government of Rabel States, passed March 2, 18G7, and the several acts supplementary thereto," the General of the army of the United States is hereby authorised and required to enjoin by special orders upon all officers in command within the several military departments within the said States per formance of all acts authorized by said several laws above reeited, and to remove by his order from command any or all of said commanders, and detail other offices of the United States army, not below the rank of colonel to per form all duties and exercise all powers authorised by said several acts, to the end that the people of said several States may speedily reorganize civil governments Repub lican in form in said several States, and be restored to political power in the Union. Sec. 3. it farther enacted, That the General of the army is authorised to remove any or all civil officers now acting under the several Provisional Governments within said several disorganized States, ana appoint others to dis charge the duties pertaining to their respective offices, and may do any or all acts which by said several laws above mentioned are authorized to be done by the several com manders of military departments within said States; and so much of said act or of any act as authorizes the President to detail military commanders to said military departments, or to remove any officers which may be de tailed as herein provided, is hereby repealed. Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That it shall be unlaw ful for tide President of the United States to order any part of tLe army or navyof the United States to assert by force 3f arms the authority of either of said Provisional Govern ments in said disorganized States to oppose or obstruct the authority of the United States, as provided in this Act, and the Acts to which this is supplementary. Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, That any interference by any person, with intent to prevent by force the execution of the orders of the General of the army, made in pur suance of this Act and. the Acts aforesaid, shall be held to be a high misdemeanour, and the party guilty thereof shall, upon conviction, be final not exceeding five thousand dollars, and imprisoned not exceeding two years. Sec. G. Be it further enacted. That so much of all Acts and parts of Acts as conflict or are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. ;From the Anglo-American Times.) CALIFORNIA.—In the address to the Agricultural Society at Stockton on the 19th of September last, by the Hon. L. E. Pratt, the orator portrayed the beauties of the Golden State in the following terms :—" Here nature, in saturnalian mood, seems to have cast her fetters off, and in the delirium of some wild joy scattered her trea sures with the lavish hand of a drunken profligate. How strange the medley of elements which surround and bless you! How wonderful the blending of the soils, climates, and productions of every zone! Within the range of vision glisten ths eternal snows, flourish the magnolia and the palm, and ripen the olive and the date ! The almond bloesome and the orange tree exhales its frag rance within the shadow of the sturdy oak and stately pine, and the limo and apple, the lemon and vine, in tertwine their limbs and drop their golden fruit on the same rood of soil which yearly yields its dual harvest of wheat or corn ! Look up at the beautiful sky which spreads its deep azure over you in such unclouded splen dour—drink health and strength from the invigorating air around, and bask in the most genial climate of the world! Behold your fertile plains, boundless in extent and rich with the very lees of fatness—your lakes and streams swarming with the finny tribes—your herds and flocks fattened on the spontaneous products of your soil ! Surely this is Nature's masterpiece—the land rmerved for the last and noblest empire of all time! Here not only shall commerce pour her treasures into your lap, but the tourist of every land and disciples of all learning shall come, and pause to impart their rich stores of thought and knowledge! Here wealth shall come in search of health or pleasure, here religion shall revive and prosper with unwonted splendour—schools and colleges shall be multiplied and richly endowed—here the arts shall cluster and science flourish. Here poetry and eloquence shall find their home—political economy and the science of govern ment attain perfection, anti the Augustine age shall be surpassed in the grandeur of its intellect and philosophy. Behold, then, in California the modern hely, and with in its borders down by the. Golden Gate and hero where we are assembled, the Roma and Venice of the new world. Happy, happy, indeed, ought we to be that we have been permitted to live in an age so rich in historic incident, and on the verge of a future stored with hope and promise. Happy above all others ought you to be, farmers of Cali fornia, who, already owners of the soil, are practically in sured some share in that golden future I" Mayor Hoffman has been mistaken by the Leaven worth Times for C. Hoffman, the owner of the model lodg ing -house in New York, in which a large number of people were lately roasted alive. The mayor had some hard things said of him under this impression. Rear-Admiral Hatcher has been authorised by Congress to receive a decoration from the King of the Sand% ich Islands. The Senate, in Executive Session, confirmed the following nominations:—J. Guy Foreman, postmaster at Erie, Pennsylvania; Thomas N. Lee, postmaster at Han ook, Michigan ; Davis K. Noyes, postmaster at Baraboo, Wisconsin ; George W. Tabler, postmaster at Martinsburg, West Virginia; Oscar Minor, collector of Customs for the district of Texas, iu the place of Kent, deceased ; and Johu C. Cartwright, United States attorney for the dis trict of Ort-gon. The Senate rejected the following nomi nations:—Edmund Cooper for assistant Secretary of th e Treasury ; James Robbins, postmaster at Penn Yan, Penn sylvania ; Samuel D. Evans, collector of internal revenu.) 4th district of Texas ; William J. Clark, surveyor of cus toms for the port of Saybrook,.Connecticut ; Alexander K. Lowry, register of the land office at Marysville, California. ; William C. Houser, postmaster at Mechanicsburg, Penn sylvania ; Daniel Minimal), postmaster at Milton, Ponn- Sylvania ; William D. Foutz, ussossor of internal revenue 2d district of Indiana. Dr. A. G. Mackay, collector of the port of Charleston, has been presented with a masonic testimonial by the Grand Lodgo of Poru, South America. General Longs treet, on passing through Tennessee, narrowly escaped arrest. He was at Knoxville on the 2d January, when the attempt was made, on an indictment found in 1863 ; tut an informality in tho warrant enabled .the General to escape. The Hon. Anson Burlingame is to be accom panied on his mission from China to Europa, by two man darins of high rank, and a staff of twenty-four Chinese. M'L. Brown is appointed secretary, and Mr. Des champs interpreter. A maisiVe silver pitcher and goblets were pre sented to General John G. Foster, superintendent of the Harbour Improvement Works of Boston, by his assistants and operatives, on Christmas-day. General Gilmore, after a visit to his relatives in Ohio, is to make a Southern tour below Hampton Roads, to increase and improve the fortifications in the South. Colonel Hoe, the lightning press inventor, is said to be fitting up a press to print on both sides of a sheet at the same time, and to be contemplatieg the invention of one to run by electricity. Fitz-Greene Halleck, about a month before he died, prepared his poems, with a final revision, to be issued in one volume, by Messrs. 'Ticknor and Fields. The notes are said to be very elaborate, and full of interesting mate rial. It is understood that the volume will bo prefaced with some introductory matter, biographical and critical, irom the pen of the poot'S friend, William Callen Bryant. Mrs. Jessie Fremont has presented a petition to the Senate for the restoration of property in San Fran cisco taken by the United States military authorites. A Bill has been reported in the Senate to remove the poiitical disability from Governor R. N. Patton, of Alabama. The contest between Mr. Birch and Mr. Van Horn in the House of Representatives for a seat for Missouri, was vigorously carried on in the House on the Bth Jan. Mr. Birch spoke for an hour, when the Speaker's hammer fell. Mr. Farnsworth, of Illinois, objected to an extension of time. Mr. Van Horn yielded one half his time to Mr. Birch, who resumed, and was ready for half any other man's time, but Mr. Van Horne was content with permis sion to print the speech he was to hav9 spoken. But Mr. Birch's loquacity was eclipsed by ?dr. Simons, who de sired to appropriate the seat for the First District of Ken tucky, ousting Mr. Trimble, the favourite applicant. Mr. Simons spoke for two hours, and travelled so much out of the record that Mr. Kerr, of Indiana, asked him if ho intended to present this case as it appeared on the record, or whether he intended to travel out of it. The Hon. L. S. Trimble to whom the oath was administered declined to address the House, as he was content with the report of the committee. General M'Clernand, of Illinois, and Colonel J. M'Clood Murphy, of New York, are spoken of for the nomination as United States Minister to Mexico. James H. Leverich, second teller of the National City Bank of New York, 52, Wall-street, has disappeared with $400,000. The absconder is a nephew of C. H. Leverieb, President of the Bank of Nezo York Banking Association, 48, Wall-street. The Washington correspondent, writing on the 16th Jan., says :—Secretary Stanton sent his first docu ment, since his suspension, to Congress this afternoon. There is no longer any talk of the President refusing to recognise him as Secretary of War. He will simply avoid him so far as he can, sending all his orders through Gene ral Grant. The most ridiculous stories were sent off yes terday to respectable New York journals, and they sent up gold 2 per cent., though the rumours sent were false. General Grant was at the capitol this afternoon apparently in good spirits. The President's friends are not so fierce in their denunciations of him to-day. Major Perry Fuller is the probable successor of Commissioner Rollins, who, it is thought, will htve to re sign his office in the Internal Revenue. General Thomas 111. Ruger and Captain C. F. Rockwell, both West Pointers, have been succeeded as Governor and Treasurer of Georgia, in the room of Go vernor Jenkins, and Treasurer Jones removed by General Meade. Bryan Bradbury has been nominated Collector of Customs, at Portland (Maine.) The resignation of Patent Commissioner Theaker has been refused by the President. The counsel for John H. Surratt have been noti fied by the law officers of the Government to prepare for the trial of their client. Mr. Bennehoff has been robbed of $lOO,OOO in bonds and currency by burglar; who burst into his house at night. Vice-President Thomas C. Durant, of the Union Pacific Railroad, has arrived in Europa. Allen M'Lane, president of the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company, and Congressman Bidwell are on their way to New York from California. Gen. Pope, lately in command of the third mili tary district, has been ord-3red to the command of the de partment of tlie Lakes with Detroit as his head-quarters, and Gen. Gregg, formerly in command of the district of Arizona, has transferred his head-quarters to Fort Churchill, Nevada. The Springfield Republican of the 18th Jan. says:—" The most interesting topic at the State-house and in Boston the past week is the action of the council on the nomination of Judge Thomas for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. A vote was due on it, last Saturday, when Judge Thomas would probably have been confirmed ' by 5 to 4, but the case was postponed till this week, and now a rejection is considered certain by one majority. A very bitter opposition has been made to the nomination among Republicans, and especially by the friends of Judge Hoar, who think he should have the place. But it is by no means certain that he will be advanced to the first place if Thomas is rejected. Some other member of the Court is quite as likely to be promoted.—The Ohio Legislature has elected Allen S. Thurman, the democrat whom Governor Hayes defeated last fall, to the United States Senate, and the Maryland Legislature has tried three days without electing anybody. Governor Swann's chances were at first the best, bat his last votes were his smallest, and be has fallen behind W. F. Hamilton, Deplocrat, who has been elected. Vallandigham and Reverdy Johnson find their constituency in a hopeless minority.—The Pennsyl vania House of Representatives, after a dead lock of three or four days, organized with Col. Elisha W. Davis, of Philadelphia, for speaker ; the Minnesota Senate has A. B. Webber, of Steele county, for secretary, and the House of J. L. Farmer, of Fillmore, for Speaker.—The Ohio Legis lature has withdrawn the State's consent to the proposed fourteenth Article of the Constitution, and New Jersey, where democracy rules, is expected to follow suit." In Cuba, General Lesundi is trying to stop the brigandage by summary measures, and Santa Anna is hustling troops off to Yucatan, with hopes of getting mixed into the rebellion. Robert Johnson, son and private secretary of the President, was placed in the lunatic asylum of this district, Jan. 16, to cure him if possible of periodical drunkenness, which iu his case amounts to insanity. Governor Fletcher, on January 15th, took pos session of the Iron Mountain Railroad, in the name of tho State, for non-compliance with the terms of sale to Thomas Allen and associates. --- The President sent the following nominations to the Senate, on the 14th January :—John D. Hopkins, col lector of customs at Frenchman's Bay, Maine, in place of William B. Peters, removed; Bion Bradbury, collector of customs at Portland and Falmouth, Maine, in place of Israel Washburn, junior, whose commission expires on January 19th. Allen G. Sherman, Democrat, has been elected United States Senator from Ohio, to succeed Benjamin F. Wade, Republican, whose term expires March 4, 1869. Dr. Sears, who is now travelling in the South as agent of the Peabody Southern Educational Fund, reports favourably. The money is to bo employed in assisting existing institutions, not in establishing new ones. The trustees of the fund agree that wherever any corporation shall appropriate $4,000 to establish free schools they will appropriate $l,OOO. The Minister from St. Domingo has been well received by many members of Congress at Washington. He is urging the purchase of Sumana., and an effort will be made to substitute it for St. Thomas. Births. CAMPBELL - On the Ist inst., at 9, Rutland-gate, the wife of George W. Campbell, Esq., of a son. FARR—On the Ist inst., at 8, Sidney-place, St am f o rd-hill, Stoke Newingt on , th e w if e o f G eorge Thomas A. Farr, of a daughter. SATTERTILWAITE —On the Ist inst., at Spring-hill, Brom ley, Kent, the wife of Clement Satterthwaite, Esq., of a , SOD. Marriages. BOURNE —FRANCIS —Ou the 28th ult., at Boulogne-our - Mer, Mr. James Markham Bourne, of Canonbury-park North, to Jane, eldest daughter of Richard'Francis. HERBERT —RUDDOCK—On the 30th ult., at S. Mary's,. Reading, the Rev. Henry Herbert, rector of Hemingford Abbots, Hants, to Mary, eldest daughter of the late Rey. Edward Grevile Ruddock. Deaths. BENNETT—On the 29th ult., at Redstone House, SahiP7 Edward Bennett, Esq., aged 66. BAIDIAItII - On the 31st ult., of typhus fever, Chas. Barnard, of 201, Old Kent-road, aged 55. Cit.u)wicx - On the 31st ult., at the Royal Hospital, Chel sea, Capt. William Chadwick, aged 78. CLAutic—On the 29th ult., at Southacre, in the county of Norfolk, Mr. W. E. Clark, aged 62. DALLAS—On the 313 t tilt., at 6, Claremont Villa", ton-park, John Dal as, Esq . . NictroLs—On tho 28th ult., at Woodstock, Miss Nichols/ aged 76. WHITLOCK—On the 30th ult. at Exmouth, Lient.-Genera l Sir George O. Whitlock, aged 69. London : Printed and Published by WILLIAM ANDRNWS of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at This SUN Oahe, No 112 ; Strand, in the Precinct of the Be v oy, in the County Middlesex.—Monday, February 3, 1868.