The Sun.
London, England, 1858-03-10 00:00:00

AMERICA.

LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY.
The Royal Mail steamship Niagara, Captain
Miller. arrived to-day with advises from. Boston to
the 24th ult., and from New York, by telegraph
via Halifax, to the 25th. She brought 68 passen-
gers, among whom was Sir J. G. Le Marchanr, late
Governor of Nova Scotia, and 253,714 dole. specie
on freight. The Niagara experienced strong north-
east winds during the whole of the passage. On the
27th ult., at 1.30 a.m., she spoke the Royal. Mail
steamship America, hence for Halifax and Boston.
The United States' mail steamship Baltic arrived
at New York on the 18th ult., and the Royal Mail
steamship Africa on the 21st, from Liverpool, and
the steamship Arago, from Southampton on the
23d. The Canadian mail screw. steamer Anglo-
Saxon, from Liirerpool, arrived at Portland on the
23d ult.
In Congress the question of Kansas was still

iipperLoost. During-a discussion on the 23d Mr.
Johnson and Mr. Bell had an altercation, which
resul,ed iu the latter creating a sensation by saying
that he was " ready to meet the Senator at any
time, or aoy others who should back him." Wliai
the papers denominate a "duel mania" was preva-
lent. A. Boston paper thus comments on the
matter :

" We era sorry to hear of so many gentlemen at
, Washing-ten struggling under 'personal difficul-
ties.' When the great Congressional fracas was
over, and Keitt came out of it less injured, or less
ingenuous, than the renowned Yellow-plush came
out of the house upon the sidewalk on a certain oc-
casion—for Chawles' c-indidly confessed, felt
something behind ; I think it was master's toe'—
and Birksciale's wig went down in the brunt of
the flay ; we Fay when this was all over, and good
humour appeared to be completely restored, we
supp,sed there was to be no more breaking of the
peace. But things have been waiting worse, until
the clash of resounding arms' is awaited in every
telegraphic despatch from the southward. A chal-

lenge liar passed between Col. Sumner and Gen.
Harney ; Gen. Cullo►n and Hon. J. B. Clay are said
to be out on the field of honour ; Lieut. Bell, of
the Cavalry, has summoned Lieut. 'Williams, of the
Dragoons, to meet him wi h sanguinary weapons ;
and ex-Lieutenant Rhind has been held to bail for

extending a similar invitation to Commander Bout-
well. Thus they go—Congress, army, and nav),
all furnishing irate representatives, p ugnaeio us with-
in an inch of their lives, and possibly an inch
beyond."
The intelligence respecting these " difficulties"
had reached New York by telegraph as follows .
" BOSTON, Feb. 21.--A recontre occurred at
Parker's Hotel here this afternoon, the facts stated
being as follows :—A Mr. L. D. Merrill, of this
city, made a violent assault upon Mr. F. Birge, of
New York, the former spitting in the latter's face,
dn. Mr. Birge, after repairing to his room, again
made his appearance, and c%lled on Mr. Merrill to
account for the insult. A collision immediately
took place, during which Mr. Birge discharged a
pistol at Mr. Merrill, but without effect. They
were separated, and both parties are now under
arrest.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21.—A fisticuff altercation
occurred yesterday morning in a barber's shop
underneath Willard's Hotel between Lieut. Bell,
of the Cavalry, and Lieut. Williams, of the Dra-
goons, which may result in a duel, a challenge
having passed between them."
A la er despatch says—
" Lieuts. Bell and Williams, who bad a collision
in a barb r's shop on Sunday, went beyond Bla-
densburg this morning, at 5 o'clock, accompanied
by their respective friends. It is said that Bell
fired at the word ' one,' the ball from his pistol
penetrating Williams' hat. Williams, who was the
assailing party, having given the satisfaction de-
manded, discharged his pistol in the snow. The
belllger..nls returned to Washington apparently re-
conciled."

But the greatest interest attaches to the dispute
between the Hon, J. B. Clay and Mr. Cullom, the
origin of which is explained by the Washington
correspondent of the New York Tribune :
Cullom entered the bar-room of Brown's Hotel,
where Clay, Hawkins, and Mason were standing.
He proposed an old-fashioned Kentucky drink, in
which all the parties participated. Subsequently he
commenced conversation with Clay, sating how
he had removed from Kentucky to near the Her-
mitage, in Tennessee, where he bearded the lion in
his den. He spoke of his long devotion to the ad-
miration for his father. Mr. Clay answered by
seying that General Leslie Coombs had once, as
Chickasaw Ambessador, bearded the lion in his
den. This expression, which some bystanders sup-
posed jocular, was regarded as an offensive report
by Cullom, who asked if he meant to insult him.
Clay disclaimed any such intention. The interro-
gatory was repeated, with the same reply, but was
accompanied with the menacing use of Cullom's
auger, when Clay said he was not accustomed to
be addressed in such a threatening manner, or
words to that effect. Cullom became more excited
under the conviction of au intended insult to him,
and denonuced Clay as the apostate son of a
noble sire.' Clay said his physical condition was
such as would prevent him from answering with a
blow, but he could not resist proclaiming Cullom
a d--d scoundrel. Whereupon Cullom drew
back to strike. The force of the blow was partially
arrested by tie spectators, but still reached Clay's
nose and caused it to bleed. The two men then
separated and withdrew. Clay called ou Senator
Johnson, of Ark, to :let as his friend, and a peremp-
oty int-,sacre was communicated to Cullom, te
which acceptance was signified so soon as a corupe
ent second could be cnosen. At 1 o'clock no
choice had been made."
A telegram of the 22d says :
" The efforts to reconcile the difficulty between
the Hon. J. B. Clay and Mr. Cullom have proved
abortive. They left Washington this afternoon at
5 o'clock, accompanied by their respective friends,
for, it is said, a place about 40 miles distant. The
probability is ant they will fight to-morrow.

morning. Much excitement exists throughout the
city regarding the affair. The United States' de-
puty marshals throughout yesterday and to-day
vainly endeavoured to get on the track of Messrs.
Clay and Cullom. Various absurd rumours
are now iu circulation, but it is under-
stood that the challenge has been withdrawn,
as preliminary to a peaceful adjuitment of
the difficulties, which there is little,
if any,. doubt
will be effected according to present indications."
Another and a later telegram says :
" There has been no duel yet between Clay and
Cullom' and attempts are making for a settlement
of the affair by a reference to Senators Crittenden,
Toombs, and Kennedy. There is reason to fear,
however, that these attempts will fail, and that
there will be an exchange of shots."
A further report was to the effect that the affair
had been settled by Clay's withdrawal of the chal-
lenge, and the apology of Cullen].
Two other gentlemen, ex-Lieutenant; Rhind and
Capt. Corrie, had been held to bail it the sum of
2,500 dols. each for their Appearance. before the
criminal court for"ch"allenging and posting Com-
mander Bout well.
The Tennessee Senate had been the scene of a
fracas. One senator struck another in the face with
a book for giving him the lie. A s3uffle ensued,
but the parties were speedily separated.
The slip John Miltou, bound from the Chincha
Islands to New York, had been lost on Long
Island. None of the officers or crew were saved.
A shocking catastrophe had occurred atSt.
A drug store under the Pacific Hotel took fire, and
the flames enveloped the stairways, so as to cut off
all egress. Some of the inmates were literally burnt
in their beds ; others leaped from the windows,
and were henibly mangled or ...killed by the falL
Out of 100 persons in the house 29 were known to
have been killed and six seriously injured, while
many more were still missing.
Five steamboats had been destroyed by fire at
New Orleans. The whole of the shipping in port
was at one time in a precarious condition.
A bill had been Unanimously passed by the Ken-
tucky Legislature, and signed by the Governor,
authorising the Executive of that State to raise a
regiment of volunteers immediately, and to tender
their services to the Prezident of the United States,
to aid in suppressing the rebellion in Utah.
The Jacksonville (Flori la) Republican records
the death of Mrs. Winnie rassiter, aged 130 years.
She was a native of North Carolina.
Lord Napier had publicly thanked the freemen
and citizens of Washington for assisting to subdue
a fire which broke out in his residence on the 11th
ult.

A despatch from Kansas of the 13th ult. says :
" An act was introduced into the house on Feb.
12, supplementary to the Constitutional Convention
Bill. It changed the time of the assembling of the
convention from the 4th Tuesday in March to the
2d Monday in April. It gave the convention full
power to say where the first general assembly under
the constitution to be formed should meet, and
when the constitution should be submitted to the
people. This act passed both branches of the Le-
gislature, and was sent to the governor for his ap-
proval. He pocketed it, and will thus defeat it, as
sufficient time does not remain for the Legislature
tq take any action in regard to it, should the go-
vernor keep it three days. A miii is bill was yes_
torday passed over the governor's veto. This bill
does not differ materially from the one passed at
the extra session, except that the power to call out
the militia, which was first given to tke Mi-
litary Board, is now reserved to the Governor. An
election was held for a board of officers under this
law. The old board, at the head of which is Major-
Gin. J. H. Lane, was elected unanimously."
'The following resolutions were also passed
I"Resolved, by the House of Representatives of
Kansas,tr,h4allettewreridtooryheorfeby,
solemnly pro-
tei3t against the admission cf Kansas into the Union
under the Lecompton Constitution ; and we hurl
for te last time, the Council concurring,
back with scorn the libellous charge contained in
the Message of the Pr-sident accompanying !the
Lecompton Constitution, •to :the effect that the
freemen of Kansas are a lawless people ; that, rely-
ing upon the justice of our cause, we do hereby, in
behalf of the people, solemnly pledge to each other,
to our friends ;n Congress and in the States,
our lives, our f,rtiines, and our sacred honours, to
resist the Lecompton Constitution and Government
by force of arms if uece-sary that in this perilous
hour of our history we appeal to the civilised world
for the rectitude of our position, and call upon. the
friends of freedom everywhere to array themselves
against this lest set of oppression in the Kansas
drama. That the Governor be requested immedi-
ately to transmit certified copies of this resolution to
the President, Speaker of the House of Representa-
tives, and President of the Senate of the United
States, and to our member in Congress, and that
the same be presented to both branches of Congress.
The res 'lutions passed the house unanimously. In
the Council .they passed, receiving two negative
votes—given by Messrs. Chalice and Mead. Mr.
Chalice is an out-and-out Pro-Slavery man, which
fact will explain his vote. Mr. Mead pretends to
be a Free-State man, but belongs to that hunkerish
class who would rather live under the Lecompton
Constitution than protract the struggle by any re-
sistance. At exactly 12 o'clock last evening the Go-
vernor sent a message to the Huuse declaring that
his connection with that body was dissolved. The
Governor thinks that the time of the Legislature
expired bylirnitation at 12 o'clock. The Legislature,
however, takes a different view of the matter, and
has decided to hold on till 12 o'clock to-day. At
exactly a quarter past 11 o'clock last night it was
stated to the House that the Constitutional Con-
vention Bill had been sent to the Governor three
days before, and had not been returned. It was
thereupon declared to be a law. The Legislature is
holding over until to-day in order to remove any
doubts that might exist in the minds of soma with
regard to the legality of the Convention Bill,"
The 125th anniversary
of the birthday of Wash-
ington had been celebrated with the usual cere-
monies.
Despatches from the Utah Expedition report that
the troops were in good condition. From Mormon
prisoners and straggling
Utah Indians, Colonel
Johnston was well advised of the movements of the
Saints, who were making active preparations to
continue their resistance to the troops in the spring.
Their municipal regulations were very stringent,
and they looked with suspicion upon everybody the
least inclined to favour the action of the United
States' Government. Governor Cumming was
and the many Indians whom they
per-
forming the duties of his office as far as he was able.
The outward-bound mails were making good pro-
gress,fested friendly feelings.
The
The Bristol Convention assembled at Richmond
bad resolved to inaugurate a steam life between
met mani-
Virginia and Europe. Mr. Preston, the chairman,
stated the terms of the contract made by himself
with the ()deans Railroad Company
of France,
which are as follows :—The number of ships to be
not less than four ; the tonnage of each vessel to be
not less than that of the Arago ; the number of trips
to be not less than 24 per annum. The capital
stock will be 3,000,000 dols. The directors the
first year are to be three American and four
French, and the next year vice versa. The subven-
tion to be paid is 12,590 dols. per trip. Two of
the vessels are to be built at Norfolk to
the French
flag. to bear the
AmericTanhiflsagp,racittisawaorlyn Francetocontract the Convention bear
resolved to accept, and to use its best efforts to
perfect it. The Convention also passed resolutions
appointing a committee to memorialise the Legis-
lature of Virginia for a charter for the line, and
a committee to memorialise Congress for mail' con-
tracts

The ice companies were reaping a fine harvest,
all the rivers and lakes being frozen.
A New York paper announces that " Mother
Boston," 105 years old, and " Daddy Vassal," 92
years of age, the last survivors of those slaves of
Massachussits who are made free by the decision
of the Supreme Court of the State upon the
Consti-
tutiou of 1784, by which slavery in the State was
declared to be illegal, are still enjoying life and
comparative vigour in the city of Boston.
In attempting to esc ipe from the -
Sing.— Sing prison
by means of the ice four convicts were shot, two
mortally. Of the latter a New York paper says:—
"They are both considered beyond the reach of
human skill, though they may linger for some
days. Quin [wears to suffer, and continually
groans. Spence, though probably suffering quite
as much as his companion, has more fortitude, and
gives no outward evidence of what he suffers. Oc-
casionally he turns to Quin, and says, 'Do,
for
God's sake, stop making such a noise. We have
got to croak (die), and we may as well be decent
about it, and go game. Ar,d he appears so to con-
trol his own feelings as to assume a perfect indiffer-
ence as to the result of his rash attempt."
The ship Howard had arrived at New York from
Hamburg after a passage of 96 days. She left
Hamburg Nov. 17 with 286 passengers, 37 of whom
died on the passage from, a sickness resembling
cholera, and from weakness occasioned by shortness
of provisions and wator. The latter was dealt out

in very small quantities far 42 days, being made
from the steam of sea water.
Advices from Havanna to the 15th ultimo state
that two cargoes of negroes had been landed. Two
American vessels had arrived. with 1,236 coolies ;
313 died on the voyage. Business throughout the
island had improved, and sugars had advanced.
Stock, 68,000 boxes. Exchange on London 14 to
141 per cent, premium. M.Duercy, a French
engineer, agent to the " Credit° Mobiliario," had
been shot dad by an assassin.
Advices from the city of Mexico to the 2d ult.,
report that Zuloaga's Government had been recog-
nized by all the foreign representatives.
In the New York money-market on the 22d nit.
the supply offering was so abundant that the rate of
interest had again declined, loans on call ranging
from 4 to 6 per cent. ; prime 60 to 90 days' bills
from 5 to 6 per cent. ; first-class signatures 7 to 8
per cent. ; and other good bills from 8 to 9 per cent.
The bank statement for the week showed a remark-
able gain in specie, the increase being 1,189,801
dols , making the total the largest ever held by the
New York banks. The deposits had increased
(deducting clearings) 1,911, 085 d -ds., the
loans decreased 76,572 dole., through the
scarcity of prime paper and the withdrawal of
balances in specie by the resuming banks through-
out the South ; and th . circulation had decreased
64,653 dols. The stock-market closed firm with
an upward tendency ; but it is stated that though
there isfan undoubted appreciation of stocks there
is too much speculation afoot.
The New York Times reports that the negotia-
tions of Mr. Moran, in London, on behalf of the
New York and Erie Railroad, bad advanced so far
as to enable that gentleman to forward some Lon-
don credits, against the cash investments on the
new mortgage, which would enable the management
to resume the payment of interest on their funded
obligations, as well as to retire the few remaining
past due acceptances of the company. The. New
York Tribune also reports favourably with regard
to the American loans in the London market.
It says that the aggregate subscriptions in New
York and London amounted to about 3,200,000
dollars, and that the president of the Illi-
nois Central Road had received an offer
for the entire balance of it, subject to the privileges
of the holders of the July rights, and had accepted
this proposition to the extent of 200,000 dole.
Foreign exchange was in good demand for large
amounts of commercial bills, but the business at
the bankers' was not active, and quotations are
lowered to 1074 to 1081 for commercial signatures
at 60 days on London ; 109 to 1091 for bankers'
ditto ; and 1091 for very prime city endorsements.
Paris, 60 days, 5.221. to 5.131. The cotton mar-
ket had gained strength from the advices per
Africa, and sales were effected on the basis of llic.
for middling uplands. The flour market was dull
in consequence of the firmness of holders of State.
In wheat no transactions. Corn dull and heavy,
and demand limited. Mess pork steady, and
in moderate demand. Lard heavy. Cut meats
steady. Dressed bogs heavy. Beef in mode-
rate demand at full prices. Bacon quiet. In
butter and cheese a fair business doing.
Spirits of turpentine quiet, but firmly
held. Common rosin in moderate de-
mand at full prices. Fine rosin, pitch, and
tar inactive. Pot and pearl ashes dull. Tallow
firmer, and an active business doing. Sugar firm,
and demand restricted. Molasses not quite so firm.
Freights very dull. To London :—Beef, 4s. 6d. ;
;lame, 355. in cabin.

LATER BY TELEGRAPH, VIA BOSTON.
At New York on the 23d money was easy, and
the supply continued abundant. Stocks active and
rariable, but generally firm, at the following
closing prices :—lndiana Fives, 87; Missouri Sixes,
84/ ; Hudson Third Mortgage Bonds, 68 ; Mil-
waukie and Mississippi Second Mortgage Bonds,
82f ; Terre Haute and Alton Second Mortgage
Bonds, 45 • Michigan Central Sinking Fund, 1001 ;
Reading Railroad Bonds, 71 ; Pacific Mail Com-
pany, 60 ; Pennsylvania Coal Company, 77 ; Can-
ton Company, 24} ; Cumberland Company, 20i ;
Chicago and Rock Island Railroad, 82 ; Lacrosse
and Milwaukie Railroad, 10i ; Cleveland au d Toledo
Railroad, 50 ; New York Central Railroad, 88 ; Erie
Railroad, 361; Milwaukie and Mississippi Railroad,
414 ; hudson Railroad, 30 ' • Harlem Railroad, 15 ;
Reading Railroad, 63i ; Cleveland and Pittsburg
Railroai, 18 ; Michigan Central Railroad, 741 ;
Michigan Southern Railroad, 30k. Sterling ex-
change quiet, Cotton steady ; sales 3,000 bales,
mostly in transit, at 11i for uplands. State mid
forW pes.tueren,
fiflourne s
quiet,tate; 4 d
at 4oe. 5
dole.l 30c.00. f tor
4exdtorlas.;
and
4 dole. 50c. to 4 dole. 60c. for extra; and 4 dole.
50c. to 5 dole, for common to good extra Western ;
Southern steady at 5 dos. to 6 doll. 50c. for fancy
and extra.

Canadian superfine, 4 dole. 30c. to 4 dols. 40c. ;
extra, 4 dole. 50c. to 5 dole. 500. Wheat quiet,
Southern red fair, 1 dol. 20c. Corn unsettled ;
Southern white at 67c. to 69c. ; ditto yellow, at
66c. to 68c. Beef steady. Pork lower. Bacon
dull. Lard lower. Sugar firm, but quiet. Mo-
lasses firm ; New Orleans, 30c. to 321 c. Spirits of
turpentine, 46ic. to 47c. ; crude, 3 dole. 75c.
Rosin, 1 dol. 474 c. Linseed oil, 58c. to 59c.
Hides steady. Tobacco, Kentucky, 6ic. to 17e.
Tallow, lle, to llic. per lb. Freights.—To
Liverpool dull. Cotton, 5-32 d. ; flour, ls. 9d. ;
grain, 4d. to 50.

- NEW ORLEANS, FEB. 22.
The receipt here of the Africa's advice' caused
greater firmness in the cotton market. The sales
to-day add up 10,000 bales at 11c. to 1110. for mid-
dling. Sugar firm at 410. to 510. ; molasses, 27c.
to 29c. ; flour, 4 dole. 500. to 4 dole. 750. ; mixed
corn, 58c. ; mess pork, 16 dole. 25c. to 16 dots.
500. ; lard in kegs, 11e.

THE LATEST NEWS PER THE NIAGARA.
• (BY TELEGRAPH VIA HALIFAX.)
NEW YORK, FEB. 25, EVENING.
The steamship Arago, from Southampton, arrived
here yesterday, and the City of Washington, from
Liverpool, came into port to-day.
Our cotton market is firm, and the sales yester-
day and to-day foot up 4,500 bales, at an advance of
per lb. Uplands middling is quoted at 12c..
The market for broil dstuffs is d ull, but unchanged.
Provisions are quiet, at about the rates advised
per mail.
On our Stock Exchange to-day a considerable
decline took place in all descriptions of securities.
Mesars. Neill Brothers report the market for cot-
ton here steady, at 12c. for middling uplands, and
their advioes from the South indicate an active de-
mand under the news per Arago, notwithstanding
hea'ry receipts at the ports.
FROM UTAH.
Advices from Utah state that the United States
District Court of that territory had indicted Brig-
ham Young, Kimball, and others of the " Saints,"
for high treason.
NEW ORLEANS, Faa. 24, EVENINO.
Our cotton market is without any change in
prices to-day. The sales yesterday and today
amount to 22,000 bales.
Advices from Charleston, Savannah, and Mobile
report a slight advance in each of those markets.