The New York herald., 1845-10-27

are now made 10 procure signatures TO petition TO
the Governor, for the purpose Of getting reprleve
for those criminals condemned at the recent trials
in Delhi and Hudson. The first movement is di-
rected in favor those condemned to be hung next
month la some OF the memorials IT is stated
that the crime OF these young men-Van Steen-
burgh and O'Connor--who were parties to a
murder, was merely political ohence-that
is they entertained difference OF opinion on
certain matters from those held by their neghbors.
We should not be surprised that this doctrine
would prevail TO an extraordinary extent in these
new light philosophical times; and farther, we should
not be at all surprised to Governor ght COM
mute the punishment of these men, and sentence
them to the State Prison for life Then, of course
there would be another movement made afterwards
for the release from the State Prison in less than
year or two.
From this movement to set aside the sentence
pronounced by the law on the anti-rent criminals,
and from the probable success which 1t Will
meet with the hands OF the authorities, we have
every to believe that In short time the anti
rent movement will be more active and intense than
ever. The irmness of the judges and Jurles, and
public officers in Hudson and Delhi, has repressed
the agitation of these philosophers for the present
but as soon as the lives of the culprits condemned
to the galows have been saved, and several of the
others released from the State Prison-as no doubt
they will be-the whole business will go on more
actively than ever Indeed, accordingto all appear
ances the anti-renters are operating with great sue
cess in their several districts, on the movements OF
both parties in the approaching election. They are
making their bargains and organising their arrange
ments so as to give themselves influence and power
at head quarters, and no doubt they will succeed.
THEATRIcALs-THE AMERICAN STAGE.-Public
attention appears be directed with highly awaken
ed interest to the progress and prospects OF the
drama and the stage in the United States. The
most extraordinary revivain theatrcals, opera, mu.
sic everything connected with the theatre, as ex-
empliied in the success of the Keans, Miss Delcy,
Templeton and De Meyer, and the remarkable inte-
rest developed amongst all classes relative to the
maintenance of the high reputation OF distinguished
American artists, mark the present as an era full OF
hope and promise as respects the future prosperity
and progress OF the drama in this country
We have in the United States several dramatic
artists OF very high rank Forrest, Cushman,
Hackett, and now aspiring to the same atmosphere
Mr. Murdock-not to speak OF Rice, Hill, Placide,
Marble and others in various ranges Of comedy.
Forrest and Murdock are from the same city.
Hackett is New Yorker-Boston claims Miss
Cushman. Forrest is undoubtedly at the head Of
American dramatic performances in the male line,
as Miss Cushman is in female parts. Miss Clifton,
Miss Clarendon and others, have attempted with
greater and less success to reach the point OF excel
lence attained by Miss Cushman butshe yet occupies
proud pre-eminence both in the new and old
IL. ID Il
highly respectable but by no means so brilliant
that OF Forest at the Bowery Murdock has great
deal of commendable ambition, abundant conf
dence, and many OF the elements of good actor
But he wants the natural energy-the free impulses
the innate genius of Forrest. Murdock is rather
initiative than an original genius, and thus he
differs essentially from Forrest. Indeed, Forrest
is and for years probably will be- at the head of
the American stage.
number of persons have, il would seem, banded
themselves together for the purpose of making Mr.
Murdock great actor at once But it is not posi-
bic thus to leap from obscurlty TO emnence. That
great genius which, with omnipoent force, bears its
possessor to the proudest height of ambition, is
meted out to but few Forrest had his share of it
But all aspiring dramatists are not born Forests
Mr.. Murdock has highly respectable talents, and
with due study, care and patient industry, he may
yet be of those in whom America can feel Justly
proud, as dramatic artist of high order of ex-
celence.
NEwsFRoM TExAs.-The Alabama arrived at New
Orleans on the 10Th, with advices from Aransas
Bay to the 18th inst
Among other documents we have received
the following letter from our correspondent, who is
now safely in camp
ST. JosEpH's ISLAND, TEXAS, Oct 10, ls45
The present position OF country with respect to
southern neighbor, is peculiar, and we are yet
young diplomacy it is presumed that many new ques
Of which will depend not only our own future conduct
but whose decision may have small effect in modify
have acknow lodged to be their governing laws Hence
every eye must be directed hther with unusual
for Americans feel that the time hand for their
country to assert her influence among the nations
whether not hostile gun shall Be fred they look
with patriotic pride upon the spectacle OF and
vigor she now presents
But you do ask for political letters from Texas
you would rather hear of the dreadful marches" OF
wars aarums," and all the pomp and circumstance OF
which the country beyond the Nueces is the
theatre. or course every thing communicated with
reference to the movements OF army is spec ula
on entitled ts confidence further than the views
OF an actual locker He who claims greater authority
orders is first published to the world in the act of good
general That these orders will be judcious have
guaranty in the elevated character of admnistra
ton which many thinking men believe is the very def
milton OF what is demanded by the present crisis.
II Is known that this camp sort Of halfway house
for the troops in rdnsitu Arrivals and departures have
been the exciting incidents Tor weeks but in short
time this place must be shorn OF its honors as scene OF
interest and will very soon be degraded to the ignobe
rank of mere depot of stores and supplies Henceforh
look to the disputed territory" for true seat OF war
The U. s. ship Lexington arrived the 4th with de.
tachments of the LIST and ID artillery. Yesterday the
steamship Alabama" appeared off this island she
brought from New Orleans five companies OF the 6th
two OF the sth and OF the h infantry All the troops
now here, 1t is understood, move Corpus Christi in
day or two, and then--here endeth epstle MOL.
From N. o. Picayune Oct l61
The troops stationed at Corpus Christi and St Josephs
Island were all well No omovement has yet been made
upon the Nueces The Flying Artillery, under Major
RDggold, at St. Josephs sland but about TO pro-
coed 10 join the main body of the forces AT Corpus
Christi business was extremely brisk
We have letters dated the 10th inst which state
that the ndi lately made attack upon q settlement
Mission river, and killed and drove of all the cattle
The Inhabitants fortunate escape The at
tack is supposed to have been instgated by to