The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-03-12

and determined on such principles as may be deem
ed expedlent for the sautary working of the NUM-
cipal government. But there are occasions In
which all local affairs, all local governments, sink
into insignfcance, when compared with questions
Of great national importance, involving our pro.
spects and position on the subject OF our TO-
reign relations. We believe this is one OF
those occasions in which such an issue should
be placed before the masses. We believe that
the Oregon question, from Its position before the
Executive well as Congress, is going to ldis-
solve and revoutlonize parties in this country and
that as the intelligent part of the people will
have an opportunity TO express their cpinions-and
such as VIII give an indication of what the general
opinions OF the country may be, on the subject of
the Oregon controversy-they will do SO, and with
out hesitation or delay. In this aspect, the APP
preaching election for this city will become promi
nent feature in the agitation on the Oregon ques-
ton Its results, as as they are known will in
dictate the opinions OF the masses, on subject
affecting vitality the peace of the country-and
which, for some time to come, will determine the
grave question Of 'peace" or "war.'
The LATE SToRMs-THEIR MELANCHOLY EFFECTS
The month OF February, lS46, will be long remem-
bered by mourning thousands, who have lost rea-
ves and friends In the tremendous storms and gales
OF that month. For years hence that month will be
referred to as one during which more lite and pro-
pery have been sacrificed to the angry waves than
IN any other, almost, within the memory of our old
est mariners The aged and decrepit widow,
whose staff and Joy of life was snatched from her
iond embraces on that dreadful month, will, with
moist eyes and heaving breast recount the sad dis
asters that overlook the tempest-tossed mariner on
his watery path The loss of the noble ships, freight
ed with the riches OF commerce, manned by stout
hands, and within few days. sail OF their appointed
ports, and all enguphed in the angry SURGE and lost
forever will form the subject of reflection on many
a watch.
We had fam hoped, when it became our mean
choy duty to chronicle the loss OF life and property
by the John Minturn and other vessels on our i'm
mediate coast that the ravages of the tempest had
not extended any farther, and that such vessels as
were at distance from land, with plenty OF sea
room, would reach their destined ports in safety.
We had hoped that the angel Of mercy was around,
administering comfort and consolation to the tired
and weary, and that the weather beaten tar, with
the ferven prayer on his lips, would ouve the gale
and, through the mercy Of alwise Providence, be
spared, to live life for the brief remainder OF
his earthly career. But He, without whose direction
sparrow even cannot fall, had his own purposes to
fulfil, and to his will all must joyully submit, for it
Ill becomes us mortals to attempt to fathom the in
tentions Of an al-wise and ever ruling creator
Every mail that we receive brings us accounts of
additional disasters, and every arrival but confirms
the worst antcpatons of the extent of the gale and
the destruction of life and property. From whatw we
have learned, it appears that the gale extended from
latitude 81 South to So North, distance almost un-
paralleed. 1t will be some time yet, before any
thing like correct estimate OF the loss can be made;
and an exact computation never be arrived at
Several vessels have been seen at sea, dismased
and abandoned, and the fate of their crews is yet
involved in mystery. Others have lost halt of their
crews by their being washed overheard, and many,
no doubt have persisted by exposure and starvation
large Bremen vessel was discovered within twen-
~ miles of Sandy Hook, the Captain of which, and
hall the crew, persisted by drowning Ships, barks,
and other varieties of craft have been seen bottom
up From the quantity of cotton bales and other ar
tlcles of commerce afoat in the Gulf there is
no doubt but sad damages have been sustained by
shipping there.
Altogether, we have every reason to remember
the month OF February, 1876, as one Of the most
disastrous upon record, and the true amount
Of life destroyed will not be ascertained until the
sea itself gives up its dead