The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-03-08

The LINE OF STEAMERS TO New ORLEANS AND
CHAoREs.-We have, after all, witnessed with
pleasure the passage of the naval appropriation
bill by Congress- Many strong friends of the team
mail lines apprehended that an exertion might be
made TO defeat the appropriations for the sever Il
lines OF steamers that have heretofore been sane.
toned; and as A. c. Sloo, the contra ,tor tor the
above line, has led the advance movement, the
greater part OF the service would stand or tall with
him. In other words, if the appropriation wa. not
made for the above line, 1t was hardly to be sup.
posed that appropriations would be made for any
other line situated as that was
The contract Of the above line with the Navy
Department, required two steamers of not less tn AL
$500 tons burden, to commence running between
this city and New Orleans on the first OF October
last; and one steamer Of not less than GOO toas
burden, to run In connection with them from New
Orleans to Chsgres. Col Sloo made a contract
with Mr. Law and others, to have the boats ia rea-
diness to enable him to fulfil his contract with the
Navy Department.; but from variety o, unforeseen
circumstances, they have, as yet, been unable to
complete the boats Tor the service, although the
Secretary OF the Navy has temporarily accepted
the services OF tie Falcon to carry the mails to
Chagres, to connect with the Pacific line of
steamers.
This city is largely indebted to Col Sloo for his
unremlttlDg exertions Ia obtaining line of steam
ers which will co closely connect us with our Pa
ciilc possessions, and which will open thereto a
direct mail communication. The boats are nov
IN great state Of forwardness, and they will be
in operation this summer; but we apprehend that
the interest OF all concerned would have been ma
terially benefited if the steamers had been in
operation at the time designated by contract.
FASHIONABLE MoyEMENrs.-Tn capricious and
sudden turns and changes in fashionable sec,ety,
and its amusements and occupations, are quite
study in social philosophy. A sudden revelation
has been experienced in the haut ton, during the
last few days, The Italian Opera and Italian
concerts seem to be deserted, and all who clam
to belong to the ton, crowd IN any quantity to the
classical readings and recitatons of Mrs. Fanny
Kemble Butler.
Poor Mr.. Fry has announced the suspension Of
the Italian Opera for the present. His eloquent
pamphlet OF - pages, detailing his losses and lay
ing down programme for another short season,
has produced no sympathy on the part Of the Opera
aristocracy. They have treated the poor manager
with the fame caprice and nononalance which
they have heretofore exhibited towards the artists
themselves. At one time, Madame Pico az the
great avorte of fashionable society, but il barely
lasted a season and halt. Then, Benedict be-
came the pivot Of fashionable attraction, but poor
Benedett, at his late benefit, found, by the empty
boxes at the Opera, that the aristocracy o, New
Yoik had cot quite tired of his skill and talent
Trpfi, and other singers, have had their day with
Val 49, =.
deed. The newly imported artists are already for.
gotten after thor first exhibition Nothing IS now
talked Of In fashionable society but Mira. Butler,
aao her most exqulsely classical readings are all
he ragrj aid We suppose this distinguished wc-