The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-01-24

| pace tnc HldVcI DeyOnQ all iutuIe dispute but we
await the publication of the decision in full.
TRANSFER OF GOVERNORS IsLANp.-We have
heard recently, in several ways, and from several
sources, that project has been cencocted by some
New York SPECTATORS to procure, if possible, a
cession from the United States of Governors
Island, IN the harbor OF New York, with the utl-
mate view of getting possession of it themselves,
and using it for commercial and other purposes,
and, of course, making profit of four or five hum
dred per cent by the operation.
Of all the speculations which we have ever heard
of, this ID decidedly the most impudent and most
audaclous. But we have no hesitation IN declaring,
IN advance, that the projectors OF the scheme are
doomed to disappointment The people OF New
York will never consent that that island, the gem
of their harbor, and their source Of defence to a
very great extent, in time Of war with foreign
naval power, shall ever pass from the ownership
of the United States, or be devoted to other pur-
poses than those for which 1t Is now used. A
glance at the position OF New York and its means
of defence, will show that, without that island, we
would not be secure from attack of feet Of
hostile vessels, In the event of their passing the
forts and Notifications situated at the Narrows Let
feet pass the Narrows and the commercial me.
|
and reduced to ashes in a very short time. 1t ap-
pears, indeed, If nature had planted that island
ints present position for the express purpose OF pro-
vidng against contingency of this kind From its
location, it commands full sweep of the North and
East rivers, well of the bay. IF fleet should
pass the Notifications at Throgg's Neck, on the
shore of Long Island, and attempt an attack on
the city, before it could assume position from
which 1t could materially annoy US, 1t would come
within range Of Governors Island. 1t appears,
therefore, that Governors Island Is most CON-
mahding site for forufcation, in every point of
view. Ii actually Is our main stay of defence in
case of emergencies; and none but those who care
more formoney than they do for the honor or IN
teres of this great city, could entertain the thought
of diverting 1t from Its present purposes. The pro-
ject s indeed audacicus one, and Its orglnators
should be held up to the scorn and detestation of
the whole community. We shall watch the move
ment, and promptly expose all connected with 1t as
soon as 1t shall be in our power to do SO. No
Governors Island must remain the property OF the
United States.
The PANAMA SURvEY.-The following gentle
men have gone TO Chagres, to enter upon the survey
OF the lsthmus. Gen. Norris Commissi oner is
to act in the place OF Col Hughes, Commander.in.
Chief -
Capt. LLOYD TiLLMAN,
j. l. BALDWIN, |A'i H"e'no0''
JOHN MAY
al $50 S% r,,.s,p., Assistants.
Gro. WALcor.
These gentlemen are to be joined by another
party IN March, when complete survey will be
made for the construction Of the Panama railroad
LATER FR NJ PoRr AU Z INcE-We learn from
Capt Wainwright, of the schooner Iowa, arrived
yesterday, that the American Consul at Aux Cayes
had been lnsulted and struck at that place. bv one
OF the blacks, which caused quite an excitement:
but he understood that it had been arranged. A |
French and British man et-war had gone from |
Port au Prince to Aux Cages on that acc cunt The |
former had returned. He also states that the 90.
vernment were making preparations to send troops |
to take the Spanish part Of the island. The autho
rites had placed double guards at Port au Prince,
several days previous to the sailing OF the Iowa
FROM MATANzAs.--We are In receipt of files |
OF the Aurora de Matansas to the 7th inst. These
are no later dates than we have had by previous
arrivals from Havana. The AurmS comes In a |
handsome new dress Of type, instead Of the old |
Ill assorted looking sheet which Spanish
editors are 30 fond of-the aurora has been re |
novated entirely, and is completely modernzed.
CALIFORNIA NEws.-One or two of the evening |
papers of yesterday, copied Maza,lan letter of the
I'D OF November, from the New Orleans Picayuss,
and called it "six days later from California" Our
accounts from Monterey are of the 18th of Novem-
6er and that is the very latest date from California
fc in