The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-01-31

Yelegraphfc summary
A variety of business was discussed in Congress,
yesterday; bat in neither house was anything
definite transacted. The everlasting California
Land Title bill was before the Senate the greater
part Of the day. The amendment Of Col. Benton
- Mr.. OWNS bill-that twenty years bona fde
possession should be evidence of perfect claim
was debated at some length, and was opposed by
Mr. Dawson, Mr.. Clay, and Mr.. Gwin-the last
named gentleman coniending that if such an
anendme nj were adopted, it would secure to the
priests the vast mission lands which they have
held for more than twenty years. This is, cer-
family, a serious objection, and if the amend
ment would secure to the clergy of any de-
nomination in perpetuity such vast tracts as they
are represented to hold, we should think it
ssght TO be frowned down at once. If such
possession were confirmed, it would, in the course
o,year-when real estate in California becomes
valuable, as it certainly will-cause a vast deal
Of trouble, and would be precedent of very
dangerous character.
In the House Of Representatives, the Committee
o. Military Affairs reported the Senate bill pro-
vidng for retired list for decayed officers of the
Army and Navy; hut, we regret TO say, II was laid
on the table. Members, of course, can act as they
please in the matter; but it is certain that our
navy will never be in state Of efficiency until
such a retired list be formed We have given our
views on this subject, at length, on many occasions
Ii is snneces sery 10 repeat them now. If such q
system be not established during the present ses
sson, II Will be done by the next Congress The
public mind is fixed and settled on this subject,
and, sooner or later, the arstocracy of the navy
viii be broken Up, and an opportunity given TO the
young men in the service 10 reach the highest
ranks by meit There is a good time coming for
the navy.
The New York and San Francisco branch mint
hn was discussed at some length in the House,
asd was, as usual, opposed by a representative
from Phlladelphis. Mr.. Chandler has made him.
self quite conspicuous, for the last two days, in his
hostility to the establishment of a mint in New
York, and if we are net much mistaken, he will be
remembered for doing That gentleman has
exhibited, in debate on this measure, very mar
row minded spirit, which would not expect to
Ind in person long connected with the press as
he has been. Editors generally take broad and
comprehensive view Of important subjects, and are
not sctusted by any paliry sectional jealouses II
New York has shot ahead Of Philadelphia, IL is to
the credit Of her people. II she has become the
commercial metropolis Of the continent, II is the
best argument that could be furnished In favor Of
establishing a branch mint there. II she owns
several lines Of steamships, plying to all parts
Of The world, she certainly ought to escape
ihs jealousy Of a sister city, the inhabi-
,as,. Of which iost their senses when
propeller visited them for the first time-the vessel,
ny the way, having been built in foreign country.
Philadelphia has n ade in times pest, ell the exer-
mons which she was capable Of making TO outstrip
- - ! To- fat Al L. ba
could no more imTede cur pfogress than fly on
tse wheel Of a ehsro, could retard its pace--New
York certainly 10 not TO be blamed. But despite Of
Mr. Chandler, New York will and musi have
branch mint. The necessities Of the commercial
metropolis, and ofths nations commerce, require il;
and have IL we will We hope the delegation from
New York will take care that The representatives
81 the village Of Pennsylvania-whch is nothing
but q suburb OF New York-do not interfere with
he passage Of the bill
General Charles T James, II appears, has been
sected United States Senator from Rhode Island
This IL the FIRST time sncs the formation Of the
vhig party, that Rhode Island has elected demo-
cratic Senator, and but for differences in the ranks
Of the wings, Mr.. James would not have been
elected. Those differences date as far back as the
celebrated Dorr rebellion-s rebellion which was
prohhc Of a great quantity Of smoke, but Of very
kttle FIRE.
Mr.. Ranioul has been elected in Massachusetts,
~ Senaor for the remainder Of the present session
Of Congress- rather equivocal honor to be sure,
hat important to parties in Massachusetts, as it i
fslflment Of the terms Of the coalition entered into
between the free sellers ana the wings. The prin-
cipsl object IN electing Mr.. 2antoul was, no
doubt, 70 the pattes to that coalition into
the election Of Mr. Sumner, free soiler for the long
Term, in place q Mr. Winthrop. We shall see
what effect i will have
We hear from New Orleans that Governor Quit
man has resigned he Office AZ Governor Of Missis-
STRIP, in ofdef 10 attend hs trial at New Orleans,
on the charge Of having participated 10 tbs inva-
son 81 Cuba. We can hardly believe this, but
will be pleased 70 80 il confirmed.
We learn, by our reports nom different quarters,
that the weather vas extremely cold yesterday.
In Rochester the mercury was three degrees bs.
low zero; Troy Il was two degrees below. m 81
jobs ten clos; in Qaet &c eighteen below zero.
II was rem arksbly cold IN this city The trans.
Gon was az severe as il was sudden
Tvs sours srrasgRs. 6c-Tbe Sound steamer AID
not reach this city until late yesterday morning owing
20 be heavy north west gale Of Wednesday night The
Massachusetts ssd Connecticut came down about
An and the Bay state not Dill ~ VI each q than
sBcss,d in ice Thermometer atp NJ at whitehall,
IL ssg neon, "a deg sbOu aero,