The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-04-22
DOU BILE SH EFT
New York. Thursday. Aprn aa, 1854.
The News.


We have this morning three days later inte-
gence from Europe, by the Asia, which arrived at
tbis mort Yesterday The most important features
Of the news are the decline in the prices of cotton,
and the surfeit in the English market. The
political affairs of the Continent continue in stan
quo ante beu if not better for the absolutists 1t
is reported that the two sons of the Emperor OF
Russia. Michael ard Nicholas, are to pay
friendly visit to the Prince President of France. 1t
NAV suit the policy of Russia but we doubt
whether il will be an advantage to Louis
Napoleon Public rumor in France has fixed
on the fifth of May for the proclamation of
the empire, the very day appointed by the re-
publican constitution of lS49 for the Presidential
election. and the very day fixed upon by the Con-
tnental revolutionsts for another general struggle
between the people and the despots. We should
not be at all surprised if the event of the most
snowy restoration of the empire were to justify the
prediction. There some few interesting mis-
oelaneoss details in the Asias news, to which we
refer our readers for information
Quite an animated and interesting debate took
place in the United States Senate, yesterday. upon
the question of amending the deficiency bill as to
make an appropriation increasing the compensation
allowed the Collins steamers for transporting the
mails between this country and Great Britain Mr..
Gwin said that this subject had been thoroughly
examined by the committees naval and financial
affairs. and he had been instructed by the lat
ter committee to bring forward this amend
ment He advocated the measure as one of
vital importance to the commerce, the honor
and the maritime power and influence OF the
country. This speech was to the point-he de-
tailed facts in plain, unmincing. and powerful
langua ge-such language as certainly cannot fail to
enlighten the minds of those who have hitherto
given the matter but little attention. Mr.. Hunter
chairman Of the committee on finance, we are sorry
TO see opposed the amendment As this proposed
appropriation was not a deficiency, he contended
that il should not be introduced in the deficiency
bill He did not view the successful opera
ton Of these vessels being question of
national importance and was therefore, averse
10 allowing them any additional support what
ever. This is strange doctrine-comng as 1t
does from one of the representatives OF old
Virgnia-from whence has eminated in connection
with nearly every other State in the Union, SO many
petitions in behalf Of these steamers. As to his
opposition to the method Of extending the appropa-
ton, that is mere bubble. Appropriations of all
kinds have been incorporated in the bill in question
and why not one for the Collins steamers This is
a matter wholly unconnected with Sectionalism.
The people Of the entire country--from
Maine to Calfornia--fully aroused to the
necessity Of maintaining the line, are food
ing Congress with memorials, urgently APP
pealing for the extension OF the proper
aid They feel that the enterprise, the glory, the
maritime greatness Of the nation is at stake. All
that is asked for the continuance OF the line is the
bestowa of portion Of what the steamers can actu
ally earn for the government. This DONE and We
shall continue to eclipse our proud rivals on the
other side Of the Atlantic Refuse, and Mr. Collins
and his associates will doubtless be compelled to
cancel their contract and, perhaps either sell their
vessels to the Emperor Of Russia or place them on
the California route. The latter would pay.
There were some rich doings in The House yester-
day. The first was to table the Senate bill to
promote discipline in the navy, where 1t is hoped 1t
will be allowed to remain. Instead Of being calcu-
lated to effect the object contemplated, it is the
very reverse. The free farm bill being taken up,
opened the door TO the politicians. Mr.. Howard,
Texas democrat declared the compromise to be final
settlement Of national difficulties, and that the
tional democrats were expected to maintain it as
such As to the wings they arc not TO be relied
upon, and no confidence can be placed in them He
said il was their obvious intention to sacrifice Presi
dent Fillmore, because he has enforced, and promi
scs TO continue to enforce, the observance of the
Fugitive law. This a scathing rebuke to the
wings for their action in caucus on the preceding
evening and was felt too, az i plainly manifest
from the debate which ensued. Mr. Clingman, of
North Carolina, being appealed to for information,
denied that he was participant in the caucus pro-
ocedings-he merely locker Mr. Stanly,
his colleague however, picked up the gauntlet, aud
a spirited controversy took place between him and
Messrs. Howard, Outlaw and others. Mr.. 5. appears
to have hadrather uphill kind Of labor to perform,
and greatly retarded in his progress by several
free soil auxiliaries who endeavorcd to get up high
enough TO assist him, but only succeeded in reach
ing the skirts Of his coat, which they seized and
held on to, IN orderto keep themselves from slipping
out Of sight. The unenviable predcament Of Mr.
f. and his CONDUCTORS afforded considerable amuse-
ment TO the spectators o. the Nearly all the
wing Unionists--those who approve and arc deter
mined to maintain the coapromise-stood aloof
evidently mortified beyond measure at the re.
cent conduct Of those in whose ranks they
had hitherto battled. From appearances. the
Southern wing Congressman are preparing to
take a bold, a decisive, an immosable stand
They oannot--will not-with honor 20 them
selves or in justice their constituents, csunte-
nance the destructive and suicidal policy OF tle
sewardites. From the limitations Of Mr. Howard
and other Southern democrats the democratic nomi-