The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-03-16

Chill, Peru, BOLIVIA, Ecuador, Nicaragua, New IRA
lAda Venezuela, the British West Indies, Cuba, Cali
bsmia, Oregon, the Sandwich Islands and Borneo,
were received at the HERALD Office. Steam and
electricity bring all parts Of the world almost within
speaking distance of each other. The arrival of a
nail steamer from Aspnwall and another from Ii
serpool place us in possession OF news from nearly
every country on the face OF the globe.
We have already spoken OF the favorable inteli-
sence from California and Of the large shipments Of
gold dust to the Atlantic. Ore te,. millions Of
dollars acorth of the preciou. article exported
from San Francisco from The slst u December last
to the 18th Of last a,oatt-a space of serea ,ceeks.
The news from the Central and Southern Ameri-
can States is important and suggestive. War be-
tween Bolivia and Peru is threatened; Venezuela has
announced her determination TO pay off her share Of
The old Colombian debit steam line, TO connect
the Pacific ports of Central America is to be organ
lied by Yankee enterprise; the Nicaragua Transit
Company has got into trouble with the free and in
dependent city Of San Juan del Norte; and the ex-
poring expedition along the Amazon, and into the
heart Of South America, is attracting the most
lively interest in Bolivia Peru, and Chill. Such are
The points Of the accounts from the States south of
Mexico. All that part of the continent is in commo-
ton. What does it indicate? South America is
certainly in a transition state.
But the information alluded to in the foregoing
does not, by any means, constitute the most impor
liant news detailed in columns this morning.
The intelligence from Washington city will create
more sensation, not only throughout this country
hut the world, than anything that has hitherto ap-
peared in this, or any other American journal for
many months. protracted cabinet meeting is re-
ported to have been held yesterday, at which it was
decided that the Secretary of State should demand
an immediate explanation from Great Britain on the
subject Of her recent hostile proceedings against
Honduras. Further the Secretary of the Navy was
ordered to forthwith report the effective force at his
disposal for active service This indicates an ear
nestness Of purpose that cannot be mistaken. The
administration is evidently preparing TO act as web
IS speak.
In addition to the above, our letters and despatch
e from Washington contain great deal of Gu
Tious and interesting political and general inforna
ton. Thus far, ex-members of Congress appear TO
have out-generaed all other classes of oceseekers,
and are IN fair way of securing the principal APP
pointments for themselves. For every word spoken
1 any EITHER late constituents they have apparently
added half dozen in their own behalf Several
nominations yesterday confirmed by the Senate.
Central American affairs again underwent discus
sion in the United States Senate yesterday which
occasion ex-secretary Clayton gave Judge Douglas
lesson with regard to the observance of treaties,
hut adroity abstained from commenting upon the
propriety and soundness of the treaty negotiated be-
tween himself and Sir Henry Bulwer. The Judge
has the floor for to-day, and, as he has had ample
time TO prepare himself, regular broadsde mag be
expected.
The transactions in the State Legislature yesterday
were of very interesting character, so far this
= " -, ,&,l
sface expectants by refusing TO go into executive
session, and belief is strengthened that none Of
Gov. Seymours appointments will be confirmed at
this session. The Senate made amends by discussing
and passing several bills in which the majority o.
Cur citizens are interested.
The Assembly spent the greater part of the day
h discussing proposition to refer to proper COM
mittee the memorial of the recent reform meeting
at Metropolitan Hail. As usual, the rural members
expressed tTeir adherence at the unparalleled
amount Of official and other corruption existing in
this city. II is little singular that under the cir
cnmstances, they should be willing TO remain in a
body containing the representatives of such a city
OF denominations Why DO they not cast them ont 2
Why not 90 for a division ofthe State Manhattan,
Long and Staten islands could be easily cut adrift.
Let them compel the three islands to form separate
COMMONWEALTH. DuTlnR the AFTERNOON, the UuHheTs
and barnburners had controversy respecting Dir.
Taylor's resolutions commendatory Of Gen. Pierce's
inaugural. Verify these are exciting times
Our Geographic dispatches furnish the proceed
ings of the Rhode leland Temperance Convention,
the preliminary examination of Spring, charged with
commission of the recent murders in Philadelphia.
&C. &c. to all which the reader is referred without
comment
st. Luke's Hospital was the principal theme OF
discussion in the Board Of Aldermen last evening
Among other papers submitted to the Board was an
important communication from Mr. Carson, the
Chief Engineer OF the Fire Department, relative to
the difficulties Of Engine Company No. %. We will
endeavor to find room for il tomorrow The Alder
men transacted considerable routine business. aud
then adjourned till five O'Clock this evening
The Board Of Assistant Aldermen appointed a
committee to investigate the grave and serious
charges made against members Of the Common
Council The committee are TO sit during the yaca-
lion of the present session, and the investigation j.
10 be conducted in private; they are empowered TO
send for persons and papers, and have full power to
compel the attendance Of persons before them as
witnesses, and the production Of papers by subpoena
or otherwise as they may deem advisable. All tes-
hmony is to be taken under oath. and reduced to
writing, and the Counsel Of the Corporation il 10
attend the investigation
The Board of Ten Governors met last evening
and transacted considerable amount Of business
From census Of the population Of the various in.
stitutions under charge Of the Board, it appeared
chat five thousand two hundred and Hftytwo persons
were receiving relief last Saturday night Fifteen
persons died during the previous week. and six were
sent TO the State prison. A resolution OF the Alder
men, passed last Monday, requiring, for the informa
ion Of that Board detailed account Of the expense
READY incurred, and likely to be incurred, in the
building aud for the completion q the new work