The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-01-12

As was anticipated, the injunction Of secresy con-
cesnmg the proceedings in executive session with
regard to the Clayton and Bulwer treaty was yes
terday removed by the United States Senate and the
result is that documents have been brought to light
which efectualy put the quetus upon the recent
statements of exSecretary Clayton. The majority of
Senators sustained in their declarations that the
treaty ratified in utter ignorance of the codcil
which gives to Great Britain the right of sovereignty
over Ruatan and the adjoining islands. In his
message transmitting the negotiations, the late Pre-
'lent urged, an alimportant reason why it should
ratified that il secured "in future the liberation Of
III Central America from any kind of foreign aggres-
SON." This incontrovertiby establishes the fact that
even the President himself understood the document
TO mean, in so many words that neither the British
nor any other foreign government had any posses
sorry rights whatever in Central America. Read the
document, and then wait for the speech which Mr.
Soue is expected to deliver to-day 1t is understood
that he will not only throw much additional light on
the matter in dispute, but will also propose new
and feasible plan for the acquisition of Cuba.
Among the numerous petitions presented in the
Senate yesterday was one asking for contract for
line of steamers between San Francisco and China
When this contemplated line is completed we shall
he able to inform our readers all about what is oc
curing in the Celestial Empire much sooner than
We now do by way of Europe. The House resolu
ton cedng to Ohio the unfinished portion of the
Cumberland road in that State was adopted; as was
also the bill confirming the Bastrop land grants in
Louisiana and the joint resolution authorizing a con-
tract for two ice boats on the Potomac But little
other business of moment was transacted and no
debate took place prior to going into executive
session.
In the House of Representatives, whig speeches
were made in defence of Secretary Corwin's connec
fion with the Gardiner affair. Nothing new was
elected, and no result was arrived at. The House
afterwards went into committee of the whole on the
bill to suppress the circulation of small notes and
after q rather dry debate, the body adjourned.
Our special correspondents write that within the
x~ce< A. considerable stir
Washington In consequence of the positive refusal Of
Senator Hunter to accept of the Office of Secretary of
State at the hands OF Gen. Pierce. The contest for
that important post is supposed to be now narrowed
down to ex-Gov. Marcy and Gen. Dix. Whether
either Of the last named gentlemen are to be appoint
ed time and Gen. Pierce will tell. Thus far the
generality Of cabinet makers have been transactinq
business upon fictitious capital therefore be careful
Hon. W. R. King, if the weather permits, will to-
Fulton for Havana. Let us hope that he will be en-.
abled to return in March, with his health sufficiently
restored TO attend TO the duties Of the important
Office TO which the people have elected him.
[ Mr.. Cooleys resolutions authorizing the appoint
ment OF a joint select committee Of both houses, TO
concert a method by which canals may be finished
were taken up in the State Senate yesterday. The
propositions to include the 0swego, the Cayuga
and the Seneca canals, were either withdrawn or re
jected. Mr.. Wright, wing, hoped the subject would
be referred to the standing committee on canals
Tor the that the recent election had thrown
the State into the hands Of the barnburners and az
the chairman Of that committee, Mr.. Pierce was
considered able and active member Of that section
Of the party, they should be allowed the OK
elusive right of developing their plans. Mr.
Conger, democrat, denied that there we're two
sections existing in the democratic party. For
himself he declared he disclamed all divisions
or dissensions. lie had never sided exclusively with
either Of the late sections but professed to be demo
crat in the true and only sense Of the term He
should vote for Mr.. Cooley resolutions This speech
produced unity If action rather unexpected. for
npon voting the resolutions were adopted with only
two negative votes--yiz. Mr. Wright wbiy and
Mr.. Smith, democrat. Mr.. Cooley will Of course
he placed at the head Of the Joint Committee
and il he can devise plan Of compromise whereby
the perplexng canal question can be settled and the
canals finished lie will be entitled to the gratitude Of
The present and subsequent generations. The stand
ing committees OF the Assembly were announced in
that body yesterday, after watch an Interesting
debate took place with regard 70 tie hes. BY the
way, II " whispered some curious disclosures a5e