The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-01-04

hands OF the President, and by which we are to re
oeive another large slice of The domain Of that repub
nc, on condition THAI we eectuelly check the depre
dations Of the Indians on the Mexican frontier
There are also provisions by which, on the pay
ment of fifty millions Of dollars, we are to be
come possessed OF the peninsula OF Lower
California, Of Sonora, and of as much othel
Mexican territory AS viii place directly in our hands
practical route for railroad. Colonel Cookies
wagon route, which commences at Albuquerque and
runs directly through the heart Of the Mesla Valley
That the whole OF the territory named will sooner OF
later become annexed TO the United States is
mare fully aware than Santa Anna himself. He can
neither protect its inhabitants nor fully subject them
10 his will aud in addition, he is greatly in want Of
funds Hence his anxiety TO dispose Of it. In con.
hr1nation Of this view OF the notice that in
the late Mexican news published elsewhere, giving
the recent DEGREES and maniiestos Of his Serene
Highness the declaration OF independence Of Lower
California by the flibustero President VIM Walker,
&c it is stated that special commission Of three
has been appointed to confer with Ministers and
arrange the existing difficulties between the two 60
vemnents on honorable terms.
The proceedings in Congress yesterday were Of a
very interesting character, and may lead TO events
OF far greater importance than would appear upon
the surface. In accordance with the resolution Of
Gen. Cass, asking for information with regard to
Central American affairs, the President yesterday
transmitted TO the Senate budget of official CORES
pondence, including two letters, having a marked
bearing on the subject from Lord Clarendon and Mr..
j. D. Harding, the Queens Advocate 1t will be reco
leo<ed that one of our special correspondents, in
letter published in the HERALD on the 22d
nltimo, adverted to the epistle from Lord Claren-
don, and showed that while his lordship's
government wished to prevent any unauthorized
cnsroacbment upon the Mosquito territory by Ncar-
aqua or Honduras, he was willing to divide said ter
ritery between those republics upon such terms as
would be just and honorable to all concerned. Great
Britain is evidently really anxious to get rid of the
Mosquito protectorete but in attempting SO to do
both Lord Clarendon and Mr.. Harding construe the
Clayton Bulwer treaty to mean almost entirely the
reverse Of Whit was understood in this country at
The time 1t was first promulgated. This extraordi-
nary correspondence it will be seen, has aroused the
Indignation OF Mr. Clayton, Of the original par
ties in the negotiation, and he promises to make
eflectual reply TO his British lordship when the pro-
per time arrives.
The House of Representatives yesterday adopted
the resolution rendering the thanks Of Congress and
sword TO the gallant Gen. Wool. Mr. Cutting intro
dueed resolution calling upon the Secret ary of the
Treasury for bis Bronson correspondence, which will
show the strength of parties when it again comes up.
The vote on Mr. Benefits land distribution bill,
which n intended to give TO all the States equal
share OF the public domain indicates that the rights
OF the old States may yet be respected notwith-
Standing the numerous applications for lands to as
sih In the construction Of railroads. The vote Ia
bling the bill to remit the duties on railroad iron
convnces us that the iron interest is not quite 30
strongly represented as il bad boasted. Penn
Byvania is still jealous of our branch MINT will
be observed by the resolution Of Mr.. Florence.
Keep quiet, gentlemen, else we shall be under the
necessity OF gratifying the wishes of the returning
Californians as well as the country at large by
moving the Mint to this city. At the adjournment
. resolution was pending authorizing credit to be
extended to importers of railway iron.
Our columns to-day contain the annual messages
Of the Governor Of the State and the Mayor Of the
city, including the opening proceedings of the new
State and Municipal Legislatures. Want Of space
debars us from commenting upon the messages this
morning.
Everything having been previously arranged by
she whig members in caucus, our State Legislature
experienced no difficulty in organizing and otherwise
for the transaction OF business yesterday
Mr.. Robert H.Pruyr, Of Albany, was chosen Speaker
of the Assembly; Mr.. R. U. Sherman, Of Oneida, as
Clerk; and Mr.. s. D. Nichols, of Chenango, as Ser.
geant at Arms. The Senate selected Mr. II. J. Hast
ings for Clerk and Mr.. Clearinghouse for Sergeant.
at Arms. The national democratic membersof the
Assembly went through the Formally OF nominating
candidates for officers; but the free soilers Van
Burentes are few in number that it is understood
they did not have the courage 10 even hold caucus.
What wonderful change in the political aspect Of
Affairs. Last year the free soilers were almost
equal in strength TO the national democrats and
wings combined Now there IL little more than
sufficient number in each House to constitute cor
porals guard. The wings are all powerful, and are
already making themselves felt. botn in the Legisla
tire and in the departments. The new heads OF the
latter were sworn n on Saturday, and on Monday
they commenced the work Of political purgation.
The Comptroller has removed nearly all his CLERKS.
The second meeting of the new Board Of Alder
men was held last night, the President, Nathan G.
Ely, In the chair. They have already commenced the
work Of reform The first step they took in this di
rection was an attempt 70 reduce the salary Of the
SergeantaL a rms from SoUO 70 s<oV per snnuin.
The Importance of this effort must be Immediately
perceived when we remember that the annual ex-
penses Of cur municipal government amounts to
about Ave millions Of dollars This Ia done at the
time, too, when beef is eighteen pence pound SEQ
another page for the proceedings of both boards Of
the new city Legislature.
We regret to be compelled TO continue the record
OF shs melancholy effects OF the late gale In tho
East. According to our telegraphic dispatches,
There was scarcely vessel at sea during the storm
that was not injured. The most melancholy dis.s
s<r 40 far as the loss Of life is concerned occurred
10 the American clipper ship stanordshire She was
wrecked on Blond Rock, Cape Sable, on Friday
night and one hundred and eighty Of those on board
psrisbed, including all her officers and twentylins
a. her crew. She was bound from Liverpool 70 Boz
ton. See the dispatches for the details connected
oAba axrful 90 arnitle- of a