The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-22

The News.
We are still without later news from Europe
1he Washington ia no In her sixteenth day cut
md the America 10 in her fourteenth day. w,
hall no doubt receive advices by one or the oths
to-day.
We publish to-day long List Of casualties ct sea
1ostanately, 30 far % We Are able to ascertain
unattended with loss Of life. In several instances
tAese accidents have been caused by the vessels
running on shore, and in one case-that Of the
packet ship st. Patrick, stranded at Barnegat-
there Is but little hope Of saving either the ship
ne cargo, which consists principally Of coal. The
loss ON both will amount to upwards OF 800 900,
but II fully covered by insurance, divided equally be-
tween several Offices in Wall street. Another vessel
i reported to be lahore at Moriches, l.. L. but up to
Ate hour yesterday evening we could learn nothing
certain either with regard to the identity Of the
vessel or the circumstances attending the accident
that has befalIen her. The shipping interest has
suffered heavily Of late by those disasters. It is Ia
- hoped that the coming year will be less pregnant
with such heavy losses both Of life and property.
In the Senate yesterday the special committee ia
devise plan for adjudcating private claims agains.
ne government, reported q bill organizing a
Court Of Investigation, to which all such matters
shall be referred. The merits Of the subject were
pretty thoroughly discussed, and the bill finally
passed. Bills were introduced for the improve
nents OF lakes and harbors and for completing
Ne breakwater on Lake Chsmplain. Mr.. Sumner
offered . resolution, similar to that presented ia
Tho House by Mr. Ciingman, directing inquiry as 70
the proprety Of government Offering to medisee
between the Powers engaged in the pending war Ia
Europe. The Committee on Commerce was directed
10 inquire what should be done in order to ensure
harmony between the pilotage laws Of the several
4sates. petition favorable 10 the objects of the
UnderSill resolutions rights and privileges Of
American Christians in foreign countries-was pre-
scented. A joint resolution o. the Georgia Legiala
ssre, urging the estab ishment OF q navy yard q.
Brunswick, In that State was presented. Bruins
wick b located Turtle river, has attained to tho
dignity Of port Of entry, and has fine harbor.
Unfortunately, however, there are but thirteen feet
q water the bar, which fact tells greatly against
he prospects OF Brunswick becoming naval sta.
sior. The Senate agreed to adjourn to-day until
due sday next.
In the House yesterday the Gibson corresp,n-
dence was received and referred. Mr.. Orr remarked
Nat the diplomatic efforts Of the government hav
bog failed 70 effect an adjustment Of this matter, he
Il their earnest consideration and report at an early
day. Tie judiciary Comuistee were directed to
inquire as to the necessity Of aording better pro-
lection to govern nent officers in executing the
laws. This movement probably has reference
= the anticipated troubles In Utah upon
Of Brigham Youngs sue
she aprc,n ,; ;,t,o,oo., - rsgulaN the
l. ii IL
aiOu Of public works In Wisconsia, and for the erec-
ION Of public buildings ia Baltimore Resolutions
were presented directing inquiry as To- the expe
aea CT of completing the breakwater, and erecting
. custom house. &C., at Plattsburg. pablic build
ihgs are also wanted at Alexandria. Indeed, 1t
would seem that there is just At this time wide
spread mania for public buildings in every part OF
ne country. A bill allowing Georgetown to levy
TAX for railroads, gas works and pure water, Was
passed. bin reconstrueting the judiciary system
Of the Districs of Columbia, was introduced, and
progressed to the final vote on its passage, pending
which the House adjourned.
We observe two recent legal decisions on the Ii.
guor question which are interesting just at this
time. An alderman Of Allsgany City, Pa, having
imposed fine upon several liquor dealers for viola
ling the Sunday law, an appeal was taken to the
espreme Court, the main point Of the defence being
hight to . trial by jury. The court, with one ex
ssption, decided that aldermen have jurisdiction
sver such cases, the violation Of the license law be-
5ng by special act . criminal offence, and not suit
~ common law. Judges Todd, Hancock and Nor
III, Of Texas have declared that the liquor law Of
That State Ia eonstitu Honal, but 1t the same time
place q very peculiar construction upon II. They
declare that the penalty for the violation Of the pro-
Visions Of the license attaches to him who grants il,
and not 70 him who sells the liquor.
The bark Sarah Park, arrived yesterday from
HAVE, had fifteen deaths after leaving Havre, eleven
II wAich occurred while lying at Southampton. The
Ohenburg bark Rastede, from Bremen, had ten
1saths the Bremen bark Norma, from Bremen, had
fsur, and the Bremen brig Johann, also from Bre-
nen, three deaths; the packet ship VIM. Tspscott,
dom Liverpool, had eight.
An interesting article respecting the alleged con-
vists recently landed In our city from Antwerp Is
puhlished in another column.
Ths Mount Savage Iron Company has suspended
operations in their rolling mills and furnaces.
Strikes Of ali sorts are becoming the order Of the
day. The workmen on the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad have resisted an attempt to extend the
hours d days work. Tho B :ookyn city railroad
epmpanies have Increased their rates OF rare. Inc
priss Of excursion tickets on the railroad between
Iris city end Newark has recently been increased
Zen cents.
A report Of the meeting Of working men in the
Park yesterday Is given elsewhere. Another meet
isG viii be held a. the same place this af.e noon
very interesting letter from our Rio Janeiro
correspondent is Published elsewhere, in which the
reader will find full particulars OF an important
contract, entered into the I'd Of October last b.
tween the Brazilian government and a native com
paty, for the nav gatien Of tho Amazon.
Common and good straight State brands of -four
were again frmer, and closed At an advance Of
17lc. per barrel. Wheat was scarcer and firm. To-
disn corn again advanced one cent Per bushel, and
closed At csc. 99c. Rye sold at 81 As 81 A per
Nusbel, for export. Among the sales Of -four were
ssi6 70 be 8 600 1000 barrels for export About