The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-12-15

New York, Saturday, December Id, hsS5.
The News.
There Is nothing new from Congress. The House
yesterday continued its tiresome work of ballotng
for Speaker. The last vote stood Banks los,
Richardson "A, Fuller Al, and four scattering Ac-
cordng to previous notice, the anti-admnistration
members met for conference last evening, when the
black republicans brought forward proposition
pIedgiug the opposition to support the nominee who
should receive the highest vote on the first ballot in
caucus. The national Know Nothngs, however,
bolted, as did many others who are not thoroughly
appropriated with the black republican heresy. The
caucus was failure, and it is thought that Banks
viii suffer by it. There is report that the Know
Nothings are inclined to fuse with the democrats,
provided they drop Col. Richardson and take up a
new and sound national man and the result of the
meeting last night gives color Of probability to the
opinion that such combination may sooner or later
be effected.
Our dispatches from Washington contain import
ant intelligence, received at the State Department
from the American Ministers at London, Madrid
and Copenhagen. The letters of Mr. Buchanan cor
roborate the statement published several days ago.
that the British government had declined giving
any further explanations with reference to the ques
tions which have recently formed tho subject of dis
cusson between the representatives, Of the two coun
tries. The President has issued two proclama
tions--one against the Nicaragua 6libusters, and
the other announcing that Newfoundland has COM
piled with the provisions of the Reciprocity treaty
with the British North American Provinces, and
will hereafter participate in its benefits.
The trial Of Lewis Baker, charged with the homi-
eide of William Poole, terminated yesterday, the
jury, after fortyo hours deberation, being un
able to agree upon verdict We give an account
Of the closing scene Of this remarkable affair in
another column.
The investigation of the Legislative Police Com
mittee, which has lasted nearly fortnight, was
brought to close yesterday, but will be resumed
again on the 26th inst. There were q large number
of witnesses examined but considerable portion Of
the testimony elected was repetition Of that
already published The committee, however, have
made the public acquainted with the manner in
which the criminal business of this city and county
is conducted, ard have exposed abuses which should
meet with the prompt and decisive action of the
Legislature.
The Board of Councilmen last night gave their
time to the third reading of bills. Among other
papers the report in favor of ferry across the
East river to Greenpont, which was recommitted to
committee. The report in favor of increasing the
salary of Police Captains from 81 900 to 81, 25o per
annum was adopted, without debate.
The State canvassers are progressing with their
labors at Albany, which will probably be completed
during the present week.
The navigation of the North river may be con
sidered as closed for the season. although for
raj days to come boats may make their trips to AL
bany. About Troy the river is entirely blocked
with ice, and the steamboats, have consequently
been withdrawn At Albany there was yesterday
considerable floating ice, but not enough to prevent
the large passenger boats forcing their way through
it. It is said that the past season has been very
successful one for forwarders, and it is also said
that the quantity OF provisions brought down to this
city during the last three four days is to
tent hitherto unparalleled
Interesting letters from our correspondents at
London and Vienna are given in to-dly's pa
per. II appears from Vienna letter of the GOTH
ult., published in a London paper, that contract
has been entered into between the Austrian govern
ment and an American builder, for the construc
ton of screw man-ofwar of hundred and
twenty guns and six hundred horse power. The
contractor, Mr.. Moler, has proceeded to Paris,
where he would make arrangements with the Com
pany Of the Messageries Imperiales, for the con
ssrLction of two screw steamers to run between
Marseiiles and Constantnople. As exemplifying at
the enterprise of shipmasters and the laSi
ty Of the allied blockade Of the ports of Russia it is
stated that about twelve merchant vessels, among
them two American, had arrived AZ Archangel, and
forty or Fifty others were expected. 1t ia ascer
tanned fact that at least eighteen ships had entered
the port with full eargoes 1t is also stated that
nearly two hundred and fifty Russian vessels had
left Cronstadt, with full cargoes for ports in Fin
land.
The sales Of cotton yesterday reached about 500
1000 bales, without change in prices. Flour was
dull for common and medium grades, and prices IA
vored purchasers. Among the transactions about
5000 barrels Of common State taken for export
at - so, with come transactions at IS A and So Sc
There was rather more done In wheat chiefly in
Western red, at II "a and 81 95, with lot OF
Southern prime white at 81 20. In corn the sales
moderate, at about previous quotations; parcel
of new North Carolina white, Deveraux's sold Mt
81 03. Rye was in good demand, at about 81 80 for
good quality. Pork was inactive, with small sales
ut prices given in another column. Beef was heavy
Lard was firm. Coffee was firm, with sales at l2c.
I2lc. fol good TO choice Rio. Sugars were in fair
demand at steady prices, with sales for Balti.
for refining. Frcights continued firm, both for
English and Continental ports.
GES. CAss on RIVERS AND HARBons.
Class has introduced two bills into the Senate,
ose making an appropriation for the aats of
ST. Clair river and another for the fats Of st.
Mary 's-both in the face OF Mr. Pierce's veto
OF the Anst River and Hafbor bill. We must
have new p'snk in the democratic platform