The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-06-11

seem to oppose oil Independence OF thought, and
Who are bold enough to point out their errors. n
becoming member OF the Order, did not dream
that must cease to DO patriot. lind that was
mistaken. I am unworthy Of them, and beg thus
publicly to tender my resignation"
The criminal code has been modified In some re-
spects by the Legislature during its late session.
The most important alteration is the changing the
punishment for robbery from death, at the discre-
ton Of the jury, to imprisonment in the State pr
son. This severe penalty was necessary few yeara
ago, but such harsh laws are not needed now We
may have occasional instances in the interior where
makes it duty incumbent on citizens for fheir own
defence to infict summary chaStisement aS the
only means of bringing these people to know the
consequences that are certain to follow the perpetra
ton of crime. But they are rare.
Since the arrival Of the John L. Stephens from
Panama, bringing news of the massacre of passen-
gers on the Isthmus, the city has been in Slate Of
great excitement. The papers speak Of the riot In
the most indignant tones, and urge immediate hos
tilities- Rum0rs of every kind are afoat. 1t ia
stated an expedition is organized to proceed to
Panama, take the town, and visit on the inhabitants
the retributon their treasherous and blood thirsty
deeds merit. There has been an active demand for
firearms, particularly revolvers, for the last two
day and at least seven hundred and fifty must have
been sold to persons leaving in the steamer to-day.
If the Panama people renew their attack on tho
passengers that go from here they will lament 1t,
for every one is fully prepared to defend himself
on the least symptom Of an aggressive spirit Gov.
FOote attended meeting on Saturday to perfect ar
rangements for securing safe transit across the
Ishmus and it is said resolution was arrived at to
despatch body of men to see that no interruption
will take place. There is little doubt party leaves
to-day with this object. A notice was extensively
circulated through the city Offering free passage to
two hundred men to proceed to Panama to protect
American citizens and aveng the late outrage. There
will be no lack of volunteers; 80 it is more than prob
able the government will be anticipated in exacting
reparaton for the atrocities committed by the New
Granadians. There is much distress among the pas
had to part with it the price Of their lives from
the fcrOcious cupidity of their assailants
Yesterday (Sunday,) new church, under the pat.
ronage of N0tre Dame des VICTORIES, to be used by
9 congregation of French Catholics, was dedicated
by Archbishop Alemany, assisted by large num-
Der of clergymen. This church, built by the Bap-
fists, occupied by them to the time it was pur
chased by its present occupants. 1t was crowded to
its utmost limits, and the ceremonies as usual on
such occasions, were grand and imposing. The
choir was composed OF French vOcalists and per-
heard on this side of the continent An innovation
in the custom of collecting was introduced. Two
young ladies' one daughter of Consul Dillon's,
carried the plates around the church, escorted by
several gentlemen, and of course, as might be ex
pccted, the plan was highly successful.
The French frigate Alcerte is lying in our harbor
for the past two months. She fired three saIutes,
and was dressed up in the gayest colors on receipt
of the news Of the birth Of an heir to the throne
of France.
The report Of the referee, Mr.. Gilbert A. Grant,
among the creditors, was this morning filed in the
Fourth District Court, and an order made that the
receiver pay to Mr.. Grant $2,903, his expenses in
the receiving and classification of claims.