The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-02-17

AUSTIN, TEXAS, Jan. 20, 1866.
Severity of the TVinter in Teras-Frost and Snotc-
Favorable Nt,rs from the Indian Reserre-Legis.
lattice Doings-The Democratic State Conuen-
tiOn-THe Baltimore Platform adopted as
Basis-Knotr Nothing Gathering theatrical
Gossip, &c., &C.
The weather for the past four weeks has been I'M
precedentedy cold, an almost uninterrupted success
sion of "northers' having blown almost daily, and
the Colorado river having been, in some places,
frozen over, q thing hitherto unknown within the
memory Of man. We also had fall Of snow on
Friday. At Fort Belknap, December 30, the ther-
mometer was one degree below zero, the cold killing
much stock, and frost biting several persons.
DR.. Geo. W. HILL ex-Indian Agent, is now in this
city, and speaks very favorably Of the condition of
the Indians. Major Neighbon also passed few
days here on his return to the Indian Reserve and
gives favorable account of the peaceful attitude Of
the Indians.
In the Legislature no great things have been done
as yet, vast quantity Of time having been con.
sumed for Buncombe, and the members having kept
up the Christmas holidays merrily; but both houses
now seem inclined to work seriously, and get
through the mass of business which now presses
on them, SO as to adjourn the 4th of February The
Senate has passed the public debt bill by small
majority Also, bill giving the assent of the State
of Texas to an act to provide for the payment Of
such creditors of the late republic of Texas as are
comprehended in the act Of Congress OF September
8, 1850.
Our little city has this week been elivened by the
gathering of the members of the Democratic Ste t.
Convention which held its sittngs in the hall of the
Home of Representatives, sadly interfering, how
ever, with the public business of the State. They
held their first meeting on Tuesday evening, when
Matt. Ward was called to the chair, and sundry
day organization was effected, and q platform
adopted, taking the Baltimore platform as a basis
and in the last article cordially endorsing and APP
proving the principles of the administration of Gen.
Pierce, as evidenced by his inaugural address and
his annual and special messages, and carried into
practical effect by the leading measures of his ad-
ministration." On Friday evening they adjourned,
having nominated delegates to the Cincinnati Con-
enthusiastic one, and the members departed
with unbounded hopes of the success Of
the democratic party in Texas, which has
never before shown SO firm front, nor been SO per-
fectly organized. Sam y and Sam Houston were
most completely bemauled by speakers in the con-
vention, and some Ill feelings were evncod on the
attempt OF Mr.. Sherwood, member for Galveston, to
thrust himself ard speech ON the convention,
neither of which was he permitted to do. He was
objected TO- on account Of the obnoxious speech he
delivered in the early part of the session on the sub
JeCt OF slavery Other than this, the business OF tnc
convention was conducted with the greatest harmo-
ny and good feeling, closing with vote of thanks
to the chairman, who responded in speech Of much
wit and good taste.
y The Know Nothings had gathering last night.
Saturday. eyincng that they were not " used up
with oil the democratic thunder which had doomed,
in their ears for the last few days. They meet in.
convention at the capital tomorrow (Monday.)
This City Of the Hills has been enliyened by
the performances Of the company of Antonio Bro
theirs, who, in spite of the extremely inauspcious
weather, were sufficiently patronized to send them
on their way rejoicing. They were succeeded in a
few days by Motifs circus, whose people also
managed to get comfortable picking of halves
and quarters from the adults and juveniles OF ths
community. The Blakelys are now giving concerts
here, and have charmed the ears of the Atstinians
and now the walls Of the place are again pacarded
with the bills of Motifs circus, giving promise Of
another visit shortly.
What with the Legislature, the lobby members
ard the conventions, the city is full to repleton.
Every hotel is crammed with guests, and at meal
times the doors Of the dining room are surrounded
by hungry crowd, some even Drawing the fierce
north winds at the outer doors TO secure seat the
table being only large enough to accomme date q
m0ety OF the anxious expectants the bell rings the
crowd rueh in, and the law is I" First come first
sefyed, and the devil take the hindmost."
vow CARL.