The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-03-20

From the Havana came news q day or two
since that the British feet had been ordered to
concentrate itself upon the Central American
station. San Juan is apparently the point in
Dictated as centre of operations. What is
the motive of this new movement? Has the
British government any real intention of
using force to expel General Walker? Is the
concentration Of the feet menace to Ameri
can interests?
Both Of these questions are best answered in
the negative. At the time the orders to the
feet left England the situation of Walker
his triumph over the native aristocratic party
and the establishment of q nucleus of stable
government in Nicaragua known in Lon
don. At the same moment the British govern
ment was much embarrassed by the position of
the Central American dispute with this coun-
try-not caring, and indeed, not daring, in the
face of the attitude of the British people, to
embroil the two countries for the sake OF the
Mosquito myth, but yet seeing no honorable
means of escape from the difficulty. Under
these circumstances, the establishment of
new authority in Nicaragua offered new re-
source. General Walker might be willing to
accept the protectorate of the Mosquito In
dams, discharging the British government
from the trust it held; if he did, the latter
would avoid a collision with the United States,
and at the same time be spared the sacrifice OF
dignity which deliberate withdrawal-under
American menace-would involve. That this
idea was Immediately embraced and acted
on, and that the fleet is now ordered to the
coast in order to support the British negotia-
tors, appears to be the most plausible expla-
nation of the movement.
1t derives fresh confederation from the at
titude Of the British Consul and Vice-Consul at
Realejo and Leon-Messrs Manning and Glen
ton-who have both made haste to acknow-
ledge Walker, and profess the greatest friend
ship for his administration.
From the time Walkers decree relative to
Kinney was made public, it was quite evident
that he would settle the Mosquito question. 1t
was also evident that he would settle it
whether intentionally or not, it matters not
agreeably to the views entertained by the peo-
pie of the United States, and expressed by the
administration Of General Pierce. That is to
say, it was clear that he would not suffer any
British protectorate to be erected or maintain
reign State Of Nicaragua.
If our surmise with regard to the real de-
signs of the feet be correct, this object may,
perhaps, have been already gained. Every
one will be glad if it has. The English may
aSt.n.r+, .A.y did in Texas l." establish
footing in Nicaragua, or at least to excite hos
tility between that State and Ghis Union but
the attempt is not likely to be vigorous, and is
sure to be unsuccessful. Now, who will come
forward and settle the question of the Bay
Islands, so as to put an end to all the wild
talk about war aud throat cutting?
MOST EXTRAORDINARY CASE" Can SUCH
THINGS BE "'-Recently Colonel Richardson,
United States Marshal of the district of Cali.
fornia was assassnated 10 the streets OF Sa,
Francisco by one Charles Cora, an Italian am
a notorious gambler. Shortly thereafter the
fat official vacancy arising from Richardson's
death was filed by President Pierce, in the
appointment of Mr.. McDuffee to the respon-
sible office in question. Now, it appears from
the San Francisco Bulletin and other Califor-
MIA papers, that this aforesaid Cora was the
partner or associate of McDuffee in 1.-The helli'
of the latter and that Van Read, who it is
alleged, was at the same time partner IN
McDufee's gambling house, was busy in hunt
ing up testimony to get Cora clear of the law,
while McDufee was absent, having come on to
Washington to get the Office made vacant by
Cora's bloody hand. Can this be possible? We
hope that, with the full Developments of tn
facts, the case will not appear SO horrible il
any light.
From an article in the Washington Star upon
the subject, however, adopting the foregoing as
the probable facts in the matter the plea isl put
in that the President, in making this app at
ment, was deceived, and that on discovering
the dreadful mistake McDuffee was promptly
dismissed but this justification is hardly salts
factory. If this man be as black as he is
represented, it is strange that not one Of tde
three California members of Congress sho I'D
be cognizant of the fact. Or did the Presi-
man? Or do they, as Californians, concur in
considering the profession of gambling a
venial offence or Legitimate business as it
seems TO be considered in Washington, from
the centre to both ends of Pennsylvania ave-
nue.? These are questions which should be
answered. In any aspect of the case as 1t
stands from the admissions Of an administra-
ton organ, the appointment affords striking
example of the shameless recklessness of this
model administration in its distribution of
he spoils.
REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF GAs.-The Man
haitian Gas Light Company give notice that on
and after the first day of October next, an i'm
portant reduction will be made in the price of
gas. This early notice is given so that persons
who desire to Introduce gas pipes in their