The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-01-20


The News.
We have important news by the arrival OF the
America at Halifax, with Liverpool dates 10 the
80 inst three days later than those received by the
City Of Washington.
Our previous accounts Of the British operations
against Canton were 10 the 9th of November, when
Abe bombardment was suspended, TO allow the
Chinese time TO respond to the demand for repara
tien fo- the outrages they had committed. Ii does
Rot appear, however, that they availed themselves
Of the opportunity, as on the 18th the British at
tackled and captured the Bougue forts, at the
sntraNce of Canton river During the progress Of
hostilities We find the United States frigate
PortsnoEth, which had previously landed party Of
marines to assist in protecting the ladies and facto
ries at Hong Kong, taking an active part; but the
account OF her participation extends NJ further
ihsn brief allusion TO the fact that an American
vessel was fred upon from fort, and that the fri
gate mmedia tely destroyed it, and notified the Chi
nese authorities that unless due atonement was made
for the insult hostile operations would be COM
menced. The San Jacinto and Levant were on the
sp2t to assist the Portsmouth.
TIE Paris Congress re-assembled at Paris ON the
3lst ult. There was every indication of an amicabe
ojustment of all the questions in controversy be
tween the powers represented.
Hopes continued to he entertained that the diff
Guilty Dstween Prussia and Switzerland would be
arranged without an appeal TO arms; but there
ooes lot appear any cool grounds for them.
Our Minister had left Berne for Berlin, to
tender his services towards peaceful solu.
lion Of the question in dispute. The most
ridiculous umors were in circulation with regard to
she al which the United States proposed to extend
Meantime active preparations for were going on
10th Sides and the Prussian army was to advance
on the 9Th. II was rumored that French army of
sixty thousand, under Canrobert, would advance
upon Geneva, and also that France and Austria had
come TO an understanding TO foce Switzerland to
ooncessi, that her territory shall longer afford
a harsor for political refugees
With reference 10 the operations of the British
against Persia the intelligence is very indefinite.
The commercial news by this arrival is important
Cotton and breldstufs were active a, advanced
prices. Consols for account are quoted at "a ga.
The nortbeasterly storm which commenced at
noon on sunday, subsided about eight O'Clock last
evening, when the wind hauled round to the north
west. dsrersng the icy vapor that enveloped the
city during the preceding fortyeigbt hours
The avenues, ftreets aud docks were yesterday
sinc.s was AZ q s,audstuL There we're no arrivals
from seward, snd no sparturss-ciTcumstance Of
very I'M suai Occurrence at this port The sailing OF
the George Law for Aspinwall, with the California
mails has been postponed ill tJ-morrow at PM
TIE mails close o. the Post Office at O'Clock. The
storm has extended. &c we learn from our tele'
rrcpbic rcp7rts. over New Englsnd, the middle
"a es and the Dis.ric. OF Columbia The mails are
O. c1urte thrown into confusion and IT will be some
da's btiIe they ass. me anything Ike rega-
lauty.
But Lille OF importance occurred in Congress
yesterday. rts senate passed toe Diplomatic aud
& n.ular appropriation hill. In The House resolu.
uors DIRECTING inquiry as 20 the expedency Of
adopting he Tehusuiepec rop;e ion the transmission
81 a weekly mail between New Odeans and san
Franci.cc. md Mobile aod san Frane,sco, were
adopted. a cal upon the z esideat iof information
a. 'he administration Of iudic.il affairs in Utah
VA AGREED %. bll providing for the relic. Of
SICK ata sst,ed scaren was ported by the Chair
man - tic Con mi-'ee ~ Ways and Means Leave
.of.ri t-s corruption nsesiirp'ing commitiss
90 .it .uf.. g "s sessions ~ the HJnse
Tbs fN1 house. 81 She Legislature Ct yes.erdly.
Dot .cs sea; d a quorum adjourned without doing
any business.
Both branches Of the Common Council were In
session last evening. In the Board Of Aldermen a
yoluminors report was received from the Central
Park Commissioners, detailing their operations in
laying out and improving said park up TO the pre-.
sen' We give this interesting document in tOday's
paper. The names Of the members of the standing
committees we're announced by The President. They
may he found in our report OF the proceedings. In
the Board Of Councilmen resolutions directing that
the act of Congress reducing the current value of
foreign quarter dollars, shilling and sxpenny coins
be made applicable 10 the transactions of the city
government, and that the federal cure1cy he gene
rally adopted, were approved and referred TO the
Committee Ordinances The report Of the Finance
Committee on the tax levy for 1857 was presented
aud made the special order for Wednesday next
Tic Appropriation amount 10 The enormous sum Of
81 ,66G. 9l6 81.
There was report in circulation yesterday that
the ship Java. from Glasgow, had gone ashore
II q G asst ebd Of staten Island and become total
wreck Her position when last seen on Saturday |
vening fully justified such conclusion: but "a
ieht O'Clock last evening no authentic intelligence
Ia the subiec { pad been received in this city al