The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-12-11
New York, Sunday. December III, 1859.
The News.

The House of Representatives yesterday con-
tnued the discussion of the slavery question, but
no ballot taken for Speaker. We give a pretty
full report of the debate elsewhere under the an
prorrate heading.
We publish very interesting compilation of
news from China and Japan, contained in late cor
respondence from Shanghae, Nagasaki, and Je do,
this morning. The frgate Mississippi had returned
to ShMghae after an absence Of seven months, and
our correspondent on board, dating on the 2sth of
September, states that she had then Just received
orders for an immediate voyage home, to the great
Joy of all on board. The ship.of-war Germantown
would bring the japanese Commissioners to this
country. James c. Hail. an ordinary seaman Of
excellent character, died of cholera on board the
Mississippi; he was a native of Saratoga. The
United States surveying steamer Fenimore Cooper
had been wrecked in the barbor OF Kane gava,
Japan; all hands were saved, bat the vessel
would be total loss. An Englishmap, writing
from Shanghae, favors Us with his ideas
on the late visit Of our diplomatic mission
to Pekin. He is evidently a little hurt at
our successes, which lie thinks were obtained IN
der the shelter Of the English and French guns.
Admiral Hope continued much depressed in spirits
additional insight into the manners aud customs OF
the japanese. The laws there were very simple,
and life and property secure to wonderful de-
gree. The natives laughed at the system Of trial
by jury asserting that twas good only for rogues
and villains" Consul General Harris was at his
post, in renewed health. The Dutch were making
active exertions to extend their trade in the coun-
try from their position at Nagasak. A Russian
treaty ratification mission was at Hakodadi, but
some difficulties had occurred between the sailors
and the Japanese, which it was thought would re.
tard its working. The Russian Consul there
made himself very agreeable to the people in a
daily round of visits and parties and by the distri.
button Of presents and sweetmeats to the young
folks.
From Bermuda we have files dated on the go
uIt. Rear Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, X. c. B.
is to succeed Sir Houston Stewart in command o
the North American and West Indian nava, sta
tons. In home politics, Sir Alexander Milne is
liberal. He has been Lord Of the Admiralty /
three administrations, namely, Lord Aberdeens
and both of Lord Palmerstons. A severe whir
wind passed the island, travelling from nortl
west to southeast on the 23d ultimo, doing goo
deal of damage to dwellings and plantations. !
meteor, of flaming red color, passed Hamilton
harbor from north to south at the same moment.
For the last two three days the weather la
been remarkably cold, but not in any way unpleas
ant. Up to the present time the season has beer
unusually mild. The fars, wrappers, shawis, &c.
that were temporarily laid away, have again beef
brought in requisiton, and the pedestrians appea
to trudge along the streets at accelerated speed
At six o'clock last evening the mercury in the ther
mometer marked &c degrees, or 4 degrees below
the freezing point.
The sales Of cotton yesterday were reported at $50
bales, about 900 OF which made in transit Tn
market closed with s.adess, IL 80 for iddling up
lands Flour was dull ard prices favored purchasers
The ship demand favors the local trade with specu
1ative inquiry. Wheat heavy, and sales moderate
including Milwaukee club at 81 90 Corn was fair de
maDd and prices steady at 85c. o5c for new and oil
yellow Jersey Pork heavy and lower with sales
ut SIC 81 sl6 as, and of prime at sl1 IS slI SO
Sugars firm and more active. The sales embrace
17Oo hhds 1900 bags Bahia $50 boxes at full pr
ccs Freighs continued 1rm with fair arsount OF en-
gagements The government contract for 5000 bbls, 9
pork was taken OF $40 $40 So be packed in full hoopc
barrels Coffee was quiet and prices Unchanged