The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-04-05

Our special despatch from Washington contains
information relative to important movements on
the part Of the government with reference to our
difficulties with Nicaragua. Mr. Runnels, the new
" appointed Consul at San Juan del Sur, leaves
this port to-day for Central America with des-
patches to our Minister, Gen. Lamar, aud the COM
manders of the Home and Pacific squadrons. The
instructions sent out to these agents OF the govern
ment are said to be of peremptory character, and
such as will hasten settlement of the questions
pending between the two republics. 1t is reported
that an opinion has been expressed in official quar-
tiers that necessity for an extra session of Con
gress may occur, owing to the condition Of our
foreign relations.
The trial of Hon. Daniel +. Sickles, who is
charged with the homicide Of Philip Barton Key
the 9th Of February last, was commenced in the
Criminal Court at Washington yesterday. The court
room was crowded with spectators, a large number
of whom were witnesses from this city. After the
usual prelimnaries, the work of empanncing
jury was commenced, and Of thirty that had been
summoned five were selected as competent to serve.
The Court then ordered additional number of
Jurors to be summoned for attendance to-day; and
thus closed the first days proceedings in this i'm
portant case. The demeanor Of Mr.. Sickles was
characterized by his habitual selfpossession.
full report il given in today's paper.
The election in Connecticut for State officers,
members of Congress and the Legislature, took
place Yesterday and resulted in the complete sue
cess Of the republicans.
The steamship Cahawba arrived at this port yes
terday morning with advices from Havana 70 the
3Osh nit. The war steamer Francisco de Asis had
landed General Planas, second in command
to the Captain General. The city was
healthy, but the fashionable season having
ended, yisiters were coming north. The Pras-
sian war frigate Gefion sailed for New York
ON the same day as the Cahawba, having a German
Prince on board, whose name is not given. The
Prussian Consul at this port, BIZ. John w. Schmidt
states tn at the vessel il on her way home from 0
scientific cruise, and he "a not aware o
any distinguished visitor on board, unless ne
captain may be the Prince alluded to. Ih'
frgate must be home in May, and Therefore
can pay us but short visit The bltsi
agship Indus was at Havana. Sugars wer'
very dull, with two hundred and seven THOUSAND
boxes on hand. There was q rumor that seVefa
sugar cane fields were on fire in different parts OF
the island. Freghts had slightly improved. Tx
change on New York was at from one-half TO one
and half discount. The cases of Seniors Ascencic
and Castro still engaged public aud official atten
ton. portion Of the Maretzek opera troupe lef
in the Cahawba.
The United States steamer Metacomet arrived a
Tio de Janci.o February Is, from Pernambuco, AMI
sailed on the 18th for River Plate.
By the arrival of the ship Grey Eagle at Pbila
delpba we have received files from Rio Janeiro l.
The 2lst of February. The weather had been YER
wet at Rio for sixteen days previous, causing tn
road in the interior to be impossible, which pr,
vented produce being brought to market. COTE
was very scarce, and the stock in first hands yer
small.
We have accounts from Port au Prince, Hayti, I
lie 2Lt ult. Our correspondent states that th