The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-01-14

The News.
The steamship Niagara arrived at Halifax yester-
day, with European news to the lst inst, one week
later than the advices brought by the Africa at this
port. The intelligence is interesting
The steamship Weser, of the New York and
Bremen line about the safety of which serious ap-
prehensions were entertained, had arrived at
Queenstown. She had experienced heavy gales
and sprung leak
At London on the LIST inst consols were firm at
96s 96i for account, ex-dividend. There had been
an average business in American securities, without
material change in prices Business prospects at the
close of the year were regarded generally salts
factory. The quarterly return of the revenue of
Great Britain showed an increase of FL l25 1885, as
compared with last year. The receipts for the
year, however, owing to the repeal Of the income
tax, &c. were "a 900 LAT less in 1858 than in 1857.
At Liverpool cotton had exhibited symptoms of
decline in prices, but on the LIST inst. rates were
steady at previously reported quotations. Bread
stufs, except -four, which was dull, had an upward
tendency.
A letter from Jaffa states that no punishment had
yet been inflicted on the robbers who murdered an
American family there about year since. The
Wabash was at Jafa at last accounts, and it is re-
ported that if the murderers were not speedily
brought to justice the town would be bombarded
by the frigate.
1t is said that the Emperor Napoleon has assured
the British Minister at Paris of his support in the
event of Englands opposing the policy of our
government in Cuba, Mexico and Central Ame-
RIGA. In Spain the newspapers are highly indig-
nant at the tone of Mr.. Buchanans Message.
In Congress yesterday Mr. Seward introduced
in the Senate bill amending existing acts for the
suppression of the African slave trade. It pro-
vides for the employment of steamers for the
capture of slavers authorizes States to pass laws
to suppress the traffic in foreign slaves, and appro-
PIRATES million of dollars to carry into execution
the provisions of the bill. 1t was referred to the
Judiciary Committee. A resolution was offered,
directing the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare
plan for raising revenue adequate to the wants
of the government, by the imposition of specific
instead of ad valorem duties, also to furnish
all needful information on the subject of spe-
cifo duties. bill was introduced to es-
tablish line of steamers between American
and British ports. The debate on the Pacific
Railroad was resumed, and continued until
the Senate went into executive session. In
the House a call was made for information
what religious denominations they belong, whether
they are required to gowns, what form of
worship is observed, and whether the Episcopal
Litany is used. The Judiciary Committee was au-
thorzed to send for persons and papers in the
of Judge Irwin. The Naval Appropriation bill
was referred TO the Committee of the Whole. The
bill repeating the law authorizing the Secretary of
the Treasury to change the of vessels in GER
merce reported bill in favor of building two steam
revenue cutters, one to be stationed at Philadel-
phia, and the other at New Orleans. In Committee
of the Whole Mr.. Cochrane's bill providing for the
codi6cation of the revenue laws was taken up. A
debate ensued, in which considerable opposition to
certain provisions of the bill was manifested.
The State Senate yesterday instructed the Com
mittee Public Buildings to investigate and report
concerning the transactions of the lobby in accord
ance with the suggestion of the Governor in his
Message. In the Assembly the annual report of
the Metropolitan Police Commissioners was pre-
scented. They propose various amendments to the
existing law. They ask power to employ not ex.
ceeding five hundred special policemen election
days; that Aldermen be deprived of the power to
discharge prisoners from the station houses; that
they have power to destroy counterfeit bank note
plates; also an alteration of the basis upon
which the expense of the force is distributed
among the several counties comprising the dis
trict 80 that it shall be based not as at present
upon the valuation of the real and personal proper
ty, but upon the number of policemen employed in
the counties respectively, and with reference to
the more efectual enforcement of the laws of
the State with reference to the observance of the
Sabbath. The Commissioners recommend an
amendment of the law so as to give them power to
appoint $50 additional patrolmen in the city and
county of New York. Since the report was made,
however, the supervisors of that county have au.
thorized the appointment of nearly 200 additional
policemen. The report of the Quarantine Commits
sioners was also presented. II appears that the
Commissioners have been hasty in making arrange
ments for new Quarantine site at Orchard Shoal.
The whole subject ia in the hands Of the Legislature
and prompt action relative to the matter on thei
part IL necessary.
The North river steamers and some others ba |
their flags at halfmast yesterday in consequence
the death OF Capt. Smith, late of the steamboat
Francis Skiddy.
We are requested to state that the telegraphic
despatch from New Haven, published on Thursday
morning announcing the withdrawal Of the
Stonington and the Norwich line of Sound
steamers, is entirely incorrect. The steamers of
both lines left this city at four o'clock Thursday
evening, and will continue to run regularly as
heretofore.
The Central Park pond was in good order yester.
day, aud thousands assembled there to witness the
skating and curling matches. Among the skaters