The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-12-11
The News.

The proceedings Of Congress yesterday were un
Usually important. In the Senate the standing
committees Of the last session were continued.
The Homestead bill passed its first reading. A
memorial urging relief for the suffering people OF
Kansas was referred to the Committee on Terrific
ries. Mr.. Powell's resolutions on federal affairs
were then taken up, and an interesting debate en-
sued. which was participated in by Messrs. Foster,
Douglas, Davis and Dixon.
In the House Mr.. Hawkins. of Florida, entered
into further explanations respecting his desire to
be excused from serving on the Select Committee
OF Thirty-three. He said that he acted solely on
bis own responsibility in the matter. Mr.. vsllan-
digham, Of Ohio, followed in stirring speech, in
which he attacked the composition of the commit
Tee, whereby the democracy Of the Northwest
are entirely deprived Of all participation in it, de-
iberatons and recommendations. Mr.. Nc
Clernand Of Illinois and Mr. Sickles, of New
York. also spoke on the question Of excusing
Mr. Hawkins. The debate was interrupted in order
u allow the introduction of bill for the relief Of
the Treasury. The Chairman Of the Committee Of
Ways and Means accordingly reported n bill au-
thOrEag the issue of $40 900 Of Treasury notes.
in sums not exceeding 800, bearing not more than
six per cent interest redcemable at the expiration
OF year. An amendment pledging the public
lands for the redemption Of the notes was voted
down, and the bill was passed. Without taking
action on the request of Mr.. Hawkins, the House
adjourned.
AT meeting OF the Cabinet yesterday, Mr..
Cobb, the Secretary Of the Treasury, resigned his
post. aud the resignation was accepted By the Pre-
sidcnt. There Il considerable speculation as TO
pho win be appointed TO succeed Mr.. Cobb.
Among other names that of Collector Schell, Of
NewYork l. mentioned
number Of our influential merchants assembled
In the Mayors ONCE yesterday afternoon and held
pprivste meeting for the purpose OF considering
THAT action, II any, the city OF New York should
bake in view Of the present perilous condition Of
bur national Affairs. Although the meeting was
preliminary. and the proceedings were principally
confined to suggestion and consultation, there rs
ressou 10 believe that the movement contem-
plated IL Of an important character, and when
fully matured and announced may provo OF inyalu.
able service in restoring harmony and peace to
our distracted country. The meeting was strictly
private. 80 that its proceedings cannot now be
publicly made known.
At the municipal election in Boston yesterday
Mr. J. N. wightman, the democratic and Union
candidate for MaysA was chosen over Moses Kim
ball, republican.
VIC have adviccs from the city Of Mexico TO the
2sth ult., and from Vera Cruz 10 the It'll inst The
liberals were completely investing the capital,
aud II Is reported that the French Minister had
sdyised Mramon 10 capitulate. Great distress
prevailed In the city from scarcity Of food and
water.
We have received ales OF Venezuela papers 70
November 9. The news, which viii be found con
densed elsewhere, is OF great interest or impcr.
lance. peaceful solution Of the Spanish dim
Guilty Ia expected.
by the arrival Of the steamship Zulu we have
intelligence from Kingston, jamaica TO the LIST
inst. The Legislature met on the sth ult., when
The new Assembly organized, with Or. g. McI.arty
Morales a. Speaker, for the third time. On the
following day the Ministry announced their re-.
signation, and about two weeks after q new Minis.
fry was appointed. bill for taking census Of
fhe inhabitants was before the Assembly with
every prospect Of passing. The trial Of the chief
mate Paul for the murder Of Captain Burton, Of
Che American bark Alvarado, In Kingston harbor,
remmnced before the Chief Justice, Q. the Kings.
Ion District Court, on the 10Th ult, snd vas con.
ciuded on the 22d, when the jury, withos hearing
council for the defence, returned verdict OF not