The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-06

britain independent Of America, by securing
supply of this important staple elsewhere.
regular meeting Of the Board Of Supervisors
was held yesterday, but very little business was
transacted of public importance The anticipated
veto from the Mayor on the passage OF the tax
levy was not received. resolution was adopt
ed desiring the Committee on Annual Taxes to
make application to the Legislature for such
amendments in the law regulating the collection
of taxes as shall provide for their collection ct an
earlier period. The weekly statement Of the
Comptroller was received, showing ths balance in
the treasury January 81 to be $685.. <05 SIS. The
yearly statement of county expenditure was also
received. The expenditure up to January 81,
1860, amounted to $26,l75 0S; balance unexpend-
ed, $253,574 80. After the usual routine business
the Board adjourned until Tuesday next at three
O'Clock p. M.
The Aldermanic Committee on Fire Department
met yesterday, and laid over the resolution to
erect fire alarm bell tower in Reservoir square,
as no one appeared to speak in favor Of its cree
ton, while several were present for the purpose
Of speaking their objections, which, however,
they were not required to do, as the committee
themselves expressed their disapproval Of the pro-
ject.
The case Of the liability Of George Law and Gus
tavus A. Conover, as bondsmen to the government
for Isaac V. Fowler, late Postmaster of New
York, was commenced yesterday in the United
States District Court, before Judge Belts and
jury
The trial of Gordon Hires, mate Of the American
bark ANNA charged with the murder of a colored
seaman, named John Tuttle was commenced yes
terday in the United States Circuit Court before
Judge Smaey. 1t will be recollected that six
colored men, out of eight of the same hue, died on
the voyage from Laguna to England, and the mat
ter was thereafter fully investigated at Southamp-
ton. The second mate is now being tried for the
murder Of one Of those colored men.
The testimony in the Alison poisoning case, at
Hudson City, closed yesterday, and the District
Attorney commenced the summing up on behalf
of the State. He spoke for about four hours and
reviewed all the various points of suspicion
against the prisoner, on the strength of which he
had been arraigned on the charge of murder.
Following the District Attorney, General Wright
occupied the court in remarkably eloquent ap-
peal for the prisoner. To-day Messrs. Zabriskie
and Dayton speak on behalf, respectively, of the
prisoner and State after which the case will 20
to the jury.
The regular monthly meeting of the New York
Historical Society was held last evening, at the
rooms of the society in Second avenue. There
was large attendance of the friends Of the So
ciety, to listen to an interesting paper early
Dutch Life in the Upper Valley of the Hudson"
which was read by Mr. Henry Brace.
Last season, up to February 8, there had been
twenty. five days Of skating, while this season we
have had but twenty-five. The great excitement
yesterday was to have been the skating match;
a,,d hon fho Eu1l from 0f
present, the representative from New Jersey was
not. Some fine fancy skating was shown by
johnson, of Brooklyn, the Fullers and others.
On the ladies' pond were performed cotillon of
eight couples and q quadrille Of four, which, con.
sidering the state Of the ice-soft and slushy-
and the want of music, went of very well. Be-
fore the close Of the there is to be grand
skating .fete, with fireworks and music. Several
persons yesterday got dipped" among whom
was the worthy Inspector, who disappeared while
assisting lady over weak ice. The official re-
turns to five o'clock P. M. were:-Pedestrans,
70 200; equestrians, rs; vehicles, AGO; and at
the close Of skating:-Pedestrian IS 900; vehi-
cles, 1900. OF the pedestrians, fully onefourth
LADIES. Inc calciuIns 'ory brilliant,
and the excitement at nine o'clock p. NJ was in
tense.
Owing the increased heaviness and lower rates oser
ling bills and stiffness OF freight the cotton market yes
terday heavy, with further concession Of about &c
per pound The sales embraced about 800 800 bales,
closing the basis Of 12c per pound for middlpg up
lands. Sterling exchange irregular Sales of bills
were reported as low 81, with bankers endorse
ments. Flour was dull and easier for gra les
Of superGne Western and State while extra brands
sustained Wheat and both lower, with
sales Corn was under the pressure Of increased
with moderate sales chiefly at $17 SIX for mess and at
sl3 for prime. Sugars steady, with sales of 800
q 1900 hhds, included in which $50 New Or.
leans by auction terms given in another place Cot
fee was in fair demand with sales OF $500 bags Rio at
lie lac Freight engagements fair, and rates
steady.
Eutu ,f he TxEO Cor fcsue