The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-27

located at present IN the city OF ST. LOUIS anu Ill
local Provost Marshals Of Missouri are ordered to
report there at once by letter, in order to com
plete the system throughout the State.
The Arago arrived at this port yesterday, with
European journals of the 18th inst The Niagara
reached Halifax also yesterday, with telegraphic
details of the news received by the Persia, dated
on the 18th inst. That portion of 1.-THE largest
by far-which relates to the situation of affairs
between the United States and England is of very
great Importance.
General Scott returned to New York on board
the Arago. His departure from Paris produced a
very lively sensation in England. Previous to quit
ting the French capital the General had lengthy
interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, M
Thouvenel, and the Londos journals intimate that
he is the bearer Of message "of momentous i'm
portance" from Napoleon to the Cabinet in Wash
ington. This idea was very unpalatable to the
English mind, as it gave strength to an opinion
then prevailing in that country to the effect that
the French Emperor was more than disposed to
declare strict neutrality in case of war between
the United States and Great Britain, it, indeed, he
would not take sides against the Southern rebel
States.
The indications in Paris pointed very strongly
towards change in this direction in the policy Of
Napoleon.
The Constitutional shows in powerful article
that the bonds existing between France and Ame-
RIGA cannot abe easily broken" that France has
not "been insulted," that she will not aid England
to "crush down" the United States, and that she
must husband her strength" for her own profit.
The Journal des Debats writes to prove that Eng
land seeks her own ACKNOWLEDGEMENT alone by the
disruption of the Union and wants eventually to
rule over the South as free farm, and that
France will be deprived of the carrying
trade Of the neutrals of the world should
she go into the conflict with England.
Prince Napoleon's opinions have also, it is said,
produced great change in the mind of the Empe-
ror. So, on the whole, we find that John Ball
woefuly dstrusts, at the same moment that he
fears. his ally over the channel.
An offer of mediation between England and the
United States on the part of the Emperor was
again spoken Of.
The war agitation was still at fever heat in
England, the anti-Amercan journals in London be-
ing greatly encouraged in their cry for blood by
the tone Of the leading abolition journals of New
York, and their report of the position Of some of
the moneyed classes of this city being adverse to
the course of our government towards Mason and
Slidell. Troops were being mustered and shipped
for Canada with shot, shells, cannons, sedges and
| everything requisite for o winter campaign in
! a Northern climate. War vessels were still leav-
ing for the North American coast, of which the
new frigate Emerald was the latest departure from
Plymouth.
The expedition agrainst Mexico was still in
| allies
Meantime the excitement of our Canadian
neighbors continues at a prodigous height.
All the members of the curling clubs,
| cricket associations and snowshoc racers are
forming themselves into rife companies. The
coored people also are arming in anticipation of
this class are runaway slaves, sent to the pro-
vinces by underground railroad agents. it seems
rather strange that they should now evnce dis
position to take up against their friends, and
indirectly assist their former Southern masters
| Twelve twenty-four Founders, and six cannon of
larger calbrc, arrived at the fort at Toronto on
Hamilton, London and st. Catharnes
We publish in to-day's paper much valuable and
interesting information from late Southern news
papers. The Richmond Dispatch of the 23d inst.
gives full account Of the late battle at Drancs.
vile. It acknowledges an inglorious defeat, but
soo.hes itself in the assertion that the battle was
fought against great odds. News from Texas OF
the I'd instant states that Galveston has been
evacuated, and the movable property, public and
private, was being removed to Houston. The
rebels there, no doubt expect an early visit from
| the Union naval ana military forces.
CONGRESS.
In the Senate yesterday, Mr.. Hale of New Hamp.
shire, offered resolution requesting the Presi.
dent, if not incompatible with the public interests,
to transmit copies Of all dispatches which have
passed between the United States government and
that Of Great Britain relative to the capture Of the
rebel envoysSldell and Mason--the documents
to be communicated either in open or secret
session, as may be deemed proper. Mr. Hale sun.
ported his proposition in speech of decidedly
warlike tone. Mr.. Sumner, of Massachusetts
Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
objected to the resolution. The subject he said
was now in good hands, and it would be better
Tor the Senate to reserve themselves for
faets' and not act upon hypothetical
case. The resolution was then laid over
nndef the rule. Notice was given of bill to pro-
vide for the confscation Of every species of pro.
| perty OF all persons in rebellion ret tLo o.