The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-14

safes OF l2ooo bags RIO al IL 10sc. Frelghts were
comparatively quiet and engagements moderate
while rates without change Of momcut,
stirring News from the South--fmpcnd-
ing Collapse OF this Rebellion.
The very interesting and important news
from various quarters in tho rcvolted States
which we publish to-day Enthusiastically fore
shadows the approaching collapse of this great
rebellion. Making the most liberal allowances
for the reports of fugitive loyalists. mysterious
travellers and Il, Ing rumors, we have yet sufii-
cient concurrent testimony from various points.
which cannot be questioned, to justify the con-
clusion that The elements of this rebellion are
on the verge OF "a most ignorninious dissolu-
ton.
From two Union refugees arrived at Cincin-
natl from New Orleans, passing through Nash
vile on the 9TH inst. it appears that in that city
the highest reactionary excitement existed in
consequence Of the impressment Of citizens into
the rebel army; that the Indignation of
the people was intense: that Il riot had
broken out. resulting in the death of
four policemen engaged in qucllng Il.
capital to attack Governor Harris (head rehst.
who. taking The hint, had fled 10 Memphis.
II further appears that the rebel troops in IVES.
Tennessee and kentucky-a numerous host
were in the most ptiable condition from sickness
and destitution, and We're suffering heavy losses
from those prevailing fatal diseases, pneumonia
and smallpox. Is for New Orleans. The wit
nesses i'll question confirm the reports Of the
papers of that city concerning the absolute
suspension OF business there, the prevailing de-
ficicncies of even the ncccssa'ies of life. and
the constant apprehension or hopes of a fedc-
raj bombardmcnt.
Of the general accuracy of these reports we
have no doubt Under reign Of peace our
Southern States. To the extent OF two hundred
millions Of dollars a year have been dependent
upon our loyal States, and upon England,
France and other foreign countries. for their
provisions. clothing, manufactured articles.
medicines and luyurics Of various descrip-
tons. All this immense mass of supplies has
for six months been cut OFF by this rebel
lion These depriyations, intolcrnblc in peace.
cannot long be supported with winter on
hand) under the eyhausting demands OF
q rebel army OF four hundred thousand
men. Such an army, under such circumstances.
must be sadly deficient in clothing provisions
and medicines. When salt in Richmond is
worth sixteen dollars sack, coffee fifty cents
per pound, and pantaloons there command
twenty dollars which can be had for FIVE in New
York; and when coarse boots, which here NAV
be obtained for four dollars. are cheap at six
teen in Nashville. We may form some idea. and
yet only faint conception. of the terrible pres
sure Of the rebel army and of "Iincoln's block
ade' upon al Cur revolted States
The shinplaster currency Of those States is
another most damaging and dangerous draw
back 10 the fragile and irresponsible despotism
! Of Davis. Every bank every city. every vii
lage under his control, has thrown out its hat
full or carload OF shinplasters in denomina-
tons of fifty, twenty-five. ten and five cents,
redeemahle in the bills of suspended banks.
AS :. sample OF these bank bills, Tennessee
paper money. which, fifteen or twenty DAYS ago
was in that State, at twenty per cent discount,
is now at thirty-Gve per cent discount. The
Richmond Dispotch complains savagely of the
| universal losses and confusion resulting from
| thi. overwhelming food OF execrable shin
plastcra, ard peyrmptorily demands that JEFF.
Davis and his corps bgislatJ shall issue an cdict
| commanding banks and brokers to accept all
| shiDplasters on par basis. or incur the penalty
| Of death. The Dispatch charges the banks Of
| the South with being the allies of Lincoln; and
doubtless. TO save their cash. they would wei
come the approach Of the United States flag az
their deliverer from an impending robbery.
| Such are tie internal elements which are
eating ont The vitas Of this Southern rebellion.
| The schedule is appalling; and we have not told
| onchalf the dreadful amount Of the exactions.
cxtortioDs, losses and deprivatlons to which
| The Southern people under the rule Of
| Davis arc subjected. Is IL likely thai
people thus suffering from the sad de-
fusion OF secession will hesitate what to do
when sure of the protection of the Union, the
| blessings of which they are now beginning to
realize. We answer that this rebellion is al
| ready collapsing, and that with the combine