The Local news. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-12-18

"A meeting OF the PresldentSOf the sev0r
raj banks in Baltimore was held yesterday,
when proposition was made to abolish the
specie basis Of settling their balances, aud
to fall back ON the credit and interest sys-
tenn. 1t was, however, rejected, and a de-
termination generally expressed to continue
on in the usual Course that is, to settle ell
balances in coin. etfft -
The comments of the Northern Press on
the Mason and Sidell affair indicate that
there exists a good deal of doubt aud hesita-
ton as to the proper course to pursue. The
New York Times and Tribune are for get
ting out of the difficulty by submitting the
question at issue, between the Federal Gov
eminent and Great, Britain, to the arbitra-
tion of neutral Power.
Gov Andrew, of Massachusetts. has writ
ten letter to a correspondent in New York,
in which he speaks with intense Indignation
of "the numerous manifestations of mis-
placed sympathy exhibited by certain citi.
zens Of Boston towards the prisoners in Fort
WARREN" singing out Mr.. Mason as an
especial object of denunciation.
Part of Cen Sherman's division advanced
to the mainland, near Port Royal Ferry. on
Tuesday last, aud destroyed some Confede-
rate rifle pits. The Charleston Courier,
which published the fact as a report from
Beaufort, does not state whether the Federal
troops continued to hold the position.
New York begins to show signs Of a
panic. Exchange on England has risen to
ten per Ct, and it is probable that holders Of
gold will begin to ship it in large amounts,
the consequence of which will be the sus-
pension Of specie payments by every bank
in the United States. The vessels arriving
in port are in ballast, and the prospect of
war will throw all freights into foreign bot
toms.
The U. S. House of Representatives or
Monday passed resolution for adjournment
until the 9th of January next.
The N. York coroner thinks that Bernard
Levy, the broker, found dead in his ofice a
few days ago, committed suicide.
1t is said that change in the military
command Of the Confederates at Goose Greek
Va, has recently taken place, Gen. Evans
having been superseded by Gen. Hill--a
former brevet second lieutenant Of the U. s.
Army.
Mr. Wilson, Chairman of the U. S. Sen.
ate Military Committee, is to bring in the
bill for the abolition Of slavery in the Dis.
trict Of Columbia, in accordance with the
resolution offered by him a few days ago
and referred to the committee. The bill
provides for the appointment Of commission
ers, to ascertain the value of the slaves, ant
the payment ot the am unit thus fixed t
loyal owners.
The famous Abnltionist Dr.. Cheever
preached in New York, last Sunday dis
course, and, after descanting at some length
on his favorite subject, slavery, he made (
passing allusion to the late fire of Charles
ton. He said that the ordeal which thi,
country was going through was terrible
and that nothing but general confagratior
could expel from the p litical temple wha
was necessary to be worked out
The Philadelphia Evening Journal Unior
and ADM denounces Mr.. Cameron's anti
slavery scheme-and says it is probable, hi
(Cameron) will resign his eeat, or be super
coded in the Cabiet
The .PhiiadeIpnia Journal says, there j,
a very grave charge against Commissary f
G. Wilson. He is alleged to have allotted e
a Mr.. Rutherford, the contract tor a large
quantity Of bay at SO per ton. Jacot
Sheetz, responsible citizen Of Lancaste
county, bid for the same at $40. More worl
for Van Wyck's Committee.
The steamer Africa has been detained, Ia.
is supposed by order of the British Minis
ter,) until Friday morning.
A letter from Williamsport, Md, in tn,
, New York Herald, dated the 18th inst.
says: 1T is reported this morning that Capt
Fiery, of the Mary land second, and thirteen
!, OF his men, were taken prisoners day OF
two since, about fifty miles above this, or