The New York herald., 1862-02-08

in the matter. was discussed. Mr.. Wilson moved,
as substitute for the report. the declaration
that the employment Of IN agent to make pur-
chases for the government, whose compensation
depends upon commissions on purchases, is un-
wise, inexpedient and never to be resorted to,
except in cases Of imperious necessity" Pending
this motion, the subject was laid over till Monday
joint resolution giving the thanks ofCongress to
| Captain Dupont and his officers and seamen for
the victory at Port Royal, was adopted. The Ju-
| dietary Committee reported that Mr.. Starke, the
Senator from Oregon, whose loyalty has been
questioned, was entitled to take the constitutional
| OATH minority report was, however, presented,
| and the papers were ordered to be printed.
| In the House of Representatives, the Treasury
Note bill was by consent amended so as to allow
the Treasury Department, at its option, to pay the
interest on government bonds in coin or paper.
The Committee on Contracts reported in favor of
authorizing the Secretary of War to make an equi-
| table arrangement with the Hannibal and st.
! Joseph and Pacific Railroad Companies for the
transportation of troops. The report Of the Com.
mittee on Government Contracts was taken up and
discussed. At the conclusion Of the debate, Mr..
Holman of Indiana, offered resolution, censurng
Mr.. Cameron, the late Secretary of War, and Mr..
Welss, the present Secretary Of the Navy, for
their action in employing Alexander Cummings
and George D. Morgan, but without coming to
vote the subject was postponed till Friday next.
The report of the Conference Committee on the
bl, providing for the completion of the dsfences
of Washington, and the employment of Home
Guards in Missouri and Maryland, was agreed to.
Several private bills were passed.
Both houses adjourned till Monday.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
The negotiation between the government and
the Merchants Exchange Company has been
brought to a successful issue. The building is
hired for Custom House on a three years lease,
at $65 900 per annum, with the privilege of two
of the purchase at any time during either term for
81 900. 900. The government are to take possession
on the lst of May, when the Treasury will be re-
moved to the present Custom House The cor.
respondenue on the subject between Mr.. Secretary
Chase and Mr.. Cisco the Sub Treasurer at this
port, will be given in to-morrow's HERALD
The glorious Stars and Stripes wave now in
every State except Alabama, Arkansas and Texas.
Captain Gregg, of brig P. r. Curtis, which ar
rived at this port the 7th inst, from Matanzas,
reports that on the 2sth ult., off the Double Headed
Shot Keys. was chased by an armed bark. When
he hoisted an American flag she showed Mexican
colors. and bore away under easy sail.
The United States gunboat Quaker City arrived
at ST. Thomas about the goth ult. from q cruise.
The gunboat Iroquos sailed from that port on the
10th ult.
In the Senate at Albany yesterday, favorable
reports were made on the bills amending the laws
governing the incorporation Of life and health in
sarance companies, and organizing the Asylum for
Insane Convicts. Bills were noticed for amending
the Excise law of 1857; making additional regula-
tions for Furnishing murder and arson amending
the Revised Statutes in relation to banking and
brokerage institutions, and relative to actions
brought by receivers of insolvent insurance COM
panies. Among the bills introduced was one
making provision for examinations of the ac-
counts of the Canal Department Treasurer and
the securities of the Bank Department, and
one amending the act altering the map of this city
In the Assembly large number of petitions was
presented. Among them was one from this city,
praying for legislation in regard to the Hackley
street cleaning contract, and other alleged frauds
The bill providing for the public defence was re-
ported upon favorably. Several bills affecting the
interests of the people of this city introduced
among which were those for railroads in Spring
street and in Broadway, amending the city charter
relative to taking private property for public uses
relative to the various city courts regulating the fees
of the Register of Deeds and increasing the number
of Judges of the Common Pleas Court. Bills were
also introduced to restrict the dividends of fire in
fo~ r-oo bolJ
tions, and for various other purposes. The bills
sppropratng the proceeds of State tax to the sup
port of schools, and amending the act regulating
the purchase Of etes for lighthouses and fortiica
tions, were passed. Bills were noticed to repeal
the South and West streets railroad grants of 1860,
to divide the Twelfth ward, providing further regu
latons for pawnbroking in this city, and to punish
mock auctioneers. The Senate adjourned over till
Monday evening. The Assembly will be in session
to-day.
We have received a copy of letter sent by
Mayor Opdyke to Captain Ringgold, of the frigate
Sabine, conveying resolutions passed by the Com
mon Council of this city, complimenting that gen.
tleman for his bravery in rescung four hundred
marines from the transport Governor, OF Charles
ton, some time since. The response of the gallant
commander to the Mayor is also in our possession.
skating match is TO come off on the first fine
day after Monday next. between Che following
competitors, the prizes being handsome medals, to
be given by Messrs. Black and Falkland
Fast skatng-Chas. June, OF Pcrrnont John Englcr,
Jersey City and John Gage, Of Nyack.
Funcy Slahn0-Chas June, of fiermont; p Griffin, OF
New York, and John Engler, Of Jersey City.
The ladies' skating match is to take place this
afternoon, weather permitting
There were only two jury trials yesterday in the
General Sessions, resulting in the conviction of
the accused. District Attorney Hall conducted
the prosecution. Thomas Henry was convicted Of
receiving valuable gold watch knowing IL to
have been stolen by Sarah Campbell. She alb
stracted it from the pocket Of John W. Whelan on
the 18th of December. The prisoner was remand
ed for sentence. Alexander Dudon, who, together
with confederates, succeeded In circulating nam
Der OF counterfeit IS bills the Blue Hill Bank Of
| Rochester on the night Of the 18th Of January,