The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-17

| Office holders was merely intended to tighten the
| punishment Of treason, and was unconstitutional.
He therefore moved it be struck out. Mr.. Davis OF
Kentucky, moved to amend the first section by
striking out the clause freeing slaves, and adding
| provision for imprisonment at hard labor for not
less than five nor more than twenty years. Both
propositions rejected, the latter by vote OF
seven yeas to thirty-one nays. Mr. Howard, OF
Michigan. moved to strike out the second section,
which frees the slaves of those who incte, engage
in or aid in the rebellion, as the clause was SIM
ply mitigation of the punishment OF treason.
This was rejected-yeas five, nays thirty-three.
Mr.. Clark moved to amend the second section so
as to leave it discretionary with the court to I'M
prison rebels for term of not less than ten years,
or forfeit their property. Pending this motion,
Mr.. Sumner offered substitute for the bill, which
was ordered to be printed. The Senate then went
into executive session, and afterwards adjourned.
In the House of Representatives nothing OF pub
lie importance transpired. Mr.. Benjamin Wood,
of New York, obtained leave to print speech on
the war question, and several private bills were
considered.
Both houses adjourned till Monday.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
The Great Eastern, it is now reported, did not
If this be 80, she is due at this port tonight or
early tomorrow Sunday morning.
The United States steam transport Oriole, Cap
tain Manwaring. arrived at this port yesterday
from Newbern N. c., 18th inst, via Hatteras Inlet
18th inst, having on board sxty-three discharged
soldiers from the One Hundred and Third regiment
New York Volunteers; also several soldiers on
furlough, and the bodies of H. Southworth and
Charles Beman, both of Deep River, Conn. The
health of the troops at Newbern remained good,
and they were still engaged in fortying the place.
The United States transport Haze was going into
Newbern when the Oriole left.
The report of the Committee Of the Law Insti-
tute, in the case Of Mr.. Edwin James, was pre-
scented yesterday by Mr.. Lord to the Supreme
Court, general term Its purport is not yet
known; but strange developments, we understand,
will be made at a meeting to be held at two clock
to-day at the Astor House.
The stock market opened weaker yestesday morning,
but soon rallied closed with great strength Pacific
Mail rose 81 per cent and was in active demand at
the close. Money was very easy at al per cent.
Foreign exchange closed at 1881 1137s gold at 1854
1885, The tables Of the trade of the port for the month
Of April win be found in the money article.
The cotton market irmer and moro active yester
day The sales about 100 bales closing stiff
the basis Of 27c $50. for mddling uplands. Some
persons appeared to think whether justly or otherwise
that Gen. Hunters proclamation was not without some
influence the market Flour was in good demand, and
tocrably active. but without change Of Importance in
quotations. Wheat was heavy, and easier for common
and medium qualities, while prime to choice grades
were scarce and prices sustained Corn was rather
nrmsr, while sales were TO a fair extent at 52c
SsHc. for western mixed. in store and delivered.
pork hoav and w mo a
$l2 e2h, closing at the inside figure, and at 50 75a
50 s7 for prime Sugars steady and active, with
sales Of about 800 hhds. at full prices Coffee was
quiet prices unchanged Freighs were less buoyant
for liverpool and engagements less active. Corn, in
bulk taken at SD and wheat in bulk Il 3D., and
nour g. 1od To London -four was engaged at 2s 3D.
| Rates 70 Havrs steady and unchanged.