The New York herald., 1862-01-18


while they are annoying to members of Congress,
they are not 30 onerous to require the nterven'
ton of the House, and hence the committee ask to
be relieved from further consideration Of the sub
ject. Mr.. Stevens reported the West Point Academy
Appropriation bill, and stated that he had been IN
formed that numerous libelling letter writer's had
been finding fault with the Committee of Ways
and Means for not reporting an equitable tax DILL
The committee, however, he said, are gathering
facts, and work for hours after attending TO buS-
ness in the House. He desired to say that the
criticisms and lbels of the press would notmake
them move one minute faster than due regard to
the public interests will permit. The Fertilization
Appropriation bill, as originally reported, was
passed. 1t appropriates between five and sly
millions of dollars for the completion Of defensive
works already commenced. Resolutions were re-
ported from the Contract Investigating Committee,
calling on the Secretary of War for copy of the
contracts for purchasing horses for Colonel Will
liams' cavalry, and directing inquiry respecting the
contracts for Enfield rifles
Both Houses adjourned till Monday.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
Captain Billings, of the brig Maria White. arriv-
ed at this port yesterday morning, reports that on
'ue lOu OcCSuUcT, Ou Oh luOuld6, ue was SpOhcu
by the rebel priyateer Sumter, but was not board
ed by her. Mr.. Adams, our Minister at London,
under date of the 4th inst, writes to Collector
Barney, of New York, that the Sumter had arrived
at Cadiz, having burnt three vessels.
We publish under the appropriate head highly
important and interesting extracts from late rebel
newspapers. On the 30th ultimo a large train of
wagons left Jacksonport, Arkansas, for Osceola'
Missouri, with supplies for the army of General
Sterling Price, whose headquarters are at the lat
ter place. Besides an abundant supply of pro-
visions eight rifed cannon were sent by this train
Flour was selling at $40 so per barrel at wholesale
at New Orleans on the 5th inst. Several federal
gunboats made reconnaissance of Proctorvfle,
La, on the I'd inst. The Florida Legislature re-
Gently passed an act prohibiting the expectation of
provisions from the State.
A Cleveland paper says that Edwin M. Stanton.
the new Secretary of War, has more of the old
Napoleon in him than any other man in America,
and that "the army will move on now, even it goes
to the devil"
The Albany Journal hopes the new Secretary of
War will Immediately suspend the further enroll
ment of cavalry regiments, as there are several
now getting up in this State entirely for specula-
tive purposes.
In the State Senate yesterday, the concurrent
resolutions in favor of the State assuming the col
lection of its quota of the national tax were unani-
moasy adopted. The resolution in favor Of Con-
Fess abolishing the franking privilege was also
unanimously adopted. The bill authorizing the
Supervisors of Kings county to provide for the
support of volunteers families was passed. Fa-
vorable reports made on the bills to regulate
the dividends of fire insurance companies, and to
amend the act incorporating the same. Bills were
introduced to amend the act relative to opening
streets in this city north of 15lst street, to amend
the Revised Statutes in relation to unauthorized
banking, and making appropriations for the canal
debt of 1862. The following were made the CON-
mittee on the part of the Senate for apportioning
the State anew into Congressional DISTRICTS
Messrs. Connolly, Ramsey, Ganson, Bell and
Turner. Next Thursday was appointed as
the day for the election of new State Superin.
tendent of Public Instruction and Regent
of the New York University. The Senate ad-
journed till Monday evening. In the Assembly q
report was made from the Ways and Means Com
mttee, in favor of Congress levying an additional
direct tax, and for the State to the collec-
ton Of its quota Of the tax levied by the last Con-
gress. This report was discussed, and afterwards
made the special order for Wednesday next Bills
were introduced to regulate the sale of hay and
straw in New York and Brooklyn, and in relation
to the Canvassing Board of this city. A number
of bills were noticed for future introduction.
motion was made, the consideration of which was
laid over, that bill be prepared for the punish
ment of persons attempting to bribe members. A
resolution was introduced in relation to the re-
tion NJ he and for ba
defence of our coast also one in relation to cor.
ruptien in our Common Council. The senate reso.
luton for an exchange of prisoners was called up
and debated, but laid over. The Assembly also
adjourned till Monday evening.
The ball was up yesterday, and skating was al
lowed on the Central Park from early in the morn.
ing till after ten O'Clock last evening. After dusk
it became very dark, and the cont actor for light
ing the pond failing in his duty. the skaters had to
make the best of it by the light of their lanterns
and those outside the skate and refreshment tents
The number of visiters throughout the day and
evening was estimated at seventeen thousand per-
sons, male and female. The signal Gags over Knox
(he hatters) store and at other points have proved
a success, as visiters yesterday went to the Park
from Hoboken and other distant places without
disappointment, taking these flags their guide.
Several skating matches are in the course Of ar
rangement, full particulars of which we will give
in due time.
Curling has been duly patronized this season, as
usual, il except the fact that most Of the curl
ers at Port Royal with the Seventy-ninth New
York Volunteers. The members of the Caledonia
Club Of this city intend to play match to-day, at
o'clock, the lower pond Of the Central Park,
for pair of curling stone handles. They invite
the members Of other clubs of the city and all
other curriers' not members of any particular club
to join in the contest
BY the last annual report Of the Counsel to the
Corporation it appears that hundred and thirty
three actions have been finally disposed of during
the year 1861, and Of these but sixteen have been
decided adversely to the city. There forty
three actions and special proceedings which have
been tried or argued in the past year, but not
yet finally determined.
The jury in the case Of Antoine Holz, who was