The New York herald., 1863-11-17

from our European newspaper files brought by the
Asia. They will be found to be important ssd IN
teresting.
We have files of the Royal Standard OF Turks
Island (West Indies) to the 3lst ultimo. The
latest paper says" During the past week
we have had an unusually heavy fall OF rain, even
for this season, which has filled the pans with
fresh water besides endangering the heaps of salt
around the pond. As most of the salt in the colo
ny is exposed to the weather, a large percentage
has been wasted, and, as there cannot be any
more gathered until next April, If then, our pro-
prictors are fully warranted in advancing the
price, We have had pretty fair demand this
week; but the unfavorable weather has prevented
the vessels from completing their loading. The
price Is seven cents, with an upward tendency"
The papers are also much occupied with discuss
ing the war in st. Domingo. No additional
Spanish troops had arrived at Puerto Plata. The
Domincans are in want of heavy artillery. Bri-
gadier Primo de Rivera, who still commands the
Spanish forces, had allowed several women and
children to 60 into the country; but no men were
permitted to accompany them. Several Domni-
cans, however, who had been employed by the
Spaniards, escaped from the fort and joined their
countrymen. The DOminicans are said to be
"swarming' all round the town, and have strong
ly intrenched themselves. They have compelled
the Spaniards to keep within the range of the
guns of the fort. A schooner had arrived from
America with lumber, which the Spaniards have
taken to build temporary barracks on the fort
point. They are suffering from exposure to the
heavy rains, which may be expected to continue
at this season. There is no news whatever from
St. Domingo City and Samana, and no information
can be obtained from the interior.
The statement of Washington paper, which
has been going the rounds of the press, that the
government vessels now in the service consume
one and half million of tons of coal in year,
of which amount the Ironsides alone uses sixteen
thousand is denied by q Philadelphia journal,
which says government has not taken half o million
tons within that time.
A grand farewell banquet was given to the
French Admiral Reynaud and the officers of the
Imperial Navy now in port, at Irving Hall last
night. 1t was splendid affair and was most bril-.
liantly attended. More than one hundred and fifty
covers were laid for the guests. AS a matter Of
course the proceedings were conducted entirely in
the French language. We give report of the
proceedings elsewhere.
The memorial services of the late DR.. James
Floy, distinguished member of the Methodist
body, were held last evening in the Seventh
street Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. E. G.
Griswold, the presiding elder, presided and elo-
quent addresses were delivered by Bishop James,
Drs. True and Curry and Rev. r. M. Hatfield.
DR.. FlOy was ripe scholar, celebrated reviewer,
and one Of the pioneers in the anti-savery move
ments Of the Methodist Church.
A meeting was held in Clinton Hall last evening
for the purpose Of taking steps to encourage the
enlistment of colored troops in this State. A
committee of twenty-five was appointed, of which
Mr.. Peter Cooper is chairman, to proceed. to
Washington to confer with the President upon the
subject.
The iron-clad ram Dictator will be launched at
the Delamater Iron Works, foot of Thirteenth
street, North river on Thanksgiving Day, 26th
instant.
Judge McCunn's majority is now ascertained to
be one hundred and sxty-seven.
The Board of Aldermen did not organize yes
terday, for want of quorum.
The Board of Councilmen did not organize last
evening, for want of quorum.
Surrogate Tucker yesterday decided to admit to
probate the contested will Of James Fowler, dc.
ceased. The trial Of the will of Charles Breusing,
late music dealer in this city, was commenced.
The will leaves his property, valued at $75 ,0O0 to
young lady named Regina Kaufman, and is con.
tested by the next of kin. motion for collec.
tor in the estate of Abraham R. Lawrence was
argued. The executor of Ellen Hollands estate
was directedto be attached for not fling his &C.
counts.
The gold market yesterday was firm, prices ranging
between LAT and 147x, and closing in tho evening at
147I. Stocks were unsteady throughout the day, and
considerable business done reduced prices The
money market was unchanged, with seven percent as
the ruling rate The bank statement shows further
reduction loans and cousiderablefaling of In do
posts The market, with the exception Of government
securities and god very unhealthy and uncertain
There only moderate movement in trade circles
the 1uctuaons In gold and sterling exchange
and the rain storm having nteered with operations
sderaby. In imported merchandise but lhte done
while at the various changes business very light
In breadstus, provisions, &C., the transactions were
limited the Of the trade, while in petroleum,
&C., scarcely any business was done. Freighis were
still dull without signs OF any Improvement. The ex.
Of tonnage port precudes the possibility OF any
material advance in rates.