The New York herald., 1863-03-18
THE SITUATION.


The news from the Army Of the Potomac re-
ports the enemy to be massed upon the right; but
that all is at present quiet along the river.
1t is currently believed in Washington that,
although official documents have not yet been
published to confirm the statements already given
to the public relative to the capture OF Yazoo
City, the statements are nevertheless true. The
rebel sympathizers in the national capital are said
to have conceded the fact.
The Americans in Chile, South America, have
raised fund which they have contributed towards
United States.
THE LEGISLATURES.
In the State Senate yesterday a number Of bills
passed, mostly, however, not of general inte-
rest. Among those Of more Importance were the
bills relative to canal contracts and repairs, and
for payment Of in crest on canal drafts protested
for non.payment. The bill to permit the running
OF dummy engines on the Brooklyn Central Rail
road received favorable report. Bills were in
troduced to legalize the contract for grading
Seventieth street. in this city, and to incorporate
the National Union Life and Limb Insurance Com.
pany. Presentations were made of petitions for
and remonstrances against State aid to the Auburn,
Lake Ontario and New York Railroad. and Of petit
tons for the endowment Of the Hygeia College.
The bill to amend the charter Of Brooklyn was
ordered to q third reading.
In the Assembly third reading was ordered Of
the bill TO reimburse the Manhattan Company for
advances made to pay the interest on the State
debt In coin. The Senate bill relative to the col
lection Of taxes in this city was also ordered to
third reading, with some others OF less interest.
A majority report was made favorable to the in
corporation of the New York Society for the Re-
lief of Destitute Children. In response to reso.
luton Of the Assembly, the Canal Auditor made a
report Of the amounts received from tolls and ex.
pended for the past three years also the amount
of principal and interest paid and the balance held
by the sinking fund. The bill regulating transac.
tions In gold was amended so as to exempt foreign
bills Of exchange from restriction. A long dis
cussion took place the bill, but the vote on its
passage was not reached. The committee ap.
pointed TO investigate the charges against Speaker
Callicot will hold session to-day.
MIscELLANEoUs NEWS.
The steamship Champion, from Aspinwall. ar.
rived at this port yesterday afternoon, with t24s
Ola in specie on freight, and some later details Of
news from Central America. The Champion was
conveyed by the gunboat Connecticut. The prin.
cpal points Of the news will be found in the letter
OF our Panama correspondent, in another column
The celebration Of the anniversary Of the inde
pendence Of Mexico commenced on the sab of
February last; but the original programme was
not carried out on account Of the inclemency
OF the weather. A national salute was fred from
one gun in the morning and evening, and band
played some fine music on the levee near the place
where the ceremonies were to take place.
rThc natal day Of the patron saip, Of Ireland
was celebrated with great spirit and displav
yesterday in this city. The weather was exceed.
ingly fine, and, besides the military and civic pro
csssion, which was large and imposing, the occa.
sion was ssnllised by the launch at the Brookiyr
Navy Yard Of the gunboat Shamrock. In IN,