The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-04-02

NAVAL VICTORY OF THE CHlLEANS OVER THE
SPANIARDs.-The news we published yesterday
from the Pacific shows that the naval victory
Of Chile and her allies. the 7th of February,
over the spaniards, at Abtao, was a much
greater affair than reported at first. The allied
squadron consisted of the Peruvian frigate
Apurimac, thirty guns Commander villar;
Peruvian corvette America, twelve guns, Com
mander Ferreyro; Peruvian corvette Union,
twelve guns, commander Grau; Chilean
schooner Covadonga, three guns, Commander
Thompson-in all mounting hfty-seven guns.
The Spanish vessels were:-Frigate Blanca,
ihirty-six guns, Commander Topete; frigats
Villa de Madrid, fifty guns--in all eightysix
guns. Commander Manuel villar commanded
the allied vessels. The Spanish vessels were
commanded by Juan Bautista Topete.
The engagement lasted two hours, when the
two Spanish frigatcs were 80 badly, knocked
about that they hauled Of and returned to
Valparaiso. 1t is quite evident that Spain has
got more on her hands in this war than she
expected to have. The allied South American
republics are proving too much for her. They
show great deal Of pluck and skill; and 1t IL
worthy Of notice that In the Official reports Of
naval officers we see the names Of Williams and
Thompson as commanders. These brave fel-
lows try to make themselves a. much Of South
Americans as possible by calling themselves
Juan Williams and Manuel J. Thompson; but
no one will see anything Of the "Latin race" in
Williams or Thompson. We think We can tell
the stock these fellows came from. Spain can
not land q force 10 conquer or even to injure
much the allied republics. The warfare will be
on the water chiefly. The allies are at home,
and with small naval force can give the Span
iards great deal Of trouble. They will become
stronger, too, in all probability, in naval power,
II the war should continue. Looking at all the
circums tances, we are convinced that the sooner
Spain gets out of the difficulty and makes peace,
the better for both her finances and her honor
THE CIVIL RIoHTs Bill. BEFORE THE SEN
ArE.-The Senate postponed action on the Civil
Rights bill, returned to that body by the Pre-
sident with his veto, In consequence, pro-
feesedly, Of tho death Of Senator Foot It is I'M
derstood, however, that the radical majority of
that body only wanted a little time 10 prepare
iOT OveIbihuSuiuB tuc vceOs AhCy BVe CSne.oi
Stockton ont Of the way az the first step, and
they expected 10 get . radical from New Jersey
in his place. They have been making other
preparations and calculations. But they have
thus far met with disappointment in New Jer-
sey, and It is likely they have mlscalculated
their chances Of success in other respects Be
that as IL may, the question IL In the order Of
business to-day, although the vote on the
question may probably be put on till the
end Of the week, when we shall know whether
the radicals In the Senate can carry the bill
over the Presidents veto or not. Should they
succeed in doing this, which is very doubtful. 1t
will be only temporary and barren victory Of
. faction. The President will have the salts
faction Of knowing he has done his duty to the
country. The execution Of the law must be In
| his hands, and be will make It a. little objec.
tionable in operation as possible. II would not
remove the great issue between that faction and
the President, but would intensity II more, and
mako the people understand II sooner. We ad-
wise the politicians not 70 excite themselves
overmuch about the matter, but just 70 keep az
cool as the President Is and will be, whether
his veto be sustained or not. The time IL com.
ing, and not far on, when the voice Of the
people will be heard on this and othe-. no.
ions Of the day. 50 -