The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-23

WunouI NOW" Balu RAMSEY, IL Wouiu DC petSI
for US not to have this trade at all but you could
not do 30 well without 1t, and yet IL VIII be senst
bly, diminished after the expiration OF our pre-
sent postal treatyn The existing treaty, which
was made IN 1857, expires on the lat
OF January next The present rate OF postage Is
thirty cents for half letters to France while
It Is only ten cents to Germany and twelve
cents 10 England. All the European Powers
are anxious TO have the United states
break OF ts postal relations with France,
80 that the rates OF that nation may be generally
reduced. Thus far all other nations have been
unable to negotiate postal treaty with France
at reasonable rates, and they think If the
United States succeeds In It's efforts they viii
all benefit by 1t. Senator Ramsey's proposition
was ten cents for half ounce letters, each
country 10 collect on It's own side, and
he was willing to concede twelve cents, but the
French would not hear to this Ramsey's. IL ap-
pears, is not the first failure. Some time ago Mr..
Kasson, OF Iowa, was sent for the same pur-
pose and failed 1t is thought that the incon-
yeniences arising from the expiration OF the present
treaty will bring the French ocals 10 their senses
Conflict OF Authority Between the Diplomatic
and Naval Corps.
The investigation of the Sub Committee on Foreign
Affairs into the Paraguayan matters mas is said,
developed the fact OF long standing difference be-
volving the question OF ultimate authority. The
committee have accordingly resolved to summon
before them Wee Admiral Porter and second AS
sstant Secretary OF State Hunter TO give testimony
each branch OF the question to the theory and
practice OF diplomatic representatives and
naval officers in the discharge Of their oficial
conduct while IN foreign ports. The ex-
animation concerns the charge that naval
oficers have acted independently or or have
not consulted the views OF our diplomatic repre-
sentative in important public matters, which
should cooperation or unity Of action.
The investigation VIII, it is thought, lead to such
denniuve regulations as Will insure this desirable
object
The Darien Ship Canal
The Secretary OF the Navy has detached the
United Stated steamer Npsic, Commander Selfridge,
to superntend the survey OF the most direct route
across the Isthmus Of Daren for the proposed ship
canal provided for by the treaty between the United
States and the Colombian government The Nipsic
will sale at an early day for Panama. The govern
ment is determined TO commence this work at once
and to prosecute it with vigor In accord
ance with the terms of the treaty the
expense OF surveys and location, as well as the
construction OF the canal are TO be borne by the
United States. In consideration or thus our govern
is to have exclusive control OF the canal 1t is
said that an effort has been made OF late by England
10 get some concessions out OF the Colombian gov
eminent, whereby the English would be entitled to
certain privileges similar TO those enjoyed by the
United States, but the terms OF the Darien Ship
Canal treaty are such that no SUCH proposition
could be entertained by the government OF Colon
bia. IL is the determination OF our government 10
have sole control OF the canal and it is expected
that considerable progress viii be made this winter
towards completing the surveys and commencing
the work OF excavation
Statistics OF shipbuiiding.
The Secretary Of State has informed Hon. John
Lyncn, Chairman OF the Special Committee on
Navigation Interest, that he has instructed all our
consuls, including those in the Canadian Dominion,
to collect and furnish the committee with the infor-
nation desired by them relative TO shipbuiiaing in
the countries where they are located
United States supreme Court.
No opinions were delivered in the Supreme
Court to-day. Several cases were argued, includ-
ing the steamer Baltimore, the New York and
Washington Steamship Company, plaintiff, vs. the
owners OF the schooner J. w. woosteen. This was
a OF collision. James Hickman, plaintiff in
error, Belts and others. Hickman, q citizen
OF Alabama, sued the officers OF the court and
Grand Jury OF his county to recover
damages for arrest and Imprisonment re-
sultiDg from an Indictment found against him
for treason against the Confederate government
the claim being they were personally liable for
wrong done, the authority OF the Confederate States
being Justification for the injury sustained. The
verdict below under Instructions to the Jury. was
for the defendant. From this an appeal is taken.
The PresIdenps New Private Secretary.
The President has promoted Robert NJ. Douglas,
son Of the late Senator Douglas, to be his private
secretary, James I. Ely, of Illinois, taking Douglas
former position as assistant private secretary.
These changes do not affect General Porters I'm
portant position or Official relations at the Execu
tive Mansion.
Condition of the National Banks.
The following Is an abstract OF the reports made
to the Comptroller Of the Currency, showing the
condition OF the national banks OF the United States
and Territories at the close OF business the 9th OF
October 1867
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $3.50, 517, Tgs
OVerdraIts 3,3oo3lZ
United States bonds 10 circulation $3.50 4Se 100
United States bonds TO secure deposits. lS 704 600
United States bonds and securis on hand 903 $50
Other stocks. bonds and mortgages. o. 25O6QT