The New York herald., 1869-01-12

Anniversary Of the Methodist Missionary So
cicty.
The fftieth anniversary Of the Missionary Society
of the Methodist Episcopal Church was celebrated
here to-day. The platform was occupied, among
others, by Bishops James and Jones. Rev. DR.. Har-
r one Of the secretaries last year. stated that the
contributions amounted to $614 1877 and the year be-
fore 70 $3.50, $40. He gave the aggregate contribu
tion Of each of the i've decades which amounted to
$685. s77 10. The Board had applied all the money
10 the work o rule, but during the war did not en-
large the amount and the missions stood at the
close OF the war as they had at the beginning and
OF the close there was Q surplus Of $4s0,ooo When
the General Committee met In 1868 they were
In debt and the general appropriations were
larger. They are now In debt q little over
sIO0000-a loan on which interest is being
paid. Bishop James, Rev. Dr. Chapman, of fremont
church, Boston; Rev. DR.. Hare and Judge Reynolds,
OF New York. delivered addresses. The subscrip-
tions in all the Methodist churches here yesterday
were liberal in aid Of the missions.
TrcasonabIe Text Books i'm Public Schools.
The resolutions introduced by representative Cor
ley, Of South Carolina to-day, instructs the Com
mttee on Education and Labor 70 consider the
dangers which environ the future peace and safety
OF the public through the introduction OF disloyal
and reasonable text books and other publications
into the public schools OF the nation, and the ex-
pediency OF providing some protection against the
injurious influence Of such publications.
National Bricklaycrs' Union Convention.
The National Bricklayers' Union commenced its
session day at Odd Fellows Hail. The attendance
OF delegates Ia large there being representatives
from nearly ALI Of the associations in the United
States embraced within the Jurisdiction OF the Union
The Conservatory at the White House.
Scarcely day passes that there are not number OF
at the White House to see the conservatory. A few
days since the announcement was made by the ladies
OF the Executive Mansion mat In order to accommo
date all visitorsI the conservatory would be open
TO the public on Friday afternoons ct one O'Clock.
Medical Rank In the Navy.
The bill introduced In the Senate to-day BY Sena
tor Anthony In relation to the medical star OF the
navy differs from the one laid on the table In the
House IN the particulars that It does not seek to In
crease the pay or authority OF the Medical Depart
ment in the navy, and only aims to secure by law
the rank now given to the medical stan by reguIa
ton.
Tho Niagara ship Canal Bill.
Representative Van Horns Niagara Falls ship
Canal bill comes up tomorrow after the morning
hour, when he VIII open the debate.
Baltimore and Potomac Railroad.
The Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Ia now under
contract for grading, and workmcn are engaged
along s entire length. II II expected that the road
viii be completed By the LIST Of January, 1870 This
will anord two lines between the South and
Baltimore.
The Sutro Tunnel scheme Revived.
Mr. Ashley, Of Nevada introduced in the House to-
day bill to aid and ASCERTAIN the value OF public
lands containing mineral lodes. and for the endow-
ment Of the National School Of Mines, which was
referred 10 the Committee on Mines and Mining.
The preamble to the bill states that the Comstock
iodes In Nevada are believed to be inexhaustble
and that many millions Of treasure can be saved
only BY making the proposed sutro tunnel. but A.
this work Ii beyond the means OF private en-.
terprise the bin proposes that the secretary
Of the Treasury shall issue t5o 900 Of six per cent
bonds running thirty years. In order to be secured
against loss the United States Is 70 have the first
mortgage and lien the tunnel and propepty OF the
company. After the completion OF the main tunnel
In connection with other tunnels ninety per cent OF
the money collected from tolls drainage, &C., II to
be paid towards reimbursement. The remaining Ten