Newspaper of Evening Star, February 20, 1855, Page 2

KVENING STAK. * i,TON OlTY TUESDAY A*Th&P'*01l February 20 r?7"The laige an J oonvenient dwelling on the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Eleventh street is for rent. Posses sion given immediately. For terms ap? ply at the Star offiee. bllfi.II OF THE MOUSING PRESS The igenccr% commenting on the veto, says: " However valid this argument might be iur a member of either House of Congress in voting against the bill, It is not of itself suf ficient to justify the iDterposition of the ve?o by the President It does not belong to the class of cases in the contemplation of the Con stitution when it clothed the President with the veto power. Ihis is a distinction which we have employed the labor of years in vain to establish, if it be not familiar to the regular readers of our journal. The exercise of the teto in such cases to nullify the public we conceive to be a stretch of the power whicti has impelled u? so long and so earnestly to advocate its modification and abridgement if not its entire abrogation. This high preroga tive was designed, a.) every body knows, as the extreme medicine of the Constitution, to be administered only in extreme cases; but it has become its daily food, and. being per verted from ita original and wholesome pur pose, the natural and proper working of our political system demand that more precise limitations be set to the application of the power. As at present exercised the veto power 'jan anoma y in our republican Constitu tion." The Union also commenting on the mcs {age, says "In the execution of his duty, if his inves tigation into the merits of the claims had fail ed to satisfy his mind as to tbeir injustice, we doubt not that he would have cheerfully and gladly shown his deference to the two houses by approving the bill. But when this investi gation left his mind without doubt as to the invalidity of the claims, he felt himself con. strained as absolutely to withh.ld his appro val from the bill as he would have doae if he had become satisfied that its provisions were uuconstitutional. Neither in the constiution nor in the precedents of the several Execu tives is there to be found any settled and de fined rule for the exercise of the veto. Most men now agree that when the President be lieves a measure unconstitutional, it is his du ty to withhold his signature; even this rule has not always been acquiesced in as proper, | though it is now tha settled popular senti ment. The constitution, howo.er, prescribes no such rule, that instrument declares that "if the President approve a bill, he shall sign it; if he do not approve, he thall return it with his objections " It does not distinguish be tween objections for unconstitutionality and those for inexpediency. Missouri Usitjcd States Senator.?The Legislatare of Missouri, in joint convention of the two Ilou333, having oallotted more than forty times for a United States Senator, in the place of Gen. Atchinaon, Nebraska Democrat, whose term of service expires on the 4th of next month, adjourned the convention on the 3d in<t, by a vote of s& to 63, until called to gether by concurrent resolution." It is doubt ful if any further proceedings will be had on the subject at the present session. The result of the latest balloting* were about as follows: Atchin-on b'i : Doniphan. (Whig) 57 ; Benton, (Bentonite) 37. In the course of the discus sion which ensued in the indefinite postpone ment. Col Doniphan declared that "on the subject of the principle involved in the Kan sas-Nebraska bill, he and Gen. Atchinson ?precisely agreudV Benton too. has declared himself opposed to its repeal. This rhows a regular unanimiy on this subject in Missouri. r*l. KhOMAI.. .... Barnum is about bringing out another moral drama It is called "The Reformed Murderer, or the Grateful Assassin." .... Wm. Rice, Etq., proprietor of the Phil adelphia Pennsylvanian. appropriated the re ceipts ($150; of one day s advertising, last week, for the relief of the poor. .... George Sanders, ex-Consul to London, is in this ci'y, sU pping at the National Hotel. Col. Kinney is also at the National. .... Hon J C. Breckinridge is announced in the Lexington Ky .) papers as a candidate for re election Without j retending to know Mr. B.'s feelings cn the subject, we hardly tnink he will con ent to ba a candidate for re election. TLe A-hlatd (lireckiniidge s) dis trict has b*eti so altered by the Legislature, as to mt-ke the opposition vote some 2,000 stronger than it was at the time of his elec tion There ii therefore but little hope of hit being ret urued to his teat in Congre?s, upjn which he has rtfl^cted io much credit. ....The New York Journal of Commerce says: -'A stoim will be raised against the Precident on account of his \eto, though no one can doubt that it is in pursuance of his eon-cious convictions of duty. He has besn uniformly and decidedly keitile to the recog nition of these claims, and it could not be ex pectei (hat he would now undertake to say that they are valid claims against the Govern ment, and to adsit that he and those witn whom he acted had for so many years, denied justice to the claimants " ....General Pucz,theex President of Vene tuela has written a letter from New York to the London 'Jimea, ctleritg some suggestions, derived mm his own experience as an officer in the war for South American Independence, respecting the be-t method of equiping light cavalry In conclusioir he ofiers his own ser vices: "I am now iesidiigin NewYoik, (he says) and would be n.ost happy to cross over to England to aid in any manner in the equip ment of some efltctive cavalry for the fortn eomrg campaign in the Crimea It would afford me much gratification oould i be the means of savitg some thousands of fine En glish horsts. at well as the lives and leather of the men I need not say that, as a South American Republican 1 Lave a great detesta tion of Nicholas .... In the marine court of New York, on Saturday. Mr. Harper, one of the proprietors of the 'limes newspaper, appeared to answer a contempt of court, embodied in an article re flecting upon the character of one of the judges ILe defence was that the article was published without the knowledge or consent of editors or proprietors. A postponement of proceedings was asked for and granted, on ac count of tLe absence of Mr. Raymond, editor, (and Lieutenant Governor of the Stated a; Albany ..... It was old Jedediah Morse. D D , who deecrlbed Albany as a "city with 1,500 houses, and 6 000 inhabitants, all with their gable ends to the street. ' .... The Baltimore papers, of all parties speak of their representatives in Congress in flattering terms lhe American of this morn ing says -On the recent passage by the Senate of the bill making an appropriation for the improve ment of the Patapaco river, we spoke in terms of commendation of the exertions made by Senators Pratt and Pearoe, and which were so essentially serviceable in securing the favo rable action of the Senate It is due to justice that a similar acknowledgment shoald be made of the position which oar city members, Hon. Messrs. May end Yansant, have occupied in relation to the subject." |7"Maryland has the heaviest debt in pro. portion to population, of any State in the I'nion It exceed* fifteen millions to a popu lation of five h ondred and eighty two thous and bond and free WAHOTOTO* 1VKW9 AKD OOMIP. ?? e took occasion not long since to urg. on Congress tb. propri.tj of rolming tb?bunaen iolerw;, ?f lh, ?anlrj inTol?d in the woollen trade, by>? repeal of the pro tection to the wool growers eaibraoed. to that especial end, in the tariff of 1R|6. We did so, because satisfied that the wolien goods (do mestic trade of the Lnited States is now in a w?rse condition through this tax resting on it, than any other branch of American commerce whatever, there being at this time hardly a single manufactory of goods made of common wools in operation in the United State*. We did it, became we want cheaper coar e woollen clothing and low priced carpets. We did it. because the American wool growing interest is now unanimously in favor of the abandon ment of the experiment of fostering the pro duction of coar?e wools in the United States, by keeping up a provision in our laws, that operates in the na'ure of a prohibition of the importation ol such wools as are required in the manufacture of coarso woollen gooda of all descriptions in the United Siates We were further induced to do so, by the fact that the promised result of taxing the importation of coarse wools haa p:oved an utter failure, the increase in their home production being most insignificant, our farmers very properly preferring to grow the finer descriptions. We may also add that the duty accruing from the existing tax on coarse wools is but nominal. The Secretary of the Treasury, acoording to his last annual report, shows that the idea of taxing it longer, is indeed little more than sacrificing the essence of a great principle to its shadow. We are for free trade?entire free trade Could we make the laws, there would not be a custom house in the United States at the end of ten jears We are for encouraging, and, if po^ible, enabling the American wool manufacturing interest to oom pete with the British in supplying foreign market*, as the cotton goods, hats, shoes, wooden ware, lnuia rubber goods, and a dozen othor leading manufacturing interests of our country now do. All thosegreat interests have become convert* to the better economy of the polioy ?f entire freo trade, and we desire that the most important coarse woollen goods in terest of American commerce shall speedily be induced to take its stand side by side with the others we mention above, by wise aDd liberal legislation on the part of Congress. The New \ork Journal of Comm^rc<ft al ways the far-seeing, firm and consistent advo cate of free trade, in it. issue of Saturday sajg on this subject: >1\Vocl. We have heretofore advocated the repeal of all duty upon wool as a measure demanded by the interests of both the wool grower and the woolen manafacturer Our articles upon this subject have been widelv copied, and with scarcely an exceptien, the proposition has been approved by the public press in all sections of the country In the iariff Bill, reported by Mr. Houston, Chair man of the Committee of Ways and Means, the principle was virtually admitted, all foreign wools being placed in a schedule at a rate of duty nearly nominal Thar bill, however proposed such radical changes in other respects thai there appears to bo little chance forits sucoess during the brief portion of the session now remaining, and unless some simpler action is proposed, there is danger that the important measure of admitting raw materials duty free, will be postponed for another year If this measure were oneof doubtful advantage or Uta generally approved by public opinion in all parts of the country, there might bo some ex cuae for further delay; but as the case now stands, we do not see why it may not be em bodied in a single enactment, and receive the approbation ot Congress before the session cloaea. It has been cordially reeommended by the Secretary of the Treasury twoyears in succession; It has teen advoeated by the lead ing organs of the Protectionists, especially by those whoae circulation is greatest in aKrioul tural districts; it has been cordially commend ed by the friends and exponents of the Free Traje policy: and letters from leading wo>l growers have begged it as a remedy lor the evils they have so long experienced. In an other column we print a letter from a wool grower in W aahington county, Pennsylvania, where some ot the best wool is raised which is to be found in the whole country. If this measure can be consummated at ttie present session of Gongre.-s more real good will be done to tho manufacturing interest than bv a;' the -Protection afforded them since tho for mation of the Government; while such an im pulse will bo giren to the home demand for Ww- L Lhat 'k.? rM'd fluctuations in price which have ruinei so many in thia trade, will bo no longer experienced " The Pacific Bailroad ?The country will be taken by surprise bj ;Le complete success of Senator Gwin:s Pacific railroad bill, yesterday in the body of which ihat gentleman ia a member. It was entirely unlooked for, and forma a marked anomaly in the history of con gressional legislation, inasmuch as never be fore did a measure of so great national im? pcrtance, aud one in which ao many diverse political and sectional interests wer? involved. pas8 either house of Congress in ao short a time after it was taken up. Its pesjage, under the circumstances, affords the oompleteat demon stration of the effect of the person-1 influence of its energetic and sagacious author upon hia senatorial compeers?as to that element, for the most part, is its success attributable by all in Washington Contrary to our expectation, expressed a few weeks since, it stands a fair chance of enact ment by the House, also, ere the session closes. Yet, as we do presume that those who are op posed to authoruing the formal initiation of any Pacific railroad scheme at this time under Government auspices will aurely reaort to all poeaible legislative expedients for ita defeat, we believe that its final triumph will require the active exertiona of Dr. Gwin next winter, aa he alone, of all the public men of the day, we know, has " grit enough in him to puah through ao vaat a project. Tho Buaineaa of the Patent Office One effect of the admirable and ao aatisfactory management of tbe branch of the Govern ment a affairs entrusted to Judge Mason, Com misaioner ol Patenta, har been greatly te in crease the businesa of liia bureau; inventors and improvers evincing an increased diapo aitien to apply to it, than when ita affaira were conducted in a less businesa like matter. Other cauaea, among them being the constant pres. sure of all things American on the march of progress, have also eonapired greatly to in ereaae the d?inanda on the labora of those en gaged at tbe Patent Oflice. The force of ex aminera now allowed by law provea, aa aeon sequence, to be already much too small for the economical and buainesa-like discharge of the duties devolving upon it. In hia annual report, now in the hands of the printer, the Commiasioner appeala to Congreea to remedy thia evil, aaying: " Among theae may be reckoned, in the Drat instance, an iacreaae of aalary to aome of the eiauiinera In the report for last year it was atated that the examining force had been augmented by placing an additional clerk in eacn ot tbo examining rooma aa a aecond aa a.atant examiner The diapatch of buaineea in theofliee waa much facilitated by thia arrange men:, which was, however, found inadequate to the rapid inert*** io the number of appli cations. It wai therefore thought expedient to plaoe several of the assistant examiners in charge of datiea which had previously been entrusted only to the principal examiners Accordingly, on the firrft of April last, five of w eXMoin?" were each entrusted with the oharge of an independent examining ? 80 for nine months of the past year there has been eleven separate and inde pendent examining rooms, with each an act ing principal and assistant examiner These assistant examiners, who have thns been per forming the duties of principals, and the clerks of the second class who have been act ing as assistant examiners, seem to hare juit claims to be plaoed on a footing of equality, as to compensation, with others who are perform ing the same duties and are subject to the same responsibilities The necessary exam inations cannot be made with proper prompt ness with a less force than ten principal and as many assistant examiners; and should the business of the offico continue increasing aa it row promises, before the end of the present year we shall need twelvr. of each class of ex aminers The number should therefore, I think, be increased to that extent at once, or power given to the Commissioner so to increase it soon as occasion requires. " The business of the Patent Office progresses or lingera in precise proportion to the efficiency of the examining corps; and the increased ex pense of supplying a few additional examiners is trifling in comparison with the advantages of having the business of examination di* patched in a few days after the application is made, instead of obliging the applicant to wait as many months for that purpose." The Emigrant Passenger Ship Question ? It soems likoly that after all the time and labor expendod by the commerce committees of both Houses of Congrosa, the Secretary of the Treasury, the chambers of commerce of various commercial cities, and a large numbor of the leading ship owners of the country, the proposed reform of the laws regulating the shipping engaged iu transporting passengers to our shores, is not to be consummated at this session, though all the parties interested whom we have named above, have agreed to adopt and urge the enactment of a common bill. That is, there is no question as to what reforms shall be made: inasmuch as all the commer cial men interested, as well as both commerce committees of Congress adopt the bill pre pared by the Secretary of the Treasury, which is the result of years of investigation by offi cers of the Treasury Department. It seem3 that Mr. Senator Fish has a pet scheme to the same end, of his own framing; and being absent at Havana?whither he has gone for his health-^he claims the senatorial privilege of delaying this branch of the public business until he returns The country may not know that what is termed 14 senatorial comity"' at times works such grievous injuries to the public interest. The idea of delaying the consummation of a matter of prime public importance for a year, becauso a single Senator who takes in t rest in it is absent from Washington, will strike the country with alarm ; inasmuch as it smacks of the indirect growth of " privilege,'' unknown, certainly, to the tlieory of the Amer ican Constitution. 'Ihe result of the matter as it no* stands, seems to us likely to be, that, for a year longer, we shall have paupars and criminals brought in upon us by thousands, and emigrants mur dered by wholesale through improper aecom mod at ions on ship board, only because a sin- [ gle honorable Senator finds it necessary to be absent from Washington at this time; there be- j ing not the lea6t difference of opinion as to i the particular legislation necessary to cure the ' evils to be eradicated, between the officers of the Government and the committees of Con gress charged with the matter, on the one side, and the commercial interest of the oountryon the other. List of Pateata issued from the Unitsd SUtas Patent Office for the week ending Feb- j ruary 20, 1855?each bearing that date : A B. Child* A Henry W. Dickinson, of Ro chester, N Y.?For machine for feeding pa per to printing presses Edwin A Forbush, of Ashland, Mass ?For improvement in sewing machines Lred. Dentsler. of New York, N Y ?For improvement in bank locks. Geo. B. Clarke, of Leonardsville, N. Y ? For improvement in chimney safes Geo Diane hard, of Washington, D. C?For ' improvement in life saving rafts Levi Bissel, of New York, N. Y.?For im provement in metallic springs. Ante dated August 20, 1854. James II. Bennett, of Bennington, Vt ?For improvement in straw flutters Chas R Barnes, of Oswego, N Y ?For im proved mil! stone dress for hulling rice. Yarnall Baily, of West Chester, Pa ?For improvement in fluid burners. Samuel II. Noble, of Westfield, Mass.?For improvement in screw wrenches. John S. Keith and John Brooks, of Canton, Mass.?For improved bullet mould. George P Ketoham. of Bedford. Ind ?For method of driving pairs of reciprocating saws. Gustavua Hammer, of Cincinnati, Ohio.?For improvement in pump valves. Charles C Hall, of Portland Me ?For im provement in the preparation of paper from resinous barks Dauiel Haldeman,of Morgantown, Va.?For improvement in harrowa. Joel Hastings, James Ramsay, and Henry G Chamberlain, of St. Johnsbury, Vt ?For machine for cutting tenons Joa. G. Goshnn and Saml. M Eby, of Shir leysburg, Pa ?For preparation of maiie le.if, as a substitute for tobacco Samuel Wetherill, of Bethlehem, Pa?For improvement in apparatus for separating ainc white. Carrington Wilson, of New York N. Y ? For improved griddle. Thomas Tripp, of Sandy Creek, N. Y.-For water wheel. Geo. N. Todd, of Dundaff, Pa.?For self regulating water gates Samuel lag<art, of Indianapolis, Ind.?For imp-ovement in feeding flour bolts. Wm. Stephens, of Richmond, Ind ?For im proved slide-rest for lathes. Samuel R. Smith and Elijah Cowles, of Iladley, Mass.?For machine for cutting wood into slivers. m Sage,of Durham, Conn.?For improved air heater. N. C. Sanford, of Meriden, Conn.?For im proved skates Jonathan A. Bobbins, of Popliu, N. H ? lor improvement in band cultivator Jacob Pierson, of Alexandria, Va.?For machine for manufacturing hoops. Doston. Mass , assignor to himself aud Thomas Stoddard, of same place. l?or improvement in carriage windows. Chas. W. Brown, of Boston, Mass , assignor to Geo W. Banker and Geo. 0. Carpenter.? ror improvement in paint mill. dksions. S W.Gibbs, of Albany. N. Y , assignor to North, Chase <t North, of Philadelphia ?For design for stoves. Ihe same, assignor to same?For design for cooking stoves The Current Operation! of the Treasury Department ?On yesterday, the 19th of Feb., there were of Treasury Warrants entered on the books of the Department ? For the redemption of stock $16,609 36 For the Customs 9 802 90 For covering into the Treasury from customs 1,426,023 46 For oo?eringinto the Treasury from miscellaneous sources 232,614 17 Covered into the Treasury from Lands 46,588 70 For the War Department 10,916 22 For the Navy Department. 19,806 17 For the Intei ior Department 17,43172 CONORBMIOV4I.. Ia the Senate, yesterday, after we went to presa, the Pacifio Rail Road bill, of Mr. Gwin, was discussed by Messrs Fessenden, CI a j ton, Butler, Geyer, Pearoe, Mason, Wells, Evans, Gwtn, Rusk, Seward, Chase. Bell and Toucey, when it was passed?yeas 24, nays 21?as fol lows: Yeas-Mesars Badger. Bell. Benjamin, Dodge of Wuoonsin, Dodge of Iowa, Douglas. Foot, Gillette, Gwin, Haulin, J^mes, Johnson, I Jones of Iowa, Jones of Tenneesee, Morton,' Rusk, Sebastian. Seward, Shields, Slidell, Stuart. Toucey, Wade, and Weller?34 Nays?Messrs Alams Alien Bayard, Brainerd, Brodhead, Brown, Butler, Chase, Clay, Clayton, Dawson. Evan*. Fitxpatrick Geyer, Hunter, Mason. Pearoe, Pratt, Sumner. in< mpsonof Kentucky. and Wells 21. 1 he title of the bill was then amended to read: "Bill to authorise and facilitate the construction of a northern, a southern and a central Pacifio railroid and magnetic telegraph through the terrrories of the United States " After the consideration of executive bmi ness, the Senate adj3urned In the House, they declined to debate the veto; after which the question was put on parsing the said bill over the veto: nod it was not passed?ye&s 113, nays 88?two thirds be ing required A resolution changing the hour of meeting for the balance of the session to II a to wu then adopted The House next went in'o Committee of the H ?u 8tu'19 of the Uoion' <Mr Hibbard in the chair,) wherein the Civil and Diplomatic appropriation bill was discussed on amend adjourned th# Coma,Itt?e rofl# and the House Precftdinya of To-Day. In the 8enate, to day, Mr. Brewu intro d aced a joint resolution to adjourn the body at 12 M , of Saturday, the 3d proximo. Objooted te, and its consideration postponed. 'n.troduoe<1 * *"11 ^ the Hor. Marsh?in payment of extraordinary Gre?ce C 8erV,Ce8 Porforn??d by him in Brodhead presented the petition of the soldiers of the war of 1812 in favor of grant ing bounty lands to them; referred. 8 Mr. Benjamin, rising to a personal explana iHrt'in r*ed th? 8enate against the pro w^ar?i^i'* meeting of New York merchant, wherein the Hon Senator Fish was charged with having practiced daplioitj toward the hipping interest of the United States. Mr. B defended Mr F. at length from that charge. Mr. be ward also defended Mr. F. from the charge in question. ^1 r. Cass, rising to a personal explanation of dTu 'f? ??nate at length upon the points ot diplomatic history in issue between himself ?h.? ? Clarendon, in which he was engaged when we went to press. wa^thi8!?^'?'th? ^8t bu3in?t9 ? order as the lurther consideration of the bill known as ' Bennett's land distribution bill " Th5 hill ! ?? tb? ta^'?~yeas 69, nay.fi7 The bill to prevent frauds under the land E,?tTn?1 bHl f lh# ,48t 4 nays 32 * W&* duly P"^-yeas 91, the Whll!?a8?/uhen went int0 a Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union. (Mr. Hib bard in the Chair,) wherein the civil and dip wr iappropriation bni wa"uken qp> on ?? BALTIMORE rOilBEbPOVDERCE. ll?N^vlry, May?Harbor Appropriations? Baltikork, February 17, 1855. The Baltimore Patriot of to-day very liber ally, and I think very properly, gives the fol lowing appropriate notice of our distinguished representative in Congress, in connection with the river and harbor bill ; " We learn from gentlemen in this city and from other sources entitled to full confidence, that our Representative, Hon. llen-y May, took an active and efficient part in securing the appropriation for the harbor of Baltimore His efforts hsve been confined to labors which do not appear upon the public rtcord, except hvThlm as^C8"lts ?ay ha? facilitated by them. lie has devotel much time, labor, and considerable expense to the procuring ot tacts, statistics, public documents, Ac., from our merchants ani from others, and from Gov ernment archives Ibis information was freely and liberally communicated, while the bill was pending m the Senate, to those aciine in .? b.Ulf th.r. The w.aaur, i.on.of public interest, free from partisan considera tions, and it is but just that those who have aided in its success should have dte credit Pratt f,C.lTd-,t-i!id,,ie- l0.tMefl8" Poarce and .h i m i 'ndeiat,S?bl? exertions to pass thw bill through the Senate. We hope when it comes before the Uouae Mr. May will show himself as efficient in that body " The above does not, perhaj.s, tell quite all It is said that rainy of the facts set forth by Mr. Pearce :n his able and most excellent speech, made recently upon the subject, wore obtained through the exertion! of Mr. May It was. of course, within the power of our dis tingui.hed benator to have procured all reoui tv?M LmatT; but b?in8 already collated b) Mr. May, his generosity in placing them Whn^h- . ,8lhi?hlJ commendable. Y, hen thu important subject comes up for dip. cussion in the Housa I have no doubt our able representatives will do it full justice It is a matter independent of political or partizan considerations, and one of vital moment to the commerce of Baltimore. The new post-office and United States court building absorbs considerable attention amongst our citizens. Several projects with regard to a location have already been discussed Some have suggested the lot upon which stands the eld First Presbyterian Church, corner of i ayette and North street*, as a desirable site Others, in the up-town interest, designate the A ? t(*ulir?' corn?r of Charles aDd ^thlt tfr!! likewise been suggest ed that the Government join the city in erect ing a splendid city hall, post-offioe and oourt room on the lot bounded by North, Holliday. I Payette, and Lexington streets, already owni by the Corporation A preponderance of sentiment amongst the mercantile and business community favors purchasing from the Merchant*' Exchange Company that part of the building, not ar ready owned by the Government, but already occupied as a post office. This is central ample, and abundantly large, which, by al' terations, at comparatively moderate expense, could be made suitable for all desirable pur Enf!v f aV0 D0 doub*the Proprietors would sen at a fair compensation. The Exohauge building covers a large space, i? u wge? ?nd one of the b??t and most durably built hou?es in Baltimore, the build ing. leaving out the valuable lot on which it it erected, I am informed, cost originally in the neighborhood of $600,000. If it ispur chased by Government, it will not only make the largest and most convenient post office in the Lntted Mates, but will also answer for custom house purposes for a century to come. The oustom house of this port is in one wing of the Exchange building which is now too small for the business of Baltimore, if the whole building is purchased by Government it will answer the wants of the city for post offioes and oustom house purposes when onr population shall have reached 1,000 000 I saw to-day a counterfeit or fraudulent ?50 note altered from a genuine $5, on the Bank of Commerce of this city. It seems to have b?*n passed in Cumberland, Md , and w? l!nt b? mail to this place. The engravimr in ? ??? ? $5 altered to $00, bearing date July 15 \HhA letter A, and No. 1834 \he d^n'oi^! ma,J 60 detected The words fitty dollars and alteration of the numerals seem to have been prepared separately and neatly pasted on the note, giving it a appearance and thicker fe9liDg. gAi a thing, however, the fraud is well calculated to deceive, and those not accustomed to handlinJ money frequently would be verv an? ?! ?.?* the note in question without having theTr ^ Picion aroused. Not long a? a ? im ?0U ... diMo?.r?J hF|B.wilDMM ^ ? be?inniD? to move again quite hT^ k .av,g*t,0D has been fully reeomed? the ice haviog left the harbor an/ ba^ The Norfolk and other steamers have maud * their regular triis. Wi are liking forward to an active spring traJe There were salee, to day, of 2.MN) barrels Howard stree* floor at $S 50, and about 3,000 City Mi lie at $S 25, which is the regular price. Money is easier, and ooofidenoe gradually re storing * KoDtaica rFA meeting was held on the 6th ult, by some of the oiticens (K N '?) of Noxubee Co , Miss., in whioh the coarse of one of the Domo cratio (7) U 8 Sec ltors from Mississippi was endorsed. They approve the eourse of Sena tor Adams; deolarethat be will be sustained by the Demoeratio party as well as by the people of Noxubee oounty ,LECTURE.-F. McNERHANY. ESU. _ will <i? . v. r a lecture at Columbia M, Capitol Hill, on THURSDAY EVENING, the *>u Instant at 8 o'clock. Subject: "The I'ulity and Dignitv ?d" Mechanical Labor." The public are invited to attend. Lecture free. feb 20 ? NATIONAL GUAR ., ATTENTION.?You are hereby notified to meet at your armory on THURSDAY MORNING, the22d instant, at o'clock, in lull uniform, for parade. By order of Capt. J. A. Ta?t : feb 2.)--if c. R. BISHOP, O. p. ii if IMON TG< >MER\ GUARDS.? TUe members of the Company are requested to assemble at Hnnnony H til (rear ot Finkinan's Hotel) on WEDNESDAY EVENING, the 2M mat. Punctual ateudance is necessary as htt*iuess of importance will be transacted. Bv order "f Captain Key : feb 20?31* WM O. sum VAN. Sec. LECTURES ON THE IJNIIOLY ALLI ANCE. Mr. W. G. DIX proposes to give four Lectures at CARUSUS SALOON, on the unholy alliance to preserve THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE. Mr. Dix will maintain thai England and Frame are in :? false portion, historical, political, and re ligious, in upholding, by the resources of Christian civilization, the sovereign power of the Sublime Porte. Q Lecture 1st.?On WEDNESDAY EVENING, Feb. 21. The past and psesent relation* of tlu the Christian Powers towards the Mahometan >u pre uacv over Cluistian Dominions. Lecture 2d.?On SATURDAY EVENING. Feb. 24th. Russian expansion to the Mediterraueau The time of tiie remain ins lectures her- at'tcr an nounced. Tickets 2? cents each, for sale at the door. Lecture to begin at 7^ o'clock. feb 19?J\' ( Un ion &. lu lei) A PRESIDENT'S MOUNTED GUARD, at tention !?You ar? hereby ordered to meet at the armory on TUESDAY EVENING, the 20ih instant, at 7 o'clock, with Sabres tor inspection. Every memb? r is t xpected to be present, as an Orderly Sergeant and other non commissioned of ficers are to be elected. By order of Captain Peck : J NO. H. McCUTCHEN, feb ltf?2f Secietary. ^THIRD LECTURE FOR THE ItENE _ til of I he Young Catholics' Friend Sticietv of Georgetown will be delivered by Hon. Joseph R. Ch a ndi.br, of Peiuisv 1 vaiua. at Forrest Hall, Geot'n on THURSDAY EVENING, February 22d, at 7 i< o'clock. Subject: ' ? Washington'a character as an exam ple." Tickets 25 cents?to be had at the Look and drug stores, and at the door of the hall, leb 13?TuThSTuWT N OT1CK.?If any of the heirs of the I te Mrs Elizabeth O. Driscoll, who died in Washing ton D. C., in the spring of 1853, will address RU DOLPH BUCHLY, post paid. Washington, Li. C., they uiay hear of something to their advantage, feb 20?It* rpilE PERSON WHO LOST HIS TRUNK ON a. Saturday niiht l?st, can have it by calling to WM. COLLINS, on F street, between Second and Third streets, English Hill. feb 20- It* THE PERSON PERSON WHO TOOK A Bi.'K 1 Beaver Cloth Surtout, faced witti velvet and blue silk sleeve facing-, on the m^ht of the 19th in stant, from the Soiree at Morrison's, will pl-ase leave the same at Wall fc Stephens', Pa. avenue, between 9ih and loth ?u. If no. done unaiediat* ly proper steps w.ll be laken lor its recov-rv. a? lie is known. 1,-b 2o 2j* 10?T-A LAblES' WATCH AND CHAIN, j plain white face, with "Malford 1 Wendell. Albany," as linkers, inside. A liberal reward will be paid lor its return to Secretary Marcy's, VVrim i.t ___ _ feb 20? 2t SV\ EET CIDER. ETIIERIAL Of . APPLES, Potatoes, Cranb-rrieM, &c.,at the Cheap Gro c ry, corner ??l 9ih and E streets, where the < heaie est l eas in town arc for sale. feb 20?It* - JOS. W. DAVIS. COttllJCSPONDJCBICK* Capitoi., WASiiisorox, D. C., Feb. 17, 1855. J. E. MURDOCH, Esq: Dear Sir: The undersigned admiring Ike abilities that have won tor >ou no bigli a name as an uilistc, and understanding that you are abjut vuitiug this city upon private business acknowledge that it would art'.trd them great plea ure to wit..ess one or more of jour leading personations during vour >i.iy should circumstances permit you to gratify them. Willi great respect, fcc , John It. Thomson, Caleb Lyon, Thomas B. Florence, R \V. Feckham, Geo. W. Jones, Reuben E. Kenton, Joshua Van-ant, VV. R. Smith, Jnuies L. Orr. John W. Forney, and W. S. Ashe, others. A. E. Maxwell, Barncm's Hotki., Baltimore, Ftb 19 Gk.STi.LMEN :?Vour flattering and unexpected favor of yesterday was handed to me last evening. Although my presence in the National Metropolis at this time is, as you seem lo be aware, uncou nected with professional <>bj?cta, yet | was so much impressed wall your kind request, that I have un deriaken to res|?nd to it favorably. Alter ?ome effort, I aui (lad to find that the fitting and adequate professional suj>|??rt niay be obtained iroru the talented theatrical corps now engaged iti thliiuiore, and am thus enabled to inform y iu that "?ball appear one evening dining the present week at the National Theatre in the character of Hamlet. I hanking you tor the very complimentary invita li.*, I rei tain, wnli great respect, your obedient ?er va,,t? JAMES E. MURDOCH. To the Hon. John R. Thomson, Thoi. B. Florence, Jo\haa ransant. and others of U. S. Senate und House of Representative*. feb 20?It B00K80F H0U3E0F REPRESENTAtIVE6 Aw ?0J?BR4*Y "ol'9K ' r REPRESENTATIVES. LARGE number ol Books belonging to the Library of t .e House of Repiesentativea hr.ee been drawn by members and by their orders, and stand clnrgfcd to their accounts on the books of thu omce. It is important lor the preservation of the files t' it they should be returned before the close ot the session. MATTHIAS MARTIN, ? . '??'''rar",n the House of Representatives, fell 20?d2w FOR THE MECHANICS' FAIR AT WASHINGTON tgAjj^^THE THOMAS COLI.YLR WILL IK9tt*iBHBinake regular trips to the above Fair commencing on Tuesday, February 20Ui Boats tare 12^ ceuta tach way. Fare 6Cientrn lake ,r0'" B'iJ 10 lhc U at Leave Alexandua at 6^ p. ui Leave v\ aslungton 10 ^ p. m. ai i ? SAM'L GEDNEY, Captain Alexandria, Va., feb 20?d PREMIUM PIANOS.?We have on exhibition at the Metropolitan Mechauics' Institute four th?5iairCtUl ?*Pre?**<y to our order for Theae Pianos we offer for sale at low rate, and upon exceedingly reasonable terms Also, a superb rosewood Guitar, Tiltnn's patent, which we are engaged in getting up a raffle for. ? JOHN F ELLIS, i- t ? a* betwo?*n 9:h ?nd lOtli su. feb 20 History op the great secession from the Metlnidiai Episcopal (,'hureh in tile year 1S45, by Kev Chas. Ellioi, D D Annual of S<'ientilic Discovery; or Y-ar Book of Facta in Scieuce and Art lor 18G5, b\ D. A. Wells The School of Clui t, or Chnaian ly in its leading Aspects, by Rev A L R. Foote Man and His I.welling Place Historical collections of Louisiana, embracing irans lations of manv rare and valuable documents relating to U?e Natural, Civil, and Political history of that State, by B. F. French-price jy l Lacon ; o , Many Things in Few Words; addressed to Uiose who tbi ^k, by the Rev. C. C. Collon New Book, by the author ol the Morning and Night Watches, t outsteps of St. Paul p AwVr.rn Mlfe *lkd flne &fci?rtmentof Family an I Pocket Bibles just received. 1 ?" 1 febUo_n UKAY k BALLANTYNE, ' ??? Seventl. ,', NATIONAL THEATRE. Leaseo Mr J A Ki Acting A Stage Manager.. Jobs W< Firat appr aranoe of MRS. JMo. WEAVER, The celebrated Comedienne and Vocalist, frn? Bur ton'* Thfitrr, New York. TVCIOAT KVKHIH0, P?k *0, Will l>? presented (tfiird lime) the domestic Drama TRUE SOUTHERN LIFE; OR, UNCLE TO tf AS I1B Is Uncle Tom Mr i. Porter, Gainpiion luir Mr. John Weaver Eva, (Ik flower of ih?* South. . .I.rttle Lout-a Pa fcer rairas or anumaioN. Private Boxe- m no Dmw Circle and Parquette jq Tickets admitting a lady and g**aUem:ui 70 Orchestra Seats 75 Second and Th rd Tier ^ Colored Gallery "...& I k>?m open at 7?<0 commence at 7 k o'clock feb I THE RUSH To the taut Grand Golden Soiree ?f the great MACALLISTER having been still greater than ever, and the d*-ntand ior ticket* being immense, another grand night mill begiven Tt ESDAY, F< bruary 20ih. at < Hid Pel Iowa' Hall. 05 splendid Gifts, inclurfiny mi elegant Watches, va'ue $495, will again be prevented u> the audience. See splendid programme. Ticket* only SO cents?to be had at Gall fc Bro*s Jewelry Store. Pa avenue, where the present* may lie seen; at KTlkwood Ilouae, and < Hid Fellows' Hall, day and evening. Ticketa limited to the size of the hall. Buy in tune or you will agai.i b<- shut out. feb 19?St* Account* with the Ilouae of KoprttmutiVM. Cure's Ornra, February 16,1866 PERSON'S having bi ln or other account* against the House of Repreeeutatives, are respectfully requested to preterit them prior to the 96th instant, so as to aliow time for artion by the Committee on Account" l?"U>re the adjournment. J. W. FORNEY, Clerk House of Repa. United State*, feb 17 dta&h I A NOUVELLE HEMtlSE, edition illuatree par j Johannot, Baron, etc., m pamphlet?price 50 cent*. I-e# C. nteMMona de Rousseau, in pamphlet with many iltuatratiom<. 50 centa Physiologic du Gout, par Briliat Savarin, in para phlet. with many illustration*, price 50 cenu. Imported troui Pari* bv frh 17 FRANK TAYLOR. AMERICAN YEAR BOOK OF FACTS and An nual of Scientific Discover* for 1855. 1 volume 304 pares, $1 20. FRANCK TAYLOR feb 16 A JONAS CHICKERING SECOND-HAND P.* ANO FORTE for sale on rea?onable terms at the Music Depot of II11, BI S fc III I'Z, Star Build "ag*. feb 17 innCOBDS OF PINE AND OAK DEI.IV 1\ f\ ' ered in any part ol tlie city. Pine ft4.75 ? Oakf.r..7S. Order* left with Mr. MrCHESNEY. Feed Store. Seventh rtrect, opposite Mr. Sunnn ri*, Saddler. teb 19?3t 0 1 ( 1 KK W A Rll.-Suppo>e.l to have Ihi-ii H ' stolen, l?ut may have run off, trom the Northern Liberties Market, on Saturday night, a Horse and Wagon. The color of the Uorae wa< grey and bad a short tail, and was about seven years old. I will give the above reward if information 1a left with me near the Congressional Burial Ground, ao I can get them. GORSH KARL, feb 19-3t* PROSPER! S CORNET BAND NO. 7. MR t'REDERU K PROSPERI be^-have 10 in form hi* Ir end* and firmer pau<>n. that U<m baud has been fully re organized and ia r ow under Ins direc-ioa, and be in fully prepared w th a baud 01 the rno-i Scientific Musicians in the city, to fur nish music for Balls, Parties, Parades, Pic Nica, Ei cursioni, fcc., at the shortest notice possible bv ap (dying to FRCliERK K PROSPERI, leader, CHAP. PROSPERI. ( onductor, IIILBUS fc HITZ'S Mu mc Depot, or at PETER TALTAVUL'S, opposite ihe Carrison, Garrison street, Navy Yard. feb 19?3m* TAKE NOTICE. VISITORS aid otters attending the M>-tropoli .an Fair.- I h .ve ju?t brought on troui N. York a laree a??orti>teiit of splendid Diamonds, and a great var.ety of new styles ot neh Jewelry. Also, sou.e very ulterior Watches, which Ibr tni< time cannot be turpassed. 1 have just finished a magnificent Silver Ten Set. that will compare favorably with anything of the kind at the Fair or in America. It is now ready for inspeetion, free of charge to all, at my Store, 4l8 Pa. avenue, between and Ctli street*. fell 17? lw H. <>. HOOD. OFFICIO OF Til IC INSURANCE COMPANY OF NORTH AMERICA, PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY 8, 185:.. STATEMENT OF THK AkSKTI or tbo President tad Dlrcttori #f the Imurtac* Company of Morih America, Fobli>li-d in confornuiy with the provisions of the Act of Aasemblv. MORTGAGES All of which are first Mortgages $3o2,500 0 ? LOAN bonds. ?jIO.OOO Che?apeake and Delaware Canal Company, 6 V par 40,000 00 10,000 Che^.peake and Delaware Canal Conijiany, 1853. 6 87 g,700 lai '2.? .000 Lehigh Coal and Navigation Com . f4"1*'' ** |>ar 95,000 00 1,000 Schuylkill Navigation Couipau\'a Boat Loan, 75 750 tki 10 OKJ Srbuylk II Navigation Company convetable, 1^'rf.tV 75 7,500 ou .i0,00i) Phila. City Lbau ?' par .ri0,000 00 -i5,000 Cincinnati City " par 90 000 lai 19,000 Phila , VVtlminjftiMi and Balnmnre Railroad Co.. 6 V 10.0U0 (Ml C0,0u0 Delaware aud Rariun Canal Com p ay, and the Camden and Am boy Railroad and Tranaportation .. ^ .Co ' 6 ** par 20 .000 00 11,000 Alleghany Cot>nty, 6 V igu^ 11 uoO (?? -i!),0o0 Penn. Railroad C<?., C V* par 90;000 tw STOCKS. 63 &hare& 111 the Gerniant<>wn and Perki omen Turnpike Road C0./1O 3,150 00 54 " Schuylkill Navigation Co. 90 1.0H0 00 ^ " " Preferred, 1859, -i>j 1,060 00 .''?O " Union Canal Co . 1859, 5i 9,500 0U 35 " Cherapeake fc D? la? are Ca nal ?<?mpany, 100 3,500 00 85 " Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company 50 4,950 00 50 ?? Philadelphia Bank, 100 5,000 00 100 ** North Peniaylvama Railroad Company, 50 5,000 00 50 ?' IVnn?y-:vania Railroa 1 Co.50 7,500 00 5 " PhiladelpliKi and Havre de Grace Steam Tow Boat Com P*nV, 50 950 00 '?* Cap.! Henlopen Steamboat c .III pan y, 85 700 01 9 M Phila<lelplna and Savannah Steam Navigation Co., .V.O 1,000 00 2 ?* American Steamship Co, 50J 1^)00 00 MISCELLANEOUS Real Estate, . 22,000 (0 Cash, in Bank and on hand 15,887 00 Votes receivable 191,544 26 Policies, the prem um of which remain unsettled and Cebta due 111 account 73J967 75 9809,179 89 Bv order of the Board: HEtfRY D. SHKRKERD. Secreurv. I1CORPOHATKD IV 1T04. Capital ... $500000! MARINE. FIR*, AND INLAND TRjS\SPORTJTIOS IMVRJISCE. CHARTKUPSRPKTVAL. DIRECTORS. Arthur G. Collin, William WeUb bv/"'1 Francis Hoekins', Edward Smith, H. Ausun Allib-lne, JLJ!A I"W|' William E. Bowenl Sam I P. Smith, James N. Dickson, t harlee Taylor, 8. Wain J^? Mason, i" i#M nN5 . L Harrison, Rich dD Wood, Francis R. Cope. ? ^ Q ARTHUR G. COFFIN, Pieaidaat. Hanar D. DHtatm, Secretary. ?lUlAI, Agent, corner Seventeenth wreet west and New York aVenue. feb 14?eo3.* NOTICE. IRESPEC TEULL Y call the attention of cuetom .7* *nd to mv laree stock of WINDOW SHADES, SHADE TRIMMINGS, fcc.,of every va riety and price, wkich I have just received and will sell at greatly reduced prices. Among ihem are gold and other parlor shade< of the latest patterns and fiueat quality, to which 1 particularly invite ai tenti. n. ?TF. CLARK, __ ^Cpboisterer and paper hanger, No. Pn. av., bet. 19Ui and 13th su 16b 17?.t|*