NEW YORK.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 11, Issue 824, 5 February 1867, Page 3

NEW YORK.

(From the Special (Correspondence of the " Star and Herald.")

Dec. 9, 1866. Congress met on the 4th inst., and no sooner were its doors opened than the Radical Senators and Representatives commenced an active crusade against the President, and they continue to keep it up with a will, evidently being determined to "rule or ruin." Mr,' Thaddeus Stevens declared that he had been altogether too conservative at the last session, but during the present one he> intended to be decidedly Radical. ', Bills- have been introduced to take away the pardoning power of the President; to' prevent him from making appointments to and removals from' office without the consent of Congress 5 to force the Secretary of 'the Treasury to make weekly sales of gold whether it will be beneficial to the government to do so or not,- and various other bills showing a small and petty spite against the President and MsMministration, altogether unworthy of men claiming to be enlightened statesmen. Senator Sumner by way of a finishing touch has presented a petition, praying that' Hannibal Hamlin might be declared President of the United States, and this instead of being promptly laid on the table was referred' to the Judiciary Committee by the -'-'grave and reverend Senators." So matters go on from day to day, and there is no-telling when the sad and unsettled condition' of our country is 'to receive the attention which it deserves, from those who ought to be able to 1 apply the proper remedies for all present ills,' so that the future might look bright and glad and prosperous. But nothing else is thought about but how best to- circumvent the President and his policy. • They would get rid of him if they dared by impeaching him at once, but being rather afraid to do this, they are determined to reduce him to the position of a mere clerk, making him a perfect cipher so far as the affairs of the government are concerned. They are so afraid of the President that- they have passed a resolution to keep Congress in continuous session. Therefore they will not adjourn on the 4th of March, as has been the custom of the country ever since the government was formed, but keep on "legislating" indefinitely. Heaven help the people ! ' :

The President sent his message into Congress on the 4th inst. He says : —

After a brief interval, the Congress of the United States resumes its annual legislative labors. An all- wise and merciful Prodence has abated the pestilence which visited our shores, leaving its calamitous traces upon so me portions of our country. Peace, order, tranquillity and civil authority have been formally declared to exist throughout the whole of the United States. In all of the States civil authority has superseded the coercion of arms ; and the people, by their voluntary action, are maintaining their governments in full activity and complete operation.

The enforcement of the laws is no longer " obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, "§and the animosities engendered by • the war are rapidly yielJing to the beneficent influences of our free institutions, and to the kindly effects of unrestricted social and commercial intercourse. An entire restoration of fraternal feeling must be the earnest wish of every patriotic heart ; and we will have accomplished our grandest national achievement when, forgetting the sad events of the past, and remembering only their instructive lessons, we resume our onward career as a free, prosperous and united people.

He adheres firmly and closely to his policy for the re-construction • of the Union and urges it with renewed vigor upon the attention of Congress.

He then goes on to say: — "I deem it a subject of profound regret that Congress has thus far failed to admit to seats loyal Senators and Representatives from the other States, whose inhabitants, with those of Tennessee, had engaged in rebellion. Ten States, more than one-fourth of the number, remain without representation. The seats of fifty members of the House and twenty of the Senate are yet vacant, not by their own consent, not by a failure of election, but by the refusal "of Congress to accept their credentials. 'Their admis■siq%it is believe^, would have accomplish-

ed much towards the renewal and strengthening of our relations as one people, and removed serious cause for discontent on the part of the' people of these States. It would have accorded with the great principles enunciated in the Declaration of Independence that no people ought to bear the .burden of taxation, and yet be denied reI presentation. It would have been consistent with the express provisions of the Constitution that each State should have at least ohe Representative, and that no State, without its consent, shall be deprived of equal suffrage in the Senate. These provisions were intended to secure to every State the right of representation in Congress, and so important was it deemed by the framers of the Constitution that the equality of the States shall be preserved in the Senate, that not even by an amendment to the Constitution can any State without its own consent be denied a voice in that branch of the national Legislature. It has been assumed that these States by rebellion became Territories, but all departments of the Government with great distinctness refused to sanction an assumption so incompatible with the nature of our republican system, and the professed objects of the war. Throughout the recent legislation of Congress, the undeniable fact makes itself apparent that these ten political communities are nothing less than States." He then refers to tke legislatiou q€ CJqwgresg and the .proclamations of President Lincoln, continuing as follows ; "In the admission of Senators and Representatives from all of the States there can be no just ground of apprehension that i persons who are disloyal will be clothed with the powers of legislation, for this could not happen when the Constitution and laws are enforced by a faithful and vigilant Congress. Each House is the judge of the returns and qualifications of its own members. A Senator or member may be admitted or rejected or his credentials referred to a proper committee if admitted to a seat. It must be on evidence satisfactory to the House of which he becomes a member, that he possesses the legal and constitutional qualifications. If refused admission and sent to his constituents for want of due allegiance ; they are admonished that none but persons loyal to the United States are allowed in the councils of the nation, and the political power and moral influence of Congress are thus effectively exerted in the interests of loyalty to the Government and fidelity to the Union. Upon this question, so vitally affecting the restoration of the Union and the permanency of our form of government, ray convictions, heretofore expressed, have undergone no change; but, on the contrary, their correctness has been confirmed by time and reflection. If the admission of loyal members to seats in Congress was wise and expedient a year ago, it is no less wise and expedient now ; if, in the exact condition of these States at the present time, it is lawful to exclude them from representation I dp not see that the question will be changed, by the efflux of time. Ten yeai's hence, if these States remain as they are, the right of representation will be no stronger, and the right of exclusion will be no weaker. The Constitution makes it the duty of the President to recommend to the consideration of Congress such measures as he shall deem, expedient. I know of no measures more imperatively demanded by every consideration of national interest, sound policy, and equal justice, than the admission of loyal members from the unrepresented States. It would consummate restoration, renew vigor and stability, remove doubt, induce emigration, and open new fields of enterprise.'' In discussing our foreign relations he says: "It is a subject of congratulation that no foreign combinations against our domestic peace and safety or bur. legitimate influence among the nations, have been formed or attempted. While sentiments of reconciliation, loyalty, and patriotism have increased at home, a more just consideration of our national character and rights has been manifested by foreign nations. With Great Britain, he says, the'progress towards an adjustment of the Alabama claim has been slow, owing in some degree to a change in the British, Ministry, but matters in that regard look favorable. He states that France has not complied with her agreement to take her troops out of Mexico, but has intimated a postponement till spring. This government has remonstrated, but the President says no reply has been received from the Emperor as to what he will do, but a satisfactory adjustment is hoped for. General Sherman has merely gone to Mexico in an advisory capacity to Campbell. The message is silent on the questions of a Mexican protectorate and treaty, &c, and makes no allusion to Maximilian whatever. In concluding the message the President says : " The interests of the nation are best promoted by the revival of fraternal relations, the complete obliteration of our differences, and the inauguration of all the pursuits of peace. Directing our efforts to the early accomplishment of these great ends, let us endeavor to preserve harmony between the co-ordinate departments of the government, that each in its proper sphere may cordially co-operate with the other in securing the maintenance of the Constitution, the preservation of the Union, and the perpetuity of free institutions." The Secretary >of the Tz'easury in his report says that the debt of the country on the 31st of October last was 2,681,636,966 dollars 34c, and he estimates that the receipts for the current fiscal year will exceed the expenditure by the sums of 85,752,853 dollars 63c. The whole question of the reduction of the debt is forcibly argued by the secretary; the subject of specie payment is discussed ; and the followiug suggestions are offered to remedy the mischief caused by the fluctuating basis of values : " First, in compelling the national banks to redeem their notes at the Atlantic cities, or what would be better, at a single city, Second : In a curtailment of the currency to the amount required by legitimate and healthful trade. Third, in a careful revision of the tariff, for the purpose of harmonizing it with our internal taxes, removing the oppressive burdens now imposed upon certain branches of industry, and relieving altogether, or greatly relieving, raw materials from taxes, in order that the product of labor, may be enhanced and production and importation increased. Fourth : In the issue of bonds, payable in not over twenty years, . and bearing interest at the rate of not over five per cent., payable in England or Germany,, to an amount suf•fientto absorb the six per cent., bonds now held in Europe, and to meet the de- :

mands there: for actual and ■"•"■^ijtifflS^^^*^ vestment. Fifth: Inlie^eiia^ia^^|^j|; the Southern States." : •!. ■?■■-■■ He expresses/the opinion |^j^|piißi^^M payments should be resumed as jsai^^^ok first day of July; 1868. v'bf^^waj^p^ of the mint he says :,' The,tptal;yalue;pi£tßeiv^ bullion deposited at the mint and ;;branches ; i: during the fiscal; year was 38,947^1.^6^§,%'--;j. dollars of which 37,223,640 1 7 dollars Vwals. in gold, and ; 1j723,5,16j 71 dollar^ ia silver; i. The report of the Secretary of war sta|es;' that the aggregate strength , of the ; regujUr; - army, on a peace footing, wUI be 54,303 V In addition to the regular troops, wb£se ranks are not yet fully recruited, there is, ; still in service a volunteer force, of, 11,Q43j mostly colored. The Secretary states,t|at, in case of emergency, it would be easy-to raise, organize, and put .in the field an army . of a million of men. ; '„:._ • .; The report of the. Secretary of tho/^ayy shows a total force of 278 vessels, carrying 2,351 guns, of which 115 vessels, carrying 1,029 guns, are in commission. The ; num- : ber ;of seamen in ; service ,is set , down; .at 13,600 men. The secretary recommends the establishment of a navy yard in: the Gulf of Mexico, and of ft depot .for, iron clads at League Island, near Philadelp^hiaThe Postmaster (general report show;?, as usual, an excess of expenditures over j?e» ceipts, and- states that postal, treaties hate Italy and the Empire of Brazil. „,;, ■ A mass welcome was given to ; the Radical ; Members of- Congress on "their return ;.: to Congress on the 4th instant., in whjch was included a procession of white and .colored men and a grand banquet, at which, speeches were made by Speaker Colfax, Thad. Stevens, John W. Forney, Charles Sumner, and several other "stars" in the Radical firmament — all of which were full of bitterness towards the. President. . ."■''** A Washington despatch says that the instructions to Minister Campbell on his 4 e * : parture to assume the duties of United States Minister in Mexico were in effect, that the government of Juarez is recognized " as the only one in that country, that no grant of territory is wanted, and that no concessions in the way of paying the Frenoh debt are expected. The cholera has broken but in the Island of St. Thomas, and the small-pox and yellow fever is also prevailing there. , . . The ship Kate Dyer, from Liverpool, and the steamship Scotland, for Liverpool, collided off Sandy Hook on the 2nd inst. The ship was sunk almost immediately and thirteen lives were lost. The Scotland was run ashore and shortly afterwards became a total loss, all on board of her were ! saved. • .'■■,■.■. -„ , v | The Canadians continue to make preparations for the Fenian raid, which the Ro« -.'"'■. bert's wing of the Brotherhood continue ;;to daily threaten. .-■■'•'. About fifteen pounds of nitro-glycerine exploded in Rochester on the ,sth instant, shaking the buildings in that city on both sides of the river. Fortunately only one man was 'killed and two wounded. Our city election came off on the 4th inst. Richard B. Connally, the democratic candidate for comptroller, was elected by about 2,000 majority. The vote polled was a very small one. The democratic ticket for aldermen and councilmen was also successful. " •- ■■ ..,,-- The steamship Celestial Empire was successfully launched yesterday. She is the second steamer built for the Pacific Mail Steamship Company for their new line, to run between San Francisco, China and Japan. She is the largest merchant vessel ever built, measuring four thousand tona. The Legislatures of the Southern States are generally rejecting the constitutional . amendment. „...„, : . Afire took place in Walker and Canal Streets on the evening of the sth inst., by which two houses were destroyed and five others badly injured. The loss was £250,000 dollars. ; . A Grand Masonic Fair is now in full operation in this city. Its object is to raise funds for erecting a large hall here where all the Lodges can meet, and also to add to the fund, which has been increasing foraeveral years past, for erecting a pleasant and happy home in the interior part of this State for the widows and children of deceased masons, who may have no other home to go to when the father of the household is taken away. The fair is a very fine one, and has been visited by thousands of people. When the hall is built the rent paid for lodge rooms by the various lodges will go towards the support of the Widows and Orphans Asylum. The great suspension bridge over the Ohio River at Cincinnati, which is 2,252 feet long, was opened to pedestrians on Saturday, Dec. 1, with appropriate ceremonies. It is the longest single span bridge in the world, costing £2,000,000. The railway tracks are laid over its span from centre to centre of towers,l,os7 feet. Still later advices from Mexico announce that General Sherman and Minister Campbell have arrived in Vera Cruz, and were receiving every courtesy and respect from the Mexican people, and every kindness and attention from the French authorities. It was reported that the Emperor Maximilian's baggage had been shipped to Austria and that the French troops were being concentrated at one point, preparatory to taking their final departure from the country. There is an evident determination on the part of the radicals to push their reconstruction policy to the point of bringing the States lately in rebellion down to the condition of Territories, and organize them anew into State governments. This may not be accomplished immediately, it is averred, but that the movement will thus end is the, confident opinion of those high in radical position. A bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives granting the right to land a Sub-marine Cable of the Atlantic Telegraph Company. The bill grants this Corporation, organized under the laws of the State of New York, for the purpose ! of establishing telegraphic communications between the United States and other nations, via Bermudas, Azores Islands and Portugal, within the jurisdiction of the United States, for th c period of twenty years —the Company to commence operations in two years and the Government to. have priority of use; ; , The Chamber of Commerce of SanJTrancisco have sent a memorial to. Congress:' in regard to the China mail service;. : They , re-: quest that the contract with the i Paci|Q UMail Company be modified so that twelve ; : trips to China be required .yearly. jnsteas'pjr£p thirteen, and i that;^ si^d^pr^so,oofe^