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CHICAGO TRIBUTE, DAILY, TRI-WEEKLY AND WEEKLY. Office, No. 5X Clarlr Street. treats or tbx Chicago TcnrrxK: Dally, delivered In city, per year. SB.OO, Daily, delivered in chy, porweek .15 JjaHv. to man subscribers. per Tear........ 1.00 pailv. to mall por eixmontlis.. 4.00 Triweekly, per year - •■ • •• • 4.00 Weekly, pin pie subscribed (0 mo s, Jt-CO).. 1.50 •* S copies •... 4.00 * l 5 copies 6.00 “ 1C copies 11,00 « 20 copies, and Ito getter np of club. .20.00 ptr Additions to clubs may be mada at any time at the same rate. &T Money in. Registered Letters may be sent cs at our risk. Addrrss “ CHICAGO TEIBESE,” CUca-o, m. ®jje Eriiune. FRIDAY. DECEMBER 27, 1801. CST* For Auction Sales, Amusements, Wants, For Sale, &c., see Fourth Fage. • THREE EDITIONS OF THE TBI- BINE. Moming Edition, for the mails, with dis patches up to 3 o'clock, a. m. Evening Edition, ai Zp. m, with news by morrting mails and dispatches up to the hour cf issue, for the JVetcß trade of town and country. A ight Edition , at 6p. m., with afternoon dispatches, up to the hour of going to press. Illinois and the entire country have reason to he proud of Gen, Pope, the pres ent commander in Western Missouri, the completeness of whose success is told in this morning"s dispatches. Western Mis souri is now dear of rebels, and we cbaii hear no more of their marauding gangs in the river counties below Lexington. Price sad Rains have fallen hack to Neosho, in the extreme sonthwest. Treason in that quarter is at a discount, just now. CST* Our Cairo correspondent telegraphs a budget of interesting news brought by Iwo gentlemen just arrived from New Or leans. They say that some of the Ship Island troops had landed at Mississippi City, throwing New Orleans into the great est confusion. Black flags were paraded in the streets. Troops were met, at one place 5,000, on the way South from Colum bus. The defences of the city were wholly inadequate. The rebels still regard Co lumbus as the key of the Southern position, but between the extremes of Kentucky and Louisiana their blanket is decidedly too short for them. REASON AND SLIDELL The burden of the news, both foreign and domestic, is Mason and Slidell. If we may judge from the accounts, Europe is as much engrossed and hardly less interested than cur country. England has laid the question before all the great powers, and is said to have received the response from all that the seizure was a violation of the rights of neutrals, France, according to the Paris Fat He, is about to regard the question as her own; and the same authority has it that Napoleon has landed plump in the middle of the Washington cabinet with the query whether the Confederates are 4i belligerents or rebels.” This is wanted to know; and we hope Mr. Seward will give his own countrymen a reply as early as anybody. Gen. Scott’s hasty departure for home occasions as much surprise, and perhaps more comment there than here. All sorts of reasons are given, from the bearing of friendly dispatches to the re verse. The London Times having charged Sir. Seward with an ancient purpose to of fend England, expressed to the Duke of Newcastle at a dinner table in this country, last year, Mr. Thurlow Weed springs to the defence of his old friend, and, as the Times would have it, leaves the case worse tLan he found it by explaining that the threat was only a piece of table talk It is quite likely that England has sent, bv this or acme previous stunner, a fiat demand for the rebel commissioners, and they are evidently waiting, across the water, to know what we propose to do about it. Nor are they idle. England has put 12,000 of her Lest troops on the way to Canada, some 2,000 of whom have arrived at Halifax. Steamers arc being chartered and naval preparations made on a large scale. Thus much from the other side. From this ride, following a "Wall street report that the Commissioners would he fuwarded by the Cunard steamer from Foster., on Wednesday, we have a sensa tion report that the Enropa actually made a slop at Fort Warren on her way down the harbor; but now this is explained by the - statement that she simply dis charged her pilot, and that they are still at Fort Warren. But even if they hare not * been secretly put on their passage to Europe, as there is little reason to think they hare been, it resolves itself into a mere question of time how long Ihcv will remain the guests of Col. Dim mick and the pets of the Boston Jellabys. Air. Hale, of New Hampshire, addressed the Senate, yesterday, in a spirited protest against the surrender. He preferred war, •even with one hand tied, to dishonor. OFS GOVERNMENT FINANCES. Unless the Government has the firmness to expose and punish friends let the blow fall where it may, it will be entirely proper, and savor far more of honest dealing with the people to provide for such expendi tures. If at one end of the fiscal year wc. arc tamely to sit down and know that uncounted millions Lave been squan dered to line tbc pockets of knaves of all ■degrees, it will guard against unpleasant surprises, and cost no more to set aside a sinking fund for the swindlers and thieves. Let us Lave a General Fraud Account gunong the annual Treasury estimates, to be arrived at by a shrewd guess at how much ■of the sums disbursed will probably go to make up private fortunes, and then doubling the figure, for surely no one would have ventured to guess at the amount wc now all too sadly and surely know has been stolen. The amount is sufficient to awaken .grave alarm. It is just now, or should be one cf the prominent questions of our Na tional finances, whether there is no redress for these gigantic peculations, whether a •million or two might be realized by a pro cess of disgorgement enforced upon some of these sharks and leeches who Lave fattened upon the very extremity of the Govern ment, and availed themselves of a period like the present to steal themselves into millionaires. Are none of them to be ex posed ? Washington would be a good place tolKgin with, and a tolerable amount of wroik is cut out at Cairo as already hinted at in our columns, and sustained by what we present elsewhere to-day Or is it possible that the same influences brought to bear to secure fat contracts, constitute a sufficient safeguard for the robbers. What else can we argue from the course of the Government in regard to these monstrous frauds, that thicken upon us wherever in vestigation is turned. 'Winter is now upon ns. It is a season when Hie thrifty farmer, cut off from field operations, is busy in his tool-house, repair ing the implements of his husbandry. It is a work we earnestly commend to this Government. Its tools are certainly in bad -order, as well as odor. Now that our ar mies are in winter quarters, let there be a ' thorough going over and repair of their implements. Let there be a busy time in the Government tool-house. If we have no settled policy of firmness and severe justice for the rebels, we have at least no public reasons wby the great army of scoundrel contractors, and thieves in and cut of departmental shoulder-straps, may not be put to the sword. We hear frequently from Washington, that the army le going into winter quarters, and that running -can St* expected from the army of tho 3 otcmsic until spring opens. We arc. however, assured by a gentleman who*e position and con nect .on witli the Government is each as to give b:m very cnns-ual advantages of information as to what it being done and is to be done, that no stxh Ikvyvht t* (Pertained hv those In command. Neither the Prcndcnt nor Gen. McClellan has any idea of letting the armv settle down to a quiet winter.— V>'w h iugfon I)Uj>atch. Is it act time that tiffs class of dispatches had “ expired by limitation V' In humani ty's came what do these words mean? VOLUME XV. "Winter is upon us, and upon the army of the Potomac. Is the country to be made happy by the assurance that its cherished sons are not in “ winter quarters ?” Snow and sleet and ice are quite too real sngges tiyes of necessities. Is there any particu lar bravery in assuring the people that by military mandate they are disregarded on the Potomac? Dispatches of this kind read well enough when winter was only foreshadowed by the frosts of November, but now it will be better for the country, whose hearts arc largely with the soldiers in these camps, to know that our troops arc being made as comfortable as posable, and we add our own firm convictions when we express the opinion that no very large force of them will go out of sight of the smoke of their camp-fires until spring opens. There was a great fire in Washing ton last evening, by which between two and three hundred horses were burned to death. William Smith O’Brien’s Letter. William Smith O’Brien hon published a let ter on the subject of a war between the Uni ted States and England, and the duty of Irish men in all parts of tbc American Union dur ing such a crisis. The I communication is ad dressed to Secretary Seward, through the Irish journals, and Mr. O’Brien openly avows his opinion that England wishes to extinguish a great commercial rival in this the hour of its home trouble, andfasserts his opinion that she has no more sympathy with the United States than she has for the Chinese Govern ment, the humiliation of both being equally a part of her policy. With a view to her disappointment in this country Mr. O’Brien recommends that every effort should be made by our Government to put an end to the re bellion at the South; and then that America, again united, should take her dangerous and unscrupulous foe in band. Mr. O’Brien shows his fellow countrymen in every portion of America, aye even in the British army on the Canadian frontier, will aid in protecting the asylum of their families, friends and fellow citizens here, if needed, against English as sault. The National Brotherhood of St. Pat rick, at a meeting just held [in Dublin has colled, by resolution, on the Irishmen in America to remember what they “ owe to the Government of the Union,” as well to recol lect what is “ due” from them to England in case of a war. Major McKee Punishes Seccsh. At Jacksonville, on the North Missouri Railroad, near tbe camp of one of the lowa regiments, the rebels a few days since, inforec about 400 strong, tore np the track, destroyed several culverts, cut the telegraph wires and burned some eight or nine cars and a locomo tive. Tbcy piled wood on the locomotive, burned and pitched it down the bank. News was brought to the lowa camp, and Major McKee was sent out with Captain Bredctt’s company and a detachment from Capts. Rock well and Spellman’s companies, in all, eighty men. Some forty men from CoL Foster’s Missouri regiment joined them, making one hundred and twenty men. These put out af ter the rebels in gallant style, came upon them at breakfast, fifty miles down the road, near Sturgeon, and after a sharp little fight, the lop-eared ran in all directions. Says a corres pondenfof the Gate City, of the 23d: The boys returned and had a good break fast ; one finding on a mule a petticoat, sewed up at tbc bottom, and filled with roast chicken, sausage, biscuit and cake. The spoils con sisted of forty-five horses, nine mules, a wairon load blankets, gnns and knives, and seven teen prisoners. Capt. Bredett says he saw ten men dead, but as their wounded were carried ofl* on horses we have no knowledge of the number wounded. No doubt more were killed, but aa the boys were tired oat from their long ride, no search was made. None of our bojs were killed, and but six wounded. All the past season the Government has been tinkering at a rotten bridge across the Potomac, its sore connection with the im mense camps on the other side of the river. For many days, counting the season through, Long Bridge has been impassable to army trains carrying forage and subsistence to the troops, and these hare been the sufferers. Not longer ago than last week, in consequence of lack of facilities in getting across the river, large numbers of the horses and men in the regiments down the river were on short allow ance of food for forty-eight hours. Is not this shiftlessness ? Any private individual having like interests at stake, would hare thrown a wide, firm road-way across the rirer at that point, months ago. But then the same indi vidual, nndera like spur, would have built the double track to Baltimore before midsummer. Had the season been one of active military op erations on the Potomac, there might" liavo been some show of excuse, but lacking this, is it not all to be set down under the plain old term of Sbifllcssncss ? Federal Spies Abroad. The London Observer informs its readers that steps have been taken to put a stop to what it calls “American espionage in Eng land,” —that is to say, the system of sending out detective policemen to watch Southern rebels In English cities aud towns. The edi tor says: ilr. Adam?, the United States Minister in Lon don. is understood ail along to have protested against tbc?e doings, and they appear to hare been carried on through the instrumentality of another ambassador of the United States at a foreign court; but it is expected that the disclosure? that have taken place will have the effect of putting an end to proceedings that have caused so much pub lic outcry and indignation. }3T~ There arc upwards of 450 battalions of Se dentary Militia in the two sections of the Prov ince.—Montreal Pai*r. There will be no doubt, on this side of the line what “ sedentary” troops are. Our people have become entirely familiar with that branch of the military system. The Lacrosse (Wis.) Republican of the 23d learns by an authentic source, from the lumber regions on Black River, that there will not be one-tenth the amount done this year that there was last. It thinks that not over five millions of feet will be put in this winter. gsg" A private letter dated at St. Louis on the 20th, says that “more than sixty thous and inhabitants have left that city within a jear; that an immense number of houses and stores are vacant, and that business, except Government contracts, is at a dead stand.” EgT At the recent matinee of the Germania Band, crowded with the elite of Philadelphia, when the orchestra struck up “ God Save the Queen,” it was drowned out by a thunder storm of hisses. After two trials the Band gave it up. Significant. At Louisville on the 22d and 23d, no less than one hundred and forty-five tons of ammunition was received by the Cincinnati mailboats. On Tuesday the shipping In port at New York had their flags at half mast In token of respect for Prince Albert. Xlic New Tariff Bill. The following is a correct copy of the tariff bill, as passed both Houses: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Represent atives of ike Cuiied- States of America tn Con gress assembled. That, from and after the date of the passage of this act, in lien of the duties heretofore imposed by law on articles hereinafter mentioned, there shall be levied, collected and paid on the goods, wares and merchandise herein enumerated and pro vided for. imported from foreign countries, the following duties and rates of duty, that is to say: jpt—On nil teas, twenty cents per pound. Sd—Coffee, of all kinds, five cents per pound. Sd. On all raw saear commonly callcdSluscorndo or brown sugar, and. on sugars not advanced above No. 12, Dutch standard, by claying, boiling, clari fying, or other process, and on syrup of sugar, or of sugar-cane, and concentrated molasses and concentrated melado, two and a half cents per pound; on white and clayed sugars whenadvanced ccTond the raw state above No. 12, Dutch stand ard, by clarifying or other processes, and yet not refined, three cents per pound; on refined sugars, ■whether loaf, lump or pulverized, five cents per pound; on sugars after being refined, when they are tinctured, colored, or in any other way adulterated, and on sugar candy, eight cent s per pound; on molasses, six cents per gallon; provided that all syrups of sugar or sugar-cane, concentrated molasses, or concentrated melado, entered under the name of molasses, or any other name than syrup of sugar or of eugar-caue, con centrated molasses, or concentrated melado, shall be liable to forfeiture to the United States, and the same shall be forfeited. The London Times says, in an article since the war flurry commenced, that “al though the Federal navy scarcely presents a dozen worthy antagonists, it would be impru dent in the extreme to despise the power of the Americans at sea. We have done this, once, and paid the cost of our thoughtless ness. The Americans will do little, but what little they do they will do well Thcvwill give our heavy squadrons wide berth, and con centrate their efforts on single ships.” IXQO OUR LOUISVTILE LETTER, The Situation in Kentucky—The Grand Army of the Cumberland—Position of our Troops— The Ethel Forces—Matters at Columbtu—Mein foTcements from Manassas, Ac., &e. [Special Correspondence of tbc Chicago Tribune.] Louis tills, Ky., Dec. 23. Thc present position of Gen. McCook’s di vision of the Grand Army of the Cumberland, indicates another long halt During the skir mish between CoL "WlLUch’s force and the Texas Rangers, the main army was engaged in the march from Camp Kevin, on Bacon and Nolin creeks, to Camp Goodwood, in and around Munfordsville. The latter portion is upon the high blufis of Green River on the north side, and the Camp extends from the little village of 60 dwellings, the birthplace of the General from whom the Camp takes its name, north and west along and between the Railroad and the old turnpike which once fur nished a pathway to Nashville. On the right of the Camp and guarding the Railroad bridge .is stationed the 32d Indiana infantry with Capt. Stines Louisville battery near it, while on the opposite shore is the 6th Indiana of CoL Crittenden. In the centre is the brigade of Gen. Johnston, with the loth Illinois guard ing the pontoon bridge erected at the old ferry, a mile up the road from the Railroad bridge now being re-constructed. Beyond, on the brow of tbe hill, to the South of the stream is stationed the pickets of CoL Willlch, still in possession of their lately hotly contested field. Gen. Johnston lately made a rgconnoisauce in force as far as five miles south of the stream, hut saw no enemy. The reported advance of rebels, and their rumored evacuation of Bow ling Green are doubtless equally untru'e, as they are equally improbable. Gen. Johnston returned to camp without having met a foe. A similar rcconnoisancc will he made in a few days, when the bridge is built arid the grand army presses forward. But the crossing of Green River is no holiday trip, and New Tears may, and probably will, catch onr men snor ing on the bluffs of the northern shore. • "While this important position has been as sured by the centre of the army, the left wing has not been idle. A movement has been made south from Columbia, in the direction of Mouticello, the character and force of which I am not at liberty nor am I disposed to reveal The intention is obviously to get into the rear of Gen. Zollicoffer, who, having crossed the Cumberland, has been encamped on the banks of Fishing Creek, 6,000 strong, with a reserve on the southern shore of 2,000 more. On the ISttf last, Gen. Zollicoffer evinced a disposition to retrograde to the southern shore; but Gen, Schoepff, with a de sire to detain him, marched out of Somerset upon him. This compelled the rebel to defer his intended crossing in the face of a strong enemy. Gen. Schoepff is fully able to hold his position if attacked, and will harass him if he attempts to retreat. In fact, it will be im possible for Zollicoffer to cross the river in the face of Gen. Schoepff’s force. This brig ade consists mainly of Ohio troops—the i7tb, 31st ,85th and 38th Ohio infantry, and the Ohio batteries of Capts. Stannard and Hewitt, con sisting of four rifled, four smooth-bore and two Parrott guns of large calibre—with the Ist 'and 2d East Tennessee, composing the brigade. An interesting but brief statement of the operations of the rebels in this State has been given me by a gentleman who has long been a resident at Memphis, where he has resided to protect lus property in the South. He reports the forces of Buckner at different points, Bowling Green, Hopkinsville and Cave City, to aggregate 35,000 men—a large force is also engaged in fortifying strongpositions on the Cumberland. The town of Clarksville is said to be strongly fortified so as to protect it from the approach of gun boats, of which the deni zens of that region have a great terror. At Columbus 15,000 men have been for a month or so engaged in strengthening that already strong position. Large reinforcements have been lately added to the force at this point, as well as at Bowling Green, consisting mainly of the 60-days’ men of Louisiana and Missis sippi, and the drafted militia of Tennessee. There can be no doubt that a strong and de termined stand will be made by the rebels at both of these points. Our troops are bearing upon Bowling Green in three strong forces, and an early reduction of it may be looked for. Mr. Speed, of the Kentucky Legislature, will shortly introduce a bill for tbe confisca tion of all rebel property in this State. The Union men dislike to handle the delicate sub- ject. Tbc sentiment of the people here is adverse to giving up Mason andSUaell. (Ten. Buckner has written to agents here to pay his taxes on certain estates here. There are said to be from ten to twelve con trabands in each regiment of the army in this State. The rebel member of the Kentucky Legis lature, W. H. Barnes, is to be impeached 'Tor treason to the United States, in aiding the re bellion. It is said here that 10,000 rebel troops arc to be sent to Kentucky from the army of the Potomac. The Kentucky Legislature adjourned to-day until the second We’duesday in February. The Frauds at Cairo. • [Cairo Cor. Alton Telegraph Sttb.] In every country, in every war, there arc •three classes of men. One class labors, feeds and clothes the army, and supports the Gov ernment by furnishing means; another class, the soldier, protects the Government and’peo ple, and gives a fair equivalent for the labor of the taxpayer; another and a most detestable class, is those, who like plunderers of a burn ing city, seize upon the misfortunes of their couutiy, to load themselves down wkh ill gollcn wealth. A portion of this latter class has recently come under ray observation, and I propose to make some ot their misdeeds known to the country. You will remember there was some mur muring about the manner in which the con tract for building the gunboats was let. The suspicions then existing have proved more than true. It now turns out that the time limited in the advertisement was only a fraud to keep off honest and fair bids. Any man with liis senses about him knew that it was im possible to complete the gunboats by the tenth of October. Government officers were dis tinctly told so,and were begged to extend the time so that boat-builders could have a chance. That, however, did not suit the purposes of Frank Blair and his friends, Eads <Jc Co. The lime fixed was insisted upon, and mark the re sult. After the contracts were given to Eads & Co., and before a blow was struck,* the time was extended for a longer time than was asked for by other competitors, aud time to finish has been extended repeatedly, and the boats are not yet finished, aud the contractors are subjected to no forfeiture. And aho, the boats have cost $7,000 apiece more than parties at Cairo offered to build them for. Swindlers may dance, but the people must “ pay the fid dler.” It has been a matter of great surprise that the Government has taken no notice of the corruption and rascality which has been prac ticed in the Quartermaster’s department at this post. That it exists no one doubts, for it stalks abroad with unmasked face. It has be come so common here that officers aud sol diers who have anything to do with this department expect to be “ euchred” as a matter of course. When a Quartermaster boasts of having ninety or more mules, eight or ten wagons and piles of lum ber more than he has receipted for, there is little faith to be placed in his honesty. But when mules are sent to the Quartermas ter’s farm it looks like atporiatis, to use no harsher word. Investigations have been had, facts of this character have been reported to headquarters, yet the gentleman holds his com mission undisturbed. By the way, speaking of wagons, puts me in mind of a curious fact coming to my knowledge. I have learned that a gentleman * baa been given a contract and paid a round sum for wagons, who, when the rebellion first broke out, declared that it was a “ black Republican war,” and that any at tempt to “coerce” the South by the Northern army would be met and resisted by sixty thousand Southern Illinoisiahs. His patriotic declaration did not prevent bim from getting a contract from a “ Black Republican Admin istration. Yon have probably seen a statement going the rounds of the papers, about the lumber purchased in Chicago, in which the receipts were presented and signed, for one dollar more on the thousand than was actually paid. It is too true; and similar transactions arc quite frequent. Not less than a million and a half feet of lumber has been usedin making winter quarters for our troops, and you have only to use a little arithmetic, to sec how much the Government has been swindled In this article alone. How long is it to be expected that the people, who furnish the money to carry on this war,and who see enough of such swind ling, will sit quietly by and permit this busi ness to go on! Tlie National WTiat is it? [From the Philadelphia North American, 22d.] At the very time when the people have looked for retrenchment, and the Secretaries of the Treasury, the War and the Navy De partments have - earnestly advised it as re quisite to enable the Government to meet its expenses, the Van Wyck Committee has laid bare the fact that untold sums have been squandered on wretched contracts, illegal and monstrous commissions, and by a thousand other varieties of that genteel robbery which goes by such names as peculation. It seems to us that there is at this crisis another more expressive and far more appropriate designa tion for these that is treason. At Moreuci, Mieh., on the 22 d, a disas trous fire destroyed a large share of the busi ness part of the town. A total loss of over $40,000. CHICAGO, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1861. THE LATEST NEWS BY TELEGRAPH. OUR DIPLOMATIC QUESTIONS. Hostile Attitude of European Gov- ermnents. THEY AGREE TO HAND TOGETHER. What Tidings General Scott Brings Reports that Mason and Slidell Were Secretly Sent Forward on Wednesday. The French Minister and Seward. INTERESTING FOREIGN ADVICES. Betel Troops Going Into Winter Quarters. Xho Troops at Ship Island tafro Mis sissippi City. NEW ORLEANS IN CONFUSION. Black Flags and Black Soldiers. Important Railroad Bridges in Nia sonri burned. GREAT FIRE IN WASHINGTON. Completeness of General Pope’s Success in Western Mssoari. FROM WASHDiGTOX. [Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune/! Washington, Dec. 2G, 1861. Deserters from Centrevillc and the lower Potomac, concur in saying that the rebel army is going into winter quarters, having given up allcxpectatiops of an attack from McClellan before spring. A fortnight since they were expecting him dally. There arc 100,000 men at Centrcville, and the position is thought to be impregnable. There are also thirty-seven thousand below Alexandria. Christmas was celebrated in all the camps, yesterday, with evergreens and grog. The Ellsworth Avengers (New York i±th regiment) had a fantastic procession, each man appear ing in unique and grotesque costume. The Board of Examination is in session daily, and has found numerous cavalry officers incompetent. It has reported their names to the President, who makes the final decision. The Joint Committee of Congress to inves- tigate the conduct of the war, holds daily ses sions. Gen. McDowell appears before them to-day. Generals Heintzelman and Franklin have been examined. Bull Run is understood to be the general subject now undergoing in quiry. Ball’s Bluff will soon follow. Drs. Leon and Marcy (Gen. Marcy’s brother,) arrived here this morning, .having come post haste from New York to attend upon Generals McClellan and Marcy, who have been confined to their beds for sometime. They report their condition favorable, and predict that Gen. McClellan will be in his saddle by Monday at the farthest. Two companies of the Sd cavalry, paroled in Texas, are ordered to guard the lock at the Sault St. Marie canal. The officers and men of Mulligan’s regiment and Marshall’s Illinois cavalry, captured at Lexington and technically discharged in con sequence, have been restored to commissions and pay. The Navy Department hag' received di spatches from Com. Dupont, dated 21st. Davis had returned to Port Royal, having sunk his stone-laden vessels at the en trance of Charleston harbor, and blockaded it. Gen. Hooker tried his ten-pound Parrot gnns in a battery on the lower Potomac, on the rebels opposite, whom they reached. Their dies of warning conid be distinctly heard by our troops. A schooner which came up yesterday had received four shots from the rebel batteries, in its main mast. Letters from Havana state that the rebel steamers Theodora and Isabella were coaling at Nassau, and that our war vessels arc not allowed to coal there. Steps have been taken to institute inquiries into the tact. The Navy Department is receiving every’ week thirty Dahlgrccn of the heaviest ealabre, which arc immediately mounted on new gun boats and other vessels of war. It has been ascertained that the British Iron clad Warrior, the only really dangerous vessel, draws too much water (nearly twenty-eight feet) to enable her to enter New York harbor. Portland and Newport alone she could reach. The allotment bills lately passed by both Houses, provides for the appointment of three Commissioners from each loyal State, to serve without pay, whose duty it shall be to visit the several departments in which volun teers from their respective State maybe, se cure from them allotments of pay to their friends or families, duly certified and attested, upon which the Paymaster sliall at each regu lar payment of the troops, give drafts payable iu New York to the order of the persons to whom such allotments arc nude. In the third section, the lien of sutlers upon soldiers’ pay, and all regulations giving them rights and privileges arc abrogated. Prince Salm-Salm is assigned to the com mand of one of Blenkcr’s Brigades. The Gar ibaldians, who have been doing, picket duty for seventy-nine days, near Aimandale, have returned to Hunter's ChapeL Four large Government stables were burned to-night, and between two and three hundred horses, and a large quantity of groin and hay were consumed. Other horses careered through the streets at top speed, causing .great con sternation in the crowd. The fire is supposed to have been accidentaL A steam ferry boat ran the blockade, last night, and is now at Georgetown. The rebels are believed to have Increased their force at Drainsvlllc to thirteen thousand. Another action is expected soon. Treasury notes dated October first are now ready. Communication is still kept up across the upper Potomac, between the Virginia rebels and their Maryland sympathizers. FROM ST. LOUIS. [Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.] St. Louis, December 2G, XSBI. The Evening Democrat says a Kansas captain, who reached this city on Tuesday, gives us some late information from the headquarters of the rebel army. He was captured some weeks ago by Si. Gordon’s guard, in Platte county, and was taken to Price’s camp, on the Osage. He says that on Thursday last, a panic prevailed in the rebel camp, in consequence of the vigorous movement of Gen. Pope from Scdalia; and that the order was given in the rebel camp to move southward on Friday. Price’s command, which he says' numbers about 10,000 men, had reached Hermansville. At that place he (our informant) was dis charged on parole, and at once mode his way to the north. He says the rebels arc under the impression that Gen. Halleck has project ed on expedition from Eolla to cut off their retreat. The guards at the bridges on the southwest branch of the Pacific Railroad, have been strengthened .by detachments of the Sd Illi nois cavalry and 86th Dlinois from Rolla. Gen. Curtis left this morning forßolla, hav ing been ordered thither by Gen. Halleck. It is authoritatively stated that he is determined to take the field at once. A regiment of cav alry also left to-day. N The 25th Indiana, CoL Jeff. C. Davis, will leave for Scdalia to-morrow morning. Longuemarc, whose arrest was telegraphed Tuesday night, has been committed in default of $25,000 bail. Capt. Hawkins, commanding tm-lndepen dent Missouri Cavalry, arrived a»|*|lot Knob yesterday, from Bella, road be tween tic two posts safe. Hc/gaptured fif teen rebels and two wagon lows of guns bonnd to Price’s army. . Gen. Schofield has left for take command of the State and rebuilding the North Mlssourijiiailroad. A dispatch has been received from the vicini ty of Big Elver bridge, on the Iroji. Mountain railroad, to-day; and apprehending an attack at that point, five companies of rim Uth Wis consin regiment were transferred from Sul phur Springs to the and ajfetblllbn of cavalry sent to Sulphur Springs in case of emergency. i FROM UTEWOBUEAKB. [Special Dispatch to the Chicago 2tibmic.] Caibo, Decerning), 18St Two gentlemen arrived here to-day from New Orleans. One of them says he passed a great many troops at Grand Junction, on their Tray to New Orleans. He says tire mill tia at New Orleans are without arnjy* but they - are smuggling a great many smalPcfims from Havana. Some of Butler’s troopajire report ed to have landed at about sixty miles from New Orleans.' fit made a great scare among them. He says the only currency they have is omnibus tickets and Confederate scrip! There are thirty rifled cannon on the entrenchments two'miles south of the city, and a floating battery of twenty guns in front of the c|ty. The floating battery at Columbus hnfl 20 guns, 18 of which are nine and the two end guns are ten Inch rifled columbiads. One of the party was driven out a mob on last Saturday, for saying he thought the stars and stripes would float over New iOrleans in sixty days. He has been confined for three days at Columbus, and during thafcfime 5,000 troops had left for Bowling Green, and he heard several times that the forlj prisoners taken at the skirmish at Green lUver, were shot, to revenge the death of CoL Terry. He says that Columbus is their great l jope. One of the regiments at New Orleans, ,hfe says, car ries the black flag, and they sty they will neither give nor take quarter. He'says if ever the stars and stripes float over N4w Orleans again they never will be lowered. T .It is a com plete reign of terror. The name’ of my in formant is Joseph B. Hubbard, formerly of Cincinnati FROM CAIRO; [Special Dispatch to the’ Chicago Tribune.] Caieo. December SO, 186 L Gen. Paine has arrived and takes command at Birds Point. \ Gen. Grant leaves in the morning to inspect the troops at Paducah, which have been added to his command. ' / Col. McArthur has taken command of Gen. Paine's division at Paducah. i The contracts for forage for this post have been, awarded as follows: Twelve hundred tons of hay to Harrison Dills, of Quincy, Illi nois; fifty thousand bushels of o Sts to A. A. Arick, of Mcndota, Illinois; tea thousand bushels of corn to Harrison Quincy, Dlinois. . vi Onr troops are all in comfortably quarters, and well clothed and victualed, } FROM QUDiCY; [Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.] Quinct, December 26,1561. The rebel bridge burners arc again at work on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. The train from St. Joseph is detained^o-night ou account o: the partial destruction of the bridge over the Chariton Rircjv about SO miles west from hero. A report frthn some of the officers on the road say it will be In order again to-morrow, but it is considered quite doubtful. The Mississippi is getting very full of ice, so that crossing is now difficult, and travel west may be entirely suspended for some days. TUE PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. "Washing ton. December 26,1561. senate! On motion of Mr. HALF, it was agreed that when the Senate adjourn, to-duy, it be to meet on Monday next; and when it’ meet, on that day, it adjourn again to meet on Thursday next. Several petitions were presented for the lo cation of a National Armory at Rock Island. On motion of Mr. HALF, it was agreed that when the Senate adjonrn, to-day, it be to meet on Monday next; and when it' meet, on that day, it adjonrn again to meet on Thursday next. Mr. GRIMES, of lowa, presented apetitioa from citizens of lowa for the introduction of the Homeopathic system of practice in the army. Messrs. SUMNER and TRUMBULL present ed petitions for thc-emancipation of slaves under the war power. Mr. HALE, of N. H., offered a resolution that the President be requested,, if not incom patible with public interests, to transmit copies of all dispatches which have passed be tween this country and Great Britain relative to the seizure of Mason and Slidell, the said dispatches to be communicated either in open or executive session,as may be deemed proper. Mr. SUMNER, of Mass., objected. Mr. HALE said that he understood from the press that those who held more intimate relations with the Administration than him self, (though the absence of this intimacy wasn’t his fault, as he was willing to be as confidential as anybody,) that the Cabinet has had under consideration propositions fraught with more evil to the country than anything that had yet marked Us history* and that was the surrender of Ma son and Slidell to Great Britain. By doing this we would yield all we had gained in the first revolution. We would be humiliated to a second-rate power. No man would go further than himself for peace, but he would not submit to national disgrace and dis honor to obtain any such peace. He would favor the arbitration of another Sower, but, if the demand has been made bv rcat Britain for the surrender ot Mason and Slidell, war should be declared against her in stantly. He would make all honorable con cessions for peace, but peace, involving such surrender, would be infinitely worse than war. His friend from Indiana, had remarked tiffs morning that his State had now 60,000 men in the field, and would double that number to maintain the national honor. If this Senate should go home aftersuch a surrender and hu miliation, it wouldrt>c subject to the scorn and indignation of the country. He regarded the arrogant demand of England as a pretext for war. She was determined to humil iate us first and fight us afterwards. Let our cities and villages be pillaged and burned, but let our national honor bo pre served. Francis the First said after the battle of Pavia that “all was lost but honor.” He (Hale) would pray that this Administra tion might not sacrifice our national honor. Thousands would yet come to the field to de fend it. If this surrender was made the Ad ministration would meet withaudha fire in the rear that it would be hurled from power. If we had a war with England it would be for the same cause that had seat one King to the block and another homeless and houseless over tbe world, and one that would appeal to men wherever the English language was spoken. .He believed, too, that if’Napoleon bad one desire more than another it was to wipe out the stain upon the French arms at "Waterloo. All over Canada there were thousands of Irish men who would rush to their anus to sustain such a cause as ours. Our principles were our great strength, and if war must come, he would say let it come, and thank God that we arc the instruments in His hands to work out His own cause. Mr. SUMNER said his own belief was that the matter would be amicably adjusted. It was in safe hands, and it would be better for the Senate to reserve themselves for facts and not act upon rumors. Mr. Hale’s resolution was laid over under the rules. Mr. DAVIS, of Kentucky, gave notice that he should introduce a bill confiscating eveiy species of property of all persons who have had any connection with the Southern rebel lion, cither in civil, military, or naval capacity. Mr. HARLAN, of lowa, Introduced a bill for establishing provisional governments in all the seceding States. Referred. Mr. HOWE, of Wisconsin, introduced a bill amending the Fugitive Slave Act. Referred. Adjourned till Monday. BOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. No business was transacted in the House to day, a quorum not being present. The House adjourned tUI Monday. FBO3X FORT PICKENS, Distress of Gen. Bragg’s Rebels.' New York, Dec. 26. —The sea steamship Baltic has arrived from Fort Pickens,' where she landed the 75th New York regiment and sailed hence on the 19th. Matters at Fort Pickens ore unchanged. Deserters .report great distress and discontent among tm rebel forces. >- ,T • The gunboat Iroquois has the pirate Sumter, blockaded at Cienfucgos. The gunboat Flambeau is blockadqSg.the port of Nassau, N. P. where the piratejhuhtop was. >. j } • Weather Reports Below Zero.; Trot, Dec, 26.—Ft. Edward 23, Saratoga’ 20, Ballston 22, Waterford Troy UTAII bel low zero, ' ' ' TWO DAYS LATER FROM EUROPE. Rumors and Speculations Concern ing tbe Trent Question. . ENGLAND CONSULTS THE EUROPEAN PQWEBS. Position, of France, Gen. Stitt’s Sudden Departure, and the Sup posed Seasons. Thurlow Weed In tbe “Times.’) St. Johns, N. F., Dec, 21—The Niagara, from Liverpool the 14th, via Queenstown the IBtb, passed Cape Eace Monday night: ■ London, Dec. 15.—The Paris Jhtric says it is asserted that France and the great powers have been consulted by Great Britain, and have expressed the opinion that the conduct .of Capt. Wilkes was a violation of the rights of neutrals. Ltyttupool, Dec. 14.— Cottoh —Brokers’ Circulars reports sales of Cotton for the week 35,000 bales. ■ The market was firmer, mgTaxriidvince' of Itf&X established. Speculators took 9,000, and export ers 4,000 bales. The sales on Friday were 5.000 bales; market closing very dull. Advices from, Manchester unfavorable -Market very daiL CheapgTirFpa—Generally quiet, but steady. Pro visions firm. London, Dec. 14. —Consols closed yesterday at 903/@9C#- for money. Bullion in the Bank of England increased £i2S,OCO. Halifax, Dec. 26.—The Niagara has £20,000 in specie, and 851 troops for Halifax. Gkeat Buitajn—The attitude of prepara tions by England show no change. The Lou don Times editorially reports the following story: During the visit of the Prince of Wales to America, Mr. Seward took advantage of an entertainment to the Prince to tell the Duke of Newcastle he was likely to occupy a high office; that when be did so it would become his duty to insult England, and he should in sult her. Accordingly, the Times accumulates evidence of a long-cherished intention, ou the part of Mr. Seward, to do England an injury. In an other leader on international affairs, the Tones advises the Federal Government to make peace in time, before it is committed to a triple war, viz; with the Confederates, the British and its own abolitionists. A telegram from Brussels, of the 12th, to the Times, says there is a rumor in diplomatic circles that mediation in the American conflict •will be offered by King Leopold. The Morning Post says there is no truth in thcrumorthat Gen.Scott’s suddenretum home was the theme of much speculation. It was generally reported that he had some sort of mission from the French Government to the "Washington Cabinet. The Serais's French correspondent says he had a long interview with Mr. Thouvenal before his departure. The general impression in financial circles was that General Scott carried out a momen tous communication from the French Govern ment. It is estimated that about 12,000 troops arc to be sent to Canada, to bo ready to take the field immediately on landing. The British Government continued to charter all available steamers. Two battalions of the British guard were expected to sail on the 10th inst., in the steamer Adriatic and Panama, under command of Lord F. Panlet Orders have issued for the hasty manufacture of 2,000 pack saddles and a proportionate num ber of ambulance wagons, for dispatch to Canada. The united prayer meeting at Exeter Hal] took place ou the 12th inst., as announced. Rev. Baptist Noel and other ministers partici pated in the proceedings, and fervent prayers were offered up for peace. Lord Shvftsbury declined to attend the meeting, stating in his reply to an invitation that it would be inter preted by the bulk of the press and by Ameri ca as a cloaked rebuke of the British Govern ment, and favoring the opinion that the coun try was united on this serious question. He commended the purpose of the meeting, and thought it would be better curried into'effcct by private and congregational means. At a meeting of the Congregational Board, resolutions were adopted deprecating hostili ties and calling for arbitration, if diplomacy fails to secure peace. It was asserted that Prince Napoleon con tinued to argue against the recognition of the Southern States, and that he was instrumental in causing Gen. Scott togo to Washington. The Paris correspondent of the Post asserts that peaceful anticipations prevailed among the Americans in Paris, and says that Minister Dayton and Consul Bigelow used all their influence, combined with that of Gen. Scott, to inspire conciliatory councils at Washing ton. He asserts that the French Government desires peace between England and America. Tbe same writer, also, in reference to Gen. Scott’s return, says it is not impossible that Frace, if asked, may become the mediator and at the same time the laws of neutrals may be revised, provided England, according to the wishes of other Europcaif Governments, agrees to a modification of the existing code. The Paris correspondent of the Loudon Globe says M. Thouvenal’g dispatch to M. Mercler, at Washington, Is known to have confined the Federal Executive to the simple dilema; “Are the Southerners belligerents or rebels ? They have been fiatly refused any rights in the first capacity, and In the second the right of asylum acquired by political re fugees has been set at naught, and France must make the case of the Trent substantially lut own.” The Paris Prcsse says Gen. Scott’s mission appears to have been arranged so as to allow him tifiic to fulfill it before the ultimatum of England is remitted to the Federal Govern-' ment, and perhaps to modify the nature of this step on the part of England. The Psys asserts, on the contrary, that the English ultimatum will be of absolute charac ter. France.—The monthly statement of the Bank of France shows an increase of cash on band of nearly 40,000,000 francs. The Bourse was heavy rather than lower, on the 13th inst., rentes closing at 67f 60c. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius continued. Houses were falling in. Terre Bel Gresco, and the village was iu immediate danger of destruction by lava. All communication be tween places in the vicinity and the mouu- tains were interrupted. Earthquakes were frequent in the Bay of Naples. The sea had reached 50 metres. Japan. —Affairs in Japan were unsatisfac tory. . The European representatives were awaiting instructions from their Governments. LATEST, VIA QUEENSTOWN. Liverpool, Dee. 14th.—The London Twits publishes a letter from Thurlow Weed, the main object of which is to defend the Ameri can Government, and Mr. Seward in particu lar, from alleged hostile intentions toward England. He disclaims, ou behalf of Mr. Seward, any unfriendly feelings or intents to wards her, and says that the threat of insult ing England, which Mr. Seward made to the Duke of Newcastle, was merely idle talk or badinage. Mr. Weed says he believes if En gland’s dispatch to Lord Lyons is peremptorv in tone, it will meet with a peremptory refd sr.L He appeals for moderate counsels on both sides, ns the only method of avoiding a collision. The Times editorially comments on Mr. Weed’s letter, and says he has made the cause of his client and his country considera bly worse than he found it. The Times says England wants nothing from America but that she shall abstain from actual outrage, or that, if it is committed, she shill make reasonable reparation. If she will do this it is well; if not, the alternative will not come in the desired form of protract ed negotiation. The Command-in-Ch!ef of the forces In Canada will remain in the hands of Sir Fen wick Williams. No additional orders were issued on the 13th for regiments to be held in readiness. No cavalry or horse artillery ■will go to Canada before spring. The preparations were represented os on a scale which would have astonished people in anti-Crimean times. The Paris correspondent of the Times says the general belief is that Gen. Scott bn« gone back with the intention of enlightening the Washington Cabinet as to the ideas ofthe French Government- He is doubtless ac quainted with the opinion of the Emperor, and that it is not favorable to President Lin coln’s policy. Gen. Scott will probably con vince his countrymen that they cannot count on the moral support of France. The mail agent of the steamer Trent was dined by the Koval Yacht Club. He narrated the circumstances of the seizure of Mason and Slidell, which differed in almost every detail from accounts published InAmerican journals. The London Herald takes strong ground against the Daily News’s arguments m favor of arbitration, and says negotiations cannot be listened to while Mason and Slidell are pris oners, and opposes such settlement in toto. In Liverpool flour was quiet, wheat steady, and cotton unchanged. ANOTHER NAVAL AFFAIR. Com. Kldgley Seizes Two Other Rebel Commissioners. Washington, Dec, 26. —Despatches from Com. Ridgley, cruizing off the coast of Texas, have been received, from which it appears that early in December he captured the Eng lish schooner Victoria, of 72 ions, from Point Isabel, with a clearance from the rebel au thorities, having run the blockade. The vessel was sent to Key West. Several ■ of those on board took the oath, of allegiance, 'and six were detained as enemies. The schooner Eugene, on the 9th, was also overhauled, but was permitted to depart, ni>‘ contraband articles being found on board. The persons of two rebel agents, however, were secured, viz: Thomas B. Rogers of Tex as, apA Mr. Bachary of New Orleans. The pa pers found clearly implicate them as .rebel agents seeking to make their way to Mexico, thence to other parts. - Fire at Waahingt on-—2 0 O Govern ment Horses Burned. Washington, Dec. 26th. —Our pickets to wards DfdfisviUe were driven in this morn ing. The Secfetary of War directs that no • more horses be purchased until all now owned yuce-in active service. To-night a fire occurred, in the Government stables near the Observe - tdry|~ containing over 600 homes; •perished. - * 5 IN MISSOURI* Gratflylng Process of Gen. Pope—Tbe Hasty Retreat of Price and Gang. Ottbbxtlle, Dec. 28.—Information, which is supposed to be reliable, Tins J>een received here of the retreat of Price southward on the day after the party Gen. Pope sent out to Johnson county. This party drove in Gen. Bains’s pickets, and Bains was then driven across the river, and the next day he marched eight miles southward with his whole force. At last accounts one division ot his army was at Neosho, and the innin army, under Price, hadjjnst left Hermansville on its way to Warsaw. Price says that his retrograde move ment was in obedience to orders from the President of the Confederate States; but his men generally believe that it was in conse quence of Gen. Pope’s advance and of Price’s fear that a force would be thrown forward to cut off his supplies southward, and another force advanced in front, in which event his supplies would have been exhausted in a few days, and he would have been compelled to abandon his commanding position at Osceola. Whatever the motive it Is certain the move was a disadvantageous one for Price, formany of Lis men who for months have been expect ing to march upon and drive the Federals from the State, will and will re fuse to follow nTm onrof Missouri. Gen. Halleck’s policy of showing no merev to lawless bands of marauders and bridge burners, and of dealing with the utmost leniency with those who Jay down their arms and return to their honest and peaceful occu pations, will do much to restore peace to the State. Gen. Pope has received from the troops under his command dhmberless evi dences of their appreciation of his abilitv. Yesterday a beautiful flag was sent to him, and last night he was serenaded by one of our best bands, and congratulations innumerable come in on him from every quarter. The troops are in good condition and anxious for a move. Gen. Pope issued an order some time ago making colonels of regiments responsible for the condition of their*regimental transporta tion, and the good order of their arms and equipments. This has been rigidly enforced, and when the order was issued Tor our last move we were en route in three hours although the order cam? at midnight. The success of the moment, and the praise and congratulations the troops have received, have had a good effect on them and they will move forward when next ordered with still greater alacrity and with still stronger assu rances of success under Gen. Pope’s com mand. • SAILING OF THE EEHOPA. Slie Stops at Fort Warren—Exciting Rumors and. tike reason* Boston, Dec. 26. —The steamship Europa stopped at Fort Warren yesterdav,which gives some appearance of truth 'to the report that Messrs. Mason and Slidell were put on board. The Europa sailed at noon yesterday, for Liverpool. The authorities at Fort Warren refused to say anything about the matter. She took £610,000 in specie. She will call off Cape Race about Saturday evening. Boston, Dec. 26. —The report in regard to Messrs. Mason and Slidell going out in the steamship Europa, which sailed lor Liverpool yesterday, arose from the fact of the Enropa’s stopping there to discharge her pilot. Boston, Dec. 20. —The'report of Mason and Slidell going in the Europa is untrue. They remain at Fort Wanen. From Washington. Washington, Dec. 25. —This morning, M. Mercler, French minister, called at the' State Department, but failed to see the Secretary, who was at the Cabinet meeting. It is con jectured that his purpose was to communicate his instructions, received by the America, and that these instructions embraced an urgent appeal to tbe United States to peaceably ad just the matter with England. A deserter from Ccntrevillo who came in to-day, says that recently portions of several regiments were moved thence to Fairfax. Cehtreville, he calls impregnable, and will be defended by not far from 100,000 troops. The whole army had been for more than three weeks in duly expectation of an attack by Gen. McClellan, but after waiting so long in vain, had settled into the conviction that there would be no advance this winter, and were nniking preparations to go into winter quarters. The 37,000 rebels on the Lower Potomac are also, according to deserters, building log huts and making themselves comfortable, expecting they will not be dis turbed before spring. Gen. Sumner’s injuries are more serious than at. first supposed. His spine suffered so severe a shock from his fill, tliat it is thought doubtful whether he will ever ng?nn be able to mount his borsc. He bos been relieved, at bis own request, from the command of his whole division, which is for the present as signed to Gen. Heintzelman, who retains his own division also. There is a report that Gen/Heintzcimans command celebrated Christmas by going in search of the enemy. Late last night informa tion was received that the rebels'were about* to collect a quantity of forage at Mason's Neck; that a rebel flag* was Hying from Pohick Church; and that if the.limon trodps would show themselves on Pohick Hill, the enemy would probably be there' to give them battle. Accordingly, -early this morning, four regi ments of infantry, the losth Pennsylvania, Col. Knight; the 63d Pennsylvania, OoL Hayes; the o7th New York, CoL Hayman; the 3d Mich igan, Col. Champlm; with CapL Beamis’s bat teiy, and two squadrons of the Ist New York cavalry—the whole in command of Gen. Jam ison, proceeded along the telegraph road to Pohick Church, twelve miles from Alexandria. When our troops reached the hill they were drawn up in line of battle, A squad of rebel cavalry was seen on a hill a mile or more to the right. The battery was immediately placed in position, and one shot fired at them. They scampered otf in a moment-. Our forces waited a couple of houre, but nothing more was seen of the rebels. No rebel flag was found float ing from Pohick Church, and Gen. Jamison, finding that the enemy was not disposedto accept the "opportunity for a skirmish, re turned. Washington*, Dee. 26.—The flag officer of the Pacific squadron says all remains quiet at Panama, and throughout the Isthmus. The recent recognition of the Mosqucira Govern ment, by the authorities of Panama, seems to have tranquilized the public mind, and pro duced a general feeling of security not experi enced for many years. military ILaw in Hissoorl. St. Louis, Dec. 26. —Gen. Halleck has issued the following general order: In virtue of the authority conferred ou me by the President of the United States, Martial Law heretofore declared iu this city will be enforced. In virtue of the same authority. Martial Law is hereby declared and will be enforced on and about all railroads in this State. It is not intended by this declaration to interfere with the jurisdiction of any civil court which is loyal to the Government of the United States, and which will aid military authorities in enforcing order and punishing crime. Commanding officers, troops and posts will be held responsible that their com mands are ready to move at a moments warn ing. Excuse for delay and want of prepara tion will not be admitted. Arrival of British. Troops at Halifax— Reports from the West Indies. Halifax, Dec. 26—The steamship Austral asian, which left Liverpool with 1265 troops, a field battery, large quantities of amnnition, stores sledges &c.f for British North America, arrived here this morning. The West TtuHa mail has taken to England news of the escape of the Snmter from Martinique, as also, that on the 27th of November, the Sumter captur ed the American ship Montmorenci, from New Port, England, with coal for the Bt. Law rence, but released her on receipt of a bond by the Captain, promising to pay $26,000 three months after peace was proclaimed. - The British war vessel Codwdes has arrived off St. Thomas, to protect vessels against another Trent affair. • Prize Senooner at New ¥ork—Reports from Charleston, 8, C, New York, Dec. 26. —The prize schooner Jane Campbell, captured off Beaufort, laden with salt and nanneL has arrived hero. The Charleston Mercury of the 20th reports the re pulse of a Federal gun-boat by batteries at Fort Royal ferry. Also that the’Federal forces attempted to cross in flats but were driven back with terrible slaughter. Hon. Alfred Ely Released. Fortress Monroe, Dec. 25, via Balti more, Dec. 2G.—There was no good founda tion for the report that a skirmish took place yesterday. The Hon. Alfred Ely came down from Nor folk, late this evening, by a flag of truce. Af ter a visit to headquarters, he took passage for Baltimore. Betel Schooner Captured—•The Arago Coming In. New Yore, Dec. *26.—The rebel steamer Fashion was captured by the sloop-of-war Ethan Allen, November 25th, and sent to Key West. The Arago is at Sandy Hook, but her news has been anticipated. Bridge Burned by Rebels—HannEbal & St. Joseph Road Crippled. Quincy, Dec- 26.—Two spans of the bridge across Chariton river, on the Hannibal & St. Joseph road, were burned by rebels lastnight. Trains cannot cross for several days. Fire andjiou of Ufeat-BdoltA Beloit, Wis.,' 1 Dec, 2&.—Afire broke oute this'tnbming in a dwelling house occupied by r* negro family. Tw». small children were burned to death. Gen, Scott at* New York, - New Yors, Dec. 26k— I The Arago has ar rived here with Gen- Scott and J. Glaucey Jones among her passengers. The fire-eating editor of the Toronto Deader is a renegade from Washington, named George Sheppard, who was late editor of the Washington .EepuWic, late sub-editor of the Washington Constitution, late agent of the “Breckinridge Central Committee,” fete se cession writer at Springfield! NUMBER M 6 Ncto Hihertisments. C. S. SCBI VJdS, Advertising Agent, 63 Bear tom-si., is authorised to receive Advertisements for this and all the leading Papers of the INorthwest. WANTED —A girl wants a situa f T tion In a private respectable family to Cook, wash and Iron. Is systematically accomplished. Please addres by letter “M. £. (J-” Chicago Trttmns Office. __de27-kS-2t \V A3STM).—A young German, f T who speaks and writes English and Gorman, wants a situation Good references given and steady employment more of an object thm wages. Address Tribune Office. de27-ksl-' , t TATANTED—A situation as Din t T In groom Girl, Chambermaid or tho care of children by a yoaacclrl who can giro good reconunen dation. Address “wy* BosgOg. dcS7-ki»3t VVTANTED,—A travelling collect . U lag Agency, from one or two wholesale houses in this dty, by a gentleman of age, integrity and pecu niary responsibility, and of noxo zxpzntnxcß is xns aaiiiMWsna.-Thebestof referenceagiven. Ad dress Post Office Box 3614. <fe37-kITSt "DOAEDING.—Suites of rooms and ■I J single rooms can be obtained with Board at 253 Statertreet Also, a few day boarders can be accom modated. . de27-kC-iw IVTASONIG.—A Regular Oonroca -i-’JL tion of Washington Chapter No. 43 B. A. 1L will be heid this (Frldav) evening at~M o’clock. de27-k4j.il IRA GODDARD. Secretary. T>OARDING.—One or two gentle -U men with their wives, or a few single gentlemen, can obtain pleasant rooms, containing gas and closet, with ooffd. In a private family where there are no otherboardera.by applying at No. IST West Washing ton street. dc 37 k4l-2t T AND WANTED— Improved or .Li Unimproved la exchange for a Im*j and valu able House and Lot In the City of Elrin/TU. Address, elving location, description and price. Box 557. Elam Lane County, CL ’ SCHOLARSHIP FOR SALE.—A kj Scholarship in Bryant & Stratton’s Chain of com mercial Colleges. Apply at this office. de27-kta-2t (YNE THOUSAND BUSHELS V-/ of good Michigan Potatoes for sale cheap at the corner or EJnzle and Rush streets. de3>k«-S« Cs?" Hernia or Rupture.—P. E. MINOR, M. D„ having discovered a permanent Caro fur Hernia (on young or old.) in from four to eight weeks, by the esc of an External Medicine that does cot mtenere -with business pursuits, can be consulted tree, at ms office, southwest corner state and Randolph streets. Chicago. 11L, room No. 2, (up stairs.) Office hours from 9 to 12 A. M.. V to 5 P. M. and 7 to 9 P. M. Post Office Bos, 2552. The most approved Trusses fur nished and fitted ou reasonable term* dcl3-hOiT-lm XTEW INTELLIGENCE OFFICE 11 —163 Dearborn street, opposite the New Post Of fice. Established on the Eastern svstem. No girl sent from the office to any family unip<£> she can give satis tactory reference from former employer. Parties do- Binnghelp salted by applying at 163 Dearborn street, or addressing Mrs. A- L b aLk am Post Office BosSJIS. de2-bSK-lw HOUSEKEEPER’S SITUATION WANTED.—The advertiser wishes a situation as housekeeper, in city or country, in a gentleman’s family. Has had considerable experience. Address Post Office Box 2273. Chicago, HI. dc27-k57-3t r PHE COPARTNERSHIP EX JL istlng between Henry Lester and Richard M. 1 homas, doing business nncler the name ol Lester & ihomas, is tills dav dissolved by mutual consent Henry Lester Is alone authorized to settle the business, and wQI pay all liabilities of said firm. HENBT LESTER. K.M. THOMAS. de27-k5Wt Chicago, Dec. 26, ISCI. QTRATED OR STOLEN—A kj Dark Bav Horse, about sixteen hands hi"b, at tached to a light Democratic Wagon, either strayed away or was stolen from in front of my store, 104 Madison street, at about eight o’clock hist evening (I)ec.2€tb.) Any one who may have seen or heard of him will greatly oblige me bv leaving word at mr store, and will also receive a suitable reward. dsS7-k56-lt JOHN W. NORRIS, 102 .Madison-3£. NTOTlCE.—Apartments to let at a il bargain in a central locality, on very favorable terms, ami Furniture lor sale at half price, br a partv about leaving the cirv. Inquire cf J. M. MAIiSHALL, No. 97 South Clark street. Room No. 8, dc 27 kjd St gPEER’S SAMBUCI AVINE, PURE AND FOUR TEARS OLD. OF CHOICE OPORTO GRAPE, FOB PHYSICIAN’S USE. Fob Fhxilzs, Wsaklt Persons and Intauds SAMBUCUS TREE OF PORTUGAL, The great Rheumatism EXCELLENT WINB FOR FEMALES. Every family at this season should use the SAMBUCI WINS, celebrated In Europe for lb medicinal and beneficial aoalitics as a gentle Stimulant, Tonic, Diuretic and Su orific. highly esteemed by eminent physicians, used In European and American hospitals, and by some of the first families In Europe and America. SPEER’S WINE Is not a mixture or manufactured article, but Is pure from the Juice of the Portugal Grape, cultivated In New J erscy, recommended by chcnibts and physicians as possessing medical properties superior to any other wines in use, and an excellent article for ail weak and debilitated persona, and the aged and infirm. Improv ing the appetite and benefiting ladies and children. A LADIES’' WINE, because It will not intoxicate as other wines, as it con tains no mixture of spirits or other liquors, and Is ad mired for Its rich, peculiar flavor and nntritire proper ties, imparting a healthr tone to the digestive organs, and a blooming, soft and healthy ekin and complexion WE REFER TO > few well known gentlemen and physicians, who have tried the wine: Gcn.Wlnfleld Scott. C.P.A. I Drs. Darcy and Nlcboll, Gov. Morgan. N. V. State. Newark. N. J. Dr. J. K. CLlllon, New I Dr. Ward, Newark. N. J. Torn Cltv. | Dr. Parish, Philadelphia. Dr. Parker, Net/ Y. Cltv. | Dr. Davis, Chicago. 111. And many others, too numerous to publish. None genuine unless the signature of “ALFRED rPnER, Passaic. N. J„” is over the cork of each bottle. MAKE ONE TRIAL OF THIS WINE. Forsaleby first-class draapista generally. A SPEER, Proprietor, Vineyard. Passaic, N. J., Once. No. 20S Broadway, New York. JOHN LA FOT. Paris, <f e2T-tSS-lt Agent for France and Germany. TJEKKY YV. CLARKE, XX ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW. AHD SOLICITOR IK CHAKCEEY. Office las Lake street, corner of Clark. Chicago, 111. Having been in practice in Chicago for over twenty years, and poßßCßiiac the facilities of long experience and extensive acquaintance. efficient H - rvif i will bo rendered to patrons. Business promptly aUcalo.l to It? person. A share of public patronage is respectfully (-elicited. Charges and commlxsions for services rea sonable. Cclleclloß* made and promptly remitted. Refers to any old citizen of Chicago. cc37-kiS-3t TYTOTICE TO BRIDGE BUILD- J_ x ERS.—Notice is herebv given that on the nth day of January, ISGt, between the hours of 10 A, NL and So clock P. il.. the Commissioners of Highways of tne Town of Proviso, In the Conner of Cook, will let to the lowest bidder the Building of a Bridge across the DffPlaines River, three miles south of Harlem. The bridge is to be built alter the plan of the bridge across the river near ITarlcru. For further particulars in quire a* the house of C. G. PUSHECK. By order of the Commissioners of Highways of said Town of Proviso. C. G. PUSHECK. dc2T-Y53-Std2tw gT. JAMES’ CHURCH PEW REIVTIX®, On Monday Morning, Sec. 30tb, from 9 to 11 o’clock, The Treasurer or Warden of St. James* Church will be In the Church to Rent Pews lor thv year commencing January Ist, ISSL deSMt3M> Illinois Central Baiiroad Cempany land Department, Chi ease, Norcmber, ISCL CHE ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD COUP ANT GIVES NOTICE, during SifJm/Wm WKTEB monies at any of the Stations 'K jffinf npon its line. Srnm&mm coßiff n&iasW in Payment fer Us lands, and will allow open the notea of parties owing Lae JnMzStSfS&jjMr Company for lauds, for Yellow or Mixed Com, of 80 mid, merchantable quality, sMhS&w eighteen cents for $:$S3a3S seVEJJTY-FIVE pounds i/yBWi OF COHN IN THE EAR—Cm t'/ffiPfi com to be delivered on the Car, and ‘(jjfpflf to be weighed at the COMPAatt ijj / GROUNDS near Chicago. J. M. REDMOND, edel3-btfs Acting CcmaJssloncE. %IfoAA non Bushels CORN O»\*"U»UVV TO SHBLII—The subset per proposes’to JOB OUT TFtE SHELLOa J -GLlhe above quantify to one or more parties. The last half,of April next v>-. jr, *W. TUTTLE, del6-hBSMr J i Foot of State street gKATE EMPORIUM LADIES ABB BEBTUSEB’S SKATES. CHILDRENS* SKATES, and Skates of every descrip tion. for the Holidays, ~ ■ ', delT-hStl-lStet GEO. T. ABBEY,n 136 Lake street. KATES OF . AEYEBTISDrG- DAILY TEIBOTEf Ore.Sqßare:^lines agate) ona insertfco...s. ,50 One Square, each subsequent day, (S $1)... Onesquarc, two weeks, (6w57.00)., 3,00 •Ore Square, one month. (2m59.06) 1..- 5.00 One Square, three months. (4m $15.00),...12.00 One Square, sir months. (9m $23,00).....,.,20.00 Square. one year *30,00 Schedule of Prices for more space t>r** Ona Sqnare can be seen at the Counting Room. AH transient Advertisements to be pal&ftff nr ADVANCE. AH changes charged thirty cents per Square# Baaa of ADTzansise j 5 wxkklt Tsmuass SI.OO per Square, each week, for first montiu 2.00 per Square, for each subsequent month, 26.00 per Square for one year. NTtbj Hbicrttstments. ’TIS STBMGE! ’TIS PASSING STEAHGE!! That men will buy a low-priced Burn ing Oil, IHEBEBI ENDUIGSBINe THE LIVES OF .THHB FA3HLIES. Bilng your Cans to NOBLE ana they will Do UledwUa THE PURE KEROSENE. ■Whoever heard of Downer’s Oil Exploding? Large Cana tilled at a Seduction in Price! CALL AT THE tAMP AW) OH. EMPORIIJI 175 Lake Street. dc27-kSS-Steel ■pXCHAXGE ON EUROPE. JLi Drafts on Great Britain, Ireland, and the Conti nent of Europe, bought and sold. . , CaEGHOKN, LECEIE & CO, deS-t-kg-lwnet 13 Ta<»hp street. JpiFTH EDITION OF THE mESIORIAL VOLUME First Fifty Tears of the American Board, Bt REV. R. ANDERSON, d. d„ Who for thirty-eight years has been connected vrttn the Correspondence. “It is a work eminently worthy of the Board, of the author, and of the great cause it commemorates records. —[>. Y. observer. “ Under many aspects this volume la worthy of care ful study, but especially in rwpcct to the general theory of Protestant Missions and Missionary Societies.**— [American Theological Review. “The difficult task has been executed with eminent success. The ‘Memorial Volume’ Is in everrrespect one of the most important contributions ever maaa la America to missionary literature.**—[The Methodist. “The facts embodied are of the deepest interest, and the manner In which they are presented makes tha volume eminently readable.'*—[Boston Recorder “It is handsomely bound, beautifully and clearly primed.**—Newburyport Daily Herald. “An Important contribution to our missionary Utera ire.”—{.Bibliotheca Sacra, “The volume cannot fall to arouse fresh interest for missions in the hearts of all Christian people.”—[Tha New Englander. “ A treasury of Information for all tones, as well as an interesting volume lor reading now.”—[Vermont Chronicle. “A noble and valuable volume, skillfully and thoroughly edited, and printed in toe best style/’—The Boston Review. “ Thousands of the followers of Christ will be anxious to avail themselves of iti well chosen and well arranged treasures.”—[The Macedonian. “ The clear, classic style, toe logic of Its reasonings, the scrupulous accuracy of its statements. Us candor and fairness, the avoidance of whatever might wound, the feeling? of opponents, or bear against other Boards and Organizations—these commend the Jtook to tho favor and confidence of the Christian public,”—[Chris tian Mirror. The volume contains Dr. Hopkins’s Semi-Centennial Discourse (not before published), an account of tho Jubilee Meetings and twenty four chapters on the Board and its Missions; with an Appendix, and a copi ous analysis of contents. 464 pp. Svo. $L Postage Su Cunts additional. Address orders to N. BROUGH TON. -Tr., 2S Cornhill, Boston, or to the principal hook- Bbllero in Illinois. de2T-k46-2t QNE FIRE LASTS FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON, 'Without He-Bnilding. vv itnont Tie-Ts mi cling. LITTLEFIELD’S EASE BURNING STOVES, RAILWAY COAL BURNER, Parlor Furnace, or Doable Heater, AND THE NEW STOVE MORNING GLORY. VAN SHAACK. No. 47 STATE STREET No. 47 Has the sale of these popular Stoves. * [ocl4-gSGS-lstp] poll THE HOLIDAYS. We shall sen our stock of BONNETS, CLOAKS, ASD CHH.DRESS’ HATS, At Greatly Reduced Prices, FOR THIRTY DATS, In order to rtufSf the stock. Persona In want ofttta above cannot fall to be suited by calling at 41 Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, Formerly S. J, Hueaton and Shaw. delQbuo-SwlMp Jfor iEurope. 'J'HROUGH TICKETS TO AH PASTS OP ETJEOPE, BY GRAND THUNK RAILWAY ASD Regular Weekly line of First-Claa* Ocean Steamers, SAILING EVERY SATURDAY MORNIHB From the Hallway Company’s Dock at Quebec. Freight shipped on through bills of lading. Bend foe further information to JAMES WABBICK, , General W estem Agent, 12 Lake-st- Chicago, WALTER SHANLEY, General Manager. Montreal Jel3’6l-lyistp gTEAM WEEKLY BETWEEN NEW YORK AND LIVERPOOL, Landing and embarking passengers at Queenstown, (Ireland.) Tlte LITEEPOOL, SEW YORE and PHILADELPHIA STEAMSHIP COHPANY WEI dispatch every Saturday their full power Clydfr built Iron Steamships, CITT OF NEW YORK, EDINBURGH, CUT OF BALTIMORE. KANGAROO, CITY OF WASHINGTON, GLASGOW, CITY OF MANCHESTER, VIGO. BOSPHORUS. Bates of passage as low as by any other line. Paa senders forwarded to all the principal cities of Europe Persons wishing to bring out their Irinnda can buy tickets in Chicago to great advantage. Thpap Steamers have superior accommodations, and carry experienced Surgeons. They are built in wxmt tight 6Ecncsß, and carry patent fire annihflaton. For further information apply to CIiGH.OEN. LECKIE £ CO„ General Western Agents, 13 Lasalle street, Chicago. BT Exchange on Europe sold In sums of £1 and up. words. mh2T6Mylstp 'J' HAT LONG PIPS STILL COSTEtUES TO POUT: FORTH CARBON & KEROSENE OILS IN ABUNDANCE. And the mill la aiHl panning w hlch grinds oat LAMPS, LAMPS, Di ESSLESS VAUIETT AT NOBLE’S LAMP & OIL EMPORIUM No. Lake Street, sessn-istp _ T3E GREAT TONIC AND IN TIGOEATOB. RIITER TONE OP IRON, BITTER WINE OP ISON, bitter wine op nz on, BITTER TFIND OF IBON, BETTER W INE OP IRON, BITTER W INE OP IRON, Is used with success in cases of Dyspepsia, Impaired and Imperfect Digestion, Liver Complaints, Nwvooa Affections and in all cases of Genera! DeblQcy, strengthening the weakened body, giving tone totna various organs, and invigorating the system. Sold In pint bottles, gI.CO. Observe pajSeolarfy that tha nam» of SUITE & DWTEB accompanies each bottle. Do* pot&4 Laic street. Chicago. d« 6-g9 S-’s£p r^ARD. —Drs. B. & J. Hunter, V-> physicians for the disease* of the THROAT and LUNGS take this method of- informing their Pattrets and those desirous of construing them in this part of the country, that they have opened a Branch Office at No. 11 -Adams street. Chicago, nnder the personal attendance of-Dr. JAMES HUNTER. Special attention will be given to all HDt»«spq or affections of the THROAT, LUNGS- OR HEART* To which branch of the profeslon the Dr*. Hohter have for many years devoted themselves exclusively. Honrs of consultation, 9 A. iL to 4 P, it. Chicago Office. No. 11 Adams street, near Michigan avenue. New York Office, No. S7 East 13th street ds-B-hSa-lw 4 DYEETISEMENT.—For #I.OO JL\. I will 6aH the recipe for making the celebrated Prepared Give, same as sold by Spjddmg and others. This is the Hist time this recipe has been made paohe. I propose to sell this recipe for One l>ollar, to enabla every man to set it Spalding has made oat of this, Glne more than two hundred thousand dollars within. v»r. Address EL 8. COUCH. Ottawa, Hlfcala. de2MaC9-lm ~ * CHANGE HAS TAKEN J\. PLACE.—Mr Rlbbolla. the old parser of Mr, Prana, hna bought the old stand at ‘ 80. 63 Dearborn Street, ■Where be will be happy to recelf his. old customer^ and new on?s as may ton VBtft a caU.