About the pleasantest news of the morning, here, is that of the report made by the Territorial Committee of eight, in the United States Senate, on the subject of the Oregon bill, slavery, a government for California and New Mexico, and so forth. Surely this is the way to settle the matter; and just as surely, all sensible and clear-minded men will come into it. The great beauty of the "laissez faire" doctrine is exemplified here—the gem above all price for our country—contains more vital and preservative power for the Union, than all the schemes of all the modern politicians combined.
How are you receiving this report in the south-west? Do you not like it? Is it not perfectly consistent with the rights of all parties: and, above all, with the rights of the inhabitants (whom, by-the-bye, nobody seems to think any thing about,) of the territories themselves? The probability appears to be, almost beyond a doubt, that the plan reported by the committee of eight will satisfy the body of the "Free Soilers"1 of the north and west. It is almost sure, however, that they will meet in convention at Buffalo, in less than three weeks, and "pile up" their endorsement of Van Buren2 for the Presidency.
The meeting of the Barnburners3 in the Park last evening was a very large and somewhat tumultuous gathering. Martin Grover, M.C.,4 made a long and animated speech. At its close a few young Cass5 and Butlerites6 attempted some vigorous pushes, in the way of a row; but the "unterrified" rallied in great anger round a flag with the portrait of Martin Van Buren on it, and drove the enemy from the field, with divers bloody noses and contusions. It was one of those pleasant commentaries on political freedom, which act on the rest of its articles like the pepper of a wholesome soup. The police here never interfere in these interesting feuds—which is right and proper.
For some time past the strife between our New York Guelphs and Ghibellines7 has been for the possession of Old Tammany, the Mecca of the Democracy. Keen and exquisite have been the tactics of either; but night before last the Sachems, who have control of the matter, met in solemn council, and decided that Van Burenism should formally enter the wigwam, and directed the rooms of the Hall to be placed at its use. In the meeting of last evening, a son of Mr. F. P. Blair,8 of the old democratic organ, the Washington Globe, addressed the audience in behalf of Van Buren.
Among the late improvements of New York, may be particularly mentioned the long-talked-of widening of William street, now nearly completed. For ten years past Nassau street, from Wall to Chatham, has been one of the most crowded thoroughfares in the city. Unfortunately it is at the same time one of the narrowest and most inconvenient. At any hour of the day, and particularly towards dusk, it is a difficult feat to thread the walks of Nassau street, without some unpleasant jostling and squeezing. Tangling of carts, with much detention and cartmen’s oats, is an hourly occurrence. These difficulties could not well be obviated by enlarging the area of the oppressed avenue itself, which is lined with the most valuable structures, Clinton Hall among the rest; so they thought to draw off some of the travel into William street, and open it into Chatham just opposite the junction of the latter streets and Chambers. A good device all 'round, this is generally considered—though the putting of it in execution has made the dust fly in what was formerly the very heart of the city, (answering to your First Municipality,) for months past. For my part, I am astonished that, while they were about it, they did’nt make the street twenty feet wider instead of six. It will undoubtedly be a great convenience both to vehicles and pedestrians. They have for the last four or five days, been tearing down the houses (in the verg middle of the Jew clothing quarter) in Chatham street, to make the exit of William. It has an odd look already to the eyes of the "oldest inhabitants."
Many of our citizens, particularly those of Irish birth and descent, are looking for the arrival in New York of Mr. Meagher,9 the Repealer and Chartist. It is singular, though, that Mr. M. should have chosen just this occasion to withdraw himself, even briefly, from Ireland. If there be any truth in signs, or any determination in the Irish heart, the approaching fall will witness a violent struggle on the Emerald Isle—a struggle where every patriot should be and act, God defend the right, when the struggle comes!
Rumors of the potato rot are appearing in the papers. Among the other places mentioned as subject to this vegetable malady, is Long Island; but I think I can put this down as an error—for I have lately travelled nearly the whole length of Long Island, and have heard nothing about the potato rot.
New York is getting to be more and more disagreeable and unhealthy, for residence. Even in the early morning, the effluvia from the gutters can hardly be borne. The paving stones get so heated through during the day, that they do not "cool off" again till next morning. It is a great deal worse, here than in New Orleans. I never was so annoyed there either by heat or by the exhalations. Let your citizens believe me, when I tell them seriously that the city of New Orleans is one of the healthiest locations in the land—Yellow Jack10 to the contrary notwithstanding.
All over our Northern cities great preparations have been made (as is but just) for the complimentary reception of the returned soldiers—those of them who have returned. In the cases of many of them, however, the actual necessaries of comfort, such as clothing, etc., are more needed by the volunteers, than any empty glorification. Still it argues well of the public spirit of the citizens that they offer these courtesies. We all have part in the immortal glory won by our troops in that Mexican war; and it will do us good, more ways than one for many a year yet. Among the rest of the returned volunteers are several of our New York printers. Right glad are we to welcome them back again, safe and sound.
MANAHATTA.