AMERICA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume X, Issue 641, 29 December 1858, Page 5

AMERICA.

The rejoicings at New York, on the Ist and 2nd of September, over a defunct cable and a i temporary abortive enterprise, remind me so \ forcibly of the merry-makings at an Irish J funeral, that I cannot find it in my heart to I inflict even an outline- of the untimely fesiivii ties upon your readers. Strangely enough, f while these ebullitions of joyous enthusiasm | were taking place in the streets of the northern

capital, the suburbs of the city were the scene of a commolion of a very different character. Itappears that on the eastern part of Siaten Island, which has become a pleasant suburbm retreat to the well-to-do New Yorkers, is situate the Government- quarantine establishment, with its lazarettos, hospital:-; "and otiit^-—.. appendages. The proximity of this hospital to the villas of the gentry had become extremely obnoxious, and a local Board of Heaith had lately passed a resolution that- "quarantine was a nuisance which the citizens might abate." According, on the night of the fetes, they stormed the place, dragged out the patients, set their bedding on fire, and destroyed nearly the whole ofthe buildings. The poor side inmates, suffering from fever, small-pox, and other disease's, were brutally turned out into the night air, after enduring tbe fright and shock of the outrage. A Dr. Bi.ssal, who remonstrated with the rioters, was knocked down, and a stevedore was shot in the neck. In consequence of these Lynch-law proceedings, and the sympathy of the population with the rioters, the country was pronounced in a state of insurrection, and a military force has been stationed on the spot to prevent further excess. A large meeting has since been held at Richmond to protest against these measures, and to justify the course which had been pursued for the extermination of the great pesthouse. So the matter stands at present. It is feared that any attempt to punish the ringleaders will be unavailing, as a grand jury would be too biassed to find an indictment; or if found, no jury would convict. While in Sew York Lynch law overrides constituted authority, in Charleston the spectacle has been witnessed of some 300 negroes taken from the captured slaver Echo, held by order ofthe Federal Government in safe keeping till they could be disposed of. From tho tone of their prints, it was feared that a riotous attempt would be made to seize and retain them as chattels to which they had an undoubted right. Happily, however, this anticipated outrage has been averted by the firmness ofthe Central Government, and the poor features have been safely shipped off to Li!>e>i.i by -j the Niagara, at, a cost of about 100' TO dolb.iV^ for transit. This spirited conduct on the part of the A-iministration, especi.ilb --o sorji'after the right of search, question, b. pivengie.it satisfaction to the fviemU ot H: neigio n\co; but it- is almost certain th ,( fI- • pieoidimt v.:}} not. bo allowed to pass in .l.dlepged. An agitation on tbe question i- j'i^ch lishig, ai.d J i! is probable that we shall heaiof the >chOjf and the difficulties il has »Uiud fee „orm' rim/5 to come. f ' ■ / The Union is beginning in ferment with the

preparation for the next-Presidential contest. The first candidate named is Mr. Seward, a "republican," or-what in England-we should ■ call- a "moderate " politician. Jn Illinois, the canvass for senatorship between ;Mr. Douglas and Mr. Lincoln is proceeding with much vigor and acrimony. The great interest, however, - centres in New York. General Walker»is said to have departed for Aspinwall, on it is believed a new fillibustering -expedition. The famous Dred -Scott is dead. A political and .commercial -agent has been appointed on the Amoor river. -An "overland mail communication has been established twice a week between the Eastern States and California ; the distance being '2071 miles, and the period 24 days. There is-no abatement of the ravages of the yellow fever in the south, where the disease is spreading. -Deaths at Sew Orleans have numbered s-107 in 60 hours. A day of humiliation and prayer is-to be observed. Several duels are reported. *A terribleifire has nearly annihilated Georgetown, El Dorado county. The public revenue is improving. Advices from- Utah report- that the election - had resulted in favour of -none but Mormons The average vote for them wasv-1018, and that • for the Gentile list 3/. - An-abducted English girl has been rescued, and sent under proper protection to the States. Large numbers of. Mormons are renouncing the faith. Brigham •Young still keeps himself hid, fearing the vengeance of the-saints, who are said to be greatly >-incensed against him in consequence of some t-revelations concerning his business transactions. Prom British Columbia we have tidings that, ;=*ft;er a season of inaction, despondence, and ■-privation, the waters of the river were rapidly l-falling,-and that 10,000 miners were at work ~*with excellent yield and splendid prospects 600 dollars were taken out at Fort Hope by nsing a rocker only. Vancouver's Island has -started a newspaper.