No. 56.
Mr. Partridge to Mr. Fish.

No. 196.]

Sir: * * * * * * *

The great measures, so long promised and so much needed, of reform in the electoral law, in the law of recruitment, and the proposition so urgent to secure the healthfulness of the capital by an adequate supply of water from the abundant and never-failing sources in the surrounding mountains, slumber on through wearisome and never-ending debates.

It is quite likely, indeed, from present appearances, that the chambers will not even settle the budget, but that in the last days of the session, which must .close in September, they will suddenly pass a resolution authorizing expenditures as in former years.

We hear nothing further of difficulty with the Argentine Republic. The (now) Visconde de Araguiya (Mr. Magalhaens) has been relieved from duty there, (at Buenos Ayres,) and has been sent as envoy to the Pope, as it is supposed he may be able to calm the hostility of the Vatican, in consequence of the prosecution and imprisonment of the bishops here. There is still no representative here from. Buenos Ayres, the consul-general still acting as chargé. A minister from Paraguay has been received, and very favorably, of course, since the government there is still sustained by the Brazilian garrison in Asuncion. The Princess Imperial was safely delivered on July 25th of a still-born daughter, and will come up to Petropolis next week to reside.

Rear-Admiral Le Roy has relieved Rear-Admiral Strong in command of this station, and the flag-ship Lancaster and the Monongahela are still in the harbor.

Mr. Shannon left on leave of absence for the United States, via Europe, on the 17th August.

I am, &c.,

JAMES R. PARTRIDGE.