The New York Herald

ANNAPOLIS, Jan 16, 1846.

Proceedings of the Legislature—State Convention—The Naval School—The Ball, &c. &c.

In a matter of general information, permit me to note for your readers, a few ideas from the metropolis of Maryland, where I have been temporarily sojourning during a brief space, since last writing you.

The Legislature of this State is now in session, and the people of this country, as well as the old world, are somewhat interested in its action, resulting from the unfortunate fact of the heavy indebtedness of the State to home and foreign creditors. It is a matter of high gratification, however, to be able to state that the day-star of the deliverance of this good old State from the chains and darkness which have for a time restricted her energies and blackened her previously fair escutcheon, has at length been discerned, and the hope is entertained of her finally assuming her wonted position of prosperity and greatness. The report of the Treasurer justifies this belief. And an effort—I hope a successful one—will be made by this Legislature to designate some period for the resumption of payment of interest due the State creditors. This accomplished, the people will no longer be tortured into murmuring in consequence of the eternal call for further increased rates of taxation—which are already oppressively high, and the State's creditors, foreign and domestic, will be satisfied. The receipts into the treasury, during the last year, were greater than any previous year; but there was still a deficit of $1,236,764 41 to meet the liabilities of the State—that is, to pay the interest on her debt, after deducting the contingent expenses of the State; and this remains to be met by a resort to other sources of taxation, or laws providing for the more sure collections under existing revenue (or tax) laws. State stocks are on the increase in value, and the knowing ones seem cheerful in view of the accomplishment of these objects.

The subject of calling a convention to remodel the Constitution of the State, will, no doubt, be defeated by this Legislature. Some fear the question of slavery might be committed into bad hands, if surrendered to such a tribunal, and prefer keeping it, with all other important matters, under the care of the Legislature. The people are also somewhat divided in reference to the call of a convention, though all seem to admit the necessity of some mending of the Constitution; yet there is no fear of a New Jersey effort at reform.

There is an evident disposition among the delegates from some counties of the State, to attempt harsh measures in reference to the free colored population of the State, but they must fail of their object. Maryland, bordering on Mason and Dixon's line, occupying a central position between the North and the South, will be found, as she ever has been, true to the best dictates of humanity, and firm in maintaining the laws and institutions of the land, under any and every effort, from whatever quarter, to disturb them.

The naval school, which has recently been removed from Philadelphia to this city, is in a most flourishing condition. Capt. Buchanan, who has charge of the institution, has proven himself every way worthy of so high and responsible a post. The institution occupies Fort Severn, a beautiful and healthy location. Every apartment has been thoroughly renovated, and some new quarters provided. There are between eighty and ninety scholars in the school—a larger number than ever together before. The accommodations are not sufficient, but it is presumed this defect will be remedied as early as practicable.

The officers and teachers generally are well selected.

The collection of so large number of young men, from different and distant portions of the Union, you may well imagine, begets a wonderful change in the quiet and habits of this hitherto dull place. In addition to the scholars, there are a number of persons attached to the coast survey, who add to the stir and bustle of the city—they are a rather more orderly set of persons than the middies. For it is a fact, that, however properly these young gentlemen may conduct themselves when in quarters, they are the wildest tare-devil fellows, when suffered to be "in town." that could be turned loose upon the community. There are many worthy exceptions, of course. This may be accounted for, perhaps, in some cases, from their youthfulness.

There was a ball last evening at the institution, given by the midshipmen. It was very numerously attended by ladies and gentlemen from various sections of the Union. The middies, poor fellows, displayed great want of tact, or propriety, in selecting their guests. The members of the Legislature were invited, through a general invitation to the presiding officers of the two houses—a kind of compliment not very acceptable, and many did not go. None of the officers of either house went, and some of them at least were entitled to special courtesy, for various reasons. The Court of Appeals was overlooked, as was also the government officers at this port.

The entertainment itself was a most splendid affair. The company did not disperse till morning. Indeed this was well, for one train of cars bringing persons from Baltimore and Washington, did not arrive till about one o'clock, in consequence of its running off the track, and they would not have found quarters in the city, all the hotels being full.