Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, February 28, 1875, Page 10

| | | SPORTING NEWS. The Manner of Training Fighting- Cocks, The Process of “ Flopping,” and Its Results. Proposed Organization of a Jockey e Club in Chicago. Jimmy Wood and Harry Wright Give Some Base-Bali Opinions. The International Rifle Match--- Billiard Gossip. 2 FICHTING-COCKS. THE ART OF TRAINING THE BIRDS. There is s considerable fraction of mankind, uenally denominated the ‘eporting clasa,"— though the title includes mon devoted to better eports, and possessed of a great respect for law and deceucy,—who apparently relieh no amuse- ment unless it contains a large amount of coarseness and brutality. To the legitimate sports that animate the more respectable classes they are indifferent. Base-ball, billiards, sud ‘ horue-racing to them are tame pastimes. They are never etirred with delight except when witnessing some o-called- amusement of 2 low, disgustmg, nd brutal character. There ore not @few of their tribe tho have provided much general delectation by battering each other in the prize-ring, and perhaps their Jove of brutal exhibitions would not be eo rep- rehensible if it wera always indulged in at the *kpense of their own numbers. But the ring oas fallen upon unpopular times, and the rigor of the law hos made it a hazardous pursuit. This lowest branch of the sportiug fraternity is not at a loss for very appetizing amusements, however, to provide which the bull-dog and the game-cock ure enlisted. ‘The sporting colums of Tue Taruusx, Inst Sunday, were partially devoted to a description of the mode of rearing aud traiming, and the gen- eral characteristics, of that unprepoxseusing but puguacious brute—the buil-dog. Auimais whose fighting propensities justly entitle them to tho admiration of the sports and make them avail- able for the ring are jimited. Outeide of thie animal, and the hi specimens whoyhave been found willing to pammel exch other for the con- sideration of pri: jones, and an inheritance of undying fame from their followers, TRE GAME-COCK is about the only candidate for the attention of ibe “fancy.” Tue Tomuss readers have been told by what means the ball-dog is rendered vicious, by what izaining ho is brought into ‘‘condinon,” and Inbor is bestowed upon him tomake him asource of pleasure to the patrons of the sport in which he figures as aprincipal. «The present article— & sort of compamion-piece to the one a week sgo—will enlighten bim similarly m reference to the game-cock. It may not bo understood, gen- erally, that the exacting taute of the admirers of these spunky fowls requires that their natoral predilections for fighting be eharpened to tho highest degree to make cock-fighting at all en- joyable, and that to effect tnis they are sub- Jected to RIGID AKD CAREFUL TRAINING. ‘To make this species of sport as bratal and dis- gusting a6 possible, scarcely less attention is given to the training of game-cocks than to that of the bull-dog. Certain measures are used to make the fois as vicious aud tenacious in bat- tle, and as hardy and enduring as may be. There area pumber of different methods of training them; almost every cock-fancier has ways peculiar to himself. The success of a men's birds in the pit may be safely taken as a puarantee of the efficacy of his training, and as Chicago's particular cock-breeder and fighter, Jerry Monroe, bas undoubtedly won more mains and private individual fights than any other man inthe West, Tre Tamone will accept his plan of getting cocks into fighting trim as being aa vearly correct as any, and enlighten its readers thereon. Jerry has made cock-breoding, training, and fighting a THE ABSORBING BUSINESS OF MIS LIFE. - He is probably better known in these exciting pursuits than any man in the country. Ho is re- garded everywhere as authority upon all mattera connected with the pit, and bia methods are fol- lowed by the people -who have bad reason to ob~ serve the various cocking mains in which no has been engaged, and the fine fighting condition to which he briogs his birds. He bas imported fowis from Ireland and various parts of England both for breeding and fighting purposes, and is possessed of such ® blooded brood of game- hens and e-cocks that he breeds a large ma- jority of tho birds he enters for the pit. THERE ARE QUITE A VARIETY OF GAME-COCKS, end a thorough cock-fancier has at his fingers’ ends the pedigree and notable qualities of a doz- enor more different strains. ‘Ibe best known, however. in this country, is the Derby, for whose title Lord Derby, of England, is said to have been respousible, for cock-breeding has before now engaged the attention of men of nopie biood and heraldic titles. Lord Derby was a great cock-fancier, and the strain which beara is pame bas long been noted for the vicious and enduring qualities which make ‘* the pet of the pit, There are certain crosst+, nowever, which uave producad birds ranked p: the “fancy ” equally as valuable, aod Jerry himself has raised those which he counts fully 2s good as the pure imported. 3 reat care is bestowed upon i THEIR BREEDING. It isof the greatest importance to keep the stréin free from all impurities, and the least taint of the dangbill fowl is looked upon as fatal so the fighting qualitios of tho cocks. While the shanticleer of the barn-yard will battie fora short time equally ss viciously as the game- rock, bis ignoble blood 18 shown by his lack of “staying” qualities. For afew minutes, per- haps, he will cut into his bigh-priced-gamey an- tagonist with great epitefulness, but, in tho \augpage of the pit, he soon gets his “belly tall,” and, instead of fighting to the desth, in- loricusly turns tail and flies from tho saw- Kost. An expert can detect with great certainty this taint of the donghill as soon as the bird enters the pit, and will bet heavily against him mith the “snakers” when the fight appears de- tidedly in big favor. : dJorry adopts s very generous method in train- ‘wg his cocks. While other trainers limit their food, and give them but a very small quantity of innk, ho feeds them liberally, and gives them all the water they desire. ; THE ACTIVE TRAINING begins thirteen days prior to the fighting of a main. At that time the cocks which aro to do tle are brought from their several ‘* walks,” aving previously been kept separate at various ‘arms, city and wherever they could be placed, 0 thst thoy could have.a good “run,” and not be hable to come in contact with others of their species. They are trested until the day of the match to a season of rest, strengthening exercise, aud invigorating food. Their lodging places thereafter are in balf-barrels, partially dilled with hay, closed with » lid, and ventilated bee auger holes. Pubes these narrow Jimits ey are confini e entire period, except when taking their food or saree ia bat twice each day; at o'clock in th ice et ay; St 8 o'clock in the morning, and atG or tae night. The first meal consists of brown corn hominy specially prepared for their food, abouts gil of which’ is given te each fowl, This is accompanied by two “beaks” of water. In the evening they are given the same material chopped up with the whites of hard-boiled eggs. and three “beaks” of water. Exch cock is ted separately, for, though mem- bers of the same family, their fighting propen- sities are so great that they will instantly tackle each other if allowed to come in¢ontact. In the middle of the day they are subjected to the exercise of “ FLOPPING.” : A low table is used for the purpoxe. A cock is taken from his balf-barrel, ced thereon, and pot throngh this peculiar exercise. It consiats im catching him by the body, turning him com- pletely over, and tossing him in the air. Likes cat, be will always strike on his feet. He is aleo thrown in all manver of ways that will incresse the agility of hislegs. He is treated to sudden summersaults, forward and backward; he is thrown straigbt into the air; be is made in every ible way to exert himeelf to the utmost to keep hislegs. This exercise makes his legs strong and elastic, enables him to keep them when in the pit, and to strike hard blows when ‘“‘hecled™ for the fight. It also strengthex> hie wings, beating and defending with which are not the teast important partin baitle of 5 exercise ia somewhat violent, and‘is graded with reference to the cordition of the fowl. If he is over weigit. and it is feared he Will not ‘fal in” with tha other Tinda — that in, exceed their weight bemoro than THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2%, 1876.—-SIXTEEN PAGES: 2 ounces,—he is treated with it until his flesh is § reducad to the hmits required. THE FOWL'S CONDITION IN FLESH also is a guide to the trainer in feeding him. Usually a cock takes 25 ‘flops” at the begin- ning of his training. The second day they will be increased to 35; the third, 50; the fourth, 95; the fitth, 100; the sixth, 125; the seventh, 150; the eighth, 175, and the ninth, 200. After reaching the latter figure for the next two days they are reduced 50 each day. There are now but TWO DAYS REMAINING before the main takes place. Th@se the cocks ara allowed to pass very quietly, the “flopping” is abandoned, they are fed quantities of hard-boil- ed eggs, and confined, except at meal-time, within the half-barrels. Besides the exercise above described, they are allowed others less violent. Every third day they are taken singly from their barrels. and pred ins large, dry, clean apartment, and al- lowed to strut about, for fifteen minutes. They ‘aro allowed . THIS ERIEP RECREATION a to the day of tho fight. They are also Placed, one ata time, within s wire cage, snd permitted to roost on & perch a short time each day, to rest them after equatting upon the hay in the bsrrele. After this kind of food has been given, and theso exercises maintained, for thirteen days they are considered in fit condition for the pit. They are then ¥ ‘WEIGHED, - to see if they will fall in with the cocks agninst which they are matched; and their nacural spurs, if they have grown ont avy, aro filed down to within spout half an inch of the quick, for they always fight with steel gaffe, which sre about 23g inchos long and as Sharp as neadles. These are used in preference to the natural spur, asthe wounds they inflict, if not déadly, are much more easily bealed. rs . When the min bas concluded THE WOUNDS OF TEE SURVIVORS ate properly cared for; their heads are greased, their feathers‘ are cut off, their legs, if gaifed, are bandaged, and thoy are restored to their coops. They are now fed corn, oats, cornmeal moistened, or the food ordinarily given common fowls. * Whon they hare recovered from their wounds they are placed upon the “walla” until they go into training again for another encounter. When the writer called npon Mr. Monroe, to whom ho is indebted for the above information, he found that the basement of his establishment hed been turned into a regular cock-hospital for the restoration of the birds damaged in the late en- counter at Turner Park. All of them were con- yalescent, and will bo pat upon iheir walks ina few di Mr. Monroe's walks for the fowls not in training are among the various farm-honses in tee neighborhood of Fruitport, Mich., where be has about 180 game-cocks and game-hens. es THE TURF. A PROJECT OF GLEST IMPORTANCE tothe intereats of the turf is under considera ¢ tion, but whether or rot it will be roalized is still a question of uncertainty. A number of very prominent horse-breeders in the West are considering the advisability of securifg Dexter Pirk, if possible, and forming » jockey cinb which eball include in ity membership all of the beet-known turfmeo of tho West and fouth- west, ag well a8 many from the East, whom they are confident, if theiz plans are cartied out, of attracting hither. Among the parties most interested in this de- sign are Gon. Route, of Carlinville, J. J. O'Fallon and Gen. Usracy, of St. Louis, and Col. John- son, of Kentucky. These are gentlemen whom any one conversant at all with the history of the turf will immediately recognize as among the most promfpent horsemen and horse-breeders in thecountry. They have devoted themselves for years tothe raising of biooded stock, and their names, connected with any project what- ever, will fo far to recommend it, and if actually entered upon Will, in a large measure, insure its BUCCOES. ‘The park, if eecured, will be largely devoted to running races. According to these gentlemen, this country is fast inculcating a love for turf events of this character, and the interest in trotting races is proportionately on (ho decline. Bunt «few years ago a running race, notwith- standing the entries embraced horses of wide repatation, found comparatively few patrons. Trotting was the popular Américan sport. The growing interest in the ruuning horses has been sufficiently sttested, however, within two or three years, in the Enst, at least. by the crowds which have frequented the Saratoga and Fleetwood Park races. The gentlemen oamed confidently expect that we will, bofore long. possess an enthusiasm for ranning races almost equal to that manifested by Englishmen at the Derby, the St. Leger, or the Oaks. They aro desirous of instilling an affection for’his phase of track amusements in Western people, and for this end they aro endeavoring to secure the park and form the club. Taero are a large number of horse-fanciers and breeders in the Western States who would be oxtremely glad of a central location at which thoy might water theit fast animals. Chicago, above all other places, would: afford an easily-accessible Tocality, aud there is no doubt, if the project is realized, but that more attention would ba given to horse- raising. and the blood and quality of the animal considerably improved. Gen. Route bas the matter in hand, and be will exert himself to the utmost to artain the de- sign contemplated by himself aud the other gentlemen with whom he is associated.. It is generally understood, however, that Col. Mansar will retain the park for snother year, and this may throw en obstacle in their way not casily surmounted. But if the scheme cannot be effected this season it will be attempted the fol- lowing one, when probably it will ba fully real- ized. - , HOUSE NOTES. Katie Pense, the property of Mr. A. 9. Gage, of this city, and Chinaman, wore contestants in arunning race, half-mile heats, beat three in five, for 22,000, at the Bay District Course, San Francisco, Cal., Feb, 13. Among the large crowd in attendance fhe mare was the favorito, rating at four to one, and she fully justified this extreme confidence ; for though Chinaman took the first beat (on sufferance, it was thonght), she was victress in the second, third, end fourth, ‘Time—-0:50, 0:493¢, 0:5044, the time of the final beat not being taken in‘consequgnco of a heavy for. ‘The California trotting gelding Occident will come East about the lat of April. in charge of Budd Doble, to tako his chances with otber flyers daring che trotting campaign. : The trotting mare Lucy dropped a fine chest- nut foal, sired by Jay Gould, last weak. The following aseociatious have determined to hold a series of trotting meetings, commencing as follows: Mendots, Aug. 17; Earlville, Aug. 24; Aurora, Ang. 81; Sycamore, Sept. 7; Dixon, Sopt. 1; and Tissilwa, Sopt. 21. Premiums amounting to £80,000 will be offered. Mr. Mark W. Dunham, of Wayne, Ill, has recently sold to Mr. B. T. Babbitt, of Now York, six iniported Norman stallions, and three im- ported mares for $21,500. Another gale, ap- Rregating $19,500, was made to the same party 1n Uctober last. Mr. Dunhomis one of the moss SerenalTG deslers in these horses in the United 8. George Farnsworth, of Chicago, ina pablio challenge, offera to“ match his roan gelaing George Ff. (no record) against any horse, mare, or geldlag in the Unized Btates having no record, for $2,500 aside, to be trotted over the Dexter Park Course, Winter betting on the more important events to berun at Jerome Park, Long Branch, and Sar- atoga is gradually becoming popular in this country, the book-makers—Mr. Jobn Morrissoy and Kelly, Bliss & Co.,—receiving numerous in- quities from ali parts of the country aa to what they aro willing to bet against certain horses in certain raceg, Naturally, at present the two or three important events to be decided at Jerome Park during the first and second weeks 1n June are most in demand. : ssthe Utica Park Association had their annual election of officers Inst week, at which Charles W. Hutchinson was elected President for the third tims. In a Ictter to the Association he says that he cannot accept tho honor, as he is conscientiously opposed to a third term. No choice haa yet been made for his successor. BASE BALL. ENCOURAGEMEST FOR ST. LOUIS. Barry Wright, Captain of the Bostons, bss written a letter to the St. Louis ning, giving them bushels of encouragement, and referring to tho players of hisown club. The most interesting Portion of it is givan herewith : = (3 Jimmy Wood is intending to visit you early this spring for a ttle practice, and to add to his record of ‘Victories toward the championship, 60 I ses in some paper, and it must be reliable, of course. Just you wait till then, that's the time your Bt, Lonis ‘boys will show you whst they are made of. What a time thera will be when ‘those’ old Atisntic, Atb- warriors face each other. Observe Capt, “lay” for his namesake Dick—Capt, Dick Higham. Why, be will take him into camp with as much satisfaction as he will bis first month's salary. You will ses how carefully he will arrange bis Seid when Dick Higham comes to the bat, whisper & word or two into Bradley’sear, something about ~ Jon’*t give him a low onc, keep them up waist— Ligh," for be Enows Disk {30 bad man with a bat if he & good ball. ow camplacent he will look Shen Zelt walks up to the Piste, sure thing’ on his old pal, for he knows his woinese. Now, observe tha, change when Kittie Dietz; walks up to the plate a nicks cut © the ee hs "Etue hy rE - tie hit Observe 4 Lott's now—s0 patronizing, ana Re y waits for his fielders, who, motioned by Dick Higham, draw closor before he pitches “bad Dickey” a ball. Dickey shakes bis little bat, and tries to plant the ball in that open spot: but no, Zett won't give bim the ball be wants, and, after one or twoattempts, he is out on an easy fiy, But wait till the seventh /oning, with o man oF two on the bases, and then you will eee Dickey, ghould he have an opportunity, do the busines. Tho old Atlantic blood’ will be up’ then, and with “«now we're off, boys,” you will.¢ee Dickoy, Chapman, Pike, with Cutting to asaist, make s dash that will cause you ta throw up your hat regurdless of oxpente, “Blood will tell,” and you have it, Enconrago the Doya and let them soe that you take a pride in their ef— forts, Encourage them to keep in good condition and to play with a club spint, and with plenty of practice, unanimity of feeling and honest offort, you may de- pand their record will be a good one at the close of the Beason, too much the first season, Experience tan good ee teacher, if at times a gevere one. Jn another four weeks our players will ali be here. Our lint now numbers twelve, viz. : Spalding, J. White, MeVey, O'Rourke, Barnes, Schafer, George Wright, Yeonard, Beals, Manning, -George Lothrop, and yours truly. Latham is our istest acquisition, and from Ulica, N.Y. He is 23 years old, 6 feet 8% inches in helght, and welghs, 163 pounds. Wo first no- ticed ‘his ply when in Canads two seasons ago. _ He was then playing with the Ottawa Club, with 380. i club he plaged (wo game, and he attricted our attention by nis very fine play, both st first and second First base appears to be his home position, When playing on firat bass the day we saw bim he handlod the base splendidly, being quick, sure, and cool, He also batted remarkably heavy. He should make a etrong player, and, if he proves worthy, his engagement is good for three years, A OBAT WITH JIM WOOD. ‘ ‘The base-ball man of the St. Louis Democrat hada chat with Jimmy Wood, of the Chicagoes, who was in that city a fow days ago. Jimmy overhauled tho St. Lows players and compared them rather unfavorably with the members of the White Stocking nine. He told the newspa- per man, emong other things, that he could not see why the St. Lonis Club should think they ware going to beat the White Stockings. Now, sald he, let ua compare the players individu- ally, For catcher, there is Miller and Higham ; the former is inexperiencod, poor runner, fsir batter, and the only catcher you havo, while Dick Higham is ono of the urest and heaviest batters in the country, had experience, and is a first-clasa baze-runner. Bradley and Zettlein—Zett iaa poor batter snd runner, to be sure, but on a pitch you onght to know as mach e¢1 can fell you. Ido not know anything about Bradloy, ‘but, if Devlin pitches, I think wo have the best of it, 38 ha was second on our batting Hst lst soason- Firat base, Dehlman and Glenn, ‘Tho former msy play the base the best, but in batting, base runaing, and general playing, Glenn can discount him, Second base, Peters and Battin. Well, I won’: compare notes with’ them, as any one ought to know. that Patera is head and shoulders above Battin in every respect. Forcoand Pearce, short-step, There {8 no better player in the country thin Force, be being cne of the very beat batters, “Poarce has been one of tho best, Ir think, his race is ran. ‘This is private, remember, Fleet’ and Warren White, third bate,’ Why, fust think of it; there is as much difference in them as Battin and Petsra, Whito is first-class at the bat, atid fed the score in the Baltimore team lst season, and 4a s fine base-runner in the bargain, while Flect 15 not as good, by a jug fall. Cuthbert and ‘Hines, left field. ‘The latter took balls away out in Cuthoy's Geld. last season. Hines stands letter at the bat—Cuthey is a fast beeerunner, Pike and Blelaski, cen- trefleld, Pike is the hardest batter, but no enrer than Bielaski, while both samé in the field, “they being the fastest runners jn the eduntry, Pika ie boss growler, while Bielaski is vory quiet, Chapman and Hastings, right field. ‘The former won't begin {o show up with Hastings, as he is one of the finest batters and catch- ers in the business, ‘Take us all in all wa are much stronger at the bat, While St, Louis has but Pike and Cnthbert for base runners, we hava but one poor base-ranner, in Zett; all the others sro_first- not one of ‘em being 3 growler. We have change pitchers and catchers—St, Louis baa not, if we don’t beat St, Louis eight out of the ton games, we deserve to be thrown into the lake, Gossip OF THE GAME. At a ball given at Bridceport, Conn., Inst week by the T.B. F. U. 8. Club, O'Rourke of the Bos- tons won the prize as the beat waltzer on the floor. - Tho National Amateur Convention meets in Boston on the 17th of next moath, C. W. Blod- get, of Arlington, N. ¥., ia the Secretary of the Association. George Wright, the famous short stop. is busi- ly engaged in getting up a now book on the record of the Boston Base-Psll Cinb since its organization, with a skotch of all its playera. hic2go paid tha highest prices for ball-toosers last year, and, notwithstanding the rent of their fro! costa them 32,400 s year, they came out at the end of last season with more m their treasury than all of the other professional clubs put together. The convention of profeasional base-ball clubs will meet in the rooma of tho Athletic Clab in Philadelphia on March 1. Delogates will be in attendance from the stock company and co-operative profassional organizations of Boston, Hartford, Now Haven, New York, Brook- lyn, Philadelphis, Washington, St. Louis, Keo- uk, and Chiesgo, and in all twelve regular clobs will be duly represented. Tho business necessary to bo transasted by the Convention will include tho election of officers, s revision of the Association's constitution and by-laws, and the adoption of the reports of ths Judiciary Committee and that on rules. ‘The Chicazo nine that got in ton runs on their side of tho.book, and presentod nie little round 1ings to the Boston Red Stockings, on tho 14th of last September, at Doston, consisted of Zet- tlein, p.; Gilroy, c:; Gienn,1b.; Moyerle, 2b. ; St. Lonia Poters, s. 8, ; Force, 8 b.; Cuthbert, ). f.; Hines, ¢. f.; and Devlin, r. f. Bir. SeLedh, of Philadelphia, umpired tue gama. eae BILLIARDS. = TALK AROUND THE TABLE. The Southwestern thrae-bali tournament prom- ines to becxceodingly interesting. Henry Rhines and Frank Parker, both for several years retired from sctive operations 8 playera,. have announced their . intention to participate. This step was tho resolt of a banter. Parker ssid to Rhines, ‘Why don’t you go into tho tonroament?” “I'll goin if you will," was “Dump’s” response, *tAgreed,” said Parker, and they shook hands onit. The participation of these two widely-known Wertern Pisyers will add immensely to the interest of the tourna- ment. Shaw will bea contestant, and Maggioli, the New Orleans champion, is certain to bé on hand. There will be two or three good ones from Indiana, ono or two from Cleveland, ono from &t. Lonis—enough, it is expected, to make a list of ten entries. The leading billiard-experts intend to form an association for their proteotion, und to guard against many evils which seem to work ogatnat their mutual interests. This association will bo open to a) billiard-experta, subject to clection by ballot. A code of rnies and regu- Jations will be adopted, which m2 ‘be vey strict, snd any momber breaking the same will be subject to summary expulsion. Daly, C. Dion, 'J. Dion, Vignazx, Ubassy, Slosgon, Daniels, and Garnier will’ form the’ nucleus of organization, It is understood that Rudolphe will be barred from membership for condact un- becoming a billiard expert. Dull times and 2 disposition to coincide with the general reduction in prices induce the pro- prietors of the Bronswick Hall to put billiards down to 40 cents per hour. The new system goes into effect to-morrow. . —_—-— THE TRIGGER. ASIERICA AND IRELAND. Extensive preparations aro already being mado in London to receive tho American Riflo team, which will return the visit of tho Irish team during the coming ecason. Ata mecting held in that city recently, Maj. Leech, a member of the team, who participated at the match at Creedmore, and subsoquently _vis- Hod this city, ‘made a speed, in’ whlon ho referred most plessantly to’ bis visit in America, and urged that nothing be left undone to give the American team s hearty and agres- able welcome to the ‘suld sod.” It was decid- ed, in order to make the meeting as enjoyable and successfal as possible, to invite the Captain of the English International team and tho Captain of the Scotch team ro send representative teams toparticipste. Tho Americana will leava this country in June. It is proposed to shoot the ream’ match ‘in’ Philadeiphis during the centenary year 1876. ‘Tho prize of “All Ireland Challenge Shield.” heretofore com- tad for by only representatives of rifla ciaba in Ireland, hes been opened to the Americans, and efforts are being made to open for their competition the Elcho Shield prize, which hith- erto has been contested for by Insh teams, J.P. Robertson, champion of Maryland, has challenged Ira Paine to shoot s match of thirty birds each, 25 yards rise, for 2200 a side. y Nevada tn 1874, According to the biennial report of the Sur- veyor-Goneral of Nevada, therd are over 1,500. G00 acres of Iand within the boundaries of the State evitable for agricultural purposes. The estimate of thé area of grazing lards reachesthe figere of 21,604,722 acres. Of timber lands there are 1,502,160 acres; and of mineral lands, al- resdy known as stich. 1,675,280 acres. In the year which has just ended 77,564 acres were un- der cultivation. The population of the State, as indicated by the estimates of the County Asses- Bors, Was not less than 55,000 at the commence- ment of the present year. Tho Virginia Enfer- prise thinks thar this is an under-estimate, and expresses the opinion that the present popula- tion of Nevada is not lees than 65,000. 8 vote actually polled last fall was about 16,000. Among the largest and woat profitable products -of the Btate (leaving her mineral producta out of the question) are wool, butter, patatoes, and barley, Of wool the yield for 1874 was 638.733 pounds : of butter, 227,240 da ;_ of potatoes, £90,453 Imehels, and of barley, 506,790 bushels. : A COVERT INTENT. Does the Common Council Wish to * Prevent Cheap Gas? Such Seems to Be the Hidden Purpose in That Body, If Not, What Does Ald. Clark’s Ordinance Mean? The New Process of Obtaining Gas from Wood. The one thing needed to insure Chicsgo a continuation of that rapid growth which bas made her the marvel of the age is tho persistent aiming, by those who hold her interests at heart or hand, at the making of acheap city.. This can only ba accomplished by united and untiring efforts on the part of her woll-wishers, especially on the part of those who are intrusted with the civic legislation. Of courso,,a majority of the items which go to aweli the expenses of house- Keeping are under the housekeeper’s direct control, but there are many of them tbe price of which may be dictated to them, to s certain extent, by monopolista, who,in turn can only be dictated to bythe Common Council. One of theso items, and one about which much has re- cently been said and written, is ANTIFICIAL LIGHT, Without beginning to go into the.coal-gas qnes- tion (which has been fully discussed of Iate) at all, it must be confessed that one of the great wants of the community at present is a good, wholesome, safe, and cheap light,—the last qual- ity being essentially requisite. Until quite re- cently there bas been found no illumiuating power which could competed successfully for general purposes with coal-gas. For many yoars it has bad monopoly of the patronage of ail classes of peopleand it is not surprising that, when a new and to all appearances trouble- some competitor arises, those who are pecuni- arily interested in the continuance of the employment of coal gas should exert aii their iufluence against the now idea. It was expected when it becamo known that a rival to tho com- panies that had hitherto enjoyed a monopoly in the supplying of light to tho aity that the Com- mon Council would gladly promote the interest of the new scheme, which promised to reduce to 8 minimum at least one item in the list of house- Keeping expenses. It is sad to have to confess, however, that the opposite is the cage, and that not only does the Council seem to LOOK WITH COLDNESS ‘upon the new Gas Company, but that an attempt } is being made to pass special leglation in fayer of the old and against all new companies which may be formed in the future, in the shape of the following amendment to a city ordinance on the storing in the city of dangerous fluids: An ordinance atnending Sec.1 of Chap. 3tof the Revised Ordinances of 1873, eutitled “ Petroleum and othe: dangerous liquids." ‘ ‘Be at ordained by the Common Counctt of the City of Ghicago, That Bec. 1 of Chap. 34 of the Revised Ordi- nances of 1973, entitled “Yetroleam and other dan- Rerous liquids,” be and the same is hareby amendod 80 a8 to read as follows: 8x0, 1. It shall be unlawfal for any person, persans, or corporations to store or keep for sale within the cor- porate limits of the Oity of Chicago any crude petro- Jeum, gatoline, naphtha, benzine, camphene, spirit 33, burning fluid, or spirits of turpentine, exceeding 3 quantity of one barrel of forty-five gallons; and it shall be unlawful to keep for sale or in storage any re- fined carbon-oil, Kerosene, or other products—for il- Juminating purposes—of coal, rock, or earth oils ox- cept such refined oils ag will stand a firé-test of 110 de- grees Fahrenheit, according to tha method snd direc- tions of John Tagiisbue; and it shall not be lawful to keep any quantity of said articles exceeding one barrel of forty-five gallons in any part of s building excepting a cellar, the floor of which shall Le 5 feet below the grade of ‘the adJs- cent streots ; and no crude petroleum, gasoline, naph- tha, benzine, carbon oil, csinphene, spirit gas, burn- ing'duld, of optrits of ’turpeuting’ shall be kopt oF stored in front of any building, or on any street, alley, wharf, lot, or sidewalk for a longer time than is sutil- cient fo receive in atore or in delivering the same; provided such tims shall not exceed six hours; and ‘it shall also be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporution to manufacture any gag for illuminating purposes from any substance wittever, or to build any gac-works, or erect any house, building, or other reservoir for holding or storing illuminating gas within the corporate limita of , the City of Chicago, without first having obtained per- malssion #o to do from the Cominon Cowthetl of the City S50, 2 This ordinance shall bo ta force from and After ite paseage and due publication, At first blugh this amendment to a very proper ordinance seoms to be weil-timed, and to reftect credit upon the Aldernian who introduced it into the Couacil, aud it is only on studying. its final sentenée in eonnection with recent ovents that THE COVERT INTENT ia discovered, Partly in order to see how this attempt to crash the chances of life out of un- boru projects having in view the supplying citi- zens with cheap light was received EF the pro~ jectors of the new Gas Compeny, and partly to earn just how far their intentions were sincero, and what prospect there was of their success, & Tarwoxe reporter called yostorday afternoon up~ on Mr. J. H. Sholdon, Generat Manager of the Northwestern Gnas ana Construction Company, The following conversation cnsued + * Reporter—iir. Sheldon, I presume you have heard of certain legislation which ia to ve passed upon by tle Comuiou Council upon the subject ot ting the erection of new gas works within the limits of the city? Mr. Sheldou—I have, and I may say that our Compan; are CONSIDERABLY EXEROISED over the affair. ‘tho points in the case were very well covered in a letter in this morning’s Tain- uss. It was the istention of the Company to have goue about its work as quietly es possible, —uot to hare had the peat: become intérested in their undertaking until chey were in a position to show what they could do; but it becomes necessary uow, in view of this attempt at special legislation, which proposes to hinder our verifica- + tion of our idea, to speak on the subject. I have seco acopyof the amendment introduced by Ald. Clark, snd find that its final clause has no relation whatever to the body of the ordi- nance, and is evidently framed for the specific purpose of hindering us from demonstrating a process for the manufacture of o gas inflmtely cheaper than any at present employed. For the past two months we have been preparing in a quiet and businoss-like way for demonstrating to the public our new principle in the creation of Hiaminating fluid; we have bogun to build works which when completed will cost about 310,000, and with these we intended to supply the ‘re- mont Honso with light. It was proposed to say nothing specially in support of the pro- cers uotit the illumination of this hotel could be pointed to aa a practical result of our Isbors; but, as our effort to make such a showing has beon assailed by this smendment, it seems beat to us that the public should learn the status of affsira, Reporter—What aro the facts in the case ? Mr. Sheidon—The Northwestern Gas ana Con- struction Company are erecting small works for the purpose of DEMONSTRATING THEIR PROCESS, These works arc, on s small scale, thoroughly sud substantially built, entirely protected from any possibility from accident, and are put up solely with a view of verifying our statement that a superior illarsinating gas can be produced at & mere nominal cost as compared with that of seal gas. Avhat ‘porter—What is your process, and wherein does the cheapness of its product consist ? Mr. Sheldon—Our process consists in the de- structive distillation of wood in retorts similar to those used in the distillation of coal in the manufacture of coal gas. As the wood alone produces » gas not anfficiently rich in dlumi- natin; operties, a small amount of solid or fluid tydco- carbons are distilled simultaneonsly with the wood. By hydro-carbong I mean any substance composed of aydrogen in combination with carbon, but showing an excess of carbon, such as cosl-tar, resins, animal fat, any of the carbon oils, etc. The result of this joint distil- lation is 9 fixed and permanent illuminating gas commonly known as heavy carbureted hydrogen or bi-hydride of carbon. : : THE ILLUMINATING PowERS may bevaried by the amount of carbon = erties added to the wood in the process of fea lation, and thus @ gas of any desired candle- Power may readily and chéaply bo produced: ‘Lhe gas evolved from the wood alone contains so large s proportion of carbon that the sddi- Sonal amount contributed by the hydro-carbon is quite amali, and thus the enrichment of the gas evalved from the wood is of small expense. ‘What becomes of your wood after tilled from it? cal 48 by the proceas converted into charcosi, o4,in any locaing the prodiacs G2 agivea quautty of wood in bis ele ways of greater value than the cost ofthe wood. . because of the time and labor necessery to its ! process is go that in making gas from wood the imply the manufacture of charcoal and economizing of gas at the same time. Con- sequently the principal cost of the gas is in the addition of the bydro-carbon necessary to enrich, which never amounts to more than a few cents per thousand cubic feet. é THE APPARATUS. Reportor—What machinery is nocossary in the process ? * Mr. Sheldon—The apparatus necessary for the production of wood-gas is much cheaper than that used for the production of coal-gas, for the reason that the machinery used for purification, such as condensers, hydraulic mains, ond ling purifiers, are not needed. . All that is wanted in the manufacture is a rotort for the distillation of the wood and hydro-carbona, andagasometer for the storing of the gas. ‘ Reporter—What aro the properties of the gas? Mr. Sheldon—Its illuminating powers are su- porior to that of coal-gas. It is not subject to condensation, which is s0 common with coal-gas, and occurs so much in the many processes in portable apparatus ; it is i FREE FROM THE DISAGREEABLE ODOR: often complained of in connection with coal-gas and gas made from carbon oils, and in burning it gives off no smoke, for the reason that it con- teins its carbon by a combining equivalent. Reporter~How much gas wills cord of wood produce? Mr. Sheldon—One cord of wood will produce about 35,000 cubic feet of gas, while from coal not more than 9,000 cubic fect can be obtained fromaton. The cost of the fuel necessary to generate gaa from coal is much greater than that used in distilling the wood, and the residuum from the coal ia coke, tar, etc., is not nearly so valu- able as tho charcoal. Reporter—I wish you would give. mo somo idea of what .the cost of production of 85,000 cubic fect of wood gaa would be in Chicago. Mr. Sheldon—Well, the different items will come as follows: A cord of wood, worth in Chicago, 83 Fuel to convert the same. Cout of hydro.carbon to enrich the gas Labor and incidental expenses. conversion ‘Leas vaitte of 90 bushels of charcoal at, say, 12 cents per busbel..,... Leaving cost of 35,000 cubic feet of gas.. The lowest estimate of the cost of the conl- gas whioh is supplied to consumers in Chicago. at $3.50 per 1,000 cubic feot is $1, which is near- ly six times as dear aa tho wood-gas. Having thus gained some knowledge of the main features of the new gas-making process, the reporter accompanied Mr. Sheldon to THE WORKS in course of construction on the south side of the alley below the Tremont House, which are rapidly approachirg completion. Here Mr, Sheldon pointed to tho solid nature of the build- ing, aaa proof of the faith of the Company in the success of their process. The capacity of the works will be 10,000 eubio feet,—quite saffi- cient to supply the Tremont House or any of the hotels of the city with light. From these facts it is evident that this Com- pany wants to have a chance to show what they ean do. All they want is to complete their works, make their gas, and Ist the people themselves judge of ita quality. The only reason the Com- mon Council could possess for passing an_ordi- nance to hinder their eo doing would be a desire to stand in with the monopolists against the m- terests of the people which they are electod to, look after. KIRK VS. CORCORAN, ‘The Aldermanic Contest in the Twen- tieth Ward. To the Eistor of The Chicago Tribune: Cuicaco, Feb. 27.—The undersigned beg leave to call your attention to the accompanying docu- ment, which they believe to be a carefully-pre- pared and honest statement pf matters relating tothe recent election in the Twentieth Ward; and, having no other motive than to promote good order and correct serions abuses, we express the earnest wish that you give it space in your columns. C. G. Haanroxp, E. W. Buatcaronp, L. T, Cuampenrars, Wruax H. Buapiey, L.A. Waits. Yo the Editar of The Chicago {ribune: Curcago, Feb. 27.—For the past three elec- tions the residents of tho Twentieth Ward have been trying to elect an honest, capable miau to represent them in the City Council, but have been defeated through systematic frauds, com- mitted principally at the First Precinct polls. Soon eftor tho last election, s number of the old residents of the ward who had assisted in put~ ting James A. Kirk in nominstion as an inde- pendent candidate, cniled a meeting to discuss the situation aud decide if something could not be done to breaz up the organized system of frand. in order to the full comprehension of the situa- tion, let it be remembered that, at the primary mecting of the Republican party, Capt. Dall was nominated for Alderman. He waa considered a reapectable candidate, and was generally satis- factory to the better class of voters in the ward; but three days before clection, for reasons well lmown to certain Republican managors, he was induced to withdraw his name, and that of John ‘[. Corcoran was substituted. Mr. Corcoran is an acknowledged gambler, and sufficiently well versed in all sorts of political chicanery. More- over, he is not, and never has been, a Republic- an, but bas heretofore run onthe Democratic ticket in this same ward. H. B. Miller, County Treasurer, testifies under oath that he bas known him for many years to bea leader of great inflaence in ‘the Democratie party. The honest Republicans of the Twentieth Ward found great difficulty in believing that this man would represent them worthily in the Common Conun- cil, however..faitbfully he might have paid tho price for which the ward was put into his pos- Beasion ; dnd therefore they put in nomination atthe last moment James A. Kirk, 8 man of good business character, of undoubted personal integrity, and a straight Republican. The ae sult was that tho election retirna declared Cor- coran elected by a large majority. The first business, accordingly, of the citi- gens’ meeting above alluded to, was to analyze the vote of the ward, at this and the previous elections. when similar efforta to obtain a fair representation had been also defeated. We give herewith the tabulated vote of the ward by precincts in the three Inat elections: PRECINCTS. Cundidates. ‘Corcoran, De: 199 1872, 4 Webster, Ind. 21 23 10 0 Busse, Rep. ‘Total vote by precincts }oilaea ‘Jonas, Citizens’ ticket 3a 47 1878, 4 Harvey, Rep 74{133 Kehoe, Ind., 9} 46 & ‘Total vote by precincts... ‘Corcoran, on Rep. ticke! 4! 1874, 4 Kirk, Ind. 63; + loByzne, Op; 5 Total voto by pricencts. . 1421312 ‘Kirk's Duajority by precincts. 39] 63 It very Boon becaute evident that,;while frauds had been perpetrated in sdveral of the precincts, the most shameleas and persistent bad taken placo in the Firat Precinct, the poll baing near the County Jail and convenient to the opposite side of the river, Acarefal canvass of the pre- cinct was made ty old residents, and the, fact established beyond s doubt that the number of legal votes therein did nof exceed, but rather’ felighort of, 275. The declared vote of the precinct, however, a3 will bo observed, stands: Kirk, 41; O'Byrao, 72; Corcoran, 556. Total, 6691 ‘The registry list of the First Precinct was next examined. It waa found that 881 names wore registered. One hundred and fifty votes wore also sworn in, which would make a total of votes provided for, in .case thoy ‘were required, of 1,031. Names were registered and voted by scores against yacant lots, lumber piles, and warehouses. Cer- tain boarding-houses, where eight or tet men boarded, registerodand voted 24to 95 votes. The Hatch House, of which Corcoran is pro- prietor, registered 40 votes, North Water street, from six small frame residences and saloons combined, returned 111 votes, of which it has been definitely ascertained that only from 13 to 15 were legal. : ‘Tha Judges of Election wore then investigated. Of the three, two were found especially objec- tionable, their appointment having been eri- dently manipulated to meet the fraudulent no- cessity. One of them resides in » disrepntable bouse on the West Side, sod has been arrested and fined $50 for vagrancy ; the other is re- ported as an Englishman scarcely three 3 in this country; and the clerk a iman abont equally fitted for his position. It was aleo ascertained that on election-day Joha Corcoran and his brother, whois a gradu- ate of the Penitentiary, gave thair special and peraonal attenticn to the First Precinct. The Judgoe of Election refased to allow s challenger in the room, and, when appeal was made-to the police for protection for Kirk voters, the appeal was laughed to scorn. . * Theres is still another bit of evidence which de- serves notice. When Mr. Harrison said to Afr. Farwell that there was no evading the fact that evidence would be found of illegal voting in his ‘Farwell’s) bebalfin the Twentieth Ward, Mfr. ‘arwell replied, “I didn’t do 1t;. Corcoran did it." Itis a curious fact that nearly all the: Cor- coran men voted for Farweil also. Mr, Farwell wag ondoubtedly in s position ta know whe did the illegal voting, and we rely implicitly upon his word in the matter. + Be it observed, furthermore, that, after wait- ing till all tho other precincts had been heard from, the Judges announced the vote of the Firet Precinct, giving Corcoran a sufficient num- ber of votes to overcome Kirk's majority of 248 in the other precincts. The ballot-box was then removed to the Hatch House, where the succoss- fal candidate could personally suporintend the business of making the ballots and poll-list tally with the praviously-announced yote, For tnis apparent purpose, the ballot-box was retained in the Hatch Honse for three days before being handed over to its lawful oustodian. Itis afact, capable of proof by sworn testimony, that more than 41 yotes were cast for Mr. Kirk in the First Precinct, while, as has been shown. Corcoran’s yote is nearly doubie the number of legal votes in tho same precinct. ‘These are a few of the facts which decided the friends of Mr. Kirk to contest the election for him. He had not sought the office and could ac- cept it only at a persoual ‘sacrifice, yet the seri- ous question remained to be settled, whother a ward like tho Twentieth, ane of the most re- spectable in the city, should continue year after Year to be represented by men who, without in- tegrity and without purpoda in politics eave a purpose of plugder, might foist themsalves upon the party, and carry their election by open and unblusbiog fraud. ‘At tho election fa 1873, the’straight Republic- an. candidate was Joel D. Harvey, aman of un- sullied intezrity, but the First Precinct defeated him. In the light of recent investigations, it seems more than probable that he received majority of all the legal votes cast. Certainly his opponent, Mr. Jonas, ran suspiciously wolltin the First Preémct ; a factof which he may be remiuded in caso ho ever seeks re-election. In direct harmony, too, with thé proceedings against which this protest is entered, is the ef- fort now being made by Corcoran’s attorneys, through a technical construction of the phrase- ology of tho city charter, to carry the auit before the Common Council, instead of allowing it to proceed in the courts. The argumonts for and against this motion are now held by Judge Wal- lace, awaiting his decision. Whatever may be that decision, the ultimate yictors, if isbor and Getormination can avail, will be on the side of sound political principles and the safecuarda of the ballot. The people of the Twontieth Ward are not prepared to beliove that carruption such 2s that which bas so long disgraced the Five Points of New York can be uninterruptedly and guccezafully carried on in their midst, “In any event, as atleast a minor incident of the cam- paizn, repestors and ballot-box stuffers aro hoze- yy advised that their presenco in the precincts of the Twentieth Ward will henceforth be noted, and, if posaible, their corrupt plans défeated. c. R. Cornrs, Groner H. Fenous, Genny N. 3axn. DIPATHER RA. Cinchonism as a Remedy. To the Edulor of The Chicage Tribune : Fort Wars, Ind., Feb. 23.—It is customary, and perhaps more professional, for a physician who writes on medical subjects to communicate with some medical journal; but, inthe present instance, attacked as varions portions of tho country are, and have been, by the above-named fatal malady, you will pardon me if I overstep the limits of medical ethics by directing your at- tention to the subject under consideration. It isa deplorable fact that meiical journsis are taken by a very limited number of the medi- eal profession, 80 that very few keep pace with the prograss of the science ; consequently, he who desires todo “the greatest good to the greatest number” willseek those avenues by which the grestest number can be reached. ‘The rapid progress of the disease, and ita fatality, render the subject highly important to the public, as well asthe medical profession ; and he who, through selfish or pecuniary mo- tives, ‘willfully keeps back from either that which might prove of incalculable benofit to both, isin no sense of tho word a public benefactor. lbave had some experience in the treatment of this disease during an epidemic which visited Fort Wayne the present winter ;.and, notwith- stending the fact that what success I had occur- red in the Iatter period of the epidemic,—which, as inall spicenilos, is ususlly considered the mild- est,—yet I cannot avoid attributing that success, 0 agrost measure, to the change I adopted in my treatment ; and I believe I am warranted in 80 doing by the facta that the disease was yet at this time quite generally fatal, and that, out of a number of sovera and well-marked cages, I did not lose a single one under my now treatment. I havo not had an opportunity of testing its merits in the severest or most ma- lignant casea, such ag occurred in the earlier part ot the epidemic ; but I feel confident that, aven in a largo proportion of these, if adopted early, it will prove succeesful. ‘Tho discovery which Ithink I hava made— and it remains for fature experience to establish its value—is, that prompt cinchonism, followed by an alleratice tonic. is, if not absolutely a spe- cijic, the most proper and successful treatment for diphtheria. It-may bo said, however, that quinine as a romedy in diphtheria is not rev; that it is very frequently given in the course of ita trestment. This is true ; but ithas never been given with any verv specific object in view, othor than its tonic or anti-periodic effect. The remedies considered of the most value in the treatment of this disease are the muriated tino- ture of iron, chlorate of potassa, carbolie acid, ahd nitrate of silver,—the former three Siven both constitutionally and locally, tho latter ap- plied locally only. All the text-books which I have consnited seem, in addition to good ventila- tion, food, and all the-necessary bygienic condi- tions, to rely chiefly upon the above-named remedies. But it is the -condition known as cinchonism which is produced ‘by the administration of quinine in positive doses until its peouliar phys- iological effects are induced to 1 marked do- gree, that I contend is the firat grand object to be accomplished in the treatment of diphtheria. This statement is based upon the conf- dence I bave in the antiseptic properties of quinine, if properly administered, and the theory I have, that, when the condition of cinchonism is fully established, the septic poison in the circulation is noutralized, and no longer retains its power of exudation upon mucous sur- faces ; by virtue of this fact, the exudation, or false membrane previously formed, loses its vi- tality or tenacity, and drops off or becomes do- tached from the throat, orupon whatever mucous surface it may have been attached. This theory is founded on the fact, that, in every caso I have thus treated, just as goon as that condition waa estebliahed, the exudation or false membrane became detached without any local interferenco whatever, . JT observed tho fact, also, that the most severe and malignant cases I had ware those in whom it was moat difficult to establish the condition of cinchonism. Alittle boy G yeara of age—son of C. L. Thomas, Exq., residing at No. 188 Jackson street, this city—took 64 grains of fqni- nine in'forty-eight hours before he complained of ringing in his ears or of dcafness; but, when this did take place, the exudation beeame de tached of its own accord, his appetite returned, the swelling of the submaxillary glands began to subside, and in s comparatively short tine he made a good recovery. I did not make s ingle local application in this case. In fact, I bave abandoned local treatment, except in those cages where it is absolutely necessary in order to re- Move excessive obstruction to tho sir-paseages, threatening life by asphyzia,-or where it is nec- essary to correct fetor by the application of dis- infectants. Thad six other cases under treat- ment about the same time, all of whom wero well marked, and the line of treatment pursued in each was i follows: (For achild 6 years old:} 4, —Quin. suly xxxij. Acid. feos’ Er 3 Bre. Simp. 1 aid Sunes, ‘r, ol. mei 3 tla. papery ig.—A teaspoonful ev \- fata is induor=. fery three hours nntil cinchon- After which (or it may be administered alter- nately with the above) the following is given: B—Potassii fod xxx. Byr, ey Tr cing c,,f etch 1 laid onnea, MM. ft. sol, et. Big.—A teaapoont ul every three hours, Alam or ipecac ag emetics are useful when the exudation shows & disposition to extend to tho laryox, or when there 1s much difficulty of breath- ing from the tumefaction of tho fauces, or from the accumulation of the pseudo-membranous de- If, the principtes involved in the foregoing con- iderations of the treatment of diphtheria be correct, may we not reasonably conclude that the same, or similar treatment, will prove hizhly beneficial in cases of childbed fever and eryzipe- las? s De. H. V. Swearxden, FEE BILLS. Recent Results of Forgotten Litigation. The Clerk of the Superior Couri Is Be- Mhanding His Pound of Flosd. He and His Associates Want Over $100,000. When These Charges Are Liens. Paying taxes ond costs of lawsuits ars dis- agreeable duties at best to the average American; but when these duties are made still more un- Pleasant, either by-the taxes orcosts being jllegat or excessive, the inherited right of grumbling is generally exercised. Last year an extra howl was raised by the action of the State Board of Equalization, which yat echoes in the present year, and sn additional clement of discontent is found and experienced by aome of those property- holders who have indulged in the Inxury of lawanits at the present moment, in the fact thar ths officers of the Superior Cour: sre now alre extra endeavors to collect their foes ua- ler the OLD EXORBITANT FEE SYSTEY. Prior to July, 1972, as is probably well known,. the Clerks of the Circuit and Superior Courts wore entitled to certain foes fixed by statnte, not only for every suit commenced, but for all pspera filed in a case subsequent to its commencement, also for docketing the cases, and for variocs other services. Last but not least they were entitled to s torm fea of 50 cents, for each and every term a@ case ree mained undisposed of on the docket. Of course, the longer a suit ran the heavier was the bill of costs. Under the Isw which went into force July 1, 1872, however, this graduated sys- tem of fees was-sbolished, and a plamtitf, on be~ ginning a anit, was required to pay 36 in full for all his coats, the defendant, on filing bis plea, - answer or demurrer, slso paying $1.50 for cil costs that might be incarred by him. AT THE TIME OF THE OREAT FIRE. in October, 1871, vith other property wore de- stroyed both tho records of all cases and tho pe~ pera inthe cases. Immediately after the fire ite following order wes entered in the Supcricr jourt : It is ordéred that the Clerk of this Cont proceed at ‘once to restore the docket of this Court #0 far aa tha same can be dons from th minute-books of one or more of the several abstract firms in this city, and that a reasonable charge for the information so fur~ uished to the Clerk by such abstract tirms, or any ons adges oi ag an expense ni = nd iy the administration or janice, This waa done, and from it was tormed the “ Ante-Fire docket.” ‘The papers in a large number of the cases wero restored by the at. torneys for one side orthe other on giving notice to the adverse party, but there wero still several thousand cases ia which no steps were taken, April 8, 1874, in the Circuit Court, and Jaly 6, 1874, in the Saporior Court, pursuant to notices piven through the daily papers, the Judges aj the respective courts J PROCEEDED TO DISMIES : all cases in faw or chancery in which the papsss bad not been restored. or an application, st least, made to restore them. In the Superior Court about 4,000 cases were dismiesed under this order, at plaintiffs’ costs. Some of thess coxes ad been on the docket since 1867 or 183, and of course, inthe most of the cases not re- stored, the parties supposed the fire had wiped out all record or vestige of the suits. In still others the parties, or some of them, had died between the time of the fire and the dismissale last summer, : THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF COSTS accruing in a suit under the old fee system when there were no depositions or such extra expenses was from $8 to 212;' and to this murt be added $6 s yearas term fees. Tho higheat cdste on the fee-books of the Superior Court are abont $75, and the lowest $20, the avorage being about $30 or $35. But, even taking the average at 925 and multiplying that sam by the number of cases dismissed, it be ‘readily seen that the costs now outstanding, making al- Jowance for thogs which were paid at the time of their dismisenl, must still amount to sbout $150,000 in the Superior Court alone. This, however, will not include the costs in a few buudred cases still pending in that Court, the fees in which will ran until the ter- mination of Maj. Stevenson’s term of office, which will be in November. The fees in the Circuit Court are not nearly so large, aa they ceased ronning with the termination of Mr. Gassette’s term in December 1872. : As might be supposed, the fees in a large num> ber of these old dismissed cases have not bean paid, aod a large number of CTDCULARS have been sent out within the past fews weeks by the Clerk of the Superior Court. The fei- lowing is a copy of oue in blank: é Orricg Crenx Surgaion Court or Coox Court, Cur0aG0, 11,187 ~,—Nn.—_——Drar Sm: Th is due from you for Court costs in case No. —, fez- took —, page —, the sum of ——dollurs and —— cents. You will please call at once at our olfice, and, by vo doing, rave farther costs, as fam instructed by my predecessors to iseue a feo billat once, Resect- fully yours, * ‘N. B.—As this is 2 lien on your property, it Will 3] Fear on your abstracts, and be dn additional expenta unless psid. Ofice, Room 13 City Hall, Entrance on Adama “strest, second door east of LaSalle stroct, ‘This cirenlar is signed by MAJ, A. F. STEVENSON, the present Clerk of the Superior Court, and, as will be-gcen, purports to be in favor of his “ pradecessors.”” bat does not thereby exclada him. U. R. Hawley, J. H. Batten, Augustus Jacobson, and Maj. Stevenson are the partica intereeted in these costs, the first two slightly, as their terms of office expired some time ago, and the suits commenced in their terms havo. nearly all boon’ uettled. The issuing of these circulars has naturally caused CONBIDERABLE ANNOYANCE AND ILI-FEELING, some parties interested, supposing that the fees sogharged were illegal. This, however, as to all thoce cases dismissed, is not 80, ‘Tho Gppexior Court Judges had the right to make an order that any cases pending undetermined in which nothing had been doze by the plaintif should, after a reasohable time, be dismissed at his costs, and thia. jadgmons for costa is, like app other judgment, a lion on real estate for a yoar andaday. Tha statute, also, specially gave tho Clerk of either court the power to issues fea Bill for any costa’ adjudged by the Court to ba due from either party, either before or after ual {ud gment, but he cannot issue a feo bilk against the unsuccessful party for the costs ch the successfal one. To collect the costs of both sides it is neoessary to issue two fee bills. Gas execution, however, could comprehend bots. A fee bill is not a lien on real estate until iseanance and levy by the Sheriff, but can be issued at sn7 time within eleven years on proper praccipe kc- ing filed, ‘THERE 15, HOWEVER, ONE POINT 5 connected with these fees which ia worthy of note, and against which the complaints have been most pumerous aod well-founded. This is as to the term fees. They are undoubtedly legal, but, after having run for two or three or more years, in many cases without the remotest knowledge on the part of the plaintiff thar they were con- tinuing, they rapidly increase, and in most of tho cases comprise tlie bulk of tha fee bill, It seems hardly equitable, thongh it’ may be tech- mically legal, to collect these fees from unease pecting debtora.. The old foe system was cou- fessediy exorbitant, and yet. it is practically con- Honed as to alltheseoldéases. It may be objected that the Legistatare had power given by tha statute to reduce.thege fees, which they have not done, and that hence the Clerk is powerless. ‘The premises are correct, but the conclusion un- warranted, for the Clerk is not bound to collect them,—he is entitled to them. Besides, in both courts the Clerks seem to have gone on the Principle that * half a loaf is better than noth- ing, and bars: graduated the discount of ee ‘ees in proportion to the pockets or patience o: the unlucky debtors. ? ce TX REGARD 70 SUITS STILL PENDING there is « doubt whether the fees can legally be colixcted until tho suits ara decided, A Court bas a right to order, for instance, that s contua- tance be granted on condition that the party: asking it pays the costs for the term, but it can~ sotmake a wholesale order that ail costs acerd- ing up to a certain date shall be paid. This, however, 18 applicable principally to the Circuit Court, where all fecs ceased in December, 1872, whether the cage was reatored or not. . Parties, therefore, whose abstracts ahow jnég- ments for costa againet them in some long-for* rotten’ suit, will be obliged to step up to the Captain’s (or, in the present. case, the Major's) ofico and acttlo, If they can work on the ayo pathies of the clerks, show a depleted pocket: evidence that theif book, or give satisfactory ecunisry condition is donbifal or lesely d, they can probably pass for half- bat if their bank account is large, their prerty im prres or unincumbered, or their cregit estab> ished, thoy are advised to take with ‘hem the fall amount cf the costs when they Cat out te Tiquidate these troublesome little judgments."