Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, February 6, 1876, Page 9

- THE " CHICAGO - TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1876—SIXTEEN PAGES. oconld be provad to bo a cass in i Jn:i‘ :nlv.)ne f;mlu bee;: lcreafiexmh » dlatlies ige Doolittle said it was ali a i law, not of evidenco. In short, q:‘:::x‘%ntgg consont of Willismson be received as good? He maintained that the Goveroment had not ob- tained tbo consentof the bezeficiary, and that it waa neceseary to obtain that ns weil as to ob- tain consent of the Trustee. The Government's claim was therefore sacand to the lien on the property, unless it conld bo proved that Mra. Sioger, or her assigns, had given her or thoir consent, and waived ber or their priority in writing duly acknowledged. Mre. Singer had a0 equity in thé premises; it never went out of her. Judge Doolittle also contended that the consent wzs not properly givon, inasmuch_2a it did not relate to the giving of the new bond, which point he discussed at some length. | _lr. Houtell replied for the Govarnment. Ho ; acknowledged that tho question was mainly ons ; of law. o theo read and commented upon Soc. i 3.231, under which the nction waa brought. | Whoever permitted tho business of distilling to be carried on oo premiges of his own must take the responsibility of the distiller's conduct. 1t was not necceasary for Alrs. Singor to know { or connive at the corrupt practices of - Andrew Cochiran. She simply gevo her consent to the 1 use of tho property a8 a distillory, nod must bo + Tesponeible for any acts of the distillors. Tho ; next point mado aand successfully established | Was that the consent neod not bo given in write © WHISK Conclusion of the Arguments . in the Cochran Case. 1he Jury Beturn a Yerdict in Favor of the Governiient, Peaco Aronnd the Custom-House— This Week's Prospects, Liselibeod that the Sceond Batch of Distil- + lers Will Plead Guilty. Arival of Gen. Babcock and His Friends in St. Louis. Estraordinary Arrangements Be- ing Made for the Trial. bstance of an Interview with the - Gereral at His Hotel, 4 Motion Entered for a New Trial in e | Melce Case, CHICAGO. COCHRAN'S DISTILLERY. %] VEBDICT FOR THE GOVELNXENT. The Cochran distillery forfeiture was com- {ioned before Judge Dlodgett yesterday mornme, {he immediato defendants in the case being Jszob snd Eva Singer, aud Jacob Weiniand, tho Gginal owners of the property. The coznsel for the defeueo offered in ovidence 2 deed of an vndivided two-thirds of the dissil- Jery property from Jacob and Esz Singer to Charles J. Singer, dsted Fab. 10, 1574; &lso a trost deed beasing the same date from Charles J.Singer to Joseph G. Williamson given to so- sure fonr promissory nates of 5,000, duo in one, w0, and thres years, as part payment on the property ; alsos deed from Jacob Weinland to Charles Wemnland for an undivided one-third of the distillery property, bearing date Dec. 8, 1874, The trial ther proceeded by the swearing of Teonsrd Stapp z8 interpreter, and the examina- tion of MRS, EVA SINGER. Ehe denied suy knowledge of ever having given consent to baving the place ruaasa distillery, either by Cochran or any one else. Before proceeding farther mth the witness, Joteph G. Willismeon, one of the parties in- dicted with Cochran and Hutchins, was recall- edtothestand. He denied over having told Mr. Cunping, attomey for the Singers, that Mra. Binger had ever refused to converse with him on business maiters without an interpreter. e had, bowever, told Mr. Corping that Mrs, Singer claimed ehe had never mven her consent to the distillery being pisced upon the premises, while he, Willismson, claimed eho did give such consent, aod the only reason upon which he could base the difference was that she had mis- nnderstood him. Mr, Canning then offered to fils a schedule of perscnal propexty in tbe distillery, which he srished to show was the property of Mre. Singer provious o the time of the running of the dis- tillery by Cochran, hoping to save this property {rom’ the general confiscation by the Gosern- ment. 3r. Boutell, attorney for the prosecu-~ tion, objected. but finally the claim was allowed ta be placed on file. Among the articles mentioned in the schedale wiga quantity of copper pipe. such a8 is used for distilling purposes, which Mre. Singer sverred had been used by her g0o when he ran the distillery, and the rest was chiefly the furni- ture of & house which she occapied previous to the great fire of 1871. On_cross-examination of Mrs. Binger she ested that she was 47 yvears of age, and had been in this country for nineteen years. At bome she always spoke Germap, bcth to her bushaod =nd to her children. 5be thought sho kuew evough English to speak without au inter- preter, and_he was accordingly dispensed with. To the questions then pat to her she remained eilent, until the Court called her to time and threatened to punish her if abs still remained silent. In the evidence that followed it was shown the Siogers formerly owned and rana distillery on the North Branch, and had been in ths buginess off and on for years. DEPTTY COLLECTOR H. A. PLIMPTOX ‘was then recalled. When he seized the distillery he was accompanied by Thomas Lynch, a prac- tiesl dustiller, and they found nothing except what might preenmably belong to tho distillery. The copper pips sppeared to have been in uso, eod a quantity of cattle-chains were found stowed away under the cisterns. This closed the case for both sides. S The Court then decided that the corn owned by Robert G. Stevens conld not be considered as belonging to the distiilery, and consequently was entirely ontside the control of the Govern- ment authorities. Therefare the Court ordered it given back to the ower. Judge Doolittle remarked that M. BUSTAN hzd not been present in Court daring the day, nor had he filed any claim 88 to the mechzoic's licn which he testified to holding on the provi- ous day. The Court decided thst this phass of the case bad nothiag to do with the jury, and as soon as MUr. Bunyan presented his clsim hoe would give o decieion. ‘The defense were instructed to pro- ceed with tho closing arguments. A1 o'clock the Court wterrepted Mr. Cun- zing's arcument and adjourncd for one bour. Previons to adjourning, however, he called the coungal's attcutioa to the fact that Williamson was the lezal owner of tho distillery premiees, inzsmuch 25 ho bad given four promissary notes to Charles J. Siuger, as called for by the “trust- Ceed, bearing dsts Feb. 10, 1874 This would &ecn to throw ont of the case all but Williacscn 33d Charjes J. Singer, the Lolders of the notes. The Court advised tho _coausel to take this view of the caze aud 2rguo it, 38 1t ecemed to himine ial poiut. A i PEITY CAsES. Court convenod at 2 o'clock. The first cates 5 bo disposed of were those of Edward Clan- eex, convicsed of altering a Post-oflics orcer, aud John Stedman, convicted of passing a coun- tefelt bill. Judge Blodgett was disposed to el kindly with both Loys cn account of their Jouth and for tha reascn that they Bad previouzly bomo good _characters. Hoeentenced Clancey to ono year in the Pe feutiny aud to pav a nomival fine of §1, with zaderstanding that e was to be retaised in the custodv of the Morshaiat che Councy Jail for twentr days, Some of his fricads are mas- Ing elforts to sccure hia pardon, aod it is ex- Tecled that within that time they may have zc- fomplished that object. In dirmiesing Clancey, ucge Blodget: read lim au admicable lexeou for bis fusure suidance. 1lts kindness scemed to 6 21 preciated, P Jeho Sicdman, in congideration of his youth 0d past good character, was released om his 9%1 recoguizauce, tho Court takivg the 1esoon- sibility of suerendiog senience. This was done - Fith the understznding that if the youth ba- aved himeelf the affair would end bers. Other- Xize, bie would be liablo o be eeat for by the wt. Stedman Lhought the warning wotld be Eufiicient ty teach nim the propriety of behaviog bmscll ju the fuzare. His patents woro pres- et aid were cverjoyed at their son's release. ILE ABGUNENTS n the Coctian cass wero then comsienced, Mr. tooing aaking the firat speech. One of nis Points was that it was not to bo wondered at that crooked whisky was produced. The next ¥oiut was the elaboration of thoides that tho Gistillers did not have the consent of zny of tbe ,‘-‘;m"':'! o writing, allowing them o, use l'.h.; 1ses for distillery purposes. excep! AL O Charloa J. Singor and Charics Weinland. It wes 50 made to appear that Cochran waa Dok at the distillery whon it wes seized, that he koew Zothing aboat any crookedness, and that, if : taere was anything wrong, it must have been dove by a subordinate, for which he was Dot ZTerpomgible. The Bovenue Department was geatly censured for allowing .the distillery to Tun elter notico bad been given that thore wers b iics' liens on the property. IIr. Cunning closed with eome animadrersions upon what he the persocuting spirit of the Govarn- . Went. Evidenca was offered which had no real bearing on the case, and it was enough mowa- Sag 15 prejudica tho tmaties Witk the jwy it i | ing. 1f tho owner Lnowingly perwits lus prop- erty to bo run as a distillery, 1t was not neceasary that the consent should bo given inwriting. Alr, Boutell also advanced arguments to show that Mrs. Singer did actually conseat_to tho use of { the property as a distillery, and succeoded in maiotaining this pasition. As to the new bonds every year, Mr. Doutell proved that that was necessery, but that it was not pecossary to have 5 Dew consent ovory year. Again, all the papors were proparcd with Teference to the year 1873, and contemplated the distilline in that year. Alr. Boutell thea addressed the jury simply on the point as to whetber Mrs. Singer had given hor consent or not. Ho ssserted that she dig, and that the evidence boro out tho assertion. The Court then dolivered a long and rather complex charge, dwelling upon all the real points at issue. The jury staggered ont under the weight or the charge, and, afier a rather long period spent 1o deliveration, roturned a ver- dict for the Governmount except 28 to the matter of the car-load of corn. Mrs. Singer slso got hor boiler and a few ather minor appurtenances. e s v AFTER THE STORM. THE SECOND BATCH. The preverbial quies after s sterm pravailed around the Custom-House yestorday. Fow dis- tillers put in an appearance. Tho genersl opin- ion was that tho motions to quash, based on such flimsy pretexts as those brought forwsrd in tho Hesing-Rehm-Toyt cases, wero failores, and that their uso had best be abandoned in futore cases. - J ‘The main feature of the day was the proceed- ings in the Cochran esso, detailed elsowhero, | sod the charge of the Court, together with the verdict of the jury, cid not tend to increaso tho | distillers’ hopes. The mext stop on the part of ! the Government in this matter will be to formally condemu snd sell the property at auction. It is understood to bo worth in the neighborhood of £20,000 or §23,000, but, under the prevailing depression of feeling us regards investment in distillery property, it 18 not hikely that bidders will be many, or that they will bo’| 2pt to vio with each other in stiff bidding. The sala may not tako place for some weeks, but uuless there is a revolution of fesling the prop- erty will not probably bring over half of its esti- mated value. THE GRAND JURY havine adjourned from Friday aftornoon - until next Thureday, matters were left in the hands of the District Attorney and the Government conn- gel, who were busy yesterday in drawing up small indictments for post-ofico robberies, and in indicting soveral crooked Gaugers and Store- Xkeepers for their past sins. Itwas generally small game. The Jarge birds have been caught, and the Government is mow aitending tothe cases of lesser offenders. TUE PROBADILITIES ATE that the second-batchers will plead this week. Most of them. it is expected, will walk up to Judge Blodgett's bar and enter their pleas of guilty. Their overtures to the Government officers to squeal on the first-batch men, and tell what they zasert those gentlemen have Dot told, and thus make on: ous & much stronger case 2gainst them, do not seem to have met with that degree of credence which was fondly antici- pated by tha socond-batchers, The genoral tone of the community, the rocent convictions ia St. Lonis and Indianapolis, the evident disposition of the United States Conrt of this diatrict to ex- pedito matters, and to put its foot down on all sorts of legal hair-splitting snd delay,~—all these considorations have bad duc weight with the distillers, ‘They sce the folly of sttempting sharp tactics, and they begm to show that they realizo the strength of the Governmeut’s case againat them. ‘T'he natural resuit 1s that they have concluded that diecretion in the present instance will be the bettor partof valor, and they havo, therefore, taken the subject of plend- ing guilty under carefal consideration, with a half-formed decision that their interests will bo best subserved by their throwing themselves upon the mercy of the Court, SEATLY THROUGIL The work of the Grand Jury seems to have been nesrly finished. Probably & few more small cases will come up and receive due con- sideration at their hands. Now developments mav come to light with new witnesses, and these wll involve tbe calling of others whose testi- ‘mony will be of value in prosscutiog the inves- tigations, Altogether, howaver. it is more than possible that the Grangers will pov remain with s for more than a week or two at the farthest, and if they inveigle any moro big fish into the net it will bo 8 matter of astonishment to overy- body except themseives and the Government officers, who, with one eye sbut, constantly aver that they luow nothing. e JONAS AND GOLDDERG. The arrest of Jonas and_Goldberg created a vacuam in tho [ivoli. Goldberg bas bsen long looked upon as a fixtare at that popular institu- tion, and Elias Shipmap made the cafo merry with his criticisms of men and the lignors. Mr. Shipman accompanied the psrty on the irip to Milwankeo. When Goldberg and Jonas wers ar- rested, Mr. Shipman mapifested considerable in- terest in the matter, and visited those gentlemen 2t the Marshal's offics, where o long aod ani~ mated consultation was held. Tho third con- spirator is A. H. Grosvy, whose namo wag yes- terday suppressed by Tne TRIBUSE in the inter- ests of justice, and by the other papers because they didu't koow it. Ho was Assistant-Aesessor under Bloomfield. It is stated that he is a rela- tivo of Mr. Ilias Shioman, and tbat he aod Mr. Shipman at one time owned a distillory at Bloom- ington. This in & measure sccounts for Mr. Shipman's interest and trouble in tho matter. ra. Jonas yesterday received a dispatch from her husband etating that ho would return this morning. — ELSEWIHERE, ST. LOuiS. DABCOCE'S ALRITAL. Speriat Dienalch to The Chicago Tribune. §7. Louts, Feb. 5.—Tho peoplo here talkk of nothiug excopt tho Dabeock trial, and that indi- viugzl would bo the csmosaro of all eyes if bo won!d only permit bimsell to bo scen. Ho ar- rived this morping, and immediately hid him- £0lf in his sumptuous spartments a: tho Lindoll The apartments ara those just vacated by Woodhull and Claflin, who went South two days® ngo. sbortly aftor bis arnival be took breakfast, and then to bisroom ratired with his counsel, Mr. Storrs and Judgo Chestor IL Krum, who presented himself at the Lotel -shorily after the arival of tho B;\bcqck party. Gen. Babcock was accompauiod from Washington by ex-Attoroes-Gen. Goorgo H. Willizms, Levi P. Lucker, Private Secratar? of the President, and William O. Avery. Judgoe Porter, of New York, one of tho associate coua- el for Gen. Babeock, and some twelve other parties, witneeses, etc., are to arrive to-morrow. A TALK WITH THE ACCUSED. 2 Tabcock bas spent the entire day in the hotel, most of tho time in his room, though occasion- ally stroiting into the halls. He has been be- gieged by newspaper wen siace early morn, but to moet of them ho bas not been in. In & casnal conversation with yoar correspond- ent to-night, with whom he i8 well acquainted, Alr. Babcock said thatit wasa very dangerous matter to bo interviewed at auy time, aad that his attorneys had most empbaticuly enjoined him not to give an expression to any opinion cencerning bis forthcoming trisl. He was pot _ afraid to esr, however, that he was inpocent of all complicity, in tho Whisky, Ring, and that he fully expected to _eatisfy the jury and the public that thero was no legal jus- tification for the indictment which had been found againat him. i) 5 THE CHIEF THING BX HAD TO FEAR was the jury. He had good reason to believe that the juries which had satin the preceding cases had been ssmmoned with a view to con- yict. If ho conld eecuxe twelye foarless and I | them - will impartial me: jurors ho waa not afraid of the consequences, Gen. Babcock said that ha had heard it charged that the juries in Alissouri were nnder Rebel influcnce, and that they dars not acquit any man connocted with the Graot Administration. Of course, he knew nothing of the truthfulness of this charge, but it waa a contingency ngninat which he was going to guard himself, and it thero were any political preju- dices in the composition of the jary the country would know it. ~ As far a8 he had been 1nformed. the Government had nothing against him excopt THE DISPATCHES WiICH had been published, and these he could and “would explain to the satisfaction - of evary candid person. Qen. Babcock said it had not yet been definitely settled whether Prosident Grant would core 20 St. Lonis or not. The President told him on the evo of his departurs from Wasbington that, if necessary, ho wonld como at & moment's notice, and that, io fact, bo would profer going op tho stand to having his deposition taken. The policy of summoning the President porsonally would bo decided by the time tho case for tho prosscution had been con- claded. Gen. Babcock acknowledged that he had been indiecreet io his St. Lonis sasociations, but he thought the meze fact of. his social insi- macy with porsons who.were subsequently found tolo rovenuo robbers ebould not be lad upon him 25 a crimo. UL HAD ENPLOYED NINE LAWYERS, ' cach at great expense, sod ha expected to im- Kuvgmu himse!f in the work of self-vindication, ut it was o calamity which he could cheerfully bear if horeceived an acquittal at the hands of the jury. _United States Marshal Campbell has been with his son-in-lew tho greater portion of the day, and xl::: 23 his most confidential friend in all re- spects. 5 Iuwas not oxpected that {he Babcock - case will fzirly begin until Tuesday afterzoon. The court officers have been making SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS IN THE COURT-ROOI to-day for tho accommodation of tho audience aod press. The room is quite smail, and bas & eeating capacity for only 300 spectators, besides accommodation for fifty reporters, and space for ng inany members of tho Bar. Seats have boen assigned for euch papers 23 have been named to the Courr, and any others that may wish to be represented mnst make application ta the Marshal or Deputy Stevens, who wiil preseat it to the Court. To preveatimpoaition by persons representing them- geives to be reporters who sre not such. tickets will Lo issuod whick mey be obtained by soplica- tion to Deputy Marshal S:ovens. Tho scene of preparation at the Court-room and in tho corridors to-day is a lively onma. Meny mors persons can bo sccommodated at the Babcocl trial than could bs at any of ths ! previons ones, and the earrdora will hold atmost s maoy as the Court-room. They ditors only, however, and not spec:: larga folding-doors and the trausoms over sll be thrown opan, £o that overything said in the Cou:t-room can be hosrd pearly a8 woll outside as inside. The batrier at tho head of the stairs consists of a plaak parti- tion reaching neatls to ihe ceiling, ouly enough 8paco being loft for ventilation. AN INJUSTICE. The effort which has been made to indace the ‘public to bolisve tbat the jurors in the whisky cases are under Rebel influence, and that they dare not acauit & Republican official, is manifeat- ly upjust, a8 it is known that the jurors which have sat in the case of Joycs, McDonald, Avery, and McKee, were about equallydivided as to their war Tecords and_present politics, three of the jurors in the McKes case being constant roaders of his papere. The truth 1, the Missouri jurors i are only to be fearod for thsir determination to admimster justico to evil-doers. SUREE. + The filing of a motion for a new trial in the McKoo cass is & source of surprise to the pub- Jic, ay it was tbe geveral improssion that his case had been virtaally seffled by an agresment upon the part of the Goveroment counsel to lot tho old man off with a hoavy fine. It appears, however, that Judge Dillon, who has hed the matter under advisement for the past threa days, expressed tho opinion this morning that it was not within the province of the Court to sanction such an arraugomeut, and that the law would have to take its coorse; thorefore. the motion for o new trinl started tho peoplo around the United Btates Court-room to-day. The chances of a new trial seem very poor, and if ho gete a new trial his best frionds fear a still moro calamitous result. CON BAGRUE deniea that he is to be used as a witness for the Government in the Babcock case. and says he knows nothing of *“Bab™ orhis part in the grent conspiracy. ‘Waszingroy, D. C., Feb. 5.—~OC. C. Bniffen, Assistant Private Secretary to the President, and Toefller and Price, privats watchmen, and Sim- mons, a messenger at the Executive’ Mansion, have left for St. Louis, summoned as witnosses by the Government in Gen. Babcock's cazse. —— MILWAUKEE, CHICAGO MEN GIVE DATL. Beecial Disvatch to Ths Chicaan Tridure, MrLwAURES, Feb. 5.—Ald. Jonzs sud Philip Goldberg, of Chicago, charged with offering to steal and destroy records in whieky caaes for the sum of £50,000, were brought before Judge Dyer to-day to have their bail fixed. N.8. Marphy appeared for defendants and Mr. Mc- Kiuney for the Government. Thore was quite s discussion as to the amount of bail, Marphy con- tending that for anything shown to the contrary in tho indictment the offenss charged, it true ot all, might hsve been, and probably was, uttered in jost and $2,500 each wonld bo smplo bsil. _3lcKin- ney asserted that vory serious charges had been made, supported by sworn testimony, which proved these men tho groatest rascals in the country. Finally bait was fixed at. £6,000 each. Jonas gave Petec Alahr and E. B. Wadsworth, but Goldborg was unable to procure approved bail up to the hour the Court adjourned, and the Judgo left on tho cars for home. Goldberg wss taken to the Newhall Honso to be kept in custody till frienda can bo induced to como up from Chicago. e SPRINGFIELD. VERY DEY. Epecint Dispatch to The Chicaao Tribune, BPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 5.—There are no addi- tional developments in the Riverton distillery matter, except that Collector Merriam author- izes the statement that in his report to the De- partment at Washington ho recommonded that the regular tax and the nsusl peoalty of 100 per cent be nsseased on tho excess of whisky oyor gange messure in the thick stave barrely, with tho bunch oo tho Btave opposite the buog. The Collector expects instruction from Washington in the matter within a few days. Nothing was done to-day in the matter of the disppted Westarmno papers, the Court being fully ocoupied in the Driggs case. POLITICAL. A WORD FOR MORTON. New Onreaxs, La. Feb. 5—The American TUusion Club, composed of ex-soldiers of the Federal army, at a meeting last evening rosolved to eupport the Hon, O. P. Morton as their firat choice for President of the Unitod States, as tho successor of tho present worthy Chief Magis- trate, whose term of oifice will ‘expire Maren 4, 1877, THE INFLATIONISTS. Haxrronp, Conn., Feb. 5.—A call is isaued for 8 Greenback Couvention in Now Haven on Feb. 22, Its object, 28 annonoeed, is **to take such steps as may be nacessary to force both political orgamzatious of the States to recog- pizo tho voice of the peoplo in thé coming cam- paign.” THE WEATHER. Wasmrsaros, D. C., Feb, 6-1 2. m. ~For the TUpper Lakes, Upper M issiesippi, and Lower lis- souri Valloy, low barometer, southeast to south- west wiuds, geoerally cloudy warmer weather snd probably rain, turning to snow in tho northern portions, followed by rising barometer. north to west winds, and colder, parily cloady weather. L0CAL OBSERVATE: s. CHICAGO, Feb. 5. Tiwe. im‘ !Tht.flu.lmln ewmd, [Wethr. — 2 it e ga. m,30.40 35 Loy mlaa @l 353 p. m,130.26] 83 9:00 p. . w-lfi[ 330 30:18 p. 1.130.16 32 50, Maximum thermomoter, 38, _Munimum, 10, GENEEAL ORSEERVATIONS. m.| Cuxzago, Feb, 5—Miduight., Station. ) Bar. Thl‘, Wind. lm; ‘Weather. Breckrge.|29.56 _3|N., geate, Glouds, D | 28w, brak. Cle: Ezcanaba . 251, fresi T, Gibson. s, i e PANIC AKD.DEATH. Robinson’s Opera~House, in Cincin~ pati, the Scene of a Fear- fal Calamity, A Crowded Audience Sudden- 1y Startled by the Cry of Fire. Men, Women, and Children Make a Simultaneous Rush for - | the Doors, 5 Many Porsons Boro Down and Trampled on by the Frantic Crowd, Others Thrown * or Pushed from the Galleries and Stairs upon the Mass Below. Nine Persons Killed and a Large Number Injured. Four Persons Out of 2 Family of Five Burned to Death in Bureau County, I, - “FIRE] : A FALSE ALARY IN A CROWDED AGDIENCE. Special Dispatch to The Chicago Tridune. CixcixNaTy, Feb. §5.—The story of to-day's horror in'Robinson’s Opera-House, this city, can be told in a fow words. It was-the last perform- anco of the eighth ecagon of J. M. Hager's 4 Great Rtepublic” allezory, by children of the public-schoots, for ihe bewefit of the Relief Upion. Thoro wers bundreds of children in costumes on the stage. Tho zudience, was im- monge ; every available inch was jemmed., No moze people could nossibly get into the Louse. ‘Cho audiencd wes compased priacipally of women and childron, a8 is nscally the'case with Satarday afternoon audiencos. « Who red lizht of the calcium, turoed oa suddenly o8 the curtain was about to rise, alarmed a child in the balcony, who cried “firo!" Abont o third of the vast, closely-packed audience, SEIZED WITH ALARY, . rushed for the exits, down stairs from all parts. There wero two death-traps : one was the angle of a stairway at the second atory leading to the gallery ; tho other was the main front vestibule, close to the sidewalk of Ninth street, near Plum strect. Children fell down the five steps lead- ing down to the marblo tiling of this vesti- bule, and in & minute the bodies of women aad children were three deep thare, an awful mass in a space 16 feet square. Out of thia place six dead and dying persons were taken, At the stairs auglo in the second story thers was & mass of children 6 feot high. Three dead bodios were taken out of this place. THE EILLED wrere Mra. Albart White, of Wesloy svenns, and her son Harry, 12 yoars of age. They were crushed to death; Mrs. Nancy Clark, wife of Goorge Clark, s wollknown citizen, was killed; also two- little boys, brothers, Auvgust and Fred Loesch, 8 and 10 years of age. Also Hattio Lealie, 12 years old, daugh- ter of Robert Leslie, gents’ furnishing goods business ; also James Crowley, 7 years old ; also Feronica Mugsatt, an unmarried woman, 22 yoars of age, servant for Dr. Borry, of Seventh street ; also Annie Mai Rienzi, of Alton, Ifl., heroon a visit. 2 The aged wife of Henry Kesslor, a prominent citizen, wea 8o injured by concussion of the brain that her case is called hopeless. In the fright eho jumped from the balcony into the dress cirele, Blrs., Clark died of fright in her seat. Haif a dozon persons wore badly hurt. There was & wild story that the alarm’was raised by pickpockets, to make a push, but this is not credited. Iowever, thers were pickpock- cta working the crowds. fTo the Aasociated Press.)) Crxexsaty, 0., Feb. 5.—During the perform- ance of the allegory of ** The Great Ropablic,” at Robinson's Opers-House ' this’ afterncon. a portion of the pillars supporting the gallery gave way, procipitating s number of the occu- anta upon the balcooy below. The sltegory hns gzen upon the stage of Robinson’s Opera-House for the past two nights, under the suspices of she Cincinnati Relief Association. The procesds wore to be apphed to_the reliof of the suffering poor of thecity. The performers, numbering nearly 600 childron, wers taken from the public schools of the city; and, asthe object wass worthy one, and thoso who took part children of old residents of the city, VAST AUDIENCES WERE PRESENT at esch presentation of the allegory. The weather this afternoon being propitious and there being no session of the public schools, the matinee audience in most part was composed of women and childron. About half-past 2 o’clock, whle the great house was densely packed and the thousands of cbildren smong the audience ‘wero at the heighth of their enjoyment, some boy in the gallery, throngh mischief or iguo- rance, 2 RAISED THE CBY OF ¥IRE, as the red light from the cotored fires used in tho piece flashed ont from the wings. Every inch of the thoatre was occupied, and the dense crowd -was pressing and surgiog about the staircises and in front of the doors. NSome oue in the audience took up the cry of fire, and it Was re-schioed from near the door by some one who canght & glimpso of red glare from tho stage. ~There was an immediato rush for tho front doors. A child was pushed dawn tho steps and. scresmed. Immediately after, man thrust his arm _tbrongh s window, and tho scream and the crash was enough to set the panic in fall forco. THE SCENE WAS A TERRIELE ONE in the narrow vestibule leading ‘to the street. The people in the rear, mad with- fear, pressed upon those in front, shouting and cursing. Men, terror-stricken, situck down.helpless. women and children in front, orclimbad over their heads to tho topiof thestaircase, and precipitated them- .| selves upon the screaming and.bleeding mass of eaildren and womon, in the hallway. ‘The ceno in and abous the Opera-Housa after the accident wWas heartrendiog,. The nows of the catastrophe spread like wildfire over thacity, and from every diraction came. people harrying to the ecene until the squares werc 1mpassablo. There are many contlicting storics as to the ongm of the panic. The building waa filled from parquetto .10 gallery with a denso mass, who oot only filled all tho seats and aisles, but crowded the stairways, and hundrads were out- side secking to gain admission. Belund tho scenes wero FIVE RUSDRED 8CHOOL CHILDREN, who wern to tale part in the performanco. Astho timo zpproached for the commencement of the exerciees, s caleinm light in the gallery flashed isglare upon the staze, and immodiately tho cryof fire was raiced. Tho sudience becamo panic-tricken, and o rush was mado for the stawwavs. Some are eaid to have leaped from tl20 balcony upon the crowd balow. The lower circlo of tho house is but a fow steps above the Ievel ot the sireet, but the steps aro narrow, and soon becamo blocsed by the sarging crowd insda tho bouse, Multitudes were pressing for tho doorway, sud an the pamic women aud children wers overturowa and trampled to “death- by tbe panicetricken crowd. The scene bezgars description. Tho alarm rapidly spread througbout the ciy, and those who had wives or chiidren thero, buriied forward to their rescue. A few bhoroic wmen placed themeelves near tho doorway and eu- deavored to assure people thera was no dsnger, ‘and sn effort was made from tho stage to chock the.mad career of the afrighted andienco, but quiet was not restored until A NUMBER WELE TRAMPLED TO DEATE and many eeriously injured. Those abla to walk st once made their way homeward; those more gerionsly: injured wore taken to the Ninth Strest Sfition-House and to the Commercial Hospital, and the dead wero gatbered 1o one af the offices of the Opora-Houss. Up to 9 o'clock to-night the folloming bad been roported: * KILLED AND TNJURED : Mrs. Alfred Whito and ber son Harry, aged 12; Mrs. Nancy Clark, reported to have died from heart disesse, caused by excitement; Angust and Fred. Loesch, two brothers, ages 8 snd 10; Hattie Leslie, nge 12; James Crowley, 2ge 7; Anpa Mal Rienzi, of Alton, IlL, who was age 22; Mra. Henry Kessler, sufferod a severs concussion of the brain, and is roported dead this evening. Ono unknown woman dead, Among tae injured aro Fred. Strasburg, Miss Pumphoy, Master Harry Bliss, and a chuld named Coddington. Later information will probably increase the number of injured. LATEST. Cixcrvsatt, Feb. 6—1 a. m.—Tus following additional particalars of the disaater have been loarned : uarry Uhl had the base of her skull crushed, and collar-bone broken; Mrs. ‘Anna Flood was hurt in the bresst serioualy; Mre. Lyon was in&m’ud internally; and Mra. White, ‘who was killed, had five children with her, one of whom was killed, another, the youngest, was found clsaped in hor arms uninjured. Mre. Riemez, of Alton, was in the gallery, and was eithar pushed over the railing or jumped to the floor below, striking on her head. Tho Corcoer's inqueat will be held Tuesday, and ho will endeavor to ascortamn definitely how the alarm originated, e OTHER DISASTERS. YOUR PERSONS DURNED TO DEPATH. &Special Dispatch to The Chicago Tribune. LiSArre, Iil., Feb. 5.—The dwelling-honso of George Heindle, a farmer residing near the Vil- Isge of Hollowayville, Burean County, was de- stroyed by fire night before Isst, and Mr. and Mrs. Heindlo and two young children perished in the flames, The oldest daughter, about 19 years of sge, and solo survivor of the family, made her escapo by leaping from the roof of {he house, but saved nothing but tha night-clothes she had on. BOILER BXPLOSION. Garvestox, Tex., Feb. 5.—A terrible explos- ion occurced at the Shivpers’ Cotton Press, this city,at a Inte hour Iast night. A portion ofa boiler weighing noar ten toas was carried 250 feet. Tae roof over that portion of the buitding was olown off, =nd the brick walls broken by the force of the explosion. ¥wo men, Spriggs and Willism Thompson, were severely igjured, but, itia thought, not fatsliy. The press was boing run on extra timo to fill accumulated orders. About thirty men were employed at the time in differ- ent portions of the vross, and their cacape ig rimost miracufons. Tho cotton caueht fire, huc was promptly extinguisbed upon tho arsival of il;a engines. - Tho cauee of the cxplosion is uu- inowa. LIGIT-SHIP LOST. Bringeronr, Conn., TFeb. 5.—The Stratford Shoal light-ship alipp her cable daring tie’ storm of Weduesday, and the vessel and tive persons on board are suppoeed to be lost. CANADA. The Repeal oxr Certain Eccleainsticnl Laws Demanded-A Zoundary Ques. tion. Szecia: Dispateh to The Clicags Tribuns, Quezee, Fob. 5.—The Protestant Defense Al- linnce beld & meeting last night. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. Ar. Borland aud Dr. Beers, of a deputation from the Montreal Asso- cistion. An immenso crowd was present. A petition to bo presented to the Dominion Gov- croment was read. Itprays for the repeal of the sct providing for a sectarian school-system in northwest territories ; asks for inguiry into the workiog of the act passed by the Quebeo ‘Government for the repatriation of French Caa- adians; also the disallowance-act passed by the same (ioveroment respecting interments in Ro- man Catholic cemeteries, and farther prays that the Dominion Legislature will take up the question of a constitutional amendment which wil obolish the coltection of tithes for the support of any cburch by legat process, and also tbo appropristion of any taxes or moneys from the public treasury of any province or muvicipality to the purposes of eectarian ipsti- tutions, educational or ecclesiastical. Epectal Dievatch to The Chicaao Tribune., ToroxNTO, Fob. 5.—In the Ontario Legislatura the Hon. William 5{cDougall introduced a bill to ropeal the act respecting the northern and wost- ern boundsries of Ontario. He entered intoa Jong account of the treaties and acts affeoting tho question, and contended that the western boundary weat to the Lake of the Woods, and the northern boundary to the live fixed by the English Commissioners before the €onquest of Canada from the Freoch. He blamed tho Gov- ernment for consenting to submit this important question to arbitration instead of preparing a cage and having it decided by & court of law. Attorney-General Mowat repfied, defending the policy of the Government. The bill wasresd a t time. LOUISIANA, The Dead-Locik in the Legisiature. New OsLEAxs, Fob. 5.—The points of diverg- once between the two Houses of the Legislaturo oo the Election 1aw are thus summarized : The cexisting election Iaws contain a Returning Board clause, approved by Gov. Warmoth, in copnec- tion with the election of 1872. The Houso bill abolishes the Returning Board, The Benato substitute retaina the Returning Board, but pro- vides for its reorganization, three membors to be appointed by the Governor, with the con- scnt of the Senate, and two members to be electod by the House. The powers and duties of the Board ara stringently defined. In cases of sll allegsd violence, intimidation, or blood- ehed, they are given power to send for persons and papers and compel the attendanco of witnesses and administor oathe, and if, after inquiry and thereof, not a fall, fair, and free election in any such locality, poll, ward, precinct, or parish for any of the reasons, or from any of the causes stated in this eoction and that the result of the vote or election in any such locality was materially affected thereby, then and in that case thoy #hall not count, compile, or give any effect to any vote or votes cast at any such locality, poll, ward, precinct, or’ parish, but shall diséard and disregard tho same in_the canvass and compila~ tion of votes cast at said election. RAILROADS, } CONTRACTION. NEw Yonk, Feb. 5.—It is propoged to 80 con- centrate the business of all the fast freight lincs that only one Generalj Superintendent shall bs employed at each main line of railroad, who shall attend to the business of all freight-lines running over that road. The sawe course will be adopted with regard to receivers of treight. All tho work will be dono at each of the main Knea through ono Superintendent’s office. Tho force of clerks will also be diminished, althongh it will still be necessary to keep the accounts of each line geparato. DEFEATED. Spectar Dispatch & Tha Chicago Trfbune, Swovx City, Is., Feb. 5—The Covington, Columbus & Black Hills Railroad bond ques~ tion wag voted on to-day in Cedar County, Neb., and probably defeated, it is alleged, by fraud, several precincts castiog ouo-tbird more votes than thero are inhabitauts in the precincts, the majority being against the issuing of the bonds. THE BLACK HILLS. Stectat Dusvatch to Tre Chicano Tridune. Sr. Pauz, Mion., Feb, 5.—Mayor McLaren, of Bismarck, D. T., and Col. Louasberrs, of the Tribuneof that city, arrived hero this afternooa, their mission beiug to stir up the Northern Pa- cific Railroad Company and merchants of this!| city to open a trading and migration route to the Black Wills via Bizmarck. Lounsenberry brings about three ounces. generally small gold nuggets, brought from the Blscik Hills by Bismarck ex- lorers. The largeat weighs halt an ounco. x}hcg state that one party leaves Bismarck for the Hills Monday which will tako out & Baw- mill. Another larger party will start about the 20th of Febrnary. DECIDED. Creverasp, 0., Feb, 5.—Judge Welker, of tho Unsted States Circuit Court, rondered a de- cision this morning in tho cass of Westinghozse sgainst tho Gardoer & Renson Air-Brake Com- pany, sustaining the validity of the Westing- house air-brzko patenta in euits, twelve in num- ber, holding that the deféndants had infringed ali the claims. and ordering an injunction and ecconnt. The case bhas been pending nearly threo yoars. It was argued in June last before Judges Swayne aad Welkor. The reccrd was of great lengtn, and the case was vigorously con- tested. Mr. Justice Swayne concurs in tho de- cision. PENDLETON'S PEREGRINATIONS. MosTooMEBY, Ala., Feb. 5.—The Senate and House of Representstives to-day adopted reso- Iutions extending conrtesies to the Hon. George H. Pendleton, en route bome from Florida, who is’in thecity. He was waitedon by a committee, received by the presiding officer, and afterwards introduced to the members. He loayes tc-mor- wsiting rignds Rhere; Mus Feropica Massath, | zow. WASHINGTON. A Classification of the Houss Democrats on the Currency Question. The Inflationists Belioved to Be Largely in the DMajority, A Few Plan for Carrying Merchandise in the Mails, Ex-Superintendent Bangs Highly Complimented by Mr. Jewell. Secretary Bristow Tells What He Knows About Qur New Custom-House. DEMOCRATS AND THE CURRENCY. HOW THE FORMER STAND. Bpeciat Dispateh to The Chicaao Tribune. ‘Wasmixgroy, D. C., Feb. 5.—The Democratic caucns Taesday disclosed the fact that the party in the House of Representatives, which will ba held responsible for any curroncy measure that may pass, is divided into at least three separato wings or cliques. The inflationists, represented by Holman, Lauders, and other infiuential mem- bers from the West and South, seem to be largely in the majority, and to have things almost en- tirely thoir own way. * Their plan is not only to ropeal the Resumption act of 1875, but also to aobolish the National-Bank currency, zod substitute legal-tender notes for it The majority of themhavo an absurd idea that tho National -Banks of the conutry 2re realizing im- menge profits on their circulation. . THE SLCOND CLiS3 into which the Democratic party is divided com- prises & emall baadful of burd-moner men, rep- resentiog chiefly districts in the Esstera and 3Middlo States, and Toxas, znd 3 few ecattered districts in the West and South. Tho other class consists of a small number of men who aro laboring for & compromise. To outsiders thay 10dk more lixe trimmers than like waen who bave very scttted convictions on tho currency question. ‘They were aply represented 1n tho caucus by Payne of Clevelsud, who mado avery conciliating specel, and _though his senti- wment3 did not mest with tha approval of either of the clzsaen before mentioned, his speech iy spokken of 29 Laviag becu . personal success. During tho pust two dass TUE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A COMPROMGSE has been very eXicnsively discussed among the Dermocratic members in private conversations. Tho result is the assurancs that the infationists are by far the moat tenacious of thew princi- ples. " Beveral of the representative meu who are soundest in their advocacy of hard monoy Lave exprossed the expectation that they will be obliged to accede to the ideuy pue forth by Payne, because no hope exzists of obfaining any better lezislation, and they be- lieve it is better for Copgress to pass some act looking to resumption, no matter hcw far in the future tho return o specie-payments may bo, than to do notiing or to aliow the act of 1875 to staod, while the Secralary of the Treasuryis deuted tho right to use the proper machinery to make it -effective. A CAREFCL CANVASS OF TIE HOUSE made by Republican leadors showa that of the 105 Republican Representatives st least ninetyare for hard monev, and cannot be lad away by in- flation sophistry. If it wero possible to divida the Democrats and securs fifty votes for a ‘practical moasure looking towards resumption, such a bill could, with the united votes of tho ninety Ropublicans, bo passed by the House. But it is very doubiful if thers are fifty men on the Democratic sido of the House who would break away from their party and join with the Opnosition fo & practical measure of financial rellef. TIE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTER has not yet cousidered the subject of specie payment at all. Some of ita members, notably Mr. Fernando Wood, ate opposed to_acy action on this gubject oron the tariff at this session., They advocate the passage ot tho Appropriation bill and an early adjournment of Congress, with- out baving placed the Houseon recurd on either of these importsat questions. ‘The Bankiog acd Currency Committea is more likely to roport a bill_subatantially like tbat introduced by Payne, of Ohio, than sny more radical measuare. i amsaey MERCHANDISE BY MAIL. A NEW PLAS. Bpectal Dispatch to The Chicaco Tridune. ‘Wasmsaros, D. C.. Feb. 5.—The Post-Office Department has a new plan for postage on third- class matter for the transmission of merchan- dise through ihe maila. The main features of the plan aro these: The plan proceeds npon the established fact that merchandiso cannot bo car- ried for the long distances known as the *“long heads™ at the rates fixed by tho law that has just passed the House, except at a loes to the Government. It is therefore proposed to re- arrange the classification of third-class mat- ter, dividingit into two claases for the general purpose of transportation. The miscellansous articles, now comprising the third class,~tran- sient newspapers and periodicals,—and the articles not strictly merchandise, are to be taken and made a separato class, Upon this class the postage is to be 1 cent for every 2 ounces, irre- spective of distance. THE REMAINING ARTICLES of the third class, properly denominated mer- chandiee, are to be carned according to weight and distanca. The country is to be divided into circuits of 500 miles, and the postage upon the merchandise is to be arranged socording to a gliding schedule, an_additional half cens an ounce being required for each additional 500 miles circoit. Such an_arrangement, it is claimed, would enable the Government to carry this class of mail matter at a small profit, while under the present system of uniform rate for all distances the longerhaulsare made at greasloss. THE ONLY ADDITIONAL EXPENSE to the Government would be the trifling cost of preparing the circait classifications. The Poat- ‘mastor-General, it is expected, will earnestly recommend this plan, and it will receive strong originsl support in both Houses. Opposition 18 anticipated from seedmen and publishers, who have made uee of the mails for sending mer- chandise long distances, where tho less to the ‘Government 18 certain. ——— THE FAST MAIL SERVICE. JZWELL TO BANGS. Special Dispateh to The Chicago Tridune, WasnmgrgX, D. C., Feb. 5.—The Postmaster- General har written the following letter to Col Georgo S. Bangs, of Chicago, upon his volun- tary retiroment from the position of Superin- tendent of the Railway Postal Service, to take the position of Assistant Sub-Treasurer at Chi- cago: 3 PosT-OFFiCE DEPARTMENT, WASIINGTON, D. C., Feb. 3, 1875.—DeaB Smr: I am in receipl of your Tesignation as Superintendent of the Railway-3fail Service of this Department, and hare accepted it with great reluctance. It appears to be for your fntercst fo leave our service, and I have Do choico in tho- matter, so bid sou Godspeed, and wish you cvery gucccss in your Dew field. 1am more than satisfiel with the manner in which you have administered the ollice of the Raflway Mafl Sesvice, You kave evincel a_comyrelension of the business, an_executive ability, and an unselfish desire o promozo its best interests, Tarely to be found in public ofticials. Much of the efficiency of that branch is due to the enthusizsm brougat to bear npon it, and in the name of the Departizent you hava served 80 long and 8o faifally, I thank you. Very truly ours, (Sigued) MansnaLL JEwRL, ¥ s Postmaster General. - To Col George S. Bangs, Washington, D, C. WILL NOT BE SUSPENDED. Mr. Vail, the new Stperintendent of the Rail- way-Mul Service. i8 confident tbat the fast-mail service will not be snspended. He rays that iv jatrue that the railroad companies hava not been fully eatisied with the weight of the matls, but, if the present companics abandon their trams, there 18 not much douvt bat that com- peting roads will bo glad to perform the mer- co. i COMMITTEE-WORK. STRAW BIDS. Special Dispateh to The Chicaao Tridune. ‘WasuvazoS, D, C., Feb. 5.—Some of the members of the Post-Office Commuttee wers at the Post-Office Department to-day examining into the record of one of the persons who is now 80 active in prosecuting the investigation of tho Poat-Office straw bide. Charges have besn made to members of the Committee that this person was implicated in the fraudulent Kittle bid, exposed Iast summer by the Postmaster- General, and that he has been connected with other questionable transactions. Lixe all the House investigations, this is a eecret one. At the session tofi:y THE COMMITTEE HAD A WRANGLE over the question of making the investigation enopen one, bat it was finally decided by ons msjority to continue the inamiry in secret. ‘Thero wera two witnesses befors the Committer to-day, one of whom was a man named Cheate, ropresenting a packet line between Memphiaand Vicksburg, who mado charges concerning atran bids by tho managers of other linea on the Mississippi River, but when asked concerning his own experience a8 o straw bidder while for- morly connected with another lice on tha 3lis- sissiDpr, be had nothing matonal to commn. nicate. Another witness, namod Droadhead, gave the Committco some interesting testimo- ny. The trouble with this Committes, as with moat of the other committces of the Housa, in that the members don't seem to understand clearly what they want to find out, nor how to get atthe facts which would answer their pur- pose. s NOTES AND NEWS- A 5AD FALL. Special Dispateh to The Chicagn Tridune. W_Asmumx, D. C., Fob. 5.—Another Demos cratic ax:Cnngrculnm has bean provided with o subordinate position by the Clerk of tha House of Representatives. Morgan Rawls, late a Rep- Tesentative from Georgis, has been made Supar- intandent of boxes in tho folding-room. Pover- ty compelled him to accept the place, which is that of a common laborer. ORGANIZING, The Democratic National Exccutive Commib tee baving adonted resolutions to open ita offica at once, and proceed to a detaiied organization of the party in the several States, and invite the Democratic members of the Senato and Hounse of Representatives to nppoint any auxiliary commitiecs in aid of such organization, Alaj. A. D. Banks, Secretary, has opened hoade quarters as No. 1321 F strest. PILOTAGE FEES. A sub-committee of the Committeo on Com- merce, consisting of Mr. Ward of Now York, Mr, Piper of Califoroia, and 3. Piecco of Massacha. sott, will give a hearing Veduesday noxt. rola- tive totho subject of pilotage fees. Mr.Haile, of Maine, has introduced 2 bill which propesee t0 do away with compulsory fces, 33 appliod ta coastwiee vessels, the chiel object beiag to get rid of tne extortion wWhich is practiced by tha Hell-Gate pilots. : TIL¥ CHICAGH CUSTOXM-IIOUSS TNVESTIGATION. Secretary Dristow appesred Lefors the Iforss Committes on Public Luildings this morniny, in ths matter of the Chicago Castom-Houss In- vestigstion. 1Iis statoment was for ths most pert contized to atevisw of tho relations of tha Treasury ‘in that atractare. The drift of iho cross-examination seemy to be to atiompt to im- pheate Mulltt in wrougiul acts. THE TARIFF DILL. Morrigon expresses greas confidence in hir ability to_forco the now Tzriff biil through the Houso without sirikiog out tea and cotfeo. D) 1 AGENTS. Tha Honse Commities on Expenditares in the Stata Deparument this mornmng made further 1nquiries 1nto the busmess methods of the Lon- don dispatch agents. IN¥ A DAD 3OY. The Democratic Appropristion Committee. in ‘Propariog to reduce the cierical forcs in the Ex~ ecntive Depar:ments 20 per ceot, has been pl: ing with a two-edged sword. ‘Che varions St: Assceiations kava been muking an exact compi~ tation of the nnmber and pohtica of the entizn clerical force nero. The result is &s amusing as ¢ it is surprising. The computation shows thut almost exactly that percentage of clerks are i Democratic. The Department officers will of | course remove the Democrats rrst, since the Democratic party has bagun the war. {10 the Associated Press.) WAR RECOEDS. Wasmxeroy, D. C., ‘The Becretary of the Southern Historical Society, replyinz to Sec- retary Belkoap's lester to him, saya: * The peo- ple of tho South are not only willing, bat anx- ious, that the whole of their official records should be given to the world, and that the fu- { ture historian shonld have tno oppormnity of judging them in the light of thoee records. Bo asaured. then, of our hearty co-operation in sup- plying yonr department with the missing Con- federate documents. We will have farnisned you properiy authenticated copies of :such as are inour possession, and will assist you in procur- ing others, it being understood, of courss, that yoar Department will afford us similar facilities 1n the prosecution of onr work. FIRES. PRAIRIE FIRE. Svecial Dispatch to The Chicago Triduns, Kaxsas CrtTy, Mo., Feb. 5.—A disastrous prairie fire waa started 4 miles southwast of Brookville, on the line of the Kansas & Pacific Railroad, abont 1 o'clock this morning. Tbe wind was blowing a perfect zale. In a short time the fire bad swept over a large space of country. Tweo- ty barns and houses of farmors wero destroyed, and at least 15,000 worth of grain in stack At Brookville all the employes of the railrond . torned out and fought the fire, and it was driven round the town. The railroad tracks prevented 1t crossine into the prairies beyond. Ther was great excitement among the settlers, and sid was telegraphed for np and down the road. IN CHICAGO. The discovery of flames in the three.story marble building at the corner of Illinois and ‘Wells street at 2:05 yestorday afterncon was the the cause on an alarm from Sox No. 724. The en are owned by J. H. Herting, sod oc- cupied by E. A. Jacobs & Co. a8 a cord and tassst factory. Damage to stock and building estimat- g at 31,000. Insurance and cause of fire un- own. FINANCIAL. NEW YORK. Nzw Yomx, Feb. 5.—At & meeting to-dsy of the creditors of Archibald Baxter & Co., grai ehippers, who failed in Aungust lsat, claims smounting to $444,032 were proved, and the City Chamberlain was elected Trusteo of the firm'e estate. The Industrial Exhibition Company, orgsu- ized in 1873 for the purpose of providing build- ings and making arrangements for the holdin; of the great World's Fair, or Internatiosal Exhi- bitlon. is in finaucial difficaities, which have been brought to a crisis by the seizure of per- sonal property by the Sheriff. The sale to-day was postponed for one week to give the officers of tho Company time to adjust ita affairs. ALBANY. Arzany, K. Y., Feb, 5.—It is announced that tho Alcott Iron Company has suspended pay- | ment, with liabilities of aboat $150,000. LEARNING TRADES. 1o the Editor of The Chicago Tribune: Cmicago, Fob: 5.—Your editorial, * The Mas- sacre of the Innocents,” may be partially true; but the main faalt iswith the patents. Itried for over three montha to get a boy to learn = trxde. The only condition I asked was a contract for four years, ho to work tho first six months for nothiog. But that does not suit the American parents. They want you to take all the troudls 1n learning their zons a_trade, and pay them for tne pnvilsge of learning them. In German; ard Eoglend, tho pareuts havo, ls“l xzzznenifl v. H. B. thing, to pay a bonus. OCEAN STEAMSHIP NEWS. Lrerzoor. Feb. 5.—The steamship Take DMegantic, which left this port on ths 15th of January, for Portland and Baltimore, has rs- taroed, Laving lost her propelier. New Yome, Feb. 5.—Arrived, steamship Wic- land. from Hambarg. PaiLAperenis, Ps., Feb. 5.—Arrived, steam- -} ship Nederland. from Antwerp. LoxDoN, Peb. 5.—Steamchip Castalis, from New York, has arrived out; also steamship ZLabrador, from New York, has arrived. it ok ot TELEGRAPHIC BREVITIES, The menufactarers and mechanics of St. Jobn, N. B., have memorialized the Government to in- creaso tho duties on all imported articles which come into direct competition with domestic manufactures. The Kentacky Senate has passed ths bill pro- vidinz £10,000 for the rcpresentation of Kon- tacky'd resoarces and mauufactures at the Cen- tennial Exposition, The bill then came up i the House, and, contrary to the genaral oxpecta- tion of the poople, was rejected. —_— A Masonic Grip under the Gallowrs, ) New Yerk Sunday Democrat. Calcraft. who recently retired from the tryiog gos:uun of bangman in England, had an agreea- le custom of ghaking hauds with these upon Whom he w3 about to carry out the sentencs of the law. But it has been observed that Mar- 7004, his successor, never doss this, and spec- ulation bas beonrifein certaln quarters as to 1he cause of his departure from this precedent. Frecmasons will be interested to learn that tha Teason is, ‘‘because heisa Freeand Accentaq Mason and dreads the condemned man nung _him & Masonio grip 1n return.”