Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, September 19, 1880, Page 6

-INGERSOLL'S FIGHT, A Gallant Struggle to Save ’ the National Liberal j League. Proceedings of the Second Day’s Session of That Interesting Body, A Platform Reported Calling for the Repeal of Federal Postal Laws. Ingersoll Makes a Desperate Effort to Have It Strick- en Out, And Urges the League Not to Mentify It- ; self with the Case of Ob seenity ; To Maintain the Free Expression of ’.. Free Thongh Mistaken ie Thought, But Not to Meddle with Matters with '"--Which It Had Nothing : to Do. A Majority of the Convention “- -Woted Steadily Against And He Resigned His Office as Vice- President and Withdrew Disgusted. MOENING SESSION. » (TEE SECOND DAY'S SESSION ., ef the fourth annual Congress of the National Libera! League opened yesterday morning at Bersney Hall, the Hon. Elizur Wright presiding. ‘The andjence for some reason or other was bardly as large as that of Friday night, but the firebrands and war-horses were all there, and the proceedings promised to be fully as inter- esting a8 at that time. . The Convention was something like half an hour late in getting down to business. In call- ‘ng the gathering to order the President ex- plained that he had lost a litte time in meeting Col. tngersoll, who would probably address them in the afternoon. -” = A DEFENSE COMMITTEE. Eeports of committees were called for, and Mr. Green proceeded to deliver that of the Com- mittes on Nominations. The first recommenda- tion was, that A. L, Rawson, of New York, act as Chairman of a Defense Committee, whose duty, a8 defined by the Constitution of the ‘League, is “to defend through the courts, by the combined efforts and means of the Liberals of the country, any American citizen whose equal religious or moral rights are denied, or who is oppressed on account of any opinions he may have held or expressed on the subject of. re- ligion or morals.” ‘The Committee further submitted a list of officers for the ensuing year.—Elizur Wright for President and Col. Ingersoll. for Senior Vice- President. ‘The report was accepted, and Mr. Wright was reflected, though he fought hard to ret rid of an honor for which his hardly fitted him. Prof. Rawson, of New York, gaye an account of the Confederation of Free-Thinkers, which met at Brussels in August Inst, andof the progress of Liberalism on the Continent. Louis Wilhelm, of this city, read an address to the League from au organization known as ‘THE UNION OF RADICALS. It demanded separate political action onthe part of Liberals in opposition to the two great political parties of to-day, and a thorough reaking away frum old party practices, to the end thet the people at each election might Givide on certain principles or issues. instead of on the questions of persons and spoi Sucha party, it was asserted, would, aftera few de- feats, soon draw into its ranks the most intelli- gent, moral, and patriotic men of the auion. The orgagizahons set down as ready in. form this . new. party of progress were tho Liberal Leagues, the ‘Turn- ers, the Woman Suffrage Associations, the Freie Gemeinden, the Free Keligious Associations, tho Union of Hadicalg, and the various Labor-le- form’ organizations, provided the latter were ready to desist from attempts to force Commun- ism into the platform. {Hisses from Parsons and afew others of the Communists who hap- pened to be present.} They sugested the in- ‘demands in the platform of the party sometime to be founded: 1, Abolition of the “one-man power,” the in- dependent Executive, which 1s the main source of corruption and the fulcrum of the t; nical power of standing parties. ‘The Executive ought to bea council composed of the headsof departments, who shall be chosen from among all the citizens by Congress, and who shall be re- sponsible to and revocable by said body. 2. Abolition of Legislative dualism and “States-rightism,"’ as expressed bythe National eng State Senates. 2 B 8. Equality before the law of naturalized and native citizens, at home and abroad. Any treat- ies in contradiction tosuch equality to be an- nuiled. 4. Unlimited choice in the election of Repre- sentatives from among all citizens within or without one’s own voting district. : 5. Protection of labor against the unjust pre- tensions of capital. by securing to the tormer its just and fair compensation. Promotion of labor associntions. Further reduction of the maximum length of working time. Free asso- ciacion of worl en, for securing their in- terests. Sanitary protection of citizens by a controlling supervision of factories, provisions, and dwellings. Statistical facts bearing upon the conaldonat Isborers to be ascertained by 19 State. eee 6, Prohibition of the employment of children for industrial purposes. %, Progressive rates of taxation on income and heritage. Exemption of the minimum re- quisit for the Support of a family. All other tax exemptions tw be repealed and prohibited. 8. Abolinon of all monopolies and of institu- tions tending to create them. Public control of railroads and other corporatious which are or may become engines of extortion or sources of public danger on account of the political and social power they wield. 9. Repeal and prohibition by constitutional provisions uf so-called temperance—i. e., pro~ hibliory—laws. They are resultless measures of coercion against those at whom they are di- rected, and insulting restrictions of the personal liberty of those who do not need them. 10. The designation of Sunday as the legal day for elections, 50 that the fulfillment of the citi- zen’s duty. will no longer prove a costly and onerous sacrifice to the honest poor man. ONE HB. J. GROVER, of this city, insinuated nimself into the program and on pas platform. Pulling out a ream or more of manuscript, he began to fire off a paper eolumbiad at Gartield for having discovered in the people of the presentday a growing tendency towards a stronger Government. The Chair- man begged him to desist until some other time. Grover told him he couldn't come agzin, and that he must haye his say now or never: He finally promised, however, to speak only twenty minutes, and was allowed to go on, thougl called to order several times by a number of- members who were hungry and didn’t care to hear a very poor quality of ftump-speech. The Chairman called time on him at the expiration of the twenty minutes, and Grover went off in high glee at having worked off his spleen against Gartield. . He was succeeded by Mr. NcCracken, of Sfich- igun. who was to present a report of a Liberal Congress held at Detroit. Before presenting any report, Mr. ScCracken said that he had not sup- posed the reading ot the Radicals’ address was tw involve the smuggling in of a political stump-speech, and he felt it his duty to,charac-. terize the action of the gentleman who hud just taken his seat asa piece of unparalleled and unpardonable insolence and impudence, and an insult to the Congress and to the common scnsé and intelligence of any well-regu- lated body. ae of approval.) He was ins order, and went on to say that ho wes in favor of centralization and a strong Government to be used in the interest of the people. The gentleman who preceded him had singularly enough forgotten to arraisn the other arty for having visited. violence upon the cit- izens in the South. (Applause and cries of “Stump-speech.”] The Chairman again called the gentleman to order, and the gentleman, having had his say, proceeded with the peadiny of his report. At the conclusion of the report,a delegate from Iowa thum} the piano, and in fa pro- youndly dismal voice groaned out the unpleas- ant experiences of a young man from Germany, THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1880—SIXTEEN PAGES ‘who bad come over to seek freedom, and found itnot ‘The Con; ve a] riately took a recess, after the alleged musts uncil 2 o'clock. a FUTURE WORK. Os a reassembling, Mr. Spencer, from the Com- milttes on Future Work, reported that it should e— . 1L Total separation of Church and State, to be secured under present laws and proper legisla- tion, and finally to be guaranteed by amend- ment of the United States Constitution, includ- ing the equituble taxation of ‘church property, secularization of the public schools, abrogation of Sabbatarian laws, abolition of Chaplaincies, prohibition ot public appropriations for religious purposes, and ull other measures necessary to the same ground. 2. National protection to National citizens in their equal political, civil, industrial, end religious rights, irrespective of race or Sex, to be secu under _ present laws and Rives legislation, and finally to be guaranteed by amendment of the United States Constitution, and afforded through the United States courts. 3, Universal education the basis of universal suffrage in this secular Republic, to be secured under presentlaws and proper legislution, and finally to be guaren: by amendment of the United Staves Constitution -requirmg every State to niaintain a thoroughly seculurized pub- lic-schoo! system, and to permit no child within 1s limits to grow up without a good elementary education. lt was, sald the: Committee, the duty of the National Liberal Lengue and auxiliary lea to direct their efforts toward carrying out these needed reforms by seeing to it that such men were elected to the Legislatures und Congress, and other ‘offices, exccutive and judiciul, as favored them and ‘bud the ability and the courage to maintain them in their several capacities; that existing laws favorable to these objects were properly: enforced; that suitable pecuniary and other means were provided in case of need to defend citizens who were unjust- ly subjected to prosecutions and other injuries and annoyances on account of exercising rights reserved to the people; that auxiliary leagues were multiplied as rapidly as responsible, intel- ligent, judicious, and earnest persons could be found who would aseist ‘their organization and carry them forward in a niuoner consistent with the importance and: dignity of the reforms: de- mandea; that it should be the purpose of the National and auxiliary leagues to consistency maintuin absolute neutrality as to theological opinions; thut they shoutd neither seek to pull down nor build up any form: of religion or ir- religion, but‘confine themselves in this matter stricuy to eliminating trom the Government whatever was of-a religious or anti-religious character, to the énd anly that the Governinent should be limited in the exercise of its powers solely to secular purposes; that the leagues Should do what they could to protect the free- dom and purity of elections, and to cultivate a sacred regurd for the rights of suffrage. They recommended tt the Executive Com- mittee be instructed to invite, as soon as pos- sible after the full election, al} Kindred orguniza- tions and all independent men and women who are dissatistied with the old parties, to attend a National Convention for the. purpose of form- ing & new party; that no Presidential candidate be nominated this year... Action was deferved until the Committee on Resolutions bad reported... President Wright then read a paper, in which he reviewed the history of the Republican, Dem- ocratic, and ‘Fiatist parties, suying that none inet the wants of the Liberals, who could voteas they pleased. or put up a ucket of their own. ¥ive-minute speeches were called for, and Mrs. Woodruff responded, pleading for more light everywhere; also Mrs. Severance, who deprecated getting stirred up because some one expressed his honest thought, This was a slap for the rumpus in the morning. Addresses were also mude by several others. Two of them were devoted to Masonry, the speakers having with- drawn from the lodge because it was too relig- jous,—one, also, because women were excluded. Several others were in favor of femule suffrage. ‘The Committee on Resolutions then came in. Col. Ingersoll moved that, in all votes upon the adoption of auy resolution, the roll be called and the vote taken by yeasand naysof delegates end regular. Proxies. | a a Mr. Green wanted to build up a great party,— a party of liberty... The Committee were not in accord, If they could tide over the issues, four years hence they could nominate Col. Ingersoll tor President. [Applause.] He moved that the subject be laid over until the evening... = ‘The irrepressible Mrs. Coleman, who said she was old enough to be the Colonel's mother, didn’t believe in tiding over anything. 3 ‘The motion of Col. Ingersoll was ugreed to. Mr. Green renewed his'motion, but did not press it on account of the opposition. ; ._. THE RESOLUTIONS. Mr. Wakeman, from the Committee on Reso- lutions, submitted their report, saying he hoped it would be received m ‘the spirit of compro- mise in which it had been necessary to make it. Appended is the platform: 1, Lesolved, That we reaflirm and declare the main purpose of the National Liberal Leaguo to be the realization in the States und Genvral Government of the objects stated in its stund- ard platform. [These are given above.) : 2 ved, That we claim it to be the duty of every citizen. man or woman, to extend to all others every right and liberty that he claims. for. himself; that . there should be. therefore, no legal, political, or, social disabilities, discrimination, or ostracism’ against any person on account of relizious be- ef or of any absence of such belief; that all: Jaws of the States or General Government mak- ing any so-called religious tests in order to qualify any person to vote, or to hold ottice, or to testify, or to siton a jury, or to do any public or governmental act, should be repealed us relics of barbarism; and that all laws in regard to marriage, which is a civil contract, and to di- vorce, births, and burials should be placed ona purely sccular and scientitic basis, and have :their justification only in their use to eocicty. :{Applause.] cr 3. Resolved, That we deem it expedient for the Liberals in all parts of our country to act or to codperate with others as a ‘political organization for the accomplishment of the objects of the above platform, and to’ nominate candi for ollice for that purpose ag soon as they have organized in sutH- efent numbers and cevctoped sulficient political agreement to do so effectively; that such noral- nutions should be first made in Assembly, Legis- lative, and Congressignui districts; and that we hope and w that four years trom this tine wo shall have a Presidential ticket inthe field. In the meuntime we mutually pledge each other that we will cast our votes and use our political influence for such candidates for office as we honestly believe will most: effectively further the objects of our League. {Applausc. 4. Resoived, That, in the spirit of our platform, wealso demand such State and United States Jaws 43 will securely guard the freedom of the press and.of speech and the inviolability of the mails [applause]; and will allow free circulation, by mati or otherwise, of all books, pamphlets, papers, and letters, irrespective of- the religious or other views thoy may contain, so that the literature of science and general knowledge and thought, and the expression of thought, may be placed under no restraint except to answer any abuse or injury: done by it befory tho regular courts and juries of our people. {Applause.] 5. Hesulved, That while we demand equal rights for all, and the consequent freedom of the press and of §; and the inviolubility of the mails, we do not do this to ald, abet; or cacouruge ob- scenity, Jotteries, tinancial frauds, bogus med- ical diplomas, nor any form of immorality, erlme, or wrongdoing whatsoever; but that, on the contrary, we are utterly opposed to the dis- semination through the wails, or by any other means, of obscene literature, whether inspired or uninspired. [Applause.]. We hold in meas- ureless contempt und disgust its authors and disseminators; that we therefore call upon the so-culled. Christian “world to expunge from the so-called ~ sacred Bible every passage that cannot be read without covering the cheek of modesty with the blush of shame. [Applause.]. And, until such passages are expunged, we demand ‘that the laws aguinst the dissemination .of obscene literature be im- partially enforced. [Appluuso.] Butwe are in favor of,and guanintee our influence to en- force, reasonable and effective laws in aid of the common lxw against obscenity, lotteries, bogus diplomas, tinancial und other frauds. But we believe such ‘cffenses could be unquestionably effectively punished and repi in the sume way that all other offenses are,—that fs, by the common criminal laws and courts, aided by police and detective officers, who shall be re~ sponsible to the people or to the clected officers, aud will not be responsible to churches or amateur semi-theologica! crithiual socicties. ved, That, Upon the grounds before stated, we are unable to approve of theso-called Comstock logistation in eitner State or Genéral , Governments: and we believe the results of it have proved it to be fraught with serious danger to the equal rights and liberties of our people, First, in that the incorporation within the Cra! States of amatuer criminnl and theological sucicties, and. the employment of their agents, in no way responsible to the people, to make nc- cusutions and arrests under faws enncted at their instigntion, is an exhibition of theological assumption and governmental -interference hostile to the impartiulity and cquality of secular and popular government, which should be of tne people, for the Pople and. by the people; that such laws and administration of crim- inal affairs practically deprives the citizen of bis common law right ot liberty until be in- jures another's person or property, or is aecused in the first instance by- x Grand Jury of his peers. Second, thur.the General Government, us the agent of the States axd people, in provid- ing a postal service, holds in time of peace sub- surntinlly the. relation of 1 common carrier; that to admit its right.to discriminate as to the kindof mattenwhich it will carry would be to ad- mit a power that may be arbitririly used for the suppression of ‘particular classes of thought on tical, relirious, social, and morat sub- Weots, and would. therefore. be incousic- tent with the total separftion of Church ana State, which is the prime demand of the National LiberaltLeague. (Applause. therefore, urge the repval of the present Unit States Postal laws, known as the Comstock laws, for these nmong other reasous: That, in the view of many whose judgment we respect, such laws are unconstitutional; that they give to the United States courts a criminal jurisdiction, dangerous and unlimited, extended to every of- | fense as to which it may be claimed that the Post-Office may have been misused in ita - com- mission; that such laws make the employment of decoy letters, deceit, and espionage a neces-) Sary and a recognized process of our crimina law, and go breaks down all confidence in the in- violability of the mails and in public morali- ty of government and. people; that, un- Ger such — laws, printed matter may be condemned ‘and __ confiscated before publication and without trial; that thus, practically, a postal censorship is constructed which violates ireedom of the press and speech, ag wellas the right of: property; that by the trick of getting # letter or paper sent through the Post-Oitice, even within the same State, the agent, under these laws, gives jurisdicfion to a United Stutes court over common-law offenses, so that a trial is had before a Judge Appointed for life, and not responsible to the people, and a jury who are not Prapticelly the peers nor of the vielnage of the accused, aud where the definition of the Court may leave the jury no alternative but to convict; that while, therefore, we do not approve of any offenses that may have been committed by Lunt, Train, Heywood, Bennett, and others, we regurd their accusations and convictions as outrages that far exceed ‘any offenses which were punished. We regard such cases asat- tacks upon our common-law and constitutional rights and liberties, which must be resisted hereafter to the uttermost: and we recommend the appointment of a special defense committee of this League, under Art, 3,Scc. 4, of its con- stitution, to which questions and cases of this Kind and all within the meaning of that section may, be referred for ap- propriate action und defense. also a change in the administration of tho law in. regard to such cnsea, so that the jury, and no Judge or censor, umy make and apply in ench case the definition of obscenity,—so tat the jury may: be the jud of both the law aud the facts in all cases of obscene libel, as they are now in all other cases of libel: thut all laws necessary in regard to these subjects should be enforced by ollicers responsible to the people and the seculur Government only, that the Stato amateur societies above referred to should be abolished, and-Anthony Comstock and similar agents should be dismissed and have no pre- tense of legal sunction or protection in their course of inquisitiun. falschood, and outrage. Tho soventh and last resolution recognized Bradlaugh’s Socicty and the Brussels Conven- tion of Free-Thinkers, and authorized the offi- cers of the Leagie to appoint delegates to ut tend their future meetings. ‘When the reading of the platform was con- eluded, COL. INGERSOLL aross from his seat in the back part of the hall, holding a vaper in his band, and was about to speak whey a dozen shouted “Platform,” anda score or more upplauded him. When he yeached. the platform he said: ° . Mit, CHAIRMAN: I wish to offer the following asasubstitution for the fifth and sixth resolu- fons: Texolved, That the Committee of Defenso (when appointed), whenever it is cliimed that a person bus been indicted for what that person claims to have been an honest exercise of the frecdum of thought and its expression, shall investigate such case, and if it appears that such person has been guilty of no offense, then it sball be the duty of anid Committee to defend such per~ son if he is unable to defend himself. Now, allow ine in onc moment tostate my rea- sons: I do not, I bave not, 1 never shall, accuse orsuspect a nee member of the Liberal League of the United States of being in favor of doing any act under Heaven that be is not thoroughiy convinced is right. [Applause.] We all cluim freedom of speech, and it is the germ of the human soul. Wo ail cluim the right to express our honest thoughts. Did it ever occur tu any Liberal that he wished to ex- reas any thought that might really, truly, and leealy be considered immoral? How dues it happen that we bave an interest in whut is known as itnmoral literature? Ideny that the Liberal League bas any interest in that kind of Uterature. {Applause.] Whenever we mention it—whenever we talk of it—wo put ourselves in afalse position. What dowe want? We want toseetoit that the Church amie Bhall uot smother the literature of Liberalism. Wo want to see to it that the viper of intellectual slavery shall not sting our cause. We want it so that every honest. mun, so that every honest wotnan, can express his or her honest thought upon any subject in the world. And the question, and the only question as to whether they are amenable to the law, in my mind, is, Werojthey honest,—was thelr effort to Dbeneit mankind? Was that their intention? And no man, no woman should be convicted of any offense that that man or woman did not 1n- tend to enmmit. [Avplause.} Now, suppose some person is arrested, and it is claimed that a work written by_him is immoral,—that it is illegal. Then, say, let our Committee of Defense examine it case, and if our enemies are seeking to Hemel. out free thought in the name of im- morulity or under the cover of criminal law, let us defend that man to the last dollar we have. fApplauro) But we don’t wish to put ourselves in the position of GENERAL DEFENDERS OF ALL THE SLUSH that may be written in this or any other coun- try. [Appluuse.] You cunnot afford to do it. You ¢anuot atiord to, put into the cunning mouth of theoloxy a perpetual and continual slur. You cannot afford to do it, And this meeting has not the time to go into the question of what authority the United States may have over the mails, It is a very wide question. It embraces many others. Hus the Government a right to say what shall into the mails? Why, in one sense, assurodiy. Certuinly they have the right to say that you shali not senda horse and wagon by muil. eaaaniee and ap- plause.} They have certainly tho right to 1ix some limit; and the only thing we want is that the literature of liberty;the Nternture of really: free thought,—sball not be discriminated against. And we know now as well as though it had been perfectly and absolutely demon- strated, that the literature of free shongot will be absolutely pure. [Applause.] Wo know it. We call .upon the - Christian world to expunge obscenity from their Book. [Applause.] We say, until that is expunged we demand that the laws uguinst obscene literature shalt be executed. [Applause.] And how can we, in the next resolution, say that these luws ought afi tobe repexled? We cannot do that. Ihave always been in favor of such an amend- ment of the law that by no trick, by no device, by no judicial discretion, no high, pure-minded man should be subjected to punishment simply for giving his best acd bis honest thought. {Applauee.) What more cin we need? What tore ean we ask? 1am as much opposed as my. friend Mr. Wakeman can be to the assumption of the Church that itis the guardian of moral- ity. If our morality is tobe guarded by that eentiment alone, then is the end come. The natural instinct of self-defense in all mankind | and in all organized socicty is the fortress of morality in mankind. . The Church itself at one time was the outgrowthof that same feeling, but now the feeling has outgrown the Church. [Applause.] Now, then, we. will have .u Com- mittee of Defense. That Cumniittce will exam- ine the case. Suppose some one has been in- dicted, and suppuse be is guilty. Suppose he nas endeavored to soil the numan mind. Sup- pose he has been willing to make money by pandering to the lowest pussions in the human breast. What, will that Committee do with him then? Wewillsay. | 3 j “GO ON; LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE.” {Applause.]. But if, upon reading his book, we find that’ he is all wrong, ‘horribly wrong, idiotically wrong, but make up our minds that’ be was honest in his error, I will give as much a3 any living man of my means to defend that man. [Applause.] And I believe Py will all beur.me witness when 1 say that have the cause Of intellectual liberty at heart as much us Tam capable of navinz anything at heart. [Ap- lutise.] And IT kuow hundreds of others are just thé same. I understand that. I under- stead their motive. 1 believe it to be perfectly good, but [really and honestly think they. ure mistaken. If we have on interest in the busi- ness 1 would tight for it, If our cause was as- sailed by law, then I say fight; and our cause is assailed, and I say fight. ‘They will’ not allow me,in many States of this Union, to tes- tify. Lsay fight [applause] until every one of those lnuws is repeuled. They diseriminate against a man simply because he fs honest. Re- peal such laws. The church, if it had power to- day, would trampie out every puarticie of free literature in this land. [Appiause.] And when they endeavor to do that, | say tight. But there is a distinction wide as the Mississippi—yes, wider than the Atlantic—wider than all ‘the oceuns—between the literature of immorality and. the literature of free thought. [Ap- plause ‘One is a crawling, slimy lizard, und tho other an angel with wings of light. [Applause.] Now, let us draw this dis- tinction; let us understand ourselves; and do not give tothe common enemy a word covered with mire and a word stained with cloaca, to throw atus. We settled that question one year ago. We vuried it thon, and I say let it rot. Mr. Leland—We buried it then, but there has come up a new case. Col. lugersuli—If a case bas come up, we here arg not-well enough acquainted with: ‘it to say whether the man js innocent or guilty, and, if my resolution is adopted, the Committee of De- fense wil! examine that case. [Applause.} And that Committee, having the facts before it, will do what in their judgment is right; but if we commit ourselyes to the case. before we understand {t, itimey turn out that the inan fs guilty. and then the whole world will say we were in favor of upholding immorality. President Wright said it was not the case of a, man butofa woman. Under the iniquity and idiocy of the law.a perfectly innocent person could be punished. ‘ A ceiegate thought speeches had been limite totenimmntes, Col. ingersull—This question is of great'im- Portunce. It is the most important one we nave here. I bave fought this question; I-am- ever going too (applause and 2 voice “ Leave it alone”], ynd E will not allow anybody to put a stain upon me. This question must be under- stood if it takes all summer. [Applause and cries of “ Good.""] ¥ -HERE 1S A CASE IN Port. Some lady has written a work which, I am in- formed, isu goud’ work, and that has nothing wrong about it. Her opinions may be foolish or wise; I don’t know, Let this Committee ex- .amine that case. 1f they find: she‘is a‘ good woman, that she had good intentions,—no mat- ter how terrible the work muy be, if her inten> tions are good, she has committed no crime. [Applause and cries of “ .”]. 1 want: the ircest thought. [think I have-always been in favor of it. But we haven't the time to go into all these questions, Mr: Clurke said a committee would have dove nO good in Bennett’s case, as Judge Benedict and his ugents had exclusive jurisdiction, _ The idva was to take vases out of such hands. . Col. Ingersoll—Then comes in the question for | this house to decide in onomoment-whether this gase should buve been tried In the State or’ the Federal Court. I want it understood that { have coutideuce in the Federal Courts of the Nation. {Applause.] There may be bad Judges, there muy be some idiotic jurors. I think there were in mat case. But the Committee of Defense, if. understand it. supplied means for the defense itman. They did, but are we ready now of to decide in a moment what Courts have jurisdiction? Are we ready to say that the Federal Courts shall be dented jurisdiction ‘in any case arising about the mails? Suppose somebody robs the mail. Before whom will you try the robber? ‘Try him before a Federal Judge?’ Why? Because he has violated a Fed- erallaw. We have not any time for such an in- vestigation as this. What we want to dois to defend tree Epeeah everywhere. What we want to do is to defend the expression of thought in pupers, in pamphlets, in books. What wo want to do is Ww Bee to it that these books, papers, and pampulets are on an equality with all other cOxS, papers and pamphlets in the United States mails. [Applause and a voice “That's it, esac And then the next step we want to take is, If any man is indicted under the pretense that he is publishing immoral books, to bave our Committee of Defense examine the case; and if we believe:the man to be innocent we will help defend him jf he is unable to defend himself; and if we tind that the law is unjust in that particular, we will go for the amendment of that law. [Applause.] I beg of you to havo some sense in this matter. We must have it. If we don’t, upon that rock we will split—upon that rock we will again divide. Let us not do it. The cause of intellectual freedom is the highest cause tothe human mind. Let us stand by it, and we can help all_ these people by this resolu- tion. We can do justice everywhere with it, while ff we agree to the fifth and sixth reso- Jutions: have been offered, I suy we lay ourselves open to the charge, and it will be buried against us, no mat- ter how unjustly, that we are in favor of pro- tecting wide-spread immorality. Mr. Wakeman—No, no. Col. Ingersoll—They may sey we are afraid. I am not afraid. A delegate—What are you talking about? Col. lngersoll—He onty is a fool who rushes into unnecessary danger. Iam talking with the endeavor to 2 PUT A LITTLE SENSY INTO SUCH MEN AS YOU. {Apptause and laughter.) Your very question shows that it was necussary that 1 should tatk. [Applause.] And now I move that my resolu- tion be adopted, Mr, Wakoman moved that {t besubstituted for that portion’ of the sixth resolution which recommended the constitution of » Committee of Defense. - Col. Ingersoll—I cannot agree with the sixth res- olution. I think nearly every word of it is wrong in principle. { think it binds us to a course of action that we will not be willing. to tollow; and my resolution covers overy possible case. sly resolution binds us to defend every honest man in the exercise of hig right. [Applause.] Ican’t be bound to say that the Government hasn't con- trol of its morals,—thnt we cannot trust the Fed- eral Courts,—that, under any circumstances, at uuy time, lam bound to defend, either by word or Money, any man who violates the laws of this counter [Applause.) Mr. Wakeman—We do not say that. Col. Ingersoll—I beg of you, | beseech you, not to pass tho sixth resolution. if you do L wouldn't give that {snapping his fingers] for tho platturm. A purt of the Comstock law authorizes the vilest possible trick. We ure all oppose! to that. Mr. Leland—W but is the question. Col, Ingersoll—Don’t let us be silly geese. Don’t let us suy we are vpposed to what we are not opposed to, It any man bere is not pe posed to putting down the vilest of all possiblo qricks he ought to go home. Weare opposed to only a part of the law,—opposed to it whenever they cndexvor to trample free thought under Yoot in the name of immorality. [Applause.] ‘Mr. Wakeman thon entered into un elaborate defense of the two resolutions, suying that he was not opposed to the punishinent of obscenity, but to the Church assumption by which the cases were taken out of the State Courts and tried under Federal laws. His argument was Demo- cratic to the backbone, the burden of it being State-rights, though he objected to State Com- stock Socicties, wanting the accused tried by the “regular Jaws" of the States, beforo the “regular officers” and the “regular juries.” “ Ie sucha jury founda man guilty let him go to hell. A Judy delegate inquired WHAT THE LEAGUE HAD TO DO WITH HELL. Mr, Wakeman said he used the word by way of illustration. “Let them go to the eternal ‘bow wows.”” . Col, Ingersoll—You know as well as I that there are certain books not fit to go through the peas —books and pictures not fit to be de- vered, . Mr. Wakeman—That is go. Col. Ingersoll—There is not aman here but what is in favor, when those books and pictures come into the control of the United States, of burning them up, when they ure manifestly. obscene. You don’t want any Grand Jury there. ‘Bir. Wakeman—Yes, we do, Col. Iugersoll—No, we don't, When they are manifestly obscene, bura them up. Mr, Wakoman—0O, no! Col. Ingersoll—When they are manifestly ob- acenc? Arostdent Vs hte the author, A delegate—Who is to be the judge of that ? Col. Ingersoll—There are books that nobody ditfers about. There are certuin things about which we can use discretion. If that discretion is abused, a man has hisremedy. We stand for the free thonght of this country. .We stand for the progressive spirit of the United States. We can’t afford to say that ail those laws should be repealed. If we had time to investigute. them we could say in what they should be amended. Don’t tic us to this nonsense,—to the idea that we hnye an interest in immoral literature. Let usremember that Mr. Wakeman is sore. He had a case before the Federal Courts, and he im- agines, having lost that case, you cannot depend onuthem. [have lost hunareds of cases. I have as much contidence in the Federul Courts as in the State Courts. [am not to bea party to throw- ing a slur upon the Fedoral Judiciary. All we want is fair play. We want tho snine chance for our doctrines that others have for theirs. And how this infernal question of obscenity eves. Bot into the Libera! League © could never understand. If an innocent man is convicted of larceny, should we repeal all the jaws on the subject of theft? 1 dor’t pretend to be better than other peuple. It is exsy to talk right,—so eusy to be right that] never care to have the luxury of being wroug, I am advo- cating something that we can stend upon. I do not misunderstand Mr. Wakeman’s motives. I believe they are perfectly good,—that he is thor- ouyhly honest. Why not just say we will stand by freedom of thought and its expressiou? Why not say that we are in favor of amending any law that js wrong? But do not make the wholesale statement that all these laws ought to be repealed. They ought not to be repeated. [Applause.] Some of thom are good. ‘The Inw against sending in- struments of vice in the mails is good, as is the Jaw against sending obscene books and pictures, and the law against letting ignorant hyenas prey upon sick people, and the law which pre- vents the getters-up of bogus lotteries sendi their letters through the mails. [Applause an cries of * Good."” ps Green moved to lay the substitute on the le. Considerable excitement and much running talk followed, in. the midst of which Patker Pillsbury said it was.evident that they could not acton the resolution in their present frame of mind. He therefore moved to udiourn until 8 o'clock, and the motion prevailed. EVENING SESSION. . LET US HAVE PEACE. The evening's session opened with some hor- ribly blasphemous singing by the piano-thumper from Iowa, who wound up the morning's enter- tainment. After this blasphemous introduction Mr. Green got up and made an impassioned plea for toleration and harmony and in favor of lJayimg on the table the fircbrand resolutions which had disturbed the peace of the after- noon’s session,—those in relation to the Com- stock business, together with tho amendments thereto. The motion to table was lost by a vote of 58to 25. Col. Ingersoll then withdrew his amendment, offered at the ufternoon session, and moved to lay on the table Resolution No. 6. On that resolution he called for tho yeas and mat [Cries of “ Bulldozing,”’ ** Filibustering,” ete. “am going to do. what Ican to keep this League from destroying itself,” retorted Col. Ingersoll. “We naye 41,000 votes, and are en- deayoring here to night with 25 ayes and 58 nocs to srddie upon 1,050 votes a doctrine that may be of infinit importance.” [Applause, while Wakeman and others objected to debate ona motion to table.] : ‘The motion to lsyon the table was lost by a vote 62 to 26, “Tam_-not filbustering,” said Col. Ingersoll, { “and [now move to strike out of Resolution 6 the words * we therefore urge tho ropenl of the present United States postal laws,’ and insert therin ‘that we appoint a committee of five to oxamine said laws and report to a future Congress wherein they should be amended so that perfect freedom of the press and uf conscience shall not be endan- gered. and on that motion I call the ayes and noes.” [Applause.} But the question was 2 debatable one, and the discussion which followed was lively and enter- taining. Mrs. Dr. Severance, of Milwaukee, bad something to say aguinst flibustering and in Tuvor of Voting on the resolution as it stood. W. B. Jarvis, ot Chicano, denounced the move- ment to flood the mnils with the stult which the vilest scoundrels were writing and printing. He bud daughters, Mr, Jurvis had, and objected to anybody sending thom any of this sort of stuff, George Linn, of Rockford, wasn’t afraid of being contaminated by an associution with a bad mau or ‘a: bad ‘woman, and informed the ‘Convention that his girls were equally strong- Mrs. Coleman, broad and mighty, told the Convention, amidst shouts of laughter, that, . IF MR: JARVIS WOULD TAKE CARE OF HI8 SONS, his daughters would take care of themsctyes, ‘The thing todo was to -let the giris-rend the scientific literature about themselves—obscene, as some called it—that they might take care of themselves: : Mr. Rawson said the Church couldn't afford to estruy obscene literature. It reaped a harvest out of it. The tact was, that the Comstock laws, tostena: oe Gesteo; ints class of literature, ma reas! Hore Used a8 @ means of oppression against The ex-Rev. Mr. Burnham, of Michigan, asked the very practical question what difference it would make to gods or devils whether the reso- lution was adopted or not, and intimated that it would be Food sense to ‘unite on essentials and let the hobbies go. Airs. Lake wanted to know what all this talk about separation of Church and State amounted to unless mey took a decided stand against the Church and its favorit Comstock laws. It was well enough to meet and talk year after year, but it was time to do something towards actu- ally Separuting Church and State. Mr. Hall, of St.John, ML, didn't care a cuss what the newspapers or ruybody e:! im, He was opposed to Comstock and Com- stock's laws, the Church, and about everything else, including the Republican party. W. J. Gursotts, of Bultitnore, wanted anything and everything sent zarouah the mails, no mat ter how vile and polluted it miht be, and was everlastingly opposed to the Comstock laws be- cause they were unjust, and were used as cn- gines of oppression against such good and pure men as D. M. Bennett. Mr. AicUracken, of Michigan, objected to that portion of the resolutions plucing the League on the defensive, and to the use of the word ‘“ob- scence." The organization was not the advocate of immorality and: obscenity, but the charge that it wus could not be removed by resolution... It could only be removed by correct lives on the rt of the Liberals. In conclusion, Mr. Mc- Cracken offered the following substitute for the sixth resolution: = Resolved, Thut we denounce all laws which, un- der the pretext of conserving the public morals, ure placed as Weapons in the hands of supersti- tion, to be wielded by modern Protestunt Josuit inquisitors, their spics, and informers for the suppression: of fr2e thought, and that, as re- gurds the so-criled Comstock postal inwa, while n large major'ty of the Liberals of the country; believe them to be in contilct with the spirit of tho Federal Constitution, yet, waiving that question for the time being, we demand that they be so modified as to remove all ain- biguity as to thelr imcaning, and that their exe- cution be surrounded by such checks and puueds ae will protect citizens {n their right of ‘recly publishing their opinions and circulating thom throuh the mails. Somebody got tired at the way the subject was being piled up, and moved to adjourn. The mo-‘ tion was lost. ¥y Parker Pillsbury took occasion, rather late in the day, to object to Col. Ingersoll’s presenceon tne platform during tho previous voting and to his atleged lilibustering motions. Col. Ingersoll, who had moved to the rear of the hall, arose aud endeavored to knock some sense Into the addled pates of the ultrus. He went at it as follows: ‘ I WISH TO BAY ONE. WORD IN DEFENSE OF NY : MOTION.” Tmoved to strike out tht part of resolution No. 6 which cal's for the repeul of the postal laws, and L wish tw give my reasons. Lam not {n tavor ot the repeal of those laws. Lhuve never been, and I never expect to be. But I do wish that ‘every Jaw providing for tho punishinent of u crimfnal offense should dis- tinetly detine the offense. That is the objection to thi3 law—that it does not define the offense. so that an American citizen cun readily know when he is about to violate it, and consequently the law ought in all probability to be moditied in that regard. Lain in favor of every law de- ting with perfect distinctness the oifense to be unished, but Leannot,—f have the cause of 1¢e thought too much at heurt to say by whole- sie these laws should be repealed. Neither will I consent ta tho repeal simply because tho Church fs in favor of taosc luwe. In so far as the Church agrees with me,I congratulate the Church. [Applause and laughter.) In so faras superstition 33 willing to pee me, 1 Iam willing to. xccept it, I belleve, also. that this League is upon u secular basis, and there should be nothing ‘in our platform that would prevent Christian from acting with, us {Cheers.. What is. our platform? And we ouvht to leave itasitis. It needs no amendment, Our platform is for a secular Government. Is it improperin a secular Government to endeavor to prevent the spread of obscene literature? [Applause.] It is the business of # secular Goverument to do it, but if that Government attempts to stamp out free thought in the nume of pusocaltss itis then for the triends of free thought to cell for a detini- tiun of the word, and such a definition as will allow free thought to go everywhere through nll the mails ot the United States, [Applause.] We are also in favor of secular schools. Good. We are in favor of domg away with every law that discriminates against aman on account of his belief. Good, We are in favor of universal education. Good. We are in favor of the taxation of church property—good—be- cause the experience of the world shows that where you allow superstition to own property withont taxing it, t will absorb the net profits. 1s it time now that we should throw into the scale, uguinst aif those splendid purposes, AN EFFORT TO REPEAL SOME. POSTAL LAWS AGAINST OBSCENITY? As well might we turn the League into an engine to do away with all laws against the sale of stule gees. (Laughter.] What have we to do with those. things? [sit possibie tbat free thought can be churged with being obscure? Is it possible that, if the charge is made, it can be substantiated? Can you not attack any superstition in the world in perfectly pure language? Can you not attack ee, you please in perfectly pure language? Ant where a man intends right, no law should find him guilty, and if the law is weak in tbat respect, let it be modified. [Ap- Plauses) But i say to you that 1 cannot go with any ly of men who demand the unconditional repeal of these laws. [Cheers] I believe in liberty as much asany* man who breathes, I will dd as much, acco! ig to my ability, as any other tan to make this an absolutely: free and secular Government. [will doas much as noy other man of my strength and of my intellectual power to give every human being every right that Ielaim for myself. But thisobscene law businessis a stumbling-block. Had it not been for this, insteud of the few people voting here— less than 100—we would have had a Congress numbered by thousands. [Checrs.] Had it not been for this. business, the Liberal League of . the United States would to-night hold. in its hund the political destiny ot the Unitgd States. {Great applause.] Instead ef that, have thrown away our power upon a question in which we are not interested. (Voices: * We are.”] [n- stead of that, we have wasted our resources and | our brain for the repel of x law that we don’t want repealed. 1f we want anything, we simply want nu modfication, Now, then, don’t stuin this cause by such a course. And don’t understand at I am pretending, or am insinuuting, that any one here i3 in favor of ob- scene literature. It is a question not of priuci- ple but of means, and I bex pardon of this Con- vention if 1 huve done anything so horrible as has been described by Mr, Pillsbury. Lregret it if Ihave ever endeavored to trample upon the rights of this Convention. THERE IS ONE THING I HAVE NOT DONE,— Ihaye not endeavored to cast five votes when I didn't hnye a solitary vote. [Appluuse.] Let us be fair; let us be fair. I-bave simply given my vote. I wish to trample upon the rights’ of no one, and -when Mr. Pilis- bury gave those votes he supposed be hud u right to give them, andif be hudo right, the votes would have’ been counted. I attribute nothing wrong tu him, but I say this: Lhave the right.tu mike & motion in this Con- pres, Lhbave the right to argue that motion, but have no more rights than uny other momber— none—and I claim none.- But I want to say to you—and [ want you to know it and feel it— that I want to act witn every Iberal man and woman in this world. [Appluuse.] I want you to know it and feel it thac I want to do everything I cun to get every ouoe of these statutes of our books that dis- criminates ugninst 2 man because of his religions belief; that I am in favor of a secular government, and of all these rights. But 1 cannot, and [ will not (this with sudden earnest- ness], operate with auy orgunization that asks for the unconditional repeal of thoso laws. {Applause.] 1 wiil stand alone, and I have stood aloue. £ can tell my. thoughts to my country- men, and Ishall do it, and whatever position you take, whether I um with you or not, you will tind me battling everywhere for the absolute freedom of the human mind. [Greut applause.) You will find me battling everywhere to make this world better and grander, and whatever my personal’ con- duct may be [shall endeavor to keep my theo- ries right. [Laughter and applause.) Ibeg of you, Limplore you, donot puss the resolution No.6. Itisnot for our interest. It will do us no good. It will lose us hosts of honest, splen~ did friends. [Applause.] Do not do it. It will be a mistake, and the only reason I offered the motion was to give the members. time to think this over. 1 um not pretend~ ing to know more than other. pcople. ium perfectly willing tosay that in many things I know less. But upon this subject [ want you to think. Nomatter whether you are afraid of your sons, your daughters, your wives, or your husbands. Thatisn’tit. [don’t want the splen- did prospects of this League put in jeopat upon such an issue as this. [Cheers, and cries of *Time” by the lowa clique] Very well. 1. hnye no more to suy, and I sball not endeavor to block or clog the wheels of this Convention, But if that resolution is pussed, allt have to say Is that, while L shall be for liberty everywhere, 1 CANNOT ACT WITH THIS ORGANIZATION, and L will not. [Great applause and confusion.] Mr, Wakeman explained at some length that he could not vote for Col. Ingersoll’s or Mr. Me- Cracken’s resolutions because they did not go to the heart of the matter. As for Ingersoll’s go- ing out, he couldu't do it; at least, if he did, he would have to work on parullel lines with the viZUC, 3 . Mr. Green also threatened bis resignation in casethe resolution was udopted.. The tbreat wus greeted with derision and_ suppressed cries of “Goud riddunee " from the Iown branch. Mr, T. PB. bleudum, of Boston, held that the in- fidels bud made their name respectable.—more So than it was to be called a Republican, 2 Dem- ocrat, or a church-member. They were the young, liberal America, and they would, when thoy got into power. ameliorate the legislation of the country. They were not licentious, as had been charged, upon them. and they would not stoup their bucks to receive the burden which the churches were trying to‘ buckle upon them. The old Abolition party had opposed the atheists, but they stood up manfully against it, and the Church to-day was reaping the benelit of their mantulness. And now they would not back down on account of anything which Com- stock, backed by all the churches, chose to say aguinst them, ‘The amendments of Mr. McCracken and Col. Ingersoll ‘were. lost, and the resolutions as re- ported by the Committee adopted. COL. INGERSOLL THEN AROSE and asked: ** Have the present officers of the Teagne been elected?” is “ Yes,” responded the Chairman. “ Thear that 1 have been elected one of the Vice-Presidents of the Association?” “ You were 0 elected.” 2 “T differ with the League in ‘this one thing, although in allothers I'am in harmony with them. It is with me a thingof sogreatim- portance that I cannot longer with the e. I do not wish them to bemy ece- Ey orme tobe theirs; I simply wist: to resign; Tcannot act with the League on this account, and place.” ; tion, the resignation was accepted, On motion! Mrs. dulia A. Severance, of Mul- wankee, was elected Vice-President to fill the v just made. va ei datiog then adjourned until 9 o'clock this morning at Grow's Opera-House. $$$ THE RAILROADS. EAST-BOUND FREIGHTS, ‘The east-bouad freight shipments by rail from this city during the past week were a trifle heavier than for the week previous; but the increase was not sufficient to cause great anticipations of a revival of business before navigation closes. The shipments by the six Eastern lines for the week ending yesterday amounted to 30,149 tons, against 26,301 tons the week previous, an increase of. .3,848 tons, | Nearly the whole of this increase was made by the Baltimore &. Ohio and Grand Trunk Railways, while the other roads _ remained about stationary. ‘ : ‘The rumors regarding the cutting of rates by several lines still continue. It was hoped that the Joint Executive Committee which met in New York during the past week to consider this subject would take some de- cisive action, which would make the cutting of rates impossible; but asfar as has been learned nothing was done in regard to dead- freight rates, exceptto resolve to maintain rates. While this resolution has been passed a half dozen times during the last six months, but few of. the roads changed their tactics on account thereof, nor is it supposed that they will do so at this time. It is reported that. grain ts being shipped now from Indiana and Tiinois to St. Louis for export by way of New Orleans, and it is claimed,that the rates by that route to Liverpool are about thesame aa by rail fron St. Louis to New York. This accounts ina great measure for the ‘small amount of business done at present by the roads’ east frum this city. As long as grain can be shipped from Western points to Enrope via New Orleans at lower rates than via seaboard points, that class of business will continue to go - that way, and Chicago inust necessarily be the greatest sufferer, as” business is taken away directly from our doors .and diverted . into a new chan- nel It was enerally expected by + shippers ant railroad | men at this point that the “High-Joints” at their New York meeting would reduce grain freights sufficiently’ to turn that business back into itsregular channel. But this was not done, and tie roads enst from here must- therefore continue to suffer, and under the circumstances an increase of business can hardly be expected very soon. This state of affairs will necessarily induce roads’ leading east to cut rates or give special inducements to large shippers in order to stimulate busi- ness. hen the roads get all the traffic they want, they have no inducement for cutting the rates; but when their yards are crowded with idle cars they will try to find work for them by.any means they can. y The following statement will show the amount of dead-freight business done during. the past week by the varions roads leading east from this city. Grain,|Prov’s,|_ - Flour, |tons of|tons of} Total ris. |2000).|2000tb.| tons. Michigan Central..} 9,500} 3,605] — 900) 5,485 ene) Tox) B15] 97a 4,300} 218%), Bane] 5,276 335] “"sos] ass] Babt 525] 1,509) Tuy] 2.301 Grand Trunk......} + 3,02) 256.) 80) Jogi Total..........| 28201 M7, 9,53] 30,149 —S REDUCING PASSENGER, RATES. One by one the Western railroads are re- ducing their passenger rates. Some months ago the Alton, the Llinois Central, and the Rock Island reduced their regular rate to three cents per mile, and 1,000-mile tickets to $25. The Burlington now makes the an- nouncement that, commencing Oct. 1, 1880, it will also reduce local rates on its lines to three cents per mile, and sell 1,000-mile tick- ets for $25, If is understood that the Northwestern has also decided to make a similar reduction Oct. This action on the Pare, of these. roads. will compel all other Vestn lines competing with them to follow suit, ’ i ‘ Some of the Eastern roads have also lately ~ of their own accord made large reductions in passenger rates. The Boston & Albany, for instance, has lately reduced its local pas- senger rates to two cents per mile. But then the travel on those Eastern lines is much heavier than on the Western roads, they can atford to do the business for Jess money. ‘The railroads are gradually be- ghuning: to comprehend that -reasona- le -passenger rates pay them much better. than high ones, as On lines where low rates are being charged traflic is much heavier than on roads where high rates prevail. ‘The Passenger business more than any other needs a thorough re- form. ‘he roads are now paying . out for railroad literature, posters, maps, fold- ers, commissioners, etc., immense amounts annually. Thisexpense could well be cut off, and the resulting benefit.given directly to the public by a further reduction in rates. Such action would stimulate traffic much more than the immense amounts paid to agents and -scalpers for commissions, or to job-printers for foolish literature, posters, maps, and other advertising devices. COTTON RATEs. Commissioner Albert Fink has just issued. the following circular: By request of the Cotton Committee, the fol- lewing rates will supersede those of Sept. 7, 1880, corrections being made In the rates from s Evansville, Louisville, Jeffersonville, New Al- bany, and Cincinnati: s g Cotton rates taking effect Sept. 18,1860, un- compressed, with. the privilege to carrier of compressing, originating at points named below, to New York, with the usual differences to other senbourd citics. Memphis, ‘l'enn., 74 cents; Nashville, Tenn., 67 cents; St. Louls and’ Hannibal. Bio. 65 cents; East St. Louis and East Hannibal, 111, 2 cents; Cairo, HL, 64 cents; Evansville, ind., 62 cents; Louisville, Ky., 55 conts; Jeffersonville and New Albany, Ind., 5 cents; Ciucinnati, O., 52 cents, All the other rates and regulations concerning the transportation of ‘cotton, adopted by the Joint Executive Committee, at the nmiceting of Aug. 28 and 27, 1880, remain in full force and effect unti} further notice.” * THOSE CLAIMS. The Indianapolis Journal has the follow- ing regarding the labor and supply claims against the Indiana, Bloomington & Western, which have heretofore been extensively re- ferred-to in these columns: There have been set afloat, from timo to time, reports respecting what are generally known ag the six months’ or back-pay claims of the In- diunupoiis, Bloomingtun & Western, and an effort made to charge the responsibility for these debts on the present Indiana, Blooming- ton & Western Company, . Injustice bas been done the present Company, which bug nothing whatever todoin incurring those debts. The fact is, that the Indianapolis, Dicom ipgton & Western. Railway became indebted to its em- ployés and supply men in 1874, aud soon therc- after defaulted on its bonds,.and its property was afterwards foreclosed and suld, the bond- bolders becuming the purchasers, aud reorgan- izmg as ‘the Indiana, Bloomington & Western || Hailway. Pending foreclosure proceedings the labor and supply .claimunts of the old Jndiun- apolis, Bioomington & Western uilway came into court and asked the payment of their claims in preference to the tirst- mortgage bondholders. The Court, in June, 1877, referred to special Masters the matter of the ascertuinment of the umount of these- claims, and it uppeared upon the Masters’ re- port that they excceded 3500,0W. No decree was ever made for their payment, but in .the decree for the sale of the property, the Court rovided that the property should be sold sub- ject to whatever might be allowed on these claims, and the purchasers agreed to pay such portion of them as the courts might uitimately require to be paid. The question as to their payment fs. still pending In Court, and unde- tided. ‘If the Court shail deciae that any por- tion of these claims shall be paid, every dollar of the amount required will. be paid, for it is on hand for use At any moment. The effort to’ cburge the present Indiana, Bloomington & Western Company with these debts is wrong, for it is In no wise responsible. There is no railroad. in the West that 1s inore prompt and punctual in.tha payment of all its, obligutions than the present Indiana, Bloomington & Western Ratl- way Company. : — : THE READING. The Receivers of the Philadelphia & Read- ing Railroad has just made the following an- nouncement: : r ‘The Receivers of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company, guarantors of the divisional coal-land‘mortgage bonds of the Philadelphia & Reuding Coal & Iron Company, will purchuse the overdue July, August, and September interest and coupons of the following bonds of the re- spective tracts in the following table at the rate named, it bbing understood and agreed to on the part of the Receivers that the principal of all the sald bonds and all after-accruing interest thereon shall retain priority of Men over tho 1 hope some one will be elected in my’ us and interest eo ‘purchased, towing table gives, tirst, the name of thes a the date when the interest falls due, an Wechenit-galy, ¢ per sent; Buried etherill, 6 per cent; Eagie Hil! dale, Deleamp, ‘and West “Flowers Fel, July, Sper cent; St. Clair, July, 5 per cant; Let cust fountain, Summit County, July, 5 percent; McNeal, August, 5 per_cent; Glentworth, Sep: tember, 5 per cent; Hartmau & Meyer, Sep- tember, 5 per cent; Catherine Grob, July, 4 le, Brady, Geny. ang cent; Tamaqua, ‘July,4 per cent: Mi Suiy; 4 por cent: Coal Hill. Juiy, 4 per eee? Grinkel and Branham, July, 4 per’ cent: Vailey Furnace, July, 4 per cent; Diamond, July, 4 per cent. As the Receivers are not yet prepared to enter into any permanent agreement with the holders of the bonds above mentioned they pro- 1o3e the above plan, as the Receivers of the uarantee Company, for adjusting the overdue coupons and interest, without requiring or pro- posing at present the surrender of an: rights bn the part of the bondbolders boynnd the aut duo coupon or interest. Bondholders dest toaccept the above terms aro requested to make application to Samuc! Bradford, Treasurer, who. will receive the coupon and assignment of the interest and pay the rate above-named in cash ‘ ‘TEXAS & PACIFIC. Sr. Louis, Mo., Sept. 18—The Loe an’s Dallas special says: The fivebig bridges of the Texas & Pacific Railroad at the end of the track, 125 miles west of here, wera finished to-night, and trains ran beyond Palo Rinto Caiion. Immense quantities of con. struction material are now passing to the front, and track-laying¢will resumed to- morrow, and by. Wednesday next the will be’ put down at the rate ot two ee per day. Mr. J. G. Fair, the California milliondtre, and a party of twelve other prominent Cali- fornians, arrived here yesterday from the Eastin the President’s car of the Central - Racits allroad. They | dete for. ns Pacific Coast at 12:80 p. m. yesterday by the Chicago & Northwestern. Mr. Fred D. Underwood, for the last four. years conductor of the local passenger train between Chicago and Milwaukee, on the Mil waukee & St. Pau! Railway, has beer pro- moted to the position of Assistant Superin- tendent of the River and Wabashaw Divis- ions of this road, with headquarters at Mit waukee. Mr. Underwood well deserves the promotion. FULTON-STREET RAILROAD, Besolations Passed Favoring It. Amecting of citizens interested in better street railway accommodations on Fulton street was held in the Methodist Church, corner of Fulton street and Artesian avenue, last evening. Mr. Castle explained the objects of the meet. ing, and nominated S.C. Hayes as Chairman, ana Mr. Hayes was elected. : Mr. H. R. Boss offered the following resoln- tions: . WuErzAS, For many years the Ie of West’ Chicago bave vainly demanded of the West oe vision Company reasonable accomm 3 and : Wuerxas, In the insolent and tyrannic treat- ment they have subjected us to, ind the failure to comply with said demands until they have been seriously threatened with competition, we find just cause of complaint and refuse to longer look to said curporation to redress ‘the wrongs they enue upon us, and having ‘been fully satisfied of the uniary responsi- bility and faith of the ‘People’s Forse & Dummy iiroad Company, who are ow, asking an ordinance permitting the laying and operuting of ‘tracks along certain streets in the South and West Divisions; therefore, be it.” Resolved, Thit it is the sense of this meeting that ‘suid ordinance should be passed, and thas we request the Aldermen of this ward to use their intiuence for its passage and vote for the’ sure. . Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be banded to the Common Council and the Alder” men of this ward. a 2 ‘ir. Castle advocated the passage of the reso-, lutions because of the resultant benefits that would accrue in the value of property. He be- Meved it would appreciate property to the umount of 25 or 50 per cent. Dr. Gray opposed the proposee railroad, tooth and nail. He believed it would damage’ p' erty, and he bad no faith in_its promises to do all that was claimed for it. Hedid notlike the tinklng of the bells going by his door, re ing it 13 great a nuisance as the blowing of the. pop-corn man’s horn. Dr. Gray stated that C, 4B. Farwell and B. F. Norris stated to him that they owned no stock in the People’s Company,. though their names appeared among the incor porutors. He hud fought this. sew SOR any and would continue to fight until be could sea some tangible reasons for supporting it. ‘Mr, H.R. Boss said it was pretty good evidence that the new Company had some financial stand:. Bs wheres West Division Company was tight- Bir. S. M. Booth made the speech of the even- Ing in favor of the new Company being allowed to lay tracks along Fulton street. He de- nounced monopolies of all kinds, but especially street-railways, and was quite poiuted in bis re~ marks about those who opposed this competing company. He regarded this new road as their only protection. z After some counter remarks by Dr. Gray, re- iterating his previous reasons for refusing to sign the petition for allowing the track- . by his door, and more speeches on the other aide, the resolutions were unanimously adopted, and the meeting adjourned. THE WEATHER. OFFIcE OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, Wasurxeton, D.C., Sept. 19-1 a. m.—For, Tennessee and the Ohio Valley, southerly to westerly winds, partly cloudy weather, slight, changes in temperature and barometer. . For the Lower Lake region, southeast to, southwest winds, increasing cloudiness and light rains, stationary or slowly falling bar- oneter, slizht changes in temperature. ~ For the Upper Lake region, threatening weather and rain, slight fall in tempera ture. falling followed by rising barometer, east to south winds, becoming variable. For the Upper Mississippi and Lower souri Valleys, areas of rain’ and bartly cloudy, slightly cooler weather, falling fo 3 Jowed by rising barometer, variable wint ‘The Central Mississippi and Ohio Rivers: will fall slowly... : Cautionary signals continue at. Mileankeey Escanaba, See. 1, Marquette, Duluth, oughton. LOCAL OBSERVATIONS. * CHICAGO, Sept 18. cry 7 minimum, 6 GENERAL OBSERVATIONE.. 50. CRICAGD. Sept. 13-1018 Bm nevausntenagea| oS 5B B aL rd B ned ind o cy aL i) 0 a id &. ie a a cg ci ea 8 a ay 58 icy 4 B cis) 5 B at &L a MILITARY REVIEW, LS Spectal Dispatch to The Chicago Tribune, = * Bosrox, Sept. 18.—There was grand’ re", view of the Brooklyn Twenty-third Bet ment, escorted by the Cadets, on the Col a todas. Goy. ‘Long and full staff being Pte: ent. ‘There-were 20,000 spectators, sa parade was a fine one. The Thirteenth at Sixty-ninth Regiments departed to-night but the Twenty-third stay over Sunday.: 3 ‘We would call the attention of our readers to the advertisement of Hamburg dro at recommend such as need a really iy ce cine to try this valuable remedy, whi be ways does more than it promises, eee results unattainable by the use of apy Othe. médicine. It is peculiarly adapted to : treatment of so many diseases thelr. a when used in time, that it sho’ vention, kept in every house. The drops are for by all druggists and dealers in mediciug