The New York Herald Newspaper, May 14, 1849, Page 2

JAMES GORDON BENNETT, PROPRIETOR, THE DAILY HERALD—Thvce editions, 2 cents per co; di per annum. THE MORNING EDITION ts publiche ed dS o'clock, A. M., and stributed before breakfast; the fire! PTERNOON TON can be had of the news~ nd at S o'clock. P.M. LD, for cwrculation on this Von~ Mnent, is published every Saturday, at 6% cents per copy or $3 per annum; for circulation ~ Europe, and printed tm French and English, at 44 cents per copy, or $4 per a= nam; the latter price to include the postage. “ALL LT TERN hy mail, for subscriptions, or with ad~ wertisements, to he post pasa. or the postage will be deducted ‘om the motiey ~emitted. PROLUNTAR, “CORRESPONDENCE, containing ma portant news, solicited from any quarter of the world; f wed, will be tiberully paid for. NO NOTICE taken of anonymous communteations, Whatever isintended for insertion must be autl by the na. seand addre ce publication, but usa yur? mot return rejected com 1. ADLER TICENE ned avery mernin, ‘publish and afte ‘ en in a plain, Lagi ible for erro BOWERY Tue Pixos, BROADWAY THEATRE, Brosdway—Monte-Crisro. NATIONAL THEATRE, Chatham Square.—Porrino THE Quastion—Ewonanran. BURTON'S THEATRE, Chambers street—Pavi. Pay— Here Nanny. MECHANICS’ HALL, Broadway, near Broome.—Cuars~ tr's MineTexLs. CHINESE MUSEUM, 663 Broadway.—Guanese Ouni0si- rims. THEATKE, Gowery.—Kine Joun—Taxine ASSEVBLY ROOMS, 553 Broadway—VoreTL ann! Mi- oRocosmie Views, APOLLO ROOMS, Broadway—Campnene’s MinstTReLs. BROOKLYN, Montague Hall—New Origane 8: New York, Monday, May 14, 1849. both also original Taylor men. The former, it will be remembered, having taken a course offensivo to the whig party generally, by coming out in favor of the war with Mexico, in consequence of which, and his connection with the anti-renters, or the favor he showed them, he lost his re-nomi- nation as Governor last fall. Ie had, however, the good fvelings und sympathy of General Taylor, Mr. Ewing, and other members of the Cubinet, and being backed up by large numbers of friends throughout the State, including some thousands of original Taylor men in this city, it wag supposed that his chance ior appointment as Collector was nearly certain. But he was violently opposed by Govemor Seward, Thurlow Weed, and four mem- bers of Congress elect from this city, who finally concentrated their influence and efforts upon Mr. Brady, who was also the candidate of the whig cliques and committees who control the ward no- minations and appointments throughout the city. The object of the latter was, of course, to control the Custom House appointments through Mr. Brady, and dispense them to their partizans among the ultra whigs, to the exclusion of the original Taylor men. It will thus be seen that the result of this long and violent contest between the rival cliques and organizations, headed by Young and Brady, has been the complete disappointment and overthrow of both the csntending parties, and the Custom House patronage and influence is now in the hands ota gentleman entirely disconnected with them, We shall see whether Mr. Maxwell will be able to preserve his independent position, and bestow the offices upon men whose appointments will be satisfactory to the great business interests of this commercial emporium. Tur Late TraGepy at tur Astor Puace Tura- The Foreign News--State of Europe. We continue, in our journal of to-day, copious details of the intelligence received by the “ Hiber- nia,” together with another interesting portion of our correspondence. The letter of our correspon- dent at Berlin will be found worthy of attentive perusal, presenting as it does a succinct and intel- ligible view of the state of affairs in the portion of the continent of which that city is the centre. France continues in an agitated state. This is what we had a right to expeet. That great nation, abounding in all the elements of intellectual great- ness and chivalric ideas of liberty, is now enduring the throes of a mighty political and social change. In all the important centres of the young republic, the shock of conflicting opinion is felt. The re- sults of false systems of government and of finance, are pressing with almost overwhelming weight upon the new state of affairs which is just struggling to emerge from the chaos. We await with great interest the result of the elections which took place yesterday, and which will be conveyed to usin a few weeks. The administra- tion of Louis Napoleon will be put to a formi- dable test when the new Assembly is organized; as it is probable that its supporters will find them- selves in the minority. Still, we have considerable confidence in the strength and stability of the ad- ministration. After all, the great safety of repub- lican government consists in the freedom with which opposing ideas, parties, and factions enter into conflict. That is by no means the most hope- ful social and political condition of any people, where there is apparently undisturbed repose. Such a peace is generally the peace of the church-yard, where there is peace because every eye isdim and every arm nerveless. Agitation—commotion —convulsion, we must expect; but we must not— we will not entertain any fear for the permanent establishment of human freedom, not only in France, but throughout the whole continent of Europe. The most important item of intelligence from England relates to the navigation laws. They have passed the Cemmons House of Parliament. The remarkable progress of internal improvements in Great Britain has materially operated against he coasting trade, which, from this and other causes is declining. Hence the effort to carry this minie- terial measure relative to the navigation laws.— England, no doubt, desires reciprocity with the United States. But it is like Insh reciprocity—all on one side. Of course, itis not likely that our go- vernment will take any measures in response to the English legislation on this subject. Indeed, al- ready, in repudiating the action of Mr. Bancroft, they have signified their intentions on this point with sufficient clearness. The intelligent reader will not fail to notice the remarkable and signifi- cant allusions to the state of Canadian affairs, which were made by several of the leading states- men of England who took part in this debate on the navigation laws. It is easy to perceive that the connection which subsists between the British pro- vinces on this continent and the parent country, as she is called, has now become very slim and very fragile. The Hungarians, animated by a most heroic devotion to their country and liberty, have achieved some important victories over their anta- gonists. No one can fail to see that the European mind has become deeply and essentially imbued by liberal principles. Everywhere we can discern the evidences of an unalterable determination, on the part of the great masses of the people, to free themselves of the ancient systems of oppression and musgovernment under which they have suffered for ages. A new emotien of overwhelming inte- rest stirs the mighty popular heart of Europe.— ‘Weare now spectators of the most sublime move- ment which the world has yet seen. That strug- gle, fierce and final, which the sages and philosc- phers of the past have predicted, is now going on before our eyes—the struggle between light and darkness, liberty and despotism. We need not fear the issue. Sooner or later, truth and liberty will be established in lasting supremacy. Every arrival from the other side of the Atlantic will be now eagerly looked forby all who take an in- terest in the stirring drama of European affairs. It would appear that a general convulsien is rapidly approaching. The adherentsto the old order of things are adopting various measures to prolong their existence. Thus, clubs and public meetings, and the press, are assailed and cramped. But nothing can stop the onward progress of events, and that progress is towards universal freedom.— Proclamations, and state tials, and the bayonet, and the cannon ball, must, in the end, prove utterly unavailing to check the conquering career of that spirit which has taken wing over all lands, and is destined to carry liberty to the ends of the earth. Tux New Yors Apromntments.—The announce- ment of the three important appointments for this city, of Hugh Maxwell, as Collector; John Young, as Assistant Treasurer; and William V. Brady, as Postmaster, has taken our whig politicians all aback. The cliques, itis well known, were divided as the partisans respectively of Young and Brady for Collector; and it is a poor consolation to their cliques to know that, while their leaders are pro- vided for with good offices, but with very limited patronage, the rank and file are left to the mercy of acellector entirely disconnected with the Young and Brady cliques, and who in the distribution of office will probably pursue an independent course. Mr. Maxwell, it will be recollected, was a leading member of the Lafayette old committee, whieh took an active part in the bringing about the nomi+ nation of General Taylor. After the Presidential election, it is understood that he disagreed with his colleagues on that committee, Messrs, Grinnell, Webb & Co., in the arrangements made to e! the election of ex-Governor Seward to the U. 8, Senate, to whose advancement Mr. Maxwell has generally been opposed. In consequence of this and other circumstances, Mr. M. has kept aloof from the Grinnell clique, and has pursued an inde- pendent course, in recommending to the President and cabinet candidates for appointment to office. Ex-Coverwor Young and Ex-Muyor Dimdy Tne.—The excitement caused by the dreadful ca- tastrophe which took place at the Opera House in this city, on Thursday evening last, is, we are happy to see, subsiding; and calm, sober judgment, which was temporarily dethroned, is again re- suming its legitimate sway. The triumph of order 1s apparently complete ; there is no appre- hension of another outbreak, or another scene of slaughter; and the functionary whose dutyit is to inquire into the causes of sudden death, is pro- ceeding in his melancholy investigation. The excitement produced by this unfortunate and me- lancholy event has been succeeded by a gloom which is marked on every countenance. The catastrophe is deplored; and the heartfelt wish of every thinking and reflecting man in the community is, that no similar scenes shall ever take place inour city, and that the time 1s far distant when our citi- zen soldiery shall be again called upon to shed the blood of their fellow citizens, in the discharge of thatall important, but, in this instance, melancholy duty—the support and maintenance of the laws, and the preservation of the public peace. On calmly reviewing the whole of this melan- choly and deplorable business, and the causes, re- mote and immediate, which led to the catastrophe of Thursday night, it cannot be denied that there were some great and fatal mistakes committed, only for which our city would not now be over- shadowed with grief, nor the lives of so many in- nocent persons have been sacrificed. The first of these is the position which the friends and admirers of Mr. Forrest assumed in the quarrel between that gentleman and Mr. Ma- cready. A paper war had been going on for some time previously, between those two ac- tors—commenced, in the first place, by Mr. Ma- cready alluding to a preconcerted movement by his “unprovoked antagonists” to drive him off the stage. This was the first gun fired. On the night when Mr. Macready made this declaration, ‘there was some disapprobation manifested ; but, notwith- standing that, he was sustained, and went through his part peaceably. What more did Mr. Macready require? Yet, he was not satisfied withbeing thus sustained,but,at the conclusion of the performances, and, as if tempting fate, he made a speech in which he alluded to an “organization” against him. His remarks on that occasion drew forth the first letter from Mr. Forrest. Now, here wasa great mistake committed by Mr. Macready. He had the vantage ground, in being successful notwithstanding the organization to which he alluded, if any such ex- isted, and he should have been satisfied. Then it was that the quarrel between Forrest and Macready commenced, and that quarrel was continued by Mr. Forrest until a day or two preceding Mr. Ma- cready’s last appearance in this city, on the boards of the Astor Place Theatre. This was one of the remote causes which led to the deplorable events of Thursday evening; but the principal one was the course pursued by the friends of Mr. Forrest, afterwards. They stepped in and interfered be- tween the two actors, and, asif Mr Forrest was not able to take care of himself, they thoughtthey must take his part, and make it an issue between them- selves and Mr. Macready. The consequences of this mistake are well known. Mr. Macready was, on the first night of his re-appearance, Monday evening last, driven from the stage. This was the first mistake that was made, and which led to the loss of life and bloodshed, on Thursday evening. The public had been advised over and over again not to identify themselves with a private quarrel between two play actors, on the ground that it ought to be left to themselves for settlement ; but they heeded it not, but drove Mr. Macready from the stage. The great, the fatal mistake, was committed by those who addressed the card to Mr. Ma- cready, condoling with him on the treatment which he had received on Monday evening, and request- ing him to re-appear, notwithstanding the occur- rences on that occasion, and conclude his farewell engagement, assuring him that he would be sustained. Here we have the second and the greatest mistake, as well as the principal cause of the bloodshed and loss of life on Thursday night. This was considered by the friends of Mr. Forrest in the light of a challenge—as an invitation of a tral of strength between the friends of Forrest and these gentlemen and their friends. The one said Macready should not appear, the others said he should. The effect of this card and of Mr. Ma- cready’s consent to re-appear, was to give a new and unfortunate direction to the whole affair—to place the city authorities in direct opposition to the friends of Mr. Forrest, at the dictation of a few individuals, in the maintenance of an abstract principle. This was the great and fatal error. Not only was there a want of judg- ment displayed, but a reckless and unnecessary disposition evineed to test the power and strength of Mr. Forrest's friends, and to provoke a collision between them, Surely this was unwise and impo- litie in the extr These were, we think, the causes which pro- duced the unfortunate collision on Thursday eve- ning, Which resulted so fearfully. Let us hope that there will be no further oceasion for hostility. Mr. Macready has left the State—the object of the ani- mosity of a portion of eur citizens is beyond their reach—let angry feelings subside—but, above all things, let no more blood be shed. We have always prided ourselves on the peaceful character of our city. Let us recollect that the laws are of our own framing; every individual having had a voice in making them, Let no more blunders be made: let us bear in mind that the people are not the go- verned, but the governors—that the preservation of order depends on the people themselves—that we are experimenting on a grand principle, the success or failure of which will produce blessings or entail miseries on generations yet unborn. Our citizens should have more respect for themselves than to take any interest in the quarrels of two play-actors. It is beneath them. From Nassar, N. P., we have received files of the Royal Gazette, to the 28th ult, inclusive. We refer our readers to the proper head for the latest Wedd | ghip pews. TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE. News from the South—The Cotton and Corn Creps in Flerida—Shipmonts of Cotton from New Oricans—Arrival from Cha- @ree—Marine Disasters—Dangerous Cre- Vasse above New Oricans, &e. Bantintone, May 13, 1849, The Southern mail bas arrived, It brings accounts from Florida, which represent the destruction of the cotton and corn crops in that region to be very general, Tho planters have, very fortunately, cotton seed left for replanting. New Orleans papers of the 6th instant represont the shipments of cotton from that port,on the previous day, to have been very large:—to foreign ports, 22,763 bales; to New York, 280 bales, ‘The steamer Maria Burt arrived at New Orleans on the 5th instant, from Chagres, via Kingston, Jamaica, having left Chagres on the 10th and Kingston on the 25th of April. She brings three prisoners, charged with setting fire to the American brig Mexico, while at sea, Ono man, concerned in the crime, jumped over- board from the Maria Burt, and, being encumbered by trons, immediately sunk, ‘The bark Dolphin, which cleared at Now Orleans for Boston on the 27th, took fire at sea, and returned to the South West Pass, where sho was souttled and sunk her cargo having been previourly taken off. The cre\asse, above Carrollton, is still open, and it is believed that unless the flow of water is checked within three days, the city of New Orleans will be flooded. The Cholera at St, Louls and on the Mis- sourl River—Colonel Benton—The Case of Captain Howard, &c. St, Louis, May 12, 1849,°9 ‘The cholera is increasing in virulence, in this clty— the deaths numbering about twenty per day. On the Missouri river, and among emigrants, it is very bad. Colonel Benton left here yesterday, for the interior. From Independence, we learn that the notorious Cap- tain Howard bas been discharged from custody (on ac- count of shooting Freeman), it appearing that he had acted in self-defence. Freeman, it is stated, was a counterfeiter yS FROM VENEZU —We published, yesterday, the news of the abdication of President Monigas and Vice-President Guzman, in this country. We publish additional intelligence, con- firming this news, in another column. It is rather a singular step, we should think, as both these persons have prevailed, by force of arms, at least, over General Paez. We are afraid it portends no good for unfortunate, distracted Venezuela, a country which, if well governed, has within itself the capabilities of becoming one of the richest and most important of the South Ame- rican republics. Whether General Paez’s return would prove a panacea for all their ills, as our correspondent seems to think, is rather doubtful. The true and radical faults in all the South American republics are, the want of submission on the part of the minority to the majority, the want of intelligence and indolent character of the lower classes, and the continual intrigues of the hordes of military men out of employ to obtain some of the “loaves and fishes” of office. The fatal gift of extensive gold and silver mines has also served to keep them back in the scale of nations, as it has prevented them from developing, to any extent, the great agricultural and commer- cial resources with which they all abound. ‘We trust that, having experienced all the horrors of civil warfare for the last eighteen months, Venezuela will now seek for peace at any sacrifice, for no sacrifice could be too great to attain it. Our correspondent, it will be seen, hints at such a ter- mination as probable. Tur N Interesting News rrom Sr. Dominco.—We have received intelligence from St. Domingo to the 27th ultimo, by the arrival of the schooner Forest, Capt. Parkes, from Port au Platt, who in- forms us that a great reverse had taken place in the position of affairs in the island. We learn that President Soulouque, with his army, had been encamped within a few miles of St. Domingo City, using water from a stream whose source was near the city, that had been poisoned by the Dominicans, and occasioned much sickness and a great many deaths in the Haytien army. At this time the Dominicans attacked them, (on 16th April) killing a great number and taking many prisoners, and nearly capturing Soulouque himself. His army was en- tirely put to route. On 21st April, the town of Agua was re-captured, and General Santa marched across the lines which divide the two provinces, expressing his determi- nation to be the aggressor, and to kill every pri- soner he takes. Before the change in affairs, provisions arriving at Port au Platt and other Dominican ports were compelled by the authorities to be sold at very low ratee, named by them.f'Since the battles, however, they have risen, and on the 27th had advanced 25 per cent. Tue Cortecrorsnr.—On the 30th of June next, the fiscal year ends—Mr. Lawrence, the present Collector, thought that a convenient time to give up his office to the whigs, and notified the Secre- tary of the Treasury, some time ago, that he should expect to retire at that time, and the government might act accordingly. A recent act of Congress requires new and additional bonds from Collectors, on the 30th June next, as disbursing agents, and no doubt Mr. Lawrence was unwilling to share that inconvenience. Mr. Maxweil comes into the Collectorship on the Ist July next. Tre News prom tar Istruvs.—We learn by the Crescent City that there were twelve vessels at Panama, six of which had engaged their passen- gers, numbering in all 1,280. The other six ves- sels had not completed their lists, but as they were of less capacity they would take probably about 500, leaving at Panama about 600 persons. When the Crescent City left Chagres the number of persons estimated, both at Gorgona and at Pa- nama, was twenty-five to twenty-six hundred. The Crescent City leaves again on Saturday next. News From tue Rerveric of Gvatemara—A gentleman just arrived in this country from Guatemala, has handed us some numbers of the Official Guzette. and besides given us some accounts of the state of affairs in that country. ‘The bloody war which had been for some time raging is, as our readers already know, for the present at an end. General Mariano Paredes is President of the Republic. Mr. Hise, Charge d’Affaires of the United States, had been received publicly with great ceremony. Wo under- stand, also, that he has succeeded in making a with Guatemala, and likewise with Nicarag: ambassadors from the latter were very desiro tering into relations with the United § sympathies in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and all the other States, are represented to be with the United States rather than with the English, who, by con- tinually keeping men-of-war in their’ neighborhood, may ai present be said to rule supreme over them. Mr, Chatfield, the British Consul Genoral, has great influence with one of the parties. the Servile, to which the new President belongs; and it is represented that not long ago, upon some unimportant question with the State of San Salvador, the Consul sent for a man- of-war and blockaded the port of San Salvador—the veasel going off after a few days, and leaving a boat and a few men to blockade the port. The government of Guatemala, being in want of funds, determined to lay a forced loan upon all mor- chants in the country, and, as most of the business men are Spaniards, the weight of the measure fell naturally upon them, ‘They made a protest; but, being of no avail, they put themselves under the protection of the French Consul, who undertook their defence. and there has been a flare-up in consequence, Annexed will be found some extracts of the correspondence, which ended in the Consul receiving his passports, and quitting the country. A robber and assassin, called Leon Raymund, who styles himself Rey del Mundo, “ King of the World,” who likewise aspires to the Presidency, is still making rar upon all whom he meets on the roads, He has # large party of such gentry under his command.— National Iniclligencer, May ve ern from Venezuela. ud vento Canniro, 28d April, 1849. The “Fayetteville” sails to-day for Baltimore, and [ embrace this opportunity to communic te to you the fact of Monagas and Guzman having ned—the former as President, and tho latter as Vioo Prosident of the republic of Venezuela, The reason for this step ig said to bo fear; they aro hae vor at tho work of their own hands, Ali is confusion in Caraccas, The people are tired and sick of their prosont wicked ernment, and bong to see General Pacs back at tho i of state, and no dowbt thie ovoat will som take 1, THE ASTOR PLACE TRAGEDY. THE CORONER'S INQUEST. The Testimony of the Chief of Police, Recorder Tallmadge, General Hall, &¢., &e. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF RIOT. State of Affairs Westerday, de, die. de, ASTOR PLACE DURING THE DAY. There was alarge body of police im attendance yes- terday in Astor piace, Lafayette place and Kighth street. The rain, which came down in hard showers at short intervals, did not prevent the curious from yi- siting the scene of the late cisturbances, and com- menting freely upon the transactions of Thursday night. No one, however, except the policemen, were allowed to tarry long in one spot. If, perchance, a couple of friends did stop to remark upon the appear- ance of the theatre, or upon the small shanty where the negro woman was wounded, or to point out to each other the impression of the bullets on the house oppo- site to the main entrance, or, inshort, if they lingered for any purpose, they were immediately addressed by policemen, who insisted upon their moving on, The offi- cers, with brass stars on their breasts, were very polite, but at the same time, imperative and vigilant fn the performance of their duty. They wanted to pres vent acrowd from assembling; “and” said they to persons whem they addr one or two stop to talk, two or three more will j . and then several ¢ will presently come up. and so we shall have a crowd around the place. and this we are ordered to prevent.”” No one could object to the argument thus addressed, and so no one stopped, though it was curious to observe the various manner in which different persons received this request, or order, and the accompanying explanation, Some bowed with reverential awe, and set forward with ac- celerated locomotion, nev e looking to the mght, left, or rear; others looked quizzically into the very eyes of the polite guardian of the peace, and after ask- ing for a repetition of the order, looked more quizzical still, thrust both hands down deep into their panta- loons pockets, and ised over the ground as slowly as possible, softly whistling “ Hail Columbia,” ora dead march; others, when requested to move on, looked daggers at the police, the theatre, the street, the houses, and whatever else they could manage to get eyes on. While things progressing in this manner at the Ojon House, tl by-ntreats presented quite @ mili- tary appearance. Menin uniform were marching in all directions to their different places of rendezvous, ein blue clothes. some in gream clothes, some in grey, otbers in all ent to make up military uniforms, The mili did not seem to like the idea of turning out in the rain, but the order had been promulgated, and turn out t ‘There was no back out, and so they marched L soldier boys,”? the infantry to Centre Market, and the cavalry to the oid Arsenal, in Centre street, near the Tombs. THE CHURCHES. It was supposed that the clergyinen of the city would refer to the affair in their sermons, and our reporters, therefore, visited several churches to report them, It was thought that Dr. Spring would have sasde the pro- minent events of the past week the topic of his princi- pal sermon for the day ; but the Rev. Doctor did not so. He delivered two very able addresses from the pul- pit, but in neither of them did he allude to the occur; rences which have agitated all minds hereabouta, since Phursday nightlast, He did make mention of the sub- Ject iu ene of his prayers, but only in general terms, regietting the prevalence of disorder, and praying for & speedy restoration to. and a continuance of quict throughout the city. re wax not a large att dance at this church, the weather. probably, causing many to stay away who would have been prexeut if the weather had been more propitious. The riot was not referred to in any of the churches visited by our re- porters, t ASPECT IN THE AFTERNOON About noon, the soldiery began to appeat in every part of the city, and move towards the Arsenal, and continued until the evening came on. The whole police force, intended for duty, repaired to the Opera House about ten o'clock, the crowd having again gathered until it numbered probably two hundred. They were generally men of rexpeetable appearance, and the ge neral impression was that there would be uo further demonstration by the riotously dixposed. ECTED FUNERALS, noon. several funeral processions passed through the city tothe cemeteries around, which caused considerable excitement, many supposing that they were the funerals of those who fell in. the conflict of Thursday night. Such an occasion, it was presumed, would be the topic of the pulpit yesterday; and we sent a corps of reporters, especially to those churches in the immediate vicinity of the Opera louse. ‘The subject, however, was not touched, though in some of the more remote, a request was made that prayer be offered up for the restoration of the peace and tranquillity of the city. CONTINUATION OF THE CORONER’S INQUEST ON THE DEAD BODIES. Yesterday, at 10 o'clock, the Coroner's jury met, ac- cording to appointment, at the Court of Sessions, for the purpose of continuing the investigation respecting the cause of death occasioned at the disturbance, on Thursday evening last, at the Astor Place Opera Theatre. Some time before the opening of the Court, alarge number of persons had collected at the doors, eager to obtain admittance, in order to procure a favor- able seat to hear the testimony, As soon as the doors were opened, a rush was made by the people outside for aseat inside. The court room was well filled, and, as soon as order was restored in Court, the Coroner pro- ceeded with the testimony. An officer waa then des- tched for the Chief of Police, The Sheriff, John J. . Westervelt, was the first witness sworn, ‘TESTIMONY. Joun J. V. Westravens, Sherif of the city and county of New York. being sworn, says :—I was sent for by the Mayor on ‘Thursday last; the Mayor iuform- ed me that he apprehended a disturbance at the Astor Place Theatre; we consulted together, and concluded to call upon the police and swear in some special de- putics; I cannot say how many special deputies were made, as ordered the under Sheriff to fill up the pa- pers; it was decided to call out the military; on Thurs- day evening I went to the Opera House, for the purpose of co-operating inkeeping the peace; on arriving there, s large number of people were congregated; they were not using any violence at that time; I went into the house so that I could see what was going on outside: the first disturbance I saw was inside; they wore hur- raing and making a disturbance in the parquette; the disturbance outside took place, I think, about two hours after; they were pelting stones at the windows and doors! it was asccrtained that the civil force w: not strong enough to quell them; the military were called on my order; on the military arriving. I had an interview with Generals Sandford and Hall; before we started on the Eighth street side, General Hall inform- ed me it would be impossible to keep the military to- gether, as they were pelted with stones, without being allowed to fire to protect themselves; he informed me that several had been badly wounded, and requested me to visit them; on doing #0, I found one lying on the sofa, wounded on the head, and several others in the houre; after this the company was ordered to march around into Astor Place; 1 was with them until the firing ceased; on arriving in Astor Place, a volley of stones were thrown at the military and at the Opera House; I was informed by General Sandford, that un- legs the military were allowed to fire, the muskets would be taken from them; notice was then given to the crowd that if they did not fall back the military would tire; they did not fall back; I gave the order to fire over their heads; 1 did not suppose in so much confusion that the people could hear, so | ordered them to fire over their heads; General Hall gave the order; after the first fire, they fell back a little, and immediately rushed on again, and exclaimed, it was all blank cartridges; but previous to the seeond fire. the Recorder and Gene: ral Sandford again informed the mob, distinetly, that unless they dispersed they would again be fired upon; they were answered by shower of paving stones, an all sorts of bad language; when the order was given for the second fire, the military were directed to fice low; after this firing’ they fell a little back; they continue to throw stonce; another fire was made, and then the mob dispersed considerably, and the military continued on the ground, JuRon—Was there sufficient time for those disposed to get out of the way between the first and second firings? Answen—It was impossible to give much time; I did not think it was prudent to give much time, as the mob were rushing upon the military, and seizing their mus- ets. Gro. W. Masri, Chief of Police, sworn, says:—I am Chief of Police; I was sent for on Thursday last by the Mayor, andinformed by him that he was fearful that riot would take place at the Astor Piace Opera House; ter talking some little time I learned that ho had sent for a number of gentlemen to consult with him; of that consultation was, that the public peace should maintained; | was divectod to take all tho police foroe that could be spared, I visited the Opera House about four o'clock that to make arrange. ments; at six o'clock I e house, with 200 policemen, in different parts, for th order; I also posted something Langdon’s stable and also covered the rear of the theatre with two platoons of policomen, consisting ofabout 50 men; there was a very largo crowd at this time colleoted; I gave orders to the commandant of police in the house to arrest the first person who should commit an overt act, palpable breach of the pence; I also gave orders to persuade those endeavoring to make a distur bauce, not to do ao. but remain quiets the play commenced, ¢u1 tho audience applauded and come hiseed, and # general contusion commenced; some persons rose up and shook their fixta at Mr. Macready, threatening personel violence; the disturbance appear. ed to inercace; | then sent for the Recorder; a number of persons then came to me and censured me for not stopping the tumult; the Recorder camo, and we con- sulted together, and decided that if an arrest was mado of tomo of the disorderly persons, quiet would be rertored; several arrosts were thon made, and the lower part of the house was much quieted; the upper part ot the house was still very noisy; I then ordered the amphitheatre to be cleared of all those disturbing the pence; this was done and quiet was restored; the at- tack commenced on tho outside by throwing stones at the windows; xbout the timo the third arrests were made, several of the stones and brickbats fell into the body of the house; the ladies wero compelled to remove their seats; I then repair- ed to the front part of the house; the mob wero throwing missiles at tho police, who wore driven in, and the doors were broke in by paving stones; I then rallied a body of policemen, on Eighth strect sido, 7 the doors, and c! d the crowd, and drove them from the rear of the house; a number of the olicomen wore driven into the houre badly wounded ; aimost all of thom wore more or less Injured ; the ory wae them, whoro wae the military? L wae thon informed that they had j on sont for; the police then hid hard fighting jd porsexsion of the building until the military arri¥Wd; Recorder Tallmadge was out with the police, calling to the ¢ the Sheriff was also out with th better of the police. p to the wh Artur place and were time after, the i-fantry their arrival. received volleys of stones and bricka, the mob closing u| em, giving the the police were dri within the lines of the military; the char; | dered on the crowd, but was only partly oxecuted. as the military were knocked down continually by paving stones, and carried into the house; | think. in a fuw conds. the front rank of the military would have been all knocked down; the word was given to fire over their heads; this was done. thi was then, by the crowd, it was only blank cartridges, and the mob rushed on, and was more infuriated than ever; Recorder Tall- midge tried repeatedly to address the mob, but thoy paid no attention; at last a tremendous shower of stones came, and they were driven into the house; the | military then fired. and the mob di he military then took possession of the grouni ve continued | to do xo since; his honor the Mayor arrived before the | military arrived, and gave me some orders; during the | fore part of the evening, the house was set fire to un- | der the parquette, but was soon put out, which created a great alarm, Freovenice A Tatimance, Recorder of the city and county of New York, sworn, says.—The Mayor invited me with others to his office, on ‘Thursday morning last, the object of which was to consult in regard to an ox- pected riot at the Astor Place Opera House. Some consultation took place in regard to the closing of the theatre, Messrs. Niblo & Hackett, leasees of the the- atre, said they wished the performance to go on and claimed the protection of the civil authority, I re- marked, from the information before us,{ thought if they opened, they would sustain serious injury in the house; and’ if they persisted in the performance, that the county onght not to be responsible for the couse quences, They answered, that their handbills were out, and as citizens they wished to be protected, ‘The Mayor said, that he did not believe he had the au- thority to close the house, and that he thought they were ‘entitled to protection; as regards what else transpired, the Mayor stated yesterday, and asked me’ to be at the theatre in the evening; about hulf-past 7, I arrived at the theatre at the cor- ner of Astor place and Broadway, and in Astor place a large body of people had congraguted ; | walked about among the people ; there were ® number of policemen stationed on the side walk, near the entrance of the theatre ; there was a great deal of pushing and crowding by the people on the police, as there is al- ways on such occasiuns ; the erowd was increasing ; military, on carried gi wo were then not more than s etrong; the mob called out, * Come on. boys, they have leather flipts and blauk cartridge: on the second fire. we crorsed the street, and faced towards tho Bowery; at the second fire, the order was given threo times before executed; if we had not have fired, | think hould bave been all knocked down. as we had no retreat; on facing towards the Bowery. | asked the Re- corder, or some of t to go aud request them to leave; the Record quested that they would not fire until hig return: | answered I should not— there was no danger; tho Recorder returned in few minutes. as they were assailed with stones, &e.; upon his return, as the crowd would not leave the order to fire was executed; upon this fire the mob dispersed in a few minutes; several of our mon were then knocked down; the Itecorder said they must fire again. the left wing to firo obliquely to thi right, to- wards Lafayette place, and the right wing obliquely to the left, towards Eighth street; this fire dispersed the mob completely; upon looking at our ranks, we found we had lost about fifty men; there were four distinct firings; all the firing was dove by the first batta’ the rioters appeared to be boys from fifteen to cighieen and twenty years of age. and | don't believe there was over @ thousand, but the vast number of citizens who visited the seene tended to make the dense crowd and give countenance to the riotors; | was not aware that aay persons were killed. at that time, until an hour after; we never fired except by the order of the civil autho- rities. » magistrate; we applied to the Mayor for per- mission to fire to defend ourselves, or we must abandom our position and withdraw our troops. Syivester L. Wriir, piano forte maker, residing at No. 342, Third avenue, being sworn. says :—I wad at the Astor Place Opera House, on Thursday evening last; 1 went there at half past'six o'clock; | saw about twenty-five persons when | arrived; [ went up Kighth street into Astor place; I saw a number of policemen im Eighth street; | crossed over Astor piace, and took a seat on the railing of Mrs. Langdon’s house, and remained there until after the first di-charge of musketry; Geo, W. Gedney, the deceased, was standing on the inside ofthe railing. looking around; he had cane in one hand; he was ified at the first discharge of musketry; as soon as | saw him fall, | got off to the inside of the railing; I took hold of bis head and found it all over blood; I let go of him and went to the corner and asked some one to come and help me take out a dead man; it was about twenty-five feet from the corner of Lafayette place; when I returned. two men had raised him up; | then, with the others, picked him up and tried to got him into Mrs, Langdon’s hoase; we knocked at the door, aman opened it, and as soon as he suw what we wanted he pushed too the door, but did not succeed; we got into the hall, when three or four mon came forwgrd, ono a ioe liceman; struck me on the head, and ki§eked my hat off into the hall; 1 then called on the crowd to give way, that we could not get in thore; we then took him down to the Fifteenth ward station house, and it about 8 o’el*ck I approached the doors of the theatre and found the doors closed, and no more admitted ; { was then called by the police, and informed that the Chief of Police wanted to see me ; I saw the Chief in the theatre, and consulted with him ; he then pointed out several persons in the theatre who were disorderly and threatening Macready ; 1 immediately ordered their arrests, which was immediately executed ; some more were arrested in the upper part of the house, by my order; the house was thon quieted ; very soon after, an attack was made on the win- dows by those’ outside of the theatre, with stones on both sides; I then rushed out of the theatre, and ordered the police to arrest all the men who threw stones; many arrests were mado; @ violent attempt was made then to rescue the persons arrested; was 12 o'clock that night b:fore ho was recognised; the persona who were engaged in throwing stones were mostly boys, from sixteen to twenty years of (ago; whore I was standing the crowd was so dense that if @ man had’ stone in his hand he could not have throwm it; before the shooting I did not hear any order given to disperse; it might have been given, but the noise was so great it could not have beon heard, except ia a very loud voice; | saw others wounded at the samo dis charge of musketry; at the time the military levelled their muskets, it was about half a minute before they fixed; the crowd then opened each way; when thoy fired, one soldier took down his musket and did some- thing to his lock, then took aim at a man’s breast, ap- yurently. and then fired; this was after all the rest had the police were then violently assaulted with stones and otherwise; I then passed along towards the eastern part cf the Opera House as well as I could; the presture was so great by the mob, that myself and’ the police were driven inj they were continually pelted with stones and brickbats; three men was felled by ny side; I was struck several times, but not seriously; the mob approached quite near the entrance doors, and were breaking iu the panels of tho doors with large stones; [rushed into tho house, finding that the police were unable to resist the mob, in order to find the She- TUM for the purpove of ordering the military; | sew the Sheriffand asked for the military; the sheriff thea sent & messenger for them; I then tried to raise a force of police inside to go out and assist the police outside; [ then found the Chief had all his available force on the mirth side of the building; [ rushed out of the house, and directed the police to re- cede, agi found the volley of stones was eo. great. that the lives of the men were in danger; I directed them to come inside, and came in myself; manv of them were injured; these assaults continued until the military arrived; | was not aware of the military arriving at that time; ina few minutes an ularm was given that the house was on fire; I notified the audience that there was no danger; Ithen went outside, and the troops of horse had just passed through the mob, which had closed up again; I then asked for the commanding offl- cer, General Sandford, and requested him to forma line across the street. and sweep the street; the head of the column was endeavoring to be mace, but were thrown back by the mob; a line was then formed on the side walk facing the South; at that instant they were asrailed with volleys of stones from the mob; I then approached the right of the column and addressed the people, that if they did not desist, the military would fire on them; General Sandford did the same; 1 then went to the north side of the house, and then heard the discharge of musketry; I returned to the south side again, and told them again to disperse, or the military would fire upon them; the people shouted out “blank cartridges,” and threw another volley of stones; | saw some persons dispersing; Gen. Hall then formed a line across the ‘street, and came to me and raid, “Recorder, you must give the order te fire—the men will stand it no longer;” I eaid, “No, let mo ad- dress the people; I then rushed before the military, and invoked them and begged them to dixperse, as the military would certainly fire upon them; the Sheriff, Charlcx Duane, accompanied me most courageously; some of the crowd exclaimed, “That is the Recorder,” a volley of stones then came, striking my person in reveral places, but not seriously; the third discharge then was given, which proved quite fatal; the mob then dispersed; this was tho end of the firing; | remained at the house until after peace and quietness was re- stor 5 General Wrtzsam Hatt, Brigadier General of the first brigade, sworn, says:—On Thursday night we were sta- tioned at the drill rooms; an order came from the pub- lic authorities at the Opera House, for the military to come up immediately, which we did; General Sandford took the right of the cavalry, and 1 took the right of the infantry; on arriving at the corner of Astor place and Broadway, we taw a very great crowd; the cavalry had wheeled into Aster place, and we followed after; it was almost impossible to hear the word of command given, so great was the tumult; the insults we re- ceived were almost everything you could mention; no violence at this time; I ordered the men not to resent it in any way; we then marched opposite the Opera House, where we were assailed by volleys of j at. thistime we had. gained tho left. of the I ordered Col. Duryea to forme line across the street; this was done; during all this time wo were pelted with stones, the horse particularly; several of them wero injured; about this time several of the men stated that we were not loaded, and requested we would load; after some little consideration I gave the order to load. knowing at the time that each was ball cartridge;inot finding Gen. Sa vt the time I, xave an order to form # hollow uit the troop of horse might flank our square; hen facing the Opera House; Gen. Sandford gave the order for the right flank to face to the right, foryord sareh; when we arrived at the side walk, we continucd our march along Eighth street towards Broadway until we reached the centre of the Opera House; one of the men on my right fell and madea groaning noise; I asked him what was the matter, and found he had been struck on the back of the head with a stone; he was taken from the line, unable to remain; after we had got pos- session of the street, the length of the Opera House, Gen, Sandford informed me he would get the police to keep possession, and we should be ordered into Astor Place; ho sent for the Chief of Police to take charge; during this time, several of our men were knocked down; one of them, I was informed, last night, it was imporsible for him fo live; I then went into the theatre, saw the Mayor, and told him we could fot get along without rome magistrate; the Sheriff came out with me, and the Chief of Police, with a body of men; the first battalion was ordered t+ take up to the right; we then faccd to the left, which brought us on Broadway; Gen. Sandford gave the order; we then marched into Astor Place; in marching up Astor Place, and when about the centre of the theatre, the head of the column was ordered acrows the strect, faced to the right ; we were not able to cross more than two-thirds of the street, in conse: quence of the crowd ; the noise of the people was tre- mendous ; no violence at this time that I recollect.— ‘The military on our right were enabled to cross the street ; they faced on Broadway ; an order was then given for the people to disperse or they would firo on them ; at this tine stones were thrown, and sevoral of our men, of the Ist battalion, were knocked down by the stones ; I should think, at this time that about one half of the first rank of the first battalion was so much injured that they were unable to do duty ; some person fave an order for the snilitary to ebarge ; I found this impossible, and ordered them to fall back, as the crowd ‘was too close for the men to bring down their muskets; the people than tried to take the mi from the milit ry ; Ithen formed aline on th —an imperfect one; rome one then said to me, “why don’t yon fire? | am not certain, but [ think it was the Chief of Police. I made a remark that we had no right to fire, unless we had an order from tho magistrates of ‘the city ; three or four of our men were lying down, having beon struck with stones; General Sandford was on my right and partly down, having been struck with @ stone; at thls time | wag at the right of the column, the ecorder was on my right; one of my men was knocked down, nil he eaid to Col. Duryee, with his face all over blood this is too bad, and n be allowed to resent it; “never mind,” said the Colonel, “stick to your guas;?? some one then ad the le, | think the Re- corder, and said if they did not disperse, they would be fired upon; one of our mon had his bayonet Kaooked off his gun; and the noise made by the stones atrikt against the muskets, with the hallooing Was such, t! T'don’t believe the perron addressing the people could be heard ten paces off; one of the muskets was struck with such force, as to drive the pan over the barrel; 1 was struck on the elbow and other parts of my body, with stones; at this time, thirty of the mon were di abled; the Sheriff, L belie hesitated a little befor knowing they were londed with ball; an ordor was given again to fire over the heads of the peo- pla; T gave the order “ready;” I stepped immo. dintely in front of the line, and directed them to ele- vate their muskets at the wail of Mr. Langdon's house, peel Cee this was done at the request of the Sheriff; at that moment, I received a blow with a stone in the small of my back, which kuocked the breath out of my body for an instant, but soon recovered; | have felt it ever since; before this fire, some ee told me that Capt, Shumway was shot in tho leg; he remained with us for some time, and after finding the blood lodged in the call cheek; 1 was shot by something like a in the left check, which bled considerably; after ro turning to the right of the column, gave the word‘fire,!” which was repeated by the Col. of the regimont, and mon fired; after thie fire the mob appeared worse than over; they rushod in, or attem, to do 80; order was then given to fi in; | gave the order to fire low, that, if blood was to it, it wae in Life would not be taken; the shouting and h #0 great, that it was almost goveral of the mali discharged their muskets; 1 took no part in the riot, any more than went there to see what was golng on; after I took the deceased to the station house, { did noe come back; I saw some four or tive others shot by the same ditcharge. Sternens W. Gaines, sworn, says:—I am a counsellor at law, residing at No, 180 Kast Broadway; on Thursda evening last | was at the coruer of Astor place an Lafayette place; I stood upon a pile of boards; | stood there from half-past eight o'clock until after the last discharge of musketry; from the place where I stood I hada fair view of the opera house; when I first got there, the space between me and the theatre was filicd with people, but not densely crowded at that time; 1 saw persons throwing stones at the principal entrance, and at the windows of the opera house; they wore nearly in front of the opera house; sometimes a single stone, and at other times a volley; about fifty feet im front of the house was the principal scene of action; the street towards the Bowery was filled with people? there were no stones thrown from the quarter where stood. and there was so few engaged in uctually stoning the house-that it was a surprise to those witnessing it why the police did not stop it; the first I saw of the military was tho horse, and’ then followed the in- fantry; they came from’ Broadway, passed the opera house in Astor place, and took their stand near the 4th avenue; the crowd gave way for thom; I saw no opposition; tn about half an hour I saw the horse troops pass up Astor place, towards Broadway; 1 should have jeft upon the arrival of the military, but so many coming upon the side walk, I could not get out; Tithin a short time after, the infantry passed up in front of the house; 1 saw the fire from the discharge of the muskets as it left the barrels, as tho lamps were out: some of them were fired neatly perpendicular, some on an inclined plane towards the house of Mrs, Langdon, and others horizontally; this was the first discharge; we had no intimation of firing whero I stood, until I saw the flash ; several other volleys were discharged immediately; previous to fring the last vol- ley; the street was nodriy cleared; most of the peoplo hud left the inclosure where | was; there were, por- haps, hulf @ dozen on the sidewalk in front of where I was; I was still standing on the boards, when the last discharge took place up Astor place towards the Bow- ery; between me and tho soldiers the space was oleat; there was @ small number of persons on the corner op- posite Mrs, Langdon’s house; they were out of the Tange of the fire this fire was nearly in the rauge of Where T was standing ; I stepped back @ paco oF two, to bring myself out of the dircct line; immediately another discharge took place, that being a part of the Previous discharge; upon the discharge, a man fell om the sidewalk in front of us; there were but a few por- sons near him at the time; after he fell, he remained on the ground half a minute, some supposing he was shamming being shot; on picking him up, wound was discovered in his back, by the blood running; we took the wounded man down to the drag store corner Fourth street and Wooster strect; onexamining the body, we found a wound in the lower part of his stomach; ‘hia name wax Henry Otten, residing at the corner of Hes ter and Orchard streets; he was standing on the side- walk at the time he wasshot, taking no part in the dis turbance; after leaving him, 1 learned that others had been shot; I have been informed that he has since died. Jnsez E. Havizann, residing No. 14 Wooster street, sworn; says ho is a‘contractor by profession —I was standing on Thursday night ow a pile of lumber, at the corner of Lafayette pluce and Astor place; thore were a good many ys, (possibly two or three hundred.) throwing stones at the Astor Opera House, at the box office and windows; about haif- past nine o'clock the military came; I thought they were firing blank cartridges; after this firing, | left position, and was going to pass towards Broadway; raw pervons bring # man towards Li left, and went into Lafayette place, corner of Fourth street and Broadway, w man dead, said to be a Mr. Cornell; at the time the military came in front of the Opera House and fired; I should ray one-third of the military sted horizoméally; the each time the military came around, the boys wi were throwing stones Tan towards the Bowery; crowd in the streets was not so dense anywhere, except the sidewalks, but what I could walk through any- where without much trouble. ‘Triomas J. Betyin, residing No. 133 King street, boat- the disturb- stood on the ance at the Astor Place Opera House: corner of Lafayette place, 1, Mrs. Langdon’s house; when I got there, about half-past six lock, | saw @ lot of half grown boys throwing stones at the Astor Opera House; I passed on the NL ge corner, and was talking to two Philadelphians; they were saying how trifling this was to some of their riots; I atayed there until the horse soldiers came, and then the infantry; then there was @ rush with the boys, and we starte back, and then returned again to see how the military operated: I was standing on the corner of Mrs. Lang- don’s house when the first firing took plaee; when th» military left, the boys§went back and commence ! throwing stones again; I stood there when the first dis - charge took piace; a man fell; I laughed, and so dig others. as we thought it was only blank ‘cartridges to seare them; I heard a man say, “my.God, look at this = he’s shot;”’ this was at the first discharge of musket- ry; I heard no notice given to disperse; they might have done s0; after this | started and ran down to the church on the corner of 4th street, and there I stood; I don’t know how long I stood there, I was so fright- ened; I stood there until [ heard another banging of muskets, and then I started and ran home as aaiok as I could; I should not have gone there, if | had known they were going to use lead; | went to see what waa going on. like many others; | don’t know how long I stood at the church betore I heard the second firing; I was glad toget there; I jumped over several peopl making my way tothechurch, [This created s laugl After bam | the above testimony, the day being far advanced, and near seven o'clock in the afternoon, the Coroner found it impossible to conclude the evidence, 80 a8 to give the case to the jury, as some twenty wit- nesses were yet to be examined. Therefore the Coro- ner adjourned the investigation over until ten o'clock this forenoon. The followiug notice was issued:— Coroner's O1 , May 14, 1840, The witnesses to the death or wounding of persons at the riot at Astor Place Opera House, on Thursday evening It will attend at the Coroner's Office, this at 100’clock. Lyin ‘WILLIAM A. WALTERS, Coroner. ‘We understand that several witnesses are to be exa- mined to-day, that will reflect materially on the con- duct of the police and military. ‘The excitement ap- pears to be on the increase. The friends of the de- ccased fee feel that much fs yet to be done, to clear the awful responsibility taken in the destruction of human life. Tbe whole of the evidence will possibly be given to thé jury to-day, THE BODIES. The dead bodies, a number of them beooming very Offensive, the Coroner was compelled to deposit them in the receiving vault designated for that purpose, aa none of them could be buried yesterday, in consequonee of the inquest not being ended, MOKE DEATUS. At the hospital, two more of the wounded persons shot at the Astor Place riot, on Thursday ovening, died yesterday morning. Their names are Goorge A. Charles and John Dalsell, The lattor was wounded in the groin, This makes, LI os mart 18 killed; and several more are expected to dic fu a short timo, from the cffcets of the wounds, LAST EVENING. SCENES On reviewing the theatre of tho late disastrous conflict in the evening, wo found but little ard of mention.— vy The Astor Place Opera House was litorali licemen, who were marching to and fro, and the corners of the streets were y the M.P.'s, who perupitted. no one to stand still, but requested all politely to keeb moving. Tho offect of this was to prevent any assem- bee oa! This arrangement, and the ex! propabia dha sow or a riot Zppest, thet ‘oon heats & row a or more of the military, who had boon ordered out to ald the police in Ing the were discharged meh ihe romalnder ‘Tere stationed Ia, ti Uaie 7 all sight, ro any omergoncy that tak t ordered out wore the T Fourth Fink aod At