The New York Herald Newspaper, September 7, 1865, Page 4

NEW YORK HERALD. JAMBS GORDON BENNETT, BDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. N. W. CORNER OF PULTON AND NASSAU STS. ‘Volume XXX. No. 250 AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING. ' BOWERY THEATRI il ©, pe. marae. Bowery.—Mysteaies or Can- | WINTER GARDEN, Broadway.—Eveareopr’s Farzxp— Toovies. BARNUM'S NEW MUSEUM, 539 and 541 Broadway.— Qebrus Avene or Mr. Barnum. Living Cugsositizs— or Crpaus. Open Day and Evening. NEW BO! Y _ —! AW ROWERY THRATER, Bowery. —Macesta—Buniap NIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway.—Aggag "4 Pocus; OR, sux Wickiow Wapping. BROADWAY THEATRE, Broadway.—Louis XI. ‘woop's MENGEDRS, HALL, 514 Broadway.—Eraiortay Danoxs, 40.—Tas Cuattencs Dance—Tavest Ar- PasciateD, 4c. SAN RRANGIROD MINSTRE! tan Hotel.—Ermiorian ‘Tax Wine Ceiian. $85 Broadway, opposite incine, Dancixa, &¢.— SE, 201 Bowery.—Sina- Queues, Seeks Nwo. Epoie—See- AMERICAN THEATRE. No. 444 Broadway. —Erntorran Poses —Bassess, ‘Panromimns, Sumiesques, &c.—Tus LLUSTRIOUS STRANGER. is BLITZ NEW HALL, 720 Broadway.—Patace or Tuuv- wion—Leannep Cananr Binvs—Vanraivoguisa, &c. VANNUCHI'S MUSEUM, 600 Broadway.—Movine Wax Figuess or rasivent Lincouy, Jerr. Davis, &c. W YORK MUSEUM OF ANATOMY, 618 Broadway.— Open frown 10-4. M. tll 10 P. M. és Kew York, Thursday, September 7, 1865. NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION. Receipts of Sales of the New York Daily Newspapers. OFFICIAL. Year Ending Name of Paper. May 1, 1865. FIBRALD. ... 20sec reese cede eee eeeeenes $1,095,000 Times. . 368,150 Tribune. . 252,000 Evening Post. World 169,427 100,000 151,079 Express. . 90,548 New York HERAud..........serserereeeees $1,095,000 Times, Tribune, World and’ Sun combined.. 871,229 TRIAL OF WIRZ. an additional instalment in the chapter of unparalleled horrors being disclosed in the Wirz trial was made pub- lic before the military court in Wasbington yesterday, A number of witnesses who had endured the torments inflicted in the Andersonville prison pen were examined, ‘and testified to the suffering of all that was most cruel and loathsome. Men who attempted to escape were pursued and torn by the dogs in such a manner as to Produce death. Sick, starving and dying men who asked for somothing to eat ora little more liberty were struck, kicked or shot by Wirz, or, at bis command, by the prison guards. Others were placed in the stocks, gagged, whipped, starved and tortured in other ways till delirium and death ensued. To all remonstrauces the aceused was deaf, and said that “It served the damned Yankees right.” The prison and the prisoners were kept in a condition reeking with filth and dis- ease, and the jformer was at times so crowded that some of the captives could not lie down. ‘The poisonous matter used in the vaccination of tho prisoners produced a disease of the most offensive and loathsome kind, and when, on one occasion, a man aillicted with large sores resulting from this treatment ‘was lying in a dying condition, and an appeal was made to Wirz to let him be taken to the hospital, the reply ‘was, “No; let him lie there and die;” and die there ho id soon after. One witness testified that when he first entered the prison the groans of the sick and wounded prevented sleep, and in the morning the bodies of those ‘who had dicd during the night could be seen lying all around. The court will be in session again to-day. THE NEWS. The New York State Democratic Convention assem- bled in Albany yesterday, and transacted considerable Business, but did not reach the adoption of a platform or tho nomination of candidates, which matters will be dis- posed of to-day, when another session is to be beld. The Tammany delegation were admitted and recogaized ina resolution adopted as the only proper representatives of the democracy of this city. The contest among the Kings county democrats was disposed of by admitting the delegates representing what is known as the Citizens’ Commitee, headed by Tunis G. Borgen. The greatest harmony prevails in the convention. Though the platform resolutions have not yet been presented, it is understood that they will endorse President Johnson and his reconstruction policy, maintain the Monroe doctrine and State sovereignty, and onounce military rule in the States, military arrests and trials and negro suffrage. It is said that Major General Slocum, now commanding in Mississippi, will be nomi- pated for Secretary of State, and Judge Allen is thought 0 stand the best chance for the Attorney Genemal candi- dacy. Tho State election for Supreme Court Judge and mem- bers of the Legislature took place in California yesterday ; ‘Dut we have yet no statement of the result. It will de- volve upon the Legislature elected to choose a successor to United States Senator McDougall. A Newark despatch states tbat General Kilpatrick, who was expected to arrive in that city last night, will shortly commence addressing the people of New Jersey in favor of the republican nominees for Governor. Advices from Brownsville, Texas, to the 26th of August roport the arrival at Vera Cruz of the rebel General Beauregard. Au imperial wagon train from Monterey for Matamoros was attacked and driven back by the republicans, and reinforcements sent from the latter place for the imperialists were routed by Cortina’s men. In the fighting a man who ‘was a colonel in the late rebel army was killed, A large force is being recruited along the border by the Mexican ropublicans, It is said that at @ ball recently given by United States officers at Brownsville to the imperial offi- cors stationed on the opposite side of the Rio Grande General Steole toasted the Emperor Maximilian. Notwithstanding the recentjmusters out of troops, Gen- eral Sheridan bas still a large force in Texas. Acommission of inquiry, instituted by Lord Monck, Governor General of Canada, has been for some time in geasion investigating the causes which led to the failure ‘of justice in the case of the St. Albans raiders. Tho re- port of the commissioner, Mr. F. W. Torrance, advocate, is published in the Montreal Gaselle of the Sth inst., and occupies fourteen closely printed colamns, Divested of Jogal technicalities, the conclustons arrived at appear to be these:—That Mr. Lamothe, Chief of the Montreal Police, acted unjustifiably (though misled by ® remark which fell from Judge Coursol) in giving up $86,900, @ho captured proceeds of the robbenes, to the raiders whon discharged under Judge Coursol’s order; that the Montreal police system is radically defective; that Judge Coursol acted illegally and improperly in ordering the discharge of the prisoners without previous consultation with the government, when the very ground on which he took this course was that,he bad no jurisdiction, and thorefore had no power to act in the case ejther one way or the other; and that consequently Judge Coursol is lia- bilo to indictment for malfeasance in bi functions as @ police justios, me 3 “ John P. Redd, Jr., was indicted wook by & grand jury in Bedford, P asyivan!., for the murder, on the 1st of last Augue’. = Prov ‘al Jacob Grouse. The charges for implication in itr orime against Schell W, Reed and Menzel Rood were ignored; but immediately afterwards the latter was ar rested by a United States Marshal on charge of treason, ‘Tuesday of this in joining the 1 army during the invasion of Penn syivania in qp4 conveyed to Pittsburg to await his trial. « ‘The result of the examination of the affairs of the Vir. inla banks, by the cummmigsiouers appovuted Lor Hue pur: pose by Governor Pierpoint, shows # lamentable con dition of those fastitutions. Their resources in gome cases consist of millions of rebel bonds and oaly a few thousand dollars in specie. An important reporton the subject will shortly be issued. In the case of H. H. Dodge and others against the steamer Illinois, being an appeal in admiralty respecting the collision between the schooner Statesman and the above steamer on the evening of the 18th of August, 1863, in Chesapeake Bay, Chief Justice Nelson yester- day rendered his decision affirming the decree of the court below, which was that the weight of the testimony ‘was decidedly in favor of the position of the schooner, thus throwing the fault of the collision upon the steamer. In the Court of General Sessions yesterday Alexander Hamilton was convicted of stealing two thousand dollars in gold and six hundred and twenty-five dollars in green- backs from Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson, 612 Broome street, ‘on the 29th of June, Judge Russel, in passing sentence, said that the prisoner was not only a deserter from the Navy, but had seduced the daughter of the complainant, who has died since the larceny was committed. He was sent to the State Prison for five years. John Hayward pleaded guilty to stealing two hundred dollars worth of jewelry from Leopold Lehman, 54 Allen street, on the 17th of August, and was sent to the State Prison for five years. John Morris was convicted of stealing two hundred and fifty dollars from John Mathew- son, on the 29th of July, by giving him drugged liquor. He was sent to the State Prison for five years. Aun Duffy, who stole fifty-nine dollars worth of ladies’ cloth- ing from Elizabeth Althor, was sent to the Penitentiary forone year. Wm. H. Clarke, who stole one hundred and fifty dollars worth of clothing from his brother, was sent to the Penitentiary for one year. The Grand Jury brought in a number of indictments for minor offences. In the Board of Education last evening Commissioner West moved that the Finance Committee be authorized to inquire into the propriety of continuing to pay fifteen centsa line to the Transcript and Leader newspapers for publishing the proceedings of the Board, when, by a resolution of the Board, only ten cents a line is author ized to be paid for this work. In the face of this reso- lution, however, the managers or proprietors of these sheets have for some time been receiving fifteen cents a line. The resolution was adopted, and we will see the result of the committee's labors on the subject probably at the next meeting. No other subject of special interest came up. The Board of Fire Commissioners held its first regular open door meeting yesterday, and there were many spectators in attendance. Thirteen assistant engineers wore elected for regular duty, at a salary of twelve hun- dred dollars each per annum. A contract for building a new house on Henry street, at a cost of eighteen hun- dred dollars, was approved, Various transfers and reor- ganization measures were effected, and other business of interest transacted. ‘Tho United Service Society met at Masonic Hall, in Thirteenth street, last night, when it was resolved to issue a call to the ex-officers and men of the national army and navy, who served during the late rebellion, residing in the State of New York, to elect delegates to a State convention, to be held on the 11th of October, at Albany. Some measures were adopted in reference to the orgavization of clubs in each assembly district, and in regard to a mass meeting, to be held at Cooper Insti- tute, in support of the Monroe doctrine. General Hooker, in reply to the invitation to partici- pate in the soldiers and sailors’ picnic on the 12th inst., has written a letter warmly approving the movement, but stating that prior engagements will prevent his being present. A lecture on Irish independence was delivered last evening before an assemblage of Fenians, in Harmony Garden, Essex street, by Surgeon Reynolds, of the Irish brigade, He sald that the enterprise which was now preparing for the liberation of Ireland would have en- listed in its ranks a million of men, led by officers who have had experience in the greatest battles of the world. The monthly meeting of the directors of the German Society was held yesterday afternoon at their office in Battery place. From the report read it appears that twenty-three thousand and seventy-seven immigrants nr- rived in this port during the month of August, of whom nearly ten thousand were Germans, The total number who arrived from the Ist of January to the Sist of August was one hundred and twenty-three thousand four hundred and nine, thirty-nine thousand seven hundred and seventeen of them being Germans, The city and vicinity were favored with weather of various kinds yesterday. In the morning the atmosphoro was moderately cool; but about two o'clock the mercury rose to over cighty-cight degrecs, and a thunder storm, with heavy rain, came up, but did not effect much in the way of reducing the temperature. Mrs. Coleman, living at 92 Pitt streot, while passing the corner of First avenue and Seventeenth street, on Tues- day evening, in company with Thomas Sanderson, was assaulted and severely stabbed with a table knife alleged to have been in the hand of Thomas Lynch. Mrs. Colo- man was conveyed to Bellevue Hospital, and Lynch was arrested and committed to await the result of hor in- juries. He says he mistook her for his wife, of whom he thought he had cause to be suspicious. Morris Lorsner was yesterday detained for examination in the Tombs Police Court on charge of having issued a forged note for four hundred and ninety-five dollars on the firm of M. Marcus & Co., doing business in Pearl street. Lersner states that he received the note in good faith from another person. James Lindsay, a young man of twenty-one, was yes- terday committed to the Tombs on charge of having stolen a gold watch and chain, valued at two hundred and fifty dollars, from Mr, Henry H. Buckbeo, of Green- wich street, in a West street car. An examination took place before a police justice in Williamsburg, yesterday, of the charge against a young man named John Brown of having set fire toa building in Graham avenue, between Powers and Ainslie streets, on the night of the 27th ult. The policeman who made the arrest testified that Brown confessed the crime, but begged to be let off, saying that he only fired the piace for the purpose of “giving the boys a run.’’ The jus- tice’s decision was reserved, and in the meantime Brown ‘was released on bail. Coroner Wildey yesterday took the deposition, at the New York Hospital, of a German named Louis Dufling, who was dangerously stated in a Chatham street eating saloon, on last Saturday night, during a controversy about paying for some refreshments. A lad of sixteen, a bar. tender, named Charles Gilroy, was arrested and commit- ted to tae Tombs on charge of being one of Mr. Duffing’s assailants. Two other persous supposed to have taken part in the assault escaped. An inquest was held yesterday over the remains of Mrs. Ellen Gallagher, who died recently at her residence, 192 Mulberry street. The jury returned a verdict that her death resulted from being beaten by her husband. The fine sidewheel steamer Niagara, intended to run between this city and Richmond, Virginia, was launched yesterday forenoon at the foot of Houston strect, East river, in the presence of a considerable number of spec- tators, Everything passed off most satisfactorily. Over twonty prominent British capitalists, among whom are Sir Morton Peto and Mr. Edward 8. Satter- thwaite, arrived in this city on Tuesday from Liverpool, on board the steamship Scotia. It is said that these gen- tlemen visit this side of the Atlantic for the purpose of looking after their railroad interests in this country and Canada and making @ reconnoissance of the Pennsylvania oil regions, ‘The New England Agricultural Fair, at Concord, New Hampshire, was numerously attended yesterday; but it i# anticipated that the attendance will be much larger to-day and to-morrow, when there will be trotting matches, for which some celebrated horses are entered. ‘The exercises of the ninoty-sixth annual commence- mont of Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, took place yesterday, and were of a very interesting cha- acter. ‘The stock market was feverish yesterday morning and weak late in the afternoon, Gold was very firm, and closed at 144%. The markets for general merchandise were buoyant and firm as ® general thing yesterday, and some kinds of both foreign and domestic produce sold at higher prices. Cotton was steady. Groceries wero steady, Petroleum was active for export and speculation at fall prices, On tn | ‘wore without Change, =) “ah The beof cattle Medes the same this week as last, though @ J sold rather higher, The range was from 0c, ATKe., scarcely any at tho outside price. Tho cattle wore of about the same quality, But were not so plenty, and would have sold higher but for the unfavorable state Of the weather. ‘The bulk of the offerings wold at 1830, 816}0. Milch cows were steady, Veals sold last woek's prices. Sheep and lambs wore in id at full prices, Hoga were somewhat lower, with alos at from 126, 12340, The total reeelpts were 6,208 beéves, 122 cows, 1,815 veels, 22,771 sheop and lambg and 19,645 ve cot NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, President Johnson om the Monroe Deoctrine — Republican Institutions Throughout the Continent of America. If any one has imagined that the President did not cherish and intend to adhere to the Monroe doctrine, or, rather, to what we should now call the American doctrine, he will be an- deceived by reading the following language, addressed to Mr, Salzar, the Colombian Minis- ter, when that gentleman was officially taking leave of the President, two or three days ago. President Johnson said, “Do not omit to assure the President of Colombia that the United States adhere to their republican principles constantly, and especially to their policy of seeking to preserve, through a peaceful course, the establishment of free institutions through- out the American cgntinent, and the develop- ment of the vast resources with which it has been bountifully supplied by an Allwise Pro- vidence for the general benefit of mankind.” These words are very emphatic, and have the stamp of Mr. Johnson’s own mind, force of thought and purpose in them. They are not like the oracular utterances of his Secretary of State, which are mere glittering generalities or ambiguous expressions. They leave no doubt on the mind as to their meaning, and the occa- sion on which they were spoken could not have been more appropriate. The republic of Colombia, which Mr. Salzar represented, is keenly alive to the designs and en- croachments lately of European and monarchi- cal governments on the American continent; and she recently united with other republics in South and Central America in a bond and de- claration of mutual support against such en- croachments. These republican States natur- ally became alarmed at the invasion of this continent by European Powers and the bold attempt to destroy a sister republic, and they combined together in determined resistance to these foreign enemies of democratic institu- tions. President Johnson, knowing this, and agreeing with them in their purpose, availed himself of such an excellent opportunity as the retirement of the Colombian Minister to ex press, in a forcible manner, his own sentiments and the sentiments of the country. “Do not omit to assure the President of Co- lombia that we adhere to republican institu- tions, and assure him especially that our policy is to preserve them throughout the American continent,” are significant and strong words from the President of this great country at the present time, and in view of what is passing around us. They were addressed directly to Mr. Salzar to inspire hope and courage among the republics of America; but they were intended, doubtless, for others also—for the Emperors Napoleon and Maximilian, for England, Spain, Brazil, and for all the European and monarchi- cal plotters against republican institutions in America. Mr. Johnson is not a man who says unmeaning things or what he does not mean, and there {s no question but that his language to the Colombian. Minister is a decided re- assertion of the Monroe doctrine, and that it expresses in a courteous manner the fixed policy of our government. The President spoke of carrying out this policy through a peaceful course. What else could he say? He hopes to avoid war. He hopes that the immense moral weight of the United States will have tho effect of inducing European Powers to withdraw from this con- tinent without war; but they must not sup- pose this country would suffer them to remain rather than go to war. There are not a hun- dred men in the United States who would entertain such a thought for a moment, and no President nor party would venture to speak of such a thing. We have felt and realized our power within the last four years. Within that period we have attained a position in the eyes of the world that it would have taken fifty years of peace to attain. The destiny of America must be left to us. Onr position demands it. And alt European and monarchical influences must be w#hdrawn. In view of this inevitable destiny we wonld ask England if it would not be better for her to go back to the old policy laid down by Mr. Canning and enunciated by Mr. Monroe, an to leave America to the Americans? And wo would suggest to the Emperor Napoleon ! new his proposition for a congress of n: to which the United States, as one of the first, should be invited, to enable him to get ont of his Mexican dilemma peaceably, and to set- tle at once and forever all the threatening questions that will otherwise arise with regard to this continent. Let us have the congress to enable France, England, Spain and every other monarchical government to leave, thus avoiding war, and establishing a perpetual peace between the two hemispheres, Beainnine or THe Fart, Trape.—On every hand indications are observable of the opening ofa lively and prosperous fall trede. Nota railroad train, steamboat or scarcely a street car starts from its depot or dock without being crowded with a bustling mass of people. The hotels are well filled,a large number of the new comers being old faces from the South. The theatres are so jammed with only the or- dinary attractions that the building of one or two more is confidently spoken of. New hotels are going up in the most fashionable quarters of the city. The watering places are being rapidly closed up, and the gay and fashionable throngs that have been frequenting them for the last two or three months, spending their money freely and showing off their costly equipages, their fine silks and satins and bril- liant diamonds, are returning to the metropo- lis. Our leading merchants are well pleased with the activity that marks the commence- ment of the fall and winter business. Instead of the war and the late defalcations causing despondency in our mercantile circles, as many predicted, they seem to have infused new life into them all, and imparted an unprecedented feeling of confidence and security among mer- chants of any previous good standing or repu- tation. New routes are being opened to the South, East and West, and the transportation of merchandise was never so extensive at a similar season of the year as itisnow. Tho “processions” on Broadway, as a California Indian chief once termed the human tide rapidly and incessantly flowing up and down our principal thoroughfare, were never more dense or resistless, The retail and fancy stores were seldom better patronized; the wholesale houses rarely have had more substantial cus- tomers; in short, as the men of business and people generally are beginning to exhibit the true test of a busy and prosperous commu- nity—that is, by advertising as liberally oa "they do in the columns of the Heratp—there PASI. ke the slightest question that the gibt of Arthur Kinnaigd M Py: Mr. BF. Satterthwalte, 1865, New York is at the threshold of « season of | ent business activity and success never before equalled in her commercial history. Com- merce bas her victories no leas renowned than those of peace and war. Reconstruction im the South. The intelligence from all sections of the Southern States, notwithstanding the obstacles thrown in the way by the. radicals, and the efforts of the small politicians to impede its progress, conclusively shows that the work of reorganization under President Johnson’s policy is everywhere moving along favorably. The Constitutional Convention of Mississippi per- formed its work with ski)l and energy, and in the main took hold of its duties ina manner that cannot fail to increase the confidence of the people of the North in the success of the programme of the President, and awaken @ deep interest in the welfare of the people of that State. The convention abrogated the secession laws of the State, endorsed the Con- gressional amendment abolishing the institu- tion of slavery, and repealed all State laws inconsistent with that act. This has opened the way for the speedy return of the State to the Union and its participation in all the bene- fits enjoyed by the family of States. As to the movement to organize and equip the State militia, which General Slocum has interfered with, the convention was plainly too fast. At an early etage of the war Congress passed a law in effect suspending the writ of habeas corpus. That law is still in force, and it is, per- haps, best that it should be until the work of readjustment has so far progressed that the people have chosen a governor and legislature, and have thus placed all the civil machinery in the State in operation by the inauguration of that governor and the assembling of the legis- lature. Until that time a small federal force will be sufficient to keep down the guerillas and prevent marauding, for which the conven- tion pretended the State militia were necessary. ‘As far as matters have progressed in other States the result has been equally favorable. All the noise, tumult and pleas to the contrary originate with a set of small politicians who are trying to get up a diversion which will enable them to either get into power or retain their present positions. The uncertainty in reference to the action of the next Congress in the admission of the Southern representatives places all those who are lookihg for favors from that body in an uneasy position. In order that they may make their chances sure they one day labor to arouse an animosity against the course of the Southern people, and the next approve This accounts for the two-sided course and vagaries of many of the narrow- minded politicians, orators and editors. Spoils and power are the Alpha and Omega of their political principles. The opposition of this class and their frequent attacks and bitter utterances against the Southern people are more apparent with those looking for positions under and favors from the United States Senate than elsewhere. The impression that the upper branch of the national legislature is under the complete control of the radical faction induces all those looking for favors in that quarter to assail the South and oppose the reorganization policy of the President. This, they think, strengthens them with the controlling majority of that body; hence we see them magnifying every neighborhood trouble, and making a mountain out of every assertion of the hot- headed and impracticable Southern politicians who may chance to say something against the North. This fact is daily becoming better and better understood, and the affairs of the South- ern States may take such a turn that, under the overwhelming pressure of public opinion, even the United States Senate may not dare to op- pose the admission of the Southern representa- tives, Thus these spoils politicians may find themselves defeated even in that quarter. It is an unmistakable fact that the recon- struction policy of the President, as applied to the South, through a wise selection of provi- sional governors, is daily increasing in strength among the great mass of the people in the Northern States. The small politicians are the only persons who oppose it here, and their course is prompted by selfish motives in some torm or other. While this is true in regard to the people, it is, on the other hand, quite evi- deni tnat there is an opposition to the policy among President Jobnson’s Cabinet. His Cabinet ia not one of his own choosing, but part of the political legacy left him by Mr. Lincoln, which, we presume, Mr. Johnson has not deemed wise, for reasons best known to himself, to send adrift as yet. But that the day is not far distant when some important changes will. take place the signs of the times very clearly indicate. The evidence is. daily accu- mulating that intrigues have been and are being inaugurated, by men who hold positions in the Cabinet, against the very policy of re- construction which the President is laboring to bring to a successful issue. Many of the local politicians and editors throughout the North take their cue from these Cabinet officers, and base their action entirely upon advice from that quarter. More than one are known to be in league with Chase and his Jacobin associates, and laboring for the success of his schemes. As affairs are now progressing they cannot much longer cover up their tracks or prevent the discovery of their treachery to the Presi- dent’s policy by even the most casual observer. Mr. Johnson is, therefore, fast nearing the point when he will be obliged to act upon these facts, or knowingly allow men to act as his advisers who are pledged to, and in fact are, working with his opponents to defoa; the policy of his administration. The public are fast becoming convinced that there are black sheep in the Cabinet, from the fact of the boast- ings of ‘the radicals that through the influence of the Senate, aided by one or two members of the Cabinet, President Johnson’s policy of reorganization will be repudiated, and univer sal negro suffrage, including the Chase plat- form, will be put into operation. Nor do we believe that the President is ignorant of these facts, but that a reconstruction of his Cabinet will soon follow the march of events in the restoration of the South. fluous capital that England always has on hand. Governor. In answer to Governor Fenton’s requisi- tion upon John T. Hoffman, requesting him to appear at Albany to answer certain charges of corrupt practices in connection with C. Godfrey Gunther, Matthew T. Brennan, F. LA. Boole and John E. Develin, as members of the Street Cleaning Commission under indict- ment, Mr. Hoffman replies that as “Recorder of the city of New York, and Presiding Judge of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace in and for the city and county of New York, the can- stitution does not vest in the Executive of the State the power to sit in judgment on my official acts.” “Therefore,” says Recorder Hoff- man, “I respectfully decline to appear before you to submit to any trial.” Upon this plea Mr. Hoffman may be correot; but, unfortunately for his case, the charges which he is called apon to answer are not against him as Recorder, but as one of the Street Commission arraigned before the Governor, It fs not John T. Hoff- man, the Recorder, that is wanted, though he says 80, but John T. Hoffman, of the Street Commission; and he must go up, or permit his case to go against him by default. Why stand upon the quibble of one office when the ques- tion of official honesty in another is the matter at issue? This may be artful dodging; but it will not clear the skirts of said Hoffman. His Honor the Mayor, C. Godfrey Gunther, at- tempts to be facetious. He has received the notice of the charges against him, and asks for an examination at an éarlier date than the 26th instant. He is ready for immediate trial, and unless the date for the trial is changed he will have to rest for three weeks under the cruel imputation of corrupt practices in this nice little contract for cleaning the streets. He wants an immediate reply, and appears to be in great distress that his official honesty should be made a subject of investigation. But in all this his Honor makes a poor joke of a serious affair. We suspect that he will find it is not a matter for trifling when it comes to the test. Mr. F. L A. Boole, City Inspector, on the other hand, answers the requisition of the Gov- erner in a spirit and tone of becoming gravity, dignity and decorum. He waives all consti- tutional quibblos and pettifogging technicali- ties, and is ready for the investigation. He has been through the mill of such investiga- tions several times heretofore, and is not afraid of them. The present charges against him are but a rehash of those he-bas already refuted, and he is not atraid of the “New York Sanitary and Chemical Compost Company.” Tho street cleaners, Brown, Devoe & Knapp, moreover, are doing their work satisfactorily, says Mr. Boole, whatever others may think of their con- tract. The City Inspector, in fact, is the only member of the accused commission who holds his head up and faces the music like a man. And no wonder; for should this ap- proaching inquiry into this lovely job of work result in upsetting it the City Inspector will probably escape with a whole skin, and not only escape, but come into the farming out of the job again in the regular way. This is probably his calculation; but whether right or wrong in it time and the testimony will show. At all events, we like the manly tone of Mr. Boole’s letter, while we can find nothing to ad- mire in the buffooneryof the Mayor or in the paltry quibbling of the Recorder. This busi- ness is no joke, we can tell them; and they must prepare to meet it as a serious affair, in- volving honor and the interests not only of the partios arraigned, but of the whole community of the city, county and State of Now York. Jonce Russer’s Onarck 10 THE GRAND Jury—“ Derarcations” AND “ ACCIDENTS.” — Judge Russel charged the Grand Jury on Tues- day with especial reference to “sin in high places,” and to the criminal carelessness of railway and steamboat management. This charge is a timely and welcome one. Such ac- tion as it foretells will be hailed with applause by every class of the people, except the par- ticular classes of wrongdoers aimed at. When the people see how shamelessly a coroner's jury will give railway and steamboat men carte blanche to do what they please with the limbs and lives of the passengers, and when the news- papers toom with evidences of the inequality of the laws as they apply respectively to rich rogues and to poor ones, it is reassuring to find a judge on the bench disposed to do his whole duty, and having the backbone to go through with whatever strict justice may require. It has become a proverb that small theft is a crime, and that “ defalcation”—that is, the dis- honest appropriation of millions—is merely a Piece of smartness—an evidence of financial ability. There have been so many instances in which this kind of “smartness” has been prac- tised with impunity that it threatens to de- bauch and degrade the moral sense of the com- munity, by putting a premium on the dishon- esty of all persons entrusted with the handling of large amounts of money. It is time this were done with. It is time we had just such a vigorous example as Judge Russel can give us, to show to all classes of the people that all are alike before the law, and that to steal a million is at least as great a crime as to steal a six- pence. The pitiful wretch who robs a shop- man of the value of twenty cents goes to prison, because he has “committed a crime against society.” He whose acts impoverish thousands and sap the foundations of credit has commit- ted a crime against society also, and the courts that punish one must find a way to punish the other too. An example of such punishment has become an absolute necessity, and we rely upon Judge Russel to farnish it. Another example is quite as imperatively called for, and that is an example of the punish- ment of some of those petsons whose criminal carelessness on steamboats and railroads fur- nishes our daily catalogue of It is to be hoped that the Grand Jury will not fail to notice that the steamboat Arrow, whose owners were censured for her with such bollers, is now plying as @ passénger boat on the Hud- son with the game boilers. This is an indica- tion of what the “censure” of a coroner’s-jury amounts to. There is no doubt that one of the real reasons of the many railroad disasters is that the managers of the roads do not aeoure Inrernationat EnTERrrise—VistTors FROM Evnrore.—Since the olose of the war the United States, as a vast field for enterprise, looms up very largely to Europeans—not only to the individual immigrant, who lands-with his little pack in his hands, and in his heart the simple hope and desire to better his fortune, but also to capitalista, statesmen and men of science. We notioe the arrival by the Bootia of a party, comprising Sir Morton Peto, Mr. Jas. Moflonry, Canada, and has been interested in railroad con- | one struotion in other parts of the country. These | wrong. does as he pleases, and everything goes It is to be hoped that the Grand Jury and Judge Russel will take steps that will cause a speedy remedy of these evils. ote dbname nese eet THE NAVY. eee ‘THE IRON-CLAD MIANTONOMAH. The new double-turreted iron-clad Miantonomah, four guns, building at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is nearly finished, and will be ready to go on a trial trip within ten days, The Miantonomah is of the class which is knowm as light draughts, and similar to the Tonawanda, built a& Philadelphia; the Agamenticus, built at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the Monadnock, built at Charlestown, Mass. The Miantonomah was designed, planned and built by Naval Constructor B, F. Delano; and, although devoid of any exterior beauty, she possesses all the essen- Hal qualities of a superior iron-clad vessel and ram. Sheis two hundred and sixty feet in length, fifty-two feet beam, nd, when coaled, with armament &c., on board, will draw about fourteen feet of water. is clad with five and one-half inches of the best wrought iron, at the back of which is ten inches of solid oak. The deok t# mailed with three and a half inches of plateiron. Hee tonnage is LO ee " ai ée She has two independent propeller engines, two inches cylinder and eighteen inch stroke, steam from two of Martin's celebrated boilers. ines were designed by Chief Engineer Isherwood, of the javy, and are consi superior to any of their class yet constructed. Th of the vessel are gotten upin a style of luxury heretofore unknown inthe American navy. In the internal ac- raugements the comfort of the sailor has not been over- looked, as everything ia provided for his comfort and health. The vessel will be ventilated by artificial means. The machinery with which this is to be done is of a novel character. Indeed, it is asserted by those competent te judge that the crew will be much more comfortable in all phases of fe enki than on any other of the pre- itors. eae Pitch i 0 Miantonomah will consiat of two fifteen-inch guns and two one-hundred-pounder Parrott guns. Tho crew will nore hr Bi A al = only officers yot appoint evi 2 gincers, and Zale of the following: Acting Becond ‘Assistants, Albert J. Doty, Wm. Deneon, John Moor, — ‘Third Assistants, Chas. W. Bown, Fravk Van runt, The Monadnock, the sister ship of tho Mayon, played a distinguished ag at the capture of Fort Fish . her light draught enabling her to go within easy range the enemy's works, In the trial of speed betwen the Agamenticus (vessel of the same class) and the Dictator the latter was beaten easily. It is said that the Secretary of War intends sending one of this class of vessels to the Pacific, and it is not improbable that the Miantonomab, if on her trial trip she méels the expectations of hor byjiders, will be sent om duty. the ab6veiaised Lieto Launch of THE PEOPLE PRESEN’ amor Nidgata. DESCRIPTION OF THE VES SEL, ETO. The means of marine communication between this port and Richmond are about being reinforced by the addition to the fleet of two fine sidewheel steamers, the Niagara aud the Saratoga, which have been in the course of construction in the shipyard of Messrs, Westervelt, situated at the foot of Houston street, East river. Both of these steamers belong to the original United States Mail, Now York and Virginia Steamship Company, and are intended to replace the Jamestown and the Yorktown, which were destroyed at Richmond during the war. The Niagara was successfully launched yesterday morning at nine o'clock, but the Saratoga will not be ready for a week or ten days.’ They aro sister ships both, one being am exact counterpart of the other, and wore designed by Captain William Skiddy, and built under the superintend- once of Mr, Nelson Spratt, aud do credit to their dosiga- ers. THE LAUNCH, it was announced, would take place at ine o'clock, and ‘at'that hour a good ‘number of poople were present to witness it. Everything being ready and in order the supports which held her in position were removed, and the great masa of timber moved grandly down into the water, striking it as easily as possible, amid the repeated cheors of tho spectators. Her appearance on the water wes graceful, everything about her being in perfoct order. THR DIMENSIONS OF THR NIAGARA ‘are as follows:—Length of deck two hundred and thirty fect; boam amidships, thirty fect; fore and abaft the wheel, thirty-nine feot; depth of hold, fifteen feet; ton- nage, eleven hundred’ tons. She has five watorti compartmente—three forward and two aft. She has four bulkheads—two fore and two aft. She has two maim decks. Her frame is of white oak, chestnut and hack- matack, thoroughly iron strapped. Her planking is of white oak, and her deck made of white pine. The state- rooms are I: and airy, and will be fitted up in firat claas style, and will accommodate about eighty first class passengers, accommodations for other pas- sengers will also bo oxcellent. HER WNGINES are fine specimens of workmanship. She has one single beam engine, cylinder sixty inches and eleven fect stroke; is fitted with Barnum’s bilge pump, which is capable of discharging one hundred and fifty tons of wator when makin; firtoen revolutions, She has twe large boilers, as well as donkey boilers, Pump and boist- ing gear. The engines have been made by Messrs. Secor & Co,, of the Allaire Works, under the superintendence of W. W. Vanderbilt. It is understood that tho Niagara will be commanded by Captain Couch, now of tho steamer Yazoo, and her “ee Will also be supplied from the same vessel. t is oxpected she will be ready for sea in eight weeks. 3 The Park. RARTH, AIR AND WATER. The attondance at the Park concert waa small yoster- day, owing to the inclemency of the weather, whioh did not, however, prevent Dodworth’s band performing as usual on lake. Thoso who wore present, though not largo in numbers, were highly appreciative, and many skimmed along the water in the gondolets, whose oars kept time to the sweet sounds, which, echoing through the troes on the banks of the lake, murmured sweetly in tho ears of the fashionables who were being ice- creamed in tho casino on the hill In the enclosure dedicated to the spirits of the air, who convey daily Professor Lowe's balloons on their tien = there was a select number of visitors. The rail had its effect also here, as the balloons were rendered almost uninflatable. A few army as censions, however, were made, much to tho de- lectation of the passengers, and at half-past five Mr. Wood, one of Professor Lowe’s assistants, prepared to ge on ® disconnected trip. Many present wore anxious to accompany him; but, for the reasons before assigned, it bad not sufficient ascending power. Grappling gear, &c., was supplied, and the gentleman started, throwing out some of the ballast, which caused the balloon to rise gradually and soon get under way beautifully. The course it took was a southoasterly one, remaining within range of the spectators’ vision for a lengthened period of time. In tho evening Professor Lowe made several rope ascensions, in order to pe grea by gaslight, when @ number of persons availed themselves of an opportunity of beholding this the grandest of sights. ‘The public will shortly have another opportunity of witnessing another detached ascension, as it is intended by the professor to take an early trip into cloudland. Worran Garven.—The season was inaugurated very brilliantly at this theatre last night by the appearance of Mr. J. 3. Clarke as De Boots, in Everybody's Friend, and as Toodios, in the play of that name. Notwithstand- ing the warmth of the evening and the unfavorable character of the weather for indoor entertainments, the house was orowded with an sudience unquestionably metropolitan in character—an audience as daintily bon- neted and gloved and as appreciative as any that the season will seo, Tho ion of Mr. Clarke was enthe- pe full, free i alsetory imen' ie 8 u Round’ after pe f first entrance, and he every act. He respond ox] in a simple tude be fait for = recepti way en vored to nana and vc, a 80 t and conscientious manner.” In parts Mr. spirits, and, of course, irresistibly Miss Rose Eyti jounced in the did not ap- Pear, having "owen suddenly taken il, "Hor place wes i , hitherto @ stranger pe gee be 7) pare ch an bor's notice, and ren- dered it Ch fag Lh agg made his here a Teebrooke in kve q bc 4, fy gle be lded success. voi cay, and his action discreet and adapted to the Piroumetances of the poene. New Bowser Taxaras.—That excollent actor, Mr. 0. previous to his departure for California. He will carry with him the esteem and good wishes of the profession ‘as well a8 the numerous patrons of that woll managed I is now come four years since ho gave in this city the ‘exhibitions which excited so much interest from their extraordinary doxterity and simplicity. Unalded by any usual accessories of is art he performed, in the * She cata ecatenoe and ation to 16 Olosest acrutiny, midat tricks more than that had pre. teat ec tte ate ars and Pastas Pith his t te now among us with an entirely now badget of tricks, many of them of Asiatic origin, but greatly im- provgd bd