The New York Herald Newspaper, May 23, 1867, Page 4

4 YACHTING. THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB. zation of the Club—First Cruise—First Yachts tieus and Rules —Conuress! tive Enactments for Its Be ‘niform and Dress—Yacht Flags and Signals—Honorary Mombers- Sailing lations—The Club House at Hoboken, &e. ‘The bright days and genial sunshine of this month are but the forerunner of inspiriting scenes and brighter days in the world of aquatica, The season of yachting is fast approaching, and will soon be inaugurated with ali its attendant pleasures in a manner that will foretell in unmistakable language a year of unprecedented bril- ancy. Never in the history of the New York Yacht Club have its members taken so much interest in its suc- cessful career, nor have they ever before adopted such wholesome reformations, having for their objeot the increased popularity of this genuine sport, as have char. acterized their actions of this season. The June regatta—hitherto the event of the year in aquatic circles—will be of greater moment than ever be- fore, presenting many features of novelty and interest, Following close upon that eventful and brilliant contest Will be the great ocean sweepstakes, a race of two hun- dred miles at sea, an event that promises keen excite- mont, and augurs well for the futurity of the club. Races of this nature will tend to engrafta more advep- turous spirit among many of our yachtmen, causing them to up anchor and indulge in cruises in deep blue water, and it may incite them to deeds that wil! reflect lustre on their names and redound in honor to our country. Feoling that the renewed energy exhibited by the Now York Yacht Club this year is of almost national interest, it is purposed to briefly sketch in this article its past history, together with a record of its present Btreagth, giving in addition thereto many details of mo- inept and facts of an interesting character, ORGANIZATION, On the 30th of July, 1844, there assembled on board the yacht Gimerack, off the Battery, the following named gentlemen, representing the yachts severally attached to their names, having for their object the or- ganization of a club for the systematic fostering of the noble art of yachting:—John C. Stevens, yacht Gim- crack; Hamiitou Wilkes, yacht Spray; William Edcar, yacht Cyguet; John C. Jay, yacht La Coquille; George L, Schuyler, yacht Dream; James M. Waterbury, yacht Minna; Louis A. Depau, yacht Mist; James Rogers, yacht Ida; George B, Rollins, yacht Petrel. At this meeting Jobn C. Stevens was unanimously chosen Commodore of the Club, and by-laws and regula- tions were adopied. In accordance with a resolution to that effect, the avove yachis, with the exception of the Ida, made a cruise to Newport, R. L, stopping at Hunt- fogton, L. L, New Haven, Gardiner’s Bay and Oyster Point, arriving at their destivation on a Monday afternoon, having had a cruise replete with pleasant incidents. The night foilowing their arrival at Newport they were joined by the pilot boat Belle, tain R, B Forbes, and the yacht Northern Light, Captain Winchester, both of Boston. Thus the New York Yacht Club, now known the world over, and the most prosper- Ous organization of its character in existence, began its career. The firat regular election of officers for the club was held March 17, 1845, when the following gentlemen were ehosen:—Commodore, John C, Stevens; Vice Commo- dors, Hamilton Wilkes ; Corresponding Secretary, George B. Rollins; Record ng Secretary, John C, Jay ; Treasurer, ‘Wm. Edgar. So popalar was this movement that almost immediately members bezan to flock in, and hardly & meeting has since, through ull the intervening years, been held that the club has not received geome accession by gentlemen ranking high in the social end fiuancial circles of the community. Immediately following the election of officers, the first meeting of tho club was held tm the club honse, in the Elysian Fields, Hoboken, which was erected for the purpose, and is still standing as a monument of the liberality of Com- modore Stevens, who owned tho grounds and gave the Privilege of using the same to the club. REGATTAS. It was nearly four years subsequent to the organiza- tion of the club before it had its Grst regatta, This vory interesting event took place June 6, 1848. There ‘were ontered and started the following yachts, viz:— Sacoxp Ciass—Fifty tons and under; allowance of time, 45 seconds per ton; measurement by displace- ment. Sloop Lancet, 19 tons, R. R. Patton.. Schooner La Coquille, 21 tons, J. C. Jay. 10 «1 30 Schooner Dream, 28 5 tons, J. P. Hall, -10 7 7 Schooner spr: tons. Wilkes. . io 11 6 Schooner Cyguet, 39 tons, D. L Suydam.... 10 15 0 First Cuass—Over 50 tons; allowance of time, 45 socoads per ton.* Started, HM. 8. Schooner Siren, 60 tons, W. E. Miller. . Schooner Cornelia, 75 tons, Wma. Edgar. Sloop Maria, 110 tons, R. L.. Steve: The yachts arrived at the stake boat, off the club house, in the following order:— Schooner Cornelia. Schooner Siren. Schooner Cygnet. Schooner Spray Schooner Dream. Sloop Lancet... + Time not takea, The Maria, unfortunately, was dismasted on her re- turn, between Jersey City and Hoboken, being at the time 4 ance of all except the Cornelia, The prizes were awardod as follows:—First prize, first class, Cor- nelia; second do., Siren; first prize, second class, Cyenot; second do., La Coquille, From this resatts ‘springs the contests which have annually taken place undor the auspices of the club, growing into favor more And more as the years advance, until now the day is be- coming next to venerable Independence Day, the out of door event of the season. . OFFICERS OF THE CLUB. Mr. Joba C, stevens’ retained the position of Commo- ore for, very many years, but upon resigning Mr. Wil- liam Edgar, one of the original founders of the club, was elected to fll his place; after retaining the office four years he also resigned. Mr. Moses H. Grinnell was next tondfered the honorable position, but declined to accept it in consequence of a contemplated visit to Europe at that period. Mr. Edwin A. Stevens was then elected, and until the year 1865 the entire board chosen with him retained their respective positions. At this time radical changes were made in many matters of im. portance to the welfare of the club, a new office was created—that of Rear Commodore—and Mr, William B. McVicar was chosen to fill the place of Mr, Stevens, Since that poriod other changes have taken place, the list at present being— Commodore—Henry G. Stebbins, james G. Bennett, Jr. d Phoonix, MeaswrereeAitred W. Craven. Regatta Committee—W. W. Shippen, Fletcher Westray, AM. Kapp. YACHTS OF THE CLUR The subjoined is a list of the yachts at present repre- sented by the New York Yacht Club, together with the Dames of thotr owners, their area in square feet, their tonnage, number of crew, and the lengths of boat re- quired by each» — CHOON RRS. Name. IN a cs Pot i | NewYork 2,400.8 235,3)32) 12 SPissrasserese| Db Ino. Hf. Baste.) Do, [4 @ Bennett Jr Do 2668.4) Someone | Be MARS B eo. A. Osgood.) Do 2,208: |00¢.1]98) 12 8 Dickinson..| Do....\1ea99] abl) 12 EM, Hubbard .,| Do..-..| t Vea Schaick 4 ssf pc to \ 4, B, Develin..| Do.....)1.90.6) o4.1)08) 2 4G. Bennert, Jt] Do..-..|220 la0balan] ‘Phos, C. Durest.| Do 1.984 6|188.5)251 13 Bed mnogo 1.453.") $5.3) 18) 12 iJno, P. ley ..| Boston. ,.)1, 401.9) “7.6)18) 12 Arthur Obene Doz..2.|1.998 | 81-9] 18) 19 Pg A fel Lem ja siail a £ Steven: rr é 6)230.4)99) 12 7) oize) 13 }t94.2}9) 13 i NewYork |3.089.4!123.3\36) 19 Rerobler... NewYork/| 1,791.3) } 12 Rertiews NewYork |1,478.0 2 Kes Drift |NewXork|L2 a Burt ‘| NewYork] 1.807.811 a Ve NewYork| 2,612.6) Ly YW idgeon ewYork |. G16 | 106.9)21) 12 divge [Rework /8,161,6; 109.1) 28) 12 NEW YORK swore Salle BY :| Stoming*a| Cel " a 1 (0.8, Penni: *Nautluss-|A.a- Kueek rel White Wing..|Shep'd Holmes. Wave........./W. M.B. Hartley! — * Not measured. There have been years when the total number of yachts belonging to the club was greater than at present, but it has never presented #0 many yachts of beautifal model and fast sailing qualities ag now, Many fa- miliar names have disappeared from the list, as becom- ing old, or their owners building otbers of improved models, have been disposed of to be used as pilot boats, coasters, &c. In addition to those given above there are others in course of construction for gentiemen favorably known in the aquatic world, which, 60 soon as com- pleted, will greatly augment the number: REGULATIONS AND RULES, No yacht shall be represented in the clab unless by her design and construction she is well suited to accom- pany the squadron on a cruise; amd the meaaurer shall withhold his certificate from any yacht which may nat, in his opinion, be suited to most this requiremont. Any. yacht which may be let or hired, unless to a member of at least one year’s standing, shall be debarred all rights: and privileges of the cleb during the timo in which she may be so let or hired, and the owner infringing this rule shall be liable to expulsion. A true model of each yacht is required to be deposited with the Secretary of the ciub, which shail become its property, and no other person than a United States naval constructor can copy the same without permission from the owner or builder of the yacht. This privilege is granted to the United States authorities im considera- tion of an act of Congress, which entitles yachis to proceed from port to port without entering or clearing at Custom Houses, This act, approved August 7, 1848, au- thorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to license yachts, and for other purposes, reads as follow: Skcrion 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Con- gress assembled, That the Secretary of the'Treasury is hereby authorized to cause yachts, used and employed exclusively as pleasure vessels and designed as models of naval architecture, and now entitled to be enrolled a8 American vessels, to be licensed on terms which will authorize them to proceed trom port to port of the United States without entering or clearing at the Custom House, Such license shall be tn such form as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe; provided, such vessel so enrolled and licensed shatl not be allowed to transport merchandise or carry passengers for pay; and provided furtber, that the owner of any such vessel, before taking out'such license, shall give # bond in.such form and for such amount as the Secretary of the Trea- bury shalt prescribe, conditional that the said vessel shall not engage in any unlawful trade, nor in any way violate the revenue laws of the United Statos, and shall comply with the laws in all other respects. Sec, 2% And be i further enacted, That all such ves- ‘sels snail in all respects, except as above, be subject to the laws of tho United States, and shall be liable to seiz- ure and forfeiture tor any violation of the provisions of this act. Sec. 3. And be tt furtber enacted, That all such li- c&nsed yachts shall use a signal of the form, size and colors prescribed by the Secretary of the Navy, and the owuors thereof shail at all times permit the naval archi. tects in the verre: of tno United “tates to examioe and copy the modeis of gaid yachts. « INCORPORATION OF THE OLUB, Tho act incorporating the club, passed by the Legisla- ture of New York in 1865, ia as follows:— SEcTION 1. Edwin A. Stevens, Ambrose C. Kin; , Aloxandor Major, Robert $. Hone, William H. McVickar, Ansou Livingston, Hamiiton Morton, and such other per- song a8.are now associated as a yacht club in. tbe city of New York, or may hereatter become associated with them, aré bereby constituted a body corporate by the name of the “Now York Yacht Club,’ to be located im ube city of New York, for the purpose of encouraging yacht building and naval architecture, and the cultiva- Uon of paval science, 01 the owners of seven sotered oal*cbe records of the club, quorum; and every decision of a majority of said owners: duly assembied as a board or meoting for the transaction of business, shall be valid a8 @ corporate act, unless otherwise prov:ded in the constitution or by-laws. Src. 5, The said corporation ea ere: and hold or lease any real or estate; but the value of the real estato so held, or to be held by it, shall not exceed one hundred thousand dollars. Sxc. 6 The said corporation shall also possess the powers and be subject to the restrictions and liubilities contained in the third titie of the eighteenth chapter of the first part of the revised statutes. Sxc. 7. This act shat! take effect immediately. UNIFORM AND DRESS. The following uniform is required to be worn by the officers and members of the club, when on @ cruise:— FULL DRESS. wy biue cloth, faced with the same, ‘sel doubie breasted, with two rows of large size yacht club buttons on the breast, nine in each row, placed four inches and a half apart from eye to eye, at top, and two inches and a half a bottom; rolling collar; skirts with one large button be- hind on each bip, and one near the bottom of each fold; ‘cuffs to be closed, and from tbree to three aud a bat inches deep. PantaLooxs—Of navy blue or white drilt. —Of white drill, single breasted, with standing collar, or rolling collar to button uearly to the throat, with nine smaii batons, Necxercuixr—Of black silk. Cars—Of navy blue cloth, not less than two and a half nor more than three inches high, and top not more ‘than haif an inch grea:or diameter than the base. SHOULDER STRAPS of navy blue cloth, four inches and a quarter long and one iach and a half wide, including tho border, which is to be a quarter of an inch wide embroidered in For Commopors—The device in the strap shail silver foul anchor, seven-eighths of @n inch in tengtl each side, with stock inclined inward, and three five-pointed siara of half an iocu diameter in centre. Vics Commonorne—Same device as for Commodore, substituting two stars in lieu of three. Rear Commovouk—Same, substituting one star ia liew of unree. Cartratys—“ame, omitting the stars. Skorerary—Samoas for Rear Commodore, substituting the lettér 3, in ofd English, in silver, tm lieu of star, \ ee as for cecretary, substituting the letter T. Mrasvren—Same, substituting the letter M. Cap ornaments to be as follows:— Commovors—A fout anchor, one inch anda half in length, placed horizontally, émbroidered in gold, with ver star of balf inch diameter at each end of and one above the anchor, with a space of three-sixteenths of au inch between anchor and the stars. Vick Commoport—Same, substituting a star below in lieu of the two stars at either end of aechor. » Omitting the two stars at of one inch and eatwined, em- € a ballin length, with stocks below, broidered in gold. SeCRETARY—Same as for Rear Commodore, substitut- —S letter 8, ia old English, in silver, in lieu of star. 5 sdger Teco ae as for , substituting the rT. Mxasvern—Same, substituting the letter M. MxxseRs—Same, omitting the RK Sleeve ornaments w be as follows: — Commovont—Five strips of gold lace, one-eighth of an inch wide, ant placed one-eighth of an inch apart, first strip being below, but nes the cuff seam, and the others pated upwardly. Vice Commopoak—Four strips, arranged in like mi Commopore—Three strips, arranged tn like man- Smonetary, Terascran ayo Measorer—Two Sack Coat—Of navy blue cloth or fine bive flannel, single with # row of four targe buttons in front; cufls closed; same siraps and lace as for full dress coat. Paxtavoons—Of fine blue flannel! be worn. Vesrs—Of navy,blue cloth or fine blue flannel, of the same pattern as fall dress, may be substituted for white drill. Straw Hate—May be worn in undress, in place of the cap, of the following pattern:—Body to be not more than four and a half nor loss than four inches in height, and the rim not more than three and @ half nor tess than three inches in width, with @ plain band of biack ribbon. Necksxcumrs—Of black silk. DEES Rovsp Jackers—Ot blue cloth or fine blue far nel, faced with the same, double breasted, with two ro of wedium-sized butions on the breast, nine in each row; rolling collar; cull closed. Same straps and lace as in full dress coat. PUTTONS. To be of three sizes: large, medium and small, ia ac- cordance with the pattern adopted by the club, ‘SAILING MASTERS. Roux Jackets, on Sack Coats—Of navy blue cloth of biue Cannel, Same number of buttons as for mem- ber be of the email size on the jackets and of the Medium size on the sack coats, with & silver ombroider- 4 foul anchor, two inches and @ half inlength, upon the Fight sieeve, in fromt, above the elbow. bd act 8O"*—OF navy blue cloth, biue Aaanel or white Vests—Of navy bine cloth, blue flannel of white drill, fame as for members Noonen wevs—Of binok oti. Shanes Admiral of New York station, Navy Yard, Brookiya ; Bilas H. Bert Rear U8. N.: C. H. Davia, Rear Admiral, U, 8. N. ; James Sree, tain, U. 8. N.; Lawrence U. 8. NA; John Faunce, (ay U.S R 8.;'his Royal Highness Eart of Great ; Lord Dufferin, Great Britain; R. W. Hillas, Vice Commodore, Royal London Yacht Club; the Commodore, Vice Com- mmodore and Secretary Royal Harwich BICALA, ETO. JUTTING BICWALS, ot Secretary ‘above, is the @ foutanchor, of -antar for surrpes, they signal, one rough middle, the other running crosswise through it, at one- third the length of the nal from ite bead—all on 4 Dive field - The Commodore, when afloat, wears a broad pendant, with a foul anchor encitcfed ‘by thirteen five pointed stars in white, on a blue field, The Vice Commodore wears.a broad pendant, with a efmilar device on a red field, The Rear Commodore wears a broad pendant, with @ Bimilar device in re:!, on a white field. ‘The yachts, ono and all, are required to have a ect of such signals as may be ordered by the club; also a dis- tinguishing signal flag, and to show it when signalled by another yacht; the flag of cach to be one inch in length for each foot of length of deck; width, two-thirds of length, PAILANG REGULATIONS. A change in the suiling regulations of the club has been made by which a sliding scale has been adopted in the matter of the difference of time formeriy allowed, by which both schooners and stoops are put on an eqnality. This was a consummation tong and devoutly wished for, as by the old rule the advantages gained by smaller yachis over larger ones in allowing them a fixed time was unfair, and could only be recovered by the latter in a stiff breeze and heavy sea. Yuohts contending for prizes may carry eails as fol- lows:—% nsail, foresail, jib, Oying jib, Jib topaail, foro and main gaff’ topgails ‘and main topmase staysail, Sioops—Mainsail, jib, fying jib, jib topsail and gail topsail. In contests ‘of ‘this character schooner Yachts are allowed to carry one man for every cighty superiicial feet and fractional part thereof of their mea- surement, and in sloops ene for © ne hundred su- perticial fee: and fractional part thereof of their mea- surement, THR CLUB HOUSE AT HOBOKEN. Situate on the banks of the noble Hudson at the lower end of the Kiysian Fields, at Hoboken, is the Club House of this organization. It i# an unpretending Structure, attracting but little attention from the sim- plicity of’ its architecture and the quietude of its situa- tion, It is but one story in height, of dark brown color, and a peaked, overhanging roof, that seems to almost cast an eternal shade over tho body of the house. Among its surroundings are some of the noblest trees of tho forest. From its front stoop you can gaze into the soothing metropolis beyond; upon the placid gurtace of the river at your feet, upon whose broad bosom float countless sails; upon the dim outline of distant moua- tains; upon green telds full of bewuty—in short, upon panorama replete with magniticonce and vatural apieu- dor, Within you will find but two rooms; thodargest 1s charming iNdodianets, and ‘many iavitng. ett wupers a ttle dinners, and many ia soupers have been served within the pleasant eoclosare. Open- ing trom about the centre of this room is another two-thirds 8 size, usod for holding Light is admitted through long, uarrow windows’ at the sides, and by diamond shaped openings at the back and rear; cioang the entrng it with the. flags of the club, softening the entering light and Presenting @ neat and | gracetul appearance. Upon the sides club, Thess extend back to the gan , Mentioned in the former part of this articie, calling up many pleasant associations in conncction with history. these are the among of the world-ronowned yachts Re- ‘becca, Henrietta, Maria and Wandorer. Above these modois, resting on sholves, are models of Koglish yachts, many igo to the smaller room is gracefully hung with the flags ot English yacht clubs, and resting near them, emitting a Pleasant fragrance throughout both rooms, are pots of rare exoucs. ihe whole arrangement is complete antl pleasant. But one portrait bangs within the enclosure, ‘and that conspicuously. It ts the calm and dignified countenance of Commodore John v. Stevens, who seoms to look down upon the eurrounding scenes and out upon the models of nobie rvasels wih a smile of quiet appro- bation. A comtor! » convenient and bandsomely decorated structure, will be the verdict of every yacht- man that eaters its portals, YATCHING ON CAYUGA LAKE. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THE HERALD. The Ithaca Yacht Club—Names of the Yachts— Their Appearance and Owners—A Regatta xpected, &c. eve Inuaca, N. ¥., May 21, 1997. The manty and ennobliag spirit of yachting now so prevalent in the cities along the Atlantic coast, is not Confined to the strip of land within sound of the beating and surging waves of old ocean, nor to the breadth of country over which the ealt water brcezes are borne west. ward until their saline fragrance is lost in the absorbing freshness of the great ferra firma. ‘he village of Ithaca situate at the head of Cayuga Lake, may now boast of a little fleet of yachts, second to none of their class in the country io point of beauty of model, and to an expori- enced yachtsman, the very essential quality of speed. When it i# remembored that this little inland sea 1a forty milos long, from one and abalf to nearly five broad, and of a depth varying from ten to six hundred foot, subject to gales and severe squalls that test the sea- ing qualities of every kind of craft tempting its sur- ce, Whether propelled by steam or wind, and calling in requisition all the skill and experience of genuine old salts, one may know that yachting with us is no child's play or duck pond amusement, Our fleet now com- posed of the following vessois, named in the order of their length aud tonnago:—Sioops Ariel, 47 feet in length, 26 tons; Lou. Pitield, 27 do,, 7 tons; Ada, 24 do., 5 tons; new vessel, 22 do., 434 tous; Little Mac, 22 sens Fiok agehip of th very Ariel, flagship of the squadron, is a new and fine vessel, one year oid, built by Mr. J. G. Bennett, and sails remarkably well. In November last, under singlo reefod mainsail and jib, she started from Sprin; at the same time as the passenger steamboat Aurora, and reached her anchorage at Port Renwick, thirty-four miles distant, in two hours and forty minutes, beating the steamer about four miles, which made her usual ings. This vessel is a staunch, stiff sea boat, is owned by acompany of gentlemen fond of “the blue above and the blue below,” has a fine cabin with berths for six, and bas been tested in soveral severe squalls and gales, She stands at our Lioyds A No. 1. The Lou, Pitfeld is a new and superb yacht, just put into the water, and upon her trial trip gave promise of being a leader of the van. Sho was built for Mr. FE. Stod by Walt Burling and is a fine specimen of naval architecture. The Ada, owned by our late Member of Assembly, the Hon. WBA pene ep of the Ithaca Journal, ie asuperior tor |, as her performances in 00 less than four hotly contested will sufficiently attest. She was built by J. G. Bennett; has won the first prizes at two regattas on this Iake—viz., §75 and $50, and two of $40 rach on Seneca Lake, Up to this UUme she wears the victor's wreath, A new and very finely moulded yacht has been built for Messra, St. John and Bennett, and is now receiving the finishing touches of rigger and painter before eoter- ing the lists for aquatic honors and sports. Her owners are justly proud of her, and entertain well founded 4 of foremost in the next race. ‘ne Little is four years old, and her owner, Mr. Stevens, is having her put in perfect order, and has ordered a new suit of sails to be made for her. be 4 he will ‘bet his pile’ she wont come ont behind ia next contest, There are two or three smaller vessels, but they do not properly belong to the class of sailboats known as the genus ya Tiearn that a grand regatta is tall of im yachting circles, to come of in July next from Port Renwick, or better known here as the of the Lake; the first prize to be $100, or its equivalent in some article of siver. One or two other yachts, now in the brains and the pockets of cortain spirited parties, T hope soon to see upon the stocks, and, ere dash. ing over the billowy waves of old Cayuga. The bas a fine rath about twonty-two feet long, stocks in Mr, Burting’s yard, and this, with some three or four at other poinis along the inke shore, will give us a fleet of about ten very ine sloop yachts. When the fegatta comes of in July | will inform the yachting wortd through the Hsraco of the result DEPARTURES YESTERDAY, Lrverpoot—Steamahtp Palm ham, NY. Mrand Mrs J 8 © Miss Mary VM Canorvas, JL, Porpoa and F Revonn, H Coolidge, HO Morrice and A Li Morrice, AS ridgeport; Mrs Ahera, Boston, Mexico: Geo Filet, by won, NY: Mr PH Pepper, Y¥{ Mr and Mrs ceo smi ntinel on the HERALD, THURSDAY, Report ef the Committee upes the Deciara- ‘¢lea ef Rights, &c. But little of apeoial interest has thus far characterised the dotiberations of the Constitutional Convention, in eoasion at this place. The business has been distributed among large and judiciously chosen committees, holding daily eeesions and preparing carefully their reports, The appended “Bilt of Rights," which will be adopted, is an important document, inaugurating 4 now ora in the jurts- Prudence of this Commonwealth, Hitherto where the Parties to @ case were white the testimony of negroes has beom inadmissible ia our civil courts, The thirty-sixth article of this “declaration” embodies tho following clause, which will conform the organic law of the State to the requisitions of the Civil Rights bill passed by Congress:—‘Nor shall any person be deemed _ incompetent as a witness on account of race or color.” @his is a gigantic advance step in the march of the State toward political equality :-— RMPORT OF THE COMMITTEE UPON THR DECLARATION OF mouTe, We, the people ot the State of Almighvy God for our civil and taking into our serious means of establishing a constitution in this State for tho eure bon — fr Apricut 1, That all ent of right originates from the people, is founded in cot @aly, and tosti- tated solely for the good of the whole, and thoy have at all times wmehenabte right to 3 or thoir form of government ia such manaer as thoy may doom expediont. Aart. 2. Tie constitution of the United States and the laws gaade or which sball be made. aed elf treaties made or which shalt e mado uader the ‘State, aro reserved to the Slates respectively, or to tho people thereof. Art. 4 That the people of this State ought to have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal gov- ernment and police thereof Ant. 6, That the inhabitants of ontitiod to the common law of England, and the trial by jury according to the course of that law, and to the benefit of auch of tho English statutes as existed on the fourth day of July, seventeen hundred and seventy-six, aud which by experience have been found applicable to their local and other oiroum- stances, and have been introduced, used and practised by tho courts of law or equity, ana also all acts of As- sembly in force on the first day of June, cightoen hun- dred and sixty-seven, excopt such as may have since expired, or may be inconststent with the provisions of this constitution, subject, novertholess, to the revision of and amendment of repeal by the Legislature of this Stato; and tho inhabitants of Maryland are also en- tutled to all ey derived to them from or under the charter granted by his Majesty Charles the Firat to Cacilus Caivert, Baron of Baltimore. Art. 6, That all persons invested witu the legislative or executive powers of government are the trustees of the public, aud as such accountable for their conduct ; wherefore, whenever the ends of government are per- verted. and puolic liberty manifestly ondangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought to re‘orm the old or establish a now government; the doctrioe of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind. Ant, 7, That the ght of the people to participate in the Legislature 1s’ the beat security of liberty and the foundation of all free covernmont; for this purpose elections ought to be free and frequent, and every white malo citizen having the quatfications presoribed by the constitution ought to have the right of suffrage. Axrt. 8. Declares that the legislative, executive and Judicial powers of government ought to be forever sep- arate and distinct from eaca other. Ant, 9, That no power of suspending laws or the exe- cution of laws unless by or dorived from the Logislature, ought to bo exercised or allowed. Art. 10, That freedom of speech and debate on ceedings in the Logislature ought not to be impesthel a any court ‘of jadioasare: iy Marytand aro oe a thes a law to lar or RT. 18, That Ro ‘attaint particu treagon or felony aga tobe made ultag eal tran’ time hereaiter. ono ofthe greatest wocuriice of the lives, bette nad aR ‘in all criminal prosecutions every man biyeines acne oe ee Bee amine the witnesses for and agatost him on oath;’ and to evidence against bimsoif in a criminal 23, That no man ought to be taken or imprisoned pected persons, without naming or de-cribiag the place et a epocial, are ilicgal and ought not to be ran . Ant. 27. That no coaviction shall work corruption of blood or forte feiture of eeiate. Ant. 28. That a woll regulated militia is the proper and natural defence of a free government, Aut, 29. That standing armies are dangerous to liberty and ought not to be raised or kept up witheut the oon- sent of the Legislature. Art, 30, That in all casos and at all times the military ought to be under strict subordination to and control of the civil power. Art, 31. Toat 00 soldier shall in Art. ‘That 00 person, excopt regular soldiers, mar- iners and marines in the service of uw State, or militia when ip actual service, ought im any case be subject to, or punishable by, martial law. Aur, 33 provides for an iudependent and upright jadi- Akt, 34. That a long continuance in the executive de- partments of power or trust is dangerous to liberty; a rotation, therefore, in those departments is one of the Dest securities of permanent freedom. Axr. 35. That po person ougbt to hold at the same time more than one office of it created by the con- stitution or laws of this State; nor ought any person in public trast to receive any present from any foreign prince or State or from the United States, or any of thom, without the approbation of this State, Ax. 36 provides for religious toleration. Axr. 37. That no other test or qualification ought to be required on admission to any of of trust or profit than such oath of office and qualification as a prescribed by this constitution, or by the laws of the State, and a deciaration of belief in the Christian religion, or in the existence of God, and in a future state of rewards and punishments, Art. 38. That every sale or devise of land, to any minister, public teacher or preachor of the gospel, as such, or to any religious sect, order or denomination, or to, or for the su) use or benefit of or in trast for any minister, public teacher or preacher of the gospel as such, or any ae a order 2 barney a | and every or Goods or chattels to successi: ore to take place afier the death donor, to or for such support, ase or devise of goods or chattels, to oF for pport, am of any eee public teacher or or oO gospel as such, or re. rer denomination, without the io or subsequent sanction of the Logisiature, shall be void, except ert sale, gift, loase or devise of any quantity ~ Rot exceeding five acres, for a church, mocting houee, or other house of worship or parsonage, or for burying ay tne! shall Lhe gh’ {st coaere r such purpose; or such sale, or devise shall be void. Ant. 39. That the manner of administering an cath or affirmation to any person ought to be such as those of the religious persuasion, profession or denomination of which 18 @ member generally esteemed the most eflectual confirmation by the attestation of the Divine Bein, rc 40, That the liberty of the press ought to be inviolably preserved; that every citizen of the State ought to be allowed to speak, write and publish his sen- timents on all subjects, being responsivie for the abuse of that privilege. Ant. 41, That monopolies are odious, contrary to the spirit of a free government and the principles of com- merce, and ought not to be suffered. Ant. 42. That no title of nobility or hereditary honors ought to be granted in this Siate, Ant. 43, the Legjsiature ought to encourage the diffusion of knowlege and virtue, the oxtension of a judicious ayetem of genoral education, the promotion of literature, the arts, sciences, agriculture, commerce and ie oe ‘and the general melioration of the condt- tion of lo. Ant, 4. Ret the provisions of the constitution of the United states and of this State apply as well in timowf war as in time of and any departure therofrom or violation th under the plea of necessity or other plea, is subversive of good government aud doxpotiem. ART. This enumeration of rights shall not be con- strued to impair or deny ovhors retatped by the people. MAY 23, 1867—TRIPLE SHEET. SUPREME COURT—GENERAL TERU The Law ef Libel—Interesting Pointe of Counsel—Decision ef the Court. ‘This isan appeal from an order made at the Special Term, setting aside a verdict and granting 4 now trial. The action was for an alleged libel published in the New Yous Henao, contained in a letter from the widow Of Colonel Kimball, Its publication was shown to have been made without any malice towards the plaintiff! and from motives of kindness. The writer thought herself aggrieved because certain effects belonging to her late husband had been kept by Snother person whom she described as s prostitute, and she gave expression to this grief, adding these words:—‘She is, understand, under the patronage or Protection of a Mr. More, agent of the Central Railroad, who has also employed the orderly of my tate husband." The only innuendo explaining these words is this: thatit was “by these words intended to charge the plaintiff, or writing, or dare the miemcey, OF one dead, oF Sha sopuiation of one @ im to public hatred, contempt or rid- trates or individuals, and an injurious or offensive ten- Pap gh 3 tained,””—1 Kent's Com. 641. IL. The late Isaac T. Hopper, 80 justly cele! this city for hia loog life of devoted benevole: had many of tte frail women of New York undor bis ‘‘pat- ronage or protectio ‘The fact was mentioned with especial commendation at hie funeral, and his acts in that regard are by good men believed to form one of the brightest stars in his immortal crown. If, 10 the letter complained of, Mrs, Kimbali had said “she was at ono time, I understand, under the patronage or protettion of the late ‘Isaac I. Hopper,” would any a for such publication, have sued Mr. Bennott as a libeller of the dead? I trust that the Court do not judi- cially know that John H. More isa less virtuous or a less good Christian man than T. Hopper. Ie is quite clear that such simple pubiication touching the late Isaac T. Hopper would not of itself be libellous—it would lack every essential ingredient necessary to con- stitute a libel, The same rules of law must ba applied in each case. The plainti’’s counsel was aware that his complaint made out no libel, and asked leave to amend; the motion was denied, with liberty to move on affidavits at special term, The denial of that application to amend was discretionary with the Judge, and cannot be consid- ered on this appeal. TUL There was no suggestion in the published letter, that the “ tion” was improper, and there was no avermeat in the complaint that the writer of the lotter intended to impute any impure, disgraceful or illegal act whatever to the plaintiff. Nor was there any of ial damages found in the complaint, IV, The patrons of the woll as many otnor pious under thoir “ page and of “the degraded womon, and is not Libellous to publish the fact. It is a well settled cule that words which are liable to two distinct interprotations must be construed in an innocent sense, (Button va, Heyward, 8 Modorn., 24; Holt va. Sithfield, 6 Term Rep. 691.) Thus, a notice posted on the doors of an aasocia- tion’s rooms, stating that A and B were not to be ad- mitted, the association dceming them to be persons with whom it was not bd that they should be associated, was held not libellous, since such aa opinion might have beea caused hy harmioss acts. ( ve. Jermyn, 1 Price, Gay so, to call a man “blackleg”’ is not libellous, (Campbell, C. J., Barnett va. Allen, 3 HH. & N., 376.) So an that A « to court, “on churge of forgery,’ ts not libellous without « ‘colo inasmuch as it might mean that be was iy witness, (Harrison va, King, 7 Taunt, 431 aig «Price 48) Soa-cvarge tuat A “caused the death” of B ts not ac- a um 3 stated, BENJ. GALBRAITH, Defendant's Attorcey. EDWARDS PIERREPONT, of Counsel. OPINIONS OF THR COURT. Curece J.—This action is for an alleged libel pub- in the New York Heratp, of which the defend- Tt is contained in a letter from ped Seetllnt hie og 8S rien. es peetionee ia matters relating to her deceased husband, says:— a3 eos: jit ahitit hi i He ity i 8 gs i g in the opinion of his acquaint When tue language ts ambi. is consistent with fi z E i a ie | HEP al sist I HH 100 nt alleges that the publication ador ha pauronage or protectou_spable" prostate under or & pu i that tts false, teliclous and tends to jure bis reputa- amendment, and no ground of exce; refusal to allow such amendment. It 1s discretionary. ‘The quostion now comes up in the same manner as if it bad arisen upon demurrer to the The Vien Coan walee ion’ by answering the com- piaint, ion ‘The objectionable words in this case are actionable or according to the manner in which it was in- they should be understood, The more allegation Maltotous intention is not sufficient where the words understood in an i : “not to be assumed that one judge has any better i ie es d F Lj gi i! Ha ft te i tel bu at fa ilk Fe Li ti “poenes T think, as that is fears y a 1e practice of granting new trials at Speotal a different judge from the one who heard the the Circuit, for legal error at the Circuit, is of doubtful propricty, and has never been the practice this district. Errore of law committed by one judge properly to be reviewed at the Genoral Term. ll 5 =i a edge of the law than another. If any other rule to prevail the judge having in fact tho least knowl as well as the least delicacy, might, at Special Term, Verse @ multitude of verdicts taken at the Circuit another Judge more learned than himself. In the ent case I think the judge at the Circuit was right ta law, and that is the only question under reviow. I conour with Judgo Cierke that the order of the Special Term should be reversed, with costs, and thatthe defendant be at liberty to onter judgment upon the di- rection of the judg@at Circult, dismissing the complaint with costa, Sutherland, J., dissenti: A copy. : BT "§. 1. BARBOUR, Reporter. THE EXAMINATION AT THE NAVAL ACADEMY. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THE HERALD. Annarouis, Md., May 21, 1867. Tho full Board of Visitors, with che exception of Mr. G. V. Fox, of New Hampshire, were in attendance the Academy, and the minutes of yesterday's ings wore read; and, after taking note of the new arri- vals and entering a memorandum of the attention of the Constitution and other points of interest throughout the grounds, The examinations were going on in two of the: fooms—in one on seamanship and navigation, in the other on gunnery and field fortification. The exercises were very creditable to the midshipmen, “but rather tediogs to the uninterested visitor. The day hasbeen quite rainy and wet, and there has been neither out- i | ! gE i if - H H i : i itt ai feat auth aL piel ue HF fit 4 i i is i! 7 Z m Bg, i 4 : i He ; ry 4 Hi iE | i : i f a u a ff I : t i 4 eB. H tt > E B E a] EE f : he v HP 3 ue Ha Hie gEee is Es Hh ae igse e v t gee _ Axnaro.ts, Md., May 22, 1967. The annual examination of the midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy, located at this historic capital, commenced on yesterday morning, at eleven o'clock. The Naval Board appointed to superintend the examination 1s composed of several distinguished ofhcers and civilians, Reaching the institution by the early train, they were received with naval honors ap- propriate to their high reiation to the Academy. Imme- diately after the final adjournment of the Board, the midshipmen will receive a brief furlough, prior to embarking on the designated vessels of the squadron, During the absence of the school a fine church edifice will be erected om the grounds of the and extensive 1 ttt ngr sada officers. i last, A fe bad a hittacc Tf tean ee ies of Admiral Porter, while the ipmen crew PERSONAL INTELLIGENCE. Dr. J. B. Wilcox, of St. Louis; Sidney Clark, of Kan. sas; J, P. Ki r, Of Vermont, and Gillespie, of Engiand, are stopping at the Metropolitan iF Major General Hawk, of North Carolina, ia stopping at the #t. Julien Hotel. Baron von Havre, of Washington, ia stopping at the Brevoort House. in A. J. Brower, of Boston, is stopping at the woe ‘ General Spaulding, of Utica; James A. Howell, of the United States Navy; 0. Renny, and Judge Vose, of Mas. sachusetts, are stopping at the Fifth Avenue Hotet. Dr. Abbott, of the Unived States Navy; J, K. Fingg, of Troy; G. M. Barnard, of Boston, and Waiter Brown, of Portland, are stopping at the Hoffman House. A. B. Young, of Washington; James R. Fonda and Moses Warren, of Troy, and B. P, Poore, of Washington, are stopping at the Astor House. Sovurmmarens tv Sovrt Awenica.—A Rio Janciro letter says:—Some Southern pianters have purchased land t= the district of Champinas, and are attracting the attetie tion of the Brazilians the plough and other implementa, and the ia articles are drivi ‘& brisk trade, Those Americans who setuied on Whe coat — a 7 have Sr awh cuntes and are now sit} plying the Rio market with exooljent Umber. —. center, May 4,