The New York Herald Newspaper, May 11, 1868, Page 5

OUR STEAM FLEET. Precautions Against Accidest—Remedial Viea- nares Against Fire—Boate and Their Cond geu—Steam Boilcrs and Their Fittings. The reputation which the American marme has in days gone by is; -eatly in contrast with ite character at the present day. In an article pub- Mashed a few days since in the HERALD the condition of our passenger carrying steamships plying between ‘this and other ports, made from personal inspection, was given for the benefit of the reading public, and ‘it is a sad acknowledgment to be compelled to admit that out of a list of twenty vessels there were not three which couid be pronounced in every respect, Tegarding the provisions made to guard against @anger or for the safety of the passen- gers in case of accident, first class, When We take into consideration the vast num- bers who daily leave and arrive at this port, the contemplation of such a state of things is Painful in the extreme, The lessons taught by fre- quent disasters, resulting in the loss of life and the destraction of property, should have been suMicient by this time to suggest the most thorough, compe- tent and effective means to preclude the possibility of arecurrence of such dreadful calamities, But, ‘unfortunately, it would seem that with the exception of atemporary vigilance, suggested oftentimes by selfish considerations, a relapse to previous careless- nese and neglect is too frequently the rule. FIRE BUCKETS. Im case of the breaking out of a fire how many a time might not the application of a bucket of water have extinguished the trifing spark which subse- quently resulted in a disastrous conflagration, destruc- ‘tive of life and property, carrying grief into happy Rhouseholds and reducing to penury many who were prosperous until the calamity arising from neglect, carelessness or incompetency brought them to per- haps pinching want! Were the proper precautionary measures adopted, in nine cases outof ten noné of those dreadful occurrences which but too often frighten the community from its ‘propriety would find a record in the daily histories of life. Fire buckets placed in easy ana accessible places and filled with water can be made most effective in the early stage of a fre. It may require some little time to prepare or rig the pumps with hose, and their Presence in such hour would be invaluable. Mo- ments at such a time are more valuable than gold. ‘Neglect in the fire buckets being on hand and filled ‘with water as the pumps can be got to ‘Work may seal the fate of lives, the destruc- ‘tion of priceless property. The mere possession of buckets is not sufficient. For all practical purposes, im case they are required, they might as well be used asspittoons inthe chambers of the boards of Alder- men or Councilmen if they are placed in situations ‘where gyninastic skill would be a necessary accom- plishment in order to come within their reach, or ‘when crowded away in offices, apartments or store Tooms accessible only to the initiated, they are com- paratively useless. Unfortunately, this has been ob- served in many instances, HOSE PIPES. Similar comments may be made in relation to water lose. If stored away under the impression of false security that it will not be required, owing to the Precautions otherwise adopted to guard against ac- cident, the moment may arise, and ata time least ex- pected, when, panic-stricken with fear, the confidence ‘thus reposed results in a miserable and hollow delu- sion. In most cases, so far as observed, however, a Praiseworthy vigilance has been observed in this Tegard. But there should be no exception to this Tule. It should be the exception which proves the wule. One life, nay—even the matming of a limb—is too Gear a price for oversight, carelessness or neglect, ‘mo matter what may be the plea in its extenuation, BOATS, In the possession of the number of boats by the Several vessels visited the provisions of the law in Tegard to the number have been carried out literally. Judicious provision, however, was also made in the Jaw that such boats should be furnished with oars and other necessary apparatus, which is meant to include thole pins, rudder, &c. Although the boats are Ammovable on board, still their equipment is often megiected. It may seem trifling and easily remedied to place in the boat the necessary oars and thole pins when required, and no doubt would be so under cir- cumstances less urgent than at times when they are equired in emergencies of the nature referred to. Minutes at such a time are precious and can be more profitably employed than in searching a ship for oars po hen something to act as substitutes for pins. Neither should boats be stowed in posi- téons—as has been observed in more than one in- etance—whiere time would necessarily be consumed ’m moving them in order to get them ready for launching, aud under no circumstances should they be hampered with rubbish of any kind. OOVERING AND PROTECTION TO BOILERS—SHEETING OF WOODWORK. Until very recently it has been very rare to find the boilers of steamers running upon lakes, rivers and gounds covered with felting, which ts designed for the double purpose of protecting the woodwork ground them from fire aud for the economy of fuel. ‘This very effective precaution against fire a few years since was rarely known among the class of steamers to, and is now used to a limited extent only. ‘Ite use among well fitted sea-going vessels is univer- oe ee utility of it belt ren Seegeat restricting the ion of heat from the boilers to the engine room, saloons and state rooms of a vessel. Although its great value has been frequently demonsirated by the incers and inspectors of the Board of Under- ‘writers of this city, together with others interes ed 4m the mercantile marine of the country, there are at ‘this time many owners of steamboats and steam- ships who pertinaciously refuse to resort to this means of effecting economy of fuel, comfort to pas- ers and crews, and of redifting the risks of merely becase it involves an immediate expenditure of money, and because “engine drivers,” acting in wt with a ‘majority of their calling, seem to enjoy the opposi- tion of any means calculated to save life, protect property, and is econowical in the use of fuel. They At the idea themselves as necdiess, Sadearer to argumeats 6 Cinvince Weak-minded pedple of the usclessness of such a provision, and many own- ers of sicam vessels are governed by thelr views, being ignorant of the great propriety and the great necessity of this great precautiona Poe asure. ‘The neglect of tue essential point of protecting the ‘wood work contiguous to a boiler in fitting a steam ‘vessel Was at one time almost universal, The occur- rence of tire ——— around boilers is not re- stricted to one cause, but may arise from so many that it seoms rather incomprehensible to account for the negiect of proper precautions upon this it. The cuses in which the wood work about a r is exposed to being flved are given by Charles ‘Hi. Haswell, \nspector o1 steamships, connected with the underwriters of this city. They are:— 1, When the water in @ boiler has been allowed to fall below the flues, the shell and steam drum, or chimney, as the cuse may be, vecome sufficiently heated by radiation from the = yeated steam Within to effect ignition of the w work tmmedi- ately exposed to it. 2% When water is allowed to fall below the Mues, ‘qa Just referred to, and the occurrence is discovered, it is customary ttamediately ‘to haul” the tires from the furnaces into the fire room, and when the work over and around the iire room is not p; protecied fire Is likely to © mocidents, very disastrous in U Avequentiy occurred. 3. When blowers are need the fire or sparks that may be biown out through fissures in the furnace ‘Goors, asi pits, ash doors, tue hoi mections, nature, It is Known that in single decked steamers, when ‘the boiler is placed below and the steam chimney ‘above the deck, or when the boiler is on the deck or the guards, itis customary tif many cases by tess owners to allow A Wooden casing to cover the chimney or chimneys, set oif but a few Sanches, and in other cases to cover them with a sheet fron jacket, generally imperfectly made and insuf- fictently fitted. In ocean vessels, the boilers being the hold, the steam chimney and the base the smoke pipe are commonly enclosed in work alone, altho placed at proper to avoid the risk of being fired by sparks continued radiation of heat; but the purpose is space is very frequently negatived by its being for the storage of swabs, buckets, brooms, &c. instances are known where this wood- fs not protected at all, and seldom is seen where the protection is ample for the purpose, In some a coat of whitewash fi thinly taid on, and in othe lining of tin, gine or iron, in which the laps are injudiciously ‘Tin and even zinc, unless well nailed, are too and their expansion at high temperatures too for this purpose; aud ‘the consequence ts that, subjectad to the heat of the sinokepipe, &c., they wrinkie and Cy) to such a di as not only to admit any sparks that may arise {rom below to pass between the laps and under them to the wood, but the sparks are ilable to be arrested by the inequall- tes of the surface whene they are exposed to a draft air, Which readily ap ignition, and when ered the presence of these sheets prevents an deamediate application of water to the fire that is burning veneath, aud before the sheets can removed the Name has passed through the joints ‘oF crevices of the woodwork anding the chim- and bctlers, and the whole is in full combustion. Other instance have been noted Where the wood work Of this CharacteT 18 placed very cluse to the steaw py Lf the proper circvation of air and noi affording the necessary room td enable the Wood work to be ey covered, or oven White- Washed; aud when communicated jo this init NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, MAY Tl, 1868—TRIPLE SHEET. before the final this 31 give ubject is made, VESSELS VISITED. The following vessels have been visited, and their precautionary measures st accident are thus detailed as the result of personal observation:— The Peter G. Coffin, 440 tons measurement, plies in part. When visited, old shirts, umbrellas, &c. were hanging against it, exhibiting a great degree ot thoughtlessness on the partof the fireman. The wood work surrounding the boiler is too near for saiety; it is covered witha thin coating of white- wash only. The independent steam fire and bilge pump is inthe hold, which is very objectionabie; gauges, water and steam, as required, are visible. The Thomas Cornell is 1,256 tons measurement. She has 400 feet of hose, forty-seven buckets, two metal life boats and one of wood, and 232 life pre- servers, each passenger's sleeping compartment being provided with one, The boats were com} tively small, and one of them was lying amidships, with no lowering tackle convenient. Her boilers were built in 1863 and are partly felted. They are situated on the guards, and blowers are used to aid the fires. Those who recollect the remarks made in the HERALD regarding the danger of blowers will form just conclusions relative to this and similarly fitted boats. The steam chimney is not felted; the wood work along the sides and chimneys of the boil- ers is too near and without suficient protection. The Chico salis between this city and South Amboy and intermediate points, She has two boats in which there were no oars, and neither of which was in. a position to be speedily launched. Only a few buckets were seen and no life preservers observed, The inspector’s certificate, although searched for, was not visible. The botler of this vessel is partly felted. The woodwork around it is not protected and Is too close for safety, that surrounding the back, sides and top being particularly noticeable in this deficiency. A blower is used here to aid draft, &c. Gauges, gauge cocks, &c., are in position. ‘The Narragansett measures 1,633 tons. She is sup- plied with 600 feet of hose, 110 buckets, fourteen axes, six boats, two of which are forward of the paddle boxes; 375 life preservers, bestowed in the passengers’ sleeping rooms, She has also a life saving apparatus. ‘he measures adapted against fire are quite good. The boilers are felicd and the spaces about them suilicient. Pumps, gauges, &c., are found as required. The independent steam fire and bilge pump is on the main deck, ‘The Chrystenah is 511 tons measurement, and travels between this port and Peekskill. She is provided with 400 feet of hose, thirty buckets, six axes, one life boat of metal and one of wood. She has also about 300 life preservers. Her certificate expired May 4, and at the tline was not repiaced by the new one. The boat was stowed away on the hurricane deck, lashed firmly, There were ho oars or thole pins in her and she was much encumbered by ropes and other materials, Boiler built in 1566; no water bot- tom. The steam chimney ts too near surrounding wood work but measurably well protected. ‘The gauges, &c., are in position. ‘The Thomas Powe!l measurcs 625 tons; trades be- tween this city and Catskill. Her certificate states she has 450 feet of hose, twenty-five buckets, five axes; two metallic boats and one wooden one, She has life preseryers in the peevonuers sleeping rooms, besides a number of cork life preservers extra. ‘Tite boats are not in such a way that they could be easily placed in the water. Her botlers were built in, 2857 and repaired in 1863. They are not felted, and the woodwork about them is, first, too close for safety, and secondly, it is not protected in any way. They have no water bottoms, and their backs, in the mat- ter of nearness to wood work and ash doors not properly secured, is very objectionable. 4 The Wyoming sails between here and New Ham- burg. Only carries a few passengers. The captain explained he had received his certificate from the inspector's office, although it had been down there nearly two weeks. There were two boats on the hurricane deck, with no apparatus for launching. The old certificat feet of hose, twenty fire buckets, five axes, one wood and one metallic boat and thirty life preservers. Her boiler was built in 1861, has no water bottom and uses a blower. Is deficient in an independent steam fire and bilge pump; no protection to woodwork; ash door insuiticiently secured; th general character of security against fire is bad; neglect of essential pro- visions everywhere observable. ‘The John L. Hasbrouck, measuring 477 tons, runs be- tween this city and Poughkeepsie. Sie has 4v0 feet of hose, twenty fire buckets, one metal and one wooden bout and 100 life preservers. One of the boats, the larger one, was placed on the hurricane deck in an inconvenient place for getting overvoard, and the other was a cranky litle affair that would bot be of much account in an emergency. Boiler batit in 1364, and partly felted; no water bottom; uses a blower to furnaces. The deck beams are too near the boiler, and the independent steam pump is deficient in size, The casing to the steam chimney is not pro- tected, and a load of freight, combustible in its char- acter, encumbers the deck. In the occurrence of fire the presence of this freight would be an obstruc- tion to the means necessary to be resorted to to ex- tinguish it. ‘The Herman Livingston is on the route between this port and Savannah. This vessel is $45 tons measurement. She is provided with 500 feet of hose; four Hfe boats, all of metal; 400 life preservers, which are placed in the (anne aa state rooms; fity-eight buckets and twelve axes. She is well provided for, and the precautionary measures taken to guard against accident are excellent. Her boilers were built in 1861, have water bottoms, but are not felted, There is space at the sides of the botlers sufficient for all purposes, yet the woodwork is not covere’ with any protection. In gaugecocks, gauges, steam, and an independent steam fire and biige pump the engine and boiler rooms are very well provided. ‘The Bienviile, of 1,436 tons, trades between this city and Havana. She is provided with 500 feet of hose, sixty-two fire buckets, twelve axes, six life boats afid i40 life preservers scattered through the aoowsea a berths, Four streams of water can be brought ito requisition to operate upon any part of the vessel within three minutes’ Ume, As on board the Herman Livingston the crew are regu- irilied for fre duty and are put through their ises any times during the Wip between the ports, Bollers built in 1867; not felted; they are removed froi ihe woodwork, which is sh i ye zing ye ypeny put on. Her independent ¥' hré aud bhge pump is of large size and quite a sibie, altho: below. The Emeline is lying up. and she is undergoing a get The Catharine Whiting idle at the pier. ‘The Miaii is also idle and has not been running for the last six weeks. The Utica is on the route between here and Cox- sackie. Carries ireigit aud passengers. She has two boats, one of which is on the upper deck, with no appliances for geitiug it overboard; the other was siung on davits on the lower deck, About thirty buckets were noticed on the upper deck. There was a good quantity of hose observ- able, pe omanuer iy Which loose hay WAT scaticfed had th¥oWn shot the deck, aud especially near the boiler, did not exhibit MUON cure- fulness. “The inspector’s certificate could not be seen. Her bolier, partly on déck, is not felted. The nearness of ‘(he woodwork to the sides, froui, top and back of it, and that without te least precaution of sheathing or any protection whatever, is daagerous. Loose Wood was scattered about near the boiler, and its combustion seemed to be invited, The Helen, a boat,of like character to that of the bm was not running. She ts in the hands of me- chanics. ‘The Ariel is laid up for repairs. The Northern Light is also off her usual route and is lying at the pier, The South America, trades between bere and Rio Janeiro, is also lying idle, submitting herself to a general overhauling. ‘The Hero is also on the “sick list,” and Is being re- The City of New London travels between this port and Norwich. She ts 1,203 tons in measurement, has 20.feet of hose, sixty-two fire buckets, twelve axes, four boats and 400 lie preservers, kept in the berths and state rooms of the Faeee= ped rhe general ap- pearance of the vessel betokens carefulness, Boiler was built in 1863; not felted; wood work not pro- tected, The back and top of botler are tov near the light Joiner work surrounding it. The same aa tion can be made against the position of the auxiilary boiler, situated on the guards; and fauit also can be found with the insufficient size of her steam pump. The City of New York is « boat of 1,692 tons mea- surement, and runs between this city and Norwich, Conn. She is provided with 600 feet of hose, eighty fire buckets, twelve axes, four life and thrde ower boats and 450 life preservers, kept in the state rooms and berths of those travelling on board. Two of the boats are situated forward of the paddle boxes and two others are stowed amidships. The fire buckets, too, the majority of them, are not easily accessibie, being placed away on the topmost deck. The hose is always ready to be er into requisition if re- quised. Boilers built in 1966; the woodwork is well sheathed. Her fire risk is fair. The Mary Powell runs to Rondout from this city. There was no certificate on board, the inspectors having taken It away for the purpose of supplying a new one in its stead. There was a good guantity of hose on about 600 feet, about sixteen fire buckets, and vai number of life preservers. | she oats on the upper deck and forward of $: wheel houses. Bot er on Mechanics are on board “al overhauling. not runuing and ilies the ;,no water bo! ling wood- work is fairly sheathed. The ash doors ‘are insur cently secured. General character of security eee zainet fire are better than some boats o: he oa but still might be improved with a limited outlay. ‘The Weistol satis between here and Bristol, R. 1., and is 2,.%2 tons by measurement. She has sv0 feet of hose, 1° buckews, twenty-four axes, ten life boats, 900 life preaé¥yers, Which até placed in the berths oi fe credited the vessel with ninety | hid Hi i i i t i are low, which increases her risk of fire ‘and navigation somemnale eens &c., are in abundance and all el uisite, The Vanderbilt, plying between this city and Albany and Troy, measures 1,042 tons, She has 630 feet of hose, forty-seven fire buckets, nine axes, two metallic life boais, and 236 life preservers kept in the different state rooms and berths. The inspector's certificate was not on board. Her bollers are not felted; thereis no sheathing to the woodwork sur- rounding thém, which has been scorched and burned by the heat of the boilers. The ash‘ doors are insuill- ciently secured, and her independent steam pump, if ison board, could not be seen, e Guiding Star, on the route between here and Aspinwall, is 2,506 tons by measurement. She is [reg ‘with 630 feet of hose, eighty-seven fire yuckets, seventeen axes, eight. life boats ana 800 life preservers. Four of the boats are forward and four aft the wheels. Boilers builtin 1864, partly felted, space at sides, but not sheathed, Her fire risk is fair, ‘The Crescent City, travelling between here and New Orleans, is 1,209 tons by measurement; has 410 feet of hose, fifty fire buckets, eleven axes, four me- tallic and two other boats, and eighty-four life pre- servers. Her boilers are felted, space at sides, but there are beams near the boilers which have no protection. Pumps, gauges, &c., are as called for. The Ashland is 761 tons by measurement and travels between here and Boston, sometimes going South. She has 250 feet hose, twenty fire buckets, five axes, oue life boat and twenty-five life preservers, ‘This vessel carries very few passengers. Boilers are not felted; space at sidea, The beains in front of the boiler are not protected, Independent steam fire and bilge pump in hold, ‘The San Jacinto: owing to first mate of this vessel not desiring to take upon himseif the responsibility of allowing the vessel to be inspected, it is impos- sible to speak of the manner in which she is eanipped. She is a sister vessel to the San Salvador, already reported. The Huntsville, sailing between here and Savannah, measures 825 tons. She has 400 feet of hose, thirty- nine fire buckets, eight axes, four life boats and flity life preservers, This vessel is about being laid up for repairs. ‘The Newport, sailing to Newport from this city, is 2,151 tons in measurement. She is provided with 675 feet of hose, 120 buckets, eighteen axes, seven life boats and 600 life preservers in the different passenger berths and state- rooms, Her boilers were built in 1865. They are not felted, neither is there sufficient protection to surrounding woodwork. Added to this, blowers to her furnaces are habituaily used. The security and | ny homme agamst fire of this vessel could be greatly improved, The Flag, running on the route between here and New Orleans, is 637 tons by measurement. She has 360 feet hose, thirty fire buckets, four boats, and eighty-two life preservers, She only carries a few assengers. Her boilers were built in 1863, There is a space at their sides, and although the woodwork is que well protected, some beams lack this essen- tual feature. Pumps, gauges, &c., are as claimed by her certificate. NEW YORK CITY. AN OrricIAL BapcE Lost.—The President of the Board of Councilmen has iost his gold badge of oMee. It disappeared on Friday evening, SuppeN DeEaTH.—A man named James Brown, for- merly living at No. 77 Centre street, died suddenly yesterday morning while suiering ina fit of apo- plexy. this the Cooper Institute, and nominated Bruce, cushier of the Citizens’ Bauk, for pre Boakp or Tax ComMisstoneRs.—The Comptroller, it is whispered around the City Hall, is about to change the political complexion of the Tax Com- missioners by appointing two well known Tammany Hall politicians to the Board, vice obnoxious gentie- men to be removed, Gas ExPLosion.—An explosion, caused by a leakage from the gaspipe, took place yesterday morning be- tween three and four o’clock, in the house No. 126 Crosby street. One of the boarders was badiy burned in the hands and face in consequence, He was taken to Bellevue Hospital. : DEATH FROM HEMORRHAGE.—About twelve o'clock yesterday a man named James Farrell, who was board- ing at No. 409 Second avenue, was seized with a vio- lent fit of coughing, causing a bleeding at the lungs, from the effects of which he died before’a doctor could be procured, FLOATING IN THE RIVER.—About six o'clock yes- terday morning the body of a boy, about nine years of was discovered floating in the North river, opposite pier No. 44. The hair was brown, and the body was dressed with a Kentucky jean shirt but- toned to the panis. Lost Persons.—On Saturday the Manager of the Lost Persons Department of the Central Office of Police (a department created about six months ago) reported to the Commissioners that since its organi- zation one hundred and eighty-seven persons had been reported lost within the Metropolitan district, of whom one hundred and ey ar had been re- covered, leaving twenty-two of whom no tidings whatever could be obtained. Ar THE MoRGUE.—There was yesterday brought to the Morgue, from pier 46 North river, the body of an unkuown man, aged about thirty-five years, and five feet ea inches high. The body, which was too much decomposed to be placed on the table, had on a brown sack coat, brown cloth vest, black cassimere pantaivons, white overshirt, red flannel uncersnirt, white cotton drawers, black silk mecktie, elastic gaiters and blue woollen socks, CRUSHED BY AN InoN WuEEL.—Theodore Frede- Tick, @ littie boy seven years old, while playing with @ number of other boys in and about a quantity of machinery which was in front of his residence, No. 9 First street, met with an accident which subsequently caused death. rte | the childish frolics of the children a large tron wheel in falling to the ground struck the child and crashed him in its fall. the injuries he received he has since died, Tue CABINETMAKERS ON STRIKE.—The German Cabinetmakers’ Society, numbering two thousand members, yesterday (Sunday) held a meeting in Grand street and decided to strike for imcrease of wages, which during the winter season have been reduced by the employers from ten to fifteen per cent; and in order to insure the co-operation of those not belonging to the society a mass meeting has been called, to be heid to-day at the Germania Assem- bly Rooms, IMPOUNDING DoGs.—The premium for impounding “curs of low degree” this summer will only be twenty-five cents per head. Bad news this for the poy eee! youtha who make Nero how! aod Cari yelp during the dog days, who find profit in captarii wandering “ friends o} * and conveying them to the official tanks providedsfor them. Henceforth only muscular gentiemen of eighteen years Qua ere. Will be permitted to beguile canines td the pound and to destruction, 4 A New CRuRcH.—The Catholics of the.city, in order that the churches St. Joseph and St. Columbo may be measurably relieved of the large congrega- tions which gather within their walls at every ser- vice, propose opening a church between them, to be From under the pastoral care of the present assistant of St. Peter's, Rev. Gabriel H. Healy. For this purpose a building has been purchased in Thirteenth street, near Tenth avenue, having a frontage of fifty fect and which is 108 feet in depth. This stractare will be immediately Ewes for dedication. It is in- tended to hold public worship in it sometime in June. SALE OF O11 PAINTINGS\—A handsome céliection of oil paintings was brought under the hammer last Saturday evening, at the Clinton Hall Art Gallery. The bidding for choice and favorite pictures was bd exciting. A “Winter Scene,” by Gignoux, fought $185, and a sketch by Darley was knocked down at $185, ‘“Toulssant and his Frienas,” ture which originally cost $1,200, only brought $330. Asmall oval by Hart was sold at $140. “The Cor valescent’’ was taken in charge for $330, while the “Vill Politician” after many efforts was finally sold at §175. A number of other paintings were sold which brought less prices. “Ppizen STUPF.”—It is ramored at police head qu ters thatthe Board of Excise Commissioners have prepared and are about to publish for the delectation of gentlemen who are pronc to “nails in thetr coffns,”” and also for the especial information of dispensers of seve dy izera”’ and ‘night caps,” &c., the constituents which enter into and make the com- pounds known bo coutreayas brandy, rum, gin, etc. It is further said that the re will advertise the name. number and street of each dealer in lager, wine and strong waters rally. There will be a fall inBourbon and @ deci objection to patent lager wien the Commissioners’ story is told. THe Mercantite Court.—This new court, for the adjustment by arbitration of disputes between mer- chants, held an adjourned meeting on Saturday at therooms in Wall street of a leading lawyer. An opinion on the constitutionality of the proposed ic- court of conciliation It was shown that ‘under the constitution of the State, the formal con. feat etiesae being ebtsinad. decisions and rul- and precedents in a court such asthe gentlemen to estanlan wera as binding as in ‘of those recognized by law within the j of State. It was stated at the meeting hare lace number of the most respon- sible mercantile houses in the city had intimated thelr desire to subscribe to the movement, so they believed both time and money and unnecessary liti- gation would be saved by the proposed tribunal. MBETEOROLOGICAL.—Another week of half and half; half spring and half winter weather. Atmos- pherio changes almost as rapid as the whims and fancies of coquette is the rule, so far in this me month of May. From the observations made at the park during the week it is shown that the barometer reached its maximum height of 30.110 at seven A. M. of the 4th, and attained its minimum depth at the same hour the morning of the 8th, the week mean being 29,8285. The thermometer exhibited its highest rane of 6latfour P.M. of the 4th, and its lowest at the same hour the morning of the 8th. The week mean Was 50.88. By the way of a change, there was rain on the 4th, Sth, 6th, 7th and 8th, the total dura- tion of which’ was thirty hours and twenty-five minutes. The night of the 7th was further dis- tinguished by slight thunder and very mild lightning. OvTWARD Bounp.—Quite a respectable number of steam vessels left this port on Saturday, bound for various foreign and home ports. The Bienville, Cap- tain Baker, with the United States matls, passengers and @ miscellaneous cargo, for Havana; the San Ja- cinto, for New Orleans, with passengers; the Cres- cent City and General Cromwell also sailed for the same port with passengers; the Champion and Vicksburg took on board passengers for Charleston; the Adriance sailed for Galveston, the Thames for Savannah, the Flag for Mobile, and the Henry Chauncey, with eght hundred passengers and a heavy cargo ereAiAe, saiied for California, The United at tee for Liverpool and Glasgow, took away 65 cabin and 74 steerage passengers. The City of Boston's passenger list footed up 81 cabin and 160 steerage passengers, together with a varied cargo and $800,000 in specie; and the Louisiana, for Liver- pool and Queenstown, took out 15 cabin and 42 steer- age passengers, along with an assorted cargo and $97,000 in specie. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THE Excise LAaw.—Au- gust Menken, of No. 613 Water street, and Thomas Feran, of No. 140 avenue ©, were yesterday brought before Judge Mansfleld at the Essex Market Police Court, charged with violation of the Excise law. They gave bail in $100 each to answer the acusation at the Court of General Sessions. ARRESTS ON SUSPICION OF BURGLARY.—Last Friday night the liquor store of Michael J. Cody, 142 Liberty street, was entered by burglars and robbed of a quantity of liquors valued at $500, with which the per- petrators escaped, Subsequently officer Hey, of the ‘Twenty-seventi precinct, arrested George Kutcher and Henry Schultz on suspicion of being the guilty parties, and yesterday Alderman Moore committed them for examination, ATTEMPTED RESCUE OF A LUNATIC FROM THE Lv- natic ASYLUM.—Two men, giving their names as George Bennett and James Stevens, were yesterday overhauled in the East river, having in a row boat an escaped lunatic from the lunatic asylum. The luna- tic, who said he had promised to give them $100 if they landed him im New York, was secured and taken’ back to lis old quarters and the two men were locked up for examination by Judge Kelly, of the Yorkville Police Court, CHARGE OF STaBBING AGAINsT A Boy.—John Dunn, @ bey thirteen years old, was yesterday ar- rested on a charge of stabbing John Kelly, of 424 East Tenth street, in the arm witha ‘knife, The accused says that Kelly ran against , he having knife open in his hand, and that the stabbing was accidental. Kelly swore, however, that it was inten- tional and Judge Mansfield, before whom the accused was taken, locked him up to await trial on the charge of felonious assault and battery. PERSONATING AN OFFICER AND ATTEMPTED BLACK- MAIL.—A man giving his name as Geoffrey Bell was yesterday brought before Judge Mansfield, at the Essex Market Police Court, charged with represent- ing himself to be a police detective, and on the rying to blac James C. Robin- n street, The complainant says that posed to arrest aim for being drank, t him of if he would give him his nd $5 in money. As he was not drunk at and not belicving the representations of the accused, he caused his arrest. The Judge com- mitted him for examination, LARCENY BY 4 WHITEWASHER.—On Saturday last Franklin Curtis, a colored man, was employed to whitewash some rooms in the house of Mr. Wm. H. Fowler, No. 13 Charles street, and on being left alone he seized upon a coat valued at $60, belonging to Mr. Fowler, and left the house with it. by Ellen O'Keefe to go away with a bundle in his possession, Curtis was pursued and subsequently arrested by officer Cole, of the Fifth precinct. Yes- terday morning the prisoner was arraigned before Alderman Moore and committed to the Tombs for trial. Curtis is ‘twenty years of age, a-native of Georgia and a barber by occupation, The siolen coat Was not recovered, AN ALLEGED HOTEL SWINDLER.—Yesterday mora- ing Samuel Spero, a man thirty-five years of age pretending to live at No. 87 Warren street, was brought before Alderman Moore at the Tombs by OMcer Pigott, of the Fourteenth preciact, on the charge of Meta | the Hotel act by swindling the Metropolitan Hotel out of two days’ board. Having remained as long as he thought it safe to do, Spero took his departure without paying his bill but subsequently returned with a pair of green goggles or glasses of immense pro- portions and attempted to register under a different name than that given at first. Contrary to his expectations, however, Spero was recognized and invited oat by detective Porter, attached to the hotei, and escorted to the Spring street police sta- tion. The liver of free board and lodging is now dieting on prime fare at the marble hall in Cenire street, CORONER'S INQUEST. The Death of Mrs. Sherman—Her Husband Held for Marder. During the investigation yesterday before Coroner Flynn in the case of Mrs. Mary Sherman, who was found lying dead on the floor of her room, in the house 67 James street, the case assumed a more serious aspect, and the evidence elicited bears strongly against John Sherman, the husband of de- ceased, the jury believing him guilty of causing her death. Dr. Knox, who concluded his post mortem examination, found injuries about the head sufi- cient, in his opinion, to produce a fatal result, Below will be found a copy of the most important evidence elicited and the verdict of the jury:— Eliza O’Brien, being duly sworn, says—tI live at No. 67 James street; between six and seven o'clock on Friday evening I happened to go into the bed- room which adjoins the room of deceased, when I heard her exclaim, “Don’t murder me, John; I heard no noise Ull eleven or twelve o'clock at night, when the policeman came to our room; I went into the room and saw lier there; | n¢ver saw the man Sgt know of and never spoke to tie womai, janes Sie ag vor says—I an man attadl ie Fowth precincy pion ay the pivot May, belieen tan and eleven o'clock dt night, was duty in mes street, the — pris. oner, John Sherman, me to me and said be wanted me; I asked him what was the matter, and he said there was an accident up stairs; 1 asked him what, it was and he said his wife was either dead or dying, I don’t remember which; I went to the room Witt ni i ked at the woman and saw that she was dead; I fold flit he should come to the station hongé with me and make @ statement; I brought him to the station house apd the Captain ordered me to take him back to the house and see what information I could get from the fengots ip ie house; 1 did so, and when [ awoke Mrs. rie she told me about the quarreil ; 1 then brought him to the station house, where “he was locked up and the Coroner was notificd in the morning; when I was in his room he told me that he was at his door twice and could not get in, and the third time he tried the door was unlocked and he found her lying on the bed on the floor with a shawl over her head. Thomas C. Knox, M. D., being duly sworn, deposes and says—I have mace a post mortem examination of the body of Mary Sherman, assisted by Dr. J. C. Morton; the abdomenal cavity was examined and the kidneys were found to -be somewhat nilar; the liver was in an advanced stage of fatty Segenerstion; the stomach was very much thickened, apparently the result of ge ag an drinking; in the chest the organs were all healthy; on examining the exiernul aspect of the brow a scalp wound was discov- ered one fuch in length over the right parietal, and midway between the parietal suture and over and on a line between the two cars inflicted, evidently by # blunt instrument; a contused wound was found over the frontal bone one inch above leit occipital ridge; a penetrating wound, similar in shape, was found at the outer angle of the left eye; the left side of the face was considerably brulsed; blood was ex- travasated beneath each of the scalp wounds; on examining the calvarium about five ounces of clot- ted blood were found on the surface of the left hemis- phere of the cerebruia; the surface of the brain was much congested; in my opinion the cause of death was the extravasation of blood within the skull, the result of injury. Coroner ae then submitted the case to the jury, who rend the following verdict:—“That Mary Sherman, the deceased, came to her death from injuries received at the hands of her husbaud, John Sherman, on the 8th day of May, 1468."’ The prisoner Wag thereupon committed to the Tombs to await the action of the Grand Jury. He is @ laborer, thirty-eight years of age, born in Ire- land and pleads not guilty to causing the death of his wife, Deceased was thirty-three yeurs of age aud @ native of ireland. rol- He was seen“ MEXICO, Number and Character of the Population of Mexice—Valuable Facts and Statistics. VeRa Cruz, March 20, 1868, Ipropose in this communication to consider the number and character of the poputation of Mexico. Of the former it is diMcuit to speak with certainty as no census has been taken for seventy-five years. ‘The last was in 1793, under the Viceroy Revillagigedo. It returned the population at 4,483,529. This has been considered by some—and among others Baron Humbo!dt—as too low, for the reason that the heads of families always gave a smaller number than the real one in orderto avoid an increase of their taxes, While this may be correct enough, it was undoubt- edly t by a corresponding desire of the Spanish tax gatherers to avoid any decrease in their collec- tions, and the number may therefore be set down as approximately eorrect. However, for the reason mentioned, Humroldt took the liberty of increasing the population in the year mentioned to 5,200,000, and computing, according to rules laid down by European statistical writers, set it down In 1803 at 5,764,731. In the year 1810, in which the war of independence commenced, what is styled a census was made out by Fernando Navarro y Noriega. It was compiled from the census of 1793, from the compilations of Humbolt and from the returns of nf@itary command- ants in the departments, necessarily imperfect and unreliable, According to this the population was di- vided as follows:—Spaniards, 1,097,928; Indians, 3,676,281; mixed blood, 1,338,706; monks, priests and nuns, 9,439, Total, 6,122,354. In more modern times a variety of calculations and estimates have been made, all based upon the census of 1793 and the rules applicable to european popula- tion, the authors seemingly ignoring the fact that these rules are either in no case applicable to Mexico or have been so modified by peculiar circumstances as to be entirely useless in arriving at any correct conclusion. Most of these place the population at between eight and nine millions, A manual pub- lished in Paris in 1860 gives the population of the va- rious States for 1858, the total being 8,247,660, Mexi- can writers in treating of the subject oar in- sist that the population is on the increase, and fur- nish extreme.y plausible theories and few statistics to demonstrate the fact. Notwithstanding all this— which may be regarded as the sum of the evidence in favor of the increased population of Mexico—I think it can be shown to the satisfaction of all anprejudiced minds that the population of Mexico has increased but little, if any, since 1793, and in placing it to-day ‘ab 5,000,000 all is yielded to her to which she is en- titled, Assuming‘that the census of 1793 was cor- rect, I proceed to consider the reasons for the non- increase and the evidences of it. In that material prosperity which in nations is al- most Che spe from increase of population, Mexico has bee: her decadence since the commencement of the war of independence in 1810. Her mines have not produced as much as before, and her manufac- tures have fallen considerably below. Her com- merce, after having undergone a number of spas- modic fluctuations, has ceased to exist. In her agri- cultural and pastoral pursuits the same downward tendency is manifested. In a journey through the country, everywhere is pointed out to the traveller ruined haciendas in the midst of a waste of chap- parai and cactus, which in “the days ot the Spani- ards” overlooked broad fields teeming with the pro- ducts of almost every clime, cultivated by hundreds and thousands of Indians now scattered and dead, the victims of revolutions, wars and pestilence—or abandoned ranches, where once dwelt vaqueros who herded “the cattle on @ thousand hills,” now, with their charges, perished from out of the land. Again, the reduction in the area of territory is of much importance in the consideration of ‘this question. The Kingdom of New Spain, as it was called in 1810, has been reduced to the republic of Mexico, with the loss of Texas, California and the valley of the Mesilla. ‘The country has several times suffered from sever estiience, which has carried off the poor popula- jon. preparea to resist its approach. thousands. The cholera has three times swept over the country with an effect peculiarly fatal to the lower classes on account of their habits and mode of life. Other causes operating against the natural in- crease of the Mexican population may be found in the custom, for years past and at present existing, of forcing people iiito the army, and in the expenses for so long a time thrown around legitimate mar- riage by the Church, both of which have tended to produce a condition of aifairs too revolting to men- tion, and to the highest extent inimical to an increase of population, ‘he success of the war of independence was fol- lowed by the expulsion of the Spaniards, which had a material eifect in decreasing the number of people in the country. But more than aught else has Mexico suffered in hér population from the wars which have continued almost without interruption since 1510, The war of independence was especiaily fatal to the native population. In severai localities the people were entirely destroyed, while the hordes of Indians who contended with the Spaniards, ignorant of the use of firearms, were butchered by thousands, The civil wars which have followed, the war with the United States and the French intervention have cost a fearfal number of human lives. In the northern departments the population has suffered greatiy from the incursions of the Coman- ches and Apaches, and where once were numerous villages aud cultivated fields is now but a desert waste. Nor has Mexico derived bea! advantage from foreign immigration. Before the independence by the laws of the Indies emigrants from other coui- tries than Spain were not allowed in the country, and many of the Spaniards came hither to remain but temporarily, and, in the caseof the officials, were prevented from marrying here, and therefore but comparatively little advantage was derived from them in increasing the population, Since the mde- pendence the country has received but little addi- tional population from immigration. Although nominally a free republic, the intolerance of the clergy and the continued condition of civil war have revented European emigrants from making Mexico heir home as under other circumstances they would be likely to do in preference to the very inhospitable climes further north. It was estimated, prior to the French intervention, that there were not more than 12,000 foreigners in the country. Of these at least one-half were Span- iards, The French numbered the largest after the Spaniards, and the Germans next. The English and Americans did not exceed one thousand. The rela- tive numbers have materially changed and the total become much less since the intervention, owing to causes too well known to need repetition here. Con- sidering the vartous facts thus enumerated, serious doubts mnay be entertained if the republic of Mexico has within her limits 4 greater population than had New Spain in 1793, and with al! possible respect for European statisticians making calculations on bases entirely inapplicable to Mexico, and to patriotic Mexican writers, it is safe to conclude that 6,000,000 will make up the full measure of the population, In these considerations I have left out of view those—by many thought to be—fanciful notions which see in the native Mexicans one of those primitive races which, in accordance with some great law, unknown save by its effects, is destined to extinction, and which finds some confirmation in considering the immense population contained in Mexico at the time of the conquest, now dwindled down toa very shadow of their former greatness. As an example may be men- tioned the republic of Slaxcala, which in 1619 sent 150,000 warriors to the field, gnd in 1703 numbered within its territorial limfts 59,000 souls. Again, the city of Mexico im 1619 had a population of 350,000 and in 1793 but 112,926, or less than one-third of its ancient numper. Of the present population one half are pure Indians, nothing advanced in material, intellect or social progress since the conquest. In many places they are in the same condition, retaining their primitive language and habits. They are a simple, infoitensive people, humble and superstitious, devoid of enter- rise or aiubition, laboring hard, in thelr own pecu- iar manuer, for ascanty subsistence, with little or no more idea of the soyyrpmyent or thefr relations to It the donkey which forms their ooly beast of raéh and Inkeparable companion. hey add nothing to the wealth of (he coun) producing litte or nothing a ove thelr own pe:sonal wants when not forced to w for others, and then they etter, owing to tlhe system of ex and oppression common 'o the possessors of large eatates. The balance of the opus lation consists of the mixed blood and the few pure descendants. — These call themselves the gentes de reson, the people of intelligence, in cohtra- distinction tg the Indians, Whom they look upon as ffs aud slaves, save ih the numerous ‘plans’? “eonstitutions” patriotic proclamations, in ch they are called “citizens” and spoken of witt consideration, Of the gentes de razon it may | they have inherited ali the vices from all the rom which they have sprung. ‘Their “intelli- ’* has caused all the revolutions in the country, making Mexico a land of graves. It has filled the highways with robbers, placed weak and designing men at the head of affairs, murdered those who e displayed any marked ability, fostered an tn- tolerant, ignorant apd debased clergy; kept out foreign lavor and intelligence, ran the country into an inextricable debt, alienated from it the good will of the nations of the earth and left Mexico a bank- rupt outlaw, Mexico of whom it has been truthfully sail “God lias done so muca for no other nation." ‘The foreign population are exclusively engaged in commerce or in the few great enterprises which Jealousy of foreigners has permitted in the country. re anxious only for the accurnulation of money, is immediately sent out to be enjoyed clse- where. They exert tio tnfluence in the country. Such are the number and character of the popula- tion upon which, if left to lerself, the future of Mexico depends, The Fandamental Laws of MexicomThe Var Flows Actny Constitutions, Plins and Pro- nunclamentos Since the Independence. Vera Cruz, April 99, 1468. A8 Mexico in proportion to the time of her na- tional existence has been favored with a greater number of rulers than any other country, so—though for the most part possessing a republican forin of gov- ernment—has she been blessed with agreater number and variety of constitutions or fundamental laws. The two more prominent of these have represented the federal and the central systems, and though other and more immediate causes have entered Into the contests which bave so long continued within her borders, yet the antagonism between these two has Jain at the base of all, Ina previous communica- tion, for the purpose of enabling the readers of the HERALD to form a better idea of the demoralization in the matter of allegiance to law and government which exists in the country, I sketched the various changes of administration since (he establishment of its national independence, With the same end in view 1 now propose briefy to recapitulate these fundamental laws, known as “acts,” “ stitutions’? and “plans."” The revolt against Spanish authority, which broke out in 1810 at Dolores of Guanajuato, headed by the priest Miguel Hidalgo, was, after a series of conflicts, suppressed and its leader, betrayed by Bustamente, one of his own officers, was captured near Saltillo, in the State of Coahuila, and on the 27th of July, 1811, Was shot to death, Following this, General Vicente Guerrero, chief of the insurgent party, with Colonel Montes de Oca and Alvarez, retired to the southern frontier of the State of Mexico and there kept up the fires of revolution until 1820, At this time the Vice- roy, the Conde del Fenadito, appointed Colonel Augustin de Yurbide eerie rayne the South and the District of Acapulco, He left the capital on the 16th of November, 1820, and soon after established friendly relations with General Guerrero. On the 1sth of February, 1821, they met at the Hacienda de Mazatlan and agreed to proclaim the independence of Mexico. On the 24th Yturbide issued his famous proclamation known as the “Plan of Iguala,” This provided for the protection and pre- servation of the holy Catholic religion, for the inti- mate union of Europeans and Creoles and for the independence of Mexico, In pursuing the course he did Yturbide was un- doubtedly instigated and supported by the clergy, who desired to perpetuate erpaile rule aud to pro- vide a refuge for the King from the persecution of the Cortez, and in consequence, with seeming mode- ration, the Rian declared that the form of govern- ment should be a limited monarchy, and ottered the crown first to Ferdinand VII. and then to the other members of his family in regular succession, It provided for the protection of the persons and property of the citizens and for the preservation of the ge ges and Immunities of the secular and regular c] All the inhabitants of New Spain, without distinction, Europeans, Africans and Indians, with their descendants, were deciared to be citizens and eligible to all offices according to their merits. The independence was recognized by the treaty of Cordova on the 24th of August, 1521, a new Captain General, Juan O’Donoju, who had been sent out by Spain, representing the mother country. The independent army entered Mexico on the 27th of September, and on the following day the Junta Gubernativa, created by Yturbide, decreed and pub- shed the act of independence, . The first Cor 83 assembied on the 24th of Febr ary, 1822, Previously to their installation they were assembled in the cathedral, and were there com- pelled to bind themselves by oaths to adhere to the plan of Iguala. Subsequently they voluntarily sane: tioned that plan by @ unanimous vote in- favor each separate article. This body, instigated by arrison and citizens of Mexico, afterwards de y turbide Emperor, and he was proclaimed May, 1822. On the 31st October Yturbide de dissolution of Congress, and enacted tiv Nacional Instituyente.” On the 2d of Nove body issued what ts known as the * Bases Or de la Instituyente.”” Meanwhile General Santa Anna, commandant’ Vera Cruz, proclaimed the reinstallati: and on the 6th of December Gene cree Known as the * Plan of Vera (1 an amicable arrangement was entered into berwe m of bide, who had assembled the Congress on t March, sent in his abdication, He was ordered to leave the country a3 soon as possib On the 4th of October, 1824, the first fe stitution was published. It continued in force for eleven years, during which time were at the head of the natlon Victoria, Guerrero, Bustamente, Muzquiz, Pedraza, Santa Anna, Gomez, Farias, Barragan apd Corro, By this constitution the Mexican nation, composed of the provinces comprehended within the territory of the viceroyaity of New 8 the Captainey General of Yucatan and the internal pro- vinces, eee for its government the form of a representative, popular federal republic. The States of the federation were declared to be—Chiapas, Guanajuato; Interior Western provinces comprising Stnaloa and both Californias; interior Northern provinces comprising Chihuahua, Nueva Leon, Texas and New St. Andres, M cl ca, Puebla de los Al oon | 3 Tabasco, Vera Cruz, Jailsco, Yucatan and Za "a3. On the dist of May, 1835, Santa Anna dissolved the Congress, and on the 15th of December a new con- stitution was published. This established the central system and under it Bustamente, Santa Anna, Bravo and Echavarrl were Presidents, On the 20th of December, 1836, was published “the constitutional laws of Congress,” declaratory and additional to the constitution of 1835. On the 10th of October, 1841, Santa Anna again became President, with almost un- limited power, under an arrangement published on the 28th September, 1841, Known as the ‘Bases de Tucubaya.” On the 11th of December, 1842, was pro- claimed the plan of Huexotaluco, by which Congress was dissolved and a reunion of the “Junta de Nota- bles” decreed. On the 13th of June, 1843, was pub- lished the “Bases de Organizacion de Publica,” made by the Junta. Under this arrangement Congress as- sembled on the Ist of January, 1544. On the Ist of November following Santa Anna marched to put down a rebeliton, leaving as President ad interim General Canalizo. On the 6th of December the people and garrison of Mexico put down this government, and the Congress which assembled on the 17th de- osed Santa Anna and ordered him out of the couu- ry. On the ldth of December General Paredes, at the head of his troops, proclaimed the “pian of San Luis,” which was adopted on the 2d of January, 1846, bi Fe garrison of Mexico, On the 20th of May the “plan of Guadalajara” was issued by the army of that State. This decreed the overthrow of Paredes, On the 4th of August following General Salas join- ing the movement, issued the “plan de la Cludadela,”” which terminated Paredes’ administration. On tle 26th of December a new Congress assembled and Santa Anna was re-elected President. On thie 2lst of May, 1847, the “Acta Constitutiva y de Reforma” was published. The country was ruled under this until 1852, On the 13th of September of that year the army of Jalisco pronounced inst: Arisia, then dent, and the “Pian de Jalisco” was issued, Arista gave up the heroes co to Cevallos, who dissolved Congress on the 19th of January, 1853. On the 4th of February Colonel Robies, a government ofticer, joined Uraza, chief of the army of Jalisco, and by them was issued the “Pacto ‘de Arroyozasco.” ‘Lombardinég was then elected Provisional President, with unlimited powers, until the return of Santa Anna, who arrived on the 1ith of March, On the 22d of that mouth Santa Anna published the “Bases de Administracion,” and continued to govern at his own will, On the 1st of March, 1854, Colonel! Villarsai prociaim the “Pian de Ayutia,” wiich pronounced it Anna. On the 1th of the same month the ‘as adopted, h amendments, in the city ol apuico, This revolution spread turoughout the who'e country, and Santa Anna was obliged to leave, which he did on the 16th of August. On the sth the garrison of Mexico adopted the plan and named Carrera Pro- visional President. On the 4th of October Alvarez was declared President ad ierim, On the 8th of De- cembe: 55, he named Comontort his substitute, who, on the f May, 1856, published the “stado Or- ganico isional,”” which continued in force untit the publication of the federal constitution on the bt. of February, 1557. On the Lith of December of that year General Zaloaga, at the head of his troops in ‘Tacabaya, issued a new plan, which was accepted by Cononfort, On the Lith df January, 1858, the pian of Zacub: Was revised by Parra and other oficers in the citadel of Mexico, Comonfort was deposed and appointed President, Meanwhile Don Benito President of the Supreme Court, A thereof, under the constitution of 1 dent, fled to Gua‘ ; ; the army of Zuloaga, he Axed his residence in Ve Cruz, and in 1859 .ssied “The Laws of Reform.” A civil war was continued until 1860, when the conti- tution of 1857 wes agatn enforced on the nation, | In despite of the continued efforts of its oppo he reactionists, It remained in force until the occupa: tion of the Country by the French, followed by 7: Jamation of the empire wader Maximilian in Following the withdrawal of the French and the capture of the imperial army at Querdaro. it Senin acquired the ascendant aut now remains the funda- Mental law of the land, though its provisions are constantly violated both by the national aad State rulers, by virtue of “extraordinary faculties, either assumed or delegated to them by pliant legis- ee pe seen, I have made no pretence toa sketety even of these various plans anc constitutions, my t imply to give alist of then and the e circumstances under which the changes | Wore mate. The “plans,” so called, were for the most part In the interest of some chieftain or meas- ure and embodied the leading features of either the federal or central systems, a8 best suited tho ideas of | rojectors. a eh the empire of Maximilian, these fanda- mental laws number twenty-eight, which have been ai diferent times in force since the national inde- pendence established in Léak. A MISSIONARY SENT TO JAIL.—B. 8, Snyder, front somewhere inthe State of New York, was brought before the Mayor yesterday to answer for (respass- ing on (he premises of the Kev. Nathaniel Volver, Snyder has been haranguing negroes on the Capitol equare on @ new millennium and a new systein of religion, or something of that kind. Mr, Colver Snyder Came to lita house, was boisterous and nolsy, and when he talked about putting him out Snyder intimated to Mr. Colver tat he was as strong @ nan as he was and didn’t intend to apy out. A police. man was sent for and Snyder le! He returned to th noisy and abusive. A co war Cate took him in charge. yers in a Ae; osite Mr. Colver’s. The police reevot hry vratd Ne og 30, ive! said he $ sped Suse somevrlere. He waited in the station faa had esexped from ama i ‘aa becn lying alnong negroes ever since he can M8 ee rte nent tut to fall. He offered to i him zo on batl for i118 good beliavior, but Snyder lie was accordingly ond Enquirer, May % \ ferred to go to ja | under (he wiih, dicit wa