The New York Herald Newspaper, September 16, 1869, Page 4

4 HUMB OLD T. The Centenary Memorial of His Birth— Thres Continents Join in the Fes- tavities—A Biographical Sketch of the New Aristoteles—His Importance in the Pro- gress of Science—Pro- gramme of the Fes- | tivities To-Day. Humbolut ! Three continents were the se@yes of his labors—three continents celebrate his memory; three continents delight ia tis tame! The oldest, “whe cradle of peopies,” Asia, and the youngest, the mother of modern repuvilics, Aluerica, jom hands across the continent of Europe to do honor to the man whose giant iniud comprehended the secrets of creation and shaped vague sappositions inte formes of scientilic certainty, itis to-day, Tuesday, the Lith day of September 1869, one hundred years since, at Berlin, th Prussia, Alexander von Humbotdt first saw the light otday, It was a remarkable year that year of grace | 1769, It gave birth to three men whose names are graven in linperishable letters upon the pages of ws tory, and whose lives 'e (heir impress upon tue pro- gress of mankind, One changed tic poittical condition of a continent, Convuised uations, deiaroned kings and fell at last under the 5 uedy biows of the other, born with him in the same year and on an island also—the first, Napoie on, on Corsica; the otner, Wel- Hington, on the British Isic. The third, however, who was ushered tato the life at almost the same tume, on the banks of tue river Spree, at Berlin, is the greatest of them ail. He gave fuil proof to the rule that “peace hath her victories no less than war;” nay, that the victories of peace, of science, of mind over matter, are nore renowned, more last- ing, more fruitful of penign resuits than those won on bloody batile’s death-stained fleid, The British remember the “Irou Duke” as a military chieftain, the conqueror of the “Corsican Usurper,” and rigut- Tally claim him as pecuiiariy an English hero. No other nation shares with taem in his fame. The French celebrate tue day that one hundred years ago gave them their Napoleon, the hero of a hun- dred battles, tue conqveror of Europe, and no other nation shares with the.n in his fame, The third of the great men of that year stands in no euch narrow, limited relation to his nationality, Though a German, and haying his home in a German city, the Germans cannot claim him as the pride exclusively of their fatherland. Humopoldt, as he was in his writings, so he isin his fame—cosmopolitan, the pride of the whole world. With full appreciation of this, the French Academy of Sciences, commemorating the death of Humboldt ia 1859, 0 la grand medal! to be struck and distribated among ali the instiiutes of learning in every jaud, which oa the reverse bears the iuscripuon, “Ihe Greatest Savantof His Cen. tury” and “Tue Founder of the Sc’ ace of the Physic of the Globe; and on the obverse, underneath the bust of Humboldt, are the words, “The new Aristo- leies."" The importance of Humboldt to the world of science could not have been described in better terms. “Les, What Aristoleles was to the world of old, Hurmboldt became to the world of his day—the central point of ali Knowleege of nature of the past, the starting point of sew truiiul knowledge for succeeding centuries.” Thus speaks a Ger- man writer, Professor Otto Ule, in his late work on Humboldt, and it is pot a mere figure of speech, but the whole truth, and, cbarac- terizing the great deceased more minutely, he con- tinues:—"‘He was @ world reformer, who not only opened to inquiry whole new fields, who not only induenced a ciange of the principles of research, but whose powerful mind also intiuenced a change rd | wishes. | Some time with his brother Wilhelm and with Goethe structive. The consequence was that, feeling the want of still further instruction, he went to Ham- burg upon his return from England in 1790, and heard lectures on movetary and business macters at the Commercial Coliege. "In 1701 he entered the Mining Academy at Freiberg and studied miner- alogy. The year following, being then just it twenty-two years, he was called to Beriin and re- ceived an appointment in the Mining Bureau, and was quickly promoted to the responsible ition of Oniet Director of Mining in the Franco! print: palities, About this time began his literary career, Already in 1790 he published anonymously a small treatise ou “Che Basalts on the Khine,” and even while at Hamburg and at Freibreg he contributed numerous essays to magazines and journals on a variety of Subjects, the wide range of his information being especially remarkable, including miniog, minera!- ogy, geology, butany and chemistry, in the year r he wrote his experiments toucning the excita- bully of plants, thei¢ process of respiration, au- tition, their colors and scent, Galvani's celebrated discovery was made known to Humboldt 1 1792, aud he at once entered upon a series of experiments, even trying the influence of the guivanic fuid upon bis own body. His work on the irritability of the muscle and nerve, published in 1797, created a seu- sation, and luis theory was verified Mity years later by Dubois-Reymend, His mother died in 1796. So long aa she lived he would not eater upoa the plan of nis travels; now, aiter Aer death, be conciuded at once to realize his He resigned his ofice, and, aiter spending od Sebuler, at Jena, atiending, at Berlin, tw the sstribauien of the estate lefe by his motuer, and seliing his part of it at once to raise money for nis travels, [ualy Was the first country to be explored, Wut delay eusued, The triumphant career of Bona- parte in Italy, in 1796, coanged .ue political status of the country, and the spring of 1797 found the victo- rious geveral on his way to Vienna. An armistice Was agreed on, but the movements of troops conti ued, ‘This was no time for scientific expiora- tions in the midst of warring armies, aud the trip to italy was given up. Ale. ander spent the following winter at Sai byburg, 1n Som psny with Leopo.d von Buch. It was bere Laat investigation led Humooldt to change his views of the crust of the earth, and [rom @ Nep- tunist he become a Plutonist. While here he made arrangements with Lord Bristol to explore the Nile, Humboldt hurried to Paris to purchase the necessary instruments, and Lord Bristol walied his return at Milan, where the plan was suddouly disarr: by Napoleon's invasion of Egypt and the arrest of Lord Bristoi by the French in Milan, But the trip to Paris was destined to bear import- ant results. ‘The French Museum was organizing an expedition to explore the southern half Of the globe, Captain Baudin was tocomumand and Michaux and Boupland were attached to it a8 naturalists, Humboidt obtained the permission of the Directory to accompany the expedition, and he at once set to work making all hecessary preparations. He prevatled upon his brotner Wihelm ty take to the study of the Ameri- cau aboriginal languages, and be himself made ex- periments, aided by Gay Lussac, in order to ascertain tne true composition of the eartu’s atmosphere, Bat again came disappointment. A new coalition was forined against republican France, the govern- ment needed ali the money to prepare for war, and tue expedition of Captain Baudin was postponed for- ever. Hie then prepared to jom a French acientific expe- dition to Egypt, but just on the point of starung news Came Ol the battle of Abukir, which destroyed the Freuch fleet and cut off all communication be- tween France and Egypt. Al Marseiies the Swedish Consul Skioldebrand Was awaiting the arrival o1 a Swedish vessel-ol-war to lake him to Algiers, and he odered Humboidt and Boupiand passage. ‘Tne offer was accepted, and it was tntended to explore the Atlas range of’ moun- tains up to tne line of evernal snow in Morocco. Fully two months they waited for the suip and it did not come, a3 it Was compeiled to rua into Cadiz tor repairs. Not despairing, the two traveliers chartered @ smal! vessel to take them to Tunis, but just on the point of embarking news reacned them ulat the Bey oi Tunis was persecuting the Frencu and imprison- ing all persons arriving irom France. hus again their plan was foiled. What was to be done? Humboldt at once con- ceived the plan, to which Bonpiaud assented, to try their fortanes in Spain, and tuituer they went early in 1799, ‘They travelled slowly, Bonpiand making botanical collections and Humboldt engaging in meteorological, Maguetical, astronomical aod baro- metricai observations. At last they reached Madrid, and bere, through the invercession of the Minister of Saxony, Baron Foreil, and the Cnief of the Spanish Cabinet, Mariano Luis de Urquijo, they received tae royal perm.3sinon to visit the Spanish-American 02i0- mies and traverse them withoué hindrauce, In May Humboldt and his companion were at Corunna, from wheuce & vessel was to take them to Havana, but the foe that had relentlessly persecuted him for years was again at work—unavoidable delay. he English blockaded the harbor and no vessel could leave. At last,on the Sth of June, 17:9, at two o'clock in the afternoon, taking advan ofa heavy fog, the corvette Pizarro weighed ancuor and in the views of mauktd of the world around them. What great resuits he achieved for science, how he passed over ail the fleids of nature to the deepest depths of the sea, through the boundless realms of the heavens, how, while regulating the disordered chaos of individual experieuces of others before or coeval with hun, he wade Known the cntire life of the earth aud led tle natural sciences into” new channels, unknown heretofore, which the Greck natural philosophers never dreamed of im their ideahstic wanderiags— all this is noted im the annals of science. But no pen can describe what Uuavoldt has done for the spirit of mankind. From him proceeded a new view of the world. Ashe taught to apprehend the spirit under the tae cover of puysical phenomena, as he taught to appreciate nature in the unity of her forces and laws, &@ varmouious, living whole, and explained by means of the opened book of life the stuall and the isuated by appiying the laws of tie whole and the great, he Wrongat a change In the views aud tendencies of men which made him a re- former of the world.” This is certainly trae; for Humboldt elevated the scieuce of nature to be the Tancament of moral development. the means of spiritual liberation of tne people. Standing thas on the pinuacie of science, cosmopolitan in his influence and in fame, it 8 but just tbat the peopie of this city do ionor to his memory. Pre- liminary to the commemorative festiviues which to-day, we oiler to the readers of the he following sketch of the great man’s life, essurily briei, lor to write of Humboldt a Wit a proper cetail of his 1L:portance to acience and to Maukibd, Would require the hand of @ masier and the study of a lifetin BIOGRAVHIVAL SKSTC Atexander, or rather Friedrco bi h Alexan- der von Humboldt, was bora at Ber! the capital of Prussia, on tie ist of mber, 1769. His father was Ba ou Ale on Humboldt, Major in 4 Prussian seziment o. dragoons, Adjutant » of the Duke Ferdiaaud of Brunswick, aad specially honored with the couflaence of King Frederick the Great, who appomed bi Snamberlain of the royal nouseuu attach vo the Princess of Prussia. The iwother of the subject of our sketch was also oO noble family, being & cousin of the Prine a Baroucss Holwede. lt was alter tie close : 1 :ears’ War that Baron Humboldt resided paruy at Poise At the former piace, on the first son was bor Wine’ the fleld of ethuvgr were exceeding.) vu wider range oi his bro ‘Yheir father owned a deugntini suminer resid on the r Havel, which, opposice tue Lite caste, widens into almost a lake. liele (ie two boy t most of the time. ‘The place was mes fuuly stiuatea and quite an attraction, so t Goethe came to Berlin in 1778 with the Las he visited Tegel a8 an object words aw the two year old Alexander and b him; and lacer, when (iu filled the world, he visitea recounted amid d qui des und the lateer G the p and prattie of ‘the boy Ale. PL 1D 8 ling clothes, in 1775, V gut and Alexander | years of age, Jowcuim c ic, an ant | Of repute and chaplain iu the 100 Aree, nelected for ther teu hick had its tn sive knowledge of lang uag i nence upon the mind of Wilueim and iatd the founducon for Mis subsequent Havuisiic execlience. Campe Was an en liusiastic fol ower of Jean Jacques Kous- seau and of the fdeas expressed in his “Emile,” which at the time creaied qieat excitement througn- ous Europe aud was warmiy adopted by several promipent pedagogucs of Germeaoy, Campe was selected for teacher by Muaholdt's parents specialiy on account of his adhesion to Rousseau’s reform ideas. But he remained in that position only one year, and he was su ied by Curistian Kuath, who continued as teacher of tue boys until they entered college. Alexauder, when oaly eleven years of a Was already somewhat of @ botanist and geolog gathered specimens 0; rare piants, made a geological coliection, and passed lis jesure hours with phy- gical and cheuiical experiments. None of that pride of nobility Which characterized the times was in him, and thougt but a boy be often expressed his wish of becoming @ useful cilizen. Anuncie, a royal chamberiain, once chided him with bis love for herbs and chemicals, aud ‘ed him whether he would become @ druggist ather @ druggist,’ auswered Alexander, “than a chamberlain,” Major von Humboldt died in 177%, and the boys were jeft under the care of tleir mother, one of the most intellectual and best educated women of her day, and of their teacher, Christian Kunth. tn 1783 they were transferred to Beriln, where ovher teach- ers were engaged to instruct them tn philosophy, jurisprudence, ancient languages, &c. in 1786 the two brothers, still under the super- vision of Kunth, went to Frankfori-on- the-Oder, where they attended college for two years. From here they were transferred to the University at Goettingen, where three of the foremost 1uen of science and literature were located 1.8 professors—Lleyne, Blumenbach and Lichtenberg. Of great taduence upon the future of Alexander was the acquaintance he made at Goettingen with Henry Forster, the companion of Captain Cook, He was & Inan Of deciaed iiverag views, possessed of a rich fund of information, and ae a maritime traveller and discoverer his tales of the sea, of the South Sea Islanders, of the paradise of plants under the tropics and the terrors of the polar regions, were eagerly listened to by the young students. Humboldt con- fessed in after lise that bis natural incitnation to travel was heightened by the recitals of Forster, and that already at the Lime did he form the resolution to explore the region of the tropics. ‘he brothers were separated in 1789, the year of the French revolution, Wilieim going to Paris “to attend,’ as he said, “the funeral of French despot- sailed, fortunately evading the British blockading vessels, HUMBOLDT IN AMERICA, Five years and two months did Humboldt remain on the Western Continent, & Slurt period compared even with asingle lifetime, But the results of these few years of labor were prodigious. His experi- ments, researches and discoveries, syavematically arranged by nis clear and pevetrating mind, pro- duce: an entire change ia the science of mature, and during these few years, It is admisted by ali, Alex- ander von Humpbuldt did more for the progress of science, for the increase of our knowledge of nature and of nature’s laws than had been done for centu- ries before bim. He was not idle on board the ship. The ourrents of the ocean Were suen little known. Even the Guif Stream was but partially known, and that oaly tor aboui twenty years, since Frankliu’s observations, But of its extent, its circuit—between the eleventh aud forty-third degrees oi northero latitude—no sonceplion Was as yet formed, It was Humboldt whose close examination oi the temperature of tue sea, of the Changes of the atmosphere, &c., firat suggested the laws of these currents, which to alter years were made the basis of further investi- gatious and gave rise to “‘Maury’s Geograpny o: the ” Sea. ie at Teneriffe, the celebrated volcano, the Peak de Veyde was ascended, Inis tact is mentioned here because of ts linportant resuits, it was here that the thought first ovcurred to him tuat all orgauic forins are dependent on climate and tae ele- vation of the goll avove the sea. He remarked whue going up the sides of tue peak the paysiog- nomy of vegtauion changiug Win the varylug heights; and walle at tue fout tropical plants luxu- riated 1D all thelr profuseness, the same mosses, the same species of low Vegetation Were 1ound towards (he swamit as im Lapland. He held on to ths Lacugnt taroughout lis iravels, aud every succeed- ing esearch, ali bis explorations of hil, mountain and Vale, couficmed tae theory out of which grew luis great Work, stamping im as the founder of the acience of the “Geography of the Plants.” And here was iaia the ioundadon of another dis- covery. He examined the vuicanic character of tac mountains and from it, aad combining the conti- nuity of voicanie eruptions from Europe to america, he jonnd a new theory, now genera ly adopted, of volcanic activity in the iuterior of the glove aud its invreuce upon the formation of the crust of we earth. The breaking out of ship fever 09 board the Pizarro changed we destination of the traveliers, and in- e'ead of going to Havana and Vera cruz tuey landed at Cumaua, on the coast of Venezuela, then known as Nueva Andaiusia, on the lun of July, 1799, Not Larce years before—on the 14th of veceuber, 1797—a terrible earthquake had destroyed four-iittis of the city, aud ihe traces of chat convulsion were yet visivle everywhere. Humboidt aad bonpiaud, having their firsi observations on feuerife stil ta mind, did not sorego Uuls opportunicy of making lurther researches, na faily were they repail., “Every part of the giobe,” said Hutoboldt, “furaishes peculiar suojecis ot Inquiry, and if we may not hope to dad the causes of natural phenomena we may at least try to ascer- tain their laws, and, by comparison of naraerous jacts, to disdnguish what ts common and oft retarn- iug from the changeable aad accidental.” tv was this rule which be applied to al ais observations and researches througuout life. Space wouid not aliow of continuing the recital of the travels of Humboldt at such detall as waa done up to this, It was believed to be necessary to re- count the studious preparations he had made almost from childhood up to the ume he reached manhood, at tolrty years, in order to show the constancy with which he had devoted himseif to soience and tne de- termination not te be bafiled by vicissitudes and dis- appointments, A mere cursory giauce of his trip over the American Contineat is now sufficient, the more so since the great innovations which he wrought in natural philosophy, and which were tor the most part the result of his researches in America, have either aiready been indicated or will Lereaiter be referred to in general. In Febraary, 1800, be reached Caraccas, from whence he crossed the mountains and descended to the Lianos, where, in the marshes that send their waters to the Orinoco, he found large quantities of electric ceis, on which interesting experiments were made in order to increase our knowledge of animai electricity. In March he descended in a rowboat the Apure river to the Orinoco, up which the party went to the Cassiquiare, which forms @ oataral channel between the Orinoco and Rio Negro, the lat- ter emptying imio the Amazon. After a lapno of eighteen months since their first janding, Humboldt and his party were back agai in Cumana. From here tuey sailed over to Cuoa, where they tarried NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1869.—TRIPLE Guayaquil. Acapulco was reached in March, 1803, and by way of Tasco and Cuernavaca he arrived at Mexico, where he and his companions remained for several months. An excursion to the pivrse + Michoacan was made, the volcano Joruilo was ex- plored and its hight ascertained. Whence they again returned to the city of Mexico. Other explor- ing expeditions were undertaken in different parts of Mexico in the beginning of the year 1804, several other volcanos were ex- amined and meusured and the return was then resolved on by way of Jalapa and Vera Cruz to Ha- vanna, whither Humboldt ana his triend Bonpland were taken in a royal Spanish we. Of great im- portance was the comparison of the barometrical Measurement of tho eastern slope of the Mexican highlands towards the Gulf, from a height of about 7,0v0 feet, with that also made by Humbold of the westero slope, towards Acapulco and the Pacitic Ocean. This was the first attempt of makin; “pro- file” of a country. Humboidt remained in Cuba about two months, busy at work ordering his material forthe great works about to be published. Yet he closed not his eyes to the things immediately around him, and in his ‘Political essay on the Island of Cuba’ he gave utterance to some severe criticism on Spanish rule 1n the Antilles, as will be seen by tue following pithy remark :—‘‘That Very still exists in Cuba is @ cause of complaint againat the Spaniards and a con- stant threat to absorb them when the day of revenge shall have come." From Cuba Humboldt came to Philadelphia, and aid @ visit to Washington, where President Thomas lefferson most cordially recetved him and his com- panions. At last, settipg sail from Philadelphia on the 9tn of July, ne arrived safely at Bourdeaux, in France, on the 3d of August, 1804. Humboldt now took up his residence at Paris, where he found bet- ter facilities than anywhere in the wérid to prepare bus works for publication. He remained here for twenty years, making occasional visits to other countries, especially lo Switzerland and Italy. in 1803 he visited Berlin, and was attached to the mis- sion of Prince Wiiliam of Prussia to the Emperor Napoleon in Paris. But when the Prince returned } Humboldt remained in berg and continued to supervise the publication bis works, in which he preserved for the use of the world the results of his travels, and which had such un- bounded influence in reforming the whole system of natural sciences. ‘These worgs were contained in twenty-nine volumes, with 1,425 colored copperplate impressions, These were all written in the French language, except some botanical portions, which were published in Latin. The general title of we work was ‘Voyage aux Régions Equinoxiales du Nouveau Continent,” divided into six parts:— 1. Relation Historique; 2. Observations de Z00\0- gie; 3. Essai Politique Sur le Royaume de la velle Espague; 4. Observations Astronomique; 5. Physique Genéraie et Géologie, Geographe des zie and tho sixth is the botanical division in 0 HUMBOLDT IN GERMANY. In 1827 Humboldt returned to Berlin and took up his permanent residence in his native city. Already, 1n 1810, the King of Prussia offered him the place Minister of Public Instruction, but he aeclined, hay- ing in his mina an exploratien expedition to Centr: Asia, But the continual war on tho Continent was mot beneficial to scientific travel and the plan was postponed. After the fall of Napoleon be accompa- died the King of Prussia on short journeys to England, and, at the King’s special request, Hum- boldt was present as the King’s confidant at the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle and also at Verona. It ig well known that the liberal views of Humboldt were not at all in unison with the reactionary spirit exhibited by the resolves and measures adopted at these Congresses. But tn 1827, when again domiciled in Berlin, he opened a new path for science. He appeared a3 a public lecturer on scientific matters, a course of pro- ceeding theretofore entirely unknown. It had been the standing rule tor centuries for all learned naturalists, philosophers and, in fact, all scientific professional writers, what was once said by Bom- astus Theophrastus Paracelsus ab Hohenheim, that the more obscure the writer the more learned is his work. But Humboldt broke into this anti- quazed style. His opinion was that like air and water and the blessings of nature at large, so the knowledge of the laws by which nature is governed were not for the few, but destined for all. It was he who made the science of nature a popular study, not only by his writings, but also by lectures, of which he was the first to open a regular course for all people. Hitherto the know- ledge of the secret workings of nature's laws was an arcanum, the property of the privileged learned claas of professors and doctors; ne opened the gates wide and gave all the people a clear view of what he himself had seen go distinctly. This innovation has brought about great results as every one will admit who compares the present state of the people's knowledge of nature with that of hardly more than half a century ago. It is this very popularization of science which made Humboldt the greatest man of his century, the idol of the people of all nations, Nie! equal centuries perhaps may not again be- old. HUMBOLDT IN ASfA. In 1829, at the request of the Emperor Nicholas of ae mboldt o1 ed an exploring expe- dition to Northern as His journey lasted nine months, during which he examined the gold end platina mines of the Ural Mountains and the plains and mountainous ranges up to Of greatest importance were Humboldt’s calculations of the mean elevation of Europe compared with the mean elevation of Asia; also hts calculations of the topo- = a.cal and chorographical configuration of Oen- far asin, And although he did not penetrate there himself, and could only surmise from surrounding circumstances, yet 60 correct were his calculations that, when nearly thirty yeara afterwards, at Hum- boidt’s instigation, the brothers Schlagintweit tra- versed the whole region of Central or High Asta, they found Humboldt’s views, formed by calcuia- Uon merely, almost fully confirmed. AS A DIPLOMAT, Humboldt returned to Berlin in December, 1829. He attended the Crown Prince, afterwards King Frederick William IV., on his visit to Emperor Nicholas at Warsaw. While there, in July, 1830, news was received of the fall ot the Bourbons in France, and Humboldt was at once sent to Paris to congratulate Louis Philippe, tne “citizen King,” on his ascension to the throne. On several other occa- sions he was again despatched to Paris on a diplo- matic mission to Paris and London, the last being in 1841, where he attended the King of Prussia on his visit to be present at the baptism of the Prince of Wales, and where Humboldt was received with the greatest honors. After this Humboldt’ life was more quiet, and he began to prepare himself for the publication of the crowning work of his life, the “Oosmos,” @ pro- jected physical description of the world. The first volume appeared in 1545, the fourth in 1858, the fifth and tast in 1862, three years after his death. in 1834 he wrote to his most intimate friend, Varnna- gen fuse:—‘t begin the printing of my work, the work of my lite. ‘I have the crazy idea to describe the whole material worid, all what we know of the heavens and the earth, from the nebul@ to the geog- raphy of the mosses and the grantie; to describe everything in one work, and in @ work which shail attract with its living tongue and give joy to the heart. Every grand idea that way spark out any- Where must there find a piace along with the facts.”” And he faithfully fuliilied hig promtse and carried out the plan of the work thus announced eleven years before the appearance of the frst volume. WIS DEATH AND CHARACTER. Alexander von Huimboldt died on the 6th day of May, 1559, in the nineticin year of his life. Never having married, he left no descendants, The dis- ease which proved fatal was but of short duration. in 1857 he suffered from an apoplectic attack, but he recovered, yet he seemed to feel that hts strength was waning. Bayard Taylor visited him in the fall of that year and be said to him, ‘I have no longer my former coutrol over my legs; the will does not seein 'O goveri the uiuscies any more; a bridge has broken somewhere and tt is too late to repair it. Though I do not expertence any real want of Strength, I feel uncertain and am distrustful.” An attack of croup in October, 1858, was more serious and seemed to have broken his health completely. Yot he again recovered suMciently to be about until he again took cold, and on the 21st of April, 1859, another cold laid him on his sick bed, where he lin- gered till tus end. Hs character was very wel! described by a brusque Military man, the General von Rihte, who listened to one of Humboldt’s popular lectures in 1881, and remarked at the close, “When that man is once dead then only the people will begin to know what they had in him.’ Through him science was ied forward from the dark Jamp-lit closet and out mto the sunshine of heaven, and was made the delight of all, the source of benefit and Improvement to all, the very fundament of modern civilization. Belief has been supplanted by Knowledge as the basis of life and to the extent that this was done tt was the work of Alexander von Humboldt. He died comparatively poor. The entire inherit- ance left him by his parents he appropriated to the pursuit of bis life—tne increase of our knowledge of the material world. At one time he was about veing compelled to leave the house in which he lived at Kerlin. It was found that the accumulation of books and his cabinet of natural bistory was 50 great that it would be almost impossibie to move them, aud a Hebrew banker, Meudeissoha, a de- scendant of the great Jewish philosopher, purchased ne buiiding and left Humboldt tts occupant, rent ree. He had decided political opinions. He was @ lib- oral of pronounced views, and though on intimate personal terms with tnree successive Kings of Prus- sla, he never tatled to vove, when election day came, for the candidates of the liberal opposition. In his correspondence with Varnhagen von Ene, pub- lished after hus death by Bettini von Arnim, the several months arranging their very large collec- tons, While thus engaged at Havang @ Philadelphia paper announced that the French scientific expedi- ton under Captain Baudin would goon arrive on the west coast of South America. Deceived by this, and anxious to meet the expedition, Humboldt and Boapland hurried to Batabano, whence they took sail to Varthagena in Marci, 1801, on their way to Panama, Not being able to find @ vessel, they —— the river lene to Honda, this most cul ag lasting fiity-four di and from Honda they proceeded” to the plateau’ of Bogota, Remaining here some months, employing their time with scientific explorations of the neighborhood, the travellers started Sgain in Seprember, and passiog Ipague, the Cordillera of Quindiu, where they camped at @ height of 10,800 feet above the sea, Car- Seen Ripe hoe! 3-4 Pda adn hi Mknmg tn’ themes crossing iso ramo de Almaguez, e hi table lands of Los Pastos, they arrived at last at juito on January 2, 1802, havin: ships doriug their journey, ascended the Chimborazo, the asm,” Alexander remaiuiug at Goutingen, contiou- iny his studies «nd making preparations for his first acientific journey, being then onty twenty years old. ‘The Rhine, Holland, Belgium, Engiand and France ‘were to be visited by Lim, in Company with Ge Forster, The trip was @ raoid gue Toy byewly highest mountain on earth, on June 23, 1 ‘and to Tre hight of 18,000 feet, ‘the sutnmit, some. 2,000 feet her, he could not reach, owing to a deep chasm ol icting all farther progress. ‘ From ito Humboldt went to Peru, and at the ue Of WR T0My Ait Re Malle Wegmy Calung 19 niece of Varnhagen, he gave the most vivid pic- ture of the troubvies of court life, of the fine mind of the boo» baad William LV,), who was being con- tinuaily deceived ina wrong direction. It was this political liberalism which made him detested by the narrow-hearted nobility, and ies, used every means vo break his influence with the King and at court, and though in his latter years his advice was less asked and never followed, yet he was a daily guest at the royal castle by special request of the Ri who conceived that in doing honor to Humboldt he only performed @ duty toa greater man than either kings or kaisers. One thing should be mentioned in connection with thissubdject, Much of the achievement of the United States coast survey, in fact, the very organization of this useful government bureau, is due to Alexan- der Humboldt. It was Hassler, fortined by letters from Humboldt, who was the first to move for the creation of @ Coast Survey Bureau, and it was organ- ized under Humboldt’s advice. And later, when the bureau was reorganized under the superintendency of Professor Bache, it was again Humboldt who was appealed to, and when, some years after that, a Movement was set on foot to remove Professor Bache from office, it was Humboidt’s influence at Washington, exerted in favor of the retention of the Professor, that prevented the movement from success. Thus the benign influence of this Maud wag eberveg gToFT Whorg for tap science, and his name and fame should be properly remembered on this day. * —_—~ suemortiat Westivities of the New York Turners. Turner Hall, on Orchard street, near Canal, was quite crowded last evening, the occasion being the inauguration of the memorial festivities in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Humboldt, The broad front of the building was profusely decorated with colored lampious and all the windows were brilliantly illuminated, and a large transparency was placed over the main portal. The hall was handsomely decorated with flags, and on the stage a bust of the revered scien- ust was placed. The programme consisted of a con- tert, comprising vocal and instrumental perform- ances, aX appropriate oration by Dr. Douai, the whole concluding with a banquet, at which speeches and songs Were numerous, Tho -Processions To-Day. The following is the general order issued by Grand Marsnal General Louis Burger in regard to the two public processions to-day:— I hereby designates the following as the programme for the processions in honor of the cen- ‘anniversary of the birth of Alexander von Hum: . The procession in the forenoon will consist of three divisions, which will assemble in the following ro al First Division—Forma on Fourth sireet and up Latayette place, right on Bowery, and consists of the sii of New York and viclnit; Division Marshal, Colonel Cart Schwarz, yy Marshals Majora A. raul, Philip V. Smita, ‘Adjutants H. Geritzem, John ‘Kook aud aii Second Division—Forms on Great Jones street ani a way, right on Bowery, consisting of political workinaeen's and bevevolent associations, educational associations and other societies, Division Matahal, Lieutenant Colonel kant assisted by Marshals Major J, H. Bockel, Dr. Stein, P. Fhey ee Porme os Bon ome Broad Jnvirion—Forma on Bond street and d way, right on Bowery, consisting of nh societies, Division ven o'clock precisely, f. i, 38 and 85 Eau Fourth tree a 0 of pblice; Grand Marshal General Louts Burger; Assistant Grand Marshal, Colonel Henry Lux ulated by Marshals Major John ‘A Godfrey, Captaina H Bauer, Wm. ©. Drikel, Karl Klein, Stephen Charlee Marquardt, Lisutonant John Block, Joseph 8 fevtinn gontis tn certepens cree hese” acgecetiouaunes i. grand band, under Mr, Carl Onschute, Toflowed by: the divisions in the above The line of march will be down Bower streat to Broadway, up to Union square; wi divisions proceed to Fifty ninth stroet, Central lows:—First Divivion—By Second and Third avenu ‘Second Division—By Broadway and Sixth avenue Lin Division—By Seventh and Eighth avenue line. Central Park Garden ts dex Gama order anchors, and proceed tothe monument in Cen- tral % The Firat division will form half circle, with its conver omplate the other half cities tho grand baad unser Cat circle, the ¥ ‘Anachuts, will be stationed tn the conten sn” Bau The ceremonies at the Park will be performed as published by th eoative committee. At the conclusion the different will return ir res iarters, lirec- tion of their officers, ih agri neaen et A grant torohlicht procession will take place at eight o'clock which the following orders will be observed :—The n will move from the Germania Assembly Rooms, eight o'clock precisely, and will consist of four rm as follows First Division—Colonel en, Marshal, and aids, on Fourth street, right roxting on Bowery ; consisting of the Tur- ner Soctety and the Printers’ Assvoiation. ‘Sccond Division—J. P. Sheffen, Marshal, and aids, forms on Third streot, right on Bowery; constituted of trades, work. ingmen’s and acientific associations, Malcr A. Stauf, Marshal, and aids, forms , right on’ Bowery; consisting of political, 1d miaceilaneous societies. Marshal, and aids, forms on n Bowery ; consists of the singing societies icinity. ‘The different divisions will not light their torches until the order of march is give feties will arrange 80 a8 to ar- rive at the place of formation from the avonués east of Bow- ery to avoid confusion. The line of march wiil be the same ‘as published by the committee. THR ORBEMONIES AT THE PARK. The ceremonies of inauguration of the Humboldt monu- ment wii! commence at two o'clock precisely, in the follow: ing ord Srerture, trom “Oberon,” Weber. Presentation of the monument to the Central Park Com- missioners by ©. E. Detmold, President of the Humboldt Monument Association, Unveiling of the monument by Messrs. Frederick Kuebne and William Aufermann. Acceptance of the monument by the Comptroller, A. H. Green, in the neme of the Central Park Commissioners. Chofus from the “Magic Flute,” “O Isis and Osiris.” Mo- zart. INCL Saengerbund of New York and vioinity and "Oration in German by Dr, Francis Ldeber. Chorus, “Jauchzenderhebt sich die Schopfung” (Jubilant rises (Création). Mohr. Northeastern. Saongorbund and re Oration in English by Professor Dr. R Ogden Doremus. Introduction to engrin."" | Wagaer. Grand Chorus, “Dies iat der Tag des Herrn" (This ts the Lord’s own Day), by the United Siuging Sucieties. Celebration ef the Humbeldt Centenary in Philadelphia, PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 1869, The Humboldt ceremonial commenced to-day with a grand procession by the German societies with banners and music, One of the features was @ wagon, beautifully decorated, containing repre- sentatives of Europe, Africa and America ia the per- sons of a Caucasian, Chinese, Negro and Indian. In the line were two German Masonic lodges and the Grand Masonic Lodge, seated in baroucnes. The pro- cession marched to Fairmount Park, where the cor- ner stone for the monument was laid with Masonic rites by the Grand Lodge, the ground being pre- viously dedicated by Mayor Fox on the part of the Park Commissioners. Orations were delivered by Dr. Kilner in German and by Professor Henry Mor- ton in English. At the conclusion of the ceremo- nies the societies paoceeded to Engel & Wood's farm, where the festival takes place 1u honor of the day. Celebration in Poughkeepale. POUGHKESPSIE, N. Y., Sept. 13, 1869, The Alexander von Humboldt anniversary was celebrated here to-day by @ parade of all the German societies, including the military, an oration by Mr. Jonn Thompson at the Collingwood Opera House, and terpsichorean festivities at the Poughkeepsie Garden. During the day German and American flags were displayed in ditlerent portions of the city. CROOKLYN §INTELLICENDE, Tue IMPROVEMENT OF FoRT GREENE, under the direction of tae Park Commissioners, is progressing very slowly. Accu Ov GAMBLING.—James Clark, James Walsh and John Clark were arrested by the police of the Forty-ninth precinct on Sunday in a yard in the rear of a house on Walworth street, on a charge of gambling. They were locked up to answer. A CiTIZEN GARROTED AND RonBeD.—Mr. Wilils, an artist, residing in Dean street, was garroted at an early hour yesterday morning near his residence, as he was returning hoiae. The thieves stoic several doliars from his pockets and ted, leaving their vic- tim aimost senseless. THE EasteRN District Arson Case.—Patrick Carr, particulars of whose arrest on Sunday night on @ charge o1 arson, in Withers street, appeared in the HERALD yesterday, was committed to the County jail yesterday by Justice Karues to await the acuon of the Graud Jury. Srreer REPAVING.—A large number of the streets of Brooklyn are now being repaved, and the city, or at least some sections of it, has rather an upside- down appearance. When the matter was in the hands of the Common Council the work of getting & street repaycd Was not always an easy matter, Now, if @ majority of the property owners on any of streets believe the value of their property will be en- banced by having 4 certain kind of pavement put down, ali they lave to do is to apply to the Board of Water and Sewerage Commissioners and the work is done at once. Brookiyn will eventually be one of the finest paved cities in the Union. Jarole- mon street 1s nearly completed with the diiller (wooden) pavement. The work of repaving Atiantic Street with the Belgian pavement from the South ferry to Henry street, and with the Nicholson pave- ment from Henry street to Bedford avenue, wii soon be completed, a8@ large number of workmen are how engaged ito pulling down these pavements. The contractor for repaving Fulton avenue has nearly obstructed the Sivewalks with large quauti- ties of the improved Belgian blocks and wilicom- uence the work of repaying the avenue next week. THE Bi0OKLYN FIRE DEPARTMENT, The Brooklyn Fire Commissioners say that they will make the appointments on Thursday next, There will be \hirteen steamers and s!x hook and ladder companies, situated as follows:— WESTBRN DISTRICT, Engines—No. 1, Fourth avenue, fear Nineteenth street; No. 2, Van Brunt street, near Hamilton ave. nue; No 3, Hicks strest, near Sackett Street; No, 4, Degraw sireet, near Court street; No. 6, Pie street, near Fulton street; No. Ht High street Fulton street; No. 7, 217 Pearl street; No. 8, Front street, near Bridge street; No. 9, Gralam street, near Myrtle avenue; No, 16, Carleton avenue, neat Myrtie avenue. Hook and ladder companies— Nineteenth street, near Fourth avenue; No, 2, Boc ford avenue, near Myrtie avenue; No. 3, Gold street, near Concord street, « EASTERN DISTRICT. Engines—No. 11, Clymer street, near Bedford ave. nue; No. i) Second street, between North Eighth and North Ninth streets; No, 13, Powers street, near Ewen street. Hook and Ladder Compantes—No. 4, 114 South Third street; No. 5, Ewen street, corner of Wyckor street; No. 6, Greenpoint avevue, mear Franklin street, Greenpotnt, ‘There will aiso be kept in constant readiness nine hose carriages, at the most convenient points fur use in the city. Two or three depots for coal are to be Placed at such polots ss are most convenient to t) steamers, There will be repair yards in Myrtle a nue and non fa denial Eastern District, and a Harness shop street, near Wiliouguoy, The feed depot is to be in De Kalb avenue, nvar Eliot plage. pies tee Der of mien emptor 9a by the olty as 1 ve SHEET, NEW YORK CITY. THE COURTS. UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS’ COURT. The Alleged Revenue Frauds by Officers of the Government—Farther Adjournment. Before Commissioner White. The United States vs. Sheridan Shook, H. B. Mal- leson, W. E. Boardman and J. P, Abrahams.—Pur- suant to adjournment this case came up yester- day. The court room was filled with partes inter- ested in the proceedings, which were awaited with some anxiety. The charge againat the defendants 13 that of defrauding the government. When the case was called Mr, Purdy stated that Mr, Jackson, the Assistant District Attorney, was ab- sent, The subpoena, he said, had been made out by Mr, Jackson and left on Saturday in the hands of the Marshal, Commissioner White said he nad just received a telegram from Mr. Jackson, dated from Meriden, Conn., to the effect that he could not be tn court before two o'clock. The telegram, however, did not set forth anything definite. Mr. Purdy requeated another adjournment of the case, Mr. Sedgwick, on behaif of Mr. Shook, was strongly opposed to any adjournment whatever, and complained of the hardship to which Mr. Shook had been subjected, He referred to the numerous adjournments which had taken place py request of the prosecution and now another was applied for, He objected to any and thought there was a sulticient number of witnesses present to proceed with the case, It was a very singular thing that Mr Kelly, one of the witnesses for the prosecution, was not sea oo Friday last, but no attempt was made by the District Attorney to secure that necessary and material witness, He (Mr. Sedgwick) con- sidered that should another adjournment be granted it was simply a denial of justice, Mr. Purdy stated that General Jackson made out the subpenas and placed them in the hands of the Marshal, He would say that he (Mr, Purdy) knew nothing about the case, The Commissioner stated that where the adminis- tration of justice was concerned he could not allow the sending of telegrams to interfere with it, Both sides—the prosecution and the defence—had their rights, and when the government brought a prose- cution it should be ready to go on with it at the roper time. Adjournments were asked for from Fine to time, while the reputation of the defendants were at stake, They came betore a magistrate and asked for a speedy examination, and it was the duty of the prosecution to be perteotiy in readiness, The government instituted the prosecution, and the offi- cers of the government were supposed to know what todo. He considered that the excuse sent by tele- eed insuMcient to justify a postponement. le did not understand the proceeding on the part of Mr. Jackson, simply telegraphing that be could noe Sreng, without assigning any reason ior his absence, Mr. Purdy observed that, perhaps, Kelly was the main witness for the Remerayce. ‘Tne Commisstoner thought that the prosecutor was guilty of neglect. Mr. Jackson had not telegraphed the reasons for his absence, If he were sick or that there was sickness in his family there might be a sufficient excuse, Mr. Purdy said the material witness in the case was absent. After some further discussion the case was ad- journed till hall-past one o'clock. Shortly before two o’ciuck Mr. Jackson appeared in court and the case was proceeded with. ‘The Commissioner said he wished to know the na- ture of the charge agamst the defendants. Mr. Jackson said the charge was made by an inter- nal revenue assessor—J. F. Cleveland—on informa- tion and belief that the four deendants, while act- ing in the capacity of officers of the internal revenue of the United States, under color of law dit wilfully oppress J. B, Alexander & Co., and did knowingly demand other and greater sums than authorized by lgw from that firm, and did neglect to perform ali of their duties, That at the same time they transferrea money that was given to them for safe keeping, and then that they deposited money in a bank that was not a regu'ar government deposliory. The charges were essentially expressed in the aitidavit as extor- tion and embezzlement, J. F. Cleveland was then placed upon the stand and teatitied as followa:—I reside in this city; am an as- sessor Of luternal revenue for the Thirty-second dis- trict; L was appointed there on the 1st May last; my predecessor was Mr. E. D. Webster; Mr. Matteson ‘was Deputy Collector; Mr. Boardman was formerly an assistaut assessor, [ think under Mr. Webster, & short time; Mr Abrahats was also an assistant as- sessor, according to the records of the oMce; I made the affidavit ageing the defendanis; the present Collecter is Jos F. Balley; his predecessor was Sheridan Shook; I saw this check before, (Check handed to witness and offered In evidence.) Mr. Sedgwick objected to it so far as Mr. Shook was concerned. Examination resumed:—I saw this check about two weeks ago in my office, No, 83 Cedar street; it was brought to me by one of my assistant assessors, Mr. Colgate; my assistant told me_ he got it from J. B. Alexander & Co.; [did not send him for it, nor had I heard anything about it until it was brought to the omice. At tis stage of the proceedings the Commissioner stated he was compelied to leave, and adjourned the case till to-morrow at two o'clock, COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS, A Yeuth Convicted of Highway Robbery—An Ex-Convict Sent to the State Prison for Forging Justice Dowling’s Signature. Before Gunning S. Bedford, Jr., City Judge. ‘The trial of Lawrence McCoy, who was charged with robbery in the first degree, and which was commenced on Friday, terminated yesterday. The prisoner swore thathe was never arrested, but he went upon the stand again and admitted that he had been charged with burglary, The other witnesses which counsel for the prisoner stated he wantea to examine were not produced, ana, after the summing up, the jury, without any hesitation, rendered a verdict of Uo As the prisoner was only a youth Judge Bedford sent him to the State Prison for six ears. - Louis Light, Solomon Freeman and Flora Mana- shutaz were placed on trial charged with forging an order, purporting to have been signed by Judge Dowling, directing the warden of the Penitentiary to discharge a man named M. Manasnuiz, waom he sentenced to that institution for six months, The trial had not proceeded far when: it was clearly shown that Freeman and the female defendant were innocent victims and the jury honorably acquitted them. It appeared from the testimony that Light had been sent to the Penitentiary for larceny, and when he served lis term out he calied upon Flora Manashutz, tho wile of the inmate of Blackwell's Island, and informed har that a certain man, whom he represenied to be Thomas Jourdan, the clerk of Justice Dowling’s court, got him out after four days’ imprisonment, and that he would be equaliy successiul In Lsenliony | her “husband’s release if she paid fifty dollars. He suosequently called with the supposed clerk, and she paid twenty- five dollars to him, Light sigmimg the recetpt, All the parties went to the Penitentiary, and Freeman handed an envelope to the warden, which contained the forged order, He suspected that it was a for- gery and showed the paper to Captain Jordan (who Happened to be visiting the Penitentiary at the time), Who prouounced the signature to be fraudu- lent. The jury rendered a verdict of guilty, with a recommendation to mercy. Judge Bediord said that as there were a set of men going round town living upon the presumed influence of magistrates he would make an example of Light by sending him to the State Prison ior three years and six months, LARCENIES. Gertrude Newman (colored) was charged with stealing, on the ivth of July, jewelry ana iadies’ wearlug apparel valued at seventy-nine doliars, the property of [ra M. Clapp, No. 156 t Tweaty-eighth street. A plea of petty larceny was received, the property having been restored, and the prisoner was sent to the peuitentiary for six months, Mary Shannan pleaded guilty to an attempt at rand larceny, the charge being that on the 24th of jay she stole wearing apparel valued at $625, the property of Clara Gleason. She was remanded for sentence. ‘The followiug ts the calendar of cases for trial to- day:—The People vs. (hoinas O'Donnell, rape; Same vs, Frank Davis and John Martin, burglary: Same vs, George Brown, do.: Same vs, James Edwards, do.; Same ve, Edward Quimby, forgery; Same vs. Thomas W. Kussell, grand larceny; S: vs. Ga- briei Brak, do.; Same vs. Margaret A Marten, do.; Same vs, Julius Wenck and Charles Schuitz, do.; Same vs, Charles Fort, do; Same ys. Maximilian Weil, do.; Same vs. James Rooney, grand larceny from the person; Same vs. Jonu fhomas and Wii- liam Green, burglary; Same vs. John Clark, do. Same vs. James Anderson and Wiliam Peters, do.; the People va, Abraham Aaronson, burglary; Same va, Obarles Wicker, rovbery; Same vs. Mary McKen- na, grand larceny. MEY INTELLIGENCE, Tux Weatnge Ysstaxpay.—The following record Will show the changes in the temperature for the past twenty-four hours in comparison with the cor- responding day of last year, as indicated by the ther- Momoter at Hudput’s pharmacy, HekaLD Bullding, Broadway, corner of Aun street: — 1868, 1809, 1868, 1869, 7 ” W i“ m Average \emperature yesterday. rie) Avorage temperature for corresponding date mae A RBLIC OF THE ANCIENT MANHATTAN.—A scalping knife was found eighteen feet below the surface of the new Post OMico site, yesterday afternoon, by Mr. Atkingon, Ciief Enginecr, Government Department. PostrongD.—The serenade of the Peruvian Min- ister by the Vuban patriots in this city, announced to take te last evening under the auspices of the Ouban Junta, has been indefinitely penmest in Sr of the noa-arrival of the Peruvian VOY. KNiouTs oF St. PaTnick.—The directors of this ‘Sootety, a8 named in the act of incorporation, will Moot this morning at No, 784 Broadway, for the py ——— pose of organizing and adopting auch measures as poay be requisice to fulfll the purposes of their ¢ S PSRILS OF THK ROAD.—While driving on we Eighth avenue, near 130th street, on Sunday, Mrs. Bigsby, wile of the prourietor of the St, Clair Hotel, + who occupied a light wacon with her husband, was thrown out and severely cut about the head by the wagon colliding with one driven by @ Mr. Kane. Tak WRONG Mogrison.—In the H®RALD of Satur- day it was erroneously stated that Mr. 0. B, Mor- rison, of No. 25 West Twenty-second street, had been weriously injured by fall.ng down stairs atthe Wel- don House while intoxicated. The party injured was of the same name, but docs not le im ‘Twenty-second street. Custom Housk SeiuR8s,—On Saturday last the Surveyor’s officers seized a@ large number of cigars in the ongineer’s department of the steamship Eagle, recently arrived from Havana. The cigars were taken to the Custom louse and contiscated, Deputy Collector J, B. Wass on Saturday seized tweaty barreis of whiskey, having’spurious stamps, 00 board a Stonington steamer at pier No, 33 East river, Tue Raw.ins FuNp.—General Butterfleld submite the following statement regarding the fund for the relief of the family of the late Secretary Rawlins:— Previously acknowledged . $41,112 Adams Express Company. 1,000 ‘Thomas Barron 500 Jonn Hoey..... 200 James F. Freebora. 100 Total amount subscrived...........++++++++ $42,918 THE AvrRoach OF VENUS AND SATURN.—The Planet Saturn ig situated in the sign of Scorpio, about five degrees (or ten times the diameter of the moon) northeast of the lunar star Antares. Itis avout two hours vertically above the south south- west horizon at seven o’ciock in the eveuing. On the 26th of next October it will be three degrees nearly north of the planet Venus at six o'clock in the even- Fite about one hour above the southwest jorizon. ~ Tag New German Hosrirat, corner of Fourth avenue and Seventy-seventh street, was opened yes- terday for the reception of patients and was visited by alarge numoer of persons, who inspected the various wards, with the condition and arrangements of which they expressed themselves satisiied, A public dispensary has also been established in con- nection with the hospital, and the instivution will Gt @ want long felt among the German population. There is a considerable balauce on the duilaing tuad yet to be liquidated, A New Dopos.—One day last week a stranger called at @ house in Thirty-third street, where a tom of coal had been delivered a few days before, and demanded nine doliars of the housekeeper under promise of bringing @ bill and receipt from a yard in Lexington avenue, which conditions were ac- cepted and the money paid, The lady has since learned that her visitor was @ swindler, Persons buying coal not paid for on delivery should be very cautious in payiug strangers they have never seen, fag 2 poely when they call without any fled out ank bill. Tue New YorK urrat Dock.—A special meeting of the Board was held yesterday, at two o'clock, for the purpose of hearing arguments tn the case of the Board of Health against the New York Rendering Company for the removal of the works of the compa- ny at the foot of West Thirty-eighth street. ‘the readers of the H&RALD wili remember that the merits of the case pro and con have been fully given in these columns, as well asa synopsis of the evi- dence for and against the company, as recorded before the referee, After argument by Messrs. Spea- cer and Vanderpool for the defendants, and Mr. Bliss for the prosecution, the Board adjourned untit to-day at taree o'clock. AMERICAN SOCIRTY FOR THE ADVANORMENT OF SCIENCE AND ART.—A stated monthly meeting of this association was held last evening, with the Pre- sident, Rev. J. Prime, in the chair. Several new mem- bers were elected, after which Dr. J. A. Griscom read @ memortal to be presented to the Board of Educa- tion praying the introduction of physical and hygien:¢ education in the public schools. All the geutlemen present announced their approval of the idea, and two of them stated that they favured the withdrawal from tue public schools ‘of mathematics, Latin, Greek, music, and everything else except the com. mon elementary studies, The memorial was adopted, after which an inventor exlubited newly patented arucles to the “association.” The President oftered his resignation, which was referred: to the Vioe President, and the mecting adjourned, THR STABBING AFFRAY IN THE NINTH W'ARD.— James Doran, charged with stabbing James McQut'g lan with a pocket knife during an altercation at tl corner of Christopher and Greenwich streets, om Sunday, was arraigned before Justice Dodge at Jef- terson Market yesterday by officer Rector, and com- mitted to await the result of the injuries. A certifi- cate received from Ambulance Surgeon D. C. Lee, of Bellevue Hospital, states that he has examined Mc- ee and discovered three stab wounds, cne in the right arm, one in the left knee and one in the right side, which may prove fatal. A CHECKERED TRANSACTION.—Christian Merz, of No, 192 Wooster street, caused te arrest of a young man named Frank Russell, charged with passing a forged check on the Mechanica’ and Traders’ Bank on im on the 28th of August last for twenty-five dollars, [He was arraigned before Justice Dodge, ut Jefferson Market, yesterday and committed to answer the charge. Willtain J. Edwards, of 414 Second avenue, also charges that the prisoner passed a@ similar check for twenty-one dollars om the Citizens’ National Bank, but upon Russeil re- lunding him the money he refused to prosecute him. THROWING A MAN INTO THE RiveR,—At the Tombs Police Court yesterday John Earle, who had been formerly employed at pier No, 27 North river, was - charged with throwing W. H. Purdy from the boas into the river on Sunday last. Karie and Purdy had been employed ox the steamship Galatea, and Purdy is still so en; d, but Earle was not now on the boat. An altercation ensued in reference to this between the two mea, in the course of which Earle threw Purdy overboard. The former was com: mitted for trial by Judge Dowling, and Purdy, in default of bail, was sent to the House of Detention to await examination. BURGLARY AT THR New York Horer.—Detective Darke, detaited at the above hotel, yesterday morn- ing arraigned belore Justice Dodge, at Jefferson Market, a Frenchman thirty years of age, residing ia St. Louis, named Eugene Roland, charged with burglariously entering room 197, occupied by Miss Alice Jenkins, Wiule temporarily absent, by means of unlocking the door with a skeleton key and steal- ing @ quantity of laces and jewelry valued at $150, The property was founad in his possession by the omcer as he Was endeavoring to leave the hotel. Upon being searched at the station house a number of skeleton keys were found tn hig possession. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, but was committed in default of $8,000 ball, RoppeD A Dyinc WomAN or HER MONEY,— Thomas S. Brennan, warden of Believue Hospital, appeared before Justice Dodge, at Jefferson Market, yesterday afternoon, and preferred a charge of lar- cony, on behalf of Briager Maher, a patient tn the hospital, lying at tue point of death, against Mary Harty. The prisoner, it 1s alleged, visited the pa- tient on Sunday afteruoon, who informed ber she had eighty-two doilars in money sewed up in the lining of her petticoat, which lay on a stand near her bed, and requested her to rip tt open, take the money out and give it to her. Mary opened the gar- ment, took the money out and substituting a quan- Uly of paper in its place, put the paper under tne pillow and the money in her own pocket and went off with ft, She dented the charge, but was commit- ted, in default of $1,000 bail, to answer. THE POST OFFICE, ‘There are no recent changes to be noted in regard to afairs at our city Post OMce. No one, St, Denis like, has been requested witnin the past few days to leave, carrying bis head away under nls arm, Among the clerks, however, thus far spared the grillotine, there ts still shakiness, They only know their places are secure while they hold them. Mean- time, to Pt @ temporary estoppel on applications, and particularly to prevent the appiicants, such at least as have the good sense io take the hint, as also to give general no@ce of the unwonted pressure of ofticial business at this pardcular time, General Jones issued yesterday the following notice: Post Orrick, New YORK, Sept. 13, 1869, The remainin) oye of this month wil beteareens Cm A in adjusting and closing up the sccounte o juarter, ho time cawbe giveu to" pereone calling on wuy other than Mcial business. OMA ppliennte for office will prejndice their applications by i Ww. Inslating on @ personal inverview. | es ost ; The above notice was posted conspicuously at the entrance to the Postmaster'’s private office, and in such large and legible characters that o' the most hurried and breathless runnera after he g olatments could not fall to read it and understand iis purport, It was noticable taat a good many read the notice with visibly painful emotion and sadly turned on their heeis, breathing deep but not loud anathemas on the oMcial business that should taterfere swith applications fer appointments. ‘Tar Pactric RattroaD Exrness Comrany.—The Union Pacific Railroad Company have notified the Wells-Fargo Express Company to quit, as they in- tend to go into the business themselves. In rogard to this step a Salt Lake letter says:—“Tho Central Pacific already have such an express, andgWells, Fargo & Co. being dented the privileges of either road, it about closes them out, Their stock, amount- Ing to $10,000,000, 18 really worth about present price, sixteen cents, for their remaining stage lines In the West and California, butldings, &e., aré no doubt worth a milion to @ tnillion and'a half, ‘iney sold, some time since, the route between this city and Uintah, to Saulsbury & Gilmer, and more re- cently to the same parties, who are proving worthy successors, the route from Corinne to Montara. Last week they aold thotr fine atables in this city to Brigham, who wiil uae them aq @ wagon factory. ‘They will hardly continue their, Danking house here ofter closing up their expresa ‘usiness.—St, Louls Demooral, Kept. Uy S 5