The New York Herald Newspaper, September 24, 1869, Page 3

FALL FASHIONS. OPENING DAY IN THE METROPOLIS, The Latest Styles in Bonnets, Suits, Shawls, Cloaks and Dress Goods. Frills, Feathers, Flounces and Fri- volities for 1869--70. Veatorday was fixed upon by the majority of the modistes—and in fashions, as in everything else, tne ‘majority rulo—for the opening day of the fall sea- sou, It was not an auspicious day; for the heavens frowned and several times threatened to arop tears, ‘Whioh, out of consideration perhaps for the many fair promenaders, they did not, The shrines of the @hameleon deity were decked out in all their bril- Maney and gay colors, and her fair representatives appeared in gorgeous array. Rich robes and suits shone before the dazzied eyes of fashion’s votaries, and “ducks of bouneta’”’ were perched on their wire stands like brilliant ornithological specimens, Tome of the leading modistes.have not yet returnea From Kurope, and a8 a matter of consequence their Sali stock has not yet arrived. The changes in styles raffle, wi skirt ls a deep broad raifie, the bottom of which ia made in deep suw teeth and the upper et standing box plaiting, with asatin piping on in the way of closings was a handsome mantelet of —- beaver around over the hipa and fastened at °4 bind, under a pointed hood, which ig neatly trimmed and faced with blue quilted gatin. Thete were also several styles of short street cloaks and sacks of the same material ag the above and the now fashionable acariet Jackets for housewear in number, and hand- somely and variously trimmed, and a short wack of twilted cloth, with an appearance something like Marseilles, trimmed with bands and graduated cir. cles of the material, bouad with narrow string of brown or black, A very handsome mantle, cut in one piece and go arranged that it 1ooXs like & close- fitting casaque, with open or Greek sleeves and trimmed with & plaiting looking like what children call “cat-stalrs,”” Was shown and much admired for it noveity and serviceable appearance. In the Way of oonnets Madame Demorest’s exhi- bited a handsome bottle greea;velvet, trimmed with ostrich tips and drooping veil or scarf, to be worn around the peck or over the face, a8 tne wearer's fancy may dictate; a black velvet, lace looped, and trimmed with frosted tir leaves diadem on front and full blown te@ rose on top; another, maroon colored velvet, trimmed with thread lace and pea cock breast feathers, very showy; @ round hat, high crown, trimmed with ostrich tips and crimson gold algrette, At Mra, Hutchinson’s, Broadway, near Fourth street, there was no special opening, but some very ‘and materials are not of such # sweeping } nanasome specimens of the moaiste'a ah Ware @haracter as people were led. to expect. | suown, Atmong othera a heavy black silk dress, Suita siill retain tncir popularity, and pid with ihree slomuces, spaced, box plaiied and caugut ‘4 ‘up in festoons by satin buttons, and piped with Jair to become national m thelr character ‘overskirt to match, and waist, @nd utility. Bonnets have undergone a change for the better. They are larger and have higher crowns than their predecessors of past @easous. The light smnmer fabrics which graced the watering places, have given place to Dandsome silk suits of ali hues, and their trimmings are more suijabie ior the “melancholy days” than raMies and bows of muslin and tarietan, The most popular trimming of the season will probably be velvet ribbon ag bands aud bordering. It has a very striking effect when used m revers, sailor eollars and wide cuffs on sult jackets. A very plea- sing innovation is the wearing of shawis in all sorts @f pieturesque and fanciful ways a3 outside wraps ‘or over suits, They are far prettier and more dis- Singué than cloaks, which are double their price, and ‘hey relieve the want of graceful drapery discern- Mie in short dresses. Cashmere, which is such a favorite in France, bids fair to become more popular bere than it has been, and every lady of taste will hai} its appearance with pleasure. The small biack velvet mantelets which were so much worn last year ‘will be revived this winter. The hat of the season Ye digh crowned, made of felt and trimmed with velvet and flowers or feathers, The “pancakes’’ have disappeared, to the intense delight of every ‘one. It would be impossible to give any intelligible 4dea of the myriad sbapes of the fall bonnets and Bate. Notwoof them are alike, Round hats are Yast superseding bonnets, and are now exhibiied n ali occasions, in the evening, for visiting, ‘@t receptions and upon the promenade. Three- Cornered toques of black velvet corded with shiek white satin and ornamented with a well-curied plume of short black and white feathers are very becoming. Violet: toques turned up with feathers and mounted with a white aigrette have also made their appearance. Striugs Jastened in the breast with an ornament are going ut of fashion. In spite of atl the predictions to the eoutrary, crinoline holds its own, although, of eourse, in a matcrially reduced form. Dunog the year seventy-live inches were the staudard ize for hooped skirts, but the indications are now tm favor of @ sight increase. Some girls of the Solget discontinued wearing hoop skirts for a while, it the inconvenience of the clinging skirt soon obliged them to return to the “*ke!etons” again. As may be seen from the selections we have made ‘of the styles, the threatened revolution in dresses has not taken place, and suiis are still the reigning avorites. DRESSES, CLOAKS AND DRESS GOODS. James McUreery & Co., at the corner of Broadway and Eleventh street, exhibKed many novelties. ‘Two elegant dresses wero universally admired. One ‘Was a dinner dresa of heavy black slik, with panier | everskirt, trimmed with piping of green saiin and Biack thread lace; the skirt is very full aud its entire sopearnnce. elegant and tasteful. Inthe same case ‘with this dress was an evening dress of lavender oik, with panier overaxirt, trimmed with satin, box- and edged with point appliqué lace. The tom of the was and trimmed with @ Darrow fusing of satin e entire costume is ‘mout recherche. Tho waists, of course, are made to At the purchasers, and the dregs, when completed, ‘will cost only $350. A very rich walking sult of brown plush, trimmed with three rows of satin rufies, box plaited and scolloped, with piping of satin in the spaces between the suiies, attracted much attention. Over tne irge rosette and sash of satin, and the Made full in the skirt, €0 that there 18 RO ~-everskirt worn with the dress, Near this, and as much admired, was a suit of purple plush, with a marrow fluting of satin at the ‘vottom of the skirt and two or three rows of satin piping Just above the ruiile. A waiking suit of Mckenzie plaid, with wide vuiie at the bottom, and trimmed with box plaiting and black corded silk, with jacket to match, seemed aiso to excite much favorable comment ‘two dresses of heavy black silk, made with overskirt and panier, trimmed with three raiies around the skirt, presented com- fortable appearance. the raities were scolioped, and bound and piped with biack eatin, while the ruifles on the other were etraight and were bound and piped wita goid-coloved gain. In this department Messrs. McUreery & Co, ave undoubtedly soinebody possessing good tasie ‘and skill, and the crowds of ladies wio, despite the Shreatening weather, visiced the warerooms and m- pected the arlicies just opened were loud in their praises o! the styies exhibited. At ene side was a Magnificent evening dress of white organdie, rutied tucked and puffed—the ruiiies in fine clusters, with some half dozen fine tucks edging @ barrow pumMng, and the entire trimming—rumes, tucks and utfe—vandyked around the skirt. The overskirt is rined of 8iX distinct pieces and, together with the ‘Waist and sleeves, puffed and tucked to match the ekirt. In the same apartment in which this dress stood was a collection of very handsome caps of silk Velvet and merino, in all imaginable styles, es. Droldered or covered with fine lace and tune! With silk, satin or velvet, to Bult the purchaser. also Was a line of goods entirely new iu thls country, aud yet so dressy and so comfortable that the wonder ts the ladies of thls city have not had before. The goods referred to are ladies’ skirts of black silk, quilted and wadded so as to serve instead of the now common balmoral. In Europe they are much in vogue, and as they may be worn either as diess Or petticoat and are compaiatively eee teins, trom $25 to $40 each—they will soon, BO doubt, become quite fashionadle. Some of wie ekirta are fi aud dowered in white stik and Jook exceedingly neat and comfortable, ». inthe cloak department one veivet coat excited particular admiration. lc is made as if the fronts ‘Were continued to a point and brought around and ecross the buck and the pornts fastetied at the oppo- ite shoulders. In the centre of the back 1s a com- plicated ornament of heavy corded silk aad pen- danw. The trimming throughout 18 of thread lace and fringe and silk cord, A brief description cannot dau to give a just idea of the rich pearance of the garment. Of ordina’ made in the prevailing styles and trimmed with gui- re lace Messrs. MeCreery « Co. have a large num- Among the cloaking goods suown Is a material atyled dogskin cloth, which shows beautiful purple aud black shades mixed in such a way as to deceive one 98 to the real color of the material, Astrachaus apd beavers in variety wero also opened yesterday, and early as it may seem to be, several purchases ‘were made. A novelty in this lime, and ene which seemed to ne an agreeable sur- were sets of asirachan—cap, collar and imuid— cl in. They are made WHk the head of the auimal ornamented with pe ej es, and sold for $12 ‘the set; but a-number of caps were bought singly for pore wear. In the shawl department there were opened rich India, broche ana camels’ hair shawis, which ad- it, Of course, Of no description, and ror some of ‘Which prices were asked that- migut astonish an “army coutractor’s” wife. One pletty .air camel hair shawi was on the couater marited , and @ “neat! broché shawl close by marked $275. Nearly opposite whe.svawl departinertt is tue satin Wareroom, and here were sump.es Of most ele- aut coral and riot shades, and other o vlors, wailing variety. loth Was On B counter close by the satius and much called or. From gay to grave again was but a step, and mour.- os o0ds to eXpress uil the gradations of grief were’ xuibited—heavy armucre cloth, imperial serge, reps de Syrie, drap inperiel, honeycomb popitns and ym $2 75 to $875 per yard. In addition to jese articles opened yesterday this firm has reserved other novelties and speciaines to be opened in the early part of next week. MADAME Demornet, at her fashton emporium, on » hear Thirteenth sircet, exhibits an al- mont endless variety of patterus aud models of new and atylos to a steady stream of visitors aud ee In the drosemaking devartinent she wed & remarkably neat and unique dress of bre ped Silk, the color of which was a inixture of gold and gray, and mignt appropriately bo termed the twilight shade. 1t is made with @ postiilion back, shgnt apring over the omy in front ‘ompadour K na Washington siveves, A train is made #o that if can be adjusted and worn looped bp to form an overskirt, with fall panier, ior the et or long and flowing as an evening dress. trimming 1# made by cutting the edge sightiy, Posi OrBing Uy BE each Cut. BO AB to Jorm B polit and short hips nei and = Mar- with Martha Washington gi¢eves; a beaulisul drab irish popiin, trimmed with narrow silk flounces, and bound with velvet to match; @ btack velvet overskirt, With facings Of satin, quilted and caught up with aatin bows and edged with # heavy tasselled fringe. The waist to maten 18 wimmed with email revers on the back and rose trimming around the neck; sleeves puffed at the top and ending with mousguetatre culls of quilted satin. Of black silk, was exceedingly fine and rich, A pink silk evening dress, seailoped in tue front, founced on the back and bound and piped with apricot satin, made anexquisite appearance. A dress of black “Butalo” alpaca, with panier over- skirt and full waist, trimmed with black velvet rib- bon, was much aamired, The material, although comparatively cheap, has @ soft, smooth finish and ® pleasing lustre, much like tine dress ailk. Mra. Hutchinson u woinen, among which plishes, silks, poplins, plaids and alpacas seemed to prevati. models are Kaleidoscopic in variety. One,. called Le Mousqueiaire, was of biack velvet, ornamented wilh biack aud pink tufts, her odd manner. present higa style of cotdare, velvet, with scariet velvet bows and strings and a humming bird perched on the diadem. Another was an opera bat composed of white tuilc, very high aiso in the crown, in whic! huden by # marabout tuft, nestied a large piuk rose, with a spray of buds failing behind. Very long tulle strings completed this stylish affair, at the vack of the head, the entire crown, Other hats formed a perfect mass of feathers ana flowers and were of every snare. aud rown straw was artistically ornamented with pheas- variety. One Jittle round hat of ant and huuwing bird feathers, and looked me vean ideat ot coquetry and mischief. ma esterday, and had a lar dounces of graduated width, Roman velvet, the browa fringed to maich the velvet. It handsome casaque of the same material vompieted this guit, A stylish ball dress of coral sulk, a new coior, which at night has a striking effect, flounced aud trimmed with Valenciennes luc? aud punter, elaborately trimmed with the same, was the feature of the exhibition. The price was $1,002. A walking suit of peacock, another new color, also attracted attention. It had a detached train, and, therefore, would answer for the street or house equally well. A choice selection of hats demonsirated lncontestably the supersority of the new high crowns over le low, flat pameakes so long in vogue. One shade, with a feather €o pidiehs aweeping uenectuice al weeping graceful over the crown, and ef it ent ‘toot DuCkIo, with Chantilly lace, tor trimmung. blue hats, trimmed with featuers to match or black, were also very elegant, ‘Tyroliennes, are @ specialty at this house, Madame Ferrero, Lafayette place, exhibited a large vatiety of most costly head gear of the latest Parisian styles. For instance, a bonnet of rich garnet-colored velvet ol two shades; diadem front, over which droops hanasome Chantiliy lace; on top osuich tps of three shades of garnet most deli- cately blended, A round hat of the d’Artignon Mos- quetaire style; drab felt trimmed with brown vel- vet around the cared rim, across the top three ostrich tips of drab and at the side a iarge mosque- taire button. For'those inclined to literature, except of course “blue stockings,” there is tae round Dea hat, to remind them of L’homme quiri(. In ivont is a handsome soleil and sprays or rays of jet holding the end of an ostrich plume, A bonnet of brown velvet made to sit on the top of the head and trimmed with haran ostrich tips, 18 qaite unique. Another hat, somewhat the same style, with a double plait of lilac and purple velvet and trimmed with Chantilly lace, lilac ostrich tips and purple an: black aigrette, and auother bonnet of the new shia: vert rus, With double diadem front, on which is and with heron feathers falling over non are very rich, A carrobier (or carbun- cle) velvet, with a double ruse in front and a doubie row of biack Chantuly lace between the rates, and Ou Lop two yray osirich ieathers, was shown amoug oiner very tine and very Frouchy specimens from the establishment of Mme. Virot, in Paris. A Mzeur round hat, of beautilaily finished plusy and curied sides, found many admirers. Binns, Broadway, near Prmoe street, opened some very handsome styles of bonnets—among others @ white velvet, with pomt applique lace and Mmarabeau, with bridle’ of velvet aud point applique. A black velvet Mary Stuart style, with white point appliqué lace, curled ostrich feather, fancy marabean and aigrette; the face falis in sestoons on the front and is very pretty, A jockey hat of white felt aud velvet trimmings; on he 4 fancy bird, with bird of paradise feathers inserted here aud there, and a long ostrich plnme across the top. A black hat, some- Whiat like the last, with switches of bird of paradise oe, across the top, and held by a massive buckie in front. A bonnet with full bag crown of biack veivet and trimmed With pomt appliqué lace, lowing veil and autumn flowers on front. A very pretty hat 1s called the feather hat. ‘The body of the hat is en- Urely covered with white feathers and the rim is of black velvet. A bonnet of light bine velvet, eo, style, with ostrich plume, clusters of rose- buds aud fall tulle trhuming, something like a niche Ja front, with strings and bridie and the back cov- ered with real lace. A jockey hat, Rosetta style, blue, with ostrich plume and flowmg vel, and in front a large velvet bow and steel buckle. Natty sallor hats, and children’s hats and bonnet materials in almost endiess variety were.also opened aud much admired, Miss C. M. Olney, Fourteenth street, had some hew and disiingué bonnets to display for opentug day. One was of white royai velvet aud satin and of an entirely new Blape, somewiat larger than those of last season. The front of this hat was composed of folds of the same material and the crown of plain velvet. Rich white satin ribbon formed the strings aud was arranged in. full piaits across the back, from which drooped a long veil of white tulle festooned and caught on the shoulders, trom which wf fell m long fold A fall of rich white bionde ostrich tips and handsome garniture of white satin flowers and long green veivet leaves compieted the wimming. Anotuer very handsome bonuet of black velvet of a peculiar shape, with cape and plain front, had heavy cord- ings of satin laid along the crown and cape aad was trimmed with biack velvet rose, long veivet leaves ssing entirely over the front and drooping vines falling at the back—rich velvet strings to correspond, In round hats there was @ purple felt, the Henri Quatre, trimmed with velvet, white ostrich tip, flowers and drooping rosebuda. These coiored felts Are quite & noveity,aud here we saw them in every va. nets. Biue, green, lavender and purple were all to be seen in exquisite shades, Another biack velvet hat, the Juno, Was corded with paradise colored silk ant elaborately wimmed with rich black Chantilly lace. From the back of the hi which came toa deep point over tno halr, drooped two ends, one of para. dise colored piv rain, Gnished with a deep knowted fringe, and the other of black velvet, with Obantilly lace. From the crown, near tue front of me hat, peeped out a bird of paradise. Higgins, Broadway, exhibited a white royal velvet hat, trimiwed with real blonde and having ‘a diadem ,ornament, white rose in centre, with green velvet vine trailing at the side, The rose was set ott by a w.uice ostrich Up. Awother hat was of light bine velvet, gypsy shape, trimmed with long blue ostrich pluie caught atom side \¥y @ tea rose and autumn leaves. Liue satin string,’ fastened at one side with a bow. A round hat, tly? Carlotta Patti, of black velvet, was trimmed with an indian pheasant on one side, black ostrich tip on the’ other, caught in the centre with an elegant stee! bucki'@ peeping out from a fold of scariet velvet. A light gray’ felt hat, La Juive, trimmed with velye tomateh, ane’ Ostrich plume, Was Caught In the cent: with a handse Me gut buckle. The foliowin,t establishments have held their openings this \Veek:—iimberson, Kinzey, Mime, Duval, Gaynor, M."ne, Liioben, Mine. Walton, Thomp- fon & Co., Mathews’ & Co., Mme. Lovett, Broadway; Mine, Galovpeau, K°eVOOrs place; Messrs, Angdan ‘The tout ensemoie of Unis wast and skirt, over an underskirt t also on hand @ large number of dresses undergoing !he manipulations of the needie- BONNETS. Mile, Natalie Tillman, Ninth street, had on exht- bitlon some of the latest stylesin hats. The shapes d.fy description, as their name is Legion and their the crown being very h and composed of folds of velvet, arranged in & It is admravly suited for the Another was of black halt Some of the nats bad very large, heavy vows forming the croWn so as to suit either the high chignon or curls A white opera hat of royal velvet had a superb biue ostrich leather covering Rallings heid quite a brilliant fall opentng ¢ variety of styles on exhi- ition. One suit was of clare} brown, with three ‘The material was redominaung, and a very distingué appearance, and the effect was irresistible. Another ‘SUM Was of jet black velvet, trimmed with a currant colored silk, demi-train looped up en paniér, with Jet back velvet trimmed with Chantilly lace. A ‘The dark navy hate, called the Mrs. Mrs. Do’ Mime, M ie sixth avenue; street; Mile, avenue; street; hime. Vigouroux, Fourth avenue: Mra. Canal Tenth street; Mra. Hor Mme. Adrici Mme. Dot ley, Division strect; Coley & Young, Sloane, street; Weinberger, Union re; Misses Dowling, Titrteenth strect; Misses Lvans, University place. A. T’. Stewart & Co. will open on ‘Tuesday next large Maes of latest importations of Donnets and suits, Paris made; dress material and novelties in fancy goods. O’Sulilvan & Greig and MeCreery & Oo. Will also open about the same time. MUSICAL CONVENTION. NATIONAL First Duy’s Session—Dhe+ Orgunization—Ad- dress of President Dyer, of Rhode Ivland, and Welcome Speech of Mayor Shurtleff Reading of PapersThe Concerts, Boston, Sept. 22, 1969. ‘The two days’ National Musical Convention com- menced its seastons in this city at Music Hall this morning, and the attendance was very good. It will be remembered that soon after the great Peace Jubilee it was suggested that a National Musical Convention should be heid, having for its object the stimulating and developing of musical taste in the hearts of the whole people and the correction of the false standards which have heretofore been too prevalent. Jt was agitated at the time, and tho Musical Convention now being held here is the result, Delegates are present from all parts of the country, and among them prominent musical char- acters, The Convention is to occupy ite time in Yeading and discussing papers. upon all subjects bearing upon music and musical education, written by the abiest minds in the country. ‘The Convention met at quarter past ten o'clock and was permanentiy organized as foliows:— President—Elisha Dyer, of Prqvidence, R. I, Vice Presidenis—J. Baxter Upham, of Bosion; R. Ogden Dorciaus, of New York city; L. B. Wyman, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Carl Wottsobn, of Philadelphia; Francis A. Fisher, of Vermont; 5. F. Duren, ¥ ° jor, Me.; ‘Theodore Thowas, of New York city; L, H. Southard, of Baltimore, Md; H. 8. Perkins, of Towa; ©. C. Converse, of New York city; E. ‘Tourjee, of Boston; Rev. 8. G. brown, of New York; Dr. Stickel, of New Haven, Conn, Secretaries—Loring B. Barnes and k. W. Husted, of Boston. Assistant Secretaries—W. 8, B. Matthews, of Chi- cago, Ill; Join Stephenson, of New York; Kev. Leonard W. Bacon, of New York; J, BE. Wentworth, of Massachusetts; D. Schaad, of New Jersey; 0. H. MeLeilan, of Bath, Me.; Heary Clark, of Vermont; AN. Whltnay, of Georgia, ‘ The exercises havi! been opened by an organ voluntary, ana a few brief remarks by Loring b. Barnes, of Boston, who said that anew era was about to dawa in this country, which would soon be enabled to take position with the musical capitals of the Old World; Ex-Governor Dyer, the Prosident, on taking the chair, sald hat bo fully apprecinied the distitguished compliment paid him, and while yielding to no ono in sincore respect and admiration for the self-sacriticing, most trying, and it may be most di:couraging efforts of the Missiouaries of the Cross, honoring aa they do tho highest attributes of humanity, It thelr sincerity and self-denial, yot hie impulses and ciforta for the reformation of Teliow maa would come from the consciousness of the irreslativie power and pure influences of melody und harmoay. The highest occupation of Heaven's redeemed hosts $s in their production, aud the biias of Para- dice 16 iu tue rapiures of their being, The morning stare saoy together at tho world’s creation, and God Inspired Jubal to teach the harp and the organ in the earilcat period of tte history, nearly 4,000 years berore the Christian era, Moses gave tlankayiving and praise to his Qranipoteat Guide ja song When the children of laracl passed through the Red Sea in Peaco und aafely, and Miriam» catching the laspiration, pro- longed the glad straias ot reacte and lite, Deborah sang the song a victory for ier people, aud David, “the aweet sluger of Leracl” addresses every emotion of the soul in the joyous strains of rapture sud praian, oF in the plalutive ton0s of sor. Fowlug auddeapoudency, ‘The angels of heaven wang tonge Of redemption when Christ was born, and with archangels, che- rubim and seraphim, continually il the azure yauls of heaven with the spirit harmony of those “hymns of praise” Moat have their Dinh and Using Jn those) bright, pure realms nal Joy, and the soul's purited, aivide oxisicace. fe aid that’ the pecullar charucterisles of the divine economy, in the formations of she varied productions of soll, the variations of climate, and entire ta Diity’of the earth, as the dwelng place for humatity, And thelr corresponding aud syinpathetto pecuilarities in the music of tho world's people, When the thunders of Binal rout through the moral atinosphere o: man’s being, the harmonies of power and majesty Wat vome from the laud of Luther, of Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and the honored host of'Germany’s rearing and culzure re-echo the rolling tones of awe and reverance, man trembles as he feels the presence of bis Maker. ‘The upeaker observed taut this con- Vention was the natural result of that most successful mon- wler-like gathering, the National Peace Jubilee and Musical Festival, 80 recently existing in this city of most liberal pur- and successtul accompitshments, but that from ‘this convection society has the right of detaanding the recorma- tion of to-day froin its follies and vices. ‘Teach the soul lis higher stirivutes, as we make a united, determiued etfort to bring {ts most aciivo impulses under the Iniluences of this solence, the handmaid of religion, the purest, highest source’ of love, obedience and ie our better nature's being. Fill it the Faptures of | harmony, Wag’ and win it with the sweet strains of melody, and we reformation of humat. ty 4s not the Herculean task of to-day, with its bars and bo. nd dungeon celis, that the Jaw's stern dignity require ‘Bustain ie severe Magh just enactments, «0 man ever yor went from song to murder. We acknowledge the Diviue ‘origin and purpore of our theme. In all of earnest serious: ness, I ask, ure we honest in our words? Are we toying win’ our subject, and gathering, in tb sentiment of lan- guage, only tue’ {1 ce of ite flowers? What are we duing, what have we done, to prove to the world around us Our mission—work of nobler purposes? Shall weleave thie all erful ler of the heart to exist only anit the lesser attrivutes of our nature, dishonored and degraded ? Are its teachers conscious of their dignified calling and re- Sponsibilities? Do we recognize thom as the heralds of a re- Torwuation, the motengers 0. vice ennobling oughta and apirations ? Tue be a of humanity philane thropists of our etic efforts? What will this, our presence here, accomplish? Never in the world’s history came together such an assemb): such @ power and ge of success, vibrations of the thousand tones from the well-tuned inetru- ments of the Nutioual Jubilee are yet coursing through the i of harmony from tens of thousand 8, Yet Tolls olrward, and the hearts of i responsive action. We, sir, mect thai response. What shail that be? Worthy of our opportunity and our homor, or we hence conscious of no redemption of the pledge Gur as- sumption in this gathering gives to the world? Sir, oure te the time, bere is the place, an’! God grant we may be the per- sous to institute, ordaim and earry forward a reformation co- equal to that of ‘Luther, that we can, in the name and power of Divine streugth, accompits: in rev and neart- felt gratinde for these our hopes jet us unite m ascripuions of pr counsel and strength fyom the source of I power. At the conclusion of tho President’s remarks the Convention sung in unlson tie “uid kiundredih?— “From ali that dwell below the skies;” after which Rev. J. E. Kank, D. D., Of Charlestown, Mass., offered a prayer. Moyor Shurtiet! waa then miro- sues and greeted the Convention in the following wor Mn. PRESIDENT AND GRNTLEMEN—In behalf of the et! zens of Soston I most cordially welcome yuu rationa in this city; abil assure you we All feel highly vom. plimented that you have selected thia city for the urst weasion of the National Musical Convention, Undoubtedly we a: inction to the very successful inaugura- hment of the National Peace Festival anany true lovers of harmony and molt ody, while it Inspired with arati community rejoicing in the termination of a most dreadful war, and tn the happy return of peace. My [ellow citizens through me most cheei fuily extend to you @ kind aud welcome greeting, Boston hails this advent of the musical representatives of our voun- try as the harbinger of much good, We believe in music here; we teach 1 ip all the puolic schools, and dis; most freely to our peope in ail parte of the sity. We al & wondersul whose pr sweet and delig fess in the pighest expressed by the great dramatist, ‘he man that hath no music ia himself, or ja not mov'd with concord of aweet sounds, Ht Lor treagons, stratagems and ci ‘The motions of bik spiric ure dull as wight, And hia afeciions dark as Erebus.” We believe, with Congreve, in the fullest charms of musi, and therefore we most heartly rejoice that Boston haa been honored by this your gathering. But L must not exhaust your time which { know fs too Umited for your present purposes, and’ therefore, Mr. Preai- dent, I will not detain you from your business, Let mo only, in expressing to you and your sssociates tho great pleasure which you aiford us by your presence on thia occasion, offer toyou ail our most friendly and courteous greeting. The Convention then proceeded to the busincss before it, An Executive Comittee and a Comnui- tee on Essays and Publication were appointed, after which Mr, J. P. Morgan, of New York, read an inte! esting paper ou “Organ Playing; Its Uses and Abuses.”’ He considered that organists should play good music rather than mere “effect” music. One great fault in Uns country was that peopie went to concerts only to pe amused, It players were to be respected as artists t must _ themselves respect art. inthe church there was still greater need for au adhereace vo these principiea, The mere show of gymnastic feats was there out of piace, and al- though they might excite the wonder oi the thougnt- Jess listener, ps could but excite the wrath of God whose temple it desecrated. The music of the charch should be dignified and pure. {tshould be intelligent and elaborately beautiful, but above mere show and eect. Bach, above ali others, was best fitted ior the churon, it was urged that fagues Were not understood by the masses. The production of orchestral effects at the expense of organ effects was deplored, and he hoped that organisis would soon be emancipated from the slavery In which they are held by vain and ignorant cougregations. Rev. Dr. Rankin aod Charles F. Barnard, Jr., agreed to many of ine views advanced in Mr. Mor: to-day as the pioneers mite purity aud sount belief in the sentiment so well that jowers of the cert embraced @ very acceptable pro- grainine, it was opened with Mendeissobn’s Sonata im B fat, by B. J. Lang, followed by a piano solo (choral), “A Strong i'ortress,”” &c., by Carlyle Peter- silea, The quartet, “, Come Every One 'rhat iirsteth,”’ from Mendeissoun, was finely executed yy Miss Anna f', Whitten, Mra. Charies A. Barry, Mr. nd J, F. Kudoiphsen. The mprovisi tions and Korner’s allegro and aliegro vivace, by YH. Torrington, were artistically reudered, The proceedings of the afternoon session were Opened by # voiuntary, vy J. P. Morgan, of New York. An interesting pov) was then read by D. B. Hagar, President of the National Teachers’ Axaocia- tion, on “The Relations of Music to Pubilc School Education,’ followed by an adarcas by J. Baxter Upham, M. D., Chairman of the Music Committee of the Boston Public Schools. Uiustrations of the syé- tem of teaching employed were given. The next address was by Kev. Edward Eggieaion, of Cmecago, on “Ohtidren’s Singing in Churches,” followed by Professor Lewis B. Monroe, of Boston, on “The Phy- mology of the Voice,” with Lilustratious, Ali these were listened to wild juarked aitention, The Mission of Music’’—the latter by Rev. T. PSomorrow'speoveediogs bid fair to be pecullarl rOW's PRO ul interesting. - _ oy ~ Musle av an Kloment of Worship—Clove of the Convention. Boston, Sept. 23, 1960, In the National Musfeal Convention today L, H. Southard, of Valtimore, delivered an address on “Mu- alc a8 an Element of Worship.” He protested against the adoption of valgar or popular music injchurches, He did not deem the music now in nse adapted 10 congregational singing, and consequently favored organized choirs. In bis opinion Protestant church music, except that of the English Chureb, has been retrograding for the pust twenty years, Other speakers followed upon the same subject, generally agreeing with Mr. Southard. ‘The Convention closea with a concert in the even- ing, which was largely attended, ishop Ularke, of Rhove Island, delivered an ad- dress in the evening, previous to the concert, on “Oratorio Music ag a Means of Elevating Popular Taste.” At the close ne was heartily applauded, The enthusiasm manifested during the vlosing pro- ceedings would indicate very general satisfaction ‘with the resulta accomplished by the Convention. TEE CARQ'’s ROCK HORROR, John Bowen Arraigned on the Charge of Cauring the Calamity—He Pleads Guilty. {From the Port Jervis Gazette, Sept. 23.) The Litatae! Bae has spread the facts Yar and wide concerning the arrest of an old man named Joho Bowen, 4 resident of this locality, and his incarcera- tion in jail at Milford, Pa., charged, with the double crime “of perjury and of tiring up the track of the “Erie Railway with the intent of throwing trains off the track.” He was arrested fn May last, aud soon after his tnearceration ne made & partial confession, owning up to having on two occasions torn up rails by which two freight trains were thrown off, Subsequently, on the 10th ol August last, he sent for Division superin- teudent Redington, and tu the presence of Mr. Redington and others made a formal con- fession to the effect that on the night of the 1éth of Apri!, 1368, he dislodged a rail at Carr's Roek, by which the night express train was thrown off the track and over one hundred passengers were killed or injured. He made this confession, he stated, voluntarily, to ease his mind, as his con- science troubled him so thas he could not sleep nights—thought that he should die before long, and — he could not die without revealing these 8. ‘The September term of the Pike connty courts convened at Miliord on Monday last, Mr. Georgo KR. Barrett, President Judge, presiding, and Bowen's case was ‘ai before the Grand Jury by John D. Bidais, Natrict Attorney. The Grand Jury found a true bill of indictment against the prisoner for manslaughter tn displacing the rails on the Ere Railway on the night of tue 15th of Aprii, 1868, whereby the cars were thrown from the track and the death of passengers resulted, &c. ‘The indictinent was returned on Tuesday, and at the openiag of the geasion of court on Wednesday morning (22d) the prisoner was brongat into court and formally arraigned upon the charge. By the advice of his counsel he pleaded guilty, probably in the hope thereby of securing leniency of punishment for his crimes, “Bowen, in court and unser the try- ing ordeal of arraignment, appeared coo! and un- concerned, and manifested less concern in the pro- coedings than any one among tte crowded aadience who were listening with almost breathicss interest to the proceedings. dis plea having been entered by the clerk, he was remanded back to jail to await sentence, which will be ppeononmced by the Judge at the close of the term, ‘Our reporter had a brier interview with Bowen after his return to jail. The miserable wretch seemed not to realize the enormity of nis crimes, but spoke lightly of the matter, saying that he expected the Judge would give him only a short term of imprigop- ment and ho would soon be out again. John Bowen, 1s an Englishman by birth, sixty-four ears Of age, and for the last tifteen or twenty years as Deen a resident of the vicinity of Sparrowbush, in this town. For eight years he was employed as a laborer upon the Hrie Railway track, he tien bearing a fair reputation. Fiually he was arrested by the company.on a charge of forging a pay-check, and alter being contined some time obtained a release. Bent upon revenge, aud afterwards stimulated by a passion for robbery and plunder, he carried on the work, tearing up the rails, ‘The Istory of his crimes and circuinstances of his arrest need not be recapitulated. 4 In regard to his confession of guilt in connection with the Carr’s Rock disaster, the story seems too improbable and horribie for belief. But those who beat know+the circumstances of the case and have had the best oppor guity: for forming a correct judg- 8 by ment in tue pren ut entire crecesce in his statement—whiv the way, i3 sirongly corro- borated by oulside§evittence—and are fully satisied of the truth of bis horrible story, and that he made the confession to obtain relief from the torments of @ gulity conscience, THE MAST HOPE DISASTER. ‘Trial of Grifiu, the Engineer, at Milford, Pa. James GriMn, the engineer, who was indicted for eausing the raliroad disaster at Mast Hope, was Placed on trial on Wednesday at Milford, Pa. He Plesded not gutity. The court room was densely thronged with spectators, among whom were many ladies, and the deepest inwrest was mani- tested in the case, Among those present were Grif- fin’s wife and two children, and a number of hts friends from Susquehanna depot, where he resides, Grifin himself, 8 well-appearing, middle sized man, gat by the side of his counsel, paying close attention to the proceedings, and evideln:ly anxious in mind as to the result. The testimony adduced is substantially the same as that published in the HwRaLp wben the Coro- ner’s Inquest was held at Port Jervis, It will be remembered that seven lives were lost. Oar latest despatches state that the trial was still in progress, Alb FOR THE AVONGALE SUFFERERS, Received at the Herald Om: Yesterday. ‘Tne following subseriptions in aid of the Avondale suiferers were received at the HERALD office yester- day :— Subscription PORTY-FIGHT DOLLARS, Western Horer, New York, Sept. 23, 1860, To TH# EDITOR OF THE HERALD:— Enclosed please find forty-eignt collars contributed by guests of the Western Hotei, as follows:— $25 ‘Thomas D, Winchester. M. H, Cre 5 Oagh.... 5 RA) 6 Thomas Oram 6 Cash..... 8 Total. versees teers tee seteweeeres BAS THIRTY DOLLARS. 47 BRoapWay, NEw York, Sept. 23, 1809. To THE Epiror OF THR HERALD:— Enclosed prease find my check for thirty dollars to be used in aid of the distressed sufferers of the late disaster. H. E. DIKE. TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS, To THE Eprror or THE HERALD:— Herewith receive twenty-five dollars appropriated by Eureka Lodge, No. 243, F. and A. M., to the fund for the relief of the sufterers by the Avoudaie mine disaster. FOURTEEN DOLLARS. PortsmMovuTH, Va., Sept. 21, 1869, To THE Epiror OF THE HERALD:— Encio-ed please find drait for the sum of fourteen dollars, donation from mysclf and hands, for the benefit of the sufferers by the late coal mine disaster at the Avondale mine. R. MULES, TEN DOLLARS. OxEKO Lopur, No. 122, I. 0. of O. F. NYACK, Sept, 20, 1866, To THE EprTor OF THE HERALD? Please accept the enclosed ten dollars for the Avondale sufferers from this lodge. THOMAS ©, BALDWIN, N. G. JOHN N. Perry, Secretary. FIVE DOLLARS. Please find enclosed five dollars for the retiet of the Avondale sufferers, P. TWO DOLLARS. TO THE EDpITOR OF THE HERALD: — Knciosed you will please find two dollars, my sub; scription to the Avondale relief fund. BALSOVER CADWALLADER, The following additional subscriptions were re- cetved in tue HERALD counting room yesterday Employés of the J. L. Mott [ron Works. . eae McGuire.. 4 ©. Fitzgerald, AUP. A. Subscriptions Received at the Mayor's Once, ‘The total amount of coliections ta aid of the fami- es of the unfortunate Avondale miners recelyed at (ie office of Mayor Hall foot up $16,112 21, OEFALCATION IN WALL STAEET. Yesterday it was ascertained that Mr. Ww Headley, of the tirm of Vanderventer & Co., stock brokers of Wall street, bad absconded, taking with him ail the avaliable assets of the firm. Mr. Van- derventer, it appears, was in St, Louis at the time and Was: ab Once telegraphed for to revurn. It was learned that the firm was very ‘long’ of stocks, and that when the deliveries were made Headley, seeing & heavy financial straggie in prospect for the firm, collected ali the available funds and left to secure his own pecuniary interest in the business. ‘The amount of the defaication, which is not very large, is not known exactly, ag tne books are in o Romewhat complicated condition. ‘The firm, ——_ @ comparatively limited one tn ite operations, Das alwaya stood well hitherto, and it fe not believed that ite stability will be mfdtenaly aiected by Wis affair. ‘Conviction of Schureman, WASHINGTON. Busy Days at the Executive Mansion. THE VIRGINIA SENATORSHIP. Probability of the Election of Senators by the New Legislature. The Presidential Trip Through Pennsylvania. WASUINOTON, Sept, 23, 1869. Election of Senators from VirginiaOpinion of the Attorney General Asked For. There is such @ diversity of opinion throughout the State of Virginia as to the legality or policy of electing United States Senators when the Legislauare meets to ratify the fifteenth amendment that Attorney General Hoar has been requested to settle the disputed question by another opinion. Leading politicians in Virginia have been assured this opinion will be forthcoming at an eariy day, and It 1s believed the election of the Senators will be ad- vised prior to the admission of the State, In con- sequence of existing doubt upon this question none of the many candidates named have been deftuitely séttled upon by the Walker party, which has seventy Majority on joint ballot, The radical minority will scarcely put forward any candidates tor the Senator- ship. Virginin Delegates to the Louisville Commer cial Convention. Governor Walker will to-morrow appoint one delegate from each Congressional district and two from the State at large to represent Virginia in the Louisyille Commercial Convention. They will be among the strongest men of the new school of politicians, and will represent the improve- Ment and other great interests of the State. A Busy Day at the White House. The time of the President to-day has been entirely devoted to business with the Postmaster General, Secretary of the Navy aud Secretary of War. A large crowd of visitors were present, but were not able to sce the President, because of important busi- ness with prominent ofiicials here. A Bohemian Slander Upon Gencral Sickles. It seems hardly worth wile to go to the trouble of contradicting the absurd sensation in the d York Bohemian journal of this day in regard to Sickles and Cuba, The whole story is an invention, concerted with & malicious object, by the opponents of General Sickles, A Clerical Catechism for the War Depart. ment. The clertcal catechisin requiring information as to the age, nativity and place of resideuce, &c., of the employés, which was recently circulated in the Treasury Department, has, it seems, found its way to the War Department, a similar ctrcular having been promulgated in the Surgeon General's office a Tew days since, Manifests of Vessels Trading in Ports. Oficial information has been received from Mexico that the Ministry has published a decree requiring all captains of vessels from Europe which bring merehandise to ports of this republic to prepare their manifests in accordance with thojexisting oral- nance; otherwise they wiil be liable to penaities prescribed. This action on the part of the Ministry is in consequence of the Jittle care which captains of vessels and owners and forwarders of foreign wer- chandise take to comply with the ordinance reiative to the preparation of the documents by which such merchandise should be protected. Appoiutment of a Postmistress at Louisville, Ky. Mrs. Lucy Morehead Porter, of Covington, has been appointed postmtstress at Loulsviile, Ky., vice Speed. Jesse Bayles was some time ago designared for the place, but his commission was not issued. Appointnents. The following appointments were made to-day:- Edmund R. Alien to be Surveyor of Customs for the Port of Accomac Court House, Va.; A. D. Johnson to be Coliector of Customs for the district of Rappa- hannock, Va.; EB. McB. Timouey, to be Consul at Tumbez, Peru. Slavery Abolished by the Cuban Revolue tioniste. Prominent friends of Cuba desire # to be stated that article twenty-four of the constitution adopted by the Cuban Congress in April last declares, “All the inhabitants of the republic are absoluteiy free,” and they deny the statement 1 Senator Sumner’s revent speech, that any decree bas been subse- quently issned maintaining slavery. Passports Required ef Travellers in the Otto- man Empire. The Department of State has been oMcially informed that new regolations have been promulga- ted by the Sublime Porte relative to the passports of foreigners entering the Ottoman Empire, and to per- sons originally Ottoman eubjects who claim to have acquired foreign naturalization. From these regu- lations it appears that sirangers arriving in the Otto. man Empire aiter November 19, next, must be pro- vided with passports and the same must be vised by @ Turkish minister or consul, Certsin penalties are prescribed for any infraction of the provisions of these regulations, Proposed International Expesition in Wn ington. A committee of one hundred, heretofore appointed at two public mectings, mes to-night, Heury D, Cooke in the chair and Hallett Kilbourne secretary. Resolutions were adopted for the appointment of a committee of fifteen, to report at an adjourned meeting an outline of a plan for a grand Interna- tional Exposition at Washington in 1871, It was suggested by one of the speakers that the exposition should be veld on the Washington National Monu- ment grounds, and that the surplus funds, if any, should ve appropriated to finishing the monument, uring the proceedings Waidemar de Bodisco, first secretary of the Russian Legation, said he noticed he had been appointed a member of the Commitree of One Hunared. Entertaining doubts &s to the propriety of bis serving in that capacity, he had consulted the Russian Minister, who recently arrived in Washington, and he had informed him that it wouid be proper for atm to do so, He there- fore returned his thanks for the honor con- ferred, said he would do ‘all in his power © further the enterprise, and that Russia now, as heretofore, took a deep interest in ail the political” and industrial concerns of the United States, It was uselesa for him to assure the meeting of the friend- ship of Russia for this country, The remarks were applauded. It was the general sentiment that the Exposition shoud be exciusively national and that care should be taken to give it that character, the Bank Note Mexican Robber. The jury in the case of Schureman (colored), charged with abstracting unsigned bank notes from the Treasury, this afternoon rendered a verdict of gatity, A motion for arrest oi judgment was made by lus counsel, with a view to Obratning anew trial, Weekly Customs Receipts. ‘The following are the custome receipts from Sep- tember 11 to 18, tnclusive:— $679,061 New York. 8,046,926 Philadelphia. 138,527 Balthuore. 256,532 San Francisco, from August 22 to Sept. 4) 112,120 New Orleaas, from September sto ll... 1 TOUR... cssecserveseeeresees sively e (976 The Steam Frigate Lancaster, The steam frigate Lancaster, having completed her armament and crew, will sail from the Ports- mouth Navy Yard on Monday for Brazil. Trial Trip of the Algonav ‘The Haytion Minister, who purchased for his gov- ernment the United States steamer Algonquin, having been informed that the boilers of that vessel are unsafe, has made arrangements for enginecrs to be placed on board. with ecai ia #uficiont quantity for four days’ trial of the machinery. Genera} Lavoehe, with his attaché, will go on this trip, RETURN OF THE PRESIDENT. Reamme of His Recent Journcy—The Forthcoming Message—The Financia) Quese tlon—Foreigu Policy. WasHtngton, D. 0., Sept. 22, 1869, ‘The resurn of the President to the wational capital, accompanied by his family and Generai Porter, ter- minates his summer tour through the Middie and astern States, At no thine during his absence from the capital the President beyond reach of tele- graphic commanication, and he daily received budgets of oflicial information of importance, He returns strepgtheaed m mind and body, and with @ familiar knowledge of the wauws sad views of the substantial men in the sec- ions through which he passed, as well ag an acquainiance with the great interests which they represented. During the former years of hus Ife, having become informed of the taterests of the great mass of the peop'e of the West, haviog resided in that portion of the couutry, he knew litte from bersonal observation of the financial, manufactur- Bs ie: lug, commercial, mercantile and mining interests which centre along the Atlantic coast. Called to the Unief Magisiracy of the nation, he felt the neces- sity of this experience, and, while desiring some recreation for iumscif and relief from Wasuingion iite for his famuiy, ue started upon the jourucy which bas now been finighed, For himseli the Presideus anticipated uo more than the mere form ol recrea- tion, his mind being deeply absorbed in contemplating a the great objects of his summer tour. Politics waa to receive no attenuon, aQd he siudiousiy refused to meet that ciuss of puviic nuisances, Olive hunter is and seekers alicr political interviews. la New York Le b: met the fluancial and business men. At the summer resorts be eucounigied geutlemen of prominenee and respons!bility—gentiemen wuo were sojoarmng at thowe places for recreation trom the tolls of the busy season, aud thus at leisure he had ample oppore tunity to meet Luem, and leara at lengta their views. In Pennsylvania he care in contact with railroad men, mining operators and iron manutacturers. Having visited (he tnest sections of the State he Informed bimself of her agricuitural wealth, He vistred the anthracite region, and with his own eyes: saw Where the coai came from, now it was mined and how It was sent to market. : He visited the bicuminous region, and Having else- 1 where stopped at the leading wonworks ne com- pleted his visit 10 the State at the great manufactur. 4 ing centre, ritcsvurg. Thence he Visited toe agre cultura! sections of Southwestern Penusyivania, tar rying five days at the hospitavie mansion of tis relauye, Mr. Smith, and proceeded through tae beautiful farming section bordering the pational tarnpike to Wheeling, returning to this city by We Baltimore and Onto Ratiroad. Everywhere the presence of tne President mspired tuat sense of respect and admiration which his quiet dignity mands, and exhilited also taat mark of coudence in his civil adiniuistrathion which bis muitary career won lor hima before betng called to the arduous and responstvle duty of goveruing the naiton. With thie increased tund of experience the Prest- dent uow setiles down to an acuve resumption of the reins of government. The heads of te depart- ments also reiuraiug Will assist the President mM arranging #the business of the goveru- ment in st meeting of Congress. ‘1 will at once pr reports to the i’resident, and will bave them ready for the Presideat’s investigation in November. 1'Le President will cot begin upon bf auuual message to Congrees ugtil all these reports are tn aud unut he has cavefuily scratinized ali thelr detaiis, 1b wih embrace the great questions of home poiicy, finances and ihe coilecuion of the revenue and the # administration of Indian aifairs, The intricate sub- i Jects of diplomacy embraced in the relations of thus government with foreign nations wii ve carefuly aud minutely cousidered. ‘The healthy condition of the finances is one of the prominent points already visible m tus responsible contro! of tus vital mterest. ‘he President's policy is embraced wnder three simple propositions—econs omy tn Uie adituistration of the inauces. the collec. Be Uon of aii the taxes and the reduction of the aatioa- al debt ag ranidiy as the imterests of trade and coin- merce will auintt, Since we accumulation of the enormous debt weigling upon the goverament country Has heard much of economy and collection ‘ of taxes, ‘the oiictai starciments which have aiready been put forth snow chat these things are no \onger fictions to deceive the people for political effect, The expenses of government nave been materially reduced aud mre reveane bas flowed in than ever before, It is understood that tie President anttci- pates areduction of irom $400,000, 000 to $500,000,000 of the national debt during bis adminisira- tion, provided no extraordinary eircumetances com- vine to check this, or }t_ should be deemed inexpedi- ent to make so rapid’ a reduetion. The burdens under whieh tue people iabored during the preceding adiministration will be lightenefl; and there are also some hits already put forth looking to » funding of the debt at a lower rate of interest and a modifica- 2 tion of the invernal revenue laws, 30 as ‘to reileve the vital industries of the country. ‘The President . expresses himself gratitled with the success of bis fadien policy, which promises even better resulta next year, ‘he ladian, receiving his annuities, is of course satisfied, and the waste and extravagance incident to the old system, and the endicss wars thus bronght, on are stopped. The foreign policy, which ie rising mto a degree of importance requiring a stern course, 1s likely to re- ceive exactly such treatment, and tt would be wise for Engiand and France to look out jor themselves and not meddle with the atfairsof Spam. Tue Cuban robiem is evidently drawing to a rapid solution. it 18 not at ail hkely that che policy of the govern- ment will be in the least disturbed by whit éogland or France may have to say, —_— ihereiuin of ihe heads of the govern- ; ment is suggestive Of a renewal o1 active work, and the reassembiing of Congress in uniscn with the views of the Executive wii) be characterized by legisiation of a more hnporiant aud beneficial char- acter than has been the fortunate lot of the counwy for many ye ; “J EHS ev TOMS MMBROGLI}. Commissioner Sargent and State Fees— Oficial Correspondence — Cuaracter and Amount of Alleged Iilesal Feee, The following communication from the Commise stoner of Customs at Washington to Capiain 0, F, Barnes, ageut of the Shipowners’ Association, throws some additional light upon the condition of te mixed question of the legality of certain State fees coliected from commerce in various parts of the Untied States:— TREASURY DEPARTMENT, \, Ovvice OF COMMISSION OF CUSTOMS, anes Sept. 21, 1869. xs Sik—The subject presented to the department in \ your several letters, and upon which I addressed ‘i the collecter at New York, 1s under consideration by the Secretary. Whatever may be his decision y Will be advised thereof Isee that the papers sta’ that I have decided that all State fees or taxes upoa commerce are iilegal and must not be coliected, 4 have realiy decided nothing. It has been my duty skiaply to Infor colsectors what the Supreme Court of the United States and the Supreme Court of tue District have decided, This, 1 supposed, was all that was necessary, Very respectiuily, N. SARGENT, Commissioner, Captain C. , Barnes, New York, Some time ago the HERALD published a listyof the various State taxes upon vessels pronounced to be illegal, together with voluminous correspondence between the agent of the Shipowners’ Association and ee giltetals on the subject; bat at the time it was iTupossivie to give a synopsis of the sev- eral fees referred to, in consequence of being aiffer= ent in their character at the several ports. 7 bar bor tonnage consists of @ tax of one aad a half cents per ton on American Vesseis, and three cents per ton on foreign vessels, and is coilecved in a num of the Atiantic ports. The pilotage objectea to con- sists of charges in New York of huatf pilotage, and in Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay and tie Potomac of ten cents per ton where vessels dechine pilots. Port warden fees are five dollars, and the hartor master fees one dollar on each vessel at Now Ovleans, and one dollar in cach case at Puiladelphia. The oyster tonnage tax was @ Virginia insuiearion, ‘And bas already been done away with by the new State government, State head money fees consias of two doilare per head on emigrants. The State hospital tux varies at different ports, and the mas- ters Of vessels complain that although taxed for the Z . mainienauce of those institutions, their seamen never derive any benedt from them. Health tees are 81x dollars on each vessel, aud are collected a6 quarantine, The tax of one per cent on gross amount of freight was applied in Savannab since he war, but was auccesstully resisted and removed 1 by the slipowners. All these charges are In addition to chose-levied by the United States gove ernment on vessels, and are In direct violation of ce, the constitution, which expressly prohivite Statea from taxing commerce, ‘The case oF the sup Reso- lute, Which Was inst year made 4 test and Was care Tied by the Stipowners’ Association, shuws how vessels are compelled to pay taxes contrary to the condition under which they enter tho Unived Statea tuerchaat marine, Out of $101 56 fees demanded of her upon entering the port of New York, but $24 Ww. collected in accordance with United States laws, the remainder being t posed by the Suite in violation of the expr law Of the land, Stupowuers have hitherto silently paid these fees, in consequence of lack of organization to / resist (em, Hut there Dow seems to be a prospect of cifecting at least an important modification of the oppressive harbor regulations, involving tn this port the sum of $3,000,009 per ¥ The tollowmg vice, just issued, Will probaviy bring matters to @ focus at au early date OFFiOR OF THR SHIPOWNERG’ ASSOCIATION ‘OF THE BTATR OF NRW Y. x 59 Pine atreet, New York, ui rp) be constitution of the United States, thig am Hion thero:ore recommends that im fature ali fees ¢ acted by the (\a:aatine authorities and harbor mas paid nader a Conpulsory pllotage law, eh 1 paid und Le ts wad this assoc! ach amounts as bi ioe & te or euch unconstitutional laws, with e prosecuting for the recovery of the same, ty Seas THOMAS 8 SANDFORD, Becretaryy