The New York Herald Newspaper, August 20, 1870, Page 8

AN OFFAL NUISANCE. What Becomes of Dead Animals Found in the City-The Way Contractors Do Their Duty—A “Rank Smeil’’ in the Lower Bay—How It Can be Stopped, «“Whatare the wild waves saying?” has always been sypposed to be a question with a great deal of poetry in it, and people who love to while away the dul! nours at Long Branch and Coney Island day by day have a great fondness for getting the whole re- train by heart; but ft must be confessed that the question has been answered in the lower bay of late in a Way not even pleasing to eyes that delight in nothing repulsive and olfactories tnat “rank sme)is’? put into @ turn-up expression of disgust more easily imagined than described. The fact is that the New York Rendering Company have had a good deal 10 way about what the tame as well as the wild waves have had to say for weeks past, of which fact any person who has had the bad luck to take a sail down the bay within the past few weeks must be well aware. It is almost needless to men- tion what the New York Rendering Company 1s, but everybody may not be aware that ft is the suc- cessor of the Boole contractors, who once upon a ume undertook for valuable consideration duly and periodically paid to Keep the city free from dead avimals and offal of all kinds, It will be remem- bered that this company and the Board of Health of this city once had a vig fight over the rendering business, which at one time bid fair to outrival the efforts of the Prussians and Frenchmen in point of determination and spitefumess on both sides, The rendering company got the contract to take up and dispose of all the DEAD ANIMALS AND SLAUGHTER HOUSE OFFAL they could find in the city, and for a Jong period had arendering place foot of West Thirty-eighth street, North river, where dead cats, horses, dogs and other animals were rendered into fluids and substances the sale of which brought the company in a good ‘profit every day. cries went up endure. People who travelled up and down the river on the steamers day by day added their complain to those of the residents on the west side of the town, and ina short ume the Board of Health gave heed to them, ‘Then came the tug of war, and while tt lasted the stench became all the more unendurable, and indi- viduals of tender 61 contended that if the thing did not come to an abrupt ending the doctors in their neighborhood would become too rich for the vicinity and ht make a bid for Fifth avenue residences, thus leaving the west side to the mer- cles of what they feared might be an epidemic. The company, while fighting its battles, went on as Usual picking up the dead animals about town and rendering them into serviceable imateriul. ‘They cried out aloud that creating no nuisance, and that would be . benefited by the result of their labors. But the crash finally came. One day the Board of Health put its footj down firmly and ‘won the fight by reason of its might. The render- ing business stopped, and the people in the vicinity of the establishments breathed more freely, THE CONTRACT. But what was to follow was worse than before, a!- though Gothamites nave not had so muca to com- Nain about as their hear neighbors on the seaboard. ‘he rendering company, a8 has already been men- tioned, Is the successor of the Long Island Bone La- oratory, between which iatter company and F. I, A. Boole in April of 1865 @ contract was drawn up to Gispose of the dead animals in this city. By the con- tract the contractors and .their successors were bound to take the animals OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS. Of course, after the present contractors were pro- hibited from “rendering,” they had nawurally to fall back on the contract in this respect. ‘The original contractors eed to collect and renfove trow ail parts of the c: to the dock atthe foot of Thirty- eighth street all dead horses and other dead animals found about the streets, to have a suitable number of vessels, propelled by steam power to remove all she carcasses, &c., and then to transport them “to some place out and beyond the timtts of the city.’ ‘The New York Rendering Company are also bound odo tis. The fiith section of the contract provides shat ‘upon any neglect or refusal on the part of the contractors to per- form tie whole or part of the stipulations ‘1 this contract, or any requirements, conditions and specifications of the same, the work shall be done by other parties at their expense.” This col tract was made to last for a period of ten years. ‘When the Board of Health of this city succeeded the Inspector's Office it, of course, became the party to Bee to it that the contract was properly fulfilled, and since it came into power, as has already been noted, it has had a great many bouts with the contractors on the score Of their not doing their duty properly. it would thus seem that the question as to whether ‘the lower bay can be made poisonous with the dead animals dumped into 1t by the New York Rendering Company rests between the latter and the Bourd of Health, but there would appears to be a great diver- sity of opinion upon the subject. THB BOARD OF HEALTH’S VIEWS, ; The Board of Health contend—and its counsel has written an opinion to effect, which he hus already submitted to the Commissioners—that they have no jurisdiction in the matter of the lower bay nuisance whatever. The Commissioners claim that it 1s their bounden duty to look after the health of the city and that it was because they became con- vinced that the rendering of the dead animals in ‘Thirty-eiguth street was a nuisance and detrimental to health that they pat a stop to it. Beyond the city lumits their jurisdiction does not extend, so they would, they contend, have no more right ‘to inter- fere in the matter complained of im the lower bay than they would have to clatm jurisdiction over the city of Philadelphia. Itis just here that the legul hoe pinches aud that the CONTRACTORS GRIN the more grimly whenever they are complained of, and a dead horse floats up the bay along side of a plea- sure pout as an evidence that it Was not at any rate allowed to remain in the city after death. The con- tract compels the contractors to transport the dead animais to “some place out and beyond the city limits,” which it will be seen 1s quite mdefinite enough to please the most exacting of contractors. ‘The “‘city limiis’’ in the bay are divided from ‘for- eign” jurisdiction by an imaginary line from Red Hook to Bedioe’s Island and beyond that to almost Bergen Pot. So if the contractors act up to their contract literally they fuifill theirduty, they say, when they transport dead animals and offal tono mattter what a slight distance beyond this imagini line and dump them into the water. It is contended, however, by the residents of Staten Isiand and Many oiher places just without the inner bay tnat the contractors have been of iate dump) tne dead animals at night time aa near the city as Governor's: Island, and tirat they have on some occasions ise 80 far as to dump them in the river trom the wharf Meelf. This latver statement, however, needs cou- Armation; but the testimony of @ great many per- sons goes to show that the dumping process has been carried on of Jate altogether too near the city. ‘The consequence ts now smelling rank to heaven in the presence every day all through the bay of scores of dead horses, all fes- tering and = spreading poison about for miles, At New Utreciit the inhabitants have seen of jate as many as fifteen dead horses floating near the suore together, and the fact of their being togetner is the best evidence tn the world that they did not ‘meet in the usual way, in a crowd.” Live horses may delight to be together in numbers, but there 1s nothing known which {s’so particularly at- tractive in the dead horse as to draw other dead horses floating a jew rallies from him close to his nen Durimg the late very hot weather people ving ALONG THE SEA SHORE, Just inside the city limits, have had @ very hard time of it, and in many places families have been com- pelied to leave their country seats and go elsewhere w live, sO great is the stenci arising from the carcasses that are dafly washed upon the shores in,their vicinity, Dr. Carnochan has been appealed to by huhdreds who have begged him to use his influence in doing away with ‘Me nuisance; but as he bas no power in the matter ihe appeals have been im vain. The nuisance has become so intolerable during the past week that serious trouble has more than once been antici- in certain localities along the bay, aud threats @ been freely made that if the contractors’ boat 4s caught dumping inside Sandy Hook she will be captured, taken out to sea aud SUNK WITH EVERY SOUL ON BOARD. The great question is how the nuisance can be abated. Mayor Hall thinks the best way will be to refuse to pay the contractors until they give satis- factory proof that they do their duty and remove the dead animals so ‘far from the city that the tide cannot bring them to shore again. The contractors, however, ciaim that they have all along done and still do all that thelr contract re- quires of them; that they “transport the bodies to some place outside the city limits,” and that if the tide brings them ashore at any piace it 1s none of their a8 they are not to be expected to anchor im the stream and watch what course each dead dog or cat or horse may take. The people who reside along the coast claim, on the other hand, that ii the coenige were done, even according to the literal terms of the contract, when the tide is first going out, the bodies and offal would be carried so far seaward that the flood tide conla not bring them back, They also allege- that the contractors do not take the quesiton of tides into consideration at all, and have often been seen dumping the bodies in the bay when the tide ‘Was at full flood, thas aimost making a certainty of the arrival along the shores of a suali feet of dead animals. THE REMEDY FOR THE EVIL, The great question about the whole smatter 1s how can the nuisances he remedied. The Board of Health coptess their inability to interfere, bi ase of @ Want of legal power; and the Health Officer, although quite willing to have the nuisances abated, 1s in the same provoking fix. Admitting, for the sake of urgument, that the contractors fulfil their contract by dumpirg the deed aviinals se near she cily aud Tt suddenly occurred to somebody im the neighborhood that the atmosphere might be considerably improved upon If the factory of the oolpaby Was made to quit business, and straight- way from many tenement house throats that the stench from it was too horrible to BROOKLYN CITY. ABinguler and Probably Fatal Accident—New Buildings—Burglary—The Courts. Robert Husted, of 33 St, Felix street, was Knocked down and gored by &cow he Was driving yesterday. Jury trials in the City Court wilt commence on the third Monday of September. Causes must be noticed for triai for the first Monday. The residence of Mrs. Casserly, No. 417 Clinton street, was felonionsly entered on Thursday night and robbed of $100 worth of properiy. The total nnmber ‘of new bnildings erected tn Brooklyn during the past year was 2,486, the assess- ment of which 13 $5,692,200 and the value of which 18 $12,000,000, William Maxwell, residing at 664 Douglas street, attempted to shoot officer Cadmns of the Tenth precinct at a iate hour on Thursday night, ‘The officer clubbed him to such an extent that a physician bad vo be called to dress bis wouads, Juage Pratt, of the Supreme Court, has issued an order authorizing a mortgage of the real estate of the Greenpoint Methodist Episcopal church for $16,000, in two mortgages, to the Manhattan Savings Tasitution, to be appiled to the payment uf mortgage and the enlargement and rebuilding of the church. A singular accident, and one which will in all Probability resuit in the death of two or three per- sons, occurred about eleven o’clock on Thursday night at a tenement house, No, 97 Gold street. This building, which 1s ocoupted by a Jarge number of families, 13 connected with one of the same class situated in the rear by a bridge or platform {rom the second story, At about ten o'clock two of the occupants of No, 97, Sirs, Mary Huzzie and Mrs. Bridget McNeely, were staud- ing on this bridge, when 1 suddenly gave wi and they were precipitated to the pavement beneat! among the debris, @ distance of thirty feet. Tne husband of Mrs. McNeely, hearing the crash of the failing bridge and not Knowing what it was, ran out to ascertain the cause, and the bridge being gone feil among the broken timbers, ‘the three parties were Picked yf in an almost lifeless condition and taken into the house, when it was found thelr injuries were of a serious if not fatal character, Mr. Mc- Neely is not expected to survive, and both women were badly injured about the back and spine. It is sald that the attention of the landlord had been called to the unsafe condition of the briage. COMFORT FOR DEBTORS. Ampertant Amendment to the Bankruptcy Law. ‘The second clause of the thirty-second section of the Bankruptcy act of 1867 provided as follows:— That in all proceedings in ban srep ey commenced after gne year frum the time this act shail go, Into operation no jarge shall be granted to a debtor whose assets do not pay fifty per contum of the claims against his estate, unless the assent in writing of # majority in number and value of his creditors who have proved their claims is Bled in (he case at or before the time of appiication for discharge. ‘This clause, commonly called the fifty cent clause, went into operation on the 1st of January, 1869, as an amendment to the law, the original intention of Congress belug that the amendment should take effect on the ist of June, 1868, but Congress agreed that itshould not have operation tiil the January following. Now comes another and most important amendment, which provides that the above clause shail not apply to those debts from which the bank- Tupt seeks a discharge which were contracted prior wo the Ist of January, 1869. In other words, in order to make the fact plain, any person who has con- tracted debts prior to January 1, 1869, may, on his own petition, go into voluntary bankruptcy as if the fifty cent cigmse did not exist at all, The “involuntary” portion of the act has been amended in the sauner set forth in the subjoimed paragraph: That the clause in the thirty-ninth which now reads, “or who, belng banker, merchant or trader, has fraudulently stopped or suspended, and not re- sumed payment of his commercial paper within « period of fourteen days,” shali be amended £0 as to read us follows “Or who, being a banker, broker, merchant, trader, mavu- facturer ‘or miner, has ‘fraudulently stopped payment, or who has stopped or suspended od not resumed payment of his commercial paper withia a period of fourteen days.” Jt is well that the legal profession and the public generally should be made acquainted with the above, which refers to & very essential part of the Bunk- rupicy law. section of sald act A LADY SPIRIT ALIST EXPOSED. How a Female Seancer Tried to Humbug the Pabiic ani Was Detected. {From the Indianapolis Sentinel, August 17.) For some time past a number of our citizens afflicted with a belief in the doctrines of Spiritaal- ism have been comforting themselves ina quiet way with seances in certain rooms m a business block on one of our principal streets. They sent on, several weeks since, and procured the ser- vices of a noted lady medium who resides in Day- ton, Ohio, to come here and develop the talent spiritual of the city, in order that, having a me- lum of their own, they could hold converse with all manner of ghosts to order. This lady, after a short stay, discovered that, asa medium, there ‘was one still greater than herself residing here, in the person of a lady who, in company with her husband, occupies a soit of rooms in the said business plock. Having made this discovery and imparted it to the “circle,” the Dayton medium returned to her home, and the ‘‘circle’ held high carnival for pure joy at knowledge of what was in their midst. The hew fledged medium soon developed great ability in that liné, and seances were held long and often. The spiritualistic world of Indianapolis was happy. The defunct were called up at a moment's notice, and told all they know about any and everything with a graciousness that sent thrills of happiness to the very toes of the “circle.” But, as it is said, “the course of true love ne’er did run smooth,’ neither does the course of true spiritualiatic blisa always run in acalm and quiet manner. The pel- lucid stream of spiritual happiness was not fated to be always calmly rippling on its bright sunny way. And this is how it came about. The “cir- cle’ feeling that they bad what is in the slang ver- nacular termed a ‘‘good thing,” became icted with a desire to show off their treasure to the pub- lic, and accordingly now and then a few invited disbelievers were inducted into the ed of holy”’ chambers, where the gentle medium beld converse with the spirita—the moderate sum of one dollar being charged the Gentiles as an admission fee. One evening last week @ certain eolone! in the late ‘‘onpleasantness’ was in- troduced into the seance chamber, and in the course of a conversation with a deceased “cuss,” who represented himself as having 1n the flesh been one John Anderson, and a soldier daring the war, had his suspicions aroused as to the genuine- ness of the little business. The colonel is not afraid of spirits, on the average, and propounded many Care to the representative of the ex- hero. The ex-hero said, when in the adipose tissue, he had enlisted in Dayton for the wars, and had come to Indianapolis to draw his clothing, and stated that he had been killed in battle in Tennes- see. In answer to a question as to what regiment or company he belonged to at the time of his un- timely deceage he said he was in none, and soon got mixed up in a manner that justified tho colonel in the belief that he had been a satler, and had not got shot or killed at all. The colonel im- parted his suspicions to a party of friends next day, and they at once concocted a plan to inves- tigate the doings of the fair mediam. Securing invitations to 9 seance, which was to come off on Monday night, the party provided themselves with @ quantity of phosphorus matches, and were on hand at the appointed hour. According to practice, when all was ready for the appearance of the spirits, the party present were grouped eround the medium ina circle and the lights ex- tinguished, leaving the room in perfect darkness. Ju a few moments the artistes from “that bourne,”” &c., began manifesting their presence by tapping various ones of the party on the head. Thinking that the time for action had come, a member of the party, a (partie sa} young lawyer, quietly strock a match, throwing the room instantly into the very light of day. Instead of ail being “quiet on the floor” of that room, the discevery was made that the fair medium was half kneeling in the centre of the circle, tapping a certain ex- Onited States official on top of his head with the horn which was used for the purpose of conversing with the spirits. A scene ensued, resulting in the breaking up of the séance. Yesterday there were rumors of war between the Believers and disbe- lievers, but up to latest accounts no blood had been shed. The beliovers in spiritualism deny the story of the visitors; put they are all young mop of honor, and have good eyes, LIFE AT LONG BRANCH. The President Enjoys Another Day of Quiet Rest— That Juvenile Fancy Dress Ball—The Coming Ninth Regiment and Coming Honors and Glory on Account of It-Fish Catching and Fish Feeding by the Whole- eale—Programme of Trotting at Monmouth Park. Lone BRaNcn, August 19, 1870. President Grant, following out his programme of rest taxing, has remained nearly ali day at home. ‘The only exceptions were a drive this forenoon, in which he was accompanied by ex-Secretary Borte and wife, and another this afternoon with his family. In the the interim, as he does every day, he received several calls, but all of a social character. It is getting pretty well known that he will not talk businéss or politics, and for this reason office seek- ers and those having axes to grind do not darken his cottage porch with their shadows, General Por- ter, his private secretary, went this morning to the city and returned this evening. THE JUVENILE MASQUERADE BALL. The brief telegram sent last evening regarding the young people’s masquerade ball at the Contin- ental Hotel afforded but feeble comception of its beauty and magnificence. It was, in fact, the grandly exciting event thus far of the season. Though gotten up for the special delectation of the young folks everybody else took a special interest in 1t,and no pains were spared to make it a brilhant: euccess, which it most assuredly was. Of course giving marked <éclat to the occasion was the presence of President Grant and his entire family. Everybody of prominence sojourning here was indeed there, giving it the highest endorsement of select and fashionable patronage. Such an astemblage of female beanty, such an array of costly toile’s, sucn Mashing of dia- monds, have never been witnessed here before, Tho only drawback was that the asseniblage was too great—a crushing crowd, in fact, impeding locomo- tion and not giving requisite room for the young people to disport to advantage in thelr gaily gro- tesque costumes. Two or three columns might be fea with a description of these costumes, and yet not reach the beginning of the end. They were all rich, some most expensively so, and embraced every possible varlety of character. It was a beautiful spectacie—the poetry of youth and innocence and joy aud motion—a vision of fairy land, Wild and sweot ‘Were the merry laughter and dancing feet— Youthfal loveliness ever in motion, which plays Like the light upon autumn’s soft, shadowy daye— Now melting in mist and now breaking tu gleaiws, Like the glimpses @ saint hath of heaven in his dreams. It was iace when the pleasing festivities closed. A similar bail, on a similar scale of magnificence, 18 to te given atthe Wesi snd Hotel before the season closes. THE NINTH REGIMENT ENCAMPMENT. The present eg tople of talk everywhere is the coming of the Ninth regiment to-morrow. ‘To- day, under the direction of Licutenant Colonel brane, Major Hitchcock and Captain Imlay, who are here, (he finishing touches were put on their camp ground—and a qoodly spacious, perfectly Jevel and most fittingly adapted camping ground it is, the location being between the Metropolitan and Diarendon hotels, aud the name given to it Camp Jay Gould, in honor of the distinguished business coryrére of Colonel Jim Fisk, Jr. A special train is to convey the regiment from Sandy Hook here, gucceeding its debarkation from the Plymouth Rock, the steamer they are to take from che city. Colonel Fisk and his staff will appear mounted, and the Volonei, having spent for several weeks past considerable of lis spare time here tn preliminary horseback riding, ts expected to do the fullest credit to himself aud his horse on the occasion. ‘The regi- mental band, numbering iifty pieces, and a full drum corps will accompany the regiment. Each man brings a Knapsack with a woollen blanket rolled on top—the latter supposititiously,to comprise the principal part of their sieeping paraphernaia. As they are to feed at the hotels, the officers at the Clarendon, the privates at the’ Metropolitan, they bring no rations with them, encumbering their Knapsacks, but fillthem with white pantaloons, white gloves and other dilettante adornments of holiday soldiers. According to Colonel Fisk’s announce- ment their ten days’ stay here 1s not to be, however, altogether a holiday time. He has expressed bis in- Vention to have this regiment in the van of all others, and with a view to this end the present camp wil be strictly acamp of instruction, and while improving in dfillat the same time acquire a prac- tcal knowledge of camp duty. it is very certain thatthe presence of the regiment will attract thou- sands of visitors here, and tiat during its stay balls and other festivites will be the order of the day or rather the night. LONG BRANCH FISHER‘ES. A feature of the Branch 1s its fisheries, Sitting on these pleasant forenoons under the summer houses Jining the bluff, with scarcely a ripple stirring the great ocean of waters, way off in the vista of ethereal mist, may be seen scores of fishing boats, This fist- ing is business, the element of pleasure being an ex- cepiionabie ingredient. Some five mules from shore are the banks, where in the crooks and crannies of moss-covered rock are sheltered sea bass, porgies and black fish. Each fisherman has his jandmark, as it is called, these landmarks in some cases being several miles inland. The headquarters of the Long Branch fishermen Is Lang’s End, a place som what famous in Indian legends. Here still stands the old fish house, now fully a century old; here ure the same old surroundings; here rolls the same dark blue ocean at its base, and from here daily launch out on thelr {rail barks of cedar the same bold fishermen, who, as did their fathers and grandfathers before them for long, long years, have stemmed the breakers in pursuit of their hereditary avo- cation, During the summer season the ho- tels, it 1s estimated, consume not less than 100 tons of fish, which, With the amount distributed elsewbere, will give an idea of the magnitude of the usiness, TROTTING AT MONMOUTH PARK. The programme for the trotting meeting at Mon- mouth Park on the 27th, 30th and dist inst. has been arranged. On Saturday, the 27th, there will be two races; the first race, purse $2,600, for horses that never beat 2:33, $1,500 to first horse, $750 to second, and $260 to the third; and the second race, burse $1,500, for double teams, $1,000 to fret and $500 to second. On the second day there will also be two races; the flist, purse $3.5, for horses that never beat 2:26, $1,500 to first, $750 to second, and $250 to third; and the second race for a like purse and similar distribution of prices, for horses that never beat 2:23, On the third day there will likewise be two races; the first, purse $5,000, for all horses, $8,600 to first, $1,000 tu second and $500 to third horse; and the seconu Trace for silver punch bowl, valued at $500, for gen- tlemen’s horses that never trotted for money. [vis expected that the attendance at this race wiil be as Jarge as at the late races. LATE ARRIVALS, Among to-day’s arrivais are Mr. Fechter, the actor, and Miss Leclercq, (he actress. ‘ihey have come here to do the “Cottage Scene,” not, however, aslaid down in the “Lady of Lyons,” but at the cottage of Mr. Lester Wailack, whose guests they are, PERSONAL INTELLIGENCE Prominent Arrivals in Thie City Yesterday. General H. L. Robinson, of Binghamton; Professor M. Vincent, of London, England, and ©, H. Sher- rill, of Washington, are at the St. Nicholas Hotel, Colonel J. Roberts and Colonel Audenreid, of the United States Army; G. A. Grow, of Pennsylvanta; Isaiah Blood, of Bollston; J. F. Meigs, of the United States Navy; Dr. Packard, of Philadelphia; Captain J. N. Jackson, of ship Great Admiral; George M. Grier and D, F. Geaney, of Gosuen, are at the Astor Houxe. Professor Gaply, of Parts; 8. T. Hosmer, of Chi- cago, and John E. Nichols, of Buaitimore, are at the Coleman House. General Hazen and Colonel Thomason, of the United States Army; Sir W. M. Call, of England, and J, H. Keene, of Baltimore, are at the Hoffman Honse. Dr. Moore, of Syracuse, and George H. Gibbs, of Little Rock, are at the irving House. D. Gibson, of Cincinnati; George T. Lewis, of Philadelphia, and Thomas F, Eddy, of Fall River, are at the Albemarle Hotel. Major General Done, of the United States Army; Henry ©. Dibblee, of New Orieans; J. J. Pollard, of St. Louis, and B. May, of Ciacipnati, are at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Colonel Black, of the United States Army, and family, are at the Clarendon Hotel Captain R. Ramsay, of England, and Dr. £. Burke, of San Francisco, are at the St. Charies Hotel. ©, 8. Barnard. of Idaho, and George EK. Maguire, of Rome, Ga., are at the Westminster Hotel, C. B. Pattison, of Indianapolis; P, B. Tyler, of New Haven; J. B. Gascoyne, of Albavy, and J. 8, Morrig, of Vicksburg, are at the Metropgiitan Hotel. Dr. W. Dav: a, Of Port Hope, C. W., and Rev. Dr. Steele, of Sandusky, are at the St. Elmo Hotel, ‘The consumption of wood in the United States 1s enormous. Kailway sleepers alone require 160,000 acres of the best timber every year. The annual ex- penditure for railway buildings, repairs and cars is $38,500,000, The locomotives In the United States consume $56,000,000 worth of the article. Wood industry amounts to $500,000,000, in which there are + 44,000 arlisape. NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1870.—TRIPLE SHEET, * See Further Testimony in Regard to the Colliston— Testimony of Passengers— The Captain and Pilot Sober—A Further Adjournment. ‘The inquest was resumed yesterday afternoon by Coroner Whitenill over the body of John E, Phalen, late of 426 West Twenty-fifth street, who lost his life through tho collision between, the Coney Island boat Norwalk and the schooner Lady Ellen. Captain Hazzard testified that he was on the Nor- walk at the time of the collision and that he saw the schooner four points on the port bow heading South; the steampoat was then running for the north coast; the schooner was showing her rea light only; when the schooner was about two points forward the wheel of the steamboat the pilot rang the bell to shut of the steam and blew one whistle; told him to port his helm, and not to stop her for his life; it was plowing fresh, and the schooner was running about eight knots; stepped outside and told the persons on the schooner to port their helm and luff, and told the passengers on the lowér deck to get off that part of the guard: after the collision some one said, “Jump on the schooner, . THE BOAT 18 SINKING; jnmped on the promenade deck among the ruins, ‘nd saw that the huil of the boat was compara. ‘tively uninjured, and tried to stop the passengers, from gomg on board the schooner; they were get- tng Uirough @ hole, bat @ large number came back again; then told the pilot to blow a whistle fora tug, Which was then im sight; the tug came up and witness threw them a line; noticed the sails pressing on the boats and wid Cap- tain Wilson to get them down; when the tugboat started saw a bow line last to the schooner; called for some one to cast 1b off, but there was no one there; no one on the schooner answered; told the par ‘on the tug to tow us to pier No.4 Nortii river, first landing; Captain Wilson suid we should take the nearest Pei as te passengers were too'much alarmed; landed the passengers in good order; first saw the schooner three-quarters of @ mile away and showing one light; she was on her oper course to the northward, but she ch. Ber course soon after and bore right down on steamboat; the sieamboat was on lier proper course for pier No, 1; she altered about two points east- ward when she saw the schooner bearing down on her; the object of that was Jo keep away from the schooner; have been a keyg seer pd for twenty-nine years; thehands on boara the schooner must have E A MISCALCULATION, an@ mistook tle lights of the steamboat, which ts sometimes the case; they altered their course to @ wrong point; did not see any person get into the Water; know the Norwalk was on her proper course; it was not yet quite dark; the captain and pilot were sober and Competent to discharge their duties; the steamboat lights were im proper position; if the pilot bad kept right on, witha full head of steam, he could not have cleared the schooner; she would then have been struck amidships by the boiler; Captain Wilson said she was not making any water; saw several passengers on board; the schuoner’s boom was carried “away; came to the conciuston aiter that, that nobody was in the water and did not order any ilfe preservers to be thrown over; there was a great excitement at the ume of the colil- sion, but the passengers were soon pacified; the wind was blowing west at the time and the schooner was ening font 3 Should have put the helm down and hauled the sheet in, she would then have cleared the boat; heard Captain Wilson call to the captain and crew fof the schooner, but he got no reply; Captain Wilson put Captain Delano on board tie: schooner to take cate of the passengers; don’t know whether the echooner dropped anchor or not; did not hear of any person being drowned; the pilot and wheelman were at the heli at the time of ihe acc! dent; the steamboat was properly managed, but the schooner was not. THEODORE L.’ PAINE SWORN. Theodore L, Paine, of Classon avenue, testified that he was a passenger on the Norwalk on the night in question and was sitting forward of the wheelhouse, with two other gentlemen; noticed the schooner; @gentieman at my right remarked that there were a great number of lights; when looking at the schooner again thought she was heading for the steamboat; soon after heard the whistle blow on the Norwalk; said they would surely RUN INTO US; did not see her strike, but knew by the shock that she had struck; & number of people went of on the schooner; did not kee anybody get overboard, but heard that there were numbers of people in the Water; only heard the remark made onee, and that ‘Was On the upper deck; a number Of the passengers came back from the schooner to the sieamer; knew Captain Wilson by sight, and he seemed to be per- fectly sober, JOHN ROGERS SWORN. John Rogers testified that he was engineer of the steamer, Norwalk; shorty after they had passed the Narrows heard one bell, and shut off the steam im- mediaicly; saw the passengers rush to the starboard side of the boat, then came a terrible crash, and the engine stopped of itself; looked out and saw the side of the Norwalk ali crushed in; then went to the tireroom to ascertain if she was making water; went to the engine room and saw the steam escape; told the passengers there was no danger; found a smail leak and tried to stop it. Tue inquest was here adjourned until Monday. A libel has been filed against the schooner by the owners o1 the Norwalk. THE DISPOSITION GF STREET REFUSE. Since opposition has been made to the filling of sunken lots with the street refuse in New York, the New York street contractors nave been hurry- ing the vile stuff over to Long Island city. The matter was brought to the notice of the Newtown Health Board some weeks since, and at that tune the contractor promised to use @ disinfectant. A large quantity of carbolic acid was procured and sprinkled over the refuse, and for a time tt evi- dently stayed decomposition of the animal matter which 1s found mixed in with the refuse; but as the space filled in eniarges and the number of scows from New York increases, the man who sprinkles the dump loses control, and yesterday the smeli was strong as ever. Nothing short of a street sprinkling, ‘with an uniimiteJ supply of carbolic acid, would now stop the stench which is arising from the place, The passengers on the ravroads terminating at Hunter's Point perceive the smell fully two miles east of Long Island City. The residents ofsHunter’s Point and Dutch Kills were compeiled to close their doors and windows all uay yesterday, and then the terrible pestilential odor would still creep into the cracks and crevices of the houses. It was tasted in the food and drink and felt in one’s clothes. Now that the new city heaith Board Is fully organized, it is asked why this matter is uot taken in hand and disposed of. THE END OF A SLAVE CATCHER. {From the Middletown (Md.) Transcript, Av- gust 15.) McCreary was a man of iron nerve and lion heart. He had many adventures in Pennsylvania in Cid Terabe slaves and many hairbreadth escapes. He was several times waylaid and fired upon by parties in ambush, and had a desperate encounter at Chestnut Level with seven men, who undertook to arrest him in the barroom of the hotel at that place in the winter of 1852, we think it was. With his revolver and bowie knife he caused his assailants to beat a hasty retreat, hav. ing cut the whiskers of the leader of the band by n ball fired through the bottom of a Windsor chair which the man held up between McCreary and himself, as he advanced to make the arrest. After the encounter McCreary thought it prudent to make a hasty retreat, which he did, lest the party might return reinforced. A requisition was at one time made for him by the Governor of Pennsylvania upon the Governor of Maryland, on the charge of kidnapping; but an investigation showed that the charge was groundless. Mc- Creary, though charged with the offence, was above any the kind. He was bold and adventurous, even to rashness, in arresting runaway slaves, but would disturb no one known to be free. The protracted trial in Baltimore, which terminated in the release of two young girls, alleged to be slaves of Mra. Schofield, of that city, whom he arrested in Ches- ter county, was followed by a tragedy which cre- ated great excitement at the time, A man named Miller, one of the witnesses to es the girls free, had so compromised himself by acting in the interest of both parties that he hung himself at Stemmer’s ran to a tree, leaving the cars for tho purpose at night, while he was on his way home from Baltimore. It was alleged in Pennsylvania thata band of Baltimore roughs followed him, seized him at Stemmer's ran and committed the foul deed. {t was also alleged that McCreary hung him, but the truth of the matter was that the man was io terror of his neighbors, lest the: should discover his true relation in the case whic! stirred up such an excitement in his neighborhood. We had this explanation of the affair from Mc- Creary’s own lips, aud have no reason to doubt its truth. In the latter part of his days he lived a quiet and unobtrusive life, and was for a number of years sexton of titi church, Elkton, the dnties of which office he discharged much to the satisfaction of the vestry and congregation. THE FOURTEENTH STREET HOMICIDE. Jacob Langfried, the baker who Killed the young mao Reilly, a few weeks since, in East Fourteenth street, was yesterday held in $1,000 vail at the York- ville Police Court, by Justice Coulter, to answer a charge of felonious. assault, preferred against him by a brother of the deceased, It will be remembered that on the night young Reilly was Killed by Lang- fried, with @ stab of a bayonet, during the row that occurred at the same time on the sidewalk a brother of deceased, who was with the crowd that created the disturbance, received a stab of the bayonet tn the thigh, trom which he has singe been sullerivg. OBITUARY. Joneph Hoxie. On Thursday last this venerable citizen of New “York died at Westerly, Bhode Island, whither he had'gone to recruit his health, There was nobetter known and more deservedly popular resident of this city than Mr. Hoxie. He was born in Rhode Island, t on the 13th of August, 1795, his father having been a revolutionary soldier. In 1811, when but a boy of wixteen years, he came to New York, where he obtained @ good education, For some time he kept a school in Wililam street, but, op- portunity offermg, he engaged in a more jucrative business and opened a clothing store, which was located in Cherry street at first, and later in Maiden lane. As @ merchant he was very suc- cessful, acquiring a handsome fortune. Mr. Hoxle was an oid line whig, and, after some years of pro- minence in political life, first appeared as a candi- date for office in 1837, when he was elected clerk of this county, During the Presidential campaign maior ne ripe of pi Harrison he ot for ni vocacy of their claims, and became quite popular as an orator. Henry Clay with whom he was on the most intimate personal ‘terms to the day of that statesman’s death, also re- celved an enthusiastic support from him. air.tHoxle rap for Congres dn 1862, but was beaten by Mr. Tweed. Before that time, and later, he ran several’ times for but was always defeated, his) baton ofthe why party he jomed th jubucans, 1 JO 1e re] and in 1864 President Lincoln spy ointed Collec- tor of Internal Revenue in the Fifth district, the du- tles of which he performed creditably. years have passed since he retired {rom mercantile pur- sults, Of fate his attention has been directed to tire aud life insurance. He aided in estabhsbing the Comonwealth Fire Insurance Company, and in 1868 was elected president of the Amicabie Lue, @ posi- tion he held at the time of his death. ; i) private life of Mr. Hoxie was notably upright. ly, he was one of tle most genial of men. There was Something inviting in his pleasant face. A fluent conveérsationallst, full of wit, quick at Tepartee, bis society was always sought and wel- comed. He has passed away ata ripe old age, and With him went another link which binds the New York of to-aay to the New York of fitty years ago. In. this city, Where he was so widely known and s0 ani- versally esteemed, and wherever dwells an acquaint- ance of his, the news of lis deaih will cause pro- found sorrow. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN WiLLIAMSBURG, Factories Destroyed—Loss Forty Thousand Dollars. Between six and seven 0 clock lastevening flames suddenly issued from the old frame building Nos. 235 ana 237 First street, Williamsburg, principally occu- pled by W. Beeson & Co., bung and plug manufac- turers, and the flames spread rapidly to adjoining buildings sweeping away property valued at $40,000 before they were brought under control, and extend- ing westward to Water street, The firemen were ably assisted by the employés of Hardy’s saw mull, who used the base of that establishment to good advan- tage. ‘The police, under Captain Woglorn, also rea- dered Chier Engineer Smith and hig command energetic and valuable services. The following are THE LOSSES BY THE FIRE. First street—Nos..235 and 287, W. R. Beeson & Co., lug and bung manufacturers; loss $10,000; no fosarance, Ff sore Harmer, sawmill and turning shop; loss $5,000; no insurance, Barnes & Co., blacksmiths; loss’ $2,000; no ce. NO. 231, butcher shop of Daniel Krouse; damages $1,000; insured for $2,400 in Citizens’ Insurance Company. No. occupied by Michael Flynn; damages $600; owned by Mrs. McNabb and fully insured. — Water Street—No. 17, occupied by H. W. Eaton, pattern maker; loss $1,200; msured in Citizens’ In- surance Company for $2,600. No. 19, oceupied by W. W. Pecan, coffin manufacturer; loss $12,000; no insurance. Building owned by Mrs. Ellen McNabb; fully insured. ‘The wood yard of John Ryan and the extensive property of the ‘l'errace estate were saved with great dificulty. But for the timely discovery of the fire by Captain Woglom, who was in the neighborhood at the time and who was the first to give the alarm, a far more serious conflagration would undoubtedly ave resulted. : MUSIC IN CENTRAL PARK. The Department of Public Parks announce that if the weatber be fine there will be music by the Cen- tral Park Band, in Central Park, to-day, beginning at half past four P.M. The following 1s the pro- gramme:— Several About PART 1. PART 11. 6. Grand Finale—* Torquato Tasso" 6. Wall tum Roses!’ -Ronsint Godfrey -Verdi 9. Overture—‘*! 10, Waltz“ Hil IL. Terzetto—*Attil 12. Galop—‘Marien' lahometo 11. da” THE NATHAN MURDER INQUIRY. The Superintendent, Captain Kelso and the entire detective force are still actively at work on the Nathan murder inquiry, Captain Kelso declares that they are not in the least relaxing their efforts to secure the offender, and have strong hopes of being ullimately successful, if the newspapers will only refrain from writing about it. ‘he great scent they are now on is the mysterious man who followed Mr. Nathan in from Newark the morning before the murder, It is believed that this fellow knows some- thing of the murder. The ee 0 fg the “dog” with which the murder was committed, it 1s understood, has been discovered, but the Superintendent very properly refuses to give it to the public. AN EARLDOM GOING A-BEGGING. English society, it is reported, has for some time past been excited with conjectures as to the whereabouts of the Earl of Aberdeen, the grand- son of the fourth Earl of Aberdeen, who was Prime Minister of Great Britain from December, 1852, to February, 1855. This young nobleman, James Henry Hamilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen, who was born in 1545, left England about two years ago, without giving any clue to his in- tended place of residence, and has not communi- cated with his friends or family since. News, however, has reached his friends that he had shipped as a common sailor on board a merchant vessel bound for the United States, and that he subsequently became a mate. The cause of this singular conduct is entirely matter of conjecture; but it is thought that the Phir earl, believing his estate to be encumbered, has resolved to live off of his own earnings until accumu- lated rents are sufficient to pay off the mortgages on the property he inherited. Another instance, in the present century, of a young man of rank becoming dissatisfied with his position by birth and adopting a laborious career is to be found in Viscount Ockham, the grandson of Lord Byron, who, had he lived, would now be Baron Wentworth, as well as heir to the Earldom of Lovelace. After many similar manceuvres, this young man entered the works of Scott Russell, the well known builder of fron ships, and remained there for some time, working as an ordinary mechanic. It is stated that on one occasion, ue received a check from his grand- mother, Lady oe] Byron, drawn to the order of Viscount Ockham, he presented himself in his working clothes at tho bank, in London, to draw the money. On being infurmed by the paying teller that the paper was drawn to order, and needed his lordehip’s endorsement, ba rough mechanic, to the indignation of the clerk, scize Ren and scribbled *-Ockhgm” on the back of the raft, ‘The teller then ordered the arrest of the supposed forger, who was almost immediately re- leased on being taken into the bank parlor, where he was recognized. ‘A CURIOUS HABEAS CORPUS CASE. Alleged Restraint of a Lady im a Convent. {From the St. Louis Republican, August 17.) Yesterday afternoon Judge Wolff, of tne Court of Criminal Correction, granted Mr. A, O, Kellam, attore ney, a writ of habeas corpus against the Convent of the Good Shepherd, Mother Mary, superior. This re- ligious establishment is located on Seventeenth street, between Pine and Chestnut, aud occupies half @ block, It 1s conducted ag @ private institution, and is frequently used as a home for refractory girls who will Dot conform to the ordinary customs of society aud recognized ideas of virtue. Here they are Kept secluded from tne world and subjected to the refor- matory influences of religious example and teaching. In the present case, it ts alleged in the petition’ that Blanche G. Lingcoln, a married woman, over twen- ty-one years of age, is unlawfully restrained of her liberty. The particulars are represented ag follows:—The lady, who is sald to be both beautiful and cyl ned, has been, itis aileged, deserted by her husband alter having been unkindly treated. As she appeared disposed to be reckless, her friends consulted together and tt was decided that if sho could be sent into seclusion for a time it would be greatly to her advantage. In accordance with this opinion Mr. Benjamin Jewell, one of the lady’s rela- tions, made the necessary arrangements, and on the 15th of May, 1870, she wis received into the conven’ her board bemg paid in advance to the Ist o! August, atthe rate of $30 @ month. The under. standing was that she was to remain there until called for. Mr. Jewell, it is alleged, -has frequently called at the convent during the last few days, but has been peremptorily refused either the liberty of seeing her or speaking to her. In this position of matters, Mr. Jewell, feeling aggrieved, resorts to the law, and the writ of habeas corpus i8 now iasned, made returnable at ten o’clock this morning. The grounds of the alleged restraint will be then Inquired | Been and the cage promises to be one of peculiar interest, NEW YORK CITY. Local and Police Paragraphs and Minor Items of Metropolitan News. ‘The following record wiu show the changes in the temperature for the past twenty-four hours tn com- parison With the corresponding day of last year, as indicated by the thermometer at Hudnut’s phar- macy, HERALD Butiding, Broadway, coruer of Aun etreet:— 1869. 1870, 1869, 1870, $1 BP. M......-. 84 1G 80 P, 3B HIE 82 Bale 88 KB'g vemperature yesterday + 84% temperature for corres i Average Jest y Margaret J. Lyons, aged eighteen, died suddenly yesterday at No, 69 Mercer street of yellow jaun- . dice, As the deceased was not attended by a puysi- can Coroner Schirmer held an inquest. dad Yesterday an unknown man, aged about forty-five years, smnail side whiskers, dark hair, red shirt, dark Pants and vest, was found, corner of Mercer and Broome streets, with a fractnred skull. He was sent to Bellevue Hospital in an insensible state. John Kierney, of Brooklyn, a boiler maker by o8- cupation, was held to answer by Justice Scott at the ‘Essex Market Police Court yesterday, on a charge of stealing from Ernest Oettler, of 15 Chrystie street, a valnable gold watch, Kierney is said to be a noted Justice Cox, at Jefferson Market, yesterday com- mitted a bartender named Edward Stierin; upon complaint of Theodore Jacobs, of 481 Kighth ave- nue, charged with stealing @ watch, chain, set of studs aud a revolver from him, On the Ist ipst., val- ed at $345, As ofMlcer Walters, of the Sixteenth precinet, was conveying John Lamb to the station house on Thurs- day night he forcibly took his clup from him and beat him over the head with it, severely injuring him. Justice Cox yesterday committed lun jor examination. Philip W. Wagar, a boy, of No. 8 Congress street, on Thursday afternoon forced open a chest in his father’s house and stole thirty-five dollars in money. He was arrested by detective Von Guichica, and yesterday committed to the Juvenile Asylum by Jus- tice Cox, at Jefferson Market Police Court. William Morris, of No. 591 Graenwich street, on Thursday night forced open the paper stand of Joseph Leicht, at the corner of Houston and Hudson streets, and atiempted to steal a quantity of .vooks, valued at $150, He denied the charge yesterday before Justice Cox, but was committed in desauly of $1,500 bail. In the Tombs Police Court yesterday, before Jus- tice Koch, Joseph Pohley aad Charles Woolf were held for trialona charge of having stolen eggs, potatoes and apples, to the value of $116, from the store of. Theodore Kelly, 330 West Sixteenth street. The property 1s alleged to have been found in pos- session of the accused. Michael Farrell, # laborer, residing in Forty-first street, on Thursday night amused himself by plung- ingy a sheath knife into the hip, breast and groin of James Coie, at the corner of Sixty-fitth street and Third avenue. He was arrested by officer Evces, of the Twenty-ninth precinct, and yesterday committed by Justice Cox, in default of $1,000 ball. In the Tombs Police Court yesterday, before Jus- tice Koch, John Sullivan was committed on a charge of having on Sunday last stabbed with some sharp instrument in the neck and the shoulder blade Francis McGuire, of 38 Mulberry street. Sullivan 1s only seventeen years of age, resides at 45 Uliver street, and says he 1s not guilty. James Sally, aged fifty-three, and a carman, dic& yesterday in the Park Hospital from the effects of injuries sustained on the 80tn ult, by his falling from his truck. As the deceased fell to the pavement his’ head came in contact with the wheel and his neck was severely injured. Notice of the case was sent to Coroner Schirmer, who will hold the necessary Investigation. Coroner Schirmer held an inquest yesterday # the Morgue over the remains of Thomas Barry, aged eigut years, who, it is supposed, was accidentally drowned on Tuesday last, he having been missing since then, The parent of the boy reside at 36 Scau- neli street, and the body was found in the Eas’, river, off Black well’s Island. A verdict of death by drown- ing was rendered, Superintendent Jourdan yesterday issued General Order No. 27, announcing that the Commissioners of Charities and Correction are prepared to remove to the Morgue ail dead bodies of unknown persons found between the hours of stx o’clock A, M. aud six o'clock P, M, The sergeants are instructed to not'fy Superintendent Keiloch through the seven- teenth precinct stauon house. In the Tombs Police Court yesterday, before Jus- tice Koch, Michael Mooney and Edward Sherwood . Were held for trial on a cnarge of having stolen thirty dollars worth of cassimere from the store Nos, 21 and 23 White street. Edward Hambuin, of No. 107 West Broadway, testified to having seen an un~ known man leave the store with the cassimere in his possession and hand it to Sherwood, in whose compa ny Mooney wus. Warden Brennan, of Bellevue Hospital, notified Coroner Schirmer yesterday that it would be neces- sary to hold an ante-mortem examination in the case of Dennis O’Brien, aged twenty-five and a na- tive of Ireland, he being the deaf mute who was stabbed at 68 Orchard street by Francia Deiker, who Keeps # lager beer saloon at that place. ‘ihe wounded man was of course unable to speak, but Made his statement in writing. Edward Loyd, of 19 Madison street, and William Armstrong, of 542 Second avenue, confidence opera- tors and three-card monte players, were arrested at the New Haven depot on Thursday night by ofticer Mann, of the Twenty-ninth precinct, while attempt- ing to yictimize a countryman, named Rosweil ton, of Ashford, Conv. They were taken to Poltce Headquarters yesterday morning and photographed, after which they were arraigned before Justice Cox, at Jefferson Markel, and committed to answer. In the Tombs Police Court yesterday the parents of two girls of the town appeared, seeking for the punishment of their daughters, with the hope of their reformation. Mr. Abe Hummell defended the prisoners, and showed that there was no evidence upon which the girls could be held either as prosti- tutes or vagrants. One of the girls Was the same that Pan her testimony at the Nathan inquest. Jus- tice Koch was obliged to discharge the prisuners for ‘Want of evidence. John McCormack, alias W. Heugo, charged, tn company with Irving Byron, with forcibly entering the dwelling house of L, E, Chittenden, at No. 26 West Twenty-eighth street, on Tuesday night, and attempting to ateal a quantity of clothing, valued at $600, the facts of which have aire: appeared in the HERALD, was arrested by Sergeant lor, of the Twenty-ninth precinct, on Thursday night aud yes~ terday committed by Justice Cox, at Jefferson Mar- ket, for examitiation, In the Tombs Police Court yesterday, before Jus- tice Koch, John 8, Trainer, of 22 Broad street, ac- cused Frank ©. Myles of having obtained from him. the sum of ee means of a fraadulent check on the Nassaa Myles owed comp! it twenty- five dollars and in payment thereof gave him a check for $260, at; by_A. G@ Wulard, on the Nassau Hank. Selleving Myles’ statements to be true ‘Trainer gave him a check for $225 on the Bank or the Commonwealt hich check was paid. Trainer. fubsequently ed at the Nassau Bank that, Myles! check for $260 was worthless. Wherefore the complaint. Myles was held for examination. Emma Reed, the notorious panel thief and pa) of Mart Allen yesterday appeared before Justice Cox, at Jeferson Market, as complatnant against a young man named John Edwards, charging him with as-. sauiting her. ‘The prisoner, who was arrested by onicer Brennan, of the court squad, belongs to a re- Bpectable family in Brooklyn and formed the ac- quainiance of Emma about seven months since, which time he has been living with her. At the time he formed the acquaintance of Emma Edwards held @ good position in an ofice in Wall street at an ad- vancing salary; but becoming foolishly infatuated with the queen of panel thieves he neglected his business, and 88 @ natural consequence was dis- charged. Emma atates that for several weeks past he has constantly been imtoxicated, pawned her dia- monds to gamble with and has behaved in a cruel manner towards her, As the young man promised to keep away from her he was discharged, It ia surmised Emma has again fallen into the ch ery of Mart and ts anxious to dispose Ea- a A BRUTE SENTENCED. Justice Kellum, of Hempstead, L, L, sentenced a brute named John Mulgannan, a few days since, to the county jall, and also to pay a fine of ten dollars. Mulgannan has repeatedly in & most shocking and crue! manner beat and ill-used nis wife, and on the night in question, after another brutal experiment on the poor woman, and while in @ bruised and bleeding condition, at the hour of midnight, bh only partial coverlug for her person, be turned het out of doara,