The New York Herald Newspaper, December 8, 1870, Page 4

4 LINCOLN'S ASSASSINATION. John H. Surratt’s Account of His Complicity in the Plot Against the President, MEETING WITH J, WILKES BOOTH. ® Murder Never Intended—Abduction the Resolve, FAILURE: OF THE PLOT. How Surratt was Engaged by the Confederate Agents. THE ASSASSINATION. The First Intimation of it in Elmira FLIGHT TO CANADA. Denunciation of Judge Fisher— Allegation Against the Government. FAR AN ASYLUM AWAY. WASHINGTON, Deo. 7, 1870, Last evening the usually quiet vown of Rockville, tn Maryland, was the scene of a great sensation, consisting of a lecture by John H. Surratt concern- ing the secret history of Confederate conspiracies, which culminated in the assassination of President Lincoln, Since his trial and acquittal upon charge of complicity in that perfidious plot Surratt has sojourned in Maryland, and his present eccupa- tlon 1s that of @ school teacher in Reckvilie. In order, as he says, to realize some funds—nis remune- ration as school teacher being insumMcient to mee, bis wants—he determined to enter the field as a pubs lio lecturer, Accordingly the following announce- ment appeared in the Rockville paper:—‘‘Lecture by John H. Surratt on Tuesday evening, December 6, 1870, John H. Surratt will deliver a lecture in the Court House in Rockville on ‘his intreduction to J. Wilkes Booth; the plot for the abduction of Pre- sident Lincoln, its failure and abendonment; nis trip to Richmond and from thence to Canada, and then by orders to Elmira, and what was done there; his hearing of the assassination of President Lincoln; his escape back to Canada and concealment there; the efforts of detectives to arrest him, and means used 10 bafle them; his final de- parture for Europe. Doors open at haif-past six; lecture commences at seven, Admittance fifty cents; cnlidren half price.’’ As might be expected the Court Honse was crowaed, and the bar was occupied principally by ladies, while ail the » uinder of the available space within the building was Giled with the other #eX—men and boys of allages. When SURRATT APPEARED atthe appointed hour he proceeded at once w the Judges’ pench, and the Reckvilie cornet band, which was in attendat simultaneously struck up alively air, He was dressed ina suit of gray, and the Confederate color suited at once the subject of the lecture and ine sentiments of some who listened toit. Full of confidence he arose and immediately proceeded vo speak as follow: TRE LECTURE. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN—Upon entering that oor a tew moments ago the impression on my mind was so strong as to vividly recall scenes of three years ago. I am not unacquainted with court room audiences. (Sensation.) Ihave stood betore them before, but not in the character of a lec- turer, but «as a prisoner at the bar, ar- raigned jor the high crime of murder, In contrasting the felt more at ease as the prisoner at the bar tnanI do asa tecturer, Then I felt confident of success— nowldo not. Then I had gentlemen of known ability todo all my talking for me—now, unfertu- nately, I have to do it tor myself, and I feel illy capa- ble of performing the task. Still I nope you will al judge me kKndiy. I am not here to surprise you by any oratorical effort. Not at all, but only to tell a simple tale. I feel t) some explauation perhaps, indeed an apology, is due you for my appearance here this evening. In presenting thts lecture before the public I do it in no spi.tt of selfjustification. in a trial of sixty-one days I made my defence to the world, and I have no need or desire to rehearse it, nor do I appear for self- glorification, On the contrary, I dislike notoriety and leave my solitude and obscurity unwillingly. Neliher is it anything for notoriety or fame. My object is merely to present a simple nar- rative of events us they occurred. 1 stand here through the force of that which has obliged inany other mento do things quite as dis. tasteful—pecumiary cesssity, for the supply of which no more available channel presents it this is @ reason ly appreciated; so you will take it Kindly. SUKRATT’S ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF. 1 trust the ground we will have" to go over to- gether will guarantee saficient interest to repay your kind atiention. In this, my first lecture, T will speak of my litroduction to J. Wilkes Booth, his plan, Its failare, our final separation, my trip from hmona thence te Canada, then my orders to Elmira, wiw e there, the first intimation 1 had of M coln’s death, my return to Canada d concea'ment there, and final departure for rope. breaking ont of the war I wasa student av es College, in Maryland, but did not rer ere that Impoftantevent. 1 left in , 1801, and, returniag home, commenced to take active part in the stirring events of that period. I was not more than elgh teen years of age, aud was mostly engaged in sending information regarding the movements of the United State: Army, stationed tn Washington and elsewhere, aud carrsing despatches to the Con- federate boats on the Potom: 3 We had a reguiar established line ‘rom Washin no to the Potomac, and J, being the only unmarriea man on the route, had most of the hard riding to do. (Laugh. ter.) 1 devised various ways to carry the despatches—sometimes in the heel of my boots, somolimes between the planks of the buggy. Leon- fess that never tm my life did I come across @® more stupid set of detectives than those generally employed by the United States government. They seemed to have no idea whatever how Lo search men. In 1864 my family left Maryland and moved tw Washington, where | took a still active part in the stirring events Of that perlod, It was @ fasctuating life to me. It seemed as if I could not do too mush or run too great arisk. Jn the fall of 18641 was INTRODUCED TO J, WILKES BOOTH, who, I was given to understand, wighed to know something about the main avenues leading from Washington to the Potomac. We met several times, but as he seeemed to be reticent with regard to his petyoaen and very anxious to get all the informa. fon out of me he could, £ refused to tell him any- thing atall, At last i said to him, “It is useless tor you, Mr, Booth, to seek any tn- formation at all; ] know who you are and what are your intentions.” He hesitated some time, but finally said he would take known his views to me provided 1 would pro- mise secresy. I repiied, “1 will do nothing of the kind. You know Well tama Southern man, If you caanot trust me We will separate,” He then eald, “I will confiae my plans to you, but before doing so I will make known to you the mo- Lives that actuate me,” BOOTH BECOMPS COMMUNICATIVE. * «n the Northern prisons are many (honsanas of our meu Whom the United States government refuses to exchange. You know, as weil as I, the efforts that have been made to bring about that much destred exchange. Aside from the great suffering they aro compelied to undergo, we are sadly in want of them as soldiers. We cannot spare one man, where- as the United States geverument is willing to let their own soldiers remain i our prisons because it has no need of the men. 1 have position te submit to you Which, if we carry out, will bring abow sired exchange.” There was a long and ominous silence which t ‘NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, DECVEMBER 8. 1870.~TRIPLE SHEET. phere 9-1 rr i minimis ira ian i aml Rare ieee At last was compelled to break. ‘Well, sir, what poe ed ager ” Howat for an instant and then, before answert under the bed, into the wi an and then said, “We 1; walls fares ‘a hes ec me, and, in er, = hare SiKAr Famine LINCOLN rt y 5 pooh Lincoin !" I said, I ¢ that stood agnast atthe proposition and ked upen itasa seolnaney” bicetryty To thi ‘of successful seizing Mr. Lincoln in the capitaltof the United 3: surrounded by thousands of his soldiers, and f° ing nim off to Richmond, looked to me like a foolish idea. J told him as m He went on to teil with wens Sane Cag selzed ngs or! in and about lage example, in rides to and frem the Soldiers’ Home, his residence. He entered inte the minute details of THE-YROFOORD CAPTURE, and even the various parts to be performed by the ‘actors in the performance. 1 was amazed, thunder. might also say, frightened, at struck, and, in fact, 1 the unparalleled audacity of this schewe. After two days’ reflection I told him I was WILLING TO TRY, 1 believed it practicable at that time, though er ope you W me for got tus rr, 1 honestly thougnt an exchange of prisoners could be anout could we have ones obtained possession 0! coln’s person, And now reverse the casi 1s there a young man in the North, with ef patriotism in his heart, who would with enthusiastic ardor, joined in tak for the eapture of Je fferson vis, brought him to Washington? There 1s not one who would not Dave done go, and so L was led on by a sincere desire to assist the South In sey her independence. Ihad no hesitation in taking part in anything honorable that might tend toward the accomplishinent of that object, (Applause) Soch @ thing as the assassination of Mr. Lincoln I never hee Spoken of by any of the party—never. (Sen- sation). WHAT WAS HEARD AND WHAT WAS DONE AT A MEETING OF THE CONSPIRATORS, Upon one occasion I remember we had called a meeting'in Wasbington for the pu of discussing Matters In gene”al, as We had understood that the government had received information that there was a plot of some kind on hand. They had even comménced to build a stockade and gates on the Navy Yard bridge—gates opening towards the south, as though they expected danger from within, and not from withont, At this meeting I explatued the con- struction of the gales, &c., and stated that | was con- fident that the government bad wind of our move- ment, and that the best thing we could do would be to throw te the whole project. Every one seemed to coincide in my opinion except Booth, who sat satlent fh gbstracted, Arising at last and bringing own his fist dpon the table, fie aaid, “Well, gentie- men, If the worst comes to the worst I shall know what todo.” Some hard words, and even threats, then passed between him and sowe of the par then prose ne 8a ing ju ma ‘our of Us Nr T fifider. stand yoil anythidg more than the capture of Mr, Lincoln I for one will bi ou goodby.” Every one expressed the same opinion. Weall arose aild comméne parane: on our hate, Booth perceiving, probably, that he had ene too far, asked pardon, saying that he had Stank teomuch champagne. Alter some diliculty everything was amicably arranged and we sepa- rated at sive o'clock in the morning. THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT ABDUCTION AND HOW DE- FEATED. Days, weeks and months passed by without an op- ortunity presenting itself for us to attempt the eaby are. @ seldom saw one another, owing to th many rumors afloat that a conspiracy of some kind two positions, I must confess | was belng concocted in Washington. We had ali arrangements effected from Washington for the pur- pose. Boats were in readiness to Carry us across the river, One day we received information that the President would visit the Seventh Street Hospital for the purpose of belns paanent at an entertain- ent to be given for the benefit of the wounded sol- fiers, The report only reached us about three- Anathem of au hour before the time appointed, jut go perfect was our communication tnat we in our saddles on the way This was between one and two It was our intention to were = instant to the hespital. o'clock in the afternoon, Benning’s bridge. We felt confident that all the cavalry im te city could never over- haul uw. We were all mounted on swift horses, besiaes having a thorougi knowledge of the country—it being determined to aeandon the carriage after passing the city limits. Upen the suddenness of the blow and the celerity of our move- ments we depeuded for success, By the time the alarm couid nave been given and horses saddled we woud have been on our way through Southern Maryland towards the Potomac river. To our great atsappointment, however, ‘the President was not there, but one of the government officials, Mr, Ohase. It 1 mustake not we did not disturb him, as we want d a bigger Chase—(!aughter)—than he could have afforded us. Jt was certainly a bitter disap- polntment, but yet, I think, a most fortunate one for us, It Was our last attempt. THE PLOT ABANDONED. We soon after this became convinced that we could not remain much longer undiscovered, jand that we mast abandon our enterprise. Accordingly @ separation finally took place, and I never after saw any of the party except one, and that was when I was on my way {rom Richmon, to Canada on business of quite a dif ferent nature, abeut which { will speak presently. Such fs the story of our abduction plot—rash, per- haps fooush, but honorable | maintaia in its means and ends, and actuated by such metives as wouid, under similar clreumsiances, be a suflcient Induce- ment for thousands of Southern young men to have embarked ip a simular enterprise, AN INTERVIEW WITH MR. BENJAMIN. Shortly after our abandonment of the abduction scheme, Some despatches came to me which 1 was compeli¢d to see throagh to Richmond. ‘hey were foreign ones, and had no reference whatever to itis affair, I accordingly left home for Richmond, and arrived there safely on the Friday evening before the evacua- tion of that city. On my arrival I went to Spottswood Hotel, where I was told that Mr. Benjamin, the then Secretary of War of the Con- federate States, wanted to see me. I accordingly sought his presence. Ho asked if I would carry some despatches to Canada for him. J replied, Yes, That evening he gave me the despatches and $200 in gold, with which to pay my expenses to Canada. That was the only money I ever received from the Confederate government, or any of its agents. TUS CONFEDERATE GOVERNMENT POSSESSED NO KNOWLEDGE eh, ret bea Mit may he well to remark here tnat this scheme of abduction was concocted without the knowledge or the assistance of the Confederate government In any shape or ferm. Booth and I often consulted together as to whether it would not be well to acquaint the authorities in Richmond with our pian, as we were sadly m want of money, our expenses being very heay In tact, the question arose among us as to , alter getting Mr. Lincoln, if we succeeded in our plan, the Confederate authorities would not surrender us to the United States again, because of our doing this thing without thelr knowledge or consen but we never acquainted them with the pla and they never had anything in the wide world to do with It. In tact we were jealous of our undertaking and wanted no outside help, [ have not made this statement to defend the officers of the Contederato government. They are perfeetly able to defend —themseives. What 1 have done myself 1 am not ashamed to let the would know. Ileft Richmond on Saturday morn- ing before the evacuation of that place and reached Washington the following Monday, at four o'clock P.M., April 3, 1865. WORTHLESS DETECTIVES, As soon asT reached the Maryland shore I under- stood that the detectives knew of my trip South ana were on the lookout for me. I had been South several times before for the secret service, but hat never been caught, At that time | was carrylog the despatches Mr. Benjamin gave me in a book entitled “The Life of John Brown.’ During my trip, and while reading that book, I learned, to my utter amazement, that John Brown was a martyr sitting at the right hand of God. (Laughter.) I sneceeded in reaching Washing- ton safely, and in passing up Seventh strect met one of our party, who inquired what had be- come of Booth? Itoid him where I had been; that 1 was then on my way to Canada, and tnat I had not seen or heard anything of Booth since our separa- tion. In view of the fact that Richmond had fallen and that all hepes of the abduction of the President had been given up, I advised him to go home and go to work, That was the last time I saw any of the party. THE LAST NIGHT IN WASHINGTON. I went to a hotel and stopped over that night, as a detective had been to my house inquiring of the ser- vant my whereabouts. In the early aeain next G merming, Tuesday, April 4, 1865, I left for New York, and that was the last time J ever was in Washington until brought there by the United States ernment, a captive, iu ss ireng, all reports to the contrary notwithstanding. The United States, as you will remember, tried to ngs my presence in Washington the 15th of April, he day on which Mr. Lincoingmet bis death. Upon ar- riving in New York I called at Booth’s honse, and was told by the servant that he had left that mornu- ing suddenly, on the ground of going to Bosten to fuifli an engagement at the theatre. IN MONTREAL. In the evening of the same day 1 took the cars for Montreal, arriviag there the next day. J put up at the St. Lawrence Hotel, registering myself as “John Harrison,” such being my two frst names. Spe- cially afterwards I saw General Edward G. Lee, to whom the despatches were directed, and delivered them to him, These despatches we tried to introduce as evidence on my trial; but his Honor, Judge Fisher, ruled them ont, despite of the fact that the goverament had tried to prove that they had relation to the conspiracy to Rin Mr. Lincoln. They were on'y acvounts of some money transactions, nothing more ner less, A PLAN TO RELEASE CONFEDERATE PRISONERS. A week er 50 after my arrival there General Lee cume to my room and told me he had a plan on foot to release the Confederate prisoners then tn E!mira, New York. He said he had sent many parties there, but they always got frightened and only naif exe- cuted their orders. He askel me if I would go there and take a sketch of the prison, find ont the number of prisoners, alsa minor de- tails in regard to the number of soidiers on guard, cannon, small arms, &c. I readily ac- © pled these new labors owing to the fact that I could not return to Washington for fear of the de. tectives, The news of the evacuation of Richmond did not seem to disturb the General much in his plan, as he doubtless thought then that the confede- racy wanted men more than ever, no one Cette that We was Virtually atanend. [ was much amuse at one ex) made use of by an ex-red with rezard to the suddenness of its demise, .“D— the thing; it aidn't even flicker, but went right out." ler apd sopiaute| ‘accol th Generai Lee's order I went to ming. orriving there on Wednesday, two days be- © me @ wanderer Rignt Vhrough and little dreaming my head, When ast m: im @ foreign jaad me down and next merning, @ storm then brewing ground took my seat at the table, about nine o'clock A. M., @ gentieman te my left remarked:— fHave you heard the news: ee pila not,” Irepiied. What ts itt? “ “PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND SEORETARY SEWARD HAV# BREN ASSASSINATED |’? really put so litue fatth in woat the man said that I made a remark that it was too early in the Morne, (o get off such jokes ag that, ‘It’s go,’ he said, at the same time drawing out a paper and showing it tome, Sure enough, there I saw an ac- count of what he told me, but as no names were mentioned it mever occurved to me for an that it could have been Booth 01 any of the party, for the simple reason that I ha: never heard anything Tegardingansaseluaticn spoken of during my intercourse with them. BXPLANATIONS. I had good reason to believe that there was anether conspiracy afloat in Washington. In fact, we all knew it. One evening, as I was partially lying down in the reading room of the Metropolitan Hotel, twoor three gentlemen came in and looked around, peg tg make sure that noone was around. They hen commenced to talk about what had been doné, the best means for the expeditien, &c. It being about dusk and no gaslight, and partially concealed behind a writing desk, I was an unwilling listener of what occurred, I toid Booth of this afterwards, and he eald he had heard some- thing to the same effect, It onl made lus all the more eager to carry out our plans at an early day for fear some one could get ahead of us. We didn’t know What they were after exactly, but we were weil satisfied that their object was hg much the same #8 ours, Arising from the table thought over who the party could be, for at wnat time no name had been telegraphed, 1 was pretty sure it Was none of the old party. I approached the telegraph oifice in the maiu hail for the pui of ascertaining if J. Wilkes Booth was in New York. I picked up @ blank and wrote, ‘John Wilkes Booth,” giving the number of the house. I hesitated @ moment and then tore the paper up, and then wrote one—*'J, W. B.,"? with direcuons, which Iwas led to do, from the fact that ying our whole connection we rarely wrote ele- graphed under our proper ‘hay ut always in such a meet poe 10 eon mpage but ourselves. 0) ‘ay Vi jetters bo HS wader caval 0 Ny Tandon Hen Louis J. Weighman. — Doubtiess you all know-who Louis J, Weichman is? They were sent to him because he knew of the plot to abduct Presi- dent Lincoln, { proclaim it here and before the world that Louis Weichman was a party to the plan to abduct President Lincola. He had been told all about it, and was constantly importuning me to let him become-an active member. I refused, for the simple reason that I told him he could neither ride a horse nor shoot a pistel, which was a fact, (Laughter.) These wero two NECESSARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS forus. My refusal nettied himso he went off, as it afterwards appeared by his testimony, and told some government clerk that he had @ vague idea that there was plan of some kind on hand to aoduct President Lincoln. This he saya himself:— ‘That he could have spotted every man in the party. Why did not he do it? Booth sometimes ‘was rather suspicious of him, and asked me if I thought he could be trusted? Said I, “Certainly he can; Weichman is a Southern manp;” and | always believed it until I had i reason to believe otherwise, because ho jad furnished inform tion to the government, besides allowing me access to the government records aiter office hours. I nave very little to say of Louis J. Weichman, but 1 do pronounce him a baseborn perjurer—a murderer, of the meanest hue. Give me a man who can strike bis victim dead; but save me from @& man who, through perjury, wil cause (te death of an imnocent person. Double murderer, hell possesses no worse Nend than a characier of that kind. (Ap- lause.) Away with such a character, I leave him in the pit of infamy which he has dug for himseif, a prey to the lights of his guilty conscieace, (Ap- plause.) THE MORNING AFTER THE ASSASSINATION, IN ELMIRA, I telegraphed Booth thus:— To J. W. B., New York: “If you ate tu New York telegraph me. JOHN HARRISON, Elmira, N. Y. The operator, afier looking over it, said, ‘Is it }. W. BY? To which I replied “Yes.’? He evidently wanted the whole name, and had scarcely finished telegraphing when a door right near the oMce, and apenas on the street, was pushed open, and 1 heard some one say, “Yes, there are three or four brothers of them, John, Junius Bratus, Edwin and J. Wilkes Booth.” The whole truth fashed on me in an instant, and | said to myself, ‘My God, what have 1 done?’ The despatch was still lying before me, ana I reached over avd took it up, for the Pe ved of dearane it, but the operator stretched forth his hand and sald, “We must file all telegrams.”’ My first impulse was to tear It up, but I pitched tt back and waiked off, The town was In the greatest uproar, fags at half-mast, bells tolling, &c,, dc, Still 1 did not think that I was in danger, and determined to go immediately to Baltimore to find out the particulars of the tragedy, But here I wish to say a few words concerning the register of the Brainard House. When my counsel, by my own airections, went to seek that regis- ter {it conld not be found. Our inability to produce it on the trial naturally cast ® suspicion over our alibi, ‘kor ” weeks and months did we seek to find its whereabouts, but to no purpose, Every man who was connected with the hotel was hunted up and questioned, Every register of the hotel before and ater the one which ought to contain my Li je was to be found, but the most important oné of all was gone. Now the ques- tion 1s, What became of that register? The United States government, by one of its witnesses, Dr. McMillan, knew in November, 1865, that 1 was ii Elmira at the time of the assassination, A CHARGE AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT. They knew it, and they naturally traced me there to nud eut what I was doing. That some of the gov- hotel, in which there should have been an entry in favor of John Harrison tor so much cash, When he returned to Canand: then ende: he wrote Mr, Bradley that he ena the taste book and sent tt to then too late, for that cashbook at By ih of 7 ral ‘e been proved be- rat v ‘@ doubt that I was in CananJaigua and not in ton City, THOUGHT TO BB THE ASSASSIN OF W. H. BBW, ‘On Monday, when I was lea’ Cana’ ponent some om Fert ae iting I have never: ro Pee and ont tak fever will, runs thus:— assassin of Secretary Seward Surratt, 1D. I rs = said to be John H. @ notorious sionist of Fonthern ‘viand, His with that of i kes Booth, will for- lead the ous roll of assassins.’ 1oould scarcely believe my senses, I jd upon my name, the letters of which seemed sometimes to grow as | a8 mountains and then to dwindle away to n ton with im, Ht Albans I every one beae'eas mi resi EeiCmitn‘an Offord cut Jacket and & rgund top tee, seliar % Gausds, ee teat aime, 1 kuee my rip to Elmira would be a wished to pass myself off as a ceeded in 60 a8 Was proved by my witnesses in Elmira, I believe that costume guarded me safety through St. Albans, { went on with others and moved around with the detectives standin, there most-of the time looking at us. Of cour-o was obliged to taikas loud as anybody about the late tragedy, After having a hearty meal I lighted a cigar and walked up town. One of the detectives approached me, stared me directly in the face and I looked him quietly back. In @ few moments I was speeding on ny Way to MONTREAL, where I arrived at two o'clock in the afternoon, vias again to the St. Lawrence Hotel. Soon alter called on @ friend to whom I explained my former connection with Booth and told him I was afraid the Untted States government weuld suspect me of complicity in the plot of assassination. He advised me tomake myself scarce. 1 immediately went to the hotel, got my things and repaired to the room of @ friend, When my friend’s tea tume came I would not go to the table with him bat remained in the room. Tho ladies wanted to know why he didn’t bring his friend to tea with him, He replied that I did not want any. One of the ladies remarked, “1 expect you nave got Booth ernment emissaries abstracted that register I firmly beeve, gr perhaps it is stored away in some of the er government vaults under charge of some Jadge high 1n position; but this is only a surmise of mine. But the cireumstances involve a mystery of villany, Which the All-seeing God will bring to light. THE DESPATCH I sent to Booth also from Eimira it was impos- sible to find, We had the operator at Washington during my trial, but he said the original was gone, though he had a copy of it. In telegraph offices they are compelled to keep all despatches flied. Of course we could not offer this copy in evidence be- cause the original alone would be accepted, and that had been made away wit DESTROYED EVIDENCE. So sure was the government that they had de Stroyed ali evidence of my sojourn in Eimira that in getting me to Washington in time for Mr. Lin- coln’s death they brought ine by New York city, but, 89 completely were they failed in this that in’ their rebutting testimony they saw the absolute neces- sity of having me go by Eimtra, and they changed their tactics accordingly That was enough to damn my case jn any man’s mind, This isa strange fact, but nevertieless true, that the government, having in its possession that hotel register, a8 well as my despatch to Booth, and knowing fully by one of its witnesses that I was in Eimira, yet tried to prove that I was In Wash. ington on the night of Mr. Lincoin’s death, giving orders and commanding in general, as they were pleased to say, The gentlemen in El- mira by Whom I proved my alitt were men of the highest standing and integrity, whose testimony the United States gevernment Could not and dare not ae to impeach. I left Elmira with the inten- tion ef going to Baltimore. } really did not compre- hend at that time the danger j was in. AB there was no train going south that evening I concluded to go to Canandaigua and from there to Baltimore, nira and New York. i SURRAIT’S FLIGHT AND TRIAL. Upon arriving at Canandaigua on Saturday even- ing L learned, to my utter disappointment, that no train left until Monday following: so I took a reom at the Webster House, registering myself as ‘John Harrison.” The next day | went to church. I remem- ber it b ing Easter Sunday. 1 can here safely say that the United States governinent had not the remotest idea that Istopped anywhere atter Lieft Elmira. They thought when I left there [ went straight through to Canada. It was @ very fortunate thing for me that Icould not leave Canandaigua. Now, mark, Jadies and gentlemenn if you please. ‘My name was signed midway of the hotel register, with six other parties before and after. There wus no doubt as to the genuineness of my signature, because the very experts brought by the Unitea States to swear to my signature in other fustances swore also that that was my handwiiting. After all this the register was ruled out by Judge Fisher, because he was well aware if he admitted It my case was at an end. I could not be in two places at once, though they tried to make meso. Listen to huis reason for 80 ruling:—"'The prisoner might have stepped down from Canada to Canandaigua during his concealment and signed Ins name there, for the purpese of protecting himself in the future.” It was a likely idea that the proprietor of a hotel would leave a blank line on the register for my especial benefit. Need I say that the ruling was & most Infamous one, and ought to damn the tate Who 80 ruled as a villain in the minds of every honest and upright man. (Loud and prolonged ap- plause,) Had Judge rsier been one of the lawyers for the prosecution he could not haye worked harder against me than he dia; but, thanks to him, he did me more ‘good’ than . harm. His unprincipled and vindictive character was too apparent to every one in the court room. 1 could not help smiling at the time tothink of the great rewdness and foresight he accorded me by that cision. At times realiy during my trial 1 could searce recognize any vestige of my for= mer self. Sometimes J would ask my- self, “Am the same — individtual— am I really the same John H. Surratt?’’ When that register was produced in court the Hon, Judge Pierrepont, the leadiug counsel for the United States, became exceedingly nervous, especially when MT Bradley refused to show it to him, and he tore up several pieces of paper ta his trembiing fingers. He evidentiy saw Whata pitiful case he had, and how he had been made the dupe of his prectous worthy friend, Edwin M. Stanton, At the time of my trial the proprietor of the Webster House in Canandaigua could not find the caspoook of the tn there,’ (Laughter.) “Perhaps so,” he answered, laughingly. That was ratner close guessing. (Laughter.) At nightfall 1 went to the house wh iterwurds proved to be A Most devo'ed frien ere | remained until the evening of the next Sey, When J was driven out in a ément, strangers tome. One day Talked vend out forme. He had 1a Pomp aD ga ee look- TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD, One night, about eleven o'clock, my friend, in Whose house I was, came to me and sald in & bit] way, “The detectives have offered me $20, it | will tell them where you are.” “Very well,” said I, “give me one-half and let them know." They suspected this gentleman of protecting me, and they had really made him the offer. one day, about ercize lock, 1 was told that they were going to search the house, and that { must leave im- mediately, which I did, They searched it before moruing. This gentiewan was a poor man, wilh a I family, and yet money could not puy him, Iremained with this gentiemap uti £ |, Within a week or so afterwards. The jontr DETECTIVES WERE NOW HUNTING ME very closely, and would have doubtless succeeded in capturing me had it not been for a blunder on the part of my friend Weichman. He had, it ap- ara, started the detectives on the wrong track by ling them that I had left the house of Mr. Potter- field in company with others, and was going north of Moutreal, Soon that section was swarming with detectives, Iwas not with that party, but about the same time 1, too, left Montreal in a hack, going some eight or nine miles down the St. Lawrence river, erossing that stream in a small canoe. 1 was aitived as @ huntsman. At three o'clock Wednesday morning we arrived at our destl- nation, a small town lying south of Montreal. We eutered the Millage very guletiy, hoping no one would see us. Ii has been asserted over and oyer again, and fer the purpose of damning me in the estimation of every honest man, that I DESERTED HER WHO GAVE ME BIRTH. in the direst hour of her need. Truly would I have merited the execration of every man had such been the case; but such was no! ine case. When I lefe Montreal there was no Gatse for tiidasinéss on ihy art, and upon my arrival in the country wrote to my friends in Montreal to keep me posted in regard to the approaching trial and to send me the newspapers regularly, I received letters from them frequently, in all of which they assurea me there was no cate anxiety—that it was only a matler of time and it would all be well. After a while papers did not come so regularly, and those that did spoke very en- couragingly. A little while afterwards, when they came, seniences were mutilated with ink and pea, I protested against such action, and ior some time I received no papers at ail. I became very uneasy and wrote for publication an a ticie signed by my- seif, which I sent to Montreal, to be forwarded for publ.cation in the New York World. It 1s neediess to say it never went. Things continued in this way for some time, until I could stand the suspense no longer. 1 determined to send a messenger to Wash- ington, and for that purpose I secured the | services of an intelligent and educated gentleman, I started him off timmediately, I paying all I gave him a letter to a friend of mine in Washing- ton, with instructions to say to him to put himself in goppmunication with the counsel foy the defence, | find fo make & correct report to me as to how the | case stood, if there was any danger, and also to com- municate with me if my presence was necessary, and inform me without delay, with an urgent re- quest that he would see and inquire for himself how matters stood, He left me, and God alone Knows the suspense and anxiety of my mind during the days of his absence. { imagined and thought | all kinds of things, yet J was powerless to act. | BEP QUIET. At last he returtied, and so bright and cheerful was his countenance that I confesd ofe-half of my fears were dispelled. fe represented everything as progressing well, and brougnt me this messazetrom | he genUeman in o apprehens to whom I had sent him:—“Be uader no appreliension as to any serious consequences; remain perfectly quiet, as any action on your part would only tend to make matters worse. {If you can be or ay, service to us vill let you know; but keep qulet.” ‘These were the instructions I received from my friend in Washington, tn whom I felt the utmost reliance and who I thought would never de- ceive, He also sent me coples of the National In- telligencer, containing evidence for the detence. I certainly felt greatly relieved, though not entirely salisfled, This news reached me sometime in the latter Veoh of June, just before the party of gentle- men of whom I have spoken arrived, They, too, as- sured me there wa3 no cause for fear. What else could I do but accept these unwavering assurances? fiven had I thought otherwise could not have taken any action resulting in good. Just on the eve of my departure to joes ee of gentle- men on a@ hunting excursion, while. I was waiting at the hotel for the traln, the proprietor handed mo & paper and said, ‘Read that about the conspira- tors.” Little did Me man know who I was or how closely that paragraph bore upon me ormine. Tnat paper informed ine that on a day which was then present and at an hour which had then come and gone the most HELLISH OF DEEDS was tobe enacted. It had been determined upon and carried out even betore | had intimation that there was apy danger. It would be folly for me to attempt to describe my feelings. After gazing at the paper for some time 1 dropped it on the fioor, turning on my heels and going directly to tho house where I had been stopping before. When I entered the room I found my friend sitting there. As soon as he saw me he turned deadly pale, but never uttered a word. I said, “You doubtless thougnt you were acting the part of a friend towards me, but you have deceived me. Imay forgive you, but{ can never forget 1t.”? “We all thought tt for the best, Charley,” he com- menced to say, but I did not stay to hear more, J went to my room, remained there until dark and then signitied my imvention to leave the place imme- diately. I felt reckless as to what should become of me, After visiting Quebec and other places, with the reward of $26,000 hanging over my head, I did not think it safe to remain there, and so I concluded to SEEK AN ASYLUM IN FOREIGN LANDS. Thad nothing now to bind me to this country save an only sister, and 1 knew she would never want for kind friends or a good home. For myself iu matterea little where I went, so that I could roam once more afree man. I then went ona venture, and now, ladies and gentlemen, I go forth again on a venture, Gladly would [have remained hidden among the multitude; but the stern necessities arising from the blasting of my earthly prospects have forced me to. leave my solitude and tostand again before the public gaze as the histo- rian of my ewn life. One mitigation to its distaste- fulness in this my first attempt, however, the kindness with which I have have been listened to, for which I return you, ladies and gentlemen, my sincere and heartfelt thanks. (Applause.) The lecture conciuded, the band played “Dixie and a concert was improvised, the audience not Reparating till alate hour, darimg which time Sur- ratt was quite a lion among the ladies present. A WILD INCENDIARY. Walter Gregory was arraigned at the Essex Mart- ket Pollce Court yesterday on a charge of arson, Herman R. Schwegman, a witness in the case, testi- fied that he resided at Fort Wayne, Ind., but was stopping temporarily at 23 Bowery, On Tuesday night he was sitting In his room (No, 15) smoking a Cigar, when Gregory came to the door and looking im said, “I’m going to burn this place up.” He then went away, and Herman, picking up his traps, very soon foilowea him. Passing down stairs he saw Gregory lying on a bed in one of the rooms with his clothes on, Herman had only got into the street when he heard the cry of fire, Another witness, the bartender in the hotel, testified that he saw the accused going Into room No. 15, and heard him say, “ns d—d shanty ought to be burned to the ground,” and in afew moments atter saw Smoke issuing froin the room. CONORESS. Encouragement of Shipbuilding in the Senate. Proposed Revision of the Postal Laws in the House. THE FRANKING PRIVILEGE BILL Postal Oards and the Reduction of Postage. Demand for the Facts Relative to Canadian Seizure of American Fishing Vessels, FORTY-FIR3T CONGRESS. ‘Third Session. SENATE. WASHINGTON, Deo, 7, 1870. The following bills were introduced and tempo- rarily laid on the table: THE ASLATIO CABLE, By Mr. ConKLING, (rep.) of N. ¥.—To encourage and promote telegraphic communication between America, Asia and Europe, The bill gives the Ameri+ can and East India Telegraph Company exclusive right for twenty-one years to construct and maintain @ line or lines of telegraph cable onthe Pacific const of the United States to connect the American and Asiatic coasts, provided sald com- pany shall begin to lay said cable within one year and complete it within three years from the passage of this act, the Navy Department to assist in making surveys and laying the cable by detail of one or more steam vessels. The govern- 4s to have priority in tye ge of the lines and 1s to protect the same from injury.” SEAMEN’S WAGES. By Mr, SUMNER (rep.), of Mass,—To secure wages to seamen in case of wreck, entitling every seaman to his wages up to the period of the wreck, provided he has previously exerted himself to the utmost to save the ship, cargo and stores, tho master of the vessel tobe & competent witness on this question. All stipulations by which seamen shall consent to abandon their wages in case of the wreck of a ves- gel or the failure to earn freight are made void. ENCOURAGEMENT OF SHIPBUILDING. By Mr. WILson (rep.), of Mass.—To secure cligl- bility to American sh! pe for foreign trade, and to en-. courage gnipbuliding in the United Staies. It pro- vides for the appointment by the Secretary of tho Treasury of & commission to establish stundard for rating shipsand allowing the managing owner of every American built ship desiring toemploy nis vessel in foreign trade to have it rated. When such yessel shall have delivered her cargo of dutiable 3 in any port of the United States the | owner of such goods is to he entitled toa | drawback of —— per cent on the amount of duties, The bill also allows to owners of ship- yards a drawback equal to the ainount of duties on Materials used in the manufacture of machinery de- signed solely for periecting and cheapening ship constraction. “ THE BANKRUPTOY ACT. By Mr. CARPENTER, (rep.) of Wis.—To amend sec- tion 29 0f the Bankruptcy act of March 2. 1867, by Striking out from the fourth line the words “and within one yei 0 as to remove the limitation of time in which a bankrupt may apply for a discharge, By Mr. COLe, {rep dot ‘Cal.—To create the Southern Judicial district of Cailfornta. Several memorials were presented asking for com- pensation for property taken by tue federal govern- ment in Kentucky and Tennessee during the war. It was agreed to make the calendar the daily order of business on and after Monday next untti finished, all unobjected bills to be considered in thelr order, and each Senator to be allowed to speak once on each question aud for five minutes only, The Senate, at haif-past twelve o'clock, adjourned, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 1870, ANEW MEMBER, John Manning, member elect from the Fourth district of North Carolina, presented himself and took the oath of oMice. MISCELLANEOUS BALLS, Mr. Ancien, (dem.) of Md,, from the Naval Com- mittee, reported a bill granting pensions to the widows and minor children of Surgeons Adams and Rudenstein of the navy. Passed. Bills were introduced and referred, as follows:— By Mr. SHELDON, (rep.) of Louislana—To amend the Currency act of of July 12, 1870, By Mr. Jonnson, (dem.) of Cal.—To establish a port of delivery at Eureka, Cal.; also to restore to c-rtain settlers in California rights taken from them pnder anact of Congress; also to restore to certain parties their rights under the laws and treaties of the United States, By Mr. MOORE, (rep.) of New Jersey.—For pay to restored naval ofiicors. ANOTHER SPECIE PAYMENT MEASURE, By Mr. Lynoa, (rep.) of Me.—To provide for the gradual resumption of specie ae tncae The bili provides Tor the destruction of all United States notes as they are received inthe regular course of business inte the Treasury, and the issuing of a like amount, to be paid out as required for disbursements, Parable in specie after six months from date; na- jonal banks to redeem tn the new United States notes; the new United States notes to be received for duties on imports afier they have become re- deemable in coin, y Mr, STEVENSON, (rep.) of Ohlo—To authorize the Cincinnati Southern Railread Company to build bridges over the navigable rivers; that over the Onto river to be not less than ninety feet above tie low water mark, and to be pullt upon plans to be ap- proved by the Secretary of War. By Mr. MONzgELY, (dem.) of Iil.~To abolish the Freedman’s Bureau. MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTIONS. Resolutions were offered as follows:— THE CANADA FISHERY QUESTION, By Mr. BUFFINTON, (rep.) of Mass.—Calling on the Secretary of State for information relative to the alleged seizure of the schooner Granada, of Pro- vincetown, Mass., by a British cutter, in the harbor of Port Hood, N. S., on the pretext that she had on board too much provisions for a two months’ fishlag voyage. Adopted, THE SAMANA PROJECT. By Mr. MoNGEN, (dem.) of Ohto—Reciting the paragraph in the President’s message relative to the Purepean project to make the Bay of Samana a free port and declaring that Congress should regard any such attempt as uofriendly to the U d States and in contravention of the Monroe poll and request- ing the President to transmit to Congress any corres spondence in the possession of the administration roll to show the ground on which his belief is based. Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. THE TARIFF QUESTION. By Mr, Crees, (dem.) of Il.—Rectting that the recent elections have developed the fact that a de crease In the turlff duties, especially on the necessa ries of life, is demanded by the country and In Structing the Committee on Ways ani Means to report immediaiely a bill so amending the tariff laws as to reduce the duties on tea, coffee, sugar and salt to fifteen per cent ad valorem; on Bessemer steel to twenty per cent, on pig iron to two dollars and fifty cents per ton, and such general reduction On all other articies as will in the main correspond with the duties imposed by the Tari! law of 1846, framing the law for the purpose of revenue only and not for protection, Referred to the Comumitice on Ways and Means. REVISION OF THE POSTAL LAWS Mr. FARNSWORTH, (rep.) of Ill., from the Post omce Committee, reported a bill to revise, consolidate and amend the statutes relaung to the Post Oiice De- partment, and the House proceeded to consider it tn the morning hour. The bill consisis of 152 pages, and is intended as 4 substitute for all the existing laws on the subject. The section in relation to the pay of letter carriers, limiting it to eight hundred a pes gave rise to considerable discussion, Messrs, argent and Axtell contending that an exception should be made in the case of San Francisco, where labor is high, and Messrs, Myers, O’Nelil, Kelley and Cox contending that the compensation of letter car- riers in Philadelphia and New York should be at least $1,200 @ year, The House, however, rejected both propositions. THE SWINDLERS BY CIRCULARS. Considerable discussion also took place on the section which declares that if shall pot be lawful to convey by matl or deposit in a post office to be sent by mall any letters or circulars concerning lotteries, so-called gift concerts, or other similar enterprizes effering prizes or concerning schemes devised and intended to decetve and defraud the peor for the purpose of Koc rey money under false pretences, and thatany such letters or circulars shall be de- tained by the ‘postmaster at the office of mailing or delivery and disposed of under the tustructions of the Postmaster General, The section was amended on motion of Mr, BROOKS (dem.), of N. Y., by providing a penalty of not less than $100 or more than $600 fine for & Vio lation of its provisions, Mr. SARGENT, (rep.) of Cal., moved further to amotia ii by striking out the words ‘so-called gift concerts,’ remarking that many such enterprises were now in operation for charitable purposes, and The accused was held to answer at the General ‘Sess ons articulariy for the relief of wounded in the Franco- Berman war. The amendment was rejected. Mr. HILL, (rep.) of Ne Je, moved (9 reduce letter postage to two cen: Rejected. Mr, Hill also moved that the Postmaster Gacrat be authorized to issue oue cent correspondence, or postage cards, as Bias OS and Sogland, and Ge ma eta in @ lato repore of the ostmasler Mr. FARNSWORTH 4 mend: it, wish- gy be postponed forthe present watt It suards “ide oF oA Matured and the proper Ir, GABFIELD, (tep.) of 01 doubts ahlo, sald he hea some used na Englade Wat thy mpi” found iB wish ter 5 could be nator powtponea a. slander. | He amendment was a ° The THE FRANKING PRIVILEGE, Mr, FABNS WORTH Offered an amendment - ing the franking privileyo alter the tat ot July, 1871, ne peri and etree pate ae Saty ealk tome ane foriber within the county, 10. g0 free. us herevoforey fans machines to be provided for the Preal- ens, each head of @ department and tho clerks of the ‘Senate and House. of th which to stamp their official correspot cluding speec! of Senators and members, and which, when so stamped, are te be through the maiis, the théreon to be c! to the Post Office Departmnt agatnst the various de- artments and Congress, and one hundred dollars to be allowed to each. member and Senator to pay ostage on their correspondence for each session, Pome amendment was ordered to be printed in order that the House may act upon It to-morrow, ‘and the House then, at three o'clock, adjourned, “OUR REPUBLICAN PRINCE.” Born With a Silver Epoon in His Mouth—The Offering of the United States Senate to Schuyler Colfax, Jr.—A Glimpse of Republican Simplicity. ‘Turning from the noise and confusion of Broadway into the comparative quict of Maiden lane one might have seen yesterday, in the store of Messra, Gorham, & somewhat strange commentary upon the vicissi- tudes of American life in the shape of a magnificent service of silver plate, designed for the princely bat infantine hands of Schuyler Col- fax, Jr., Esq. This young gentleman, who is be. lieved to be now somewhere about two years old, has just emerged from the helplessness of long clothes and the sweets of ‘‘mother-milk,” and the Senators of the United States, wishing to celebrate in @ fitting manner the entrance into active life of thia august scion of an illustrious race, “without distinction of party,” have subscribed about $1,000 ‘Gnd pat it into the hands of Senator Anthony to invest in a presenta: tion service of baby silverware—tray, pap bowl, Grinking cup, knife, fork aud spoon, all complete. The wise men of the East nearly twothousand year ago brought precious offerings o1 franckincense and myrhh and spices to the cradle of the descendant of the royal house of David. And in these latter days the wise men of the West, prompted, perhaps, py almost similar emotions, have resolved to pay cven ‘a more cosy tribute of veneration and holy fear to the offspring of our Vice President, THE SERVICE 1s perhaps as beautiful and highly finished a series of works of art as the deft hands of American crafta- men bave yet produced. Each plece bears the in- scription in singularly elegant lettering of LO LEOOLELENESELOLELOLESEDE EPDAOLEDPDEDOLELOLE 6 SCHUYLER COLFAX, Jr, PRESENTED BY THE SENATCRS OF THR XLL ConGRess. Qeere ne te cece beeen eg TEE EE MELEE IOLOLEDE site THE TRAY, : ose. Which 1s of course the largest and most costly piece in the set, 1s in size about eighteen inches by twelve. One side 13 slightly rounded so as to ft in with the shape of a circular table, while the other 13 raised in ridge of stiver bearing a shield with the monogram of its future illustrious owner. The shield 1s surrounded—festooned as it were—with an exquisitely delicate wreath of flowers, aud eara of corn, some tuberoses, gracefully inlaid with va- rious shades of gold standtug out in conspicuous grace, The surface of the tray is covered with fine, Carefully cut tracery, inlatd with gold, Altogethet the tray and the various other pieces, it may pe said, contain no leas than twelve aiteren hades of gold, varying from the deep, dark 181 gilt whico the inside of the cup {to the pale, faint tint which has been glyen to s4me of the flowers, 5 THE DRINKING CUP is also a perfect gem of artistic thought and skill, It is covered with designs of flowers and leaves, its main feature, however, 13 & pecuilarly beautiful polish, invented by the Messrs. Gorham, and known as the “pearl? finish. This surface has a wonder, fully beautiful effect, and glistens like the wings of some tropical Insect 1m the flerce light of an equato- rial sun, - > THE PAP ROWL naturally comes next in importance and value, and perhaps, if one could only separate it mentally from the comparatively base uses it will serve, it would seem even superior in beauty to the other contents of this precious casket. Each side of the bowlis adorned with some human faces, surrounded with wreaths of lowers, THE KNIFE, FORK AND SPOON are remarkable for the delicate carying of the han- dies in which they are held, and which are iniatd with designs and tracery of different shades ol gold, The whole service 1s inclosed in a@ costly rosewood case, with purple silk lining and adorned on the lid with an iniaid figure of a bird, some brithant winged inhabitant of Eden, not the flerce eagie of our own giorieus Jand. Looking at this collection of brilliamt and precious trinkets, upon which so much skill and money and pains have been lavished, one cannot help thinking of the “simplicity” which French doctrin- aira philosophers prophécléa Would distin- guish our republican court. Certamly, no prince of the blood in Europe has eaten bap out of more costly bowl, or quatfed the milk which thi apostle prescribed for babes irom a more beautiful goblet, or picked up his first few morsels of car- hiverous food with a more precious knife, It has been reserved for republican Senators to give point and meaning to the old proverb of being “borm witha sliver speon in one’s mouth.” And again, one cannot help contrasting the early life of this happy tofant, “born in the purple,” and into whose tiny lap are being showered presents more curlous and expensive than fell to the lot of even the offspring of Greek emperors, with that of his opular parent. Forty years ago Schuyler Colfax, r., then & fatherless boy of tender years, was walk- ing about the streets of New York, with @ heart, a half-filled stomach, and nothing cer- tainly of any great promise to look forward to. Steady industry, invincible integrity and the grati- tude Of @ free people have now made him the father of what Senator Anthony himself dubs “Our Re- ublican Prince.’ ey This beautiful service will be exhibited for a few days, beginning with to-morrow, in Messrs, Tiffany's store, in Union square. SUBMARINE TORPLDCES, The Devils Owa Wexpon—Meeting of the New York Society of Practical Engineers. The New York Society of Practical Engineers held amecting last eventing at the Cooper Institute, at which Mr. Robert Wetr, lately of the United States Navy, read a paper on ‘‘Rocket Torpedoes.” In the course of his reading he stated that the monitor type of war vessel has proved to be the most for- roidable, and, 80 far as invulnerability 1s concerned, the most perfect, presenting the least surface of ex- posure to the shot of an antagonist, and therefore the most readily protected with armor ef almost any required thickness, The folly of trying to bulla a floating fort has just been exposed in the sad loss of tue boasted British.iron-clad and turreted ship Captain, A heavy lureh in an ordinary storm at sea and the top-beavy craft went down, ta cofin with FIVE HUNDRED SOULS ENCLOSED. ‘The protection of a harbor lies not in its forts (be they manned with the best artillery and men), but in the arrangement of its torpedoes and infernal machines, placed where the adversary must run to his destruction. In our late war the rebels employed torpedoes with marked success in many instances, anu thei exertions did more towards the advance- ment of this diabolical art with us than we could have ever gained without such an unpleasant in- centive. After descriving the torpedoes used by Russia, Austria and Great Britain du- ring the late wars, Mr, Weir proceeded to explain the principle of a projectile Invented by himseif. The torpedo he stated to be a submarine rocket, a slow burning powder being used as the propelling force. It is plain and simple aod com- posed of but two parts, the torpedo or exploding shell and the rocket or propelling shaft. Both parts can be made of copper, zinc, sheet steel, or thin boller tron, The exploding part of the projectile Is shaped like an ordinary rife shell, to present a sure face of least resistance to the water, The anex will consist of a delicate percussion Re covered with a thin film of copper covering several inches of the pomt of the shell, so that contact ny any part of the front will ignite the Shark, Y arter a minute description of the weapon, the speaker sald that any vessel can be armed with these torpedoes. One of our monitors armed with three or four of these guns could defy the navies of the world. Numerous experiments have clearly demonstrated the success of this pi Jectile, For harbor defence these torpedoes would—~ in the opinion of Mr, Wetr—do away with the use of forts. Stmail floating batteries could be anchored at intervals across the entrance; batteries that cowl be made Invaluable above and below water, an armed With several of these guns in each, using tht calcium Nght for night work, they would make an} hartor Lmpregnable. ee