The New York Herald Newspaper, December 20, 1870, Page 5

FRANCE. Herald Special Reports from the Loire and Versailles, \ Chauzy Maneuvring His Army Toward Chartres. The French Nearer to Paris Than When at Orleans. Bourbaki and Chauzy Co-ope- rating for an Advance. Prussians Retreating Before Bourbaki’s Advance. IMPOSSIBILITY OF BOMBARDING PARIS, Amiens Evacuated----General Faidherbe Advancing. Unconditional Surrender of Paris and Complete Submission of France Demanded. Pillau Threatened by the French Pleet. OPERATIONS ON THE LOIRE. TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Mee Armies Maucuvring—The French Near- ing Paris—Prussian Bulletins Brench Strategy—Two Armies Watched—A German Dilemma—A Route to Paris—Chauzy’s Movements— Strength and Condition ef the French. Lonpon, Dee, 19, 1870, Ihave just received the following letter from the New YORK HERALD correspondent at Venadme, which I forward for publication. It is dated on the 14th inst, The correspendent writes:— THE ARMIES MANGUVRING. Manceuvring is the order of the day with the French army, commanded by General Chauzy, and the Germans, under the Duke of Mecklenburg and Prince Frederick Charles. As a consequence, there are more exhausting marches than hard fighting at the present writing. THE FRENCH NEARING PARIS, Jt will be remembered that the Army of the Loire was created for the express purpose of relieving Paris, the necessity of doing which is kept in view in all the French operations. This army is practi- cally nearer Paris at the present moment than it was when it evacuated Orleans. The vast accumu- Jation of supplies it now guards are ready to be thrown into the city at a propitious moment. PRUSSIAN BULLETINS UNTRUE. Consequently the capture of Orleans and the facility with which the Prussians tound themselves masters of the left bank of the Loire operate noting detrimental to the real objects of thisarmy. It is necessary to say this from the present standpoint, because the Prussian bulletins from Versailles de- clare the Army of the Loire crushed and Prince Frederick Charles occupying all of its positions, when in reality the situation 1s more favorable to the French, " FRENCH STRATEGY. ‘The fact is that the further the Prussian generals are drawn trom their lines around Paris the weaker they necessarily become, and the more disastrous and ureparable must any defeat be at the same time if one should suddenly happen. That force which draws Prince Frederick Charles on towards Lyons is only a part of the Army of the Loire. A far more considerable part is moving constantly in the direction of Paris, while his army (that eof Prince Frederick Charies) is moving farther away from the city. Untrac— to be New TWO ARMIES TO BE WATCHED. Nor need this fact surprise any person, as it is the key to the present movement hereabents. Alarmed by what he heard about the Army of the Loire General Von Moltke was influenced to send Prince Frederick Charles to watch an army of about one hundred thousand men. That army now remains in front of the valtant Prince, who has simply watched it. Meanwhile another French force, numbering at least 150,000 men, has slipped away, and will need wateh- ing at another place. A GERMAN DILEMMA. Jt is clear that the forces commanded by Prince Frederick Charles cannot watch botn bodies, and it will be decidediy unsafe to neglect either. If the Prussians Yestow too much attention this way, the column commanded by General Bourbaki cannot fall to know of {t aad will not fail to lose its oppor- tunity for an advance upon Pa‘is. On the other hand, if the Prussians follow Bourbaki closely Geu- eral Chauzy’s army my find the lines of Paris before they can know of his movements, A NEW ROUTE TO PARIS. It has been constantly stated that Paris can ve relleved only by the line of the Orleans railroad. This isan error. ‘There is alsoadouble line from Le Mans to Chartres and Paris, and itis nearer to the besieged capital by this line than by the Orleans one, Besides this there is a double line all the way from Nevers, both communicating witn the line from Orleans, It remains to be seen whether the Prussian force, which must operate in the front, covering all these lines, is strong enough to resist the pressure which the french are now bringing to dear upon it. CHAUZ ‘Ss MOVEME Thus far General Chauzy's movements baye been simple. He aims to strike © manner that De Pailadimes month ago. bin to succeed, tres m the same struck Orleans one I do not see that it He power the army commanded by the Duke of Me 1S impossible for has troops Jenburg on the front and completely crash the right Wing of the Prussians, If the Germans under Prince Frederick ( sisting the }icach advance General Chauzy can rely upon ii that G i will make a bold ad- Vanee to Fontainebleau. With Bourbakt at Pontaine- blean or Chauzy at Chartres the position of tne Prussians in front of Paris will be less seeure than thetr leaders desire, aries come to Chartres to help in r neral Bourba STRENGTH AND CONDITION OF THE FRENCH FORC Neither of the French armies named (those com- manded by Generals Bourbaki and Chauzy) number Jess than one hondred thousand mev, and they can Araw reinfor. crenis from the other parts of France enough to over. | i | NEW YORK HERALD, TU KS . of nearly double that number, The appearance of the) French armies is favorable. Many of the men are smail in stature, bat the majority are large, ath- letic fellows. I have seen whole companies of Gardes Mobiles which presented the appearance of comprising picked men, All that 1s necessary 18 the getting of these men accustomed to standing fire. They are raw troops now, but, as was the case In the United States during the rebellion, steadiness on the battlefield is sure to come, - Gallantry of the French—Prussian Repulse on the Loire=French Defeat at Bron—Gere man Captures at Vendome. LONDON, Dec. 19, 1870, ‘The French confronting the Duke of Mecklenburg hold their ground with splendid gallantry. PRUSSIAN REPULSE ON THE LOIRE, A telegram from Bordeaux, dated on the 18th inst., reports that the Prussians leaving the valley of the Cher and concentrating on the Loire, again at- tacked General Chauzy, but were repulsed, FRENCH DEFEAT AT BROU. A Versailles despatch of the 18th instant sta‘es that aGerman detachment from Chartres defeated six French batallions at Brou, The loss of the latter was 100, and that of the Germans was thirty-six kuled and wounded. PRUSSIAN CAPTURES AT VENDOMB, A telegram from Versailles, dated yesterday (Sun- day), reports that the Tenth Prussian corps, on occu- pying Vendome, Friday, captured six guns and one muitrailieuse. On the next day General Von Tann took Epuizay, with 230 prisoners, der Bourbaki Ad cing—Prassians Retre: The Attack on Chauzy. BORDEAUX, Dec. 19, 1870. ‘The enemy falls back as Bourbaki advances. The French troops have occupled Vierzon, THE ATTACK ON CHAUZY, The Prussians attack :d General Chauzy yester- day, but not in force, and were easily repulsea, The operations were mere skirmishes, THE BESIEGED CAPITAL. TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. German Pence Programme—The Military Situation—Impossible to Bombard Paris— The Food Sapply—The Expected Sortie Versailles in Dnager—Paris Must Fall, LONDON, Dec. 19, 1870. The New YORK HERALD correspondent at Ver- sailles telegraphs under date of yesterday (December 18) that the German programme for the close of the war is the unconditional surrender of Paris and un- qualified submission of the French people, THE MILITARY SITUATION. The German leaders prefer attacking the French outworks on the east side of Paris or bombarding the interlor of the city. Another sortie is mo- mentarily expected from the direction of Vincennes, where the French troops are massing im great force, WHY PARIS IS NOT BOMBARDED. Another correspondent of the HsRaLp telegraphs from Brussels under date of to-day as follows:—I left Versailles on the 14th inst., and from actual information received while there do not hesitate to deciare that the bombardment of Paris is impossible, not because of any sentiments of humanity restrain- Ing the Germans, but simply for the reason of its im- possibility, The Prussians have neither the number nor the calibre of guns necessary for a successful bombardment, They have only about five hundred guns, mainly twenty-four pounders, which are in position, The advanced outworks of the French command these batteries, and can destroy them tne moment they open fire and expose their situation, TWO MONTHS’ FOOD IN PARIS, The best information received by me while at Ver- sallles represents Paes, eontalning a supply of food susiicient to last at least two months longer. THE EXPECTED SORTIE. Ii Is evident from the movements of the French and the preparations of the Germans that another great sortie 1s at hand, and it 1s expected to take place shortly. The nature of the ground and the great strength of the Prussian works forbid the hope of success attending the French. At the same time 1t must be admitted that the Prussians are short of men, VERSAILLES IN DANGER. It is stated that 200,000 fresh German troops are on their way to reinforce the besieging army; but if they even come Versailles is likely;to be rendered un- tenable soon. The heavy guns of the French are moving forwara with their outworks and wiil reach tie palace, which the French are resolved to destroy. PARIS MUST FALI. it is my impression that Paris must eventually fall, but it will not capitulate for three months yet, and then starvation alone will force a surrender. ‘Ag I have said before, there will be no bombardment, Deserters—The Coming Bombardment—Re- ported Troubles in the City—Provisions Plentifal—Escape of an Aid-de-Camp—French Forests to be Destroyed. Lonpon, Dec. 19, 1870, Deserters from Paris are numerons, but are all re- pulsed at Versailles. THE COMING BOMBARDMENT. The bombardment of Paris is considered lable to begin at any moment, as the Prussian supplies and ammunition have been fully recruited. REPORTED TROUBLES IN PARIS. A telegram from Bordeaux states that some of the journals there have assertea that there have been troubles in Paris; that Gustave Flourens has been imprisoned and Blanque shot. The government pays no attention to these reports. Semi-offictal advices from Parts state that Paris was quiet and animated with one sentiment, that of the common defence. ROVISIONS PLENTIFUL. News has been r sived from Paris that provis- ions were plentiful and will lust for three months, and that great confidence was felt in future s cesses. FSCAPE OF ONE OF TROCHU'S AD DE-CAM, A Bordeaux despatch states that an aide-de-camp to General Trochu has escaped from Paris by bal- loon. During his passage he saw clearly the post- tions of the investing forces, FRENCH FORESTS TO BE DESTROYED, Despatches from Versailles announce that Count Von Bismarck has issued an order directing the destruction of the national forests of France in the districts surrounding Versailles and Paris, This order is recorded as timely, as it enables the pea. sants to procu fucl and assist in the military operations. GENERAL PARIS NEWS PROM FRENCH SOURCES. A Bordeaux despatch states that oficial advices to December 17 have been received from Paris. The city was calm ana the people confident. The supply of food will last along ume. The army and people were eager for battle. Despatches from Gambetta had been received in Paris, dated trom the Sth to the 2th, giving (9) Bettis Of racent military events. OPERATIONS IN THE NORTH. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Amiens Evacuated=Movemevts of the Gere neral Fnidherbe to be Captured. LONDON, Dec. 19, 1870. They re- tire 1 towards Clermont, but announced their inten- tion to return soon, mans—¢ The Germans have evacuated Amiens. MOVEMENTS OF THE G@ The Germans are reported to have captured Ham, in the department of Somme. Twenty thousand Germans have passed Chauny. General Faidherbe has advanced beyona Amiens, GENERAL PAIDUERBE TO BE CAPTURED, The Lille Hecho ascribes the active movements of the Prussians in the north of France to an attempt to arrest the designs of and captare the Freuch General Faidherbe, MANS. THE POLITICAL QUESTION. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Mazzivl, Gambetta’s Adviser—Basis of Peace Proposed by Neutrals. Lonvon, Dec, 19, 1870. Tt 1s sald that Mazzini is the adviser of Minister Gambetta, BASIS OF PEACE PROPOSED BY NEUTRALS. A special despatch to the Manchester Guardian from Berlin says:—A conference of the representa- tives of the neutral Powers has been held at the Foreign Oiice here, at which the following peace was agreed to:— First—Acquiescence in the annexation of Luxem- bourg to Prussia, Seco nd —The recognition of the German empire. Third—The payment by France of an indemnity to Germany of 12,000,000,000 franes, the razing of two fortresses on the German frontier ana the ces- s10n of a portion of Alsace. THE COMING PEACE CONGRESS AND FRANCE. The Berlin Post, in an editorial, reports that the neutral Powers will probably suggest to the Peace Congress whieh ts about to assemble a propesition to terminate the war on the terms proposed by Ger- many, viz.:—The unconditional surrender of Paris, and the submission of the French people. MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS. is for THE WAR IN TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Baden War Credit—Langres Invested—Pillau Threatened by the French Fie Sarcasm. t— German Lonnon, Dee. 19, 1870, The Baden Chamber has created a farther credit for the prosecution of the war. LANGRES INVESTED. The Germans have invested Langres with the intention of putting a stop to the mischief done in the the neighboriiood by the Franes-t reurs, PILLAU THREATENED BY THE FRENCH FLEET. A telegram from Koenigsberg, dated December 17, States that a despatch was received there that day from Pillau, announcing that the five French frigates which recently passed the Skager Rack and the Great Belt have been sighted off that port. Pillau is only twenty-five miles from Koenigsberg, and there is consequentiy considerable alarm felt in some quarters. It is believed, however, that the preparations made to meet the enemy are ample, GERMAN SARCASM. The University of Gottingen sarcastically rebukes the Dublin University for asking joint intervention to save the literary treasures in Paris, The com- munication refers unpleasantly to the st of Detht and other tokens of British civilization, Good News—The Breions Risir from Algerin—Promulgating Public Meeting in Bordeaux. Borpeavx, Dec. 19, 1870. The reports from the forces in the Hast and North of France are good. CAPTURE OF NUITS BY THE GERMANS. The Prussians, 21,000 strong, attacked Nuits yes- terday with eleven batteries, and after a combat of five hours, in which they sustained heavy losses, oc- —Soldiers Valsehoods— cupied the place, It is expected that the battle will | be resumed to-day. THE ADVANCE ON HAVRE TO BE DISCONTINUED. ‘Tne government here announces that the Prus- sians have as yet made no attack on Havre. There had been skirmishes at some distance from the city, but the enemy had discontinued nis advance in that direction. TAF BRELONS RISING. Brittany 1s greatly excited. The people are all taking up arms, and so great are the numbers of troops going forward that the roads are aimost closed to public travel. KABYLES AND GARDES MOBILE PROM ALGERIA. Nearly a thousand Kabyle horsemen have been landed at Toulon, and will join the French armies. The Mobiles who went to Algeria to replace the reguiar troops will return to France, and a portion of the National Guard will go to Aigeria, PROMULGATING FALSE NEWS. There has been some excitement here owing to the promulgation of faise news over the forged sig- nature of M. Gambetta, the purpuse being, appa- rently, to cause a reaction by the dissemination of news unfavorable to the French armies, Despatche s of this sort, purporting to come from Havre, have appeared simultaneously in all parts of the country. it was soon demonstrated, however, that 1t was a Prussian device. PUBLIC MEETING IN BORDRAUX. A great meeting was held here yesterday, which was addressed by M. Cremieux and others. The sentiment thatthe French would defend the coun- try to the last received a most enthusiastic endorse- ment. SPIRIT OF THE OPPOSITION PRESS. It Is a noticeable fact that the opposition journals are more bitterly violent toward the Prussians than ever. LUXEMBOURG. Citizen Independence and Royal Bacal Oppo- sition to Prussia, Legislative Explanation of Bismarck's Charges— Prussia Absolved from Her Neu- tral Obligations. IN THE DUCKY. en Independence. LONDON, Dec. 18, 1870, Clerical and © The Bishop of Luxembourg, on ¢ he part of the in- Nabitants, thanks the King cheering language, denouncing the transfer of the Duchy to Prussia.” The people of Luxembourg vote almost unant monsly in favor of the dependence of the Duchy. cil—A William. BRUSSELS, Dee. 19, 1870. An informal meeting of the Luxembourg deputies having been held to consider the complamts of Count von Bismarck, and especially these regard- ing M. Cussy, the French Consul, and the shel- ter aiforded French soldiers, Herr Fohr, repr sentative of the Duchy at Berlin, was sent to Ver- anles to explain the facts to the King of Prussta. Legislators in Co Mission King PRUSSEVS POSITION. Ceunt Bismarck Defines the N, and Daty. c. 18, 1870, The Kreuz Zeitung, of this city, savs that Count DAY, DECEMBER 20, 1870.—TRIPLE SHEET. von Bismarek’s cireular of the td concludes as fol- lows F ‘a is freed from the obligations of Deurrality respecting Luxem) has the liberty now to enforce her cats for Violations of neutral Neyal Ducal Exp! LONDON, Dec. 19, 1870, Prince Uenry, of Luxembourg, has sent Prussia an offictal disavowal that Luxembourg neutrality had been violated by his permission. to Prussina Theorlats, LONDON, Dee, 18, 1870, ‘The Observer says that Earl Granville’s despaten of Holland for “his | to Count von Bismarck expresses the hope “that Pri will abstaim from the enforcement of her theorles and Wil frame an amicable arrangement.’? LAW AND JAW. The University of the City of New York and lis Recoustrneted Law School, Judge Davies’ Pow-Wow and Judge Wood- ruff's Declamation—Ex-Judge Emmet’s Rebuke of the Bench and Bar, ‘The castetlated pile of butiding familiarly known asthe University of whe City of New York had last evening gathered within its fold a host of expec- tant youth, mature reasoners and old men well schooled in philosophy and in science. Members of Me bar and of the other professions conspicuous for learning and other things were noted in’ the vhrong. The fraternal feelings born of the occasion were made subservient to the prevalent idea, which was unity, progress, good f llowship and excellence; and besides this the members had m view the celebration of the day which saw a number of young gentlemen graduate im the law school with credit to themselves ana honor to the University. At eight o’clock the com- pany commenced arriving, and in half an hour there was to be seen as curious a sight as the sardonic mind of limping Asmodeus could desire— the Nestors of the profession, mm sald the glory of baldness and white hairs; the Ciceros, gathering up their fa to a forensic frown, end the Dodsons and Foggs, tut oi smiles and soul-tempting smoothness. TENDING BAR. ‘The Chancellor, Mr. Howard Crosby, stood upon a square piece of oticloth near the stove, in the corner, and received te law-full guests in the kindest man- ner possible, and with a smile which closed up his eyes in a most insinuating manner, After presentation to the Chancellor and other dig- nitaries ef the place the guesis mingled and talked over tie Various hitie cases and jous which engage the attention of jurists nowadays. An unfortunate well plucked client, looking in on the seene, would have recoiled in horror from the sight of their conf- dential lawy sughing over tae small jokes of the opposing counsel, and would have sought some con- genial spot to study the fable of THE CROW AND THE LITIGANT CATS. At about a quarter to nive his Honor the Mayor appeared, looking as luelike as his picture pwiilei hung over the president's chair on the other side of the room, aud woich bore the inscription “Of the University c¢.ass, 1544. A. Oakey Hall But his Honor could not remoin, as he had a call in refer- ence to the falling-house disaster to attend in Thirty- Hith street. Among the many present re noticeable Mr. Samuel J. Tilden, James W. rd, David Dudley Field, £. 0. Benedict, Elgar $. Van Winkle, Edwards Pierrepont, General Sandiord, John H. White, W. R. Martin, Judge Noah avis, R. H. Bowne, Bernard Roetker, Judge Monell, Theodore Uilisdaie aad +, We Vestrander, &¢., &c. The Chairman's gavel was now heard and the Chancellor called the raveting to order iw a few ap- propriate words, and introduced the chairman of the Committee ou the Law School, Mr. Wilham Allen Butler, This gentleinan tendered the thanks of the Council to the members of the bench and bar of New York who had honored them by their presence. It was te them they should look for eucourage- ment of their undertaking, organization of the law school as Work connected with the best interests of the profession aad the State. in this they naturally looked for co-operation to these legal gentlemen who receive in their hands the largest share of the work and who receive the largest re- wards, On the adveut of the new Chancellor a sys- tem of legal education commensurate with the ne- cessities ofthe hour and tn keeping with the require- ments of the profession had been maugurated, He therelore askea co-operation, not in rivalry, but in frienaship, A selected corps of professors haa been engaged, and they had endeavored not only to secure those simply stored with judicial learning, but those who have had the benefit of practice at bench avigbar. Mr. Butler then paid a@ tribute to the new professor, Mr. Henry E. Davis, the head of the department; E. Delafield Smith, who will Instruct on the law of evidence; D. R. Jaques, who will direct the sindies; George H. More, whe will lecture gg pistorical subjects in retation to law, and Pe 4 puuciOUS STONE in the person of Charies F., of thatilk. The new Jaw library douvated by an alumnns of the Univer- sity for the use of the students, and A MOOT COURT, where the judge In charge will preside, and withont the disagreeable results so Osten felt by real chents- (Laughver.) JUDGE HENRY E. DAVIES was now called on to address the meeting, and In the course of along speech described the various at- tempts to form a legal University in London, and dwelt on the irequent incompetence of English bar- risters brought out under the old régime there. The desirableness of producing and fostering a school of law here such as those of France and any Was evident to all, and conciuded that the city of New York offered the best flela for that purpose of wil the cities of the Continent. ‘The peculiar advantages which a student has here of acquiring & knowiledze of his profession and wit- nessing the practical workings of the machinery of the courts are obvious, and not attamable at any other piace. it will be the unceasing effort of those connected with the law faculty of this mstitution to ald the students who may here seck professional instruction in the attainment of that full and accurate knowledge which alone can lead to further usefulness and eminence, And although they may not have all the advaniages kindred associations hold out, yet with mdustry and perseverance it can- not be doubted that their acquisitions will be credit- able to themselves, honorable to this University and “worthy of all who take an in‘erest in the welfare of the profession.”” ‘The bench Was now responded to by JUDGE WOUDRUFY, who, in the course of an eloquent address, said he was happy to tender the congratulations of the fra- ternity to the gentlemen of the Council and all those who, with large hearts and open hands, had con- tributed tewards advancing their interests under the new impulse given to the Law School by the present Council, He was glad of the promise of in- creased efficiency, and thought it would be tndelt- cate and intrusive to suggest now anything in the mode of instruction which sheuld pe pursued witn pupils, yet there is one branch of it to which he would advert. He would say that instrac- tors will have imperfectiy fulfilled their duty of perfecting thelr pupils in a Knowledge of the jaw it they have not imparted to them a love of the law, With truth for its instrumentality and FOR ITS END JUSTICE. [Applause and smiles.] Without this the profession becomes a trade, for the right service of which we have no guarantee and against the abuse of which we have little remedy. It has been said that the state of the law in any nation marks its progress, and a disesteem thereof marks its decline and fall. The study of law must be one of love for reason, truth and justice, otherwise the law wil! become pewer- less, With none to respect aud none to enforce It. We must look to the youug men for the remedy, Go on, then, professors and gentiemen of the law classes; teach Your pupils more than precepts—the ¢ of truth and justice. (Applause.) JUDGE JAMES EMMEC spoke for the bar, and regretted that the older perience of Charles O'Uonor had not, as he expect- preceded him in his task of replying for the bar of New York. He could oniy, ue said, pursue the line of the gee Judge ad just ceased i lov speaking. ie recalled @ scene from English story, Lord Bolingbroke said:—‘There S that were orators, philosophers, have been Bacon: Will be none azy mone till tra and Clarendons. ambition pre- couragement to prepare themselves for the exercise of this profession by climbing up to the vintage ground of science instead of groveli 1 their hives | delow in a mean but plication 10 THE ARTS OF CHICANE.” But the chicane of tie trade to- egal quipbles and 8: eret approach to. tt and double steps. oniside med, and a d W the oppre-sor em of ud leads to One syst tgantte 1 ar tges made against th ty of the bench and t 1 am not here to arraign; but these charges ar true there 1s stich a de | Sooner or | | diflerence bad omen been injw at the root of oar government that er it musi fall. Uf they are faise the ta- With which they are heard 1s also @ We Know that our credit abroad hay and at home the judiciary bas fatien into a byword. Where = ‘thi is an un- just lawyer there must be an — unjust prvacht and there must client to encourage it. Growing ava- cause of it all, and itis to the young men riy, such as come to the profession with pai traiming, Combined with a strong public opinion, to Whomn We must look for a After some remarks by other genile: pany red to a light supper of cote and then went home In the rite ithe com- nit cakes, and now | | there are others implicated whose vails over avarice, and vill men find lesure and en- | WASHINGTON. | IMPORTANT JUDICIAL DECISIONS. Forced Sales of Property in Military | Possession Hlegal. Army Defaleations Fortress Monroe, The at MORE BLUNDERS OF THE TARIFF ACT. Monthly Report of the Commis- sioner of Agriculture. Fenian Ratd on the White Hrouse. WASHINGTON, Dec, 19, 1870, Important Judicial Docisions—Rights of Ab- sent Rebel Parties to Suits Sustained. In the Supreme Court of the District to-day, sitting in General Term, Judge MeArthur del; do the opinion of the Court in the case of Dutt and Benja- | min Green vs, Columbus Alexander, lnvolving the | validity of the purchase of the Old Capitol property, | used during the war and known as the Old Capitol Prison, The suit was entered some time sinee to set aside the sale made to Mr. Alexander, Who has converted the building into residences, and to per- mit the plaintiff to redeem the property, which was sold under deed of trust while the govern- ment held the building in possession, The Court directed that the sale bo set aside and the plaintiff allowed to redeem, and that an account, of debt, improvements, &c., be taken, The Court held that, as at the time of the sale the property was held and used as a military prison and guarded by soldiers, free mgress and egress betng prohibitea, such sale could not be an open sale as required by law, and on this ground alone the Ceurt would have been compelled to set the rule aside ; but there was. another ground—Congress, the Executive and the Supreme Court, all have held that the war of the rebellion was a public war. Such wars suspended the ordiuary relations between debtor and creditor, and in the recent case of Dean va. Wilson the Supreme Court of the United States decided that the sale under mortgage of the estate of a person who was absent within the lines of the insurgent States did not extinguish the right to re- deem. For these reasons the Court directed the sale to be set aside, Judge Wyile announced that, while he concurred with the judgment of the Court, he did so forthe grounds first mentioned by the opinion, and not for the second reason assigned. At the same session of the court the case of Camp- bell vs. Popular Life Insurance Company was also decided. In this case the plaintif! was the benefi- clary of the policy of insurance, a provision of which forfelted the premium if the party insured died by reason of intemperance, and submit’ed the question of the cause of death to be peremptorily decided by the surgeon in chief of the company. Evidence of the decision of the chief surgeon was, on the trial below, excluded by Chief Justic Carter, on the ground that the clause of the con- tract which submitted the cause of death to the Judgment of an agent of one of the parties to the contract was void for reasons of public policy. Judge Wylie pronounced the opinion of the Court, reversing the decision of the Chief Justice. He said that as a party toa suit he could himself submit the case to the arbitration of an agent of one of the par- tues, and if he could so submit it at one time he could contract to submit it at another. The White House Besieged by Fenians. Seine people are curious to know what Ben Butler 2 o reported to have received pecuniary assistance from the defauiter of the engineer department. Whaw truth there is in the repurt | cannot say, but give is for what it 1s wo The Tarif on ders of the sian Hemp The Russian Minister to-day called upon Seexetary Boutwell to preset his views of the (ari rates om Russia hemp. Mr, Catacazy seemed to think thas twenty-fve dollars per ton was quite high enough, while Secretary Bourwell, in reply, sald he did not make the law, and, as the matter stood, f the old tart rate could not be construed to apply to the provision made in the new tartit, but twenty-flva dollars per ton would be imposed, His iinpreaston, however, Was that Congress did not intend to re duce the rate from forty dollars to twenty-t i= lars per tou. It 18 @ fact alveady alluded to in thesa despatches that the new Tarif act {4 full of biunders, and that clay agents are anticipating @ rob har- Vest next year In prosecuting claims for the refunds ing of duties overpaid under the construction of tha new law, ‘The tax ou Russa hemp is one of the mooted rates, Fashion and Charity—The Poor Cayed Kor. The charity ball given by the lady members, in~ chiding the wite ot General Sherman, of the Soctety for the Neliot of the Poor, took place to-night at the: Masonte ‘Yemple, room bandeomely” decorated wiih fags of all nations. Among the distinguished persona present were the President aud Mrs. Grant, the Presi- dent, General Sherman, wife and two daugh- ters; Rear Admiral Walker and Commodore Alden, Speaker Blaine, Senators Sawyer, Stewart, Nye Sherman, Abbott, V 8. arner; Representatives Bank Cox, Plast, of Virginia; Mayor Emory, Genevat Horace Porter and wife, General Vincent and wite, | General Habeock, Colonel Lee, Commander of ta Soldiers’ Home, wile and daugater; Miss Kitty Lee, Colonel Andrew Reid and wife, Mr. MeCoy and wife, Assistant Postinaster and General Smith and wife. Tho Case ot Perry fuller, of New Orleans. Mion, Lionel A. Sheldon, of Louisiana, and Hon. D. W. Voortiies, of Indiana, attorneys for Perry Ful- Jer in the prosecutions against tim as the late Cole lector of toms at New Orleans, authorize ana ree quest the statement that the arrangement with Cap- tain Long, late District Attorney of Louisiana, but now deceased, was that none or the cased should be called until January; that Major Fuller has never for ® moment entertained a thought of failing to apy en required, and that he will do 80 a8 soon as he vhall be able. He has been lying dangerously 1 in this city for two weeks past, but 18 now thought to be improving. Meeting of the Board of Managers of Soldiers® Homes. A meeting of the Board of Managers of the na~ tlonat asylums for disabled volunteer soldiers was held this evening at the office of the Surgeon Gene ral. There were present B. F. Butler, presiden’ General if, Martindale, of New York; Gener Thomas Osborne, of Illinois: ex-Governor Frederic Smythe, of New Hampshire; Dr. B. Wolcott, of Wisconsin; General J. Cavender, of Mlasourl Judge Hugh tL. Bond, of Indiana, and Le, B. Gunckel, of Ohlo, secretary, The sessiom was protracted until a eleven o'clock, tha Board adjourning until morrow morning, when 1 Is expected the business before them will be com~ pleted, The secretary will submit bis annual re- port, giving statistics of the operations of the asylung during the past year, and showing the different homes to be in the best order, and, with but ona exception, ander cellont management, The new asylum at Fortress Monroe will be ready for occupancy next bruary, when it is preposed to transfer thence the colored inmates of tha asylam at Dayton, Onio, and Milwaukee, Wis. It is also intended that the new asylam shall be mad@ the home for such inmates of the asylum as are im any way affected with pulmonary complaints. ‘The Committee on Military Affairs of the House, ig is understood, ready to make their report of the examination into the affairs of the asylum, ordered at the last cession of Congress, but M nsworti, $ to be heard before the committ ports, by hit is Inferred that the examination does not sustain the charges wade by Farnsworth, Frony all that could be a ained the session of the Board being strictly private, 1t 13 believed that the ints of the asylum have been kept with a and the Fenians are figuring for, In consequence of a protracted Interview which some or the leading chiefs, led on by the belligerent Ben, had with tue President this morning. Several prominent Fenians have been here for some days waiting for a favora- ble opportunity to besiege the White House, and meanwhile they have been in consultation with certain republican politicians, imcluding Senator Cameron, Zach, Chandler and especially Ben Butler, who seems to have assumed the role of a new Fenian leader, This morning he headed a de- putation, coneisting of J. W. Fitzgerald, of @in- cinnati, ex-member of the Ohio Legislature and President of the Cincinnatl Common Council; A. L. Morrison, member elect of the Lilinots Legislature from Chicago; John F. Scanian, of Chicago and Captain M. Boland, of Louisvilie, who are leading members of the new Fenian or- ganization, known as the United Irishmen, and who proceeded to the White House, where Ben Butler introduced them to the President. ‘The cordiality with which Grant greete] Butler was particuiarly noticed, inciining the Fenians to the opinion that having Builer on their side they would also nave the President. They are disposed to regard the object of their visit as a secret. Fitzgerald is the President oi the United Irishmen’s organization, which, it is said has over 150,000 members. Tuey are strong protectionists, and the tariff was one of the subjects falked about. The Alabama claims and the fishery question were also touched upon—which might have been expected from a deputation composed of Butler and his Fentan friends, Growing out of this interview there 1s @ rumor among the Irishmen that Secretary Fish is to retire from the Cabinet very soon, and that he is to be succeeded by Ben Butler, ‘This idea delights the Fenians, who are also pleased atthe prospect of General Schenck going as Min- ister to England. It 1s whispered that a more vig- orous foreign policy, especially with reference to England, may be Instituted. for the purpose of attracting the Irish vote to the republican side in the next Presidenual election. The Defalcation at Fortress Monroe. The investigations in the Engineer aepartment at Fortress Monroe have resulted in some strange dis- | closures whieh would have been made months ago had tt not been that the father-in-law of the defaulter isa prominent general. It is even whispered that this father-in-law winked atthe fraudulent prac- tices; but this part of the story is probably false. ‘The guilty party has peen regarded’ as a “good fellow” among acertain class, not for his virtues, but for the government property that could be got out of him. He came near detection some months ago, When he was accused to his face by a negro laborer of robbing the government, but some. how the charge was speedily hushed up. Now the whole story of his defalcation 1s known to the ah- thorities and the eriginal papers proving his guiit are in the hands of the Colonel at the head of the department. The confederates or recipients of the | stolen goods are to be treated with great severity. Only a few have been caught as yet. One of them, a storekeeper, is said to have recetved several hun- dred doliars, Another, a surgeon in the army, at pr in California, is charged with receiving goods to the amount of seventy-five dollirs, and | ues nave not | yet transpired. It seems that the principal in thus ¢ has it his business to defraud the government at opportunity. He and his principal confederate have | kept government laborers as private s $ for months atatime. About six months ago a letter was sent to the head Quartermaster exposing the | whole swindie and impheating these men by name, They were notifled of the charge, Which they timme- | diately denied, and preiended to make great exer- tions to obtain the name of the writer of the letter. | They accordingly addressed a letter to him and | placed it In the Post OMice, bat efectually prevented | its tuking by Spreading abroad a statement that it | was tended as a catch to get the owner in trouble. | Among the swindles perpetrated was the manu- facture of a carriage at government expense, which was entered in the books as “repaired wheelbar- | rows." Itis stated that the chief defaulter bas av- | seonded and is now safe out of the country. While on this subject | may say that rumors are { that something is wrong tn the commissary went ab Fort Monree, a8 certain clerks are mata every | ar uepa curacy and Invile the closest scrutiny. Whatever may be deemed of sutictent importance to to pub- lic will be made kuown to-morrow by the board. he San Francisco Collectorship. There ts no foundation in fact for the California rumor that Colector Phelps, of San Francisco, is ta be superseded by Charles A. Wasii- burn, late Minister to Paraguay. Mr. Wash- burn himself, who 1s now here, discredits the story. Mr. Phelps appears.to stand high In the contidenca of the administration as a taithful and efficient om. cer, He wiso is here, by order of the Exevative, re+ celving detailed instructions relative to the work- ings of his office under the new tariff, soon to go into operation. He returns to his post within a few days. ) important Treasury Circular. The Secretary of the Treasury will to-morrow is- sue an important circular to Collectors of Customs concerning his views on the new Taruf law, and set- ting forth what must be done by merchants to avail themselves of the benefits of that portion of the law relative to goods In bond on the 1st of January next. Nominnations by the President. ‘The President to-day sent the following nomina- tons to the Senate:— Andrew J, Simmons, to be agent for the Blackfeet and other neighboring tribes; Henry Stover, to be Surveyor of Customs at Newburyport, Mass.; Simon Dodge, to be Collector of Customs at Marblehead, Mass.; W. Warning, to be Assessor of Internal Revenue for New Mexico; Samuel L. Earl, to be As- Let of Internal Revenue for the Fourth district of ‘Texas. Postmasters—H. \. Parke, at Whiteba’ Mrs. Mary Bernard, West Point, N. Y.; A. I ale, Port Jervis, N. Y.; A. Vandenburg, Clyde, N. Y.; John Bale, Stapleton, N. Y.; Isaac Sherwood, Haver- straw, N. Y.; W. H. Burford, Water Vailey, Mixs.; L. 8. Wicks, Sherwood, Towa; E. J. Sullivan, Har- risonburg, Va.; W. M. Hostetter, New Lisbon, 0. Nomination C irmed. ‘The Senate this afternoon confirmed Robert C. We Jewell, of Mississipp!, a8 Consul at Canton, China, The Wine Manotacturers’ Tax. The decision of the Internal Revenue Bureau as to the right of manufacturers of wines to continue their business under the rate of tax heretofore im- posed will not be made until General Pleasanton assumes the office of Commissioner, which will be immediately after the holidays. Internal Revenue Commissioner Pleasonton. Commissioner Pleasonton arrived in Washington to-day, and after a visit to the Executive Mansion passed a short time at the Internal Revenue office. It 1s understood that he will not assume the duties of his new office until after the holidays. The Pennsylvania Political Quarre}. A letter received here to-day by a prominent gov- ernment offictal, from @ well Known Pennsylvania politician, states that it would bea great deal better for Pennsylvania not to be represented af ali in the Cabinet tf the honor was to be conferred on one who did not command the support of the entire repub- lican strength of the State, and also reiterating the statement already made that among the true friends of the administration there was not the slightest cause for disaffection on account of the appoint ment of Geseral Pleasanton instead of Mr. Dougiass. | Chief Justice ef the Court of Claims. Ex-Senator Drae took the oath of office and en- tered upon his dut Chiet Justice of t “ourt of Ciuims this morning. He was introduced to the bar by the senior Jutge (Loring), when he delivered & few remarks, asking that the gentlemen would cuse him for any imperfection until he should become better acquainted with the business and Y¥.5 usages of the court. The first case taken up was one involying the loyalty of the litigants. Reduction of the Army. The House Committee on Military A day nou-concurred in the Se from the 1st of January reduction of the army. WEATHER YESTERDAY. e following record will show tie temperature for the past twenty-/ou parison with the corresponding day of last year, e bill extending the ume A tie Ist of July for the changes in the hours in com- 3 indicated by the thermometer at Hadp macy, HERALD Building, coruer of Aun strect:— 186 1 1 1870. a 3 SPM ia 42 7 6PM. an “ oF Oo 40 we 42 u ‘2 ad la cre 31% Average temperarare for correspo! dat late fear a 09, MEN ne Nar UL NAO ET MMs