The New York Herald Newspaper, December 25, 1870, Page 4

RIDING OY THE Rall, STREET RAILROADS AS A SYSTEM, View of Their Interior Machinery. SKETCHES OF THE LEADING ROADS. STREET RAILWAYS AS AN INSTITUTION, Scientists in the future will nominate the present period as tbe epoch of material progress, Para- mount among the diverse necessities originated by the progression is that of rapid locomotion. But until science realizes as an accomplished fact that man, like the gossamer, can ride the atmos »here— when the rich and poor will all wear wings—we must content ourselves with a prosaic whirl upon terra jirma, Owing to this materialistic tendency our civilization is constantly summoning into active being new occupations and callings. Prominent among these, and one not devold of interest as it is prominent in importance, is the present subject cf our sketch—street railways. In the ramifications of tts system and the intricacy of 118 operation it has originated a new calling verg- ing on to a profession, and the accomplished ratl- road man of to-day should ve dignified as a pro- fessional. Street ratiroads have become an tndis- pensable institution in all the large citles of the en- | lghtened world, and we propose to take @ peep into the plan of their internal organization. We wil se- lect for the subject of our investigations the two | principal roads of this city, which will be fair crite- Tia to judge of the system. THE INTERNAL ORGANISM. Besides the usual administrative ofcers common to all private corporations railway companies em- | ploy & multitude of other functionaries as accessory to their management. These will embrace superin- tendents, foremen of the stables, repair, blacksmith and harness shops, receivers, paymasters, road mas- ters, Starters, time-spotters, conductors, drivera, hostlers, switchmen and others. STREET RAILWAYS AS INVESTMENTS, Viewed as pecuniary enterprises they assume va- ried aspects. As a rule they are the property of cor- porators, and are generally regarded as exceedingiy secure investments; but it will doubtless;surprise the public when it 18 announced that there are but | four lines out of seventeen im this city which return any dividend. Sur in these exceptional cases the yietd of profit for the amount } of capital invested is extraordinary, The Eighth Avenue Railroad pays a certain annual dividend upon the actual value of its stock of upwards of | twelve per cent, In addition a considerabte sum is expel in extensic improvements and the | acquisitions of property, wich materially and regu- larly eulanees the vate of the stock. ‘The origt amount of capital stock of this company was $300,000, wit nas since been increased to $1,000,000, The gross receipts of last year do not fall far short of $500,009. @he holders of this stock rarely oiler it for sale, and when occasionally tt foes nd its way mto the market there gre always eager purchasers. Generally the only occasions which induce sales are at the sevilements of the estates of deceased persons, wien the stock is offered at auction, aud bas brought $160 bo $165 per share, Almost all the stock of Ults com- pany is the property of Mr. George Law. The capi- tal siock of tne ‘hird Avenue Katlroad is $1,170,000, exe original amount design ited by its charter. ‘This Biock 1s so tightly held that itis rare for one hundre t shares to change hands during a y The number of stockiolders are gradually decreising. but tne lock 13 quietly t sd to the hands of the original corporatoi buts: Dividends are paid quart. of course, no notice be.nz given, and, to use pressive words of Mr. Arthur, stockholders come for their dividends on quarier day as regularly as people generally take their din- hers.” ‘Lhe price obtatned for thts 3 sale Was $250 per share. ‘The principal holders are Messrs. William Remsen, Henry R. Kem- sen, John B. Hobby, Henry Hart, Malty ¢. Lane nd William M. Tweed. | TUE THIRD AVENUE RAILROAD. ! The principal line in the United States is ti the Third Avenue Company. It recetved its cha’ during the year 1868, which authorized It to eon- struct its line Irom ihe Astor Heuse to Harlem, a distance of eight miles. The terms of the ciarier 8 to SIXty-lrst street permitied a charge of 1 and one cent additiona is the lowest ‘are i traveliiaz eight whicn instigated the lo lov rate of compensation was a polilte one, Becond Avenue Come rast ante charge of ten cent verived tine terminating at Sixty-first street lias b remunerative, but the intervenng distan eof tir and one-hait miles to Harem was a source of los and remains so stil. At the Inc urbs of the chy were sparsely populated, amt jt is com. the iner Valuation 01 prc Xby-Hrst str resniting from th this roa, the city bi benefiet of milous of dats decive i rs his low vate of fare it wonld hav he denizens of tuose locaii ville bulk nd 1 mn Sixty es to reach the davlem muy OWL The lume u one hou 1,700 hors and dri trip. 7 cl and t ng to the num- trav pient 1s mad according to the nar » at the rate of thirty-sev and six tr the com) r 10 tion at Ha m, when the Harl for these ti" fifty to one hundred e. Conductors are retained. The verse to green dri ires experience and skill to contre! the brak Veteran stage drivers fail to become good ¢ it 1s supposed OWing to tne fact the ue driver to keep one hand pp K the carat the tustaut. > y of shoals than a car driver of ty . ‘Lhe Thine city, and tie ro: trucks = from being — ouiy rv driv the brake Third xr iiiteen years, 1 sek and are constantly subjec n of the couductor, with Whom {hey asso- ppolnted by the Superiut THE TIME-SPOTTER. empioys a ubiquitous yp Lier," whose duty is to travel ¢ 5 ne of the road and repor: all co ductors delinguent in negiec(jng tustructions as to lume. It ls sometimes the pracuce of ¢ ictors to, loiter in order to pick up passengers, it the rules and to tie detriment of other ca conductors, like other employés, are emuious. time-spotter reports all such cases, a creticn be cau detain or otnerw control the motions of @ car to facilitate travel or to conform to the wants of tbe lic, as at the exodus of an audience of a theatre. ris muinute bebind the prescribed time tne H must account satistactortiy for it—such as Wnrough fletention or unavoidable acc In all. cases his duty to endea extra speed, Conductors are nt, and must find bonds jor Third avenue Compa is Uever Dros ductor on bis bond. iday 18 the appo! » At the end of each trip t his receipts into the hancds of pany’a receiver at the main depot. There gels Of receivers, Wo OMiciate day and nigii. ductors are persoually made lable for defanit in taking base currency, but seldom hand it ove the receiver; less than fifty dollars per aucuw is pad into receivers’ hands. TH MAIN DEPOT et the Third Avenue Company bs & noble, uassive a ue | Hine, + comm: | ah embargo on the vu ent. | e:! NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1870—TRIPLE SHEET. iron structure, occupying the site bounded by Sixty- fifth and Sixtysixth streets, fronting on the Third avenue and extending back to the Second avenue, thus covering the area ot an ordinary block. Here are located the oitices of the company, stables capa- ble of accommodating 1,200 horses, harness, repair and blacksmith shops It ts certainly most com- plete in ali lis appli ices and appurtenances, ad- Tairably adapted to its purposes. ‘Te syste n of ven- tilation is perfect, and during the pertod of most in- teuse heat the temperature 18 here delightfully tem - berate. ‘The only materials used in this fabrie are frou and stene, hence there is no apprehension of fire, aud therefore no money patd for msurance. WHE KQUINE COMMISSARLAT, There is areceiving department fof feed, where perfect arrange: pent De Wade for weighing and elevating it te the Tot beve, where the corn and oats are Braun ‘and the hay cit py machinery, and then dsposiled li are eptacte ty Whsuce t clr. eulates threugh sp ala’ to all polni ‘td the stables below, None yub fhe very bést provender 1s purchased, 45 @& small” quan- tity of tainted grain will infect pll the sound, The mils are constantly in operation, pro- pelled by steam, Within this building are vast storergoms, where the supply of winter food 1s de- posited. Five hundred bushels of corn, mixed with outs, and sixty bales of hay are daily consumed. THE BLACKSMITH SHOP. ‘The blacksmith shop is here quite an institution, The Goodenough shoe ts the pattern used, and the horses are shod by the company of that name by contract, Many advantages are claimed in favor of this shoe over the ordinary kind in use, Inasmuch 1s it coutorms to tue natural shape of the horse's foot, while the old shoe inflicts the procrustean torture of compelling the foot to cenform te tt. It would seem as though the rationale was in tts favor. But this shoe is made of iron, while the other 4s of steel; steel endures longer than tron, and the advocates of the Goodensugh cypher a loss in the item of shoeing taaterial, but 4 gain in horsefosh. A Good- enough shoe wears about two weeks, the ordinary style about three weeks, At this shop 450 shovs are “seu daily. THE CARS. The car and repair shops are fitted with all the necessary appliinces and an air of singular neatuess pervades: all the workshops. ‘The company generally put on two new cars per month and they are built on the Stevensen plan, They weigh about 2,400 pounds, ‘The old box cars formerly used weighed 7,000 pounds, This company gives the preference te the Stevenson sys’em of veatilation, ‘To cach car is appeinted a gang of horses of twelve in number. ‘rhe Life ef a horse on this line ts about three years less than on the other routes, because of the greater speed in ronning. The Third avenue cars travel at the rate of six miles an hour, faster than any line in the city, having the Harlem boats to compete with them, HORSES. The majority of the horses are disabled by the rough pavements, and the feet becoming tender uu- ne them for this employment, although with care they becom» well adapted to tie use of farmers, The mares are valued especially for breeding purposes. ‘The prices that such horses bring at private sale: tue mode they are disposed of—vary with clreum- stances from $25 to $100. Horses on tns road are only worked three and a haif hours datly, but this 13. suiiictent soon to exhaust their vital powers. XISING EDIFICES AND HARLEM AWAKE TH. The growing necessities of the company have com- ed them to occupy for stabling purposes the wed between Sixty-sixth and Sixty- ets on the Third avenue, where 60 horses: sheltered. An additional structure 13 being reared on the site of the terminus of the road at Harlem. When completed it will contain within lsell a commoaious hotel, a music hall, with a ca- pacity for accommodating 2,590 people, and a depot for the us of the company. This enterprise cannot Tail to enkance the comfort and interests of the res denes of this vicinity and will add a d.gnity to Har- leim Which it is sadly in need of, i THE D SECRETARY. Mr, Rober resident. whe insti- tution which he of such a magnitude as to e us direction an intellect. of no con order, In tue complexion of the ramifications it 18 doubt ful whether the Third aveuue road has its purailel, for it Contains within tts own organism all the elements which feed its lve, [tis truly @ marvellous system of order and economy. 3. Arthur 1s the Secretary. This gentle- ian lends honor to several other posttions of trust and infuence, and is deservedly popular, Besides Une above the ollicers of the company ar Xemsen, Vice President; John L. Gelb, Bawar Dickinson, Superintendea Messrs. William A. Darling, Henry . Remsen, R. B. Conpoily, Join B. Hobvy, Willlam J, Valenune, Henry mart, Wilson G. Hunt, Maltby G. Lan liam M, ‘Tweed, Sylvanus 5. Riker and Sy.vester R. Comstock. Directors, 18 EIGHTH AV ‘The original grant of the Nighth Aveaue Railroad was made in the year 1351 to Kipp & Browa, pro- prierors of the old Chelsea Omuibas It But they ded only in oblaming the conseut of one of Common Council, for which Mr. bers $40,000. But a ‘anized to get control Jolin Pertigrew, O' Keele tor O1 a line of stages on the route of enne) and Duryea, @ farmer, of Ls Ne sanction of both branch in and astouisit- ‘ation OL a cer- of sock iu a company Wich was subs' KAILROAD. anvved the triumyirl traasterved te ocge Law, 12 on Mis part contracting to ¢ On WALKIN” SL days the date of the agreement. — With his custo- he pushed ferward the construction, 1s he enterprise prosecuted ympleted and the first car tra. a the Bist day of August, 1852, the explvauon of the contract versed the three days vetoi vis at present the President of the com- 1 sivekhiolder, THE FUR ' CHARTER authorizing the cou ction Of @ street railroad in this cily wae given to the corporators of the Fourtit avenue ling, ‘The Sxta and Eyghth avenue grants were next tu order oF tune aud were conferred by the same act, alihough not to the same parties in interes THE ACT OF INCOKPOR ON. et provided that whenever thelr mutual interests would be setved by UWaversing tle saue rouve Uiey should be allowed joinily the right of way on coudiiion that each party should Keep in repar certala poviious of the line, Excellent judgment od ia projecting the Hue; in tet, so mucit sue route would be a selected if at od Cue the s rae present terminus of Manhattanville, but as soon venue is completely graded the road er rhe to extend tne line pully as we E should be graded. Toe is at Leoun str e} ‘oomb’s dam. auaif ten mile the ciiy au minat present jJengtn of vad when tie road nue road is rithe en thoi pa from Vifiy-nin the railroad cou teh they chy on tke rail. avenuc cau with which upon tue oid Las menis With y regarded. In vad, for a period of > Sparit 1 ovton Loon In ihe winter season, especially, tne aninosi the line was evinced ty it 1 When the stiow ploughs began to ned to take a malicious det oper m vengeance tue offending ploi t in when the horses woull H and make’ confusioa worse coulounded, The origin of the war against plot cause of their alleged ruction of Vo-day the property own- and sturekecpe.s on the line of the route realize {vantages brought to their doors through the sirect railroads, whereby Gade 13 invigorated and values of reai estate entanced. Another an tent prejudice is this demolished, and tue world stil moves onward. But the res: of the ras people oiticials o: snow still ght of way 4 was more } Mian that of Ue Sof devic wrted to by the apany lo clear the track, bul the master of the situayap. RELISHED. It was then that plan of using sait was intro- Guced, and at was fouad to answer the purpose en liy. Hut thereupon the physicians and pro- phets ol fue press se Toguost- how! of horror, as the offspring of the ppease the fears of the Lrieks of the press, the rd of Health have placed t. But the railroad om- caung dreadful innoxious bri public aud io sileuce t Council and Be ¢ 1 In their conviction that snow sea- soned salts a most innocent compound, and as to the AlLin disposing ol snow ney he us ver Neve loubt, But although effectual the miical so far as the cost of the art It was customary to pur ‘5 e Island by the cargo and store it the galt prior to tt xch of winter, this manner as 7,000 bushels has been stored in large a quan ft je spol. ‘110 all its aspects it 18 highly interest of the public geuerally that the use O! salt lor tis purpose should be resumes first advantage of its application 1s to the wu leurs, as during snow atorins the are doubled, and hence but hall the number of cars can ran. al were salt to be used the snow would be dissolved almost tiramediately, and the ploughs | would keep the track in rumning order. Anotier important consideration 38 the rapidity With wht the rear estored to thelr normal condition; for uere thas been used the roads were dry in some insiances weeks in advance of t y eit Was uot used, Alter the snow-pieugh has peiformed fs labor the compapy despatch breoms nade of steel and rattan—the r own invention—to keep the (rack elearof ali encumbrances; these rum dyring the days and nights. MULES AND THEIR GENTLE GAMBOLS. From 186° to 1867 the compauy tried tire experi- ment of uubzing mules. They purchased about 400 fo: the age of LWo years and a hall. ‘They found great diticully tn breaking then, and finally were com- pelled to abandon the attempt to einploy them. Tuey were found to be stubborn and vicious—in a y word, mulish. They are subject to all the Mict horses, and had a great relish for dressed hide tn the shape of haruess, which they ew with great gusto and much to the di ugh of the company. Although docile cnough to } there The | se places | their attendants they had a wicked habit of striking from behind with a very lively pair of heels upon the approach of a stranger, whose presence — the; quickly discerned, and = in- ew 4 pricked up their and assumed the disagreeably demonstrative attitude alluded to, New hostlers were oupecial subjects of thelr enmity, and, not satisfied with hoistung their hind feet, they struck with their fore feet and bit with a ferocity which made an encounter with them a risky affair. They were therefore abandoned with disgust, but their disposal did not cause any fevers loss to the company, as their sale realized the price of cost, and they found eager piirchasers who shipped them fo the Southern tslands. - ARKS ON WHENLS AND MODERN CARs, The cars at first were great square, Jumbering vehicles, miserably tuminated and ventilated, and their weight was 6,809 pounds. These were found entirely foo cumbersome gnq detrimental to horse Bes atter Mi. ty ST art Mr. Wilson, thé present supél y Sop AD, has ae up bis mind that @ car which wéigns 4,500 is as light as it 1s desirable to use in ordef to resist the wear and tear, which 18 excessively heavy, EXPERIMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS, The Sixth avenue line introduced, experimentally, one or two iron cars; but they were soon relin- Guished, agit was necessary to construct them as Hight as possible, and hence they were easily injured through accidents and collisions with other vehicles. In addition they were rackety and intensely hot; hence it 1s pelieved that nothing can be introduced to supel wood. Mr, Wilson has made several valu- able improvements ta the construction of cara, but which he has not seen fit to patent and monopolize. One tnvention of great value is the abolition of the use of putty for the purpose of fixing panes of glass in car windows. ‘Te putty sooo gave way through tho continuous jolting and caused the glass to break, making a large item of expendilure. ‘The improvement consists in substituting a moulding which encloses the glass in the frame and renders reparation very facile. He also introduced brackets and springs to keep the sash from ratiing and placed rubber sexing beneath to receive the sash when it drops, which prevents jarring and glass Lert ‘The low roof cars first uged have been replaced by lofty structures go arrange: as to be transformable into a skeleton, which 1s well adapted for the summer season. It will be re- membered that in years gone by plush cushions were entirely in vogue, but they have been aban- doned on account of the ‘accumulation of filth and vermin which they invite, Owin to & newspaper war against these Kind of cushions wooden seats were introduced in three cars experimentally, but were found uncom- fortable and retentive of dust. After a fortnight travellers became acquainted with these facts and learned to avoid them, and they were finally titted with cushions. ‘The cushions DOW used are stuffed With sponge and horsehair. It takes about one hundred pounds of hair and forty-five of sponge te supply acar, They are beaten with rattans weekly. INSECTILE ASSASSINS, The only vermin which it is impossible to extir- pate are an exceedingiy rare and curtous insect, called by naturalists the bedbug, which, concealing itself in crevices, ponuces suddenly on a human vic- tim, and banquets on the bleod of the aristocracy who patronize the road. VENTILATION. Mr. Stephensen originated a metho of ventilation, which was used tor a length of time in the cars of the Fighth avenue, but which is new rejected by the Superintendent from the tendency to cause the cars to break at the corners and second roof. it is in- deed adifMicuit problem t» solve in erder to con- struct a ventiduct which will improve the atmos- phere without inviting the cold draughts of atr in such profusion or so Insidiously as to breed dis- tempers, In the summer tme the skeleton cars answer admirably. A suificiently high authority suggests that it 1s preierable te endure a sligntly noxious aumosphere rather than to incur the conse- quences of a pernicious draughct. In the winter seuson there are innumerable currents of ar pene- trating the mterstices of the windows which im- prove greatly the atmosphere. PLATYORMS. It is impossible to prevent people from jeopardiz- ing life and limb by jumping off of the front plat- forms, although conductors and drivers are in- structed to prevent children from remaining on it. All sorts of devices have veen essayed, but have proved to be too complicated tor use, The Superin- tendent of the Eighth Avenue Railroad has patented an invention which promises to be highly valuable in averting serious injury to persons tailing in front of the car, visa fender attached to the box and shielaing the wheels. ‘Che f ader 18 furnished with acushion of indiarubber, which 18 designed to al- jeviate the shock of a person striking it. It 1s as yet but an experiment, but one which promises the hap- plest results. A car provided with this life-preserver has been for some time on the track, and tne mnven- tion was effectually tested by coming in con with the person of a prostrate Teuton, who was ec- centric enough to tumbie off the car. With the ex- ception of a few sligat contusious he was none the worse lor his novel experience. being hung on the wheel-box the fender is secured against shilting its place, which it would be liable to do if attached to the car’s body. It is velieved that tt will serve the additonal purpose, especially during the winter, of freeing the track from obstacles. Another excel- | lent innovation is that of embossing the steel steps of the platiorm by means of a punch, 80 that there is hardly a chance of slipping. ‘These new steps are being rapiily fitted to ail the cars of this line. THE MAIN DELOT. The main depot, stables and workshops of this. company are enclosed within two buildings, occu- pying the avenue front between Forty-ninth and Fittieth st fhe main building 1s 200 teet front by 500 deep, and three stories ugh. ‘The other ts 125,teet frout by 150 deep. In the first are located the stables, milis for grinding the feed, a receptacle for cars and lofts to store provender. In tne second buuding, on the south side of the avenue, are the superintendent's, re- ceivers’ and other offices, a receptacle for cars, con- struction and repair shops. THE STABLES. The stables are arranged most admirably. The system of ventilation 13 unsurpassed. Draughts of alr are forced through the building by means of an immense fan attached to tne mills. During the hot season these fans are constantly in operation, day and night, ‘fhe mills are run thrice a week, and when the weather is not excessively hot the “blewers” are ased once or twice a week, except in winter. Every precaution is taken against fire; the use of coinvustibies is prohibited, and the only illuminators are gas jets, enclosed in giass frames. At each gangway is a tub, and a fire bucket Is at- tached to each tub. Great care is exercised to maintain cleanliness, The floors are swept nightiy and sprinkled with a disinfectant. By each stall is suspended a collar and bridle, and the stalls are provided with iron rods to prevent horses from Anvoying each other, and rear chains, 80 tin case horses ship their halters they cannot br away. # | There ls a window to every stall. it 3 AND HORSES. . Fach hostier is entrusted with the care of eighteen horses; it is Dis busmess to receive the respective teams of his “gang? from the hands of the driver, Who has ho control over it unless whiie driving. This company own 1,035 horses 3 of New York State aud Indiana are p erred; those of 2nd Ohio are Of a sluggish temper, them for thisemployment. The ant three times daily. ‘The ieed is mixed ppomted to that ve duty, and it spouts which communi Nine tons of fodder ave d ‘o each car running to V strech teen horses, which constitute yrse 1s Worked four hours & day— even trips, ‘This kind of labor is very horses survive ree and @ half years, which may be average duration of’ the life of a car ‘the animals, though usually Dject to many disorders ple employment to a 3 180 a hospital, which contains from 60 10 80 sick horses. When a horse becomes disabled he 1s sold for what he will bring hese animals are eagerly xougnt , Who give them a enusylVania which by E 1S distril vat witi the bin above. consume: are, irequenuly normal condition. The refuse of the stable 1s a sou of considerable revenue from its value fertilizing purposes; the company has made # contract whereby it receives for it at the rate of three dollars per capita for the horses stabled. ‘The company employs in the stables 140 men. For the winter season the lojts receive as a deposit 10,000 bales of hay, 50,000 busueis o: corn, and 500 tons of fine wheat ted ‘The blacksmith shop 1s exceedingly complete in all its appolutmenis and aftorus faciitties for shoe lug lity horses at the sume tine. ‘There are about 240 shoes set daily. Shoes wear on an average three weehs. Jn the car shop two new cars are built The number of cars tvice V to 130, i RUNNING TIME. 2 The company cimploy five hundred men. The con- ductors Wito run cars from Forty ninth street to the Central Park a lied “bumilos,” which unique sobriquet originated In the compleuon of the Erie road to But ‘The cats on this line from six until eleve M. at two minuie intervals; from four uotil ast five P.M. at intervals of one and ahalf minute; from ten until half-past eleven at ht at interva's of five minutes, and alter twelve ery fifteen mmutes, until twenty-fve minut four A. M. Fresh sets of driv and conductors i employed ou the might cars, who do that duty ex- clusivety, The time allowed a car to make the run from the depot at Forty-nimth street to Vesey is forty-five minuies. INFORMATION FOR THE GUIDANCE OF TRAVELLERS. Allercutions and perpiexities innumerable attend passengers on street cars, owing generally to their ignorance of the duties imposed ou the conductors A conductor owes a double allegiance; first to nt ployers, Who hold him toa strict accountability; ond,to his passengers. He 1s thus poised on the two horns of a diiemma, Doubuess oftentimes the con- «ductor is the erring party, and who has not suffered at some tine from his rudeness; but a wanton as- sanit npon a man manacied by the necessities of his | family is the pastime of a coward. TRAGEDY IN YELL COUNTY, ARK. [From the Fort Smith (Ark) Era, Dee. 16.) A private lever (rout Dardanelle mentions a terri- bie tragedy that occurred in yell county last week, A young man announced his Intention of marrying the daughter of a neighbor, whereupon his younger brother informed hint Af he brought his intended home as his wile he—the junior, aged fourteen would Kili her. The sentor brother was not red by these threats, and after marrying ls betrotned took ber to his father's house, where she was killed the day after ner arrival by, it is said, tae younger brother, Who very coully shot her through the head. Tne accused was arrested, and declared that he had been instigated to commit the deea by his hte father, The accused is now undergoing his trial. YACHTING. Cemre Boards Versus Keel Yachts—Kuotty Pomts Unravelled. December 22, 1870. To THe Eprror ov tae Merauy:— 1 believe in the centre board yacht, not so much, however, ta the vessel of to-day as in the coming craft, Few of your readers conversant with the subject wili cavil at the statement that centre board yachts of large tonnage do not usually show that superi- ority in their contests with keel yachts that might reasonably be expected, judging from the perform. ances of small centre boarders in beating smali keel yacnts, My impression is that the principal fault ts with the board, It is not sufficiently long. 1n some cases there 18 another reason—the yacht has as much dead rise as her keel sister; whereas the centre board yacht, to obtain all the advantages of her build, should be of much flatrer construction, Yachts up to iifty feet have boards approximating to one-third of their water line length, and in many cases that is exceeded, usually with good results in developing weatherly qualities. Doubtless, length might be carried to excess, but it ts limited by the danger of weakening the vessel. Turning to large yachts, the proportion 1s mate- rially less. The Phantom has a 16 foot board to about 95 feet of water line; Syivie, a 17 foot board to about 78 feet of water line; Tidal Wave, a 16 1eot board to 86 feet of water linc; Madeleine, 18 feet of board to 82 feet of water line. 1am not sufficiently conversant with the models and performances of these vessels to draw compari- sons, nor Is it my object to do so, but merely to cali attention to the statement with which I began tnis paper, that the subject may be discussed and possi- bly an improvement effected. I feel convinced that the Phantom, Idler or any of the fast yachts of the New York Club would be much more weatherly if their boards approached the proportions mentioned as being so successful in the smaller class, Every one knows how fast to windward the Vesta ‘was when she was owned in New York, before she became @ mere ‘‘harber groper,” and any one in Massachusetts Bay can testify to the splendid weatherly qualities of the Juniata since she has been in the hands of her preseat owners. Both these vessels sustain my opinion, The Vesta has a 22 foot board to about 100 feet of water line, and the Juniata 18 feet of bourd to 74 feet of water line, and I learn that the Wanderer, now building at Green- peint, is to have a 24 foot board to 100 feet of water line. No doupt the fear of weakentng the hull by so long well ts one reason for making the boards so short, but J cannet believe that a ssilful builder would find it Impossible to construct a yacht with a thirty foot well to a 100 foot water line, and which should be perfectly secure, Ifit cannot be done adopt ‘Devoted Yachtman’s’’ suggestion—secure the side of the well with a pow- erful bolt anu slot the board to correspond, or have two boards, as has also been suggested, though I should prefer them near the centre, and not away forward and aft; but, not having scen a mode! or thought much onthe subject, I ought not perhaps to express any opinion. After the difficulty of the well ts got over the board presents something of an obstacle, as it 1s dlmtcalt to make one of unusual length that will not warp. and if that be accomplished it 1s excessively heavy and so thick a3 to present much resistance in its passage through the water. My suggestion is to build a centre board of steel. As the word 1s famliiar I will continue to use tt, albelt a steel centre board ts somewhat of a Htber- nianism. Let the frame be made of steel bars, one inch square, strengthened at intervals of two fect with bars ef the same size, running diagonally, 80 that when the board 1s down the bars may hang per- pendicularly. Cover the frame on both sides with plates of steel three-s:xteenths thick, riveted to the frame and bars; the sheets also to run diago- nally, but across the bars, so that the seams may be parallel to the surface of the water. Ifit be deemed necessary to wake the board watertight the edges of the sheets may be lapped and riveted, or the strengthening bars may be wider and farther apart and the sheets riveted to them, The bars would have to be wide enough for two rows of rivets, and the sheets would run trom top to bottom of the board. On this plan the board will be lighter, thinner, free from Mability to warp and posseseed of as much elasticity as 1s desirable. It will be easier to handle, occupy less space and offer less resistance in going through the water. It will be expensive, but good things usually are costly; and tae man who can build and run a 200 ton schooner will not be likely to grudge the extra outlay if he 1s satisfied of the utility of the invention. T have the satisfaction of knowing that two gentle. men, well known inthe yachting world, decidedly approve of my device; and if any yachtman chooses to.avail himself of it he ts at liberty to do so. One of the gentlemen alluded to calculated the weight of an oak board twenty-two feet long, twelve feet wide and four inches thick, with the requisite iron bolts and braces, to be 6,900 pounds. A steel board of the same area would weigh 4,500 pounds, and would only be a fraction over one-third the thickness, say 13, Inches. Of course the eak board wouid have some flotation power, but this wouid probably be more than counter-balanced by the extra weight. ‘the steel board might be diminished in weight, without impairing 1s sirength, by making the bot tom bar of the Irame one uch deep and ball inci wide, and tapering the bars and sides of the Irame to half inch at botiom, begimuing the taper Just alter the beard passes the keet of the yacht. Inrunning off the wind, or directly before it, all centre board yachts I have ever salted m yaw badly, requiring & far greater use of the helm than a keel yacht, which z retards very much their progress. Would not tits fault be matertaily lessened, if not obviated, by putting a board in the deadwood? It need not be a large oné, and would not interlere with anything. If it did not answer it would not do any farm, and it must be of sume s vice. The Wea is by ho means a novel one. Sher 1s asmall yacht in Boston harbor so titted, but L hi not heard of any large yacut with two boards except the Maria, ahd I am not aware how they were placed. Captain Schank found an after board useful in the Trial, the first sea-gomg centre Loarder, so why should it not answer to-day ’ A centre boarder appears to me amore scientific craft than a keel yacht, requiring more sb1il, boit in construction and sailing. She is more sensitive and requires very careful handling to develop fuily her best qualities. Many a sailing master who can handle a keel yateht adinirably finds he haga good deal to learn when he takes charge of a ceuire boarder. Lhave written this article to invite discussion, 80 that if my ideas are good they may be backed up and adopted. If bad or useless they may bo dis- missed to that limbo where s0 many other notions have gone. 1 hope some of vour numerous yaciling readers will express their opinion, and if further ex. planation ts required T shall be glad to give it. [tis aifiicult to explain tne thing clearly without a sketch, Why do not the yachtmen of New York follow the example of S. M.T. and Devoted Yacitman, and XCiange ideas on their favorite amusement’ The fixe on of knotty points ma fatr and gentieman- ly spirit would have a strong tendency to popularize this manly sport. Should any tyro, in his desire to learn, propound seme outlandish or fair argument rather than to ridicule him asa fool as 1s tuo commonly done? 1 know that the comm nications of the above-named gentlemen are cageriy lool for, and similar contributions to yachting lore will be heartily welcomed by the fraternity. Cannot you, Mr. Eultor, let one of your ubiquitous reporters take a run around the yards and see those | ol us Who do not reside in the metropolis and ascer- tain what is being done for next season’ ‘To return to the board. I may say that steel is preferable to iron, being much sti nd less liable to rust. For this reason it 1s decidedly better than tron for bolt- ing or stiffening wooden boards, The steel board can be readily tried in any centre board yactt with out any alteration of the vessel other (han simply, padding or lining the well with wood, The principal Tastenings could be applied below the garvoara and above the water level. with a Tew serews be tween, so that fn case of its not answering the od board could be replaced without injury to tie weil, The “Hub? is doing but little in yacht building, Brown & Lovell, cf East Boston, are building a schooner for Mr. David Sears, ninety fect ever all, twenty feet beam, sharp, with & beautiul run, tush deck, about cieven Jeet dranght, raking sternpost and has inuch of the Kuglish style. ‘The bastern Yacht Club may now claim to be the Second yacht club in the Uniti States, certainly as far as the number o' fine hits goes, if not in its Hst of mem- bers. No doubt botn will be augmented next season, a5 the amusement has become fashionabie; and W the Bostonians take the fever severely New York wili have to look to her laurels. Already Massachusetts Bay can show some very fast cratt, und if the yachting spirit extends and strengtheas as it has done the last two or three years there will be a8 much sport berween the Capes as 12 the nove bay of the Kunpire City ‘There are also se smaller clubs of recent growth, ove of which— Dorchester—proimises Well. Most of the yachts are small, but “great oaks from litle acorns grow,” and many an Naka te a tny live tonuer may live to Own @ Magic or a Sap- ple, TOM ORINGLB. RELIGIOUS. Kervices To-Day, - a The last of the frée services will be held this evén- ing at the Church of the Ascension, Fifth avenue and Tenth street, commencing at hal{-past seyen retook, Christmas services will be held at St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church, Forty-first street, near Sixth avenue, at half-past ten A. M, and half-past seven P, M. to-day. Rey. Fred. Evans, pastor of the Central Baptist church, West Forty-second street, will preach to-day athalf-past ten A.M. At half-past seven P, M. the Sabbath school anniversary concert will take place. Rev. Dr. McVicar wili preach to-day at the Church of the Holy Light, Seventh avenue, near Thirty- fourth street, Services at half-past ten A. M. and half-past seven P, M. Oscar Hugo preaches to-day in Thirty-seventh street, between Second and Third avenues, at the Methodist Episcopal church, Rev. Dr. Burns, pastor. At Apolio Hall, Broadway and Twenty-elghth strect, Mrs. Cora L. V. Tappan will to-day, at half- past ten A. M. and half-past seven P. M., deliver her closing discourses before the Society of Spiritualists. Services appropriate to the season will be held to-day at the Evangelical Church of the Holy Tri- nity, Twenty-first street, between Fifth and Sixtn avenues, at half-past ten A, M. and half-past seven P. M., Rev. G. T. Krotel, D. D., pastor. Rev. C. 8. Robinson, pastor elect of the Eleventh Presbyterian church, Fifty-fifth street, near Lexing- ton avenue, will preach to-day, morning and even- ing. Services will be held to-day. at half-past ten A. M. and half-past seven P. M., in the Piymouth Baptist ehurch, Fifty-tirst street, between Ninch and Tenth avenues, the Rev. Dr. Westcot: officiating. Rev. Merrill Richardson will preach at the Broad- way Tabernacle church this evening, at half-past seven o'clock, At the Now England Congregational church, cor- ner of Madison avenue and Forty-seventh street, the Rev. Merrill Richardson will preach this morn- ing at half-past past ten o'clock. Rev. J. P. Thomp- son will preach at half-past seven P. M. St. Thomas’ church services to-day at sunrise, half-past seven A. M. and eleven A. M. Sunday school festival service at four P. M. The Rev. Dr. Price will preach at tne Home chapel, No, 29 East Twenty-ninth street, to-day, at half- past ten A.M. The children will sing. The Rev, J. ©. Ayer, by request, will repeat his lecture on ‘* The Lord as a Physician,” this evening, at half-past seven o'clock, in the Church of tiie New Jerusalem, corner of Clark street and Monroe place, Brooklyn. Morning service will be held at eleven o'clock, At the Fifty-third street Baptist church, between Sixth and Seventh avenues, the Rev. W. H. Pendle- ton will preach to-day, at half-past ten A, M. and half-past seven P. M. The twenty-third anniversary of the Youths’ Mis- sionary Society of Allen street Presbyterian church will be held in the church, Allen street, near Grand, this evening, at half-past seven o'clock. Interesting reports and addresses by the pastor and Rey. Dr. Hastings. A special service will be held in the Church of the Messiah, corner of Park avenue and Thirty-fourth street, this morning, in commemoration of the day. Christmas sermon on “Christ and Christianity,” by Rev. George Hepworth. Evening service o'clock, At the Christian church, Twenty-cighth street, near Broadway, divine service will be held to-day at half-past ten o'clock A, M., and hall-past seven o'clock P. M. Communion service in the morning. Rey. E. O, Sweetser will preach in tue chureh cor- ner of Bleeckei and Downing street this evening. Subject: ** he Universalist Idea of Salvation.” 1 % “What Are We to Call It ¢” To THE Epiror oF TUE HERALD:— In your article on the * Spanish Volcano, &c.,” of December 21, you declare the fact that ‘* the nations are angry, and the harvest of the world 1s rapidly ripening.” This is true, but they are not so angry as they soon will be. I was forcibly strack when I read your remark, for it is the declaration of a state ofthe nations of old Europe, predicted eighteen hundred years ago, as the condition of political af- fairs which was to precede and to be contemporary with the reaping of that “harvest of the world” you correctly say “is rapidly ripening.” The pre- diction I refer to 1s in the following words:—“ And the nations were angry, and thy wrath (O Lord God Almighty) is come, and the time of the dead that they should be judged, and that then shouldst give reward to thy servants the prophets, ana to the saints, and to them that féar thy name, small and great, and shouldst destroy them that destroy the earth,”’"—Rev. xi., 18. So you see there are two par. tes that are angry, namely, the Almighty and tne nations of the earth; and you may see also that this two-fold angriness is contemporary with the resur- rection and reward of the righteous dead, and the destruction of the military and spiritual oppressors and destroyers of society. In the same article you inquire, “What are we to call it ?”"—the madness oi discord working witheut fixed aim ordefnite boundary. I reply that a name has been already given toitin the document from which I have already quoted. It is there designated in the phrase, “three unclean spirits like frogs, working miracles’’—miracles in the sense expounded by youin your editorial of December 18, in which you ga ‘We live in an age so full of marvels that men cease to wonder. The more apparently impos- sible the event the more likely it is to happen.” These ‘unclean spirits as you say, “the very mad ness of discord,” and they are “like frogs," for they are of the Napoleonic and Gambetta specie: croaking peace in times of relentiess Ww empire est la pate,” practically illustrated in the situation that now obtains, Frogs are the original heraldic symbols of the barbarians th t invaded Gaul and settied there after emigrating from the marshes of Westphana. The early Kings of the French bore three frogs upon their shield. They were the original arms of France. You may th fore see why the Spirit of Ged, in foreshadowing j “the very madness of discord,” as you term it, likened it to frogs. It is an unclean spirit cmauating from the democratic and social republicanism of 1759. It is the re publi can spirit of the French Mountain, to which kings and priests, constitutional or otherwise, are an abomination. This spirit has never been erad cated from Europe since it established the French re- pubic ‘and cut off the head of Louis XVI, 1 the year IL Itoceupies the exireme in the Italian Parliament, and demands the ‘“sinashing down” of tue Papacy, the dissolution of the so-caiied “Sacred College,” and the scattering of the entire epise of the Popish | ch from Rome, Seior Ci ploded | theory, is it not far betfer to show him hls error by | and his frien Spain; Mazzini and Gart), lialy, and Gambetia, in France, &¢., are its Incarna- tions in those countries, It dreams of a “United States of Europe.” This ts its Utopia, a mere castle in the air; a shadow, the grasping of which brings discord and ruin upoo themselves and those that would suppress them. You inquire « when and where js Unis greatdeluge of human passion to sub- side”? In this “evil world” things progress by tie conflict of antagonisins. ‘The ‘madness of discord’? is not all with the reds, Tie case in court Is—the Reds vs, the Mystery of Iniquity ia Church and Stat Neither of these parties 13 absolutely strong enuugh for the annihilation of the other, The operation of the reds upon their eneinies causes an unclean spirit of discord to go forth from their controjling centres. These on the European Continent are three—the German, Mohamedan and Papal. The policies emanating from the Emperor, Sultan and Pope, inspired by the new situation created by the French since 1848, has generated the “three unclean spirits like frogs,”” | or “the very madness of discord’? occurrent. “tne thiug predetermined is, ‘a time of trouble such as there never was since there was a nation’”’—Dantel 1, In this time of trouble the international | anger will be imfinitely my intense than it is now, The storm ts only just ‘inning; the political cyclone is rot yet developed. [tis no use ignoring it, for its accession 1s inevitable. All Europe and Asia will be moved by the hurricane and in the Widst of the uproar of the political elements the avenger, Whose mission its to “destroy them that destroy the earth,” will be apocalypsed. Then, to use the concluding words of your editorlal on the “Ruin in France” in your issae of November 27, “let those tremble who in their troubled dreams behold- ing such a ruin, and fegiing the reproach of con- scieuce, already hear the avenger coming, ‘who | teadeth the winepress of the flerceness and wrath | Aumigiiy God? Cre A Word for | To THe Eprror oF Tak He Many y ago fashion required ladies to dress their hair with huge bowknots upon the top of the head, Then, as now, assaults of various kinds were made to enforce a change of style. A story is told of a certain clergyman who deter- mined to bring about a change of head. if not of ae FATS a ecg hearts, in his parish by orthodox rate, Accordingly he searched the Bible tor asultable text; but not finding one ready made for his subject he boldly snipped just enough from the seventeenth verse to the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew to answer hus piir{d88, aud preached from “Top(k)not como down.” Conscientio us hearers who were not fam Mar witn the New Testament received the fraction a8 whole truth and annithitated their topknots. In a stintlar manner are erroneous ideas diftused by critics, whe select a few words ouly of @ ser- mon and give them a3 the interpretation of that day’s discourse and of a man’s religtous belief, it 4 because of just such @ criticism upon a ser- mon that I heard delivered by Dr. Hepworth that L feel in duty bound to speak @ word for the right. When “Vindex” says, “Let it be understood” as the Rev. Dr. Hepworth’s belief, ‘that the man who is guilty of every crime 13 better in a religions point of view” than the best man among us if he happens: to be “indifferent” on a subject upon which all A haps are alixe in the dark, he shOws a strength of imegtoation that van never be “Iildden under a e Now, if Dr. Eonworn does believe what ‘Vindex!’ says he does, he has never given his hearers such an impression through any sermon that I have listened . COMMON SENSE. What Will You Drink? To THs EDITOR OF THE HERALD:— Some three weeks since a conscientious apple- raiser in New Jersey inquired through the Christian Union (edited by Mr. Beecher) whether or not it would be right for him to sell his apples to a distil- ler. He was in doubt and wished to be enlightened. No answer nas been given to his question. Per- haps Ican reflgct on him some borrowed light. I have Just perused in the Independent of the 15th inst, an article by Dr. Theodore Cuyler, the eminent and popular preacher of Brooklyn, on “What will You Drink?” in which is the following statement:— ‘The blegsed Creator never mado alcohol; {tis the master- pisos of the devil, who taught man how to braw it {rom tne golden grain. ‘This must certatnly set at rest the conscience, not only of the apple man, but of many others who deal with the distiller, viz., the sugar refiner, who sells him sugar; the barrel man, the hardware man, &c.; for the wrong doing, according to Dr. Cusler, can’t antedate the devil and the brewer. Otherwise it ‘would involve primaruy the Creator, who made man as well as the ‘golden grain” that he cultivates, How silly for Dr. Cuyler to attempt to ativance the noble cause of temperance by such au absurd ag position. le Tho Italian Governmont and the Pope. To THE Epiror oF THE HERaLp:— Can the HERALD say bow much, if any, of the nineteen articles proposed by the Italian govern- ment for the settlement of affairs at Rome would be adhered to or carried out by said government if the Pope were simple enough to accept them? Both his Holiness and Count Von Bismarck know what Italian faith amounts to. In the present case the filibusters have rather overshot the mark, promis- * ing 80 much, which suggests the pertinent question asked by the HERALD, “How can two kings live in one City” This not being easily answered, there is nothing left for Victor Emmannel but to yield to the legitlinate sovereign and withdraw before the kicking-out day comes, as come it will sooner or later. Italy is spacious enough for demoralization, revolution and disorder, without draggmg the Holy City down to the level of Florence, Genoa, Venice or Naples, Every honest heart is saddened at the pro- spect. ty the name of all that 1s pure and good, leave those who wish peacefully to enjoy art, antiquity and retinement one sacred spot on earth divested of the immorality and disorders of other cities and governments. No government has been more wickedly maligned than that of the Popes. Instead of being unjust and despotic, as is sometimes represented, it is purely democratic, mild and generous. No conscription or drafts exist there to raise armies, as in Italy, Ger- many or France. The devotion of bis people and the Catholic world will—as they always have done-- supply the Pope with soldiers if needed; but, being a prince of peace, the Holy Father naturally seeks Tedress from the pen rather than the sword. IND BROOKLYN COURTS. CITY COUNT--SPECIAL TERM. Non-Payment of Alimouy. Before Judge Thompson. Julia Kennedy vs. James Kennedy.—The plaintift brings suit for a limited divorce on the ground of cruel and inhuman treatment. Yesterday a mo- tion was made for the discharge ef the defendant, who was under arrest for contempt of court in fatling to pay an alimony of ten dollars a week which had been ordered by the Court. ‘The motion was made on the ground that Kennedy was peuniiess, and his imprisonment therefore was sinply oppression, Then, again, on the other hand, it was asseried that the wife and daughters were destitute, and if the alt- mony was not paid they would also be greatly op- pressed. The Court ordered that Kennedy should pay the Sherif’s bill and fifty doliars or remain in quod, Alleged Blunder by an Attorney. Nathaniel F, Waring vs. Henry A. Archer.—This is an action brought to recover $1,86! for services rendered to defendant as executor of the will of Joseph Burke, formeriy of {Savannah, Ga. Burke died in April, 1865, leaving an estate worth about a quarter of a million. The plaintiff drew the will and, it is said, 1n such a blundering manner that the defendant has lost $3,861, in which sum he demands judgment. A motion for the appointment of a releree was Opposed on the ground that every man is entitled to a trial by jury on questions of law, and as such questions might arise on the trial they coutd only be properly decided by the Court, Decision reserved, SURROGATE'S COUAT. Wills Admitted, & Before Surrogate Veede: Surrogate Veeder during the past week admitted to probate the wills of John W, Gilchrist, Bliizabeth J. Freeman, Carsten Wellsbroet, James Bradshaw, Elizabeth Terry, Waiter J. Smith and Carl Baum- gevat, all of Brooklyn. Let! of administration were also grauted on the estates of John 8. McDonald, Solomon Mehler, Mary Kuma Jamieson, Francis Ronaghan, Veter Cramer, George W. Edwards, Jeremiah Pieldiug and Hugh Kelly, ali of Brooklyn. MUNEY E ON IDA CO! A Call for the People to the Rescue—The Community Denounced as a “Nest of Lie centions Hypocrites.” {From the Mohawk y Democrat, Dec, 24.) The Oneida Community has stirred up a hornet's nest in the late attempt of a forme ber of that free love institution to break up the family of a Pro- fessor Royee, of Lafayette, Ind, The papers and people of Madison cotinty seem to be awaking to the disgrace of allowing such a nest of free love: 6 cohabit, withoni let or hindrance, in the very heart of the county. The Canastota Herald sounds the key note and strongly intimates that mob law, or, to quote its own words, “tne people to the rescue,” will be the next antidote applied to rid the county of this lasting disgrace. ‘The Canastota paper shows the sentimenis, doubtless, of a large majority of the people of the county, aud yet there are other and better ways of bringing these iree lovers to justice, ‘the Heraid say Phere have been sufficient expo- sures, heretoiore, to compel the law to take these “propagators” by the throat and either strangle or else put them behind the vars of a prison. No one knows the amount of villany enacted by this nest vi hypocrites, Not one sfor # moment can be- lieve’ one-haif the secret history of this den of licentious people; yet, by degrees, suit- cient has leaked out “to appal the bravest. ‘the place has become noted r the country, in tact throughout the world, as a nest too vile for the vilest, and as the jast resort for those to whom society has ciosed the door. Under the cloak of re- ligion they do their he lish wors, and with their suinuy air and slippery tongues they entice the un- wary to destruction. One thing is certain, and that 1s that the people of Madison county gain nothing by allowing this den of prostitution to remain in their Juldst. The leaders, of the community have lately cast of thelr cloak aud boldly prociatmed their —they no longer fear the law, but stamp upon aud defy if. They feel themselves strong, and think that On account of their wealth and indusiry the peopie of Madison county will overlook their [aults, thew propagation doctrine and leave them aloue to their glory and shame. Though they tiave outraged the feelings of every man, woman and child in our county, still they believe that money is the God, and while that is on their side no inierference will take place. They may be right, but if they are we are sadly mistaken in the people of It they are right then down with tne cli » the woniools, the colleges, the Bible—in fact every good and nobic thing; and instead of @ Chrisuian people, let Madtt- verse, with “Elder”? Sister” Noyes as the “clnef cook and bottle washer." ‘The time has now come for either might or right to triumph; either the law or the cominunity to be master. Which shail it be, the outraged haw, or a nes, of harlots and their imps? It 1s tor us to de- ci_e, and the quicker we do so the better. We call upon tie Grand Jury to investigate this matier. Do this or e.se close up your labors and go home with the opmion that grand juries are a num- buy, made only to oppress the poor, the and not to bring such respectable people as Noyes and his ean rabble to justic indictment be made against them and p) the bar of justice—that justice which tigi they have mocked and outraged—and see if there is any virtue left, and whether law is made to be vio- lated either Py, the rich or the poor, let it be a pow- erful community, or the poor man who steals his bread to stave off starvation. outraged people will endorse ti, Give us a trial; ac