The New York Herald Newspaper, January 8, 1871, Page 5

THE CHARITABLE RIVALS. WHAT MONEY CAN Do. That $50,000 Donation, and Why and How the “Boss” Made It—Was It for Political Capital!—Jimmy O’Brien Wen’t Talk on the Charity Question, but Gives His Political Views. It was “New Year's Monday” night at Albany. ‘The republican caucus had wound tiself up by giving Mr. Tompkins Selkreg his quietus and making the Westchester chicken feel like a fall grown reoster, Everybody felt good—that ts, everybody who hadn’t aided with the Conkling faction previous: to the caucus. Hank Smith was ip his glory and kept open house for all who came along, but the brightest ooking room in the Delavan was the parlor on the opposite side of the hall from Smith’s quarters, from which every now and then were heard load peals of not over musical laughter. It wasa large, eleganuy furnished apartinent. A cheerful tire was burning in the ample grate, and a chandelier, with adozen globed jets, Nooded the room to its remotest corner with a warm light which made every piece or furniture shine, from the big sofa against the wall to the sideboard glistening with tumblers ready to be filed, as though it had gone threugh a year’s COURSE OF HIGH POLISHING. The irrepressible McGowan and the gorgeous Clancy were fitting about from the bedrooms ad- joining the parlor, on spiritual comforts intent, with glasses in hand, every few minutes, as Jegislator after legislator foand his way inand made directly for the centre table, where, in battle array, stood a RBumber of glasses, brim full of sparkling cliam- pagne. The New York “thunderbolt,” that went crashing into the ranks of the “faithful” a year ago, scaring even the stolid Peter B, almost out of his wits, was standing, glass in hand, talking glibly With the ubiquitous Nelson. Scattered here and there about the room were several of the New York delegation and a few republicans, and en the sofa, with one leg crossed over the other in a careless sort of way, sat the “Boss” himself, He looked more than usually good-humored, and laughed and joked as freciy as the ireest, as the champagne went round and the cigar boxes became lighter and lighter in point of weight. Every one of the county members who iad an axe to grind cndeayored to get the “Boss” ail to himself, but the “Boss,” not being much GIVEN TO SOLITUDE, could not see tt, and acted accordingly by dispens- ing his smiles upon all in an equally condescending way. In fact, one could almost have pointed out every man in the room who held a public office which the “Boss” could upset in a twinkling of an eye, by the tone of voice in which he ad- dressed himself to his lord and master, Of course the HERALD correspondent was on hand to see what all the fun was about. He had exhausted nis entire stock of political pumping tn the other room across the hall way, and was at a loss to Know what to talk about as he took a seat beside the lion of the occasion. The room by this time had become un- comfortably full, as well as @ good many persons in it, and the “Boss” made a dive into a near by prt- vate room. By invitation your humble servant dove in after him. Now, it was the correspondent’s in- tention to find out, by hook or by crook, what tne Boss had to say about his FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLAR DONATION tethe Seventh ward peor; but how to bring the thing about without putting the donator on his guard on 50 ceiicate a subject was no easy question tosoive. A country newspaper lay on the tabie, and on picking It up he espied an adverisement of @ crockery store, headed “Tuat $50,000 donation.’? This was his cue, and he took tt, “1 see advertisers are makiug use of that $50,000 you gave the Scventh ward, Mr. Tweea” he re- marked, as he held the paper in his hand. The “old man” turned suddenly about and, look- ing the correspondent straight im the face, blus- tered out, “Adverusers making use of it, eh?’? He then*tcok up the paper, and on seeing tne crockery stere’s bid for custom laughed outright. ‘The ice was broken, and the taterview began. “By the way, Mr. Tweed, that donation has made reat fuss, hasn't ity"? ‘he smile lett che ‘Boss’? face as snddeniy as though the ghost of ola Peter Cagger stuod before him. Turning slowly toward his loterlocutor, he eyed him steadiy for a moment, and thea Uy ing himseif back on the sofa, so as to get a better iook him, he exciaimed:— “Fuss, sir! 1 should think it had. woulda” — : Here he came to a dead stop, and, rising from his Beal, took.a few strides acruss tue reo, came back to the sofa and sat dow: Then turmng again toward his questioner he cxclaiuned, uicanwiile looking quite agitated, “LT bat donation, as you call It, is a subject would Yather notspeak avout. it has already given mea good deal oi trouble. I don’t want to talk about it at ail, 1 would rather nothlag were published about it.” “It bas occasioned a good deal of newspaper com- meul,” persisied Lue tormentor. The “Boss” now saw he was in for it, and, no Matier how disagreeable the subject might be to talk on, that be had already laid bimself open to an interview; so Le made the best of A BAD BARGALN and replied:— “A great deal of newspaper comment, indeed, Much more than Was necessary, ANU much that was uncalled for. Bat you know, as Weil as 1 do, thas tt is quite linpossible to piease everybody, 20 matter how hard one may try.” BC nd did not try v6 do that with the 900 “NotI. Why, just assure as I sit here, I had no More idea wien 1 notified certain parties that they could draw on ine to that amount jor the benefit of poor that my intention was to be made public hau 1 have ot this house going to Niagara Fails on is own account.” “Phen 1t was the fault of the committee that the thing was made public?” “It was mude public by somebody who was too thoughtless to do ag 1 would have wished. Now, Pi tell you contidentially all about it.” > The ‘Boss’? put himseif into a comfortanle sitting posture, wound his watch chain about his fore- Linger, Cressed his legs one over the other, threw back his head so that the ceiling came directiy under the line gf lus vision, cleared his throat and be- gan:— ‘ou see, my private affairs of late have kept me @greal deal busier tian during previous years, and Atound that 1 could not attend as well as 1 former years to certain matters, such as heiping people along when | knew they were in want,’ *Fhen this $50,000 donation was not your first of ‘the kind?” “Well, I will tell you privately that 1 have always Made it a practice since I have been any way com- fortable to give a lictic of what J had to others Whom a donation could benefit. Of course, I havea g@ natural fondness for my own wara, aud always tried never to forget 1t when 1 could make any poor ae in it happy with a reliet; but I have not con- ined myseli to 1t by any means. Only a few weeks ago I gave $1,000 to each of SIX Of the city wards for their poor, and I have made arrangements to. find out about the needy in other Warda, so as to give them a helping land. Foriunateiy, tue papers didn’t get Wind of Unis, and so some of them LOST A CHANCE to abuse me. But all tis, mind you, I tell you con- Aaevualiy, just to show you how the merest occasivn has given rise to a hullabaloo, When so many otaer occasions of a like nature would have been seized upon, if te ersons Wilh wom i had to deal were as indiscreet as some others have been lately.” “It was, then, not your desire that the $50,000 do- nation should be made a mater of public notice?” “It was my desire that it should do goed, and I Placed the whoie matter in tie hauds of parties whom I felt would make good use or tie money. 1 bad no Kica Whatever that the thing would be made a@ matter of public notice. Indeed, bad 1L known it ‘was <0 have been so, | would have hesitated a jong while before offering the donation, knowing, as | do, that nothing would be more pleasing to certain in- dividuals than to abuse me even tor SAVING A MAN FROM STAKVATION.” The Boss was quite agitated during this part of the conversation, and spoke very emphatically. He en continued:— “As I said before, my private business increased te such an extent lately that L found it imposstbie to atvend personally to whatever litte work in be- halt of the poor I desired. Se my wife and f had a council of war on the subject, and we came to the conclusion that the best way to do was to place the matter in the hands of reliavle parties, who would undertake to spend the money where it would do the most good. ‘hen | seat word lo the gentlemen who have already taken charge of its proper distri. bution that they ceuld draw on me to the extent of $60,000, from tine to time, as the needs of the poor Tequired,’” “There has been a misgiving among certain people that the committee might make a good thing ut of the money and the poor get littie benefit from it. Has this been provided against 7”? “Ithas, ‘Che cemmitiee have divided the ward into districts, and only two or three persons; who go about to Cet the wants ol the poor, are paid¢from thé rund, They have already succored 600 poor familhes, and I atways try to know what is betug done, so as to inake doubly sure the money is ‘well used,’ “You have, no dopbt, heard that there are maby Why, I never ‘NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, JANUAKY 8, I87L—TRIPLE SHEET, he bette ve you gave the money for political effect ¥" The ‘*Boss” pulled himself back into the corner of the sofa at (bia, and, looking at his interlocutor in a way ch left the latter in doubt as to whether “Big Six” was making up his mind to laugh ab or kick his visitor out of the room for owing such lit- te knowledge of his Hosship’s abiyty to pull political wires, exclaimed, With a half sneer:— “Now, Ltell you what it is, If 1 want to spend $50,000 for POLITICAL CAPITAL 1 know how to do it as well as the next man. What 1 don’t know in that way isn’t worth knowing; and you can rest assured that I woulda’t use $50,000 as a@ charitable donauion if I wanted to make $60,000 worth of political capital out of it, And as for wanung to make headway in the Seventh ward by it, that’s ridi- cnious, Why, I guarantee Ican get anything [ want down there without wing any money, by donations or otherwise, If the $50,000 liad been given to some Ward where [ dida’t have any pull the charge might bave a little weight; but as itis the charge 48 absurd,” ‘The Inquisitive visitor felt very much inclined at this point to ask the Boss what was the numver of the ward he had uo pul in, but, deeming prudence the betier part of valor, simply remarked, “You have got a good deal of abuse for giving the money ‘tall, Air, tweed,” “Yes, sir,” replied the old man quickly, “I have been roundly abused for it, Even poor Peabody got siandered and his motives were Impugned, ho, then, can escape? 1 have got abused in more than one instance from the very quarters waere there should have been no abuse. 1 Know that A PUBLIC MAN’S LOT isa hard one. He’s got to stand abuse; and lam not thin-skinned m the least. I don’t personally care @ snap, one Way or the other, for etter abuse or praise. But when a man is abused even wien he is dulag what no person of good heart can call a bad act, and he has a family and caildren he loves, the case is chamged entirely, He cares for them, aud Knows they feel hurt by the abuse which he lumseif can outlive and outiive happily, But a man’s family 4s dear te bin,” ( Here the Boss got up to answer a knock on the door, and svon aiterwards bowed his mterviewer good night, and as he did so half muttered to him- self, “A man’s family is dear to him.’ TRE EX-3HERIFY?S STORY. He Doesn't Want to Tal Charity, but Does falk Potitics—Tammanuy Not to Be Sncezed At and Hoffman All Right. In view of the fact that Sherif O'Brien's unosten- tatious charities have recently attracted comment and public notice, @ HERALD reporter yesterday called upon him for the purpose, If possible, of learning of their extent and the mode of alstribu- ton. The handsome ex-oiictal was found in a tem- porary office in the City Hall, surrounded by a few friends, Calling him aside, the following conversa- tion ensued :— REPORTER—Sherif, I have called for the purpose of a short interview if you will grant it. I hope you are not opposed tothe popular practice of inter- viewing now in vogue. Mr. O'BRIEN—I certainly am, sir, as a general thing; but if I can consistently answer any ques- tions 1 shall be pleased to do ao. REPORTER—Well, sir, the more immediate subject upon which I wish to speak is the distribution of charities in which you are now engaged. Mr. O’BRIEN—Upon that subject, sir, £ must re- main silent. 1 would rather let them speak for themselves to those benetited thereby, and not have tnem paraded in the papers. Rerorter—But, Mr. O'Brien, it is only your tm- mediate friends who kuow of your bounty, The publi are also interesied. Others permit the pub- lic to learn of their charities, and while I appreciate your motive in refraining from pulicity, I do not see that there Is any objection to stating just how mueh you are doing for the poor. Here Mr. O'Brien arose and smilingly said, “I certainly cannot be the meaus of parading my chari- tes. Whut little I give I know is deserved, and if you are going to publish anything on the subject 1 must not talk”? ‘The reporter ceased to take notes, but succeeded in learning that lor the past four years Mr. O’Brien has been DISTRIBUTING COAL and otherwise aiding the poor residing In the east side wards, above Fourteenth street, and from other sources, discovering that Ue amount so expended will in the aggregate reach ubout $110,000 to $120,000. REPORTER-yWell, Mr. O'Brien, as this satject is distasteful to you, suppose we speak of practical matters. Mr. 0’ BRiEN—I have no objection to that, KeporteR—What do you think of the complexion of parties? Is dammany likely to retain its power In the city, State and natton? Mr, O'GnieN—I have uo doubt but it will. We are AEPORTER— ’ @ great party? Tammany? You say we. Should 1t be ‘we’! or “they 7? Mr. O'RRLEN (smiling)—They, of course. hardly get a street sweeper appointed now. RePORTER—Do you think the Young Democracy will fall into lime with Tammany? Mr. U’BRIEN—I don’t see any Young Democracy now, Among thg people there 1s great opposition to fammany, if tly bad a chance to express them- selves: but the machinery of Tammany is so power- Tul that it 1s useless to iry to combat tt. REPORTER—Then you tink that in future contests the democracy will be united ? Mr. O}BRiEN—I think 80. J do net see that any- thing cat be done outside of Tammany. It is the real aos. However, we cannot tell what a few months may bring forth. No ove could foresee the sudden dissolution of the Napoleonic dynasty, which Was & greater power, 4ud a lew short months since it crumbied inte cus REPORTER—W1o has the best chance for being THE NEXT GOVERNOR I can do you think? Nr. O'KRiEN—Well, if Tweed wants ft he fs certain to get it; but 1 don’t think he desires 1t. Next to him I think Mayor Hall’s chances are the best. KEPORTER—Then you beiteve that Mr, Hall retains his old power in the Tammany organization? Mr. O'Brisn—Yes, 1 think 80; and if he has the Tammany support he will certainly be the next Gov- ernor. IT have heard that there exists a teud be- tween Mr. Hall and the Tammany leaders, but I de not credit the report. REPORTER—W hat of Hoffman ? Mr. 0’BRIgN—He won't be a candidate for Gov- ernor. K rTER—What for? United States Senator? Mr, O’BRIEN—NO, sir; for President. He aspires to that position. ReeorteR—But have you not read the Albany letter im the Zelegram published last week, in which the writer, apparently speaking by the cards, says Hottman will werk for the Senatorship in 1872 aud the Presidential nomination in 1876? Mr. O'BRIEN—NO, sir; I have not seen it. Butif such an idea has been put forth it is for a purpose. He is the Presidential candidate for 1872, They don’t want his name mentioned permanently now, as the entire press of the country would tuke ae dis- cussium of his claims, and might damage his pros- ects. a ReroRTER—Then you are satisded he aspires higher than to a Senatorial seat? ir, OBRIEN—Assuredly; and he will be nominated by the part RerortER—By Tammany or by the democracy of the nation? Mr. O'8nreN—By the democratic party all over tne country. ReEvortsR—But 1s there not danger of tne demo- cracy of other States kicking against THE DICTATIONS OF TAMMANY in the nomination of Hoffman? Mr. O'BRLEN—Oh, no. ‘Tammany is powerful and | Tich. The South is poor, and the delegations from the Southern States will go solid ter soffman if ‘Tammany wills it. Thereare agents from the South now here, and things are being fixed up s0 as to make Hoifmau’s nocenation tn ihe next National Convention & certinty. “You know how it is yourself” with the South; they are poor, and Tam- many is rich (this said with a peculiar smile) and Hoffman will certainly be the next candidate for Prestacnt. RerorTer—Well, Mr. O’Brien, to return to local pelitics, I presume you do not aspire to office at pre- sent, alter being so long m public life? Mr, O’BRIEN--No, sir; [ Would rather be out of Politics. 1 desire to go into sone suitable business when I can get it. 1 wouid net take any office now. After settling up my business I might, Men going out of ofiice have an antipathy to entering it again | at once, but ae feeling wears off tn time, and they sometimes faji back ite harness again. Here the interview, which Was of a very pleasing character, terminated, FIRE IN MAQISON AVENUE, At four o'clock yesterday morning the police of the Twenty-nintn precinct discovered a fire in the basement of the four story brown stone hoase No. 8$ Madison avenue, occupied by Miss Lizzie J. Arm. sirong as a ladies’ boarding school, causing a loss on farmiture of $3,000; insured fer $6,000 in the Mutual. At the time of the fire a large number of indy boarders were in bed, and being aroused from thelr siumbers by the cry of “Fire? were panic-stricken, but fortunately escaped with- ollt any damage or loss of life, The fire originated from a®delective fue in the basement, extending through tie sialrway to the top floor. The puiid- ing, Whict was owned by Dr, Sims, was damayed $6,000, fully msured, but in what company could hot be ascertained. Acorrespondent of the Congregationalist reports the smow on the higher Psorind of Mouat Washington to be hard enough to bearup a horse. Five men lately descended the mountain in ninety minutes, sliding on the crust nearly two-thirds ef the way. Some apprehensions are expressed that the new railway depot in which the sclentillc party are liv- img may give way before the violence of the wind, which biows much oi the time irom seventy ‘0 ninety miles; and in anticipation of this, the party 0 arrapsed Lo igeto the tp Top House, Just at HORSE NOTES. Lecorded Time of Our Fastest Trotters, The following is the record of me made by our fastest trotting horses, togetner with a list of all that have beaten 2:30 im harness:— HORSES THAT HAVE A RECORD OF LESS THAN 2:20 IN R&CES. 44 Geo. Falmer Lady Thorn, Goldsmith Mala, American Girl, Flora ‘Temple. Joe Elliott trotted in 231535, and Pocahontas 10 2:19, at the Prospect Park late last autumn; but as they are owned by Mr. Bonner, who never trots his horses in races, their time, of course, does not go on the oficial record. Both of them, however, made faster ime than was made by the regular track horses in races during the year, HORSES THAT HAVE BEATEN 2:30 IN HARNESS. Auburn Horse, Lady Emma, Belle of Saratoga. Lady Sattolk. Lrown Dick Lancet. Belle of Hartford, Lady Sutton. Bay Prince, Lady Litcuiield, Dexter... Belle Surickland, Lady sherman. Billy Barr. Lexington, Biackstoue Belle, Miller's Damsel, pur Mary. Mac. elle of Portland. Mountain Boy, Bionde. Myron Pert Bycon. Mount Billy Mitehkiss, Moriisscy, Bashaw, Jr, May Queen, Brune, Mollie. Commodore Vanderbilt, Medoc, Cunfornia Damsel, Meciellan. Quoley. 6 Madawaska Maid, Contraband. Membrino Pilot, cra . N, b. Paluer. Col Neboechiish, Olura, New Berita Girl, Confidence (bay), Nonesuch, Commodore Nutt, Nettie Holcomb. Col. ussell, Oid Man's Mare, Chas. B, Loew, Old Put, Chicago Jack, O'BlenIs, Darkness, Prince John, bated Girk Petham, Dritt. Pilot. - Draco, Pocanontas, Duchess, Princess, Draco Prince, Prince, Daisy Burns, Piet vemple, Derby. Point Breeze, Eban Alten. Panic, sama. Putnam. Ed. White. Quaker. Empress, Kegulator. Fearless. Rhode Island, Fearnaught. Rolla Goid Dust. Fanny Aden. Rosa Livingston, Fanny Lee. Reindeer, Fanny Kembie, Rockinguam, General Butler, Kocket, George M. Patchen, Rose of Washington. ge M. Patchen, Jr, Surprise, shepherd Knapp, uldy. Sorrel Dan, Gray Mac. Stonewail Jackson, of Giloreth Knox. Hartford. Silas Kien, Stockbridge Chier. Stouewall Jackson, Svar of the West, Harry Harley. Highland Maid. Henry Clay. etspur. Harvest Queen, Surideaway, Harry Genet. ‘twang, ‘Taumany, e Cook, India Rubber, idol. J. J. Bradley. JUG ‘Voronto Chiet, Tom Parker, . Union Jac Lavy Vernon. Western Git, Leviathan. W thorne, Cy 4 — Woiul. Lew Petit. V. ky Phomas, Lady Sheridan, W. H. Payior. Little Pred. Lady tumilten, Locust, Lucy. Lady Shannon. Lady Woodruii. There were agreat many reports of fast time at short distances just beiore the closmg of the wottin Western New York. Yelow Jacket, Young Morrill, Young Cojumbus, Zack Taylor, Seuson, but we placed very little retance tn then ‘The trotting herse, at short distance of a mile, which is r tiuriy seconds, has of speed, practical vaiue whatev Tutur say a quarter ported to haye been trottet ta. hed his maxnaum short distances bemg of no he etlu.ts of breeders in should be dir towards imcreaing the of the Borse, so that he Will be able p sertions to such au extent that the mile will be trotted in less time Uiaa it las ever been done in. Trotting on Harlem Lane—Match for $500 from Bertholi?s to 125th Street. ‘The long talked of match between Bob Andersen's brown stallion Major Nutt, with running mate, and the black stallion Black Pilot, a noted Bridge- port stepper, came off on Saturday over Harlem Lane, At an early hour the steps of Witbeck’s Club House were fi with enthusiastic horsemen—Buly Borst, Dan Mace, Savage, of Maine, Copp, of Boston, Taylor, of Bridgeport, while ‘Twenty-fourth street was represented by a crowd of true lovers of the American trotier. ‘The vencrabie Jacob meringixe, with Messrs. Dickerman and Gates, were appointed judges. Precisely at noon the word was given, and, strange to relate, 10 scoring Was indulged in, though both drivers were experts. Majer Nutt had the advantage from the start, Was not headed during the race, and came mm a Winner by about six lengtus. The tollowing is a summary:— HauLeM LANE, Jan, 7, 1871—Match for $500, one mule on the road, Bob Audersen’s br, » Major Nutt, with-running we Time, 2:41 0 é This trot excited considerable interest. Major Nuti, however, was the favorite at 100 to 75 before the start. Misceliancous. , A read match between Copp’s Silvertatl and mate and Stoke’s Biddy Malone and mate for $290 wiki be trotted Wednesday moruing next; distance a mile out from 130th street and Eighth avenue. Mr. &. Corning has furnished his celebrated trotter George Palmer with the finest and most samptuous winter quarters any animal has ever had, His box stailand yard to run in are very spacious, and the little horse is in goed health, New Rerlin Girl and Lady Ross are wintering at Mr. Briggs’ stables, Twenty-fourth street. Mr. Wilkam Konck is driving a fine gray horse, ealledGreat George, a Messenger. Hé has shown great speed lately, and promises to be conspicuous for that quality aneiher season. It is cugrent in home circles that the Kentucky colt Biackwood has been purchased by Assembly- man Janes Irving, of New York, for $60,000, This young horse excited a great deal of attention in his three year old form, and it remains to be seen if he will still continue to develop speed a3 he gets age. ‘The price paia is the largest ever before given for a tretting horse. Mr. Eph Simmons has at the present time a fine stable of horses, ameng them Toby Caudour, Doubt- ful and a very fine brown horse that 2:40 is claimed for. His stable in Thirty-first street is a pattern of Reatnsas and a pleasant place for lovers of the horse to visit, he gray trotting horse Surprise, who made a recora Of 2:254, last season at Prospect Park, waa first seen by his present owner, Mr. J. H. Harbeck, Jr., attached toa muk wagon in the streets of Pat- erson, N. J. Seven hundred dollars was the price asked for him, which showed that the milkman had an inkling that he was goo. for something else than to draw @ muk cart. He was afterwards brought to New York and Mr. Harbeck purchased hiin for $300. Shortly aiter he trotted in 4g. ‘The above accounts for the interest manifested sometimes by horse fanciers in milk cart horses. Dreadnaught Was also used on a milk cart before it was kuown that he was a trotter. The Maryland Joc! Club. The Maryland Jockey Cluo, looking forward to a large and snccess{ul meeting next autumn, has de- termined to distribute $12,000 In purses, plates and additions to stakes. It has been agreed to open stakes at once for two-year-olds, four-year-olds, and for aii ages, the Reunion Stake, for three-year olds, being alrealy closed. The Central Stakes, for two- year-olds, oue $50 entrance, play or pay, club to add $500, will close Marca 1, The Pimlico Stakes, for four-year-oids, two mile heats, $100 entrance, half forfeit, club to add $1,000; and the Bowie Stake, a es, tour mule heats, $250 en- al to add $2,000, tive or mere ‘The Monumental City miles, eutrauce $00, play or pay, only $20 if de- clared; ight’ announced September 1, deciara- tion Sepiemoder 15; winner of race of two miles or over aiter September 1, five pounds extra; of two races, seven pouads; club to add $1,000—3800 to first and $2v0 to the second borse—wiit close July 1. A stake for three-year-olds, one mile end a half, $50 en- trance, hail fe per of race $2,000, to carry seven pounds ext, ace of $3,000, ten pounds extra—$000 to ~wil be Closed at the same ume. ‘This will give gentiemen desiring to enter horses time Lo purchase ai ihe sales made in the early part of the suinmer, ‘The programme will not be made out for somo mouths. ‘There will provably be in It a race for gen- tlemen riders ever Ue fat, and possibly a handicap hurdle race for gentiemen riders. if suMciont en- vouragement be given to the club astake will be opened for three-year-olds owned 1 Maryland, te be called the “My Maryland Stake.” The prospects for a successful autumn meeting are considered most encouraging. It las also been determined to open the Central Stakes for two-year-elds, ror 1872, toclose July 16, 1871. As the Dixie Stake for 1872 i niready closcd there wiil thus be two aanual fixed events estaplisiey. The Four Mue Heat Stake willy if sustained, be another, and the Pimlico Stake, two nile heats, another. If heat races can be main- tained tn the present days of racing the programme of the Maryland Jockey will differ decidedly from those of the Jerome Park and Saratoga Associations, Where they coutine themselves Low almost entirely te dashes, . LITERATURE, Criticisms of New Books. Woorp AND Won; on, Tan TRUS VALUE OF WOMAN, A Novel. By Wiliam B, Phillips. W. E. Hilton, publisier, New Yor! i This book is an old acquaintance with a new name. It has undergene revision and emendation, and the publisher thought, probably, this improver ment deserved another title. Apart, however, trom the typographical errors which were in the first edition, and which have now been corrected, the hovel das uncommon meriis. It gives @ faithfal picture of American society under aiiferent phases. and is entirely devoid of the false views of life— false sentiment and maudlin caricatures of most of the novels of the time, Yet it ts a touching romance, that profoundly moves the heart. ‘The verisimilitude to life and nature is se periect that the reader 18 impressed all the time that the story 18 a real bts- tory, It 1s replete with information, and no one can read it without betug instructed. As to the style and language of the writer, it would be dimicult to find a work of the time abounding in more classic English and more eloquent passages. Then there isa healthful moral tone thronghout, so that the book can be read with profit by the purest-minded young gir) as well as by the old or experiencea, Perhaps the pictures of life are too true to suit a large class who have acquired a morbid taste for the unnatural and exciting yellow-covered literature ofthe day. To the edacated and refined, however, this novel will always prove loteresting. Ferxynvrst Courr, By the author of “Stone Euge.” J. B, Lippincoit & Co., Philadelphia, Upon the whole a very readable book, improving greaily in style as the story advances. There are many good and some peauti{ul thoughts to be found throughout this publication, bat the com- Mencement especially is marred by a cer- tain unevenness of style and some un- usual and even incorrect expressions, The plot 1s weak, and some of the characters rather in- consistently drawn. We are led to expect more of the Squire in the opening description than the se- quence justifies, and May, whose début is that of a rather romantic and impulsive heroine, afterwards surprises us by steadiness and calmness in all the trying sicuatious In which she is placed. These de- fects, however, although considerable, do not out- Weigh the correct and earnest thoughts offered us by the author of “Fernyhurst Court.” Wiicn is THe Heroine? Harper & Brothers, This novel ts both interesting and well written. So admirably does the writer (whom we judge to be a lady) suceced in keeping up our interest in both the leading fcmale characters that we can only echo her well chosen title, “Which 19 the Heroine?” 'rhe plot is gocd, if net very powerful, and some of the descriptions very lifelike. The authoress pas ob- viously seen a fair share of the world, and profited by 16 for the observances of numan nature, She shows her abillty to move us either to laugnter or to tears, “teurt,” she tells us, “is woman’s pro- vince, feeling her true world; with heart she con- quers; with feeling she will win the day, even though she combat man himself—man with mind and man with might; aye, and Keep her own place of true and noble woman all the while.” ‘This is a Welcome sentiment in these days, when we are so often beset and sickened with the cant of “woman's rights.” By THE SEA. By Mrs. Soplironia Currier, author of “Alice Tracy,” E. P. Duiton & Co, This isa reijgious novel, and axsuredly one of the best of that class of books which has ever alien into our hands, The plot is entirely omginal, but, ib must be confessed, somewhat improbable. ‘The scenes are however vivid, the characters drawn with consistency, and the interest of the story, whilst tt never flags, Is rescued from the sensational through the calm and peaceful tone of religion which per- vadesit, Taere are so many beautiful passages in this work that % is 1s a matter of dinl- cuity to select a few for spectal notices One, however, which strack us as peculiarly touch- ing, is the description of the mother’s watch for her son's boat. It never came. A storm was arising. “A terrible tempest had wrapped Itself up in that dark sheet that stretched along the Southern hori- zen. twas slowly enough now opening its heavy foids, bus the wind would soon shake out is plait- ings, and hang It like a dark pail over the sky. Tae wind was {rom the north, * * * Luke's boat would glide swiftly over the water. When he came near the ciltf he would be sure to turn his pleasant face upward to see if his mother were watching for him. * * * Dear Luke! she wished he would come. It was a little strange bis boat was notin sight yet, but of course he would be there soon, * * * Howciteerful her room would look when he came in! * * * The table was al- ready spread; nothing was to be done but place up- on it the viands cooked exactly to his king. How very still it was! The wind had ceased. The tide was wasilng the ledge now, but the water whis- pered in strangely soft, melancholy cadences. How slike the whispering seemed to a smothered wal! And what was that sound vibrating through the still air? * * * One, two, three! Was it St. Mary’s bell counting the years of a life just ended? Mrs, Maitland found herself numbering the throbs which seemed to her so like the beat Ings of an anguished human heart, Twenty-one! Her own heart stood still when that distant tolling ceased.’ * * * * The charcter of greatest interest 1s decidedly that of Brendice au Bois. From the time she 1s first brought before us, a ragged child, neglected and unloved, growing up with no teaching, save the one word “Revanche,” till the very waters seem to whisper to her that fearful lesson; afterward, as the hour comes when she listens for that word, and the ecean seems to give her back in its stead, ‘Vengeance is mine! I will repay! saith the Lord.” Brendice commands our interest, and finally our respect a3 well, Her struggles against the evil teaching of her early years, rather than against her own nature; the impression slowly yet surely produced upon that nature through intimate association with so lovelg. acharacter as her salutiike benefactress; her vic- tory over herself when she saves, instead of destroy- ing, the life of the man whom she believes to be Ler mother’s mfwdercr; her yet grander victory when she sacrifices her jove, as she has done her hate, at the command of her God—exch and all these stages of her life and her character are most faithfully and beautifully described. THE CHURCH CATECHTSM, BROKEN INTO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AND SOMEWHAT EXTENDED. CaTECHISM OF THE PROTESTANT EriscoraL Cuvron EXPLAINED BY QUESTION AND ANSWER. A HELP 10 THE CaTECHIST. ‘Yhe above fcrm a@ series of progressive text books, asthe title pages Indicate, “on tbe Church Cate- chism, destgned for use in Sunday schools ia the instruction of children of various capacities fn the same parts of the Catechism at the same time.” ‘They are prepared by a member of St. Peter's Church, in this city, and are approved by the rector, the R-v. Alfred B, Beach, D. D.; printed and published by Pott & Amery, No, 5 Cooper Union. These handy little works greatly simplify and assist tho labor of teacher and seholar alike, and have but to become known to the Episcopalian bedy in order to be accepted as standard in the tuition of its Sunday school children, MUSICAL REVIEW. Ernst Reinking, Sixth street, publishes an exceed- ingly pretty little polga mazurka of his own compo- siuon called “Mary.” The treatment of the subject is in some respects novel but highly effective, ‘The same house has lately received from Europe some of the new publications of the celeprated establishments of C. F, Peters and Brelthom The editions of all the operas of the Italian, German, French and Engiish schools, the works of the great German masters and the transcriptions of D’Avenel are the best that we have ever seen. J. N. Pattlson & Uo. publish the following: “Lite Amusements for the Piano,” a collection of six simple and easy pieces, by Henry Mayer. They are admirably adapted to the purpose for which they are designed. “Tolling Bell.” Descriptive mazuyka caprice. Pauusop, This Is, indeed, the mopt charmipg a of the composer's numerous mazurkas. graceful themes are ingeniously and artistically In- terwoven with the tontc and dominant tones of the bells, Pattison bas made a specialty of mazurka writing, and has given to the public some of the most elegant specimens in this line that have been published, Hts last is his best, Ditson & Co. publish the followin g:— “Marche Triamphale D'islay.” Leopold De Meyer. This ts one of the “Lion Prainist’s old works, com- posed during his stayin Italy. It was pubiished loug since by Schubert, and ranks one of the best of De Meyer's work’, Fora tmilitary band it would Invaluable, The present edition needs some correc: ons in false harmonies wluch have crept into If, “Boston Dip Waltzes.’ J. 8. Knight. Gommon- place and very crude i the arrangement of Strauss’ tiemes. Several mistake;—perhaps typozrapaical— in chords, The work is too good, however, for the abominable style of dance it Lilustrates. “Sonata.’”’ G. B. Marunt (revised edition by Cart Banck). Adopted oy the Conservatories of Music in Leipste, Dresden, Berlin, Prague and sSrultgart, We do not know what benefit such a work can ever do the pupils of those conservatories; for al- though the composer has shown skill and cultivation in tue construciion of It, there 18 nor an atom of melody or inteligible theme in the materials used by him. “Longing.” Song. Abt. Will c favorite song wrirer’s “Sleep Well. “Weary.”’ Song. Virginia Gabriel. Very simple and capable of being rendered with much expres- sion. ‘ ‘he house republishes in handsome octavo form Me and Letters of Beethoven,” on which work | able triends were engaged—Senindier, Mos. and Doing, It is the most complete and | luteresting work on the subject we bave in Hnalisi. and no ove to whom memory of the giant iiu-i- ar should be without ir, mn A. Poud & publish the followin; “Birdie.” Song. Vienna Demoresi, This charm ing song was composed expressly for and ts sung by Nusson. itis areal gem, and reflects the highest credit on the iar young composer, We have not seen any of Ciariel’s songs that can compare with Swedish mshuogale has placed it one of the first on her répertotr ‘the Ligut Fantastic Galop,” by the same com- oser, 1S Sparkling and full of good popular thea iss Demorest hus given ample evidence of t mmpare with tats | jeat in both works, which should be still further ae- | veloped. “Heiter skelter Galop.’” this writer are ever welcome favorites in tue bad- room, and this is up to his usual standard, Faust. ‘The galops of “Bertha Galop.” Chrisuan Berge, Brilliant aud easy and with popular, sparkling subjects “Star of the Vale.’ Bailad. Y. J. Cook, The melody is Scottish tn character and very beauti ul. “An! Never Dream My Love Can Chang song. J. KR. Thomas, , This is a mew and revised edition of a public favorite worthy ef the composer ol Re Tut Isie of the sea” aud “Atthe Rising of the Mo Tully. A commonplace, six presenting any featu “Oh! Gently Sleep.” charming litle song, full of @ Fairchild & Droyer pubiish the folowing “Love Smiles No More,” Song. Charles Blessnitz, A very beauuful song, not the least charm of which is its simplicity. : “All for the Want ofaBeau.” Song. F. J. Barrett, Another gem of beauty and simplicity, D. Frank on. : melody, not ly ‘aubdert, A iderness, UNION HOME FAIR. Closing Evening of the Prir—Evorythiug Sold OtfAn Appeal to the ‘iotic Public. The lair at the corner ot Thirty-fifth street and Broadway In behalf of the Union Home and Scheol for soldiers and sailors’ orphans finally closed last night, alter a run of three we It is a very saa thing, considering the patriouc charity in whose be- half it was started, that this bazaar has not been, pecuniarily, a brilliant success; indeed, the managers are very douptful whether, when all the accounts are settled, there wili remain any Dalauce at ail oa the eredit side of the recount, The reason of this uniortunate result tt is somewhat. dificult to state exacily. Perhaps the other fairs held for the beaefit, of other institutions may have exhausted the public purse, and perhaps. also, the holidays May have been an obstacle in the way of sucet At the very outside, Mr. Douglas Taylor, who assumed the management of the fair on the third or fourth day of its history, and who bas since done his very best to turn THE TIDE OF ILL-LUCK that had even then plainly set in against it, est- mates that the profits from all sources will not ex- ceed $8,000 or $10,000, And a good part of tis will come to trom a rate or grand prize distribution to take place in a few days, 8@ soon iis all the thances are taken, at Mr. Davidson's, 681 Broadway. T! will be @ thousand chances at ten dollars a chan and the prizes will tnclude seme sets of diamonds, some silver services and other valuable property. Thanks to the speculative charity of some of the local politicians most of these lottery tickets are al- ready disposed of, Comptroller kK. b, Connoliy, Sena- tor W. Si. Pweed, Senator Norton, Mayor tiall, Oom- imissioners Owen W. Brennan and Uenry Smuth have each put in $100. THE GREAT FEATURE of the dying hours of the tuir was the closing up of the various rames for which chances have been su licited since tne opening of the bazaar, and one of which—in sober earuest @ monster one—num ered 5,000 chances, Owing, provabiy, to ihe interests held in these enserprises, there Was a beiter attendaace than usual, and towards nine or ten o'clock tne fair presented quite an aulmated scene, especially around the auction stands. Now that the fair has ciosed there will, doubtless, be many people whu, a8 they remember that it was held for the decent muistenance aud education of the “wards of the uation’’—the sacred heirs of biave men who died that their country might L will bitterly reproach thetmseives tor not having given tta ORE GENEROUS SUPPORT. Certainly the ill sauce that attended the | bazaar has not been caused by wny negligence ur in- acuyity on the part of the ladies who have kept the stalls, or of the general manager-in-chief who has superintended aiuirs for the greater part of the time, Aud, therefore, in order that they may not feei tis they have utterly tirown away so much time un money and pains. it is but fair that the public—th. part of 1 Whose consciences prick them for their neglect of this Worthicst of institutions—shouid come forward and make amends by liverai subscriptions t to the Home. WEST POINT. “Pleasnutries” Among the Pupils—Mobbing Refractory Plebs—Disgraceiul Doings An Investigation Needed. POUGHKEEPSIE, Jan. 7, 1871, The opinion ts fast gaining ground in the river counties that affairs of all Kinds at Wesi Point should have an immediate and strict overbauling. From reports of all kinds the discipline needs attention. The latest disgraceful occurrence was the “mob- bing” of three “plebs.”” The act can be called by no other name, after having listened to the reports of the same indirectly 1rom ono of the mobbed vic- tims. It appears that a short time since three plebs, through some means or other (of course un- known to the authorities), got ON A SPREE, and towards the close of their revelry, and after dark, repaired to their quarters, The sentinel on | post imgutred at their window If all was rignt, and was answered in the afirmative. Soon alter the inquiry was repeated, and a similar answer given, | though at the time one of the three was absent. He | returned soon aiter, just in time to answer to the | third chaltenge, and ‘or those false responses all were repor.ed. Then, according to the statement of | one of them, named Barnes, the first class, almost en masse, dragged them from their quarters and un- ceremoniously conveyed them Ww kort rut in the dead of night, while 5 ROME AND THE PAPAC The Italian Charter of Pontifical Independence, Gambetta’s Diplomacy for a Freo Church in France — Republican Economy and Con. seience—Preparations for the Reception of the King—What was Done in the Opera House — Napoleon's Property and the Arch@ologists—A Church Militant, or “Mul” in St. Peter's. Rome, Dec, 17, 1870. The Itallan Parliamentary Committee continues the discussion of ihe bill for the guarantees which are to insure the Vope’s spiricual independence The amendinents proposed hitherto show that with some unimportant modifications the ministerial pro- ject is likely to become law. In fact, Lexpect be- fore closing this letter to ve able to announce that the twenty clauses of the bil have passed through the committes, (‘Ta jauses (twenty) or charter of Papal independence under royal [talan franchises ‘e transmitied to the HERALD, tn extenso, by | cable telegram, and pubtished in our columns.] GAMBETTA'S DIPLOMACY FOR FRANCE. Your readers will perhaps be surprised to find that M. Gambetta, occupied as he ts with the de ence of France, has found me, between one battle and another, to dedicate a thonght to the affairs of Rome, ‘That active Minister has forwarded instructions to the French Krabassy in this city to represent to the Uoly See the desire of the French government to carry out the principle of separation between Church and State. Tins would of course necessitate an ab- rogation of the existing concordat between France and the Holy See, by which the Pope would acquire the unshackled nomination of French bishops, some eighty im aumber, while the French government wouid get rid of the finaucial burden of 46,000,000f, @ year now required for the maintenance of the clergy. We have had frequent instances of French nomimees to Episcopal Sees, remaining for years without obtaining the Pope's pizcet, and receiving the income of their diocese without performing Its duties, This anomaly woud be put an end to by the Pope being free to name his own prelates without auy previous pro- position from the Freneh government; but perhaps the faithful sheep would not be so satisted at having to matntain their spiritual shepherd at their own expense, instead of the State funds; and at allevents the principle is so contrary to the tra- ditions of Rome, which tend to bind Church and State in one Gordian knot, that itis not likely thas Pius IX. will give his assent tothe abrogation of the French concordat. LAY ROYALTY AND THE KING. As the epoct of the King’s arrival bscomes more imminent we are obtaining more precise detalls of the formatities and festivities which are to accompany his reception. Victor Emmanuel himselt 13 ayerse to these public demonstra- tions, aud has written to Gene Lamar- Mora directing him to reqnest the Roman munici- pality te to charitable purpeses the money vote) for the approaching festivities. Of course the municipal cuthorilies cannot in this respect compl With the royal suggestion considerateiy with the own and t piuizens’ feelings of loyatty. At appear {ded that the royal cortége, on emerging irom the termini station, will descend to the Pi Barberini and pass along tae Tritone, Due Macelii and Babveteno streets to the Plaza deb Popelo, aud tue ascend the Corso as far as the Piazza dt Veawzaa, aud so by the Tre Cannelie up to the Quirinal. The whole ot this Line of march will be adorned with howers and tapestries, and oa the Piazza del Popolo fourteen jarge paintings will be exhibited ilusiratve of the most remarkable events in th: receat history o: Italy, In the evening the whole city, aud especially the Corso, will be iila- dd, aud there will be a state reception at the aiuce. (ils Majesiy did not remain.] y the King wiil review the regu- lir troops 1p garrison, and the National Guard of Rome will make thelr first appearance under arms 1p honor of hts Mivesty. In the evening the municl- pil authorities Will give a grant banquet at tae Capitol, at Which tae bing Wil bot be present, but at which wll tue notabiiites of the King down wail be represented. A select cho mposed Of tWo or three hunared amateur vovali; Wl then ct in the atrium of the royal palace several i coinposed expressly for the occaston. A gala repre- sentation of ue opera will foulow, and as Victor Emmanuei will appear for the firsi time then i the royal box consivucted ‘or iim by order of the mant. cipalily im the centre ol the dress tier, there 1s al 1y an framense competion amoug the Remans: for DoXes and stalis af the Apolio theatre on the night in questtoa. The design of the royal box has been so much critt- cized that the municipal architect, Couut \espig- nani, has been ordered to Mmoduy and Mnprove It as vent of the third day will be the King’s levee Capitol In the evening the Colosseum and Roman Forum Will be the points of attraction, and no doupt the ruins will be beautfully Ulumiuated with all sorts of effects of colored Nght. The King wii Witness this spectacle from the Pala- tine Uill, the quondam Karnese Gardens, which, with all the rulus of the Palace of the Csars, have be- come the property o! the Italian government by pur- chase from ti Napoleon iil RE. N The Emperor bought this prope: of Naples tor 250,000 franes, and hi francs a year in the excavations an penses of Mmanutention for ten years, asked 650,090 [ranes for it, Which the haiian government willingly paid, niinuing ine e total dis- luperial nder Rosa covery of t reslénce of the Cwsars Tire cutive wicove ground plan of U pruin has commence be productive of higily mteresting resul's. The Italian government bes also purchased for 60,000 Tranes, Of te Dak shi, tue property near Tivoli, coutaming that celebrated and exteo- sive pile of rains Kuown as Adrian’s Villa, LOOKING OUT FOR A “BULL” Of course ail the py «i festivities Wil not be realized of the King of Italy is so ularmed at the Pope's threat of placing the whole country under interdict and ciusing ail te churches 1a vue penin- sula as to postpone iis visit to Kome sine die; but although suca @ report ts current its incredible that his Holiness wili venture on such an unjusti- flable step. Another report oi eeclestustical irre- concilabuity 13 that the Cardinal Vicar Patrizi in- tends te probibit the celebrauion of the customary midnight masses in ali the churches of Rome on Christmas Eve. In Si. Peter’s the ceremony will be of the simplest Kind and a strictly private form. It is superfiuous to add that the Pope wil not celebrate the splendid Ponufical mass uswal in St, Peter's on Cpristmas Day, although it is diuleutt to expiain why he al- Jows temporal contraricties to interfere with the dis- charge of his spiritual duues. THE CHURCH MILITANT, An extraor‘inary scene took piace a few days ago in St. Peter's winie mass was being celevrated ta the canon’s clapel. An individual, Who Was aiter- wards discovered to be a maniac, Walked up we have With is Bat on his Bead, anu, ieaning over the rails of the coulession, quietly lit a cigar at one of the hundred jauips that are always burning around the tomb of tie Aposties. With nis weed in nis mouti he then returned towards the mata entr, stoppilog and sinoKing Opposite the canon’s ch Monsignor De Merode imdignanty bounced on his stall and apostrophized the imdividual, who replied that he made ne distinction be- tween the smoke of tobacco and that of the candies = on the altar, The tery Geigian prelate soon showed him the dinerence by Pavan ded Wall THBY BADE THE “PLEES” LEAVE the post, and never to return, assuring them that if they did they Would receive a coat ot tarand ieath- | ers. President Grant's son supplied one of ibe vic- | tims with @ coat and some spending money,aud | then the “mebbed’’ plebs struck into the Woods | and disappeared into the darkness, Their absence | the next morning Was & mystery, and go secret wis | the whole affair kept that over twenty-rour hours | elapsed pefore the first inkling was bad, and even | then no One could tell what had become of the poor piebs. They came to light, however, in this city yesterday, having arrived here the nigpt Leflore PENNILESS AND HUNGRY, 48 bead with one hand and mg him to the door of the church, with sundry kicks and cus, delivered jim into the charge of & policeman for irreverent coaduct mchurch. The Pope, to whom the occurrence was related soon alter, laughed heartily at Mousiguor De Mérode’s emporiemen', and gave erders Lor tue ine engray- ing of Christ driving tae money changers out o1 the temipie, one of the best prints Mm the Valcograla Cameruie, to be Mamcdiateiy sent to vie Moasignor 438 a proof of lis Pontilleal approbation. when they were given shelter at the house of an old schoolmate, to whom they related the above story. ‘They expressed themseives extremely sorry for the intoxication, which oceastoned the trouble, and then sat down and wrote a Clear statement of tie whole transaction to the Commandant at West Point, ask- ing to be allowed to return to the post, not as de- serters, but to resign or be dismissed. Soon after | an oiicér arrived fiom ine Ceint, and last night ne | conveyed the absent ones back to the stronghold, there to be dealt with according to the law made and provided for such cases. 1 would seem from | all of the above that the suimary action of the first | class needs at least an investigation. THe Ice BUSINESS ON THE HUDSON RIVER.— The Knickerbocker lce Company has the following houses and capacities:—Cexsackle, 36,000 tons; New Baltimore, 27,000; athe: 000; Hamburg, 22,000; Catskill, 45,000; Bavesport, 20,000; Rondout, §/0v0; ‘Turkey ‘Point, 83,000: Flatbush, 66,000; Kiunebeck, 16,000; Esopus, 46,000; Staatsburg, 26,000; Mi 23,000; New Paltz, land Lake, ,80,000, the followin, Kondout, 10,000; Washington and Kingston Ports, 20,000; Athens, 20,000; mans, 25,000; Gil W, 15,000; Mitton, 10,000; extra houses atother points Increase tis total, The National THE JERSEY CITY WATER SUPPLY. The Reservoir Nearly Empty—Water Cat Of from the Uity. The bursting of the feed pipe at the Jersey City Water Works, in Belleville, a week ago, has resulted in sertous inconvenience to the people of Jersey City and Hovoken. The police were sent through all the wards yesterday to notily the people that the supply would bo cut oif ab four o'clock im the afternoon. It will be turned on at twelve o'clock for one hour tts after- noon, and every day hereafter tii fhe repairs are completed, ‘two lire cugmes will be employed from this day to pump water into (he reservoir, but although they can discharge one Lundres gailons & mmuie the supply will be smal wo the cities, Some of tke fuctories have suspended work for the want of water, dhe new ipe is being manufactured im New York, and three Weeks will, elapse belove Itts placed: in On. Had the Water Commissioners taken ion to have the pipe that leeds the properly secured, aud te prevent the Water in tae has # storage capacity Of 150,000 teus.- Besides these ave many eter houses eitver leased or owned by the reveral compamer, pipe, the expansion of the 10e Which caused th ac- cident could net have occurred, The hens of the pipe Was 160 Jeet.