The New York Herald Newspaper, May 2, 1871, Page 4

: é “WWE DARIEN CANAL, | PROGRESS OF TEE OPERATIONS. The Survey Almost Com- * pleted. Explorers Within a Dsy’s March of the “Divide.” The Settlements Along the Line--- Prospects and Peculiaritics. Another Ronte Said to Bo Discovered from Limon Bay to the Atrato River by Way of the Napipi. Prxocana, TUYRA RIVER, April 10, 1871. ‘Within a few days the question of a canal route cross this portion of the Isthmus will have been determined, The surveyimg party from the Gulf of Darien, now absevt from the United States steamer GQuara over two months, 15 at present crossing the Bummit of the divide, while its base on this (the Pa- cific) side will probably be reached to-morrow. But I cannot, unfortunately, delay the transmission of my letter for the importaut news as to the exact height of the elevation, since the only means of com- munication must leave here for Panama in order to catch the mail for the United States. The fate of this expedition will be known, perhaps, to-morrow. Both parties expect to meet, without fail, in the ‘afternoon, when the reliable announcement will be made, Should the -elevation not exceed three hundred feet or thereabouts, the undertaking Will prove @ genuine success, as a deep cut can be %nade without difficulty. On the other hand, if it be ascertained that the rise exceeds double that num- ber of feet, tunnelling for half a mile will be pro- posed. Upon that point it would be premature to fer an opinion pending the result of the investiga- tion on the summit, In case, however, the antict- pations of the more sanguine of the explorers fall ‘wo be realized—and such an event is not improvabie in a section of country comparatively unknown—the ‘Gisappointment should not weaken a whit the praise that must be accorded to the commander as ‘well as to the officers and men of tne expedition for the energy and unwavering perseverence they have displayed, to say nothing of the hara- bhips and sufferings they have willingly un- Wergone to further a project which commands the fttention of the commercial world. I have previously dilated upon the encouraging prospects which the Proposed route presented. Even at this writing buocess is confidently looked forward to, Its favor- able surroundings, including the excellent harbor ‘at either end, and tne length to which navigation pxtenis, both on the Atrato and Tuyra rivers, at noe commended themselves to all acquainted with Nhe subject. Not an unimportant feature to be con- ‘eidered, should tunnelling be resorted to, 1s the fact Anat the divide is mot gradual in it? as- bent, especially on this side, where the hain of mountains rises almost perpendicu- ly. I shall push forward to-night and flearn the exact condition of affairs, Meanwhile it 18 at least satisfactory to know thatthe nature of the Gividing ridge is not unfamillar to the explorers, as the deposits in the river and other geological for- mation confirm the impression that a deep cut Would be @ matter of easy accomplishment. How- ‘eit, the two parties are within a day’s march of ‘each other, and w-morrow night the result of three Months’ hard work—of which, by the way, your correspondent has at times been @ Buifering eye witness—will be made.known. Having an hour or %wo to spare before the canoe starts with the mail I will avali myseif of the opportunity of setting “forth some CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF THE EXPEDITION, Pointing out especially what has already been ac- complished on this side of the Isthmus, unly those lag an active part in the operations cai appre- clate the deep anxiety, the trouble, the aelays and disappointments, the sleepiess nights and incessant tortures ruthlessly imposed by myriads of ravenous Insects, Those who imagine that an exploring party in search of a canal route have simply to march along, cutting their way as they proceed, certainly do not comprehend the innumerable ob- stacles to be encountered in an undertaking or the kind, Very frequently has it occurred that after the most vigorous workiog from daylight to dark a distance of only half @ mile has been accompushed. Then, again, there are such things as mistaking the road; some- times attributable to the ignorance of the guides; gud very often has a party, after travelling the entire day, found themselves at dusk at the very Bpot whence they started at dawn. Considering the Many difMiculties that have been overcome, and haying due regard to the pluck, skull and “go-ahead- ativeness” of the two parties now in progress, there can be no hesitation in saying that the expediion ‘nas shown itself to be the best organized, the most willing and enthusiastic and the most systematic in {ts operations that ever issued upon a similar en- terprise. Pending the important result which gnother day will disclose 1 shall give a brief summary of the operations since my last de- ‘Bpatch was forwarded. On the 2ist of March the party running che line of the Rio Cué, in charge of ‘Mr. J. G. Eaton, master, with Ensign Wiley, estab- Ushed camp No.6. It was generally thougut that ‘they would reach the divide by tne end of the week. ‘They were, however, very much impedea by the snags and other obstacles in the river, and did not proceed even half the distance, though the most de- verminea efforts were made to push forward. The ‘unrelenting enemies to all expeditions in this quarter of the globe, the mosquitoes, came out in full force during the night, and Morpheus fed the camp. ‘On the following day an advunce of six miles ‘was made. The party had now étruck Into the ‘woods and continued to cut their way through the #hick underbrush; but that method of proceeding ‘was soon abandoned and the course up the Cué was again resumed. On the 28th a letter was received at camp No. 7 from Mr. A. R. Gouden, master, who ‘had been sent in charge of the sarveylog party from the Gulf of Darien on February 7, to the eflect that he, in company with engineer Barnes, had crossed over by way of Paya and had cothe down the Cué Ahead of the others on the Atlantic side. A canoe ‘was immediately despatched for them and they ‘were not long in joining the camp, where they were Tecelved amid a rousiug cheer of welcome, From wil accounts the exploring patty on the Atlantic pide had a very severe time of it, having suffered greatly from prolonged marches, but chiefly from phe savage attacks of mosquitoes. Mr. Couden re- ‘ed that his party, with few exceptions, enjoyed pretty good health, although his men were ALMOST ENTIRELY EXHAUSTED, Yfrom want of sleep and usual sufferings incidental toner an extended exploration. The geologist and quitted their camp on February 28, and ‘what their sufferings must nave been then I can jt least form a fair idea, At that portion of the aivide crossed by Mr. Couden {and Mr. Barnes this \plevation, “ccording to the statement of the latter, jwould seem to be much higher than was expected; bat, as they probably did not come over the depres- which is confidently asserted to exist in the ene GJ Paya, we actual fact cannot be determined or established until the two parties jhave surveyed the crest. Both Gouden and Barnes left the camp on the 29th of March od proceeded to rejoin their party, wile the others wontinued up the Cué, being then about fifteen miles from the divide. On the 84 of April Mr. Eaton's party reached camp No. 10, and were making Ptrenuous exertions to connect with the approach- Ang party from the other side, So faras they had proceeded up the Cué the mean level was ascer- sigined to be 294 feet, or 164 feet above the Initial pains ot Paya. On Saturday, April 1, by working morning till night, the party surveyed and velled five miles furtner. Two of the seamen and tinge Macheteros were placed on the sick /list ‘unt for- duty, while another of the seamen Am ayaa Jape anlering greatly Gom « Severe attack of fever, Me and the others were ES in a temporary hospital in charge of Dr. usaell, the medical officer of the pavty, which ig how about twenty-seven miles from the mouth of the Cus and about sixty miles from this settlement, From inteliigeuce received there can be no doubt tat a juncnon will take place to-morrow, Hav- ing Previously described the details of the ex- plorations on the Atlantic side it will be unneces- sary to go further inv the actnal incidents of the survey. They are almost the same all over. Up at early dawn, the party after breakfast, be the same more or lesa, moves onward. If the survey be on land ft 1s’ bad enough; if on che river it 1s worse, Each man carries his pack, and were it not for tie actuai necessarics it contains willingiy would he cast it of, Now, for instance, one falls down with iever; then another, and per- haps a third, Unable to move, they are left benind iu charge of one who will watch and care for them. ‘The long, dreary day passes over, Distances are calculated and to-morrow’s plang considered. Fatigued and debilitated, the canoes are hauled alongside the banks of the river, and the men, worn out and dizzy from the effects of a broiling sun, from which there 18 no escape, proceed to construct 4 rancho wherein to repose for the night, Fires are lighted, bags are opened and the culinary tmple- ments are spread upon the banks. The meal ts a hasty one; for now, as darkness adds gioom to the lonely spot, the insects come forth in regt- ments and commence the assault, To many, indeed, the thought of mosquitoes suggests but a silght tdew of pain—a little, ticklish stab, no more. But the tropical mosquito is ferocious and biood-thirsty as a woll, daring as a lon and wicked as an imp. It is pitiful to see the brave seamen crawl stealthily through a little hote in the bottom of their nets; it 1s more painful to hear them groan throughout the night. Few enjoy one hour's sleep without FITEUL STARTS AND SHOUTS. Some are dreaming of home aud happy faces, of merry laughter and genial friends; some, perhaps, are recounting the scenes they witnessed tn far off lands, the joy they experienced wien homeward bound; others, no doubt, are dancing in the ball room, amid the glare of many liguts, when suddenly & plerciug, poisoncus sting elicits a sharp, shrill cry ol pain, the bright vision disappears, and all is gloom again, But l need not recapiulate that which has already beon adverted to, The matter is simply men- Uoned to show that, whether on the Atlantic or Pas cific side of the Isthmus, the search for the canal route 13 far from bemg a picnic. One thing ts cer- taim, that the line now being drawn will at least de- termine the question whether or not a canal route 18 practicable in this region, Judging from the thor- ough investigation that has beea made. Awaiting the result of the survey of the summit it Wil not be inopportune to mention a few of the pecullarities_of the route from San Miguel and the interesting people that here and there squat along the bauks. From personal observations it can be safely as: wed that were the building or even the discovery of a route leit to tbe people within a radius of 200 ules trom this spot the world might watt for an- other deluge, ich we are assured will never come again. It was the misfortuae ot tne geologist of the expedition and your correspondent to be compelled vo embark from Panama two weeks ago in what 18 called a “native schooner.” Speaking from expe- rience, 1 would respectfully warn ali adventurous travellers to give such noble craft a very wide berth. Apart from the odor of garlic and other savory pre- parations—apart, indeed, from the dark nest into which we mude a nightly acrobatic leap—a hest as black as midnight, whose aimosphere fought vigorously for three days with the mild air of Wie Pacific that sought admiitance; Apart from these and mauy otuer tiylai things, this native institution was laden to the water's edge with an assorted Catgo that the oldest green grocer would tail to specify. At midoignt the wind lett us-and little blame to it—and so the native schooner wauted to turn back of its own accord, at which the ten greasy satiors and the tali captain bee came very wrathy. The captain, by the way, steered with his feet, for the rail of the galiant ship ol twenty tons did not rise to his knee. He was a good fellow withal, and seewea to be under the 1m- pression that he was performing a slow hornpipe on the spacious poop deck—three fect by five, old mea- surement, Any attempt to go lorward of the main- Pore was eee feat comotenuny avoided; and s0 we took our da eXcielse the poop deck, the tecreat of ch! AY ook sti Renin ing up and sitting down immediately afterwards, At times the sun drove us into our hole below, but a@ stretch on the sacks of potatoes afforded little comfort, and 80 for hours we kept emerging from our concealmentand returning thereto in despair at Intervals of ten minuies, it was noticeable, more- over, that the Ing sail was in a very fretful humor, generally venting its spieen on the wooily-headed tars, whose precious time was entirely occupied be- tween eating greasy rice, smoking greasy pipes and telling the greasy sail not to fap so rudely. The Pearl Islauds looked very beautiful at a dis. tance; the mative craft hugged the coast the whole way down; but surrounding cir. cumstances banished the tdea of costly jewels, and what with the irritation produced by day, jand the vostiessness produced by night, diamonds ht have rained on deck and lain there untouched. But the troubies of this floating pen could not iast much longer, and on the eet om the third day out the native schooner subjccted herself to the indignity of being rowed into the Tuyra river, where, after flap- ping her wings and showing some general symptoms ol drowsiness, she consented to auchor off the interest- ing-settlement of Chipagana. In tall an hour's time, that is, when the crati bad settled herself in the mad as if for a steady sieep of a few Weeks, a canoe came alongside, and having transferred our effects thereto, We were poled ashore amid the bewilder- ing looks of a very lacy crowd of loungers whom nothing short of an earthquake could wssibly move. There were yet forty-five miles to gone over in order to reach Pinogana, and as it was impossible to proceed by land and as there was no conveyance at hand (o startup te river a delay oj thirty-eight hours was experienced. THE SETTLEMENT OF CHIPAGANA. ss This 1s the season when the india rubver hunters retura for @ mouth’s carouse prior to again going forth to the woods, ‘The sun was about 110 degrees in the shade and itseemed as if Chipagana was singe- ing on top of a sinonidering fire. Of the 400 inhabi- tants perhaps two-thirds of them were asleep at noon, Some stvod im doorways and siept; some dozed chairs; many swung in hammocks; nobody worked. The little naked boys—all tue juveniies under twelve keep no accounts with tallors—ceased playing with fish bones and rotten vegetation, and the lank and hungry dogs, with their irlends the pigs, stretched themselves at full length on the hot though humid earth. These striking symptows of progress conunued ull even- ing, when a new state of affairs began to display iself, Tall, gaunt woulen and iat, stumpy Matrons. Nt their cigars, and, squatting themselves in front of their cane shanties, entered into lively discussions; the boys returned to the stagnant poois, the men helped themselves, aud Chipagana was awake. Tae dogs and pigs, having been kicked into @ sense of their unworthiness, betook themselves to enjoying a game of stag.” after which a general stampede was made for on food, with varying success. Howling, tearing, biting and ‘barking were kept up the entire night, relieved at inter- vais by the complaming grunts of hunted hogs against which 1t would appear the dogs of this locality have a deadiy rrcge. Be that as it may, the night was made hideous by their ferocious growis, and not until dawn did they cease their cries, wWhei rival chanticleers commenced thelr uproarious strains. In truth, Chepagana was left behind with no regret, and as we stepped into a canoe the fol- lowing-morning at haif-past one o'clock, the relief experienced by tue transition elicited heartfelt ex. pressions of gratitude. By daylight the canoe had not gone more than twelve miles, though the three machateros worked with a vars $ the principal ature of the Tayra river and its tributatlés were forth m aimy last despatch, it will be unnecessary to refer to them again. After an exceedingly hard day's work the canoe touched at the settiement of Real de St. Maria, where a halt was made. Allowimg the canoe to proceed to the headquarters at V’inogana, we resolved to strike out througt the woods, the distance being much shorter by land. It was a most tedious journey, though the rays of the sun were almost entirely shut out by the thick and towering vegetation. The steam launch, in command of Mr. J. D. J. Kelley, master, has been stationed at Pinogana, whence provisions are trans- ported to the front. This settleinent'ts nearly double as large as that of Chepagana, scarcely 80 dirty, but with something of the same dog and pig features and about an equal amount of characteristic lazi- ness. There are in all about one hundred and twenty huts, occupied mostly by the robber hunters’ or caoucheros, as they are called. Just wow they are in the height of their orgles, having but recently re- turned from the rubber districts, For the last week orso they have been enjoying their orandy and cock fighis, and will return to their ordinary pur- suits in @ fortnight. Poor fellows! they have a dreary life of 1t, bat nevertheless appear to be per- fectuuy contented in thelr BEMI-BARBAROUS AND SERVILE CONDITION. They are subjected to a state of slavery from Whicil it isimpropable they willever emerge. In the first place, thereis what is known as “the patron,” who in most cases is acunning darky With sense enough to have scraped together a good round sum to start with. Tue patron, by the way, generally keeps a store containing ail sorts of things, from @ ham to a necktle, and in this Way establishes himself as a man of substance. If there is ludia rabber to be had in the surrounding country he gets it under tue following cireum- stances, to wit:—When the natives have con- cluded their quarterly debauch their pockets are about a8 empty as any temperance an could have predicted. One patron, say, employs @ dozen of them, fits them out with clothes and provisions for three or four months and sends them up the country to took for the precious ravber. Meanwhile the families of those men are supplied from the same quarter, so that by the time the caoucheros retarn to their huts with their canoes laden with the com- posi, they are largely indebted to the patrons. That kind individual, however, receives them with open arms ai 8 their ragged forms in fancy shirts of variegated colors, decks their woolly heads with nice new hats, gives them a@ trifle wherewith to carouse, which they generally do at his store, and takes the rubber, For & week or so tuey birut about like independent dandies and pride themselves on being citizens of a great republic. It 18 of course the great alm of the patron to keep his hirelings always indebted to hit, so that they can. not leave his service, But it must not be considered that the caouciero is ignorant of the value of India rubber. He knows it perfectiy well, and signs his contract with tie patron. Lt is the helpless position m Which he places himself that renders him so de- pendent and makes him the veriest slave in extat- ence. They never get out of debt. Indeed, it ts an old saying here that the indebtedness of a caouchero ex- pires only with lis life, The rubber business has been uausually good this year, as much as twenty-four dollars being given the patron for one hundred pounds of raw material, which 1s conveyed to Pana- ma in bongos and disposed of ata falr profit. Of that sum the caouchero receives about fifteen dol- lars in cothes, provisions and bad liquor, Such SNOULE AN SCLCMMNA AH LAYS FOWL LMG AM JOE Me RAR week, such whearthly yells and bai of guns, could be beard only in an uneivilized land. There was @ fandango here last night, and a rarer sight it has not been my lot to witness. At nine o'olock the fun comm . and it is qi whether aaything more idiotic or ridiculous could have been presonted, About fifty natives, who are of a various com: d, assembled at the upper end of the settle- Fm Bh ee bea aoe ol - for though | ferocr ‘tron, negro played @& very small dru and small ma. a negro played a very big pipe, like a walking stick, Around these two worthies the dancers formed a Ting, and it must be confessed that there was Dot even method in thelr madness. Every woman car- ried a bunch of lighted candies, and performed her exercises as if she were trying to walk on eee without breaking them, when suddenly she would dart forward with a jump, and wriggle about as if tn a state of epilepsy, her male partner meanwhile be- coming fearfully ayitated by his convulsive at tudes. By midnight nearly all hands were in an a Vauced stage of intoxication; the man at the dru hit the ground repeatedly in mistake, while the pe. player managed at intervals to run the eud instrument against the drummer's head, which feat cad innumerable delays during the elegant, ous FANTASTIC, TERPSICHOREAN ENTERTAINMENT, which did not terminate till Sol warned the revellers to depart, Such ts Pinogana life, and such it has been for many years, and probably will be for many more to come. Itis noticeable that the women are in the water the entire day, scrubbing clothes, not forgetting themselves in the operation, At times the settlement is comparat.vely quiet, especially when the rubber hunters are away. Another feature to be observed is the partiality of the chief magistrate for cockfights. He won a main the other evening, but his dignity sutfered considerably from the terrible epithets applied to him by his opponent for having Rises lard and Popper under the wings of his bel- jigerent bird, he Pecks never fight, bat they have a graceful Knack of drawing knives, and are always about to sbed blood when, happily, some peaceably disposed citizen intervenes, Bur enough of Pinogana. Everybody is delighted at the pros- pects of tho canal, though, should it pass this wa; substantial help trom the natives cannot safely te re. lied upon. Of this canal route enongh has already been said to show that, so far as the operations have already gone, there is every probability of its suc- cess. From this point to the mouth of the Cué the country 18 in every respect favorable for the project, though the river, being very tortuous in its course, may necessitate the cutting of a straight line in as close vicinity to the water as possibic. The tributaries of the Tuyra from Pinogana upwards are the Amsa, Yape, Capeti, Cape Tolocua, Kio Piedra Pucuno, Paca, Paya, Cué (chosen for the ronte), Tuntl, ‘Martupganti, Punuza, Tusargantt, Rio Mangale and Selergantic. It is contideauy asserte] by the natives that adjacent to the Avispa, @ small tributary of the Cus, ia a very great depres- sion in the mountain range which could easly be made available for canal purposes. If such be the case there can be no doubt that the party now close to the divine will not lose the opportunity of survey- ing it. ‘From a recent trip up the Cué I'am enabled to confirm the favorable opinions expressed of the route, thougu as already intimated, the great question of the divide has yet to be decided. To tunnel is of course a matter tor capitalists themselves; but the deep cut is decidedly far preferable. Provisions have been sent up every week to the party at the front. They will survey downwards to the Pinogana and will arrive at Chipagana in about a fortnight. Indeed, fears are entertained that the rainy season wil! soon interfere with the operations, for already have the torrents began to pour, swelling the river over two feet above 118 usual level, THB NAPIPI ROUTE AND ITS SUPPOSED PRACTICA- BILITY—SUCCESS CONFIDENTLY ANTICIPATED. Although satisfied that the route from the Gulf of Darien to the Gulf of San Miguel promised the most satisfactory results, and determined that nothing should be left undone to carry out the great object of the expedition, the commander, having seen that all the arrangements for the survey were completed, at once proceeded to Limon Bay in order to test the practicability of the Napipi for canal purposes. On the 11th ultimo the United States steamer Besaca left Chipagana and gs 64 daw fone the Pacific coast, arriving in ‘apica Bay thé following morning, the distance being about 140 miles, or 220 miles from Panama. The scenery presented to the view is described as being exceedingly beautiful, the great mountain ridge rising up in all its grandeur not more than halr a mile from the shore. It is said that this is the narrowest part be- tween the Pacific and the navigable waters of the Atlantic. Shortly after coming to anchor Mr. F. Collis, master, and Ensign Payne, with four seamen and four macheteros, went ashore, and aiter having made some reconnoisances imme- diately commenced running a line toward the Na- pipt river, which mee citar into the Atrato. Mean- white, Commander Selfridge leit the Resaca, and crossing the divide went to the mouth of the Na pipi, returning to the ship on the same evening. It may be mentioned that on the night preceding the Resaca anchored in Cupica Bay, 1nvo which flows the river of that name, and some of the officers went ashore to the little settlement of about filty iniab- itants, on the banks, and procured iabo- rers and eas On the following morning the vessel entered Limon Bay, six miles lower, From the statements sct forth it would ap- pear that this route has given rise to the most san- gume hopes. The jine runs over sieep hills for about & mile, until the Napipi is reached. The greatest altitude of these hills was found to be six hundred feet, whiie the river is little over one mile from the Pacific Ocean. At the foot of the ridge leading over the divide is AN OLD INDIAN TRAIL, cut probably centuries ago. It has a breadth of from ten to sixteen feet, perfectly clear of trecs or underbrush. Indeed in many places @ horse and carriage could be driven along it with case. Un- questionably it is one ofthe most interesting fea- tures of Darien, as it seems to have been the highway at one time of a nationof Indians. This trail runs for about sixteen tiles, ending at the Rancho Grande on the Napipl, once an Indian settlement, but now enurely uninhabited. Everything considered it 1s net at ail improbable that thia was the road used by the Indians in passing from the Pacific to the Atrato, for tt appears to have becn the shortest and most convenient way of transit. The distance from the Pacific to the Atrato 1s estimated at twenty- four miles, but it may be inc or diminished by the surveys now being made. In the course of this trail an elevated plat of two or three miles in extenc 1s met with and crosses a few hilis not over seventy-five feet in height. About ten miles from the Pacific the Napipi runs through a spacious gorge of the Hucal range, which rises about four hunared feet. The bed of the Napipi is very rough m many places, and small rapids are occa- slonally encountered. Canve navigation commences at Rancho Grande referred to, wiule THE VOLUME OF THE NAPIPI is said to be 1,000,300 gailons per hour, which would allow of locks up to that point if necessary, should the live be found favorable tora canal. On the 23d of March Cominander Selfridge again lett the Re- saca, and, te crossed the divide,’ proceeded vo the Rancho Grande, the journey occupying but one day. On the following mornmg he hired a cance and pushed down towards the Atrato, making the entire tripfrom the Pacific to that river in thirty-six honts. Such rapid transit was much beyond his anticipation and tended not a little to create a very favorable impression of this route, wich of course will not be confounded with that pursued by General Michler, the iatter having entered the Truando irom the Atrato further south. Half a day was spent in making a reconnoissance, which, L have been informed, was of a highly satis: factory character, Three days were occupied in re- tarning to the Resaca, making it the third time that Commander Seiiridge crossed the dividing riage which separates the two great oceans. THE FEATURES OF THIS JANE are very curious, for the divide, if {t niay be called 80, being near the shore of the Pacific, rises aimoss perpendicularly, and the pone Mm the vicinity of the Naptpi is broken into low hilis until the Dog- wodo river is reached. Leaving Mr. Collins and party at work on the Napipl, Cemmander Seliridge returned to La Palma, seven miles from Cuipagana, in the Resaca, where she arrived on the 7th inst. Finding it necessary to issue some orders to the party at the front, he came up to Pinogana in tne ship's cutter in eight hours—a journey of filty-four miles, which generally occupics the native crafts about a day and a half. Having de- livered his instructions to Mr, Kelley at the steam launch relative to the completion of the atrangements Commander Selfridge returned to the Resaca, which ee under weigh on the 8th inst. for Cupica Bay. ue great conflaence which exists relative to the feasibility of tuis route has con- triputed largely to strengthen the hepe generally entertained that the expedition will achieve some very valuable results if the great alm in view be not actually accomplished—an event very probable. The route from Limon Bay to the Atrato pre- sents but few obstacles to the surveyor, and it is believed that the entire jine will be drawn much more speedily than that up the Cué, where, owing to the many barriers in the shape ol rapids in the river, and the underbrash on the Jand, the operations have progressed slowly, notwithstanding the earnest and pertinac.ous eftorts of the eee But their labors are almost at an end, and it isto be hoped that before the rainy season sets in, with ali ite terrors, the commendabie undertaking will be re- warded with success. The steam launch with the mail bas just started from Pinogana in pursuit of the Congo that left Santa del Navia for Panama. Owing to the tortuous course ‘ol the current the little craft has had to carrom from one side tothe other, The river is ismg rapidly and much diMculty is experienced m the snags, Nothing but good management has brought the launch safely down. Tne Congo is in sight, and my task for the present is at an end, ~~ SHOKED TO DEATH. Asingular case, wiih fatal result, was yesterday brought to the attention of Coroner Keenan. On Saturday afternoon Edward Carr, a iad thirteen Yearsof age, late of 229 East 118th street, with several of his playmates, entered an oki cesspool, about twelve feet deep, on 112th street, near First avenue, dragging with them an old straw bed which had been thrown aside as useless. After plarieg there some time one of the lads touched a heb tec match to the straw in the bed, thus setting It on five. A dense smoke was the immediate result und & stampede followed, hut before being able to es- cape Ftward inhaled so much smoke as to reduce him to rusensibility, By proper treatment he was partially restored, but was subsequently taken worse and sank gradually (111 Sunday, when death ensued, Wooster Beach, M. D., made a post mortem ex- amination on the body and found that death was used by exhaustion from inhaling smoke, and — tated eek tee oh the ef he tim ea rhe boys W: he dgcgasgl AL Ihe time eagap VybasRaeds NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY. MAY 2, 187L—TRIPLE SHEET. THE COURTS. Important Decision in Bankruptoy—The Cole- man-Erie Beovivership—Court of Oyer and Terminer—The Decision of a Referee Re- versed—A Juryman’s Verdict and ‘What Came of It—An Attachment Suit—Decisions—Business in the Court of General Sessions. UMTEB STATES SUPREME COUT. Decisious-The Constitutionality of the Legal Tender Act in Regard to Pre-existing Con- tracta—Coin Contracts Euforced—Extension of the Internal Revenue Laws Over the Iu- dian Territory. WASHINGTON, May }, 1871, There was a large number .of the members of the bar present at the Supreme Court chamber to-day, tacluding Solicitor General Bristow and Senators Trumbull and Colo, as it was known the Court would announce many opinions prepared during the week's recess previous to adjourning until the the 16th of October next. All the judges were on the bench with the exception of Mr. Justice Nelson, who ts absent from the city. The Chief Justice re- tired at about two o'clock. None of the opinions were announced by him. At three o'clock Mr. Jus: tice Clifford read a brief bg ned in the legal tender oe of Knox vs. Lee and Parker vs. Davis as fol- jOWsi— In these two cases two questions were heretofore directed to be argued, nameiy—First—Is the act of Congress known as the Legal er act constitutional as to contracts made be- fore its passage? Second—Is It vaild as applicable to trans- actions since its passage? These questions have been con- sidered by the Court and both have been decided in the afirmative, The decree of the Supreme Judiclal Court of Masenchusette in the case of Parker vs. Davis is, there fore, aiirmed, and the judgment of the Ciroust Court of the United States of the Western district of Texas 1s also afirmed, The Chief Justice, with Associate Justices Nelson, Ciiiford ‘and Field, dissent’ from the majority of the court upon both propositions and the result, holding that the act of Con; ‘so far ut to contracts made before ae 0 dal ls repugnant to the constitution and void That it i8 repugnant to the constitution ‘and vold 80 fai as ape plicable to contracts made siuce its passage. ‘The opimon of the court and the reasons tor dissent will be read before the close of the adjourned term. In Dunning vs. Sears and others, two cases from the Supreme Court of Michigan, the contracts wore for the delivery of a specified weight of gold, valuable as coined money. The court below held that they were discharged by the payment of Treasury notes equivalent im market value to the value of coined money of the stipu- lated weight of pure gold. Tunis Court reverse that judgment, holding that it should have been entered for coined doliars and parts of dollars, in accord- ance with the decision in Bronson vs. Rhoades and Butler vs. Horwitz, 7 Wall, 229 and 258, Mr. Justice Strong delivered the opinion. in Boudinot va, The United States the question was whether the revenue tax on the claimants’ to- bacco was legaily laid, the claimants being indiai within the Indian country. The Court sustain thi ‘ax, and say that the act extends the revenue laws over the Indian Territories only a3 to liquors and tobacco. In all other respeots the Indians are exempt. As regards those articles only the same duties are exacted ag from our own citizens, The burden must rest somewhere. Revenue 13 indispensable to meet the public necessities. Is it unreasonable that this small portion of it should fall upon the Indians? The frauds that might otherwise be perpetrated there by others, with and without the guise of Indian names, and simulated ownership 1s also a consideration not without weight. No imputation is made, say the Court, upon the.clalmants. In a case not free from doubt and dificulty they acted under an honest-mis- apprehension of their legal right. The Judgment below was affirmed, Mr. Justice Swayne delivered the opinion of the Court, Justices Davis and Brad- ley dissented. ‘In the case ot the Baltimore and Obio Railroad Company against Haines the question was whether the courts of this district had jurisdiction to try the action, which was for personal injuries to the plain- tim, The deciston 1s, (and in respect of it the Cours entertain no doubt) that by the acts of Congress rel- ative to the affairs of railroads in the District of Columbia, the company is nade liable here the same 8 if in an independent corporation of the District. Mr, Justice Swayne delivered the opinion. A number of other’ cases of minor importance weredectded. The civil rights case from Kentucky— the case involving the constitutionality of Mr. Drake's amendment against the consideration of the effect of pardon and amnesty tn cases under the Captured and Abandoned Property act—certsin gold contract cases and certam slave contract cases go over to the adjourned term for decision, UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT—1N BANKAUPTCY. Important Decision. Before Judge Blatchford. In the Matter af the Boston, Hartford and Erte Railroad Company.—An assignee in the above enti- Med matter having been appointed in Massachusetts and another for the State of Connecticut, and it being contended by counsel that New York State and the rights of its citizens, as creditors, should be Tepresented and protected ‘before the Register, it was yesterday ordered by the Court that Mr. John Sedgwick be appointed as an additional assignee. Tho Erie Receivership. The matter o1 the investigation relating to the his- tory and recovery of the Englishmen’s Erie stock ‘was to have come on before Commissioner White, as Master, for further hearing yesterday, but was put off wotll half-past one P. M. to day, at which hour a further adjournment, it is understood, will be had, to give time for the disposition of the charge of con- tempt made against Jay Gould. COURT OF OYER AND TERMINER. Preparing for the Work of the Term. Before Judge Caraozo, The May term of this court opened yesterday morning. Swearing in the Grand Jury and charging them was the only business transacted. Tne follow- ing gentlemen constitute TBE GRAND JURY:— James M. Bixby, foreman; s. Henry Allen, John Boyd, Rovert Bage, Lucius L. Comstocy, Charles H. Contott, James Gibson, Thomas Holland, Frederick Kirtiand, Alexander K. Laing, John ©. Mather, Oscar A. Mathnusius, Lous Vanmann, Richard N. Peterson, Oscar Purdy, Charles Spear, J. Nelson Tappan, Henry B. Venn, Cnaries B. Van Saun, John D. Wing, William Weed and Benjamin J. Wenberg. THE JUDGE'S CHARGE. The Judge made a _very brief charge, princtpally upon the statutes, He said that as most of the jury were fainiliar with the nature of tie duties devolv- ing on them 1t was annecessary to detain them with an elaborate explanation of such duties. Matters, however, of the gravest importance were coming up, and In relation 0 such matters it was insisted they should exercise diligence and promptness, 80 that the public might be satisfied that justice would be promptly vindicated. At the conclusion of the charge the jury retired to their duties ana the pettit jurors were discharged until to-morrow morning. It is expected that the TRIAL OF FOSTER, the murderer of Putnam, will take piace in the court this term, the desire pees to bring on nis trial as speedily as possible, ia which the whole com- munity wul agree. SUPREME COUAT—GENERAL TERM. portant Commercial Suit—Sale of « Stock of Cloths Worth Over Five Hundred Thou- sand Dollars—Docision of Referee Reversed. Before Chief Justice Ingraham and Judges Barnard and Cardozo, Herman Von Keiler vs. Herman Schwting 4. al— This action, Which was to recover over $100,000 on an alleged agreement growing out of the sale of a stock of cloth valued at over $500,000, has just been argued and determined in this couri. The suit has now been pending two years or over, and arose out of circumstances which are contained in the following opinions:— Opinion by Judge Barnard.—The complaint alleges that Herman Schulting being indebted in_ about $161,000, rotd his stock of goods to Hl. & *E Sturnberg & Co. (01 an agreed price of 000, wo be pald as follows:—Bchulting’s dght, to the extent two be firat “i 4 im of B181,000, aud the balance of the purchase money to he cash on or before October 1, 1868, And as a part of such con- tract that It was between Schuiling aud Hi. & A. Stars- berg & that the purchasers ehould at once weil the stock goore ‘and convert ft into money, and then deduct for them- Hives, ag a compensation for carey labor anc expenses, | i; and to cage ihe priceeda,Fralted from the le should exceed $275,000 (bel @ purchase price of suc! mock of gorda, mith the BO0\000 aided. tho excess realized should be divided, one-third to Sehulting and two thirds to H. 2A. Suuraberg & Co. That Paine, Berts & Co. bad an equal foterent with fi. & A: Stureberg & Uo. 10 (oe said purchase ot and contract with the defendant Schniting; that after- Wards the anid Bening, belng #9, possessed of the suid one. third Interest in the Uy 44 balan Teesip ing) Bang] ey erchandise, an an thant sum certain, for an interest the Talus of whic was contin iain, it was ngreed between Piautim Schuiting and Hi, 4A: luraberg be So tbat the Dimi’ should, and ‘the * paint did, ase ine “afoverald. one-third Interest of Bchutt: tog ia the “phone reeniving from the aaye gf the eer ot payment there{or i wan Agreed between plain and b; payn or a (it, Schuting land H.-A. Staraberg Cow ant Stureberg & Co. shoud 20,000 to the credit, { ‘Rebulting {n Account on their books, and should charge the same toylarntif in account upon thelr books; and (hat Fa re a” stiraveng & Cos as follown: a8 jap say tai ne NEW ORK, Aut 8, 1088 1H. & A. STURSEERG UO., Present: ~ Monet Means: Dicase,eive Mr. Herman. Scbulling credit for the sum of United States currency, ‘and charge the same to me. In consideration of the above Mr. Herman Sehuiting will authorize youto transfer to my credit al) hia share and interest in the profite which may be realized upon the whole stock which you bought of bim under : etfully, the date of 4th instant, Yours, “Wea kn YON’ KELLER. i New York, August 8, 1868, . StuURSuRRG & CO. Present:— Mere, H. 6 Ath neoordanee ribo enclosed letter of Mr, Herman Vou eet Be will please transfer to his credi ‘all my abares and int in the profits to be realized out o the snie of the whole stock which you i OU, oe eT toe above eal eos Uuse'ge vow mil wigogs qopait bar sgevual with She gua et hapa nptin TT berg & Co., and. * the iaintit Veoamn aud was: and is envied to one-third of the money realized the of sald merchandiee, over ‘and above the sum of that the merchandise was [pag sold for 000. The plaintiff then demands Fird—That the defendants rende and tru count of the sale of said Pot bagi ‘proveeds sate Second-—That after deducting the said sum of $275,000 they pay to the tiff one-third of tl remaini! if the aPannsth aad Saneate” cones Stas OS Te PRL A ee St eines woe ietermine, aud his ret det ana ee UM, 35 and or the cose, The re ‘in his fourth | find! the plaintif” said to he cout tue inoney at onoe if he wished it, ‘and Sobulting anewered have it depostied with or placsd to his ‘credit by the a ra were signed and delivered to 5 baa Dot Deca id & Co. were not indebt an to Von Keller, the inti, nor haa Von Keller placed in thelr hands any ty money or perty. saan Co. did not eredi¢ Sebulting upon Wueis "boote with the $90,000; nor did they savauce any money to or for Schulting, Keller perv yae ae ol to pay to Stursberg & Co. or to Sobult- ry Al and Herman Sturaberg went together to the store were, and Schulting met them there and manded a return of the papers above set forth, Von Keller, the plaintiff, never pafd or offered to par the 40,000. Bluraberg & Co. never guvo Schalting the eredlt for rbatever was dove to provide wi the platatif in his © Paint says was, the object and our- had in view when Von Keller undertook to buy Schult. ing's one-third interest in the proceeds of the sale over and abore $475,000. In the languageof the complaint-<‘Herman Scbulting, cing 90. possessed of the one-third interest in the profits that might result from the sale of aid merchandise, And being desirous to sell that interest, and thus realize « ‘sum certain for an interest the value of which was contin- ent and uncertain,” agreed to sell, &c. During the wi Following Baturday; the Sth of August, Schulting demanded ot Stursborg & Co. the $20,000, Did not receive it, and he then demanded to know if Sturaberg & Co. bad placed to hin credit the 420,000, and they told him “No.” The goods had en sold; Sohuiting had not’ received anythin wer, either in thoney or ofedit, aud was unable (0 gel either, and thus things remained until the 18th Borg & Co. the papers Subsequently the goods were sold for $576,961 one-third over and above $275,000 amounted to and the referee orders judgment in favor fof th the whole amount of sich one-third, leaving t tirely unpaid and unprovided for, and this tran part of the plaitiif by which he never parted with # farthing or placed Schulting in a position by which he obtained a far- thing in oredit or money, the referee ¢djudges entitles him to thls Targo sum, In my opinion the judgment, should be re- versed, @ new trial granted, with costs abide the event, ‘and the order of the referee vacated. Justice Cardozo says :—Schulting did not agree to receive a law sult for the transfer of his property, but a fixed Lnbility on the part of persons he recognized as £004, to be evilenced by thelr crediting him in account on thelt books with the sui of $20,000. ‘That Von Keller was to do, but did not; and the Stursberza never became Hable to’ Schulting, cer- tainly not in the fixed, certain and deflaite. manner for which alone Schulting was willing to part with his proj Chief Justice D. P. Ingraham concurred. The appellants H. & A. Stursberg & Co, were represented by Charles Wehle, the ap- lant Schulting by C. Bainbridge Stnith, and the plaintif” by jowdoin, Laroque & Barlow. SUPREME COURT—CIRCUIT. Case of the Juryman who Claimed to Have Signed a Verdict Tarou Threats of Vioience. ‘letters were slened urda; A‘ ancariy hour on Monday, fe ih any f Auunty paSttt where the immediately Before Judge Van Brunt. Wilts vs. Weaver.—In this case, which was a suit regarding the transfer of real estate and a claim for money growing out of such transfer, it will be recollected that the jury on the evening of Friday, the 2ist ult., signed a sealed verdict for the plaintiff. This verdict was opened.the succeeding Monday morning, in court, and was found to be for $43,000 for the Pan but on the jury being polled Samuel H, Cornell denied that this was his verdict, and stated tnat he signed the same through fear of nation if he refused. The matter came up to- day, the Court having instracted Mr. Cornell to ap- pear, as also some members of the jury, and preseut their explanations in the case. Mr. Cornell’s lawyer reiterated the statement of Mr. Cornell, alleging that the latter the ver- dict to obtain his discharge from the jury and thus save himself being made the victim of ts threat uttered agalost him and with the intention of fully explaining his acuon to the Court on the opening of the verdict. The Judge sald that this statement had better be reduced to au afidavit, and that if there had been any arene sp action on the part of any members of the jury that 1¢ would be a matter for the District Attorney to investigate. An affidavit of the foreman of the jury was sub- mitted denying the allegation of threats being used, stating that Mr. Coruell signed the verdict of bis own free will and accord. There was presented also the aflidavit of another juror setting forth that on San- day, the 23d ult., a stout, thick set, marked man, with very black hair and waiskers, whom he had seen in frequent consultation with the defendant during the progress of the trial, and whose name he believed was Robert Willis, called at his house, and on seeing him said he was not the man he was look- ing for, but described particularly Cornell, and got from him his nai saying he could find his resi- dence from the directory. ‘The Court adjourned a further hearing in the case till Wednesday. Tae Robert Willis referred to is said to be a brother-in-law of the defendant, as also a nephew of the plaintia, ex-Jadge Willis. ‘rhe case has been tn litigation for the past four years. SUPERIOR COURT.” Au Attachment Suit—Important Decision. By Judge Van Brant, Barnett Bildersee et al. vs. Joscph Aden et al.— ‘This action was brought to recover upon an under- taking given to discharge an attachment under section 241 of the Code. The answer sets up that the attachment was vacated and set aside before the plaintiffs recovered judgment in the suit wherein said attachment was issued, The plaintif™s prevolus to Uhis trial moved at Special Term for judgment upon the answer as frivolous, which motion was de- eae The cause Was tried now with the following lecision :— ‘The undertaking sued upon was given to release the dehtor’s property from the levy of the attach- ment—in other words, the undertaking stands in the place or the bed ap 8 the consideration for the undertaking was the fact of the right to levy under the attachment upon the property of the defendant med therein. ‘fhe attachment having been set aside upon the und that it was not properly 1s- sued—the consideration for the execution of the undertaking entirely fails, and consequently it can- not be enforced. If the property had been taken under the attachment it must be returned upon the attactmnent being vacated, Judgment must be given tor defendants with costs and allowance. A. Blumenstiel attorney for plain- ufts, H. Fox attorney for defendants. SUPERISA COURT—SPECIAL TERM. Decisions. By Judge McCunn. Edward C. Richard vs, James L. Darcey.—Order granted. Thomas Wheeler vs. Stephen Willtams.—Same. Joseph Levy vs. Peter Cassidy,.—Same. Joseph Ecker vs, Prank Brock et al.—Same. Caroline Acher vs, Frank Brook et al,—Same. The Lorilard OU Re&ning Company vs. Jacob Lorvitlard,—same, Mary Bliss vs, Menacthon Bliss,—Same. Jane Cochrane vs. Witham Cochrane.—Same. COMMON PLEAS—GENERAL TEAM, Decistous, The folowing decisions in cases argued before this court at previous terms were delivered yesterday:— Jonn T. Stewart vs. James M. O'Donnell.—Tudg- ment appealed from amrmed. John W. McGuire va, Peter Bauer, Jr.—Tadgment reversed and new trial ordered, costs to abide event. Willtam 8, Carr et at, vs, Jacob B, Tallman— Judgment reversed, new trial ordered and costs to abide event. Jackson &, Schulz vs, Kdsen Bradley.—Jaagment affirmed, Harvey Baker et al. vs, Charles A. Dornan.— Judgment attirmed. Joseph Agate vs, Abraham Lowenbein.—Decision affirmed. The Indiana National Rank vs, Samuel Coigate.— Referee’s report affirmed. Raphael Gomez v8, John a, Kamping.—Judgment should be rendered for amount of verdict, Wiliam 8. Wilson vs, Stephen H, Mills et al.— Judgment appealed from aMirmed with costa, George B. Smith vs. William Fuller,—Judgment Myf vn from amrmed, ichael Doughty vs, James M. O'Donneli.—Tudg- ment [ang from amrmed, Goltletd PF. Schmidt vs, Emit C, Cahn et al.—Order bag) nr from afirmed. igmund Drecker vs. Marcus Simon.—Jadgment reversed. Ferdinan’ Schaetiter vs. Thomas Gardner, JV.— Order appealed from affirmed, Gomez vs. Camp.—Jndgment affirmed. Clark vs. Lynch.—Judagment aMirmed. COURT OF GENERAL SE3SION3. Before Gunning 8. Bedford, City Jauge. ‘The firat case disposed of yesterday was an indict. Ment againat an inteliigent-looking boy, named John W, Schultz, who on the 284 of March stole forty- five dollars from Catherine Schneider, The com- plainapt Interceded in his pehaif, stating that the youth naa previously ‘veen honest, and mi it wi e in first offenders judgment was suspended, Michael Mullins and Dante! Kenny (boys), who were charged with burglarlously entering the Niquor store of William Sharp, No, 8 Broadway, on the 12th of April, and stealing $3 40, pleaded gutity ye Re ae Hd were each gent to the Weni- fentiary for one month. Bloomfeld Williams was tried and convicted of grand larceny in stealing, on the 15th of apr, Clothing from the residence of Mrs. b No. Pitt street, which she valued at $34. The Jui ware out four hours, one of the jurors having some ees ag to the value of the property. Bedro knew that Williams was an ox-convict a noto- Tous (ulet aud he would uave Locked the JGET We alk night if they had not agreed. Williams got the fait —five hyd in the State Prison. Al Castalima was tried upon a charge of po ceiving one box of wines witha knowledge thal ‘was part of the proceeds of a burglary commit! gees upon the premises of Antonio Curio In Baxter street. e evidence was insuiticilent to sustain the indict- ment, and Assistant District Attorney Sullivan aban. doned the case, Whereupon the jury rendered a ver- dict of acquittal. COURT CALENDARS—THIS DAY. SueReMe CoURT—Cracuir—Part 2—Held by Jud: Brady.—Nos. 208, 268, 646, 1992, 76,1608, 128, 18, 142 830, 120, 82, 304, 32, 3063¢, 384, 9034, 72, 29334, 2 0. SUPREME COURT—SPRECIAL TeaM—Held by Judge Sutheriand.—Demurrera—Nos. 4 and 19, Law and fact—Nos, 73, 109, 55, 56, 59, 61 to 85, inclusive, SUPREME CoURT—OHAMBERS—Hela by Judge In- nae eas 3, 23, 25, 32, 39, 59, 61, 62, 63, Call, Superior CourT—Triat TERM—Part 1—Held by Judge Jones.—Nos, 1308, 157, 163, 501, 579, 505, 587, 15, 1631, 651, 663, 665, 667, 671, 673 5, Part2— Held by Judge Monell. —Nos. 168, 298, 482, 336, 878, 372, 446, 610, 656, 660, 594, 388, 585, 1803¢, 654. udge Nos. 3 5 . 894, 512, 229, 73, 113, 524, 815,-950, MARINE CouRT—TRIaL TEeRM—' 2—Hela by Judge Joachimsen.—Nos. 5,540, Ly 5 Ary 5,54: 5,543, 5,544, 6,545, 5,546, 5,647, °5,| + $5,658, 5,654, 5,555. Part’ 1—Held by Judge Shea.— is Row 5.658, 5 b28"" , 5,365, 6,421; 5,446, 6,449, 6,314, 5,049, 5, 8.510, $,515, $517, 5,526, Part 3— 6,130, 6,464, 6,46: Hi 1038.—NOs, 6,022, 6,213, 6,214, 6,845, eld by Jud; 6,846, 6,347, 6348, BROOKLYN COUR’ SUPREME COURT—CIRCUIT. Heavy Verdict Against n Life Insurance Come pany. 3 Before Judge Tappen. Gertrude Koelges vs. The Guardian Mutual Life Insurance Company.—The plaintiff brought suit to recover $4,000, the amount of a joint policy on her own life and that of her husband, Albert, the same to be paid upon the death of elther to the one @ur- viving. In April, 1868, the insurance m @ premium was then paid. The Pe jum overdue in July, 1369, and plaintii she to @ clerk in the company’s that he could receive, and the her house, where the clerk cailem, ceipt in the name of the company. “Mr. died in September following, but the oo1 fused to pay the widow, on ti ground Saar clerk in question was not icy, the tune for the OE ter a for, plataudt for ara ae CRIME RAMPANT. Opening of the May Term of the General Ses. sions—Judge Bedford cn the Law—How He ‘Would Make the Old Thing Work. Judge Gunning 8, Bedford differs yery materially from the poet who sald, “Give me the making of a people's songs and I care not who makes the laws.'* ‘The City Judge woula prefer, a great deal in the in- terests of law ana order, to have the making of the laws, not having, like the poet referred to, an ear for music, and not caring much for the song, but having a critical ear for the peccavi that so many sinners sing when confronted with him in the Gen- eral Sessions, when he sends them to Sing Sing, up the Hudson. As soon as the court was opened the Clerk called the panel of the Grand Jurors, nearly ail of whom : answered to their names, but in consequence of a Grand Jury having been sworn in the Court of Oyer and Terminer, Judge Bedford was compelled to dis- charge the gentlemen summoned to appear in the General Sessions. The grand inquest which had been empanelied will, no doubt, enter without de- lay upon the discharge of their duties, and will heartily and efficiently co-operate with the author- ities m endeavoring to stem the torrent of crime that is now threatening to overflow our city, THE MURDER OF MR. PUTNAM, ‘The recent gross violations of the law, such a8 the wanton and unprovoked murder of Mr. Putnam on a city railread car, and other equally starting crimes, will be presented to the Grand Jury witnout- an hour's delay by the District Attorney, and pro- vably the major'ty of the important indictments fcund by that body will be sent ig eh ciee A to Judge Bedfora’s court. The accused parties will be promptly arraigned, and as early a period fixed for their rig a8 will be consistent with the rights of the defendants on the one hand and the safety of the community upon the other, Then District Attorney Garvin and his eMcient assistants, Messrs. Fellows, Tweed and Sullivan, all of whom will share in the labora of the month, will place the evidence before the petty jury, and it is needless to add that if the prisoners are convicted the City er witl summa- deal with them according to their deserts. it will be remembered that last fall, when crime was rampant in our midst, there was a similar out- busst of indignation to that which finds ae in the press and throughout the Parr some our citizens even going 80 far as to intimate the pro- priety of organiz! & vigilance committee to re- ‘press dally aud nightly out In those days of excitement aud alarm as e, the Propriety of resort- ing to such & questionable method for the protecjion of property and life, Judge Bedford, in his en: the Grand Jury, teok occasion to allude to the prorat epidemio of crime which bad seized the wiess class. His uage Was so happy and well timed that its tition at this Lele pot sama is most applicable, and ought to be refi on by every citizen of this great community. Judge Bed- ford, in addressing the Grand Jury, used these van rg cel sie end vated pope lation, crime always will, to a certain extent, Pelet, But as vhe skilful physician can generally. by the roper remedies, control a! even when it takes he form of an epidemic, 80, I hold, can the authori. ties, by the prompt and legitimate enforcement of the law generally, contro! crime and always curb its recklessiiess, It 1s a mere question of time which is the more powerful—the law or the lawless, Tomy mind the statute book is sufMiciently strong. All that is needed Is its proper application as the occasion may require. myself am of the opinion, and, in fact, am fully convinced, that in the great battle of law and justice against crime and criminals the latter must always yield to the combined, hi determined and fearless efforts of Grand Juries, Judges, District Attorneys and the entire Police De- iment. penne cttizens of New York will not soon forget how zealously the District Attorney and his assistants labored to promptly bring to trial the outlawa, and how speedily, severely, and yet justly, Judge ford meted owt the penalties against offenders, irre- epective of threats or of the influence used to pro- tect them from the consequences of their criminal acts. We have every reason to believe that the same happy results which followed the rous administration of criminal justice in the will follow from the determined effort which Judge Bod- ford and the prosecuting authorities are about to Make this month of May to sappress crime and bring ncorrigible offenders to the bar of justice. THE CITY FINANCES, Paying the Interest on the City and County Debt—Magnificent Bids for the Viuduct Rallroad Bonds. The semt-monthly interest on city and county bonds was paid by the Comptroller yesterday. The funded debt amounts to $49,651,864 51. The interest paid was $1,136,126 35. The temporary debt is $10,915,500; the interest paid was $361,170 06, The temporary debt is payable for assessments for open- ing, sewertng and improvement of streets, The unty debt (funded) amounts to $4, in- forest on whieh was paid to Fe eg of $677,888 22. It will thus be seen that the total city Aitounts to 4820051 61, "It ahould be unfertiod, mounts to $82 . It should however, that the sinking fund holds $17,784,063 0) of the securities upon whion interest was ye a id to the amount of $371,301 05. The debt, there- fore, exclusive of the sinking funa’s hold upon L7 amounts to $64,274,651 50. In this connection tl may be of interest to the general public to state that strenuous efforts are being made by capitalists to get hold of the , to be issued for’ the viaduct railroad on tho part of the city. Three savings banks of this city have ge | made an offer to take the whole amount; and, still better, a Wall street banking hi joing business: GBs" escent Wettig Whe aS 5,000,000 in 9 ater tins that me creit of New York city as not good? THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. The New Tax Levy System Casting Ite Sha- . dow Before. The Board of Supervisors held a special meeting yesterday afternoon, Mayor Hall in the chair. ‘A resolution was adopted instructing the Surro- gate to equalize the salaries of the em- loyés in wis office, vided the equal- tration does not, in whe inorease the expenses of the office, The Clerk was by resolution to make & compilation of ali the laws passed durt the last session of the Legial: which affect the interests of the city and county New York. The Coroners’ fees, amounting to $1 70, for the warter ending March 31, were ordered paid; also ¥ ae oon Teguiar fees and those of the County jer! Several bills wore ordered to be settled, among others, for repairing the County Jail, $6,000, and the Marine Court, $9,000. The Board then adjourned t¢ he Alst Of DEX’ MOL t 4