The New York Herald Newspaper, May 16, 1871, Page 3

THE NEW TREATY. The Committce on Foreign Relations Reports It Favorably. The Senate in Executive Ses- sion Upon It. Each Article to Be Acted Upon Separately. Growing Opposition to Its Provi- sious Among Senators. Barl Russell Growls at It in the Eouse of Lords. New Brunswick and the Do- minion Dissatisfied. WASHINGTON, May 15, 1971. PROCEEDINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. ‘The proceedings in executive session to-day re- quire only brief mention. The treaty was favor- ably reported by the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Mr. Cameron, without any re- commendation of amendment. That gentleman, afver making a few remarks, was followed by Sena- Morton, wao explained certain parts of the treaty mm response to inquiries. Some general remarks were made upon it by Benators Sumner, Conkling, Carpenter, Casserly, Trombull and others. Some of the Senators gave Rotice that they would offer some amendments to- morrow. THE PLAN OF CONSIDERING THE TREATY ‘was discussed, and it was decided that each article e@hould be taken up separately and acted upon. The Senate refused to take up the resolution heretofore effered PROVIDING FOR THE REPORTING im confidence of the debate on the Treaty of Wash- Angton by the oficial reporter of the Senate, satd re- Port to be suc ject to future disposition by that body. One of the objections against the resolution was that debate would be thereby prolonged, as Senators might desire in some tuture time to see their speeches in print. Besides, it wags thought best to complete the action on the treaty as soon as prac- tcable. ANOTHER REPORTED SENATORIAL LEAK. Much surprise was manifested this afternoon in the vicinity of the Senate consequent on the report that the statement of the Joint High Commission had, like the Treaty, prematurely found its way nto the newspapers. By some genilemen this was con- sidered unfortunate, believing it would not strengthen the treaty, wlile others, who claimed a Knowledge of the docament, expressed a contrary Opinion. Several of the Senators were informed of the reported publication and were not slow in ex- pressing their disapproval of the alleged occurrence, which, they said, was the more to be regretted as the subject involved the question of continued peace between the two countries and violated the confi- dence which usually attached to the consideration of matters of great importance. So far, however, there is no evidence of such a breac’ in the quarter ‘which report designated, ‘The opposition to the Treaty of Washington is said ‘to be gaining strength among Senators the more it is subject to examination. It is stated that it 1s in Teality, that ts, in THE PRACTICAL MONEY RESULT, mot so good an arrangement for the citizens of the United States claimants against England as was the Johnson-Clarendon treaty. The lattér provided in its rst arvcle that all claims against each govern- ment since the 20th of July, 1853—the date of tne exchange of ratification of the conven- tion of that = year—should be = submit- ted to a joint commission of four, with an umpire in each case of difference, and in article four it provided for the adjudication of the Alabama claims. In the Treaty of Wasitington ail claims prior to 1861 are excluded, thus cutting of a really larger aggregate ot claims against England than the total of the Alabama claims, even should the latter all be allowed. it was understood that the Joint High Commission were to take cognizance of all claims be- tween the two governments, When the commission ‘was first agreed to Sir Edward Taorntoa expressed his opmion that all claims wouid be considered. THE FROTOCOL, however, relates that when the American Com- mfsioners contended for the recognition of all claims, so as to make the treaty at least as thorough in its scope as the Johnson-Clarendou Convention, they were inet on tue part of the English Com- missioners by the declaration that the preliminary correspondence between Mr. Fish and Sir Edward Thornton limited the inquiry to the pertod of the civil war, and the English side persisted in this view, as, indeed, it would appear in ail their other views til the American side sub- mitted. The declaration by Earl Granville on Friday night in the House of Lords that the * British government would give every attention to all matters which would aid it in resistance to the payment of these Alabama claims has created a marked impression upon many Senators, who now declare that the treaty must be subject to the most careful and critical examination and fall under- standing of its various provisions, This has also calledeattention to the language of THE THREE NEW RULES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW ‘which are to govern the Tribunal of Arbitrators, and it is alleged that these rules are so worded as to en- able England reaily to escape from all responsibility forthe Alabama claims and thus accomplish the Successful resistance to their payment which Eail Granville predic's. The first rate 1s that a neutral government is bound to use due diligence to pre. vent the fitting out, arming or equipping whhin its jurisdiction of any vessel which it tas reasonable ground to believe is intended to cruise or to carry on war against a Power with which it is at peace, and also to use like diligence to prevent the departure from its jurisdic. tion of any vessel intended to cruise or carry on war as above, such vessel having been speciatly adapted in whole or in part within such jurtsdiction to warlike use, The whole correspondence between the United States and Great Britain, occupying some Jour thousand printed pages, 1s flea with the assertion on the part of Englana, iterated and reiterated over and over agatn, that due diligence was observed in preventing the fitting out and arming of the Alabama, and that in tact she was not fitted out and armed in a British port; that the evidence failed to show she was Atted out in whole or in part in British waters, asa vessel specially adapted for war, and consequently this first rule 1s 80 worded as really to acquit we British government from liubility or responsibilty in the matter of the Alabama. The question so proml- nently put by Mr, Sumner as to the responsinility of England for subsequently recognizing the Alabama, after she received her guns and armament aboard, a8 4 regular Confederate man-of-war, 1s not touched upon at ail in the treaty. Consequently it is held that if the United States fail to show that the Alabama was “specially adapted” as 4 man-of-war when she left the Mersey, the American site of the case is lost. The United States so far have never been able to wet England to admit that the Alabama was in tlus condition when sie escaped into the English Channel, and Earl Granville's dec- daration last week is regarded by many Senators as an evident proof that Engiand is aa little prepared to make the acknowldgement under the Treaty of Washington as she was before the advent of the High Commission. The second rule declares that the neutral shall not “permit or suffer either veili- erent to make use of ita ports or waters the base of naval operations against the other, or for the purpose of the renewal or augmen- tation of military suppiles or arms or the recrulm ment of men’ and 18 cousidered by some as un- NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1871—TR necessary unless placed there with mischtevons in tent. Unless there is a hidden meaning, it is looked_ upon as only enforcing by the treaty the twenty. four hour rule. AS lar as the augmentation of military supplies or arms is concerned it might be the hidden meaning that in case the United States ‘Were at war, their national vesscls could not be sup- plied with coal outside our territorial limits; but a pro- vision of that character would necessarily be utterly disregarded by the United States in such an event, nor does it prevent a neutral selling arms or muni- tions of war to any party, the risk of delivering such arms resting with the purchaser. As to the prolubt- tion of the “recrultment of men," that already is the Jaw and the practice with the United States, as Eng- land discovered duriug the Crimean war. The third rule is merely a reiteration of the promise to exer- cise due diligence in carrying out the other two rules, THE OPPONENTS OF THE TREATY, therefore, contend that the rules can have no Tetroactive practical application, but that while they will not compel the payment of the Alabama claims, and the claims growing out of the damages by the other Anglo-Confederate ships are consid- ered still weaker under the hght of the rules, they answer @ twofold purpose now. One is to induce the acceptance of the treaty by these GLITTERING GENERALITIES, and the other 1s to tle the hands of the United States effectively in tne future. Wher- ever the matter is alluded to in the treaty care is taken, it 1s said, to use no expression which can be construed into an acknowledgment that Great Britain has fatled to fulfil any duty or duties. If it had been intended by the adoption of the rules to meet the cases of the Alabama and other Anglo- Confederate vessels it would, it is held, have been clearly stated that such was their object; but, on the contrary, not only does Earl Granville refuse to accept such an interpretation, but declares that the government will RESIST THE PAYMENT OF THESE CLAIMS in every way; but the ablest lawyers in the Senate believe that the rules are framed in such a manner and with such careful and delicate phraseology as will enable England to escape from her liability to the United States much more easily than if the rules were omitted altogether. Great opposition 13 gathering to article fourteen of the treaty—tne arti- cle providing for the payment of THE CLAIMS OF BRITISH SUBJECTS Against the United States. It is alleged that thé protocol qualifies the extent of these claims, but the tweaty itself does not. Under the language of the treaty “all claims,” of any and every character, are to come up for adjudication. All the money now in the Treasury of the United States for cotton seized, which was claimed by British subjects as theirs py virtue of assignments from the rebel gov- ernment, and amounting to some seventeen mil- lion dollars, will have, it Is alleged, to be given up, although it is Known that the equivalent given by these British claimants for most of it was the means of enabling the Confederates to carry on the war against the United States, As to the explanations in the protocol, if any such exist by which these British claims might appear to be subject to certain limitations, the idea is scouted that anything in the protoco) can Ilinit or affect in any way the language of the treaty itself. A proto- col is @ mere record of the discussions—no more and no less, Usualiy,the protocol is made up after cach sitting, and thus presents a sort of report of the proceedings. In the pre- sent case it 1s well Known thatthe protocol was not made out at the time, but was drawn up after the treaty had been agreed upon by the two secretaries from their recoliection of the proceed- ings. In ordinary laws the courts never think of taking the debates In Congress to control them in the construction of the law. That is construed trom its language, and if obscure an endeavor is made to get at the meaning of the lawmaker, but not by referring to the discussions pending the en- actment of the statute, A treaty being the nighest law of the land 1s construed with even, if possible, greater exactitude, and it 1s therefore held to be an absurdity to talk of the protocol con- trolling the language of the Convention, especially when, asin the case of the present treaty in the matter of British claims, there are absolutely no ob- scure expressions or Words of Mmitation which ren- der the meaning at all dificult to reach. The arti- cles regarding THE FISHERIES are a revival of the articles of the old reciprocity treaty, with an additional provision looking to the payment of asuin of money, It1s held by several Senators that the freedom of our fisheries and the freedom of our markets to the Canadian caught fish and the product of fish is evena greater equiva- lent than the Canadians should have received for the inshore fishery privilege without the extraordi- nary provision looking to paying them a large sam of money besides, The equivalent of free entry for Canadian caught fisn toto our markets will permit be Canadians to compete with American fishermen in the sale of the deep sea fish catch. Our fisher- men have no market for their fish in Canada, so that for the liberty of catching deep sea fish within three mutes of the Cana- dian coasts, the treaty enables Canadian fishermen to compete directly with ours in our own markets for ail Kinds of deep sea fish, no matter where caught, under lighter taxation than the fishermen of the United States, having no war debt to pay and no tax to make up on the material used tn their equip- ment, and with free salt, it 1s feared, ifthe treaty goes into effect the American fishermen, with their greater burden of taxation, will soon be driven from the water, as our merchant marine 1s already driven from the ocean by the cheaper British marine. If, in addition to this, the Untred States have to pay them & large suin of money, the advantages will be stull more on the side of the Canadians, The ques- tion of the free nayjgation of ‘THE ST. LAWRENCE AND ITS CANALS is made by the convention a matter of treaty stipu- lation, but Senators who have examined the subject deciare that while this has always been practi¢ally the case, and that it ts to the interest of Canada, it should be, as the Canadian government derives even more Income from the American use of those canals than from the tolls collected on 4neir own vessels, yet that the treaty of Washington provides now for great equivalents for this privilege, which was always {ree to us before without seeking any greater equivalent than the tolls collected irom the American vessels. These equivalents consist of @ stipulation pledging the United States to endeavor to get the freedom of the State canals for Canadian vessels, and tn a provision as to vessels on the lakes, which will give to Canadian steamers almost a monopoly of the water carrying trade be- tween Chicago and Lake Ontario, and, 10 eifect, throw open the lake coasting trade to the Cana- dians Wherever the transit is through the Welland Canal, Another equivalent 1s placing the transit trade under the stability of a treaty stipulation, a matter which the Canadians have for years been endeavoring to effect, and one of the jeading objects of, the Canadian Commis- sion which came here m 41867, As for the provision of the treaty by which England agrees tourge upon Cauada and New Brunswick not to place export duties on Jumber and timber cut on tnat portion of the American territory im the State of Maine watered by the river St. John and its tributariesand floated down that river to the sea, and when the same is shipped to the United States from the province of New Brunswick, it isregarded as avery poor equivalent for the transportation and lake coasting trade given to Canada by the thirtieth article of the convention. With regard to the reter- ence to arbitration of THE NORTHWESTERN BOUNDARY & good deal of opposition 18 felt. 1t ts said that there ig no doubt the western terminus of the Nortuern Pacific Katiroad will be on Bellingham Bay. If the Rosario Straits are selected as the voun- dary between the two countries the outlet to the Pacific from Bellingham Bay will be through a nar- row star strait, skirting the Britisn boundary for fifty or sixty miles before it enters the wide strait of Juan de Fuca, which s:parates Vancouver Island from Washington Territory, while the boun- dary by the Canal de Haro would place the Briush territory ® long and safe distance from the route of vessels running tn connection with the Northern Pacific Railroad. They do not, therefore, see the wisdom of leaving the question to arbitration, especiaily as an adverse judgment may injurtously affect us in the future, while, unless for | Augreseive purposes, it can be no object for England to insist upon the Rosario boundary. It!s not now be hheved that the Senate is disposed to act hastily, but rather that Senators will be inclined to wait for the discussion in the British Parliament, where it Is sup+ posed the phraseology of the new rules and the sub- ject of Engiand’s responsibihty for the payment of the Alabama claims will be tully entered into. In view of BARL GANVII-LE’S DECLARATIONS @ strong effort will be made not to place the treaty beyond the power of revision until it is understood and agreed what ft really means, It will be observed that the objections above noted are in addition to Mr. Sumner’s protest against the United States in any way recognizing claims of English subjects whic grew out of the war, and which, he alleges, should be paid by England, if at ail, as it was England's ofMcial conduct which gave vitality to the war and the supplies furnished the rebels by her connivance which nurtured it; and they are also in addition to the feeling that England in the treaty neither apologizes nor offers to recog- nize her lability for her hasty, injurious and un- friendly recognition of the belligerency of the Con- federates before that belligerency was a fact, but which recognition really created the fact, which had | Dot existed before the Queen's proclamation was put forth, It is said THE DEMOORATS met to-night to talk over the subject, especially as. to the principles of international law involved; and further, that instead of Reverdy Johnson being opposed to the treaty, as reported, he earnestly de- sires that it may ratified by the Senate, THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE LEAK. The Select Committee on Senatorial Privileges held @& meeting to-night and examined five witnesses concerning the publication of the treaty in the New York Tribune. G. W. Adams, correspondent of the World, testified In effect that he had no knowledge of how the copy Was obtained or from whom. Messrs. White and Ramsdall, of the Tribune, severally testited that they aid not procure tt either from a Senator or any Oficer or employé of the Senate. They, however, declined to answer the questtons as to the name of | the person from whom it was obtained, and whether | they paid money for it. This refusal on their part | will be reported to the Senate ta-morrow for the action of that body. ‘ MOVEMENTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS. The members of the Joint High Commission who H are here, together with a few invited guests, left this city early this morning on a special train of elegant palace cars, consisting of three saloon cars, one dining and one smoking car, for the purpose of paying a visit to Harper's Ferry. Among the guests were Secretary Robeson, Attorney General Akerman, the atiachés of the British Legation, and quite a large number of ladies. At the Relay House the private car of the President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was attached to the special train from Washington. several other ofMicers of the rauroad anda number of prominent private citizens from Baltimore. Refreshments in abundance were provided after arriving at Harper’s ferry. Jefferson Rock and all the other points of interest were visited, Earl de Grey and sir H. Northcote, accompanied by some of the ladies, were the only persons who ascended Maryland Heights, but after having gained the summit they were satisfied that the view fully repald them for their trouble. The splendid scenery of that region was universally admired. The party returaed here late to-night delighted with their visit. THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT AND THE TREATY. Preparing for the Attack—Earl Russell's Motion in the House of Lords Against the Ratification of the Treaty. Lonpon, May 15, 1871. The car contained President Garrett, | stafford | THE LIBRARY GROWLERS Meetings of the Radicals and Conservatives of the Mercantile Library. Resolutions and Counter Resolutions, CONSERVATIVES. Some sixty or seventy members of the Mercantile Library Association—friends and supporters of the present government of the institutton—assembled last evening at the Sinclair House, to ratify the nomination of Messrs. W, H, Guton, Jr., G. G, Clark, W. H. Lewis and James Bruce, Jr., for directors. The election for directors 13 to take place tu-day. Several speakers addressed the meeting last even- ing, urging the adoption of the regalar ticket. The speakers were E. T, Reed, who presided; William H. Meekem, Henry ©. Cooper, who made @ very humorous address; M. C, D, Border and R. C. Allen, the two Jast named being ex-presidents of the association. The meeting was most harmonions and very pleasantly conducted, every one present seeming to feel assured of the defeat ot the “reform- ers’’ and jubilant over the prospect of another vic- tory for the oid management, THE RADICALS, A meeting of the reform party of the Mercantile Library Association was held last evening at Plimp- ton Buliding, and was largely attended Alter Mr. Willlam H. Marvin had stated the ob- ject of calling the meeting, Mr. Charles H, Patrick was chosen as chairman. Wiliam L, Bailey ad- dressed the meeting at some length. E.J. Wright followed in a few remarks. Wiiliain H. Corry spoke to the same etfect, A. W. Green said the Mercantile Library Association was anized ih 1820 by a few clerks, desirous of improving themselves and their class. In i880 the Clinton Hall Association was formed by some merciants, to hep clerks along. H. OB. Lioyd advo ed opening the yooms on Sunday. T. C, Campbell charged te regular parity with fraud and corruption, He had in his ofice afidavits from two men who had voted, one of thei twenty and the other thirty umes, receiving five and ten dollars for so doing. J. H. MacKenzie and Mr. Dancer followed in tne | Same strain. Theodore Allen saw the brother-tn- law of the chairman vote six times last year, until finally the chairman said, “I guess you had betier stop, Bul.” several other speakers spoke in same strain. ‘The following resolutions we; adopted:— Resolved, That we, the members of the Mercanttie Library Association here assembled, do view with disapprobation the course of the directors of our library in refusing to ac- cede to the wirbes of the members that the reading room be opened on Sunday. Resolved, ‘hit we do hereby censure the officials of the Ui. rary for their scandalous action in using their ofticial posi- tion to pack the last annual meeting aud thus deprive the o legitimate members of their rights. Resvived, Liat the action of the present management in raising the annual dues, and thus depriving many ot the clerks of our city of the use of the library, meets our severest condemnatic Rezolved, Ihat we do disapprove of the establishment of branch offices in other cities, The election wiil be held to-day. The Kadicals’ Reply. To THE EpiToR oF THE HeRALD:— The Board of Direction of the Mercantile Library | have publicly asserted “that so long as they have the control of this library no further steps shall be taken to open the reading rooms upon the Sabbath.” They take this position upon the ground that the trustees of the Clinton Wall Associ- ation have informed them that they refuse to grant their permission, And they inform us that this correspondence will be published in this morning’s papers. By the constitution of the Mer- cantile Library Association the days upon which the luvrary shali be opened are determined by the by- | laws, which are enacted by the Board of Directors. To open the reading room on Sunday tt 1s necessary only that the Board strike vat the words “except Sundays” from the bylaws. They would not there- by coniravene the spirit or the letier of any of the | | | ' In the House of Commons to-night Viscount Enfield, Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, said the government was not prepared to state the exact terms of the Treaty of Washington, as a copy of the document had not yet been reveived. Mr. Disraell, therefore, postponed putting the question to the government in relation thereto, oi which he had previously given notice. Mr, Gladstone stated that the government was un- able to anticipate the exact time of the arrival of the treaty, but promised that it should be instantly submitted to Parliament, In the House of Lords Earl Russel gave notice of his intention to move an address to the Queen against sanctioning the ratification of the Alabama treaty, in case the arbitrators are bound by rules or conditions other than the law of nations and Eng- the United States, when the alleged depredations upon American commerce were committed, THE TREATY IN THE NEW DOMINION. As the Canadian fishermen labor | Discussion of Its Provisions Among the Gov- ernment Organs—Dissatisiaction With the Fivhery Clause. TORONTO, Ont., May 15, 1871. The government press here give a rather equivo- cal support to the Treaty of Washington, while the opposition papers, on the contrary, are very decided | in their expression of disapproval, holding that to grant to citizens of the United States the right to fish in Canadian waters may make it unnecessary for the American government to adopt a policy of reciprocity. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and the journals that represent the French speaking population of Ontario are in favor of rejecting all parts of the Trea‘y affecting Canada. The Globe thinks that seif-interest should direct the people of Canadain any consideration of the Treaty, while at the same time 1 recommends that a difference of opinion in the matter between Great Britain and the Dominion should be avoided. Opposition to the Treaty in the New Brane- wick Assembly. Sr. Joun, N. B., May 15, 1871. The louse of Assembly 18 now debating the terms of the new Treaty, which is meeting great opposition, LYNCHLY IN’ NEBRASKA, Hanging of Inmeson at St. Helena—A Career of Crime—Three Murders Confessed—At- tempted Suicide. YANKTON, May 15, 1871, An eye witness says:—I learn the following addl- tional particulars relative to the hanging of the murderer Jameson at St. Helena, Nebraska, yester- day. The prisoner confessed to the murder of John | Coffrey at Fort Buford, but claimed that his com- rade Swisder shot him, He denied the murder of Locke until about two o'clock, by which time the crowd had increased to about 200, A vote had been taken and he had been informed he would be hung. Te then confessed to the murder of Locke, and on being taken to the porch satd:— FELLOW CITIZENS—TI have come to make a free and open confession of the criine 1 have committed. I kuow that I Wil have to be hung, and I oply ask to be hung like a man, Thave recelved a good deal oi abuse for a murder commit: | ted at F ned, the principal spart of which was done by | the man himselt who teaiitied against me. LT killed this man Locke down here. da quarrel with bim the d Dut that was no @ T had th him. We were golug through the timbers together; I had tome angry wor’s, when Tcaught bia axe aod siruce bim twice, kiiling Lim Immediately, The prisoner's real name ts John McBeath, He Was thirty years oll and was born in New York, He went to Kentucky, where he served in the Union army and came to Dakota in the Twenty-second infantry, He bal a sister at Bowling Green, Ky., and to her he bequeathed his house and four acres of land. He conlessed to killing ® man in Ken. vucky before leaving, but gatd it was accwentatly, On Saturday night. after being taken across the river from tere to Okheavy, @ dose of strychnine was given him by @ prisoner at Sioux City. The dove was too heavy and be recovered, though he Was sick yesterday from the effects, EUROPEAN MARKETS. LONDON Moxgy MARKET.—LONDON, May 15-5 P. M.— Consois closed at $8 for bold money and the account. Ame- rei ities quict and steady, 8 fivestwenty Donds, 162, 9036 ; 1860, old, WM ; 1887, 92g ; ton-forties, 8H. LONDON’ PrOvUOH MARKET.—LONDON, May 15—-Kven- ing.—-Linseed oj], £82 per tou, Hopsactive, Refined petro- Lum, 164d. lish munie pal laws existing during the civil war in | articles of agreement between the Clinton Hall | Association aud the Mercautile Library Asso- | clation, No one of these requires the con- | sent of the trustees, either before or after | such action. Even if they should consider such | action immoral or illegitimate they can take no ac- | tion except upon the authority of a meeting of the shareholders, In view ol the present state of pudlic opmmion concerning tais matier we do not believe that @ majority of such men as the shareholders of | toone or IPLE SHEET. manner of fair treatment, and should be embodied in the bylaws. I hope all reformers will bring their recelpts at the next election, The nominating con- ventions should be called by notice published in the library several days previously, so that members could attend to see and hear the members who wish to be candidates. in conclusion, [ am a so-called reformer, a8 I belleve are nearly all the members; but if the next election 1# controlled in the same manner the last one was what caance have we of success ? ‘The public as well as the private reputation of the present board is at stake, and It Is fair to suppose they will use extraordinary means to sustain them- selves, Nevertheless, with fair play, the reformers will win, AN ACTIVE MEMBER, BLOOD, WOODHULL, CLAPLIN. The Great Scandal at Essex Market. Astonishing Revelations by Old Mrs. Claflin— Blood Threatened Her Life—The Daugh- ters’ Testimony—His Denial of the Violation of Domestic Laws. The preliminary examination tn the matter of the complaint of Mrs, Annie Claflin vs. Colonel J, H. Blood, alias Dr. Harvey, was begun at Essex Market Police Court yesterday afternoon, The notoriety of the parties Involved render this an exceptional case, the complainant being the maternal progeni- tor and the defendant being the silent or “sleepmy partner” of the revowned banking house of Woodhull, Clafin & Co. in Broad street, and attracted a large concourse of spectators to the otherwise uninviting precincts of the Essex street ‘Temple of Justice, The testimony of the respective parties to this curious strife was listened to with eager avidity and e: lent point quickly seized by the sensation-mongers, Mrs, Victoria Woodhull being in the conclave for the presidency, could not spare time from her great social and poiitical duties to mingle in tie ingiorious struggle between the tess.r Ights of the conceri. She was conspicuous by her absence, as also her maiden sister, Tennessee Celeste. Both sides were represented by counsel; but, contrary to the usual roceedings, no dilatory motions were made nor any desire evinced to protract the Issue, As with the fierce old English barons wno figured in the “Wars of the Roses’ it seemed vo be understood that quarter wouid not ve asked or given, und in response to the summons of the magistrate a pe- cular old lady, of determined mien and expresston indicative of unrelenting purpose, ANNOUNCED HERSELF AS THE “AGRIEVED PARTY,” and, being duly sworn, proceeded to relate the story of her wrongs and dowestic tripulations, Tue ami- davit of the lady, uvon which the proceedings were based, was substantially to the effect that the defendant had not only, by divers wicked and magic arts and devices, alienated the aifections of her charming, gifted and otherwise promising and devoted offspring, but had also threatened the life of herself and thereby caused her much unneces- sary dread, anguish of mind and other discomfort. This the strong arm of the law alone could remove and enable her to resume the tranquillity desirabie ber advanced stage of life. She was desperately in earnest, and counsel on both sides vainly endeavored to restrict her within the bounds tie law preseribed, Bursting through all bavciers she gave the jollowing as HER STORY, “Judge,” she sald, “My daughters were good daughters and afectionate children Uli they got tn With this man “Blood,” (giving particular en piasis to Blood.) “ile bas threatened wy life several | mes, and one night last November he came snto the house in Thirty-eighth street and said he would not go to bed till he had WASHED IIS HANDS IN MY BLOOD, Tiltell you what that wan Biovd is. He 1s one of those wlio have no bottom in thetr pockets; you can keep studing in all the money tn New York; they never get fullup. Lf my daughters wouid just send this man away, as I always told them, they might be millionalresses and riding around in their own carriages. Icame here because I wantto get my daughter out of this man’s clutches; ne has taken away Vicey’s ‘fection and Jennie’s ‘fection Troi poor old mother, S’HELP ME GOD, JUDGE, the Clincon f" Association can be persuaded to condemn the opening of the reading room on Sun- day. WILLIAM LAURENT BAILEY, HENRY D. LLOY. E, J. WRIGHT, W. H. CARY, Candidates of the Reform Party for Directors. The comimiitee appointed at the meeting on Fri- day niglit to request of the president of the assoc! | tion that two out o: five of the inspectors for to: | election be selected from our party has been verbally refused by him CONSERVATIVE CONTESTANTS, | NEW YORK, April 25, 1871 | Mr. Winson G, Hent, rresident of the Clinton Hall Assoctauon:— The communication of the directors of the Mer. cantile Library Association of 2ist June last was presented py you to the Board of Trustees of ¢ “Chinton Hall Association” aud reterred to the ¢ mitiee on “Relations with ihe Mereanuie Livrary , Association,’? Your committee, after a loag and careful tnquiry, become sauisiied that the movemeut to open ding room of the library on Sundays 1s directly opposed to the views and wishes of the | great majority of those who have at heart the best interests of tie institution and of the community. Besides, in the three epochs in the history of the | insutution—viz., when founded in 1820, When re- moved to its present site in 185, and, in 1864, when the final debt of about sixty thousand dollars was | pald, large sums of money were contributed by our | merchants—a very small part of which, if any, ta | the optnion of your umiitee, would Lave been so contributed if the applicati had been accom- | panied with a declaration that the reading room or library would be kept open on the Sabbath. With these views and with the law of God and the laws of our country reiating to that day before us we recommend that the Board of Trustees shall | not permit the opening of either the reading rouin | or library on ne le TOMAS TI. FAILE, WILLIAM KE. DODGE, JOHN K. MYERS, } commie. An Active Member’s Opinion of the Mercan- tile Library Association’s Troubles. To THE Epirok OF THE HERALD:— I am now, ana have beea for many years, an active member of the Mercantile Library of this city, ana, like the large majority of 1ts members, exceed- ingly regret the scandal that seems of late to have fallen upon us, and it seems co me that in ail the matter recently published in relation thereto, the real evils have been left untouched, and, with your the public and to my fellow members for their con- sideration, And, first, as to the real facts:—With 12,000 members, about one-half of whom are voters, | only about 1,200 votes are cast during the most ex- citing election, lasting some nine hours. When there 18 but one ticket offered, only about haif that nomber, Why ts this? Simply by reason of the bad management at the polis, thereby disgusting many good members and pre- venting their attendance, And why this bad man- agement? I will teil you. About fifty members, more or less, divided into two factions, are aspir- ants for the high nonor of holding office. They hold nominating meetings with scarcely any notice to any but their particular friends, and nominate themselves, Very few members Kuow who they are to vole for until the lists of candidates published a day or two before the election. ‘Theu, election day, the polls are under the control of the directors then in ofice, Who appoint relatives and particular friends as inspectors. ‘The latter decide who may vote, and couut the votes after the polis close. The newspapers of May 18,1 harged that gam- blers, ruitians, unworthy acters wud many others not members were allowed to vote aud reé- wat their votes In the interest of the so-cailed regu- jar ticket, While mmauy members who held opposiuon ballots were not permitted to vote and were told that their names were cnecked off as voted, and on other fraudulent pretexts, and were not allowed to swear in their vote 1 no satisiaction given them, and this in the presence of the principal oificers of the association and against the energeuc protests then and there of other members, These facts that 1 have stated, as well as the charge against the directors, of issuing tickets and pagking (ie hall on the Oth Inst, by persons not melubers, cagnot be and bave not been truth fully denied, that [f am aware of Now, what is the remedy for these ev! which shail insure us fair elections and proper pro- ceedings at the anual meetings’ In my opinion We need a new constitution, with provision that in- spectors shall be elected at the annual meetings, also board of canvassers; aiso proviling that de- sired arvendments shall be posted in the brary ten days previous to the annual meeting, scted upon at tuat tmeeting, but only to be vaild when ratified by ballot at the ensuing election, As itis now tmpor+ tant amendments are at the annual meet- 1X aLlOn LONDON BUGAR MARKET. — May 15.—Sugar, . per ewt: for No. andard afloat. Livenvoon Corte: LIVERPOOL May. 165 P.M.-The market clo e and firmer, ‘Middiing up- Janda, Tod. ; midthing Orieans, Td. 9 77d. tea of the day have been 15,000 bales, Incidding 6,000 tor export and speculation, AVERPOOL PROVISIONS MaRrket,—LIveRPOoL, May 16.—Cheere, 689. Gee Ew, for the best grades of American fine. Lard, bls, 6d. per ewt, LIVeRrouL PRODUCE MARKET.—LIVERPOOL, May 15.— Petroleum, 174. « tae wr gallon for retined. Ca AT ORT, MONEY Ga ae cola ay 1h havea iye-twenty bonds are quoi . for the issue ‘an nig permissjon, I would like to present my opintons to | ings. the unport of Which few. memoers have heard of or had proper time to consider. Other nnprovements might be included in the new constitution, but 1tis of great importance U have a {air election; and [ would here make gestion—that in order that one but members may Vote, each person ag I allot shail produce his last ceceipt for dues, Which should, when ne be marked “voted.” That appears to me a simple | take him away by the ne Isay here and I call Heaven to witness that there Was the worst gang of free lovers in that house tn Vhirty-eighth street that ever livei—Stepheu Per- Jando and Dr, Woodhull and lots more of such trash.” Counsel for plaintif—* ‘Keep quiet, old lady.” Mrs. Clafn, petulentiv—“Yes, yes; Ill keep quiet; but I want to tell the Judge what these peo- pie are. I WAS AFRAID OF MY LIFE ali the time Tt was in the house; it was nothing but taiking about lunatic asylums; if God had uot saved me Bivod would have taken my life tong ago.’” TAB DAUGHTER'S STATEMENT. Mrs. Mary Spar was the next witness, She sub- stantiated her mother’s statement, and said th she remembered the night that blood was so viole with her mother; that Victoria, her sister, trie nyise, as if they Were quarreliing in their roouw. MR, BLOOD'S STATEMENT, Mr. Blood then gave his evidence. He denied the statements in toto; said he never used violence with his mother-in-law, but that she was very annoying at times and wanted to interfere with the busine-s | of the firm. “Did you never Clafin?”” othing, except one night last fall, when she was very troublesome, I said if she was not my motier- Make any threat to Mrs, in-law 1 would turn her over my knee and spank | her. Counsel—“Would you really do that?” No answer. Counsel—When were you married to Mrs. Wood- nutty? Blood — 156, at Chicago."? Counsel. Were you married before that to any one ?”” Biood—“Yes, I was married in Framingham, jass.’? Counsel—"Were you divorced from your first wife.” Blood— Counsel: you marr 03.” “Was Mra. Woodhull divorced when her?” Bio. d—“1 don't know.” Counsel—“Were you not afterwards from Mra, Woodhull?’ “Yes; in Chicago, in 1868." ‘How long were you separated from divorced Biood—**We were never separated; we continued to live together, and Were eferwards remarried.” Counsej—" When have you seen Dr. Woodhuil Blood—“1I see him every day; we are living in the same house.’ Counsel )o you and Mrs. Woodhall and Dr, Woodhutl occupy the same room"? No answer. Counsel for defendant—“Now, Mr. Blooa, tell the Court why Dr. Woodhull lives in the s: house, and who supports lim,’? Blood—"The firm of Woodhull, Clafin & Co. has supported the whole of them; Mrs. Woodhull’s first child is idiotic and Dr. Woodhull takes care of him.” ‘The examjnation was continued for some Ume further. Mrs. Victoria Woodhull and Miss Tennie ©. are to be examined to-day. me Clafin DECORATION DAY A meeting of ali the posts of the Grand Army of the Republic in the Department of New York was held last evening, Comrade ©, Post 113 in the chair, elected secretary, J. W. Marshall and all night she leard | lease | R. MacDonaid, ot | Comrade Frank Clarke was | treasurer, aud | THE COML TROUBLES. Failure of the Attempt to Resume Work at Hyde Park. The Feeling at Scranton Unchanged-- Miners Still Holding Out. Rumors of More Favorable Propositions from the C.rporations. Scranton, Pa., May 15, 1871, Every day presents some new phase in tne coal competition, and every twenty-four hours furnish about as many facts and speculations. To-day has been one of the most exciting in Hyde Park thathas been seen since the troublescommenced. There has occurred no actnal difficulty, but everybody antict- pated an outbreak of some kind, and the way seemed expressly prepared for tt, All day long the streets have been more than ordinarily crowded with men, women and children, the former looking fierce and determined, the latter pale and anxious, Knots of people here and there were earnestly canvassing tie situation or offering mutual encour- agement, and everybody has acted as uv something dreadful was going to Lappen., The cause of this unusual commotion has been the attempt of Mr W. W. Scranton to put the Briggs shaft in operation at all hazards, This young genutieman is superintend- ent of the Lackawanna Coat and Iron Company’s Works, of which bis father is president, and has exhibited a strong desire to make some figure and noise in the troubl He has succeeded in both respects to-day, although ; it must be «aduutted that he has sig- nally failed in making a sensation by breaking the dead lock. Upon the lamentable fizzle which ettended the laborers’ meeting last Thursday Mr, Scranton determined to put one of the mines, owned by the company which employs him, to work with that class of mining material. Up to Saiurday he had sueceeded in obtaining the names of eighty men in Bellevue, @ suburb of Hyde Park, who sald they would go to work in the Briggs shaft on Monday. At five o’clock this morning but twen- ty-two of the number reported for duty. Ig Is alleged that they were well primed with whiskey and then marched to the mines, two miles distance, vader a strong guard of military. At that earl, hour hundreds of miners “were ous am march of the laborers was anything but a cheerful one, Upon reaching the mines pickets were tuiown Out und KO person, except a re, orter, Howed within 1u9 yards or so of the snaft, nworked UnUL about eleven o'clock and eighteen cars with cual Which had been cut n took place. No coal was cut, and { that but four meu in the whole i In view of this luct it 18 anticipated that serious acchlents may occur to some of the inexperienced men beiore this dangerous experunent is Well through with, At eivven o'clock, the ences of the stimulant having passed of, the laborers determined to leave the mine \ escorted to their homes by the soldier On thts occasion the men wel mead with the muskets taken from the ‘Thomas Zouaves and preseated quie a formidable appearance. Ihelr warch homeward was accom. panied by the Most unearthly Neots and yel's from eXciied inners On the ‘strects. ‘They did not revuru to Work Uils alternoon and the ebullidions of dissatisiaction gradually died away. During the allernoon young Mr. »cranton passed through ilyde Park, in company with Major Jack- son, of the Berwick Guards, and r¢ & share of groans and hisses, Later, Wis-father made hie appearance, en rowie to the Briggs shalt, and was greeted with the stme uncompliuentary vestimo- als. ‘Thus ended the first day's attempt to work the ming, But the men have promised to return to-morrow, reinforced by nib te same scevues Will be gone over doupiful if they will go into tae main gute wucertain if Uiere Wik ve any auginenting of their force. J belleve ‘here Will be no general out break by the Hyde Wark men, it having been de- monstrated Lal Ue edort Ly Work (he imine 1s €om- paratively afellure, ‘Tney whl content themselves | With expressions of dissatistac whenever the Dilackiegs and Unett empioyers appear, and make 16 generally uncomuriable tor theut. There nas been wu delegate meeting of the Hyde Park men Us afternoon to cousult with a couple vi geulicwen who earnestly desire w bring about a settiomeut of diteuities, The Celegates are not disposed to make any overtures to Mr. Storrs, without Invitation, aud the coulercnve bs likely tu be barren of satisfac tory resuiis, They will nul recede from the vropo- sitfon made to Mr. Dicksun, but througit the gloom Which has settled upon tie cual Interest in thts sec ton th remns Lo come ray of hope. Tots afters noou Mr, Jonn Brishin, the counsei of the Delaware, Lackawauna aud Western Kallroad Company, are at tiree © Cock aud iumediiely proceeded to | aninierview with Mr. Thomas Dickson. 1 Is reported tial ue Comes authorized to say to the | uniners tat it they will go to work uncondittonally any will pay @% much per car us Is Te- if tuis rumor is to belleve It the com ceived by miners In other reglons. tue, gud there ts reason 13, seems most probable that —resump- j ton of work will tase place mnme- | diately. Up to tis Ume but one proposition— | tuat of Mr. Dickson $—has come frou: the compantes: | stuce last November, ‘Vue wen have been groping ark willl Wey reacted the proposal, whieh v virtually rejected oy the Prest ent of the Dela- ware and Hudson Canal Company, and they have resolve P it fared lo make the offer ow & good spirit Ou the part of ompany, and {believe the men will favorauly aud ’acceptit. If he only seeks to propoand coudiuous be might as well wave stayed in New York, ‘The men lave veen too severely badgered to yiell to Such an arrangement. The ume seems propitious for those parties to accept the suggestion of the HeKanp, and by mutual cones wnd conciliation close up the terrible breach between capital and labor, Neither side should seck to proiong & struggle which is ystrauing tue of tuls community, in said that we have gained the Such a victory, so wou, cau be but an empty houor at best. ‘This is the way tue people view the situation, and | believe that daylight is near. If Mr. Brisvin makes @ fair proposition to the wen to arbitrate Uiey Wiil embrace it, and it seems | to-night as if that is the olyect gf lis mission, But whatever it imay Le, the interest In the coal troubles. is about cnded, 80 far as (us section I Concerned. With Sctuyikil al work tt makes no diiereace whether the companies and men continue to quarrel or ma up, although it will be much better for them to by About the ouly CUrLosiLy MEWSvaper Tt the matter is lo Know whethe harmony or vive! Not en in decile that pout. eeOtLA- lions, Wick Will Commence to-morrow, { iorbear giving currency lo mauy rumors adoat to-night. & deem tt best to accept that which re seats Mr. | brisbin as coming Wo offer the olive vrancu instead of the sword. ‘There 18 quite a dis) Two field pic of munitions of war here with a compliment of | grape and canister, were brougut up last might, } Ail is quiet at us writing. Reduction of Volis om the Readivg Naileond« Miners’ Strike fn the Tamrqua District— General Kesumpticn = Theoughout © the Sebuy iil i or PortsviLLe, Pa., May 15, 1871, The folowing despatch was received here Uils af- ternoon from Phiadelpnia:— Tolle have been re‘erd, bat they wilt be again advanced | if resumption is nut rac LurOugaout ioe Waole region, ¥. B. GOWAN, Comrade B, T. Morgan assistant postmaster, | The miners of District No. 4, comprising Tamaqua Grand Marshal for Decoration Day, May 3), | aud victnity, who have bee Working some time on The executive committee, foral comunittee, | the three ¢ ir basis, reiused to work this morn- transportation, press, hall, orators print- | ing, cee seporeea” tees wi z — ing and other committees were appointed. | work until the question d wages Is decided by tie The fiuance committee was appointed, with | umpire, wittcl is hot in ordance With the agrees Judge Charles P. Daly a8 chairman. Generais | ment entered Lnto by tue officers of the Anturacite Sharpe, P. Daly, Pinckney, Morgan, McQuade, | Buirior Trase une Workingmen’s Benevolent As McDowell, Ketchum, MacMahon and George B, There Was a few scattering coltiortes that did not McClellan; Mayor Halli, Comptroller Connolly, and Messrs, William M. Tweed, Peter B. Sweeny and all the heads of the departmenta and commaniers of the Grand Army of the Republic posts, with a num- ber of prominent citizens, were elected to membe ship. On motion it was resolved that any suryius when the expenses of the day have been paid shall be uanded over to the directors of the Union Home and School, ‘ihe department commander aud stair were made members cf the executive commit.ce. Tho route of the processton was left to the discretion of the Grand Marshai, report to be made on Wedues- day next. TAAIN ON FIRE. Narrow Escape of Kuilway Passengers at | Jamaica, L. L The train which left Jamaica, L. J., at half-past seven o'clock yesterday morning, took fire wheu near Olarencevilie, Two cars containing hay iu bales were entirely detroyed, causing a loss of about SIX thousand dollars. The passengers were throwao into the wildest excitement, but fortunately no accidents occurred either in the loss of life or limo, ‘The scene can be more readily Imagined than de- | ton | rooms, corner of Tuirty-second street and Secoud | their organtsation resume (his morning, Gulare making preparations to go to Work im the ‘morning, so that resumpuon will be general thyoughout the Senuylkill region to- morrow, Willt thé exception of the T triet. The wnpire, Judge Hiwell, arrived here afternoon. BOTHEAING THE “BO3S.” A large meeting of the William M. Tweed Assoctt of the Twenty-first ward was belc at their avenue, last eveuing, for the purpose of perfecting and eurolling members, after 4 Was made by Mr. John Raf. fn Ward, strongiy coudemping ithe usurpation and centraitame esident Grant's administration, followed wud the meet- which a SUPTiNg s} ferty, of the Twent me au KIGX bb) @ tion of power bv I Turee cheers for tae “+L Ing closed. HS LAST FUN. On Sunday aftervoon John Foy, a man twenty. seven years of age, While at play with some children on the balcony of premises No, 56 Mulberry street, lost his valance and tell Head foremost to the pave- ment—a distance of thirteen feet—thus receiving @ scribed. Few persons would like to be so near death, and were it not for the sudden stopping of the gneve there might have beeu a feariul cates- trophe to recora, compound fracture of the skull. Poy was taken W Insensibie and removed to Centre street Hospttak Where death ensued some hours Ln ga De- ceased lived at No, 69 Mulberry street. Noung Was poufled