The New York Herald Newspaper, October 7, 1871, Page 3

YACHTING, | ASHBUBY ON THE SITUATION ‘What the Commodore of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club Thinks of ‘Tammany. 'No Mast Have Twelvo Races for the “Queen’s Cap” or Will Send the Livonia Home in Three Days, The Columbia, Palmer, Sappho and Dauntless the Yachts Se- lected to Race. A Frounk Fall of Objections to the Arrangements of the New York ZWacht Olub Committee. Resolved to Hold His Own, but Would Not be Knighted if He Won the Prize. Views of the English Yachtsman on Things in General. Mr. James Ashbury, the Commodore of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, who has steamed over here ‘with the laudable object of bearing away in triumph the celebrated “Queen’s Cup,’ is staying at tho Brevoort House, awaiting, perhaps with some impatience, the issue of the great contest that may stamp bim as the yachting hero of the day. Of all men m the world this English Commodore looks least like a sailor, elther amateur or professional. Tall, graceful and dell- cate, with a fine flowing peard and diplomatic eye, he rather resembles, when in erect posture, the medern member of Parliament about to make his maiden apeecn in the House of Commons, That he will do s0 at some future day there is no doubt, for he seems to have been cut out for a statesman. There 1s very little of the ‘tarry toplight” style about the Commodore, though probably no man living could discuss at greater length the merits of a keel or guess to a penny- weight the tonnage of a yacht. Hownelt, he has come to America, and, to his credit be it said, Rot unawares, to carry off a cup, the exhibition of which in England will causo more toasts and speech-making and more joyful encomiums from the British journals than the famous victory of Trafal- gar. Mr. Ashbury has certainly given timely notice Of his advance, so that his sporting adversaries on this side cannot complain of surprise. Being an Meute reasoner, and withal a good debater, it 18 qatte probable that the Commodore will have ®& few words to say to the Committee @f Arrangements before the Yabeg Actaany come off; for, although he qattifally expects to Win, ms will, doubtles., determine beforehand that ‘RO Gesieores Bre In the way, A meeting of the ‘committee was held yesterday, when Mr. Ashbury’s views upon the subject of the forthcoming contests Were solicited. He reiterated his former objections to centreboard yachts and the New York Yacht Club course, together with adding 9 ngw patch of suggestions, whicn, however, will hardly bé Somewhat enthusiastic over his approaching Victory it was no wonder that Commodore Ashbury ‘Was in the very best of spirits when visited yester- @ay by a representative of the HERALD, who, being an old acquaintance of last year, was cordially re- ceived. Mr, Ashbury was “laying off,”’ so to speak, tm arecumbent position, after an agreeable ride, and was becoming deliciously cool prior to his cus tomary bath before dinner. After the usual saluta- tions and minor inquiries the following conversa- ign took piace;-- ” ‘RePoktaR—Well, Commodore, and so you've come at last to carry off the cup? Mr. AsupuRY—Yes, 1! 1 can. for. REPORTER—There will be quite a demonstration in England when your victory 1s announced, Mr. ASMBURY (smiling)— Well, I suppose 80; how- ever, it will be time enough to talk of that again. REPORTER—Why, 1 expected, Commodore, that you would have been an M, P. by this time. Mr. AsuBURY—Ab, well, you see, there has been no election in the place I intend to represent. If there bad been I suppose I—but, after all, I don’t now whether I care much to go to Parliament; there’s so much bother about it. RePorTsR—Great interest will be taken in the coming races for the “Queen's Cup.” Mr. AsHBURY—Indeed, do you tell me so? Isee that this That's what I came TAM-TAM-TAMMANY dusiness is taking up a great portion of the papers. Is a very funny affair altogether, and appears to be @tresome muddle. I suppose only for the Tam- many there would be much more public interest taken in the contest for the cup? RePortsr—Certainly. 1 have no doubt, however, what even under present circumstances the races ‘will create both interest and excitement. By the ‘way, Vommodore, have you made any reply to the statement of the Committee of Arrangements? Mr. Asubury—I have not finally decidea. 1 re- ceived a communication this evening that sur- prised me very much, from the fact that the com- maittee and I are AT VARIANCE ALTOGETHER on points which I thought would have been set- Ued. REPORTER—To what points do you refer? Mr. Asusury—Well, the committee declined the course suggested by me—namely, from Sandy Hook around the Lightship and back three times. They have finally decided to sail over their usual regatta course, RerorteR—I presume, sir, you will admit that they have a perfect right to do so? Mr. AsHpuRyY—Yes; but I am sorry, very sorry, it 1s 80, because my vessel, being a large one, would have more scope outside, Not knowing the course places me at a disadvantage; but as the course is mentioned in the deed of truat I shall now consider the point as settled, and I therefore agree to the course of the New York Yacht Ciub. REPORTER—I don’t see very well, Commodore, how you could do otherwise; but you have doubtless other objections, Mr. ASiiBURY—Most assuredly. To my utter sur- prise the committee say they decline my proposition to sail twelve races mentioned in my letter to them of yesterday, Remember that my letter of yester- day was not a challenge, The oficial chal- Jenge was made in my letter of the 12th August, wherein 1 sent twelve certificates, and if tor any reason or other the club did not desire to have so many challenges I should have been advised before the Livonia left England. Having been au- thorized by these clubs to sail I have no other course open but to INSIST UPON SAILING TWELVE RACES, assuming that I shall arrange with the commitice Upon other points. I should be sorry to put the committee or yacht owners to any inconvenience, {but upon this pont it 1s certainly not my intention ‘wo give way, as I have no power or authority to do 80. There must be twelve races or none at all. REPOKTER—Any other objections, Commodore? I know you have a few more yet. What about the centreboard yachts? Mr. ASHBURY—Ah, the centreboards. Yes, 1 pe Neve the committee have decided to enter them. ‘Tne committee intimatea to me this evening that Wey had considered my objections and have finally deoKied to send & cenWeboara yacht, if they NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1871.—TRIPLE SHEET. think mt, for one or ali the races. Such being the case, I nave no option but to assent. REPORTER—But you do not dispute the right of ‘the committee in that respect ? Mr. ABHBORY—Oh, certainly not. The committee have the power to do'so, | admit, ReronTen—What is your objection to centre- boards? Mr. ASHBURY—Well, I can’t go into that now, as it is @ comtroveraial point. RePortsk—I assume, Mr. Ashbury, you will make another communication to the committee before anything 18 setuled? Mr, AsmBURY—Yes; to-morrow morning I shall send anether communication. RerorTEs—Is there any objection to your stating what is likely to be the nature of your communica- tion. ‘Mr. ASHBURY—NO; not the slightest objection. 1 have not had time to consider what] shall say be- cause 1 have only just received the communication from the committee. Probably I shail intimate that I shall sail over the New York Yacht Club course, al- though I would have preferred another, and that I shall assent to and admit their right to send centre- board vesels; and also that they claim the right to mame the boat on the morning of the race, But the point apon which I vannot give way, and upon which 1 shall insist is, that I shall claim vo sail the entire number of faces, according to the challenges:—First, because I have been sent out by these clubs and have no option in the matter, Secondly, that the New York Yacht Club are not justified in refus- ing the number of races mentioned in the challenge from England before the Livonia left. The New York Yacht Club want to have the question decided by the best two out of three or the best three out of five races, and to that I shall decidedly object. Apart from the English clups having sent the challenges, 1 am desirous Personally of having twelve races, because I con- sider it will take three or four races before my vessel gets in anything like good trim, having been obliged to cut down the masts for the ocean voyage, and up to this moment the sails have not been bent, and it will take time to get the vessel in trim, RaepoatsR—You will remember, Mr. Ashbury, that the New York Yacht Clup accepted your challenge as the representative of the Harwich Yacht Club, and instead of only one race they are offering to sail five, Mr, ASHBURY—One moment. Another disadvan- tage to me, which I shall point out to the committee, ‘will be that having these twelve races almost consecutively the crew will be the same, 80 far as my vessel is concerned, but a8 regards the others the crews of the different yachts will be freah for the races. Again, instead of agssenting to the club’s proposition that they send the Columbia, Dauntiess, Palmer and Sappno, I shall make & counter proposition—to the effect that, instead of their fixing upon these four yachts, they take outof the entire fleet centreboard vessels and keel boats, as they may think fit—one different veg- sel for every day—and if they do that I shall assent to that arrangement. REPORTER—What do you thing of the selection of yachts by the club to sail against the Livonia? Mr. ASHBURY—Of course, there is no doubt but they have selected the two fastest keel vessels, and, probably from what 1 know, the two fastest centre- boards. But { think it would be fairer to me to send twelve yachts—one different yacht for every race. REPoRTER—Bat the yacht America was not al- lowed the opportunity of selecting her antagonist in the race for the cup. It appears to me, Mr, Ash- bury, that, practically, the only question upon which thero is likely to be a serious diMicuity would be the committee insisting on having three or flys races and you insisting on having twerve races, Mr. ASUBUBY—Yos, Suat’s 60; I shall require the entire series ui races. REPORTER—Now, Mr, Ashbury, in case the com- mittee gave you the ultimatum that they will gall only three or five races, what action will you take? Mr. AsuBURY—They have no right to indicate any number less than that mentioned in the formal and o@ial challenge sent over, and which is the reason of my being here. The fact is, unless they sail the series of twelve races THR LIYONJA WILL RETURN TO ENGLAND in two or three days, REroRTER—Suppose, in that case, negotiations are broken off, would you accept any private chal- lenges? Mr, ASHBURY—None at all. REPoRTER—Asauming that the committee assented to the entire twelve races, and that they were sailed, would you accept any private challenges? Mr. AsHBURY—I tbink I might accept two or three, but not many, asI leave for £pgland on tne Astof November. Besides, the Livonia must return for alterations, as she tages me in January to Madeira, the Canary Islands, Cape de Verde and the West Indies, REPORTER—When do you retarn from the West Indies? Mr. AsuBURY—Tho end of April. Rerorter—Will you race the Livonia next season? Mr. ASHBURY—No. She will be laid up Imme- diately for alterations. RerorTER—Then, in that case, you will not have any yacht out. Mr. ASHBURY—Yes I shall, as 1 am now building a sixty ton cutter to race with next summer during the time the Livonia is under repairs, so that I may keep the cutter for racing purposes, I will not cn- ter the Livonia except for a few races in autumn. REPoRTER—By the way, Mr. Ashbury, @ statement recently appeared in the London Daily News, which came over here in the form of acable despatch, to the effect that 1t was to be hoped you would have fair play in the races for the Queen’s Cup. Now, do you think there was any grounds for such a strange in- sinuation? Mr. ASHBURY —Not the slightest. I have not seen the articie, but I have heard of it, At the same time I must explain, althongh 1 do so without having seen the article you speak of, that the casual expression “fair play’’ is sometimes uttered in Eng- land when there is really no wiiful undernand work expected. Now, for iustance, there might be a want of fair play in the exercise of an erroneons judgment, or in difference of opinion. But, so far as I am _ concerned, whether I agree with the gentlemen of the com- mittee or not Iam perfectly satisfied of their dona Ade intentions and of their desire to do everything that is fair. REFUSES TO BE KNIGHTED, REPORTER—Pardon me, Mr. Ashbury, supposing satisfactory arrangements are made, do you expect to be knignted in case you take back the cup to England? You may win the prize, you know? Mr, Asnpury—Knighted! Good gracious! Why, my dear feliow, we don’t knight people in England for success in sporting matters, So far aslam concerned, Ibave no ambition to be knighted for services either political or otherwise. This brought the conversation to a close. Mr. Ashbury, still in a recumbent position, seemed to be one huge smile. He ran his delicate fingers through his elegant beard, and looking up towards the ceil- ing saw delightful visions in which yachts, members of Parliament and graceful knights were clearly visible to his mind’s eye. YACHTING NOTES. The committee appointed by the New York Yacht Club to make the arrangements required in the matter of the coming important races with the Livonia met again yesterday afternoon in secret session, Their conference occupied nearly two hours, and after adjournment the only item that could consistently be given the reporters was that they had agreed upon the following yachts as the proper selection to be recommended the club to sail for the America cup:—Columbia, Daunuess, Palmer and Sappho, In all probability the selec- tion will be ratified by tue club, and no time will be lost by their several owners in putting them in the best possible trim for the events. On Tuesday next the committee will report to the club its full action, giving ite altimatum in regard to the course and the time for the several races to take place, For the races for the Douglas and Lorillard Cups, to be sailed over the course from Krenton’s Reef ligbtship to Block Island and Vineyard sound lightsbip and return, on Monday and the following days, there will no doubt ve preseat in Newport harbor the Sappho, Dreadnaught, Enchantress, Wanderer, Resolute and, perbaps, other large yacht This jrianaular conrae of pixty-fye mies a very fine one, and there will be lively times when the contests take place. The Livi ‘was taken on the small sectional dock yesterday afternoon for Fepaits and cle: porposes aud, should there be fair weather, will readiness for the lmportant part she ig to take in ‘the coming international races, by Wednesday next, Yacht Alice, N.Y.¥.C., Mr. W. Kidd, is on the ways at Staten Island, ‘The new raclug slodp built by Mr. McGiehan, of Pamrapo, N. J., lor Mr, A. C. Bi of the Brooklyn Yaent Club, will be launched her builder's 7 north h Tefeed this i" noon. F y a G 5 ir, Jacob Voor ye at an) ie ne XG in BS BE She will return this A ad Yacht Sappho, .¥.¥.0,, Vice Commodore Do left her Sucborege at Whitestone yesterday mre saat PEA sumone naught, N.Y.Y.C., Mr. els, left Whites: one, vee eran ior Newport. Sloop yacht rl ., Mr. Maxwell, passed Whitestone yesterday enroute for New York, re- turning from a cruise through Long Island Sound. Yacht Bunsby, H.Y.C,, Mr. Pope, passed White- peyess gatas en route for New Haven and a craise wi AMUSEMENTS, PaRBPA-RoSA OPERA—‘MARTHA,”—A crowded. house, immense enthusiasm, a very meritorious performance and a@ horrible night outside, It Seemed as if the oft-quoted clerk of the weather was in one of his most spiterul moods last night, for he turned on the celestial hydrant to an extent that made everyhody uncomfortable and made lots of mua paddies in the streets. Yet down stairs in the Academy of Music every seat was occupied and a large number of “‘standees”’ lined the interior walls. The boxes showed the usual result of stock- holders’ privileges, A very large number, in fact all that were at the disposal of the Management, were filled, and the others— well, they were not, The performance was really good, the leading quartet consisting of Mme, Parepa-Rosa, Mrs. beguin (Zelda Harrison), Castle and Campbeil. Flovow has made this opera such & real, popular work that it never fails to draw. Pa- repa-Rosa sang ‘fhe Last Rose of Summer’ with boo leh pathos and tenderness, and Mrs. Seguin looked and acted more charmingly than ever. It would scom as li thiy favorite contralto. makes & greater success every season. Campbell's voice is @ Matter of natural pride, aud he has now attained the dignity of a genutne actor, Castle’s voice we never liked, and now the mezza voce is all that remains to him. Hard, unsympathetic and “throaty,” this organ 18 no longer capabis of fuliling the requirements. of English opera. Still Mr. Castle has a good knowledge and experience of the stage, and he supples many of his vocal deficiencies by. his: excellent Goran e opera was splendidly placed on the stage, the mar- ket scene veing particularly interesting. great deal of money must have been expended in the pro- duction of a real English fair, and the scene was unusually bustling and lively, Tne costumes of the ladies in the hunting scene were all of biack velvel something unexpected in an Academy chorus. Car! Rosa is one of the best conductors of opera we have ever heard, and he brought the forty miveiciany under control of his baton through with unqualitie success, A matinée of ‘The Daughter of the Regi- ment’ will be given to-day, ana the evening will devoted to a grand rehearsal of anatapell ” in which that favorite American prima donna, Jenny Van Zandt (Mme, Vanzini), makes her rentrée alter many years, Stapr THEATRE—WACHTEL.—The great German tenor gave last night the highest evidence of his popularity by attracting to this tneatre the largest house ever known within its walls, The opera was “The Postilion ot Lonjumeau,” of which we have already given our opinion, Whatever may be the opinion of musicians and critics concerning the utter worthlessness of this opera and the mere sen- sational singing of the tenor, one thing Is certain, and that is that the receipts last night exceeded $3,300, This isa sufficient reply to the question of Re ularity, and there is no doubt that never defore iid an operatic artist receive such an undeniable recognition from the hands of the public of bis great talents. ‘‘Lucta’’ is the only novelty next week. Then comes Toil." NY¥Bio’s GaRvEN.—The revival of the “Streets of New York” at this theatre, as might have been ex- pected with so popular a piece, has been a very fair success, The dialogue has been specially furblehea up with a few current hits, and is produced with fresh and good scenery. Frank Mayo, as Charley Badger, is perhaps a coarser impersonation tnan we have becn accustomed to, but the part is certainly not deficient in strength He is scarcely, in manners and “tone,” the bank clerk that we meet in Wall street, but he is a fair sample of a young New Yorker of the middle class—overfowing with nanve wit, with a clear head and a never ceasing flow of good humor under all circumstances, bowever adverse, and, must we say it, with more brains and heart than conscience. In the scene in Mr. "6 par- lor, ana agalu in 106 Baxter street, we soang, is reaily powerful, and the audience were carri UARSIAS HO. frat act, however, ie. ae pour sea 3} cal vatios from the discovers of the cheat tuat nas 0 practised upon him, very bad. An American audienge is always rat, tocimed than qpermee to bé Bi atuetic. What, then, must be the acting iu a death scene, involved with every heightening circumstance of pathetic interest, When It is received simply with derisive laughter? We advise people to drop in at ‘he second act, and they will then have an evening of unmixed pleasure. The fire scene 18, a3 usual, the most exciting feature of the piece, and vhough playgoers have by tnis tume grown accustomed to such realistic tableau, it 18 SUll impossible to witness 16 without a slight thrill of not unpleasant terror. The miuor parts are on the whole well played. Mark Livingstone is scarcely up to the mark, and Alida Blocdgood, per- haps, rather outdoes the cold heartiessness of tne character, but Miss Bessie Sudlow os Lucy Fair- weather is charming. She gives the role a sweet- ness and dignity aud interest which 1s above the average interest of the part. The piece will be kept running all through next week. OrgRA BourFE.—Mile, Almée gives the first per- formance of her season of opéra bouge al Lina Ea- win’s Theatre on Monday evening. Illness has caused the postponement from yesterday evening. She has a company of choice artists, and in & cosey little theatre like the above-mentioned Mlle. Aim¢e will Goubtless make a success. MATINEES TO-Day.—The musical and dramatic managers have an attractive show this afternoon. The following is the list:—Fifth Avenue, “Divorce; Academy of Music, “Daughter of the Regiment;” Bootn’s, “Henry VIl1.;” Grand Opera House, Mr. and Mrs. Florence; Olympic, “Hampty Dumpty ;” Niblo’s, “Streets of New York; Dan_Rice’s Paris ee Circus, Tony Pastor’s ana Union Square entre, Personal Intelligence. United States Senator Aaron H. Cragin, of New Hampshire, is at the Westmorland Hotel. Secretary of State Homer A. Nelson, of Pough- Keepsie, 18 stopping at the Fifth Avenue. Francis B. Hayes, of Boston, President of the Atlantic and Pavific Railroad, 18 @ sojourner at the Brevoort House. 0. 8. Baldwin, of tne United States Navy, is quar- tered at the Grand Central. Miles G. Parker, Secretary of State of South Caro- lina, is residing at the St. Nicholas, Dr. T. P. Johnson, of Brazil, 18 domiciled at the Hoffman House, G. W. Seward, of Florida, 1s staying at the Astor House. ©. U, Cox, of Washington, D. C., is a sojourner at the St, Nicholas, Kev, G, W, Welden, of London, England, among the late arrivals at the Brevoort House, General Stonehouse, of Albany, is quartered at the Astor House, Dr. J. Dotssy Cullen, of Richmond, is domictlea at the St. James’ Hotel. W. 8 Gudbe, of Salt Lake City, is at the Grand Central Hotel, Mr. Godve is the acknowledged leader of the sect of Mormon dissenters from the polygamous principles avowed by Brigham Young and bis followers, Russian Minister Catacazy came to the city yes- terday and took up his temporary residence at the Clarendon Hotel. BALTIMORE INTELLIGENCE, Trial of Deputy Collector Bowerman for Embezzlement—Arrival of North Carolina Ku Klux Convicts. BALTIMORE, Oct. 6, 1871. In the case of General R. N, Bowerman, late Dep- uty Collector of Customs, indicted for the embez- zlement of $25,000 government money, which has been on trial for several days, the counsel began argument to the jury. ‘The ruling of Judge Giles upon all the prayers sub- mitted by the defence was adverse to the prisoner, and tue general impression here to-night is that a verdict of guilty will be rendered, There is much sympathy expressed for General Bowerman, as he was a general favorite as an Oficer of Customs, Six of the Ku Klux prisoners recently convicte in the United States Circuit Court at ae N. GC, passed through bere to-day on their way to Alpany Penitentiary to serve their term of sentence. They came by the Norfolk boat and were quietly trans- ferred to the President street depot, where they They were all young in appear. depressed took the cars for New York. men and not by any means pre! ance, ‘hey were not, apparently, muc! iw spirive by tagir uapleasaus situation, WASHINGTON. An Insight Into the Catacazy Troubles. Preparations for the Reception of the Grand Duke Alexis. —_ WASHINGTON, Oct, 6, 1871. The Catacazy Troubles—The Cause of the Rassian Miaister’s Woes. ‘The troubles between Mr. Catacagy, the Russian Minister, and the President which led to the de- mand for the recall of that functionary, have never been fully or properly understnod. In the discharge of his duties the Minister was zealous in a degree what can only be called Catacazian, and in this he stepped beyond the line of his diplomatic duty and paved the way for his own downfall, The first step Me took in this direction was in the matter of the re- duction of the duty of forty dollars per ton on Rus sian hemp to the same standard as is applied to Manila hemp—twenty-five dollars per ton. Tnis movement had been started by Mr, Catacazy’s pre- decessor, M. de Bodisco, and the effect was finally Successful, though only after the diplomat haa made personal appeals to the Senators on the floor of the Semate, and thereby given offence to the govern- ment by becoming a lobbyist instead of an ambas- sador. Itis doubtiul, nowever, if tuts action on the part of Mr. Catacazy, which, to say the least of it, is generally regarded here a3 in excess of his duty to his. government and disrespectful to the people to whom he is accreaited, would have been the ground for the determined course which has been taken against him. It was a reason, but, like hts out- spoken hostility to the Alabama treaty, only one of the reasons, tor tne course adopted by tne State Department, Many little things contributed to the same end, but the straw which broke the camel’s back was a heediess remark out of the Perkins claim. Judge Dent was of e@pnsel, or something cise, for the widow Per- king, though he has since withdrawn from any con+ nection with the case. This fact, and the low easil- mate Mr. Catacazy places upon the Americ an character, induced bim. at a dinner at his own house, to declare that he could bribe the Secretary of ‘State, and he even made himself ridiculous by say- ing that Mrs. Fish also was purchasable. The com- pany was a distinguished one, and the remark gave great offence to the gentlemen who were present. Even the President did not escape Mr. Catacazy’s denun¢tations at that time. His heedless words were afterwards spoken of by a minister who was at the table. In this way his heated language came 1 the ears of President Grant and Mr, Fish, and hence have sprung all Mr. Catacazy’s woes so mucn has been said upon the subject that even the Russian Minister's friends are not surprised at the semi-ofictal statement from the State Department which was printed to-day. ‘The story in its oMcial form as created a considera- ble flutter and {1s the subject of much tal& in social, government and diplomatic circles, Mr. Catacazy’s house, on 1 street, is being fur- nished up for the occupation of the Grand Duke. The apartment occupied by Madame Catacazy 1s one of so much taste and magnificence that no exten- sive alterations will be necessary before it is turnéd over to the imperial guest, Admiral Lee has been detached from his flag- ship, the Severn, and will not participate in the re- ception of the Russian fleet, Tho Southern Claims Commission. Since the Southern Claims Commission resumed the taking of testimony on Tuesday, they have, among other cases, examined witnesses in that of James Millinger, of Pittsburg, Pa, for lumber, bacon and hams taken by General Buel’s army on the occupation of Nashville in 1862, amounting to $9,000, and in the case of Mrs. Louisa Kearney, for property taken near Alexandria, amounting to early $7,000. The Commission will not consent, at this time” to aliow their special commissioners in the South to receive testimony in support of any claim exceeding $8,000 in amount, but claimants who have already filed claims exceeding that sum may, by reducing the amount, bring their cases witain - Wetton wf thelr resident com- missieners, No further apptications for the hearing 28 NY CaN De ontortgined by the Commissi et Misfortunes of Western Distille: s, Complaints have been filed at the Internal Reve- nue Bureau from a number of the small distillers in the Western States to the eifect that the expense of keeping a storekeeper on their premises makes It impossible for them to derive a reasonable profit from their business, The regalations framed in ac- cordance with the act of Congress are as liberal as they can be, and the Commissioner recommends them to unite their interests, where the same can be done within the collection district without con- flicting with the revenue regulations, Germans in the United States. The total number of Germans residing in the United States is 1,690,533, distributed as follows:— Alabama, 2,482; Arkansas, 1,553; California, 29,101; Connecticut, 12,443; Delaware, 1,142; Florida, 597; Georgia, 2,761; Illinois, 203,758; Indiana, 78,000; Iowa, 66,162; Kansas, 12,775; Kentucky, 30,318; Louisiana, 18,933; Maine, 608; Maryland, 47,045; Massachusetts, 13,072; Michigan, 64,443; Minnesota, 41,364; Misstasippl, 2,960; Missouri, 113,618; Ne- braska, 10,954; Nevada, 2,131; New Hampshire, 436; New Jersey, 64,000; New York, 316,9(2; North Carolina, 904; Ohio, 182,497; Oregon, 1,87 Pennsylvania, 160,146; Rhode Isiand, 1,201; South Carolina, 2,751; Tennessee, 4,539; Texas, 23,985; Vermont, 370; Virginia, 4,050; West Virginia, 6,232; Wisconsin, 162,314; Arizona, 379; Colorado, 1,456; Dakota, 563; District of Columbia, 4,920, Idaho, 388; Montana, 1,233; New Mexico, 582; Utah, 358; Washington, 645, and Wyoming Territory, 652, A Grand Lodge of Colored Freemasons for the District. The colored members of the Masonic fraternity in the District of Columbia have severed their cornec- tion with the National Grand Lodge or compact, and ‘will organize @ separate jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge here declares itself superior in its own juris- diction, both as to government of its own immediate Membership and in the regulation of its Intercourse with other Grand Lodges. Bolstering Up the Syndicate. The reports as to the failure of the Synnicate to meet its engagements have no foundation whatever in truth, and are supposed to have been circulated for speculative purposes and to influence the gold market, Nothing bas been received from Judge Richarason or anybody else showing the least failure eitner in England or the United States. On the con- trary, all accounts to the Treasury Department rep- resent that the Syndicate is promptly complying with all its engagements, and that there is no dim. culty about disposing of the bonds. Leaal Castim House Fees, The Treasury Department has decided that the fee to be charged for a copy of a register, under the second section of the act of 1799, is twenty cents, ‘and not $1, a8 charged at some of the porta, ‘The jaw does not in express terms except copies of registers. Tue International Money Order System. ‘The money order system between this country and Great Britain went into operation on the 2d, and aiready the number of applications for orders hag been 80 great as to Surprise the ofMicials, Personal. Commodore 8 W. Trenchard, who was recently ordered to special duty in New York, reported to-day at the Navy Department for duty as member of the board for the examination of officers for promotion and the retired list, Major General Barnum will deliver the annual ad- dress at the reunion of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland, at Detroit, on une 15tn and 16th of November next, A British Vessel Aban‘o: Lake Erie. Information has reached the Treasury Department to the effect that the British schooner Mary Emeline, bound from Canada to the United States with a Valuable cargo, was recently found by an American steamtug abandoned on the lakes, She was brought Into the port of Erte, Pa., iu a sinking condition, and Je awaiting judicial action. ‘The Now Lighthouse in Mobile Bay. The Lighthonse Board to-day awarded (he con. tract for furnishing the metal work for the light 7 house now under construction at Sand Island, off Mobile Bay, to Paulding, Kemble & Co., of West Point, N. Y. PRESIDENT GRANT. Arrival of the Presidential Party in Halti- more—Visit to the Maryland State Fair— Departure for Washington. BALTIMORE, Oct. 6, 1871. President Grant, accompanied by Mrs. Grant, Miss Nellie Grant, Mrs, General Babcock and the younger members of the Presidential family, arrived here this morning at half-past seven, on the Northern ventral Railroad, in a special car attached to that train, They were met at the depot by William Prescott Smith and C. C. Fulton, editor of the Baltimore American, on behalf of the committees appointed by the State Agricultural Soclety of the State of Maryland to receive tnem. Generals Dent and Babcock, who had come over from Washington for the purpose of joining the Presidential party, were aiso present when the train arrived, and joined the party when they alighted from the train. The President at once joined Mr. U. C. Fulton, while the rest of the party were provided for by William Prescott Smitn, and the entire party pro- ceeded to the St. Clair Hotel and partook of break- fast, During the morning John L, Thomas, Collector of the Port of Baltimore; General A. W. Dennison, City Postmaster; W. J. Albert and several other friends were received. Later in the day Judge Bond, who has just returned from the North Caro- lina Ku Kiux trials, was received with much con- sideration, At hal{-past ten A. M. carriages were provided and the Presidential party, accompanied by W. Prescott Smith, Washington Booth, c. ©. Fulton, Jonn L. ‘Thomas, Samuel Schoemuker, George Small and Alexander Fulton, Su- pervisor of internal Revenue, drove to the grounds ofthe Maryianu Agricultural Assocla- tion, at Pimuco Park, where the State Exnibition 1s pow being held. They were met at the entrance to the Park by James H. Rieman, Fresident of the State Agricultural Association, and escorted through the grounds. The President was especially pleased with the exhibition of blooded horses that are now in traming for the Pimlico races on the 26th of unis month. At two o’clock the party retarned to the city, d@ined at tae St Clair Hotel, and at half-past three the Prewdent took @ special car, provided by the salt-ore aad Ohio Kallroad, for Washington. Revern ef the President to Washingtou. WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 1871. President Grant returned to Washington to-night, The members of the Cabinet now here are Secreta. ries, Fish, Boutwell, Belknap and Postmaster Gen- eral Creswell. THE FIRE RECORD. The niisneasen, Fires “still Raging—The Flames Spreading With Lightning Ra- pidity--Reports of Losses Exaggerated Mansy Small Towns tely Dee stroyed—Suifering Among the Inhabi- tants. Sr. PavL, Minn., Oct. 6, 1871. The great prairie fire 1s still raging with an- abated fury, although a slight rain of yesterday ar- Tested its progress a little for the time. Its course is southeast, and up to last accounts {t had reached nearly as far south as the Iowa border and east- ward as far as the Minnesota River, which, it is hoped, will stay ite further progress, A high wind yesterday drove the fire forward with lightning ra- pidity, and it was burning flercely in the big woods around Glencoe, Lesueur, Mankato and New Ulm. Reports of the ravages of the fire fend are com- ing in constantly, though they are evidently exag- gerated. The losses, #0 far as positively known, are confined to houses, barns, fences, hay, wheat and live stock. Only two lives are known to have been lost—that ofa Swede named Conneau, of Kandiyohi county, and @ man, name unknown, who started from the same county with a drove of cattle for Fort Geary and was overtaken by the fire, ‘There is no means of ascertaining the amount of damage done, owing to the large tract of country over which the fire has swept, on account of its in- accessible natare, but it must be very heavy. Many small towns have been completely destroyed, and solitary farm houses in the track of tho fire have almost Invariably been burned to the ground, ‘The amount of suffering must necessarily be great, a8 many farmere have lost everything— homestead, live stock and crops, with a long winter close upon thom ° —— Fives on the Prairies. CHICAGO, Oct, 6, 1871. Fireg in the woods and on the prairies are prevatl- ing in every direction in the Northwest, including Michigan, Timots, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. It is believel the flames can only be arrested by heavy raia, The country is as dry as tinder. at Charicstown, Mass.—Less $100,000—A Lady Employe Burned to Death. Boston, Oct. 6, 1871. The freight depot of the Fitchburg Railroad, located in Charlestown, was burned at noon to-day. The loss is estimated at $70,000; insured. ‘The Waverley House, in close proximity, suffered slight damage. Miss Ada B. Andross, principal copyist m the freight department, was surrounded by @ sudden bursting of flames from kerosene and other in- flammable frelght and burned to doath. Her parents reside in Oswego, N. Y. Other per sons in the same buliding narrowly escaped. ‘The fire caught from sparks from an engine, and spread with fearful rapidity, the flames being fed by exploding oil casks. ‘There were three buildings burned in all. They were occupied, respectively, by the Cheshire, Ver- mont and Massachusetts and the Fitchburg, Rall- roads, Within an hour after the alarm the high walls of the main building fell, and the entire east- erly half of the immense line of freight houses, ex- tending avout two thousand feet, were level with the ground. The buildings were old and probably not worth over $30,000, for which they were tusured in Boston offices. The total loss, it is believed, will exceed $100,000, but it is impossible to give @ correct estimate, as the contents of the cars in the building are unknown, All the books and papers in the offices were de- stroyed, The following insurance is given:— George W. Walker & Co., 00 $17,000 worth of stoves on storage, insured for $5,000 each in the Shoe and Leather and Firemen’s offices; J. 1. Edmunds & Co., four, insured for $5,000 in the Phenix, of New York; on freight, $5,000 in the People’s, of Worcester; E. Murdock, wood peg &c., stored LA the lofis, insured for $10,000 in New England omices. Mase. Boston, Oct. 6, 1871. Simpson & Babcock's varnish factor,y at Brignton, was burned to-day, and Mr. Babcock burned, proba- bly fatally, by boiling varnish. Fire at Brigh Terrible Confiagration in Burlington, Town. BURLINGTON, Oct. 6, 1871. A terrible conflagration occarred in this city last night. The fire broke out in Millard, Tomiinson & Co.'s planing mill, consuming the mill, the lumber in the yard, a brewery and several residences, The loss 16 estimated at $80,000, THE INDIANS. Report of Outrages Near Fort Sill Denied— Removal of the North Carolina Cherokees, WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 1871, The Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to-day received, through Superintendent Hoag, a letter written by Agent Tatum, pronouncing the harrow. ing story telegraphed from St, Louis, of the recent capture of a train near Fort Sill and the torture and murder of the teamsters, utterly without founda- tion, No such outrages have been commitied in that vicinity this y A letter was received at the Indian Department to-day from Colonel Cox, of the commission ap- pointed to remove the North Carolina Cherokees to the Indian Territory. He states that Friend Lai and himself, with about three hundred Crerokees, expected to leave Loudon, Tenn., this afternoon, and would probably arrive at Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, on Monday evening next, PANIC IN A CONCERT ROOM. WILMINGTON, Del. Oct. 6, 1871. At a concert last evening in Inatitute Hall, by the Sunday school of the Asbury Methodist Ppiscopal chureh, @ large muslin curtain, stretched around the hail, took fire, The audience, which was largely composed of women and children, became panic stricken and rashed to the doors, which were soon jammed 80 thatthe passage was blocked up, and the weaker persons were trampled upon and badly crushed in the efforts of the crowd to escape, Tho utmost excitement prevailed. Many ladies swooned, and some were badly but not dangerously hart, The fire was promptly extinguished. [tis believed that the light Was purposely turned against the curtam by some evil-dispose) person to create a panic for the purvose of plunder, 3 ae nnEEEEEEEEEEIEEEEEEEEEEE EE EE THE COMMITTEE OF SEVENTY, John H. Keyser on the Mourn. er’s Bench. He Assigns $650,000 Worth of Property to tha Committee—The Seventy Guarantee Him Against a Criminal Prosecution—The Com- mittee to Wait Upon the Governor to Ask Him to Instruct the Attorney General to Bring Suits Against Certain Iadividuals. The most important meeting which the Committea or Seventy has yet had was held last evening tn it¢ rooms, 938 Broadway, corner of Twenty-second street. Colonel Stebbins presided, and there was @ larger attendance than usual of membersg presents The meeting being secret the representatives of thd Press were rigorously excluded. It was evident, however, that something Important was about ta transpire, and as the meeting progressed the clap= Ping of hands and the applause which from time to time could be heard betokened that the committed were well pleased with the severai reports which’ were presented. It was known beforehand by many members that TIE SUB-COMMITTEE ON FRAUDS had a highly important announcement to make, and when the committee assembied Mr. Jackson S. Schultz arose and aunounced that Mr. John Hy Keyser had assigned to him in trust all the reat and personal property acquirea by him since 1364—tha period when he first began to work extensively for the city—in payment of the sums which it id alleged he has fraudulently received from the city and county of New York. Mr. Keyser was tu frequent, even almost constant communica- tion with this sub-committee yesterday and the day before, and has made, as they say, “a el breast of it.” He has seen many of the vouchers 11 the Comptrolier’s Office upon which he recetv those large payments, and pronounces his signatur on most of them a forgery. In several instances h was obliged to assign bis claims to enable, him ta get his money at all, and in those cases ; THE AMOUNTS WERE DOUBLED i or quadrupled. Nevertheless, he acknowledges ti have received during the seven years of his labo! for the city and county nearly three-quarters: of million dollars, for which he has rendered litwe o no equivalent, ‘This property, roughly estimated atl over $600,000, he has now assigned, with @ promisa that, if upon investigation it shall be found chet hig indebtedness exceeds this sum, he will forfett tnd balance of his property so far as 16 will go for tha same end. The committee have guaranteed: him! against a criminal prosecution accordingly. + MR, KBYSER’S INFORMATION has given the committee important data upon which to prosecute certain other suspected gentlemen, and it 1 sald that at least two others are in @ strait ‘“‘be~ twixt two,’ having @ desire to follow Mr. Keyser’a example, but afraid to incur the displeasure of others higher in the city councils than themselves. It is deemed probable, however, that before the next meeting of the Seventy similar announcements ta this of Keyser’s will be made regarding some of our city oMictals. 1 ‘These remarks and announcements were consid ered of such public importance that Messrs. Schultz, Pierrepont and Barlow were appointed a committee to draft a resolution setting forth THIS IMPORTANT FACT. After consultation in an ante-room they reported the following:— Resolved, That the fact that John H. K hag’ made an assignment to Jackson S. Schultz, as a member of the Citizen's Committee, o1 property es- timated at some six hundred thousand dollars ux trust to repay out of the proceeds of the same al sums of Lect | which he may have improperly re-; ceived from the city or county of New York, and bas given full intormation touching his pecumarg transactions, which may be pubiished, The legality of this transfer was completed yester- day. A committee was appointed, of which Judg@ Plerrepoint 18 chairman, to walt on the Governor and request him in the name of the CITIZBNS AND TAXPAYERS | of this city to authorize the Attoruey Gederal of the State to bring actions in the name of the State acd et Moniad the tet ari fang eer a rove have improperly acqu! the funds whic! be of rignt to the city. This sub-committee 1a further authorized to assure the Governor that tha entife expense of such prosecutions will be cheer= fully borne by the Committee of seventy, and the State shall not be asked to advance one cent. Tig sub-committee are ’ TO SEE THE GOVERNOR: early next week on this matter, The conferenc@ committee, which, acting in conjunction with & committee from the Union League Ciub and another. from the Counetl of Political Keform, has beea ex: amining and appraising the appointments and tix< tures i the several city and county omces, mate a brief report. Their investigatious are not yet fin- ished, but they have found by the estimates of sucty experts as E. W. Baxter, J. E. Leeman, D, Tyrrell and others, that sums Varying froin 50 to 150 per cen& OVER AND ABOVE THE VALUE of the articles purciiased have been paid for the same. Yesterday and the day before the commit- tee looked into the County Clerk’s office, where Mr. Loew hus rendered them every facility and given them carve blanche to examine books and papers and persons. Judge Barrett has formulated the estimates of [he above famed experts into afi- davits and transmitted them to District Attorney Garvin, with @ request that the latter will prosecute the parties who bave so exoritantly charged the city or furnishing and fitting the city and county onces There are vouchers in Deputy Controller Green's hands now for some of thoze things which hava never been sworn to, though the money has veer paid out on them, ‘The next regular meeting of the committee wit take piace ou Tuesday evening, and meantime the sub-committees will carry oo their Investigations and someting more starUing than the news last night ts expected next week. BRING IT TO A HEAD! (From the Commercial Advertiser, Oct. 6,} The Committee of Seventy, with its numerous subdivisions, and the Jot Committee, with 19 various branches; the experts who serve these bodies, the Bench of the Supreme Court, tha Magistrates of the Police Courts, the press, the people, the District Attorney, the new Deputy Comptroller, the heads of the Municipal Depart- ments, and the Mayor of the city, are—Where? Exactly where they were a month ‘ago, with tha single exception that the Deputy Comptroller, sustained by a modified and remodified rultn, of the Supreme Court, has been made virt director of the public ailairs of the city. But it with the greatest dificulty that Mr, Green, with all the advantages osteasibly in his favor, can raise the funds required to keep the municipal machive im motion. By obtaining wdvances from baoks, and by accepting generous offers of aid, he has suc. ceeded in tiding over two or three of the perilous passages, and he hopes to meetaccruing cbiigations through the legitimate income from taxation; yet, when ail is Said, the situation is pot promising. The treasury ts virtually empty, There is an alarm- ing prospect of the cessation of public works, which will pure she future of the city to an extent quite equal to the stealings of past years, with the conse- quent distress to thousands Of workiugmen wh having no reserves to fall back upon, would be lef! destitute at the beginning of winter if their dally labor shoula be suspended, Vigorous demonsirasy vions have been made against the Mayor, but they ended as speedily as aa in; threats are uttered uguinst Tweed, Connoily, Garvey, Ingersoll, Miller and a host of others, but the result 1s’ words and = numberiess adidavits, copies ace counts, evidence of experts and news} re dia trives, all of which amount to very litte, uniess backed by positive action, Tn public are becoming impatient of all this talk, al these formalities of legal proceeding, ali these ar- raignments of Hagertys and Bauiches, all thesa meetings, open and secret, of investigating commit tees. ‘They begin to ask some pertinent questions —~ among them such as these:— Why cannot some one case be finished and put out of the way, instead of dragging along a dozen at atime, without any sort of definite result? If neg proofs are 80 abundant and so couclusive as th Bre sald to be, Why not produce them—fire them ot at once, In one grand volley, and shake th gene- rally? Or, do “too many cooks spoil the he And is there no directing head to bring order out of the chaos of affairs? The peopie want justice—justice to themselvea and to ail the parties accused under the pending proceedings. But they do not want a flood of geu- eral accusations, 80 copious as lo Wash away ail common sense, ali directness of purpose, all the regulations which are supposed to govern the local administration of a great city, With no ower end visible than that of a prolonged dead-lock, and, perhaps, the final escape of the very men who are Charged with serious misdemeanors. New York is too active, its imterests too importaut, its future too grand to be kept in the suspense which has now continued tor weeks, and which promises to continue for months to come. If the Citizens? Commitee has proofs tt 18 a duty to produce thei; ff that highly respectable body fs 100 unwieldy [or active, direct work Its elephaatine proportions 41 to the requirements of alert ex~ intence, pie. ou man from she ranks of tha ence, Pi ut one fi keatsed aha iuake nig the test case, and C8 strengta of the hostile parties can be estimate he ita proper value. If the evidence against bim the foree of an avalanche he wul go under. and then at least (here wil) be ap end Of ONG