The New York Herald Newspaper, December 7, 1871, Page 8

8 ; JIM IRVING ON TRIAL. A Striking Mustration of the Late Style of Conducting an Election. The Murderous Assault on Marshal Dowley. Ex-Jndge Pierrepont. ‘Special Prosecutor. ‘ Yesteraay the Decemver term or'vhe Unitea States Otreutt Court opened at eleven o'clock, before Judge Benedwt. At thathoure considerable num- ber of lawyers and of the puoe -generally, with a Jarge sprinting Of politicians of the ex-Tammany wtripe, were in attendance, expecting to hear the @evelopments to be made om the trial of Jim Irving, ©x-Member of Assembly, who is indicted for violent assault upon Deputy Marskal Dowley. The trrepres- ible sim bimself was, of course, present, looking a8 % & would please him to put a French roof on the Distnet Attornev-or any other man. He was repre- wented'dy ex-Judge Fullerton, My. Uharies Donohue and Mr. Charles 8. Spencer as counsel, and ex- Judge Pierrepont appeared as special Distriet Attor- mey to conduct the presecution, with Mr. Davis and Mr.‘Purdy as assistants. OPENING PROCEEDINGS. District Attorney Davis said that, under the pro- vistons of the Judiciary act, the Attorney General had appointed the Hon, Edwards Pierrepontspecial attoruey, and he moved that Mr, Pierrepont take the athe, Mr. PIERREPONT accoraingly took the oaths. The Court—Have you apy criminal business to move, Mr. District Attorney? The Disratcr ATroRNeY—A large number of cases, A move this morning the case of THE UNITED STATES VS. JAMES IRVING. The Covrr—It is the first case on the calendar. Call tne defendant. Mr. FULLERTON, one of Irving’s counsel—We are ready. Judge Bexgoior then called the criminal calen- dar. MINER, THE ALLGED OOUNTERFEITER. In this case Mr. Phelps, of counsel for defendant, Bald that he should be ready for trial but there was @ large number of witnesses to be brought from a distance, and he did not wish them to ve brought bere unnecessarily. He asked the government to ame a day for the trial, Mr. FuLLERTON—We are reaay to try the case if the goveroment will fix a particular day. After sone further discussion the District At- torney ixed Monday next for the triai of the case. SWEARING A JURY. Mr. Stilwell, Deputy Clerk of the Court, then pro- ceeded to call and awear a jury for the trial of Jim Irving. Mr. Bancock, the first Juror called, was questioned as to whether be had read of this case and come to |ny conclusion about it. He said, “I have heard of the case, though I did not go into the details, and I Bave formed n> opinion about it." He was sworn. Mr. Slade, the next juror, wa3 similarly ques- tione.l. He said he had seen an account of the thing tm tho papers, witha beading, but did not read it nd had formed no opinion aboutit, He also was sworn. Mr. Gregory, in reply to similar interrogatories, @aid he had heard of the case, but nad formed no opinion or impression about it. Sworn. Mir, Galo Was questioned in the same fashion and gave answers the same as the above. Sworn. Mr. O.erment Jewett stated, in reply to questions, that be had heara of the case, but did not recollect paving read it. He had formed no opinion on it at a rT Mr. Gage, Mr, Goodall, Mr. Page, Mr. Douglass, Mr. Rainey. and the other jurors sworn all gave Qnswers cXactly the same as those brought out by the interrogatories vo the oiner jurors, NAMES OF THE JURORS, Kingman F. Page, Ecwara Gage, Wiliam Gale, Francis Goodail, fienry S. Gregory, Wiluam Dougiass, Jarvis Slade, Gouverneur M. Ratney, a D, Babcock, Electus Ramsdale, nt Jewell, is Setab H. Hull. MR. PIERKEPONT OPENS FOR THE PROSECUTION, Mr. PrErRePonr stated the case for the proseca- tion. He said:—If Your Honor please, it is Ht tnat I should state how it nappens that I appear in this case a8 Special District Auorney, and sworn in as I have een. it was expected this case would be tried ‘Peveral days ago before Judge Woodruff. my iriend, the District Attorney, Judge Davis, was to have (ried the case; but a sad alliiction happened in his family in the death of his daughter. Ne was called away (rom his office, and he sent one of his assist tg asking if] would try the case in consequence that alliction. I agreed to do so, and he sent to Me Attorney Genera! for a commission making my @ppointinent. 1t 18 in this way, gentiemen, that I appear in tis case. The case I now present to you is One very rarely presented to any jury. I hope t te the only one of the Kind that bas ever been pre- tented to a jury. Indeed, I hardly knew of such a pase before, You are to try the prisoner for rescuing a prisoner who was taken under a ‘Warrant of the United states Marsbal, and beating the Marsial who had taken the prisoner near unto Geaih, so much so that when ball was fixed to the Case the surgeons testified they did not think be woula lve. ‘The Marshal who was beaten in the discharge of bis duty will be on the stand. He is a mailid, gculal, amiable man whom | have known for dong years. lie wok the warrant under the dlrec- {cn of this Court to arrest a prisoner charged with crime. In @ gentie, mild way, without violence of any Kind, he took the prisoner to bring him belore a magistrate. The prisoner 1s taken trom him, and the Murshal is beaten, as I said before, near unto @eath. The prixouer rescued 1s stil at large, although we will show you that every effort to find fin bas veep made. The rescued man has oeen put out of the way, and the Deputy Marshal was put nearly out of lie, The prisoner is named James Irv- ‘Ing, or, as he is generaliy known, ‘Jim Irving.” You" have heard of Jim Irving, and you will hear more him in tuls trial. I never saw him until within tho tast thirty minutes, when he was pointed out to me by counsel, aad he is now here on trial fof rescuing ® prisouer from the custody of the Deputy Marshal god beating the Marshal almost to death. The Srime is made a misdemeanor by statute and the pessoas ts exceedingly light; for it was not be- ved when the law was passed that a criminal Might be taken away fromthe Marshal and the lat- killed or nearly 50. In this case you will have witnesses here who saw the who.c of tunis affair. You will have the warrant before you and you will fave the Marshal Uefore you who was serving it. here is no mistake about the warrant or the Mar- Bhal or any of the facts. The warrant which J now show had is the one that will be given In evidence. It isa bioody ene. Jt is covered with the biood of the Marshal, who, in an honest mode, was trving to serve it; (hat blood was drawn by the prisoner who ie now on trial bejore you. When the evi- dence is in and ail the facts are pre- sented to you, you will be asked to say whetuer the facis are proved as charged 1m the in- dictinent. There Is no dispute as Lo the facis, Do dispute as to the warrant or as to the maa who signed it or whose biood is sow bere it. There will be no dispute about the man who committed the goed nor about the place where it was done. I shail prove to you in the beginning the correctness of ins dingram—(exbibiting a diagram)—which ‘wii! be necessary to a falr investigation of this case. Phe diagram was tukea on the ground, and you may be sure it is galte correct, Counsel wilted Out on the diagram the situation occupied at wenue Land Fiteeuth street by @ building or stom SnOp, Opposite to Which the Outrage occurred, The ee be said, Was occupied by a man named wen Geogheg.n, aud he was the man whom tue Marshal arresied under (he warrant alluded to, and Owen Geoghegan was the person rescued by Jim Irving, whv beat the Marshal, Geoghegan kept the grogsiiop on one corner, aud by looking at the dia- rau ive jury Would see that at one corner a public ag |AMip Stood, at another corner anotherlamp, and tanoller point another lamp, all being lighted. He hour at which wie outrage oecurred was be- tween nine and half-past mine in the evening, On enue A side Was an entrance to the liquor store, here were three lurge giass windows, oue of them ening down to (he ground as a door, ana on the iiteenth street side are three windows, and at the biack place on the diagram 18 @ door entering the building on Fittecusi stieet, near which ts a lamp, At Lhis point, near the lamp, Jim Irving and three oompanious drove up in a carriage. The Marshal, With three other men, were standing on the corner for the purpose of fuding Geoghegan. Ove of them xi not know lim, but they were told thet at nine o'clock Geoghegan was to be there to keep an ap- pomtment with Jim Irving. They went (ere at nine o'clock, or a few minutes to it. dhe a witb Lis assistants, stood there for the purpose Hodmg out Where Geoghegan was, and while there Irving drove up fiom Fifteenth street with lis companions, und came round to avenue B and went toto the sa: Joon there. Soon aller he came out aud waiked to- Wards is coach with bis Companions Geogne eubsequentiy made lis appearance, when irving bid bin “Good Hight.” Aman named Pitts:mons said toone of the marshals, “There 18 your mau.’ The Marsal stepped up to Geogiegau, who was standing on the sidewalk, took hold of bis arm with Bis right band and sai', “I am a United states Mar- shal, J have @ warrant for sou.’ “Yes, yes,” re- ul Geogiegan; “come juside.” “No” said the ‘arshal, ‘i canpot go ieide, You must come with p34) af the sane Ume presenting t.e warraut which now bave i my Land. Ue (Geog'egaa, reused to go with he Marsal siiguil vesstod and called ous Aim) dom tryiug jrviug was luep alor then | consequently | NEW YORK |HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER. 7, 1871.—TRIPLB, SHEET. Et Lt Blt faanted, or nearly fainted, help bimsel’, and he was removed He was ill aud confined to his weeks, He i Lorin by af 10 bis cou 5 the coon. ‘Tne extreme punishment for this offence 1g two years’ imprisonment. TESTIMONY FOR THE PROSECUTION. ‘As the first witness was about velng sworn Mr. Pierrepont made @ statement in reference to the ropriety of keeping the witnesses out of court Baring the hearing -of the testimony of each wit. ness on the stand. The witnesses were ordered out of court tiil calied for, Mr. John BE. Kennedy testified as to the correctness of the inane of the piace where the alleged out- |ARD. @ Depu Frederick Bernhard, Orn. am ty United States Marshal, and was employed in that capacity on the 6tu of November last; on th: Dowley ‘and. ovbnen T went to Gsoghtsgon" ow! 4 pul Mc house, at the corner of Fifveenth street avenue B; Dowley had a warrant lor the arrest Geeeher ses Assued by Commissioner Davenport; recognize the warrant and the biood upon it as. of Dowley’ anaes © the spot we sent & man {ato the store to see if Geoghegan was there, and at once &@ crowd of men came out; they were followed by @ man in bis shirt sleeves, who bade them good- night; Dowley aud myself appr: and asked If be were Mr, egan; he sald and Dowley remarked that he had @ warrant for his arrest; Geo- ghegao said, “Yes; come in; Dowiley declined to do 80, Whereupon Geoghegan called out, “JIM, JIM IRVING; Irving went up to the prisoner and strack Dowley in the face, saying, almost at the same moment, “Give him hell, the son of b—h ;”? the crowd, wich baa gone down Filteenth d, the prisoner was rescu wiey ran to the opposite side of the street, followed by Geog! Irving; I was with the crowd and saw Dowiey ineffectu: attempting to escape; when the adray was over | took Dowley into a drug store 4p avenue B; be was then in apparently a dying con- ition: {told @ policeman of the matter, aud he said we should not have got into such a crowd; 1 have know Irving about four years and cannot ‘be. mis- taken in bis appearance; I see him now jn Court; since this occurrence T have made efforts to tind Geoghegan, but have notiound him, (fhe warrant jor his arrest for violating the Election law was re read and identified. on the evening jn question and called at six places before reaching Geoghegan’s saloon; bly Tdrank two or three [Spe of lager bier that evening, but no stronger verage; NO caution was given to me to keep from. drinking too much before proceeding to effect the arrest of Geoghegan, nor was I advised to take some stimulants, as 1 would want them; I saw a man named Fitzsimons just befure the arrost, but I did Rot recognize any one one else up to that time; after the crowd left (he store O’Brien pointed out Geoghe- gan, remarking, ‘There is the man;”’ 1 SWEAR POSITIVELY I saw Irving on that occasion, and never ex- ressed &@ doubt as to his identity; I do not remem- er seeing a Carriage there, but O’Brien sald iving was in the store; Irving did not come out ol thi store when Geogiegan called nim and the crowd eines him; when Dowley got the first blow he ex- met “1 AM A UNITED STATES MARSHAL; I ran for an officer named O’Nelll to come to his agsistance; 1 am sure it was Irving who sald, “lo hell with the United States officer;” no one attempted to render any assistance to Dowley when he was injured, Defendant’s counsel offered to give proof thata strong projadice on the part of the prosecution ex- Isted against the defendant, ed to be allowed, as impeaching tne credibility of the wit- ners, 10 prove that Irvi was put in irons after bis arrest, and was deli unnecessarily in the Mar- jaye ny shal’s oMce for the pur, ir Gegrading dim, ed Vet evidence only ol Mr. PIERREFONT rej pointed to the fact that the prisoner was u dan- gerous man in the community, ‘rhe Judge rulea out the offer of TESTIMONY OF LAWRENCE Lawrence O’Brien, sworn.—He testified reside at 44 Hamilton strect, and am now in the employ of BRIE: Marshal Sharpe; on the 6th of November f went with Deputy Marshals Dowley and Bernhard to ar- rest Owen Geoghegan at bis er Of Fif- veenth street and avenue B; I enter é store and found that our man was inside, wie my compan- 10n8 remained on the outside; a coach drove up, and three or four men, who came out of uf entered the store; among these was Mr. Irving, whose name I had not previously Known, but with whose appear- ance I was famitar. IMONY OF THE MAN ASSAULTED. John Dowley, swurn—I am @ United States Deputy Marshal, since 1859; the warrant tnat hag been offered in evidence was given to me to serve on the 6th of November last; I took with me to afrest Geoghegan, O’Brien and Bernhard; in look- ing ior Geoghegan we went to several laces that ht; we Look with us to Geoghegan’s store a man named Fitzsimons and another man, whose name [ don’t know, for the purpose of pointing gan tous; after some delay we found Geoghegan Outside the store; I went up to him and asked, “Is an Mr. Geoghegan?” he said “Yes, come in;” | eald, “Iam a Un ted States Marshal and | havea warrant for your arrest; { would like you to come along with me;’’ he sald, “Hoid on a minute, I want ea 1 said, “You can’t go inside;” then e Bald, “COME ON, BOYS, AND GIVE THE MARSHALS BELL” immediately after saying @0 he called out, *Ju Jim Irving;”’ at that call a man whom I sup! to be Jim Irving stepped up to me and said, “What ig the matter here?” Isaid, “There t nouling the matter; 1 am o United States Marshal; I have a ‘Warrant for this man’s arrest;’’ as I said go I was as- saulted; J exclaimed several times tn @ loud voice, “{ am 4 United States Marshal;” how I got across the street I don’t know; I was found lying en my face on ‘he opposite sidewalk; I was stabbed in the right cheek and received several wounds in the head; I was car:ied into adrug store and bad my wounds «tressed; was attended by physiclans; there were altogether six wounds on my bead, (The wit- Ness pointed outa scar on his right cheek.) Geo- ghegan was rescued from me and I have not seen him since; during the assault there was suMcient hight from the store and the Jamps to enable me to recognize anyboay whom I had ever seen before. At this stage of the proceedings the Court ad- Journed until eleven o'clock this morning. OLD HOMIOIDE OASES. No Clew to the Perpetrators. On Friday Coroner Young wil take up the case of John McCauley, the young man who was fatally shotin Third avenue, near Forty-ffth strect, early in September last, by @ man who made his escape at the time and bas not yet been arrested, Since the occurrence, Captain Gunner, of the Nineteenth recinct; Detective Hamilton and other members of he force have been i search of a man named Morpny, suspected of being the murderer, but have been unable to learn oo concerning him, Murphy was employe about one of the railroad depots. The in- vestigation has been thus long postponed to ve the police every opportunity to secure the assassin. Nothing now 1s to be gained by longer delay. Murphy, it is thought, has left the country. Coroner Youbg on Saturday will make an investi- gation in the Case of Joseph Schneider, the Ger- | nan Who, while passing through New Lowery, | nearly throe months ago, with a basket of pretzels on his arm, was stabbed ip the abdomen with a | knile in the hands of a viclous boy named McGaw, then living with hig master at No.5 Vandewater | street. Schneider died soon afterwards from the edfects of the wound and the youthful perpetrator made his escape. Captain Allaire, of the Fourth recinc!, has since been in search of McGaw, but é cannot Le found. The latier, it ia alleged, stole a pretzel trom Schneider's basket, and, on being remonsirated with, turned upon and plunged the blade of a knife into Schneider’s abdomen. The Death of Lawyer New: irk. The remains of Mr. Azel P. Newkirk, tne lawyer, who died in the Jefferson Market Prison, where he haa been committed on acharge of larceny, have been removed to the Morgue, where Wooster Beach, M., D., Wil make a post-mortem examination, after which Corover Keenan will hold an inquest on the pl Intemperance doubtless was the cause of deat! JERSEY CITY WATER 8UPPLY. Another Water Famine Averted—The Reser- voir Pipes Choked with Ice. Since the water famine in Jersey City and Hobo- ken, about o year and a half ago, the residents of those cities are easily excited over any ap- pearance of a diminution of the water supply. On Tuesday night it was observed in every quarter of Jersey City that tne suppiy suddvniy feil short, Reports were made accordingly at the oMce of the Board of Pub- le Works yesterday morning and @ gang of laborers was sent to the Belleville reservoir, An examina- tion of the sappiy pipes showed that the defect did | Lot ie, in this section. The pipes conveying the water (othe distributing reservoiz on Jersey Clty Heignts were examined and no faw could ve found therein. Jt was finally — dis- covered that @ masa of broken ice which collected on the surface of the reservoir was carried against (Le screen protecting the orifice of the main Wich supplies the eity, and almost completely shut off the ruppiy. The ice was soon cledred away; but aga iarge quanuty of ice had found its way into the pipe through the screen the free flow of tne water was checked during the day, There is atil Blarge supsly of water in \he reservoir. THE COURTS. The Case of Jordan and Ryan—A New Assess. ment Ordered in the Riverside Park Litigs. tion—Verdict Against the Third Avenne Railroad Company—A Heavy Verdict im the Black Friday Suit—Action for the Loss of a Leg—Clearing Off Day in General Sessions. UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. As Action Against the Government te Recever for Services Rendered in Carrying the California Mails—Senator Merrill Centesting for the Receyery of Land im Western Virginia. WasHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 6, 1871. No.9, George Chorpenning vs, The United States— Appeal from the Court of Claims.—This case is fa- miliar, The petition was filed in the Court below to recover $176,576 87 alleged to be aue the appellant for services for carrying the mails in California be- tween the years 1851 and 1854 and payable to him, as claimed by virtue of the Actof March 8, 1897, tor His relief. Court found that under the tirst sec- tion of the act the Postmaster General had the ex- clusive jurisdiction and guthority to settle and adjust the claim, and that baving made aecision and award thereon which was accepted by tho claimant, ‘the was final and conclusive upon the claimant; and the Court of Claims had no authority or jurisdiction to hear or determine the matter or to correct or change the Sward of the Post Office De) te Sppea irom that decision the case was brought here, where itis Dow submitted on the printed brieis of the government, maintaining the judgment of the Court below, No brief is filed tor the claimant. Solicitor General Bristol and Assistant District At- torney for the government. No. 10, James Armstrong et al. vs. Lot M. Mor- riu—Error to tho District Oourt for the District of ‘West Virginia—This was an action of ejectment insti- tuted in 1857 by Lot M. Morrill 6 Senator from Maine) and others to recove! ract of 1,600 acres of lan Commonwealth of Virginia to Albert Gallatin by patents bearing date 10th of February, 1846, In 1850 @ verdict was rendered in favor of Morrill for all the land, except as to forty acres covered by another patent. The questions on the trial were as to the derivation of the title, and the evidence was mostly documentary. The plain- tte here took excepciona to the rulung of the Court in the admission of evidence, and the cause is now argued on the lechnical questions so raised. Messrs. Smith & Evarts for plaintiffs in error; George D. Camden for defendant. UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT. Tho Case of Generals Jordan and Ryan. Before Judge Benedict. The District Attorney sald ne was ready in the case of the United States vs. Thomas Jordan and in- tended to move it Mr, PHELPS, for General Ryan, said he also was ready, The case was cet down for Monday next. after the Miner trial. In the case of the United States vs. William 0°O. Ryan the defendant was called but did not answer and no counsel appeared for him. Mr. PURDY—I move for the issue of @ bench war- rant. ‘The Court—Take the order. The Erie Kailway Litigation. ‘The reference before the Master, Mr. Kenneth G. ‘White, respecting the shares of Erie Ratlway stock claimea by Heath and Raphael, the Englisn share- ie ee Hab their property, was resumed yester- day. . Southmayd and Mr. Tweed appeared for Heath and Raphael, and Mr, Beach and Mr. Sorgen for the Erie Railway Company. A statement having been made to the Master that the Erie Company were sxpenine, as fast as possible the filling up of ificates, which are tobe pjaced in lieu of ter ali, or nearly all, of the certificates will be pro- duced, property filied up, signed and stamped. SUPREME COURT—GENERAL TERM. A New Assessment To Be Made in the River- side Park Case. Before Judges Ingraham, Barnard and Cardozo. Tne opinion of the Court in the matter of the Riv- erside Park assessment was delivered by Juage In- graham. It will be remembered that an appeal was made to this Court from the order of the Spectal Term confirming the report of the Commissioners of Estimate and Assessments, The leading objec- tuon was that such @ proceeding, when confirmed by the Special Term is final, and that tnere could be no appeal to the General Term. The opinion recites a history of the case which has already been fully given in the HeRratp, and then, after citing a large number of precedents bearing upon the case, announces the decision of the Court to be that the objection was not well taken, and that the appeal must be sustained and the order appealed from be set aside, He says in conclusion:—“It is tobe regretted tnat a new re- port cannot at once be made by the present Com- missiouers, but as two of them are away and can- not act in the matter it will be necessary to send the case to new Commisstoners. These will be named on _ settlement of the order.” Judge Cardozo, though concurring in the chief points of Judge Ingrahaim’s decision pre- sents a partially dissenting opinion. He says—‘‘l con- cur thatthe order is appealable. As bearing on ‘that question, the case of King vs. The Mayor, &c., 36 .N. X.,. 100 may be added tothe authorities re- ferred to py Judge ingranam. 1 also agree that the Court had not the power to direct tie Commis- e damage at a sum which the Judge fixed instead of leaving it vo the Commis- sioners, and that for tbat reason the order should be reversed and the matter take the course suggested by Judge Ingraham.” ‘The Cases ot McNevius, Okell and Lookup Evans. Tn the cases of William H. McNevins, convicted of murder, William Okelil, convicted of receiving stoien bonds, and “Lookup” Evans, convicted of abortion, arguments were heard on appeal. The facts in ail these cases have oeen too frequently pub- [shed to require repetition. The exceptions were portions of the evidence and portions of the Judge's charges, and embraced outside of this about the same lines of argument as taken at the respec- tive trials. Tbe Court reserved its decision in each case, SUPREME COURT—GENERAL TERM. Decistons. By Judge Brady. Rollins vs, Mynagh.—Motion granted. Goodenough et al. vs, Manning.—Keference or- ered. Jones vs. Bonendall.— Motion granted, $10 costs to plaintit’ to abide event. Christy vs. Dawson.—1 think the substitution should be allowed on the payment of $35. Marsh vs, Saiomon et al,—Mouion granted. Hoyt et al. vs, ig etd et al.—Case geitica. jy Judge Cardozo, In the Mat'er of the Petition of Joseph Farvell.— Order granted and bonds approved. Laura A, Sanford et al. vs, Levina 8, White et al.—Order of sale and judgment in petition granted. SUPERIOR COURT—TRIAL TERM—PART 2. Verdict Ag t the Third Avenve Company. Before Judye Spencer. Thomas Hamilion vs, Tha Third Avenue Railroad Company.—In this case, the fall particmars of which have been pubdiished tn the Hera.p, and which, it will be remembered, wa3 a suit for $6,000 damages for being ejected from @ Third avenue railroad car, the jury gave yesterday a verdict of $500 for the plaintim COURT OF COMMON PLEAS—PART I, The Binck Friday Case—A Heavy Verdict. Before Judge J. F. Daly. Cameron vs, Derkheim, Coz and Kemmeys.—In this case, the trial of which lasted eight days, and the particulars of which have already appearea in Ube HERALD, akg brought in @ sealed verdict for the piainuift for the sum of $36, 606 02, Action for the Loss of a Leg—$4,000 Awarded by the Jury. John P, MoTerney vs, James Murphy and Hugh Smith.—This case, which was partially tried o few weeks since, when the facts appeared in the HERALD, Was again tried yesterday, and resulted in @ verdict for plaintti for $4,000 damages for the loss 3 leg by being run over by one of the deiend- tages On the 1ith of September, 1864, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS—SPECIAL TE) Decisions. By Judge Robinson. Bathgate, Administratiz, ét al., vs, Harkins et al,—Judgment and foreciorure sale for $4,465 69. By Judge Larremore. Lieoman v6, S:emeriz,— Kelerence ordered. skouthact vs, Cooper.—Same. Hopper vs, Fiynn.—-8ame. Kiabar vs, Lowenstein. —Same. Kock vs. Kock.—Sam COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS. Grand Larcenies and Burglaries. Before Judge Beusord. There were @ large number of cases disposed of erday 10 the General Sessions, y Michael Tratoor end Thomes Voyie, chargea with Kailroad burglartously entering the premises of Emanuel Strauss, No, Tavenue D, on the 23d of November, pleaded gulity to an attempt at burglary in the third degree. Mr. FELLOWS said that he could not conyict them of burglary. Judge BEDFORD, in passing sentence, satd:—The Grand Jury nave inaicted you two men tor bur- jary in the third degree. The representative of the H me tella the Court, after an examination of the mony, be has inden. to: (ANE $3 DIR- A 08 attempt, It being in law only an attempt to commit that Doyle, you are @ professional thief and buglar, and upon you was found a ‘jimmy.’ Trainor, you are another th: and you bad a burglars T shall send each of you to the State Fenn se full limit—two years and six months t har yr . Danield McDonald, who, on the 9th of November broke @ showcase belo! to Pnillip P. Meyer. and attempted to steal some Sivereare, leaded guilty, and was sent to the Penitentiary 0 months, Heury Schmidt was convicted of an attempt st larceny 1n stealing a coat valued at $60 from Sai J er, thera 4in of November. He was for sent reuhchael MeGinn Was tried and convicted of steal- ing a wagon on the 25th of November, the tks Fan ol Peter . Bommer, corner of Thirteenth street Fourth avenue. onicer An found the prisoner in possession of the wagon at midnight. The Judge postponed the sentence till Friday. On the 28th of prs ho burglary was committed upon the fancy store of Hunt & Dusenbury, in the Astor House Daliding, and $300 worth of pe stolen. Willtam Maher (who has escaped to Canada), Lawrence Casey, John Casey and ‘Timothy Kelly, ouths, were and charged with the crime. awrence Casey and Timothy Kelly were sent to the House of Refuge and John Casey was dischar, Henry Dieffenbach pleaded guilty to petty larceny from the person in stealing, on the 29tn of Novem. ber, $23 irom Anna Burrougas. He was. remanded for sentence. John Gleason and mephan Deedy, youths, pleaded raiity to an Cpe at burglary in the third degree, the charge being that they entered the grocery store of Henry Keany on the 3ist of uctober and stole $17. They were each sent to the Penitenuary for two yephomas MeCormick. who, on the 23d of November, stole G box of tea valued at $40, the property Herman Schutt, pleaded guilty to an attempt at late ceny. He was sent to the Penitentlury for one year. es McAllister pleaded guilty to an atvempt at ana rceny, owas indicted for stealing cloth- Ing, & Olanket and a sleigh robe, valued at $120, on the 20th of November, the property of Honora Crowiey, 165 West Forty-third street. Judge Bedford, in sentencing tne prisoner, said he was a bold sneak thief, and he would sentence him oe Prison for two years and six mont ACQUITTALS. Thomas Smith was tried upon a charge of steal- ing a gold watch trom Charles Burke while dozing ina Mquor saloon On the 2d of October, ‘The evi- dence was circumstantial, and the jury, believing it to ve insufticient to convict him, rendered a verdict of not guilty, The Judge said to the prisoner upon the rendition of the verdict:—You may well laugo; the jury made a great mistake; I know all about | you; youhave been out of the State Prisop elght months, The next time you come here the District Attorney will convict you. James Burgess and Henry Johnson were acquitted of acharge of larceny from the person, the com- plainant being Gerhart Mathewson, whose watch was taken while riding upon @ Third avenue car on the 24th of October, The defendants were standin upon the rear platform, which was crowded, an the complainant felt the accused pressing against They jumped off the car and were imme- diately arrested, but the watch was not found. It is understood that Recorder ackett will pro- side during the remainder of the montu and reLeve Judge Bediord, who, since the commencement of the term, has disposed of nearly one hundred and forty cases, which 18 an extraorainary month’s work. COURT CALENDARS—THIS DAY. SUPREME COURT—OHAMBERS—Held by Judge Car- 40z0.—Nos. 29, 41, 42, 55, 86, 89, 91, 98, 101, 102, SPECIAL TERM—Held by Judge Barnard.—Nos. 83, 84, 86, 67, 88, bs 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104,’ 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113. Crecurr—Part 1—Hela by Judge Van Brunt.— 26, 414, 28, 416. SureRion CouRT—TRIAL TeRM—Part 1—Held by = Monell.—Nos. 749, 979, 274, 965, 539, 808, 47 3%, 493, 915, 1385, 649, 1143, 1185. Part 2—Held by Judge Spencer.—Uase on, CoMMON PLEAS—GENERAL Teru—Held by Chief Justice Daly and Judges Robinson and Loew.—Noa, 12, 42, 45, 51, 63, 86, 94. COMMON PLEAS—TRIAL TERM—Part 1—Held by Judge J. F. Daly.—Nos. 1047, 345, 1103, 393, 1027. 727, 946, 947, 1136, 1801, 876, 1023, 68, 192, 514, 382, 408, 467, 1130, 722, 851, 172, 998, 1048, 1084, Marve OovrtT—TRIAL TenM—Part 1—Held b; Judge Alker.—Nos. 7809, 7418, 6240, 7422, 7052, 672: 1016, 7180, 730 7461, 7430, 7464. Part 2—Held by Judge Shed.—Nos, .7127, 3131, 7331, 6693, 7046, 7020, 7048, 7250, 7354, 6570, 7420, 7421, 7462. Part 3— Held by Judge Joachimsen.—Nos. 8135, 7971, 79713, 8264, 8266, 8267, 6268, 8269, BROOKLYN COURTS. UNITED STATES COURTS. No Regular Caleadar—Returns of Process. Before Judge Benedict. The December term of the Circuit and District opened yesterday, when Judge Benedict sald that no regular calendar would be called this month, as he would be compelled to hold Circuit in New York, 4m consequence of the absence of Judge Woodruff. Judge Benedict, however, for the purpose of hearing Motions, will be in attendance in Brooklyn every morning until ten o’clock, save on Saturdays. In the District Court. return of process was made in the case of fieury W. Race aid others 9,681 dry ox and cow hides. The property wi tached and claimant allowed a week to on ap- swer. Return of process was made in‘the case of the United States against five packages of distilled spirits. No clalmant appeared, aad the property was condemned and ordered to be sold. SUPREME COURT—SPECIAL TERM. An Offal Row. Before Judge Pratt. Joseph A, Moller and Others vs, Edward Clark.— ‘The plaiuuffs in this case are sugar refiners, doing business In the Eastern District, and they bring ac- tlon'to restraim the defendant, who has a contract with the city to remove the offal of that district, from placing offal or otner offensive substance on the dock at. the foot of Division avenue. . They like- wise sue to recover damages in the sum of 000 for injuries allegea to have been done their business, Judge Uilbert had previously granted a temporary injuncuion, and yesterday the case came up before Juage Pratt ou the motion of Mr. E. T. Wood, piain- tid’s counsel, to have the tujanction made perma- nent. Counsel submitted afidavits iat tigg that the immediate vicinity of the dock 18 thickly populated, that there Were refineries and other jactories Tunning there night and day, and that the depositing of tne offal at the dock was very detrimental to the health of ail about there. He held that it was the auty of the city anu the Board Of ilealth to see that such a natsance did not exist in such a thickly populated ueighboriood, and that it was their duty to have the offal removed through the least offensive channel. Mr. D. P. BARNARD, for the defendant, argued that Clark Was not responsible, aud, in support of this argument, submitted the agreement between Ulark and the city and the order of the Health Board that this dock should be used. Mr. Barnard argued further that the Court had no power tosay to what part of the city the offal should be removed, bot that ft could only compel the defenaant to do his-work properly. He stated thatthe South Sixth street dock nad been used during the temporary in- junction, and thata similar injunction was about to appited for to prevent the use of that, Corporation Counsel De WitT said that if the city Was not permitted to remove tie offal to lighters at the Division avenue dock, which is the only one they (pee city) control, the oGal must lay in the street, He thought that the refinery and distillery in the neighborhood were 7 great a nuisance as the dead animals on the doc! Jodge Prats decided to durlag Whe pendency of t! CITY CoUAT. Sent tu the Penitentiary for Keeping a Dis- orderly House. Before Judge Mcvue. Madame St. Clair and Alfred St, Clair, ber hus- band, were tried yesterday tor keeping @ disorderly house at No. 42 Fieet street, Numerous complaints haying been maae against the honse parties in the vicinity Sergeant Van Wagner, of the detective force, and a aquad of his Inen made & descent on tne night of the 231 of November and arresjed the St. Clairs and several men and women whom they found there. Tnis iouse was frequenuly visited by Married men and women, suine of whom moved in the best circles of societ! hess testified yesterday that he had scen married men go there and their wives follow later w sce if they could fina them there, ‘The defence uemed that the house was a atsor- derly one, and severai witnesses wore examined ‘who lived in the vicinity, and who swore that they never saw anything wrong about the house. ‘The jufy, however, convicted the prisoners, and Jurige ‘McCue sentenced each of them to the Peni- tentiary for six months, Madame St, Clair burst into tears apon recelving the sentence, BROOKLYN COURT CALENDAR. Nos. 68, 31, 03, 34, 98, 01, 66, 57, 67, 138, 143, 144, 147, 161, tor, 192, 108, Zl, 2: Criminal Branch.—Trial of alieged election ba ve the injunclion i irauda, ALS. COURT OF The following 1s the Court 0! pt alen- $5 ia ut T 1;—Nos. 424, au, 874, 441, 442, 41), aud one wit. | A Dall Day—Robberics from the Person.” Judge Hogan presided at the Tombs Police Court yesterday and had before him the usual number of Dlear-eyed vagrants and petty offenders, The pro- ceedings of the day were barren of incidents of an interesting character, with the exception of three cages of larceny. ROBBING A FELLOW LODGER. John Mulien and William A. Aughtenson are tel- low boarders at the house of Mrs. E. Cummerfort, No, 307 Pearl street, and both appeared before the Judge, the former as a prosecutor, the latter as &@ prisoner. Mullen charges that on. the 1st instant, at one o’clock P. M,, he left in his trunk $56 in cash and a gold chain worth $25, and on return- ine homie at five P. M. discovered it had taken its departure. Aughternon being charged with the of fence, dented being in the house between one and four o’clock, whereas the landlady and Joseph Ken- drick swear he was in it. Mrs, Cummerfort also found in Wuliam’s valise, five days atterward, a key ‘tnat fita the look of Mulien’s trunk. Aughternon was committed in default of $1,000 pall, the evidence being rather strong against him. FLEECING A GBRMAN, Caspar Fieiteber, a Hudson street butcher, met in the Fourth ward on Tuesday Louis Demelert, of 475 Pearl street, became very loquacious and officious, and finally invited him to smile over the counter. of a ‘at No. Redes Chambers ‘street. While tne two gentlemen of bibulous proclivities were par- taking o! ir ik Lous asserts that Casper robbed him of $20 and a $20silver watch that were in bis coat pocket, On veing Charged with the offence before the Court the accused entered a plea of not guilty, and was held in $500 ball to answer, A RUBALIST FLEECED, Michael Kennedy, from the country, who 1s now a jer at the House of ee meta ler named Richara Harkins, of 131 Baxter street, ho invited nim into an un reroRnd, crib to drink, ile there Michae! missed’ $20 from his pocket, ac- cused Harking of the robbery, was knocked down for his impertinence; but Omcer Ely came to the Tescue and arrested the pedler, who was held in $1,000 for trial: CONFESSION OF A NEGRO MUR- DERE2. The Crime Committed Nearly Two Years and a Half Ago. \ ee the Springfield (Ohio) Advertiser, Dec. 2.) it is so ordered in the economy of man that crime cannot be concealed forever. Years slip away and the deed 18 known only to God and the pereeteaton, and, when the efforts of the authories ave been ‘in val, then remorse of conscience be- gins its work and the deed 1s revealed by confes- sion. In we case which we are about to relate it seemed so improbable that a confession would be made that when. information was placer before the Grand Jury of Clarke county, based upon the con- fegsion of the individual who is mentioned here, the sald jury would not return a true bill, Further par- ticulars lead \o une belief that the following are facts, and establish beyond doubt that the murderer of Mrs. Ormsbee 13 discovered:— Sherif Coutin, at the Obio State Penitentiary, yes- terday, recetved the confession of a negro who de- clared himself the murderer 01 Mra. Ormsbee, on the 14th of July, 1862, Our citizens will remember this fearful tragedy. A bright summer morning the city was startlea with the news that a widow lady had been shot dead in her house in broad daylight, and that the cold- Dlooded villain, after committing the dastardly deed, hud walked a short distance from the house, stopped under a tree, looked back at tne house and then turned again and coolly waked off. The par. taculars of the murder are about a8 follows:—The fa in the house on the night of the 13th of July, irs. Barnett, an aged widow lady, about seventy ycars old, her daughter, Mre. B. A. Orms- bec, also'a widow, aged erie twosons of Mrs, Ormanee, Benjamin and Richard, On Tuesday night, July 12, 1869, Mrs. Barnett and Mrs. Ormsbee slept in the bedroom on the first hoor and the two boys sicpt in a room up stairs. In the morning Mrs. Ormsvee rose , a8 usi at about nalf- ast four o'clock, and stepped in her night dress m the bedroom into the dining room. Her mother, who was awake, but stil in bed, made some remark about the household arrangements ag she 1d out of the room. A mcmentelapsed, when suddenly Mrs. Ormsbee was heard to scream. A snot Instantly followed, aud Mrs, Ormbee exclaimed, “Oh! mother |” toiled rity yo Benj immi y Kus! @ wpot, the ter from the room up stairs, Benjamin reached the window in time to see a man avon twenty paces distant from the houxe walking away. As the boy looked out the man turned, gazed ‘at the window where Mrs. Ormsbee lay dead, and then turned and yaikea away; golng quorth SANE somanse, en ming wes ugh & potato patch and gol towards Warder’s woods, is : Itis well known that great effort was made to secure the murderer, that rewards were offered and detectives secured to bring the perpetrator to jus- tice, Suspicion fell upon Henry Ormsbee, a stepson of Mrs. Ormsbeo, who resided in Cynthiana, Ken- tucky, and William Scott. of this cliy, was sent ‘Unere to ascertain the truth about the matter. lie found that lie had not left the piace where he had been working at the time the murder was com- mitied, since the 6tb of July, and hence could not have been in this city atthe time. A clear and un- mistakable alibi was ascertained 1n this case. Start- Mog conjectures were. started trom tme to time, but the evidence was fragmentary and scarcely tan- gibie. B. H. Warder secured a detective at his own expense to ferret ont: the murderers. D! last some intelligence came to the. Prose- cut Attorney and Sherid, which poinicd in an ent different direction, It was believed that @ a and eolored man had done the Sherif CoMln was cuabled to obtain from some colored people In South Charleston frag- ments of a confession which had been mate by a colored manto them. ‘Tne Sheriif endeavored to se- cure this colored man, but was unable todo so, as he was of a roving disposition and remained but a ‘short me in ono place. Some ume ago word was sent to the Sheriff from the Penitentiary that a man was imprisoned there ‘who had someting of tmportance to communicate. The Sherid was at tne Penitentiary yesterday deliv: eriug over to the Warden: Matthew Carlos and Wil- liam Gibbons, 1ound guilty of burglary. While there he called the attention of the Wardén to the word be had received, and asked to see a colored man named Gnarles bell, The Warden complied with his request, and brought outa Agee Bag man, aout twenty years, very brown in color, heavy, thick ps and beastly features; bis snort, woolly hair coming down over nis forehead nearly to his eyes, shurting out all idea of intelligence or tne higher virtues, J In ‘accordance with the desire of the Sheriff tne negro, who gave his name as Charles Bell, began his contession, which was heard by Sheng Coftin, Deputy Sherif?’ Boggsjand the Warden. c 8. CONFESSION, He began by yas that, he and a white man, whose name he did not know, but who wus iu the habit of loafing about the Western House, had heard that Mrs. Ormsbee had recetved $600 and bad it in the house that night. They tnereforé contrived a plan of ropbing her of it, ‘They waited until about hune o'clock at night, and then, afver fe con- siderable, started on their way to her residence, They arrived there about ten o’clock but found that the family were still up, a8 & ght was burning in the house, So they went over to Greenmount Cemetery. There they laid down to wait a few hours until they could [ieee with greater safety. Overcome, however, yy the liquor they bad drank, they fellasieep, an Bell said what when he awoke it was daylight and we chickens were crowing. ‘They then arose and procecded quietly to the house, wiitch they entered rom the window onthe north side of the house, which they propped open with @ stick of woud. They passed through the house without awakening the inmates, but after ransacking the rooms they were unable to find the money The negro had Teached the lower room when he was startled by ‘the appearance of Mrs. Ormabee, who had arisen in accordance with her usuul custom. » He endeavored to make his est and had reached the window when she caught him by the arm as if to detain him, when’ he raised a pistol and fired it, she fell dead immediately at tne window. He sald be was so frightened when she caugnt him by the arm, and feared that the tumates Of the house might capture him, that he killed ner to prevent her from detaining him. tie then walkea out im the orchard and stopped under a peach tree, looked back to sce if any one was atir- ring and then turned and proceeded norvhward to the National road. He saw several persons in the road, but they did not. attcinptto halt him. The wilte man who was with him ran Out around the northern comier of the house and passed out of the yard on the east side. Bell says he has never secn or heara anything of him since thet time, Bell came to town that day and got drank, and before many hours found himself in-the station house for disorderly conduct. Ho wag confined there for some time, although the authorities !ittie suspected that they had @ murderer arrested. At length tne Mayor told Bell that if he would leave tho town he- would release him. ie made the promise and was reicasea, He went irom here to South Charleston, where he told some colored friends of the murder and itis share in it; went to Columbus, where he stole a horse, and went to a mall town in Madison county, where he broke into @ atore; Was arrested, tuund guilty and sent to the Penientiary fur the term of sixteen years for grand darceny, Hie said ho was a native of Kentucky, and bad been heré about a year. The pistol with which he had committed the deed of biood lad been given to him by @ colored man of this place by the name of George Brown, Bell stated that he wanted to make this confession because he did not feel right ry he had done it; it hung heavily upon nis con- sewnce and be thought he woult jee! bewer if he should unburden himseit to the authorities, Sher! said that he acsoribed the 1368 with precision, aud 18 without doubi the cold- Viooded, heartiess murderer of alrs. Ormsbee. AID FOR THE CHICAGO SUFFERERS. In yesterday's HERALD It was announced that the sum of £1,420 15 “had been remiited by the London Corn Trade through Mesers, HWowiand and Aspin- wail, of ints city, for the relief of the Western fre victims.” It should have read, “iad deon remit- tod by tne London Corn ‘Trade, through Messrs. Howland & Aspiawall, to tne Preaidentiol the Prod- uce Exchange of this city,” &o Y canvassing Oo} PRIZE FIGHTERS IN COURT. Edwards and Collirs Bronght Up on Habeas. Corpus and Dise':arged from Custody. ’” Argument of Counsel and Judge Ingraham?’s Decision. } ‘There was rejoicing yesterday among the friends of. the two noted pugilists, Billy Edwards and Tim Col- lng, over their release from the rather in| island where they had been vegetating Pages es months past, by sentence of Judge Dowling, in the Special Sessions, who sent them up there imme- diately after their little fisticuff exhibition on Long Island. It will be recollected that the two gladia- tors were sentenced to the island for twelve months each and to a pay a fine of $1,000, Their counsel, Mr. W. F. Howe, has been unceas ing in his efforts to secure their release, and argued in an appeal by certiorars that there wag no proot that TUE PRIZE FIGHT in which Collins and Edwards are alloged to have appeared as principals nad peen set on ‘foot-or ‘arranged in this city or county; the only proof to that effect being that other persons were driven in carriage {rom New York to the place where the prize fignt took place; that, therefore, there was no Jurisdiction in the County or City Court, and, sec- ond, that one judge could not, sitting alone, comyict at the Court of Special Sesstons. Judges Ingraham and Barnard, stitiog m General derm of the Supreme Court, having announced their readiness to isten to argument of counsel in criminal cases, District attorney Sullivan rosé aiid statea that he was ready to proceed with the case ¢ the certiorart of Collins and Eawards, convicted the Court of Special Sessions, before Judge Dowling, for prize fighting. Mr. Howe, counsel for the mutuat friends, late hostile combatants, bb with bis ‘inca nderous roid, got’ Yo nadress the Court in SupEprt of the poibks by him on behalf of his clients, and scooudieg de which, as he oon oat he were ille; ally he) Ho e et . He first cailed the attention the various statutes organ ‘at which they had b it Bilge poo 0) een convic a the yurisdictioa of that Court in criminal case Se Howe contended that all the evidence developed against comm! of @ witness who showed the misdemeanor of which they had been convicted to have been committed in acens county, L. I.. which made it clearly apparent that the Court of Special Sessions of the city and county of New York had no jurisdiction to try or convi them, anu upon this state of facts he called for a re- versal of the decision of that Court, : Assistant District Attorney Sullivan contended that the fight was set on foot here, and claimed that the Court of Special Se sions had full power to act as it did, and that Collins and Edwards snoaig be compelled to serve out their one year’s sentet and also pay the fine of $1,000 imposed upon them by the Court of Special Sessions. The Justices then deliverated and Justice Ingia ham proceeded to deliver nis opinion. ‘The Court held that Mr. Howe’s point was = taken, and that the conviction was ill nd '¢ the prisoners should not have been held a day o1 such a conviction, It was, therefore, unanimously reversed, Mr. Hows then handed ap his writ of habeas oor: pus, and asked that Edwards and Collins be imme- diately discharged froin custody, ‘This motion Was alse granted, and the PRIZE FIGHTERS LEFT TUE COURT ROOM #£RUB MEN. They grasped their counsel by the hand and thanked him for bis diligence and success, and alao, after being congratulated by their numerous irien fervently Riera Harry Hill for the interest he taxen in their benalf. ‘rhey both’ vow never agaid to enter the prize ring. When the devil was sick the devil a saint would be; ‘When the devil was well the devil a saint was he, BROOKLYN AFFAIRS, Fire on Shipboard. A fire broke out on board the ship Pearl of India, lying at the aocks of the Empire Stores, foot of Main street, shortly alter four o'clock yesterday morning. The captain of the vessel, Duncan John 80n, states that he was awaked In his stateroom, of the after cabin, by suffocation, but cannot account for the origin of'the fire, Henry Ferguson & Qo., of Greenox Scotland, are the Owners of the Morgan & Sons the mis. The on the sceuo and E, Department was prompt tn arrivii action, and throuzh their exertions the ship was saved from total destruction, ‘The tos ts cstimat at about three thousand doliars, of which amou! ay Capeain, and first officer lose $1,000 in clothing an: Deaths During the Week. ‘rhere were 149 deaths tn Brooklyn Jast week, being a decrease of 34 a8 compared with tne pre- ceding week. Of the deceased 41 were men, 24 women, 46 boys and 38 girls; 21 were under 19 months, and 11 were between the ages of 60 and 60 years, while 2 were upward of four score years; 97 ‘Were natives of the United States, 24 of lretand, Tor Germany, 7 of England, 2 of Nova Scotia, 1 of Scot land and Newfoundland respectivety. ¢ causes of death enumerated are as follows:—Smalipox, 6; croup, 13; consumption and diseases of brain, 17; scarlatina, bility, 3; apoplexy, 8; marasmus, 8;,whooping cough ava discase of kianeye, 4 each; disease of liver, old age, Gropay, cancer, laryngiae and erysipelas, 2 cach; typhot fever and scroi 2 cach} convuisions, 11; pneumonia, 17; disease of heart, 4; pyemia, dysentery, remittent fever, tetanus, peritonitis, suicide, rheumatism, picuriay, injuries, 1 each. "The highest death ‘rate was attained in the )xteenth ward, where the uamber pce ae Fr there was only one death in the An Immoral ( fiicer Dropped. ‘Thomas Johnson, @ patroiman of the Third pre cinct police, was yesterday summarily dismissed. from the department by the Police Commissioners, and it served him right. The accused, who is @ Marri¢a man and the father of @ famuy of grown up cnitdren, was charged with immoral: cona which could ‘not certainly. ald. in enhancing Moral status of the force with which he has been for some time past connected.. The complains was that a few mornings ago, while patroliimg Union. Btreet, he was accosted bya woman named 2 who solicited money to elp her to maintam a of which he should be the nati 4 ecratoued his facc, and he took her into custody, alleging that she Was intoxicated. The following. moraing Captain Ferry, learning ‘the situation, preferred Charges against oillcer Johnson. 1t was shown on (the trial that Thomas Johnson hadmatins talned an illicit intimacy with the unfortunate wo. Man, by whoa he has two children. He insisted that Miss Conroy was intoxicated at the time he too« hor into custody, but this assertion was disproved. € Police Punishment. Sergeant Vobbvin, of the Third precinct police, who was charged by citizen Jonn F, Montrose with. “disobedience of orders,” in refusing vo allow him. to be present at the canvassing of the votes cast at the polling place of the Sixth district of the Sixth ward on election day, was yesterday sentenced. The decision of the Board of Police Commissioners ts that ‘every betgon has a right to ve present at the the votes as long as they behave a peaceable and orderty manner, aud the police are bound to protect them, noe fornia she evidence \hat Mr. Montrose was ving {in pine than @ peaceable and ae manner when sked Dobbin, the ciosin| the polls, to bo allowed to enter and witness canvassing of the votes. The sergeant’s excuseor explanation, that fie did so fn order to allow she Inspectors an opportunity to arrange thew tape boxes, and that a8 soon as that was done he let the gentleman in, would seem to indicate that he as sumed very much more responsibility than he had any right to do, and acted im @ manner directly con- trary Lo the rules of the department, and the Board then.reprimanded Sergeant Dobbin, and Jned hun seven day’s pay. DESTRUOTIVE FIRE IN WILLIAMSBURG. Destruction of Tenement Houses and Factoe riew—Several Families Rendered Homeless Lose Over $20,000. Yesterday morning, at about four o’ciock, an @x- tensive conflagration occurred in Willlamsburgy\by Which several poor families were rendered home less and much property destroyed. The, scene the fire was on the bivck vounded by Moutrose,aud Johnstone avenues and Ewen and at wate. The property destroyed includes three frame | fags) locate on tue tots ju rear of Montrose avenue, aud four story trick front tenements. All o! these structures were owned by Mr. Jacob Ketter, with the exception of one Of the frame tenements, owned: by Ae Neswald: The, tire originate! in oue ‘of thet ear build oes, Which was used as a shoe factory by Mr, George Kumpf, and spread with reat rapidity to the adjoiuiig premises, Ar. Kelier’s ioas @moun!s to $27,000, On Witleh there is an insurance of $17,900, the Continental, Wil- Idsaabutg. ‘and Hamvoldt Fire Insurance Com- panies. Mr, -Neswald’s los# wae $1,000, on which there is no insurance. The devastation o} (le structures was completo, and twenty poor familses, nusibering over oue HOD: dred persons, hat varely time to. escape, and lugs Almost ail thelr efects, Notwithstaudiag tac D4 cles es ths by Ihe cxtreme coldness ul ‘weather the Fire Departinent succeeded in arrest dag the progress of (ae faiues, and prevented what might bave Leoume © wide-sprdad Coasagradon