The New York Herald Newspaper, January 10, 1872, Page 4

4 “THE FISK INOURS' ho Coroner's Jury Find that James Fisk, Jr., Died from Wounds Inflicted by a Pistol in the Hands of Edward 8, Stokes, A REMARKABLE VERDICT The Jury Absent Three Hours Cautiously * “Discussing What to Do in the Case. we ‘NO FELONY, BUT “DELIBERATE” SHOOTING A Witness Who Did Not Appear and Has Not Been Found by the Police. STOKES COMMITTLD BY THE CORONER. Twelve months ago Edward 8. Stokes, now in confinement in the Toms with a verdict made by a coroner’s jury hanging over his head, was a free man, living in luxury and having all things at nis command tiat wealth could purchase or pro- cure. Last evening the combined deliberation of twelve men changed the course of his future Ufe, alter a cloze consultatton of three hours, 10 the clerk’s ofMce of the Court of Special Sessions, which was used as a jury room for the time being. The court rcom yesterday a(teracon was crowded to excess by spectators who made manifest their ®agerness to get even the slightest glimpse of the prisoner who stands under tils dread accusation in tlre sight of the people of America, The rooms which | deat iN have been partitioned off the court, and which have rae to know him; I fh. fm elevation of about ten feet, had their roois swarming with people, who craned their necks, their minds filled with a morbid curiosity to watch Thore was a strong representation of the legal profession in the court room, and all present, whether they were spec- police OMcers, seemed impressed with the solemnity Of the occasion for which they had assembled In the court room. Judge Dowling came inand took a seat during the proceedings at the desk at which John McKeon, William Bart- every movement of this body, tators, reporters, lawyers, judges or ‘(he clerk usually sits, lett and Frankitn Bartlett sat within the bar en. olosure, and when the accused came in he was and place with a firm He was dressed agonthe first day, quite tashionably, wearing nis tight gray Irian treize overcoat, and having a blue Decktie fastened at his throat, under his white col- escorted to his seat by Walked forward to his step and an assured bearing. the officers, lar. There were three la ties, who came into Court, and were furnished seats on the rignt of the dats on which the magistrate usually sits, Taese ladics of Fisk by many persons in the Court when the proceedings Were supposed to be relatives Opened, but ailter a while it was ascertatued that they were friends of an oMcer of the Court, ‘who were merely present as spectators. It was be- Ueved that the three ladies composed the female members of the family of Mrs. Morse, whom Colonel Fisk habitually visited at the Grand Central Hotel, Dut this rumor was also ascertained to be false. The frst witness examined was Patrick Hart, one of the men employed at the Grand Central Ho- tel, wno had assisted Fisk to rise from the spot at which he had been shot down, but who had Mot witnessed the shooting of the deceased. Hart seems to be one of those seif-opin- fonated or stubborn witnesses who occaston- ally turn up on a trial and are afraid they will be hanged or transported uf they do not con- tent himself with answering @ question but once. He could uotidentily the buliet which was found; ould not tell whether it was round, conical or Square; did not remember if tt had any blood stains’ upon it, and was evidently badgering that he received, the jury heip:ng, rather uaintentionally, to confuse him by their long and sctentific questions. Captain Fifteouth precinct, who came on the stand immediately after Coroner Young had ordered the potice to hot Wart for impertinence, testifled to having seen the bullet, which was shown to liim by Coroner Young on the night or the slaying of Fisk. Mr. Mauuseil B. Field asked very much irightened at the cross-questioning and Byrnes, of the NEW YORK HERALD, WEDN @ Were you at the Grand Central Hotel on Sat- Urday afternoon? A. Yes, air. Q Do you know of any unusual occurrence that took placet A. No; Ihave no idea; Latdn’t hear anything but a noise; I heard no report. Q. Did anytning happen there that evening? A, Yea, sir—the death of Mr, Fisk; that’s alt I know, Q. Now, teli us all you know. A. I know nothing at all about 16; 1 HEARD A MOLLERING, and I took @ man up statra; he was asking some- body to come to his aid, Q. What time was that? A, Five minutes to four o’clock, Q Where did you find Mr. Fisk? A, Standing ht by tne door. ‘i ; At the foot of tho stairs? A. Yos, air; standing uD. Did any one gend you to him? A. No, sir; I hoard the nolse; { heard a ian @ holleriug who wanted somebody to go to him. What happened next? A. He wanted some- to relieve him; I dida’t know le what the mater was, Q Did you help himup? A. I took him to the secep Wan room alter that; he walked right up with Q. Did he say anythiag? A. He said he felt bad; T took him up stairs and left him in the room; that's all know, Q, Did you ask him what the matier was? A. I didn’t have time; he said he had been shot twice, Did be say who shot him? A, No, sir. Q. When you took nim up stairs what did you do? A. I lett bim sitting in the reception room, ‘i i ae: you go out tmediately? A. Yes, sir, right What was your business in that partot tho hall? A. I was ‘going up atairs when | heard the noise; I looked down at the head of tue slurs and saw him standing there, Q, You know nothing more of this affair? A. Nothing more than that { kept out the crowd; L PICKED UP A BALL AND GAVE IT TO Mi CROCKER, What Kind ol a ball? A. A cartridge ball. Do you think you could recoguize that ball? A. Yes, sir; I guess I could, {s that like the ball (produced)? A. Yes—no— no, sir; it don’t seem to be it, no You are not positive tuat thatis the ball? A. 0, Sir. Q, Alter you picked up the ball what did you do with it? A, | handed it to Mr. Crocker; 1 never no- tced the bali after | picked it up, Q, Did you tell him where sou found it? A. Yes, re Q. Did you see Colonel Fisk from the time you left him in the reception room up to the time of his A. I never saw him since, id you Know Colonel Fisk? A, Yes; it was e seen him several Limes, Was hea tor at the hovel? A. Yes, sir; 1 saw hnn out with the regineat. Q. Are you acquaintea with Mr. Stokes? A, No, sir; never saw the man tu all my Iife. Ane you would not know him if you saw him? | As No, Bits by Mr, Fiznps—What stairs were you coming up at the ume? A. I came up from the office to the mid. die stairway; 1 wus passing by the hall when I heard the hollering. Q Where had you been three or four minutes preceding the time you staried to go up? A. Lcame right up; I was not a minute, Q. Bul where had you been’ preceding the time you wentujp? A. 1 was in the oilice; Thad just con in irom delivering @ message, and that’s all - | Lknow. Q. Did you examine the ball immediately? A. No, ciate time, there Was so much excile- men! Q. What makes you think it waa the ball? A. I don’t know. Q. Then you don't know whether it was the ball or noty A. Yes, exactly. Q. What was your reason for saying you didn't think it was tae bali? A. Because I didn’t take any notice ol it, Q. You mean to say you know nothing about it? A. I don’t know Hing about it By the Coronen—Thavs all you know about the balithat was picked up on the statrs? A, I picked it up and gave Lt to Mr. Crocker, Q When did you seo Mr. isk provious to Satur- duy lasty A. { baya’t sccn him for some time. Q. Cannot you romember when you saw him belore last Saturday? A. I saw him the night of me reception al tue Grand Central Hotei, and not since. ARS isa long ago is that? A. Tweaty-fifth of last larch, Q. Who did you seo? Who was on the stairway je MR. FISK CALLED FOR A3SISTANCE? A. No one that I knew of. Q. Describe the receptionroom. A. No. 217, a lit- tlo way up the stairway. . Did you see any pistol im it? No, sir; Isaw nothing at all there. Q. Did you hear that one had been found there? A. No, sir, Lheard noting about it. By Mr. FrzLp—D.d you seo a pistol in the arst parlor? A. No, sir. THE REGRPTION ROOM, By Mr. CLEwS—Who was in the reception room when you brought Mr. Fisk theret A. Shere Was a crowd around there. Q Where did they come from? A, They camo out of the ball. Q. Were tuey boarders? A. I cannot tell you; L cannot say anything about it; visitors, | suppose, . tow many were there? A. I cannot tell, Q. Was there more thau one? know; there was a crowd there, ky the CoRONER—Ilow many do you think were there? A. 1 doa’t know. | Were there six persons? A, Of course, there | Was; the excitement Caused more than that many to | be there, Q, Were there a dozen persons there? A. I don't know; 1 believe there Was excitement enough Lo Cause that many to be there. Captain Byrnes some questious, which wore an- Mr. CLews—Would you recognize any one | Bwered to the satisfaction of whe questioner, and | that was there? A. LKaew Mr, Haskins; he spoke | then the police captain went down from | tome end seut me Lo the tall to get a Key. | tue stand. Dr. Tripier, one of the house Q Who is Mr. Haskins? A, Loukkeeper in the | Wurgeons of the Grand Central Hotel, was examinea and testiiied that he had proved the wounds of Colonel Fisk, and that the latter nad suffered pain under the operation; but stated, in addition, that he did not think, to the best of his opinion, tnat Colonel [isk could have lived even ie not been probed to dis- cover the bal, Dr. Marsh read the Medical testimony, !n which the post-mortem examination was described at length, and Qescribea the wounds in the English language [agenda at the reyuest of the prisoner's counsei, case Was closed soon afier by Coroner Young, and he was about to subinit his testimony to the jary when Mr. McKeon interposed, and demanded know why the person wio had taken Colonel Fisk's clothing off his body alter the shooting had not been produced, and put on the stand to testify whether a pistol was found on fis person or not. The Coroner answered that he was willing to examine any witnesses that were brought beiore tum, but that ne had not seen any witness who had takon Colonel Fisk’s clothing trom his person. The poimt made by the prisoner’s counsel, created a profound impression in and the general opinion seemed to be that the police authorities, who have taken 80 mény precautions to prevent riot which did not come olf, had been very negilgent in securing a wit- ness who lad been present with Colonel Fisk at the Moment of the shooting, and who had stripped his clothing of before’ putting him im bea. Btrange Co say the person who did thts last office for Colonel Fisk Was yesterday in Court, and yet it was not known to tie police taat he was present or that he had taken of the diamonds which Fisk usually wore and had given them to ve placed im the hotel ga fe tor security. At a quarter to five o° K tne Jney retired to de- Uberate on a verdict, and weie absent for three Rours—an unusual Unie for Many of the spectators leit the Court, and it was fumored that the jury were taking their suppers in the jury room—a statewent woieh proved untrue gitogeiber, 1 ts stated that Mr. MLB. Field, Henry Clews and David Dows were not satistied, ‘and the person who had relieved Colone sk Of nis ga Ments had not been found and piuced on the stand, end the fact that tits Jury, Which los not been equalled by any other jury sworn for a good mauy years in social position, wealth aud gence, were so divued by their Tesponsibiliiy that they had to remain out three long hours before tuey gave a verdict, when the shooting was patent to every man, ts in itself evidence thal they were uneasy at not having found the missing witness, so that all persows might be Satisfied that justice was done. There was a long and serious discussion tn the Jury room, but ail finally jd on the verdict, and it Was made unanimous, ib Was @ very solemn moment when they marched . and George Opdyke, the foreman, read the ver- Stokes stood | up immediately aiterwards and began 10 answer the questions put to him, but was stopped by nis dict amid aimost breatiicss sence, counsel, who answered for him. irhance by any of the spectators, aud Stokes was eld to answer ending the second act of this vloody tragedy. THE INQUEST, The hearing of the evidence in the case of Jam Pisk, Jr., deceased, was resumed yesterday after. noon in the Court of Special Sessions. The room was crowded to excess and the Interest in the pro- Ceedings scemed unavated. The same counsel en- gaged on the previous day were tn attendance, Owing to the absence of some of the jurors the hearing was considerably delayed, and the Asstst- ant District Attorney suggested tho propriety ol sending an officer after the abscatees. Mr. McKEon calied the attention of the Coroner to @ report that appeared tn the JERALD that morn- tog tn relation to the charge made by the Coroner In calling the jury togetncr the Coroner was reported to nave sald these words en: —"So far &s we know there was no reasouable cause for ts on the day preceding. before a particie of testimony was t daring act of the assassin.” Coroner YouNa—The Coroner did not use those words, Mr. McKgon—That 1s all, sir. All the jurors having taken thelr seats the folow- dng evidence was adduced:— Testimony of Patrick Hart. Patrick Uart examined:—Q What 1s vour busl- west A. Hail boy, sir. a Coroner's inquest. | intelli | great | There was no ap- 3 ; Forres not even @ murmur, and no attomms at diss | potas ety te, wn and the audience dispersed, thus ‘ house. a foe you leave Mr. Fisk with Mr. Haskins? A, No, sir, G. Who, then? A. I cannot tell you; Ileft him on the sofa. Q. You could not have left him atune? A. There was A CROWD AROUND HIM; he didn’t talk to me; 1 tull you they wero all strangers to me, By the CononeER—Was there @ great deal of ex- oiaeree in the hotel at the time? A, Not at the | ume. Q. Well, how long afterwards? A. About half an hour, & How long have you been employed in the ho- tel? A, since it opened. Q. Since October? A. it was opened in August, I * guces, Q. Isthatal? A, I don't know any more, By Mr. CLuws—Dia Mr. Fisk make any remark | in the reception room? He made the remark that | he was shot. | Q. Did he say sotoyou? A. No, sir; he mentioned | novody’s name, Q. What did he say to you, or did he address his remark to any one preseat? A. Mr. Haskins was | by. Q Did anybody speak to him? A. The crowd asked Lin what tue matter was. By the CononeR— Did he mention where he was shot? A, He said he had been shoi twice, and pointed to the ~=wouuds, (Wituess pointed to his abdomen.) | By Mr. CLEWS—That's all he sala? A. Idan’ hear him say anything more. By Mr. CLews—Dit anyvody ask Mr. Fisk who bad shot him? A. No, sir. ei! tho CononEw—Ild anybody speak to him? A. [told you twice they did, « What atd they say? A, He said he had been shot Lwive, and pointed to the plices, | ia ( Are you posilive he mentioued no names? A No, sir; he mentioned no name while I was there. By Dir. ULEWS—WWhere did you go alter taat? A, 1 went to attend to my business. Q Up stairs or down? A. Up stairs. Q You did not see Mr, Stokes after that? A. Never saw tuo man im ail my life, and woulda’t kuow bi if 1 saw bun. MORK AUOUT TIE BALI. By the Cononsk—You say you picked up the ball on ibe stairs? A. I picked up the bali aud walked away wuiit. (Witness here examtued the bail). | | You cannot describe tue ball you picked up? | Ae i cannot, Q Was it a leaden bullet? A. It looked very but 1 cannot tell. that the with dl as Lo Une ba’ By the Cononen—What ts Ue reason you ca describe the ball you picked ap? A. 1 did not | notice it when 1 picked tt up; 1 walked up stairs with tt and handed tt to Mr. Crocker. & Did you iook ality A, No more than a look. you picked tt Up ualtl you ' Ratidea it to Mr, Crocker did you tu0k asi A. No, Q Then it 1s impossivie for you to descrive the \ ear A fo 18. n y Mr. Fine b—Was tt a ronnd vail? fean't teil you; I can't deserve ag A. [veil you Q Did you carry i wu your Waud? A, Yes; I care ried iin my laad aud hauded it to abr. Crocker the stats i ‘ly, Crocker om Q. Do you know whether It waa lead or tron? . Iknow it was lead; they are aul made ot Neetrt | guess. ughter.) \ By the CowoNER—State precisely where you | picked up the bali, A. Hight opposite tue second F door. Q, On the stairs? A, At (he foot of the first stair, Q. You lave looked at. tho vali? A. 1 lave no if} now; but i cuu’t tell; i tell You 1 can’t tell anything about I , ae } y Mir. FiRLp—Was there any bioodt on the ball , bi tg picked thup? A, Laon't know, ers Q. Wud you avy viood on your haul? A, No. Ghee any Divod On Lhe sialrs? A, None | at all, sir. Q. Did you see any on the carpet? A. No, str. Q. Wid you see any blood on Mr. Fi: A, 1 8aw hone on any part of im blood; | oftea saw bivod, out I Do you know to whom nt shot twice when taken (o tue reception room? A, ‘There were several people there, anu pe said he had been shot twice. By the CononER—Who was the first person you recognized aiter Mr. "isk said he nal been snot twice? A. isaw nobody around that 1 could re- conte. Who was the last person youremember after ae Mr, Fisk was shotr a, 1 saw Mr. @. Now, who was the last person you remember velore you Leard tue suol? A. 1 never heare tue A. Well, £ don’t | 1 | When you were probiag the wound? | Was necessary to gtve lim chloroforia, but when Dr. sir. G. You have just juoked at it here? A. Ud, just |} shooting; I told you I heard a noise, a kind of holter- ing. Q. You didn’t hear any shooting? A, I didn't hear any shooting, sir, Who was (he Last person you remomber seeing | | probing of the wounds, betore you heard tna call? A. Tcaanot tell; you couldn't tell tn @ hotel Where there are 50 Many ped ple ruaning up and dowa the stairs, Q. Are you well acquainted with the attac héa working inthe hotel? A, Yes, sir. a Q. Do you remember seeing them thero? A. None of them that f oan fell BEYOGGED AGAIN. | By Mr, Fie.p—Were you going up stairs in Answer toa bell? A. No, sir; Chad an order, . Was that by a guest in che house? A, Yes, Up in his room; first burt of the fourth door. Q. What were you doing there? A. I was going there on business, 9. tee business? A, Wattlng on a guest in the ouse, Q. You went up in answer to an order from some one? A. Yes, Q. Whose order was it? A. I don’t know tho gentiemau; he was a stranger to me. Q. Where was that whence the order came? A. Weil, the number 1s 474, U you want to find him out. Q. Where were you when you received the order to go up stairs’ A. [ was tn tne room; I went out, aud wien I returaed f got tue order, Q. Then it was just when you returned that you heard tho noise? A, T heard the cail ior assistance and looked up the stairs. A SMART CHAP, Q. What 1s the distaace to the head of the stairs? iy 1 have never measured it; [cannot tell what 1s. Q. Init ten or fitty feet? A, Well, it 1s a large house, Aud you have to round it, (Laugater.) ‘The CORONER—Oilicer, preserve order, ‘Tals 13 nO place for levity, and I hope the gentiemen will not indulge in any, By the ConONeR—Do you know how many steps there are? A. | never measured 16, Q. You have gone up and down a good many times? A. Yes, a good many times. Q. How lung would if take you to goup? A. Weil, i I Inked to loat it would take @ good watle, Q. Would tttake you five minutes? A. Ob, no; One Hight Of stairs Would (ake me about a minute, L guess. By Mr, CLews—Have you talxed with any one about this occurrence? A. No, I didn’t taik to any- body. % Nobody came to see you aboutit? A. No, sir. yy Mr. Frenp—Have you never taised about w? A. Yes, | have, but to novody except to tue clerks in the oillce. By the ConoyER—Did you pick up the ball at the foot of the stairs? A. Yea, at the Loot of the middle stairs; I told vou that four or five tines, Q To whom aid you give the ball? A, To Mr, Crocker, at the head of tne stairs, Q. How did you Know it was aball? A. Itlooked like a ball wnen [ piteked ttup. Q, You say you cannot tell whether tt was round or hot? a, I cannot tell; | never noticed the ball. Q Did you think it was square? A, I cannot tell ou. 4 Mr. Orpypz, one of the jurors, here suggested that the jury had obtamed enough inlormation from the witness. By a Junon—I just wish to ask one questlon—who is Mr. Crocker? A. clerk in the house, As the witness was leaving the stand the Coroner oidered an officer to detain tim la court, Evidence o! Captain Byrnes Captain Byrae was next sworn, and said:—I am attached to the Fifteenth precinct police as C tain; | first beard o1 the shooting about ten minutes alicr four o'clock; 1 was gotag up the stoop of tie station house; { was toil by one of my sergeants; -f went to the Grand Cen- tral Hotel, aud went to the —rcom where Colonel Visk was lying; tt ts tn the north. east corner of the butiding; L was given a ball at | the Grand Ceatral Hotel. “(ball handed to witness.) This 13 the same ball given to me by one of tue attach 's of hotel at the foot of the private stairs; Mr. er gaye it me; he told me a maa | named Hare found ib; taere was a pistol placea in | my possession by Mr, Ovocker; he tald ; me that i was given to him by one of the Indies; 1 went to see the lary, and she said she found it lying on the sofa, on one cornor of 1b; tt was tn the parlor, on the broadway side; L searched the barber shop, the reading room and the writiug room; Mr. Crocker was also search- lng for tue pistol; L arrested Mr, Stokes 10 the read- log room, avout half an hour after Mr, Crocker tola me that (he pistol tad been found, By Mr. (1eLb—Lhe sofa was near tothe door; the entrance to this parior Was on @ itne with the main hal. ° Ky the Cornonrr—The pistol produced 1s the samo; bs balls were discharged out of it; it is now joacied. ‘The witness here held the pistol in his hand, with the barre: polling toward the ceiling. He turned ft about in his band slightly careless. While doing so the Coroner said to lum, “Will you discharge one of those barrels—(Sensation in Court)—and let us see the ballr! Mr. MuKgon—I object to that, Mr. Coroner. It Was my practice to do differently ta such cases. Let the pistol, with the bails, as they are now, be enciosed in paner and your seal affixed to it, and let it bo handed over to the District Attorney. ‘The CornoneR—Lhat course siall be pursued, sir. Counsel for (he Prisoner—That had better be done, sir, ior we have @ Grand Jury now that will tudict without evidence, Witness resumed—I was not present when Mr. = was arrested; Olllcer McKeddon arrested um, By Mr. OLews—Mr, Crocker examtned’ tho ptstol; he gave me ail Uv formuttion he could, and mani+ ted nO more «i e to do this than a person to such circumstances would mantfest; any person passing the entrance of the parlor and going to the main stairway cou'd readily dling anything out of hits hand tnto the parlor; L have not heard of any reports of a pistol being found in 217, where Mr. Fisk was taken, By Mr, Fiki.p—Mr. Crocker dia not take any More taterest im the matier than a persoa ta his po- sition under the circumstances Would be expected toshow. Mr, McKron acked Captain Byrne to send to the prisoner a cane, which he (McKeon) thought might have been left at the station house. Kvidence of the Hotel Surgeon, Thomas B. Tripler testided—I reste at the Grand Ceniral ilotel; 1 saw Colonel brisk last Saturday afternoon; as uear as I remember it was twenty minutes after four o'clock; [saw iim in the room 214; it is located to the north and east of the ladies’ entrance fronting on Broadway; Mr. ¥isk looked very pate and was agitated; | went there to offer professional aid; Colonel Fisk told me he was shot; { heacd him say later that it was Mr. Stokes who shot nim; Colouel Fisk was standing with his clothes on in the parior when I saw hilin firay; Lt re- mained with him until half-past one o'clock in the mo:ning, and then left fora few moments; I was present when he ied, al five nunutes to eleven on Sunday morning. iRy Mr. Freps—I assisted Mr. Fisk to undress; I dia examine hits clotaing; there was no weapon found upon ulm; inere were rumors toat Mr, Fisk did carry a Weapoa—that be was armed at the ime the accident occurred; I think I heard it in the hotel; if there had been a pistol around his waist 1 could not nave failed to see it. Q. Was the wound m the abdomen a fatal one, and, under all circumstances, must Mr. Fisk nave died from the eifects thereof? A. in my opinion it was, a Do you think that the probing of tne wound nad anything todo either in causing or accelerating death? A, [Edo not. Q. Vinat do you think caused death? A. shoch, causing peritonitis andl the wounding of tie intestines; there were four holes in the intestines, and I think this acceleraced the death. By the Cononer—Did you probe Colonel Fisk's wound? A, I¢ air By Mr, Figups—Was Mr, tisk perfectly sensible A. Yes; tt James ood probed the wound he showed that he was sensible of pain; it would udt ve excessively painful. qQ. Was Mr. Fisk sensible at the me of death? A. No, =it, Q How iong hat ne been sensible? A, Until four o'clock in the imorming. Q. Then itis your opinion that after Colonel Fisk Tecelved the wound in the abdomen under no cir- cumstances could he possibly recover? A. That my opinion, sir; 1 think ne dled of the wound, and nothing cise. Q. Don't you consider that the length of time Mr. Fisk survived showed great vitality? A. 1 think it did sbow great Vitality. Q. Would an ordinary person have survived so long? A. It 13 Imposstbie to say, Q. It he had ony received the wound in the arm would he have recovered from that? A. Yes, sir. By Mr. Firnps—it you had been successful in ex. tracting the ball would {t nave made any aifference as to the resuit’ A, None whatever, in my opinion, By the CoxoneR—Heve you seen any pistol that was said to be found upon Colonel Fisk? A. No, sir. Q. Did Mr. Fisk complain that the probing of the wound had burt bimy A. He comptained @ hrue of he wound tu bis arm—more than of the wound in be abdomen, Q At what time did the physicians regard the Case a3 alsvlutely hopeless? A. At eigut o'ciuck In tie morning, Counsel for the defence suggested that witness should give @ “square” answer as to the proving. Witness said that wien (ho wounds were probed Colonel Fisk Winced a iite. Q. He did not tell you that he was shot by Mr, Stokes? A. Lie dil not relate any of tLe circum- stances, Resting the Evidence. Coroner YOUNG here stated that he should rest the evidence al this point, us far ag the witnesses were concerned, He wished to muke @ statement, Wich was, (hut between six ant seven 1 Saturday evening Le was sent for to take statement of Colonel Fisk. He Was hot quite certain ag to the time, but be remembered Stopping at the Fifteenth precinct station house avout that time, Whe he reacsed the room of Cuconei Fisk he was asked tu lage (he aute-moriem statement of t Jolonel, aad Le proposed now to read it to the yu Counsel fur tug ‘prisoner objected to this being done, anil, appealing to District Attorney Sullivan, | Sulu that gen'lotman knew tuat it Was not right that iL should be read, Disirict Attorney SuLLtVAN sald that, on the con- trary, le Knew ihat the Corouer was doing per fectly Tight, and had advised hu to read It. Toe Conosket said he had had @ mumber of cases Of homicide siuce he wad been Coroner and he had never heard an oojection vesore to tue reading of ante-mortein statements, ‘The ante morte: statement and the verdict of the or previsusly pubilsued were them read by Dr, Dr. Marsh read “the post-mortem’? as published in the HekaLv oa Monday. In reply to questions put by the Corouer and jury Dr, marga cogdemed the previous medical testimony as to the certainty of death and the probing of the wounds. Counsel for the defence proiesied at some learn against the case being submitted to the jury with- out evidence as Lo the stripping of the and the The CoRONKR said that he had fouy decided to close the case there, and believed that he had tully performed his duty, which was not to try the case, but to dud how Colovel Fisk came by nis death. ‘The Corouer?s Summing Up. Bene Gonos theu proceeded to address the jury. ENTLEMBN OF THR JuRY—I feel that itis an- necessary for me to refer you to the evidence that has been ofered. You haye listened attentively, and the position you occupy 10 society, your intel- ligence, your ‘reputativn a8 good citizens preclude “the necessity of my advising you upon any point, All that I ask you is to render a verdict in accordau with the testimony, That is all, 1 have no particular point to addres® you upon; but 1 would ask you only to commence With the first witness and review the line of tesiimony to the close of the examina- tion, Lo the end of the post-mortem, 1 do.not know that i should say one more word to you. Gentle- men, [assure you that in the examination of the witnesses it has not been my desire to ask one im. proper question, 1 have not besn animated with & prejudice azains' man, 1 bave no persoual feeling, I have endeavored to dis- charge my duty, as I have already said to the counsel, conscientiously, fearlessly, and as I shall always Continue to discharge 1. With these few remurks, geauiemen, | leave the case in your hands, You wii please retire aud agree upon a verdict, if youcan do so, The counsel for the prisoner—Against that we protest and except. CoRONER—Witn ail due deterence to the gentle- man I decline to take any protest. Counsei for the prisyuer—Well, we can make you hereaiter. Waiting for tLe Verdict. At a quarter to five o'clock the jury retired to de- berate upon the verdict, It was thought that their absence would be brief, having merely to Inquire Into the cause of death, Contrary to general ex- pectation, however, the {ary remained out nearly three hours, and meanwhile the crowded Court be- came graduaally thinned. Their long absence created much surpriso and comment. At twenty munutea to eight o'clock the jury returned into Court dand resumod their seats, ‘The CORON. asked whether the jury had agreed to their verdict. Mr, Oppy«e replied in the affirmative, Tho CoRONER—What do you find, gentlemen? Mr. OppYKE—Shall | read wt? ‘The CononeR—If you please. TIME VERDICT. Mr. OrpyKg then read the following verdict:— “Lhe jury Hind, trom the testimony submitted on this inquest, that the deceased James Fisk, Jr., came to his death at the Grand Central Hotel, in the city of New York, ou the 7th day of January, 1872, at or about ten minutes before eleven o'clock A. M., in consequences of a wound or wounds inflicted by a ball or balls trom a pistol in the hands ol Kaward 8, Stokes, discharged by The | him in a deliberate manner at the person of satd Fisk, at the Grand Centrat Hotel atoresaid, on tho on of January, 1872, at or about four o'clock P.M. JESSE HOYT, HENRY CLEWS, JOHN J. GORMAN, WILLIAM H. LOCKE, ALEX. MOKEN/ GEORGE OPDYK A.V. STOUT, DAVID DOWsS, M. B. FIELD, LUWELL LINCOLN, JAMES KR. EU WAKDS, . WILLIAM of, BLISS, New Yous, Jan. 9 1! 872. ‘The announcement of this verdict created very litle sensation in Court, nor was apy change noticed in the demeanor of the accused from which he had previously borne during tho trial. ‘The Coroner then requested alr. Stokes to step up to the witness stand, Accompanied by hts counsel the accused did as requested. The Coroner con- tinued:—“Mr, Stokes, the jury having readered their verdic\—which you have heard—it now be- comes my duty to ask you cercain questions. You are at liberty to answer them or not, a3 you please. Q. What is your name? A, Edward 3. Stokes, Q. How oid are you, bir. Stokes? A. 1 am thirty years 0: age. Q. Where were you bora? A, l was born in Philadel) hia. " Q. Where do you reside? A. Treside at the Hof- man House in the city of New York, t Q. Whatis your occupation, Mr. Stokes? A, A proker. Q. Have you anything to say—and, ifso, what — relative to the charge preferred agatust you? COUNSEL (answering tor the prisoaer)—By the advice of my counsel I deckne to answer any furtirer questions at this time. 1 am in their hanas, as their counsel, and am governed by Wer advice, The Lette then signed his name to the above in a vold hand, without any, symptoms of nervousness. ‘yhe CORONER—Mr, Stokes, the ey, having ren- dered a verdict that James Fisk, Jr, came t» his death by a pistol shot wound at your hands, I shal counmit you Lo the Tombs, to await the action of the Grand Jury. ‘yhe Coroner then turned to the Jury present, and, having tendered tis thanks lor their attendance, discharged them.” Counsel for the prisoner, in alengthened ad- dress, drew the attention of the Coroner to the stta- ute relative to the return of the proceedings of the Court, He dilated upon the crime that had been committed and alluded to the fact that tue public mind was unduly excited. Tu order to justice to the prisoner, he contended that tt was the duty of the prisoner tO comply with the terms of the statute, which set forth that the testunony of the Coroner's jury should be reducea to writing by the Coroner and should be returned 0 the next Criminal Court that should be held i the county within thirty days. Couasei cited tue case of McFarland to show that had ie been tried within thirty days after the Coroner's verdict he must have been convicted. But when sober second thougut came upon the public mind, always 6ure to follow im a case of that kind, be was not only acquitted. by the puviie so tneensed against him, but almost received the thanks ot the Jury for the act origtnally committed. le submitted that the prisoner was entitled to what was kaown tn criminal proceed. ings as a@ continuance, owing to the prejudice now existing In the public mind. Under the circum- Stances he trusted the Coroner would not retura the proceedings until the time specified by law, aad until such time as the excitement incident to the case had died away. Mr, AICKEON followed on the same side, contending that it was the duty of the Coroner to withhold the proceedings unt the iuliextentof the time re- quired by law. ‘Assistant District Attorney SULLIVAN intimated that tae usual practice was that where recognizances were taken by a committing magistrate aud called for an appearance at the next term it meaut the ferm then pending, It was the well-settled praciice to regard as the next term any part of the then cur- rent or unexpired term, After some further discussion the counsel for the prisoner read the words of the statute:—*The tes Uinoay of ak witnesses examined before @ coro- ner’s jury shall be reduced to writing by the coro- ner, and shail be returned by him together with the inquisition of the jury and all recogmizances and examinations taken by such coroner, to the next criminal court of record — that shall be held in the county.” Coun- sel then commented on the fact that the jury had not rendered a verdict that showed the prisoner had committed wiiul murder tn the legal acceptauion of the term, and that although tt was seu forth that the shooting had been done deliver- ately, many @ highwayman had been shot with deliberation. He also adverted to the fact that two Of the Witnesses produced on ine day preceding nad contradicted themseives. The second one he con- tended had committed perjury, white the third wit- hess wiped out the testimony of both, The CORONER, at the conclusion of the counsel's obdservauions, stated that he had listened attentivety to the suggestions which had beea made, aud would give them a careful cousiderativa. The accused was then removed to his cell, and the 1mquest was brought to a ciose. Personal Inteiligence. Governor E. J. Davis, of Texas, arrived at the St. Nicholas Hotel yesterday. De Witt C, Littiejohn, of Oswego, 13 stopping at the Futh Avenue Hotel. Colonel J. D, Cameron, of Harrisburg, has arrived at tie Brevoort House, Colonel Ochiltree, of Texas, 13 at the St. Nicholas Hotel. colonel FE. D. Wheeler, of the Uniied States Army, has taken quarters at the Sturtevant House, United States Senator William Windom, of Ver+ mont, lg sojourning at the Hofman House, SUICIDE IN A STATION HOUSE, Last night Eliza Weizer, aged thirty-seven years, residing at No, 134 Broome street, was arrested by an officer of the Thirteenth precinct on a charge of intoxication, and locked up in the station house. At nine o'clock the doorman visited the cell and found the woman dead, sie having taken @ string from het undercioting, which she Wed around ner attachea the other end to the door of the roner Was uotitied aad will Dold an in- at Une siation house today. FIRE IN (GATHARINE STREET. About noon yesterday the clothing store of Jonn Brick, 754 Catharine street; took fire from the store and the entire stock and fixtures were dae- stroyed, The vatue of the place Is estimated at about $8,000, It was Insured in ihe Gove lor $2,000, in Kings County for $1,000, in the Bowery for $2,309, The building was tie property of Ratger’s estate, aud was damaged ty the extent of $500 FIRE IN BROADWAY. A tew minutes after seven fire was discovered tn the rear of the second floor of the brown stone front house 532 Broadway, occupied oy Julius Workuss, far manufacturer, causing @ [08s to stock Of $2,000, The rear Oi the third floor, occupied by Pine & Kuight, manufacturers of elastic cord, Was damaged $300; insured for $5,500, This week a diaper com- panys ocoupying the front of the same Sor od ‘ained & 1089 of $25; Insured for $1,000 The frst floor, occupled by Ww. ‘as oyster saloon, was damaged $1,500; insured for $1,600, The building was owned by & Taylor. aad damaged $1,000, HSDAY, JANUARY, 10, 1872.—TRIPLE SHEET. , AMUSEMENTS. Olymp; ic Thoatre—“Humpty Dumpty’s” Ree constraction. A rare old reconstruction of this renowned burlesque-pantomimie spectacle was witnessed by an overwhelming audience Monday night at the Olympio Theatre, vhus marking the one oe and ity-fourth representation of hs it dart th and pol dP isha tor: Thiet ih ae fntioding the former unprecedented run, Tne reconstruction 4s In fact a thoruugh one, including new scenery and scenic effects, tricks, grotesqueries and com- plete new dialogue, The ballet, costumes, dances and stage accessories are also new, and are on a scale of periection seldom attempted and still more rarely carried out successiuliy, All the best features of the old version and cast of the pantomime are re- tained aud a number of new performers are into- duced, The burlesque prologue has been rewritten and recast, aud embraces but Lwo characters—the Sun Spirit (Miss Lulu Prior) and the Ice King (Mr. George A. Beane). These characters assume o rivaly m the conjuring up of beauties, and, ex- ercising their power, bring up all the deligut- ful spectactes of their respective tropical aud frozen dominions for the delectation of the citizens of Gotham, Among the new acts are those ol Mons. Rovere and Mile, Emma, wio walk on a ceiling nead downwards, and tae Carroll lamily ia songs, dunces and eccentricitics. ‘Tue Martens, Kiralfys ana “Zig Zags’ present new spectalues, and Fox is ‘worse than ever" in the excess of nis dioliry of make-up and facial expression, The grand teature, however, 18 the Warrior's Dance by the Kiralfys and entire ballet, in dazzlngly beautitul “and entirely original — Costumes, In one scene of this dance the . war tora. lock their shields above their heats, andanumber of Amazons, with couched spears, ascend to this platiorm by fights of steps formed of the shicids of other wurriors. The eitect is some- tring so novel as to electrity the audience ant eiicit the most enthustastic plaudits. Lt 1s, of course, lun possible in @ notice of this piece to convey any tea Of ail that bas been done in the remodelling of this unprecedentedly successful pantomime, but we cor- diatly recommend all lovers of tue humorous or beautitul to see Humpty im his new guise. ‘The plece ran very smoothly, even though @ first night, nd must have a long rua, “No Thoroughfare” xt the Grand Cpera House. i ‘The fact not being generally known, owing to the little time leit for the announcement, that this place of amusement would be open last even- ing, in consequence of the death of Colonel Fisk the attendauce was not a crowded ono; but there was, nevertneless, @ considerable audience present, “No Toorougnfare’” has in the story itself, like most of Dickens’, many striking incidents and sliuations; but in the hands of the playwright it nas been rendered strikingly dramatic, ‘The char- acters are grouped with effectiveuess, and as for the dtatogue, itis unexceptionable. It is needless to recapitulate the points of a story 80 fumillar to every reader, and time and space are insuficieat to allow us to do justice to the manaor of I's production at the Grand Opera House, and the acting turoughout. Mr, Floreuce, a3 Obenreizer (a Swiss), shows his characteristic versauility of voice and expression, and his make-up may be called wouderiul. He ts the Swiss or the foreigners familiar, by accent, dress anu gesticula- tions, to the streets of London, This is, perhaps, Mr. Florence's very best personation. He has some choice reading to do, aud it dows from him natur- ally and with surprising clearness considering that he has to struggle with the assumption of broken English, Mr. Thomas E, Moitis, a8 Mr. Brinty, looks and fills the character; and Mrs, Lewis Baker, “the veiled lady,”’ but for a wife of slowness in Ler accentuation, has otherwise a fair snare of dramatic power. - Mr. M. W. Fiske, as Joey Ladle, “the Cellarer,” might toduige a little more spirit. Als dialect is faultiess, but it wants vim in delivery. ‘The character is a good one, and could be rendered eminently cointe, The cast betrays the usual fault of the American stage—waut of action and livell- ness in speech and expression. ‘Ils, it should be supposed, might be easily remedie As for the scenery it 1s about the best that las been produced at the Grand Opera House in a play of this kind for along time. The drama ts popular, and must cer- tainly draw crowded houses. It inay be mentioned as au incident of the evening that Colonel Fisk's old tamiliar box had the curtains arava close, and every eye rested fora moment or two uponit. It mag also be stated that Marshal Tooker has recently become business manager of this theatre, Thomaw’ Second Symphony Soirec. The audience at Steinway Hall last evening was very much larger than on Monday and the pro- gramme even more interesting. The orchestra played the Heroic symphony of Becthoven in a style such as probably tt nas never been heard be- fore, and followed up their grand success in this immortal Work with Horneman’s Maerchen overture, “Aladdin.” schubert’s German dances, instrumented by Herbeck; the deitcious serenade of Hayda for strings alone, and the well known intro- duction, chorus and march from the third act of *Lohengrin."’ Ailss Krebs played Liszt’s plano concerto, No. 2, to A, an elude, by Chopin, Weber's rondu in E flat opus 82, Tne orchestra did their work with a precision, spirit and expres. sion that leit nothing to be = desired, We are certain that if Mr. | Thomas were to take tiis body of muaicians to Europe they would create an unexampled furor. Certain it is that they have no superiors there, The third concert taxes place this evening, and Beethoven, Bacn, Volkmann, Liszt, Wagner and Litolif supply the programme. The soloists wilt be Miss Mavie Krebs and Mr. Bernard Listernana. SCOTIA’S NATIONAL GAME. The Grand Curiing Contest at Central Park— North vs. Souti—The South Victors. Yesterday the curling pond at Central Park was the scene of the annual meeting of the cur'era of the metropolis and tts immediate vicinity, who as resident Scotchmen are entitled to take part in the event of the curling season, viz., the grand match North vs. South, the contestants having from the north and south of the Clyle. Last winter the match was more than ordinartly interesting from the strength of the contesting stdes, the South winning the Vairymple medal by a majority ot fhity- three shots, This season the North showed up in greater strength, and the result was the South- erners “ieee it dificult to win by a lead of eighteen shots only. ‘The weather overhead was delightful and the temperature very pleasant for lookers-on, wad the result was a large gatnering of spectators of both sexes, The ice towards the afternoon vegan to snow signs of weakness, the ends o1 the rinks at umes belug covered with water, which interfered considerably with the sport. The match was played out to & Ciose, however, Twelve rinks look part in the contest, and tne rival players included members of the New York, Caledonian, St. An- drew’s, Thistie, Buros aud Empire City Clubs of New York; the Brooklyn Club, and the clubs of Jer- sey City, Paterson and Yonkers. Among the piay- ers we noticed that veteran curler, the Rev. Dr. Thompson, pastor of the Thirty-fourth street Pr byterian cuurch, and Mr. Stuart, of the Scott Anvrican Journal, Mr. J. W. Brodee, of the © dontan Club, Was selected. as umpire, and he ably discilarged tae duties of the position, \ The scene alter lunch time was lively in the ex- treme, the excttemeut being very great, while per- fect decorum marked tne entire proceeding. The novel comments of the “skips,’? or captaims, anid the enthusiastic remargs of the excited contestants were fully enjoyed by the spectators. As a sample of the remarks made at the several “rinks” during the contest, we give the followig conversation which occurred at one of the most prominent rinks. in opening play the skip led of a3 Lollows:— “Noo, Jamie, ye ken what tae dae; dinna be ja hog; just draw for the tae.” hae took his position, and down came the stone gliding to the spot indicated. As it came down the rink the skip said to the stone, i “ston, but Ilike ye; welidune! agude usefu’ stane; tli dae. The first stone played, the opposing ‘skip’? as- sumed command, and he began taus:— “Noo, Wuille, glo us @ pat lid, I needna tell ye hoo, é ken as weel’s me,’? Wullie took the hint and skUfully sent his stone gliding to a spot within the magic circle of tie “tae? Whereapon the first skip says, pointing with his proom to the spot he desires the stone to be sent, “Noo, Jamie, ye see tuat? Chap and tie’? ‘This having veeu ac shed, he said, “i kent ye wad dae tt, tho vera thing.’ ‘This did not suit the opposing skip and so he re marked to his player, “Wulile, I nae a satr ill will at this stane; ye maun tak it out.’” But Wailie fats to obey the request, and ashe gent the stone down too swifily he was met with the remark, “Hoots, man ee aleroaring; ye’re ower tue Ice.’” ‘Play was called at hali-past twelve, and at half-past four P. M. tue umpire called time and the contest ended, each rake THE SOUTH. Below we give the score of THE NORTH, Rink, 1=D. Fouits.... 2—J. Patterson 3—J, Ferguson 4—J, Stuart.. 6—I. O, Barley 6—A. Dairympie ql’. Kirkwood, ..., 20 6—W. Mickie. 4 9—J. Stevens, 1o=d, Templeton u Baxter, 1 * 12—J. E. Bot 29 Mr. vpairyiple invited the con- teatants to the Park Casino, where Was prepared & flue collation, to which about one hundred sat down. During the evening Mr. Foulls resented tue meaal to the victors, aud tt Was han ed to Mr. Dalrymple, in whose ‘possession tt will remain. ‘The evening terminated in a very social manner, the penis proceedings of the day belng greatly en- Joys c ‘On Tharsday the Broo and St, Andrew's om mest at Geatrak pare to play thelr annual | do. — PIGEON SHOOTING. The Mayor Thinks the Police Have Ke Right to Interfere—The Subject Re ferred to the Police Counsel. WHAT IS HIS NAME? Ata meeting of the Board of Police held yeases- day morning the subject of pigeon shooting was brought up, and the right of the police to tuterfere with the matches was discussed, Mayor Hatl, tm um- troducing @ resolution on the subject, made the fob lowing staat: In offertug tnis resolution I m: erm siate my own Views. ‘The claim aoe ay OF Mr, Merete a3 he calls bimsel!, although that is not bis name, to summarily stop and arrest gextiemen wi shoot pigeons ou the wing at matches, is a terous one in law and fact. It needs'no iu my individual person to show that genti who, a3 goou marksmeu—and bad ones don’t ENGAGE IN MATOHKS— shoot pigeons, intend to commit crime thereby, intent is of the essence Of the actif it is an offe) ‘The pigeons alter death are served ior food, purpose of shooting ts to provide food. Lt the same in the end a3 if their necks hud beea pupg- lingly wruug While they were in coops. ‘Therefore the suootiug 13 uot needless, ‘Tas ucither law nor in tact do the acts of ine marksmen eutitie Mr. Berg to arrest; even M they did, his claim to @ court co tnstanter aud 10 arrest Without Warrant on bis Own ipse dict, Or with mere trespassing force of arms to prevent gentlemen trom shooting unless they fight back—such a clatm tg utterly une Warrantable in a country ul Saxon law, however i may suit his ideas, LEARNED, PROBABLY, IN RUSSIA, where he changed his name, uuless counsel advise diiterentiy 1! appears to me thas tue police Who aos with Bergh aud bis agents without warrant are trespassing. One of my brethren here thinks | am too hard on Me. Bergh, I have warrant tn all I say. Tused to give lm credit for buimanitarian ideas, but events compel me to believe iim a mere Charlae tan, # notoriety seeker, and also a malicious man, know of two Well authenticated cases Where he Wok a sociai vengeance by urresting tie coachmen ana horses Oi tWo ladies, His recent stopping of the Jerome match was a malicious act. Me Lives two doors from one of 4B MATOH MAKERS, and he as som¢ ngighoorish grudge of a fancted nature vo redr One paper, t see, calls Lim & monomaniac. But there 13 a method in his maa~ ness, J sunply desire that the police saail find ous their rights and chose of citizens as ailected by the claims of Bergh. He could easily vring them to aa a@djudicaton vy applying for @ warrant, but he we afraid ol the legul lest, dir. Rousevell, two years ago, challenged him to a court of law, but aa BERGH’S REPORT, published for 1870, shows, he declined, Under his present action 1 believe Bergh to ve an inteawonal and malicious trespasser upon property and rights of pergous, aud that whatever good he does 4g Dut a sugar coating to a pill. ‘The sabjuined resolution was then presented and adopted vy the Board:— Resolved, That the counsel to this Board be requested to give opiuion whether or not pigeon matches, as they bave been recently descrived in the newspapers, contravene any statute; a.6o what are the relutions of the police foree toward the claims set forth by Mr. Henry Berzh in regard t arrests of persens who engage 1n pigeon matches. The Utility of figeon Shooting. New York, Jan. 8, 1872, To Tu EpiTor oF THE HeRALD:— Speaking of pigeon matches, does the benevolent Bergh, tn his earnest purpose to protect the birds, in- tend to leave mankind defenceless? Men are not bora: marksmen, Accuracy can be secured only by prac- tice, aud certainly no method 18 better calculated to inaure accuracy tnan these much-decried pigeom matches. Our forefathers were a race of sharp shooters. Tne circumstances of thelr pioneer Jife compelied constant practice with the gun, and by its effective use they made usa nation, Extstence in those days depended upon steady nerve, accuracy of aim aud quickness of trigger. But tueirs was a sterner school than ours, Since we caa no longer. Practise upon Indians and wildcats we must matn- tain the reputation which they earned for us ag marksmen and efficient soldiers by usi such other appliances as ingenuity offers, if pigeon matches are essential to success let us ac cept the necessity that involves the lives of so many Of the feathercd inuocents, The killing tn itself may be granted cruel. So13the bloody work of @ slaughter house, But if tae rosutts inure to the beneit of man why cavil? It may be that indt- viduals derive a vratisn pleasure i the Killing, but the mass of sportsmen regard pigeon matches as purely trials of skill. The laurels of tue victor are not conferred for wanton butchery, but as tesumony to his Superior marksmanship and the eifectiveness: of his weapon. Governments award prizes for im proved frearms, but of what service is the most perfect gun in’ unskilful hands? Practice atone makes perfect, and pigeon matches afford that prac- luce to an eminent degree, It may be that tnven- tion will some day furnish a contrivance to imitate the movements and rapid fligi¢ of a pigeon, but I doubt if the same Interest could be excited iM snodte ing ay an automaton, or tne same efliciency se- cured, No more would the like valuable resuits oD- tam [rom ulssecting mantikins, that lollow vivisec. tion. ‘The question resolves itself into the practical one of utility vs. humanity, Shalt we sacritice our fu- ture usvlulness to the Commonwealth as eiictent marksmen, or shail we spare the pigeons and con- stitute ourscives one grand Universal Humane So- ciety, to taboo all guns ana weapons because thew use ig cruel? Associations are multiplying to encourage fleld sports in the beliet that they will invigorate bota mind and body, and make of ts a hardy race. Am gurediy that man gravely errs who attempts to de- feat tneir objects by iuterposing legal restraints. It any moditication 13 to be made in the matter of pigeoa matches, it should be to require that the biras be wild, so that they will take wing as soon ag the trap ta sprung. If there 1s anything disgusting, it ts to take part in or witness @ match where tae igeons are so tame that they go to feeding the ime stant they have their liberty, and scarcely nop away when pelted with sticks and old hats to inake thems fly. Yours, &C. SENSE. THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN. Mr. Page’s Third Lecture on Art. Last night Mr. Page deltvered the tnird of Dis series of lectures on art to a numerous and select audience. The lecture was principally taken up with some discursive remarks upom Raphael, and nis school illustrated by the ald of the magic lantern, “Cnrist’s Charge to Peter,*? “The Miraculous Draught,” “Paul Preaching tm Athens” and @ number of other compositions of the great master were effectively presented, while the lecturer proceeded to point out the various beauties of luear compositions, in which he de clared that Raphael stands at the head of all artists. Even reece must yteld to him the palm for the kuowledge how to at range masses and 80 place figures that there shall be no over crowding, but that each one shall seem to have sufficient space. Tals quatity was owing to nis close attention to per- spective and the careful manner in which be pre- pared and mapped out his work. In the wonderful diversity of feature, und, When necessary, the preservation of resemblance with difference, Raphael displays the most markea power oi observation. But though powerful and varied, there ts oie evident economy of action. He aever overloads nl picture with action, depriviag tt of ail coutrass, as some of tne moderns think they are called upon to But. he someumes repeats his ltues, as Shak speare does, With tutention, We need never ve airald of ‘outthinkiag lim itn ascribing tn. ution to his work, All the good ideas are likely to ve his own, The — lecturer alluded to some modern criticiym on “The Miracu- lous Draught” which appeared to be pretiy well founded; but the lecturer expressed nis disagree- ment wish tie critics—he usually does—and said that he did not know any modern artist who could hange the work for the better, The audience its- ened to the delivery wiih the greatest attention, and though the lecture was neither #0 direct, Bor technically instructive a3 might be desired, tb was not uniateresting. TARGET SHOOTING AND CANNON FIRING Coroner Keenan was yesterday called to the Cen- tre Street Hospital to take the a@nte-mortem state meut of William Totten, @ lad seventeen years os age, who was shot ip the abdomen by the discharge of @ small cannon in front of premises 92 Cherry streot, On Monday evening George W. Dewald was discharging @ smali connoa 19 compilnent to a tar; t company, jad to the cannon, itis alleged, there was au irom rod, Which penetrates the boy’s abdomen as he was passing. ‘The jury readered & verdict against De- ald nd David McArvie, Who assisted in loading: the canon, and the Coroner committed them to await the result of the boy’s injuries, MYSTERIOUS DEATH. A Man Found Dead in « Hallway. ‘At four o'clock yesterday aficrnoon the body oe an unkuown man, supposed, from papers found tm lis possession, to be a Mr. Moss, residing at News ark, N. J., was found dead tn the hallway of $4 Catharine street, The deceased was aoout thirty ears of age, light whiskers and mustache, five feet Six inches high, black overcoat, frock coat, biue dloth vest, black striped panty Con gaiters, bine lott cup and winte shirt. The oa was te ved to the Fourth precinct statton houge and the Qoroner notifted, An investigation Will ba hel’ ip te Gase tawlas,