The New York Herald Newspaper, December 29, 1872, Page 5

THE COURTS. TENTH DAY OF THE STOKES TRIAL. The Accused on the Witness Stand the Greater Part ef the Day—He Sticks to His Story, WERE THERE TWO PISTOLS! A Former Witness for the Prosecution Testi- fies for the Defence—The Theory of Two +’ Pistols Advanced and Depended Upon by Stokes’ Counsel. The Case To Be Resumed 4 'To-Morrow. BUSINESS IN THE OTHER COURTS. Another protracted day’s session in the Stokes Wisk trial has brought the case well into the de- fence. ‘The line upon which the prisoner's counsel are new prepared to fight it out to the last on the mew departure is developed. There was on the Grst trial a discrepancy in the description given by witnesses, especially that of Miss Hall, of the style of pistol frat discovered behind the sofa in the par- Jer and the pistol which was put in evidence as the pistol fatally fred by Stokes. Miss Hall did not tively recognize the prosecution pistol as the #he found behind the sofa, and hence the tMeory of two pistols to carry out Stokes’ defence ‘that Fisk had first drawn upon him. The question may arise in the minds of the jury—Were there two pistols drawn, ope by Fisk and one by Stokes? but on this point the medi- sal evidence given on the former ‘trial subverted the idga that Fisk could have been tm & position to hold o pistol in his hand to fire at Mtekes above him from the direction of Stokes’ bullet which put an end to his victim. Besides, the evidence of actual witnesses who were tn a posi- tion tosece Fisk draw a pistol, had he done so on ‘the occasion, has been uncontroverted. This part @f the detence—the question of two pistois—and the alleged drawing of a pistol by Fisk upon Stokes, to make the fatal act of the latter a necessity in welf-defence, was only 80 much a part of the evi- @ence as depended upon what amount of credence the jury might have thought proper to have at- tached to it as coming from Stokes’ own lips. This point somewhat turns,with what weight remains to be seen, upon the evidence of HENRY DE CORLEY, who on the previous trial was a witness for the prosecution, not called on that side this time, and now taken up ane produced on behalf of the pris- ener. His testimony was somewhat important to the defence, as will be seen by areference to it, as Re distmctly and positively asserted that he had a pistol given him by one of the witnesses, a Miss Ball, which was not the one exhibited as that with which Stokes did the shooting. His presence and evidence caused somewhat of a sensation in Court, and after he had been sworn the spectators ent eagerly forward to catcn cvery word that he might utter. ‘The Proceedings Yesterday. CROSS EXAMINATION OF THE PRISONER. ‘The proceedings in the Stokes murder trial were Fesumed at the usual hour, before Judge Board- man, In the Oyer andTerminer, There was a large srowd of people in attendance. The prisoner, Stokes, went again on the witness stand, Mr. Beach, for the prosecution, not having Qnished cross-examining him at the time of ad- journment yesterday. By Mr. Beech—I understand you to say that Fisk had his pistol in both hands, near his abdomen, at the time you saw him at the foot of the stairs? A, Be had the pistol in both hands, 1n about that po- sition (witness standing up and showing the jury the position of Fisk at the time) ; I cannot exactly say whether the hands were raised above the height I have shown or not. Q. Was he engaged in cocking the pistol with oth hands when you fired? A. I cannot say where they were at the second shot, @ Did you so swear on your former examina. tion? A. I can’t say. @ Have you now any recollection of having seen either of his hands in any other position at the time of the shooting? A. I have no recollection only what | state. Q. Having both hands holding the pistol, do you Swear that he was cocking it? A. Yes, sir, FISK’S PISTOL, @ Did you see his pistol while he was raising it vom his side—did you see it distinctly? A. Isaw W quite distinctly; he held it by the stock; it was a giver plated pisto.. ‘ Q When you fired the first shot you said Fisk sried “Oh!” and bent over? A. Yes, sir; that’s my remembrance of ig; that is, hesaid “Ugh!” or wome exclamation very similar. Q. Did you think then that he was hurt? A. 1 @idn’t think anything abont it. @ Were his hands still in the same position, hold- ‘tng the petol? A. They were. ‘@ When you fired the second shot what were Fisk’s movements? A. He turned round, eried out “Stop, I’m shot,” and I think he sat down, but ‘Ed@idn’t wait to see; I went up the stairs immedi- Gtely after fring the shot. @ You say you made a motion with your hand at the time you met Mr. Hill near room 219? A. Yes, sir. Can you give me any reason for making that oer A. I cannot give you any reason for it; I Bave no recollection of it beyond the fact of coon done it; I am quite confident it was when I droppe ae You then started for the main office stairs? Yes, si ir. SEARCHING OF STOKES. « you down stairs? A. There a there, and they all tooka I thin! anything taken from your pockets at that No, air; nothing until Twent tothe sta: aid you meet Mr. Bailey that day? A. corner of Broadway and Amity street; er the street to me, and he andi the Metropolitan to get tickets for Kk. he ing? A. I think he said he we, at said if he came down Metropolitan that I would walk ou turn back from Bond street when it to go to the Metropolitan’ A. Because 44 gO with me to the Grand Central iy. STRANGE LADY AT THE GRAXD CENTRAL, Why did you not go and see that lady when wae bowed to pee Deyn pease the hotel? A, Well, }don’t know that! had at that time made EAL Mind to visit her at all. . > febbeEle A ea gi eecg bier ae ade) Es Fee papers concern! horse race to any one you met there? A. I did not. aha, im your pocket at the time in the station house’ A. They were; I gave them to Mr. McKeon. . Y did not ask who you gave them to, Who searched a there? A. I don’t know; one of the officers—the man at the desk, I think. Q How long were you there beiore McKeon came? A. I don’t know—not long. Q. How long had you carried a pistol before this time? A. I ways carried @ pistol, but not regu- ‘arly until about six months before this time. ju converse with Mr. Bixby in the pres- enve of others conce: the Gi Jury having voted an indictment against you and Mansfeld? 4. I did have some conversation about the Grand Jury and an indictment. Q You that after the shooting, when Mr. Powers something to you about coming there to disturb his house, you said you came there for quite adiderent purpbie; was that what you said? In substance it is. When you were brought into the room where was, what was the first inquiry the officer made? A. I don’t recollect; I believe the officer serch hun who I was, and he said, “That is Mr. IMPERTINENT INQUIRIES. Q Dia not the officer, holding you by the arm, say, ‘‘Is this the man who shot your” and didn’t ue reply “ Yes?’ A. I don’t recollect. 3 in did Mansfield and Williams tell you of ‘a threats inst you? A, frre yeur anc Stain ze T think it is ® year @ — A. At their house in Twenty-third re @ Dia any other pereon tell you tugt Fiek had NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, DECEMBER :29,, 1872—TRIPLE SHEET. made thrests against you? A. Yes, sir; Phil Brady told me the same POY ee A. Tam. Is your Wife alive? A. She is. } Is abe in this city? A. Abroad? A. Yes, sir. . Tremain—tie this material or necessary, Your jonor ? Cour’ don’t see that it is. ar aenaaes eb, eb him goon, Iii withdraw the objection. Go . * , Beach—If the Court gaysit is not material I will not go Om under any permission of counsel. know our pistol mwas loaded at the tusle yon trea ity A. I presume I did. Q yt you knew youdid? A. I guess so—yes, Mi pid-you have an interview at the prison with a Beaton; did you send for her? A. No, sir; did not send tor her—she came of her own ac- core. Q, Did you say in substance to her that it would be worth a thousand dollars to her if she would swear that a secoad pistol had been found? A. I meyer had any such conversation wit) her. Colonei Feilows—Your , it is but proper for me to inform the jury that they are privileged to ask any bel La any point of the witness that they may see y HORKENSIC SPARRING, ‘This brought Mr. Tremain to his feet, wno said that the instructions of geatiemen were totally for, He thought the jury kuew their Court—W bat is the objection, sir? Tremain—The objection is that it only shows that the prosecution assume that something un- usnal and extraordli must be done on this trial, and because the prisoner is on the stand. ‘The ex- amination of et witnegs has been carried on in a most extraordinary manner. Colonel Fellowe—If the gentleman will permit me, It is not for Mr. Tre! to assume authority. It is for myself So judge of the propriety of the mat- ter, and for Your Honor to decide as te the lity. ‘The reason why I mentioned the subject at all was that the foreman of the jury stooped over and asked me to put a question to the witness. I think it improper for jurymen to put their questions through counsel, and that is the reason I spoke. Mr. Tremain—The answer of the gentleman is entirely satisfactory. Mr. Beach—I have no such scruples as my asso- ciate. J wiliput aby question suggested to me by @ juror. QUESTION BY A JUROR. The Foreman—One or we of us woula like to know if, when Stokes went to the Hofman House to get those papers, he put the pistol in his pocket at that time. Mr. Beach—Will you answer that question, sir? ‘The Prisoner—With pleasure; I carried the pis- tol with me all day; did not put it in my pocket when I went to the Hoffman Houre. Mr, Beach—That’s all, sir. ‘This ended the cross-examinaggon, which was one ofthe most rigid and at i that any witness had ever been subjected to. It must be said that Stokes stood the ordeal with Spartan courage, and was not once tripped up by counsel, nor did he once loge his temper. Mr. Tremain next commenced to examine the wivness on the re-direct. Q. Was this King, the colored boy, a servant of Wi Mr, Fisk? A, He er sir, i inst Fisk for subor- G, And the procee nge nation of perjury were upon this aMdavit? A. Yes, git; ist King for mating. the affidavit, and against Fisk for making him do It. tl fou made any complaint before the on this subject? A. No, sir, but I was y Grand Jury contemplating it. Q. Were you at all influenced by suything in connection with that proceeding in shooting Fisk? A. Not in the least, DID NOT INTEND TO KILL FISK. Q. Did yon form any deliberate intention of kill- ing him when you fired? A. No, sir; the whole thing occurred in a few seconds. id you load it that morning to shoot Mr. Fisk? A. No, sir; it was loaded ever since 1 bought 1t—six months before; | never discharged Q. Why did you carry the pistol with which you shot Fisk? A. ‘To protect myseif against Fisk. Q. The counsel asked you if you had a wife; have you also a child? A. Yes, sir. Q. Did your wife go to Europe before or after the shooting? A. Nearly a year before, sir. Q. For what purpose? A. On account of il) health, by advice of a physician, and with my concurrence and approbation. After afew more questions put to the witness by the prosecution his examination was con- cluded, TNE MINUTES OF THE GRAND JURY. Mr. Beach read part of the minutes of the Grand Jury, after having offered it in evidence, which furnished the names of the witnesses who had ap- d before that body to heip Fisk in getting an Tadictment found against the prisoner. Amon; the names were those of William Follerton an Nelly Brady. Stokes was put again upon the stand by Mr. Tre- main and asked who was the William Fullerton ap- pearing on the minutcs, A. That gentleman there (pointing to one of the counsel for the prosecution). Mr. Fullerton—I protest. I want to be pee right in this matter. If lwas brought into that thing it ‘was only by process of law, after three subpeenan had been served upon me, 1 persistently reiused to answer any question 8 to What took place be- pasete Mr. Stokes and myself while I was counsel for him. MR. FULLERTON EXONERATED. Mr. Tremain (with a bland smile)—We mean no Teflection upon you, repels C certainly not. Pooh! Every one knows that the Fullerton mentioned is ou. , ‘The Court—I don’t think that the matter requires ee explanation from Mr. Fullerton. ir, Fullerton—Your Honor will see the use that will be made of this circufustance hereafter. IfI am to be arraigned I want it to be understood that I was dragged before the Grand Jury, and aid not go there voluntarily. Mr. Tremain—We don’t arraign you. We arraign pode Mr. Beach—I move the last answer of the witness be stricken out. It was stricken out by order of the Court. . Who is the next witness, Alexander B. Sisson? A. The keeper of houses of {ll fame at Boston, and who was indicted for—I thing for perjury. Be that this answer algo be ruled out, and that the witness be not allowed to vitupe- rate and malign the character of these witnesses, who bave no opportunity of defending themselves. ‘The answer was stricken out. Mr. Tremam—I propose to show, Your Honor, that also the witness named Nelly Brady is and was @ notorious prostitute. The Court—I do not think it is proper to prove it by the prisoner. Mr. Tremain—That, farthermore, sbe was the mis- tress of Fisk. The Court—I cannot admit jt as proper testi- mony. Here a recess was taken for balf an hour. AFTER RECESS Mr. Tremain arose and said that he had not the slightest intention of attacking Brother. Fullerton— only the femaies whose names appear as the Grand soy witnesses, ir. tory . Fullerton said the explanation was satistac- in 80 far a8 Mr. Trethain was concerned—that the remarks of the other counsel drew torth his ex- planation, and not what Mr. Tremain had said. Mr. Townsend pecs foe upon his feet, and said if the gentleman alluded to what he had said in his opening he (Mr. Townsend) had nothing to with- on He meant everything he had said—every wor The Court—Gentiemen, I wish you would cease these personalities. If MAKBS NO DIFFERENCE. Mr. Fullerton—It makes no difference what the counsel states or does not state—what he asserts or withdraws. Mr. Beach—I desire to ask the witness (Stokes) this one question—Did you, on or about the 1st of January, 1872, say to John R. Kimble that Fisk was @ damned blackmailer and that you would shoot him? A, I might have said he was a blackmailer; I don’t remember. Q. Did you say in 6 pret rallery near Twenty- second street in this city, le practising, and as you shot offa pistol, that that was the way you ‘would serve Fisk? A. J never discharged a pistol in this city in my life, and never was in the gallery spoken of, nor in any other gallery whatever. Never? A. Never. ). Oh, excuse me; you did once or twice. yes; I wasn’t thinking of that. SENATOR RAMSAY'S TESTIMONY, Joseph H. Ramsay, of New Jersey, sworn—He testified that Mr. Fisk used to be a director in his railway company ; he had known Mr. Fisk since 1868 ; Fisk was present in the office of witness twice during August, 1869; a private interview took place between the deceased and the witness; in my opinion Fisk was a reckless, unscrupulous man, and willing to resort to any Means to accomplish A. Ab, his purpose. MR. BRACH TAKES ATM. Crogs-examined by Mr. Beach—1 cannot call to mind who I have heard speak of Mr. Fisk’s charac- ter and temperament or disposition; I don’t know that I ever personally was aware of Mr, Fisk's being engaged himself in violent actions; Mr. Van Valkenburg said that he tried forcibly to enter and take possession of the offices of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad; I cannot mention any other person who gave me the same information. FRAN This witness merely corroborated the testimon: given by Stokes as ce latter's visit to his ones and the few words of conversation that took place between them. RUPOS F, ANDREWS. Mr. Andrews testified substantially the same as pad as Aw Bagh an’ ane on ee alter leaving e office Of Mr. Bixby, and repeated the conversa- tion testified to by the prisoner. GEORGE COTTRELL. Mr. Cottrell testified as to the sending of the telegram by Stokes, in relation to the horse-racing case, JOHN 1. DOTY corroborated Stokes as to the same matter, H. SMITHS GEO} deposition on the same Mr. Tremain. ject was then read by CTARLRS A, COLB is bookkeeper in the office of the Western Union Telegraph Company ; he had the ortginal of the tele- gram sent by Stokes on the 6th of January; wit- ness produced a number of tek ms, and read the one sent by Stokes to John L, Dety on the 6th of January ; he also read a telegrapbic notice sent to the office of the company for their guidance by the operator at Long Branch, which stated that Mr. Doty was not there, Mr, Dos Passos here read the testimony of AMASA SPRAGUE, of Rhode Island, who was President of the tepleeta ‘Trotting Association during Januar: 2, albo 1871. testimony corroborated that of Stoker in which he stated that he made complaint again: @ decision rendered in the case of the trotting match in which he and Henry H. Smith were the interested parties. There was an arrangement Made between Stokes and the testifier by which the le eat ‘was to appear in Rhode Island dur- ing January, DANIEL P. INGRAHAM, JR., remempered seeing Stokes in Chamberlin & Dodge's on the day of the shooting, and his speak- ing to him about a man he had to go down town to see; and he also said something about a horse HENRY DE CORLEY’S TESTIMONY. - This witness was called for the prosecution on the former trial, but they re{used to place him on the stand this time. He was called for the defence. I was porter man at the Grand Central Hotel; had been there two years and up to the Sth of August last; remember the elrcumstances of the shooting; I was standing between the parlors 206 and 207, on the second floor; my post was in front of No. 207, south of the elevator; just before the shooting I was standing near the elevator, talking to Jenny ‘Turner, the girl. The witness then proceeded, to describe the re- port of the pistol shots; Lf henge 9 Stokes, who Se at him near the head » SAYIN: T 5 in shot, get a doctor,” and to assist- Hs 0 parior 217. He said that he did not see the bey Thomas Hart, who testified for the péd- le, in the hall at all, Wi matter. hen Stokes was brought into the room to be identified by Fisk the omicer said, ‘Mr. Fisk, is this the man who shot you?” to which Fisk replied, “Yes, Stokes.” and imme- diately hung his head; he said not another syllable. : ANOTHER PISTOL, , ‘The witness then described the pistol that was given to him by Miss Hall, found inene of the arlors; it was a small weapon, fancy, with ivory andie, and a piece of very beautiful workmanship. He was here shown the pistol taken trom Stokes and asked if it was the same one, A. ‘Never, sit; I know it very well; it is nothing like the one given me; I am mcat positive on the subject.’ There was slight commotion occasioned in Coats by the latter portion of the testimony of this witness. Witness—I had @ conversation with the boy Hart, who sald that he was making plenty of money; he said also that one of the bullets ound would dit in one pistol and not in the other. On cross-examination Mr. Beach took Stokes’ pistol in his hand and approached the witness to within @ foot, stood in front of him, and asked his questions in such a fierce, loud tone that the wit- ness looked half frightened, and it was the im- pression in Court that he was abont to assault him. Alter having asked the witness afew questions the Court adjourned tili Monday morning at the usual time. BUSINESS IN THE OTHER COURTS. —-—— WORK IN TEE URITED STATES COURTS FOR THE P/ST YEAR. District Attorney’s Office. Custom House bond suits instituted in 1872. Closed during the year Pending.......... The Bankruptcy Office. 160 210 040 Number of voluntary petitions filed in 1871. 9 Voluntary and involuntary petitions. 5 AUnvoluntary petitions 446 Total petitions filed. 530 Number o! adjudication: 263 Discharges. 89 Business In Bankruptcy for the Past Fortnight. Voluntary petition.—Martin Colman. Adjudications in involuntary cases, Horton, Laurence Daly, James Daly, I. Cosmore G, Bruce. R. A. Power, Decision. By Judge Barrett. Gray.—The former marriage 1s not proved, and no reason is given why the divorce was not valid, Gray vs. Special Notice. All rates of issue for the first Monday in January, motion calendar, 1873, must be filed on or before Tuesday, December 31, 1872, at two P. M. All notes of issue tiled alter ‘Tuesday, December 31, will be placed at the foot of the gel ral calendar in class 8, SUPERIOR COURT—SPECIAL TERM. Decision. . By Judge Curtis. Fergus Cockran et aj, vs. William H. Dominick.— Order settled. By Judge Barbour. Henry D. Stover ve. Daniel M. memorandum for couns: COMMON PLEAS—SPECIAL TEAM. Decisions.. by Judge Larremore. Gunther vs. Bernhardt. —Receiver appointed. Hall ve. GriMin.—Application granted. Rain vs. Woods,—Order settled. Porter.—See O'Donoghue vs. Congregation Adath Israe].—Ap- Plication granted. Ryan vs. Evans.—Reference ordered. Ainsnich vs. Daly.—Motion for receiver granted. Andrews vs. Page.—Motion granted, In Se Matter of Cornelia Fleming.—Application granted. Gantin ve. Buddensich.—Report of referee con- firmed. Middleton vs. Hill.—Reference ordered. Neopi vs. Keller.—Application granted Pr aphbubisars vs. Oesterreicher.—Kelerence or- ered. In the Matter of the Assignment of Aaron Gucker- mann.—Bond affirmed. By Juage J, F. Daly. Rockson vs. The Knickerbocker Life Insurance Company.—Judgment for defendants. hy Judge Robinson. Quincy vs. Young.—Motion denied, conte. MARINE COURT—SPECIAL TERM AND CHAMBERS. Decisions. By Judge Gross, George A. Dockstader vs, Isaac N. Nicholson.— Motion denied, Edward Delehant and Another vs. D. Mulhern.— Motion denied. The affidavit of detendant 1s too indefinite, while that o! the plaintiff is positive, W. J. Baker vs. W. H. Mapes.—Motion for judg- ment denied and the cause ordered for trial Janu- ary 14, 1873. ieorge IT. Broome vs. M. W. Ware.—Defendant, must sppear and testify as required. Charles Mancel vs. Samuel G. Wheeler and Others.—Judgment on demurrer in favor of plain- tim, with costs. Anna Maria Geiger vs. Andrew R. Roessler.--Or- der resettled, JEFFERSON MARKET POLICE COURT. Grand Larceny. Edgar Lewis was arraigned at the Jefferson Market Police Court yesterday, charged with steal- ing an otter skin robe, valued at $50, from the New York Transfer Company. Mr. Thomas Curtiss, agent of the company, saw the theft, procured the arrest and mae the complaint. Lewis was held to bail in the sum of $1,000 to answer. Sneak Thief. Sarah J. Lewis, @ colored woman, was detected in the upper room of the residence 260 West Twellth street, by Mrs. Adeline Oehlers, the lady of the house, with property which she had stolen to the value of $25 upon her person. Sarah pleaded in defence, with much earnestness, that she had mistaken the number and entered the wrong house, but was brought up at Jefferson market yesterday and committed in default of $300 bail to ‘answer. with $10 TYNDALL ON RADIATION. abr Navalcee es Fifth Scientific Lecture of the Professor at Cooper Institute—Interesting Experi- ments With the Thermo-Electric Pipe. ‘The fifth of Professor Tyndall's lectures on scien- tiflc subjects was given last evening before a large and appreciative audience at Cooper Institute. The lecture in this, the last of @ very instructive series, was devoted to the region of radiant action beyond the visible red of the spectrum, which was illustrated by numerous beautiful and interesting experiments. The position and the magnitude of this ultra-red radiation was pointed out. Experiments on the heating power of the total radiation from the electric lamp were described and executed, showing by the concentration of such rays that metals may and = burned and combustible bodies set ablaze. The particular constituent of the radiation which produces these effects was sought after and demonstrated to be_the ult) ered undulations, A means, by the thermo-electric pipe, was jescribed of filtering these invisible waves from the total radiation and operating upon them alone. on, d fused were proved competent, when concentrate to , produce combustion and explosion, to it metals to whiteness, on nature was then illustrated, and the luminous rays of the sun were proved incompetent heat water or to melt ice, and therefore ting 40 not produce the vapor necessary for rain, nor do they melt snows, and the glaciers which give mse to the Rhine and Rhone and other rivers. The physical identity of tight and heat was then illustrated, and these lightless waves were proved capable of re- ir action flection, refraction, polarization, — depolari- zation, circular polarization and double refraction. The lecturer threw a gréat deal of in- terest into this subject which requires considerable pe Ae understand, and by the lucid manner in which he treated it made his experiments compre- hensible to the mediocre mind. Among the andi- ence were a ly sprinkling of our most cele- brated scientific men, and frequent rounds of ap- nak ‘ted the success Of Wost dificult ex- THE GREAT 606K FIGHT. Pa ibaa yaa The Feathered Gladiators of Troy and New York in Battle Array. apg httiags BSC, HOW AND WHERE THE COMBAT TOOK PLACE + Thirteen Fights for $500 Each and $5,000 the Main. ar sca Troy Victorious—The “White Tails” Olean Out Their Opponents—Immense Sums Ohange Hands, to WHAT WILL FIT SARATOGIANS NOW SAY? ALBANY, Dec. 28, 1872. Alter all the anxiety among sporting men throughout the country; all the excitement of the authorities in the pretty village of Saratega, and also in this city and in Troy; and after all the ruwors of forfeits being paid and the whole matter having fallen through, the great cock fight between Troy and New York came of privately yesterday afternoon and last night, not far from this city, re- sulting in a grand victory for the ‘Trojans. And now that the affair has been settied, and that, too, m the most agreeable and pleasant manner, the story of its conception, and also the result, may be told, with a few omissions of names and places that the Herap reporter is bound by a pledge to suppress, Their publication would not be of any great interest, while it possi- bly might prove annoying to some of the guardians of the peace hereabouts, who for days have been laying the flattering unction to their souls that, in- deed, the great main of cocks was “off” owing TO THEIR INCREASED VIGILANCE, Everybody, or rather almost everybody, with a taste for amusements of a sporting nature, is aware that the practice of fighting game cocks is greatly admired and widely patronized in this day and in this country, and, though tho Southern States have a justly wide reputation for indulging liberally ‘m the exciting pastime, New York stands prom- inent in this respect. In your city the sport flourishes, and it can never be suppressed, despite the interference of many meddiers, The same is the case In this section. Right under the shadow of the capital, and where the supposed wisdom ofthe State annually comes together, the grand old sport has @ prosperous existence. When fully at its height lawmakers and lawbreakers talk freely upon the different combats. And men in business circles, holding high social positions, know a game bird from one of indifferent strain, They are as well posted on the rules governing the proper Manner of conducting a main as they are on the price of stocks. For years the men who breed these game birds in this section, deeming them of “shuah blood,” have looked out beyond their own distriet and challenged to combat the flower of the feathered tribes, or, rather, those who own them, in your city, and many have been the fights resulting therefrom, and thousands upon tens of thousands of dollars have changed hands, The contest which it is Dow proposed to describe wus agreed upon : LAST SUMMER AT SARATOGA. Noted gentlemen known well in sporting circles met there during the August racing meeting, and, after some little conference, agreed that they should come together in that village on the 27th of December. It was also agreed that eacn party should show twenty-one birds, weighing from 4 Ibs, 402. to 6 Ibs, 10 02., and they shoutd fight ail that “fellin” or matched in weight under the Albany rules, for the unprecedented sum of $500 each bat- tle, and’ $5,000 the odd fight. From the moment the articles of agreement were signed this pro- posed combat became the theme of much conver- sation and speculation in the sporting cir- cles of every city in the Union, From the old cocking element of New Orleans to that not so well acquainted, perhaps, with “feathers” and “hackles,” in Portsmouth, Me., the result of the meeting has been canvassed, and within a month or 60 numerous letters have bven received in this city, in Troy and in New York regarding it. ‘The wide publicity given to the anticipated sport caused much trouble to the geniiemen who were instrumental in inaking the matin, and necessitated achange of base; and, instead of having it take place in the most comfortable quarters imaginable, and those created expressly for the event, it was decided in the most cheerless place of the charac- ter inthe country. How the many residents of Le scr sega chief among whom were the members of the YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCTATION, took the matter in hand and indignantiy, in long resolutions, protested against the great cock fight trom taking place there, and how they caused warrants to be Issued by the score for the arrest of all concerned in the aifair, is well known and need not be here repeated. Suffice it to say their deter- mined front caused @ conierence among the pi cipals, and a locality not far from here was selected for the settlement of the little diMenity. Again, not satisfied with tieir success in this particu- Jar, the zealous Christians of Saratoga transmitted long epistles to their brethren in this city and in Troy, requesting thcin to buckle on their religious armor and “go for” these “demoralized men” who would fight game chickens. Their brethren of the latter places did as required. ‘Their armors were tightiy buckled on, and the police forces asked to co-operate—wiich they did— to suppress any demonstration of the kind should it be attempted in their midst, This unexpected movement surprised the gentlemen who wished to have the fight take place, and once more they were required to conler together.’ They did 80; and while they quietly settled the way to decide the main gave it to the world that ‘forfeit had been paid by the New York party,” and “the whole affair italien through.” Meanwhile, as per agree- ment, Swenty-five men were notified by the Troy side and twelve by the New Yorkers, leaving . “OUT IN THE COLD” the hundreds in your city who would have given their checks for $1,000 could they have been pres- ent, Well, to see in battle array “dem Troy and New York chick'ns, [came here.” Upon arriving among the Trojans on Thursday, in the late furious storm, ta to the American House and there began skirmishing to ascertain the latest phase of the Bey leading to the success{al issue of the fight. It was a difficult matter. But at last after hours of traveling about, and almost frozen stiff by the severity of the temperature, I struck the right trail, and yesterday pee at ten o'clock proceeded to the appointed place, “There will be many disappointments in this mat- ter,” said my friend, “but it can’t be helped; the sent must go on, even if some of our friends do kick up about not being notified.” The selected rendezvous for the dispute. and where the New York birds had been kept after removal from Sara- to) With eyes and feathers right, And with heels sharp and prime, In condition tor the fight, is on one of the roads leading from thie oid Knick- erbocker city. It isasort of unostentations rum mill, put its internal appearance suggests that good cheer may there be had. We entered from the rear, The frent of the house was closed and every door securely fastened with locks The barroom was neatly fitted and ple floor had been cleanly scrubbed, but the few pres- ent had lsc LL in considerable snow on their feet, which materially changed its appearance. The walls were nicely papered, and large-si Tints of famous trotters hung upon every d. Unlike many places of the nature, there were neither COBWEBS IN THE CORNERS nor cockroaches galloping across the ceiling. I was early, and feund sitting around the stove but four or five individuals, These, in both dreas and conversation, marked them as being much above the men who usually patronize such sport. They When it was announced to the waiting were Mei yeh dressed and held communication with cach other in subdued tones, No sooner had T sat down than every cye was turned upon me, yet, though the expression th ted across their countenances denoted surprise that a total stran- ger should thus coolly walk in among them, ied was no Tee eri manifested. All this time tl yemises were re- dolent with gallinaceous music, Imprisoned cocks in the rooms above deflantly cock-a-doodled at other cocks near them. As the morning wore on the party increased, and shortly after one o'clock there were about only forty present. Now the arguments incidental to such an occasion com- menced, and Myr ined was cock-a-hoop in antici- ation of the fg ting. About two oi cee L oh red the cockpt ‘ell, the plicé Wad thé Wor poe that could have been selected for the leathered gladiators to fight their dwcls a Voutrance, and it was as cold as charity. Rory of it the HERALD reperter has promised not Bay. From three o'clock onwards there were many who came to the doors but were refnsed admittance, the doorkeeper in some instances having the un- paralleled cheek to tell them that “THIS 18 A CLOSKD HOUSE.” Weighing in the birds and matching the lists had by this time been satixfactorily gone through with, thropg that woura "ne for Bt by coats the og id v choice, rs 0 Dattien being the light amd heavy weights respec: tively, Now, to pleasantly fii) in the time, the imbibe Heidsick, and verage as and pleas: kinds of ‘as scorn. “sips” such expressions as. “this it to be a bang-up fight” were fre- quently heard, and many of "8 friends were enthusiastic over the su; 1d ability of the “white- tail fowl” to clean out their New York antagonists. At ffeen minutes past three the pit was entered by. she parts. The most innocent could not mis- take the throng, and no one would have suspected got into @ prayer mecting or a branch of ‘a Young Men’s Christian Association, although brethren were most stata and deco- rous for @ few minutes. The place wassmall, and a) Shcasebau a chan oe The assem- soon show ns of appreciation. Among those pointed out to me were an office- toner in good repute and of high mo- aracter, with two or three who had been his patients; mer- chants, with sleek countenances and rotand forms, and one or more foremen of Large, manufacturin; establishments, who laid down the law upon orni- thological matters to thelr friends. And then there were men who wore lmmaculate shirt bosoms and diamonds of rare value and cameo rings, to me unknown, Then there were two or three young gentlemen, with smooth and fresh faces and very expansive shirt collars and loud overcoats; but they knew what a chicken dispute was and backed their judgments freely from rolls of greenbacks, and of A enormous figures that the sight of them wou. ORAZE A POOR MAN. Almost everybody wore shining silk hats or the fashionable sealskin cap. About half-past three o'clock there was a shont of “Here they come |’? and, sure, enough, the respective liandlers stepped into the pit. The names of these men I don’t care to give, but they are well known throughout the country, The refereo is also a man of excellent reputation in sporting circles, and he hails from this city. If any one could have possibly mistaken the party apon entering the room fora body of praying brethren that delusion would have been at once dispelled by a score extending their hands and exclaiming :— “One thousand dollars Troy wins this fight!” “Five hundred that New York ets licked}? “Two hundred that New York wins!” “Pil take you!” “hats ae “Just come and sec me!’ and other wagers of like enormous sums were quietly made, And here let it be said that the money in nearly every instance ma “put up,” and the amounts lost and won upon each fight wele simply astonishing, and even to some old sporting men may hot be credited. At this time tt was Understood that the New York party, in violation of the rules binding them In the match, had cut out part of the hackle of their birds back of the combs, which would cause the representatives of the Metropolis to lose the forfeit money up; but the ‘Trojans generously waived this pointand said, "Let the dance go on,’ ‘ THE FIGHTING, First Pight.—The games began with tne light Weights, two 4 lbs. 4 oz. Troy showed a robin- breasted red, with black legs, and New York a black-red, with yellow legs, They were well sta- tioned and looked in fine trim. ‘The battle began earnestly, and the second fly Troy got one of his eyes knocked out, which si ered him for a sec- ond, New York never stopped his vindictive work, and in his fury sent @ hee! into the side of the pit. gaits into the body of the black-red so furiously that the latter laid down ‘to take a breath.’ any offered 100 to 26 on Troy and were taken. But they soon changed their base, as New York got up and , amply repaid his opponent for what he bad given him, with interest, and yy was soon entirely blind, With this disadvantage he fought on, but New York was the stronger bird, and when the battle wasin his hand and the beautiful robin breast could fight no ionger, the New York handler lost the fight by picking up his fowl when “the count” had not been finished. [It was rough on his backers, but tt could not be helped, The ‘Trojans raked in thelr movey and leit happy. 14m, 203, Second Fight,—The ney 100%, The Trojans went in} cheerfultaces, They seut in a red domini with white legs and tail, forwarded to them by Mr. Chappel, of Detroit, for the occasion. New’ York handed in a splendid biack-rea, the finest looking big ones that ever went inte the pit, The betting was in favor of Troy. sums offered individually and taken were very to this combat with wagers were quite common. One Troy geuticman had $1,960 0n the result. Each bird was a rat from the word »” They came together Ik: pistol shot, buckle for puckle, never ceasing unt! roy found a soit spot in New York's head, and down the latter went as if he had been knocked over with aclub, From this moment he was vir- tuallywhipped, as ‘Troy “was a hopper,” and never letting up from the first telling stroke had it all his own way. New York was pounded and taken, but the. backer of the Metropolis told his h “give it up; he’s dead.” Time, 6m, 10s. y judi- ant. . Third Fight.—It was atime for more wine driv ing, and bottle after bott as exhausted, Every- body pleasant and satis that the sport was charming and the birds in good condition, The weights were—New York, 5 1bs. 7 0z., and Troy, 1bs. 5 oz. The former showed a black-red with wht legs, and Troy, a brown-red with yellow legs. latter was much thought of by the Knowing !ads, being esteemed an invincible ‘corn cracker,” Th sequel proved that he wasn’t. Betting in favor of Troy. At the it My ‘lroy had an eye knocked out, and then New York got a gentle reminder that his at aig Was around by obtaining a slash of his optics, Now terms. Each did magni! Troy) got im another which made him sick. work, York's on head “He's dead as a stone |’? orted some, but he wasn’t, and for a minute Troy knocked him about like a paper ball, and had the battle virtually won. But Troy sulked, and though New York had his lee broken in a fall he Was game,and kept on with his work, while Troy Was pronounced the “prince of all dufers.” It was. alterwards ascertained that he had fought three times last year, always victorious, being shown this time on account of his previous good qualities. The result was a good illustration of the giorious uncertainty of the sport. Time, 13m. 5s, Fourth Pight.—More wine bidding and more money wagered prior to the battle than ever b fore reco! he weights were 6 lbs. 8 oz. showed @ black-red, with yellow legs, and New York the same, the only difference in the birds feathers and Troy not. They came together with acrash that resounded all over the pit. In the anxiety of the spectators to see there was some confusion, bat no trouble. New York got an eye knocked out early im the struggle; but he was game, and sent his steel vindictively into the throat of Troy, whose life’s blood was soon ooz- ing “en over the tan in the pit, andhe died, Time, 7m, 28, . Fuh Fight.—Weights, 4 lbs. 13 02. Two very pretty black-reds were shown, Troy being a littie piacker than his opponent. More beautiful birds wore never scen. Fly alter fy was made and the feathered gladiators stopped vo “mend their bel- lows.’’ In body, head and throat they were cut and bleeding territly, Then New York had an eye punched out, and Troy, proving the superi tng fowl, at last sent hi where such valor as he exhibited is apy: ed. Some said he stopped fighting, but he hau received his deathblow. Time, 7m. 228. Sisth Fight.—Two 5 Ibs. 2 07 Both were vlack- reds, with yellow legs. “Tney look like race horses,” cried a New York boy, “and I'll bet $1,000 Troy wins.” He was taken up, and the end of the battle showed his good judgment. He won. There was much excitement. during the contest, and at the end of the filth fly New York went down in his warm blood, and Troy had the call 100 to 10. The latter never stopped his fighting though, and soon the deep distress of New York was ended, He wae dead os a stone. Time, 1m. 558, Seventh Fight.—Weights, 6 ibs. 10z. More heavy betting. New York sent in a black-red with black legs, and Troy one of the same color with yellow legs. It was a prolonged and hard battle. They started off slowly, but soon got to work earnestly. All around the pit they slashed each other to pieces amid the cries of “Go it, Troy!” “Slash him all to pieces, New York!” At last Troy began a drum- ming process, and so astonished his opponent that he was demoralized; but the latter fonght himself out, and New York fini ly won after a terrible con- Niet. ia Was a tough battle for Troy to lose. Time, 13 m. 95 8, Eighth Fight,—Two 4 ibs, 14 oz. New York handed in a black rea with yellow legs, and Troy one of the sume color with white legs. Another capital bat- le, justifying the expression that the fighting Was the “best ever seen," which came frequently from the old cockfighters present. Vindictively they met, and, oe high in the air cut each other terribly, New York showed his injuries in a lost fo and Troy ina leg. Then New York got a blow in the back of the neck which brought him down, and before he could recover his opponent had knocked his life out. Two game birds, and the we did not regret their misfortune. Time, 3m. _Ninth Fight.—The battles were now, Troy 5 and New York 3, The gentlemen were betting stronger thau before. Ngee beg 5 lbs. 7 0z. Troy showed a black-red with yellow legs, and their opponents a pyler, the first of the evening. “That’s one of — pyle,! several cried. A good fight, amd when the pyle was thought to have lost his blow he sent ina rasper that split Troy’s head and wrested victory from the jaws of defeat. Time, 11m, 20s, Tenth ht.—Weights, 5 lbs. 30z. Both black- reds with yellow legs, and well thought of. They were beauties. Troy was the favorite at $1,000 to $900, and though New York seemed an effective fighter he was fearfully cut and at last hung down his he and showed unmistakable signs of the white feather and wanti “to find his mother.” “What a beast!” said many, ‘‘He’s a dunghill,” cried others, The i was ee up to Troy, and the w York bird.had tis head pulled of. time, om, i. he roy EleventIv 0 41b8. 1402. Betting wild— one gentle! having $1,600 on the result. Both yellow-legs and black-reds. Fast and furious the fight , and at the fourth fly Troy was renee an accident that caused the beautiful I back 8 def It was asore loss to Troy and his ers. ‘Time, 1m. 58, nt.—W eights, Troy 4 Ibs. 14 02.; New Twelfth York, Hits oz. ‘The former showed a biack-red with span; feather; tne latter a@ full black-r It was one of the best combate of the day. At Sret buckle New York bad the bea of 15 bus &@ doctor who talked pleasantly | Then Troy came around, and he let fy his rasping | weights, two 6 Ibs. | ‘These birds were | ‘the | being that New York had a cotton tail, with white | | Tine, | | | terror and horror, large, some of them being of $1,000, while $500 | | « Came around and sent in such stingers all over hia Opponent that he soon held up his yellow legs ape pealingly and died. Time, 3m. 103, Fight.—-This decided the main. New York handed in a black red, 4 Ibs. 15 oz.; and Troy a white spangie with white tail, 41bs. 140z. Like “wheat in a 4 gen 7 came together, and after much revengeful work New York had nearly sent the opposing rooster to his final home, when the handier of the former indulged in a littie more wrong counting and Jost the ht by decision of the referee, thus giving Troy the victory of the main, having won ace out of thirteen battles, There was no more fighting. Time, 6m. 20s, SEPARATING, ‘Thus, after a series of contests the best ever seen ina cockpit, and deciding more money than ever Wagered in such amanner, the crowd qmetly dis- persed hear midnight. Troy has “carried away the cup,” and deservedly so in this instance, and while New York is disconsolate there can be no doubt that there was fair play all around. James A. Dugrey, of Troy, bred and raised the “white tatls.”? THE NEWEST FATALITY. A Horrible Explosion in Kitchen in Harlem A Woman Terribly Injured and Burned to Death—A Sickening Stery— The Scorched Remains. Miss Ella Campbell was yesterday morning in- Juved by the explosion of the “water back” of a kitchen range, and the hot embers which were blown over her clothes ignited them, and she was burned 80 badly that she breathed her last about an hour and a half atterwards. The circumstances ofthe fearfal catastrophe are such as lead to new disgust at the parsimonious economy of the owners of property, who do not scruple to save their pennies at the peril of human life, The house in which it occurred is Known as 143 Kast 115th street. It is one of those first erected in Harlem and upon which the march of time ant progress has wrought little change. The kitchen is small and low, and last night, when visited by » reporter of the HERALD, was a scene of the direst confusion and most astonishing destruction, suge gestive of THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY which had so recently occurred, Dr. James | P. Campbell is the brother of the lifeless victim, He said that he had not yet been able to look upon what remained of the form of his sister, big nerves were too weak. He had not been at home during the nigit; and only returned at avout seven o'clock in the morning, after the occurrence of the explo- sion, which was ten minutes earlier than his arri- val. The family had all risen and were down stairs in the kitchen and the sitting or living room, | having JUST GOTTEN THROUGH BREAKFAST. ‘The table stood opposite the range, and was covered with a cloth, dishes and food. The fre was burning brightly and cheerfully, and filled the room with a genial warmth and glow of comfort. Miss Ella Campbell, who was a woman of thirty years, and was rather good looking and shapely in form, with a regular and pleasant face, was kneeling on the heartustone tn front of the grate, and was engaged in toasting a piece of bread upon a fork betore the Names. Her littie nephew was sitting in a chair pear her, and d mes Camp bell, came irom the pox near proceeded to light a 0, the window, ai fire in the si t as she leaned over to strike the om the kitchen A TERRIVIC AND DE. éXPLOSION. She rushed into the kite! ® scene of a ‘The floor is covered with Tragments of the tron ot the ra coals, and Miss Campbell lay in the vidst of them, torn and bleeding. Her clot were on fire. ‘The other thought or h Mttle boy, ton year dy who been with his aunt, ind, casting fearial glances about, she found him sprawling at the further side of ‘the table, which was driven from it inal position, almost against the wall. She pie! Chim ap with a loud am, thinking that the whote hot would be | burned, and, turning when she | way the passage, she her. siste ho had sprung to her feet | e | Year's Avex | _Wahop dunes aga othery vid det in the embrace of the flames, and with her hands for her to come out into the street and plunge mio the suoy ‘The woman went into the sitting-room and then rashed back to the kitchen, and was dragged out again by her sister-in-law, who then flew wildly to the upper tories of the house and vook her other two children, who were not awake, in their night-clothes, into the street. She shouted and shric Just at this pomt a man hbors for help. arne aloug who was ex- tinguishing the public guslights on the sidewalk, aad ue entered THE FATAL BASEMENT, He found Miss Campbet! crouched in one corner, her garments and the carpet burning, her face blackened and her Cerrilte s ms tilling the air. Other persons by this tune had come in, As quickly as they could they wrapped her in blankets and SMOTIEKED TAL FLAMES but it was too late. she asi ed, with indistinct | ubterances that scarcely could be caught between her agonizing crics, lor “some water,” and water was thrown over her and Sap through her seared and blisterea lips. Then they bore her up airs, and ste, on the w: wanted the blankets taken off her head. he was laid upon a bed in the little baci parlor, «Dr. . Driggs, wio had been culled, at this moment arrived and heard her shriek in piercing tones as they placed her on the bed, ‘Cake away the fire!’? These were the only words she uttered, and, though she wag conscious until twenty minutes before she died, nothing could be understood from her lips, At about nine o’cloek she expired, with cries that Mrs. Campbell said will ring in her ears to her dying day. Dit. DRIGGS’ OPINION Was that she died from inhalation of flames, but that her death would have been sure, although not so immediate, irom her externalinjuries. The face is cut and gashed in many places and browned hke a side of tanned leather, the skin shrivelled and seared, so that there is NO FEATURE RECOGNIZABLE as having once been animate with life ana thought. The rest of the body is aiso scorched and blackened, and the clothes are in ashes, except at the waist, where they were fastened more tightly than else- where. Last evening the remains were stretched on a slab and a white sheet was spread over them. The range in the kitchen was one of the oldest description, having been built eightcen years ago. Dr. Campbell, when he recently hired the house, urged Mr. Darrow, the landlord, to repair it or pnt A new one in its place, but he refused peremptori to do so. The iron work was rusted frail. The water was not frozen at all, as lt was kept running {from the hydrant during the night, so that the only supposition that can be formed of the canse of the catastrophe .s that the explosion was the result of the sheer weakness of the old and corto “water-back.” If such vole canoes as these exist in many other housenolds 4 would do well to desert their homes, he investigation will probably be made by the Coroner on Monday. The littie boy is only stightiy burned, and will soon recover, CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS, The Mission Sewing School. ‘The annual Christmas festival of the Mission Sew- ing School of All Soul's church was held yesterday morning in the girls’ public school building in Twelfth street, between Broadway and University Place. About three huydred and fifty children were present. On the platform wore'the Rev. Dr. Bellows, Rev, 0. B, Frothingham, i Mr. Powers, Dr. Curtia and others prominently connected with charitable institutions of the city. As the children entered the room and all the glorics of the large Christmas tree burst he gee ther they seemed to be delighted, They recited the Lord’s Prayer to a heartfelt man- ner, and then the Rev. Dr. Bellows, Rev. 0, B. Frothingham and Rey. Mr. Powers each spoke a few words. The children es ng the bell, watchman” and “My country, ‘tis of thee.” Dr, Curtis then gave some humorous songs, One of the ladies played on the piano, while the girls passed by in file, each receiving a paper bag o) candies, fruits and other dainties, The Shepherd's Fold. The Christmas festivities at the Shepherd's Fold, Eighty-sixth street and Second avenue, were of unusual interest. At two o'clock yesterday after noon some sixty children were assembled in the schoolroom. A large number of the friends of ti noble tnstitution were also present. The Rev. Mr. Carroll said a few words to the children, who then sung Christmas carols and ate the candies which had been presented to them. FAIR IN W&STOHESTER. The parishioners of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Melrose are holding a fair for the benefit of rochial school which is to cost about thirty thonsand dollars. The building is a sub stantial and neat structure of brick, with brown stone facings, three stories in hi it, and sur- mounted by a beautiful belfry, The basement ia to be used as a library and lecture room; the second tor, * school room, and the upper floor is one are all, which la to be used for entertainmen: fairs, &c, The fair now being held does credit the charitable ladies and gentlemen conducting tt. The National Temperance Society hold a special meeting to-morrow evening inthe Broadway Tab< ernacie church, Broadway and Thirty-fourth street for the purpose of promoting temperance on Ne’ aye ar, Wiliam Bod will preside 1 burning »