The New York Herald Newspaper, December 29, 1872, Page 7

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- femce. ‘The line upon which the prisoner’s counsel are now prepared to fight it out to the last on the mew departure is developed. There was on the Gret trial a discrepancy in the description given by ‘witnesses, especially that of Miss Hall, of the style of pisto) 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 meory of two pistols to carry ont Stokes’ defence that Fisk had frst drawn upon him. The question may arise in the minis of the jary—Were there two pistols drawn, one by Fisk and one by Stokes? but on this point the medi- eal evidence given on the former trigi subverted the idga that Fisk could have been 1 @ position to hold a pistol in bis hand to fire at @tekes above him from the direction of Stokes’ bullet which put an end to his victim. Besides, the evidence of actual witnesses who were in @ posi- tion to see Fisk draw a pistol, had he done so on the occasion, has been uncontroverted. This part @f the detence—the question of two pistols—and the alleged drawing of a pistol by Fisk upon Stokes, to make the fatal act of the latter a necessity in self-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 an@ 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 Gall, 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 sent eagerly forward to catcn every 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 erowd 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- jourpment 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, in 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 beth hands when you fred? A. I cannot say where they were at the second shot, @ Did you so swear on your former examina. tion? A. Ican’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 I state. Q. Having both hands holding the pistol, do you Swear that he was cocking it? A. Yes, sir. FISK’S PISTOL, Q@ Did you see his pistol while he was raising it vom his side—did you see it distinctly? A. I saw & quite distinctly ; he held it by the stock; it was a giver plated pisto1. ’ Q When you fired the first shot you said Fisk sried “Oh!” and bent over? A. Yes, sir; that’s my remembrance of if; that ig, hesaid “Ugh!” or wome exclamation very similar. Q. Did you think then that he was hurt? A. I didn’t think anything about it. @ Were his hands still in the same position, hold- ‘tng the pstol? A. They were. ‘@ When you fired the second shot what were Fisk’s movements’? A. He turned round, cried eut “Stop, I'm shot,” and I think he sat down, but Ld@idn’t wait to see; I went up the stairs immedi- Gtely after firing the shot. Q You say you made a motion with your hand Gas you met Mr. Hill near room 219? A. Can you give me any reason for making that motion? A. I cannot give you any reason for it; I Bave no recollection of it beyond the fact of havin, done it; I am quite confident it was when I dropped Pistol. = You then started for the main office stairs? 4. Yes, sir. THR SEARCHING OF STOKES. * Q, Who searched you down stairs? A. There ‘were several _ there, and they all tooka Rand in, I thin! Q. Was anything taken from your pockets at that time? A. No, sir; nothing until I went to the sta- tion house. Where did you meet Mr. Bailey that day? A. it on the corner of Broadway and Amity street ; Sears Yo tne Mehropautan'ws get eke or e ic for “Black Crook.” rh he ? A. I think he said he and I saidif he came down Metropolitan that I would waik ou turn back from Bond street when set Out to go to the Metropolitan’ A. Because to go with me to the Grand Central 1, to see @ lady. THB STRANGE LADY AT THE GRAXD CENTRAL, Q. Why did ay not go and see that lady when ou firat bowed to her as yoo esses, the howl? A, Weil, 1 don’t know thati had at that time made ap ARS 2 ¢ ach . were at Dod, am- bverlain’s did 78 show those reals coneeraing the horse race to any one you met there? A. I did not. Q Were those agers im your pocket at the time you were searched in the station house? A. They tt Brseksiek i Hy were; I gave them to Mr. McKeon. @ Y did noi ask who i gave them to. Who searched you there? A. I don’t know; one of the oMicers—the man at the desk, I think, Q How lon; Were you there beiore McKeon came? A. I ion’t know—not long. Q. How long had you carried a pistol before this time? A. I always carried a pistol, but not regu- larly until about six months before this time. q. Did hom converse with Mr. Bixby in the pres- ence of others concerning the ‘Grand Jury having voted an indictment against you and Mansfcldy 4. I did have some conversation about the Grand Jury and an indictment. Q You a that after the shooting, when Mr. Powers sSemething to you about coming there house, you said hid came there for adiferent spent was that what you said? i 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 aan who J was, and he said, “That is Mr. IMPERTINENT INQUIRIES. Dia not the oficer, holding you by the arm, Is this the man who shot you?” and didn’t “Yea?” A. I don’t recollect, ). n did Mansfeld and Williams tell you of threats inst en 1 A. I think it is @ year or a year and a half Qa Wa ‘th street. @ Dio any other pereon tell you that Fisk hod ere? A. AL their house in Twenty-third | that the NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, DECEMBER ‘29, 1872—TRIPLE SHEET. told me the same Are yous map? A. lam. Ip your wifealive? A. She 4 men ote ? A. No. Seat ore rremals—Ie this material or necessary, Your Honor? don’t see that it is. fg wel Jet him goon. Iii withdraw Go 9 Neneh Court sayait is not material I will not go Om under any permission of counsel. know your piste) was loaded at the le Wte ee ity A. I presume I did. ny 't you knew youdid? A. I guess so—yes, e Did you have an interview at the prison with ry Benton; did you send for her? A. No, sir; 1 ind not send for her—she came of her own ac- Q. Did you say in substance to her that it would be worth a thousand dollars to her if she would swear that a second pistol lad been found? A. [I neyer had any such conversation wit) her. Colone) Fellows—Your Honor, it is but proper for me to inform the jury that they are privileged to ask any er fas any point of the witness that they may see 3 FORENSIC SPARRING, ‘This brought Mr. Tremain 10 his feet, wno said ealiga. fore He thought the jury" kuew thet for. ju new their Court—What is the objection, sir? ir, Tremain—The objection is that it only shows rosecution assume something un- and extraordinary must be done on this trial, and because the prisoner is on the stand. The ex- amination of the witness has been carried on in a most extraordinary manner. Colonel Fellows—If the geutieman will permit me. It is not for Mr. Tr to assume authority. It is for myself to of the propriety of the mat- ter, and for Your to decide as te the ity. ‘The reason why I mentioned the subject at all was that the foreman of the jury a over and asked me to put a question to the witness. I think it improper for men to put their questions ur: through counsel, dnd’ thet is eran gnectine Mr. main—The answer of the gentleman is entirely satisfactory. Mr. Beach—I have no such scruples as my asso- ciate. J will put aby question suggested to me by @ juror. QUESTION BY A JUROR. The Foreman—One or Cwe of us woula like to know if, when Stokes went to the Hoffman House to get those papers, he put vhe pistol in his pocket at that ti Ame. mn answer that question, sir? Mr. Beach—Will ‘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 House. Mr. Beach—That’s ail, sir. This ended the cross-examinaggon, which was one ofthe most rij and thorough 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 witness on the re-direct. Was this King, the colored boy, a servant of Mr, Fisk? A. He yas sir, ‘And the’ proceedings agatnst Fisk for subor- ation of pekie rere! béaet upon this aMdavit? A. Yes, sir; gains King for making the affidavit, and agains ik for making him do fe . ou any complaint before the Q you made an; Grand Jury on this subject? A. No, sir, but I was contemplating it. Were you at all influcnced by anythin; connection with that proceeding in shooting 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 thi if ec in a few seconds. x id you load it that morning to shoot Mr. Fisk? A. No, sir; it was loaded ever since 1 bought it—six months before; 1 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. ivag. 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 ill health, by advice of a physician, and with my concurrence and approbation. After afew more questions put to the witness be ihe 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- peared before that body to help Fisk in getting an indictment 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 minutes, A. That gentleman there (pointing to one of the counsel for the prosecution). Mr. Fullerton—I protest. I want to be put nigus in this matter. If l was brought into that thing it ‘was only by process of law, after three subpanas had been served upon me, 1 persistently reiused to answer any questions af to what took place be- ree Mr. Stokes and myself while I was counsel for him, in Bk? MR, FULLERTON EXONERATED. Mr. Tremain (with a bland smile)—We mean no Teflection apon you, renee Ge certainly not. Pooh! Every one knows that the Fullerton mentioned is you. ‘The Court—I don’t think that the matter requires bee explanation from Mr. Fullerton. ir. Fullerton—Your Honor will see the use that will be made of this circufstance hereafter. IfI am to be arraigned I want it to be understood that I was @ 1d before the Grand Jury, and aid not go there voluntarily. Mr, Tremain—-We don’t arraign you. We arraign nobody, Mi Beach Move the last answer of the witness be scricken out. It was stricken out by order of the Court. Who is the next w: ree Alexander B, Sisson? A. The keeper of houses of {ll fame at Boston, and who was indicted for—I thing for perjury. Mr. Beach--I ask that this answer also be ruled out, and that the witness be not allowed to vitupe- rate and malign tle character of these witnesses, who bave no opportunity of defending themselves. The answer was stricken out. Mr. Tremain—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 b prieance. Mr. Tremain—That, farthermore, she 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 be had not the slightest intention of attacking Brother. Fulierton— only the females whose Dames appear as the Grand hes witnesses, ir. Fullerton said the expianation was satistac- tory in so far as Mr. Tremain was concerned—that the remarks of the other counsel drew torth his ex- tion, and not what Mr. Tremain had said, . Townsend here fot upon his feet, and said if the gentleman alluded to what he had said in his opening he (Mr. Townsend) had nothing to with- at He meant everything he had said—every ‘word. 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 biackmailer and that you would shoot him? A, I might have said he was a blackmailer; I Catt Rpmerae nay hii enith . Did you say ina pistol gallery near Twenty- second street in this ‘at » While practising, and fA you shot offa pistol, that that was the way you would serve Fisk? A. Inever discharged a plato! 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; 1 wasn’t thinking of that. SENATOR RAMSAY'S TESTIMONY, Joseph H. Kamsay, 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, 1469; a private interview took place between the deceased and the witness; in my opinion Fisk was @ reckless, unscrupulous man, and willing to resort to any Means to accomplish his purpose. MR. BRACH TAKES AIM. Cross-examined by Mr. Beach—I 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 himseif in violent actions; Mr. Van Valkenburg sald 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, FRANCIS M. BIXBY. This witness merely corroborated the testimony given by Stokes as to the latter’s visit to his ofice and the few words of conversation that took place between them. RUPOS F, ANDREWS. Mr. Andrews testified substantially the same as py as hgh Pata on Lite 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 L. noTY corroborated Stokes as to the same matter, GEORGE #. SMITHS deposition on the same subject was then read by Mr. Tremain. Is DookK in’ the fice of the W is boekKeeper in the oflice of the Western Union Telegraph Company ; he had the original of the tele- gram sent by Stokes on the 6th of January; wit- ness produced @ number of telegrams, 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, A. Ab, ‘Mr. Dos Passos here read the testimony of AMASA SPRAGUE, of Rhode Island, who was President of the Netional ‘Trotting Association during January, 1872, also in 1871. ie testimony corroborated that of Stokes, in which he stated that he made nt against @ decision rendered in the ease 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 | mace was to appear in Rhode Island dur- ing Jani I. DANIEL P, INGRAHAM, JR., remembered seeing Stokes in Chamberlin & Doiige’s on the day of the shooting, and his speak- ing to bim about a man he had to go down town to see; and he also said something about @ horse matter. MENRY 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 calied for the defence. I was porter man at the Grand Central Hotc!; had been there two years and up to the 5th of August last; remember the circumstances of the shooting; I was standing between the parlors 206 and 207, on the second floor; my 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- ots; his mecting Stokes, Been saying, port of the pistol si passed him near the head of the se, bs "ef gan shot, get a doctor,” and to assist- T . Fisk to parior 217. He said that he ae not see the bey Thomas Hart, who testified for the péed- le, in the hail at all, When Stokes was brought into the room to be identified by Fisk the omcer said, ‘Mr, Fisk, is this the man who shot you?’ to which Fisk replied, “Xes, Stokes.” and imme- diately hung his head; he #aid not another syllable, : ANOTHER PISTOL, ‘ ‘The witness then described the pistol that was given to him by Miss Hail, found inene of the arlors; it was a small weapon, fancy, with ivory indie, 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, sir; 1 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 fears 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 5 he said also that one of the bullets found would fit 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 a foot, stood in front oi him, and asked his questions in such a fierce, loud tone that the wit- ness jooked half frightened, and it was the im- pression in Court that he was about to assault him. Alter having asked the witness a few questions the Court adjourned til Monday morning at the usual time. BUSINESS IN THE OTHER COURTS. ak EIS CES 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... Whe Bankruptcy 160 Onice. Number of voluntary petitions filed in 1871. 9 Voluntary and involuntary petitions. 6 Anvoluntary petitions. 46 Total petitions filed 530 Number of adjudicaty 263 Discharges. + 89 Business in Bankruptcy for the Past Fortnight. Voluntary petition.—Martin Colman. Adjudications in involuntary cases,—Charles BH. Horton, Laurence Daly, James Daly, I. R. A. Power, Cosmore G. Bruce. SUPREME COURT--CHAMBERS. Decision. By Jndge Barrett. Gray vs. Gray.—The former marriage 1s not proved, and no reason Is given why the divorce ‘was not valid, 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. Allnotea of issue led alter ‘Tuesday, December 31, will be placed at the foot of the genoral calendar in class &, SUPERIOR GOURT—SPECIAL TERM. Decision. By Judge Curtis. Fergus Cockrap et al, vs. William H. Dominick,.— Order settied, By Judge Barbour. Henry D. Stover vs. Daniel M. Porter.—See memorandum for coun: By Judge Larremore. Gunther vs. Bernhardt. —Receiver appointed. Hall vs. Grifin.—Application granted. Rain vs. Woods,—Order settled, 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 Fe Matter of Cornelia Fieming.—Application granted. Gantin vs. Buddensich.—Report of referee con- med. Middleton vs. Hill.—Reference ordered. Neopi vs. Keller.—Application granted. Oesterreicher vs. Oesterreicher.—Relerence or- dered, 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. By Judge Robinson. Gainey vs. Young.—Motion denied, with $10 cost MARINE COURT—SPECIAL TERM AND CHAMBERS, Decisions. By Juage Gross, George A. Dockstader ve, Isaac N. Nicholson.— Motion denied. Edward Delehant and Another ys. D. Mulhern,— Motion denied. The affidavit of defendant 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. feorge T. Broome ve. M. W. Ware.—Defendant must appear and testify as required, Charles Mancel vs. Samuel G. Wheeler and Others,—Jndgment 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 Vourt 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 made the complaint. Lewis was held to bail in the sum of $1,000 to answer. Sneak Thief. Sarah J. Lewis, a colored woman, was detected in the upper room of the residence 260 West Twelfth 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, TYNDALL ON RADIATION. picwenwts Wuetenn ve 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 beautifal and interesting experiments. The position and the magnitude of this uitra-red radiation was pointed out. Experiments on the es power of the total radiation from the electric lamp were described and executed, showing by the concentration of such rays that metals may be used and burned aud combustible bodies set ablaze. The particular constituent of the radiation which produces these effects was sought after and demonstrated to be_th uitre-red undulations, A means, by the thermo-electric pipe, was jescribed of filtering these invisible waves from the total radiation and operating upon them alone. The: were proved competent, when concentrate: to, ine combustion and explosion, ‘and to t metals to whiteness, ir action on nature was then illustrated, and the luminous rays of the sun were proved incompetent to heat water or to melt ice, and therefore they do not produce the Me gd necessary for rain, nor do they melt snows, and the glaciers which give mse to the Rhine and Rhone and other rivers. The Pe identity of tight and heat was then illustrated, and these lightless waves were proved capable of re- flection, refraction, polarization, — depolari- zation, circular polarization and double refraction. The lectarer threw a great deal of in- terest into this subject which requires considerable anne understand, and by the Jucid manner in which he treated it made his experiments compre- henaible to the mediocre mind. Among the audi- ence were ly sprinkling of our most cele- brated scte! ic men, and frequent rounds of ap- Ree ‘ted the success Of the most dificult ex- THE GREAT 60CK FIGHT. The Feathered Gladiators of Troy and New York in Battle Array. HOW AND WHERE THE COMBAT TOOK PLACE hE Thirteen Fights for $600 Each and $5,000 the Main. sratalin Troy Victorious—The “White Tails” Olean Out Their Opponents—Immense Sums Change Hands. WHAT WILL FRE SARATOGIANS NOW SAY? ALBANY, Dec. 28, 1872. After 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 rawors of forfeits being paid and the whole matter having fallen through, the great cock fight between ‘Troy and New York came om 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 setticd, and that, too, m the most agreeable and pleasant manner, the story of ita conception, and also the result, may be told, with a few omissions of names and places that the Heravp reporter is bound py 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 ofthe 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 im the exciting pastime, New York stands prom- inent in this respect. In your city the sport fourishes, and it can never be suppressed, despite the interference of many meddicrs, The same is the case in this section. Right under the shadow of the capital, and where the supposed wisdom of the State annually comes together, the grand old #port 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 @ mijn as they are on the price of stocks. For years the men who breed these game birds in this section, deeming them of “ghuah blood,” have looked out beyond their own district 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 was agreed upon ; LAST SUMMER AT SARATOGA. Noted gentlemen known well in spurting 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, 40%. to 5 Ibs. 10 0z., and they shoutd fight all 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 80 numerous letters have been 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 genliemen who were instrumental in inaking the mnain, and necessitated a change of base; aud, 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 in the country. How the many residents of Saratoga, 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 a conierence among the prin- cipals, and @ locality not farfrom here was selected for the settlement of the little dificuity. Again, not satisied with their success in this particu. Jar, the zealous Christians of Saratoga transmitted long epistles to their bretiren in this city andin Troy, requesting them 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 tightly 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 confer together.’ They did 80; and while they oe settled the way to decide the main gave it to the world tuat ‘forfeit had been paid by the New York party,” and “the whole affair lalien through.’ Meanwhile, as per ree. ment, twenty-five men were notafied by the Troy side and tweive by the New Yorkers, leaving » “OUT IN THR COLD” the handreds in your city who would have given their checks for $1,000 could they have been pres- ent, Well, tosee in battle array “dem Troy and New York chick’ns, [came here.” Upon arriving among the Troj on Thursday, in the late furious storm, I journe to the American House and there in skirmishing to ascertain the latest phase of the preliminaries leading to the successiul issue of the fight. It was @ difficult matter. But at last alter hours of traveling about, and almost frozen stiff by the severity of the temperature, I strack the right trail, and yesterday ye at ten o'clock proceeded to the Sppoitiied place. “There will be many disappointments in this mat- ter,” said my friend, “but it can’t be helped; the fight must go on, even if some of our fmends 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- toga, With eyes and feathers right, And with heels sharp and prime, In condition for the fight, is on one of the roads leading from thi¢ oid Knick- erbocker city. Itisasort of unostentations rum mill, put its internal appearance suggests that good cheer may there be iad. We entered from the rear, The frent of the house was closed and every door securely fastened with locks and bolts. The barroom was neatly fitted and pleazant. The floor had been cleanly scrubbed, but the few pres- ent had brought in considerable snow on their feet, which materially changed its appearance. The walls were nicely papered, and large-sized prints of famous trotters hung upon every hand, Unlike many places of the nature, there were neither COBWEBS IN THE CORNERS nor cockroaches galloping across the ceiling. 1 wes early, and feund sitting around the stove but four or five individuals, These, in both dreas and conversation, marked them as being much anove the men who usually patronize such sport. They were Pes beh dressed and held communication with cach other in subdued tones, No sooner had Isat down than every cye was turned upon me, yet, though the expression that fitted across their countenances denoted surprise that a total stran- ger should thus coolly walk in among them, “ye was no kar? manifested. All this time tl yemises were re- dolent with gallinaceous music, Imprisoned cocks in the rooms abeve defiantly 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- Paton the aaa "Abt tne slat Tce ation o! ie ing. A) 4 the coc! Wen, the plaice Was Ke +e ae that could have been selected for the feathered gladiators to fight their dacia a Voutrance, and it was as cold as charity. me of it the HERALD reperter has promised not say. From three o’clock onwards there were man: 10 Came to the doors but were refused admittance, the doorkeeper in some instances having the un- paralleled cheek to tell them that “THIS 18 A CLOSED HOUSE.” Weighing in the birdg and matching the lists had by this time been satixfactorily gone through with, \ When it was announced to the waiting throng that | bing process, and so astonished his opponent that froula be fanght ‘by castes the teat nnd seseet cl secon Dattles being the light and. heavy wel tively, Now, to pi ry 4 the ume "the a mobby lada ry imbibe Heidsi nu bottle after bore oaths teonine - as if they liked it—and that is ve robable, It was good business for ae? proprietor and pleasure to the company, for ail other Kinds of drinks were ed upon with scorn, Between the “sips” such expressions as “this it to be a hangnp fight” were fre- quently heard, and many of ol friends were cushaseehtinonen theausseeeiabl ity of the “white- tail fowl” to clean out their New York antagonists. At Gfteen minutes past three the pit was entered by the party. The most innocent could not mis- take the throng, and no one would have suspected they had got infoa prayer meciing or a branch of the Saratoga Young Men’s Christian Association, although brethren were most staid and deco- rous for @ few minutes. The place was small, and there were not Many vacant seats. The assem- blage soon showed signs Of appreciation. Among oxe pointed out to me were an office- in good repute and of high character, a doctor who talked pieasantiy | with two or three who had been his patients; mer- chante, with sleek countenances and rotund forms, and one or more foremen of lai mancinetnring | establishments, who lald down the law upon orni- thological matters to thelr trends. And then there were men who wore Immaculate shirt bosoms and diamonds of rare vaiue and cameo rings, to me unknown, Then there were two or three young gentiomen, with smooth and fresh faces and very expansive shirt collars and loud overcoats; but | or knew what a chicken dispute was and backed thelr judgments freely from rolls of greenbacks, and bls a enormous figures that the sight of them ou! | 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 handlers stepped into the pit. The names of these men I don’t care to give, but they are well known throughout the country, ‘The referee 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 upon entering the room for a 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 “Five hundred that New York gets licked :” hundred that New York wins!” “Yl take you!” “Lhav’s @ gol “Just come and sec me!’ and uther wagers of like enormous sums were quietly made, And here let it be said that | the money in nearly every instance wag ‘put up,” | and the amounts lost and won upon each fight were simply agto) hing, and even to some old sporting men may ho! credited. At this time it 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 ot the combs, which would cause the representatives of the metropolis to lose the forfeit money up; but the | ‘Trojans generously waived this point and said, “Let the dance go on.”” THE FIGHTING, i First Pight.—Tho games began with tne lNeht | 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 sieeeored him for a sec- ond, New York never stopped his vindicttye work, and in his fury sent a hee] into the side of the pit. ‘Then ‘Troy came around, and he let fly his rasping gaits into the body of the black-red so furiously that the latter laid down “to take abreath.’? Many offered 100 to 25 on Troy and were taken. But they soon chunged their base, as New York got up and |. amply repaid his opponent for what he bad given him, with interest, and Troy was soon entirely blind, With tits disadvantage he fought on, | but New York was the stronger bird, and when the | battic wasin his hand and the beautiful robin | breast could fight no 1onger, the New York handler | lost the tight by picking up his fowl when “the | count’? had not been finished. It was rough on his | backers, but it could not be helped, The ‘Trojans raked in their money and leit happy. i4m, 203, Second Fight,—The heavy weights, two 5 100% The Trojans went into this combat with cheerful laces, They sent in a red domin: with white legs and tail, forwarded to them b re Chappel, of Detroit, for the occasion, New York handed jn a splendid biack-rea, ese birds were | the (nest looking bie ones that ever weutl into | the pit. The betting was in favor of Troy. \ ‘the sums offered individually and taken were very | es | ‘Thine, | | large, some of them being of $1,000, wile $500 | | wagers were quite common. One Troy geutiema had $1,960 0n the result. Each bird was a ratt! from the word “go.”” They came together like pistol shot, buckle for puckle, never ceasing until Troy found @ sott 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- tuallyjwhipped, as 'lroy “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 iene it up; he’s dead.” Time, 6m, 10s. lant. ‘ Third Fight.—It was a time for more wine drink- | ing, and bottle after bottie was exbaneted. Every- | body pleasant and sutistied that the sport was charming and the birds in good condition, ‘The weights were—New York, 61bs. 70z., and Troy, 5 Ibs. 6 0%. The former showed a blac legs, and Troy, a brown-red with y: w legs. latter was much thought of by the knowin, being esteemed an invincible “corn cracker,” sequel proved that he wasn’t. ing in favor of Troy. At the first fy ‘roy had aneye knocked out, | and then New York got a gentle reminder that nis | ous Was around by obtaining a slash in one | °o Troy jubi- his optics. Now they were on even terms. Each did = magnificent work, and H Troy got im another on York’s head | which made him sick. ‘He’s dead as a stone!’ cried 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 4 broken in a fall he | Was game,and kept on with his work, while Troy | Was pronounced the “prince of all duffers.” 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. i Fourth Pight.—More wine bibbiung and more money raasred piigr to the battle than ever be- fore recorded. The weights were 6 lbs.4 0%. Troy showed @ black-red, with yellow legs, and New York the same, the only difference in the birds being that New York had a cotton tail, with white feathers and Troy not. They came together with acrash that resounded all over the pit. In the anxiety of the spectators tosee there was some contusion, but 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 out over the tan in the pit, andhe ded, Time, 7m, 28, . FUth Fight.—Weighta, 4 Ibs. 13 0%, Two very etty black-reds were shown, Troy being a littie placker than his opponent. More beautiful birds Fly atter fy was made and the wore never scen. feathered gladiators stopped vo “mend their bel- lows.”’ In body, head and throat they were cut and bleeding terribly. Then New York had an eye punched out, and Troy, proving the superior cut- ting fowl, at last sent his opponent into the !and where such valor as he exhibited is appreciated. Some said he stopped fighting, but he had received his deathblow. Time, 7m. 228. Sicth Pight.—Two 6 ibs. 2 0% reds, with yellow legs. “Tne: horses,” cried a New York boy, “and I'l) bet $1,090 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 fy 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. 554, Seventh hight.—Weights, 6 ibs. Loz, More heavy betting. New York sent ina black-red with black Jegs, and Troy one of the same color with yellow legs, It was a prolonged and hard bettle. They started off slowly, but soon got to work earnestly. All around the pit they slashed each other to pteces amid the cries of ‘io it, Troy!” “Slash him all to pieces, New York!” At last Troy began a drum- Both were vlack- look like race he was demoralized; but the latter fonght himself out, and New York tinally won after a terrible con- Sy ey was @ tough battle for Troy to lose. Time, 3m. 35 8. _ Bighth Fight,—Two 4 ibs. 14 oz. New York handed in a black rea with yellow legs, and Troy one of the same color with white legs. Another capital bat- tle, justifying the expression that the fighting was the “best ever seen,’ which came frequently from the old cockfighters present. Vindictively they met, and, i 4 high in the air cut each other terribly, New York showed his tnjuries in a iost ih 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 | yeeers did not regret their misfortune, Time, 3m. LS Ninth ht.—'The battles were now, Troy 5 and New York 8. The gentlemen were betting stronger thau before, Migs aba 6 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 d fight, amd when the pyle was Cros to have lost his blow he sent ina rasper that split Troy’s head and wrested victory from the of defeat. Time, 11m. 20s, Tenth Weights, 5 lbs. 30z. Both black- reds with yellow legs, and well thought of. They oo beauties. Troy was the favorite at $1,000 $900, and though New York seemed an effective fighter he was fearfully cut and at last lung down his head and showed unmistakable ‘signs of the white feather and wanti “to find his mother.” “What @ beast!” said many. ‘‘He’s a dunghill,” cried others. The fight was given up to Troy, and the dived his Head New York bir alled Fi e, 6m, ee Brissy or Sn Eleventy ro 4 Ibs. 1402, Betting wild—~ one gentle! ving $1,600 on the result. Both yellow-legs and black-reds. Fast and furious the fight began, and at the fourth fy Troy was coupled, @m accident that caused the beautiful bird’s defeat.’ It was a sore loss to Troy and bis backers, ‘Time, im. 5a. Twelfth Pight.—Weights, Troy 4 Ibs, 14 02.; New York, 4 Ibs. 12 0%. ‘Ihe former showed a biack-red with gle feather; tne latter @ full black-red, | progress has wrought little change. Ibs. | « the. backer of the Metropolis told his handler to | | and ne ente: ‘ came around and sent in such stingers all over hia copomens that he soon held up his yellow legs ap- per and died. Time, 3m. 10s. Fight.—-This decided the main. New handed in a black red, 4 1bs, 15 oz.; and Troy white spangle with white tail, 4lbs, 140z. Like “wheat ina ge ae came together, and after much revengeful work New York had nearly sent the opposing rooster to his final home, when the handler of the former indulged in a littie more wrong counting and lost the re decision of the referee, thus giving Troy the victory of the main, having won eignt 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 ainanner, 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 ploy all around, James é. Dugrey, of Troy, bred and raised the “white ta THE NEWEST FATALITY. 4A Horrible Explosion in a Kitchen in Harlem A Woman Terribly Injured and Burned to Death—A Sickening Story— The Scorched Remains. Miss Ella Campbell was yesterday morning in- Juved by the explosion of the “water back” of » kitchen range, and the hot embers which were blown over her clothes ignited them, and she was burned so badly that she breathed her last about an hour and a halfaiterwards. The circumstances ofthe fearful 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, [tis one of those first erected in Harlem and upon which the march of time and The kitchen is smali and low, and last night, when visited by a 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 Lfeless 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 night, and only returned at avout seven o’¢lock 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 vered with & 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 @ regular and pleasant face, was kuecling on the heartustone tn front of the grate, and was engaged in toasting a piece of bread upon a fork before the flames, Her littie Rephew was sitting inachair near her, and pres- ently her sister-in-law, Mrs, dames Camp bell, came into the kitchen, took a match trom the box near the window, aud, returning, proceeded to light a fire in the sitting room. Just as she leaned over to strike the mateh there came mu the kitchen AND I ENING Ki, JON. the kitchen g seeue of nd horror, The floor Ww ts of the tron of the ra) 1 burning nt Miss Campbell lay in the u ‘of them, and bleeding. Her clothes were om fire, The mother thought of her Mttle boy, ten ye old, who had been with bis casting feariul glances about, she found iz ut the further sido of the table, which was driven from its riginal position, almost against the wall, She picked him up witha loud reaw, thinking that the whole house would be burned, and, turning when she was half way throu the — passa she cried to her sist Ww, who had sprung to her feet in the agony o: the emhrace of the Names, and motioned with her hands for her to come out into | the street and plunge to the suow. ‘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 | Storles of the house and wok her other two children, who were not awake, in their night-clothes, into = t street. she | shouted and shricked to the neighbors for help. Just at this pot a man care along Who was ex- tinguishing the public gaslights on the sidewalk, THE FATAL BASEMENT. le found Miss Campbet! crouched in one corner, garments and the carpet burning, her face ‘kened and her terribe screams Gling the air. Other persons by this tune had come in. As quickly as they dd they wrapped her io blankets and SMOTHERE: Dut it was too lat i, with indistinct utterances that scarcel ‘caught between her agonizing cries, lor “some water,” and water was thrown over her and poured through her seared and blisterea lips, Then they bore her up stairs, and ste, on the way, wanted the blankets taken of her head, e was laid upon a bea in the little back rior, * Dr. . Driggs, wio had been culled, at this moment arrived and heard her shriek in piercing tones as tbey placed her on the bed, ‘Cake away the fire’? These were the only words she uttered, and, though she was conscious until twenty minutes before she died, nothing could be uaderstood from her lips. At about nine o’clovk she expired, with cries that Mrs, Campbell said will ring in her ears to her dying day. PLAMES + DK. 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 like a side of tanned leather, the skin shrivelled and seared, 80 that there is NO FEATURE BECOGNIZABLE | as having once been animate with life ana thought. ‘The rest of the body is aiso scorched and blackened, ond 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 @ white sheet wis spread over them. The range in the kitchen was one of the oldest description, having been built eighteen years ago. Dr. Campbell, when he recently hired the house, urged Mr. Darrow, the landlord, to repair it or pnt @ new one in its piace, but he refused peremptoril: to do so, The jron work was rusted amd 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 cause of the catastrophe .s that the explosion was the result of the sheer weakness of the old and corroded ‘water-back.” If such vole canoes as these exist in many: other housenolds they would do well to desert their homes, The investigation will probably be made by the Coroner on Monday. The littie boy is only slightiy 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 hupdred and fifty children were present. On the platform weve'the Rev. Dr. Bellows, Rev. 0. B. Frothingham, Rev. Mr. Powers, Dr. Curtis 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 Wt them they seemed to be delighted, They recited the Lord’s Prayer in @ heartfelt man- ner, and then the Rev. Dr. Bellows, Rey. O, B. Frothingham and Rey. Mr. Powers each spoke » few words. The children sang, “Ring 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 w paper bag oj candies, fruits and other dainties, The Shepherd's Fold. The Christmas festivities at the Shepherd's Fold, Eighty-sixth street ana Second avenue, were of unusnal interest. At two o'clock yesterday after noon some sixty children were assembled im the schoolroom. A large number of the friends of this noble institution were also present. The Rev. Mr. Carroll si w words to the children, who then sung Christmas carols and ate the candies which had heen presented to them. FAIR IN W&SSTOHESTER, The parishioners of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Melrose are holding a fair for the benefit of a parochial schooi which is to cost about thirty thousand dollars, The is a sub. stantial and neat structure of brick, with brown stone facings, three stories in height, sur- mounted by a beautiful belfry, The basement is to be used as a library and lecture room; the second tory $8 school room, and the floor is one farge hall, whlch i to be used for entertainments, fairs, &c,” The fair now being held does credit to the charitable ladies and gentlemen conducting tt. The National Temperance Society hold @ special meeting to-morrow evening inthe Broadway Tax , ernacle church, Broadway and Thirty-fourth street, | It waeoue ‘Of the best combats of the day. At the JSivat buckle New York bad the eas of it vw Iter for th ti tem ce On Year's Bay ir ia Bod a de Aahon igucy aga otnera yi)