The New York Herald Newspaper, December 31, 1872, Page 5

THE CENTRE STREET HORROR Another Day Spent in Excavating the Ruizs—No Bodies Found. PRIVATE SUBSCRIPTIONS FLOWING IN. —_—_———— Comptroller Green States that He Will Pay the Expense. —_— The Search To Be Vigor- ously Prosecuted. Work was resumed on the. Centre street ruins ~ yesterday morning and continued until night, but the hard day’s work was productive of no results ve far as the finding of any additional bodies was eoncerned, At half-past seven o’clock A, M, the force of laborers who had been employed on Sun- @ay presented themselves at the Franklin street station house. They were instantly ordered to resume the task, which had been only partially completed. A force of three men from nearly every precinct in the city ‘arrived about the same time. It had been detailed by order of Superintendent Kelso, to render as- fuptance to the men of the Sixth, who were almost ‘wernout with the arduous labors of the past few @aye. A cordon was iinmediately formed around ‘the block on the arrival of the reserves, & line of policemen being stationed at each end to keep ack the surging mags of people who wanted to push in. of Notwithstanding the quantity of labor which had been done on Sunday the ruins op yesterday pre- ented a very tangled appearance. Everything eeemed to be inextricably mixed—iron and wood, erick and stone, being frozen into @ sglid mass. The first business that the workmen set about was %@ cut away the great blocks of ice which encum- dered the ruins so that they could not be moved, ‘hie wae done with axes and shovels. In the front art of the ruins there was 4 MONSTER IRON COLUMN, te which a rope was made fast to haul 't out, as it greatly ovstructed the police in their efforts. hough nearly a hundred men were pulling on the rope it was nearly an hour before the column was detached, so firmly was it embedded in the ice. ‘When it was taken away the work went on con- siderably faster. ‘When the line was first formed to keep the block elear the female relatives of the deceased took up the position on the opposite side of the street ‘which they had maintained all through the day on Seunday—the gray haired mother of the Donohoe giris and the mother of the girl McGrath. The son of the jatter was the first to go to work in the ruins, and he toiled incessantly so long as there ‘Was any light left. The mvalid son of Mra. Donoho remained in the station house, It was painful to watch the anxiety with which the slightest movement on the part of the police apd workmen was watched by the poor ‘women, and their despair and disappointment ‘when night came on and no bodies were found can ‘be better imagined than described. For six long aye thty have kept up the weary vigil of expecta- tion, and yesterday afternoon they thought for the Grat time that the remains would never be dis- covered and that no Christian burial would be given them, ‘We waa expected that a number of members of the International Sovicty, in accordance with a resolution which was unanimously adopted by them on Monday, would have presented themselves for work; bat the hour came and THE MEN WERE NOT THERE, Their red shirts might have made the scene more picturesque, but their postponed action was looked upon a8 agood joke, no one expecting that it would amount to anything. Had the task been Jest to such stupid ranters it would be long before 4¢ would be accomplished. The order issued b; the Commissioners of Charities and Correctioti, @irecting that 100 men shall be sent from Black- ~Wwell’s Island and placed at the disposal of Captain Kennedy, was conntermanded in the forenoon. Alderman Gilsey forwarded a check for $500 to Judge Dowling to assist in paying the workmen moar. employed and to put on more hands, When this money was received it was considered unnecessary to have the disorderiies brought from the Isiand. Preparations had been made tor their reception, and measures had been taken to prevent them from eecan ay during their period oiservice, Incase the funds on hand give out be- fore the bodies are all rescued they may yet be called upon, in which case they will be lodged in the Tombs, Coroner Herrman called upon Captain Kennedy tm the morning, and said that if the excavation was to be made by private subscription he would ve $600, but that the county would ar all expense. He stated to a re- hepa that he was willing on Snnday morning assume all responsibility connected with the search, but Justice Dowling rushed in betore he had ap opportunity to act. The Coroner dovbtiess Meant well in the matter, and was as anxious as any one to have THE NUMANE DUTY promptly undertaken but as he was in doubt rela- ive to the authority he possessed he was siow to take the initiative. His endorsement of what has been already done has made every- thing go on smoothly, aud no red tape absurdities or silly technicalities of the law will new prevent it from eereeccon mance, letter was received by the Coroner trolier Green in response to a communi- cation which was addressed to the latter on Satur- To GQ, N. Heanway, Duan Sin—Your me on the sane jurday) was received ‘Overwhelmed goa wien t ig yok hasten to reply tha the expense of the work in the tax-levy; that made up long since, and there Is no power ie nis “look “upo ec dosti can torelicw the anxiety of those wio have ery Fespecttully, y x 7 ANDREW #2 GREEN, Comptrotier. ‘The search was continued with great ene: all the morning, but up to noon not the slightest traces of human remains were to be found. oon @ heavy smell which proceeded from the centre portion of the building led 44 Spell Doug- Yass to beileve that there were bodies near the pet. and a number of men were put to work op to tear away the beams and débris. This ‘was & work of no smail dimculty, TBE FIRE HAD RAGED HOTTEST 4m this portion of the structure, and the ruin was the worst, Nothing daunted, however, the police eet Mi Foden to work, and before they had pro- fara safe, belonging to the New York Print- ang Company, was found. It was intact, and its contents were all safe. Ropes were attached to it, and it was hauled out. The next obstacle encoun- fered was a large beam, one end of which was frozen to the elevator. This rendered the handling of it dangerous, as the elevator was an exceedingly unsafe condition. A large attached toits top had during the night ‘welve inches and it threatened at any time to 3-3 topple over. Before the beam was moved, Assist- ant Chief Engineer Monroe was sent for, and his opinion asked as to whether or not it would be ex- pedient to proceed: He said he did not think there was im te danger and that the work might go ‘On, A strong pressure was brought to bear upon she beam, and after some time it was taken out of the ruins without disturbing the tottering edifice. The aseistant chief engineer and a member of Eagine Company No. 31, Bernard Conway, a: der to ascertain the condition of ruined wall which stood near the truck. While hus engaged a portion of the wall gave way, and naga hi his hands and arms badly le ladder slipping left Mr. Monroe am a “perilous predicament, as he had be xepthis nition until the ladder nee’ shea ne ler was raised again, when he He re- e descended without injury, iwed.on.duty all day, did fireman Witla E. Hays and other members of Lngine Company 31. ir services were necessary, as the fire Was stili smouldering in some pitces and there was a posst- bility that it might again break out. They did not Femain ile spectators, but made themselves use- ful im every way that was required. At twelve o'clock a recess was taken for dinner; but work was resumed promptly at ene. The spot under which it was snpposed the bodies, ar some of them, lay buried wae again vigorously attacked ; Dut the extraordinary amount of rubbish whic! had accuinuinted made the operations very slow. The crowd Of spectators was now so great that ad- ditional lice had to be sent for, and twelve fen and @ fergeaut were detailed from the Fourth precinct to assist the mon on daty. The great difficulty was to keep te track of the rb Avenue Railroad and of passing vehicles, Af the ears Were made to rnn down Chatham street and nd yeliicies of any kind allowed to pass the business would be proceeded with, as there were endicss mtercnptions caused trom this source yer- + The cents portion of the bullding wap NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3], 1872—TRIPLE SHEET. ent of a skull, with a tuft of black pair attac! was picked up, and this was also sent to the station house. the corner where te gre seoape ya situated more Spamente of were found, and they were - served a8 the; afford @ clue to some of the ris. 8 part of the prem- isea was occupied by Mr. James Gallagher, as an iron and copper foundry, He had a large stock of one ‘on hand at the time of the fire, the most of which ties in the roins. Mr. Gallagher is the heaviest sufferer by the disaster, his losses amounting to nearly Lag only one-fiith of which there is insurance. The insurances he haa will, however, be promptly paid and the work of rebuilding will be commenced as speedily as pousi- ble. At five o’clock WORK WAS STRUCK, It will be resumed this morning at half-past seven o'clock. Two of the laborers were found to have their pockets stuifed with copper. They were detected by Captain Kennedy and pent to the station house; but they Were suljsequently dis- charged from the work let go. The police did work yesterday, as on the previous day, and Spared no toll or trouble in the work. ere was one guardian of the peace, how- ever, who made himself invariably conspicuous, by his attempts to interfere and ingult gentlemen of tne press while in the discharge of their duty. His number is 864, and he can be otherwise recog- nized by an ugly black whisker ptretoning aronnd his face and a lowering brow. He wot well peor politeness if he expects to remain on the force. Representatives of the insurance companies Were present during the day looking alter their effects. They manifest a disposition to do what is fair, and ag an instance of their promptitude it may be stated that the National 18 to pay George Middleton the amount of hia losses this morning. His house is to be immediately rebuilt by the owner, Mr. Cameron, and it is to be raised a 4 higher than it originally was. Mr. Middieton hi several men at work at his own expense in clear- ing away the débris, The lower part of his house, ‘until it 1s restored, ia to be occupied by Mr. W. F. Howe, who will remove his ofice there. Mr. Howe was burned out, and was a loser to the amount of $1,600, The insurance men offered him @ RIDICULOUSLY SMALL SUM to settle, but he said he would rather forfeit all than accept it. He offered to give $1,000 in cash esterday to assist the work of finding the bodies, Bue it was not wanted, as there is money enough for present needs. THR INQUEST. At one o’clock a jury of fifteen persons was em- paneied by Coroner Herrman, which proceeded to he Sixth precinct station to view the body of Jennie Stewart. After examining the remains the inquiry was yurned until next Monday morn- ing, when it will be resumed in the Coroners’ office, City Hall. The following are the names of the j Edward Cossin, of No. 7 Burling slip; Peter im, No. 198 Chatham street; Robert I. No. 72 Reade street; Enoch Ketchum, No. 100 Beekman sticet; Jeremiah Quinlan, Nos. 136 and 138 William street; Myer Stern, No. 486 Broad- wai Hugo Wesendonk, No. 293 Broadway ; Charles D. Basley, 23 Catharine street; George Kuser, 32 Chambers street; John W. Vondit, 132 Chambers street; Lewis J. Philipps, 53 Greene street; James *. Whitlock, 57 South street; William C, Conner, 28 Centre strect; M. Fleiss, 47 Broadway, or 107 New Church street; Philtp Bissinger, 13 John street. A permit was left at the station house by the Coroner to remove the body, but no application for it was made yesterda: Macgregor Moving—All the Fire Esea pes Below Canal Street, Public Buildings, Schools, Hotels and Theatres To Be At Once Examined. . Mr. James M. Macgregor, Superintendent of the Department of Buildings, has issued orders detail- ing inspectors for the special duty of making a careiul survey and inspection of all puildings south of Canal street, The instractions are to report the existing means of escape in case of fire, con- dition of fire escapes and such violations of law as may be found, Inspectors are also detailed to ex- amine and report the condition of all the hotels in the city in reference to fire perils; also another corps to report the condition of all schools, the- atres and public buildings In regard to ventilation and fire escapes. This excellent move in the right direction has Yeen taken by the Superintendent upon his own responsibility, in full confi- dence that public opinion, inspired by its necessities and the accumulating fire acci- dents, All ommpel =the yomptrolley of Finaiice to do thé d¢partmeént justice and pay although he illegally reiuses to disbarse the contin- gent fund, especially Fejrdled aban to the depart- ment by Legislature for such services, until forced by the Courts. ‘The work is a good one and cannot be done too soon or too thoroughly. Hereafter the department will insist that in all buildings where fire escapes are required a plain printed placard shall be placed on cach floor giving directions of the locality and use of the escape. An Architect on Mr. Macgregor. New York, Dee, 27, 1872. 0 THE EpiTor or THE HERALD :— Mr. Macgregor still insists there is no fault in his department and that he enforces the law without fear or favor. Ifsuch is the case how is it that every dwelling house now being erected in the city of New York is built with twelve-inch party walls when the law requires them to be sixteen inches thick? ‘This can only be done with his permission ; and would It not be well to inquire how much was paid for the permit to build the addition to Bar- num’s Museum, adjoining the church? ARCHITECT. The Fire Department Too Small. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Dec. 27, 1872. To THe Epiron oF THR HERALD: The people of the upper part of the island are uneasy about the condition in which the Fire Department has placed them. From Manhattan- ville to Spuyten Duyvil, a distance of five miles, there is one engine, and that has been nearly two years in a hired stable, at $100 per month rent, in ‘4n out-of-the-way place. The house which belongs to the Department has for that length of time been in a roofless and otherwise dilapidated condition, and hus been complained of as dangerous to passers vy. The stable aforesaid, in which the men are.compelled to go to bed (for I don’t see Now they can sleep), this second cold Winter, is a disgrace to the Department, or whoever else may be responsible fer it. J. M. A Ready Suggestion. New York, Dec. 17, 1872. To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD :— In my opimon the cause of the fearful loss of life at the Fifth Avenue Hotel fire was the want of timely admonition to the poor victims. Would it not be well to have a huge bell in the centre of our large buildings (on the third Noor of the Fiith Avenue Hotel, for instance), with beil pulls on each floor, to be used eniy in case of fire. Yours, &c. iH. J. M. SUPERHEATED STEAM. Another Communication from the Fire Marshal on the Subject. OFrics or THE Fine MARSHAL, Dec. 30, 1872. To Tag Eprror oF THE HRRALD:— In answer to & communication from Mr. M. Bak which appeared in this morping’s Journals, and in which he attempts to throw doubt ‘upon the assertions made by me in my report upon the dangers of superheated steam, | would most respectfully inform both yourself and the public that itis a@ well kuown fact among all persons in- terested in fire matters that if there is sumcient steam remaining in pipes after the fire has been banked it is liable to turn into a gas that heats the pipes, and makes them in many instances red hot, This 1s & gradual process, and not an in- stantaneous action, as Mr. Baker would pretend I asserted. This result occars when there {#8 absolutely not fire enough to make steam from the water. A pound of steam will occupy 2,600 times the space of @ pound of | water, and less fire will heat that 2,600 pounds of steam than the pound of water. That this super- heated stcam heats the pipes to a red heat in many instances we bave abundant evidences in this office to prove; that many fires occur in every large city from this cause, The assertion made by me in your journal of the 20th inst., that super- heated steam is one of the most dangerous ele- ments we have to contend against, insurance people in New York and all over the country are thoroughly conversant with. In my official capacity Thave been unceasingly impressing upon the people who use it the [oxaings A ol the greatest care in looking aiter the pipes where they bend on passing through the ceilings or floors. If the Mr. Baker whe answered my communication ts the head of the rm of Baker & Smith, who put the boiler and steam pipes into Barnum’s Museum, I can readily understand nis sensitiveness on the subject; but in explaining the cause of the fire ] by no m de- gired to point out that these boilers and steam fit- tings were any jess secure than those made 4 other mannfacturers. Trusting my humble at ence may bring pomg light to solegee I beg form Mr. Baker and the public that remi in pipes steam 3 overheated and sometimes meant to alarm statement that this would impress great necessity element. I atany explain to BL who feels an interest in the subject entire w: of this steam, as far permit, at the Fire Mar- as knowledge will shal’s oMce, where! have gathered evidence to Apologizin, Pore ee h Of your val r ocen| 89 much of y: , uae, mee enn knowing that the subject is one Of great interest to tbe public, 1 remain, yours most respectfu THOMAS McSPEDON, Fire Marshal. THE THEATRES, Farther Examin: Marshal. OMcer A, B. Mooney, of the Fire Marshal’s Office, continued the inspections of the city theatres on Saturday and yesterday, and he found the pabliica- tion of the conditions of several of our places of amusement in the HERALD had caused a stir among the managers. The following are the reports made by the visiting oMcer, taken from the books in the Fire Marsnal’s Office :— UNION SQUARE THRATRR. The premises known as the Union Square Theatre were examined om Saturday, the 28th in- stant, by Pire Marshal MeSpedon and Officer Mooney, and they found the footlights, head and border lights, as well as those on both sides of the stage and in the dressing rooms, are covered with globes made of fine wire, and perfectly safe. The stage ia lighted by four rows of lights, protected by sheet iron and wire screens. They are placed about seven feet from the edges of wings and bordera. The house is heated by atcam, which is obtained from the boiler in the vault under Four- teenth street, The steam pipes run through the ceiling of the kitchens into the theatre, and on the first visit made to this theatre it was ordered to give them more space, as they were not considered quite safe. This work has since been done, and we now consider the Union Square Theatre one of the coent and best disposed theatres in the city in re- gard to fire. in addition to the ordinary storage room for cenery there is a large recess built on the Fourth nue side of the building for this purpose, and we strongly recommend the same improvement to other managers. Nothing is allowed to remain on the stage of this theatre during the time of per- formance but the one set in use. This we regard ag @ most valuable custom and well worthy of imi- tation. On the top of the building there is a tank that contains 4,000 gallons of water, and the theatre could be flooded at any moment. The watchmen carry indicators and every possible precaution against an accident by fire. WOOD'S MUSEUM, This house is heated with steam. The furnace and boiler are in the front basement. ‘The pipes in several places touch the woodwork and are very dangerous. The lights are not all protected. The stove in the property room {8 not in a safe con- dition. There ts no hose, as there should be, on both sides of the stage attached to hydrants. FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE. This house is heated by hot air from three up- right furnaces. The pipes leading from these fur- naces run into a flue, and where they run through wooden partitions are guarded with heavy sheet iron overhead. The pipes are in good condition, There is one fire extinguisher in the fies, one plug on the stage in the rear, with hose attached, with brass pipe with one-inch nozzle and another in front of the orchestra with pipe attached to hy- drants. There are no fires in dressing rooms. The lights under the stage and in the dressing rooms are protected with wire globes. The stage lights are overhead and all protected with corrugated iron and a wire screen, we GRAND OPERA HOUSE. This house is heated by steam. The furnace and two boilers are in the basement on the Twenty- fourth street side. _ One boiler is used only in Sum- mer and for printing purposes. The pipes leading from the boilers are at sufficient distance from the woodwork to be considered safe, ‘he printin, establishment is in the basement of Twenty-thir street, and the lights there are covered with glass giobes. There 1s no fire in any part tor heat- ang except in the furnace in the basement. There are six different places in the house where there are hose attached to fireplugs and eight fire extinguishers. The lights under and over the stage and in the dressing rooms are protected with wire globes; the border lights are guarded with wire screens, The pipe that supplies the radiator in the dressing rooms is in a dangerous condition; the carpet is close to the steam pipe. ‘This closed the inspections up to last night, but the work will be continued again to-day for the ecuoee of finding out whether the changes and Improvements recommended have been made. FIRES YESTERDAY, A fire broke out yesterday morning at twenty- five minutes to ten, in the rear of No. 14 Second street, that caused a damage of $200. The fire occurred in the basement, in a smoke house, and Was caused by some woed falling on the fire. The large engine in the vicinity of the Fifteenth pre- cinct station house got stuck in the snow on its way to this fire, and Captain Byrne tarned out with all his force and helped the engine out of the trouble. 4 fire occurred at nine o'clock yesterday morn- ing, at No. 70 Ridge street, in a five story brick building, which caused a damage of $50, It oc- curred on the fourth floor, occupied by Gustavus Srenkel. The fire originated in a box of hot ashes. Insured for $600 in the Relief, A fire broke out at half-past seven o'clock yester- day morning in the four story brown stone build- ing No. 130 Bowery, ated te by the Bowery Savings Bank. Damage trifing. The fre was caused by some rags burning near the gas stoves, FRANK P. BLAIR. EH An Admission to Colonel Clay Taylor That He Did Vote for a Confiscation Bill in Congress in 1862, Sr. Louis, Dec. 26, 1872, Colonel CLAY TAYLOR :— DEAR CoLonEL—Some weeks ago you called my attention tothe tact that certain Senatorial as- pirants were circulaung the charge that I had voted for a certain Confiscation bill in Congress in the beginning of the war. I told yeu that I had no recollection of auything of the sort and author- ized you to deny the fact. Since then J have heard the charge reiterated, and upon investigation I find that I was mistaken and that did vote in favor of such a bill in May, 1862, Having misied you in authorizing you to make a denial of it, it becomes my first duty to correct the erroneous statement I made to you. At the time! made it I had no recollection whatever of having. voted on any such bill in Congress. The lapse of time and the great and important transactions which have since occured, had entirely obliterated the fact trom my memory. I do not mean to make any apology ior the vote 1 then gave. Every- body knows which side I espoused during the war, and all who know me give me credit for zeal in maintaining my convictions, You, Colonel, held opposite views, and = were jual- 1 zealous in maintaining them. hen the ‘war. closed. and. it was’ sought to proscribe you and others for Lael | these views I resisted the proscription. I thougnt that, the great matter which had divided the people of this country having been decided by the sword, no one should be proscribed for his views or opinions if he was willing to accept the results of the war. I presume that much of my conduct in sustaining my side of the question was objectionable to you and others holding your opinions, but not more so than yours were to me; yet | am entitied to have the same measure meted out to me by you and your, friends that I gave to you and them. it weuld shocking to every man's sense of justice if] should be proscribed for my opinions by the very men whom 1 had contended should not be pro- scribed for theirs, Those who have been most active in reviving the recollection of this part of my record belong to that class of men who were so much opposed to the late war that they would not fight on either | side, and having done no Beneay daring the war, are having their share of it now that it is over. To those democrats who were actually engaged on eith side during the fight the argument to let be by as & real meaning. | have ly Sought since the close of the war to de- THE KINGS COUNTY SUPERVISORS, The Salary of the District Attorney In- creased=The Board’s Estimation the Services of a Professor. The Kings County Board of Supervisors met yesterday afternoom, Supervisor Osborne in the chair. A resolution was adopted, increasing the pay of the District Attorney from $6,500 to $10,000 per annum. A communication was receivea from ex-Judge Morris, protesting against the payment of the Coburn witnesses who came trom Oregon to testify im the case of Dr. Lucius B. Irish. He contended that he coula show that they were not entitled to Bay. The witnesses having already been paid the communication was laid on the table. Professor Caton’s bill, for analyzing the stomach of Mrs. Van Syckel, who is believed to have been poisoned by her husband, was present. ed. The Professor chi The Board thought thie an exhorbitant cl and cut it down to $100, and then pont it back to the Auditer Ly old ad jaries from pri na koa eh aud {| have no apprehension of being Lee ed by them, Your friend, ANK P. BLAIR, | in ‘the MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. Doings and Undeings in the City Departments Yeaterday—The New Mayor Getting Posted and the Comptroller and the City Cham- berlain on the Bank Interest Question. ~ BOARD OF ALDERMER. A meeting of this Board was held yesterday. The session was devoted to the passing of general orders, BOARD OF ASSISTANT ALDERMEN, ‘The weekly meeting of thig Board was held yes- terday, Assistant Alderman Krause in the chair, The business was onty of a routine character. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, The Board met yesterday, Mayor Hall in the chair, THE CITY PINANCIAL STATEMENT. Supervigor Conover offered a resolution request- ing the Comptroller te furnish @ list and amount of the bonds now outstanding against the county; also a detailed statement of all claims standing against the county on file in hie office, said state- ment to be made up to Ist January, 1873. The reso- lution was referred to the Committee on Finance, FORD'S IMPROVED INDBX. A resolution directing the Comptroller to pur. chase from William ©, Ford the copyright of what ‘was known as “Ford’s Improved Index,” the cost not to excced $6,000, The index is asystem of registration of titles, imvented by Mr. Ford, The resolution was laia over, 4 THE CENTRE STREET FIRE VICTIMS. Supervisor MARTIN called up the resolution of fami 3 is Poaiee Boa oe expenses we xgayatipe for the e under the rulus gi the fatto siiéet dren ete toe A Bee Supervisor Conover objected to thé conaidera- tiem of the resolution on the principle that the Board decided by & previous resolution that Coroners, with fees amounting to $20,000 per ear, each, were in a position to as anaes of this character; and in addition to that, they were em- powered to recover the expense from the county. After a short discussion the resolution was laid cu the Board adjourned until to-day at feur & THE MAYOR'S OFFIOE. Mayor-elect Havemeyer had a long interview with Mayor Hall yesterday, in whieh the coming Mayor was initiated by the present occupant of the civic chair into the minor matters connected with the suits of offices. ‘The election of those who are to form the staff of the Mayor's oMce has not yet been fully decided upon, but. it is rumored that nearly all the old attach¢s will be retained. Mayor- elect Bavemeyer will receive on New Years Day at the City Hall. NEW CITY HALL KEEPER. Last evening Mr. George Roome, the keeper of the City Hall, whose familiar features seem to be inseparable from that building, reecived @ com- munication from Commissioner Van Nort requiring: him to vacate his roomsin the City Hall on the ist of January next, and that his successor would be Mr, Sutton, an cx-warden of the City Prison, THE COMPTROLLER AND THE CHAMBERLAIN, Correspondence as to City and County Deposits—Transfer of Moneys from the Tenth National Bank, The following correspondence has passed be- tween the Comptroller and the Chamberlain in reference to the city and county deposits in the ‘Tenth National Bai City or New Yo , Divantaxr ov Finance, } VOMPTROLLER’S Orricr, Di 872. Francis A. Patarn, Esq., Chamberlain, &c.— Sir—It has co to my knowledge that upon the 3a tthe entire amount of individual de- h National Bank was $2,469,030 26. Of his amount there was deposited by the city and county ew York 000, showing the total de- josits of all othe: ties or. corperations to have cen only $309,0:0 26, while the loans or indebtedness of the directors to the ‘bank amounting to $200,700. From this you will ace that after withdrawing the city and deposits the entire remaining deposits, except $59,330 26, were loaned to the directors of the bank. With these facts betore me I do notconsider the Tenth Bank is. proper bank in which to continue the city a county depos} nd J have tel Tyre fo uy est that you make immediate arrangements fohaye te sume. trans: ferred to some banking institution of the city of recog- nized standing and means. ANDREW H. GREEN, Comptroller. December 30, 1872. A. H. Gnren, Esq.. Comptrolier:-— Dean Sin—Your letter of the 23th instant was received atfour o'clock P. M. ot that date. In order toshow to ou how unnecessary are ee apprehensions in relation lo the safety of the public moneys on deposit in the Tenth National Bank, I request your sixnuture to the ac- mpanying warrant for $1,850,000, which is drawn with. y notice to that bank. do not by this request waive any right to exclusive discretion in regard to thi custody and salety of the public moneys. Very respec fully, yours, F. A. PAL mer ian COMPTROLLER GREEN AND THE BANK INTEREST. Chamberlain: Palmecr’s Statement as to the Bank Intcrest Comtroversy—Judge Edmonds’ Opinion. Chamberlain Palmer publishes a letter setting forth the facts in relation to the non-colicction of interest on the city deposits and its cause. Afcer recapitulating the law in regard to the deposits the Chamberlain says:— That law provided for a compensation by the banks for the moneys thus deposited with them b; ting that these selected banks should monthly balances, the offi salaries to be fixed by chamberlain—thus providing as a com ensatio depositor an exemption of the city aud county from all expense for recelving. keeping and paying out some filty million to one hundred mi Sweeny, however, went n dollars a year. ir. Swe rther, for he made it a condition in selecting his depositaries’ that they should pay Interest on the monthly balances, Out of th est he paid the expenses of his office and paid the Ance into the treasury. ‘Those balances thus turned over by him and his successor amounted to $415,000, ‘That was the system which I tound In operation when Ttook the office, and I continued it and intended to carry it out. The Chamberlain then seta forth Comptroller Green's directions to the banks, forbidding them {0 pay the interest as formerly, and requiring them to add the same to the several accounts and to hold vhe amounts subject to the warrant of the Comptroller, Mayot, apd, when necessary, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Upon this roposition Judge Kdmonds delivered the follow- ing opinion :— 271 Broanway, New Yonx, Dec, 28, 1871. Under chapter 623 of the Laws of 186 the Broadway Bank was selected ax one of the depositories of the moneys of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonaity of the oy. ‘and county of New York. juch selection was made by the Chamberlain, anda contract was nade between him and the bank that inter: est should be paid on es. carried Out now for several of the interest earnea every That contract has years by a computati inonth, and the payment of it to the Chamberiain, who, out of the amount thus received, has paid the expenses of his office and the balance into the Treagury. Now, however, the Comptroller has given notice to the bank tot to pay’any more of that interest to, ihe Chaun- beriain, but to add ft to the amount @p deposit; and the Chamberlain has given notice to the bauk that it must not obey those orders of the Comptroticr, but must con- tinue to pay over the interest to him as heretofore; and my opinion is asked by the bank what it shail do under the circumstances? ‘The act of 1866 has evidently heen misunderstood by Hes, for it has not been strictly followed by any of om. It does not direct that any tnterest on the deposits shall be exacted, nor does it direct the Chamberlain to defray the expenses of his office out of that interest. But after directing that “all moneys raised by taxation upon the real and personal, in said city and cot property, Yann All the revenue, of said city and county of every Rind shall be deposited,” &c., a1 after providing for the transfers of such depot u ck provides that “the banks in which such deposits shall be made shall pay, proportionally to monthly balances in each, the office rent of the said Chamberlain, the salaries to be fixed by him of his clerks and a Deputy Charoberlain, all of whom he is authorized to appoint and dismiss.” A strict compliance with this statute would have se- cured to the common treasury no further benofit than « to it of the expenses of the Chamberlain’s office ; and there seems to have be tna} ngement then made between the Comptroller, the Chamberlain and the deposit banks, whereby more than the expenses of the office was obtained from the bauks, to the amount how of some $415,000. It is this arrangement which is now sought to be broken up by the notice of the Comptroller, and totranster f the banks to the Comptroller the payment of the expentes of the office of the Chamberlain. ‘This cannot legally be done, A strict compliance with the statute and the demand of the Comptrotler would authorize the Chamberlain to abandon hin contracts for interest with the depos banks, and exact frem them only the erent of the expenses of the Chamberlain's of , whic! in ® loss to the city of a large amount annually, and ja blish in the financial affairs of the ho moneys earned by any of the bu sin any 4 ents could be collected by bureau rarrant signed Dy the Comptroller and coun- jayor.” yor. of the Chamberlain is a bureau im the Fi- nance Department, aud ike all other bureaus, is bound to collect all moneys it may carn and pa city treasury, and it is only when paid int that is, into th be sublect to t! tersigned b; The omes them into the the treasury— ¢ hands of the Chamberlain—that they dan a to the ‘ant of the Comptroller counter- bey Hy by the Mayor. in this case It would seem that the Comptroller claims that the interest, as tast as itis earned, ix already in the city treasury, and the Chamberlain claims that it is not treastiry until {t is pald to him, and it is be- tween these conflicting claims that the’ bank is called upon wo decide. But this does not seem to be the whole diMculty in the case. There is confusion in the statute, and also in the Comptroller's notice to the bank, which the bank seems called upon to remove. The statute, in Crt? the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonaity of the city and county of New York, andthe ty Jn speaking of "otty and county funds,” Ig: nore all distinction between city and county, and that of- fiver, in drawing his warrants tor payments, and Loth he nd the Chamberlain, in making thelr deposits, do the same thing The funds on whieh the interest is earned are of three different characters—City Funds, ander the jurisdiction of the Comi nder the juris diction of th ae pervisors, and State Pusda, der the jurisdiction of tbe Leginiawire. ns nus The Comptroller te a city oficer, With specia) powers as to county mone: ts teh mit ag! The Chamberlain ts also a Stee, oramaetm ‘of the Laws of 1670) the Chamber Ea i 32 a 25 3 i 5S 3 A the moneys can be “transferred from one to another of the depoalt banks” only by war rants drawn by the maberlain and countersigned by ptrolier, And the Comptroller in his notice says that in the case of county moneys the warrant must “in addition” be counters y the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. Thue recognizing and in a measure notifying the bank of a distinction between city, county and State monary but No means of determining what the distinc- tion is or how it is to be carried out. All these difficulties were avoided by the former mode of transacting the business, and will’ all arise in case of compliance with the Comptrailer’s notice. My advice, therefor that those officers be seen and effected by sonie arrangement be which the difficulties may be obviated. But if that cannot be done then I advise tne bank «hey first paying their proportionate share of the ex- ases of the Chamberlain's office, for by accepting the ite the bank has bound itsel! todo so) to refuse to comply with the Somgvonee s demand, and also retuse to pay he interest to the Chamberlain, but at the end of month to send the Comptroller and to the Chamberiain a siatement ot the amount of the interest then due, after deducting such expenses, with a notice ae + ene en tale pomodiats pe auses teobtain ve to pay the money Into court for the benefitof whom it may concern. J. W, EDMONDS. Chamberlain Palmer concludes as follows! — Now, under these elreumstances, what could I do? There was no law aut rising any ol ser of the ety oF fanny ig Bare, ® Valid contract, which could be en- forced In law, for securing Interest on the public de- Said interest could be secured onty by cai plan devised by the former Chamberlai of using the nower of selecting the depositaries, and that power was expressly comterred on the Chamberlain alo ne. The power of transferring money from one deposi ary to another could by law be executed only on a wai rant of the Chamberlain, Tt was the duty of the Chamberlain, and of no one else, to see thas all the expense of Reepine, and disbursing the public moneys should be paid by the depositaries, and the city and county saved from th In all other respects I was had given secur! duty im the sum o} ig out the mely, that the transfer ibility to the compre ary only in the sum of $25, 00 jad I been permitted to perform the duties of my office as my, predecessors had done, whereby they had earned for the public over $400,000 of interest money, I could have earned for the same purpose during this current Year at least $200,000, besides paying all the expenses of ay, office. But ander this interference of the Comptroller all that could do was to designate other depositaries through whom | could at least secure and have secured my ol expenses, to the exemption of the city and gounty trom them, thus I have been driven back to the literal construction of the law, instead of Being per- mitted to use its provisions to the earning of a larger compensation for the ase of the public moneys. ud so far has this been carried that there is now due, and has been for several months, from two of the former depositaries, the sam of it thousand dollars for Anterest under the former arral me not pay to me, the only lawtul custodian of the public moneys, because the Comptroller torbide It, and which as yet he does not end eannot collect, FRANCIS A. PALMER, Chamberlain. THE REFORM CHARTER. A Reporter Pumping a Dry Political WelleThe Seventy’s New Charter—A Member's Views About Private Sessions, Just now, when the new year is almost at hand, and 80 many pur. funcs are tearing up private papers and emptying pigeonholes and drawers to give their successors a chance for @ clear start, there is considerable interest manitested as to the probable policy of the incoming municipal adimin- istration and its relations to the Legislature of 1873 in regard to a new charter for this city. Much discussion has already taken place as to whether the Committee of. Seventy or the re- publicans ~ will exercise the dominating influence, and in_gyder to learn the present status of the recent discuwsion aud disagreement before the Commitee of Seventy on the subject, a HERALD reporter yesterday called upon ex-Gov- ernor Salomon at his office in Wall street. The gentleman was busy at the time, but by waiting a few minutes the reporter was accorded A BRIEF INTERVIEW. With considerable natural hauteur the Governor inquired the object of the visit, and on being in- formed, said in reply :— “Well, sir, 1 do not desire to say anything in re- lation to the private affairs of the Committee of Seventy. A few days ago 1 was visited by a re- porter of A TWO-CENT MORNING PAPER, and hold a brief consultation with him, The resuit of it was the publication next day of the substance of my remarks, with considerable elaboration and many offensive allusions to my personal appear- ance and 80 on, and | must really decline to say anything more to the members of the press.” “Very good, Governor,” replied the reporter, “I merely called for such information as you felt dis- posed to impart. Of course it is a matier in which the public as well as the Committee oj Seventy are interested,” “Lam aware of that,” said Governor Salomon; “but it is not my duty to relate the proceedings of that body."? “Perhaps, then, continued the reporter, “you can, without violating any confidence, tell me whether the Committee of Seventy has framed or is FRAMING A NEW CHARTER for this elty, to be submitted to the Legislature.” “Well, can say this,’? he responded. ‘The com- mittee prepared a charter last year and presented it. Of course you are aware of that fact, and of the result which attended their efforts, 1 under- stand that they have prepared a charter based upon that instrument im its main features, but Modified in some respects so as to adapt it to the altered condition of things which exist now in relation to certain matters which then stood in a ve light. I believe they intend to gh not with any very strenuous zeal in relation to ail of its provisions. They will be reasonably CONCILIATORY IN. ALL THINGS, their alm being solely the welfare of the public ine terexts in the premises.’? ‘The reporter was then : Governor proceeded to gay :— ‘In relation to the reported disagreements in the meetings of the Committee of Seventy, 1 would like to remark that that body upon its organiza- tion decided that all its meetings ahouid be private, and they have so continued to held. Frow time to time the committee has given to the press the results in concise form. Now you can readily un- derstaud the impropriety of my relating to any. ont to withdraw when Member of the press the proceedings in private session of a body of which I am @ member. It would be much BRITER TO OPEN THESE SESSIONS to the press, take actual have thein de} ored by impre: dl let their reporters attend and ports of the proceedings thn to ied, perhaps inaccurately, and col- yn or opinion. That is my chief reason for declining to say anything upon the sub- | ject.” Ging reporter then thanked Mr. Salomon ana re- red, Subsequently he calied on Mr. John Foley, also a ive member of the Committee of Seventy, tablishment, under the Astor House, with a view to learn something further in relation to | the matter. Mr. Foley, a# uneual, war ry courteous, but when the nature of the reporter's call was stated to him he very politely declined to say the subject, expressing the belief that enough had already been published on the matter, and that no public good could result from @ ventilation o! pri- vate views of members of the Seventy. PIGEON SHOOTING, Wisceniitesains nything on Double Hird Match Hetwe and Willie Parks—The Winner. Several of the members of the Long Island Gun Ire Pa Former the Club spent a very agreeable day yesterday at Dex- | ter’s, beyond East New York, Long Island, in wit- hessing the match at double virds between Willie Parks and Ira Paine. The conditions of the match were to shoot at twenty-five double biras at twenty-one yards rise, eighty yarde boundary. That tae shooting was exceedingly diMcult may be readily imagined, as the ground was covered with snow, which reflected on the eyes of the shooters, often rendering them almost blind. The shooting of the main match was very good by bot mtlemen, and resulted in a tie, each killing thirty-seven birds, The match would no doubt have resulted in favor of Mr. Parks, but in the twenty-first inning a boy that had been sent in to flush up aeucker bird got directly in the Tange of the guB, and Parks was compeiled to drop it. When he did shoot the bird was too far off. In shooting of the tie they agreed to shoot at five pairs, the first two pair of which both killed, ‘rhe third pair for Parks were both white birds, which he missed, Paine killing one of his. The fourth pair Parks also missed, while Paine killed his. This gave the latter the lead, and finally the match, of which the following is the score :— W. Parks—11, 11, 11, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 11, 11, 1 10, 1, ae) 11, 10, 11, 11, 11, 10, 10, 11, 11, 10, 1 killed, 13’ missed, ipe—I1, 10, 11, 11, 11, 10, 10, 10, 00, 11, 10, 10, 11, 11, 00, 10, ii, ii, ia, 14, 14, 10, 10, 19? L i, killed, 13’missed. TIK AT FIVE PAIRS RACH. 13, 11, 00, 00, 11—6 killed, 4 missed. 0, 11, 11—9 Killed, 1 mi . hot with a ten*ore muzzie-loader, of Lon- don manulacture, while Paine used a Grant breech. loader Of We wang Lore j still 5 THE MEXICAN MINISTER. Mr. Mariscal on the Rio Grande Outrages. WHAT HE THINKS OF ANNEXATION The Acquisition of Our Sister Republic Impossible. WASHINGTON, Dec, 28, 1872. Your correspondent called on Mr. Mariscal, the Mexican Minister, this afternoon, and was cordially received. He looks about forty-five. In form he is slender and of medium height. fis hair is dark brown and rounded in at the ends after the Spanish fashion. He wears a mustache and imperial, the color of which closely corresponds With that of his hair. His face is more square than Oval, and witn his high cheekbo! reminds one of the Indian cast of countenance. His nose 1s not prominent and his eyes are small, but un- usually brilliant. The tout ensemble is, however, Pleasing, for the expression of his face te cheerful, mild and kindly. in manner he is very polite, without formality and ostentation. Im conversa- bei de is frank, sympathetic and com- untcative, and makes one feel perfectly at home with him. He haa a keen per- ception of humor, for the faintest approach to a joke will provoke him to bursts of laughter. Mr. Mariscal speaks English with ease and correct- ness, having resided in this country for several years as Mexican Minister at Washington. He was Secretary of State until short time before Presi- dent Juarez’s death and was reappointed by the latter to his present mission. So much for his personal appearance; now for the conversation, which was as follows:— CORRESPONDENT—What do you think, Mr. Maris- cal, about the state of affairs on the Rio Grande? Mr. MARI8CAL—I think there has been a marked improvement since the end of our revolution, which was chiefly the cause of the disorders on the TexaD border. While the war lasted our government, thongh animated with the best of intentions, hat enough to do to fight the revolutionists, But since the accession of President Lerdo violence has been repressed and the depredations of which the Tex- ans complain have very much diminished, if not wholly ceased. The fact is, there are TWO SIDES TO THE STORY. If Mexican outlaws have committed depreda- tions in Texas, it is equally true that Texan out- laws have committed depredations in Mexico, We have claims for injuries inflicted upen our people Qs well as you have against us. The truth is that the frontiers on both sides of the Rio Grande are in- habited by the worst outlaws of both countries, as frontiers generajly are, because of the facility for escape and for the evasion of the laws. CORRESPONDENT—But the Texans, | presume, can rightfully claim a larger amount of damages than the Mexicans ? Mr. MaRriscal—That remains to be seen. Our government is willing to settle all just and fair claims. It has appointed a commission to investi- gate the American*as well as the Mexican claims for depredations on both sides o: the Rio Grande, The commission is now taking testimony at Matamoros. Mr. Emilio Valesco is the chairman of the commission and his appointme nt is a proot ofthe Impartiality of the Mexican government, Mir. ValeSeo has been counsel to the American Legation at the city of Mexico and enjoys the confidence of your Minister, Mr. Nelson, CORRESPONDENT—I understand the Texans claim over twenty-seven millions for the raids upon their ranches and cattle by the Mexican outiaws during the late revoiution? Mr. MaARISCAL—That is a huge joke, I have seen an article in one of the American papers giving @ Ist of all the property in the section where these depredations by Mexicans are said to have been committed, From this list it appears that the total value of the existing property In that part of the country never was near as large as the sum you have named, CORRESPONDENT—Is it true, Mr. Mariscal, that the Mexiran Commission sitting in Washington, which will expire on February 1 ne xt, is TO BE RENEWED HY BOTH GOVERNMENTS? Mr. MARISCAL—A convention has already been framed for the prolongation of the Commission. [ have sent it to my government lor upproval. Jt is vo be submitted to the Mexican Congress, which will prenenly sanction it within a few days if it ts in session. 1 believe that the convention will be concluded between the two governmenis before the expiration of the Commission, UORRESPONDENT—What has the Mexican Claims Commission. already accomplished? Mr. MARiscaL—You will see by this list:— Claims. Presented. Decided, Pending. American 1,017 200 TT Mexicau. 954 s 641 1,971 563 1,408 ‘The hn about four hundred millions ever, one claim for $323, Woodhouse, which has been THE LAUGHING STOCK OP THE COMMISSION. We claim about fifty millions for depredations by Indians ana injuries by other persons trom the United States, When the labors of the Commission are concluded it will, perhaps, be found that the Mexican citizens are entitied to as much money as the American citizens, CORRESPONDENT—Would not the annexation of Mexico to the United States be the best settlement of these mutual claims? rs Mr. MARISCAL (eughingly)—I think not. Even admitting the probability of such an event—and I do not admit it—I think Mexico would be AN ELEPHANT ON THE HANDS OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. The Mexicans ditfer too widely in language, in customs and habits of thongat from the American foe to ee With them under one government. you think that @ large country like Mexic which has 80 mach dificulty to govern itself, coul be governed by foreigners ¢ CORRESPONDENT—The strongest argument for annexation is precisely the reason you give against it, sir—that Mexico cannot govern itself. Mr. MARISCAL—But Mexico has now taken the new departure of peace aud progress. And if there Is any one sentiment in which the whole mexican people unite it is the strong aversion to foreign intervention. You know the fate of the French expedition. Maximilian had the wealthiest and most powerful party—the Church party—on his aide, and yet he failed miserably, Annexation has been the SERMON PREACHED BY THE HERALD all aa and it has inflicted much injary on Mext- can credit by its advocacy of American intervention. The HERALD, being the only great American paper read abroad, its wideiy circulated reports have caused @ great deal of bad feeling against our coun- uy. But now that the HgeaLD sees that Mexico is bent on peace and progress, I hope it will change fits tone with regard to our people, who desire nothing better than to live in close Iriendship with the Americans. The Mexicans, with the exception ofa few ignorant, deluded persons, have mach sympathy and respect for this country. We have copied your form of government, your constitution, and in what we did not imitate you—viz., in the formation of @ second chamber—we found to our regret that we were mistaken. We are about to adopt your system in that also by the creation of asenate, We want THE COMMERCIAL ANNEXATION OF MEXICO by the American people, not the political one. We invite your enterprise, your capital; we want yeu to build railroads and make the two countries one in commercial interest; and it will be a great bene- fit to both countries if all points of irritation are in future avoided, FEARFUL ACOIDENT IN PATERSON. Ex-Asscmblyman Hemmingway Thrown from His Sleigh and Fatally Wounded by a Train of Cars. About four o’clock yesterday afternoon a fearful accideat occurred to ex-Assemblyman Charles Hem- mingway, of Paterson. He was in his sleigh, cross- ing the Erie Railway at Market street, in front ofa freight train which was slowly backing up. His horse became frightened, balked, and, turning eud- denly, threw Mr. Hemmingway out upon the track in front of the train, the wheels of which nerican claims, I believe, is This includes, how- 000 by a certain Mr. over his I cutting them both off near the knees, He was taken to his home im Prospect street, and ‘was still alive last evening, alt it was feared he would survive but a short time. Mr. Hemmingway's Loe had just previously alighted from the sleigh to stop at a store near the railroad. He was a member o/ last Winter's Legis- latare, has bee! litician, did an extensi iquor was @ Wealthy man. pe was more widely known than Charles Hemmingw: and the accident gave a shock to the whole com- nity. The fault is believed to have been that of the fagman, wi Jed that everything was all right. The test in tien is expressed to- Railway croeelug. wards the mpany scr not having.