The New York Herald Newspaper, January 4, 1873, Page 3

7” THE REIGN OF #28 AND SLUSH A DAY Of DIRE DISCOMFORT. Pas ‘Wading Knee Deep in Morasses of Snow and Slush—A Fog that Covered a Multitude of Sinners—Perils of Ferry Navigation—In- teresting Facts About the Sewers— No Fear of a Water Gorge. ‘The destruction of shoe-leather yesterday must have been enormous, It was a hideous day—all fog, rain, slush, mud and every manner of vex- ation, such as New Yorkers are every ten or twelve Winters compelled te endure. Of course rubber overshoes were brought largely into wear; but thousands, from neglect, impecuniosity or false economy, trusted to the imperviousness of Bative cowhide and calfskin. But after the day’s Pedestrianism there were few willing to endorse the old saying that ‘‘there is nothing like leather.” The crossings along Broadway in the early part of ‘he day were in a frightful condition down the entire length of the street from the Park to the Battery. The scavengers of the Street Cleaning Department managed to make many of the trogssings passable before noon; but such Particular places as the head of Fulton street and Broadway, where there is an especially large traffic, were left through the day in the condition the rain found them in the morning. There is always an immense crowd pass- ing and repassing at the top of Fulton street, and this place particularly deserved ationtion from the Street Cleaning Department, but none was given to it, and pedestrians, men and women, had to plunge ENER DEEP IN THE MELTING SLUSH, Detween carts and stages, that splashed the grimy stuff on every side of them. Corner of William and Fulton was even worse, for here there is a depres- sion of the surface of the street, and the lodgment of Mquid snow, all turned to mud color, was over a footin depth. Across this very many deli- cate ladies, coming from or going to Fulton ferry, were forced to paddle through the day. Three or four men were engaged in endeavoring to make a dry Passageway, but just as soon as they succeeded in dislodging one volume of slush another took its Place, and the labor appeared truly Sisiphusian THE RIVER FRONTS were the most deplorable sight of any other part Of the city. There wasa tolerably clear passage- Way to the Fulton ferry, but the approaches to all the rest were enough to deter the most reckless from venturing across. The neighborhood of WASHINGTON MARKET was appalling. The snow heaps were of tho Githiest complexion, and the ooze which trickled forth from them on the sidewalks gave a still more wretched appearance to this already most wretched looking of markets, In few parta of the city did the snow escape defilement. It was everywhere turned into a dirty drab color, and its presence no tonger presented a spectacle on which the eye cared to rest very long. THE FOG AND THR FERRIES, As for the fog, it was a perfect reminder of London, In the early morning it filled the whole City to so dense a degree that large objects were Invisible at a distance of a few yards. It was accompanied by a fine drizzling rain that wet through overcoats in quick time and glazed the Ice crusts along the sidewalk to the highest degree Of slippery smoothness. Fortunately the freezing temperature of the previous night had moderated, else walking would have become almost an im™ st ty. So impenetrable was the fog on the rivers that all the ferryboats were compelled to feel their Way with the utmost’ caution, and the signal gong of the engineer was heard striking inces- santly on every trip. The Roosevelt street ferry, after ite first essay in the morning, discontinued running. THE FULTON FERRYBOATS ran at intervals of from fifteen to twenty-five minutes, and at each trip were so tremendously Jaden with passergers thatin the event of a colli- sion the consequences could hardly be ot herwise than dreadful. As it was,a collision, though not serious, which did take place between one of the Fulton ferryboats and @ tugboat, came within an ace of resulting in loss of life. The ferryboat was crossing from Brooklyn to New York at noon, and im the middle of the river came in contact with a tug going down stream. The collision was sum- ciently severe to precipitate a number of the pas- sengers from their seats on to the floor; and as for the ladies, the excitement among them was at fever heat. To make matters worse, the pas- sengers at the front of the boat rushed to the rear and those at the rear rushed to the front, so that when the one crowd met the other the weaker ones became crushed and injured. This accident was unavoidable under the circum- stances. The precaution of blowing whistles was used by Doth tug and Jerr boast, but so thick was the all-pervading fog that nothing could be dis- cerned ten yards ahead. COLLISION OF FERRYBOATS, The most denfe fog known for many years settled on the North River yesterday, causing serious de- lays to those who travel by ferryboats. The trips of the Jersey City boats were made at such long intervals that the great thoroughfares leading thereto on either side—Cortiandt and Montgomery strects.—were literally choked with vehicles. Just as daylight set in the ferryboat Gregory collided with the ferryboat Pavonia, and the latter was so damaged that it was with diflicu/ty she reached the Pavonia dock. Her side was stove in, and the water rushed through the cavity till the deck hands covered the aperture with canvas. The cost of repairs will reach $5,000, The Gregory was only slightly damaged, and continued to make her regular trips. The passengers on both boats were frightened almost to a panic. The pilot of the Pavonia ferryboat, it is admitted, blew his whistle, but the beady lt continued on her course, the pilot thereof alleging that he did not understand whether the Pavonia would cross the bow or the rn, FREAK OF A FERRYBOAT. At ten In the morning a ferryboat left Hoboken for the Barclay street slip, and to the astonishment of pilot and passengers lied up two hours after- ‘Waras at Jersey City. pilot declared in all his experience of over thi YY years he never saw the North River so enveloped in ae He had been sail- ing in a circle all this time, when he thought he was moving cautiously ona bee line for Barclay street. Steam whisties, and nothing but steam a could be heard along the Hudson. ‘They ie A TERRIFIC RACKET and deepened the confusion that prevailed. On the Wall street ferry only one boat was running, but it did an immense business, taking at least two thousand Peel each trip. People living in Hoboken, Jersey City, Brooklyn and Williamsburg suffered great inconvenience, as well coming to the city in the morning as going home inthe evening. At the South ferry the boats ceased plying fora time in the morning, the perils of collision being go formidable. In the afternoon the preternatural fog li{ted for an hour or two, but returned in even Fda ld density than before, and held sway over rivers in gray and awful gloom. ACCIDENT ON THE NORTH RIVER. The ferryboat D. 8. Gregory, of the Desbrosses Street line, came into collision withthe Pavonta, of the Erie, on the North River. The Pavon! ‘as 60 badly damaged that she wi in great wer of sinking, and it was with great difficulty she was Gaally towed ashore. The passengers were en frightened, but none of them were injured, The boat now lies on the flats, and the amount of dam- age will probably be about $10,000, STREBT CAR TRAVEL, The street cars at the east side of town were running only at long intervals, Passengers en- ured the most disma! experiences in travelling by these conveyances last evening. An air of damp- ness most abhorrent pervaded the atmosphere of every car, and if ever people sighed for an ander- ‘ound or an aerial railroad i¢ must certainiy ve been yesterday. THE STREKT CLEANING DEPARTMENT. A HERALD reporter gave a call at Police Head- quarters to find out from Captain Thorne what the street cleaning department was doing in the premises, The Captain was out, and had been out since seven o’clock in the morning, superintending his army of scavengers. From Mr. McCorkle the reporter ascertained that the whole force of the department was at work and all the carts and many extra ones were in active use. The evidence of their labors could sy, be deivvied here and there, for @ thousand men could make but a trifling impression on the vast area of the slush eg In ane se ae a 4 Li (-~- imagine that the department m: ry itself to the tronble of its force of daborers, and Fiving the citizens of New York some tangible proof that they really do @ Street Cleaning Bureau, and that their ruplin; possess money is worthy return. Bi jway does not constitute the neither docs Fiith avenue. In the streets east le Bowery the miseries brought about by the naw were to be seen in their most glaring reality. Cellars where poor mechanics both worked and lived were in hundreds of cases inutidated, espe- any in the narrow streets, where the snow 1s many feet high above the sidewalks. There ‘was plenty of fan when the snow came down, an le were rather glad that it came, but the the Jog swakened all the worst ‘NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1873—WITH SUPPLEMENT. human nature, and more profanity passed unre- buked yesterday than ever before. THB POOK WORKING GIRLS had a hard time of it. Going to their labors in the morning before the lateral crossings on Broadwa; and the le: thoroughfares were yet cleau the miseries they endured were at. Most of them were without the luxury of rubber overshoes, and had to suffer from wet feet in consequence, Going home in the evening they suffered, too, bat those of them who had comfortable homes to were che by the prospent of having @ chance ate to dry th THE COAL-HOLB rag 4 One source of universal disquiet for the past few days, but more particular! yesterday, was the smooth, treacherous iron trap cover on the sidewalks. This has caused many a sprained leg within a week and brought more people down on thetr marrowbones than all the ice combined. Hundreds of falls occurred throughout the any by reason of people Stepping thoughtlessly on t is most unreliable footing. Corporation ordinance should decree that none of these trap-covers should be made otherwise than of corrugated metal. THE BROADWAY SQUAD AS SCAVENGERS. The Broadway police, who are par excellence the finest civic force of officers in the world, performed something FL meted that excited universal ad- miration. see these gallant six-footers sweep- ing with giant action the slush-laden street-cross- ings was an uncommon sight, and brought tears of joy to the eyes of all the jadi = in whose behoof the Broadway squad worked with the ardor and the strength of Hercules. They did as much in a few brief hours as a whole army of the yet street-sweepers, and they deserve the thanks of the ladies in return. OUR SEWER CAPACITY. There was considerable anxiety evinced amon: business men down town lest the rapid thaw ani impending rain might gorge the sewers and cause the flooding of cellars and basements. A reporter called at the office of the Enginver in charge of the Bureau of Sewers to learn whether there Was any reasonable likelihood of such @ catastrophe. Mr. Toale, the Engineer, was absent, but his assistant, Mr, Myers—formerly meteorologist of the Croton Board—was present, and courteously gave the in- formation desired. In answer to questions he said “The present capacity and condition of the sewers of the.whole city are such that they are capable of standing any strain that may result from the present thaw. It is not the duty, however, of this Bureau to cleanse utters or any portion of the street surface, fe have charge of all the sewer mains and connections, sewer mouths and what are known as the “receiving basins” at the corners of the street. Sifduld these basins become foul or choked by rubbish, snow or other matter WE PROMPTLY SEND WORKMEN to clear the obstructions, We have men whose duty it is to inspect them and they report all ob- structions as soon as discovered, and in the event of notification of such obstruction being sent to us elther by the Police Department or citizens we at- tend to them as promptly as possible.”” ‘ “Has the Bureau lately done much to tmprove the sewer system of the city?’ asked the reporter. “Yes,” replicd Mr, Myers, “the present Bureau has improved the entire system and remedicd many ol the practical as well as theoretical defects and errors of the old Bureau. All THE WORK NOW DONE by this Bureau is done upon a scientific engineer- ing basis, having all due reference to the topo- graphy of the city, probable and emergent requi- site capacity of sewers and so forth.’’ “But ls not the present thaw and threatened rain calculated to throw an extraordinary volume of water into the sewers ?”? “Oh, nothing very extraordinary. We have had as heavy volumes of water from ratings and snow before. ‘There is only one thing requisite to prove the efficiency of the present sewerage system, and thatis that the gutters should. be kept clear. it is to the interest of every, man w keep the guttera open in front of his place of business or residence, and this would not be a difficult mat- ter. Itis the business ol the Street Cleaning De- paryment to keep the surface of the streets clean, ut I don’t think that any one would expect that that Department could go over the HUNDREDS OF MILES of strects in thts city and clean them off ina day ortwo. But if the gutters are kept open people will find that the sewers will carry off the water as fast as it flows. We have frequently had as heavy snow falls as this in New York, but the snow ver‘ rarely lasts so long, and that is why people think there is so very much of it. Then, again, there is not so much WATER PRODUCED BY DISSOLVED SNOW as people are likely to suppose. In my experience with the Croton Board, as meteorologist, I found that it was a fair average estimate to expect that a@1oot of snow packed as it falls would produce from one-sixth to one-tenth ofits own depth of water—say, {rom two inches to an inch and a quar- ter. In rare cases, where the snow, owing to its Moisture atthe time of falling, has been packed very hard, it produced about one-fourth of its depth or three inches of water. In conclusion Mr. Myers reiterated his entire confidence in the capacity and condition of the sewers, as ample to carry off all the surface water, if the water is afforded the chance to run through the gutters, so as to reach the sewers, and the only way that could be effected was by opening the gutters in every street, People would then be sur- prised and gratified tosee how fast the present Ocean of slush would disappear from the streets, THE FOG AT NICHT. eR aS Scenes on the Rivers—How the Ferry- boats Ran—Broken Ice, but Buoyant Boats. On the East River last night the fog was very dense, but ferry trafic was not materially im- peded. There was but little ice, and even that wasin broken floes of such small dimensions that the steam- ers were easily enabled to plough through them. The fog was not of that peculiar “pea soup” order prevalent in the English metropolis, being merely @ light-gray color, but very heavy mist, that cloaked the icy surface of the river like a bridal veil. Some slight anxiety was manifest among the passengers by the ferryboats as to whether the several journeys would be made in safety, and, despite the morbific nature of the atmosphere, people preferred standing upon deck to risking chances fn the cabin. On the Fulton ferry line three boats were plying last night, and these had competent pilots. The passage was dark as the pathway into Hades, but the navigators smelled their way across the swift-rclling tide and timo, and again the slips were safely reached, The only guide the pilots had was the hoarse monotone of the ferry house bells and dim lights visible about two boats’ length~ from the piers. Ever and anon there would be a _ stoppage in mid-stream, and anxiety would rise toa high itch. These detentions were caused by tne nowledge of the proximity of another steamer, and it was not until the position of each was accu- rately ascertained that either dare “go ahead.” The crimson lights of the ferry houses shone out like arunkard’s eyes, blear and dim, yet they were guiding stars. If calctum lights were usea by day and ea, during foggy weather much assistance would be rendered the pilots, much danger would be obviated and @ great measure of fear among the passengers allayed. No accidents occurred on the lines last night, and it is to be sincerely hoped that the tlimsy curtain of fog will be withdrawn to- morrow, and prevent even the probability of dis- aster. The Fog on the North River. Last night there was no abatement in the dense fog that overspread the North River. It was not without many misgivings that passengers en- trusted themselves to the ferryboats, which kept up a@ dismal screeching of whistles. This, ded to the continual clanging or bells, made the river voyage anything but pleasant. Instead of the ordinary eight minutes, the Cortiandt street ferryboats con- sumed from fifteen minutes to ball au hour on & single trip. ‘The Desbrosses street ferryboats were jar more uncertain, as they crossed the track of the Hoboken boats. The latter were in constant Peril, and the pilots moved cautiously. It fre- quently happened that a ferryboat came within two lengths of another before it was visible, and slow motion was accordingly imperative. The Fog in Brooklyn. The fog was so thick in Brooklyn yesterday that it appeared as if it might easily have been sliced up with a knife. It wag anything but agreeable for those who Were familiar with the location, but for those who were not it was extremely so. It ‘was the easiest thing in the world for strangers to get “turned round” and goin a contrary direction to that which they desired, and it for them to attempt to set themaclver sent he trying to decipher the names of the streets upon the houses or dwellin, at the street corners, for they could not see ‘them, Sneak thieves and shoplilters improved the opportuntt: ing up what they could, knowing that i Bix feet away they could not be caught. who wanted to ride in the street cars get almost on the car tracks before the driver or con- auctor could see them, The greatest difficulty was experienced at the ferries, for the crossing was very dangerous. The trips of the boats were made at long intervals, tor it was impossible for tl ilots to find the si The consequence w: of pick- eeobie le had to Be hat the streets ading to the ferri became clogged with vehicles of all kinds, and the drivers could not refrain at times from indulging in a hittle profanity. who cart for stores in New York were anxious to get across with their trucks, [aad ere anxious to get across to re- plenish their stock, milkmen wanted to get their cans of milk from the railroad depots, but they all brought up at the ferry. There were several col- listons between the boats, but no lives were lost nor were any buats sunk, 80 far as heard from in Brooklyn. A MURDERER PARDONED, ConcorD, N. H., Jan, 3, 1873, Martin Deveney, who was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment fm October for killing John Marr, at West Concord, last June, was pardoned d iy | Outta He 18 said to be im the last stages of OF | consemption, id Tana “THE DISPENSARY DEMOCRACY.” Meeting of Dissatisfied Delegates Who Represent Themselves and Who Wish to Croate a Now Democratic Party—But They Don’t Want any Offices—They Also Will Hurl Cor- fuption Into an Abyss of Infamy. Last evening thirty-nine grown and apperently sensible-looking men and five reporters met in the large hall of the Demilt Dispensary, at the corner of Twenty-third street and Second avenue, The meeting was in response to the following very mysteriously worded call:— New Yons, Dee. 31, 1872. Dean Sin—The undersisned repocttuily invite You to & conference to be held at Demilt Ha'l, corner Twenty-third street and Second avenue, on Friday, the 3d day of Jans uary, 1873, ateight P. M.,’ to consider matters of interest to the democratic party. ‘Yours very respeotuly, R. 1 Roosevelt, chard M- Henry, Doustas Taylor, Myer Stern, J. W, Gerard, Jr.; Smith Ely, Jr; D. @; Gale, Jacob ‘A. Westervelt, John McKeon, Joseph J. O'Donohue, Charley Crary, Jeremiah juinian, Casper O. Childs, William L. Cole, &'°C, Koot, Claus Puckhater, Frederick Meyer, Samuc} G. Courtney, I. L. Isaacs, Mag, nus Gross, Henry Hilton, John W. Greene, Edmund Ran, dolph Robinson, John Foley, John ¥. Savage, J_, Green: ville Kane, John T, Agnew, James Bagley, John &. Deve- lin, Peter Woods, Edward Holland Nicoll, Anson Herrick- John F. Doyle, George L. Loutrel, Franklin Bartlett- Jolin Adriance, W; D. Oratt, Robert N, Harne! Waite, Oliver H. Kingsiand, A. jDuryee, John Hecker, James M. Smith, Michael Gonnoliy, ‘homas J, Creamer, Samuel Hirsch, ‘A. J. Rogers, Ashicy W. Cole. No one who attended the meeting knew what it ‘was about, but in the mind of some few there was @ vague idea that something was to be reformed, something broken up, something united, and, to wind up, all corruption was to be crushed, never to rise again, There were thirty-nine persons in the mass meeting and five reporters. Out of this number there were two persons who came to have a lark and did not really want an office, and the five reporters, who seemed to think it a hugejoke. There were several very hard cases in the room, some of the old primary roughs from the ‘‘Assem- bl-ee deestricks,” and there were several respect- able and well-known citizens, who had been de- ceived into signing their names to the call, ana who seemed rather ashamed to be found in the large, cold, damp room with the same old ward politicians of the smallest stripe talking the same rubbish about puryifying the democratic party and crushing corruption, Robert B, Roosevelt presided and James Keyes and John S. Giles acted as secretarics. Among those present were General Duryea, Charles Crary, Richard Henry, Colonel Bayley, Andrew J. Rogers and several others unknown to fame. Mr. Roose- velt opened the meeting by alluding to its object, which, he said, was that of creating a third party out of the débris of the older organizations, which would fall to pieces ifa young and vigorous party with pure principles were started, le wished all sterl- ing democrats to je the ranks, Andrew Jack Rogers talked wildly and incoherently, as is his wout, for twenty minutes about regeneration and purification, and trembling despots, and closed with a stirring and transcendental peroration, in which he saw, as if ina transformation scene, the future of the yreat “dispensary democracy.” Aman with winte hair,a white mustache and considerable sense in his noddile, could not see the necessity of startivg new partics and calling them democratic, He, for instance, was willing to tale candidates from Tammany Hail or from Apollo Hall whose characters were respectable and whose antecedents were good, Starting new organiza- tions was useless. It was good democrats who elected William F, Havemeyer to be Mayor, and his election for weeks be/ore the ballots were cast Was a foregone conclusion. Aman named Shea opposed this man on general grounds, and for some minutes there was a pros- pect of a fight, but the atmosphere of the room was too dump and the tight died out Uke the flame ola penny candle on a windy night. The ae resolutions were adopted, with the amendments, by the meeting, the preamble and first resolution being oifered by Captain Bensel, while the others were odered by Kichard M. Henry :— Whereas the various organizations existing at present in this city proposing to represent the democratic party, have none of them originated with the people, b reated by proremnnee oliticians tor Ul ment of personal ends, therefore be it Resolved, That the ‘future success of the democratic party tn this city demands that an organization shoud ke made, based upon popular representation, and so adjusted that évery democrat in this city, whaiever may have been his previous affiliations, may have an equal voice in the counell ‘of the party and in the selection ob@andidates Resolved, That a committee of twenty-one on organi- zation be appointed by the chair, who shall dra’ a plan of organization, to be submitted ata future n oH and that they Invite'all democratic organizations in the city and county of New York to unite with them, A member presented a list of twenty-one names asa Committee on Organization to the Chair, and another member wanted their appointment de- ferred for two weeks, to give tae Chair an opporta- nity to confer with other organizations, and to consult about the tremendous movement, Smith Ely made a few parliamentary remarks much to the point, and subsided and shut up hke the blade of a Jerseyman’s jack knife, There was some more talk about the necessity for purifying the democratic party and kicking the spoil-hunters out ot high places, and ali present excepting John Harnett, the Welah lawyer, who sat in a corner, declared that they were not looking for offices. Alter some little talk of this kind the ‘Dispensary Democracy” adjourned, to be heard from as soon as the streets become dry. inialesaralies Murdcrous Attack Upon a Peaccable In- dian in West Strect—The Assailant Ar- rested and Held to Answer by Judge Hogan. Henry Behme and Henry Jackson are both old res- idents of the First ward. Behme ts a barber and Jackson is a dealer in cigars, Jackson keeps his cigar store at 733, West street, and he boasts of having the biggest Indian on the block as a sign. For along time there has been a little ill feeling between the barber and the cigar maker, and about two weeks since they entered into a wordy war on some religious subject, in which the Dvarber bounced the cigar maker. A few nights after another discussion arose, in which the cigar maker got the best of the barber, and there was great excitement in the First ward, On New Year's Day the boys called upon the barber and told him if he was a man he would not stand it. On New Year's night, when Henry Benme, the barber, had filled himself with good and bad liquor from his friends in the ward, he determined to make a call upon the cigar maker. He took down from the een ee @ gun that his grandfather had in- vaied France with under the Duke of Brunswick. He loaded both barrels to the muzzle with buck- shot, and sallied round the corner with the weapon on his shoulder. When he came gene dea the cigar man’s place, the big Indian, which the latter used as & sign, confronted him. In his con- fused imagination he saw an apliited tomahawk in the Indian’s hand and @ frenzied look about the eyes. Thoughts of horrid massacre floated in his brain, Behme, the barber, fell back two paccs and then he b! ld away, both barrels together. The report rung out upon the midnight air, the Indian staggered, his head fell off and rolled towards the gutter. Jackson ran out in his night- clothes, piskea up the mangled savage, and sent a telegraphic despatch to the Board of Voroners, Yesterday Henry Jackson applied to Judge Hogan for a warrant for the arrest of Belme, the barber. The Judge issued the summons and gave it to Jackson, but Behme failed to appear. Officer Ber- nard McGuire was then despatched with @ war- rant for the arrest of Behme, the barber. He was brought into Court yesterday alternoon in a very excited condition, He threw his arms wildly around and said, “Shudge Hi I bay all de damages. Dot man Jackson and me have a lectle fight. I don’t want noding but what is right. Alderman Moore knows me. ‘Tim Brennan he knows me. Every one in the First ward knows me, ~~ all goes my bath”? judge Hogan—Whiy did you not come when you were summoned? Behme, the barber—Vell, [ tink it was all hoom- boog. I say I don’t sec no summons from you; ven a man from the Court comes down, den I know vot ut is. Judge Hogan—Well, I will hold you under $300 bail to answer. Here the prisoner got very much excited, and asked for permission to go for his ball, which was denied him, and he was escorted down stairs be- tween two policemen with much growling and Gesticulation, Jackson leit the Court rejoicing. THE CATHOLIO UNION OF NEW JERSEY, mage from the Pope Imparting His Apostolic Benediction. A branch of the Catholic Union has just been Organized in Jersey City, with Mr. J. McAncrney as President. The organization Is to be extended throughout the entire State, and is to be known a8 the Cathollo Union of New Jersey. Last aaah @ despatch was sent from this assoctation 5 ex 5 P spatch was received in reply: se gem von has The greetings of your society were most agreeable to the Sovereign Ponuf, Pleenng asked fore”? "gst, lovingly granted, the At the next meeting the constitation, which is modelied after that of the Union, will be a aed Sous ieee onus taken to spread ti organizatio: shen? Thus far the ‘association. hes been confined to a few well-meaning gentlemen, who, ibe nee or three exceptions, have litue induence je OUR USELESS NAVY. The Dilapidated Condition of the United States War Fleet~Ten Only of Fifty Iron-Clads Worth Repairing—A Skeleton En Verite for the Navy Department, Wasnixaton, D. C., Jan. 2, 1873, To THR EpiTor or THE HERALD: — The communication signed “Defence” in your is- sue of December 22, 1872, and the notice of the same signed “Pluck,” induces me to write about the “united States Navy as It Is,” and, possibly, thereby show the public and the legislators that “Defence” was very much more correct in his esti- mation of the detenceless condition of our greatsea forts than the party who wrote under the name of “Pluck,” who, by the by, 1 think is disposed tobe or has been decetved by the United States Navy upon paper as a navy in reality. I will not criticise their modes of defending the great harbor of New York, I like-what “Pluck”? wrote as the most prudent mode, but “Defence's” words had more of the Anglo-Saxon- Yankee style of fighting. I think they both will accord the command of the naval forces to Admiral Porter; but that is not my subject, and I will, with your permission, analyze the entire navy list of war ships, according to the “Navy Register; and this same Register, let me say, contains many fulschoods, and to most people who have not a “Naval Dictionary” to define the ships and guns bgrne upon its pages it is very deceptive. Now, Mr. Editor, don’t you think it advisable to apply the power of your mighty paper, so as to make our legislators peruse comprehensibly the “Navy Register,” get naval oMicers for their dic- tionaries, and let them forget fora while that great Yankee self-laudation and glorification, and ac- quaint themsclves with the fact that the United States—a first class nation--has almost no eMcient naval ships, and the few she has are fast decaying for want of the,proper appropriation to make them seaworthy? So much has been written und said by the initiated and uninitiated, also by author- ity of those in power, about the fleets of the United States, and their ability to compete with the navies of the world, that I think it can certainly be said that the people of this country at large have been terribly, cruelly, and, perhaps, wilfully de- ceived. Does it not, then, become the patriotic duty for those who can to give the truth, though it may be in a form both disagreeable and humiliat- ing to our pride as a nation? If, perhaps, by 80 doing the legislators may be set aright in what they are doing and stirred up to prompt measures to replace the decaying ships of the navy, and at least nave ready sufticient ships to do the police duty of the nation towards its commercial interest, What vessels has the United States Navy that are eMcient or that can be made efficient? We find upon the “Naval Register” tive first rate screw steamers from 4,500 to 5,400 tons displacement, three of them mounting forty-five guns cach, one thirty-nine guns and one twelve guns; four of them are useful wooden vessels and the fifth may be counted worthy for naval purposes, Two of them are now avroad as flagships of our squadrons, and, it is sald, much to the annoyance of the economl- cal Secretary o1 the Navy, Who never goes to sea, as he considers them unnecessarily large to bear the fi of the United States. Why, they are pig- mies alongside any first class nation’s agenip in any part of the world, Here, then, are four first rates which may be counted, but not one of them a naval liner, Now pass to the wonderful list of see- ond rates. There are wooden liner steamers, thirty-two in all, from 2,100 to 4,000 tons displac ment, mounting from ten to twenty-three guns, and yet trony this formidable list fiiteen must be subtracted, NOW ROTTEN AND UNFIT FOR SERVICE. ‘This leaves seventeen, and five of these need ex- tensive repairs; the balance are in service, but four of them should now be refitting. So, with all the repairs yet £0 be done, we have eight for pres- ent use. hefe are three paddle-wheel steamers from 2, to 4,600 tons displacement, mounting eleven eventecn guns. One, the Vanderbilt, is thoroughly rotten; the other two are fit for light service. So the second rates of both type fit for use und for repairs number nineteen, ‘The third-rate wooden vessels are next in order, They are 21 screw steamers, from 900 to 1,000 tons displacement, mounting from 4% to eight guns; of these 11 are now on service, 6 of which need imme- diate repairs. There are 8 rebuilding, the former vessels having becn condemned, and new vessels, under the old names, will take their place (if money is ever appropriated to build them), Three also are condemned and 4 require extensive repairs— more than eqaiy stent to building new ships. So there are 10 that should fe replaced with new ves- sels, and this leaves 11 fit for present (and only resent) use, for they will, one by one, be droppin, inat the Navy Yard very soon. There are 3 pad- dle-wheel steainers, from 685 to 1,870 tons displace- ment, mounting from 6 to8 guns—2 in the East India squadron, almost “lame ducks,” and 1 on the lakes in the United States, Of wooden sailing vessels we have 5 second rates. Two are on the stocks and never will be launche 3 are in use for receiving ships and are very rotten ; @ gun cannot be tired upon their decks for fear of breaking through, consequently no use save to house Jackey until he goes to sea. Wooden sailing vessels, third rates, first class (from 1,800 to 2,300 tons displacement, from 7 to 49 guns), Number 10. Only 1 is this day fit to go to sea, 8 are very rotten and require extensive re- pairs, 11s inthe East India squadron—an almost worthless storeship. So this leaves 1 available. Of third rates, second class, there are 10 vessel: from 676 to 1,840 tons displacement, from 2 to 1 guna; Two of these have already been broken up, and it is proposed to build two screw steamers to take their place, Two others are at sea—one on her way home after a three years’ cruize, the other just sailed. The remaining 6 need more repairs than they are worth. One is being used as astore- ship at Pensacola, so only 1 can be counted avail- able. Of fourth rates there are 5 from 100 to 925 tons displacement, from 2 to 6 guns. Two are fair atoreships, 2 are so rotten they are not fit for re- pairs and 1 i# a yacht. Here we have 27 tugs; for vessels of ul ey don’t count. Lastly we come to the formidable list of fifty-one iron clads, Now that is @ list which must strike the ordinary reader (if We actually had so many fit for service) as sufficient to protect our harbors and vindicate any national insult offered us; but what have we in reality? Four of the most ponderous are on the stocks, and probably never will be fin- ished, for they are nearly rotten and not worth building; five are repairing by removing rotten wooden decks and beams, and putting in iron beams and decks, which was absolutely necessary, and by the time these decks and beams are in they will need new iron bottoms; one Is at Key West, and cannot go out of the harbor; one at the Naval Academy, sadly needing extensive repairs; forty are laid up in ordinary at League Island, New Lon- don, New Orleans, Washington, Mound City and Boston. Out of these last the Dictator, Puritan and Roanoke may possibly be used. The Miantonomah is condemned out and out. So thirty-six may be considered worthless for any use they can be put to, as it would cost more to repair them than to build new vesseis. One may well exclaim, js this our great pavy in total numbers? Yes; we have of steamers four first rates, eight second rates, fourteen third rates, all needing immediate repairs; two fourth rates, Of sailing vessels of first, second and third class we have four fit for immediate use at sea. Of tron- ciads we have of second, third and fourth rates exactly ten which may be putin order, and only three of these now fit for use. Twenty of the fourth rate iron-clads are not fit for any service, no matter what repairs may be done to them. Who, then, can contradict the assertion that the United States has the finest paper navy in the world? All and every one who has read your newspaner may decide for themselves whether the article signed “Defence or Pluck” was nearest right in the views of the unprotected oard of the United States. Without a doubt “Defence” gave the true view of the case, and with proper patriotic motives drew the picture which must canse legislators to see that the navy of the nation is sadly in need of prompt attention and to place It goon upon @ peace footing. At least twenty new vessels should be built within the next year and as many more repaired, else in the event of any sudden call deep and bitter will be the mortifi- cation of our national pride, ee PHILADELPHIA GAMBLING HELLS, A General Tarnout of the Thieving Policy Dealers and Gamblers of the Quaker City Under Contemplation, PHILADELPHIA, Jan, 3, 1873, Mayor Stokely continues to push the police regu- lation against the gamblers and policy deaiers. The police, in compliance with the recent regulation, have already reported the location of numerous ambling houses and the names of the Pk, Una fieny new policy shops have also been discovered, ‘The difficulty in this matter between the Mayor and District Attorney Mann still creates discussion in eee on circles. The better class of politicians and cit 8 commend the action of the Mayor highly, The amount of swindling perpetrated by the gamblers and policy dealers upon un: isticated strangers has recently been very large, aud an abatement is certainly desirabic. The gambling and policy ee not only controlled the action of Attorney fann, but, by more recent investigations, it has been ‘elicited that some of the Councilmen have been bribed by those intereste: Mayor Stokely is actively engaged in unearth- ing many criminal acts that have heretofore been allowed to pass unnoticed by the city authorities, The new Board of City Councils have been organ- ized. The Select Branch consists of twenty-three republicans and six democi The Common Branch stands filty-five republicans to twelve democrats, The majority of the members are ? men, and itis to be feared that their legis- lation will not be condugjve to the mupicipal wel- NEW ORLEANS. : pa soee ventana Unhappy Condition of the Crescent City—Business Stopped a Money Moarded on. All Hands—Taxation of $20 to $28 on the $1,000—How Carpet- Baggers Have early Ruined the Great City of the South. New ORtBans, La., Dec. 28, 1872, To Tux EpiTor oF THE HERALD:— Having been a resident of New Orleans since 1835, with the exception of four years which I passed in New York after retiring from business in 1858, I have seen a great many changes in the trade and commerce of the city and in tMe condition and Prospects of the people, but my memory fails to recall a state of things so disheartening, 80 Utterly hopeless in all their aspects as that which exists at present. No trade, no rents paying, no debts can be collected, for no one that has any money wants to part with a dollar, and this pres. ent Month, December, ought to be the busiest of the year. - This state of hopeless ¢espondency and Stagnation has been caused, as you are aware, by the astounding action of Judge Durell in subvert- ing the State government by the aid of United States troops and with the sanction of the national exccutive. The constitution of 1868, although in many respects the worst ever fastened by legal forms on American citizens, and notwithstanding the fact that the laws made under it were the most oppressive and unjust ever enacted by a State Legislature, left the people the sub- stance of a State government, with the elective franchise unimpaired, and they peacefully succumbed to the oppression, under the hope of one day assuming control of their own affairs. That day arrived with the last eleetion, when the people turned out almost to a man, and, at as fairly conducted an election as was ever witnessed, the opponents of Senator Ketogg gained a complete victory; and so deter- mined was the reform party—the largest in the oity—to have nothing but a fair election that it exerted all its influence to have United States Supervisors at every poll to remain and see that every vote was fairly counted. Even this was done, abd the poturne: B6ve the McEnery ticket some thirteen thousand majority. very one seemed satisfied about the iairness of the election, and even Carson Conway telegraphed to Mr. Lusher that he would not oppose his being in- stalled as Superintendent of Public Education. Such was the state of aifairs when the unheard- of application was made to Judge Durell. Our people tad been suffering for four tong years out- rages and oppressions from Governor Warmoth's bandit negroes, mulattoes, carpet-baggers and scal- awags, including ali the present Kellogg ring that have succeeded tn abolishing what we had of a State coe and ali the hopes of this eM pressed and outraged community were placed in the mauguration of an honest and economical ad- ministration, State and city. AS an example of the enormous increase of our State taxes in fouryears I will state that in 1868 the tax was $8 on every $1,000; last year it was $20 60, and I am told that thls year it will have to increase to $28 60. There are over thirteen thousand property owners in the oity who could not pay last ears Lis notwithstanding the fact staring them in the Jace that the law imposes a penalty of 150 per cent on one year’s delay in paying taxes. I now & person who allowed $14 60 of a tax to stand over from 1871 to 1872, He was obliged to sell the property in October last, and had to pay $34 50, or $20 penalty, on $14 60, for one year’s delay. But, in addition’ to the enormous State tax, we had to pay a city tax of 24% per cent, and as the State assessors get a commission on the amount of the rolls all property is assessed above its value in the best of times, As an instance of this, three two anda half story Baltimore brick houses, in good order, were assessed for $21,000, and being lately sold at auction, on credit for one, two and three years, only realized the sum of $11,275, In order to give your numerous readers a further idea of our present deplorable condition, I quote the subjoined paragraph from the New Orleans Republican of December 1. This journal is the oficial organ of the State of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans, and, I may add, of Senator Kel- logy, Judge Durell and the whole Custom House party :— HOUSES TO RENT. They are of all sorts, from the palace to the hovel, from ‘the massive storehouse to the dilapidated den. There Is no partof the city of New Orleans that is ex- empt from the evil—up town, down town, in front or in the rear. Vacancy prevails like the atmosphere in every quarter, business places being empty in the centre of the city and residences in the domestic portion of the town. No landlord teels safe in his tenant—no real estate is Paying 9 safe is the situation ag he man about town finds it—bills up on al sorts of places announelng the disposition of the owuer to rent or sell. The rates are down, too, in places that are rented, Houses do not pay in taxes, Insurance and repairs as they should; the; available in bank to raise money upon, because is atraid of what does not pay its own expenses, just as usurers are afraid of men who outspend their sdlarie: and they cannot be sold. Thero isno movement iu rea estate. ‘The most eligible locations cannot be disposed of. Tho condition of the real e: owners in New Orleans, to tell the truth, little worse, perhaps, than itis in any other place’ in the United States, considering the backing they get from nature and the laws of trade. When this truly descriptive picture was written the editor, who was @ candidate for Mayor, be- lieved that their whole party was honestly beaten, and wrote it for the purpose of recommending con- ciliation and union of all parties to assist in the work of retrenchment and reform, and our com- mercial community was then buoyed up with the hope of sorang. control of their own affairs again. But since the Custom House thunderbolt has been hurled against us all is despondency and despair, a every one is trying to collect all he can and jeave. Aneminent French physician, attached toa life insurance office, says of those who are applying for policies that he has never seen anything ike the ling depression that has seized upon men. He says you can see Celgene # in their counte- nances; and merchants in different parts of the city say that not one in fifteen is making sufli- cient to pay rent. Otuers inform me that numbers have already failed, and that if a change does not soon take place Jarge numbers are bound to be- come bankrupts and be sold out, and their credit- ors will get next to nothing. A Northern property owner, who has always been a Union man, but never a politician, told me the other day that he had two large houses empty in the best part u the city, and that he would give a lease of them to tenants who would pay the taxes, he agreeing to pay insurance and make repairs. And even tenants that have rented houses are not paying the rent, Such is a glance of the state of affairs here, and the only hope of our citizens is in the American people. 1 have always loved the Union, and almos' lored the constitu. tion of the United States; and I have such confi- dence in the love of the American people for jus- tice that I am sure they will not allow one of their sovereign States to be blotted out of existence by the mere edict of an inferior judge of an infertor court, in open violation of the eleventh amend- ment of the constitution adopted in 1797, to pro- tect and maintain the sovereignty of all the States, weak and powertul, against such assaults. Very respectfully, D. P. SCANLAN. THE MINERS’ STRIKE. The Pennsylvania Anthracite Board of Trade Offer the Men a Compromise to Recommence Operations—‘the Suspen- sion Not Expected to Be of Long Dura- tion. PHILADELPODIA, Pa., Jan. 3, 1873. The Anthracite Board of Trade have offered a compromise proposition for a basis for the scason in the Schuylkill coal region. The basis is the same as last year, except that it slides down as far as $225 per ton as a minimum, thus making it better for miners and laborers. John Sincy, Presi- dent of the Miners and Laborers’ Benevolent Asso- ciation, has presented this proposition. An oficial announcement has been mado for & suspension, and it will continue until the basis is decided. There is every indication that the compromise will Ge gocenred and operations renewed atan early jate. John Parker, a former President of the Miners and Laborers’ Benevolent Association, who fully understands the disposition of the miners, is very confident the stoppage will not last longer than a few weeks, that time being necessary for making repairs to collieries. The miners generally want to work, as the Winter has been severe upon them and their means from the last ay day about ron out. The action of the association that controls | them has to be awaited before they can stir. There is more idieness in the Mahanoy and Ash- jand districts than elsewhere, but even in those places some mines are in operation, the operators paying the basis wanted. Large quantities of coal are being shipped from the Lehigh regions, and the Pea in this city is larger than at the same period ast year, A SOLDIER'S REW YEAR'S, Two Governor's Island Soldiers Steal a Boat from the Battery—One of Them Drowned and the Other Locked Up in the Tombs. Paul Kabne, a soldier on Governor's Island, was arraigned before Judge Hogan atthe Tombs Police Court yesterday charged with stealing a boat from Patrick Collins, of No. 8 Whitehall street. On Thursday night Paul Kahne and a comrade, whose name did not transpire, came to the landing at te Battery and found nothing to bring them to Island. They took a rowboat that was lying in there and attempted to row themselves across. About the middie of the river the; inte by the steamer Montevid and = up- net, The unknown soldier was dro and Kahne was taken on board a ae ferryboat, About eight o'clock in the evenin; arrived in New York. wae ted by Oflleer Harman, of the First precinct the might. Judas Hogg bold hum for 8 THE BRISTOL COLLISION. Official Investigation Into the Causes of the Disaster. How the Bessie Rogers Was Sunk—Examination of the Pilot, Customs Inspector and Harbor Master—Fog Signals Indispensable for the Safety of Vessels in the Harbor. Newrort, R. L, Jan. 3, 1873, The local Inspectors, Messrs. Beckwith and Hovey, of the New London district, arrived here for the purpose of taking the testimony relative to the collision last August between the steamer Bristel and the British bark Bessie Bogers, The object was only for the purpose of ascertaining the conduct of the officers. They met at the Customy House at nine o'clock this morning, when the {ol¢ lowing testimony was taken :— TESTIMONY OF THE PILOT. George F. Fowler, of Newport, sworn:—I hold # branch license as first class pilot for Newport har- bor, Providence River and vicinity; on the 1th of August last J boarded the British bark Bessie Rogers and piloted her into Newport harbor and anchored her in what we call the roads at about half a mile, more or less, westward of the breakwater, which is the ‘usual anchorage of square-rigged vessels waiting for orders or bound up the river; itis not the usual custom of the New York steamers to come up that: side of the island, but when the inner harbor is filled with small craft and the weatheris thick they: then go outside; did not take any ranges when I anchored the bark, only I ran our usual range when I brought her in, viz, from the middle of the passage abreast the Dumplings to the Make- land House, which is from half to three-quarters of @ mile north-northeast from the. breakwater light ; AFTER ANCHORING THE BARK and before leaving 1 told the captain .to be sure and keep a watchman on deck snd a good light burning in the rigging at did not tell, him to ring @ bell or tow a z 1 have visited the wreck was sunk and found that she was in the position [ anchored her; I have anchored various vessels, among which were frigates and other vessels of war, ag near in the locality of where the Bessie Rogers is as I could bring them; I never anchored a vessel in that vicinity that the Harbor Master ordered to change her anchorage, but I have anchored vessels in other parts of the harbor which he has ordered to alter their anchorage; 1 have foilowed pilotage tn this harbor and vicinity for about thirty-five years; I am not aware of any law requiring @ vessel at anchor to blow a horn or ring a bell during a fog, but should think that the captain of a vessel, for his own vessel’s safety, would do so, PETER WILKEY, CUSTOMS INSPECTOR. “Peter W. Wilkey, sworn:—Am [nspector of Cuse toms at Newport, R. I,; by orders of the Collector Iwas ordered to duty on board the British bark Bessie Rogers on the %th of August last; I retired to the cabin that night about nine o’clock; before joing below I noticed a light set in the star- Oar forerigging, and there was a watch- man on deck; I understood that’ the watch was relieved once i two hours; I was lying on a lounge in the cabin, and was awakened by a noise and shouting on deck, at about three o*clock, on the morning of the 10th; within a minute afterwards there was @ crash, when I sprung up and run on deck, and fonnd the steamer bristol had struck us on the port side about amidships; I got on board the steamer as soon as I could, being somewhat infirm; there was a very thick fog when I came on deck; 1 did not hear nor understand that the watchman on deck was to give fog signals in case the weather was tlick; I aweke severat times during the night, but did not hear, any fog signal either time; the last time 1 awoke before the collision was about two hours before; I have served in the capacity of Inspector for about twelve years, and during that time it has been the custom to anchor vessels in that location, espe- cially vessels that arrived here for orders, STATEMENT OF THE HARROR MASTER. Benjamin W. Pearce, Harbor Master, sworn—¥ am Harbor Master of Newport Harbor; was ap- pointed by the city authorities; have held the position for about nine years; my duties are to regulate the anchorage of vessels entering into the harbor, to keep them out of the track of steamers; I noticed the anchorage of the bark Bessie Rogers in August last in the outer harbor, or what is sometimes termed the roadstead; I considered that she was anchored OUTSIDE OF THE TRACK OF STEAMERS, from New York, and should not have thought of moving her on that account; if a vessel wes anchored near the breakwater light, to westward of it, I should order her moved so as to keep & goowt open way for the steamers to swing, in either going out or coming in, in case they went outside of Goat Island, which is only usualin thick weather and when the inner harbor is tilled with vessels or when they make their terminus at Newport; I have never had a complaint from a vessel anchored in the vicinity of where the Bessie Rogers was anchored; 1 have never known it to a custom for vessels lying at anchor in the roadstead to ring abellin thick weather, but think if they did it would be a very good precaution against accidents; I do not know of any law or regulation requiring @ vessel while lying at anchor to give a fog signal, THE DIVER’S INVESTIGATIONS, John Waters, submarine diver, gave his testl- mony as to the steamer’s damage as she lay sunk at the Coal Mines, ‘This evidence concluded the day's proceedings, i this afternoon the In- spectors visited the steamer Bristol to make some measurement having a bearing on the case in hand, after which they left for New London. "OBITUARY. Earl of Galloway. By cable telegram from London we are informed oftne death of Randolph Stewart, Earl of Gallo- way, in the seventy-second year of his age. He expired on the 2d instant. The Earl of Galloway was the ninth earl of his house. The order of nobility was conferred on his family in the year 1623. He was the oldest son of George, the eighth earl, by his wife, Lady Jane, daughter of Henry, first Earl of Uxbridge, ana wster of Henry William, first Earl of Anglesey. The Karl of Galloway just now deceased succeeded to the title in the year 1834. He married Harriet Blanche, the seventh daughter of the Duke of Beaufort. He was educated at Harrow and Christ church, Oxford, and called to the House of Lords as Lord Stewart ofGarlie’s, He represented Cock- ermouth in the House of Commons from the year 1826 to 1831. The Earl is succeeded by his son, Alan Plantagenet Stewart, Lord Garlie’s, a captain in the ng) Horse Guards and member of Parlia- ment for Wigtonshire. Alfred Rankley. On Saturday, December 7, at the age of fifty-two, died Mr. Alfred Rankley, a patnter of a considera- ble number of popular pictures, distinguished by unusual healthiness of thought and honesty of exe- cution. Mr. Rankiey was weil known as a contriba- tor to the Royal Academy Exhibition. ‘rhe Phari- see and the Publican” appeared in 1856, and was well received. He had, however, vecn before the public at @ much earlier date, A scene trom “Mac- beth’ was shown in 1841, and “Othello Lamenting over the Corpse o! Desdemona,” in 1844; then camo the “Day of Shame,” an illustration of Crabbe, in 1845; “Paul and Virginia,” in 1846; “The Village Church,” in 1847—a picture which was engraved. and was well received; “The Ruined Spendthrift,’’ in 1848; “Innocence and Guilt, in 1849; “The Sun- day Schooi and “Contentment,” in 1850; “Eugene Aram," in 1852; Watts Visiting Some of His Little Friends,” in 1853; “Home Revisited,” in 1854; ‘The Village School” and “From the Cradie to the Grave,” in 1855; “fhe Lonely Hearth” and “The Dame’s Absence,"’ in 1856. The best picture was “Fetching the Doctor,” a ne In @ gipsy en- campment. ‘The titles of these works slow that they were rather sentimental, but they were not whoily so. Besides, Mr. Rankley Was not content to aint pictures in the mauner which was easiest to Rime if, but strove to do his best, and in one or two instances met with deserved success. ‘Io Return of the Prodigal,” 1858, “A Sower Went Forth to Sow,” 1863, were proote of this. The last picture he exhibited was “Follow My Leader,’? u i. GERMAN EXPEDITIONS TO AFRICA.—At the last sitting of the German Geographical Society, the resident, Dr. Bastian, made turther communica- jons respecting the projected expedition into Central Africa, and was happy to inform the so- ciety that wr. Grisefeldt, one of the most experi- enced travellers of Germany, had placed his ser- vices at its disposal and had at the same time sub- scribed a considerable sum in atd of the enterprise. A spirit of emulation is admitted to have arisen after the outset of the English expedition under expeaivion is ers tovalfy ditoreat, character. itis ex sofa nt cl 3 to merge all hical societies Ly ty into one great ‘ican society, which is to undertake, methodically and successively, the exploration of the unknown parts of Africa, The ‘ties at Dresden, Kiel and Fraakfort and others have already signifiod their consent to Fe thie ‘union, and no doubt is entertained that com- bined effort will, in the end, be eminently success- ful. The Prussian soctety has also resolved to aba le support to the German expedi- Srore ane: Dr. Heichenow. which is exploring ‘he