The New York Herald Newspaper, April 11, 1873, Page 4

4 CIVIL SERVICE REFORM. A Herald Reporter’s Interview with Ex-Civil Service Commissioner Geo. Wm. Curtis. WHY HE RESIGNED. eee aeerenras * Ho Is Still a Supporter of General Grant's Admin- istration, but Thinks the Political Pressure Too Strong for the President—The Ap- pointments of Surveyor and Postmas- ter of New York Clear Violations of the Reform Principle. A HERALD reporter called yesterday on Mr. George William Curtis in relation to his resignation as@ member of the Advisory Board of the Civil Service. Mr. Curtis was in his study in his hand- some residence on Staten Island, He had been very ill, but the reporter was readily admitted. Mr. Curtis greeted him cordially, solicited the re- porter’s name and introduced him to two old gen- tlemen, neighbors of his, who were present during the interview. “Ihave been very sick, but lam getting better now,” Mr. Curti id. “Please to be seated.” REPorreR—I came to see you with regard to your resignation as a member of the Civil Service Board, Mr, Curtis (with some surprise)—Ah, is that it? Well, 1 will tell you all I know, Iam always will- ing to give the HERALD all the information I have. ‘rhe reporter thanked him and examined ls features. The well known champion of civil ser- vice reform is @ man who looks to be about forty. He is tall, well built, and moves about quickly and gracelully. His face is fresh, youthiul; his cyes blue, clear; his features give him an EXPRESSION OF FIRMNESS AND KINDLINRSS. He speaks in a pleasant, low voice, with great dis- tinctness, and smiles cheerfully while he is looking at you out of his bright blue eyes. His manner 13 genial and courteous. Mr. CuRTIs—You see the comments of some of the journals have been quite erroneous. They seemed te take it fer granted that my letter was intended to reflect upon the President. The fact is that the Presidenv’s views of the character and re- quirements of the reform differed from my ewn. Had I questioned his sincerity in this matter I should certainly not have assured him of the con- tinuance of my support. The President found that this was amore severe and dificult undertaking than he probably supposed. REPORTER—Did you not mean to say by your let- ter that the President had abandoned reform? Mr. Curtis (speaking leisurely and crossing his legs comfortably) —Oh, dear, no! My letter showed simply a difference of opinion between the Presi- dent and myself. 1 did not say that the President had abandoned the reform, but I said that this seemed to me to be an abandonment of the regula- tions, It isn’t at all my view that the President as made an; PLEDGES WHICH HE HAS VIOLATED. Why, that’s perf@ctly absurd—absurd. Why, you know I haven’t the slightest ill-feellng against the President, and I hope there is none on his part. Oh, ne; that’s periectly absurd. ReporTer—You do not think that President Grant was elected on the ground of civil service reform ? Mr. CurtiIs—Oh, no, no. This ts a foolish attempt on the part of the journals to make it appear so, This Subject is not generally understood. You must remember this:—Ihe persons who demand civil service reform are not a powerful element in poli- tics, and here is the proof, Although there was a plank of civil service reform in the republican platform which was adopted Philadelphia, there ‘Was probably not a single representative elected Whose views on the subject of this reform were asked by his constituents. It's a very foolish thing to represent that the President was elected on the ground of civil service reiorm. REPORTER—You would have supported General Granteven if he bad been opposed to it? Mr. CurtTiIs—Oh, as ‘or myself, lam A REPBULICAN BY CONVICTION, I supported General Grant before he professed any interest in this subject, aud should have supperted him in 1872, even if he had not made meanwhile that profession, The country, in my judgment, elected General Grant vo save it from the coalition of old copperheads, ex-revels and sore-headed re- publicans; although, no doubt, there were a small number of persons’ who honestly preferred the chances of Mr, Greeley’s election to the re-election of Gengral Grant, Ri re —What are the differences of opinion ieneral Grant and yourselt? Mr. RTIis—He regards the tramsfer from one part of the service to another as a promotion within the meaning of the rules; and then I think that the President 18 more inclined te carry it more strictly within party lines than I think is consistent with any genuine reform. I think it very possible that the President interprets the power of amending and changing the rules ina more arbitrary sense than I think 1s allowable un- der the system. You see, therefore, that the Prest- dent and! may honestly differ; but there is nothing in my resignation that conveys the slightest impu- tation upon THE PRESIDENTS PURPOSE AND SINCERITY. ReEPoRTER—Which are the “several important ap- pointments” that seemed to show you an abandon- mient of the resorm? Mr. Cuntis—I referred to the appointments to the Surveyorship and Post Ofce of New York and to others. Iconsider these two appointments clear violations of the ruics. Mr, James, the new Post- master, 18 a friend of mine, and although I don’t know much about eral Sharpe, the pew Survey- or, | know very litie te his prejudice, My objections are not to the men but to the principle. T think the reappointment of Mr. Casey in New Orleans was & mistake in view Of the report made by the Con- gressional Committee. REPORTER—W hy? MR. Curtis—Because civil service retorm con- templates the removal of these officers from politics, and also because Mr. Casey had not only taken a conspicuous but even an improper part in the poli- tics of Louisiana; That was why the President ought not to have appointed him, and not because he was the President’s brother-in-law. (Off-handed). That's a matter of taste. The appointment of Sur- veyor of New Orleans was @ violation of the rules Which specified the particular manner in which betw certain Sarveyors, including that of New Orleans, should be appointed, and yet the Surveyor of New Orleans wis appointed IN DISREGARD OF THOSE PROVISIONS. REPORTER—You object more particularly to the appointments in New York ¢ Mr. Curtis— 1 think the chief appointments tn New York shi «1 that ¥ influence was stronger form. 1 refer to the ap Postmaster, and aiso of the Marshal. Although he ‘was a deputy and promoted, and is, I believe, a thoroughly ft person for the position, he was not promoted in sirict accordance with the letter of the rules, white the letter of the rules was urged as @ reason for withdrawing the nomination of the Deputy Surveyor to be Surveyor, which had been already made to the Senate, RerorTER—Do you think that the President is stil sincere in the matter of civil service relori ¢ Mr. Curntis—Oh, fully. Rerorter—And that it will be ultimately estab- lished on a firm basis 9 Mr. Cunris—I think that it will be; but it must be in a diferent way from that which has been pursued during bis admuustration, Rerorter—ls General Grant aware that he has abandoned the reform ¢ at 18 called political he principle of re- tments of Surveyor, Mr. Cuxris—I don’t believe he thinks he has abandoned it. It is a ditference of opinion between us. Our views ditfer. REPORTER—Be kind enough to give me your views. Mr. Curtis—I think the essential principle of civil Service reform is Uiling the offices with honest and capable men in a manner Which shall pat them BEYOND MEKE POLITICAL PATRONAGE. Of course when that reiorm is undertaken by t! President alone, unless the principle is strictly ad- hered to, there will be no real change of the system, and, consequently, there would be no ade- quate result at the close’ of his administration; while if th: ein Were strictly adhered to there ‘would be he close of his administration no party in the country that would dare propose to return to the old system. 1 think that as a mere matter of policy tie President is in the position to enforce the system enurely. Rgeporter—Are the members of the Cabinet in sympathy with the movement’ Mr. CuRTIs—The members of the Cabinet are dis- posed to carry out the rules faithiully without, I think, any great faith in the system, both in regard to its advisability and A pticability. Their opin- fon is, 1 think, that wit! hange of the adminis- fration every office in the country, large and small, from the President down to the messenger at his door, ought tobe changed. I kmow that that 1s their feeling, and that, :rom the point of view of civil service reform, simply makes every election @ scramble for plunder instead of what it should be— & ehoice BETWEEN GREAT PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT. England would be our nearest model in regard to tiugs subject. Although the Executive is perma- nent the government is carried on by parties as with us, and the system works admirably. There alex have the three principles whuch are indiapens 4 WEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, APRIL U1, 1873—TRIPLE SHEET. sable to a goed civil service—namely, entrance at the lower erades, probation and promotien. REroRTER—Have you conversed much with the President on this subje°t? Mr. Curtis—I conversed with him last January, and our conversations were ore very agreeable and friendly. A year ago last Winter 1 saw him very often and talked very frankly and freely with him. Then nothing had been ‘tried as yet, and there was generally great agreement between us, (With energy.) Any one who knows General Grant would never accuse him of shamming or falsity in this matter, You know what Amean, he had not been sincere he would n&¥ have re- newed his pledges in his inaugural address, RerorteR—And 1s the reform an entire failure? Mr. Ccrris—No, it is not an entire failure, but it is not ba8ed on principle, and I can see no good re- sults from what 1 consider an inconsistent eniorce- ment of it, RerorTeR—WIM the remaining members of,the Board still devote themselves to the reform? Mr. CurTis—There were four members of the Board who held no other national offices. Alto- gether there were seven members—three were taken from the departments in Washington, order that there might be always ACOURATR INFORMATION AS TO THE DETAILS of the service. We were always most harmonious, and our recommendations were unanimous. but, of those four unoflicial members, I have resignetl ; ex-Senator Cattell, of New Mein goes abroad in the public service as a special Treasury agent to place this new loan; Mayor Medill, of Chicago, re- signed because he held another pesition; 80 that only Judge Walker, of Georgia, remains. Mr. Cat- tell has not resigned, but will be absent a year. It will be necessary, under the system, that there be an Advisory Board, but not exactly of that numbe: you see, the whole thing is at the President's pieas- ure. It is pessible that he wiil be satisfied with the five remaining members—Walker, Cattell, and the three gentiemen from the departments. RerORTEK—Is Congress in sympathy with the movement? Mr. Curris—Congress {8 hostile almost to a man, Mr. Willard, of Vermont, is almost the only mem- ber of the House who accepted the present system unreservedly. He tried to bave it incorporated into alaw. ‘Senator Schurz is a genuine civil ser- vice reformer and Senator Sumner 1s in favor ef it; but both Schurz and Sumner HAVE NO FAITH IN ANY REFORM of any kind under this administration, Senator Edmunds, of Vermont, is also in favor of reform. General Butler is, perhaps, the leader of the op- ponents of civil service reform in the House. KePoRTER—Has the Board accomplished much thus far? Mr. Curtis—The Board has aceomplished a good deal in tilling some of the miner oilices. The ap- pointments to minor offices im the Treasury De- partment have been generally made, not always, in accordance with the rules, This was owing to the lact that Mr, boutwell was willing to give the thing a fair trial, and that the Treasury Board of Examination contains gentlemen most sincerely devoted to reform, and who took all the pains o: preparing details and 80 on. » REPORTER.—T'o what do you really attribute the failure of the reform? Mr, Curtis—I think the pressure has been too strong for General Grant, and, of course, t is a fight between the principle of reform and ti- cal pressure, I think the managers of politics are all opposed to the thing. ‘This fight in Albany is simply a fight to control the city of New York by the power ef patronage, and it is that spirit whicn is utterly opposed to the principle of civil service reform. Our peitics will become MORE AND MORE PROSTITUTED AND DEGRADED until they are saved by the principle that underlies this reform. 7 RePORTER—You predict for the country a sad fu- ure? Mr. Curtis (laughing in his good-natured way) — No, for { think we shall triumph. I think this will become more and more a cardinal question in olitics, and thé interest General Grant has taken in it has certamly carried it very far forward, The progress that we have made in regard to the sub- ject in the last three er.our years has been per- Tectly immense. ReroRTER—You do not consider your cAreer as a civil service retormer closed? Mr. Curtis (cmphatically)—No, my interest in the matter is unchanged, ‘I shail spare no eifort, you know—not at all. If the press would take heartily hold of it they would carry it by educating ff DePrle up toit. The body of office-holders are a very dangerous element in this nation, for they are under the control of the party leaders, The moment you take away their political life the dan- ger ceases and they become ae citizens, The only plausible argument for the One-Term-Presi- dent is, that under the present system every offl- cial in the country will vote or can be made to vote for the President under whom he holds omice, Reporrer (rising) —But one question more, Has your resignation been accepted? Mr. Curris—Yes; I have received a very friendly letter from the President, in whica he says he ac- cepts my resignation with regret. I would give it to you, but | have reasons for not publishing it, Reroxrer—Thanks, Mr. Curtis. Mr. CuRTIS—You are very welcome, And he accompanied the reporter to the door, where he cordially bade him goodby. The Presidential Explanation—Mr. Cur- tis’ Letter of Resignation. [From the Washington Chronicle, April 10.] It is amusing to wituess the attempts now being made by some of the democratic organs to act as champions oJ the civil service reform, which never would have been necessary had it not been for the acts of Andrew Jackson and his followers. Right or wrong, the will of “Olid Hickery” was to be obeyed, and intoxicated political power found, in the blind confidence of its credulous followers, 1m- munity for every usurpation and for every avuse. It was one of the most honest and respected lead- ers of the democrauc party wko openly avowed in the Senate of the United States that his party fought, like plrates, (or what they could win. Said Governor Marcy, in January, 1832:— When they are contending for victory, they avow their intention of enjoying the truits of it” It they are de- , they expect to retire irom office. Ifthey are suecesstul, they claim, as @ matter of right, the advan- tages of success. They see nothing wrong ‘in the rule, that w the victor belong the spoils of the enemy. This monstrous doctrine was at frst regarded as an inadvertent slip of the tongue, but it was soon found that it was the favorite watchword of the democracy. Instead of theold rule of Mr. Jeffer- son in regard to office-holders—‘‘Is he honest, i3 he capable, Is he faithful to the Constitution ?’—a rule which had worked so beneficially for the govern- ment—the edict was:—“To the victors belong the spoils.” Oflices were distributed only as rewards for partisan services, and to hush the clamors of the hungry multitude of camp followers regardless of qualincations or faithiulness, It was not to be wondered at that delinquents and peculators soon indulged in all sorts of omicial frauds and plunder, and that they-have since been found whenever an wherever the democrats have exercised power. A citizen who accepts office of any kind under democratic rule virtually signs, seals and delivers an indenture of abject political servitude during his continuance in office, and feels disposed to pocket what he can by way of consolation. The republican party has endeavored to break up this narrow, corrupting and miserable policy inaugurated by the democrats, President Grant has taken the lead in this good work, and has done all in his power to throw #round the civil officers of the government the same protection, in the en- joyment of their privileges during good behavior, that the military and the naval officers enjoy, It is true that the President has met with much op- position, especially in entorcing competitive exam- lation for appointments or for promotions, but he has nevertheless persevered, Mr. George William Curtis was placed at the head of the Civil Service Advisory Board first appointed by the President, and he did much toward giving the reform a fair start. Last Winter, however, a difference of views was developed between him and the President which proved irreconciieable. The President, if we are not misinformed, sug- gested to Mr, Curtis that his own experience tn fill- ing offices had suggested such a modification of the rules as would admit of transfers 0: officials from ome class of offices to another, This Mr.. Curtis did not fancy, insisting on promotion in each class of offices. The President quietly waited until one of these cases occurred, and then, exercising his reserved authority, he made the transfers, the propriety of which all who know the gentlemen admit. Mr. Curtis, however, felt that, like a British Cabinet Minister, it was his duty to resign when he could no longer consistently carry out the views of the Chief Magistrate, and he wrote the following letter of resignatio! March 18, 1873. st New Brrowton, My Dear Sin—As the circumstances unde: hich sev. eral important appointments have been recently made seem to ine to show an abandonment both of the spirit and the letter of the civil service regulations, I respect: fully-resign iy position as a member of the Advisory Board of the civil service. I you of my Warmest wishes, an most earnest eflorts for th tion, Very respectiully an so doing I beg to assure of the continuance of my uccess of your administra: r GEOKG: yours, WILLIAM CURTIS, His Excellency the Paxsipent. It will be observed tiat while Mr. Curtis differs with the President as to the working of the ma- chinery of the civil service he ee his most earnest efforts for the success of the Grant admin- istration, How different from the seli-styied lib- eral republicans of last year, who maligned the ad- ministration, yet held on to the oitices to which re- publican votes had elected them. The resignation even of so zealous a worker as Mr. Curtis will not check the reform which he did 80 much toward tn- auguratl t must be borne in mjnd, however, that it enly through the exertions of President Grant and the republican party that we have anv approach to civil service reform, and it ill becomes our democratic friends to find tanit with what the conduct of their party has rendered necessary. Fortunately the peopie understood this, ‘and ike the citizens of ancient Athens, they are hot to be deceived by any demagegue—whether he be the Cleon who brawls or the Cleon who whis- ers—out of their common sense. The peepie now What party originated and is now pertecting civil service reform, A RAILROAD BUMPUS. CLEVELAND, Ohio, April 10, 1373. A large number of the stockholders of the Cleve- land, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis Rail- road, among whom are such weil-known citizens as W.S. C. Otis, 1, D, Crocker, Fayette Brown, Judge Cadwell and others, have determined to resist the proposéd increase of stock and lease of the road to the Atiantic and Great Western Com- pany. These stockholders claim that the $5,000,000 hew stock is wholly wnealled for, and that tt 19 proposed only for fraudulent and corrupt purposes, ana that the Atlantic and Great Western with its 1.£199.000,000 of bouds Wg hovelessly ingoivents THE COURTS. In the United States Circuit Cour, yesterday, Judge Smalley sat for the purpose of disposing of civil suits, There are 458 cases on the calendar, and out of this large number but one was ready for trial, and that was postponed till Monday next, In oases in which the plaintiff was ready to go on and the defendant did not appear the Judge per- mitted judgment to be entered by default. Where the defendant answered and the plaintiff, the Judge ordered the suit to be dismissed. This will make the attorneys look sharp and attend closely to the interests of their clients. Yesterday Judge Shipman sat in the United States Circuit Court to hear counsel on the settlement of the amendments to the bill of exceptions filed by the plainti@ in the well-known Jumel suit—Bowen vs. Chase. Mr. O'Conor and Mr. Carter appeared fer Mr. Chase; and Messrs. Chatfeld, Shaffer and Sawyer for the plaintiff. Atter some conversation the matter went over till Monday next, The Court of Appeals, after a three weeks’ ses sion in this city, adjourned yesterday till the 6th of May, when it will meet in Albany. During its ses- sion here the Court has heard fifty-one cases ar- gued and given decisions in thirty-tnree of them. There still remain on the calendar 123 cases await- ing argument at the next term. The suit brought in the Supreme Court, Circuit, before Juage Davis, by Mr. Schonnerg, stage mana* ger of Wallack’s Theatre, against Mr, Cheney, pro- prietor of the Globe Theatre, in Boston, in which $5,000 damages were sought for the non-production of the plaintiff's version of Sardou's play of ‘Fer- nande,” the full particulars of which have been published in the HERALD, was yesterday termi- nated. A verdict of $527 was rendered for the plaintif. All the State Courts have adjourned over to- morrow on account of its being Good Friday. Judge Barrett, im Supreme Court, Chambers, yesterday, granted to Henry C, Tanner & Co. an injunction restraining Peter A, H, Jackson from selling 500 $1,000 bonds of the St. Joseph and Denver Railroad Company. The injunction was granted on the ground that a loan for $250,000, for which the bonds were given as collateral security, was usurious, and that the present sale of the bonds would work irreparable injury to the plaintiffs, Two mandamuses were also granted yesterday by the same Judge, directing the Comptroller to pay two officers of the Superior Court their salaries from May 1 to June 11, 1872, which he had refused to pay, claiming that, as he did not appoint them, they were illegally appointed, As most of the Court oMcers are in the same position this deci- sion is regarded by them as specially important. UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS’ COURT. An Interesting Question of International Law—The Case of Carl Voigt. Before Commissioner White. Yesterday Carl Voigt, a native of Prussia, who has been charged with the murder in Brussels, Belgium, of the Chevalier Du Bois de Bianca, was brought before Commissioner Kenneth G. White, on a warrant of extradition issued in obedience to the marflate of the President, which was granted at the request of the government of the German Empire. The warrant was also based upon an affidavit made by Johannes Koessing, the Ger- man Consul General at this port. There is @ peculiar law in Prussia which enables the au- thorities there to try citizens at home for crimes committed in foreign countries, and it is now urged, on behalfof the Prussian government, that this law can reach Voigt and bring him within the operation of the extradition treaty. Voigt was brought into Court in custody of a nosed Shenitt on an order Oo! arrest tn a civil suit brought by the heirs of the Chevalier to recover some property alleged to have been stolen trom him. . This order was vacated, so that the proceedings under the ex- tradition treaty might be instituted, ae case was adjourned till to-morrow (Satur- ay). SUPREME COURT—CHAMBERS. Court Officers Getting Thoir Pay. Before Judge Barrett, It has already been reported in the HkRALD that Comptroller Green refused to pay certain Court officers for services performed from the 1st of May to the 11th of June, 1872, The reason of refusal was that he did not appoint them, as he claimed he had aright todo, Colonel James Doyle and Cap- tain Thomas Feeley, two ofMicers of the Superior Court, accordingly applied in this Court for writs of peremptory mandamus, directing the Comptrol- ler to pay the amount oi their respective claims. The matter has been pending in the Court forsome time, through various points of defence interposed by opposing counsel. Judge Davis passed favor- ably upon the cases when brought before him, and esterday Judge Barrett gave a final order direct- ing the writs to issue. Following this decision other applications of similar character will be speedily made, and the result will be that the Court Officers will not be kept much longer out of their pay for services between the dates specified. Decisions. Nolen et al. vs. Colton et al.—Writ of assistance granted, Davis vs. Fishloben.—Upon the merits the mo- tion for an injunction is denied and the temporary a eet is dissolved, with $10 costs, in the Matter of tne Application of A. H. Vall, an Infant, to sell, &c.—Order granted and bond ap- proved, Dumas vs. Dumas.—Referred back. Barns vs. Wright.—Memorandum ior counsel. In the Matter of the Petition of Davis.—Motion denied, without costs and without prejudice. In the Matter of the Petition of Georgina P, Cur- tis etal., Infants, to sell Real Estate.—lteport con- firmed and order granted. . COURT OF OYER AND TERMINER. Two Young Men Sent tothe Penitentiary— Case of George Shefilin, Before Judge Brady. There was a very short session yesterday of this court, John Smith and John Tully, young men, re- cently convicted of assault and battery, were each sentenced to the Penitentiary for one year, being the full penalty for the oifence. The case oi George Shemin, indicted for the murder of his wile, Was Called up tor trial, but bis counsel, Mr, William F, Howe, said that it had been impossible to get two important witnesses, and the trial was accordingly postponed ull next Mon- day, to which time the court adjourned, SUPERIOR COURT—SPECIAL TERM. By Judge Sedywick. Schermerhorn vs, Wheeler.—otion denied, with- out costs. Coddington vs. Dunham.—Motion dented, with- out prejudice to another application upon notice. Lecompte vs, Markert.—Order contirming report of referee and for judgment, Batchelder vs, Daily.—Order for commission. By Judge Van Vo: De Lavalette et al. va, Shaw al.—Order for extra allowance of $750 to defendants, COUAT OF GENERAL SESSIONS. An Italian Stabbing Case—Disagreement of the Jury. Before Recorder Hackett, The great part of yesterday's session of this Court was spent in the trial of a case of felonious assault and battery. Andrew Bressant was charged with stabbing Dominico Longinottion the 20th of No- vember, 1871, at his saloon in Spring street. It seemed from the testimony of a number of Italians who were examined that tney were drinking together and that the cempluinant invited Bres- sant to join them, at ie same time catching hold of his beard and saying, “You are a nice looking gentleman, alihough you have the look of a Jew.” He immediately apologized and said he did not mean to insult him, A mar named Franke took hold of Lenginotti, and in the scuille Bressant stabbed Longinetti with @ small knife, inflicting one Wound !0 the breast and three in the avdomen, one of which the physician swere might have proved fatal. Longinetti was confined to bed for one mouth, aud was unable to work for four months. The accused proved by respectable witnesses that he Was a coniectionersand that his reputation .or peace and quietness was very good. The jury were unable to agree, and His Honor dis- charged them from the further consideration ef the je, It was understood that seven of ti jurors were in javor of convicting the defendant 0 Assault With intent to do bodily harm, while the other five wanted to acquit him. On motion of Mr. Howe the accused was permitted to go on bail, ~ Grand Larcenies and Assaults. George Covel pleaded guilry to the offence of grand larceny. On the 17th of March he stole clothing and jewelry, the aggregate value of which was $155, the property of George F, Haws, 111 East Eighteenth sireet. He sent to the State Prison for three years and six montas, John Hoebn, against whom was a similar charge, admitted his guilt. The allegation was that on the 15th of October he stole a piece of silk worth $49, the property of Overton & Coifax, The sentence was imprisonment in the State Prison for three ars. Thomas Rice, who was indicted for cutting Ann erty, to assault and battery, and was sent to the Penitentiary for one year. Pullip Kniffen, who was jointly indicted with James Fisk fer stealing a water celor panes, the property of Henry Chamberlain, pleaded gu! ty to petit larceny. John McCabe, who was charged with attempting to gommit an outrage upon Mary Governer, on the 6th of July, while she was passing Shoat Forty- pinth street, pleaded guilty to assault and battery. Knitfen and McUabe were each sent to the Peni- Rentiary ior six months, John Redmond was tried upon acharge of snatch- ing @ pocketbook from Esther Jacob on the 28th of March, The evidence was insufficient te sustain the indictment, and by direction of the Court a Verdict of not guilty was rendered, TOMBS POLICE COURT. A Boy Clerk who Runs Off with Two * Thousand Dollars’ Worth of Gems and Watches—Exacting his Reward. Beiore Judge Hogan. James P, Matthews isa diamond breker, doing business at 697 Broadway. In his employ wasa boy named Harry Solomon, aged about sixteen, who was trusted to@ considerable extent by his employer, and had access to the key of the sale. On Monday last Solomon availed himself of the privilege to open the sale and abstract twenty-six hundred dollars’ worth of diamonds, watches and other jewelry belonging to various persons, among others Charles Showler, George W. Green and Charles Cardozo. Mr. Matthews put the case in the hands of Captain Irving and Detective Heidel- berg, who set about discovering traces of the miss- ing property. In the meantime Mr. Matthews re- ceived a letter by mail, post. the absconding clerk and e for the stolen valuables, diately telegraphed to Buflalo, requesting the police authorities to secure the fugitive. ‘They did so, and the boy is now in custody awaiting the arrival of the New York officers, Captain Irving then obtained a warrant authorizing him to search the premises of one Cook, 21 Amity street, and there found $800 worth otjewelry. Messrs. Matthews, Cook and the de- tectives appeared before quae Hogan yesterday aiternoon, about three o'clock, ir. Cook stated he was in the habit of doing business with Matthews, and, knowing the boy, supposed every- thing to be all right. He was willing to join Mr. Matthews in the prosecution of the fugitive. Judge Hogan Shoreupon. issued a warrant for the purpose of having the boy delivered over to the New York magistrates, and the case will probably come up again in a day or two, when the tacts will more tully appear, EXACTING HIS REWARD. Yesterday Martin Botger, of 108 Madison street, eerphed in front of 69 Dey street to purchase some articles from Samuel Benedict, a pedier. He laid his pocketbook (containing $65) on a barrel and inadvertantly passed on without taking it. Imme- diately missing it, he returned and inquired of the penlar if he had seen it, to which the latter replied in the negative. He was informed by Herman Wisker, of 71 Dey street, that he had seen a boy pick it up and hand it to the pedier, and the two afterwards enter a liquor store, On being conironted by Botger and Wisker, Benedict took out the pocketbook and handed it to the owner, with $40. in it. He was immediately arrested by oMicer Byrnes, brought before Judge Hogan and hela in $300 bail to answer. When brought into Court he evinced great anxlety to Settle the case, YORKVILLE POLICE COURT. Heavy Swindling in Pianos. For some time past a man who sometimes gives the name of Richards, but more frequently that of Grey, has been victimizing pianoforte makers and dealers in the following manner:—He would en- gage a furnished room in a respectable house, then get a piano at a rent of $10 a month, and in a few days or a week at the most it was sold to some per- son for half its value. Among the victims oi this nice simple little game—one that pays, however, pretty handsomely—are Charles J, Betts, 788 Broadway; Calvin A. Munger, 75 University Place; and Adam Brantigam, of 701 Broadway. ese gentlemen who are only @ tenth probably of those who have been swindled, made application to Justice Coulter for search warrants on Thursday, and the result was that four aint, all of the value of $2,000, were recovered at varieus places. Thomas Drew, ef 39 Carmine street, one of these, in whose possession was found one of the pianos, was arrested by Sergeant Phillips and Oficer O'Connell of the Court squad, and arraigned on a charge of larceny. He denied the same and claimed that he fave $200 for the piano, In delault of $2,000 bail e was committed until this afternoon, when @n examunatiun will be accorded him, SEFFERSON MARKET POLICE COURT. False Pretences and Grand Larceny. At the Jefferson Market Police Court yesterday, before Justice Cox, Clark Wheeler was charged with obtaining $15 by false pretences from Red- mond Reilly, of 307 Madison street. The evidence showed that the complainant was about going to Boston in search of employment and met the pris- oner on the steamer, at the wharf, who, by poms of an engagement on arriving in Boston, induced him to loan him $15 and then stole away. Wheeler was committed in default oi $500 to answer. Henry Johnson was charged with stealing $100 from a money Grawer in the store of Washington Hadley, 169 Sixth avenue. The complainant tes- tifled that he saw him in the act, and he was com- mitted to answer. Frederic Marville and Bouy Bird, of 110 Macdougal street, were charged with stealing a quantity of silk and of ladies’ clothing, all valued at $180, from Maria Reed, residing at the same place. They were held to answer. BROOKLYN COURTS. SUPREME COURT—SPECIAL TERM. The Board of Education in Court. Before Judge Pratt. The argument was heard yesterday in the matter of the application of Thomas Prossen for a perma- Nent injunction to restrain the Board of Education from applying $41,000 which had been appropriated. by the Joint Board to any other purpose than erecting a school house in the Twenty-first ward. The Board, it seems, had determined to build in another ward. Mr. Britton, for the Board, con- tended that such action could only be maintained by a sult of the peopie through the Attorney Gene- ral, Mr. Britton argued that the petitioner had shown no tacts warranting such interference, and that by the act of 1850 the Board of Education had entire supervision and control of the manner in which the school money should be expended, and it was entirely within the discretion of that Board how it should be expended. The only re- striction upon them 18 that they cannot iniringe upon the “General Fund” for the benefit of the “Special Fund” or vice versa. It followed that they had aright to determine whether moneys consti- tuting the special fund should be expended for the erection of one school house or two, and it is no part of the duty of the Jotnt Board of Aldermen and Supervisors to specify the special ee es for which the school moneys are to be raise: it has it the power tocontrol the action of the Board of Eaucation. The exercise of such @ power would be @ usurpation of its functions and reducing the Board of Education to the position of mere execu- tive agents of the Joint Board, and would practi- caily transfer the duties and powers ofthe Board of Education relating to the control and management of the Common School Department or the city to the Joint Board. Counselior Campbell, for the petitioner, held that the Legislature had passed an act authorizing a taxpayer to bring an action of this nature. The counsellor condemned Mr, Britton’s argument on the at and general funds as fallacious, and stated that the Jeint Board had designated the manner in which the money appropriated was to be expended, and it was the duty of the Board of Edu- cation to do in this respect as the Joint Board had directed, Judge Pratt reserved his decision. CITY COURT—TRIAL TERM. An Insurance Company’s Deteat. Before Judge Netison, John W. Schaert? insured his allegorical painting entitied “The Priumpt®of Liberty,” in the Andes Insurance Company for $7,000. The picture was sixteen feet long by twelve fect high, and Schaerit valued it at $15,000, On the 25th of last July the picture, which had been placed in astore at the corner of poe street and Marcy avenue, was damaged by re, and as the company retused to pay him he brought suit against them yesterday in the City Court. The company said that the picture had only a comparatively trifling value and that it had been set on fire by Schaerf to defraud them. ‘The jury gave plaintim $6,000. Notices to the Bar. To-day being Goo Friday the calendar will not be called, but will “stand over” until Menday, with additional causes. Motions noticed for to-day will be heard to-morrow. Judge Neilson will be in attendance at Chambers this afternoon to grant orders, Woodruff will be in attendance in the Jud, United States Circuit Coget, commencing May 14, eals. Notes of issue for the purpose of hearing aj must be flied not later than May 6. A RAILROAD SOLD AT AUCTION. WILMINGTON, N. C., April 10, 1873, The Wilmington, Charlotte and Rutherfordton Railway was sold at public auction to-day, under a decree from the Superior Court of New Hanover county. Edward Matthews, trustee for the first mortgage bondholders, became the, purchaser at Bogan Wh tue head with a butcher's kuue. Qieaded | $1,100,0900 RACING IN LOUISIANA. Prospects of Full Stables, Liberal Purses and Good Running, and Yet the Perspec- tive Not Very Bright. New ORLEANS, April 2, 1873. The racing world, as might naturaliy be ex- pected, is not exempt from the general feeling of depression which attaches to every Interest in this, at present, unfortunate State. Truth is, the communtty is not only too mournful, but it is too poor, to indulge in such expensive luxuries, and it admitted the fact when it abandoned the great $20,000 subscription purse, which was to have made the approaching meeting of the Louisiana Jockey Club memorable in the turf annals of the South. Its advent is therefore contemplated by the public at large with but little interest, more as @ matter of mere routine than as a source of any pleasurable excitement, This is to be regretted, Mainly because the attendance will not prove re- munerative to the Club, which meets the issue bravely for all that, and hangs up what may be considered, under such depressing circumstances, “g big lot of money” to be run for: ' As usual, its preparations are upon the same liberal and extensive scale, and everything at the track is in an advanced stage of preparatien. The magnificent grounds surrounding the palatial club house never looked more attractive, with their nicely trimmed lawns, innumerable flower beds and endless clusters of trees, all clad in bright, new foliage, and waving welcome tothe balmy sunshine of dawning Spring; they present a pic- ture thoroughly Arcadian in its elements, The track itself looks equally pretty, It has been thoroughly and laboriously worked, until it 1s as level and as springy asa dancing floor—just in Proper condition to reel out all the speed that flying hoofs may have in them. From present indications the entire fleld will number (bobtails and all) about seventy horses, and the various events will be well contested, mainly through a spirited rivairy which has lately been {auned to a white heat in regard to training capacity between Moore, Rice, Cadwallader and Jennings. Rice, it appears, was of old Moore’s trainer, while Cadwallader com- menced turf lite as @ race rider. Each of tuese parties considers himself ‘ standard” in horse lore, but all unite in war upon Jennings for his successes: during the last campaign, ‘This spirit of emulation will secure good racing and will prevent any of those combinations so common of late and so fatal io the proper preservation of the right royal sport. THE STABLES. Owing to a slight misunderstanding (now hap- pily settled) between the Magnolia and the Louisi- ana Clubs the stables have peen slow to arrive this Spring, but the horses now here are all in splendid condition. The epizoety, from which few escaped, appears to have rather benefited them than other- wise, and, if appearance 13 any indication ot per- {OrANDS the season’s record will be a brilliant 2. The following stables have arrived and are all in active training :—George Cadwallader, of Lex- ington, with five good ones, among them General Custar’s Frogtown, looking remarkably well and destined to ee @n astonishing race horse; Fannie M. and Florence, both of whom have scored mile records under .45; Vandalia, a chestnut filly of the Lexington strain, of which great hopes are en- tertained, and last, not least, Alice Mitchell, ‘Dt. J. W. Weldon, of New York, brings old’ Flora Mclvor, Mary Louise, who made the fastest mile and a quarter at Saratoga last Summer; King Ben- ezett, @ noble-looking animal, but at present in too ee condition for work, and Warlike, a new candidate for turf honors. H. Van Liew’s hopes are centred on three very ordinary looking colts:—A chestnut filly, 4 years old, by Hiawatha, dam by Leviathan; a bay colt, 3 ears, by Norton, and a gray colt, 3 E haga by htning. Of the three the Norton colt by far the most promising. Joseph Donahue, New York, is on hand with his hurdiers, Blind Tom and Alroy. Both have been well Wintered, are in such good flesh and stron; health that little doubt can be entertained regard- ing. the fate of the timber purses, ieorge H. Rice cemes to the front with six— Stockwood and Wanderer, two good ones, the lat- ter very dangerous looking; Bessic Lee and C. 0. D., who have their records yet to make; Edwin Adams and Sunrise. Buly Conner’s two colts are in good condition. . Debreil, of Texas, has three horses—the old veteran Morgan Scout, who looks as it he had one ene race leit in him; Piigrim, who is of, and sdna Earl, a big slashing filly,+@Qf which little is known and less anticipated. Thomas G. Bacen comes to the scratch with Frank Hampton, who ran in 1:44 last Fall, and a Jack Malone colt, out of Sea Breeze, that has never started yet, buton whom the Major builds high bee ie . Jennings, of Memphis, has a hard stable to beat, comprising seven in all, Cape Race, who, when @ two-year-old, ran the fastest race ever run South, mile heats, weights up, in 1:44; Sileut Friend, Mr. Morrissey’s Defender, Louisa, Dun- boyne, Emmett and Selon Shingle are in fine con- dition and ready for work. Captain T. G. Moore, Alabama, enters with the great London, a wonderful horse in the estimation of all turfites. He 1s a very large, strong-buiit horse, perfectly in form and has an eye that almost talks; Roger Hanson, Hollywood, a mare of which the by clings speaks in the most enthusiastic terms, and a full brother to London, hardly his peer, either in build or appearance. A. B. Lewis & Co., Nashville, brings a good stable about which little is known here. It consists of Joe Johnson, Nashville Harry, Vanalite, Belle of Australia and another, A. C, Franklin, Tenn., comes with Arizona, a full sister of Cape Race, and Nevada, @ full sister to the 1amous Salina, of the Preakness stable. Captain William Williamson contributes six—Old John McDonald and Repeater, both looking splen- did; Kattie Voorhies, a three thon’ old filly by Harry of the West, as yet without record; a Daniel Boone filly, and another couple, as yet unknown to fortune or to tame, Captain Stone comes with a fine looking bay filly Mary Farrs, I. O. U. and Meta H., two prot ing fillies, and a pair ef two-year-olds yet in their novitiate. Captain William Cottrill, the pattern turfite, who rans his horses for pleasure and not for gain, hasa fine stable, in splendid condition, and will most probably get away with both of the stakes, Evelina Mabry, Sallie Watson, Young Harry and Village Blacksmith will be in the dance, the latter at the hurdles. Saucebox, the most dangerous of his stud, will probably keep out of the cotillion. In addition to this list, General Buford is on his way witn three horses, a couple of stables are ex- pected from Natchez and one or two from other localities, but neve of which are worthy of especial mention. ‘THE, PROGRAMME, considering the depressing times, 1s a good and Liberal one. FInsT DAY—SATURDAY, APRIL 12, First, Race—One mile and three-quarters, for all ages; Club Purse, $5; first horse $350, second horse $100, third horse $5 SkCOND Rack—The Pickwick Stake, for colts and fillies three years old; $50 entrance, p. p., with $1,500 added ; second horse to receive $30, third herse $200, mile eats: closed with the following nominations :— 1. W. M. Conner's b,c. Edwin Adams, by Planet, dam Zephyr by Lexington, 2, W. M. Conner’s b. f. Sunrise, by Planet, dam Ultima, by Lexington. 3. Alfred Bonnabel’s ch. g., by King Lear, dam Miss Music, by W 4. Alfred Bonnabel’s gr. c., by Lightning, dam by imp. Sovereign. 5. W. Coitriil’s b. f. Sallie Watson, by Daniel Boone, dam Maggie G., by Brown Dick, 6. W. Cottrili' b. f. Sallie Kellar, by Daniel Boone, dam by Bili Cheatham. 7. George Cadwallader’s ch. f, Vandalla, by Vandal, dam Alert, by Lexington, ch. g., by Tom Reddy, dam unknown, Macon, dam Mary 8. E. Marrisot 9. A. Keone Richard's ch, ¢. Major Cass, by Whalebone. aut, &: Keene Hichard's ch. c. War Cry, by War Dance, lam imp. Kuight of St. George. il, W. Jennings’ che. Emmetsby Asteroid, dam Light- some, by imp. Glén 12. ny Jennings’ . Dundeyne, by Australian, dam Bonnet, by Lexington. Turd Rack—Three miles, for all ages; with one hun- dred pounds on each ; three pounds allowed to mares and yelling Club_ purse, ; first horse $000, second . third horse $80. SECOND DAY, TUESDAY, APRtt 15. First Rack—Hurdle race, two miles, over eight bur. dies; Club. purse, $000; first horse $450, second horse $100, third horse ‘Second -Race—One mfle and a quarter, forall ages; rok 1 al first horse $250, second horse $10), third nT HIRD peaks 00) Coma Stake nA aioe, four years old; $50 entrance, p. p.. with, $100 added; corral horse to'receive S30, third’ hiorse $200; two mile heats; closed with the following nominations iW, Cottrul's eh: alice, by Daniel oone, dam ete ‘num. 3 W" Cottrilis b.. Young Harry, by Harry of the West, i . Glen be Gl Moore's gr. &. London, by Lightning, dam Sister loore’s 8: to Jerome Edgar. ‘4. George Cadwaliader's b. f. Fannie M., by Lightning, dam by. imp. Yorkshire. 5. E. Harrison's ch. f. Belle Buckle, by Brown Dick, dam by Bulletin, 6, Bacon & Holland's ch. ¢., by Jack Malone, dam Sea. Breeze, by Imp, Albion. 7. A.C. Franklin's b. f. Nevada, hy Lexington, dam Laghggorne, b Glencoe. W. Jennings’ b. c. Cape Race, by Lexington, dam imp. Zone'by the Cure, 9. W. Jennings’ ch. ¢, Silent Friead, by Australian, dam by Lexington. THIRD DAY—WEDNESDAY, apnit 16, Finst Rack—One mile, with lui ibs. on. enc! year-olds to carry their 'propar weights; three Allowed to mares and gelding; Ciub parse, jorse horse $300, second horse $100, third horse $50. Skconp Kack.—Mile hoats, for all ages; Clad purse, $700; first horse $50), 10, third hi orye Tain Race-Three wiles, for all ageas Club parse $300; first horse $600, second horse $150, third horse $50. FOURTH DAY—THURSDAY, APREL 17. 8, for all gaca crn tire $600, First Rack—Two mi! arse $1), tt ra horse Orst Norse $490, second Skconp Rack—Selling race, one wile and # halt; horses entei 5 rry their appropriate weights 000, allowed seve wands; tor $700, ten + Tor $60), fliteen pounds; for yenty pounds; he winner to be sold ot auction Aounediately atter the race; ay surplus over the amount entered to will go to the Club; Club purse $600; first horse $35), second horse $10), third horse $5). TuiRo ack—Nule heats, best ree in Aye, for all ages; Club Sarde Ot een nent Sens PITH DAY—Farpay, APRuL Finer DH Race; two miles ights to the 3 { Joiishes to appear the day before the Face: Clu> parse OF se Si Raci mile, ; olds: tne Pickwick Burke, seven’ pound extras ofa eect 4 Tub. purse $500; first horse $250, second horse 100, ‘Tninp Race—Two tnile heats. (or all agers $100; frst horse $109, second horse Son Tita hee oe Pins Race—The Fortuna take’ (or ities th old’ $80 entrance, pp wih S100 added; neeoad ne Feadive, $300; third” gids," one ‘imile; close with “the 1. W. A Conuer’s bf Sunrise, by Planct, dam Ultima, by Lexington. A f. Sall Boo: . Cottrili's b. f vy al Cheatham. ae lar, by Daniel ne, jeorge Cadwa: " and: ain, Alte by Lexington, ny £ Vandalla, by Vandal, . George Cadwallader’s Mageintayb Mahomet ‘ 1. The Pet, by Vandal, dam ‘KcoND' Kack—Consolation have run and not won during the meeting; lites bostns gue atlowed 7 Ibs; twice, 1) Ibs 5 three timos or more, jone mile; § $350, sec- ond horse $100, third home 8oe Te NOTH $300, ‘Tuinp Rack—Four mile heats, for all ages; Club purso 2, 04 horse. $20) third horse winner of Congress Stake at Mobile, Ala., 5 tba. urse, W; first horse $1,500, secon extra, For the four-mile event there whl, in all proba- bility, be tive starters, comprising London, Flora Melvor, Wanderer, Frank Hampton and Fannie M. It is expected that London and Cape Race will come together during the meeting to decide an outside bet of $2,500 new pending, Atiogether the Traces promise to be interesting, and under more favorable circumstances would create someting akin to excitement, As it is, racing in New Orleang will be something akin to whistling threugh a graveyard,® KORSE NOTES. W. R. Babcock’s stable of racehorses passed through this city yesterday, on their way to Mon- mouth Park, to be trained for the coming cam- paign, The horses canie from =— Provi- dence, where they have been Wintered well, All the horses are in robust health and just in the right shape to go into strong work. The stable comprised the well known four- miler Helmbold, Conductor. Ethel Sprague, Hattie O'Neil and Ransom, the latter a bay colt by Aste, roid, dam Banner, three years old, and looks as if he will make a race horse, RACING IN NATCHEZ, Farr Grounps, March 29—Dash of two miles. FE, Harrison's g. bh. Tom Corbett... E, Harrison’s ch, g. Sir Rufus.. Mr. Danneman’s ch. g. Tangletoo! ‘Time 4:00, Same DAY—Mile heats. E. Harrison’s ch. f, Belle Buckle... Mr. Warwick’s b. h. Tom Leathers, Time 1:47—148%4. ’ ART MATTERS, Academy of Design. The forty-eighth annual exhibition of the National Academy of Design will open next Monday even-~ ing, with a reception and private view. Artis ta have been sending in works with great prompti- tude, and we hazard nothing in saying that the display will be interesting. Mme. Hazard’s Sale. Another very attractive art and miscellaneous sale is set down for next Wednesday evening, at the rooms of Mme. De H, Hazard, No. 60 Union place. It is to consist of statuary and various arti- cles of virtu from the Tuileries, together with sou- venirs and antiquities collected by their present possessor during a long residence abroad, The statuary ineludes nine pieces, sculptured by Mme. Hazard herself, Among these are to be found “Abandonata,” @ group of three figures in rare Cristola marble; ‘La Pace Generosa;” also a grou of three figures in Carrara marble; “L) esperana,' id a beautiful single figure in Cristola; “Summer’ and “Autumn,” two single figures; ‘Rustic Fe- licity,” also two single figures, and several medal- lion portraits. The jewelry consists of thirty-six lots; but perhaps the connoisseur will be most in- terested in the antiquities and the souvenirs, of sly there are many valuable and unique ex- amples. A PROBABLE EDUCATION MUDDLE. Was There Bungling Legislation 1—Shal} Educators Be Educated t At the last meeting of the new Board of Educa- tion a sub-committee of the wnole was nominated to select five school trustees in each ward to re- place present ones, and report thcir names to the full Board for appointment. Section 6 of the new act commands that “within fifteen days after the organization of the Board of Education appointea in pursuance of this act said Board shali appoint for euch ward in said city five trustees.” The fifteen days began to run last Monday, and already ward associations of the republicans, local and general reformers, leaguers and intriguers are thronging around the sub-committee with recommendations, The office of Trustee of Schools is one of much power and influence. The Board of Trustees authorize leases, appoint and discipline the sub-teachers, oversee the repairs of school-houses, and enjoy considerable consequence witn teachers, scholars and parents, Indeed, for many years past, School Trustees have asserted power as politicians, Possibly their po- litical influences have appointed unfit janitors of the schools; but, fortunately, Henry Kidale, the City Superintendent, can and does protect the peo- ple by his licenses against incompetent teachers, who might otherwise be foisted on the public by the same kind of influence. Hence the scramble for the office is now rather lively among the new set Of politicians, who, to a great extent, have been de- barred a voice in selecting trustees and sharing their patronage and influence, Up to 1870 trustees were elected. For the past two years they were appointed by the Mayor, who, however, we believe, gave the republicans a mi- nority share of the patronage. But by the new law they have it all, and it 1s doubtful whether the democrats will get any. In the midst of the scram ie, however, comes a horribie rumor tosthe spoil hunters. Section 6 adds immediately after the appointment power of the five trustees in ea ward, “one to hold office for four years irom the ist day of January next, one for three years, one for two years, one for one year from said date and one ‘until’ the said date.’” ‘The rumor is that, althougn the appointments may be made within fifteen days, only one of the five can take office now, and that the other four must wait until New Year’s Day to as- sume office, The act so reads most certainly, é.e., “to hold oitice from the Ist day of January next.” To make this more emphatic the sentence concludes, ‘one for one year from said date (t. ¢., January 1, 1874) and one until the said date; and the speil hunters hear with dismay that Commissioners Man, ‘townsend and Beardsley, whe are lawyers, have already sent messages to the Legislature te correct the blunder. if the spoil hunters were the only ones to be disappointed perhaps it woull not be bad. But another reference to the act looks as if there couid only be one trustee in each ward to forma board wutit New Year's Day arrives. Section 6 also says, ‘Ihe terms Of office of the present Trustees of Common Schools of the city of New York shall end and their oMectal functions cease on the ap- pointment of their successors by the Board of Education for the unexpired term,’? That is to say, the ,-existing Trustees [es out any way. They are abolished. And aa to our in each ward there is an interregnum until New Year's Day. This, if true, is awkwara, because the statutes and rules call tor a “majority of trus- tees’ in all action. Certainly one trustee cannot be in & majority over himself unless he sees trebly, for if he only sees donble then he ties himsell. One Wiseacre in the caucus attempted to satisfy the muddje py quoting another sentence, thus:— “Any vacancy in the said ofiice of Trustee of Com- mon Schoois by death, resignation or otherwise shall be filled by the Board of Education for the un- expired term.” His point was that alter the pres- ent trustees became abolished there would be four vacancies in each ward, which the Board could fill upto next January. This wiseaere was met by another one, who retorted that vacancies caa only exist to a term begun, and in the probable hiatus the vacancy rr ‘Was not operative, because no term began until long after the prior one ended. To increase the muddle, there are yet in office in each ward two Trustees of Common Schools, who were elected to the trust by the people, They, it is said, are advised by eminent lawyers that the ture cannot, except by abolisning the office, incumbents who were ele¢ted and whose ter! re yet running in order to fill their places. by appointment. It seems that the Tweed charter, when appointirenis of trustees were given to the Mayor, previded that these should be made only when the terms of elected trustees expired, and thereby saved the legal question, The eiected ‘ing’ therefore propose to move the ponderous machinery of warranto and all the cog wheela known to law in order to retain possession. It ts at least certain that some law draughtsman has biundered, He has in cooking sections lor edu~ cators forgotten to educate himself in perspicuity ofexpression. But this is no uncommon event at Albany. It is not Maes ago that Recorder Hackett. rebuked the pieading of seme lawyer as “sloveniy ;* but what will he and the Judges generally say about the slovenly rhetoric of Albany lawmakers? ARREST OF A DRY GOODS DEALER. } Boston, April 10, 1873. Charles Curtis, recently a dry goods dealer at 689 Washington street, has been arrested and held im $2,000 bail for trial, charged with buying goods on credit and gelling low for cash, with the Inventiomd of abacqnding with (he procgydae