The New York Herald Newspaper, May 14, 1873, Page 4

MINING HOLOCAUST. Dreadful Explosions in the Drummond Mines, Westville, Nova Scotia. Nearly a Hundred Men Supposed to Have Perished. THE MINE ON FIRE, Four Only Rescued and Further Assistance Impossible. NNO WATER AT HAND. Heartrending Scenes at the Mouth of the Pit. Two Would-Be Rescuers Blown to Atoms in Descending. Painful Suspense as to the Real Number Killed. Haurrax, N. S., May 13, 1873. Nova Scotia, which bute month ago far- ished to the world the most appalling ship- wreck of the century, to-day contributes another horror which, if far less appalling, is ‘Yegarded here as a terrible one, and creates a doubt as to the safety of the numerous coal mines which form the most important indus- try of the province. The village of Westville, in the county of Pictou, 103 miles from Hali- fax, is one of the most EXTENSIVE MINING SETTLEMENTS in the province. Apart from the numerous prospecting operations continually in pro- “gress, there are three large collieries in full operation, exporting large quantities of coal. Navigation having recently opened, and busi- ness becoming active, the workmen in most of -the collieries demanded increased wages, and geveral strikes dccurred. One of the largest mines, called the Drummond Colliery, owned “by the Intercolonial Coal Company of Mon- -treal, has, in consequence, been closed up for wome days. Yesterday the difficulty was ar- «ranged, and to-day the men -went to work THE FIRST EXPLOSION. At half-past eleven this morning a shot in the coal set fire to the slope, and half an hour afterwards a fearful explosion took place, -@aused by the accumulation of gas during the time the mine was closed, About two o’clock 8 second and more terrible explosion occurred, coming up the slope air shaft, an old trial shaft, with terrible force, and, it is believed, Killing nearly every one in the mine. It is impossible to give the precise number who were below. A GREAT NUMBER IN THE MINE. It is variously estimated at from forty to one hundred, including men and boys. Soon after the first explosion cries were heard at the “foot of the air shaft. Men were immediately lowered with ropes, and four of those below -brought up. . TWO MEN BLOWN TO PIECES. Two men were going down the air shat to .fender assistance when the second exyosion occurred, and they were blown to pie®s. All ‘the men in the neighboring mines «arned out to assist, and firemen came from t}¢ neighbor- ‘ing town of New Glasgow. NO WATER TO PUT OUT «HE FIRE. There wassuch asmall supply of water, thowever, that little could 0e done to quench the fire. There # no kope of saving any of ‘those now belov, as.all escape was cut off by ‘the explosion ‘At 10 o’dock to-night the fire was still gaging fiero/y, immense volumes of flame and Gense mses of smoke were pouring out of all the openings, and threatening to destroy all thy surface buildings. HE MANAGER AND FOREMAN DOWN THE MINE. games Dunn, the general manager, and Techardson, the underground foreman, are , Mong the lost. Many of the lost are married men with ;femilies, The scene above ground is most iheartrending. The wives and relatives of fhe miners are ranning about crying pite- easly, and begging the men to save their” Joved ones. At Intest accounts it was‘ believed that the entire works will be com- pletely destroyed. ANCTHER ACCOUNT. ——_+—_ HAuirax, N. S., May 13, 1873, ‘This community was startled to-night with the intelligenco that a terrible explosion had oc- curred in the Drummond colliery, Pictou county, @t one o'clock to-day. Manager Dunn, Assistant Manager Richardson and forty of the workmen ‘were in the pit when the explosion took place, THE GREATEST EXCITEMENT prevailed above ground after the fearful occur- Fence, and crovds of people for miles aroufid came Pushing to the icene of the disaster and saw one Of those heartrnding scenes which is described by eyo-witnessesis something harrowing beyond all conception, he recollection of which will never fade from th) memory. Mothers, wives, sisters, ehildren and/riends crowded around the burning pit, mournisg pitifully the terrible fate of those delow, theirheartrending cries being heard for a Jong distane, Every efprt has been and is being made to res- ue the ma, but so far without success, and it is YRRED THEY HAVE ALL PERISHED, ‘The fire up to this time (mine P, M,) is still, NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 1874—TRIPLE SHEET. Paging, although every endeavor is being made to put it out, Assistance from Pictou and New Glas- gow, where great excitement prevails, is at hand, and strenuous exertions afe being made to sub- due the conflagration. This city is excited over the news of the calamity. THE CONGRESSIONAL CONVENTION. Meeting of Western Congressmen in St. Louis— The Mayor Makes Known the Wants of the South and West—Increased Facilities for Water Transportation with the ‘Ocean—Addresses by Mr. Blow and Governor Woodson. Sr. Louis, May 10, 1873. The Temple in which the Congressional Confer- ence 1s held is handsomely decorated with flags ‘and banners; shieids, bearing the names of all the States of the Union, are hung from the railings of ‘the gallery, and the stage is elaborately embehished with flowers and living piaots in bloom. The Conference was calied to order at half-past twelve o'clock by Hon. Henry T. Blow, who stated that un consuitation with gentlemen from all parts of the country it had been decided that Mayor Brown, as Executive of the city of St, Louls, should preside over the Conlerence, and that the members of the Local Executive Committee should serve as the other officers of the Conierence. Mayor Brown then took the chair and introduced Bishop Bowman, who invoked divine blessing on the Conterence. MAYOR BROWN’S ADDRESS OF WELCOME. Mayor Brown tnen delivered the address of welcome on behalf of the citizens. Aiter biddmg the Congressmen present a most cordial and hearty welcome on behalf of the whole people of St. Louis, end one which he hoped would make the memory oO! the visit pleasant, he said :— It was not our purpose in inviting you here to-day merely to discuss our locai attractions, neither to biing undue influences to bear on you, and thereby endeavor to secure your committal to legisiauon calculated to take advantage or injure any portion of our com..on country. We have designated this Convention asa “Convention,” but in character it is more oi an iniormal and iriendly conference, We desire to submit a plain, practical exhibit of the needs of the West und South ior improved water lines to the ocean. We do not desire to excite discussion; nor do we ask any vote inadvance on legislative propositions; nor do we intend to embarrass you by strict par- liamentary proceedings. ‘The Mayor then referred to the necessity of im- proved water routes to the seaboard, and noted what the government had done lor the- seacoast in the wi of protecting life and property. He claimed that the same should be done for the West, and to illustrate the perils Of navigation on the Mississippi River, he said that in one bend of that river, only four miles in extent, there lie wrecks of thirty-six steamers, damming up the way, and that it is Appropriate cee “Graveyard Bend.” He said not only the West and South are interested in removing obstructions from and deepening the channel of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, but the whole country and aiso foreign nations, For a cheap transit tor the products of the Missis- sippi Valley has, and must always have, great in- fluence on the markets of the world. He also cited the fact that, in consequence of the high rates of freight to the seaboard, many larmers have actually burned their corn, because it could not be mar- keted without bringing tnem in debt. In view of these and other drawbacks to the trade and busi- ness of the West he appealed to Congressmen to consider the situation and accord that aid which will remove the trouble. GENERAL OBJECTS OF THE CONFERENCE. Hon. Henry T. Biow then delivered an address on the general objects of the Conierence, in the course of which he said that cheap transportation was the great thing needed. The country is threaded with Tailroads, over which passengers and freight can be transported in ail alrections, but a feeling has own up in this valley, a8 well as in other parts of the country, that there are existing and extending combinations on the part of these corporations against the interests of the producing classes. He then paid a moving tribute to the railroad system of the country as the proudest monument to pro- ress ever reared by mortal hands, and to-day is fhe glory of arepublic enthroned in the midst of its created wealth. He urged @ gencrous treat- Ment of those great representatives of ital, labor and enterprise, and said he who would un- duly impede that progress would soon learn that the a of caution t e canuot be ar- Testes judice or plightea faith ean never be Fepudiation or schemes of ‘Rarro' agor ues. AS @ remedy for these real or supposed combina- tions he proposed Co a and to carry out the competition he asl Congress to give the country a national wate’ system equal to our rail- road system, the resulfOf which, he said, would be the admiration of ths World. He then referred to the products and regsurces of the Mississippi Val- ley, and said St. Lolls Was destined to become the centre of the irot trade of the worid, and that within twenty ye'S Texas will produce more cot- ton annually ths is now exported from the whole country. Hon. E. 0. SfANARD, member elect to Congress from the Fint Gistrict of this city, was then intro- duced, an¢ Spoke, on behalf of the Merchants’ Exchange of St. Louis, on the commercial in- terests « the Mississippi Valley. His speech was quite lagthy and abounded in statistical informa- tion 2earing upon the productiveness of the courTy and the great demand for increased and cheaper facilities for transportation. GOVERNOR WOODSON’S ADDRESS. Governor Woodson was then introduced and gave the members @ warm fraternal welcome on behalf of the people of the State. He also referred to the reports which have general circulation to the effect that this meeting had some political significance or purpose, This he denied in toto, stating that no one had any such design, and say- ing that the strongest desire and highest ambition of the Poe of the city and State isto see all arts of this great country united in fraternal nds, bound by common interests, and sectional feelings and animosities put aside ferever. He then entered into some interesting statistics re- edd the agricultural and mining wealth of issouri. Alter short speeches by other gentlemen, formal invitations to visit New Orleans and Galveston were extended and accepted, The Convention adjourned till to-morrow, YALE COLLEGE, Anniversary of the Theological Semi- mary and Commencement Day of the Graduating Class, New Haven, May 18, 1873. To-day has been & galaday with tne theologues of Yale, It is the anniversary of the Theological Seminary and the commencement day of the gradu- ating class. Although the Seminary was formally made a department of Yale College as early as 1808, it has, until comparatively late years, been in anything but a thriving condition. The the- ology was hard-featured and the students harder featured. Three years ago an impetus was given to its material prospects by the construction of the new Divinity Hall, and an accession made to their intellectual wealth by the acceptance of the chair of Systematic Theology by Dr. Samuel Harris, formerly President of Bowdoin College. The stu- dents are increasing in number each year and are improving in ability. George Eliot’s “saving ig- norance”’ 18 not so prevalent as it was, and kuowl- edge and culture are on the rise, At ten o’clock A. M. the College street church ‘was being filled by an audience of the solid New England type. President Porter presidi and prayer was offered by Rey. Mr. Hazle, of the Bombay Mission, After prayer the speaking commenced and con- tinued for over two hours. The theses of Messrs, Chandler, Griffin and Hayden were especially interesting and able. The second of these i has refused a call tothe North church, New wen. About three o’clock P. M. the Alumni of the Y.ule Seminary gathered in the beautiful little Ma‘ id chapel for an hour of general yd fel- low After little discussion de- cided to admit the reporters of the New York papers if they would not publish any- thing that took place of a private nature. What this re. erred to your reporter was unable to ascer- tain, as ‘the speeches were remarkably general in their na Wire, and in some measure dull, too, The marked exceptions to these in the last respect were thor ¥ of Dr. Buddington, of Brooklyn, who eulogized Dr. Joshua Leavitt, who recently died, and of Rev. . Twitchell, of Hartford, who in- dulged in a \¥ein of humor, characteristic of him. Resolution: +-of thanks wero passed for the gift of the musical | ®rary of the late Dr, Lowell Mason} also & motion’ Was passed, requesting Rey. Mr. Leavitt, of Nor thampton, Mass., to publish the au- tobiography of jis father, which he had nearly completed when he died, Professor Geor, te E. Day made a report on behalf of the Theologica,’ Faculty, wherein he stated that about three thousa Ud six hundred and thirty-one doilars had been diated to the seminary auring the last year. After ‘#ome miscellaneous ‘speakin; the ineeting came to @close. This evening an ae dress was delivered bVore the graduating class by Rev. Dr. William M. r, of the Tabernacle church, New York city. len indy THE UNITARIAN OONFERENOE, ‘The New York and Hudsow River Conference of Unitarian Ministers convened, last evening at the Church of the Messiah, Park" @venue and Thirty- fourth street. The business ef ‘the session was for- mally opened by asermon by the Rey, Henry W, Foot, of King’s chapel, Boston, and no further oe were bad. The Copferen'ge Will reassem- entie- | ABOUT THE CITY HALL, Stray Items of News Picked Up the Corridors—The Siayor and the Recal- citrant Aldermen—Trying to Find an Odd Man to Make an Even Majority— A Mecting Wanted=—The Official Jour- mal. Astate of welcome and unusual serenity pre- vatied about the City Hall yesterday, There was none of that very usiness-like bustle that prevails on days when the Mayor is expected to send nominations to the Board of Aldermen, no button- holing of Alaermen by a thousand men at once, no strain of anxiety to know. who ‘the lucky men” are. In fact, it is not quite certain whether it is deemed exactly lucky just now to be nominated by the Mayor while the Aldermen are showing such a disposition to Kick, for, “you know,” it would be the most terrific of disasters to be nominated and then rejected, ‘The only item of interest about the Hall yester- day was concentrated in the solitary fact that quite @ lively effort was being made to obtain the signa- tures of eight, the required majority, of the mem, bers of the Board of Aldermen, calling for a special meeting of the Board, to be held this afternoon. THE VOTH refusing to act on the nominations for Commis- sioners of Charities and Correction, on Monday, was 8 to 6, the majority being Messrs. Cooper, Koch, Kehr, Fianagan, Lysagnt, McCafferty, Reilly and Van Sciiaick, Yesterday and on Monday evening the subject of a special meeting was tully discussed by the minority, and Alderman Falconer was credited with being the principal mover in the matter, though he professed to the reporters, at least, to be in a state of the most heavenly ignorance con- cerning it. ‘There is not the slightest doubt, how- ever, that an attempt was made to get the list filled, and that if th» following gentiemen did not actually sign 1t, they consented to sign as soon as THE EGU NAME could be obtaiued:—Aidermen Cooper, Vance, Monieimer, Morris, Falconey, Killlugs and Otten- dorier. ‘This jist was ac ually given to the reporter by one of the gentiemen uamed in it and may be relied on, Alderman Cooper is said to have “come over” on Monday night, aud the effort will be re- newed to obtain anobier member to-day. Alder- man Clausen, tue newly appoiuted member, it 1s sald, hus quaitied, and if he were to come in at once the mayor Would have a working majority who could call the meeting and approve his nomunations in straight order, But there is SOME DISINCLINATION to have Mr, Clausen’s vote recorded on the confirmation of new ofiicers, ior the reason that it is not quice clear whether the method and circumstances of his appointment are quite constituuonal. It is well enougi to let Mr. Clau- sen test the validity of that question in relation to his own tenure of oflice, but it 18 nut quite politic to submit the fate oi the members of Jour or five iinportant departments and officers upon so slight an objection, If his election is not coustitutional, the election of any heads of departiuents by the Board 01 Aldermen, in which his vote might be tue casting vote, would also be invalidated, ‘here was a Oe deal of small cau-cuss-ing yesterday, but nothing Waa done at any o! the meetings, most of which were held in the vestibules an to-day. THE EFFORT WILL BE RENEWED by the minority, and the defection of but one mem- ber 1s all that is necessary now to make that minority a majority. I the sligntest panicky feel- ing suows itsell on the combination side, and it is said there are two rather weak men there, “the whole crowd wiil take water’ at once. Among the prominent gentlemen who visited the Mayor yesterday were William M, Evarts, Tuur- low Weed, Severen D. Moulton and John Wheeler, pedi | appointed Tax Commissioners; Commis- sioner Van Nort, John Foley, Corporation Counsel E. D, Smith, Coione! Wagstaif and George W. Mat- hallways sell, it has transpired from a thoroughly reliable source that the Mayor’s NOMINATIONS FOR DOCK COMMISSIONERS will be ex-Mayor Westervelt, James W. Gerard, Jr., and John D. Jones, President o1 the Atiantic In- surance Compauy. Messrs. Jones and Weatervelt are gentlemen of large practical experience, and Mr. Gerard, though a young man, has amassed a great deal of practical and scientific knowledge on the subject Of the dock system and commercial necessities of New York. He 1s also the author of a work upon the subject. THE MUNICIPAL JOURNAL. The Mayor, Commissioner of Public Works and Corporation Counsel held a consultation yesterday aiternoon in reierence to tie new official Fag of the an and county, to known the ap- as ty Lf pointed Mr. A, Distecker permanent supervisor of the publication of the sheet, and upon motion of Commissioner Van Nort a@ resolution was adopted calling for estimates and requisitions from the departinents as to the requirements o! the journal. Plans and specifications were submitted y Mr. Disbecker and referred to the Corporation Counsel to be reduced to proper jorm. The salar, ®. Supervisor Disbecker has not yet been fixed. There were some fourteen or fifteen applications for the position to which Mr. Disbecker has been appointed, and it is said that tu the Mayor, Com- missioner and Corporation Counsel had been better posted on local journalistic and printing avairs they would have made a diferent selection. MASTER MECHANICS? CONVENTION. pau ae hh ae Paar Meeting of the Association in Balti- more=A Large Gathering—All the Great Railroads Represented—Business and Programme. Batrmore, Md., May 13, 1873. The sixth annual session of the American Rail- ‘way Master Mechanica’ Association commenced in Raine’s Hall, in this city, at half-past nine o’clock this morning, H. M. Britton, Superintendent of the White Water Valley Railroad, President of the Association, called the Convention to order. Prayer was offered by Rev. J. H. Lightbourne, of Baltimore. ‘The roll was then called and seventy-eight mem- bers answered to their names. The proceedings of the last Convention, held im Boston, were presented and approved. The President announced that an opportunity would now be given for those who wished to become members to sign the constitution, and that any persons having charge of the mechanical depart- ment of @ railway, known as superintendents or master mechanics or general firemen, the names of the latter to be presented by the superior otlicers of their road, could become members by signing the constitution and paying an initiation fee of $1. Seventeen new members then signed the con- stitution. President Britton then addressed the Conven- tion, congratulating the members on the increased bbb talh of the association each year. He paid a igh compliment to the reports of the various com- mittees, which showed due appreciation of the im- portance of the subjects investigated, concluding with a reference to Baltimore as ap important cen- tre of railroad interests. The President stated that the Committee of Reception last year had pre- sented the association with $3,000, which had been placed at interest. The report of the committee on boller incrusta- tions was read, and, after several delegates had given their views on the subject, on motion the committee was continued. Mr. Sellers, of Phila- delphia, and Mr. Peepies, of the New Jersey Cen- tral road, were added to the committee, ‘A resolution was adopted acknowledging the services of Professor J. A. Sewell, of the Normal University of Illinois, in analyzing water, at the request of the committee, and providing for his Soe eesen A discussion then ensued on analyzing and test- ing water used in locomotive boilers on various roads, at the conclusion of which N. E. Chapman, of the Cleveland and Pittsburg Railroad, Vice President of the association, made @ report on ac- cepting invitations. ‘The programme was adopted as foliows:—For Tuesday afternoon an excursion to Annapolis and @ visit to the Naval School; Wednesday afternoon, isit to Druid Hill Park; Thursday afternoon, a visit to the Mount Clare works of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; Friday, an excursion to Wash- ington city; Saturday, leave Baltimore at eight o’clock A. M., via Gettysburg, thence to New York, and partake of a banquet at the St. Nicholas Hotel in the evening. The report of the committee on the comparative value of anthracite and bituminous coal and wood for generating steam was read, and discussed with particular reference to the best plan of using hard or soit coal. M. E, Brown, of the Erie road; How- ard Frey, of the Grand Trunk road, and A. b, Hill, of the Boston and Albany road, were appointed a comniittee to seiect subjects for discussion at the next annual meeting. ‘he Convention then ad- journed till half-past nine o’clock to-morrow morn- ing. ‘River Troll call _@ number of members entered the hall, making about one hundred and thirty present, represeniing all the most important ratiroaas in the United States and Canada. The members are @ fine-looking body of men, and discuss the various subjects with famillarity and duency, A number Of ladies were present. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN TEXAS, GALVESTON, May 13, 1873. A fire yesterday at Calvert, Texas, destroyed half a block, with the exception of one warehouse. The estimated loss is from $60,000 to $70,009. The following re the principal losers:—John Orr, 18,000; Sanger & Bros., 000; W. A. ©. Rerd, Sots sauce! Grin, ‘Sdods Re ding & Lumkins, 12,000; Thomas & Gurrett, $3, Several boot and shoe shops and tailor and barber shops were destroyed, f chante sustained damage to moval, The A STEAMBOAT SUNK. A Frightfal Collision Near Hell Gate, in the East River. FIVE MEN DROWNED. The Americus Crashes Through the Little Convict Craft Hope—A Sudden and Shocking Fate, Two Officers and Three ‘‘Ten Days Pris- oners’” Hurled Into a Watery Grave—Narrow Escapes. Another of those terrible aceidents which no amount of such dreadful experience as their fatal consequences enforce seems capable of averting happened on the East River late yesterday after- noon, The victims are five persons, One moment before they were hurled into eternity by the fear- ful crash of a collision between two steamers they did not probably dream of such a sudden and unkindly death, Yet, as if there hung upon them some ghastly fatality, they were sailing across the waters with the pale presence of real death at the prow of their little craft an unre- garded omen of Death himself, horrible, sudden and shocking, Who was about to dash across their path and give them into the chilly and cruel embrace of the river. Whatever mischance it was, what- ever guilty carelessness or unavoidable destiny that caused this appalling sacrifice of life, cannot abute its horror or soothe the agony of sorrow that will be felt by ali human hearts when the story is read. The greater part of those who were drowned by the sinking of the vessel were convicts, sentenced by the law to a ten days’ penance for trivial offences; but their ignominious character cannot, it is certain, lessen that sad sympathy which their fate will awaken, nor the just condemnation which must descend upon whomever was guilty of ruthlessly risking and sacrificing their lives. The reporters of the HERALD have secured as complete facts a8 possible about the strange and shocking disaster, and they are given below. The Collision. The steamer Hope, used by the Commissioners of Charities and Correction, was ran into yesterday afternoon by the steamer Americus, near Hell Gate, and sunk. Four of the seven men composing the crew of the boat at the time were drowned. The Hope was returning from Hart’s Island, where she had conveyed some bodies to be interred in the city cemetery, and was on her way back when she met with the disaster. Oaptain Uriah Maroney was in the pilot house, and the vessel was just rounding to stretch across the river when the bow of the Amerizus struck her amidships and almost instantaneously CUT H&R IN TWO. Several of the crew digengaged themselves from the sinking vessel and managed to rise to the sur- face of the water, but only one was seen by those on board the Amertous, owing to the darkness, and a lite buoy was thrown tohim. Managing to catch the preserver after @ struggie, the man, who turned ont to be James Flynn, & ten days’ prisoner from the Island, employed on the boat, swam to the shore and was taken by Officer McGuire aud eonyeye to the Twenty-third precinct station Ouse. Mr. Tyler Gibson noticed another of the crew STRUGGLING IN THE WATER, and went to his aasistamce, After considerable trouble and danger he succeeded in rescuing him, and took him to Blackwell's Island. The name of this man, a8 well a8 those of the four who are miss- ing, is unknown. A dead b in a cofin that was being returi Warden Brennan at »- tngerment the Bellevue ar also saved, and friends of was taken to Blackwell’s Island. As soon as the ac- cident became known on the island the fire bells_were rung and the available force in the place crowded down to the beach, but, unfortu- nately, no assistance could be rendered those ON THE WRECKED VESSEL. Intelligence of the affair was then sent to War- den Brennan, and, after sending men and boats to the scene of the collision, he went to inform the Commissioners of what had taken place. They instructed him to use every means in his power to recover the bodies of the drowned men, and also gave orders for the raising of the steamer this morning. Warden Brennan then went to the place where the steamer went down, but nothing could be discovered of the dead prisoners. He lett a suf- ficient force in the vicinity to watch for anything that may turn up, and then returned to the hos- ital to find out, if possible, the names of the mixs- ing. This work was being proceeded with last night, but up toa late hour nothing definite was ascertained. The only one of the drowned whose name is known is WILLIAM ALBERTSON, THE ENGINEER, He was down in the hold of the vessel at the time of the accident, and had no opportunity what- ever of saving himsell. Warden Brennan speaks ofhimin the highest terms, and says he was a very steady and competent man. When Captain Maroney reached the shore he went immediately to his residence in Twenty-ninth street, changed his clothes and then returned to where ‘the boat sunk. Heis using his best endeavors in conjunc- tion with the men from the hospital to recover something of the lost THE HOPE was a small propeller and was newly fitted out only & few days ago. She was specially employed by the Commission of Charities and Correction in taking dead dies to Hart’s Isiand, smallpox Up to the hospital for people infected with nat disease. The fore part of the little craft was set apart for the dead, and the space in the stern was arranged for the invalid passengers. The crew: was composed, with the exception of the captain and engineer, of ten days’ prisoners from the island, and the steadiest and most trustworthy of those were always selected to work in her. THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF THE DISASTER is at present shrouded in mystery. Captain Ma- roney was completely taken by surprise when the Americus hit his vesseland dashed him, with the Rena house, into the water. None of the deck ands who have beem saved have yet been able to make any statement of what they know of the matter, but the probability is that the darkness which so suddenly fell upon the river prevented either steamer from seeing the other, and the smaller one was the sufferer. THE AMERICUS is a good sized vessel, and runs from New York to Greenwich, Conn, She was on her way to that place when the collision took place, and, from what can be ascertained, everything possible was done by those on board to render assistance to the crew of the Hope, The storm that broke over the city so suddenly yesterday afternoon was very violent on the water. Rain poured down fiercely through the darkness, and navigation was for a considera- ble time dangerous and difficult, AN INVESTIGATION is to pe instituted this morning the real cause of the terrible disaster will, no doubt, be arrive during the Gay. Warden Brennan is more than grieved at the loss of the Hope, as he bestowed @ great amount of attention and care on the accom- modations on board her for patients. THREE HEADS SEEN ABOVE WATER. Shortly aiter the catastrophe the reporter called at the Astoria Ferry Hotel and nad some conversa- tion with the genial Boniface of the place, Mr. Ed. Brown. He said, “1 did not see the accident my- self, but tt 1s possible that the strong current run- ning at Hallett’s Point may have had something to do with the occurrence by throwing the Hope out of her course. 1 saw with my glass the two men saved struggling in the water, and what I believe to be @ third head, but only for an instant, when it (the third head) was lost to sight.” STATEMENT OF CORNELIUS FINCH, Tam @ boatman, and work here at Mr. Brown's place. Shortly after the squall, at about half-past three, I went on the dock at the back of the house and was engaged in painting a boat. By chance I happened to lift my eyes from my work and | saw across the river, at Hallett’s Point, the steamer Hope, belonging to the Commissioners of Charities an ggg heading towards Ward’s Island, and at a very dangerously short distance behind her I saw the steamer Americus, A few seconds later @ collision occurred, the Hope being ran into in her aft uarter, and still @ few seconds later ie went down like a@ stone. I immediately made my way down to the water's edge, where I Jumped into @ boat accompanied by my friend Gib- son, We made the boat spin across the river, I can tell you, and we were the first small craft to arrive, and before even the Americus had lowered @ boat, which she subsequently did. We were therefore the Ars’ to render assistance, and we managed to rescue tie pilot, who is likewise cap- tain, and @ convict, who acted as one of the crew, named James Lynch, but I am not certain if thac was his name. Both men were in a very exhausted condition when we rescued them. ‘They were supported in the water bya part of the upper works of the Hope, The Americus, as soon as the collision took place, threw out life-preservers, and three of them were picked up and are here. The bow of the Americus was badly bent to one side, and I hardly considered her in a safe condition to proceed to sea, but aster waiting round tne spot some time to see if she could render any assistance she blew her whistle and proceeded on her voy- age, The captain hailed us and asked if we knew of more le being rescued except those we had picked ah and we told him no. FOUR MEN CONSIGNED TO A WATERY GRA‘ The pilot. when we had brought him round a bit— for he was dreadiuily benumbed, having been in the water for upwards of twenty minutes—told us bred she were six men in allon board. By this r boats began to arrive, and we, seeing that we could be of no further use, decided to re- turn to New York with the survivors. The pilot, alter his arrival at the hotel here, picked up soon and proceeded to his home. The convict, who was still sbivering like an aspen leaf, was warmed, and when recovered was taken charge of by the police, Tho, gubsequentiy returned him to Blackwell’s Subsequently the reporter heard that Henry Barton and Jack Lawrence had saved a portion of the deck and the unknown corpse, floating in the cofim, and that the fagetad, with hslyards at- tached, and @ couple of cabin doors had washed ashore on Sandy Gibson’s Island. GIBSON'S STATEMENT, The vf piper was then rowed over to Sandy Gibson's Island, when, after walking across Break- neck path, he came to the house occupied by the widow Gibson, her daughters and sen, the latter being the individual who had pel to rescue the survivors, with Mr. incl respect with that above given, and Gipson stated he had never heard of such an occurrence nagD ea ing at Heil Gate before, He said it was nothing new to him to see acouple of vessels stranded against his little island, or to see a vessel's jibboom unpleasantly near to his littie house; but @ catas- trophe like this he believed had never Bapmpned. before, He believed the accident was a piece of carelessness, and he should think so till the pilot her Americus explained the matter to his satis- jon. ‘ne statement evgiven coincided in every of fact AMERICAN ISRAELITE CONVENTION. PSS Ras OE EA a al Conference of the Board of Dele- gates—Reports, Election of Officers, &c. Last evening the Board of Delegates of American Israelites met in the school room of the Thirty- fourth street Synagogue. Mr, B. J. Hart, of this city, presided, and Mr. M, S, Isaacs was secretary. The roll-call showed delegates present from the congregations Ahavus Chesed, Beth Israel Bikur Cholim, Temple Emanuel, Rodef Sholim, Shearith Israel, Shaaray Teflla, Shaaray Tsedek Beth Ham- drash, the Hebrew Benevolent Society, Mutual Be- nevolent Society and the Hebrew Fuel Association, of this clty; Beth Jacob, of Newburg; Bnai Jeshurtm, of Paterson, N. J.; Beth ei Emeth and Beth El, of Philadelphia; Ahavas Acheim, of La- fayette, Ind.; Beth e) Emeth, of Memphis, Tenn., and Bnat Brith, of Donaldsonvyille, La, Each con- gregation sent two delegates. Apologies were re- ceived from absent delegates, ‘THR REPORT OF THE KXECUTIVE COMMITTER, applauds the action of Consul Peixotto, of Buchar- est, in allaying tie Roumanian persecutions, and asks for his continued support. It suggests a more hearty co-operation with European Hebrew organt- vations to relieve the needs of the Roumanian Israelites, The new Congress is to be asked to raise the rank of Mr. Peixotto to that of Consul General. The emigration scheme is not considered favorably, it being deemed better that the wrongs of Israelites should be righted in their own coun- try. Over twenty-five immigrants from Roumania have been aided by the Roumanian Society. The immigration from Russia has ceased altogether; but seventy have been aided during the year. THE VAMINE IN PERSIA having ceased, the committee has not collected any money beyond $1,285 58, received since last report. The social and political condition of the Jews in Persia is very unsatisfactory, The committee recommended an appropriation for the hospital at Jerusalem and the agricultural school at Jaffa. Five hundred dollars was donated. The Treasurer's report showed that the general fund had $672, but $357 was paid out on vouchers. ‘The Palestine fund has $1,032; the Roumania fund, $230 68, paid over to United States Consul Peixotto; the Persian fund $3,074, $1,567 of which was dis: bursed through Sir Moses Montefiore; tie Russian fund $4,467, out of which was paid to Kussian and Roumanian emigrant Israelites the sum of $1,086, ‘The following were elected OFFICERS FOR THE ENSUING YEAR :— B. J. Hart, President; P. J. Joachimsen, of New York; Hon, 8. Wolf, of Washington, D. C., Vice Presidents; A. 8. Saroni, Treasurer; M. 8. Isaacs, Secretary; M. Stern, D. Benrinis, L. Lewengood, 5. Louls, H. Davison, Trustees and Executive Com- mittee. Messrs. Hart and Seligman were ap- ponies delegates to the International Israelite lonference, which meets at Vienna next Summer, The several benevolent funds were bulked and dt- vided into three equal parts, two of which were given to the Roumanian and the other needy Israel- ites, and one was kept for contingencies. The next annual session of the Board will probably be held in Washington, THE HOWARD Mission, ' The Celebration of the Twelfth Anni. versary in the Academy of Masic—An Immense Audience and Splendid En. tertainment. The Academy of Music was crowded yesterday evening onthe occasion of the celebration of the twelfth anniversary of the Howard Mission and Home tor Little Wanderers, No, 40 New Bowery. On the platform were some two hundred children be- tween the ages of five and twenty. Mr. A. S. Hatch was in the chair. The exercises were opened by prayer by-the Rev, Louis A. Jackson. The children then sang very prettily, after wnich the Treasurer read his annual report, The receipts during the past year were $31,457 64; the expenditures $30,810 42; cash balance, $647 21, The President, Mr. A. 8. Hatch, delivered an address. The Howard Mission» he said, aimed at the relief of the body, the educa- tion of the mind, and at religious training—com- bining these tnree agencies for the elevation of the abject poor, After all that was being done by the public schools and by the churches, there was yet something left to do, and that was the work ac- complished by the Howard Mission. The Rev. George H. Hepworth delivered also an eloquent address, in which he sald: ‘God has raised up among us good men and good women, who are not satisfied with theirown happiness, but who want, also, to see others happy; who were not satisfied with living on the avenue alone, but came to do this work in order to find the utmost jewel that may shine on the coronet of redemp- tion. This isa country where one's grandfather counts for nothing—where we do not look back upon the past, but look forward to the future. We ought to extend our sweetest hopes to these chil- dren, clad in the garb of festivity and saved through the instrumentality of good men and good women.’ The Rev. L. M. Pease made a few re- marks, giving some of his interesting experiences in the missionary work in the Five Points, and the Test of the programme included singing by the children, under the direction of T. EF. Perkins, music by Grafulia’s Band and other addresses, The entertainment was @ complete success, botn in a dnaucial and artistic point of view. YACHTING NOTES. The schooner yacht Fleetwing, Mr. George A. Osgood, N.Y.Y.C., was lowered from the screw dock yesterday morning, and proceeded to Glen Cove, where the few details yet to be looked after before she wiil be ready for the season's work will receive attention. Her interior is being remodelled and refitted. The sloop yacht Viston, Messrs. Alexandre, N.Y.Y.C., will leave Nyack this morning tor New York, She has been fuliy put in order for the Sum- mer. The new sloops Genla, ex-Commodore Haight, and Emma T., Mr. John I. Treadwell, B.Y.C., were tried together a day or two since, and the result was satisfactory to their owners. It will be re- membered that these boata were built by Mr. Munn, and are of the same models and dimen- sions. ‘The schooner yacht Ariel, Mr. W. L. Swan, will be launched from the yard of Messrs. Poillon Brothers, foot of Bridge street, Brooklyn, this morning, between ten and eleven o'clock. The sciiooner yacht Madeleine, Commodore Voor- his, B.Y.C., will leave Nyack, where she has been refitted, for New York about the 20th inst. The schooner yacht Triton, Mr. George A. Thayer, and sloop yacht Addie, Mr, W. H. Langley, N.Y.Y. C., will be put in commission on Satarday of this Ee The latter is on the stocks at Tottenville, The sloop yacht Emma Treadwell, built by Mr. Munn, of Brookiyn, for the Washington Yacht Club, was successfully launched on Monday. She will be despatched to her owners the first of next week. The sloop yacht Sadie, Mr. Smith Ford, N.Y.Y.C., is at Yonkers, having her spars reduced and being refitted for the season. ‘The sloop yacht White Wing has been purchased by Mr. A. W. Serrell, ana will be added to the Brooklyn Yacht Club fleet. The ‘schooner yacht Magic, Mr. Rufus Hateh, N.Y.Y.C., is lying at the foot of Twenty-eighth street, East River, being refitted with a suit of new sails, under the direction of Mr. John M. Sawyer. ‘There are lying at anchor off the foot of Court street, Brook! ‘n, the following yachts :—Schooners Idier, Triton, Peerless and Agnes; sloops Undine, Linda, Genia, Emma T., Mariquita, Nimble, Nina, Emma Treadwell, Frolic and Startle. The Baltimore Nine Beat the Mutuals by 11 to 2. BALTIMORE, Md., May 13, 1873, The Baltimore and Mutual clubs played here this afternoon, There were fully two thousand persons present. The game resulted in a victory for the Baltimores, the following being the score :— INNIN G8. Clube, let, 2d. Bd. Baltimores.....1° 0 Ot’ gh GB Oh Mh, Mutual... oh YU 0 0 0 8 0 SF Omz THE POLARIS MYSTERY, Instructions of the Secretary of the Navy Regarding the Rescued Explorers, What He Thinks About the Expedition. REAR ADMIRAL RODGERS’ VIEWS. The Consequences of Cetting Nipped by Ice. WASHINGTON, May 13, 1878. Secretary Robeson to-day telegraphed the United States Consul at St. Johns to instruct Captaim Tyson to keep his men together, provide for them amply, and see that they do not want for anything, Itis his purpose to send either the Juniata op Frolic, now yt New York, to St. Johns without de~ lay to bring ailof the rescued to Washington. He has no idea there has been any trouble on board the Polaris more than is incidental to every Arctio expedition, where men who are not disciplined seamen have charge of the vessel. He attaches no importance to the opinions freely expressed by prominent navigators that there must have been MUTINY, DISSATISFACTION OR INSUBORDINATION. Respecting the Polaris, she was the best vessel, im the judgment of Captain Hall, the navy nad fa! such an expedition, and was selected by himself, having as he did the privilege of selecting other. The duty of fitting her for the voyage was ¢! trusted to Naval Constructor Delano, one of th best of his class in the government service, and tha Secretary ordered that neither pains nor expense) should be spared in equipping the Polaris, Captaim Hall was SELECTED TO COMMAND THE VESSEL because he got the appropriation through, and {@ he succeeded in reaching the point reported, he has achieved what no other explorer ever did, Secretary Robeson would not be surprised if Cap= tain Buddington remained in the Arctic waters,ang if the vessel is in sea-going order attempt himself to return northward. Your correspondent to-day called on Rear Ad- miral John Rodgers, President of the Board of Ex« aminers at the Navy Department, and who com~ manded the expedition which went as far north ag seventy-three degrees, via Behring Straits, im 1854, The Vincennes, the vessel In which he sailed, was not fitted out for this work, but being on & surveying expedition he penetrated as far north as he could with the supplies he had. In reference to the Polaris he said, “From what I have read § have no ‘reason to apprehend any danger to the Polaris, It is customary WHEN VESSELS ARE NIPPED or in @ dangerous condition in the ice to transfer as much of the cargo to the ice as possible, This lightens the vessel and makes her less lable to re- ceive injury. Iftne danger passes the stores are put back; but if the vessel is to be abandoned them the provisions and supplies are at hand TO ENABLE THE CREW TO ESCAPE. From the account published in the HERALD the Polaris was nipped and leaking, and as a matter of precaution and custom the stores were landed. I judge it is very unusual under such circums stances to have tie vessel driven off as the Polaria seems to have been, but this sometimes happens. THE VOYAGE OF CAPTAIN TYSON AND THE RESCUED is unparalleled, but gives no reason to suspect the honesty of purpose of those separated from the vessel. Itis very evident that if there has been ‘any unfatr play, as has been attributed by some, @ cross-examination even by an inexperienced per son would lead to the discovery of the truth.” At the session of the Cabinet to-day the disaster to the Polaris was the subject of conversation for some time. The Navy Department will do all in its power for the safe transit to the United States and the comiort of the survivors, whose names have just been reported. The expedition having been fitted out under direction of the Department, and being still under its charge, the desire to have some of the principal persons visit Washington ia for the purpose of officially inquiring into all the facts connected with the expedi‘ion since it left the United States, More from Dr. Hayes on the Polaris Expedition. SruDi0 BUILDING, 61 WEsT TENTH STREET, May 12, 1873, To THe Epitor OF THE HERALD:— Your reporter, in his account of a@ con versation with me, published in yesterday's HERALD, makes me responsible for the opinion that there was & mutiny on board the Polaris and that Captain Hall was killed. In answer to a question of your reporter I did say that such an event wad possible, but I did not give this as my belief, nor even say that it was probable. I would regret ta 80 reflect upon any of the hardy survivors, simply on the ground that the meagre reports thus jan received leave everything in doubt. Your reporter, Misapprehended me, ith regard to mut it must be borne in mind that Ca Halli died four months alter leaving and nearly a year before the trials of the cruise began. During this dan the expedition was in charge of Captain Buddin, ton, an experienced seaman and an old Arctio voyager, and he was in command of the entira party during the winter of 1871-72, and during the passage south through Smith Sound, where the: seein to have been *‘beset” among heavy, ice an not liberated until they were off Northumberland Island, in latitude 77 35. Meanwitile, a consider= able part ofthe ship’s stores appear to have been; put upon the tice, be gp ad with two boats an nineteeg members of the ship’s company. Ho’ -, became separated from the ship is not ex- plained, and we can only await further reports Jrom Captain Tyson’s party, who have, to say the, Ome, rh least, during their unparalleled drift on an ice-raft, from Northumberland Island’ distance of 1,600 mie: to Labrador {a shown wonderful discretion and endurance. comments to your reporter were chiefly directed to the Polaris, which no doubt passed northward, through Smith Sound, @ teat which inglefiel Kane and myseif in vain attempted ; and 1 see no less clear that when the sh.p’s real quailities for: ice-navigation came to be tested subsequently, sha’ was found unfit for the service. Alter the separa- tion of the party the Polaris very likely reached land, and, although there are pro! ably no harbors on Northumberland Island, there are plenty of them near at hand on the south side of Whale Sound, charts of which Captain Buddington no doubt had with him. The thirteen persons remain- ing with the ship probably wintered somewhere. in that sound; but if the Polaris has been lost the crew are in great peril and should be looked for and assisted without delay. This is the duty of the Navy Department, who fitted out the Polaris, Respectiully your: HAYES, THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY ‘ABSOOTATION.. Fifty-second Annual Meeting—Reports of the President, Treasurer and Commita tees of Examination—A New Fireproof Baild To Be Secured, The Board of Directors and members of the Mer. ntile Library Association held their filty-second annual meeting last evening at the Leavitt Art Rooms, Clinton Hall, Astor place.. The principal business of the evening consisted of the reading of a lengthy systematic report by Mr. Peter Voorhis: President of the Association, the statistics of whicty showed the receipts of the past year to be $38,669, and the expenditure $38,278, leaving a balance om hand of $391, signed by Mr. Wm. H. Guion, Treaw surer of the Association, The report of the Com« mittee of Examination snowed the libra: to be .in @ flourishing condition and the books in good order, It now cone tains 143,273 volumes, 6,919 volumes bet added during the year and the average circulati amounting 239,553 volumes, The association numbers ut present 11,727 members. The follo' honorary members died during the past ear, viz, + omas H. Faile, Francis Leiber, Hong Horace Greeley, Dr. J. Torrey, Hon, Jamet Brooks and Hon. J. head, ant Messrs, William H. Guion and Benjamin 4H, Field were elected to supply the vacant honorai positions. Three merchants expressed themselv: willing to contribute towards @ fund of haifa milx lion of dollars intended to be raised for the pure chase of a new fireproof building for the use of th library and association.’ Two of these promise $5,000 cash each and the third $10,000, Many of th members expressed themselves gratified with tha present promising condition of the associatio Bnd resolutions of ks Were unanimously and tendered the Board for their faithful ment during the past Years