The New York Herald Newspaper, July 3, 1873, Page 5

7 THE COURTS. | ESCAPE FROM THE GALLOWS. The Wife Murderer, Frank Gillen, Gets} Off with State Prison for Life. EPISODE OF PERSONAL UNPLEASANTNESS. Rencontre in the Federal Building—The Two Sides of the Story. Frank Gillen, who so brutally murdered his wife @ few weeks since, has had the good luck to escape the gallows. His trial was set down for yesterday, in the Court of General Sessions, before Recorder Hackett, but his counsel succeeded in allowing a ‘Withdrawal of the previous plea of not guilty of murder in the first degree and accepting a plea of guilty of murder in the second degree. His coun- sel intimated the intention, had the trial proceeded, of proving his insanity. The Recorder expressed very little faith in the insantty dodge, and sen- tenced the prisoner to State Prison for life. It was expected that Recorder Hackett would Fender his decision yesterday in the Sharkey case, buthe did not, It is probable that the decision will be given in a day or two. SAVED FROM HANGING. Frank Gillen, the Wife Murderer—Ac- ceptance of a Viea of Guilty of Murder im the Second Degree—He is Sentenced to State Prison for Life. ‘There has rarely been recorded in the papers an instance of more crue! and atrocious wife murder ‘than the murder by Frank Gillen of his wife Ellen on the evening of Sunday, the 15th of last June. In the first place, Gillen married her clandestinely, and then he would not support her, compelling her to go to her father’s, and, to crown his unkind treatment, murdered her. The circumstances of the crime, which were fully given at the time in the HERALD, are still fresh in the public memory, On the night in question Mrs. Gillen left her father’s house, No. 179 Elm Street, to take a ‘walk. She had not gone far before Gillen, ‘who had evidently been on the lookout for her and dogging her footsteps, steaithily crept behind her and stabbed her five times. She cried out “Oh! papa! papa! Frank has stapbed me! I am dying!’ and in ten minutes expired in her father’s arms. Gillen at once ran away, but an oMcer who had heard the dying woman's cries pursued and captured the assassin. His case was promptly laid before the Grand Jury and an indictment of murder in the first degree found against bim. On ‘this indictment he pleaded not guilty and his trial ‘was set down for yesterday in the Court of General Sessions, betore Recoruer Hackett.. A new panel of jurors had been summoned for the occasion and the court room was crowded in ex- pastanion of the trial. Recorder Hackett ook his the bench at seat penesaely: on eleven o'clock, the panel of jurors was called and Gillen was placed at the bar. The prisoner was at first very nervous, but his counsel, Mr. Willtam F, Howe, whispered something in his ear which had upon him a perceptibly charming effect. A CHANGE IN THE PLEA. A congnitation was at once entered into by Mr. Howe with Assistant District Attorney Russell and the Recorder. A smile of satisfaction Jit up Mr. Howe’s face at the close of the conference ani again he whispered something in Gillen’s ear ai which the prisoner’s countenance beamed up with a delight he could not conceal. The plea of not guilty of murder fn the first degree was withdrawn and a plea of gulity of murder in the second de- gree interposed, WHY THE CHANGE OF PLEA WAS ACCEPTED, Mr, Russell, in explanation of the acceptance of the change in the piea, sata that they were unable in this case i) prove any previous treats, or any- t extépt the act of killing, from which a jury ‘would be warranted in inferring deliberation in the perpetration of this murder, and it would tnerefore seem to come under the new ‘Beatute én- acted at the last session of tne Legislature, which is, that the killing must be from a dehberate, as well asa premeditated, design in order to constitute ‘murder 1n the first degree, and that ali other inten- tional Killing is murder in the second degree. They could not offer any other proof asto deliberation ‘than the cruel circumstances under which the Kill- ing was doue. This was a very bad case, and Uhere might be in the breast of some one who had not made it known to us Knowledge and information which would prove deliberation on the part of this man; but such ar had not come to them, and they snouid not e able to offer it to the jury. Under the pleaof murder in the second degree the prisoner can re- ceive a sentence of jmiprRon ment jor life, and this is a case which should have no mercy from the Court He then recounted the terrible circum- stances of the murder, and said that it was a most cruel and brutal one aud one in which there were bo mitigating circumstances, THE OLD INSANITY PLEA. Mr. Howe said that had the trial proceeded he could have shown that jourteen years ago Gillen fell from an ice wagon and was injured in the head by the hook which was used for the purpose of ele- ing the ice; that last August he had an attack of sunstroke, and was brought to his motner’s home in a dying con- dition, out subsequently recovered; that he was subject to epileptic fits, and labored under the de- Jusion of the ringing of bells in his ears that his wile should be taken to heaven. In conclusion he Baid that he did not ask for mercy, but simply stated the facts which he would have proven. If his statements were correct the authorities at sing Sing would send Gillen to the State Lunatic Asylum. INSANITY PLEAS AS VIEWED BY THE RECORDER. Recorder Hackett, in passing sentence, remarked ‘that he had very little ‘confidence In the plea of insanity, and instanced acase tried betore him ‘Where counsel succeeded in getting a verdict of “Not guilty” on the ground of insanity, and three ‘weeks rwards the man was liberated irom the asylum te which the Court sent him. He sat that he did not pose to add to the remorse which the prisoner should feel by any remarks further than to perform the duty imposed upon him. -"‘ne sentence of the Court was that he be confined for the period of his natural Aide in the State Prison at hard labor, GILLEN JUBILANT. Immediately after the passing of the sentence Gillen turned to Mr. Howe and grasped him ter- ventiy by the hand. He could bot suppress his emotion of deligh No sooner bad Mr. Howe leit the prisoner than he was embraced by Mrs. Gil- len, the Oe mother, who hugged the burly coun- selior and imprinted several kisses upon his per- aspiring brow, Gillen was escorted to the UVity Prison with a light neart at nis lucky escape. UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT. Charge of Sending an Obscene Article Through the Mails—Another Row in the Federal Building. Judge Benedict sat yesterday in the United States Circuit Court and proceeded with the discharge of the criminal business. The trtal of Joseph Kendall, of No. 7 Great Jones street, who had been indicted for sending an obscene article through the mails, ‘was resumed at the sitting of the Court. The ‘testimony on both sides having concluded, the Judge charged the Ping ade retired, and soon aiter sent word to His mor that they could not ree, Itis not likely that they will agree, hile the above trial was in progress, Anthony ‘¥. Comstock, the principal witness ior the prosecu- tion in this case, and a Dr. Sheldon met on the stairway near the entrance to the court room, and an altercation ensued between them, 1t_is alleged a some persons who witnessed the aifair, that Dr. Sheidon on meeting Comstock ad- dressed him, saying, ‘I! am Doctor Sheldon; don't ou kpow me?” and thereupon struck him on the ce, into which he spat, and also hit him on the shead with a cane, drawing some blood trom Com- tock. On the other hand, it ts claimed that when Dr. ‘Bheldon was coming down the stairs Comstock approached and called bim a dirty abortionist and a damned liar; that Dr. Sheldon at once replied, “You had better not repeat that,” and then struck Comstock on the face. Comstock, it is said, de- fended himself with his umbrella, and struck the Doctor with it. The probabliity is taat a lawsuit Will be the result of this affair. UTED STATES COMMISSIONER'S COURT. Charge ot Fraud Upon the Reven: Before Commissioner Davenport. About ten days ago Special Treasury Agent N. ‘W. Bingham, of Boston, discovered that customs evenue stamps were being used to legalize smug- gied cigars, or for the purpose of making domestic cigars appear like imported ones, His informa- tion Jed him to believe that stamps had been sur- Teptitiou: obtained in the New York Custom House. a, Bingham sent Special Agent Kimball here to investigate the matter, and this oficer, ‘with Special Agent Jayne and Mr. Whitney, of the ret Service Department, worked up cease. t esult was the arrest of Chartes B. James H. Carson and Frank Sachi, who had been ‘employed as stampersin the office of the Inspector Ly fr ‘Tne alleged fraud was perpetraved in this way, NEW YORK HERALD, ‘Where a merchant's invoice called for twenties— that 18, jor boxes Containing fifty. each— twenty boxes to the thousand, @ re tion would be made for twenty stamps, and Ww the boxes came in so be stamped there would be found to be only tenths on boxes containing 100 cigars each, The arrest of the accused was ¢! yy officers in the empioyment of the Secret Service Depart- ment, The Commissioner held them in $5,000 ball SUPREME’ COURT—CHAMBERS. cisions. Dec! Ju Daniels, Worman vs. webs and others-The order so far as it directs the examination of any of the parties Win tha Meniee Mopeepsere Application of Samuel er oO! ue! Schaeffer to Vacate ‘Ansesament for Pa Fifty- ninth street.—Motion to create assessment denied. Judge Ingrab: Mackarlen va ihe Union National Bank of Chicago.—Mowon ited. ge, Bran. Savey and others vs. Savey and others.—Order granted, 5 ‘SUPERIOR. COURT—SPECIAL TERM Decisions. Bys Menell. Hunter vse, Howard, Jr.—Order to correct judg- Ment and taxation of costs, Brambold vs. Mit«nacht.—Order of reference. Smith vg. Straban.—Order cancelling lis pendens, Mans vs Fanning.—Order granting leave to issue execution, ba Jai Freedman, Fudicker vs, Guard! Matual. Life Insurance Company.—Findings settied. ESSEX, MARKET POLICE COURT. Petty Thieves Sent to Trial—Ffeurth of daly Tendencies. Justice Scott was on the bench yesterday at half- past seven o’clock. His Honor rises early and at- tends to his judicial duties with conscientious punctuality. There was a heavy calendar, bat the bulk of the cases were of trifling interest, Kate Errick and Mary Elien Purser, children of tender years, were arraigned for stealing several ladies’ dresses from Mrs. Elizabeth E. Gambel, of 125 Fast Eighth ‘street. When asked by, the Justice why they had stolen the dresses they replied that some of their male friends had invited them to a picnic and they were in need. of the necessary toggery. They Were sent to the Juventie Asylum. John Madden was held to answer on a charge of stealing a uaa of United States money irom Bernard O'Hare, of 612 East Seventeenth street. John acknowledged his guilt, but sought extenua- tion in his plea that he wanted the stamps for the ag of firecrackers tor the Fourth of July. le Was held to answer at the Special Sessions, JEFFERSON MARKET POLICE COURT. Coming frem the Races. Matthew Brennan, who resides at Perth Amboy, attended the races at Waverly, N. J., on Thursday last. While there he formed the acquaintance of a genial gentieman who gave his name as William Shepherd, of New York. He did not state that he ‘was known to the police and other acquaintances in the metropolis as “Billy the Dufer,’and so of this fact Mr. Brennan remained in ignorance. He was, however, mucn pleased with his new-found friend, and, after imbibing freely, the two came on to New York together in the evening. Mr. Shep- herd knew the city well, had hved in it all his life and would show his companion a good hotel. Accordingly he escorted Brennan to a room in a downtown hotel, and, as he was somewhat under the influence of liquor, assisted him to bed. ‘The next morning Mr. Brennan ascertained that his watch and chain and a check for $40 had been stolen from him, and naturally suspected his friend. He applied to the police, who succeeded in finding Shepherd on Tuesday afternoon. He was taken to Police Headquarters, where his picture was added to the gallery there, and yesterday he Was brought up before Justice Cox, at Jefferson Market, who committed him without pail to answer. There are several indictments alread: standing against Shepherd for horse stealing ‘and other offences. GOURT CALENDAK—THIS DAY. Ce 2 Supreme Court, CuaMBeRs—Held by Judge Daniela —Nos. 35, 49, 108, 129, 283, 304, $17, 924, 325, BROOKLYN COURTS. UNITED STATES CIRCUIT COURT. eg 9 By Judge Hunt, The following decisions in cases recently heard in Brooklyn by Judge Hunt, who was then holding Circuit, were announced yesterday Henry Henly et al. vs. Steamship Idaho.—Decree of dismissal affirmed, with costs, David R. Barney vs. Steamboat D. R, Martin.— Decree of District Court reversed, Eli W. Blake vs. John Robertson.—Defendant to render account once in every three months of ma- chines manuiactured or sold by him, and give security to pay complainant any sum that may ultimately be found due him for the causes in complaint stated, In default thereol, let an in- Junction issue as asked for. Samuel Adams vs. Bark Walkyner.—Decree affirmed, with costs, ‘Theodore Shilebar vs. John Robinson.—Let an order be entered dismissing the complaint, with costs, Jed Frye vs. 8. 8. Leo.—Let an order be entered reversing decree of District Court, and a decree made that damages be apportioned, for the reason that both vessels were in fault. William Foster vs, Estate of John Rhodes, abank- rupt.—Enter an order afirming the order in the case, with costs, SUPREME COURT—SPECIAL TERM. Decision. By Judge Gilbert. L, A. Oheman vs. The World Mutual Insurance Ccmpany.—Motion to remove intosthe Supreme Court and change venue to New York county granted, with $10 costs, to abide event, on ground a the case is governed by section 125 of the bode. WATERING PLACE NOTES. Mrs, Jessie Fremont and daughter are at the Grand Union Hotel, Saratoga Springs. The trip from Providence to the White Moun- tains is now made in seven and a half hours. ‘There are good hotel accommodations and rural attractions at Newman Springs, Red Bank, N. J. Rev. Henry Ward Beecher has rooms engaged at the Twin Mountain House, White Mountains, New Hampshire. A great number of Canadians find summer so- journing places along the sea coast of Maine. Major General W. J. James and family, of Phila- delphia, are at the Grand Hotel, Saratoga. Newport is supported mainly by millionnaires and solid citizens, Saratoga Springs can boast of more of the codfish aristocracy than any other place. Long Branch takes the bulk of the poll- ticlans and ofice-seekers. Round Lake, in Rensse. laer county, New York, is noted as being the tem- potary resting place of Methodists. Cape May takes the bulk of the citizens of Washington who leave the capital for the Summer. The Jews go to Bath, Long Island, and Keyport, N. J. Miss Smiley, the Quakeress preacher, is building a cottage at Saratoga Springs. Mr, and Mrs, Barney Williams are at their Suam- mer residence at Bath, Long Island. ‘Thirty-two trains now arrive at and depart from Saratoga Springs daily. A great maily Connecticut people seek their Sum_ mer enjoyments at Oak Bluffs, in Martha's Vine- yard Sound. A number of neat cottages have been built there, The bealing properties of the waters of Sharon Springs, in Schoharie county, New York, have been satisfactorily tested by thousands of invalids. There are cottages in Newport that cost as high as $300,000, Whitestone, L. 1, which is noted as being the place of rendezvous of the New York Yacht Club, has also become quite popular with Summer boarders. It is pleasantly located, has good hotel accommodations and ts easy of access. Lake Ronkonkoma is forty-eight miles on the Long Isiand Raitroad from New York. It has a beautiful location in the heart of the island, and for comfort and quiet is not excelled. ‘The Fourth of July at Ballston Spa will be closed ‘by @ grand ball, which will be given in the spacious hall on the fair ground, Mr. and Mrs, Conway, of the Brooklyn Theatre, are spending the Summer months at their rural residence in New Hampshire. The ladies at the tashionable watering places have entirety discarded the chignon, and will not, it is said, at least during the Summer, submit to a revival of that wacouth fashion. ‘The Delaware Water Gap is about the only Sum- ‘mer fesort Of any note In the State of Pennayi- vania, It is pleasantly located in the mountains, the scenery of which is trwy grand, and has two hotels, THE HAUNTS OF DEATH, Strange Phases of the Great Social Undercurrent. A TRIP OF THE SANITARY BOARD. Unearthing the Foulness of Baxter, Batavia, Cherry, Roosevelt, Ohatham, Hamilton and Chrystie Streete—People Who Are Determined to Die~Help- ing Those to Live Who Do Not Help Themselves. pa Lt “OLEANLINESS NEXT TO GODLINESS.” This would seem to be the age of reason. People in thé great metropolis who refuse to care for themselves are forced to obey the commands of the law and to live in healthy habitations. From afar ofcome many vague rumors of a terrible pestilence, which, threatening to sweep over the land, promises to bring death to thousands of households. Whether in the more aristocratic mansion on the avenue or on the fourth floor of a crowded tenement, these uncomfortable whisper- ings are full of grave import to every resident. Rumor has it, likewise, that the curse comes most Burely to those districts in which the population ts most dense and the mdividuals least cleanly. Surely, of all the city’s population, the poor do not lead charmed lives. Theirs are, at best, uncoveted existences. Born and bred in the slums, early inured to vice and familiar with want, the poor daily become more wretched, less cleanly and least careful of the lives of all the city’s population. Clinging to their squalid attics and cellars like barnacles to the water side, this strange class ofhumanity seem to require the interference of the strong arm of the law to compel them to do what they should be glad to accomplish without urging. It is only a few years since the Jachrymose New Yorker dis- covered that there existed more wretchedness and vice ‘round an adjoining corner than he bewailed in the Fijis. The open hand of Benevolence first came to the rescue, but time proved that this was inadequate to the accomplishment of tne desired result. The creation of what is known under the Various names of commissions ard boards of charity and health has followed, and to-day the sanitary branch of the Police Department is one of the most vital importance. ATTACKING THE DRAGON. About nine o'clock yesterday morning a large squad of policemen belonging to the sanitary arm of the service, and under the charge of Captain Yule, left Police Headquarters to execute the orders of the Health Board. Sanitary Inspectors Tracy, Post, Morris, Bryant, Hamilton and Haw were of the party and discharged their disagree- able duty with conscientious fidelity, The squad repaired at once to Baxter street, that thoroughfare teeming with life and redolent of unpleasant odors, and althougn the cellars of the premises located at Nos, 80, 76, 70 and 18 were respectively visited, all had anticipated the call and departed, A call at 28 Pell street resulted in finding a cellar which was closed up and the curtains were down, The premises were declared to be vacant, but nothing Bave the closed doors and barred windows was offered in substantiation. There was every reason to believe that the Celinr had {ts occupants, but the column moved on towards THE FOURTH WARD, ‘This is the elysium of debauched men and aban- doned women. This ward would seem to be the point toward which ail drift when-the worst lives of shame have become worthless in all other parts of the city. The policemen were acquainted with such scenes, and descended into cellars to drag forth to the light of day the household gods of a base- ment population very much as tl would have per- formed the most ordinary service. Halting for a moment at 90 Roosevelt street, the proprietor of the basement, as a guarantee of the good health of the place, produced a woman who required two chairs to sit upon and who weighed 350 pounds. Like the appearance of a jack in the box the effect was magical. It was a “solid” argument, at least, Without anv uniriendly bantering on either side the doctors crossed the street and descended into the cellar of No. 93 to find that its late occupant, Michael Saroney, had departed, taking with him his edfects, A DAMP CELLAR. ‘The occupant of the basement of No. 20 Batavia street was a small statured fellow, with an uncom- monly red fi The doctors were quietly wel- comed, and, instead of putting in @ plea of insanity for inhabiting such quarters, the man simply stated that his landlord had told him that he might remain. The landlord, a Mr. Curtis, was then pro- duced from an adjoinin, rocery, and gave the tenant, Mr. Lowrie, the lie direct. The uncomfort- able Lowrie then stated that his wife was lying sick with the smallpox in the nextroom. It was remarkable how charming the bright sunshine of heaven and the air of Batavia street seemed at the next moment. ‘Two of the physicians procured a light and entered a dark closet at the rear end of the small, low room, and there, on a pile of rags, found a woman. She was broken out with some eruption and appeared very feverish, but the case was not one of smallpox, Mr. Lowrie was than interviewed and deposed:—‘I pay $6 per month jor these quarters, and have been ere three months; do not take any lodgers; there is very good ventilation here; | do not know where to go; received the notification, but had thought that the Sanitary Board would not injure @ poor man.” Vhe jury of five doctors was pres- ent; they saton the case; telegraphed for an am- bulance; ordered the woman to the hospital and the man and his chattels into the street. Again the mechanical efficiency of the police and again the uuconditional surrender of wretchedness to tue law. THIS PROPERTY “TO LET,” The low damp basement at No. 48 Cherry street contained a fresh placard offering to let the prem- ises. Mrs. Weich, the mother of twelve children, was finally found, and opened the rooms. All vacant. Avery bad case was found at No, 49 Cherry street. {n this cellar there were five small coms: partments and more than that number of depraved women. There was only about one hundred and sixty cubic feet of air to each inhabitant, while for the needs of health there skouid be 3,000 to each, Aboard over the door announced that it was @ eat | house and that the proprietor was P. Quinn, Short work and dirty landed the foul nest in the street. ‘I'he abandoned women turned loose the depths of their wrath upon all. The property was said to be owned by a Mr. Lewis, of 716 Broadway. LOW LODGING HOUSES. ‘The next den, No. 53 Cherry street, was found to be a low basement, the floors of which were literally covered with filth. There were two rooms, eight by ten feet in size. There were two dirty women in the place, but no furniture. It was closed up. Henry Madden occupied a cellar fifteen feet under ground at No. 55 Cherry street and displayed the sign “Junk Store.” As he did not take lodgers ‘and could not kill any one but himseif he was quietly let alone. On the top floor of No. 51 Cherry street a case of pe fever was found. e basement of No, 10434 was occupied as & dining room. “A square dinner” for fifteen cents could be had. James Carey, ot Brooklyn, owns the entire building and lets it out to James Newell for $600 per year. The latter is a sailors’ boarding house keeper. A. Hearne owns No. 109 Cherry street and resides there, The basement was full of beds. “HUSTLE THEM OUT,” said — doctor, and everything went into the street. ‘Two rooms in the cellar of No. 320 Pearl street, next visited, were found empty. The birds nad gone to some other rookery. A vile resort was broken up at No. 8f Chatham street. It was kept by Sarah Burne, and, uncer the name of @ dance house, the lowest vice was fostered. It ts owned by Mr. Lamin, of No. 83 Chatham street, and he gets $50 per month for the den. Five dark rooms—7 teet nA 6—were jormed along one side of the room by a board partition. ‘The beds had been removed irom these aud were placed in a'vault under the back stairs, Tne avalanche of blue-coated veterans descended into that celiar and de remarkably short work of the whole affair—bar, beds and women, A dark, damp celiar at No. 61 Chatham street roved to be unoccupied, although it has often Been known to have forty persons in it at a time. It is owned by a Mr, Ridley, in the same house. THE WORST HABITATION found during the day was encountered at No. 40 Hamilton street. The basement, entirely below the sidewalk, is divided by a dark corridor, which to dark rooms, each week. In left was found o et crazy girl and a dog. The air was so foul that it could not be endured by any sane person. The sewer pipe ran down the side of the wall and from it leaked the filth which gave the sickening odor to the apartment, The poor creature's affection for the | black dog-was really affecting. she be- lieved the officers had come to kill the beast. She told them that they might take everything which she had in the world only to spare the dog to her. While the oMfcers were examining another part of the floor she escaped and abandoned all her furni- ture. Jt was thrown out into tye street, as was all hating Jn one room a mite qua wan found quietly sleeping on a mass of rags in a corner. The Jollowing 8 Were also visited :—Nos, 18, 90 and 92 t Broadway; Nos, 189 and 205 \viston; Nos. 19 and 49 Orchard; No. 53 Forsythe; No. 13 Essex, and Nos. 33, 70 and 88 street. The last named Places were homes of the’ little white slaves trom Italy. MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. eee The Axe Still Falling—More Discharges by Mr. Van Nort. ‘The decapitation of heads and reduction of sal- aries in the Department of Public Works and the Department of Finance continued to excite the politicians yesterday, and the Aldermen more par- tcularly, a8 it leasens their chances to get their poor constituents employment on the public works and parks. The Comptroller will in a few days make further reductions in his Department, and it is expected that the decapitation proces follow in the Police, re, Docks and other de ents before the week closes, Yesterday Commissioner Van Nort stated to a representative of the HERatnt that he is going through ail nia bureaus and will cut the expenses down to the lowest figure. Yesterday he ordered the discharge of forty stone workera who are gmplored by the cord, These were all the changes made by him yesterday. The laborers are very restless over the reduction of the estimates and the probability of many of them being thrown out of employment, and naturally they turn to the Comptroller as the party responsible for the re- duction, Comment having been made as to the small reduction over last year made in the Depart- ment of Finance it is proper to say that the estimates for this year include $25,000 for the Bureau of Assessments transferred under the charter from the Pablic Works to the Department of Finance, The Aldermanic Heads of Republic: of the Aldermen and Supervisors To Be Lopped Off—Four Victims Already. ‘The combination that defeats from week to week the confirmation of the Mayor’s nominations, finding that they hold the trump cards, have re- solved upon a startling and sweeping movement to get ashare of patronage. They claim that in the distribution of the $44,000 patronage of the Supervisors and $25,000 on tiie Board of Alcermen, Messrs. Cooper, Falconer and other republicans secured all the offices for their friends with one single exeeption, and now they teel that they will be justified in lopping off their heads and replacing them by their own nominees. Already the Committee on County Offices o! the Supervisors, Messrs. Van Shaick, McCafferty, Koch and Mon- heimer, have overruled their associate, Billings, and removed a janitor, two women anda watch- man. They propose to remove all withina few days, not exceptt General Pinkney, who, some claim, is retained by the new charter, his Move explains the recent reconstruction of the committees of the Supervisors. Good News for Park Laborers. Commiasioner Stenbins yesterday informed some of the Aldermen that the Board of Park Cemmis- sioners will at once proceed to reinstate 800 labor- ers formerly in the employ of the Park Commis- sion, and there is a lively competition among the Aldermen to get their share of the appointments. Several of the Aldermen claim that Mr. Cooper has the lion's share of the ba gene and yester- day they offered to allow him the naming of six- teen men if he would give one to each of his col- leagues. The secret of his success in putting men at work is the fact that he is related to Superin- tendent Ryan, of the Parks. The Fourth Avenue Improvement. A large number of complaints from citizens living on the line of the Fourth avenue improvement have been made at the office of the Board of Alacr- men against the manner in which the cross streets are obstructed by the railway company. It is charged that fora long distance they have taken possoxsion of the sidewalk on Fourth avenue, upon which torun their regular and dirt trains, and have closed nearly all the street crossings below Enghty-ninth street, so that it is tmpoesibie for per- sons with teams to cross to Third avenue with- out making a long detour. The taw distinctly provides against such obstruction, and a resolution upon the subject will be introduced in the Board of Aldermen to-day. — Fhe Supervisors’ Salaries 'The Aldermen Were yesterday given warrants for their last month’s salaries as Aldermen, but when they asked for their warrants for services as Supervisors they were refused. A delegation, compesed of Messrs, Monheimer, Cooper, Reilly, requested warrants for salaries jor the two months now due—$1s6 €0 per month—but he assured them be did not consider he had power under the law to audit their claims. Mr. Monheimer at once re- pues to his counsel and instituted suit. Mr. ysaght reports that the Comptroller expressed to him the belief that they are entitied to pay as Supervisors, but he declined to pay them until ordered to do so by the Court. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. A Dull Meeting—The Election of a Clerk Postponed Until October, ‘The Board of Education held a stated meeting yesterday afternoon, at which there were present thirteen Commissioners and a large number of principals and teachers. Commissioner Dowd pre- sided. Several reports from committees were sub- mitted, among others one giving a most extraordi- nary description of the condition in which the the cellar of the building. A communication was received from Mr. Whitte- more, of the Sixteenth ward, who comcs to the conclusion that under the new charter he is no longer a trustee, The commun:cation was referred to the appropriate committee. The Committee on the Evening High School made @ report as tothe teachers who are to act as instructors to the school during the evening season. A resolution was offered and adopted authorizing the trustees of the various schools to advertise for proposals to repair furniture, 4&c,, in their re- spective schools, under the supervision of the Com- mittee on Buildings; also another resolution, ap- propriating $200 to put Grammar School No, 31 in @ healthy condition, as far as its Closets are con- cerned. A resolution reported by committee autuor- izing the trustees of the Seventh ward to advertise for proposals to erect wings to Grammar School No. 2 was referred to the Finance committee, The Committee on Mtes and New Schools recom- mended by resolution that the Trustees of the Nineteenth ward be authorized to lease Nos. 789 and 791 Third avenue for a primary school, at the rate of $3,600 the first year, with the privilege of a renewal jor four years at @ rent of $4,000 a year. The recommendation was approved and & reso- lution adopted to meet the desires of the Trustees. The same committee recommended that the Reaen now occupied by Grammar School No. 38 purchased, aud the question was referred to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Fare offered a resolution that the large hall of the Board be fitted up for the use of the Teachers’ Association, which was referred to the Committee on Buildings. Commissioner Cusuing moved that the Board Proceed to the election ofacierk. Mr. Beardsley moved to lay the motion on the table. The yeas and nays were called, and Mr. Beardsley’s motion was carried by a vote of9 to 7. Theh the persistent Cushing offered a resolution making tne etection of clerk @ special order at the next stated meeting, which was killed by Mr. Beardsley making a mo- tion to lay on tne table, which wascarried by the Same vote. But Cushing was still not ready to go under in this summary way, and straightway offered another resolution, that an eiection for clerk be held in September next at the first stated meeting in that month. Mr. Townsend took hold of the resolution by the horns, and declared that the Board ought not now hee itself “black or white, right or wrong,” go on with any such election at the time specified in the resolution. Mr. Halsted wanted October sub- stituted for September; but Mr. Cushing would not accept the amendment, and went into an exten- sive spread-eagie talk about the reasons why and wherefore an eiection should be heid in October, Mr. Haisted’s amendment was put to the vote and declared carried by 9 to7. The question on Mr. Cushing's resolution as amended was then taken and was declared carried. A resolution was offered appointing a certain Professor in the Normal Schoo! to teach German and French in the Saturday Normal School. This resolution gave rise to a discussion as to whetner there was now legaliy anything known as a Satur- day Normal School, and, to dispel the general ig- norance of the Board on the subject the matter Was referred to tne Committee on Bylaws. An amendment to the bylaws was offered that the salaries of the female principals be fixed at $2,000, The matter was finally referred to the Com- mittee on Salaries. THE SHOOTING OF MR, MARRINER. His Death in the Hospital. Mr. Joseph C. Marriner, late of 130 West Thirty- fourth street, the man who shot himself through the head late on Tuesday afternoon, subsequently died tn the Centre Street Hospital. Coroner Herr- man visited the hospital yesterday, but meeting none of the relatives or friends of deceased who could give testimony in the case, the inquest was Beebee: till to-day. Mr. Marriner ia thought to Gave been deranged at the time of committing the ee Morris and Lysaght, catled open Auditor Earie and | removed janitor of Grammar School No, 47 had left | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1873.-TRIPLE SHEET, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THEY WANT? ———-_—_. A Great Roar About Mr. Fox's Birthplace. {from the Sunday Citizen.) Fools may doubt aad envious rivals may sneer at the wonderful feats performed by representatives of the NEw YORK HERALD at home and abroad; but ‘the fools doubt only because to fools such feats are | Impossible and incomprehensible, and the rivals who sneer outwardly are allowing their little hearts to be eaten by jeatousy. The HEeRaxp is rich, thanks to the patronage of a discriminating public; but it spends its riches freely for the benefit of the public that made it what it is. The gain has been mutual, and it is diMmecult to aay on which side—of the HERALD or the public—the balance lies. The HERALD, too, is a lucky paper—lucky in pro- aucing three results, each of which is the product of the othertwo. Itis lucky in having the money to back up that spirit of enterprise which in these days is only a source of grief to the conductor of a newspaper, and it is lucky in finding the men whose daring and cleverness in the discharge of the duties assigned them are worthy of the enter- prise that engages their services; but tt is still more lucky in possessing a guiding spirit to whose foresight, prudence, clear knowledge of human na- ture and vast comprehension of the world’s affairs are due the selection of the right men for the right pinges and the works cut out jor them to accom- plish, In the matter of detailing the proper men to their respective dutics the success of the HERALD is mainly due to the fact that ability and fitness are the only qualifications sought for, and their possessor is the winning man as a candidate ior any position on that journal, be he who he may. On the staff of the HrRALD is a large share of the American element, supplemented by the brains of every country on the globe. Irishism, of course, is represented here, as it is in every intellectual tleld in the world where fair play opens the gates to all and prejudice bars the way against none; and we are proud, heartily proud, to record a fact for which we have watched with some anxtety, namely—that wherever the HERALD has sent an Irishman, particularly when dangers and dificulty attended the mission—wherever it was, there went @ man, and a brave and a clever man, One Of the most wondertul feats ever performed by @ newspaper correspondent, and one of the most creditable to humanity, was the lonely visit yee to Captain Jack Modoc tn hia stronghoid in the lava beds, by Mr. Edward Fox, of the Herat, the particulars of which must be fresh in the minds ef our readers, snd the charming account of that visit which Mr. Fox furnished to his employer. He is a fine, tall, splendidly built young fellow, but his handsome face is a8 mild and his manners are as unassuming a8 those of a Sister of Charity. In- deed, nol thought that so much talent, bravery and endurance were “in him"—nobody, that is, but the clear-headed man who appointed him to the task; for he looks as harmless and innocent as a sheep, which ts the result, perhaps, of his possess- ing in an eminent degree those sheeply attributes which, though 01 least importance in the quadru- ee most valuable in a man, “the head and uck, Unwilling that New York and its HeraLp should have the unalloyed credit of Edward Fox's great journatistic achievement, and still more unwilling that any of that credit shoulda be reflected on the name of poor little Ireland, the London Times hastens to console the world with the information ‘vhat Mr, Fox isan Englishman. This “thundering English lie’ the subject of it hastens indignantly to brand as such. Disciaiming for himsel! the tre- mendous honor of being an Englishman, he wishes us to give to Ireland tne honor of his birth and breeding, which we hereby gladly do. He was once an officer of the English Life Guards, but that ts all the English about him. Is it not enough that those English have stolen all our orators, stateamen, poets and soldiers, who have pleaded, thought, wrought and fought in their service? Van they not be content with the glories that Irish genius and valor have, often un- willing!y, won tor them, without filching the good name which the flower of our people here are most heartily willing to win for our adopted country? This case of Mr. Fox and the HERALD may appear @ trifling one to say so much about; but it 1 trifing, and even If it were it is useful ad Indicat- ing the constitutionally kleptomaniacal disposition of John bull to steal everything he can lay his clumsy hands on, particularly everything that be- longs to Ireland or Amertca. I! the article should belong to both, then that brute’s thievish instincts become proportionately sharpened; and if the American people become as thoroughly convinced Of this as we are it will be all the better for them. THE WARD'S ISLAND TROUBLE. Mr. Powell miaiite ie Father Prachen- | sky’s Criticism on the Scctarian Chapel Question. New York, June 30, 1873. To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:— In your issue of the 24th mst. I noticed a reply trom Father Prachensky to my previous communication which I deem it necessary to answer. I do not propose here to discuss the question, “Is the Roman Catholic Church a sect ?”’ although I might not object to do even that else- where. The church on Ward’s Island was con- structed after the manner previously stated—not for the Romanists or any particular sect—and Father Prachensky either misstates or lh does not know the jacts if he asserts the contrary. Mr. Lynch’s printed statement will not suffice for me for similar reasons, as the resolution was not passed in the Board to build a Roman Catholic chapel. But the charch was but, and against law, as any fair-minded man may see on reading the law for himsel’, and as the official opinion of the Counsel to the Board advised. Cnomicial opinions may be obtained anywhere and for any occasion, and be unsound when built on matter extraneous to the law itself. Mr. O’Gorman’s let- ter to Mr. Porter was @ lawyer's plea. Was that letter written to obtain an opinion which would fortify General Hillyer’s, or was the purpose the re- verse * Was it not FRAMED FOR THE LATTER? Whatever opinion was had should have been upon the law alone, and not the plea. Did the Board authorize or call upon Mr. Porter tor his opinion? If the Father takes the opinion of Judge Yorter to be suMcient he is less exacting than the Board, for they merely placed it on file as the ex- pressions of an outsider, Tne effort which was made to make it eqnal to the oficial opinion only shows how far persons will go to further a plan, But why does the Father not even notice General Millyer’s opinion? Was it bad law?’ Quoting again, “The committee of the Board (at that tune) having special charge of the institutions on Ward’s Island resolved that @ building should be erected | suitable for Roman Catholic worsuip.”” ‘Though | their first efforts to pass such a resolve failed, when tie Board was almost entirely Romanist in its composition the form adopted was for “a church” only. The after circumstances show clearly enough the trutn stated above, that “the committee having special charge,” &c., did intena, by hook or crook, to accomplish what the Board at first was unwilling to do. The grasping spirit of ecclesiastical intulerance was only hidden at tbat time till CRAFT, BY SUCCESSIVE STEPS, could obtain that superior accommodation to one sect whieh it denies to another, But to show that no very alarming innovation is contemplated when We demand the use of this church for ali de- nominations, I cull from letters receive | Charities Correction in New Yor' (mixed) of chapels in this departmen' well.” Naval Academy, Annapol: “All sects may go to the same church; but the Roman Catholics go into the city to church, close by. West Point Academy :—‘“The soldiers’ chapel is used for Protestants or Methodists In the afternoon and Homan Catholice in the morning. The system can’t possibly produce conflict.” Boston Depart- ment of Pubiic Instruction, having charge of the House of Correction and Almshouse :—“here 1s but one chapel. All attend, No trouble. A Roman Catholtc priest is sent when a patient ban one.” Turn again to the reverend Fatne: ‘ote withstanding he dentes it, I assert he did endeavor to procure @ large representation, as | stated; and he had a right to do so, of course. He poiitely calls me @ liar, and then admits { tell the truth when | state he did not pay the carpenter or painter, The former, when he left the isianc, had to beg for money to buy his dinner, and stated he Was not paid for his services, If the inmates are sent to the island by the Commissioners they ouly or the Warden should employ them, The Father arrogates to hitmsel! powers equal to those of the Warden or Commissioners, Yhat right has a chaplain to set them to work? Are the rations his or may he take State property thus lo lurther his owa private ends’ Truly UE HAS GOT ROPE ENOUGH and is hang: ng himself, That he “dabbles tn politics’? 1s suMcientiy shown by kis own admis- sions, He degies my statement and then con- cedes that did sectre certain appointments. It he can thus stuitily himself im one particu.ar may he not in others? As to denying 80 pointedly hay- ing granted passes 1 would ask him tf he forgets the case of Catherine Nass, whose Protestant child he caused to be spirited from its mother and from the island on a pass procured by his orders? He may not have written the pass himself, but he is certainly responsible for the actions of his creatures, Who simply obey his mandates. It 18 sufficient for the present, in order to prove my statement, that Icull from the testimony of this case, Mrs. Kromkleder, the nurse, states that “the riest wrote a note to Mrs, Hi r, the matron.’ father precheaeey, testifies:—"I asked Mrs. Hoe- ger to have the child sent over the river to pre- vent the mother from getting the child.’ Mrs. Hoeger says :—"The child was taken from the island by (written) order of the priest, and I wrote the ass because of the order of the priest.” Joseph loeger says : ‘Mrs: Allen had a pass (rom Mrs. Hoe- ger.” But though more remains behind, I will rest here, thanking you, Mr. Editor, for your impartiality, and satisfied that my case is ble Respect- Jully yours, DREW POWELL, 5 THE WAR OF THE PANTHAYS. —__-+_—- Another Chinese Success Over the Mohamedans, —_-— Wholesale Slaughter of Non-Combatante—British Commercial Interests at Issue—Ancient Routes of Travel To Be Re-estab- lished—The Rebellion Sup- posed To Be Ended. Momilen, reported in late news by cable ag have ing been captured by the Chinese forces, is not in the Empire of Burmah, but is the next important city in one of the departments of Yunnan ruled by the late Emperor Sooliman, who died from the effects of poison taken by himself when Taleefoo was stormed a few months since. Momien was surrounded as far back as April last, and was cer- tain to fall, when another massacre as sweeping and merciless a8 that that took place at Taleefoo was expected to add a deeper stain to the annals of the war. THE CAUSES OF THE HOSTILITIES IN WESTERN CHINA may be stated as follows:— The Panthays, er Mohammedan rebels, as they are called, have maintained their tndependence for several years, And on many occasions inflicted se- vere reverses on the Chinese. They abhorred the Buddhist religion and found the rule of the Man- darins intolerable. The Su!tan Sooliman 1s de- seribed to have been a discreet, intelligent and energetic man, and had gained the confidence of his people to a remarkable degree, Having firmly established his power, as it was thought, an expe- dition, under Major Sladen, was sent by the gov- ernment of British India to explore his territory. The Major was received with great kindness, and in his report stated that the Emperor expressed to him his willingness to enter into commercial rela- tions with the Western Powers. Sooliman was slso reported to be about opening @ good com- mercial and military road between Burmah and Yunnan, and was anxious to receive the suppors of Engiand to secure the independence of his king- dom. EFPECT ON ENGLISH SHIPPING INTERESTS, The English authorities seemed to be anxious to smooth the way for the establishment of friendly relations, and Englisn merchants had already established two steamship lines between Rangoon, the great trade depot on the Irrawaudy, and Man- dalay, the capital of Upper Burmah, and Bhamo— forty miles from the Chinese frontier—the com- mercial centre in Burmah. hamo was the ancient emporium of the caravan road to Yunnan, where the Dutch had formerly as many as fifteen hundred factories. In connection with these lines another between Glasgow and Rangoon has been putin operation, and thus the English appeared to be ready to enter into commercial relations with Western China, and to be particularly favorable to the claims of the Panthays for independence, A MISSION TO ENGLAND IN 1872, The Sultan Sooliman, who has in the meantime acknowledged the Emperor of furkey as Caliph, had a feartul storm gathering over his head. The Chinese were terribly enraged by the recognition extended to him by Great Britain, and determined to crush his authority in Yunnan. Sooliman sent his own son, Prince Hassan, early in 1872 ona mission to Great Britain at the very time a a special Burmese Embassy was visiting the coun- try. It appears that the Prince returned to Ran- goon dissatisfied with his reception in London by the Secretary of State for India, but having been hospitably entertatned by the Chief Commissioner of British Burman he resolved to stay as that gen- tleman’s guest until the road should be opened for him to proceed via Mandalay and Bhamo to Talee- foo. PRINCE HASSAN IN BURMAR, ‘The road had been closed in consequence of the fighting between the Chinese and Panthays, and therefore all trade or trafic from Bhamo towards China was stopped. It was at this time, April, 1873, that @ number of Chinese officials, on their way te Mandalay with letters for the King of Bur- mah from the Chiuese Governor of Yunnan, visited Captain Lownaes, the British political agent at Bhamo, and gave information of the fail of Taleefoo, and that the population were all slaughtered to the number of 30,090, including women and chil- dren, while those who ABJURED THEIR RELIGION and ate pork were spared. By the capture of Moimien the Chinese have now dominton up to the © confines of Burmah Proper, and as they are said to be firm allies of the King of Burmah, who de- clares himself anxious to open trade through his dominions, there is 4 probability of the old trade route being again revived and of Rangoon coming into direct communication with China, The unfor- tunate Sooliman has probably been sacrificed to. these trading interests, and his son, Prince Hassan, appears to have had a very marrow escape from the havoc committed at Taleefoo, Whether or not he fell at Momien is, of course, unknown, but tt may be accepted as fact that the war for the pres- entis ended. What effect it will have on British trade remains tobe seen. The late Emperor placed much reliance upon English influence and support, jpand had some reason to believe from the represent- atives of the government of the East Indies that the Chinese would be held under some kind of re- straint. The latter prosecuted the war ina furl- ously savage manner, while all accounts agree that the Mohammedans spared their prisoners and fought courageously against immense odds, A railroad to the frontiers of Burman is contem plated. BIDS POR CITY Comptroller Green opene $500,000 City Parks Improven $230,000 Croton Water Main is a list of the several vidders the amount desired and the r of the same :— TOR CITY rank IMPROVEN Samuel T. Skidmore M. L. B. Martin. Lewis J. White 0000000000000 George K. Sistare (ror the entir Or will take....... B. Smit! M. L. B. . B. Nash New York Savings Bank New York Savings Bank Total bids. tit $1,538,100 The awards have not yet been made by the Comptroller. OOMPTROLLER’S RECEIPTS. Comptroller Green reports the following amounts paid yesterday into the city treasury :— BUREAU OF ARREARS, From arrears of taxes, assessments, water ren and interert....... seeveed fr ssessmnt nts for street mings and ii 0D a ents tor ope! provements and interest on are From market rents and fees, and house rent... $989 10 OF WATER REGISTER, B00 5,000 ‘$1,701 Comptroller Green paid yesterday at the several Places designated the salaries of the Fire Depart- ment for the month of Jun amountip, w $78,500,