The New York Herald Newspaper, October 14, 1873, Page 7

Oz “om ‘THE LONDON THEATRES First Appearance of Mr. Henry Irving as Richelicu---Great Excitement in the The- atrieal World. THE CELEBRITIES PRE T. Conduct of a London Gallery Audience— Mr. Irving’s Performance Good, but Not Great. ANIONY AND CLEOPATRA. A Single-Part Actor---Mr. Robertson's Comedies and Mrs. Bancroft’s Company. Lonnon, Sept. 29, 1873, Among the London actors of the present day Mr. Henry Irving unquestionably occupies the most Prominent position, A young man—not more than two and thirty—he is not merely an enormous favorite with the general public, but bas his rank allowed by those who have made the dramaa study, and by the leading professors of his art. This position has not been fortuitously obtamed. it is the result of natural talent, strengthened and educated by hard provincial training. A dozen years ago Mr. Irving came to London with the idea that, having as a very young man been successful in such small parts as he had been entrusted with in the Edinburgh theatre, he was bound to make a Metropolitan success, He played a small part in @ bold adaptation of a French drama, such a part a8 a man of experience might have elevated into recognition. The young man had had no experience, and the part Was overlooked, Tne actor did not fail; he was ignored, With vreat wisdom and self-denial Mr. Irving immediately returned to the provinces and rejoined the ranks from which he had attempted to emerge. Six or seven years’ hard labor brought him his reward. He came to London, and his per- formance as Rawdon Scudamore, in Boucicault’s play of ‘Hunted Down,” showed that we had a Valuable addition to our miserably small corps of artistic actors. Since then Mr. Irving's career has been slowly but surely progressive. His acting in “Uncle Dick's Darling,” at the Gayety, and “The Two Roses,” at the Vaudeville, showed a keen conception of character and good powers of portrayal—showed @ man not content with speaking the language provided by the author and donning the clothes provided by the cos- tumer, but with suMcient mental power to vivify the black and make every sentence tell. It was not, however, until about twelve montis since that Mr, Irving strode out from the foremost line of average actors and took up a position by him. self, At the Lyceum Theatre, under the manage- ment of a wellknown American gentleman, in a piece called “The Bells,” ingeniously adapted from MM. Erckmann-Chatrian’s dramatic sketch Le Juiy Polonais, he played a wild, weird eharacter, which he invested with such intensity, with such fitiul gicams of lurid light and jagged angles of shade, with such extraordinary energy and such rapt force, as to create a sensation unequalled for Many years. It was his success in “The Bells” which litted Mr. Irving to the pinnacle on which he stands; it will, it I mistake not, be the influence of his success in “The Belis” which Mr. Irving will have to contend against, with all the power at his command, to prevent his being toppled over. CHARLES THE FIRST AND EUGENE ARAM. Mr. Irving’s next appearance was in “Charles the First,” a quasi his*orical play, in which nistor- ical facts were ingeniously perverted jor the pur- pose of whitewashing the King. It liad been shrewdly surmised that it was Mr. Irving’s per- sonal appearance which first suggested to his in- genious manager, Mr. Bateman, the idea of getting r. Wills, one of those rising geniuses who very seldom float into mid-air, to prepare a blauk verse lay, in which the favorite actor could personate he hero, There was some pretty writing in this play, and Mr. Irving’s acting was delicate and polished, certain little touches with his children, certain deciamatory bursts against Cromwell and his comrades, rising into the region of high art by the pathos and dignity with which they were invested. Not so much could be said tor “Eugene Aram,” which was decidedly @ retrograde step. The lay, also by Mr. Wills, was desperately dull and tedious, and Mr, irving’s acting was vold of intcrest and ainfully monotonous. It bad been ge that his performance in “The Bellis” lacked light and shade, and that there was not sullicient contrast in the manner of the murderer between the time when he imagined he had destroyed all evidences of his it and the period of iis detection. It had been objected, also, that in the same character his rage had degenerated into rant, his terror into unintelligible ravings. If these faults had been noticeable in “The Bells’? they were revived in fullest force in orgie Aram.’ It was a perform- ance painiul in the highest degree, and from which one came away Without a pleasant remembrance. Since its close in the summer the Lyceum would, it was well known in theatrical circles, be opened with “Richelieu,” and the event was anticipated With the greatest curiosity. ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE OF “RICHELIEU.” “Richelieu” was Oey produced at Covent Garden Theatre, on Thursday, the 7th of March, 1839, its author, bir Edward Bulwer, who died Lord Lytton, having been created a baronet duriag the aay year. It was his second dramatic work, is first and most lastingly successiul play, “The Lady of Lyons,” having been produced a tew montis id Me ee The cast of “Richelieu com- prised the greatest names of the day. Mr. Ma- cready, then in the zenith of his fame, was the Cardinal; Mr. James Anderson, a veteran who is even now upon the London boards and who then was the embodiment of manly grace, was the Chev- alter de Mauprat; Mr. Warde—if1 mistake not, an American—was the cunning Baradas; Miss Helen Fancit, now Mrs, Theodore Martin, was Julie, and r. Phelps, who for many years past las been England's representative tragedian, played the smaii but important part of Joseph, the Car- dinal’s attendant monk. Since Mr. Macready’s re- tirement from the stage Mr. Pheips has been. looked upon as his Jegitimate successor, and has con- stantly played Kichelieu with very great success. ‘The play, though often acted in the provinces, ts rarely revived in London, it being honestly con- Jessed that the principal character is one quite out of the range oi Ordinary nistrionic ability, and that in essaying tt before @ critical Loudon audience a dramatic aspirant ‘puts lis fortune to the touch, to win or lose it all.” ASPECT OP THE AUDIENCE. It is not surprising, therefore, that on such an Occasion every seat in the house was occupied. Although at this season of the year many of those who usually attend first night representations are, Or ought to be, still away from London, the stalls and private boxes seemed filed with familiar faces. In addition to the professional critic, I noticed Miss Braddon, Mrs. Boucicault, Sir Bruce Seton, Mr. Hodgson, R. A., Mr. Charles Dickens, Mr. Montague Williams, one of the leading barristers at the Old Bailey; Mr. James Whistier, whose clever eccentricities in art so bewilder the frequenters of our Academy exhibitions; Mr. Stephen Fiske, who is about to he the subject of an action Jor libel pub- lished in the Hornet, of which he is proprietor; Mr. Hollingshead, the manager of the Gaiety, and @ host of actors and actresses. The pit was packed, and the gallery crammed by a mob which, quiet at first, soon demonstrated its strength and purpose, and at one time threatened to put a stop to the performance. it has been my lot to be present at many exhibitions of feeling on the occasion of the- atrical representations, but Ido not think I was ever before deafened by such a whirl of yelling, shrieking, Whistling, cat-calling, hand-c apping and foot-stamping ag that which followed the inter- val between the fall of the curtain onthe first and its rise on the second act. ‘ihe occa- sion was the attempted recali of an actor named Howard, who by lis tremendous voice and exaggerated gestures had pleased them greatly. Mr. Howard, doubtless, was changing his costume and could not come; but no apology was made for him, and, apparently under the presi- dency ofa young man without his coat and with his shirt sleeves tucked up, the mob continued to roar on, utterly unnindiul of Mr, Robert Stoepel and his instrumentals, who were endeavoring to propitiate it. Lam airaid that this mob interfered very much with the real pleasure of the evening. It asserted itself perpetually, aud was in the wild- est extremes 48 regards both tts applause and its disapprobation; only so far as the applause was concerned, it uniortunately always bestowed tt in she wrong place. MK. IRVING'S PERFORMANCE, Has Mr. Irving made @ progressive atep in his pro.ession by tis pertormance of Richelieu? I Bhould say that he bad, though, at the same time, it would be absurd to aver that he fuidiled the ex: ctations of the most critical among bis audienc ¢ was a good but not @ great periormance. Cer- tain of the quieter ret Se notably those in which the Cardinal indulges In that sly satire, which 18 aleading feature in his character—were marked by a change in the facial expression and pe alteration in the tones of the voice which were admisable, Exvelient too, was the scone ww fe] which the old man attempts to lift the huge broad- sword with which he had viously done such service, and the scene where the Cardinal, in state of faintness and pronation, is awaiting the arrival of the despatch with which he is to crush his enemies, But Mr, Irving's true friends regret- ted to see that the tendency to rant, which is this actor's most besetting sin, was more fully indulged m than ever, In certain passages he spoke at such Tate as to be almost un- intelligible; he screamed himself hoarse and had almost lost the command of his voice be- fore the evening closed. It 1s deeply to be regret- ted that this and another blemish, the persistent adoption of a whining monotone, should sully a performance in which there ts much that is really dignified and noble. But it is Jair to state that these are the opinions of the critical few and not of the many-headed mob, who went positively crazy with delight, Wheu Mr, Bring first appeared, mar- vellously inade up, with yellow shrivelled cheeks, scant gray hair drooping over his torelead from beneath the red skull cap; thin, gaunt frame, roved in purple and fur, and long, lean, nervous}; twitching hands, he received such a welcome as have seldom heard accorded to any actor. Whenever he made a point ademonstration almost equally great awaited him, and if he were an ignorant or @ vain man his ruin might be saiely predicted, He is, however, neither, and his common sense will doubtless lead him to shun those quicksands by which his already great reputation stands a chance ot being engulled., Miss Isabelle Bateman played Julie, the heroine, a part which was quite be- yond her strength and in which her inadequacy seriously endangered the success of the play. “ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA’? AT DRURY LANE. Mr. Chatterton, who for some years has been the Jessee of the enormous theatre in Drury lane, has wisely given up all attempts to render it a place for the exhibition of acting, or in any way a school of art, and has year by year devoted himself to the production of ‘various pageants, connected to- ether by the thin links ‘of a story culled from ‘alter Scott or Shakespeare, and adapted to mod- ern tastes and requirements b; . Andrew Halli day. ‘The latest revival is Shakespeare’s ‘‘Antony and Cleopatra,’ which, as a vehicle for Mr. Bever- ley’s scenery, gorgeous dresses and decorations, and interminable pageants and processions, serves well enough. Mr, James Anderson, of whom I have already made mention in this letter, plays Antony, and, though his years somewhat preveni him from reahzing one’s idea of the Egyptian Queen’s “mailed Bacchus,” bis voice is sonorous and his gestures appropriate. Miss Wallis playa Cleopatra with really remarkable grace, spirit and archness; but she lacks personal attractions, You in America have borrowed our real Cleopatra— Miss Neilson. “MANPRED"” AT THE PRINCESS’, That there are single-part actors, as well 28 singie-speech politicians, is a fact well known in the profession. Prominent among these was & gentieman named Denvil, who, some thirty years ago, made an astonishing success in Lord Byron’s tragedy of “Manfred,” He tried other characters, but failed as signally as he had succeeded, faded away irom the sight of the public and his iriends, and was not heard of until twenty years after, when he was discovered acting as check-taker at the Lyceum Theatre, in which at that very time— mark the irony of Fate—another actor was per- forming the part of Manfred, in which this poor check-taker had achieved his renown. This other actor, Mr. Charles Dillon, is now playing Manfred at the Princess’, He has been on the stage for many years, and by some extraordinary chance contrived to play one part, Belphegor, with decent intelligence, In everything else which he has attempted he has been utterly wanting in taste and appreciation. He has a loud. ragged voice, and a styie which would gain him great favor with the pea-nut eating trequenters oi the Bowery, but to licar him bellowing forth Byron's blank verse Is, toa person of any ear and educa- tion, simply excruciating. “SCHOOL” AT THE PRINCE OF WALES’, Those people who take the trouble to speculate Whether the so-called comedies of the late Mr, Robertson will have any permanent Vitality may be saiely answered in the negative. With the exception of ‘Caste’ they are not plays at all— simply charades furnished with crisp dialogue— but with only stamina suilcient for representation in the Theatre Royal Back-Draw- ing Room. They are dying out rapidly here, and it 1s only when acted by the original company that they prove attractive in London, Those who have not seen Mrs. Bancro{t's Company have not seett Mr. Robertson’s comedies. I know this is not the opinion held in America, I have heard that in “School,” the piece now under revival at the Prince of Wales’, Mr, Lester Wallack plays the character of Jack Poyntz better than its original representa- tive, Mr. Bancroit. I beg leave to differ trom this. Mr. Lester Wallack is a most admirable actor, a man of lar greater experience and greater versa- tility than Mr. Bancroit; but Jack Poyntz is essen- tially a type of the most modern species of swell, a Man who has come up among us long since Mr. Wailack left us for America, @ character of which be can have no idea, and which Mr. Bancroit repre. sents to the II As to Mrs, Bancrotlt, her art is almost perfe THE STRONG-MINDED. ion, The Advocates of ‘Woman Suffrage in Council—Speeches by Female Orators— Lucy Stone on the Coming Centenniat— Women Advised to Have Nothing To Do With It-The Unemployed Parasol Makers. The annual meeting of the American Woman Suf- frage association and celebration of its fourth anniversary opened at Cooper Institute last even- ing. The hall was comfortably fliled, the sexes being about equally represented. Soon after the appointed hour Mr. Thomas W. Higginson, Presi- dent of the Executive Cémmittee, appeared on the platiorm, accompanied by a considerable number of those ladies who have made themselves most prominent in this move- ment. In calling the meeting to order he stated that this was his last service as Presi- dent, as this association, unlike the Evangelical Alliance, elected a President once a year, end a man to the position every other year. This is the end of the every other year. He had read the ten days’ talk of the Alliance, and if any woman had opened her hips during that time it had not been reported or he had not seen the paper that contained the report of her remarks. Hence the less said of the old legend that there were SIX BASKETS OF TALK and the women took five the betier. He didn’t believe in exclusive meetings, but thought, in view of the recent Alliance, the women should have the greater share of talk during this one. He detailed the history of this relorm movement, which commenced more than twenty years ago, and snowed how woman had been benefited by it in the repeal of unjust laws, a8 affecting her, in furnishing her more extended occupation, and therefore increas- ing her sphere of uselulness, and saw grounds of encouragement for the ultimate complete TRIUMPH OF WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE in the history of all great reforms, He was pro- ceeding at some length when the audience became impatient and demanded Lucy Stone. As she was not first on the programme, Mrs, Mary F. Eastman, of Massachusetts, was introduced, and the Presi- dent retired. Mrs, Eastman read irom a manu- script a rambling address on personal in- dependence, the progress of the woman’s suffrage movement, and the injustice of paying women less wages than men for the same service, illustrating the latter, particularly, by the SALARIk8 PAID TO TEACHERS. She thought the one great thing which woman needed, in order that all her wrongs might be righted, is the right of atthe to which, of neces- sity, all good things would added, She iilus- trated the wrongs of woman by the case of the Puritan lady, to whom she gave a son of eighteen at one moment and made childless the next, with the charming inconsistency of her sex. The next speaker and ‘tne card” of the evening was Lucy:Stone, who was greeted with rapturous applause as she came forward, She was about ex- pressing her desire to excite discontent among men and women, as the proper base for the initia- tion of reform, When she was interrupted by the entrance of the “Association of Unemployed Para- sol Makers,” which had been holding a meetin: above, and whose members filed in in @ body. gentleman in the audience stated who they were, and asked that the President be allowed to address the meeting. Mrs. Stone then continued her remarks, the cen- tral idea of which was opposition to the Women of America taking any part in the forthcoming cen- tennial celebration. She said:—I feel tu the very TIPS OF MY TOES that the women of this country sould have no part nor lot in this matter, She urged that they were suffering every one of those aMictions for which the colonists. rebelled; that they were even worse of than our foreiathers, for they were not oniy taxed without representation, but they were de- barred the privilege of selling their lands without the consent of their husbands, and deprived of the custody of their children, She advised that the women remain tn coors on that day with tieir cur- tains down, save some elderly matrons, whom she Wroua uaye' stunding on the street in deep mourn- ng, with BLOOD-RED_ BANNERS, containing the motto, “Taxation without repre- sentation.’ Her remarks were listened to with much attention and enthusiastically applauded, Miss Leonard, President of the parasol makers, then made u brief appeal to the sympathies of the audience, after which the parasol makers flied out. A book was sent around for the signatures of any who might want to join the Association and a hat for contributions, during which the larger portion of the audience stampeded. The meeting closed with a (ew remarks irom Mr. Henry B, Blackwell, who thought if women were atlowed to vote they would accompany the honest men to the “prima- ries,’ and so the gontrol of the government would be taken trom the hands of dishonest politicians, A MONUMENT TO PHILIP EMBURY, Troy, N. Y., Oct, 13, 1873, Tue monument to Philip Embury, the founder of Methodism in America, Will be unveiied at. Cam- bridge, N. Y., on Monday, October 20, Bishop Suuppsow will deliver the address, ‘NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, ; Steamer, have been shipped to Nuevitas, THE NEWLY APPOINTED CAPTAIN GENERAL —— Intrigues of the Slave Ring. STRANGE SPIRITUAL PHENOMENA, HAVANA, Sept, 27, 1873, The efforts and intrigues of the slave “ring” have again succeeded, and the official journals yes- terday gave publicity to a fact already well known to the Havana public—namely, the resignation of the Captain Genera!l—by publishing a telegram from the Colonial Minister, Soler, to the effect that the resignation had been accepted. This news Was made public on Thursday afternoon, in the Diario’s extra, in the following words:— The illwstrious Secretary of the superior political government has sent to us to publish the following de- spatch from His txcellency the Colonial Minister to His Excellency the Superior Political Governor cellency—The government has accepted the resigna- tio sented by Your £xcellency, aud has appoin Jovellar to relieve you. “The new authori on leave ior Cuba, aud ‘a little later the Ministe: who subscribes this will'aiso visit that province to study on the spot its necessities, in obedience to resolution of the government of the Kepublic. OLER, Tn its editorial comments upon this telegram and change of superior authorities, the Diario asserts that it knew beforehand of the change, but re- framed from mentioning it until properly advised to do so. That regarding General Jovellar, all grant that he is just, honest and capable, and un- doubtedly the government had recommended to him the early termination of the struggie in this island, and to keep moral and national order ina territory which resents in its great and com- plicated interests the idea even of a possible pertur- bation, This is ail that is needed by the unconditional Spaniards, who profess to be- long to no party, and the arrival of General Jovellar, who was to Sail op the 30th, is now anxiously expected. Regarding the possible visit of the Colonial Minister, the Diario says:— “Nothing can be more satisfactory than that the Minister charged with the wellare of the island should come in person to study its necessities; that a closer acquaintance is not feared; but, on the contrary, it wishes that the most promineat men Of all parties suould come to study the ultra- Marine Spanish provines ‘the rematns of the vast empire discov 4 by Columbus; but those frag- ments still precious, and not to be left to the mercy of utopians and speculators.” The Diario itself was the recipient of a telegram undoubtedly irom the agent of the conservatives in Cuba stationed in Madrid, so often referred to of late by your correspondent—Don Manuel Calvo. ‘This read as loliows: tuation firm; patriotic Measures are resolved upou; have much confl- dence.” The organs of the liberal party of this island have made no comments upon the new appuintee. PIELTAIN’S SUCCESSOR. Captain General Joaquin Jovellar and Soler, newly appointed to tue dificult command of this isiand, is aman already over filty years of age. He belonged tormerly to the liberal union party, of which General Leopoido O'Donnell was the leader, and during the war with Africa served under his immediate command, For 4 number of years past and under aiprene administrations and duritg & variety of difficult circumstances, he has dis- charged the duties of Assistant Secretary of War. ne is pa to melon to that class of politicians Who profess the maxim of ‘‘suaviter in modo, Jortiter in re.” , A FAITHFUL EXECUTIVE, Persons acquainted with General Jovellar assure your correspondent that he possesses notable ad- ministrative and executive CU that he is conscientiously devoted to labor and in tae despatch of business will sign nothing at random, On the contrary he acquaints himself thoroughly with the questions submitted to his decision, studies them attentively, and only resolves them when periectly satisfied of the correctness of his decisions and that they will produce the desired re- sult. He is not entirely new to this island, having, when a Captain, served here. He is married, and toa lady born in Cuba, and | hear that he ewns several country seats in the Eastern Department. NOT EXACTLY SUITED, From all appearances it seems as if the conserv- atists here had received his appotntment with the satisfaction comparable to that of one who draws the approximation of the “big prize” in the lottery. The ‘big prize’ of the conservatists 1s General Jos¢ de la Concha, Marquis of Havana, Whose appointment was expected by them with some degree 01 probability. ‘rhe liberals or republicans are not altogether discouraged with the turn of events, because they presume that General Jovellar will not be antago- nistic to them, but, as the appointee of the re- publican government in Spain, bear and favor their views. Time will tell. It is not yet known whether Captain General Pieltain will await the arrival of his successor or leave by the steamer o/ the 30th. It is also confi- dentiaily asserted that he entertains the idea of going by the way ol the United states, and will me Niagara Fails and the important cities of the inion. THE INSURRECTION. The rebellion, in its present situation, offers no important changes. Nothing new of importance in military operations has transpired for the past few weeks but the usual re- ports of unimportant skirmishes. Some 600 fresh troops, arrived per lasc Spanish fl ‘The steamer from the last-named city reached this port yesterday, and the passengers report that the train from luerto Principe had been atcacked by the insurgents, and the captain commanding the escort ol the train, several soldiers and three passengers wounded, the officer seriously so, Kail- road communications between Nuevitas and Puerto Principe have since been attempted, and fears are entertained in Nuevitas that the insurgents would attempt an attack on Puerto Principe. Apparent Solution of the Financial Dificalty—Supernatural Phenomena Ascribed to Spiritual Agency. Havana, Oct, 2, 1873. A few days ago it was bruited about town that Cancio Villaamil, the former Intendente, who left Havana a short time ago, was to come back and resume the charge of the Intendency, as the only proper person to cope with the diMculties now pressing upon the economic situation of the island, Yesterday it became known that important tele- grams tending to allay distrust and restore con- fidence in monetary circles had been received, and in the afternoon extras the same were published, They were to the effect that the government would recognize the debt of Cuba ag national, and no violent measures regarding the social or politt- cal questton would be yet introduced, I translate the originals from the curt telegrammic style to read as follows. The first is addressed to Zulueta, President of the Board of Debt, and forwarded by Viilaamil :— Zutveta—The government desires that I should return to the Intendency of Cuba. In order to accept this charge, I must know if you are resolved to re-establish confidence and credit; @ necessary support to moralize . VILLAAMIL. Naturally this telegram was received by the olt- garchist conservatives with demonstrations of joy, and the Board of the Debt, composed of the leading men of that coterie, hastened to reply to the same, sending thetr answer to Calvo, the agent at Madrid, of all the schemes and intrigues of the conservatist party :— Caxvo, San Geronimo sirect, No. 6, Maarid :— Tell Villaamil that las patriotic Idea has been received With general enthusiven. The Board of the Debt assem: bled, offer their unconditional support, To-morrow the Casino, board of Credit, planters, merenants and pro: prietors Will telegraph ‘to the saine efect with equal pleasure. We ail have greal confidence in the govern: ment of the nation, a arrival. This telegram and the oficial declaration that Spain will guarantee the debt of the Treasury of Cuba is considered in many sanguine quarters as the cure of the fnancial crisis. The news has been received with expressions of pleasure on all sides, and immediately tended to bring back some con- fidence in the paper currency. Gold, from 65, and 70 premium, at which quotation it sold on Tues- day, feil to 00 yesterday, A SINGULAR OCCURRENCE, or, rather, a succession of physical phenomena bordering on the supernatural, tiave lately taken place at Puerto Principe, which have much excited and even alarmed many of the tnhabitants of that city. The events, which have given rise to much speculation, are most certainly worthy of full credit, as your correspondent has received private letcers from the persons at whose resideuces the phenomena occurred, They are briefly as fol- lows !— At about seven o'clock on the evening of the 22d ult., at Dr, Nicolas Porro’s house, in Santa Ana street, Puerto Principe, it was noticed that the burner and glass deposit of the lantern, which is kept hanging in the entry of the house, were moving uwbout within tne glass sides of the lantern without any visible cause, and after a jew minutes the lobe and burner of @ three branched chandelier, in the sitting room of the house, feil to the floor and was shivered into bits, The family were surprised and frightened at this oceur- rence, and the news rapidly spread throughdut the neighborhood, attracting a crowd of curious spectators, One of them, & young man nained Frangaco Bernabé. asked for a Jurht wherewien | ure impadeutly awaiting your | 3 y YULUbiA. to in' te the cause, and upon looking a bout everything was found {n order in the entry and sitting room, save, of course, the broken glass and burner; but’ upon leaving the room a water jug eile from a table and fell to the floor in Pp The surprise was great and increased when, upon entering the dining room, @ tinaja, @ heavy piece of iture with a iiltering stone “and earthen water jar witl locked at the time, six from the ye, near which it was placed, touching it, and fell forward upon its doors, breaking & uantity of glasses and crockery it contained, A ‘ame, With portraits, fell from the wall of the sit- ting room, and ali the nasks, cups, &c., 0 a dressing table were dashed to the floor in pieces. ‘These events occurred all within an hour, and so great was the crowd of sightseers and curious inquirers who flocked to the scene that the police had to be called upon to keep them back. The excitement ‘was intense, In the house nearly opposite tu Dr. Porros, occu- pied by Mrs, Mariana Abstengo, these phenomena were reproduced with more effect, All the per- fumery bottles, glassware and other parsphernal's of @ dressing table fell off to the floor in atoms, without any shock to the table or visivie cause of their failing, A pitcher filied with water, which ‘Was on the washstand, leaped from this, a distance ol about three yards, and broke to pieces on the floor, leaving the stand intact. But THE STRANGEST CIROUMSTANCE of any yet stated ts the following :—In plain sight of the members of the family and of a number of persons whose veracity cannot be doubted, all the lass and crockery ware and objects on @ side- ard in the dining room shook together and were moved from their original Positions, and one large glass goblet jumped off, and alter proceeding a di tance of about three yards in a horizontal direc- tion it ell straight to the tioor and shattered into infinitesimal pieces, A lady in the house lost of her neck a neekiace of black jet, without feeling 1t removed, and other similar inexplicable occur- Tences happened, ‘The alarm pervading both families, and the ap- prehension that these were but the precursoly signs of @ violent geological commotion, may be imagined, but no shaking of the earth wae felt, nor was there any cre kan om the doors or windows or roofs or any other indicia of an earthquake per- ceived. The phenomena also were not general, but beemed restricted to certain classes Of objects. On the following day—the 23d—at nine o’ciock in the morning, in the louse next to Dr. Porro, simi- lar occurrences took piace. Fearful of such the family had endeavored to secure their crockery aud mirrors; bui at the hour mentioned the mar- ble slab under a large mirror, which was well se- cured vy two iron feet, was heard to move and fall to the floor in pieces. The street was again be- sieged by a curious and wondering crowd until piares o’clock, When the occurrences completely ceased, Dr. Porro’s family, not wishing to remain in the house longer, moved to their nephew’s, Don Cor- nelio Porro, in Soledad street, and here happened the following :—Between seven and eight o'clock in the evening a noise was heard, which was found to have been produced by the fall of a washtand, with a pitcher, brush, dishes, &c., and a what not, which held a small bronze statue, also moved and fell to the floor. These occurrences have given rise to @ world of conjecture, many assert- ing they are the work of spirits, and that the Porro family are, perhaps, uncon- scious Mediums, as the same scenes occurred at their nephew's house, in Soledad street, to which they removed, Speculation is rife over the mat- ter, and many and varied are the discussions over animal and electric fluids. It has been determined to scientifically investigate the cause. The Diario publishes two communications on the subject. One of them is evidently from some big- oted pen, as it denies the ovcurrences any geologi- cal or natural scientific causes, but ascribes tem to the work of a demoniacal agent, whose name he gives simply as Satan, and declares the only sci- ence to explain the phenomena at Puerto Principe is theology and modern spiritualism, and cites 4 number oj authorities in support of his assertion. The second gyminunice on attempts to ascribe the whole causé to electricity, citing the discover of ee Philosopher Wilson that a current of air di- rected against a turmaline glass or amber electrifies those ob; (Sel a ears when the air is damp; and also the possibility of some unperceived current producing the ellects in question, as ail the objects broken were bad conductors of electricity, In these equatorial regions electricity is formed with extraordinary superabundance, and none of its effects should be wondered at. In 1865, in a colony not far from Cuba, a sugar house was de- stroyed by the wind. At the same time a strong current oi electricity was perceived, which, it was afterwards discovered upon clearing away the ruins, had, without noise, twisted all the sugar- making apparatus of pipes, tubs, &c., into a spiral mass resembiing a shein of thread. Some such ex- planation may be given of the recent phenomena, BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. nee A ee The Vaiuation of Property in New York Placed at $1,000,000,000 by the State Assessors—Correspondence with Comptroller Hopkins—settlement of Various Bills and Accounts. The Board met yesterday afternoon, at three o'clock. On motion of Supervisor McCAFFERTY— Alderman Vance presiding in the absence of His Honor the Mayor—the minutes of the previous Meeting were read and adopted. The biil of Mr. C. Rogers for printing and station, ery furnished during 1868-69 and '70, amounting to $94,709, was called up and referred to the Com- mittee on Printing and Stationery, with power to send lor persons and papers. ‘The amount of $4,¢ for services rendered by District Attorney B. kK. Phelps, in arguing cases of writs and error on appeal was Jaid over under the rule, Comptroller of the State Hopkins sent the fol- lowing communication to the Board of Super- visors :— Starr or New Yorx, Comrrnouuzn’s Orrice,} ALaANY, Oct. 8, 1873, The Board of Supervisors of the County of New York is hereby required, in pursuance of the act chapter, t43, Laws of 1873, to levy upon the taxable property of New York county, for the current fiscal year, in addition to the sum of $7,673.481 70, mentioned in the circular from this office dated October 8 1873, the further sum of $3,864,343 30, being a tax of three and one-half mills on each doliar of Foal and personal property in said county ; sald Board of Supervisors is also hereby required to levy, for the current fiscal year, under and in pursuance of chapter 760, Laws ot he jurther sum of $255,107 1 being one year’s interest on $3,644,’87 72, the amount ol the three and one-half mill deficiency tax apportioned to said county for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 1872, Respectfully yours, NELSON K. HOPKINS, Comptroller To the Cuarnwan of the Board of Supervisors of New York county. Strats or New Yous, Cowrrnouten's Or ALBANY, Uct. 8, 1373, Smm—Tho Board of Equalization of Taxcs, in pursuance of chapter 312, of the Laws of 1859, have fixed the aggre- ate valuation of property in your county at the sum of LOKI, upon which ‘amount & State tax of 7,673,481 70 must Le levied for the current fiscal year (commencing October 1, 1873), being 6 96-140 mills on the jollar for the jollowing ‘purposes, viz. : For schools, 1% mills, per chapter 765, Laws of 1873, For general purposes, 13g mills, per chapter 765, Laws o For tounty debt, 2 mills, per chapter 765, Laws of 1873. For new Capitol, 3g mill, per chapter (65, Laws of 187% For asylums and relormatories, 6-15 mill, per chapter 5, of 1873 For ennal floating debt, under chapter 271 Laws of 1859, 46 mill, per chapter 765, Laws of 187 ‘For new work on canals and extra repairs, } mill, per chapter 766, Laws ot 187% For paymeut of awards by Canal Appraisers and Canal Commissioners, pay certificates of indebiedness aud pro- Yide for deficlency in sinking ‘unds, &e., 7-10 nuill, per & 2. hapter ‘of 1873. For acadeinies and union schools, 1-16 mill, per chapter 765, Laws of Ii Total, 90-100 mails. ‘our obedient servant, NELSON K. HOPKINS, Comptrolier. New Yore Covsry Surevisons. Stare OF New Youx Courrnouens Orrice, 1 Atpany, Oct. 8, 1873. To re Cuenk oF ne Board oF SUruRvisons OF THE County or New Yor Sin—I enclose a form of statement of the valuation of real and personal Esiate, required to be made by you pur- suant to chapter 117 of the Laws of 1856, and f ‘arded to this office previous to the second Mouday in December in each year, under a penalty of $50. T also enclose a form of return of incorporated companies liable to taxa. tion, Indispensable that this report be furnished by the time preseribed. The Board ef Equalization of Taxes, in pursuance of chapter 3ié, of the Laws ot 1869, have fixed the aggre. Siok of property fu your county atthe sum of 038,087, upon which amount a State tax of 17,481.70 must be levied for the current fiscal year (commencing October 1, 1873), being 6 95-100 mills on” the dollar, for the following purposes ;— {Here follows an ennumeration of the above figures.] The communication was referred to the Commit- tee on Annual faxes and Finauce. A voluminous docament from Comptrolier Green, embodyimg his quarterly report of payments made by his department to September 30, was received and, without reading, ordered to be printed in the Recora Colonel Charles 8S. Spencer was present in the interest of his regiment, tie Filth, N. G. 8, N. Y., whose bill for services at the 12th of July, 1871, riots, amounting to $1,109 80, was ordered paid. The regular sessions of the Board of Supervisors henceiorth have been definitely settled by vote for the first and third Monday of each month. A number of bitls of the Coroners and their dep- uties, amounting to $19,000, were presented aud ordered paid. some tweaty accounts from artisans for labor done on armories were received and ordered paid, Considerable other routine business was trans- acted, after which the Board adjourned, to meet next Monday. GREEN CONDOLED. Rarlem Sages Approve of His Actions. About noon yesterday number of genticmen, announcing themselves as “citizens from the Twelith ward,” and as representing the ‘Tax- payers’ and City Protective Union,” calied at the omice of the Comptroller with an address to “con. dole with him.” The gentiemen were shown into the sanctum with considerable promptitude; in fact, more so than would be accorded to any man who had @ small account against the city which demanded adjudication, The resolutions presented by this body of the “Ebenezer” element of Harlem set forth that “this association is of the opinion that the Comp- troller, pranen his Sagacity and courage, saved to the city niilions of dollars; that when organ- ied opposition is made against the Comp- troller it is, in their opinion, to say the igast very suspicious, and they leave it to bun OGTOBER 14, 1873—QUADRUPLE SHEET: (the Comptroller) to answer all charges against him asa public omcer, but that in the meantime they think it their duty and that of all citizens to express confidence in the Comptroller in the man- agement of the city’s financial affairs.” ‘his was the tenor of the resolution, which if published in full would occupy at least a column. The Comptroller’sreply was in accordance with the spirit of the resotutions, He accepted the Wishes of the committee and the association they represented, and he would endeavor to continue in a few FSi as heretofore, mittee was composed of Edgar Ketchum, Levi Adams, Nelson Crawiord, E. H. Charles Rushton. ? pa YACHTING NOTES. The challenge of Mr. J, F, Loubat, owner of the Enchantress, to Mr. A. B. Stockwell, owner of the Dreadnaught, to sail from Sandy Hook Lightship to and around Five-Fathom Bank Lightship and return, for the Cape May Challenge Cup (now held by the Dreadnaught), was accepted by the latter gentleman and this day fixed for the race. Yachts- men in general agreed that the event would be very interesting, and since the great ocean races they have expressed the opinion that it could not be otherwise than particularly exciting. In the late run to the Cape May Lightship and back the Dreadnaught was quite unfortunate in splitting sails and receiving other damage, which will pre- vent her from appearing at the starting point, thus leaving the Enchantress to ‘‘walk over” the course. It is certain that the owner of the Dreadnaught desires to sail the race, but as his yacht 1s notin fit condition to attempt it he must accept the alternative. The sloop yacht Meta, B.Y.C., Mr. George A. Beling, anchored at the foot of Court street, Brook- lyn, on Sunday morning, at six o’clock, having made the run from Little Egg Harbor in twenty- two hours, It will be remembered that in the match race with the Vision, 6th inst., the pincky owner of the Meta kept on his course, despite the turning back of the judges’ steamboa' villian Fletcher, but the weather became so bad he could not return that night, and so stood down the beach. In that race the Meta was not rigged for heavy weather, and had she been provided with storm sails her Owner would have gone over the whole course and back to the winning post the same day, a8 a better sea boat was never con- Structed, Yesterday aiternoon Messrs. Krebs, Dillion, Wendt and Hoppock, judges in the race, Met together and, after considerable discus- sion, mutually agreed to the appointment of a reteree, called for im the articles of agreement, to decide any lmotty question that might arise during the progress of the con- test. Such question is before them, as Captain Beling claims the race and thinks that, as the Vision was unable to continue, because of heavy weather, and that the judges’ boat would not go to the end of tne outer course, he should be awarded the victory. The Vision gentiemen c! “Do Tace,’? because there Was no outer stakeboat. The yachts Jeanette, Mr. Jonn ©. Cleary, and Eclipse, Mr. Avraham Metzger, are matched to sail trom race Island buoy to and around buoy No. 83s and return on Wednesday, October 22, for the sum of $1,000 a side. Jib and mainsail will only be allowed. Messrs. William Ciester and August L. Kreymers have been selected judges. Mr. John Keefe is the stakeholder. The representatives of the Regatta Committee atationed on Sandy Hook Ligatship to time the ey turning vessels in the great ocean races, make the following report :— ee at al KEERE = BrereseSses SESESSEESa oraroro M. M. M. g (3 Lt W. October 12—Clio.. The pilot boat David Mite! BS while of Sandy Hook, picked up @ small boat, painted black, marked ‘Yacht Maraquita.”’ The owners can have the boat by calling for it at the New Jersey Pilot oilice, 104 South street, imme- diately. TROTTING AT PROSPECT PARK. oh le Sc, A Race of Threc-Mile Heats—Two Small Matches. The announcement of a trot of three-mile heats at the Prospect Park Fair Grounds yesterday at- tracted considerabie attention, and the result was @ good attendance. The race was between ‘0. 8, on October 4, M. Farrant’s sorrel gelding Paul and J. M. Rapp’s brown gelding (unnamed), the result being a victory for Paul in three heats, who, although lacking speed, showed considerable bottom. There were also two other trots, the first between Jack Phillips’ brown gelding Mystic, in harness, and Mr. Splan’s brown mare, to wagon, which, after trotting four heats, was won by Mystic. The second race wag one mile and repeat between the brown stallion Venture and the pay gelding Major, which was won by the horse after iene | three heats, the second being decided no heat by the judges, Messrs, Collyer, Williams and Jarvis. SUMMARY. PROSPECT PARK Fal GROUNDS, L. I., October 13, 1873.—Matzh $1,000, p. p., three-mile heats, best three in five, in harness, M. Farrant’s 8. . Paul, J. M. Rapp’s br. g. TIME.—FIRST HEAT. Quarter, Half 4100 1:25 First mile.. Second mile, Third mile, Mile, First mile.. 2:61 Second mile. 249 45 1:20 3:01—Total, 8:41 THIRD HEAT. lay. Mile, 1:2 2°5245 Second mile. 1% 236034 Third mile. : 2:56—Total, 8:39 44 1:28 ; a Day—Matcn $200; mile heats, best three in five, J. H. Phillips’ b. g. Mystic (im harness)..1 2 1 1 J, Spian’s br, m. Mollie Barker (to wagon) 2 1 2 2 TIME. Quarter, Hay. Mile, First heat.. + 9 13193 2:42 Second heat. 413g 1:22 2:42 Third heat, “4 1:4 2:38 3¢ Fourth heat 40 1:19 2: BamME Da ch $100; mile and ropeat, in harness. Owner's b. s, Venture, 101 Owner's b. g. Major. 204 Quarter. Hay. Mile, First heat 50 1:31 Bi1T% Second he: No time taken. Third heat, aT 133334 3:01 TROTTING AT FLEETWOOD PARK FLEETWOOD PARK, October 18—Trotting—Purse $100, for horses that have never beaten three imin- utes; $60 to the first, ¢30 to the second and $10 to the third; mile heats, three in five, in harness, J. Rogers’ b. 8. Fourth of July J. Marphy’s wh. g. Jack Frost . M. Kelly’s bik. g. Yorkville Boy. D. Mace’s bik. 8. Young Fillingh: M. Olcott's s, g. Red Bird... P. oe ea b. m. Richmond Girl. hitson’s bik, m. Maria. T, Comer’s gr. g. Dawn.. TIME, Quarter, Hay. Mile. First heat. « 80% 1:183¢ 234536 Second heat. + 38 1:1834 Priery ‘Third heat. 40% 131834 2:42 Same Day.—Match $200, mile heats, best three in five, in harness. P, Marvin's br. g. Champion. 221211 A. A, Fuller's r. g. Roan Oak. 1322 Hay. Mile, First heat. 1:4 235336 Second hea‘ 2:61 Third heat 4 2363 Fourth heat. . 8 14 249% The above c ook place in the presence of one hundred or one hundred and filty spectators, many of whom were agreeably surprised by seemg the old veteran Jack Rogers driving to victory, which he did in the first race, without making a skip or break in the race. THE NATIONAL GAME, inate Mutual vs. Atlantic, The game on the Union Grounds yesterday after- noon between the Mutual and Atlantic clubs was a complete “walk over” for the former, the score standing 18 to 7 in their favor. The day was rather raw and as @ consequence the attendance was limited. Appended is the score :— RABP. KAB.P.A, : Ae ae S310 10 13ni yd, ol 1102 uson, 3b. 23 Loz Burdock, 2d b. 29 $733 * 21 3200 19 3205 2 8 0 Gedney, |. 2240 12 Holdsworth, 3321 Totais os... 0.6. 712 27 Totals.....04....18 17 27 12 INNINGS, 2d. 3d. 4th. Bh. Gh, Th, Bth, 9th. as 1 3 0 0-7 ‘5 oo 1 O-is Runs Atlantic, 3; Mutnal, 7. First Bases by Errors—Atlantic, 6; Mutual, 2 Total Fielding Errors—Atlantic, 7; Mutual, 10, Umpire —Mr. Swandell, ‘Time of Game—One hour fifty minutes, Base Bail Notes, The Mutuals play the Baltimores on the Union Grounds this afternoon, and the Nameless play the Cholseas at Prospect Parks ? THE SITUATION IN sPAtW, Interview with Admiral Polo, the Spanish Minister. THE PROSPECTS OF THE REPUBLIC Comments on the Insurrec- tion in Cuba. The improving prospects of the present govern- ment of Spain are inspiring fresh hopes to many thoughtful Americans who wish for the success of the republican form of government in other lands besides our own, The struggle in Spain acquires additional interest in this country from the fact that it cannot but have @ lasting and decisive infuence upon the Spanish colonies im America, chiefly on the island of Cuba, which is only a few houra’ sail from our Southern shores. In order to obtain additional information on the situation in Spain the writer called yesterday om Admiral Polo de Bernabé, the Spanish Minister, at the Clarendon Hotei. Admiral Polo, though speake ing with great reserve, consented to give in @ general way his views on: affairain Spain, The writer began with the remark :— “Do you think, Admiral, that the latest events in Spain tend to give the Republic a permanent char- acter?” “I cannot forecast the fature, out I think that the republican government has lately received some valuable accessions to its ranks. A consid- erable portion of the conservative element, some of the most influential men in Spain among tne number, have declared in its favor. This is partly due to THE MODERATION SHOWN BY SENOR CASTELAR, He has certainly disappointed those who regarded him as a mere enthusiast—as an impracticable ora- tor or doctrinaire. By his demand of extraordi- bary powers of the Cortes he has shown that he appreciates the valus of vigorous measures in great emergencies. He understands the perils of the situation and is now making a determined fight alike against the demagogues who would emulate the excesses of the Paris Commune and against the men who would pring back to Spain the tyre wnny of bygone ages. I regard it as an especially favorable sign for Castelar that he has succeeded in rallying around him some of the old conserva. tives of the country—men who, though monarchi- cal in sentiment, are yet willing to give their sup- port to the Republic to avoid wnat they consider THE WORSE EVIL—NAMELY, CARLISM, which means the reign of fanaticism.” “Then your opinion is that the Carlists have no chance of succeeding?’ “With a strong government at Madrid Carlisny will melt like snow iu springtime. Though greatly favored by the revolt of the demagogues, the Carl- ists never had much strength; in fact, a great deal leas than they received credit for in some of the American papers.’’ “Do you think, then, Admiral, that the present republican government in Spain will sueceea?”” “[ hope so; but few things are certain in thig world. I never claimed to be a prophet in my own country; still less am I inclined to play the part of a prophet at this distance from it, It is, however, safe to say that, whatever may be her ultima’ form of government, Spain will not return to the despotism of the past.” “But will not events in France shape the course of Spain? Is it not likely that the establishment ol @ monarchy in France—which seems now highly probable—would bring about the same result in Spain?” “Events in France will undoubtedly exercise some influence in Spain, but perhaps much less than tf generally supposed. There may be a monarchy In France and a repubiic in Spain. In 1848, whem nearly all Europe was ablaze, when France wad distracted by a revolution, EVERYTHING WAS QUIET IN SPAIN. Those events did not seem to affect our people ty the slightest degree. Spain is in this respect favor+ ably situated. She has all the products of the soll, which make her independent of other countries. In spite of the many destructive wars which she has suffered she has resources left within hersell to work out her own destiny.” “What is your opinion, Admiral, of the insurrec tion in Cuba?’ “Ido not think the insurgents have gained any material advantages, in spite of all that may have been said to the contrary. They are not better of now than they were bejore. Some people whe regarded the position of the Spanish government as very desperate a few months ago thought that the insurgents would seize the opportunity to materially strengthen themselves; but if thera, were such a opportunity the insurgents have cer- tainly not seized it. It was then said that the Spanish government could not spare any troops for Cuba, and therefore the insurgents would have it all to themselves. Whatever may have been tha aspect of affairs then, it 1s certainly different now. Reinforcements have since arrived in Cubs. But the tact is, that oe IF SPAIN DID NOT SEND A SINGLE SOLDIER the insurgents could not achieve what they profes# to want—namely, the independence of the island, The greater part oi the inhabitants of Cuba are inst them. The loyal people are strong enough and numerous enough to put the insurrection down, or at least to prevent it from assuming for- midable proportions. The larger and richer part of the island is entirely free from it, and, so far, the insurgents have not been able to hold any fore tifled place or port or city, even {in that depart. ment which is supposed to be the heart of the tn- surrection.”’ Admiral Polo brought the interview to a closa with the foregoing remark, saying that he had nothing further to tell that would be of interest to vhe Henatp or to the American public, i TWO GOOD REPUBLICANS. —_+—_—. A French Democrat to the Spanish President—Castelar’s Reply. ‘The following correspondence is translated frony the Paris Siécle, between the prosecutor of Pierre Bonaparte and the ablest orater in Europe:— OREMIEUX TO CASTELAR, Let one of the veterans of liberty, of the Republic,’ shake you by the hand and thank you for your magnificent programme, which should be that of all true republicans in Spain. You have had the happiness to develop it before a sympathetic As- sembly. This happiness is not reserved, | kuow, to all those who penetrate, like you, Into the repubil- can fait, wish, like you, the Republic purified of al excesses, reassuring the timid, bringing about the birth of that faith in hearts yet uncertain, You will save, you will consolidate, the great work. I felicitate Spain upon having a son like you, and the French republican subscribes himself with pride the brother of the Chiet of “ie Spanish Bepuh Cs A, CREMIEUX, CASTELAR TO CREMIEUX. MADRID, Sept. 23, 1873, To MONSIEUR A. CREMIEUX:— MONSIEUR—It was with great pleasure that Lre- ceived the letter you have addressed me, and which reminds me of your efforts and your the fices for the grand cause of liberty and the Repub- lic. All my efforts have for their aim the consolle dation of tts well being. Many cane’ "3 menace us, many shadows surround but ope that we will be able yet to save ourseives, and, with our- selves, our principles. The sympathies of a man ag illustrious as you are encourage and sustain me in my work, and the hope to be able to unite, by the most inflextble bonds of liberty and democracy, all liberal parties is a consolation for many sor- rows, Be assured, believe me, I wiil try to merit of tiberiy throughou' 5 our voted friend, EMILIO OASTELAR. COMPTROLLER'S REOEIPTS, Comptroller Green reports the following amounts ‘ecvived yesterday into the treasury:—From | 1 ec iver of Taxes—Recetpts of taxes of 1873, about .22 000, Bureau of Arrears—Arrears of taxes, as-. essmonts, Water rent and interest, $4,174, Bureau of Collection of Assessments—Assessments for street improvements ana Interest, $2,604, Bureaa of Clty Revenue—Market rent and fees and house rent, $2,365. Bureau of Water hg oe Water rents and penaities, $3,008, ors Marshal,—Licenses, $341. y. Courts—| Fourth District Police Court, $158. $251,102 taj —— Sess