The New York Herald Newspaper, December 8, 1873, Page 3

oo CORAL.| An Exhaustive Letter on the Extensive Fisheries of the Mediterranean. Courtesy ot the Italian Government. The Personnel, Tackle, Boats and Statistics of the Industry. AT THE CAPSTAN. “You Must Be Hither a Rogue or a Vaga- bond To Be a Coral Fisher.” QUALITY OF CORAL. RoME, Nov. 20, 1873, Coral ornaments, when taken from the hands of a skilful lapidary, are generally costly articles. Beauty of design does not alone determine their value, but shape, size and color are all separately considered in addition to the time and the labor expended by the artist. Few ladies are probably aware of the difMiculties attending the gathering of coral. We all possess a faint conception of the dangers connected with coral reefs, yet few persons are familiar with the bardships and the privations endured by persons engaged in coral fishing. I vainly endeavored last year to obtain reliable information on the subject. Neither at Naples nor at Rome could be found a per- son willing or capable to satisfactorily answer my inquiries, The booksellers at either of the Itallan cities had nothing on sale to meet my desire forinfor- mation, Thus repulsed from the common sources of knowledge, I resolved on an extraordinary at- tempt—namely, to make a personal application to the Italian Minister of Commerce, The appeal was not in vain, That gentleman expressed great pleasure in finding an opportunity to be useful to the New YORK HERALD. Altera short delay your correspondent received a full and elaborate digest on the subject of Italian fisheries. wnus the reader is mainly indebted to the courtesy of His Excellency Signor E. Castagnola, the Minister of Commerce at Rome, for what follows; but to the extracts from the official document have been added statements containing valuable Information obtained from various sources. The Kingdom of Italy is divided into 21 maritime districts, and, from tabulated statements compiled at the bureaus of the Italian Ministry, it appears that in the year 1869 it’ was estimated that TWENTY-NINE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FOUR PERSONS were engaged in fisheries throughont Italy, ex- clusive of the Pontifical States, they not being in- corporated at that period. It was calculated that ofthe above number 20,745 persons followed the profession along the coast, while 8,346 fishermen Went out to the high seas, the remaining 293 being returned as auxiliary hands, attending only peri. odically to fishing. The number of boats employed at the above named period was returned as 11,219, With an aggregate tonnage of 37,733 tons. Of that number 9,817 boats, aggregatingy25,414 tons, were sBupposed to cruise along the coast; 670, gauging 4,546 tons, went out to the open sea, and 732 boats, aggregating 6,763 tons, operated in foreign waters. Although these statistics had been collected from the respective authorities of the 21 maritime dis- tricts, yetthe Minister expressed grave doubts as to the reliability of the returns. In taking the census it appears that the oficers had probably been too rigid in their classifi- cations; they had taken into account per- sons only who followed fishing exclusively as a profession, to the exclusion of all persons who ‘went out merely during the season, and who, lor the remainder of the year, while on shore, followed other vocations, Under the circumstances it was deemed necessary to institute further tnquiries, and upon the results of which it transpired, for instance, that the districts of Naples and Castella- mare bad been represented in 1869 with 2,366 fish- ermen, employing 1,792 boats, while last year Castellamare alone owned upwards of 4,000 fishing boats, which afforded employment to at least 12,000 persons. And these figures, it 1s stated, do not comprise 3,000 persons engaged exclusively in coral fishing, nor all the persons taken into ac- count who go out for the purpose of gathering shells. Elimimating.all exaggerations, the Minister has gained the conviction that the total number of Mshing boats extant is not far below 18,000, and that. there are upwards of 60,000 persons in the Italian dominions who obtain a living by fishing, Next to sea and coast fishing there are nota ew salt water lakes, as well as backwaters, used Jor breeding and rearing fish. They are especi. ally numerous in the province of Naples, The example ts quoted that Lake Varana gives employment to upwards of 200 fisher- men, and their annual catch is estimated at 5,000,000 pounds of fish. The Lakes of Licola, Fusaro, Maremorto and others afford the means of livelihood to more than 500 fishermen, Besides ‘the Neapolitan there are numerous lakes in the \province of Sardinia, As to the FINANCIAL RESULTS accruing from Italian fisheries, there is no accu- rate information available. The entire produce is consumed almost exclusively in italy, the customs returns showing that in the year 1869 the exports of ish amounted to less than 800 tons per annum, the estimated value being, in round numbers, $145,000, ‘The fishing on inland (that is, fresh water) lakes gives occupation to from 6,000 to 7,000 persons. It consists mainly of trout fishing. ‘he produce ot Lake Como may be roughly estimated at 500,000 pounds of fish, while the catch on the Lago Mag- igiore is calculated to reach 700,000 pounds annually ; ‘put, with the extension of steam and the general Ancrease of factories along the lake shores, the yeatch is declining rather than otherwise. IN SICILY wome 1,500 persons find employment in the pickling and preservation of fish, From 20,000 to 25,000 small ®Marrels are annually made up, in the process of “which about 800 or 1,000 hundredweights of oil 1s consumed, The sardines are considered équal to Mose shipped trom Nantes and Bordeaux, but there és an apparent lack of enterprise whicti interferes ‘with the development of trade from hese wegions. It is worthy of uote that the export of sardines from France to the United Biates reaches, annually, $1,000,000 worth. A Attic wholesome competition might, there- Yore, be profitably introduced by opening trade relations between Southern Italy and Amer- ica, The existing relations between the two coun- tries leave no room for encouragement to Italian enterprise, In a report presented last session by the Minister of Commerce to the Italian Parlia- ment there is @ passage which runs thus:—*Al- though our fisheries are fair enough, yet they are wot at all equal to the development of other coun- Aries.” In enpport of the assertion a few compari, ‘gons Occur in the Itelian report, which are wel: qorth repeating, ‘Thus it is stated that THE FISHERIES IN SCOTLAND ‘eomprise 14,000 boats, giving employment to 45,000 persons. In Ireland there are 10,000 fehing boats, with @ contingent of 40,000 fishermen, producing, pwong other items, upwards of 100,000 barrels o¢ herrings on a yearly average. In. France the estimate comprises 27,000 boate, with $0,000 persons who follow the profeasion of fish-s tng, With an annual revenue accruing therefrom sof upwards of $8,000,000. The export of fish trom @orway and Sweden exceeds annually $10,000,000 worth, and not a small portion of it Gnd market $n Mediterranean ports, Thus, while nearly all the different sections of Burope comprise exporting countries, Italy 18 compelied to have recourse to Smportations. Lar; yoo lies are drawn from the peighboring French an austrian couste, in addi- Siwb (wo imports. especially during the Lenten sea. | NEW YORK, HERALD, MONDAY, DEUEMBER 8, ~ wong of dried Cod and stock fish. The total imports } there are no Frenchmen prepared to take their sh from foreign countries are valued at be~ ween $5,060,000 and $6,000,000 annually. While alluding to these facts the Minister of Commerce has invoked the aid of legislation as the only means to insure increased prosperity to the Italian fisherman, With a view to ameliorate the actual state of affairs @ bill was, during the last Session, laid before the Italian Parliament. The main teature of the bill centres in the endeavor to establish unity of system, and, furthermore, to root up monopolies afd abolish privileges which were held by corporations and municipal authorines, as well as by private individuals, in many of the old Itatian States everybody was free to fish when and where he chose, regardiess of the season. In other sections of the country the fisheries weregither the prope) ty of the State or they were held by private individuals, guilds and corporations. Recent laws have lad the effect of slightly modifying the existing confusion; but, says the Minister, “these innovations have hardly producea much tnprovement.” Under the cir- cumstances the Minister demanded and obtained from the legislative body a vote to provide prompt and efMfcacioug means for the amelioration of the interests of ITALIAN FISHERIES, Next to legislation the government recommends to emulate other countries in tne Way o! encourag- lug exhibitions of maritime produce, In this con- nection the government acknowledges the fact that comparanvely the Itahan fisheries are sadly neglected, All the good that exists, in the shal of boats, as well as the condition of the fishing tackle, belongs to the Middle Ages, and not to the genius of the present gene:ation, Byerythivg is more or less preserved by the people in nearly the same state as it descended (rom their ancestors, There are many pleasing signs of improvement, it is true, buta reat deal remains to be done so as to raise talian fisneries to the level of those of other coun- tries, The same may be said in regard to laws and regulations Which rule the fishing trade. Ancient legislation has remained unchanged lor centuries, and it can easily be understood that the existing state of affairs created much dissatisiac- tion, With the view to meet the difficulty the gov- ernment has worked out a new and complete code wherepy Italian fisheries will in future be ruled and regulated, Having thus given a brief outline of the main features appertaming to Italian tisheries 1 turn to the detail of CORAL FISHING, The statistics above alluded ty tend to show that, at the close of 1869, there were engaged in coral Hishng 433 boats, aggregating 3,781 tons, viz. :— Boats, Tons, Province of Genoa. 49 138 Province of Leghora. 6 b4 Provinee of Naples. 329 3,391 Province of Caghari 19 9 Province of La Mad 19 65 Province of Messina 3 1 Province of Trapani 8 27 But, as in the case already referred to, the figures are much below the present reality, From inquiries Which the Minister has caused to be made through other channels 1t appears that Leghorn, Carlo- Jorto, Alghero and other districts owned, last year, nearly twice the number of boats above stated. It is assumed that of the total of 433 there were 805 boats fishing on the coast of Italy, and that 128 boats were engaged in foreign waters. Operations on the Italian coast are mainly confined to the vicinity of Alghero, Carloiorto and La Maddalena ; but a large number of boats may be found near the gulf and On the coast of Naples, while a small num- ber ot boats frequent the coast of Sicily, near Maz- zarelli and Syracuse, and a few others operate on the Tuscan coast.in the vicinity of Porto San Stefano, The boats fishing in foreign waters go to the coast of Corsica, near Bastia and Bonilucio; but the principal operations take place on the coast of Africa, The chief place of rendezvous of coral fishers is at La Calle, a seaport on the Al- gerian coast, in the province of Constantine. ‘rhe official reports of the Italian government es- timate the TOTAL QUANTITY OF ROUGH CORAL which 1s annually brought up from the bottom of the sea to average @ Weight of about 160,000 pounds, and that this quantity represents a value of $1,150,000, But of the grand total there is only a very’ small quantity, say about 10,000 or 12,000 pounds which is really of superior quality, and which, therefore, is much sought by Jewellers at highly remunerative prices, The bulk of the coral finds a market under the denomination of “merchantable quality,” and which, after being cieaued and worked up for the use of the trade, 13 classed out according to color, ‘There 1s aconsiderable number of Italian boats which sail under the protection of the French flag; nevertheless the boats are owned and manned ex- clusively by natives of Italy. The only nationality which competes with Italy is Spain, ‘he Spaniards employ about 60 boats, Nearly two-thirds of that number conflne their operations to the eastern coast of the Balearic Islands, and the others oper- ate in the vicinity of the Cape Verde Islands. The CORAL CAUGHT BY SPANIARDS 18 roughly estimated at 26,000 pounas per annum, representing @ value of about $160,000, The qual- ity is for the most part very interior to the coral obtained in gy oer waters. Occasionally a few Spanish coral boats may be seen operating in Italian waters, The foregoing statement {s substantially con- firmed by reports which have been transmitted to the government by the Board oi the Chambers of Commerce of Leghorn.and of Naples, as well as the municipal authorities of Torre del Greco. All these reports agree on another point, namely—in saying that the general situation of the fisheries is far from being satisfactory. Indeed, fears are expressed that the existence of coral fishing 18 gravely menaced, The fears are mainly grounded on the growing deficiency in the number or well- trained hands and the consequent difiicuity in op- taining the requisite contingent wherewith to man the boats. ASHORE CORAL INDUSTRY 18 prosperous, The produce of the fisheries affords. constant employment to upwards of 6,000 persons, who ure throughout the year engaged in workin; up the raw material. The persons thus en) loyed are mostly women, and they are distributed, over about 60 worksiops or factories, Torre del Greco takes the lead in the number of factories, as it does in the extent of fishing operations. There are about 40 establishments at Torre del Greco, employing an aggregate of 3,200 persons; but only avout 400 males are among the number, all the rest being Jemaics, In the rural districts of the province of Genoa there are between 10,000 and 12,000 men, women and children, who work periodicaily at coral. The peasantry seeks rest irom the fatigues of out-door work, and employs the intermediate time in uge- ful labor at home, Thus tne coral industry atfords twotold advantages, inasmuch as it furnishes agreeable and profitable employment to the female Portion of the rural districts and gives the agri- culturist an opportunity of alternating occupations in the field wita other means of gaining a live- hood. Tue TOTAL VALUE OF CORAL, when worked up jor the use of the trade, 1s esti- maced to amount to nearly $2,000,000. Only a very small quantity finds a direct sale in Italy. More than nine-tenths of te entire produce is exported to foreign markets. The principal outlet is found in Russia, and the next important customers come from the markets of british Inata and Cuyina, Very little goes direct to the United States, the demand being supplied through intermediaries in Paris and by purchases made by American travel- lers, thouga much that they buy is bogus, Neapolitans predominate among tue fishermen, Torre del Greco, as already remarked, furnishing the largest contingent. The reputation of the men engaged in the trade is not entirely without taint. “You must be either a rogue or a vagabond te be @corai fisher.” That is an appreciation which has become almost proverbial. For a long period the Grand Duke of Tuscany was in the habit of sending convicts on board coral fishing boats, and this lact goes iar to explain the saying alluded to. ‘The conduct ot the men has not always been exem- plary, sull, the saying must not be taken too liter- ally. Because of the hard lite, connected with coral fishing, it seems to have been thought that a man wouid submit to it only alter having failed in ail other attempts to get an honest living, The pay of the coral fisher is excessively small; $80 to $100 forming the maximum amount of wages paid toa man for the duration of a season, cover- ing nearly six months. But they are not numerous who earn the maximum rate of Wages, most of the men r ve no more than from $40 to $00 lor the season. ‘The food or victuals ON BOARD THE BOATS are in keeping with the low rate of wages, Bis- cuits (t @ the so-called galetta) and water consti- tute almost the only stock of provisions. These are at the disposal of the men during night and day. In the evening all hands partake of a plate oi macaroni, plainly cooked. Some ol the padroni durnish onions, bub for the most part the sailors are rorced to pay out of their wages for such lux- uries as onions or any kind of fruit. Meat forms no part of the menu except on two occasions, namely, August 15 and on the Féte Dieu (Corpus Christ}. Wine is entirely unknown, With this Scanty fare, and considering the miserable pay, there is, on the other hand, an excessive amount ot work exacted, and the fativues connected therewith are prodigious, Add to this that the work goes on under a burning African sun and we ean see what the meaning of the is that @ man must be on last resources to lead @ life so irksome and go little re- munerative, Indeed, it seems almost incredible that, under the circumstances, so much work can be accomplished, The biseuits, though of good quality, are simply hard, dried bread. Itis no eXaggeration to #ay that the coral fisher is almost constantly eating. On passing a boat you see the men at all times with biscuits in hand or mouth; aud they must eat constantly to gain sufficient nhutriment trom aueh diet. Fishing ts carried on day and night, six hours rest being allowed alternately to regain strength. The intervals are very short; Work hardly ceases between August 15 and the first week of Advent. After that period the state of the weather renders it dificult to remain outside. The boats come to port during the season only lor the purpose of re- Plenishing the stock of provisions and to obtain Iresh water, Although coral fishing ia carrred on to a large ex- tent in French water along the Algerian coast, yet no French subjecta engage in the business. It Is well anderstood that rench sailors reluse to take part in coral fishing. Frenchmen exact superior nourishment, demand higher wages, and are un- Willing to lead laborious lives, ‘This is the explanu- ton given why Frenchmen have abandoned coral fishing. Nevertheless, politicians will tell you that awoner or later the fishery question will itievitably lead to difficuities between italy and France. In- deed there isa good deal of biustering about the he ‘ity of interfering with Italian coral fisheries; but it isJorgotien that in Ariving of the lialians places, By virtue of an existing treaty, the Bey of Tunis, in consideration of a payment of $13,000, has trans- ferred to France the right of coral fishing along the entire coast, ‘The district ior exploration un- der French authority is, therefore, very consider- avle; it id understood to include the entire sea area between Tripoli and Gibraitar, Coral fishing 16 not entirely free, Permission 18 granted, sub- t to a license, the cost of which was formerly $160 (S00 jranes), but has been reduced since the commercial treaty with Italy has been in force. The tee is now $80, without any restriction in re- gard to the season, All kinds of tackle may be used except those fastened with tron bolts. All Materiai passes in and out of the French custom house free of duty. The Itaiians being thus favored, the French population in Algiers think it very hard that there interest shouid be made subservient, But, irom all tniormation that can be gathered, it seems manilest that France bas en- trely lost the ground, tf, indeed, she ever held any, with respect either to corai fishing or trading. Nor can it be otherwise, Wages are infinitely lower in Italy than in France; and, with ali his reputation lor laziness, the Italian undertakes work which the sailors of other nations refuse, ‘The Stallan 1s frugal in his nabits, he is sober and oconomical, while the Freachman demands sub- } stantiai nourishment and is otherwise fond of this worid’s sweets, A French sailor in the merchant marine can carn from $12 to $20 a month; there he receives wine and enjoys comforts which insure him rest at nights. From all this the coral fisher is barred, Again, the requisite material for fish- ing tackle is procuraple at lower rates in italian ports than by importation from France. Hemp, timber and every other articie is lower priced taly. ‘The Italians, on the eastern side, and the Span- jards, on the western side, expiore the entire Mileage along the shores extending from Tripoli to Gibraltar. The Algerians asseri that THE FORRIGN FISHERS take away from $600,000 to $700,000 worth of coral while they leave ne money behind, save im the shape of rent for the bats which they occupy during @ short stay ashore, and the value of tue scanty supply of provisions, The entire industry, te, the mantpuation of the raw materiuis, is lost tw France, The complaints go even further, and the situation is likened toa case where a gang of men, on crossing the frontiers, might take the iiberty of cutting as much corkwood from French forests as they chose, Such a thing would not be permissible; yet, the people assert, that the case lurnishes an analogy, and that all the benefit ac- cruing to France is centred in the payment of $80, the license paid by each boat. A few years ago it was shown that the cost of collecting the tax and of inspecting coral fishing amounted to $15,000, Since that period the license has been reduced one half the former rate and, therefore, the net revenue dwindled down to about $8,000, The general opimion is that the li- cense should not be less than $400 or $500 per boat, but, of course, France 1s buund to Italy by weaty stipulations. ‘Among other matters of importance the quesuon arises whether fishing should be per- mitted throughout the year or Umited to cervain periods, especially as inspection can only be efiec- tually carried on during five or six months, inas- much as the port of Boua, the government seat, is not always accessible, It has been tried to use steam in the inspection, but abandoned as being too expensive. One of the greatest diMicuities which work ‘ainst the enterprise of coral fishing is the impos- sibility of procuring the necessary funds, The large owners of coral boats resident in Italy send everything from there that is necessary to their operations and they maintain depots for that purpose in Aigiers. But it is otherwise with the owners of smaller boats and with those Italians who reside in Al- iers. ese poor people have to purchase day by lay the necessaries o! life as well as matters con- cerning the fishing tackle, to provide tor repairs of the boat, &c, To procure the necessary funds the people are forced to pay usurious rates of interest, The rate is seldom less than 20 per cent and often they are compelled to pay 30 per cent to procure funds wherewithal to purchase provisions, Again, being in the hands of money lenders, the fisherman is oiten under obligation to sell the produce of a hard day’s work at miserably low rates. The ques- tion has been mooted to establish a bank for the purpose of rendering aid to the fishermen, but nothing practical has been effected so iar, Coral fishing has no analogy with any other fish- ing in European waters. Many persons are under the impression that the collecting ol coral is attain- ed by means ofdiving. Sometimes, it ts true, coral may be found ata fe bp of nov exceeding 10 yards, but these are exceptional cases. In the districts of Bona, Bizerte and other places on the Alrican coast there 18 not @ single diver. The depth at whicn the nets have to ve thrown out varies from 40 to 60 fathoms, and in the immediate neighbor- hood of the island of Gaiite the net goes often to a depth of 100 fathoms. Throughout the Mediter- ranean waters the same process of fishing is fol- lowed out, though the men think there is @ great difference between one and another. But the dif- ference seems more or less @ matter of details con- fined to the handling of the fishing tackle, Still, the size and often the shape of the nets seem to — Very little 1s known Of the matter and nothing has been written regarding the details of tne fishing. The THE BOATS. The noats are nearly all constructed in Italy, only atew being now and then built in Algiers, They vary trom 6 to i4 tons, and, in exceptional cases, 16 tons. The construction Olid and sub- stantial. They are good sew boats, and their sall- ing powers are admirabie. They usually carry a large latteen sail and a jib; sometimes a number of small sails being added, In outward appearance the boats differ but little, the exception being the figurehead, which 18 painted in gorgeous cvlors, and not unfrequently ornamented with the image ol our Saviour or the Holy Virgin. Alt is the cap- stan, around which gather the crew, while the forecastie is occupied by the Captain. If the pro- prietor of a boat gees out himself he acts invariably as Captain, He has a bunk to himself and there for the mate. Amidships are kept the biscuits and the water. The sailor, passing to and from vhe Captain, dips his hand continually in the bis- cuit box and eats while he is holding the ropes or sitting at the foot o. the mast. The boats are bal- lasted by means Of stones, inasmuch as the fish- ing tackle does not suffice properly to trim the ship. The smaller boats measure about six tons, They go Out manned by two or three men and a boy. ‘They are similar in build to the larger boats, but return to port every night, as they cannot carry vine like the larger boats. The latter keep Ine sea lor two or three weeks,‘and longer if pos- sible. THE FISHING TACKLE. The fishing tackle, called ‘“UVengin,” comprises the nets and some pieces o1 wood and bars o1 iron. ‘This is alike in all the boats, The Spaniards, as already observed, pretend tu have a different mode of fishing from that of the Italians, but there is, in reality, no difference save in the size or vther mat- ter of detail. THE MODUS OPERANDI. Coral fishing is effected by throwing out nets to catch projecting pieces of a reef and surrounding these pieces with the meshes. When the current has well set in aiid the meshes become interlaced with the projections the coral 1s brought up by means of traction, The secret of successful fish- Ing rests with a proper distribution of the nets, 80 as to have the La LD oy of the coral well caught, When well spread the pulling ig, a8 @ mat- ter of course, greatly facilitated, Ordinarily the tackle is com; osed of @ wooden cross, é. @, two spars tied crosswise to @ large stone serving as ballast, and to which are attached a variable num- ber of nets. The length of the spars forming the cross varies according to the size of the boat, but they are usuaily two yards, more or less: the nets several fathoms in length, with a breadth of one yard, and made of coarse hempen ropes, slightiy twisted, aud about half an inch in thickness, ‘Thirty to byt goer ard complete tne tackle, the en- tire value of which is about $40 or $50. but, of course, it is quickly used up and requires to be Ire- quently replaced by new tackle. When the Captain tninks proper he orders the tackle to be thrown out; the sails are set towards tne east as far as possibie, wind and weather per- mitting. The strain on the nets must not be too rapid, so as to give time to attach the net to the rocks. So soon as the tackle has caught the speed is {urther slackened to prevent premature break- age. During the fine season the boats are often becalmed, and then the men have to take to the oars, thus im she additional labor. Six or eight men, aided by the Captam, work the capstan, while one man, sitting at tae foot of the mast, hold- ing the extreme end of the rope, obeys the orders ofthe Captain. Two distinct forces work on the net—namely, the rapidity of the onward movement of the boat and the traction operated through the capstan. The Captain watches and controls these forces, The tackle, sweeping over the irregularities of the bottom, sometimes freed, sometimes tfas- tened, causes Violent shocks in the movement of boats. It is only by long practice and aptitude for the business that @ man gains proficiency by sounding tae bottom. It bas been likened to a sur- geon probing a wound, Frequently the Captain shouts tue order “Mola/” and thereupon the cap- stun ceases to act, the ropes give way and the tackle goes to the bottom, This mancuvre has to be continually repeated, The fishermen are nearly naked, having nothing on but a pair o! drawers. ‘Their skin is nearly darkened, and altogether they present a strange appearance, While at work they are almost continually singing, with the view to excite each other, or they entertain each other whistling or by repeating the syllables zi,” prononnced between closed teeth and without ever changing the tune, Having worked at the capstan for some time, and, provided the tackle does not get unfasteped, the tactics are changed. ‘The Captain Suddenly encourages his men by the cry “Carriga ‘mo!’ (charge now) or “Cai lo 1’ (charge it— de, the tackle) and theu begins the hard work of moving the capstan, The cry of * i is caught up by the men, Who throw all their torce into it, dd foremost they run around the cap- stan, displaying an ount of muscular force which can scarcely be equalled in any occupation, and, it must again be added, all this work 1s per jormed under a scorching sun. So long as the tackle remains at the bottom it acts much like an anchor, to which the boat adheres. But suddenly tue net becomes disentangled, the wild cry ceases and the monotonous “Zi, Zi” 18 resumed; the men begin to cham each other as the moment draws near that the net comes to the sufiace and pro- duces the fruit of several hours’ hard labor, THE CAPTAINS are not men of very enviable reputation, Habitus ated from ony Youth to excessive work one of these has little mercy on his men, who hav hitherto, perhaps, been idie fellows. Placed on a small plank the Gaptain watches eagerly the move- Ment Of the sallors. aud he misses Bo Opvortunity ofadmonishing them. The regulations forbid any cruel treatment, but how often he strikes his men there is no record. [tis pov unusual that in cases where men are fatigued and unfit to resume work the Captain throws buckets oi cold water over the heated skin of the sailor. Knives are strictly interdicted, yet coral fishing 1s not without its exampie of crime, The health of the men, more- over, 18 often neglected, and health is more needed in coral fishing than anywhere else. The military and maritime hospitals are open to the men; the Captain 1 heid to Lay | the expense, But that is often the reason why he does not think the men sick enough to nee i the hospital, or, if he consents to their going, he deducts the expenses from the hard-earned wages, THE ESTIMATES GIVEN BY THE MINISTER are probably approximately correct in regard to the quantity of coral annually brought to the suriace. ‘The owners of the boats do not, of course, like to tell you what their enterprise produces, Every Porgy eed returning from sea, the boss of each boat delivers up to the owner tne produce of tue day’s labor, The iarger boats, as already stated, do not return to port under 15 or 20 days; some- times they Stay out longer, Aiter being dried ana sorted the coral is put into cases ana brought to Italian ports. The prodace of the African coast 19 verified by the Italian Consul, and the cases seaied by him. He is therefore the only person who has the chance of forming a correct judgment of the actual value of the fisheries, and the records of the Consulate are those by which the Cus- tom House regulate their “returns. It de- pends, to ® great extent, on the ability of @ captain, as well as the chances of wind and weather, how much eacn boat produces. It has been roughly estimated that the average earn- ings of a boat amounted to $4,500, The first out- lay for a boat amounts to only $3,000; therefore, if the estimate proved correct, the profits wou!d ap- pear enormous. Yet, on inquiry, itis found that these profits are realized, butonly a8 exceptions, To make coral fishing profitable each boat must take on the average about three pounds per diem; there are 180 working days, less 15 or 20, which prove blank owing to bad weather or to time expended On repairs. A boat of 15 or 16 tons requires a crew of 12 or 14 Men, involving an expenditure of $2,000 or $2,500 at the utmost. ‘Three pounds of coral per day would bring 480 pounds, producing, at the average rate of $10 per pound, @ sum of $4,500. But then it has been shown that to procure the requisite capital the intercession of money lenders and usurers is nec- essary, and these absorb a large portion of the profits, and therefore little or nothing accrues to the fishermen or even the Captain of a boat. How- ever that may be, the foregoing illustrates sum- ctently that American capital might be profitably invested by encouraging coral fisning on the spot Tather than being dependent tor a supply on Parisian commission houses and paying tour times the original cost, and then not always getting the genuine article, THE SALE OF CORAL. The reguiations are absolutely prohibitory to sailors, Captains or divers to sell any coral, Per- song found purchasing coral without consent of the owners of boats are liable to prosecution. Nevertheless, much fraud exists, It is asserted that gatlors have their earlaps pierced and that the holes are 80 large as to hide a good sized piece ofcoral, From time to tite these pieces are lost, but speedily replaced by others, The inference is that the sailors are thus laying in a small stock, and, on going ashore, glass of liquor or sume other luxury 18 generaliy patd for by these ornaments, THE QUALITY OF CORAL. The diMculty in fixing the quantity of coral applies likewise to quality, owing to the great variety which exists, Still it may be classed under three distinct heads:—First, the dead coral, 80 called because it consists of the roots brvken off the rocks which hold the coral The roots are generally covered with stony deposits, perforated, not unlike a sponge, and designated by the word “terrailies,”” The value is as low as 50 cents to $t per pound, but reaches sometimes $3 or $4, rarely more, Second, there is the black coral. This category is entirely distinct, It is found only in working the raw material, in order to see whether the biack color penetrates deep enough. This Species is worth froin $2 to $3 per pound, Thirdly, coral en caisso (in boxes). This is the real coral brought into commerce, Its price varies irom $5 to $15 a pound, according to appreciation, the color and the form of the pieces. ‘lo this may be added @ fourth class, picked out of the latter. But there is only very little of it, indeed. Its value reaches sometimes $40 to $50 per pound, Allis sold by weight. Rose color is the most expensive, and then goes down to deep carmine, degenerating into a brick color. THE NATURE OF CORAL has long been @ mystery and coutinued to be so up to the last century. It was nct that naturalists of olden and modern times had failed to endeavor to explain its origin, but their efforts have neces- sarily been based on hypotheses of a more or less fanciful nature. Even the head of the Medusa figures in a fable that describes coral as being col- ored by blood which had petritying powers. The real discoveries were only developed in the past century, and Reaumur, who, if not otlerwise known than by the thermometer bearing his name, has largely contributed to our present znowiedge of the plant, THE WESTCHESTER LIBEL’ SUIT. A Card from the Husband of the Plain- tir. To THE Epiror Or THE HERALD:— Your account of the closing scenes of the libel suit of Lucy Ann McMahon vs. Francis Edward Eldredge and Robert Holden is in several respects 80 unjust to my dear wife, that I would ask, as a matter of justice, the insertion of the following corrections, viz.:—You say that the direct testi- mony Of the piaintiff was ‘completely riddied by the dexterous manner in which the cross-examina- tion was conducted,” whereas the truth is that the plaintif! appeared on the witness stand so well that the junior counsel for the defendant Hol- den informed me that they had failed to shake her in any particular, except in a discrepancy of dates, which every lawyer of prominence knows is of but little importance; in fact, she 80 completely explained the apparentiy telling circumstances against her, as that two o° the most eminent counsel at the Westchester bar, viz:—Ex-Judge Emott and Colonel Crane, who appeared for Mr. Holden, did not hesitate imme- mediately to sign their names toa certificate that her character for chastity and her conduct,as a wile and mother were unimpeached by the develop- ments of the trial, and they further added a clause which your report leaves ont viz: “that they” (i. ¢. character and conduct as above) “are without blemish.” Those gentlemen were pertectly satisfied from her explanations that the objection- able correspondence and the private meeting at her house with Kidredge were forced out of her by threats, which frightened her into believing that an attempt would be made to bastardize her issue of the present marriage with the subscriber. They | scouted at the idea that there was any criminality on her part. .Your account of the conctusion of the case also states “that the hustand” (meaning the subscriber) “was much distressed by the shocking developments of the preceding day.” That wus not the fact. The said husband was much distressed at perceiving the evidences in his wile’s correspondence of the men- tal aberration occasioned by the threats of the defendant (Eldredge) to set aside the di- | vorce, Your account also concludes by observing “that it would be fortunate for the future happi- ness oi the plaintiff! and her husband 1 the conse- quences of the scandalous disclosures brought about by the triai could, like the smoke of the burning letters, dissolve in thin air,” &c, This de- mands from me the following observation :—The object of the suit was tully gained by the plaintif’s husband, He fully vindicated the character of his wile, which vindication was aMrmed to by four of the best and purest counsel in the country. He secured the destruction of an imprudent cor- Tespondence, 80 that no Chevalier d' Industrie could after his death torment his children with it, and he demonstrated to the world that there was a husband fearless enough to accept the issue tendered by a writer desiring hush money, even though it involved harrowing up the memories of relatives Jong since deceased. In conclusion, permit me to say that the attack made on the mem- mory of my dear wile’s mother—deceased now over 26 years—was most unwarrantable, or else there is no saving effect in Christian repentance, for that lady had been for four years prior to her death—and was at the time of it—a member of Dr. Bauich’s church in Bleecker street. In conse- quence of the promise I made the junior counsel of Mr. Eldredge, on tis surrendering the objectionable letters, not to pursue him any further, I have avoided characterizing Eldreage’s conduct in the language it deserves; but the idea latent in your Feport that he changed, by his testimony, the character of the public feeling against him in White plains, ts simply Lo nays ddan As he was irrespon- sible, and I gained the object of my suit, were the reasons I did not pursue the suit any further, Yours, with respect, D, MoMAHON, A RING IN PITTSBURG, PA, Halfa Million of Dollars Gone Astray Somewhere=The Persons Accused. Pirrspura, Dec. 7, 1 The investigation by the Finance Committee of the City Council during the past week relative to the $50,000 worth of bonds placed by the Secretary of the Water Board in the National Trust Com- pany, which suspended, resulted last evening in a charge of conspiracy to detraud whe city being made against some of the oficers and directors of the bank and the secretary of the Water Commis- sion. A charge of embezzlement was also made inst the secre Lag of the Water Commission. The parties all gave bail except the cashier of the bank, who has been missing since the suspension, DEATH OF BISHOP ARMITAGE, MILWAUKEE, Wis., Dee, 7, 1873, Bishop Armitage, of this city, who died in New York to-day, succeeded to the Episcopal bishopric Of Wisconsin diocese after the death o' Mier ~ as gad position most ecckprane: is death causes a 4 a ariel ‘throughout the city. piri Aes 1873.—TRIPLE SHEET. IRELAND. The Home Rule Movement Defined by the National Democratic Leaders, Special Herald Interview with Professor Butt, M. P. What the Nation Demands from the Crown and Parliament of Britain. The Conference in the Island Capital. DUBLIN, Nov, 22, 1873. Mr. Isaac Butt is, by the torce of circumstances rather than by original selection, the acknowl- edged leader of the home rule movement in Ire- land. That is to say, with many powertul antip- athies and prejudices, some well lounced, some ill founded, not long since arrayed against him, his great abilities devoted to the service of the pop- ular cause have carried him triumphantly to a position of influence and power, such as has been obtained by no other man since O’Connell’s time. He was called to the Bar in 1838, obtained his silk gown in 1844, and made his great successes in the defence of Smith O’Brien in 1848 and of the Fenians im 1865, He is a hale, hearty man of 60 years of age, with a florid face and snow-white hair, and affable and genial in manner. INTERVIEW WITH THE IRISH TRIBUNE. have just interviewed the gentleman, Mr. Butt received me very courteously at his residence in Eccles street, and expressed his willingness to give me all the information I required. The tollow- ing conversation then ensued :— CORRESPONDENT—I have seen mention frequently made of the “Home Rule Association.” May I ask how this body is supported? Mr. Burr—So far the home rule business has been Managed by a private committee; the expenses have been defrayed by a sabscription of £1 a year from each member of the Association, and a special subscription which amounted to about £1,000, Funds, however, are scarcely wanted just yet; the question will be entered into at the con- ference whichit is proposed to hold, CORRESPONDENT—You, above all other men en- gaged in this movement, have had an opportunity of gauging its power. Mr. Burr—I have, and it isenormous. You can have no conception of it. 1 had no idea the feeling in favor of home rule was so strong until I went among the people, CORRESPONDENT—ALd you hope to see a large number of home rulers in the next Parliament ? Mr. Burr—I hope to see about 80, but Iam told I am over sanguine. CORRESPONDENT—Some of these, I suppose, will use the home rule cry ior ejection purposes with- out believing in it. Mr. Burt—A certain percentage, no doubt; but that isa matter which must be left to the con- stituencies themselves. They must look out for men they can confide in, judging by their previous character whether they are trustworthy or not, CoRRESPONDENT—Do you think that homé rule can be looked upon as a softening down of Fenianism? Mr. Burr—Ido. Tbelieve that many people who were Fenians are now inclined to take the federal view, and will be content if Irishmen have the management of Irish affairs. I think the prevall- ing fecling among them 1s, that they ought to acquiesce in federalism without any recourse to physical force. I will tell you a curious coincidence about this. When I first began to speak in public about home rule several people told me that 1 should never satisfy the Irish people, especially the Irish party, with such a moderate proposal. About this time I met a man whom I knew to have been engaged as a leader in the Fenian conspiracy, Iasked him if he knew anything of the general feeling of the people constituting the advanced party. He said, “Yes.” “What do you think,” I asked, “these people will say if I ask them to join the federal movement?’ “Do you know,” said he, “that I have risked my life?’ “Yes, [do,”’ was my reply. ‘Well, then,” said he, “1 am certain that any man who has looked the scaf- Joid in the face and was ready to plunge the coun- try into insurrection because he thought it was his duty, would be only too glad to see any honorable settlement.” By this you can understand that the people will look to their own Parliament for the redress of their own grievances instead of joining secret societies, CORRESPONDENT—And the movement is spread- ing? Mr. Butt—Undonbtedly. A great many persons who were at first merely sympathizers are now ardent supporters, CoRRESPONDENT —Do you consider the Church act good measure for the country ? Mr. BurT—It has undoubtedly had a good effect, CorkESPONDENT—And the Land act ¢ Mr. Butt—Ido not think the Land act satistac- tory; [never taought it would be. The value of land has increased, but not much. CORRESPONDENT—But 18 not the country gener- ally improved since the passing of the Land act ? Mr. BuTt—I think not; it has not had time to take effect. The farmers are very well otf, CORRESPONDENT—What part will the Catholic clergy take in this matter? Mr. Burr—They have not pledged themselves to take any part. CORRESPONDENT—What do they intend to do with regard to University education? Mr. Butr—They will never be satisfied with any- | thing jess than the establishment of a Catholic University. CORRESPONDENT—What in your opinion will be the result of the estabiishment of the ballot in the next election? Mr. Butt—It will be entirely favorable in the counties to popular interests, but not in some of the boroughs. CORRESPONDENT—You are aware that at present this movement bas but little support in England? Mr. BuTT—I think I shail be able to create a healthy influence in Engiand and to make the Eng- lish peopie see the injustice under which we labor. Ihave scarcely met any really right-minded Eng- ishman who has not said to me, “If you can satisiy us that you are not seeking any more than you say you will have no difficulty in carrying your project through.”’ Ihave addressed several meet- ings in English towns, and at every place I went to I gained members for the association, Then there is @ very powerful element in the Scotch towns which also has great influence, CORRESPONDENT—When do you propose to bring the question of home rule before the House of Commons? . Mr. Burr—Certainly not until after the next elec- tion, CorrEsronpDENT—Mas anything been said about it in the House? Mr, Burt—The late Mr, Maguire brought forward & motion some two years ago, but the question was'not ripe. CO8RESPONDENT—I have seen it suggested in one of the English papers that the home rule party would probably vote en masse with whichever side of the House assured them of a ready ear for their grievance. Do yon imagine that would be the case ? Mr. Burt—It 1s very hard to say. I should not like the policy of going from one side to another, It wouid pfovoke a combination of the English party. At the same time 80 men would ve a very strong opposition, I rely more on moral force than in- trigue. : CORRESPONDENT—Does your scheme contemplate the appointment of a viceroy ? Mr. BurtT—Certainly; the Viceroy would be ap. Pointed as before the union, by the imperial Crown, He ought to have an Irish administration, which would resign if defeated, just ae same as in Canada, CORRESPONDENT—Wonld you stipulate that the Viceroy should be an Irishman ? Mr. BuTT—Not at all. The nomination would rest with the Queen, and I am certain that if any objection were made to an Englishman Her Ma} esty would appoint an Irishman. CoRRgsPONDENT—Some of the Protestant gentry I believe, are with you ? Mr. Burr—Very many of them. Only the ultra Protestants are against us CORRESPONDENT—Is it your idea that the Cathe olic priesthood nas been holding aloof from you lest your movement should we thougnt a Catholio move nent? Mr. Burr—I do not think so. It has been said that we wish to interfere with the settlement of the education question. We are anxious not to interfere with that or any other religious matter. ConnesronDENT—In Beliast, Lhear, your strength is nit, Mr, Burr -I do not agree with that, We havea strong party in Beltast, comprising @ great many Provestants, Some of our best meetings have been held there. In conclusion let me say to you that the success of this movement is beyond any- thing 1 could have anticipated, especially when we take into consideration the short time we have been working, and the fact that, having made no appeal, we have had, as you may say, no funds ag our disposal. This success is greatly to be ace counted for by the spread of education and the publication of cheap newspapers, The people know as much about the principles of the move- mentasI do, We are dealing with a totally dif- ferent class from that to which O’Connell made his speeches, and, besides, O'Connell never had anything like 40 members pledged to the people. The National Home Rule Conference in Dublin. The Home Rule Conference assemblage in Dublin, in session during several days of the past month, was attended by Professor Butt, M. P., Mr. Henry, the O'Connor Don, and many other Irishmen em! nent for their advocacy of the cause of legislative: independence for Ireland, but in union, for pur- poses of general government, with the Crown of England, The following petition tothe imperial Parlia- ment, setting forth the objects of the assemblage, was presented to the Conlerence, discussed, and ordered for circulation for signatures, viz. ;— We, the undersigned, feel bound to declare our conviction that it is necessary to the peace and prosperity df Ireland, and would be conducive to the streng’h and hwcpenge | of the United Kingdom, tifat the right of domestic legislation en all Irish affairs should be restored to our country; and that | at is desirable that Irishmen should unite to obtain that restoration upon the following principles ;— To obtain for our country the right and privilege of managing our own affairs, by a Parliament assembled in Ireland, composed of Her Majesty the Sovereign and the Lords and Commons of Ireland. ‘To secure for that Parliament, under a federal arrangement, the right of legislating for and regue lating all matters relating to the internal affairs of Ireland, and control over Irish resources and reve- nues, subject to the obligation of contributing our just proportion of the imperial expenditure. To leave to an Imperial! !’arliament the power of. dealing with all questions affeciing the Imperial Crown and government, legislation regarding the Colonies and other depeudencies of the Crown, the relations of the United Empire with foreign States and all matter appertaining tothe defence and the stability of the Empire at large. To obtain such an adjustment of the relations between the two countries without any interfer- ence with the prerogatives of the Crown, or any disturbance of the principles of the constitution, The second day of the Conference, after some observations by the Chairman exposing ‘‘a gros misrepresentation” of facts by a London journal, which alleged that the assembly consisted of only 200 obscure persons, the fifth resolution of the first series waa moved by Sir J. N. McKenna. It de- clared that the proposed federal arrangement does not involve any change in the existing con- stitutton of the Imperial Parliament, or any inter- ference with the prerogatives of the Crown, or disturbance of the principles of the Constitution. The resolution was seconded by Mr. McCarthy Downing, who, though formerly a repealer, yielded to the cogent arguments adduced by Mr. Butt in favor of federalism, and accepted the programme of the association as the only one which the Eng- lish nation would ever grant. Mr. Downing took & hopeful view of the prospects of the movement, and said English and Scotch members had repeat- edly said to him, “Satisfy us that you only want a Parliament te manage your own affairs, and that you don’t intend afterwards to look for separation, and we will not only listen to you but vote with ‘ou. z Mr. Blennerhassett, Member of Parliament, in supporting tne resolution, expressed bis opinion tine it would not be wise to tie the Irish members to any particular course of action on the question reducing them to the position of mere delegates, but at the same time thought it of importance that they should be assured o! the sincerity of the men who took up the movement. Mr. Blennerhassett considered federalism not only the most desirable but the most practicable solution, The resolution having been passed, Sir John Grey moved the next of the series requiring the appoimt- ment of a responsible Irish Ministry. ‘This was seconded by Mr. D. O'Connor, M. P., and was also adopted without objection. The seventh resolution, declaring that the federak arrangement would add to the strength and integ- rity of the Empire, was moved by Mr. Mitcheil Henry, M. P., seconded by Mr. O'Neill Daunt, and supported by Mr. Digby, M, P. This having closed the series Mr. Doran brought forward a motion requiring the Irish members to deliberate among themselves on all questions sub- mitted to Parliament attecting Ireland, and tore- going individual action to vote only as the ma- jority should decide. This was strongly objected to, and an amendment having been moved the discussion was adjourned, The proceedings of the Conference were brought. to a close on the 21st ult. The proposal to exact a pledge from the Irish members as to their future course of action havin; been condemned by Mr. Butt, was not pressed, an the series of resolutions relating to the organiza- tion of the Home Rule League were passed with- out alteration. ‘Two thousand pounds was subscribed to form ®& speciai fund jor the promotion of the objects of the Conterence. The fund will be expended in the dif* fusion ot reliable information as to the nature and objects of the movement and tn assisting the elec- | tion of eligible candidates who are not them- seives ina position to defray the expenses 0! @ contest. in closing the Conference Mr. Butt warmly con- gratulated the assembly on the earnestness, mod- eration and unanimity which had characterized ite | deliberations. MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES. | Mr. James Lewis, of the Fifth Avenue Theatre Company, is slowly recovering trom his severe: sickness. Mr. Fechter will, on Thursday night, appear at the theatre which was to have been his, and ina role which, in a certain seuse, is nobody else’s, Mr, M. Hartz is going to “expose” Spiritualism. Spiritualism has been so often dealt with in this manner that one would think it would haye died of | exposure if anything could kill it. night is going to be a busy time among the theatres, Salvini, Wailack, McCullougn, the Vokes, the Filth Avenue company, the Florences and the Lingards all appeal to the public at the various places of amusement, Mrs, John Wood is spoken of in the Atheneum as exhibiting “exaggeration of a kind strongly American” in the creation of Phillipa in Mre Charies Reade’s “Wandering Heir.” ‘The trouvie we always found in her exaggerations was that they were too strongly English. “The Woman in White,” in which Mr. Wybert | Reeve isto piay Count Fosco, at the Broadway Theatre, will be produced under the personal su- pervision of Mr. Wilkie Collins, The character is one which deserves to be erected into a specialty as much as any in the whole range of modern dramatizations from popular novelties. ‘The chief pieces now running in Paris are, at the | Vaudeville, “L’Oncie Sam,’ which does not gain by being seen a second time; at the Varictes, “La Vie Parisienn at the Porte St. Mar- tin, “Libres; at the Palas Royal, the very skght and not very funny “Le Chei de Divistor at the Ambign, the well-acted “Le Parricide;”’ at the Bouffes, “La Quenouille de Verre,” in which Mme, Judic sings charmingly; and last, but not Jeust, at tue Gaité, ‘Jeanne d’Are.” MASSACHUSETTS MILL3 RESUMING, The Atlantic Cotton Mills and the Wa: ington Woollen Mill at Lawrence. LAWRENCE, Dec, 7, 1873, The Atlantic Cotton Miils, which have been run+ ning only part of their machinery four days each week, are to start every loom on fuil time. ‘The Washington Woollen Mlil bas started upon large goverument orders for navy blue jor the United States Navy. The Appleton Company’s Mills at Lowell. LOWELL, Dee, 7, 1873, The Appleton Company, of this city, commence to-morrow to run their milis full time with full pay until the close of the payroll for December. No Pbk rade is made of their action bevond the er