The New York Herald Newspaper, December 10, 1873, Page 4

f 4 NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1873.—TRIPLE SHKET, IRELAND. The Great National Home Rule Conference. Mr. Butt Defines His Po- sition. THE RESOLUTIONS. BELFAST, Nov. 22, 1873, The great National Home Rule Conference has been the great and almost the only event of the week, Its reports have filled the papers. Discus- sions as to its aims and probable consequences have filled men’s minas. It began its sittings on Tuesday. It continued its deliberations until Fri- day nd, from first to last, it was busy, orderly and not without animation, though such excite- ment as there was was subdued. [have already noticed the preparations for this notable meeting. ‘They were extensive, and have occupied the atten- tion of the Home Rule Association for months past. ‘The arrangements proved to be very cowplete, and they were carried out with satisfactory smooth- ness. The requisition for the conference was signed by upwards of 24,000 names. A portion of these have been published, and writers in the English papers have been giving analyses of them to show that the requisitionists, while compara- tively few in number, were, lor the most part, in- significant people. COMPOSITION OF THE CONFERENCE. There were few, if any, gentry, it was said; bar- risters, of whom there are computed to be a thou- sand in Ireland, and who don’t, as a rule, object to join any movement which might help their promo- tion, were conspicuous by their absence, or, at least, by the scarcity of their signatures. There were many Roman Catholic clergymen, but Jew Protestants, lay or clerical; and the commercial class was but poorly represented—all this has been said, and at more than one meeting of the conference these remarks were noticed and con- troverted. It was protested that the requisition had not been hawked about; thousands of signa- tures might have been secured had they been asked, But the promoters of the conference had been careful to request the signatures generally of representative people, and the result was a very fairly representative list of names. We have already seen how Lora Portarlington refused to sign the requisition or take any part in the home Tule movement; how Mr. JONATHAN SIM also refused to support home rule, while admitting tnat grave grounds existed for complaint of legis- lative neglect; but Lora French, only a day or two before the meeting of conference, not only gave his signature, but cordially acquiesced in the movement. He was, however, from ill health, un- able to take part in the conference deliberations. The conference meetings were heid in the splen- did round room of the rotunda—a really magnifl- cent hall, well adapted for such A LARGE DELIBERATIVE GATHERING. Great care had been bestowed in properly fitting up the place and in securing all the possible avail- able room for those attending. The arrangements, Iam assured, were similar to those for the Volun- teers’ Conference in 1783. The platform or stage had been removed, thus affording accommodation for agreat Many additional sittings. A low dais was set in the centre of where the stage had been, and on it was placed the President's chair, beauti- | fully embroidered. In front was the table jor the | conference officials; near by were tables for the reporters of the press, who were very numerous. Ranging still further in front of the President's chair were the seats reserved for members of Par- liament and other leaders of the Conference, while pehind these were the spaces reserved for the delegates or representatives from the various dis- tricts of Ireland. In the gallery were seated many ladies. The scene altogether was a remarkable one—striking and imposing in many respects. ‘he hour for commencing proceedings was eleven o'clock, but it was almost twelve before the business really began. The lerge hall was then well filled. There was the utmost order and the proceedings were listened to throughout with the deepest attention. It would be futile for me | to attempt any enumeration of names, but I may mention that about 20 members of Parliament took part in the deliberations. There were large Qumbers of Catholic clergymen in the assembiy and @ very good representation of the respectable | looking farmer class. Only the North was con- spicuous by the paucity of its representation. As tar asl cougd ascertain only two men of promi- nence came from that quarter—both from Belfast— one a Presbyterian clergyman, the Rev, Isaac Nel- eon, and tne other Mr. Joseph G. Biggar. While, so to speak, the large audience is wait- ing for the proceedings to begin, I may explain more explicitly than I have yet done the exact purpose and aim of the Conference. first place, to declare that it would be good for Ireland and conducive to the peace and STABILITY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM that the right of domestic legislation on all Irish affairs should be restored to this country. For the attainment of this object it is, in the second piace, declared desirable that Irishmen should unite to obtain that restoration upon the following princi- ples. I give them as set forth in the requisi- tion :— To obtain for our country the right and privilege of man our own affairs, by a Parliament assembled in Ireland, coraposed of Het Majesty the sovereign and the Lords ‘and Commons of Ireland; to secure for that federal arrangement, the right of d regulating all matters relating to irs of Ireland, legislating for the internal Trish resources @nd_ revenues, subject to the obligation of contributing our’ just proportion of the imperial expenditure; to leave to an in rial Parliament the power of dealing with all ques- ions affecting the imperial Crown and governme legislation regarding the colonies and other dep dencies of the Crown, the relations of the United Emp! with foreign States, and all matter appertaining to the | defence and the stability of the Empire at large: to obtain such an adjustment of the relations between the two countries without any interlerence with the preroga- tives of the Crown or any disturbance of the principles of the Vonstitution, Such are the objects of the Conference. But there is now comparative silence in the large hall. ‘The leaders of the movement—conspicuous among whom is Mr. aac Butt, ‘the father of home rule,” ‘and whose appearance was welcomed by a general cheer—are grouped round the still vacant presi- dential chair, and an air of coming business settles down over the large audience, They have not now long to wait. At afew minutes before twelve Mr. George Bryan, M. P., proposed, seconded by Mr. Charles French, that Mr. William Shaw, M, P. for Bandon, take the chair, The motion was unant- mously passed, the secretaries were appointed, and, other formal matters being arranged, the President made A BRIEF OPENING SPRECH. He confined himself to indicating generally the objects of the conference, to showing tnat the home rule movement had not been a failure, that it was, on the contrary, an earnest and thoroughiy national movement, and that this conference had been held with a view to formulate the objects of the agitation and to place the movement in the hands of the Irish people. It was no local agita- tion. There were many who might not take part in ft. ‘there were men who never would take part in constitutional move. ments, There were timid men—men of property and means—who never took @ prominent part in any political movement, But he thought the signatures to the requisition would show that the active politicians of the country— the men who were always in the front in euch movements—were thoroughly and heartily with them, This was no crusade against property, against religion or morality, No people in the world, he believed, had a greater respect for order, for rank, for property, for morality and for Teligion than the Irish people; and surely, if home rue atrack atthe root of any of these principle P| seecnne reed uae Dothing to de with it Gonfidence in the movement ne ala al ME. BUTT'S EPRECH. ee tatt followed, He was recetved with loud te +73 werwera ig, continued for some time, to bad adhd first resolt Which, being brief, 1 5 igive in fall: whe ‘That, ag Ube basis of the proceedings of this cantarence. | rule if firmiy and fully carrted out. It is, in the | and control over | Torso 'tte peace and prosperity ef ireland thatthe sary to the Fight or domestic iegistation on all Irish affairs should be red to our couniry. Mr. Butt prefaced his motion by a teresting narrative of what maj called Irish agitation for self-government. He sketched—and he gave statistics in support of his sketch—the peeseetom condition of the country before the Union. It was self-sustained. f[rishmen ate their own beef and mutton; their country was pot merely & grazing field for a neighboring island. h the union all this was changed. It was brought about by corruption ; it had brought cor- rapthess and disaster its train, Ireland had never since been satisfied. Her subsequent history was one of long struggle for independence, and until that was granted there could not be | peace in Ireland, Mr. Butt dwelt at some length on the O'Connell repeal agitation, ana snowed by entatipen from letters and speeches that in 1844 "Connell was favorable to such @ scheme of federal union, with @ native Parliament regulating domestic affairs, as Mr. Butt now aayocated. Mr. Butt preferrea this federal scheme because it would be entorced with the least disturbance to the English Parliament. There would, indeed, be no real interference, Then 105 Irish members would simply leave the Parliament sitting in Westminster and take their places in a Parliament ong College Green. It had been so at the union, The Irish members had been sim- ly transierred from Dublin to London. There had been no new elections; no new arrangements were considered necessary. Mr, Butt would would merely reverse the process—bring back to Dublin those members who now sat in West- minster. He was aware that among those who had joined the conference there were some who woul sll prefer a simple repeal of the union, but he hoped they woula con- sent to waive their own personal views and heartily joiu the present movement, He believed England had now the opportunity of adjusting the quarrel of centuries. It would be for herself, as it would be of incalculable benefit to Ireland, He had raised the banner of home rule almost tremblingly and not without hesitation, But it had prospered, They had brought it to what it now Was, and it was for tho Irish peomie to bear it with qnersy with strength and with renewed vigor, until the Ang: once more proudly floated over “The Old House.at Home.” ‘This resolution was reconciled by Mr. Ronayne, M. P. for Cork, who declared himself not only a simple repealer, but one who had been a rebel. The concessions made to Ireland had been torced from sngland, and Mr, Ronayne dwelt with force on the neglect of Irish business in the House of Commons, and of the dificulties Irish representa- tives had in earnestly seeking to do their duty. ‘The resolution was passed. The Rev. Thaddeus O'Malley wished to propose an amendment; but, as it was One supporting the whole series of resolu- tions to be submitted to the Conference, and not to this one in particular, the Chairman ruled it out of order, and Mr. O'Malley withdrew his objection. INALIENABLE RIGHT TO SBLF-GOVERNMENT. The next resolution submitted was as follows ‘That, solemnly reasserting the inalienable right of the Irish people to self-government, we declare that the time, {n°Our opinion, has come when «combined aud encrgetic effort should’ be made to obtain the restoration of that right. It Was proposed by ‘MR. JOHN MARTIN, M. P., who, while announcing himself still personally a simple repealer, said he had join tbe home rule movement because it had been accepted by the reat majority of the Catholic people of Ireland, and he hoped it would be adopted by the Protestant people as well. He hoped and trusted, too, that the movement would commend itself to the English people; but it struck him forcibly, if English legislators cannot ve convinced of the necessity o1 fepntos, this measure, and if the stern voice of justice, raised by the majority of members they would send to the English Parliament, should be drowned in the clamors of bigotry; if the Eng- lish government should refuse to concede the demands now made without the bayonets of the volunteers, the Irish peuple would conclude— and it was the only logical conclusion—that, while nothing can ve expected from England through a sense of justice, a good deal can be wrung from her fears—a sentiment which was loudly cheered. The whole speech of Mr. Mastin was a iorcible at- tack upon the present system of government in Ireland. He was not, of course, the only one to make such an attack, for the very purpose of the Conference was to make at. tack and to suggest a remedy; but, having indi- cated generally the nature of the personal views among the leaders of the present movement, I need not further follow closely individual speakers, ‘Taese were very numerous, and to summarize their sentiments, even in the briefest way, would be impossiple in the limited space at my disposal. ‘fhe resolution proposed by Mr. Martin was car- ried, thongh not without a slight incidental dis- cussion which elicited some further individual ex- planations, Mr. Murpny, one of the members for Cork, aprovea of the federal scheme, with the retention oy the Sovereign of the power of veto on bills. He, however, took the opportunity to rebuke individuals, he did not blame the Home Government Association for frightening many people from the home ruie move- ment by the violence of their language at the nom- inally home rule Ca beatie ed Mr. Butt protested that the body were not to be blamed for the indis- cretions of individual members, and Mr. Murphy repeated that he did not blame the association, but individuais, Mr. Ronayne then 680 far took the responsibility of the business as to refer to | one large meeting where ultra opinions on certain subjects were expressec, though the great mass of the 20,000 people present were intensely favorable to home rule. He significantly added, however, that he and others joined this movement with a reservation. They still retained their old opinions as repealers, but would support home If not they re- served to themselves the right to adopt such ac- ae im the future as they might see ilt. nm and in” THE THIRD RESOLUTION, that Ireland claimed the right to manage her own affairs by a Parliament composed of the Sovereign, | the Lords and the Commons of Ireland, there was @ long discussion. {[t turned chiefly on the subject of the Honse of Lords and its constitution, or whether there should be a second Chamber at all. Previously, however, to this discussion the Rev. Mr. O'Malley submitted a bill con- taining a complete scheme for a __fed- eral conatitution for England and _ Scot- | land as well as Ireland; but he was in- duced to withdraw it. Mr. Digby was doubtful | about the constitution of an Irish House oi Lords. At present there were about 100 peers of one political party in Ireland, while there were only live or six ofthe other. How were they to get over this diMiculty? Mr. Butt preferred to stick | as closely a8 possible to the old constitutioual lines, and therefore be thought theyshouid insiat upon the retention of the upper champer. But from this chamber he wouid exclude ali who | had been created peers in connection with the negotiations for the union. Many peerages | had become extinct within the last 50 years; so that they would not have more than 70 | Or 80 peers available for the new Irisn House of | Lords, He proposed that the Sovereign, on the advice of the Irish Premier, shouid create @ num- ber of new peers, as well as life peers; and thus | the new chamber would be itberalized and nation- | alized, The debate on these points lasted until late. One speaker proposed to leave out all men- | tion of Sovereign, Lords and Commons, 80 as to avoid discussion on details; but the resolution as | drawn up was in the end agreed to. | _ The whole of Wednesday’s sitting was taken up With the consideration of THE FOURTH RESOLUTION, | which affirms the principle of federalism, and | which, as considerable importance was attached to it, | think it better to give in fall:— That. io claiming these rights and privileges for our country, we adopt the principle of a federal arrange- meut, Which would secure to the Irish parliament the | rightot legislating for and regulating all matters relat- ing to the internal affairs of Ireland, while leaving to the imperial parliament the power of dealing with all ques- tions affecting the imperial crown and government, leg- islation regarding the colonies and other dependencies of the crown, the relations of the Empire with foreign States and all matters appertaining to the defence and stability ofthe Empire at large, as well as the power of granting and providing the supplies necessary for im- perial purposes. This resolution was proposed by Professor Gal- braith, who has taken @ leading part in the move- ment from the beginning, and who declared that he Seiad it as much im the interests of Britain re as of land. It was recorded by the Rev. Mr. O'Shea, P. P., who seemed to think it was the only thin, tH to make Ireland the exemplar of the world and the evangelizer of back- sliding and irreligious states, The Continental countries were aii going to tne bad; but Ireland was still sweet and pure. Her sun was but rising while theirs was setting. The O'Connor Don countenanced the resolution. When directly put to him he frankly stated that, looking to the state of opinion in the middle ana upper ranks bi agenrtie| he would not say that the ption of this series of resolutions would be conducive to the peace and prosperity of Ireland. He would, however, move no amendment, nor do anything to interfere with what he believed Ireland ought to have—self-government. MR. BUIT ON SELF-COVERNMENT. Mr. Butt pee remarked that they had al- ready in a previous resolution declared that the time had come for asserting their claims to seif- government; and if The O'Connor did not think that time had come, he should e entered his objections earlier. Sir John Gray, M. P., J. Smyth and others took occasion to explain that while they supported this movement they still heid their own strong opinions as to the value of repeal. They simply went with the country in this matter. Mr. Ferguson, of Glasgow, declared that it was not’ only — tte — Well-to-do classes they had to consider. The time of the people was Come and they would use it. Mr. Martin came to the assistance of The O'Conner Don, believing that he was, like himself, favorable to the movement, Piteoat give Op any of his own cherished no- tions. The Rev, Isaac Nelson, of Belfast, declared for the Presvyverians of the north that they were Tepublican in spirit and favorable to home rule, and he believed it would not be diflenit to induce even the Orangemen to join them. The resolution we the end agreed to with only one dissentient, THURSDAY'S SITTING of the Conference there was more rapidity of move- ment, and the jour remaining resolutions were satisfactorily disposed of. The fifth declared that the federal arrangement would interiere neither with the constitution of the Imperial Partiainen the priviles of the Crown, nor the constitution o the country, It was posed by Sir Joseph Mc- Kenna, who cited tl Satin were ay OF ant to- wards Hur a4.an example o and.” brougat peace to by Engiand, it aay, mead saved Austrian =Empire, Mr. McCarthy Downing, M. P. for county cork, warmly supported motion and expressed his cordial acquiescence in the home rule move- ment. The sixth resolution, ably moved by Sir John Gray, M. P. for Ktlkeany, declared that it was essential there should*be in Ireland “an aaminis- tration for Irish affairs governed according to con- stitutional principles of the trish Parhament, and governed by ministers constivutionally responsivie to that Parliment.” Mr, Dennis O'Connor, in sec- onding this resolution, reierring to the remark about a man of wealth and respectability eon the movement, said that, if he had waite for the “kid-gloved gentlemen” he would never have joined the Conference as the representative of Sligo at all. The seventh resolution declared that the federal arrangement would give strength and eng to the Empire. It was proposed by Mr. Mitchell Henry and seconded by Mr. O'Neill Dennis, who was sure that if Ireland’s opinion of the present state of affairs were asked, her reply would be to England, **O1f, robber! Sore your hands from my throat!" He, however, cordially accepted the federal principle. THE LAST RESOLUTION was one of some importance. It was referred to by Mr. Butt in his opening address, and by several others of the speakers, Objections had been urged against the home rule movement that it would Place Ireland in the hands of the Roman Catholic priests, and become intolerable to the Protestants. Mr, Butt denied there was any ground for fearon this score. He was convinced that, even if the clergy were so disposed, there was a suf: ficient sense justice, of fairness, and of independence in the Catholic laity to repel any distinction in temporal affairs by the laity. He was, however, prepared to give guara! tees on this head, and the eighth resolution wi devised for this purpose. It provides for the in- corporativn in the federal constitution of articles | oferta ba 9 that no change shail be made by Par- lament in tie present settlement o1 property in Ireland and that no legislation should be adopted to establish any religious ascendancy in the country or to subject any eTson to disabilities on account of his religious opinions. Mr. Mitchell Henry, who proposed tre resolutioa, believed the fears entertained by some people were utterly groundless, He had per- lect confidence in the justice and tolerant spirit of the Roman Catholics, The resolution was passed without discussion, the Rev, Mr. McDermott, P.P., only protesting that it was unnecessary and de- grading. Thus far all that the Home Rule Association had es ale as a platform for the Conierence had een SATISFACTORILY ARRANGED. The resolutions had been adopted without modi- fication or amendment. There had been no “scenes” at the meetings and no conspicuous ex- citement, The nearest approach to this was when the O'Connor Don seemed to some to be throwing cold water on the movement, but even then there was no interruption to the proceedings. These were throughout orderly and business-like. There was an evident desire for harmonious working and co-operation, stirred by a@ spirit of hopefulnuess among the members. Ee THE LAST DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. But che work was not yet done. Indeed, the last day’s delidberations—those of yesterday—were the most protracted and, in some respects at ieast, the most important of all, It was then that the plan of future operations was settled. It was then that the organization of THE HOME RULE LEAGUE was outlinea and entrusted to an influential com- mittee to fill up and embody in more compact and substantial shape. Perhaps, too, it was at yesterday’s meeting that the great- est amount of teeling, if mot somewhat iodignant excitement, was visible. ‘The English papers had been giving reports of the Von- ference. They haa been to some extent comment- ing on the proceedings and commenting in no very lavorable spirit. Both reports and comments were complained of yesterday. The reports were said to be inaccurate and one sided; those of the Times were, With Warmth, characterized by Mr. Butt as indicating more than a spirit of unfriendliness, Tne numbers attending the Conference were aiso matters of contention. I have said that on the first day the Round Room was weil filled. This was the fact. On the subsequent days, how- ever, the attendance was not so numerous. It was not to be expected. But on the second day the Times reporter set down the attendance at not more than 200, The Chairman took notice of this statement, and asserted that there were at least 800 present. This estimate is certainly nearer the truth than the other. Altogether the proceed- ings of yesterday gave more indication of the be- ginning Of a battle than those of any previous day. VARIOUS IMPORTANT QUESTIONS remained to be settled. There was that point of parliamentary action—how the Irish members could best combine and work together. This had been leit over tor discussion from Thursday night. ‘Two propositions on this head had been tabled. One called upon all the constituencies to piedge their candidates to the great cause of home rule; to ac- cept those candidates only who would be ready, in case of emergency, to take counsel with a great national conference which would be so called as to represent and reflect the opinions of the nation, and who would, besides, yearly consent to meet their constituents and give an account of their conduct in Parliament, To this motion an amendment was proposed, en- acting that aiter the general election the Irish members should form themselves into a perma- nent committee; that this comuittee should pub- licly discuss every measure to be submitted to Par- liament, and that the members should vote in a body or abstain from voting, as the ma- jority should determine. These were the two points discussed yesterday as bearing on parliamentary action. The debate was a long and most interesting one; but the amend- ment seemed unpopular. It was discountenanced by Mr. Butt and other leaders as cramping and confining members of Parliamenttoo, It was too s00n yet to lay down a precise plan of parliamen- tary action, and it was unfair to bind members so ughtly down as the amendment would bind them. in the end the amendment was withdrawn, and the motion unanimously passed. It now only remained to pass the resolutions or- ganizing the Home Rule League. Those gave rise to no opposition, It was decided that it shouid be calied the trish Home Rule League; that it should be based on the principles enunciated in the reso- lutions of conterence; that a large special fund should be raised fur promoting the objects of the Poe that an appeal for assistance should be made to Irishmen in all parts of the world; that the special fund should be vested in trustees, who were named, and that the annual subscription should be £1. The immediate constitution of the nace was proposed by Mr. King-Harman, as fol- OWS :— That the Irish a. Rule League be now constituted— first, of ail existi members of the Home Government Association who may desire to be members ot the same, subscriptions alread¥ paid to the Home Government As sociation to be considered as subscriptions paid to the pay @ subscription of £1: third. of ‘all persons who have signed the requisition,and Who may so enrol their names and pay their subscription on or before the Ist of December—admission of members thereafter to be regu- lated by the rules. This resolution was seconded by The 0’Gorman Mahon, who was most enthusiasticaily received, and who expressed a deep sense of the honor done him, aiter twenty years of exile, in being per- mitted to take part in the conference. A commit- tee of sixteen was appointed to draw up rules for the league, to report to a private meeting on the 2a of December. A subscription was then opened, and some. £3,000 were collected at the meeting— the chairman and Mr. Mitcheli-Henry heading the list with £300 each, The conference soon after adjourned, Mr. Butt declaring himself well satis- fled, believing that God watched over their pro- ceedings and had given them His blessing. THE REY. ISAAO NELSON nas, I fear, raised a@ considerable storm abont his ears by the remarks he made in the Conference Teepectng the “healthy republicanism” of the Western Presbyterians and their sympathy with homerule, The Rev. W. Johnston, Moderator of the General Assembly, has sounded the first note ina letter to the Belfast Northern Whig. In this letter he informs ali who may live beyond Ulster that Mr. Nelson occupies an isolated position among his Presbyterian brethren; that the Pres- byterians of Ulster are not Pg beers but very Joyal and a subjects of the British Crown, and that as to home rule they will yet deliver their opinion upon it and ‘with no uncertain sound.” shail see, Last Sunday, the first collections in ald of the CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY were made in many chapels. In Dublin, Cardinal Cullen himself preached a sermon, dwelling first on the valne of education, and next on the para- mount importance of that education being founded throughout on religious teaching. Asto the secular system, he branded itas a denial of God, Even teaching in the Bible was not enough, where, as with Protestants, it was unaccompanied with au- thoritative interpretation of doctrine. It thus became almost @ sealed lester. This was not what Catholics would have. The; did not want the education provide by the State, They insisted upon their children being’ taught, every hour of the day, if necessary, the truths of their religion. The a dinal very highly the schools estabiished by the Christian Brothers, and held thay the State ought to support them. The amount of the collec. tions last Sunday has not been announced, but it 4s said to have been considerable. Mr. John Martin, > the member for Meath, though he has only once spoken in the House of Commons in support of a motion for separate v= ernment for Ireland and has never taken any part in the ordinary business of the house, has written a letter snr subscription of £1 to the Catholic University. He declares that nobody can any longer expect irom the London Parliament any assistance to the Catholic University; hence the Catholics must help themselves in so important a matter, For himself, a8 a Protestant, he jeels that Protestants have secured a very large endowment out of the Irish national property, while the equally taxed and far more numerous Catholics are re- fused all endowment unless they submit to give up their sons to be educated as Protestants may think proper. THE AMNESTY MERTING at Hanastown, near Belfast, on Sunday, had many elements of success. The weather, for the season, was fine; the people turned out in large numoers, and the resolutions proposed were carried with as much enthusiasm as was possible on a day which, though fine jor the time oi year, was necessarily cold. There were many banners displayed, and several bands played national airs. There was, however, no or oughly organized procession, Within the borough of Belfast neither band played nor was banner unfurled. It had been resolved not to make any display in the town, Only when out- side the boundary were the flags shown and each d began the music which eathercd its own fol- lowera. Along the route leading to the fleld there were placed, at intervals, small bodies of police, but their services were not required. The whole Pp ings were conducted in the most eraoaty way. Aplatform had been erected on the fleld, and here, at one o'clock, Mr, Josepn G, By , Of Bellast, took Position as chairman of a meeting numbering several thousands. He warned the government that, unless the Fenian prisoners were released, tt would be the worse for them. It might possibly be the means of preventing them altogether. A let- ter was read from Mr. ‘Thomas Moviure, M. P, for Belfast, excusing bimseli for not attending the meeting, and reminding the promoters of the seri- ous responsibility which rested upon government in dealing with such prisoners, ‘Tne letter was re- ceived with hisses, and the Chairman was greatly sppinanes when he asked those present whether tl ey would support alr, eCiure if he should stand again. Another — speaker— Mr. Roache — contended that the only fault of the incarcerated prisoners was that they loved their country too well; that but tor them Ireland would not have enjoyed the bene- ficial legislation tor which the present government took credit; and that out of mere gratitude Mr. Gladstone ought to unlock the prison doors and set the prisoners iree. Resolutions declaring the continued incarceration of the prisoners to be un- christian and cruel, demanding their uncondt- tional release and declaring that 1t would be gross ingratitude to release their efforts for the attain- ment of this object, were unanimously passed, after which the meeting quietly dispersed. On the same day there was an amnesty meeting in the vicmity of Waterford. It was presided over by Major Purcell O’Gorman, but the leading members of the Waterford Town Council were present, The oy was tine, the trades marshalled in processional order in the city at twelve o'clock, and marched, with bands and banners, to the place of meeting, where, it is estimated, about 10,000 people assem- bled, The resoiutions proposed were substantially the same as those at Hannahstown, and they were carried with the utmost enthusiasin. A GHASTLY TALE comes from Ballypooreen, a village on the confines of counties Cork ana Tipperary, In the still early morning darkness of Saturday last, two policemen Gene and McNamara), men who had been years in the constabulary force; men of good character, respected and quiet in behavior; who, 80 far as their best friends knew, had no cause of quarrel tne one with the other—leit the barracks to go on road patrol duty. One was armed with a sword bayonet ouly, the other had a rifle and bayonet. They had scarcely been gone an hour when Banyon’s wife was surprised and horrified to find him staggering into their house with a terrible gash in nis throat and almost literally covered with blood. She ran to the police barracks for assist- ancd, but ere she returned the poor man was dead. Search was then made for McNamara, and, at no great distance off, his body was found lying by the roadside. It was a trightful sight. His head haa beaten to @ wp. In several body had been stabbed— through the chest. He was, of course, quite dead. An inquest was held on the Saturday evening, and the jury found that Banyon had killed McNamara in a fit of sudden homicidal mania, and afterwards committed sul- cide, There seems no other possible explanation of this dreadful business. Human nature has undoubtedly its savage side, even In the midst of civilization; but we prefer to call it insanity, THE RIOTS AT PORTADOWN are still the subject of deep mutterings of discon- tent among Urangemen. The County Grand Hegee of Armagh has, it seems, been considering the whoie question; and they have come to the con- clusion and have published the resolution in which their conclusion is embodied, that the sub-in- spector of police, who swore to the resident magis- trate that he believed there would be a riot were the Orange procession permitted on the 6th of November, awore very wrongly. There would have been no riot, the Grand ope maintains, had there been no interference by the police, it was a peaceable, loyal and periectly Jegal procession, got up in celebration of a na- tional anniversary, and ought not, therefore, to have been disturbed, The County Grand Lodge in- sisted upon it that there ought to be a searching investigution, so that those who, by their mis- guided zeal, interfered with the procession, and, as is maintained, caused the disturbance, may be punished, whoever they ney be. The mag- isterial investigations at ortadown haye, however, finished with the sending forward of three or four prisoners for trial. Other trials in connection with what are, at least, called Orange disturbances, have been going on receutly. One is still In tull swing at Glenarm, in connection with a disturbance raised last 12th of July. There Was & procession, there was a crowd and there were shots fired, and, of course, persons arrested. The trial has already lasted eight or ten days, and shows no sign of termination. At Stewartston they concluded last Tuesday a second investigation respecting a rict at Runlishmand in July last, A Procession of Protestant Sunday school children was arranged for the 2th of July. A number of Orangemen, alleging that the Roman Catholics intended to attack the proces- sion, accompanied the scholars. The authori- ties seem also to have nad some kind of procession. There was a collision, a row and firiug of shots. Forty Orangemen were arrested, but after a second investigation the magistrates refused to send them forward for trial; and there was consequently here great rejoicing among Or- men. reat preparations have been made for the cele- bration in Dublin to-morrow of the anniversary of the death of those known as “THE MANCHESTER MARTYRS,” Larkin, Allen and Gould. They were hanged at Manchester several years ago lor the rescue of Kelly irom the public van, and for causing the death of the constable in charge. There nave been several celebrations of this anniversary in Dublin, and the one to-morrow promises to be, at least, Dot less enthusiastic than the others, PIGEON SHOOTING. Miles L. Johnson vs. Moses Myers—match of Fifty Binds Each for $500—Jonnson the Winner—Jessic Smth Beats Sat- terthwaite in a Ten-Bird Match. The third important pigeon match of the season was decided yesterday afternoon at Deerfoot Driving Park, on the Coney Island road, The con- testants were Miles L. Johuson, of Yardville, N. J., and Moses Myers, of Belleville, N. J., the conditions being 50 birds each, 21 yards rise, 80 yards bound- ary, 1% oz. shot, Hand T traps, and the amount at stake $500. This contest assumed all the more importance inasmuch as the principals were old opponents, and Myers had recently made such an excellent reputation for himself in the matter of this peculiar amusement, ‘The attendance was fair and the day weli adapted to produce creditable scores, as there was neither sun nor wind to interfere with the shooters, True it rained a little as the men first went to the traps, but it soon ceased, and an afternoon followed to please the most exacting pigeon shot in the couns try. Mr. A. Van Volkenburgb, of Newark, N. J., acted as judge for Myers, and Mr. Jesse Smith, of ‘New York, filled a like position for Johnson. Mr. John Ryan, of Englewood, N. J., discharged the duties of referee. Before the shooting Myers was the favorite $20 to $14, and, winning the toss, went first to the score. He killed seven birds in style, but, missing the eighth, the odds began to lessen somewhat, as Johnson, after missing his first bird, went. along in his easy, steady, old-fashioned manner, and at his twentieth bird they were even, having each missed two. Myers should have killed his nine- teenth bird, as it few almost into his face, and the Many that were backi him wondered at his ili luck. Jolinson’s twentieth bird dropped dead out of bounds, so did Myers’ twenty-fourth and thirty- seventh birds. With the match half over Johnson was one bird ahead, and the betting was $20 to $10 in bis favor. At the thirtieth bird Myers was two behind, and at the fortieth Johnson ied him three birds, and the betting men were so sanguine of the latter proving. the victor that they offered odds of $25 to $5, but Myers’ friends had got all they ‘wanted. Myers missed his forty-fifth bird, and at the forty-eighth Johnson had shot him out, killing 42 of that number to Myers’ 39, Johnson used a breech-loader of Messrs. Foster & Abby’s make (Chicago), ten gauge; and Myers an Ethan Alien muzzie-loader, nine bore. The time occupied in shooting the match was one hour and thirty-flve minutes, The birds were an average lot, the first being slow and possessing but littie strength, while the balance were very lively and strong fyers, SUMMARY, Derrvoor DRIVING'PARK, NEAR BROOKLYN, L. I., Dec. 9, 1878.--Pigeon match of $500, 60 birds each, 21 yards rise, prsiee boundary, 11 02, shot, H and T traps, Rhode island Badge rules, Jobnson—d, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1,1, 1, 1, 1, 1,1, 1,1, 0, 0,4, 4, ii, 4, i, 4, 4, i, 4, i, 1, 1, ads 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1. Total, 48; kalled, 42; missed, 6. Shot out opponent. Myers—1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, J, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 4, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1 1, 0, 1, 1, 2, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1,1, 1, 1,0, 1, 1,1.’ Total, 44; kilied,'39; missed, 9, Shot out by opponent and retired. Judges—Jesse Smith tor Johnson and A. Van Volkenburgh for Myers. Referee—Mr. John Ryan, of Englewood, N. J. ‘Time of the shooting—One hour and 35 minutes, MATOM OF TEN BIRDS RACH, Following the above there was a friendly match of 10 birds each, shot by Mr. Jesse Smith and Mr. Satterthwaite, the conditions veing the same as the irst reported, and the sum at stake $50, Mr. mith used 8 muzzie-loader, singie barrel, and his friend double barrel, same style, The betting was $10 to $4 on Smith, so san- guine were the spectators that he would prove the winner, and, while such was the result, he had all that he could do, as Satterthwaite 1s a “very handy man” shooting ns, Smith killed his 10 birds in qaite 504 style ana his Opponent 9 straight, nay missed the first, SUMMARY, Samm Day—Pigeon match of $50, 10 birds each, 21 ards rise, 80 yards boundary, 14 0%. shot, H and Ialand Badge rules. 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1—10, 1, dy 1, yy ty by 10, Ryan, CHEAP TRANSPORTATION. A Meeting of the New York Association Yesterday. Important Report of the Committee—The Ques- tion Stated—Defects of the Present System of Transportation—The Remedies Propo:ed— A National Freight Railroad—Im- provement of Present Railroads—A Meeting in Washington Calied. A meeting of the Cheap Transportation Associa- tion was held, yesterday, at the office of the com- pany, No. 110 Pearl street, the President B. B. Sherman in the chair. Mr. Lees, the general agent, gave a very en- couraging statement as to the accession of addi- tional members to the association. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE, The following are extracts from the lengthy report presented ; they give the main points of the document :— ‘The question of transportation is at this time one of the most important, if not the most important, of the ques: tions now before the people of the United’ States. Fifty years ago the business of this country was but a system of ventures, and transportation was confined to our riv- ers and sea Coast. Since that time, however. steain and electricity have enabled us to almost annihilate time and space, and the railroad and the telegraph have revolu- lonized the commerce of the world. Xhe old-time mer- chants of New York were in the habit of speculating in staple products and were often enabled to hold the mar- Ket against a decline for months, because means of com- munication and transportation were deficient; but now intelligence of the scarclty of any article in this market is flashed North, South, baat and West—under the ocean and around the world even—an the giant Power of steam hurries the products of | the world to our doors; instead of this old-time venture, has become a mathematical cost and time of transport While corn in Towa is worth problem, in which the have become chiet items. 20 cents por bushel in New York the market price is 60 cents, hile cattle in Ilinois, Missouri and Kansas are Worth from $10 to $20 per head, they, at the abbatoirs of Now York, bring from $40 to $60. 1n Ohio and West Vir- gine abounds cannel coal of the finest quality, worth at e door of the mine Ct ton; in Pennsylvania, within 300 miles of New York, the best anthracite coal is worth $3 retin New York these cost the consumer re- spectively $15 and $7 per ton. ‘these figures were made in October, and, although fluctuations in, markets cause slight changes ‘in the relative proportions, yet, in the main, they are correct, MANUFACTURES OF THE RAST are also greatly enhanced in cost to the consumers of the West, and thus atevery step inthe examination of this question we find the ‘people, the whole people, are de- ndent almost for their very existence—certainly for all ¢ ordinary necessaries of life—upon the transportation facilities ot the country. Every man, woman and child in the United States pays tribute to our transpor- tation upon the greater of everything a eat, drink and wear; jus owe can easily understand that all classes of citizens have an interest in its management. In ail civilized countries, trom time immemorial, the ‘means of commu- nication have been considered of the greatest importance. Wherever civilization has reached the highest develop- ment the means of communication have been the most perfect, and the ples’ highways have always been considered sac: even when constructed and main- tained by the most despotic governments. Under a re- pubhean form of government like our own the people obtain facilities for communication and transportation by co-operation; each town provides for highways and coni- munication within its borders. The system extends to each county, then to each State and then to all the States in the Union. Our post office system isin all respects a splendid example of what co-operation between a large body of people can accomplish, poe, the poorest citi zen in this country, for one cent, can drop a message in the post office box and forthwith it is despatched on its journey ot perhaps thousands ot miles with a certainty and speed which no monarch on the globe, with the re- sources of an empire at his call, can excel. After setting forth at length tne effect of the discovery of steam, of co-operation and the rall- Way system of the country, the report proceeds :— PROMINENT AMONG THR DEFECTS AND ABUSES IN OUR PRESENT SYSTEM ARE: 1. The present method of undertaking the construction of railways without a paid up capital. ¢ inflation commonly known as “watering of stock” by which its nominal value is largely increased, thereby making it necessary to unduly tax travel an a commerce to secure it 0. 3. By rings in their management, through which both the pulflic and the non-managing stockholders. are fieeced to enrich a few prominent offictals and managing stockholders. 4. The present system, which necessitaies the operation of passenger and ireight traffic over the same roadbed in which the passenger trafic has the right of way, thus making it necessary for freight trains to lay up’ two- thirds of the time when they should be rolling on to their destination. 5. The but partial representation of the stockholders in the boards of direction. @ first of the detects above mentioned has been forcibly illustrated by a recent writer, who say: “The reckless and unprincipled manner in which some | ratiroads are built wouid astonish many persons, and we give the following as a sample:—A charter is obtainea @ few men get together without adollar iu ready money, form a company, issue construction bonds ‘se- cured by mortgage upon ‘the road,’ and a committee of directors is sent to New York to ‘piace’ the bonds. The comimitice enter into negotiations with some prominent banker to undertake the placing of the bonds, he to get what he can for them and allow the road say 70 cents on the dollar, the road on, the advertising bills, If the committee are honest the road ultimately gets 70 cents Jess the advertising bills; but many committees are not honest, and as soon a8 they have found a banker to undertake the job at 70 they communicate with the Board ot Directors at home, stating that the best they can do is and ask for authority to piace the bonds at that figure. Having their confederates at home in ig inside ring, the authority is easily obtained, and by arrangement with the banker he settles witn the road at 6, and p: per cent over to this syndicate for their personal use aad benetit. If there is, @ bappy combination of circumstances, such as absence of financial disturbances, suspension of the banker, &c. ; and if they get all the counties, cities and towns along their route to issue bonds liberally, the road may be finally built and furnished with rolling stock ; then our worthy iriends of the Board of Management divide the stock between themselves without equivalent, fix the rates for freight and passengers high enough vo pay in- terest on the iace value of the bonds and par value oi the stock, and then, after voting themselves fat salaries, pro- ceed to toist the stock off upon an unsuspecting public. As soon a8 the members of the ring manage to sell most ot their stock they go to work and organize a, ‘fast ireight inne,’ to which they give a contract which soon impover- ishes the road and enriches them so that when the road passes into bankruptcy ee yy enabled to buy it in, is- sue new stock and repeat their little financial arrange. ment over again. In sketching the completion of this road we forgot to say that there was @ ‘construction’ Ting, This ring had their alle from every contract made, and not a mile was graded or tie laid, not a rail or ngine or car purchased, not a depot erected or nail driven, but a percentage went into the pocket ot the ring. After examining these defects in detail and witn elaborate comment, the report inquires WHAT PRACTICAL REMEDIES CAN WE PROPOSE ? After careful examination and consideration of the subject, it is the opinion of this committee, that the de- sired relief must come from :— First—Legisiation; by which our present system of railways can be regulated and improved. and Second—Competition; which wilt complete and carry out the reform which legislation must inaugurate, é ale the head of legislation we must have the follow- ing laws :— 1, A law creating a Board of Railway Vommissioners, who shall be clothed with power to establish and regu- late rates tor transporting treight over all railroads doing business in this State, and to prescribe @ uniform system of keeping railway accou 2. A law preseribing tional or minority repre: the boards of direction, 3. A law restraining rallway companies from paying interest or dividends beyond a fair and just return ¢ actual cost of their property to their stoc! on holders, and compelling, them to expend all sums inc ‘equitable system of propor- | tation of the stockholders in cess of such amount and what is required to Keep thei roads in procer repair and pay their necessary operat. ing expenses on their moving, bandling and terminal facilities tor public security and convenience, and to reduce their transportation charges when such facilities | are in a perfoct and completed condition. ‘4. A law prohibiting all _raiway companies from mak- ing unjust and excessive diecriminations against places which are not competing points. 5, A law prohibiting afi raliway companies from dele- gating their busi to separate corporations, now known as tast freight lines, the entire receipts of which do not go into the treasury of the road over which they run. 6.'A law to prohibit the leasing, consolidation or com- bination of parallel lines of road, by which competition is destroyed and the people's highways converted into monopolies. 7 Alaw pronibiting railway companies from acquir- ing or holding more real estate than is necessary for the operation of their road: and prohibiting railway com- panies trom ongaging in ‘mining or any business oiher ban that of transportation. & A nal offence for any public law making it a oMcial to accept or nse the iree pass of any railway com- pany, and prohibiting railway companies trom granting such passes to any but regular emyloyes of such railways. Ail the above provisions shi id natio! but ‘re aisv applicable to separate Sta 4 have a ber upon the question of competition, but the great good to be realized from Wer power must come from a national double or quadruple track railroad exclusively for freight, to be built and operated in the inverest of the whole people, While opinions may hon- estly differ as to how and by whom such a road should be constructed, yet there can be no opinion as to the necessity of having water lines closed by lee during ae portion of the year, and ‘8 open there would besvundant. bu ‘todo in the trans portation of live stock, produce and manufactures, which must have speedy transportation. But how are we to get itt In the exainination of the subject your committee &re forced to arrive atthe conclusion that we are not likely to soon obtuin the much needed relief unl the road is built and owned by the people through the na- Uonal government. The reasons for thig opinion are then given at length, and the report concludes as ioliow: In regard to the diMficulty of locating such a road there can be no trouble, In the opinion of this com- mittee such @ road should start from New York and fol. i arly as possible a direct westerly line to som ined by proper surveys. Here fe, one to St. Louls and the the three great Be | other to Ohicago, thus reac! mg: and distributing points of the country and torm! great arteries of commerce to which other cities an sections of country could build connections. in regard vjecttion, that it will not Intl pinion a liberal in- me nt. is not a wild el like a eaten eeonte ry ‘@ new country, with only pr jand speculation, but [t would through the garden of the West, with an immense jo assured from the start, and all the probabilities are in favor of the opinion that as an investment it woul ay But suppose it did not pay one penny of interest, that it sunk ail of its earnings and $10, year in addition, it would be investinent that ie poopie a the United states could make, for it would sa mn $10,001,000 tor every and consumers, laid ry roducers Dou at the Sat at ie Wren interchange of corn a Teta cattltreaaegeamport ahd deal in, and save ip 5 erenetltce whole country In the effect that it the nt of our present railway nt in value of landed pro- Pe ag ‘expressly oonlers tho tight “us revulais art w | said yesterday | adopted, | was merely a clerical error. commerce between the Stat is also ofan that ithas tho right to comstruct Ww a id deca the country ome so extended that shways of this kind gre absolutely necessary to bind coun! bonds of common interest. wethe! In conclusion, therefore, your committee respectfull: submit that the remeaics for the ‘delucts ‘and abuse tm Our present sysiem o! transportation must comprise:— Firet—Regulation and improvement of our present rail- way system by proper legislation. Second—The construction and ownership by the people of a national iron highway for the movement of treig! and, asan auxiliary, our canals must be enlar; their capacity increased by the application of s Respectfully submitied, F. B, THURBER, motive power, Committee. Mr. B. P. BAKER moved a@ resolution, in whicm the report was referred to @ special committee, consisting of the members of the Executive Com- mittee and the Committee on Legislation, with power to print and circulate as many as they deem necessary, and also to take such action om the Legislature recommendations a3 may seem necessary. ‘The resolution was adopted. The Secretary read an announcement of & pros osed meeting, on the 14th of January next, of the ‘ational Convention of the American Cheap Trans- ortation Association, to be held at Washington. ne address stated that:— ‘The subject of cheap transportation and the best me: of securing it wil thers be tally discussed. mage 0 Int as iid Be fully represented and oroporsis with Te) re ine Rast and south on this. oecuslon, which will: with out doubt, be an event of great interest in its Dearing upon the Welfare of the nation. The merchants, manu- facturers and prodnces ae laboring cl an her consumers, are affected by the cost of transportation, and are interested in this grand movement to obtain reliet from an oppression that is felt throughout the land. It was aecided that the delegation irom the New York Association should attend the above meeting. Alter the transaction of some routine business the association adjourned, The next meeting is to be held Sse morning, at ten o'clock, instead of ree P, COMMISSIONERS OF EMIGRATION. SEINE CPR Tena sac | Stormy Sesston Yesterday—A Lively Tilt Between Commissioners Kautmann and Stevenson—Mutual Exchange of Com- pliments. The Commissioners of Emigration met yester- day afternoon, President HuriSurt in the chair. All the Commissioners were present, with the ex- ception of Mayor Havemeyer. The Treasurer's report, for the two weeks ending December 9, was submitted. The following figures were also read:—Balance on hand June 1, 1873, $5,077; total receipts since, $235,451; total dis- bursements since, $228,743; balance on hand at date, $11,785. The report of the Ward’s Island Committee wat read, showing that the Protestant chaplain, Dr. Schimidt, had been temporarily suspended by Mr. Stevenson because he was away on a Sunday, and because he had offended Mr, Stevenson, and that it was decided to give him a hearing before the Commissioners. Commissioner StzVENSON sald he had been in- sulted by the chaplain. He moved to approve tha minutes of the committee except that part which referred to THE SUSPENSION OF THE CHAPLAIN. The motion was carried, Commissioner STEVENSON then moved that the part of the report referring to this matter be laid over until the regular business was disposed of. Carried, Rev. Dr, NEwMAN reported from Charleston, S. C., that the German society of that city would give employment to 50 German emigrants, White emi- gration was sadly needed there. It was resolved to send these men if the German society of Charleston would be responsible to the steamship company for the collection of the fares. Commissioner KAUFMANN rose to a question of privilege, and read a communication, published in one of the daily journals, signed Gin e Chairman ofthe Ward’s Island Committee (Mr. Stevenson), denouncing his resolution, offered at the last meet- ing in regard to the Koman Catholic chay ‘as a cunning and deceitiul one.” He moved that the entleman be reprimanded for this iusult to the Board, and be forced to apologize, Commissioner STEVENSON then made a long and insolent speech, declaring that he had done no in- justice to any member of the committee. He was prepared to prove every word of his letter. (With this Mr. Stevenson stamped his foot violently on the floor.) Was Mr. Kaufmann ashamed of letting the people know his conduct in this matter? ‘Mr. KAUFMANN called the Commissioner to order. It was not the question whether he was ashamed of his conduct or not, Mr. STSVENSON Said he had no desire TO MAKE ANY PERSONAL ATTACK (another stamp on the ground), unless he was compelled to do so, He was going to explain the “cunning and deceitful” conduct of Mr. Kaufmann. Mr. KAUFMANN—lI hope you will. Mr. STEVENSON (striking his fist against the palm of his hand)—The gentleman promised to vote for my resolution and did not do so. No sect worships now in the Catholic chapel except the Catholic, Everything is as it was beiore. Mr. Lynch never has deceived me, but Mr. Kau{mann has. Mr. KAUFMANN said Mr. Stevenson was mistaken in thinking that he had promised to vote for his (Stevenson’s) resolution. He never had been “cunning” or “deceitful,” and the gentleman could not lower his reputation in the community, neither he nor 50 of his ae Tois resolution reamble declared distinctly that the Superinten- Rent had the power to make suitable provisions for divine worship for all sects. The subject was then laid upon the table. Commissioner STEVENSON moved that $100 be appropriated to the Catnolic and Protestant chap- els, for the purpose of baying Christmas trees for the children on Ward's Island. Adop Mr. STEVENSON then moved that all the resolu- ae mee by former Commissioners be re- peale Mr. KAUFMANN sald this motion was prepos- terous, and SHOWED THE LITTLE EXPERIENCE which the gentleman had had in public bodies. Sucn @ resolution would be an act of great dis- courtesy to their predecessors. It was resolved that the Superintendent compile all the resolutions passed by the former boards, and that they be laid before the Commissioners, Mr. STEVENSON moved that the Counsel to the Board be instracted to give his opinion as to whether Mr. Kaufmann was legally entitled to a seat in the Board. The law provided that the President of the “German Emigration Society” be member of the Board, and Mr. Kaufmann was not President of the “German Emigration Society. Mr. KAUFMANN said if Mr. Stevenson was alraid of him he should openly say so. This was merely a clerical error which the next Legislature would correct, Mr, STEVENSON—Not of a man of your shape. You hat I would go out of the ‘din 1875, and that that would be the end of me, Mr. KavrManxn—I repeat it. Mr. LYNCH hoped that this motion would not be The misnaming of the Germau society Mr. KAUFMANN said (with a flushed countenance) he would compel the Board by mandamus to ac- cept him as a member, if they were to undertake | to oust him. The resolution was voted down, Mr. Lynch being the only member who voted for it. Commissioner STEVENSON then moved TO CBNSURE DR. SCHMIDT, the Protestant Chaplain on Ward’s Island, for hav- ing insulted him. Mr. KAUFMANN objected strenuously, and Dr. Schmidt was not censured. ° Commissioner STakR moved that both clergymen on Ward’s Island be paid $600 per annum from the 1st of January. Adopted. After transacting business of minor importance the Commission adjourned, MASSACHUSETTS ELECTIONS, genet Boston, Dec. 9, 1873. The municipal election to-day was run quite re. gardiess of party. ‘The successfal candidate for Mayor was Samuet C, Cobb, democrat, he being on all the tickets ex- cept the straight prohibition, as was also the ni me of Joseph Smith, for Street Commissioner. ‘Lhere was but small opposition to the election of either gentleman, Several tickets were presented for Aldermen, each showing a fair representation of republicans and democrats, Aside from the purely local ques- tions, the citizens generally manifested little inter- est in the result. A Republican Defeat. Worcester, Mass., Dec. 9, 1873. Edward L. Davis, citizens’ candidate, was elected Mayor to-day by a asad of 96 over Clark Jill- ne republican nominee. The total vote cast was 6y) THE INDIAN TERRITORY. 81. Lovuts, Dec. 9, 1873. A despatch from Fort Gibson says a Grand Coun- cil of the various Indian nations met at Ockmul- gee, Indian Territory, on the 1st inst., but ad- journed, aiter a brief session, without doing @ny- thing definite. seventeen tribes were represented, and itis said that all the delegates were opposed to the establishment of a territorial government jor the Indian Territory; but this, probably was a mistake, a8 several members of the council elected last summer are known to have been in favor of that project, THE BRITTON ASSAULT CASE, Boson, Deo. 9, 187%. 4S. A, Britton, who refused to testify against his assailant in the recent assault oase, was arraigned in the Municipal Qourt to-day for per; ~ ing that he did not know who ansnulod, hin ead im $6,000 ball for examination.