The New York Herald Newspaper, December 23, 1873, Page 4

GENET A FUGITIVE. Escape of Ex-Senator Genet from the Sheriff’s Officers. jA DROWSY DEPUTYS WAP. Wne Early Morning Walk of a Wide Awake Politician. ‘The Whereabouts of the Run- away Unknown. (The Officers of the Law Vainly Searching for a Clew and the Friends of “Prince Hal” Jubilant. (THE SHERIFF'S SORE DILEMMA. {Action of the Distriet Attorney and the Probable Results To-Day. The great sensation of the day yesterday was ‘the escape of Harry Genet from the custody of the {Deputy Sheri? who had been deputed to keep uard over him. The fact leaked out early in the orning, long before the courts had opened, and iwas gencrally known on the street before it was JoMicially annotinced in the Court of Oyer and Ter- \miner, where Genet was to have been sentenced jduring the forenoon. To say that the intelligence ‘of the escape created general surprise would be ‘but halt describing the general feeling which pre- lvailed wherever it was made known. Indeed, {people did not seem so much surprised over the jmatter as they were indignant, and the blunder- \ing Deputy Sheriffs, Shields and Cahill, came in for ‘a great deal of harsh denunciation. There were jmany who refused to put any faith in the rumors which prevailed concerning the escape at first, lout when the evening papers finally appeared with extras in which they were fully confirmed, THE EXCITEMENT ABOUT came intense. At the City Hail and inthe new Court House, the grand rendezvous of all the jmothing-to-do politicians and politicians’ bangers- on of both parties, the news spread like wildfire \and for a time the hall-ways and corridors were completely blocked up by the crowds that surged fo and fro in the general effort to reach the Sheriff's main office, where it was supposed vevery detail concerning the escape could be ‘obtained jor the mere asking. But there the ex- citement was found to be even greater, if possible, ‘than it was outside. The deputies themseives were gathered here and there in groups eagerly de- vouring every detail as to the escape which any- ody saw fit to make up for the occasion and pass ‘of as positive fact, and lending a willing ear to }what this, that and the other one had told this and jthat one and somebody else. Indeed, the scene in ‘he office beggared description. No one seemed to know exactly how the escape had been made, ‘oreven as to the time it took place, or from what particular locality. Everything was hearsay and ‘third or fourth hearsay at that. While one person, hwho pretended to have seen the deputy who had thad charge of Genet running into poiice head- quarters at an early hour “looking like a wild man,” asserted that “Harry” had got away trom this house in Hawem, another in denying the asser- ion with a sneer added to the denial a long story about how the prisoner had left the Astor fHouse abont midnight in a carriage and had been conveyed to the Jersey City depot }without baggage aud even without a deputy as a courteous escort to do his bidding in all things ‘whatsoever he desired, The fact is, that durmg Whe first few hours while the news of the escape ‘was yet but half believed by the most incredulous, even after the evening newspapers had come out ‘with what were dubbed the “particulars,” no one In the office knew anything about the matter of his own knowledge or had derived any intelligence from any one who really did know the circum- Btances under which Genet had taken his leave. AS to the Sheriff's private office, it remained a long ‘while a closed mystery to every one, no matter ‘what his business was. Even the deputies who re- quired the Sherif’s personal attention to make good certain orders they had received on Satur- day, Were unable to gain admittance, and persons on urgent private business had, for hours, to cool ‘their heels in the vestibule beiore the door was Opened to any one. It was the same in the office ‘where the Clerical work is done; there were gaping groups of idle loicerers, all anxious to learn SOMETHING DEFINITE ABOUT THE ESCAPE, and many persistent in their inquiries as to when ‘the Sheriff would see them, and who bolstered up their anxiety to learn from his lips what he knew or had heard of it, by some lame apology for their persistence, such as that they could make him wiser by giving him valuable information, or throwing out a few important hints as to what they had heard some one say Genet was to do on Sunday, or what they had heard some one tell somebody else some one ought to do in getting Genet out of the way on Monday. The Sheriff all day long, despite the excitement that prevailed everywhere in the building, kept his own counsels to himself, and denied himself to everybody except afew whom he was obliged to receive officially, But he, too, was excited, though he tried to ap- pear cool, and evidently felt badly over the dep- uty’s gross carelessnes, the escape had by noontime spread to every part of the city and on the sidewalks among the | hundreds who stopped on the street corners to read the papers announcing the sudden taking off of the Harlem Prince, in the hotels, in the rest- aurants—everywhere, in /act, where two or more Persons came together the theme of the hour was Genet’s disappearance, The feel- ing manilested everywhere, too, was one of the utmost indignation and disgust at ‘the way “justice in the city ts made a farce o1”—to use the substance, if not the very words, Of nine-tenths of those who cared to discus the Matter. The poor deputy came in tor ail sorts of impre cations, and where there was one who knew Kim personally and tried to defend him against the attacks made upon his character and the charges of bribery that were made and passed from mouth to mouth there were a dozen who gave him no quarter, and, in the general sweep of condemnation, inciuded the entire batch of the city oMciais. It would in point of truth be Ampossivie to give any accurate idea of the public , eeling as manifested on all sides by the remarks one heard at every step. It was deep-seated, in- tense and bitter, and it was felt sorely by the ‘oMicials most concerned, a8 any one couid see who Took the pains to watch the scared looks of the leputies in the Court House, as, late in the aiter- Moon, they fitted in and out from time to time in executing orders that directly concerned ( THE HUNT AFTER THE MISSING MAN, As to the escape itself, how it was made, 80 far sa tis known, and wrere the whole blame lies, the story jean be priefly told. In the first place, it should be fore in mind that Genet, after his conviction, did (Mot, a8 Was generally supposed, go to his home in ‘Harlem, He had his affairs to look after down town, and so he hired two rooms (one bein, a for) at the Astor House, Nos. 165 ‘and 15h onthe peed oor, the windows of which look oat upon esey street. ‘There on Friday afternoon, all. day ay Ome peel too, until late in the after- von, he establish ‘iis headquarters, and re, 80 jong as he remained, was the parlor dé & resort of by all his particular friends, who it friendly enough to call upon him, and their presence and their words of encourage- it mal his disgrace had not id all hts old chams against him. This parior Saturday was full of the “Prince's” o1d asso. ites, and on Sunday they were all taithfully on to keep him company, Had Genet at the desired to escape be could have done 80; for door of the bedroom off the parior was always alter him whenever a particular friend called ‘Whom be wanted t+ 4k to privately. There was him Jeel t The excitement over | ( | which be showed United states District Attorney | Bliss, rking at the time, ‘Just see What ridiculous ‘stories they are getting up about * The question: 1s, why did the | betore being sentenced. On Saturday night we a wate tm the wall of the bedroom, with a large window ‘ooking into the central | halt- way of the hotel, and through this, at any time almost, he could have i, his es. cape unnoticed, had he so desi Indeed he had many opportunities of escaping even before Saturday; ior, while dining with bis counsel, Delmonico's, on Friday afternoon, he learned, it is said, a full half hour beiore it was formally ren- dered, what verdict the jury had arrived at. It would seem, JUGRIAE Trees ali this, in tne opinion of some people, that his escape from his house on yes- verday morning Was not the result of a precon- certed and long deliberated plan, but of a sudden resolution, ge te as the officials affect to believe, by t peals of his wife atter he had been allow to go to her room on yesterday morning. However, whether pre- concerted. or not, the result has been the same—Genet made good his fight. Now, to under- stand how the escape was made, so far as 1s pos- sible, it ig necessary to bear in mind that the pris- oner’s house is on the corner of 125th street and Second avenue—only a short distance from the East River. When Shields, the deputy who had him in charge, leit the Astor House with him on the aiternoon of Sunday, he was accompanied by @ fellow depnty, named Cahill, Caliil was not very well, and soon after arriving at the house in Har- lem went away. leaving Shields in sole charge of the prisoner. At the parlor had been at the Astor House, 30 was the sitting room, off Genet’s bed- room, made the rendezvous during the evening of his particular friends. There wer ut 10 persons in the room, smoking and occasionally SIPPING THEIR BRANDY AND WATRR (a plentiful supply of which, in goodly decanters, was on the sideboard), none of whom leit before midnight, A few remained until one o'clock, Thomas Ferris among others, who did not leave until the last, Genet, during the night, talked ireely and gaily, and though the heavy lines under his eyes gave token of the anxtety he lain would conceal all traces of he ap ared to be quite at his ease. All the time shields, the deputy, sat quietly in the room with tac others, ently vigilant and wakeiul to everything was said or done. When the last caller had bidden Harry goodby and wished him “good luck”? in obtaining a stay of proceedings in court, when the Judge was to pass upon tie bill of exceptions, ne threw himself upon a lounge in the room and lit afresh cigar. He and Shields chatted together Jor a couple 0; hours or so, when he got up and asked the deputy to allow him to go into the next room to have @ talk with his wile. “You know,” said he, “that I may not have a chance again to say much to her before I am sent up the river.’ Shields had allowed him to go into the bedroom to see his wile about twelve o'clock, while his friends. Were still in the sitting room, and as Harry had returned alter a very short absence, he deemed the request reasonable enough; and, ubtiess, thinking that it would be rather cruel to se so Simple a boon, especially as Mra, Genet was lying sick abed, he consented, “You can call me when you want nie if 1 stay too long,’’ said Harry, as he entered the room, and shut the door behind | him, Shields, so it ts said, at first felt inclined to Open it, so that ne might keep Genet in sight all the time; but a sense of bahay prompted by Mrs. Genet’s being in bed, made him change his mind. Besides, he knew that uo one could enter or leave the bedroom without going through or coming out of the doorway which led into the room where he was seated. ‘So, if even the idea of an attempt at escape entered his mind, he ieit con- vinced that as to that there was NOTHING TO TROUBLE HIMSELF ABOUT, and he continued to smoke his cigar, as uncon- scious of mistortune as ever. He could plainly, without any effort at listening, hear Genet and his wife talking; he could not hear what they said, but he could tell by the sound of the voices when each spoke. A half hour went by and the hum of the Voices in the bedroom continued, but gradually it fell fainter and fainter on the ear of the deputy until it died away altogether, for Shields, irom being drowsy all the evening, had grown drowsier as tue night wore on, aud was fast asleep in his chair belore Genet had been in the bed- room an hour. Four o'clock struck and yet Shields was alone. Another hour and yet Another passed away and stili he slept, and still the bedroom door remained closed, Another hour went by and he awoke. The gas was burning in the chandelier overhead, put though the gas was at full jet, he started on seeing that it looked dull and pale contrasteu with the light that streamed in through the windows—the full daylight. Where was Genet? Not in the room. lt was but the work of a moment to rush to the bedroom and pull open the door. Mrs, Genet was there but her hus- band was not. Shields, with the full con- 2 ES sciousness of his great mistake now full ujon him hurried from oue part of the house to the other, He examined the garret, the pariors, the closets, the celiars, the yard, but all of no avail. The bird had flown. Shields had forgotten that the bedroom had a win- dow! If the Deputy is to be believed, he was over- whelmed with terror and dismay as the whole thing flashed across tis mind. He was at a loss what to do jor a time, but, finally rallying, he dashed over to the Twelfth precinct station house, where he told of the escape, and thence rode in a carriage as last as the horses could drag the vehicle to Police tieadquarters, where he gave Chief Matsell the details, so far as he knew them, of his misiortune, and then hurried to the Sherif to tell him of the fearful mistake he had made in letting Genet out of his sight. As soon as the Police Superintendent had heara his story ne ordered a general alarm to be sounded in the city, and the Sheriff also, on hearing Snield’s story, at once set the entire available force of deputies on the hunt for the runaway. Sheids himseli, accom- panied by a headquarters detective, also went on the chase, The utmost secrecy prevailed among the poiice and the deputies after the order ior the search had been given and the reporters were unable to ascertain whether they had any ciew to work on or not. Of course during the day ail sorts of ramors prevailed about the manner of the escape and the probability of Genet’s being aided by his triends in Keeping out of harm’s way. It was said late in the afternoon that positive information had been re- ceived to the effect that aiter leaving his home Genet had gone to the East River, and in a row- boat CROSSED OVER TO THE LONG ISLAND SHORE, whence he had despatched a little boy whom he knew for assistance to certain of his iriends in Har- lem. This boy is the same, i: was also said, who was seen to leave the Sheriff's office eo ged day with Shields in a coach. One rumor, which seemed to gain a great deal of credence, was that the pris- oner, alter having reached the Long Isiand side of the river and obtained the assistance of the friends he is said to bave sent ior, was taken to a sate place on the Sound, whence, if he has not al- ready done so,*he can be rowed out at some con- venient time to some vessel that will ‘by accident” be ocean bound, with papers made out for some port where extradition treaties are not known and escaped robbers and murderers who commit their deeds of outrage and violence in the United States can spend the balance of their days in safety, if not in peace with all the world. A REWARD 0+ FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS, It may be here stated that the Sherif issued the following yesterday FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD, Henry W. Genet escaped trom my custody on the morning of Decembe: 1873. A reward of $5,W00 will be paid on the production and delivery of his body to me at my omtce, in the city of New York, within ten days from (his dat MATHEW T.’ BRENNAN, Sheriff New Yor, Dec. 22, 1873. It will be seen by this that the Sheriff acknowl- edges that the prisoner was in his custody when | he escaped, and that he 1s, therefore, generally elect jor the carelessness of his deputy. One of the most serious phases of this whole matter is, that early on Saturday the District Attorney noti- fied the Sherif that he had good reason to believe that Genet was determined to make an attempt to escape, and that he (Genet) had in his possession a letter press copy of this letter the same day, Sheriff not heed the timely warning and send his prisoner to the Tombs, thus making rea- sonably sure that any attempt ata rescue or an escape would prove jutile? And again, it might be asked how did Genet come into possession 80 quickly of a copy of an Oficial letter addressed to the sheriff? Can apy one of Mr, Brennan's clerks tell t j What Deputy Sheriff Shields Says. } Deputy Sheriff Shields was unable to be ‘‘inter- viewed” yesterday, inasmuch as, after, giving no- tice 0. the escape of Genet at Police Headquarters, he immediately leit with a Central Office detective, in @ carriage, for tne purpose of tracing Genet or | his whereabouts, He did, however, make a state- ment to Superintendent Matsell, with considerable emotion and some excitement, which was substan- tially as follows:— On Saturday I had Genet in custody, and he de- sired to go to his residence in Harlem. 1 went with him there, and allowed him while there to transact some business which he desired to finish smoked and talked until nine o'clock, when Genet asked me if I would not aliow him to see his wile. iconsented to this, and Genet left the room and Wentinto ifs wife’s room, where he remained until One o'clock on Sunday morning, when he re- turned to the room in which 1 still Was, and there remained until after we had taken breakiast to- gether. Last night we again repaired to the room where we intended to pass te night, and remained talking and smoking until three o'clock this morning, when Genet asked me if 1 would not again allow him to see his wile, as it might be the last time that he Would have a chance to see her before his sentence and trip up the river. I again consented to this arrangement, and, feeling very Growsy, ieli asleep and did not awake until seven o’clock this morning, when 1 missed my prisoner. J searched the house and grounds, but could find no trace Of the missing man, and, at last, was forced to believe that Genet nad made his escape, and was already, probablysbeyond the reach of the jaw, I Wee open Mrs, Genet as to what she knew of the escape, but she said that she had not seen her husband since last nignt, and that he had not calied at her room this morning, What Sheriff Brennan Says, A reporter of the HERALD saw Sheriff Brennan in the afternoon at his office, The Sheriff was evi- dently under great mental depression at the es- cape of Genet, In reply to the inquiries, he said that he was quite certain that Shields would rather have lost his iife than permitted Genet to escape. For apart from his (Shield’s) desire to keep his oficial record perfect to the end he kaew that no tmancement would allow Shields to be a party to the escape, if it were for no other reason than his respect for the Sherif, with whom Genet was not on friendly terms. He sald that he could scarcely blame Shields for allowing Genet the per of seeing his wife; she was sick, as she would be likely to be under the circumstances, aud @ parting sore » a8 that would beee ae ime, ® ian could scarcely deny a prisoner unde! such Giroumstances, The Sheruf said that the door leading into Mrs. Genet’s room was level with the room on which Shields and Genet had been sitting, and that when Genet went in he closed the door, leaving Shields in the other room. He added that he was of the opinion that Genet did not intend to escape when he went into the room, but that he was moved thereto by the im- pertanis of his wife, From miormation then in he Sheriff's possession he was satisfied that no arr: ments had been made by Genet or his friends jor his escape, and that Genet went over the Harlem River in ® rowboat and there sent lor assistance. Of this fact the Sherif seemed quite confident, and was fully satisfied that Genet would be speedily captured. What Assistant District. Attorney Alien Said. Assistant District Attorney Allen was asked by @ reporter of the HERALD what was thought of the escape in the District Attorney’s office. Mr, Allen replied that there was no surprise in the ofice about it, only indignation. On Saturday morning the Sheriff was of_icially notified by the District Attorney that an attempt would be made by Genet to escape, and it would be shown that at two o'clock on Saturday that letter was in the pocket of Genet, 1t was also known that Genet had a yacht, and that there was every reason to believe ‘that he had gone away in that yacht. If these and other jacts, which were already in the 883.01 of the wistrict Attorney, were proved, Brennan would take Genet’s place at Sing Sing, ‘The pun- ishment for contempt of Court in not producing the prisoner was severe, but if there was any col- lusion by the oMicials in tie escape Of Genet the Sheriff would be liable to serve a term in the State Prison, ‘The action taken by the District Attorney was to give notice to tue Sherid to appear before the Court of Oyer and Terminer, to-day (luesday), to show cause why he should not receive judgment for this neglect. hea Rosen What Superintendent Matsell Says—The Detectives Ordered on the Hunt. In a conversation with Police Superintendent Matsell, had by a HERALD reporter yesterday aiter- noon, the escape of Harry Genet, as the leading topic of the day, was of course alluded to, “This Genet sensation is rather a lively one, is tt not, Superintendent ?” asked the reporter, “Well, yes, it is,"’ replied the Chief, smilingly; “but, do you know, I have thought ever since he was convicted that he would get away. It's only a manilestation of the human nature that 18 in the breast of every sane man. Every pulsation of his life since that day must have told him that his best course would be to leave, when he had such an ex- ample as Tweed before him in prison on Blackwell’s Island. It’s all very well to have lawyers about you after you are convicted, telling you that they will get stays of proceedings, that the Court erred in certain matters ol law, und tnat your conviction is contrary to law and evidence. Genet knew, in spite of all that sort of thing, that be was con- victed, and he could not help thinking of Tweed, andevery throb of mis heart must have said to him, ‘Go, go!’ Oh, no, 1 am not at ail surprised at it, though I must say the means of accomplishing his departare were leit tolerably convenient for him. He only obeyed the dictates of human nature, that’s ull.” it may be stated that when Mr. Matsell had heard Shields’ statement he went to the Commissioners aud had a long interview with President Smitu. On his return Captain Irving was sent for, und, after a consultation with the Chief, detectives were sent out in coup'es in all directions, Private oi!- cers from some of the wards were also sent jor and commissioned to points where information was thought likely to be ascertained of the fugitive, Various opinions existing among the authorities as to the probable course of evasion of Genet. Superintendent Matsell deemed it prudent to at- tend te each. One of the Commissioners giving it as lus opinion that he was concealed in the city, 100 men im plain clothes were at once despatched to Harlem, aud a similar number was dispersed in small batches about the city; 20 detectives were sent to different places out of the city, and several female detectives were ordered on to Canada. This is one of the great strong- holds o: Superintendent Matsell. He has a thoroughy emicient and well-trained corps of lemale detectives, and he uses them in all his im- portant cases, They do the hunung down and lo- cating, and detectives or regular policemen then arrest. This plan has proved very successful in several cases lately, aud is more than likely to do gvod work on the present occasion. Detective Farley Was put on board the police boat Seneca yesterday aiternoon, with instructions to look tor and search Genet’s yacht. It 1s more than hinted he got away in her, and Detective Farley is pro- vided with power to hunt and overhaul her wher- ever he may find her. The Proceedings in Court—Impor- tant Correspondence — Serious Charge Against Sheriff Brennan. The Court of Oyerand Terminer was yesterday the scene of as much public interest and excite- ment as could well be concentrated in a temple of law and justice. Prominently as first cause was the expected appearance in Court and sentencing of Henry W. Genet, found guilty before Judge Daniels on the previous Friday on an indict- ment charging him with obtaining money under false pretences in connection with the building of the Harlem Court House, Genet, between his conviction and expected sentence, was in the custody of Sheriff Bren- nan and bis deputies. He was not impris- oned, but was allowed to spend the intervening time at his own, home, attended by Deputies William H. Shields and Cahill, When, a little later im the morning, the rumor began to spread in the crowded court room that Genes bad given his custodians the slip and that he was non est, a feeling of intense expectation prevailed through- out the audience, and animadversions were freely indulged tn at the gross neglect of ofMicial duty his escape betrayed. Sherif Brennan, when in- formed of the flight, at once commu- nicated the startling imtelligence to District Attorney Phelps, and that oficial, accompanied by the Sherif, waited upon Judge Daniels and in- formed him of the fact. Judge Daniels imme- diately after took his seat on the bench, when the announcement was officially made that the pris- oner Genet had succeeded in effecting his escape and that he could not be produced in Court to have sentence pronounced upon him. Genet’s counsel, Messrs, Beach and Waterbury, Were in Court in the interest of their runaway Client, not knowing of his escape till they entered the Court. Couhsel had" a bill of excep. tions ready to present; but their services, as matters turned out, were not needed Genet, deeming wisely, no doubt, that a good re- treat was better than a bad fight. Counsel for the eople, in the persons of District Attorney Phelps, r. Tremain and Mr. Peckham, were also in a! tendance. The greatest quiet prevalied in t court room when Judge Daniels took his seat, the ouly restless and perturbed spirrt there beng Partiey “y Brennan, the pert who has placea imsel? in the ticklish position of having committed @ flagrant breach of contempt of Court in per- mitting the escape of a convicted felon whue in his special charge and custody. THE PROCEEDINGS IN COURT. A little before half-past ten o'clock the Vourt was formaliy opened by the Clerk, Mr. Sparks, when Mr. Pheips arose, and, addressing the Court, said he was now to move sentence upon Henry W. Genet, who it was known to the Court had fled trom tne custody of his keepers and was now at large, and that the announcement was made by the Sheriff that he could not produce him. He thonght that the Sheriff should be called upon to explain how the were of the prisoner had been effected. Judge Daniels said that he supposed that would be similar to that already communicated to him by the Sheriff—that the prisoner had been aliowed to go to his own howe in the custody of two officers, and that during their wateh in the night they had gone to sleep, and that while they siept the prise oner had escaped. Mr. Phelps said that from information coming to him he had early'on Saturday written to the Sheriff, warning him to take special precautions. That letter he had good reason to know was re- ceived by the Sherif early on Saturday. He thought it his duty to move for an order to show cause against the Sheriff, why he should not be punished as for anescape. He should think it his duty to have @ most thorough inquiry. Mr. Beach said that he was nearly ready with the bill of exceptions, and Judge Daniels said he had intended to give due time until the bill of excep- tions was prepared, and if it had appeared that Genet had been at all hardly dealt with, to give the proper certificate for suspepsion"of sentence. Action has already been taken at the District Attorney's omMce toward a proceeding against Sherif’ brennan for contempt of Court, in alleged disobedience of the orders of the Uourt in reier- ence to the custody of Genet. Assistant District Attorney Allen says that it was known at the office of the District Attorney om Saturday that an attempt would be made by Genet to escape, and that erders were given by the Court for his confinement im the Tombs until bis sen- tence had been pronounced, ‘This order, he says, was entirely ignored by the Sherif, and the result is that the prisoner has made his escay Later in the day, and during the proceed! in the trial of ex-Mayor A. Oakey Hal torney Pheips presented the following co! hich “he ence, refer! to him, in wi intormed Sheriff Brennan that te had received information confidentially tues ao attempt would be made by NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, > Maree ye tty 83 broaey at Genet to algo correspondence upon the same subject. Pen oe enereee: ‘arden J "8 affidavit that Genet nad er been gives to hig custody, Mr. Phelps made applica- yn for an order against Sherif! rennan ior con- THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO GHERIFF BRENNAN, {Confidential.) DECEMBER 20, 1873—1:30 P. M. Hon. M. T. BRENNAN, Sherif’:— Sin—I have just received information confiden- tially, from a source which I am inclined to believe perfectly reliable, that an attempt will be made by he friends of Henry W. Genet, now in your cus- tody under conviction of false pretences, to rescue him forcibly trom the hands of your deputies and convey him without the States, The plan was to have been carried into effect last night, but it was thought best to await the result ofan application Jor a Stay of judgment. No suspicion attaches to your oiticers, 1. We 1, Assistant District Attorney. MR. PHELPS TO UNITED STATRS DISTRICT ATTORNEY BLISS, DECEMBER 22, 1873, GrorGe Buss, Esq. Deak Sin—L am informed that a certain letter addressed by one of my assistants to the Sheriff of this county on the 20th inst, notifying him that H, W. Genet would endeavor to escape irom his custody was seen in the hands of the prisoner (Genet) on the day of its date, and that you have some kuowledge of the fact. Wiil you be kind enought to let me know by the bearer what is the fact im regard to this matter. BENJAMIN K. PHELPS, District Attorney. UNITED STATES DISTRICT ATTORNEY BLISS TO DIS- TRICE ATYORNEY PHELPS. New York, Dec, 22, 1873, Hon. B, K. Puetps, District Attorney :— Sir—In reply to your letter of this date I have to say that Henry W. ‘Genet called at my office, in the United States Court building, on business about two o'clock on Saturday, After the business had been closed he exhibited to me a letter, signed by Mr. Lyon, one of your associates, dated on that day, and addressed to Hon. M. T. Brennan, Sherif, in which Mr. Lyon enjoined the Sheriff that he had reason to believe Mr. Genet would escape or be rescued. A press copy had apparently been taken of the letter, so that you can doubtiess vertfy4my statement of its purport, Mr. Genet was at the time in charge of a deputy sheriff, and exhibited the letter, as showing, he said, what absurd stories got around. As a good citizen, | cannot retuse thus to give you the information you seek. Your obedient ser- vant, GLORGE BLISS. WARDEN JOHNSON’S AFFIDAVIT. Mr. Phelps also presented a brief afidavit from Warden Johnson to tie effect that Henry W. Genet had noc been at any time given into lis custody at the Tombs, ‘fhe Court directed the Clerk to place the pepers on file and directed an order to be served on Sheruf Brennan requiring him to answer to the Court at a quarter-past ten o'clock this morning. Genet Searched After in Brooklyn. “A wild goose chase” about Brooklyn and the suburbs was enjoyed yesterday by the astute detectives of the City of Churches, The game was no less a personage than Assemblyman Genet. The reward ($5,000) sharpened the zeal of the officers, but their exertions failed lamentably. No trace of Harry Genet could be found. The following despatch was received from the Central Office, New York, at Police Headquarters, corner of Court and Living- ston streets :— CuntRat Orrice, New Yorx, 10:94. M. Look out for Harry Genet; just escaped from deputy sheriff. Buperintendent MATSKLL, The search will be continued to-day, asthe ofi- cers say “it will never do to give it up so,” FLIGHT OF THE RINGITES. Ee At Norton, Coman, Walsh and Miller on the Wing to Where the Woodbine Twineth=—Their Recognizances For- feited. Excitement was at its height in the Court of Oyer and Terminer yesterday morning when the flight of Genet was officially announced and judicial action taken thereon. After the escape of one of the old ringites convicted and supposed to be in close custody and to be produced for sentence, the further discovery that other members of the broken ring had taken leg bail and forfeited their recognizances appeared as a huge joke rather than as a startling evidence of how extensive were the depredations of these men and how easy to prove their guilt in the light of the convictions already obtained against their guilty conyéres. There was @ great array of counsel, however, each of the fugitives for appearance sake being represented in their absence by one or two counsel each, all of whom made excuses for the absence of there clientsand asserting that they would all be on hand for trial some time after the holidays. After the close of the Genet case Michael Norton, Thomas Coman and John J. Walsn were called, but did not appear. Mr. T. C. T. Buckley; appearing for Walsh, asked that the lJorfeiture of his bail be suspended for a short time, ashe had not supposed that the case would be moved to-day, but that Mayor Hall’s trial would be moved instead. Mr. Dittenhoeffer made a similar representation for Michael Norton and Miller, adding the fact, as to the latter, that he had been fearfully burnea in & gas explosion about two weeks ago, and had gone away under physician’s orders. » Mr. William F, Howe appeared for Coman, and said that he had had no opportunity even to exam- ine the indictment, and Mr. Coman had, relying on newspaper taik, gone to Washington, and did not expect to return tull Christmas Day. But as the imu ttments were for misdemeanor, and he had given him a written authority to plead, he would plead fur him to d Mr. Phelps 81 ted that there was also an in- dictment for felony, but Mr. Howe answered that On that the bail were not notified, Mr. Dittenhoefer and Mr. Purdy offered to take the same course for Mr. Walsh and Mr. Miller, but they were witnout written authority to appear for them, and the Court disallowed the offer, Mr. Purdy here said that as Mr. Howe gave him guthority, he moved on behalf of Mr. Coman to quash the indictment. The Court held that he must give notice of that Motion to the District Attorney. a District Attorney agreed to waive the notice. The indictments are for conspiracy in furnishing false bilis to the Comp‘roller for Court tlouse work. 42 the first, the name of the par’, who furnished ‘he materials, of Who purported to have furnished them, is left out in the indictment in some places, though a bill purporting to be irom Heath & smith for more than $15,000 is included. Mr, Purdy in- sisted that this was latal. The District Attorney made no reply except, | when asked by the Court, to say that this deiect was only in one of some balf dozen indictments, . Spencer said that as his client, Andrew J. Smith, was the only one present, and as he was only indicted on one conspiracy indictment, he thought he should be permitted to plead with per- mission to withdraw his plea, if it seemed prope’ eta [uvyre time, and interpose another plea or motor at i fate iy. ‘The District Attorney assenting, he putin a plea Of not guilty. The indictments and recognizances against Mr. Coman coming in, it appeared that one indictment was for felony, and that he had given bail on that. The Court, therefore, directed the bail on the fejony indictment to be forfeited, saying, however, that ifhe appeared on Friday, as Mr. Howe said he would, the escheat would be removed as in the other cases, Mr. Dittenhoefer said he would furnish within two hours jormai authority to plead for his cuent in the misdemeanor cases. Mr. Pheips said if that was 80 he could be brought into court in two hours. The Court directed all the recognizances to be forfeited except on Coman’s misdemeanor indictments in consequence of Mr. Howe having taken the joresight to present and file Coman’s written retainer. This, Mr. Howe also claims, prevents the forieiture of the bail on the felony indictment being followed up, a8 the defendant, he contends, was present in court by counsel, and nO legal advantage can be taken of his absence. The bondsmen of the fugacions ringites were then called, but, none of them paarrering, the Court directed that the recognizances be forteited and the usual proceedings in such cases to be taken jor the recovery of the amount in each case, THE BONDSMEN OF THE RINGITES. Genet’s bondsman on the forgery indictment, Which was not tried, is Police Commissioner Oliver Charlick, of No, 464 West Thirty-iourth atreet, He is mulcted to the extent of $10,000, a suaug little sum, and @ sum that will make quite @ snug little gashin the available fortune of this gentleman. On the other indictment, which charges grand pedal Jharles K. Deviin, of No. $11 East Fifty- seventh street, is the bail. The amount is $6,u00, 80 he 18 just in half a ill luck as Mr, Charlick. The bondsmen for Jobn J. W: Te of the Court House Commissioners, e Peter J. Hickey, No, a6T East hirty-third tree, whore name figures on seven distinct bonds to the tune of $1,000 on each. David O'Brien, of No. 199 Wasn- ington street, is ball on the bribery indictment in the sum of $5,000, Thomas Coman’s bondsman on the only recogni- zance forfeited—viz., the one ior bribery—1s the re- cently defeated candidate for Senator, Morgan dones, of No, 45 Franklin street, He loses $5,000, ‘The bondsmen on the indictments for misdemeanor are yet safe, a8 the accused at not appear 0 ce, but reson vo plead to that a ‘a0 #0 through his counsel. . Nor 18 %& necessary for him to be in attendance on trial, The for G Miller is George W. Davia, of Now Kochella ‘county, who became Ween for John D. Welch, Jr, was her Court Honse Commissioner. te stands for conspiracy. SHEET, Taco Leon, of No, 31 Delasidey, dey street, pledged him- ine ssonator.} (oreon’s trouble are eight ox wep recognizances. Charles H. Fasson, of No, 655 Lex- ington avenue, is om four bonds at $3, Charles of No. 317 Canal stree! bonds at each, aud James A. Monagban, of No. 221 Mulberry street, appears on the St hafta tay iis noua of pon ¢ lony in the am The ‘above comploves the list. THE SHARKEY CANARD. Report That the Escaped Murderer Had Been “Cornered”—The Train Pickpock- ets Attended To. Almost immediately on the heels of the an- nouncement that Genet had taken night yester- day morning came the startling intelligence that William J. Sharkey, the condemned murderer of “Bcb” Dann, who escaped trom the Tombs sev- eral weeks since, had been recaptured, and to many persons it seemed as though there was a compensatory coincidence about the two reports that was very noteworthy, The information came in a startling way, however, for it was reported that Sharkey had been traced to his ludi place in a disreputable house up town, that the headquarters detectives had ‘‘corralled” him there, that a number of his friends, armed to the th, were assembled to defend him, and that about a dozen detectives, under the lead of Chief Irving, were about to carry the position by assault with drawn revolvers and capture “their man.” If there had been any truth in it the tableau at the finale would have been ap undoubtedly fine one. Shortly after noon a reporter called on Superin- tendent Matsell and was informed that the story was made out of whole cloth, that there was not particle of truth in any portion of it. When asked by the reporter if it was the fact that on Sunday night he had had a large force of the Central Office detectives on duty, the Superin- tendent replied—“Yes; I had a number of them here on special service, last night and have had them one or two other rights lately, but that was for avery diferent purpose. We have been try- ing for some time past to break up the system of ket picking that has been going on on the early Trains up town, and I think we have broken it up now, The detectives who were here on Sunday hight were here for that purpose and no other, and I think they have accomplished their object,” THE HIGHBRIDGE (N. J.) TRAGEDY. The Brennan Wife Murder Trial Con- tinued—Medical Testimony im _ the Case. The Brennan wife murder trial was resumed yesterday at Flemington, N. J., before Chief Jus- tice Beasely, Much interest was manifested during the progress of the testimony given by Drs. Cole- man and Lilly on the part of the defence. The former explained the properties of an ar- tery and the causes which lead to the formation of an aneurism. The bursting of the pudic artery near the labia would cause @ rapid swelling of the labia and be apt to rupture that part on the outside. Mr, Coleman here Tread a description of a supposed case trom the evidence of Drs. Alpaugh and Todd, in which they described the wound in the pudic artery and gave details, a synopsis of which evidence has already appeared in the HERALD. Witness was of opinion that the probable cause of the wound in question was as follows:—That in that de- scription there was nothing inconsistent with the bursting of an aneurism—nothing against it—but much in favor of it; he noticed the collec- tion of clotted blood found in the wound; if the wound is inflicted and the opening be of any size the blood will rush out; his theory was that the labia being very much swollen the hernia sac must have bursted previously; if the labia were cut it would not have been swollen at all, as there would be no necessity for it; the bursting ol an aueurism would present the i: 9g asd of the wound de- scribed to him; in the supposed case there was nothing inconsistent with the bursting of an an- eurism; an aneurism might arise in two weeks, and if there were. anything ailing the outer coat, such as hernia, it might form instantly; an aneurism ofthe pudic artery would cause no other inconvenience but that of pain; the bursting of an aneurism on that artery would be fatal unless the blood were stuppeds, if @ rupture took place by means of a rough instrument it would be in favor of not bleeding; the result, if these arteries were destroyed by an aneurism, would be that they would bleed with great vidlence. Witne&s was of opinion that the opening three inches long on the surface of the labia in question had been created by an aneurism, Dr. Samuel Lilly concided with Coleman as to a rupture of the vessels in the némhborhood of the wound having taken place and caused death. It would be dificult for him to reconcile this wound with the theory that it had been inflicted with an instrument. EXECUTION OF D. E. NESBIIT. The First Hanging in a Canadian County—End of an Impious and Im- penitent Victim ot Rum, . Linpsay, Victoria County, Ont., Dec. 22, 1873, To-day there was sent to eternity, witn all the solemnity and severity of a private execution within gloomy prison wails, David English Nesbitt, @ man in the prime of life and physically a splendid specimen of the race, for a murder committed under circumstances of brutality yet tinged with ro- mance, The crime was committed on the morning of July 12 last, when Nesbitt, a married man, sep- ‘rated from his wife, met on the streets Sarah Alice Hopwood, with whom he had been consort- ing, They returned to the residence of her brother, where, after some conversation, in which she re- fused to go for a walk and said she wanted nothing more to do with him, Nesbitt drew a revolver and fired twice, both shots taking fatal effect. The tragedy was enacted ina neat cottage in the outskirts of the thriving town, and Nesbitt walked through several streets to a second class hotel, where he shut himself in a bedroom of the third story, after getting a glass of liquor. He was easily discovered, for the news spread like wild- fire. When captured a revolver, with two bar- rels discharged, was found on his person. He acknowledged to several persons that he did it and must suffer for it. When tried at the Assizesin November last the evidence it him was overwhelming. The de- fence was le Was crazed with drink. The evi- dence showed that he was accustomed to go on sprees for weeks, when he lost all self control. James O'Reilly, Queen’s Counsel trom Kingston, made & most eloquent address to the jury in the prisoner's behalf, admitting the crime, but urging the extenuating circumstance of drink and jealousy for @ mitigation of the sentence, The jury, after two poury’ fopsulration, bronght in a veraict of guilty, and the ptisoner was sentenced. Beiore the sentence was passed he made a long harangue to the Court, asserting his innocence in most posi- tive terms, declaring that the verdict was most unjust, that the woman had shot herself, and aspersing the* character of several prominent residents. During his confinement he has exhibited no feel- ing of penitence, but frequently cursed in the most shocking manner, spoke im disgusting terms of women of respectability, and manifested ex- treme hardihood. few days previous to his execution he seemed improved, but never became penitent. He told the Sheriff he would “die like a man,” and on the morning of the execution conducted him. self according to that idea. He slept well, appeared unconcerned and dressed himself neatly, though plainly. He walked firmly from his cell to the #cafold, ascended the steps with vigorous action d caimly surveyed the few spectators who had been admitted by ticket. He made a short address, again asserting his complete innocence, calung judge and jury @ set of perjurers and his unfor- tonene victim prostitute for her relatives’ he knelt down without the slightest emotion ‘While thé hangman placed over his head the black > and fixed the fatal noose around his neck. The filty-first Psalm was then read and the Lord's Prayer said. At the words “Thy will be done,” a bolt being drawn, he fell seven feet, and, without Straggle, he hung a ivfeless corpse suspended in e air, An application made by Nesbitt'’s rela- tives to the Governor of Ontario for his body was refused, and it waa interred under the scaffold, within the jail walls, This is the first nanging which has ever taken place in this county or in this section, REDUCTION OF RAILROAD FARES, Pivtspura, Pa., Dec. 22, 1873. There has been a great rivalry developed re- cently inthe passenger traMec on the Pittsburg, Washington and Baltimore Railroad and the Penn- sylvania Central, and the greal railroad chiefs are again at daggers’ points. President Garrett, of the Maryland Company, a few weeks ago made considerable reduction in the prices of passenger fares from various points of the West to Washing- ton and Baltimore. Tom Scott, of the Pennsylvania Central, having immediately after followed suit, on Sacurday Garrett announced a. farther reduction, offering through tickets from Pittsburg to Wash- ington ana 01 iT and to Philadelphia Tor $8. To-day Boots follows in the wake of his cunning ad , and tares from this city to and to Was! n and Haltimore the same figures as Gar- rett’s road, that the Baltimore man will not be outdone, but will make stili further re- Guctions te attract the travel w his line. CARING FOR THE EMIGRANT, te Members of the Legislature Visit Ward's Island—The Commissionors of Emigration: Ask for an Increase of “Head Money” from the Several Steamship Companics— President Hurlbut’s Address. Tho Emigration Commission of New York, de- string that the members and members elect of the State Legislature should properly understand its need at the present time, and to make the inapec- tion of the several institutions under its care, arranged that they, with other officials, should make the tour of Ward’s Island. Yesterday was set apart for such visit, and early in the morning the Quarantine Commissioners’ steamboat, N. K. Hasskins, was at the wharf at Castle Garden to re- ceive on board such persons as were invited to be present. Those assembled for the purpose were President Hurlbut, George Starr, James Lynch, Superintendent Webster and Secretary Jackson, of the Emigration Commission; Dr. 8. @. ‘Vanderpoel, Health OMicer of the Port; Senater- elect Jobn A. King, Assemblyman and Assembiy- men-elect Barney Biglin, E. D. Perry, George ©. Bennett, Stephen J. Callahan, John McGroarty, 8 D.. Stevens, Knox McAffe, George Dean, Hamilton Fish, Jr., and General Husted; Aldermen Morris, McCafferty, Billings and Henry Clawson, Jr.; L, W. Jerome, Dr. M. H. Henry, William Budd, J. CG. Pinckney and others, Before embarking the gem- tlemen walked around Castle Garden, narrowly scanning every nook and corner of the huge struc- ture and making such inquiries as were pertinent to the object in view. It aid not require but little time to reach Ward's Island, and, upon arrival, the visitors were es- corted to the several buildings and hospitais, all of which received such attention as the occasion demanded, Everything was found in complete or- der, and the many patients that were able to be about looked very cheerful and contented. Im this tour it was ascertained that the object of the commission was to impress upon the visitors, not only the importance of the work under its care, but that, to render it as effective as the citizeas of New York desired it to be, there should be in the hands of the officials sufii- cient money for the proper maintenance of the several institutions. This was not the case now, and the commission is in debt over $50,000, and has been since the Legislature reduced the “head money”’ collected from the various steamship companies from $2 50 to $1 50 per capita. It was now sought to ask that this tax be raised from the present sum to $2, when the commission could make the necessary repairs now urgently de- manded, and, with the economy always practised, meet their expenses without falling behind. Twe hours were passed in the inspection, when the visitors were invited to luncheon. This being served, President Hurlbut addressed the meeting ag 1ollows:— We have invited you, gentlemen, as representatives of the people, to sce tor yourselves how we, as their ser- vanls, have performed and are now performing & portions of the duties which have devolved upon us, wish that time had permittea you to have go1 with us and ed our procedures from moment when an emigrant comes within sight of the city until the tlme when he leaves. our special charge and sets out tor his ultimate destination. Taking th erage of arrivals, nearly 1,000 persons re- ceive our rid care. Thus every ane a Sopulation greater than that of Boston passes {nto ard pe OY the gates of Castle Garden. Esch and every one ersons receives the direct aid of the Commission migration. It isour duty to see that no one of the num- ber is defrauded by any of the large numbers of dis honest men who lie in wait for the By a@ long course of efforts such pertect security ts iven that no emigrant need be ex) to ony poe. Ror merely this, but the emigrant has a right to mand the services of men—our employes—who are Vv . Most likely, gentiemen, there Sate Fe one among ou who has been told by his tather or bis mother of dais and difficulties Ce a which they passed, when, belore the organization of thisCommission, they were landed strangers ina strange land; and, gentlemen, in this connection, I am reminded that I myself am the de- scendant of an emigrant. Two hundi and fifty-three is day, mber the Pilgriin Fat eared ee Plymouth Bork NO ‘was provided for Tanded on’ plymouth their comfot 190 Commissioners of Emigration to give them the hand of friendship; no previous in’ 108 te friends tha: they’ were coming, that they might be ‘reeted with smiling faces and a warm embrace. But e uncivilized and untutored savage. welcomed them witn bloody hands to hospitable graves, Now, all this service is ‘Absolutely without chai official may receive a penny from any emigrant for official service, Ifany complaint shall be made against Castle Garden you may be sure thatit does not come jm. ist that he is the venal agent of these bad men, Gentleme! en, you have seen these institutions on Ward's 't of the 120 acres whic! more careful treatment. gard this, noble institution as “the beat part of our work. “‘An ounce of prevention is better a pound of cure.” Here, in round numbers, sons, who, from special causes, need speci those whom we care for go te ell the great mass honest, productive ind , Which constitutes the real wealth of the Cot 3 e work we do, and which ars above the surface, is, we believe, well dot st part of our labor ifthat which you cannot this work, of necessity, involves a consideral ndi- ture: but we mean that there shall be as litth ‘he Commissioners, as you know, serve without We have no sinecures in our gift, and 3 lar trom the funds placed in our 4 ‘ to say that the tunds now at our dis- T are inadequate. "These tunds weil saint Sia tae tars nts. This Ly emigrant himsel! oot a ee them who does not receive mae! of tng yada mi the institutions a pact of ch you have fee. But, as is now clear, the A Brae of this excess of expenditures from. gaduts which are most lxely temporary. oe financial crisis has diminished the number uced the incon id, at the sai ie AY cial care many persons, who, in not require It "From. ie mest ‘we can make, we judge thats commutation fee of $2 will just defray the necessary coss { our work, and we shail urge upon the Legislature to x the sum at that amount. The whole question, then, gentlemen, lies in a natshell. Will the Legislature’ make this addition, or shall Commissioners be for to leave undone a the work, which you Pag oe Toe to be done t te two Whe ie res. Ent Board entered upon its duties, the ' dencit of about A careful ate shows that at the ond of next April it be about $150,000, A mes, We careful estimate which ht We leave the matter aretul tion (and upon you rests | the | re abil rou especially, as represen ew iemmond and Westchester ‘counties he mater jal interest. If we have not the means Il those who may properly come ler our y must be cared for by the people of these mainly. Can they in any other way throw around them the shield of protection as well cheaply } Si have done, are now doing and hope to be able to lo Following the President’s address Senator elect King, Assemblyman Husted, Aldermen McCafe! and Billings, Commissioners Lynch, Starr and W. Tennie made short speeches touching upon the important question under consideration. The visitors left the island about five o'clock. RESIGNATION OF OITY OFFICIALS. Prrrssure, Pa., Dec. 22, 1873. At the special meeting of the City Counctls this afternoon it was resolved to demand the resigna- tion of the Water Commission of Pittsburg, con- sisting of D. W. ©. Carroll, Hill Burguin, P. H, Laufman, B. W. Rolf and Robert Watson, all hith- erto estimable and highly respectable citizens, for gross negligence in permitting John Ross, the secretary of the Commission, to negotiate water bonds and exceed his authority as a servant of the city. Something over $600,000 in these bonds were locked up in the suspended Nation's Trust Com- pany, which, it was afterwards discovered, had been hypothecated in Philadelphia, It is not known whether the city can ever re- arose upon one member refusing to allow the Com- mission to resign. He sai their hands to God Almighty and sworn that they would perform their duties; and two weeks they raised their hands an to Almight God that they had violated their official oaths an neglected those duties, To allow gg resi; ‘would be offermg a reward to crime. He said Councils should go after every officer and every agent of the city that has been guilty of sins of omission or commission, and app the surgeon's knife to the roots and punish them as far as lay in the power of the city authorities. . However, aiter the expenditure of much flerce eloquence, @ resolution accept the resignation of the Commission was passed. Following this came the resignation of the Comptrolier of the city, R. J. McGowan, whose name has been un. Pleasantly mixed up with this scandalous bond Matter. Opposition was developed | inst allcw= ing this oMicer to resign, bub that he innocent Trance of «i sition, Subsequent ‘The mee bel ation Was acce| ting was a the stormy one ever br eng municinal bode. "