The New York Herald Newspaper, January 9, 1874, Page 4

4 NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 1874.—TRIPLE DIPLOMATIC ANTICS. Some Lively Extracts from the Virginius Correspondence. How Fish Stormed for Repa- ration at First. Vv CARVAJAL. Passage a‘ Arms Between Our Minister and the Haughty Hidalgo. SICKLES ements PASSPORTS DEMANDED Sickles Soured Over the Discov- ery That Fish Was Set- tling with Polo. The Beparation That Could Have Been Had from Spain. Lame Excuse for the Back Down by the State Department. Below are given some vervatim extracts from anteresting portions of the correspondence be- tween Spain and America on the Virginius ques- tion :— THE MOST AMPLE REPARATION, WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 1873 To General SicKLES:— ‘The capture on the high seas of a vessel bearing ‘he American flag presents a very grave question, ‘which will need investigation, ana the summary proceedings resulting in the punishment of death ‘with such rapid haste will attract attention as in- human and im violation of the civilization of the age. And if it proved that an American citizen has been wrongiluliy executed this government ‘will require most ample reparation. PISH. WHAT MK. FISH PRESUMED. WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 1873. To General StckiEs:— An official bulletin published in Havana on 5th ‘@nnounced the capture of the Virginius on 31st \October, and that tue prisoners were being tried by jB competent court. ali reports telegraphic com- munication with Santiago interrupted, and no further details received. The vessel was captured ‘on 3ist. Her not being brougnt in until 4th Novem- ber needs investigation, and the announcement of trial by a competent court seems not to have been &rue, and needs explanation. Jt is presumed that In will voluntarily restore the ship and tender full reparation, but until accurate report of all particulars is recetved nv positive demand will be FISH. Py STRONG CONDEMNATION. WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 1873. To General SICKLES :— Hall telegraphs that Havana papers of this Morning published statements, apparently from oficial source, that the Captain and 50 o! the crew of the Virginius and 16 others were sot on the 7th end 8th inst. it is hoped the report of such butchery and murder may prove inaccurate. You will ask of Minister confirmation or denial of the report. The alleged date is subsequent to the orders said to have been sent from Madrid forbidding any pup- ishment. Ihave telegraphed for further intelligence. If the report be confirmed you will procest, in the name of this government and of civilization and | humanity, against the act as brutal, barnarous and aN outrage upon the age, and will deciare tnat this government Will demand the most ample repara- tion of any wrong which may have been commit- ted upon any of its*citizens or upon its flag, You gre contidentially informed that grave suspicions exist as to tne right of the Virginius to carry the American flag, as also with regard to her right to the American papers which she is said to have. Investigation 1s being made. You will bear this in mind in what you may say to the a THE DEERHOUND CASE IN POINT. UNITED STATES LEGATION IN SPAr Maprip, Nov. 12, 1573. To Mr. Fisa:— Sim—The case of the Deerhound, of which I cabled a brief statement this morping, was not Bettied without considerabie hesitation and delay on the part of this government. Mr. Carvajal in- sisted tor some time that 1t Was a proper subject for the decision of a prize court, and that until the judgment oi that tribunal should pe given no di- plomatic reclamation could be entertained. This ground was not satisiactory to Great Britain, It was replied that no deciaration of war hud been made by Spain; that the parties to the contest had not been recognized as belligerents; that no args over such a capture could be acquired (i @ prize court in time of peace; that t act of i} (Received Dec. 8) § the Spanish cruiser was a mere trespass on the high seas, from whico no right of condemnation conid pos- sibly follow. Great Britain thereiore urged shat the matter was in the exclusive and sole cog- nizance of the executive authorities, and consider- ing that the facts of the case and tke principies of public law applicabie to them were indisputable and clear, the immediate release of the vessel, passengers abd crew was demaudel, The Spanish government at length yielded to the arguments ably presented by Mr. MacDonell, the Britisn Chargé d’Aflaires, and made ample reparation. D. SICKLES. CASTELAR ANXIOUS TO SETTLE. UNITED STATES LEGATION IN SPATN. Mapaip, Nov. 12, 1873. (Keccived Dec. 8.) To Mr. FisH:— Sin— Night before last I ealled at the Executive Mansion and was received a President Casielar with his usual amiabilty. is Bxcevency had scarcely welcomed me when he exclaimed, “How deeply I deplore the execution Of the four prison- ers at Santiago Ge Cuba! What a musiortune that my order was not received in time to prevent such an act! It was against the law, aud the only ex- case offered ia that aSentence of death bad already been pronounced against these men. Interrupted for 4 moment, the President con- tinued :—*puch scandais must cease. A conserva- tave deputation was here this morning, and I told tuem trankly that we must put an end to slavery in Cuba—tt brutalizes all it touche irepiied that so grave an offence against civili- gation should, indeed, have a great atonement, andin the abouuon of slavery the cause of these barberities would uisappear. His Excellency proceeded to state, in reply to a reference to my interview with Mr. Carvajal, that, in coaformity with our anderstanaing, a series of ‘nterrogatories had been put by cable ro the Cap- tain General, the replies to which would afford the information necessary to & just appreciation of the case in any international aspect it might have. The government of the Repubiic had every dis- position to treat the matter dispassionately and to come to a resoiution in harmony with the law of nations and tue iriendly relations it desired to pre- Berve Witn the United States. In reply to my request for early intelligence of the action proposed to be taken, Mr. Casteiar as- sured me that 1 would receive & communication from himself or Mr. Carva)a! a8 soon as the answer of the Captain General could pe considered by the council of Ministers. wv. E, SIUKLES. ‘THK SUCRETARY RED HOT FOR REPARATION. To DEPARTMENT OF Stare, WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 1873. General SICKLEs : Siz—You will receive by the mail of this date a copy of the telegrams which nave been sent to you with reference w the capture ot tne Vir- ginius, and also Of those trom you relating to the Same subject, as mee have been received and de- ciphered here. ‘The first inteligence was recetved here late in the evening of the 5th inst., from Mr. Hall, acting Consui General in Havana. I was ab- sent irom Weent m the 6th, returning on the evening of the Your tele; was received annowncing the instractions of Madrid govern- ment not toinflict amy penalties until the matter ehould have been reported there, On the 7th the puble journals announced the ex- ecution on the 4tn of four persons who had been captured on the vessel, one of whom was repre- sented to be an Ainerican, who is said to have en- tered the military service of the Ingarrectionists in Cuba and Who ciaimed to hold a military commission from the insurrectionary authorities and to have ‘been in actus: military service on the Island, ‘The execution, a8 it is called, of those persons Was forced on with indecent and barbarous haste, and ‘in defiance of all humanity and regard to ages Of the civilized world. It was perpeti advance of the knowledge of the capture reach- Havana or Madrid, and it would seem to have in thus precipitated in cold biood and vindic- iveness, to anticipate and prevent the interpost- on of any humane restraints upon the terocity of ‘the local authorities from the government at (Madrid or its representative in Havana. ‘This is but another instance in the long cata- of the defiance of the home government by entrusted with authority in Cuva, and adds nother tothe dark history of bloody ven- eance cruel disregard of the rules of civilized grar and of common humanity which the military ‘and other ir s Cd — but too irequently made part of the ry Of Spain’s government its colony. on Promptness with which the Madrid govern- Gears to your suggestion, and forwarded to the Captain General to await extem belore uMicung BLY DeDAlies OL We | There are conflicting representations as to the pre- sengers or crew of the Virgintus, ts accepted as evidence of their readiness to administer justice, and gives promise ol the promptiness with which they will coudemo and punish the not thirst ior blood and which was ted at San- tiagode Cuba, Con disavowal and de; of the act will not be accepted by the world as quilicient tion in ‘the Ja respo nalbtity the ouar “tabre out ‘here must bea al rk of "4 asure @ pun- can and which other subordinate or local als wi have cause te look at as a beacon on & dangerous Tock, to be lorever aiter avoided. You wiil represent this to the government at Madrid, and you will further very earnestiy, but avoiding any just cause o/ offended sensibility, represent that the jaiure of some speedy and a. nal visitation of punishment on those engaged this dark deed cannot jail to be regarded as ap- proval of the act, and in view of the orders given to abstain from apy punishment which the home government had passed upon them, will be regarded as admission ot the inability of the government of the peninsula to control the ailairs of the Island of Cuba. The omission to puuish the acts oi the 4th of November, in Santiago de Cuba, will be a virtual abandonment o/ the con- trol of the island, and cannot ‘be regarded other- wise than & recognition that some power more potent than tat of Spain existe within that coluny. You may read what precedes to the Minister, and you way say that this government has confi- dence in the sincerity and good faith of the pres- ent government at Madrid, and of its de- sire to have executed tn Cuba the promises made in Madrid. We fear, however, that unaided Spain has not the power to control the resistance Ol its authority under the attitade aud profession of joyaity and of support which is more iormidatie tian the insurrecuion of Yara to her continued asccndency. The rebeilion and insurrection o| the Casino Képaiiol and its pra torian volunteers present the most formidable op- position to che authority of the Peninsula. With regard to the Virginius, we are sult without informauon as to tue particulars of her capture. cise place of capture, wuether tn British waters or on the bigh seas, and we bave no information as to whether she was first sighted witain Spanish waters, and the chase commenced there, or whether it Was altogether in neutral waters. Mr. Hall has been requested to turnish full particalars, and a Vessel of the navy has been despatcned thither. Mr. Hall informs me that telegraphic communication between Havana and Santiago de | Cuba has been interrupted. There is also some doubt as to the right of the Virginius to carry the American flag, or oi her right to the papers which she unquestivna%ly carried. This is being investigated, ana, of course, no ad- mission of doubt as to the character of the vessel can be allowed, until it becomes apparent that the governMent cannot sustain the nationality of the vessel, while t¢ doubt imposes on the government the necessity of caution in ascertaining tne acts belore making & positave demand, Whue writing this instruction, a telegram from Mr. Hall mentions that Havana papers of this moruing published a statement, apparently irom official sources, that the Captain and 36 of the crew of the Virginius and 16 others were shot on the 7th and 8th Ipsts, Such wholesale butchery and murder is almost incredible; it would be wnolly incredibie but for the bloody and venge- ful deeds of which Cuba has been the theatre. No government deserves to exist wiich can tolerate such crimes, Nature cries aloud against them. Spain wil be loud and earnest in punishing them or she will forfeit her past good name. Your request to the government that our Consul be permitted to see and confer with American cit- izens who may be ae at Santiago de Cuba was considerate and is approved; but ttdad been | anucipated through the Havana Consulate, HAMILTON FISH. NOTICE OF DEMAND. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, MADBLD, Nov. 14, 1873, To Mr. JOSE DE CARVAJAL :— The undersigned, in obedience to the orders of his government, has the honor to invite the atten- tion of His Excellency the Minister ot State to the jJact that the Havaba papers publisned on the morning of the 12th inst, a statement, apparently derived irom officiai sour that the Captain and 36 of the crew of the Vu jus, and 16 other per- sons taken on board that vessel, were shot on tne 7th and 8th of the present month by the order and sanction of the Spauish authorities at Santiago de Cuba. The verbal communication made to the undersigned last evening by Mr. Car- vajal, at the Ministry of State, coincid- ing in substance with the information re- ceived at Washington, must be regarded as a con Srmation of the report published in Havana and in Madrid on the day before yesterday. The under- signed is, therefore, directed to protest, and, in the name of his government and of humanity, he does hereby protest against the said act of the authorities in Cuba as barbarous and brutal and ab outrage upon this epoch of civilization; and the undersigned is likewise ordered to declare to His Excellency the Minister of State that the government of the United States will demand the most ample reparation of any wrong which may bave been thereby committed upon apy Oi Its citi- | zens or upon its fag. D. E. SICKLES. WAITING ANXIOJSLY FOR AN ANSWER—THE DB- MANDS. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF rere MADBID, Nov. 15, 1873. To Mr. CaRVasaL:— The undersigned, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plentpotentiary of the United States of | America, on the 6th of tius month in a private | communication, and afterwards on the Sth Instant | in an official conference with Mr. Carvajal, had the | honor to invite the attention of the government of Spain to the capture of the American ship Vir- ginius by the Spanish armed cruiser Tornado, on the 31st of October last, on the high seas, and the subsequent taking of the said vessel, with her officers, crew and passengers, to tne port of San- | tiago de Wuba, a place within the Spanish jurisdic- tion. The undersigned then intimated to His Ex- ceilency the Minister of State that the government of the Lnion withheld any iormal request for repa- | Tation in the case, trusting that it would seem to the government of this country becoming and proper to offer to tne United States at once the most complete satisfaction in its power ior this offence to their dignity and the inviolability of their fag. More than 15 days have passed since the Vir- ginius was captured. ‘The undersigned has waited More thah eight days fora communication trom His Exceiiency the Mmister of state, signifying that this government was prepared to make due atonement for the wrong and injury done, and of which complaint was made as atoresaid. Meanwhue the officials purporting and claiming to exercise authority in Cuba, not restrained by the supreme government, have infitctea FUMMAry, cruel and bloody punishments on the captain, offl- cers and crew of the Virginius, and on a number o! her passengers, and tis pending the amicable representations of the undersigned to His Excel- lency the Minister of State, having for their object the considerate and honorable adjustment of any questions involved in the captare. ‘The undersigned has now, in the name of the President, to demand the restoration of the Vir- ginius, and the release and delivery to the United States of the persons captured in ner who may yet survive; and that the flag of the United States be at the same time saluted in the port of Santiago de Cuba; and aiso that the Spanish government manilest, by signal punishment to be inflicted on them, its seuse of the misconduct of those of its servants wno were concerned 1n the capture of the said Vessel and in the execution of the passengers ana crew thereof. The undersigned hopes to have the pleasure of communicating to his government without delay @ satisfactory reply to this note. D, SICKLES. SICKLES ON OFFENGIVE COMMUNICATIONS. UNITED STATES LEGATION IN SPAIN, Mapurp, Nov. 16, 1873. (Received December 8.) To Mr. Fis :— Srk—I have the honor to forward herewith a copy and a transiation of a note irom the Minister of State, received yesterday, at two o'clock in the morning, in reply to the protest which, in obe- dience to your orders, I had addressed to this gov- ernment On the iéth inst., respecting the slaugh- ter at Santiago de Cuba. You will. perhaps, deem it proper to take some notice of this offensive communication, and I, therefore, in addition to the transiation, send a copy of the original. I also enciose @ copy of my own reply to Mr. Carvajal, which, i hope, may have your approval. You will observe that have confined my observations to a correction of such of the m: prehensions uf the Minister as seemed to require immediate notice. In this relation I likewise for- ward for your perusal 4 copy aud transiation of a oa ae article in £2 Imparcial of the i4th inst. The view taken by this journal is preciseiy that presented by Mr, Carvajal, and one is at a lo88 to determine whether the Minister inspired the edi- torial or the editor wrote the note. I may remark that the press Oo! Madrid, and, indeed, of Spain, divides its space between denunciations of the United States, including their gts Af at Madrid, and praise of the authorities in Cuba for thetr zeal and fidelity in the discharge of their duty in all this matter of the Virginius. SICKLES, THE ILL-TEMPERED SPANISH NOTE, MINISTRY OF StaTE, MADRID, Nov, 14, 1873. To General Sickles :— SiR—I have just recetved your note dated to-day, protesting, im the exercise of your oflice, in the name of the government of the United states, and assuming on your own account the voice of numan- ity, the representation of which does not belong to you exclusively, by reason of the executions which took place in Santago de Cuba on the 7th and 8th days of this month. The protest having been pre- sented in general terms, and without relation to any wrong (agravio) inflicted on the American Union, the government of the Spanisn Begublic cannot recognize your competency to make it, even aa Spain would have had no such right with respect to the pe eSy acts which have hap- pened in our own day, as well in the United States ‘as in other nations of the old and new continents. ‘The test thus rejéc! with serene eneris, I have to fix my ‘ition upon the of style, and upon the heated and improper words you used to qualify the conduct of the 8) guthorities. If the document sub- scribed by you lacks the solemnity which might be lent to it to address it to me, the tem- perance ™iPyouid toueh lightly upon this aa wi only to. Occupy mysel. wien the sting of the insult (afensa), but comprehending ite in! {ta own judgments the Fepresehtative of &.ioreiga nation, even though wrienaly, should terize the Spanish authorities in other terms tl those ‘Which she government ieelf desma 10a: ib sain ought at tied y anion ter it 1 Rad ference always inadintasible, but still more atrange when neither the Cabinet of Washiugtou por tus of Madrid, nor yourseil, has at the present hour sufficient data upon which to ground a complaint, whether concerning the seizure of tae Virginius or in relation to the subsequent occurrences, Your quailficatory terms cannot even be re- peated here, tor they would impair the measured tone of tais communtcation ; but you will note that, without @ knowledge of the (acts, tt would have been at all times an act ef temerity to pass judg- ment upon the Muerte, § ad that until suc! knowlodge is acquired, it beiits the elevation of character you have attained toconsider those as guardians and representatives ol fhe law, while the raons shot were rebels seeking to trample the law under toot, enemies of the country and — of the peace and of the rule of @ sister a Disregarding mere impressions, you should have suspended your Opinious, a the goverument of the Republic has suspended its own, for it does not Wish to expose ioe to the stigma of being hasty and light m such delicate and complex matters. In this attitude it will continue to remain until it acquires full certitude; and you may rest assured that its spirit will not be altered by any Kind of pressure whatever, netiner Will it be exasotrated by your note to the extremity of forgetting what is slike due to the dignity of this country and to that respect for the laws which is above ail mere expediency and national suscep tabilities, You conclude by deciaring, aiso by order of your government, that 1% will demand ample reparation for any olence committed upon Amert- can ernzens or upon its flag. It is to be regretted that you have not maintained, under this point of view of problematical reality, the attitude adopted in the verbal conterences to which you make direct reference. In them you confided to the sponta- neity and the cordial sentiments of the Spanish government the solution to be given to this in- cident, which you now, prematurely and with querulous aoticipation, bring to the octal arena, wherein | siall not fail to neaintain steadfastly that the government of the Kepubiic ts resolved that the law shall be complied with, a8 well in Spanish territory as in our international relations, and that Do disparagement of any right will be tolerated. J. DECARVAJAL, TNE GOOD-TEMPERED SICKLES’ REPLY. LEGATION OF THK UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, MADRID, Nov, 15, 1873. ‘To Mr, CARVASAL:— ‘The undersi.ned had the honor, at two o’clock this morning, to receiye the reply uf His Excellency the Minister of State to the written protest mave by the andersigned, in behali 0! his government, against the proceedings of the authorities at San- tiago de Cuba, in putting to death, in @ sudden, cruel and anusual manner, a large Dumber of per- sons ilegaily captured on the high seas on board the American ship Virginius. The communication from His Excelency tue Minister of State wil! be Torwarded by tue next post to Washington for the consideration and action of the government of the undersigned. The undersigned, nevertheless, hastens to remove a misapprehension which seems to have ied His Exceliency to suppose that the language of the protest, and especially the words used to characterize the conduct of the authorities at Santiago de Cuba, were chosen by the under- signed in the expression of his own appreciation ol the acts in question, It indeed, quite inuil- ferent how the undersigned may describe such | events, since the civilized world will not be slow to brand, as it deserves, & violation of human and divine justice, and history will not fail to recora the verdiet. lt may, however, be ingeresting to His Excellency, Mr. Oarvai: to know that the language of the protest to which he takes excep- tion is @ precise transcript from the instructions received by the undersigned trom bis government. And if the undersigned ventures to correct an- other involuntary error betrayed in the reply of His Excellency it is only because in 80 doing some- came may, perbaps, be contributed toa more dis- criminating estimate of the question at issue be- tween the two governments, When Mr. Carvajal asserts that tts government 1s not in possession of sufficient intormation respecting the Capture of the Virginius by a Spanish cruiser,and the execu- tion of more than 60 of the persons comprising the crew and passengers on board the vessel, it must be admitted that his authority for the statement is | indisputable, But when His Exceliency proceeds to aiirm that neither the government of the United States nor the undersigned are sufiiciently informed of the nationality of the Virginiug or of the circumstances at- tending her capiure and the punishments inflicted on her officers, crew and passengers by the autuorities of Santiago de Cuba to warrant a reclamation or a protest against those acts, the undersigned can do no less than point out to the Minister of State that he thus assumes to speak of matters not within his cognizance and beyond his means of knowledge. 11 18 not, therefore, sur- prising that His Exceiiency, white declaring that this government is without the necessary data to determine whetier or not the Spanish naval and military authorities have acted within the line of their duty and o! public and municipal law, at the same momeut denounces the uniortunate victims of a cruel and Sanguinary administration as crimi- nals deserving instant deatn, and applauds the chief actors in the bloody tragedy, In conclusion, the undersigned must observe that his Exceliency 1s also singularly unfortunate in misapprehendiug the iorbearance of the govern- ment 0! the United States in deierring the preseu- tauon of a forma) demand ior reparation in this transaction. It was not, as Mr. Carvajal seems to suppose, because the government of tue undersigned was unable to measure the atone- ment due toit, but rather for the reason, twice statea to His Excellency, that the President wished to afford an opportunity to the government of the Republic, unembarrassed by any exigency save its Own sense Of duty and moved only by a@ noble séntiment of justice, to make such ample reparation to @ friendly Power as the jaw and usages Of nations required. fhe undersigned 18 paar to His Excellency, the Minister 0! State, Jor the assurance that the law will be vindicated and maintained in Cuba. The government oi the United States has never ceased to enjoin upon the undersigned to make every appeal and omit no effort that might con- vince the government of Spain of the urgent need of such measures as would stop the demoraliza- tion and ameliorate the situation of that unbappy island. And if at last, under the good auspices of Mr. Carvajal, with tne aid of that serenity that is unmoved by slaughter and that energy that re- jects the voice of humanity, which even the hum- blest may utter and the most powerful cannot hush, this government is successful in restori order and peace and liberty where hitherto, now, all is tamult and conflict and despotsm, the fame 01 this achievement, not confined to Spain, will reach the continents beyond the seas and giadden the hearts of millions who believe that the New World, discovered by Columbus, is the home of freemen and not of slaves. D. E. SICKLES, CALLING FOR HIS PASSPORTS. UNITED STATES LEGATION IN SPAIN, MADRID, Nov. 26, 1873.—(iteceived Dec. 23.) To Mr. FIsH:- Sim—I have the honor to forward herewith @ copy of a note of this date, which, in compliance with your previous instructions, I addressed to the Minister of State, asking for my passports, It was placed in the hands of the Minister at the palace this afternoon, a jew minutes after two o’ciock, by the Secretary of Legation, Mr. Adee. or. Car- vajal stated that 2 communication had been made to me of this date, and desired to know whether it bad reached me before note was sent to him. Mr. Adee replied that up to the moment when he leit tue Legation nothing nad been received trom His Excellency. Subsequently informed the Minister that in view of his commu- nication, which was delivered at the Legation at hau-past two P. M., he might deter any reply tomy request until it should be renewed, if, unhappily, the negotiations now resumed on tresh bases 1ailes and I should be constrained again to take the same step. Your latest instruction on this point, dated Co awe Was not received here until hail-past four this afternoon. D. E. SICKLES, GENERAL SICKLES TO MR. JOSE DE CARVAJAL. Mapuiv, Nov. 26, 1878. ‘The undersigned, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United states of America, resery- ing to his government such observations as it may see fit to make on the several communications addressed to the? undersigned by His Excellency the Minister of Stal respecting the matter of the Virginfus and the penalti inflicted on her crew and NeeTs, 18 Lulstructes terminate his mission and leave Spain, taking with him the archives of this Jegation. ‘he undersigned has, therefore, to request that His ixceliency the Minister of state will kindly grant him the usual saic conduct to the Spanien tropter for himself and the secretary of Le tion, including the household and effects of tne under- Gite undersigned avails, &c., SICKLES SUSPECTS. Maprip, Nov. 26, 1873, ‘To Mr. Fist :— At two this morning I have a message from President Castelar that a note will be sent to me to-day recognizing the principles on which our de- mand 1s based, and Pepsin, to make the repara- tion we require on or before the 25th of December, if the facts elicited by the investigation now being made by this Aig hail ya show that the Virginius ue a re; iY ly cerca cag onc hac ship. ‘ in reply L expressed my apprebension that the proposed delay would not be acceptable, and sug- gested tnat this government should receive our deciaration of the natiofality of the ship and make the reparation immediateiy. Nevertheless, 1 said that on receipt of such a communication to- day I would inform you of it and assume the re- sponsibility of deferring my departure until the further orders of the President, My belief is that tbe real object of this overture 1s to give time to strengthen the Spanisn feet in the Gulf of Mexico and send troops to Cuba, and that at last some pretext will be ound to evade the reparation. Tne fall of Cartagena, which 18 daily looked for, is expected to liberate the home squadron and the besieging army. SICKLES, PROPOSITIONS IN MADRID. MADRID, Nov. 26, 1873, D. B. SICKLES, To Mr. FIso:— At hali-past two this afternoon, after | had asked for my passports, 1 reccived @ a Cag to-day, irom Minister of State, in which 8 — First—If it appear on or before the 25th of Decem- ber next that the Virginius rightly carried the American flag and her documents were regular, Spain wii declare the seizure illegal, salute the fag as requested and return the ship, with the sar- viving passengers and crew. Secona—If it be proved that the authorities of Santiago de Cuba, in tneir proceedings and sen- tences pronounced against foreigners, have es- sentially infringed Spanish jation or treaties, this government Will arraign those authorities be- fore competent tribunais, rhird— Any other reclamations growing out of the affair, which either of the respective govern- ments may have to present, will be considered ang. i DO akeemens he reacbeds halt an hour ses will be submitted Se siplieanon ia tee wer ulual Consen| Poured ee Both ‘day of December shall have expired without the Spanish government having resolved, in so far as comes within its eovines, to ng arising out of the demand for repa- ration, it will hold itseit bound to accord sach rep- to'requige i were Fecogaiced, and such Teparation re were ni wilt be the form specified in Carine a DBALING. Mapuip, Nov. 23, 18%. To Mr. Fisu:— mud Last night it was agreed here informally that, accepting my declaration of the nationality of the Virginius, rv tion would be made in accord- ance witu vemand Oi: the 16th inst. This was ratified by tue Court! of Ministers at three (his morning, and | was promised an communt- cation ip that sens to-day, Lam now iniormed in a pote from the Minister of State that yesterday you authorized the Spanish Minister in Washing- ton to convey vo this government a diliereut proposition on the Part Oi the United States, and at it Las been accepted, of which you have been notified through Aumiral Polo, Nease let me know whetuer that statement is true. ‘Ihe only jnstraction ‘had irom you since my iour telegrams of the 2uth is acopy 01 the Senaie reso- lution passed in 1866, BIOKLES. RAPPING SIOKLES OVER KNUOKLES. DEPARTMENT OF STATR, Wasuixcron, Dec. 31, 1873. To Mr. ADEE:— Sim—On the 26th ult. General Sickies’ No. 893 arrived at this department duriug my absence for the holidays, ip 1¢ he states that it was in- formally on the nigpt oi the z7tn of No- vember jast, that on @ declaration made by him of the American nationality of ce Virginius, the vessei and surviving passengers and crew would ve delivered up, the fug saiuied, and the ocuer measures of reparation accorded in conformity With our demands of bhe 15th lust. It la greatly vo be regretted that Generai Sickies aid not siate with wiom this iniormal agreement was made. The note of Mr. Carvajal, Minister of Fureign Afttuirs, which accompanies General Sickles’ deasvutch, does not convey the idea that he had been @ party to that agreement, but does intimate that he would have discussed some of the points received in General Sickles’ note but for tne arrangement which was made here, Geuerai Sickies further says, tbat at noon on the 28th of November Air. Carvajal seut him @ copy Oo! & telegram irom Admirai Polo containing what pur- ported to be ® fresa proposal froin me respecting the Virginius, which General Sickles appears to have supposed was in conilict with the informal arrangewent o! the previous evening. Without more accurate injormation concerning the person with wnom the iniormal arrangeurent was made, Lcannot permit myseli to tuink that the Spanish government receded from any under- taking whicu it had once assumed, . So tar, however, as General Sickles’ statement may be supposed to aflect this government, it 1s proper to say that the changes from the original demands of the United Staces, which were agreed to in the protocol of the 29tn of November, were adopted on the snapoasen oi the Spanish govern- ment, under the belief that they did affect the principles upon which our demands were founded, and were Culculated to promote a peaceful settie- ment of the unfortunate differences which had arisen between the two Powers. f Spain having admitted (as could not be seri- ously questioned) that a regularly documented vessel of the United States is subject on the hign seas in time of peace only to the police jurisdiction oi the Power from which it receives its papers, it seemed to the President that the United States should not refuse to concede to her the right to ad- duce proof to show that the Virginius was not rightfully carrying our flag. When the question of national honor Was adjusted it also seemed that there was a peculiar propriety in our consentung to af arbitration on a question of pecuniary dam- ages. ‘This happy adjustment of the differences between two sister Kepublics on @ basis honorable to both jortunately Makes the matters referred to by Gen- eral Sickles of little importance. I have thought it right, however, to correct the misapprenensions under which his despatch seems to have been written. HAMILTON FISH. THE PRESS OF MADRID. od ‘The Federalist publishes a letter, which will be found below. It is from the pen of the ex-Governor of Madrid and ex-Minister of War, Seilor Don | Nicolas Estebanez y Murphy, in reply to a com- mittee of Cubans in the Spanish capital, who re- quested nis interference on behalf 01 the Virginius prisoners. He says:— My Dear Fxienps—I write to thank you for the letter of the 6th (November) which you honored me with, 1 am very grateiul for your having thought of me while seeking ald to save the lives of sume compatriots; but 1am infinitely sorry for the uselessuess of my suggestions, although Iam sure that any other person would not have been more fortunate. The brave, chivalrous, generous Bembetta has been immoiated on the altar of fanaticism, with nis companions. You lament the death of your countrymen and friends. I, like yourselves, am sorry tor them, be- cause they were repub.icans, because they were Cubans and because they were men; but, above all, because every grave which is opened in that beautiful country—once the object of my greatest cares; to-day of my dearest remembrances— deepens the abyss of hate and makes a reconcilia- tuon impossible between brothers who are strug- gling like wild beasts. You weep for the irreparable loss of your friends, and let me weep, unhappy Spaniard that lam, the misfortunes of Cuba and the biunders o1 Spain. By my own desire, and to comply with the bhon- ored request with which your letter favored me, I spoke to a large number of deputies of al parties in the Congress, ana nearly allof them gave me their signatures to the exposition wiich 1 had the honor to deliver to the Presidents of the executive power and of the Cortes. It would be unjust i! I did not declare that both Presidents have done all they could to prevent the execution of our brothers of the V: jus, and certainly both have ‘earned with painful surprise the unfruitfulness af their measuses, and with pro- found sorrow the execution of those unfortunate men, In order that you, judging by vain appearances and by certain articles that have been published, do not incur the error of thinking Spain a nation of assassins, I would say that one of the editors of the paper apparently the most inhumane con- gratulated me ior having taken the mitiative steps in favor of Barnave (Varona), and told me with ‘et in his pee he would treat me very badly. finish, as I began, giving you many thanks for your remembrance ‘of me and the distinction con- ferred. Iam always at the disposal of those wno suffer, and with much pleasure when they who suffer are Americans. Adieu, my triends. Comfort your spirits with hope. Envy, asido, those who are martyrs to their own jaitb, and never deny the motner coun- BY. Tay a GOLAS BSTEBANEZ Y MURPHY. CUBAN AFFAIRS IN THE CITY. The Virginius Prisoners—The Agent om the and the War. a Matters seem to have assumed their wonted course around the headquarters of the Friends of Ouba, in Exchange place. Some of the Virginius prisoners are still to be found sauntering in afd out, like men under the influence of a happy dream from which they are unwilling to awake. The tact of their fortunate release is one that seems almost beyond their power to fully realize. These poor fellows, who were snatched so opportunely from the edge of the grave, are nearly all young men or lads. The most of them evince a quiet, retiring disposition, but here and there are to be found a few irrepressible spirits who seem not at ali averse to the little honizing bestowed on them in a small way since their arrival in this city. They are all, as formerly reported, being comfortably cared for and provided with everything necessary to their wants. Some few grumblers have peen found among them, who compiain of not being more sumptuousiy provided for; but these two or three irrationals probably think that the Junta ought to have ordered a car- riage and pair in waiting to convey them to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and fed them on champagne dinners ever since disembarking from the Juniata. It is right to add that fortunately the discuntented are very few. Nearly all the men seem anxious as ever to risk life and limb for the sake of Cuba. It would not be surprising to hear ot them again being actively engaged in honora- ble, f dangerous, service. r. Aldama was found among his compatriots, immersed in papers and seemingly employea on the important patriotic mission, Which absorbs much time and attention. The HERALD man asked the Cuban ent what he thought of Spanish affairs as bear! ng on the question of Cuba. “J think,” said the geptieman, “that the fall of Oastclar involves that of the Spanish Republic. No intelligent man, who knows the peome of Spain, ‘could believe them capable of establisi ng a repub- tic among them, The retarn to Madrid ol Serrano, Topete and others was the signal for the overthrow of Castelar. The pear was ripe and the fruit gath- ered. Serrano will now establish a military gov- ernment in harmony with the views and wishes of the Alfonsists, The fact that the so-called Republic still retains the crown on the national arms shows that the republicans were Gither too few in num- ber to have the decrees of Congress executed or wo insincere to do it. The Prince of Asturias, Don Alionso, will soon be recalled to Spain and a monarchical form of government re-established,” “Who do you think will be regent? Serrano,” “No, Serrano will not be regent; but the Duke of Montpensier will, He is the intended Fegent The thing vas arranged all in Paris more t! eleven Months ago.’ “Will Isabella return to Spain?” “I believe not. She is too fond of Paris, and the mag Ug Uhere. Besides there are sev- Cuban Situation in Spain Progress of the Insular SHEET. oral otner rossons that stand {n (ne'way of her re “What wil these political changes in the mother country hay tho cauge of Oubat" “They will civil war in ry now transige| he rt, Eros Roope my probaly support ‘ne nes iter of jOnaO—-WO 18 to of the Duke de Mont- @ some difficulty in peaceab! estan the united branoh of the Spanis! Bourbous. These complications and combinations will Fegutre wt the money and mon that in can raise’ some to come, and she will bo Unable to send reinforcements to Cuba. But, Whether she does or not, the result will be the Same—Cuban independence, With large reiniorce- ments the Spaniards might, for 4 while, succeed in driving our troops back again into the mountain! where They can “re for years unmolested, Wanting more troops—that, I behleve, cannot be sent out—the question will be sooner decided tn our favor. Even the Span- jards themselves now irankly admit the gravity or tbe tuation, ‘The last review of the situation by the Diario de la Marina 1s a full con- ‘fession that the Cubans are making unprecedented headway, Another thug Castelar’s government wil Of policy on the part of the United States towards ain, Mr. Fish will nd a vast difference between dealing with Casteiar and Serrano or Montpensier. Perhaps, after all, Mr. Oushing may not go Madrid. At all events, whether or not the Cubans will never cede an iota from the position which they have battled for during more than five years, and with inoreasing success each succeeding twelvemonth, RICHARD A, PROCTOR’S DEBUT. that the downlal of bring about 4 change An Enormous Audience Greets Him on the Occasion of His Firat Lecture. An enormous audience, which filled every avail- able seat in Association Hall, greeted Professor Richard A. Proctor, the great English astronomer, last evening on the occasion of his first lecture on the “Sun.” Mr. Proctor is a large man, above the middie height, with @ fine, well shaped broad head, brown hatr, an aquiline nose, clear, open eyes and the time-honored English whiskers. How litule they thought, he said, when they looked up to the sun, that he was pouring forth supplies of light and heat infinitely greater than were neces- sary for this earth. If tmis earth were represented by an oro one inch in atameter the sun’s globe would have to be represented by an orb three yards in diameter. These were their rela- tions of size. Travelling with the rapidity of an Armstrong cannon ball it would occupy 13 years in reaching the sun, Even light, which travelled 200,000 miles in a second, occupied eight minutes in reaching them from the san, so that they saw the sun not as it actually was, but as it was eight minutes ago, Mr. Proctor gave @ great many interesting figures like tnese, je sun's ity acted instantane- ously, even more quickly than hight. Even light occupied some time in travelling, but the sur’s gravity acted instantaneously—a wonderful power, of which science could give no satisiactory explan- ation. In England he was generally wont to com- pare the size of Great Britain, which seemed to the people there such a farge country, With that of the sun, but he was afraid Engiand would not appear @ very large country to an American audience. (Laughter.) He had even heard that an American gentleman in Eugland, when informed of the size Of that kingdom, went af once to the most central counties, and was even there afraid to go out, thinking that peradventare he might fall off the island and into the sea, hter.) The quantity of the sun’s heat received bya square mile of the earth would be suficient to melt mm an hour 26,000 tons of ice. But only a two hun- dred and twenty-seven millionth part of the sun’s heat was received by the earth and all the other Planets, It was almost a8 if a merchant who was Worth $2,000,000 were to use only one cent of his money. The sun’s surface was marked with dark spots. Four photographic diagrams of the sun were then shown, with the various aspects of the spots. A number of other pictures also illustrated this part of the lecture, giving a vivid idea of the features of the various spots. Professor Proctor then gave a minute account of the results of spectroscoplc discoveries, He showed the spectrum as given by gaseous and in- candescent bodies. The chemist had only to ascer- tain the character of the lines produced in the spectrum in order to understand tné character aud sources ofthe hight. Professor Proctor then spoke of the period during which the solar spots waxed and waned. There was an intimate connection between the spots and the conditions of the earth’s Inagnetism. Professor Proctor then showed the nature of the solar prominences by means of very vivid photographic pictures, most of which were taken at the Cambridge University. The course of the rnddy, glowing heat from these prominences was minutely traced and every detail described with graphic clearness. 2 The lectare was frequently interrupted by ‘ap- plause, and was undoubtedly a great success. THE PARSONS AT PRAYER. A Remarkable Prayer Meeting — The Reecher, Buddington and Storrs Recon- ciliation Scene at the Charch of the Pilgrims. The following particulars in regard to the re- markable Buddington, Beecher and Storrs contro- versy are obtaimed from an authoritative source, and present the reconciliation scene in a melo- dramatic light :— : Mr. Taft, a lawyer, @ member of the Clinton ave- nue church, a triend of his pastor and a iriend of Mr, Beecher, went to the Piymouth preacoer and asked him if he would have an interview with the two other clergymen. Mr. Beecher said that he had no objection whatever to meeting and discussing the points of dif- ference on Congregational polity; out as to the wretched Bowen and Tilton business, he would have nothing to say about it; he bad his own views on that subject; he had made up his mind a8 to how he would act about it, and would not change nis mind or his action; he would talk of it with nobody. The two—Taft and Beecher— then sought Dr. Buddington, and the three, after friendly salutations, moved upon the Church of the Pilgrims in the follow- ing order:—Mr. Beecher occupjed the centre, supported on the right wing by the pastor of the sister church of Clinton avenue, and on the left wing by the legal peacd maker, The march ‘Was beguiled by fame intercourse, and passing citizens who had recently read the newspapers were surprised at the smiling and merry outward signs of a cordial, even joyous alliance. At Dr. Storrs’ study, which adjoins his church, no resist- ance was offered to the invading triad. Indeed, the citadel was captured in the ansence of the gar- rison, the attendant announcing that Dr. Storrs had gone cut, but would presently return, While awaiting bis arrival, Dr. Buddington suggested the propriety of prefacing business with prayer. To tnis Mr, Beecher assentea, requesting his rev- erend brother of the sister church to begin and agreeing to follow. Beiore Mr. Beecher bad fin- ished his supplication Dr. Storrs entered, and con- templated the scene With such amazement a8 may be conjectured, His astonishment was not dimin- isned when the pastor of the Plymonth sister church, with characteristic readiness, begau pray- ing directly at him, and in Mr. Beecher’s own words, “gave it to him strong.’’ The conversation that ensued was quite friendly, but its result wholly personal, each minister isclaiming any authority to speak for bis congregation or 10 pledge his committee. OfMicial action by the sister churches is therelore now in order. THE THIRD AVENUE CAR PATALITY. Coroner Croker yesterday hela an inquest in the case of Mr. Isaac L. Davis, late of No. 546 Ninth avenue, whose death, it is alleged, was the result of injuries received on the 27th ult., by having been forcibly ejected from car No, 28, of the Third avenue line, in the Bowery, near Grand street, by the conductor. Mr. T. H. Darlington, of No. 251 East Sixty-first street, who Was a passenger on the car, deposed that he saw deceased in the car sit down in a gen- tleman’s lap; he pushed him away, when deceased sat down in another gentieman’s lap, who also pushed him away; the conductor then told deceased that he must get off the car, and he said he would not until he yot bis fare back; the conductor told him he had paid no fare and he wanted none, but insisted that Mr. Davis must leave the car; the latter resisted, and on reachin, the platform the conductor stopped the car an pushed or shoved Mr. Davis off on the west side of the car, and in the opinion of the witness using no more force than was necessary; in leaving the car deceased fell before the whee! of a down car which crushed his leg but did not run over him, as the driver broke up very quickly. Several otner witnesses were examined, and most of the testimony corroborated that given by Mr. Darlington. During the progress of the case counsel for Mrs, Davis took the liberty of saying that the killing of Mr. Davis was a case of murder, as he thougnt he should be able to prove by persons standing on the front platform at the time oi the occurrence; that the car was not stopped, as sworn to by tue wit- nesses, and that the conductor, Leroy ©. Hur used unnecessary violence in ejecting the decease from the car. In order to give time to counsel to procure wit- nesses in favor of the prosecution Coroner Croker adjourned the investigation till Monday next. BROOKLYN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, The Aldermen met yesterday as a Board of Su- pervisors, in conjunction with the members from Flatbush, Flatiands, Gravesend, New Lots and New Utrecht, and organized for the year, and James Howell, Jr., was elected Chairman pro tem., and will preside at the deliberations of the Board in the absence of supervisor-at-Large George L. Fox. K. B. Cadley, the venerable Clerk of the old Board, was unanimously re-elected, ‘The engineers of the Coa “phe gpd Morgue Keeper were resp BRENNAN AND SHIELDS. Ex-Sheri® Brennan and Ex-Deputy Sherif Shields After Their Sentence—The Scene at” the Sheriff’s Office—Waiting for the 0om- mitmente—At Ludlow Street Jail. Ex-Shortf Brennan and ex-Deputy Sheriff Shielas Jott the Court after the sentence in the custody of Deputy Sherif Cummings and Maxwell, and were taken directly to the Sheri('s oMice. As they were passing along varied comments were made by the accompanying crowd OM the sentence inflicted upon the two late well known oficiais, The ma- jority seemed to sympathize with Mr. Brennan, ‘and one man was heard to eay, “It’s hard, but ite business.” Not so much sympathy was expressed for Shieldg,/ who was criticised for letting the “thavin’ blackguard Genet get Out Of sight, ang bad cess to Genet for putting Billy in a hole. One young man was heard to exclaim, “Well, the. Brennan Coterie will have to be adjourned, bué We'll have a dance with the Sherif anyhow when he comes out of seclusion.” In a word, the general verdict seemed to be that the ex-Sheriif was more sinned against than sinning. IN THE BLUE ROOM. The Sheriff soon found himseif in his old private office, which is generally known to tho havitués of the place as the Blue Room, and waited for the come. mitments for himself and Shields. Presently hia son-in-law, Mr. Judson Jarvis, arrived from Ludlow Street Jail, where he had been making arrange ments for Mr. Brennan's imprisonment. They talked together fora long time. After this he had a chat with his brother Timothy. Shields, who had the reputation of being of @ festive turn of mind, looked depressed, and remarked to a friend that he feit far more sorry for the old man’s account tha he did on bis own. AN INTERVIEW WITH THE EX-SHRRIFF, “While waiting for the commitments a reporter of the Hzkap had an interview with ex-Sheriff bren- nan, and the following conversation took place>~ AEPORTER—A great many of your friends think the sentence severe, Sheriff, Mr. BRENNAN—Yes, that is 80; but I believe im obeying the laws. REPorTEsR—I have heard it said that it was op account of Genet being an old opponent of yours that you allowed him to remain in your custody, without letting him be removed to the Tombs af once, pending sentence being passed? Mr. BRENNAN—Well, perhaps that is so. If I haw been very sharp in my practice with him people would have said the oid feeling is revived and tha Sheriff is revenging bimself for bygones. REPoRTER—You Were not in your office here, B believe, when Genet was convicted? Mr. BRENNAN—NO; it was alter four o'clock when the jury found him guilty, and I had ly gone home, and did not Know that Genet was in my custody till the following aay. At this moment Mr. Judson Jarvis came up te speak with Mr. Brennan about some private busi- ness, and the interview terminated, CLOUDS OF TOBACCO SMOKE. Meanwhile friends dropped in to shake handa with Mr. Brennan, who received them all court. eously, but declined to be led into any expression of opinion as to the sentence 2 He smiled cordially as some of them “good night,” and seemed to 1 not ere at least determined to go through the pi it and its attending ordeals witu firmness, Six o’clock came, and there were no signs of the arrtval of commitments from the District Attorney’s office. Mr. Brennan, tired of Waiting, had taken of his hat and thrown his am- brella and overcoat on the sofa, and looked im- patiently at the clock. At hali-past six o’clock the’ Scene was dull as a churchyard at midnightss people looked at their neighbors and wonde! who they were and what they wanted there, In the dim room adjoining the blue rooms the dim outiines of some eignt or 10 smokers could be seen, Whose presence was made evident by the burning cigars, Shields sat near nr. Brennan, smoking away with savage determination. Mr. Brennan still looked toward the door expecting the unwelcome messenger. The commitment ultimately came from the Dis- trict Attorney’s office. Mr. Brennan ran his eyes over it, and after seeing that it was in regular Jorm stated that he was ready to proceed to jail. But it was here found out that no commitment ha@ arrived for Shields. The arrival of Mr. Brennan’s document caused, however, a slight diversion im the monotony of the proceedings. After a few moments the previous spirit of monotony weighed the party down, and the party was lite- rally mute. After another half hour of this monot- ony—viz., at about seven o’clock—the commitment for Mr. Shields was served. Five minutes belore i& came a report was brought in that the office of the District Attorney was closed and that somebody ad been sent up town to get his signature for hieids, who did not seem to be in any narry to Jeave. ‘However, when both commitments had been served, the procession to Ludlow Street Jalk was commenced, Outside the jail two cai and @ coupé were found in waiting, and into the first entered Mr. Brennan and his brother Timothy, accompanied by Deputy Sheriff John T. Cumma and Mr. Judson Jarvis. In the second carriage was Mr. ex nepaty Sheriff Shieida, looking bright and cheerful behind a “Rema Britannica” cigar, and sel et Lo by his keeper, Deputy Sheriff James Maxwell; and it was considered that the arrest of one deputy sheriff by another was one of the most friendly affairs om record. Two relations of Mr. Brennan followed in @ wicked looking coupé, as kel calls such vehicles, At seven minutes past seven o'clock Mr. Joe] Stevens shook bands with Mr. Brennan and expressed his regrets for what had pappeneres their old chief. and in @ few seconds the three vehivles dashed along Chambers street to Ludiow Street Jail. AT THE JAiL. The prisoners were taken charge of by Wa! Dunnam. The party then went to the Deal rool where they ate a hearty supper. Some of the friends of Mr. Breanaa, called during the event to express their regrets at what had befallen him. It was expected oy many of his friends that he would be offered the private rooms of the Warden, as Comp- trolier Ceanolly had been, but no such good fortune was in store for him, tor he had to occupy, when the time for lock- ing up the prisoners came, No, 11 Fifth eee Jately occupied by Mesdames Woodhull and CI lin, “ana by General ‘Ryan, lately massacred Santiago de Cuba. el! is about feet broad and 8 feet long. At the back is a small window, looking on the corridor. Outside his cell, in the angle of the building, is @ rickety billiard table, with chipped balis, where the game is played under difficulties all day long. The majority of the prisoners im the are there for debt and offences of counterfeiting, forging, &c. The row where Mr. Brennan is confined is called Fifth avenue, because the cells and _ situation are the best on the street, and overlook Essex Mar- ket. The ex-Sheriff will eat his meals with the “parlor boarders.” Mr, Shteids is in an adjoining cell. DEPARTMENT OF DOOKS. The Commissioners of Docks met yesterday, President Westervelt in the chair, Reports of the Executive Committee were received relative to the condition of bulkheads st piers on the North and East rivers, and the necessity of dredging the slip foot of Jackson street, East River, The neces sary repairs were ordered. A petition from James Cruikshank, agent of the Dock Company, for exten- sion of time jor making repairs to piers Nos. 2, 3 and 4 East River was granted. A petition from Committee of Safety, demanding work and for people in enlorced idleness, was placed on rther action not being deemed ni ye. communication was read trom Commisstoner Van Nort relative to the paving of Third street from Bowery to East River. The communication set forth that the ordinance authorizing the pavement of the street had been passed and approved August 8, 1872, the contract let to the lowest bid- der and forwarded to the Comptroller, who had retained his consent until after the passage of the new charter, when he refused to sanction the Ordinance on the ground that no street once paved could again be paved without a petition of a ma- jority of the property owners on the street. The communication was reported to tne Executive Committee. DEATH OF A JERSEY OATHOLIO OLERGYMAN. At the pastorate of St. Pius’ church, East New- ark, on Wednesday night, died Rev. J. J. McGahan, one of the most esteemed and talented clergymem of the Roman Catholic diocese of Newark. Fatner McGaban was of Irish birth and in his thirty-fourt® yer For some time past he had been a victim te chills and fever, but no one anticipated his demise, which was very sudden. He was a man of fine physique, fully six feet high, and was endowed lib- erally with gilts of the head and heart. In Newark, where he Was well kndwn as well as in his parish, the news of his death has occas.oned great sorrow. THE GREENBURG FATALITY, Tne Coroner's inquest touching tne death of Jobn Muhiing, at Greenburg, Westchester county, particulars of which have already been published in the HERALD, Was adjourned at alate hour om Wednesday evening, and will not be resumed ‘until the District Attorney has been consalted t= the matter, in addition to the main facts out during the investigation, and which giready appeared in these colu no tenain ctly to prove the precise manner which deceased was shot was wien in as none of the witnesses saw of anz ane tmmyag}