The New York Herald Newspaper, January 24, 1874, Page 6

STATE CAPITAL. The Constitutional Amendments in What Our Future Consti- tution Is To Be. The Senatorial Districts of New York and Kings Counties Safe at Last. A Dull Session, but Plenty of Jobs Ahead. ALBANY, Jan, 28, 1874. Tt is quite probable, judging from the slow coach way in which both houses so far have seen Nt to carry on their daily work, that the short ses- #00 SO mmany people have been talking about will not be so short alter all, Speaker Husted has already begun to complain, and a good many peeple from New York and elsewhere who are now here and Who had hoped that we were to have a really re- Jerm Legislature, without making any taik about iM, have decided to leave town and do ali they can by postal order for five months or so, to help the country members to get along without starving. Jt may be that the absence of the loboy has done a great deal up to the present time to make things disagreeable to the new members ‘who have come here on commercial bargains in- tent; but whether this is really the specia: cause dor the general duiness or not, it may be said that Albany never before saw such a dull fortnight during a legislative session as we have had since New Year's, It only goes to show that legislation as to New York city has heretofore been the magnet Which drew crowds to this city, and which ren- ered the lobby and the two houses themselves a general rendezvous for place seekers and place ayers. Without New York county occasionally getting attended to in either one house or the other, in a small or a great way, it is not to be ex- pected that the great men of either party will do dmuch to show what they really amount to. The Senate again to-day had a stormy time of it over the constitutional amendments, section 4 of ‘article 5 being, as I mtimated a week ago that it Would be, A BONE OF CONTENTION With both parties. As the section interests New York and Kings counties more than any other coun- | ties im the State, I herewith append a careful résumé of the discussion had upon it. The dis- ‘cussion was begun by Senator Robertson. He thought that the section should be stricken out jor ‘two reasons, Im the first place it was calculated ‘to do great injustice to the counties of Kings and New York, and in the second place it was against sound policy, seeing that if this section is left in ‘the article it is pretty certain to deteat the whole | fit, Many provisions of it were of great impor- | tance. He thought the Legislature had the power | to strike out this article without jeopardizing the rest of tne section. Mr. Low&ky Said that if in the opinion of the Jawyers of the Senate the section could be stricken out without endangering the whole of tue | article he would vote jor striking it out, Mr. ROBERTSON replied that le was of the Opinion that the section could be stricken out | Without endangering tue rest of the sectious | Mr. GANSON Was in favor of striking out the Bection, Its practical etfect was to disenfran- chise a large section of the people of this It would be obviously unjust to keep section in the constitution that would pro- | mote an inequahty in representation. He thougtit | there could ve no debate on the question as to the | right of the Senate to strike out tue section. In | any action which the Senate might take in passing ‘these amendments they would not commit t selves to any policy; they would simply indicate | that the amendments were a subject matter | Fight to be submitted to the people. The approval | Jay with the peopie and not with their representa- tives. Therefore, he was in favor of letung the | Dith article go to the people. The subject aatter of | ‘the articie was proper to go to the people for their decision. The question was not one ol democratic | publican blood; politics did not enter into it At the polls the Senators can vote, as citi- zens, as they choose, unemburrassed by any action ‘which they may take as representatives. In regard to the Judiciary article he would say, | im passing. that he was opposed to it as to one of | its sections that provided that, in cities having | @ population of not less than 300,000, certain | Judicial officers were to be appointed by the Governor, The article might as well contain a rovision that the cities of New York and Brook- ‘a should not have THE SAME RIGHTS AS THE OTHER CITIES OF THE STATS. ‘That, In his opinion, was not a correct subject matier to be submitted to the people. The prin- ciple was fundamentally wrong, and he should op- it. Mr. Lorp said he could not understand the argu- Ment of the Senator from the Thirty-first (Mr. Gapson). He stated he was willing to let the arti- ales go vo the people, and that the Senators had | no responsibility in the matter, aud yet he was in | Javor ol striking out the section under considera- tion, The Senator said, besides, that it made no difference whether a man had democratic or republican blood, a proposition to which be (Mr. Lord) could not agree. ‘he | speaker then referred to the last Coustitutional | Commission, and said that at the time Governor Honman bad tramed the Commission men had had his ear who had control of the city of New | York and wanted to contro! the whole State. The Governor liad been im favor of his own renomina- tion, but the views in bis last Message had | killed him, and he did not come up again. | The republican party said the responsibility mM the matter could not be laid at their | door, and so said the Evening Journal. But he held otherwise. If the republican pa passes Loved amendments they must take the responsi- it The Commission named by the Governor to amend the constitution was au unexceptional | one, but it had been appointed to carry out the | Governor's recommendations, ~The ‘Governor | favored the appointment of the Secretary of | State and Comptroller, but the Commission did not go 80 far, The election of State officers Ouglt to have been left to the people. Tue Senator then spoke of the make up of the last Constitu- tional Commission as compared with some of its | wredecessors. In former constitutional commis- #1008 the larmers o1 the State had a large repre- ae but in the last there was not a single THE FARMERS WERE VOTED OF NO ACCOUNT. fand the farmers in return told tue Governor that | they did’t want him any longer. The trouble wus ‘that the Governor had placed himself tn the hands ‘of bad advisers, some of whom were now absent 10 Europe, and some were—eisewhere. Mr. GANSON, In reply, said that he did not pro- to discuss purty politics in the con- sideration of the amendments, The fleid of ty politics had very iittie attraction for um, and, judging from the tattered and torn pearance of some of those who had passed Uhrough it, he judged that the prophet had Seesoouy described it when he spoke of a field “fall of brambles and thorns, and the joy or wild asses.” The Senator then reiterated his argu- Tents, and said that if the Senator trom the Twenty-eighth (Mr. Lord) could not take lis mean- ing it was not his (Mr. Ganson's) tault, He was not possessed of superhuman power. Mr. Woopin said that he thought there was a grave doubt as to the integrity of article % if the Jourth section was stricken out. Some of the Sen- ators had intimated that they thought other- Wise, but had not ven tue reasons on Which they based their opinion. The ques- Von for the Senate to decide was aa to whether they ed to the amendments, and the people would hold them responsibie for Meir decision. He thought the section under con- Aideration might be suomitted to the peuple as a distinct amendment, aud 80 any inconvenience or rouble be avoided, T. KING desired to say that, in his opinion, poll- fics had no place in the discussion of the amend- ea an Communion that iramed the amend- on-partisan, aud posed my honest men. hfe: oe . COK said that he considered the question of ‘the amendments non-partisan. The section under consideration was not just, if the article passed without striking it out it would load the article so heavily that its deieat was certain, He desired to call the attention of the Senate to the Tact that if this article w lost the third article of A constitution of ore Piiaigs be in force, and under that the ¢ounty of Kings was entitied t¢ Renate e: tied to one T. PARMENTER spoke briefly in favor of i out the section, He considere| that the Senne conld do so without affecting the remainder o ¢ en and the justice of doing so was nota ed. The motion to strike out section 4 of article g | ‘Was then adopted vy @ vote of yeas 26, nays 2, as | follows :-— ‘ Yuas—-Mesars, Abbott, Dow, } Connotly, | Johnson, | ry, McGowan, Middievon, | Thompson, Wagner, Well | Booth, Bradley, Coe, OX, Ganson,” Gross, Jacobs, th, Lord, Lowery 4 Robertson, 00d 10 — 26. Navs—Mesers. King aud selkreg. Mr. LeDwirH moved to strike out so mneh of POvtlOD 1b Of aruigle 6 AGLFOVIdES tual cesta ju- | strike out section 4of the article, | wering the pi REW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY. JANUARY 2 crm omcers of courts not of record, mm cities having a po tion of not less than 400,000, shall be apbointed by the Governor: Mr. LEY Said he would like to hear an ex- pression trom the Senators from New York and Brooklyn. If they were im favor of retaining it he was—if not, not. The amendment had regard only to the local and inferior courts. He himself thought that localities should control im such matters, and the Constitutional Commts- sion Would not have made the amendment in ques- tion had it not been for THE UNITED REQUEST OF THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK AND BROOKLYN. If New York and Brooklyn did not desire tne change he would not vote for it. Mr. GaNson said that he saw no propriety in allowing the people o1 the whole State to pass upon this local question. If the proposition was to refer the matter to the people of the counties interested he would not oppose 1t. Mr. Coe said that the opmion of the people of New York and Brooklyn was set forth in their vote On the judictal article last fall, Mr. Goss said that he spoke for the entire New York delegation and had to say that New York was unanimously opposed to the amendment. Mr. PARMENTER considered the amendment wrong in principle and would vote for the motion to strike out. The motion on striking out was then put and carried—yeas 28, nays 1—as follows :— Yxas—Messrs. Abbott, Booth, Bradley, Coe, Cole, Con- nolly, Dayton, Dow, Fox, Ganson, Gross, Ja John- ton, Kellogg, King, Ledwith, Lord, Lowery, McGowan, Middieton, Parmenter, Ray, Robertson, Thompson, Wag: ner, Wellman, Wood, Wi 28, Nays—Mr. Selkreg—L The question was then taken upon the amend- ments as amended. When the name of Mr. Lord was called he asked to be excused trom voting, The vote covered the whole constitution as amended, Some of tne amendments were to his likin, others were not. Alter listening to the debate on the last section under consideration he was strengthened in his opposition. He was opposed to the appointment of State officers by the Gover- nor, and would vote no. Mr. Woop inquired of the Chair if each of the rr did not have to be adopted sepa- Tately. ‘The Cuare replied that, if the amendments were adopted, they would be engrossed ior thira read- ing, the same as a Dill. The vote on each resolu- tion would be taken etaematte The amendments were opted by @ vote of— Yeas 20; nays 9, as 1ollows Yxas—Messrs, Abbott, Booth, Bradley, Coe, Cole, Con- nolly, Dow, Ganson. Gross, Kellogg, King, Lowery, Mc- Gowan, Middleton, Robertson, Thoupson, Wagner, Well- man, Wood, Woodin—2. Nays—Messra. Dayton, Pox, Jacobs, Johnson, Ledwith, Lord, Parmenter, Kay, Selkreg—3. The concarrent resolution proposing an amend- Meut to article 2 of the constitution also gave occasion for considerable of @ debate in the lower Honse. The discussion which ensued upon it was a very interesting one, and brought to the surface the opinions and sentiments as to the amendments generally, which have heretofore only been mat- ters of speculation and doubt, When the articie Was called up Mr. BEEBE moved to recommit, with instruc- tions to strike out all alter the — thirty- sixth line, including the final resolutions, and report forthwith. He believed it impolitic and unwise to add anything beyond what was passed upon by the last Legislature. The added proposi- tions do not help the amendment and former. no art of it. He wanted these resolutions stricken rom all the amendments as superfiuous matter, Mr. PRINCE insisted that the preamble and reso- lutions referred to were inserted in accordance with uniform precedent. Similar resolutions had always been adved by the second Legisiature in passing upon constitutional amendments, and he deemed it safe, at least, to follow the established precedent. The motion was lost, and the concurrent reso- lution was then read a third time and passed, 81 to 1—Mr. Abeel. Concurrent resolutions providing amendments to article 3 o1 the constitution, Mr. WEED Moved to commit with instructions to providing for enumeration of the State, &c., every ten years. He did not believe the people of the State would vote affirmatively upon this section, and it ought to be stricken out Mr. PRINCE admitted that a mistake had been made in inserting the section referred to, and he also was of the opinion tnat it would NOT BE ENDORSED BY THE PEOPLE. He regarded it, however, as an independent prop- osition which cou'd be stricken out without ca- dangering the article, Mr. ALBERCER thought we would be trying a dan- gerous experiment by striking out this section, and was not at all sure that the other amendments would not be endangered thereby. Mr. ALVORD said that the baiance of the amend- ment one of the most important of the whole number, and it Was eminently desirable that it | should be submitted to the people in proper form. He thought the course proposed by the gentleman irom Clinton the one which ought to be pursued, and he nad good legal authority for believing that such a course would be perfectly sale. Mr. Bese urged that the Legislature was required io vote by yeas and nays on this artic:e in its entirety, and it would be ex- tremely umsae to mutilate it in accordance with the verbal opinion of some legal gentle- men. We had no right to assume that the pple Would not endorse this fourth section. article Was regarded a8 a complete entity by ast House, and we have no right to separate any portion of it, He thought, however, that sec- tion four might be submitted separately, and he had yo objection to such a course. The action pro- posed would be nothing but a mockery of legisla- ton, aud he was opposed to it. Mr. WEED regarded this section as an insupera- ble objection. It would work great hardships upon the people, and perhaps lead to unfortunate legal complications. He was not opposed to the re- mainder of the article, bat he could not vote with this section in it. Mr. BATCHELLER said there was no doubt if this section was leit in the article it will defeat it, It might be omitted, however, with a provision that each clause of the article may be submitted. Mr. thought the gentleman irom Queens (Mr. Prince) had backed down irom the ground occupied by him the other day, which was that these articles could not be amended in apy way. He thought that the article embodied the principle that the Assem- bly and Senatorial aistricts should remain as they are ior ever. If this section is stricken out we Change a principle adopted by the last Legisiature. if we change section 4 we radically change the principle of the article, and it wiil em- body an entirely different principle. He did not think the ion could be touched without endan- age or the validity of the article. PRINCE called attention to the fact that this article contained important provisions re- specting general and special iegislation. The question had been a hobby with him, and it was important to himself that the article should be adopted without delay, The Senate had taken legal advice upon this matter, and Within the last half hour had stricken out the sec- tion referred to, He thought there was very little donbt of the salety of the proposed course, but he Was willing that the amendment should ve com- mitted without instructions, so that AMPLE LEGAL ADVICE COULD BE SOUGHT and every precaution taken against committing a mistake. Mr. SHERWOOD thonght there was a good deal of talk and very little action. There is one proposi- tion im the article under consideration which, he predicted, would be voted down by 200,000 majority—the clause giving mem- bers of the Assembly $15 a aay. This was tov much money to pay for the blowing which is done here. Ifthe section could be amended, by making it $6 per day, we might stand some chance before the dear peopie. As it now stands there is not much chance of its adoption, and he advised the members to stop blowing and do something. Mr. BERBe thought, mn ali deference to the wis- dom of tne Senate, that we were treading on dan- gerous ground, It was perfectly apparent to nim that U this section were stricken out the whole article would be destroyed. He did not want to see It defeated, and he noped the article would be committed without instructions, so that some course would be adopted which would save it. The amendment of Mr. BATCHELLER Was then agreed to and the article committed without in- structions. Concurrent resolution proposing amendments to article 4 of the constitution :— Mr. WEED moved to recommit it, with instruc- tions to amend so that the Governor’s term stall be two years, instead of three, striking ,out the clause providing that no subject shall be acted upon @t extra sessions except such as the Gov- ernor may recommend, the clause seeking an in- crease of $10,000 in the Governor's salary, and the clause allowing the Governor to object to one or more items in appropriation bills and approve of others. Lost. ‘The resoluuon was then passed, 68 to 16, The Britton Case Still Open. ALBANY, Jan, 23, 1874. All reports concerning the action or conciuston of the Governor in the case of District Attorney Britton are unfounded. In (act, the Governor says he has not yet finished examining tne testimony in the Case, abd Will Dot finish for severul days, BEW YORK LEGISLATURE. SENATE. ALBANY, Jan. 23, 1874, The special order, the consideration of the pro- posed amendment to the constitution, came up after the reading of the journal, Mr. ROBERTSON (fep.) renewed the motion of Mr. Gross (dem.) to strike out section 4, article 3, of the proposed amendments. He gave it as his opinion that the section could be stricken out without jeopardizing the remainder of the pro- posed amendment. Mr. Ganson (dem.) argued that is was com- petent to strike out the section. It was an unjust provision, ag it would produce an inequality in the Legisiatare, He argued that the action of the Senate was not final; the people at the polls will approve or reject the amendments. The simple question of duty for the Senate was to revise the proposed amendments and piace them before the People 60 VOrg WROD, The ADCAKEE AN atRueg against the new Juaiciary article, claiming that It would be unjust to the voters of the large districts Of the State, Mr. Loxp (dem.) said the proposed amendments to the constitution were conceived in inequality. He criticised very sharply THE POSITION OF GOVERNOR HOFFMAN in one of his messages recommending certain of the proposed amendments, remarking that at that tame Governor Hofman was surrounded by bad men, who had control of the city of New York and were endeavoring to extend their power over the State. He gave statistics of the occupations of the members of the recent Constitutional Commis- sion, showing that not one farmer was a member, Rot a person coming directly irom the masses of the people. Mr. Woop (rep.) remarked that he had heard no reason or argument given estabusbing the power of the Senate to strike out or amend the proposed amendments. He suggested that the only way to solve the question was to submit the section un- der dispute separately to the people for their ap- proval or rejection. Mr. PAaRMENTER (dem.) said the Legislature clearly had the power to strike out the fourth sec- tion. The democratic party was opposed to it. The proposition was a0 unlair one, and he was glad to see many republican Senators voting to strike it out, Mr. Cog (dem.) argued that the fourth section would prove a great injustice to the people of the southern portion of the State, His couuty would roll up a majority against it which would probably down all that was good in the entire articie ; by the passage of this section Kings county would have but one Senator. This would be a great in- justice to the people of that district. The motion to strike out was carried by yeas 26, nays 2— | Messrs, Selkreg and King voi tm the negative. Mr. LeDWITH (dem.) moved to strike out the proposed amendments in section 18, article 6, rel- ative to judicial oMcers of courts not of record in New York and Brooklyn, The amendments pro- pose to give the power of appointment to the Gov- ernor, ‘Mr. GANSON argued in favor of striking them out. He said it would not be just to submit to the peo- je of the State at large @ question affecting New Yorx and Brookiyn alone. Messrs. Gross, Coe and Ledwith said the feeling was unanimous among the Senavors from those districts im favor of striking out the proposed amendinents in section 18, ‘The mouon to strike out was carried by yeas 28, nay 1—Mr. selkreg voting nay. ‘The question of agreeing with the report of the committee as amended coming up it was agreed to by the following vote :— Yxas—Messrs. Abbott, Booth, Bradley, Coe, Cole, Con- lly, Dow, Ganson, Gross,” Keliogz, King, Lowery, Middleton, Robertson, Thompson, Wagner, ‘ood and m—20, Nays—Messrs. Dayton, fox, Jacobs, Johnson, Ledwith, Lord, Parmenter, Kay and selkreg—9, REPORTS. The CnarR presented the report of tne State Treasurer; also of the Auditor of the Canal De- partment. Mr. RowerTson, from the Judiciary Committee, reported adversely on the bill providing lor taking testimony in divorce cases publicly, INTERKST BILL REJECTED. Areport was also received from the same ccm- mittee adversely to the bill allowing a rate o1 in- terest equal to twelve per cent in the city of New York, Mr. KING argned in favor of the bill. He would go further, and leave the borrower and lender to 1x their own rates, ‘The reports were agreed to and the bill rejected. The same committee also reported adversely on the bill relative to Courts of Oyer and Terminer and on the bill ior the payment of counsel in cer- tain cases, and on the bill proposing to aliow per- sons practicing im the United States Courts to prac- tice in the Courts of thig State. Agreed to, BILLS INTRODUCED, By Mr. Lepwita—To imcorporate the American Mortgage Company. By Mr. THOMPSON—For the payment of canal damages to James Whalen. By Mr, Fox—Providing that section 3 of chapter 423 of the Laws of 1873 be amended to read as ful- lows :—‘The several officers and attendants ot said Court may be removed at pleasure, and any va- cancy may be filled by the said Court.” Mr. ROBERTSON introduced @ bill providing that no appeal shall be taken to the Court of Appeals where the amount in the proceedings does not ex- ceed $500. Mr. Ledwith’s bill names as first corporators of THE AMERICAN MORTGAGE COMPANY William B. Ogden, Charles Butler, Robert B, Roose- veit, Charies J. Condor, W. L. Scudder, Jr., ana Wil- liam B. Draper. The capital stock is $1,000,000, ‘The company may loan money on personal prop- erty, &c. The Assembly bill to appropriate $200,000 to re- sume work at once on the new Capitol building was received and referred to the Finance Commit- tee. Senator Woop, Chairman of the committee, said that the committee will carefully consider tue re- port of the work belore any additional appropria- tion is recommended, BILLS PROGRESSED. To extend the time for the coliection of taxes in the towns of the State. Authorizing the city of Rochester to issue its bonds in aid of the State Line Railroad, Mr. Woop offered the jollowing, which was adopted :— Resolved, That the Finance Committee be authorized and directed to examine into the management aud the expenditures of such institutions or building commis- sions as last year received, or this year are applying for, appropriations from the ‘State treasury, with power send tor persons and papers. Aajourned until Monday evening, at half-past seven o'clock, ASSEMBLY, ALBANY, Jan. 23, 1874. As a special order the House went into commit- tee on the bill to amend the act relative to the powers and duties of THE PUBLIC PARK COMMISSIONERS of New York. The bill transfers the powers and duties to the Common Council, Alter an explanation by Mr. C, S, SPENCER that, in his opinion, the jurisdiction ought to rest with the Park Commissioners, bat as all appeared to be agreed upon the bill he would support it, the bill Was ordered to a third reading. Mr. DaLy asked consent that the bill be now read aud passed, but the Chair objected. Mr, C. 8. SPENCER presented a petition from the bank teliers of New York and Brooklyn, asking that they be exempted from jury duty, which he had read. Mr. MELVIN presented a petition of stone- cutters asking that the stone used in the new Capitol building be cut on the Capitol grounds at Albany, and not in any other State. It was read. BILLS REPORTED. By Mr. PRINcr—To enable aliens to hold real estate; aiso authorizing the appointment of clerks in Marine Courts in New York. Mr. EASTMAN reported adversely on @ bill to amend the charter of the city of Buffalo. The re- port was agreed to and the bill rejected, {t pro- posed to transier a portion the duties of the District Attorney to his deputy BILLS PASSED, Authorizing the Comptroller of the city of New York to issue bonds to pay bonds heretotore issued. Mr. ©. S, SPENCER moved an amendment re- quiring the assent of three members of the Board of Estimate. This was agreed to and the bill passed. The concurrent resolution proposing amend- ments to the constitution relative to the elective franchise was announced, Mr. BEEBE Moved to strike out the preamble and explanatory resolutions as non-essential. it. PRINCE admitted they were not essential. Still it was customary to attach them, and Le thought the custom should be adhered to. Mr. Beebe’s motion was passed. The resolution relative to the Legislature was announced, Mr. WRED moved to strike ont the clause requir- ing a census every four years, and dei similar to that in the Senate on the same article. Mr. BATCHELLER moved to recommit the resolu- tion without instructions, so that tne committee may report an article which wii receive the ap- Probation of all. Carried. The resolution to amend article 4, having refer- ence to the Executive uepartment, was an- nounced. Mr. WEKP Moved to restore the term of office of Governor to two years instead of making tt three. He also moved to strike out the part giving power to the Governor to veto parts of bills, The motion was lost and the resolution adopted, BILLS INTRODUCED. te fog EastMaN—Aathorizing railroads of other States vo hold real estate in this State. By Mr. ALBERGER—EXtending the act for the net- ter security of mechanics to the county of excepting the city of Buffalo; also, to exempt! the county of Erie from the provisions of the act to regulate the fees of Coroners, and for the mak- ing of and compensation for post-mortem exam- inations ; also, to authorize the Grand Trunk Rail- way Company to | ged aud hold real estate; also. to amend the Butalo police act. It makes more precincts and increases the powers of the Commissioners. By Mr. OaKLEY—Amending the charter of the Cotton Exchange of New York, By Mr. LEAKE—Allowing members of the ta tare £0 hold office under the government of New ork. Mr. BENNETT Offered @ resolution calling on the Comptroller for reports of the amounts due from County Treasurers, Adopied. Mr. OAKLEY introduced a bill to amend the char- ter of the Cotton and Produce Exchange Clearin, House Association of the City of New York, which gives privileges to the association the same as those held by sate deposit companies, Mr. LINCOLN presented a petition of John T. Pur- beck claiming the seat in the Assembiy held by Charles Simon, from Onondaga. Reierred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. AGjourned till Monday evening, ~ SUDDEN DEATH, BUFFALO, Jan, 28, 1874 Albert Haller Tracy, eldeat son of the tate Albert H. Tracy, of this city, was found dead in bis bed yesterday morning from apoplexy. He was @ graduate of Yale College and occupied & ProwINERt position iy Luly Lis putive ClEy, AMUSEMENTS, English Opera—“Maritana.” The most popular of Wailace’s works was given last night at the Academy of Music, with the follow- ing cast:—Maritana, Mrs. Jenme Van Zandt; Lazarillo, Mrs. Zelda Seguin; Don Cesar de Bazan, Mr. Wilford Morgan; Don José, Mr. GF. Hall, The house was @ very full | one, showing the appreciation of the New York public tor English opera when properly pre- sented. The performance, a8 far a8 real merit was concerned, was confined to the efforts of Mra. Van Zandt and Mrs, Seguin, who achieved a suc- cess of the most flattering kind. The Mantana of the evening, who had to contend agamst the reminiscences of the greatest representative of the role we have ever had in this city, poor Parepa, whose memory will never fade in the minds of English operagoers, created an impression noth- ing less than that which Miss Kellogg left in the roles of Lucia and Martha. The well known airs entrusted to the soprano were interpreted by Van Zandt in a truly artistic spirit. Mrs. Seguin’s Lagarillo too well known here to need extended comment. Ber success last night was of the most empliasio kind. Mr, Morgan bears the closest resemblance to Mr. Castle of any artist we have heard in this city, Dut in his render- ing Of the well known song, “Let me like @ soldier 1,” he tailed to reach that artist’s standard of excellence, His efforts in the earlier scenes of the opera were not satisiactory, but as he warmed up his work he regaimed considerably what he lost at his first appearance. His acting of the character of Don Cesar was full of spirit and comic humor, and if his voice had been commensurate with his dramatic talent his impersonation would have been complete. But he failed to supply the vocal requisites of the rdle, and some of the best numbers fell flat in bis hands. Mr. Morgan's voice is agreeable im tone, but the style is rather crude and unfinished. Mr. Hall was a decided failure in the Mephistophelean char- acter of Don José, There was not one redeeming quality about ms impersonation. The otaer rdles were tairly filled, aud the chorus and orchestra under Mr. Howson’s direction were admirable, Mrs. Venu Zandt and Mrs, Seguin were the pvrinci- pal features of last night’s performance. A matt- née of The Bohemian Girl” wili be given to-day, with Miss Kellogg in tne title rdle. Murdoch at Association Hall Last Evening. A stranger entering Association Hall last even- ing a lew moments after eight o’ciock might have imagined tnat the opening prayer had just been uttered and that the text was about to be an- nounced, The somewhat clerical appearance which characterized Mr. Murdoch when he last appeared in public in this city as a reader hag deepened with the process of time. There is more silver in his hair, perhaps there is @ little more silver in his speech, and cer- tainly there is a mellower and gentler light upon his jeatures, Mr. Murdoch is one of those lew artista who are equally safe m retirement and upon the stage. While he is in the one he is never forgotten, and when he returns to the other the public always proves that he has been remembered, ‘This was the case last night. Although the announcements had been few and brief a much larger audience than that which usually assembles on the occaston of an en- tertainment at Association Hall was convened, Every seat, excepting aiewin very undesirable portions 01 the gallery, was occupied, and il the 80 Mr. reception was not hearty as that which would have been accorded to Mr. Murdoch in the theatre, we must remember that the majority of the audience was composed of those who do not irequent the drama aud who were familiar with Mr. Murdoch mainly through his reputation. The programme prepared Was long enough to occupy pleasantly two hours, It consisted ot Lord Lytton’s translation of Schil- ler’s fine poem of “She Diver;” several scenes from “Hamlet,” illustrative of the specula- tive tendencies of the Danish Prince’s mind; one of the smail stories embodied in “The Pick- wick Papers,” and describing Tom Smart's experi- ence with the buxom widow; Chartes Mackay’s powerful and tragic poem describing a Scottish Chiei’s revenge, aud the very amusing chapter in which the ruse is described by means of which Job Trotter gets the better of Mr. Pickwick and Sam Weller. We couid not see that time had deprived Mr. Murdoch of an iota of that ability which has made him almost as pop- ular in the lecture room as on the stage. The task which @ public reader sets himself is a dificult one—more difficult in some respects than that ot an actor. He has not only various climaxes to work up, but the climaxes are distinct in material and do not arise out of each other. Instead of rounding and making symmetrical one identity, as the actor auring @ single evening’s work ts re- stricted to doing, he is compelled to develop half a dozen identities aud to give a reasonable degree of completeness to each. His mnpersonations dif- fer as much in kind as in degree, and the more diversified his programme the greater the strain, The selections in which Mr. Mur- doch was most successful were those which were devoted to the soilloquies and long speeches of Hamlet, the two poems that we have mentioned and the Job Trotter episode. He is not by any means what could correctly be called a picturesque or florid reader. His action is never so theatrical that we forget the absence of scenery and costume. But his intelligence is so penetrating, ms study so accurate, his sympathics 80 fine and true and his reading so careful that the impression leit apon the appreciator’s memory is aS incisive as an intagiio, im interpreting the scene between Hamiet and his mother he was least successiul, because he is not many-voiced, like Mrs. Kemble, and failed to sustain thoroughly the identities by charging the pitch ut his voice. The description of Tom Smart’s experiences with the buxom widow is not in Dickens’ best vein, and it 8 scarcely surprising that Mr, Murdoca should fail in giving to the episode a tascinanon which it originally lacks, The advertisements State that the reading of last evening 18 the ouly one Mr. Murdoch will give in this city during the present winter. We hope this 18 not the case; and, if itis not, we venture to entreat various young men, who, we hope, do not constitute the saplings and underbrush of the associ- ation, eitier to secure seats or to remain motionless at their several standing points, or to stay away alvogether during the next read- ing. Last evening they were an inexpressibie nuisance to every one within six yards of the doors, They talked, they whispered, they stalked generally in rather an anchristian spirit—a fault Which may possibly be forgiven to their youth, It was very easy to get fifty cents’ worth of them, but not, tn their company, to get filty cents’ worth of Mr. Murdoch, Musical and Dramatic Notes. A resurrection of “La Grande Duchesse de Gérol- stein” was celebrated last evening at the Terrace Garden Tneatre, Bret Harte has prepared @ new lecture on “American Humor.”’ He will deliver it at Asso- ciation Hall on Monday night. It is calculated that Miss Lucille Western pulls the fringe off fifty-two shawls per year as an ex- pression of remorse in Lady Isabel and Mme. Vine. The first English opera matinée of the season will be given at the Academy of Music to-day. “The Bohemian Girl’ will be offered, with Miss Kel- logg in the principal rdle. Mr. Theodore Thomas’ third symphony concert occurs to-night at Steinway Hall. Mr. Maurei will sing twice. We have already mentioned the other features of the excellent programme, A succession of German dramas is being indus- trious!y produced at the Germania Theatre, under the directorship of Mr. Neuendorff. Graber's “Der Meineidbauer” was brought out last night. ‘The managers of the Colosseum object to exbib- iting “London by Day” by foglight, and will there- jore for the present display Paris by moonlight, starlight and gaslight, both afternoon and evening. Mrs. John Drew’s Theatre used a few years ago to be the Wallack’s of Philadelphia. It is now the home of the jocal, sensational and “Buffalo Bill’ drama, excepting on those few occasions when the accomplished manager, once the most fascinating comédienne tn America, sees fit to appear. In Eleazer Steirer, a Jewish minister, the amuse- ment world has lost am extraordinary barytone. He was offered strong inducements to appear on the operatic stage provided he would abandon his mufti and fdowing ringlets. He conscientiously re- fused, and returned in holy elation to the obscure Polish village whence he had come and where he now resides, Miss Violetta Colville, tf report be correct, was the only successful member of an opera company that recently gave a performance at Verona, Italy. The orchestra was anathematized, the tenor and barytone were hissed in fury from the stage and Miss Colville was the only one, besiaes the au- dience, able to go home that evening with a feeling of triumph at heart. At Christmas the manager of a Liverpool theatre advertised for good looking singing ladies. He re- ceived 300 replies, A country hotel chambermaid swore she was full of histrionic talent and cut a good figure. A titled 1ady, with £7,000 per year, offered to bring her own maid and buy her own dreases. A laundry maid wanted a part where she could tend @ dairy, and a Taunton young lady sent a yard of auburn hair as a specimen ot her charms. Conld such an attraction a§ this jast be called canulary attraction? 4, 1874.-WITH SUPPLEMENT. | DISAPPOINTED FREE THINKERS. Another Demonstration Foiled. During the past week efforts were made by an as- sociation of German ultra-radicals, known as the German Free Thinkers’ Union, to get up a demon- stration, the object of which was to denounce the course of the police authorities in regard to the Drojected workingmen’s demonstration and the conduct of the police toward the crowd that was assembled in Tompking square on the day of the intended demonstration. A committce of ar- rangements was appoinied, which engaged tne New York Assembly Rooms, corner of Second ave- nue and First street, as the place where the “mass meeting” was to be held, and aj) arrangements for the contemplated demonstration bad been per- fected, which was to have come off last night, but the affair tarned out to be a complete “fizzle,” owing to the fact that the proprietor ol the place referred to did not keep the contract which he had entered into with the committee of the Free Thinkers, but refused to admit them and their adherents to the Hall. The coimnmittee, headed by Conrad Kubn and others, in vain repei offered him payment in advance of $26, the sum agreed upon as the price fo. ‘of the hall at the time o! opening the or the be mee t night, Al te @ppointed hour—about eight o’clock—a crowd of several thousand persons were gatnered in front of the building in Second avenue, and upon the jact that they would not be admitted to the hall ‘consider- able excitement ensued, but no excesses ol any kind occurred. Several members of the Free Thinkers’ Committee ascended the stoops of the building, ana each briefy haravgued the crow4, violently denouncing the police authorities, to whom it Was attributed that through imtimida- tion they had influenced the proprietor of the As- sembly Rooms, causing him to reiuse to let the place for the intended demonstration. Although the speakers refrained from inciting excess, they were violent in their denunciation of this outrage, as they characterized it, on the rights and privileges of American citizens—on their rights oj free speech. They were repeatedly interrupted with violent Outbursts Of applause by the crowd, which, how- ever, a8 soon as the free thinkers had finished their herantnes, guictly dispersed, Although not a single police officer was seen among the crowd nor in its immediate vicinity, ample arrangements had been made by the police authorities tor any emergency, and a considerable iorce of detectives were distributed among the crowd to watch the movements of individuals, THE LEADERS OF THE MOVEMENT. The free thinkers then repaired to their room, room 32 ‘Turn Hail, in Forty-second st! - where a meeting was held for the purpose of tak- ing action in the premises, Mr. Gundlach presia- ing. It was then resolved at once to sue the pro- Bristor of the New York Assembly Rooms, Mr. Sulzer, for damages for breach of contract, and a committee was appointed to make arrangements for the lease of the Cooper Umion hall or any other large hall for some evening next week, nos earlier than Wednesday, for the purpose of expressing their indignation and demanding the rights of citi- wens without abridgement. It was also resolved to bpyite the Preperation otorher pose aes 1 view of he gene’ HM ota and bearing of the topics wo be dist clab THE COMMITTEE OF SAFELY. pe Preparation for the Great Working- men’s Assembly at Albany on Tucs- day. Last evening at Masonic Hall the Committee of Safety connected with the workingmen’s organ- ization, and calling themselves on this oc- casion the ‘“Workingmen’s Central Coun- cil,” met im the back room of the base- ment of Masonic Hall, in Thirteenth street, near Fourth avenue. The room was not engaged till some time after nine o’clock, and then they filed in in @ mysterious manner. Among those present were Mr. Carsley, who wrote the famous letter to Benjamin F, Butler, demanding lands for the workingmen and a free coionization scheme to be passed by Congress; Captain John Crump, @ well Known civil and military engineer, ‘Theodore EB, Tomlinson. The meeting of the Committee of Safety was heid with vlosed doors and their deliberations were kept secret, yet enough was gathered irom after talk to assure the readers of the HERALD that this Committee of Safety will go to Albany on Monday hight, and when they there meet will govern the Workingmen’s State Assembly. From what was said last night itis more than evident that this “State Assembly” of the working- men, to be held in Albany on Tuesday, will be the largest and most positive of its kind ever held in the United States, Delegates will be present from Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and other Western States, and the method of representation will be the same as that which is used in the ap- jionment by popuiation of the Congressional jistricts of the United States, yet difering some- what in detail—as, for instance, the city of New York will send either thirty-one or thirty-two dele- gates, each workingmen’s society being repre- Sented according 10 ifs numbers and standing in the general Union. NATIONAL HEALTH. Adjournment of the Council at Wash- in and out, they banged the portals and behaved | ington—The Establishment of a Na- tional Sanitary Bureau Urged—Visit to the President and His Speech. WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 1874, ‘The National Health Council adjourned sine die to-day, after adopting a report, including the fol- lowing resolutions :— Resolved, That in the opinion of this Council no measure could be Lptetiony tor legislation more im- portant In its result on the health and property of the American people than that of a properly regulated national sanitary bureau. Resolved, That’ this Council do approve early legisla- tion by Congress, looking to the establishment of a Na- tional Sanitary Bureau, and the committee is hereby in- structed to prepare a suitable law to be introduced into the present Congress and to urge its adoption. Resolved, That the members present be requested to communicate with the Senators and members of their respective States and districts and urge upon them che importance of the proposed measure, invoking their earnest co-operation. TO THE PRESIDENT. »y appointment, calied upon the President of the United States, when Mr. A. W. Boardman, President of the Councii, said Mr. Presipeyt—We have come as a delegation of ma- nicipal boards of neaitn irom some of the principal gities of the Union, to whom has been committed the all- important trust of the health of the people, the preserva- tion of which constitutes a State. Our province 15 rather deeds than words, and so we merely desire to thank you heartily for your invitation to Visit the bead of the hation and cordially to wish for you that best of the blessings of heaven—good health. THE PRESIDENT’S REPLY, The President replie: Gentiewen—I am very happy to see you in the capacity in which you present yourseives. In ee relations as ‘an association ot health boards your objects are hight commendable and entitled to great consideration by all classes. Itis not my province now to say more than to express my wish ‘our objects may be “successtui. Again I thank you fo ART MATTERS, Portrait of Mr. Gladstone. Mr. Herbert, the eminent Royal Academician, who has been paying a visit to Mr. Gladstone at Hawarden Castle, daily devotes considerabie time to painting a full length portrait of the Premier, which, when finished, is destined for the Queen's collection at Windsor, So far as the work has already been proceeded with the likeness is ad- mirable. and the picture gives promise of ail that might be expected frum an artist of such rare power. LOUISIANA FUNDING BILL. New ORLEANS, Jan. 23, 1874. ‘The Funding bill passed the Senate to-day, with- out amendment, unanimousiy, The bill and the constitutional amendments will be signed by the Governor and promulgated in the oMcial journal on Sunday. Governor Kellogg has replied to the protest of foreign bondholders that ne believes their action is founded on imperfect information; that he has transmitted to them a full statement of the facts which have led the State government to propose the 1unding scheme, and that on carefal consider- ation of these data he believes the Council will agree with the Chamber of Commerce of New Or- leans, and many of the largest holders of Louisiana bonds in this country, that the course proposed is the best both jor the State and the bondholders, and the only way to avoid virtual repudiation, THOROUGH EXECUTION, A Marderer’s Head Cut Off by the Hang- raan’s Cord, SAN FRANCISCO, Cal, Jan, 23, 1874. Marshall Morton was hanged at Martines to-day for the murder of Valentine Kischler, near Antioch, Contra Costa county, Cal. On the scaffold he said that the murdered man's wife instigated the urder, She is now in the Asyinm for the In- ne. Morton made a tuil confession of bis part in the crime, When the drop fell his head was en- trely severed {rom his body, which fell lifeless to the ground, CASUALTY FROM WIND. PrrrsBuRG, Jan. 23, 1874. A heavy wind storm prevailed here to-da: A The roof of the converting house of the Edgar Thomp- 8 teel works, at Braddock’s Fields, was torn off by the wind, Four men were seriously injured, A REGKLESS DRIVER INDICTED. Worcesren, Mass., Jan. 23, 1874. The Grand Jury have indicted Charles Moore ng the death of Asa Streeter, tn this city, by carole i} Griviug over hit On the sLreety THE SIAMESE TWINS, Dr. Hollinsworth’s Story of the Double Death. NO PHYSICIAN CALLED IN. pe a ae ely The Family Averse to Any Scientific Examinas tion of the Bodies, Which Are Embalmed and Jealously Guarded—Efforts on Behalf of Science to Overcome the Objection. PHILADELPHIA, Jan, 23, 1874, In an interview with Dr. Hollinsworth, of North Carolina, this evenimg he stated to your corre- spondent the following facts:—“There was a mis- take made in the telegram which was published in the newspapers this morning announcing that 1 attended the Siamese twing at the time of their death, NO MEDICAL ATTENDANCE IN TIEIR LAST ILLNESS. No one attended them. I was their family physician two years ago, but subsequently they have had no regular medical adviser at all. As many particulars concerning their death have already appeared in the HERALD as can be learned at present, forI meta HERALD correspondent om the road from the plantations of the twins, THE DOUBLE DEATH. About all at present understood is that a little negro girl says they went to bed, and the ncx@ morning one was dead. The other called feeb), and when an attendant entered he found one and cold and the other rapidly becoming so, beirg ina clammy, prespiring state, and showing upom his’ countenance every symptom of approaching death, He realized his situation, and said that he could not live.” To give the full statement of the Doctor would be simply to reproduce all that has appeared in the HERALD hitherto from Mount Airy, where the twins lived and died. THE BODIES CAREFULLY PRESERVED. ‘The bodies of the twins ure now in an embalmed state and can be kept im perfect preservation for @ long time to come. So wary are the members of the two families that the bodies are piaced in@ position from which they cannot possibly be ap- proached without their knowledge. JEALOUSY OF SCIENTIFIC CUROSITY. The wives of Chang and Eng have positively ree fused to allow a post-mortem examination, but they wish to consult first with their children, several of whom are in distant parts of the State. One of the daughters, a very consumptive person and one whose life seems to be nearly run out, te strenuously opposed to’ the post-mortem, ane owing to her peculiar bodily condition, the othe. members of the family are very reluctant todo anything so exceedingly disagreeable to ner. EFFORTS TO OVERCOME THE DECISION. Every inducement that can be offered will be brought to bear upon the daughter and all the rest of the children, with the view of securing a study so beneficial and so curious to medical, pnysio- logical and psychological science. Every effort. will also be made to have the examination take place either in New York or this city, where the very best medical skill and authority can witness and take part in the post-mortem, Concerning the present location of the bodies: Dr. Hollinsworth maintains the extremest reti- cence, only stating that, as they are situated now, they are so guarded thas THEY CANNOT POSSIBLY BE GOT AT. Tne Doctor seemed to speak as if the famille were exceedingly suspicious, and had taken every precaution to prevent any gratification of un- licensed scientific curiosity. Dr.-Hollinsworth has left a representative at home from whom he daily expects correspondence, which will inform him of the final decision at which the members of the family arrive. A great deal of interest is mani- fested by the local medical faaternity, and the hope is entertained that the post-mortem may take place here. HOWES & MACY. ma MIE A Action of the Creditors’ Meeting Yester- day. An informal meeting of the credttors of Howes & Macy, bankrupts, was held last evening at the Metropolitan Hotei, on the call of Thomas J. Ly- man, of Phelps, Ontario county, to take into con- sideration what action should be taken by the creditors at the meeting to-day at the ofice of Register Dayton and who the creditors should report for assignee. The meeting was large, and on a careful count being taken it was discovered that $356,837 69 of claims were represented. The meeting being called to order, Mr. Abram Wakeman was elected chair- man, and Mr. Charles D,. Ingersoll was chosen secretary. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Lyman, Miller, Ingersoil, Morrell, Gibson and Frost as to the destrability of the meeting nomi- nating a candidate for the position of assignee. It was stated by several creditors that Messrs, Howes & Macy were exerting all their infu- ence in favor of Mr. J. Neison Tappan fo the position. Mr. Miller stated that transfers of real estate in April, 1872, by Mr. Howes toa member of his family nad been discovered, the con- sideration for the transfer being $1. Jt was the general sentiment that the election of Mr, ‘appan would be @ victory for the bankrupts, and all credi- tors were called upon to revoke their powers of at- torney, if they had given them to iriends of Messrs, Howes & Macy, which must be done before twelve o’clock to-day. A committee of five, consisting of Messrs, Lyman, Miller, Nash, Morrell and Hub- bard, were, on motion, appointed by the chair, to decide who shoul be presented to the meeting for its nomination for assignee. The committee, after deliberation, re- orted the name of Mr. Charles 8, Brown, No. 55 Pine street, ex-President of the American Na- tional Bank, The Chairman stated that he knew Mr. Brown and vouched for his character and ability. Mr. Nash and ochers gave their assurance as to his capacity and honor. Upon motion of Mr. Blackstone the meeting dectded to nominate Mr. Charles S. Brown tor assignee, which nomination Was, on a vote, made unanimous, and all were called upon to work and vote for him, ‘The meet ing then adjourned, NAVAL INTELLIGENCE, A special correspondence to the HERALD, dated at Yokohama, Japan, on the 7th of December, re- ports us follows:—The United States ships Idaho, Palos, Saco and Ashuelot are at Yokohama. The Monocacy left on the 4th inst. for China. The Lackawanna is at Nagasaki and the Hartford (fag- sip) ig on ber Way to that port, Movements of ti Fleet at Key West Arrival of the Ticonderoga and the hy dosh, Shenandoae | © wast, Fia., Jan. 23, 1874, ‘Phe Ticonderoga, from the South Atlantic squad- Ton, and the Shenandoah, from the Mediterranean, arrived here early this morning. The Mavfloweris ordered to Mobile to bring back an old hulk for tor- edo practice. The Powhatan, Captain leaumont, wil ‘eave for Noriolk to-morrow with discharged and sick men. Captain Whiting, of the Worcester; Lieutenant Marix and Engineer John Roach ar- rived in the steamer to-day, after which the Worces- ter sailed for Havana, BROOKLYN MORTALITY, ‘There were 156 deaths in Brooklyn during the week, Of the Geceased 101 were maics and 95 females; 153 were natives of the United States, 2% of Ireland, 4 of Germany, 4 of England, 2 of Sco- land and 6 oi other countries, Consumption car- ried off 22; convulsions, 16; pneumunia, 25; con- gestion, 6; scarlatina, 10; diphtheria, 9; croup, 9, and meagies, 4. The highest death rate was in the Sixteenth ward, where there were 26 deatus, KILLED BY A FALLING BRIOK. Coroner Eickhom was yesterday called to No. 845 East Twenty-third street, to hold an inquest on the body of Conrad Water, a Norwegian 1ad, twelve years of age, who was killed the evening previous by a brick falling a his head, while playing in the old House of Refuge, corner of Twenty-third street and Firat avenue. Tuere are three or four witnesses to the occurrence. MORE GAS FOR BOSTON. Boston, Jan, 23, 1874, The Boston Gas Light Company has applied to the Legislature for leave to increase its capital from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000, which is reguired to extend the works of We Gompanyr \ \