The New York Herald Newspaper, December 16, 1874, Page 5

CONGRESS. Proposed Extension of the President’s Term to Six Years. National Consolidation of the People. The House at Work on the Appropriations. SENATE, Wasuinaton, Dec. 15, 1874, Mr. Scort, (rep.) of Pa., presented a memorial of Louls A. Godey, pubiisner of Godey's Ladies’ Book, getting forth alleged unjust discrimination against periodicais in the new Postage law and asking for | @change in that law. Referred to the Committee @p Post Offices and Pos! Roads, Mr. DENNIS, (dem.) of Md., presented a memo- Pia! of the citizens of that State for the abolition ofthe duty on watches, Referred to the Commit- tee on Finance, Mr. CONKLING, (rep.) of N. Y., presented a me- Moria of the trustees oi the American Seaman's Priend Society, calling attention to the necessity | ©@/@ merchant's marine hospital at the port of New York and asking legislation to thatend, Ke- ferred to the Committee on Pubiic Buildings and Grounds, Mr. ALCORN, (rep.) of Miss., introduced a Dill in Felation to the compensation of persons acting as commissioners under special order of Congress, { Referred to the Cominittee on Military Affairs, Mr. BoGy, (dem.) of Mo., introduced a biil for the relief of Albert C. Whittcomd. Reierred to the Committee on Private Land Claims, PROPOSED REFUNDING OF THE DISTRICT DEBT. Mr. CoNnKLING presented & memorial of N, A. Cowdrey, of New York, reciting that the District of Columbia is indebted to him, and that ne is un- able to obtuin anything from the District but a bond upon which he cannot realize 70 per cent. Mr. Conkling said the memorial was accompanied ‘by a bill which he had not examined, but he pres- ented itattne request of a citizen of bis State, He thereiore asked leave, without previous ROtice, to introduce a bill to consolidate the debt @f the District of Columbia and to Issue bonds of | the United States in exchange Jor bonds of the District. The biil and memorial were referred to the Joint Sclect Committee to irame & new gov- ernment for the District, Mr. Conkling’s vill directs the Secretary of the ‘Treasury to issue four per cent thirty-year bonds O1 the United States to ap amount not exceeding $18,000,000, and exchange them witnin one year for the vonds and stocks o! the District of Colum- Dia anu te cities of Wasningian aud Georgetuwa, doliar jor dollar, the difference im the inierest of either to be arjusted vy nim. The total amounts of these Variuus classes of securities are Set jorth in detail, and, including $5,000,000 ol the three-sixty-flve bouds and Board Of Audit’s Certifivales, BuINONZed and guaranteed by an act of Congress last June, they aggregate $17,742,800, Tne d.erence in interest between What ‘the United States have to pay on tne eighteen mili- tons of four per cent vonds aud tue amount tiey are entitled Lo receive on the debts taken by them fm exchange thereior is stated to be $200,000 per apuuin, aud tuis amount Is to be pledged anu ine Vested as & sinking juud tor the principal. ‘The Dill 1s accompanied by a preamble, whic cites the coustitutiou and a repurc made by the House Ju- d@iciary Committee last session, to show, that the United States are liable tor these debts, contracte through their deiegated representatives, " He also introduced a bill for the relief of the | beir> or iegal representatives of Abraham Living- ston, deceased. Referred to the Cowmittee on | Revolutionary Claims, Mr. West, (rep.) of La., introduced a bill re- \ating to the rank O1 officers of he army. Reier:ed Yo the Committee on Military Alfair-, Mr. Pratr, (dem.) of Ind., latroduced a bill Uniting the time in which application ior bounty Jagd shall be received and disposing o! suspended @ases aller certain date. Reierred to the Com- @Mi\tee on Military Affairs, Mr. SPENCER, (rep.) of Ala., introduced a bill to Provide tor the appointment o1 special agen:s and Superintendents Of Taiway postal service and her officers oi the Post Office Department, Ke- Jerred to the Comuittee on Post Ullices and Post Roads, Mr. Davis, (dem.) of W. Va.. gave notice that itr the expiration Oi the morniug hour to-mor- robe would cull up bis resoluuon of last week Felding to delauiters. A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT, Mi Warigat, (rep.) of 1owa, submitved a joint Fesoitin proposing certain ameadments to the Cons|‘ution of the Untied States, It proposes tnat the ‘resident and Vice President of the United State snau be elected by @ direct vote o1 the peop! and each bold office jor a term of six years; that te President shall be ineligible to re-election, Everymale citizen woo has reached we ape of twent-one years aud who has not been convicted of inimous crimes snail have the right to vote. It further provides that the election for President and Vice President shall be beld & the same time, and requires @ Majorit of all votes cast to elect; one revives a. majority another election shall be ordered at which only the two receiving the lurg- est nuiber of votes at the previous voting snail be voiei ior; and, further, that tne election re- turns stall be canvassed by the Supreme Court of the Unita States, and certificates issued by that trioupal. Reierred to the Committee on Civil Ser- ‘Vice Reioim. Mr. BotrwELL, (rep.) of Mass., presented a me- Moria! of {rank Fraiey, of the Nationa: Board of Trade, axing for the organization of an ad- @itional executive department, to be called the Depsrtmeit oi Commerce. Reserred to the Com- mittee on Vommerce. THE LAW OF LIBEL. Mr. Witt, of lowa, introduced a resolution instructing the Judiciary Committee to inquire anto the edient 01 tne meaning o1 the act of June 22 1874, eatit.ed “an act conierriug jurisdiction Upon the Caminal Coart oi the District 01 Coium- ja,” and particuiarly wuether under or by its pro. ‘Visions persons charged witb or judicted jor live) OF other erime tn said District can be brought from a Stave or other place within federal juris- diction to said Dis«rict to answer theresor. Mr. EDxUNDa, (rep.) Of Vt., sald the Judiciary Committee did mquire inty that subject lagt ses- gion, and he did not see the necessity o: going Over the mutter again. The views o1 the commit- tee were sivmitted 10 the Senate at the time the bill ii apy one still thought that the ‘utterer of a malicious siander outside of the Dis- trict could be brought nere tor trial it Was not ‘Worth while tor the committee to uttempt to iur- ther enlighten him, Mr. CONKLING, of New York, moved to amend the resolution oy adding the fouowing words:—*And iso Whether Said act has any applicauon to tne Presecution or indictment for the crime of Itbel,"? fhe ameudment was agreed to and the resolu- tion adopted as amended. Mr. MORTON, (rep.) 01 Ind., submitted a resolu- tion instructing the Committee on Ru.es to in- quire into the expediency oi amending the rules 0 as CO abO).6h tie Use.ess formality of Senators asking permission to mtrocuce a dul without giving previous notice, by Wnich much time was cousumed and the journal encumbered, Mr. EDMUNDS, (rep.) 01 Vt, said he objected: to the words ‘‘useless formality.” He knew of one occasion when it nad been anything but a useless formaiity, aud that was when Lue Senavor from Kentucky (Mr. McCreery) asked leave to intro- 4uce a Dill providing jor tne removal 01 the bones @ our soldiers trom Arlington, but failed to obtain #ich leave. Mr. MorTON said he did not wish to alter tne FUk, Dut merely to ObvViuve unnecessary repeti- Moly in the journal. Tim word “useless” Was struck outand the reso- Juuvr then adopted. i ‘“ CENTRALIZATION OF POWER, ol Ma of Peabody, Mass., the time nad come eople, ouce jor all, anould decide Waether oi not they desire and mean to be one sovereign tation, claiming the direct allegiauce of all and weeky guarding the rights of ail, and geking that Congress appoint a time as early in the coming year as may be deemed best for dele- gates, Chosen une {rom each Congressiona) dis- trict, to meet in Philadeipila, to consider and form 2 national vonstitution which, if approved by the people, voting as one people, without the in- tervention of the States, shail be the organic Dational iaw—snperseding the federal constitution of tne United States, as toat consutation super- seded the articies of coniederatiou. Relerred to Committee on the Revision of Laws. The consideration of the bill to frame @ new governinent Jor the District of Columoia was re- sumed, and the reading of the bili concluded. Tne Dill was then lald aside til to-morrow. Mr. MORRILL, (rep.) of Me., culled up the House Dit), reported trom the Committee on Appropria- tions yesterday, to continue tue Board of Audit to audit and examine the uniunded and foating debt of the District of Columbia, Passed, ‘The Senate then, at a quarter to taree P, Motion 0; Mr. MORRILL, (rep, executive session, M, on ) of Vt, went into At twelve minutes past three the doors wore re- opened, ie Pr a gt ba SUFFERERS, , NCER, irom the Committee on Aflairs, reported favorably on the Sena Mg ats rovic.é lor the relies of persons suffering from the ,avages Ol grasshoppers, Placed on tue calenaar, The ‘ill authorizes tne President of the United States to issae, temporarily, supplies oi tood aud disused army clothing suficient to prevent star- vation and coef aT to destulute and helpless per. sons living on the Wastern ironies, who Lave bean but if no | presented a | Pendered so by the ravages of grasshoppers during j the past suum d appropriating $100,060 Lo ious of the act. Ga., introduced a bill pro- viding jor asurvey of Mr. Ratforu's proposed in- land route of water communication between the Mississippi River and the marbors of the Avlantio commerce, ‘The Senate then, at fiiteen minutes past three, adjourned ti.) noon to-morrow. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WASHINGTON, Dee. 15, 1874. Mr. DAWES, (rep.) 0/ Mass., from the Committee on Ways and Meuns, reported @ concurrent reso. Jution jor a Christmas recess fromm Wednesday, the 23d of December, to Tuesday, the 5th of January, Adopted—Yeas 128, nays 123, There was a good deal of struggle over the vote, and before the re- sult was announced many votes on either side were changed. Mr. GARFIELD, (rep.) Of Ohio, was conspicuous 1m opposition to it, and changed his vote to tne affirmative jp order that he might move to recon- sider, which he immediately ¢id, remarking that the Committee on Appropriations had not had an Opportunity to say a word agatnat it, Messrs. KANDALL (dem.) and Sp. (dem.) of Pa., moved to lay the motion to reconsider on the table, Tie House refused to lay themotion to reccn- sider on (he tadie—yeas 126, Duys 128—anu then at the suggestion of Mr, Dawes the subject was post- | poned till Monday. PROPOSED NEW MEASURES, Bills were introduced and referred as follows:— By Mr. Wuire (rep), of Ala.—supplementary to the Civil Rights bill, Referred to the Judiciary Committee, By Mr, HuntsR (dem.), of Va.—For the relief of the Trustees of the Tueological Seminary in Vir- ginia. By Mr. Lyncw (rep.) of Miss.—Authorizing the } entering and clearing of vessela at East Pasca- | goula. By Mr. PHILLIPS, (rep.) of Kan.—To authorize the Secretary of the lutecior to settle and pay cer- ; tam accounts between the United States and the | various States arising from the appropriation of certain pudlic lands in such States for permanent Indian reservations; and itor the sale of certain | | portions of the pubiic land in such States for the | | use of certain tndividual tribes, By Mr. MCCRARY, (rep.) of lowa—For a narrow ‘auge railroad irom Lake Erie to the Missouri iver, By Mr. POLAND, (rep.) of Vt.—Regulating the | prosecution of libeis in the District of Coiumbia, By Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania—A resolution | calling on the Fosimaster Geveral fqr a statement | | a9 to the furnishing ol its department stamps, APPROPRIATIONS, The House then, at a quarter to two o'clock, went iutv Committee of the Whole on the Legis- lative Appropriation bill, Mr, E. H. Roberts, (rep.) | of N. Y., 1n the chair, | In connection With a paragraph for stationery and newspapers for the Senate Mr. Cox, (dem.) of | N. Y., asked Mr, Garfield wiy it was that at the end of Jast session he said tuat he was obiiged to , | the House for the confidence manuested in the | Committee on Appropriations, and taat the appro- | riations (or the year were less by $20,000,000 than | | for the previous year? Was that statement cor- | | rect Mr. GARFIELD, (rep.) of Onto—Yes, Mr, Cox—There is no mistake about it? Mr. GaRFIELD—NO, sir. Mr. Cox—there 18 no little difference of 10,000,000 or $15,000,008 | Mr, GARFIELD—No, sir. be developed in course of | time. Mr. Cox—1bat will | Mr. GARFIELD—The gentleman will flad that my | remarks on that occasion have been fully borne out—more fully than J then hoped. | . A question having been raised in regard to the | item for Capitol police, Mr, Garfield stuced that in | view of the poiitical change which would take | Diace in the organization of the House nex! Con- | ress, the Comunitee on Appropriations regarded | (as some wual indecorous to thaugurate changes which would mainly refer to the next House, 1 Mr, WILSON, (rep.), of Ind., did not wisn to rec- | ognize the fact that because there was to ve a | change in the majority of the House there sould not therefore be a diminution of expenses if such | | diminution were prope: in itself, ; Mr. GARFIELD agreed with that suggestion, but | Still thought it a Matter of courtesy coward those who would soon have the burden ol responsibility | thrown on them to let them make their own re- | ductions. Mr. WiLson would make all proper reductions, and let the other side, When it Came into power, take the responsibility Oi an increase. Mr. HoLMAN, (dem.) of Ind., lavored the avoll- tlon of the Capitol police and lucreasing the num- ver of watchuen. He offered an amendment to ; tat effect, The amendment was agreed to. , In connection with a proposition to reduce the appropriation ior the Botauical Garden Mr. FRYE, (rep.) of Me,, said that there were many items in | the bili which be considered extravagaut, such as $1,800 a year Jor messengers and policemen, wile the Librarian of Congress, Mr. Spotford, received | | only $4,000 @ year, and his assistants, many of | ; Whom were graduates of colleges and Who nad to | be conversanc with several languages. received | | compensation ranging only 110m $2,500 to $1,000, So. tuo, the pentieman in charge Of the Botanical Garden, @ thoroughly competent man, received only $1,650 a year, His assistants $500, and his laborers $700 a year. In contrast with these fig- | | ures he regarded the pay of messengers and po- | licemen around the Capttol as extravagant, | _ Tne appropriation for the Botanical Garden was not reduced, i After disposing of sixteen pages of the bi!l (whica contains seventy-turee pages), the Com- | mitte rose. COMMITTEES APPOINTED, The Speaker announced the appointment of the following committees :— Seiect Committee to visit Vicksburg, Miss.— | Messrs. Conger, 01 Mich.; tluribut, ot [ll = — of Wis; Speer, of Penn., and O’Brien, of | Select Commirtee on Louisiana and the South- | ern States—Messra. G, F. Hoar, of Mass.; Wheeler, | o! N, Y.; Frye, of Me.; Foster, of Ohio; Phelps, of | N..J.3 Rooinson, of Ii., and Potter, of N. Y. The House then, at ten uunutes past four P. M., adjourned, THE NINETEENTH PREOINOT. STATION HOUSE, | An Infected Establishment—Investiga- tion by the Mayor. Reports have recently been in circulation that | the station house of the Nineteenth precinct | police, located in Fifty-ninth street, near Third | avenue, is @ headquarters jor the breeding of pes- Ulential diseases. Efforts have been made in the Common Council to secure an appropriation for the butiding of a new station house, but up to the present they have proved unsuccessful. Thirty | thousand dollars are asked to purchase three lots in Fifty-seventn street for this purpose. Aresolu- | tion favoring the project has passed the Board of | Aldermen and ts now pending in the Board of Assistant Aidermen., Mayor Vance has taken | hoid of the matter, and yesterday directed Alder- | man Morris tw send-a despatch to the Board of | Heaith tnquiring as to the facts. The (glowing response Was sent:— Naw Yi Dees 14/186 ew Yor, Dec. Hon. J. J. Mornts. Alderman, &c. :— % Deak sik—in reply to your telegram of this date, I | Will respecttully staie thatit is true that two patroimen | of the sineteenth precinct have recently dicd of small. pox, Where they contracted tne disease is not po! uvely known, It is also true that this station house h. | been repeatediy inspected by the sanitary oficers of the | | Board of Heaith, and has been reporwd to be inade- | quate for the proper accommodation of the police force of the precinct, aud to be constantly so overcrowded | that itis ina condition dangerous to the health of the | occupants. [have the honor to be, &c. | EMMONS CLARK, Secretary. | Mayor Vance says he will recommend the pas- | ge of the appropriation to the Board of Assist- ant Aidermen at their next meeting, WHAT'S IN IT? The committee which was appointed last winter | by tne State Senate to “ investigate’’ the Police | Department were to have met yesterday at the Central Police Oitice to begin their reform operas tions; but for some reason or other the meeting | did not take place. This committee was appointed when the Police Commisston consisted of Cnaritck, | Gardner, Smith and Duryee, ‘The jatter happens | Dow to be the only member of the Board as it ex- | isted at the time the committee was appointer It is the generai impression among the poi.ticians that the investigation will not amount to any- thing, even if it 18 begun. However, the resolu. | tron of the Senate authorizing the committee to | Act 18 rather a broad one, avd on its face gives | the committee power to look into the working of | the department, regardless of the individual Standing of the Commission, Tye members of the committee are Senators Woodin, Booth and Fox. PROFESSOR ADLER’S LECTURE. In the HERALD's lasue of last Sunday appeared a letter, signed by some of our most respected citt- zens, to Dr. Felix Adler, of Cornell University, re- questing him to deliver a memorial address on the Jate Dr. Abr. Geiger, the great reiormer of modern Judaism. Professor Adler was the pupt-, and trtend of the lamented divine, ana from hia iotimace ADtercourse will, no doubt, ve able to throw oanch iigat ou the Dector’s work during his later years, Woen he had left tne battie ground and given Ulmselt aimost exchusively to historical and bibitca’ studies, with an aowiing faith in the | ultimate trinmpn of reason, The agiress will be delivered on Wie 21st inst, at Steinway tail, free, and will be @ rAre satellectual treat JO the iriends of culture, - tl ~ LF ' ceipts. NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1874. THE DRAMA ABROAD. What the French and German Theatres Are Doing. “DON JUAN” IN FRANCE AND GERMANY, Mme. Schneider Again in Opera Bouffe. The Reproduction of Mo- zart’s Opera. Panis, Dec. 1, 1874, “Don Juan d’Autriche,” the famous historical drama of Casimir Delavigne, has been revived at the PORTE SAINT MARTIN THEATRE. The following is @ fair description of the plot:— Don Juan has been Intrusted at his birth to the care of a pious old governor, Don Quexada, who he supposes to be his father. He ialls in love, alter the manner of theatrical heroes, with a young lady whom he has met by accident. His prepar- ing to start for the wars to win glory for her sake, when a stranger, who ts In reality Phiiip IL, comes to judge for himseif of his brotner’s char- acter, Don Juan immediately confides the secret of his love to this unknown visilor, and they agree to meet ou the same evening at the lady’s house. Unfortunately the King discovers that the lady is no other tran Donna Florinda, with whom he was himself in love and wao has run away from his pursuit. The King, therefore, orders his brother into confinement; but by a happy chance vhe prison selected for him is the monastery to which-Charles V. has retired, Father and son are thus brought together, and a conver- sation takes piace between them which would ve of great historical tmportance if it were true, aud which 18,in any case, amusing irom {ts valiant defiance of probability. Don Juan escayes from captivity and hastens to the residence of his beloved, who is struggling ino the arms of a rude man. He is about to thrust his sword through the offender when she stops bim by exclaiming, “It is tne King!’ Doo Juan would be now in inextricable difficulty, but Don Quexada saves him by abruptly revealing that he l#the son of the Emperor Charles VY. Tnis play has a high reputation in France, as have ali the works of Casimir Delavigne, It eemea to me somewhat heavy; but the audience applauded it and it is attracting good houses, The part of von Juan was played by Firmin, who is very hand- some man. Liquier piayed that of Charles Y.; Samson was Quexada, and Mme, Voinys Donna Florinda. Tvey played as wel! as Frencn actors and actresses generally do, which ig to say admi- raoly, Mme. Patti has been putting on a yellow wig to Dilay the part of Margucrite in “Faust,” which has just veen acted at tne French opera, in Frenco. Considering that she has very thick, diack eyebrows and large black eyes, the effect of her yellow wig was peculiar; but she sang ex- quisitely, Mme. Pozzoni has appeared as Violetta of Mme. Fromenta!, and by M. Montlouis, who per- souates the young doctor. THE DRAMA IN GERMANY. MUNicH, Nov. 30, 1874, One of the most interesting operatic periorm- ances whicn I nave attended for some time past ig the new transiatton and mise en scene of Mo- zarvs “Don Juan,” whicd has been performed only afew times here at Munich, lt seems tous a@sirange ‘Ac! that the Ge mans should have had to wait until 1874 tor “Don Juan” to ve performed 1p @ Manner Worthy of the great composer. But 80 It Does any opera-goer rememoer to nave seen the “Don Juan” civen alike in two separate wowhs or cities? Certainly not, Every stage inanager of Germany bas got a version Of nis own, wherein, a8 a rule, the comeai pars, Which ip German are in dialogue, wre often enricued with what is erroneously cousivered to ve additional comical effects, Ib the original Italian every part of ‘he opera is sung, whe in German those parts wuich in ltauau are in secco-recitative are given in dialogue, This iy an inheritance trom the Ffench. For a pace o! eignt years “DON JUAN” WS BaNISHED FROM THE MUNICH 70 8m) People wondered why, y me thought that King opera; that peruaps it mignt have a demoraazing ellect upon the youn, men aod women vf Munich. 1 wave frequently listened to “Don Juan’ myseil, both in Frapstort aud in Bertin, and | admit | ale ways felt very muc. wrieved and disappointed, frivolous rou’, justas low aud degraded ag Le couid well be made, and tne cvarse jesta of Leporcilo were Certainly unit tor respectable ladies to uns derstund, tie peil tre scene atthe couciusion was a product o; Mozart's time, but 1 suppose it hud 8 very good effevcon wicked people and the gods of the gale Conceive for a moment the change that hus veen made by command of this ouvg “lunatic King of bavaria," as Punch once ignorantly and imbecieiy called ,him, forgetful of the face that this young modarch Was Bod 1s spead- ing bigs plivate fortune io supporting Wagner their own English princes were running over head aud eais into debt in the society of aebaucied women, We hive a “Don Juan,” vut with tue low, coarse elements expunged, a text purified irom the indecencies of the original, oud scenery so very beaut jul tuat we lmagive We are loohing at nature—a Couciuslon that agrees better with the older Spanish legends; 4 natural end w the sinner, jostead of the ridiculous farce of being danced and yeiled about by scores of Satanic imps and theo carried in triumph to | hell, And tue impre-sion leit upon you by the periormance is that Don Juan appears for the first Dim, infint eiy eanoued and at last struck down by offended Givinity, fhe opera teacues now @ moral, woere hitherto it attained a semi-farcical churacter, THE NEW DRAMA’S TEXT, The new text is, us I saul, a purified one, though tuose passages which nave become popu- lar, especially toe sweeter lyrical parcs, have been preserved trom the aiready adopted transiations. “Keine Rab’ bet Taz und Nacht,” **Reica mir die Hand mein Leven," aud similar popuiar passages remain 1D ‘he same words as veioie. the original Itallan have been couscientiously pre- served, but they are ciothed ip a language fitted for the ears of the cultivated modern taste. Tue rude jests of the original Shakespeare can po longer be uttered On our modern siuge; Dor can the coarse language of the origival “Von Juan’? be given in our mederp opera, except it be clothed in the italian ianguage, which so few opefa-goers can understand, [ suppose there are Al least a dozeu separate transations of the “Don Juan” text in the German language and almost as many partitars, “Don Juan” (which had oeen vanished in 186d) should be reinstated iu the reéyertoire, out in @ purified form. They decided neither to adopt Roculita'’s nor Wolgogen’s translations, and a Dr. Granuaur was intrusted with the task of completing tae new version, And he has suc- ceeded in furnisuing a very successful ituretto, in the “Traviata,” una saug ber part with great brilliancy; but she looked Coo fat ior a consump- tive patient in unlortuuate circumstances. A new tenor, Damed Verati, has appeared at the Italian | Opera here, and 1s the vest | have heard this sea- son, name Is Pitieau, ana Wao was vorn at Lyous, hag Just made a creaitaole first appearance, His voice ig a baritone Of ordinary quality and be is an un- dersized little tellow, but he was the laureate of the Paris Conservatoire for all that. Mme. Dupont-Vernun has been Ruaying the prin- cipal part in scrive's comedy o1 **Vuiérié,” at tae Tuéatre Francais, a part created by Mile. Mars in the heyday of her reputation. and serves as a lever du rideau to “Une same autbor, At the Bouffes-Parisiens Judic has been making & sensation in “Madame l’Archiduc,” and ail Paris 18 praising her as usual. There is some pretty music in it, and she sings with infinite Trace, . comedy in three acts, called “Berthe a’Es- trée,” written by M. Heori Riviere, nas been brought out at the Vaudeville. Here is the piot d’kstrée elopes with ner so his country house, out the fugitives are pursued and overtaken by their partners, There would have been a terribie scan- dai after this, but Berthe generously Marquise an opportuuity of escapin husvand, touched by so muca generosity, gives her back his affection. Mile. Bartel plays Berthe very agreeably, and Mile. Massin, @ ceievrated Parisian veauty, is the Marquise. A queer (hree-act drama, cailed ‘Faits Divers,” by M, Manuel, has appeared at the Tnéatre Uluny, | and the piot ol it may be thus summarized :—A French doctor, of amiabie disposition and respect- abvie character, was jorced to leave France on urgent business for the United states. und, as might have been expected of a French iusband, never thought of taking mis wife with him, though ne intended to remain absent for severa) months, The lady, according to tbe invariable custom of theatrical wives in this country, betrayed her con- fiding husband, with sucn conspicuous results, tout she Was wbliged to go and hide her sname tn & house at Mantes-la-Jolie, ou the Havre line of ratl- way, Which 1s certainly the worst place she could have chosen for that purpose. ‘ne traiu whico brought back her husband from his voyage of course stopped at this station, and a servant woo had been passengers if there was any one among them who would come and attend his wistress. ‘The doctor at once volunteered, and assisted his own wile to bring into the world a child which he was unable witn tne best will in the world to recognize as bis own, although the playwright seems to have forgotten that it does not reguiro nine months to transact a little business at New York, ‘he doctor, an aas- tere, humaue man, alter performing bis proies- sional duty and receiviug tue last breath of his wile, who expires, steps out Into another room, shoots her sedacer anv gives bimsell up to justice, It is improbable that atica a play, however care- fully toned down, could be performed witb pubiic approval in America; and, therelore, perhaps the jess said about it the better, | “La Périchole” has been revived at the Va- riévés, with Mme. Scinetder in the chief part. The famous Grande Duchesse of Géroistein, who de- lighted hal! the crowned heads of BKurope ten or twelve years ago, la now @ portly elderly lady, with little grace or Charm about her. but her Mere name on the playoills Was sufficient to re- alize about $1,000 in receipts, so she is likely to have uo lack of engagements for some ume to come, and she Ig besides in possession of comtort- able property. Indeed, most actresses seem to be tolerably good tnanciers nowadays, and Mme, Frezzolini, who was satd to have been reduced to sing at a music hail in Venice, has published a de- ; Dla! of this ramor, with the addittonai information that she enjoye au income of $5,0U0 Only sings ior benevolent purposes, A meé.odrama, entitied ‘ Marcelle,” the joint work Of MM. d’Ennery and Bresii, is one of tne Jatest novelties in Paris, where new pteces are coming out every nigut this season of tue year, The plot may be thus condensed :—Lionel Duménti, a young physician, attached to a lunatic asylum and intrusted with the innus of the estab- | year, and iishment, has an filictt love adair with Mme, romental, a married lady, abandoned by her husband. She 18, moreover, ruiued, and, Havin, been obliged to work for her living, 0as ootained the place of housekeeper at the asylum where | Lione poids the appointment of physician. The connection between them has lasted four years; but they have managed ecectuaily to conceal it—an extremely doubtful possibility in reai life, vor which we have ouly the wo.d of the playwrights, U Mme. Fromental were tree Dr. Duménii would marry her; but as her husband is ailve and divorce 13 seldom permitted in France their post ton cannot be legalized, Such is the st affairs when the proprietor of the lunatic asy determines to retire and sell ts business. Lionei being thereupon suddeniy required to produce ht accounts, finds that he is 30,0001, short of nis re. | He has embegziod this money through | thougntiessness, and has fortune enough ol nis own to replace the sim he has abstracted. He | therelore writes to his father to send him the necessary 1und8, but the reply to this letter in- forms him that & vanker to whom the cash was confided fas absconded trom bis creditors. in this awkward pusition one way only is offered to extricate bit irom his difficulties, viz., a marriage with @ young girl who loves him, and whose secret is known to Mme. Fromental, Tnis Iady, to order to save the ile and honor ot her jover, determines to bring about the union, and forces Lionel to marry Marceile. Tue wedding takes piace and the proprietor of the lunatic asylum gives up bis practice and his house to Dr, Dumenil tor a satisiactory consideration, But Mme. Fro- mental, baving exvausted her moral strength in accomplishing tts great sacridce finus her criminal passion return with greater violeuce, and spe becomes jealous, Lionel Dunmént velongs to T, sue Says, aNd sue Means to keep iim, resolved also to remain at the lunatic asylum, Which 1s now the property of her lover. A ive of anguish aad misery then begins for Marcelle, and 1t 48 so insupportable that she weuld destroy ber- self but for tus persuasion of an old servant, Who at last drives the coucudine irom the house of the wile, ‘nis is A Very disagreeanle piece, but it Is admirably nlaved by bille, Jane Eager in the Dart A gentiemano, called Giorgio, Whose seal | Ihe piece isa great | @ comedy of great excellence by the | 4 Ot 1D search of &® midwiie asked the | one that salisves the demands aud correspouds | wath the spirit o/ the times. Lhe secco-recitative | 1g accompanied simply by the Kapeiimeister strike ing a lew accords on the plano beiore him in the | orcuestra, (Au edition of tue opera, prepared for the plano, with the accompaniment to the secco- | Tecitative, prepared by tae music director of the Munich opera, Herr Muiiner, Acwermacn, Of (nis City.) ‘ SCENERY ON THE MUNICH STAGE. The scenery is, like uli scenery put on the Munich stage, periect. No puckers in tue azure sky, no 8UD OF MOO shining two Ways at once, no solid | looking structures shaking with every breath of wind, The drst scene shows us Don Juan's villa, | and before it a beautilui lawn and shaay avenues of trees stretching away up to tne distant ances- tral castle. place betore the vilia, with the exception of the briliant vall room. whici is in the large castie. | The approaching confict during the iestivities 1s announced by a thunder storm that sudden): | aweepa across the backgT und, as if foreoodin | the destruction of tue reckiess woman hunter. | Tne opening scene of the second act, painted by | Jauk, is the gem of the entire scenery. The | Ol it:—Berthe is the wife of a young man oi for. | brignt_ moonhgnt tails on Sevilie as tune, aud is negiected vy her nusband. He at | vrightly as it nosuady does in southern | last becomes entirely estranyed trom her. aud en- ; cumes, Ulumining tue tail tower of the gages in an intrigue with the Marquise de, Cathedral, where Murilo’s great picture Cimieuse, @ romantic, pretty woman, married | was stolen, and the houses on one side of the to un old dipiomatist, who js iardly a fit | Street. The citizens are uot all gone to bed; the mate lor so impetuous a lady. Richard | windows oj some o; the bouses 8ttil glow brightly. ; The tijusion is periect; we are transported to { Spain; we are gazing on reality, noi on theatrical | s10wW. The churcnyard scene, painted by Doeli, is equally beautiuliy represented, The supernatural aud impossible “Comtatr” is of course retained; | | he is @ part of the tegead that could hardly be dis. pensed with, The greatest tnnovation is in the’ STRUCTURE OF DON JUAN’S BANQUET HALL, an immense apartment, one side of which ts occn- pled by large, high Gothic wiudows, through which we see the trees and in the distant horizon retrivauion, The dead “Comthur,” the stone-man, comes and disappears as usual through the floor, | leaving a sulpaurous vapor venind him; the etorm | Increases, and whtie Don Juan ts again returning to the banquet there 1s a Vivid flash, a “thunder: bolt’? descends, striding the banqueter, and the castle jails about nis head, Such ty the death given to Don Juan io the new version, Whether | tUi8 an improvement or not lleave to otners to | Jucge. Ordinary opera goers would perhaps be | better pleased witn a grand underworld bonfire, and the dancing and yeiling of satanic imps and Dou Juan carried in triumpn to hell. This is the clerical version adopted vy De Ponte; the new Jinale 18 equally justified by numerous other ver- sious Of the Don Juan legend current in Spain, THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OP “DON JUAN” IN MUNICH, Before closing this letter permit me to recall very interesting fact which took place in connec- tion With che drst periormance of “Don Juan” in Munich in September, 1790. Mozart himself had come to direci tue jast renearsal and to attend the first performance. He lived in the so-called *Son- neneck,’’ now Burggasse No, 6. Alois Sennefelder, afterwards renowned ag the tnventor of litho. grapuy, Was “master Of theatrical requisites,” ana had & severe time of it in tne articies required for the performances, He had to fish up a ‘antern for Leporeilo, to prepare the long paper roll containing bis mas- ter’s adventures, to lume the strings of the guitar, to see that all tue costumes were correct, to place the Spanish beards in rank and file; in fact, ue had to look alter everything. For him it was an unpleasant, dangerous evening, but it was des- tined to give him immortality, Just before they commenced Muzart arrived, accompanied by the director and a young government assessor irom Posen, Ernst [heouor Amadeus Hofuann, wao bad come purposeiy to Munich in order to make tue composer’s acquaincance. ‘the opera com- menced; the performance was eminently success- ful. Hotfmann, the story teller, has leit us some remarkaviy iutereating notices about the singers and the manner in which they sang their parts. FRANZISKA LEURUN AND MOZART. Frau Franziska Lebrun sang the part of Donna Elvira; sbe was atiected to tears When she had sung aD air tn which she had recoguised the mur. derer Of her father. Mozart pressed the hana of the still trembiug woman warily. "I thank you,’’ be said, “that Tam at last abie to under Stand my own creation, | can die with a lighter heart now that you have given me a pledge that my name Will not ve forgotten,” Mozart left tne theatre beiore the opera was finished, and locked himset! up tn lis oWn room; nothing could tnduce him to appear again that evening. The perform. ; ance over, the theatre was deserted by all except one man. Alois Seunefelder had still much to do, After seeing Caretuliy around tue stage, that no Sparks had ignited avout the theatre, he retired to nis litte room to stamp the theatre tickets | for the tollowing aay, he had three As he entered his room Uiiogs in ins = hand—a polished whetstone for razors, whica he had pur- | chased, @ ticket stamp moistened with printers’ ink and @ Check on the theatre treasury for his weekly pay, He piaced. the check on @ tabie, when & gust of Wind Look tt, awept it migh up in his room jor 4 moment and then deposited itin a basin filed with water. Senneleider took the wet Paper, dried it as well as he could, ant then, to make sare of tt, weighted it Gown with the whet. stone, ou which he nad before carclessiy placed the printing stamp, Returning to bis room on the following morning be was surprised to see the letters Of She Stamp printed with remarkable ac- curacy Upon the damp paper. He gazed long at the check; @ Sudden thought Masked through his brain; he wondered if by some such means he could not save himself the weary trouble be | Ludwig had perh. p> morai oojecuons against the | | Don Juan Was represented simply as a coarse and | and in promoting music and tie drainma, waile } | time in the annais of German opera iva manner | in which Mozurt bimeel! would wish to have seen ; ‘The ideas of | | THE GREA —TRIPLE SHEET. REAL ESTATE. Interesting Features in the Market in Con- nection with the New Outlock, T CORPORATION SALE Yesterday’s Miscellaneous Sales and Negotiations. This market was the leading feature of inter- est down town yesterday in the speculative arena—speculative in the sense that men are at- | tracted to make purchases, not so much from the assurance that the actuai exis'ing wants of man- kind will later find them a vetter market as that | present wishes, which have not yet crystallized suMcientiy to reach the pressure of wants, will s00On again sujerinduce active inquiry, The feature of the day’s ‘business was, of course, THE CORPORATION SALR, which attracced @ large attendance, The occasion of the’ sale was the non-payment of assessments for certain designed itu.provements up town, and others partially commenced or Suished elsewhere, The saie was commenced by Mr. A. S. Cody, Clerk of Arrears. Attwetve o'clock a large number of purchasers assembled in the General Term Room of the Supreme Court, Comptroller Ureen opened the business, and Mr, Cody read of the terms of sale. The potnts regulating this sale are peculiar and interesting, Few understand them, and often- times even owners are totally ignorant of the proceedings, The first tntimation of @ sale having taken place may occur when wishing to negotiate @ loan or transfer their property. An explanation 1s, therefore, of importance, When stree’s are to be opened, widened or extended or other public improvements made, propertwwhich j 1t Is supposed will be benefited thereby 18 as- confirmation of the assessment. Ali property in arrears under this law ts then advertised jor sale, ABSOLUTE TITLE TO T PROPERTY IS NEVER GIVEN, The party purchases the lease for a certain num- ber of years, agreeing to pay thereior the amount of the assessment, tuterest tuereon and expenses of sale, He may buy this lease ‘or any number of ' years, It is knocked cown by the auctioneer to the purchaser bidding on the shortest time. Alter this sale a certificate ia given and the owner has TWO YEARS AND SIX MONTHS TO REDEEM. | This redemption can only take place on tne pay- in ube year 1870 | the direction of tue Munich opera decided that | 18 publisued by Mir. | Aji the evenis of the first act take ; | Vivid flashes 0: ligntuing, the instrament oi Divine | getting together | continually had copying the songs of the chorus, That very morning He went out aud purcuased @ larger stone, and | commenced to make experiments, and, as we ail know, be finally succeeded in discovering the art of printing irom stone—litnograpoy, such was in Municu. The opera was to have been repeated the following evening. But a sad event inter- fered. Franziska Lebran was dead, fhe ex- haustion and excitement of the previons evening, together with the deep sorrow whicn had con. Summed her since the death of her husband, had caused the breaking of a vlood vessel. She Was sound in the attitude of prayer before her bed—so had Death surprised her, The news of her death Was taken to Mozart wuile he was breakfasting with Hoffmann. “he anyels needed one voice more,” he said, “to sing the praise of their Cre- ator, They have calied their sister to them. Not long and they will bave called a brother to them, wo.” Mogart died on the dim uf Qacambar. 1721, | the resale of the Arst periormance of “Don Juan" | | ment of all expenses incurred and fourteen per | cent interest added, Shou.d the owner tail to come | forward at the end of the specified time the pur- | chaser gets nis lease for the term of the original | bid, Them tt becomes imperative on the owner, should he alterwards wisd to enter absolutely | upon the control of his property, to make the best | vargain he can with tie purchaser of this lease, Shouid any iniormality arise as to a proper title of | the purchaser the city undertakes to return nim | hiS money, with seven per ceut interest additional. | A large catalogue of the property to be said has ! ueey printed, It contains ffiy-one pages. Yes- | terday H THE FIRST TEN PAGES WERB DISPOSED OP, | Among the owners im the catalogue are men- ; Uoned Messrs Jonn J, Astor, Danie, Drew, Fer- nando Wood, Thomas Dunitap, Edward Schell, | Euward Matthews, P. T. Barnum, W. s, Vander- out, Nathaniel Jarvis, Jr, A. R. Lawrence, Jono | Fox, Charies E, Loew and other prominent men. It may be asked why these owners allow toeir property to be sold, the assessments for which, ip | some instances, amount to on.y @ few dotlars, | IN MANY CASES THE PART:E3 DO NOT KNOW OP THE SALE, | and in others hopes are eutertatned of evading the | payment On eome techaical point. Hundreds of cases are pow before the Vourts, where it is sought fo escape payment on the ground of errors oth Of law and justice in levying the assess- | ment. Among the butldings to ve soid area | number of churches and institutions of al, denomi- | nations, The .act that corporation property is ad- | vertised becomes a mere jormaiity, This is done in order to assist the Clerk of Atrears in deter. muning title, and where actual ownership in the corporation ty discoverea the hoyse or lot is stricken from tne catalogue. BIX HUNDREO AND SIXTYFOUR LOTS AND BCILDINGS were thus sold yesterday, The ids ranged from | tity to 1,000 years. 1 are 3,727 buildings and | lets to be soid in all, The saie will be continued | on Friday next, and must take severai days to complete. AT THE EXCHANGE SALESROOM ! the pnbite transactions were as follows:—Mr. James M. Miller soid by order of the Court, under | the direction of A. H, Walus, referee, the dutlding, with ten lots. located on the northeast corner of | West and Bank streets; and under the direction of J. S. Lawrence, referee, unimproved property on Twelith avenue and 123d street, and the premi- se3 No. 38 King street. Messrs. Bleecker. Son & White sold by order of the Court, under the direce tion of Philo T, Ruggies, reteree, a Louse with lot on Twenty-eightn street, west of Sixth avenue, and Mr, Jere. Jonnson, Jr., solid at public aucuon unimproved Brookiyn property iocated on the Eastern Parkway, Kediord avenue, Degraw ana Union streets, The prices giveu below are over snd above an assessmeut of about $400 periot, The | gaie of thig Brooklyn property tasexcited much \ formea when certain improvements upon the line of which these several parceis disposed of were located, The improvement oi the Sackett street boulevard, whicn Was supposed to give this | property extra value, proceeded weil enough. but subsequently came the panic, which cnecked ali | euterprise, Yesterday's saie Was clearly one of } Nquidation, ‘That property is certainly worth more i) things were active (it was neld at very much higher figures—perhaps they were extravagant—two years go), and = that tue prices obtained yesterday snow the | lowes! point 01 eXveptional depression cannot be aoupted. Thus one evening paper says:—‘‘The public rales to-day (yesterday) were humerous und important, Several sacrifices were made, taking previous Cost inio Consideration. The alf- whica brougnt prices about eighty per cent Je: than former vaiuations. The saies of New York property were generally in loreciosure, where parties to the action covered their interest at iow pet ati erty we subjvin the following particulars inde- pendent of tne summary :— Jere, Jonnson soid ten lots, each 20x96, at the ; Boutnwesterly corner o! the Lastern Parkway | (Sackett street boulevard) and Bedtord avenue, | Brookiyn, yo Juseph Agate, for $410 each. | “Aigo ten’similar lots in rear, ou Union street, to same buyer, for $410 each. Aiso eight jots (four on Eastern Parkway street | and four ou Union street, north side), 200 feet west from Bediord avenue, to B, F, Waruer, for $400 eacn, Tne same auctioneer sold eleven other lots, with | three gore lots, next adjoining westerly, for $395 each. Aiso seventeen lots, 20x96 each, located on the northerly side of the Lastern Parkway, 200 leet west from bediord avenue, for $500 each, Also | twenty 1ois, south side of Degraw sireet, in rear, | for $500 each. Also two gore lots, one 24.5x96x 63.7X105,3, On Eastern Parkway, next adjoining weste ly, and one gore 10t, 42.10X103,5X3,7x96, on Degraw sireet, in rear, lor $500 each, Also sixteen lots, located at the southeast cor- | ner o! kastern Parkway and Bediord aveuue, €. | vending through to Cnion street, lor $400 each. | _ Also a plot, Z1.1, om south side of Enstern Park. | way, 161.7 feet east of Bediord avenue and 185.6 | leet to Union street, by 61,9X189,4, lor $1,400, These lots were sold subject 10 unpaid assess- ments amounting to $400 on each lot on the Boule- vard and $25 on each jot ou the other streets. THE FOLLOWING [3 THE SUMMARY of the day’s transactions. Saies made yesterday Qt public auction were as foliow: KEW YORK PROPERTY DY JAMES M. AULLER. 145, bk. tactory and 10 lots on the n. ¢, corner West and Baik sta, plot 1521x206, 2x117 8x21i.55 A.C. @ -on, second mortgages. (08,000 Tot, ne, corner Lith av. and 133d St. ik Higgins . * 2,300 1 lot adjoining. same ri 1.800 «1 lot adjoining, same Higgins, 1609 1 lot adjoining, sane size; & 8. Hixgins. 3,400 Tiot n, 8. 183d ste, 99.11 1 of ith av., size use 9911), S Higgins. . 1,950 T lot adjoining, same size 1,600 Lot adjoining, same size, B. 8. Higgins. 1,009 1 iot adjoining, same size! K. 5. Higgins. L290 Siots adiounsng, same size; Bs. Higgins, S000 1 lot adjoining, samme size 1,200 same 1,500 Hot agjouning, 38. bk. O, and Macdougal and Buckinguam 13s. 0, MIL, on s. 8 8th st, 140 th w. Of 6th ‘AY., lot 20x96.9; Pb. G. Maloney. cecee 19,800 BROOKLYN PROPRRTY—RY JERK JOHNSON, JR, 1 plot, bounded by Eastern Parkwiy, Bedtord ay. and Union si, 0x92; Jos Hackett 8,200 way, running through to Union «t., commencing 100 ft, w, Bedford av., size WWx192; B. F, Farrington 1 plot adjoiming the above on 1 piot on s. », Eastern ? | sessed to liquidate the expense of such work. The | owners have one year to pay this money aiter the | discussion in view of the expectations that were | ‘0 give a fli idea of the sale of Brooklyn prop- | mtevens ..... 3,160 Fplot, adjoining rege overt White ‘ a FU 1 plot on n. s. Baste ay. running throught to Degraw st, e. of Prankiln'ay,, size 44.5xi024 Henry biokinson.... .. Oe Ff : 450 1 plot adjoining above on ¢. side, 8x19) 'R'Waite, 4, 0 7 plot adjoining above, lWx192;'6 F. Warren..... 5.009 1 plot Adjoming above, luxid2; K, Kelty......ccc0 6,000 I plot adjoming above, dxivd; J. 0. uadington.. 2,000 T plot ons «: Sunwear astern Karkway and Bed: ord ay, FUMED (Nroush 'o Union st, vorether Ti inieOxl2s7) Wiluam Koster, ... + 8.200 | Laat adjoining above one. 8, $xi8).6; Hi, Fars Ms . 1 plat ad tau ——— THE MEMPHIS BONDS. The Indebtedness of the City—Meeting of Bondholders Yesterday, Yesterday, at twelve o'clock, & meeting of the representatives of the city of Mempnoia and the creditors took piace at the St. Nicholas Hotel, On November 28 the Mayor issued @ message in view of the action of the Genera! Councll, calling @ convention of the bonded debt creditors, in which it was submitted thatthe bonded debt of the city was $3,899,500—the past due interest (to January, 1875), $471,665—mak:ng $4,371,165, from which was to be deducted $220,000, on account of the sale of city stock, leaving the met debt $4,151,165, The closing paragraph of the Mayor's Message stated thit tney could Rot pay, and recommended tne establishment of @ new basis of credit, based upon the new Series of bonds to be issued and an annua: levy of some fixed amount for interest and sinking fund, with such guarantees as might be demanded by the bonded debt creditors, wich would be ac- ceptable to the taxpayers. In submitting this propo- sition to the General Council the Mayor (Hon. Jonn Loague) recommended that G, A. Hanson, City Attorney; Messrs. 1, M. Hil, E. M. Appersom, P. C, Bethel, J. M. Keating and Colonel A. J. Kel- lar sbeuld be appointed to meet witn the cred- jtors, With a View ro Obtaining (rom them some proposition acceptable to tue Council, and which could be acveptable to the people at the coming municipal election, These recommendations were approved by the Council, and tne gentiemen named were ordered to meet 1a New York, 00 Dee cember 15, in pursuagce of their spirit. Yesterday, therefore, in parlor 433 of the St. Nicholas Hotel, the first meeting took place, and the committee were enabled 10 expiain to the bondholders the exact state O! affairs, Mr. BE, M. Apperson was cailed to the chatr, and J. M. Keat- ing, of the Mernphis Appeal, was appointed secre- tary. There were present Colouel Kellar, of the Memphis Avalanche; Messrs, P. Bethel, and G. A. Hanson, City Attorney, and of the bondhoid- ers Colonel Lathers, of Ciiarieston; Messrs. F. H. Cossitt, of New York; Parsons, Peck, Alexander, Moses, Redmond, Graniss, Bierne and Bethel. The city Attorney explained the PINANCIAL CONDITION OP THB CITY, their entire inability to meet their indebtedness and exposed generally the Snanctal status of the city after the war, and reconstruction problems under which the burdens of tne citizens were reck- lessiy imposed. Aiter reviewing the act that the Valuation of city property Was $29,539,714, the re- ceipts for 1874 $572,923, and disbursements $553,918. «without showing @ Payment on account of city bonds, coud. ns and scrip) which makes a fatlure of avout $380,000 of interest, the official went on to snow that Memphis was taxed on two-thirds valuation Of reai estate, notwituscanding the Was a decrease of at least one-third tm value; therefore the taxation was on {ull vaiue of prop- erty. Mr, Bethel, a large property noider and city bondnolder, urged on nis fellow creditors a plan of conciliation by either a reduction of principal or rate of interest, at the same time promising if they wouid consent to this to piedge themselves that LEGISLATION SHOULD GUARANTEB them in atl their rignts. Colonel Lathers, of Charleston, introduced the following resolution, Which was adopted :— Resolved, That the holoers of bonds of the city o} Memphis im Charleston, Baltimore, Philadelphit elsewhere are hereby requested to call a meeting appoint one or two delegates each to meeta committes ‘of two appointed by this Convention, for the purpose of further consigeration of the questions now before tals Convention. Colonel Richard Lathers and F. H. Cossitt were appoinied the committee, with a proviso that if the latter declined to serve the former should Git the vacancy, The Convenrion piedved themselves: to carry out any legislation necessary to protect bondnolders in any equitable scheme for funding or scaling the debt, The committee found the beat feeling existing, and go to Baltimore, where a large amount of the city’s bonds are held, and Dope that tue frank in- itiative to meet ina proper spirit the question of their obligations wiil meet with a generous re- sponse irom creditors, who wit] doubtless coneult their interests by recognizing the trouple of the debtor and meet it in a libera! spirit. COMMERCIAL FAOILITIES, There was a meeting yesterday afternoon in the | room of the Ciamber of Commerce of the repre- sentatives of the different societies belonging to the New York Conierence on Commercial Facil- ities. Mr. S. B. Ruggles presided. Mr. Thurber commenced business Dy reading the minutes of the previous meeting, ana on motion they were adopted. Mr. Thurber then proceeded to read @ series of rules that d been drawn up for the guidance and direction of the body. A member moved to adopt them as a whole, but on the suggestion of President Ruggies they were taken up by section& After making some few correc- | tong in the actual wording of some of the rules nd bylaws, they were unanimousiy adopted. The mecting then adjourned, THE DECREASE OF EMIGRATION. Nearly Twenty Millions Lost to This Country by the Falling Of Last Year. Castle Garden has of late assumed a most deo serted appearance. Since the emigration hag 80 Vastiy decreased the old tumbie-down building, which was usually Allied with poor emigrants, living and sleeping there for days after their ar- rival, has completely lost ita wonted aspect of bustle and activity. Workmen are now ljayinga new floor, the Board having appropriated $2,000 for the purpose. The structure is sadly in need of other repairs, but the embarrassed financial con- dition of the Emigration Commission 18 an effect. ai bar to all other alterations. If the Legislature retuses to make an adequate appropriation— $300,000 18 the amount asked for—the Board will have to consign the emigrants under its care to the county authorities. The appropriation 1s asked for the purpose of heiping the Commissioners out of their financial dificuities, their indeptedness alone amounting to over $200,000, The arrivais yesterday were not numerous. The Caliiornia, of the Anchor line, irom Glasgow, | brought 97 i ae passengers, most 0: whom were Irish and Scoren, ana the Wyoming, o§ the Willams & Guion line, about 60, English and Irish. The total emigration for this year—eXciusive of persons who had p:eviously been in this country—will provably pot exceed 140,000, whiie the number for last year was 206,000. . 1t ig not expected that the emigration wiil materially revive in the next jew yeais, owing to the re- ports of hard times in tis country waich have been spread broadcast ali over Europe. Ihe im- portance of this iact wiil be appreciated by all who reflect that Mr. Kapp, iormerly a member of thd Commission, but now in the German Parlament, estimates the immediate aver- age gain to the country of each emt grant at $150, Based upon this very moderate estimate the immediate loss to this country im the failing off trom 1373 to 1874 would amount to $18,900,000, This is, of course, exclusive of the subsequent annual !oss of labor and its value in opening the resources of and outlding ap tis great country, Tue decrease, as previously stated 1D these columns, 1s greatest in the emigra: tion from Germany, and next to the German It most aifects the Lrish influx, The only recompense for this tremendous loss lies in tae fact, as stated | by ali the emigration authorities who are in @ po sition to know, that the quauty of the emigrants bas improved as much ‘as their number has de- creased. Every year there isa siignht but plainly perceptible improvement in the grades of occupa. tion from which the emigrants are recruited. Some years ago the Commissioners attempted to ascertain the amouns of caan brought by each emigrant; but, a migat have been expected, this plau Jailed, irom their unwillingness to render a | true account of the extent of their worldly goods, It is, therefore, tmpossiule to teil with any degree 0; precision how much money the average emt- grant brings to these snores; but Mr. Kapp’s estimate comes probably as near it as is posst ble under the circumstances, The present system of registry includes only the names, age, nativity, occupation and prospective desunation of the emigrants, The number of persons now under the care of the Commission {s 969. Ihere were 466 in the Nospitai on Ward's Istand yesterday (293 men, 106 woiLen and 68 children), 172 im the asylum (84 men, 87 Women and | child), 1451n the maje refuge (127 men and 18 boys), 75 in the female refuge (42 men ana 32 women), and 110 in the narsery (30 women and 80 children). Tne San Ory ot tois army Of depenuents costs $2 20 a week per head. A DINNER TO THS TRAVELLERS, | Proceedings of the American Geograph. feal Society. The Council and Fellows of the American ' Geographical Society wili give a banquet at Del monico’s during February to the leading travel lers and explorers 01 America. It is expected that the gathering will have a considerabie influence upon the American representation to the Geo graphical Congress tn Paris, and pave the way to @ complete exposition of American travel the World over at the Centennial Exhibition. Bforte are being made to render éta priliant banquet, Among the invited guests wili ve Bayard Taylor, , Protessor Arsold Guyot, George Kenuao, Frank Vincent, Jr.; Dre if Hayes, Provessor Join S. Newberry, General W. T. Sherman, Protessor F. Vs | Hayaen, Proiessor Whitney, i, tenant Volliug, United States Navy} Cuauiu; Commander Luil, United ;states Navy Hon, Robert B, Roosevelt, Clarence Kini fessor Youmans, Admiral Lae Wiilam By but, Major Powoli, General A. J. Myer, Profle: Orton, Alexander Agassiz, Lieutenant George Oneaee Qeitain shufelae Proveesor, ayonder Hey, Captain shuleldt, Baird, Venera, Custer, General Sheridan, 3.20)'| Mander Selfridge. Professor Dana, Maior Powalk Law | Professor Hartt.