The New York Herald Newspaper, April 2, 1875, Page 3

THE CANAL FRAUDS. The Enemies of Reform in the Legisla- ture Waxing Wrathy. The New York Merchants Sus- tain Governor Tilden. TWO IMPORTANT MEETINGS. The Chamber of Commerce and the Produce Exchange Demand Seven Feet of Water, NO MORE UNBALANCED BIDS. Speeches by L. Bradford Prince, Judge Pierrepont, William E. Dodge and Abram S. Hewitt. Action of the Tammany General Committee. ALBANY, April 1, 1875, The anger and disappointment of the Canal Ring are finding vent both in words and in acts. In the first place, the pretended friends of reform, who are, in fact, the allies of the Ring, have begun to accuse Governor Tiiden of an insincerity equa; Wo their own. He has no real purpose to investi- ate and punish fraud, they say, but wishes to keep the subject open n element of strength % hig own behalf in the next election. Even if ‘Whey correctly divine the Governor’s purposes in this respect they contradict themseives in the terms in which they express their understanding ‘of the end he has tn view. Investigation and pun- ishment must prove his best aids in securing the Gemocratic nomination for the Presidency in 1876, and his enemies know that he will not fail to use ail the means at bis command to attain both of these objects. It is in vain, therefore, for them to attribute to him their own wishes as nis de- sign, or to pretend that their zeal is necessary to compel him to follow out his original purpose. It iw fonny to observe the shapes which tnis pre- tended zeal on the part of the irtends of the Kung assumes, Just now the legislation already had ‘upon the subject falls far short of the stringency they affect to desire. Somuch concerned are they dn this regard that they are fearing the resolution for a commission of investigation already passed by both houses will not have the force of law in securing the object for which it was passed and that all legisiation based upon it will Gonsequently jai to the ground. This is a matter of such deep concern to the constitutional lawyers in the As- sembly that when the Senate bili for empowerlng the commissioners who are to be appointed by th Governor to subpena witnesses and compel their attendance came up the learned pundits in that body asked Jor delay in its consideration that they might have time tostudy its legal aspects, The re- Publican majority in tne Senate allowed the bil to be read a third time and put Upon its passage on the night of its introduction; but when it reached the Assembly this morning Mr. Hammond objected to its immediate consider- ation, and it was referred tothe Committee on Canals under the rule. The PETYY CHAGRIN AND FREBLE SPITE of such action on the part of the canal faction in the House are apparent on its face, ana all that Mr. Hammond gained by his objection was to tmi- tate the example of Dogberry and write himself down an ass, The amendments which this faction propose to make to the bill are just specious evouge to expose tieir insincerity and show now much they fear what they pretend to be so anxious to secure. They insist, for instance, tnat legisia- Vive proviston must be made for an open and public investigation and speedy report by the commission, All this certainly is necessary; but the Governor who Was first to expose the frauds on the canals and to ask for the investigationis hardly open to the suspicion of wishing to make a star chamber invesugation, The mere suggestion of such a thing is contrary to all we know of Gover- Bor Tiiden’s character and plans, and it is an ab- surdity, alter what has already occurred, to con- vend that he would seek to conceal tne sins of the snal Ring from the public knowledge. Nobody knows this better than the apologists of the Ring, who are now anxious for extending the scope of the legislation and inquiry, and it is partly fear and partly cunning which induces them to ow so much Zeal at this time. Unfortunately both their acts aod their words belie their professions, and It is plain to the meanest understanding that they are only trying to keep up a bold front tll the storm blows over. All previous investigations Oj canal trauds and attempts at the punishment of corrupt engineers and fraudulent contractors bave ended in talk, and the Canal Ring looks for the same result now, if only the talk can be prolonged into utter weariness with all inquiry. View this subject as we may, it is found to ve surrounded with difficuities. The Governor ap- proves the Committee of Investigation appointed by the Canal Board yesjerday, though it is hardly Dossivie to divine the Paes of this particular tnquiry. No one doubts the integrity of the Li tenant Governor, the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, the three gentlemen who com- pose it, but their asefuiness is quite another mut- ter. The effect of the multiplicity of investigating committees must be to embarrass ail real investi- gation, and this is an overwhelming objection to their appointment at all, and especially by the Caval Board. Ihave been told that the purpose of their appointment is to bring the corrupt engi- neers to justice, but this certainly could be better mM belore the courts than by stigation as the Attorney General ai tes can make, All that these gentlemen out in their capacity as 0 An @ committee will in all probability be useless jor auy practical purpose. ne Attorney General scarcely needs the as- sistance of Li associates in determining whom to i the Canal Board, as @ whole, is ed With caring for tne interests of the State and bound to examine all the contracts go descredited by the Governor's Message. It would have been much more sensible and gaisfactory if this had been done by the whole Board than by the interposition of a committee ‘when committees are aiready too numerous, All those willsoon be im juli blast, tne mbiy having concurred in the resolution for a jot committee, and nothing now remaining to be done except to name the men who are to compose the investigating boards. Wita the appointment Of these the excitement will end, some necessary legisiation being the only thing besides wich can be done for tue present, ACTION OF THE SENATR. Even the Senate has quit ing, and a resola- tion ofered by Mr, Jacobs this morning instrnct- jog the Senate Judiciary Committee to report @ Dil tor putting into effect article ten, section feven, Of the constitution as recommended by the Governor, afd reierring the rest of the Message the Committee on Canaia, to report a oill for carrying the other recommendations into effect, was passed, This turns of all the gas, and ‘the exciting canal controversy will now become like every- thing else in. Albany, & matter of mere dull rouune, Nothing is known as yet as to whom the Governor Will appoint as commis. sioners to Make the Important investigation, ana comparatively litte interest is felt im the appornt- ment of Lieutenant Governor Dorsheimer and Speaker McGuire upon te Joint Legislative Com- mittee. it was rumored, however, that the speaker ‘would announce the com aitiee on the part or the Assembly sais evening and & good many people wended their way to the Cnamber to hear tbe announcement. it was not made, how- ever, and Mr. Davis’ Canal bil), which ‘was the order for tis evening, was pust- special ned tili next Tuesday. Tue Speaker will name ve committee in the morning. The Senate bill reerred to the Jadiciary Com- S100, Was reported back is oppowenws having repen- jalse step they made in seeking to delay it. 6 Commission DOW has fail power to go to work as soon us it is appointed and confirmed, and the Legisiature is free vo busy dwell Wita remedial legisiation. CANAL LRGISLATION. Mr. Page introduced a bil in the Assembly this evening ip relation 40 the canals, Whica provides that hereafter ali contracts for new or extraordi- nary repairs stall be advertised jor by the Aud- NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, APRIb 2, 1875.—TRIPLE SHEET. eueny to be just the reverse; the Presidency had ] proposals shall be mo/ie ander such reguiations as |7of such vast to this-city and btate as paid Canal Board 6%all prescribe, and ali awards those whic! ere here ed to consider, nfl be made such Board’ and th tagged, there are few, if any, questions whicn shall be 81 on touch greater or more vital national interests Auditor and Canal Cot joners than the question of the proper or improper man- division Where such work is to be in ement of the canals of the State of New York. tion to the present duties of the Ca joard, the |! Stave Nngiveer, or im case of his mability to act, the Deputy ae BagbeaF, spall certity to the Auditor t be has porsenely examined the work to be let and is of the opinion that the plans and location are proper and the es- tumated quantities carefully and judiciously deter- mined. No contract shaliembrace work exceed- ing the quantities estimaved and ibe agyre- gate thus produced suall be the of the final account to be paid in contract. But whenever the work shall not be ch limit the balance of toe ‘kK may be relet ander the provisions of this or, if the Canal Boara shall deem it for the best interest Of the State, the Canal Commis- sioner in charze may complete the same through bis OWn superintendents or agents, fund which, paying the expense thereof from tn a8 been applied to such contract. No plan, map, or specification, adopted by the Canal Board shail be altered during tne progress of the work; nor shail there be any increase in the amount of work or materials exhiviied at the time oi! the letting ; nor shallone kind of work or materials be substitated for another kind, except by the consent of the Canal Board, nor unless the de- Scription Of such alterations, signed by the parties miking the same, is fied both with the Aaditor and State Engineer, Provision 1s made for rejecting what are called unbalanced bids, The State Engincer is directed to experimentally determine the tractive force required to move canal boats at an expense not to exceed $2,500. The State Engineer 18 aiso di- rected to determine at an expense not to exceed $10,000, the depth of the Erie and Uswego canals during the season of 1875, So as to ascertain the condition of the bottom ot said canals, and wnat expenditure is necessary to secure the full depth Of seven foet, ; The bill was ordered to be printed, THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. At the regular monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, held yesterday afternoon, at their rooms, No. 63 William street, President Wil- ham E. Dodge in the chair, the subjeet of the canal frauds came up by the presentation of the following resolutions by First Vice President George Opdyke, which were unantmously adopted: — Resolved, That Governor Tilden, true to his honorable record against the fraudulent ting officials of this city, hus gow placed the citizens of our whole State under lasting obligations by bis bold and masterly exposure of the enormous irauds connected with the administration of the New York canals, fi Resolved, That this Chamber, as the oldest commer cial organization of the state, and the one expressly au thorized by charter to speak in the name of its enure commercial interests, fecis specially called upon to ex- press its gratitude to the Governor for his fearless and | vigorous effort to arrest these trauds, so discreditable to | the character of our state and so ‘ious to its com: werciat interests, His effort dese the commenda- tion aud hearty support ot every citizen of the state. Kesolved, That the special Mesive ot the Governor on “Canal Frauds” is in perfectharmagny with the views he expressed in his annual Message. I that document he manifested broad and accurate knowledge in relation to the present condition of the canals, clearly pointed ont their detects and suggested the remedies that he deemed essential to their increased efficigney and productive. ness, and also to the integrity and’ economy of their a ministration. Among the remedies he suggests e 8 Proper disposition of the unproductive iateral canals, the securing of @ uniform depth of seven feet in the | waver way ot the Ene Canal, modifications in the | present plan of administermg them. Resolved, That, in the judgment of the Chamber, it is absoiuiely essential to the efficient management of these | canals that ths department of the otate government | should be under the control ot a single executive head, pointed by the Governor and Senate and removable the pieasure of the Governor, with power to appoint and remove his subordinates, and who alone should be heid responsible for the proper management of the canals All experience goes to prove that this is the only safe method of securing efficiency, fidelity and economy in the administranon of public affalis, Resolved, That the Chamber will watch with deep in- terest the progress of this praiseworthy effort of the jovernor to secure periect integrity in the Canal De- partment, and will aid that effort by all proper means within its power. Resolved, That copy. of these resolutions, duly at- tested by the office the Chamber, be forwarded to His Kxcellency Governor tilden. TOLLS ON WHBAT AND FLOUR. Mr. Samuel 8. Raggles heartily applauded the resolutions a8 passed, and desired, in the same connection, tq introduce another resolution of, | perhaps, more practical value, indorsing the | proposition to reduce tue canal tolls on wheat and flour. Resolutions, a8 iollows, were then unan- imously aaopted :— Resolved, That the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York cordially approve the recent proposition ot tho Canal Board to the Le; ire to reduce the tolls on wheat and flour thirty-three and one-third per cent. ‘hat copies of olution, duly” au- ¢ officers of the Chamber, be trans- and Assembly. ‘ CANAL MANAGEMENT. Mr. Ruggles said that the proposed change woula | Make the toll about one cent per bushel, and tue reduction would have a magical effect upon every one interes’ed tn the supject. Forty years ago, when ten cea(d per oushel was @Xacied as the tuil on Wheat acd he predicted tue time would arrive when it would be reduced 10 two cents per bushel, the present rave, be was c) demned 26 4 lunatic, was called a M&dwan, was proscribed, abused, viltfled and aimost compelied to flee his country. great occasion to him and a matter of profound satisiaction that he could say, alter a battle of forty years, to the Chami that he had lived so long, tuily beveving that would see the toll on wheat reduced to one cent per vuenel, col F. A. Conkling offered tne following Resolved, That the se 'y transmit to each of the members of the senate and Assemuly a copy of the re. port on the canals of New York. by tie Committee of Ine Chamber of Commerce ou Kailway and Canal Legis- ation. In moving the adoption of the resolution, Mr. Conkitng paid a high compliment to the author of tue report, Mr. Sarnuel B. Raggies, holding that it deverved the widest circulation and approval. While the speaker had sat sient when the reso- lutions introduced by Mr. Opdyke were being cou- sidered, and whieh he cordially approved aod voted jor, yet that provision calling jor@ change in the mabagement of the canals, which neces- sitates the alteration of an organic law, did not meet nis views. He heertily indorsed, however; Governor Tilden’s warfare on the Can: Ring, snd it was his opinion, notwith- standing that the political ~overtnrow and death of the Governor was predicted, that he is destined to put this great Ring under bi feet, altnough all his predecessors who the irauds, toe peccadilioes in ex- i cease. it was one of tue favorable impressions in this season of duii times, that the commupity possess a greater sense of morality than ever beiore existed. It was an ex- cellent omen, and suouid be #0 regarded. It was also true that tne corruption of the Tammany Ring Which received such an overthrow a lew years since argued a low state of public morals, and woile the change jor tne better was greeted With the greatest satisiaction, he, with all weil- ped that Governor Tilden in bs warfare upon the Canal Ring would meet with the moxt Unequivocal success. The on as offered naent Opdyk swering that n of Mr, Conkling’s remark ative to & fe of the constitution, said there was a dider- ence of opinion under what authority the proposi- tion of putting the canals under the control of a single executive head conid be made, yet the change is necessary to secure an efficient and economical administration of the canal affairs. Should an alteration of the constitution be re- nired to effect tne purpose intended, thea tet that be done, ELRCTION OF MEMBERS, Mr. Solon Humphreys, chairman of the Execu- tive Committee, reported the following named candidates for membership of the Chamber, all of Whow were unanimously elected:—Joun V. N. Dorr, David Dows, William A. Hall, James Hasle- burst, Charies ©. “ay William F. Havemeyer, Leousrd Hazietine, Jr., A. W. Humphreys, Wiliam L. Pomeroy, Henry Sanger, Thomas W, Shannon, Samuel Shethar aod John Sloane, ANNUAL BANQUET AND ELMCTION, Mr. Humphreys further reported the following Tesolutions, Loth of which were unanimousiy adopted :— Resolved, That it be referred to the officers of the Chamber, with power to make the necessary arrange- ments for the annual be nquet on the 6th of May next. solved, That Messrs. 8. B, Chittenden, Jackson 8 Schultz atid sinclair Tousey be and are’ hereby ap- pointed a special committee to nowinate officers of We Chamber for the ensuing year. MISCELLANROUS BUSINESS, On motion of Mr, Kuot 0, Cowain @ committee of five was appointed to be present at the one hundredth anaiversary of the battle of Lexington, April 19; also to attend tne ceremonies to take piace on the subsequently appointed the jollowing gentiemen as the committee:—Eliot ©. Cowdin, 5S. B. | aaa F. A. Conkling, A, A. Low and Josiah ke. Captain Snow offered a resolution, which was adopted, asking the Chamber to request the As- sembly to pass the bill, Dow before them, prombit- ing the \hrowing of ashes and cinders in the hac- bor and rivers. The chairman appointed Messrs. George A. Jarvie and Wilitam M. Vermilye an anditing com- mittee on the forthcoming report of the Treasurer, Adjvurned, THE PRODUCE EXCHANGE. The meeting yesterday afternoon at the Prodace Exchange was a powerful demonstration, at- tended as it was not only by members of that body but by representatives of almost all the commercial bodies in the city, Mr. Franglin Edson presided. On the platform were Colonel Frederick Conkiing, 8. B. Raggies, A. A. Low, Wil, liam E. Dodge, Judge Pierrepont and many other distinguished citizens. The proceedings were characterized by enthusiastic unanimity, and certain portions took the shape of » periect ova- tion to Governor Tilden. Mr, Edson, the president, opened the meeting With the foll ing introductory remarks :— FELLOW MrMBERS AND MERCHANTS oF New York—The merchants of New York have selaom Aor, Wyses GreCoy Of the Venal Hoard. and ali) been called Ryon ior AD eXpresdop BPOR AUwiecis | He was glad tom day had arrived, for it was a | | ‘or more than forty years they have constituted the great artery through which the products of Western soil have moved to the seaboard for cou- sumption and exportauon, And now that other avenues are being opened, by which trade will be aiverted to other ports than ours, it becomes the most serious consequence that the financial affairs of our canals Should be economically and honestly administered. The Oni 18 ‘of the State of New York ardently ap) Boreas of this subject; and, corrupt practices were prevatlin hitnerto successfully defies sure, ne has dared to tak per steps fo) ing them to Light, regardless of those who might be concerned therei It 18 because the people in cheap tran sportaston to look into these matvers that it has become possibie for great frauds to be committed. It is on this account, feliow citizens, that we have called you here to- day, that, as members of this great Common- wealth, you may give some fitting ex)ression to your views and sperety sironiasnan the bands of our Chief Executive, that he may be succexs/ul in his second great endeavor to overthrow fraud in hign places. And inorder that we may make ‘the most of the short time that cau be given to a meeting like this, we have invited, tu your name, those gentlemen familiar with the subjects under consideration to add: you. LETTERS OF SYMPATHY, Letters from a number of distinguished citizens regretting their enforced absence were read, a3 folows:— LETTER FROM GOVERNOR DIX. Gentiemen—I bave just received your favor of this morning inviting me to address the imeeting to be heid on Thursday to approve “the action of Governor Tilden in his recent exposure of the canal trauds heretotore commuted,” and regret that it is notin my power to acceptit. Tam sure that [ need not say that | warmly the object of the meeting and that I symp: sin lv and fully with all efforts to correct abuses in ministration of the canal system. I ‘uly JOUN A. DIX. LETTER FROM WILLIAM M. BYARTS. No, 52 Watt Staeet, March 29, 1875. My Drax Srr—Nothing would give me xreater pleas- ure than to take part in the important meeting to be held at the Produce Exchange on Thursday next, to support Governor Tilden 1 bis public action the systematic trauds which have so long cheated our internal commerce and overloaded our taxes. I greatly Tegret that my professional engagements will prevent tending your meeting. hall lose no opportunity that may offer itself to my aid to the vigorous policy and purposes of out exceliént Governor that inay be in my power. He serves and will receive the support ot ihe honest people of the State, regardiess of party ipteresis and politcal distinction, With my thanks for the honor the committee have done me by their invitation to address the meeting, I am, very traly yours, WILLIAM M. KVARA Wide H, Puxurs, Secretary, 4c. LETPER PROM GOVERNOR TILDEN. Stare or Saw Youe, |} Executive Ouamper, ALBANY, March 31, 18/5. Gryrixmex—Official engagements here render it im: possible for me to accept your invitation to-day r. ) te or It 18a subject of con- gratulation that the business men geueraliy, as well as those you specially represent, take so strong an interest anil so energetic a part in this important movement. th “malice toward none,” even “with charity for all,” but with inexorable fidelity to the rights of the plundered people, we must insist ‘on the bei trainable security tor the future and on every practicable indem- aly for the past. ‘0 that end T rely on the cordial and effective co- greets of the business men of your city and of the State. With great respect, your obedient servant, SAMUKL J, TILDEN. To J. H. Reep, Founrsr H. Pankx and CuaRues SPEAR, Committee New York Produce Exchange. Alter the reading of this letter three che Governor Tiiden were given. LETTER FROM MAYOR WICKHAM. Exxconve Darantunyr, } Orry Harn, New York, April 1, 1875. Wiuuax H. Pieurs, Esq., Secretary, &c. -— Sir—i received ra} ago the invitation of the Produce Exchat to attend the meeting to-day, and have deferred an acknowledgment in nopes of bein, able to accept 1 find now, however, that important official engagements unavoidably: detain me here durin r P for aa; all the afternoon. iden has had my bes! wishes in his recent efforts to expose and punisn fraud upon the public treasury and corruption in office. Th 4 are in natural sequence and fulfilment ot the policy a plans maucurated here foar years ago by some of our est cituzensin the assault Upon the thieves in both Reton parties who had until then raled and pluo- jered this community, ‘That assault was made snecessful then by this corpo- ration of the members of the Produce Exchange and of o.ber merchants and business men of the city, who usually take but little interest in political affairs, but who Were then at last thoroughly aroused to the appail- ing necessity tor concerted action the first duties of citizens under a government based upon universal suffrage. itis to the influential business ien of the Stave that the Governor now addresses him- d upon them we rely ior practical results of the jons in which he has so ably taken the lead. T heartily indorse the recommendation for redaction of canal tolis to the minimum of necessary charges, and. shall co-operate in every way possible with th a cious wen uow endeavoring to increase the terminal faciiities at this port fur receiving, handling ana export- ine freiznis. As to those matters and all others, the members of the Produce Exchange may be assured that it shall be my constant efforis, to develop to the uimost the great advantages and possibilities of New York as the commercial emporium of the country. Very re- spectiully, WILLIAM H, WICKHAM, READING OF AN ADDRESS, After reading these letters an address from the Committee on Resolntions was read, praising Governor Tilden in terms of unbounded enthu- Siasm. After alluding to the vital intportance of the canal to the city of New York, it says the Canal Message has made Governor Tilden “the standard-bearer of the State, irrespective of party considerations, and shaken to its very centre & power to do evil, which heretofore in the assump- tion of its pride judged tiself invulnerable, and Whose rapacity for gain has well nigh sapped to tue very foundations the maguificent waterways of commerce throughout the State.” “Such is the Canal King, the power that makes and unmake: goverpors—and th: ig just the power that Governor Tilden stands up against and defies. A diamond shines ita brigatest when placed ina dark setting, and so shines out this great and good Man against the dark background of the Canal Ring. Shall it ummake him and we stand idly by? No; much rather snail we not give power to his biows, carnestiy, unitediy, beartily, till the Ring 1s broken into iragments, and its pieces ground to powder.” (Enthusiastic applause.) The jollowing resoiutions were then read:— THE RESOLUTIONS, Whereas His Excellency Samuel J. Tilden iq his recent Message io the ure on the subject of the state canals Sequewed the attention of that Laney d to— Fi The petition of persons engaged in navigating the canals, representing the depresset state of their busin praying for legislative relief through the mediam of » wise reduction of tolls. id-—The relative positions of sach persons to the State and the consideration due to their demands. Third—The income received from the canais, the or- dinaryexpeuses incurred in their extraordinary repairs and the exists over (lis collectod im the past five years. Fourth—The laxity and demoralization existing in official and political management of the canals; an organized association (kuown as the Canal Ring) wh fatiens on abuses of public expenditure,” and the marked evidences of fraud in the administration of the present contract system, PYth—The necessity tor tmmedtate investi; I wrong doers and jatest possible good unmary Puuishinent of al ation as will insure the canals, the commeroe of the state and ail parties laver- ested in the navigation of its waters, Therefore, be 1t resolvea— Firt—That the merchants of New York are deeply in- teresten in all matiers pertaining to the canals, recog. nizing them asthe means by which this city and state obtained thelr prestige in commercial importance. aud. through which they hope to retain the control ef tne grain trade of the United states against all competi- tion. Second—Tnat we respect and acknowledge as friends ail persons engaged in navigating the canals, deeming them tuvaluable auxiliaries to “cheap transportation and to the producing and commercial interests of the whole country. Third—That we heartily approve the recommenda- tions of His Excellency the Governor and the Canal Board eduction of tolls during tne coming season, believing that such a concession is imperatively neces: sary in view of the efforts now making in every direc- tion to divert the grain trade trom the city of New York into other channels. Fourth—That, the ‘merehants of New York here assem- died. irrespective of creed or party, recognize in Gov- ernor Tilden a inan of indomitable courage, probity an determination, in whose wisdom they lave every conf dence and to whose standard for the suppression of wrong they cheerfully raliy. Fyih—That the whole mercantile community ts Es Pro- tthe Nath the Legislature the strict and impartial invest gation suggested by Governor Tillen, in the full hope t Will result in such legislation Il assure. as far as practicable, restitution to the State, switt punishment to the guilty, and render a repetition of like evils in canal Management absolutely impossibie, Secenth—That the President of the New York Produce Exchange be directed to send copies of these resolutions he Governor of the State and to each member of the Senate and Assembly. Fighth—That the thanks of the meeting are due and are hereby fendered to the pross of the city and state for their Valuable assistance in bringing the attention of the Public to these all important subjects. SPERCH OF JUDGR PIERREPONT. As first speaker, Hon. Edwards Pierrepont was introduced and received With great appiause, The jollowing is the substance of his address : MR. PRESIDENT AND MERCHANTS OF THE CITY oF New York—It gives me ge pleasure to second the resolutions, and I feel that it is an encourag- ing sight that citizens of New York, without Tegard to politics, have assembled to do honor to our fearless Governor and bis noble coadjutors in canal reform. It shows thatthe peopie mean 'o have @ good government and care little whether it 18 democratic or republican so long as itis houest, intelligent and capabdie. Thr are ago Jast summer Samuel J. Tiiden was foremost in the prosecution of the municipal frauds, and then his enemies said that hia grave was dog. Now they teil us that this canal exposure will dig him another grave; bat I predict ‘hat the peopie will heartily support him, He aeserves still more crealt from toe % that he had to ti some of the leaders of his own party. The ¥ who have plundered this city have been ariven into exile, Sod I trust that the thieves whom he is now pur- suing Will (ollow them to p a and exile. (Ap- piause.) [ proclaim here to-day that when the next Presidenpial election comes men will not care mach about party, but first look into tae question oi honesty. (Applause.) You cannot succesaialiy carr, y government uniess you bring tor- ward tne inteliigence of the couatry to make your governors, and When sne time tas come that peo- pie Will underssand (hat yoa will that a great change wiil be effected. You andl e tried to atvempt & reiorm in this city, and one thing Is certain that if we cannot aye @ free and repabli- cap government to provect us the people will have Anower MoverO Men. pe sb CVPR & WEAROUG Opse | taxes are ne ay in performance of, Fotect them. Protection the people will hi low, uM you cannot have @ government which will make the tolls on the canals, the taxes, the whariage, &c., #0 low that other cities cannos trade more ohe@ply than New York, our city wul not much longer retain its present prosperity. You never ke money, merebants of New Fark, make any uptil transportation is cheaper, until jower and until tuere is such & change ip the affairs of the state as to inspire confidence in the tutare, What is our state now? Thousanas out of work; 60,000 emigrants have returned home since our troubles began, And whys it, singe we have had ten eee of peace, rich nar- ves public heaith? It comes from the unwise and iraudulent legisiation of our ruicrs, I dou’t believe that periect confidence will be restored until ot? §=Because ‘ture; because there is nO trust in the wisdom of our legisiators, When you will send men to high places who have earned chara ters for aoility and integrity, then you will get a government which will reduce your taxes, whic! will protect your rights, in which you can rep confidence, and the futare will become bright we will start On again in that great course of prosperity to which, ander God, 1 believe we are destined. (Applause.) SPEECH OF HON, L. B, PRINCE, Hon. L. Bradiord Prince was the next speaker. He said he had lelt the session at Albany because he considered that it was just as much in the line of his official duty to attend this great gatnering and to learn the wishes of the merchants in re- gard to this great subject of canal reiorm as to attend the session. it was very fitting that the first meeting should take place here, for thie was @ subject of paramount importance to those represented on this floor, The prosperity of New York depended on its means of communication with the interior of the State and the great West, lt has been gen- erally & matter of astonishment that the mer- chants of New York telt such apathy ip regard to these matters. ‘Ine prosperity of New York stood in exact ratio to its Means of transportation with the terior. It was not until New York bad superior communication with the interior travis became the great commercial emporium of the nation. It was in the first place that magnificent river leading 150 miles into the State, and in the second piace the Erie Canal which, in 1830, after the completion of the latter, made 16 the first be 4 1p point of population, (Applause.) fer press had unanimously denounced the canal ver and the name of unbalanced bids was how as famiilar a8 a schoolhouse word, They had all seen specimens of these bills, and the irauds were patent on the lace of them. Now the Message of the Governor calied for two kinds ol action—iegisiative and preventive. The first of these, looking to the passage of laws which would Make tue repetition of such irauds impossibie, could be taken ‘at once, aid meetings like the present were very useful im their moral eflect upon the Legislature. He hoped that stich pre- Yentive laws would be passed at once. The priu- coal flawinthe present system was mainly the diffusion of responstbil{ty and the fact that five of the members of the Canal Board, like the Lieu. tenant Governor, Attorney General, &c., were not elected with a view to their ftness as Canal Com- missioners. These five formed the majority of the Boara; but even if the nine men were angels of erection the canals could not ve weil conducted. le believed in small bodies; three were better than nine, and one better than three, (Applause.) It was not fhe fault of allof them that this tault exisied, jor the Constitutional Convention, whose work was deleated by the Lsgislature of 1873, laced the management of the canals into we nds Of one man to be reappointed by the Gov- ernor, If this law was now in force they would have a canal commissioner appulated by Governor Tuden, He trusted that tue present Legisiature would pass an amendment to the constitution, to be submitied to tne people, by which this | change would be effected, He held in bis hand a bill creating this change, and hoped that it would passed. Mr. Davis’ bill was designed to pre- vent canal frauds. As to the other part of Governor Tilden’s recom- mendatiou—the tnvestigation—it could be made by a commission sy pomnten by the Governor or by @ Legislative committee, He dia not believe that the latter could do much between now and the end of the session so near at hand. The first. now- er, might worg all summer, and could not iail to bave the confidence of the people. You need not wait till next year, however, for the trial and conviction of the offenders; but unaer an exist- ing law, Assembly bill 168, the money fraudulently torted could be recovered, and under another existing Jaw perpetrators of the frauds could be criminally punished, At the request of the Gov- ernor, the aN re General must commence pro- | ceedings, so that the initiative resis with tue same man Who has made this exposé. He did not tnink that tne Governor had taken this action from revengeiul or political motives, Jor he had #iways been the friend ahd supporter of reform &nd tue foe of frand and corruption. (Appiause.) This was simply & question of hon- eaty or disuonesty—(applause)—and whether the Governor was @ republican or a democrat he Bim. (Appianse.) The people were not to ve trifled with; taey were feurtully in earnest; they meant the clearing out of these canal men, aud the overthrow of the entire system under which they had grown rich, (Applause.) SPERCH OF WILLIAM E. DODGE. Mr. Wililam E. Dodge first alluded to the action of the Chamber of Commerce in regard to this sub- ject. The trouble was that mercnants had always confined tcemaeives to their own business, The caval md&? BoWerer, had made it impossjole tor them to do mut t they bad tuken up this maiter and made it tneirown business, (Laughter.) Relerring to the needs of the canal, he said the depta must be seven feet all through. In the Chamber there sat beside bim a man to ‘whom the city owed more than it did to any other, @ manoupon whom the mantie o/ De Witt Clinton had fallen, samuel B. Ruggies. (Appiause.) Some | thirty years ago he (Mr. Ruggles) made a predic- tion, for which he was laughed at then, bat which he now saw lulililed. He begged to imtiodace Mr. 5S. B. Ruggies. (Great cheering.) SPEECH OF MR. RUGGL: Mr. Samuel B, Ruggies said he was threatened wita penalty of death if he delivered a long au- Gress. Hence he would only say a few word e ‘twenty years ago he served in the Legislature and was at the bead of the Finance Coinmittee, He made it bis business to inquire what it was that made this city most rich, He reported that the greatest necessity was the enlargement of the Eric Vagal, and predicted that the toll on & bushel of Wheat, Which was thea ten cents, would, in time, be reduced to two. ‘This predicuon he had lived to see fulfilled, (Appiause.) Some 800,000,000 bushels of wheat were produced by tuts country. and of this at least half ought to come to the sea, and only 189,000,000 bushels were brought East. Why? Because thieves diverted | the rest, traitors to the State, who ought to be banged. (Enthusiastic applause.) During the last ten years $6,500,000 had been expended on oraiwary repairs on (he canals. it reminded bim | of a neighbor of his, Wno discovered somebody stealing au bi pork, and askea him not to take ave him a@ lictie, on Bat thieves toon all, (Langiter. le concluded with dweiling on the necessity of digging out the bottom of the canal and of the flats of Lake St. Ciair, and placing tne management of the canal in the hands of aa inspector until a proper body could be organized, which might be done within | sixteen montus, plauded. ’ SPEECH OF ERASTUS BROOKS. Mr, Egastus Brooks was the next speaker. His Speech concluded as follows:—‘Tuere must ve honest, ipteliugent engineers, and aii locai en- giweers vught vo be recommended to tue Governor and Senate by the Engineer-at-Large, with power of removal jor cause, There ought to be a Uanal Superintendent, with undoubted integrity and | capacity, the largest powers, goods pay, and re- sponsible to tue Executive and Legislature. The system, a8 it 18, is admitted to be vicious. It is not only vicious, but so complicated as to requir patience and experience, judgment and long Study, to comprehend it; ont is is not the vicious system which robs the State and people, but vicious men, born of avarice, baptized in deceit, and old and boary tm their corruptions. It Is time, Wheu bad men Combine, that good men shoud unite, Honest meu are possible in office, even at small pay, and | reier to nearly every Comptroller who has beid office under the State as evidence of the fact. Names like Mcintyre and Marcy, Wright and Fillmore, Hunt and Alien, Cook and Rovinson, Denuison and Faller, Burrows, Nichois and Hop- kins are illustrious in the annals of the state as honest, capavle and saithiui men. It at all times all parties would nominate suck men the State Would indeed be biessed. (Appiause.) One word | more, The daty of the huur is action—action to precede and not to follow investigation, The oniy irue promise of lower tolls practical benefits to commerce is In more hone more economy and more public spirit. | spe: of the later, gentlemen, in reference to the enormous elevator charges, bota at Butaio and New York. {t is not right that Boffaio should compine against producers and consumers, locking up nineteen or twenty of its elevators, allowing ten of cieven to do the work and sharing the profits with ali. It ig not right, in the interests of commerce, that any one floating elevator bere should earn irom $200 to $300 & day, or & stationary elevator $250 @ day, and employed about every day in the year. lam voll thee are what are calied “scalpers’’ ago and Budalo; out everything, pitaliat or boatman, bammer or not looking to the greatest good of the greatest number, should find mis ievel and end, whether the place be ia the service of the State or in private life, or what i# called in orger to escape the personal responsibility, a nerous system’ of canal letting. In conclusion, gentlemen, you need ior the city more ireedom of trade, and the lowest possible cost of transporta- tion to the seaboard. The precedent to these great ends must be honesty o! purp-se, intelligent administration, reiorm in tue law, indemnity as jar as possivie for the past aod security jor tue farare ad i the Empire State, with her four and anailf millens of people and nearly a million of voters, is not capabie of so much wisdo.n, thrilt and virtue, let her take down her boastiul banner of ‘Exceisior!’ and borrowing from the bad ex- ample of the canal contractors, so long the owners of the Commonweaith, efface the pure white with the black Words of wrong, Iraud and degradation, Now or never is your opportunity.” (Applaase.) D S. HEWITT. Mr. Abi ‘as the next speaker, and delivered also a hi julogy on Guvernor Tiden, He denounced the Canal terms. He said that jor months be and other democrats had to implore Mr, Tilden bevore be Wou'd accept the canuidacy for the Governorship. If Governor Tiiden Was the man to give this country & good government, what right bad anybody to BAY woal ug hou au eye Wy Wg Krommegey? No, it thought that every good citizen should support | ‘ne speech was ueartily ap-_ ng in the bitterest | eon bim. (Ap} se.) The followin, ditional resolution was passed in order to se e ment oi the oa: amend tially smilar to that recommende: tional Commission, with such modi as shall not impair the principe of Canal Department of the sop Seqponsibte head to the The meeting then adjourned. Stal ACTION OF THE TAMMANY GEN- ERAL COMMITTEE. Atthe meeting of the Tammany Hall General Committee last evening the special committee ap- pointed to draw up @ series of resolutions con- cerning the action of the Governor on the canal question submitted the following report, which was adopted alter Mr. Peter B. Olney made a few the stand he had taken:— Besolved, That the Democrano Repu pucan General Comniittes nting the democracy of the city and Bxcelle: Kk, hereby tender thelr thanks to His y: New York, tor his bold and statesman-like Message, in hich he osed the jew York, , Samuel J. ilden, Governor ot the State of has what have so long ie tr administrauon of the State canals, ions therein made looking to the im- buses which commercial ‘acte and for the suggs mediate and perinanent correction of th threaten to undermine and destroy th supremacy of this cit Resolved, That the actention of onr fellow citizens is galled to the fact that the prompt action of the Governor in ® matter which so deeply soncerns the honor, prvs- Rerity and weltare of the state, fully confirms the wis. ‘and confidence of the democrats of this city who d his nomination and assure Reople of this den the w compromising foe to all corruption ministr tion wherever found, and a resolute, saga: ‘ehampioi of the reforms indispensable to the public welfare. Resolved, shat the democratic party of this city. com- posed. aft ls. largely of voters who earn thelr datl read their daily labor, feel a special interest an rotound concern in the preservation, continued use- ulness and ical cause every dollar that ‘economical cy Canals adds to the burden of taxation op- pressing the laboring classes in the form of increased rents and higher prices tor the necessaries of life and reduces the wages of labor, in consequence of ihe im- paired ability of employers’ in this city to compete with other cities Where business can be conducted at less Resolved, That the representatives of this city inthe Legislature are heredy requested to use earnest and ac: tive efforts to support the Governor in the work of form and to strengthen his hands by such legislation shall eradicate existing abuses, punish the wrong doe without regard to party ti thus render it not on| dificult but odious and dangerous to plunder the public treasury, to the end that in the future no combination of corrupt men will dare to make “the highways of the million” —as the canals of this State have been justly called—a shame and reproach to the state, instead of the advantage aud benefit they were intended, and with Ginee agement and care to be, to all the people of eS Resolved, Thatifany representative at this crisis in the affairs of the State should hol back from the good work which the Governor has inaugurated, or attempt iw'any way to shield wrongdoers from detection aud unishment, it will be a good ground for suspicion aud istrust as to his fitness to represent the honest deimo- crats of this city who are ple: to the purification of the ad in the etty, staie and nation. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutious duly en- grossed be Signed by the officers of the commitee aud transmitted to Hix Excellency the Governor ani that & copy be furnished to each representative in the Legisia- ture from the elty and county of New York. ETER B. OL istration of public aifairs UNEY, ALTHUR J. DELANEY, | Committee EDWARD D. GALE) 1 | Resolutions. MORTON, LIBERAL REPUBLICANS DORSE TILDEN. The General Committee of the liberal repubd- licans held 4 meeting last night in their hall, No. 1,266 Broadway. Mr. Freligh was in the chair. Alter some warm debate the following resolutions were adopted :— Resolved, That the conduct of the Hon. Samuel J. Ti- den, in inaugurating an active prosecution against canal frauds connected with the canal mismanagement, deserves our heartiest approbation and _j the eftl- cient support tendered hita by this organization of the liberal republican party. A good deal of ioud and disorderly talking now took place, atthe end of which the resolution given below was passed ;— Resolved, That we indorse the exposure now in pro- vress of the frauts in the conduct of the state canals, perpetrated by the Canal Commissioners, State Kn: Kineer and other subordinates collusively. with canal contractors and others, as the legitimate spirit against oficial corruptioa, and for ho nomical government, first inaugurated the Cinemnati Convention of 1872; with the voice of a feeble minority, nored for this reform, we noue the le use, and shall support with euthusiasm, any effort to cleanse the tarnished honor and restore’ their Tilled treasures to the people of tuis State. THE CANAL MESSAGE AT BUFFALO. Burrato, N. Y., April 1, 1875. The Board of Trade meeting this morning, to indorse Governor Tilaen’s Message on the canal contracts and frauds, was adjourned til! Saturday next, when @ mass meeting ol citizens Will also ve hela for the same purpose, ST, ANNE'S CHURCH FAIR. | THE IN- A RICH AND RARE‘ COLLECTION OF COSTLY, PRETTY AND FANCY ARTICLES. The fair of St. Anno’s churcb, in Kast Twelith street, was opeved last evening in the presence and with the aid of a large number of ladies and gentlemen. Every preparation had been made by the rector, Vicar General Preston, and his assistant, Rev. Father Lynch, to bring abouta good representation of the earnestness of the pi eulogized the Governor for 3 ed and fully committed | 3 THE STATE CAPITAIs Proposed Measures Affect~ ing New York. t Religious Toleration Mandatory in Publiq Institutions. THE CENTENNIAL, Extra Payment for the Jurors im thd Beecher Trial. ALBANY, April 1. 1875, 1 The New York delegation have awakene some« what from their legisiative lethargy. To-(.y, ip Assembly, ® mumber of bills affecting New York city were introduced, and a disposition evinced ta push through any pending measures which have been laid upon the shelf for some time past. A NEW STRERT CLEANING BURBAU. Mr. T. J. Campbell introduced a bill which pro- vides for taking away all control and mauagement of street cleaning trom the Police Board, and vesting such Work inthe hands of one Commis- sioner, to be nontinated by the Mayor and oon- firmed by the Board of Aldermen. This officer shall be known as a “Commissioner of Street Cleaning,” and hold his oflve for three years. He ts to execute a bond to the city In the gum of $50,000 for a faithiul performance of his duties and shall receive a compensation of $5,000 perannum, All implements, officials and routine in the matter of cleaning streets in she city of New York are to be absolutely under the control of this official, Upon the 1st of December of each year he is authorized to make an estimate of tho probable cost of cleaning the streets lor the jollow- ing year. This estimate must be submitted to the Mayor and Comptroller in order to receive their indorsement; then the Board of Supervisors are authorized to raise the amount of money specified, REORGANIZING THE DETARDMENE OF PUBLIC BUILD~ ING A bill was to-day introauced in the Assembly by Mr. Hauschel, which seeks to amend the char tern of New York city so tar as the organization of Department of Builaings is concerned, I6 provides for the apportntinent of @ board of four persons, who shall conduct the, business of the department, iy | are to be known as Come | Missioners of uiidings. No person can be eligible to appointment as one of these commissioners unless he is @& house mason or house car- penter, and one 1 be @ practical baiider of iron architectural constructions, All must have beea engaged in conducting or carrying on business ag master architect, master house mason or maste! builder of iron arebivectural con: least ten years in the city of New York. Mayor is authorized within twenty days after 0 f the act to appoint these commissioners; 3 BX! Mr. Joun T. McGowan pi sembly to secure free exercise of religious worship, Without discrimination, to all persous confined im State Prisons and other institutions, Tne oill makes it mandatory op ali persons having the Management of State prisons, relormatory i- sutucions or otner places of confinement to allow inmates proper spiritual advice or ministration from amy recognized ciergy- man of the denomination or church to which sack persons belong. ‘Tne bill also coniers @ right on those clergymen to Visit sucd institutions at alk times in order to communicate freely with the prisoners. Sectarian practices, except as pro~ vided in the act, are prohioited, nor shail tho inmates be required to atieud any reiugious ser~ vices against their own free will, =~ APPOINTMENTS BY COMMISSTONERS OF EMIGRATION. The bul now penuing before the Lexisiature, giving to the Presidents of the Irish aud German societies an equal voice with other commissioners of Emigration iu the appointment and removal of oMicials, Was to-day betore the Committee on Com~ merce and Navigation of the Senate. Mr, John E. Devlin made a speech in advocacy of the bill and urged 1t8 passage, part cularly on tne ground of the valuable services rendered to the Commission by these two geutiemen. He stated that it was through tue Influevce oi the Irish and German so- | cleties that the Board of Emigration was estav+ lished im 1847. Previous to that period the work of provecting the emigrants was performed by the, | two socieues, Mr. Sigismuaa Kauiman, formeriy President of the German society, appeared ow behalf of this organization, He pointed out the | position now heid by the presidents of these soci | eties as humiliating. They nad no right to remove | employé, thereby causing demoralization | among those people. Mr. Kaufman g: history of tue German Society since iss organimation oy General Steuben nearly 100 years ago. He con- cluded by again urging upon the committee toe necessity for ufforaing this privilege to those two ge jor the further reasonthat they bad en always prominent philantoropic citizens. Mr. Stephenson opposed the bill and clarmed 15 was anti-American. Mr. Bernard Casserly, ior- merly secretary to the commussiouers, ais0 made & speech against its provisions. | THE GILBERT ELEVATED RAILROAD. | practical architect, RCISES IN PRISONS. « 5 & | rishioners, and of the desire of the rector’s friends banging over the church since tts extension. The fair is being heid in Ferrero’s Assembly Kooma, Tammany Boilding, Fast Fourteenth street, and the tables are literally loaded with articies of costly vaiue, of ordinary utility or of religious tn- terest. Music by tne Seventh Regiment Band adas an additional attraction to the religious enterprise, and the crowds that were present last evening evidently showed bow sin- cerely the Vicar General’s eforts are appreciated in bringing St. Anne’s to @ bigh statas among tne choicest churches of the city. ladies gave their time and presence in assisting at the sale of the treasures collected, and a number of little girls made the time lively for visitors in unanswerable solicitations that everybody shouid become the proprietor of bouquets of wers and for other pretty things too numerous to mention. The arrangement of the tabies is excel- lent, the large hati being well aaapted jor a dis- play of this character. In the centre of the nal is @ floral temple, Which promises to be a veritavie bower before ihe fair closes. An elegans Brewster Wagon Of considerable value is among u prizes, There is a Gne soda water joun- tain =m running order, and separated by screens from the body of the ball is the res- tauration department, supplied from Dei- monico’s, the cost to patrons being much ie-s t yn at ordinary first class hotels. The ball is brilliantly hghted, and visitors am pie.oppor- tunity for a pleasant promen: ie 1 all fourteen tables, some of them bet others not. The jew which invite glided announce nis are the Sunday Scnool Table, the Parochial School ie@, the Sodality Tavie, the St. Vincent de Paul Tabie, the House of the Holy Family Tabie and the Fiower Tabi all these tabies there is an extraordinary variety of miscellaneous articies, of smail value in teem- selves but of great useru ness, mixed with pretty ornaments, which so muco delight the juvenile portion of visitors, On each of tue other tavies there are several objects of real worth, giite of friends to the Fair. Attention may be drawn to Ohid,” wien is son of Carlo Doice’s, For an Opening evening the Fair Was very well attended. A MELANCHOLY SUICIDE. George W. Demorest, forty-one years of age, re- siding at No, 29 Second avenue, biew bis orains out at about six o'clock last night, in a fit of de- spondency, caused by repeated failure to obtain employment, It appears that he was engaged as weigher in the Custom House until about two months ago, when be lost nis place, and although he had since repeatedly endeavored to obtain employmens did Not succeeded in so doing. All yesterday after- noon he appeared unusually despondent, but gave no intimation of his designs, At avout five o’ciock nis wife went out, returning in two hours. On entering the room the dead body of her tusband stretched on the floor, an umoaded pistol lying beside him, met her gaze, He had shot bimself through tae nead, Coroner Wol'man was immediate! tifled and took charge of the remains. The ased, Who Wasa tree Mason, leaves 4 wife and three children. THE WEATHER YESTERDAY. The following record will show the changes in the temperature for the past twenty-iour hours, in comparison with the corresponding date ot last year, as indicated by the thermometer at Hudnut’s pharmacy, HERALD Building :— 1874, 1875. 38 12M, Be Average temperature yer terday. Average temperature for correspon last year, 7 CHOOL REUNION. A revnion of the alumnt of Columbia College | Law Schoo: will bo heid at Deimonico’s, Four- teenth street and Milth avenge, this evening, at e1gas o'clock. LAW to help liquidate the heavy debt which has been | Beautiful young | the excellent Oil patating of the “Madonna and | Mr. Charlies Reilly introduced @ bill to-day au- thorizing the Giloert Elevated Ratiroaa Company vo change that portion of the route as designated by « Board of Commissioners, appointed under the Laws of 1872. The pro, osed change consists im altering the route [rum Second avenue to @ ine through and along the Bowery and Tuird avenus to Harlem River. Lf the Dill becomes a law the company will pave received the privilege of ung their route for the third time. Ino hames o! the original tneorporators are :—George B. Grinnell, B. W. Van Voornis, Eusha A, Packer, Ruius H. Gilvert, Wiliam Foster, Jr, lienry J. | Davison, Bennett Forves, M. O. Davison, J. Soutuworta, Howell W. Beckley, Isaac P. Martin, A. Lorillard, H. D. Clapp, J. CG. Wiitams, 6. Dillon and Henry 5. Winans. EXTENDING LAFAYETTE PLACE. Mr. KRENAN bas imiroduced a tii to extend Lafayette pl in New York city, rom Great Jones street to Bieecker atreet, BUREAU OF TITLES. The Judiciary Committee of the Assembly to-day Presenied an adverse report on the bill providing Jor the organization of & bureau of titles. Tuis is @ scheme tending very muco to simpiily transiers of real estate in the searching of titles. The boreau proposed to furnish in twenty-four hours or jess (ull searches, Which, With present impedi- | ments, sometimes occupy weeks aud montns. Guarantees Of tile Woulc also be given at a litue extra cost. The report was laid on tue table lor future consideration. THE BERCHER SCANDAL AGATN. We have another enactment now before the Legisiature, brought up in connection with the Beecner-Tiiton controversy. This time the jur iu the case are to be looked alter, Mr. Kennaday, o. Kings, to-day presented @ bill providing tor extra compensation (0 jurors wuere they are en- gaged More than sixty days in the triai of any case. Asthe compensation to jurors is now @ mere nominal sum Mr. Kennaday's measure gives power to the Boara of Supervisors to regulate the matter in such prolonged tigations as tue Beecher scandal has developed. ASYLUM OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SCHOOI. Mr. McGowan's bill, Which he brougut up to-day in Assembly, as affecting common schoois, simply seeks to pui upon up equality the school attached to the Asyium of St. Vincent de Paul with sumiar institutions in the city of New York, in order thas it may be entitied to & portion of the ecugo! junus | Under control oi the Boara of Rducation, TUR CENTENNIAL, | _Ex-Governor Bigier appeared before the Com- mittee on Ways and Means of the Assemoly thit aiternoon anv made some few remarks in acvo- | Cacy Of & proposed bull authorizing the Governor to appoint seven Centennial commissiovers and | providing an appropriation for payment of ex- penses. The bi reads as /ollows:— | _ Seerron 1.—The Governor is hereby authorized to aps point seven citizens of the state of New 1ork who shail Constitute « State Centennial Board for the State of New York, who, eo-operaung wich the said commission aud ble confor mine to its general rules and iI adopt measures to promote, perfect forward a complete representation of the arts, man- ctures and other productions of this state to be dis. A International Exhibition, is hereby appropriated, m be necessary wo pay the Broper expenses incident to the performance of the duties imposed apon the Board. ‘Sro. 3.—All laws heretotore passed relating to this sub- Jeet are hereby repealed. | UNDERGROUND TELEGRAPH WIRES, A hearing was this aiternoon beiore the As- | sembly Committee on Cities in reiation to the bill compelling the telegraph companies to remove their poles irom the streets of tae principal cities | In the State, id place their wires undergrouwd | within one year from the passage of the act. | Mr, Grosvenor P. Lowery appeared ior the West~ | ern Union Telegrapn Company and General Mar- shall Lefferts ior the Gold and Stock Company, both in opposition to tne bill, None of tae otber | telegraph companies were represented, DESCENT UPON A “FENCE.” Captain Lowrey and Officers Dorsey and Moore, | Of the Sixth precinct, made @ descent yesterday afternoon upon a “fence” kept by Isaac Jacob, | allas Isaac Goldman, at No. 75 Columbia street. They found in it a large quantity of household fur- | pittie, wearing apparel, some silver spoons and trinkets, for watch its Keeper could not satisiac« \ortily account, Among the articles found im the ‘venee” are some usensila watch were stole some time ago, the police say, from the residence | of Henry Levy, No. 4 Bowery. OMicer Dorsey has been looking lor them eyer since their tneft, and finally traced them co Jacod’s piace, Jacob wag raigned atthe Tombs Police Uourt yesterday aiternoon, where ne pleaved not guity to the charge of receiving steren goog. Mo was hed 1 JOF eXumineHon, Uv ITeVer, Mk GULAGIY Of Lily