The New York Herald Newspaper, September 1, 1875, Page 5

AN ITALIAN CRIME. The Assassination of Raphdel Sonsogno. SKETCH OF HIS CAREER. Confession of the Assassin and Implication of Four Others. Romr, August 16, 1875, When the excitement caused by the assassination of Raphael Sonsogno in the office of his newspaper—the Capitale—had somewhat subsided; the bier containing the embalmed remains, followed from Rome to Milan by men of every class and rank—Senators and deputies and the people who recognized him as their champion— @eposited in the family vault; the presumed assassin direct, the presumed instigator of the assassin and the presumed go-between assassin and instigator arrested ‘end tn the hands of justice, itseemed to us that com- mon humanity and the accepted maxim that every man 1@ innocent until proved guilty exacted absolute silence touching all parties concerned while justice was taking {ta course and three men at least on trial for their lives, But the Italian and foreign press have vied with each other in violating this decorum The enemies of the murdered man have assailed his memory witb calumnies that they dared not have uttered in his lifetime, nor have the supposed murderers been spared, The Italian journalist sells and boasts of hav- ing sold to the French Figaro a copy of the “act of ac- cusation,” and cynically deplores that he did so, as on the following day an English paper offere& him three times the sum. Magistrates reveal the secrets that they are bound to maintain intact until the public trial; the counsel for the defence appeals for the ob- wervance of the “laws of common decency” vainly. It ‘a impossible to find twelve jurymen who can now enter on their duties) with unprejudiced minds, In this State of things it would be aifectation to keep silence Jonger, ‘and as the trial bids fair to be one of the most memorable in the annals of modern Italy, while ab- staining from a syllable that can affect the accused, we shall sketch the biographies of the persons concerned 4n this sad drama, commencing with the victim, who as long as he lived was the terror of evil doers, even when Seated in high places, > OF RAPHAEL SONSOGNO was one of four sons of the largest and mdst enterpris- ing publisher in Milan, and from his boyhood the book store was his home and his delight’ Versed in several languages, author of tales, comedies and novels, Signor Menini, proprietor of the Gazzetta Officiale, sought bis pen, and Raphael undertook to write forthe paper on ‘the express condition that he should have no part in ‘the political editorship, In this paper Parini had writ- ten. Giuseppe Rovani, a noted critic and patriot, was one of the constant contributors, and he affirms that Sonsogno wrote literary articles, artistic and theatrical criticisms, but never any of the political articles Other contributors, the proprietor and printers confirm this statement. Menini also affirms that Sonsogno was one of the writers chosen by himself and not foisted on him by the government; moreover, that the Austrian authorities refused him a pension and a post of professor because he kept revolutionary writers who betrayed the cause of the government In fact, as the fulness of time approached, the Austrian official paper contained scraps of news from foreign papers which the author! ties would willingly have concealed from their subjects, These were inserted by Sonsogno, whose duty it now ‘was to translate from foreign journals) The proprietor was sorely perplexed; these scraps, containing news so earnestly sought after by the patriots of Milan, doubled the sale of the paper. On the other hand, the censor blustered; he was in constant fear that the paper would be seized. He was compelled by the authogities to ‘vail himself of the Havas telegraphic agency, instead of that of Stefani, and Sonsogno’s knowledge of French here stood him in good stead. He commenced acor- respondence with Signor Havas, gtving him all the news that could benefit the Italian cause, and these were transmitted to the entire French and English press. The Austrian government was furious, caused itto be printed in the Gazzetta that these letters were never sent from Milan, but fabricated in Paris or Turin, and at the tame time ordered tho police to redouble its efforts to iscover and arrest the correspondent Sonsogno also succeeded in establishing secret communications be- \ween Milan and the Swiss frontier, and here are the DECLARATIONS OF SIGNOR HAVAS HIMSELP. Panis, July 18, 1868. Dar Sir—I have received your little book on Italy and the events which preceded the expulsion of the Austrians from Milan. All that you say is perfectly true; the extremely well written correspondence which you at your risk and peril addressed to me pos- wessed the great merit of being extremely interesting without exceeding the limits of truth. Those corre- spondences, owing to the immense publicity which we wero able to give to them in our papers, served ma- terially to enlighten public opinion on that interesting period of Italian history, All yours, A HAVAS And later:— Pants, Feb. 2, 1870. 1, the undersigned, testify that the political corre ypondences addressed to the Havas agency by Sig. R. Bonsogno, in 1858-9, were sent by him gratuitously, and that | have never paid him anything for these cor- piss carat lam ready to affirm this fact on my oat AUG, HAVAS. On the 19th of March, 1859, Raphael Sonsogno was ar- rested on the accusation of corresponding with the enemies of Austria and of revealing the movements of the Austrian troops, which crime, according to Gyulaiy’ proclamation, was, when proved, to be punished by death within twenty-four hours Conveyed to Verona, Mantua, and finally to Josephstadt, where he was con- fined with Aleardi, the poet, and other patriots, there is no doubt that the sentence would have been ex- ecuted but for the victories of the allies and the subse- quent liberation of the Italian prisoners. This, then, ts | the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth of | Sonsogno’s connection with the Austrian Official Gaz tetta. In it he took no political part. Through !t and by his consequent connection with Havas he materially served the Italian cause at the risk of his life and the cost of his liberty, Presently—for we conceal nothing—we shall record tho one unpatriotic fact that » an be brought against him On his liberation, in Milan, freed by the allies, he be. came editor and proprietor of the Gazzetta di Milano, gow transformed into an ultra-liberal paper, with an immense circulation In this journal, from the first, be set himself to reveal all the abuses that came under his notice; hence the flerce hatred that he excited, the deadly revenge vowed against him, In Milan he ac- cused the Municipal Giunta of peculation on a vast scale; of nepotism and other sins, The parties as- sailed brought an action for libel, Sonsogno compiled and printed at his own expense the story of the munic- | ipal administration, The tribunal absolved the Gazzetta ‘nd condemned the Giunta to pay the expenses of the trial; they appealed, the Court of Appeal confirmed the sentence of the Court of Assizes; again they ap- pealed and th® Court of Cussation confirmed the sentence of the Court of Appeal. Thus he arrayed against himself the magnates of Milan, At the po- Iitical elections the Gazeetia sustained liberal candidates, among others the great Carlo Cattaneo, the | hero of tho five days of Milan, the philosopher, historian and political economist. In 1867 the famous tobacco jobbery business came to light. Major Lobbia, who was supposed to possess the | documents incriminating twelve Deputies, waa stabbed by an assassin, Judges and magistrates were removed, instead of arresting the assassin. Clearly indicated by | eye witnesses and public opinion, he was aided to es- cape, and Lobbia was accused of ‘having stabbed him- , self!’ Five witnesses, perhaps the only onos who could have revealed the truth—Soutti, Corsale, Danti, Facci- | ‘ol and Tironi—have died violenYdeaths. Of course, Son- | sogno Wook up the question with his usual zeal, and it is owing to the Gaszetia di Milano and the Gaseettina Plata that the facts of that ‘‘Borgino scandal,” as Gar- fbaldi calls it, were made known, The events occurred tm 1867, but only a month before Sonsogno’s murder ‘was Lobbia fully acquitted. In 1868 Sonsogno was elected member of Parliament. Then his enemies set te work to demolish him They attacked him as an “Austrian spy,” a8 the “editor of the Austrian Gar sette,” He replied triumphantly, aided by Havas, a8 we have secn, Then from a certain Montayto, well known as an Austrian agent in London, now & ‘writer of the Gaszetta d'Italia, THEY PURCHASED PRIVATR LETTERS written by Sonsogno. This Montayio received sub- sidies from the Emperor of Austria and corresponded for the Gazzetta, During the absence of Menini, the pro- prietor of the Paper, Sonsogno was requested to trans- mit to Montayio the sum of 300 florins Moreover—and in this, in our eyes, consists bis one fault—he invited this | man to write jor a paper that he intended to establish; adault, be it remembered, repeated by his enemies who still keep the man in their pay. Accused of the fact, Bonsogno denied that any letters of his could militate ‘against his patriotism. The letters purchased wero published, and Sonsogno had to resign his sea He made his enemies pay dearly by publishing letvera, ad dresses and congratulatory documents signed by the NEW YORK HERALD, WHUNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1875—TRIPLE SHEET. leading members of the now moderate party, to the Em- Peror of Austria and to Radetzky. Many of his stanchest adherents severely blamed him aud broke with him altogether; others condoned the offence as venial, Notbing daunted he continued his bellicose career. On the 20th of September he entered Rome with the besieging troops; on the 2ist he issued the first number of the Capitale, and in it exposed all the — shortcomings of civil, political, military, religious and munic- ipal authorities. The sequestrations and fines to | which the Capitale was subject would fill a columa. But Sonsogno was a power in the city and was altogether ‘prepressible.”” The man’s energy and powers of work were extraordinary Rich and generous, he cared noth- ing for gain, lived fragally and rarely left his office, re- maining there alone with the doors open far into’ the night It was the Capitale that initiated the grand meeting for universal suffrage, and when the meeting was dissolved Sonsogno was imprisoned. Ii was tho Capitale that te ogg Garibaldi as candidate for two of the Roman colleges, and he triumphed ip both. Mean- while the friend in whom Rapluel trusted most be- trayed him in hig most vulnerable part, and with this friend his own wife fled. This man presented himself ag ‘@ candidate for the V. College of Rome, which Garibaldi, choosing to represent the L., left vacant, and which the liberals wishéd to see represented by Francisco Cucehi, @ patriot of the first water, who had risked his life for Rome, The betrayer of Sonsogno’s hearth could not have taken his seat in the House, as he was under age, and it was asserted that he was playing into the hands of the government by contesting the seat The Capitale opposed him; the government can- didate triumphed. When Garibaldi came to Rome the Capitale took up the question of the Tiber and Agro Romano witb its usual zeal All the series of brilliant articles were from Raphael’s pen; and here A SIGNIFICANT CIRCUMSTANCE OOCURRED. A telegram was sent to the Merseveranza to the effect that Garibaldi refused to receive Songogno, The edi- tors say that it was anouymous, but they printed it, and it has since been traced to Sonsogno’s betrayer, It was false, at any rate; for Garibaldi never refused, and did receive Sonsoguo, Nay, more, all the communica tions that he wished published were sent to the Capitale; but the invention has a terrible significance, as it was intended to prove that Garibaldi was hostile to Sonsogno, On the last night of the Carnival ael, having pub- Mshed his last article on ‘‘Minghetti’ isit to Garibaldi” and seen the second edition of his paper issued, was prepartn another for the morrow, having just taken nis trugal dinner, when the assassin entered and stabbed him in the head 'as he bent over his paper, the pigeon holes of the desk preventing his seeing who entered. Shut in by the wall on one hand and a second table on the other, he was taken ata terrible disadvantage and the steele that ensued must have been frighttul, for, hand to hand and unarmed, he wrestled with his mur- derer across the first room, through the second, down the first flight of stairs, receiving in all twenty-three wounds on head, breast, back, hands and abdomen, ‘This last was mortal, but. he succeeded in clutching the assassin and, shouting to the printers still at work in the office on the ground floor, he held him till they came, and then, while they grappled with him, feli deaa on the first landing place, The man was soon recog- nized for acertain Frezza, a hot-heated demagogue of the Trastevere, and the dagger, with certain cabglistic signs, was proved to be the property of Luciani, the betrayer of Sonsogno, Note the signiil- cance of the telegram to the Perseveranza, Frezza for several days denied everything. He had been induced to believe that in destroying Sonsogno he had destroyed an enemy of Garibaldi, But when told that Garibaldi’s horror and indignation had been expressed in publigg that Menott with ojd Genera) ‘abriji and Betliedetto Carioli—his Son and dearest friend— fol. lowed the bier of the murdered man on foot from the scene of the murder to the Roman station, he confessed everything that he knew, and, avowing the crime, affirmed that he nad been induced to accept the com- mission by Morelli and Fayina; who, in their turn, as- serted that a certain Armati had offered them 6,000f. to “do for Sonsogno,” and that they had intrusted Frezza to do the deed. Armati confirmed their state- ment in all points, and said that the commission and dagger had been given him by Luciani with the promise of 6,000f,, but that of this sum he had received but 1,000£ Luciani, of whom more anon, denies it in toto, TRAMP NEWS. WANTED MILE IN HIS TEA. Astrange, dirty tramp"entered the house of Mrs, Stafford, who resides In the town of Watervliet, on Wednesday night last and demanded supper. Mrs, Staf- ford was alone in the house, and fearing resistance, gave, him all the cola food she had and made some tea for him. Because she had no milk to put into It the vil" Jain became abusive, and finally flung the tea in the old lady's fuca ‘Then he went to tho pantry, and, helping himself to the pie and cake, sat down and ate his fill After this he Nghted his pipe and smoked to his heart's content, as coolly as though he had been in his own house. Having finished this dessert the scoundrel made an infamous proposition to the old lady taps ceeded to carry out his proposition by force, Mrs, Staf- ford’s anger was then at its height, and, seizing a large meat fork, she made a dash at the fellow’s neck, inflict. ing a decp and ugly wound, from which the blood flowed freely. Before her assailant could recover from ‘his surprise Mrs, Stafford was belaboring him with a big shovel over the head and shoulders in such an ener- getic manner that he thought retreat was the most poll- tic if not the most valorous. He darted from the door and disappeared. é THE DUMB SPEAK. The Baltimore Sun says that a man named Kendah was arraigned before Justice Hagarty, on Friday after- noon, by Policeman Deaver, on the charge of vagrancy, He had been found by the policeman visiting the various lawyers’ offices, and presenting a petition setting forth that he is “a lawyer by profession, having lost the power of his voice and become deaf; has been robl and, being poor in consequence and having a family to support, hereby appeals for aid.” While at the station house Rendall ‘seemed to forget himself, and in reply to a remark made by the magistrate cominenced to talk, thus showing that the statement in his petition as to his having lost the power of speech and being deaf was a fraud, and be was committed on the charge of vagrancy and begging on the strect, THE JERSEY TRAMPS. ALARMING INCREASE OF THE VAGABONDS—HOW THEY GOT SQUARE WITH JUDGE HOFFMAN. That the movements of the tramps in Jersey City and its vicinity are lively the following record will show. Ten complaints are made on an average daily to the police by persons who suffer more or less by their depreda- tions They formerly carried on their operations only in the day; now they are acquiring skill in the use of the “Jimmy.” Some time during Monday night one or mote of this fraternity entered the house of Mr, H. Campbell, on Summit avenue, near Grand strect, and ransacked the premises. Finding nothing of sufficient value to arouse their cwpidity shey left, and, going to the butcher shop adjoining, they unlocked the door and packed up all the scales and weights Hear. ing a window raised in the dwelling house they became alarmed and took to their heels, leaving their bundles bebind, During the evening Mr. Dilks and his family, who re- side on Forrest street, near Sackett, were attending a picnic at the Glendale’ Pavilion, on the Newark plank- road, and did not return till a very late hour. They ar- rived just in time to interrupt a tramp who was study- ing the rud ments of burglary on a front basement window. Hearing the approaching sounds the thief fled and was soon lost in the darkness, An examina- tion of the window showed that the work of forcing it open had been nearly completed. The most Nene ages was done at the residence of Judge Hoffman, who presides in the court that furnishes free quarters for those busy individuals. It is seldom that the kind attentions of the benevolent are rewarded with such ingratitude, The residence of the Judge is | situated on the corner of Baldwin avenue and High street, | The Movements of himself and his family must have been closely watched in open daylight, for, during their brief absence, the tramps entered and carried off clothing valued at $400. The booty included a new dress suit belonging to the Judge. ‘These are but a few instances of the domiciliary visits which are daily made in the territory between the Hud- son and the Hackensack. The police have come to the conclusion that the tramps are more numerous than was supposed a week ago, for they keep up a complete | system of espionage which makes it unsafe for any family to leave a house Wholly unprotected for even an houry whether by day or night, TRAMPS AS HIGHWAYMEN, Although the “tramp” nuisance {s old in Westchester county, more particularly in the northern section thereof, {t would appear that these nomadic nuisances have of late been growing more demonstrative in their deeds of lawlessness. While driving on the highway near Sleepy Hollow last Monday afternoon two young Indies, whose parents are well known residents of Sin; Sing Village, were suddosly stopped by five ‘tramps,’ one of whom held the horse’s head, while the others demanded any jewelry or money which the occupants of the vehicle might have in thetr session. With an apparent Intention of divesting hen. self of a watch and other “trinkets,” the self-poesessed heroine who held the rv stood up and Loar 4 struck the horse @ smart blow with her whip, which caused the animal to start off with such force as to knock down the man who held its head. The animal kept up a brisk rate of speed and soon left the disappointed highwaymen far behind, A GAMBLERS’ AFFRAY. An altercation took place in the lager beer saloon of John Boessenechers, at No. 486 Eighth avenue, between one and two o’clock yesterday morning, between John Moore, aged twenty-four years, and a companion whose name is as yet unknown to the police. During the con- flict Moore was severely stabbed with a knife in the ab- domen. Tho men had been playing cards for beer in the saloon for several hours and had taken numerous drinka, A dispute haying arisen as to the dealing of the cards they came to blows. Before they could be separated Moore’s antagonist had » PLUNGRD A KNIFR into his abdomén The man then fled from the place, and has up tothe present, time remained at liberty: Moore was removed by ambulance to Bellevue Hospital whore his injuries were dressed His wound is looke: Upon as dangerous, but not necessarily fatal soOY, THE DEFAULTER, THE EXAMINATION OF NEW JERSEY'S TREAS- URER TO TAKE PLACE TO-MORROW—HIS8 BONDS- MEN READY TO REFUND. Trenton, N. J., August 31, 1875, To-day there were no new developments in. the case of Josephus Sooy, Jr., New Jersey’s embezzling State Treasurer. The committee appointed by Gov- | ernor Bedle tq investigate the condition of the State Treasury and to find out the actual amount of money involved in the defaleation commenced its iabors to- day at noon. It wil! take two or three days to finish the work, as much trouble and delay will be expe- rienced in scrutinizing all the books, &¢., of the Treas- ury Office, and in communicating with the various banks in which Sooy was in the habit of making de- posits, The examination of Mr, Sooy, which was to have taken place to-day before Justice Mills, was again postponed until Thursday, owing to the Prisoner not being ” IN A PIT CONDITION toappear, He did not sleep any on Monday night, and, although he seems to be slowly recoveriag from the effects of his recent dissipation, still it is apparent that some time will elapse before his mental faculties are cleared. He is confined in a cell next to the one occu- pe by the desperado Keenan, who is awaitin, 18 trial on the charge of ‘having murdere Police Officer Reupp about two months ago in Trenton. Sooy’s cell js furnished with new furniture and bedding, and Sheriff Walton seems to take much interest in seeing to the personal wants and comforts of his prisoner, Meals are provided for him from one of the principal hotels. His sonsand relatives keep him company, and a strict watch is kept over him, Mr. A. G. Richey, of Trenton, has been retained as counsel to act with Messrs. Ten Eyck and Barton * IN BEHALF OF sooy. Subpaenas have been issued for the appearance of twelve witnesses on behalf of the State at the trial, which will take piace on Thursday next, at the Court House, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. The validity ot Sooy’s vond has been questioned. Attorney General Vanatta and other lawyers have declared that it is en- tirely valid; consequently the bondsmen will be com- pelled to refund to the State the full amount of the de- faication. It is said that the bondsmen will not hesi- tate to do this when called upon. Nearly all of them are men of considerable wealth, especially General Irick, of Burlington, and Mr. Durand, of Newark. The convoking of a special session of the Legislature now seems to be, under the circumstances, inevitable, The law is specific on this point; it says:— In every case in which any officer holding an office undor the appointment of the joint meeting shall be desirous of re- signing such office, the resignation shall be made during the sitting of the Legislature by such officer in writing, under his hand, addressed to the joint meeting, It js probable that as soon as the Investigating Com- mittee reports to the Governor he will issue a proclama- tion calling a special session. HUGHES’ ASSAILANTS. A COMPLETE CHAIN OF TESTIMONY AGAINST THE MURDEROUS HACKENSACK GANG, While Mr. Hughes’ life is trembling in the balance at Jersey City the rufflans who had almost succeeded in destroying that life are so firmly clutched in the grasp of the law that there ig no means left them to cheat Jersey justice. Watson, Norton and Shea were brought up in the First District Court yesterday morning and were committed to the Hudson County Jail for trial. Every link in the chain of testimony had been so well supplied by the police that, even if Watson had not con- fessed, the case against them would have been con- clusive. The watch which was taken from the pocket of Mr. Hughes was recovered in a pawn office kept by one Moss in Catharine street, New York. It was pawned on the day after the robbery. Although it is worth $115, the thief was glad to accept $12 from the pawnbroker. ‘The chain, ring, and everything stolen from Mr, Hughes except about forty-seven cents have been recovered. When the prisoners were called up Norton had the au- dacity to ask to be admitted to bail, saying that he had “ots of friends” willing to take a riskon him, Justice Keesg answered with a prompt refusal. ‘An application was madé to admit Shea to bail, and Justice Keese, after consultation with the police, de- cided that the case differed from that of Norton and Watson. The evidence against Shea as an accessory would justify the Court in admitting him to bail, The securities were furnished and Shea returned to his home on Monticello avenue. The physicians who are in attendance upon Mr. Hughes speak more hopefully of his case. It Is likely that he will be able to appear before the Grand Jury, which will mect in two weeks. DARING RIVER THIEVES. A LARGE HAUL OF VALUABLE SILKS. Another robbery came to light yesterday in Jersey City which illustrates not only the audacity of the river thieves preying on the western wharves of the Hudson, but the immunity from punishment they have continued to enjoy. It would be a perversion of language to state that detectives are engaged in ‘“‘work- ing up” this latest case, The only answer which could be given to questions on the subject yesterday was the stereotyped ‘No clew.”? During the unloading at the Rotterdam and Antwerp Se (formerly occupied by the White Star line) last riday four valuable cases of silk were taken from the steamer Rotterdam and placed on the pier, The owners were notitied to come and take them away, but the cases were allowed to remain there till Saturday afte?- noon, One case was then missing. Search was made, but to no purpose, At length the watchman who was on duty on Friday night stated that about midnight he heard the dogs bark at the end of the pier, and went there.to see what was the matter, While there he heard another noise at the upper end of the pier, and at once came back, but could see nothing. He found the sliding door opening on the Paonia avenue side of the building open, but concluded that there was nothing wrong. From this and other facts it 1s clear the robbery was committed by river thieves, who made their entrance by the above door, and, seizing one of the cases which was near the qoor, made their way to the boat in waiting to New York. ‘The vali of the case ia upward of §3.000. The robbery is one of the boldest character, when it is considered that in the im- mediate vicinity there are at least a dozen watchmen, and four upon this very pier. But neither they nor those at the Erie depot or Abattoir, all of which are within a stone's throw, heard or saw anything. The theory that the thieves had an accomplice is sup- ported by the fact that the case which was stolen was ‘the most valuable of the whole collection. MRS. CARTER LOSES FORTY DOLLARS, A young woman, about twenty-three years of ago, neatly dressed, made application at the resk dence of Mrs. W. 4H, Carter, No 65 Seventh avenue, Brooklyn, for employment as jurse yesterday, Mra Carter had occasion to leave the room in which she recei¥ed the applicant for work for a few moments, and upon her return she was surprised to find the woman had disappeared, and with her two $20 bills, which were incautiously upon the table. There were no arrests, A horse and wagon were stolen from the stable of Mr. Levy Roy, No. 2063 Classon avenue, Brooklyn, on Se ea A clew has been obtained, it is said, to the thi ROBBED WHILE ASLEEP, Edward McSorley, while asleep on a stoop in North Fourth street, Brooklyn, at an early hour yesterday morning, was divested of his coat, vest and shoes, Hugh Meyer and Edward Powers were subsequently arrested with the clothes in their possession. They were held for trial. Edward Ellard, a youth of sixteen years, was con- vieted upon examination before Justice Kiely, Brooklyn, of stealing a watch and chain from Felix McCauley, a butcher, while the latter was asleep ina chair in front of his store, corner of Carlton and Park avenues. The risoner’s mother Uaeher' interceded for him, and the rudge delayed sentence till he could institute inquiries concerning his previous character, BROOKLYN BURGLARS BALKED. Burglars in Brooklyn are not always successful. The bouse of Mr. J. N. Songhi, corner of Yates and Wil- loughby avenues, was attacked by burglars early yes- ‘erday morning. Mr. Songht had arisen at about three A. M., and sat in his bay window, and at eight minutes past three he was surprised to see the lamp in front of his house put out, Two minutes afterward an alarm signal in his bedroom indicated that burglars were try- ing to effect an entrance into his front basement. The alarm does not connect with Police Headquartera He rang the bell in the stable, by a wire from his bedroom, and fired two shots. He then saw three men running away, and fired two more shota, The bell was rung for halfan hour, but no policeman made his appearance All the neighbors were aroused, and proffefed assist. ance, This is the second time the house has been attacked, but the burglars were driven off the first time ag they were yesterday morning. THE ROBBERY RECORD. The following robberies were reported at the Central Office yesterday :— ‘Thieves stole from the trunk of Patrick McCann, who resides at No, 2 Mots street, some articles of clothing valued at $50 Thieves effected an entrance into the grocery store of Theodore Neander, No. 972 Thitd avenue, by forcing open the basement door, and stole $50 worth of cigars, Between the hours of six P M. and six A. M. on the ry, and stole a quantity of pocket knives and scissors valued at $239, and about $7 in currency. The store of Carl Stehr, manufacturer of meerschanm ipes, amber goods, &c., at No. 347 Broome street, wag Proxken into on Monday night and robbed of goods to the value of about $1,500. ‘he burglars effected an en- | trance through @ rear window. which they forced open, THE PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIPS. THEIR + CONDITION—HOW THEY WERE IN- SPECTED AND BUILT—VIEWS OF MR. JOHN ROACH, THE MARINE ARCHITECT. Yesterday a Heratp representative, learning that Mr. John Roach, the builder of the Pacific Mail Steam- ship Company's great iron ships, was in town, and could probably throw some light on the condition of the City of Peking, now lying disabled in the harbor of San Francisco, called at Mr. Roach’s residence, in Fifth avenue, and learned that the gentleman had gone down town. The reporter's search was rewarded later by finding the well known Chester shipbuilder in Wall street, in company with Mr. Thomas Murphy and another prominent gentleman, He went aside, how- ever, with the Hravy’s correspondent, and politely answered all questiona, “I am desirous,” he said, “to correct many GRAVE ERRORS AND LYING RUMORS, I never felt before how hard it was to be silent while reports are manufactured for stockjobbing purposes, reports which have attacked my reputation as a ship- builder”? “Have you not been to California to s Mr. Roach?” interrupted the reporter, Mr. Roact—No, sir. I have been attending to my business in New York, Philadelphia and Chester. Rerorrer—It was currently reported you bad gone to San Francisco to give an estimate to the Pacific Mail Company of the damage to the big ship. Mr. Roaci—Not a word of truth in it, any more than she is damaged to the extent of $300,000. Now, sir, I will give you the history of THE BUILDING OP THE PEKING AND TOKIO, and you can judge whether it was possible for me to send a bad steamship out of my yard. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company made a contract with me to build the ships and had the appointment of two inspectors of their own, who were officers in their company, and one resided tn Chester constantly. These gentlemen constantly supervised and reportea. AN INSPROTOR OF THE BUREAU VERITAS was also appointed to inspect. You must know that all ships of a great tonnage, or expecting to be registered at Lloyds, must build according to Lloyd specifications, Thus. a ship of 2,000 tons must uilt so and so, and one of 3,000 tons aftera particular specification, So these ships were built, (PORTER—Were any of your plans submitted to the Bureau Veritas, or French Lloyds, where the Pacific Mail ships expected to register ? Mr. Roacu—Certainly. Specimens of the tron were also sent to them, and were returned to me, marked “Approved.” Further, when the City of Peking was put in the dock in New York an INSPECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, representing the Secretary of the Treasury, passed upon the vessel and found her stanch and complete in every part. Had she not been accepted as such by the government the one-third of the money—withheld b: the Mail Company, according to agreement, until suc! inspection should be made—would not have been paid. When the Peking went to sea, loaded badly with over 5,000 tons of dead freight, experienced heavy weather and finally reached San Francisco, there was an exami- nation made, and what do you think was the result? RePorTRR—I should like to know, Mr. Roacn—Although she had 396 girders ONLY SIXTEEN RIVETS ON THE STARBOARD SIDR were found loosened and nine on the larboard side. There was a report different from this, which was al- ready prepared before the examiners, expert engineers, could méet together to report, and which they were requested to oT ‘They declined, and the report was not made If I had sent a shoddy ship to sea, the Peking would have been lost, Reporrer—What new ships are you building? Mr. Roacu—One will be here in this harbor next week, another in four weeks trom this time, and one more, I think, in four weeks after. Our American ships have stood better tests than the English iron steamers; and Mr, Plimsoll’s protests in Parliament, T think, have proved this, since lately a number of their ships, rated high at Lloyds, have been declared unseaworthy. RerorrkR—What is your estimate of the repairs to the Peking? Mr. Roaca—I would not like to say without better In- formation than I have at present; but when the Wall street people have less control of the affairs of the steamship company than they have at present you will find no more random statements put forth in the public press todnfluence stock operations, But there is an un- written history of these matters which 1 must give you at another time, FUNERAL OF REV. MR. VANDERVERE. ‘The death of Rev. Daniel H. Vandervere on Monday, at Long Branch, by being crushed by ® coal train, details of which were published yesterday, has cast a gloom over the congregation of Shiloh colored church, at No. 140 Sixth avenue, of which he was assistant pastor, under Rev. Henry Hyland Garnett On account of the mutilation of the body the remains of the de- ceased and beloved clergyman were on their arrival in the city conveyed to the store of Mr, Winterbotham, undertaker, in Spring, near Sullivan street, where they will be retained until the funeral A large number of the leading members of his congregation yesterday called upon the widow at her residence, No. Ti‘Sullivan Street, to express their sympathy with her in her sad and sudden bereavement. The services will be held to- day at half-past twelve o'clock, at Shiloh church, Rev. Mr. Garnett officiating. All the arrangements have not been completed; but it is understood that the pall- ‘ers will be chosen trom the elders and trustees of the church. The remains will be interred in Cypress Hills Cemetery. DROWNED AT ROCKAWAY. the Peking, A MOTHER TRIES TO’ SAVE HER DAUGHTEB AND BOTH ARE LOST, Another of those sad occurrences, against which there seems to be no provision at Rockaway Beach, occurred at that place yesterday afternoon A mother and daughter, having entered the water full of life and Jjoyousness, were in a short time overcome by the strength of the breakers and drowned, There (s a pathetic and beautiful phase to the catastrophe, as well as one which ought to arouse the indignation of the people against hotel keepers, who encourage their patrons to bathe, but take no care that they shall be safe while bathing. About one o’clock yesterday afternoon Mra. Catha- rine Moller and her daughter, Miss Josephine Moller, entered the water in front of Harper & Stumpf's pa: vilion at Rockaway Beach. They bad not been in long when Miss Moller, who had gone a little furthor from the shore than her mother, and had got into the strong- est surge, bs = scream and to struggle to return to the beach. Mrs. Moller immodiately started to her daughter's aid. She had almost reached her when a strong wave caught both women and threw them into contact, Instinctively they gras) one’ another and began to struggle toward tho be Each was an in- cumbrance to the other, and, quickly becoming ex- hausted, they sank together. They were in the water about an hour before they were {ound and taken to the shore by Mr. George Ryder. Every effort was there made to resuscitate them. The endeavors were continued for abont three hours and then [Abend up as useless, At one time it was expected that Miss Moller would revive, Respiration began and continued for a few moments, but the unfortunate oung woman relapsed and the life passed finally out of let eon ld Mrs. Moller gave no sign of animation at all after being taken out of the water. ‘The deceased ladies resided at No. 182 Essex street, in this city. Mr. Moller was telegraphed the terrible news and arrived at Rockaway last evening to take charge of the bodies. Mrs. Moller was a lady over forty years of age and her daughter was somewhat over twenty. OFF THE TRACK. Through a misplaced switch an accident happened on Monday night in Newark to a locomotive, tender and freight car on the Morris and Essex Railroad. The cars wore thrown down an embankment, about four feet high, and overturned. The engineer had a narrow es- oape from death, having remained im the car until it fell. He then crawled out unhurt from among the débris, It is supposed that some malicious person, having a key to the switch, turned it, The loss amounts to about $1, RAILROAD ACCIDENTS IN THE CITY. A CORONER'S JURY DECLARES THE HUDSON RIVER COMPANY RESPONSIBLE FOB DEATHS, Inquests were held yesterday by Coroner Croker In the cases of William Gorman, aged twelve years, and an unknown boy, aged about seventeen years, who were run over and instantly’killed by freight trains on the Hudson River Railroad last week, the former at the corner of Eleventh avenue and Fiftioth street, and the latter at the corner of Canal and Greenwich streets. Several witnesses were examined, among whom we: the conductors and engineers of the trains, The following verdict was rendered by the jury in the case of Gorman, and a similar one in other case:— Wo find that William Gorman came to his death by injuries received from being run over by a freight car of the Hudson River Railroad, atthe corner of Eleventh avenue and Fiftieth street, on the 23d inst, and we hold the railroad company responsible for the occur- rence in not taking proper or sufficient precaution to protect life KICKED TO DEATH BY A HORSE. On Sunday morning @ young man, named Robert Wright, about twenty-one years old, while tending a horse on Glover's place, near the Morris Canal, in Pat- erson, was kicked severely in the abdomen by the vicious animal. He was picked up senseless and taken to hig home, where his injuries were attended to by Kent, The wound was severe and painful, but was considered dangerous until Monday morning, when suddenly grew worse and died from the effects of the injury. He will be buried to-day from St Paul’s Epis copa eburch, " ‘ THE POST OFFICE. Eyesores in the New Building. A POST OFFICE MUSEUM. Humors of the Searchers’ Department. BUTTER AND MILK CRACKERS BY MAIL. The letter of a complaining merchant tm yesterday's HeRratp, concerning the odious nuisance of a soda and cake stand with which the spacious lobby of our letter Palace has been decorated excited great attention, and ite sentiment seemed to re-echo in the popular beart, for all day long the subordinates of Postmaster James brought him reports of the numerous complaints pre= ferred by the business public, lt seemed to be the general opinion that this miserable wooden box, which looks as though a few rough old boards had been flung together per chance and were kept together mow nobody knows how, marred the architectural effect of the entrance completely and that i was nothing short of an eyesore. The writer called upon Postmaster James with reference to this ngisance, and the latter said that he had nothing to do with minor arrangements of this character, which rested en- tirely with the supervising architect, Mr. Potter. How. ever, he, as well as Mr Pearson, the assistant post- master, expressed themselves as being decidedly op- posed to such disfigurements of the Post Office build. ing and promised to hold a consultation to-day with Mr, Potter with a view to the removal of the stand MR, POTTER'S DISCREET COURSE. : Mr. Potter was also visited. He eaid that the per. mission to keep stands in the old building had been ac- corded by tho Secretary of the Treasury to persons whom he deemed worthy of receiving aid, and as no objections were raised their continuance im the new structure was also allowed. However, he reposed implicit confidence in the judgment of Mr. James, and if the latter thought it best to remove the stand he would gladly acquiesce in the Postmaster’s decision. He (Mr. Potter) had designed some ornamental plang for these stands in order to make them as little objectionable as possible, but he would be happy to give- his immediate consent to any action the Postmaster desired to take. Mr. Potter was asked about the lunch room in the northern portion of the Broadway side, which is announced to open soon, and said that its fate must also rest with Postmaster James. Itis to be hoped that the latter official will promptly suppress the nuisance already flourishing in the shape of a cake and soda stand and nip the other in the bud. After Mr. Potter’s discreet declaration the responsibility rests entirely with the Postmaster, THE SKCOND BUSINESS DAY. Everything lives but for a day, especially in New York. While on Monday the new edifice was crowded with an immegse multitude of curious spectators, the visitors yesterday were mainly confined to those having business in the Post Office. In fact, apart from the workmen who aro still busy with the finishing touches, everybody walked about and transacted his business pretty much as though he had done so tn these quar. ters for years. There were some prominent visitors, however, at the Postmaster’s office, such as Noah H, Swayne, one of the Justices of the United States Su- preme Court; ex-Judge Robertson, of Westchester; Samuel Sloan, President of the Delaware and Lacka- wanna Railroad; Moses Taylor, Judge Dittenhofer and G. M. Thorne, the Masonic king, They all went away delighted with Mr. James’ handsome office, Mr. James was asked about the fee of $1 charged for the letter box keys, regarding which there had been some complaint. It will be remembered that some peo- even threw out ahint that this money must go into the deep recosses of some post official's pockets. Mr. James denies this allegation in the most emphatic man- ner and refers to his quarterly reports of receipts in which all these moneys are set forth. He says he is compelled to charge this fee (which is returned on the delivery of the key), as he signed aaeceipt for 12,000 letter box keys and as, no doubt, many would be lost but for this deposit. About 100 lamppost boxes have been removed from the vicinity of the new Post Office to points below Ful. ton street, where they are more needed now. This is a step in the right direction THR WORK TO BR FINISHED. Tt was stated yesterday that it was uncertain whether the remaining work on the Post Offica would be sus- pended to-day or carried to completion, It now appears probable that the workmen who are still employed will go on with their task until every room has been put in complete working order. ‘There was a rumor yesterday that Mr. Boyd, of the United States Postage Stamp Agency, would be re- moved, but he has no especial or immediate connection with the New York Post Office. All the United States postago stamps are manufactured here by the Conti- nental Bank Note Company, and the United States Post- ago Stamp Agent supervises the work of forwarding them to the different postmasters throughout the Union. whose requisitions are first sent to Washington and then transmitted to him. The rumor created a ripple of excitement among the old employ és, Mr. Boyd hav- ing filled his present position for the last fourteen years. LOST AND MISSING LETTERS. One of tho most curious and at the same time Instruc- tive bureaus in the admirably managed New York Post Office is that of the Searchers’ Department, under the charge of Mr. J.“H. Hallett. It is to this oifice all per- Sons are directed who lose letters, papers or parcels, \d from this place the thousand wheels of the aioe stem of the Post Office are set in motion to iedy carelessness or detect crime. Let \t be recorded, how- ever, to the credit of the Post Office heat br atin nine cases out of ten where missing letters and packages are reported their miscarriage is traceable either to the carelessness of those who write in mis- directing, not stamping, &c., or with merchant’ clerks and office boys, who steal them and never post them at all. In the Searchers’ Department Colone! James, the. Postmaster, has just Inaugurated an improvement for which the department should be as grateful ag the pub- lic, It consists of A BOOK OF RECORD, in which every inquiry for a missing letter, paper or parcel is record with the name of the writer, to whom directed, description of contents, steps set on foot to recover, reperts of searching agents, and, in fine, ‘a complete history of the search until the final report 1s made that it is found—which it gonerally is—and the folly and carclossness of the sender or receiver exposed. A glance through this valuable book proves it to bea veritable curiosity shop, and the Herap representative in exposing a few of its official secrets may do the public a service. ‘or instance, It is recorded here among the hundreds of misdirected letters that a great hue and cry was 5 ite valuable contents; then it was without stamp, an Jastly, without intelligible addresa. The Hunare ed respondent bunted the directory for Schuitze & gold brokers, merchants, &c., and finally found the tre at No, 22 Liberty street, who knew (be parties forwards ing the remittance, gave their names as William C, Langley & Co., and receipted for the check $351 01, What is to be thought of such gross carlessuess and PREMICM ON CRIME Y Then comes the museum ip the Post Office. Shall we describe it to you? First, there is a package from Mis sissipp) to Arkansas What does it contain, think you A rutfler, a Chicago bustle aud a pair of plumpers What are they? the reader ‘Only India rubber artificial contrivances to make ks look round gne fair that nature bas caused to be sunken and hollow. Then there ig a package of pill boxes in this MUSEUM OF THE POST OFFICR, a package of — blades, brass bose coupling, & sample box of wax towers, a get of dentists lools, a newspaper enclosing an old dress and worn dlaci# gloves, leather machine needles, gilded curb. chains, » iot of old copper corns, a few razors, screw bolts, ap old shoe, Wo photographs and four pounds of butler ano milk crackers! Glass and p mails, are tp i ticles, being prohibited im the nt back to the senders when- ever Ik may be s matter of history to state that dried apples, “‘sass,"” buttermilk and al! tbe peria! able articles are now attempted to be sent by mail this article shall warn merchants, farmers and clerks 1@ be particular in addressing letters it will not be without good effect TURN OUT THE PIE MUNCHERS, To rus Epitor ov tas HeRaup:—+ Our beautiful new Post Office, costing millions. shoule not be desecrated byapieman Mt isashame! The droppings of pieces of pie and cake are trod upon ang tracked to every portion of the beautiful edifice. Must this be so? Let us have the remonstrance of the peo ple against it, No nuisance of this kind, either inside or outside, Help abate this nuisance. Sena the pie eaters out into the street. MERCHANT. WALL STREET NOTES. THB PACIFIC MAIL asND PANAMA CONTRACT— @HROWING WESTERN UNION STOCK OVER BOARD—RUMORS OF THE STREET—a STORM} MEETING OP THB ATLANTIC AND PACIFI¢ TELEGRAPH COMPANY—-THE LEGAL TENDEB QUESTION IN THE BOARD OF TRADE—ANOTHES INJUNCTION ON ERIE, An interview with Mr. Trenor W Park, President & the Panama Railroad, yesterday, revealed the fact thay the contract with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company— about which so much had been said last spring—war formally signed to-day by bim and ratified by the Board of Directors of the steamship company; Mr, George & Scott, the Managing Director of the latter company, signing for it, Mr. Park said the arrange ment was an equitable one for both companies, and that, as all inbarmonious relations were removed, there coulé be no doubt of a profitable business in the future. When asked in relation to the present COLOMBIAN REVOLUTION, be said that the neutrality of the isthmus was guan anteed by both England and the United States, and that incase any damage was done the Colombian govern- ment woyld be liable for all damages, which the com pany would deduct from the subsidy they have to pay that government. Mr. Park further said their road hae never beep so economically run ag during the last sia months since the completion of the Union Pacific Raib road THR TELEGRAPH RUMORS in Wall street few thick and fast yesterday, especially as the stock of Western Union rattled down in quites panicky mapner In the early morning trades and did not recover much thereafter, closing in the later dealings at the lowest prices of the day. A Heap representative waited on prominent bankers and brokers to get theiy views on the situation. One gentleman on Exchange place eaid, in effect:— There is no cause for alarm as far asthe general speculative public is concerned; Jay Gould has sold out his Western. Union stock without doubt; he found th® load too heavy to carry. He was obliged to protect Union Pacific, to which be has really linked his fortunes, and as he had to suddenly meet his cal! loans, he gave the street his telegraph stock without much regard to cost. He must have sunk an immense fortune in bis endeavor to agvance values at such @ time of universal mercantile depression.” A well known speculative banker discoursed on this subject in this wise:—‘Gould must bave taken at least PIFTY THOUSAND SHARES OF WESTERN UNION stock, in addition to his line, when he sustained the market after Duncan, Sherman & Co.’s failure, and on Friday last, when he had to support the market on the news of the failure of the Bank of California On Sat- urday he was a large also yesterday and to-day. His losses must be frightful. ~Western Union was bara to loan to-day in the and there is a rumor of the rupture of all negotiations lookfng to consolidation with the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company.” There were no tailures reported in the street, and no unusual excitement atthe Exchange. At the office of the Atlantic and Pacific joe Company there was a meeting of the directors, and although no members of the press were admitted, and no authentio reports of the proceedings were gyyen, a stockholder told the re- porter later that the mt king we 8 ‘stormy one; that is was intimated Mr. Orton and Mr. Gould had quarrelled, and that the latter was ready to coalesce with other . parties to the damage of Western Union. This, how- ever, is only given without indorsement and asa part of the gossip prevailing during stormy times: THE UNION ADAMS FAILURE. Yesterday a HeraLp reporter visited the counsel of Mr, Adams, No. 11] Broadway, and a member of the lofi firm stated that his client had formally made an assignment to Mr. E. H. Wooten, of Washington pl and that the same was duly filed in the office of the County Clerk. Mr. Adams is reported as saying that his business has worn a discouraging aspect for two years, and has been affected by general trade troubles. ASSIGNMENTS. Friend Pitts, a well known up town dealer in notions and fancy . yesterday filed in the county clerks’ office an assignment of all his property, including his stock of goods, in favor of John H Glassford, to whom he gives full power of attorney to dispose of all his goods as he may see yea ted 1 und of the assignment is that he owes debts which ho cannot ay in full The assignment in the case of Lee & Shep! was also fled. THR LEGAL TENDER QUESTION was brought up ata meeting of the Board of Trade in this city yesterday, and the Banking and Currency Commitiee passed the following preamble and resolu- tion:— Whereas the enrren estion having now assumed the roan conte Botta a jcultu an rers of al inds, it ooves Board 4 for such. discui ‘eatlgae most grave importauce to manufact to provide the means sions, 1m: tions and reports as may materially assist in shaping 1 futare financial policy of the government and country ; an¢ whereas it appears to this committee that a series public meetings should be held in this oity, mt which all in~ terested in our national progress resent financial and commercial difficulties should the opportunity of at- tending, and at which prominent public men, holding: oppo- site views on the currency question, should be invited to ex- ons those views; and that subsequently @ report be pub- Eshed by the conveying, such recommendations to Congress as shall be deemed advisable and expedient; be it, erefore, . Resolved, That the Executive Committee of this board be reqnested to take such action in this matter as will best give effect to the suggestions contained in the preamble to this resolution. cue We are informed that invitations will be extended te the Hon. John Sherman, Chairman Senate Finance made at the Post Office for @ package (valuable) said to have been addressed to Middletown, Conn. At once the machinery was put in motion to discover it Scores of country and city postinasters were written to and agents in every State where there was a Middletown were ad- vised. Hardly had the chaso Ly before the stray lotter was sent back to the New York office, Its con- fident and careful writer had addressed it to Middle town, N. ¥. Almost the same complaint as to # letter said to have been directed to Orch: street, Newark. After mach trouble it was discovered and had been misdirected wo Orchard street, city. But now comes a greater revelation of carelessness, Gladwin and Co., bankers, of this city, complained of the loss of a valuable letter they had sent away, con. taint si ONE HUNDRED SHARES OF PACIPIO MATL stock. They es oe it as having been put into a Jamppost box. , indeed, there was a search, not only for a letter, but for a thief After awhile the bankers reported the letter was fonnd. Where? The onl, it box it had ever entered was the coat et of the writer—a not unusual termination of a ost Office search. ‘Another lotter was positively declared to have been sent to Newark, N, J., with a check In it This was found all right at Trenton, and distinctly directed thera Another, for Hastings, Oswego county, N. Y., was found safe and sound at Hastings, on the ‘THE HANOVER BANK, of this city, sent a valuable letter to Messrs. Powers & Weightman, the great manufacturing chemista of Phil- adelphia. It could not be found; but a few days after. it waa discovered all right between some news. yapers one of the firm had taken out of his Post Office Bok the very day it should have arrived. An English gentleman called in great trouble on the Postmaster to report jhe loss of a valuable letter, He had directed it to No. 834 Water street His invoices of udson. oods, &c., were in this package, and his cases bad been sent to the public stores on account of this unfortunate loss, After a troublesome investigation ‘THR HAPPY fay ‘was handed his letter, but it was addressed No. 334 Canal street He naturally supposed that Water street could not be far from Canal ‘A valuadlo lotter for a firm in this city lay in their box one whole week, because their office boy would not bring the postage due on it, never reported it to bis em- ployers, and when he did finally take it he obliterated the date of the postmark to cover i his own delin- quency, All these facts came out upon investigation. THR MERCANTILE NATIONAL BANK sont @ postal card acknowledging @ remittance, ad- dressed as follows:— WAL LOELOEDELEDELODIDDIEDE DUOC DELEDEDODDIE DOE DE OE “To Dover Bank, Dover Bank.” AOMEAOLORE DO RLOL DO DEOOLO LILO DOLE DE DEDEDE HE DORE DODE Yet this was not more careless than an envelope handed to the writer to look at It had just been placed in the office, and was without a stamp, and thus addressed ;—‘‘Check. Messrs, Schuitze & Co., present" Committee; Hon. William D. Kelley, Senator John B Gordon, Hon. B. F. Butler, Senator Frelinghuysen, David A. Wells and others. ANOTIER INJUNCTION ON ERIR. i The Treasurer of the Erie Ratlway stated yesterday that they had been enjoined by the Court from paying the interest on the consolidated mot jo bonds, are, however, authorized to pay the interest on the second and third mortgages due to-day, CONVENTION OF FIRE CHIEFS. anions A NATIONAL GATHERING OF CHIEF ENGINEERS TO MEET IN NEW YORK. The “Association of Chiof Engineers of Fire Depart. ments of the United States’ will meet in this city on the 5th of October next The object of the association ig to endeavor to bring to perfection the system of pre- venting and cxtinguishing fires by mutually imparting thé knowledge gained by actual experienca This Con- vention, as it brings together a number of men who hold important trusts, and who have, in many cases, o wide and varied experience, will be productive of much good to the public, if ite deliberations are conducted im & proper spirit, « Preparations have been making for some time for the gathering, and somo of the railroad companies have consented to reduce the fares in favor of the delegates. ‘The officers aro as follows LE Lanter A. Clay Sex- ton, Chief of St. Louis Fire Department; Vico President, 0. B Green, Chief of Providence, (R. 1) Fire ment; M. McFaddon, Chief of Memphis (Tenn.) Fire Department; M. Benner, Chief of Chi (iL) Fire Department; Henry Spilman, Chief of Baltimore (Md.) © Fire Department; W. A. Green, Chief of Boston (Mass. Fire Department; H. C. Hendricks, Chief of New [ance Fire Department; George W. Levi, Chief of uisville (Ky.) Fire Dey ent; M. H. Chuse, Chief of Bloomington (IiL) Fire Departm Jagnes Hill, Chief of Cleveland (Ohio) Fire mem; James Battles, Chief of Detroit (Mich.) Fire Department; T. Nevins, Chief of Brooklyn (N. Y.) Fire Dey + W. H. Johnson, Chief of Philadelphia (Pa) Fire De- pennant Thomas Keville, Chief of Norfolk (Va) Fire Bailey, Chief of vor partment; J. L. Co.) Fite Department; M. @. hief of Indianapolis (Iud.) John Galligan, Chief of Omak (Neb. i Departme Thomas Duncan, Chief of Burlington (I ment Recording Secretary, P. H. Cambridge fant Fire partment Secretary, Heury A. Hills, Chief of Rome (Ga.) Fi ont’ Assistant Secretaries, H. M. ns, Chief jewport (R 1.) Fire Department; H. B. Durfee, Chi of Pall Rivor (Mass) Fire Department; @ R Chief of Covington .) Fire Department, Treasurer, Ty P. Nevins, Chief of Brooklyn (N. Y.) Firo Department. The Convention meets, it is understood, on the invita Here was an advertisement at the vop of the envelope of tion of the Board of Underwriters