The New York Herald Newspaper, December 2, 1875, Page 5

THE CURRENCY. DOCTORS ——___ Peter Cooper Correcting Reverdy John- son’s ‘Remarkable Mistakes.” ——-—___—_ Why the National Government Should Control and Maintain Legal Tenders, STRANGE FALLACIES. “If Any One Wants Gold Let Him Buy It.” Mr. Peter Cooper has again placed himself on record as being in favor of maintaining “rag money.” In the foliowing interview with a reporter he attempts, while ostensibly correcting some of the “remarkable mis- takes” of Mr. Reverdy Johnson, to express more forcibly than he has ever done before the necessity of in- ‘vesting tho national administration with the controlling power in all that regards the money used by the peo- ple, tho repeal of the law demanding a resumption of specie payinents in 1879, the secondary importance of gold and silver as a circulating medium, and the abso- lute need of extending rather than contracting the present greenback system: MR. COOPER'S VIEWS. Rerortsx—Mr. Cooper, what do you think of the late letter of Mr. Reverdy Johnson on the subject of the currency? Mr. Coopzr—I think that Mr, Johnson has there given some wholesome truths, and, for a man of his in- telligence, has made some remarkable mistakes, He ways truly that “the question of currency is now the most important one before the country. It rises, or should rise, far above mere party contests,” He adds, with great propriety, that “the subject of currency affects the permanent welfare of every citizen, the prosperity of the country and the reputation of the government.” He then adds that ‘it must bo obvious to every reflecting mind that a currency ought to be as far removed from fluctuation of value as possible,” Tbelieve that Mr. Johnson is unquestionably right im saying that, “with a currency, subject at times to depreciation and at times to appreciation, the conse- quences can but be injurious, and the extent of the injury will be in proportion to the changes of value. ’” ‘These statements of Mr, Johnson indicate Just such a currency as the constitution intended to provide for the American people. Mr. Johnson then states—what I believe to be an entire mistake—that “the experience of the world has long since demonstrated that gold and silver alove constitute a safe agit » He further gays that ‘the same experience teaches us that no mation can prosper which adopts a currency not con- Vertibie on demand into gold and silver.” PROSPERITY OF PROMISES. So far from this last statement being correct I find that the greatest prosperity known in the history of England took place during the twenty-six years when the Bank of England was unable to pay specie on demand. I believe the history of the world does not show a single bank that has operated through a long course of years, promising to pay specic on demand, ‘that has not failed to make good that promise on sev: eral occasions, Mr. Johnson “proposes to consider the ‘whole subject from two points— First—*What should a currency be?” Second—'*What contro) has the government over it?” Iwill answer, as to what a currency should be, in the language of Plato, who says that a ‘‘currency should be that which is most valuable to the State and of no value to any other country.” GOVERNMENT BANKING. . RerorteR—But what are your views, Mr. Cooper, on ‘this question of ar in relation to the govern- ment at the present time Mr. Coorzr—1 think the currency question has been managed by the government very much in the inter- ests of the moneyed classes, and very poorly in the in- teresis of the people. Let us look at some of the facts. 1 think that a republic like ours, with its 40,000,000, with its enormous extent of unoccupied land, ‘its wonderful resources and {ts enterprising people—equally marvellous for their growth and the dncrease of their wealth within the century—has no need to borrow from anybody. Why should this people borrow, as a private debtor? If, in their sovereign ca- pacity through the government and under constitutional and jegal forms, they can lay under contribution the whole property and the services of every man in pro- tecting the lives aud property of all, they certainly can issue tokens of this undoubted fact in the shape of legal tenders; and these become, by this act of sov- ereignty, the ‘money of the country, the measure and the means of exchange, The people who give them in their sovereign capacity must take them in their pri- vate capacity and again receive them in their sovereign eupacity as (he government for taxes, This makes their Circulation and their use, But the significance of these paper “‘legal tenders” is that they are tokens of so much service or material rendered to the government, and they are also promisos to render an equa! amount of money, service or useful material in exchange to the holder by the government, Now, the government keeps this promise in three ways—irst, by accepting these paper promises, as they may be culled, for all taxes and dues to the government; second, by ‘compelling every individual to accept them in payment of all debis, and finally, by redeeming them in that which the holder of the currency shall accept as equivalent value and Abus distribute burdens ana benelits over the whole country. ‘ SOMETHING SOLID, Rerorter—How is the public debt to be paid at last, ‘and how shail we get out of this vortex of promises to ul Oe Cooeuns. Ka cuenesies Inere Wann nead tp got ont of this voriex. The circulating medium of money eet- tes down at last invo something solid in interest and property, under the same law of conversion that makes tach drop of blood contribute to bone, muscle or other organ of the body. For instance, New York city is building a great series of piers and wharves for the ac- commodation of its present and future commerce and trade. It is demonstrable that these piers and wharves will pay in rents to the city, not only the interest but the principal of ali the money invested, in twenty years, The city tssues its bonds for this work, which represent a certain amount of interest and principal But the city, not having the right to issue money, offers its bonds for gale to the banks or to private individuals, which are henceforth alienated from the possession of the city, in order to get the money or currency to pay for labor and material in this public work. You might ask, why should not the city keep these bonds in its own si and issue (he money for current exponses on its own authority and credit? I answer:—Because that would ‘de an act of two great a local sovereignty—though it is no more than is now virtually conceded to local banks, Let the general government, then, in its sovereignty, make such a currency, so based ‘and secured, a legal tender, hen, when this work is done and begins to pay to the city rents, let the income be applied to tho extinguishment of the bonds as well as keeping it tn repair. This is what I mean by settling down @ circu- lating medium or currency into solid material and capital organieed into permanent use. THIS MAKES A CIRCULATING MEDIUM always expanding and always contracting into a solid form. The true design and highest function of cur- rency and credit are to enconrage and stimulate indus- try and enterprise in aseful forms, aud to promote the work by giving the very tools with which it can be done, It represents the material value of the products ‘of labor in process and not yet complete, tor which it Provides merely the current wages or support till the uit of labor comes to maturity, when that pays for all, The repeal of the law permitting holders of legal fenders to convert them at their option into interest bearing bonds was the most cruel act of injustice that ‘was ever inflicted on the American ple, From thence have come most of the financial troubles and disasters of which so much complaint is made at the Present time, Our bonds were rushed abroad, to be changed for luxuries and for gold at gixty cents on the dollar, instead of being taken by our own people at & Millions of gold goes abroad to pay interest to foreign bondholders, instead of being paid to our own people. A policy of rapid contraction was then in- aspired into the government, when, the necessities of ‘tho war being over, further issues of bonds were mado end currency was withdrawn and allcredits began to contract, a8 @ natural and inevitable consequence, This brought on one of those irrational conditions in buman affairs which we calla “panic,” that brought down credit at once to the zero point and shrunk the value of all property. EXTRAVAGANCE AND WILD SPECULATION, Rerortsn—But, Mr. Cooper, do you not think that personal extravagance, rash ‘speculations and ov oduction generally have much to do with the preseut Boanclal embarrassinents? Mr, Coorun—In a restricted sense, all these causes He at the basis cf much financial embarrassment Over-production and undue importations seem to be the most plausible of the reasons offered for the pres- financial embarrassments, because, when goods ac- cumulate in merchants’ bands, and products multiply fm the factories, the mines and farms, without a corre- sponding demand and consumption, the most obvious eause or explanation is that there bas been too mach production and importation, But have these been too Tauch for the demand and consumption previously ex- isting or subsequently? The true law of supply, and the stimulus and the reason for production, is demand ; ‘this comes first and the former comes last in (he order of nature, There might be aprodaction thatovertakes nd passes an existing Consumption in particular cases; Dut it is well also toexamine, tn a general way, whether any cause bas paralyzed consumption. Now, it bas Deen seen that the systematic and constant contraction of government credits naturally induced the contrac- tion of all other credits; this (nally brought on a panic that acted like a paralysis on all credit; his led inev- ftably to the stoppage of so much active industry and work as t> take away the purchasing power of @ great many, and to stop a large part of the proviousty existing consumption and demand, Hence, the over-production (so-called) has been morely an accumulation of products, due to under-consump- tion. The proof of this lies in the fact, as 1 have said, of so many industrious people being thrown out of Work, and in the statistics of the country with regard exportations and Importations the inst few years. In thw connection the opinion of President Grant, as expressed in nis annual Message of 1873, is importank SENDING OUR GOLD ABROAD. ‘On the Ist of July, 1866, the public debt reached its vest point, standing at $2,783,426,879, apd ov November 1, WAI, mk $2118.91 2, ‘aun wane a mdi NEW YORK HERALD, tion in 91-3 years of $665,028,667, or an average of $71,250,000 per annum. Itis computed that on November 1, 1875, two-thirds, oF $1,412,000, 000, of our debt was eld ip Europe, leav-. ing obly one-third, or $706,000,000, held by the United States. The bulk of said debt is in five-twenty bonds (six per cent gold, or seven per cent currency), involv- ing the annual outilow of $34,000,000 for interest, Mani- Sestly we are paying more than double what England pays "ei her normous debt, which is funded at three per cont ‘und oid at home.’ Were our debt funded at 4.65 per cent per annum, and brought home, $17,000,000 would be annually saved in interest, while the other $17,000,000, being im circulation, would be invaluable in banishing hard times, REM! BS AND KEASONS. ReronreR—But what would you have the govern- ment do in reference to its present policy? Mr. Coorsr—The course is plain, Let the govern- ment issue, not only ali the legal tenders, but all that passes in the shape of money—all should have the ‘image and superscription” of the government, whether it be coiu or paper, Let the government start from a fact, that there has been, and is now, through its instrumentality and necessities, so many millions of legal tenders ‘and bank paper or currency set afloat, which, with the government bonds now out, represent so much credit resting on the honor ability of the government to pay, but furnishing the basis for a great amount of credit in the financial system of the country. On this the country bas been dopending, and with this it has been at work, in all its industries and trade, since the credit paper came into existence, ‘THE PEOPLE DO NOT WANT SPECIE. ‘They want the credits already given them not to be Withdrawn; they want their labor and material freely given to save the country, or to build it up, to be valued by the same standard as that by which 1t was measured when they began to work. ‘The moneyed class obvi- ously want scarce money and high rates of interest ‘This gives them more power and less expense. But the advantage of the whole people, including this very moneyed class, if their interests 'were rightly under- stood, is to bave credit easy to the industrious, the honest und the enterprising, and the interest of money ow. ADVIOR TO CONGRESS. Rerorrer—What would be the policy you would recommend for the action of Congress? Mr. Coorper—At present Congress has devised no better plan for the financial policy of the country than this:—-Congress has passed a law that specie payments for all currency ball be resumed in 1879, and to provide for this it has authorized the Treasurer of the United States to withdraw currency until the present volume shall shrink from $400,000,000 to $300,000,000; na he is farther authorized to sell bonds at four or four and a half per cent interest to the amount necessary to get tho specie wherewith to re- sume payments, As the five per cent bonds outstand- ing are only at par now, | think the prospect is very poor for selling the four or four anda half per cent without ruinous discounts and large addition to the debt of the nation. If the banks also are made to do business and issue their notes only on a specie basis, instead of bonds, as now, it will sprink their currency #0 as to bring another panic, Now, L would have Con- gress REPEAL THIS LAST ACT OF CONTRACTION of the people’s credits in the shape of currency, while it is an expansion of credits to the moneyed claas in the shape of bonds, 1 would have Congress pags an act that should make all currency that of the government alone; and, of course, 1 should abolish the present bank currency, giving these institutions the option of doing business only on legal tenders; these they may secure at any time, by simply giving up to the government an equivalent amount of government bonds, whose interest thereafter stops until bought up again by legal tenders. This will extinguish the interest-bearing debt of = the country in part by one not bearing interest, Secondly, to start all fairly and justly, 1 would have Congress pass an act restoring the currency in volume to the condition in which It was at the close of the war, or soon after; when, peace being deciared, the whole nation sprang to the arts of peace with the energy of war; when they took these very credits, which the necessities of the government had furnished as the price of the nation’s life, and began to build up th country still more securely in the wealth and products of “myriad-banded industry;” when their bopes and their faith were stimulated to new life by this mighty credit poured into the circulation of the country, and all the property of the country and its products were measured and exchanged by the new standard; when none were found idle except the shiftiess and those who sought idleness; when no factory stopped ite pro- duction for want of consumers, for all Were consumers, because all were producers. I would have all that cur- rency restored to the country, and not withdrawn or contracted by taxing the property of the country to pay it, but allowed to remain will it bad produced its equivalent by the industry and products which it broaght into existence, THE BONDED DEBT, No vested rignts can stand in the face of the public wel- fare; common and statute law recognizes this principle. Hence, all vested rights can be repealed by the law-mak- ing power that conferred them. Under this principle private property can be taken for public use and all corporate riglts can be abolished that stand in the way of public welfare—but never without proper compensa- tion to the’parties that may be losers, and of this the public aduiinistration must appoint the means and provide the regulations. But I propose to change the character of the bonded debt by a voluntary process. First—Whoever needs currency must give up the government bonds for it. The compulsion here is in making every one do business and pay debts in legal tenders, and the principal reason for their use exclu- sively is that the public welfare admits of no other fhouty, ‘Second—Whoever desires to fund the currency shall receive bonds at a Jower rate of interest than that which legitimate business now gives, but which is higher than the average yearly increase of the whole property of the country. This I would ix upon as the interest of the bonds; it is now about three per cent. ‘Yhere 1s an element of compulsion here; but as the wWhoie country pays the interest on the public debt it seems but just that only that amount of interest should be paid which the increase in the public wealth justi- fles, and no more, This great bonded debt of the coun- try would really become the refuge and security of the widow and the fatheriess and those poor and ignorant people who cannot invest their litde savings in legiti- mate business, even throughothers, because they can- | not trust them and have no ability to watch the safety | or protect the use and return of their money. The public debt would become the poor man’s ‘savings bunk,” instead of being, as now, the exchequer of the rich and the means of pamperiug wealth and idleness, Benevolent institutions, churches and college endow- ments would seek it for the same reason, because of its perfect safety; and even the same {unded interests of Europe would seek investment in this country for security, and would gladly pay gold for all the bonds they could buy, atalittle higher interest than their own countries could afford. GOLD. Rerorrer—But what about the gold all this time, which is now very much mixed up with this question } of finance, because it is 80 universally the legal tender of civilized nations? My, Cooren—I would have ita part of our ldgal tender still France makes gold, silver and paper all legal tenders. Why cannot we? But if any one wants gold | as a commodity let him buy it, as any other commodity, | atthe market price, Let such exchange cyrrency or any other commodity for gold, as suits their conveni- ence and the state of the market, which no govern- | ment can control without tyranny and interference with private rights. That whole subject will take care of ttself, and the whole circulation of the world will naturally mingle and interchange with our national circulation as the outer air mingles and Jnterchanges with the air of the room if passages are left free, THE GIST OF THE ARGUMENT. Rerorter—I anderstand you, then, Mr. Cooper, that you regard this whole contest about the currency, a a conflict between the vested rights of the whole moneyed class and their interests, “but illy understood,” and the rights and interests of the whole people; that you re- gard the whoie legislation of Congress on this subject, with little exception, as made in the intereste of class, special and partial legislation, which has been, thus far, the bane of our republican institutions,’ because, under. forms of law, {t sacrifices the people to classes of special privileges, and 1 understand your present remedy for all the present evils and all the fu- tare that are likely to occur from our system of finance is that government alone issue all currency and what- ever circulates a8 money, and make this currency inter- conyertiblo with bonds, which the government can coufrol, and not with gold, which it cannot control; and (urther, that the government start in the present emergency from precisely that volume of credits in cur- rency and in bonds that was sot afloat by the Irresistible necessities of the war for the Union; that this volume should be sustained substantially as it was soon after the close of the war, when it rose to its maximum, and be made the measure of all values and the means of ex- changes for all coming time, subject only to the slow increase of volume which statistics shall justily as the increase of population and its ratw, per capita, to th currency? Mr. Cooren—That |e precisely what I propoge, LET TRUTH AND JUSTIOR PREDOMINATE. Rerorrsr—But it appears to me, Mr, Cooper, you place great power In the hands of the government by such @ policy. Some administration may ride again and again into power, and overthrow finally all the ree | institutions of the conntry with @ great flood of cur- | rency, which {tcan manufacture jn unlimited quanti- | ties by aslight change in the awe that Congress may be induced to enact at any time, . Mr. Coorxr—It would require almost a treatise republican government to answer your objections, an then you could not be answered if you had no faith in free principles and democratic forms, and in the pater- nal functions of a government instituted ‘by the peo- | ple and for the people.’ The slaveholders of this coun. | try had to learn this lesson at last, and 1 do not know auy vested rights in property so enormous, and so in- telligent and well organized for rosistance as slavery brought to bear upon the free institutions of this coun- try. “The government is already, and ought to be in a still larger measure, paternal, it should aim constantly | to * establish justice’ and organize love and right into law. If we can teach the people justice aud truth, | they will gee to it that tho “Republic suffers no detri- | ment” There is bothing that | can perceive in the policy I advise that will place any uncontrollable power im the hands of any administration and Congress, If the law will not protect the people's rights, let provi- sions of the constitution be resorted tw. Let us have | & “civil service’ that will make office under gov- | ernment more of a “professional” and ular occu pation than of trade and bai age. Let the United States embody tn their constitu- tion, As has the State of New York, that there shall be “no special, partial or class legislation,” and make its Jaws on the currency conform vo that provision of the constitation, The question of the currency is of boundless im- portance to the American people, The stability of our government will depend on a wise settlement of this momentous interest, THK AMERICAN PROPLE will never allow this subject, to rest until it is safely moored to that sure foundation of the eternat princi- ples of truth and justice on which our fathers placed | the constitution of these United States, Our fathers | meant that the government should be of the neonle and for the people. They the “wisdom of simplicity” into law, and make it a shield of protection for the unsuspecting masses of the people against those that are resorting to all forme of art to obtain property without labor. fhe framers of we congtjtution would never have recom- mended one kind of Tnofiey for sho issues of the gov- ernment and another tor the peoplé. Upder the cir- cumstances in which our government was placed af (he clove of our late war they would have taken the advicé of their inost venerated member, Benjamin Franklin, who said tbat “paper money, well founded, has gre advantages over gold and silver, being light and con- venient for handling in large sums and not likely to be reduced by demand for exportation, On the whole,” intended to embody he says, *‘no method bas hitherto been found to estab- | lish a medium of trade equal in all tts advantages to bills of credit made a general legal tender.” If I have done or can do anything to restore the tools of trade to the American people, to enable them to work out the | salvation of our country from the present paralyzed condition of trade and commerce, I siall regard itas a treasure that ‘moth and rust cannot corrupt’’—one that will brighten while life and thought and immor- tality endure, WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. oe A CROWDED TENEMENT BURNED—ALLEGED NEGLECT THE CAUSE. In the crowded five story tenement house No, 28 ‘Thomas street, near the corner of West Broadway, a fire occurrea yesterday morning, which within an hour rendered homeless sixteen poor families and made many of their number entirely destitute. The fire was occasioned by what would appear to be culpable carelessness on the part of Henry Luning, the proprietor of Mmail grocery store ou the first floor, Shortly before eleven o'clock, wishing to draw some ale, he went into the cellar, where he found the ale pipe leading to the store frozen, and in order to thaw it out ho lighted a newspaper and held it to the pipe. The ceiling of the cellar was low and the place was filled with rubbish: ‘The fire from the paper licked the ceiling, and in a mo- ment it was ina blaze, The flames epread rapidly, as the ceiling was saturated with kerosene, which had frequently dripped on the floor of the store above and soaked through. Quickly calling to his boy for pails of water, Luning made several attempts to extinguish the fire, but without avail, Am alarm was then given, and within a short time the engines were on the spot, Captain Caffray with a section of men soon followed. When the police arrived they found the street block- aded with a multitude of people, and it was only after much difficulty that the space around the burning building was cleared for action, THE AIR WAS BLACK WITH SMOKE, which rolled in dense volumes trom the doomed house, ‘The heartrending screams of the women and children rushing in dismay down the narrow staircase, battling with the sinoke and flames in their struggle for life, rendered the excitement intense. Within a few minutes the streams were on, and the smoke clearing away a scene was revealed to view that touched the hearts of the stoutest and uerved the fire- men to almost superhuman efforts, On the top of the building were several women and children, scream- ing and frantic, Retreat from the inside had'been cut off, and the helpless occupants of the upper floors bad been driven to the roof, One of the women, more excited than the rest, was seen running from edge to edge, her hair streaming and her face haggard with fear. Inher arms she hugged convulsively a little in- fant, and her agonized screains rent the air, ‘The firemen in the meantime were working with all their might, Ladders from Hook and Ladder Company No. 8 had been placed agamst the burning building, and some firemen went to the rescue. Several work- men employed in the neighboring house of H. B. Claflin and Co, had anticipated the firemen by placing on the roof of the adjoiaing building, occupied by G. W. Blats as a gold and silver refinery, a ladder reaching to the roof of.the burning house, By this means three of the women wero rescued. The only man on th burning bousetop was ‘Thomas Norman, a sailor, and he, with a seaman’s — instinct, pounced upon’ a clothes line, banging on the roof. To cut and fasten it was the work of a moment, and by it his wife and another woman were enabled to slide down to the top of the refinery build- Ing. Two ladders wero now bearing in anfety their living freight and the danger was past, Hardly had they reached the ground when tongues of fire darted through the roof ‘Ton minutes’ delay would have proved fatal. Within an honr the fire was extinguished. On examination it was found that the flames had done sad havoc, having destroyed nearly all the furniture of the occupants, THE DAMAGE. ‘The building was damaged to the extent of about $4,000, It ts owned by Mr. David Briggs, of No. 77 Jane street, and is insured for $5,000 in the Greenwich Insurance Company. ‘The building had altogether twenty rooms, which were let to sixteon familics at monthly rentals varying from $6t0 $12 The trst floor was occupied by Herman Lunine, grocer; loss $500; insured for $2,000 in the Park Insurance Com- pany, Jobn Cholewa, shoemaker; loss $100. ‘The second floor by the’ families of ‘Patrick Flanagin, Lawrence Johnson and Thomas Jay. The third tloor by the families of Peter Welsh, Michael Fadden and John Zimmerman. The fourth by the families of Patrick Morrissey, Owen Barnum and Michael Ahern, The fifth by the’ families of John Fitzgerald, Peter Schultz, Thomas Norman and William Hintzman, all of whom lose all their furniture, which in the aggregate was worth about $1,200. ‘Among the firemen who distinguished themselves in saving the occupants of the house were Foreman Reeves, Assistant Foreman Sullivan and Firemen Whitmore and Grill. After the fire was extinguished the homeless families clustered together and were soon joined by their chil- dren, who had been to school while their homes were burning, and the momentous question as to where they should go was discussed. Many had no friends upon Whose charity they could rely. Others, more fortu- nate, hastened to the homes of their relatives to secure a temporary habitation. Mr. Purcell, proprietor ofa saloon opposite the burned tenement house, moved by the suffering of those made homeless, threw open his doors and welcomed them in. A fire was built in the basement, and fourteen women and children gat huddled around the stove, weeping and bemoaning their sad lot, Richard Wilson, owner of a neighboring restaurant, sent in an abundance of provisions, and their pangs of hunger were appeased, ‘The heads of the homeless families are mainly laboring men, and many of them are at present out of work and without a penny in the world. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN HOBOKEN. At three o’clock yesterday morning a fire broke out in the rear extension of Hugh Smiley’s shoe store at No, 192 Washington street, between Fifth and Sixth streets, Hoboken. Tho, extension being of wood, and tho fire being fanned by a driving north wind, burnt very rapidly. It was discovered first by a private watchman named J, H. Dewey, who instantly gave the alarm, and within a very few minutes Engine No, 1 arrived on the spot. Dewey rushed up stairs and saved the lives of Mra. Nagel and two daughters and a child, residing in the apartments of Mr, Nagel, a photographer, above the shoe store. When he entered their rooms they were filled with smoke. Nothing was saved, and the unfortunate women caine into the street with little more than their night dresses, Meanwhile both the stores of Mr. Foerster, a baker, and Mr. Schmidt, a stationer and dealer in toys, on either side of Smiley's shoe store, were ablaze. the baker’s store the family of Mr. Schoenield, a jew- eller, resided. They were only abie to save their lives by flight, when the flames took possession oftheir rooms. Absolutely nothing was saved. The eneral impression at this time was that the remaining fans in the block would “go.” The two steam en- gines threw powerful streams upon the bg at Mihm ings, The firemen were covered with ice from head to foot, and the pavements in front of the burning houses wore mover, The firemen worked with wonderful energy and skill and after four hours’ exertion had the fire under control, having contined it to the three stores med above, though several adjoining structures wero repeatedly in most serious danger. st efficient aid was rendered by the police and several of the neighbors most kindly cared for the unfortunate victims, The loss on buiklings and stock is estimated at $80,000, which is only partially covered by insurance, OTHER FIRES. A fire in the basement of the four story brick tene ment No, 23 Jackson street, occupied by John Dela, bunt, jank shop, caused a damage of $350, A fire occurred shortly belore eight o'clock yester- day morning in the box factory of Edward O Smith, No 423 Oakland avenue, Greenpoint, causing a loss ot ‘about $5,000, The property is insured for $27,000 in various companies, The fire was caused by the engi- neer, who built » fire about the water pipes, which wero frozen during the night, MEETING. FIRE COMMISSIONERS’ A fall board attendod the meeting yesterday morn- ing. Comptroller Green was present to open bids for department supplies, four being received. Awarda will be made when the sureties are approved. James Millmore and Martin Grell, of Hook and Ladder Com- No. 8; John Fitzpatrick, of Engine Company No, Tey nomad E. Shields, of Hook and Ladder Compan; No, 11, and Walter Burke, of Engine Company No, 4 wore placed on trai for violating department rales, the decisions being in all cases reserved, {tis under. stood that the Board will next week make a number 6f removals, !n order to bring tho expenses of the depart ment within the appropriation, A GOOD WORK TO BE DONE. The following resolution, which explains itself, was adopted by tho Board of Fire Commissioners at their meeting yesterday ;— solved, That the Chief of the department be and js hereby directed to cause ® thorough, minute and careful inspection to be made, by such officers as ho may designate for that purpose, of the present condi- tion of all hotels, theatres, music halls and other places of amusement, public schools, churches, facto- Ties and ail other buildings in the city, used for ‘assem- vi of meetings, or in which any considerable num- ber of people may at any time be employed or con- gregated, and report the same to this Board possible, with his recommendations as to the addi- tonal measures of precaution necessary to be taken to make the same more secure in the matter of the pre- Veulion or extings ishiment of fires. AT REST. CLOSING CEREMONIES OVER THE REMAINS OF THE VICE PRESIDENT—THE FAMILY CIRCLE COMPLETE IN THE DELL PARK CEMETERY, * Nawiox, Mass., Deo 1, 1875, A bright, clear, gold morning ushered in the day which 1s to closé the funeral rites of the late Vice President, The cold was severe, but did not deter the citizens from carrying out to the full all the pre- iiminary arrangements, so that by the hour appotmied for the first service of the day nothing was wanting to bring them toa successful conclusion. Twelve o’clock was the hour assigned for the funeral service at the house, and by that lrour the home of the late Vice President was thronged with the relatives and inti- mate friends of the deceased, many of whom had ar- rived by the morning trains from distant localities. ‘THB LATE RESIDENCE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1875.-TRIPLE SHEET. |INVESTIGATION. | City Officials Before the Leg- islative Committees. THE POLICE COMMISSIONERS’ IDEAS What Our Guardians Are and What They Ought To Be, NEALTH BOARD REVELATIONS. of Mr. Wilson is situated on West Central street, but @ tew rods from Main street, It is @ two story and a half frame dwelling, and is painted in a light yellow shade, A narrow lawn separates the house from the street, the latter being bordered with a row of shade trees. The house faces to the east, and the narrow verandah, skirting its front, 1s reached by a drive-way and walk from the street, The door plate bears the simple in- scription, “Henry Wilson.” The interior of the house is in keeping with its simple external appearance, the furniture and all its appointments being fn strict ac- cordance with the simple and frugal modes of the owner’s life, THE CASKET CLOSED. At four o'clock yesterday afternoon the casket was closed, shutting out forever from public gaze the face and form of Henry Wilson, and the remains were then conveyed to the house where resides the mother of the late wife of the Vice President, Tho casket was borne to the house by comrades of Wadsworth Post, G. A. R., the United States marines holding their position as a national guard of honor. The Selectmen of Natick, the Committee of Arrangements and Captain Brown and Lieutenant Sirrott, of the Fifth Maryland regiment, ac- companied the remaing, which were placed in the par- lor, the casket case serving asa dais, A solitary ma- rine kept guard over the remains last night, but was re- lieved every two hours. SERVICES AT THR HOUSE. Promptly at the appointed hour the choir of Mr. Wilson’s church sung an appropriate hymn, which was fotlowed by reading of the Scriptures by tho Rey. Mr. Pelonbet, of Natick, Mr, Wilson’s pastor. Prayer by tho Rev. Mr, Dowser, of Sherburne, and remarks by the Rev. Mr, Reynolds, of Natick, interspersed with singing by the quartet, concluded the ceremonies, which wore simple, and yet im- pressive throughout During the services a» guard of honor selected from the marines ‘Above | and Grand Army of the Republic post were stationed at the head and foot of the casket, The elegant floral decorations, which filled the room with sweet odors, relieved the sombre black of the draperies and gave ad- ditional effect to the scene. Among THE RELATIVES AND FRIENDS present were Charles, S$, H, and George A. Colbath, brothers of Mr. Wilson, a large number of cousins and other relations; George W. Colbath, Postmaster of the city of Dover, N. H.; Dr. Phelps, of Boston; ex-Goy- ernor Claflin, H. F,’ Durant, of Wellsley, and F. M. Crossman, of New York, besides iarge number of neighbors and townspeople, THE VINAL CEREMONIES, At the conclusion of the private servicesat the house, preparations were at once made for removing the re- mains to the Town Hall, where the public and final ceremonies were to take place, These were soon ac- complished, and by the appointed hour the casket had been placed upon the catafalque and the mourners assigned to seats reserved specially for them. A special train had in the interim arrived trom Boston, bearing the Governor, a portion of his staff, several members of the Executive Council, a committee of the Boston city government, Hon, Marshall Wilder, Congressman Henry Pierce and the officers of the Fifth Maryland regiment and of the Independent Corps of Cadets; also the Boston Fusileers, who volunteered as the escort for the day. A procession was formed and tne dis- tinguished guests were escorted to the hall, reat crowds filling every available position ‘om which to view its progress through the streets The mourners having been assigned seats at the right of the platform, the invited guests were seated in the front rows in the body of\the ball; the pall bearers, who were townspeople, to the left; the Grand Army post standing to tho extreme left, and the citizens Uhronging into the remaining area and packing the gal- Jeriea, About -2,000 parsons found admittance to the edifice, while the seating capacity was limited to 1,200. Since the preceding day the Town Hail had received additional embellishments, among them a dove con- tributed by the jadies of the village, which hung Deneath an elegant wreath of flowers, sus- pended from @ canopy and pendant directly over the casket. One of the shutters had been opened slightly, admitting a single ray of light, which rested upon the casket, producing a halo, in which the white dove swung t6 and fro, in weird and striking contrast with the prevailing sombreness of the heavy mourning | habiliments in which the hall was clothed. THE SERVICES IN THY TOWN HALL, Shortly before two o’clock Rev. Francis N. Peloubet, Mr. Wilson’s pastor, opened the services by reading the hymn, “God is Our Strength,” beginning with the words, ‘Man in his weakness needs a stronger stay than fellow men, the holiest and the best,”” which was sung by the Alpine Quartet, of Boston. Following this | the invocation was made by Rev. A. E, Reynolds, and Seripture reading by Rev. J. S. Wheedon, to which tne response, ‘Abide With Me,” was sung by the quartet, AN ADDRESS was made by the Rev, Edward Dause, of Sherburne, who mainly touched upon hisyntimate personal friend- ship with deceased, and the great qualities of the latter as displayed in the midst of the people, who had known and were intimate with him from youth, The address was sbort, but possessed tho merit of deep sincerity, and warmth of personal feeling. A quartette then chanted a poem written for the occasion An ad- dress by Rev. M. Peloubet followed, consisting of PERSONAL REMINISCENCES of Mr. Wilson In his labors, both in and out of church, and in various reforms Inaugurated for the mori elevation of his friends and town’s people. Mr, Pelou- bet, as Mir. Wilson’s pastor, had unusual opportunities of acquiring a complete knowledge of the Vice Presi- dent’s inner life, and from its sfmplicity and earnest- ness in spiritual concerns, the speaker drew a lesson, which he endeavored to impress upon the younger portion of the audience. The address was most in- teresting throughout, The hymo Nearer, my God, to Thee, whieh was an especial favorite with Mr, Wilson, and in singing which the entire audience joined, was given with sublime effect, The benediction, by Rev. Mr. Peloubet, closed the last rites over the remains of the late Vice President, The exercises occupied an hour. Considerable delay ensued before the procession was formed and the mourners and guests could be assigned seats in their carring ex The procession, as it was finally formed, was as follow: FIRST DIVISION, Detachment of Police. Chief Marshal A. J, Nichols, » Aids :— J. K. Feich, James H. Parker, ¥. H. Haves, D. H. L. Gleason. Natick Cornet Band Independent Fusileers, of Boston, Captain Snow, Grand Army, Post 63, of Natick. Grand Army, Post 142, of Farmingham, PALL BEARERS : Edward Walcott, John 0, Wilson, 3, 8, Mano, Edwin 0,’ Morse, Willard A. Wright, Richard Hayes, Hon. John W. Bacon, Elyjah Perry. Detachment of Police. Officers of the Fifth Maryland Regiment, Carriages containing Mourners. Ofliciating Clergymen. ‘His Excellency Governor Gaston and Staff Boston City Government. Invitea Guests, Natick Town Government, Committes of Arrangements BECOND DIVISt0 Marshal--Dr. George Beard. Marine Body Guard. “pasny fpog Aids:— R. T. Nash, A. B Bryan JM. Fellows, W. F. Shatwuel y rass Band, Odd Fellows Association of Farmingham and Ashland Chief Bugineer Natick Fire Department, J. W. Morse, and Assistants, Natick Fire Department, St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society. Father Matthew Temperance Aid Society. Natick High School Natick Grammar Schools Natick Sunday Schools, Delegation of citizens from Natick and vicinity. THE LINE OF MARCH embraced nee Soh Street in the town, and it was not until four o'clock that the hearse bearing the re- mains reached she grave in Dell Park Cemetor Without any unnecessary delay, awing to the seremaly cold wind that swept over the hill upon which the cel is situated, the casket was transferred from the hearse and conveyed to the side of the open grave ready to receive it. The Grand Army Post formed a square about t! it, while the military escorts were drawn up in line in the driveway, The mourners and invited guests having assembied {n a body, the band meanwhile playing @ solemn dirge, the casket was gently lowered to its PINAL RESTING PLACE. Mr. Peloubet spoke a benediction, the relatives and friends took @ last look, dropped a few flowers upon the casket lid, and the last rites attending the demise of Henry Wilson, the Natick cobbler and illustrious Vice President of the United Statos, wore at an The mourners re-entered their carriages and were bison tral rted to the village, the military escort leparted for Boston Re special train, and the town by sunset had peaumed ite wontod fuiet and sramanilits, | tectives employed at headquarters; he did not know How Long a New Yorker Should Be Sick Every Year. POLICE COMMISSIONERS BEFORE THY ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE—IMPORTANT TESTIMONY, The Assembly Committee on Crime renewed their investigations yesterday by calling to the stand Com- missioner William F. Smith, of the Police Board, who was examined as to his knowledge of the wants and re- quirements of the Police Department, The General did not think there were sufficient patrolmen; the av- erage length of their posts was by far too long; there should be at least 2,800 men to properly guard the city; now there are only 2,261; they (the Police Commuission- ers) had increased the force this year to 2,300, but the Board of Apportionment had cut them down to the original number; the detective force is not as efil- cient as it might be; they wore wanting in intelligence and proper shrewdness; detectives are reambursed for any expenditures they incur in making arrests o¢ criminals; detectives are not sufficiently paid; a good detective should get, witness thought, about $2,500 or $3,000 a year; their salaries should be GRADUATED ACCORDING TO MERIT; the police should be divided into grades and receive salaries accordingly; the roundsman should be paid more than a patrolman; he should get $1,900 a year: the captains he did not think were suflicieutly paid; this office was a responsible one, and they should get ‘at least $2,500; the General was an advocate of good pay for men in responsible positions; Inspectors should receive $4,000, and the Superintendent $10,000; the latter position demanded a man of superior talent; he should be cool in judgment, quick to think, accurate in directing, fair and iwpartial, possessing a knowledge of human nature and military discipline; the Commis- sioners, the General thought, were paid enough; poli- tics entered too much into the appointment of men on a vent the adulteration of liquor; the class of bummers who rotate betweep the courtg and the island ought to be put at work on the streets of the city, even if a ball and chain is used; in one case t committed a man named Murray three times in three weeks for three months each; how he got dis- charged the Justice was unable to say; respectable men in society support bouses of ii) repute, and bis impres- sion is that they should not be licensed; he was in favor of giving magistrates power to cali juries and try 8 of gambling, policy and prostitution, withous referring them to the District Attorney’s office, Some testimony as to the existence of gangs of pick- pockets in the city nightly working the cars was put in, and the committee adjourned until Saturday, at eleven A. M. SENATE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. The Senate committee to investigate the city de- partments met at room F, in the Fifth Avenue Hotel, yesterday morning at half-past ten o’clock. Senator Booth presided, and Senators Bradley and Tobey were also present, The first witness examined was Walter N. Adams, Superintendent of Buildings. He was closely ques Nioned as to fires and the manner in which the Depart- ment of Buildings was notified after their occurrence, He said that the Fire Department generally notified the Department of Buildings, but is not required by law to do 80. ‘The owners are usually notified of the condition of the walls, and they are given until twelve o’clock following the day of notification to begin work upon the build- ings. Mr. Adams was asked by Mr. Davenport im regard to the case of the fire in St. Andrew’s church, im Duane street, Had the owner of the adjoining building been notified? Mr. Adams answered that the owner had been notified and went to work on the follow. ing day, but a storm that was raging at the time prostrated tho work. The wall about which there was So much said and written stood VORTY-PIVE DAYS APTRR THR PIRI, and Mr. Adams did not really consider that by any human means known to him the disaster of that fright- ful night could have been averted. He was then called on for some statistics as to the number of buildings examined, &e., by the inspectors of his department. Up to the Ist of ‘this month, he said, 1,499 buildings were made safe, 89 were taken down and 114 were de- clared unsafe. The District Attorney, he said, is now rosecuting nineveen of these cases of unsafe buildings. n regard to theatres, they are all provided with good means of egress, as their doors open outward. The ex- pense of the Department of Buildings was $95,000 a year. There are in the Department of Buildings sixty inspectors and other officers, at salaries varying from $800 to $8,000 year, Mr, Adams’ own salary Is $6,500 @ year, THE BOARD OF HEALTH'S NEEDS. Dr. Charles A. Chandler, President of tho Board of Health, was next called. He testified that the amourtt called for by the Board of Health this year was $328,000, and that it received only $246,000; he thought that the number of people employed was inadequate to tho work required to be done, and ag far as vaccination was concerned there should be treble the number of persons employed to what there is at present Tho Projessor then went into statistics as to the relative mortality in different cities wherein the modern improvements im sanitary regulations have been used. In New York the death rato 1s 29.08; ‘in Brooklyn, 25.18; in Boston, 28.46; in Philadelphia, 29.64; in Cincinnati, 22.84; in San Francisco, 20.80; in Charleston, 8. C.; 90.32; 'in New Orleans,’ $7.62} in Richmond, Va, 84.55; in Fall River, Mass., 31.20, and tn Savannah, Ga., 43 These statistics seemed to puz- zie the Board for a while, but the counsel, Joha 1. the police; he did not think thé force efficient as » force; there was weakness in the captains, and that tended to demoralize all their subordinates; witness thought that the Police Commissioners were at present invested with ample power, but from what be knew of the way some men got on the force and re- ceived promotion, it would be well if some temporary power of removal were given to the Com_ missioners; the connection of the street cleaning with the Police Department was injurious and had no proper or legitimate connection with it; it belonged rather to the Board of Health; ward detectives, when good men, should be retained, but they often acted, it was sald, as go-betweens to make money for the captains; the power of appointing the ward detective should not be given to the captain of the precinct; captains should be held responsible for their precincts aud where found derelict should be dismissed; the Board of Police Com- missioners should consist of an odd number of mem- bers; captains of polico who failed to break ap gambling houses in their precincts should be punished; witness had very little confidence m the present staff of de- one CENTRAL OFFICR DETECTIVE that he could go to im contidence; in his opinion the system of espionage on criminals practised in Europe would work well here—é ¢, compel every person con- victed of crime to report to the Superintendent of Police . his residence once per month aud make it @ misdemeanor tor him to fail to ae go; the law provides that all gambling instruments shall be broken up, but the rule provides that they shall only be broken up after con- viction; under tie rule some of this kind of property has beén returned to the owners; he saw no reason why a gambler who robs a certain class should not have his tools destroyed as well as those taken from | burglars; ho believes that gambling houses are not so common as formerly; whenever the police enter the Ann and Barclay street gambling houses ‘they tind merely tables spread and tree lunches; he thought the new system of inspection districts is a good one and the power of inspectors should be enlarged; unless the wpspector has more power and a larger torce on his aif abuses will exist; simce May 1 no captains have equested to be transferred to boisterous precincts where there are panel houses and gambling houses In answer to the question as to what bas been the CHILP CAUSE OP CRI, he said that intemperance surely brings about acer- tain class of crime, such as murders and assaulis; the only way to deal With houses of ill-fame is to Hcense them; the Board of Police are anxious shat the esti- mates necessary for additional patrolmen shoula be passed; there are but nine men detailed as detectives at the Central Ottice; a police torce, in his opinion, would be more efficient if it was in the power of the Board to remove officers at will, irrespective ofa trial. Ex-Police Commissioner Joseph Bosworth, who was in office about six years, testitied that, in his judg- ment, the number on the force in 1870 was insufficient to properly cover the city; @oeas one mile in length, where there was much property at the mercy of bur: glars, was too long; a captain of police, in his opipion, should have one or more detectives ‘at his disposal; any detective would im time become known tothe ex- pert crimiual classes; SECRETLY APPOINTED OFFICERS could not retain their secret relation to the force long if tuey had to make arrests; it is almost impossible to have a periectly managed ‘municipal police, the Com- missioners being brought into close connection with disturbing influences, every party wants the police force and the appointing of Commissioners, and they expect some benetit m consequence; under the Metro- politan eystem there was less of this influence; » non- partisan Board could be selected by a Mayor just as well as by # Governor if he was ao disposed; the Excise laws were well enforced by the Metropolitan Excise and Metropolitan Police boar then the revenue from | licenses was nearly $2,000,000; after the charter of 1870 | the laws were not so well enforced; the license fees | were reduced by the republicaus, and the laws were less efficient for closing; nave never made the subject of licensing houses of prostitution a study; “in that matter 1 do not profess vo be an expert,” suid the Judge, Commissioner J. R Voorhis (recalled) stated, in substance, that there ought to be more patrolmen than there are; that there ought to be 2,500, instead of 2,261, and that there ought to be 8,000 if the condition of the city finances would permit; there is a want of harmony tm the Board; it bas the MVPROT OF DEMORALIZING THE PORCR from the top to the bottom; it is dangerous to place power for summary removal in the bands of Police boards, ag at present constituted; he favored the plan of but one Commissioner, and saw as much reason for two or more Comptroile: Commissioners of Public Works as for a plurality of Commisstoners of Police; as to the detective force, he said about one-half of those on duty when he went there had been remanded to post duty; thelr pay is wo small; they are often forced to make expenditures that they do not put in claims for; none ol the detectives should be paid less than $1,600 or $2,000; there should be ward detectives, but it is not necessary that they should be the choice or under the orders of the captain; | have thought of having two detectives working in pairs; one only known to tho Commissioners and the Superintendent, the other to make arrests; and sometimes i¢ might be well to em- ploy women; the secret men should not be known to each other and should work in pairs; before be went there even notorious receivers of stolen goods would go in and, sitting down with the detectives, discuss of criminals in agreed with General Smith. as to propriety of having secret espionage by detectives, as in France; be did not think it wise to make the police control the cleaning of streets; itshould be removed entiraty be- yond the jurisdiction of the Police Board; he was Opposed to the licensing of houses of prostisation, be- cause itis a criminal offence, and declared that he was satisfied what it would be wrong to license them, As Wo the GRADING OF POLIORMEN, id there might be classes of policemen, commenc- en reduced rate of pay; that after they bad in- be advanced; he would ereased in efficiency they ‘igh bave three grades of patroimen at three raves of pay, ne grade for roundsmen and sergeants, whose du. ties are identical; so with the detectives, they might be graded as well; and the salary of captaing should be Leathe ed or $3,000; this would make them more efficient and more honest; it i¢ wise to promote trom the ranks up through the grades to captains, Police Justice Murray was questioned as to the dim. culty of breaking up disorderly houses; he had sont some to the Grand Jury and some were convicted; the Justices can only fine them; year he had no Davenport, came to the rescue, THE COST OF KEEPING THR CITY HEALTHY. Professor Chandler said that the Health Board in 1869 cost the Metropolitan district, which then comprised Brooklyn and Staten Island, $183,000. How is It that 't costs $246,000 at the lowest estimate to run the Health Department now, which comprises only the city of New York alone? Professor Chandier—The city has grown since 1869, and there have been a great many improvements made in the department, which will eventually accrue to the benefit of the city. Professor Chandler continued:— For making a statistical statement it is assumed that there are two persons sick in this city at the time ne person dies; that therefo each death represents the result of 730 days of sic! ness, There are, at that rate, 22,000,000 days of hess in a year, or in other words, on an average, every inhabitant of the city has allotted to him twenty-two days of sickness during each year. “Has the Health Board any connection with the Coroners’ Office?” asked Mr. Davenport. “No,” answered the Professor, ‘but it ought to have. Tho Coroners ought to be physicians and subject to the Board of Health.” Mr. Davenport—How Is it that the Coroners’ Office is 80 ogten notified by the Board of Health if there ts no connection between the two offices ? Professor Chandier--We bave in our office what is cated a “black list’ of physicians, and when we ré ceive a certiticave signed by one of these we uotify the Coroners’ Oflice to investigate the case. COLONEL MERUAN'S LITTLE CASE Frahk M. Penn, formerly the bookkeeper for Benoit | and Wood, dealers in drafisman’s materials, who, ata previous session testifiea that he had paid commis- sions to Colonel Meehan, Engineer of the Dock Depart- ment, in 1870 and 1871, was the last witness. He brought the books of the irm and showed that certain amounts were charged to commissions, which he be- lieved and knew Colonel Meehan received. Ho added that some of the money was handed to Colonel Meeban by himself and that it was in an envelope. While this examination was going on both Benolt and Wood were present and were much excited, Be- noit hissed between his teeth, “You are a liar.” They both went on the stand and dented Penn’s statements and when questioned as to certain presents Colonel Meehan bad received Mr, Wood said they were bought by the firm for Colonel Meehan with the trade dis- count off as acourtesy which would be shown toward any other person who did business with the firm, COCK FIGHTING IN JERSEY. NEW JERSEY SPORTSMEN FILLING THEIR POCK- ETS WITH LONG ISLAND MONEY—ELEVEN BAT~ TLES FOUGHT AMID INTENSE EXCITEMENT. Notwithstanding the intense cold several hundred members of the sporting fraternity assembled early yesterday morning to witness a cocking main in the yard of one of the slaughter honses on the New Jersey Central Railroad, near Communipaw, between Long Island and New Jersey fowls. Each side showea fifteen birds, and agreed to fight ail that fell in from 4 iba 6 ozs, to lbs. 8 ozs, Tho betting was in favor of the New Jersey fowls at $50 to $40, $100 to $75, and in one instance even $300 to $200. The heavy weights of the division were first brought in. The first fight resulted in tavor of the New Jersey representative aiter ive and @ quarter minutes’ flerce fighting. ‘The second battle wag between the light weights of the division. The betting on the result was about even. It was a sharp and well contested battle, of six and « half minutes’ duration, and was also won by the New Jersey fowl ‘The men from Long Island now began to look ex- ceedingly gloomy, but they urged their fowls onward with an energy bordering on desperation. The third and fourth battles were both won by the Long Isiand birds, At this the backers of Loug Island became very enthusiastic, which mereased in surprising ratio as they won the Ofti and subsequently the sixth battle, The score now stood as follows:—Long Island, 4; New Jersey, 2 Cousiderable money was now invested. The seventh battle resulted in favor of the New Jersey fowl after thirteen and a half minutes?’ hard, desperate fighting. New Jersey also won the eighth and ninth vatties, and Long Island the tenth, amid intense excitement. Each side bad now won five battles, and the betting was heavy on the deciding con- test. Both sides pitted spienaid birds, and their tavor- ives backed their opinions freely by gréenbacks. Among the bets was one of $110 to $40 in favor of the New Jersey fowl The battle proved to be the hardest fought of the entire main, which New Jersey eventually won after seventeen minutes’ uninterrupted fighting. It is estimated that between $4,000 and $6,000 changed hands on the result of the main. A rumor at one time Berean that one of tho officers of the Society for the revention of Crucity to Animals was in the hood; but this was not well found dt proceedings were completed without the slightest pro- test, FIZZLE IN FISTICUFFS. For sume days back it has been extensively adver. tised that a fight with blackened gloves, between Pro- fessor William Clark and Joseph Coburn, would come off last evening, at Turn Hall, im Sast Fourth street, The hour set down for the match was eight o'clock, but at that time not a corporal’s guard was present. Aftor an hour of weary waiting it became evident that the public, either through lack of appreciation of the beautics of the manly art or some other cause, had de- termined not to respond, 80 the announcement was made that the match was postponed indeiinitely, due notice When it is to come of to be given in the public reso, Such persons as had bought tickets at the door Bea their money refunded to them as they went oun ‘This is the second time that the public has be sap- pointed from seeing the above mentioned ‘scientists’? display thoir ability. SKATING, ‘The lovers of this delightful outdoor exercise have for some time past been preparing for the winter's en joyment Yesterday morning Messrs. Weed & Decke! proprietors of the Capitoline skating lake, Brooklyn, raised the red ball which is the signal for skating, Thit was sudden and rather unexpected and caught many young people napping. Although the weather has be very severe for ral days few were prepared skating, and, of course, BB gripe ge attendance was much smailer than it usually is on the Grst day of the season, The Capitoline is one of the oldest skating lakes now in existence in this heer The Central and Pri ‘k Inkes are now bet lowered and otuerwise prepared for skating; and, if Prosent weather continues, there will be sport on them ‘within « week. Ae shoe elt 2 AN INSANE MURDERER. jin the ft cases of this kind; while at Rssex et, on evidence of Commissioner Stiner, he held a number of Canat street proprietors for violation of the Excise law and keeping disorderly houses; he instanced the case of a woman named Moyers, who he held and had her houses brok although be was approached by politicians im her interest, Intoxication appears to be the great anne of crime in this city. and it would be well to ore — A commission (de Imnatico inquriendo) appointed ® inquire ag to the sanity of William Vandeborg, of New town, who some time since attempted to murder ha it suicide by cutting bis own throat SR wae oe 's county jail yesterday and ore