The New York Herald Newspaper, December 8, 1875, Page 10

10 TRACKING TWEED, The Whereabouts of the Fu- gitive Still Unknown. | HE LEFT THE Cry? HAS ic - Offic ial Opinions About the Various Clews. THE MYSTERIOUS DRIVER FOUND. “TY Will Not Admit or Deny Anything.” COUNSEL FOR A COACHMAN. The mystery surrounding the escape of Tweed still remains as dark as when the news (rst became known, and as each day passes the chances of his discovery and subsequent capture grow more remote. There are still apy number of theories setup as tothe mode fn which his flight was carried | eot, but the police authorities, the Sheriffs people, and all others who have bad anything to do with the case | have now come to the adoption of the one first pro- | pourded by the HEwaLp—viz., that Tweed did not on | Saturday enter his house on Madison avenue at ail, but was taken from the jail direct to Central Fark, and there changed carriages, being subsequendly driven rapidly away, but in what direction there are scarcely enough positive facts at hand to dicate, The conversation held with Hoffman, ‘Tweed’s driver, a8 given elsewhere, aud tbe manner in which bis whereabouts was discovered, will be found singularly interesting, and from his remarks in regard to his being able to take Tweed off v0 @ vessel from his own place at Greenwich may possibly indicate the manner of hie departure, The story of the Lord Clarendon and tbe intimacy that has for years existed between the Tweed and Russell fami- lies 18 a.80 an important fact. THE LORD CLARENDON, ‘The following facts in regard to Tweed’s connection | with the Russell family, who are the owners of the Lord | | | Clarendon, the ship on which it was suggested yester- day that be had taken his departure, tend in a singu- larly strong manner to establish that theory. In fact, it would secm to be certain that this will turn out the right solution of the problem. It appears that some ‘Ubirty years ago, at the time when William M. Tweed was | working at cabinet making, he formed a strong friend- ship with a fellow workman, named Russell. This friendship was kept up, Tweed frequently visiting the Russel! family. The Russells were living ata small town on the Hudson, and there Tweed often used to spend his Sundays, On one of these occasions Russe!! said to the “Boss,” “T have had a boy bern to-day, Tweed, and I have a | great mind to call him after you. Anyhow the ‘Tweed’ shall go into bis pame for luck.” “alfred!” replied the “Boss."? ‘I may be able to do the boy some kindness some of these One days; let him come and see me when he grows old enough.” ‘The child was given the name of Tweed. In course of time William M. Tweed gave up cabinet making and be- came a political leader, Russell senior died and left several sons, the one named Tweed and others. Three of these boys took to the sea, and soon rose in their profession antil they became officers. Young Tweed Russel) subsequently desirmg to command a ship deterrained to apply to the “Boss” for aid, for he was then almost in the zenith of his power. He accordingly paid a visit to the “Chief” and stated in answer to the brusque questions put to Aum by Tweed that HIS NAME WAS RUSSELL, but that be bad also been named Tweed and that, in consequence, be had presumed to ask bis opulent namesake for aid, sayimg.—‘‘I have a chance of baying a ship and want $12,000." Tweed remembering, perhaps, what he bad once said to lis old friend, at once drew bis check for the amount and handed tt to young Russell, who thus became captain | and owner of wehip. The venture turned out well, and in . course of time other vessels were bought, until the business became quite ex- tended, and Captain Tweed Russell -went to Eng- jaud to manage the European business It is said that Tweed was always interested in the shipping busi- nese of the Russells and is so even now. It can, there- fore, be readily understood that a warm personal friend- ship still exists between the two families, and Tweed | Rusee!) was peculiarly bound by gratitude to the “Bors,” and it would be only natural that he should be willing to aid bim in any scheme be might desire to carry out The remainder of the family also would be only wo iad to lend their assistance, The fact, too, that al) the young Russells are engaged im seafaring Ife afford them peculiar meane of helping the **Boss”’ to escape on a vesee! of their own or a strange | one. There are some parties even now who assert unbesi- tatingly that they know, beyond question, tbat for the tast Ubree weeks a steamtug, with ber fires banked, has | been lying, som ip North River and some- times in the East River, ready at a # notice to spirit the es” to a ship which was got acd on at a certain point on the coast. THE MYSTERIOUS STRAXGER indicated by the Hexaup be strongest resem- tlance to one of the Russells, not the Tweed Russell, bears put ayounger brother, The latter hig way wo Europe. The Lord Clarendon, alth: she cleared. sutward bound, come time ago, these eame people ‘assert has been st g off and on slong the coast at | bo great distance from New York, awaiting ber special passenger. Thie is the ctory told by those who say they have certain mformation and personal knowledge of the facts. GXORGE W. HOPPMAN, THR DRIVER. Following out the clew obtained as to the possible whereabouts of George W. Hoflman, Tweed’s old con- | fidential driver, to whom reference was made yesterday ip the Hxnaud, and who undoubtedly drove the Lamb tarriage on Saturday, a HERALD special detective called At No, 745 Sixth avenue about haif-past nine yesterday morning. It had been said that Hoffman had, for some lime past, been carrying on the business of an oyster | fewer at this address. An address card bad been also | obtained, which was as follows:— ED From GEORGE W. HOFFMAN, Producer of Old Red Rock, Tweed Isiand and Indian Harbor OYSTERS, Rocky Neck, Greenwich, Conn. 1, No, 745 Sixth avenue. AM BE. HURD, Salesman, ; z The fact that the name was found to be George W. Hoffman, and not simply George, as stated previously, ‘t fret threw @ doubt as to whether this would be fonnd the right man, but subsequent inquiries proved Veyond question that he is the one songht ud no other, There was no sign over the door, or snyth.ng to indicate that George bad a business place bere, Inquiry, however, was made in the express office on the fret floor, where it was learned from the clerk that Hoffman did rent the basement and earried on the Business of an oyster dealer, and that he had, ved, a pliice also at Rocky Neck, Greenwich, veformation tallied exactly so far ‘with that obtained from the several hackmen and others who know Hoffman and said that for the last eighteen months or 40 Hoffman had been in the oyster Dusiness at Greenwich, and was probably there unt | davely. The express clerk eaid thet Hoffman bad gone away to Greenwich, and might not be back for three aye or three weeks. He lof New York, be sud, on Monday night He knew nothing | ef Burd, Hoffman's agent Finding that the clerk was either disinclined or unable to give any more ‘nformation to detective concluded to Wait around the neighborbood for the return of #) pyent bimee!!, who was out a6 this time, Stepping out on the sidewalk, he noticed a boy etanding om the cor- mer of Forty-second street, and determined w question Dim. Accosting bim, be began questioning the boy, end Jouns Mhat be had struck 4 good claim. ve wOY's The conversation had with the lace given and will p stony | ne “NEW YORK De found peculiarly interesting. The colloquy was as follows: — “My boy, do you know a Mr. around here?” “Yes, I da He’s got @ etore down under the ex- press office, in the middle of the block,” “Well, what's his business?” “He is a dealer in Old Red Rock, Tweed 1 Indian Harbor oysters,” “Is he at home now, And where does he live?” “] don’t think be lives in the ity, I heard nim talking with a gentleman who said something to him, Hoffman anywhere nd apd | and I beard Hoffman say to him he was going to Green- ; wich, Conn.” “Well, don’t you know where he stops in New | York» “No, I don’t.” “Weil, where do you live’ “1 ain’t got mo place at all, 1 don’t live anywheres,” “Did you ever see Hoffman driving a carriage 1” ‘1 don’t knowr but I know he was Ross Tweed’s coachman. He’s the man that received the big present from the ‘Boss,’ New Year's,” “Now, tell me where you live?” “1 don’t live anywheres.” “Whaws your name then!’ “1 alp’t got any.’ “What do they call you?” “4 don’t know.” “Well, now, I want to buy some oysters, can’t you tell me where I can find Hoffman ?”” “Lf you want to buy oysters you had better see Hoff- man yourself ; I couldn’t sell them to you.” Sonny, 1 tell you what 1° do with you, 1! give you a dollar if you’l show me where Hoffman nt going to do it, you might arrest me.” “Ob, no; there’s no fear of that.’? 1, 1 aint going to risk it,” ‘This ended the conversation, but it clearly proves that George W. Hoffman is the same man who used to drive Tweed, and who answers in every description to the man who took away and brought back the Lamb carriage, The result of the effort to trace Hoffman being made known at the Herap office, a reporter was thereupon started immediately for Greenwich, Conn, BOFPMAN POUND. It was not generally believed yesterday that George W. Hofman had left the city, that is, if he had driven the Tweed landau. But the Heratp detective, who had so carefully watched his movements from Sunday morn- ing forward, now lost track of him, and, therefore, natu- Tally believed that, despite the assertions of his friends, Mr, Hoffman had jett the city by the early train yester- day morning. The detective followed him to Greenwich, Conn, and saw him when he stepped on to the stoop of Smith’s hotel or restau- Tant, opposite the depot at that place, It was no use to accost him then; but later in the day, as will be herein- after shown, his identity with the black mustached driver was pretty fairly estaolished. GEORGE W, HOFMAN was, without doubt, the driver of the Tweed carriage, around whom such a web of mystery bas been ‘woven, His description furnished in these columns tallies exactly with the man’s personal charac- teristics. He is about five feet seven inches and a quarter high, lean and somewhat eallow, with a black mastache and too well attired to be mistaken for an ordinary hack driver. He is quick and lithe, respect- able in appearance, and altogether unlike one who has been forced to handle the lines and whip fora living, Perhaps his age does not exceed thirty-three years, At all events, he is just such a man as was photographed verbally by the special detective of the New Yor« Heratp, But to resume the history of his pursuit HB WAS GEN and spoken with In the evening and after a great deal of trouble by the writer, who bad been despatched on his trail, It was a task by no means triiling to reach him, but although for a tew moments be was lost, he wag found at length in bis own house, very unex- pectedly to him, and fairly treed, This is bow it came about:—Hofman went had arranged at the telegraph office for the transmission of a certain despatch trom New York and the settlement with the loungers and persons about the depot that inquirers were to be assured that he had not been out of Green- wich for two or three days Home he arrived in the evening and a report was carefully circulated to the effect that he bad gone to Stamford. Everybody in a village of Greenwich’s proportions cannot be bribed or “fixed,” so that the Henan detective had no difficulty in ascertaining about six o’clock that George W. Hoff- man bad not gone to Stamford but was actually then at the supper table in his own house. Half an hour later, in an open country wagon, the detective drove up to George’s gate and alighted. ‘The house, a large whitewashed frame building, stand- ing on a knoll, overlookea Indian Cove and faced in a northwesterly direction the once famous buildings known as the Americus Club House. A light glimmered inone of the windows of the notable old structure ‘a mile or two across the plactd waters of the cove and around the small shanty and bar for the accommoda- tion of Hoffman's oystermen on the point near the ‘Steamboat dock. A few rods from his house three or four men lounged. All was still except the pattering Tain and nothing could have been more uninviting than the appearance of THE MOFPMAN HOUSR. The visitor opened the wicket in the white picket fence, and mounting the roughly hewn steps in the rocky slope reached the piazza and rapped at the door, There was a shuffle of feet within, and a moment zo two later the door opened a foot or two, anda man thrust his head out, He wore a black mustache, was about the middle height, and bore a sallow complexion. ‘The remainder may be better told in dialogue. “Are you Mr. George W. Hoffman ?”’ said the visitor. “T am,” unbe way “Will you step outside a moment ?”” “What for?’’ “T have a few worde to say to you.” Here Hoffman turned on bis heel and whispered something to a female, who beld a light in her hand behind him. Then, facing the visitor anew and stepping out on the piazza, he said, “Now, see here, there’s no use im question- ing me, lam not goiug to anewer questions.’ Then, checking himself suddenly and scanning the muffled | stranger from head to foot, he continued, “But who are you, and what do you want?” “| am one who knows you, knows all your transac- tions and movements during the Inst three days, and saw you leave New York this morning.’ “Well, I don’t care what you know. me to admit or deny anything.” “Hold hard there, Mr. Hoffman, How do you know that I want you to admit or deny apything, or what subject even | want to speak about 7” A pance of a few seconds followed, which was broken by Mr. Hoffwwan’s saying:—“"You haven't told me who you are.” ""Lhave, indirectly, 1 admit, If you want to know more explicitly 1 don’t know that I can have any good reason to grant your request, At ali events, what I have come after isto ask you squarely what you did on Saturday, Now, what did you do?” “Ob, many things.” ‘Yes, but | know you drove your old master, Tweed, somewhere in « landau or carriage. Didn't you!” “See here, now. Acting under thefadvice of my coun You can’t get He gave bim $1,000 for bis | into Smith’s after | | ward, tatungly replied the man in the door- not jeft the city, but is hiding by the | aid of bis friends, gains ground among ¢) politicians and bis old adherents; one of Tweed’s | all seeke se! I will answer just this—I do pot Geny or admit | nothing.” “Ob, you have counsel! “Tm not going to #ay.” “Yea, but you won't say that you were in New York What for?” anti] this morning? We know that quite well, You or aright to go where l pleace, But, eee bere; ite no good your questioning me 1 wont, tell you anything.” “About what, George?” “About thia Tweed business. Pshaw! I know what you're after. But look here,’ said Hoffman, growing excited, ‘I don’t care who knows that I drove for the Boss often before, and 1 hope to do so again, and that I would pus my band on my bip for him Yea, I would, by God, and die for him or tn his simple defence tonight What tf I did drive him? No one could touch me for it If they could I don't care, I tell you what it is—the Boss nas placed In tm hands sod trusted me at one time with $2,000,00: worth of property as convertible as greenbacks, He knew me then Lam the same now,” Jertainly you are, and were I you I, too, should have driven him away from big jailers on Saturday the | sme as you did, George,” ] believe you.” ‘That e right, Goorge. I'm glad to ee yo@ admit it so | Thus action was taken by the Sheriff early in the day, HEKALD, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 18 nicely.” The man had fallen into the trap set for bim, “No, I don’t admit it,” replied Hoffman, with » laugh; ‘1 tell you'again | deny and admit nothing, under advice of my counsel.” “1 don't want you to admit or deny anything. A nod is as good as a wink to @blind horse, If you nod to me | know what’s what That’s all."’ Hoffman nodded # couple of mes and then the Her- ALD reporter, rising to bis feet and placing bis hand oa Hoffman's shoulder, said “That's enough, old fello any more; good night,’ Hoffman rejoined hastily, asif he bad put his foot in it and felt the corn, *'Hold on; take a cigar.” “Never mind, George; I have cigars myself, “Well, I guess I'll take # pipe of tobacco,” said Hoff- man, moving to the door and calling for bis pipe. ~ Who have you there ?’’ said somebody inside. “Oh! the Henan reporter, I think,” said Hoffman, “What's the matter?’ was the next question, “Nothing, He must be crazy.”? ‘Then coming back without the pipe or tobacco, after afew seconds of whispered conversation, Hoffman said:—"'Come down to the shore and take @ drink. See here, now, you won’t get anything outof me. I have spoken to you more freely than 1 would speak or have spoken to any one, because, so far as 1 am concerned, 1 don’t care, for I'l) do my level best now, as ever, for the Boss, But I haven't given him away. 1 tell you, there are fellows in New York, like Garvey and Inger- soll, who have handled good money through Mr. Tweed, that will be sorry for the cowardly and treacherous courses they have pursued toward him in the past. Never mind 1’m proud of what I’ve done, and I would do all and more than has been attributed to me again and again, that’s all. I’m saying nothing. Let’s go.” Hoffman and his visitor then left the house, and gomg down the knoll steps, crossed the muddy ditch and entered the little clapboard shanty used as a bar by Hoffman’s oyster men. It may be proper to mention right here that for some time past Hoffman has been in the oyster trade, and referring to this fact, the HexaLp reporter said: “By the way, George! you havea good oyster busi- ness on Sixth avenue, in New York!” “Well, old fellow! Isn't that @ goed blind? ba!” ; I don’t want you to say Ha! es, so itis, But I thought it was genuine” “Hold on. Don’t mistake. There’s nothing out of the way about that, But see there,” said he, as whe writer and he approached the beach, ‘There's the old place across the cove. Do you see it—the Americus Club? And let me tell you, ifwe bad the Boss here to- night it would take the whole National Guard of the State of New York to get him from us.” “How are you Mr. Hoffman?” said an oysterman ap- proaching from the house at this moment. “I see you have got back from the city. We didn’t expect you.” “No,” replied Mr. Hoffman, sententioasty; butfturning immediately to the reporter be remarked, “Let’s go in. While both stood on the threshold of the barroom— Hoffman’s property it was said—that person paused, and turning to the quiet waters stretching out before him, said, “I could have run the Boss off at at any time from this point in one of my sloops. What's to pre- vent itt? “Nonsense, man! Are there no persons about here who would betray him f” “None, I tell you @ vessel laying off this place could bave been fixed and boarded on any night and no one could stop him.’? After taking the glass of ale proffered the visitor jumped into his open wagon, and, while shaking hands with Hoffman, said, “Good night, George; your'e a brick, and I congratulate you on baving been William M. Tweed’s last coachman !”” “Wels, that’s all right, old fellow. you always Good night” ANOTHER MYSTERIOUS CARRIAGE, A HERALD reporter yesterday secured @ story from two ladies who claimed to know something of the man- ner of the escape of Tweed, which, if true (and the ladies are of the highest respectability and have given their names, which are withheld), contradicts the tale of Warden Dunham and his deputy, Hagan. These ladies, two days prior to the escape of the colossal Ring thief, bired apartments in a houso situated op Fifty-sixth street, near Lexington ave- nue, about midway in the block. Right before their residence, and continuing through to Fifty-ninth street, there is3 vacant space—lots which have not been built on—about the dimensions of Union Square. Across this space ww to be had a view clear through to Tweed’s house in Fifty- ninth stree, At half-past five on the afternoon of the escape, these Jadies happened to be looking out of the front windows, aud, as they related w the re- porter, casually observed « closed carriage standing tn front of the house they eubsequently ascertained to be Tweed’s, In afew minutes their attention was again drawn to the carriage by the fact of the coachman, attired in dark livery, mounting the box in hot haste, and, leaning baif for- commencing 0 start the team—two black’ or very aark horses, with the ‘most frantic efforts to force them Ww great speed. The blinds of the coach were down closely, but one of the windows was open to admit air. The coachman continued to lash his steeds with considerable fury, and so rapidly did they dash down the street that’ the attention of passers by was drawn particularly to the speed of the vehicle, The ladies at first supposed that it was a runaway, but upon learning of the escape of Tweed, and ascertaining frown the newspapers that his residence was directly | opposite their own, on Fifty-ninth etreet, they became convinced that the coach contained no other but the re- doubtable ex-chief of Tammany, who had escaped either with or without the knowledge of his custodians, Upon the return of the husband of one of the ladies the singular incident was recounted to him, and he, of | course, understanding al) the circumstances of the es- cape, coincided in their view—tbat Tweed himself was the occupant of the carriage. The above seeme particularly plausible when it is taken into consideration that Warden Dunham etated that it wae near seven o'clock when the alarm was given, and that it was but few minutes before that time when Tweed left his company to go up stairs to see Mrs. Tweed. This is @ serious contradiction to the Warden's version of the escape. ABOUT THE CITY MALI. The politicians who gather daily about the rooms of the Bourd of Aldermen discussed the chances ot Tweed’s escape with much interest, the general sentiment of the prominent ones was that they hoped he was ont of the way, and that there was the end of the disgusting litigation. Several declared that they would pot give the Boss away if they | knew where he was for all the rewards offered, and they would de glad to hear that he was at peace beyond the possibility of pursuit. One only 4 to dissent from this view, and blurted out, , Pd strike the Boss for a big stake if] knew re he wag and then give him away for the reward, That's what I'd do.” The impression that Tweed has Dll be glad to see ex-Aldermen even volunteered in support of this | theory the information that Tweed yesterday morning breakfasted on salt bacon, German sausages, toast and coffee. Pinkerton’s detectives were very actively engaged in dodging about the Hall and mingled freely among the “boys.” evidently hoping © hear some words dropped by some of ed's old political friends that would give them a scent in the eager bunt that they and their associates are making, under the direction of Superin- tendent Bangs. Much speculation is indulged in the object of Andy Garvey’s visit to Sheriff Connor's office yesterday, when it is well known that they are noton the bestofterms. He was closeted in the Sheriff's private office for some time and jeft at twenty min- utes atter twelve, by the private door. It is surmised that Garvey waa there to suggest the search of certain houses in the city where the malefactor may be hiding | until bis lawyers compromise by partial restitution and | he can step Out and appear in his old haunts, THE SHRRIVY’S OFFICE. “absolutely nothing sew is known to-day {n regard Tweed’s whereabouts’ was Sheriff Conner’s reply wo | after i in hig office yesterday, Of course every on about the office bad ® “theory.’? The most important item of news mado public was the suspension of Warden Dunham and the placing of Deputy Warden William Watson in hia place, to but the fact was not geveraily known until late in the afternoon, Mr. Conner looked quite \I] and complained that the loss of sleep and appetite consequent upon the excite. ment attending the escape of Tweed was using him up pretty fast During the day he received # number of anonymous letters of the most abusive character, and these were not altogether calculated to improve his peace of mind or sweeten his vemper to any material degree. Ex-Police Commissioner Manierre cajled in the afternoon and spent au hour or two in friendly converse with the Sheriff. Mr. Manierro seemed to fee! quite confident that the escaped criminal will be recaptured, but says the capture will never be effected by the police, of whove ability be does not seem to bave a very exalted opiuion. He inclines to the opinion that Tweed bas not lelt the State, but did not give reasons for 60 thinking. Sheriff Conner, woo, in- clines to this theory. ‘THY GRaND 0) Varden Danham was before the Grand Jury yester- y. He remained but a short time, and It is supposed that be merely related the story of the drive and the escape, with all of which the pubRe are already familrar, 18 TWRED MIDING IN BROOKLTNY There was nothing new elicited in Brooklgn yester- day touching the efforts of the police of iby to effect the ar: of ex State Senator William M. Tweed, would not say whether any re! placed upon the story of the boy seen Mr, Tweed get eonqerines op near Joralemon street, at Saturday night. Im fact, he dee! i the topic, referring all inquisitive scribes to Sheriff Con- ‘as the one who of all others was most interested n obtaining ‘nformation upon that subject, One story current was to the effect that Mr. Tweed is 61 wo stopping at the house of an old friend of his in Hen: street, and that the domicile was under the surveil- lance of the detectives, but that they had failed to verify the assertion that he was really under the tection of the friendly roof tree said to be bonored by bis portly presence, Certainly the indications are that if there are good and sufficient grounds upoh which to base this latter rumor, there would be no lack of ener- getic officers to obtain ocular evidence of the fact by invading the privacy of the domicile with the hope of obtaining the promised reward of $10,000, was to be iw said to have MOVEMENTS OF TWEED'S SECRETARY, Bostox, Mass., Dec. 7, 1875. The Herald says the surmises of the New York press as to the movements of Mr, Dewey, Secretary of Will- iam M. Tweed, have no foundation in fact except that he left New York at ten A. M. Saturday and arrived here at five P. M, and registered at the hotel where he usually stops when here. His business here is personal and in no way connected with Tweed’s eecape, por did be know of it until Sunday morning through the press. THE ESCAPED COUNTERFEITERS. ‘The Loughery brothers, John and Thomas, who were 80 successful in breaking out of the Raymond Street Jail, Brooklyn, on last Monday morning, the day on which they were convicted ef manufacturing five cent counterfeit nickel pieces, have not yet been captured, No reward has been offered for them by the Umited States Marshal. Joseph C. Loughery. a cousin of the fugitives; William Ryer and Michael Rice, who were arrested on suspicion of being implicated in aiding the escape of the prisoners, were examined before United States Commissioner Winglow yesterday and discharged, there being no evidence upon which to de- tain them, MUNICIPAL REFORM. MR, JOHN WILLIAMSON'S ONSLAUGHT ON ALL THE HEADS OP CITY DEPARTMENTS. A meeting of the Municipal Reform Association was held last evening at No, 43 Washington square, South, to hear an address by Colonel John D. Williamson, one of the engineers of the Board of Public Works, on the “Unnecessary and Mlegal Expenditure of Public Moneys.” The chair was occupied by Mr. Abraham Earle, Deputy Comptroller of New York. After the reading of minor reports, the Secretary, Mr. J. W. Wood, offered the following resolutions, which were accepted and referred to committees ;— Resolved, That the Executive Committee are hereby in- structed to’ prepare a suitable memorial to be presented to the Legislature urging the importance of speedy le; tion on the followin, cts:—First, the passage of an act Amending the Election law, whereby In place of pasting sainple ballots on the canyassers’ returns, aud destroying the remainder, it shall be the duty of the inspectors or canvassers after the 18 of the canvass of ench ballot box has publicly — declared, und before proceeding to the canvass of another box to securely enclose aud seal ail the ballots cast, and to direct the, envelope to such ofieer as. uball be directed by law. m jope shull be deposited by the chairman of the board of inspectors or canvassers within twenty-four hours after the closing of the polls, with the officer appointed by law to receive and % ‘Second—The passage of au act repealing the bill kno the “Gray Nuns’ bill.” cast ‘Third—“The passage of un act reorganizing whe civil jue tices! courts, reducing the expenses of conducting the same, and reducing the legal costs of actions brought therein, and regulating the duties of the stenographers. attached to said courts, and repealing all acts whereby they are authoriz chi for transcribing their shorthand notes use of the courts, or to the file the same. the i rties to actions brought therein. Fourth—The repeal of the Eight Hour law. tee ‘MR, WILLIAMSON'S ADDRESS. Mr, Williamson was then introduced and spoke sub- stantially as follows:—As a taxpayer 1 have looked at our Dock Department and been astonished at its im- mense outlay of money. Where has the money gone tof I studied that, I found that the man who has always failed in everything he ever attempted to do was placed at the head of that department. It seems that every head of every department is filled by men perfectly incompetent to il the position, In the Street Department man- holes are removed that will last ten years, and others put in that will not last five years “As to sewers, we see that every third or fourth pipe put in should be condemned, In fact, the laboring men put inferior materials. Last summer, at the reservoir, 1 water wastea in one hour which would supply the city for two days. Look at the big Pipes im the lower part of the city, ach, Assembly district member has the rule and control of them, ‘Two years ago they commenced charging fifty cents per load for earth to fill in Tompkins square. I venture to say that every shovelful cost $4 On repaving streets we find that in a few years we will have to re- ave our principal streets and the débris will have to ‘The speaker regretted that he had y ed recently that he bad not nad tame to prepare bis remarks In proper form, but would ut them in shape roll eg them at a future meet- ee He then continued in & rambling manner, with- outstating positively any tmportant facts. At the conclusion of the address the meeting adjourned, REFORMING THE POLICE, TROUBLE AHEAD ¥OR INCOMPETENT CAPTAINS AND SERGEANTS—POLITICAL INFLUENCB USE- LESS, At a meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners yesterday resolutions were unanimously adopted look- ing to a general overhauling and reformation of the po- lice force, General Smith, chairman of the Committee | on Rules and Discipline, opened the attack by report ing from his committee, with its approval, the plan he submitted af a recent session for cutting of political influence by an order that if an applicant for appointment or promotion or any officer under charges should procure outside inter- ference on bis bebalf bis application should be at once denied or be dismissed from the force, It is believed the operation of this rule will have the most salutary effect upon the entire force, and it from political and personal partieanship, and save the Board a vast amount o! time and trouble, and give deserving officers & fair chance for promotion. Shot No. 2came from the same battery, Commis- missioner Smith offering the following resolution, which will strike terror to the heart of more than one police captain and sergeant who has obtained his rank through the influence of political friends, when, If be had been left to bis own resources and ability, would never have succeeded in advancing beyond the position of patrolman :— Resolved, That one evening of each week be devoted to the examination of the captains of the police force by the Board of Examiners, and that these examinations be at tended by the Bourd of Police ; also the Board of BE: be directed to cite before them. a such times determine, the sergeants of th lectively by precinets, Commissioner Voorhis offered a resolution for the publication of the new rules, which was adopted, The resignation of Officer Stapleton, of the Thirty- first precinct, was accepted, and Ufficer James Bloomer, of the same precinct, was transferred to the speci: squad for detail duty at Trinity Building. The names of Acting Sergeant James F. Mead, of the Fourteenth precinct; Roandsman W. Delaney, of the Eighteenth precinct, and Patrolman James Hull, of the Fifth pre- cinct, were stricken from the list of candidates for pro- motion. Roundsman Mc¥hi , of the Thirtieth pre- examined as to his qualifications as roundsman. A CENTURY OF PROGRESS. THE STEPS OF NEW YORK FROM BEING A SMALL TOWN TO HER PRESENT PROUD POSITION. Before the Historical Society, last evening, John ‘Austin Stephens read @ paper on ‘The Progress Made in New York in the Century from 1776 to 1876." The chair was occupied by Mr. Beekman. After the trans- action of the routine business of the society the wuthor of the paper was introduced, He prefaced his interest ing narrative by a reference to the condition of the rovince and city of New York before the war of the Revolution. Before the occupation of the city by the British, who saw that \t was the best point to select as their depot for arms and supplies, merchants and business men did a very fair business. ‘Tho moment the army came here the merchants were supplanted by hucksters and sut- Jers, the buildings became tenantless, and trade dis arranged. Then came, in quick succession, two dis- astrous fires, in one of which 493 buildings were burned, and in the other, which occurred im 1778, forty-three houses were consumed, The lecturer traced the boundary line of the city in 1776, descrited the social habits of the people, club life, the commerce then ex- isting, the public parks and buildings, churches, ke. On Broadway, below St Paul's church, were the residences of the aristocracy of a@ hundred years yago, and No. 1 wasthe Kennedy Man- gion. At Vesey street asignboard pointed the way to Albany. Un the present sitof the Hexatp Building another signboard bore the legend—ggr'This way for Boston.” The lecturer’s descriptions ef the Fly Market at the foot of M lane, the flirtations be- tween the British officers andthe belles who prom- enaded in frontof Trinity church cemetery, the found- ing the first churches, the performances at the Theatre Royal, established in 1704, on whose boards Major Andre first made his reputation as an actor; th early life in the clubs, which were mainly in the in- terest of good living, and the coffee houses and their trons were very pew. 4 At the Merchants’ Coffee House opened in 1707 by Cornelius Bradford, on the of fournal building, the leading business men were to be seen, and there Bradford orig- inated the system of marine reporte so popular in the papers of to-day, and bad also a directory of the resi- dences of citizens, In this ditectory were 967 names. ‘This was the Grst attempt at direetory making in the country. Mr. Stephens proceeded to +. morce of that time and gave many interesting figures of those early days in comparison with those of to~ as illustsations of the remarkable progress made in century. The paper bad little In ft chat is Got already known to the student of the “City Manual’? and the delver in the archives of the society, but the facts were There wer ind# of rumors afloat, However, bear- ng upon the gubject Superintend- nt of Ponce i to elicit anything, either | aitrmatiyery of negatively Mor Cample ) weil groaped and ably prosented to the minds of the hearers. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr, Stephens or bbe historival treat ejyen (hem, --QUADRUPLE SHEET. NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS—-THE CENTENNIAL MATCHES oF 1876, The Board of Directors of the National Rifle Associa- tion held its regular monthly meeting yesterday alter. noon in the Bennett Building. General Alexander Shaler presided. The other gentlemen present were Generals T. 8. Dakin and M. T. McMahon, Colonels H. A. Gildersieeve and J, T. Camp, Captain J, G. Story, Judge N, T. Stanton and F. H. Sanford, The report of the Executive Committee was laid over till the next meeting. Captain Story, chief statistical of ficer during the fall read his report, Over 1,600 marksmen competed tor izes, a gain of nearly fifty per cent over last year. Colonel Gildersieeve offered his Tesignation a& Secretary of the association, but after bryan tyreye ny seotecyse to withdraw it for one mont ie end of which time a secret elected for the year 1876, ica The foil ‘THR ENLARGEMENT OF THB @ following letter was read from Mr. H. 0, Poppen- [ion President of the Central Railroad of ene jand:— New York, ls Tlzep Woaks ob imag MA ‘GEYTLEMEN—L will lease to you for a term of five years, at ‘an annual rental of $100, any poi A west and south of your storehouse erly line. I will ve you thelprivilege of buyin; in five years, any portion or ail of such property, at the rate of $400 per acre. T shall aio next spring, if not in op- position to your plane, plans op the avenue jeuding to the range entrance from the dépot, four rows of trees, and lay out a walk ton feet wide theeutire length of the avenue. Yours very respectfully, H. C. POPPENHUSE General Shaler m: ® report on behalf of the com- mittee that recently visited Philadelphia to confer with the President of the Centennial Commission. General Hawley assured the committtee that he worfld do ail in his power to render the mutches successful, The grounds for a range have not been selected yet, INVITATION TO ALL RIPLEMEN. The following was read and laid over for one month, wh program: ef matches will be arranged and the riflemen of all countries having rifle associations or clubs be invited to participate :— By authority of the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America, we have the honor to enclose herewith ‘« coy resolu- tions, passed at their last ting, and we cor. diaily invite your attention to the "ia Is the desire of our association that your country sI ¢ represented in matches contemplated in honor of the Centennial anni sary of American independence, These matches wil constitute one of the features of the Centennial Exhibition, and be conducted under the auspices of the Centennial Com- mission, The principal match will be for the “championship of the world, of pre fsbo each A eaepis a ards, Creedmoor rules; prize An ihecitizens of the United wi ind for military and other as be furn’ as matches for shorter distances arms. Copit ished you for distribution amon, your riflemen. Permit us to add'that it is the intention | our association to make the American rifle tournament of 1876 one of great. interest to all who participate. We take much pride in being the medium of announcing to your countrymen earnest wish of the American people to meet you on that interesting occasio: With high regard, your obedient servant, ALEXANDER SHALER, Fresident N.R.A. YONKERS RIFLE ASSOCIATION. ‘A match will be shot at Morsemere, near Yonkers, on Friday, December 10, beginning at twelve o'clock M., between teams of eight from the Scottish-American Rifle Club of New York and the Yonkers Rifle Associa- -—Two hundred and five hundred yards; ten shi teach range; weapon, any rifle; sporting rifles handicapped seven points, THE BOWEN LIBEL SUIT. A BELIC OF THE GREAT SCANDAL, the heat of the Beecher-Tilton scandal the Brooklyn Eagle published sev- with Mr. Henry C. Bowen, and also editorial comments which were not complimentary to that gentleman. Mr. Bowen determined upon being vindicated, and accord. ingly consulted counsel upon the best method of pro- cedure, 1¢ was determined that suits should be tn- stituted against the offending journal, and that paper In controversy, eral interviews and tts editor-in-chief, Mr, Thomas Kinsella, and one of its reporters, Mr. James McDermott were made de- fendants, The suits brought were three in number, and the Aggregate amount claimed is $260,000 damages. The basis of the several complaints upon which money damages are demanded, includes the publication of an alleged baal interview touching his connec- tion wilh Plymouth church and Mr, Beecher, and several editorial articles of an alleged libellous nature, One of these articles accused Mr. Bowen of originating @ plot to dig ap the buried treasure of Captain Kidd, The first causes alluded to above were the the earliest set down on the calender of the Brooklyn City Court, Judge Reynolds, presiding, for tral ‘A POSTPONEMENT ASKED FOR, Yesterday forenoon Corporation Counsel W. C. De- ‘Witt, who represents the defendants, argued betorethat Court when the ease was called up or trial that he had supposed that the case would not come up during the December term of the Court for the reason thas their main witness is Theodore Tilton, who \s now lecturing in a remote part of the country abd could not be present. It was weil known that their answer, he said, was that of justification of the several articles, In the absence, then, of their chief witness (Tilton) as a matter of law they hada right to a postponement. He asked that the case be postponed till the first Monday in January. The absence of Mr, Beach, the senior counsel, was also # good reason tor putting off the tria till that time Ex-Judge Fullerton, who appeared for the plaintiff, freluctantly after some argument, con- sented to @ postponement He said, however, that cinct, was cited before the Board of Examiners wo be | | ason, “there is another case in which Mr. Tilton’s absence could not be an obstacle to proceeding, They charge Mr. Bowen with bet the instigator of the Captain Kidd treasure frauds Surely they must be ready to fo on with that case, But perhaps they want Captain Rida as a witness for the defence.” (Laughter.) Mr. Fullerton asked that the trial of that case be set down for a week from that day. Mr. De Witt said that they could not de ready so early, ag they had devoted 6p much of their time to the other eults at issue. ‘Judge Reynolds thought they ought to be ready to proceed with the Kidd suits. as they bad no reasonable grounds for an excuse. Mr. D® Witt said that would be a long case, to which ex-Judge Fullerton retorted, “If they are going to rove that Mr. Bowen had anything to do with Captain idd and bis treasure it wili take them a long time, Your Honor.” The case was set down for trial on December 14, SUICIDE OF A GERMAN WOMAN. Yosterday Coroner Simms, of Brooklyn, was notified to hold an inquest on the body of Margaret Sherl, forty-seven years of age, who died from the effects of a dose of Paris green. Deceased, who was a native of Gertbany, was the wife of Philip 8, Sheri, proprietor of a lager beer saloon, No, 97 Court street They wero married about three years ago, she being a widow and he a widower. Both have grown children, They lived in quiet, humble circumstances, from all that can ba learned, on the second floor of the brick tenement house No, 277 Atlantic street. The people who live on the first floor represent that the couple did not appear to live happily, as loud words were heard between them at different times. On Monday deceased told @ neigh- bor that she did not feel happy, and that afternoon sho went up the street to the lager beer saloon and handed to her stepson, who was there at the moment, a pack- ago of jewelry, telling him that she was going away somewhere. She drank a glass of beer and went home, At four o’ciock one of her stepsons went into the room and found her lying unconscious on the bed, He told his sister-in-law, who lives upstairs, and they procured a physician, who administered antidotes to the woman, She died at ten o'clock the same night Mra Sheri had rivate in the United States Army, who was recently severely woundedjby the Indians on the Plains. A letter addressed to his mother was received at the house yesterday morning. COLUMBIA COLLEGE ALUMNI. The second social meeting of the Association of the Alumni of Columbia College, for 1875-6 will be held at Delmonico’s, Fourteenth street and Fifth avenue, to- morrow, at cight P. M. All graduates are invited. Dr, J. W. 8, Arnold will speak on ‘Paste and Digestion,”” and he will be followed at ten P. M by an illustration by Delmonico. DELTA KAPPA EPSILON. The New York Alumn! Association of the above named large college fraternity will colebrate tho thirty-first anniversary of its oopsulasticn by @ reunion and dinner at the St. Nicholas Hotel on Thursday evening. Mr. James W. Husted, of the Yale Chapter, will preside. INTER-COLLEGIATE ASSOCIATION, The third annual meeting of the Inter-Collegiate Liter- ary Association will be held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, January 5, 1876, at half-past ten A. M. Each college ia invited to send three delegates, two of whom, it is pr ferabie, should be of the junior class, SCHOOL EXHIBITION. ‘The opening exercises of the Christmas exhibition in primasy Schoo! No, 9, at First street, near Second ave- nue, will take place under the management of Prin- cipal, Kato A. Rogers, on Friday of this week, at eleven A. M. It will present a fine selection of songs, recita- tions, readings and addresses, aud conclude with presentation of prizes, DEATH FROM LOCKJAW. An inquest was held at Verplancks, Westchester anty, yestercay by Coroner Bassett, touching the death of Catherine Owens, aged thirty-three, which oo erred on the preceding day, Decegsed, i appeared, accidental 1, struck her rig) and aginst the teeth a a at last Friday, causing a Giga ture of the kin, the Injury being apparently so trifling shat little Botice was taken of it atthe time, Infiammation sub- sequently set in and afterward tetanus, which produced death before the arrival of a physician, who had been | called to attend the patient. A verdict in accordance | Wok the above jagpa was reudered , AN OLD SAILOR KILLED. THE CAPTAIN OF THE SCHOONER SILAS BRAIN. BRD SHOT DEAD BY THE STEWARD—¥ATAL SEQUEL TO AN ENCOUNTER WITH RIVER ‘THIEVES. Captain Leonard Buell, of the schooner Silas Brainerd, tying in the Wallabout Basin, Brooklyn, was shot and almost instantly killed yesterday afternoon in the cabin of bis vessel by the steward, Charles Peterson. The cir- cumstances which led to the shooting are somewhat the killing of the Captain being the seque} toastruggle witha party of desperate river thieves. ‘The vessel sailed on last Friday morning from Portland: Conn., with a cargo of brownstone, a portion of which was consigned toa firm on the Harlem River, at 106th street. The schooner, with the Captain anda crew of four men, reached Harlem on Friday night and was anchored near the dock at the stone yard, About two o’clock on Saturday morning the vessel was boarded by a gang of Give river thieves, who came alongside tn a small boat. These piratical personages, after hunting about the deck for plunder, descended to the cabin, where the crew were sleeping in their berths, While the thieves were prowling about the cabin they awakened Charles Poterson, the steward, who raised an alarm, One of a pareiy oy, pointes: ‘@ pistol at his head, threatening Saute not keepquiet, At this juncture, tance into threw open the door, level fired. The intruders ran on deck, leaped into their boat and rowed rapidly away, A few blood spots on the deck led Captain Buell to think that bis shot bad beon effective. The weapon was loaded with buckshot, a large number of which were buned in the walls of the cabin, THE TRAGEDY IN BROOKLYN, That portion of the cargo consigned to the Harlem firm was unloaded on Saturday and in the evening of that day the schooner was towed over to the Wallabout Basin for the purpose of leaving the remainder of the cargo at the stone yard of Christmas & Co., near the Naval Hospital, At one o'clock yesterday afternoon the work of unloading the sto: was begun, An hour later Captain Buell was in the cabin conversing with a friend, Joseph Fittell, of No. 85 Skillman street, While the Captain was telling Mr. Fittell of the fight with the river thieves at Harlem, Charles Peterson, the steward, entered the cabin. Cap- tain Buell asked him to narrate what he remembered on the subject. Peterson went to his berth and took from under the pillow a small seven-barrelled ‘*Ty- coon” revolver, He then told the story of the straggl« at Harlem, illustrating the occurrence by flourishing the revolver about to show the manner of the thef wh« threatened him. After pointing the weapon at the berth im which he lay when attacked by the river thief, Peterson was about to place the revolver ia his pocket, when it was discharged, The bulles entored Captain Buell’s mouth and lodged in his head. He put his hand to his chest, and sald, “Ob, Chariey,”? and then staggered back and fell into the arms of Mr. Fittell, the blood gushing from bis mouth. Peterson, when he saw what had happened, sprang forward, and cried, ‘Oh, Captain, I haven’t shot you, have 17? Ag soon ag he saw the blood flowing from Captain Buell's mouth he ran for a physician, The crew, who were attracted to the cabin by theexplosion ef the revolver, carried the wounded Captain on deck, Peterson soon returned with Dr. Stalford, of Canton street, but medical assistance was unavailing, and ‘THR WOUNDED MAN DIED afew minutes after the arrival of the physician. Officer Regan, who heard the report of the revolver, arrested Peterson and took him to the Myrtle avenue police sta- tion, where he was locked up to await the action of Coroner Simms, who was notified to hold am inquest. Joseph Fittell, who witnessed the shooting, accom- panied him there asa witness, Captain Buell was one of the best known and most popular sailors on the Connecticut River and Long Isiand Sound, having sailed on these waters for nearl} boa years, He resided at Haddam, Conn, where he leaves @ widow and three children, He was -one years of age, Peterson bad been {n his employ for four mont and their relations, according to the testimony of crew of the vessel and others, were of an amicable cn: acter. The prisoner is nineteen years of age, and native of Denmark. He appeared greatly agitated over the terrible accident, and expressed in broken English his deep sorrow for the shocking occurrence, Accord- Sng to bis statement, the Captain, after the affray at Harlem, instructed him to keep his revolver loaded, ‘and gave him money to purchase cartridges. The body of Captain Buell was taken to the Morgue. His rela- tives in Connecticut were notified by Captain Crafts, of the Fourth precinct police, THE STORY OF A SUPPOSED MURDER COMES TO LIGHT—RE+ MARKABLE DISAPPEARANCE OF A GERMAN FOUR YEARS AGO—SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISCOVERY. Trenton, N. J., Dec. 7, 1875. The people of Morris county in this State are much agitated over the discovery of the skeleton of aman at Mount Freedom. ‘The general impression cenveyed 19 shotgun at them and A SKELETON. who used to work for W. J. at that place about April, 187 Some thereabouts ‘Charlie’ mysteriously disappeared, and no tidings of his whereabouts, dead or alive, have come to light until the discovery of this skeleton. Mr. Jamos Dawson, a neighbor of Mr. Bunn, had his suspicions aroused in regard to the disappear- ance of Charlie at the time, and ewing to the contra- dictory stories told by Bunn in regard to Charlie the suspicions were intensified. The Gnding of the ekuil Jed to # close search, under the surveillance of Squire Pierson, and some pieces of clothing were found which, itis believed, belonged to the missing man. Mr, Daw- son made the following affidavit in regard to the matter: “T live near Dover, Morris county; I lived In the township of Mendham four years ago; was acquainted with a German by the name of Charlie; for about Ove weeks he was at my house often; be was at work for William Bunn for about live weeks; I last saw Charlie Monday night about seven o'clock, either the last of March or the 1st of April, 1871; 1 have not seen him since; next morning | made ere, for him of Bunn, and he said Charlie had gone to bis uncle’s, Charlie told me repeatedly that he had no relations in this country; Tthongat © jarlie had been murdered, I tole Bunn that I believed he had murdered Charlio; Bunn said he would make me sweat for it, and that he would roduce him at a trial between Bunn and a W. H. Eines he did not produce him at that trial; he never did anything to me for the assertion; things looked very suspicious at Bunn’s the Tuesday morning Charlie was missing; Charlie had promised to work me for that day; when I saw Charlie last he had a large roll of money, which he showed me; I have looked for Charlie ropeatediy at Bunn's place and in other places, but couid not find him; the clothing found with the remains of the skele- ton is the same as Charlie had on the last time | saw him; my wife called my attention to the pants that Bunn had on some two or three months after Charlie was missing, and they were the samo pants that Charlie had on the last time | saw him; from all the circu stances I believe still that Bunn murdered Charhe for what money Charlie bad; [ heard Charlie say that Bunn owea him some money; Mrs. Bunn told me that Bunn said he saw Charlie go out of a window im the second story in his shirt, without any clothing on, in the middle of the night." Bunn has not yet been arrested. He is frequently in Morristown, He courts an investigation, The difficulty seems to be to identify the remaimsas those of the missing German and to prove that he came to his end by foul means, The mystery is deeply shrouded. and it affords @ good opportunity for an expert detective to distinguish himself. The people of that portion of the country are much excited over the affair, and (heir ex- citement will not cool down until the mystery is cleared. BRIDGET O'HARA'’S DEATH. Some very contradictory testimony was given in ap inquest before Coroner Woltman, yesterday, on the body of Bridget O'Hara, who died in St. Francis’ Hos pital on the 2d inst The testimony of Deputy Coroner Dr. Cushman and Dr. N. G, MeMaster, of the hospital, showed that death resulted from meningitis and pyw® mia, caused by a wound about two {nches in length on the head, over the froutal bone; but the evidence as to the cause of the wound was so conilicting that te jury could not agree how it was received. Mary O'Hara, eight years old, a daughter of deceased, testified:—One Wednesday, about three o'clo: « P. Me, my fat truck my mother on the head wits a larg window shade roller; she was lying on @ sofa sick the vim ¢ then went out and a base + ad we bleed; the day previous my mother was dru Dr. ‘George Tghompson, of No, 601. East Pitoenth street, testified:—I was called to seo Mrs. 0 at No. 218 avenue A, on the evening of November “4, by her busband; I found her suffering from general de- bitity and showing evidences of intemperance and star. vation; there was nothing said about a wound on the head and I saw none. ff No. 613 East Thirteenth street, de~ sister of deceased; on Wedesday o hursday, of election week, she told me she had be strack on’ the head by her husband with a window shade roller; Isaw a cnt on her head; deceased and her husband were both addicted to drink and they quar. reiled, Catharine McMahon, a nurse in St. Francis’ Hospital, testified ;—Deceased was admitted to the hospital op November 2; I saw acut on her head; T asked het how she received the wound, and she replied that once w he was cutting wood @ piece struck her op ee aneet O'Hara gave tho following evidence:—I ain the husband of the deceased; she got the cut on ber bead, on the evenin: of November 8, by falling against the staple of the cellar door; I did not strike her; | was ‘at work on the day before Thanksgiving; we bi be married eleven years, and my wife has been a habitua? drunkard for it of nine years, fhe jory rendered the following verdict:—'That de- consea came to her death by meningitis an’ py emia, the result of wound on the head received, in a manner unknown W us, at No, 218 avenue A.’” CHEAP FOR ARSON. John Geracker, of West New York, a prisoner in the Union Hill Jail, was fined $5 yesterday by Recorden Morgan, of Caton Sil, for making two almost success | fui attempts Jo ppt aid ial to he ground, nad